《The Empress's Gigolo》


 Chapter 1: Behead Him

    Chapter 1: Behead Him


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The sun was scorching. The enormous fireball in the sky appeared as though it could cook people alive.


    Ren Baqian kneeled on the ground as beads of sweat streamed down his forehead. His face reflected the sunlight, appearing as if it was covered with ayer of wax.


    It wasn''t that he did not want to move, but rather, the two swords ced on his neck intimidated him from making any reckless movements.


    He didn''t know what had happened and why he would end up in this state.


    When he saw the people surrounding him were burly men wearing extremely antique clothing that did not seem to belong to any dynasty in history and that their arms were thick enough to walk with, he knew he most likely wasn''t on Earth anymore.


    So many of their body builds looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger''s. Where could one find a group of actors like these who wore armor that covered only the left side of their bodies with their chest muscles pulsating?


    Three minutes ago, Ren Baqian was still in a rental house eating instant noodles and surfing the web while in his pants and undershirt. The next moment, he appeared in this ce with a bowl of instant noodles in one hand and a pair of chopsticks in the other. The chair beneath his ass was still there.


    However, his surroundings had changedpletely.


    The familiar sight of his house had disappeared. He was in the middle of a road with army ranks on his either side.


    His sudden appearance also gave those people a shock.


    Cries broke out and the sound of swords unsheathing could be heard.


    Following which, 2 swords were ced against his neck.


    Subsequently, he kneeled in this ce. The bowl of instant noodles was mixed with the soil on the ground half a meter away, giving off an alluring aroma.


    As of Now, he had already let go of his a-man-with-dignity-should-not-grovel mentality. One could also say that it was the tall and muscr soldiers, the swaying weapons in their hands, and the austere aura of the army that caused his mind to turn nk.


    Why did it seem like he was in the middle of a marching army? Did he coincidentally fall in the middle of a marching army?


    "Who are you?" A two-meter-tall burly man wearing armor stood in front of him. His small eyes filled with a cold glint. Ren Baqian felt that this fellow would cut him down on the spot if he said something wrong.


    "Ren Baqian!" He blurted out. He didn''t know what he should say as his mind was at a loss.


    "Why are you here?"


    "I also don''t know!" Ren Baqian cried miserably. If crying could be used to change his current situation, he would really bawl his eyes out.


    "Behead him!"


    When Ren Baqian heard these two words, he was dumbstruck. At the same time, he felt the two swords on his neck lifting off. He knew that it would be his head rolling on the ground in the next second. Immediately, he yelled, "Stop!"


    Ren Baqian never knew that he could yell so loud.


    The man waved his hand and stopped the two steel swords that were about to cut his head off.


    "What do you want to say?"


    Ren Baqian could feel the gust from the two swords brushing against his neck, causing a slight piercing pain.


    His brain frantically worked. An engulfing aura of death suffocated him. From the tone of that man, Ren Baqian was certain that he really wanted to behead him. He knew that even without seeing the two raised swords behind him.


    "I�� I want to see your superior. I am proficient in literature, mathematics, agriculture and smelting. I am a talent that seeks refuge in your army."


    Ren Baqian quickly thought of the things he knew and listed them out loudly. Eyes filled with hope, he looked at the man and hoped that he would change his decision.


    The man lowered his gaze and peered at him.


    Ren Baqian then saw the man''s lips curl into a smile. Though, why did it seem like an "evil grin" no matter which way he looked at it?


    "Behead him."


    "Stop, I haven''t finished my sentence." Ren Baqian was at a loss. Does this fellow only know the two words "behead him"?


    "What is going on? Why are we not moving forward?" Suddenly, a female voice rang through the air from behind the ranks. Ady wearing armor rode a horse over.


    "Wait." That man waved his hand and prevented the two swords from cutting off Ren Baqian''s head once again.


    He turned around and faced thedy. Then, he cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to General, as we were moving forward just now, this man suddenly dropped from the sky andnded in our army ranks. I suspect that he might be an assassin. Now, I am going to behead him to serve as a warning to the public."


    "I am not an assassin! I am a talent! I really am a talent! Please don''t kill me!" Ren Baqian yelled at the top of his voice. At this point in time, he had yet to have any chance to defend himself. His head might roll to the ground the next second if he did not speak for himself now. Therefore, he thought of the word that would give him the highest chance of survival��"talent".


    Even if thedy was not interested in talents, the word "talent" might still be able to pique her interest and make her listen to what he had to say.


    At whichever point in history, talents were always given preferential treatment.


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian was well aware that he himself he was capable. At the very least he had previously studied mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and he knew a thing or two about other misceneous subjects. No matter what, he must know something that the other party would be interested in, right?


    "Nuisance!" The burly mannded a kick on Ren Baqian''s chest, causing him to fly backward in the air. Heid on the ground panting heavily for a long while, feeling as though he was going to die at any moment.


    The female general rode over to Ren Baqian on her horse and gazed down at him. Following which, she ordered, "Bring him to the side of the road and check the surroundings. If there''s nothing wrong, continue forward. I will report this to Her Majesty."


    "Yes," the burly man responded and continued, "Drag him to the side of the road and send a team of men to check the surroundings."


    Like a dead dog, Ren Baqian was dragged to the side of the road. At this point in time, he no longer cared about getting angry over the kick he received from that burly man. He was sizing up his surroundings, thinking of a way to save his life.


    All the soldiers surrounding him were holding spears and swords. It was impossible for him to make an escape. He knew that his head would roll to the ground before he could even run for a few meters.


    Oh, did he hear the female general mention something about a "His Majesty" just now? Was it referring to an emperor or something?


    He had to think of a way to save his own skin.


    First and foremost, he had to figure out why he ended up in this ce; however, the conclusion he came up with was ���� he had no idea.


    However, he knew just how unlucky he was tond smack dab in the middle of a marching army. He guessed his chance of survival would even be higher if he was tond in the wilderness. At this rate, he would be considered lucky if he wasn''t identally killed.


    The only silver lining was that he spoke the samenguage as them. Otherwise, his head would already be separated from his body and thrown on the side of the road to feed the wild animals.


    Looking at these people, he was certain that their clothing did not belong to any of the dynasties he knew, not resembling the ancient Chinese''s. Were they from another world then?


    From their mannerisms, Ren Baqian knew that they belonged to a feudal society. Therefore, their productivity wouldn''t be high. He knew many things that were valuable to this world.


    Moreover, he knew many verses, odes, ditties, historical stories and "fun things to do". He would be rather valuable as an evil courtier as well.


    He had to think of a way to make sure "His Majesty" knew of his usefulness. Only by doing so, could he then save his life.


    Ren Baqian kneeled on the side of the road with his mind in stupor. After the team of soldiers checked the surroundings, they continued forward while dragging him along. At that moment, he saw a huge carriage approaching them from the front.


    The sound of the wheels rolling against the ground was deep and low.


    Wait, what was that creature pulling the carriage!?


    Ren Baqian''s eyes widened when he saw the two-meter-tall beast: it had the head of a lion, the horns of a deer, the eyes of a tiger, the body of a reindeer, the scales of a dragon, and the tail of a cow. "Is this a kirin? A live kirin? Pulling a carriage?"


    Initially, he thought he had arrived in an ancient-Chinese-like world, but why was there a kirin here? And why was it pulling a carriage?


    Damn it! Was he in some sort of pugilistic-cum-fantasy world?


    Was it the sort of world that could be easily destroyed by an individual, and a punch could shatter a mountain and shake a sea?


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, his face turned even whiter.

 Chapter 2: Drag Him Off and Behead Him

    Chapter 2: Drag Him Off and Behead Him


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The carriage stopped a stone''s throw away from Ren Baqian. The female general gave an order, and Ren Baqian was dragged towards the kirin by the two soldiers. He promptly found the steel des at his neck once again.


    The carriage door was pushed open, but a curtain of pearls prevented people from seeing clearly inside. Someone appeared to be lying down, surrounded by a few others who were standing.


    Aware of his imminent brush with death, Ren Baqian forced all distracting thoughts out of his mind.


    "Identify yourself." An indifferent voice came from within the carriage. It sounded like a woman.


    Upon hearing the voice, Ren Baqian felt immensely pressured. He was unsure of whether it was the steel des pressing against his neck or the woman''s voice that was causing him this difort.


    "I am Ren Baqian from the Northeastern provinces of China and have wandered here by ident. I am proficient in mathematics, physics, chemistry, agriculture, smelting, poetry, theatrics, and am a gourmet as well. I believe I can be of some use to Your Highness," Ren Baqian said as he tried hard to stay calm. Not knowing who the other party was, all he could do was provide more details and pray that something stuck.


    "Oh? China? Never heard of such a ce. What''s mathematics, physics, chemistry? Poetry? Let''s hear you recite one." The voice remained lofty and indifferent.


    Ren Baqian felt that the other party wasn''t very interested in what he had to offer.


    However, since the other party had requested it, he promptly recited the first poem that came to mind.


    "I saw the moonlight before my bed,


    and two pairs of shoes on the floor.


    I raised my head and gazed at the full moon.


    I bowed my head and thought of home."


    The poempletely reflected his current mood; he was practically dying to go home.


    At least back in his own world, there weren''t people who hastily ordered beheadings.


    What he failed to realize was that the poem he recited was rather off�� (second phrase is wrong)


    "The nerve of this guy. Drag him away and behead him!" This time, the cold, unfeeling voice was tinted with mockery.


    Ren Baqian was struck dumb. Was he about to be beheaded right after reciting one poem? He now understood why exactly that soldier from before was so quick to call for beheadings.


    Seems like he was merely imitating his superior. Considering how the higher up behaved, it was no small wonder why the soldiers were like that.


    Barbaric, these people were too barbaric.


    "I know a lot about agriculture and metallurgy. I can design farming machines to increase production rates, and even provide expertise on smelting steel. I have a good understanding of various weapons and will be more valuable than a million soldiers!" Ren Baqian shouted in desperation.


    The two men who were standing behind him had already grabbed him by the shoulders.


    Ren Baqian knew that he was as good as dead once they finally dragged him off.


    "Stop," the voicezilymanded. The two soldiers obediently froze.


    "That''s quite a lot of things you know!" said thedy from inside the carriage in a rather sarcastic manner.


    "Yes, I read widely. I am also well-versed in storytelling, as well as cooking all sorts of exotic food. I can teach you mahjong, dominoes, and other card games to relieve your boredom. I am knowledgeable about skincare routines too." Ren Baqian spewed out hurriedly. The person who had been speaking from within the carriage sounded like ady, so he quickly threw in his knowledge about skincare in a bid to save his own life.


    As if thatst sentence really hit the nail on the head, the curtain of pearls was pulled aside.


    Ren Baqian peeked into the carriage and finally saw the person within.


    A woman dressed in a majestic crimson robe was lying down inside. Beside her stood two females wearing white. One of them was busy fanning her while the other fed her grapes.


    She appeared to be about twenty years old or so with sharp eyebrows that sat above a pair of eyes that were as bright as the stars. Her refined facial features,bined with her eyebrows, made her look incredibly imposing.


    The only word Ren Baqian could think of to describe her was "cold". He felt chilled to the bone.


    To him, her face was the perfect representation of indifference and utter disregard. He could not see a single ounce of color or emotion.


    The fact that the person they referred to as "Her Majesty" was a woman also surprised Ren Baqian. He had instead expected a male emperor of sorts.


    It seems like the titles used in this world were a little different from those on the Earth he knew.


    Thedy''s bright eyes gave Ren Baqian a quick scan before she looked him in the face.


    Ren Baqian felt that her gaze changed momentarily but was unsure of what he saw.


    Moreover, it was only for an instant.


    "Where are you from?" she asked coldly.


    "Northeast China," Ren Baqian felt slight relief at the thought that he just might survive this.


    Asking him about where he came from meant she had some renewed interest.


    "Where''s that? I''ve never heard of it before. Is it some tiny country in the outskirts?" The woman asked in her trademark nonchnt manner as she grabbed a small cup of wine from her pce maid.


    "I don''t really know how to exin it to you. I really have no idea how I got here either," Ren Baqian answered honestly. Knowing that his words would determine whether he lived or died, Ren Baqian decided to be truthful in case the other party discovered otherwise.


    "What''s your name?"


    "Ren Baqian."


    Looking pensive, thedy took a sip from her cup. Ren Baqian was like a prisoner on trial: sweating buckets as he awaited his judgment. His clothes were soaked with sweat as if he had just gone for a swim in them.


    "Your Majesty, are we to behead him?" The female general from before broke the silence after ten minutes.


    Ren Baqian almost passed out from frustration when he heard this.


    Why does everyone here only talk about beheadings?


    ording to the titles used on Earth, thisdy must be an emperor. An empress?


    Or could it be that the two worlds had simr vocabry but different meanings?


    "Bring him back," Thedy in the carriage said as the pearl curtain was drawn.


    Ren Baqian was carried to the side of the road. Having finally escaped the ordeal, he greedily gasped for air. His heart was beating so hard the whole time that he thought it might just burst out of his chest.


    At least he would be kept alive for a while longer.


    Watching the carriage advance, all Ren Baqian could think of was the color red.


    It was a while before he regained his senses and began to check out his surroundings.


    The road beneath his feet was made of dirt, but it was wide and surprisingly even. In a world without cement, this was probably the main road.


    All he could see for miles were ins filled with wheat-like nts.


    It was July when he left his world, and it seemed like it was around the same period here as well.


    After walking for almost half a day, he finally saw a city.


    "Magnificent" was the word Ren Baqian would use to describe it.


    It was huge��humongous even.


    He estimated the city walls to be around least twenty meters tall, about as high as a six story t. It waspletely built out of gigantic cut stones, indicating that the amount of manpower and resources used was insane.


    Soldiers d in shining armor stood along the main road. Behind them was a sea of people kneeling down with their heads bowed low. No one dared to make a single noise.


    The city looked even bigger from the inside. Stores lined the streets, painting a picture of extravagance. If not for therge number of people kneeling by the streets, the city would probably look much grander.


    Walking on for another two hours, he passed through another inner castle. Ren Baqian could see a buildingplex, or rather, a cluster of pces in the distance. He had an inkling that this might be his destination.


    What happened next proved him wrong. Just as he was about to reach the pces, Ren Baqian was dragged towards the middle of a courtyard and swiftly thrown into a dark jail cell.

 Chapter 3: The Return

    Chapter 3: The Return


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The outside was very hot while the dungeon was cold and moist.


    While Ren Baqian was being dragged in, he saw a few rats scuttling across the floor.


    The two sides of the dungeon were lined with metal doors, preventing him from seeing what was inside the cells.


    Very soon, he was thrown into one of the cells. The person who threw him in said to the jailer, "Take good care of the prisoner that Her Majesty wants, don''t kill him with your antics."


    Hearing these words, a cold shiver went down Ren Baqian''s spine.


    If the man never said these words to the jailer, would he be unable to walk out of this ce alive?


    When he thought of this, waves of panic swept across his mind.


    Bang. The metal door shut heavily. Ren Baqian was left in a cell that only had a 20-centimeter-tall and one-meter-wide window.


    Ren Baqian copsed directly onto a pile of straw on the ground.


    What he experienced today was far too stimting for his small and fragile mind.


    After regaining hisposure for a while, he once again began to worry about his current situation.


    He hoped thatdy could meet him earlier so that he could persuade her and obtain a chance to exhibit his usefulness.


    Ren Baqian believed his knowledge, experience, and insights werepletely different from the people''s in this world. His unique skills would put him in a favorable position.


    In any case, he had to overturn the current situation where he could be beheaded at any moment.


    For the next few hours, heid on the pile of straw and pondered about what should he say to thatdy to move her.


    Feeling cold, Ren Baqian grabbed a handful of straw and ced them over his body to forcibly warm himself up.


    A squeaking rat crawled out of a hole on a corner of the wall, causing him to quiver in shock.


    After scaring away the rat, he sighed as he thought about how good the Earth was. Then, he continued to think up a solution.


    There was a small hatch at the bottom of the metal door. His dinner was pushed into his cell through there.


    There was a bowl of salt water and a cornbread-like food. The cornbread-like food was so thick that it gashed his throat as he ate and swallowed it.


    Ren Baqian spent a lot of effort in order to finish the cornbread-like food. Following which, heid on the pile of straw to warm himself up and think up a solution. He did not try to acquire information from the jailer standing outside as he knew it would be useless. It was better for him to save his effort.


    With the straw covering his body, he did feel warm. After a while, he fell into a deep sleep. He had received too many shocks today.


    Ren Baqian initially thought thatdy would meet him very soon.


    He did not expect that he would wait for three days, and that she still did not have any intention to meet him.


    He became slightly anxious. Was it possible that the other party had forgotten about him? Was he going to stay here for the rest of his life?


    When Ren Baqian thought about that oue, he felt that it was better for him to die instead.


    However, being anxious was of no use to him now. His life was currently in the hands of others.


    He could only console himself and patiently wait in the cell.


    Another night had passed, and before he opened his eyes, he could sense that the sunlight was very bright. The sunlight seemed to pass through his eyelids.


    Having spent a few days in the cell, he was already ustomed to the lighting. He therefore knew he wasn''t in the cell anymore.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes abruptly. Following which, he was dazzled by his lighting of his surroundings, so he quickly shut his eyes.


    After spending a few days in the cell, he was somewhat unused to the illumination outside of the cell.


    He used his hands to feel his body. There was still straw on his body, but the inside of the cell couldn''t possibly be so bright.


    He used his hands to touch his surroundings. He felt a sleek floor that had a fine groove on it.


    "Is this�� a floor tile?" Ren Baqian thought of a possibility. He extended his hands and felt his surroundings. Indeed, he touched a leg of a wooden table. It was hisputer desk.


    "I''m back!?" Ren Baqian was wild with joy, practically screaming out loud.


    He tried to suppress his excitement and open his eyes slowly. What entered his sight was a familiar-looking room which had walls that turned yellow from smoking, aputer desk, aputer, and a messy bed. Everything looked so familiar.


    And right now, he was lying on a pile of straw in front of theputer desk.


    "I am back! I havee back alive!" Ren Baqian leapt up from the floor.


    Initially, he was almost beheaded by someone. After that, he stayed in dark cell for three days. Finally, he was back in this doghouse of his. The joy he felt now was indescribable. He could only vent his joy by yelling and jumping up and down.


    After ten minutes of yelling and jumping in joy, he finally calmed down when someone knocked on the door of his room.


    "Shit! Having disappeared for 3 days, what will thepany do to me?" After calming down, Ren Baqian suddenly had to face another critical problem.


    "Forget it, it''s lucky that I cane back alive. If I am fired, I can just find another job." Ren Baqian quickly consoled himself.


    Indeed, after having a near-death experience, he no longer took everything so seriously. The most important thing now was that he came back alive. Nothing was more important than this.


    Even though he had such a mentality now, he still picked up his phone to check it.


    It had indeed shut off.


    He nimbly charged it and threw himself on his bed.


    It felt extremely good to be back in this doghouse. Even such a lousy bed felt sofortable to him now. Ren Baqian hugged his quilt, rolled on his bed and sighed.


    After rolling on his bed for a while, he felt something prick him.


    It was at this moment that he realized there was still a lot of straw on his body.


    "This is the straw from another world�� I wonder if it carries any bacteria," Ren Baqian mumbled as he took off his clothes. He walked to the mirror and looked at the reflection of his wan and sallow face.


    There were also straw fragments in his short hair.


    Thump, thump, thump. Someone knocked on his door yet again.


    Ren Baqian quickly wore his pants and opened the door. A middle-aged man was standing outside his room.


    "You''re finally back. I have been looking for you for two days, but your phone is off. What do you want to do? If you had disappeared for any longer, I would have thrown all your things outside," the middle-aged man rudely said.


    "I thought that there''s still one more week before the rent is due? Why are you so anxious about it?" Ren Baqian, still immersed in the joy of making a narrow escape, replied casually.


    "Are you stupid? Two days have passed since the rent was due," the middle-aged man responded.


    "....?" Ren Baqian suddenly realized that something was wrong. He then solemnly asked, "What''s the date today?"


    "Today is the 17th. You''re supposed to pay the rent on the 15th."


    Ren Baqian lowered his head and did some mental calctions. It was 8th when he went to that unknown world. Today was 17th, which meant that 10 days had passed. He had stayed in that world for 3 days and then he mysteriously returned to this ce.


    So one day in that world was equivalent to three days on Earth?


    "Shit, it seems that I am definitely losing my job this time around." Ren Baqianughed bitterly. If he had disappeared for only three days, he still might be able toe up with an excuse. Disappearing for 10 days straight would have definitely gotten him fired.


    "I will use WeChat to transfer the rent to youter," Ren Baqian told thendlord and closed his door.


    He switched on his phone and looked at the date. It was indeed the 17th of July.


    He then looked at all his unseen messages. There was a series of missed calls. Some of them were from his middle-aged, mean, female boss and some were from his colleagues. There were also a few from his only friend.


    When he opened his WeChat, he saw a series of unseen messages as well.


    "Where are you? Why are you not at work?"


    "The boss is getting angry, quicklye to work."


    "Where have you gone?"


    "You have been fired. Come to the office and im your wages."


    When Ren Baqian saw this message, he immediately dispelled the thought of calling his middle-aged, mean, female boss.


    All along, she did not like him not one bit. Now that he had disappeared for 10 days, she would definitely use this as an excuse to get rid of him.


    Alright then, he would go to the office tomorrow to im his wages, find a ce to rx for a couple days, and then look for a new job.


    "But how did I end up in that ce? And how did Ie back here?" When Ren Baqian thought about these questions, ayer of mist instantly shrouded his mind.


    If he couldn''t figure out the answers to these questions, he would worry about when he was going to go back to that world.

 Chapter 4: Re-entry

    Chapter 4: Re-entry


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    That night, Ren Baqian was sitting at a market stall with a guy and a girl.


    The guy was wearing a blue short-sleeved t-shirt and jeans, looking suave. He was Ren Baqian''s only friend, Chen Qing.


    Ren Baqian sometimes wondered how he managed to be friends with someone like Chen Qing. Ren Baqian was born to an average family and was selfish, detached, and unmotivated. After graduating, he passed his first year earning a meagre wage at a smallpany.


    Chen Qing was theplete opposite of him. He was wealthy, handsome, and highlypetent. He was the center of attention wherever he went and was someone people would aspire to be. Having graduated fromw school, Chen Qing was currently interning at aw firm and would soon be a full-fledgedwyer. That guy had an extremely bright future.


    No matter how you looked at them, they were two seemingly ipatible people.


    For some reason, Chen Qing seemed to like Ren Baqian a lot. The two had quickly be friends after only two short meetings.


    ording to Chen Qing, he was very simr to Ren Baqian. He felt both of them were drifters that did not belong with the rest of society.


    Ren Baqian, on the other hand, did not feel the same. He led a lonely existence away from others simply because he was unable to integrate into their social circles.


    Chen Qing was a skillful navigator of the social world, blending and mixing his way through various circles. He detached himself because he enjoyed watching the behavior of others.


    The two of them could not be more different, yet they were friends.


    What an odd urrence.


    Wearing a long skirt, the elegant and refined girl sitting with them was Jiang Nan, Chen Qing''s girlfriend. Her looks were slightly above average, and she was also particrly strange person.


    Being the handsome, wealthy man that he was, Chen Qing had a vibrant nightlife and frequently visited nightclubs. He would have a different girl in his hands practically every other night. Jiang Nan, who was his only official girlfriend of nine years, did not seem to mind his gallivanting ways. In fact, their rtionship was great.


    What shocked him the most was, even though Chen Qing bedded different girls all the time, he still had yet to make love with his actual girlfriend.


    ording to Chen Qing''s drunken words, the best should always be saved forst.


    No matter how he looked at them, Chen Qing and Jiang Nan were two of the weirdest people he had ever met.


    "Where have you disappeared to for the past few days? I couldn''t find you in your office, and none of your colleagues knew where you were. It''s hard to imagine that you''d actually run off just like that," Chen Qing questioned as he drank more beer.


    His voice remained rather t, but Ren Baqian could pick up subtle hints of worry.


    He knew that Chen Qing was a good bloke who would help him without hesitation if the need arose.


    The current problem he faced, however, was not exactly something anybody else could help with.


    "It''s a long story." Ren Baqian sighed. "An escape from the brink of death!"


    "Tell me about it?" Chen Qing prompted.


    Jiang Nan attentively leaned forward as well.


    "Forget it, I''m not going to bother. It''s too much of a hassle." Ren Baqian shook his head, unable to formte a coherent way of exining his predicament.


    "Let me just say that we all should treasure whatever it is we have in our lives. You''ll realize just how much you''ve missed when staring at death in the face," Ren Baqian offered.


    Chen Qingughed, held onto Jiang Nan''s hand, and said, "You must have been through quite a lot to say something this deep."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head in acknowledgement.


    After finishing half the alcohol, Ren Baqian suddenly quipped, "I''ve been reading quite a few Tang Dynasty time travel nation building novels recently. If someone really goes back in time, what kinds of knowledge and skills do you guys think would be good to possess?"


    "Culinary skills, so that you won''t starve and can find a job." Chen Qing burst out in merryughter.


    He suddenly became a bit more serious and continued on, "One must first consider the location, time period, and social ss of the person to determine what''s important. But, generally speaking, anything to do with daily life woulde in handy. Things rted to eating, whether it be it farming or cooking, could be useful anywhere. If there were patentws during those times, advanced farming implements would definitely be one of the easiest ways to be rich."


    Ren Baqian agreed with this point; it was what he had thought of as well.


    "What about for the leaders of the society, what would they need the most? An emperor, for instance, what would be useful to an emperor?" Ren Baqian probed.


    "Lots of things. An emperor is the ruler of an entire nation, practically anything could be useful to him. But if we consider the previous question as well, there are two main aspects to consider. The first is rted to internal affairs, things like agriculture and improving food production efficiency. The second is rted to external matters such as military affairs and includes stuff like introducing cement to improve defensive capabilities. Anything else would be pretty difficult for ayperson."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head once again before asking, "What would Wu Zetian [Tang Dynasty''s Empress Wu] like?"


    This time, the one answering wasn''t Chen Qing but was instead Jiang Nan. Her gentle voice was rather uncharacteristic for a Northeastern girl.


    "A considerate man who can provide a strong shoulder for support. As ady, I''m sure she would have liked to have things like that. Her high standing likely makes it difficult for her to find someone like that."


    Ren Baqian thought about thedy in the red robe after hearing Jiang Nan''s reply. It was practically impossible for him to imagine thatdy being submissive to a man.


    Instead, most of her time should be spent mercilessly shouting "behead him".


    "What''s up, are you preparing to go back in time?" Chen Qing joked.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head seriously, "Yeah."


    As they were parting ways after the meal, Jiang Nan said gently, "Ourpany is currently recruiting so if you''d like to change jobs you can consider joining us."


    Ren Baqian knew that she was helping him save face. It was not difficult to guess that he was jobless after having gone missing for so many days. Ren Baqian smiled. "I''m thinking of taking a short break first. I''ll definitely let you know if I need assistance."


    .


    The most important thing for him now was to find out why he was transported to that world and how he managed toe back.


    How was he going to seek employment if he could not figure this out?


    For all he knew, he might get stuck there forever.


    Ren Baqian, for the next two days, holed himself up at home.


    Unable to figure out why he was transported, he went on the web to read up more about agriculture and to look at blueprints of farming machinery.


    In the event that he went back to that world, such knowledge would surely be of some use.


    During these two days Ren Baqian had received an email from Chen Qing. Attached was a long document containing essential details about the Tang Dynasty and included a reading list as well.


    At the end of the document, there was this sentence: "If you really do end up there, remember to bring these books."


    Halfway through the document, Ren Baqian startedughing. Anyone who discussed such a topic would definitely take it as a joke. To think Chen Qing actually put some serious thought into this.


    Saving the booklist, Ren Baqian prepared to buy a few of those that he was interested in.


    While he was sleeping, however, a sharp cold woke him up.


    He was in a daze but could sense that his surroundings had changed.


    Ren Baqian was still lying on a mattress, but he felt the freezing temperature. During this season, it was considered lucky if the weather was breezy. For it to be this cold was seemingly impossible.


    As he opened his eyes, he realized that he was surrounded by total darkness.


    He touched his mattress and reached out for his surroundings. Instead of a bedside table, his hands felt a rough, uneven stone.


    "Is this�� a jail cell?" Ren Baqian was at a loss.


    Scanning the area, he found the 20-centimetre-tall window with a faint light shining through it.


    He was back in that world!


    Ren Baqian''s heart skipped a beat as he fully roused.

 Chapter 5: Paraded Naked Through the Street

    Chapter 5: Paraded Naked Through the Street


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian wrapped himself in his quilt and felt slightly warm.


    However, his mind was in a tremendous muddle.


    As expected, he was once again back in this world, and this time around, he brought his quilt along.


    Thest time around to this world, he brought along his chair and a bowl of instant noodles. When he went back to Earth, he brought the pile of straw that was beneath him. This time around, he brought his quilt to here.


    It seemed that anything he had direct contact with would be teleported alongside him between the two worlds.


    However, he still did not know how he travelled between the two worlds. There were no signs or anomalies. Nothing weird had happened the first time he was teleported to this world.


    Just like thest time he was teleported back to Earth, it urred while he was sleeping.


    There was a time interval of three days between thest time he was teleported and today.


    Thest time he came to stay, he also stayed for three days.


    It seemed like every three days he would be teleported once.


    He would see whether or not he would be teleported back to Earth three dayster.


    He previously spent three days here while the time on Earth passed by nine days.


    Since he had spent three days on Earth, that meant the time here passed by only one day?


    Ren Baqian thought about it and crawled out of his quilt. Then, he fumbled his way to the metal door. And he indeed felt the rock-hard cornbread and the bowl of weird-tasting salt water.


    It appeared no one realized he had gone missing for a day.


    He threw the cornbread to one corner of the cell, poured away the salt water, and ced the bowl back where it originally stood.


    Just as he was about to crawl back into his quilt, he suddenly thought of an important question.


    Thest time he was teleported here, he was wearing a pants and an undershirt. This time, because he was sleeping, he wore only a pair of underpants.


    If thatdy summoned him�� that scene was so "beautiful" that he did not even dare to think about it.


    And how was he going to exin this quilt?


    A quilt that appeared out of thin air? He couldn''t exin this at all.


    Ren Baqian felt a headache as he thought of these issues.


    Initially, he wished that thedy would summon him faster. Now, he wished she would not summon him for the next three days and would only do so after he returned to Earth and put on a pair of pants and an undershirt.


    Life isn''t a bed of roses. Ren Baqian finally believed these words. The more one did not want something, the more it woulde to him or her.


    Ren Baqian was awakened by the sound of the metal door opening.


    Two persons walked into the cell. Both of them were d in shining armor, and they had swords attached to their waists: looking simr to the man who dragged him to this cell that day.


    The moment the two men entered the cell, they saw the quilt-wrapped Ren Baqian.


    Behind them, the jailer stood at the door. When he saw Ren Baqian, his eyes widened.


    Ren Baqian definitely carried nothing with him when he was dragged into this cell, so where did the quilte from?


    "Follow us," one of the two soldiers ordered as the pair stood in front of Ren Baqian and looked down at him.


    "Can I walk with this quilt wrapped around me?" Ren Baqian smiled out of embarrassment.


    "Stop wasting our time," the other soldier chided and pulled Ren Baqian up by his elbow.


    When they saw Ren Baqian wearing only a pair of underpants, the corners of their mouths twitched.


    This wasn''t their first time interrogating a prisoner but seeing one who slept naked was definitely a first for them.


    "Where are your clothes? Put them on."


    My clothes�� are gone." Ren Baqian did not know what to say.


    The two soldiers knew this man was wearing clothes when he was brought to the cell. Why was he now left with only a pair of underpants?


    The two soldiers shifted their gazes to the jailer.


    The jailer, overwhelmed with fear as the two soldiers stared at him, quickly exined, "It has nothing to do with me. The door has never been opened since the moment he was brought in. I also don''t know where his clothes have disappeared to."


    To prove that he wasn''t lying, he added, "He also didn''t have this quilt when he was brought in. I don''t know where it came from."


    The two soldiers looked at each other with doubt in their eyes.


    The jailer did not seem to be lying, and he definitely would not have the audacity to do so. So, what was going on now?


    "Look at his body, in what way does it seem like he has stayed in the cell for a few days? He doesn''t have any dirt or dust on him at all. He looks like he has just crawled out from his bed. There''s something wrong with him but it has nothing to do with me," the jailer continued.


    "Bring him there first and we will talk about it again," one of the soldiers said. Following which, the other soldier dragged Ren Baqian by his elbow and pushed him towards the door.


    "Walk. Walk slightly slower and you will get it from us."


    "Can I wrap myself with this quilt, please?" Ren Baqian tried his best to persuade the two soldiers.


    He was greeted with a kick and a pitch-ck shoe print on his ass.


    The two soldiers dragged him and his quilt to the outside. There were two more men waiting there for them.


    Ren Baqian felt that he couldn''t even escape from one soldier, let alone four. He was overestimating himself.


    After leaving the dungeon''s cortyard and making a turn, they set foot upon a bustling, prosperous street. Wrapped by a quilt, Ren Baqian was hauled onto the street by the four soldiers.


    Greeting him were gazes andughter that came from all directions.


    "Look, this man is just wearing a pair of underpants."


    "Was he captured from a brothel?"


    "Eh! Look at that bulge! This fellow has a rather huge wiener."


    "This fellow is quite clean and fair too. He must be from a well-off family." This guy guessed incorrectly. The Earth was filled with people like Rem Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s face was bright red. He lowered his head so low that it almost touched his thighs. The four soldiers did not have any intention to let him hide his embarrassment; they continued to drag him forward.


    "Brothers, my reputation is going to be destroyedpletely." Ren Baqian was about to bawl his eyes out. Was this considered streaking? Furthermore, there were so many pairs of eyes looking at him now.


    The only thing that consoled him was his pair of underpants.


    Actually, there was another thing that made him felt slightly better, that was��his assets. If he had insufficient assets, he would then be truly ashamed of himself.


    With everyone on the street pointing their fingers and looking at him, Ren Baqian arrived at his destination, the pceplex he''d seen that day when he first entered this city.


    Ren Baqian initially felt utterly embarrassed, but he eventually developed an apathetic attitude, ignoring what everyone said about him.


    At the end of the street, there was an open space. After they passed the opennd, they reached a stone bridge and a river. They then reached a pce wall. Looking from afar, one could see a buildingplex behind the pce wall.


    The pce wall was 10 meters tall. The pce halls behind it were even much taller than it. If one looked at them from a distance, he or she could see their magnificence.


    Ren Baqian was brought in through a side door. Initially, he thought that he would see thatdy, but in the end, he was brought to the side of a za. Two of soldiers went into the highest pce hall in front of the za while the remaining two stayed behind to watch over Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was unsure of whether or not was he hallucinating, but the sun in this world was bigger and hotter than Earth''s.


    Judging from the position of the sun, it must be early afternoon. Standing in the sun for a while made him dizzy.


    Ren Baqian did not know for how long he had stood there. Suddenly, he heard three drumbeats and returned to his senses.


    Densely-packed footsteps resounded through the air. Many people were walking out from the highest pce hall.


    "An imperial court session has ended?" Ren Baqian made a guess in his mind. Then, his thoughts began to wander. "Thatdy was an emperor? Ady can be an emperor in this world? Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in the history of China, right?"


    Ren Baqian lowered his head. One by one, imperial-official-like men walked past and cast sidelong nces at him.


    After all, he shouldn''t be here in his current state. He looked like someone who had just been arrested on the bed in a brothel.


    "Ahaha." Someone wasughing at him.


    Ren Baqian''s head lowered even lower.


    "Who is this?" Someone asked one of the four soldiers.


    "The prisoner that Her Majesty wants to see."


    Following which, the footsteps of people walking away rang across Ren Baqian''s ears.


    After all of those people had left, Ren Baqian finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Wearing only a pair of underpants while surrounded by people was far too challenging for his sense of shame.


    The two soldiers who had just now left ran back in a haste. "Her Majesty wants to see him, let''s go."


    Ren Baqian was hauled along a road on the side of the za bypassing it entirely. After making a few turns, they arrived at a smaller pce hall and waited outside its entrance.


    Everyone that asionally walked past himughed up their sleeves.

 Chapter 6: A Small Chap Indeed

    Chapter 6: A Small Chap Indeed


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After a long while, Ren Baqian heard the sound of footsteps.


    Stealing a nce, he saw a line of people walking over.


    At the front of the group was ady wearing a magnificent crimson gown with embroidery sewn on with golden threads. Her hair was tied up simply.


    It was thedy from that day.


    "She sure loves red," Ren Baqian muttered to himself. Having seen the pceplex, he suspected that she was the emperor here.


    Just as Ren Baqian took a quick nce at her, thedy''s eyes coldly swept towards him. Her sharp, cold gaze stabbed him right between the eyes, and he quickly lowered his head.


    Seeing Ren Baqian standing around in his underpants dazed her. Her gaze became even colder.


    The rest of the people secretly giggled at the sight, giving the lower half of his body a good nce as they walked past.


    It could not be helped since Ren Baqian was wearing eye-catching red underpants. He had purposely changed into this pair to ward off bad luck.


    After everyone had entered the pce, he was dragged in as well.


    He was restrained against the ground the moment he entered. Beside him was his quilt.


    Beneath him was a long carpet which ended in front of nine steps and a couch.


    "Just what has happened?" Thedy questioned, lying on the couch with one hand propping up her head.


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, we found him like this when we went to get him. The jailer said that nobody else had entered and has no idea how he ended up like that. An extra quilt had appeared in the cell as well!" One of the soldiers who had dragged him over reported on his knees.


    "Oh? Alright, your turn to speak," Thedy casually ordered.


    Ren Baqian was still figuring out who she was talking to when the soldier behind him applied force against him. "Her Majesty is asking a question, why are you not replying?"


    Ren Baqian had been thinking of a good answer to this question ever since he was brought out of the jail. He had intended to exin it by means of a strange habit where he ate cloth while sleeping, and as such, his clothes had been eaten up by him. But if she were to bring out a piece of cloth for him to eat, he would be royally screwed.


    "My clothes have disintegrated." Ren Baqian concocted an answer with his head hung low. "In order to protect the environment, items produced in my country are made to naturally disintegrate after some time. I''ve worn those clothes for quite some time, and they disintegrated over the past two days in jail."


    Thedy furrowed her brows as she listened but found that shepletely could not understand what he was saying.


    Her reply was cold, "What a load of nonsense."


    "Your Majesty is wise!" Ren Baqian announced with false courage.


    "Where is this from then?"


    Ren Baqian knew without looking that she was referring to his quilt.


    This was another unexinable urrence.


    He had no choice but to exin the unexinable. Going for broke, he answered through gritted teeth, "It fell from the sky. Just like how I appeared here, it had appeared out of nowhere. I thought someone was saving me from freezing to death."


    "So that''s what happened," thedy replied coldly.


    Ren Baqian let out a puff of air. Luckily for him thedy did not interrogate further. All he could do was hold on to his previous exnation, as he did not have anything else to say.


    "Drag him out and behead him," thedy said in a mocking tone.


    Ren Baqian was dazed. He was going to get beheaded again?


    Scared out of his wit, Re Baqian struggled against the soldier dragging him. He shouted, "Your Majesty, I''m a talent, I''m a talent who can be of great use. I know which fields can produce tons of food!"


    There was no way he could match up to the strength of the two beefcake soldiers by his sides. He was fast approaching the door.


    Thedy did not even bat an eyelid upon hearing about food production.


    Seeing as he was about to be dragged out the pce door, Ren Baqian desperately shouted, "Spare me, Your Majesty! As long as you give me a chance, I''ll do anything you want!"


    Ren Baqian was willing to say anything to save his life.


    "Oh?" thedy softly said. "Bring him back!"


    Ren Baqian was dragged into the pce once again. He waspletely drenched in sweat.


    Only how many days has it been? Besides waiting in jail to be beheaded, Ren Baqian had several close brushes with death. Ren Baqian felt that he must be the most miserable teleporter ever.


    "You said you wanted a chance?" thedy unsympathetically asked.


    "Yes, I can do anything if Your Majesty is willing to give me a chance." Ren Baqian heaved a huge sigh of relief after having been scared half to death.


    "I''ll give you a chance then. Do it well, you live. Mess it up, you know the consequences." Thedy said emotionlessly.


    Ren Baqian''s mind was a flurry of activity. He thought to himself, "I know, of course I know. I''ll definitely be beheaded, beheaded, and still beheaded. Don''t you have anything better to say?"


    What, instead, submissively came out of his mouth was, "I''ll definitely do my best to aplish the task to your satisfaction."


    "Xin Zhe!" thedy called out lightly.


    "Here!" the female general with one knee on the ground replied. Ren Baqian recognized her from before.


    "Bring him to the beast park. That newly arrived small chap isn''t eating and sleeping well for some reason. Let this guy take a look and have a shot at treating that small chap. If he does it well, spare him. Otherwise, go ahead and behead him."


    "Yes!" The female general epted the order. She thenmanded the two soldiers behind Ren Baqian, "Grab him and follow me."


    Along the way, Ren Baqian thought about his task. "Beast park? The newly arrived small chap?" Sounds like he''s going to look at animals.


    He never once mentioned that he knew anything about being a vet.


    Regardless, he had no choice but to take a look. If he cannot aplish anything then he would drag it out for 2 or 3 days, return to his world to consult a vet, and bring some medicine back. Things should hopefully work out fine.


    The pce hall where they came from was pretty deep into theplex. After exiting the pce hall, they walked deeper and deeper, and finally, after crossing a forest, reached the so-called "beast park". A fierce-looking burly man with a thick spare tire around his waist approached them. He looked more like a butcher rather than the caretaker of a zoo. The beast park''s caretaker spoke in an aggressive manner, interrogating Ren Baqian''s escorts before bringing the several of them in.


    What they called a beast park was pretty much a zoo. However, the animals here lived in better


    environments and were not locked up in cages.


    There were many open spaces here in this ce. A perimeter wall surrounded the park, within which there were areas for the many animals to roam freely.


    Only a handful of animals and avians were kept in cages.


    As he walked, Ren Baqian saw a red-eyed rabbit which was the size of a wolf and had a mouth full of fangs. He also noticed a creature that resembled a hippopotamus. Two tigers with long fangs hanging out of their mouths were present as well. They kind of looked like saber-toothed tigers but with slightly shorter fangs.


    The further he walked, the surer he was of one thing: the animals in this world were very different from those on Earth.


    For instance, the incredibly sinister-looking, fanged rabbit leapt directly at them as they walked past before mming into its cage.


    If someone told him that it did not bite, Ren Baqian would die before believing him.


    "We''re here, this is it." The people in front stopped before a one meter tall wall.


    Ren Baqian looked around before realizing that everyone else was staring at him. He took two steps forward and peered over the wall.


    The enclosure had a diameter of about 50 meters and was approximately 3 meters below ground level if one counted the wall. A small stream flowed along the sides of the enclosure. There were metal fences where the water flowed in and out.


    In the stream, a white bear with a build of over 2.5 metersy on its stomach. The water of the stream merely covered half of its gigantic body.


    "A small chap indeed!" Ren Baqian ridiculed. He''d already had a premonition when thatdy mentioned that it was a small chap. He knew that sort ofdy would not raise pets like cats or dogs.

 Chapter 7: Don’t You Know You’re Being Fooled?

    Chapter 7: Don��t You Know You��re Being Fooled?


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Tell him the specific details," The female general instructed the caretaker of the beast park.


    "Okay." The man nodded his head and sized up Ren Baqian. Ren Baqian could clearly see the bewildered look in the other party''s eyes.


    By this point in time, Ren Baqian was already immune to people looking at him like this. He was now more concerned with the situation of the white bear now.


    This could be rted to the question of whether or not his head would stay in its rightful position.


    "This bear is gifted to us by Xia Nation. Its lifespan is around the same as a human lifespan, approximately 60 years. It symbolizes the friendship between our nation and the Xia Nation. As long as the bear is still alive, the two nations will not wage war against each other," the man spoke with a solemn tone.


    The corner of Ren Baqian''s mouth twitched. Was it really a pr bear? When he saw the bear lying motionlessly in the brook, the more he felt it was a pr bear.


    Sending a pr bear to such a hot ce and not telling them how to rear it�� the friendship between Xia Nation and this nation was indeed��ughable!


    Don''t they know this pr bear won''t survive for more than one year? Don''t you guys know Xia Nation is prepared to start a war with you?


    They don''t even need to find an excuse to do so.


    They sent you a bear that symbolizes the friendship between the two nations, and yet, you kill it in less than a year. What will they say about it? Did you do it on purpose? Are you trying to start a war with them? These are the words that they will be saying.


    Ren Baqian mocked the two nations in his heart.


    "What''s its condition now?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "When it just arrived, it was still looking good. However, after the people from Xia Nation left, this bear became very inactive. Everyday, it will just lie in the water. No matter what we fed it, it only ate a bit of it. Now, it has be very weak. If we don''t think of a solution soon, I am afraid it will die very soon," the caretaker said worryingly.


    Following which, his face turned solemn, and he continued, "It''s my fault that it''s in this state now. If it really dies, I will seek death as a way to repay Her Majesty''s benevolence."


    Ren Baqian was speechless when he heard these words. Don''t you guys know Xia Nation is trying to make a fool out of you? You are going to die with the bear now? Don''t you know the people from Xia Nation willugh themselves to tears if your really do that?


    After hearing what the caretaker said, Ren Baqian felt the environment was indeed hot.


    Even he himself could not stand the hot environment, let alone the bear. It was no wonder that it did not feel like eating at all.


    To prepare for any eventualities, Ren Baqian still had a few more questions to ask. "When did this bear arrive?"


    "One month ago."


    "Did they say anything when they delivered the bear here?"


    "They said this beares from the northern part of Xia Nation. This species is extremely rare and precious, and therefore it must be taken care of properly."


    "Is Xia Nation situated in the north?"


    "Yes." The caretaker gave Ren Baqian a duh look.


    "Have you seen snow before?"


    "..."


    "Alright, I understand." With a thoughtful look on his face, Ren Baqian stood there in his red underpants and nodded his head.


    "As long you can settle this issue, Her Majesty will not be stingy with her rewards for you. However, if you fail��" The female general, called Xin Zhe, ced her hand on her sword. She absolutely did not care what Ren Baqian understood. It seemed like the act he put on was for nothing.


    "No problem." Ren Baqian''s face was filled with joy. At least his life wasn''t at risk anymore. He did not expect to encounter such an easy problem. This pair of red underpants was rather useful after all.


    (Things that are red in color usually signifies luck for Chinese)


    "I have two requests!" Ren Baqian raised one finger. "First, give me a set of clothes! I don''t think this is too much to ask for, right?"


    Xin Zhe did not care about him and asked, "What''s your second request?"


    "Get me some saltpeter," Ren Baqian replied. As long as he had saltpeter, he could make ice and the problem would be easily solved. Pr bears could stand cold but not heat. Giving it some ice would better its condition.


    However, the best way was to seal up this ce and fill it with ice.


    "Saltpeter? What is that?"


    "..." Ren Baqian went to a deep thought. What is saltpeter? This is indeed a good question.


    He only remembered saltpeter could make ice but he did not know how it was made.


    He also remembered it could be easily found in ancient times.


    "Do you have ice?" Ren Baqian changed his request and asked.


    Everyone looked at Ren Baqian as though he was an idiot. This ce did not have ice even in winter, let alone summer. Ice and snow could only be found in Xia Nation.


    "Get me a set of clothes first. Give me five days and I can definitely solve this issue," Ren Baqian said helplessly.


    Fortunately, he could go back to Earth and buy some saltpeter. Saltpeter could be bought almost everywhere. He could also search for it online.


    "Alright, I will give you five days. If you can''t solve this issue�� you should know the consequence."


    "I know, of course I know. Five days are enough for me to solve this issue," Ren Baqian assured.


    "He will stay here for these five days. Both of you will be responsible for keeping watch over him. If anything goes wrong��" Xin Zhe warned the other two soldiers.


    "Yes, Subordinates understand! If anything goes wrong, we will bring our heads to you," the two soldiers replied in unison while standing perfectly straight.


    "Give him a set of clothes, I am going to report back to Her Majesty." After instructing the two soldiers, Xin Zhe left without even casting a nce at Ren Baqian.


    Fearing that he might make a slip-up, Ren Baqian stared at the white bear to see if there were any more problems with it. When he went back to Earth, he could do some research online or consult a vet.


    This, after all, involved his life and he could not treat it lightly.


    After a while, the caretaker returned with a set of old clothes for him. They were made up of a coarse material, causing abrasions on his skin. However, it was still better than wearing just a pair of underpants.


    "What''s wrong with it?" the caretaker asked. After Ren Baqian said that he was confident of solving the issue just now, the caretaker wanted to know his opinions.


    "It''s feeling hot," Ren Baqian replied.


    "Feeling hot?" The caretaker was stunned.


    "If I make you wear a fur coat and throw you under the sun, I bet you won''t have the appetite to eat anything," Ren Baqian answered casually.


    "Ahhh. A sharp-toothed tiger also has ayer of fur but it doesn''t seem to face this problem. This applies to other wild animals as well," the caretaker remained unconvinced.


    "Are their furs as thick as this bear''s?" Ren Baqian pointed at the white back. Its fur was at least the length of one finger. At this point in time, its fur was damp and sticking to its body. The fur on its back had been dried by the sun. It rolled in the stream, made its body wet, and continued lying there.


    The white bear subsequently remained motionless, looking utterly listless.


    When Ren Baqian saw this, he was certain that this fellow was overheated.


    Then, when he saw the caretaker was about to ask more questions, he waved his hand and interrupted, "Forget it, you will know what''s going on in a few days'' time. You can just keep watch over it."


    That night, Ren Baqian stayed in one of the houses in the beast park. All of the odd-job workers stayed in these houses. Even though the living conditions of these houses weren''t very good, they were still better than those of the dungeon.


    For the next two days, Ren Baqian continued to spend most of his time looking at the bear. asionally, he would stroll around the beast park and look at those animals that looked somewhat simr to Earth''s.


    Soon, it was the third night. If Ren Baqian''s conjecture wasn''t wrong, he would be returning to Earth tonight.


    Before he entered his room, he told the two guards, who did not say anything and had been following him closely for the past two days, "During these two days, I have thought of a solution that can save that white bear. Don''t disturb me tomorrow and let me make the necessary preparations. You can ce my food at the front of the door. If both of you cause any problems that lead to ast-minute failure, I will drag you along with me even if I die."


    After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian entered his room and closed the door without looking at them. The two soldiers looked at each other and stood guard in front of the door.


    They did not care about what Ren Baqian did in the room. As long as he stayed inside, they were fine with it.


    At the same time, in one of the pce halls, a red-dresseddyy on a couch with a teacup in her hand. Every now and then, she would raise her head and take a sip of her tea.


    "How''s the situation at the beast park?" Thedy asked, looking as though she suddenly thought of something.


    "That man said he will solve the issue in five days'' time. So far, three days have passed. For the past three days, he has been strolling around the beast park. I feel that he is trying to stall for time."


    Xin Zhe, who was d in a full body armor, took two steps forward, cupped her hands and reported to the red-dresseddy.


    "Alright, there are still two more days, keep a close watch on him. If he fails��" thedy turned silent and then continued, "Behead him on the spot."


    After finishing her sentence, she raised her head and took another sip of her tea.


    .....


    Ren Baqian tossed and turned in his bed, unable to fall asleep. He was afraid that he couldn''t return to Earth. If that really happened, he would be in deep trouble.


    .


    After tossing and turning in his bed for an unknown amount of time, he finally fell into a deep sleep.


    After some time, he suddenly woke up with start. He extended his hands and touched the bed beneath his body. This bed was much more softer than the one in that world. With the light shining through the window from outside, he was able to see a familiar sight. Ren Baqian finally put down his heavy heart.


    "I''m back!"

 Chapter 8: Stabbed

    Chapter 8: Stabbed


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Upon returning home, Ren Baqian was unable to sleep any further. He turned on hisputer and began to research saltpeter.


    Ren Baqian took a good stretch when morning arrived. Apart from researching saltpeter, he had also looked up a bulk of information with regards to pr bears.


    Saltpeter, also known as potassium nitrate, once ced in water, will start to dissolve and absorb arge amount of heat. As a result, it will transform water into ice.


    It additionally has many sources. Besides saltpeter mines, it could be found at corners of the viges and also near pigsties.


    As long as that world had such a material, Ren Baqian guessed that they would be able to locate it in the vicinity of the beast park. Somewhere near the manure pit of the beast park.


    Ren Baqian still decided to buy some saltpeter just in case he could not locate any in the other world.


    Yeah yeah, not only would he solve the white bear''s issue, he would also manufacture ice under such extreme summer conditions. At longst, he could prove his abilities and would not be dragged off to be beheaded every now and then.


    Ren Baqian picked up his phone and, as expected, it was turned off. He set it aside to charge and crawled back into bed, preparing to sleep again.


    He felt confused as he concurrently thought of both the other world and the actual world.


    A day in that world was equivalent to 3 days in the actual world. 10 years in that world meant that 30 years would have passed in the actual world. He wondered if by teleporting to and fro, to which world does his life expectancy actually act in ordance with?


    Also, kirins actually exist in that world? If he posted a picture of it online, would it immediately be a trending topic? He supposed that everyone would think the photo had been photoshopped.


    As he thought of all sorts of things, he unknowingly fell asleep.


    When he woke up, he turned on his phone and checked that it''s 8 in the morning.


    There were a few missed calls and among them: two were from Chen Qing and one was from his ex-colleague.


    Ren Baqian drew back the corners of his mouth. He had stayed in thepany for one year and only made acquaintances throughout this entire period. As such, he reckoned that this ex-colleague of his must have called to tell him to collect his belongings.


    In the eyes of others, it appeared that he was rather pathetic to reach this stage. However, Ren Baqian was already used to such situations.


    After taking a bath and changing into a new set of clothes, Ren Baqian arrived at his formerpany to im his wages and to retrieve his belongings.


    His formerpany was located at amercial building which was approximately a half hour drive from his home.


    Although many saw Ren Baqian walking into the office, not many struck up a conversation and most appeared as if they did not know him. They only raised their heads to take a few nces and interact with the people by their side after he walked past.


    He arrived at the front of his manager''s door; he knocked and only went in when he heard a voice saying, "Enter."


    In the room was a bespectacled woman who was in her forties. She raised her head and upon seeing him, her expression turned cold. "You have been absent from work without leave and have been fired. Go to the finance department and settle your wages. After which, pack your belongings and leave this office."


    Ren Baqian nodded, turned his head around and left.


    The woman was slightly taken aback. She did not expect him to be so straightforward and not say a single word. Shortly after, she lowered her head and continued to handle her documents.


    Afterpleting his tasks, Ren Baqian stood outside and took onest look at his office before heading down.


    He caught a glimpse as he walked past his desk and saw that his seat had already been taken by a neer. Since he did not really want his belongings anymore, they could do whatever they deem fit to it.


    There were no dramas of internal hatred. All are adults, nobody is going to specially ridicule you.


    To the majority of the people, he was not evenparable to air. Air was at least a necessity, but his existence made no difference to them.


    Ren Baqianughed at himself as he headed downstairs.


    He found a chemical store and bought 25 kg of potassium nitrate and returned to his room. Then, he went to a bookshop and bought a few books pertaining to animals, andstly, he went to the veterinary medicine shop to purchase some B vitamins to cure indigestion. He''d additionally noticed that the bear was dropping fur, so this drug might be of some use.


    He called Chen Qing only after preparing all these items.


    "I have been trying to find you for days, let''s have fun tonight?" Chen Qing asked once the call went through.


    Ren Baqian knew that that his definition of having fun was to enjoy in a bar.


    Chen Qing was a dashing and wealthy man and had always been popr among the females. It was very rare that he returned without a girl any time he went to a bar.


    And those girls who are looking for fun in the bar are usually apanied by their friends. Ren Baqian was considered decent looking and, at the very least, not detestable-looking. Furthermore, he was with Chen Qing and managed to reap rewards a majority of the time.


    Ren Baqian needed to take a breather as he had been too tensed up for the past few days. He could finally take this chance to rx. "Good, you choose the location."


    "Sure, I have something going on now and will hang up first. I''ll text you the time and ce."


    That night Ren Baqian arrived at the location given by Chen Qing and waited there at the entrance of a newly opened bar.


    One car after another passed, but Chen Qing arrived in his only a few minutes after Ren Baqian arrived.


    "Changed to a new car?" Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows. Previously, Chen Qing was driving a Buick and now he had changed to an Audi Q7.


    "Recently, my dad and Jiang Nan''s dad met up. The next thing I knew, they decided to gift this car." Chen Qing smiled.


    "Oh, both of your dads have met! Congrattions!" Ren Baqian grinned. He was genuinely happy for Chen Qing.


    "So, there is not much time left to y in the near future. Let''s make use of time and make merry while we can." Chen Qing hooked his arm around Ren Baqian''s neck. Both had their arms around each other as they walked into the bar.


    "Have the dates been fixed?" Ren Baqian asked as they walked in.


    "The 1st of October will be the engagement," Chen Qing replied.


    "Congrattions, congrattions��"


    Soon after, both of them were seated inside the bar. Ren Baqian''s gaze focused on his cup of liquor while Chen Qing was talking and darting his gaze around, looking for his prey.


    "Those two are not bad!" Chen Qing raised his eyebrows. Soon enough, he said, "Such a pity that they have malepanions."


    In order to find pleasure in a bar, one''s expression must be good. Being rejected is a small issue and fouling up would result in one getting beaten up. Ren Baqian had witnessed such situations a few times.


    He was hunting for his prey and so were others.


    Shortly after, a waiter served them two cups of liquor, "Sir, this is from table 57."


    Both of them looked towards the direction pointed out by the server. That table had three women who were in their early 20s and who were rather good-looking. One of them raised her ss to indicate her interest.


    Chen Qing raised his ss to reciprocate. Once the waiter left, both of them held their cups and shifted to that table.


    After a brief introduction, it turned out that the three women were actually locals and knew each other during their high school days. They were studying overseas and only came back recently because it was their summer vacation.


    Chen Qing was eloquent and in no time, he was having a lively conversation with the three women.


    Ren Baqian listened to their conversation and interjected with jokes from time to time.


    If there were no hups, tonight would be a pretty good night.


    However, an ident happened: as they were chatting, two groups of people near them started cursing at one another. Such situations weremon, and nobody really took notice.


    Cursing could be heard every half a minute, and in no time, they started fighting.


    There were approximately five or six men involved, and tables got overthrown as they fought. Ren Baqian''s table was affected as well; they wanted to move to avoid getting an idental injury.


    At that moment, one of them advanced towards their direction. Seeing that the guy was about to bump against his body, Chen Qing supported him and gently pushed him aside thereafter.


    "They are together, whack them!" A few shouted loudly and smashed the wine bottles in their hands towards Ren Baqian''s direction.


    "Crap!" Ren Baqian did not know what to say with regards to such an absurd disaster.


    "It''s a misunderstanding, we do not know them!" Chen Qing raised both of his hands as he retreated, expressing that he did not have any evil intentions and wanted to exin at the same time.


    "Crap!" Ren Baqian shouted once again. This time, the other party not only dashed over but took a small knife out from his pocket and stabbed it towards Chen Qing''s direction.


    Ren Baqian subconsciously stepped in front of Chen Qing and defended him. He extended both of his hands, trying to grab the other party''s wrist that was wielding the knife. He really cherished his one and only friend.


    However, Ren Baqian overestimated his own speed. The other party''s knife stabbed into his stomach before he could even react.


    Ren Baqian held onto his stomach. He felt like cursing, but the sharp pain stopped him from even making a single noise.


    "Murder! Murder!" Someone by the side shouted.


    Upon seeing the situation, the two groups of people immediately fled the scene.


    ...


    ��


    When Ren Baqian woke up, he was already in the hospital with Chen Qing by his side.


    His stomach was in pain, but he was still able to talk.


    "Awake? Are you thirsty?" Chen Qing asked with concern.


    "How long has it been?" Ren Baqian wanted to know how long did he slept.


    "More than 20 hours, most importantly you were injected with anesthetic. The doctor said that it''s nothing serious, and that you just have to good care of your external injury. Thank goodness for you this time!"


    "Those few people have issues!" Ren Baqian recalled the scene in the bar and felt indignant. The other party was not even blind. Chen Qing had already raised his hands to show it was a misunderstanding, but the other party still dashed forward and stabbed him.


    Also, before he lost consciousness, he saw a few others fleeing the scene together with the attackers. If there were no issues, why would they flee?


    It was evident that these people were after both himself and Chen Qing.


    He rarely offended anyone. As such, their target was clearly Chen Qing.


    "Sorry to have implicated you this time. Thank goodness nothing serious happened to you. Otherwise, I would be at a loss." Chen Qing said as he held Ren Baqian''s hand.


    "Don''t give me that disgusting look," Ren Baqian gave him the cold shoulder. "If it wasn''t for the alcohol, I would have fled the scene as fast as I could."


    He did not wish to say the words he originally wanted to. As long as Chen Qing was aware of what was going on, he would presumably settle this case.


    The business of Chen Qing''s father wasn''t small and was rather influential in this city. It was impossible that he was not in the least concerned that his son met with danger.


    "One''s true character is revealed after drinking!" Chen Qing chuckled.


    "When can I be discharged?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "The doctor said that you have to be under observation for a few more days. Since you have nothing much going on these days, just take a rest here conscientiously."


    "Out of the question, I need to be discharged by tomorrow," Ren Baqian responded. It had already been 40 hours, and he knew that he would teleport once every three days. He had to be discharged by tomorrow, otherwise it would scare the daylight out of others if he suddenly disappeared from the hospital bed.


    "Your wound is still bleeding, and it will rupture if you move around." Chen Qing persuaded him to stay.


    "Help me to arrange for discharge tomorrow morning and use a wheelchair to push me back," Ren Baqian stubbornly replied.


    "Fine, I will talk to the doctor. Oh, that''s right, Jiang Nan came to visit you, but you were sleeping, and she had to go back to work. This is the bouquet of flowers she brought!" Chen Qing waved the bouquet of flowers at Ren Baqian.


    "Constion money is still more practical."

 Chapter 9: Making Ice

    Chapter 9: Making Ice


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Under Ren Baqian''s heavy protest, Chen Qing took a few days'' worth of medicines for him and then he was pushed back to his rented apartment on a wheelchair by Jiang Nan.


    "Potassium nitrate? What do you need it for?" Chen Qing was looking at the potassium nitrate on the floor after helping Ren Baqian to his bed.


    "ce them on my bed." Ren Baqian pointed to the bag of potassium nitrate. He would have trouble hefting it up onto his bed after Chen Qing leftter.


    "Alright, both of you can leave now. Close the door too." Ren Baqian looked slightly tired. The trip back from the hospital tired him a lot.


    However, no matter what, he still had toe back.


    "Are you facing any issues?" Chen Qing asked with suspicion. "I have been wanting to ask you this question for quite some time. Recently, you have been disappearing for days. And now, you want to go home even before your wound ispletely healed. What''s going on? Let me know and see if I can help you."


    Jiang Nan was tidying up the messy house while listening attentively to their conversation.


    "It''s just some small issue that you can''t help with. I can handle it on my own." Ren Baqian waved his hand and continued, "Both of you can leave now, I want to take a nap."


    "We can''t just leave you alone here. You even have trouble moving around now. If you feel it''s inconvenient, we can hire a personal nurse to take care of you until you can move around by yourself."


    "No!" Ren Baqian blurted out.


    "Find me in ten days'' time. If you want to find me during these ten days, give me a call and I will reply as soon as I see it."


    Upon hearing these words, Chen Qing became even more suspicious. Recently, Ren Baqian disappeared for days twice in a row. Both times, he had disappeared for 9 to 10 days.


    This time around, he was going to disappear for another 10 days.


    What issue is he facing?


    "In any case, I''m still your savior, right? And I saved your future husband, preventing you from bing a widow before you even get married," Ren Baqian said to Chen Qing and Jiang Nan. Then, he continued, "If you want to thank me, let me stay here alone. I really am okay. In ten days you''ll see me frisking around actively again."


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m sure."


    When Chen Qing saw how determined Ren Baqian was, he could only look at him and say solemnly, "If I don''t hear any news from you ten dayster, I wille and break down your door. Don''t forget what you said and don''t let anything happen to you."


    "Alright, I promise you." Ren Baqian nodded his head and chuckled.


    "I will ce food at your doorstep for the next few days. Even if I don''te, Chen Qing will. If you''re hungry, open the door and take the food," Jiang Nan said.


    "There''s no need for you to trouble yourself like that. Now it''s all about ordering food online, how is it possible that I will starve myself to death?" Ren Baqianughed.


    However, Jiang Nan refused to ede to Ren Baqian''s request. Ren Baqian was a stubborn individual, Chen Qing was a stubborn individual and Jiang Nan was somewhat simr to them as well.


    In the end, Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied, "Up to you then. Actually, I have a handed-down family technique. I will be entering a meditative state for ten days and my healing process will be sped up."


    "If it can also boost my sex drive, please teach me this family technique of yours." Chen Qing held Ren Baqian''s hands with a "tender-hearted" look on his face.


    "Get lost! Don''t make sick!" Ren Baqian knocked off Chen Qing''s hands.


    Eventually, Chen Qing and Jiang Nan ordered a lot of food for Ren Baqian''s house before they left.


    The way that the knife stabbed him was miraculous. ording to the doctor, the knife missed all his internal organs. Even his intestines were alright. Therefore, he did not have any trouble eating food.


    After Chen Qing and Jiang Nan left, Ren Baqian expended a great deal of effort to get those B vitamins onto his bed. With a bag of potassium nitrate in one hand and a bag of B vitamins in the other hand, he fell into a deep sleep.


    After an unknown time had passed, Ren Baqian woke up. He was still holding onto the two bags. After touching his surroundings, he was certain that he was teleported to that world again.


    As he was lying down, he could feel waves of paining from his wound.


    It was at this moment that he thought of something important. He only cared about bringing the potassium nitrate and B vitamins, and he had forgotten to bring along his painkillers. If he was already in so much pain before the effect of thest painkiller he took even wore off, he would definitely be in agony once the effectpletely wore off.


    And just like what he expected, as the time passed by, his wound became increasingly painful.


    He could only ce his attention elsewhere and not think about his wound. The pain seemed to have reduced slightly.


    After a while, Ren Baqian tried to sit up with all his might. In the process of doing so, he identally knocked the bag of potassium nitrate to the floor. The sound of something heavy hitting the ground alerted the two soldiers standing guard outside.


    Initially, both of them felt worried as they did not hear any movements in the room for a day and a night. Now because they heard something, they finally felt at ease.


    Since Ren Baqian did not want them to enter the room, they did not try to do so. They merely stood guard at the door and dozed off.


    Ren Baqian poured the bag of potassium nitrate onto the ground, put on the coarse clothes again, hid the empty bag under his nket, and fell into a deep sleep once more.


    By the time he woke up, it was already daytime.


    "Come in,e in!" Ren Baqian yelled. When the two soldiers heard his yell, they quickly opened the door and entered the house.


    However, when they saw Ren Baqian lying on the ground, their faces turned a pale white.


    Other than Ren Baqian, there was also a pile of white-colored crystals on the ground beside the bed. They did not know where it came from.


    "Call the caretaker toe over," Ren Baqian said as heid on the ground.


    One of the soldiers went out and called for the caretaker. After a while, the soldier came back with the caretaker. The moment the caretaker set foot in the house, he asked, "Have youe up with a solution to treat the bear?"


    Ren Baqian picked himself up from the ground and leaned against the wall and said, "I have a solution all along and it can be implemented today. Send someone to get one small basin and one big basin. The small one should be the size of a washbowl. It''s best that they are made up of metal. I also need two pails of water."


    Ren Baqian noticed that most people in this world used wooden basins. Wooden basins were too slow at conducting heat. Therefore, he purposely reminded the caretaker to bring over metal-made ones.


    "Alright." The caretaker swiftly went to get the things that Ren Baqian needed. His life depended on this bear, and hence, he had to be serious about it.


    After a while, a big basin and a small one were brought over. Following which, an odd-job worker brought two pails of water over.


    "What do we do now?"


    "Fill half of the small basin with water and put some of this powder into the big basin. Then, ce the small basin into the big basin�� Finally, pour the water into the big basin," Ren Baqian instructed while sitting on the bed.


    The few of them did not understand what did these steps had to do with treating the bear. However, they still did what they were told. Very soon, they began to see the oue.


    They were most curious about what the white powder that appeared out of nowhere was.


    After they finished pouring the water into the big basin, they could immediately see ice shards forming on the surface of the water.


    When they saw this, they used their hands to touch the water. They instantly sucked in a breath of cold air. The water felt very cold.


    "Add more of this white-colored powder into it," Ren Baqian instructed them. Soon, the surface of the water began to freeze.


    After a period of time, the water in the small basinpletely turned into ice.


    "What is�� this?" A shocked look appeared on everyone''s face when they saw this magical sight. At this point of time, they hadpletely forgotten about the bear. All they could think of was, what was the thing in the small basin?


    "It''s ice, it ispletely filled with ice." Ren Baqian smiled as he pointed at the frozen water in the small basin.


    "So this is ice�� It''s magical, it is indeed magical!" Everyone was overwhelmed with shock. They used their fingers to poke the surface of the ice while eximing in admiration.


    "This bunch of fellows�� haven''t even seen ice before. They are really summer bugs," Ren Baqian thought to himself helplessly when he saw them acted like this.


    After a long while, when the freshness of the ice had worn off, they remembered the main issue at hand. "So, what''s next? What do we do now?"


    "Pour the ice out and continue making more ice," Ren Baqian instructed them.


    They spent a lot of effort and time in pouring out the ice from the small basin. Then, they ced the small basin back into the big basin. One of the soldiers picked up a piece of ice and said, "I have to gift such a mystical artifact to Her Majesty."


    When Ren Baqian saw the look of loyalty and devotion on the soldier''s face despite his hands turning red from the chilliness of the ice, he could not help but say, "Can you at least wrap it up with something? Are you really going to bring it to her like that? It will melt before you even reach her pce."


    A look of realization dawned upon the soldier''s face. He cupped his hands towards Ren Baqian and said, "Thank you so much. If you don''t die today, I will treat you to drinks."


    After the soldier wrapped the piece of ice with a cloth and left, Ren Baqian continued to instruct the rest on what to do.


    When the ice in the big basin melted, they would pour more potassium nitrate into it.


    After a while, the whole room began to turn cold.


    Ren Baqian covered himself with a nket. When he saw there were ten plus pieces of ice, they said, "ce these pieces of ice around the bear. Remember, don''t put them into the water. That fellow will like them."


    "Don''t touch the ice in the big basin and ce the big basin under the sun. After the ice has melted and the water has evaporated, keep the dregs left behind. It can be used to make more ice."

 Chapter 10: Babarian

    Chapter 10: Babarian


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    This world was only backwards; its people were not stupid.


    The caretaker brought a few odd-job workers with him to carry the ice. Using a to hold the ice, they lifted it with a wooden pole and ced the ice beside the white bear.


    After they put down the third block of ice, the white bear came out of the stream and hugged a block of ice. It rolled around with the ice, moaning non-stop.


    The white bear was obviously having a good time: like ad in a brothel, like finding an air-conditioner in 40 degree heat. The experience was definitely an extreme pleasure.


    When more than ten blocks of ice were brought into the enclosure, the white bear surrounded itself with an ice wall. It sat within, humming contentedly.


    "It''s effective, it''s effective indeed!" The caretakerughed heartily.


    Although they had yet to try feeding it, the pr bear waspletely different from the half-dead state it had been in for the past month.


    "Quick, quickly ask him what we should do next," the caretaker gave the odd-job worker beside him a few kicks and shouted at him.


    Ren Baqian watched the odd-job workers from inside the house, feeling impatient from theirck of progress.


    What''s next? Feed it of course! Now that the bear is finallyfortable, why are these guys not feeding it? This terrible weather is going to melt the ice soon!


    "Forget it, I''ll go and take a look." Ren Baqian waved at the two persons in front of him. "The 2 of you,e and support me!"


    Ren Baqian was drenched in sweat by the time the soldier and the odd-job worker helped him to the bear enclosure. The wound at his abdomen was slightly damp as well.


    His wound was probably bleeding.


    But this was only a small problem, the white bear was the big one.


    Ren Baqian ignored the caretaker who was walking over and leaned against the wall to look at the bear.


    The white bear was lying in the middle of a pile of ice blocks, contentedly hugging them. These blocks of ice were its beloved darlings.


    By this time, however, the ice blocks had already shrunken to two-thirds of their original size.


    "Follow the method I outlined earlier and continue to make more ice. The ice in therge basin should be left there to melt under the sun. After the ice has melted and evaporated, use the white powder left behind to make more ice. Bring some fish and meat to feed the white bear as well," Ren Baqian instructed.


    "Understood!" The people here treated his words like a royal decree and scrambled to carry out his instructions. They had after all witnessed him make ice with white powder and cure the white bear.


    .....


    In arge hall, ady dressed in a heavily-embroidered, red robe with a golden crown on her head was ying with a cube of sparkling, crystalline ice. The refreshing feeling at her fingertips seemed to touch her very soul.


    Beneath her seat, dozens of people wearing various robes and armors were whispering to each other by the side. Their eyes all locked onto the washbowl of ice in the middle of the hall.


    "This is made by that person?" Thedy asked, slightly curious.


    "Yes, Subordinate has personally seen him turn water into this ice." The guard who had earlier left with a chunk of ice knelt on one knee.


    "That''s quite something." The corner of thedy''s mouth curved. Holding an ice cube in her hand, she asked, "What do you all think?"


    "Let me try it." An abnormally huge man d in armor stepped forward and touched the ice chunk on the floor. Following that, he gave it a big hug and gave a contented expression. "It''s so cold!"


    "Let me try it."


    "Let me try it too."


    "I''m of higher rank, let me go first!"


    A bunch of people suddenly clustered together and surrounded the burly guy. He tried to put up some resistance, but his two fists were no match for the countless hands osting him. He was eventually kicked out of the crowd with a footprint on his bum.


    ying with her own cube of ice, thedy on the high seat couldn''t care less about the tussle happening below. The ice in her hand soon melted into water.


    "Alright, stop fighting," thedyzilymented after some time. The crowd below quickly scattered.


    Only one person was left rubbing the half-melted ice chunk against his face while muttering, "It''s cooling, it''s really cooling."


    It was only a momentter that he reluctantly ced it back to its original position and stepped backward.


    "Your Majesty, this person is talented, hugely talented. The only issue is his somewhat dubious origin. Why don''t you let me whip him into shape before sending him back to you?" The burly man offered at the top of his voice.


    "I''m an expert in training people. Under your care, he''d probably be tortured to death in 2 days," someone else hurriedly countered.


    "Stop arguing. This person is somewhat useful. I''ll leave him in my pce." The corner of thedy''s mouth twitched as she shut them all up with a wave of her hand.


    Upon hearing her speak, everyone else immediately fell into silence.


    The pce hall was filled with outstanding men and women who showed reverence towards thedy.


    "Bring the Yun Nation''s envoy in! I heard he has something to tell me," thedy said in a lethargic manner.


    "Bring the Yun Nation''s envoy in!" Someone at the door promptly called out.


    Not long after, a fair, middle-aged man sporting a long mustache was brought in. He cupped his hands together and greeted thedy with a bow, "Greetings, Your Majesty I am Ge Qing, the envoy of the Yun Nation. I wish..."


    "That''s enough, spit whatever you have to say out. You''ve already delivered so many messages that I can guess what you''re about to say," thedy impatiently interrupted him.


    Ge Qing maintained his respectful facade, but cursed in his heart, "Barbarian."


    He straightened his spine and said, "Your Majesty, Ge Qing is here this time regarding the Zhang and Hong merchants'' issue. Your distinguished country arrested our merchants for no reason and even threw them into jail. About their goods that were seized��"


    Ge Qing was beating about the bush, but his main message was clear: There is no reason for you to imprison my nation''s upright merchants and seize their goods without proper exnation. Your actions have frightened the merchants in my country. The Yun Nation is not going to let you get away with this arrest either, which is why I was sent here to protest your actions. If you do not exin the situation, release the captured merchants, and return their goods in due time, Yun Nation will not hesitate to seek justice, even if it means going to war.


    Thedy stretched her arm out, and one of her servants immediately came forth to wipe it dry.


    Thedy then proceeded to ask, "How long have you been here?"


    "Ge Qing has been on this diplomatic mission for 3 months," Ge Qing answered.


    "Mmm, drag him out and behead him!'' thedy casually ordered.


    "Even in a state of war, nations do not execute envoys. Besides, I am merely here to expound facts and detail the pros and cons. Does Your Majesty not fear that you might incur the wrath of the Yun Nation?" Ge Qing hurriedly shouted.


    Thedy could not care less about him.


    The many officers, schrs, and military personnel turned a blind eye to what was happening. Several of them even sneered at Ge Qing, revealing their ghastly sets of white teeth.


    "Your Majesty�� You''re embarking on a road to cmity�� Your Majesty�� Empress of the Dayao Nation��" Ge Qing screamed at the top of his voice as he was being dragged out.


    Those in the hall heard his wails drift further and further away before abruptlying to a stop.


    "Inform the Yun Nation that their envoy has passed away from a sudden bout of illness. Get them to send a new one," thedymanded.


    "Understood!"


    "That gigolo actually dared to talk about going to war? Even if his emperor has all the courage of the Yun Nation, he wouldn''t dare to do so," someone jeered.


    "The Yun Nation''s merchants aggressively depress the selling price of furs, sell inferior goods as premium ones, and mix sand into rice they sold us. The Zhang and Hong families were the worst of the lot. If they still dare to treat us, the people of Dayao, as fools after this lesson, we might as well kill all of them," another one suggested.


    "If we kill them all, there won''t be any merchantsing here," someone immediately refuted, "Dayao has many mountainous regions and very few ins. Our focus is on hunting rather than agriculture, so we rely on merchants to bring in many resources."


    "We can''t possibly rely on them for everything? It''s best if we can produce these resources ourselves."


    "Produce ourselves? Can you do it? The way I see it we ought to take it from them by force."


    ��


    "Alright, stop arguing. Is there anything else? If there isn''t, then all of you are dismissed." Thedy sat up in her seat.


    When everyone else had left, thedy said, "Xin Zhe, apany me to the beast park."

 Chapter 11: The Manager of Odd-Job Workers

    Chapter 11: The Manager of Odd-Job Workers


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When thatdy, or rather the empress, reached the beast park, she saw many odd-job workers making ice and cing them around the bear.


    From afar, Ren Baqian saw a group of people approaching. When that group of people got closer to them, he took two steps forward and cupped his hands imitating what the others did. "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    These few movements caused him to grimace in pain.


    The empress caught a glimpse of his stomach. The blood from his wound had seeped through his gauze and stained the coarse clothes.


    "What happened?" the empress asked coldly.


    "We don''t know what happened as well. He became like this after staying in his room for a day and a night," the two soldiers quickly kneeled down on one knee and replied.


    "I caused it myself and it has nothing to do with either of them," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Let me see the wound!" the empress remained unmoved. She could tell what happened by looking at the wound.


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth in pain as he pulled up his shirt, revealing the bloody gauze within it. When he saw the empress still staring at him, he took off the gauze.


    The wound wasn''t big, and it was very smooth. It was about two fingers wide. Indeed, it did not seem like it was caused by the two soldiers. If the wound was caused by the two soldiers, it would be much bigger than it was now.


    With a single nce, the empress knew the wound had been stitched up.


    "Did you stitch it up yourself?" the empress asked.


    "Yes!" Ren Baqian replied shamelessly.


    "Nice workmanship. The technique you used is rather good as well. Later, promote this technique to our armies and let everyone know this is how a wound should be treated." Thest line of the empress''s words were meant for the people beside her.


    Following which, she stepped forward and continued, "The five days I have given you are up, and I''m here to see how is that small fellow doing. Let''s see if you keep your head on your neck."


    "Yes!" Ren Baqian continued to keep his head lowered. Gasping for air in pain, he followed behind the empress. However, he also carefully maintained a small distance away from her.


    The party reached the side of the enclosure and looked down. The bear frolicked in the pile of ice chunks. It looked like it was very happy.


    Suddenly, the empress jumped down into the enclosure. Her red dress danced and fluttered in the air.


    Ren Baqian raised his head, took a quick nce, and hurriedly lowered his head again. The empress jumped at least three meters into the air, giving Ren Baqian a scare. The scarier thing was that he saw the empress''s long thighs beneath her dress when he had raised his head and took a nce just now.


    He was very frightened that he would be beheaded for looking at something that shouldn''t be looked at.


    God knows what the social customs in this world were like.


    If he really wanted to look at thighs, he could go back to Earth and look at them on hisputer and television.


    If he was beheaded because of this reason, it would be an eternal, great injustice to him.


    Out of the corner of his eyes, he looked at his surroundings. He only felt at ease when he saw the people around him did not react unusually.


    The empress had alreadynded in the bear enclosure, and she was now walking towards the bear.


    "Will Her Majesty be alright?" Ren Baqian asked softly. He did not know the pugilistic level of this world. However, when he saw the people around him did not look worried at all, he guessed the empress must be terrifyingly powerful.


    "Her Majesty is Dayao''s most powerful expert, how can a mere animal injure her?" Xin Zhe raised her head and replied, looking as though she was unhappy with Ren Baqian''s doubt in the empress.


    Ren Baqian obediently replied her with an "uhh" and did not speak anymore. He ced all his attention on the empress.


    Dayao''s most powerful expert? How powerful was she?


    As the empress approached the white bear, the white bear seemingly sensed that someone was invading its territory. It gave a roar, threw the ice chunks to one side, and pounced towards the empress.


    The immense force from the charging enormous bear that weighed a few hundred kilograms caused Ren Baqian''s heart to stiffen.


    Ren Baqian visually estimated the empress to be 1.7 meters tall. However, in the face of the white bear, she appeared extremely petite, looking as though she would be crushed with a single swipe from the bear.


    Facing the charging bear, the empress did not show any intention of retreating. She stretched out her lily-white hand�� and gave it a p.


    The empress''s hand drew an arc in the air, flew past the front paws of the huge bear, andnded on its growling face.


    The bear''s angry roar became a miserable shriek in an instant. Its body spun one round in the air beforending on the ground.


    Following which, the empress grabbed the bear''s fur and lifted it up with her right hand. Seeing that the bear still dared to bare its teeth, she pped its face again with her left hand.


    After receiving two ps from the empress, the bear''s rage instantly subsided.


    Even Ren Baqian felt painful just by looking at the bear being pped.


    If her p could send the bear that weighed a few hundred kilograms into the air, how strong would her p be?


    It was indeed scary.


    The scariest part was that it was obvious the empress did not use her full strength.


    After receiving two simple-looking ps, the white bear, which Ren Baqian suspected to be a pr bear,id on the ground shivering.


    When the empress saw the bear lying motionlessly on the ground, she walked toward the wall of the enclosure. Effortlessly, she jumped on the spot andnded on top of the wall. Then, she made a small leap and jumped out from the enclosure.


    "Your Majesty is mighty!" Ren Baqian quickly lowered his head and cupped his fists. He wanted to say a few more words but he had never fawned over anyone before and he did not know what to say. He could onlye up with the word "mighty".


    "Not bad, it looks slightly energetic now. At least it can bare its teeth now," the empress said with an indifferent tone.


    Ren Baqian grinned. The price that the bear had to pay for baring his teeth was overly devastating. Ren Baqian did not know how many teeth the bear had left after being pped by the empress.


    Fortunately, the empress had confirmed the condition of this bear, and he had saved his own life.


    "Alright, now tell me what''s up with these chunks of ice. How did you make them?"


    "It''s saltpeter. When the saltpeter is dissolved in the water, they will absorb heat. With enough saltpeter, the temperature of the water can be reduced to the freezing point," Ren Baqian exined.


    He did not know whether or not the empress understood him. She merely said, "It seems like you are rather capable. I will let you be the manager of the odd-job workers. You will be in charge of making ice for me."


    "And take good care of this bear."


    "Yes!" Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied.


    "Caretaker Shi, arrange some manpower for him." After the empress finished giving her instructions, the caretaker of the beast park immediately nodded his head.


    "I will reward you with one hundred taels of silver and a box of ck mud cream. Xin Zhe, go to medicine storehouse and get one box of ck mud cream for him," the empress continued to give instructions.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    When Ren Baqian heard the empress''s words, the heavy stone on his heart lifted off. One hundred taels of silver? If one tael is equivalent to 50 grams, one hundred taels are equivalent to 50000 grams? One gram of silver is worth 3 or 4 yuan, right? With around two hundred thousand yuan, he finally had some spare cash on hand. Even though it was not enough for him to buy a house, it was enough for him to make ends meet. He did not need to worry about finding a job for the time being.


    Given his current situation��where he would disappear for 9 days��it was almost impossible for him to find a job.


    "Oh, by the way, you mentioned that day you know how to do some things, what are they?" The empress suddenly thought of what Ren Baqian said previously.


    "I will do my best toplete whatever Your Majesty instructs me to do. I have studied a variety of fields, and I know a thing or two about agriculture, smelting, culinary and business."


    "Alright, you will stay here for the time being! In the future, I will give you tasks to carry out. I will reward if youplete them," after finishing her sentence, the empress left with her entourage.


    After the empress left, Ren Baqian engaged himself in deep thought. One tael is equivalent to 50 grams and one hundred taels are equivalent to 50000 grams. Is there something wrong? Wait, one hundred taels are only equivalent to 5000 grams? Does that mean that I will only have around twenty thousand yuan? Ren Baqian couldn''t believe he was so happy just now. His mathematics teacher would definitely be unable to rest in peace.


    When Caretaker Shi saw the figure of the empress disappearing, he turned around with a sinister smile on his face and asked, "May I know what''s your name? Since we are going to stay here together, we should get to know each other."


    "Caretaker Shi! I am Ren Baqian!" Ren Baqian cupped his fists and replied politely. Caretaker Shi''s looked as though he was thinking of how to chop him up into pieces.


    Ren Baqian did not dare to mention the topic of him saving Caretaker Shi''s life.


    The favor of a drop of water is often returned with the gratitude of a fountain of water, and a life-saving favor is practically unreturnable. Therefore, Caretaker Shi might repay him with his life if he brought up the topic.


    Whether it was the ancient time or the present time, there were plenty of such people.


    "There''s no need for you to be so courteous. Come, I will arrange some manpower for you and then we shall go for a drink." With an amiable look on his face, Caretaker Shi pulled Ren Baqian along with him.


    "But I''m still injured!" Ren Baqian smiled bitterly.


    "It will be alright, it''s just a small injury. Didn''t Her Majesty bestow you a box of ck mud cream? You will be fine after applying it." Caretaker Shi chuckled.

 Chapter 12: Black Mud Cream

    Chapter 12: ck Mud Cream


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Caretaker Shi said that his wound be fine as long as he applied the cream. Ren Baqian felt that was too exaggerated.


    This injury of his wouldn''t it take at least ten to twenty days to heal?


    The ck mud cream was stored in a wooden box. Its interior was filled with ck, sticky, and dense substance and had a pungent smell. Ren Baqian thought in his heart, "Could this really be ck mud? "


    However, the wound on his hurt badly. Ren Baqian nevertheless gritted his teeth and dug some cream out to apply on his stomach.


    As he applied the cream, his stomach had a refreshing sensation. Soon after, he started to feel a burning sensation. Finally, it became an acute itch which he anxiously wanted to scratch badly, yet he had to restrain himself from touching his wound.


    "Could it be the wrong medicine? Or has it expired?" Ren Baqian was suffering and he gave an expression as if he was constipated.


    If this was torture, Ren Baqian reckoned that he would rather confess.


    After enduring for God knows how long, all the kinds of pain and itching on his stomach began to subside. Shortly after, it became a warm, fuzzy, andfortable feeling.


    "This medicine really wants my life." Ren Baqian used his sleeves to wipe his face which was filled with perspiration.


    He used his hand to caress his stomach. There was still a slight pain, but it wasn''t hindering him anymore.


    Ren Baqian sighed, and the silver ingots by his side caught his attention.


    He lost his job and only had about a few thousand yuan left in savings. Within a few months, his fortune would probably be eaten away. These ten silver ingots would help him reap a small fortune.


    (ten silver ingots is almost equivalent to 100 taels of silver)


    "I wonder if I am able to go out? If I use this silver to buy something from this world to sell on Earth, would it be possible to earn more?" Ren Baqian touched his chin as he thought. He was unsure if there was anything in this world that would be of value on Earth.


    But, it appeared as though he did not need to be troubled over this. As long as he clung onto the empress''s thighs and brought stuff over from Earth, wouldn''t it be a breeze to obtain silver and gold?


    Ren Baqian, as he thought of it, felt his future was bright.


    Ren Baqian came from a rather humble family. Since his schooling days, his family was considered neither rich nor poor. He was average in his studies and had an ordinary character. As a result, he was very ordinary since childhood, and he was unobtrusive.


    He originally thought that he would live his whole life as an average Joe. But now, he felt that his good luck had arrived.


    At that moment while Ren Baqian was secretly giggling to himself, Caretaker Shi burst into his room and pulled Ren Baqian out. "I have arranged ten men to be under you. If any one of them misbehaves, inform me. Let''s grab a drink after you take a look at them. "


    "My wound hasn''t even healed yet," Ren Baqian shouted. Who in the right mind would drink after getting stabbed in the stomach? Throwing one''s life away?


    "Hasn''t the ck mud cream been delivered?" Caretaker Shi was stunned.


    "I have applied it, but there''s still quite some time before my wound healspletely," Ren Baqian replied.


    "It will be fine after you apply the cream." Caretaker Shi released Ren Baqian''s hand and pulled his shirt, "Eh, why is this still on your wound?"


    .


    He teared the gauze off of Ren Baqian''s stomach as he spoke.


    "Look, isn''t it healed?" Caretaker Shi patted the wound and smiled.


    Ren Baqian subconsciously hid for a while before quickly lowering his head to take a look. He immediately became dumbstruck.


    His originally bleeding wound had already healed by this moment. Delicate tissue could be seen over the position of his wound, which seemed different from the other parts of his body. Other than that, what was left there were the few strands of thread looking slightly ugly. However, his wound had indeed healed.


    Ren Baqian swallowed his saliva and dashed back at lightning speed to check the wooden box. He had used one fifth of the ck mud cream.


    The name of the medicine wasn''t pleasant to the ears, but its healing effect was amazing. A wound that would take ten to twenty days to heal actually healed in such a short span of time. If he took this item back to Earth, it would definitely be priceless.


    "You must keep this medicine properly, it is rather expensive." Caretaker Shi looked at Ren Baqian''s expression andughed.


    "Can it be bought? How much is it?" Ren Baqian thought that this medicine would definitely be extremely expensive. However, Caretaker Shi only mentioned that it''s expensive and not that it''s umon.


    "You should be able to buy one box of the cream with the silver ingots bestowed to you."


    100 taels of silver for 1 box, that means 20000 yuan to buy this box of medicine, it was indeed not cheap. But if the medicine''s effectiveness was taken into ount, it would be considered extremely cheap.


    "Let''s go out and take a look at the people that I have selected for you." Caretaker Shi dragged Ren Baqian out once again as he saw him cing the wooden box properly onto his bed.


    There were ten men waiting outside standing in an undisciplined manner. But, each and every one of them were burly chaps whose arms were thick enough for them to use as legs.


    If Ren Baqian did not know they were odd-job workers, he would have thought that they were soldiers. He could not deny it, but aftering to this world, the men he met were all tall and sturdy. The males were generally around 1.75 meters tall and the above average ones were about 1.9 meters tall.


    The females on average were about 1.65 meters tall. He did not know howe they were so tall in a feudal society.


    If he did not remember wrongly, males from the Tang Dynasty were generally about 1.6 meters tall. Only the members of aristocratic families were slightly taller.


    The ten men in the field, which included both the old and young, were all looking at Ren Baqian with curiosity. They heard that this guy could manufacture ice, which was freezing-cold and bone-chilling, but it was certainly a good item to relieve the extreme summer heat. It was truly magical. Just that this caretaker''s frame was too frail, as if he would be blown away by the wind anytime.


    "Brothers, we will be on the same boat in the future. I will require everyone''s help whatever the higher-ups'' request is. Also, I will not treat anyone unfairly. However, if anyone makes a mistake, I will disregard feelings." Ren Baqian rushed towards everyone, and they cupped their hands in obeisance.


    "Whatever caretaker says, we will follow," the ten men loudly agreed.


    "That''s great. As long as things get done, I absolutely will not treat anyone shabbily. " Ren Baqian was very contented with their attitude. He was most afraid that they would be up to no good, appearing for work without putting in any effort. That would really give him a big headache.


    "Her Majesty ordered us to manufacture ice. We definitely cannot manufacture ice outside as it would melt in no time. First of all, we need a cer to store the ice. I wonder if there is any suitable ce over here?" The second half of his statement was directed at Caretaker Shi. If he did not figure things out, he would not have any mood to drink as well.


    Caretaker Shi thought for a while and said, "Actually, there is a ce. We use it to keep grass every now and then, I''m not sure if this ce is suitable or not."


    "Good, let''s go and take a look," Ren Baqian immediately replied.


    The cer was not far from where they were and in no time they arrived.


    asionally, a few withered grasses could be seen in the surroundings of the cer.


    Caretaker Shi opened the cover, "This is the ce."


    Ren Baqian wanted to go down but suddenly thought of something, "How long has this ce been vacant for?" If it had been vacant for too long, there might be insufficient oxygen and it would be bad if he went down.


    "Probably a few months."


    In a few minutes, someone threw a torch down. Ren Baqian looked from above and saw that the ze remained. He could finally feel relieved and went along the edge to climb downwards.


    Ren Baqian picked up the torch from the cer''s ground and walked around the cer. It was empty inside with the exception of some withered grass. There were also a few wooden pirs which were supporting the cer, preventing it from copsing.


    The cer was not small and was estimated to be about 100 over square meters and 2.5 meters tall. In addition, there was a covering topyer of soil which was about 1.5 meters thick. He could feel the coolness as he went down.


    "This is it." Ren Baqian pped the board went he went up.


    "Caretaker Shi, let me borrow this ce to use it as an ice cer," Ren Baqian said as he held onto Caretaker Shi.


    "No problem. In the future, I cane over to cool myself too whenever I''m free," Caretaker Shi delightfully responded.


    "First, tidy up this ce so that it can be used to store ice," Ren Baqian instructed the ten odd-job workers.


    "Okay!" everyone shouted at the top of their lungs, grabbed their tools, and went to work.


    Ren Baqian supervised for a while. These men were indeed efficient and hardworking. He could finally breathe freely and went ahead to drink with Caretaker Shi.

 Chapter 13: Fighting Is Its Only Strength

    Chapter 13: Fighting Is Its Only Strength


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "I bought this from Zhang Family Store quite a while back. All this time, I could not bear to drink it." When they reached Caretaker Shi''s room, Caretaker Shi took down a cbash from the cab on the wall and patted it while smiling at Ren Baqian.


    "By saving the bear, you have saved my life too. I will split this good stuff with you," Caretaker Shi said cheerfully.


    Caretaker Shi was the caretaker of the beast park, and Ren Baqian reckoned that his sry must be quite high. The quality of this liquor must be quite good as well given that Caretaker Shi did not bear to drink it.


    However, when Caretaker Shi poured out the liquor, Ren Baqian immediately turned disappointed. The liquor was muddy-looking and had a weird taste.


    "Don''t judge its quality by its color. This hard liquor is actually a special local product from Yun Nation! Your throat will burn like fire when you drink it."


    Caretaker Shi''s words killed Ren Baqian''s remaining interest in the liquor.


    He could bring over hard liquors that had an alcohol content of up to 70% from Earth. He could also bring over spirits, which alcohol content was higher than 70%. He indeed could not have too much expectation for the brewed liquors in this world.


    Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows after giving Caretaker Shi a toast and taking one sip of it. He had never drunk such a bad-tasting liquor in his life. Even those cheap unbottled liquors tasted a lot better than this.


    "Brother Ren had never tried this brand of hard liquor before, right? The men of Dayao like to drink this liquor the most as it is very strong in taste."


    Listening to Caretaker Shi bragging about his liquor, Ren Baqian suddenly asked with curiosity, "How much does it cost?"


    "1 catty 2 taels of silver." Caretaker Shi gestured with his fingers and said, "If it weren''t for the fact that I really like this liquor very much, I wouldn''t have bought it. 3 catties of it costed me one month''s sry.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. 6 taels of silver was equivalent to 300 grams of silver, which was worth approximately 1000 dors. Caretaker Shi was really extravagant to buy three catties of this "inferior liquor".


    Furthermore, this liquor was so disgusting. If he brought back some sorghum liquor from Earth, wouldn''t these people go crazy over them? If that really happened, he would make a crazy profit.


    Ren Baqian made a mental note to think about it again in the future. While drinking and chatting with Caretaker Shi, Ren Baqian asked him a lot of things about this world.


    There were four main countries in this world: the Great Xia Empire, the Nation of Yun (a.k.a the Yun Nation), the Chen Nation, and the Dayao Nation.


    The country that Ren Baqian was currently in was the Dayao Nation. It was initially called the Nine Mist Nation. It had only been founded for a measly 70 years by a group of indigenous people. All the systems it put in ce were learnt and copied from other countries. Even until now, these systems were still imperfect. After all, the Dayao Nation was unlike other countries��other countries had long histories and their own unique cultures.


    On the contrary, the Dayao Nation was just beginning its nation-building process. Up till now, it was still fumbling in the process. Its systems still needed improvement.


    Caretaker Shi did not know the exact size of the Dayao Nation or its exact poption. It had about 30 million people. The Dayao Nation had many forests and mountains but very few ins. Most of its citizens made their living by hunting in the mountains. More than half of them were actually still living in the mountains and forests with wild animals.


    Even though the Dayao Nation was poverty-stricken, underdeveloped, and had asional outbreaks of disorder, its citizens were brave and proficient in fighting and warfare. In terms of fighting capabilities, Dayao Nation overshadowed the rest of the countries.


    To the north of the Dayao Nation, there was the Great Xia Empire, which was rumored to be three times bigger than the Dayao Nation. On the east of the Dayao Nation, there was the Nation of Yun. On the southeast, there was the Chen Nation.


    ording to Caretaker Shi, on the west of the Great Xia Empire and on the east of the Chen Nation, there were other countries too. However, he did not know much about them.


    The Dayao Nation mainly produced furs, gemstones, gold, and silver. Things like daily necessities, edible salt, beautiful clothes and fabrics were mostly imported. Even their food supply was in a severe shortage, and crops had to be imported every year.


    And therefore, they were exploited by huge numbers of merchants from the other countries. Most of these merchants were from the Yun Nation. The Zhang Family Store��where Caretaker Shi bought his liquor��was from the Yun Nation.


    "That bunch of unscrupulous thieves!" Caretaker Shi spat in anger when he talked about those merchants. "Sooner orter, we will attack their capital!"


    Those merchants always bought the Dayao Nation''s furs and gemstones at reduced prices while selling them inferior goods at increased prices. Because of such practices, conflicts urred almost every year.


    Reportedly, the liquors sold in the Yun Nation were of much higher quality than the liquor that Caretaker Shi was drinking now. However, Yun Nation only sold low-quality liquors to the Dayao Nation. The Dayao Nation could not even produce enough food, let alone liquors. Its citizens would asionally make some liquors but they tasted bad and nd like in water.


    This applied to other resources as well. Resources sold to Dayao Nation were poor in quality. The Dayao Nation had been very unhappy with such practices for a very long time. Twenty years ago, because of such practices and its pent-up resentment, the Dayao Nation had almost invaded the capital of the Yun Nation. Eventually, the army of the Dayao Nation returned with an abundance of spoils-of-war, but only after the Chen Nation sent its army to reinforce the Yun Nation while the Great Xia Empire acted as the mediator.


    After the incident, the merchants from the various countries became slightly more honest. Even though they were still very irritating, they no longer went overboard with their dishonest practices like they used to. However, as time passed, these merchants seemed to forget about the pain after their wounds had healed, and they became worse.


    Currently, Caretaker Shi''s biggest wish was to be the first one to take up arms and invade those countries when Her Majesty gave the order to wage war against them.


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, he roughly knew what he had to do.


    Frankly speaking, the only strength of the Dayao Nation was its military capabilities. Its weakness was that it had no other strengths. A country that was founded by a group of indigenous people did not seem to know anything other than fighting.


    Almost all of its daily necessities were bought from merchants from other countries.


    Considering the fiery temper of every citizen in the Dayao Nation, the other countries did not want to push it to the brink of desperation.


    We can sell you things but they will be of the lowest quality. That''s because we will keep the best for ourselves. As for technologies, you can stop dreaming of us selling them to you.


    Ren Baqian sniggered when he heard Caretaker Shi say these things.


    So it appeared that Dayao Nation wascking in almost everything? It just so happened that he knew almost everything. Even if there were things that he did not know, he could go back to Earth and learn about them. If he did not use the knowledge of Earth to make a living in this world, it would be too much of a waste.


    The best thing for him to do now was topile a list of resources that were needed. That way, he could go back to Earth and study the technologies needed to produce them. He could not do the same thing as what he did before with the potassium nitrate: going back to Earth and bringing it here.


    He could do this once or twice, but if he did it a few more times, he would be in deep trouble. Moreover, alcohol was a product that would be in high demand. This method would not work. Fortunately, the empress did not intend to look into the issues of his clothes and quilt.


    As for why a kirin was used to pull a carriage and whether or not there were omnipotent experts in this world, Caretaker Shi did not know the exact answers either. However, he did know that there were experts in this world. It would be an exaggeration to say that they could destroy an entire city with a single punch, but they could definitely destroy a city gate with a single punch.


    However, to Ren Baqian, destroying a city gate with a single punch did sound like an exaggeration. If he could learn a thing or two from these experts, he could dominate Earth when he returned there.


    Caretaker Shi looked like he seldom drank hard liquor. He drank only 250 milliliters of the liquor, and he was already lying on the table.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian was only half-drunk. He sat down there deep in thought. Every now and then, he would chuckle softly.


    The Dayao Nation wascking in food supply, and it, consequently, could not produce alcohols now.


    The Dayao Nation had very few ins but many mountains and forests. As such, its food productivity wascking. Earth happened to have crops that could be produced in abundance with little amount ofnd. They were rather good-tasting as well. These crops couldpletely solve Dayao Nation''s food production problem. They subsequently could be used to brew alcohols as well.


    For edible salt, he could think of some ways to obtain it. He would go back to Earth, do some research, and see if he could obtain them from the mountains or not.


    As for toothbrushes and soaps, these items were easily obtainable.


    He could easily produce them if he had the right opportunity to do so.


    And cotton cloth too.


    He had to make everything himself.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he was overjoyed. It felt extremely good to be able to arrive in such a world, such a country.


    It was too easy to make money in this world.


    This world had some unique local products as well. For instance, the ck mud cream. If he could bring it back to Earth, he would not need to worry about money anymore.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he became even more excited.


    After daydreaming for some time, he took a look at Caretaker Shi who had slipped to floor beneath the table.


    He had to take it one step at a time. He had to establish a foothold in this world first before thinking about other things. As he thought of this, he stood up and walked to the cer to check on the cleaning progress.


    His men were now rinsing the ce with water.


    When Ren Baqian saw the ten men working so hard, he felt extremely satisfied. Even though he went drinking with Caretaker Shi not too long after he took up the position, these ten men were still working hard without attempting to ck off. Having such subordinates really made his life carefree.

 Chapter 14: Revelation

    Chapter 14: Revtion


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the first day, the cer was tidied up. On the second day, ice was manufactured and stored in the cer.


    Ren Baqian brought a few men along to scour the beast park. They managed to locate traces of saltpeter at the corners of the park, especially at houses which were inhabited by many odd-job workers. The corners of such houses had ayer of saltpeter.


    He arranged for a few of his men to gather the saltpeter and then divided it into batches to manufacture ice. The used iced water was then evaporated once again, leaving behind white saltpeter for their continuous usage.


    Among the ten men, six of them would draw water to manufacture the ice, two of them were in charge of throwing the ice down the cer while the final two would receive the ice and arrange it neatly.


    In juxtaposition with the increase in number of ice cubes, the temperature of the cer sharply decreased. Towards the end, the hands of the two men in the cer were freezing cold and swollen. They were trembling in cold from top to toe.


    Upon seeing this scenario, Ren Baqian wanted to ask them if they were foolish? Wearing a sleeveless vest while working in an ice cer? Even if they had not seen ice before, knowing that it''s cold, shouldn''t they put on a few moreyers?


    After asking, he realized that these odd-job workers unexpectedly only had this kind of clothes. Even the coldest period over here wasn''t cold enough for them.


    Ren Baqian helplessly allowed them to switch their roles. In addition, he got two bed sheets for them to tie around their bodies so that they could stay warm.


    It was their hands in particr that would suffer from frostbite as a consequence of the way they handled the ice cubes. He then teared another two pieces of cloth for them to wrap around their hands, which might be of some use. He allowed the two men, whose hands were injured to find some snake oil from the kitchen and apply it on the injury.


    In Dayao, snake oil was in abundance.


    Night arrived and Ren Baqian made arrangements for the third day''s tasks. After which, he hugged the 100 taels of silver and ck mud cream to bed. He couldn''t fall asleep no matter how he tried.


    100 taels of silver. As long as he found a ce to offload them, he would very quickly reap thergest sum of money of his entire lifetime.


    He was not sure how long hey down for. Ren Baqian merely felt that his surroundings spun and the room transformedpletely.


    He had returned to earth once again.


    He touched the items in his hand. Both the ck mud cream and silver ingots were intact. Ren Baqian started to smile when he visually estimated the sum of money that he would receive.


    Ren Baqian tumbled on his bed for a while before he dozed off.


    Unaware of how long he slept, Ren Baqian was awoken by knocks on the door.


    After cing his silver and ck mud cream aside, Ren Baqian wore his underpants and undershirt to open the door. Outside the door was Chen Qing, whose face was filled with worry.


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian, Chen Qing gave him a punch on his chest. "You finally opened your door. These few days, I have been worried to death and almost wanted to smash your door down."


    Ren Baqian stepped aside for Chen Qing to enter. He swept his gaze and saw the insted box on the floor, opened it up to realize that it contained food that was already cold. All of a sudden, a warm fuzzy feeling rose in his heart.


    "I am fine, aren''t I?" Ren Baqianughed.


    Chen Qing sized him up, and hisplexion was indeed rosy. Compared to ten days ago, he was definitely much better. At longst, he could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    .


    Although he was still unconvinced in his heart, Chen Qing knew that everyone had secrets. If Ren Baqian did not mention anything, it was not nice to get to the bottom of it.


    "How is your wound? Do you need to go to the hospital for a check-up?" Chen Qing asked.


    Ren Baqian lifted up his singlet and exposed his wound, "Completely healed."


    "Your recovery ability is so quick." Chen Qing smiled. "It''s good that you have recovered. My dad wants to treat you to dinner tonight. He wants to express his gratitude."


    "Great!" Ren Baqianughed. He had an idea in regards to the ck mud cream. However, it required huge funds, and Chen Qing definitely did not have that kind of money. Chen Qing still required his father''s assent. Father Chen''s reputation was pretty good in this city, and it would be more reliable to find him than to find someone else.


    "There''s still one more thing that I have to tell you. They have already caught the person who stabbed you previously. However, I''m unable to strike the mastermind at this moment." Chen Qing hesitated before telling Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head to express that he understood.


    "But, do not worry, I will definitely settle this debt when I get the chance to."


    Chen Qing stared nkly for a while. Seeing that Ren Baqian was fine, he returned back to work.


    Ren Baqian wanted to return to his rest, but he could not fall asleep even after tossing on his bed for half a day. He might as well get out of bed, take his meal, and buy a torch afterwards.


    He couldn''t possibly bring the ten silver ingots out? The best way was to transform them into silver pieces before selling them as it was less likely to cause trouble.


    After wandering around for half a day, Ren Baqian grabbed the torch, gasoline, and also a small saw. He then sawed open the silver ingot from the middle and then used the torch to melt it.


    He did not need to melt itpletely. As long as the surface was melted and the original shape could not be seen, it sufficed.


    After a whole afternoon of hard work and melting half of his silver ingots, Ren Baqian received a call from Chen Qing. He changed into a fresh set of clothes, took the ck mud cream, and left for the hotel.


    From the door, he could see Chen Qing waiting for him.


    "Why did you bring a gift?" Chen Qing saw the item in his hand and immediately patted his shoulder. "This gift is probably for me?"


    "It is indeed a gift, but it''s different from what you''re thinking," Ren Baqian mysteriously replied.


    .


    Both of them chatted for a while in the private room. Jiang Nan arrived first and Chen Qing''s parents arrived soon after.


    Chen Qing''s parents had repeatedly thanked Ren Baqian and held his hands from the moment they stepped into the private room. After all, how many people would actually sacrifice their life for a friend?


    Regardless of whether or not Ren Baqian was rich, Chen Qing''s parents were extremely satisfied with this friend of his. Ren Baqian, at this moment, seemed pleasant no matter which way they looked at him.


    During the meal, they constantly inquired about Ren Baqian''s situation. They got ahold of the fact that Ren Baqian recently left his job and were interested in getting him to join theirpany.


    Ren Baqian tactfully declined, and soon after, he smiled." Even though I am friends with Chen Qing, I have a business n to discuss with the few of you. I''d also like to with consult Uncle for his advice."


    Upon hearing what Ren Baqian said, Chen Qing was slightly surprised.


    Papa Chen did not know what he was going to say. He was aware of Ren Baqian''s situation and from his perspective, it seemed as though Ren Baqian did not have any capital to being discussing business with him. However, since he was Chen Qing''s friend, there was no harm in listening. If he was really interested, he might as well invest some money in it and take it as repaying a kindness.


    Even if he wasn''t interested, he could still provide some suggestions.


    Papa Chen believed that he still had a little foresight.


    "Please speak," Papa Chen spoke sternly.


    Ren Baqian opened the wooden box and revealed the ck mud cream inside.


    It stole their attention. "What is this?"


    "ck mud cream. Previously, I incidentally obtained it but never got to try it out. I only recalled this item when I got injured."


    "What''s its use?"


    "It helps stop bleeding and expedite the process of wound healing," Ren Baqian introduced the cream.


    "How about the effectiveness?" Papa Chen raised his eyebrows. Honestly speaking, he wasn''t in the least bit interested.


    His own business did not have any link to the medical field. It was unsuitable for him to hastily step into a field in which he had yet to enter.


    "The key point is its effectiveness. Otherwise, I would not take it out to show," Ren Baqian replied with vigor.


    This item was considered expensive in that world, but it was not considered umon. If he brought it to earth, being expensive would not be the only problem.


    On average, it would take a few days or even up to ten days before one could get up from their bed after a surgery. The long recovery period would cause the patient to be unable to work. All the more, it was not needed to bring up the possibility of catching an infection during that recovery period.


    This ck mud cream would be able to heal wounds in a short span of time. It wouldpletely prevent patients from suffering and from the long duration required to recuperate from their wound.


    Ren Baqian fished out the fruit knife which he had prepared. Amid the astonished gaze of the others, he firmly shed his arm and fresh blood flowed down.


    "Ren Baqian, what are you doing?" Chen Qing was startled.


    Papa Chen and Mama Chen''s expressions changed drastically. Self-inflicting a wound on yourself at the dinner table? What does it mean?


    "Hiss!" Ren Baqian took a deep breath in pain. Soon after, he waved at him. "Don''t worry, I know my limits."


    Ren Baqian revealed his wound. "All of you have seen my wound."


    Soon after, he used a napkin to wipe the away blood and then used his finger to dig out a b of ck mud cream to cover the wound.


    Ren Baqian smiled. "Don''t worry, it''s time for a miracle."


    Subsequently, he felt a refreshing sensation which turned into a fiery sensation on his arm. Atst, it finally became a numb and itchy feeling that caused him to perspire in cold sweat.


    After a period of time, these sensations finally subsided, and Ren Baqian could finally take a breather. By this moment, the ck mud cream on his arm had already became a piece of ck scab.


    Ren Baqian teared off the piece of scab out and took a look. Sure enough, delicate meat had already grown on the wound.


    "Alright, a miracle has happened." Ren Baqian smiled. He used a wet wipe to clean away the remaining bloodstain and revealed the wound to the rest.


    Chen Qing stood up from his chair and moved towards Ren Baqian for a better look at his wound. He continuously called out, "Oh my god!"


    Papa Chen, originally a little incredulous, only held it in for his son''s face. Otherwise, he would have already walked away. But upon seeing that Ren Baqian''s wound was healed, he was immediately stunned.


    The few of them touched Ren Baqian''s arm. To their great surprise, the wound was already healed.


    Half an hour ago, there was still a 10-centimeter-long, bleeding profusely wound.


    They all took a second look at the box of ck cream, and this time, their gazes were different. This was not medicine, it was gold.

 Chapter 15: I’m Rich

    Chapter 15: I��m Rich


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Everyone sat back down in their chairs. Papa Chen had a solemn look on his face. This person in front of him was not only his son''s friend, but his new business partner as well.


    "How do you want us to coborate?"


    "I will provide the goods, and you can provide the capital. We can do research first and analyze itsposition. Then, we can find suitable ingredient substitutions and mass-produce it." Ren Baqian''s face was solemn as well.


    "Do you have a form for it?" Papa Chen asked again.


    "Right now, I don''t have it, but I can get it. I can go to the pharmacy and get some raw ingredients. However, due to the scarcity of ingredients, we''ll have to use other ingredients as substitutes while we are doing the research. It''s eptable even if the medicinecks in effect. After all, I''m sure there isn''t any medicine currently on the market which has an effectparable to that of his cream. The effect of modern medicines can''t even match up to 10% of this cream''s. If we can replicate 50% of the cream''s effect, it''s good enough," Ren Baqian spoke his mind.


    Of course, he did not have the form but he believed he could get it. There were so many things in his hands which he could use to exchange with the Dayao Nation.


    For instance, the ingredients for making liquors. The Dayao Nation alsocked in modern technologies, right? For instance, anti-inmmatory medicine like penicillin? Or anesthetic?


    He definitely had something that could pique the Dayao Nation''s interest. The things he could offer were easy to produce, and they had more market potential than the ck mud cream. After all, the ck mud cream was extremely expensive, so its production rate must be very low.


    When Ren Baqian made it clear that he could obtain the form and necessary ingredients, Papa Chen felt relieved.


    The finished product was here right now. Once the form and the necessary ingredients were settled, the research of the product and the search for suitable ingredient substitutions could be easily done.


    As long as everything could be settled, he did not need to worry about opening up the market for this product. The effect of this medicine could shut up all critics.


    He also thought of something else. The military would be the biggest client of this medicine.


    With this medicine, there were many organizations that he could build up rtionships with.


    "What about its side effects?" Papa Chen asked again.


    "Hmmm, as far as I know, it will cause a strong itch as it allows a wound to heal at a very fast speed. As for the other side effects, we will first have to do a research to identify them."


    Papa Chen looked at Ren Baqian in admiration.


    Ren Baqian was clear and precise in the delivery of his idea. It seemed that he had thought this through beforehand.


    He was indeed a pretty goodd.


    Papa Chen remained silent for a while, drumming his fingers on the table softly. He always made this subconscious movement while thinking about something important.


    After a long while, he finally began, "You have the product, but you don''t have money. I have money but I don''t have the product. It seems like a very good deal. However, it also involves many things. For example, building aboratory, setting up a factory, etc., etc. Of course, there are many rich people and you are the only one with this cream Therefore, I feel that a 40-60 split in the equity shares will be ideal. 40% for me and 60% for you."


    Ren Baqian was stunned. He did not expect Papa Chen to give him such a favorable deal. Initially, he thought that he would be getting 50% or possibly even 40% for his equity shares. However, now he was receiving 60% while the other party received only 40%.


    Papa Chen''s offer was much better than he expected.


    He could even say something like ''there are many rich people and you''re the only one with this cream''.


    Papa Chenid his cards on the table, saying all the words that he should be saying in this negotiation.


    When Papa Chen saw Ren Baqian''s facial expression, he chuckled and said, "Even though this is a business, there are still many ways for me to make money. There''s no need for me to go against my own principles over money. In doing business, having a win-win situation for both sides is the most important thing. For this business deal, I don''t really care about the money, but rather, the impact it will have after it hits the market. At the same time, you saved Chen Qing''s life and that to me is a favor that I want to return. However, I have a request: 20% of your shares will be set as dividends."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. Papa Chen was afraid that he might meddle with the business after gaining a dominant hand in the equity shares. If 20% of his shares was set as dividends, he would be on equal footing with Papa Chen.


    He replied, "Uncle, don''t worry, I don''t have any intention of meddling in the business. I have no idea on what to do next, and I myself don''t wish to meddle with the business too much. My mind is set elsewhere. Therefore, I can simply be the front man of this business."


    After Ren Baqian said these words, both sides did not have anything further to discuss.


    Finally, Papa Chen concluded, "Since the terms have been settled, we should finalize this business as soon as possible. Tomorrow, we will sign the contract. You have to obtain the form and the necessary ingredients. This will be written clearly on the contract. By the way, I guess you''re in need of money now. I can pay you 2 million yuan in advance. This sum of money can be deducted from your dividends in the future."


    Ren Baqian could not believe what he had just heard. Papa Chen even knew that he was in need of money. What more could he say about Papa Chen?


    Both the host and the guest were very pleased with this meal. Both sides left the restaurant in satisfaction.


    Chen Qing drove while Papa Chen and Mama Chen sat in the back of the car.


    "How do you feel?" Papa Chen suddenly asked.


    "Quite good!" Chen Qing replied with a rxed facial expression. Since young, he had never been in need of money, and as such, he did not really know the importance of money. From the look of it, this business deal was a win-win situation for both his family and for Ren Baqian. Therefore, he felt pretty good.


    "I will take the lead and work on this business first. This will prevent your inexperience from affecting the business and your rtionship with Ren Baqian. When the business has be stable, I will pass it to you."


    "Forget it, I am very satisfied with my current job." Chen Qing smiled.


    "If your job can support your daily expenses, I would be satisfied too." Papa Chen chuckled.


    Chen Qing burst outughing as well.


    When Ren Baqian reached home, he jumped and cheered in joy.


    The profit he made this time around was muchrger than he expected.


    The advance payment of 2 million yuan was a huge sum of money to him. With this sum of money, he did not really need to worry about anything else.


    He could buy a car and a house, and he no longer needed to stay in this small rented apartment.


    And when the medicine was developed and hit the market, he could make money while lying on his bed.


    However, this goal came with prerequisites��he first had to get the form and the necessary ingredients for the ck mud cream.


    When Ren Baqian saw the lump of silver in his toilet, he threw it aside.


    Now that he was going to receive 2 million yuan, he no longer needed to melt silver. He should take it back to Dayao Nation and see if there was anything worth buying.


    A night had passed. The second day, Ren Baqian received a call and quickly took a cab to Papa Chen''s office.


    Papa Chen''s office took up two levels of amerce building downtown.


    Chen Qing waited for him on the first floor. When they saw each other, they wrapped their arms around each other''s shoulders and proceeded up the building.


    The contract had already been prepared by the other party. Ren Baqian nced at it and then signed. The only requirement stated on the contract was that he must provide the form and ingredients in half a year''s time. There weren''t many uses that he needed to take note of.


    He wasn''t worried that he would be scammed.


    If that world possessed something so good like the ck mud cream, it would definitely possess other good stuffs that were waiting to be discovered by him.


    If Chen family scammed him, he would only suffer a small loss, but they would definitely suffer a huge one.


    Right now, he only cared about the 2 million yuan. It was his main concern now.


    After signing the contract, the money was directly transferred to Ren Baqian''s bank ount.


    When Ren Baqian saw the series of numbers in the text message on his phone, he could only think of four words��free from all worries!

 Chapter 16: The Big Purchase

    Chapter 16: The Big Purchase


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Walking out of theplex, Chen Qing wrapped his hands around Ren Baqian''s shoulder and asked, "What''s next?"


    "Renting an apartment!" Ren Baqian promptly replied. "Moving to a bigger, quieter one."


    Other matters were not as urgent: finding an apartment came first.


    His current rental apartment did not have a good environment. His bedroom and living room faced the sun on three fronts, making it as hot as hell in the summer. Thendlord stayed nearby as well, and he was afraid that his constant disappearing and reappearing would be discovered by someone.


    As long as he had money, there was nothing to worry about. The two of them went to a real estate agent and highlighted Ren Baqian''s requirements: spacious, bright, well-furnished, good environment, and quiet.


    Upon hearing his request, the agent swiftly picked out details of more than ten apartments from hisputer. All of them met Ren Baqian''s requirements.


    The prices ranged from 2500 yuan per month to more than 10000.


    Ren Baqian looked through his options and found one that caught his eye. It was a penthouse with 2 levels on the 7th and 8th floors of the building. The 7th floor had 2 bedrooms and 2 living rooms, while the 8th had a bedroom, a living area, and a huge balcony about 60 square feetrge.


    The apartment was designed in a minimalist European style and looked veryfortable.


    Also, it had an elevator, was located in a small neighborhood, and seemed rather well managed.


    Ren Baqian looked at its 7500 yuan per month price tag. He clenched his teeth and decided to go for it.


    One year''s rent was 90000 yuan and 97500 yuan if agent fees were included.


    His original monthly sry was only 3200 yuan. Renting an apartment for 100000 yuan a year naturally made him feel the pinch.


    But he was not going to be short of money anymore. Besides his ck mud cream business venture with the Chen family, there were countless other treasures awaiting him in that other world. Thinking about this made Ren Baqian feel much better.


    "Let''s go and take a look at the apartment," Ren Baqian suggested.


    Seeing Ren Baqian''s interest in renting this apartment made the agent''s heart leap with joy. Closing this deal would her half a month''s pay. She immediately grabbed the keys and brought them to see the apartment.


    The apartment was not directly in the city center but was slightly away. Ren Baqian did not mind this since he intended to buy a car next.


    Entering the small neighborhood, Ren Baqian immediately fell in love with this ce. It had greenery everywhere that upied almost half the area of the small neighborhood. Additionally, there were not many peopleing and going. He could see a few elders ying chess and chatting under the shade.


    As he listened to the agent''s introduction, Ren Baqian toured around the apartment, and he was extremely satisfied��particrly, with the balcony of the penthouse filled with flowers and nts.


    "This is it." Ren Baqian decided on the spot.


    Upon hearing that Ren Baqian settled on this apartment, the agent''s face lit up with a smile. At the very least, 2000 yuan would fall into her pocket.


    What came next was the signing of contract and paying rent. Rent would be collected every 6 months, but Ren Baqian paid the rent for one year as he wanted to avoid other people disturbing him.


    By the time everything was settled, it was already one in the afternoon. He went for lunch with Chen Qing and went to purchase a car immediately afterwards.


    A car is a man''s mistress. In the past, Ren Baqian indeed did not pay much attention to cars. This was because with his wage back then it would take god knows how long for him to even purchase a car. Moreover, he had to not eat or drink for it to that to even happen.


    Using the money he saved from a temporary job, he got his driving license during his fourth year in university. At that time, he embraced the thought of being prepared in case he ever needed to drive. Now, it came in use.


    Although he did not really know much about cars, he already had a n to purchase an Audi A6L. It was not considered cheap, and therefore, he would not get supercilious looks from others. But, it was not too expensive either and was what he could afford at the moment.


    He went directly to the Audi 4S shop, settled the insurance, and got a temporary vehicle license. After which, he collected the car and left.


    Ren Baqian felt a bit regretful. It was such a shame that he did not bump into any acquaintances. Otherwise, he could have pretended to be a wealthy man and look at their reaction. It was rare that he had such a sessful moment.


    A pity that there was no such chance.


    It took less than 15 minutes from viewing the car topleting the whole transaction, as straightforward it could be.


    Audi A6L, 2017 luxury model that cost 66000 yuan in total. The full price of this car was not even 68000 yuan.


    Even after collecting the car and leaving the ce, both the manager and salesperson were still waving at the back.


    Their favorite type of customer would be this kind of rich, straightforward ,and no-nonsense person.


    After collecting his car, Ren Baqian didn''t Chen Qing''spany anymore. "I am going to buy some daily necessities. How about you?"


    "I''ll go back to the office and take a look. I will leave first. Let''s have dinner tonight."


    "Sure!"


    After Chen Qing drove off, Ren Baqian went straight to the shopping mall. He purchased aputer, bedding, and some daily necessities and stuffed them into his car.


    Ren Baqian sat in the car and felt a burst of pleasure. It felt good to be rich. He did not need to think twice when he wanted to buy something.


    Furthermore, he finally had his own car.


    As for aputer table, there was one at the new apartment, and he did not need to trouble himself.


    He returned to his old rented apartment and tidied up the items that he still wanted. Then, he threw them into the car and returned the keys to thendlord.


    Ren Baqian could not be bothered to get a refund for the remaining half a month''s rent.


    "Sorry for the inconvenience all this time." Ren Baqian shook thendlord''s hand to bid his farewell.


    "You have made it rich!" Thendlord had seen the new car with a temporary vehicle license earlier on.


    "You have my contact number? Doe back to find me whenever you are free, I will treat you to a meal or something!" Thendlord patted Ren Baqian as he bade farewell.


    Thisndlord was a pretty good person. He would usually help him out as long as it was within his reach. With regards to the rent, it was possible for him to dy the payment for a day or two. Of course, if the dy was longer, he would also simrly kick him out of the apartment.


    After bidding farewell to thendlord, he checked the time and gave Chen Qing a call to set their meeting point before heading over directly.


    He waited in the car for a while before Chen Qing arrived.


    "Today, you changed your apartment and bought a new car. It''s a happy asion. Let''s go and have fun after dinner. " Chen Qing ced his arm, upon seeing him, around Ren Baqian''s neck.


    "I have just suffered a loss, have you lost your memory? Sure enough, the one who was stabbed wasn''t you?" Ren Baqian could not help but to say it.


    "Heh, rest assured, they do not have the guts to appear again. My dad''s already worried after that incident." Chen Qian smiled.


    "Besides, it can be considered that you have started your own business. We should celebrate for you no matter what."


    In the end, Ren Baqian finished his dinner and followed Chen Qian to find bar and have some fun.


    However, Ren Baqian''s luck wasn''t good that night. Even though he didn''t return empty-handed, there was only one woman that was not bad in all aspects. He was not the least interested in the other two.


    s, he could only look on as Chen Qing took that woman to a hotel. Under the resentment of the other two women, Ren Baqian found a designated driver and returned to his new home by himself.


    After taking all the things he bought upstairs, Ren Baqian sat at the balcony for a while and enjoyed the peace and asional breeze. He thought to himself, "This was what enjoyment is all about."


    Previously, he was always working hard solely for the sake of survival.


    It was also due to his good luck that he was actually able to teleport between Earth and that world. If not, he would perhaps have to follow his original n to be amon, unremarkable man.


    The next day, Ren Baqian found a housekeepingpany and arranged for housekeeping twice a week in the mornings. He did not want to see a cluttered and dusty house after returning from that world every 9 days.


    However, the bedroom in the 2nd story was prohibited from cleaning.


    .


    As he was afraid that someone would enter his room when he wasn''t around, he specially installed a few surveince cameras around the house.


    The greatest function was deterrence.


    As long as the housekeeper knew there were surveince cameras, she would not dare to enter his room if he wasn''t at home.

 Chapter 17: Drawing A Circle

    Chapter 17: Drawing A Circle


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After settling his stuffs, Ren Baqian called his family. All along, he had been calling his family every half a month. This time around, he had not called his family for nearly an entire month.


    A female voice picked up the call. Following which, the female voice grumbled, "So you still remember to call me huh?"


    "I am quite busy recently. I have set up apany with my friend, and I have been working hard every day." Ren Baqian gave a hollowugh.


    "Company? Whatpany? Where did you get the money to set up apany?" When Ren Baqian''s mom heard the word pany", she immediately forgot about reproaching her son. She was afraid that her son might get scammed.


    "I provide the technology while my friend provides the capital. A venture capital firm even thinks highly of us and invested some money in ourpany." Ren Baqian wasn''t exactly speaking the truth.


    Telling his mum that a venture capital firm invested in hispany was much easier than exining to her what the ck mud cream was.


    Otherwise, he could not exin the money in his pocket.


    After speaking for some time, his mom still remained skeptical. Ren Baqian continued, "I have transferred 300000 yuan to your ount. You and dad should spend some money and have fun."


    "There''s no need for you to transfer me money. Your dad and I aren''t in need of money anyway," Rem Baqian''s mom grumbled. However, she still felt happy that her son sent her 300000 yuan. This proved that her son had indeed made money and their rtives would not look down on him anymore in the future.


    "Save it for you and your younger brother''s weddings," his mom said.


    "There''s no need for you to save the money for my wedding, I still have a lot of money with me and I didn''t transfer it all to you. Whatever Younger Brother wants, buy for him," Ren Baqian chuckled. After speaking for another ten minutes, his mom reminded him not to squander his money and put down the phone.


    That afternoon, Ren Baqian went out again to run errands.


    The ten odd-job workers worked very hard, and Ren Baqian had told himself before that he was not going to ill-treat them. Therefore, he had to make good on his promise.


    However, he definitely could not reward them with money.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that it was still better to get them food.


    Ren Baqian found a famous restaurant and bought a lot of roast stuffed chickens, marinated beef, and pork shoulders. He bought enough food for the ten odd-job workers to have a feast.


    The food in that world was much worse than Earth''s. After all, they did not have such a variety of spices or recipes that had been continuously improved throughout the generations.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that Earth''s food would make those people lick their tes clean.


    As for the idea of bringing liquors to that world, Ren Baqian abandoned it after much consideration.


    For the food, he could tell them he make them himself. On the contrary, he couldn''t tell them he made the liquors himself as it was impossible to produce them in one or two days.


    That night, when Ren Baqian went to bed, he tied two huge bags of food to his body with a rope. When he woke up, the two bags of food appeared with him in the room in the other world.


    The first glimmer of light shone through window.


    Ren Baqian put on his coarse clothes, ced his things and the food neatly on one side, and left the house.


    A gush of extremely fresh air hit him in the face.


    Unpolluted air smelled really good.


    Ren Baqian felt lucky that he would only stay here for three days. If he stayed any longer, he might not be able to get used to the heavily polluted air on Earth anymore.


    The people of this world slept early and woke up early. By this time, people were already beginning to do their daily chores.


    Ren Baqian paid a visit to the ice cer and noticed that one-third of it was already filled with ice. This was after some of the ice was used for the white bear.


    This showed that the odd-job workers did not ck off while he was gone.


    However, washbowl-shaped ice bs were not easy to pile up. Ren Baqian considered whether or not should he make a few cube-shaped boxes to make ice.


    The odd-job workers arrived not too long after Ren Baqian reached the ice cer. All of them greeted him and said hello. Becuase he was young, he had never taken up any leadership positions before, not even the position of ss monitor. Ren Baqian, who had always been a follower, felt extremely good now.


    The odd-job workers wanted to work for a while before eating breakfast.


    "Where do I go if I want to forge something?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "If you want to forge metallic products, you will have to go to Baishi District. There are many workshops there." Someone understood what Ren Baqian''s words meant and answered him.


    "Is troublesome to leave this beast park?"


    "Let Caretaker Shi know you''re going out and take a paper slip from before you go."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and said to everyone, "Work hard, I will treat everyone to a feast tonight."


    "Yes!" Everyone''s morale rose sharply after hearing Ren Baqian''s words.


    Usually, Ren Baqian''s breakfast would either be vegetable porridge or rice with mixed vegetables. When vegetables were cooked together, they did not really taste good; however, his food was already considered not bad in this world. The meals provided for the odd-job workers were worse than his.


    After finishing his breakfast, Ren Baqian went to find Caretaker Shi. "Caretaker Shi, I need to go out and make a few metallic boxes."


    "I have to go out and run some errands too. If you''re not in a hurry, you can wait for me and we can go together," Caretaker Shi replied.


    "That would be the best," Ren Baqian smiled.


    He did not even know where the entrance of the beast park was, let alone Baishi District. Therefore, it would be a good thing if he could go out with someone who was familiar with the city environment and the local culture.


    Otherwise, he might offend the locals and get into a fight due to hisck of knowledge on the local culture.


    Afterpleting the task he had in hand, Caretaker Shi changed into a new set of clothes that was made up of a higher quality fabric and took Ren Baqian out.


    The beast park was connected to the imperial pce, but it had other exits that were guarded by a few soldiers.


    Caretaker Shi shed the medal on his waist and brought Ren Baqian out of the beast park.


    "The next time you leave the beast park on your own you''ll have to bring the paper slip. Don''t lose it otherwise you can''te back in," Caretaker Shi reminded Ren Baqian.


    "Entering and exiting this ce is much easier that I thought."


    "How secure do you think it should be then?"


    "Don''t you think there should be more guards and the inspection should be more thorough? What if someone sneaks into the beast park?"


    "That would be so troublesome! The beast park is Her Majesty''s, no one will go there!" Caretaker Shi burst outughing.


    When they came out of the beast park, a dirt path greeted them. There were woods on both sides of the dirt path. As they walked further down the path, they reached a residential area.


    "This is where the court officials live," Caretaker Shi pointed to the huge and luxurious houses on both sides of the path and said.


    After walking for a while more, Ren Baqian heard amotioning from ahead. Apparently, there were two persons fighting.


    Or rather, one person was mounted on the other while beating him up.


    Both of them wore embroidered clothes, appearing to be from wealthy families. Standing to one side, the people spectating the fight seemed to be the attendants of the two men.


    Caretaker Shi led Ren Baqian past themotion, looking as though he did not find it at all surprising. Ren Baqian kept on turning his head around to look at the fight. Every punch thatnded on flesh was filled with force. He could clearly hear the sound of the punchesnding on the person''s face. Ren Baqian felt pain for that person being punched.


    Suddenly, the guy, who had been mounted, retaliated by kicking the person on top of him. That person flew into the air and crashed into a wall, creating a huge hole on it.


    Ren Baqian sucked in a breath of cold air when he saw this sight.


    "No one cares about them?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "What''s there to care about? They are merely scuffling," Caretaker Shi spoke as though it wasn''t a big deal.


    "Why isn''t anyone helping them?"


    "Of course, they are drawing a circle. If someone helps either one of them, the person who receives assistance will definitely be ridiculed," Caretaker Shi exined.


    At the same time, he warned Ren Baqian, "If someone finds you to draw a circle, don''t be afraid and beat him up. Whether he is a court official or amoner, just beat him up."


    After thinking about it for quite some time, Ren Baqian reckoned that "drawing a circle" might refer to a duel. Interpreting this phrase literally, whoever stepped out of the circle would lose the duel.


    "But can a court official be beaten up too?" Ren Baqian curiously asked.


    "You can definitely do that if he finds you to draw a circle. However, you are not allowed to find him to draw a circle. If that was allowed, then all the high-ranking officials would be dead tired."


    Ren Baqian grinned. Drawing a circle seemed somewhat simr to the duels of some countries in ancient times.


    If a provoked court official looked for someone to draw a circle, that person would be allowed to retaliate. And after listening to Caretaker Shi''s words, Ren Baqian felt that one did not need to fear acts of revenge.


    He looked at his own body. These few days, the people that he encountered in this world were tall and huge. Their arms were thick and muscr enough to be used as legs. He guessed he would not be able beat them even if there were several clones of him.


    After knowing the existence of the street fight culture in this world, Ren Baqian considered whether or not should he carry with him a taser or a pepper spray.


    "Do the officials frequently find people to draw a circle with? What will happen if you offend them?"


    If it''s amoner that offends an official, that official will at most send his guards to teach him or her a lesson. An official will personally draw a circle only if the other party is also an official as well."


    "The officials will draw a circle with each other too?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity.


    "Of course, there are fights in the Empress Hall almost every day. A few days ago, Her Majesty approved the Guardian of Nation and the Conqueror of the North to draw a circle on the pce wall. That day, the space beneath the pce wallpletely filled with spectators. Some people even went a day earlier to reserve a good spot to see the fight."


    Initially, when Ren Baqian first heard about "drawing a circle", he felt unusually ufortable. However, after he finished listening to Caretaker Shi, he had a direct understanding of the Dayao Nation''s valiant social culture. Even though he knew Dayao''s citizens were known to be valiant from his previous drinking session with Caretaker Shi, it was only now that he realized how valiant they really were.


    When he thought of the daily fights in the Empress Hall and the empress allowing people to fight on the pce wall, he felt his teeth hurt.


    Fortunately, the fight wasn''t as epic as The Duel.


    ("The Duel" is a Hong Kong wuxia movie)

 Chapter 18: Bought Two Pandas

    Chapter 18: Bought Two Pandas


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After passing by the court officials'' residential area, the number of people in the surrounding started to increase.


    Just like what he saw during the past few days, the people in Dayao were practically all well-built and tall.


    The male civilians mostly wore buttoned vests revealing their bronze-colored robust chests, a pair of shorts, and grass shoes. Almost every single one of them had a six pack.


    The female civilians wore tops covering their chests and abdomens, and simrly, shorts. asionally, they wore short skirts made from animal skin as well. They had slender yet full figures filled with vitality.


    There were many Dayao indigenous people as well as many hunters. Thus, such attire would ease their movements.


    Besides, it was so hot over here. The estimated temperature during the day was about 40 degrees Celsius.


    It would be somewhat cooler to dress up like that.


    Most of the people whom Ren Baqian met carried a short knife and a hunting bow with them. This made Ren Baqian, who''d always lived in a secure and peaceful Earth, felt that there was no sense of security.


    Even during the ancient times of China, there were strict regtions over the possession of swords, spears, bows, or crossbows.


    But, weapons could be found everywhere over here.


    After walking for a short distance, Ren Baqian saw anothermotion.


    This time, it was a dispute between a few indigenous people and a shop owner. Behind the shop owner were a few well-built men carrying swords. However, their skin was slightly fairer, and they were a little shorter. Their clothes were not at all identical to the other Dayao people whom he''d seen.


    "Those people are from the Yun Nation. The bastards who milk people dry," Caretaker Shi took a nce at Ren Baqian and said to him; it was obvious that he had a lot of grievances.


    The two of them had yet to go over, yet the two gangs of people already started fighting.


    All of a sudden, there was a burst of chaos. In less than a minute, someone flew out and fell heavily on the ground. He rolled over, stood up and dashed back into the fight.


    Ren Baqian looked at his tiny arms and legs and reckoned that he might not even be able to defeat a woman. This was simply too depressing.


    Unknowingly, a crowd who wore uniformed clothes dashed out. With swords in hand, they separated the two gangs of people. The indigenous people and the people behind the merchant were all taken away. As for the boss, he did not make a move and was naturally safe.


    "I thought no one cared about them?" Ren Baqian was puzzled.


    .


    "Nobody cares if they are drawing circles, but such a brawl in the middle of the street, someone definitely has to care," Caretaker Shi replied.


    "How will they be dealt with after arresting them?


    "Ten flogs, nothing serious. They''ll just have to apply medicine and rest for a day before they are back to their normal active lives. But I think those Yun Nation people will have to lie in their beds for an additional day or two." Caretaker Shiughed mischievously as he rejoiced in their misfortune.


    "Why don''t they draw circles?"


    "That group of cowards!" Caretaker Shi''s tone was full of disdain.


    "If they decline to draw circles, they will be despised by others. However, they don''t care," Caretaker Shi exined. "The Yun Nation people are different from us, they care more about money."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head as it was also like that on Earth. In society, it has be the norm to get ahead in the world by abandoning one''s scruples rather than to suffer poverty.


    "They too cannot stand that they are picking quarrels and fighting every day." Ren Baqian wondered why the Dayao Nation detested those merchants so much yet did not learn from them.


    "It doesn''t happen every day. After all, which ordinary person could endure a series of flogs followed by buying medicine to apply? Additionally, he would also have to lie in bed for an entire day. Furthermore, which one of them does not hire dozens of bodyguards? The court officials also do not wish to pressure them too much. If they were overly pressured, from whom would be left to buy goods?"


    Ren Baqian understood. The people in Dayao detested these merchants'' greed but they were unable to live without them.


    After all, it was because the Dayao Nationcked everything.


    More than half of their basic needs such as clothing and food were reliant on external sources.


    Those merchants grabbed a hold of this weakness. Only then, would they have nothing to fear. Simrly, they also did not dare to over pressure the Dayao Nation.


    As Ren Baqian walked, he admired the scenery in this world. It was mostly various kinds of 2-storey tall wooden houses. Between every two houses, there was a stone wall separating the houses. Ren Baqian guessed that this stone wall guarded against fire. Just in case the houses caught fire, it would not burn arge area.


    Simrly, the signages of the shops on both sides had pictograms. But, they were different from Chinese characters.


    Ren Baqian did not understand ancient writings, and he did not know which dynasty''s ancient writing was it simr to.


    The biggest eye opener for Ren Baqian was the carriages that went by asionally. For the time being, they were still considered carriages.


    Most of the creatures that pulled the carriages looked like goats; however, their size was simr to cows.


    Once in a while, he would see a living creature that looked like a deer pulling the carriages.


    "Eh?" Ren Baqian''s gaze suddenly stopped somewhere by the roadside. He saw two plump chaps which were leashed and ying by the roadside.


    Their bodies were ck and white, and their shape was almost that of a ball. Their movement was slow and they had two dark circles hanging on their heads.


    Aren''t those pandas? Why are they leashed here?


    "Hang on!" Ren Baqian shouted and ran to the side of the panda.


    The two pandas were tiny, and when they stood up, were at the knee-level of humans. Also, they were very clumsy. One panda currently climbed on top of the other, and when the other party moved, it immediately fell on its back.


    It flipped over and turned his head around to look. It saw Ren Baqian looking at him, stuck his tongue out, and disyed its cuteness.


    "This is a flower bear, and its meat isn''t tasty," Caretaker Shi blurted out as Ren Baqian moved towards the pandas.


    "Their meat isn''t tasty?" Ren Baqianughed. If Caretaker Shi dared to eat pandas on Earth, even if he did not get executed by a firing squad, he would have been condemned by others till he had no choice but tomit suicide.


    Caretaker Shi nodded his head seriously. "There are a lot of them in the mountains. They aren''t tasty. Furthermore, they rarely attack people. People ignore them in general."


    "Why are they leashed over here? Are they for sale?" Ren Baqian was tempted. If he was able to raise two pandas, it was practically like a dreame true. Dayao people would never be able to understand the Chinese''s affection towards pandas.


    After confirming that they were on sale, Ren Baqian headed towards the shop and shouted, "Anyone?"


    The person who came out was a tall and husky man. He also had a hideous-looking scar on his face.


    There were also shop owners who were Dayao people on this street. They upied about half of the number of shops. The things they sold weren''t as varied as the foreign merchants, but rather, they mostly sold items from the mountains.


    "How old are these flower bears? How much are they?"


    "Those two little ythings are about three to four months old? You can have them for 3 taels of silver," he replied while leaning on the door.


    "3 taels of silver?" Ren Baqian was stunned for a while. It was too cheap and was more or less equivalent to buying a dog on Earth.


    "Caretaker Shi, can we bring them back to raise?" Ren Baqian turned his head and asked.


    "You can raise them, but, these things eats a lot." Caretaker Shi could notprehend why Ren Baqian would want to buy these two flower bears.


    "I want them." Ren Baqian couldn''t even be bothered with the price and immediately purchased the two pandas.


    "But I will leave them with you first. I will be back to collect them."


    "Sure," the tall and husky man nodded his head.


    Ren Baqian handed over the money. As he walked, he giggled to himself from time to time. He never expected that he would ever have the chance to raise a panda.


    Upon reaching Baishi District, there were many shops that sold different types of swords, knives, long bows, and arrows.


    asionally, there would also be shops that sold axes, kitchen knives, and farming implements.


    Ren Baqian found a shop and exined his purpose foring. He wanted to make five metal boxes in two sizes��onerge and one small. The small one would be ced inside therge one.


    And as long as every box had a handle, it would be sufficient.


    Ren Baqian had only one request. If it was durable and did not rust easily, it would be fine.


    These type of boxes were easy to make and any shop would be able to manufacture them.


    "One set for 1 and a half taels, five sets for 7 taels," The shop owner said straightforwardly.


    "Okay." This world''s metal products were after all still slightly more expensive than the ones on Earth. It wasn''t unexpected.


    Ren Baqian paid half the amount, and his mission was considered aplished.


    Following which, Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi went a few rounds around the city and ordered a few other items.


    They were mainly food for the animals in the beast park, and they would be directly delivered to the beast park when it was time. Ren Baqian thought of the two little chaps and specially bought a few bamboo leaves to be delivered together as well.


    He initially wanted to pay, but Caretaker Shi stopped him.


    The monthly consumption of the beast park was high and ordering bamboo leaves for the


    pandas was considered insignificant inparison. The boss smiled candidly. After rifying that Ren Baqian was going to raise two flower bears, he said that he would also deliver some bamboo leaves whenever he delivered the fodders for the other animals.


    In any case, those two were just cubs, and all he had to deliver was a small amount of bamboo leaves, and it would be sufficient.


    Lastly, he bought some inferior liquor. Since he wanted to reward the efforts of the ten odd-job workers, how could there be food and no liquor?


    The wine was called Thorny Fruit Wine and was reddish with impurities in it. Ren Baqian took a sip; it was very nd. He estimated its alcohol content to be about slightly more than 10%. In addition, its taste was very weird.


    It''s said that it''s made from a certain type of fruit and two taels of silver could buy half a bucket of them. It was about 15 catties. Although it was not cheap, butpared to two taels of silver for one catty of spirits, it was much cheaper.


    At noon, they randomly found a ce to have lunch. After all, Caretaker Shi''s ie wasn''t high, and at the present, Ren Baqian waspletely reliant upon the empress''s reward. He didn''t know when he would receive his wage.


    What shocked Ren Baqian was that this world actually had hamburgers.


    Although the ingredients used were different, but it, in actual fact, was a hamburger.


    The meat that was wedged between had a strong mutton taste. Although the voring was so-so, the meat was fresh and tender. Ren Baqian quite liked it and consecutively ate two hamburgers, which were bigger than the size of his palm.


    As for the bread holding the meat, it was made from inferior grains and wasn''t very tasty. However, it had its own distinctive vor.


    At this time, Ren Baqian also inquired about the ck mud cream and where could he purchase it.


    Chen Qing''s side was still waiting for the form and raw ingredients.

 Chapter 19: A Dinner Treat

    Chapter 19: A Dinner Treat


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Chen Medicinal Shop is there." Caretaker Shi pointed to a distant signboard.


    Ren Baqian made a mental note of the location of the shop. It was gettingte today. He would have to visit the shop in the future to see if he could exchange anything for the form and raw ingredients.


    On the way back, Ren Baqian made some inquiries about Chen Medicinal Shop''s background. Reportedly, the shop owner came from Great Xia and had stayed in Dayao for thirty plus years.


    It possessed top-notch medical expertise, its owner was nice, and its medical fees were not expensive at all. Very often, they would allow the indigenous people to pay their fees in arrears. They coulde back and pay for their fees after they earned enough money through hunting in the mountains.


    The citizens of the Dayao Nation were straightforward, and they always paid back their debts of gratitude. There were extremely few people that chose not to pay their debts to Chen Medicinal Shop.


    These people would most likely stay in the mountains forever.


    Even though the owner of Chen Medicinal Shop was a foreigner, many locals respected him.


    Ren Baqian returned to the shop that sold the pandas. The shop owner even gave him a bamboo-made basket that he could carry on his back and some bamboo leaves. The amount of bamboo leaves he gave was enough to feed the two pandas two meals.


    Ren Baqian picked up one panda and carried it in his arms. Its fur was shaggy and soft but had a smell to it.


    The small chap kept on moving with curiosity in his arms, making him extremely happy.


    Ren Baqian ced the two small fellows into the bamboo basket, revealing only their heads. They looked around curiously.


    When Ren Baqian returned to his house in the beast park, he let them out of the basket. The two small chaps nkly sat on the ground for quite some time before crawling around carefully to explore their surroundings. asionally, they would bang into something or trip and fall. Looking at the two clumsy pandas, Ren Baqian felt very joyful.


    He could not help but pick them up and brush his face against their fur, not minding the smell from their bodies at all.


    He thought for a long time beforeing up with names for the two pandas. The one that kept licking his face was called Tiantian while the one that kept falling down was called Gungun.


    After naming the pandas, Ren Baqian once again felt overjoyed. Most people kept dogs and cats as pets. There were some ancient war ns that had kept bears as pets, and the tycoons in Middle East kept leopards as pets. He felt quite unique for keeping two pandas as pets.


    If he brought them out on the street on Earth�� he most likely wouldn''t attract envious gazes, but rather cops.


    He took out the food he brought from Earth. From their sent, he could tell that it had not gone bad yet.


    If he left it here for one more night, it really might go bad.


    Ren Baqian went to the ice cer and noticed that now it was filled with even more ice.


    "Alright, dinner time. Today, I want to reward everyone. There will be food and alcohol."


    Upon Ren Baqian finishing his sentence, everyone cheered in jubtion.


    Then he invited Caretaker Shi and the other three caretakers of the beast park and set up three tables outside the ice cer.


    Among all the caretakers, Caretaker Shi was ranked the highest. The other three caretakers were one rank lower than him. Being a neer, Ren Baqian had the least number of subordinates.


    Ren Baqian, Caretaker Shi, and the other three caretakers sat on one table while the odd-job workers sat on the other two tables.


    The food that Ren Baqian brought from Earth was ready. The cook ran over to Ren Baqian eagerly and asked him with a smiling face, "Caretaker Ren, how did you make these dishes?"


    Needless to say, Ren Baqian knew he had eaten a bit of the food on the sly.


    "Do you really want to know?" Ren Baqian smiled.


    The cook quickly nodded his head with his eyes lit up.


    "The meals for the next few days have already been prepared. When the food is finished, I will teach you a thing or two," Ren Baqian said as he patted the back of the cook.


    "Okay, let me know what you want to eat in the future." The cook''s face was filled with joy.


    When he smelled the fragrance of the food, he ate a bit of it secretly. Even though the quality of the spices wasn''t exceptionally good, the food was extremely delicious, leaving a rich aftertaste in his mouth.


    After all, the food recipes on Earth had gone through hundreds of years of improvement, and its food was made up from a variety of ingredients and spices. The one-dimensional cooking methods and food recipes in this world could notpete against Earth''s at all.


    When the dishes were served, Ren Baqian raised his cup and said, "Brothers, I have to trouble you to take care of me in the future, thank you so much!"


    "Haha, you''re being too courteous. You might look frail and skinny but you''re actually quite nice!" Caretaker Shiughed.


    Ren Baqian had just arrived in this ce for two days and he was already treating everyone to a meal. He did not seem like someone who did not know anything. Caretaker Shi feltfortable befriending this kind of people.


    The other caretakers raised their cups too.


    Ren Baqian downed his drink in one gulp. Then, he filled his cup and said to the odd-job workers, "We are on the same boat now. I will share with you whatever that the higher-ups give me. If you do a good job and the higher-ups are happy, I will not ill-treat you. If you do a bad job, we will get punished together by the higher-ups. Therefore, we have to work together as one."


    "Alright, we will definitely listen to Sir."


    "Whatever Sir want us to do, we will do it."


    The ten odd-job workers agreed in unison.


    At this point of time, everyone had already begun eating.


    Caretaker Shi ced a piece of pork shoulder in his mouth and his eyes lit up.


    Usually, the food they ate was merely boiled in salt water. At most, they added one or two spices into the food, and this was already considered not bad.


    Their food and Ren Baqian''s food were poles apart.


    He was not the only one that thought so, the others felt the same way too.


    Everyone was swinging their arms as they stuffed the food into their mouths.


    Those odd-job workers began yelling after drinking the liquor. They kept on praising the food as delicious. asionally, they would fight and curse over the food.


    The status of the odd-job workers in the beast park wasn''t as low as the ones'' in a feudal society.


    After all, all of them were 2.2 meters tall, and every one of them could fight and kill. It wasn''t for hard for them to get another job if they left beast park.


    The odd-job workers in the beast park were hired. Their status was somewhat simr to themoners''. Therefore, no one really looked down on them.


    Ren Baqian was surrounded by tall, muscr, and candid men.


    Compared to the sly and narrow-minded people on Earth, these people were more fun to drink and eat with.


    "How did you get these dishes?" Caretaker Shi asked Ren Baqian as the bottle of liquor was passed around.


    "I made them myself. Next time, I will make more good food for Brother. However, the process of making these foods is rather troublesome, I will have to prepare them beforehand," Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "Alright!" Caretaker Shi patted Ren Baqian''s back so hard that he almost mmed into the table in front of him.


    "After having this meal, I feel that the food I ate in the past is so horrible."


    "That''s right. After this meal, I guess I won''t be eating tomorrow," another caretaker grumbled as his face turned red from the alcohol.


    Everyone agreed in a loud voice.


    Even though Ren Baqian was a neer, many of them liked him very much after eating his food.


    After having a few drinks, Ren Baqian began to call the other caretakers "Brother".


    Just as everyone was getting intoxicated, a few men were walking over from a distance. All of them were d in armor.


    Among them, there were two persons that Ren Baqian was familiar with. They were the ones that previously brought him here.


    Ren Baqian and the rest stood up and went forward to greet them. They wanted to know what was going on.


    "Send some ice to the pce, and we need you to follow us." A soldier pointed at Ren Baqian. Ren Baqian found this soldier somewhat familiar. Subsequently, he realized this soldier was the one that carried an ice chunk to the empress that day.


    Drinking this weak alcohol, Ren Baqian wasn''t at all drunk. After hearing the words of that soldier, he immediately became alert and asked softly, "May I know what is going on?""


    "Her Majesty has summoned you, just follow us now," that soldier replied.


    "The weather is rather hot these few days and Her Majesty doesn''t have much appetite. Don''t you say you know how to cook delicious food?" the soldier added.


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth. If they hade earlier, he could bring some marinated beef over. Right now, he had nothing on his hands.


    His culinary skills were ordinary. The empress had eaten countless delicacies and his food would merely be a novelty to her. He did not have much confidence that the empress would praise his food to high heaven like these people.


    He wasn''t familiar with the spices and food in this world. It seemed that he could only follow them and assess the situation first.


    "Brother, thank you very much!" Ren Baqian cupped his hands in salute. Following which, he said to the odd-job workers, "What are you waiting for? Go and send some ice to the pce."


    Then, he turned around and told the caretakers, "Take your time and drink the alcohol, I have to make a trip to the pce."


    "Go ahead. Being summoned by Her Majesty is a major event, don''t worry about us," the caretakers chuckled.

 Chapter 20: Spices

    Chapter 20: Spices


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian dashed towards the other caretakers and cupped his hands in salute. He shouted for a few odd-job workers to shift a cart load of ice chunks and followed the soldiers into the pce.


    There was a passage between the pce door and the beast park. After checking through the ice chunks and the identities of the few of them, they were admitted into the pce.


    The previous time Ren Baqian came, his mind had been filled with thoughts on how to save his own life and, as such, did not have the mood to look around the pce.


    This time round, he was much more rxed.


    In short, the buildings in Dayao looked boorish. The buildings in the pce were mostly made from rocks. There were also some simple engravings on them which served to make Dayao''s boorishness even more prominent. But, Ren Baqian actually found them interesting.


    After all, that type of exquisite garden was in abundance on Earth. This type of boorish and exotic scenery of an aliennd was a fresh experience for him.


    They arrived at the entrance of a pce hall, and the few of them waited outside. The soldier who previously escorted them went ahead to announce his arrival to the higher-ups.


    Shortly after, that soldier dashed towards everyone and waved his hand. "Deliver the ice inside."


    Then he instructed Ren Baqian, "Follow me."


    After leaving the other people, that soldier only then said to Ren Baqian, "Her Majesty wants you to prepare some exotic dishes. Do it well."


    "Many thanks!" Ren Baqian cupped his hands in salute. "Brother, how should I address you?"


    "My surname is Shi, you can call me Shi Hu." The soldier smiled.


    "Is Brother Shi and Caretaker Shi from the same family?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity.


    "We are from the same stronghold."


    Both of them chatted for a while, and Ren Baqian suddenly recalled, "Other than Her Majesty, who else resides in the pce hall? As I was walking in the pce hall, I could barely see a single soul."


    "There are also a few pce maids, odd-job workers, and soldiers like us," Brother Shi replied.


    Ren Baqian was slightly taken aback. To his great surprise, there were no eunuchs in this world.


    After walking for more than ten minutes, only then did they arrive at a big courtyard with over 10 people busy working.


    This was the imperial kitchen of the imperial pce, specializing in preparing food and drinks for the empress. If there were any imperial households or any other guests, this imperial kitchen would be in-charge as well.


    The food and drinks for the guards, pce maids, and the odd-job workers were prepared elsewhere.


    The imperial kitchen''s caretaker was a tall and huge fatty. Ren Baqian did not know if all cooks were like that, but a majority of them were.


    Especially the cooks over here. They researched all kinds of cuisines and tasted all sorts of food daily. It wasn''t odd that they were fat as they had to try every single dish.


    "Caretaker Gou, this is Ren Baqian from the beast park. Her Majesty''s appetite isn''t good today, please allow him to prepare some exotic dishes," Shi Hu introduced Ren Baqian to the imperial kitchen''s caretaker.


    After hearing Shi Hu''s introduction, that fatty''s face exuded a distinct displeasure. He red up on the spot. "Since when did people from the beast park get to prepare meals? For whom is this meal intended?"


    "Caretaker Gou, speak cautiously," Brother Shi warned in a deep voice.


    Caretaker Gou only then realized that his words seemed to give the impression of scolding Her Majesty. He hurriedly replied, "It was unintentional, I hope that you will not me me."


    "The weather has been blistering hot these two days. Her Majesty lost her appetite and did not eat much during lunch today," Shi Hu continued.


    "It''s my fault!" Caretaker Gou lowered his head. Whatever the case, Her Majesty''s bad appetite was definitely the imperial kitchen''s fault. The hot weather doesn''t justify our poor performance."


    "Caretaker Ren is from a foreign country and he is proficient in cooking. Thus, Her Majesty wants him to prepare some exotic dishes for her."


    "The imperial kitchen epts the order," Caretaker Gou cupped his fists and replied.


    Then, he rushed towards Ren Baqian and said, "Come over, use whatever you need. Let''s see what kind of exotic dishes can you whip up. "


    Ren Baqian could see that even though Caretaker Gou had verbally epted the order, he still felt resentment deep down. After all, the imperial kitchen was his territory and he had absolute faith in his own culinary skills.


    If it was another top chef who was disying his culinary skills, he might be willing to take a look and learn from him.


    They did not feel well having a caretaker from the beast park cook for the empress.


    Ren Baqian previously saw that he did not quibble and acknowledged his mistake immediately, and therefore, his impression of him was actually rather good. However, the other party wasn''t fond of him, so he, therefore, did not see a need to be on good terms with him.


    It would be fine as long as he prepared something that satisfies the empress.


    The mainponent of the imperial kitchen was the enormous room inside. There were also two slightly smaller rooms by its side.


    Ren Baqian walked into thergest room and took a nce. There were all sorts of vegetables which he had both seen and not seen before. There were also various types of meat to the side of the kitchen.


    The first thing that caught Ren Baqian''s attention was the spices.


    One by one, he tasted the salt, brown sugar, a type of fruit kernel which was sour and sweet, a kind of spicy fruit, and a ginger-like stolon. In addition, he also tried a jar of an odd-tasting meat sauce. These were all the spices that could be found in the imperial kitchen.


    It was far morecking than what Ren Baqian had expected��far more.


    He reckoned that anymoner''s house in China would definitely have more spices than this imperial kitchen.


    Just like that, that gang of cooks from the imperial kitchen looked at Ren Baqian with a little arrogance. They wanted to see what could he actually do.


    Ren Baqian prided himself as someone with ordinary culinary skills. He definitely could not prepare anything tasty only with these spices.


    As for fully depending on the taste of the ingredients, Ren Baqian was not even familiar them. What could he do with the ingredients?


    "How are things? What are you going to prepare?" Caretaker Gou replied in a condescending tone.


    Ren Baqian was a little disappointed. "There are only these few spices. It''s not even sufficient to cook a bowl of zhajiangmian."


    Upon hearing what Ren Baqian said, Caretaker Gou red up on the spot. "There are only these items all over the world. Even in the pces of Great Xia, Yun Nation and Chen Nation, they only had these spices. Don''t find fault with our things when you are not up to standard."


    Ren Baqian grinned, there was nothing great about his culinary skills. But, if all these items were ordered by him, there would be more choices.


    Moreover, Great Xia, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation pces only had these stuff? Ren Baqian truly could not believe it.


    You are only a cook from Dayao pce''s imperial kitchen. How would you even know what type of spices the other nation''s pces have?


    Additionally, it was said that there were still other countries in existence west of Great Xia and south of the Chen Nation. These countries might be able to obtain more spices from other regions.


    Even though Ren Baqian did not say anything, his expression from declining to say anything made Caretaker Gou unbearably angry.


    You are from the beast park, yet you came to the imperial kitchen to prepare a meal for Her Majesty. Furthermore, you even think that our items are iplete? It''s practically too exasperating.


    If you have the capability,e and take care of the imperial kitchen.


    Caretaker Gou forcefully kept his cool and coldly replied, "What do you want?"


    Ren Baqian shook his head slightly. He naturally could see that Caretaker Gou was unhappy. But the spices they had were iplete, there was simply too little.


    Caretaker Gou got even angrier when he saw Ren Baqian''s response. "As long as whatever you need exists, I would definitely find it for you. If it doesn''t exist, just sincerely admit that your culinary skills are not up to standard and scram back to your beast park."


    "Is there MSG? Pepper? Chinese anise? Cumin? Sesame sauce? Ground pepper? Cinnamon��" Ren Baqian counted seven to eight types of spices as he folded his fingers. Then, he raised his head and asked, "Do you have these spices? It will be okay if you provide at least one of them."


    Caretaker Gou was stunned and after thinking for some time, he asked Ren Baqian, "What are they?"


    Ren Baqian roughly described the taste of the spices he mentioned above. Caretaker Gou was furious after listening to his exnation. "Are you kidding me? A bunch of baloney. All those items are unheard of and absolutely do not exist in the world. If Her Majesty wasn''t waiting for you today, I would have thrashed you out."


    "That''s why I said, your items are iplete." Ren Baqian still shook his head and gave a your-knowledge-is-limited-and-I''m-not-wrong look. This immediately pissed Caretaker Gou off.


    "You take these items out for me to see if it''s real as what you imed. Otherwise, I''ll get you for that. Even if I have to report this to Her Majesty, I will definitely not let this go," Caretaker Shi raised his voice so loudly that dust from the roof was being jolted down.


    The other cooks from the imperial kitchen followed suit and scolded him as well.


    "Where are you from and why are you talking rubbish? Don''t think you can ride on Her Majesty''s order for you toe and start criticizing in the imperial kitchen."


    "The things which you have mentioned does not exist."


    "Babbling nonsense in the imperial kitchen without knowing what the people over here do every day."


    "A caretaker of the beast park knows how to prepare a meal?"


    Their temper was irascible, and they started to swear at him.


    The things which Ren Baqian mentioned werepletely unheard of in their world. It was natural for them to believe that he was babbling nonsense. On top of that, his unconcerned expression indeed provoked people to hate him.

 Chapter 21: Shaved Ice

    Chapter 21: Shaved Ice


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Despite being scolded by the cooks in the imperial kitchen, Ren Baqian wasn''t angry at all. He calmly replied, "What will all of you do if I can take them out?"


    "If you can take them out, I will call you ''Grandpa''," Caretaker Gou said angrily.


    "I will call you ''Daddy''," another cook suddenly added.


    Ren Baqian almost burst outughing. The entire imperial kitchen quieted down.


    Caretaker Gou gave that cook a murderous stare. The cook did not expect Caretaker Gou to speak and blurted out words that undermined Caretaker Gou''s.


    When the cook saw Caretaker Gou''s murderous stare, he turned stunned. Immediately, he corrected himself, "I will call you ''Grandpa'' too."


    Ren Baqian was overjoyed. "Forget about calling me ''Grandpa''. If I can take them out, you will call me ''Brother'' and wait upon me whenever Ie over in the future."


    "If you can''t take them out, I will break your legs." Caretaker Gou gave Ren Baqian a death stare.


    Caretaker Gou''s murderous look, along with his tall and burly body, made him looked really scary.


    To prove that he would really do what he said, Caretaker Gou looked around and found a 10 centimeter thick chopping board and smashed it into smithereens with one p.


    When Ren Baqian saw this sight, he felt pain for the chopping board. Why was even a cook in the Dayao Nation was so hot-tempered? Fortunately, Ren Baqian was confident of himself. He waspletely using Earth''s technologies and resources to bully the aboriginals of an unknown world.


    "Alright then. I will definitely show them to you in four days'' time."


    "If you try to run away, I will hang your head at the city wall."


    "You won''t have the chance." Ren Baqian smiled, not wanting to argue with them anymore. After all, he knew he was bullying them and he should not go overboard.


    He still had some conscience in him.


    After making the bet, Ren Baqian suddenly looked as though he thought of something. He said to Caretaker Gou, "Send someone to the beast park and bring a chunk of ice over."


    Caretaker Gou cast a nce at Ren Baqian and said to a person on his side, "Go!"


    "Do you have fruit?" Ren Baqian continued to ask.


    "Yes!" With a solemn look on his face, Caretaker Gou ordered another subordinate to bring Ren Baqian to choose some fruit. He wanted to see what Ren Baqian could actually do.


    Ren Baqian cut a slice from every fruit and tasted them. The fruit in this world really tasted very good.


    Especially the one that tasted like a coconut. It was the size of half a coconut and did not have a lot of juice within it. However, it tasted very sweet and fresh. Its pulp was smooth, tender and extremely tasty.


    There was another fruit that tasted like a peach, but it was the size of a strawberry.


    There were a few other fruits that tasted not bad as well.


    "What fruits does Her Majesty like to eat?" Ren Baqian asked.


    With a grave look on his face, Caretaker Gou pointed to a few fruits. One of them was the fruit that tasted like a coconut.


    "All of you should know how to extract juice, right?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Upon hearing these words, Caretaker Gou''s face turned even darker. Are you asking us whether or not we know how to extract juice from a fruit? Are you insulting us?


    When Ren Baqian saw the look on Caretaker Gou''s face, he immediately knew the answer. Before Caretaker Gou could say anything, Ren Baqian quickly said, "Extract the juice from this fruit and slice these fruits into smaller pieces."


    Caretaker Gou''s facial expression had never been pleasant ever since Ren Baqian set foot upon the imperial kitchen. With scowling look on his face, he said, "Go and do it."


    Immediately, someone went to wash and slice the fruits.


    After the ice chunk was brought over, Ren Baqian used a kitchen knife to shave fineyers of snow-like ice off its surface and ced them in a bowl.


    Following which, he sprinkled the diced fruits and poured the fruit juice over the bowl of shaved ice.


    Then, he broke the ice chunks into smaller pieces, ced them in a basin, put the bowl of shaved ice in the middle of the basin and covered the bowl with a lid.


    "It''spleted, send it over." Ren Baqian patted his hands.


    "Is this it?" All the cooks in the imperial kitchen that were waiting for Ren Baqian to do something were stunned.


    After working for such a long time, is this it? So simple?


    Do we even need you to do this?


    "Her Majesty has a bad appetite because of the blistering hot weather. This is the best dish for her to eat now. It can relieve her of the summer heat and quench her thirst. After eating this, her appetite will recover," Ren Baqian exined seriously.


    "We let you do something and you made this? Even a child can make this, right?" Someone blurted out.


    "The problem is, do you have ice? Even if you have ice, can you think of it?" Ren Baqian replied calmly.


    There were people that wanted to retort but did not know how after thinking about it. If they had ice, they most probably would just ice the fruits. They would never think of something like this. Furthermore, since when had they ever see ice before in the past? They only knew ice was recently created by the beast park, but they did not it was Ren Baqian who created it.


    "You need so much time to find the ingredients to make just this?"


    "You don''t have enough ingredients and I can only make this," Ren Baqian retorted boldly and confidently.


    Caretaker Gou was infuriated.


    "Send it to Her Majesty. If she isn''t satisfied with it, he will be punished and it has nothing to do with us," Caretaker Gou said. Then, he continued, "I will send it to her personally just in case she thinks it''s our fault."


    Caretaker Gou left the imperial kitchen with the bowl of shaved ice, leaving Ren Baqian and the group of cooks in a staring match.


    Feeling bored, Ren Baqian checked what types of meat and vegetables there were in the imperial kitchen. He ced those that he did not know into his mouth and tasted them.


    When Caretaker Gou reached the empress''s pce hall with the bowl of shaved ice, he saw her lyingzily on the couch.


    Basins of ice chunks were ced around the pce hall, giving off dense traces of cold air and lowering the temperature of the pce hall.


    "Your Majesty, this is made by the Ren fellow from the beast park," Caretaker Gou took out the bowl of shaved ice from the iced basin.


    He put emphasis on the words "the Ren fellow".


    "Oh?" the empress repliedzily. Immediately, someone took over the bowl of shaved ice from Caretaker Gou. After testing it for poison and tasting it, the bowl of shaved ice was served to the empress.


    "What is this?" the empress looked at the bowl and asked.


    "Subordinate does not know as well."


    The empress used a spoon to stir, took one spoonful of the shaved ice, and ced it inside her mouth. Following which, her eyes lit up.


    By eating the pulps, the juice and the shaved ice together, a tinge of coolness flowed straight down her throat into the bottom of her heart.


    After eating a few spoons of it, the empress nodded her head and said, "Not bad, it''s just to my liking. Is there anything else?"


    Caretaker Gou was slightly taken back by the empress''s words.


    After all, he had seen the entire process of how Ren Baqian made it. He merely shaved some ice into a bowl and sprinkled some fruit pulps and fruit juice over it. There was nothing special about it.


    Her Majesty was actually impressed by such a simple dish. The meals that were meticulously prepared by the imperial kitchen for past few days were not even praised by Her Majesty.


    He felt a sense of failure.


    However, he regained hisposure very soon and continued, "He said the imperial kitchen has a limited variety of spices and he did not make anything else."


    "What did he say?" the empress asked, looking as though her interest was piqued.


    "He said�� there are insufficient spices to make even a bowl of zhajiangmian." Caretaker Gou felt anger when he thought of what Ren Baqian had said just now.


    (Zhajiangmian - a Chinese dish consisting of thick wheat noodles topped with zhajiang sauce. Zhajiang sauce is normally made by simmering stir-fried ground pork or beef with salty fermented soybean paste.)


    "What is zhajiangmian?" the empress asked with curiosity.


    "Subordinate doesn''t as well," Caretaker Gou replied. He then continued angrily, "But I know this person likes to bber nonsense. There are only these many spices. Even the imperial kitchen of the Yun Nation has only these spices. I have never heard of the spices that he mentioned."


    "Then?" the empress looked rather interested.


    "He said he is only willing to show them to us four dayster but I feel that he can''t be trusted. Even if there are rare spices in this world, it is not possible for him to find them in just a few days'' time. I feel that he is trying to buy time," Caretaker Gou said.


    "Buy time to do what?"


    "That I don''t know."


    "It''s only four days, we will and see," the empress said nonchntly.


    "Pass down my order, let him go back and make his preparations. Four dayster, I want to see what he can make," the empress ordered.


    She wasn''t at all interested in what happened in the imperial kitchen. She was only interested in what Ren Baqian could do.


    The ice that he previously made out of thin air and this bowl of shaved ice topped with fruit pulps and fruit juice made her look forward to what he would do next.

 Chapter 22: Shaved Ice Business

    Chapter 22: Shaved Ice Business


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian waited in the imperial kitchen for some time before he was brought back to the beast park.


    The message was passed down to him. "Go back and prepare, return after four days."


    Ren Baqian thought of bringing cooked food back but remembering how much the imperial kitchen''s staff already disliked him, decided otherwise.


    It was better for him to pick up some culinary skills when he went back to Earth. With his current skill level, he would probably embarrass himself.


    Although two days were insufficient to turn an amateur into a master chef, he already had some basic knowledge of a few rudimentary dishes. Putting some effort in to learn a few more over two days would definitely benefit him quite bit.


    Moreover, the different types of spices avable on Earth should allow him to whip up a dish that can sufficiently satisfy the empress. Even though she lived in the pce, the food she ate was seasoned with a limited amount of vors.


    Even if she was not fully satisfied, things would probably be fine as long as the food was notpletely unptable.


    By the time he returned to the beast park, the odd-job workers had all copsed onto the tables.


    After all, they rarely got to drink, so their capacity for liquor was not amazing.


    Caretaker Shi was the only one left drinking at the caretaker''s table.


    "They are done. Gone back to rest. How was it? What did Her Majesty summon you for?" Caretaker Shi had sobered up quite a bit waiting for him.


    "The past few days have been hot so Her Majesty didn''t have much appetite. I went over to make her some shaved ice dessert," Ren Baqian replied, amused. He was grateful to Caretaker Shi for waiting for him. Ren Baqian could see that the man was genuinely concerned about him.


    "What''s shaved ice?" Caretaker asked curiously.


    "It''s fruit juice added to ice." Ren Baqian replied. He had a sudden burst of inspiration. Opening a couple shaved ice shops in this hot ce would definitely be a raging sess.


    However, Ren Baqian was not well-acquainted with this world. There were still many things he did not understand about it. He would likely run into lots of trouble if he were to run the business by himself. Besides, he had too many matters to deal with in his hands. Running the shop itself was not that important to him so he would rather coborate with someone else and save himself a load of trouble.


    Caretaker Shi who was right in front of him was an excellent choice. Even though he looked slightly deformed, he was an honest-to-goodness, straightforward person. He had also treated Ren Baqian well these past few days, and working together would help to strengthen their friendship.


    His considerations ended here as he told Caretaker Shi, "Caretaker Shi, please wait here for a moment, I''ll go whip up some good stuff."


    Caretaker Shiughed upon hearing this. "Alright, I''m interested to see what else you can make."


    Ren Baqian went to the ice cer and knocked off a piece. He ced in a bowl and brought it to the kitchen to make shaved ice. A short whileter, he returned to Caretaker Shi with his creation.


    "Try it." Ren Baqian gave Caretaker Shi a bowl.


    "Isn''t this just ice." Caretaker Shi smiled. Even though he had never seen ice prior to Ren Baqian''s arrival, he had be extremely familiar with it over the past few days. Nowadays he would even ce a basin of ice by his bed to make sleeping morefortable.


    "Give it a try." Ren Baqianughed.


    Caretaker Shi looked at it suspiciously before stirring the ice twice with a spoon. "Is this ice inside?"


    "This is shaved ice, try it."


    Caretaker Shi followed Ren Baqian and put one scoop of it into his mouth. The refreshing ice mixed amazingly well with the acidity and sweetness of the fruit. This wonderful experience prated his very soul.


    "H-how cold!" Caretaker Shi eximed as he swallowed the shaved ice. He felt as if his throat was about to freeze over.


    He slowly took his next small scoop, eximing, "How satisfying, eating something like this on a hot day is truly living it up."


    "Caretaker Shi, are you interested in starting a business?" Ren Baqian asked happily.


    "A business? I''m just an old, crude man, what kind of business can I run?" Caretaker Shi held the bowl, looking up at Ren Baqian as he ate. He did not seem particrly interested.


    Caretaker Shi was well aware of his condition. He did not have much money and was not exactly skilled in many things. All he could do was live off his meagre sry


    "This!" Ren Baqian pointed to the bowl.


    "This? Shaved ice? You want me to sell this?" Caretaker Shi asked in surprise.


    "Yup, are you interested?" Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "I am, but you can do this by yourself. Why do you need me? I do not know much." Caretaker Shi put the bowl down and rubbed the back of his own head.


    "I''m a stranger to thisnd, so doing business here might be an issue. I''d rather coborate with Caretaker Shi and make money together. If you have any good deals in the future just remember to rope me in."


    "If we sell this at an affordable price I''m sure it''ll be pretty popr. Are you really willing to share a part of this idea?"


    "In doing business, having a win-win situation for both sides is the most important thing." Ren Baqian appropriated Papa Chen''s saying word for word. At this point, he realized just how well-reasoned this saying was.


    Earth had so many things that he could bring over: food, entertainment, tools. How many of these could he mize alone?


    He might as well work together with others. They''ll act as the shop''s front, settling all the issues while he stayed at the back to count their earnings.


    There were many benefits to such an arrangement.


    Firstly, Ren Baqian would not need to show his face to handle matters, and he would still be able to earn quite a bit.


    Secondly, he would be able to establish strong ties with arge number of partners. These would preferably be Her Majesty and the big shots within the pce.


    He would be much safer this way, since others would not dare offend him.


    Even if someone dide after him, he would have the backing of these big shots.


    He would meanwhile be able to do as he pleased. This was what it meant to enjoy life.


    Caretaker Shi gave a thumbs up when he heard Ren Baqian''s reply. "Brother Ren is truly a straightforward person. It''d be too pretentious of me to say anything more. It shall be as you say. Let''s get down to business."


    Ren Baqian swiftly poured two bowls of wine, and they did a toast to seal the deal.


    From now on it would be easier for him to integrate into this society.


    After downing his bowl of wine, Ren Baqian asked, "Brother Shi, do you have any ideas on how to run this business?"


    "How��" Caretaker Shi stared nkly at Ren Baqian. "Look for a shop space and let my wife do the sales. You''ll provide the ice and my wife will sell. Then, we''ll split the profits 50-50."


    Ren Baqian smacked himself on the forehead. He knew that this was going to be the reply.


    He could not help but query, "Brother Shi, how many bowls would you be able to sell in a day this way?


    "Selling a few hundred bowls a day should be achievable? This city is quite popted." Caretaker Shi fiddled around with his fingers, oblivious to the ws in his n.


    "This city is huge, we can''t possibly expect people to cross half the city just to buy a bowl of shaved ice. We probably wouldn''t earn much even if Sister-inw worked herself half to death."


    Caretaker Shi could hear that Ren Baqian had other intentions. He asked, "What does Brother Ren suggest then?"


    "Let me first ask, how long does this hot weatherst each year?"


    "At least half a year or so?" Caretaker Shi answered after some thought.


    "That''s great. We''ll open ten shops throughout the city so that everyone can conveniently find a shop. The demand for shaved ice should remain consistently high, so all the shops will have consistently good business. I''m sure we can get five times the profit of a single shop this way, if not ten."


    "This sounds reasonable, but is there enough ice? Her Majesty''s need is of the highest priority."


    "Making ice is easy, I''ll teach you. Let us first hire enough people to simultaneously open 10 shops. Once the business is stable, we''ll expand to other cities. Profits will be split 50-50 between the two of us."


    "Sss! Brother Ren, say no more. Anything I get to enjoy in the future will be shared with you." Caretaker Shi dered with a bang of his fist.


    The two of them celebrated deep into the night. Upon returning home, Ren Baqian stepped on something soft.


    Illuminating the ce with hisntern, he realized that the two small chaps had shat all over the floor.


    Ren Baqian''s face scrunched up in disbelief. He scanned the room and found them huddled in a corner, sound asleep. The sight of the two little chaps asleep removed all feelings of anger he had towards them. He could not bear to pick them up and give them a good beating.

 Chapter 23: Indigenous Electric Fan

    Chapter 23: Indigenous Electric Fan


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The second day, Ren Baqian was awakened by an urgent-looking Caretaker Shi.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian replied groggily.


    "Were you for real when you said all those wordsst night?" Caretaker Shi asked.


    "The matter regarding the shaved ice shop? Of course, it''s for real, why would I joke about it?"


    "That''s true. Let''s go out and see if there are any suitable vacant shops!" Caretaker Shi used one arm to pull Ren Baqian up.


    "Brother Shi, you can do this alone. Just find a shop that has a good location and huge customer flow. The store itself doesn''t need to be too big," Ren Baqian said helplessly. Didn''t he find Brother Shi to coborate because he did not want to exert himself in the first ce?


    After Caretaker Shi left in excitement, Ren Baqian copsed back onto his bed.


    Aroundte afternoon, Ren Baqian was awakened by a squeaking sound.


    Initially, he thought it was the birds squeaking. However, when he opened his eyes, he realized it was his two pandas that were squeaking.


    It was only now that Ren Baqian knew a panda squeaked like a bird.


    When Ren Baqian saw the two chaps chewing on the toppled empty bamboo basket, he knew they were hungry.


    However, just as he was about to get up from his bed and wear his shoes, he saw a few extremely disgusting footprints on the floor.


    Two of them were made by himself when he returned to his roomst night. The rest were made by Caretaker Shi when he visited him this morning.


    Ren Baqian grumbled to himself as he walked out of the house. He talked to an odd-job worker and found out where the animal fodders were sent tost night. When he reached there, there were indeed two baskets of bamboo leaves remaining.


    He carried one in each hand. They seemed to be fully filled; they weren''t light at all.


    When he returned to the house, he poured the bamboo leaves on one side and then carefully cleaned up the panda feces from the ground.


    He was thinking he should let the two small chaps stay outside the house.


    After eating his breakfast, he was free, so he bathed the two small chaps. After spending a huge deal of time and effort, he finally managed to bathe them clean while getting himself drenched.


    People in this world bathed using a fruit called bathing beans. Yes, they were literal beans. When one bathed, he or she would throw a bathing bean into the water and wash in it.


    After bathing the two small chaps, Ren Baqian found a clean b and ced them on it. Within a short period of time, both of thempletely dried.


    This time around, when he carried the two of them again, they felt much morefortable, and the smell that they used to have had weakened significantly.


    Gungun pressed its front paws against Ren Baqian''s face and pushed his head with all its strength.


    Ren Baqian yed with the two small chaps for a while before finding someone to get some dear milk to feed them.


    When he saw them drinking the deer milk happily, he felt he finally tasted the joy of keeping pets.


    Afterwards, Ren Baqian walked around the beast park and looked at those half-familiar-half-strange animals.


    That evening, when Caretaker Shi returned to the beast park, he found Ren Baqian and said, "I still can''t make a decision, you have to follow me and take a look tomorrow."


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian could only nod his head.


    The following morning, Ren Baqian was dragged from his bed and out of the beast park by Caretaker Shi.


    The weather in the morning was rather good as it wasn''t as hot as the afternoon.


    This city was called Lan City. The Dayao Nation was called Jiugang when it was just founded. After it changed its name to Dayao, this city was renamed Gang City.


    The city was split into nine districts named after the nine strongholds that founded this country:


    Beihong, Zhulian, Shuiboping, Yingzuiyan, Goujiazhai, Wudaogou, Baishi, Shiwu and Yiwulu.


    The first six districts mainly consisted of residential areas. The remaining three districts were themercial areas.


    Baishi District mainly sold weapons, farming tools and ironworks. Shiwu District mainly sold leathers and furs. Yiwulu District main sold herbs and beast bones. Yiwulu District was where Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi bought the fodders for the animals in the beast park that day.


    Of course, there were a lot of residences in these three districts too.


    It was just that there were more shops than residences.


    court officials stayed in Beihong District.


    The street leading from the main city gate to Beihong District was called Jingyuan Road. The best shops in the city were lined along this street. They were mainly opened by foreign merchants, and there was an extremely small number of shops that were opened by locals here.


    Caretaker Shi found two suitable shops: one was in Yiwulu District while the other one was in Goujiazai District. Goujiazhai was also where his family lived.


    Ren Baqian apanied him to the two locations. The locations were merely alright, not particrly good. However, since nobody knew of the concept of shaved ice yet, they did not need to be afraid ofpetition. Therefore, both locations were eptable.


    The main thing was these two shops weren''t expensive. For each location, inclusive of the backyard, one year would cost around ten taels of silver.


    Of course, Ren Baqian did not find it expensive at all.


    Caretaker Shi''s sry wasn''t too shabby either. He received six taels of silver for sry every month.


    One shop would require two months of Caretaker Shi''s sry. Two shops would thus add up to four months of his sry. Furthermore, he still needed to hire employees and his expenditure would therefore increase. No wonder he wanted to drag Ren Baqian along to check out the shops.


    After all, his sry was used to provide for his family and for buying one or two bottles of liquor every month. Considering his expenditures, he did not have much money left to save. This time around, he prepared to use his son''s savings.


    One of the two shops was upied, but the owner was preparing to move away.


    Ren Baqian followed Caretaker Shi around the shop. It was around sixty square meters. Other than a counter, it could also fit a few tables. By cing tables inside, customers could rest in the shop while eating shaved ice.


    The backyard of the shop was slightlyrger than the shop itself. There was also a small house that people could use for living in or store things.


    "Both locations are suitable," Ren Baqian informed Caretaker Shi after taking a look at the shop.


    "Alright, I''m putting up all my assets this time around." Caretaker Shi made his decision after hearing Re Baqian''s words.


    Subsequently, both of them walked around the streets again. They even enjoyed a street fight along the way. Not too longter, Ren Baqian came across another two suitable locations. One of them was at Jingyuan Road, where the customer flow was the biggest out of everywhere in the city. Naturally, the rent wasparably expensive, costing around two hundred taels of silver per year.


    "This ce is too expensive. Since we are just selling shaved ice, we will definitely lose money," Caretaker Shi persuaded Ren Baqian when he saw him getting interested in the shop that was about one hundred square meters.


    "We will lose money if we only sell shaved ice. What if we sell ice as well?" Ren Baqian suddenly came up with an idea.


    "Sell ice? Will that work? Furthermore, shaved ice can be made so easily. If everyone has ice, then what will happen to our shaved ice shops?"


    "Even if they buy the ice back to make shaved ice, they will not make much money. They still have to incur the loss of the ice melting. Who will do that then? Furthermore, after they have finished eating their shaved ice, they still will feel hot. If they can buy a chunk of ice to take and get an "electric fan", they will have simplified version of air conditioner. Alright, this shall be the n," Ren Baqian thought to himself as he came up with an idea.


    If they couldn''t make an air conditioner, then how about a simplified version of electric fan? It didn''t need to be powered by electricity. They could fit a bearing, a gasket, and a cord to an electric fan. When they pulled the cord, the de of the electric fan would spin. And when they released the cord, the bearing would spur the de to turn in the reverse direction��simr to how yo-yos work.


    This would be more effort-saving and cooling than a fan. The most important thing was that it was a novelty. A lot of rich people would definitely be interested in it.


    If they could add a basin of ice atop it, it would be an absolute delight for anyone in such a hot environment.


    Even if they used a basin of well water instead of a basin of ice, it would still provide great cooling effect.


    "Hehe, I shall let all of you experience the technologies of Earth." The more Ren Baqian thought about it, the more he felt it would work. He patted Caretaker Shi on his back and said, "We shall get this shop too. I still have some money with me, and I can invest it as well. We will rent these three shops first. I will show you something when we go backter."


    When Caretaker Shi heard Ren Baqian was going to invest his money, he quickly rejected him and said, "Brother Ren, you havee with the idea of making ice, I can''t possibly make you invest your money as well. If you have confidence in this venture, I''m willing to sacrifice everything I have to rent these three shops."


    Just as Ren Baqian was about to speak, he heard a soft chuckleing from beside him.

 Chapter 24: Getting Hold Of A Shop

    Chapter 24: Getting Hold Of A Shop


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian turned to see a middle aged man in a long coat standing not too far away. He had a small mustache, and looked to be from either the Yun or Chen Nation. The smirk on his face was probably from hearing Caretaker Shi''s words.


    Beside him were two men with herculean physique that looked like bodyguards.


    Caretaker Shi took two strides towards him. He was half a head taller than the mustached man.


    "What are youughing at?" Caretaker Shi said aggressively, sounding as though he was ready to pound the other party in the face at any moment.


    The two bodyguards took a step forward.


    Ren Baqian had maintained a good rtionship with Caretaker Shi since the beginning and therefore did not know much else about him other than his candid character.


    Now that they were outside, Ren Baqian realized that Caretaker Shi was no pacifist.


    Although, the other party being an outsider could also be a factor. The people of Dayao were not fond of outsiders.


    To them, foreigners who visited Dayao reeked strongly of greed.


    "Nothing much, listening to your words reminded me of when I first started doing business." The middle-aged man chuckled as he took a step back. Although he had only been in Lan City for a short time, he knew how to deal with people from Dayao.


    Although it was rather cowardly, acting this way allowed him to avoid trouble. Besides, he was a merchant who was only here in Dayao to make money. Taking a step back was no big deal.


    In his eyes, those avaricious bums who frequently fought with Dayao''s people were all fools.


    Those who arrogantly thought that Dayao''s citizens did not dare to offend them because they needed their goods were so blissfully ignorant that they had be targets.


    Ren Baqian piqued the mustached man''s curiosity, because he did not look like someone fro


    Caretaker Shi let out a heavy grunt after hearing his reply.


    After surveying the shop''s potential crowd traffic for a while, Ren Baqian noticed that the man was still standing nearby. Intrigued, he asked, "Why are you still standing there?"


    The manughed, "As luck would have it, I have my sights set on this shop as well. I am actually here today to get hold of it."


    Ren Baqian was excited to have met apetitor. Considering how popr this piece of property seemed, he would probably not have any chance to get it if he had not left home this morning.


    Seeing how the middle-aged man was patiently waiting, Ren Baqian deduced that the shop''s owner was about to arrive. Since he had nothing better to do, he decided to wait a while more.


    Soon after, a husky fellow appeared. Without uttering a single word, he removed the shutter boards from the shop''s door and proceeded to walk right in.


    shing a quick smile at Ren Baqian, the mustached, middle-aged man rushed in after the owner with his two bodyguards in tow.


    Ren Baqian dragged Caretaker Shi into the shop to check out its condition. The shop was squarish and about a hundred square feetrge, with stone bs as flooring.


    Behind the shop was arge courtyard and two other houses.


    The fellow who opened the door stoodzed against a pole as Ren Baqian looked around the shop.


    "Alright, no issues. Is this shop for sale?" The middle-aged man walked up to the husky fellow and asked cheerily.


    "Not selling." The husky fellow threw down these two words as he stared at the roof.


    "Fine, then I''d like to sign a three year contract that gives me preferential leasing opportunities after it expires."


    "What f***ing contract, here in Dayao it''s our word that counts." The husky fellow replied in annoyance.


    "A contract helps put one''s mind at ease. After all, in leasing this shop for business we hope to have stability."


    "You''re afraid that we''ll renege on the agreement?" The husky fellow stared fiercely at him before spitting, "Hand over the money if you want to rent this shop. Otherwise, get lost."


    The middle-aged manughed bitterly. This terrible temper of theirs was such a headache.


    "What''s the rent like?" Ren Baqian interrupted from one corner of the shop.


    "Aren''t you guys all together?" The husky fellow asked as he sized Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi up.


    "150 taels for a year."


    Ren Baqian felt the pinch. Caretaker Shi''s sry was only six taels of silver a month, which works the rent out to be two and a half years'' worth of his pay.


    What''s more, all he had on hand was about eighty odd taels, only enough for about half the rent.


    But Ren Baqian immediately thought of Earth''s conversion rate, which was slightly over ten thousand yuan per 80 taels. 150 taels was only about thirty thousand yuan, which was seriously cheap for a year''s worth of rent.


    Back in the city he came from, a piece of property like this one would easily cost upwards of forty to fifty thousand.


    "Alright, I''ll take it." Ren Baqian immediately agreed. "I''ll give you some money as deposit for now. I''ll send the rest three dayster."


    With this shop, he would be able to craft new items to sell in addition to ice, shaved ice, and indigenous electric fans. This street was an excellent location for a shop, and Ren Baqian would be able to get a lot of use out of it.


    Caretaker Shi looked really worried, like he had things to say but could not.


    "My man, what you just did was really dishonorable!" The middle-aged man chuckled disheartened.


    "The early bird catches the worm!" Ren Baqianughed.


    The husky fellow replied, "Great, I''ll wait for three days. Same time, same ce."


    The middle-aged man cut in, "160 taels for a year, and I''ll settle the payment right now."


    Rolling his eyes, the husky fellow said, "We''ll see in three days. If he doesn''t bring the silver then the shop is yours to rent."


    Hepletely ignored the middle-aged man after he was done talking.


    Who knows if it was because Ren Baqian made the first move or if the middle-aged man had offended him with his words.


    Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi searched their entire selves and managed to pool twenty taels of silver. They handed it over to the husky fellow. "We came out today for a stroll, so we don''t have much silver on us. We''ll definitely bring the rest of the payment three dayster."


    "Sure! Bring a paper slip over and I''ll put my thumbprint on it." The husky fellow said.


    Even after they left, the middle-aged man still felt it a pity that he did not get the shop. This was indeed a great location, arguably the best one for his business here in Lan City.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands and bade farewell to the middle-aged man as a sign of respect. He did not have too bad of an impression regarding the middle-aged man. After all, in a world full of burly and husky men, this person looked the most like him. Furthermore, he was not all that loathsome.


    That mustached middle-aged man could not help but offer, "My man, I''m not sure if this is an appropriate thing for me to say but it''s not advisable to put out seventy taels in a business with only a hundred taels on hand. The slightest mishap willnd you in a deep financial mire. What''s more, there will be lots of issues with liquidity. If after reconsidering you find the risk too big, I''m willing to pay you thirty taels. That''s ten taels you will be earning."


    Ren Baqian cackled, "I''ll not worry your excellency over this.".


    Following his reply, Ren Baqian left the scene with Caretaker Shi.


    "Boss, what now?"


    "Let''s see if we can find any other suitable shops. We''lle back three dayster to see how things go," The middle-aged man replied as he watched Ren Baqian vanish into the crowd.


    Having obtained the shop, Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi no longer felt the need to search for new locations.


    Caretaker Shi was still rather worried when they returned to their quarters, "Can we still earn anything after paying a hundred and fifty taels a year? The risk is too high!"


    "Don''t worry, take it as I''m the one who''s renting it. I''d like to sell other stuff using this shop as well." Ren Baqian said easily.


    As long as he had ample resource, he was unafraid.


    Not only did he have the resources, he also had an abundance of things he could sell. Ren Baqian did not feel even one ounce of worry.


    It was only after returning that he realized he had forgotten to drop by the Chen Medicinal Shop.


    Looks like he''ll only be able to visit them three dayster.

 Chapter 25: Romance of the Three Kingdoms

    Chapter 25: Romance of the Three Kingdoms


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    He returned to the beast park. The next morning, a soldier arrived at the beast park to notify that Her Majesty had summoned him.


    This time around, the soldier who came wasn''t Shi Hu anymore. It was someone that Ren Baqian did not know. When he reached the beast park, he asked around and found out where Ren Baqian was.


    Ren Baqian was about to carry Gungun and y with it. Gungun always tried to struggle free from his hands.


    When Ren Baqian saw a soldier arriving, he immediately went forward to greet him and ask, "I am Ren Baqian. May I know why Her Majesty summoned me?"


    "Just follow me when I tell you to do so and stop uttering so much nonsense," the soldier spoke with an arrogant tone.


    They entered the pce and arrived at the same pce hall that Ren Baqian hade tost time. He did not know what the pce halls in the pce were for but it seemed that the empress liked this one very much.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty." Rem Baqian saw the red-dressed empress lying on the couch with her hair let down.


    The interior of the pce hall was very cold. After all, two basins of ice were ced inside.


    "Come forward and speak. As for you, you can step down now," the empress said with azy voice.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps forward with his head slightly lowered, waiting for the empress to say something.


    "Last time, you said that you have a crop that can be grown in abundance while using only a small amount ofnd, right? Are you speaking the truth? Or is it a lie?" the empress asked.


    Ren Baqian''s heart skipped a beat. Thest time he mentioned this, the empress did not have any reactions. It was only after talking to Caretaker Shi that he knew Dayao Nation was actuallycking in food supplies. He had been trying to figure what was going on.


    Now that the empress asked him about it, he immediately replied her in full detail, "This crop is called sweet potato. It can be grown in abundance using only a small amount ofnd. Its yield depends on the quality of thend. However, even in the worst-case scenario, at least 3000 kilograms of sweet potatoes can be produced. Furthermore, this crop has one unique strength, that is, it has very low requirements for thend it''s growing on. It can be grown on ins or on the mountains. Dayao has a few ins and therefore growing this crop will settle a huge part of the food scarcity problem."


    When the empress heard these words, she abruptly sat up straight.


    "Are you speaking the truth?" the empress asked in a low voice.


    "Absolutely true, I am not lying at all," Ren Baqian replied with his head lowered.


    "Where can I find this sweet potato?"


    "Your Majesty, you can give me one mu ofnd near the beast park so that I can grow the sweet potatoes on it. We will be able to see the result in four months'' time." Ren Baqian did not dare to say he have sweet potatoes on his hands now and told her he could only get them two dayster. It was very easy to make a blunder, and so, he gave her an ambiguous answer.


    "Alright, I will approve your request. I will wait for a few months to see if your miracle crop will work or not. If you seed, you will do Dayao Nation a great service and I will reward you whatever you want. However, if you fail, you should know what the consequences of lying to me are," the empress slowly said.


    "Don''t worry, Your Majesty. I definitely will not take a risk with my head," Ren Baqian replied.


    "You better be." The empress nodded her head.


    After finishing her sentence, sheid back down on her couch. Then, she continued, "Didn''t you say you know how to tell stories? Step forward and tell me a story."


    "Yes!" Ren Baqian took a few steps forward. From his current position, he was able to clearer see the empress. Her elegant, almond-shaped eyes were slightly squinted and her facial expression was calm. At this point in time, her usually fearsome face looked much gentler.


    Her red dress hugged her body tightly, revealing her perfect figure.


    After Ren Baqian swept his gaze across her body, he lowered his head and began to think of a story to tell her.


    Journey to the West? This was his favorite story but he felt that he shouldn''t tell her this story. The empress probably wouldn''t like a story that involved a monkey creating havoc in the Heaven, right?


    How about Ouws of the Marsh? Nope, he definitely couldn''t tell her a story regarding a group of bandits initiating a rebellion.


    Dream of the Red Chamber? Nope, he had never read it before.


    It seemed that he could only tell her the story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. This was the story that he had the deepest impression of. He had watched the television series a few different times. Even though he could not recall the original text, he still knew how to tell the story.


    Other than the Four ssic Novels, he also knew Legend of the White Snake and Butterfly Lovers. As for the rest, he couldn''t remember them.


    After deciding on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Ren Baqian cleared his throat and said, "Your Majesty, now I will tell you a story that happened during the ancient Han Dynasty of China."


    "East flows the surging Yangtze River. Its rolling waves have washed away all the heroes. In the blink of an eye, our rights, wrongs, gains and losses are all in vain.


    However, the green hills are still here. How long more can we enjoy the rosy setting sun?


    A grey-haired fisherman stands on the riverbank alone, he is used to the wind of spring and the moon of autumn. He has a joyful reunion over a pot of rice wine.


    All the things, past and present, are retold with nothing but peals ofughter!"


    After Ren Baqiain finished reciting Linjiangxian, the empress opened her mouth and said, "Even though it sounds quite good, it feels slightly depressing."


    Ren Baqian smiled. Then, he began to narrate the first chapter, "Three Heroes Swear Brotherhood In the Peach Garden; One Victory Shatters the Rebels In Battlegrounds".


    Every now and then, the empress would ask Ren Baqian about the characters, such as, Shi Changshi, Zheng Xuan, Lu Zhi, Gongsun Zan, etc.


    When Ren Baqian began to exin and the empress heard the word "eunuch", shemented, "I heard there are eunuchs in the imperial pce of Great Xia Nation. As the ruler of Dayao, I can''t possibly defile the citizens of my country."


    When Ren Baqian mentioned Empress Dowager He and Empress Dowager Dong, the empress asked with puzzlement, "Why can''t women participate in politics?"


    "Hmm, during the ancient times of China, women aren''t allowed to participate in politics."


    "Behead those who have objections until no one dares to say anything. This method work will definitely work," the empress remarked with disdain.


    Ren Baqian felt this statement made sense after thinking about it. Someone in the history of China indeed did just what she said and seeded. It seemed like this empress sharedmon sentiments with Wu Zetian.


    (Wu Zetian - First empress in the history of China)


    During the afternoon, after the empress finished her lunch and Ren Baqian drank some water, thetter continued his story.


    In the beginning, the empress kept on interrupting Ren Baqian. Eventually, she did not say anything more and listened to Ren Baqian''s story attentively.


    For the rest of the day, Ren Baqian narrated 11 chapters. He narrated how Liu Bei saved Kong Rong and how Lu Bu defeated Cao Cao.


    His tongue and mouth were dry, but he was still very energetic. All along, he loved Romance of the Three Kingdoms very much, but he seldom discussed it with other people. Now that he met someone who had never heard the story before, he could finally express his love for it. The more he told the story, the more excited and engrossed he got.


    Eventually, he even began to pace up and down while making hand gestures asionally.


    The empress did not mind his antics at all. She found his dramatic gestures to be extremely amusing and her lips curled into a smile. It was a pity that Ren Baqian so was immersed in the world of Romance of the Three Kingdoms that he failed to notice her smile.


    Beside the empress, there were two pce maids. Even though they did not makements or give opinions like what the empress did, they were enchanted by the story. They gritted their teeth in excitement as the story progressed. After listening to the story for only a while, they already beamed with happiness.


    Very soon, the sky darkened. Ren Baqian finally stopped talking when he saw the color of the sky.


    "This story is rather interesting," the empress said. Following which, she told Ren Baqian to go back first and continue the story tomorrow


    Ren Baqian was stunned when he heard these words. Tonight, he was going to go back to Earth. How could he continue the story tomorrow? He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, tomorrow I have to make various preparations for the cultivation of the sweet potatoes, and I still have to clear a plot ofnd for it. After all, food supply is the cornerstone of a great nation. We can''t depend on those unscrupulous merchants anymore. Right now, obtaining a reliable food source is of the utmost importance."


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian with a fascination. Then she said, "What you said makes sense. Our citizens'' livelihood is a matter of the utmost importance now. Tell you what, you will go back and prepare your so-called ''sweet potatoes'' first. After you are done with them,e back and continue the story for me. And don''t forget your bet with my imperial kitchen."


    The two pce maids looked at Ren Baqian with amenting look in their eyes. He was just getting to the climax of the story.


    They hoped Ren Baqian coulde back earlier to continue the story.

 Chapter 26: Classmate

    Chapter 26: ssmate


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Waking up from his sleep, Ren Baqian had already returned to his bedroom in the newly rented apartment.


    He walked around the house, both upstairs and downstairs. It felt slightly dested as he was the only one at home. It could not bepared to the liveliness and excitement over in the other world.


    Although he was not short on money at the moment, his life over here was morefortable whereas his life over at the other world gave him a sense of belonging.


    Because he was unique and unmatched over in that world.


    But on Earth, he was just one of the manymoners. Nothing stood out about Ren Baqian.


    He sighed while he went to charge his phone.


    He turned on hisputer, and the 34-inch monitor was so much more pleasurable than his original 21-inch monitor. Then he finished watching a movie and turned his phone on once again. There were two missed calls.


    His former colleagues had already be strangers.


    The two missed calls were from Chen Qing.


    He pondered for a while, and Ren Baqian did not eagerly return his call. It was too much of a coincidence if he always called him exactly ten days after disappearing.


    After heading out for a stroll and taking his breakfast, Ren Baqian returned home. Once again, he turned on hisputer and researched on how to nt sweet potatoes.


    He knew what to do after going through the information once. Ren Baqian then drove his car to the supermarket to buy more than ten kilograms of sweet potatoes. He conveniently brought some beer and snacks home as well.


    Just as he opened the door, Ren Baqian heard voices from within his apartment.


    "Thief?" the thought shed through Ren Baqian''s mind. Right away, he recalled that it should be the housekeeper.


    The people inside heard the door open as well, and the sound from inside came to an end. Then, a girl who was in her 20s extended her head out to take a look and retracted it back at lightning speed.


    "There''s somebody. Auntie,e and see if he''s the owner of the house?" Ren Baqian vaguely heard this sentence.


    Afterwards, a middle-ageddy appeared. She saw Ren Baqian and smiled. "Mr. Ren is back."


    They had previously met at the housekeepingpany. But, it was only that once.


    "That''s right, I''m back. You guys get busy with your stuff and need not care about me." Ren Baqian smiled. He was not used to someone calling him Mister, but, the feeling was �C-���� nevertheless rather nice.


    He ced the groceries beside of the sofa in the living room. Then, hey on the sofa and switched on the television; it was airing a new period drama. However, Ren Baqian''s mind waspletely off of the television screen.


    One moment, he was thinking of the ck mud cream, and another moment he was thinking of the other world. The next moment he was thinking of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.


    Thereafter, he also recalled that he had to settle the indigenous electric fan and also the shop. He hurriedly left the house and drove around again. His first stop was to find a private cksmith shop which manufactured jewelry.


    "Do you have silver?"


    "Yes, what do you want to make? A ne or a ring?"


    "I just want to buy silver. Smelted into small pieces will do." After Ren Baqian finished his sentence, it was obvious that the person was no longer interested.


    But, he still asked Ren Baqian, "How much do you want?"


    Ren Baqian calcted for a while. Silver wasn''t expensive on Earth, but over at the other world, its purchasing power was still pretty good. Of course, for 80 taels of silver, 4000 grams was already sufficient. But, buying a little more was not a bad idea either.


    "50 catties of silver." Ren Baqian stretched out his five fingers.


    50 catties was equivalent to 500 taels, 25000 grams and it was only 100000 yuan.


    If it was one month ago, he wouldn''t even be able to fork out 10000 yuan.


    At this moment, his bank card was left with about 700 to 800 thousand yuan after deducting the expenses for his rented apartment and the allowance for his mother. He did not particrly care about this money.


    After hearing that it was 25 catties worth of silver, the boss immediately became enthusiastic.


    50 catties of silver, 25 kilograms, even though he might lose out a little, it was still a huge sum of money.


    Before Ren Baqian entered the shop, he had already checked the rates for silver. As of today, 1 gram of silver was worth less than 4.1 yuan. After haggling over the price with the boss, he managed to secure a price of 115000 yuan.


    Although he spent another 10000 yuan, he knew that he wouldn''t be able to find another ce which had silver in stock.


    After paying part of the deposit and collecting the receipt, he had an agreement with the boss to melt the silver into small pieces. He would then collect them two dayster.


    Afterwards, he went to buy a yo-yo and a hand-cranked fan to bring back for research. He wanted to see how it was possible to make aparably reliable indigenous electric fan under such simple and crude conditions in the other world.


    By the time he returned home, the two housekeepers had already left the house. The house was in spick and span condition.


    Ren Baqianfortably exhaled and then took out the yo-yo and hand-cranked fan. He began to disassemble them to see its interiorposition, so that he could research how to make an indigenous electric fan.


    After researching for a few hours, he had a rough idea. He would just have to wait till he''s back in the other world before he could get someone to try out his idea and see whether it worked as anticipated.


    On the second day back, Ren Baqian spent his whole time in front of theputer watching "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Now, he could recall all those vague plotlines which he had long forgotten.


    On the third day, he finally gave Chen Qing a call.


    "You went into seclusion again?" Chen Qing struck once the call got through.


    "It was for the form of the ck mud cream. The ce where the person-in-charge lives was rather remote and was inside the mountains. I returned your call as soon as I arrived," Ren Baqian felt wronged as he replied.


    Deep down, he knew that he could not contact Chen Qing so frequently in the future. This was because the number of days he disappeared to the other world was always so consistent. Every time he would stay on Earth for 3 days and then disappear for 9 days.


    "How are things, have you obtained the form yet?" Chen Qing asked.


    "Not yet, but soon."


    "Shall we have some fun tonight?"


    "Let''s have a meal. I will not be going to the bar." Ren Baqian shook his head gently.


    After setting a time to meet with Chen Qing, he went online for a few hours to search for medicines and prepared to exchange them for the ck mud cream. Based on the situation that the people over there had not seen snow before, Ren Baqian guessed that it was a subtropical climate in the other world. Following which, Ren Baqian found a fewmonly difficult to cure problems and kept them in mind.


    Following which, he went to buy a pile of spices including pepper, Chinese anise, sesame, cumin, cinnamon, MSG and Thirteen Spices. He bought a huge bag of each type of spices.


    He specially bought the seeds of the pepper, Chinese anise, fennel, and cinnamon and was prepared to nt them in the other world. Sesame and cumin were already in the form of seeds. Although it was also the case for Chinese anise, the marketce only sold those that had been processed. Those seeds were not able to germinate and grow anymore.


    With these items, he would be able to prepare a rather tasty meal over in that world.


    He ced the items in the car and went to collect his silver. 50 catties were indeed a lot, and they were all melted into 2 or 3 tales of fragmented silver.


    Ren Baqian did not have the additional time to examine the purity of the silver. He made the payment directly and carried the silver into the car. Ren Baqian then left for the restaurant which he had made an appointment with Chen Qing.


    After waiting for a long time in the car and ying with his phone, there was a knock on his car window. He turned around and saw Chen Qing signaling him toe out of the car.


    Ren Baqian got down from the car, and just as he was about to speak, he got distracted. There was a woman with Chen Qing.


    This was not unusual as there was often different women by Chen Qing''s side, and they even followed along to have meals with Ren Baqian. So far, with the exception of Jiang Nan, Ren Baqian had yet to see any other women that appeared for a second time.


    But, this woman made Ren Baqian somewhat bbergasted.


    To his surprise, it was his university ssmate, Dong Haiqing.


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian, Dong Haiqing also opened her cherry lips. She was clearly surprised as well.


    "Both of you know each other?" Chen Qing noticed the expressions on their faces as he asked with a smile.


    "Yes! ssmates." Ren Baqian smiled faintly.


    During university days, Dong Haiqing was constantly being sought after by many guys. She was the center of attraction while he was just a passer-by whom people did not care about.


    He was also shocked that it was such a coincidence.


    Dong Haiqing was in a bigger state of shock than him. The reason why she could even remember Ren Baqian was that a roommate of hers once had good feelings towards him. After she got hold of the news, she added in, "Ren Baqian isn''t handsome, he isn''t rich, and he isn''tpetent. Why did you find someone like him?"


    Then, that matter was never brought up again.


    Although Ren Baqian was unaware of this, she could still remember it. Because of that matter, she had once��for a period of time��paid attention to Ren Baqian. The impression she got then from him was just ordinary: even more ordinary than ordinary. It would be a waste if her roommate was matched with someone like him.


    As a result, after seeing that Chen Qing''s friend was actually Ren Baqian, she was naturally very much taken aback.


    Ren Baqian looked exactly the same as when he was in school. He didn''t have any significant changes. His was considered decent looking and only had short stubble. His clothing style was ordinary and certainly did not cost more than 300 yuan.


    However, the car he was driving was actually an Audi A6L. It was at the very least 500 to 600 thousand yuan.


    In addition, he was actually Chen Qing''s friend.


    With regards to Chen Qing, she did not really know much. She only knew that he was the son of a rich man, and their worth was extremely high.


    Ren Baqian and he were good friends. Furthermore, he was also driving such a good car. He was probably not that simple as well?


    At this moment, Dong Haiqing only had one thought in her mind. She had made an error in judgement back then.


    Ren Baqian''s disguise as pig to eat a tiger was too convincing.

 Chapter 27: Bringing Back A Bunch of Things

    Chapter 27: Bringing Back A Bunch of Things


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Why are you in Shencheng?" Ren Baqian curiously asked.


    "I am working here now," Dong Haiqing smiled and continued, "I didn''t expect to see you here though."


    "Alright, we will talkter, let''s go in first." Chen Qing ced his arm around Dong Haiqing''s waist and used the other hand to pat Ren Baqian''s back.


    After they ordered dishes in a private room, Dong Haiqing asked Ren Baqian, "So where are you working now?"


    "At home!" Ren Baqian replied casually.


    "I really envy your carefree life." Dong Haiqing smiled at him.


    If he could drive a good car and casually dine in a high-ss restaurant while staying at home, that meant his family was quite wealthy, just like what she had expected.


    "There are still a few ssmates from our university in Shencheng, do you want to meet up with them in the future?"


    "I''ll think about that again in the future, I often go out of the province," Ren Baqian replied. Furthermore, he had no interest in such alumni gatherings.


    He did not keep in contact with any ssmates from his school.


    "If there''s a gathering, I''ll let you know. You muste if you''re free." Dong Haiqing pursed her lips and smiled.


    Her attitude was amiablepletely different from how she was like when they were still in school.


    If they were still students and he was treated like this by Dong Haiqing, he would be quite happy and might even fantasize about her. However, after stepping out into society for a year, he understood why was she treating him this way.


    "Do you still remember Chen Bing?" Dong Haiqing asked again.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian found this name to be rather familiar. Chen Bing was a petite girl that was rather good-looking. Her only weakness was her short legs.


    When she sat on a chair, she looked as though she was 1.65 meters tall. In reality, she was only 1.58 meters tall.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    "She liked you a lot in the past." Dong Haiqing chuckled.


    Ren Baqian was slightly taken back by Dong Haiqing''s words. This was the first time he heard about this.


    "But at that time you did not make any moves, and she isn''t someone that takes initiative. As a result, nothing developed between the two of you. She is still in Shencheng now though," Dong Haiqing exined. In reality, Chen Bing did try to make a move but after hearing what Dong Haiqing said, she ultimately gave up.


    If she could matchmake Chen Qing and Ren Baqian together, it would benefit her as well. After all, she did not have much confidence in hooking up with the rich boy beside her now. However, his height, appearance and family backgroundpletely matched her ideal type.


    Since she had no confidence, she might as well make use of Ren Baqian. This could be advantageous to her. Even if she could not reap any benefits in the end, if Chen Bing and Ren Baqian ended up together, they wouldn''t forget her role in matchmaking them, right? Ren Baqian could be her stepping stone too.


    If Ren Baqian knew what Dong Haiqing was plotting, he would be scared out of his skin. She was actually having designs on him now.


    Furthermore, a dazzling individual like her, whom many people had an eye for in school, turned out like this after stepping into the society for only a year.


    After taking Ren Baqian''s phone number, she once again ced her attention on Chen Qing.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. He did not have much of asting impression of Chen Bing anyway. If Dong Haiqing really wanted to matchmake him and Chen Bing, he would have a huge headache.


    After all, Ren Baqian was not good at rejecting people.


    Following which, Ren Baqian spent most of his time listening to the conversation between Chen Qing and Dong Haiqing. He would asionally interrupt their conversation.


    With Dong Haiqing around, there were many topics that they found inconvenient to talk about. As such, they could only go over some casual topics.


    After they left the restaurant, Ren Baqian rejected Chen Qing''s suggestion for a drink at a bar. He watched on as Chen Qing and Dong Haiqing got into the former''s car. Following which, he drove his own car back to his home.


    After reaching home, Ren Baqian put the silver, spices, and sweet potatoes into a bag and positioned the bag on his back. After surfing the web for a while, he hugged the bag andy on his bed. Out of fear that he might loosen his arms and leave all the things here, he did not dare to close his eyes.


    These things were very important to him when he returned to that world this time around. The silver was needed to rent the shops, the spices were needed to fulfil his bet with the imperial kitchen, and the sweet potatoes had an even more important purpose. After he returned to that world, he had to find someone to slice them into chunks to grow sprouts. He then had to find a plot ofnd to nt them.


    After lying on his bed for quite some time, Ren Baqian could barely keep his eyes open. Dizzily, his surroundings began to transform. Soon after, he was back to the room in the beast park.


    A squeaking sound came from outside his door along with a whiff of miserable smell.


    Ren Baqian changed his clothes and pushed the door open. When the two pandas saw him, they immediately hugged his legs tightly without any intention of letting go.


    And they kept on squeaking non-stop.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian was in a daze. When he saw there were no more bamboo leaves in the basket nearby and the floor that was covered with panda excrement, he knew these two chaps must be hungry and thirsty.


    While he''d been gone for a day, no one took care of these two small chaps.


    There were no more bamboo leaves and no one fed them water. No wonder they looked so pathetic.


    When he thought of this, Ren Baqian quickly went and drew a pail of water from a well nearby. Before he even poured the water into their feeding bowl, they were already drinking straight from the pail.


    The weather was so hot and no one looked after them. Clearly, these two small chaps were extremely thirsty.


    Ren Baqian poured another pail of water for them and ran over to the fodder warehouse to get a huge basket of bamboo leaves for them.


    When Ren Baqian saw the two small chaps plunge their heads into the basket of bamboo leaves and ignore him, he caressed their heads in satisfaction.


    Fortunately, he was only away for a day. If he was away for three days, they would be in trouble.


    It appeared that he had to find someone to take care of them.


    Ren Baqian did not sleep the entire night. When he saw the sky had yet to brighten, he guessed that it was around two in the morning. He returned to his house, kept all his earthly things under his bed,y on the bed and took a nap.


    Early in the next morning, Ren Baqian was awakened by Caretaker Shi. His deafening voice rang across Ren Baqian''s ear. "Where had you gone yesterday? I have been trying to find you for a day!"


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian struggled to open his eyes. His face was still groggy.


    "Her Majesty has instructed to clear a plot ofnd for you in the beast park. There''s still the matter of renting the shops. I have gathered 70 taels of silver. We will go and sign the contractter, otherwise our 20 taels wille to naught." Caretaker Shi pulled Ren Baqian up from his bed.


    Even though Ren Baqian was 1.75 meters tall, he was like a child in Caretaker Shi''s hands.


    This time around, Ren Baqian finally woke up fully. With a helpless tone, he said, "Give me a moment, I will be ready soon."


    While Ren Baqian changed his clothes, Caretaker Shi asked curiously, "Are you still wearing that piece of loincloth these days?"


    After thinking for a while, Ren Baqian realized Caretaker Shi was referring to his underpants.


    Ren Baqian pulled his pants up smoothly and emotionlessly looked at Caretaker Shi. "Don''t you wear a loincloth?"


    "It''s too hot to wear that, I''d rather keep it cool," Caretaker Shi replied casually.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands and remained speechless.


    When they left the beast park, it was already quitete. It was at least eight.


    The people in this world woke up early and slept early. They slept at eight in the evening and woke up at five in the morning.


    They went to the kitchen to find something to eat. When the cook saw Ren Baqian, a wide grin appeared on his face. "Caretaker Ren, when are you going to teach me a thing or two?"


    "Two dayster." Ren Baqian waved his hands. He had no time these next two days. He took an unknown food ration, scooped a bowl of vegetable soup, finished them, took the silver from his room, and followed Caretaker Shi to the shop at Jingyuan Road.


    "I have put up all my assets and even borrowed money for this venture," Caretaker Shi sighed along the way, feeling heartbroken.


    "Actually, I can fork out my own money for this venture," Ren Baqian replied.


    "It''s alright, you have already helped me a lot, I can''t possibly let you take on such a huge risk. At the very least, I can use the profits earned from the other two shops to pay for this one, I don''t think I will suffer too much of a loss."


    Ren Baqian smiled. Caretaker Shi was indeed a good man.


    However, good people would beget good fortune. This shop would definitely make a profit.


    When two of them reached the shop, they heard a voiceing from beside them, "Brother, you havee."


    He turned around to see who it was. It was that mustached, middle-aged man.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands and said, "We have toe since we have given the money."


    "It seems like you have made your decision, we shall leave then," the middle-aged manughed bitterly.


    After cupping his hands to bid farewell, the middle-aged man left with his two guards. Before he left, he sighed softly. When he saw that Ren Baqian came today, he knew Ren Baqian had already made his decision. Thus, there was no point for him to stay any longer.

 Chapter 28: Penicillin

    Chapter 28: Penicillin


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After waiting a short while, the tall and husky man appeared at the front of the door. He took a glimpse and saw the both of them, nodded his head in their direction, and turned around to open the door.


    Ren Baqian handed over the bundle that he was carrying to the man. Inside was the 130 taels of silver which he and Caretaker Shi had pooled together. It was indeed tiring to carry more than 10 catties worth of silver for almost an hour.


    After inspecting the silver, the husky man dashed towards the both of them and nodded his head. At longst, he revealed a smile.


    Caretaker Shi then took out a slip of paper and red y which he had prepared earlier on. After taking a quick look, the man pressed his thumbprint on it. From now onwards, the shop belonged to Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi for the following year.


    "How should we address brother? If there''s any problem, how can we locate you?" Seeing that he sealed the contract, Ren Baqian was full of smiles.


    "Conqueror of theEast''s residence. Look for Caretaker Xi if there''s any issues," that tall and husky man said to Ren Baqian, raised his hand, and threw the key over.


    After the tall and husky man left, Caretaker Shi said, "It turns out that the property belongs to Conqueror of the East."


    Ren Baqian was clueless about the court officials in Dayao. But, there was something which he remembered. Those who qualified as a general had the ability to fight. If one wanted to make it to the position that was simr to that of the Conqueror of the East, they had to be considerably good at fighting.


    "What are the ranks of those officials from Conqueror of the East?" Ren Baqian curiously asked.


    "Zheng Er Pin." Caretaker Shi extended his fingers to gesture.


    (Zheng Er Pin - Standard, Rank 2. The nine-rank system is used to ssify officials in Imperial China. It is a way to organize state bureaucracy and recruit men in ordance to their merits. The Nine ranks were separated into Upper, Middle, and Lower sses, eachposed of three ranks, making nine in total. Each rank is also further ssified into standard and secondary ranks, so that the entire system contained 18 ranks. Zheng Er Pin is part of a standard ss, and it''s ranked as 2 because of the "Er" which means 2 in Chinese.)


    "Brother Shi, what rank are you? "


    "Cong Jiu Pin."


    (Cong Jiu Pin - Secondary, Rank 9)


    "Then me, as a caretaker, is not even regarded as a Secondary, Rank 9?"


    "Dayao and Great Xia are the same. We are both controlled by the nine-rank system, and there is a total of 18 ranks. You are in the wei ru liu." Caretaker Shi exined.


    (Wei ru liu refers to an official that has yet to enter the nine-rank system.)


    .


    Ren Baqian snapped his mouth. In the past, he had never even had the chance to be a ss monitor. Whatever the case was, he had ten men under him now.


    Moreover, he had many good stuff on his hands. He was sure that he would be able to muddle along and get an official post.


    Dayao prided themselves on their military capabilities. If he brought military books from ancient times, wouldn''t he be able to get into others'' good books?


    "How? What should we do next?" Caretaker Shi asked.


    "We should hire people and set up this shop first. Brother Shi, don''t you loathe those people from Yun Nation? In the future, people from Dayao and the Yun Nation will be charged at a different price."


    "Heh, let''s go ording to what you say." Caretaker Shi was ted after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    "Other things are easy to deal with, and it''s actually quite simple to make the shaved ice. You can also create more vors and use any kinds of fruits. As long as possible, do not divulge the process to using saltpeter to manufacture ice," Ren Baqian warned repeatedly. Moreover, the longer we can keep it from others��the more we can earn throughout this period of time.


    When the entire street was filled with ice, it would no longer be profitable.


    "Understood! I will definitely not make a mistake on this issue." Caretaker Shi vouched for himself.


    The both of them walked around the room. Ren Baqian came up with an idea to set up a bar counter in the corner and to add a row of benches right beside it. Tables and chairs could fill up the remaining empty spaces.


    This way, those who came to buy shaved ice could not only sit down and eat, but they could also have a rest and wait for their takeaway.


    There was nothing much left for them to do.


    "Brother Shi, we could also sell ice. One bowl of shaved ice would be sold at 5 coins. Those huge ice chunks that we store in the ice cer, we could sell them at 30 coins."


    "Brilliant!"


    "People from the Yun Nation would be charged double!"


    ��


    After everything was settled, they went straight to the Chen Medicinal Shop which he''d seen previously.


    The shop wasn''t big, but there were many people. He could see several indigenous people entering and leaving through the doorway of the shop. Some of them were injured while some seemed like they were ill.


    Inside, a middle-aged person examined the patients. There were an additional three to four helpers assisting.


    .


    "Are you the boss?" Ren Baqian stood at the side and waited for him to finish prescribing the medicine before he asked.


    "What''s the matter?" That person raised his head, took a quick look at Ren Baqian and then ignored him. He shouted, "Next person."


    "I have a business transaction to discuss with you."


    "I only see patients over here and do not meddle in other businesses."


    "It''s a business rted to seeing patients." Ren Baqian was not in the slightest bit worried.


    After the middle-aged person man finished seeing two other patients and saw that there was no else in the queue, he then looked up at Ren Baqian and said, "What''s going on? Please speak."


    "I would like to use the form for my medicine to exchange for yours. My form can cure a great amount of tetanus, that is, the patients who are suffering from qirefeng."


    After hearing Ren Baiqian''s words, the expression on the middle aged man became more solemn. He said to the both of them, "Follow me in, let''s talk inside."


    There were two chairs and a table inside the house. The middle-aged man indicated to the both of them to have a seat on the two chairs. After which, he settled down on his own seat.


    "How should I address you?" The middle-aged man asked casually.


    "My surname is Ren, Ren Baqian. The person beside me is my partner. How should I address your Sir?" Ren Baqian replied. Up till now, he still did not know Caretaker Shi''s name as he only addressed him as Brother Shi.


    "My surname is Chen. Chen Zisheng. Please speak, what kind of form would you like to exchange?" Chen Zisheng asked.


    "ck mud cream''s form!" Ren Baqian looked at Chen Zisheng attentively after saying that. As long as the other party was willing to exchange the form, he would definitely take out something that would satisfy him. He was just afraid that the other party wouldn''t be willing to exchange with him, and that would be troublesome.


    Chen Zisheng muttered to himself and finally spoke, "The ck mud cream''s form is passed down from my Chen family''s ancestors. Although the output isn''t high, the result is amazing. However, medicines are used for curing people. It''s not that I am not willing to exchange the form with you, but what you are going to take out has to be something of equal value. In addition, it must not be amon form which is circted everywhere."


    After hearing what Chen Zisheng said, he was suddenly overjoyed.


    As long he was willing to exchange, anything flowed.


    In modern times, there were many kinds of medicines ranging from traditional medicine to Western medicine. Furthermore, there were also different kinds of medical treatment methods which would far exceed Chen Zisheng''s imagination. He was certain that there was definitely something which he would exchange for.


    In any case, Ren Baqian did not feel any heartache as it was the other generations'' effort in manufacturing such a medicine, not his.


    "Let me exin what I can take out, Penicillin, which can be used as an antibiotic. It can be used to treat many different kinds of diseases which includes qirefeng. Whenever people are ill, it is mostly caused by bacterial invasion which leads to inmmation. The symptoms are mainly red, swelling, hot, pain as well as hindrance to one''s abilities.


    The most direct observation would be an inmed wound.


    Next, it was also effective for tonsillitis, sore throat, cough, pneumonia, and bronchitis.


    The main idea was still to treat wounds as well as utilizing it during a woman''sbor. It could greatly reduce the probability of inmmation and catching qirefeng.


    "This type of medicine is not difficult to manufacture. Its manufacturing time is short and can be disseminated in bulk. Apart from myself, there is no one else who is aware of it. I believe that its value matches up to the ck mud cream."


    After Ren Baqian finished speaking, Chen Zisheng inquired on the few diseases which Ren Baqian had mentioned. After all, he couldn''t understand most of the terminologies which Ren Baqian used. But, afterbining his many years of experience with asking Ren Baqian questions on those areas which were difficult toprehend, he understood everything.


    There was no need for doubt towards the medicine Ren Baqian had mentioned. The effect of the ck mud cream was indeed good. But, the greatest valuey within its extreme ability to heal wounds quickly, and the so-called qirifeng was unlikely to ur. As for the duration it would take for one to recuperate fully, it was secondary in his eyes.


    After all, he was a doctor and not a merchant.


    The disadvantage of the ck mud cream was that the raw material was rare and it was expensive. It was impossible to distribute extensively. The majority of the patients who were unable to afford the ck mud cream ended up losing their lives or amputating their limbs due to infection and qirifeng.


    This medicine which Ren Baqian introduced already reced the ck mud cream as the most important factor in Chen Zisheng''s eyes. Moreover, it was simple to manufacture, its raw materials were cheap and could be distributed on arge scale.


    Chen Zisheng pondered for a long time and finally replied, "What is the difficulty of manufacturing this type of medicine?"


    "Not at all difficult. I can hand over theplete set of penicillin cultivation, separation, and production methods to you."


    "If what you said turns out to be true, I will exchange the form with you." Atst, Chen Zisheng nodded his head.


    Seeing that he nodded his head in agreement, Ren Baqian was immediately delighted.

 Chapter 29: Back At The Imperial Kitchen

    Chapter 29: Back At The Imperial Kitchen


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Prepare some fruit and leave them to the side. After some time has passed, the fruit will be moldy. Next, collect the green-colored mold from the surfaces of the fruit. After you have collected the mold, I will then tell you the extraction method," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Alright. The penicillin you''re talking about is the hairy substance on the fruits after they have decayed?" Chen Zisheng asked. Then, before Ren Baqian could reply, he asked again, "I have never heard of the medical terms you said just now. Where did you learn them from?"


    "This is medical expertise from the distant west, we called it Western medicine," Ren Baqian replied, "If you want to learn it, I can pass you two books on Western medicine for you to read."


    When Chen Zisheng heard these words, he immediately stood up from his chair in exultation and cupped his hands towards Ren Baqian. He said, "Brother, thank you very much."


    Ren Baqian waved his hands. Subsequently, his mind hesitated for a moment. Initially, he was prepared to talk about another matter but swallowed his words after thinking about it.


    Typhoid was a troublesome type of disease with the highest mortality rate in the ancient times. Even in modern times, many people still died from it for not treating it in time.


    In modern times, the main treatment for typhoid was chloramphenicol. However, it would be very difficult to produce in this world as the conditions weren''t right.


    Initially, Ren Baqian had been prepared to add in the two medical books, Theory of Typhoid and Typhoid and Diseases, in case the extraction method for penicillin was not enough to exchange for the ck mud cream''s form.


    However, now that the extraction method for penicillin was adequate to exchange for the ck mud cream''s form, there was no point for him to keep these two books. Chen Medical Shop always enjoyed an extremely good reputation in Lan City, and the fees it charged the locals were very low. Ren Baqian was prepared to gift the two books to Chen Zisheng in the hope of doing something good for this world.


    "I shall bring the two medical books here next time," Ren Baqian thought to himself. The troublesome thing was that, even though the people in this world spoke the samenguage as China''s, their word characters were not the same. Therefore, Ren Baqian would have to read the two books to Chen Zisheng.


    "We shall leave first then. I will ready the things and bring them here four to five dayster." Ren Baqian stood up and prepared to leave.


    Chen Zisheng sent Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi to the doorstep.


    "You can treat tetanus?" Caretaker Shi asked Ren Baqian after they left Chen Medicinal Shop.


    "I indeed have a way to treat it," Ren Baqian replied while nodding his head.


    "How nice it would have been if you were here ten years earlier!" Caretaker Shi sighed.


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, he immediately knew Caretaker Shi must have had family members or friends that died from tetanus.


    "But, how old would I have been ten years ago? I didn''t even know anything at that time."


    "That''s true. It''s still not toote now", Caretaker Shi forced a smile and said.


    Following which, Caretaker Shi did not feel like talking any longer.


    Ren Baqian went to the cksmith shop where he previously made the metallic boxes and ordered a few fan des and a bearing. He was going to need these items to make an indigenous electric fan.


    He drew the things he wanted on a paper and showed it to the cksmith. The cksmith immediately replied, "These things are easy to make,e back for them two dayster."


    After having his lunch, Ren Baqian went to the ice cer to take a look.


    He was in charge of the ice cer but did note very often. Fortunately, the odd-job workers that Caretaker Shi arranged for him were very hardworking and capable, saving a lot of his time and effort.


    Now that the ice cer was fully filled, the odd-job words were taking a break. Ren Baqian waved his arm and said, "Everyone, take an ice cube and ce it under your bed and have a good night''s sleep."


    In any case, all he needed to do was to make sure the ice cer waspletely filled with ice. Therefore, he might as well make the best use of everything.


    "Thank you, Caretaker Ren," the ten odd-job workers chuckled and said. This was a good thing to them.


    After walking around the ice cer, Ren Baqian saw that there was nothing much left to do, and he called a few odd-job workers to follow him and cultivate the sweet potatoes.


    When he returned, he saw the two small pandas lying in a shady area. They were so hot that they looked like they did not want to get up.


    Ren Baqian filled a basin with water and threw the two small chaps into it.


    The two small chaps immediately squeaked and climbed out of the basin. It seemed like they did not like to soak in the basin of water.


    They crawled around the ground, and their bodies were covered with mud.


    When Ren Baqian saw the two chaps going to rub themselves against him, he quickly took two steps backward.


    Tiantian and Gungun squeaked and crawled back to the shady area to lie down once again. After a while, the fur on their bodies dried.


    Following which, the two small chaps swayed their heads and climbed back into the basin of water. After soaking themselves in the water, they climbed out of the basin again.


    He had no choice but to admit that these two chaps were rather clever.


    "Caretaker Ren, their meat isn''t nice to eat, there''s no point for you to rear them." The one speaking was Teng Dilong. He was a simple and honest individual that possessed huge strength.


    However, when he said the two chaps'' meat wasn''t nice to eat, Ren Baqian felt like giving him a kick.


    Other than eating the pandas, don''t you have any more uses for them?


    "I keep them for fun," Ren Baqian replied casually. "Next time when I''m not in the beast park, all of you have to take care of these two chaps. Give them some water and bamboo leaves. Do you know where to get the bamboo leaves?"


    "Yes, don''t worry, Caretaker Ren," the few of them said.


    Following which, Ren Baqian went and lugged out the bag of sweet potatoes from underneath his bed.


    Then, he slowly instructed the odd-job workers on what to do.


    First, cut the sweet potatoes into half sections.


    Next, get a basin filled with water and ce each section in the basin with half of the sweet potato below the water and the other half above.


    Use wooden sticks to hold the sweet potatoes in ce.


    Once they had germinated, they could be used to grow sweet potatoes.


    After he taught the odd-job workers everything, someone from the pce came over at the right time to summon him to the pce.


    The person who came this time around was Shi Hu. He pulled Ren Baqian to one side and asked, "I heard you have a wager with the people in the imperial kitchen?"


    "You can consider it as a wager. The main point of this wager is to expand their horizons," Ren Baqian said delightfully. He turned around and picked up a bag. From the bag, he took out small bags of spices and wrapped them with a piece of cloth. Then, he carried the bundle in his arms and left the beast park.


    "These are the things you prepared?" Shi Hu asked with curiosity as he looked at the bundle in Ren Baqian''s arms.


    He had heard about the incident at the imperial kitchen.


    Logically speaking, the imperial kitchen had the best cooks in the country. Whatever they said should be correct.


    However, Ren Baqian was someone that appeared out of thin air in the middle of a marching army and could make ice in such a hot environment. Shi Hu felt that he was quite mysterious and that his chance of winning the wager was rather high.


    When Shi Hu saw the small bags of spices, he knew they must be Ren Baqian''s preparation for the wager.


    Soon after, they reached the imperial kitchen. When everyone in the imperial kitchen saw Ren Baqian arrived, they stopped what they were doing and stepped forward. Previously, when Ren Baqian made the wager, everyone was present. These people had been waiting to teach Ren Baqian a lesson. This day had finally arrived.


    "Caretaker Ren, show me the spices that you talked about that day. If you can''t show them, I will break your legs and hang you on the city wall," Caretaker Gou said with a fierce look on his face.


    He really did not believe Ren Baqian could take out spices that were unknown to him.


    To him, all the existing spices were already in the imperial kitchen. Even if there were some spices unknown to him, they would be in some unknown ces or in ces that were extremely faraway.


    Could Ren Baqian show him spices that were unknown to him in just a few days'' time?


    Caretaker Gou did not believe so. Other cooks were waiting to enjoy a show. They wanted to teach this rubbish-uttering scoundrel a lesson.


    "Hey, let me expand all of your horizons. Next time when all of you see me, you better stand up straight and call me ''Brother''," Ren Baqian chirped, not feeling angry at all.


    After finishing his sentence, he unwrapped the bundle and took out the small bags of spices.


    "Can you see them? This is anise, this is cinnamon, this is MSG, this is cumin, this is pepper and this is Thirteen Spices. Have you seen them before?" Ren Baqian listed out the spices one by one.


    When everyone saw Ren Baqian took out so many spices, their facial expressions turned ugly. Suddenly, someone said, "Who knows if these things are real or fake?"


    Just as that person finished his sentence, Caretaker Gou gave the back of his head a tight p and said, "Are you stupid?"

 Chapter 30: Call Me Brother Ren

    Chapter 30: Call Me Brother Ren


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After giving a tight p to the back of that cook''s head, Caretaker Gou turned around and squatted in front of Ren Baqian with a cold face. He took out a bit from each of the small bags of spices and tasted them. His expression changed repeatedly after merely tasting a few different types. As a chef, he felt that there were at least two types which could be used as spices.


    But, it would have to be tested out in actual fact. What kind of vor would the ingredient actually emit after entering the pot?


    There were a lot of vorful ingredients but not all could be used as spices.


    He got up and looked at Ren Baqian in an extremelyplicated manner. He clenched his teeth for a long time and finally said, "You prepare, we will watch from the sideline. If these are really spices for cooking, I will call you older brother whenever I see you in the future."


    "That way, all of you will gain from it." Caretaker Gou and the others face turned ck when Ren Baqian spoke.


    Everyone wanted to curse but strongly restrained themselves.


    They were waiting for Ren Baqian to finish preparing the dishes before they could settle scores with him. But, many people saw Ren Baqian''s unconstrained expression and suspected that there would be no chance to settle scores anymore. This time, the imperial kitchen would perhaps bepletely defeated.


    Ren Baqian no longer paid attention to them and walked two rounds around the imperial kitchen in silence.


    Atst, he found half a piece of a beast''s leg in the corner. He had seen this type of meat at the beast park''s kitchen before. It was the kind of creature who pulled carriages on the street. But, its appearance was just like a magnified version of a goat.


    Its mutton vor was very strong, but the taste was very good. He felt that the mutton was tastier over here aspared to Earth.


    "Who is going to help me cut, cut into pieces. One te is enough." Ren Baqian faced everyone who was at the doorway and asked. His knife skills were definitely iparable to these cooks and he did not want to disy his ipetence.


    "You!" Caretaker Gou gritted his teeth. But, he still pointed out one of them to act as Ren Baqian''s supporting role.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian took out another piece of meat, turned his head around and looked towards everyone. He revealed a good-natured smile which only he acknowledged it as. The meaning behind his smile was understood by everyone.


    Upon seeing that manner of Ren Baqian, everyone was absolutely cheesed off.


    This time, it was another person who walked towards Ren Baqian. He held the kitchen knife in his hand and had a fierce look on his face. If he was on Earth, it would seem as if he was that sort of guy who wanted revenge on society. Ren Baqian would definitely hide as far away as he could.


    But, all the people in Dayao gave off such a vibe, and Ren Baqian actually did not really care. Instead, he warned them repeatedly, "Cut them into small pieces. There must be one fatyer and one thinyer, include a little bit of the skin as well."


    Seeing that the two people were cutting the meat, Ren Baqian washed two cucumbers and ced them on the chopping board. He then pounded them twice and sliced them into pieces.


    Yes, that''s right. He was preparing smashed cucumber sd. It was a pity that there wasn''t a peeler. After a while, he deep fried some peanuts, mixed them inside, and considered it barely eptable.


    Once the other side was done cutting and cleaning the meat, Ren Baqian marinated the mutton with cumin, the spices from this world, and also some pepper. After a bit, he was prepared to cook two dishes: cumin mutton and red braised meat.


    Both were considered rtively famous dishes.


    However, when he went to take the pot, he immediately shouted, "F***" in his heart.


    The pot was actually this heavy? It weighed at least 30 to 40 catties, and he almost couldn''t lift it with one hand. Although an adult can move the pot around, it was impossible for him to flip the dishes with one hand while holding the pot in another.


    It was also the same for the spat, which was thick and heavy. Ren Baqian weighed it in his hand, and it was at least 7 to 8 catties. He sensibly put it aside. He knew that if he used this spat, his hand would be aching after a few flips.


    He turned his head around, saw that the previous two cooks who were helping him went back to the sidelines. Ren Baqian signaled to them, "I''ll instruct, both of you will follow."


    "You can''t even do the cooking, how can such a persone and cook?" Someone muttered.


    Ren Baqian spread out his hands as he was helpless. Thedle in this world was too heavy. He thought of the kitchen knife which he used just now; it was also not light. He wasn''t sure if it was their usual practice or perhaps heavy things have a better touch to them?


    Looking at these cooks which were tall with thick spare tires around their waists and each could fit two of his entire body size, Ren Baqian felt that it was extremely probable.


    The two cooks came over reluctantly. Ren Baqian ordered one of them to start stir-frying the sugar. The cook simmered the brown sugar and the soy sauce till it bubbled. Then, he added in a spice which was simr to scallion and ginger. After which, he put in the pieces of meat and stir-fried them altogether.


    Ren Baqian struggled even when he used one hand to hold the iron pot. Dayao people, on the other hand, held the pot as if it was as light as paper and effortlessly flipped the pot in the air. This allowed Ren Baqian to realize the gap between him and the Dayao people.


    Apart from the two chefs, the other people were all looking from a distance.


    Although they found Ren Baqian to be an eyesore, but at this moment, they channeled all their attention on to the cooking process.


    Because stir-frying sugar was a process that they had never tried before.


    After adding the nutmeg, anise, and cinnamon in, fragrance emitted from the pot. The entire imperial kitchen was filled with that scent. Upon smelling the fragrance, the eyes of the cooks in the surrounding shone with excitement.


    Needless to say, this smell alone was sufficient to captivate people. It was indeed very aromatic.


    The other ingredients were from their kitchen but they had never once made something that smelled like that. They could only say that whatever Ren Baqian brought was indeed spices. In addition, these spices were able to increase the quality of the dishes.


    When he was using a small me to stew the red braised meat at the end, Ren Baqian ordered the other cook to stir-fry the cumin mutton.


    After adding the cumin in the pot, a strong and fragrant cumin vor was immediately given off. It was an aroma which these cooks had never smelled before.


    This time, nobody could stand still any longer and crowded over.


    Firstly, he scooped a little of the cumin mutton onto a small te. He then took a bite and soon after, revealed a smile and passed it over to Caretaker Gou. "Try it?"


    Caretaker Gou calmly collected the te from him. He waited for the dish to cool down slightly. Then, he used two of his fingers to pick up a piece of meat and ced it into his mouth to taste.


    He passed on the te to the cooks at the back, and each of them promptly took a piece to taste. Their eyes instantly glittered when they ced the piece of meat in their mouths.


    The odor of the meat was significantly neutralized, and it was even fresher and tastier. Especially after adding the fragrance of cumin, everyone was practically full of praise for it. Everyone only had a single piece and when they wanted to get a second serving, they realized that the te as already empty.


    "How is it?" Ren Baqian was full of smiles.


    Caretaker Gou gritted his teeth and stared rigidly at Ren Baqian. In the end, he still bowed his head and replied, "Big Brother Ren!"


    .


    "Not bad, not bad!" Ren Baqian pped his hands and smiled. He then looked towards the other cooks.


    "Big Brother Ren!" Seeing that Caretaker Gou already shouted his name, the others had no choice but to open their mouths.


    Ren Baqian felt particrly at ease when he heard the present 70 to 80 chefs , calling him Big Brother Ren. "Alright, remember to call me Brother Ren whenever we meet. Big Brother Ren sounds weird."


    The cooks at the scene were full of sullenness. But, who lost the bet? Caretaker Gou had already called him, how could they not follow suit?


    Prior to this, who would have thought that this fellow from the beast park actually could take out these many spices which they had never seen before.


    Once the red braised meat was done, Ren Baqian divided it into big and small portions. He took a bite himself before passing it over to Caretaker Gou.


    After everyone finished the fragrant and sweet spongy red braised meat which melted in their mouths, all of their grievances were thrown aside. They only wanted to know what are these spices? Where did Ren Baqian obtain them from?

 Chapter 31: Red Braised Meat and Cumin Mutton

    Chapter 31: Red Braised Meat and Cumin Mutton


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After properly covering up the cumin mutton and the red braised meat, Ren Baqian wanted a cook to fry some shelled peanuts.


    This time around, a cook volunteered himself without needing Caretaker Gou to prompt anyone.


    Right now, everyone wanted Ren Baqian to tell them what these spices were.


    Ren Baqian had no intention of concealing the spices from them. After all, they were just spices. As long as he could show off in the imperial kitchen, he was fine with sharing.


    "This is cumin, and all of you have tasted it just now. It''s able to get rid of strong odors and enhance the tenderness of meat. One of its very important uses is preventing food from spoiling. Given such a hot weather, you can''t ce a dish in open air for too long after it''s cooked. Cumin can reduce the speed at which the dish turns spoilt."


    Even though some of terms Ren Baqian used sounded odd to everyone, they could still easily understand what he meant.


    "Where can we buy this cumin?" someone immediately asked.


    The rest looked at Ren Baqian with expectation.


    They did not know whether or not would Ren Baqian would tell them. After all, they had never seen this spice before. It was considered a unique spice, and one could well imagine its value.


    "Let me grow some and see how the output is," Ren Baqian replied after thinking it through.


    "Can you sell it to us?"


    "Of course," Ren Baqian spread his arms and replied, "What can I do with this if I don''t sell it? I don''t intend to be a cook anyway."


    Previously, when Ren Baqian told them about the spices they never heard of, they felt he had a mouth filled with rubbish. Furthermore, he did not look like he was from Dayao and that made them loathe him even more.


    When Ren Baqian really took out the spices to show them, their attitude towards him began to change.


    And when Ren Baqian agreed to sell spices to them, their facial expressions became extremely amiable.


    People of the Dayao Nation were known to be barbaric and violent. However, one had to admit that they were honest and straightforward.


    Ren Baqian did not pay them any mind and continued, "This is anise�� nutmeg�� cinnamon�� pepper��"


    He went through every spice with them.


    When Ren Baqian finished speaking, everyone in the imperial kitchen wanted to offer tributes to him.


    Right now, they would be more than willing to call him "Master".


    The spices that Ren Baqian showed them had indeed widened their horizons.


    With these spices, they were confident ofing up with more dishes, and their dishes would taste a few times better than before.


    After going through the spices with the cooks, Ren Baqian had an easier job instructing them on what to do.


    The cook crushed the fried shelled peanuts and mixed some green-colored, spicy fruit dices with them. Then he added cucumber slices into the mixture. Finally, he put salt, brown sugar, MSG and garlic paste into the mixture and stirred it.


    After tasting the dish, everyone asked Ren Baqian what the white-colored granules were. Previously, he had not exined what those were.


    "This is MSG. I''m afraid this can''t be made for the time being," Ren Baqian shook his head and said.


    Everyone was disappointed after hearing Ren Baqian''s words. However, they still felt that they had huge gains today.


    One had to know that the imperial kitchen initially only had soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and a few vegetables resembling scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili.


    Now that Ren Baqian introduced them to so many spices, they felt as though they had opened a door to a new world.


    "Send the dishes to Her Majesty," Ren Baqian instucted Caretaker Gou.


    Caretaker cupped his hands at Ren Baqian and said, "The imperial kitchen will do your bidding in the future."


    He then asked someone to make a fruit tter and send it along with the dishes to the empress.


    When Ren Baqian turned around and saw some ice cubes in a corner, he told the remaining cooks, "Find a box and ce the ice cubes in it. Then, put the vegetables, fruits and meat into the box. Doing so will allow them to be stored for a longer period of time. When the weather is hot, food products go bad faster. The lower the temperature, the longer they can be kept."


    Right now, everyone was almost treating Ren Baqian like a god. After Ren Baqian finished his sentence, they quickly nodded their heads. They were prepared to find someone to make a box and do ording to what Ren Baqian said.


    ...


    Caretaker Gou and his counterparts arrived at the pce with the dishes. When he opened up the lid, the fragrance of the food hit everyone''s noses. Especially the smell of the red braised meat; it could be smelled from a distance.


    The two pce maids beside the empress gulped their saliva secretly.


    "I have never seen this dish before," the empress said casually as she cast a nce at it.


    "They are made by Caretaker Ren! We have never seen these dishes either but they indeed taste good," Caretaker Gou replied honestly.


    "Oh? I remember what''s going on. Both of you have a wager, right? Last time, you called him ''the Ren fellow'' but now you address him as ''Caretaker Ren''. So, he won the wager?"


    "Yes, he indeed won the wager by taking out a few spices that we have never seen before. Your Majesty will know how good they are once you have tasted the food," Caretaker Gou said.


    The empress lightly nodded her head. After someone tested the dishes for poison, they were served to the empress. The first dish she tasted was red braised meat. This dish was the most fragrant, causing her to feel slightly hungry.


    It looked slightly greasy, but when she took a bite of it, it did not taste greasy at all. Her mouth was filled with fragrant sticky sauce. The various vors from the spices that she had never tasted before pleased her greatly. "Very delicious, what is this dish called?"


    "Red braised meat," Caretaker Gou replied.


    "The name is awful, but it tastes really good."


    Following which, the empress tried the cuminmb. Even though it looked different from usual, the empress still praised it to high heaven. After adding cumin, it became much more tender, its rank odor was reduced significantly, and it gave off the fragrance of cumin.


    Today, the empress had eaten a lot of food. Her movements had be faster but remained graceful. When the tes were cleared, Caretaker Gou could tell that the empress had eaten a lot more than usual by looking at the amount of food that was left over.


    It was obvious that the empress liked these new dishes very much.


    "Very good, very delicious. Make these dishes again tomorrow. In addition, I want all of you to learn some more new dishes from him," the empress instucted as she stood up and walked a few steps.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Why not arrange Caretaker Ren''s cement to the imperial kitchen?" Caretaker Gou suggested. In the beginning, he hated Ren Baqian''s attitude. However, after Ren Baqian really took out the spices, he became extremely satisfied with him. Not only was Ren Baqian familiar with various spices, but he also knew a lot of new unknown dishes. It would be a pity if he continued to stay in the beast park.


    Caretaker Gou did not care whether Ren Baqian became a cook or an assistant in the imperial kitchen.


    "Forget it, I have other ns for him. Go back and ask him toe here and continue the romance story. Qing Yuan, follow Caretaker Gou there and bring Ren Baqian over."


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the pce maid beside her replied. The pce maid was around twenty years old. She was tall and slender, and she looked very pretty.


    After exiting the pce, Qing Yuan opened the lid and, when no one was looking, tried a bit of the leftover food. Immediately, her eyes lit up.


    Just now, she already found the dishes very fragrant. It was only after she tasted them that she realized how delicious they were.


    "Hmm, they are indeed delicious." After her curiosity was sated, Qing Yuan licked her oily fingers clean. Afterwards, she ced her hands behind her back and looked ahead.


    "Brother.... Ren, Her Majesty has summoned you to continue the romance story," Caretaker Gou said when he entered the imperial kitchen''s courtyard and saw Ren Baqian sitting there in a daze.


    Qing Yuan looked at Caretaker Gou first and then at Ren Baqian. Following which, she pursed her lips and smiled. With a crisp and sweet voice, she said to Ren Baqian, "It''s the story that you saidst time, Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

 Chapter 32: The Empress’s Magnanimity

    Chapter 32: The Empress��s Magnanimity


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian followed Qing Yuan into the pce.


    The empress was still lying on the couch.


    It seemed that every time he saw the empress, she was in this exact position. She really liked lying down.


    Ren Baqian unexpectedly took note of a probable issue which was the width of the couch being exceptionally wide. Any ordinary person who sat on the couch, would definitely be unable to lean against it. Furthermore, the distance was awfully far. It was certainly notfortable to sit up like this.


    This discovery led Ren Baqian to think of something. But, he quickly made this thought vanish and continued the story, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, to the empress.


    After speaking consecutively for two chapters, the skies started to get dark. Only then did the empress allow him to stop.


    "You disappear every three days, what have you been up to?" The empress squinted her almond-shaped eyes and askednguidly.


    Upon hearing those words from the empress, Ren Baqian''s heart skipped a beat. In no time at all, his back and forehead were drenched in perspiration.


    Although he knew that this day would arrive, he still wanted to conceal this fact for a longer period. This was because him disappearing once every three days was something that could never be clearly exined. If he was ever discovered, the higher the position he was in, the more his safety was guaranteed.


    Previously, he discovered that the people in Dayao were all crude and straightforward. He felt somewhat relieved and thought that his identity might not be discovered anytime soon.


    When he was locked up in prison, he was not discovered by anyone. Little did he expect that, someone had actually sensed something amiss even though he only disappeared twice.


    Although the empress appeared as if she was indolent, Ren Baqian slightly doubted that if he did not answer properly, he would directly be dragged away and then beheaded.


    "The two of you, leave this room." The empress waved at the pce maids beside her.


    Following which, the entire pce hall sank into a state of tranquility.


    The empress was lying on the couch while using one hand to support her head. She was waiting for Ren Baqian''s response.


    Perspiration continuously trickled down Ren Baqian''s head. He incessantly asked himself, "What should I do? Should I tell it as it is or tell a big lie? How can I convince the person in front of me and not let the cat out of the bag?"


    Ren Baqian hesitated for a long time. Nevertheless, he was prepared to tell an absurd lie. In the event that he really could not conceal it anymore, he would thene clean.


    "Your Majesty��."


    "Forget it, I do not wish to hear any lies from you. I know that you have secrets. Everyone has secrets. It was already very surprising when you appeared. Naturally, you would have more secrets than others as well. "


    Your dubious background, it doesn''t matter. Wherever China is, I am also not concerned.


    But, you will have to prove your worth. So long as you are capable, I will be able to utilize you. Whatever you want, I can also give it to you.


    "You can leave!"


    .


    Just when Ren Baqian was about to speak, the empress abruptly told him to leave.


    Ren Baqian did not know whether the content of the conversation was something to celebrate or something to grief about.


    The good news was the opinion of the empress. With regards to his background and his disappearance every three days, the empress wouldn''t look into it any further. In the future, he could let down his guard.


    Even if he suddenly disappeared, the empress would unlikely say much as long as he disyed his capabilities and what he was worth. He would also not have to rack his brains trying to conceal his whereabouts anymore in the future.


    As for the bad news, who said that the Dayao Nation was only full of brawns? The empress seemed as though she had seen through him. Even when he wanted to tell a lie, she was aware of it.


    This made Ren Baqian feel a little terrified.


    It was just like ying a game. Suddenly, the aboriginal people in the game point out that you are not from their world. It was this kind of feeling which makes people panic.


    He returned to the beast park and was sobered up by the night breeze. He felt slightly more at ease.


    Regardless of what she said, the empress did not look further into the situation. This was considered a piece of good news.


    However, he had to be even more diligent in the future.


    He just returned to his room when both Tiantian and Gungun hugged his legs at once. A whining sound could be heard from them, and they would not loosen their ws no matter what.


    Ren Baqian crouched down and stroked these two little chaps. Although he was still experiencing heart palpitations, he had more or less calmed down.


    He went to fetch a basin of water for the two small chaps and got some bamboo leaves for them as well. The two chaps sat in the pile of bamboo leaves and grabbed the bamboo leaves to eat.


    Only then did Ren Baqian returned to his room to rest.


    He thought of the empress''s words again and again until he fell into a deep slumber.


    On the second day, he woke up and looked at the sweet potatoes. They were already processed and waiting to germinate.


    Ren Baqian first found Caretaker Shi. Caretaker Shi then brought him to look at different plots ofnd which could be used to nt the sweet potatoes.


    Near the vicinity of the beast park, there was a piece of smooth and empty ground which had previously been cultivated. There were a few fruits and vegetables nted on top of it. A majority of the food eaten by the odd-job workers from the beast park were nted here. Usually, there were a few elders and women that would take care of this plot ofnd. They were the family members of those odd-job workers.


    "What do you think of this ce? The vegetables have already ripened. I will get someone to pluck them out," Caretaker Shi said before he led him to another plot ofnd.


    "Let''s walk further. We do not need such a big plot��one mu ofnd is already sufficient," Ren Baqian stated.


    After walking half around, they saw a small plot onnd on an inclined ground. Its area was approximately one mu, and its position was a little remote. The soil was also not the best quality. But, Ren Baqian did not mind at all. Anyhow, the requirements for the quality of soil to nt sweet potatoes were not that high. In addition, it was better that the location was slightly more remote.


    "This ce will do."


    "Thend here is so-so and the harvest might be slightly inferior," Caretaker Shi persuaded him.


    "No worries, this ce is pretty good." Ren Baqian smiled. The position of this plot ofnd was rtively more remote. But, on the contrary, it was just right. Nobody would pay attention to what they were nting.


    "Can these two plots ofnd be used as well?" He thought of the spices which he had brought and pointed towards the plot ofnds nearby.


    Caretaker Shi looked over to the direction he was pointing at, patted his chest and said, "No problem. Although the beast park does not have muchnd, we are still able to evenly distribute a few plots of it."


    After confirming the position of thend, Caretaker Shi hastily went out to handle the matters of the shaved ice shop.


    The other two shops'' ownership had also been transferred over to them. Now, he had to tidy up all three shops. He also had to find a carpenter to make the bar counter as well as a long bench.


    Ren Baqian had already handed over the method of manufacturing ice to Caretaker Shi. It was very simple, as long as he knew where to find saltpeter, it would be settled.


    As for making fruits shaved ice, it was even simpler.


    The follow-up of the matter should not require Ren Baqian''s participation any further provided that he received his share of money.


    He had selected the plot ofnd, but the sweet potatoes had yet to germinate. Ren Baqian was unupied and therefore decided to look for the odd-job worker who knew carpentry. Ren Baqian asked him to make a chair which was strange-looking in the eyes of the other party.


    Ren Baqian intended to make a sofa inspired by the empress''s couch he had seen. With such a sofa that would enable the entire person to sink inside, it would definitely be much morefortable than the couch.


    Naturally, such stuff would be delivered to the empress first. After which, he could make one for himself.


    Soon after, he went to the beast park and began to look for materials to make the padding inside the sofa. Cotton, bird feathers, and such were all possible materials.


    Although Dayao didn''t have cotton, but there were a lot of bird feathers in the beast park. A lot of bird feathers were cleared up every day; they were all burned as rubbish.


    After instructing people to keep the bird feathers for him, Ren Baqian went searching for animal hide that was already tanned. Only then did he realized that Dayao people actually did not know how to tan animal hide. The hides were all taken from the animals and then dried. After which, it would then be sold in bundles to the merchants who collected them.


    The price would naturally be outrageously low. Yet, when wanting to buy tanned animal hide from merchants, people flinched from the price.


    A sheet of an ordinary goat''s hide, which was also the enormous goat that pulls carriages, was sold at 1 tael of silver for three sheets. However, the tanned animal hides were sold at 10 taels of silver for just one sheet.


    The profits made people go crazy even just at the thought of it.


    It was no wonder why foreign merchants flocked into Dayao even though it was virtually scorching hot and had nothing enjoyable. A few times or even ten times worth of profits made the majority the people willing to take the risk.


    Ren Baqian figured that he only had one more day before he returned to Earth. He was also not anxious. Since he was returning to Earth, he might as well surf the Inte and search for methods to tan animal hides when he''s back there.

 Chapter 33: Class Reunion

    Chapter 33: ss Reunion


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When Ren Baqian woke up, he saw a slightly unfamiliar room. He shook his head with all his strength, finally sobering up.


    Yesterday afternoon, he went to the pce and continued the story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. That night he was dragged by Caretaker Shi and the other two caretakers to drink until midnight.


    The alcohol content of the liquors in this world wasn''t high, but they were able to hit people very hard in their heads. After drinking too much of them, one would have a head-splitting headache.


    He went into the bathroom, washed his face, and looked at his reflection in the mirror. During this period of time, his skin tone had be much darker and his body had turned more sturdy.


    He couldn''t do anything about it. In that world, he had meat at almost every meal, and he seldom ate carbohydrates and vegetables. After a period of time, he easily became bigger in body size.


    He switched on his phone and saw three missed calls. Two were from Chen Qing and one was from somebody unexpected. It was Dong Haiqing, who had exchanged numbers with him that day.


    "I wonder what she called me for?" Ren Baqian thought to himself. He seemed to remember Dong Haiqing talking about hosting a ss reunion. This call should be regarding that matter.


    He did not immediately return the missed calls. He went online and searched for methods to tan furs and hides. He settled on two methods: alum tanning and chrome tanning. These two methods needed alum and mirabilite respectively. It was possible that both alum and mirabilite could be found in that world. After all, he could not possibly bring materials from Earth to that world every time.


    After daybreak, Ren Baqian went out to have breakfast. Next, he drove out to buy alum and mirabilite.


    He then went to a few electric welding shops to find someone that could make an indigenous electric fan.


    Ren Baqian thought of this not too long ago. After all, modern people had a deeper understanding of electric fans, and it was easier for them to make one.


    He could bring the finished product back to that world and use it as a model for someone to replicate it.


    After visiting a few shops, he finally found someone that would ept his job with a payment of 3000 yuan. He could collect it on the second day. The shop owner''s words made him think of another thing, air cooler. This was another thing could be easily made. He only needed to fix a box outside the electric fan and ce a water curtain in front of it.


    He did not need to care about the water circtory system. All he needed to do was to ce a water tank above it and pour water into it. This was much easier than sustaining a water circtory system.


    Following which, he bought some food back to his house. Every time he woke up and came back to Earth, it was already the tenth day. The food in his fridge needed to be disposed of and changed every time he came back.


    These days, his fridge contained food that would not go bad easily like sausages.


    Just when Ren Baqian reached home, his phone rang. He saw the name of a person that he wasn''t too familiar with, Dong Haiqing.


    He ruminated over it and picked up her call after the phone rang for the fifth time.


    "Ren Baqian? Eight Thousand Years Old?" Dong Haiqing''s voice greeted him from the other end of the line.


    (Baqian is eight thousand in Chinese, she is making fun of Ren Baqian''s name when she said Eight Thousand Years Old)


    When Ren Baqian heard this long-forgotten nickname, he felt slightly embarrassed. Since he was young, he only had this nickname.


    No matter which new environment he settled into, people would very soon call him by this nickname.


    He could not help but to admit that people across different environments roughly had the same mindset.


    Ren Baqian did not mention this nickname to Dong Haiqing thest time he met her. He still thought she had forgotten about it, and he did not expect her to recall it.


    "It''s me!"


    "I''ve had a really hard time contacting you." Dong Haiqing seemed to be smiling brightly at the other end of the line.


    "I just came back to Shencheng."


    "Oh? Do you want to go to the ss reunion? It''s happening tonight, you''re only one left in Shencheng that has yet to confirm with me," Dong Haiqing said.


    "Who is going?"


    After Ren Baqian asked this question, Dong Haiqing told him six names, including Chen Bing. He wasn''t familiar with anyone, or rather, he wasn''t familiar with anyone since his schooling days. Even for the people from the same dormitory as him, he only knew them as hi-bye friends.


    "Why? Do you still need to see if your dream girl is at the ss reunion first before going? Is it very hard to invite Eight Thousand Years Old to a gathering now?" Dong Haiqing teased.


    "Alright, I will go," Ren Baqian said helplessly.


    "Alright then. It''s starting at six in the evening. I will send you the addresster." Dong Haiqing hung up the phone after finishing her sentence.


    Ren Baqian switched on the television and fell into a daze. After a while, he went online and searched for information covering various fields.


    After all, he could note back and search online for information only after he encountered problems.


    It was fortunate that he was able to teleport to and fro between the two worlds. However, he could not make certain this would happen all the time. There was a possibility that he might get stuck in that world.


    If he was going to be stuck on Earth, he would still be alright. If he was going to be stuck in that world, he better learned more things now.


    Soon, it was afternoon. When Ren Baqian saw it was about time to for the reunion, he bathed, put on a T-shirt, and left his house.


    The restaurant where the ss reunion was taking ce wasn''t really huge. After all, all of them had just recently graduated and they did not have much money yet.


    From its outer appearance, the restaurant did look quite exquisite.


    Dong Haiqing and a pretty-looking girl were standing at the entrance. When Dong Haiqing saw Ren Baqian''s Audi A6L, her eyes lit up. She said to the girl beside her, "He''s here. I have created a chance for both of you to meet. You have made good use of it. In the past, I really could not tell Ren Baqian is from a rich family."


    The other girl was, naturally, Chen Bing. When she was still in school, there was a period of time in which she was quite interested in Ren Baqian.


    She even thought of pursuing him.


    However, when Dong Haiqing knew of it, she told her, "Ren Baqian isn''t handsome, he isn''t rich, and he isn''t capable."


    After hearing those words, she pondered over her feelings. Eventually, nothing happened between the two of them.


    The underripe fruit in her heart in those years eventually rotted silently and dropped to the ground and disappeared into thin air.


    Before this ss reunion, Dong Haiqing suddenly told her to make full use of the chance and see if she and Ren Baqian could end up together or not. Dong Haiqing also told her Ren Baqian actually came from a rich family.


    She had an indescribable feeling in her heart.


    She felt somewhat painful and bitter, as though she was going to cry.


    "Oh! Eight Thousand Years Old, you''re finally here. If I can''t invite you here, I can''t exin myself to everyone that''s already here," Dong Haiqing yelled at Ren Baqian, who was getting down from his car.


    When Ren Baqian stepped out of his car, he could already see Dong Haiqing and Chen Bing. He raised his hand and greeted them.


    "Long time no see, it seems you have made it big," Chen Bing greeted Ren Baqian after she sorted out her emotions.


    Ren Baqian did not know what to say. One month ago, he was still drawing a monthly sry of 4000 yuan while living in a small rented apartment.


    One year of his sry was barely enough to keep him alive.


    Now that he had be somebody in other people''s eyes, he could not get used to it.


    "Let''s go, everyone is already inside, you''re the only one left," Dong Haiqing told him.


    They entered a private room where there were five persons already sitting inside: three guys and two girls.


    When they saw Ren Baqian, they were stunned momentarily. Then, one of them asked, "Are you Eight Thousand Years Old?"


    "You''re Liu Zidong, right? It has been only a year since west met and you have already be so fat." Ren Baqian reached out his hand to shake this person''s. This person had a square face and he looked like he weighed at least 90 kilograms. Ren Baqian remembered that he was only around 60 kilograms while they were still students. He did not expect him to be so fat after a single year.


    "I am Xu Li. We have been ssmates for four years, but Eight Thousand Years Old doesn''t even know who I am. This is really embarrassing for me." Xu Liughed at himself. Everyone else burst outughing too.


    The next moment, Ren Baqian felt embarrassed. He had only graduated for one year, and he had already mistaken Xu Li for someone else.


    The other four people wore spectacles. The one wearing a very small pair of spectacles was called Guo Kai. The sunshine-looking guy with a very clean appearance and neat hairstyle was Qi Kai. The other two girls were Zhang Xiaotong and Miao Feifei. Both of their looks were average.


    Other than Xu Li, the guys wore T-shirts and pants. The girls wore office attire, looking as though they had just ended work.

 Chapter 34: Drunken Fit

    Chapter 34: Drunken Fit


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Everyone was seated and chatting while waiting for the dishes to be served. They reminisced over their school days which were considered rather harmonious. Although Ren Baqian did not interact with many people back then, but, his name and nickname were too special and easily remembered. And as a result, everyone could actually still remember him. Sadly, he did not have much of an impression from the others.


    There weren''t any pretentious or forced plots like in a novel.


    After all, everyone had just graduated, and the gap between one another wasn''t considered far.


    Under the assistance of his family, Xu Li opened a shop selling seafood and was doing rtively well. The others were all office workers.


    After the food and dishes were served and everyone arrived, Dong Haiqing raised her ss and proposed a toast, "Being fellow ssmates for four years and after graduating for a year, we are all gathered here. We are all brought together by fate. In the future, let''s keep in touch often so that our friendship will not be estranged."


    After speaking, she downed the whole ss of liquor.


    Seeing that she was so straightforward, everyone also found it embarrassing to hide away. All of them drank the ss of liquor in one gulp as well.


    After downing one ss of liquor, everyone started warming up to one another.


    Ren Baqian just listened from the sidelines and rarely interjected into their conversations. With regards to school activities, he did not participate much and therefore didn''t have much to add.


    On the contrary, Dong Haiqing and Chen Bing frequently asked about him, wanting to involve him in the conversation.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian really did not have anything much to say. He spoke one or two sentences and then stopped talking again.


    After the third round of liquor, Guo Kai, who had the weakest alcohol tolerance, started to bber non-stop about hispany''s prospects and also about how much his leader valued him.


    Xu Li, Qi Kai, Miao Feifei, andpany responded from time to time. This made Guo Kai speak with even more enthusiasm.


    In addition, Zhang Xiaotong was already using her hand to support the weight of her head. She was basically not talking anymore. It seemed like she did not usually drink, and the amount of liquor she consumed today was over her limit.


    Ren Baqian could tell that Guo Kai''s gaze was always on Chen Bing, who was seated right beside him.


    Dong Haiqing was indeed gorgeous, but Guo Kai probably spected that he was not even in her league. Chen Bing did notck in her appearance either. She gave off a rather fresh and pure vibe which was what many guys were fond of.


    Furthermore, even though her short stature was a w, she was able to cover it up by wearing a long skirt. She would also be getting many looks while walking on the streets.


    So, it was normal for Guo Kai to take an interest in her.


    In the animal kingdom when birds pursue their mates, they had to disy their beautiful feathers. Animals had to reveal their ws and teeth topete with other males. In fact, human beings were more or less the same. Regardless of appearance, height, character, specialized skills, future, or even the most unexaggerated money, there was no difference from a bird disying its feathers.


    It''s just that some people were more particr about looks whereas some people cared more about character. While some people cared about potential, others expressed that they were only concerned about money.


    Ren Baqian pondered over such thoughts and looked at the others which were actively chatting. He felt a little tedious from the conversations.


    Guo Kai was disying his feathers, but Chen Bing''s attention had never been on him. From time to time, she inclined her head to talk to Ren Baqian about the interesting details of her working life. But, Ren Baqian was absorbed in his own thoughts.


    Seeing the both them behaving intimately, (From Guo Kai''s point of view): I can no longer contain myself. I originally thought that I would have a little chance from this old ssmate gathering, but Chen Bing seems like she''s more interested in Ren Baqian than me. I feel somewhat indignant about it.


    What does he have that I don''t? Isn''t it just that he is slightly better looking than me? In this society, being capable and having good connections are more important than having a good look. To be even more blunt, money is the key factor. Although I don''t have much money yet, I am certain that my future is definitely brighter than Ren Baqian''s.


    Yes, that''s right. Although Ren Baqian did not have a celebrity''s face, he is considered clean-cut and decent looking. He had a look which was easy to develop a favorable impression on.


    When Chen Bing spoke softly to Ren Baqian again, Guo Kai couldn''t help but to ask, "Eight Thousand Years Old, what have you been up totely?"


    "


    Ren Baqian tilted his head to the side. He had already answered this question just a moment ago. Seeing that the other party was still looking at him, he replied, "I''ve done nothing. Just rotting at home and depleting my savings."


    "Oh, like this." Guo Kai nodded his head and did not speak again. He had, after all, already stepped into society and he was no fool. He would not go too far with his words.


    .


    All he wanted was for Ren Baqian to repeat himself one more time.


    Ren Baqian also chuckled. He was well aware of the other party''s thoughts.


    But looking at Guo Kai''s appearance, his face was flushed. Ren Baqian knew that he had one too many.


    Dong Haiqing took a look at Guo Kai and then at Ren Baqian. She did not reveal that Ren Baqian was a rich man. Even if he rotted at home, it was still possible for him match up to those who worked for their entire lives.


    After all, he was the second generation son of a rich man and was also her ssmate. He was a scarce resource.


    She had informed Chen Bing as though she was someone who wasn''t scheming at all. Thus, it was easier to manipte her. If Chen Bing and Ren Baqian get together, she would also gain a lot from their rtionship.


    As for the others, there was no need for her to tell them about Ren Baqian''s background.


    .


    The others treated Ren Baqian just like how he was back during their school days, an ordinary student which didn''t have a sense of belonging. That couldn''t be any better.


    Several of them drank a little more. Guo Kai had already hit his limit, but he still continued downing ss after ss. He swayed even though he was seated. Dong Haiqing then said, "It seems that everyone has drank to their fill, and we all still need to work tomorrow. Let''s end it here today. We shall gather another day. Everyone, exchange your contact details so that we can keep in touch in the future."


    "Since everyone has just started working, let''s go dutch. We shall check the bill in awhile."


    "Do not mind me but, going Dutch seems like it''s underestimating the capabilities of the few of our male ssmates. This meal is on me," Xu Li replied.


    "That''s enough. I''m very d that I''m able to meet my old ssmates today. Let me do the honor of treating this meal. Whoever who fights me for the bill, I will thrash it out with you," Guo Kai said as he pulled Xu Li aside. He got up and rushed to foot the bill.


    In any case, it didn''t matter to Ren Baqian how they settled the bill. He was fine with either going Dutch or treating the meal. However, since Guo Kai was determined to foot the bill, he, simply, just sat on his chair and remained there. In the eyes of others, it naturally seemed as though he did not have any intention to foot the bill and was just waiting for it to be settled.


    After Guo Kai and Xu Li left, Ren Baqian looked at his remaining ssmates. Only Zhang Xiaotong required someone to take care of her, and the others were generally fine. He then followed behind and left the private room.


    "What? You....what''s the meaning of gesturing to me?"


    Just when they walked into the hall, they could hear Guo Kai''s intoxicated voice.


    Guo Kai and Xu Li stood in front of the counter. The person they were speaking to was a girl anxiously gesturing to them.


    "Is this signnguage?" Ren Baqian took a nce, the cashier at the restaurant was actually a disabled person? This was rather rare.


    He did not have any judgements as a disabled person also required a job. It was just that it was rarely seen in ces such as restaurants and so on, especially if it was the cashier.


    "I have told you several times that I want to settle the bill, yet you are acting as though you cannot hear? Then, you showed me some hand signals, are you acting as a mute?" Guo Kai had one drink too many, and his face was flushed. He pped the counter and shouted at the top of his lungs. Guo Kai sounded intoxicated and was somewhat unclear in his words. But, the content of what he said, nevertheless, got the attention of the other diners in the restaurant.


    "Apologies Mister, An Fei''s hearing is impaired. Her hearing aid is not working today and as a result, she is not able to hear what you said clearly." A waiter who was in his 20s, immediately came to exin once he heard themotion.


    That girl who was called An Fei, instantly took a piece of paper and wrote "Sorry" on it. After which, she raised the piece of paper in her hand.


    "Enough, enough." Xu Li pulled Guo Kai away in order to resolve the dispute.


    Guo Kai shook Xu Li off and said, "Oh, it is my first timeing across someone who is not only deaf but also mute working at a counter. Your restaurant is rather creative."


    "But��creativity��shouldn''t be used this way? The reception desk is used to receive guests. Why is a mute even hired to be at a reception desk?"

 Chapter 35: I Am Not a Mute

    Chapter 35: I Am Not a Mute


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Guo Kai wasn''t in a good mood to begin with today. Now that he had consumed too much alcohol, he was drunk as a skunk. Even after the waiter had exined the situation to him, he still made those offensivements. Tears welled up in the eyes of the girl that was called An Fei. Even though she could not hear what Guo Kai was saying, she could still read his lips. A deaf person could still understand what those words meant.


    "I am�� not a�� mute!" An Fei said one word at a time. It seemed like she seldom spoke. Her voice was dry and unclear.


    "If you talk like that, you might as well keep your mouth shut." Guo Kai''s body was swaying. Obviously, he was drunk.


    Many regr diners of this restaurant knew the counter girl had a hearing problem. She always wore a red-colored hearing aid on one of her ears. They sympathized with this girl very much.


    Therefore, when they heard what Guo Kai said, they looked at him angrily.


    On one side, Ren Baqian could no longer take it. He pulled Guo Kai to one side and told An Fei, "I''m sorry, he''s drunk."


    "Ren Baqian, what''s the meaning of this? I just asking her a question. What? Did I offend you or something? Are you trying to y the hero now?" Guo Kai raged when he realized it was Ren Baqian that dragged him and caused him to stumble.


    "Xu Li, get him out of here," Ren Baqian said to Xu Li. He was really disgusted by Guo Kai and pushed him away with one arm.


    Behind them, when Dong Haiqing and Chen Bing saw this scene, they quickly pulled Guo Kai out of the restaurant to get him some fresh air.


    "Hey, don''t pull me out. Let go of me, I want to speak with him. Ren Baqian, what''s the matter with you? Have you be a c*nt after you graduated? Did I offend you? Why do you pull away?"


    Ren Baqian did not care about him and turned around to look at An Fei. Right now, she was wiping off the tears on her face. Her eyes had turned red as well.


    "I''m really sorry. He is drunk, please ignore him," Ren Baqian said. Then, when he recalled that the girl was deaf, he took a piece of paper from the counter and wrote "I''m really sorry, he is drunk." on it and passed it to her.


    With a pair of reddish eyes, she wrote back "It''s okay, thank you.".


    Ren Baqian smiled at her. Following which, he asked the waiter beside him, "How much is the bill?"


    "632 yuan," the waiter replied after taking a look at the bill on the counter.


    Ren Baqian paid the bill and wrote on the paper "Don''t care about what other people say about you. There are indeed malicious people in this world, but there are kind souls as well. You have already done your very best.".


    When An Fei saw these words, even though her eyes still brimmed with tears, she still gave Ren Baqian a smile. Then, she wrote on the paper "Thank you!"


    When Ren Baqian saw the girl''s pure smile, he felt something touch the soft spot in his heart.


    Ren Baqian waved his hand at her and left the restaurant. When he walked out of the restaurant, he heard the waiter mumble, "Scum." Of course, he reffered to Guo Kai.


    After he left the restaurant, he saw everyone was still outside. Guo Kai was seated on the flight of stairs in a daze, puking all over the floor.


    "A breeze blew and he started puking," Chen Bing turned around and said to Ren Baqian.


    "Does anyone know where he''s living? Get a cab and send him back."


    "I roughly know where he stays," Qi Kai replied.


    "Feifei, are you sending Zhang Xiaotong back?" Dong Haiqing asked Miao Feifei.


    Following which, after they sent Qi Kai and Guo Kai off on a taxi, Xu Li, Miao Feifei, and Zhang Xiaotong got onto another taxi and left.


    Only Dong Haiqing, Chen Bing and Ren Baqian were left.


    After seeing the two taxis had departed, Dong Haiqing turned around and said, "I really can''t tell you can drink that well."


    "So-so." Ren Baqian smiled. His superb alcohol tolerance was a direct result of drinking too often with Chen Qing.


    "Guo Kai usually seems like a decent dude, I can''t believe that he will act like this when he is drunk."


    "I know right."


    "Oh, by the way, have you contacted your friend Chen Qing recently?" Dong Haiqing asked.


    "I''ve juste back to Shencheng. After I picked up your call, I came here straight away. I didn''t manage to get in touch with him," Ren Baqian replied. Even if he had contacted Chen Qing, he could not tell her. God knows what happened between her and Chen Qing.


    Furthermore, Chen Qing was an assh*le. He dated a new girl almost every day.


    Ren Baqian did not want to get swept into the maelstrom.


    "Alright, I shall leave first then. Bingbing lives quite far away, you should send her back. You should leave your car here or get a designated driver. Don''t drive after you have consumed alcohol," Dong Haiqing reminded Ren Baqian after giving Chen Bing a hug.


    (Bingbing - Nickname for Chen Bing)


    Even though Dong Haiqing was somewhat of a scheming girl, Ren Baqian still found her to be rather pleasant after hanging out with her.


    "Alright, goodbye."


    Finally, only Ren Baqian and Chen Bing were left.


    Ren Baqian made a phone call and booked a designated driver. He was then informed that the designated driver would arrive in half an hour''s time.


    "Let''s wait for a while," Ren Baqian turned around and told Chen Bing.


    Chen Bing tucked her hair behind her ears and looked at Ren Baqian and said, "You have changed a lot."


    "Huh?" Ren Baqian touched his face and said, "We haven''t seen each other for only a year, I did not really change much."


    "Your appearance doesn''t change much, but your personality has changed a lot." Chen Bing looked into Ren Baqian''s eyes and said, "In the past, if I was to look at you like this, you would already have broken eye contact with me a long time ago."


    Ren Baqian rubbed his nose. He was indeed like that in the past. He did not like to keep eye contact with other people and would subconsciously shift his gaze away.


    "Furthermore, I did not know you are this manly in the past." Chen Bing pursed her lips and smiled. "It''s really beyond my expectation."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Just now, I saw how you pulled Guo Kai aside, and asked Qi Kai to get him out. Such proactive actions from you are beyond my expectation. If my memory serves me right, you have never taken the initiative to do anything in the past. Now, I have to see you in apletely different light. You are a rather reliable man in a critical junction."


    After Chen Bing finished saying these words, she turned silent for a while. Then, she raised her head and continued, "If you were this reliable when we were still students, I might have really chased after you."


    Ren Baqian lowered his head. Subsequently, he looked at Chen Qing''s clear and beautiful eyes and subconsciously shifted his gaze away again. Then he said, "It seems like I was really unreliable in the past."


    When Chen Bing saw Ren Baqian shifting his gaze away, she also shifted her gaze into the distance and said, "It''s true. Think about it. If a person who is always quiet doesn''t participate in anything and doesn''t express himself, will people find him reliable?"


    Thinking about it, Ren Baqian had no choice but to admit what Chen Bing said was true.


    He had always behaved like that.


    It seemed like he only took the initiative to do things in that world.


    It was mainly because he could see the actual reward for everything he did in that world.


    Furthermore, he was a unique individual in that world. Nobody in that world possessed whatever he could offer.


    And maybe because of these reasons, he could express what he really wanted to and take the initiative to do things.


    Both of them idly chatted with each other. After half an hour, the designated driver finally arrived.


    The designated driver sent Chen Bing to her home first. When Chen Bing alighted from the car, she turned around to look at Ren Baqian and bit her lower lip. After a slight hesitation, she said, "Goodbye."


    After Chen Bing left, the designated driver chuckled andmented, "You should have followed her just now. She wanted to invite you to her ce, but she was too shy to tell you. You are the same as well."


    "In the past, I was like you and I always waited for other people to take the initiative."


    The designated driver sighed as he said these words.


    The designated driver looked older than fifty years old and more than half of his hair had fallen out. Ren Baqian cast a nce at him and almost burst outughing. He did not expect him to be someone who would tell a story.


    After Ren Baqian reached home, heid on his bed and thought about the ss reunion. He really did not have thoughts towards Chen Bing.


    Then he thought about the things he had to prepare before going back to that world. Should he find a chef and learn some culinary skills?


    Even though he could cook a few dishes, their appearances did not really look good. The dishes he made were novelties at best.


    After thinking about it, he abandoned this thought. After all, his goal wasn''t bing an outstanding chef.

 Chapter 36: Consolation Prize

    Chapter 36: Constion Prize


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After staying at home for two days, the next time he woke up was due to the heat.


    He only felt the stuffiness of the room and already knew where he was.


    He looked at the skies outside, and it had just turned bright. He estimated that it was about four in the morning and should sleep in a little more.


    But, after lying in bed for a while, he was perspiring all over. He began to deeply yearn for his air-conditioned room.


    In his hand was apleted indigenous electric fan with a string at the bottom. He pulled on it, and it started spinning. Once the string reached the end, it automatically retracted. The "electric fan" then continued to spin in the opposite direction.


    Although the spinning time was short, the wind generated was definitely much stronger than from a fan.


    After fiddling with the "electric fan" for a while, he still felt warm. He then changed into a set of clothing and went out for a stroll, preparing to head to the ice cer and bring a chunk of ice back.


    Just as he pushed open the door, he saw the two chaps with ck and white patchesying at the b at the doorway. They slept very soundly.


    Ren Baqian used his fingers to prod them. One of them hugged his hand so that he could not make mischief anymore. After which, he continued to sleep.


    Ren Baqian carefully took his hand out and went straight to the ice cer. He brought a chunk of ice back and ced it by his bedside. At longst, he felt slightly morefortable.


    He returned to his sleep, and when he woke up again, it was almost eight in the morning.


    The first thing he did was check the sweet potatoes. Soft shoots had already grown out of the portion which was exposed to air. In a few days'' time, they would be able to nt them in the plot ofnd.


    He then went to the kitchen and consumed a bowl of porridge. After which, he pulled a few odd-job workers out to the field.


    The crops on the plots ofnd he''d seen the other day were already ripe. This time round, he found out that the crops had already been plucked and were non-existent.


    "Plough these two plots ofnd. Let''s nt something good," Ren Baqian said to the few odd-job workers.


    "How big of a ridge do you require?" An elder asked.


    "We will be nting different things so the size of the ridges in the field should differ as well. With regards to people who have done farm work before, this should be child''s y. As for the city kids, there are only a few who would know about farm work."


    If Ren Baqian had not read up on farming for the past few days, he would have seemed ignorant upon hearing that question.


    Firstly, they divided the two plots ofnd into five portions. Then, he exined the different requirements for each plot, and everyone expressed that they understood.


    After throwing all the work to the odd-job workers, only then did he stroll back. He felt that it was no wonder why people would want to be officials. As long as there was a task, you could just throw it to someone to do for you. This feeling was indeed great.


    When he returned, he went to find Caretaker Shi and saw that he was busy. Ren Baqian waited by the side for a while and had Caretaker Shi issue him a paper slip for leaving the pce.


    "Take along two odd-job workers when you leave the pce. Do not go alone at any cost. You do not look like you are from Dayao, and it is very likely for you to get into trouble if you go out alone."


    "Is it really that chaotic?" Ren Baqian was taken aback when he heard Caretaker Shi''s warning.


    "Not exactly chaotic, but your small arms and legs can''t even withstand a pinch. If anything happens, things would get out of hand," Caretaker Shi said as he sized up Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while, his physique was indeed inferior whenpared to the Dayao people.


    The odd-job workers in the beast park all had burly figures. Each of their sizes were equivalent to two of his size. He reckoned that even with three or five of him bundled together, he would not even match up to one of them.


    In addition, the cooks at the imperial kitchen could easily split up the 10-centimeter-thick chopping board just with their bare palm.


    He was impressed and convinced by such skills.


    "The next time round, I must bring a taser back." Ren Baqian made up his mind and took the paper slip back to his room.


    This time, he brought along a few books, Body Parts Anatomy, Body System Anatomy, and Typhoid and Diseases. These were all prepared as gifts for Chen Medicinal Shop.


    In any case, there were plenty of such books on Earth. Bringing these books to this world and imparting the knowledge contained within to others to save more lives was also a good deed.


    Knowledge was very precious and it was even more precious in this world. But, as far as Ren Baqian was concerned, these were all unimportant.


    Apart from this, he also brought along a thousand condoms, a few syringes, and catheter.


    He read a piece of news online before he came over. It said that the sess rate of using condoms filled with saline water to stop postpartum hemorrhage in women who just gave birth, was almost 99%. It was easy to learn and did not have a single repercussion.


    Childbirth had always been said to be a walk across hell''s gate.


    Of which, postpartum hemorrhage was one of the main causes of death.


    Being able to easily save countless of lives, why not do it? When Ren Baqian saw that piece of news, he immediately felt that it was a pity as they were all young lives. He then recalled that such cases happened quite often in ancient China. However, he never would expect that it was still happening in the modern era.


    Soon after, he thought of Dayao. Even though he did not spend much time there, it was still human lives. If he can save a few lives without much effort, then it should be done. It was the same reason as bringing along the book Typhoid and Diseases.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and suddenly realized how good of a person he was. This was the first time he felt like this since birth.


    Following that, he bought a pile of condoms. He could still remember the look on that girl''s eyes in the pharmacy. He reckoned that she must have treated him as a bad egg.


    An ordinary person would never buy so many condoms in one go.


    Besides that, he bought alum and mirabilite which were used to tan animal hides.


    Dayao''s dietprised mostly of meat, such as beef and mutton. There were plenty of cheap cow and goat hides in the beast park, which could also be made into sofas after tanning.


    After categorizing all the items, Ren Baqian found two burly odd-job workers.


    One was called Teng Hulu and the other was called Tie Dao. They were both very diligent and straightforward people. But, they were not very intelligent.


    Both Teng Hulu and Tie Dao carried the items and followed behind. The three of them then went straight to Chen Medicinal Shop.


    Not far after entering the city, Ren Baqian saw a few men fighting ahead. In addition, there were quite a few bystanders cheering as well.


    "Your fist is too slow. Didn''t you drink milk?"


    "Punch his chin! Whack his stomach!"


    "Eh! Missed again? Why are you so dumb?"


    Ren Baqian passed by and heard the shouts of those people. He was speechless.


    These people are too vicious.


    But, the people in Dayao were already ustomed to it. Those who were a part of the fight grew more invigorated when they heard the surrounding mor.


    Still stuck in the crowd, Ren Baqian heard someone shouting from above and a roar ofughter disseminated from the surrounding. When he lifted his head, he saw a face approaching him.


    "F***." Before Ren Baqian could even swear, he was pounced on by someone and fell to the ground.


    It was ady who had pounced on him. She was wearing an animal hide sleeveless jacket, and her hair was tied into many small pigtails. He barely caught a glimpse of someone who seemingly looked pretty good. However, the corner of her eye appeared to be slightly bruised, as if she was punched by someone.


    After thedy pounced on him, she rolled on the ground and stood up. She cursed and squeezed back into the crowd.


    Ren Baqian buried his face in his hands and exhaled cold air. Earlier on, thedy ran straight into his face with her mouth.


    He felt not even the slightest bit of charm nor gentleness but only the swell on his face.


    "Caretaker Ren, are you okay?" Teng Hulu and Tie Dao asked as they pulled Ren Baqian up.


    Ren Baqian massaged his face and thought to himself, "What an absurd disaster this is."


    He wanted to see how thedy who knocked him down looked like, but the crowd was full of tall and muscr men. It was like a wall, and he could not see anything. He could only hear the noise and curses that came from inside.


    "Forget it, let''s go," Ren Baqian covered his face and said to them.


    He couldn''t be bothered with this bunch of barbarians.


    After walking for a distance, Ren Baqian looked at his right hand. Back then, when he was trying to defend himself, it seemed that he grabbed something soft. He considered that as winning a constion prize.


    Upon reaching Chen Medicinal Shop, there were still many people queueing up to see the doctor or, perhaps, to treat their injuries. He only saw a few people who looked sickly. Practically everyone there was wounded, bleeding profusely, and badly bruised. A few of them were still holding onto the wounds on their heads while talking loudly. If it were not for the blood spouting excessively from their skulls, looking at how vigorous and lively they were, who would have thought that they needed medical attention?


    Chen Zisheng sat and bandaged the wounds of his patients. Seeing that Ren Baqian walked in, he nodded his head. While he was applying medicine and bandaging wounds for his patient, he said to Ren Baqian, "Mister Ren, please take a seat inside and wait for a while. I still require some time over here."

 Chapter 37: Condoms Save Lives

    Chapter 37: Condoms Save Lives


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Various types of herbs were ced everywhere in the shop. Everyone would smell a strong scent of Chinese medicine the moment they entered the shop.


    The three of them then put down their things. Feeling bored, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao walked and looked around the shop. Meanwhile, Ren Baqian took out Typhoid and Diseases and browsed through it.


    It was written with simplified Chinese characters, so Chen Zisheng would, therefore,most certainly be unable to decipher it. Later, Ren Baqian had to read it to him. He had to familiarize himself with it first so that he could save some timeter.


    After reading the book for a while, he suddenly heard amotioning from outside the shop.


    "Doctor! Doctor! Help!" a burly man yelled.


    "Calm down, what''s the matter?" Chen Zisheng raised his head and asked.


    "My wife has just given birth to a baby boy but she won''t stop bleeding! Doctor, give me some jinchuang medicine," the burly man cried.


    (jinchuang medicine - a medicine used to staunch bleeding and heal wounds. Commonly found in Wuxia novels)


    Chen Zisheng furrowed his eyebrows. He knew exactly what the situation was. If the bleeding could not be stopped in time, jinchuang medicine would not be of any use.


    "Jinchuang medicine is not really useful in staunching severe bleeding after giving birth. We must stop the bleeding as soon as possible," Chen Zisheng said directly.


    "I know, I know, but how do I stop the bleeding?" the burly man yelled. His eyes were reddened, and his voice was filled with helplessness.


    Deaths caused by heavy bleeding after giving birth were verymon. The burly man heard there were tens of such cases every year. This statistic was obtained in a society where methods ofmunication and social interactions were limited. Therefore, there must be many more unreported cases.


    Therefore, when the burly man knew his wife was bleeding heavily, he immediately turned panicked and quickly ran over here.


    Chen Zisheng incessantly frowned in distress. Even though this world had no strict regtions over the interaction between a male and a female, it still wasn''t possible for him to personally handle the woman''s condition. Furthermore, he did not have any good solutions now.


    In the end, he sighed and said, "I will give you some jinchuang medicine. Go back and give it a try."


    In other words, he was leaving the woman''s life to the will of heaven.


    This kind of thing often happened, but he couldn''t do anything about it.


    At this moment, a person suddenly appeared beside Chen Zisheng.


    "I have a way to stop the bleeding."


    When Chen Zisheng heard this voice, he was stunned. He turned around and realized it was Ren Baqian. Immediately, he stood up and grabbed Ren Baqian''s shoulders and said, "Are you sure?"


    "Absolutely sure." Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    Just now, while he was sitting inside the shop, he heard what was going on. He did not expect himself to encounter such a situation right after he brought these things over. It was really a coincidence.


    Then again, he felt that it might not be a coincidence. After all, this kind of thing happened frequently.


    "How can we stop the bleeding?" When the burly man heard Ren Baqian''s words, his eyes lit up and he lifted Ren Baqian up by his shoulders.


    "Let go of him!" Tie Dao and Teng Hulu ran out from the shop. Immediately, they grabbed the man''s arms and wrung them to his back. At the same time, Ren Baqian dropped to the ground.


    "Sorry, sorry, I am being too excited. How can I stop the bleeding to save my wife?" the burly man did not put up any resistance. His head was lowered with a pleading look on his face, resembling a child that had just been scolded.


    "Let him go," Ren Baqian said after seeing that burly man''s facial expression. That burly man did not really hurt him as it was a subconscious action. However, he did use a lot of strength when he carried him up directly.


    "Both of you, please follow me," Ren Baqian said to Chen Zisheng and that man. Following which, he led them into the shop.


    After all of them were in the shop, Chen Zisheng asked anxiously, "Mr. Ren, so how can we stop the bleeding?"


    Ren Baqian opened his bag. It was filled with one thousand condoms.


    He took out one and said to both of them, "We will use this."


    Chen Zisheng''s eyes lit up. He quickly asked, "What do we do with it?"


    Ren Baqian found a basin of water and took out a catheter and a syringe to demonstrate to them.


    "This is called condom. Find a clean string and tie the mouth of the catheter to the condom''s. Then push them up a woman''s uterus."


    After Ren Baqian finished speaking, he raised his head and looked at the burly man. When he saw the burly man was in a daze, he continued, "Push it through her birth canal into her womb. That''s where the baby is."


    This was the first time Ren Baqian exined to someone about such things. He felt slightly awkward. However, the two of them felt even more awkward than him.


    Regardless, Ren Baqian still had to clearly exin the process to them.


    He used the syringe to draw water from the basin and inserted the water into the catheter. After he repeated the process a few times, the condom inted and became a water balloon.


    "By doing this, the condom will expand inside the womb and stop the bleeding through pressure," Ren Baqian exined as he demonstrated the process.


    "How sure are you that this process will work?" Chen Zisheng asked.


    "I''m ny-nine percent sure," Ren Baqian replied.


    "Yes! Thank you so much, thank you so much!" When the burly man heard there was a ny-nine percent sess rate, he burst into joy.


    "Mr. Chen, there will be a midwife there to deliver the baby, right? Tell her about this method and let her do it. However, she must do it quickly. And don''t use normal water, use salt water instead. You''ll have to gauge the amount of water used yourself as well."


    "Alright, I shall go along with him then. Saving a life is a matter of urgency and haste." Without any hesitation, Chen Zisheng took two brand-new condoms, the catheter, and the syringe from Ren Baqian and left with the burly man.


    Even though Chen Zisheng felt he would not be of much help going there, he was afraid that the burly man might miss out on any details and cost a human life. Therefore, he wanted to follow along and directly tell the midwife about the method.


    After they were gone, Ren Baqian sat back down on his chair and continued reading the Typhoid and Diseases. However, he could not focus as he kept thinking about the burly man''s wife, hoping that his method would work.


    After all, it was a human life.


    After waiting for a long while, upon seeing that Chen Zisheng was still not back, Ren Baqian felt bored and decided to wait outside the shop.


    When he walked out of Chen Zisheng''s room, he saw a young man seeing a patient. Ren Baqian reckoned that he must be Chen Zisheng''s family member or disciple.


    However, his appearance did not look like he was from the Dayao Nation. Hence, he must be Cheng Zisheng''s family member.


    "Eh? Were you one who was knocked down by me?" Ren Baqian suddenly heard a hearty female voice from his back. He turned around and found a girl that was 1.7 meters tall standing behind him. She wore an animal hide waistcoat with an undergarment beneath it.


    Her beautiful and charismatic face was covered, at this point in time, with bruises. The corner of her mouth even had a bloodstain.


    Indeed, she was the one that knocked into him just now.


    "What? Are you going to apologize to me?" Ren Baqian asked casually.


    "In your dream. I haven''t even said anything yet about you taking advantage of me," the girl twitched her nose and replied.


    Ren Baqianughed.


    So, you knew about it huh? I still thought you only cared about fighting then.


    She then pointed to her bruised face without saying anything. It was obvious what she was implying.


    "Na Gu, what''s the matter?" a huge man standing on the other side asked.


    "Just now while I was fighting, I was thrown out of the fight and knocked into him," Na Gu pointed at Ren Baqian and said.


    The huge man cast a nce at Ren Baqian and did not say anything.


    Since he wasn''t from Dayao, the huge man did not care about him at all.


    If he was from Dayao, the huge man wouldn''t care even more. Citizens of Dayao had thick skins and huge muscles. To them, a collision wouldn''t hurt or tickle. No one would bother about this kind of thing.


    Ren Baqian knew what the big man was thinking and shook his head helplessly.


    Citizens from Dayao and foreigners really could not see eye to eye. Ren Baqian cast a nce at the huge guy''s half-naked body and saw several thumb-sized whip scars. They looked extremely painful, but the huge man did not seem to feel anything.


    Previously, he heard from Caretaker Shi that one would be flogged if he or she fought on the streets.


    He wondered if Na Gu was flogged as well.


    Ren Baqian took a nce at her. On one of Na Gu''s arms, there were a few whip scars. It was most likely that she was flogged as well.


    She indeed did not run away.


    However, when Ren Baqian saw the nonchnt look on her face, he felt a slight admiration for her.


    "Hey, I''m sorry!" Na Gu said to Ren Baqian as he was preparing to leave the shop.


    Ren Baqian waved his hand to signal that it was alright.

 Chapter 38: Hugging the Doctor is Strictly Prohibited

    Chapter 38: Hugging the Doctor is Strictly Prohibited


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After waiting at the doorway for almost half a day and watching the passersby in this worlde and go, this was considered a little joy for Ren Baqian. It was quite a long while before he saw Chen Zisheng hurriedlying back.


    Walking beside him was that same burly man.


    Seeing his look of joy, Ren Baqian knew the mission was a sess. Knowing that his method had saved a life, he felt joy and a smile appeared on his face.


    "Mr. Ren, due to your effort a life was saved," Chen Zisheng said as he grabbed Ren Baqian''s hand.


    "Brother, thanks, thank you." The big fellow gleefully gave Ren Baqian a bear hug. He heard his bones crackling, almost lost his breath, and realized why it was called a bear hug. It was really like being hugged by a bear, the pressure exerted on his chest made it difficult to breathe.


    He managed to extricate himself from the grasp of the big fellow with some help from Chen Zisheng. He was struggling for his breath and yet this guy did not even realize that he almost killed his own benefactor. He really felt like giving him a few kicks.


    "I don''t have any valuable possessions, my most valuable possession is this knife which I will give you." The big fellow took the knife from his lower back and handed it to him.


    "I don''t need this, please take it back. I am more than happy to save someone." Ren Baqian quickly rejected the offer.


    "How can a man from Dayao do so such an ungrateful deed? You saved my wife, as long I can offer, you just take whatever you like. This knife is my most valuable possession and I''m giving it to you to show my gratitude." The big fellow earnestly looked at Ren Baqian with an expression of sincere happiness.


    "Mr. Ren, just ept it. If not, he would feel uneasy." Chen Zisheng said light-heartedly.


    "This is for you, I will go back to see my son first." The big fellow finished talking, cheerfully turned around, and left.


    "Dayao people are all like this, you will get used to their ways," Chen Zishengughed and said as he looked at the receding figure of the burly man.


    Ren Baqian looked at the short knife with an animal hide hilt and sheathed in an animal hide scabbard. It was rather heavy and weighed about five or six catties.


    He had heard from Caretaker Shi before that the iron weapons from Dayao Nation were very expensive. For a knife like this, an ordinary person could not afford it even after saving up for a few months without eating or drinking.


    However, it wasn''t of much use to him.


    Such items like metal weapons were expensive in Dayao, but they were easily avable on Earth.


    After seeing the burly man merging into the crowd, Ren Baqian helplessly shook his head, carried the knife, and went indoors with Chen Zisheng.


    When Chen Zisheng came back, all the people inside got up and greeted him, "Doctor Chen! Doctor Chen!"


    He verified that the people over here had very high regards for him.


    Although Dayao people generally disliked foreigners, people like Chen Zisheng were respected wherever they went.


    Dayao people hated the greediness of foreign merchants and those snobbish foreigners who came to Dayao and regarded the locals as barbarians.


    Arriving at the table used for treating patients, Chen Zisheng pointed at a wooden tablet hanging on the wall with some words written on it. Ren Baqian had seen the tablet before, but he did not know what was written on it.


    Seeing Chen Zisheng specifically pointing at the tablet, Ren Baqian asked, "What is written there?"


    "It is strictly prohibited to hug a doctor." Chen Zisheng whispered sadly.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    It seemed like being loved and respected was also life threatening. From what Ren Baqian knew, only a few Dayao people were literate and it wasn''t easy for Dr. Chen to survive up till now.


    Both of them entered the inner room and their eyes were fixed on the object Ren Baqian was carrying.


    "Do you see anything you want here?" Chen Zisheng simply mentioned.


    This thing not only can save lives, it is also very effective.


    "The form and ingredients to make ck mud cream," Ren Baqian said.


    Chen Zisheng hesitated; the penicillin that was previously mentioned by Ren Baqian was also what he urgently wanted. Furthermore, ording to the description of the medicine, it could be used to save many more lives.


    But, a number of pregnant women dying of postpartum hemorrhage was also a frequent urrence. Each encounter would make him feel regretful as he witnessed a young life being taken away.


    A big portion of them were just in their teens, which was even more pitiful.


    "I only want the form and ingredients to make ck mud cream. As mentioned before, I will teach the method to make penicillin. As to these things, I will give them to you. They will generate more benefits in your hand than mine."


    "However, I would like to suggest that you give these things to midwife and teach them how to use it to be ready for any emergency," Ren Baqian said.


    Chen Zisheng turned his head towards Ren Baqian, tidied his clothes and bowed respectfully.


    "I thank you on their behalf," Chen Zisheng said sincerely.


    "It''s nothing much. These things are not of much use to me," exined Ren Baqian as he nodded his head. He bought one hundred boxes, which only cost two thousand yuan. Plus, the needles and catheters only added a few hundred yuan more.


    This amount of money was couldn''t also do as much on Earth. He did not need this little bit of money at this moment, and it could save countless lives over in this world.


    "Those things must be put in hot water to be disinfected if you want to reuse them. The rest of the materials can be reced by other things such as fish maw, animal dder or their intestines. You all can experiment to determine what is more suitable," Ren Baqian repeatedly advised.


    "We know what to do. We will spread the message about this method to those midwives. This is a lifesaving method and deserves to be known by many people," Chen Zisheng nodded and said earnestly.


    Ren Baqianughed. This Chen Zisheng''s personality was indeed pretty good.


    "Okay, it is gettingte, I will teach you how to make the penicillin," Ren Baqian said.


    While waiting for Chen Zisheng to bring out the fruit covered with mildew, Ren Baqian taught him how to culture the fluid and then filter it.


    Most of the procedures were exined by examples and were not really done.


    There would not be enough time if every step was done. Furthermore, some materials werecking.


    Items such as rice and vinegar could be bought. As for seaweed and alkaline water, they needed Chen Zisheng to find a solution.


    Chen Zisheng used a pen and paper to record the procedures. From time to time, he asked a few questions as well.


    It was night when they finished and Ren Baqian repeatedly advised them, "Remember, some people may be allergic to penicillin. If this happens, it is best to stop the medication."


    Chen Zisheng was terribly tired after writing for the whole afternoon and put his pen down. He nodded his head to signal that he understood. The same medicine prescribed for the same sickness might not produce the same result for everyone, which was something that he already knew.


    Ren Baqian took a look at the records and could not decipher even one word. But you could see that the handwriting resembled something written with a chicken w.


    "Who says a doctor''s handwriting is good?" Ren Baqian suddenly thought.


    "Basically these." Ren Baqian passed a few books to Chen Zisheng.


    "These three books, one is Typhoid and Diseases and the other two are about anatomy. They are based on a different medical theory that is not about seeing, hearing, asking, and taking pulse. But, you can use it for reference. You will most likely not be able to understand the words. Anyway, we have no time now. I will trante for you when I am free."


    Chen Zisheng carefully took the books; he knew the value of the books, especially books from another world. Perhaps one of these ces might have the solutions to the problems that gued him. Value is not easy to quantify.


    He browsed through twice, but he could not understand the words in Typhoid and Diseases.


    The other two books were about the human anatomy and contained many pictures.


    Chen Zisheng took a look and asked, "How do they do the research? How is it possible to draw the pictures so lifelike?"


    "They probably use a corpse to do research," Ren Baqian replied with uncertainty. He did not understand much about the development of Western medicine.


    "


    "No matter how the research is done, knowledge can never be wrong."


    "This is true." Chen Zisheng nodded in agreement.


    "I will make a move first ande back in a few days." Ren Baqian looked at the skies and thought he should have left earlier. He wondered whether there were any problems with him going back sote and whether the empress had sent people to look for him.

 Chapter 39: Respect

    Chapter 39: Respect


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Wait a minute, Mr. Ren. This is the form for the ck mud cream, and these are seeds. You still need some ingredients from a few different animals, but you can prepare those yourself."


    "Aren''t you afraid that I might lie to you regarding the penicillin?" Ren Baqian chuckled and asked.


    "Given Mr. Ren''s magnanimity, I am sure you won''t lie to me," Chen Zisheng replied solemnly, "Just your life-saving method today alone will save God knows how many people in the future."


    "Thank you so much." Ren Baqian smiled and took over the paper from Chen Zisheng. It felt good to be trusted by someone. He lowered his head and scanned the paper. Alright�� he did not understand a single word...


    "Mr. Chen, why not you tell me the form and I write it down?" Ren Baqian said helplessly.


    After getting someone to find a charcoal-made pencil, Ren Baqian listened to Chen Zisheng and wrote down the form on a piece of paper.


    The front part of the form was alright. It was mainly about some nts which Chen Zisheng had already prepared the seeds for him.


    The back part of the form, however, left Ren Baqian in a daze.


    One ingredient involved drying hexagonal dragons in the sun and ground them into powder. Hearing this part, Ren Baqian''s head was filled with question marks.


    What''s a hexagonal dragon? Don''t tell me it''s really a dragon?


    Another ingredient involved grinding earth dragons into powder. Ren Baqian knew what an earth dragon was. An earth dragon is an earthworm, right? But, he did not know how different the earthworms in this world were from Earth''s. However, they shouldn''t too hard to obtain.


    At most he could bring some back to Earth and find someone to rear them.


    The final ingredient was the saliva of green toads.


    "Is there any other thing?" Ren Baqian raised his head and asked.


    "No, that''s all."


    "Mr. Chen, are there any substitutions for the ingredients?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Chen Zisheng brushed his mustache and asked, "Which ingredient needs to be substituted?"


    "Other than earth dragons, what can the other two ingredients be substituted with?" Ren Baqian used his fingers to gesture to green toads and hexagonal dragons.


    "These ingredients aren''t hard to find. It''s just that they take very long to cultivate and their survival rates are very low. Another thing is that they are very troublesome to produce," Chen Zisheng said with doubt.


    Ren Baqian still felt that it was better to ask Chen Zisheng about the substitutions for the two ingredients. After all, he did not know how different the organisms in this world and Earth''s were. If he had more backups now, he would have more options in the future.


    "There are indeed substitutions but the efficacy of the medicine will decrease significantly," Chen Zisheng exined.


    "It''s okay," Ren Baqian replied. He wasn''t afraid of the efficacy decreasing. Using ck mud cream, a wound that usually took half a month to heal could heal in less than ten minutes. Even if the efficacy was reduced and it would take a few hours to two days for the wound to heal, it would still be eptable.


    Chen Zisheng came up with two substitutions for the two ingredients and Ren Baqian wrote them down. Then, he carefully kept his notes in his clothes.


    "I can see that the words you wrote and the words on the books you gave me are somewhat simr. I have never seen such words before. May I know where is Mr. Ren from?" Chen Zisheng asked with curiosity. He had been pondering over this question for nearly a whole day and he only asked this question now.


    "China, you definitely never heard of it before," Ren Baqian replied casually.


    After thinking about it, Chen Zisheng indeed could not remember any country called China.


    "Mr. Chen, do you have earth dragons, hexagonal dragons, and green toads with you now?" Ren Baqian asked. Since ck mud cream was produced by Chen Medicinal Shop, it was very likely that its ingredients would be readily avable here.


    "I indeed have some," Chen Zisheng replied just like what Ren Baqian expected. Then, he followed Chen Zisheng to the backyard.


    Just like what Ren Baqian had expected, earth dragons were actually earthworms. Chen Zisheng had dried them with the sun and Ren Baqian did not need to bring them back as well. He wanted to see if Earth''s earthworms would work or not first.


    Meanwhile, the hexagonal dragon was kept in a jar filled with water. It is golden yellow in color, and had four limbs, six horns on its heads, and a tail. It looked like it was a dual-gendered creature. After staring at it for quite some time, Ren Baqian felt they it somewhat like a fire-bellied smander but he wasn''t sure.


    The green toad was the size of two palms. It was rather huge in size and its back was protruding. When Ren Baqian first heard its name, he thought it was green in color. It turned out it was brown in color. Before it matured, it would be green in color. It would only turn brown after it matured.


    "Can you give me the hexagonal dragons and this green toad?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Chen Zisheng brushed his beard and replied, "No problem. However, Mr. Ren, you have to know that if any part of your skin touches the green toad, you will develop red spots on that area and it will be unbearably painful and itchy. If that really happens, grind some ninewood flowers into juice and apply it to the affected area. It will heal faster that way. Otherwise, you will have to wait for a month before they disappear by themselves. If you want to collect the green toad''s saliva, smear some honey onto a wooden stick and let it lick. After it have finished licking the honey, you can then obtain its saliva."


    "Understood, thank you so much." Ren Baqian''s face was filled with joy.


    He did not expect to obtain the form and ingredients for ck mud cream so easily.


    All he needed to do now was to pass it to Chen Qing when he went back to Earth.


    The remaining work would have to depend on their research.


    "Alright, it''s gettingter, we have to go back now. I wille over another day to teach you everything on those books. You can try to develop the penicillin and test its effect first. The earlier you develop it, the more people you can save." Ren Baqian made Teng Hulu and Tie Dao carry the ingredient jars, asked for some ninewood flowers from Chen Zisheng, and asked Teng Hulu and Tie Dao what they wanted to eat for dinner.


    "I have nothing but admiration for Mr. Ren''s benevolence," Chen Zisheng said.


    "I just want to save as many lives as possible, human lives are precious after all," Ren Baqian replied. He did not notice the look of admiration on the faces of Teng Hulu and Tie Dao.


    They had witnessed everything that happened today. Naturally, they knew the entire process of development.


    After knowing Ren Baqian taught his knowledge to someone just so that he could save people whom he did not know, both of them had nothing but respect for Ren Baqian.


    On the way back, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, who were holding a jar of ingredient each, looked at each other and then yelled, "Caretaker Ren!"


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian was feeling pretty good. Not only did he manage to obtain the form for the ck mud cream, he also saved someone''s life.


    An ordinary person would never imagine that he or she would save a life one day. When Ren Baqian thought of how he saved a life and a family today, he felt a sense of contentment and joy.


    "If you need help with anything in the future, just tell us about it and we will definitely do a good job," Tie Dao said.


    "Just for what I did at the medicinal shop today?" Ren Baqian asked with his head tilted.


    "We are not good with words but we know Caretaker Ren is a capable man that cares for strangers'' lives. We are willing to work for someone like Caretaker Ren," Tie Dao nodded his head and continued.


    "Yes, Caretaker Ren is a good man," Teng Hulu agreed.


    "Haha, alright then," Ren Baqian replied cheerfully. He patted the both of them on their shoulders. He would talk about the exact details in the future.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian looked at the short sword in his hand.


    Is this sword that kind of divine weapon? Maybe that guy has given me a sword that can cut through metal like butter?


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he unsheathed the sword. The sword was ck in color, half a finger thick, and had some rust on it. No matter how Ren Baqian looked at it, it did not like a divine weapon at all.


    Carrying hisst bit of hope, he headed to a tree nearby and hacked it with the sword. Unlike what he had expected, the tree did not break into half. There was nothing but merely a sword mark. Immediately, he knew he thought too much.


    Other than being thick and ck, it looked no different from a cleaver that could be bought at ten yuan on Earth.


    Whatever that was mentioned in the fairytales was indeed a lie.


    When three of them arrived back at the beast park and went to the kitchen, there was no longer anyone there.


    Teng Hulu and Tie Dao sent the jars of ingredients back to Ren Baqian''s house while Ren Baqian went to wake the cook up from his bed. "Come, wake up, I want to show you something good."


    "What thing?" The cook was in a daze as he followed Ren Baqian out of his house.


    "Go to the kitchen and prepare some meat first, I need to go and grab something." Ren Baqian patted the cook''s back and went to his room and took out a bag of spices.


    Then, he went to the kitchen and ced it on the table.


    "Take a look, these are good stuff."


    "These are the spices that Caretaker Ren used in the imperial kitchen?" the cook said with surprise when he opened the bag and saw what was inside it.


    "Oh, you are quite well-informed huh," said Ren Baqian as he patted the cook''s back.


    "Heh, I have a friend working in the imperial kitchen and he even asked me about you today," The cookughed sheepishly while touching the back of his head.


    "Alright, let me teach you how to use these spices. This is anise, it''s for stewing vegetables. This is cumin, it''s for roasting meat. This is pepper, it''s for��" Ren Baqian taught the cook how these spices could be used. Then, he reminded the cook again, "Use them sparingly. It will take a long time before we can cultivate more ourselves. Once they are used up, we have no more of them."


    "Cultivate them ourselves?" the cook cried out involuntarily.


    "Of course, these spices can''t be bought anywhere. If we don''t cultivate them ourselves, how are we going to obtain them?" Ren Baqian replied.


    "However, after I have seeded cultivating them, I will leave some of them for the imperial kitchen and you. The rest will be mine as I still need to sell them for money."


    "Hehe�� hehe��" the cookughed sheepishly to himself. He would not mind anything as long as some were given to him.


    After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian said to Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, "Do you hear that? I am preparing that two plots ofnd to cultivate spices. When both of you are free, keep an eye on them. Make sure the odd-job workers are working hard."


    "Caretaker Ren, don''t worry. Even if you never remind us, we will make sure everyone is working hard," two of them patted their chests and replied.


    Ren Baqian believed thier words. After spending some time with them these few days, he had yet to meet one that was sly orzy.


    He had to admit that Dayao people were indeed diligent and honest.


    After half an hour, the pot gave off an overwhelming fragrance even before the meat was done. Just by smelling the fragrance, everyone became hungrier.


    "Caretaker Ren, where have you been? I haven''t seen you for the entire day," Caretaker Shi said as he walked into the kitchen.


    "I have been busy the whole day. What are you doing here anyway?"


    "I am here to look for something to eat. What are you cooking? Why does it smell so nice? I can smell it from afar." Caretaker Shi''s eyes fixated on the steaming pot.


    Ren Baqian chuckled. He could not believe that Caretaker Shi was here to look for food. "You''re in luck this time."


    Everyone was waiting anxiously for the meat in the pot to finish cooking. Soon after, everyone scooped a bowl of the stew. Smelling the fragrance, none of them waited for the stew to cool off before stuffing it into their mouths.


    Even though they were scalded by the stew and yelling in pain, they still kept on fighting over the stew.


    Upon seeing them behaving like this, Ren Baqian''s appetite was greatly boosted. The meat today smelled exceptionally delicious.


    After they had finished their dinner, Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi sat at the doorstep and chatted.


    When Ren Baqian saw Caretaker Shi still holding onto a bowl of stew and eating, he could not help but admire him. For this meal, the few of them had eaten at least 3 catties of meat. Just the few of them had finished an entire hind leg.


    No wonder Dayao people had such great physiques. Clearly, their great physiques were attributed to their great appetites.


    "Brother Ren, if anyone dares to damage your plots ofnd, I will chop his or her head off and let you kick it," Caretaker Shi red at Ren Baqian and told him after knowing he was going to cultivate spices. His deafening voice caused Ren Baqian''s ears to buzz. Ren Baqian could only cover his ears with his hands and lean his head away from Caretaker Shi.

 Chapter 40: Northeastern Specialty Dishes

    Chapter 40: Northeastern Specialty Dishes


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After preparing bamboo leaves and water for Tiantian and Gungun the next morning, Ren Baqian brought a few people to a t ground near the kitchen in order to look for leather making materials.


    Each and every pole erected on the huge plot of vacantnd was connected to each other by sessive ropes. Suspended from the ropes were different kinds of furs and hides. These furs and hides had gone through a simple wash and were currently being aired to dry on the ropes.


    There were cow hides and goat hides. Almost a hundred people lived in the beast park and that included the odd-job workers and their family members. By reason of the appetite of Dayao people, the quantity of meat they consumed every day was considerably huge. At the very least, they had to ughter three cows and a goat. This was under the situation that the goats in this world wererger than the horses in previous generations.


    After killing the animals daily, their furs and hides would be washed and then dried this way. Then these furs and hides would be piled into bundles and stored in the warehouse. Only when they umted a certain quantity, did they then sell them and use the profits to buy liquor.


    The value of these types of furs and hides that only went through simple washing was awfully low. As a result, not many people cared.


    In addition, there were some hides which had been peeled off from the animals after they died in the beast park. Among these hides, Ren Baqian even saw a sharp-toothed tiger hide. On the yellow hide were ck stripes that were much bigger and concentrated than the stripes on a tiger. It looked more like a leopard''s hide. But, the pattern on the saber-toothed tiger was still much bigger and didn''t have circr spots as well.


    It had been said that two sharp-toothed tigers fought yesterday, and one was bitten to death.


    The furs and hides which were air dried here were all veryplete. Ren Baqian covered his nose and looked at them. His action was sufficient for people to immediately roll up the hides and carry them away.


    Even though the furs and hides had been washed, they still emitted an extremely foul stench. These furs and hides also attracted many houseflies and other small bugs to fly about in the vicinity.


    "Scrap the oily membrane and the remnant flesh off the animal hides!" Ren Baqian pulled Tie Dao and Teng Hulu over and instructed them.


    Among the ten odd-job workers under him, three were at the ice cer, and five were ploughing the farm. Only the both of them were left over here.


    The two odd-job workers spent the entire morning tidying up some animal hides. After which, they soaked the animal hides in water. They would be ready for use after soaking for two days.


    The remaining animal hides were bundled up and thrown to one side. Ren Baqian took the indigenous electric fan and brought the two odd-job workers along with him to Baishi District. He wanted to find a cksmith to make a prototype ording to the "electric fan" he had.


    He actually considered going out alone. But after taking into consideration that the Dayao people''s attitude towards outsiders wasn''t good and that their fighting capabilities were superbpared to him, it would be toote to cry if he met with any mishaps.


    Ultimately, he waited for both Tie Dao and Teng Hulu and only went out in the afternoon.


    When he reached Baishi District, it was still the same shop owner. Ren Baqian passed the "electric fan" over for him to take a look.


    "Can you make something like this? A fewponents can be substituted. For example, the fan de and the pedestal could be made with either metal or wood."


    "What is this?" The shop owner looked at the "electric fan" full of curiosity.


    He had never seen such a thing before.


    Ren Baqian aimed the "electric fan" at the shop owner and then used one hand to pull the cord all the way to the end.


    The fan de immediately started to spin. The stirred up air blew directly towards the shop owner.


    After the cord straightened and he released the string in his hand, the fan de started to spin in the opposite direction.


    Experiencing the wind which was blowing directly in his face, the cksmith shop owner''s eyes lit up. "This item is interesting."


    Once he received the fan, the shop owner used his hand to pull the cord at the back. Sure enough, the fan de started to spin. When he released the string in his hand again, it spun in the opposite direction.


    Then, he aimed the "electric fan" at himself, pulled the cord, and released it. He pulled the cord once again and then released it. He pulled the cord��


    For a moment, he was having so much fun that he overlooked that Ren Baqian and the others who were still in the shop.


    Seeing that the shop owner having a great time with the "electric fan", Ren Baqian waited for a while before he interrupted him, "So, is it possible to make one?"


    "Hmm? Oh!" The shop owner abruptly responded, "We will have to dismantle it and take a look at theposition. Will that be okay?"


    "Sure, all you have to do is to lift the cover at the back."


    The shop owner followed Ren Baqian''s instructions and lifted the cover.


    Theposition inside the fan was simple. It only had bearings, a gasket and a cord. At first nce, it looked very simple.


    However, the shop owner frowned, "Where did you make this?"


    "What''s happening?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "We are not able to achieve this standard. This is perfectly made. The thickness of every part is exactly the same, I really wonder how did anyone even made this," That shop owner told Ren Baqian as he pointed at the bearings inside the "electric fan".


    Ren Baqian suddenly came to a realization. Naturally, the cksmiths in this world would not be able to manufacture somethingparable to the bearings manufactured in the modern world.


    "As long as the efficacy is about the same and it doesn''t affect the usage, it will be good enough. But, it must be smooth and sleek. Otherwise, it would affect the strength required to pull the cord. It will also produce noise." Ren Baqian said.


    The shop owner rubbed his chin and said," That can be done."


    "Also, we do not have this thing over here." The shop owner said as he pointed at one of the parts inside the "electric fan".


    Ren Baqian took a nce, it was the gasket.


    The gasket could be made with beast tendons as well. But, there was no need for him to tell this to the shop owner.


    "After the prototype is done, I wille and inspect it. If it meets the standard required, I will require another twenty of it. But, you are not allowed to divulge anything with regards to this "electric fan". Also, you are not allowed to pass this job on to someone else," Ren Baqian warned repeatedly.


    Originally, he wanted to increase the time limit. But, he knew that the manufacturing of the indigenous electric fan was simple and anyone could understand how to make it. Even if he restricted the shop owner from allowing anyone else to make the "electric fan", anyone could easily replicate it by looking for another cksmith. Therefore, he simply set the restriction at three months. As long as his goods are the first batch at the marketce and he could earn a sum of money, it would suffice.


    "Three months isn''t long. But, like what you said, at the very least you''ll have to order another twenty of it," the shop owner replied.


    "As long as the prototype you make passes the requirements. If it does not even pass the requirements, why would anyone approach you to make this item?" Ren Baqian replied.


    "Do not underestimate my skills. Although it will not be able to reach this standard, but to make a smooth and sleek "electric fan", it will not be a problem," The shop owner mmed his chest and said. Even Ren Baqian felt that he would be able to m his internal organs out.


    "Could you leave this item with me so that I can study it?" The shop owner asked. He was fiddling with the fan non-stop. Ren Baqian wondered if it was because he liked the fan or if it was because he was interested in the bearings inside.


    "Sure. How long will you take to make it?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "You should be able to collect this item the day after tomorrow," The shop owner replied.


    Ren Baqian counted the number of days. He should be back on Earth the day after tomorrow. "I will give you an additional day and wille back three dayster."


    After leaving the "electric fan" at the shop, Ren Baqian left with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao.


    He returned to the beast park and continued to tidy up the furs and hides.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian was summoned to the pce and was directly escorted to the imperial kitchen.


    "Brother Ren!" Upon seeing Ren Baqian, Caretaker Gou''s face scrunched up for a long while. Eventually, he still had to lower his head and called him brother.


    This sort of character was what Ren Baqian exactly liked about Dayao people. As long as they said something, they would definitely get things done. Even if they were not willing to do it, they still kept their word. Furthermore, looking at a lofty and buff man sulking and lowering his head calling him brother, Ren Baqian felt especially satisfied.


    The other people in the imperial kitchen called him brother with more sincerity.


    After all, the spices which Ren Baqian brought over expanded their horizons. Also, it gave them the confidence to say that Dayao''s imperial kitchen, at the very least, had the mostplete set of ingredients.


    Even the imperial kitchens in the Yun Nation and the Great Xia Empire were notparable to the Dayao Nation''s imperial kitchen.


    "Brother Ren, what will you be preparing today?" One of the cooks from the imperial kitchen asked. At the beginning, it was somewhat embarrassing to call him Brother Ren. However, after calling him for a few times, it had be habit.


    Ren Baqian was from Northeast China, and naturally, he would be familiar with Northeastern dishes.


    After thinking for quite some time, he pped his hands and said, "I will be preparing two specialty dishes today, stewed chicken with mushroom and fried pork in scoop. Also, there will be beef ball soup. Lastly, the final dish will be a fruit tter.

 Chapter 41: The Humiliation of Earthlings

    Chapter 41: The Humiliation of Earthlings


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Even though it was called stewed chicken with mushroom, the dish was actually cooked with a chaffinch. Its meat tasted better than ordinary chicken meat. Before it was even taken out of the pot, its overwhelming fragrance hit everyone in the imperial kitchen, causing them to start drooling.


    Fried pork in scoop was cooked using an animal named yingzhong. The texture of its meat was very simr to pork''s. The red braised meat that they madest time used its meat as well.


    There were many cows in Dayao, especially water buffalos. They could be found on ins and low-lying forests. Many Dayao people reared them as well. They were considered one of Dayao''s main food sources.


    After stewing the vegetables, Ren Baqian found a spot and sat down. Many cooks ran over to ask him the details of the dishes he was making. For example, how to use the spices on these dishes. Ren Baqian answered their questions one by one.


    "Brother�� Ren, Caretaker Gou wants you to deliver the dishes today," a cook told Ren Baqian after the dishes were ready.


    "Oh?" Ren Baqian raised his head to look for Caretaker Gou. Usually, he was the one who sent the dishes to the empress.


    "It''s Her Majesty''s order. She wants you to send them over personally."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head upon hearing that. He carefully picked up a huge metal te that held a few dishes and a bowl of rice and covered it with a lid.


    After he cautiously exited the imperial kitchen, he saw a soldier waiting outside for him. Then, he followed the soldier all the way to the pce hall.


    When he had arrived at the pce hall with the food, someone took the food to one side, tested it for poison, and then served it to the empress.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian silently observed the process from beneath the flight of stairs that led up to the empress.


    "Continue your story!" The empress sat up from her couch and began to taste the food.


    Just like what Ren Baqian expected, other than the fried pork in scoop, the empress also loved the stir-fried corn and peas. Even though she was the ruler of a nation, she was still a female that preferred sweet dishes like this after all.


    Ren Baqian recalled that thest chapter he stopped at was "Sun Ce Cuts Short the White Tiger King", so the next chapter should be "In the Camp Gate, Lu Bu Shoots the Halberd".


    After hearing the story for a while, the empress said, "It''s just one hundred and fifty steps and they are already making a big fuss over it. There are countlessmoners in Dayao that can shoot and hit a target from such a distance. From what you have told me so far, I''m surprised that such a weak country like them has yet to be annihted."


    [In this chapter, Lu Bu hit a halberd with an arrow from a distance of one hundred and fifty steps.]


    Upon hearing the empress''s words, Ren Baqian was speechless.


    The disparity in strength level between Earth''s humans and this world''s was extremely wide�� simply iparable.


    Dayao people liked to send each other flying with a kick anyhow. Even if one hit the wall so hard that it created a hole in the wall, he or she could still stand up and continue fighting as though nothing had happened.


    This was considered extremely normal in Dayao.


    If a human on Earth received such a kick, he or she would die on the spot.


    One did not need to doubt their ability to tear down a city gate with bare hands as well.


    Perhaps only Li Yuanba of Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties could contend against them.


    [Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties - A 2012 Chinese historical television series]


    Ren Baqian was dismissed after telling the story, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, for six hours.


    After Ren Baqian had left, the empress held up a piece of paper in her hand and read. The paper described what Ren Baqian did at Chen Medicinal Shop in full detail.


    "He is rather kind-hearted," the empress said faintly, "But we can actually promote his method first��"


    There was another thing on the report that greatly piqued the empress''s interest. It was the three books which Ren Baqian had taken out. When Ren Baqian appeared, he had absolutely nothing with him. The appearance of the three books was definitely rted to the fact that he disappeared once every few days.


    Even though the empress did not know where he went, she knew it was decidedly rted to the scenario in which he first appeared. He was able to appear and disappear without leaving any traces.


    She was puzzled by this matter, but she could investigate it in the future.


    There was another matter that she cared about.


    Even though Dayao garnered respect and power through strength, its ruler could not be short-sighted. Having studied about Great Xia and the Yun Nation in the past, she naturally knew the usefulness of schrs, smiths, cultures, and technologies.


    Furthermore, Dayao''s predicament had always been the same. Almost all of its technologies were brought in by foreign merchants.


    The past rulers of Dayao had been sending people to other countries to learn from them but to no avail.


    First, Ren Baqian taught the art of ice-making to the beast park. Then, he taught the unique method of stopping the bleeding of a woman who had just given birth just so that he could save more lives.


    These showed that Ren Baqian was capable and generous enough to share his technologies and knowledge with the Dayao Nation, unlike other countries.


    She saw the possibility of obtaining various technologies and knowledge from Ren Baqian.


    If Ren Baqian was an evil individual, she could use various methods to make him spit out his secrets.


    However, she could tell that Ren Baqian was a kind-hearted individual from the way he handled things. He was willing to share his knowledge with others and wasn''t selfish at all.


    This made her felt that this man could be trusted and used. Right now, the Dayao Nation needed people like him the most.


    ...


    Naturally, Ren Baqian did not know what the empress thought of him. The next morning, he brought Teng Hulu and Tie Dao to continue washing the animal hides.


    The two of them used knives to scrap the flesh and oily membranes off the animal hides. Their movements were extremely sharp and swift. Every swipe they made would cause a piece of oily membrane to drop off. Thinking that the process looked fun, Ren Baqian decided to give it a try. He stretched out his hand and said, "Let me try."


    With a straight look on his face, Tie Dao passed the knife to Ren Baqian.


    One swipe...


    Ren Baqian cut a hole in the hide with one swipe.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that he should not continue to ruin the materials.


    He passed the knife back to Tie Dao and went to y with Gungun and Tiantian.


    Gungun and Tiantian spent most of their time eating and sleeping. asionally, they would y with each other or with Ren Baqian, resembling two rolling balls. Their movements were so cute that it made one gasp in endearment.


    When the people in the beast park saw Ren Baqian raising these two chaps as pets, all of them shook their heads. Not only could they not be eaten, they could not be used for hunting either. They only knew how to eat every day, and they were utterly stupid as well. No one could understand why Caretaker Ren liked them.


    However, Ren Baqian did not care at all.


    These were pandas after all. On Earth, he could only look at them from afar. At most, he could take out his phone and snap a few photos of them. He would not even have the chance to get close to them and touch them, let alone kept them as pets.


    Ren Baqian sat at the doorstep while watching the two small chaps climbing up and down his knees, feeling extremely happy.


    He felt that next time he should bring his phone along to take a few photos of these two small chaps and post them online.


    That evening Ren Baqian entered the pce yet again. This time around, he made twice-cooked meat, fried pork in scoop, and stir-fried pine nuts with corn and peas.


    Last time around, fried pork in scoop was the empress''s favorite dish. She finished more than half the te of fried pork in scoop by herself.


    This time around, she specially asked for fried pork in scoop.


    Ren Baqian had to admit that this empress was far more frugal than those ancient emperors he knew of. Each of her meals consisted of only a bowl of rice and four dishes, even simpler than some vige heads'' meals.


    Of course, this had something to do with Dayao''s financial status. Dayao wasn''t really considered wealthy. Additionally, the empress did not have many extravagant habits.


    When Ren Baqian reached the chapter "In A Plum Garden, Cao Cao Discusses Heroes", the empress said, "Cao Cao is indeed somebody, but it''s a pity he is too weak��"


    After thinking for quite some time, Ren Baqian felt that the empress was definitely referring to Cao Cao''s physical strength.


    Whether it was Lu Bu or the other valiant generals, the empress would be somewhat disdainful towards them. The empress said that countless Dayao people could do what the valiant generals did in the story. She was surprised how these characters were considered "valiant generals". To her, it showed how weak Earthlings were.


    This made Ren Baqian speechless. The strength of Earthlings indeed paled inparison to Dayao people''s.


    He felt that the Earthlings were truly humiliated by the empress''s arrogant contempt. Deep down, he was thinking about what stories should he tell after Romance of Three Kingdoms. No matter what, he would not tell the story Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties. Next time around, he would tell her about Journey to the West or Investiture of the Gods.


    Or he could also talk about Fight Break Spheres or Biography of Han Paopao''s Immortalization. He would show her what a high-level fighting world was all about.

 Chapter 42: As a Professor, You Have the Final Say

    Chapter 42: As a Professor, You Have the Final Say


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian returned to his house in the beast park when night fell. He was carried one jar in each of his hands: one contained a hexagonal dragon while the other contained a green toad.


    Both the form of the ck mud cream and the seeds were stuffed onto the top of his chest. Just like that, he fell into a deep slumber.


    Unaware of what sleeping posture he ended up in, Ren Baqian subconsciously turned over and nearly knocked the two jars over. He suddenly woke up with start.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes, and even though the surrounding was pitch ck, he utilized the light outside and identified that he was already back in his bedroom in China.


    After shifting the two jars aside, Ren Baqian turned on the lights and then opened theted lid at the top of the jars for venttion. Seeing that the two critters were still leaping and frisking about, he could finally set his heart at ease.


    Ren Baqian covered the lids once again and looked at the time, it was not even four in the morning. As he wasn''t able to sleep anymore, he went to the living room, turned on the television, and watched a movie.


    When morning arrived, he wanted to head out for breakfast, and only then did he discover that it was somewhat cold outdoors.


    Ren Baqian looked at the date and suddenly realized that he had already travelled five times to the other world. It would always be nine days in that world and an additional three days on Earth, amounting to a total of twelve days. These five trips took up two months, and it was already September.


    Ren Baqian went back home, found an old jacket, and put it on. He felt that it was a little too tight for him. It seemed like he really packed on weight recently.


    Ren Baqian looked at his reflection in the mirror and noticed that his face didn''t gain much weight. But, he indeed became more built.


    He then went out to have his breakfast before returning Chen Qing''s call.


    Over the past few days, Chen Qing had called him twice. But just as before, nobody picked up the call. Apart from the missed call from Chen Qing, there was another one from Chen Bing.


    "This fellow, disappeared for such a long period of time once again. Your whereabouts are getting more and more unpredictable��" Chen Qing fired a volley of questions at him.


    "I have the ck mud cream''s form on hand," Ren Baqian indifferently notified him.


    "Oh? Where are you now?" Upon hearing the news, he stopped grumbling and immediately questioned Ren Baqian.


    "I will send it to your father''s office in a while. Speaking about the research of the ck mud cream, has the team been formed?"


    "I do not know the specific details as I am not very involved in this business. However, most of the core members of the research team have been already been recruited, and it should be done soon. Once we have your form, I reckon that we can proceed with the research.


    "Good, I will be there in a jiffy." Ren Baqian hung up after he spoke. He went back and shifted everything into his car and drove to a foreign brand''s shop to buy a set of casual wear. Ren Baqian then put it on and headed straight to Papa Chen''spany.


    Chen Qing rushed over to give Ren Baqian a bear hug as soon as he stepped out of the car. Soon after, he asked with suspicion, "Have you been gaining weight for autumn? You look much more sturdy now."


    Ren Baqian grinned, "I got slightly fatter."


    He looked at Chen Qing who was still the same. Ren Baqian joked, "You and Jiang Nan are about to be engaged, better not fool around anymore."


    "Don''t worry, I have been paying attention to it. An old Chinese physician prescribed a medicine for me and I have been taking it for half a year." Chen Qingughed heartily.


    Ren Baqian could not help but to give a thumbs up. "As expected, you n far ahead."


    "Have you brought everything? Let''s go up," Chen Qing said while pulling Ren Baqian.


    "Hang on, it''s still in the car." Ren Baqian turned around and opened the boot of his car. He took out a box which was padded with waste paper, took out two jars from within, and passed one to Chen Qing. "Hold it, be careful."


    "What is this?" Chen Qing asked with curiosity.


    Ren Baqian also held onto one of the jars. The pair then entered the building.


    Papa Chen was waiting for the both of them at his office. Apart from him, there were also a middle-aged male and female.


    "Uncle Chen," Ren Baqian greeted as he entered the doors of the office.


    "Okay, Baqian has arrived. Let me do the introductions, he is Professor Sun Qing and she is Professor Xu Shan. Both of them are specialists in the medical field. After hearing the efficacy of the ck mud cream, they are very interested in it, and so they returned from their overseas organization."


    "Nice meeting the both of you." Ren Baqian nodded his head towards both the professors. Xu Shan reciprocated with a smile. Sun Qing on the other hand, was elsewhere deep in thought. It was as if Father Chen''s words fell on deaf ears and Ren Baqian was not present at all.


    Ren Baqian did not feel at all excluded. He heard that those involved in scientific research were usually entric. Furthermore, they did not were unfamiliar the ways of the world as well. Sun Qing was probably someone like that.


    Chen Qing and Ren Baqian ced the jars on the table.


    "What is this?" Papa Chen asked.


    "Two of the ingredients that are used to make the ck mud cream. I have also brought the form and the seeds." Ren Baqian took the form out from his clothes and put it on the table.


    Chen Qing took a quick nce, softly let out an "Eh" and said, "What are these? spring grass? demonicdyflower?


    Upon hearing Chen Qing''s words, Xu Shan walked over too. She asked, "Can I have a look?"


    Ren Baqian caught a glimpse of Papa Chen. Papa Chen nodded his head, "Definitely, we have already signed the contract and there is nothing that should be withheld from you. It will be handed over to you sooner orter anyway."


    Xu Shan picked up the form and looked. A puzzled look appeared on her face, "What are these?"


    Naturally, Ren Baqian knew what was written on the form. But with regards to the items written on it, he did not know them either. If Ren Baqian did not personally bring the concrete ingredients back, this form would then be considered worthless.


    Ren Baqian took a paper bag out of his pocket. Inside this paper bag were 6 to 7 smaller bags with words written on them.


    "They should have many different names, just like how pigs have many different ways to be called. I have brought the seeds back, and we will know what ingredient it is when it grows."


    The rest agreed with Ren Baqian''s exnation.


    One by one, theypared the name written on the paper bag to the form. All of the nt types were matched correctly.


    The remaining three ingredients were rted to animals. "This earth dragon is just the earthworm?" Xu Shan raised her head and looked at Ren Baqian.


    "That''s right. The other two ingredients are in these jars," Ren Baqian said.


    "Hexagonal dragon should be what we call as smander. Many people raise them as pets, why would it be in the form? Moreover, this type of organism is mainly found in Mexico and did not exist in the past. It seems that this form has not existed for a terribly long period of time. However, why would the person who wrote the form keep it to himself? I have never heard of this form before."


    If it was supposed that this form was created by ancient people and had just recently been found by humans and then given by the masses, it was usible. But if it was a form developed in the recent decades, why did nobody know about it? This made people rather baffled.


    "Take a look at this hexagonal dragon and see if it''s the type that you are talking about?" Ren Baqian opened the lid of the jar, and Chen Qing spoke without needing Xu Shan to say anything.


    "Isn''t this the axolotl that people keep as pets! It is usually used for viewing pleasure, and it could actually be used to make medicine?"


    "This is it." Xu Shan confirmed.


    Ren Baqian thought for a bit and said, "The hexagonal dragon is a substitute. Previously, they used an animal called pingkouyuan. Afterwards, they discovered that the effect of the hexagonal dragon was even better. Then after, they incorporated the hexagonal dragon as the main ingredient. It is written at the back of the form, pingkouyuan. This was the previous form."


    Ren Baqian immediately exchanged the original ingredient with the substitute ingredient. In any case, he did not note down which was the original or substitute ingredient.


    As expected, Xu Shan saw that pingkouyuan was written on the back. She finally felt as ease.


    "The hexagonal dragon''s restoration capability is very powerful and same goes for the earth dragon. Making use of these types of special effect ingredients to use in medicine, it is indeed possible." Xu Shan''s face exuded the feeling that she was in deep in thoughts.


    "So, we are stillcking the green toad. What is it?"


    Ren Baqian opened the lid of thergest jar. The few of them shot their head over, and they merely saw a brown toad species that was the size of about two palms. It seemed like it was just arger sized toad.


    "This is a green toad?"


    "Yes, but we have to be extremely careful as these toads are rare and almost extinct. I obtained it with great difficulty. These toads enjoy eating honey. Use a wooden stick and dip it in honey. Once they lick the honey, you will be able to obtain their saliva. In addition, you will have to be extremely careful as it''s very toxic."


    "How toxic? Among the toad species, those brightly-colored species are usually the poisonous ones. Although the size of this green toad is slightlyrger than usual, it doesn''t seem like it''s very poisonous," Sun Qing said as he unknowingly walked to the side.


    "Generally speaking, besides it scarcity, the majority of poisonous organisms are usually extremely colorful to warn their predators, ''Can you see, I am very dangerous.'' Only small and weak organisms will camouge themselves with the environment. This is the biological evolution choice for thousands of years," Sun Qing rified to the others as he extended his hand into the jar with the green toad. It seemed that he was rather confident in his own knowledge.


    Evidently, his own understanding did not include the highly toxic green toad in this jar.


    "This type of green toad is really poisonous," Ren Baqian warned.


    "Rest assured. Even if it is actually poisonous, it will be fine as long as there is no wound on your hand." Sun Qing immediately stretched his hand into the jar as he finished his sentence. He touched the back of the green toad, and it moved around. The toad let out a dull croak which sounded a little like thunder rolls.


    Ren Baqian looked at Sun Qing and did not continue to utter a word.


    Mmm, you are a high-intellectual person. As a professor, you have the final say.


    In any case, the poison from the green toad would not take any lives. It just so happened that, he would be able to witness the effect of the green toad''s poison on Earthlings and whether it would be as what Chen Zisheng had described it to be.

 Chapter 43: A Professor Is One Rank Higher Than a Saint

    Chapter 43: A Professor Is One Rank Higher Than a Saint


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Sun Qing used a finger to touch the back of the green toad. Then, he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped that finger.


    "Usually, the toxicity of toad poison isn''t very strong. It''s okay for us to touch them with our bare hands. As long as we don''t get the poison into our eyes or ingest it, nothing serious will happen to us," Sun Qing continued.


    "Ahh, I see," Ren Baqian replied, trying to restrain himself fromughing. Then, he put on a solemn look and replied, "The person who gave me this green toad told me it''s very toxic. If a person touches it, it will cause him or her unbearable pain and itch. That''s why I have been very careful around it for the past few days."


    "There are indeed a few toad species that are very poisonous, but this one doesn''t belong to one of them," Sun Qing replied while nodding his head.


    Before Sun Qing could finish his sentence, he suddenly felt a slight itchiness on his fingertip. It was unknown whether or not the poison was starting to take effect.


    "I''ll go and wash my hand first," Sun Qing said and rushed to the restroom.


    There was a restroom in Papa Chen''s office. After a minute, Sun Qing came out with a weird look on his face. He looked as though he was trying his best to bear with something.


    "Sorry, this is called a green toad, right? Even though it doesn''t belong to one of the poisonous toad species that I know of, it is indeed able to poison a person through skin contact. From the look of it, its toxicity is quite potent." As Sun Qing spoke, he showed everyone his right arm. One could see red spots developing on his right arm from his wrist onwards.


    "I have never seen any records on this type of toad before. It should be an unknown species, and it has a lot of research value."


    "But I have to go to the hospital first. Before I take off, I want to say that I am very happy to join this team," Sun Qing said to everyone while trying to force a smile.


    "Professor Sun, are you really alright?" Papa Chen stood up and asked. Xu Shan stepped forward to check Sun Qing''s arm as well.


    "From the current reaction I''m getting, I reckon that it shouldn''t be deadly. However, since the green toad is an unknown species, I can''t rule out the possibility of its poison being a rare or even an unknown type."


    Ren Baqian looked at Sun Qing in a daze. He did not behave like an ordinary person that just got poisoned.


    He was no doubt a Professor, whose rank was higher than a Saint''s. A rank lower would be Warrior, right?


    [Making a reference to job levels in MMORPG]


    Ren Baqian began to have some admiration for him. After Sun Qing finished his sentence and began to walk off, Ren Baqian quickly yelled after him, "Professor Sun, I have the antidote here with me."


    Sun Qing turned around and said to Ren Baqian, "I thought so. Carrying such an unknown and reactive poison with you, you would be really stupid if you did not carry the antidote with you."


    Ren Baqian''s face twitched. He did not know whether should he like or hate this person.


    In any case, the way he spoke was annoying.


    Following which, Ren Baqian took out a small paper bag from his pocket. It contained dried flower petals.


    "Crush it, soak it in water, and apply it to your skin," Ren Baqian instructed.


    "Alright, I don''t think you need them, right? I shall help myself then." Sun Qing took out two flower petals and pocketed the small paper bag.


    Upon witnessing this, Ren Baqian remained speechless.


    Sun Qing shredded the flower petals and threw them into a cup. Then, he took out a pen and used hot water to heat up its tip to sterilize it. Following which, he crushed the shredded flower petals with the sterilized pen. He raised his head and asked Ren Baqian, "Hot water or cold water?"


    Ren Baqian spread his arms and replied, "I''m not sure. I guess it should be cold water?"


    Sun Qing took out some tissues and wrapped the crushed flower petals with them. Then, he poured a small amount of cold water into tissue ball and dabbed his arm with it.


    After ten minutes, his right arm was covered with red spots, looking as though he was infected with some kind of disease. It indeed looked frightening. Sun Qing suddenly spoke up, "The pain and itchiness have subsidized, it''s effective."


    Subsequently, he poured some more water into the paper-wrapped, crushed flower petals, and dabbed his arm with it another time. Sun Qing and Xu Shan observed the healing process attentively. After another ten minutes, the red spots began to reduce in size.


    "This antidote is quite effective, its efficacy is very strong. What kind of flower is it?" Sun Qing asked.


    "Ninewood flower," Ren Baqian answered.


    "What other uses does it have?"


    "I''m not sure," Ren Baqian replied honestly.


    Sun Qing nodded his head. Then, she said to Papa Chen, "It''s worth researching. When can we start the research?"


    "It can already be started. There are still some equipment that have yet to be delivered, but they won''t affect the early stages of the research," Pap Chen said.


    Next they began to discuss theboratory. Ren Baqian and Chen Qing had no interest in the matter and exited Papa Chen''s office to smoke.


    Looking at Ren Baqian''s back view, Papa Chen gave a smile. Ren Baqian was making it clear that he was not going to participate in anything that happened hereafter.


    He was very satisfied with this kind of behavior. Initially, he was afraid that Ren Baqian would want to undertake this business with the reckless drive of a vigorous young man and cause nothing but trouble.


    The current state of affairs was just right. As long as they could sessfully develop the ck mud cream, he could gain prestige and status, and Ren Baqian could earn the majority of the profits.


    Ren Baqian was smoking with Chen Qing outside Pap Chen''s office. It had been a very long time since hest had smoked. Smoking merely half a stick already made him dizzy, but it felt good at the same time.


    "So? Are we going to have some fun tonight?" Chen Qing poked Ren Baqian and asked.


    "Oh yeah, I have something to ask you. So what''s the situation between you and my ssmate?" Ren Baqian suddenly thought of Dong Haiqing.


    "What situation can there be?" Chen Qing spread his arms helplessly and said, "When I knew she was your ssmate, I sent her back to her ce, and I didn''t even go up to her house. I am afraid of involving myself with girls that are affiliated to me, it''s too troublesome."


    "Where''s Jiang Nan? Let''s have lunch together. Recently I have been quite busy, it has been a long time since Ist saw her."


    "She should still be working, let me give her a call."


    After giving Jiang Nan a call, Chen Qing told Ren Baqian, "She''s still working, we will go and find herter."


    "So are you on for tonight?" Chen Qing asked again. "Luckily for me, you''re here. It''s meaningless for me to have fun alone."


    "Am I your only friend?" Rem Baqian asked while chuckling. An influential man like Chen Qing could easily find someone to drink and party at nightclubs with him.


    "You''re the only one that I can drink and pick up girls with," Chen Qing said and shrugged his shoulders.


    They waited outside for quite some time. When they saw Sun Qing and Xu Shaning out of the office, they nodded their heads to the both of them.


    They went back into Papa Chen''s office to bid him farewell and set off to look for Jiang Nan.


    Papa Chen invited Ren Baqian for lunch, but Ren Baqian declined his invitation as he felt awkward having lunch with him alone. He would be more at ease having lunch with Chen Qing.


    After finished eating lunch, Chen Qing went back to hisw firm while Ren Baqian went to buy two sets of clothes and then returned home to go online.


    Now that the issue of the ck mud cream''s form has been settled, he felt totally rxed.


    As long as the ck mud cream was sessfully developed and sold on the market, a steady flow of money would enter his pocket. When that happened, he would not have to worry about his future anymore.


    Ren Baqian found some time to give his family a call. Naturally, he received a nagging session from his mother. Halfway through the call, his father took over the phone and asked him about hispany. He reminded him to stay alert, be careful, not get scammed, and so on.


    That night, Ren Baqian and Chen Qing went to a bar, and they did not return empty-handed.


    The girl that he picked up tonight was young but wild. After a night of wild sex, when Ren Baqian woke up the next morning, he felt his entire body ached.


    Looking at the perfumed snow-white shoulder poking out of the nket, Ren Baqian shook his head.


    Both parties were purely sexually rted. Since they were not emotionally invested in each other, they had no need to keep in contact. After putting on his clothes, Ren Baqian prepared to go home and rest.


    When he opened his room door, a guy with dark circles under his eyes popped out from behind the door opposite his room and gave him a silent thumbs up.

 Chapter 44: A Manually Operated Air Cooler

    Chapter 44: A Manually Operated Air Cooler


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After two days of surfing the diligently, Ren Baqian once again returned to the other world.


    Ren Baqian did not bring anything along this time. He slept without worrying about leaving anything behind inadvertently on Earth, and when he woke up, it was already broad daylight.


    He went outside to see how the two little chaps were doing but could not find them. Not far away on the ground, there were some scattered bamboo leaves and a puddle of water. It seemed that they had left only recently.


    Ren Baqian looked all over and managed to find them outside a cage in the animal conservation area.


    One of them was lying on top of the cage and looking inside. The other one was rolling all over the ground and hit his head against a rock a whileter.


    Seeing the little chap sitting up with a nk look after crashing against the rock almost made Ren Baqianugh.


    These two little chaps were getting familiar with the environment and with the morning being not too hot, began to explore the surrounding area.


    The panda rolling around was Gungun. It shook its head and bumped into the buttocks of Tiantian and then banged into Tiantian, causing it to stumble and rolled into a ball. Soon after, the two chaps shakily scampered out to explore.


    The extremely beautiful big bird in the cage ignored the two little chaps.


    After a short distance, the two little chaps encountered another iron cage which aroused their interest.


    Ren Baqian had the impression that he had seen the cage before. In the cage was a rabbit twice the size of a dog, with fangs in its mouth. As the two little chaps passed by, the rabbit rushed to the side of the cage and growled, frightening the two little chaps to roll together into a ball.


    Ren Baqian moved forward and picked them up, one in each hand, and brought them back.


    On reaching home, he tried to put the two little chaps outside, but Tiantian held on like glue to Ren Baqian''s arm and refused to let go.


    Gungun grabbed on to one of his legs and proceeded to climb up.


    It wasn''t easy for Ren Baqian to remove the two little chaps. He finished his breakfast and went to the field to look around: the two mu ofnd nted with spices were already ploughed. Some workers who had nothing better to do had again ploughed thend meant for nting sweet potato.


    Seeing the situation, Ren Baqian asked for two men to follow him home to collect the pepper, Chinese anise, sesame, cumin, and Sichuan pepper. The ground was also prepared for nting the sprouted sweet potato nts.


    Ren Baqian could not help much with the nting as he had never touched a hoe since a young age. He told a few people what he saw on the inte. The five workers listened and nodded their heads in agreement. They did not expect the nting of crops to consist of so many techniques and were full of admiration for him.


    nting red sweet potatos is rtively simple. It is very adaptable, and you simply bury them some distance apart. During the first week, you will need to water them diligently to prevent the seedlings from dying. After the second week, you will be able to rx till harvest time as you just need to prevent the sweet potato vines from taking root.


    Having made things clear, Ren Baqian, along with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao went to the cksmith shop in Baishi district to discover the oue of the fan he had designed.


    "Shop owner!" Ren Baqian greeted as he entered the doorway. The shop owner saw him and immediately took out a wooden box from behind. Inside the box was the fan custom-made for Ren Baqian.


    "Take a look!" The shop owner handed the fan to him.


    Ren Baqian did a detailed inspection. The fan des were decorated with fine patterns, and anyone could tell that it was forged and was rather beautiful to behold. If the des were removed, they could be used as weapons as well.


    The bearing was smooth and appeared to work well.


    He took a gasket from his clothes and attached it. He gave it a hard pull, and it rotated as expected.


    Ren Baqian felt a little vibration as the bearing was not round enough. But for a handmade bearing, it was considered very satisfactory.


    "Good handiwork," Ren Baqian said as he gave the thumbs-up.


    "Naturally, my handiwork is rated among the top three in the whole Baishi district," the shop owner said with pride after receiving Ren Baqian''spliment.


    Ren Baqianughed heartily. "Follow the original instructions and make another twenty pieces. The price is still two taels of silver each. When will they be ready?"


    The shop owner smiled after he heard Ren Baqian''s request. He said after some considerations, "Ten days. The most important thing is to slowly polish that part."


    Ren Baqian knew he was referring to the bearing and ten days was eptable to him. He paid a deposit on the spot and wrapped the two fans in two different cloth bags. Teng Hulu and Tie Dao each carried one of the cloth bags.


    They left the cksmith store and went to Jingyuan Road to see the progress of their most important shaved ice shop.


    They arrived at the ce and saw the door wide open with two men working inside.


    The bottom 1.2 meters of the wall was covered with wood and above it was white-colored ash. The earthen floor was covered by wooden nks, and the room contained chairs with a backrest and wooden tables. All of the items were made of solid wood.


    All the wood was coated with ayer of extract from thecquer tree, giving them a slightly pungent scent.


    This stuff is very environmentally friendly, and the slightly pungent smell will fade in a few days. Any wood coated with ayer ofcquer will not easily decay or attract insects.


    In this world people generally added color to thecquer extract. But, Ren Baqian preserved the original wood color. It looked fresh and natural giving off afortable vibe.


    Ren Baqian stood outside to take a look but did not go in. He then brought the two men back to the beast park.


    He put his things down and approached Tong Jia, the carpenter from the beast park and whispered to him.


    Tong Jia was a 1.8-meter-tall, bald headed man. Whenever he was free he would bare his upper arm, revealing his bronze colored muscles. He looked more like a thug than a carpenter.


    However, Tong Jia was the carpenter for the beast park. His main duty was to repair the house and animal cages. His skill was not that good and could even be considered unsatisfactory. But from what Ren Baqian had seen of his works, it was not too shabby. At the very least, it was pretty good based on Earth''s standards.


    Ren Baqian pulled Tong Jia aside and whispered to him for a long time. Tong Jia was bewildered at first, but when he knew he had to make arge box, he immediately said, "This is simple."


    He then proceeded to gather a pile of timber and made arge box.


    The rest saw the two guys behaving furtively and did not know what they were doing.


    The two spent the whole afternoon to build arge box; the front of it was grids made out of delicate wood strips.


    Then they made a smaller box and drilled a row of holes at the base. Following which, they put strips of cloth through the holes and fastened them up.


    Ren Baqian put the smaller box into therger one and wiped at his perspiration. Tong Jia used his bronze colored muscles to do the manual work the whole afternoon. He was beside him pointing out what needed to be done, and in the end, he was exhausted.


    Seeing the strange contraption, Caretaker Shi got curious and asked, "Brother Ren, what are you making?"


    Ren Baqian was startled by the loud voice. He raised his head, and it was indeed Caretaker Shi with his innately loud voice. "Wait a while, I will let you all see some interesting stuffter."


    After hearing what he said, Caretaker Shi eagerly waited to see what gadget Ren Baqian coulde up with.


    "You there��Teng Hulu��go to the ice cer to get some ice. Tie Dao, go fetch a pail of water," Ren Baqian shouted.


    After quite some time, the two guys returned. Ren Baqian grabbed a few pieces of ice and put them into the smaller box. Subsequently, he filled the box with water. Iced water then began to trickle down the cloth.


    Ren Baqian estimated that it was about time and pulled Caretaker Shi to the front of the box, "Wait here, the demonstration is about to start."


    He directed Tie Dao to ce the box on a stool to raise its height. He then stood beside it, grabbed hold of the cord and pulled it upwards.


    The wind went across the cloth that was wet with ice-water and directly blew cold air onto Caretaker Shi''s body. His eyes widened with pleasure.

 Chapter 45: A Poor Judgement

    Chapter 45: A Poor Judgement


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "What is this?" Caretaker Shi widened his eyes with amazement. Right now, he was looking at the air cooler as though he had discovered the New World.


    "Air cooler!" Ren Baqian replied. After pulling the rope for a few times, he yelled, "Hulu,e and pull the rope."


    Then he ran to the front of the air cooler to enjoy the cold wind.


    Copying Ren Baqian, Teng Hulu pulled and released the rope. The cold wind immediately hit Ren Baqian in the face, making him feel invigorated.


    It felt quite pleasurable to be able to enjoy an air cooler in this world.


    Tong Jia ran beside Ren Baqian and tried the thing that he had been busy with the whole afternoon.


    He squeezed Ren Baqian slightly out of the way, and Ren Baqian almost fell down. After stabilizing himself, Ren Baqian turned back and red angrily at Tong Jia, who just gave him a silly smile.


    Ren Baqian was so angry that he wanted to give him a kick, but he did not do so. He felt toofortable having cool air in such hot weather. He stretched out his arms in satisfaction and closed his eyes. However, not too long after, he felt the cold wind disappear.


    When he opened his eyes, he saw Caretaker Shi squatting in front of the box trying to study how the cold wind was given off. Now that Caretaker Shi was blocking the cold wind with his body, how would Ren Baqian be able to feel anything?


    "How does this thing give off cold air?" Caretaker Shi asked while trying to look through the fine woodenttice.


    After thinking about it for quite some time, Ren Baqian still did not know how to exin and replied bluntly, "You won''t understand even if I exin it to you."


    "What do you say we start selling this thing?" Caretaker Shi chuckled and said when Ren Baqian walked over and squatted beside him.


    "It should be a hot item, right? The only bad thing about it is that it''s troublesome. It needs someone to keep pulling its rope, right?" Caretaker Shi continued with uncertainty.


    "Not ''should be'', it definitely will be a hot item," Ren Baqian replied emphatically. Caretaker Shi had a bad sense of business.


    However, this was nothing out of the ordinary. Most Dayao people were like him.


    "Do you still remember my ice-selling n? This thing is better than cing ice in a house. It decreases the surrounding temperature faster," Ren Baqian exined.


    "I think maybe we should gift such a good thing to Her Majesty," Caretaker Shi said after thinking about it.


    "It''s too simple and crude." Ren Baqian naturally knew that they should gift one to the empress, but the one in front of them now was simply unpresentable. Its externalponent was merely made up of a wooden box. The woodworking in this world had reached a reasonably high level. The entire box was put together with mortise and tenon joints. If this skill was introduced to Earth, a lot of rich people would be attracted by it. However, even so, the ugliness and simplicity of the box could not be concealed.


    In the modern era, everyone knew that giving elegant and high-end packaging to something that was worth 100 yuan would make it look like it was worth 1000 yuan. Even though it was all about the air cooler''s function, Ren Baqian would still choose toplement the 100-yuan-worth air cooler with a packaging that was worth 200 yuan.


    "Can you carve aplicated pattern on it?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked Tong Jia.


    "I am not sure, I have to see how it looks like first," Tong Jia scratched the back of his head and replied honestly.


    "Let me see what design can we put on it," Ren Baqian said. It would be meaningless if they gave such an ugly-looking ice cooler to the empress. No matter what, they had to beautify it.


    Even if she is an empress, her womanly nature wouldn''t change, right? So, what''s the nature of a woman?


    They like glittering things? Like a dragon? Will they freeze when they see glittering things?


    The first thing that Ren Baqian thought about was these questions.


    Subsequently, he shook his head. After all, she was an empress. No matter how poor Daoyao was, the empress would notck gold and gems.


    Furthermore, Dayao produced a lot of gems. It''s just that most of them were deep in the mountains, and it was very hard to excavate them. Most of the gems on the market were picked up in the open.


    So, what does that woman like? Cute things? This might be possible if she was an ordinary woman. When Ren Baqian thought of how the empress sent the pr bear flying in the air with a p, he felt that this possibility was very unlikely.


    After thinking about it for a while longer, Ren Baqian still could note up with anything. He shook his head and did not think about it anymore.


    He got the cook to cook a special feast for everyone. After finishing his dinner, Ren Baqian swayed back to his house.


    This world had no nighttime entertainment at all. When the sky darkened, other than those making babies, everyone else was sleeping. After staying in this world for so many days, Ren Baqian was still unustomed to the daily routines here.


    Unable to fall asleep, he sat at the doorstep and teased Gungun and Tiantian.


    Initially, the two small chaps were lying t on their backs. After being teased by Ren Baqian, they started to climb up his body.


    In the end, they stopped at Ren Baqian''s knees. Upon taking a closer look, Ren Baqian realized they had fallen asleep.


    Feeling helpless, Ren Baqian could only raise his head and look at the starry night.


    The night sky in this world was exceptionally beautiful. He raised his head and saw countless stars. There were two starry trails and one gigantic te-like star cluster. He wondered if it was a neb or not.


    The magnificence of the starry sky put him in a daze momentarily.


    Suddenly, an idea popped in Ren Baqian''s head. If he could take a photo of this starry sky and post it online, would his online friends and those astronomers go crazy?


    It was a pity he never brought his phone.


    Another idea immediately popped up again in his head. If he could put this starry night onto the box, it would be extremely beautiful.


    When he thought of this idea, he immediately became restless. He lowered his head and saw the two small chaps drooling all over his lower body. He quickly ced the two small chaps to one side and went to find Tong Jia.


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought Tong Jia had already fallen asleep. When he reached Tong Jia''s house, he saw Tong Jiaughing sheepishly at the air cooler while tugging at the rope.


    "Come out, I have an idea." Ren Baqian grabbed Tong Jia''s elbow and tried to pull him up. However, Tong Jia did not move a single inch even after Ren Baqian had exerted all his strength.


    "Ah?" Tong Jia turned around and gave Ren Baqian a sheepish smile.


    Looking at Tong Jia''s sheepish smile, Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and gave him a kick. "Stand up and follow me out."


    Tong Jia stood up and asked, "Caretaker Ren, what''s the matter?"


    "Go out first and I will tell you about it," Ren Baqian led Tong Jia out of the house and pointed to the starry sky above their heads and said, "Can you put this starry night onto the box?"


    "How can I do that?" Tong Jia was at a loss.


    "Carve it on the box, I will settle the rest," Ren Baqian said.


    "Oh, I should be able to do that. I look at these stars every day, and I''m extremely familiar with them," Tong Jia replied bluntly.


    "It''s settled then. Tomorrow, you carve this starry sky onto the box. Especially that two starry trails and that circr star cluster, don''t miss out on them. Carve the constetions that you''re familiar with onto the box as well."


    "Alright, this can be done," Tong Jia immediately responded.


    "Is one day enough?"


    "Yeah, one day is more than enough."


    "Okay then, you willplete this task by tomorrow. Do you need to draw the starry sky down first?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "No need, I have memorized it in my brain."


    After hearing these words, Ren Baqian did not add anything else. He hummed a song while walking back to his house to sleep.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian held a biscuit in his mouth and went to find Tong Jia. Ren Baqian sat to one side and watched Tong Jia dismantle the box and carve the starry night on it.


    Ren Baqian took out the "electric fan" from the box and ced it on his knees. Then, he began to tug on the rope of the "electric fan".


    By afternoon, Tong Jia was drenched in sweat. He raised his head and yelled, "Caretaker Ren, it''s done."


    Ren Baqian put the "electric fan" aside and walked up to take a look at it. At this point in time, the wooden board was covered with small eye-like etchings.


    This was the starry night? This looked more like a mushy riverbank!


    When Ren Baqian took a closer look, he could finally see that the engraving somewhat resembled the starry trails. If he stood slightly further away from it, he would not be able to recognize it. Right now, he also did not know whether or not the engraving really resembled the starry sky. All he could do now was to first apply colors to it.

 Chapter 46: Carving the Starry Night on the Box

    Chapter 46: Carving the Starry Night on the Box


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    There were dye andcquer extract in the beast park. After all, the beast park belonged to the imperial family, so, therefore, the materials were much better than those used by the civilians.


    The wooden box had six sides. The bottom wasinpletely down t and the other five boards were ced face up. Sawdust was sprinkled on top, pressed down, and swept clean. This way, the eyelets were evenly filled with sawdust.


    An unknown fruit had been used to make a blue-ck dye mixed evenly with thecquer extract and then painted on the surface. Thus, the few wooden boards became dark blue in color.


    Ren Baqian set thepleted wooden panels to one side. From the darkening sky, he estimated it was about time for his meal and went to the kitchen to eat.


    Outside the rear kitchen was arge courtyard where more than ten tables were arranged.


    This was the time of the day when most people from the beast park gathered.


    Regardless of gender, everyone gathered over here.


    There were also children baring their bottoms and wrestling. The adults were stationed a slight distance away and happily watched them.


    Ren Baqian saw a kid of about six or seven years old fall down and scrape his knees. He unconcernedly stood up, shouted, and rushed about again. He made threatening gestures just like a crab, and the little rascal''s natural stance to fight was imposing.


    Children brought up in such an environment are ustomed to such rugged habits.


    "Caretaker Ren, please sit here." Someone called out to him; it was Tie Dao.


    Although he had spent quite some time in the beast park, he seldom had the chance to eat with everyone. Including today, it was only his second time. Normally, if he wasn''t busy with something, Ren Baqian would be in the pce and would only go to the kitchen to fire up the stove after dark.


    Ren Baqian sat with Tie Dao and the others. Together with the ten men under him, they filled one table.


    The dishes served were roasted mutton leg, roasted mutton rib, boiled beef cubes, as well as a pot of wild herb soup, and vegetable omelette.


    When the dishes were served, no one paid any heed Ren Baqian. In the blink of an eye, the te of vegetable omelette was gone. One scooped a bowl of wild herb soup and another gnawed at the mutton ribs.


    Ren Baqian blinked his eyes and was left speechless. He only saw a group of dirty people with hands sweeping around and everything was gone in a sh.


    In Dayao, meat was cheap and vegetables were expensive. Almost all meals consisted of meat and if there were two vegetable dishes, they would disappear in a blink.


    Moreover, they did not have the habit of using chopsticks as that originated from Great Xia. Only the rich and officials knew how to use them. But these people over here, they used their hands to grab their food.


    Ren Baqian managed to take a sip of the wild herbal soup, nibbled a piece of themb chop, and ate some dried food from this world.


    This type of dried food was a kind of coarse grain: very rough, a little prickly to the throat, and slightly sour.


    However, nobody belittled it. There were refined rice and noodles, but only the rich could afford them. To be able to eat this, it was considered decent for the people in the beast park. It was said that the people in the mountains ate meat every day and supplemented their diets with berries and wild vegetables.


    On Earth, meat was considered as pretty good food. But over here, it was the most basic food.


    If you were to exchange one catty of vegetable for a few catties of meat, there would be many takers.


    Fortunately, Dayao had one more resource and that was tea leaves from the wild tea trees which grew abundantly in the mountains. Thus, there was no need for them to fight over a brick of tea aspared to the people in the grasnds.


    After the meal, he returned to where Tong Jia worked. The dye was almost dry, he turned the panel upside down on the ground and knocked it twice with a hammer. When he picked up the panel again, the fragments had fell off, revealing empty holes in their original wood color.


    He had only just seen the wooden board, Ren Baqian was already happy. Although it was not up to his requirements yet, this first step had reached his expectations.


    Subsequently, he followed suit for the few other wooden boards and then arranged them together. Ren Baqian was expressionless for a while.


    On the dark blue wooden boards light-coloured stars, two starry trails, and a neb decorated the tops. It was exactly like what he''d seen in the sky the night before.


    Subconsciously, he raised his head and looked at the sky. It had just turned dark, so only a few were visible. They were sparse and fragmentary, just like pockmarks, and were drastically different from yesterday''s elegant and magnificent sight.


    He lowered his head to analyze the wooden boards. The only problem was the uneven dispersion the color. But, this was a small problem and painting two coats should fix it up enough. Ren Baqian then picked up the dye and painted one moreyer over the surface. This time, he was not worried about the dye seeping into the holes. So long as the overall appearance was alright, it should be eptable.


    "Caretaker Ren, is this okay?" Tong Jia approached Ren Baqian and asked loudly.


    Ren Baqian flipped his clothes and intended to find some small pieces of silver to give Tong Jia as a reward for his craftsmanship. You cannot always let a horse work without giving it grass to eat.


    However, Ren Baqian did not have any silver with him as he usually did not bother to take any along when he did not intend to go out of the pce.


    "Beautifully done." Ren Baqian gave a thumbs up.


    "Leave it here first, I will collect it tomorrow." Ren Baqian patted the carpenter who was taller by half a head and had bronze shoulders which were wider than his.


    "Alright! Do I have to pack it up?"


    "No need to, this is fine. Wait till the paint has dried before moving it into the house. Give it another coat of paint tomorrow," Ren Baqian told him, sped his hands behind his back, and sauntered away.


    Tiantian was sprawled outside sleeping while Gungun was sitting on a stone tform about ten plus centimeters high, with its head on the ground and legs in the air.


    Ren Baqian approached them and heard a slight grumble. The two little chaps heaved their bellies. He gave them each a pat as he walked by. They grunted, rolled their bodies to the side, and continued to sleep.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian stored a few silver ingots in his clothes and then pulled Tie Dao and Teng Hulu to carry the few wooden boards out.


    He got ready to iy the melted silver into the empty holes which were arranged like stars in the sky.


    A dark blue background, dotted with silver gxy of stars. It surely would be an extremely magnificent sight.


    When he reached Tong Jia''s ce, Ren Baqian took out a piece of fragmented silver which was approximately equivalent to one tael of silver and passed it to him.


    "Take it, this is for you."


    "How can I ept money when I''m working for Caretaker Ren? I am paid a monthly sry." Tong Jia waved his hands to reject the offer.


    "This is to reward you, cut the nonsense." Ren Baqian tossed the piece of fragmented silver across and a parab was formed in the air. Tong Jia promptly caught it in his hands.


    "Thank you Caretaker Ren." Tong Jia held the silver and smiled foolishly. This piece of silver was worth more than half a month of his sry.


    "Alright!" Ren Ba Qian nodded his head and carefully inspected the few wooden boards. The dye had barely dried, butpared to the previous three times, it was much more beautiful. Although there were some uneven patches due to the different wood textures, it was still rather beautiful.


    After Tie Dao and Teng Hulu let out a shout, each carried two to three wooden boards and followed behind Ren Baqian.


    After walking halfway, Ren Baqian took the silver from the front of his clothes and put it into the waist pocket. Silver was heavy and it gave a sinking feeling. Putting it near his chest was very ufortable for him.


    They reached Baishi District and went to the same cksmith shop.


    "Shop owner, smelt this piece of silver and drip it into the holes. It must be spread evenly." Ren Baqian took out a piece of silver and tossed it in his hands.


    The shop owner took a closer look and then looked at the piece of silver in Ren Baqian''s hand. He said concisely, "Not enough, one more piece of silver is needed."


    Ren Baqian tossed another piece of silver over and the shop owner finally nodded his head. "Can do,e back in four hours."


    ...


    ��..


    Ren Baqian led the two to the shop at Jingyang Road and checked the progress of the shop. In the end, after briefly turning into Jingyang Road, they heard an angry female voiceing from a shop by the side of the road.


    "This piece of hide was processed with a lot of effort. It is a white tiger hide without any blemishes. How can it only be exchanged for half of dou of salt?"


    Ren Baqian heard the voice, turned his head to look, and saw two familiar figures in the shop. One of them was thedy called Na Gu and the other should be her brother.


    He did not expect to meet the two of them again after only a few days.


    In their hands was a roll of hides. Among them, one of the hides was torn apart by them to disy its quality.


    "It is up to you two whether you want to exchange or not. We are the only one on this road who can offer this price. Both of you can go to other shops to check. I''m certain that you will not even get half of dou of salt," The storekeeper said with confidence.

 Chapter 47: Black Pool

    Chapter 47: ck Pool


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Dou was a type of unit of measurement. One dou was equivalent to six catties. Half a dou was equivalent to three catties, which was around three taels of silver.


    One tael of silver for one catty of salt was indeed expensive. It was equivalent to manymoners'' one month''s sry.


    He remembered a nutritionist on Earth once said that a person should have a daily intake of 5 grams of salt. That would be equivalent to 3 taels of salt every month. A family of three would need around one catty of salt every month. This was very affordable for Earthlings but extremely expensive for Dayao people.


    Even the cook at the beast park used salt sparingly while cooking. That was because meat was the main source of food in Dayao. Firstly, the price of salt was very high. Secondly, they could not eat too much salt.


    From the meals that Ren Baqian ate in the beast part, he roughly gauged the salt content in Dayao''s food to be at most half of Earthlings''. This showed how sparingly Dayao people used the resource of salt.


    An ordinary Dayao family of three could barely afford half a catty of salt. Nevertheless, the salt monopoly by the foreign merchants still yed an extremely huge role in causing their misery.


    This wasn''t the first time that the situation now taking ce in the shop happened, and it wouldn''t be thest time either.


    Humans had to consume salt. However, since Dayao did not produce salt, Dayao people were helpless against those salt merchants.


    Simrly, Dayao people did not know how to tan furs and hides. If they could not sell them off in time, they would rot very soon.


    Thebination of these factors created some sort of tacit understanding among the foreign merchants. The prices they had set for hides, furs, and salt were unanimous. This way, they could maximize the profits that they earned.


    Standing outside the shop, Ren Baqian looked at themotion inside and shook his head. This was one of the consequences of a countrycking in resources and technologies.


    "Let''s go," Ren Baqian ordered.


    Together with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, he visited his rented shop. Upon seeing that its interior was still iplete, they left and went to Chen Medicinal Shop.


    For the past few days, Chen Zisheng had been waiting anxiously for Ren Baqian. He did not understand a single word in the any of the three books. This made him utterly anxious.


    When he saw Ren Baqian, his eyes lit up and he said, "Mr. Ren, you have finallye. I have been waiting for you every day."


    "I have already promised you, so I will definitelye and trante the books for you," Ren Baqian said as he chuckled.


    After attending to the patient on hand, he let his disciple take his ce and pulled Ren Baqian into his room. Then, he carefully took out the three books from a box.


    Ren Baqian picked up Typhoid and Diseases and asked Chen Zisheng to prepare a writing brush and a piece of paper.


    As Ren Baqian began to speak, Chen Zisheng''s hand scribbled rapidly on the paper like a chicken foot. One could even see afterimages appearing on the paper.


    Ren Baqian could not help but respect Chen Zisheng after witnessing his writing speed. When he saw Chen Zisheng''s words, he respected him even more.


    He reckoned that even a cryptographer would be unable to decode what he was writing.


    After reading for roughly two hours, Ren Baqian felt hungry. It wasn''t easy for him to make a trip here as he wasn''t always free. When he saw that Chen Zisheng did not have any intention of taking a break, he kept on drinking water. Drinking more water now could at least ease his hunger.


    After another hour, when Ren Baqian saw Chen Zisheng''s dazed eyes and his body drenched in sweat, he had no choice but to stop.


    If transcribing these books really tired Chen Zisheng out, Rem Baqian felt that he hadmitted a huge sin.


    After Ren Baqian stopped, Chen Zisheng threw his writing brush away. His hand was trembling like a chicken foot.


    "I''m goddamn tired," Chen Zisheng yelled as he picked up a cup of water and gulped it.


    Raising his head, Chen Zisheng finished drinking the cup of water. His right hand was still twitching, looking as though it was spasming. However, he still did not forget to ask, "How many pages are left?"


    "I think we''ll still need to repeat this process for another eight times," Ren Baqian answered after looking at the thickness of the book.


    Flicking his wrist, Chen Zisheng clenched his teeth and said, "I will ask my disciple toe in and transcribe for me."


    "Forget it, I still have something to do, I wille again another day," Ren Baqian interrupted.


    When Chen Zisheng heard these words, he looked as though a huge burden had been lifted off of him. He heaved a sigh of relief and replied, "That''s fine, that''s fine."


    It seemed like thest one hour of transcription had worn him out thoroughly.


    Ren Baqian felt if he was the one that was doing the transcription for three hours, his hand would tremble much more than Chen Zisheng''s.


    He awakened Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, who had fallen asleep, led them out of Chen Medicinal Shop, and proceeded to the cksmith shop. After walking a few steps away from the medicinal shop, they heard someone speaking in an indignant tone, "The half of dou of salt that we exchanged for those animal hides is enough tost the stronghold only for a few days. Why don''t we just rob their stores at night?"


    When Ren Baqian heard this voice, he was overjoyed. He could not believe they met again. They were indeed brought together by fate.


    When he turned around, he saw Na Gu and the big man standing to one side. Na Gu had a furious look on her face. Her lips were pouting so much that a soy sauce bottle could be hung on them.


    "Don''t talk nonsense. Go back and see if we can hunt more preys these few days," the big man that was holding a bag chided Na Gu. The bag should contain the salt that both of them had exchanged for with their animal hides.


    "It''s a pity the salt water in the mountain is undrinkable, otherwise why would we still need to buy salt from these people?"


    "How is that salt water? That is poisonous water, even animals don''t dare to drink from it. In the past, there were people that drank from it before. Even though it tastes salty, it will also cause one to develop sores, puke, faint, and even die. If you want me to drink from that, I''d rather go and rob these people''s stores at night."


    Initially, Ren Baqian wanted to walk past the two persons, but when he heard these words, he immediately stopped in his tracks.


    "Hello!" Ren Baqian turned around and cupped his hands.


    "Who''re you?" The huge man stared at him fiercely.


    "Ahh�� You are that guy��" Na Gu finally recognized Ren Baqian.


    "I heard both of you talking about salt water just now, I wonder what is it about?" Ren Baqian asked.


    When the huge man heard his words, he snorted and ignored him. Just now, he had already been utterly angered by those few merchants. At this point in time, he did not have the patience to entertain anyone.


    "I am not from the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation or Great Xia. Right now, I am working at the beast park. What happened between you both and the merchants has nothing to do with me. Logically speaking, I am now considered a citizen of Dayao," Ren Baqian smiled and said when he saw their attitudes. He was not interested in knowing the whole story.


    "He is one of the caretakers of the beast park," Tie Dao interjected from behind.


    The beast park was a subsidiary of the imperial pce. When the pair heard Ren Baqian was working in the beast park, their facial expressions changed for the better. After sizing up Ren Baqian, the huge man said, "Why do you ask about the salt water? Someone has already tried to do something with it, but it still remains undrinkable. Even the wild animals in the mountain don''t dare to drink it."


    "If it''s poisonous, then it''s indeed undrinkable. But if we purify it and remove the toxin from it, neither of you will need to worry about the avability of salt anymore," Ren Baqian exined.


    "It''s impossible," the big man interjected.


    "Don''t waste your time, someone has tried doing that before," Na Gu added. Her attitude towards Ren Baqian, however, was better than the huge man''s. It might be because she had met Ren Baqian before, as such, she wasn''t unfamiliar with him.


    "Can you tell me the situation with the salt water first so that I can know what''s going on?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "The wateres from pool in the mountain. The water is salty, bitter, and smelly. We call it the ck Pool," Na Gu said.


    "The water is ck in color? Does it smell of rotten eggs?" Ren Baqian quickly asked.


    Na Gu nodded her head and replied, "It''s ck and murky, and nothing grows in its surroundings. Yes, it indeed smells of rotten eggs."

 Chapter 48: Well Salt

    Chapter 48: Well Salt


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian became certain upon hearing Na Gu''s words.


    He had a sh of inspiration when he heard about the poisonous salt water. Even though it was poisonous, all things in this world were formed from ions and atoms and could, as such, undergo chemical reactions when subjected to the right conditions.


    In other words, the salt could be extracted from the water, or the toxins could be removed.


    Brine that was ck and stank of rotten eggs was a kind of subterranean phenomena that could be found on Earth as well. About two thousand years ago, people from ancient times used their knowledge to extract salt from these subterranean brine sources.


    This was the predecessor of the famous "well salt". Upon understanding more of how things worked in this world, Ren Baqian had gone back to find out more information about well salt. What he found was that salt could be harvested in ces far from the sea, and that it was possible to obtain salt deep ind as well.


    There were numerous methods to do so. Drying surface brine and saline soil under the sun was the simplest way to produce salt. Other methods were present in ces where these sources were unavable and obtaining well salt was one of those.


    Brine wells came in many different types, including ck brine wells, yellow brine wells, and rock wells. The main idea behind such methods was to obtain seawater that had been trapped beneath the Earth''s crust after geological activity. It was kind of like collecting seawater that had gone bad.


    ck brine wells were the ones that contained poisonous ck brine. This type of brine was typically found three hundred meters beneath the ground but could also be brought up to the surface as springs or pools by geological activity.


    Because he knew all of this, Ren Baqian immediately picked up on their conversation about poisonous salt water.


    "What about brown-colored water, do you have that over there as well? It''s also salty and poisonous," Ren Baqian immediately asked.


    He asked this because ck brine containedrge amounts of sulphuric acid while yellow brine contained barium. Both were toxic to the human body but could crystallize into barium sulfate when mixed in the right proportion. Doing so would remove the toxicity and allow for extraction of well salt.


    Of course, all of this hinged on the fact that the ck Pool was indeed filled with ck brine, and that it did not contain any other poisonous substances.


    ording to what he had heard, Ren Baqian was quite confident that it was ck brine. Whether or not there were other poisonous substances was something he was less sure of.


    "Nope," said the huge man coldly. Knowing that Ren Baqian worked at the beast park only served to reduce the huge man''s animosity towards Ren Baqian; it did not mean that he was going to treat him amiably. Seeing Ren Baqian''s skinny frame reminded him of people from the Yun Nation and Great Xia. His displeasure towards such people was deeply engraved in his bones.


    "Yes!" Na Gu retorted as if she had a sudden spark of inspiration. "We previously encountered one in the mountains. Da Gong was so thirsty that he drank a mouthful and became extremely lethargic. He even shot a fanged beast in the face after that and almost got killed by it. Wasn''t that water exactly as this guy describes?"


    "Hng," the huge man snorted as he turned away.


    Na Gu look towards Ren Baqian and said, "A small crevice in the mountain contains the kind of water you described. It''s a little brownish and isn''t drinkable."


    Ren Baqian was filled with joy when he heard this.


    He had casually inquired about it and was not expecting such an answer.


    "May I ask where your stronghold is?" Ren Baqian questioned.


    "Why do you need to know?" Na Gu snapped, clearly on guard.


    .


    "How can I find this ck Pool and the brown water if I don''t know where your stronghold is?" Ren Baqian pressed.


    "Why are you looking for such stuff? You really think it can be used as salt? I thought I made it clear that it was poisonous." Na Gu red at Ren Baqian suspiciously.


    "All poisons can be countered in some way. Everything in the world has a pr opposite."


    "Hng, I don''t believe you!" Na Gu instantly replied.


    "We won''t know till we try. I''ll hire you as my guide if we go look for it. I''ll even pay you with salt, how about that?" Ren Baqian tried to tempt her with rewards.


    Na Gu rolled her eyes and lifted a finger at Ren Baqian, "I''m a skilled hunter, I won''t ept anything less than half a catty of salt."


    Ren Baqian looked at the raised finger and wondered how she would sign one catty. Would she raise two fingers?


    At this point, Ren Baqian subconsciously extended two fingers and asked, "How much is this?"


    Na Gu was momentarily stunned before she replied angrily, "Do you take me for a fool?" She raised her fist that was twice asrge as that of woman from Earth and charged at Ren Baqian like a provoked cat.


    Ren Baqian considered how strong the people of Dayao were and stared at Na Gu''s fist. His liver would probably fly out of his mouth if that huge thing hit him squarely in the chest.


    "Half a catty of salt, deal." Ren Baqian immediately said.


    "Hmm? Hmm, it''s your blessing to have a hunter as skilled as me be your guide!" Na Gu said, proudly raising her head and lifting her chest as she withdrew her fist.


    "Are you really from the beast park?" Na Gu racked her brains and asked.


    Ren Baqian took out a tablet from beneath his clothes, "See for yourself."


    "Don''t recognize this, can''t understand it." Na Gu spread out her hands in indifference.


    "I thought I told you that this is Caretaker Ren of the beast park. Do you think we''d try to scam you?" Tie Dao refuted.


    Na Gu nced at Tie Dao then nced at Ren Baqian. She replied, "I''ll believe you for now. Our stronghold is at Nine-Peaked Mountain. After exiting the city, head southwest and you should arrive within a day. There''s a luoweng horn at the bottom of the mountain that you should use to notify me."


    "What horn at the bottom of the mountain? How am I supposed to find it?" Ren Baqian asked with his hands out. How was he supposed to find a horn at the base of a mountain? How is this any different from searching for a needle in a haystack?


    "Not just any horn, it''s a luoweng horn. Don''t you know what a luoweng horn is? The horn is hung on a pole at the bottom of the mountain." Na Gu''s eyes opened wide as she stared at Ren Baqian.


    Upon seeing Na Gu stare at him as though he was an alien, Ren Baqian looked to Tie Dao for answers. "What is this luoweng horn?"


    "The luoweng is a wild beast that lives up on the mountains. It has a single horn and is quick as lightning. Once removed, the horn can be blown into to generate a sound that can be heard for five kilometers," Tie Dao exined.


    "Five kilometers, for real?" Ren Baqian gaped in disbelief. How could blowing into a horn make a sound that could be heard for five kilometers? Five kilometers would take an average person practically an hour to walk.


    Even in the empty wilderness, a sound like that must reach at least a hundred and twenty or thirty decibels.


    The sound must be almost as loud as an airne taking off or the sound of thunder.


    Ren Baqian could not bring himself to believe that blowing on a beast''s horn could produce a sound of this magnitude.


    Tie Dao rambled on, "Those who live in mountain strongholds often rearrge-eared monkeys or simr animals. These animals are able to pick up the sound of a luoweng horn from far away, informing the stronghold that there are visitors.


    Ren Baqian finally understood how it worked.


    He turned his head around and wanted to ask Na Gu for the horn''s exact location, but did not bother to in the end. He was pretty sure she could not exin it well anyway.


    "Alright, we''ll head back first then. We''ll look for you at the Nine-Peaked Mountain when we go looking for the ck Pool."


    "Remember to bring the salt," Na Gu reminded.


    "I won''t forget. See you." Ren Baqian cupped his hands in farewell.


    After walking for some time, Teng Hulu asked, "Caretaker Ren, can salt really be dredged out of that ck Pool?"


    "Extracted, not dredged. As for whether the extracted salt is poisonous or not, we''ll have to wait and see," Ren Baqian said. He was not too confident about it.


    "It''d be great if salt can really be obtained." Teng Hulu was excited.


    "We''ll have to get Her Majesty''s approval first," Ren Baqian announced unhurriedly.


    "As long as Caretaker Ren has a way, Her Majesty will surely approve it," Teng Hulu replied. "You''ll definitely receive a position as an official too."


    Ren Baqian twiddled his lips from side to side. This was also one of the reasons why he had enquired about the ck Pool. Having teleported all the way here, he could not possibly stay in the beast park as a caretaker forever, could he? Perhaps earning some money by peddling his earthly wares was enough?


    If he was in a world simr to ancient China he might have considered doing so. Living a carefree life sounded great.


    This world was however filled with uncertainty. Many things could not be properly understood without a higher position.


    Take the kirin for example. He had yet to see that magnificent beast again; although, he had heard that someone took care of it conscientiously.


    Being in this world filled with immensely strong people left him feeling vulnerable. Attaining a high position was the only way he could obtain a sense of security.

 Chapter 49: Dayao People’s Electricity Resistance Test

    Chapter 49: Dayao People��s Electricity Resistance Test


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When Ren Baqian arrived at the cksmith shop, he immediately saw the blue-colored wooden boards ced on one side. They indeed resembled the night sky. The countless silvery spots stretched across their surfaces forming silvery rivers.


    When he walked closer to the wooden boards, the countless silvery spots made of melted silver reflected light into his eyes, giving him the illusion of the starry trails in the night sky.


    "They are done, you can take them away now. The remaining silver taels from the fee are enough," the shop owner said without even raising his head.


    He did not seem to feel anything towards the wooden boards that had captivated Ren Baqian. Since they did not require much skill to make, he wasn''t willing to take a second look at them.


    After Ren Baqian walked closer to the wooden boards, he realized they looked more beautiful when he stood further away.


    But he was already satisfied with this result.


    This standard of work was enough for him.


    After checking the five wooden boards thoroughly, he did not find anything to fuss over.


    He got Tie Dao and Teng Hulu to carry them, and they returned to the beast park. Upon arriving at the beast park, they went to Tong Jia''s house and assembled the wooden boards into the air cooler and ced it outside the house.


    Folding his arms, Ren Baqian looked at the air cooler from various angles. The wooden boards did not seem as beautiful as the had just now. Perhaps it was too bright. Under the direct illumination of the sunlight, not only did the silver-made stars glitter, but the ws on the wooden boards were magnified as well.


    So why did they look so good in the cksmith shop just now? That was because the light inside the shop wasn''t bright enough.


    Ren Baqian knew of a unique phenomenon in which a slightly darker ce could easily conceal the ws of an object.


    For example, when he looked at the mirror in his toilet, he always felt that he looked exceptionally handsome. However, when he looked at a mirror under the sun, he felt it wasn''t his face that was reflected in the mirror.


    This was a tragic story.


    With this knowledge in mind, he immediately brought the air cooler back into the house. Indeed, the air cooler looked much better now.


    Especially after Ren Baqian closed the door and lit up two oilmps, he felt that it looked like the fighter jet of air coolers.


    "Isn''t it good-looking?" With a look of satisfaction on his face, Ren Baqian asked Tong Jia while folding his arms.


    "If Caretaker Ren says it''s good-looking, then it''s good-looking," Tong Jia replied straightforwardly.


    Ren Baqian cast a nce at him. Who said this fellow is simple and honest?


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian got someone to carry the air cooler to his own house. Initially, Ren Baqian thought that the empress would summon him into the pce today and he could then present the air cooler to her.


    However, he waited until the sky turned dark, but no one came over from the pce to summon him.


    Ren Baqian went to the kitchen and found a leftover mutton leg. He cut it into slices, fried them in a wok, and ate his fill.


    Then, he went back to his house and slept. When he woke up, he was back on Earth.


    Nothing much happened during these three days. Whenever he was bored, he would pick up a beer and start drinking it. He did this for three days in a row.


    During two of these three days, he also went out shopping for some things. He procured an e-book reader and stored the information on salt wells, smelting and farming tools in it. He also stored in it a few novels, which included Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Investiture of the Gods, and some web novels. These could help him to pass some of his time in the other world and reinforce his content of the story he was telling the empress.


    When fully charged, the e-book reader couldst around 20 days. That should be enough for him to use.


    Another thing that Ren Baqian bought was the stun baton. Twice, he had forgotten to buy this essential self-defense tool when he came back to Earth. It wasrger than the size of his palm, and it looked somewhat simr to a shlight. Reportedly, it could be used for 20 minutes straight before it ran out of power. Normally, if it was used for only a few seconds every time, it could be used for approximately one hundred times.


    Ren Baqian did not really understand its technical aspects like output voltage and current intensity output. As for its power, the boss at that time told him with a mysterious tone, "Even the most muscr man will fall if he''s poked with it."


    Ren Baqian reckoned that a few seconds were not enough for the stun baton to knock a Dayao man out. It would need at least ten seconds to do that. Even if he could not knock the other party out, he could still numb and freeze his entire body.


    Without the stun baton, he would not have a self-defense weapon if something happened to him in that world. Given his physique and strength, a Dayao man could easily kill him even if there were several clones of him.


    With a stun baton, Ren Baqian felt much safer.


    If I can''t beat you in a hand-to-handbat, I will use the stun baton to jab you. I don''t believe all of you aren''t scared of electricity.


    Ren Baqian hoped the stun baton was really as powerful as the boss said it to be. He definitely did not dare to poke himself with it as he was scared of pain.


    Tong Jia had thick skin and huge muscles. Maybe he should try the stun baton on him.


    If it did not work, he woulde back and get even with the boss.


    Thest thing Ren Baqian bought was a camera. He wanted to take photos of the things in that world. For example, Gungun and Tiantian. If their photos were posted online, they would definitely attract a lot of attention.


    Those scientists on Earth were still wondering whether or not there was extraterrestrial life. Meanwhile, he had already arrived at a world that was different from Earth.


    It was a pity that he couldn''t tell anyone about it.


    Ren Baqian remembered a wise man once said that if one did not have a glorious homing after making it big, he might as well go home in silken robes at night without anyone noticing. Right now, being wealthy wasn''t the only issue. The main issue was that he was the only one in the entire world that was experiencing all this.


    It was really a pity that he couldn''t tell anyone. He did not even dare to use an anonymous name to write a story about it online.


    Therefore, he could only post photos online to unt and share his feelings with people.


    After charging the stun baton, Ren Baqian ced it, the e-book reader and the camera into a bag and fell asleep, teleporting to that world.


    After he woke up, Ren Baqian took out the camera from his bag. Once he exited his house, he indeed saw Gungun and Tiantian lying on their backs on the ground.


    Before he kept these two small chaps as pets, he thought that animalsy on their stomachs to sleep.


    After keeping them as pets, he realized they had various sleeping postures. All of their sleeping postures overflowed with cuteness.


    Ren Baqian took two close-ups of them and then pulled away to take long shots of them from every angle. The two small chaps shook their heads and crawled towards him. Following which, they hugged his calves and snorted non-stop.


    After taking a few top-down photos of the two pandas hugging his legs, Ren Baqian hung the camera over his neck and teased them. After a while, he went to draw some water and prepare to eat his breakfast.


    After having breakfast, Ren Baqian hung the stun baton on his waist and went in search Tong Jia.


    Tong Jia leaned against a wall while picking his teeth. His signature sheepish smile hung upon his face.


    Ren Baqian did not know why was he so happy every day.


    "Tong Jia!" Ren Baqian yelled at the top of his voice.


    "Hey, Caretaker Ren." Tong Jia ran towards Ren Baqian while flinging his fingers along. Following which, Ren Baqian saw a ck dot being flung to the ground from Tong Jia''s fingers.


    "Tong Jia, I have something to discuss with you."


    "Caretaker Ren can just speak anything on your mind!" Tong Jia said. He knew that Ren Baqian was very generous with his money. Previously, Ren Baqian gave him one tael of silver for a day''s work.


    Tong Jia wasn''t smart but he wasn''t stupid wither. He knew he had to bootlick Ren Baqian.


    "I want to do a test by giving you a poke with this thing, are you alright with it?" Ren Baqian asked as he took out the shlight-like stun baton from his waist. He had a "friendly" look on his face.


    "What''s this? Caretaker Ren, it''s alright, you can just poke me with it," Tong Jia replied with confidence.


    How powerful can this thing be? It looks like a mere stick, and it doesn''t even have a tip.


    "Ahh�� Ahh��" Tong Jia''s body spasmed, looking as though he was doing a zombie dance.

 Chapter 50: Shaved Ice Shop

    Chapter 50: Shaved Ice Shop


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Tong Jia finally got up from the ground after what seemed like years. He looked at the small item in Ren Baqian''s hand with uneasiness and swiftly retreated three huge steps. It was as if he had seen a ghost.


    Seeing Tong Jia''s expression, Ren Baqian was a little embarrassed. Ren Baqian gave Tong Jia a "good-natured" smile. Tong Jia hid as far as he could as soon as he saw that smile of Ren Baqian.


    However, the Dayao people''s resistance to electricity was so-so, just slightly stronger than Earthlings. The boss said that the stun baton would knock even a burly man out and it seemed like he wasn''t lying. Although Tong Jia did not lose consciousness, he trembled for quite some time and fell to the ground immediately upon contact with the stun baton. He only managed to rx after a long period of time.


    "What''s the feeling like?" Ren Baqian asked Tong Jia.


    "Numbness, experiencing cramps once in a while, nausea and slight pain. What is that item?" Tong Jia said as he hid from a distance. He even faced the side and retched twice.


    Yeah, it is simr to Earthlings experiencing electric shock.


    Ren Baqian pondered and waved at Tong Jia. He then kept the stun baton at his waist area and walked towards the field. From a distance away, Ren Baqian could see that a few of the workers were seated and chatting idly at the front of the field. "


    Seeing that Ren Baqian came by, they promptly stood up to greet him, "Caretaker Ren."


    "I''m here to take a look," Ren Baqian said as he swept his vision across the field. He could tell that they have just watered the crops.


    "Remember to water the crops regrly as the sun rays are too malicious. When the new sprouts emerge after one week and they are able to resist the sun rays, it will be fine then." Ren Baqian exhorted.


    "Rest assured, Caretaker Ren. We know what to do," A few of the odd-job workers replied in unison.


    After verifying that the crops were watered, Ren Baqian could let go of his thoughts. He returned to the doorway and sat there leisurely.


    "Brother Ren." Caretaker Shi came from afar, "Today is the opening of the two shaved ice shops, why not go and have a look? After all, this business idea was suggested by you. Up till now, you have not made a trip down there yet."


    After hearing Caretaker Shi''s words, Ren Baqian thought for a while. Since he had nothing to do, he might as well follow Caretaker Shi to the shops.


    He lifted his neck, grabbed the two little chaps off his leg, and put them down. Ren Baqian immediately got up, returned to his house and stashed a little silver into his clothes, and followed Caretaker Shi out of the pce.


    Out of the two shaved ice shops, one was situated at Goujiazhai District and the other was situated at Yiwulu District. The shop with the best location at Jingyang Road was not ready for operation yet.


    Both first went to Goujiazhai District. This district mainly housedmoners and was also thergest district in the city.


    The shop was just at the corner of the street, and there was only a scattering of people at the front of the door. It was a world of difference from Ren Baqian''s prediction.


    ording to Ren Baqian''s predictions, even if the shop wasn''t bustling like a marketce, there should at least be a crowd of people.


    But what he witnessed was actually a burly man with a towel on his shoulder, sitting on a stool at the doorway. There was also someone standing behind the bar counter. Other than these two people, there was no one else.


    "Hey, father, why did youe?" The burly man who was sitting at the door got up from the stool as soon as he saw Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi approaching the shop. Once he opened his mouth, his voice could be heard half a street away.


    This pair of father and son''s voice was absolutely from the same ancestors and passed down through the generations. Ren Baqian dared to im that the burly man was Caretaker Ren''s biological son. Furthermore, it was the son''s voice which surpassed his father''s.


    If someone ever offended Ren Baqian in the future, he did not need to resort to anything. All he had to do was immediately get Caretaker Ren and his son to chat amongst themselves. In less than an hour, Ren Baqian reckoned that the person who offended him would fall apart.


    "This youngster dares to say such. I have brought someone to check the situation over here," Caretaker Shi shouted at the top of his lungs right beside Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s head buzzed for a short while, and he scuttled backwards like a frightened rabbit. He sessively retreated three steps back, and only then he broke away from the sonic boom range of the father and son duo.


    Now that the father and son were here together, it would be better for him to dodge further away.


    "Brother Ren, this is my son, Shi Qingshan," Caretaker Shi introduced his son while extending his hand, wanting to put it over Ren Baqian''s shoulder but missed it. He turned his head around and realized that Ren Baqian who had just been by his side, was now two meters behind him.


    "Eh? Brother Ren, why are you left out at the back? Let me introduce you, this is my son." Caretaker Ren waved at Ren Baqian.


    As if Ren Baqian was rooted to the ground, he refused to move forward regardless of life or death. He cupped his hands in obeisance from a distance, "Hello, hello."


    "You are the Caretaker Ren that my father has mentioned? My father said that you are an intelligent and knowledgeable person," Shi Qingshan walked towards Caretaker Shi''s side and said to Ren Baqian. Practically half the street of people methodically turned their heads to look over.


    Ren Baqian expressed a look of embarrassment on his face. Since he graduated from elementary school, nobody had praised that he was intelligent in his presence. In particr, the experience of half the street of people hearing that praise was indeed too shameful.


    "Ahaha!" Someone from a distance awayughed immediately.


    Caretaker Shi turned his head around and it wasing from the shop beside theirs. It was a shop opened by a Yun Nation person, which sold daily necessities and misceneous goods. The boss of the shop stood by his door and couldn''t conceal hisughter.


    "You are mocking my brother?" Caretaker Shi''s words were filled with evil intentions, and to add on, he had a fierce looking face. Even though the Yun Nation boss stayed in Dayao for quite some time, Caretaker Shi was still a threat to him.


    "Why would I. I got reminded of something in the past." That bossughed sarcastically.


    "Forget it, let''s talk inside." Ren Baqian''s face was filled with awkwardness.


    Caretaker Shi red at the boss and brought his son into the shop.


    After everyone went into the shop, the boss sneered.


    Intelligent person? There are so many intelligent people in this world. Especially when it''spared to Dayao people like you all.


    There is nobody who is unintelligent in the Yun Nation.


    He looked at the shop next to his and mulled over for a long time. Up to now, he did not know what was the shop doing. Restaurant, it was not a restaurant. Retail shop, not a retail shop. He originally saw that there were many tables arranged inside and assumed that it was a restaurant. Only now did he discover afterwards that it wasn''t one.


    Forget it, who cares about them?


    Open for business for half of the day, yet not a single soul came by.


    Nobody knows what they sell inside as well. Sooner orter they will close down if they do business this way.


    The weather is too hot. It is still better for me to stay indoors as it is somewhat cooler.


    The boss couldn''t be bothered with the shop next door, turned around and went indoors to find a ce to rest.


    ...


    ��..


    After entering the shop, Ren Baqian sized up the ce, and there was practically no change. The only difference was that it was tidier and cleaner. If not, one other change would be the increase in number of tables and chairs.


    "Not a single soul entered the shop this entire morning?" Caretaker Shi asked.


    "No." Shi Qingshan touched the back of his head. He was simple and honest. His voice also got slightly softer.


    It seemed that the father and son were used to talking loudly outside. Once they went indoors, they subconsciously lowered their voice.


    Any ordinary person would be the same. Anyone''s voice would generally be louder outdoors than indoors as this was a usual practice. He could only me that this pair of father and son''s voice was too loud to begin with.


    Ren Baqian walked around the house and frowned slightly. All of a sudden, he thought of the problem. When he entered the shop just now, why didn''t he see the signboard of the shop?


    "Where''s the signboard?" Ren Baqian reached out his hand and pointed outside the door. "The signboard that is supposed to be on top of the door, why is it not hung yet?"


    "At first, it was supposed to be delivered today. However, Old Liu got drunkst night and said this morning that it was almost done. It will be delivered in the afternoon," Shi Qingshan replied straightforwardly.


    There wasn''t even a signboard, and nobody knew what this shop was selling. If anyone came in, it would be fishy.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian thought of something else. Dayao did not have ice all year round, and most of the people did not even know about the existence of ice. On top of that, this word did not have anything like shaved ice. Even if they hung their signboard, others might not understand the meaning of it. He feared that they would have to employ other methods for their business to take off.

 Chapter 51: An Expert From a Distant Land

    Chapter 51: An Expert From a Distant Land


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After an hour, more tables were set up along the entrance of the shaved ice shop.


    The guy that was previously standing behind the counter in the shop was Shi Xigu. His name sounded civilized, but he was still a burly chap that had thick and muscr limbs. He was Caretaker Shi''s rtive.


    At this moment, he was slicing fruit and shaving ice at the shop''s entrance. First, he shaved the ice and made a bowl of ice shavings, then he ced some fruit pulps on it ,and finally he drizzled some fruit juice over it. This was how a bowl of shaved ice was made.


    Meanwhile, Shi Qingshan was making full use of his loud voice, yelling, "Shaved ice! Fruit shaved ice! Ice-cold and thirst-quenching! It can relieve you of the summer heat! Come and try this shaved ice in such a hot weather!"


    His voice could be heard even from half a street away.


    Ren Baqian held a bowl of shaved ice that had just been made and slurped it, cing spoonfuls of shaved ice into his mouth. It indeed felt good to eat shaved ice in such a hot weather.


    After a while, Caretaker Shi held a bowl of shaved ice that had just been made and sat beside Ren Baqian.


    A few pedestrians that were drenched in sweat gathered around them. They stretched their necks and asked, "What''s this?"


    "Fruit shaved ice. This is the ice that can only be found in the North. Take one mouthful of it in summer and you will be relieved of summer heat immediately. You will feel coolness from head to toe," Shi Qingshan promoted.


    The few pedestrians'' interests were aroused when they saw Ren Baqian''s and Caretaker Shi''s bowls of shaved ice drenched in reddish-orange fruit juice. They asked, "How much is one bowl?"


    "Five coins. If the taste isn''t worth it, feel free to smash my shop," Shi Qingshan said as he gestured with his hands.


    "Give me one," a burly man immediately yelled.


    "Alright, we have watermelon, orange, and green lotus, which vor do you want?" Shi Xigu asked while shaving the ice.


    "Watermelon!" The burly man''s eyes were filled with envy when he saw the watermelon shaved ice that Ren Baqian was holding.


    After a while, a bowl of shaved ice that was covered in fruit pulp and juice was ced in the burly man''s hands. He examined it closely.


    So, this is ice?


    When the burly man ced a spoonful of shaved ice into his mouth, his eyes immediately widened. "So cold!"


    "Not bad, not bad, it tastes good." The burly man nodded his head repeatedly as he brandished the spoon in his hand so quickly that afterimages began to appear.


    Upon seeing the burly man acting like this, the rest of the pedestrians'' interests were piqued.


    "Give me one."


    "I want orange vored."


    ...


    After a while, the shop was surrounded by seven to eight people. All of them were waiting to buy the shaved ice.


    This was a quick and easy task, with the exception being that shaving the ice would take some time and effort. After a while, everyone had a bowl of shaved ice in their hands.


    The burly man who was the first one to buy a bowl of shaved ice was already starting on his second bowl. His face was filled withfort.


    "Ugh! It''s poisonous!" The burly man suddenly grasped his stomach while his facial expression changed.


    When the rest heard these words, they almost threw away the bowls in shaved ice in their hands.


    "Poisonous my foot!" Ren Baqian could not help but blurt out, "Eating too much cold food in a short period of time can irritate your stomach."


    Everyone looked at the bowls of shaved ice in their hands, then shifted their gazes to Ren Baqian, and finally had their gazesnded upon the burly man. There was a dead silence.


    The burly man had a constipated look on his face. He unbuttoned his shirt and revealed two huge chest pecs that were trembling non-stop. After a while, he recovered and looked at the bowl of shaved ice in his hands and said, "It gave me a huge fright as I thought I was poisoned."


    Then, he gave Ren Baqian a surprised look and asked, "How did you know what happened?"


    "Err�� This ismon sense in the North?" Ren Baqian rolled his eyes and replied.


    On Earth, it''smon sense that wolfing down ice cream will irritate the stomach and cause a stomachache. Furthermore, given the way you wolfed down the two bowls of shaved ice, it''s not surprising that you have a stomachache. You really thought you are made of metal?


    When everyone saw the burly man was alright, all of them then felt at ease. Someone then asked Shi Qingshan for permission to eat in the shop and went in.


    "Sir, can I order a takeaway?" The burly man nced at the bowl in his hand and asked.


    "Bring your own bowl here," Shi Qingshan replied.


    The burly man put the bowl down and squeezed out of the surrounding crowd.


    Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi stood to one side and watched as the number of customers increased. There were some people sitting inside the shop as well. Both of them finally felt relieved. After rejecting Caretaker Shi''s suggestion to visit their other shop, Ren Baqian headed back to the beast park.


    As long as the fame of the shaved ice shop spread, there wouldn''t be much problems left, and he did not need to worry anymore.


    Given Dayao''s furnace-like weather, if one said that the shaved ice shop wouldn''t make money, Ren Baqian would be the first one to discredit him or her.


    "Qi Zixiao, I heard you''re the number one expert in Dayao, one of the top ten experts in this world. I''m Long Wanli and I have travelled over a great distance here to challenge you."


    Suddenly, a thunderous voice resounded through the air, causing an absolute silence to descend upon the entire Jingyang Road.


    "Qi Zixiao, I heard you''re the number one expert in Dayao, one of the top ten experts in this world. I''m Long Wanli and I have travelled over a great distance here to challenge you."


    After the voice rang across the air three times in a row, an uproar broke out in the entire Jingyang Road. Countless people flooded out of the shops on the both sides of the street and looked in the direction of the voice.


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, his interest was piqued in an instant. "This is a challenge? This voice is ten times louder than Caretaker Shi''s and his son''s voice add together. It definitely belongs to an expert."


    "Let''s go and see where ites from." Ren Baqian had an excited look on his face. After having been to this world so many times, this was the first time he experienced something like this.


    Even though fights easily urred every day in this city, none of these fights was as exciting as a duel between two experts.


    "It''s the imperial city!" Caretaker Shi quickened his pace.


    They were not the only ones whose interest was piqued by the thunderous voice. Many people were heading in the direction of the voice, sweeping up Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi in the process.


    "Eh?" Ren Baqian was slightly stunned by Caretaker Shi''s words as they squeezed themselves through the crowd. "Who''s Qi Zixiao?"


    "It''s Her Majesty," Caretaker Shi said softly.


    "..."


    It wasn''t until this moment that Ren Baqian knew the empress''s name.


    Even though he had heard before that the empress was the number one expert in Dayao, he was still stunned when he heard her name.


    After all, the empress looked young and she already had an imperial court full of civil and military officials. She even had an unknown number experts from the mountains in her service.


    All this time, Ren Baqian thought the reputation of the empress being the number one expert in Dayao was just an exaggeration.


    Looking at the situation, it seemed that the empress was really the number one expert in Dayao, huh?


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought the challenger was challenging a general. He did not expect the empress was the one being challenged. Ren Baqian had no choice but to admit that this man was quite foolish to challenge the ruler of a nation.


    "Will this man be shot to death by tens of thousands of arrows?" Ren Baqian asked subconsciously.


    "Depends on Her Majesty''s mood?" Caretaker Shi replied with uncertainty.


    "Will Her Majesty really ept his challenge and fight him?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity. Wouldn''t the empress have her status lowered for epting someone''s challenge and fighting him personally? If anything happened to her, it would be a misfortune for the entire nation.


    A wise man wouldn''t stand beside a copsing wall. Even though this saying did not exist in Dayao, surely, they knew it wasn''t good to keep on fighting in the throne room of the imperial pce, right?


    "Depends on Her Majesty''s mood," Caretaker Shi repeated.


    "Have you seen Her Majesty fight before?" Ren Baqian asked. Caretaker Shi''s words sounded as though this wouldn''t the first time the empress had epted a challenge.


    "Of course I have seen her fight before. Last year, there were more than ten challengers. This year, this person is the first one."


    "All of them have been defeated?" Ren Baqian asked. Did he hear correctly that the man said the empress was one of the top ten experts in this word? The more Ren Baqian heard about the empress, the more formidable he felt she was.


    "All of them were beaten to death!" Caretaker Shi sinisterly sneered.


    "..." Ren Baqian gasped.

 Chapter 52: Swatted to Death by a Single Slap

    Chapter 52: Swatted to Death by a Single p


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "A moment ago, that person was talking about the top ten experts in the world. What''s going on?" Ren Baqian inquired again.


    "It is said that someone from Great Xia arranged this list. In any case, it is something that we do not follow closely," Caretaker Shi casually said.


    Although they were not concerned, Ren Baqian was very interested. "Who arranged it?


    "I''m not sure who arranged it. Anyway, someone arranged it, and the news spread to everyone. I knew about this only because they shout so loudly every time theye." Caretaker Shi sneered. It was obvious that the Dayao people disdained the other party as they always startled the entire city whenever they came.


    However, Ren Baqian somehow felt that Caretaker Shi was displeased with the other party because the other party''s voice was even louder than theirs.


    "Reportedly, Her Majesty is ranked at the seventh position. There is also the Assistant Military Officer, Sir Hong Wu, who ranked at the ninth position. I''m unsure of the other rankings. In any case, the majority of the top ten experts are from Great Xia. The Yun Nation and the Chen Nation also have an expert each in the top ten ranking."


    Ren Baqian was overwhelmed by emotions. Which youth did not dream of being an expert? He was someone who''d also went through this phase of life.


    On one hand, Ren Baqian felt that he could only be an exceptional expert in his dreams, but on the other hand, he was able to shout "666" in reality.


    (666 - Chinese inte ng. 666 has been generated for a long time. It became popr and is used widely in a game named LOL (League of Legends). For example, if someone yed well in a game, you can say 666 to him.)


    Even with that said, Ren Baqian was still rather interested in the fighting capabilities in this world. He wondered if there were any mysterious vital energy of sorts.


    Both Ren Baqian and Caretaker Shi followed the crowd and moved forward. As they walked past Beihong District, they could see that most of the court officials'' houses had their doors open. A few of them had the presence of muscr men stepping on stools while peering forward.


    The pce walls were already within sight at this moment. However, there were too many people around, and the challenger could not be spotted.


    As they arrived at the za in front of the pce, many people sessively stopped in their tracks.


    Ren Baqian could not see anything as a bunch of tall and muscr men stood in front of them. Only after jumping consecutively a few times was he finally able to see a solitary man standing in the za at the front of the pce.


    "Sorry for the inconvenience, excuse me, excuse me," Ren Baqian said as he tried to nudge his way forward, only to get bumped back.


    "Damn it!" Ren Baqian cursed silently.


    Just as Ren Baqian hesitated whether he should shout "I shat in my pants", a row of soldiers spread out orderly on both sides of the top of the pce wall. Ady in red appeared thereafter.


    "Her Majesty!"


    "It''s Her Majesty!"


    The surrounding people shouted one after another. Their voices converged and soared into the sky.


    Apparently, this empress was considerably loved and respected by themoners.


    "It seems like Her Majesty''s mood isn''t that good today," Caretaker Shimented.


    "How do you know?" Ren Baqian was curious.


    "If Her Majesty is in a good mood, she would simply ignore the person who came to challenge her," Caretaker replied Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian mulled over it for a period of time. Caretaker Shi meant that when Her Majesty was having a bad day, she would vent her anger on those challengers. When she was in good mood, she would ignore them?


    He just now recalled what Caretaker Shi said. All who came to challenge Her Majesty the past year had been beaten to death. No one survived at all.


    This meant that none of the challengers came when Her Majesty was in a good mood? Was it extreme bad luck, or was Her Majesty frequently in a bad mood?


    It was understandable that one would have a bad mood for two or three days out of month. The issue was, how can someone be perpetually down all the time?


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he felt goosebumps run across back of his neck.


    Thankfully, he had not been executed any of the few times he entered the pce. He was pretty lucky.


    That silhouette in front of the crowd immediately spoke upon seeing Her Majesty''s appearance at the city wall. "Qi Zixiao, you may be the ruler of a nation, but you are also one of the world''s top ten experts. I, Long Wanli, am here as a practitioner to gain experience from you. Please enlighten me with your presence."


    "Egotistical! How dare you speak Her Majesty''s name." Someone scolded from the crowd.


    "Don''t you think you can challenge Her Majesty whenever you want. If you want to contest her, get passed me first." A burly man holding arge knife walked out from the crowd.


    "Me too."


    "The two of you are too weak, it''s better for me to take over."


    "Do you want to test whether my knife is sharp or not?" That burly man suddenly red at them with fury. Deep down, he was thinking that the sentence he had just learned was rather imposing towards other.


    The generals in the imperial court stood forward one after another.


    Long Wanli was oblivious to the cursing and chaotic scene behind him. He fixated his gaze on the red dress at the top of the pce walls.


    At the same time, his imposing aura continuously increased. Before Long Wanli arrived, he had already challenged neen other experts and consistently won all the battles. His aura was at its peak, and some of the experts which he had challenged along the way sessively avoided him.


    Seeing this situation, Long Wanli whipped his horse and headed southwest. While challenging one of the top ten experts at his peak, he had the highest possibility of meeting someone of his caliber. As for the other few experts, either their whereabouts were unknown or they were heavily involved in the military.


    Although the empress was the ruler of a nation, nevertheless, she fought many a times.


    In order to prevent the other party from not taking up his challenge, he intentionally used the practitioner status to challenge her.


    At this moment, his battle fervor skyrocketed and his imposing aura had already reached the peak. Even the people closer to him could feel the biting cold aura that disseminated from his body. He was just like an unrivaled sharp sword��only one look was needed for anyone to be aware that he was unstoppable.


    Many people were affected by his imposing aura and retreated a step towards the sides and the back.


    Even Ren Baqian could feel the piercingly sharp intenting from ahead. It seemed like a knife was pressuring him right before his eyes, causing him to be intimidated.


    "What is this?"


    "Imposing aura, battle fervor, sword consciousness. Who knows what is it called." Caretaker Shi was indifferent. "In any case, it''s that thing."


    Ren Baqianposed himself and found himself among the crowd. The other party''s back was facing him, yet he felt that as long as the other party made a move, he would not be able to guarantee his own life for even a single moment.


    This kind of life-threatening feeling was indeed terrible. It was terrible to the extent that he could not help but touch the stun baton, although he knew that there wasn''t any sh*t use in it.


    The empress was dressed in red from top to toe. She stood atop the city gate''s tower and looked downwards. She smirked and signaled to him by wagging her finger.


    If it was elsewhere and a female wagged her finger to signal to another guy, many people''s imagination would definitely run wild.


    But at this moment, everyone present could sense the aggressiveness emitted from the empress.


    I''m toozy to even talk to you.


    Come, fight.


    Long Wanli''s imposing aura had already reached its peak earlier on, and he was just waiting for the empress''s response. At this moment, as he unsheathed the sword at his back a nging sound could be heard, and the sword fell into his hand. He was as fast as a streak of lightning and directly thrust his sword towards the empress. Everyone could detect that acute determination and dauntlessness from him


    "Holy sh*t, a fairy flying through the sky!" Ren Baqian could finally see clearly and eximed in astonishment.


    Ren Baqian was unsure it if it was just like the legend whereby man and sword united as one. But at this moment, Long Wanli gave Ren Baqian the vibe that he and the sword had merged into one entity. He also emitted an inexhaustible sword consciousness from head to toe, and that thrust from him also made Ren Baqian feel as if it came from the skies.


    Even Ren Baqian was worried for the empress who was at the top of the pce walls.


    Although the empress was an expert, whenever Ren Baqian met her, he only thought that she was rather aloof and that her aura was a little suffocating. As far as the empress''s strength was concerned, he did not feel anything from her.


    Thus, when he saw that the thrust which seemed like it came from beyond the heavens, Ren Baqian could not help but be worried for the empress.


    Facing this frightening thrust, there was not the slightest degree of movement on the empress''s face. Just before the tip of the sword pointed directly before her eyes, only then did she extended her lily-white hand and flick gently.


    "ng!" A crisp noise sounded.


    A chunk of the sharp end of the sword flew directly into the skies.


    When the remaining part of the broken sword was swept away, the empress simultaneously imprinted her white-lily hand on Long Wanli''s chest. Long Wanli immediately flew off at a speed much faster than when he approached the empress.


    Just when Ren Baqian eximed his admiration, the other party rebounded from the impact at a speed faster than when he flew off from the empress''s blow.


    "Bang!" Fragmented rocks flew everywhere and dust pervaded the air.


    After waiting for a long time for the dust to disperse, a big hole appeared on the surface of the b. Long Wanli met with a violent death, and his whole body was broken into pieces.


    When the dust totally cleared, the situation at the za was revealed. The silhouette of the empress who was at the top of the pce had already disappeared.


    The crowd took a look, and there was a sudden roar ofughter. Everyone promptly dispersed from the scene.


    "I thought that he would be able tost for more than one move. Never did I expect him to be killed in a single swat."


    "But, at longst, we could finally see Her Majesty strike again."


    "This chap is not resistant to being beaten up at all, we were all excited for nothing��."


    ��...


    ...

 Chapter 53: A Blatant Attempt To Destroy Evidence

    Chapter 53: A tant Attempt To Destroy Evidence


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "This was it?"


    Looking at the dispersing crowd, Ren Baqian suddenly felt someone fall on him from beside him after he finished his sentence. He almost fell down to the ground.


    "Caretaker Shi? What''s wrong?" Ren Baqian helped Caretaker Shi up while asking with a surprised tone. Previously, Caretaker still looked alright. Why was he acting like this now?


    Caretaker Shi''s face was twitching, and he did not speak for quite some time.


    "Was he too excited just now that he got a heart attack? Or a stroke?" Ren Baqian was slightly anxious. Caretaker Shi was a nice man, and Ren Baqian did not want anything to happen to him.


    However, upon taking a closer a look, he realized that Caretaker Shi did not seem to be suffering from a heart attack or a stroke. Caretaker Shi looked alright, except for the fact he was staring at Re Baqian with his face twitching.


    Caretaker Shi behaved somewhat like Tong Jia did this morning.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he had a fright. He lowered his head and saw the stun baton in his hand. He must have subconsciously taken it out after being frightened by that man''s imposing aura just now.


    Did he press the button and poke Caretaker Shi out of nervousness just now?


    When he thought of this, and after he looked at Caretaker Shi''s condition, the more he felt that he was shocked by his stun baton.


    With an embarrassed look on his face, Ren Baqian quickly stuffed the stun baton into his pants and helped Caretaker Shi to one side to sit him down.


    After a long while, Caretaker Shi finally recovered. Looking as though he had seen a ghost, he asked Ren Baqian, "What the hell did you poke me with just now?"


    "It''s an ident, it''s an ident," Ren Baqian chuckled. Since he stood so close to Caretaker Shi just now, there was no way he could deny it.


    "What exactly was that?" Caretaker Shi looked angrily at Ren Baqian.


    "This." Ren Baqian smiled and waved the stun baton in Caretaker Shi''s face. Caretaker Shi unexpectedly snatched it from his hand.


    "What''s this thing? Just now, my entire body was numb and I couldn''t move at all. Now, I can''t even exert any strength." Caretaker Shi fiddled with the stun baton, looking like a child that had just discovered a new toy. Even though the stun baton was made up of stic, Caretaker Shi considered its quality to be superior.


    "It''s a stun baton, a secret treasure from my sect," Ren Baqian smoothly cooked up an excuse.


    "You''re part of a sect?" Caretaker Shi had a surprised look on his face. "This is the first time I''m hearing about this."


    Ren Baqian did not reply him. There was no point for him to continue talking about a lie he just came up with.


    "How do I use this thing?" Caretaker Shi asked again and continued fiddling with the stun baton.


    "Press the button��" The moment Ren Baqian finished his sentence, his entire body twitched and he copsed to the ground.


    He finally knew how it felt like to be shocked by a stun baton. His entire body was numb and painful. His stomach felt as though it was burning, with waves of pain gushing through it. This feeling was indeed unbearable. Deep down, he wanted to cry but no tears came out of his eyes. A ceramic pot is likely to break when used to carry water from a well; a general is destined to die on the battlefield. He carried the stun baton for only a single day and he was already suffering from it.


    Caretaker Shi pulled Ren Baqian to his side. After fiddling with the stun baton, he happily stuffed it into his own pants.


    "Brother Ren, I treat you quite well, right? Let me y with this thing for a few days and I will return it to you soon," Caretaker Shi talked endlessly beside Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian felt he had encountered a bandit.


    Caretaker Shi took about five minutes to recover from the shock while Ren Baqian took about fifteen minutes to do so.


    Furthermore, Caretaker Shi merely tapped him with the stun baton.


    When Ren Baqian could finally move, Caretaker Shi stood up with a carefree look on his face. He no longer cared about Ren Baqian poking him with the stun baton earlier.


    Ren Baqian stood up from the ground and stretched his limbs. When he saw the stun baton at Caretaker Shi''s waist andpared his body size with Caretaker Shi''s, he decided to buy a few more stun batons after he returned to Earth.


    At this point of time, a unit of soldiers was filling up the huge hole in front of them. After being pulled to the side by Caretaker Shi, Ren Baqian was able to see the za clearly. It seemed like the hole was filled up with the challenger''s body still inside. Upon seeing this, Ren Baqian was extremely frightened.


    The attempt to bury the corpse in order to destroy all evidence of the empress''s deed seemed to be too tant.


    However, given the way that Long Wanli fell to the ground, Ren Baqian reckoned that even Astro Boy would be smashed to smithereens if that happened to him, let alone someone with human body.


    Ren Baqian had a deeper understanding of the empress''s strength. Her strength was absolutely on the same level as a Tyrannosaurus''s.


    He did not know why was she so powerful at such a young age.


    At the same time, he felt pity for that Long Wanli fellow. His appearance was rather good. Even though Ren Baqian couldn''t see his face, he still felt that he was an elegant-looking man from his back view. Especially his sword move, which made him look like a fairy flying through the sky.


    It was a pity he was swatted to death by a single p. Even his corpse was buried under the za now.


    "Why don''t they bury the corpse elsewhere?" Ren Baqian asked. He felt ufortable that the corpse was being buried under the za.


    "Why should they do that? Burying our enemies'' corpses under the za will boost the fortune of the Dayao Nation," Caretaker Shi exined.


    He had no choice but to admit this was one of the cultural differences between this world and Earth.


    On Earth, people would feel ufortable standing wherever corpses were buried. However, in this ce, this could boost Dayao Nation''s fortune. This fact rendered Ren Baqian speechless.


    "Will anyonee and seek revenge for him?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "We will bury that person along with him." Caretaker Shi chuckled,pletely unconcerned with Ren Baqian''s unease.


    ...


    Not too long after the both of them had returned to the beast park, Ren Baqian was summoned into the pce.


    The person who came to summon Ren Baqian was someone he was familiar with, Shi Hu. He had seen Shi Hu a few times before.


    "I have something that I want to present to Her Majesty," Ren Baqian patted the air cooler.


    "What''s this?" Shi Hu asked with doubt.


    Ren Baqian tugged on the cord on the air cooler. As the fan des spun, cold wind blew out immediately.


    Shi Hu looked at it curiously. "It''s much more convenient than a fan."


    "That''s for sure," Ren Baqian replied. Even though this air cooler did not contain any advanced technology and it wasn''t hard to make, it was still something that ancient people couldn''te up with. It was a type of novelty for them. The wind produced by it was stronger andsted longer than a fan''s, which was weak and inconsistent.


    Re Baqian carried the air cooler and followed Shi Hu into the pce. However, he was led to the imperial kitchen.


    "I will report to Her Majesty first, she might summon youter," Shi Hu told Ren Baqian before he left.


    "Thank you so much," Ren Baqian smiled.


    After entering the imperial kitchen, Ren Baqian ced the air cooler on one side. When the cooks saw the new-and-odd-looking thing, they went forward to examine it. All of them were kicked away by Ren Baqian. Everyone chuckled with an unconcerned look on their faces.


    Even though Dayao people had violent tendencies, they were quite friendly and straightforward with him after he had gained their approval. They did not mind him joking with them at all. This made Ren Baqian feel rather good.


    They were much nicer and easier to hang out with than modern people.


    Even though they had only met a few times, they absolutely acknowledged Ren Baqian''s capability after he took out those spices and taught them a few new dishes.


    If Her Majesty did not have other arrangements for Ren Baqian, Caretaker Gou would have wanted to transfer him to the imperial kitchen.


    Ren Baqian was certain that simmer-fried dragon fish was made using a carp that had two feelers. After giving it a taste, Ren Baqian couldn''t detect any fishy smell at all. Its meat melted upon entering his mouth, filling his mouth with nothing but fragrance.


    He had made up his mind to buy a few of this fish when he returned to the beast park. They might be expensive, but they were worth the price.


    Sweet and sour meat, saut��ed sliced pork, and white fungus broth.


    After the four dishes were made, Ren Baqian took a break. Even though the dishes were made by the cooks of the imperial kitchen, he was in-charge of giving them cooking instructions. Those who did not know what happened would think that he did hardbor after seeing the dead-beat look on his face.


    After the dishes were sent to the empress, Shi Hu came back to the imperial kitchen and told Ren Baqian, "Her Majesty has summoned you, bring your box along."

 Chapter 54: Changing the Story to Investiture Of the Gods

    Chapter 54: Changing the Story to Investiture Of the Gods


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian held the box in his hands and walked into the main hall of the pce. The empress was dressed in red, wore a white undergarment underneath and her hair was pinned up at the back of head into a bun. She was concentrating on her dinner. With regards to Ren Baqian''s arrival, it was as if she did not see him at all.


    Ren Baqian had no choice but to hold the box and continue to wait.


    After the incident in the afternoon, Ren Baqian''s impression of the empress changed drastically upon seeing her again.


    Previously, he only thought that she was of a respectable status. Although she was able to send a pr bear flying in just one p, Ren Baqian had been rather startled at that time but after seeing Dayao people''s brutal force, he was actually ustomed to it.


    However, after the challenge with that so-called expert who came from god knows where, the position of the empress in his heart had risen to a level of the Tyrannosaurus. She was second only to Super Saiyan. Even if she did not turn yellow, she could also be powerful.


    [Super Saiyan - A reference to the Japanese anime Dragon Ball. Super Saiyan is an advanced transformation assumed by members and hybrids of the Saiyan race.]


    Ren Baqian conscientiously bowed his head and stood in ce. He did not even lift his head once and both of his eyes were glued onto the box. After entering the Empress Hall, the box appeared even more beautiful under the illumination of the lights. The starry trail on the box disyed bits and pieces of magnificence.


    After consuming her dinner, the empress then said, "The dishes for today''s dinner were pretty good, tomorrow''s meal should be prepared likewise."


    Her voice was cold.


    "Yes." Caretaker Gou bowed. Soon after, he removed the dishes from the table.


    "Come up. Why are you so well-behaved today?" The empress''s cold voice sounded.


    Previously, although he knew that the person in front of him was the empress, although he knew that apanying one''s sovereign was tantamount to living with a tiger, buting from the modern world, Ren Baqian had many habits which were difficult to change. For example, ncing around and so on.


    Usually when Ren Baqian told a story, he would have all kinds of hands gesture frequently appearing along with the development of the story. It was rather interesting for the empress. Dayao itself did not value etiquette, and therefore, she did not feel that he wascking in manners.


    .


    As a result, seeing that Ren Baqian''s was silently looking downwards and well-behaved, the empress found it, as a matter of fact, a little weird.


    Ren Baqian immediately said, "I was just thinking, Your Majesty is well-versed in martial arts and well-known for your power in this world. Today, this kind of small fry actually had the guts to challenge you. He indeed overestimated his own capabilities. He travelled from afar to Dayao. just to make Your Majesty disy your exceptional skills. By using your power to deal with that small fry, Your Majesty was also able dpress from the exhaustion of handling affairs of the state daily. From this point, he actually seeded and also could be considered to have contributed towards Dayao. I''m not sure if we should actually record his merit and achievement down in the annals."


    "Ahahaha." Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were at the back of the empress covered their mouths andughed softly. They looked at Ren Baqian with interest. Not only did this guy knew how to tell stories, but he was also entertaining when he spoke.


    The corner of the empress''s mouth curved, but she immediately retracted it. Ren Baqian guessed that she was currently in a pretty good mood. It seemed that because the previous time he tried to tter her and failed terribly, he had painstakingly delved into this issue and finally manage to see some results this time round.


    Ren Baqian was rather pleased with himself. He actually had some potential with regards to bootlicking someone. After which, he walked towards the bottom of the stone step with the box. The empress lifted her head and saw the deep blue box with gxies of stars decorated on top and was very interested. "Is this the thing that you n to present to me? What is it?"


    Speaking of the box in his hands, Ren Baqian was finally more energetic. He raised his head and said, "This is an air cooler. The weather is blistering hot these days."


    Soon after, Ren Baqian took two steps forward and ced the box somewhere near the front of the empress. He said, "Your Majesty, pardon my rudeness, I still require a few pieces of ice as well as half a basin of water."


    "Qing Yuan! Hong Luan!" The empress called out to them softly. Immediately, the pce maid which Ren Baqian met previously nodded her head at him. Afterwards, she went to the side to collect water while the other pce maid passed the basin of iced water to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian opened the lid of the box and ced the ice and water inside. Following which, he ced the lid back. After a short while, he estimated that the iced water should already have moistened the strips of cloth. Ren Baqian then directly tugged the cord at the top of the "electric fan". Along with the wind, a sudden cold air blew towards the empress who was lying down not far away.


    "Eh?" The empress said softly and took two steps forward as she was quite intrigued. Feeling the cool breeze blowing onto her body, she faintly squinted her eyes making them appear slightly long and narrow. A satisfied look was shown on the empress''s face, and her current expression made her seem not so heroic anymore. Her long and narrow eyes when squinted made her appear gentle and lovely. She looked beautiful and alluring from top to toe.


    However, thissted only for a split second. The empress took a few steps forward, and the only thing separating Ren Baqian and her was the air cooler. Ren Baqian could even smell her fragrance causing him to sway. He immediately forced his thoughts to vanish and lowered his head in embarrassment. Ren Baqian felt that he almost became a monk that was sitting upright in a meditative state without any distracting thoughts.


    The empress opened the lid and took a look at theposition of the air cooler. Then, she turned around and returned to the couch with a rare gentle smile on her face. "Bring this thing a little forward, it is actually cool and refreshing. You are so considerate."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian bowed his head.


    "Okay, continue with that story of yours," The empressy on the couch and ordered.


    "Yes." Ren Baqian began to continue from where he left off. The empress was lying on the couch and listening attentively to his story.


    Along with Ren Baqian''s narration, the empress did not have any expression. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan''s gaze disyed extraordinary splendor. It was evident that the two of them were absorbed in the story. Ren Baqian''s mood fluctuated ording to the fate of the characters in the story.


    After listening for quite some time, the empress waved her hand and said, "Is there any other story?"


    After all from her opinion, those multiple conspiracies and strategies were rather insignificant. The standard of the so-called valiant generals, were equivalent to the average soldiers in Dayao. It was as if she was listening to a story about a group of ants fighting. At the beginning, the empress found the story refreshing but after listening on for a few more days, she started to find it boring.


    The two pce maids were slightly disappointed after hearing the empress''s words. Both of them felt that the story was pretty interesting.


    During today''s storytelling session, Ren Baqian was not at all engrossed in it. He only paid attention to the empress right from the beginning. Seeing that she waved her hand, he immediately stopped and nodded.


    "This being the case, I will tell Your Majesty another story. It is the Investiture of The Gods." Ren Baqian replied. Initially, he wanted to tell the story Journey to the West but, there were too many things which he would need to exin. Investiture of The Gods would be a better choice to story tell first before he continued with Journey to the West.


    "What is the story about?" The empress asked.


    "It is about gods and demons during ancient times," Ren Baqian responded. He thought to himself, the fighting capabilities in Investiture of The Gods would certainly be up to Her Majesty''s standard.


    The empress was slightly interested, "Oh, let''s choose this story. Please start."


    "Yes." Ren Baqian started to speak. He began the story by talking about Pangu, who was the creator of heaven followed by the three sovereigns and five emperors, which was the earliest system in the Chinese history. This gave the empress somewhat of a concept of China''s history.


    When Ren Baqian talked about one of the characters Su Hu, who offered his daughter in order to rebel against the Shang Dynasty, the empress indistinctly sighed. "Exactly the case. When the first emperor founded Dayao, it was also a simr situation."


    The empress''s words distracted Ren Baqian a little. As far as how Dayao was built as a nation was concerned, he wasn''t very clear about it. He only learned about that stuff when Caretaker Shi blurted out a word or two during that time he was drunk. Originally, Dayao consisted of indigenous peoples and was founded seventy years ago. As for the specific details, Ren Baqian was unclear.


    It was unknown whether the empress was fondly recalling the past as she actually listened to the story more attentively.


    The empress was much more interested in Investiture of The Gods than in Romance of Three Kingdoms.


    In particr towards the end of the story, two light rays emitted from Zheng Lun''s orifices and absorbed other people''s souls. Just when Chong Heihu heard the noise, his vision got blurry and fell off the horse, and he got captured by Zheng Lun. The empress found this type of story extremely interesting and said, "These things that China have are actually more or less simr to Great Xia. It is said that there are also aliens in Great Xia just that they are rarely sighted. Moreover, China and Great Xia sounds simr."


    [In Chinese - The old name for China is Hua Xia, which sounds simr to Great Xia.]


    Ren Baqian promptly said, "China is ten thousands of miles away from Dayao. It''s just a coincidence of the names."


    The empress nodded her head in agreement and continued to listen to the story. In the end, after hearing that Su Hu agreed to deliver her daughter under Ji Chang''s [a.k.a King Wen of Zhou during Shang Dynasty] persuasion, she pped the back of the couch. Immediately, wood shavings sttered. The entire back of the couch shattered due to her p.


    "This Ji Chang, speaks as if his words meant nothing. Su Hu first rebelled and then sacrificed her daughter. Neither was he considered as a loyal official nor was he a father to his daughter. His thoughts were fickle and filled with hesitation."


    Ren Baqian''s neck shrank. This Investiture of The Gods was not written by him and he could not me himself.


    He never expected the empress to have such a big reaction when she heard this segment of the story. Combined with what the empress said when she heard that Su Hu rebelled against the Shang Dynasty, Ren Baqian felt that there was a possibility there might be a link between the two issues. It may be assumed it was rted to reason why the first ruler of Dayao revolted.


    It was possible that even though the empress was a ruler of the nation, she was still, without a doubt, a female. It was natural for her to be disgusted by such affairs.

 Chapter 55: Past Events

    Chapter 55: Past Events


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After narrating a bit of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and three chapters of Investiture of the Gods, the color of the sky darkened.


    Before leaving the imperial pce, Ren Baqian thought of telling the empress about the salt well. However, upon recalling that he wasn''t fully confident of sess, he put aside the idea. If he screwed it up, it might affect his value in the empress'' eyes. Eventually, he decided to use this n to exchange for merits when he had a higher position in the future.


    If he did this after the sweet potatoes had ripened, it wouldn''t impact him much even if he failed.


    After returning to the beast park, Ren Baqian found some mutton to eat and went to sleep.


    The next morning, after he woke up, he took the camera, walked around the beast park, and took pictures of ces that he deemed beautiful.


    He did not dare to take any pictures of the animals in the beast park. After all, they looked very different from the animals on Earth. If he took pictures of them and posted them online, things could easily go wrong and his secret might be exposed.


    Wanting to unt but trying to keep it a secret at the same time was what Ren Baqian faced now.


    When Ren Baqian recalled the empress''s words yesterday, he suddenly became slightly interested in the days before the Dayao Nation was founded. He immediately went to find Teng Hulu and Tie Dao to ask them about it.


    The two of them were keeping watch over a few huge wooden vats while resting under the shade. The wooden vats were filled with animal hides soaked in water.


    After hearing Ren Baqian''s inquiry, the pair told him what they knew.


    Most of Dayao people were from the mountains. This was something that Ren Baqian already knew.


    Seventy years ago, the Dayao people that Ren Baqian saw now were actually aboriginals. They were called barbarians by ounders. This was mainly because they lived in tribes that scattered across the Sixty Thousand Mountains in the west and north of Dayao and they made a living out of hunting.


    There was a vast, continuous stretch of mountain range that surrounded the west and north of the Dayao Nation. There were countless ferocious beasts and numerous aboriginal strongholds within it.


    Originally, there had been a nation on this in, and it was called the Hao Nation. At that time, the Hao Nation had been established for more than three hundred years. Its regime was brutal and extravagant. The ruler of the Hao Nation was licentious, tyrannical, and corrupted.


    Aboriginal girls were strong and healthy, and their looks were extraordinary:pletely different from the weak and delicate girls of the Hao Nation.


    It was unknown whom the Hao emperor listened to when he decreed for the aboriginals to present one hundred girls as tribute. If they refused to obey the decree, he would send armies to annex them.


    The aboriginals weren''t under the jurisdiction of the Hao Nation, so along with their temperament, they naturally did not care about the decree. They beat up the messenger of the Hao Nation and threw him down a mountain.


    Upon getting this report, the Hao emperor was furious and he immediately sent fifty thousand troops to suppress the aboriginals. He even ordered his armies to destroy the aboriginal strongholds and send the young aboriginal girls back to the Hao Nation to serve him.


    The aboriginals mainly lived in strongholds, so they did not have many defenses. Five of the aboriginal strongholds were destroyed on the spot. Every man in the strongholds was killed and every girl was seized. The Hao Nation''s armies then continued to advance into the mountains.


    By this time, the aboriginals reacted. Fury spread across the mountain range like a wildfire. Upon hearing this news, the youths of the aboriginals gathered. However, due to ack of time, only a small number of men gathered. Using the mountains and forests as cover, they formedyers of defense to stop the advancing of the Hao Nation''s armies.


    After breaking through threeyers of defense, the Hao Nation''s armies were stopped at the fourthyer, unable to advance anymore.


    Both sides had suffered heavy losses.


    Even though the aboriginals had an advantage in physical size and strength, they still lost several thousand men in the process of stopping the fifty thousand troops.


    The armies of the Hao Nation weren''t used to fighting in mountains or forests, and they suffered even greater losses, losing nearly ten thousand men.


    At this point in time, the person who suggested to the Hao Nation''s emperor to seize the aboriginal girls proposed another n.


    Why did the aboriginals dare to disobey the emperor of the Hao Nation? This was because aboriginals made a living out of hunting wild animals, wore animal hides, and picked wild fruits. They did not need any external resources, and, thus, they could live freely in the mountains and forests. Furthermore, it was very difficult for the Hao Nation to attack them. Otherwise, this situation wouldn''t have urred.


    To make the aboriginals give in, the Hao Nation had to make sure these people could not survive in the mountains any longer. Doing so would force them to listen to the Hao Nation.


    An essential resource that every aboriginal tribe needed, which was also in abundance, was salt. Within the mountain range, there was a salt t from which every aboriginal tribe got their salt from.


    As long as the Hao Nation poisoned the sea t, those aboriginals had to listen to the Hao emperor if they wanted salt. This n could obtain victory for the Hao Nation without sacrificing any of its soldiers.


    Upon hearing this n, the Hao emperor was overjoyed. He immediately ordered someone to carry out this n.


    At the same time, he had another idea. Even though the Hao Nation was stronger than the aboriginals it was still slightly weaker than the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation. If they could make those aboriginal youths join their ranks, their strength would significantly increase.


    Eventually, the salt t was poisoned, and the aboriginals suffered great losses.


    Ya Peng, Dayao''s first emperor, had half of his stronghold either die or suffer from injury. After he had finished grieving, he immediately contacted other strongholds to set up a resistance force. The resistance army bypassed the tens of thousands of the Hao Nation''s troops and mounted a sneak attack on a city near the mountain range.


    Now, a blood feud had arisen between the two sides.


    At this point in time, a person arrived to seek refuge with Ya Peng. He said that the Hao emperor had caused him to lose his family and he wanted to seek revenge.


    Initially, Ya Peng even asked someone to keep an eye on that person and guarded against him. However, after that person sincerely came up with ns and advice for Ya Peng and even helped him to destroy the remaining forty thousand Hao Nation''s troops, Ya Peng began to trust him.


    At that point in time, the anger of the aboriginals had been slightly appeased. After the remaining forty thousand Hao Nation''s troops were annihted, their survival was no longer threatened. However, since the salt t had already been poisoned, they could only loot cities to obtain salt. Therefore, all the strongholds had to unite together and loot various Hao Nation cities for salt.


    One had to admit that this was the Hao emperor''s own doing.


    Subsequently, the losses that the aboriginals suffered began to increase.


    At this point in time, that person offered another proposal to Ya Peng, saying that they could not possibly loot cities for salt forever. He suggested Ya Peng upy a few cities first, stabilize them, and then use them as negotiating chips to obtain salt from the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation.


    Ya Peng agreed with his words.


    He contacted more strongholds situated in the depths of the mountain range and made that person a military advisor. Then, theyunched an invasion upon the Hao Nation and upied four Hao cities in one go.


    The fifty thousand Hao troops had been destroyed, and the remaining troops had to guard the east and south of the Hao Nation. Furthermore, the Hao emperor was licentious and tyrannical, causing rebellions to break out everywhere in the Hao Nation. And by sending troops to suppress the rebellions, the military strength of the Hao Nation depleted even further.


    Initially, the Hao emperor thought that the aboriginals were only interested in seizing salt, so he focused on suppressing the rebellions. As such, he did not care about the aboriginals for a period of time, causing the four cities to fall easily into their hands.


    At that juncture, the military advisor spoke yet again, saying that the fate of the aboriginals was in others'' hands. He added that no matter who became the emperor, rebellions would continue to break out and the Hao nation would still refuse to trade salt to the aboriginals, and this cycle would continue endlessly.


    The higher-ups of the Hao Nation were corrupted, their military force had insufficient manpower, and they faced rebellions no matter where they went. Therefore, the military advisor suggested that this was the best opportunity for the aboriginals to invade the imperial pce, kill the main culprit, set up a new nation, and make sure their descendants can live in peace and work happily.


    Previously, using the ns of this military advisor, whether it was destroying the forty thousand Hao troops or seizing the four cities, the aboriginals did not suffer huge losses. Hence, everyone trusted him and listened to him.


    This proposal, which had never went across the aboriginals'' minds before, piqued their interest now. The prosperity that they had seen in those Hao cities made them green with envy.


    That military advisor spoke once more, suggesting that since they had insufficient troops now, they should contact more aboriginals deep within the mountain to send reinforcements.


    He said if theyunched an invasion now, the Hao Nation would definitely ce its attention on them. He suggested that they should just upy the four cities they had currently, put on a non-aggressive front, and contact the Yun Nation''s and the Chen Nation''s merchants to trade for salt using the resources from these cities. This way, the Hao emperor would lower his guard against them and focus on suppressing the rebellions.


    After listening to the military advisor, Ya Peng felt that it was a good idea. Even though the Sixty Thousand aboriginals in the depths of the mountain range had other ways of obtaining salt and it wouldn''t be easy to persuade them to participate in this campaign, Ya Peng still sent messengers to convince them.


    And just like what the military advisor had expected, the Hao emperor did not expect these aboriginals to harbor designs on him and ced all his attention on suppressing the rebellions.


    Another eight months had passed. During these eight months, the aboriginals stayed in the four cities withoutunching a single attack. This caused the Hao emperor to lower his guard. At the same time, the internal battles ongoing within the Hao Nation increasingly intensified. The Hao emperor had mobilized all his troops to suppress the rebellions.


    There were very few troops guarding the north and east of the Hao Nation.


    At this point in time, a huge number of aboriginal warriors marched out from the depths of the mountain range. They joined forces with Ya Peng and his troops and marched towards the imperial city of the Hao Nation. Since the living environment of these aboriginal warriors was extremely harsh and they had to face various fearsome wild beasts, their strength was much more powerful than the ordinary aboriginal troops.


    Along the way, they attacked every city they came across and crossed every river they encountered. The two most difficult passes were opened up for them in the middle of the night. It turned out that the military advisor had arranged some men inside without them knowing.


    Using only ten days, the aboriginal troops fought all the way to the imperial city and executed the Hao emperor in front of everyone.


    Initially, Ya Peng and the aboriginals just wanted to seek revenge and seize the necessary resource of salt. In the end, under the maniption of the military advisor, they annihted the Hao Nation.


    When the Hao emperor saw the military advisor, he was extremely shocked. When he knew he saw the military advisor for the aboriginals, he went crazy and revealed everything.


    It was at this moment that everyone knew this military advisor was the same person that encouraged the Hao Nation''s emperor to seize 100 girls from the aboriginals and poison the salt t.


    The military advisor did not stop him or defend himself. He let the Hao emperor let everything out.


    After the Hao emperor finished talking, the military advisor revealed another shocking information. The rebellions that broke out in Hao Nation were actually arranged by him. He had connections with several of the rebel armies.


    His aim was to destroy the Hao Nation.


    He had nned everything for fifteen long years: including these two years of nning for the military campaigns, it would be a total of seventeen years.


    By now, it could be said that everyone was yed by him, be it the Hao emperor, the aboriginals, or even the rebel armies.


    Those rebellious armies thought that the aboriginals were trying to seek revenge. This was something that the military advisor had kept on emphasizing to them. They also did not expect the aboriginals to attack the imperial city and establish a nation. This kind of thing had never happened before in the past. If it weren''t for a blood feud, the aboriginals wouldn''t have marched out of that mountain range.

 Chapter 56: What Official Position is This?

    Chapter 56: What Official Position is This?


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian waspletely absorbed by the story. He thought about the military advisor''s prowess, about how he single-handedly orchestrated the destruction of a nation, and about how he yed them all for fools. Ren Baqian could not help but feel admiration for him.


    "What happened next?" Ren Baqian asked, curious about what happened to the military advisor. Surely someone as awesome as him had an exit n? Also, why did he do such a thing?


    Having revealed everything, the smiling military advisor killed himself by ingesting poison amidst everyone else''s hatred. After the military advisor''s death, Ya Peng found several pieces of paper in his room detailing his ns and reasons.


    Ren Baqian was not expecting such an ending. The military advisor actually killed himself with poison.


    "Although, some people im that they''ve seen him in other ces. Who knows, perhaps he faked his death." Tie Dao shrugged.


    Ren Baqian believed that this was the true ending. After all, how could someone with such meticulous schemes die just like that? Maybe he really faked his death to escape and traveled the world with a concealed identity.


    "Caretaker Ren, do you know why Her Majesty''s surname is Qi?" Teng Hulu chuckled.


    Ren Baqian knew that Teng Hulu''s question probably had something to do with the story he had just heard. He suddenly had a sh of inspiration, "Could it be that the military advisor had the same surname?"


    "Not bad. The first emperor had nothing more to lose after the death of his entire family, and did not expect himself to end up as an emperor. After the military advisor''s death, he changed his surname to Qi. Some people believe that he made this change because of those papers that he found.


    "What was written on those papers?" Ren Baqian asked inquisitively. He was keen to know why the military advisor would do something like this, even giving up his life for the cause.


    It could not simply be because he was a pure, noble, and morally upright individual who had transcended beyond earthly desires. He could not simply have plotted this to bring up the aboriginals for their benefit, could he?


    "No idea, Her Majesty is probably the only person who knows now." Teng Hulu shook his head. "Rumors say that he was half a Hao Nation citizen and half aboriginal."


    "How do you guys know this much?" Ren Baqian asked curiously. Logically speaking, such information should not bemon knowledge, should it?


    "My ancestors fought in one of the armies that sieged the pce," Teng Hulu answered. "He told my grandfather, and my grandfather passed the story on to me."


    "The same goes for me," Tie Dao nodded.


    "What happened to the people of the Hao Nation and the rebel soldiers?" Ren Baqian continued.


    "Some of them went to the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation and Great Xia. Others went to live in the South." Teng Hulu replied.


    "They''re in the South? Are they considered as Dayao citizens?" Ren Baqian was curious. He had nothing to hide since all of them knew that he was an outsider who knew nothing about Dayao anyway. And so, he asked away.


    "Therge ins near the Sixty Thousand Mountain range belongs to Dayao. They have a poption simr to the aboriginals of Dayao. Although they are people of Dayao, they aren''t exactly contented with being so." Teng Hulu was slightly uncertain at first, but his eyes revealed a bitter hatred when he mentioned their discontent. Tie Daoughed bitterly at the side.


    This was the first time Ren Baqian saw such an expression on their faces.|


    Looks like there is conflict between the aboriginals and the people who came from the Hao Nation.


    Although, this was not particrly surprising. As much as the Hao emperor was a ruthless tyrant, they were still a civilized nation. Surely getting decimated by a bunch of barbarians would make them thoroughly dissatisfied.


    The same could be seen in the ancient China, where anti-Qing sentiments were aplenty.


    Ren Baqian felt some pity for the citizens of the Hao Nation, but he was now on the side of the aboriginals. Furthermore, he had just begun to integrate into their society.


    All Ren Baqian could do was silently feel sorry for them in his heart, since they both shared a simr history. Furthermore, he did not identify with the Hao Nation, but instead was slightly more aligned with the aboriginals.


    Ren Baqian counted his heart. Dayao had thirty to forty thousand citizens, but he was not sure if that number included those remnant citizens from the Hao Nation. After asking, he found out that they were included, which meant that there were only around ten to twenty thousand citizens who were descendants of the aboriginals. What''s more, arge number of them still lived in the mountains.


    No one was sure how many aboriginals still lived in the Sixty Thousand Mountains today. The mountain range was too vast and became steeper the deeper one went. In addition, the wild beasts became stronger and more numerous as well. Nobody had crossed the mountain range and seen the other side before.


    The aboriginals counted today included only those from strongholds that had participated in the war.


    Ren Baqian went on to ask some more questions and managed to solicit answers from both Tie Dao and Teng Hulu. Ren Baqian now had a better understanding of Dayao.


    Both the rebels and citizens of the Hao Nation subsequently joined forces and fought against the aboriginals three times. They lost all three of these massive battles, losing practically all fighting capability. After these battles, Great Xia took advantage of the situation and immediately conquered several border cities. If not for the fact that the aboriginals had suffered severe casualties and that the other nations had begun to stir, everyone who was originally from the Hao Nation would probably have been wiped out.


    Under these circumstances, both sides took a step back. The rebels and the Hao Nation citizens lived in the South as an autonomous region, which was something the military advisor had advised in his papers.


    The region was governed by their own people, and they were allowed to keep a small army. Military equipment and army size restrictions were strictly enforced, and the area they could control was limited to the size of a city.


    The aboriginals treated them in ratherissez faire manner with regards to other issues and were not strict in enforcing other rules.


    Dayao, as a whole, retained its down-to-earth culture, treating those who were from the Hao Nation well. After all, they only resented the Hao Nation''s emperor and not its ordinary citizens.


    It became a situation where they were left to govern themselves. The aboriginals could not be bothered to interfere with their affairs as long as they did not cause trouble or try anything funny. If the Hao Nation people really did attempt something, the aboriginal army will descend upon them like a locust swarm.


    Even though that was the case, there were still people who did not give up and yed dirty tricks from time to time. Coupled with the blood feud from that time, the conflicts have be more intense over the years.


    Without a doubt, there was one most important point among everything that had happened. Not a single Hao Nation remnant citizen was an official in the imperial pce. The highest position that a Hao Nation remnant citizen could ever aplish would be the warlord of a city, guarding a piece ofnd which is about one mu in size. The Hao Nation remnant citizens rarely lived in other parts of Dayao, and both parties did not live in harmony. It seemed that the aboriginals did not have any concerns over that and did not have any ns to integrate the other party either. This was also one of the reasons why they ultimately remained unsettled with one another.


    After all, there were always ambitious people who weren''t satisfied with just the position of a warlord. All in all, a warlord would always remain in that one mu ofnd, and there would always be someone who wanted the vast opportunities out there.


    However, these were things that Ren Baqian need not worry about.


    From these past events, Ren Baqian could roughly guess why the empress had such a huge reaction after listening to the Investiture of The Gods.


    There were many simrities with what the aboriginals had experienced in the past.


    The three of them were seated and chatting when three burly men dressed as imperial guards walked towards them. The first guard was Shi Hu. Just as Ren Baqian got up to wee him, he heard Shi Hu said, "Ren Baqian, receive the imperial edict!"


    Ren Baqian was confused upon hearing Shi Hu''s words. Hepletely did not know what to do. Was he supposed to kneel on one knee, two knees, or stand to receive the imperial edict? He no experience whatsoever on this.


    "Caretaker Ren, kneel on one knee to receive the imperial edict," Shi Hu understood about Ren Baqian''s situation and whispered to him.


    Ren Baqian immediately followed ordingly.


    Only then did Shi Hu pull open a scroll with a border that had a ck edge and a white center, "Imperial order from the Dayao''s empress! Ren Baqian will be appointed as the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall! End of order!"


    A nk look appeared on Ren Baqian''s face after hearing what Shi Hu said.


    What did Shi Hu mean by Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall?


    Don''t tell me that there is an official position that is in charge of telling stories to the empress?


    "Caretaker Ren, still not receiving the imperial edict?" Shi Hu said in his low voice.


    "I, Her Majesty''s loyal subject receives the imperial edict." Ren Baqian hurriedly lifted both of his hands ording to how they acted.


    Upon receiving that scroll, Ren Baqian was still muddle-headed. He wasn''t sure of the situation right now.


    It is certain that I have been promoted.


    Originally, I was still a Wei ru liu, but now, I am even able to receive the imperial edict.


    This was definitely getting promoted to an official.


    What will happen next? What am I supposed to do? Where will I live?


    .


    "Sir Ren, congrattions." Shi Hu cupped his fist in one hand and changed the way he called Ren Baqian.


    "Brother Shi, please do not call me Sir at all means. It is still better to call me Brother Ren." Ren Baqian pulled Shi Hu aside. At the same time, he asked, "Brother Shi, what official position is this?"


    Shi Hu''s shook his head with a queer expression on his face, "I don''t know."


    Ren Baqian was bbergasted. Even Shi Hu didn''t know? It couldn''t be that the empress specially gave him a title for storytelling just because she wanted to listen to more stories?

 Chapter 57: No Matter What, Being Promoted is Always a Good Thing

    Chapter 57: No Matter What, Being Promoted is Always a Good Thing


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "It''s written on the imperial edict," Shi Hu pointed to the imperial edict and said.


    Ren Baqian unrolled the imperial edict. There were tens of words on it, but he did not understand a single one of them.


    Ren Baqian remembered just now, while Shi Hu was dering the imperial edict, he said less than twenty words. When he counted the number of words on the imperial edict now, he realized there were at least fifty words.


    "What''s written on it?" Before Ren Baqian came here, he did not expect he would one day be illiterate. In any case, his English had reached Grade 4, and he could also understand one or two words of Japanese.


    "I don''t know," Shi Hu replied with a straight face. He looked trustworthy, but when Ren Baqian heard his words, he was dumbstruck.


    "You don''t know?" Ren Baqian almost yelled out these words.


    "I am illiterate," Shi Hu spoke as thought it was a matter of course.


    Ren Baqian''s mouth gaped open, appearing as though his tonsil was going to pop out from within. Ren Baqian could not tell what Shi Hu''s official position was. However, whenever Shi Hu escorted him to the imperial kitchen, he could see how much Caretaker Gou respected him.


    Even the position of imperial guard would be too low for his status. Furthermore, the two soldiers just now were obviously working underneath him.


    A person like him�� is illiterate?


    "Then what you said just now��"


    "I am recounting what Her Majesty said," Shi Hu replied solemnly.


    "Brother Shi, how much do you know about this position?" Ren Baqian asked after his face twitched for a long while.


    "From what Her Majesty said just now, this is considered an official position in Dayao. This is the first time that an official position has been rewarded to someone. Its rank is Secondary ss, Rank 8 and you will be receiving an official''s sry." Shi Hu finally knew the answer to something. After saying "I don''t know" so many times, he felt slightly embarrassed.


    "What do I need to do then? And where do I stay?" Ren Baqian was still confused.


    Currently, he stayed at the beast park. If he couldn''t stay here anymore, then where would he stay? Without Teng Hulu and Tie Dao as followers, even if he had the stun baton, he still wouldn''t feel safe.


    "Her Majesty did mention something about these issues. Since you still have other responsibilities, you will continue to stay in the beast park. Every afternoon, you have to stand by at the Qingxin Pce Hall."


    "Where''s Qingxin Pce Hall?"


    "It is the imperial library. Here is a token. Show it to the guards at the pce entrance and someone will bring you there," Shi Hu borated as he took out a token from his waist, "Don''t lose it, you will need it when you enter and exit the imperial pce."


    Ren Baqian extended his hand and took over the token. The token was small in size, but it was very heavy. It felt ice-cold. It was made up of an unknown metal, giving off a silvery luster.


    No matter what, Ren Baqian felt very relieved because he could continue to stay in the beast park. He was more familiar with this ce, and he felt safer staying here.


    However, this also meant he would not have much free time in the future.


    There was another thing he had to take note of, which was, he would disappear once every three days. Even though the empress knew about it and did not look into it, he still did not feel safe. It seemed that he had to disy his worthiness just in case the empress wanted to behead him if she couldn''t find him when she was in a bad mood.


    "Thank you, Brother Shi. Brother Shi, please wait for me for a while." After Ren Baqian cupped his fists and thanked Shi Hu, he ran back to his house and grabbed a handful of silvers out. These fragmented silvers were what he had left with after he sawed those silver ingots previously.


    ording to what he learned from television series, he needed to tip the edict messenger at this point of time. From the perspective of human rtions, it was definitely worth it to tip Shi Hu some silvers.


    "Brother Ren is indeed thoughtful, thank you so much. Let''s have a drink in the future together," Shi Hu chuckled and patted Ren Baqian''s back. Then, he passed some of the silvers to the two guards behind him and said, "These are from Brother Ren, take them and buy yourself a drinkter."


    "Thank you, Sir Ren," the two soldiers smiled as they took over the silvers. Their gazes towards Ren Baqian were filled with kindness.


    It seems like money does make the world go round everywhere.


    Of course, they did that partly because of Shi Hu as well.


    "I shan''t stay any longer, I still need to report back." Shi Hu cupped his fists at Ren Baqian and left with the two soldiers.


    After Shi Hu and the two soldiers had left, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao stepped forward and congratted Ren Baqian, "Congrattions, Caretaker Ren. From today onwards, we have to call you Sir."


    Ren Baqian felt the token with his hand. Even until now, he still could not believe what had just happened. Did he just be a Secondary ss, Grade 8 official? His rank was even higher than Caretaker Shi''s now.


    However, for someone who merely held a position that drew an official sry like Ren Baqian, his power was still lesser than Caretaker Shi''s.


    But he was still an official.


    Previously, he had told so many stories and did not ask for any rewards. However, today he was suddenly rewarded. He did not know whether was it because of the air cooler or his ttery that made this possible. A more likely exnation would be all the various contributions he had made.


    Ren Baqian returned to his house and passed each of them some silvers. "Good fortune to both of you too."


    Both held the silvers in their hands and giggled.


    "Sir Ren''s official robe isn''t here yet. Since you have to be in the pce by noon, I guess it wille before noon," Teng Hulu said.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He''d forgotten to ask about this issue just now. It seemed like he was really inexperienced.


    Then, he asked curiously again, "What official position does Shi Hu hold?"


    "He is an imperial guard but it seems like he is going to get promoted soon," Teng Hulu replied. Following which, he continued, "The position of imperial guard is ranked Secondary ss, Grade 5. They are the mostpetent and fearsome warriors but they are not considered officials. Sir Ren is different from them."


    Not long after, Caretaker Shi heard about the news and rushed over to congratte Ren Baqian, "Congrattions, Sir Ren."


    "Caretaker Shi, stop teasing me," Ren Baqian quickly said, "Continue to call me Brother Ren."


    "I can''t do that. Since your rank is higher than mine now, I have to call you that." Caretaker Shiughed. "Today is a great day for Sir Ren, I will ask the cook to prepare a feastter so that everyone can get blessed by your fortune."


    Upon hearing these words, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao immediately ran off to inform the cook.


    "Alright, there''s no one here now, you can call me Brother Ren now. This official position is rewarded to me, it pales inparison to yours," Ren Baqian said.


    "I will continue to call you Brother Ren then," Caretaker Shi said as he patted Ren Baqian''s shoulder. He did not send Ren Baqian flying in the air but merely made him stumble.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that his shoulder would be swollenter.


    "By the way, Caretaker Shi, I''m afraid I can''t hold my current position in the beast park anymore. The ice cer will have to depend on you in the future, and those men too��"


    "I will settle the ice cer. The three men working in the ice cer will remain in their positions. As for the remaining seven men, five of them will follow you first. After all, you still need to take care of that plot ofnd. As for the remaining two men, I will arrange them to do other things," Caretaker Shi immediately replied.


    "Thank you so much, let Teng Hulu and Tie Dao follow me," Ren Baqian smiled. He was already familiar with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, and it was thus much easier for him to work with them.


    He still had some tasks for them to do.


    For example, tanning the animal hides. He still had to make a sofa.


    Feeling the imperial edict in his hand, Ren Baqian cast a I-don''t-expect-much look at Caretaker Shi and asked, "Caretaker Shi, are you literate?"


    Caretaker Shi folded his arms and replied with a solemn look on his face, "What makes you think that I''m literate?"

 Chapter 58: Qingxin Palace Hall

    Chapter 58: Qingxin Pce Hall


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian couldn''t help but to say that the basic quality of education in Dayao was worrying. Regardless of what people said, it had been seventy years since the founding of Dayao. To one''s surprise, only a small number of people were literate. Take a look at China, the literacy rate had not been considered high before the founding of the nation. But seventy years down the road, although not everyone was literate, the figures did not deviate much.


    In any case, Caretaker Shi was a major caretaker in the beast park and his position was of Secondary ss, Rank 9. He had dozens of underlings, and including the family members of the odd-job workers in the beast park, they totaled to more than a hundred people. He was actually illiterate? Also, Shi Hu from a moment ago was ranked Secondary ss, Grade 5. He was an imperial guard, yet he was illiterate.


    Ren Baqian seriously doubted their ability to convey the messages of the official correspondences. They couldn''t always rely on someone literate to dictate the message for them.


    When noon was approaching, two other people from the pce delivered Ren Baqian''s official robe.


    It was a nt-cored,yered robe which was mainly ck, whereas the cor and the sleeves were red. There was also a bird motif on the robe, and the material was so much softer than the one Ren Baqian was currently wearing. Moreover, there was a soft touch to the fabric, which was also simr to silk.


    The style of this robe differed from the wide Chinese-styled gowns with huge sleeves that were worn during ancient China times. Although the robe was slightly longer and ended at his knees, the sleeves were only slightly wider than the normal clothes he wore on Earth.


    After putting the robe on, Ren Baqian couldn''t see if it looked good on him. However, the venttion and snugness of the robe was a notch above the previous one he wore.


    The only thing that made him felt ufortable was that he was a little fat.


    The people in Dayao were all tall and sturdy and had arms that were thick enough for them to use as legs. Ren Baqian''s physique paled inparison to them, and the robe looked quite ill-fitting on him.


    Caretaker Shi stared nkly at Ren Baqian after he stepped out from changing into the robe. Soon after, he burst intoughter.


    Ren Baqian became a little nervous due to hisughter. Did he wear the robe wrongly?


    "Come and find me tonight. I''ll get someone to alter it for you." Caretaker Shi burst into a loudughter.


    Ren Baqian gestured at the loose and baggy official robe on him. He roughly knew what Caretaker Shi wasughing at.


    Donning such a huge robe, Ren Baqian reckoned that he must look like a monkey wearing a Chinese-styled gown.


    But Ren Baqian had to make a trip to Qingxin Pce Hall this afternoon. It seemed like he only could alter the robe after he returned.


    At noon he had a meal with everyone to celebrate his promotion. Although it was said to be a celebration for him, the dishes prepared were no different from their daily meals. They simply added more spices in to make the dishes more fragrant and savory.


    On the contrary, the banquet was bustling with noise and excitement. Even though Ren Baqian had not stayed here for a long period of time, he managed to assimte with everyone during the initial period when he arrived at this world.


    Ren Baqian had a warm fuzzy feeling in his heart upon receiving everyone''s heartfelt congrattions.


    This bunch of people were really too adorable.


    Ren Baqian who wasmenting just a minute ago, immediately brought the stool up to protect his chest area and shouted, "Who''s pping me with the dirty w?"


    His expressed a whoever-dared-to-hit-me-with-their-oily-w-again-I-will-smash-your-face with-the-wooden-stool-on-him face.


    After the meal, Ren Baqian cupped his hands in salute towards everyone and entered the pce with a body full of w marks. He had no choice as they only gave him one set of official robes, so he couldn''t even change out if he wanted to. Besides, time was up. Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and headed towards the pce.


    Luckily, the oily w marks on the ck shirt were more obvious under sunlight. They were not exactly visible indoors without close observation.


    Ren Baqian handed the token to the guards at the pce entrance for examination, and two of them had him wait. One of the guards brought the token into the pce for a couple of minutes before returning empty handed.


    Ren Baqian and the two guards then waited outside, exchanging nces asionally.


    The two guards twitched as they looked at Ren Baqian, d in an oversized official robe with oily w marks on his face which glistened under the sunlight.


    Should they have not known that they represented the image of the pce and had to maintain their behavior, they would haveinughing on the ground.


    Ren Baqian could not see how he looked like, so he ignored them. This set of clothes was quitefortable anyway.


    After waiting for a while, a mid-thirty to forty year old who seemed like a female official scurried out from the pce. She sized Ren Baqian up and almost burst outughing.


    "You, follow me," The female official said, throwing the token back to Ren Baqian as she tried to control herughter.


    As Ren Baqian entered the doors, he heard two voicesughing behind him.


    You guys could have at least waited for me to walk further beforeughing, right?


    If not, what is the point of keeping it in the whole time just now?


    So it''s okay tough once I turn my back?


    If I were to turn my back on them just now, they wouldn''t have to keep it in this long.


    "How do I address you, Madam?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked cautiously. He did not know the identity of the person in front of him. However, as he was now an official awarded by the empress, he might have to enter the pce frequently in future. Hence, it was better if he maintained good rtionships regardless of who it was with.


    "Don''t call me Madam, you can call me Secretary Shi. Secretary is my position." ountant Shi replied as she nced back at Ren Baqian.


    "I got it." Ren Baqian nodded. Seemed like Shi was quite amon family name.


    Not knowing the other party''s character, Ren Baqian dared not say more. The duo walked silently and arrived at one of the pce hall. Secretary Shi stopped in her tracks, turned around and said, "We are here. Just enter with the token."


    "Many thanks." Ren Baqian cupped his hands and walked towards the pce hall.


    This pce hall was two-stories high. It appeared rather tall and upied a significant amount of space.


    After he pushed open the doors and entered the pce hall, Ren Baqian saw a sixteen to seventeen year ago girl seated at the back of a table. She wore something simr to what the female official had worn just now and had a book held together by nails in her hand.


    She seemed very serious.


    That would be the case only if her saliva did not trickle down from her mouth.


    Ren Baqian felt that this girl was a talent as she was able to sit so upright with a book in her hand, and in addition to that, she could sleep so soundly without knowing that someone entered the pce hall.


    What made Ren Baqian astonished was, this girl was actually a female official at such a young age?


    Seeing that she was sleeping so soundly, Ren Baqian did not disturb her. He looked at her carefully and noticed that she was rather good looking. Aspared to the Dayao girls he saw in general, this girl gave off a slightly warmer and gentler vibe.


    He did not know if it was due to ack of exposure to sunlight that her skin tone was slightly fairer. Furthermore, her forehead appeared to be less manly and unruly as well.


    Following which, Ren Baqian checked out the pce hall again. He saw that there were rows of rooms within the pce halls. The position he was currently standing at was in a 3-meter-wide passageway which was slightly broader.


    The rooms on both sides were all made from wood fretwork. Ren Baqian could see that there were many shelves inside, and on them were many scrolls and a few books that were made from either paper or animal hides. He reckoned that all of them were records.


    With that said, this is the library.


    After sizing up the ce, Ren Baqian had nothing to do again. He leaned against the wall and stared nkly into space.


    After God knows how long, the book in the girl''s hand fell to the floor.


    The girl was awoken from her sleep. She promptly wiped her drool and bent down to pick the book up and exhaled deeply. Fortunately, there was no one to witness what had happened to her.


    After which, she saw a man who was shing a "good-natured" smile at her.


    "Ah!" That girl opened her eyes widely as if she was a frightened cat.


    Ren Baqian promptly took the token out and shed it for the other party to see, "I''m the neer today."


    "Oh, I have recalled it." The girl suddenly realized and subsequently hammered her own head. "For a moment, I forgot about it."


    "You are the new Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall who will start his duties today, right?" The girl said. Following which, she raised her head and continued, "Why did you not call out to me when you arrived?"


    It seemed like she was ashamed of her sleeping and drooling image just now.


    "I saw you sleeping very soundly and did not have the cheek to call you." Ren Baqian grinned.


    The girl red at him "very fiercely".


    However, aspared to other people, the deterrence of this "very fierce" person in front of him was more or less simr to a kitten.

 Chapter 59: In the Garden

    Chapter 59: In the Garden


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When Ren Baqian saw the other party did not seem to care about him, he asked, "May I know how to address you?"


    After thinking for a while, she felt it was likely that she was going to face this man every day. Following which, she replied, "My name is Lin Qiaole, you can call me Librarian Lin."


    Librarian? That is like the caretaker of a library, right? Ren Baqian thought to himself. Then, he asked the question that he was concerned about.


    "Nice to meet you, Librarian Lin. May I know what do I need to do?"


    "I don''t know. Find yourself a ce to stand and don''t disturb me. Wait for Her Majesty to summon you," Lin Qiaole replied casually.


    "..." Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian found himself a ce to stand by himself. After standing for a while, he became tired and sat down on the floor.


    The floor here was rather clean. There should be people cleaning the floor here every day, making it sparkling clean.


    Lin Qiaole ignored him and sat down to read her book. After a while, Ren Baqian noticed her head was falling towards the table bit by bit.


    When Ren Baqian saw this, he found it very funny. She was the epitome ofziness. He couldn''t believe someone that was in charge of a library would fall asleep behind a book like this every day. This wasn''t what he had expected of a librarian.


    "Thump." Ren Baqian saw her face copse down onto the table. This Librarian Lin was really funny. He could watch her sleep for the entire afternoon.


    "Ah!" Lin Qiaole rubbed her nose. Her eyes brimmed with tears looking as though they were going to fall any moment.


    When she noticed Ren Baqian looking at her, she grabbed her own hair with annoyance.


    How can I not control my sleepiness? Now someone has seen me doing this...


    In an instant, she became Mei Chaofeng.


    [Mei Chaofeng - A very powerful character in Legend of the Condor Heroes]


    "What are you looking at! You never see anyone doze off before?" Lin Qiaole blew her top.


    Ren Baqian held in hisughter and turned his head around.


    I have really never seen anyone that kisses the table with their face before, especially one that is covered in saliva.


    After another three to four minutes, Ren Baqian reckoned Lin Qiaole had cooled down and turned his head back. He saw her pouting while staring ahead in a daze. When Lin Qiaole noticed Ren Baqian was looking at her, she turned her head around and looked at the other side.


    "Temperament of a small girl," Ren Baqian said to himself. He was very curious how she ended up as the librarian here.


    "Librarian Lin, are you literate?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Of course!" Lin Qiaole raised her head abruptly, resembling a proud hen.


    "Can you teach me how to read?" Ren Baqian chuckled. He did not know how many more times he would being to this world. He couldn''t possibly be illiterate forever, right?


    There were so many books here. After he had learned how to read, he could read these books. There might even be some that he would be interested in.


    "You don''t know how to read?" Lin Qiaole widened her eyes with surprise. It was the biggest joke that the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall was illiterate.


    Ren Baqian spread his arms and replied, "I really don''t know how to read, can you teach me?"


    "No, I don''t want to," Lin Qiaole turned her head around again.


    Ren Baqian merely smiled. Given Lin Qiaole''s temperament of a small girl, he reckoned that she was still feeling angry.


    He decided to talk about it again after her anger had subsided.


    In any case, he was in no rush to learn their writtennguage.


    After staying there for another hour, two maids that were holding cleaning tools walked in. They cupped their fists at Lin Qiaole and greeted her, "Librarian Lin."


    It seemed that cupping one''s fists was the universal etiquette of the Dayao Nation. It was done regardless of gender. Only when one saw the empress would he or she then need to go down on one knee.


    Lin Qiaole hid her face and nodded her head at the two maids. After giving Ren Baqian a curious look, the maids began their cleaning session.


    Just as the two of them began cleaning the ce, a guard arrived at the entrance, "Is the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall here?"


    "Yes, I am." Ren Baqian jumped up from the ground. He swatted away the nonexistent dust on his butt and stepped forward.


    "Her Majesty has summoned you," the guard replied and led him outside.


    Ren Baqian initially thought he was going to the same pce hall. However, after making a few turns, he realized the route was different. The sound of a mysterious musical instrument resounded through the air from far away. The sound was bleak and gloomy, sounding like an instrument of an ancient tribe. It was filled with the sense of simplicity and nature.


    Following the sound from this mysterious instrument, they arrived at a garden.


    Every spot in the garden was filled with unusual-looking flowers that contended against each other in fragrance and fascination. There were also trees of different heights. Unlike the neat gardens in China, the nts in this garden were all over the ce, but they were full of vitality.


    A shallow-looking river passed through the garden. Atop the river, there was a stone bridge.


    Not far away from the stone bridge, the red-dressed empress sat in a pavilion. Beside the empress, there was someone blowing an unknown instrument. Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan were standing not far away.


    No matter where the empress was, these two persons would be standing somewhere nearby. This made Ren Baqian realize that everyone in the ce could be offended, except for the empress and these two persons.


    They were indeed the members of the empress''s inner circle.


    There were no eunuchs in the imperial pce of Dayao. There were only female officials, maids and guards. Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan were definitely the empress''s most trusted aides.


    "Greetings to Your Majesty," Ren Baqian greeted the empress while going down on one knee.


    "You have learned quickly." The empress shifted her gaze to Ren Baqian. Following which, her gaze froze for a split second. She raised her eyebrows and lowered them slowly after a while.


    "How did you get into such a sorry state?" The empress''s cold voice resounded through the air.


    "I got into some sort of ident just now. Your Majesty, please forgive me," Ren Baqian hurriedly said.


    "Even though Dayao doesn''t value etiquette as much as Great Xia, you still have to pay some attention to it since you''re an official. The next time, if you let me see you like this�� you will definitely receive a bout of physical pain." The empress''s words caused Ren Baqian to be drenched in cold sweat.


    "Yes, I''m aware of my mistake," Ren Baqian quickly said. Deep down, he was cursing those fellows at the beast park. If it weren''t for them, he wouldn''t have ended up in this state.


    The empress furrowed her eyebrows and said, "Where did you learn such words from?"


    Ren Baqianughed weakly. He couldn''t say he learnt them from the television. As such, he could only say, "We speak like this in China."


    "Are you an official in China as well?" the empress asked inly.


    Ren Baqian had never even been a ss monitor before, let alone an official. Deep down, he considered whether or not should he boast of something about himself. In any case, any lies he said couldn''t be verified by anyone.


    However, when he raised his head and saw the empress''s cold eyes, he became terrified. Just as the words were about to leave his mouth, he swallowed them. Then, he shook his head and replied, "No, I have never been an official before."


    He was feeling apprehensive. The empress''s gaze was indeed sharp, looking as though it could see through his mind. He was so terrified that he did not dare to speak the lie that he had thought of.


    "Continue your story," the empress leaned back and said.


    Ren Baqian cleared his throat. It felt extremely pleasant to be able to tell the story of Investiture of the Gods under this bleak-sounding music.


    Just as Ren Baqian mentioned "If the king wants me to die, I have to die", the empress asked, "People in China are like this?"


    Ren Baqian''s brain tweaked as he replied with prudence, "There''s another saying in China, ''As water can float a boat, so can it swallow the boat''."


    After the empress discussed this saying, she pondered for a while before nodding her head and said, "It does make some sense. As a ruler, he must look after his people. If the people don''t even have food to eat, what''s the use of that ruler? It is natural for the people to start a rebellion."


    He had no choice but to admit that the empress was indeed very clever. Even though this was the first time she heard such words, she immediately knew what they meant. She could evenplement them with a few extra words.


    "Your Majesty''s thoughtfulness is the people''s blessing," Ren Baqian quickly found an opportunity to bootlick the empress.

 Chapter 60: Patriotism Education

    Chapter 60: Patriotism Education


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The empress waved her hand, got up, and stood in the pavilion while staring into the distance. She brooded about some matters and after a long pause said, "No matter how you treat some people, they will always have their own ideas. How then should we handle these kind of people?"


    Ren Baqian''s heart skipped a beat and wondered if the empress referred to him? He knew he did not have any messed-up thoughts.


    It more likely referred to those people who originated from the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    What was the empress''s intention in telling me this?


    Was she trying to sound me out?


    The person in front of him could crush him to death with only one hand. It was really a killer hand��not a figure of speech. Ren Baqian had to take care to not seek merit and could not afford to make any mistakes.


    Summing up his thoughts, Ren Baqian said carefully, "I think they should be assimted, so that they can identify with their country and have a strong sense of identity. Some of them may not be able to change their minds and have other ideas, especially those who are older. However, a new generation can identify with the country from an early age and the situation will change after they grow up."


    After Ren Baqian finished talking, the empress turned sideways to face him. She did not utter a single word, and he didn''t know what was going on in her mind. There was nothing in the field except for the sound of that mysterious musical instrument.


    Ren Baqian felt uncertain, not knowing whether he had said something that did not go down well with the other side. The empress turned around and said coldly, "If I say so, all should be executed."


    Although the empress did not make any other actions, such a facial expression gave Ren Baqian the chills, and he subconsciously shrank his neck.


    The empress returned to her seat, "If the previous emperor did not leave instructions, they would have been executed immediately. However, your words do make some sense, please exin in detail."


    Ren Baqian confirmed that the empress was talking about the remnant citizens from the Hao Nation. Although he did not know why she was consulting him, it was better to wrack his brains to sort his thoughts and then give a well thought out n.


    To put it inly, this was about education in patriotism.


    Regr lectures on patriotism and whatnot evoked bittersweet memories. The Eight Honors and Eight Shames would be taught to them, and they would be expected to memorize them. If the conditions permitted, it would be best to arrange forpulsory sses in private schools.


    [The Eight Honors and Eight Shames is PRC''s moral guidelines.]


    At the same time, aboriginal culture and traditions would be transmitted, leading to cultural integration.


    Finally, the two parties would live together. Presently, they were confined to a small circle, and the descendants did not understand the aboriginals. They only interacted with their own people on a daily basis. Furthermore, the aboriginals were the ones that destroyed their country. Thus, grudges would have built up after some time. If the two sides were to live together, they would see that the aboriginals besides being stronger physically, which was not a bad trait, also had honest characters. This would naturally reduce the prejudices of both parties.


    After all, a majority of themoners were simple and honest. It was the same everywhere.


    Actually, the mostmon type of people was the ambitious type. They refused to ept the status quo and did not see any future in getting promoted. Naturally, they had all sorts of fanciful ideas. If you were to give them an official post and let them get into imperial court, they would suppress those who were disloyal to them in order to keep their post.


    Taking it step by step, this was how education in patriotism would be delivered. It was a differentiation and suppression strategy which had been used on Earth over and over again.


    The empress listened quietly to Ren Baqian. After finishing his speech, she finally spoke after a long silence, "Carry on with the story."


    Ren Baqian could not read minds and did not know what the empress was thinking about. He guessed that she was pondering over the feasibility of his n.


    Ren Baqian felt that if Dayao wanted to embark on his n, the feasibility of it was viable. After all, it was already proven on Earth.


    It just needed to be adjusted to cater to the conditions in Dayao.


    If this approach did not seed, Ren Baqian had a more ruthless method, but he did not want to create a gang of multi-level marketing members.


    He imagined a bunch of aboriginals raising their hands in their small dark houses and fanatically chanting, "Work Hard! Strive! Future!" Then multi-level marketing methods would be used to indoctrinate them. However, if their words could not convince others, they might resort to force to brainwash them. Such a scenario gave him the shivers.


    He felt like ackey in a movie taking orders from his boss anding up with weird ideas.


    This was especially true with respect to the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    However, it would also benefit them, or at least they will do less petty actions in private. This was to prevent the person in front of him from shouting out "execute" whenever in a bad mood. At that time heads would really roll.


    Ren Baqian continued talking about the fox demon transforming into Concubine Daji and getting into the pce. The empress was inattentive, but Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were enthralled by the exciting story.


    The Empress only paid attention to the story when he talked about Yun Zhongzi leaving the mountain to enter civilization. This type of deities and ghost fairy tales was very appealing to her.


    The sentence "The ruler treats the statesman like a brother, and then the statesmen will treat the king like a bosom friend. If the ruler treats the statesmen like dirt, then the statesmen will treat the king like an enemy" made some impressions on the empress.


    "There is some justification in these words from your country." The empress nodded her head in agreement.


    "Justification is universal, it is the same everywhere," Ren Baqian stated.


    "That is not necessarily so." The empress sneered and Ren Baqian, and he wondered whether he had said something wrong.


    When Ren Baqian was talking about Fei Zhong''s plot to overthrow Queen Jiang, someone came in to inform the empress that it was time for dinner. The session then ended.


    "That''s all for today, go back and prepare a bit. Don''t dress like this again tomorrow," The empress said as she stood up.


    "Yes." Ren Baqian decided to find someone to alter his clothes to better fit him and then quickly wash it.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian quickly called out as the empress got ready to leave.


    "Is there anything else?" The empress turned sideways to look at him.


    "Your humble subject would like to ask, what is the job of this official position?" Ren Baqian bashfully asked.


    "Just continue with what you are doing now." The empress took along Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, and the musician was packing his instruments to leave as well.


    Ren Baqianughed bitterly after the empress had left. It looked like he was really taken for a storyteller.


    It might be better this way as his understanding of Dayao wasn''t that deep. If Ren Baqian was relegated to do other stuff, he might not be able to follow orders as well. This was not Earth. If things didn''t work out there, he might be scolded, or they would penalize his wages.


    Ren Baqian went back the way he remembered whening in and only managed to find his way out of the pce when he was near Qingxin Pce Hall.


    He took off his clothes upon reaching home and went to find someone to alter it.


    Ren Baqiany on the bed and immediately felt somewhat exhausted. He was mostly wondering about the reactions of the empress and specting on what she was thinking.


    The empress seemed to be frustrated with the remnant citizens of Hao Nation and would have massacred them earlier if the previous emperor had not given an order to protect them.


    He was not sure whether his words would influence her and cause her to rethink and change their current n.


    Upon reflection, he felt that he was doing something that was entirely out of his scope.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t sure what would happen to him. He had justnded a small post as a Storyteller in Qingxin Pce Hall, and yet here he was worrying about the life and death of twenty million people.


    It would be better to leave these sorts of problems to the empress and her ministers.


    It was best to first learn how to write their words, followed by reading some books when free, and better understand the situation over in this world.


    Maslow''s hierarchy of needs theory ssifies people''s need from low to high: physical, security, social respect, and self-actualization.


    He was still at the stage of meeting his security needs, why would he need to even consider others?

 Chapter 61: Fear

    Chapter 61: Fear


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next morning, Ren Baqian tried on the robe that had just been washed and sun-dried. It felt really good on him. Even though there was no mirror, he could tell that it fitted him just right.


    The person who altered his robe was the wife of an odd-job worker. Her skills were rather good.


    After giving it a try, he took it off. He did not want that bunch of heartless fellows to smear his robe with paw prints again.


    He also did not know when would a spare official robe be sent to him.


    While he was free, he went to chat with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao, listening to their stories about that military advisor.


    Ever since Ren Baqian started kindergarten, he had stopped worshipping celebrities. He found it to be extremely childish. However, now he was worshipping that military advisor like a desperate fan. He took great interest in even short stories about him.


    There were many smart individuals throughout the history of mankind. There were also many that had their names remembered for all eternity. However, there were extremely few like that military advisor.


    It was a pity Teng Hulu and Tie Dao did not know his name. They only knew that his surname was Qi. It appeared that very few people had mentioned his name when he was still alive. Therefore, not many people knew his full name now.


    Reportedly, there was a painting of the military advisor in the imperial pce. It was drawn by an artistic genius from the aboriginal tribes. Ren Baqian wanted to see the painting very much so that he knew how did the military advisor look like.


    When Ren Baqian thought of those scrolls and books in Qingxin Pce Hall, he felt that the painting could be found there.


    After eating his lunch, Ren Baqian put on his robe and entered the imperial pce. He was allowed to enter the pce after shing his token at the entrance.


    After entering the pce, Ren Baqian looked at the token in his hand. It seemed that the token was quite useful. He could enter and exit the pce at will now?


    He couldn''t believe they gave this thing to him��a person of unknown origin.


    However, when he thought about the empress''s fighting capabilities, he felt that it was natural for her to disregard himpletely. Even if he had a weapon, he would not be able to kill her.


    When he arrived at Qingxin Pce Hall, he saw Lin Qiaole sitting on the stone steps with her chin propped up by her palm, appearing to be in a daze. Her eyes were squinted, resembling two fine lines. Ren Baqian could not tell whether or not was she sleeping.


    "Librarian Lin," Ren Baqian greeted her from a close distance. When he saw that she did not have any reactions, he decided not to disturb her and let her be immersed in her own dreand.


    When he entered Qingxin Pce Hall, he saw there was another book on the table. This time around, the book was covered by an animal hide. It was quite old, looking as though it had been ced there for many years.


    Ren Baqian picked it up and flipped through it. Every page contained tens of words. Every word looked like a drawing.


    However, there were also a few words that resembled Chinese characters. For example, three, day, cloud, and king. He wondered whether or not they contained the same meanings.


    In the middle of the book, there were also a few pictures. They depicted various human movements.


    "A martial arts manual?" This thought popped up in Ren Baqian''s mind. Instantly, he became excited.


    Even if it couldn''t make him into an expert like the empress, it might be able to strengthen his body. He did not want to keep making way for other people whenever he went to the city. Anyone in Dayao could kill him with one hand and that really hurt his ego badly.


    It was a pity he did not understand the words in the book. Most of the words looked simr to each other. He could not even memorize a single one of them.


    After a long while, Ren Baqian helplessly ced the book back onto the table. It was better for him to learn some words first before reading it again.


    Very soon, it was evening. Ren Baqian was summoned to the same pce hall to tell story to the empress again.


    Before he left, the empress''s voice suddenly rang across his ears, "Are you going to disappear again tomorrow?"


    Beads of cold sweat trickled down Ren Baqian''s forehead.


    He looked as though a freezing spell had been cast on his body. He turned his body around with difficulty and forced a smile. "Your Majesty''s eyes are indeed all-seeing, your wisdom is unrivalled, and you''re endowed with extraordinary intelligence. I''m indeed terrified by your greatness, and I truly respect you."


    "Your fear is indeed real. As for your other emotions, I can''t say for sure," the empress replied coldly, "Forget it then, I have said before that if you do your utmost for me, I will not ask about your things. You can go now."


    Ren Baqian felt as though he had been punched. Subsequently, he ran out of the pce, looking as if he had been granted with an amnesty. After he left the imperial pce, he heaved a long sigh of relief and wiped the sweat off his forehead.


    All that running made his back drenched in sweat again.


    After going through the empress''s words in his mind again, he realized the empress only wanted to emphasize the words "if you do your utmost for me".


    It seemed he needed to bring up the matter of salt well as soon as possible.


    With the merits from the salt well and the sweet potatoes, his head would be more secure.


    As he walked, he tugged his head and pondered over it. Suddenly, he banged into a wall in the dark and took two steps back. He raised his head and realized that "wall" was Caretaker Shi.


    "What happened? You seem to be preupied with something," Caretaker Shi asked. His voice frightened away the birds in their surroundings.


    Ren Baqian took another two steps back. After gathering his thoughts, he replied, "Nothing, I''m just thinking about something. How is it going with the shaved ice shops?"


    When Ren Baqian mentioned this matter, Caretaker Shi became excited and happy in an instant. He took two steps forward and patted Ren Baqian on his shoulder, causing him to stumble. Following which, he chuckled. "Brother Ren, you''re indeed formidable. Haha. We followed what you told us to do, and we have our hands full for the past two days."


    Ren Baqian rubbed his shoulder while grimacing in pain. He wanted to dodge Caretaker Shi''s hand but failed. Caretaker Shi was much faster than him.


    "It''s good that the business is doing well, but you don''t pat me again." When Ren Baqian saw Caretaker Shi raise his palm again, he quickly jumped out of his reach like a panicked rabbit.


    Caretaker Shi chuckled again. It appeared that he was indeed very happy. He opened up his palm and said, "For past two days, we have sold approximately two hundred bowls of shaved ice, and that is only for one shop."


    One bowl costed five coins. One hundred bowls would cost five taels of silver. Right now, they could earn approximately ten taels of silver in a day. Meanwhile, profits took up at least sixty percent of their earnings. If that was the case, they would make a profit of approximately six taels a day. In a month, they would make a rough profit of one hundred and eighty taels. However, after they deducted the rent and wages for the employees, they wouldn''t have much money left. After deducting all the expenses, they would be left with at least eighty taels.


    Two shaved ice shops would bring about a total of one hundred and sixty taels for them a month. Splitting the profits evenly, each of them would have eighty taels. For Caretaker Shi, whose monthly sry was only six taels, the amount of money he made from the shaved ice shops was roughly equivalent to his one year''s sry. No wonder he was so happy.


    However, Ren Baqian''s attention was entirely ced on Caretaker Shi''s palm. No matter how hard he racked his brain, he could not understand why Caretaker Shi showed five fingers when he was only talking about two days.


    Are all Dayao people like him? Do they show all five fingers for whichever number they talk about?


    After listening to Caretaker Shi''s words, Ren Baqian nodded his head. Making profits was within his expectations. However, the profits made were slightly lower than what he expected. After all, Dayao was such a hot ce and shaved ice would definitely be popr here.


    Even those ice-cream sellers in China could make a lot of money in a month, let alone them selling shaved ice in such a hot ce like this. Furthermore, their shaved ice business was an exclusive one. After the word about their shaved ice business had been spread, Ren Baqian reckoned that they could sell even more bowls of shaved ice per day.


    Until someone discovered the secret of saltpeter.


    "Hire two more people, I think this business canst for quite some time," Ren Baqian said.


    "I shall listen to you then." Now that the shaved ice shop was making money, Caretaker Shi became more generous with his money. He would do anything that Ren Baqian asked him to without any worry.


    "Remember, let our own people make ice with the saltpeter. We try our best not to leak out the secret any time soon."

 Chapter 62: Returning Home

    Chapter 62: Returning Home


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After a good night''s sleep, Ren Baqian returned to his bedroom in China once again.


    "When will this end." Ren Baqian rubbed his face between his palms and immediately sat up on his bed.


    He need not worry much over on Earth''s side. The coboration on the ck mud cream''s form with the Chen Family would allow him to survive his entire lifetime.


    Currently, Ren Baqian had to stabilize his position over at Dayao. At the very least, he should not be at risk of losing his head every other day.


    He sat on his bed and stared nkly for a while. Ren Baqian then looked outside and noticed that it was starting to turn bright. He opened the windows and a breeze of cold air blew directly into his room.


    "It''s somewhat colder again," Ren Baqian mumbled.


    The flow of time was different in both worlds. Basically, travelling back and forth would require twelve to thirteen days and travelling to and fro three times took up more than a month.


    Ren Baqian felt that only ten days had passed, but in actual fact, one month had alreadypsed.


    Thus, the variation in the climate made him felt that it was a particrly abrupt change.


    Furthermore, aftering back from the other world, he felt that the air in the city was exceptionally polluted and a had a bit of a pungent smell. This also made him dislike going outdoors even more.


    He stood in front of the window and went into a daze. Ren Baqian was thinking, how good it would be if he could get the profits from the ck mud cream business as early as possible. At that time, he would purchase an ind and live on it. Then, he would not need to endure the turbid air in the city anymore.


    But, he knew that the ck mud cream business was destined to be a long journey, and it was impossible to reap any rewards in a short period of time.


    Three to five years would already considered a short period of time.


    Building a medicinal factory from scratch wasn''t a simple task, let alone the research and development of the medicine and the following experiments that was going to be required.


    It seemed like he still had to think of other means to earn some money to survive.


    Distant water can''t satisfy one''s present thirst.


    After thinking for a while, there was nothing that he came in contact with in Dayao that could be sold for money on Earth.


    Giant panda, did he dare to sell it?


    Ren Baqian did not dare to sell the hide of the sharp-toothed tiger as there was no such organism on earth. The sharp-toothed tiger''s closest kin would be the sharp-toothed tiger, which had already been extinct for hundred millions of years.


    Basically whatever that existed on Earth, Ren Baqian either did not dare to take it out to sell, or even if he did take it out, there was no value at all. As for whatever that did not exist on Earth, he was even more afraid to sell them.


    Unless it was something like the form of a medicine, but the process of reaping profits was too slow.


    Selling silver might actually be a feasible idea. Ren Baqian''s monthly wage was about eighty taels of silver. In addition to that, the shop which was still under renovation could earn about over a hundred taels of silver and that was equivalent to about four to five hundred thousand yuan. On top of that, he could earn even more with the air cooler.


    Just that, it would be risky sellingrge quantities of silver long-term wise. Furthermore, with regards to an ordinary person, four to five hundred thousand yuan was a huge sum. As far as Ren Baqian was concerned, this sum of money was no longer sufficient for him.


    It was as though he was selling heroin and earning profits from it.


    Ren Baqian suddenly recalled that there were apparently many gems in Dayao. He wasn''t sure of the situation and, perhaps, would find out more when he returned to the other world. Gathering gems and then selling them on Earth would be a more feasible idea. It would be best if he could gather those rare gems which were very valuable.


    Once again, Ren Baqian was in a daze. He turned on his phone which had been perpetually turned off for the past few days and saw that there were a few messages indicating that there were missed calls.


    There were two missed calls from Chen Qing, one from Dong Haiqing, and one from Chen Bing as well. There was also a missed call from home.


    He dialed the number for home, and when it just got through, he heard someone going on and on, "You still know how to call home? I called you previously, but your phone is always turned off. You weren''t contactable at all. If you still did not return my call, I would have reported to the police that you are missing��"


    Ren Baqian kept the phone away from his ear, and after a long time, the other party finally stopped ranting. He then spoke, "Recently, it''s busier over at thepany and I have to work overtime every day. I didn''t even notice that my phone went out of battery. I finally finished my tasks and immediately called you to pay my respects."


    "Oh, you still know how to speak?" Ren Baqian''s mother mumbled to herself and then asked him, "How''s the situation at thepany?"


    "Great, bing more prosperous with each passing day," Ren Baqian spoke in a rxed tone.


    "Forget it, I do not know anything about that stuff of yours. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, are youing back? You still can make it in time if you take the car."


    "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival?" Ren Baqian


    "You passed your days in foolishness? Don''t you even know the date?"


    "Oh, I have been too busy recently and never really noticed the date. I will set off now and reach there by noon," Ren Baqian promptly replied.


    "That''s the way,e home soon."


    After he hung up the call, Ren Baqian took a deep breath. He felt that only a few days had passed but two months had already gone by.


    Ren Baqian felt aggrieved at his situation. He wondered when all this woulde to an end.


    However, Ren Baqian thought about it again. If he really teleported back to the other world and never returned to Earth, he wondered how devastated would his family be. Now, he felt that the current situation was not considered too bad after all.


    Ren Baqian looked at Chen Qing''s missed call and suddenly got reminded of his engagement day which was approaching. It was a pity he did not have anything special to gift him. Chen Qing had all the money in the world, and he didn''tck anything at all.


    After thinking for quite some time, Ren Baqian decided not to return Chen Qing''s call. He went to wash up, changed into a new set of clothes, and drove home.


    Ren Baqian''s hometown was approximately three hundred kilometers away from his current house. At noon, he finally arrived at the neighborhood which his house was located at.


    Looking at this familiar yet little shabby neighborhood, Ren Baqian felt unrestrained for no reason. This was the feeling of home.


    "Brother, brother!" Ren Baqian raised his head as he heard someone yelling. He saw his younger brother waving at him from the window in his house.


    A smile exuded from Ren Baqian''s face. He locked the car, went upstairs, and pressed the doorbell.


    "Is the Audi below yours?" Ren Baqian''s father asked immediately when he opened the door.


    "Your eyesight is really good." Ren Baqian gave him a thumbs up.


    "You don''t say. Not like you didn''t know that I''m farsighted." Ren Baqian''s father pped his forehead. "Pass me the keys, I will bring it for a ride."


    Ren Baqian grinned and threw the keys over to his father. He knew that his father had always been interested in cars. However, after all, he still had to raise two children and was only even able to afford a second-hand Alto with difficulty. Thus, he couldn''t avoid being extremely excited upon seeing Ren Baqian''s Audi.


    "Look at how you are behaving, they are all cars, what''s the difference in driving them." Ren Baqian mother''s voice trailed from the kitchen.


    Ren Baqian''s fatherpletely ignored her, took the keys from Ren Baqian, and dashed out excitedly.


    "Brother, is there any gift for me?" After his father left, Ren Baqian''s brother surrounded him.


    Ren Baqian''s younger brother Ren Wannian was only a 12th grader this year but was already taller than he was. Wannian had better looks and grades than himself, and he was also a bright and cheerful guy. It seemed as though all the positive genes in his family had been concentrated on him.


    But, one brother was named Ren Baqian and the other Ren Wannian; this showed how many hopes their parents had pinned on them. With regards to such high hopes, Ren Baqian just wanted to tell them, "I really can''t achieve it."


    "I will buy you a phone tomorrow." Ren Baqian looked at his brother''s height and also his dashing looks which could help him earn a living. He was not only envious of him but also jealous as well.


    "Thank you brother." Ren Wannian immediately grinned from ear to ear.


    Ren Baqian ced his stuff down and went into the kitchen. He took a glimpse and noticed that it was all his favorite dishes. It seemed like they were all cooked just a moment ago.


    He assumed that his mother took the whole morning to prepare the dishes and was waiting for him to return before cooking them. She was worried that he would not be able to eat piping hot dishes.


    "Since you are back just stay at one side, don''t be a hindrance over here." One sentence from Ren Baqian''s mum immediately killed the warmth that he felt a moment ago. He rubbed his nose and went to sit on the sofa.


    "Brother, what does yourpany deal with?" Ren Wannian gathered at Ren Baqian''s side and asked.


    "Medicine."


    "Medicine? Since when did you know anything about that?" Ren Wannian asked curiously.


    "Your brother is very knowledgeable." Ren Baqian was full of pride.


    "����!"


    "Cut!"

 Chapter 63: Caretaker Shi, the Man Who Single-Handedly Fought Eight Persons

    Chapter 63: Caretaker Shi, the Man Who Single-Handedly Fought Eight Persons


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After a while, the dishes were ready, and Ren Baqian''s dad came home just in time.


    He asked, "How much was your car?"


    Ren Baqian cast a nce at the kitchen and lifted up six fingers. He did not want his mum to hear it as he was scared of her nagging at him.


    "You have indeed made it big, but don''t be extravagant. Yourpany was established not too long ago, and its future is still unknown. Don''t just think about enjoying your life, save some money for yourself as well. Having some savings will allow you to make aeback if anything happens to your business," Ren Baqian''s dad advised.


    "How much you have now? I will ce thirty thousand yuan here, take it if you need money."


    "I still have some money with me. Don''t worry, it''s enough. There aren''t many things that I need to spend money on. All I need to do now is wait for the profits to arrive. Didn''t I tell you what happened previously? I provide the technology, and the other party provides the money." Ren Baqian smiled. He knew his dad spoke from his experience. Two million yuan was indeed not enough to do many things. He had to survive with the money he had left until the medicinal factory was built and the medicine hit the market. If something happened to his family now, he would be in trouble.


    It seemed like what he thought about that morning was correct. He had to think of more ways to make money.


    While they were having dinner, Ren Baqian''s mum asked with a ''friendly'' look on her face, "You have already made it big, but you''re not getting any younger, do you have a girlfriend?"


    Ren Baqian was at a loss. I am just 24 years old, am I considered old already?


    "Aunt Huang has a niece that is quite pretty and tall, do you want to meet her?"


    "I think I can find a better one," Ren Baqian rejected his mum in a hurry.


    Come on, I am just 24 years old. Now that I have to travel between two worlds and disappear once every ten days, how can I afford to find a girlfriend?


    Now that Ren Baqian thought about it, he felt that it was more usible to find a wife in that world than to find one on Earth.


    However, very soon, Ren Baqian changed his mind again. The women in that world could hold him up with one hand and beat him...


    When Ren Baqian heard his mum nagging at him, he quickly buried his face in his bowl. He could still hear his mum''s nagging.


    The niece of Aunt Huang is a very good girl�� So, you have higher expectations now that you''re rich�� Aunt Huang''s niece is at a marriageable age...


    In the past, Ren Baqian had not expected he would face this issue one day.


    He could even predict the future. This issue would continue to persist for quite some time.


    After finishing dinner, Ren Baqian ran back to his own apartment as though fleeing for his life.


    ...


    The second day, Ren Baqian brought Ren Wannian out to buy a new phone for him. Ren Wannian beamed with happiness.


    "Remember, if you have identified a target, go for her immediately. Don''t be like me. Before I graduated, Mum didn''t allow me to contact any girl. Now that I have graduated, she expects to have a grandchild immediately," Ren Baqian grumbled to Ren Wannian.


    "In any case, even if the sky falls down now, there is still a pir to support it for me. You''re the elder brother and you''re not married yet. Why should I get married so soon then?" Ren Wannian rolled his eyes and chuckled.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. He had be a shield for his younger brother,


    However, when he thought of the need to face this issue every time he went to his parents'' house, he felt a slight headache.


    It seemed like he needed to ''rent'' a girlfriend if he did not want to be nagged at by his mum in the future. He did not know whether or not this method would work.


    Ren Baqian stayed at home for two days. On the morning of the third day, Ren Baqian drove his car out. He went to the supermarket and bought a lot of White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    [White Rabbit Creamy Candies - White Rabbit Creamy Candy is white, with a soft, chewy texture, and is formed into cylinders approximately 3 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, simr to contemporary western nougat or taffy. It resembles a vani Tootsie Roll. Each candy is wrapped in a printed waxed paper wrapper, but within this, the sticky candies are again wrapped in a thin edible paper-like wrapping made from sticky rice.]


    He bought these candies to bribe the librarian, Lin Qiaole.


    Logically speaking, a young girl would like this type of candy, right?


    Right now, Ren Baqian was like a pedophile that thought about how to make a young girl happy.


    After all, he did not enjoy being an illiterate. He faced so many scrolls and books, but he couldn''t understand a single one of them.


    After buying a huge number of White Rabbit Creamy Candies, Ren Baqian went to buy two stun batons. Then, he went home to charge his phone and returned Chen Qing''s missed call.


    "You have finally returned my call. Otherwise, I would have called the police to report you as missing."


    Ren Baqianughed bitterly. He could only give this reaction.


    "How are your engagement preparations going?"'' Ren Baqian chuckled and asked.


    "It will be held on the 8th of next month. Will you be free then? You better not miss it," Chen Qing replied softly.


    Upon hearing Chen Qing''s voice, Ren Baqian reckoned he must have a girl beside him right now.


    Ren Baqian calcted the number of days from today till the 8th of next month. Excluding today, there were still ten more days till then. The 8th of next month happened to be the day he returned to Earth. Then, he replied, "Don''t worry, I won''t miss it."


    "Alright then, I shall hang up first," Chen Qing hung up the phone after finishing his sentence.


    Ren Baqian shook his head. There were only ten more days until Chen Qing''s engagement, and he was still having an affair outside. It was really tough on Jiang Nan. Ren Baqian couldn''t believe she could actually tolerate him.


    Ren Baqian hoped Chen Qing could curb his lust after he got engaged to Jiang Nan.


    Chen Qing was a reliable individual... He should be able to do it...


    This should be hisst run before his engagement.


    That night, Ren Baqian returned to that world with a heap of White Rabbit Creamy Candies and two stun batons.


    After Ren Baqian woke up the next morning, he ced the two stun batons on the left and right sides of his waist. He felt like a Jedi at this moment��even though the stun batons were shorter and smaller than actual lightsabers.


    Just as he was feeling satisfied in the house, he saw two shadows behind the window. One shadow stood on top of the other. Both of the shadows had huge heads and ears. Furthermore, the ears grew from top of their heads.


    When he pushed open the door, he saw Tiantian lying on the ground while Gungun was stepping on it and trying to push open the window.


    When Tiantian saw Ren Baqian, it stood up from the ground and crawled around,pletely ignoring the fact that Gungun was still on top of its back. As a result, Gungun stumbled and fell to the ground on its head. After swaying around for a while, it stood up, hugged Ren Baqian''s legs and rocked itself.


    Ren Baqian teased the two small chaps and brought them a basket of bamboo leaves.


    During the afternoon, Ren Baqian went to the sweet potato field to check it out. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Caretaker Shi walking towards him. Caretaker Shi had a bloody nose and a swollen face. As he walked towards Ren Baqian, he yelled, "Brother Ren, why doesn''t your secret treasure work anymore?"


    "It won''t work?" Ren Baqian asked with doubt.


    "Let me see it. What happened to your face anyway?" Ren Baqian asked.


    The badly battered Caretaker Shi looked at Ren Baqian and burst outughing. Then, he gave Ren Baqian a pat that almost sent him flying in the air again.


    "It''s out of electricity," Ren Baqian replied after standing far away from Caretaker Shi. By right, the stun baton could be used for ten plus times. Why did it tline so quickly?


    "How do we recharge it? Do we use the electricity from lightning during a thunderstorm?" Caretaker Shi asked curiously.


    Ren Baqian stared at him speechlessly.


    Use the electricity from lightning during a thunderstorm to charge the stun baton? Good idea. Li Yuanba must have thought of the same idea as well. Both of you are very alike.


    [Li Yuanba - A character from a ssical novel]


    However, ancient people had little understanding and knowledge of electricity. It was normal for them to have such a thought process.


    "Why did it drain so quickly?" Ren Baqian asked. He was curious on what Caretaker Shi used it for. When Ren Baqian thought about Caretaker Shi''s personality and looked at his swollen, slightly bloodstained face, he knew something must have happened.


    Just like what Ren Baqian had expected, Caretaker Shi burst outughing when he heard his question. With a proud look on his face, he replied, "That bunch of fellows still dared to challenge me! I single-handedly fought eight persons!"


    Alright, he held up two palms... ten fingers... There was nothing wrong...

 Chapter 64: The Caretaker Shi that Was Beaten Up by Eight People

    Chapter 64: The Caretaker Shi that Was Beaten Up by Eight People


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian swiftly took two steps back, "If someonees to find you for revenge, please don''t tell them that I gave you the stun baton."


    "Don''t worry, Brother Ren. They have asked me, and I already told them that is a secret treasure of yours." Caretaker Shiughed heartily.


    Ren Baqian facepalmed.


    Caretaker Shi was such a fool.


    You took along the stun baton to stir up trouble and still had the audacity to betray me.


    You were able to fight eight people on your own.


    Eight of me would not even be sufficient to fight one of them.


    Ren Baqian tried to weep but failed to shed a single tear. "Whom exactly did you beat up?"


    "Shi Guo from Gang City''s public order bureau, imperial guards Shi Kai and Shi Da, Left Army''s Shi Qing and Shi Zhen, Artillery Bureau''s Shi Meng. Also, the General of Left Army, Shi Feng. This bunch of people always looked down on me, teasing that I was only a caretaker of the beast park. This time round, let''s see who gets the final say." Caretaker Shi wascent. The more Ren Baqian listened to Caretaker Shi, the darker his face turned.


    Just by holding a stun baton, you managed to beat up so many people of different positions.


    If you were given a gun, wouldn''t you even try to fly?


    They were your members of the same Shi n, yet you beat them up.


    Ren Baqian truly regretted that the stun batonnded in Caretaker Shi''s hands.


    "The battery is t, I''ll see if there''s any chance to charge it." Ren Baqian walked in the opposite direction listlessly and drooped his head. Caretaker Shi on the other hand, was full of smiles and bragging non-stop about how he punched the public order bureau official and kicked the imperial guards. If it was not for his badly battered face, Ren Baqian might have believed his words.


    "Where is Shi Wanshan? Get him outside."


    They heard a loudmotion ahead even before heading back to wait.


    This bunch of people was so efficient, how is it that they came knocking on our doors so quickly?


    Ren Baqian''s heart pounded as he looked at Caretaker Shi.


    The answer was clear. You got yourself into this mess. You have got to settle it on your own.


    "Bring out two more secret treasures. I alone can defeat the eight of them," Caretaker Shi proimed as he let out a mischievousugh.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. He dug out a stun baton from his waist and threw it to Caretaker Shi. "There''s only one of this, you have to find a way to handle these guys. Settle your problem on your own."


    Caretaker Shi sniggered and walked towards the direction where the noise came from in a majestic manner.


    "Shi Wanshan this bastard, you bettere out."


    The cursing over there continued, and furthermore, a few voices could be heard. Ren Baqian guessed that either the victims held a meeting and decided to seek for revenge together, or they came individually to redress their grievances and ran into one another at the doorway.


    Ren Baqian shook his head.


    This time, the other party was guarded against Caretaker Shi, yet he still wanted to fight against the eight of them?


    Dream on.


    If we approach them, we would definitely note back in one piece.


    It would be better for me to find a ce and avoid them.


    And not let them follow the clues and track me down.


    After roaming outside for a while, Ren Baqian estimated that it was lunch time and decided to return.


    Ren Baqian just got back and saw Caretaker Shi''s entire face was filthy with grime. He couldn''t even recognize Caretaker Shi.


    "Brother Ren, they have no shame at all. Eight of them beat me up in one go." Caretaker Shi held onto Ren Baqian''s hand and poured out his grievances.


    "Previously, you still said that you beat the eight of them up." Ren Baqian couldn''t help but to ridicule him.


    "I beat them up individually. Throughout my entire journey, I beat up a total of eight of them. How could it be the same as eight of them joining forces and beating me up together?" Caretaker Shi sighed.


    "Why is the battery used up so quickly?" Ren Baqian had no choice but to console him.


    "Your secret treasure��."


    "No more, that was thest one. The other stun baton''s battery was drained by you." Ren Baqian went to scoop his rice and left Caretaker Shi at one side after he finished his sentence.


    I don''t even need to think to know that the stun baton hadnded in other people''s hands.


    Ren Baqian ignored Caretaker Shi who had a bloody nose and a swollen face. The rest of the people also did not pay attention to such a familiar sight. This kind of situation was toomon among the Dayao men so much so that they even poked fun at Caretaker Shi."


    "Initially, I fought against the eight of them. I punched the public order bureau official and kicked the imperial guards. Afterwards, all eight of them joined forces to beat me up, and I was heavily outnumbered." Caretaker Shi did not relent no matter what and insisted that he once fought against eight people. All the odd-job workers in the courtyardughed their heads off.


    In this world, the hierarchy between seniors and juniors was not that stringent at all. These odd-job workers were just like office workers and Caretaker Shi was like a manager. Both parties were able to make jokes out of another, and it was not a big deal at all. This point made Ren Baqian feel ratherfortable.


    After finishing his lunch, Ren Baqian put half a bag worth of White Rabbit Creamy Candy in his clothes and entered the pce.


    He was unupied on his journey and popped a candy into his mouth. The concentrated vor of the milk fragrance was pretty good, and it was not surprising that it had been an unfailing product over the years.


    Ren Baqian chewed on the candy as he arrived at Qingxin Pce Hall. He preferred chewing the candy instead of sucking it as he found it a chore to do so.


    Lin Qiaole was seated, and this time, she finally heard the sound of Ren Baqian opening the door. She drowsily opened her eyes and upon seeing Ren Baqian, she yawned and prepared to continue sleeping.


    "These are treats for you." Ren Baqian took out three White Rabbit Creamy Candies and threw them on the table.


    "What are these?" Lin Qiaole could finally open her eyes after hearing that it was food. It seemed that foodies not only existed on Earth and could be found in other worlds as well.


    Upon seeing the three little things on the table, Lin Qiaole said coldly, "Hng, you think you can bribe me with these?"


    "It''s for you, taste it. I''m certain that you have never eaten it before." Ren Baqian took out another candy from the front of his clothes. He tore open the candy wrapper, and popped the candy into his mouth with a seductive look that seemed like he wanted to kidnap the little girl.


    Lin Qiaole couldn''t care less. Her movement was actually quite fast. She imitated Ren Baqian in tearing open the candy wrapper and popped the candy into her mouth.


    "Wow!" Lin Qiaole''s eyes became rounder and happiness from eating something tasty was shown on her face. She ced her ws on the table and wiped out the two candies in an instant.


    Subsequently, she replied Ren Baqian inartictely," What do you want from me?"


    "Teach me how to read." Ren Baqian replied.


    "I knew you wouldn''t have any good intentions. Bring me hundred pieces of this thing daily." Lin Qiaole immediately fell into the trap of the White Rabbit Creamy Candy''s vor. She revealed the two other candies in her hand and haggled with Ren Baqian.


    "Ten pieces. This item is very rare, I''m sure you haven''t seen it in the past? How is it possible to offer you hundred pieces of such a premium milk candy daily?" Ren Baqian said. Even though one hundred candies weren''t a lot, it was roughly a bag and a half worth and would cost him forty yuan. It was definitely much cheaper than the price of hiring a teacher. But, he had to bring them over from Earth, and in addition to that, it would be troublesome to put a bag of sweets into his clothes whenever he entered the pce.


    "Fifty pieces." Lin Qiaole hesitated for a long time and stretched out her hand, diverging her five fingers.


    Ren Baqian was gratified as she was indeed literate. Atst, he met someone who knew how to count as well.


    But he replied, "Fifteen pieces. I can''t give you too many as the manufacturing of the candy is really too troublesome."


    Finally, after a long period of haggling, they reached a deal of Ren Baqian providing twenty candies daily.


    Following which, Ren Baqian felt a burst of happiness. He could finally learn how to read. "Let''s begin today."


    "Tomorrow it shall be, I want to sleep for a while more." Lin Qiaole immediately closed her eyes and nted her head onto the table.


    "Twenty pieces over here, do you want it?" Ren Baqian helplessly took out a bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    "I want it." Lin Qiaole immediately opened her eyes widely.


    "First, teach me how to read," Ren Baqian negotiated.


    "Give it to me first!" Lin Qiaole did not budge this time.


    "I''ll give ten candies to you first. As for the remaining ten pieces, I''ll only give them to you after today''s lesson." Ren Baqian behaved as if he was a hawker, haggling over a few candies with the other party.


    "I''ll say first, I''m only in charge of teaching, whether you are able to master it or not, that''s your problem. If you dare not acknowledge��" Lin Qiaole revealed two of her sharp canine tooth. She thought for a while, felt that it was wrong and then extended her delicate fist at Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 65: A Mysterious Task

    Chapter 65: A Mysterious Task


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The words in this world resembled pictograms. Even though they were different from Chinese characters and it would take some time for one to learn to write, it actually wasn''t that hard for one to learn to read.


    This could be done as long as one did a side by sideparison with Chinese characters.


    This could save a huge amount of time and effort.


    Ren Baqian''s main target was to learn how to read, not to write.


    Every time Lin Qiaole wrote a word, Ren Baqian wouldpare it with a Chinese character in his head, write it down twice, nod his head, and say, "Alright, I get it, next one."


    In an afternoon, Ren Baqian had learnt forty to fifty words. Lin Qiaole was slightly surprised at him.


    "You really remember all of them?" Lin Qiaole asked curiously.


    Ren Baqian took out the words he had written down just now and pointed to them and said, "This is ''Da'', this is ''Yao'', this is ''majesty'', this is ''your'',..."


    After repeating all the words he had learned, he folded his arms and looked at Lin Qiaole, whose mouth was agape in amazement. A sense of pride arose in Ren Baqian''s heart.


    Given his current learning speed, he could learn most of the words in two months'' time. After all, there were only three thousand plus Chinese characters that were frequently used. As long as he could learn approximately three thousand words, he would not be illiterate in this world anymore.


    That night, he went to tell story to the empress for a while. The second day, he brought some White Rabbit Creamy Candies to Lin Qiaole and learned how to read from her again.


    Ren Baqian did not know whether or not his eyes were ying tricks on him. It seemed that every time Lin Qiaole looked at him, her eyes would twinkle.


    Perhaps she is shocked by my superb learning speed? Ren Baqian felt pleased with himself.


    After all, he was a university graduate. There was nothing surprising about his superb learning speed shocking a girl from this world.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he collected his thoughts and focused on learning again.


    By night time, he finally understood why Lin Qiaole''s eyes were twinkling.


    The empress was lying on her couch. With a graceful hand movement, a White Rabbit Creamy Candy appeared in her hand out of nowhere. When Ren Baqian saw the candy in empress''s hand, his eyes almost popped out. How did the candy fall into the empress''s hands?


    Lin Qiaole that silly-looking girl betrayed him? Even though they were just candies, they weren''t something that could be found in Dayao. Instead of offering the candies to the empress, he used them to bribe Lin Qiaole, what would the empress think of him?


    Looking at the empress tore open the candy wrapper and cing the milk candy into her red lips, Ren Baqian almost choked on his saliva. He took three steps forward and raised a handful of milk candies above his head and said, "Subject has a gift for Your Majesty. I have obtained these milk candies with blood, sweat and tears. Even though they are not really precious, they are exquisitely made, fragrant and sweet. I don''t dare to keep them for my own, so Ie here specially to present them to Your Majesty."


    Qing Yuan hid her smile and took over the handful of milk candies from Ren Baqian. The empress shifted her gaze to Ren Baqian and said, "Thankfully, you''re smart. What are these candies called again?"


    "Milk candies!" Ren Baqian wiped off the sweat on his forehead. Luckily, he brought extra milk candies with him today, otherwise, he would not have passed this stage. Sometimes, he would finish eating the candies by himself very fast.


    "From today onwards, offer one dou of this candy every month," the empress casually said.


    "Yes," Ren Baqian lowered his head and replied in a well-behaved tone. One dou was equivalent to approximately six catties.


    Was she trying to eat the milk candies as though they are staple food?


    What if the empress eats a White Rabbit Creamy Candy every time she duels with other people in the future? Wait, this scene didn''t seem right...


    Today while Ren Baqian was telling the story Investiture of the Gods, he noticed the empress''s mouth had never stopped moving. Every few minutes, she would ce a milk candy into her mouth, looking as though she extremely enjoyed and loved the candy.


    This made Ren Baqian realized that Her Majesty had a unique characteristic, that was, she was fond of eating sweet food.


    Previously, she had disyed an affection for fried pork in scoop as well.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian felt that the empress''s foodie nature had been awakened.


    He hoped that she wouldn''t find trouble for him if she developed toothache in the future.


    "You are also proficient in reciting poems, right?" the empress suddenly asked after Ren Baqian prepared to leave after finishing telling the story.


    Before Ren Baqian could reply, the empress asked again, "I remember what you recited that time. ''I saw the moonlight before my bed, and two pairs of shoes on the floor''. This line is what you recited that time, right?"


    What the hell! The moment Ren Baqian heard this line, he understood why he was almost beheaded by the empress that time.


    "I have made a mistake, I have made a mistake. It is, ''I saw the moonlight before my couch, and wondered if it were not the frost on the ground''." Beads of perspiration ran down Ren Baqian''s forehead again.


    "A few dayster, there will be peopleing over to present some gifts. You will help to receive them," the empress coldly said.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian was slightly stunned. He did not expect himself to receive such a task. However, he still quickly epted it.


    Following which, the empress seemed to ponder over something as she furrowed her eyebrows. Ren Baqian could only wait patiently beneath her.


    "If someone�� keep their ego in check�� If you do well, I will reward you ordingly."


    After a long while, the empress continued, "If you throw Dayao''s face, you should know of the consequences."


    Ren Baqian was puzzled.


    Did the empress leave out something in the beginning? What did she say before asking me to keep their ego in check?


    However, Ren Baqian was shook by the empress''sst sentence. He knew she wasn''t joking with him.


    Ren Baqian quickly raised his head and asked, "Your Majesty, I wonder who are these people? What are they here for?"


    "You will know then. I will send someone to notify and arrange a status for you. You''re dismissed." The empress waved her hand after finishing her sentence.


    After Ren Baqian left the pce, his mind was at a nk. Who were he going to receive? How was he supposed to keep their ego in check?


    The task of receiving guests should be quite easy. The task that troubled him the most was keeping those people''s ego in check. From the empress''s tone, it seemed like she disliked those people very much. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have asked him to keep their ego in check.


    Who were those people? What were their status? How was he going to keep their ego in check? Ren Baqian did not know the answers to all these questions.


    However, Ren Baqian also understood some of the words that the empress said just now. No matter what, he could not throw Dayao''s face. Otherwise, he would be in deep trouble.


    Before he could do anything, he had to first understand what was going on.


    After returning to the beast park, Ren Baqian went to find Caretaker Shi.


    "What''s happened during this period of time?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Caretaker Shi looked slightly puzzled. He did not understand what Ren Baqian was trying to ask.


    "Today, Her Majesty told me some people are going to present her with gifts��"


    Caretaker Shi thought for a long time and fiddled with his fingers. Finally, a realization dawned upon him as he patted Ren Baqian''s shoulder and said, "Her Majesty''s birthday ising."


    "Ah?"


    "Every year, whenever it''s Her Majesty''s birthday, there will be a lot of peopleing from Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation. Most of them are the sons of those aristocratic families. However, all of their physiques are like chickens''. They can''t even withstand a single punch."


    Ren Baqian felt like his physique was what Caretaker Shi was talking about��like a chicken''s.


    "But why do they have toe when it''s Her Majesty''s birthday?" Ren Baqian asked. He could still understand if it was the officials from Great Xia, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation that came here to present gifts to Her Majesty.


    But why do these aristocratic families have toe?


    Upon hearing these words, Caretaker Shi sneered, "Why do they have toe? Don''t forget Her Majesty is still unmarried."

 Chapter 66: The Imperial Order to Slap Others

    Chapter 66: The Imperial Order to p Others


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian immediately understood when Caretaker Shi exined it.


    upation: Empress. Strength: world number seven. Wealth: As rich as the whole nation. Appearance: Alluring fair skin and mind-blowing beauty. No matter where she went, she would still be the fairest and wealthiest beauty of all.


    Someone trying to go after the empress would then be a very normal urrence.


    Therefore, on the empress''s birthday, there would be many wealthy and powerful men or well-wishers from the three countries rushing to Dayao. Each and every one was like a passionate animal trying to gain the favors of the empress.


    Because, this was the only time they had the chance to get near the empress.


    Ren Baqian also understood why the empress chose him to provide assistance at the reception. After all, these people were bearing gifts, and she couldn''t expect them to stay at the guest inn. Arrangements had to be made as a gesture of goodwill, and the ruler of the nation also had to save her own face.


    Even though these people were here to present gifts to Her Majesty, some of them certainly annoyed the empress, and she had already wanted to p them for a period of time. For some reason, she did not mention much about this matter and, therefore, briefly said a sentence about it.


    The reason was very clear. In any case, they could not disgrace Dayao.


    This phrase was rather vague. What was regarded as throwing Dayao''s face?


    If you let an aboriginal take on this task, he reckoned that whenever poetry was discussed, the aboriginal wouldpare the size of their fist? And if they talked about beautiful sceneries, the aboriginal wouldpare the thickness of their legs?


    After all, this was Her Majesty''s birthday, and precautions must be taken to prevent any serious injury from urring.


    As a result, a "talented person" like Ren Baqian who suddenly appeared in front of the empress, was caught as someone capable of assisting her. She did not even care whether he was up to standard or not.


    In any case, it was the same every year. Ren Baqian reckoned that no matter how bad he was, the result could not be worse than the previous year. He might as well put himself upfront.


    Thinking about the people who mighte, Ren Baqian guessed that it would probably be the young elites from various countries. Those with no confidence at all absolutely had no probability ofing. The empress actually bestowed him with the authority to suppress these people?


    Ren Baqian felt that it was already not bad if they did not suppress him.


    If he did not handle them properly, they would take him for a tool or stepping stone to show off.


    In an instant, Ren Baqian did not feel good anymore.


    Upon thinking over what the empress had said, Ren Baqian felt that if he were to be a stepping stone, he was afraid that the empress would make him a stepping stone his entire life. The kind of stepping stone which was used to fill holes and buried under.


    Thinking about such an oue��


    "Damn it, I will fight it out with them," Ren Baqian said with a murderous intent.


    "What are you fighting against?" Caretaker Shi raised his head looked at Ren Baqian nkly.


    "When is Her Majesty''s birthday?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "There''s still one more month, probably?" Caretaker Shi said with uncertainty. "How did Her Majestye to mention about this today?"


    "Her Majesty asked me to apany her to receive the guest at the reception," Ren Baqianined.


    "Haha, receive the guests then. Just arrange good amodation for them, and it will be fine." Caretaker Shi said nonchntly.


    "Her Majesty also said that we cannot throw Dayao''s face." Ren Baqian showed resentment.


    "Isn''t it simple? Beat up those who are discontented and those that look at you in a displeasing manner. Also, beat up those whom you find an eyesore. Beat all of them up till they can''t even open their mouth to speak." Caretaker Shi burst into a loudughter.


    Ren Baqian let out a faint sigh. As expected, this was the style of the aboriginals.


    Better not say such, as Ren Baqian might actually need to bring along two fighters. In this world, it was not only the aboriginals who can fight. If the empress hadn''t Long Wanli''s opponent, Ren Baqian reckoned that Long Wanli could have showed off a bit of his skills.


    Ren Baqian bade goodbye to Caretaker Shi and went back to his room. The two little chaps were hugging each other and sleeping soundly. Ren Baqian dived into his bed and started to ponder.


    The status of the peopleing was known.


    Anyway, no matter how awesome they were, they were certainly not as awesome as the empress.


    Each person''s ability could be measured ording to extraordinary martial art skill, literary talent, eloquence, and physical appearance.


    Apparently, those with extraordinary fighting capabilities would not be able to disy them.


    In any case, they cannotpare with the prowess of the empress.


    There are only six experts in the world that are stronger than her, and he assumed that they will note.


    After all, the masters know how to maintain their own status, and they would not behave like an old cow eating the young tender grass?


    As for those people with extraordinary literary talent, the empress deliberately mentioned their poetic and singing skills.


    The empress''s intention was for himself to suppress this bunch of people.


    Dayao only produced a very few literary talents. This bunch of people came every year to Dayao to unt their talent and had already annoyed the empress since a long time ago.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while. If every doctorate holder or professor had nothing better to do every day than only bragging about their profession, he would definitely not respect them like the endless surging water. Rather, he would feel like using the sole of his shoe to p their faces.


    He reckon that the empress would feel this way too.


    How did that phrase "The minister is worried when the king worries. The minister would rather die than let his monarch be humiliated."e about? Although he was a twenty first century person, his superior now was the empress. The empress could p their faces with a sole anytime she liked, and he would be the first one to carry out the mission.


    Aftering to an understanding, Ren Baqian had a little more rity on the situation.


    Although these people were the elites from different nations, he was a university graduate and, in any case, should not lose out to the elites in a feudal society.


    Oh, I still have some time.


    The next time I return to Earth, I will memorize three hundred poems each from the Tang Dynasty and from the Song Dynasty.


    I do not believe that the wisdoms of the ancient civilizations cannot surpass the knowledge of the elites from the renowned families.


    Although my knowledge of mathematics will make their eyes pop out, I''m afraid, however, it would be like a chicken talking to a duck which is quite meaningless.


    The next day, Ren Baqian arrived at Qingxin Pce Hall and looked resentful after seeing Lin Qiaole. He wondered whether he should bring feces smelling like chocte or chocte-vored shit the next time.


    "Why are you looking at me in that way?" Lin Qiaole saw Ren Baqian''s grudgeful face and said awkwardly.


    Ren Baqian thought for a moment and decided it was better not to say anything. A gentleman should not be too calctive with a little girl or else people would find it very eye pricking.


    No doubt, he was indeed quite petty.


    He made up his mind, and it should be chocte-vored shit.


    The other party was not stupid and would certainly not eat a chocte which smells like shit.


    "Let''s continue." Ren Baqian pulled a stool and sat directly across from her. Lin Qiaole was relieved when he did not say anything. She was a little nervous just now and was baffled by this feeling as well.


    Ren Baqian learned a few dozen words in one afternoon and reviewed what he learned at the end of the day. He was quite satisfied that he did not forget any words. Ren Baqian was perfectly contented with himself.


    That evening, he went to the pce to tell the story as usual and brought along a bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candies. The empress was quite happy with Ren Baqian for he knew how to get into people''s good books and was looking more pleasing to her eyes.


    The bunch of stout and rough people in the imperial court could easily lead an army to fight, but, it was hard for them to be sensible and considerate.


    The story began with the birth of Ne Zha, the evisceration of his bones to show gratitude to his father. Following which, he talked about the lotus incarnation, Jiang Ziya venturing down the mountain, and also the burning of the Pipa Spirit slowly unfolded. The story got increasingly interesting as Ren Baqian continued.


    Even the empress seldom interrupted and concentrated on listening to the story. From time to time, she put a big piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy in her mouth,


    One person spoke and three people listened while the firelight in the pce flickered in the wind at times.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt that the atmosphere was quite suitable for telling a ghost story.


    He decided to put this idea quickly to rest when he recalled the fighting prowess of the empress.


    Other women were afraid of listening to ghost stories and acted like scared little birds. It was alright if the empress wasn''t scared, but if she got really scared, she might p him and send him flying. Then, the same date next year would be his death anniversary.


    That night, the story of the Investiture of The Gods went onter than usual, but the empress did not say anything. Ren Baqian continued to narrate until the part where Bo Yikao went to send tribute to Chao Ge and finallynded up in jail. Only then did the empress decide to let him off.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian took Teng Hulu and Tie Dao out for a walk. After he returned to Earth tonight, it would be Chen Qing''s engagement the next day. He was looking to buy some nice gifts for Chen Qing.


    Even though Ren Baqian was aware of the scarcity of products in Dayao, it was only after he went to some shops on Jingyang Road that he realized that it was worse than he expected.


    Most of the things in the shops were refined rice and noodles, wine, salt, cloth and other necessities of life. Furthermore, the prices were not low.


    There were a few shops which sold brightly colored cloth, silk ,or porcin, and so on. However, the prices almost made Ren Baqian burst his blood vessels.


    His original intention was to get a gift for Chen Qing, but after going around for half a day, he could not find anything suitable.


    Seeing it was time to go back, he reluctantly did so.

 Chapter 67: Studying for the Sake of Ego-Checking

    Chapter 67: Studying for the Sake of Ego-Checking


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When Ren Baqian woke up, it was already early morning. After taking a look at the first glimmer of light outside the window, Ren Baqiany back down on the bed for a very long time before getting up.


    Today was the engagement day between Chen Qing and Jiang Nan. No matter what, he had to attend their engagement feast.


    Inside his wardrobe, the suits that he previously wore to work could no longer be worn. Ren Baqian took some body measurements and realized he had be heavier by at least 6 kilograms. He used to weigh 71 kilograms. Now, he weighed approximately 77 kilograms.


    He ate meat for almost every meal in that world. It was no wonder that he became heavier.


    On Earth, his physique was just right, not too shabby. However, in Dayao, he was frail and weak like a chicken��ording to Caretaker Shi.


    He put on a random shirt, went out to have his breakfast, and went to buy a blue-colored suit. He spent a few thousand yuan on the new set of clothing. It wasn''t considered too expensive, and it fit him very well.


    Following which, he gave Chen Qing a call and asked about the time of the engagement feast.


    When he knew it was set at night, he went to the supermarket and bought a heap of White Rabbit Creamy Candies and various types of choctes. He spent roughly 2000 yuan on 8 kilograms of White Rabbit Creamy Candies and the choctes.


    After stuffing these things into the boot of his car, Ren Baqian went to buy a copy of Three Hundred Tang Poems and Three Hundred Song Poems.


    The empress had personally given him the task ,and he did not dare to be negligent about it. He had to memorize the poems so that he could attack whoever that dared to show off to him.


    After driving back home to drop off the things he bought, Ren Baqiany on the sofa and moaned. He felt that the sofa on Earth was much morefortable and softer than the stool in that world.


    He still could not make a sofa yet. After all, it would still take some more time before the leather was ready. The leather would take approximately eight to ten days before it was ready. When the leather was ready, he would make one sofa and gift it to the empress. Then, he would make one for himself and ced it in his house [his house in the other world]. With a sofa in the house, he could find somewhere to lie on at night.


    After lying on the sofa for a while, he got up and charged the stun baton. Subsequently, he uploaded the photos from his camera onto hisputer. Then, he registered a new Weibo ount, named it "The New Life in The Strange World", and uploaded the photos of Tiantian and Gungun onto it.


    There were photos of them sleeping, ying, rolling about, and hugging his legs. He uploaded a total of thirty photos.


    He had uploaded a few photos of sceneries that he deemed not bad as well.


    He did not care whether or not would people take note of the photos he uploaded onto Weibo. To him, these photos were records of his life in the strange world.


    After uploading the photos onto Weibo, Ren Baqian took out Three Hundred Tang Poems and began to recite the poems silently. If he wanted to keep those people''s ego in check, he had to know these poems by heart.


    A month''s time was neither too long nor too short. One day in that world was equivalent to three days on Earth. He got to return to Earth from that world roughly seven times a month. As such, the time he had in the two worlds added up to be approximately half a month.


    However, he was still short on time. He had to work hard to keep those people''s ego in check.


    Wait, did he remember something wrongly? A streak of light shed across Ren Baqian''s mind. He realized something was amiss.


    First, there was still one month before the empress''s birthday. Caretaker Shi said it was approximately one month to the empress''s birthday. He did not say it was exactly one month''s time.


    Second, a feudal society wasn''t the same as a modern society. The means of transport in that world weren''t developed. Ordinary people usually did not travel far away from their homes. Every time they had to travel far, they would take up ten days to half a month to do so. Furthermore, this was travelling within the country. For a huge event like the empress''s birthday, they would certainly set off earlier. There was an eighty percent chance that they would arrive earlier. It was normal that they would arrive ten days to half a month earlier.


    Ren Baqian did not have much time left. If they were to arrive one month earlier, he would only have enough time to take a quick look at the poetry books.


    Time wasn''t just running short, he was basically in a desperate situation.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he jumped up from the sofa. For the whole afternoon, he tried to memorize the poems in the book. He did not even work so hard during the final year at university.


    Thest time he possessed such a degree of diligence was when he was studying for university entrance examinations.


    After half of the day was gone, Ren Baqian then put down the book with his head spinning. After resting for a while, he changed his clothes and headed to the restaurant where the engagement feast between Chen Qing and Jiang Nan was being held.


    When he reached the entrance, he saw Chen Qing wearing a red-colored suit and Jiang Nan wearing a red-colored qipao. Both of them were merrily receiving the guests at the entrance.


    Chen Qing came from a rich family. Even though Jiang Nan''s family wasn''t as wealthy as Chen Qing''s, her parents were university professors. She still came from a literary family after all. Standing there, both of them looked extremelypatible.


    Yes, Jiang Nan wasn''t extraordinarily pretty, but she possessed an extremely tranquil charm.


    When Chen Qing saw Ren Baqian, he smiled and stepped forward to give him a hug.


    "My presence itself is your gift. What I have, you already have. What I don''t have, you still have it," Ren Baqian spread his arms and said. He indeed did not think of giving Chen Qing any present.


    "It''s hard to even meet up with you nowadays, your attendance alone is enough," Chen Qing patted Ren Baqian''s shoulder and said.


    Ren Baqian gave a grimace of a pain. Chen Qing did not use a lot of strength but


    Ren Baqian''s shoulder still felt painful. His shoulder was already swollen after it was patted by Caretaker Shi several times.


    "Congrattions, Jiang Nan," Ren Baqian greeted Jiang Nan. "This day has finally arrived."


    Jiang Nan''s face was filled with bliss. She pursed her lips and smiled, "Thank you, but it has indeed been very long since Ist saw you."


    "I''m quite busy recently, you should know it," Ren Baqian chuckled and waved his hand.


    "Busy with eating? You have fattened up so much."


    Ren Baqian burst into aughter.


    After exchanging greetings, Ren Baqian was led to a table next to the main table.


    The two families did not arrange this engagement feast without any restraint. Only close family members and friends were invited. There were roughly four to five tables.


    "Little Ren, you havee," Chen Qing''s dad greeted Ren Baqian when he saw him.


    "Uncle, you can just call me Baqian. Otherwise, every time I''ll feel like you''re scolding me," Ren Baqian said helplessly.


    Hearing these words, Chen Qing''s dadughed heartily.


    However, since today was the engagement feast for both families, Chen Qing''s dad did not have much time to entertain Ren Baqian. He ced his main focus on familiarizing himself with Jiang Nan''s family members.


    Ren Baqian sat to one side sipping his tea. He was reciting the poems from Three Hundred Tang Poems in his head, reinforcing his memory.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian went into his own world, looking as though his soul had left his body. asionally, he would return to his senses and looked the blissful faces of Chen Qing and Jiang Nan. He felt happy for both of them too.


    After attending the engagement feast, Ren Baqian thought about how his mum pushed him to go on a blind date and shook his head lightly.


    If his situation did not change, he couldn''t find a stable girlfriend.


    Ren Baqian walked out of the restaurant and a cold wind blew across his face, causing his neck to shiver and pull back. Today was indeed very cold.


    He quickly got onto his car and switched on the heater. Within a short period of time, he felt warmer.


    He drove home, switched on hisputer, and checked his newly-created Weibo ount. Even though he did not really care if there was anyone checking out his Weibo ount, he still hoped someone would see and notice the photos he uploaded.


    After all, those were the footprints of him going to that strange world.


    After Ren Baqian logged in to his Weibo ount, he realized his album had a few hundred likes and ten overments. He felt slightly happy.


    He opened up thement section and looked at it. Most of thements were asking him whether or not he worked in a zoo, which zoo he worked in, and etc. Only twoments were directed at his scenery shots. The twoments were asking him about where took the pictures so that they could visit the ce too.


    Indeed, a national treasure had the most captivating power.


    [Pandas are often considered national treasure of China.]


    The second day, Ren Baqian studied the poetry book for the entire day. During the afternoon, he felt dizzy and that his mind was in a muddle. He threw the poetry book aside, went downstairs, got into his car, and went out for a spin to rx himself.


    He drove aimlessly through the city. As he turned a corner, he saw an unadorned girl carrying several things while walking forward with great effort. He sighed silently in his heart. A few months ago, he was just like her: struggling to survive in the city.


    The speed of his car couldn''t be considered fast. When he passed her, he turned around to look at her. She looked delicate and pretty. The next second, he found her somewhat familiar.


    After thinking for a while, he still couldn''t recognize who she was. When he noticed a red-colored hearing air on her ear, he suddenly recalled who she was.


    It was the counterdy with a hearing disability that he had encountered previously in the restaurant. He reckoned that she must have developed the hearing disability when she was very young, causing her not being able to speak. Even though she could hear people talking with the help of the hearing aid, she still lost part of her speaking capability. This caused her voice to be slightly awful and her words to be unclear. As such, even if she could talk, she would choose not to.

 Chapter 68: The Return of the Jedi

    Chapter 68: The Return of the Jedi


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian looked at the girl who was walking down the road and was carrying luggage of different sizes. It looked as if she was either moving to a new house or going to the train station. He felt slightly sympathetic towards her. After all, he had been just like her in the past and naturally understood how difficult it was for a youngster to survive on their own in the city��not to mention a girl who was somewhat handicapped.


    Since Ren Baqian was currently unupied and he ran into this girl who''d given him a very good impression back then, he stopped his car somewhere ahead, opened the doors and walked backwards.


    "Do you still remember me?" Ren Baqian went in front of the girl and asked loudly. He wasn''t sure how loud should he be for the girl to hear him.


    "The previous time at the restaurant, one of my ssmates had a drink too many."


    His unexpected appearance seemed as if he was nning tomit a robbery, giving the girl a shock.


    After seeing clearly and recalling who the person in front of her was, she expressed a look of sudden realization on her face.


    "Do you need any help?" Ren Baqian saw her expression and knew that she recalled who he was.


    The girl put the luggage that she was carrying on the ground, fished out a small notebook from her pocket and wrote, "I remember, thank you."


    "Do you need any help?" Ren Baqian pointed at her luggage. "Where are you headed to?"


    "I will be fine, thank you," that girl wrote.


    "Are you going home? Or going to the bus station?"


    "I have lost my job and in the midst of changing my living quarters now. Previously, I was staying in a dormitory."


    Ren Baqian''s gaze froze for a split second. He did not expect that she was not working at the restaurant anymore.


    Even though it was not difficult for an ordinary person to find a job, but, it would definitely be more difficult to find a job in her case.


    After all, not all bosses would ept someone who was somewhat handicapped as their employee.


    But, thinking about it, someone like her should have ess to some sort of mutual assistance among the disabled. Something like a WeChat group and such to help seek jobs for the disabled.


    "Where do you live? I''ll send you there? Consider it to be an apology for my ssmate''sck of manners. Furthermore, I have nothing much to do now and was just driving around." Ren Baqian spoke the truth as he really had nothing to do. All day he was painstakingly memorizing many Tang poems, and now, he was just wandering about aimlessly, entirely out to take a breather.


    The girl revealed a vexed expression. It was indeed challenging for her to carry so many things, and although the ce she was going to wasn''t far, it wasn''t that near either. It was also difficult for her to hail a taxi in the vicinity.


    Seeing that the girl was in distress, Ren Baqian grabbed a piece of her luggage and said, "Don''t worry, I have no evil intentions. I just want to apologize for what had happened previously. Since I''m currently unupied and bored, if I can help, I should definitely help. Seeing that you are carrying so many stuff, the ce you are headed to shouldn''t be too far as well. It doesn''t need much effort anyway."


    The girl finally nodded her head. She got on the car and flipped her notebook to a page which showed "Thank you" to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    "Where are you headed to?"


    The girl wrote down an address. Ren Baqian took a nce and entered the address into the navigation system. It was considered rtively near to here. If she continued to walk, it would be approximately one kilometer away. However, holding these things was indeed somewhat troublesome.


    "Have you found a new job?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I will find a job soon enough." The girl wrote. Ren Baqian could feel her gush of dynamism from the words that she had written down.


    "My apologies, what is your name?" Ren Baqian felt a bit apologetic. Previously, another waiter did shout her name before but he had long forgotten.


    "My name is An Fei."


    "Very nice name." Ren Baqian praised her even without thinking.


    An Fei flipped the piece of paper again to show "Thank you."


    It appeared that a fewmonly used words or phrases were written on the notebook. Each piece of paper consisted either a word or a phrase. Whenever she needed to use them, she would just have to take the notebook out directly and flip to the page.


    The ce that An Fei was going to live at was a little neighborhood that was outmoded. It seemed like it had been almost two days since someone cleared the trash from the trash cans in the courtyard.


    Ren Baqian sent her to the bottom of the building. An Fei wrote on a piece of paper, "Thank you, I will treat you to a meal when I manage to find a new job. Can you leave your phone number with me?"


    Ren Baqian smiled and wrote his number on the piece of paper. Soon after, he watched her enter the passageway of the building.


    Ren Baqian sat in his car and zoned out for a short while, even he felt that his own change was drastic. If it were in the past, he would definitely not do such a thing. Otherwise, he would not have been immersed in his own world after attending so many years of school that he did not have a single friend at all.


    After wandering outside for some time, Ren Baqian felt somewhat rxed. He found a ce to have a meal and returned home to continue memorizing poems.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes to a familiar wooden beam. He shook his head and sat up, in his hand was still the Three Hundred Tang Poems. Even after he slept, he was still a little dazed. Ren Baqian felt that if he continued to memorize like that, he would be a fool.


    It would be better to go out and y with Tiantian and Gungun.


    The bag to the side consisted of White Rabbit Creamy Candies, choctes, and two stun batons which he prepared when he was on Earth.


    Ren Baqian stuffed the two stun batons at his waist and felt that he had once again regained his Jedi aura.


    From today onwards, he would continue to strive hard and learn how to p people using soles in the mornings. In the afternoons, he would learn how to read, and in the evenings, he would narrate stories to Her Majesty.


    After nning out the things that he needed to do every day, Ren Baqian pushed open the door and picked up the pandas, who slept as if they were unconscious, each on one of his hands. Then, he spun around like a windstorm before putting the two chaps, who were dizzy and seeing stars appearing in front of them, down.


    Once Tiantian and Gungun fell to the ground, they immediately staggered along to seek Ren Baqian out for revenge. In the end, one of them stumbled and knocked into the door frame while the other fell directly from the b. Both Tiantian and Gungun rolled non-stop on the ground.


    Ren Baqian hurriedly lifted his camera and captured the dorky moment of the two little chaps.


    When Ren Baqian was having his breakfast, he suddenly recalled that the "electric fans" should be ready for collection.


    He left the beast park with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao. When they returned, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao each carried ten "electric fans" on their back.


    They directly passed them along to Tong Jia to manufacture ordingly to the boxes he made previously. As for the color of the box, it wasn''t as troublesome as the previous time, and painting a dark color would suffice.


    In any case, there was nopetition for this item. He could sell them however he wanted as long as it was functional.


    If the stuff Ren Baqian sold was more exquisite than the one he gifted the empress, then he would be creating trouble for himself.


    "Brother, I have retrieved your secret treasure." Ren Baqian was lost in thoughts when he heard Caretaker Shi''s voice. He turned his head over and saw Caretaker Shi, whose facial injuries had not healed yet, tossing the stun baton up and downcently.


    Needless to say, Ren Baqian was certain that the stun baton ran out of battery again. Otherwise, with Caretaker Shi''s fighting capability, he would absolutely be unable to retrieve the other stun baton back.


    Ren Baqian stretched his hand and received the stun baton from Caretaker Shi. He was afraid that Caretaker Shi would mention about the stun baton again and diverted his attention. "How''s the shop at Jingyang Road?"


    "We just hung the signboard yesterday but couldn''t locate you. The reputation of our shaved ice business has spread outwards. We are also not making the shaved ice at the entrance of the shop at Jingyang Road anymore. Many people started to enter the shop after we hung our signboard."


    Sure enough, Caretaker Shi was in high spirits as he spoke of this.


    Soon after, he drew back the corners of his mouth and extended his five fingers extremely happily, "I have tripled the price for the foreigners ording to what you say. Fifteen coins for a bowl of shaved ice. In any case, what they have is money. Heh, I have never felt so happy seeing their expression."


    Ren Baqian grabbed his hand and forcefully pushed back three of his fingers, "Back then, I said double the price. In addition, you take the me for the own trouble you have caused."

 Chapter 69: One Should Bide Ones Time and Wait for the Right Opportunity to Seek Revenge!

    Chapter 69: One Should Bide One''s Time and Wait for the Right Opportunity to Seek Revenge!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    During the afternoon, Ren Baqian was learning words from Lin Qiaole in Qingxin Pce Hall. Suddenly, he heard footsteps closing in. There seemed to be a few peopleing their way.


    He stood up and looked at the entrance of the pce hall. The empress, her two pce maids, and the guard that was named Xin Zhe were approaching the pce hall.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian quickly greeted the empress.


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s voice, Lin Qiaole stood up from her chair and bounced towards the empress and greeted her, "Your Majesty."


    "Hm." Upon seeing Lin Qiaole, the empress''s facial expression became much more gentle.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. Lin Qiaole actually had so many hidden talents. No wonder she could be an imperial librarian at such a young age. And, no wonder she turned the milk candies over to the empress the moment she got them.


    Even though Ren Baqian did not know what was the rtionship between the empress and Lin Qiaole, he could tell that they were rather familiar with each other from their facial expressions.


    Along with her entourage, the empress walked past Ren Baqian. He could smell a whiff of delicate fragrance. Then, he timidly followed behind them.


    After entering the pce hall, the empress saw the brush and paper on the table. She asked, "Are you learning how to write?"


    "Subject is not proficient in Dayao''s writtennguage. Currently I''m still learning how to read the words," Ren Baqian exined behind her.


    The empress nodded her head and replied, "As the storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall, you ought to know how to read."


    If her imperial officials were like him, it would save her a lot of trouble.


    "How''s your progress?" The empress picked up the paper which Ren Baqian wrote his ugly words on. Ren Baqian''s words made her reminisce over her past. The words she wrote when she was three years old should be something like these, if not slightly better.


    "I should be able to recognize most of the words within two months'' time," Ren Baqian replied. He only said he could recognize the words and not write them. He had written every word several times, but he did this just to reinforce his memory. He would forget how to write them after a while.


    He could only slowly learn how to write in the future.


    The empress nodded her head and did not say anything else. Along with her entourage, she continued to walk forward and went to the second floor. Ren Baqian carefully walked behind them.


    Aftering here so many times, this was the first time he went to the second floor.


    The thing that surprised him the most was that there was an old woman wearing an official robe keeping watch over the second floor. Aftering here so many times, he had never seen here down to the first floor before. He also had not heard any sounds from the second floor, making him think that no one was there.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty. May I know what book are you looking for?" The old woman stood up to bow and smiled at the empress.


    "Supervisor Lin, how have you been?" the empress asked.


    "I am fine, my chronic illness has never recurred for quite some time. Cough cough��" Supervisor Lin coughed after finishing her sentence.


    Ren Baqian looked at her with disdain.


    You''re acting�� you''re acting�� I havee here so many times, and I have yet to hear anything from this floor�� Now you are suddenly coughing because the empress is here?


    Your surname is Lin too? Don''t tell me��Lin Qiaole was her daughter or granddaughter? One was librarian, the other was supervisor. Was she preparing to pass on her position to Lin Qiaole?


    Ren Baqian cast a nce at Lin Qiaole.


    Upon hearing Supervisor Lin''s words, the empress said with a gentle tone, "Supervisor Lin, you have to take care of your body. Xin Zhe,ter go to the medicinal warehouse and send three taels of red snake eggs and five Baixin grasses here."


    "Yes."


    "Get me the Record of the Mysterious Cave, recently, I suddenly want to read it," the empress continued.


    "I will go and get it for you now," Supervisor Lin bowed and said. Following which, she walked deeper into the second floor with her crooked body.


    "I want to see if there is any interesting books," the empress spoke again.


    Supervisor Lin stopped in her track and gestured her to do as she pleased.


    When Ren Baqian saw the empress continued to walk forward again, he did not know whether or not should he follow her.


    However, when he saw everyone had left, he quickly followed them.


    Anyway, he was very curious about how different the book collections on the second floor were from the first floor''s.


    Logically speaking, the book collections on the second floor should be more precious than the first floor.


    The second floor also contained rooms that were of a simr size as the first floor''s. However, one would not be able to see anything in the rooms from their entrances. There was a soft paper covering the gridded doors of the rooms, preventing one from looking into them.


    "Your Majesty, it''s in here." Supervisor Lin stopped in her tracks at the third room from the back. The empress entered the room and Supervisor Lin followed behind her. Then, Xin Zhe stood guard at the door.


    Ren Baqian could not see anything in the room at all.


    At the same time, he became even more curious.


    This room is so heavily guarded, what exactly was inside?


    Record of the Mysterious Cave? Was it some kind of secret martial arts manual? Ren Baqian felt that possibility of it being a secret martial arts manual was very high. The name of this book did not sound as boring as Three Hundred Tang Poems. Furthermore, the empress''s martial arts were so popr. It made perfect sense that she would read a secret martial arts manual when she was free.


    Ren Baqian stood obediently at the entrance of the room. asionally, he would raise his head and look around. He was wondering when would the empresse out of the room.


    When he saw Lin Qiaole, who was standing not far away, he grinned and almostughed out loud.


    All he could see was Lin Qiaole swaying on her feet. Her eyes were already closed.


    If an ordinary person saw her swaying range, he or she would never guess that she had actually fallen asleep.


    Her ability to sleep while standing was absolutely peerless.


    He had to admit that the temptation of White Rabbit Creamy Candy on Lin Qiaole was indeed huge. It could actually make her take out time from her hardcore sleeping schedule and teach him how to read. Ordinary people would definitely be unable to understand how much she desired to sleep. After all, she was someone that could fall asleep while waiting for her superiors.


    Perhaps her best option was to lie on the bed and sleep until the end of time.


    "Thump."


    Ren Baqian raised his head to see what had happened. Indeed, Lin Qiaole''s head had knocked into the wooden wall beside her.


    He lowered his head and sniggered.


    He wasn''t the only that wasughing at Lin Qiaole. Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan pursed their lips andughed softly as well.


    It seemed that the both of them knew about the situation with Lin Qiaole.


    "What happened?" The empress''s voice rang across the air from inside the room.


    "Nothing, I identally bumped into the wall."


    Lin Qiaole rubbed her head as she replied in a haste. After feeling annoyed for quite some time, she finally stopped rubbing her head and put down her hand. Not long after, she once again began to sway on her feet.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that Lin Qiaole might be suffering from a disease. He had seen it on the news back on Earth before. There was a girl who was suffering from a weird disease. Every day, she had to sleep 18 to 20 hours, so much so that she could not sustain a normal job.


    Lin Qiaole might be suffering from the same disease as her.


    However, it was obvious that her condition wasn''t as severe as that girl. She would only act like this when she had nothing to do. The usual sounds were still able to wake her up. If she had a task on hand, she could still keep awake.


    After some time, the door to the room finally opened. The empress walked out of the room with Supervisor Lin behind her.


    When the two people exited the room, her eyes swiftly widened, looking as though she was staring at someone. Following which, her eyes began to rx as she let out a yawn.


    Ren Baqian took a sweeping nce at the empress. He saw her holding two books in her hands as she walked out of the room. Her ice-cold gaze scanned Ren Baqian, making him stand up straight immediately.


    After sending the empress out of Qingxin Pce, Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole returned inside. Supervisor Lin did not follow them as she merely sent the empress to the head of the staircase.


    "Are you really that tired?" Ren Baqian asked Lin Qiaole curiously. If a normal person had already slept for eight hours, he would not be able to sleep any more even if he wanted to. Ren Baqian really could not understand how Lin Qiaole did it.


    "I''m okay��" Lin Qiaoley on the table and replied listlessly.


    Looking at her appearance, Ren Baqian found her to be rather amusing. He casually tossed a piece of Dove Chocte on the table and said, "Try it, it''s my treat to you."


    Just as the chocte left Ren Baqian''s hand, Lin Qiaole''s shadowless hand immediately caught it.


    She took off the wrapper and carefully bit it. Following which, she gobbled up the chocte with a crackle like a hungry hamster. She then looked at Ren Baqian with glittering eyes.


    Ren Baqian gave her a "friendly" smile. In his mind, he was figuring out whether or not she would eat a piece of chocte-vored shit if he really made one for her.


    One should bide one''s time and wait for the right opportunity to seek vengeance!


    But, he had to make sure he wouldn''t get beaten to death by her first.

 Chapter 70: Embarking on the Path of a Villainous Advisor

    Chapter 70: Embarking on the Path of a Viinous Advisor


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian had only been studying for a short while when the imperial guard named Xin Zhe came in. She delivered some medicine to the second floor beforeing down to address Ren Baqian, "Follow me to meet Her Majesty."


    Pushing his pen and paper aside, Ren Baqian abandoned his work and followed her.


    Lin Qiaole was seething as she red at Ren Baqian''s silhouette. She packed the stationery after giving only two angry snorts on ount of Ren Baqian''s daily gift of White Rabbit Creamy Candy.


    The familiar path they walked led back to the usual pce. After entering, Ren Baqian noticed arge man wearing an official''s robe standing inside.


    Therge man''s robe was slightly different from his own. They both had the same ck color, but therge man''s had a wild beast motif and a yellow cor.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian stopped one step behind therge man and greeted the empress.


    Therge man turned around and sized Ren Baqian up, asking, "Your Majesty, this is the guy?"


    "This is the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall. He will apany you in receiving those people." The empress''s cold, unfeeling voice drifted down.


    "Alright, I''ve long been annoyed with those people. They have no ability yet have piles of nonsensical matters. I''d have chopped their heads off to y ser with if they weren''t here to present gifts." Therge man guffawed.


    "Ren Baqian, this is Honglu Judicial Officer. You''ll report to him starting tomorrow, so you don''t have to go to Qingxin Pce Hall for the time being. As for your position, you''ll be ced under the Honglu Bureau for now. Gu Daxiong, are there any empty positions?" Her Majesty asked.


    Gu Daxiong''s appearance was true to his name. With his huge physique and blooming beard, the man looked not much different from a bear.


    Ren Baqian continued to lower his head. He knew a little about the Honglu Bureau, like how they were mainly in charge of receiving foreign visitors and managing external affairs. They were this world''s equivalent of a foreign affairs department. It made sense for him to have a position in this bureau since he was going to be in charge of handling some visitors'' matters.


    Honglu Judicial Officer Gu Daxiong thought for a while before suggesting, "What about Honglu Deputy?"


    "Last I remember that position isn''t empty," the empress questioned.


    "I''ll put him on leave effective immediately. He has long lost interest in the job already anyway." Gu Daxiong said with a slight scowl.


    Ren Baqian was dazed by what he had just heard.


    Did he really just propose that idea?


    What an eye-opener.


    "He''s Qi Zhi right? I remember he broke the legs of four Yun Nation visitorsst year. People even came toin about it to me. We''ll follow your n then." The empress'' voice sounded out, and the two of them bowed in agreement.


    "That''s all, if there''s nothing else the both of you may leave," the empress utteredzily. As her words trailed off, Qing Yuan served up a te of grapes. The empress picked one up and put it into her mouth.


    "I take my leave," Gu Daxiong said. As he left, Gu Daxiong shed a row of brilliant white teeth that glistened under the pce lights at Ren Baqian.


    "Step forward and continue with your story," the empress said while reclining on the couch. She wore a smudge of red eye shadow and her lips were blood-red. The sight of her plucking a grape and putting it into her mouth was extremely captivating, stirring Ren Baqian''s very soul.


    Ren Baqian frantically looked down after taking in the scene in front of him. Looking down any lower would have ce his head underground.


    "Oh? Storyteller Ren, raise your head and look at me. Why are you bowing your head?" The empressughednguidly.


    Ren Baqian looked up and almost immediately lowered his head again. The empress was usually easier to look at. Even though she was beautiful and captivating, her chilly attitude acted as a strong buffer.


    Today however, her posture, redness, andnguid yet charming expression, coupled with her action of putting grapes into her mouth was too much of a tease for Ren Baqian to bear. He awkwardly coughed. "Your Majesty''s appearance shines over everyone like a sun at the peak of noon. Your humble subject feels ashamed of his inferiority and finds it difficult to look straight at you."


    "Shines over everyone?" The empress asked.


    "Indeed, no one else is even fit to be used asparison." Ren Baqian replied with his head bowed. Even though he often saw celebrities on television who hadparable appearances, their statuses were nowhere near the empress''. The person before him was the ruler of a country. Her status only exacerbated the power of the scene. Ren Baqian was so perturbed that his heart was about to leap out of his chest.


    "You have a glib tongue." The empress smiled.


    "Continue with the Investiture of the Gods. The stories from your country are indeed rather interesting."


    "Understood." Ren Baqian hurriedly tried to calm himself down, only managing to do so after investing a good amount of time and effort. He quickly began to tell the story.


    .


    He only stopped after narrating the part where Bi Gan [God of Wealth from the Investiture of the Gods] digs out his heart. In line with previous sessions, it was a good time to stop. Themps'' oil had already been topped off several times.


    "One more part. Stopping here leaves me a little ufortable," the empress said.


    Ren Baqian was shocked to hear her speak at this point. The empress felt a whole lot less cold and a lot more human today.


    He swiftly nodded his head in recognition of her words.


    Lucky for him, the Investiture of the Gods was apleted ssic. If he had been narrating one of those ReadNovelFulls that always ended chapters with cliffhangers, he''d be in deep shit.


    Continuing to the part where Imperial Tutor Wen heads to the East Sea to restore peace, Ren Baqian ended the session by saying, "Stay tuned to the next session if you would like to know the battle''s oue."


    Finally done with his narration for the day, Ren Baqian felt light as a feather. He promptly felt like pping himself when he realized what he had done.


    Am I really this immersed in my role as a storyteller?


    I''ve be one of those annoying ReadNovelFull authors that end on cliffhangers!


    It seemed like this method of storytelling had been present since ancient times. Cliffhangers and suspense had been keyponent of stories since the time of the ancient ssics. Modern ReadNovelFulls were merely paying homage to these techniques learned from our forefathers.


    Looking up at the empress, Ren Baqian found her squinting right back at him without uttering a single word.


    Ren Baqian immediately continued with the story, up till the part Ji Chang heads to the imperial city.


    It was then that the empress stood up and said, "It''s gettingte, you may take your leave. Focus on your duties at the Honglu Bureau for the next few days. Also, do drop by the Imperial Kitchen when you have the time to teach them some dishes for the banquet."


    Ren Baqian bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, how would you like the meal to be like? What are you aiming for?"


    "What do you mean?" The empress replied, a bit uncertain.


    "In China, there are delicacies that look and taste amazing, dishes that look hard to swallow yet taste good, and also food, like extremely spicy chili dishes, that suit only some people," Ren Baqian exined softly.


    He had suddenly thought of this after hearing the empress'' orders.


    The empress was not fond of those people, going so far as to send him up front to deal with them.


    Ren Baqian felt like he was getting better at his role as an evil henchman.


    "This is rather intriguing." The empress chuckled. "We''ll discuss this again when we see who they are. Have you prepared the creamy candies?"


    "I have. Shall I send them over tomorrow?" Ren Baqian hurriedly asked.


    "It''s fine, focus on your other matters. I''ll send someone to get it tomorrow morning."


    "Understood." Ren Baqian withdrew with a bow.


    As he left the pce, Ren Baqian thought of how tant he had just been. How presumptuous of him to have guessed the empress'' intentions and even voice them out.


    Although, things appeared to have turned out fine.


    His suggestion seemed to have resonated well with the empress.

 Chapter 71: The Qipa at the Foreign Affairs Office Entrance

    Chapter 71: The Qipa at the Foreign Affairs Office Entrance


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next morning, Ren Baqian was woken up by a knocking on the door. He pushed open the door and was greeted by a delicate face. Qing Yuan stood outside his door. Not far away, there were two guards.


    She was still teasing Tiantian and Gungun, which were rolling about on the floor.


    "Greetings, Miss Qing Yuan," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and greeted Qing Yuan.


    He did not know how to address her.


    After all, the ancient Chinese imperial pces were usually filled with eunuchs and they were much easier for one to address. Those Chinese movies and television series usually did not mention how to address a pce maid.


    He reckoned that Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan must have ranks and that theirs would definitely be higher than his.


    As such, he decided to just call Qing Yuan "Miss".


    Even if he addressed her wrongly, he was sure that she would not cause any trouble for him.


    Qing Yuan stood up and smiled. She was rather familiar with Ren Baqian; after all, she saw him every day. Furthermore, as the trusted aide of the empress, she roughly knew what the empress was thinking. She knew Ren Baqian would be highly valued in the future.


    After all, he knew a lot of things and he spoke well. He was a talent.


    "Storyteller Ren, where are the things that you are going to give Her Majesty?" Qing Yuan chuckled.


    Ren Baqian quickly turned around and went back into his house. Then, he came out with a bag in his hand and passed it to Qing Yuan. At the same time, he passed her another small bag that weighed around half a catty.


    "Everything is in this bag. Other than the milk candies, there are some choctes as well. These are prepared for Her Majesty with utmost care. As for this small bag, it is for Miss Qing Yuan and Miss Hong Yuan," Ren Baqian said.


    The small bag was prepared by him not too long ago. Fortunately, there were some empty bags in the house.


    He reckoned that Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan would not need any money given their status. Neither pce maids nor female officials had as much enthusiasm to make money as eunuchs. Especially considering Qing Yuan''s and Hong Yuan''s status, Ren Baqian, therefore, decided to give them some White Rabbit Creamy Candies. So far, this thing had never failed as an expedient in the pce.


    Qing Yuan''s eyes curled up as she replied, "No wonder Her Majesty values you so much, you''re indeed a very clever individual."


    "Thank you, you have ttered me too much," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and replied.


    "I shall not disturb you any further. Her Majesty is still waiting for me in the pce." Qing Yuan waved the small bag in front of Ren Baqian and turned around to leave.


    After walking for some distance, she passed the bag that was meant for the empress to one of the two guards. Then, she ced her hands behind her back while holding the small bag and left the beast park.


    Ren Baqian raised his head and looked at the sky. He reckoned that it must be around seven in the morning.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian felt that he should bring a watch over to this world. With a watch, he could at least check the time. If he wanted to sell this thing, he could sell it for a lot of money. However, it would not be easy toe up with an excuse about the source of the watch. Even though the empress knew something about him, he still could not afford to get suspected by other people.


    It was indeed impossible to keep secrets from the empress. After all, she was the ruler of a nation. She was also the number seven most powerful expert in this world. Her magnanimity was extraordinary and peerless. Other people would not have the same degree of magnanimity as her. If someone had the intention to find out his secret, he would be in deep trouble.


    He could also bring the blueprint of a clock to this world and get someone to make it. Even though the mechanisms of a watch were slightlyplicated, they wasn''t hard to make.


    He could make two watches, one for himself and one for the empress.


    He went to the kitchen to see if there was any food. When he saw there was some vegetable soup, he scooped a bowl of it for himself. He felt full after drinking it with some dried food. Then, he changed to a set of new clothes and headed towards the Honglu Bureau with Teng Hulu and Tie Dao.


    The Honglu Bureau was located in Zhulian District. It was near to Beihong District.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian and his counterparts did not encounter any fights. However, when they reached Zhulian District, they saw a few guards from the public order bureau arresting a few men that had swollen faces and bleeding noses.


    One of the guards, who looked like a unit leader, saw Ren Baqian and momentarily became stunned. After examining Ren Baqian carefully, he gestured to the other guards. Following which, he walked towards Ren Baqian with his counterparts and asked, "Are you Ren Baqian?"


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and smiled weakly.


    He knew for sure this man was one of the eight persons that Caretaker Shi beat up.


    "You are the one that gave that thing to Shi Wanshan that bastard?" The burly man''s face turned unfriendly in an instant.


    "It was been snatched from me, I''m innocent��" Ren Baqian exined helplessly.


    "So does your secret sect treasure still work? Lend it to me, otherwise, I will draw circle with you," the burly man yelled.


    Ren Baqian felt Teng Hulu and Tie Dao taking one step forward behind his back.


    He felt very satisfied. It was worth to treat these twods well. So long as they could step forward to protect him when he was in trouble, he was satisfied.


    He turned around and waved his hand.


    "Right now, I am the Honglu Deputy. I can reject your challenge, right?" Ren Baqian chuckled. ording to his understanding, the rank of Honglu Deputy should be higher than this man''s.


    If his rank was higher than the other party''s, he could reject his or her challenge.


    He himself was "bullied" by the empress. As for Caretaker Shi, he enjoyed a good rtionship with him. After all, he couldn''t always use his rank to "bully" people.


    "Is it true? Why didn''t Shi Wanshan��that bastard��mention it? Aren''t you from the beast park?" The burly man looked puzzled.


    "I am on my way to report to the Honglu Bureau," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and replied.


    "You''re the first foreigner to undertake a Dayao official position. Forget it, your rank is higher than mine." The burly man smiled at Ren Baqian, looking as though he was unconcerned. Then, he waved his hand at Ren Baqian and left.


    Ren Baqian looked at his back view and shook his head.


    This man wasn''t a bad individual. Just like all the other aboriginal men he had encountered in the past, he was vulgar and boorish.


    However, from the burly man''s attitude, Ren Baqian could tell that he himself would have an extremely tough life in Dayao if he did not have an official position. Aboriginal people would not be friendly with foreigners at all.


    If he didn''t have an official position, it would be impossible for him to lead the life of a rich person in peace. He could go to other nations, but the situation would still be the same.


    Therefore, it was better for him to continue clinging on to the empress''s thighs.


    Given his experience in the imperial pce and in the beast park, he knew after he took up an official position or a task, Dayao people began to treat him like their own. Be it Caretaker Shi, the other caretakers, the odd-job workers, or their family members, they simrly behaved this way.


    Some of the people he encountered in the pce were like them as well.


    "Let''s go." Ren Baqian signaled to Teng Hulu and Tie Dao.


    Outside the Honglu Bureau, there was a huge courtyard. Within it there were several tall and huge buildings. From the entrance, one could see a path that passed through the first row of buildings all the way to the back of thepound.


    There were two huge men at the entrance. Their clothes were different from the imperial guards'' or the public order bureau''s guards''.


    The shirts they wore were sleeveless, revealing their thick and muscr arms.


    The faces of the two men were filled with a murderous aura, looking as though the words "Do Not Enter!" were written on them.


    If he did not know what this ce was, he might think he wasing to a prison.


    A normal foreign affairs office would typically employ friendly employees thatmunicate well with people, right?


    Dayao was different. The bureau intentionally put two vicious-looking fiends at its entrance, hoping that they could scare away all visitors. They were indeed a qipa ced at the entrance of the foreign affairs office.


    ["����(q��p��)" means exotic flower in English. It also refers to strange actions that average people find to be out of the norm and perhaps hard to understand. Plus, the word adds a taste of ridicule and irony and can be used as both a noun and as an adjective.]


    "This is the Honglu Bureau, what''s the matter?" One of them stopped Ren Baqian with a fierce look on his face.


    "I am here to find Judicial Officer Gu. Can you tell him Ren Baqian is here to report to him?" Ren Baqian said.


    "Report?" The man examined Ren Baqian with suspicion and continued, "Hold on."


    The other person turned around and entered the courtyard.


    Ren Baqian felt that he should have worn his official robe. He thought there was no need for him to wear it as he was going to the Honglu Bureau. He did not expect to encounter troubles everywhere he went. In the past when he was walking in the city, he did not realize troubles were following him wherever he went. Today, he finally realized it.


    After a while, the person returned and said, "Go in, Sir Gu is waiting for you."


    "Thank you so much," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and replied. Following which, he led Teng Hulu and Tie Dao into the bureau.

 Chapter 72: Xiong Pi

    Chapter 72: Xiong Pi


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    As Ren Baqian entered the courtyard, a huge man with copper-colored eyes and a head full of short fuzz grabbed him by the shoulders.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    "We''ll be counting on you from now on," Therge man said while he shook him by the shoulders.


    Ren Baqian felt his words sounded oddly like someone''sst words.


    Therge manughed heartily. "I don''t have to deal with those bast***s anymore. I always want to crush them to death."


    Seeing how happy he was reminded Ren Baqian of someone who was suddenly released from prison after receiving a three-year sentence.


    Ren Baqian stared at him with zed eyes.


    No mistake, this must be the original Honglu Deputy that gotints for breaking the legs of four people.


    Ren Baqian wondered why he felt so miserable dealing with foreigners during his time with the Honglu Bureau.


    Therge man continuedughing for a long time before pping Ren Baqian''s shoulders again. "Boss Gu is waiting for you. Head into the bureau and make a right turn towards thergest building inside."


    Right after that therge man walked off with his head held high.


    Ren Baqian followed his directions, walking past a row of buildings before seeing another shorter row. On the right stood thergest building, its doors wide open.


    "Sir." Ren Baqian asked Tie Dao and Teng Hulu to wait outside while he walked up to the front door and shouted.


    Gu Daxiong was sitting behind a desk with his legs propped up on it. The entire desk was empty apart from his two feet.


    "Come in." Gu Daxiong raised his head and waved at Ren Baqian.


    "I suppose you''ve met Qi Zhi?"


    "I think so." Ren Baqian opined that therge man from just now was probably Qi Zhi.


    "Mmm, he really got off the hook this time. From now till the end of Her Majesty''s birthday, after that group of people have left, you''ll be in charge. My only demand is that they do not disturb me. Other than that, you may handle them as you please. You can bash them up if you''re unhappy, as long as you don''t kill any of them." Gu Daxiong threw a token on the table.


    Speechless, Ren Baqian picked the token up.


    "As for your official robe, go find Gu Shou to get a set altered. Manpower wise, just grab any idler you find in the courtyard. All I ask for is to not be disturbed." Gu Daxiong grinned widely as he reiterated his only demand.


    All Ren Baqian could do was nod in agreement.


    Looks like he''s really throwing everything to me.


    Dayao''s officials were indeed different from other nations'' cunning officials.


    "Sir Gu, may I ask when Her Majesty''s birthday is? How many more days till then?" Ren Baqian cupped his hands and asked.


    "Just another twenty-two more days. Foreign guests should start arriving within a day or two. A handful of them will stay with their country''s ambassadors or have them make the necessary arrangements. You''ll have to handle the rest of them."


    "Where should I arrange for them to stay?" Ren Baqian questioned.


    In order to n, there first must be somewhere to house them.


    "Look for Gu Shou, he''ll tell you where to put them up." Gu Daxiong answered.


    "If they try to start something or cause an uproar��"


    "Beat whoever you need to, bash whoever deserves it. They''re the ones who decided toe over, nobody begged them toe," Gu Daxiong interrupted.


    Upon seeing his reaction, Ren Baqian decided he would act on his own ord when the time came.


    "Onest question, Sir Gu. What if the other party is an expert? Your subordinatecks the skill to defeat anyone," Ren Baqian asked. He was not particrly pleased with the idea of being hit to death by them and getting buried by the empress.


    Gu Daxiong eyeballed Ren Baqian suspiciously.


    As much as he did look rather frail and unable to fight, surely the empress would not send a weakling here?


    Furthermore, he was the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall.


    The olddy there was terribly powerful.


    "Hang on." Gu Daxiong got up and walked towards the door. He gave Ren Baqian a good fling as he walked by, almost making him do a 360-degree flip.


    .


    "Why do you have so little strength?" Gu Daxiong gave Ren Baqian a puzzled look.


    Ren Baqian was flung back many steps by Gu Daxiong. He sighed as he looked at Gu Daxiong''s honest bewilderment.


    Gu Daxiong walked to the door and shouted, "Xiong Pi, get your a** over here now."


    What an astounding voice he had. It was a voice that shook the heavens and the earth, it made the entire Honglu Bureau jump.


    "Boss, I''m here, I''m here." A robust voice came closer and closer.


    The owner of the voice stood at the door, blocking out a good half of the sunlight that was streaming in. Ren Baqian felt as though a wall had appeared in the doorway as the room descended into darkness.


    Standing at the door was a humongous man who was more than two meters tall. He was bald, half-naked, and wore a loincloth. His incredibly ripped body was full of wild beasts'' sh marks.


    Gu Daxiong''s physique was like a bear, but the man standing in the doorway was at least one size bigger. Xiong Pi truly lived up to his name, which meant brown bear. The brown bear was one of thergest subspecies of bears.


    Compared to this guy, Caretaker Shi was only about as strong as a baby chick.


    "Xiong Pi, this is our bureau''s newest deputy. You''ll follow him around for the following days and beat up whoever he asks you to beat."


    "Oh, greetings deputy," Xiong Pi said as he cupped his hands slowly. His voice was rather mncholic and he sounded fairly simple-minded.


    Ren Baqian stepped up beside Gu Daxiong to get a better sense of Xiong Pi''s size. Xiong Pi''s arm was almost as thick as Ren Baqian''s waist.


    He gave off King Kong vibes just by standing still, crushing others with his mere presence.


    Seeing his scars up close made the experience much more terrifying.


    If a fighter''s prowess could be judged by his appearance, Ren Baqian would rate Xiong Pi nine out of ten. The one mark was deducted so that he would not be too arrogant.


    "No one below heaven grade can defeat him." Gu Daxiong patted his chest twice, making a drum like sound.


    Xiong Pi gave an "earnest" smile, revealing strips of meat stuck between his teeth.


    Heaven grade, that''s probably the measure of strength in this world?


    The heaven in heaven grade likely implies a high level of strength. I wonder what grade the empress is.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands towards Gu Daxiong gratefully, "Many thanks to you sir."


    "No problem. Seeing how weak your tiny physique is, it''s probably better that he''s around you." Gu Daxiong waved his hands.


    "Where should I go to find Gu Shou?"


    "That building all the way in the back." Gu Daxiong pointed towards the left of the bureau''s main entrance.


    "Many thanks, I''ll take my leave." Ren Baqian walked out the door with Xiong Pi trailing behind him. Ren Baqian turned his head to look at Xiong Pi who was a lot taller than him. In order to see his face, Ren Baqian had to look up. As they walked, Ren Baqian could sometimes feel the earth shudder under Xiong Pi''s steps.


    "I leave myself in your care for the next few days. We must all handle the higher ups'' orders well together," Ren Baqian said to Xiong Pi


    "Deputy, I''ll settle anyone you want." Xiong Pi said with his "earnest" smile.


    Mmm, so that''s what it means to express good reasoning in a coarse manner.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head satisfactorily as they walked all the way to the end to look for Gu Shou. Upon entering the room, Ren Baqian saw a Gu Daxiong that was one size smaller. This mini-me even had the exact same mannerisms and was sitting on a chair with his legs propped up on the table.


    Definitely his biological child, there''s no doubt about it.

 Chapter 73: A Fearsome Warrior

    Chapter 73: A Fearsome Warrior


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Gu Shou threw Ren Baqian a set of official robes. If other people wore it, it might fit them just right, or slightly loose. However, if Ren Baqian wore it, it would look extremely huge on him.


    Ren Baqian held it in his hands and prepared to find a tailor to alter it.


    Originally, Teng Hulu and Tie Dao were like two enormous bodyguards standing behind him. However, whenpared to Xiong Pi, they were insignificant. When they stood in front of Xiong Pi, they needed to raise their heads to look at him.


    Even though Teng Hulu and Tie Dao had huge physiques, their heights were less than 1.75 meters, somewhat simr to Ren Baqian''s. Their bodies, however, looked much more muscr and heavier than Ren Baqian''s. They weighed at least 120 kilograms each.


    However, when they werepared to Xiong Pi, they were like frail and delicate chickens.


    Ren Baqian gave Xiong Pi''s upper arm a nudge. It felt as though it was cast out of iron.


    "Sir Ren, this is?" Teng Hulu and Tie Dao asked.


    "This is Xiong Pi, he will be following me from now on. Both of you can go back first," Ren Baqian said, "Settle those animal hides, I still need them."


    Teng Hulu and Tie Dao nodded their heads. Both of them belonged to the beast park in the first ce. They followed Ren Baqian around every day because he would get into trouble easily if he went to the city alone. With Xiong Pi around, both of them did not need to worry about that anymore.


    "What do all of you usually do in the bureau?" Ren Baqian asked Xiong Pi after Teng Hulu and Tie Dao had left.


    "Drink, sleep, and practice our skills," Xiong Pi replied with his big mouth.


    "Practice your skills? What skills?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity and excitement.


    "You''ll know in due time." Xiong Pi led Ren Baqian past a row of houses. Behind the row of houses, there was a field. At this moment, there were five to six people on that field. Some of them were practicing their punching and kicking techniques. Their movements were very fast, powerful and ruthless. One person was lifting a stone block. The stone block looked like it weighed 120 kilograms. The person raised it and put it down on the ground, repeating the process over and over again. When Ren Baqian just arrived, this person was already drenched in sweat. He repeated the process for thirty times, Ren Baqian did not know how many repetitions he had already done.


    "What do you usually do?" Ren Baqian asked. He was rather curious about Xiong Pi''s strength. After all, there were very few Dayao people that possessed a physique like his. A person''s strength might not be determined by his size. However, since Xiong Pi was specially asked by Gu Daxiong to follow him, he presumed that his strength must be top-notch.


    "Sir, I think it''s better for you to look from the side of the field, I don''t want to injure you," Xiong Pi grinned. In front of him, there was a huge rock that had an area of 10 square meters. He stepped forward and hugged it with his arms. With a roar, he picked up the rock and raised it to his eye level. Then, he slowly ced it down and picked it up again, repeating the process over and over again.


    Ren Baqian''s mouth was agape. He was shocked by what he was seeing.


    The huge rock weighs approximately 2 tons, how is he able to lift it up?


    Furthermore, Xiong Pi was able to lift it up and ce it down repeatedly. Suddenly, Xiong Pi let out a roar and threw the rock 3 meters up into the air.


    "F*ck," Ren Baqian finally blurted out.


    If the rocknded on an ordinary person, he or she would be thoroughly crushed.


    Ren Baqian could still ept it if the rock that was thrown weighed 180 kilograms.


    However, that rock actually weighed 2 tons. It was approximately the weight of a car.


    Xiong Pi was able to catch it in a calm and unhurried manner. His legs bent slightly, disying the posture of cushioning an impact. Following which, he threw it up into the air and caught it again.


    When the person that was lifting the stone dumbbell saw what Xiong Pi did, he stopped what he was doing. After all, the stone dumbbell that he was lifting weighed only 120 kilograms while Xiong Pi''s one weighed 2 tons. If that''s the case, what''s the point of continuing to lift the stone block? He would only bring embarrassment to himself.


    "Alright, you can stop," Ren Baqian yelled quickly. Look at the way Xiong Pi trained, he felt slightly dizzy. He felt that a freshly-baked pizza would appear in front of him sooner orter.


    If Xiong Pi''s skin was green in color, he would look exactly like the Hulk.


    When Xiong Pi heard Ren Baqian''s voice, he turned around and left. He did not even bother to catch the rock, which smashed heavily to the ground and caused the ground to tremble.


    "Let''s go and alter the official robe." Ren Baqian stared at Xiong Pi. Even after throwing and catching a rock that weighed two tons for a few times, he did not break a sweat.


    Now that he had Xiong Pi following him, Ren Baqian was no longer scared of people knocking into him. With a huge fellow like Xiong Pi behind him, no one would be blind enough to knock into him.


    Xiong Pi''s physique was rather intimidating to even Dayao people. Everywhere he walked, he would receive attention.


    Zhulian District mainlyprised of governmental offices. There were very few residences and shops. Therefore, Ren Baqian led Xiong Pi to Goujiazhai District. Goujiazhai had more residences and it should be easier for him to find a tailor shop.


    The moment Ren Baqian stepped foot upon the main street of Goujiazhai District, he saw his shaved ice shop. There were already many people sitting in it. All of them were eating shaved ice to relieve themselves of the summer heat. Now was only early afternoon. There would be many more customers if it waste afternoon.


    "Qingshan!" Ren Baqian yelled.


    "Hey, Sir Ren!" Shi Qingshan raised his head and yelled. His loud voice caused dust to fall from the shaved ice shop''s roof.


    "Lower your volume, don''t speak so loudly." Ren Baqian rubbed his ears and said, "Give me two bowls of shaved ice, any fruit will do." Following which, Ren Baqian found an empty table and sat down.


    "Sit here," Ren Baqian patted an empty stool beside him and said.


    "I will stand," Xiong Pi shook his head and replied.


    "Sit down, this is an order," Ren Baqian insisted Xiong Pi sit down. It did not make any sense for Xiong Pi to stand while he was sitting. He still needed Xiong Pi to protect him in the future.


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian''s insistence, Xiong Pi slowly sat down on the stool.


    "Crack."


    The rectangr stool broke.


    Xiong Pi quickly went into a horse stance. He stood up, scratched his head and said, "I think it''s better for me to continue standing."


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    It seemed that Xiong Pi had broken a few stools before in the past. He was experienced with this scenario.


    Looking at Xiong Pi''s body size, Ren Baqian called out to Shi Qingshan again, "Give me one more bowl of shaved ice."


    When the third bowl of shaved ice was served, Ren Baqian chose his favorite toppings for it and gave the other two bowls to Xiong Pi. "These two bowls of shaved ice are for you, don''t eat them too fast."


    Ren Baqian found Xiong Pi to be slightly silly, behaving somewhat like Tong Jia.


    By the time Ren Baqian finished half of his shaved ice, Xiong Pi had already finished his two bowls of shaved ice. He was licking his lips with a pleasurable look on his face.


    "This is cooling," Xiong Pi smiled sheepishly.


    Ren Baqian quickly finished up his remaining shaved ice. Following which, he raised his head and yelled for Shi Qingshan. "Qingshan, do you know where can I find a tailor shop?"


    "Walk three hundred steps into that alley and you will find one."


    "I''m leaving," Ren Baqian informed Shi Qingshan. Then, he led Xiong Pi to the direction that Shi Qingshan pointed at. Indeed, he saw an alley on his right. The alley was only two meters wide. Wooden houses were lined up along the two sides of the alley.


    Ren Baqian and Xiong Pi walked into the alley. However, after walking a while, they still could not spot any signboard.


    "Brother, may I know where is the tailor shop?" Ren Baqian asked a huge man who came out of his house to pour water.


    "You have passed it, there it is." That man cast a nce at Ren Baqian, looked at Xiong Pi, and then pointed to a direction behind them.


    Ren Baqian turned around to see where the tailor shop was. It was the third door from the entrance of the alley.


    "Thank you, Brother." Ren Baqian chuckled. Then, he led Xiong Pi to that house.


    The huge man looked at the back view of the two figures and scratched his head. It was very rare to see a Dayao man following behind a foreigner. Furthermore, given the physique of that Dayao man, he could be a fearsome warrior if he joined the army.

 Chapter 74: Mister Emptiness

    Chapter 74: Mister Emptiness


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian stayed continually for two days in the Honglu Bureau to learn and better understand the people and their rules.


    During this period, he discovered Xiong Pi lived in a house in a row of courtyards not too far away from the Honglu Bureau. Those foreigners who needed amodations would also stay there.


    Xiong Pi had nothing to do and was wandering around. He could definitely be of use in the town market.


    During this period, Ren Baqian made a trip back to Earth and then came back with Three Hundred Song Poems. Whenever he was free, he would go to the Honglu Bureau and memorize Song poetry.


    At the very least, he was free of problems and still idling around.


    Xiong Pi just followed Ren Baqian around. When Ren Baqian was memorizing Song poetry, he would just sit on the ground and snore. The noise that came from him could spread out a mile away, and Ren Baqian was dying to stuff his mouth with some socks.


    "Deputy, deputy, there''s a visitor." On the first afternoon after he returned from Earth, while Ren Baqian was wondering what could be used to stuff the mouth of Xiong Pi, there was a loud voice outside.


    "Who is he?" Ren Baqian did not react for a moment.


    "He''s called something empty, empty, Mister Emptiness." One of the guards at the gate, Qi Sheng entered. He and the original Deputy, Qi Zhi, were from the same stronghold and there was another one called Qi Heng who was also a guard.


    "Mister Emptiness?" Ren Baqian realized that he hade to celebrate the empress''s birthday and wanted to deliver a present as well.


    "Xiong Pi, get up and follow me to take a look." Ren Baqian kicked Xiong Pi''s waist, and it felt simr to kicking a rock.


    Xiong Pi went outside the door with bleary eyes. He saw four young, delicate and pretty women who wore colorful dresses and were carrying a sedan chair. The moment they saw him, they scattered a bunch of petals from their waist pocket into the air.


    "Who is this visitor?" Ren Baqian stationed himself at the doorway to observe the ostentatious show and he developed an ominous feeling.


    "Mister Emptiness has arrived," a youngdy called out delicately while sprinkling some petals around.


    "Visitor, pleasee in to register and leave the sedan chair outside." Ren Baqian expressed a look of awkwardness and wondered whether this group of people were here to make trouble.


    "Cough, cough." A sound came from inside the sedan chair, followed by the parting of the curtain to reveal a young man wearing a silver satin robe. His face was powdered and his lips were deathly pale. His look was passable, but he looked so sick and gave the impression that a blow of the wind would knock him out. Not only did he look sickly, his kidneys were obviously weak too.


    "Mister Kidney Deficiency? Please follow after me." Ren Baqian put his hands behind his back and without any expression, turned and walked inside.


    "Cough, cough. It''s Mister Emptiness, Mister Emptiness." he quickly corrected Ren Baqian.


    "Just joking, Mister Emptiness," Ren Baqian said without facing him.


    "Cough, cough, cough, cough." Mister Emptiness coughed continuously as his eyes shed different colors. When he saw Xiong Pi staring at him without any expression, the colors in his eyes started to fade, and he coughed with each step as he followed him.


    "Do you have the travel permit?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I have lost it."


    Whenever foreigners came to Dayao, they definitely had to submit their travel permit at the border. Needless to say, he simply did not have it.


    Upon further reflection, he realized that the people who came to participate in the empress''s birthday celebration were of different origins. There would definitely be some who simply did not abide by the rules. Dayao had encountered many cases the previous years and Ren Baqian only heard about it a few days ago.


    Ren Baqian led Mister Emptiness to the deputy''s room and immediately took out pen and paper from the shelf and put it on the table.


    "Name, country of residence, ce of birth, upation, whether amodation has been arranged, reason foring, and other details are to be written down. If you are celebrating the birthday for the empress, your gifts shall be sent directly to her." Ren Baqian finished speaking and sat behind the table.


    "Cough, cough, how do I address you?" Mister Emptiness covered his mouth and asked.


    "Honglu Deputy, my surname is Ren," Ren Baqian replied dully.


    Mister Emptiness stood in front of the desk, wrote a few words on the paper with the pen and then shook his wrist. That piece of paper turned into a white shadow and headed towards Ren Baqian''s chest.


    "Bang"


    Before the paper flew across the table, it was pressed on to the table by a big hand. The next moment, the whole table was smashed into smithereens by the hand and scattered all over the room.


    Xiong Pi smashed the table with one hand and stared intently at Mister Emptiness. His whole body gave the impression of an animal postured to pounce. Mister Emptiness knew without the slightest doubt that if Ren Baqian were to give an order, this beastlike human would immediately pounce on him.


    This big guy gave him the sensation of extreme danger.


    Ren Baqian did not reveal how he actually felt. But, his palm was perspiring and his chest was heaving with rising anger. In this world, some people were really too much and raised their hand to strike when they did not agree with each other.


    He thought only the aboriginals behaved this way, but, the people from the rest of the countries were no better.


    Of course, this Mister Emptiness was certainly not an ordinary person.


    "Springing a surprise attack on the deputy. Should I execute you or dig a hole and bury you?" Ren Baqian sneered.


    "My apologies. I just happened to fling my hand. If Xiong Pi did not intercept, the paper would have slowed down in front of you and even an ordinary person would be able to block it. I did not expect it would cause such a misunderstanding, cough, cough." Mister Emptiness gave an apologetic smile.


    "If anything happens again, you will be buried under Gang City," Ren Baqian coldly stated. "For damaging one table and one piece of special paper used by Honglu Bureau, you need topensate one hundred taels of silver."


    Mister Emptiness took out some gold leaves from his waist and they fluttered as he threw them towards Xiong Pi. Maybe they should be called Golden Pages, like a book with ten pages and could be taken apart to use.


    "I do not have a ce to stay, and I''m afraid that I''ll have to trouble you to arrange something for me," Mister Emptiness said.


    Ren Baqian picked up the paper from the ground, but there were only fragments of the paper left.


    "Before I do that, you have to fill out the paper again." Ren Baqian stood up to get another piece of paper from the shelf beside him.


    This time, Mister Emptiness could only put the paper on the wall to write and he coughed from time to time as he wrote.


    Ren Baqian felt there was some problem with his lungs. He did not know whether it was inherent since young or caused by some practices.


    "I have finished filling it out." Mister Emptiness passed the paper to Ren Baqian. Ren Baqian gave it a nce and noted the surname was Zhao. He could recognize two words, but did not know one word in the name itself. This guy hailed from some Zhao family, somewhere in Great Xia.


    Ren Baqian did not know the name of the ce either.


    He put the paper on the shelf and ced a piece of wood on top of it.


    "I will bring you to the ce you are staying." Ren Baqian, with Xiong Pi in front, went out of Honglu Bureau followed by Mister Emptiness in his sedan chair.


    After walking for a short distance, they came across a row of courtyards which further consisted of small individual courtyards. Each courtyard had four rooms, one of which was the kitchen, one was the master bedroom; the other two rooms were for the attendants apanying the guest.


    The courtyards were arranged in three rows, and the first overlooked the main street. Ren Baqian arranged for Mister Emptiness to stay there. He was the earliest there and naturally got the best location.


    Mister Emptiness was satisfied with the location and sped his hands to thank Ren Baqian. aftering down from the sedan chair.


    "In a while, someone will send the token over which will authorize your stay in the courtyard," Ren Baqian told him. "As for other matters, please make arrangements yourself. Bedding materials are all provided as well."


    "Cough, cough, thank you very much Deputy Ren." Mister Emptiness coughed violently after speaking and the handkerchief covering his mouth had a red stain.


    "I better not disturb you anymore." Ren Baqian saw him coughing out blood and wanted to leave quickly. Could it be tuberculosis? It was better to keep a distance.


    After leaving the courtyard, Ren Baqian turned back to take a look.


    Was there a need for a sick man to travel thousands of miles to celebrate the empress''s birthday?


    However, these people could be quite ruthless. If he did not have Xiong Pi at his side protecting him, he would be in deep trouble. What rubbish was he talking about, iming that the paper would slow down by itself. Who was he trying to bluff? To be able to turn a piece of soft paper into a flying dart was no mean trick.


    The first person he met was already like that. It was hard to imagine what the rest of the people would be like.


    This mission seemed to be more troublesome than expected.


    Many people of this type abounded and would be very hard to handle without resorting to physical force.


    It''s no wonder Qizhi had to break the legs of four peoplest year and Ren Baqian agreed it was the right thing to do.


    If we did not break their legs, we would not know for sure what kind of tricks would they resort to.

 Chapter 75: A Ning Caichen That Loves to Bullshit

    Chapter 75: A Ning Caichen That Loves to Bullshit


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Along with Xiong Pi, Ren Baqian returned to the bureau. He felt that this job wasn''t as easy as he had thought.


    Just the four girls that carried Mister Emptiness''s sedan chair alone were extraordinary. After all, it wasn''t an easy feat to carry him over a great distance to Lan City.


    Ren Baqian was fiddling with the golden pages in his hands. Each of them looked exactly like the pages of a pocket-sized book. Upon taking a closer look, he realized every page contained a word. It was a pity he couldn''t recognize the words.


    When they reached the entrance of Honglu Bureau, they saw a filthy-robed young man that was carrying a book trunk chatting with Qi Heng and Qi Sheng.


    The book trunk he carried looked like the one that Ning Caichen from A Chinese Ghost Story had. It seemed to contain the Four Books and Five ssics of Confucianism. There was also a canopy that extended from the top of the book trunk to over his head. It could block sunlight during sunny days and protect him from rain during rainy days.


    Ren Baqian did not know what they were talking about. Suddenly, Qi Sheng took a step forward and gave that young man a fright, causing him to almost fall down on his butt.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian asked after walking closer to them.


    "Deputy!" Qi Heng and Qi Sheng cupped their fists and greeted Ren Baqian when they saw him.


    "This is?"


    "He said he is here to celebrate Her Majesty''s birthday," Qi Heng replied.


    Ren Baqian examined that young man closely. The young man looked sixteen to seventeen years old. His face was young and tender. Ren Baqian wondered who would send such a young across the border of the Yue Nation to Dayao.


    He looked slightly filthy. Ren Baqian wondered how long he had not washed his robe as it was covered in dust.


    "You''re the deputy of this ce?" The young man was extremely curious.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied, "Yes, I am. Why? Don''t I look like one?"


    "Yes, you indeed don''t look like one," the young man replied honestly.


    "You might get beaten up if you continue to be so honest." Ren Baqian looked at him with a nted gaze.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I am saying that you don''t look like you''re from Dayao," the young man hurriedly said.


    "Youe on your own?"


    "Yes," the young man replied.


    "Follow me, I need to register you." Ren Baqian gestured to the young man to follow him. Following which, he ced his hands behind his back and walked into the courtyard.


    "How do I address you?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "My first name is Caichen, myst name is Ning."


    "Ning Caichen?" Ren Baqian abruptly turned his head around. His head almost made a 180-degree turn, giving Ning Caichen a fright.


    "Yes, my name is Ning Caichen. Sir, what''s the matter?"


    "How''s your Xiaoqian?" Ren Baqian smiled insincerely. He did not know what he should said.


    Just now he met a Mister Kidney Deficiency, now he met a Ning Caichen. It''s a small world after all.


    "Who''s Xiaoqian?" Ning Caichen was at a loss.


    "Perhaps you will meet her in the future," Ren Baqian added.


    When he returned to the room, the mess was still there. The fragments from the shattered table were all over the ground.


    "Fill in the form. Your name, birthce, family background, upation, whether or not you have arranged amodation, and your purpose of visit." Ren Baqian passed the paper to him and looked outside of the window.


    Within a short period of time, Ren Baqian took over the paper from Ning Caichen and scanned it. Another fellow from Great Xia.


    After keeping the paper, Ren Baqian led him to his room.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian asked Ning Caichen about his journey. He was very curious about the world outside of Dayao.


    Upon hearing this question, Ning Caichen began to bber on and on. He enthusiastically talked about his journey with streaks of saliva flying through the air. He described his journey as though it was Journey to the West, difficult and dangerous.


    "Sir, you will be surprised to hear this. There was a day where I stayed in the depths of a mountain. There, I saw a gigantic bird, so much so that it covered the clouds and hid the sun. Every time it pped its wings, it almost blew me off the mountain. I had to hug a hundred-year-old ancient tree to save myself. At that time, I was so scared that my heart almost jumped out from my chest. I did not expect the existence of such a ridiculous beast in this world. It really widened my horizons. In the future, I will return to that ce and draw that creature so that everyone in the world can know about it."


    "There was also a day where I spent a night in an ancient temple. In the middle of the night, a young girl suddenly came to the temple. She told me she had lost track of time while trekking through the mountain, so I shared some of my rations with her. Then, she wanted to thank me by inviting me to her house to rest. At that time, I indeed felt tired from travelling for a few days straight. Furthermore, she said her house wasn''t far from the temple. As such, I decided to follow her to her house�� The next morning, when I woke up, I realized the house had disappeared and I was lying in the middle of an ancient cemetery��"


    "There was also another time where I encountered a group of bandits. When they saw how shabby I was, they captured me and brought me to a mountain. The king of the mountain was surprisingly a girl. She was only twenty-eight years old, unmarried. Furthermore, she was exceptionally beautiful. When she saw that I was a schr and how fair my skin was, she wanted to marry me. Eventually, I agreed to the marriage for the sake of staying alive. Then, while they were preparing for wedding, I made an escape. Now that I think about it again, it was a close shave..."


    Ren Baqian was scared a few times. He had to admit that Ning Caichen was much better in the art of storytelling than him. Behind his seemingly young and tender face, he was actually a powerful veteran in bullshitting and boasting.


    Ren Baqian felt that if Ning Caichen did not possess such outstanding bullshitting skills, he would not have made it to Lan City safe and sound.


    During the short route from the Honglu Bureau to Ning Caichen''s residence, Ren Baqian could not help but take extra care of him after hearing the hardships that he faced on his journey.


    It was indeed very touching that he gave up marrying a beautiful, 28-year-old queen of a mountain stronghold to celebrate the empress''s birthday.


    Ning Caichen''s residence shared a courtyard with Mister Emptiness''s.


    "You will stay here for the time being," Ren Baqian told Ning Caichen.


    "Sir, thank you very much, I really can''t thank you enough for all you have done," Ning Caichen said. He looked as though he felt it was a pity that he couldn''t continue bullshitting.


    "It is part of my job. If there''s anything, you can head to the Honglu Bureau and look for me. If I am not around, you can look for other people," Ren Baqian reminded Ning Caichen. He did not look like he could fight very well.


    Of course, this might not be the case. Bullshitting alone couldn''t possibly allow him to travel over a great distance without encountering any dangers. This Ning Caichen might be an expert that disguised as a pig to eat a tiger.


    After waving his hand at Ning Caichen, Ren Baqian and Xiong Pi walked past the courtyard that Mister Emptiness stayed in and cast a nce inside. The sedan chair was still there but the four girls had disappeared. All of them should be in the house.


    After returning to the Honglu Bureau, Ren Baqian did not encounter anything else. He sat down and recited the Song poems until the sky darkened. When it was time for him to end work, he dismissed Xiong Pi and went to Chen Medicinal Shop by himself.


    Now that he was wearing an official robe, he would not encounter any trouble on the street.


    As long as he was wearing this robe, he would be an official of Dayao. Even the aboriginals would treat him like their own if he wore this robe.


    Now that Ren Baqian could stroll on the street without having two tall and burly bodyguards by his side, he felt rather pleased and rxed.


    There weren''t many people in the Chen Medicinal Shop. When Chen Zisheng saw Ren Baqian, he looked slightly shocked. "Mr. Chen has be an official of Dayao?"


    "It''s just a temporary position in the Honglu Bureau," Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "The rank of your robe is Secondary ss, Rank 6, I don''t think it''s just a temporary position." Chen Zisheng chuckled.


    Ren Baqian knew the rank of Honglu Deputy was Standard ss, Rank 6. When he saw that Chen Zisheng could tell his rank from his robe with a nce, he then knew every rank had a specific official robe.


    "I have benefited from your words," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and replied.


    He only knew a bit of the things that all citizens in Lan City knew about.


    In the future, he would have an easier time identifying the ranks of other officials.

 Chapter 76: Travelling from Miles Away to Gift One’s Head

    Chapter 76: Travelling from Miles Away to Gift One��s Head


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After an hour of reading out the Typhoid and Diseases to Chen Zisheng, Ren Baqian left Chen Medicinal Shop. He wandered around on the street, found a two-story restaurant and wanted to try out how the dishes in the restaurants in this world tasted.


    Since his arrival eons ago, he had been mainly consuming his meals at the beast park. Basically, he did not have many opportunities to eat outside of the beast park.


    Ren Baqian saw from the outside of the restaurant that there were not many people inside. He went in and everyone became quiet. There were a few bald headed burly men at each table and they all looked over at him.


    There were also a few females with charisma.


    They were all ordinary aboriginals.


    If it were any average person who encountered such a scenario, their legs would probably give way.


    If an ordinary person entered a restaurant and saw bald, burly men that weighed roughly 150 kilograms ring at him fiercely, he would turn around and leave the restaurant.


    These days, Ren Baqian had met many of them in Dayao and had already found it to be amon urrence. He was no longer concerned about such stuff anymore.


    The other people clearly saw the official robe he was wearing and turned their head around and pretended that nothing happened. They continued to eat their meat in big mouthfuls,ughed loudly, and joked around. It was extraordinarily bustling with noise and excitement.


    Ren Baqian found a table at the corner and sat down. The lights facing him were dim. A burly man appeared in front of him, "Sir, what do you want to eat?"


    Ren Baqian looked at the other party with his head tilted.


    The tone and expression of this burly man doesn''t seem like he is asking me what do I want to eat.


    As a matter of fact, it seems like he is asking me how do I want to die.


    He sighed.


    As far as these people were concerned, Ren Baqian was also helpless. Would it kill them to just smile?


    "What is your restaurant''s specialty?"


    "Sir, everything here is our specialty. Never did anyone who has eaten here said that our food isn''t tasty", the burly man said right away.


    Once again, Ren Baqian sighed. From how he inferred, what the burly man actually meant was: Whoever ate our food dared not im that it was not delicious.


    "Just bring me two of your specialties and also, a pot of wine," Ren Baqian requested.


    "Alright!" At longst, the burly man''s tone and expression had some liveliness. He turned around and shouted, "Two specialties and a pot of wine."


    Following which, while Ren Baqian was waiting for the dishes to be served, he listened to the conversations that were ongoing in the surroundings, but it was not as if he wanted to hear them. The voices of the Dayao people were so loud that they drilled their way into his head; it was inevitable.


    The conversations included things like, increases in price of grains and provisions, which gangs got into a fight, how many people got hurt in which gang fight, and in addition, which household''s woman gave her husband a beating and got him seriously injured, etc. Their characters were simr to that of themoners of China.


    The people of Dayao were at most slightly more crude, more bad tempered, looked fiercer, stronger, better inbat, and they also liked to pick fights with others over the slightest issues. The thought of all this got Ren Baqian feeling that they were quite different from themoners of China. But inherently, they were actually quite simr.


    Of course, it included scolding merchants from other countries on how expensive salt and cloth were. Even when Dayao people sold animal hides and furs to them, these merchants only paid them a meagre amount.


    After listening to these household chatters, Ren Baqian suddenly felt that the world had be more lively. Life should originally be like that, filled with household chatters and fussing over minor issues.


    It should not be like the pce which Ren Baqian enters and leaves every day, isted, cold and solemn.


    After a while, the dishes were served. There was a dish of steamed mutton with a te of sauce, which he had no idea what they used to season it. It was a little spicy, but it muffled the rank odor of the mutton quite a bit, and it was rather tasty.


    The other dish was a piece of stewed fish which was prepared in a simple way. There was only salt and another ingredient simr to ginger in the dish. But what stood out in the dish was the freshness, tenderness, and tastiness of the fish.


    On the other hand, the alcohol was very strong. It was turbid but had a diluted taste.


    As Ren Baqian sat there listening to the bustle of the surrounding, he finished most of his meal and all of the alcohol. He actually felt slightly tipsy.


    "Shopkeeper, bill please," Ren Baqian shouted at the top of his lungs.


    "Sir, eighty coins." That burly men appeared in front of Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian dug out fragmented pieces of silver and threw them on the table, "Keep the change."


    "Thank you Sir." The burly man grinned and the look on his face seemed even more sinister. But under the influence of the alcohol, Ren Baqian felt that he seemed more pleasing to the eye.


    Ren Baqian stood up and left the restaurant. He walked towards the pce as if he was taking a stroll. Before he even reached the pce, he heard a loud noiseing from the front, followed by a crack ofughter.


    "What happened again?" Ren Baqian felt curious and hastened his steps.


    As he got nearer to the za, he could finally see the situation ahead clearly.


    The surrounding was dusky, but the za in front of the pce was brightly lit. There were over twenty soldiers holding fire torches as they stood in a circle. They were surrounding three people: two men and one woman. Up against the three people was a tall and strong man holding a sword with a long handle. A piece of leather draped over that man''s chest and shoulders.


    And thatughter actually came from the tall and strong man holding the sword.


    As for the two men and one woman that he was up against, both men were using long swords whereas the woman was using just a pair of short des.


    It was obvious that the trio paid no attention to the surrounding soldiers as they were fully focused on the strong man ahead.


    "Hand over Long Wanli''s corpse. He has already been killed by you people, why won''t you allow us to take his corpse back with us? We just want to bring his corpse back!" The woman shouted in anger.


    "Come,e,e, let me have a taste of everyone''s skills. If all of you are able to handle ten of my moves, I will let everyone leave. If it is possible to kill me, I will allow all of you to bring his corpse back and guarantee that no one will seek revenge on my behalf. However, if all of you can''t even handle ten moves from me, be prepared to be buried here as well." That strong man who was holding the broadsword howled withughter.


    "Will you honor your word? Who are you?" One of the man took a nce at the surrounding soldiers and shouted loudly.


    "I am Shan Wanshui, the Imperial Guard Commander of the pce''s left door. All of you better remember my name," that strong man shouted. "As for the three of you, report your names to me if you survive."


    That trio looked at one another. The twenty over soldiers which surrounded them were already difficult to deal with. Besides, there was still the Imperial Guard Commander in front of them.


    There was only one way out for the three of them. Either they killed the Imperial Guard Commander or they survive the ten moves from him. Otherwise, they would be dead tonight.


    From afar, Ren Baqian could see what was going on clearly and he sighed.


    What was the point of travelling from miles away just to gift one''s head?


    Wasn''t it better to live?


    Must they insist on courting death?


    "In that case, let us have a taste to see whether this Imperial Guard Commander is really so capable." One of the man roared. He soared high up into the sky and threw himself over at Shan Wanshui. A sudden light ray glinted in the sky and it looked as if flowers had just blossomed.


    "Fanciful but impractical." Shan Wanshuiughed heartily. He did not have any fanciful moves but only used the tip of the broadsword and lifted with ease. A brilliant sword gleam could be seen across the sky. Whatever sword shadow or flowers, had beenpletely destroyed by him.


    Upon seeing this, that man was rmed. He promptly ced his sword horizontally across his chest.


    "Shiiiiiing."


    As soon as the noise was heard, the sword snapped.


    "Zi Tao!" The other pair of man and woman shouted in fury and pounced on Shi Wanshan.


    There was a blood rain in the sky. That man had been vertically split into half and along with the two portions of his corpse reaching the ground, fresh blood and internal organs sttered all over as well.


    Witnessing from afar, Ren Baqian felt a burst of disgust. It was really too revolting. However, the challengers were indeed too weak. With this type of standard, they still dared to travel to Dayao to fight for Long Wanli''s corpse. Once again, this allowed Ren Baqian to confirm his opinion. Indeed, they were travelling from miles away just to gift their own heads. Fortunately, only three came, if two more challengers came, Shan Wanshui would probably be able to do an all kill for five people.


    Confronting the two people who pounced on him, Shan Wanshui used his broadsword and swept across. His actions were iparably swift and nimble. The sword gleam was reflected from the me and it was as speedy as lightning, disappearing in a sh.


    That two people knew that they could not receive his attack and dodged one after another.


    "Third move!" Shan Wanshui yelled. He held his broadsword, advanced towards the man who was nearest to him and struck. He split opened the gstone on the ground, and it shattered.


    "Fourth move!" He raised the handle of his broadsword towards the woman who thrusted the pair of des in her hands. Upon receiving the attack from Shan Wanshui, the woman felt her arms vibrating and the web between her thumb and forefinger was in excruciating pain. The pair of des was immediately flung away.


    "Fifth move!" A streak of sword gleam could be seen passing through that woman''s waist.

 Chapter 77: Growth

    Chapter 77: Growth


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Hong Xian!" the remaining man yelled in anguish.


    "I am going to kill you!" the man roared. Following which, he surged towards Shan Wanshui like aet.


    His posture looked somewhat like Long Wanli''s but his aura wasn''t up to par.


    A streak of sword gleam shed across the air.


    "It''s only the sixth move." The huge man stood with a saber in his hands.


    Following which, he burst out inughter.


    The huge man''s sword moves weren''t gaudy at all. Every move was powerful and fast like lightning. His opponents could not ward off a single attack from him.


    "Commander is mighty!" Cheers broke out in the surroundings. No one was concerned with the deaths of the three people, appearing as though this was amon urrence.


    Ren Baqian looked on helplessly as the three persons died without even their corpses intact. The first person was vertically split into half, the second person had her lower body cut off from her waist onwards, and the third person had his upper torso diagonally severed from his lower torso.


    Blood, internal organs, and severed limbs were strewn all over the ground.


    After the second man had died, the woman continued to drag her half-severed body across the ground while howling in anguish. Out of the three persons, her death was the most miserable.


    This cruel scene sent a cold shiver down Ren Baqian''s spine. At the same time, his stomach churned out of disgust.


    Previously, Long Wanli had been struck to the ground with a single move from the empress. By the time Caretaker Shi used the stun baton to jab Ren Baqian, the hole that Long Wanli''s corpse was in had already been filled up.


    The oue of that duel was decided in a split second. Ren Baqian couldn''t see clearly what exactly happened during the duel. He could only see Long Wanli''s surging figure.


    Ren Baqian felt pity for Long Wanli after knowing he had died, but he was still excited about seeing duels between real experts.


    However, right now, all Ren Baqian could see was a bloody brutal battle.


    Whenpared to the duel between Long Wanli and the empress, the shock and horror he felt from the direct observation of this barbaric massacre was unparalleled. This might actually be the first time he felt this way.


    He always felt that he was very far away from death. Even though he almost lost his head when he had just arrived in this world, he was eventually safe and sound. This alienated him from the notion of death.


    However, it was different this time around. A bloody massacre was taking ce in front of him now.


    This made him realize that this world was much more brutal than he expected.


    Just as Ren Baqian was standing in a daze, the soldiers were already cleaning up the scene. They dug a hole under the shattered gstone and threw the severed bodies, limbs, and internal organs into it. Then they began to fill it up. Within a short period of time, the hole was filled in. Subsequently, a stonemason came over and ced a gstone over the filled-up hole.


    Eventually, those soldiers left and the onlookers dispersed, leaving Ren Baqian alone there with cold hands and feet.


    After some time, Ren Baqian dragged his heavy feet back to the beast park.


    Gungun and Tiantian had already fallen asleep lying on the ground.


    Ren Baqiany on the bed. His mind was in aplete mess. Various images kept on shing across his mind.


    Suddenly, a terrifying scene of him being decapitated like those three people appeared in his mind. That scene suffocated him, causing him to abruptly sit up from his bed.


    Within seconds, beads of perspiration cascaded down his forehead.


    "No�� No matter what, I can''t end up like those three people," Ren Baqian muttered to himself.


    "This is not Earth, this is another world. It is not safe like Earth. In this ce, human lives aren''t considered precious at all. Human lives are taken as though they are worthless."


    "From today on, I can''t idle anymore. I have to work harder and climb higher in rank."


    "I will be safe only when my position is high enough that no one can touch me."


    "The higher my position, the more important and safer I will be. Only then will the threat of death stay far away from me."


    "I have the backing of a world that is much more advanced and civilized than this ce. I can''t be muddleheaded anymore and leave my life in others'' hands."


    "If it''s possible, I want to be more powerful as well."


    Countless chaotic thoughts ran through Ren Baqian''s mind. Eventually, all of them converged into one idea, that was, to be more powerful and climb up in rank. Doing these would provide him safety and security. Only then could he lead a peaceful life in this world.


    Even though he had such thoughts in the past, he had never before treated them so seriously like now. Right now, he was unusually determined.


    As an ordinary young man that asionally daydreamed, the brutal side that had been suddenly disyed by this world had crushed his innocence.


    He felt that what he had done so far was too little. It simply wasn''t enough. Ever since he had established a foothold and gotten rid of the threat to his survival, he began to rx.


    He had underestimated this world.


    After tossing about in his bed for an unknown amount of time, he fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning, he was woken up by someone knocking on the door.


    He hadn''t had a good sleepst night. Even after he fell asleep, those scary scenes asionally flickered though his mind, transforming into a nightmare.


    At this moment, as he woke up, he realized he was drenched in sweat.


    He picked up the bowl of water beside him and downed it. Then, he got up from his bed and opened the door. He opened the door and realized Caretaker Shi stood outside.


    "Why are your face so pale?" Caretaker Shi asked with curiosity when he saw Ren Baqian''s visage.


    "I might have caught a coldst night."


    "Your body is too weak." Caretaker Shi chuckled.


    "The people from the imperial kitchen asked you to go over when you''re free."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied, "I know, I will go over today after I''m done with my work at the Honglu Bureau."


    "Brother Ren, you can go over whenever you''re free." Caretaker Shi waved his hand and turned around to leave.


    Ren Baqian watched on as Caretaker Shi left. Caretaker Shi treated him the same way as before, but he felt something was amiss. His mindset had changed.


    Aboriginals had a gentle side, a straightforward side, and a cute side to them. However, they also had a brutal side to them. This was what Ren Baqian felt.


    After washing up, Ren Baqian picked up his official robe and looked at it. This was his means of survival.


    After putting on the robe, Ren Baqian left the beast park. As he walked past the za, he could smell that the air still reeked of blood.


    However this time around, he no longer felt shocked or terrified.


    When he reached the Honglu Bureau, he picked up Three Hundred Song Poems and started to recite the poems in it.


    After a while, he felt tired and went to the backyard to look at those people from the Honglu Bureau practicing their martial arts. Xiong Pi was still ying with that 3-ton-heavy rock.


    No one came to the Honglu Bureau for the entire day. Mister Emptiness and Ning Caichen, who had arrived yesterday, did not create any troubles for him either. Ren Baqian felt very happy that he could stay inside his room the entire day.


    Soon evening arrived, and it was about time for Ren Baqian to knock off. After notifying the people at the Honglu Bureau, he headed towards the imperial kitchen in the pce.


    By the time Ren Baqian arrived at the imperial kitchen, the imperial kitchen had already sent the empress''s dinner to her. Everyone in the imperial kitchen was resting. When they saw Ren Baqian arrived, they greeted him one by one.


    "Brother Ren!"


    "Brother Ren!"


    The yells that filled the air turned chaotic.


    "Where''s Caretaker Gou?" Ren Baqian smiled.


    "He went to send dinner to Her Majesty, he should be back soon," someone immediately answered.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and continued, "He wants to find me because of Her Majesty''s birthday banquet, right?"


    "Brother Ren, Caretaker Gou hopes that you help us to prepare some dishes. After all, we have barely just familiarized ourselves with those spices of yours. Her Majesty''s birthday is around the corner, and we have no time to slowly experiment with the spices."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and found a ce to sit down, waiting for Caretaker Gou toe back.


    After a while, Caretaker Gou came back to the imperial kitchen. When he saw Ren Baqian, his face twitched as he called out, "Brother Ren."


    "Forget it, you can call me Storyteller Ren in the future. This is my current position in the pce," Ren Baqian waved his hand and said. "Calling me ''Brother Ren'' seems embarrassing for you, I don''t want to make things difficult for you."


    To Ren Baqian''s surprise, Caretaker Gou red at him and said, "Do you think I''m someone that will go back on my words?"

 Chapter 78: Zhang Family

    Chapter 78: Zhang Family


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian looked at him with his head tilted.


    What''s up with your expression?


    You seem like you are being forced to eat shit.


    "Up to you," Ren Baqian spread his arms and said.


    "Brother Ren, regarding the dishes for Her Majesty''s celebratory banquet��" Caretaker called him again, and this time, it was more straightforward. It seemed like the hurdle between them was gone.


    "Prepare two sets, one normal and the other set by underhand methods. When the timees, we will see if the guests fulfill Her Majesty''s wishes. If she is happy, we shall not torment them. If she is unhappy, they can forget about having a good meal," Ren Baqian said.


    Upon hearing what Ren Baqian said, everyone in the imperial kitchenughed.


    "How are the people arranged during the banquet? How many people to one table? How many dishes will there be?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "Two people to one table of six dishes. After that, everyone gets a portion of soup. Her Majesty said that this year should be a little different from previous years," Caretaker Gou replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded. This was not considered a lot, and it was very simple for him toe up with six mouth-watering dishes from among the menus found in China.


    Any random birthday banquet or wedding celebration would have��at the very least��over ten dishes.


    A few dishes would include stewed meatballs in brown sauce, four-joy meat balls, twice-cooked meat, and so on. All Ren Baqian had to do was to select a few dishes out of this set and could guarantee everyone would swallow their tongues while consuming the dishes.


    [Four-joy meatballs - A dish usually served during banquets and only consisted of four meat balls which signified happiness, fortune, living to a ripe age, and delightfulness.]


    Following which, Ren Baqian stayed on at the imperial kitchen till midnight and selected eight dishes for the cooks in the imperial kitchen to practice preparing. When it was time, he would just have to narrow it down to six dishes out of the eight dishes that they practiced.


    As for the other menu, Ren Baqian prepared to carefully research "Dark cuisine". At that time, all he had to do was to choose six dishes and one soup for this menu.


    [Dark cuisine - food that is being prepared under poor hygiene conditions, looked unappetizing and tasted inedible. Basically, something that was almost unfit for consumption.]


    If they chose this type of cuisine, Ren Baqian was confident that the guest would leave Dayao with an unforgettable experience.


    A considerably unforgettable experience.


    He guaranteed that they would consume their meal even beforeing for next year''s banquet.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian listened to Ning Caichen boast. It seemed like after wandering about yesterday, Ning Caichen discovered that only Ren Baqian would lend him a listening ear. He came shortly after Ren Baqian arrived and spoke to him non-stop about the legendary stories from his whole journey towards here.


    Listening to all the things Ning Caichen had to tell him, Ren Baqian was actually quite interested in them.


    For example, the local conditions and customs of different nations.


    ...


    ��


    In the morning, a huge fleet of horses and carriages entered Lan City.


    First of all, the fleet of horses and carriages stopped somewhere on Jingyang Road. There were three shops located at that position, and the wooden doors were all sealed.


    The signboard on top dered, "Wan Family Restaurant."


    A lightly bearded man wearing a purple satin robe disembarked from the carriage. He had both his hands behind his back and he raised his head to look at the three shops that were sealed off.


    "Fifth Uncle, is this our family''s property in Lan City?" Two men disembarked from each of the other two carriages. They were both in their twenties: one looked dashing while the other was charming.


    "Not bad. Your third uncle''s family has been banished to prison, and that is the reason why we are here today," replied the man who was addressed as the fifth uncle.


    "This bunch of barbarians." The dashing young man was indignant. His face was full of anger.


    "Be silent. This is not our home. You must remember that while you are out there, you can eat whatever you want, but you cannot speak whatever is on your mind. If you get into trouble here, nobody can save you." The middle-aged man knitted his brow.


    "I''m aware of my mistake," the dashing man said hurriedly as he lowered his head.


    "Do the both of you understand what we are going to do this time?" Questioned the middle-aged man.


    "I understand. But fifth uncle, is Qi Zixiao really that gorgeous?" The charming young man asked.


    "Far more than that. Back then, when I came to Dayao, I caught a glimpse of her from far away. She was absolutely stunning. This time around, I brought the both of you along merely with the slightest bit of hope. The two of you better not bear too excessive thoughts. The number of talented and charming young men from different nations with such simr intentions are just like a school of carps moving down the stream."


    Currently, thews and discipline of our Yun Nation are in disorder.


    That dictator is an ignorant person who rejects all outsiders.


    With the undercurrent now turbulent, I had no choice but to n for a ce to retreat to.


    Great Xia has quite a number of rich and powerful families. Even though I have it all nned, it would not be easy to take possession of Great Xia.


    This road of Dayao is of my own advocacy.


    There is nock of brave generals and fearsome soldiers in Dayao, but what itcks is someone capable of governing the nation.


    Although the current ruler of Dayao is a woman and she is still rtively young, her aspiration that of an ordinary person.


    If the both of you can disy your capabilities and pique her interest, perhaps you can be established here in Dayao..


    It a pity that even though your third uncle has been out there managing our properties for many years, he is greedy by nature.


    Besides the fact that he had ruined himself, he had ruined the properties of our family as well.


    Our Zhang family''s reputation here has been tarnished by him.


    This time, our main objective ining over here is to redeem our situation over here.


    With regards to other matters, it is sufficient for us to be just aware of them. We need not be too excessively involved and demanding.


    "Understood, Fifth Uncle. We trust your words. Among our family, Fifth Uncle''s foresight, knowledge, and experience is iparable to anyone. We have a pretty clear idea of what is going on with the exception of a little doubt. If we were to remain here and be discovered by others, we are afraid that we can''t ount for ourselves over at home," the both of them looked at each other while the charming youth replied.


    "You do need not to worry too much about this. Since the early days, I have already found two people that are sufficient to pass off as the both of you in the family. As long as the both of you lead a secluded life, you will not need to worry about being discovered by others. Even in the case that people get hold of news about the situation here, it could be a coincidence of just having the same name and family name with simr appearance as well. Such matters can be sorted out by the family."


    "Let''s go. Head towards Honglu Bureau." The middle-aged man motioned to the both of them and ended the conversation.


    After the two youths returned to the carriages, neither felt tranquil at all. The pair understood what the middle-aged man meant. He wanted them to scheme into an official position in Dayao. Although the two youths did not like the wilderness, they had no other way out but to do it for their family.


    However, they were rather curious about why the middle-aged man described Qi Zixiao as an absolutely stunning beauty in this world. They want to see for themselves how the empress of Dayao, so highly praised by fifth uncle, looked like.


    The fleet of horses and carriages arrived at the Honglu Bureau. Ren Baqian received the news and in an instant, brought Xiong Pi out with him. He took a glimpse and saw the three of them standing at the doorway with the carriages slightly further away.


    In the middle was a middle-aged man with refined features and a small beard. The two young men at the back were extremely fine looking.


    "They are here to execute the beauty trap!" Ren Baqian thought to himself as he looked at the two men.


    "They are here to disrupt my source of livelihood. They must be suppressed, even without Her Majesty''s arrangement."


    They were also distracted when they saw him. To their surprise, this Honglu Deputy wasn''t an aboriginal nor was he a remnant citizen of the Hao Nation. From his appearance, he seemed like someone from Great Xia or the Yun Nation.


    This time someone else must have been the first to act. The few of them had this thought emerge in their heads.


    "How should I address the few of you? Where are all of you from? What are you here for?" Ren Baqian asked calmly.


    "I am Zhang Junzheng. These two are the members of my family, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju. We were informed that Her Majesty''s birthday celebration is in a few days'' time and specially brought gifts all the way from the Yun Nation to pay our respects. How should we address Sir?"


    "My surname is Ren, Ren Baqian. You may also refer to me as Deputy Ren." Ren Baqian smiled for courtesy''s sake.


    "Sir Ren has a nice name. Having the world at your feet, you are bound to get a quick promotion in your career someday," the charming young man, Zhang Heju praised.


    "Ha ha, I do not deserve this brother''s praise," Ren Baqian pasted on his fake smile and replied. Deep down, he thought to himself:


    This fe''s bootlicking skill is indeed excellent. He is a big enemy and I definitely must guard against him.

 Chapter 79: Deep Thoughts

    Chapter 79: Deep Thoughts


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "How many years have Sir Ren worked in the Honglu Bureau? I have been to Lan City before in the past, but this is the first time I see a foreigner in Dayao holding an official position. Sir Ren must have been favored by Her Majesty. You''re truly respected," Zhang Junzheng smiled and asked as he followed Ren Baqian into the Honglu Bureau with his two nephews behind him.


    "I just took up this position not too long ago," Ren Baqian spread his arms and replied. It wasn''t possible for him to hide this information as people could easily find out the truth by just asking around.


    "Oh?" Zhang Junzheng''s eyes flickered.


    "I have to trouble you to fill this form out." Ren Baqian took out three pieces of paper and passed it to the three people. After exining what information he needed, Ren Baqian sat down behind the table and silently observed the three persons.


    Zhang Junzheng might appear to be the leader, but the main characters were very likely to be the two pretty boys beside him.


    "Where do all of you want to stay? Have you arranged lodgings already?" Ren Baqian asked when he saw them finish filling out the form.


    "I have to trouble to arrange the lodgings for us," Zhang Junzheng cupped his fists and replied.


    "Xiong Pi, bring them to the two empty residences beside Ning Caichen''s," Ren Baqian instructed Xiong Pi.


    "Yes, Deputy! All of you, follow me!" Xiong Pi yelled.


    "Thank you very much, Sir." Zhang Junzheng and the other two cupped their fists at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head at them. After they had left, he fell into a deep thought.


    These three persons looked like they were from an influential family. They were different from ordinary people. Every word and action they said and made were extremely appropriate. Even though they had treated Ren Baqian with due respect, he did not have a favorable impression of them at all.


    The change in his mentality during thest two days caused him to have a premonition.


    At the same time, he pondered over a question. If he could be an official in Dayao, could the people from other nations do so as well? Could they?


    Just because there isn''t any foreigner that has be an official in Dayao in the past does not mean there can not be one in the future. He himself was an example.


    That afternoon, other groups of people arrived. The first group was from Great Xia and had the surname Lian. The second group was from the Yun Nation and had the surname Hong.


    Like the Zhang Family, these two groups of people also came with a huge fleet of horses and carriages. They brought a lot of gifts with them as well.


    Ren Baqian instructed Xiong Pi to bring them to their residences. When Xiong Pi came back, he began to grumble, "Sir, those bastards don''t know what''s good for them. They actuallyined about the amenities being too simple and crude. Every residence is the same. Personally, I think the amenities are not bad. I can''t believe they dare toin about this and that."


    Ren Baqian narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew Xiong Pi was talking about the Lian Family. The Lian Family''s young master was surrounded by an air of arrogance. He was so arrogant that his eyes looked as though grew on top of his head.


    "If theyin again, ask them to find their own lodgings," Ren Baqian replied casually.


    That night, Ren Baqian handed over his work to someone else. He returned to Earth that night.


    During the three days on Earth, he hid inside his room to recite the poems and pondered over his life in that world. His mind was entirely focused on that world.


    There were too many things that he needed to take into consideration. In the past, he was like a spinning top. He would spin only when the string was pulled. Other than thinking about how to keep himself alive, he would only think about making Earthly objects and how to make money. He had never contemted what he really wanted to do and how he was going to do it.


    However, during these days, he had been thinking about his future.


    The only advantage he had was the backing of a civilized world, Earth. He had nothing else, let alone fighting capabilities. He reckoned that anyone above ten years of age in Dayao was stronger than him. He was just an ordinary man. He wasn''t a visionary or a sage.


    All he had was the technologies, scientific theories, and cultural knowledge from Earth. These were the only things that disyed his worth to other people.


    Even though the people in the other world were very powerful in terms of strength, they still weren''t powerful enough to disregard the technologies from Earth. Technologies were very important to them as well. Simrly, cultural knowledge and scientific theories were very important to Dayao.


    In the past, he only thought about what Earthly items he could make, how to make more money, and how to fawn upon the empress. However, these things were insignificant to him now. If he wanted people to truly value him, he had to upgrade Dayao in terms of science and technology. Only by doing so then would his position be firm and secure.


    Of course, hugging the empress''s thighs was necessary.


    He knew nothing and had nothing in that world. He did not have any foundation to rise from. In the meantime, he could only hug the empress''s thighs tightly. Only by doing so could he then keep himself safe and sound and do things that disy his worth.


    Ren Baqian thought about a lot of things. Even though his thought process was stillcking in some areas, he had alreadye up with a clear goal. As for the areas he wascking in, he could slowly improve them.


    By the time he returned to that world, his mind was crystal-clear. He knew what he wanted to do and how to do them


    "Eh? Brother Ren, you look slightly different today," Caretaker Shi asked with curiosity when he saw Ren Baqian in the morning.


    "I finally figured out something that I didn''t understand in the past," Ren Baqian smiled and replied.


    "If you don''t understand something, throw it aside first. You will know what to do when the moment arrives," Caretaker Shi replied bluntly, causing Ren Baqian to chuckle.


    When Ren Baqian reached the Honglu Bureau, he saw Qi Heng and Qi Sheng still stood at the entrance. When they saw him, they greeted him.


    "Anyonee yesterday?" Ren Baqian asked casually.


    "There were a carriage fleet and a group of three men riding horses. I saw Xiong Pi leading them away, their lodgings should have already been settled," Qi Heng replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head in acknowledgement. Upon entering the deputy room, he saw a big man sitting behind the table. His face was dim-looking. If he was drooling now, he would be looking like a mentally challenged person.


    Ren Baqian tapped the table and said, "Registrar Xi."


    The man jumped up and returned to his senses. When he saw that it was Ren Baqian, he quickly stood up and said, "Deputy Ren, you''re back. Have you settled your business?"


    "Yes," Ren Baqian replied inly, "Did anything happen yesterday?"


    This big man was the official registrar of the Honglu Bureau. He was Ren Baqian''s recement for yesterday. It was very easy for Ren Baqian toe up with an excuse. He merely said that the empress had arranged other work for him to do. In any case, Registrar Xi could not find the empress to validate Ren Baqian''s excuse. Furthermore, the empress knew that Ren Baqian would disappear asionally.


    "I have already arranged the lodgings for the two groups of people that came yesterday," the big man said.


    "If there''s nothing else, I shall take my leave."


    "Thank you so much." Ren Baqian gave him a smile.


    The big man grinned back at Ren Baqian. Without saying anything else, he left the building.


    Ren Baqian walked around the building and came to the backyard. Xiong Pi was indeed ying with the gigantic rock. When he saw Ren Baqian, he casually threw the rock away as though it was rubber ball.


    "You can continue your training, I am just taking a look," Ren Baqian said. He felt a tremor when the gigantic rocknded on the ground.


    ...


    That afternoon Ren Baqian and Xiong Pi were staying in the room when, suddenly, a minor official from the ry station came over and reported to Ren Baqian, "Sir, a fight has broken out."


    However, he did not look like he was panicking. It was as though he was here just to notify Ren Baqian of this incident.


    In any case, all of them were foreigners. As long they did not destroy the ry station, the people from the Honglu Bureau wouldn''t care about them.


    "Has anyone been beaten to death so far?" Ren Baqian leaned back and inqired.


    "Sir, when I arrived at the scene, no one was dead yet," the man smiled. Ren Baqian''s current manner of speaking was extremely simr to the previous Deputy Qi Zhi''s.


    "What''s the issue?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I am not too sure either. They began to fight after having a small quarrel," that man replied.


    "Which residences?"


    "Number 2 and Number 8."


    Ren Baqian recalled that these two residences belonged to Mister Emptiness and the Lian Family.


    "Let''s go and take a look."

 Chapter 80: How Am I Supposed to Do My Job If All of You Are So F***ed Up

    Chapter 80: How Am I Supposed to Do My Job If All of You Are So F***ed Up


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian walked unhurriedly out of the Honglu Bureau with Xiong Pi and the big fellow named Gan Gu in tow. Although he looked like he was having a rxed stroll, Ren Baqian''s mind buzzed with thoughts on how to settle the issue.


    These guys were after all here to present gifts to the empress. It would not reflect well on him if they continued to fight in private. Inadequately addressing this fighting issue would leave him looking ipetent and the fighting might escte.


    The Honglu Bureau was not very far from the ry station. One only had to take a bend after exiting the bureau to reach it.


    Ren Baqian could see therge crowd from a distance. Cries and cheers could also be heard.


    The circle of onlookers were mainly made up of Dayao''s citizens. These burly men who had nothing better to do had transformed into an audience for this street performance, cheering and pping away.


    As he approached, Ren Baqian saw a few familiar figures as well. Ning Caichen''s small body was constantly being pushed around. After effortfully maintaining his ce in the crowd for quite a while, someone took a step back and butted into him. Ning Caichen was immediately forced backwards, tottering five to six steps backwards beforending on his bum.


    Ning Caichen cursed under his breath as he picked himself up. Finally realizing that he could not possibly squeeze into the crowd, he began to jump up and down like a spring.


    Ren Baqian was greeted by this sight as he arrived and was reminded of the time he watched Long Wanli challenge the empress. He suddenly felt an uncanny connection with Ning Caichen which made him feel slightly distressed. The burly men from the aboriginals were such bullies.


    Ning Caichen''s incessant hopping only allowed him to capture glimpses of the fight. Being particrly fond of watching bustling scenes, he felt anxious that he was missing out on something so exciting. Here was such a big one, yet he waste to arrive.


    At that moment he felt someone tap him from behind. Quickly turning around, he first saw Xiong Pi''s wall-like figure directly in front of him. As he shifted his eyes downward he saw Ren Baqian staring at him with a slightly depressed look on his face.


    Ning Caichen did not feel the least bit awkward. He immediately grabbed Ren Baqian and said, "Deputy Ren, they''re fighting inside. I wonder if someone had already gotten his brains smashed. Hurry, go in and take a look at the situation."


    Ren Baqian looked at Ning Caichen.


    You''d really like for some brains to get spilled wouldn''t you?


    We really can''t judge a book by its cover.


    "Xiong Pi?" Ren Baqian turned his head and called out. Xiong Pi promptly reached out his thick arms and picked the two people in front of Ren Baqian up before cing them down by the side.


    The two people felt as if they had suddenly taken flight and were about tosh out until they saw Xiong Pi''s size. All they could do after that was to give him angry res.


    With Xiong Pi paving the way, it was easy for Ren Baqian to make his way through the crowd. Ning Caichen followed behind him hurriedly, matching his movements step by step out of fear that he would be squeezed out again.


    As the number of heads in front of him cleared, Ren Baqian got closer and closer to the front of the crowd. Here, he managed to see what was happening.


    Contrary to his expectations, the perpetrator was not Mister Emptiness. Mister Emptiness was busy coughing up blood by the side.


    Four delicate and sweet youngdies were surrounding an old man that was dressed in a ck garment. Their fists and palms flew swiftly at the old man, and although he did not look injured, he remained trapped within their formation.


    The fourdies were the four who were in charge of lifting the sedan chairs. This sight before Ren Baqian allowed him to ascertain with some level of confidence that the fourdies were not hired. This question had been puzzling him for days, but now he had solved it.


    As for the old man dressed in ck, he was an old housekeeper of the Lian family. He possessed extraordinary skill and would probably not have been trapped if the fourdies did not attack him in a coordinated manner.


    Although, trapping him was all they could manage.


    Heir to the Lian family, Lian Baocheng, watched the fight from the sidelines. He was displeased that the fourdies had yet to be subdued.


    It was then that someone whispered something into Lian Baocheng''s ear, following which he immediately looked up and saw Xiong Pi''s enormous figure.


    If this barbarian is here, then the deputy must be here too.


    Lian Baocheng''s face lit up with a violent glow, "Lian Tong, kill them all."


    Everyone in the vicinity heard his words loud and clear. What a cruel person he must be to order the deaths of four youngdies the moment he opened his mouth.


    Ren Baqian was momentarily stunned upon hearing what Lian Baocheng said. Ren Baqian shifted his gaze towards Lian Baocheng, only to find him looking away as if he did not see him.


    But Ren Baqian had definitely seen him turning away after looking over. What''s more, Xiong Pi''s size made it impossible for them to be overlooked.


    Thinking back to a few days ago when Lian Baocheng threw a fit for being ced here, Ren Baqian could not help butugh grimly.


    Is he doing this to spite me?


    The fight''s condition suddenly changed. The moment Lian Baocheng said those words, Lian Tong''s attacks became much more deadly.


    A delicate cry suddenly filled the air as one of the youngdies did a backwards flip. Following that, a beam of white light that stretched from her abdomen to her neck shed brightly and her clothes split cleanly in half. The audiences were treated with an erotic sight.


    Thereafter, blood began spewing out where the bright light had been.


    It was then that the people in the crowd realized that Lian Tong was now holding a soft sword which had begun to snake towards the other three youngdies.


    If she had not dodged in time, the first youngdy who got shed would probably have had her torsopletely ripped apart.


    Despite this, the injury she had just suffered was considerably heavy as well.


    The four youngdies were only able to suppress an unarmed Lian Tong by coordinating their attacks. Now that they were short one person and Lian Tong had one weapon, the fight''s circumstances changed substantially. The three youngdies were beginning to feel the danger.


    Within only a few moments, their bodies had umted quite a few more wounds.


    Seeing this made Mister Emptiness cough even harder. He had progressed from politely coughing traces of blood into a handkerchief to spitting out mouthfuls of blood. Like a sharp arrow, one of these mouthfuls of blood shot out of Mister Emptiness'' mouth and flew right towards where Lian Baocheng was.


    "Be careful sir!" Someone shouted out from the side. A burly man immediately unsheathed his sword to block the blood arrow.


    The blood arrow lost all power upon smashing against the sword''s de, promptly scattering into tiny droplets.


    What happened next startled the entire crowd. Where the blood arrow hadnded on the sword was now a melted mess. As the area continued to soften, the top half of the de broke off andnded on the ground with a ng.


    Lian Baocheng was thoroughly frightened by this sight. The thought of what the blood arrow would have done to his body made him shudder with fear.


    Pale with fear, Lian Baocheng took a nce at Mister Emptiness only to see a pair of eyes filled wholly with a raw killing intent.


    Ren Baqian''s face was filled with amazement.


    How can that possibly be blood, surely it must be some sort of strong acid?


    Human blood cannot be that corrosive, perhaps there is some super intense gastric acid mixed within it?


    Ren Baqian had often heard people threaten to spit at others, but today''s events had brought that threat to a whole new level. If Mister Emptiness were to spit right at someone''s face, the consequences were highly likely to be worse than mere disfiguration.


    "Kill them all, including that invalid sitting over there. I want to chop them up into a million pieces." Lian Baocheng''s face distorted with madness.


    Hearing his order, Ren Baqian knew that the show had to end. If this continued, someone''s brains really would be spilled.


    Ren Baqian turned towards Xiong Pi and said darkly, "Block them. After I shout for them to stop, kill without hesitation anyone that dares to move."


    I might as well quit if I let you fools continue to cause such a ruckus in Dayao''s imperial capital.


    Shortly after he spoke to Xiong Pi, Ren Baqian yelled, "Stop."

 Chapter 81: A Different Style

    Chapter 81: A Different Style


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian''s yell resounded through the air. No one stopped fighting, or rather, they did not dare to stop fighting. If one party stopped fighting, but the other party did not, the former would be left in a disadvantageous position.


    Furthermore, they did not have the luxury of time to see who was yelling.


    "Xiong Pi, separate them. Kill anyone who refuses to obey my order."


    While Ren Baqian was saying these words in a ghastly tone, Lian Baocheng was still hooting, "Kill them! I want to use their skins to cushion my chair! I want that ill bast*rd to be cut up into pieces!"


    However, it was destined that his goal would not be achieved. Xiong Pi charged into the ongoing battle and smacked one of the three girls that was blocking his way. Like a kite with a broken string, that girl flew into the air with blood spurting out from her mouth.


    Treat the fairer sex with tenderness? It appeared that Xiong Pi did not have such a notion. He would do whatever the deputy asked him to do.


    Seeing that it was his opportunity to take, the soft sword in ck-clothed old man''s hand transformed into a dazzling sword gleam and streaked towards the two girls.


    The two girls roared. As they were dodging the old man''s cold sword gleam, they turned their heads to look at Xiong Pi.


    Without fooling around, Xiong Piunched a kick at the ck-clothed old man. Seeing that something was amiss, the old man leapt into air and avoided the kick. His soft sword went straight for Xiong Pi like a poisonous snake.


    Whether he attacked Xiong Pi because of self-defense or other reasons, it still made Ren Baqian sneer incessantly.


    Xiong Pi let out a deep roar, giving Ren Baqian the impression of a simple and honest man revealing his sharp fangs. Ignoring the cold sword gleam, Xiong Pi raised his hands and hammered old man with them.


    Even though Lian Tong managed to use his arms to block the iing attack in time, he could not withstand Xiong Pi''s brute strength.


    "Bang!"


    Everyone felt the ground beneath their feet tremble. Lian Tong had half of his body plunged into the ground.


    "Lian Ou, Lian Chi, stop and retreat�� Cough��" Mister Emptiness yelled to the remaining two girls. At that time, they were contemting whether to attack Xiong Pi or the severely injured Lian Tong.


    "Mister!" The two girls knew they weren''t Xiong Pi''s match and they gave him a fierce stare before retreating.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows as he stepped forward and asked, "What''s going on?"


    No one answered him.


    When the surrounding Dayao people saw a foreigner that was wearing a Dayao official robe, they inquired about him with curiosity. After they found out he was the newly appointed Honglu Deputy, they continued to watch the show.


    Lian Baocheng looked at Lian Tong, who had half of his body in the ground. Following which, he looked at Xiong Pi''s gigantic physique. He was shocked by Xiong Pi''s immense strength. His lips trembled as he spoke, "How�� how dare you?"


    "Oh? Dare what?" Ren Baqian looked at Lian Baocheng with a smile on his face. Lowering his head, he looked at the unconscious Lian Tong and spoke with a sympathizing tone, "Aww�� You actually dare to attack Xiong Pi�� That''s why you are in such a pathetic state now!"


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk," Ren Baqian clicked his tongue,menting.


    Ren Baqian wondered how many of his bones were broken.


    "Hmm�� living like this is rather painful. Xiong Pi, why not you stomp him to death and end his misery?" Ren Baqian''s sudden change of tone caused a dead silence to descend upon the ce.


    Lian Baocheng, Ning Caichen, the Zhang family and the Hong family felt a cold shiver travel down their spines.


    They suddenly felt that this weak-looking Honglu Deputy was actually a ruthless evil wolf beneath his smile.


    "You dare! You dare! I will kill your whole family!" Like a dog that got its tail stepped on, Lian Baocheng jumped up and charged towards Ren Baqian while hooting frantically.


    Xiong Pi had a few bloody wounds on his body, but he looked as though he felt nothing. Looking at the sinister scars on his body, one could guess that this type of injury had zero impact on him.


    Xiong Pi grinned and revealed a set of white teeth. Following which, he raised one of his feet and stomped it down onto Lian Tong''s chest, which was revealed above the ground.


    "Crack."


    "Pfff."


    First, the bones in his chest were shattered. Next, like a water balloon that burst, blood spurted out from his five sense organs.


    Ren Baqian resisted the urge to puke. With a calm smile on his face, he looked at Lian Baocheng and said, "You have the nerve to attack an official from the Honglu Bureau in Dayao, what you take Dayao people for?"


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian''s smile, even Lian Baocheng''s fearless and tyrannical nature shuddered with fear. Following which, his mind erupted with boundless anger and humiliation.


    "It''s his normal reflex after he was attacked," Lian Baocheng squeezed these words out of his mouth.


    Since he was young, he could do whatever he wanted. He had never been humiliated like this before. The mes within him were about to engulf his body entirely. If Ren Baqian never reminded him that he was now in Dayao, he would have already gone berserk.


    "It''s also Xiong Pi''s normal reflex."


    "He was stomped to death by your order��" Lian Baocheng''s heart raged with mes. He felt he would explode at any moment.


    "One has to be punished if he or her attacks an official, don''t you agree? Otherwise, where would Dayao''s dignity be ced?" Ren Baqian chuckled as he walked to the front of Lian Baocheng.


    The surrounding Dayao people burst intoughter. They felt this foreigner-cum-Honglu Deputy was a good man. They liked him a lot.


    "I''m here to celebrate the birthday of Dayao empress and I have bought gifts. I will definitely report what you have done today to the higher-ups. Great Xia''s ambassador will also notify your empress of this incident." Lian Baocheng''s face was bright-red and his eyes were bloodshot. His brain was operating swiftly, trying toe up with a way to kill this bastard. Not only did he want Ren Baqian to die, but he also wanted his entire family to die.


    Ren Baqian touched Lian Baocheng''s face with his hand. This action caused the surrounding onlookers to shudder in fear.


    "Therefore, from now on, you better be careful and don''tmit any more mistakes. Otherwise, I will throw you into the jail. The gifts you bought will still be given to Her Majesty, but you won''t be the one presenting them to her. As for other things, you can do as you wish," Ren Baqian said and chuckled.


    Ren Baqian''s words sent a cold shiver down Lian Baocheng''s spine.


    Ren Baqian turned around and faced the onlookers. Then, he said, "No matter what, I hope this kind of incident will not happen again. I also hope all of you remember that this is Dayao, regardless of your status in your country or how tyrannical you usually are. Whether you''re a dragon or a tiger, you better keep yourself in check. I don''t care if you fight among yourself to the death outside, but if you''re here, you better not create any trouble for me."


    After Ren Baqian finished his sentence, everyone in his surroundings turned silent. Following which, those Dayao people that were spectating the battle broke into cheers.


    Ren Baqian gave everyone a smile. His tone suddenly became gentler as he continued, "Everyone here is somebody, you should treat yourself with more respect. If you want to create trouble, don''t do it here."


    "Xiong Pi, let''s go," Ren Baqian snapped his fingers and walked off. At the same time, he yelled, "Gan Gu, ask the public order bureau toe over and clean up the mess."


    "Yes, Sir," the huge man that was named Gan Gu replied immediately.


    After Ren Baqian took office, a lot of people had been discussing about him in the dark. Many felt that he was somewhat ipetent.


    After this incident, Gan Gu realized Ren Baqian was much more ruthless than he looked.


    He liked the way Ren Baqian handled the incident today.


    This time around, without needing Xiong Pi''s help, everyone in front of Ren Baqian automatically cleared the way for him. With Xiong Pi behind him, Ren Baqian left the ce with swag.

 Chapter 82: Different Types of People Have Different Thoughts

    Chapter 82: Different Types of People Have Different Thoughts


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian left the crowd and made a turn on the road. He began to nch and his back perspired incessantly.


    He never thought that he could do such a thing.


    Even he was appalled at what he had just done, so much so that he found it terrifying.


    Those words and that kind of performance werepletely unlike what he would normally do.


    Upon returning to the Honglu Bureau, he immediately rushed to the toilet and vomited.


    A while ago, he personally gave the order to trample a man who was standing beside him to death. It was as if it was just like stepping on a cockroach.


    Although Ren Baqian deliberately did not lower his head to see the scene, he could hear what was going on. Especially the final sound that sounded like a persimmon being trampled on.


    Thinking of the image of a persimmon being squashed made him vomit.


    After a long while, he finally came out from the toilet, and his forehead was perspiring abnormally.


    .


    Ren Baqian was not sure whether what he did today was right or not, but he knew he had to intimidate those people.


    People like Lian Baocheng, who came from an influential family, were pampered and even spoiled since childhood. If Ren Baqian did not intimidate them, they would definitely create a host of problems in the near future.


    Besides him, all the others who came from thousands of miles away were definitely not ordinary people either. Among these people, only a few of them were kind.


    Like that Mister Emptiness, if Xiong Pi was not by his side that day, he would have been in trouble.


    There were about thirteen days to go before the birthday celebration, and not many people had arrived yet. There would be more people arriving the next few days. There were some groups


    This was the first task delegated to Ren Baqian by the empress. He must not mess up and must do well regardless of whatever methods he used.


    Previously, he still thought it was sufficient to subdue them just by reciting poems. On second thought, he felt that he was ridiculous and was being too simplistic then.


    Perhaps, those people really had received more than ten years of education. But in actual fact, they were not ordinary students, and it was hard to predict what hairy schemes they coulde up with in future.


    At the same time, he started to ponder the reason why the empress entrusted him with this task.


    After thinking for a long time, he still could not figure out the real reason.


    In any case, it was the empress that delegated me with the task. Just do whatever I am instructed to.


    It was more important to ponder what suitable gifts to give to the empress than to ponder about this matter.


    Not too long after Ren Baqian left, the people from the public order bureau came and most of the people had already dispersed. Lian Baocheng had departed with a face that was deathly pale after Ren Baqian left and did not even take the dead body along.


    Of course, he still had to stay in Dayao for many days and could not keep the corpse by his side. In addition, with the weather in Dayao, he estimated the house would be unlivable in a few days.


    Although two underlings of Mister Emptiness were injured, his loss was much lesspared to Lian Baocheng who lost his face and his right-hand man.


    After appeasing his two pce maids, his heart was filled with a deep sense of fear for Ren Baqian.


    The previous time Mister Emptiness had sounded Ren Baqian out, he felt that this Honglu Deputy only appeared to be tough outwardly. But after today, he had a whole new level of respect for him and marveled at his exploits.


    It was not only him, the rest felt the same way too.


    Even though the people of Dayao were uncivilized and overbearing, it was only like that . The events today had also happened before, but at most only a fewshes of the whip were imposed.


    However, Ren Baqian was different and gave them the feeling of "a wolf swallowing a person without spitting out the bones". A kind of atmosphere that was filled with ruthlessness.


    The reason why they felt this way was the contrast between Ren Baqian''s normal behavior and his action now. This contrast showed that Ren Baqian was the type of person who only showed his true colors at the end.


    That afternoon, the empress read a document detailing the things that Ren Baqian had done.


    Seated beneath her was Gu Daxiong who was also known as "Did not care about anything".


    "It is interesting." The empressughed. She found what Ren Baqian did to be rather interesting and had not thought that Ren Baqian would do things in such an unexpected way. But, this was what intrigued her.


    Gu Daxiong, who was seated beneath the empress, heard her and alsoughed. " This Deputy Ren looks like an useless fellow but is efficient in doing his job. I was initially not confident about him, but I can let go of my duties and take no part in them."


    "Let him do as he pleases," the empress said indifferently.


    "Yes," Gu Daxiong replied.


    Meanwhile, in the Great Xia''s embassy in Dayao.


    A tyrannical looking Lian Baocheng said, "That Hong Lu Deputy with the surname Ren, I want him to die. Is there any way?"


    Sitting opposite Lian Baocheng was a dark-skinned, bearded man in his thirties. It was only aftering to Dayao and staying for a long time that his skin became dark through no fault of him.


    His name was Gu Zicheng and he looked at Lian Baocheng and sneered. "Do you think this is Great Xia?"


    "Ie to you specifically because this is Dayao. You state your condition, for example, helping you to get back to Great Xia?" Lian Baocheng said.


    Gu Zicheng shook his head slightly, "Your proposal is very attractive, and I am sick of this god-forsaken ce, but I still have to say, this is Dayao and not Great Xia. This is the territory of the barbarians. Mucking around here is tantamount to suicide. They will not consider your identity, as you should have known. Let me give you a suggestion, just swallow your pride."


    Lian Baocheng stared at Gu Zicheng for a while and said loudly, "Then you stay here until you die."


    After Lian Baocheng left, a young man wearing something simr to a wide Chinese-styled gown walked in from the next house and sat opposite Gu Zicheng.


    "Your Highness!" Gu Zicheng bowed.


    "Let''s dispense with the ceremony." The person who was addressed as Your Highnessughed. "This generation of the Lian family is really useless and each one is worse than the next."


    He was the Seventh Prince of Great Xia and nobody expected him to travel light, without attendants and a convoy, ande to Lan City.


    Gu Zichengughed upon hearing this. The Lian family of Great Xia was a wealthy and influential n, towering around for hundreds of years without copsing and every generation produced some talents. However, this generation of youngsters was pretty useless.


    "However, with regards to this Deputy Ren, I actually find him very interesting." The seventh prince smiled.


    "I only know a little through enquiries over these few days. This guy was in prison more than one month ago. He was then sent to the best park for several days and somehow became the Honglu Deputy. Nobody knows his history before his imprisonment. If you ask me, I think it is really weird."


    The Seventh Prince squinted his eyes.


    "This person suddenly appeared from a rock."


    He spoke softly and then began tough.


    If Ren Baqian was there and saw the Seventh Prince, he would have been given a fright.


    This is because the Seventh Prince, besides his hairstyle and temperament, looked exactly like him. There was almost no difference; it was as if they were cast from the same mold.


    When the Seventh Prince saw Ren Baqian from a distance, he already felt this way.


    Thus, in his mind, Ren Baqian was a priority, second only to the purpose of himing to Dayao.


    To have another person looking like him gave a weird feeling. It was enough to have him in this world and not necessary to have another looking exactly like him.


    If Ren Baqian had not be an official in Dayao and received so much publicity, he would have thought one of his brothers was ying a practical joke by trying to pass off as him.

 Chapter 83: Busy

    Chapter 83: Busy


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Naturally, Ren Baqian was unaware what happened in other ces. From that day on, he became very busy.


    He couldn''t even care about the air cooler matter.


    After Tong Jia finished making its outer case, Ren Baqian threw the matter to Caretaker Shi.


    As for its selling price, one air cooler would be sold for fifteen silver taels. In any case, those who bought this thing were definitely not ordinary individuals. Therefore, it did not matter if the air cooler was expensive.


    This air cooler was too easy to make. It could definitely bring Ren Baqian some profits. However, once it hit the market, there would definitely be imitations of it very soon.


    Even though Dayao people were not good at doing business, they weren''t stupid. They could easily find someone to make imitations of the air cooler. He was basically cing money beneath their feet. It couldn''t be possible that they did not know how to stoop down and pick up the money.


    Even if the Dayao people were really stupid, there were still those merchants from other nations.


    Right now, Ren Baqian wasn''t concerned about this matter. Even though a few hundred silver taels were not a small sum of money, it wasn''t an important matter to him.


    He did not know that the air cooler piqued a lot of people''s interests as soon as Caretaker Shi ced it in the newly renovated shop at Jingyang Road.


    Especially after Caretaker Shi demonstrated how it could emit cold air by adding ice cubes to it. Out of a total of twenty air coolers seven had been sold on that day itself. The remaining thirteen werepletely sold out on the second day.


    Its sales were much better than Ren Baqian expected.


    In fact, there was something that Ren Baqian did not know. Ever since the empress received the air cooler, she had been using it frequently during court sessions. Her ministers were already coveting it.


    Therefore, when the ice coolers were disyed at Ren Baqian''s shop, they were immediately sold out after someone discovered them.


    The twenty air coolers made a profit of two hundred plus silver taels. Caretaker Shi was stunned by this result. He immediately went to find Ren Baqian and told him about it.


    Upon hearing this news, Ren Baqian was slightly surprised. He knew for sure that the ice coolers would be sold out, but he did not expect it to happen so fast.


    He asked Caretaker Shi to go back to that shop and make one hundred air coolers. He reckoned that they could sell one more batch of air coolers.


    After handing the matter over to Caretaker Shi, Ren Baqian continued his work at the Honglu Bureau.


    As the empress''s birthday celebration drew closer, there were more and more people arriving in Lan City.


    Most of them possessed businesses in Dayao. Since they frequently sent caravans to Dayao, they were extremely precise with the time needed to get to Dayao from their countries. Usually, they would reach approximately one week earlier than the appointed time.


    At this point in time, more than seventy groups of people had arrived in Lan City. Most of them were carriage fleets. Other than gifts for the empress and family members, they also carried a huge amount of goods.


    There was one more week until the empress''s birthday celebration. Ren Baqian reckoned that more people would arrive in the next few days. He needed to bust his ass off for a few more days before he could finally rest.


    Ren Baqian threw away the writing brush, stretched his back, and let out a yawn.


    He had indeed been very busy for the past few days. After all, it was unlike the past. Nowadays, he had to make decisions for many matters, arrange manpower, and even mediate disputes.


    Just like what Ren Baqian anticipated, those who came here weren''t ordinary individuals. None of them were good-hearted. All of them were used to tyrannizing people in their own countries.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Why can''t I look at you?"


    "What did you say? F*ck you! Attack him!"


    Most of the disputes started out like this.


    In this world, there were many formidable individuals. Ren Baqian had seen a few recently. These arrogant and despotic nobles could not change their bad habits even when they were in Dayao.


    Even in China, a technologically advanced country, there were plenty of such people, let alone in a feudal society.


    Even though examples had been set up for them to see, they still did not care about anything when they were in the heat of the moment.


    These few days, Ren Baqian hung another three persons to death. He hung them alive.


    Xiong Pi ced a rope on each of their necks and pulled them up. The three persons struggled non-stop until they stopped breathing.


    Such a method had intimidated many of the arrogant and tyrannical nobles.


    Ren Baqian was like a terrorizing ghost to them now.


    Ren Baqian was far too ruthless. Furthermore, he wore an amiable look on his face all the time. Even when he was giving order to kill someone, the amiable look on his face did not change at all.


    These nobles were used to seeing people getting killed. Some of them had even personally murdered people before. However, Ren Baqian''s actions still sent a cold shiver down their spines. Especially when they saw the monster-like Xiong Pi behind him.


    After a few more incidents like this��no matter what happened��so long as Ren Baqian and Xiong Pi were there, everyone would scatter like rmed birds.


    The news of these incidents spread throughout Lan City.


    Many people already knew that the seemingly kind and gently Honglu Deputy was actually a vicious and merciless individual.


    The nobles from the other three nations hated Ren Baqian to the core. They wished they could slice him to death. They had been thinking non-stop how they would torture Ren Baqian if he fell into their hands.


    If Ren Baqian really fell into their hands, they wouldn''t let him die that easily.


    However, since they were in Dayao now, they had no choice but to give in to him. At this point in time, all of them were convinced that Ren Baqian held more power than them in Lan City.


    In the past, every year during the empress''s birthday celebration, these people would create a lot of trouble. However, this year, the number of disputes that happened had decreased significantly. Even the public order bureau felt very puzzled.


    ��..


    In a mountain stronghold, one day''s journey from Lan City, Qi Zhi was using a dagger to carve a puppet. Suddenly, he heard a racket at his doorstep. A huge man rode a horse into the stronghold. Then, he jumped down and strode towards Qi Zhi. "You are leading a rather carefree life here huh."


    Qi Zhi immediatelyughed and replied, "It''s still better than handling those bastards. This year I can finally not see those bastards. I will rather Her Majesty throw me into the army and I will still be carefree there."


    "You should have won the battle then." After hearing these words from the huge man, Qi Zhi''s face turned dark in an instant.


    "How is it going at the Honglu Bureau? Has thed been tormented to death by those people?" Qi Zhi changed the topic.


    Upon hearing these words, the big man''s facial expression turned slightly odd.


    "What happened?" Qi Zhi asked with curiosity after seeing his facial expression.


    "Hehe, whenever they see Ren Baqian now, they are like mice seeing a cat."


    Hearing these words, Qi Zhi''s curiosity was immediately piqued. He asked, "What happened? When I was working there, those bastards created trouble for me every day. At that time, I wished I can strangle them to death."


    The huge manughed out loud and told Qi Zhi what happened.


    "Those bastards are really frightened this time around. Whenever they see him, they will be frightened to death. Wherever he stands, any dispute will go away on its own."


    Qi Zhi touched his short hair and cursed, "Goddamnit! Last year I broke four persons'' legs but those bastards did not even care. They obviously think I''m bulliable. Next year, if they create trouble for me, I will ughter them as well. If it weren''t for the fact that they are going to present Her Majesty with gifts, don''t you think I wanted to kill them?"


    The huge manughed again and shook his head. Following which, he replied, "You can''t scare them. You might be tyrannical and you have no qualms about killing people, but you''re still different from thatd. He is like a snake. I have never seen him in action with my own eyes. However, I did hear that he always has a smiling look on his face. He will ask Xiong Pi to put a rope around their necks and pull it to hang them to death. There''s nothing scary about killing people with swords. He can smile and pamper you while stabbing a knife through your heart. This certainly strikes fear into people''s hearts."


    Qi Zhi threw the dagger in his hand and stuck it to a wooden board in front of him. He couldn''t believe that weak-lookingd was doing a better job than him, and he felt slightly sullen.


    "Damn it! Initially I still thought thatd wa going to be tormented to death. I was thinking why Her Majesty did not want to send someone formidable. I didn''t expect thisd to be this formidable," Qi Zhi cursed. Then, he pped the huge man''s thigh and asked, "Anyway who did you hear this from?"


    "Those people from the Chen Nation told me," the huge man chuckled.


    ...

 Chapter 84: The Trap of the Great Hunt

    Chapter 84: The Trap of the Great Hunt


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was summoned to the pce when it was almost nighttime. Once he entered the pce, he saw the empress, who was wearing a red dress, standing in front of a table with a painting disyed on it.


    "Your humble servant is here to see Your Majesty." Ren Baqian paid his respects.


    The empress turned around, looked at Ren Baqian and nodded her head, "I haven''t seen you for a few days, you look even better now."


    "To handle things for Your Majesty, I must look presentable otherwise Your Majesty will lose face," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Well said and also well done in the task assigned to you," the empress praised.


    "As long as Your Majesty doesn''t me me for acting recklessly."


    "If you were afraid, you would have already begged for forgiveness," the empress curled her lips.


    "Your humble servant is thinking ofpleting the tasks given by Your Majesty and has no time for other matters. Even if Your Majesty were to me me, I would stillplete the job first," Ren Baqian quickly replied.


    The empress once again shifted her gaze from the painting to Ren Baqian, "If you are speaking the truth, I will be very happy."


    "It is sincerely true, your humble servant dares not hide anything from Your Majesty, one means one and two means two."


    The empress was nomittal. She would really be a fool if she was to believe everything Ren Baqian said.


    Ren Baqian naturally understood this. After all, saying more ttering words to show his loyalty was very beneficial towards him. It only involved saying a few words and did not cost anything.


    If only he had previously been as smart and in quick-witted in doing his work as he was now, he would not be in such a miserable stage.


    The empress returned to her couch, stretched her palm out and Hong Luan immediately poured a ss of wine and ced it in the empress''s hands.


    This was not the first time Ren Baqian had encountered such a scene. He had always been very curious to know how Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were able to know what the empress needed at any moment.


    Furthermore, from the expression of the empress, the two were able to satisfy her needs every time.


    It was unlikely that they were the roundworms in her stomach.


    However, this ability was the goal that he would like to achieve.


    "Although no oneined against you for these two days, I estimate that it wille after some time. Tell me what can I do? Though you have done well, they are still our guests who send me gifts. If they go out with manyints, it will be hard to justify. Could you please tell me, what should I do?"


    "I do not want to punish you, after all you are doing work for me and it suits me."


    "Can you tell me what shall I do?"


    Ren Baqian who was standing beneath the empress, listened to her words and came to a conclusion. There was only one option for him: he was willing to be punished.


    Although the empress might just say so and not really punish him. Or, she might be trying to sound him out. If he was punished, the empress would feel embarrassed as he was working for her, but eventually he would be the scapegoat. Since when did the emperor of Dayao do such a thing?


    The impression Dayao''s people gave to others was one of being uncivilized and overbearing.


    And they never had scruples about other people''s thoughts.


    Ren Baqian lifted up his head to face the empress and said, "You will not care how others scrutinize your imperial orders especially with regards to those small fry. Why must Your Majesty give them an exnation?"


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s reply, a smile appeared on the empress and then she broke into wantonughter. Her red lips were on fire, and she gave Ren Baqian the feeling of a ball of me spreading without restrain.


    She drank the wine in one gulp andughed heartily, "Hong Luan, give Storyteller Ren a ss of wine."


    Ren Baqian received the wine and the smell told him that the liquor was quite strong. He raised the ss and made a toast with both hands. "Thanks for bestowing the wine, Your Majesty."


    After speaking, he drank the wine in one gulp. He felt the fire as the heat flowed into his stomach.


    "Well said, I do not care about what the other people think about my imperial orders," the empressplimented him.


    "Your Majesty is well versed in literature and martial arts, whatever you do is carefully considered and there is naturally no need to care about what others think or say." Ren Baqian knew his words would go right to the heart of the empress, so he was taking the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot.


    The empressughed heartily and poured another ss of wine down her throat.


    "In four days'' time, it will be the Great Hunt. You will inform the rest and each participant can bring one follower. Announce the name list two dayster."


    Ren Baqian was slightly stunned by this announcement. Great Hunt? He had never heard about it before.


    "At that time, you better perform well and not cause me throw my face."


    "That''s it, you can go."


    " Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian kept musing about this as he left the pce.


    What is this Great Hunt about?


    Furthermore, I am expected by the empress to participate in it.


    It seems like I should find someone and ask about it.


    Ren Baqian went directly to the best park to look for Caretaker Shi and saw him at the doorway exercising with a stone dumbbell [which was in the form of an old padlock].


    No wonder Caretaker Shi was muscr. It was something he did not notice before, but Caretaker Shi was training his muscles every day.


    Sure enough, the muscles were developed by training and did note naturally.


    Caretaker Shi saw Ren Baqian, put the stone dumbbell aside andughed, "I am getting old and not as strong as before. It would have taken very little effort if it was ten years ago."


    Consequently, his body perspired profusely, and he was a little breathless.


    Sometimes, Ren Baqian looked at these aboriginals and felt he should train his body too. But, even if he trained to be very muscr, it would not be enough to even block a single blow.


    It might be a better idea to learn some martial arts from this world when opportunities arise.


    In any case, it would not be to the extent that hecks the strength to truss up a chicken.


    "What about the air cooler?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "We managed to make 30 pieces these few days and already sold more than 20 piece. There are still a few left and we reckon that they will be sold out tomorrow." Caretaker Shi mentioned it excitedly.


    Ren Baqian nodded. They have sold more than 40 units, and he estimated that it was almost time for imitation goods to appear.


    However,tely there were so many noblesing here. If they knew about this thing, they should not be so stingy as not to buy one, and it should sell for quite a while.


    This air-cooler should be able to generate a profit of 1200 taels of silver.


    "Caretaker Shi, I have something to ask you, what is the Great Hunt?" Ren Baqian changed the subject to autumn hunting.


    "It is a day which ising soon," The caretaker immediately answered Ren Baqian.


    "It is a local tradition. This day every year, to go hunting with sword and arrows on the mountains. The more and bigger the preys, the better theing year will be. If a saber-toothed tiger is caught, the hunter will be received with great favor by the youngdies in the strongholds."


    "This is also held in Lan City?"


    "Mainly in the strongholds. However, Her Majesty will hold this event once a year. The children of the esteemed families will participate to unt their status. Some with enmity will challenge each other at this time."


    "During the past few Great Hunts, did those who came to celebrate her Majesty''s birthday also participate in the hunt?"


    "Naturally, our young aboriginals are not like those weaklings, and we got to make them understand that," Caretaker Shi said as a matter of fact.


    Ren Baqian had just realized this event was useful in projecting the image of Dayao by disying the bravery of the young generation to other countries. They would retain a sense of fear and respect and, upon going back, would tell others; hence, spreading the reputation of Dayao.


    Thereafter, Ren Baqian''s face turned green with fear.


    By participating in the hunt, he would apany those gangs who dismantled houses with their bare hands and those nobles whom he tortured until half-dead to the mountains. This was as good as digging a big trap for himself.

 Chapter 85: An Urge

    Chapter 85: An Urge


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After enquiring about the Great Hunt to Caretaker Shi, Ren Baqian finally had some idea about it.


    Such a hunting season was originally a tradition of the aboriginals. Now that a city had been built, manymoners were no longer required to do this.


    However, every year the city would still hold it once. Those who participated in it were the sons of the court officials. They could show their faces and disy their capabilities in front of the empress. The empress would then observe whether or not they were outstanding.


    In the past, the envoys from various countries would also be invited to the Great Hunt, allowing them to witness the capabilities of the aboriginal young men. After the event, the envoys would be sent back to their countries.


    This had already be a custom.


    After the empress ascended the throne, other than inviting the envoys as spectators, she would also invite the young men that brought birthday gifts for her from various countries to participate in the Great Hunt.


    This event acted as a disy of power and might as well. Many of the nobles from other countries would most likely wield power in the future. The empress wanted to give them a direct observation of the aboriginals'' strength so that they could spread the word of Dayao''s might.


    The event would take ce in a mountain forest that was half a day''s journey from Lan City. There would be many wild beasts in that forest. Actually, there were even more fearsome beasts in that ce.


    This would be the stage where everyone disyed their capabilities.


    Every year, those with the best results would be treated with more importance in the future. These people would have better career progression. At the same time, they would additionally be regarded favorable by many young girls.


    Therefore, everyone that took part in the event was extremely enthusiastic.


    However, right now, Ren Baqian''s mind was filled with negative thoughts. ording to Caretaker Shi, they would not be hunting rabbits or small animals during the event. Rather, the event was focused on the participants.


    He did not know how to use any weapons. He would be considered lucky if he wasn''t hunted by his prey, let alone hunt them.


    Those nobles had servants, but he did not have any.


    Even if there were rabbits for him to hunt, they would have fangs like the ones in the beast park. Ren Baqian felt that he would not able to fend them off.


    Wouldn''t he be in a disadvantageous position if he had topete in hunting with these Dayao people. After all, every one of them were able to destroy a house with one hand.


    Furthermore, the fearsome beasts weren''t what Ren Baqian was most concerned with. He was more concerned with the humans. These few days, he had offended many people with his position from the Honglu Bureau. Initially, he thought that they could do nothing to him. He did not expect there would be such an event.


    If someone ambushed him on the mountain, he would surely die there without needing the wild beasts to finish him off.


    This is simply unfair!


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he cursed, "Damn it."


    If he had known earlier that this would happen, he would not have gone so harsh on those nobles. Well done. There were many people that wanted to crush and eat his head.


    Since it was already toote for regret, there was no point for him to overthink it. Perhaps, even if it meant death, he could hug the empress''s thighs and not go onto the mountain. Ren Baqian did contemte doing this.


    When he returned to Earth, he had to get himself a gun. Even if he had two guns, he would not be safe. However, if he did not have a single gun, he would definitely be unsafe.


    Not only could a gun deal with fearsome beasts, it could also deal with humans.


    After counting the days he spent in this world, he realized he would be returning to Earth tomorrow night. It seemed like tomorrow he must notify the nobles from the three nations of the Great Hunt and submit the name list of the participants to the higher-ups. If someone could take over his work while he was gone, that would be good. The empress would most likely excuse him.


    He would be returning to Earth one day after the Great Hunt. The empress'' birthday celebration happened to fall on the day he returned to this world.


    .....


    The next morning, when Ren Baqian arrived at the Honglu Bureau, he sent someone to notify everyone about the Great Hunt.


    After sitting down for a while, one of his subordinates reported to him that someone was here. Furthermore, that person had a very high status. He was the Seventh Prince of Great Xia.


    From what Ren Baqian knew, Great Xia was currently the most powerful country. The size of Great Xia was three timesrger than Dayao''s. Its poption was a few times greater than Dayao''s, having nearly three hundred million people. This was rather terrifying for a country in a feudal world.


    With a gigantic poption, it would naturally have more experts as well. Reportedly, six of the world''s top ten experts were in Great Xia.


    Its civilization went back to the dim and distant past. Every country was deeply influenced by Great Xia, especially the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation. Since both of them shared the same ancestry with Great Xia, the influence of Great Xia upon them was evenrger.


    From various aspects, Ren Baqian could tell that Great Xia was the overlord of this world.


    Therefore, when the Seventh Prince of such a powerful country came to visit the Honglu Bureau, Ren Baqian did not dare show any negligence. He quickly brought Xiong Pi along with him to receive the Seventh Prince.


    Outside Honglu Bureau''s entrance, there was a huge body of men and horses. The convoy was fully d in armor, exuding a murderous aura.


    Behind the convoy, there was a luxurious huge carriage. Pulling the carriage were six extremely tall horses. These horses were taller than ordinary horses and their hair was satin-like, looking extremely handsome.


    With a single nce, Ren Baqian could tell that these horses were priceless. If amoner possessed one of these horses, he or she would treat it like a precious treasure. However, at this point of time, they were being used to pull the carriage, making one felt that they were abused.


    Ren Baqian stood at the entrance of the Honglu Bureau and did not continue walking forward. The other party might be the Seventh Prince of Great Xia but he was still an official of Dayao.


    Ren Baqian had shown enough etiquette bying out to receive him.


    As a matter of fact, nowadays he no longer came out to receive guests like what he used to do at the start. Now, he merely asked his subordinates to bring the guests into the Honglu Bureau.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian felt that he had done more than enough bying out to receive the Seventh Prince. There was no need for him to run forward and receive the Seventh Prince at his carriage. He wasn''t paid by Dayao to do this anyway.


    However, the thing that puzzled him was those horsemen were looking at him with a weird gaze. Even though they looked disciplined and stern, the astonished look on their faces could not be concealed at all, or rather it was extremely obvious.


    Why are they looking at me? Do they think I''m handsome? Am I really that brutally handsome? Ren Baqian touched his face. He could not understand why those people were looking at him like that. He pretended not to notice them and continued waiting at the entrance.


    Ren Baqian stood at the entrance for two minutes. Just as he was feeling impatient and considering whether or not should he return inside, a group of foot soldiers ran to the front of the main body and yelled out an order. Following which, the horsemen began to advance slowly.


    The carriage got closer and closer to Ren Baqian until it stopped in front of the Honglu Bureau''s entrance.


    Just now, when the carriage was far away from Ren Baqian, he already felt that it looked extremely luxurious. Now that it was front of him, he could clearly see that it was iid with gold and precious gemstones. At this point in time, Ren Baqian wanted to find a camera and take a photo of it.


    What is luxury vehicle? This is a luxury vehicle.


    The body of the carriage was made up of an unknown purple-colored wood material. Clouds were carved on the top of the carriage. The clouds were iid with gold-carved cranes, vivid and lifelike. The eyes and heads of the cranes were embedded with precious gemstones. As the sunlight shone on the cranes, they filled with vitality, looking as though they would fly out of the carriage at any moment.


    This carriage looked more like an exquisite art piece than a transport vehicle.


    As the carriage stopped in its tracks, a pair of hands lifted open the carriage curtain. Then, a pink-dressed, remarkably beautiful woman stepped out of the carriage. Soon after, a white-robed young man wearing a white jade crown on his head followed behind her and stepped out of the carriage.


    When Ren Baqian saw the face of the young man, he was stunned. He thought he saw the reflection of himself in the mirror.


    The young man''s facial appearance was exactly like his. Both of their faces looked as though they were carved out from the same mold.


    Ren Baqian did not expect there would be someone in this world that looked exactly like him.


    Furthermore, that person was the Seventh Prince of Great Xia.


    The next moment, Ren Baqian felt an urge arise in his heart, an urge to kill him.

 Chapter 86: An Unreliable Way of Thinking

    Chapter 86: An Unreliable Way of Thinking


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian himself didn''t even know why he felt so impulsive. But, this feeling sincerely emanated from his innermost self, and it seemed as if his deepest desires were simr to just being impulsive.


    Killing his doppelganger would imply that there would only be him left in this world.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was unsure if the other party had the same thoughts as him. He resisted the killing intent in him and cupped his fist in the other hand. "Is this the Seventh Prince of Great Xia?"


    Ren Baqian did not dare to reveal any of his killing intent at all. If a person like the Seventh Prince wanted to kill him, it would be a piece of cake.


    "That''s exactly me," the Seventh Prince also suppressed the killing intent in his heart and revealed a suitable look of astonishment before nodding his head slowly.


    In a split second, both of them hoisted their intention to kill the other party at the same time.


    The slight difference was that, this was the second time the Seventh Prince had seen Ren Baqian.


    When the Seventh Prince walked towards Ren Baqian and faced him, the people in the surrounding looked at the both of them and were left dumbstruck.


    Never would anyone expect that two people could actually look so simr to each other.


    There was more than one person who suspected that the Seventh Prince had a twin brother. But after thinking about it, that was something not very usible.


    "I really feel that I''m looking at myself," the Seventh Prince softly eximed after he carefully sized up Ren Baqian.


    "This world is indeed magical. Xiu Wu, am I right?"


    Seventh Prince''s words were directed at the remarkably beautiful woman. That woman came to the Seventh Prince''s side and took a look at the both of them. She gently covered her mouth and appropriately exposed a look of astonishment.


    Ren Baqian pursed his lips and did not speak. He also found it magical. In spite of everything, he actually found someone that looked exactly like him in another world.


    "In the future, you and I may have to be on good and intimate terms," the Seventh Prince patted Ren Baqian lightly on his shoulders. It appeared as though he was delighted about it.


    As if Ren Baqian would believe this nonsense. If he believed the Seventh Prince, he would be a fool.


    If Ren Baqian was the Seventh Prince and he met a doppelganger outside, he would only have two options: either he would murder the doppelganger or keep the doppelganger by his side, utilizing him as a substitute or even a shield at a crucial point.


    And Ren Baqian was now an official in Dayao. Aside from his Storyteller of Qingxin Pce official position, Ren Baqian was at the very least holding a Secondary ss, Rank 6 Honglu Deputy. As such, the second option would be very difficult to achieve. In that case, the only option avable was to kill Ren Baqian.


    This was Ren Baqian''s current understanding of the situation.


    At that time, Ren Baqian already had that kind of impulsiveness generated in him. How could a person with such a high status like the Seventh Prince, tolerate a carbon copy of him wander outside.


    Soon enough, Ren Baqian smiled, "I never expected that my appearance would actually be so simr to the prince of Great Xia. This world is really magical. Perhaps, in some corner of this world, there are other people with simr appearances as well."


    The Seventh Prince narrowed his eyes slightly. If someone had said it in the past, he would not have believed them. But, he believed it now.


    "Please, follow after me, Your Highness. Even though Your Highness... Am I right to call you that? Even though Your Highness is of respectable status, there are still certain procedures which you will have to go through," Ren Baqian said as he entered the building.


    Even after the few of them entered the building, the people outside were still in absolute disbelief.


    Qi Heng and Qi Sheng were yakking about it and their faces were filled with amazement. They never expected that there could be such a coincidental thing in this world. When they returned to their nation, they could brag about witnessing such a situation on the dinner table.


    The subordinates of the Seventh Prince were even more amazed than both Qi Heng and Qi Sheng.


    Along with the Seventh''s Prince entrance, the woman called Xiu Wu and another man whom looked like amander of the horsemen followed after.


    En route to the courtyard, the Seventh Prince was still eximing how mystical this world was. He suddenly blurted out, "I wonder where Deputy Ren''s ancestral hometown is at? Perhaps, it might be Great Xia or even a part of the imperial bloodline that had been left behind. Otherwise, it is indeed unimaginable for anyone that has no blood ties with me to look so simr."


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian thought that perhaps if he wasn''t from Earth, he would believe it.


    But, Ren Baqian said, "I''m unworthy to be associated with your imperial family. The ancestors before my grandfather were allmoners. None of them were even an official."


    Seventh Prince turned around and took a nce at Ren Baqian. He then turned his head back again and acted as if it was nothing.


    Xiu Wu who was by his side, knitted her brows. Just a moment ago, Seventh Prince grabbed her hand forcefully and hurt her a little. However soon enough, she gripped onto Seventh Prince''s hand considerately and transmitted the warmth in her hands to him.


    Looking at Xiu Wu who was bent over the desk filling in the paperwork, Ren Baqian got reminded of the task that the empress assigned him with and said," In a few days'' time, it will be the annual Great Hunt. I wonder if the Seventh Prince will be interested in participating?"


    "I really want to see the abilities of the younger generation in Dayao." The Seventh Prince grinned. "But before that, I require Deputy Ren''s help to report that I would like to meet your distinguished nation''s empress."


    Ren Baqian nodded," I will report it to Her Majesty. As for whether Her Majesty wants to meet you or not, I am unsure of that. In addition, there will be someone to inform Your Highness on the time and venue for the Great Hunt."


    The Seventh Prince nodded. "If Deputy Ren has the time, I would like to have a drink with you. Hope that you will not decline."


    Ren Baqian beamed. "Recently, I''m somewhat busy and tied up. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely call on you."


    Seeing that Ren Baqian rejected his request, the Seventh Prince did not say more and left with Xiu Wu after she finished filling in the form.


    Ren Baqian did not see the Seventh Prince off. Once he left, Ren Baqian whopped down on the chair and deeply breathed in big mouthfuls.


    He practically could not suppress the killing intent within him just now, so much so that he had the urge to ask Xiong Pi to crush the Seventh Prince on the spot. However, he did not have the courage to do so. He wasn''t sure if the other party would die or not, but, he was certain that he would be dead.


    Moreover, it was the prince of Great Xia who travelled all the way to Dayao. Ren Baqian would never believe that the Seventh Prince did not have any experts by his side.


    At this time, Xiong Pi was at a loss, "Deputy, he looks so simr to you. If I''m outside, I will definitely be unable to recognize which is you."


    Ren Baqian ignored him. Let alone Xiong Pi, even he wouldn''t be able to recognize himself.


    After the Seventh Prince left, the surging killing intent within him finally calmed down.


    Even Ren Baqian felt it was weird that he had such a strong reaction towards the Seventh Prince. Prior toing to this world, he was someone who had never even killed a chicken before. Although Ren Baqian had instructed Xiong Pi to kill a few people over the past few days, his objective was to intimidate the rest. He felt uneasy deep down inside of him.


    It was his first time having such a strong murderous urge towards a stranger.


    After falling into a daze for a while, Ren Baqian suddenly recalled a movie which he had watched in the past.


    There are actually countless versions of oneself among the countless parallel worlds, and each of them has a different destiny.


    He felt that the Seventh Prince was just another "him" in a different world.


    It was under some kind of coincidence that Ren Baqian arrived in this world. In addition, he was able to encounter the other "him" who belonged to this world.


    Although this was an unreliable way of thinking, he felt that it was not impossible for such a situation to ur.


    Otherwise, he was not able to exin the killing intent surging within him just now.


    In that movie, killing every single self from the different parallel worlds would make one stronger.


    ording to Ren Baqian''s understanding, it was the same life force divided into countless portions. After killing the other parallel world''s self, the receiving party would obtain their life force and then became stronger.


    Of course, that was just a vain attempt in the movie world.


    But, what would happen if the Seventh Prince really died?

 Chapter 87: Mountain-Gazing Bird

    Chapter 87: Mountain-Gazing Bird


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    What will happen if the Seventh Prince really dies? Does life force exist in this world? Will he absorb the Seventh Prince''s life force if he kills him? Is the Seventh Prince really the him in another world?


    When these thoughts appeared in Ren Baqian''s mind, he felt as though he was holding Pandora''s box. Every now and then, he was tempted to kill him.


    But he did not dare to do so��He really did not dare to do so...


    So far, those people that he ordered stomped or hanged to death were merely trusted aides or butlers of those nobles.


    Even though he always appeared to be ruthless, he still knew what he could do and what he could not do.


    He really did not dare mess around with the Seventh Prince.


    If the Seventh Prince really died here, it would be akin to a particr country''s president dying in China. It would cause tremendous impact andmotion.


    This was equivalent to giving the royal family of Great Xia a p and spitting at them afterwards.


    If that really happened, the royal family would not need any evidence to send someone to kill him. All they needed was a little bit of suspicion.


    Let''s not talk about whether or not the empress would protect him first. Even if she wanted to protect him, he could never not step out of the imperial pce. Otherwise, Great Xia could just send an expert to finish him off.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his head and suppressed the urge to kill the Seventh Prince. He had to properly finish what the empress had given him.


    He had better keep this thought locked in the bottom of his heart.


    However, Ren Baqian''s vignce had increased. If he himself had such an urge, what about the Seventh Prince? Would he have same thought? If the Seventh Prince had such a thought, given his status, he would hold no qualms about killing Ren Baqian. If that was the case, Ren Baqian would be in deep danger.


    That afternoon, the number of people that were participating in the Great Hunt had beenputed.


    Everyone would have to participate.


    Unlike Ren Baqian, everyone else knew about the Great Hunt. Since they rushed to Lan City before the start of the Great Hunt, they naturally had the intention of participating in the event.


    In any case, everyone could bring a follower.


    After all, unlike the aboriginals, the foreigners did not possess exceptional strength or fighting skills. Even if those nobles were proficient in martial arts, they still needed followers to help them carry their game.


    This was something that set them apart from Ren Baqian.


    Even though Ren Baqian also wasn''t an aboriginal, he could not enjoy such a preferential treatment.


    While the number of participants was being calcted, Ren Baqian thought of finding Gu Daxiongter. After all, he needed a mount to hunt, right?


    Ren Baqian had not touched a mount before, let alone ridden on one. Even if it wasst minute, he had to think quickly of a solution.


    Gu Daxiong was snoring inside his room. After he was woken up by Ren Baqian, he resentfully cursed a few words. After Ren Baqian told him his purpose of finding him, heughed and said, "There is a pen in the backyard. You can take whichever animal you like.


    "Thank you very much, Sir Gu." Ren Baqian cupped his fists and went straight to the backyard.


    Normally, ancient people would say "a cow pen" or "a horse pen". However, Gu Daxiong merely said there was "a pen". After Ren Baqian went to the backyard, he finally understood what was going on.


    In the pen, there was all kinds of animals, except for horses.


    Reportedly, Dayao had very few horses but many sheep and cows.


    This was what happened in the pen as well. There were several sheep. All of them were the type of animals that were used to pull carriages on the street. They were huge, somewhat simr to horses. There were also a few animals that resembled a gentler version of cows. Some of them had curved horns and some had helix-shaped horns. Ren Baqian did not know what the differences between these two types of cows were. The cows with helix-shaped horns were green in color, and they were slightly skinnier than the curve-horned cows.


    Other than these animals, there were two gigantic birds not far away. Their feathers were tawny in color, resembling an ostrich. However, whenpared to an ostrich, their heads were bigger, their beaks were wider, and their necks were thicker. Their bodies gave off a faint stench. Even though the stench wasn''t very strong, it smelled very disgusting, causing Ren Baqian to cover his nose.


    "This thing can be used as a mount?" Ren Baqian asked the person-in-charge with curiosity


    "Sir, this is a mountain-gazing bird. This thing runs extremely fast. When ites to trekking mountains and crossing rivers, it''s much faster than other animals. It is usually used to send mail," the person-in-charge immediately exined.


    Ren Baqian looked at the two mountain-gazing birds and asked again, "Which animal is best used as a mount for hunting? I want a mount that is gentle and easy to control."


    "Mountain-gazing bird is one. It can be ridden on mountains and it can jump onto rocks that aren''t tall. The other one is crooked cow. It is fast and it can carry heavy load. However, it isn''t as convenient as the mountain-gazing bird when ites to trekking through a mountain," the person-in-charge exined.


    Ren Baqian looked at the helix-horned cow that the person-in-charge was pointing at. Then, he looked at the mountain-gazing bird. He liked the crooked cow more as its back was wider. It was definitely morefortable to sit on the crooked cow. Furthermore, it could carry heavy load.


    Even though the mountain-gazing bird could run and jump in the mountains, it would not be able to react in time if it encountered fearsome beasts. ording to Caretaker Shi, there were many fearsome beasts in the mountain. Ren Baqian felt that he might even be safer if he walked with his two legs.


    It wasn''t that the crooked cow could not traverse mountainous terrains, but rather, the mountain-gazing bird could do it better.


    The main issue that Ren Baqian had with the mountain-gazing bird was its stench. If he rode it for a long period of time, it would be a torture for him.


    "Let me try riding the crooked cow," Ren Baqian said.


    "Okay!" The person-in-charge opened the wooden fence and pulled a crooked cow. Then, he fastened a saddle on its back and said to Ren Baqian, "Sir, please."


    The width of the crooked cow''s back was approximately 1.3 meters. Ren Baqian took in a deep breath of air and climbed onto the saddle on it.


    The crooked cow was rather tame. It remained motionless as Ren Baqian climbed onto it. After Ren Baqian stabilized himself, the person-in-charge passed a cord to him and taught him how to control the beast.


    "Move!" Ren Baqian gave the crooked cow''s belly a soft kick with his calves. Immediately, the crooked cow moved forward.


    The reins were fastened to the face of the crooked cow, somewhat simr to those on a horse. The ways to control a crooked cow were roughly simr to how one would control a horse. Furthermore, the crooked cow was quite docile, making it very easy to ride.


    However, when this crooked cow began to run, Ren Baqian had to hug its body for fear of falling off it. After a while, Ren Baqian began to feel an unbearable difort. The cow did not run very fast, but it was very bumpy, swaying left and right. This gave Ren Baqian a bout of motion sickness.


    Ren Baqian hurriedly stopped the crooked cow and jumped down from it to take a break.


    "This is the most stable mount?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "The mountain-gazing bird is more stable than the crooked cow. Sir, you can give it a try."


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian had no choice but to ask the person-in-charge to bring out the mountain-gazing bird.


    The mountain-gazing bird was also very docile, or rather, it had been domesticated very well. When Ren Baqian touched the mountain-gazing bird''s feathers, it gave off a "gurgle" from its throat and turned around to look at him.


    "Sir, you should touch its head first, it likes to be touched on its head," the person-in-charge said.


    Ren Baqian ced his hand on the mountain-gazing bird''s head. Following which, it gave off a "gurgle" again and squinted its eyes at the same time. It looked as though it felt veryfortable, resembling a cat or a dog that pleaded to get stroked.


    When Ren Baqian climbed onto the mountain-gazing bird and rode it forward a while, he realized it was much morefortable to sit on even though it did not look at all remarkable. The feathers on its body were soft, and they wouldn''t chafe his thighs. When it ran, it was more stable than the crooked cow too. Its only weakness was its stench. All this time, its stench had been assaulting Ren Baqian''s nose.


    "Why is it so smelly?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "This thing uses its stench to prevent other wild animals from seeing it as their prey," the person-in-charge exined.


    Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows for a while. This thing was indeed smelly but it was veryfortable to ride on. If he rode the crooked cow, he would be paralyzed even before he reached his destination.


    Alright, he would just endure the sentence. If worst came to worst, he would bring back two bottles of perfume from Earth and spray it down with them.


    That night, Ren Baqian took the mountain-gazing bird back to the beast park. Then, he sent the name list for the participants of the Great Hunt to the pce. Afterwards, he fell asleep and returned to Earth.

 Chapter 88: Some Preparations

    Chapter 88: Some Preparations


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes and stared at the familiar ceiling above him in a daze.


    Teleportation in novels was always irreversible or could be done at will. His current repeating cycle was causing quite a bit of trouble.


    He was lucky that the empress'' birthday coincided with his time in the other world.


    But, he was not going to be this lucky all the time. If Ren Baqian was to return back to Earth during an important event in the other world, he would be in a load of trouble.


    If only I had total control over the teleportation, things would go so much smoother.


    Racking his brains for a bit, Ren Baqian had the idea to install a surveince camera. Since he could not figure out why he was teleporting, perhaps recording the process might give him some clue.


    He got out of bed and opened the windows, it was even colder now. A wave of chilly air blew right into his face, and some residual snow could be seen on the window ledge. From the looks of it, it had just snowed not too long ago, possibly evenst night.


    It was already November, four months since he had first teleported to that world.


    However, only two months had passed for Ren Baqian. This was including both his time on Earth and on the other world.


    Ren Baqian wondered if his life span would follow the time he was experiencing, allowing him to age just five years while others had already age ten.


    On the flip side, four years for people in the other world was six years for him.


    Differences were unlikely to manifest greatly in the short run, but as time went by, they would be more and more obvious.


    Ren Baqian was living in two worlds, yet experiencing time differently in both.


    This was the biggest issue he had with the rtivity of time in both worlds.


    Of course, this was only his hunch. He would require much more time to figure out if his hunch was correct.


    It was about time for him to prepare the things he needed.


    The uing Great Hunt was arge obstacle for him. Ren Baqian would be done for if he did not perform well.


    If he could make the Seventh Prince see eye to eye with his ideas, Ren Baqian would be able to reduce the amount of misgivings the Seventh Prince had against him.


    In addition, he had to ount for those annoying nobles who wanted to devour him at the earliest opportunity.


    Above and beyond these people, Ren Baqian had to also worry about the ferocious beasts in the mountain range.


    Ren Baqian felt that to others, this event was an opportunity to showcase themselves, have fun, or observe others.


    To him however, the Great Hunt was an event filled with danger lurking in every corner.


    There was of course the possibility that he was over thinking the issue. If there were people from the aboriginals around him, it was unlikely that anyone would dare toy a hand on him.


    But at the end of the day, he did not know much about the Great Hunt. It was still safer for Ren Baqian to be as prepared as possible and stick close to the aboriginals.


    This safer way was, however, not in line with the empress'' orders for him not to lose face.


    Ren Baqian believed that his life was much more precious. If given the choice, he would much rather hug tightly onto the empress'' leg and avoid going up the mountains. Perhaps the empress would still kick him up the mountain, given that she told him not to lose face.


    Ren Baqian went online to check out the stuff he might need. The first thing he deemed useful was a crossbow. It was extremely suitable for hunting up in the mountains, and its silence would help prevent others from tracking him.


    A crossbow might not be as powerful as other bow and arrows, but Ren Baqian would not be able to hit anything with aposite bow anyway. With only three days left, Ren Baqian knew that he could not possibly master the bow and arrow..


    The next item was a handgun. This modern killing marvel was way more powerful than any crossbow, and Ren Baqian was intent on keeping one by his side.


    If possible, he would even like to have at least two hand grenades on him. In any case, throwing a hand grenade would kill, maim, or at least scare the other party long enough for him to make a run for it.


    In addition to these few main items, there were several other smaller items he deemed necessary as well.


    As far as he knew, he would have to camp for one night during the hunt and need to prepare adequately for that too.


    The things he needed included a sleeping bag, rations, and a swiss-army knife.


    Ren Baqian did not have ess to channels where he could purchase crossbows or firearms. Even though he had seen a flyer, next to one about a gathering for homosexuals, in the bus terminal''s toilet that advertised firearm sales, Ren Baqian felt that it was too exposed to be reliable. If he was lucky they might sell him a BB gun, otherwise they might sell him water guns. The way they worded these flyers was always tricky, and it was better for him to avoid any more trouble.


    It looks like he wwill have to ask Chen Qing for help. The guy was practically a noble and could probably find someone to get the weapons.


    Ren Baqian microwaved a bag of milk that he stored in the fridge and consumed it with a cookie for his breakfast. He then proceeded to give Chen Qing a call.


    "Say, what have you been up to recently? I haven''t been able to reach you at all. Seems like it''s true that men be monsters once they have money, are you afraid that I''ll bother you?"


    Ren Baqianughed upon hearing Chen Qing''s voice. He was deliberately distancing himself from Chen Qing, and it seems like he caught on to it. Ren Baqian had no other choice since he was afraid that Chen Qing would discover his secret. His disappearances and reappearances were too orderly, making it highly suspicious.


    "Is that why you''re terrible?" Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "That was all in the past, I''m a changed person now," Chen Qing immediately replied.


    "Are you free to have lunch?"


    "Sure, send me the address. Jiang Nan was just talking about you yesterday," Chen Qing promptly answered.


    "Alright, I''ll see youter."


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone and noticed that he had received several texts. One was sent from an unknown number two days ago. It read, "This is An Fei. I''ve just received my first pay from my new job and would like to treat you to a meal as thanks."


    An Fei? Ren Baqian''s first thought was that this person had gotten the wrong number. He only realized after a moment that this was the girl with the hearing aid who was super confident about finding a job.


    Closing his messages to open WeChat, he found a message from Dong Hai. "Prince Ren, are youpletely ignoring the existence of your old ssmates."


    A strong wave of anger seemed to emanate from the screen in his hand.


    Below that message was one from Chen Bing, "I haven''t heard a word from you after the gathering. Are you okay?"


    Ren Baqian shook his head lightly.


    Let them think what they want.


    He had just entered the other world at that time and still had the mood to meetup with his old ssmates.


    But so much time has psed since then. Ren Baqian often felt that the other world was his main one now, and did not feel much over the things happening on Earth anymore. This was also partly due to the fact that most of his conscious thought was focused on how to climb the powerdder in the other world. On Earth, he could easily survive as long as he had money. There was nothing much for him to worry about here.


    He continued scrolling through his WeChat feed and saw that his parents were still sharing posts about the "secrets to longevity" and "ten things that everyone must know".


    cing his phone back on the table, he continued to surf the web for a while before putting on a change of clothes and heading down to the city center to look for a shop selling surveince equipment. After purchasing a set, he arranged for its instation.


    He stopped at a beautifully furnished hairdresser to get a haircut.


    The moment he entered he noticed a girl wearing a red hearing aid washing someone''s hair.


    "Could things get any more coincidental," Ren Baqian thought to himself and smiled. He was not intending to reply to her message, and had only helped her previously because he had nothing better to do. Ren Baqian never thought that they would meet again in a city filled with millions of people. Many people never meet for their entire lives, yet here he was.


    To think he would run into An Fei just by walking into a random hairdresser. Was this merely a coincidence, or could one call it fate?


    Ren Baqian stood at the doorway for a long while before deciding that there was no reason for him to avoid her. He headed inside withrge strides.

 Chapter 89: Buying Firearms

    Chapter 89: Buying Firearms


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After washing the customer''s hair, An Fei wrapped her head with a towel. When she raised her head, she saw Ren Baqian, who was standing to one side. At that instance, she opened her mouth in surprise and gave off an "ahh".


    "You have changed to a new job?" Ren Baqian asked and smiled.


    "Yes." An Fei''s lips opened and closed as she blurted out a word. She looked as though she had spent a lot of effort saying just that one word. She much preferred writing on a paper to convey her message.


    "I saw your message, I will text you when I''m free," Ren Baqian said, "Sorry for troubling you, I need you to cut my hair."


    "Ah!" An Fei quickly nodded her head. It seemed "ah" was easier for her to produce than any other words.


    Ren Baqian lowered his head and let An Fei put shampoo on his hair and scrub it. An Fei''s hands were very soft. She was also very attentive while she washed Ren Baqian''s hair. Afterwards, Ren Baqian sat on a chair and let a barber give him a t top haircut, leaving short hair on the top of his head. He resembled an inmate who was just released from a jail.


    Because of the hot weather, Dayao people did not care about their parents'' health. Shavedpletely was bald was amonly seen haircut. For example, Xiong Pi was bald. And because of Xiong Pi, Ren Baqian always associated baldness with formidability.


    [There''s an old Chinese myth that every time one cut his hair, his parents'' health will deteriorate by a bit. Because of the hot weather, Dayao people seldom get haircuts.]


    How could one be stronger if he or she did not go bald...


    It was a pity he could not be stronger even if he did go bald�� It was such a pity...


    Before leaving the salon, Ren Baqian even took the time to notify An Fei.


    Half an hour had passed and Ren Baqian was sitting in a restaurant. Sitting opposite him was Chen Qing. He had not changed much from the past.


    On the contrary, Ren Baqian had changed a lot. Mainly, he had be much fatter than before. His temperament also became much calmer and not as flustered as before. After all, he faced the risk of beheading in that world all the time. It was hard for him not to stay calm.


    "What''s the matter?" Chen Qing suddenly asked after staring at Ren Baqian for quite some time.


    It wasn''t weird that Ren Baqian asked him to have a meal together. Ren Baqian might not be someone that took initiative, but it was normal for him to ask for a meetup, especially when they had not met each other for so long.


    However, Ren Baqian seldom asked him to meet up for lunch. Usually, they met up for dinner at night.


    They might be free to meet now, but they were usually very busy during noon. Therefore, they preferred to meet in the nighttime as they were more free then.


    "There''s indeed something that I need your help with. I need you to help me buy some things," Ren Baqian nodded his head and said.


    "What things? If you need my help, that means the things you need aren''t ordinary. Don''t tell me you need firearms?" Chen Qing was obviously joking. It was impossible that Ren Baqian wanted to buy firearms. It was also impossible that he wanted to obtain drugs. Chen Qing understood Ren Baqian too well. He wouldn''t be touching such things unless he was swindled by someone. It was also possible that he had encountered some kind of trouble.


    Naturally, it wasn''t hard for Chen Qing to obtain these things at all.


    However, what Ren Baqian said next stunned him.


    "I need a handgun, a military crossbow, and some grenades," Ren Baqian calmly listed.


    Chen Qing looked at Ren Baqian as though a stranger had appeared before him. He lowered his volume and asked, "What are you trying to do? You have a bright future ahead of you, don''t do anything rash. No matter what has happened, I can help you think of a solution. There are legitimate ways to do thing, but why are you resorting to these methods? Are you mad?"


    Ren Baqian did not know whether tough or cry. "You have thought too hard. Do I look like that kind of person to you?"


    Upon hearing these words, Chen Qing heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he continued, "You gave me such a huge fright just now. I know you aren''t that bold. I still thought something drastic happened to you."


    "I will be going to the wild in a few days'' time. It''s quite dangerous out there, so I need a few weapons to protect myself."


    "Even so, do you really need grenades?" It''s understandable that Ren Baqian needed a gun or a crossbow if he was really going to the wild, but does he really need grenades? This kind of weapon wasn''t something to be handled with negligence.


    "I have already said that I will be going to the wild. There are a lot of wild beasts out there, sometimes a gun might not be useful."


    "You can bring with you a rifle. Using it, you can kill anything thates in your way with a single shot."


    Ren Baqian shook his head. Using a rifle would be too obvious. Even though a military cross bow looked technologically advanced as well, it wasn''t as obvious as a military rifle. And even though the empress was already slightly suspicious of him, he still couldn''t arouse other people''s suspicion.


    Furthermore, if he really encountered danger and the other party was a human, holding a rifle would put that person on high alert.


    A handgun would be less conspicuous than a rifle. A grenade also looked more like a metal brick, bringing less attention to himself.


    There might even be idiots that tried to catch the grenades he threw. Even if they did not do so, they would also try to keep themselves as far away as possible from the grenades.


    Ren Baqian''s idea was to use he crossbow as his primary weapon. If he really encountered danger, he would use the handgun with a silencer. This could make him less conspicuous and prevent other people from knowing too much about his weapons.


    "A handgun, a military crossbow, some grenades, a silencer, ammunitions, arrows, a lightweight bulletproof vest, and anesthetic can be applied to the arrows. The anesthetic must be potent. I also need a military knife," Ren Baqian calmly borated. To keep himself alive, he must do his utmost to make more preparations.


    When Chen Qing heard Ren Baqian''s request, he furrowed his eyebrows and said, "I feel that you''re not preparing to go to the wild. You sounded more like you are preparing for a war. But I shan''t ask any more questions. I can help you obtain the things you need. Do you have any requirements for the things you need? And by when you need them?"


    "Nothing else, except that they should be powerful enough. You should know that I know nothing about these things. But I need them quite urgently. I need themtest by the day after tomorrow. The best is if I can obtain by tomorrow. Other than that, I also need find a ce where I can practice my shooting. I''m not familiar with using firearms. As such, I need to familiarize myself with them," Ren Baqian said.


    Chen Qing nodded his head and replied, "Finding a ce to practice your shooting is not a problem, I know of a shooting range. As for the rest of things, I will help you ask around. There shouldn''t be much of a problem."


    After finishing his sentence, Chen Qing took out his phone and made a few calls. Following which, he received a text message. Then, he forwarded it to Ren Baqian. "Call this number and tell them Hei Zi send you. I will contact the shooting rangeter and forward you their number."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. With this equipment, he would be fully fortified. He had made all the preparations he could make. The rest would have to depend on luck.


    For the rest of their meal, neither of them mentioned these things anymore.


    Just like what Chen Qing had said, as a friend, he would help obtain whatever Ren Baqian needed. He did not care about anything else.


    Ren Baqian was also very grateful that Chen Qing did not ask him any further questions. This was one of the many aspects that he liked the most about Chen Qing.


    Later that afternoon, after leaving the restaurant, Ren Baqian got into his car and immediately called the number that Chen Qing gave him. After saying the name of Hei Zi, the man on the other side of the call gave Ren Baqian two transaction options. The first option was to contact through WeChat and the other party would ce the firearms in a certain ce for Ren Baqian to collect.


    The second option was to have Ren Baqian collect the firearms from them personally.


    Ren Baqian did not know anything about firearms,so he preferred to see them for himself. Therefore, he chose the second option.


    The other party directed him to a location. After waiting for a while, a van stopped at the roadside. At the back seat, there was a man. He passed a head covering to Ren Baqian and said, "It''s a rule!"


    The man was muscr looked very fierce. If it was in the past, Ren Baqian would stay far away from this kind of man. However, after getting used to seeing the aboriginals, he felt that the man looked ordinary and not at all intimidating.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He casually ced the head covering over his head. After all, this supplier was introduced by Chen Qing, his safety should be guaranteed.


    The van drove for approximately an hour before stopping. Ren Baqian had no idea of where he was. Following which, he was led into a house. After walking down a flight of stairs, his head covering was removed. His surroundings were dimly lit. He seemed to be in a basement.


    The variety of firearms in the basement was limited,pletely different from what Ren Baqian expected. He thought there would be a dazzling line-up of firearms. However, after thinking about it, he felt everything made sense. After all, he wasn''t abroad.


    There were roughly ten types of firearms. There were handguns, rifles and shotguns. There was a total of five types of handguns. On the wall, there were two crossbows, a big one and a small one. Both of them were equipped with scopes.


    "Everything is here, take a look."


    It was at this moment that Ren Baqian noticed a middle-aged man slouching in a chair on the side.

 Chapter 90: Turning the Tables

    Chapter 90: Turning the Tables


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "I am foreign to these firearms. All I need is a slightly powerful handgun with a recoil that is not too strong. Also, its uracy needs to be above average standard."


    "Any requirements for the range?" That man asked.


    "I will be ying with it in the woods and reckon that a distance of tens of meters would be sufficient," Ren Baqian borated. He intentionally used the word "y".


    That man got up, took a ck handgun from the shelf and ced it on the table. "This is the QSZ-92-5.8. It should be able to fulfill your requirements. A few days ago, someone actually included this handgun in the list of top ten guns. Although it is a rumor, this handgun is indeed pretty good. Moreover, it is cheap. The only shoring is that the cartridge might jam at times."


    [QSZ-92-5.8, made in China semi-automatic pistol designed by Norinco, using 5.8 mm caliber bullets]


    "Apart from this model, are there any others?" Ren Baqian felt a little terrified upon hearing that the cartridge might get jammed. If by any chance he needed help and the cartridge suddenly jammed, he would not have the chance to cry anymore even if he wanted to.


    "CZ83 from the Czech Republic. It''s safe and reliable. There''s the 9mm as well as the 7.62mm variation." That man picked up another gun and ced it on the table.


    [CZ83 -pact semi-automatic pistol made for the Czechoslovakian military, the CZ83 is a civilian export version of the original CZ82.7.62mm or 9mm caliber bullets can be used.]


    "What''s the difference between the two?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "The 9mm will be slightly more powerful, but its range will be shorter."


    Ren Baqian fiddled with the CZ83. Every man would be interested in two things; cars and guns. Naturally, Ren Baqian wasn''t an exception. In the past, he would have never expected that he would actually get the opportunity to possess a handgun of his own.


    "This handgun will do, the 9mm one. Will the recoil of this handgun be too strong?" Ren Baqian asked immediately. In any case, he wasn''t familiar with this stuff. As long as it was powerful, the recoil wasn''t too strong, and was overall safe and reliable, it would be eptable. Furthermore, he feltfortable when he held the handgun.


    "For a man, these are all nitty gritty details." That manughed.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian disyed a shooting pose and then pped his wrist upwards. "It should roughly be this amount of strength."


    Following which, Ren Baqian made a few other purchases which included a military crossbow, bullets, reserve magazines, arrows, a silencer, three hand grenades, and also a 20 centimeter long military knife.


    Ren Baqian merely asked about what ran through his mind. He didn''t expect that they actually sold grenades and bulletproof vests over here. In particr, grenades as they could not be bought as one pleased.


    "Those sons of rich men always like new and fresh items. If nobody introduced you, you wouldn''t be here either." That man''s unenthusiastic words made Ren Baqian understand that the customers of this ce were all those kind of people. Originally, he still thought that it would be simr to television series whereby the main customers were people from the underworld. To his surprise, the customers were mainly the rich.


    However, after thinking about it, it was actually better to sell these firearms to the rich than the underworld people. Firstly, they would be less likely tomit a crime. They also had a lot of money and were a safer bunch of people to sell to. The rich were only having fun and were afraid of breaking thew. Often, they were able to cover their own tracks as well.


    Ren Baqian spent a sum of money and brought the items back to his car. While walking towards his car, he felt very scared and edgy, for fear that he would run into a traffic police officer that was checking for drunk drivers.


    In the past, he never had to worry about running into the traffic police. But now, he had a load of prohibited items inside his car. If Ren Baqian was caught, then, the word disastrous would not even be sufficient to describe his situation.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t even imagine what the consequences would be if he travelled to and fro from the other world while being locked up in the detention center. He was very certain that would not have a good ending��very certain about it.


    Fortunately, such a melodramatic thing did not happen.


    Ren Baqian sessfully brought all the firearms back to his apartment. Afterwards, he headed to the hospital to retrieve anesthetic which could be used with his military crossbow.


    The following two days, he was fully immersed in practicing how to shoot at the shooting range.


    ��..


    While Ren Baqian was practicing his shooting in China, the empress was sitting in the pce, drinking a ss of wine. Soon after, the Seventh Prince was brought in to meet her.


    "It''s my pleasure to meet the empress of Dayao." The Seventh Prince cupped one of his fists in the other hand. The other party was Dayao''s empress and he was Great Xia''s prince. As such, his etiquette towards her naturally wasn''t too excessive.


    Since the Seventh Prince''s entrance, her gaze was fixed on his face.


    "Why, does the empress of Dayao find me familiar?" The Seventh Prince smiled.


    The empress used her fingers to tap on the wooden couch and did not speak. But, she somewhat straightened her body a little.


    "You are not him, the way you speak is different," the empress took a sip of wine and replied.


    "I am the Seventh Prince of Great Xia." The Seventh Prince made his intention clear.


    "Anyone, please bring the seat of honor for the guest," the empress''s cold voice sounded, and immediately, someone ced a seat right in the middle of the pce. The Seventh Prince did not stand on ceremony and sat on the seat.


    "What''s your agenda in wanting to meet me?"


    "I would like to exchange something with Dayao''s empress. Using seven dragon scales in exchange for a bottle of blood." The Seventh Prince grinned. This was his objective ining to Dayao. As for the empress''s birthday celebration, he absolutely did not care about it. If it wasn''t because of the huge importance of the items he would like to exchange, he wouldn''t even head to this wilderness.


    Regardless of whether it was dragon scales or that bottle of blood, the value was extremely costly as far as he was concerned.


    The empress did not even ponder the slightest bit and replied the Seventh Prince, "Not enough."


    Even though the dragon scales were of considerably high value and the empress would be able to use them, it was not sufficient for her to exchange them for a bottle of blood. The empress knew that the blood he wanted was the kirin''s pure blood.


    As the kirin''s blood wasn''tpletely pure, the kirin would lose a lot of vital energy just by extracting a bottle worth of pure blood from it. It was also unknown how long would it take for the kirin to recover from this.


    "These dragon scales are not the from the same dragon at Great Xia''s pce. They were found in the surroundings at the same time that dragon was discovered. The aura of the real dragons which have be extinct, are actually contained in these dragon scales."


    "Now, you are the one who''s begging me for a favor." The empress was rather tempted, but she still did not relent.


    Although the dragon scales were useful, it was not something that the empress absolutely required. It was more than enough to prove the importance of the bottle of blood to the other party because a prince like him travelled more than a thousand miles away to Dayao for it.


    The Seventh Prince had already predicted that such a scene would happen, and he was not all surprised. He then nodded his head and offered, "I''ll throw in an additional drop of dried-up dragon blood that was discovered at the same time as the dragon scales."


    Only then did the empress nod.


    If Ren Baqian overheard the transaction between the two of them, he would probably get a shock. In addition, he would once again re-evaluate how he felt about this world.


    Previously when he had just arrived in this world, he managed to see a kirin. But, he never had the chance to see it again. This issue was being buried at the bottom of his heart. To his surprise, there were actually dragons in Great Xia. This proved that this world was much more profound than what he had always believed it to be.


    "There''s someone that I want as well," the Seventh Prince spoke again.


    The empress knitted her brows.


    "Not an aboriginal. It is someone whom is not at all important to you," The Seventh Prince added.


    The empress recalled the face of that person who was identical to the Seventh Prince andughed out loud suddenly. "Actually, I like your face a lot. I feel good every time I see it. How about this, you leave your head here with me, and then you take him away?"


    The Seventh Prince was slightly stunned. It had never crossed his mind that the person was actually so important in the eyes of the Dayao''s empress. He thought that a foreigner was insignificant whenpared to the person standing right in front of her. That was actually a miscalction on his part.


    "Since the empress of Dayao wishes to keep him, I''ll forget about it. The deal still stands," The Seventh Prince replied with a fresh smile on his face.


    However, the empress''s reply made him momentarily unable to move.


    "No, I have changed my mind. I detest those who pry into my things. On the ount that you are the prince of Great Xia, get lost!" the empress said as she waved her big sleeves while lying on the couch. The Seventh Prince instantly sensed a bout of terrifying aura hitting him on his face.


    ��..


    After quite some time, the Seventh Prince returned to the residence arranged by Dayao. His brows were tensed, and he felt a mixture of anger and confusion.


    This deal had originally been settled.


    But in the end, it was messed up as a result of me trying to demand for Ren Baqian.


    Why did this happen? No matter how he tried to work it out, he could not understand why the empress made such a decision.


    That was actually the scales and a drop of dried-up blood of an already extinct real dragon.


    As far as this was concerned, it should be the most valuable treasure to the Dayao empress.


    "Your Highness, did you not settle your business?" the beautifuldy by the name of Xiu Wu asked softly as she approached him.


    The Seventh Prince ignored her and directly went into the house. His entire head was filled with why, and only why, did the empress make such a decision.

 Chapter 91: The Alto Among the Luxurious Cars

    Chapter 91: The Alto Among the Luxurious Cars


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The Alto Among the Luxurious Cars


    Ren Baqian felt at ease after touching the bulletproof vest on his body and the weapons ced by his side.


    On his other side there were a sleeping bag and some spices.


    Ren Baqian made sure to wear the gun pocket holster properly, checked the gun, and loaded it with a magazine. Following which, he put on his clothes and tied the bulletproof vest to the sleeping bag. He could put on the bulletproof vest when he reached his destination.


    Just as he finished making his preparations, someone knocked loudly on his door and yelled, "Sir Ren, it''s time for the Great Hunt."


    Ren Baqian could tell that it was Tie Dao''s voice. He did not expect Tie Dao toe and notify him.


    Ren Baqian opened the door. The sky was already lit up with the first glimmer of light.


    Tie Dao stood outside the door and said, "Sir, the Great Hunt is going to start soon, don''t bete. Hold this thing, it can definitely help you to get a good cing in the Great Hunt. With it, you might even get first ce."


    Woken up by themotion, Gungun and Tiantian threw a small tantrum and hugged Tie Dao''s feet and gnawed on them. However, Tie Dao did not even cast a single nce towards them. His skin was rough and his muscles were thick. The two small chaps could not bite through his skin, and he merely felt itchy from their gnawing.


    Ren Baqian looked at the small porcin bottle in Tie Dao''s hand. Then, he took it over and asked, "What''s this?"


    Since Tie Dao told him he could get a good cing in the Great Hunt with it, it must have something to do with hunting. Perhaps it was an incapacitating agent that could knock out beasts or humans within a hundred meters of him? Then he could slowly pick his "catches" and obtain a good cing?


    Tie Dao gave a bright smile and replied, "This was passed down from my ancestors. It can attract wild beasts within a certain radius of you. I don''t have a chance to use it, and so I give it to Sir."


    Immediately, Ren Baqian felt the porcin bottle in his hand begin to turn hot, and he almost threw it away.


    Are you wishing me death?


    I might not even be able to kill a rabbit, and you want me to attract the wild beasts in the mountain?


    If that really happens, my corpse will definitely not be found by anyone.


    Ren Baqian produced a long sigh and asked Tie Dao with a calm tone, "Tell me, how much do you hate me?"


    With a puzzled look on his face, Tie Dao replied, "Sir, this is good stuff. Nowadays, it can''t be found easily. This bottle was passed down from my grandfather to my father, and my father passed it to me. Sir, you''re a good man. Since you''re entering the Great Hunt this time around, I decided to gift it to you."


    Ren Baqian sighed again. He just couldn''t get through to this idiot.


    Do you think I will say these words if I am powerful enough?


    However, after having a second thought about it, Ren Baqian felt that it might be useful to him. If he encountered any danger, he could throw it at the source of danger and a miracle might ur.


    "Thank you then." Ren Baqian patted Tie Dao''s shoulder and ced the bottle within his clothes. Then, he pointed to the sleeping bag that had been tied up behind him and said, "Help me carry it."


    "Alright." Tie Dao effortlessly lifted the sleeping bag and followed Ren Baqian to the beast park. The mountain-gazing bird was there.


    Ren Baqian left the mountain-gazing bird out of its pen and stroked its head. Immediately, the mountain-gazing bird squinted its eyesfortably.


    Tie Dao fastened the sleeping bag to the body of the mountain-gazing bird. Ren Baqian hung the crossbow and the arrow quiver on its side. Then, he took out a bottle of perfume from the side of the sleeping bag and sprayed the mountain-gazing bird with it. Following which, he climbed onto the mountain-gazing bird and sat on it.


    "Atchoo!" Ren Baqian sneezed as the strong smell of perfume assailed his nose.


    The mountain-gazing bird did not seem to like the smell of the perfume very much as it tottered about restlessly. Ren Baqian quickly stroked its head to calm it down.


    "Help me take care of Tiantian and Gungun!" Ren Baqian reminded Tie Dao.


    "Sir, your water bag!" Tie Dao scanned Ren Baqian''s water bag and yelled.


    Ren Baqian smacked his own head. He almost forgot about his water bag. He rode the mountain-gazing bird to the well, filled up his water bag, and left the beast park with swag.


    After leaving the beast park, Ren Baqian headed straight to the za outside the imperial pce. The gathering point was there.


    From afar, he could see that the za was brightly lit. Torches were ced around the za. At the same time, Ren Baqian could hear the sounds of human activity and beast roars from a distance.


    When he got closer to the za, he could see there was already arge group of people gathering around the za. By the time he reached the za, he could clearly tell there were approximately three hundred people on one side of the za. All of them were aboriginals and wereposed of both males and females. All of them were speaking loudly.


    The males were tall and burly. Some of them were wearing skin-tight silk clothes and some were wearing animal hides. Ren Baqian knew these people were the sons of the court officials. Those that chose to wear animal hides do so either because they liked wearing them or they wanted to wear something traditional for the Great Hunt.


    The females were somewhat simr to the males. Most of them had stunningly good figures. They were filled with vigor and vitality. Ren Baqian could not spot a single fat girl. All of them had their hair tied up, looking extremely spirited.


    At this point in time, all of them were talking loudly. Many of them looked as though they knew each other.


    Beneath their bodies, there were various types of mounts. Some were riding red-colored crooked cows and some were riding horses that they obtained from other countries. There were also some people that had goats as their mounts. There was even one person that rode on an elephant. The rider was a girl. The height of her mount made her look like a crane standing among a flock of chickens. Ren Baqian wondered where she got her mount from.


    There was also one person that rode on a saber-toothed tiger. The saber-toothed tiger seemed unhappy when it saw so many animals standing around it. Suddenly, it let off a deep growl from its throat. Immediately, the burly man sitting atop it gave its head a p and said, "Be quiet, don''t give me any trouble."


    When Ren Baqian saw how fierce and powerful other people''s mounts were, he took a nce at the mountain-gazing bird beneath him. His mount was like an Alto parked in the midst of luxurious cars. Subconsciously, he found a spot on the edge of the za and observed the situation from there.


    A breeze blew across the za.


    "Atchoo!"


    "Atchoo!"


    The people standing near Ren Baqian began to sneeze. Following which, they red at Ren Baqian.


    They had already spotted Ren Baqian just now. A few of them had heard of this Honglu Deputy, who''d became rather famous recently. No one really cared much about him, but they found the smell of his mountain-gazing bird to be too strong.


    Furthermore, the smell wasn''t the usual stench of a mountain-gazing bird. It was a nose-assailing aroma that caused their noses to be itchy.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. If he had known earlier this would happen, he wouldn''t have sprayed so much perfume on the mountain-gazing bird. Then, he rode the mountain-gazing bird away from those people.


    These three hundred people were not the only ones in the za. There were approximately five hundred soldiers on the scene as well. All of them were seated on enormous goats. Only their chests and left shoulders were covered with leather, revealing the rest of their muscr bodies.


    On the other end of the za, there was a group of people. There were also a few carriages that Ren Baqian had seen before. Needless to say, these people were from other countries.


    Ren Baqian did not recognize a single person from this group of people and none of them cared about this Honglu Deputy as well. On the other side, however, there was a group of people that Ren Baqian knew very well. All of them desired to skin and bone Ren Baqian alive.


    Furthermore, now that he was a Dayao official, he couldn''t mix around with them.


    Ren Baqian waited at the edge of the za all by himself.


    Luckily, he did not have to wait too long. As the sky brightened up, the pce door opened up. A few ranks of fully-armored guards rode out of the door on their mounts. Ren Baqian was familiar with their armors. He recognized them as the imperial guards.


    And at the same time, the za began to quiet down.

 Chapter 92: The Teacher Who Does Not Have Fighting Skills Is Not a Good Cook

    Chapter 92: The Teacher Who Does Not Have Fighting Skills Is Not a Good Cook


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Those guards stopped in front of the five hundred strong horsemen and lined up into two columns.


    Coming out from the pce gate was the kirin whom Ren Baqian had seen once before. It was pulling therge royal carriage which was covered all around by cotton curtains.


    After the kirin and the empress carriage came to a stop, all the horsemen and the guards were on their mounts with one hand on the sword and bowed slightly. "Wee Your Majesty."


    Those children of powerful court officials were also on their mounts disying the same action. However, their weapons were not as uniform as the horsemen. They could be described as varied as there were big swords, long halberds, different types of hammers, and so on hanging by the sides of their mounts.


    Only those from other countries remained quiet.


    "Let''s set off." The empress coolly gave the order.


    Following the imperial order, the five-hundred strong horsemen and guards split into two columns. The group of horsemen in front cleared the way and were followed by some guarda behind while the empress carriage slowly moved forward.


    The other group of horsemen and guards automatically followed behind the royal carriage.


    This was followed by the younger generation of the imperial officials on their respective mounts. After they left, Ren Baqian rode his mountain-gazing bird and caught up with them.


    Further behind, were the people from those three countries. Many saw Ren Baqian, who was a short distance in front,ughed contemptuously and loudly on purpose so that the sound would reach his ears.


    The head of the mountain-gazing bird was 2.5 meters high while its back was 1.4 meters off the ground. Ren Baqian could ride the bird, butpared to other people''s mounts, he looked like a small chicken at the back and was way out of ce.


    Looking at Ren Baqian, these nobles who had been tortured by him suddenly found a sense of superiority over him and made him the butt of their jokes.


    On one hand, Ren Baqian riding on the mountain-gazing bird was really the limit in incongruity. It was like a rusty iron bar in a pile of treasure and was really an eyesore, or it could be described as sneaking Huang Bo into a group of handsome men and prettydies.


    [Huang Bo - a Chinese actor and singer.]


    On the other hand, it was due to the impression of solitariness given off by Ren Baqian.


    Even though this was Dayao, he was still considered an outsider here.


    Ren Baqian absolutely could not be bothered with that bunch of people. To him, face was not a big deal especially whenpared to survival.


    On the road out of the city, Ren Baqian passed his time by observing the people in front of him and specting about them.


    For example, the tall and burly guy in front could not sit stably on his mount as his body was always leaning forward with his buttocks raised high. Ren Baqian negatively inferred that this person most probably had piles.


    As for whether it was true or not, it did not matter. In any case, Ren Baqian did not dare to ask.


    Ren Baqian estimated that If he were to ask the guy "Brother, do you have piles!", he would be met with a re on Earth. What more, not to mention over in this world, he would most probably grab any avable weapons and assault him.


    As they got further out of the city, theughter from behind had already long since disappeared. After all, they were not a bunch of disabled children. Even though they mocked him, they lost interest after not getting any response from Ren Baqian along the way.


    Not too far out of the city, he saw a touch of the sun rising from afar.


    Ren Baqian hadn''t seen many sunrises on Earth, and it seemed that everyone was ustomed to this natural phenomenon. Few people would focus on this unless they were in some particr locations.


    But looking at this massive fireball here, which was one size bigger than the sun he saw on Earth, Ren Baqian thought it was somewhat interesting. He had to look away after a while as it was too ring.


    The walking speed of the group of people wasn''t slow. Even though they weren''t as fast as a carriage, one could always feel the strong wind blowing in their face regardless of whether it was a cow or goat running in this world. Furthermore, the dust trampled up by them would hit straight into their faces.


    This was the most significant reason why Ren Baqian kept on turning his face sideway to look at the sun.


    This road was a ttened road made out of dirt. The dust got stirred up as the horsemen passed by, and the people behind were literally eating dust. Ren Baqian felt as if he was passing through a sandstorm.


    Ren Baqian buried his face on the back of the mountain-gazing bird. Unknowingly, a guard suddenly appeared alongside him, kept up with his pace and announced, "Ren Baqian, Your Majesty summons you."


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look, and sure enough, it was Shi Hu.


    The general poption thought of his position as a deputy, but, it was only a temporary one which the empress would retract after her birthday celebration is over. His position would revert to the same as before, the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce.


    "I will be going right away," Ren Baqian shouted. Shi Hu turned the mountain-gazing bird to his side, elerated towards the children of powerful court officials, overtook them from the side and left behind a fragrant wind.


    As Ren Baqian passed by, he turned to take a look at everyone. Their faces were covered with dirt, as if they just came out from a coal mine. Whatever demeanor they had earlier had evaporated like the clouds.


    As for some of thedies, they had covered their face with a piece of cloth. Women were the same everywhere and they certainly valued their face more than men.


    .


    Heads could be broken, but hair could never be messy. It might not be logical, but one could get the gist of this statement.


    Those people looked curiously at Ren Baqian who was riding a little chick and moving forward.


    Imperial guards were stationed in front to guide him and anyone could guess it was due to imperial orders. It could be clearly seen that he had recently found favor with the empress.


    The aroma from the mountain-gazing bird was indeed too pungent. As the mountain-gazing bird passed by, the fragrance would prate into the noses of the people around.


    When Ren Baqian reached the empress''s carriage, the curtain was pulled aside by Qing Yuan, who waved at him.


    Ren Baqian saw that the carriage was still moving and wondered how should he get on board.


    Fortunately, he had no time to think deeply, Shi Hu stretched out his arm, plucked him from his seat, and threw him over. Ren Baqian felt as if he was riding on a cloud, and Qing Yuan smiled as she caught the flying Ren Baqian with one hand in mid-air, pulling him into the carriage. Both Shi Hu and Qing Yuan seemed as though they were passing a ball around.


    Ren Baqian tried to alleviate his anxiety as he was a little nervous after flying through the air. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you very much, Lady Qing Yuan." Then, he stepped into the middle of the royal carriage to pay his respects.


    The empress only seemed to like the color red, and at most would asionally reveal a white undergarment beneath. This was her dressing style, and her hair was simply adorned with a hairpin.


    The empress looked carefully at Ren Baqian, and indeed, the Seventh Prince and him were identical. If she did not know that Ren Baqian''s origin was even more mysterious than the Seventh Prince, she would have thought he was one of the Great Xia''s illegitimate descendants.


    "Have you prepared for the Great Hunt?" The empress asked.


    "I have done a little preparation, but I am not good at martial arts and things like hunting. As such, it may be hard to produce good result in the mountains. Why don''t you let me stay below to tell stories and I can still be of use in relieving your boredom," Ren Baqian quickly suggested and thought it would be great if he could stay in the valleys below.


    The empress replied nonchntly, "I think highly of you, even if you cannot be the champion, at least produce some results. I have selected you, and if you cannot even hunt a single animal down, wouldn''t you make me lose face?"


    Ren Baqian was speechless, where was the logic? He had never heard that a teacher must possess fighting skills and a chef must be born a soldier.


    But, then again, this was Dayao''s kind of logic which was very ridiculous. However, it fitted others'' impression of what the aboriginals were like all along.

 Chapter 93: Why Befriend a Fool When You Can Incite Him?

    Chapter 93: Why Befriend a Fool When You Can Incite Him?


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    For the entire morning, Ren Baqian told a story to the empress. It was a good way for the empress to pass her time while travelling to her destination.


    And Ren Baqian did not need to suffer. At least he did not need to eat dirt for the entire morning and be a dirt-covered refugee.


    Even if he was to ride the mountain-gazing bird all the way, it would still be an arduous journey for him.


    When it was about noon, everyone arrived at the destination. It was a in at the foot of a mountain. Beside the in, there was a meandering brook. It was a good ce to set up camp.


    The moment they arrived, the five hundred horsemen scattered and scouted the area. The guards that stayed behind were for ornamental purposes. Given the empress''s strength, she did not need be scared of any danger.


    By the time Ren Baqian got out from the royal carriage, the rest of the people had run to the brook to wash up.


    The nobles from the other three countries also set up their camp in the distance.


    In reality, not many tents were set up as most of them rode here in carriages. Only Ning Caichen, Mister Emptiness, and a few other people rode here on their mounts.


    It was lunchtime and everyone brought their own food. In the morning, Ren Baqian went to the za in a hurry, and he forgot to bring his own food. He even needed Tie Dao to remind him to fill up his water bag.


    Fortunately, he had a n. Since the empress did not bring any chefs with her, he would be the one preparing lunch for her.


    There were fruits on the royal carriage, and as such, he only needed to prepare some meat dishes.


    After preparing the fruits, he asked one of the guards for some meat to roast. After all, these guards were not participating in the event, and they had brought food here.


    After waiting for a while, the guard brought back a fanged rabbit and two wild birds that were of simr size to a wild goose.


    After instructing two guards to skin the rabbit and the wild birds, Ren Baqian began to start a fire.


    The people in this world used flint to start fire. Therefore, when Ren Baqian took out a windproof lighter to start a fire, he piqued the interest of the people around him. After all, Ren Baqian could produce fire by giving the lighter a press. This was much more convenient than using a flint.


    After setting up his fire, a huge man squatted beside him and said, "Brother, can I exchange for your fire-spitting equipment with something?"


    Ren Baqian turned around to see who it was. He seemed to see this man somewhere before. After looking at his clothes, Ren Baqian recognized who he was. He was the big man that rode on the saber-toothed tiger. Even when he was squatting down, he was still taller than Ren Baqian.


    But is it suitable for you to call me "Brother" when you look like you''re thirty plus years old?


    "May I know how old are you?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity. He felt that his ego was hurt.


    Is this man blind? How can I be older than him?


    "I am going to be seventeen years old soon." The huge man grinned.


    Ren Baqian''s face twitched. The huge man''s face looked very mature.


    "I can give to you for free but you must let me follow youter, deal?" Ren Baqian said as he checked the items inside his sleeping bag.


    "But I''m going deep into the mountain, I might not return tonight," the huge man said.


    Ren Baqian knew the Great Hunt would start on noon today and end tomorrow noon. Usually, people would return tonight as they needed to rest after all.


    It seemed that this man wanted to hunt better prey; otherwise, he wouldn''t be going into the depths of the mountain.


    Ren Baqian was slightly hesitant. The night in the mountain was much more dangerous than the day. Previously, Caretaker Shi had told him this mountain had many fearsome beasts. Ren Baqian''s initial n was to roam around the edge of the mountain and hunt a few small animals.


    "I will give it to you tomorrow then, I might still need it tonight. I will give it to you for free tomorrow after youe back from the mountain," Ren Baqian said. It was just a lighter that cost roughly ten yuan. As such, Ren Baqian had no qualms gifting it to him. One had to know that these people were the children of powerful court officials. It would be a great deal for him if he could befriend one of them using just a lighter.


    "Thank you, Brother. My name is Du Changkong, I will find you tomorrow after Ie back from the mountain." Du Changkong chuckled.


    Ren Baqian smiled.


    After a while, the two wild birds and the rabbit had been washed and sent to Ren Baqian. Du Changkong was still squatting beside Ren Baqian. Ren Baqian turned around to look at him and asked, "Is there anything else?"


    "I see that you have a lot of fun-looking gadgets, can you let me y with them?" Du Changkong grinned and pointed to Ren Baqian''s mountain-gazing bird that had been driven far away.


    Ren Baqian actually did not want to drive it so far away, but the perfume on its body was far too strong. Even after so many hours had passed, the intensity of the perfume did not decrease at all.


    "You want to take a look at my crossbow, right?" Ren Baqian immediately knew what Du Changkong was talking about. Only the sleeping bag, the crossbow, and the arrow quiver were hung on the side of the mountain-gazing bird.


    "That''s called a crossbow? I have seen a crossbow from Great Xia before but it doesn''t look like yours at all." Du Changkong''s voice was filled with excitement. "Yours looks better."


    Naturally, a modern crossbow looked more technologically advanced. An ancient crossbow simply paled inparison to a modern one, especially when Ren Baqian''s crossbow had a scope attached to it.


    When Ren Baqian saw the eagerness on Du Changkong''s face, he knew their rtionship was progressing well. Aboriginals'' muscles operated at a faster speed than their brains.


    A few fools were already running towards his mountain-gazing bird. Just now, he had already noticed many people were looking at the crossbow that hung on his mountain-gazing bird.


    "Tell them don''t spoil it, I still need it to hunt," Ren Baqian reminded Du Changkong.


    "Okay, I will break the balls of whoever spoils it." Du Changkong chuckled and ran towards Ren Baqian''s mountain-gazing bird.


    After a while, rmed cries broke out around Ren Baqian''s mountain-gazing bird. There were a few people looking through the scope of Ren Baqian''s crossbow.


    The ss of the scope and its magnifying effect seemed extremely magical to them. They kept on snatching it from each other as though it was a precious treasure.


    As Ren Baqian tried to pierce the wild birds and the rabbit with a wooden stake, he looked at those people with his heart racing. Those fellows better be careful with his crossbow. If they broke it, how was he going to use it to huntter on?


    Then, he saw Du Changkong kick someone into the air. That person flew eight meters across the air. Following which, he elbowed another person onto the ground and took the crossbow to somewhere else to show off.


    Ren Baqian could not see where he went or what happened. His line of sight happened to be blocked by a guard. He focused on roasting the rabbit and the wild birds. Every now and then, he could hear rmed cries resounding through the air.


    When the rabbit and the wild birds were half-cooked, Ren Baqian began to sprinkle some spices over them. Within seconds, an extremely strong aroma pervaded through the air.


    Those who smelled the aroma turned their heads to the direction of Ren Baqian. They wanted to see what smelled so good.


    The spices that Ren Baqian used could only be found in the imperial pce and beast park. Even the court official did not know much about them, let alone these people.


    After an hour, the rabbit and wild birds were cooked, and Ren Baqian''s forehead was drenched in sweat. It wasn''t easy to roast these animals. After all, he had to keep turning the wooden stake to prevent the meat from getting burnt.


    Then, he brought the roast rabbit and wild birds to the royal carriage. Qing Yuan was already waiting for him there.


    Ren Baqian asked the guard for another two pieces of mutton as he prepared to cook a meal for himself.


    After Ren Baqian finished roasting the meat, he felt someone squatted beside him again. He turned around and realized it was Du Changkong, who was grinning at him.


    "Where is my crossbow?"


    "I will get it back for you, save one piece for me!" Du Changkong yelled as he ran off.


    Ren Baqian realized Du Changkong was had the heart of a child even though he had the face of a middle-aged man.


    Soon after, Du Changkong returned with a bitter-looking face and said, "I''m afraid I can''t get your crossbow back."


    "It''s in the hands of the Hong girl, I can''t defeat her."


    "You have already promised me that you will not lose or spoil it. Now youe back empty-handed just because you''re defeated by a girl? Where is your backbone? Where is your awe of a man? How''re you going to find a wife in the future? Other people will look down on you. If you''re a real man, go all-out on her. Even if you die, you have to keep your promise! How can you be called a man if you can''t even keep your promise?" Ren Baqian egged Du Changkong on with a low voice. He did not care at all who the Hong girl was.


    After hearing Ren Baqian''s words, Du Changkong''s face was filled with determination. He said, "Don''t worry, since I have promised you just now, I will get it back for you. I will fight the Hong girl to death." After finishing his sentence, Du Changkong left in an imposing manner, looking as though he wasn''ting back until he aplished his task.


    Ren Baqian looked at Du Changkong''s back view and nodded his head. A seventeen-year-old, foolish youngster indeed could not stand being incited.


    In his heart, Ren Baqian praised himself for his wit. He felt a sense of pleasure from outsmarting someone, even though the other party was just a seventeen-year-old, foolish youngster.

 Chapter 94: Hot Blooded Pig-Ignorant Teammate

    Chapter 94: Hot Blooded Pig-Ignorant Teammate


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Hong Xian, let''s battle. If I win, you will have to return the crossbow to me. I have promised someone else that I will return it to him when the timees. I can''t possibly be an untrustworthy, ball-less girl."


    Ren Baqian was roasting the meat when he heard a loud voiceing from behind Immediately, his forehead was filled with ck lines created by the smoke.


    Untrustworthy ball-less girl?


    Did your brain get kicked by a donkey?


    You must be afraid that you would not die quickly enough.


    He turned his head around and looked at the royal carriage at the back. Ren Baqian ultimately felt that the empress would mark him down regardless if he won or lost. He would definitely have to watch out in the future.


    Ren Baqian felt that he had to distance himself from Du Changkong so that he could avoid being implicated by him.


    If pig-ignorant teammates were segregated into four different grades; A,B,C and D, Du Changkong would definitely be an S grade.


    The roasting of the meat was more or less done. Ren Baqian immediately took two sticks of roasted meat, ran to the back and joined the crowd.


    They were all children of court officials. Ren Baqian estimated that Du Changkong would definitely not die but affirmed that he would certainly get a good dressing down.


    "Storyteller Ren!"


    Ren Baqian just got up and he heard Qing Yuan calling for him. He turned around and saw her waving at him and immediately ran over.


    However, the expression on Qing Yuan''s face was a little queer, and it caused Ren Baqian to generate negative thoughts in his mind.


    Ren Baqian got on the empress carriage and the empress was looking at him with an attempt at a smile, "What did you tell him just now?"


    Ren Baqian''s face turned ghastly pale.


    The "mes" of this issue have now spread to myself.


    After all, Du Changkong ran to the back and shouted all that nonsense after talking to me.


    It seems that even if I im that I did not say anything, even I myself, will not believe it.


    "Your Majesty is wise, it has nothing to do with your humble servant at all! In my heart, women can hold up half the sky, or even more than half the sky. I indeed do not know how was he being provoked to say such things. I only said that ''a man of his words would abide by his promise.'' Since he took my crossbow, he should definitely return it to me. Whatever he said has nothing to do we me at all��" Ren Baqian cried bitterly and loudly in excessive grief at once.


    The empress took a few looks at Ren Baqian and gently brushed her sleeves. Ren Baqian then felt that he was soaring up into the clouds and flying amongst them.


    Ren Baqian slumped onto the ground. Even though he fell onto a patchwn, he still grimaced in pain.


    Ren Baqian felt like weeping but had no tears at all. He was actually duped by a stupid 17-year-old and hoped that the empress eventually did not mark himself down.


    He went to pick up that skewer of roasted meat while rubbing his buttocks and limped towards the back of the carriage.


    A moment ago, Ren Baqian still wanted to watch the scene of bustle. But now, he was fuming with rage between gritted teeth and wanted to see how that stupid person was being beaten up.


    Originally, this circle was bustling with noise and excitement. Some people were roasting meat while some were chatting among themselves. A girl was seated on top of the elephant, holding onto the crossbow and looking through the scope to look afar. A strong sense of curiosity could be seen from her eyes.


    Although the scope''s ability to look far wasn''t that powerful, it still had a certain degree of effectiveness. She was able to clearly see ces that were rtively far away and this made the girl very curious. Whenpared to those treasures she had in her residence, this was certainly way more interesting.


    There were also a few other men and women seated in the vicinity of that girl. They raised their heads from time to time, checking to see if the girl sitting on top of the elephant had finished fiddling with the item as they wanted to y with it as well.


    Just at this moment, Du Changkong arrived with persistence and unwavering determination disyed on his face. It was as if he was going to sacrifice his life heroically for a cause. He then shouted as he stood at 20 meters in front of that girl, "Hong Xian, let''s have a match. If i win, you''ll have to return the crossbow to me. I have promised someone else that I will return it to him when the timees. I can''t possibly be an untrustworthy, ball-less girl.."


    In a split second, the entire ce quietened down.


    Everyone was looking at him.


    The only difference was that, all the men disyed a look of surprise as they wondered what had gotten into Du Changkong. But soon after, a few tall and burly man burst intoughter. "Untrustworthy ball-less girl? Hahahaha, I''m dying ofughter."


    On the other hand, the women at the za were stunned at the beginning. But soon after, they felt indignant about what he said and shot their piercingly murderous gazes to Du Changkong.


    What kind of words did he say? Untrustworthy ball-less girl? It was certainly too malicious as it included all the aboriginal women as well and more severely, included Her Majesty who was on the carriage.


    It turned out that Du Changkong still wasn''t aware and gave the girl on the elephant a look of provocation.


    That girl named Hong Xian was about 17 to 18 years old. After she recovered from the shock, veins on her head began to pop out. She scowled a few looks at Du Changkong and swung her hands, throwing the crossbow to the people nearby. Hong Xian swung her hips and got down from the elephant.


    "Did you say ball-less girls?" Hong Xian red at Du Changkong as if she was itching to kill him anytime.


    "Do you all have balls?" At this moment, Du Changkong''s morale was still boosted by Ren Baqian''s goading and a gush of hot blood rushed towards his head at this moment.


    "Puhahahaha, hahahaha!"


    After a brief moment of silence, a franticughter exploded.


    This time, it was not only the same men whoughed. Almost all the men in the za burst intoughter and they wereughing and wiping their tears at the same time. This Du Changkong must have eaten a tiger''s gall and obtained its courage?


    "Bastard, since you want to die this much, I will grant you your wish." Hong Xian''s originally delicate face turned green at this moment and blue veins began to appear on her forehead.


    Seeing that Hong Xian was raging with anger, Du Changkong suddenly felt diffident.


    It seems like I have provoked her to her limit.


    However at this moment, it is toote be a coward.


    There are so many people watching this and if I chicken out, I will definitely be not able to face anyone else in the future.


    He firmed up his mind and said," If I win, you will have to return the crossbow to me. The crossbow originally belongs to someone else."


    If Ren Baqian was at the scene, he would definitely be touched. This fool was looking at someone, who wanted to pull his tendons out and tear his skin off, yet he was still concerned about retrieving the crossbow. Indeed, he was a loyal person.


    But, Ren Baqian was on the ground massaging his buttocks, hoping that the Hong girl would not spare Du Changkong and bash him to death.


    When he finally limped over, a huge circle had already formed over that side.


    "Du Family''s son, finally going to be a man today. Must persevere as long as you can."


    "Du Changkong, I''m optimistic about you. Do not lose face by all means."


    "Hong Xian, teach him a good lesson."


    When Ren Baqian arrived, he heard the chaotic and rowdy jeering. These people were here to join in the crowd and not here to meddle in other people''s business.


    The things in the za were moved away by people and on a rather huge piece ofwn stood Du Changkong and a girl who was wearing a set of green clothes. They were standing 10 meters away from each other.


    "This is Hong Xian?I wonder if she is rted to Hong Luan in any way." Ren Baqian pondered.


    Since both of their appearances aren''t simr, I guess that they only have the same family name.


    Just when Ren Baqian stood firmly on the ground, the two parties in the za collided and their fists and feet were entangled in the fight.


    ording to their body size, Du Changkong was much bigger than Hong Xian. But it didn''t mean that the bigger the body size, the more awesome one would be. Otherwise, the empress would not be known as the top expert in Dayao and Du Changkong wouldn''t have pulled a long face right from the start.


    After exchanging blows for a short while, Du Changkong flew invertedly outwards. Those with good eyesight would be able to see Hong Xian using her fists to prop Du Changkong''s arms up. His arms, which he suddenly lost control of, rose up. Following which, she smashed her fists into Du Changkong''s chest.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t able to make out what was going on. Although the actions of the two weren''t garish, it was still too quick for him to catch a glimpse of what was happening.


    Du Changkong rolled over, got up on his feet and collided with Hong Xian once again. However, he rebounded at an even faster speed. Just when he collided into her, a "bang" could be heard and he was sent flying upside down. Even though Ren Baqian wasn''t able to see what was happening clearly, he felt pain for Du Changkong as he heard the loud bang and saw him crashing down onto the ground repeatedly.


    "I can''t possibly be an untrustworthy, ball-less girl?"


    "Whom did you say made empty promises?"


    "What did you say about women?"


    ...


    ��


    The entire za witnessed Hong Xian kicking Du Changkong around like a ball. She did not even wait for him to get up before giving him another kick, which sent him flying once again.


    If it was an ordinary person, he or she would have been kicked to death.


    But, Du Changkong was resistant to attacks. He was able to defend his vital points at the very least. Even though he was being kicked and flew everywhere, he still tried to get up time after time.


    Seeing that he was being kicked around like a ball, everyone roared withughed.


    A moment ago, Du Changkong had just manned up. But in just a few short seconds, he was being kicked around like a ball.

 Chapter 95: Killing the Heart with Words

    Chapter 95: Killing the Heart with Words


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Fortunately, Hong Xian did not want Du Changkong''s life. She had been holding back all this time. When she saw that he couldn''t get up anymore, she viciously spat at him.


    "Nice one, Hong Xian." Several people cheered for Hong Xian and gathered around her.


    The rest dispersed when they saw the show had ended.


    Du Changkong''s injuries weren''t really serious. He merely suffered from some minor injuries. Furthermore, since his strength had been diminished, he couldn''t pick himself up for the time being.


    When Ren Baqian saw the way Du Changkongy on the ground, he sighed deeply. He stepped forward to see how was his pig-ignorant teammate doing.


    "Are you able to stand up?" Ren Baqian squatted down beside Du Changkong and asked.


    "This Hong girl is getting more and more powerful. Her attacks were ruthless, almost costing me my life." There weren''t many open wounds on Du Changkong''s face but there were several bruises. Right now, he was panting heavily.


    Ren Baqian did not say anything. You''re lucky to be able to survive. Even if you''re stupid, you should be able to tell that she did not go all-out on you. From the way she punched and kicked you into the air, one can tell that she is much more powerful than you. If she intended to kill you, do you think you can lie down here and groan like what you''re doing now?


    Do you think you''re just getting a beating? You''re going to suffer in the future too.


    When Ren Baqian thought of Hong Xian, he slightly hesitated on the notion of asking her for his crossbow back. He reckoned that she was still in a fit of anger. If he asked her for it now, he would get into trouble.


    Forget it, I still have my handgun. Initially, Ren Baqian wanted to use the handgun to sneak attacks on other people. Now, he had to be more careful and not let other people find out about his handgun.


    As long as no one saw him hunt with the handgun, nobody would know what it was.


    Ren Baqian no longer cared about Du Changkong. He stood up and walked off.


    On the other side, Hong Xian and her counterparts had seen Ren Baqian squat beside Du Changkong. With anger rushing through her face, Hong Xian said, "I was thinking why is that bastard so bold today!"


    "I heard that the Honglu Deputy isn''t from Dayao, I think that should be him. How dare him? I will go and teach him a lesson now," a girl immediately said.


    No one objected to her idea. After all, Ren Baqian was just a Honglu Deputy. Furthermore, he wasn''t from Dayao. These sons and daughters of the court officials did not really care about him.


    Especially when they knew the words that Du Changkong said just now were taught by this fellow, they resented him even more than Du Changkong.


    Just as Ren Baqian stood up and took a few steps, he saw a young girl that previously stood beside Hong Xian walked towards him. She was roughly 1.65 meters tall and her skin color was slightly tanned, resembling the color of wheat. She also wore a set of skin-tight clothes.


    Du Changkong was right behind him. However, he had just been beaten to the state of a dog, therefore the girl shouldn''t be looking for him. Furthermore, it seemed that the girl had fixated her gaze on Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian took a small step to his side. If the girl wasn''t looking for him, he could just walk past her.


    However, it was a wasted effort by him. It turned out the other party wasing for him.


    "You taught him those words?" the girl asked impolitely as she walked over to Ren Baqian.


    "Of course not," Ren Baqian shook his head and replied. He couldn''t take the me for this, otherwise he would be in deep trouble.


    "Ptui! A coward that does not dare to take responsibility for his actions!" the girl said in disdain.


    Ren Baqian was speechless for a while. She is so sure that I taught Du Changkong those words? All he wanted was to have his crossbow back but he didn''t expect he would create so much trouble.


    "It was indeed not me."


    "I don''t care whether or not it was you, I just want you to know that you''re not getting that thing back. If you''re capable,e and get it back yourself. Coward." After finishing her sentence, the girl cast a disdainful look at Ren Baqian and turned around and walked off.


    Ren Baqian stood at the same spot for a while. Suddenly, he burst intoughter.


    You might be the daughter of a court official but I am a court official myself. No matter what, my official rank is still Secondary ss, Rank 6. Do you really think you can push me around as you wish?


    Do you really think I''m a pushover?


    It was impossible for Ren Baqian not to feel angry. After all, he was a young man too. Even if his arms weren''t as thick as theirs, he would still feel angry after being treated like this.


    Initially, I am prepared to give up the crossbow, but now I have to get it back.


    Otherwise, how am I going to survive in Dayao? If anyone can juste over and push me around, the term "coward" will stick to me forever. If something tries to do this to me again in the future, what can I do about it?


    The empress is just nearby, how will she not realize this situation? Perhaps this is just a small issue and she can''t be bothered with it. However, what will she think if I act like a coward now? Ren Baqian felt that the seventh-most powerful expert in the world wouldn''t approve of his cowardice. Why would she employ someone that was easily pushed around by a few youngsters?


    After these thoughts ran through Ren Baqian''s mind, he walked towards Hong Xian with a smile on his face.


    That girl just returned to Hong Xian and mumbled, "A coward that doesn''t dare to take responsibility for his actions."


    However, she immediately discovered that everyone was looking behind her.


    She turned around and saw the coward walked towards them with a smile on his face.


    But that smile seemed slightly cold.


    Ren Baqian walked to the group of people and pointed to the crossbow in one of their hands and said, "That thing is mine."


    "It''s no longer yours," the girl that previously chided Ren Baqian turned around and replied with her head raised.


    "What official position do you hold?" Ren Baqian smiled and asked.


    "Why do you care what official position I hold? I don''t give a sh*t about a Rank 6 deputy," the girl sneered


    The rest burst intoughter. They indeed did not care about a Rank 6 deputy.


    If Ren Baqian was an aboriginal, they might not go overboard like this, but since he was a foreigner, they did not fear him at all.


    When Ren Baqian saw the fearless and arrogant look on their faces, the smile on his face became colder.


    Word by word, Ren Baqian said, "I don''t care what official positions your ancestors, your grandfathers or your fathers hold. They are the ones that are holding the official positions, not you. They are the ones that are receiving sries from the imperial court, not you. Usually, when people give way to you, it''s not because you''re terrific, but rather, it''s because of your ancestors, your grandfathers, and your fathers. They don''t want to embarrass you.


    What qualifies all of you to look down on a Rank 6 deputy? Even if a person is just a Rank 9 official, he still receives his sry from the imperial court. Even if he doesn''t make any meritorious contributions to Dayao, he still works his ass off. This nation is built through the officials'' blood and sweat.


    You can look down on me, but my official position was conferred by Her Majesty. Since I receive my sry from the imperial court and I work for Her Majesty, I am the face of the imperial court. What gives all of you the right to look down on me?


    How dare all of you snatch an official''s possession? Are you even fit to do that?


    So you indeed don''t care about Her Majesty and the imperial court, huh?


    So do you dare to kill an official? Since you dare to steal from an official, you should be daring enough to kill an official too, right?"


    After Ren Baqian finished his sentence, an absolute silence swept across the area in an instant.


    Ren Baqian spoke quite loudly, therefore many people heard what he said.


    Everyone shifted their gazes to Ren Baqian and Hong Xian and her counterparts. Many people put down what they were doing and stood up.


    The smile on Hong Xian''s and her counterparts'' faces froze. The onlookers'' gazes were pricking them like needles.


    "How dare you lecture me?" the girl had an incredulous look on her face. Following which, she said, "What thing do you think you are?"


    "I''m not your father, I don''t really dare to lecture you. As for what thing I am, why not you ask Her Majesty what''s an official appointment? It seems like your ancestors and me are the same thing," Ren Baqian replied viciously. The only thing he could rely on now was the fact that these young men and women that participated in the Great Hunt weren''t court officials. Those who held an official position would not participate in the Great Hunt.


    Those who participated in the Great Hunt would probably be sent to the army or other ces but that would only happen in the future.


    Ren Baqian was an exception. He was a Rank 6 deputy that dropped from the sky. He was chosen by Her Majesty to take part in the Great Hunt. Therefore, he was different from everyone else.


    After hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the girl was incensed. Raising her hand, she wanted to p this bastard to death.


    Cold sweat broke out in Ren Baqian''s back. Someone fastere and stop this crazy b*tch! If she really ps me, I am dead for sure. It will be toote even if she is punished severely.


    However, on the surface, Ren Baqian maintained hisposure and continued looking at her with a smile on his face.


    "Liu Ruoyao, stop it!" A roar resounded through the air.


    At the same time, Hong Xian''s frozen face finally moved. She immediately kicked Liu Ruoyao''s arm away.


    "Don''t stop me, I am going to kill him." Liu Ruoyao''s eyes were slightly red, looking as though she was thoroughly infuriated by Ren Baqian''s words.


    "So you really dare to kill a court official, are you trying to rebel against imperial court?" Ren Baqian sneered.


    Ren Baqian knew that Liu Ruoyao hated him to death, therefore he did not mind angering her even more now.


    Since he had already offended her, he could not back off now.

 Chapter 96: Standing on the Right Side of Righteousness

    Chapter 96: Standing on the Right Side of Righteousness


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After Ren Baqian stopped talking, a tall and sturdy man appeared at the side of him and stared angrily at the woman opposite, "Liu Ruoyao, he is right. How dare you disrespect a court appointed official?"


    "Xi Yueya, what are you talking about?" That woman named Liu Ruoyao looked over with a look of incredulity.


    "Everyone understands except you. I am the official appointed by the court. In any case, I represent Her Majesty and the court, what do you want to do? You actually dared to loot the belongings of an official and even attacked him. It can be clearly seen that you are very courageous," Ren Baqian said coldly.


    At this time, a few more figures appeared at the side of Ren Baqian and looked at the woman called Liu Ruoyao .


    Even though they weren''t old and had the elder generation to rely on, the words from Ren Baqian made them understand one thing; he was here on behalf of Her Majesty, who was part of the dynasty bloodline created by their ancestors. If Ren Baqian were to make any mistakes, Her Majesty could punish him and the high-ranking officials could also do so. But, they were really not qualified to do so.


    Attacking Ren Baqian was the same as not respecting the imperialwsid down by the ancestors. As a result, the girl became the enemy of everyone.


    Furthermore, Her Majesty was just at the side yet you had the audacity to strike? How gutsy can you be?


    Hong Xian looked aghast. She hade to realization, and therefore, she tried to stop Liu Ruoyao just now.


    Some other people also realized it and as a result dared not open their mouths.


    The rest of the people eventually understood and stood on his side.


    Although the children of the powerful officials knew each other, the recent words of Ren Baqian and the performance of Liu Ruoyao made them disregarded their old feelings.


    In a short span of time, 10 more people joined his side.


    Only Liu Ruoyao''s anger rose to her head.


    The immediate situation for her was like being drenched with a pail of cold water from head to toe.


    The cold stares from the others made her think about what she had done back then.


    Even though she wasn''t smart, she wasn''t stupid either. If she made any more foolish mistakes in such a situation, she would not be able to live anymore.


    "It is our fault, we will return your things." Although Hong Xian knew what Ren Baqian said was irrefutable and led them to such a situation, it was hard to raise the mood and her face remained cold.


    Ren Baqian received the crossbow that was thrown to him. It was obvious he had offended them and might as well let out his anger. Moreover, even though his attitude was tough, what he said after all was rational. The other party would find it difficult to make trouble for him in the short term.


    By the time this situation had passed and the other party wanted to find trouble with him, Ren Baqian''s status in the empress''s would have deepened further.


    He did not know the empress had directly turned the table on the Seventh Prince of Great Xia because of him. Although it was not totally due to him, it still disyed the considerable extent of the empress''s favorable impression towards him.


    "If an apology is sufficient, what is thew for? You all really think that the empress does not know what is happening here? Instead of apologizing, it is better to confess to your crimes." After speaking, Ren Baqian did not look at them again. He turned to those standing around and cupped his hands. "Thank you, everybody."


    "There is no need to thank us, what you said is correct. Dayao was established by our ancestors. My grandfather and father shed blood for Dayao, and every inch of Dayao was built on the blood of our ancestors. For their sake, we will not be trampled on as it would be the same as trampling on their bones," Xi Yueya, who was the earliest to appear beside Ren Baqian, said in gruff voice to him. While speaking to Ren Baqian, he kept his gaze fixated on Liu Ruoyao .


    Ren Baqian took a surprised look at this guy, his words were really of a high standard.


    "I��.I was not thinking, I was consumed with anger just now," Liu Ruoyao said softly and lowered her head. The public gaze had made her frightened.


    She did not know how did things turned out this way.


    She only felt that the guy who taught Du Changkong those nasty words was reprehensible and wanted to teach him a lesson.


    But the result was totally not what she expected.


    Hongxian dragged Liu Ruoyao along, "I will bring you to Her Majesty to plead for leniency."


    What Ren Baqian''s said just now was clear. It was impossible that Her Majesty did not hear what themotion was about as she was close by.


    They hadmitted a grave mistake and must plead with Her Majesty for leniency.


    Tears fell from Liu Ruoyao''s eyes. After all she was just a youngdy and such an incident left her feeling flustered.


    As Hongxian dragged Liu Ruoyao to Her Majesty to acknowledge her mistake, they encountered many people looking at them coldly along the way, and it was difficult to bear.


    Further away were the nobles from the other three nations, who already knew there was some kind of conflict going on and that a mad dog was involved. As they weren''t able to get nearer, they could only hear the words brought along by the wind. They watched the show from afar and were more than happy to know that the mad dog was being taught a good lesson.


    What surprised them was the fact that many aboriginals supported the mad dog. Did they want to give him a tform to unleash? Was that mad dog''s status in Dayao so esteemed?


    This was what they could not figure out. Wasn''t Dayao biased against foreigners? How could it be that so many people were on his side while so few aboriginals were on the other side.


    As the two left, the others dispersed and nobody could be bothered with Ren Baqian anymore. The few people who were standing with Hong Xian also took no notice of him.


    Back then, what Ren Baqian demonstrated was indeed reasonable, but it did not mean that the others would be fond of him.


    On the contrary, the mentality of Liu Ruoyao was the same as many others. Having Ren Baqian exposing their inner thoughts was like exposing their naked bodies. It''d be a wonder if they had a favorable impression of him. As in the earlier scenario, Ren Baqian was standing on the side of righteousness, and they had no choice but to stand by his side.


    Ren Baqian held the crossbow in one hand and the roasted meat in the other and was somewhat helpless. He did not n for things to happen this way.


    But at that time, it was necessary for him to act that way. He had many good things on hand, and if anyone could just take what he had, it would spell big troubles for himself in future.


    He was robbed of one crossbow which was not that important. But what about his other belongings?


    Ren Baqian carried his things and returned to the mountain-gazing bird''s side and put the crossbow on the ground. Then, he finally sat down and began to eat the cold roasted meat.


    The cold meat was not tasty, but his stomach was already rumbling with hunger. If he still did not eat it, he would not have enough strength to go up the mountain this afternoon.


    From his point of view, he could see Hong Xian and Liu Ruoyao kneeling on one knee in front of the royal carriage.


    In fact, Ren Baqian quite liked Dayao''s ceremony of kneeling on one knee. At the very least, it was morefortable than kneeling on both knees. From a psychological standpoint, it was awkward for a male, with a few decades of education to kneel on both knees as he was taught kneeling was a degrading act. Kneeling on one knee posed no such psychological barrier.


    After eating a piece of roasted meat, Ren Baqian was practically full, and hey tly on thewn. Frankly, he was rather nervous back then, and he could finally rx at this moment.


    As for those people would want to retaliate against him in future, he did not want to think about it. This matter could rest until his return from the mountain.


    After lying down for a while, a person appeared beside him, took the remaining pieces of meat and started gnawing on it.


    Needless to say, it must be Du Changkong, who earlier was badly beaten till he was whimpering like a dog.


    "Brother, you are really amazing," Du Changkong said as he continued eating and praising Ren Baqian at the same time. Even though he was beaten until he was unable to get up earlier, he saw what happened and was full of admiration for Ren Baqian.


    "You were really pathetic, being kicked around like a ball," Ren Baqian casually stated.


    Upon hearing this, Du Changkong''s face ckened, "This Hong girl has improved since a year ago. Only a few people here are a match for her."


    Although it was a rebuttal, but, it was somewhat powerless.


    "What kind of rtionship does Hong Xian and Hong Luan, who is serving Her Majesty, share?" Ren Baqian mentally noted the two had the same surname Hong and could not help asking.


    "It seems they are not rted." Du Changkong replied after some deliberations as he really did not know much about Hong Luan.


    "But, the Hong girl is the granddaughter of Sir Hong Wu."


    "And who is Sir Hong Wu?" Ren Baqian curiously asked.


    ''He is the second most powerful person in Dayao. I wonder when will be the day that I can be that powerful as well," Du Changkong said with a look of longing.


    Number two in Dayao? Just behind the empress in pecking order. Ren Baqian sat up abruptly as the realization of the power of this guy hit him, "Hong Wu, ninth most powerful expert in the world?"


    "You are right, Sir Hong Wu is simply amazing," Du Changkong said with a tinge of longing yet again.


    Ren Baqian actually felt some teeth aching.


    Oh, this was the ninth most powerful expert in the world. That was the granddaughter of the ninth most powerful expert in the world, and he had offended her.


    Although Ren Baqian knew he had certainly offended the children of some powerful officials, he did not expect it to be someone that was so powerful and fierce.

 Chapter 97: I’m Afraid This Might the Last Time I Am Seeing Your Majesty

    Chapter 97: I��m Afraid This Might the Last Time I Am Seeing Your Majesty


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After chatting with Du Changkong, Ren Baqian knew a thing or two about those youngsters.


    Hong Xian was the granddaughter of the ninth most powerful expert in the world, Hong Wu. Her father was called Hong Cheng. He was the lieutenant-colonel of the North Garrison. The North Garrison was stationed in the north of Dayao where the Hao Nation''s descendants lived.


    She also had two brothers who held office in the army as well.


    As for Xi Yueya, his father was Xi Wangu. Xi Wangu was the Protector General of the South. He was also the immediate superior of Hong Cheng.


    As for Yao Zi, her real name was Liu Ruoyao. Her mother was an imperial treasurer in the Imperial Treasury. She was in charge of managing the nation''s wealth. Meanwhile, her father served as assistant minister in the Ministry of War. Her mother''s rank was Secondary ss, Rank 3 while her father''s rank was Standard ss, Rank 4.


    As for Du Changkong, when it was time for him to introduce his family background, he spoke with a prideful tone, "My father is the General of Left Guard."


    Ren Baqian gasped. Du Changkong was the son of a big shot.


    Dayao had a total of five protectorates. A Protector General was the highest ranking officer of a protectorate. The five Protector Generals controlled the military forces in five regions. For those who could be Protector Generals, even if they were not as powerful as Hong Wu, they were no pushovers.


    Needless to say, Liu Ruoyao''s parents were powerful individuals as well. Her mother took care of money while her father took care of military equipment and pay and provisions for soldiers.


    Meanwhile, Du Changkong''s father was the General of the Left Guard. Therefore, his rank would be Secondary ss, Rank 3. He was in control of one of the two armies that protected Lan City, and he could be considered a trusted aide of the empress.


    Now, at least Ren Baqian knew who he had offended this time around.


    Du Changkong finished up the remaining roast meat that was barely enough to fill the gaps between his teeth, trying not to let himself go hungry. He could only wait until he went up the mountainter to look for some food.


    "Don''t you know any martial arts?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity. He had been wanting to learn martial arts for very long. However, Caretaker Shi and Xiong Pi only knew martial arts that tempered bodies. Those were usually used by aboriginals, and they belonged to a lower tier.


    If Ren Baqian learned those martial arts, he would die first before his body got tempered.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that there must be many martial arts manuals in Qingxin Pce. However, there were still many words that he could not read. Also, he did not have the chance to browse through the book collections in that ce. He reckoned all the good stuff must be on the second level. The second level was even guarded by an olddy.


    Now that Ren Baqian knew the son of a powerful official, a thought arose in his head. Will a Rank 3 official have some good stuff in his hands?


    "Martial arts? I don''t think you''re able to learn my family''s one. However, my family does have a few manuals from Great Xia. if you want them, you have to bring something to exchange for them."


    "Alright, I wille back and find you again." Ren Baqian was overjoyed after hearing these words. There''s definitely something that could interest him. All he needed to do was to find something to exchange for it.


    "Your fire-spitting gadget will not work, you have to find something better to exchange for our martial arts manuals," Du Changkong reminded him.


    "Don''t worry, I will definitely find something good," Ren Baqian immediately said.


    After a while, they heard the sound of a bugle horn.


    "It''s beginning," Du Changkong notified Ren Baqian and ran away.


    Following which, everyone else began to gather and stand in disarray.


    Ren Baqian followed them and found a corner at the back to stand.


    After everyone had gathered, a girl fully d in armor stood in front of everyone.


    Beneath the armor, it was a girl that was filled with vigor. It was Xin Zhe. Ren Baqian had seen her several times. She was themander of the imperial guards.


    "The Great Hunt will begin now. Her Majesty wants to see everyone disy their valor. Your valor will be judged through the prey you hunt. The top three cings will be allowed into the second level of Qingxin Pce and read the book collections there for three days. This will be the reward, and it''s your honor to receive it."


    "For Dayao!" all the Dayao people yelled.


    The yells of a few hundred people resounded like a tsunami, disying the full might of the aboriginals'' voices.


    Even though it was just a few words, Ren Baqian was still somewhat motivated by them. "For my tribe!"


    "For the participants from other nations, if you get into the top three cings, you will receive the simr reward too." After Xin Zhe said these words, those nobles from other nations became excited too. Other than a powerful individual like the Seventh Prince, very few would be unaffected by the opportunity to enter the imperial library of Dayao.


    "All of you are dismissed,e back tomorrow by noon." After Xin Zhen gave herst order, everyone cupped their fists towards her and departed.


    When Ren Baqian saw everyone had left, he walked to his mountain-gazing bird and took down his sleeping bag. His bulletproof vest, grenades, and everything else were still inside it.


    Just now, when he heard Xin Zhe said that the top three cings could read in the second level of Qingxin Pce, he was slightly moved.


    There was definitely good stuff on the second level of Qingxin Pce.


    It was a pity that only the imperial family knew what was on the second level of Qingxin Pce. Even if he had a handgun, he felt that he wouldn''t be as powerful as those people.


    It was better for him to go up the mountain and return as soon as possible to find something to exchange for Du Changkong''s martial arts manuals.


    If he could form a good rtionship with Du Changkong, he might be able to know more people through him.


    Ren Baqian wondered could a ss cup sway this bunch of fellows.


    All he needed to do then was serve them wine in a luminous ss cup, and they would present him with whatever treasure they had.


    In any case, he had plenty of good stuff. He wasn''t worried that he couldn''t take out anything valuable to exchange for those martial arts manuals.


    Ren Baqian slowly packed his things. He ced the arrows, the anesthetic, the military knife, and etc. to one side. Then, he prepared to put on the bulletproof vest.


    Not only could a bulletproof vest block bullets, it could also block various types of projectiles. It was a very powerful defensive equipment that could save one''s life.


    "Storyteller Ren!"


    When Ren Baqian heard this voice, he panicked. Xin Zhe was standing behind him.


    "Her Majesty wants to eat mountain wolf meat, and she wants Storyteller Ren to bring it back. Come back when you find it."


    Ren Baqian''s stomach churned. Mountain wolf meat? Isn''t that asking him to hunt a wolf in the mountain? If she really wanted to eat it, why would she ask him to get it for her? If he couldn''t find it, does it mean that he had to stay on the mountain for a night? This was obviously a punishment. Was it because of the incident with Hong Xian and Liu Ruoyao? He shouldn''t be punished for this. It''s most likely because of the trouble Du Changkong that pig-ignorant teammate created for him.


    "Her Majesty also said that mountain wolf meat won''t be nice if the mountain wolf is too big. A small-sized mountain wolf that has short front legs tastes the best."


    I would be considered lucky to even encounter a wolf, is she asking me to find a wolf pack?


    Doesn''t she know my actual body size?


    I will just be offering myself on te to the wolves if I encounter them.


    "Subject have to something to tell Her Majesty, please help me inform her," Ren Baqian told Xin Zhe.


    "I have passed your message to Her Majesty, you will wait for her reply now," Xin Zhe returned to the empress carriage.


    While waiting for Her Majesty to summon him, Ren Baqian''s mind wandered off. Wolf pack? Short front legs? Is this Bei? Does it even exist in this world? Can I really hunt it?


    [The "Bei" is a legendary animal from Chinese folklore. The Bei is much like a wolf; the major difference between these two animals is that the wolf has long front legs and short hind legs, while the Bei has short front legs and long hind legs. Working together, the wolf and the Bei will flourish.]


    Even if he did not have any target to hunt, it still wouldn''t be easy for him to stroll through the mountain ande back alive. By asking him to hunt for such a wolf, the empress obviously wanted his life.


    After a few minutes, Ren Baqian was summoned to the empress carriage. With anguid tone, the empress replied, "What do you want to tell me?"


    "I''m afraid this might thest time I see Your Majesty. Therefore, I would like to see Your Majesty for onest time. Even if I am eaten by a wild beast, I will die with no regrets." Ren Baqian had a sorrowful look on his face.

 Chapter 98: Babeast

    Chapter 98: Babeast


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress was somewhat betweenughter and tears.


    She replied after looking at him for quite some time, "You were so impressive then, why are you gutless now?"


    Ren Baqian carefully replied, "Whatever your subject said a moment ago was all heartfelt words. Regardless of whether it is a Rank 9 official or a wei ru liu, everyone has shed blood or yed a part for Dayao. If they made a mistake, they should be punished. But, they cannot always be casually treated by those who relied on their slightly prestigious family background. If those officials and soldiers, who have rendered great service and also shed blood for their nation encounter such a situation, they would be bitterly disappointed."


    The empress revealed a smile," I didn''t actually say that you made a mistake"


    As a matter of fact in the empress''s eyes, what Ren Baqian did actually matched her intentions. Nowadays, the children of these powerful officials were indeed somewhat domineering.


    During normal times, I have turned a blind eye to all the domineering acts that you all have done.


    But, to the extent of robbing and bashing up a court official, who the heck do you all think you are?


    "Her Majesty wants me to find a wolf pack with this physique of mine. Neither can I shoulder a pole nor lift anything heavy. Even killing a chicken takes a heap lot of effort from me. I''m afraid that I will note back alive," Ren Baqian said.


    "Don''t you want to take a look at the second level of Qingxin Pce? The original Hao Nation''s valuables are all stored inside. If you are able to find something suitable, and even though you may not reach the expert stage, you will at the very least gain something from it." The empress was full of smiles.


    "Your subject wants to take a look, but I know my own limits," Ren Baqian lowered his head and honestly replied.


    "Whether you are too feeble to truss a chicken or are nning to use other methods to handle this, in any case, I still want to see the mountain wolf. Even if you cannot catch it, it''s fine. All you have to do is to take shelter in the mountain for a night. Take it as punishment for teaching that Du Family''s young fellow to speak that way."


    If it was anybody else, the punishment will not be sox.


    Moreover, only a handful of people dare to bargain this way with me.


    The empress red at Ren Baqian with her piercing eyes and gave him a if-you-still-dare-to-bargain-with-me-I-will-show-you-who''s-the-boss attitude.


    Upon hearing what the empress said, it was exactly what Ren Baqian had expected. He immediately scowled miserably," Your subject will serve Your Majesty faithfully and will not hesitate to go through water and tread on fire just for you."


    Even though the tricks that Du Changkong yed were not taught by Ren Baqian, whatever he said now seemed to be useless.


    "I will be waiting for your mountain wolf. Remember to bring one back with short legs as it will be tastier." Ren Baqian sullenly took his leave after the empress spoke.


    Ren Baqian sighed in despair and returned to the mountain-gazing bird''s side. He removed the gun pocket holster and his top, put on the bulletproof vest, and then adorned himself with the previous two items again. At the same time, a bag containing anesthetic and bullets hung from his waist.


    He tied the military knife to his leg.


    Lastly, he carried the crossbow arrows on his back, held the crossbow in his hand, and randomly chose a direction to ascend the mountain.


    Back then, when Ren Baqian went to meet the empress, everybody else had already gone their separate ways to ascend the mountain. This mountain extended endlessly into the distance, and it was unknown how far it could extend.


    If it was a small hill, it wouldn''t be able to amodate such ferocious beasts, and there wouldn''t be a need to hunt over here.


    Behind Ren Baqian were a few nobles from the other three nations. After making ample preparations, they then took their own time in ascending the mountain.


    With regards to these nobles, the Great Hunt was merely for them to have fun. Although the empress''s reward was very attractive and tempted many people, only a few people genuinely took action.


    After all, there were 200 to 300 over aboriginal youths and it was not an easy task to fight over the top three positions with them. Only a few with confidence prated the mountain in the very first moments.


    It seemed that very little people usually came to this mountain, and there were tall trees with thick trunks everywhere. Once he entered the woods, it immediately became dark and gloomy as the crown of the trees obstructed majority of the sunlight from entering.


    Ren Baqian carried a loaded crossbow that he started to find inconvenient just after entering the woods.


    There were vines everywhere, and he had no choice but to pull out his military knife andd chop them off so that he would be able to continue forward.


    After walking for less than an hour in the woods, there was no one apart from himself in his surroundings. It was quiet all around, and only sounds from birds and unknown beasts calls could be heard from time to time.


    Such an environment made Ren Baqian somewhat nervous.


    .


    After all, this was the woods in a strange world. Before he came, he already knew that there were many ferocious beasts lurking inside.


    "F***," Ren Baqian suddenly cursed. Suddenly, a stick suddenly stood on end somewhere near the front of his feet. Upon a closer look, he realized that it was a snake as thick as the rim of a cup with its head lifted. It nearly scared him to death.


    Ren Baqian momentarily stopped in his tracks and wasn''t sure if he should retreat or not.


    If he made an unsuitable movement and got bitten by the snake, it would be not worthwhile. It was also unknown whether this snake was extremely poisonous or not.


    It would turn out as a joke if he got bitten to death by a poisonous snake just as he entered the woods.


    Ren Baqian slowly took two steps backwards. He dared not increase the intensity of his movement as he was afraid that it would enrage the other party.


    After taking two steps back, only then did the snake lower its head and slither into the underbrush at the side.


    "Hu!" Ren Baqian let out a long sigh as he was extremely nervous just now.


    After experiencing this situation which left a huge impact on Ren Baqian, he found a small tree and chopped off part of the branch. Following which, he peeled off the excessive portions of the branch and transformed it into a stick. He moved it in sweeping motions as he continued to walk as this would help him to deter any snakes that were on the ground.


    Soon enough, this stick proved its use. He didn''t use it on the ground but instead used it on the dangling vines. He used the stick to clear it away and he was revived once again.


    After which, Ren Baqian was even more cautious.


    He was suffering terribly. This ce was practically crisis-ridden as far as he was concerned.


    He continued walking forward, and all of a sudden, he heard something simr to a cat cry. He immediately stopped in his tracks, and soon after, a trembling noise came from the underbrush near him. It was as if there was something about to make its way out from the underbrush.


    Ren Baqian immediately lifted the crossbow and aimed at the underbrush. He was prepared to shoot if anything revealed its head.


    As the trembling intensity at the underbrush increased, a white rabbit head appeared from within. It was about the size of a dog and had a mouth full of sharp fangs.


    .


    Ren Baqian was practically too familiar with it. This thing could be found in the beast park and it wasn''t a rabbit. It was called babeast, had a vicious temper, and lived in arge group.


    The fighting capability of a babeast wasn''t considered powerful. But, its unique feature was that regardless of who it saw��whether a human or a sharp-toothed tiger��it would dash towards the other party and bite them.


    At that time, Ren Baqian observed the babeast for a period of time and discovered that was indeed the case. In general, any animal which sees an organism bigger than itself will not act on such an impulse like the babeast.


    From Ren Baqian''s memory, there was only one other type of animal which was same as the babeast. That would be the geese which were raised in viges.


    Due to a goose''s uniqueposition of vision, whatever it sees is actually much smaller than in reality. As such, it dares to dash towards anything and peck on it. Geese were basically tyrants in viges. Most children who grew up in viges would more or less have been bullied by these geese before.


    When Ren Baqian was younger, he frequently made trips to the vige with his father to visit his grandfather. In the end, he was chased hundreds of meters around by a huge white goose the first time he went back. He was pecked all over and was covered in bruises from head to toe. Since then, whenever he saw a goose, he would take a detour.


    Later on, when Ren Baqian''s brother was slightly older and he brought him back to the vige, he intentionally incited his brother into taking a look at the geese. The ending was obvious as the geese''s fighting strength were off the charts. Ultimately, his brother went home crying.


    This babeast gave him the exact same feeling. Even though he didn''t know whether his suspicion was correct or not, Ren Baqian did not hesitate a single bit and shot an arrow over.


    The babeast jumped forward and the shotnded on its head, causing a trace of blood to spurt out immediately. Even more than half of its ear was sttered with blood, causing the babeast to go insane, throwing itself towards Ren Baqian.


    An injured wild beast is the hardest to deal with. This saying wasn''t wrong at all.


    Looking at the babeast which was going to pounce on him, Ren Baqian absolutely did not have the time to load his crossbow. He directly used his crossbow and horizontally pressed it against the other party''s head.


    This thing was almost the size of a dog. It was rtively strong and almost pinned Ren Baqian down. Ren Baqian had to clench his teeth in order to use the crossbow in his hands to resist the sharp fangs of the enemy. The babeast''s head kept stretching forward with all its might, wanting to bite off a chunk of flesh from Ren Baqian''s body. It used its ws to scratch Ren Baqian''s chest, immediately ripping off his clothes. It was fortunate that the bulletproof vest was able to serve its purpose.


    Ren Baqian cursed, drew out the handgun from his waist and instantly fired two shots at it. Two streams of blood sttered from the babeast''s body before it wailed in anguish and copsed.


    Ren Baqian dared not hesitate. He immediately turned around and ran.


    This thing lived in a group. In the case that a bunch of them emerged after killing one of them, he reckoned that he would be in deep trouble.


    However, the more you were afraid of something, the more likely it would appear. Noises of what sounded like cat cries echoed behind his back.


    Ren Baqian ran as he backtracked and simultaneously scanned the surroundings. A few moments after he started running, he finally found a tree with the appropriate thickness and height without many seemingly dangerous vines at the top. He first slung the crossbow across his back and then promptly climbed up the tree.


    At that moment, five or six white figures appeared in a distance not too far behind him. They gave off cries simr to that of cats. They raced towards Ren Baqian''s direction, foaming as if they had rabies.


    ...


    ��


    Not long after Ren Baqian left, a very young imperial guard entered the empress''s carriage, knelt down on one knee and said, "Your Majesty."


    "Wu Fang, go to the forest and look out for Storyteller Ren. You need not take action as long as he''s not dead. Save him only when he is in danger. Do not let him discover you. If he is hiding in some ce, think of a way to lure him out," the empress ordered as she gently swayed her wine ss.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan nced at each other with a smile on their faces.


    Her Majesty''s intention was already very obvious. Regardless of whether or not what Du Changkong said was taught by Ren Baqian, he was suspicious in any case. Her Majesty was also not inclined to seek proof. Did Her Majesty require any evidence for whatever she wanted to do?


    Her Majesty''s intention was very simple. She definitely would not let you die, but she also would not let you hide in one ce naively andfortably. There must be a lesson taught.


    But, Her Majesty indeed gave that person preferential treatment. Over the past few years, it was the first time that both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan saw Her Majesty being so meticulous over a person. If it was someone else, that person would had already been executed or sent to the military force at the boundary.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." That imperial guard nodded. He removed his full body armor, changed into a set ofmoner''s clothes and entered the woods.

 Chapter 99: A Tank-Like Wild Boar

    Chapter 99: A Tank-Like Wild Boar


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Ah!" Ren Baqian released a yelp as he climbed up the tree. The babeasts pounced onto the bottom of the tree trunk and used their momentum to jump upwards.


    Even though Ren Baqian had climbed two meters up the tree, his butt was still scratched by one of the babeasts.


    Seeing a slightly thicker tree branch above him, Ren Baqian flipped himself over and sat on it. The few babeasts beneath him were still trying their best to jump up the tree.


    One piece of good news was that babeasts did not know how to climb trees. Even though they could make use of the tree trunk to jump higher, they still could not touch Ren Baqian, who was roughly three meters above the ground.


    Sitting on the tree branch, Ren Baqian felt a scorching pain spreading across his butt cheek. "Goddamnit, I almost died."


    Ren Baqian cursed and red at the babeasts beneath him, appearing as though they had snatched his wife or something.


    Now you can''t touch me, serves you right.


    Ren Baqian took off the crossbow from his back, loaded it with one arrow, took aim and pulled the trigger. Following which, a miserable shriek resounded through the air. The arrow pierced through the body of one of the babeasts.


    The death of that babeast infuriated the other babeasts even more. Each one of them propped themselves up against the tree trunk, but they couldn''t climb up.


    "Bastards, all of you better not run away!" Ren Baqian grimaced in pain as he took aim at the babeasts with his crossbow. How dare you touch my ass! No matter what, I have to take revenge! Do you really think you can touch my ass just like that?


    By the time he killed the third babeast, the remaining three babeasts finally showed signs of retreating.


    They snarled at Ren Baqian before turning around to retreat.


    Ren Baqian raised his crossbow, took aim and pulled the trigger. An arrow streaked through the air. However, this time around, it only hit the leg of a babeast. That babeast moaned miserably as it limped away with an arrow in its leg.


    After the babeasts had left, Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. He touched the wound on his butt, causing his hand to be stained with blood. The wound was so painful that he did not even dare to sit down. He could only sit on the tree branch using one side of his butt cheeks.


    Tree climbing was indeed an essential skill to ensure survival in the wild.


    Fortunately, he always visited his grandfather with his dad in the countryside when he was a child. He often climbed trees to steal bird eggs, and therefore, he had such solid tree climbing skills.


    Otherwise, he would have been killed by the babeasts even though he had a handgun.


    Even if he did not die, his body would have been riddled with injuries. His butt wouldn''t be the only injured body part then.


    After the babeasts had left, Ren Baqian felt no rush to get down from the tree. He was pondering over something.


    If I''m not wrong, the smell of blood can attract wild beasts, right?


    Why don''t I cut open these three dead babeasts and see if I can attract any wild beasts here?


    Anyway, he did not know where to find the Bei. If he could attract it to him, that would be the best. Worstes to worst, if he couldn''t attract it to him, he would stay on this tree until tomorrow noon. It''s still much safer than him running around the mountain.


    The more Ren Baqian thought about it, the more feasible he felt this n was. He began to feel at ease as well.


    If he stuck to this n, it shouldn''t be difficult for him tost until tomorrow afternoon.


    Even if he could not find the Bei, he could kill the animals that were attracted here and report back to the empress with them.


    Right now, he was immersed in the joy ofing up with a n that allowed him to easily pass the time until noon tomorrow. His butt no longer hurt that much either. There was a smile on his face as he felt refreshed and rxed. Right now, he justcked the song "Pomp and Circumstance" toplement his feeling of joy.


    "I will cut open the dead babeasts and let their blood flow out first. I can get my arrows back too." After making up his mind, Ren Baqian climbed down from the tree. One by one, he pulled the corpses of the babeasts away from the tree. Following which, he pulled out the arrows from the babeasts'' corpses and put them back into the quiver without wiping them. Next, he took out his military knife and cut open the babeasts'' stomachs. Doing this made the smell of their blood stronger.


    Clenching his teeth, Ren Baqian finished doing everything and climbed back up the tree. Initially, he climbed four meters up the tree, but then he felt that spot wasn''t reallyfortable. As such, he climbed down to his previous spot.


    Now, he just needed to wait for something to take the bait.


    Making use of the time he had now, Ren Baqian ripped a piece of cloth from his clothes and bandaged the wound on his butt with it. It wasn''t easy to bandage this part of his body. He felt a sharp pain every time he touched the wound.


    With great difficulty, Ren Baqian finally finished binding up the wound. No wild beast took up his bait yet, but he could hear someone screaming miserably in the distance.


    "I wonder who is so unlucky?" Ren Baqian rejoiced in that person''s misfortune. It was definitely not an aboriginal. It should be one of those nobles from the other nations. However, this did not make any sense at all. Each of them had been allowed to bring a follower. Furthermore, this area was still at the edge of the mountain. There shouldn''t be any powerful beasts here.


    "Eh? This person''s voice is so powerful? He did not even take a breath after screaming for two minutes straight. His voice is more powerful than Luciano Pavarotti''s!" Ren Baqian muttered to himself while furrowing his eyebrows. That was because the scream was heading towards his direction.


    Furthermore, the speed at which the scream was approaching him was very fast. When he first heard the scream, it sounded as though it was three hundred meters away. Now, it was less than a hundred meters away.


    Not only could Ren Baqian hear the blood-curdling scream of that person, but he could also hear the sound of a gigantic creature bulldozing through the forest. Ren Baqian could even hear the sound of trees copsing.


    "Boom." When a human figure appeared in Ren Baqian''s line of sight, he saw a tree behind that person copse.


    Following which, a two-meter-tall, gigantic wild boar appeared in Ren Baqian''s vision. The fangs protruding from the wild boar''s mouth were half a meter long, resembling two long swords that pierced through its mouth. The wild boar stared fixedly at Ning Caichen as it charged and pursued him.


    "Such a huge wild boar? I think this looks more like a wild-boar-shaped tank!" Ren Baqian was shocked by the size of the wild boar.


    Wild boars were considered troublesome creatures on a mountain, especially a fully grown, male wild boar. Even a tiger would not dare to provoke a fully grown wild boar.


    The skin of a wild boar was very thick. Beneath the skin, it also had thickyer of fat. Usually, the teeth of a carnivore would not be able to cause any damage to a wild boar. On the contrary, the fangs of the wild boar could easily gouge out the carnivore''s internal organs.


    There''s an old saying that goes, "A tiger is stronger than a bear and a bear is stronger than a boar." The killing power of a wild boar, which usually weighed approximately 600 catties, was definitelyparable to a ferocious tiger''s.


    Needless to say, the killing power of this wild boar was definitelyparable to a tiger''s. It was two meters tall, and it was built like a bulldozer. While it charged forward, the ground trembled. Ren Baqian could feel the ground trembling even though he was sitting high up in the tree.


    Given the wild boar''s skin andyer of fat, Ren Baqian reckoned that even his handgun could not do much damage to it, unless he shot its eyes or vital areas.


    The person who was being chased by the wild boar while shrieking was someone he knew��Ning Caichen. While he was running in a zigzag course, he was letting out a blood-curdling scream.


    One had to admit that he was extremely bold to have provoked such a beast while he was alone in a forest.


    Usually, if someone saw such a huge wild boar, he or she might not even have the chance to avoid it.


    Ren Baqian merely took a nce before he took in a deep breath of air and held his breath. He even cast his gaze elsewhere. He only dared to look in the direction of the wild boar and Ning Caichen through the corner of his eyes. Doing this would prevent the wild boar from sensing his presence.


    Unexpectedly, Ning Caichen ran towards the tree that Ren Baqian was on after making a sharp turn, causing Ren Baqian to almost curse out loud.


    If Ning Caichen ran past Ren Baqian''s location, the wild boar would follow him and destroy everything in its path, including the tree Ren Baqian was on. Ren Baqian would be in deep trouble then.

 Chapter 100: Too Much of a Coincidence

    Chapter 100: Too Much of a Coincidence


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Just when Ren Baqian was hesitating whether he should jump off the tree and run in another direction or wait to out and test his luck, Ning Caichen spotted the carcasses of the babeasts on the empty ground. Then, he raised his head and looked all over the ce. Following which, his eyes suddenly lit up as he waved his hands vigorously at Ren Baqian.


    Nevertheless, Ren Baqian''s position was easily spotted.


    "Wave your arse," Ren Baqian cursed in his heart. He turned to the side and pointed his finger that way. At the same time, he aimed the crossbow at Ning Caichen.


    His intention was clear; you run that way, don''t implicate me.


    Ning Caichen knew how to y the game as well. Seeing Ren Baqian''s hand gestures, he shouted, "Ah! Save me!" all the way. He made a turn and passed through somewhere near the side of the tree that Ren Baqian was taking refuge at.


    The bulldozer-like wild boar ran towards that direction and narrowly missed his tree.


    "Hu!" Ren Baqian let out a lengthy breath. Fortunately, Ning Caichen did not drag him down. Otherwise, he would have to raise his hands and shoot an arrow towards him.


    Such a huge wild boar would definitely be proimed as the hegemon of the woods.


    "Ning Caichen, you are considered loyal this time. I will burn incense for you, rest in peace." Ren Baqian sincerely expressed his gratitude.


    After waiting for Ning Caichen and the wild boar''s movement to be undetectable, Ren Baqian continued to sit on the tree. This tree was the most suitable option in the vicinity.


    Since the wild boar had been lured away, he didn''t have the need to change location anymore.


    After a short while, a few silhouettes started to emerge in the surroundings. They were all living creatures which were simr to foxes. They greedily looked at the babeasts'' carcasses but did not rapidly rush over. On the contrary, they circled about the carcasses incessantly, as if they were trying to detect if there was any danger.


    "These stuff are not prepared for you guys," Ren Baqian said softly and shot an arrow towards one of the foxes. However, it deviated a little and that fox immediately got a shock. Its entire body of fur stood up at once. After circling one round and looking everywhere, it changed its direction and entered the forest.


    The other foxes continued to walk about in the surroundings. They were reluctant to leave yet did not dare to approach the carcasses.


    Once again, Ren Baqian shot an arrow which hit one of the foxes. The rest of the foxes immediately turned around, ran into the forest, and disappeared without a trace.


    Afterpleting this task, Ren Baqian continued to wait. As he had nothing to do, he examined his waist bag once again and found a stic bottle from within. He then recalled that he had brought along anesthetic. As he had all along been situated in nervous situations then, he had long forgotten about this matter.


    However, it would definitely not be an easy task to sedate such a huge wild boar with the anesthetic.


    But, he still immersed the tip of the arrow into the bottle and only took it out after 10 seconds.


    Ren Baqian waited for quite some time again. All of a sudden, he heard bits and pieces of footstep sounds. He turned his head towards the direction of the sound and to his surprise, the sound was made by that fellow, Ning Caichen. The wild boar that had been running behind him was nowhere to be seen anymore.


    Ning Caichen climbed the tree with ease and his actions were very precise. It seemed that he often climbed trees and took birds'' eggs out of their nests. The filthy Ning Caichen climbed up the tree and sat beside Ren Baqian. He wiped the perspiration on his forehead and said, "I was really scared to death just now. I was almost overtaken by the wild boar but luckily, I ran quickly enough."


    "You actually shook the wild boar off? How did you provoke it?" Ren Baqian asked. As long as Ning Caichen got rid of the wild boar, he didn''t mind havingpany. In fact, it was rather boring for one person to stay on the tree.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s question, Ning Caichen''s revealed a puzzled look on his face, "I''m not sure either. I was walking in the woods when that chap dashed towards me all of a sudden. It was as if he wanted to seek revenge. But, thank goodness that I managed to get rid of it."


    "You are all alone?" Ren Baqian questioned him again.


    "Knowledgees from books and experience of the world. I have heard that the wild beasts in Dayao''s woods are different from those in Great Xia. As such, I am here to take a look without any thoughts on the reward." Ning Caichen revealed an embarrassed smile.


    This Ning Caichen was a travel enthusiast. From this point, it could be seen that he was pretty courageous.


    "Stay here for a while then. It is definitely safer than being on the ground," Ren Baqian said. After he finished his sentence, he pricked up his ears to listen, "Did you hear any sound?"


    Ning Caichen listened attentively. Soon after, his vision froze.


    "Bang!" Both parties heard the sounds of trees being smasheding from afar. Soon after, they saw an enormous silhouette. After taking a few sniffs on the ground, it raised its head and looked towards Ren Baqian''s and Ning Caichen''s direction with fixed eyes. Then, it immediately charged forward at them.


    "To hell with you," Ren Baqian cussed. He wasn''t sure if he was scolding Ning Caichen or the wild boar. He immediately jumped down, rolled over and broke into a run utilizing every bit of energy that he had.


    "It is chasing you, distance yourself away from me." Ren Baqian didn''t forget to shout out. He immediately made his way into the woods and ran


    His lungs were heated up, and he slowly recovered as he walked.


    Ren Baqian didn''t want to know why the wild boar had targeted Ning Caichen. He only wanted to find a suitable tree and climb up to rest.


    Regardless of the case, it was definitely safer to be on a tree than being on the ground.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was getting more and more lethargic. At the moment, he was running uphill, and running itself was already tiring. The crisis was temporarily lifted and that wild boar chased after Ning Caichen to an unknown destination. Only then did Ren Baqian stop running and leaned to rest on a tree.


    "Oh, isn''t this Deputy Ren?"


    Ren Baqian''s footsteps came to a halt. Just when he leaned on a tree, he saw two people emerging from behind the tree ahead.


    Ren Baqian found this voice familiar. He raised his head to take a look and he actually recognized this person. It was Lian Baocheng, that crazy second-generation fellow who was wearing a gown made of brocade. In front of him was the guard who at that time, obstructed Mister Emptiness''s blood arrow from hitting Lian Baocheng.


    "Such a f**king coincidence." Ren Baqian did not reply in a good tone, and he was starting to get worried.


    It was such a coincidence that he actually met two groups of people in such huge woods. He wondered if he was just in unlucky.


    Ren Baqian didn''t know what happened to Ning Caichen. But, to bump into Lian Baocheng after bumping into Ning Caichen consecutively, it simply couldn''t be a coincidence anymore.


    He actually met the two groups of them in such enormous woods?


    Previously, he was fine when he hid alone on the tree. In the end, after meeting Ning Caichen that unlucky fellow, he met Lian Baocheng in the vicinity. Ren Baqian ultimately felt that this could not be just a simple coincidence.


    Whether it was coincidence or not, this thought could be put at the back of his mind for now. Ren Baqian knew that he was no match for the guard who was right in front of him.


    At that time, the speed of the mouthful of blood arrow from Mister Emptiness wasn''t considered any slower than an arrow shot from a cross both. But, the guard was able to obstruct the blood arrow from hitting Lian Baocheng at the veryst minute.


    He could see the guard''s capability just from this.


    "Indeed somewhat coincidental. Meeting Deputy Ren in this deste area outside of the city truly makes me ted." Lian Baocheng harbored malicious intentions.


    Naturally, Ren Baqian knew that he had really offended him. An evil intention immediately erupted in his heart upon hearing Lian Baocheng''s words.


    While he was breathing heavily to restore his physical strength, he aimed the crossbow at the other party at the same time. "You miss me this much? What do you miss about me? Tell me and I''ll listen."


    Lian Baocheng''s gaze shifted in all directions. He cautiously looked at the surroundings and then smiled at Ren Baqian. "Of course I want you to die."


    "Her Majesty is at the bottom of the mountain. Do you dare to touch me?" Ren Baqian asked coldly.


    "Anything that happens in the woods cannot be predicted. It won''t unexpected if you die over here. So long as we randomly dig a pit, your corpse will not be found. Who knows how you died?" Lian Baocheng was distorted with madness. "I have not been so disgraced by someone else in my lifetime. I wouldn''t have any good opportunites if you continued to stay on at Lan City.


    Since you are already here, you can''t put the me on others. You can only me yourself for not understanding life and death."


    Once Lian Baocheng finished speaking, that guard held the knife in his hand headed towards Ren Baqian step by step.

 Chapter 101: Liar

    Chapter 101: Liar


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "What do you want? I can promise you anything as long as it''s within my capability." Ren Baqian took a step backward. There was anxious look on his face, but he still did not pull the trigger on his crossbow.


    He only had one shot. If he missed his target, he would lose his only chance to hurt the other party.


    "I will be very happy if you die." There was a sneer on Lian Baocheng''s face. From the look of it, Ren Baqian was like a rabbit that had been pushed to the brink.


    Even though he had the crossbow, he still posed zero threat to the other party.


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and pulled the trigger. An arrow shot towards the guard.


    Lian Baocheng was the mastermind, and the guard was his knife. Even if Ren Baqian killed Lian Baocheng, the guard would still kill him. Furthermore, Ren Baqian might not be able to kill the guard.


    "nk!"


    A streak of white light shed across the steel knife in the guard''s hand. The arrow ricocheted off his knife.


    Upon seeing this, the anxious look on Ren Baqian''s face intensified.


    "I can give you something in exchange for my life!" Ren Baqian yelled.


    "I''m not interested in your stuff, I''m more interested in your life," Lian Baocheng replied and gave an evil smile. Right now, he wasn''t in a hurry to kill Ren Baqian. He was more interested in seeing the anxious look on Ren Baqian''s face.


    He enjoyed seeing such a look on a person that rode roughshod over other people.


    "Don''t you think me and Seventh Prince look alike?" Ren Baqian quickly yelled.


    "I know Seventh Prince''s secret, I can use this secret to exchange for my life. You can reap countless benefits with this secret, he will agree to whatever request you have," Ren Baqian continued.


    "Yan Wei!" Lian Baocheng stopped Yan Wei from advancing upon hearing these words. His face had frozen.


    At this point of time, Yan Wei was less than ten steps away from Ren Baqian.


    "Tell me everything you know," Lian Baocheng said with a stern voice. Right now, he was scheming in his mind.


    Could it be that Seventh Prince isn''t His Majesty''s biological son? This cannot be... How can this kind of thing happen?


    However, Ren Baqian indeed looked exactly like the Seventh Prince. All along, Lian Baocheng had never seen Seventh Prince before. Two days ago, when he paid a visit to Seventh Prince and saw his appearance, he was dumbstruck.


    When he heard Ren Baqian''s words, he began to mumble to himself in his heart.


    Is it possible that Seventh Prince has a long-lost twin brother?


    If that''s the case, the more Ren Baqian can''t live.


    "You have to promise me that you will let me live," Ren Baqian said while panting heavily. He looked extremely nervous.


    "That''s if the information you provide is valuable. As a matter of fact, you have choice. Either you tell me what''s going on or you die. Right now, there are only the three of us here, you have no other options," Lian Baocheng looked at Ren Baqian and said.


    A struggling look appeared on Ren Baqian''s face as he looked at Lian Baocheng and Yan Wei.


    "If you don''t want to tell me, you will die now." Lian Baocheng pressured Ren Baqian.


    "Seventh Prince isn''t the biological son of the Great Xia''s emperor," Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and replied.


    "Nonsense, how can it be?" Upon hearing these words, Lian Baocheng could no longer maintain the calm look on his face. Right now, his face was filled with astonishment.


    "I have evidence." After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian threw his crossbow on the ground. Then, he took out a dark-green, oval ball that had a ck-colored lid. Holding it in his right hand, Ren Baqian continued, "The evidence is in here, I will give it to you and you let me leave here. I promise I won''t leak out what happened today. If you don''t agree to my request, I will destroy it now."


    While Ren Baqian was speaking, beads of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. When Lian Baocheng saw his facial expression, he knew he was scared. Ren Baqian was indeed scared but not because of Lian Baocheng. He was scared of the thing in his hand suddenly exploding. Even though the grenade would not explode if he continued holding on to the safety lever, he was still scared. If anything went wrong, he would be sted to smithereens.


    Suddenly, Lian Baochengughed as he looked at Ren Baqian. "Do you think you have the chance to destroy it when Yan Wei is ten steps away from you?"


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian''s facial expression changed, "Do you think you can get this thing so easily? Let me tell you, this thing is made up of twoyers. The inneryer contains the evidence, the outeryer contains acid. If I drop it on the ground, the acid will destroy the evidence. You can make your choice now, whether you want to kill me or you want this ultimate secret."


    When Lian Baocheng heard Ren Baqian''s words, he went into deep thought. After a while, he nodded his head and replied, "Alright, I will agree to your request. Hand it over to me now and you can leave."


    "Make a vow. Let me leave and you must not do anything to me today," Ren Baqian said.


    "Alright, I promise you." Lian Baocheng''s mouth curled into a smile.


    On a tree not far away, a person was observing everything that was going on now. There was a hesitant look on his face. He did not know whether or not should he snatch the thing over now. This secret should be handed to Her Majesty.


    From the facial expression of Lian Baocheng, Wu Fang knew that he did not take his promise seriously. Wu Fang clearly knew that once Storyteller Ren handed the thing to Lian Baocheng, Lian Baocheng would immediately kill him.


    He felt that Ren Baqian was really stupid to reveal such a secret. No matter who the other party was, he or she would not let Ren Baqian live as this secret was far too crucial.


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth. Suddenly, he raised his hand and threw the green object towards Lian Baocheng. Following which, he turned around and ran.


    Yan Wei jumped into the air and caught the green object with his hand. Instantly, a cold smile appeared on his face. Do you think you can run away?


    "Give me the thing and kill him." A look of ecstasy appeared on Lian Baocheng''s face. If what Ren Baqian said was true, even if he had lost an Earth Wheel expert, he could redeem himself with this secret.


    At this moment, a ck figure suddenly appeared and pounced towards Yan Wei. No matter what, Wu Fang had to snatch the evidence over. The importance of this matter was too great. He did not care even if he revealed his identity.


    While running away, Ren Baqian was also paying attention to what was going on behind him. He was counting to himself, "1, 2, 3��"


    All of a sudden, he dove to the ground.


    A premonition arose in Wei Yan''s heart when he caught the green object. At the same time, he realized someone was surging towards him from the forest. Immediately, he turned around and raised his knife towards that person.


    "Who are you��"


    "Boom!"


    The green object in Wei Yan''s hand suddenly exploded. Along with countless fragments, a gigantic wave of ze and air current swept across the area.


    Yan Wei''s body was sted up into the air by the explosion''s shock wave. At the instance where his left hand disappeared, his body was hit by countless shrapnel. Like a broken wooden puppet, his bodynded on the ground,pletely devoid of life.


    Like a ragged doll, a huge chunk of his upper body had disappeared. He even lost half of his head.


    Lian Baocheng was scared stiff by the explosion. He subconsciously covered his head with his hands and fell to the ground on his butt.


    Wu Fang forcibly twisted his body around in mid-air and flew towards a tree near Yan Wei. He gave it a kick and flew back into the forest. Within a few seconds, he disappeared into the shade of the trees.


    After making sure he had left everyone''s line of sight, Wu Fang checked his body. Even though he was quite far away from the explosion, he was still impacted by it significantly. There were a few shrapnel in his body. The speed of the shrapnel was too fast and too close to him. As such, he did not have enough time to dodge them. Luckily, the shrapnel prated merely skin-deep.


    "Liar," Wu Fang clenched his teeth and said. Following which, he pulled out the tworgest shrapnel pieces from his body. At the same time, he ripped his shirt into a few pieces of cloth and bound up his wounds.


    If he still did not know Ren Baqian was thoroughly a liar by now, he would be a fool. Previously, he still thought Ren Baqian was stupid. Right now, he felt he was the stupid one. He also felt the anger of being lied to.


    After Ren Baqian dove to the ground, he turned around and looked behind him. Naturally, he saw Yan Wei being reduced to a ragged-sack-like appearance. Following which, he stood up and took out his handgun. Then, he walked towards Lian Baocheng with his teeth clenched.


    You want to kill me? Let''s see who the one being killed is now.

 Chapter 102: The Raw Smell of Blood

    Chapter 102: The Raw Smell of Blood


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth in anger as he passed through the smoke of the gunpowder. His eyes swept over Yan Wei''s tattered body, and he felt disgusted. But, more attention was ced on Lian Baocheng who was sitting therepletely dumbfounded.


    Lian Baocheng could not figure out what exactly happened just now.


    How did that green ball suddenly explode into countless fragments, in addition, with a loud noise and a ball of mes?


    Did the leader of his guards just die like that? As a matter of fact, although Yan Wei just stepped into one of the levels in the Earth Wheel, he was regarded as only a minor-league expert. Even the Lian family was not considered as among the top-notched in Great Xia, but was considered well-known in the second-level echelons. There were only six Earth Wheels in his n.


    Great Xia practitioners were divided into different Wheels. Firstly, Spirit Wheel, also called Wisdom Pce. This was followed by Heaven Wheel, also known as Celestial Path. Next, Earth Wheel which also called Earth Embryo. Lastly, anyone beneath all the aforementioned Wheels were divided into Man Wheel, with Self-Indwellment as an alternative name.


    Most of the practitioners could not even achieve the level of Man Wheel. Only one in a hundred could reach the Man Wheel level to explore their own potential and truly be in control of their body; whereas one in a thousand of the Man Wheel practitioners could reach the next level, Earth Wheel. This person would be considered as a very rare and outstanding practitioner. Even those that just entered the Earth Wheel could get a Deputy General position in the army. To be able to reach the peak of the Earth Wheel, one could be regarded as an expert in the party.


    Only those who reached the apex of the Earth Wheel would be genuinely known as Earth Embryo. With the ability to borrow the power of Earth, just by standing on the ground would be sufficient for them to receive the qi from the Earth to restore physical strength.


    With one foot in the Earth Wheel, that is to say that one had the potential to reach the realm of the Earth Embryo. With some luck, one could even break through the Celestial Gate and embark on the Celestial Path. Such a person was well respected everywhere. The Lian Family spent so many years and countless effort to cultivate and attract six precious Earth Wheel experts. It goes to show how precious they were.


    He had always been favored by his father. When he went to Dayao, his father assigned two assistants, who had just stepped into the Earth Wheel level to him. These two experts were Lian Tong and Yan Wei.


    Lian Tong was ordered to be trampled to death by that crazy fellow a few days ago. He would be unable to ount for himself when he was to go back hometer on. No matter how much his father doted on him, he would inevitably be punished. Thus, he hated Ren Baqian to death, wishing to skin him and eat his flesh. On the one hand, he hated Ren Baqian for making him lose face. On the other hand, it was the punishment awaiting him when he returns home.


    Indeed, he brought along Yan Wei after confirming the direction Ren Baqian headed in, and they turned towards this direction, from another path which wasn''t far away from here.


    They were still looking for him and did not expect to see him appear like a person being chased by dogs right in front of them. This practically made himugh out loud.


    There''s a path to heaven, but you did not choose it.


    There were no gates to hell, yet you barged through.


    I was looking for you, yet you appeared right before me.


    However, all those incidents happened, and things��all of a sudden��took a new turn.


    Yan Wei died just like that.


    Lian Baocheng disyed both fear and lifelessness. His fear was due the earlier incident, and the lifelessness was due to Yan Wei''s corpse.


    He still had not seen the empress, and two of his Earth Wheel experts were already dead.


    He would go back home to be dealt with ording to his family rules and thinking about the oue made him tremble uncontrobly.


    With the firearm in his hand, Ren Baqian walked to ten meters in front of Lian Baocheng. He pointed the gun at his rival and took a deep breath.


    Lian Baocheng woke up from his reverie, saw the ck object that Ren Baqian was pointing at him.


    What is that?


    Lian Baoqian did not think much and felt that he was going crazy.


    "Are you lying to me?" Lian Baocheng looked at Ren Baqian with red eyes. There was still a glimmer of hope: if what Ren Baqian said was true then he would be able to exin himselfter on. Just like a drowning person clutching at a straw, he definitely wouldn''t let go.


    "Isn''t that just nonsense."


    Lian Baoqian scowled at Ren Baqian like a lunatic infected with rabies. "I will kill you to apany him at the burial!"


    He threw his whole body at Ren Baqian.


    His martial arts training was minimal. With some lessons taken during childhood, he was not even anywhere near to stepping into the Man Wheel level. However, anybody could see that Ren Baqian had no martial skills at all.


    As a result, Lian Baocheng was filled with the idea of killing this bastard who drove him to such a pathetic stage regardless of whatever it takes. He believed he could definitely kill him.


    If this person was Yan Wei, Ren Baqian would have been somewhat worried. This was also the reason why he did not fire the handgun directly back then. If he wasn''t able to kill the opponent, he would surely die.


    But facing Lian Baocheng this time, he did not have to worry.


    Ren Baqian acted as if he was looking at a fool. Then, he aimed at the opponent and his finger trembled slightly as he pulled the trigger.


    "Pop, pop, pop!" Three crisp and soft gunshot sounds were heard. They were not like what was heard on TV or the muffled "piupiu" sounds heard at games galleries when the silencer was used. Ren Baqian learned at the shooting range that the silencer only lowered the sound, but it still let out a popping or a pulsating sound.


    Following the three gunshots, Lian Baoqian froze in his position. He raised a hand to touch his chest, and his strength began to drain from his body. His expression changed from that of anger to one of disbelief and fear.


    What exactly was in the other party''s hand?


    "Thump." Lian Baocheng toppled onto the ground, breathing in, but did not breathe out anymore.


    One shot had hit his lungs, and fresh blood oozed out from his mouth.


    Ren Baqian moved to his back, aimed behind his heart, and fired a shot. Only then was he able to feel secure.


    It was not the first time that he had put someone to death. He had ordered the killings of a few people, but today was his first time killing someone personally.


    Especially in regard to killing Lin Baoqian with his handgun, it made him feel slightly ufortable.


    Ren Baqian took some deep breaths which helped to ease his emotions a little. However, the tightness in his chest still remained.


    Wu Fang, who was standing from afar in the shade of the trees, faintly squinted his eyes. How did this Storyteller Rene to possess so many mysterious and strange gadgets?


    Originally, he could not understand why the empress was impressed by a foreigner. Now, he got a clearer picture of the situation.


    Ren Baqian sat down and even though it seemed that he did not do much just now, he was really nervous. If he had confronted Yan Wei with a handgun, he would have no confidence of seeding. Atst, he told a big lie and managed to throw the grenade at him. If he had failed, he would have to use his handgun to battle him.


    As to whether he could win, he did not have any confidence at all.


    An arrow could be blocked with a sword, but could a gun really handle everything?


    Fortunately, Lian Baocheng was from Great Xia. The big lie saying that the Seventh Prince of Great Xia was not the emperor''s real son had attracted the other party''s attention and created covetous thoughts.


    Right now, he was the winner.


    His whole body was depleted of strength.


    After sitting on the floor for a few minutes, Ren Baqian considered the issue of the two dead bodies.


    The recent explosion from the grenade was quite loud and might attract people toe and investigate.


    If nobody came, the two dead bodies would be quickly eaten up by wild beasts.


    However, the explosion just now was too loud. Although this patch of forest seldom had people passing by, but, the surrounding area was quite well popted. Such arge explosion would most probably attract the attention of many people.


    Surely, it would not be long before people arrive, and there was also not enough time left for him to shift the corpses away.


    Ren Baqian dared not dy any further. He picked up the crossbow, carried it on his back, and then went to look for Yan Wei''s sword. He came back with the sword and hacked Yan Wei''s body several times until it was beyond recognition. Although the people in this world wouldn''t be able to tell how he died as nobody knew of a grenade, he only felt an ease of mind after doing this.


    After all, he was an ordinary guy before and did not know how to destroy his tracks. He also didn''t have much time to do so and all he could do was to destroy it in his own way.


    Withstanding nausea, he cut open Lian Baocheng''s belly to look for the bullet. While searching for the bullet and fighting the nausea, he felt the vomit rising to his throat and forced it back down. Ren Baqian dared not think about anything as it was too disgusting. He was afraid that he would vomit at any moment.


    He used a 9mm bullet whereby the stopping power was very good, but the prating power was average. Even at a distance of ten meters, it might not necessarily prate the human body.


    Atst, he found two bullets in Lian Baocheng''s stomach. There was still another bullet which he shot at his back and flew out from his chest. He wasn''t able to locate thisst bullet.


    After doing all this, Ren Baqian chopped Lian Baocheng''s neck in half. He dared not waste any more time, looked around quickly for the arrow without sess and fled the scene quickly. Sess. He did not dare to touch Lian Baocheng''s belongings as it was too risky. Moreover, he was too nervous and disgusted and had no time for weird ideas.


    He ran continuously and only bent down to vomit after he couldn''t take it anymore.


    Ordering others to kill, using his own hand to shoot someone dead, and cutting up the other party''s belly to find the bullets were totally different things.


    Since a while ago, Ren Baqian almost could not endure it but forced himself to. He vomited everything in his stomach, churning up the stomach acid, and forcibly swallowed a few mouthfuls of water to restore his strength. Then, he limped away to leave the ce.


    After walking for short distance, he heard the sound of a flowing stream.


    Following the sound, he came across a small stream. It was clear all the way to the bottom and you could see a few fishes swimming about.


    Ren Baqian sshed his face with the cool water only after ascertaining there was no danger. He felt much morefortable and slowly began to wash the bloodstains on his hands.


    Even though he could not see any bloodstains on his hands, he could still sniff out the raw bloody smell.

 Chapter 103: Encounter

    Chapter 103: Encounter


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian only washed his hands. He did not really care about the bloodstains on his body as there weren''t many. Just now, while he was doing other things, Lian Baocheng''s heart stopped beating, and he died. He did not spit out a lot of blood as he perished, and hence, mainly Ren Baqian''s hands were stained with blood.


    After all, there was a wound on his butt. He could tell other people that he identally wiped the blood from his butt on his body.


    Ren Baqian filled his water bag with the water from stream. The stream water in this world was rather clean. Of course, there was nothing much he could do even if the stream water wasn''t clean.


    Soon after, he tried to find his way back to where the corpses were.


    He wanted to see who would find the bodies and what verdict would theye up with.


    It certainly wasn''t possible for anyone that found the bodies to trace the murders to him. After all, given his strength, it was impossible for him to kill anyone. Furthermore, no one had ever seen a handgun or a grenade before. In the future, he could only use the grenades as ast resort. As for the handgun, nothing would go wrong if no one found that bullet shell.


    The corpses of Lian Baocheng and Yan Wei had also been defaced by him.


    Ren Baqian had done his best to conceal his involvement in their deaths. There was nothing much he could do anymore.


    If he had enough time, he would have hidden the two corpses. Within a day, their corpses would have been eaten by wild beasts, and no clues could be found then.


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought that he wouldn''t take much time to return to that area. However, after making a few rounds in the forest, he still couldn''t find his way back. Just now while he was running away from the scene, he did not take note of his surroundings. Furthermore, this forest was extremely huge.


    Along the way, he was almost bitten by a snake. Eventually, he dropped the idea of going back to that area.


    Right now, it was actually quite easy for him to leave the mountain. All he needed to do was to keep walking towards the lower ground. However, if he wanted to find somewhere in the forest to hide and hunt the Bei, it would be quite hard.


    After walking around the forest, Ren Baqian ended up at the stream again. As he walked, he lowered his head and checked the soil beside the stream, looking as though he was searching for something.


    Usually, many animals woulde to the stream to drink water. An area that was frequently visited by many animals would contain many animal tracks. This was general knowledge that everyone knew.


    Ren Baqian found an area where there were a lot of animal traces. He did not know whether they were left behind by wolves or some feline species. Following which, he climbed a tree near to that area.


    All he needed to do now was to wait for the animals that came to the stream to drink water. If he was lucky enough to encounter the Bei, he could leave the mountain today.


    In any case, Ren Baqian was trying his luck now. It would be best if he could encounter the Bei. Even if he couldn''t encounter it, he could not get down from the tree and had to stay there until tomorrow morning.


    After waiting on the tree for a while, Ren Baqian thought of something. He had a small bottle that was given by Tie Dao this morning. ording to Tie Dao, it could attract wild beasts within a certain vicinity.


    Can I attract the mountain wolves and the Bei if I use it?


    However, after thinking about it for a long time, Ren Baqian put the bottle back into his bag. The risk of using this item was too great. If he attracted a beast like the wild boar, he would be in deep trouble.


    Ren Baqian still waited on the tree. While not far away, Wu Fang contemted whether or not should hee up with an idea to lure Ren Baqian down from the tree now.


    The empress had instructed him to make Ren Baqian move if he tried to hide somewhere.


    However, Ren Baqian''s current position was on a riverbank and he might be preparing to hunt. Therefore, Wu Fang couldn''t make up his mind.


    Subconsciously, he touched his chest and arms. The wounds on his body helped him make his decision.


    Suddenly, Wu Fang''s ears twitched. Immediately, he concealed his presence.


    He could hear sound of footstepsing from nearby. Furthermore, there wasn''t only one person.


    Simrly, after a while, Ren Baqian also hear someone walking through the forest. He immediately held his breath.


    One minuteter, two persons walked out from the forest to the stream.


    It was a guy and a girl and both of them were aboriginals.


    After walking along the riverbank for a while, the guy nodded his head and said, "We will wait here. We should be able to hunt something in this area."


    "Shouldn''t we go deeper into the mountain?"


    "We can''t outfight them, there''s no point for us to waste our time and effort. Furthermore, just now I saw the trace of a ck fatty. It seems quite huge. If we can hunt it down and bring it back, it will be more or less eptable," the man exined.


    Both of them were roughly seventeen years old. The man was huge and tall, and he carried a pair of hammers. The hammers resembled metal-made melons that were fixed with handles. The girl possessed plenty of charisma. She carried a longbow on her back and a short knife on her waist.


    When Ren Baqian heard their conversation, he was stunned. He couldn''t believe someone else actually thought highly of this area as well.


    However, after thinking about it, he felt it made sense. He learnt this knowledge from watching television. These aboriginals were much more skillful in hunting than him. Therefore, there''s no reason for them not to have this knowledge.


    Furthermore, what was the ck fatty they were talking about? From the tone of the man, Ren Baqian reckoned that it must be an alternative name for a very formidable wild beast.


    It seemed like the two people had the same n as him. Should he reveal himself? He couldn''t wait here forever, right? If he was going to be discovered by them sooner orter, he might as well introduce himself to them now.


    Furthermore, encountering aboriginals was definitely not dangerous.


    When Ren Baqian thought of these factors, he called out to the two person softly, "Hey."


    "Who!" The two person turned around abruptly.


    "You!" the two persons yelled in unison after they spotted Ren Baqian.


    "I have been here for quite some time. When I saw both of you arrived here, I feel that I should greet you," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Since you came here first, we will shift to other spot," the guy immediately said.


    "There''s no need for you to change spot. All I need is a Bei, you can take the rest," Ren Baqian quickly said. He hoped both of them could stay here so that he would be much safer.


    After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian slid down from the tree and walked up to them. It was at this moment that he realized both of them looked alike. It seemed like they were brother and sister.


    "Nice to meet you." Ren Baqian nodded his head at them.


    The two persons looked at the crossbow in Ren Baqian''s hand and asked, "What is a Bei?"


    "It''s a wolf that has short forelegs. It''s different from an ordinary wolf," Ren Baqian quickly exined. Ren Baqian had heard of the term "Bei" but he did not know how it looked like.


    "Short forelegs huh," the girl said as a look of realization dawned upon her face, "There are indeed wolf''s footprints here but I seldom see a wolf that has short forelegs. There''s a chance that you might never encounter it."


    "It''s alright. It will be best if I can encounter it. It''s alright if I don''t. Anyway, It''s by fate that we can meet each other in this forest, if you don''t mind, we can be friends."


    Two of them did not oppose Ren Baqian''s suggestion.


    In any case, Ren Baqian did not want any wild beasts other than Bei. The two of them also wanted to hunt something to report back with to their higher-ups. It would be best if they could hunt that ck fatty.


    "How may I address both of you?" Ren Baqian asked upon seeing that they did not reject his suggestion.


    "Quan Yonglin! Quan Yonghe!" both of them said in unison. The guy was Quan Yonglin and the girl was Quan Yonghe.


    "I''m Ren Baqian!"


    "I know who you are, Deputy Ren. I saw you this afternoon, and I have heard about you from Gu Jiu," Quan Yonglin said. His attitude towards Ren Baqian was neither hostile nor cordial. This was normal and Ren Baqian did not mind at all. After all, Ren Baqian was a stranger to him.


    "What''s the rtionship between Gu Jiu and Judicial Officer Gu?" Ren Baqian asked. Previously, he also met Gu Shou. Needless to say, Gu Shou was Gu Daxiong''s son. They looked extremely alike. Both of them had mentioned Gu Jiu to him before. He reckoned that Gu Jiu might also be Gu Daxiong''s son.


    "He is Judicial Gu''s second son." Quan Yonglin''s words validated Ren Baqian''s guess.


    After both party had greeted each other, Ren Baqian asked again, "What are you intending to do? Wait here?"


    "Both of us will go to that side of the stream. We will strike if we see our target," Quan Yonglin replied. There was a huge rock in the area that Quan Yonglin pointed at. It appeared to be roughly three meters tall, and it seemed like a good ce.


    When Ren Baqian saw that the other party did not want to stay with him, he nodded his head and replied, "I shall wait on top of the tree then."

 Chapter 104: Insane

    Chapter 104: Insane


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian sauntered over towards the tree and wasn''t in a hurry to climb up. He turned around and looked at Quan Yonglin and Quan Yonghe. The both of them soared across the two meters wide stream andnded directly on top of a piece of huge rock.


    He was always full of admiration for these people every time he saw how skillful they were.


    Thinking about the fact that he could gain martial arts skills from Du Changkong after he returns, he would then be able to practice it at that time. Only then did Ren Baqian rein his enviousness under control.


    In addition, what made Ren Baqian envious was that the space on top of the huge rock seemed very huge, and it would be morefortable to perch there.


    But, it seemed that the two of them did not really wee him. So, Ren Baqian, nevertheless, turned around and climbed up the tree.


    In the end, just when Ren Baqian turned around and was preparing to climb the tree, he heard a hissing sound from above. He looked up unknowingly, and there was a snake which was as thick as the mouth of a bowl, looking at him with its tongue hissing out.


    Ren Baqian got scared out of his wits upon seeing a snake above his head all of a sudden. He had experienced a fair share of things this afternoon and was more or less able to control his state of mind. He took two small steps backwards and raised his arrow, prepared to shoot when he discovered that it wasn''t just one snake. Rather, there were a few snakes crawling on top with the thicker ones being as thick as the rim of a cup and the thinner ones, as wide as two fingers.


    When he was on the tree a moment ago, he waspletely unaware that there were snakes nearby. But after going down for just a few minutes, the snakes brought along their entire family and upied his space.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps back, and that snake no longer paid attention any attention to him.


    The shelter that Ren Baqian had found was upied just like that. He was not resigned to fate because this was the most suitable tree in this environment.


    He raised the crossbow, took aim at thergest snake and pulled the trigger.


    Thergest snake was immediately nailed onto the tree trunk and writhed in agony.


    He shot another arrow at the snake which was already twisted into a ball and it lifted its head high up, seemingly struggling in pain.


    As for the following arrow, Ren Baqian shot it at the snake which was just at the side. It just so happened that the arrow prated the snake''s head, causing it to be nailed onto the branch.


    Naturally, after nailing the two snakes on the tree, the other snakes sensed the imminent danger and slithered along the branches one after another. One of the snakes directly slithered to the ground and made its way into the woods.


    Seeing the few snakes fleeing everywhere in disarray, he took no further action, and this was because he discovered a problem: nailing the snakes to the tree for a short while wouldn''t kill them.


    The tree was only slightly bigger than the area where the snakes writhed, and after nailing a few snakes to it, Ren Baqian didn''t dare to go up with them.


    Ren Baqian thought it through, and it would be better option for him to change locations. He turned and looked in all directions, hoping to find a tree in which he could take refuge atz. The tree shouldn''t be too short as it would be unsafe. Also, it shouldn''t be too tall and thick as it would be difficult for him to climb up. The field of vision should also be sufficiently wide.


    Nevertheless, that previous tree which had just been taken possession of, fit the bill best.


    When Ren Baqian was looking all over the ce for a tree, suddenly, he felt that there was someone looking at him from behind.


    He bravely turned around and aimed his crossbow towards the other party. In the next second, Ren Baqian''s face turned as pale as a sheet, and he turned tail and ran.


    "Help me!" Ren Baqian shouted as if he was a youngdy which about to be molested and caught the attention of the siblings, Quan Yonglin and Quang Yonghe. He ran towards the stream, immediately jumped into it and trudged over.


    And behind him was a sharp-toothed tiger with an entire body full of brown fur. It was teasingly looking at Ren Baqian and walking out from the woods unhurriedly.


    Upon jumping into the stream, he discovered a huge problem. From the surface, the depth of


    the stream seemed like it was only knee deep. But after jumping in and walking a few steps, he discovered that the water level actually reached to his waist level.


    He reckoned that the other party could cross the two-meter-wide stream with just one pounce.


    However, the sharp-toothed tiger''s vision was not on Ren Baqian but rather at the top of the rock. Following which, it growled and retreated a little.


    On the rock, Quan Yonglin by no means cared about that sharp-toothed tiger whereas Quan Yonghe aimed his bow at it, making it feel that they were enormous threats.


    Quan Yonghe did not wait for the sharp-toothed tiger to retreat before shooting at it. In any case, Ren Baqian did not see anything. Upon being shot, the sharp-toothed tiger let out a blood-curdling screech. That arrow directly prated the sharp-toothed tiger''s rear leg and pierced into the ground.


    When that arrow was shot just now, the sharp-toothed tiger, without warning, threw itself towards them. Otherwise, the arrow might have prated its back instead.


    After sustaining this injury, the sharp-toothed tiger no longer retreated. It snarled and ran to the side of the stream, suddenly jumped up and threw itself towards the rock. At this moment, the eyes of the sharp-toothed tiger was filled with insanity and ruthlessness.


    Ren Baqian cussed in his heart as he frantically tried to escape. Luckily, the sharp-toothed tiger''s target wasn''t him. Or else, he wouldn''t be able to run away at all.


    "Hey!" Quan Yonglin stood atop of the rock andughed. He swung the two metal hammers, which were about the size of two melons, and directly leaped downwards. The two metal hammers posed a great threat and were pounded against the sharp-toothed tiger''s head.


    Originally, the sharp-toothed tiger had been prepared to pounce onto the top of the rock, but after seeing Quan Yonglin''s mightiness, it immediately moved its body towards the sides. Soon after, it opened its ferocious mouth and advanced towards Quan Yonglin''s waist to bite it. Just by seeing its mouth full of sharp teeth, anyone could predict the consequences of getting bitten by it.


    At the same time, the sharp-toothed pped its pair of front ws toward Quan Yonglin''s body. This action was simr to pouncing on him.


    After running for tens of meters, Ren Baqian turned his head and saw the whole scene. He only felt that if the sharp-toothed tiger was confronting him, he would definitely be screwed.


    Quan Yonglin was not at the least bit worried. He flipped the hammer with ease in mid-air creating a swoosh sound, pounding it into the sharp-toothed tiger''s face, creating a "bang". The sharp-toothed tiger let out a disastrous growl.


    Typically, if such a huge metal hammer was used to pound a face, it would certainly be pounded into bits and pieces. Besides, Ren Baqian totally understood the strength of an aboriginal. He witnessed the kind of scenario where an aboriginal kicked another party and sent them flying 70 to 80 meters into a wall not only once or twice.


    Someone like Quan Yonglin, who was a child of one of the powerful officials, definitely wouldn''t be any weaker.


    But what made him very astonished was that, the sharp-toothed tiger actually only let out a miserable howl and only dropped a few of its teeth. Following which, it became even more ferocious and sent Quan Yonglin flying.


    Is this sharp-toothed tiger made of iron?


    Is this really a sharp-toothed tiger?


    Not a Decepticon?


    Looking at this round of confrontation between the two parties made Ren Baqian exhale cold puff of air.


    Ren Baqian was thoroughly intimidated. He had not felt that way when he saw a sharp-toothed tiger caged in the beast park, and never did he expect that it was actually this violent. Let alone when coupled with other factors, the ability to resist this kind of attack was already somewhat terrifying.


    Quan Yonglin was sent flying into the stream. The sharp-toothed tiger''s very red eyes were filled with violence and insanity. Immediately afterwards, it threw itself at Quan Yonglin.


    Quan Yonglin just fell into the stream and his entire body was submerged inside. He used both of his legs to tread water and lifted the hammer up high, and, once again, advanced towards the sharp-toothed tiger and pounded at it. He gave off an indomitable vibe. Even if he was facing a mountain in front of him, he would still try to pulverize it violently.


    "Thump" Quan Yonglin was sent flying once again. The sharp-toothed tiger also growled miserably as it was being pounded. This time, the hammer directly pounded its head and the eye, which had already been slightly injured back then, instantly exploded.


    At present, both Quan Yonglin and the sharp-toothed tiger''s eyes were red. They collided into each other again, and the sharp-toothed tiger was attacked till it went insane��genuinely insane. As for Quan Yonglin, Ren Baqian felt that he was probably just stunned.


    You also did not sustain many injuries, why on earth are your eyes red with fury?


    Both parties collided into each other yet again. All of a sudden, the sharp-toothed tiger turned around, used its tail to whip Quan Yonglin''s body, and sent him flying. Its own tail bone was also firmly pounded by Quan Yonglin''s hammer, and a tragic growl could be heard once again.


    At present, he was uncertain whether Quan Yonglin or the sharp-toothed tiger seemed more like a wild beast.


    Anyway, the vibe that Quan Yonglin gave Ren Baqian was: I don''t care about dodging, don''t care about tricks, don''t care about skills. I don''t care any of these. I must not be terrified and just kill. All I have to do is to turn the hammer and pound.


    During the fourth confrontation, along with his shouts, Yuan Yonglin used both hammers and solidly pounded onto the sharp-toothed tiger''s head. Before the sharp-toothed tiger could let out aplete groan, it was pounded onto the ground again. Its body twitched slightly; it might have been pounded to death. At the bare minimum, it should have sustained a severe head concussion.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that even a Decepticon would be handicapped after getting pounded by the two hammers. Let alone that animal which was only a sharp-toothed tiger.


    Quan Yonglin was sent flying with his body inverted one more time. He somersaulted on the ground before leaping up. Then, he returned to the sharp-toothed tiger''s side, swung the hammer and pounded it on its head repeatedly.


    "Thump!""Thump!""Thump!""Thump!"....


    Ren Baqian looked at him, and it seemed as if he was forging iron. The surface of the ground was also vibrating. He felt a burst of trepidation.


    After pounding the hammer onto the sharp-toothed tiger''s head for a few times, it waspletely pounded into pieces. Even though red and white bits from its head were sprayed everywhere, Quan Yonglin still continued to swing the hammer onto its body. Every swing of the hammer produced minced meat, and from what he saw, it seemed like it was going to turn into a minced meat sauce.

 Chapter 105: Roaming Around Once More

    Chapter 105: Roaming Around Once More


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Upon seeing Quan Yonglin''s frenzy of rage, Ren Baqian set off in fear and trepidation. On the contrary, Quan Yonghe, who was standing atop the rock, looked as though she did not see anything happening. Ever since Quan Yonglin jumped down from the rock to deal with the sharp-toothed tiger, she had been sitting there in a daze.


    Eventually, the sharp-toothed tiger was reduced to nothing but an unrecognizable bloody mess. Quan Yonglin finally stopped pounding it, walked to the stream, and threw his hammers into it. Following which, he jumped in and washed the sharp-toothed tiger''s blood and flesh off his body.


    After cleaning himself, Quan Yonglin picked up his hammers and yelled to Quan Yonghe, "Let''s get out of here. A sharp-toothed tiger has died here, and because other animals can smell its blood from afar, they won''te here."


    "Can you not be so disgusting next time?" Quan Yonghe said with a disdainful look on her face. However, she still jumped down from the rock.


    "Hey, this thing is rather strong. I can''t help it," Quan Yonglin chuckled and replied.


    "You can''t help it? I have never seen anyone that smashes something until it is reduced to a bloody mess," Ren Baqian silently cursed in his heart.


    "I''m afraid there won''t be any animalsing here today, you should move to somewhere else," Quan Yonglin yelled to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. Anyway, he did not want to stay around Quan Yonghe.


    Initially, he still thought these two people were alright. He did not expect them to be so insane when they were engaged in a fight. If there were other people around, Ren Baqian naturally wouldn''t be so scared. If he was identally hit by Quan Yonglin''s hammers, he would be dead within seconds.


    The scene of Quan Yonglin fighting a face-to-face battle with the sharp-toothed tiger and smashing it into a bloody mess terrified Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was a good citizen. Even though his hands had taken two human lives, he was still a good citizen.


    When he encountered someone like Quan Yonglin, he did not dare get too close to him with his fragile body.


    After the two had left, Ren Baqian sat on the ground and thought about the incident. He felt that he was cheated.


    Initially, this area had been a good location. Then, it was invaded by Quan Yonglin and Quan Yonghe. Subsequently, they killed a sharp-toothed tiger. It was most likely that other animals wouldn''te near this ce anymore. If he wanted to hunt the Bei, he had to find other ces now.


    Roaming around the forest was very dangerous for him.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that he should stay here.


    In the first ce, his goal was not toe here and hunt, but rather, find a ce and stay there until tomorrow noon. If he could find a safe ce to stay, he wouldn''t mind even if he had to stay overnight in the wild. All he wanted to leave this mountain safely.


    He would leave the hunting to other people who were willing to do so.


    After witness the battle between Quan Yonglin and the sharp-toothed tiger, Ren Baqian had a deeper understanding of how dangerous this forest was.


    The sharp-toothed tiger just now was at least three meters long. It was slightly smaller than the wild boar he saw previously. However, it moved extremely fast, and its strength and fighting capabilities were terrifying.


    At least it was alright when it was smashed in the face by Quan Yonglin''s hammer at the start. Quan Yonglin''s subsequent attacks eventually made it lose its fighting capabilities.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that his handgun would not be able to do anything against it.


    If Quan Yonglin wasn''t present, he would have died. The sharp-toothed tiger wasn''t a human, it wouldn''t be stupid enough to let Ren Baqian stuff a grenade into its mouth.


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought that having a handgun would ensure his safety. Now, he realized the handgun was only useful against low-level humans. It was practically useless against the wild boar or the sharp-toothed tiger.


    Not only would the handgun be useless against certain wild beasts, it most likely would also be useless against Quan Yonglin.


    If Ren Baqian remembered correctly, a tiger''s swipe could generate 1 ton of force. Looking at the size of the sharp-toothed tiger, its strength was definitelyparable to a tiger''s. However, when the sharp-toothed tiger attacked Quan Yonglin, he merely flew back in the air and rolled on the ground before standing up as though nothing had happened.


    Furthermore, the sharp-toothed tiger''s ws merely left a few shallow wounds on Quan Yonglin''s body.


    These disyed the defensive capability of Quan Yonglin''s physical body. His body was simply too powerful.


    If he was shot with a handgun, the bullet most likely get stuck in his muscle. The gun would be useless against him unless he was shot in his vital areas. Furthermore, Quan Yonglin wasn''t a blockhead, his speed would definitely be much faster than Ren Baqian''s.


    If Ren Baqian really used the handgun on someone like Quan Yonglin, he would be the one that died.


    If a situation like that really urred, Ren Baqian felt that he would be the one that opened fire first and then Quan Yonglin would throw his hammer at him. The bullet would hurt Quan Yonglin like a mosquito bite while Quan Yonglin''s hammer would smash him to smithereens.


    He might have a chance if he was using a shotgun. The bullet from a shotgun was two times more powerful than a handgun''s. In close range against an ordinary human, the difference in the effectiveness of a handgun and a shotgun wasn''t really huge. However, against an aboriginal of this world, the difference would be tremendous.


    If he used a shotgun, the other party would have his body filled with holes and die.


    After sitting there for quite some time, Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the huge rock. He was wondering how he could get on top of it.


    Quite some time ago, he already spotted this rock, but he chose to stay on the tree.


    It was very easy for Quan Yonglin and Quan Yonghe to get on top of it. However, for Ren Baqian, whocked any rock-climbing skills, it was very difficult.


    Ren Baqian walked two circles around the rock. The rock was roughly three meters tall, and it did not have any edges for him to hold or step on.


    Finally, Ren Baqian made up his mind. He took a few steps back and broke into a sprint. Using his momentum, he jumped onto the rock and tried to climb it. However, the moment his hands touched the rock, which surface was nted, he slid down almost immediately.


    Ren Baqian changed direction and tried climbing the rock a few times but failed in the end.


    He had no choice but to admit that the rock climbers on television made it look easy. Now that he was actually doing it, he realized its difficulty level was "Hell".


    "Sighhh!" Ren Baqian sighed. He had no choice but to continue walking towards the upper reach of the stream. At the same time, he was looking around for a ce to take shelter.


    Even though Quan Yonglin said that there wouldn''t be any animalsing here, he still had to find somewhere to hide and stay.


    At this point in time, the sun had already set. It was very close to nighttime.


    Ren Baqian felt that he should find shelter before nighttime arrived. At night, there were many predators in the forest. Furthermore, his vision would be reduced in the dark, making it even more dangerous than the day.


    If possible, Ren Baqian hoped that he could find a small crevice to hide in. He wanted to find one thatrge wild beasts could not enter.


    Along the way, he couldn''t find any ce that was suitable.


    However, there were a few trees that were suitable as a shelter.


    Ren Baqian walked to a tree nearest to him. After throwing a few stones into the tree to make sure there were no snakes, he climbed it to take a look. Feeling at ease, he got down from the tree and checked his surroundings. Suddenly, he saw the underbrush moving. Immediately, he held his breath. Soon after, a white-colored head appeared from the underbrush. When it saw Ren Baqian, it immediately growled at him.


    Without any hesitation, Ren Baqian pulled the triggered on his crossbow and the arrow hit the creature''s chest.


    Following which, Ren Baqian broke into a run.


    It was a babeast again.


    Howe there are so many babeasts in this forest?


    Ren Baqian ran all the way to the stream. Four babeasts were chasing him like insane dogs. They were drooling non-stop as they chased after him, appearing as though they had already treated him as their dinner.


    Ren Baqian had the same idea as them. Using his right hand, he took out his gun and fired several shots. He still had the time and energy to change to a new magazine.


    The handgun might not work against huge-sized creatures but it was definitely powerful enough to deal with babeasts.

 Chapter 106: Why Is It You Again

    Chapter 106: Why Is It You Again


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian started a ze of fire and roasted a piece of babeast leg. He also used stones to build a circle in the stream, immersing the other leg inside so that the raw smell of blood would wash away with the stream. He ced this piece of leg inside intending for it to be his breakfast tomorrow.


    As for the other parts of the carcasses, he had thrown them far away in case the bloody smell attracted any sorts of animals.


    At the moment, he only held on to the thought of enduring till tomorrow afternoon before leaving the mountain.


    With regards to the Bei and so on��to hell with them.


    After experiencing that battle, the danger level of the wild beasts in this world had sharply risen in his heart.


    He was not Ultraman, and therefore, could not even defeat small monsters.


    At this moment, the sky had begun to darken, and the campfire by the stream radiated light. Listening to the distant roars of wild beast from the forest, Ren Baqian it felt considerably peculiar.


    Such a pity that he wasn''t getting the feeling of being close to nature. Rather, he only felt the eeriness and terror of danger lurking everywhere.


    He used a knife to slice a few openings on the babeast leg. After which, he sprinkled some spices before turning it over to roast.


    Within a short period of time, the aroma of the babeast leg started to disseminate a distance away.


    Wu Fang, who was perched on top of a tree nearby, touched his belly and firmly took a bite of the berries in his hand. This was what he just gathered in the vicinity. The berries were very sour and barely sufficient for him to fill his stomach.


    He started to feel a psychological imbnce upon smelling the aroma from afar.


    It was undoubted that Ren Baqian was very weak. But to one''s surprise, nothing much happened to him even after wandering in the woods for the entire afternoon. After killing two people, he still tantly roasted meat by the stream.


    As for himself, he not only sustained injuries, but also wasn''t able to tell anyone about it. This was indeed humiliating for him. In addition, Wu Fang had to witness the other party eating meat while he was having berries for dinner.


    Wu Fang felt dispirited when he thought of all this as there was no logical reason to justify any of it.


    Even though Wu Fang was mournful, his hand moved at the speed of lightning and grabbed something. When he retracted his hand, there was an additional three-finger thick snake on it. He exerted force on the snake''s rear, and the body of the snake, which was originally rolled up on his arm, drooped downwards.


    He fished out a knife and slit open the snake from its head, peeled off its skin, and removed the intestines from it. After which, he directly stuffed the snake''s tail into his mouth and ate it in one mouthful, imagining that it was actually roasted meat.


    Following the fragrance that was emitted, Ren Baqian also felt that he was getting more and more hungry. He stared at the meat impatiently and couldn''t wait to satisfy himself in a moment.


    Today was considered exhausting for an ordinary person like him.


    If it was possible, he hoped that there would not be a next time for the rest of eternity.


    Unfortunately in the predictable future, it would be difficult for him to even take a proper rest tonight. After all, even if he took shelter on top of a tree, there was still a certain degree of danger in this woods.


    Being on a tree only allowed him to doge a little danger but was not adequate enough for him to sleep peacefully.


    A series of footsteps came through and a shadow of a person appeared. Ren Baqian straightforwardly aimed his gun at that direction. "Who is it?"


    "Deputy Ren? It''s truly great to see you!" Ning Caichen who was dressed shabbily, cheered. He was on the brim of tears of excitement upon seeing Ren Baqian.


    Why is it you again.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t help but have this thought.


    Such a huge forest, but we are able to meet twice.


    Even Ren Baqian didn''t know what he ought to say.


    All along, Ren Baqian had always believed that Ning Caichen was disguised as a pig wanting to eat a tiger. But what Ning Caichen disyed was actually simr to himself, a feeble chicken. Moreover, it was evident on his body. There were traces of him going through challenging experiences as his clothes were torn and tattered. It seemed that he had a rather miserable time being chased by the wild boar. But, to Ren Baqian''s surprise, Ning Caichen had yet to leave the mountain by this time of the day.


    "Why haven''t you left the mountain?" Ren Baqian asked the question which he was curious about. Generally speaking, these nobles were only here for a novel experience and would have left the mountain to rest when night fell.


    "I saw beautiful scenery just now and was reluctant to leave. After a while, I wasn''t able to find the route down the mountain anymore," Ning Caichen replied bashfully. "Deputy Ren, if you are interested, I can bring you there tomorrow morning. Seeing the sunrise and sunset over there is akin to being in a paradise."


    Ren Baqian wasn''t interested in a sunrise and sunset. Rather, he was more interested in leaving the mountain and returning to his cozy nest to have a peaceful sleep.


    "But, it''s really awesome to see Deputy Ren." Ning Caichen cheered once again, "I originally thought that I would have to starve tonight. In the end, I saw the ze from afar and thought of taking a look. If I meet anybody in the wilderness, it will be due to affinity, and I''lle over and take a bite. Never did I expect that the person would be Deputy Ren."


    Ren Baqian continued to roast his meat. He actually didn''t detest this Ning Caichen that loved to bullshit.


    After all, Ning Caichen was someone who was very easy to have good dealings with. He also had not offend the other party in any way in Lan City, and therefore, did not feel that the other party would actually harm him.


    In addition, having apanion on such a night made he felt pretty good. After all, humans were social creatures. Even if he didn''t enjoy gathering with people, it didn''t mean that he was willing to stay alone in the wilderness.


    Even if he had to listen to Ning Caichen bullshit the entire night, he would have an easier time with him. As to whether the party was pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger, it actually didn''t matter anymore.


    They nced at the babeast leg which was about to be done cooking. Even for two people, the portion of the babeast leg was more than sufficient. But, it did not matter to them if they were bloated anyway.


    Nevertheless, they shouldn''t even bother to roast the other babeast leg which had been immersed in the stream. It was truly a hassle to do so. At present, the sky was already fairly dark, and it was better for them to finish up their food and then return to the trees to take shelter.


    The both of them waited impatiently for a long time before Ren Baqian retrieved the cooked babeast leg. The overwhelming fragrance made the both of them itching to start gnawing on the meat.


    After the babeast''s leg cooled down slightly, the two began to tear pieces of meat and stuff them into their mouth without saying anything further. It tasted like dog meat and was very fragrant.


    After a short period of time, the entire babeast leg was gobbled up by the pair of them. Then, theyy at the rocky patch by the stream and let out a leisurely andfortable sigh.


    "Deputy Ren, your cooking skills are really good." Ning Caicheny at the side and praised Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian smiled and didn''t respond to his praise. It wasn''t that his cooking skills were good, but, the spices were good. In addition, the quality of the animal meat in this world was also better than the kind on Earth. It was simr to the enormous goat which he cooked before, and he didn''t know why.


    Afterying down for a few minutes, there were still growling beast noisesing from afar. Some of the growls were near and some were from afar, with the nearer ones sounding approximately about three to four hundred meters away.


    Ren Baqian sat up from the ground, "I want to climb up on the tree to take a rest."


    After he finished his sentence, he added in a few branches to the campfire. He hoped that the campfire would burn for a longer period of time.


    He turned around and walked to the bottom of the tree. Ren Baqian looked up and immediately cursed, "Your uncle."


    [Your uncle - a chinese ng word for damn it, but in this context, Ning Caichen actually misunderstood the word literally.]


    There were a few additional snakes on that tree.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t help but suspect that he had the constitution to summon snakes. The snakes went wherever he went. Moreover, they specially waited for him to leave before taking possession of his space.


    "What about my uncle?" Ning Caichen was perplexed.


    "Your uncle is a nice person," Ren Baqian did not turn his head around and answered. Then, he turned his head elsewhere to seek suitable trees which he could stay for the night. He saw a few appropriate trees just now.


    Ren Baqian was not concerned about Ning Caichen who was in the back, walked in the opposite direction, and found another suitable tree to take shelter. In the end, just when he walked under the tree, he heard a hissing sound.


    Ren Baqian was depressed to death. Must he be so unlucky? The trees which he thought highly of were also the trees the snakes were optimistic about as well.


    I am not even Xu Xian, why are you all doing this to me?


    [Chinese legend - Xu Xian, main character from Madam White Snake]


    Borrowing the moonlight, he found three suitable trees to take shelter in but there was actually a snake on its branches. In addition, it was more than just one snake.

 Chapter 107: Sword, Come!

    Chapter 107: Sword, Come!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian walked back to where he came from. The few trees that previously caught his attention were filled with snakes now, rendering Ren Baqian speechless.


    The light from the campfire could not reach this ce either. Ren Baqian looked at the surrounding pitch-ck forest. He heard a weird cry that was released by an unknown beast. After standing there for a while, he turned around and walked back to the campfire and sat down.


    Looking at Ning Caichen, Ren Baqian thought of the huge rock.


    However, Ning Caichen was only roughly 1.6 meters tall. Even if Ren Baqian stood on his shoulders, he still couldn''t get up onto the rock. After thinking about it, Ren Baqian dropped this idea. Perhaps he should just stay here.


    Right now, the sky hadpletely darkened. He reckoned the time now should be around 9 p.m. It was no longer safe for him to roam around the forest.


    "Ooooooowhooo!" A wolf howl resounded through the air from afar. The forest had be much more sinister at night.


    Ren Baqian and Ning Caichen sat beside the campfire in a daze. Feeling bored, Ren Baqian chit-chatted with Ning Caichen. Most of the time, Ning Caichen was talking and Ren Baqian was listening to him.


    "Do you believe there are ghosts in this world?" Ren Baqian suddenly asked.


    Previously, he had heard Ning Caichen talk about his encounters on his way to Lan City. Most of them were queer in nature. However, Ren Baqian did not know whether they were real or fake.


    In any case, he felt what Ning Caichen had said was a bunch of bullsh*t.


    Right now, both of them were in the wild guarding a campfire while listening to the howl of wild beasts from afar. As such, Ren Baqian suddenly thought of this question.


    A solemn look appeared on Ning Caichen''s face as he replied, "Of course there are ghosts in this world. On the way to Lan City, I walked past a vige. There was no one in the vige, and every household had their windows and doors tightly closed. As I walked from the front of the vige to its back, I noticed not a single door was opened. After the sky darkened, all the vigers suddenly came out of their houses, and the vige began to bustle with noise and excitement. There were adults and children. To wee me, an outsider, they started a bonfire, just like ours now butrger. Then, the viges took out food from their houses for everyone to share. Soon after, all of them gathered around the bonfire to sing and dance. From their clothing, I could tell that they weren''t rich. Their children were even running around naked. However, they still could afford to take food out from their houses to share with everyone."


    When Ning Caichen reached this part of the story, the reflection of the campfire in his eyes seemed to depict what happened that night. There was a look of reminiscence and a smile on his face.


    "They were really cordial, and the alcohol they brewed was very strong. I fell asleep after drinking only half a bowl. When I woke up the second morning, I realized I was lying in the center of the vige. The vige had been cleaned up, and every household was tightly shut again. At that time, I didn''t know what was going on, and I couldn''t find anyone. Eventually, I left that vige. After walking for half a day, I arrived at another vige. While I was asking for some water from one of the vigers, I casually asked him what was going on with that particr vige. Guess what he told me?"


    Ning Caichen turned around and asked Ren Baqian.


    "Everyone in that vige died?" Ren Baqian made a guess.


    Combining everything you have told, that should be the case, right?


    Ning Caichen nodded his head furiously and replied, "Yes, you''re right. Due to a gue tens of years ago, everyone in that vige had died. The vige that I went to subsequently was built by the survivors of that vige."


    "This is just a story, right?" Ren Baqian had an incredulous look on his face. Ren Baqian had heard of such stories countless times.


    "I swear on my life, this is absolutely true," Ning Caichen swore.


    Ren Baqian looked at him and turned his head around. Following which, he picked up a wooden stick and began writing on the ground. Since he was bored, he practiced writing the words that he learnt from this world.


    He did not really believe Ning Caichen''s words.


    From his experience, he understood that oaths were the most untrustworthy words of assurance. Of course, perhaps the people in this world treated oaths very seriously, but this made no difference to him at all.


    "Afterwards, I specially paid a visit to the cemetery beside that vige to pay my respect," Ning Caichen continued.


    Ren Baqian did not respond him. He raised his head and looked at the starry night sky.


    At this moment, other than the distant beast howls, he could hear the crackle of the campfire.


    After a while, Ning Caichen nudged his shoulder.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at him. Ning Caichen had a solemn face on his face. He said, "Something is staring at us."


    "Where? How do you know?" Ren Baqian was puzzled. He looked around at his surroundings. Very soon, Ren Baqian understood how Ning Caichen knew something was staring at them. That was because he saw them too.


    Over ten pairs of green-colored eyes glowed from within the pitch-ck forest.


    Ren Baqian slowly stood up. He raised his crossbow and asked softly, "What are those things?"


    "They are very near, we will know soon." Ning Caichen followed Ren Baqian''s actions. However, Ren Baqian had a crossbow in his hand, and Ning Caichen''s hands were empty. Ning Caichen quickly withdrew a burning tree branch from the campfire.


    Sweat dripped down Ren Baqian''s forehead.


    It was utterly terrible to encounter wild beasts in the middle of the night.


    The worse thing was there wasn''t only one beast but a group of them.


    It was so dark out there, and neither of them dared to roam the ce as it was far too dangerous. A snake alone could take both of their lives. Furthermore, both of them definitely couldn''t outrun those beasts.


    "Are they scared of fire?" Ren Baqian mumbled to himself. Usually, wild beasts were afraid of fire. Perhaps they would be safer around the campfire.


    Furthermore, the campfire was roaring right now. This set Ren Baqian''s mind at ease.


    "They areing out." By the time Ning Caichen finished his sentence, the few figures in the dark had already revealed themselves.


    The first few to step out of the darkness were huge huskies.


    Or rather, wild wolves.


    However, they really did look like huskies.


    Their bodies wererger than huskies'' and they were roughly 1 meter tall, appearing extremely huge.


    There was a ruthless look in all of their eyes. Their mouths were slightly opened, revealing their sharp fangs. They appeared as though they had already regarded Ren Baqian and Ning Caichen as their dinner.


    "Ning Caichen, if you have any secret weapons, take them out now. Right now, there are only two of us, you can stop acting weak." When Ren Baqian saw the wolves stepping out of the darkness one by one, a cold shiver went down his spine. His other hand began to reach for his handgun.


    With a serious look on his face, Ning Caichen said, "Deputy Ren, can''t you deal with them?"


    "What do you think? Can''t you tell I never learned martial arts before?" Ren Baqian said irritably. "I can''t even defeat one of them, our lives depend on you now. If you can''t do anything, we will be their dinner tonight."


    "Alright, I get it." Ning Caichen nodded his head.


    Following which, Ning Caichen straightened his back and raised one of his hands. Then, he opened up his palms and pointed his fingers towards the sky and yelled, "Sword,e!"


    An awesome aura exuded from his body.


    Upon seeing Ning Caichen finally do something, Ren Baqian felt overjoyed. Ning Caichen was indeed acting weak. With Ning Caichen around, it seemed that he would be safe tonight.


    Feeling overjoyed, Ren Baqian even took a second look at Ning Caichen''s posture. He had no choice but to admit that Ning Caichen looked quite cool. He had typical pretty face, his back was straight, his hands were raised while yelling, "Sword,e!".


    Excluding Ning Caichen''s clothes, Ren Baqian would give his posture eight marks of ten.


    He would give Ning Caichen full marks after he had killed these wolves.


    One minute had passed�� Two minutes had passed�� More than ten wolves had stepped out from the forest. However, they were in no rush to attack Ren Baqian and Ning Caichen. Ren Baqian wondered if they were afraid of the campfire or they were just in no hurry.


    Ning Caichen still maintained that posture.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian was puzzled.


    "Great Xia is too far from Dayao, the sword will take some time to fly here��"


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

 Chapter 108: Fraud

    Chapter 108: Fraud


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Great Xia is too far away, it''ll take a while for the sword to fly over��" Hearing this, Ren Baqian felt it like ten thousand alpacas were running through his mind.


    "Can''t you make these few wolves leave without a sword ?" Ren Baqian saw that Ning Caichen maintained the same posture and said to him with a lowered voice and a look of grievance.


    As for the sword flying back from Great Xia by itself, he was reminded of The Arabian Nights. But since they were reaching the critical juncture, he felt Ning Caichen wouldn''t speak casually at this moment.


    Ning Caichen still held the same posture of one hand clutching at the sky. Prior to this, Ren Baqian thought this posture was worth eight points, but now, he just wanted to give him a tight p.


    "Deputy Ren, I will have to inconvenience you to stall for time. Without the sword, I am no different from an ordinary person." Ning Caichen turned his head to speak to Ren Baqian.


    Without the sword, you are no different from an ordinary guy?


    Ren Baqian did not know what to make of this posttion.


    But at this moment, he had no alternative solution and could only ask, "How long do you need?"


    "ording to the distance, it should be about the time taken to drink two small cups of tea," Ning Caichen replied.


    "Damn it!" Ren Baqian cursed. This was indeed a fraud.


    Ren Baqian disregarded Ning Caichen who was still posing, raised his crossbow, and aimed at the opposite side as the wolves crept nearer. They were in no hurry to attack, and the wolves behind, started to disperse and surrounded them.


    Ren Baqian hesitated. He could not decide whether it was better tounch a preemptive attack and show some power, or better to stall for time and wait for Ning Caichen to get his sword back.


    If heunched a preemptive attack, he might alert them, or perhaps, hurt some wolves to reduce the pressureter on. Otherwise, if they surrounded him and attacked together, the both of them would be directly feeding themselves to the wolves.


    To continue waiting was to allow time for the other side toplete their encirclement. How long they could drag on depended on the deterrence provided by the campfire.


    Both options had their advantages and disadvantages. For a moment, Ren Baqian was stuck in a dilemma.


    But in no time, he gritted his teeth to force himself to calm down. This was not the time whereby "not-being-able-to-decide-means-it-is-best-not-to-do-anything."


    At this moment, the distance separating them was down to only about twenty meters.


    Ren Baqian raised his hand, aimed and shot an arrow.


    "Ooooooowhooo!" The wolf right at the front let out a miserable bawl as the arrow shed a bloody wound on its body.


    Ren Baqian quickly rearmed his crossbow and aimed again. In the meantime, those wolves advanced a few more meters.


    He shot another arrow, hit a wolf right in its chest and caused it to let out a scream. Looking at the shaft protruding from the wolf, it only prated about four or five centimeters into the body and did not seemed to affect that wolf''s fighting capability.


    The wolves became more irascible after the two arrows were shot.


    Seeing the rest of the wolvesing from two sides to surround him, Ren Baqian aimed his handgun directly at them. He used the other hand to throw the crossbow on the floor and took out the spare magazine from the bag.


    "Pop!""Pop!""Pop!"


    Under the night scene, this patch of the forest resounded with crisp gunshots, two wolves had blood erupting from their bodies, and all the other started to be more wary. Howling and screaming, they retreated a little, and the encirclement size expanded slightly.


    As a result, Ren Baqian rejoiced as he seemed to have made the right decision.


    As long as they did not attack, it would be alright if he could stall for some time.


    Drinking two small cups of tea took about ten minutes, and two minutes had already passed. He hoped that Ning Caichen would not leave him in the lurch when the time came.


    Otherwise, he would kill him before he died.


    Ren Baqian looked vigntly at the wolves surrounding him. If they were to move slightly nearer, he would immediately shoot to force them to retreat.


    Even though several wolves had sustained gunshot wonds, only one was lying on the ground powerlessly moaning in pain. That wolf was hit by chance and wounded in the throat.


    As for the rest of the wolves, the gunshots only impeded their movements and were not fatal.


    Another few minutes had passed, and Ren Baqian perspired profusely from his head. These wolves alternated and seemed to be testing him. In the next few minutes, they were starting to get smarter as well. Whenever he raised his hand, they would jump to the side.


    "How much longer to go?" Ren Baqian couldn''t help but to ask Ning Caichen.


    "The time taken to drink one more small cup of tea. Deputy Ren, please endure, it all depends on you. Not only your life, but my life is in your hands too." Ning Caichen encouraged him.


    "There is no need to feed me encouraging and motivational words," Ren Baqian grufflyined and raised his hand to fire another shot.


    "Their patience is wearing thin," Ren Baqianmented as he changed the magazine.


    He could already sense that the wolves were getting noticeably more restless.


    The prowling wolves lowered their bodies and growled from their throats, giving Ren Baqian the impression that they were preparing to attack.


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and took out a grenade. He was reluctant to use it as he did not want people to associate it with the death of Lian Baocheng.


    However, the present situation was dire. One cartridge had already been used up, and with the exception of one wolf, the rest were wounded but not dead. If the remaining 13 wolves were to attack together, he would be torn to pieces in an instant.


    In such a situation, he could only depend on the grenade as it would not only kill some wolves but also frighten them into submission.


    As for other matters, they would be taken care ofter. If he could not survive now, there was no future to talk about.


    Ren Baqian held the handgun in one hand and a grenade in the other. He was in a stalemate with the wolves for another minute. Every minute was a torment for him, and several times, he felt that the wolves woulde the very next second to tear him into shreds.


    "Looks like I can''t afford to wait anymore," Ren Baqian thought. There were still four minutes left. If the wolves pounced on him the very next second, he would have no time to throw the grenade even if he wanted to.


    "I will fight it out with them. Let it be exposed, I have to get past this round first," Ren Baqian thought. He finally made up his mind, opened his mouth, and used the side to bite the safety ring.


    Soon after, he threw the grenade to his left side a little more than ten meters away. Itnded near three wolves which only paid some attention in the beginning and then ignored it.


    Ning Caichen was on his left. If the wolves charged that way, Ning Caichen would bear the brunt of the attack. Ren Baqian pinned all his hope on Ning Caichen, and thus, he made that decision.


    After throwing the grenade, Ren Baqian covered his ear with one hand, shrugged his neck, and counted in his heart.


    "1,2,3,4��"


    "Boom!"


    That grenade exploded at the count of five, creating a big st, and two wolves were sted like a gunny sacks riddled with holes and debris flying all over. Their bodies were covered with blood and they looked lifeless.


    Another wolf, which was slightly further away, suffered many wounds andy on the ground whimpering nonstop.


    The rest of the wolves were frightened by the explosion and retreated with their tails between their legs.


    At the same time, the death of two wolves and the heavy injuries inflicted on one wolf deterred them causing them to have the intention to retreat.


    Ren Baqian could not care about the wolves anymore as Ning Caichen, who was beside him and still in his original posture, toppled over.


    At that time. Ren Baqian felt that he was screwed. He still depended on Ning Caichen and hoped that he was alright.


    At the same time, fresh blood flowed down from Ning Caichen''s head.


    Just now, a rock that was the size of a goose egg hit Ning Caichen on his head after the explosion and caused him to faint immediately.

 Chapter 109: Shot Down

    Chapter 109: Shot Down


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian wanted to cry but no tears were shed.


    After carrying ten minutes of hope, his biggest savior was knocked out by his own grenade.


    What is going on?


    Aren''t the injury radius and fatality radius of the grenade ten meters and five meters respectively?


    Ning Caichen was at least 14 meters from the grenade when it exploded. How could he be so unlucky?


    Ren Baqian felt nothing was going smoothly for him.


    Ning Caichen was a fraud. Ren Baqian couldn''t believe that he was knocked out after keeping that posture for so long.


    Where''s your sword? Where''s your demeanor of an expert?


    Right now, Ren Baqian was thinking seriously whether the wolves would chase him if dragged the unconscious Ning Caichen away if he was to run away now.


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian let out a deep sigh eventually. After all, he was soft-hearted, and he could not bear to leave Ning Caichen.


    Fortunately, those wolves were frightened out of their wits, and they had retreated a great distance away. Every now and then, they would howl, appearing as though they weremunicating with each other. It seemed that Ren Baqian still had some buffer time.


    There was one wolf that was still standing in its original spot staring fiercely at Ren Baqian.


    All the other wolves have already retreated, and you''re the only that refuses to leave. Do you really hate me that much? Ren Baqian looked at the wolf and raised his gun and took aim.


    Thump. The wolf copsed to the ground.


    "I haven''t even opened fire yet, are you messing with me?" Upon taking a closer look, Ren Baqian realized this wolf was the one that was hit by his arrow covered with anesthetic earlier.


    It was just that the anesthetic took effect a bit slowly.


    Ren Baqian picked up his water bag and poured some water over Ning Caichen''s head.


    After a while, Ning Caichen was woken up by the cold water. "What happened just now?"


    Ren Baqian replied coldly, "Is your sword stilling?"


    Ning Caichen was really lucky that he did not suffer a concussion.


    "It stopped, but it should be quite near to this ce. Let me summon it again." There was some blood on his head, making him looked like a martyr. He picked himself up from the ground and made the same posture again. Pointing his hand to the sky, he yelled at the top of his voice, "Sword,e!"


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. He was d that Ning Caichen was alright.


    However, he was more interested in Ning Caichen''s sword. Was it equipped with a guidance system?


    Furthermore, it took just ten minutes from Great Xia to fly here, was it flying at supersonic speed?


    Ren Baqian could not believe there was such a high-tech weapon in this world.


    This world was bing more and more mysterious to him.


    He finally felt slightly at ease. Until now, the wolves did not show any intention of attacking them. They merely encircled them from afar.


    Everything would have to depend on Ning Caichen now.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he put hisst grenade back into his bag.


    After a while, Ren Baqian heard a booming sounding from the horizon, sounding as though there was fighter jet flying through the sky.


    A look of joy appeared on Ning Caichen''s face. "Sword,e!"


    Ren Baqian was shocked. Such a power impetus? One had to know that this was just a sword, not an airne. An airne could produce such a powerful impetus because it was driven by an engine.


    How does your sword produce such a huge impetus?


    At the same time, many aboriginals in the mountain looked towards the sky.


    Quan Yonglin and Quan Yonghe were sitting in an empty spot in the forest. Not far away from them, there was a pile of bloody mess. From the two broken sword-like fangs lying beside the pile of bloody mess, one could tell its identity. It was the wild boar that had been relentlessly chasing Ning Caichen during the day.


    "Are you stupid? How many times have I reminded you? Now that you have smashed the ck fatty to this state, how are we going to bring it back? Should we bring back its tail or those two broken fangs? We are going to getughed at again this time, it''s all your fault!"


    Quan Yonghe poked Quan Yonglin''s head with her finger as she fumed with rage between gritted teeth.


    Quan Yonglin''s head was lowered as he listened to Quan Yonghe. There were a few wounds on his body. The deepest wound was on his waist, almost causing his guts to spill out.


    At this moment, a booming sound resounded through the air. The sibling pair furrowed their eyebrows and raised their heads to look at the sky. What was that?


    In the depths of the mountain, Hong Xian rested on top of a rock. Beside her, there was a long-handled broadsword. Surrounding her were corpses of babeasts. Every single corpse was badly mutted. However, these babeasts were muchrger than the ones Ren Baqian had encountered.


    Upon hearing the booming sound in the sky, Hong Xian opened her eyes and looked up. She felt puzzled at first. Following which, when she thought of an ount that she heard before, a look of realization dawned upon her face. "A sword ve?"


    Many people behaved like Quan Yonglin, Quan Yonghe, and Hong Xian when they heard the booming sound in the sky. Du Changkong was ying a gigantic snake that was as thick as his waist while humming a tune. When he heard the sound, he looked around him with puzzlement. Soon after, he found the source of the sound.


    At the foot of the mountain, all of the soldiers raised their heads and looked up at the sky.


    The nobles from the other nations came out of their carriages...


    On the royal carriage, the empress was about to eat some grapes. Before she could even ce one grape into her mouth, she heard the booming sound and furrowed her eyebrows.


    "Noisy, bring me my bow."


    Hong Luan passed the empress a simple-looking yet ancient longbow and a leather-made quiver. The empress then stepped out of her royal carriage and raised her head in the direction of the sound. She looked as though she could see the sword flying through the night sky.


    The empress threw the quiver behind her back and Hong Luan quickly caught it.


    The empress held up the longbow and pulled the bowstring. In her hand, there was a white-colored bone arrow. A majestic aura rose from her body. Everyone at the foot of the mountain could feel this aura pressing down on their heads, causing them to bow in the direction of the empress subconsciously.


    Only those nobles from other nations and some guards tried to resist the aura.


    Thump, thump, thump. A few people couldn''t resist the aura and knelt down on the ground.


    Other than a few that possessed utter confidence, everyone else tactfully bowed in the direction of the empress.


    At this point in time, the empress was not only the ruler of Dayao, she was also the seventh most powerful expert in the world �� Qi Zixiao.


    It was a form of respect to give the seventh most powerful expert in the world a bow.


    The empress pulled the bowstring to its limit. The body of the bow was taut, resembling a crescent moon. Following which, she let go of the bowstring. When the bowstring was released, a deafening twang entered everyone''s ears.


    However, no one could see the arrow that was shot out nor hear any sound from it. It disappeared from the empress''s hand.


    After a while, a thunderous sound echoed across the air. It was as though the arrow had detonated the air, releasing a series of explosions through the sky.


    After releasing the arrow, the empress returned to her carriage without even looking at it.


    At this point in time, there was nothing fanciful in the sky. There was only a simple-looking, green-colored sword that had a leather-wrapped hilt flying at a high speed in the sky. As it flew through the air, it vibrated and resonating with the surrounding air to form shock waves. At the same time, the body of the sword produced a joyful chime, appearing as though it was very happy that its master had summoned it.


    The sword resembled a besotted young girl that was meeting her boyfriend.


    At the next second, a white-bone-made arrow appeared in front of it. Given the sword''s immense inertia, it could not avoid the arrow in time.


    "ng!"


    A loud and crisp sound was produced by the collision between the arrow and the sword.


    After making a few tumbles in the air, the sword dropped from the sky. Just as it was about to hit the ground, it shakily stabilized itself. After letting a mournful wail, it flew shakily towards a mountain. Whenpared to its previous demeanor, one was like a young mistress that was returning home after marrying a wealthyndlord, while the other was like a daughter-inw of a family who was being bullied in a vige.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was still waiting for Ning Caichen''s sword to descend from the sky with a brilliant sword aura. He was already considering whether or not should he hug Ning Caichen''s thighs.


    From the look of it, Ning Caichen was the main character.


    At this moment, a series of explosions resounded through the air. Following which, the booming sound of the sword disappeared.


    The magnificent sword that Ren Baqian had been expecting was nowhere to be seen.


    "What happened?" Ren Baqian asked subconsciously.


    A puzzled look appeared on Ning Caichen''s face as well. "So strange, why hasn''t it arrived yet."


    "Fraud," Ren Baqian could not help but scold him.


    With a confused look on his face, Ning Caichen raised his head and looked at the sky. What exactly happened?


    Luckily, the wolves still did not show any intention of attacking them. After a few minutes, a sword shakily descended from the sky, resembling a drunk driver.


    "So, this is the sword that is equipped with a guidance system? But why does it look like there''s something wrong with it? Even if it doesn''t possess a magnificent sword aura, it should at least streak across the sky like an ice-cold gleam, right? Why does it seem like it''s drunk?" This thought suddenly emerged in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    The sword unsteadily flew into Ning Caichen''s raised hand. When Ning Caichen saw that there were a few cracks on the sword, a look of agony appeared on his face.


    After the swordnded in his hand, it gave off a mournful wail, appearing as though it was telling Ning Caichen about its tragic encounter.


    At that instance, tears flowed down Ning Caichen''s cheeks.


    Upon seeing the sad look on Ning Caichen''s face, Rem Baqian could not help but ask, "What exactly happened?"


    "Green Pearl said it was shot down by someone!" Ning Caichen wept as he held the sword in his hands.

 Chapter 110: Sword Mountain, Spirit Sword, Sword Master, Sword Slave

    Chapter 110: Sword Mountain, Spirit Sword, Sword Master, Sword ve


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian looked at the shabbily dressed Ning Caichen who was holding his sword and bawling his eyes out. He thought to himself, "F**k, is this really happening?''


    Tonight''s full-scale drama involved waves of plots seeding one another. From the summoning of sword to Ning Caichen fainting due to the explosion and followed by the arrival of the sword, things had practically taken a new turn suddenly and only plummeted since the start.


    Even though Ren Baqian did not know the original position of the sword in Great Xia, Lan City was actually quite a distance from the border. For the sword to fly over in 10 minutes, it must have travelled at the speed of sound at the very least? Or possibly at an even faster speed.


    A tiny sword travelling at the sound of speed in air actually got shot down with a single arrow.


    It gave Ren Baqian the feeling of a fighter jet being shot down in just one try, and the entire Earth trembled. He did not consider the fact that the sword could fly on its own or could even urately control the course of its travel. Rather, what made Ren Baqian astonished was that it was actually shot down with just one hit.


    But, such a situation actually happened right before his eyes, and Ren Baqian looked at the sword in Ning Caichen''s hand. There was a small dot in the center of the sword de and cracks radiated from it, giving people the feeling that it would break into pieces with just a light tap.


    Previously, when the sword arrived, there were booming noises in the air. But after a series of explosions, the booming noises gradually disappeared.


    It seemed like the only person in the vicinity that would be able to shoot the sword down in one try was the empress? Ren Baqian was unsure if the empress knew how to shoot an arrow. But, if it was talking about capabilities, since she was the seventh most powerful expert in the world, she would certainly have that kind of capability.


    After thinking through, Ren Baqian concluded that it must be the empress who shot the sword down.


    He had seen Quan Yonglin and Quan Yonghe in action before. Although they made him very shocked as well, it was totally a world of difference between what he just witnessed.


    Even if any others were more powerful than the both of them, it was still impossible for them to achieve this degree of power.


    Also, it was impossible for the imperial guards in the pce to have such capabilities.


    The only possible candidate would be the empress. In addition, it was highly probable that she was in a bad mood as well. It was just likest year, whereby the 10 unlucky people challenged the empress and got destroyed.


    When he thought of these facts, Ren Baqian looked at Ning Caichen with somewhat pitiful eyes. He had no choice but to agree that he was really too miserable.


    Even if Ren Baqian did not understand anything, it was not difficult for him to imagine how precious this sword was to Ning Caichen.


    When Ning Caichen experienced life-threatening moments and summoned his sword, it actually collided with the empress who was in a bad mood. Atst, it resulted in such a conclusion.


    Presently, Ren Baqian was in a rxed state of mind and lost in fanciful thoughts. When the sword flew and arrived just now, he wondered how those wolves actually felt. All of them retreated into the darkness and left behind two carcasses and the two severely injured wolves who were on the brink of death.


    After Ning Caichen cried for a period of time, only then did Ren Baqian pat his shoulders with a face full of pity for him, "My condolences!"


    Ning Caichen cried even more miserably after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    Seeing his devastated look, Ren Baqian felt that he should let Ning Caichen cry it out for a short while.


    It isn''t a crime for a man to cry.


    Ren Baqian was idling as he filled the magazine of the handgun with bullets. After which, he stared nkly into space, and after quite some time, Ning Caichen finally calmed down. He fondled his sword and looked as if he had nothing to live for anymore. Ren Baqian asked curiously, "Can this sword be repaired?"


    "It requires arge amount of materials for it to be fully repaired," Ning Caichen said gloomily.


    "That''s not that bad." Ren Baqian consoled him. "At least it can be repaired."


    Ning Caichen was still downcast.


    "You are a sword cultivator?" Ren Baqian asked again. Without mentioning other factors, at the very least, he was able to summon a sword all the way from Great Xia. This ability was too awesome.


    "Just a sword ve," Ning Caichen shook his head and replied in agony.


    "Why did you say it this way?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity as he was very interested in it.


    "Haven''t you heard about it before?" Ning Caichen turned his head and looked at Ren Baqian. Seeing that he nodded his head, he lowered his head, fondled his sword and began, "There is a Sword Mountain in this world and there are 3000 spirit swords on top. Green Pearl is one of them.


    Every once in a while, a spirit sword will sense that there is someone new in this world who conforms its the requirements and will automatically fly out from the mountain, arriving by the person''s side.


    The others called such people as a sword master, whereby they were being chosen by the spirit sword due to them conforming to its requirements. These group of people were the envy of others. In reality, we are actually only sword ves��"


    Ren Baqian questioned Ning Caichen and he answered ordingly. Ning Caichen also didn''t conceal the issue pertaining to sword masters. This gave Ren Baqian a clearer understanding about sword masters, and he realized that it wasn''t easy being one.


    Basically, the sword master would be chosen by a spirit sword. In one aspect, it was good as one wouldn''t need to cultivate at all. As long as the spirit sword was in one''s hand, the person would be able to skip the process and be a well-known expert.


    In addition, following the different types of spirit swords wielded, the strength would be different as well. Among them, the lowest level would be an expert at the level of Earth Wheel. Furthermore, their capabilities were stronger than an ordinary expert at the Earth Wheel level. This was an achievement the majority of practitioners could only look upon their entire life.


    However, in this world, if there are gains there will definitely be losses. This sentence would be most apt if used on the sword masters.


    First of all, they weren''t able to cultivate.. It was not known if it was because of a certain special constitution that disallowed them from practicing that also allowed the spirit sword to choose them as sword master. Never before was any sword master able to practice any in-depth martial arts. At most, they were only able to practice a few simple punching and kicking moves. They were no different from ordinary people in all other aspects.


    For example, Ning Caichen was one of them. If the spirit sword was in his hand, he would be recognized as an expert that was higher than that of the top positions at the Earth Wheel level. So much so, that the top positions at the Earth Wheel level are not even his match. However, if the spirit sword wasn''t in his hand, he was no different from any ordinary person. As a result, this was why he was so flustered.


    Next, in general, sword masters wouldn''t carry their spirit swords near them all day long. This was because spirit swords would absorb their sword masters'' essence qi. There wouldn''t be any effects in the short term. But, in the long run, it would severely reduce the lifespan of the sword master. In the earlier days, there were only a few sword masters who lived past 40 years old.


    Therefore, even though the other people called them as sword masters, they felt that they were just sword ves in general. As the name implies, they were just like the ves of the spirit swords. Although the spirit swords permitted them to be more powerful, but, they also had to invest an extreme amount of time and energy.


    Later on, someone with an innate talent created a type of sword-nurturing pool through research. He constructed a pool ording to a specific method, following which he threw in all types of valuable materials and used it to nurture swords.


    Thus, besides reducing the damage inflicted on the essence-breath-spirit''s lifespan of the sword master, one would also be able to upgrade their spirit sword''s formidable power through a few particr materials. It was equivalent to upgrading the sword master''s power.


    These minerals, nts and even a few specific animals'' blood were included inside. It also required a customized blended liquid. However, the property of each spirit sword was not all alike. Apart from the customized blended liquid used to nurture the swords, the other required ingredients were not exactly the same.


    Often, it required the sword master to personally bump into an opportunity to seek for materials that would match with the spirit sword. This was because both parties were actually in a type of partnership, and they would be aware once the sword master discovers the suitable material.


    Previously, Ning Caichen''s spirit sword was at the Sword-nurturing Pool and was in the midst of nurturing. If he met with any danger, he would be able to summon the spirit sword as and when he wanted.


    If the location was near the Sword-nurturing Pool, the spirit sword would arrive instantly.


    Arriving at Dayao, Ning Caichen wanted to seek an opportunity and in passing, exchange some items as well. Never did he expect that he would be out of luck at this moment, the Green Pearl actually got shot down when it was about to reach him. What more, the Green Pearl also suffered severe damage. It was not known how much material would be needed for it to bepletely repaired.


    It can be said that he lost everything that he had invested in.


    It was no wonder that Ning Caichen looked as if he had nothing to live for anymore.


    After listening about the spirit sword and sword master matter, Ren Baqian felt that this world was getting more and more interesting.


    This world had too many unknowns and too many aspects that Ren Baqian felt mysterious.


    It was already so interesting just by uncovering theyer of light muslin on the surface at this moment. It was not known what else could be found beneath thatyer.


    At this instance, Ren Baqian was being possessed by Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Monkey D. Luffy. His innermost being was filled with the desire to find out even more about this world.

 Chapter 111: Leaving the Mountain

    Chapter 111: Leaving the Mountain


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Where is the Sword Mountain?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "No one knows. Every sword ve only knows the existence of Sword Mountain. Countless people have tried to find out where Sword Mountain is, but all of them failed," Ning Caichen replied.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that this world needed a satellite. It was a pity he wasn''t rich. Actually, this wasn''t a huge problem as he felt that he would be rich eventually.


    But how was he going to bring such a huge object over to this world? At least he never brought along his bed every time he was teleported.


    He wondered whether or not was it because of his nket and bed sheet. His bed sheet teleported along with him every time.


    Even if he could bring over a satellite, he did not have aunching pad, a control station, or personnel with the necessary skill sets. How was he going tounch the satellite into the sky then?


    "Spirit swords only choose newborn babies?"


    "Most of time. There are also some people who got them after they have grown up, but such cases are rare."


    "Are spirit swords alive?" Ren Baqian had always been very curious about this.


    "They are alive too, but they are unlike ordinary humans. When they are injured, the sword ves can feel it too. If they are destroyed, the sword ves will die too." While Ning Caichen was stroking Green Pearl gently, it trembled softly, appearing as though it wasmunicating with him.


    "When they are injured, the sword ves will feel it too?"


    "Of course, they will transmit what they are feeling to the sword ves. Right now, I can feel my body hurting," Ning Caichen continued with a look of grief on his face. Ren Baqian reckoned that Ning Caichen''s facial expression was partly caused by the pain on his body.


    "How many sword masters are there?"


    "I''m not sure. Usually, there are just over a hundred sword masters existing at the same time. Every time the world turns chaotic, more sword masters will be born. Reportedly, one thousand years ago, there were thousands of sword masters in existance at the same time in the world. That was a magnificent era where countless heroes were born. Just the thought of it can make one spellbound."


    When Ning Caichen spoke of that magnificent era, his eyes lit up. He had been looking forward to the recurrence of that era. However, when he recalled that his Green Pearl was shot down just now, he no longer had the mood to think about anything else, and his eyes dimmed. An aura of misery exuded from his body.


    While Ren Baqian was filled with fantasy and expectation for this world, Ning Caichen was still grieving.


    The aboriginals on the mountain continued what they were doing. Some of them figured out what the sound was, but most of them still did not understand what was it about. Aboriginals did not understand most of the things that originated from Great Xia.


    At the foot of the mountain, everyone went back to rest. Most of them knew what the sound was, but they did not know what the result was after Qi Zixiao shot the arrow. They reckoned that someone was now in deep trouble.


    The empress was reclining in a couch in the royal carriage. Beneath her body, there was a thick animal hide. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were massaging her foot and kneading her shoulders respectively. At the same time, the empress was holding a wine sk and drinking by herself.


    "Your Majesty, what is the sound just now?" Hong Luan asked softly. As the maid of the empress, she was rather knowledgeable, but she was still very curious about the situation just now.


    Upon hearing Hong Luan''s question, Qing Yuan''s ears perked up as well.


    "It''s just a small bug. It was too noisy and it disturbed me," the empress replied casually.


    When Qing Yuan and Hong Luan saw that the empress did not continue talking, they did not ask her any more questions.


    If Ning Caichen and Green Pearl heard the empress''s words, they would feel sad again.


    If Green Pear wasn''t so high-profile and arrogant, it would not have ended up in such a pathetic state.


    Be it a human or a sword, it''s best to stay low-profile at certain times.


    Nothing happened for the rest of the night. After the various happenings throughout the day, Ren Baqian was deadbeat tired. After adding some branches into the campfire, he ignored Ning Caichen, whose entire body was in pain, andy on the ground to sleep.


    The ground beneath his body waspletely covered in pebbles. After lying on it for some time, his entire body felt painful. However, even so, he did not care at all. This showed how much fatigue the happenings throughout the day had caused him.


    Both his mind and body were exhausted.


    Ren Baqian was woken up by the cold. Light could be seen peeking out from the horizon. Ayer of white mist hovered in his surroundings. Sitting up from the ground, he realized the moisture in the air had drenched his clothes. The campfire was extinguished too, no wonder he was feeling so cold.


    On another side, Ning Caichen hugged his sword with his eyes closed. However, his eyebrows were still tightly knitted.


    Ren Baqian stood up from the ground and gave the inside of the campfire a slight push. Not a single spark was produced. Toozy to start another fire, Ren Baqian hugged himself to stay warm until morningpletely arrived. When Ren Baqian thought of the fact that he was going to leave the mountain soon, he was overjoyed. The most dangerous night of his life had finally passed.


    After another hour had passed, Ning Caichen also woke up.


    He seemed more normal after he getting up. At least he did not have the grieving look on his face anymore.


    "Wait a while more, and we will start a fire and make something to eat. Then, we can prepare to get down from the mountain in the afternoon," Ren Baqian said.


    Ning Caichen nodded his head and continued hugging his sword.


    After the sun had risen up, the mist in the mountain was slightly reduced. Ren Baqian moved around the surroundings and picked up some branches.


    By the time they started a fire and roasted some meat, it was already eight in the morning. the pair ate a simple breakfast and prepared to leave the mountain.


    Ren Baqian was holding a crossbow in one hand and a wooden branch in the other. The wooden branch was for him to beat the grass to scare the snakes away. Meanwhile, Ning Caichen followed behind him while carrying his spirit sword with both his arms, resembling the Sunset Warrior.


    They walked along the stream. When they saw the pulverized remains of the sharp-toothed tiger, Ren Baqian scanned it with his eyes. Then, he used his wooden branch to flick away the bloody flesh and carefully took out something.


    When Ning Caichen saw the thing in Ren Baqian''s hand, a disgusted look appeared on his face.


    Ren Baqian did not care at all.


    If I''m not wrong, this should be a tiger penis, right? The penis of a sharp-toothed tiger is the same as a tiger penis, right?


    Ren Baqian was d that this thing wasn''t smashed.


    He could bring it back to Chen Qing. That guy needed this treasure.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian no longer had the vengeful and bitter look on his face. He was already thinking of other things. He brought the tiger penis to the stream and washed it thoroughly. Then, he tried to think of a way to bring it back.


    He couldn''t carry it with his hands as his hands were full. He couldn''t ce it in his waist bag either as it would be dirtied by the things inside the bag.


    "Brother, can you help me bring it down the mountain? My hands are full," Ren Baqian asked Ning Caichen with a smile on his face.


    Ning Caichen''s face twitched. He felt his brain was like a rattle-drum at this moment.


    When Ren Baqian saw the unwilling look on Ning Caichen''s face, he ripped a piece of cloth from his clothes to wrap the tiger penis and stuffed it inside his waist bag. He could not bear to throw it away.


    His clothes were damaged in many areas when he traversed through the forest. Furthermore, he also ripped two pieces of clothes from it. By this point in time, he looked like a beggar. He and the shabbily dressed Ning Caichen were like brothers who had been through tough times.


    Going down the mountain was much easier than going up the mountain. After walking for some time, they began to see other people. With a mace on his back, Du Changkong scampered out of the forest with a ball in his hands over his head. His running speed was extremely fast. Before Ren Baqian could say anything, Du Changkong had already disappeared out of his sight.


    After a while, Ren Baqian saw someone running out of the forest while raising a dead sharp-toothed tiger above his head as well. The sharp-toothed tiger wasrger than the one he''d seen yesterday. However, its head had been bashed to the state that it looked like a piece of sachima.


    When Ren Baqian saw the distant horsemen and carriages from the border of the forest, his eyes began to tear up. He had finally gotten out of this goddamn forest alive.


    On an empty spot at the foot of the mountain, there were many prey lying on the ground. There were also people keeping record of the preys.


    Ning Caichen and Ren Baqian stepped out of the forest empty-handed, but no one cared about them at all.


    Following behind them were Quan Yonghe and Quan Yonglin. Quan Yonghe had unhappiness written all over her face while Quan Yonglin forced a smile on his face.


    The both of them were empty-handed also. There were a few wounds on Quan Yonglin''s body, and his waist was dyed dark-red by his blood.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at them again. Needless to say, Quan Yonglin must have bashed a prey to smithereens again.


    Ignoring them, Ren Baqian went to report to the empress in a wretched manner.


    Since he was sent to the mountain to stay overnight as a punishment, he should make himself more pathetic to garner sympathy.


    "Your Majesty, I almost couldn''te back..." Ren Baqian started crying the moment he saw the empress.


    "Oh? Then why have I heard about Deputy Ren''s brutal killings?" The empress''s cold voice came from within the empress carriage.

 Chapter 112: Returning To The City, Menu

    Chapter 112: Returning To The City, Menu


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Why do I remember hearing about Deputy Ren''s brutal killings." The empress''s cold voice sounded. Ren Baqian''s entire body stiffened at once.


    What does the empress mean?


    She knew that I killed Lian Baocheng?


    Otherwise, why would she say such things?


    Ren Baqian''s mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts. At this moment, he wasn''t sure how he should reply the empress.


    The empress''s next sentence made him feel as though he had been granted with amnesty.


    "Forget it, I shall not hold you liable for whatever happened this time. Go and tidy yourself up. It''s so shameful to be in such a mess," the empress continued saying.


    "Thank you Your Majesty," Ren Baqian said promptly and retreated. He did not even dare to bring up any other matters.


    After he left, Ren Baqian was practically certain that the empress already knew what happened. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have said thatst sentence. As such, he could be considered free of worries, and this would also prevent others from digging things up again in the future.


    Naturally, he was unaware that the empress already knew clearly about his conduct and deeds.


    After he left, the empress recalled Ren Baqian''s mournful appearance when he came toin tearfully just now and also his intimidated appearance after hearing her words. All these made her feel that it was amusing. She smiled. "Very crafty indeed, he always needs a good knocking to wake him up."


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan nced at each other, and both of them wore a smile on their faces. Any other person who came to see Her Majesty would definitely tidy themselves up. Nobody would be like Deputy Ren, who went to meet her in a sorry state and wept miserably. However, whenever Her Majesty saw Ren Baqian, her mood wouldn''t be foul. Contrary to what one might expect, it was actually a good thing.


    Soon after, the empress ordered Xin Zhe, "If anyone asks about that Lian Baocheng, just exin that he overestimated his own capabilities and provoked the wild beasts, causing even his corpse to be swallowed by them."


    He was just a Great Xia aristocrat. They even killed the Yun Nation envoys as they pleased, why would they even care about a Great Xia aristocrat?


    Even when Wu Fang told the empress about the tool Ren Baqian used during the Great Hunt, she was only a little interested. With her abilities, it was natural for her to not really care about such things.


    Furthermore, only based on Wu Fang''s description, it was enough for her know that these types of items were difficult to manufacture in bulk. In that case, they would be better off using weapons such as knives and swords.


    But, this Storyteller Ren had many tricks up his sleeves.


    Everyone''s mounts were all by the stream and were looked after by someone. Ren Baqian''s mountain-gazing bird on the other hand, was forced all the way outside and was a distance away. The main reason was due to the number of ferocious beasts over at the stream, causing the mountain-gazing bird to shiver whenever it was near them.


    Ren Baqian went to one side of the stream and briefly cleansed himself. Only then did he retrieve his sleeping bag which contained his official robe.


    After changing into his official robe, Ren Baqian, at longst, looked much fresher than before.


    Hey on thewn after changing, and in a short while, he was summoned to roast some meat for the empress. He conveniently roasted a piece of meat for himself as well.


    By this time, the people on top of the mountain had all came down gradually while the top three winners of the Great Hunt had also been selected simultaneously.


    The winner was someone called Tao Meng, who bought back prey that had a horn on its head and was an organism simr to the leopard. It was called shouchang. ording to people, it specialized in guarding some rare and unusual-looking flowers. In addition, it was as speedy as lightning and also powerful. For example, the sharp-toothed tiger and simr beasts were its food.


    Many people inquired if Tao Meng had found any good items. This was because if anyone hunted the shouchang, he or she would definitely ce whatever the shouchang was guarding into their own pocket.


    The first runner-up was Xi Wanya; he brought back a golden-haired monkey, and its body size was about two-thirds the size of a human. It was still alive and was trapped tightly by him. From the other people''s tone, this monkey was very difficult to deal with. Furthermore, it was humanistic. If nurtured well, it would be a good assistant in the future.


    The second runner-up was Hong Wu''s granddaughter, Hong Xian.


    Ren Baqian looked at the crowd as he roasted the meat. After the ranking had been confirmed, it was handed to the empress. Once it was acknowledged by her, everyone began to prepare for lunch and packed their things at the same time.


    After lunch, everyone began to make their return journey. From time to time, some people mentioned that they were missing someone: Lian Family''s Lian Baocheng was gone. Previously, there were also a few people who thought that he was concerned about the empress''s reward and, therefore, brought along a guard who was at the Earth Wheel level up the mountain to hunt. After all, he was always arrogant, and it wouldn''t be strange if he acted this way.


    Just that at this time, he still hadn''t appeared, and everyone felt that there was something wrong.


    "He overestimated his capabilities and challenged the ferocious beasts. As such, he had been swallowed by them, together with his guard," Xin Zhe announced.


    Even if anyone felt that there was an issue with what Xin Zhe said, nobody dared to say anything more. After all, they had no rtionship ties with Lian Baocheng, and Dayao had already given their exnation. Who cared if anything happened to him behind their backs as it would be the Lian Family''s problem. It was not known whether the territorial and domineering Lian Family would swallow this loss without being able to voice out at all.


    Even if they didn''t want to swallow this loss, there wasn''t any other better methods. Could it be that they wanted Qi Zixiao to give them a proper exnation?


    Upon hearing what Xin Zhe''s words, Ren Baqian reconfirmed that the empress already knew what had happened in the woods.


    Otherwise, Xin Zhe would not have said it this way.


    It was evident that the empress had suppressed this issue. After all, Xin Zhe appeared personally to exin. In future, if there was going to be any problem, it would be directed to the empress.


    Such a conclusion allowed him to heave a sigh of relief. In the future, nobody would dare to dig this out to say anymore. Or else, it would be the equivalent to pping the empress on her face.


    Otherwise, if the Lian Family found out the truth, even though Ren Baqian was in Dayao and Lian Family did not dare to brazenly do anything, he would be in deep trouble if they hired a few killers.


    Ren Baqian was rather grateful in this point of time. There were only a few leaders who were willing to take the me for their subordinates. Sure enough, he did not hug the wrong thigh at all.


    In the afternoon, everyone returned to Lan City, and there weren''t many people to wee them. But, when the empress''s carriage entered the city, there were still many aboriginalmoners cheering at the side.


    Everyone arrived at the za in front of the pce. The empress''s carriage went straight into the pce before everyone dispersed in small groups.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t concerned about the rest and returned straight to the beast park.


    Upon seeing Tiantian and Gungun, he picked them up and used his face to rub against their body. It was indeed great to be back.


    In a moment, Ren Baqian whose face was filled with w marks, brought the items back into his room. He hasn''t even warmed the seat yet when he was summoned to enter the pce.


    "I remember that you said you were going to prepare two sets of menus?" The empress asked.


    "Yes," Ren Baqian lowered his head and replied. Even though he was very grateful towards the empress in the afternoon, at the moment, he still had a guilty conscience.


    "In that case, choose the unordinary menu. These people are too daring and they are climbing over our heads," the empress stated coldly.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian retreated after he responded to her order. He went outdoors and let out a long breath.


    Why did the empress find them an eyesore?


    Ren Baqian mulled over this issue for half the day. Could it be because Lian Baocheng tried to kill him? After much deliberation, it was actually extremely likely. Hearing the empress say that she did not me him, she ought to know the situation at that time.


    Lian Baocheng did not only have guts, but he was practically challenging the empress by trying to kill a Dayao official right in front of her eyes. Now, even though he was already dead, the empress directly took her anger out on the rest of the people.


    Ren Baqian felt that in all likelihood this had the greatest possibility.


    Or, something might have happened on the day he returned to Earth to buy handguns. He was unsure.


    However, at the banquet, there the big shots of Dayao would also be present, and the empress did not order him to prepare two types of banquet dishes. As such, the dishes served to the big shots would also be simr to those of the people from the other nations. He must by all means prevent them from knowing that he was the one who designed the menu. Otherwise, he knew that it would be hard to guarantee that his life wouldn''t be made difficult.


    As Ren Baqian pondered, he arrived at the door to the imperial kitchen. He might as well stop thinking as, in any case, the empress had thest say.


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian, everyone in the imperial kitchen shouted one after another, "Brother Ren."


    "The menu has been fixed, and it is the second set��the interesting one. It will be used tomorrow. Have all the ingredients been prepared?" Ren Baqian questioned.


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, everyone revealed a look of anticipation to the good showing up.


    "It can be delivered here anytime," Caretaker Gou said in a deep voice, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.


    After tomorrow, he was afraid that he would be notorious among the cooks from the different nations.

 Chapter 113: General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation

    Chapter 113: General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After Ren Baqian left the pce, another person arrived there.


    The person was approximately forty to fifty years old. His appearance looked very ordinary. If he was thrown into a sea of people, no one would be able to identify him. He wore ordinary clothes and his height was considered ordinary among the aboriginals, with a height of 1.7 meters tall. Even so, he stood tall and imposing like a mountain, giving off an unmovable aura.


    "Your Majesty!" the huge man cupped his fists and greeted the empress with a powerful voice.


    "Give General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation a seat of honor!" There was a rare cordial look on the empress''s face.


    She would only act this way when she saw General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation, Hong Wu.


    The empress was only sixteen years old when she ascended the throne. One could imagine how hard it would have been for a sixteen-year-old to be the ruler of a nation. At that time, everyone, inside and outside of the imperial court, was observing her. Even Great Xia, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation had countless people doing the same as well.


    The level of her strength at that time was far from her current godlike level.


    It was all because of General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation, Hong Wu, that she could secure her throne.


    Hong Wu was appointed the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation by the former emperor of Dayao. This showed how high the emperor''s expectations for him were.


    Hong Wu did live up to the former emperor''s expectations.


    Therefore, Hong Wu was an uncle to her during that period of time. He was the only person she could rely on.


    Seven years had passed and their rtionshipsted until now.


    Every year, during the empress''s birthday, Hong Wu would return from the North and chit-chat with her, just like how family members talked to each other.


    Such a heartwarming session was hard toe by for the empress.


    "Your Majesty is bing more and more powerful, and I''m bing older and older." Hong Wu sat down and chuckled. The way he looked at the empress was cordial. Even Hong Xian had rarely seen this type of gaze from her grandfather.


    "General, you look no different from ten years ago." The empress chuckled on her couch. "Qing Yuan, fill up General''s cup."


    "Even though my face doesn''t change much, time spares none, and I''m indeed old," Hong Wu said.


    After he was passed a cup full of win, he burst intoughter and downed it in one gulp. "Your Majesty, thank you for the wine!"


    "Qing Yuan, fill it up again. This is a toast to thank you for guarding the North. Your presence alone stops Great Xia from trying anything funny. General, you have worked hard and your contributions are greatly appreciated."


    After finished speaking, the empress downed her cup of wine in one gulp.


    After each gave a toast, both of them talked about other stuff.


    "I''m afraid Great Xia will be up to no good soon. The emperor of Great Xia is an ambitious individual. After putting in so much effort into governing Great Xia, now that Great Xia has be so powerful, he might have the intention of expanding his territory," Hong Wu said.


    Following which, Hong Wu sighed and continued, "Back in the day, I should have killed him at the border station before he ascended the throne, it''s a pity that he escaped."


    The empress nodded her head and replied, "I''m only afraid that they are already making preparations. I guess I have to trouble General to deal with what''s going to happen next."


    If Ren Baqian heard their conversation, he would understand why Great Xia would send a white bear to Dayao.


    "Even though the soldiers of Great Xia are well-trained and well-equipped, the warriors of Dayao are not afraid of them. If they dare invade ournd, we will show how powerful we are!" Hong Wu roared with patriotism.


    "In the next few days, I will send an order to the mountains and levy twenty thousand men," the empress said while nodding her head.


    One had to understand that ordinary aboriginals were already very powerful. After going through military training, they surpassed even the elite units of Great Xia in terms of strength.


    Individual-wise, it certainly wasn''t an overstatement to say that one aboriginal warrior could contend against two Great Xia soldiers.


    Furthermore, this had already taken into consideration the fact that Dayao wascking in armors and weapons.


    However, one could not simply determine the oue of the battle between two armies like this.


    Right now, Dayao had a total of one hundred thousand soldiers. Fifteen thousand were in the South overlooking the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation. Twenty thousand were in the Northeast guarding themon border with the Yun Nation, fifteen thousand in the Northwest were guarding themon border with the Chen Nation and thirty thousand in the North were guarding themon border with Great Xia.


    The remaining twenty thousand soldiers were stationed in the capital to protect the entire Dayao.


    However, these one hundred thousand soldiers were the patrimony of Dayao over thest few years. All the taxes collected from Dayao''s northern region were used to support these one hundred thousand soldiers.


    The thirty thousand soldiers guarding the North of Dayao were the elites. However, their equipment paled inparison to Great Xia''s.


    They solely depended on their individual strength to suppress the twenty thousand Great Xia soldiers opposite them. However, if Great Xia really wanted to wage war against Dayao, they would utilize at least five hundred thousand soldiers.


    In a defensive battle where thirty thousand poorly-equipped soldiers fought against five hundred thousand well-equipped soldiers, even Hong Wu couldn''t do much to help.


    After all, Great Xia could mount an attack anywhere on Dayao and Hong Wu couldn''t possibly just guard one area.


    If the empress could recruit another twenty thousand soldiers, Hong Wu would have more trump cards in his hands. He could at least maintain a sizeable force at each pass.


    This was the best she could do. After all, it would be very hard to allocate the necessary equipment to these twenty thousand soldiers.


    After all, Dayao had an extremely pathetic equipment stockpile.


    However, she immediately thought of Ren Baqian. This fellow had many tricks up his sleeves, and he knew a lot of things. She wondered whether or not could he help on this matter.


    In fact, she had heard Ren Baqian mentioning "smelting" a few times. Usually, the people here would refer that as "casting". At that time, the empress did not know what he was talking about, and so she did not care about it.


    If Ren Baqian had said that he knew how to cast metals and forge weapons in the beginning, he wouldn''t almost have been beheaded.


    And right now, the empress hoped that Ren Baqian could help her in this area. Even if he couldn''t cast metals and forge weapons, she hoped he could invent something they could use in exchange for weapons from the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation. Given the current situation, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation would still be willing to trade with them. If Great Xia really tried to invade Dayao, it would be very difficult to trade with the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation.


    No only weapons but salt and food resources as well.


    Right now, Great Xia should still be in the preparatory stage. Therefore, Dayao still had some time to prepare.


    "Your Majesty, you have to take note of the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation," Hong Wu continued.


    The empress nodded her head. She understood Dayao was different from the other three nations. That was because aboriginals were different from their people. Naturally, the nation that aboriginals established was different from theirs as well.


    It was as though a wolf had sneaked into a flock of sheep.


    The Yun Nation''s and the Chen Nation''s uneasiness with the fact that Dayao was beside them wasn''t merely formed in a matter of days. In the past, Dayao even almost invaded the Yun Nation''s capital. If Great Xia really attacked Dayao, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation would definitely seize the opportunity to do so as well.


    If the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation attacked Dayao simultaneously, they would indeed be in a perilous situation.


    After finished talking about the national affairs, Hong Wu and the empress talked about other things. They mainly reminisced about their good old times. Both of them were in extremely good mood while doing so. Every now and then, they would burst intoughter.


    Just when the empress was having a great time with the conversation, Hong Wu suddenly looked at her and sighed.


    "General, is there any matter?" the empress asked. Hong Wu was an experienced veteran that was revered by many. It was rare to see him sigh like this.


    "Your Majesty ascended the throne at the age of sixteen, and it has been seven years since then. Your Majesty has transformed from a frail young girl to a monarch that''s revered by everyone in the world. Seeing how Your Majesty has progressed into what you are today, I feel extremely happy. However, now that Your Majesty is twenty-three years old, you have to make sure you have descendants to carry on your legacy." When Hong Wu said these words, he immediately sounded like an old man that was worried about his "leftover daughter".


    ["leftover daughter" - a sessful career woman who has remained single.]


    Hong Wu even brought out his status as the senior of the empress.


    The empress''s face immediately turned ugly. Last year, while celebrating the empress''s birthday, Hong Wu also tried various methods to prompt her into marriage. This year, he resorted to the "sentiment" card.


    She felt that she shouldn''t have asked him what was wrong and let him continue with his "monodrama".


    "Your Majesty, I don''t have many years left. Before I am gone, I wish to see Your Majesty get married. Furthermore, I''m not the only that is anxious for you. Everyone in the court is anxious as well." Hong Wu continued to sigh. As he sighed, he looked at the empress''s facial expression. He did not even worry that much for his actual granddaughter.


    However, he could not stop worrying about the person in front of him now. He had been entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of the empress by the former emperor. The empress had done an exceptionally good job in many other areas, and she was even more powerful than him. It was just this matter that he couldn''t stop worrying about.


    Outsiders would definitely not expect the seventh most powerful expert to discuss such matters with the ninth most powerful expert in the world.


    The empress furrowed her eyebrows.


    Initially, when she first saw Hong Wu, she was had been a pretty good mood. She was also very amiable while she was reminisced over their shared past with him. However, now that he brought up this topic, she was immediately turned off.


    If the person in front of her now wasn''t Hong Wu, she would have sent someone to kick him out of the pce.


    Two days ago during the court session, there are many people mentioning this very subject. Today, Hong Wu unexpectedly brought it up again. This made her very perplexed.


    However, the empress also clearly knew that Hong Wu did not have many years left. The matters of Dayao had been holding him up for all these years. If it weren''t for the fact that he wanted to assist her in the national affairs of Dayao, he would have left a long time ago.

 Chapter 114: Ceremonial Robe

    Chapter 114: Ceremonial Robe


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The following day, Ren Baqian made his way to the Honglu Bureau at first light. The empress''s birthday celebration was today. Following which, his mission would be considered aplished. The position of Honglu Deputy did not interest him much anyway.


    When he returned to Earth that night, he would bring some good stuff back. By the time he looked for Du Changkong, he would be able to exchange the good stuff for learning martial arts. Who knows, he might practice till he became an expert or what not.


    With regards to the martial arts in this world, he was nevertheless looking forward to practicing it.


    At present, he could only hope that he would be able to master the martial arts of this world. After all his was from another world, and he couldn''t say for certain whether he had the same bodyposition as the people in this world. In that case, it would be miserable for him.


    Qi Heng and Qi Sheng who were guarding the entrance of the Honglu Bureau, still paid their respects to Ren Baqian upon seeing him. Even though Ren Baqian''s temporary stint at the Honglu Bureau wasn''t a secret, he had indeed done a pretty good job as there wasn''t much trouble at the Honglu Bureau these days. As a result, the people there still considered him as someone respectable.


    As far as the attitudes of the people in the Honglu Bureau were concerned, Ren Baqian was rather fond of it. But, one''s own family would be aware of the happenings in their own family. In actual fact, the aboriginals were very rude, unreasonable, vicious, and merciless. Even though they posed as a threat to the people from the other nations, but on ount of the empress''s birthday, they wouldn''t go overboard either. To add on, Qi Zhi himself was already outstanding and powerful. He could easily settle the other party as long as he whacked them till they were convinced.


    As a result, he broke the legs of four peoplest year and continued to y dirty tricks under the table too.


    However, Ren Baqian was different as he was too weak to even truss a chicken and did not have any foundation in Dayao. If he wasn''t able to suppress them, on one hand, he would be in constant fear that his life would revolve around them. On the other hand, he wouldn''t be able to please the empress either.


    Following which, the vicious and merciless methods used by Ren Baqian and his absolutely unrestrained behavior was the reason they actually backed down.


    This did not imply that he handled the issue somewhat better than how the original deputy, Qi Zhi, handled it.


    Ren Baqian returned to his own room, and after a while, someone came to pass a token to him. This was to be used during the banquet that evening. The name list had already been fixed by the pce, and the rest of the invited guests had long ago received a token. He had been missing for a day, and following which, he participated in the Great Hunt. Thus, the token was only delivered to him today.


    Ren Baqian fiddled with the token; he had long prepared a gift for the empress. Thest time he came back to this world he had brought it along, and there ought to be no issues at all.


    It wasn''t expensive on Earth, but over here, it should be at the high-end impressive grade and wouldn''t pale inparison with the other valuable gifts from the everyone else.


    Moreover, this gift also had a unique bootlicking aspect, and it could be assumed that the empress would be fond of it.


    After sitting for a while, Ren Baqian suddenly thought of what should he wear this time as nobody informed him anything.


    He got up, left his room, and arrived at Gu Daxiong''s room. Ren Baqian could hear his thunderous snores from the doorway.


    This person asked others to work but did nothing himself. He must be reallyfortable. In previous years, the most troublesome period of time would be this period, but on the contrary, he wasn''t really involved at all.


    "Sir Gu," Ren Baqian knocked on the door and shouted. In no time, someone responded, "What''s the matter? Come in."


    When Ren Baqian entered the room, Gu Daxiong was seated on the chair with both of his arms folded across his chest.


    "Sir Gu, may I ask, what kind of clothes should I wear for the banquet?" Ren Baqian cupped one of his fists in another hand.


    Gu Daxiong scratched his head. "Of course it''s the ceremonial robe." Soon after, he remembered that Ren Baqian wasn''t familiar with all these things and said, "Go to Jingyang road and find this Gu Ji ready-made clothes shop. They make ceremonial robes over there. You are currently a Secondary ss, Rank 6 and the color of the robe should be grass-green."


    "Many thanks, Sir Gu. But, could you get someone to bring me there?" Ren Baqian asked. Fortunately, he really came to ask, or else, he wouldn''t have known that there were ceremonial robes in Dayao or even knew where to go to get them made. He hoped that there were ready-made robes in the shop to prevent any time wastage.


    "Look for Gu Shou and ask him to find someone to bring you there." Gu Daxiong waved his hand and yawned after that.


    After a short while, Ren Baqian arrived at an entrance of a shop on Jingyang Road under someone''s lead.


    "Deputy Ren, this is the ce. Tell them your position and they will know what to do," the person who led Ren Baqian to the shop told him and then left hurriedly.


    There weren''t many people in the shop, and a fewpleted clothes were hung on the frame.


    After all, the other people had already made preparations earlier on. Nobody was like Ren Baqian, who only had his ceremonial robe made when the banquet was the same night.


    There were two aboriginal women lying on the counter, and a burly man seated right beside them. Seeing Ren Baqian enter their shop while wearing his official robe, the two women immediately brought their spirits up.


    "Sir, what do you want to buy?"


    "A ceremonial robe to attend the banquet tonight. Are you able to make it by then?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "We''ll just have to alter it. You can collect it in four hours." One of the woman said, "Sir, follow me."


    It was currently 9 in the morning, and four hours would mean it would be 1pm. This implied that there was still enough time.


    After Ren Baqian went inside, there was a woman holding a ruler, standing by the side. It was unknown whether she was from the Yun Nation or Great Xia.


    Ren Baqian spread his arms apart to let the other party take his measurements. In his mind, he guessed which nation this woman was actually from.


    After all, the people from the three other nations all looked simr. The only difference was that the Chen Nation people were slightly tanner.


    One other possibility could be that she was a remnant citizen of the Hao Nation. This was more usible after thinking about it. In reality, the appearance of the aboriginals and them were simr with their features slightly more boorish. There was an enormous discrepancy in their build as well.


    In a moment, after informing them about his position, Ren Baqian left the shop and returned to the Honglu Bureau. He stayed there till afternoon before collecting his ceremonial robe and then directly went back to the beast park.


    The ceremonial robes in Dayao were very concise, and there weren''t too many decorations on it. It included only a buttoned nt-cored,yered robe. The left side of the front piece was pressed over the right side and this section extended all the way to one''s armpits. There were also decorative designs that were red on the nted portion and on the sleeves of the robe.


    Apart from the nted cor, waist area, sleeves, and so on, the rest of the robe was green. The ceremonial robe only reached slightly lower than his knees, and he had to wear a green pants beneath it.


    Everything else was fine with the exception of the color of this ceremonial robe. It made Ren Baqian feel that it was somewhat of a pain in the ass. Even if it was in the dark green spectrum, it would have be fine. After putting on this ceremonial robe, he immediately felt that he was as green as the prairie in the city of Hohhot.


    Ren Baqian shifted a wooden box which was about the height of one and a half human tall. The exterior of the box was made from wood and the interior was made from wrapping kraft paper inside. Soft paper was used to wrap the surroundings of the box.


    This was his gift for the empress''s birthday celebration.


    After examining the items, Ren Baqian went out and wandered around. He found Tie Dao and Teng Hulu, and the both of them immediately praised him repeatedly, "Sir Ren, you look dashing and majestic after donning the ceremonial robe."


    "Stop bootlicking. In a while, the both of you change into a set of clean clothes and help me to move my gift to the entrance of the pce." Ren Baqian said. He was so "green", how could he look dashing and majestic?


    "Yes sir." The pair immediately nodded. Soon after, they curiously asked, "Sir, we haven''t seen you preparing anything for Her Majesty and thought that you would go to the celebration empty-handed."


    "Naturally, I have prepared the gift long ago." Ren Baqian waved his hand, "The both of you go and change into another set of clothes."


    When evening approached, Ren Baqian brought Tie Dao and Teng Hulu to the entrance of the pce. There were already a few carriages parked at the side of the za.


    And, at the entrance of the pce doors, there were also a few rows of imperial guards. They formed a human wall, and among the human wall, there were two paths. The Dayao officials took one path while the others from the three nations took a separate path.


    There were also a few women stationed outside of the human wall, recording the gifts that were going to be presented to the empress.

 Chapter 115: What the Hell Are These?

    Chapter 115: What the Hell Are These?


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Before Ren Baqian arrived, there were already several people. A few men that were wearing red and purple ceremonial robes went straight into the pce without stopping. Their servants ced the gifts on one side, had their masters'' gifts registered, and waited outside the pce.


    Ren Baqian overheard what they were saying. After registering and presenting the gifts, those followers would say out loud what the gifts were. For example, thirteen bales of sun grass, one Heaven-grade weapon.


    After waiting for a while, it was finally Ren Baqian''s turn to present his gift. He took some time to think of a name for his gift. Just the Dayao officials alone had presented the empress with numerous gifts. Including the gifts from the three nations'' nobles, the number of gifts presented to the empress would be tremendous.


    It was very unlikely that the empress would look over every single gift. At most, she would pick a few that she was interested in and take a look at them. The rest would be sent to the imperial warehouse. This meant the step of writing down the name of the gift was very important.


    If his gift wasn''t sent to the empress, he would not be able to bootlick her. Other people''s gifts could be ordinary as they had their statuses to back them up. As long as their gifts weren''t unpresentable, they did not care whether or not would their gifts be selected by the empress.


    His case was different from the rest''s.


    Ren Baqian reported the name of his gift and everyone looked at him with an astonished look on their faces.


    However, since he was a Secondary ss, Rank 6 official, no one dared to say anything about him.


    They merely felt that he was slightly arrogant.


    After all the gifts had been registered, they would be sent to the pce. The empress would personally look over the gift list.


    Ren Baqian waved to Tie Dao and Teng Hulu, signaling to them that they could go back first. Following which, he entered the pce.


    In front of him, a pce maid led the way. Not far in front of him, the others were also led by pce maids. Ren Baqian did not fidget and look around. Meekly, he followed the pce maid to an unknown, enormous pce hall.


    At this point of time, the left and right sides of the pce hall were filled with tables. To Ren Baqian''s liking, there were two chairs ced behind every table. This setting was much morefortable than the setting with kneeling on the floor, which he''d seen in those ancient drama series.


    There were not many people inside. On the left side of the pce hall, there were huge men that were either short-haired or bald. All of them were chatting andughing loudly. That side of the pce hall was rowdy. Opposite them, the nobles from the other three nations had arrived. All of them were sitting down and resting with their eyes closed.


    The arrival of Ren Baqian did not attract much attention. His table was on the left side nearest to the entrance. After he was led to his table, he thanked the pce maid. Following which, he sat at his table in a daze.


    Afterwards, he saw a lot of big shots however he knew none of them.


    Basically, the men were either short-haired or bald, and their bodies were muscr. Meanwhile, the women looked martial and charismatic. Simrly, they were also wearing ceremonial robes but theirs looked moreplicated than the men''s.


    Unlike the ancient Chinese times, females in Dayao were allowed to hold official positions. The proportion of females holding an office wasn''t low in Dayao. After all, the empress was Dayao''s number one expert. The strength of aboriginal women wasparable to aboriginal men''s.


    However, female officials mainly held office in the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Appointments. They were mainly in charge of taxation and imperial examinations. There was an extremely small number of girls that served in the army.


    The mother of Liu Ruoyao was an imperial treasurer that was in charge of levying tax.


    After a while, Mister Emptiness, Ning Caichen, and the rest arrived at the pce hall. Ren Baqian wondered where Ning Caichen ced his sword. In any case, he came here alone. Simrly, Mister Emptiness came here alone with his four female escorts.


    To Ren Baqian''s surprise, Ning Caichen sat at the center of the pce hall slightly towards the front while Mister Emptiness sat at the center slightly towards the back. Both of them were merely separated by seven or eight seats.


    As time passed, the empty pce hall began to fill up with people. The seats of honor at both sides of the pce hall were still empty.


    Following which, the people who arrived were the legitimate big shots. For example, the Second Elder. At the most front of the pce hall, there were three empty seats.


    Soon after, the Seventh Prince of Great Xia arrived too. This time around, out of all the guests from the three nations, he was the most senior. Therefore, he sat on the seat of honor at the right side of the pce hall.


    After Seventh Prince entered the pce hall, he cast his gaze in the direction of Ren Baqian. Then, he nodded his head at the person who had the exact same facial appearance as him.


    Seventh Prince wasn''t the only one looking at Ren Baqian. The people that arrived after him also did the same as well.


    After all, there were two persons that looked exactly the same. One was the Seventh Prince of Great Xia, and the other one was a Secondary ss, Rank 6 official of Dayao. This type of scenario piqued everyone''s interest.


    When Ren Baqian saw Seventh Prince, he felt an urge to kill him again. Furthermore, the urge was stronger than before, making him squint his eyes.


    After Seventh Prince and his counterparts sat down upon the seats of honor at the right side of the pce hall, Ren Baqian lowered his head and ced his gaze on the table in front of him. His tightly clenched fists slowly loosened up.


    Soon after, an old man that had a crooked back entered the pce hall. His body was skinnier and weaker than the ordinary aboriginals''. The pce hall immediately quieted down. Following which, everyone stood up and greeted him. Even those arrogant and fearsome army big shots lowered their volumes when they saw him.


    This man was the Great Elder, Shi Qing. It was because of him that the Shi Family had so many of its members holding an office in the pce.


    For example, Shi Hu and Shi Wanshan.


    Shi Qing wore a deep-red ceremonial robe, looking extremely festive. If it weren''t for the scar on his face, he would look like any random old man on the street.


    Simrly, the Junior Elder, Zhe Kouhai, was dressed in a deep-red ceremonial robe too. He entered the pce hall right after Shi Qing. After their arrival, the mor in the pce hall lessened and everyone became slightly quieter.


    The two of them sat on the seats of honor at the left side of the pce hall. There was still one more seat of honor that was empty.


    Even Ren Baqian knew who that seat belonged to.


    Indeed, after a few minutes, an ordinary-looking yet imposing, middle-aged man entered the pce hall. Everyone quieted down. This had not happened even when Second Elder arrived.


    Everyone stood up as a form of respect to this expert.


    "Sir Hong Wu!" Everyone greeted him in unison. Especially those army big shots, their voices were the loudest.


    On the right side of the pce hall, the nobles from the three nations shifted their gazes to the most revered man in Dayao. All of them were filled with curiosity towards Hong Wu.


    After Hong Wu sat down on his chair, the pce hall quieted down further. Everyone knew the banquet was about to begin.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian re-adjusted his frame of mind and looked opposite him. Seated across from him, were bunch of pretty boys, and there were many types of them. There were handsome-looking, sunshine-looking, sissy-looking, mncholy-looking...


    If they were in other nation, they might be able to attract many infatuated young girls and find themselves suitable marriage partners.


    However, given the empress''s ice-cold personality and superior strength, Ren Baqian felt that these people had no chance at all.


    After all, the empress wasn''t a fifteen-year-old girl who had never seen guys before. One couldn''t deceive her with looks alone.


    Even if your eyes can discharge electricity, it will be useless against her.


    Ren Baqian cringed upon seeing the pretty boys opposite him.


    While Ren Baqian was examining the pretty boys and letting his imagination run wild, lines of pce maids entered the pce hall to serve the dishes.


    This time around, the pce hall really quieted downpletely.


    An absolute silence.


    When everyone saw the dishes, all of them were thinking about one, "What the hell are these?"


    When Hong Wu saw the dishes in front of him, his face could not help but twitch.


    Has Her Majesty been pressured until the point that she wants to take everyone down with her?

 Chapter 116: Is It Really That Tasty?

    Chapter 116: Is It Really That Tasty?


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The first te consisted of eight river fish that died with their eyes still open and only the heads exposed. The imperial kitchen staff deliberately arranged those fish heads to appear as if they were looking at the person eating.


    The second dish served was four eggs, smashed into half and showing almost mature birds with feathers.


    The third dish served was steaming hot goat''s brain. It looked identical to a human brain but was slightly bigger, with some spring onions sprinkled on it.


    The pce began to buzz with noise again, and everyone greeted and hobnobbed with each other. Something did not seem right with the dishes provided at this banquet. Subsequently, a few people looked in the direction of the Empress Hall''s entrance where a certain person was seated.


    Facing the crowd''s murderous look, Ren Baqian felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.


    This was the empress''s arrangement, why are you looking at me?


    Wasn''t the first dish just looking up at the stars? Wasn''t the second dish just balut? Wasn''t the third dish just a steamed goat brain? Wasn''t the fourth dish just fried spiders?


    Ren Baqian looked at the few dishes in front of him, particrly at the steaming hot goat''s brain and the te of fried spiders. He immediately lost all of his appetite.


    One of the remaining two dishes was roasted field mice. The other dish looked visually better, but what was in it was unknown, and it could be assumed that no one was willing to swallow it.


    Sauteedrge intestines was what these people would not want to know about. If they knew, they would strangle Ren Baqian to death.


    With so many eyes staring at him, especially those from senior court officials, Ren Baqian felt very ufortable from head to toe. Which bastard had betrayed him? How did these people know?


    Then again, there were no problems at the banquet all these years, and it had to happen after he appeared on the scene. Furthermore, he was always running errands in the pce, and it was easy to associate any problems with him.


    The Seventh Prince looked at the dishes and felt queasy at the thought of eating these inedible foods. As a prince, he was used to fine clothing and fine food and never had never seen such stuff before.


    It was not only him that felt this way. Even though they were nowhere near his status, nevertheless, everyone there was born with a golden spoon. For those who had suffered a little before, they might eat slightly less well, but they''d definitely never eaten such strange stuff at all.


    Everyone raised their heads to see how the Dayao people reacted to these dishes. In the end, everyone uniformly looked in the same direction.


    Looking at the direction Dayao''s court officials were gazing at, the people from the three nations who were frowning and feeling nauseated, turned their malicious looks on Ren Baqian.


    From the looks in the eyes of those Dayao people, if they still didn''t know Ren Baqian was the culprit behind this matter, they were fools.


    It could be seen from the dishes the deep malicious intent, new vengeful thoughts were stirred up by old hatred. For a moment, Ren Baqian who was sitting at the corner of the entrance, became the center of attraction.


    "But the mastermind was the empress, how could he arrange anything without her approval?" Ren Baqian felt that he would not be able to stuff his head into his crotch area. Also, he did not have the courage to treat these people with disdain. As such, he decided to close his eyes and pretended to be dead.


    Even with his eyes closed, Ren Baqian''s body still felt cold.


    "Her Majesty has arrived!" Hearing the voice at the entrance meant the salvation of Ren Baqian.


    The empress looked somewhat different today unlike thenguid lookingdy Ren Baqian was used to seeing. Her hair was pulled into a high bun and inserted with a carved ruby hairpin. Her lips were painted blood red and coupled with her cool temperament and charming demeanor, stunning Ren Baqian with her breathtaking look.


    Simrly, her clothes today were somewhat different from what she wore usually. The material she always wore was a breathable type of red yarn, but tonight she wore a red silk dress embroidered with gold threads, and on the back, was a phoenix with wings spread.


    Thest time Ren Baqian ttered her when he said, "Your beauty transcends the whole world." Ren Baqian had to admit those words were not an exaggeration from the way she looked today.


    If 10 points was full marks, the empress scored nine points on her looks. Adding one point for temperament, one for being the seventh most powerful expert in the world, and one for being the ruler of a nation. At the very least, she had to be given 12 points.


    Those pretty boys looked at the empress with lovestruck eyes. They dared not look too long as one p from her was enough to kill them. Yet, they still wanted to raise their heads to look. They were seen raising and lowering their heads repeatedly��


    The most important person seated at the highest seat in the seat of honor was naturally the empress. The banquet only formally started when she sat down.


    As the empress entered the hall, she looked to the sides and looked quite pleased about the food served. Smiling, she felt they deserved it for nagging her everyday about marrying her off and having children.


    In fact, Ren Baqian was mistaken. If everyone had not discussed about forcing her to get married in the court sessions a few days earlier, she would not have let him prepare this menu.


    Instead, the people from the other three nations were implicated by the Dayao officials.


    "May my Dayao have eternal courage!" the empress toasted her cup of wine.


    "May Her Majesty be eternally courageous!" the people toasted.


    Ren Baqian followed whatever the crowd did. At this moment, nobody noticed him, and he could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    Gulping down the fiery wine was like cutting the throat with a knife, and the stomach was on fire.


    The pressure was on the crowd to eat the food. All eyes were on the empress and nobody moved the chopsticks. Some of those with low alcohol threshold looked at their tes and red ferociously at Ren Baqian.


    The empress toasted again, " Glory to everyone."


    "Glory to Her Majesty," the crowd toasted.


    It was bottoms up again.


    After two rounds, some were not able to withstand the alcohol anymore, especially those pretty boys on the opposite side. Although they were here to attend the banquet, two toasts of wine had nothing to do with them, but they still had to drink it.


    At this point in time, after taking a look at the table again and pondering for a while, the sauteedrge intestines seemed to look ptable. With eyes closed, the taste in the mouth was surprisingly unexpected and full of vor. Everyone was relieved to know that the bastard was not that extreme.


    Many people looked at Ren Baqian again, seeing whether he was eating or not. If he did not eat, they would kill him when he left the pce.


    The empress was sitting at the highest position inside the hall, and yet, this group of people were looking at the entrance.


    Ren Baqian analyzed the crowd''s reaction. He had to test the food or he would face trouble when he had to leave the ce. He tried the sauteedrge intestines, and it was not bad. The skills of the cooks from the imperial kitchen were indeed good. They must have gone through some training recently.


    Then, he put a spider into his mouth. He had not eaten it before. It was very colorful and disgusting to look at, but he bit the bullet and popped it into the mouth.


    "Eh? It is crispy, tastes like chicken, and the smell was better than the sauteedrge intestines." Ren Baqian''s eyes brightened. This tasted better than he expected, and he grabbed another spider and put it into his mouth.


    The whole hall looked at him popping the spiders, left and right, into his mouth.


    "Is it really that tasty?" Many saw him enjoying the food and believed it to be good too.

 Chapter 117: Extraordinary Gifts

    Chapter 117: Extraordinary Gifts


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Everyone was looking at Ren Baqian enjoying the food. Ning Caichen picked up a spider in doubt and examined it closely. After hesitating for quite some time, he closed his eyes and ced the spider into his mouth, appearing as though he was eating a bitter gourd. After chewing it for two seconds, he opened his eyes and gave the distant Ren Baqian a thumbs-up. It indeed tasted not bad.


    It was just that it looked disgusting.


    When everyone else saw what Ning Caichen did, they thought to themselves, "Maybe the dishes indeed taste good, it''s just that they look disgusting."


    One by one, the rest picked up the spiders and tasted them. Following which, they nodded their heads in approval.


    Those pretty boys'' face twitched. Eventually, they decided to go back and eat sauteed pig intestines after the banquet had ended.


    As for the rest of the dishes, no one dared to taste them yet.


    On her seat of honor, the empress looked at everyone beneath her. Then, she raised her up and said, "This is a toast to Dayao''s eternal existence."


    "Dayao''s eternal existence!" Everyone on the left side of the pce hall raised their cups and returned the empress''s toast.


    On the right side of the pce hall, everyone drank their alcohol silently.


    The empress''s next toast would be to thank everyone for bringing gifts from distantnds to Dayao. No matter what, she would still show everyone respect after receiving their gifts. After all, she had used the gifts that she received these few years to exchange for weapons from other nations.


    "We wish the empress of Dayao longevity!" Everyone on the right side of the pce hall raised their cups and gave the empress a toast.


    At this point of time, the empress had finishedmencing the banquet. There was an announcer at the front of the pce hall announcing the gift list. After all, the gifts were brought to unt about.


    "General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation, Hong Wu, presents a Jade Embryo!" The first person was Hong Wu. Ren Baqian wondered what a Jade Embryo was. It sounded as though it was something high-end. Everyone else broke into a lively discussion.


    When Seventh Prince heard "Jade Embryo", envy arose in his heart. One could onlye across a Jade Embryo serendipitously. In his entire lifetime, he had only heard of it but had never seen it before. The imperial family of Great Xia spent so many years searching for it, and they could only find one. Seventh Prince wondered where Hong Wu found it. Not only did Hong Wu not hide it, he even gifted it to Qi Zixiao.


    Seventh Prince had heard that Hong Wu and Qi Zixiao had an extremely good rtionship. It seemed like it was true. After all, Hong Wu would definitely not gift the Jade Embryo to Qi Zixiao for the sake of currying favor with her. Given his status, he did not need to do so.


    The Jade Embryo only had one use but the emperor of Great Xia would be willing to exchange for it with a city��


    It could extend one''s life by twenty years and preserve his or her facial appearance. The person who used it would only start ageing rapidly when he or she was dying.


    Longevity was mankind''s eternal goal.


    Maintaining a youthful facial appearance was every woman''s eternal goal.


    These two points alone could make everyone in the world go crazy over the Jade Embryo.


    Hong Wu took out a box from nowhere, took two steps forward and ced it before the empress. This thing was too precious, so he had to give it to the empress personally.


    A warm feeling flowed through the empress''s heart. She clearly knew that if it was someone else that gained the possession of the Jade Embryo, he or she would not hand it over this easily.


    Without needing anyone to pass it to her, the empress reached out her hands and took it. Then, she opened the box and revealed a circr jade. Subsequently, she ced it on her palm. Under the light, she could see a human-shaped object within the jade


    "Thank you very much, General." The empress nodded her head and ced the jade back into the box. Then, she ced the box beside her hand.


    This artifact was extremely precious to her. It wasn''t the life extension of twenty years that moved her, but rather, its ability to provide her with eternal youth.


    Hong Wu returned to his seat. Everyone else began to stand up and congratte the empress, "Your Majesty, congrattions!"


    Other than Hong Wu''s extraordinary gift, the rest of the gifts were mainly Heaven-grade weapons, meteorite ores, precious treasures and etc. Even though all of them were considered priceless gifts, they still paled inparison to Hong Wu''s Jade Embryo.


    "Honglu Deputy, Storyteller of Qingxin Pce, Ren Baqian��" the announcer stopped his announcement momentarily before continuing, "... presents a ''The Ultimate Mirror That Is Only Fit for Her Majesty''."


    An absolute silence descended upon the pce hall once again. This gift sounded as though it wasparable to Hong Wu''s Jade Embryo.


    However, just now, everyone was shocked because they did not expect Hong Wu could present such an extraordinary gift to the empress. On the contrary, at this point of time, everyone was thinking to themselves, "What the hell is this thing?"


    Everyone shifted their gazes to Ren Baqian.


    The empress, who was already in a good mood, was stunned after hearing those words from the announcer. Following which, her eyes curled up as she almostughed out loud on the spot.


    Next up, the announcer announced the gifts from the nobles of the three nations. Seventh Prince''s gifts shocked many people as well. Seven dragon scales and one drop of dragon blood.


    These gifts were considered extraordinary. Previously, the arrival of the Seventh Prince already surprised many people. Why would a prince of Great Xia want to celebrate the birthday of Dayao''s empress? At that time, everyone reckoned that he must have other motives.


    At this moment, Seventh Prince''s gifts had validated everyone''s conjecture.


    Only the empress and Seven Prince knew that these seven dragon scales were real dragon scales and the drop of dragon blood was a drop of real dried-up dragon blood. The word "real" meant a lot.


    After falling out with the empress that day, Seventh Prince had been thinking very hard about what made Ren Baqian so valuable that the empress would fall out with a prince from Great Xia for him. She did not care even after he corrected himself. After thinking about it for a few days, he decided to try his luck.


    Even for the seventh most powerful expert in the world, this gift was considered very precious. Furthermore, it was from a powerful individual like the Seventh Prince.


    The Seventh Prince betted that Qi Zixiao would give him what he wanted.


    That bottle of blood was exceptionally important to him. It could save him tens of years of hard work.


    Even if this private transaction came into light and the news of him giving such treasures to Dayao''s empress was spread to Great Xia, he did not care at all.


    When the empress heard about these gifts, she immediately knew the Seventh Prince''s intention. Since the other party had shown his sincerity, she had decided to give him a bottle of kirin blood.


    The next gift that the empress received was an interesting one, and it was from Ning Caichen. It was actually a painting that depicted one hundred beauties. It would be suitable gift if it was given to a male like an emperor. What''s point of giving such a gift to the empress?


    Most of the gifts were jewels, paintings and calligraphies. These kinds of gifts were rather boring.


    Everyone was only interested in two gifts. One was Ren Baqian''s "The Ultimate Mirror That Is Only Fit for Her Majesty".


    Another one was Ning Caichen''s "One Hundred Beauties".


    Many people felt there was definitely something strange with "One Hundred Beauties".


    The empress seemed to know what everyone was thinking. She bluntly said, "Bring up ''One Hundred Beauties'' and Ren Baqian''s gift. I believe everyone wants to see how they look like."


    The gift that was brought up to the empress first was "One Hundred Beauties". It was a scroll that was 1.2 meters long. After it was pulled open, it was 10 meters long. The women drawn on the painting were vivid and lifelike. Every one of them was indeed remarkably beautiful. The guests from the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation and Great Xia realized the women on the painting were all the most stunning beauties in today''s world. Not only were their looks exceptional, but their martial arts, backgrounds, and etc. were as well.


    The person who drew the women on the painting was also an extraordinary individual. To meet even one of the one hundred beauties would take a tremendous amount of effort and time.


    There was one beauty on the painting that everyone was familiar with. Following which, all of them shifted their gazes to the Seventh Prince. That beauty was actually Xiu Wu, the girl who always by Seventh Prince''s side.


    If other people could recognize her, then Seventh Prince could definitely recognize her as well. He could not help but furrow his eyebrows, wondering who drew this painting.

 Chapter 118: Exceptional Bootlicker

    Chapter 118: Exceptional Bootlicker


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Great Xia''s Mister Ning, please talk about this painting that depicts one hundred beauties." The empress carefully looked at it once and couldn''t spot anything weird. The women in the painting were indeed remarkably beautiful.


    Could it be possible that Ning Caichen took this painting out topare those beauties with me?


    It would simply be a joke!


    Ning Caichen got up and cupped his hands in obeisance, T"he empress of Dayao, please forgive me for my impetuous move. This painting was painted by a talented individual. His life goal was to paint a picture of the top one hundred beauties in this world. After painting ny-nine of them, he wasn''t able to paint thest beauty anymore."


    "Why?" A bystander asked.


    "This was because, the ny-nine women obtained four points for beauty, liveliness and elegance. But, there is only one person among the women in this world, who obtained a perfect five score. As such, he couldn''t paint her no matter what. Thus, after getting hold of news that I was heading to Dayao, he entrusted me with this painting. Since I''m able to present it in front of Dayao''s empress, I havepleted his wish. Your Majesty can burn this painting, or do whatsoever you please with it afterwards. How can there be one hundred beauties in this world when one beauty is sufficient. What more, how are the rest of them be evenparable to you?" Ning Caichen said with his hands cupped in obeisance.


    His speech made everyone dumbstruck. Even Ren Baqian was cursing "F**k" in his heart.


    Must you bootlick to such degree?


    How are you going to survive when you return to Great Xia?


    Ning Caichen was also a talented person. He was a huge rival. If Ren Baqian had known, he would have left him behind to feed the wolves.


    Everyone else could save their breath. The poetry verses which that group of pretty boys prepared to praise the empress, weren''t required anymore. Ning Caichen''s praise would make whatever anyone else said pale inparison.


    Only the Seventh Prince frowned. A hundred Xiu Wu, who was always by his side, wasn''t evenparable to one Qi Zixiao? Among all the women in the world, only Qi Zixiao obtained a perfect five score for beauty, liveliness, and elegance? How did this make him feel? It was as if he treated something ordinary as a treasure.


    His mood immediately turned sour.


    The empress was a little displeased previously, but now, she was more rxed and her lips curled into a smile.


    At this moment, everyone could see that the empress''s mood was indeed excellent.


    "Great Xia''s Mister Ning, I will ept this painting." The empress nodded.


    Ning Caichen cupped his hands in salute and returned to his original seat.


    "If we are talking about all the women in the world, Your Majesty will naturally score a perfect five score for beauty, liveliness, and elegance." A burly man touched his bald head andughed mischievously.


    "How can it be only five points. If necessary, she is even six points or seven points. I feel that the talented painter''s scope is too shallow," another burly man immediately continued.


    A group of burly man with spare tires began to brag about the empress.


    But, these kinds of praises would only be effective for the first person who said it.


    The empress spoke, "Bring Ren Baqian''s gift up here. I believe that everyone here is curious as I am incessantly curious."


    When the empress began to speak, everyone nodded one after another. They were indeed curious what exactly was the "The Ultimate Mirror That Is Only Fit for Her Majesty".


    The name was entric and sounded out of this world.


    Following which, two people carried a box to the center of the Empress Hall.


    From the external packaging, it wasn''t considered exquisite looking at all. The external packaging looked very coarse and it seemed like a normal box made of wood. From the chink in the box, an object could be seen but nobody was able to tell what it was.


    "Ren Baqian, you can take your gift out for everyone here to see," the empress said.


    Ren Baqian got up and walked to the center of the Empress Hall. He thought to himself, luckily, he was well prepared. Even though Ning Caichen''s bootlicking skill was excellent just now, he wasn''tcking either and ought to be the most exceptional bootlicker over here.


    "May I request any sirs to help open this box. Please do not spoil the thing inside by all means." Ren Baqian faced the left side with his hands cupped in salute.


    Everyone took a nce at one another. If it was something more troublesome, everybody would take more interest in it. However, it was only a wooden box and everyone was trulyzy to lend a helping hand.


    "Let me do it.'' Atst, a burly man who was at the far end got up from his seat and walked to the front of the Empress Hall. He did a salute to the empress before using his fingers to gently crush the top of the wooden box, immediately breaking it.


    He crushed from the top to the bottom of the box. After which, he used both of his hands and pulled it apart. The entire wooden box was broken into pieces.


    Ren Baqian supported the half-length mirror that was wrapped in kraft paper. He then nodded to express his gratitude towards that burly man, "Many thanks to this sir."


    Soon after, he tore the kraft paper and a silvery, sparkling mirror was revealed. The metal of the mirror frame was made in Europe and wasplicated to make. Just this decorative design alone caused the cksmith to go through a whole load of trouble.


    And what attracted people was the mirror itself. It was different from the copper mirrors, which produced blurry and dark images, that they were currently using. This mirror reflected the outside world which was shone on it, and there wasn''t a tiny bit of blurriness either. The images reflected from the mirror were extremely distinct.


    The image on the mirror was as if there was another Empress Hall, and every single minute details could be seen.


    Upon seeing this mirror, all the women present were aroused.


    Also, there were words written on both sides of this mirror.


    "Without the birth of Your Majesty, there will be eternity of darkness!" Someone read this sentence aloud, word by word.


    Ren Baqian faced the empress and cupped his hands in obedience. "There is only one of such mirror in this world. I believe that only Her Majesty has the qualifications to possess it. Just as the words on the mirror ''Without the birth of Your Majesty, there will be eternity of darkness''."


    One had no choice but to admit that Ren Baqian''s bootlicking skills were too awesome. Just now, Ning Caichen''s "One Hundred Beauties" had already made everyone astonished. At this moment, everyone was overawed by Ren Baqian''s mirror.


    The mirror was a rare treasure. But, the words on top were the most significant.


    Without the birth of Her Majesty, there would be eternity of darkness.


    Prior to the birth of Her Majesty from the heavens, the world was shrouded in boundless darkness.


    These words were too imposing. Everyone could feel the imposing aura from just these few words.


    Previously, Ning Caichen said that out of all the women in the world, Her Majesty obtained a perfect score of five for beauty, liveliness, and elegance. The other ny-nine beauties scored four points, and the rest of the women only had one point. Only when the scores of all the women in the world were added up, then they would be considered as Her Majesty''s rival.


    This was already the most extreme and exaggerated praise, and Ning Caichen was afraid that he would get into some trouble. But ultimately, he wasparing Her Majesty with other women in the world.


    When it was Ren Baqian''s turn, he was one step ahead. His praise included all the astounding literary talents from the olden days, all the magnificent heroes who reigned in this world, and also all the rulers of the different nations.


    Before Her Majesty appeared in this world, even with all of you, this world was still in darkness. Only after the birth of Her Majesty, did this world became truly filled with radiance.


    Aspared to Her Majesty, all of you were merely fireflies.


    The other people could still respond after what Ning Caichen said. But, after Ren Baqian spoke, nobody dared to say anything.


    These words were too imposing.


    Genuinely regarding the magnificent heroes in this world as nobody and regarding the countless magnificent heroes over the million years as nothing. Nobody would even dare to say such words among their own family, let alone saying it at such a location.


    After recovering from the astonishment, the people from Great Xia, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation side-eyed Ren Baqian. Isn''t your bootlicking too excessive?


    This time, everyone felt that Ren Baqian''s bootlicking was too excessive and might have bootlicked the empress the wrong way.


    Qi Zixiao might not necessarily receive this praise.


    Without mentioning other factors and only basing on strength, she was only the seventh most powerful expert in the world and still not the first.


    If she received this praise and word got out, how would the six experts before her feel? How would the Great Xia''s emperor view this?


    Did she really think that there was no one else besides her in this world?


    Silence fell on the Empress Hall. Everyone kept their mouth shut and was waiting for the conclusion.


    The people from the three nations believed that the Dayao officials opposite them certainly had the same thinking as well.


    Didn''t they all keep their silence as well?

 Chapter 119: Shock! Shock! Shock!

    Chapter 119: Shock! Shock! Shock!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Storyteller Ren, the quality of the mirror is extremely good, but let''s pretend you never said that nonsense. You''re dismissed."


    The old man on the third seat of honor said.


    It was the Junior Elder, Zhe Kouhai. In Dayao, other than Qi Zixiao, Hong Wu and Shi Qing, his rank was the highest.


    His words had concluded the matter. By referring Ren Baqian''s words as nonsense and chasing him out afterwards, this matter had been concluded.


    It might appear that the Junior Elder had helped the empress out of the situation, but many people still had their eyebrows knitted. The rest whose ranks weren''t as high as Junior Elder''s did not dare to say anything before the empress spoke.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was unusually calm. Looking at the everyone''s reaction, he would be a fool if he did not know what went wrong. In fact, he had already thought about this problem before he presented the gift to the empress. However, given the empress''s character, he eventually decided to say these words.


    "Perhaps everyone might feel that what I said is preposterous but these words indeed came from the bottom of my heart. If I''m to be dismissed, it has to be said so by Her Majesty," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and said. He naturally knew whose words he should listen to.


    Deep down, Ren Baqian felt that the situation would take a turn for the better. Recently, he had developed a better understanding of the empress, and he knew that her mindset wasn''t the same as these people''s.


    "Do all of you think these words are preposterous?" Right after Ren Baqian finished her sentence, the empress''s cold voice suddenly resounded through the air.


    When the empress''s words echoed throughout the pce hall, a cold shiver went down everyone''s spine.


    Is Her Majesty going to flip out soon? Some people thought to themselves.


    If they answered "yes" to the empress''s question, it implied that the empress wasn''t worthy of those words. Answering "yes" would be courting death, especially when the empress was about to flip out.


    Therefore, the people from Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation did not dare to say anything. They were only waiting to see the ending of this show.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the empress. Her face remained calm as usual. He could not tell what she was thinking about.


    "I��" Just as a huge man was about to stand up and say something, he was disrupted by a burst ofughtering from the seats of honor.


    "I do think that these words are well-said and they are suitable for Her Majesty. If anyone has any opinion, talk to me first." Hong Wu suddenly smacked the table in front of him and burst outughing.


    Instead of saying these words were not suitable for the empress, he said the empress was worthy of these words.


    Without the slightest scruple, he smacked the table andughed heartily. His voice contained no fear at all.


    He was the ninth most powerful expert in the world, and therefore, he had the balls to say these words.


    If he did not even dare to say these words, he was not fit to be the ninth most powerful expert in the world.


    The others were different from him. Even an impetuous individual would not dare to speak like him. After all, everyone else wasn''t as powerful and open-minded as Hong Wu.


    This was the gap between Hong Wu and other people.


    Hong Wu swept his gaze across everyone on the right side of the pce hall. No one dared to say anything.


    "That''s right, if anyone has any opinion, speak to my knife!" the big man who previously stood up continued.


    Even though all of them were aboriginals, the mindsets of army officers and court officials still differed to some extent.


    Furrowing his eyebrows, Zhe Kouhai stood up, cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty! I have something to say."


    "Zhe Kouhai! How dare you!" The hair clip on the empress''s head exploded and all her hair was drifting in the air.


    "Her Majesty indeed flips out!" Everyone thought to themselves when they saw this scene.


    A terrifying aura engulfed the entire pce hall and shocked everyone. It wasn''t like the empress never flipped out before in the past, but this was the first time her aura was so terrifying.


    Many people were rendered unmovable on their chairs by this aura.


    There were two persons in the pce hall that were unaffected by the aura. One was Ren Baqian, who appeared as though he was in the eye of a hurricane, feeling nothing at all.


    The other person that waspletely unaffected was Hong Wu.


    All the other Dayao officials felt as though there was a huge mountain on top of their heads that was going to fall and crush them at any moment.


    Even though they knew the empress would definitely not do this, the terrifying aura still made them trembled in fear.


    The empress stared at Zhe Kouhai with an ice-cold look on her face. However, everyone felt that she was going to erupt like a volcano at any moment.


    Back in the day, when I ascended the throne, you were the one that rejoiced the most. After my position was stabilized, you stopped supporting me, but I still keep you by my side. However, now, how dare you speak before me? And how dare you chase my subordinate out of my banquet? Audacious!


    Other people might not know your intention, but don''t you think I know?


    "What opinion do you have about those words?" the empress asked coldly.


    "How dare you chase my subordinate out the banquet?"


    "What do you want to say?"


    Beads of sweat flowed down Zhe Kouhai''s forehead. He did not expect the empress to have such a big reaction.


    The empress''s terrifying aura rendered him unmovable.


    He was feeling appalled at the same time. From the empress''s aura, he could tell that she had be more powerful.


    However, he could not exactly tell how powerful she was.


    "Your Majesty, I have something to say," Zhe Kouhai clenched his teeth and said.


    "Speak!" The empress''s ice-cold voice exploded in everyone''s ears.


    "I''m silly, I thought wrongly just now," Zhe Kouhai replied. At this point in time, he had no choice but to lower his head. The empress''s aura was too scary, paralyzing himpletely. Furthermore, he had a feeling that if he said anything wrong again, he might not be able to leave this pce hall alive.


    Upon hearing Zhe Kouhai acknowledged his mistake, the empress snorted and withdrew her aura.


    As the people from the three nations looked at the empress, they had a disturbed look on their faces. This is the strength of the seventh most powerful expert in the world? Just her aura alone could render them unmovable, appearing as though they were nailed to their chairs. This was indeed terrifying.


    Even though they already knew how scary the empress was, they had not experienced her wrath personally before. Therefore, they had some opinions about her. Especially given her age and appearance, it was hard for them not to think too much about her.


    However, at this moment, no one dared to have any opinions about her. Those faces of those weak and delicate pretty boys had turned white.


    On the contrary, many Dayao people thought to themselves, "The empress has indeed be more powerful."


    The empress swept her gaze across everyone and said, "I like these words very much and I will keep this mirror. If anyone has any opinion, ask him or her to find me."


    Her voice wasnguid, cold and domineering.


    Yes, I treat all of you as nothing! If anyone has any opinions,e and challenge me then!


    Following which, the empress looked at Ren Baqian, who was standing by himself and smiling. She did not say anything.


    At this moment, everyone did not know what the empress was thinking about. They shifted their gazes to Ren Baqian as well, trying to see if there was anything special about him.


    Over two hundred people were looking at Ren Baqian right now. Other than those Dayao big shots and aristocrats from the other nations, who else would receive such a treatment? His body began to freeze.


    Ren Baqian kept on asking himself, "What''s going on now?"


    The pce hall maintained this state for another ten minutes.


    At this moment, the empress began to speak with an unusual tone, "Ren Baqian, you''re somewhat my type. I hereby proim you as my King."


    The moment these words came out of the empress''s mouth, other than Ren Baqian, who was still in a daze, everyone else stood up from their chairs in shock. Even Hong Wu was dumbstruck.

 Chapter 120: Panic

    Chapter 120: Panic


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Her Majesty was the empress. If she were to choose her husband, the other party would have the title of ''Prince Consort''. As a result, the empress answered with a, "I hereby proim you as my King."


    "Her Majesty, please think twice!"


    "Her Majesty, please think twice!"


    "Her Majesty, please think twice again!"


    In a split second, the Empress Hall boomed with noise and immediately turned into a marketce.


    Seeing the reaction of these people and recalling the empress''s words once again, an unfathomable thought arose in his heart.


    "It can''t be? What kind of situation is this?"


    At this moment, Ren Baqian''s body was not only stiff all over, he had practically became a log of wood.


    Proimed as her king?


    If I did not guess wrongly, I will be getting married with the empress?


    Otherwise, why would the reactions of those people be so huge?


    How is this possible?


    The seventh most powerful expert in the world and also the empress of Dayao.


    Why would she make such a hasty decision all of a sudden?


    Am I crazy, or is she the crazy one?


    Presently, the entire Empress Hall was in aplete mess. Everyone got up from their seats and requested for the empress to "think twice".


    The nobles from the other three nations and the Seventh Prince who were seated on the right-hand side, were all stunned.


    Qi Zixiao actually chose a Secondary ss, Rank 6 official with an unknown background as her husband?


    Why?


    Everyone couldn''t help but to only think of one thing, "Why?"


    There were even some people who pinched their thighs.


    Was this a dream?


    Everyone was at a loss.


    Mister Emptiness burst into a violent coughing fit. He shifted his gaze towards Ren Baqian and revealed a smile. He came here for other reasons and never had the intention of being the empress''s husband. Thus, he actually found the ongoing situation at the Empress Hall rather interesting.


    Ning Caichen gave a weird expression.


    If I had known, I wouldn''t have wasted so much energy to curry favor with Qi Zixiao.


    I have also implicated myself.


    I might as well make up to this new Prince Consort Ren.


    Fortunately, he and Ren Baqian were considered to have gone through thick and thin together on top of the mountain. Even Green Pearl was taken down in one shot by Qi Zixiao. There should somewhat be a little sentiment between the both of them.


    He felt heartbroken upon thinking of Green Pearl.


    The Seventh Prince sat there with his soulless eyes. It was as if he received an enormous shock. How could this chap, which was a carbon copy of him, receive Qi Zixiao''s appreciation?


    Seeing the group of people that were roaring withughter, the empress felt ineffably pleasant. "The banquet ends here. Everyone else, please leave. As for those who have something to say, follow me to the throne room."


    She stood up and left the Empress Hall after she finished her sentence. All the court officials of Dayao promptly followed behind her.


    Hong Wu ced his hand on Ren Baqian''s shoulder when he passed by, and his brows were twisted into the shape of a Fried Dough Twist. He immediately left without saying a word.


    [Fried Dough Twist - a Chinese dough twist that is fried in peanut oil. His twisted brows were beingpared to the appearance of this snack.]


    Only Ren Baqian was left behind. He was unsure of what to do next.


    It seems like nobody asked for my opinion?


    Should I catch up with them or stay over here?


    "Prince Consort Ren, congrattions. I will call on you some other day." Ning Caichen was the first to approach Ren Baqian with a smile, and gave him a pat on his shoulder. Soon after, he staggered out of the hall.


    "Prince Consort Ren, cough, cough, congrattions." Mister Emptiness followed closely behind Ning Caichen.


    Regardless of whether the other people had any sorts of thoughts in their mind, they all came up to Ren Baqian to congratte him.


    However, these people were not as easy going as Ning Caichen and Mister Emptiness. After all, neither of them had the objective to win over the empress''s hand in the first ce.


    The others looked at Ren Baqian and felt that his appearance wasn''t fantastic and looked as if he was too feeble to stand up to the wind. Ren Baqian was merely just a Secondary ss, Rank 6 official but in the wink of an eye, he was actually Qi Zixiao''s husband. They couldn''t understand no matter how they thought about it. Also, they felt indignant about it.


    There were so many other people who were more powerful than him. Why was he the chosen one?


    It seemed that the impression Ren Baqian gave them could only be based on his ruthlessness and him using connections to intimidate people in Honglu Bureau. Apart from that, it would be based on him bootlicking the empress tonight.


    But, such a person could actually be the husband of the seventh most powerful expert in the world, who was also Dayao''s empress, Qi Zixiao?


    Indignant! Indignant! Indignant!


    This word was practically written all over their faces. But, they still forced a smile from their crumpled faces and congratted Ren Baqian. After which, they quickly left the Empress Hall.


    The two brothers from Zhang Family were included among them. Since they left the pce, they had lost their wits.


    Zhang Heqi, "Why?"


    Zhang Heju, "Why?"


    They had been harping on the same thing, all the way from the pce to Honglu Bureau, "Why?"


    Zhang Jun looked at his two nephews and shook his head faintly. He was aware why they were behaving this way. Not only them, the rest of the people also had the same mentality as well. Everyone felt a psychological disequilibrium in their heart upon seeing a person who was nothing like them being fawned upon by a person like Qi Zixiao��what more selecting him as her husband.


    But, deep down inside, he was actually thinking of another issue.


    Dayao''s Qizixiao actually chose such a person to be her husband.


    Leaving the other factors aside, what kind of changes would there be in Dayao''s imperial court?


    This person isn''t an aboriginal.


    If he wants to receive support from the aboriginals, it will be very difficult to do so.


    In this case, what will he do?


    After half of the crowd left, Ren Baqian was surrounded by a few guards. Things happened too quickly just now and nobody had the time to react.


    Ren Baqian had to be protected no matter what.


    Otherwise, if Ren Baqian met any lunatics in the Empress Hall and something happened to him, nobody would be able to shoulder the burden.


    However, none of the sirs just now raised any issue. It wasn''t necessarily that they had no such thoughts.


    "Storyteller Ren, I will be escorting you back to the beast park together with a few others, to retrieve your things and shift them into the pce." Xin Zhe appeared in front of Ren Baqian in an instant. She swept her gaze across him over and over again as she wanted to find out why Her Majesty actually made such a decision.


    "Storyteller Ren!" Seeing that Ren Baqian was still rooted there and had yet to return to his senses, she called him again and repeated whatever she said.


    This time, Ren Baqian returned to his senses and heard what Xin Zhen said.


    He couldn''t help but felt like asking, "Must it be so quick? The empress only said it a moment ago, and the discussion over there hasn''t ended yet. Must I move into the pce now? Moreover, even if the discussion was over, they shouldn''t let me move into the pce directly. No matter what, shouldn''t I move into the pce only when the wedding is over?"


    At this moment, he did not know what to say anymore. He was getting really panicky.


    The empress''s husband, the husband of Dayao''s number one expert, seventh expert in the world, and at the same time a woman of unmatched beauty. All these terms sounded beautiful.


    But, this issue was definitely not as simple as it seemed.


    Who''s Qi Zixiao? An extraordinary expert who was ranked seventh in the world and also had the ability to tear down a city wall single-handedly.


    As for himself? Neither could he shoulder a pole nor lift anything heavy. Besides having some knowledge of things which people in this world didn''t know, what else did he have?


    Wasn''t it like an elephant falling for an ant? How could it be possible that the empress took a fancy to him?


    It was impossible no matter which way he thought about it.


    Changing his perspective, even if the empress really did fall for him, would he dare to be by her side?


    He couldn''t say for sure but at any time, if she didn''t pay attention, his bones and flesh might turn into pulp.


    The difference in their strength was indeed too drastic.


    Ren Baqian understood that there was no use in him panicking at this moment. He could only hope that the big shots over at that side persuaded the empress to rescind her edict. He would certainly be deeply grateful and would make offerings at their memorial tablet in the future.


    Even though he used to feel that Zhe Kouhai was a scoundrel, but now, he felt that he was truly a good person.


    If Ren Baqian had known earlier, he would have definitely been more low-profile. Originally, he wanted to present a red packet to the Fire-beacon eunuch whom he was very fond of when he returned to Earth. But, at present, he only wanted to fight it out with him.


    [Red packet - mary gift usually given out during special asions]


    [Fire-beacon eunuch - a eunuch from another Qidian novel. "He" gave Ren Baqian the idea of praising the empress with those imposing words.]


    That sentence was indeed good, and it should have bootlicked the empress rather well. But, never did he expect Her Majesty to y her cards without usingmon sense.


    Back at the beast park, Caretaker Shi looked at Ren Baqian, who was being escorted back by a few guards. Of which, one of them was themander of the imperial guards. Caretaker Shi promptly weed them and saw Ren Baqian with a deeply worried expression on his face. He then whispered and asked Xin Zhe, "Madam, did Storyteller Renmit a crime?"


    "No, we are here to pack his things up and bring him back into the pce," Xin Zhe immediately replied.


    Everything was in disorder in Ren Baqian''s house. There was a sleeping bag, handgun, grenade, bed sheets from Earth, an e-book reader, a camera, small bag of sweets, and also a short sword given by someone else.


    Ren Baqian looked at the imperial guards who were helping him to pack his stuff. Then, he scowled miserably and turned his head towards Caretaker Shi, "Help me raise the two chaps and don''t let the workers at the two pieces of field skive."


    At present, he felt as if he was an ordinary woman who had just been robbed of her gun.

 Chapter 121: He Isn’t Annoying

    Chapter 121: He Isn��t Annoying


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The empress was sitting on her throne in the throne room. Looking down at everyone, she said, "If you have anything to say, say it now."


    "Your Majesty, I know you want to have a heir, but this man simply doesn''t suit you," a huge man stepped forward and said.


    "Your Majesty, this man has an unknown origin, and he is too weak. I feel that he isn''t suitable for you."


    "Your Majesty, I hope you can rethink your decision. After all, this is a very important decision."


    "Your Majesty, there are countless good aboriginal men, why don''t you find a suitable partner from among them?"


    "Your Majesty, this man is definitely not suitable for you."


    Sitting on the throne, the empress propped her chin on the back of her hand and looked at the raucous scene beneath her, feeling extremely amused.


    After the officials quarreled for quite some time, she sat up straight and spoke with a cold voice, "What''s the matter? Do I need your approval before I choose someone to marry?"


    Upon hearing these words, everyone quieted down.


    However, someone still said, "Your Majesty, you have to think twice about this decision."


    "I am choosing a husband now, why does it matter if he is strong or not? In this world, who else is stronger than me? Other than Li Yuanzhu and those five persons, can you tell me who is stronger than me?" The empress said coldly, "Furthermore, they might not even be able to defeat me now."


    "Even if he isn''t powerful, he can''t be too weak. This person is frail and weak, he might not be able to produce an heir with Your Majesty," someone added.


    "Given our imperial depository, don''t you think we can push him to the level of Earth Wheel? What a joke," the empress sneered.


    "Hmm��" Everyone appeared at a loss for words.


    If the empress really wanted to push a fool into the level of Earth Wheel, she could definitely do it. Even though the level of Earth Wheel couldn''t make an individual an expert, it would still allow him to produce a heir.


    "But this man has an unknown background��" someone said.


    "So, what if his background is unknown? What are you scared of?" the empress replied to that man with a question.


    What''s there to be scared of?


    Everyone was just finding excuses to make her to rescind her edict. Even if the person she chose was on the level of Earth Wheel, she could swat him to death with one p. What''s there to be scared of?


    After hearing the empress''s words, nobody had the guts to say , "Can''t you change another candidate to marry? You should at least give a reason for your choice, right?"


    "He looks exactly like the Seventh Prince, it is impossible that they are not rted. Your Majesty, you have to be careful. If he is really from the imperial family of Great Xia and you take him as your husband, Dayao will be in deep trouble," another person spoke again.


    "The imperial family of Great Xia doesn''t have the capability to do so, I can prove that he isn''t rted to Great Xia," the empress waved her hand replied. The imperial family of Great Xia definitely could not make someone appear out of nowhere. Furthermore, the things that Ren Baqian made weren''t from Great Xia as well.


    After raising objections for quite some time, the officials still couldn''t change the empress''s mind. Upon seeing this situation, Hong Wu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have no objection to your decision, but I wonder why you choose him?"


    The empress extended her pure white hand to rub her chin.


    After thinking for quite some time, she replied, "He isn''t annoying."


    This was the empress''s reply.


    Three words �� He isn''t annoying.


    No matter what, she had to find someone to produce an heir with. The empress knew this fact very well.


    However, in this world, how many men were actually worthy of her?


    Everyone only knew her as the seventh most powerful expert in the world. However, given her current strength, her rank might even be higher.


    Even if there were individuals that were more powerful than her, they would be more than half a century old.


    She ascended the throne at the age of sixteen, other than the court officials and imperial guards, how many men had shee into contact with before?


    As for the aboriginals, she did not even consider them at all. All of them trembled with fear when they saw her. As for the aristocrats from other nations, she found them to be utterly boring.


    On the contrary, even though Ren Baqian was weak and frail, she found him to be rather interesting.


    He knew how to cry at will and say ttering words, and he had a bunch of tricks up his sleeves. At least, he was a rather interesting fellow.


    For someone who was at the top of the world like her, she did not care whether or not Ren Baqian had status or strength. In any case, he wouldn''t be as powerful as her. In her eyes, he was merely "rather interesting".


    She liked those candies very much.


    She liked the mirror very much.


    And she liked the words he said just now very much.


    She had a very favorable impression of him just because he did a few things that delighted her.


    By choosing him as her marriage partner, she could stop everyone from bugging her to get married.


    Hong Wu looked at the empress with an indescribable,plicated feeling in his heart. He really hoped she wouldn''t choose thatd to marry. He resembled a father that did not want his daughter to marry a tramp.


    Given Ren Baqian''s strength and status, why would the empress fall for him?


    For the past few years, the court officials had been introducing potential marriage candidates to Her Majesty but she just wasn''t interested in a single one of them. Just as he was feeling worried about her, she suddenly chose such an unexpected marriage partner. Furthermore, the reason for her decision was "He isn''t annoying".


    "Your Majesty, why don''t you give him an official position first? When he attains the level of Earth Wheel and you feel he is ready, you can proim him as your King," Hong Wu said after maintaining a moment of silence.


    "Sir Hong Wu!" Everyone was shocked. They did not expect him to say such words.


    "I agree with General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation''s words," Shi Qing, who had maintained silence for the whole night, suddenly said.


    "This shall be the n then, all of you are dismissed," the empress bluntly concluded.


    Since Hong Wu and Shi Qing had already made their stand, and the empress had concluded the session, the rest had to ept the reality.


    After everyone exited the throne room, everyone crowded around Hong Wu and Shi Qing. "Sirs, Her Majesty really wants to choose thatd as her husband?"


    Hong Wu stopped in his tracks. He turned around and cast a nce at the closed pce door, saying, "Do you think your objections will work?"


    "Of course I know it''s hard to make Her Majesty change her mind, but this matter is too important. I really hope Her Majesty can rethink her decision," someone immediately responded.


    Hong Wu shook his head. If they kept raising objections, they would be courting death. Her Majesty was no longer that young innocent girl of the past.


    It wasn''t like the rest did not know Her Majesty''s temperament. However, at this point in time, they did not know what to do, except to object her decision.


    "Even if Her Majesty helps him, it will take at least two to three years'' time for him to reach the level of Earth Wheel. During this period of time, many things can happen," Hong Wu continued. Following which, he did not care about them and left.


    Shi Qing''s words were somewhat simr to Hong Wu''s. "Two to three years'' time is enough for Her Majesty to think through this matter carefully."


    If Her Majesty still stood by her decision by then, then so be it.


    Upon hearing Shi Qing''s and Hong Wu''s words, everyone else understood what they meant. Since they could not change the empress''s mind, they could only leave the matter at that.


    A lot of things could happen in three years'' time. Perhaps the empress might hate Ren Baqian by then and p him to death.


    Perhaps Ren Baqian might die of illness. Who knows?


    If Her Majesty still stood by her decision by the time Ren Baqian reached the level of Earth Wheel, everyone could only ept it.


    At least she could produce an heir, right? Whenpared to everyone prompting her to get married and making her unhappy, this way seemed much better.

 Chapter 122: Can’t Conceal Any Longer

    Chapter 122: Can��t Conceal Any Longer


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian looked at the room he resided in and felt a spell of dumbfoundedness in his heart.


    Have I been forcefully robbed?


    Why hasn''t anyone asked about my opinion?


    Even though I indeed wouldn''t dare to say the word "No".


    What is the conclusion now?


    .


    Escape? That''s not possible. Besides, he couldn''t escape as well.


    Being a stranger in an unfamiliar ce, even if he got out of the pce, where could he run to? He wouldn''t even be able make out the directions once he got out of Lan City.


    Just by himself, he reckoned that he would be captured by somebody within a day.


    It was not known how long Ren Baqian was lost in his thoughts before he heard some footsteps, followed by someone opening the door.


    The empress stood at the door and took a look at him. After which, she sat down beside the table in the room.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian promptly got up.


    The empress gently nodded. Soon after, the room sank into a brief period of silence.


    Ren Baqian had a stomach full of things to say, yet he dared not speak a word.


    "Is there anything you want to say?" The empress said abruptly.


    Ren Baqian was slightly distracted. He did not expect the empress to actually ask him that.


    "Like what I have said previously, Without the birth of Your Majesty, there will be eternity of darkness. Your grace and charm is unrivaled. I am extremely grateful to be able to receive the generosity and fondness of someone of your status. I will not hesitate to go through water and tread on fire just for you for Your Majesty. But, I am also terrified. I am weak and inferior, and haven''t made any contributions in Dayao. Ipared to Your Majesty, is like a firefly to a zing sun. How can I possibly receive such generosity and fondness from Your Majesty." Ren Baqian thought for a moment, and decided to deliver a load of bullshit first before saying further.


    If possible, he would have wanted to disparage himself into a smelly bug from a smelly gutter.


    The empress took a look at him, nodded and said, "You see, you don''t seem very loathsome, and you say things that I also love to hear. You are the one."


    After listening to what the empress had to say, Ren Baqian was speechless. Did he bootlick her too much?


    "Since you know that you are weak, tomorrow you shall follow me to the second level of Qing Xin pce hall to pick up a martial arts manual. You must practice till you attain the level of Earth Wheel. If I am unsatisfied with your progress, you know the consequences," The empress warned as she looked at him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian didn''t know whether to feel happy or sad. He was actually intending to approach Du Changkong to exchange something for his martial arts manuals. In the end, things changed even before his ns could work out. At present, it seemed like there wasn''t any need for that anymore as he could directly go to Qingxin Pce Hall to obtain the manuals. The martial arts manuals there would definitely be much better than what Du Changkong had.


    "If you think that you haven''t made the slightest contribution, then take out what you know. Now I have a question for you. Are you able to forge weapons to equip my aboriginal warriors?"


    Ren Baqian hesitated for a while. He had two options now. The first option was to avoid forging weapons so as to prevent himself from losing face. Advantages�� as good as none. Disadvantages��a whole bunch of them in fact. For instance, if he only knew how to bootlick and was not well liked by others, his treatment would be worrying if the progress of his training did not meet the empress''s standards in future.


    Previously, he was extremely unwilling to be brought into the pce. But, if he were to be driven out after being brought in, then, the consequences would turn out even more tragic.


    That being the case, he could only choose the second option. In addition, he had to excel in everything he did to be able to stand firmly in his position. As for the rest, it had to depend on the progress of his training.


    He lifted his head at once and replied the empress. "I''m not sure if there are any iron ore mines within Dayao''s borders? If there aren''t any iron ore mines, I''m afraid that it wouldn''t work even if there was a n."


    "There are two, but with limited production and many people injured every year. Besides, it is very difficult to refine the iron ores that are extracted." Seeing that he indeed had a n, the empress was in fact very pleased.


    "I know the method of refining the ores to metal. As for the expansion of production, I''m afraid that I will only be able to figures something out after looking at the site," Ren Baqian continued talking.


    The empress nodded her head. If Ren Baqian had a n, at least the shortage of weapons could be somewhat reduced.


    Following which, she handed Ren Baqian a token. "With this token, you can freely ess any part of the pce except the imperial depository, arsenal and a few other ces. You shall follow me to Qingxin Pce Hall tomorrow."


    She left the house as soon as she finished speaking.


    After the empress left, Ren Baqian immediatelyy on his bed.


    Up till now, he still felt as if he was living in a dream.


    After a long while, he got up and opened up his belongings that he ced at the side. Inside were things that he had brought back from Earth. At this moment, Ren Baqian suddenly recalled something.


    I will be returning back to Earth tonight, how can I possibly go to Qingxin Pce Hall with the empress tomorrow?


    I''m afraid that the empress will send someone over tomorrow and will discover that i have disappeared.


    Will they think that I have ran away?


    Ren Baqian hammered himself with all his might. His mind was too messed up just now. and he actually forgot about this issue.


    What should I do now?


    Even though the empress is well aware that I will go missing every three days, it is different this time.


    Previously, we were at least some distance away, and the empress, with a heart of a monarch, simply turned a blind eye to it.


    Now that I''m going to disappear on my first night of entering the pce, however the empress thought may turn out to be unpleasant.


    What should I do?


    Should I approach the empress now?


    Ren Baqian walked around the house and went back to rummaging through his belongings. He eventually took out the camera and pondered whether he should send a gift over again.


    After much deliberation, it seemed like he could not fool her in this current situation. It was better that he came clean with the empress. After all, he was already in the pce and she would find out about it sooner orter.


    As for the other matters, he would leave it to fate. What was meant to be, would be. At least it was better off than having to keep worrying.


    Ren Baqian ced the camera back in its original position. He pulled open the door and took a big step out, bearing the thought of going all out and risking everything that he had.


    Outside the house was a garden, with the size of at least three to four hundred square meters. There was also a little stream which passed through the courtyard. Unknown insects were pping their wings and making sounds in the night scene.


    Ren Baqian took big strides towards the door of the courtyard and saw an imperial guard standing there.


    "Storyteller Ren!" That imperial guard hesitated for a moment as he turned his head and looked at him, seemingly unsure of how to address him. But, that was Ren Baqian''s current position.


    "I have an important matter and I request to see Her Majesty," Ren Baqian spoke as he cupped one fist in the other.


    "Follow me, Storyteller Ren." That imperial guard nodded.


    After taking a few steps out, Ren Baqian suddenly thought of something.


    I can meet the empress as and when I wish?


    Is it possible?


    Perhaps, the empress had already instructed in advance.


    Even though I have erased that matter from my mind, the empress probably hasn''t.


    Is she waiting for me to confess to her?


    Ren Baqian felt a chill at the back of his neck at the thought of this.


    ...


    ��


    The empress returned to the pce and that mirror was ced at a spot not too far from the couch.


    She walked towards the mirror and looking at it from the side, she could see the reflection of faraway objects distinctly clear. There wasn''t tiny bit of unnaturalness. It was so much betterpared to a copper mirror.


    The empress stood in front of the mirror, quietly sizing up the woman inside. It was after a long while that she shifted her attention to the calligraphy at the sides of the mirror and stretched her hands out to touch it.


    A sheet of glossiness.


    The words were engraved at the back of the mirror.


    A good whileter, the empress withdrew her attention, turned around andy down on the couch.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were at the side, hurriedly served fruit and wine.


    "The both of you have something to say?" The empress lifted her head and the look on their faces seemed as if they had something to say. "I have always treated the both of you well. If there is anything on your mind, just say it."


    Hong Luan ced the fruits at one side, walked to the back of the empress and massaged her shoulders. She swallowed the words that were already at the tip of her tongue and said something else. "Your Majesty already has a person of choice. Both of us are naturally happy for Your Majesty."

 Chapter 123: Arranged by Heaven

    Chapter 123: Arranged by Heaven


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Your Majesty, Storyteller Ren is here," a guard entered the pce hall and reported to the empress.


    "Let him in," the empress waved her arm and replied.


    After a moment, Ren Baqian entered the pce hall and greeted the empress, "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    At this point in time, the empress was still wearing the same clothes. Upon seeing Ren Baqian, the empress passed her wine cup to Qing Yuan and waved her hand at Qing Yuan and Hong Luan. The two of them immediately bade the empress farewell and left the pce hall.


    As they walked past Ren Baqian, they sized him up. What happened tonight was very shocking to everyone, including the two of them.


    "It''s already sote, what''s the matter?" the empress asked Ren Baqian.


    "Your Majesty, I have something to tell you." Since he was already here, Ren Baqian felt that he shouldn''t shrink back anymore. He could hide it for now, but he couldn''t hide it forever. Since the truth would be out sooner orter, he might as well show some sincerity by confessing to her now.


    "Speak!" The empress sat up from her couch. Then, she shifted her body and leaned against the back of the couch. "Come closer and talk."


    Ren Baqian took a few steps forward and stopped two meters in front of the couch. Then, he said, "I''m from China."


    "You have told me that before." The empress nodded her head.


    "China is not from this world. I don''t know how far is China from this ce. It might be in another gxy or even another universe," Ren Baqian continued.


    "I thought there was only one world. Is there another world outside of a gxy? Isn''t that where the gods live?" the empress asked.


    "I don''t know about the rest, but the Earth is definitely not where the gods live," Ren Baqian shook his head and replied.


    "So Earth is your world? Continue speaking."


    "Every three days, I have to return to Earth once. After one day in this world has passed, I wille back here again. I guess Your Majesty already knows about this, and I don''t want to hide it from you. I have zero control over when I return to Earth and when Ie back here," Ren Baqian continued.


    "So you''re saying you can''t stay here?" The tone of the empress''s voice did not change much, but Ren Baqian felt his surroundings suddenly turned cold.


    A cold shiver went down Ren Baqian''s spine. He forcibly maintained hisposure and said, "Your Majesty, you''re mistaken."


    Ren Baqian''s brain began to operate at full power. Before the empress could say anything, he continued, "All this time, I have been wondering why I have the chance toe to this world. Recently, I suddenly realized that there must be a reason for this, and the reason is I am here for Your Majesty. Otherwise, why would I drop in front of Your Majesty''s entourage out of all ces? I''m destined toe here, just like how Your Majesty is destined to be the overlord of this world. I''m destined toe here to apany Your Majesty. Everything is arranged by Heaven. Heaven is the highest authority in every world. Since Heaven has arranged for me toe here and be by your side, I will definitely not leave this ce."


    "Speak the truth," the empress examined Ren Baqian closely and said.


    "I''m speaking the truth and these words are from the bottom of my heart. If Heaven has arranged a time limit to how long I can be by Your Majesty''s side, I hope it''s ten thousand years."


    After Ren Baqian said these words, he could clearly sense that the empress had withdrawn her aura.


    "If you let me find out you''re lying to me, you will get it from me," the empress said. Her elegant, almond-shaped eyes were filled with vigor.


    Even though she was the empress, she had never heard such words before.


    The way she looked at Ren Baqian became more and more gentle.


    "It''s just that I can''t control when I return to Earth and when Ie back here. Therefore, tonight I still have to return to Earth. However, I feel that it''s a good that I can return to Earth. I can search for things on Earth that are suitable for Your Majesty."


    "Pour me some wine," the empress instructed Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian quickly filled up a cup beside him with wine and passed it to the empress. After she downed it in one gulp, he filled her cup again.


    "Remember what you said," the empress said.


    "How can I not remember my own words. Even if I die, I will still be looking up at Your Majesty from the underworld," Ren Baqian replied


    "Finish this cup of wine." The empress passed the cup of wine to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian looked the cup of wine in the empress''s hand. Isn''t this indirect kissing? However, he still quickly took it and downed it in one gulp.


    He could smell an alluring fragrance from the wine.


    "I will remember what you said. Go back now,e back and find me the day after tomorrow," the empress said.


    "I shall take my leave then." Ren Baqian ced the wine cup on the table and bade the empress farewell.


    As Ren Baqian stepped out of the pce hall, he saw Qing Yuan and Hong Luan standing not far away.


    "Greetings,dies." Ren Baqian cupped his fists at them.


    "Greetings, Storyteller Ren," both of them greeted Ren Baqian as well. Now, Ren Baqian was no longer just a storyteller.


    Even if they did not need to treat him like how they treated the empress, they still had to improve their attitudes towards him.


    Ren Baqian took some time to find the guard just now and had him bring him back to his room. After closing the door, Ren Baqian fell t on his bed and thought about every movement that the empress made just now.


    He recalled the change in the empress''s attitude towards him. From the look of it, he seemed to have done a good job.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t sure about other things, but he could definitely tell that the empress liked to listen to ttery very much.


    Actually, this was rather normal. After all, who doesn''t like to listen to ttery? Throughout all the ages, all of those famed rulers liked to listen to ttery. Therefore, Ren Baqian wasn''t surprised that the empress liked to listen to ttery.


    No matter what, she was still a twenty-three-year-old girl. As the ruler of a nation, there were many aspects in which she surpassed an ordinary individual. For example, the foresight of a ruler, the governance of a nation, fighting capabilities, etc.


    However, these could not hide the fact that she was only a twenty-three-year-old girl. There might even be certain aspects that she lost out to an ordinary individual.


    For example, she was extremely vulnerable to touching words.


    Especially when he was in her good books.


    Even though it was slightly despicable to have such a mindset, he still felt that he should work harder in this aspect.


    Of course, he had to take action as well. For example, he had decided to pick some gifts for the empress after he returned to Earth.


    At the same time, he had to prepare the information on mine examination, excavation and ore smelting.


    The former was his personal matters and thetter was his work matters. He had to maintain a good bnce between his personal matters and work matters.


    After quite some time, Ren Baqian fell into a deep sleep. Too many things happened tonight. Having been through an emotional roller coaster tonight, he felt extremely weary.


    By the time he opened his eyes, he could feel a soft mattress beneath him and he was surrounded by a familiar sight.


    "I''m back." Ren Baqiany on the bed and looked at the ceiling. He waszy and did not want to move at all.


    In Dayao, he did not dare to rx for even a moment. In this short period of time, he had done things that he thought he would never ever do.


    Now that he was back to Earth, he could finally rx.


    Ren Baqian got up from his bed after rolling and lying on it for a long time.


    He stood at window and looked outside. The environment outside was snow-white in color.


    The whole neighborhood was white in color.


    The time now should be roughly eight in the morning. However, Ren Baqian couldn''t see the sun. The sky seemed slightly dark, appearing as though it was going to snow soon.


    Another twelve days had passed. Now, it was thest week of November.

 Chapter 124: Gift

    Chapter 124: Gift


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian stood by the window for a while, and it seemed like he was somewhat familiarized with the feeling of being on Earth. He turned around and went over to check the surveince camera, wanting to see how he actually left his apartment.


    He sat on the chair and rewound the footage from the surveince camera. Just when he appeared on the screen, he stopped the recording and then fast forwarded from there.


    At that time, he was sleeping on his bed. Soon after, he vanished into thin air together with his bedsheet and the items which were by his side.


    There was neither any sign of something that was going to ur nor anything that was amiss.


    Ren Baqian rewound the footage again and yed it in slow motion twice. Indeed, there wasn''t any sign at all. He vanished into thin air just like that.


    After viewing the footage twice, Ren Baqian leaned on his chair. If that''s the case, it would be difficult for him to find the reason why he teleported to and fro.


    It couldn''t be possible that he had to incessantly teleport to and fro?


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian thought that if he had a choice to choose to live in either world, would it ultimately be better to remain on Earth or on the other world.


    The advantage of staying on Earth would be stability. In addition to that, there was also the existence of hisputer, phone, and all sorts of convenient items.


    As long as the ck mud cream hit the market, he could simply buy an ind to pass his days leisurely.


    As for the other world, it was full of uncertainty. From the kirin, Sword Mountain, and also the top ten experts, and perhaps, there were still other things that he didn''t know.


    If he was in the other world, he would experience many uncertainties.


    However, the disadvantages were very distinct as well. For instance, he was ultimately under the empress''s control.


    To be honest, it wasn''t that Ren Baqian felt she wasn''t good. But, there was a huge disparity between their strength and their status. He was just like a mole cricket or an ant in front of the other party. If one day, the other party found him an eyesore, she could just crush him to death with just one hand.


    This made him feel that there wasn''t any sense of security at all�� his heart would always be suspended in his chest.


    He wasn''t a thrill seeker to begin with. And as such, it seemed that he would rather remain on Earth however he thought about it.


    What a pity that he didn''t have the option to choose.


    Ren Baqian had no other choice but to continue being passive.


    He went to the kitchen and cooked a packet of instant noodles. It had been a long time since hest ate it.


    "I wonder how will it turn out if I bring a few packets of instant noodles for the empress?" A random thought popped up in his head.


    But, after thinking for a while, he decided to forego the idea. It appeared that the empress liked sweet stuff and preferred alcohol more than anything else. He could actually give her those instead.


    After finishing every bit of the instant noodles, Ren Baqian returned to his room, sat in front of theputer and searched for techniques rted to prospecting of iron ore mines, extraction, steelmaking, as well as manufacturing st furnaces.


    At some point in time, Ren Baqian heard noises from outside and it seemed like someone entered his apartment. He pushed open his door and realized that it was the housekeeper.


    "Mr. Ren, you are back," the other party greeted upon seeing him.


    "Yes, go on with your work." Ren Baqian nodded, closed the door, and looked at the time. To his surprise, it was already one in the afternoon. He spent the entire morning searching for information and did not notice the passing of time.


    Fortunately, he had alreadypleted the bulk of his search. Furthermore, Ren Baqian had already extracted the information which he required and should be able to use it back in Dayao. The only thing left for him to do was to print the information out.


    Ren Baqian went out to have his lunch and then headed to the supermarket to shop around. He bought various kinds of sweets as well as choctes. This time, he didn''t only buy White Rabbit Creamy Candies but also Xu Fu Ji and a few other snacks.


    [Xu Fu Ji - a type of Chinese crispy candy which originated among Manchus in Northeast China.]


    .


    He also bought two boxes of wine: one containing Hongxing sorghum wine and the other Ninshan sorghum wine. Even though those were the most basic wines, it was already much tastier than those hard liquors from the Yun Nation.


    After carrying all these items back to his car, the items prepared for the empress were considered almostpleted.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that he should buy some other things that could pique her interest as well.


    He then went to a specialized gift shop and bought a spiral spring musical box with a crystal ball at the top. There was also a crystal carousel inside, and the melody ying from it was "Castle in the Sky".


    At the very least it was sparkling and translucent. Younger women would definitely like it.


    The price of the musical box was also very cheap. It costed less than 200 yuan.


    "I wonder if this will pique her interest," Ren Baqian wondered as he held the musical box in his hands.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian had an inexplicable feeling, as if he was buying a gift for a girl he had a crush on. Unfortunately, it wasn''t the case. Indeed, he hasn''t done such a thing before.


    It appeared that when he was still in junior high, he once liked a certain girl. But, he had never resorted to confessing. Presently, he couldn''t even recall how she looked like.


    Such an inexplicable idea barely emerged in his head before it was immediately suppressed by him.


    It was just a moment of reverie.


    When Ren Baqian returned home, the housekeeper had already left. He ced the things aside, held his phone, andy on the sofa. In the past, whenever he returned to Earth, he would immediately check his phone. Nowadays, he wouldn''t even remember to check his phone upon his return.


    There were only a handful of people looking for him. Even for Chen Qing, Ren Baqian had also reduced the amount of contact with him. The only people he genuinely needed to contact were his parents.


    "Mum, you called?" Ren Baqian took a nce before returning the call.


    "Previously, thedy which I have told you about has just moved to your area recently. If you have the chance, go and help her out. Even if the both of you are not fated, you can still be friends and what not.


    "Got it, send me her phone number ." Ren Baqian pulled the phone away from his ear and waited for the noise at the other end to soften before promptly replying.


    "I have already sent her phone number and full name to you on WeChat. Quickly contact her." His mother urged him once again.


    "Got it." Ren Baqian actually wanted to add in,


    If you have nothing to do, stop matchmaking me. Your son is actually fond of guys.


    But, the dreaded conclusion to that would be his parents charging over to his apartment tonight.


    He threw his phone aside and didn''t even take a nce at the WeChat message his mum sent.


    Whoever''s daughter or niece, what has that got to do with me?


    At present, he already had enough problems on his mind and truly didn''t have the mood to care about others.


    The following two days, besides making a singlr trip out to print the information, Ren Baqian had been cooped up in his room. During this period of time, it was rare for him to diligently tidy up his bedroom. His slippers left marks on the floor which was strange since he usually kept his windows shut.


    When Ren Baqian woke up two dayster, he had already returned to that unfamiliar room in the pce. He had whatever he''d wanted to bring along with him. There were two boxes of 24 wine bottles, as well as a musical box, a set of printed information, and also a pile of sweets.


    Ren Baqian pushed open the door, and there had been a change of guard at the doorway.


    "Can I see Her Majesty now?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I''m afraid that Her Majesty is in the midst of a court session, and Storyteller Ren has to wait for a while more," that guard turned around and answered.


    Since that night at the empress'' birthday celebration, everyone began to size him up from head to toe whenever they saw him. Ren Baqian was already slightly ustomed to such gazes.


    Only when noon was arriving did that guarde to inform Ren Baqian, "Storyteller Ren, Her Majesty summons you to meet her."


    "I''ll have to inconvenience you to help me carry some things. Many thanks." Ren Baqian conformed with the principle of ''not utilizing someone is a waste''.


    The guard carried the two boxes of wine while Ren Baqian brought the sweets and crystal ball to the Empress Hall.


    The empress was currently standing in front of the mirror and Qing Yuan was coiling her hair into a bun. Ren Baqian hinted to the guard to ce the boxes on the ground while he walked forward and said, "Regardless of how Your Majesty dresses up, nobody can match up to your beauty. Moreover, it would make others feel themselves inferior."

 Chapter 125: Liquor

    Chapter 125: Liquor


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The empress cast a nce at the reflection of Ren Baqian in the mirror. After a while, she shifted her gaze back to her own reflection.


    After Qing Yuan finished doing the empress''s hair, thetter turned around and heard crisp and beautiful music. The music was crystal-clear and melodious.


    The melody was exquisite and heart-warming.


    The empress had never heard a melody that was of such a style before. It easily touched her heart.


    However, itsted for only thirty seconds, which was rather short.


    "Your Majesty, this is one of the gifts that I have chosen for you," Ren Baqian said as he held up the musical box.


    "The music just nowes from this thing?" the empress asked with curiosity. The musical box consisted of a pedestal that had a crystal ball on top of it. Inside the crystal ball, there were three wooden horses that swiveled when the music was turned on.


    It was very exquisite.


    At least the crystal ball and those wooden horses looked very exquisite.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. You just to turn the wind up key on its side, and it will produce the music," Ren Baqian exined.


    The empress took the musical box and turned the wind up key on its side. Following which, the musical box indeed produced the music again and the three horses swiveled along with the music.


    "Thank you," the empress said while fiddling with the musical box.


    Ren Baqian continued, "These are the candies I bring back this time around. I also know Your Majesty likes to drink hard liquor, and so I have brought back twenty-four bottles of fine wine for you."


    "Present them."


    Ren Baqian passed the candies to Qing Yuan. Then, he opened up the two crates and took out a bottle of wine. Following which, he showed the empress how it could be unscrewed and presented it to her.


    An ordinary-looking ss bottle like this was considered extremely ugly in China. However, the people in this world thought otherwise.


    After all, the Chinese were used to seeing such ss bottles. On the contrary, ss bottles were rarely seen by the people in this world.


    The empress used two fingers to hold the neck of the bottle. Her fingers were slim and soft like grass and her skin was fair like rouge. One simply could not tell that she could single-handedly destroy a Gundam with such a pair of hands.


    The bottle was transparent, revealing the crystal-clear liquid within it. The liquid waspletely free of impurities. This feature alone was enough to make the empress feel satisfied.


    "You will dine with me. Hong Luan, get someone to notify the imperial kitchen," the empress told Ren Baqian and passed the bottle to Qing Yuan.


    "Thank you very much, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian hurriedly said. This was the first time something like this happened. In the past, he would stand there and watch the empress eat.


    The treatment he received had been upgraded now.


    Usually, the empress had her meals in this particr pce hall that had only one table. After all, the empress''s lifestyle had always been frugal. Her meals usually consisted of one bowl of rice and four dishes


    This time around, they were in a different pce hall. Inside this pce hall, there was a table that was 3.5 meters long.


    The empress sat in the seat of honor while Ren Baqian stood with his hands by his sides.


    "Have a seat."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian sat down not far away from the empress.


    "Tell me more about China, I''m very curious about how a world beyond this world is like."


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian asked, "Your Majesty, which aspect of China do you want to know about?"


    "What are the experts in China like?"


    Ren Baqian pondered over this question for some time. This question wasn''t easy to answer. The strength of the strongest individual in China was merelyparable to an ordinary aboriginal''s.


    "Your Majesty, every world has a different set of rules and environment. In China, one is not judged on his physical strength or martial arts, but rather, wisdom and knowledge. We have invented various advanced machines and equipment. Instead of having carriages that are pulled by horses, we have cars that travel as fast as lightning. We have aerones that can carry people and fly in the air. We have Inte that allows people to obtain information from all over the world. In our world, a person''s valor has been reced by machines. Firearms can take people''s lives from a great distance and many of them in a split second. Artillery fire can attack ces that can''t be seen with human eyes from a long distance. We also have nuclear weapons that can destroy a city thousands of miles away with one shot."


    "Destroy a city thousands of miles away with one shot? There is actually such a weapon in this world?" the empress eximed.


    When Ren Baqian raised his head and saw the shocked look on the empress''s face, he chuckled softly.


    Earthlings might not be able to beat you in terms of physical strength or martial arts but our advanced technologies can definitely overpower you.


    "It''s true. Within the st radius of six kilometers, it will be like Purgatory and no living thing will survive. Due to its devastating power, nuclear weapons have been banned."


    "Such a powerful weapon should indeed banned," the empress sighed and replied.


    "Yes. Like what I said earlier, wisdom and knowledge determine a Chinese''s status in the society. Based on the interest and capability of an individual, he or she will be allocated to a sector of the society to work. The work to build a healthy and powerful society is thus divided among the citizens. By gathering all the citizens'' knowledge, everyone''s life will be made easier and more convenient. The goal of constant development is to explore, understand, unravel the mysteries of the world."


    "By doing these, our society will be more stable and the citizens will have a higher quality of life. Even though there is still economic inequality, the majority of the citizens still enjoy a high quality of life."


    "Basic needs such as clothing, food, housing, and transportation are no longer an issue for most people. Currently, the people in China mainly think about how to improve their quality of life."


    "Human nature is always insatiable," the empress said with a low voice.


    "With an insatiable human nature, people will want to obtain more things and knowledge. This way, the entire world will improve. Otherwise, the world will eventually be a pool of stagnant water."


    Ren Baqian told the empress a little about China. However, he tried to best to talk about China''s strengths. After all, he did not want to wash China''s dirty linen in front of the empress.


    On Earth, the wealthier and stronger your home country is, the more respect you will garner when you go overseas.


    Even though the amount of respect one garnered still depended on himself, the strength of his home country still acted yed a significant role.


    An individual from a powerful country and an individual from a weak country receivedpletely different treatment overseas.


    Even though this factor wouldn''t matter much in Dayao, Ren Baqian was still willing to unt the strengths of China.


    As they were talking, the dishes were served.


    Ren Baqian stopped talking. Following which, he stood up, picked up the bottle and filled up the empress''s cup.


    After taking a sniff, the empress downed the liquor in one gulp. Then, she nodded her head and said, "Not bad."


    From her facial expression, Ren Baqian could tell that she liked it very much.


    "If we have enough food resources, we can brew this type of liquor," Ren Baqian said.


    "I will leave this matter to you. Later, you will follow me to Qingxin Pce to pick a set of martial arts for yourself. After you have learned the basics, I will send someone to bring you to the mine. Go there and see if the mine can produce arge amount of ore or not. Settle the smelting metal issue and then the brewing liquor issue. You don''t need to produce too much liquor, just produce enough for the imperial pce will do," the empress said.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. This wasn''t difficult to carry out at all.


    Dayao mainlycked meat, vegetables, rice, and noodles. Therefore, the empress did not dare to spend too many resources on brewing liquor.


    "Actually, we can brew liquor and use it to exchange for food resources from the Chen Nation, the Yun Nation and Great Xia. We can also exchange for salt and iron wares. This type of hard liquor will definitely be marketable in those nations. However, I wonder what quality of the liquor used during your birthday banquet is likepared to that of those nations?" Ren Baqian asked.


    The liquor used during the empress''s birthday banquet was much better than Caretaker Shi''s. However, it still paled inparison to Earth''s. The color and taste of the liquor was stillcking. Ren Baqian wanted to know how would other countries considered its quality to be.


    "It''s considered high quality."


    "Alright, if we can produce liquor that is of higher quality, we can sell it to other countries for a high price and then use the profits to buy essential resources. A resource that other people don''t have but need will be very valuable. Liquor, this kind of thing, often has huge market." Ren Baqian chuckled.


    The empress ced her chopsticks to one side. After pondering over Ren Baqian''s words for a while, she said, "It''s a good idea, you have my permission to carry it out. Settle other matters first before doing this. If you do a good job, I will reward you."

 Chapter 126: Ruyi Visualization

    Chapter 126: Ruyi Visualization


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Following behind the empress as she headed towards Qingxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian felt uneasy.


    He wasn''t someone from this world. It was, after all two, different worlds, and he was uncertain whether he would be able to master the martial arts manuals in this world.


    If he couldn''t master it, then it would be a disaster. It was not just a matter of practicing, but, the need to attain the level of Earth Wheel.


    If he couldn''t cultivate, how would the empress treat him?


    "Are you very nervous?" the empress, who was walking in front, asked without turning her head.


    "A little bit, I am not sure whether I have the ability to cultivate," Ren Baqian replied bluntly.


    "If you cannot get it here, I will retrieve it for you from other ces." The cold frigid voice entered Ren Baqian''s ears, and he would be bluffing if he said he wasn''t moved. Those words were not said casually.


    Even though she was the empress of Dayao, the martial arts manuals that were suitable for Ren Baqian probably had toe from the other three nations. Even if their emperor gave the order, they might not offer to hand over the knowhow with both hands. Besides, it had nothing to do with them.


    How then does one obtain it? The only way is to send people from Dayao to rob the other country with a knife.


    And the difficulty of this task was obvious.


    Countless heads would roll as well.


    Regardless of whether it was the aboriginals or the people from the other nations, it would be the same.


    It was hard for Ren Baqian not to be intensely moved when the empress said such words.


    "To be treated by Her Majesty this way, your humble servant is indeed terrified," Ren Baqian replied from the back.


    "Just do your job properly and it will be alright," the empress casually replied.


    Qingxin Pce Hall was still in its typical condition; Lin Qiaole was lying fast asleep as usual. When she heard someoneing and realized it was Her Majesty, she panicked, immediately pushed the table down and stood up.


    The sound made by the falling table was very loud, especially in such an empty environment.


    "Your Majesty." Lin Qiaole quickly paid her respects. Soon after, she saw Ren Baqian standing behind Her Majesty, smiling and looking at her. Immediately, she stared firmly at him.


    "There is no need to be so flustered," the empress stated and moved forward. Ren Baqian could see that the empress was very tolerant of Lin Qiaole.


    Lin Qiaole wagged her tongue discreetly and then obediently sped up to follow them.


    "Your Majesty." The old woman at the second level rose to greet her.


    "Supervisor Lin, find him a suitable martial art to practice. You have a better understanding of the second level," the empress said as she slightly turned aside to reveal Ren Baqian.


    Supervisor Lin raised her head and shed a look. It was such a prating look that it gave Ren Baqian the chills. The expression in the olddy''s eyes was terrifying and almost as sharp a knife.


    " I need to know what suits him." Supervisor Lin said to the empress and ced her hands on Ren Baqian''s shoulder. She moved her fingers slightly and Ren Baqian could not control his entire body, which followed the directions as directed by her fingers.


    Supervisor Lin ced her hands on the back of his head and felt his bones, moving down the vertebral section by section. After a short period of time, she then turned her body and pronounced, "Her Majesty, his body is too weak. He is old and has lost his virginity. If he wants to cultivate, there is only one manual for him here [Ruyi Visualization]."


    When Supervisor Lin said that he had already lost his virginity, Ren Baqian felt Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Xin Zhe, and Lin Qiaole darting their gaze at him. He felt extremely embarrassed about it.


    "This [Ruyi Visualization] concept is to use visualization to reach the entry level. The first step is observing oneself, followed by repairing the body with medicinal ingredients. After which, strengthen the body. This round is not easy to get through and the mind must also be clear. If you are talking about him, I think it would be very difficult with his disorderly mind."


    The evaluation of his mind being disorderly was indeed urate. The modern man had too much information, too many desires, naturally leading to a cluttered mind that was hard to purify.


    Even Ren Baqian had to admit the olddy''s eyes looked malicious enough.


    Supervisor Lin''s tone changed and she said, "On the first level there is a manual called [Great Pan Boxing]. A normal person can barely reach the so-called Earth Level. As for him, to be able to reach the Man Level, it would already be considered as not a bad achievement."


    "If we nourish the blood and refine the bone marrow, will it be sufficient?" the empress inqired.


    Supervisor Lin looked at Ren Baqian and shook her head slightly, "His bones have already set. Unless he can do some self-repair, it would be a great waste of effort to nourish the blood and refine bone marrow. At most, that can push him to the initiation stage of Earth Wheel level, but to even take one more step forward would be very difficult. To repair the inconsiderable tiny parts of the body, he needs to fully understand himself and only [Ruyi Visualization] can help him to achieve it. "


    "There are only these two manuals avable in the whole of Qingxin Pce Hall," the empress frowned and asked.


    "There are only these two manuals suitable for him," Secretary Lin replied bluntly.


    Ren Baqian understood after hearing this. The first method was the best and would not affect him too much after mastering it. However, his mind was too disorderly for it, and it would be difficult for him to master.


    Although he could choose the second method to learn and reach the initiation stage, his physical foundation was too weak, and thus, making it hard for him to achieve the required result.


    But, Supervisor Lin not only had venomous looking eyes, but she could also remember all the contents of the martial arts manuals, whether it was good or bad, in Qingxin Pce Hall. She only had to look at a person physically and was able to tell which martial art manual was suitable for him? With so many martial arts manuals, the ability to remember everything was not easy even with a photographic memory.


    It was no wonder the empress was very polite with Supervisor Lin as her ability wouldmand respect wherever she went.


    Seeing the empress lost in thought, Ren Baqian promptly asked, "Her Majesty, your humble servant would like to ask a question. Can one seed in learning [Ruyi Visualization] if the mind is clear?"


    "A clear and transparent mind is necessary to get past the initiation stage. But after that, it still has to depend on yourself," the olddy nced at him and answered.


    "My original intention was for you to learn [Great Pan Boxing], nourish the blood and refine bone marrow first to strengthen the body in order to reach the higher level of Man Level. Following which, I would then find other ways for you. What is your opinion regarding this?" the empress said to Ren Baqian."


    Lin Qiaole slightly opened her mouth in surprise to form an "O" shape. Her Majesty personally brought him here to see Grandma, look for a suitable martial art manual for him��which was already showing him unheard of favor. She actually asked for his opinion? Did the empress really think so highly of him?


    In fact, the news about the earlier incident had quickly spread around the pce. She was the only one who didn''t know as she was busy sleeping every day.


    Even though Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and Xin Zhe understood what happened earlier on, they still felt the empress treated Ren Baqian differently.


    If it were other people, the empress would not waste her time to pave the way for them.


    "Her Majesty, your humble servant would like to consult Supervisor Lin. How long does it take for a person with a clear mind to reach the initiation stage of [Ruyi Visualization]. Also, what is the criterion of this clear mind?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "A pure and transparent mind, without disorderly thoughts can be attained in one day with the right perception. But, without the right perception, it might take a month. This martial art manual requires a clear mind and the rest of the requirements are not stringent. However, not many people can achieve a clear and transparent mind," Supervisor Lin warned.


    "Your humble servant is willing to try for two months. If I cannot seed, I will try something else if Her Majesty allows," Ren Baqian looked at the empress and said.


    "If you want to try, then go ahead. Meanwhile, I will search for other solutions these two months." The empress nodded her head. After all, Ren Baqian was from another world. Since he requested it this way, he might have his own solutions.


    At the same time, she could make preparations to find other methods during this period.


    The rest of the people were moved by the empress helping Ren Baqian think of a way out during such a situation. Such grace was really generous.


    Indeed, it was what the empress had expected.


    Ren Baqian knew he was an ordinary person. If he wanted to attain a clear and calm mind, it was as difficult as ascending the sky.


    However, the exnation for attaining a clear mind reminded him of two religions.


    Taoism and Buddhism regarded cultivating the mind as the ultimate attainment.


    He might be able to seek some advice from the two religions and, perhaps, reap some rewards from within.


    After all, [Great Pan Boxing] could only cultivate a person to the level of Man Wheel. Looking at the empress earlier on, he saw a look of perplexity on her and understood that looking for other solutions was certainly not easy. In that case, he might as well try out the [Ruyi Visualization].

 Chapter 127: Ruyi Visualization (2)

    Chapter 127: Ruyi Visualization (2)


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After leaving Qingxin Pce, Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park on his own.


    He just found out the name of this residence after he had asked about it on his way back.


    He entered his room, closed the door and opened the window. Then, he sat down and ced a thick, animal-hide-covered book on the table in front of him. At this moment, he was feeling slightly emotional.


    After all, this book was a martial art manual from this world. This martial art must be a very high-level, otherwise, it wouldn''t be ced on the second level of Qingxin Pce. This wasn''t a manual on [Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms] that was sold on the street.


    The animal hide that covered the manual was unknown to Ren Baqian. It made the book look as though it was passed down from ancient times. However, the book waspletely intact without any wear and tear.


    Ren Baqian carefully flipped open the book. Ake was drawn on the first page of the book. Somend, weeds, and trees were drawn around theke.


    Even though the picture wasn''t drawn in great detail, its charm was stillpletely brought out, appearing as though it was releasing traces of water vapor directly into Ren Baqian''s face.


    Beneath the picture, there was a line of words. After attempting to read it for quite some time, Ren Baqian could only make out one word. If he hadn''t recalled wrongly, the word should be "water".


    After all, every pictogram had many areas inmon.


    He was caught unprepared by the rest of the words. Every word was like a picture.


    The empress did not ask him about his learning progress before, and he himself also forgot about this issue.


    "It seems like I have to learn how to read the words well first. For now, I''ll need someone trante this book for me," Ren Baqian thought to himself. He casually flipped through the book. On the second page, there were numerous small words. On the third page, there was a picture of a forest. On the fourth page, there were numerous small words again.


    Ren Baqian continued to flip through the book. Every page that had a picture was followed by a page full of words. There was a total of nine pictures in the book. After the eighteenth page, the rest of the pages were filled with words. On thest page of the book, there was a picture again.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t understand anything on the book. It would be a huge joke if he could learn the martial art just by looking at the pictures alone.


    Ren Baqian picked up the book and headed to Qingxin Pce.


    Showing this book to Lin Qiaole should be alright. He wouldn''t say the same for other people. Therefore, he had to find thatss who was always falling asleep.


    With the token given to him by the empress, he could go to many ces in the pce without much difficulty. Everything would be alright as long as he did not lose his way.


    Along the way, he encountered several pce maids. Every one of them would look at him with curiosity at first and then leave in a hurry.


    After all, Ren Baqian was considered a prince-to-be, and this was the first time they encountered a situation like this. As such, they did not know what to do except to maintain some distance from him.


    When Ren Baqian pushed open the doors of Qingxin Pce, he saw Lin Qiaole sleeping. Her face was glued to the table.


    Other than the days she taught Ren Baqian how to read, she slept at least twenty hours per day. Ren Baqian had already expected to see her sleeping when he arrived at Qingxin Pce.


    She woke up with a start after Ren Baqian gave the table a few knocks. When she realized it was Ren Baqian, she immediately yawned. With an annoyed look on her face, she asked, "What are you doing here again?"


    "Teach me how to read these words and tell what they mean." By the time Ren Baqian finished his sentence, Lin Qiaole had already reached out her fair and beautiful palm.


    "You have gone missing for so many days. For the past few days, I only dared to eat a few pieces. If you were not back any sooner, I would have to go and find you."


    Ren Baqian took out a handful of candies from his clothes and ced them in her palm. Fortunately, he was prepared for this situation. If he did not bring any candies for thisss, she would definitely not help him.


    Lin Qiaole was quite straightforward when it came to Ren Baqian using candies in exchange for her help. Ignoring her urge to sleep, she helped Ren Baqian trante the book all the way until evening.


    Ren Baqian visited Qingxin Pce three days in a row before he finally understood [Ruyi Visualization].


    This martial art divided a human body into five elements. Using one of the five elements, it allowed an individual to enter a state of emptiness. The first five pictures in the book depicted ake, a mountain, a forest, a cluster of mes, and a sword.


    After entering the state of emptiness, an individual would observe his body and master one of the five elements that corresponded to his body. Doing so would enhance the nature of his body.


    This was only the foundation stage.


    After an individual had mastered all five elements, he could then unravel and master all the mysteries in his body. At this stage, he had reached the apex of Man Wheel and would be entering the level of Earth Wheel.


    After this stage, one had to visualize a goddess named Mother Goddess to continue his cultivation. He would have to draw a connection from his consciousness to the earth and then to the ley lines until he reached the apex of Earth Wheel.


    The hardest part of this martial art was its foundation stage. After one had passed the foundation stage, he would have a smooth path to the Earth Embryo Realm.


    This martial also had three cons. Firstly, it was different from most martial arts in the world. Most martial arts would cultivate the external of a body first before cultivating the internal or cultivate both at the same time. On the contrary, [Ruyi Visualization] cultivated the internal of a body first before cultivating the external. During the cultivation process, an individual had to take in arge amount of medicinal ingredients to supplement the five elements and temper his body.


    Practicing this martial art required various types of rare medicinal ingredients. The amount of resources that this martial art consumed was tens of times more than other martial arts''.


    The second one was that [Ruyi Visualization] skipped the process of converting one''s essence blood into qi. This process was usually found in ordinary martial arts. As such, an individual that practiced [Ruyi Visualization] would not to have any qi in his body. It waspletely different from other martial arts, appearing as though it could only strengthen one''s physical body.


    The third one was this martial art couldn''t provide its practitioner with practical fighting capabilities. Other than allowing one to attain the Ley Line Realm, it had no practicalbat uses. Even if one attained the level of Earth Wheel, he could only use his physical superiority to suppress other Earth Wheel experts. A practitioner of [Ruyi Visualization] could be considered as the weakest of all Earth Wheel experts.


    Furthermore, without qi, even if he tried to learn other martial arts, he could not utilize them.


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought that this martial art could help him be as physically strong as the aboriginals. Lin Qiaole''s words killed his hope. The reason why aboriginals could break through their physical limitations was that they tapped into the power of their blood lineage.


    As such, [Ruyi Visualization] was considered to be different from other martial arts. It was apletely unconventional martial art.


    The method of cultivation after one reached the Earth Embryo Realm was depicted on thest picture in the book. It was a visualization picture that depicted a fiendish-looking man with eight arms. The book did not say what would happen after one reached the Earth Embryo State. Ren Baqian reckoned that he would only know what will happen after he reached that stage and visualized that picture.


    ording to Supervisor Lin, [Ruyi Visualization] was found in the imperial library of the Hao Nation. Perhaps even the people of the Hao Nation never practiced it before.


    Not only was its foundation stage difficult to master, it also needed consumed a huge amount of resources. Furthermore, even if Ren Baqian mastered it, he would be at the bottom of all Earth Wheel experts, and he could only use his physical superiority to bully other people. What''s point of learning such a martial art?


    After all, those who were able to enter the imperial library certainly knew some martial arts.


    "Do you still want learn this martial art?" Lin Qiaole asked as she chewed on a piece of candy.


    Ren Baqian was slightly hesitant. After hearing from Lin Qiaole for the past few days, he knew a thing or two about martial arts. Learning a martial art wasn''t the same as studying a college major. One couldn''t simply stop practicing a martial art and learn another one just because he or she found it unsuitable.


    For other martial arts, if one attained a certain level, for example Earth Wheel, he or she could learn anotherplementing martial art. For [Ruyi Visualization], it was apletely different situation. Even if he wanted to learn a new martial art after mastering [Ruyi Visualization], he couldn''t do so.


    If he chose to learn [Ruyi Visualization], he would have to stick with it all the way. No one knew what would happen after he reached the apex of Earth Wheel. Everything in the future was unknown to him.


    If he chose not to learn [Ruyi Visualization], he would have to learn [Great Pan Boxing]. Otherwise, he had to wait for the empress to find martial arts for him from other ces.


    One could imagine the difficulty of this task. Out of all the book collections in Qingxin Pce, including the books from the Hao Nation''s imperial library, only two martial arts were suitable for him.


    If he was to choose another martial art, could he find it in a short period of time? And how much trouble would he cause in the process? Even if the empress was willing to do so, he wouldn''t dare to let her do so.


    After thinking it through, Ren Baqian felt that he had no other choice except to stick with [Ruyi Visualization].


    The prerequisite being that he could pass the foundation stage.


    From start, he never took fighting strength into consideration. He did not want to learn a martial art for the sake of beating people up. If he was weaker than other people, then so be it. At least he would be stronger than the current him.


    Furthermore, Earth had a lot of devastating and powerful weapons like rifles, grenades, RPG, etc.


    If he had the machine gun of Sylvester Stallone, he reckoned that most Earth Wheel experts would flee in fear.

 Chapter 128: Seeking for a Method

    Chapter 128: Seeking for a Method


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The empress was sitting on top of the main hall. After a short period of time, Hong Wu came walking in withrge strides.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    "Prepare a seat for General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation a seat of honor," the empress voiced out, and a chair was immediately put behind Hong Wu.


    "When will the great general depart?" the empress asked. Every year, Hong Wu woulde around this time and go back to the north after the empress''s birthday celebration. This had be a routine in recent years.


    "This time,ing back and seeing the empress safe and sound is a big relief to your humble servant. I will set off tomorrow," Hong Wu replied.


    "I appreciate the great general''s hard work of guarding the borders year after year. Unfortunately, I still cannot find anyone to take over your duties for the time being."


    "Many thanks for Your majesty''s concern. I am already used to it. Moreover, there are good ces at the border, and at least, I can see snow during winter asionally." Hong Wuughed.


    "That scenery is really beautiful."


    "I would like to have a look as well." The empress finished her sentence and then added, "When the great general conquers Great Xia, I will go to Great Xia to see snow."


    Hong Wu heard and burst out inughter.


    When Great Xia was ready for a visit after their army had been routed and beaten a retreat, he would upy the city and let Her Majesty appreciate the snow.


    "I will order the recruitment of the soldiers after you leave. Also, I will think of ways to supply weapons to you. Rest assured, General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation," The empress emphasized.


    "In that case, I, your old servant feels rest assured." Hong Wu knew the situation in Dayao very well. It was a very difficult problem, but he still hoped to get sufficient weapons. Even with only ten thousand in quantity, his confidence would be greatly boosted.


    "Does General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation know where Lu Qi is?"


    "Lu Ping Hai? From what I know, he wanders about. But, he goes to the fishing vige every November in the East Sea area for a few days to pay homage to a good friend." Hong Wu replied.


    "Get people to wait for him and tell him that I want the Spirit Yuan Pills. He can name his price," the empress said.


    Hong Wu was a little surprised, Spirit Yuan Pills were the best medicine in the world to enhance one''s body immunity. It was specifically for people with weak constitutions to enable them to cultivate. In addition, it could gradually change the physique of a person within two years and speeding up the cultivation process as well. Just based on this alone, it was a valuable treasure in this world.


    Her Majesty wanted this stuff for that fellow?


    "From what your humble servant knows, he may only carry not more than two pills. Two years ago, I asked him for one pill and was rejected. The two of us ended up in a fight, and both of us were injured. It is not easy to beg him." Hong Wuughed bitterly. He did not expect the empress to seek this thing specifically for that fellow.


    "Tell him that if he refuses to give, I will kill him and it would still be mine," the empress said coldly.


    Hong Wu still gave a wry smile. Lu Haiping was ranked the world number eight which was just one rank behind the empress. How could just saying you want to kill him mean he could be killed? Even if the empress could defeat him, trying to stop him was not easy, and if pushed to that extent, he might run away and no one could obstruct him.


    Moveover, Lu Pinghai ''s hometown was in the Yun Nation. It couldn''t be that Her Majesty wanted to visit the Yun Nation personally?


    A momentter, Hong Wu frowned slightly and went back to his mansion.


    "Grandfather, your wrinkled forehead evidently shows that you are old." Hong Xian jumped a few steps to the front of Hong Wu and used her palm to smooth out the wrinkles on his forehead.


    "Hong Xian, what kind of person is Ren Baqian exactly? Hong Wu asked.


    On mentioning Ren Baqian, Hong Xian''s face darkened a little instantly. She was returning home that day and was not punished, but Liu Ruoyao was given tenshes, received a bout of scolding from her father and was still on house arrest.


    How could that bastard be chosen by Her Majesty as her husband to be? What did the empress see in him? Hong Xian thought it over many times without understanding why. With regards to Ren Baqian, she just couldn''t see any outstanding qualities in him.


    .


    However, in front of her revered grandfather, she did not dare to exaggerate and just rted the incident as it happened that day.


    "Yes, got it." Hong Wu nodded thoughtfully. From what her granddaughter said and what he saw that day, this guy was a viin. Having such a person by Her Majesty''s side wasn''t a good thing.


    But, right now, it was better to watch and observe him. After all, the most important matter was to prepare for Great Xia''s operation. If he discovered that Ren Baqian was really what he assumed him to be, then he wouldn''t be spared.


    ...


    ��..


    Ren Baqian naturally didn''t know what the empress was preparing for. He also did not know the second ranked person in Dayao was observing him with some concerns.


    After staying for three days in Qingxin Pce Hall, he returned to Earth. For two nights he tried to practice Ruyi Visualization but could not attain the stage of emptiness. Once he had quietened down, various thoughts would fly through his mind, like wild horses running on the prairies. He tried his best to control his mind, but after ten to twenty seconds, all kind of thoughts would emerge.


    As such, the first thing he did after waking up was to check theputer for the more famous Taoist temples to see whether they could offer some help.


    First of all, he went to the Laojunguan, which was near the city and observed that the incense burning there was very intense. Ren Baqian donated five thousand yuan of incense money first to get a consultation with the temple head on a certain matter.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian came out of Laojunguan.


    Taoism indeed espoused a method of cultivating a tranquil mind. The key point was in one word "guard", the concept of "not being born, any ideas in the process must be nipped."


    But, did these words suggest he had no way to master [Ruyi Visualization]?


    He did not even have an idea on what to do, so how was he to cultivate? After withdrawing from this state of mind, random thoughts emerged again.


    Unless he spent a long time cultivating his mind, the random thoughts wouldn''t lessen. Whether he could achieve his goals or not, the time taken at the very least, was already too long.


    Even so, Ren Baqian took this meditation method along. If Buddhism wouldn''t work, he would have to try this method first.


    The next stop was the Forlorn Temple in another city. It had a rather good reputation on the inte. The monks here persevered through self-imposed penance and their numbers were getting less in this era.


    Anyway, the average person would generally think ofrge head and big ears whenever anyone mentioned a monk.


    Ren Baqian reached the bottom of the mountain where Forlorn Temple was in the afternoon. He went up the mountain and met the abbot, who had long bushy eyebrows and was a tanned and skinny monk about fifty-something in age.


    "Abbot, in order to aplish a task, I need to achieve a clear and transparent mind in a short time, how can I do it?" Ren Baqian asked directly.


    The abbot drew a circle on the ground and said, "If a circle is painted with ink, can it be erased after one day?"


    "I am afraid I may not be able to erase it." Ren Baqian shook his head in reply. After one day, the ink would have seeped in. He understood what the abbot was saying and those random thoughts were probably rooted in his mind and like the ink, could not be erased.


    "That''s right, it cannot be erased unless you dig the earth away. It is the only solution if you want to achieve a tranquil mind in a short time." The senior monk responded.


    "How do I proceed?" Ren Baqian''s spirit was lifted by the hope of having a solution.


    "p a brick on yourself and get amnesia, forget everything and enter the universe of emptiness. Whatever and however it is drawn will naturally be purified," said the abbot.


    Ren Baqian felt like cussing, "Damn you."


    "I am afraid the benefactor is unwilling. If you forget, you will not be yourself anymore." The abbotughed again.


    "If you have the time, you can go to Jingxin Temple in Lu Province, East Sea to consult Abbot Su Wen. He is much better than me and may be able to help you." This was thest thing the abbot said as he turned away to leave.

 Chapter 129: If Beauty Has a Color

    Chapter 129: If Beauty Has a Color


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the early morning, the foot of Mountain Baiyun was like a downtown area. It was hard to imagine there would be so many people in the countryside, especially when it was a winter morning. Surprisingly, there was also a morning market.


    Both sides of the road were filled with food stalls that sold deep-fried breadsticks, wontons, meat pies, egg cakes, etc. Almost all the stalls were fully packed.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian also saw many stalls that sold prayer beads, Goddess of Mercy pendants, Buddha pendants, and Buddhist texts. Everything here seemed to have something to do with Buddhism.


    Ren Baqian was holding steamed pork bun in his mouth while carrying a packet of soy milk in his hand. His eyes were bloodshot. He rushed here in one night, feeling that he had already done his best.


    Instead of going up the mountain immediately, he strolled around the morning market at the foot of the mountain. He would stop at any store that caught his interest and stay there for a while.


    Everything in Dayao''s pce was good, except for the fact it was cold and cheerless. After staying so many days in Dayao''s pce, he began to miss crowded and lively ces.


    Humans wereplicated creatures. They always wanted things they did not possess at the moment.


    After lingering at the foot of the mountain for a while, Ren Baqian followed those Buddhist worshippers and climbed up the mountain. When he reached the monastery gate, he took a short break there.


    Following which, he entered the monastery and saw a L-shaped pond that had an arch bridge over it. After crossing the bridge, he came to an enormous building.


    "Hello, I am here to find Abbot Su Wen. I was asked toe here by Abbot Yuan Ji from Forlorn Temple," Ren Baqian told a young monk not too long after he entered the monastery.


    "Sir, please wait here for a while. I will go and notify Abbot now," the young monk replied.


    After a while, Ren Baqian was led to a guest hall behind the monastery. After sitting there for a while, he saw a young monk walk in.


    The young monk was around thirty years old. His eyes were exceptionally bright, resembling ake that was so clear that one could see its bottom. His eyes were able to take one''s attention off his appearance.


    Eyes are often referred as the windows to one''s soul, is it possible that this man has the so-called pure and clean mind? Ren Baqian thought to himself. Following which, he quickly stood up and greeted the monk, "Greetings, Abbot."


    When Ren Baqian lowered his eyes, he noticed something, that was, the monk was barefooted. One had to know that it was winter now. To be able to walk everywhere without shoes was an incredible feat. Instantly, Ren Baqian felt an utmost respect for him.


    "Greetings, Sir. I heard that you are asked toe here by Abbot Yuan Ji, may I know why are you looking for me?" Su Wen asked with a cordial smile on his face. His voice was clean and crisp. From head to toe, Su Wen gave Ren Baqian the feeling of cleanliness, be it his gaze or voice. Even though his feet were covered with dust, Ren Baqian still felt that way.


    "Sir, I have to do something. Actually, I have to visualize a picture in the state of emptiness and keep my mind in a clear and pure state without any distracting thoughts. How can I do it? I have to seed in one month''s time," Ren Baqian asked respectfully. Initially, he did not want to go into such great detail. However, since the previous two trips were futile and this man looked extraordinary, he decided to speak the truth.


    After thinking about it, Su Wen replied, "You will have to look at the picture every day, every night, and every second. Even when you''re having your meals, you have to look at it. When you''re sleeping, you have to think about it. Don''t let it leave your sight for even a single second. You have seeded once the picture haspletely upied your mind."


    "So easy?" Ren Baqian asked with surprise.


    "It only seems easy." Su Wen chuckled.


    Ren Baqian thought carefully about it and felt this method was indeed easier said than done. This method required him to look at a picture day and night without any distractions. Furthermore, he did not know how long this process would take. His mind had to think about this picture and nothing else. This method was easy to grasp but difficult to put into practice.


    However, even though this method was difficult to carry out, it was the best way to keep his mind free of distracting thoughts. It was much of a time-saver than the mental tranquilization method.


    "Thank you very much, Abbot. May I know if there are any other methods?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "You win some, you lose some. If you''re not willing to give, how will you gain?" Su Wen said andughed.


    Ren Baqian stood up and thanked Su Wen, "Thank you very much, Abbot."


    No matter what, this was still a good idea.


    "Sir, hold on for a while." Su Wen smiled at Ren Baqian and left the hall.


    Ren Baqian did not know what was going on and waited in the hall.


    After a moment, Su Wen returned with a thin booklet in his hand. Then, he passed it to Ren Baqian and said, "Sir, you can read it when you''re free. It will help you calm your mind."


    "Thank you, Abbot," Ren Baqian cupped his hands and said. He was very used to cupping his hands and thank people. He did it subconsciously.


    "No problem, but I still want to tell your something. In this world, you win some, you lose some. If you want people to treat you with sincerity, you have to treat them with sincerity first. A glib tongue won''t bring you far in life."


    After hearing these words, Ren Baqian''s body froze. He could sense that his heartbeat quickened. After a long while, he replied, "Thank you for your reminder, but I wonder why will you say such words?"


    "I suddenly thought of an old friend of mind. Sir, please don''t take offense to my words," Su Wen smiled and said, "Goodbye, Sir."


    After Ren Baqian left the monastery, he still felt a cold tingling sensation behind his back.


    What does this monk know? How is it possible that he would blurt out such words?


    After thinking for a long time, Ren Baqian still couldn''t figure out the reason. It was impossible that anyone knew about his secret.


    In the end, he came up with a conjecture.


    Is it possible that this monk knows fortune-telling, and he has foreseen something rted to his love life?


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that this conjecture was highly possible. After all, fortune-telling had been around for so long. If Su Wen really knew fortune-telling, Ren Baqian wouldn''t be surprised.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    After this incident, he felt that Abbot Su Wen was rather mysterious. Therefore, he felt that his method would work.


    A figure like him won''t trick me, right?


    Ren Baqian cast a nce at the booklet in his hand. Its title was Heart Sutra.


    After flipping through it, Ren Baqian realized it had only three pages. The first page contained the scripture, and the second and third pages contained exnations about the scripture.


    By the time Ren Baqian reached home, it was already midnight. The moment his head hit the pillow, he fell asleep.


    Another day had passed. Ren Baqian brought some candies and liquor back with him to that world. The liquor he brought this time around was Zhuyeqing. It was bought in a supermarket, so he did not know whether it was authentic or not. Since he was young, he had read about this liquor many times in wuxia novels. Seeing this liquor always made him nostalgic.


    [Zhuyeqing - A famous ancient Chinese wine that is drunk to maintain good health]


    Therefore, he decided to buy it and let the empress have a taste of it.


    Actually, the empress did not have to attend court session every day. She would do so once every three days. After all, there weren''t many matters for her to handle. Most of the matters were handled by the Elders or the six departments. Only important matters were mentioned during court sessions.


    Ren Baqian saw the empress at the park where he had met herst time. She was sitting there in a red dress. Her hair was draped over her shoulders to her back. She was fiddling with the music box. Upon seeing Ren Baqian, she passed it to the pce maid beside her.


    "You came at a right time, tell me some stories. Continue the one you startedst time," the empress casually said.


    Upon hearing these words, he put aside the other matters and continued Investiture of the Gods.


    It had been quite some time since hest told the story. Thest time he told this story, it was roughly one month ago. He took quite some time to recall where he had stopped.


    As the story progressed, powerful deities like Nezha, Lei Zhenzi, Yang Jian, etc. began to appear. The story became more and more interesting.


    Ren Baqian finally stopped the story in the afternoon when he had to apany the empress to eat lunch.


    Ren Baqian did not know whether or not was it because of the sunlight that the empress looked unusually loving today. He could not help but steal a nce at her.


    "You have be much bolder today," the empress said as she ced her gaze on Ren Baqian''s face.


    Indeed, Ren Baqian had be much bolder recently.


    After all, in the past, he always felt that the empress was temperamental. She could easily take his life with one hand, therefore he always been very careful around her. However, when he realized the empress was like an ordinary human in certain aspects, and sometimes even like a young girl, he felt less fearful towards her. At least, now he wasn''t as prudent as before.


    "I feel that, if beauty has a color, it will definitely be the red color I''m seeing now."

 Chapter 130: Killing Intent

    Chapter 130: Killing Intent


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the afternoon, the sun rays shone on the man standing amidst the garden, misting him with ayer of radiance. He was saying, "If the world''s beauty had colors, then it must be the red that we are seeing this moment."


    At this instance, Qi Zixiao felt ineffably flustered and her heart was pulsating tremendously. Soon after, a desire to kill rose abruptly in her heart but was suppressed by her in a split second.


    "What happened to me just now? Why did I have such a feeling?" Qi Zixiao shut her eyes, not knowing what happened to her a while ago. She experienced something which she had never gone through before, and it instantly made her a little rmed and also a little lost. This led to a thought emerging in her head, if she had killed this person, she wouldn''t have felt that kind of fluster previously.


    However, she immediately suppressed this thought as killing him was emphatically not her true intention. It was just a reaction of her subconscious mind at that moment.


    At the same time that thought was suppressed, the throbbing in her heart was controlled as well. Her heart had already calmed down when she opened her eyes once again.


    There was just an indistinct and somewhat, weird feeling in her heart, as if something was changing and quietly sprouting.


    "How''s that [Ruyi Visualization] that you''ve been cultivating?" the empress asked. In fact, she knew in her heart that Ren Baqian definitely had not made any progress. But, she didn''t know what else to say at that moment.


    "I was about to report to Your Majesty. I have a method but I''m not sure if it''s feasible. During the period of trying to use this method to cultivate the [Ruyi Visualization], all of my attention has to be invested in it. It will be hard for me to respond to anything in the external surrounding. I''m afraid that I cannot meet Your Majesty during these days," Ren Baqian replied. That was his reason foring. If he were to utilize the method that the monk had mentioned to cultivate the [Ruyi Visualization], he was afraid that by investing all his attention during this period of time, it would be hard for him to take notice of the outside world.


    Should his attention be shifted the slightest bit, perhaps, all his previous efforts would be wasted.


    This aspect was naturally already out of the empress'' control. In case of any problems, it was better to inform the empress beforehand.


    "Okay, I will arrange for someone to send three meals a day to you." The empress was slightly surprised that Ren Baqian actually found a method so quickly. Even though he was not sure if it was feasible, but at least he tried his best.


    "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."


    Sitting at the side of a round table that was not very big, Ren Baqian could even smell the fragrance that was emitted from the empress. It was simr to that of the fragrance of flowers, very pleasant smelling.


    As nobody was talking, both of them sank into their thoughts.


    Ren Baqian bade farewell and went back to cultivating after the meal as he saw that the empress did not have anything else to say.


    The empress watched as Ren Baqian''s rear view disappeared into the corner. After being distracted for quite some time, she retracted her gaze and said to the two men behind her, "Back to the pce."


    Back at the pce, the empress sat on the couch with a wine ss in one hand. She was somewhat slightly distracted.


    Up till now, she still could notprehend why she had that kind of feeling just now. Normally, with her sort of potential, how was it possible for her to experience something like a sudden frenzy in her heart?


    After pondering for half a day without any conclusions, the empress thought of the [Ruyi Visualization] which Ren Baqian was cultivating. At that time, she browsed through that martial arts manual as well and found it a little odd. But somehow, she felt that there was another gateway in there and that was why she didn''t stop Ren Baqian.


    However, if he wanted to master it, she was afraid that there would be a certain level of difficulty.


    The empress was not very positive about Ren Baqian''s ability to master it.


    It seemed like she still had to prepare the Spirit Yuan Pill.


    First of all was to locate Lu Qi (Lu Pinghai).


    "Bring Gu Daxiong here," the empress instructed.


    Approximately an hourter, Gu Daxiong hurried into the pce hall. "Your Majesty!"


    "Has that Seventh Prince of Great Xia already left?" the empress asked with a cold voice.


    "Your Majesty, he had already left with his men yesterday," Gu Daxiong promptly replied.


    "Oh." The empress gently nodded. Thinking about the Seventh Prince of Great Xia, she suddenly wanted to have him killed. The thought of having another person with that kind of looks got her feeling a little uneasy. She never expected that he left just after she got someone to send him the kirin blood the day before.


    But, it was good that he left as well. There would be some problem if he had died in Lan city. At least on surface, it seemed that he came to deliver gifts to her.


    "What about the rest?" the empress casually asked again.


    "The majority of them have already left. There are only a few guests remaining. In addition, Ning Caichen requests to see Your Majesty," Gu Daxiong replied.


    "Ask him to see me tomorrow. You may take your leave," the empress said as she waved her hand.


    After Gu Daxiong left, the empress got lost in thought for quite a while before she shouted, "Summon Hong Bao over."


    Hong Bao was a long bearded burly man who was two meters tall. He had strands of stubble for his hair, simr to that of an arablend.


    "Your loyal subject Hong Bao pays his respect to Your Majesty." Hong Bao''s voice was extremely resonant,parable to that of Shi Wanshan and his son.


    "Pick a few men and follow the Seventh Prince of Great Xia''s troops. Wait for them to return to the borders of Great Xia and kill him. I want to see his head. Also, do not spare a single one of those who have seen your men."


    "At Your Majesty''smand," Hong Bao replied loudly. Even though he didn''t know how had that man offended the empress, since she had requested, he had to bring back the head for Her Majesty even if it was Great Xia''s emperor.


    "You may take your leave and get ready. Set off immediately. Remember, I want to see his head," the empress said as she motioned her hand.


    After Hong Bao was sent off, the empress felt a little better. In all likelihood, her mood would be better upon seeing his head.


    As for whether the death of the Seventh Prince of Great Xia would bring about any shock, she couldn''t be bothered.


    In any case, Great Xia was already in the midst of preparations.


    The empress got on her feet and walked in front of the mirror. Looking at her own reflection, she used her fingers to gently caress the image of her face in the mirror for a bit before retracting them back.


    ...


    ��


    The Seventh Prince would never have expected Qi Zixiao to develop a killing intent for himself over such a ridiculous reason.


    At this moment, he was sitting in his carriage, fiddling with a small bottle in his hands. Whatever the case was, he had aplished his objective this time. With that bottle of blood, he had saved at least over ten years of painstaking work. He would actually be able to vie with his brother on fair grounds this time.


    He simply couldn''t believe that Qi Zixiao would want the fellow, who looked exactly like him, to be her husband. It was indeed unexpected.


    This world is truly fascinating.


    Surprisingly, there''s someone who looks exactly like me.


    If he were to wear the same set of clothes and not speak, perhaps, even my emperor father and those brothers would not be able to tell the difference.


    "Xiu Wu, if I were to stand alongside that fellow and wore the same set of clothes, would you be able to differentiate the both of us?" The Seventh Prince asked with a sudden curiosity.


    "Your Highness, it doesn''t mean that you are a tiger when you are covered in tiger skin." Xiu Wuughed softly with tender sentiments circting in the pupils of her eyes.


    The Seventh Prince burst into a loudughter and embraced Xiu Wu in his arms.


    He originally wanted to find a chance to kill that Ren Baqian, but now, it seemed impossible to do so within a short period of time. He could only find an opportunity next time.


    I shall arrange a few sacrificial warriors to hide in Lan city once we get back.


    Sooner orter, that man wille out of the pce.


    One of me is sufficient in this world.


    I just don''t feel that carefree as long as that man isn''t dead.


    As a matter of fact, I am the Seventh Prince of Great Xia.


    How can I possibly allow someone with the same looks as me to exist in this world and not have the situation within my control.

 Chapter 131: Attack

    Chapter 131: Attack


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "What''s Storyteller Ren doing?" the empress asked faintly in the pce. The musical box in her hand was giving off a crisp and clear melody.


    "He has not once left his room for the past few days. Every day, he will sit behind the table and study the martial art without doing anything else. asionally, he will yell and yank his hair," Hong Luan replied softly.


    "Oh," The empress nodded her head and ced a piece of candy into her mouth.


    She had been feeling bored these few days. She wanted to listen to some stories, but Ren Baqian was busy with his cultivation.


    Behind her, Hong Luan winked at Qing Yuan. This was the fifth time that the empress asked them about Ren Baqian. She would ask them about him once every day.


    Has Her Majesty fallen for that guy?


    It''s a pity that he was too weak.


    And at this moment, Ren Baqian was yanking his hair in distress. He was distraught with anxiety. A moment ago, he lost his focus again.


    The method introduced by Abbot Su Wen was harder than he expected.


    It had been seven days��four days in this world and three days on Earth. Every time he tried to focus his attention, his subconscious mind would bubble up with various distracting thoughts. Needless to say, it was even harder to focus while he was sleeping or eating.


    He also did not know when he would be able to achieve the state of emptiness in his mind. It was possible that he could never ever achieve it.


    At this point in time, he was felt very dejected and took out the Heart Sutra.


    "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, when he meditated deeply, saw the Emptiness of all five Skandhas and sundered the bonds that caused him suffering. Listen Sariputra, this Body itself is Emptiness and Emptiness itself is this Body. This Body is not other than Emptiness and Emptiness is not other than this Body. The same is true of Feelings, Perceptions, Mental Formations, and Consciousness. Listen Sariputra, all phenomena bear the mark of Emptiness?


    their true nature is the nature of no Birth nor Death, no Being nor Non-being, no Defilement nor Purity, no Increasing nor Decreasing..."


    Ren Baqian read the scripture over and over again. After reading it for an unknown number of times, his mind finally calmed down.


    cing the Heart Sutra aside, Ren Baqian stood in front of the window and took in a deep breath of air. Following which, he opened his mouth and yelled at the top of his voice, "AHHH!"


    His yell scared away a lot of birds.


    The guard standing at the entrance shook his head at Ren Baqian. Every day, Ren Baqian would have several outbursts. The guard was already used to seeing him like this.


    After yelling at the top of his voice, Ren Baqian felt much better. He returned to the table and flipped open the manual of [Ruyi Visualization]. Then, he continued to stare at theke on the first page of the manual. He concentrated all his attention to it, not daring to rx at all.


    He had made some progress inst two days. Even though the progress he made wasn''t huge, he found it easier to focus his attention on [Ruyi Visualization] now. This gave him some hope.


    ...


    "How''s Ren Baqian?" The empress was feeling bored in the garden. She reached out her hand and a bird flew into her palm. If one took a closer look, he or she would realize that the bird was frantically pping its wings and trying its best to escape from the empress''s palm. Despite all its effort, it still remained in the empress''s palm.


    "I heard that he doesn''t yell as much as before now. Sometimes he doesn''t even know when his meals are delivered to him. I also heard that he is in a very bad condition now. He has be very weak."


    The empress brought the bird to her face and stared at its tiny eyes. The bird''s eyes immediately filled with fear and panic. She dully raised her hand and let the bird free.


    "Did he eat?"


    "Every time, the food is ced in front of him. Sometimes, he will finish the food. Sometimes, there will be leftovers. However, for thest two meals, he did not eat at all," Hong Luan replied.


    The empress nodded her head, looking slightly distracted. She seemed to be thinking of something.


    ...


    Looking at the city wall that appeared on the distant horizon, a smile appeared on Seventh Prince''s face. He was finally back.


    For the past fifteen days, he had been on the road, and as such, he was feeling utterly worn out. No matter how luxurious his carriage was, it still couldn''t bepared with his mansion house.


    Even thought this was just a county near the border of Great Xia, it still had hot water, fine liquor and delicious food. Overall, it was still better than the wilderness.


    However, he had been feeling uneasy for the past two days. He had a premonition that something was going to happen.


    When Seventh Prince''s carriage reached entrance of the county town, the county magistrate, the official registrar, and other officials of the county came out to receive Seventh Prince. "Wee, Your Highness."


    "What are your names?" Seventh Prince smiled and asked.


    "I''m the county magistrate, Li Zisheng. This is the official registrar, this is the county military officer��"


    "Alright, I have noted down your names. I am just passing by this town, prepare a ce for me to rest tonight, and I will set off tomorrow morning," Seventh Prince pulled open the curtain of the carriage and said.


    "Yes, Your Highness. We have already prepared a ce for you to rest," the county magistrate and the official registrar immediately replied.


    "Good job." Seventh Prince nodded his head and closed the curtain.


    The county magistrate, the official registrar, and their counterparts heaved a sigh of relief. The status of Seventh Prince was too grand for them to curry favor with him. As long as nothing went wrong, they would be thankful to Heaven.


    As for Seventh Prince saying that he had noted down their names, only a fool would believe in such conventional words.


    Hong Bao and his counterparts were waiting for them on a distant mountain. All of them had carried jerky with them. As they were waiting, they ate the jerky and washed it down with unfiltered rice wine. This was considered a form of enjoyment in the wilderness.


    When night arrived, a huge man returned reported to back to Hong Bao and said, "Sir, they have entered Pinggu county."


    "Alright. From Pinggu county to the capital of Great Xia, they have to go through Broken Dragon Canyon. We will wait for them there," Hong Bao said loudly. "We have rested enough, let''s go now."


    Hong Bao only brought fifteen men. Including him, there was a total of sixteen men. Traversing through the forest, they ran as fast as though they were flying. While it was still dark, they quickly crossed the in. The next morning, they entered the forest to hide themselves again. By the time night arrived, they had reached Broken Dragon Canyon, which was 150 kilometers into Pinggu county.


    Broken Dragon Canyon was a canyon with a dragon-head-shaped mountain on one of its sides. On its other side, there was a meandering mountain range that was shaped like the body of a dragon.


    Reportedly, during the ancient times, there was a real dragon here and a colossal sword descended from the sky at the same time. The sword eventually beheaded the dragon, forming Broken Dragon Canyon.


    After Hong Bao and his men reached Broken Dragon Canyon, he sent some men to keep a lookout for Seventh Prince''s carriage. Everyone else then rested in the forest.


    Another two days had passed. In the morning, someone reported back to Hong Bao, "That carriage is here."


    After a while, a convoy appeared on the horizon. At the front and the back of the convoy, there were fifty horsemen each. All of their strength was on Man Level. Seventh Prince had spent of a lot of effort and time to hire and cultivate these horsemen.


    In the middle of the convoy, there were five carriages. The most luxurious-looking one was Seventh Prince''s and Xiu Wu''s carriage. Behind them, there was a carriage that carried two consecrated experts. Both of their strength were on the Earth Embryo Level. The remaining three carriages carried the supplies needed for the long journey.


    Hong Bao had already acquired this information before he set out on this mission. There were only one hundred horsemen that were on Human Level and two experts that had reached the peak of Earth Embryo Level. A grin appeared on Hong Bao''s face. After waiting for so long, he could finally take action.


    "Sir, what now?" someone asked Hong Bao.


    "Kill every single one of them, don''t leave anyone alive. Remember, I want Seventh Prince''s head, don''t crush it," Hong Bao reminded his men.


    "Understood." Everyone nodded their heads.


    When Seventh Prince''s convoy reached Broken Dragon Canyon, it reduced its speed and stopped. Four horsemen whipped their horses and proceeded forward first.


    Even though it was impossible that anyone would dare to ambush their convoy in Great Xia, it was still better for them to be safe than sorry.


    When the convoy began advancing again, Hong Bao waved his hand and his men immediately took down the bows from their backs.


    "Attack!"

 Chapter 132: Surprise Attack

    Chapter 132: Surprise Attack


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Seeing that the four mounted soldiers had returned, a smile formed on Wei Gu''s face. After passing the Sleeping Dragon Gorge, there was a wide expanse of tnd right beyond it. It would take another half a month to return to the capital if he picked up speed. At that time, he would be able to rx and also visit his son to see if there was any progress in his practice.


    (P.S. It used to be called Broken Dragon Canyon, but Great Xia named it Sleeping Dragon Gorge.)


    (Wei Gu - leader of Seventh Prince''s guard)


    That fellow was already 13 years old, and he ought to be sent to the martial arts institution next year.


    He turned his head and looked at the horsemen. They all wore a rxed look on their faces.


    In fact, after entering the borders of Great Xia, their nerves had already calmed down.


    After all, this month-long journey was already considered rather exhausting. Previously, within the Dayao borders, everyone had to be more or less alert. They immediately felt more rxed after returning back.


    It would be a joke if the Seventh Prince of Great Xia got ambushed within the borders of his Great Xia.


    With a hundred intermediate Man Wheel level horsemen, even if they run into unwary thieves, they could pulverize them in no time.


    Besides, the convoy still had two Earth Wheel expert who had achieved the apex of the Earth Embryo State. They were just one step away from breaking through to consecrated expert at the Celestial Gate.


    With such potential, one can be considered an expert wherever he goes.


    As a matter of fact, there was no need to even utilize them. For ordinary situations, an intermediate Earth Wheel level person like himself was sufficient to resolve all of that.


    "Set off." Wei Gu stretched his right hand, waved forward and the convoy continued on its way.


    After moving a hundred meters forward and just about to enter the Sleeping Dragon Gorge, a couple of big rocks the size of a square meter suddenly whizzed through the air and smashed down from the sky. They came from the top of the hills on the sides.


    "Enemy attack!" Wei Gu roared with a ferocious look on his face. "Call on the assistance of the consecrated experts."


    The hills at the sides were at least over a hundred meters away from their position. Only the experts of Earth Wheel level and above were able to throw over a rock this big with such might.


    Why are there several Earth Wheel experts attacking the Seventh Prince''s convoy at the same time?


    Do they not know who they are facing?


    Along with Wei Gu''s voice, a carriage within the convoy exploded unexpectedly. Two figures with faint shadows emerged from the sky,nding their fists on two of the big rocks and instantly sent countless small pieces of rocks flying around.


    "Ah!" A few miserable shrieks could be heard from within the convoy. Exactly ten horsemen were struck by arrows and fell off their horses.


    A total of five big rocks were hurled over. Other than two rocks that were targeted at the carriages, the other three rocks were targeted at the leading and trailing end of the troops. But, most of the horsemen sessively dodged them.


    "Who are you,e out now!" A roar resounded as the consecrated experts stepped on the ground.


    "Ahaha haha, the old man is here." Over ten figures shot down from the hills, surrounding the entire convoy.


    There were a total of five carriages and one hundred intermediate Man Wheel level horsemen, but they were surrounded by just over ten people.


    It seemed a little ridiculous, but neither Wei Gu nor the two consecrated experts couldugh. The remaining ny horsemen were also tensed up.


    There were sixteen burly men encircling everybody. Leading the pack was a two-meter-tall man wearing coarse clothing. He was holding tworge axes each the size of a wheel. There were strands of short stubble on his head, simr to arablend. Besides the aboriginals, no one else had such an appearance.


    The remaining fifteen were of various heights, with the shortest one being around 1.8 meters and the tallest one reaching 2.2 meters. They seemed like small giants with each of them holdingrge caliber weapons that even Earth Wheel experts would consider taxing.


    All sixteen men were aboriginals and their blood and vital breath were formidable from head to toe. The two consecrated experts felt extremely oppressed by the burly leader of the pack.


    As for the other fifteen men, just a nce at them was enough to know that the weakest one had the strength equivalent of the Earth Wheel level.


    Everybody''s expression took a disastrous turn when they realized the fact that they were facing sixteen Earth Wheel experts, with one even exceeding the apex of Earth Wheel level.


    "You people dare to ambush the Seventh Prince''s carriage? Ambushing the Seventh Prince within Great Xia''s borders, are you provoking a fight between two nations? You had better quickly retreat!" Wei Gu shouted violently.


    "Ha ha ha ha, a load of bullshit, ptui, kill." Hong Baoughed loudly, spat a mouthful of saliva in disdain, and shouted the word ''kill''. At the same time, with a rotation of his right arm, an axe the size of a wheel whizzed through the air and spun towards the convoy. It kept going until one of the consecrated experts reached out his arm and tugged the axe, then it flew into the sky.


    Prior to that, that axe had already brought about a trail of blood. About five or six men and horses had been chopped into two. The scene was filled with anguished wailing.


    After Hong Bao hurled that axe over, his right arm reached for another from his pair of axes and ferociously leaped towards the front. Therge axe struck directly at Wei Gu. He didn''t dare to block the blow, and it went straight through the back of the horse.


    The blow of the axe from Hong Bao split the horse''s hindquarters apart. He then leaped over everyone''s heads and dashed straight towards the carriage in the middle.


    "You stay put." The consecrated expert who previously diverted therge axe immediately went ahead with a long sword in his hands. It transformed into a streak of white line; it was as fast as a shooting star.


    Hong Bao managed to block that blow in the air just by traversing his axe.


    The other consecrated expert then dashed into the Seventh Prince''s carriage, picked him up with one hand and broke out of it.


    Xiu Wu was filled with panic and disappointment as she looked upon the Seventh Prince being brought away by the consecrated expert. The Seventh Prince didn''t even think of reaching out for her. She felt extremely disheartened at that moment and didn''t even feel the wood shavings spatter upon her face when the carriage broke open.


    It turned out that she was just a ything in the Seventh Prince''s eyes.


    "These people are unstoppable, aren''t they? If not, that consecrated expert wouldn''t have escaped with the Seventh Prince like that." Xiu Wu looked at the over ten figures weaving in and out of the convoy. She let out a bitter smile as she heard the blood-curdling screeches around her.


    A perspicacious person could tell that they were unstoppable,pletely unstoppable. Even with double the strength, no one could stop them.


    "These people will not spare my life." Xiu Wu understood that fact.


    How big of a matter is this, that the aboriginal experts are assassinating the Seventh Prince within Great Xia''s borders?


    If this news were to spread, the entire Great Xia would probably be in shock.


    "Forget it. To my heart''s content." Xiu Wu took out a knife and pointed the tip at her chest, waiting for those people to attack her then she would then take her own life. At least she would not die an ugly death.


    At the same time, she turned her head and looked at the hills to the side. Some of the trees were already suffused with red: it was the color of falling leaves.


    In this season, at this ce, this makes a truly suitable burial ground for myself.


    I wish I can have a few more looks ��


    At this moment, Wei Gu''s opponent was no longer Hong Bao. It was another burly man wielding a standard broadsword used by the aboriginal army. Even though he was at a disadvantage, he could still persevere for a bit.


    He swept his gaze to the side asionally. Almost the entire troop was decimated and was in disorder.


    The most conspicuous figure of all was the 2.2-meter-tall burly man. Even though his movements were not very agile, he was still slightly faster than those ordinary Man Wheel people. A shower of blood rain emerged as he swept his mace across.


    "We are ruined!" Wei Gu was distressed.


    I hope the Seventh Prince can escape and take care of my family on ount of the fact that I have always been loyal and responsible.


    Hong Bao howled withughter as he struck his axe. The Earth Embryo level that he was facing dared not resist his attack and had to retreat.


    "Are you all ball-less girls? Is hiding all you can do? Comeee, fight thirty rounds with this old man. If you survive, I''ll give you my head." Hong Bao let out wildughter as his eyes were filled with disdain.

 Chapter 133: Kill

    Chapter 133: Kill


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The consecrated expert that was of Earth Embryo Level had a solemn look on his face. The huge man he was facing now was giving him too much pressure.


    As long as his attacks weren''t directed at vital areas, his opponent would not bother dodging them. His opponent was fighting him with in a kamikaze style.


    "Damn it, where''s my axe? Someone pass it to me," Hong Bao roared, feeling frustrated that he couldn''t take down the consecrated expert.


    "Sir, catch it." Someone immediately broke away from the battle, ran to a distant area to pick up his axe, and threw it in his direction.


    At this point in time, the oue of the battle had already been set. Less than thirty horsemen were left, and the number was still decreasing rapidly. They couldn''t flee even if they wanted to do so.


    Some tried whipping their horses to escape but were immediately shot down by arrows.


    The remaining men were not able to exert any pressure on the aboriginals.


    Hong Bao''s opponent naturally did not want him to catch the axe.


    The consecrated expert already had trouble holding off Hong Bao when he had only one axe. Furthermore, he could tell that Hong Bao had yet to use all his force. If Hong Bao had two axes, he definitely be unable to withstand him.


    "Has Seventh Prince escaped? If he has escaped, then I can flee as well," the consecrated expert thought to himself. However, from his angle, he couldn''t tell that Seventh Prince had already been stopped by someone.


    When the consecrated expert that was apanying Seventh Prince saw two men appearing in front of them, he spoke softly to Seventh Prince, "Your Highness, you leave first."


    Seventh Prince gritted his teeth and fled in haste without turning back.


    He could not understand why these people wanted to kill him. Only Qi Zixiao or Hong Wu could send so many experts.


    Since these people did not look like they were from the army, it implied that they were sent by Qi Zixiao.


    Why? I am not a gifted individual and am not considered extraordinary out of us eleven brothers. Furthermore, I did not do anything that offended Qi Zixiao. Why does she want to kill me?


    Seventh Prince clenched his teeth. He did not understand what was going on. However, as long as he could survive, he would definitely seek revenge for what happened today.


    Just as Seventh Prince was about to enter the forest, he suddenly heard a whooshing sound behind him. Immediately, he jumped towards his side. Following which, a blood-curdling scream resounded through the air.


    His thigh was pierced by a javelin, breaking his thigh bone in the process.


    A huge man that had five w-shaped scars on his face walked toward Seventh Prince. If the scars were slightly longer, his eyes would be gone. At this moment, his face was filled with killing intent.


    Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the consecrated expert getting tangled up with two men. If he had any intention of fleeing, the two men would definitely fight him with a kamikaze style.


    This sent a cold shiver down his spine.


    Aboriginals viewed dying in a battle as an act of honor. If a person died in a battle, his body would be buried in one of the Sixty Thousand Mountains so that his heroic soul could be together with the countless souls of their ancestors.


    Therefore, it appeared as though the aboriginals did not know pain and did not fear death.


    This was also one of the reasons why other countries were afraid of Dayao.


    Upon seeing the huge man walking towards him slowly, Seventh Prince trembled in fear.


    The fear of death engulfed his mind.


    He never thought that he would die here, under such a situation. If he knew this would happen, he would have never gone to Dayao.


    If it weren''t for the fact that he wanted the kirin blood, he wouldn''t have gone to Dayao personally.


    He did not expect himself to end up in this situation.


    "Why Qi Zixiao wants to kill me? Why?" Seventh Prince howled in despair. His face twitched with anger as he threw away the bottle that he had been holding tightly all this time.


    The huge man in front of him did not have any intention of replying his question. He used another javelin to pin Seventh Prince to the ground and beheaded him with a swipe of his knife.


    At the moment Seventh Prince was pinned to the ground by the javelin, a face suddenly appeared in his mind.


    Is it because of him? But why?


    Near the convoy, the battle had already ended. All of the one hundred horsemen had died, and even the horses were not spared. Corpses were strewn all over the ce.


    Wei Gu''s eyes were staring into the sky, but his body was several meters away.


    The Earth Embryo Level consecrated expert that previously thought of fleeing did not make it in time. At this moment, other than Hong Bao, there were roughly six men giving each other a hug andughing.


    "Sir, you''re the slowest."


    With a pair of reddened eyes, Hong Bao yelled angrily, "Goddamnit, this bast*ard is too cunning."


    The two wheel-sized axes in his hands were brandished like pinwheels. He dug out roughly one meter deep of soil from his surrounding ground. The ground one hundred meters surrounding him was covered in cracks.


    Even though his opponent was severely injured, he still had not taken him down.


    The consecrated expertughed bitterly. He knew he couldn''t survive today. However, as an Earth Embryo Level expert, he was not willing to die like this. Even if he died, he had to drag his opponent with him.


    Very soon, he found an opening. Following which, he lunged towards the flurry of swing axes. The sword in his hand suddenly disappeared and appeared at the throat of Hong Bao.


    "Pfff." The axe in Hong Bao''s right hand suddenly swung much faster, severing that consecrated expert''s upper torso from his lower half.


    The other axe in Hong Bao''s left hand flew into the air, and his left hand appeared in front of his throat.


    Aboriginals had very powerful defensive capabilities. The consecrated expert''s sword pierced through Hong Bao''s left palm and was stuck there, merely causing a small cut on his throat.


    "Goddamnit, this was rather troublesome fellow. Even when he was going to die, he tried to drag me along with him." Hong Bao threw his axe to one side. Using his right hand, he pulled out the sword from his left palm. Then, he used the sword to pin the consecrated expert''s head to the ground.


    "Go and see if there''s any survivors. I will go over and stop that bast*rd from fleeing," Hong Bao yelled. He picked up his axes and headed towards the other battle scene.


    However, by the time he arrived, the battle had already ended. The consecrated expert was surrounded and killed by eight Earth Wheel experts. Before he died, he managed to kill one person and injure three people.


    Hong Bao went and took at a look at a burly man that got beheaded. He felt a slight pity for this bast*rd. Other than having a foul mouth, he was a rather good fellow.


    "Carry his body, we can''t leave him outside. Later we will find a ce to clean up his body and send it to the mountains," Hong Bao reminded his subordinates.


    "Yes," everyone replied and did not say anything else. One of Hong Bao''s subordinates picked up the body and ced it over his back. He did not even care about the fact that his body was being drenched in blood from the corpse.


    After all, this was hisrade''s blood. He did not mind it at all.


    Following which, Hong Bao stomped and crushed the consecrated expert''s head to smithereens. Beside him, the huge man with five w-shaped scars on his face passed Hong Bao''s Seventh Prince''s head. "Sir."


    Hong Bao took the head and looked at it. Then, he said, "Mission aplished. Clear up the scene and prepare to retreat."


    Just as he was about to leave, someone yelled, "Sir, there is a group of people nearby. I think it''s a merchant caravan that ising back from Dayao."


    "Did they see us?"


    "Yes, they did. They are retreating now."


    "Kill all of them," Hong Bao said coldly. He raised his head and looked into the distance. There was indeed a group of people fleeing in haste.


    Eight of Hong Bao''s men pursued the merchant caravan. The rest were defacing the corpses to remove any unique-looking wounds.


    For example, the wounds that were caused by a mace. People from Great Xia seldom used this type of weapon. On the contrary, it was a weapon favored by many aboriginals.


    When Hong Bao passed by Seventh Prince''s carriage, he took a look inside. Inside the carriage, there was an exceptional beauty with a dagger plunged into her chest. She appeared to be dead already.


    Her face was even covered with tear stains.

 Chapter 134: Initiation Stage

    Chapter 134: Initiation Stage


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Amidst thendscape, the sky was slightly misty and far away in the distance was ake.


    Right in the middle of thisndscape, a person was gazing nkly with both eyes.


    After a long time, that person''s eyes regained its vitality.


    "Where is this ce?" Ren Baqian looked at the surrounding environment and was quite lost.


    Shouldn''t I be in the pce now?


    How did I show up here?


    Did I teleport again?


    Thinking about this made Ren Baqian shiver immediately. He had just made his mark in Dayao, and if he were to start all over in another strange world, others would perhaps be happy, but certainly not him.


    The scenery here was very familiar.


    Ren Baqian took a look at the surroundings and suddenly, a thought emerged in his head.


    It was d��j�� vu.


    Like what he had seen it in a dream before.


    Everyone had such an experience, where a certain event or ce seemed very familiar as if it had happened before.


    If one pondered very carefully, only then would they discover that they have actually seen it their dreams before.


    This was what Ren Baqian was feeling at this time.


    He took a few steps towards thekeside, and the water vapors condensed on his face.


    Ren Baqian suddenly realized where he had seen this. It was the first picture in [Ruyi Visualization].


    Thatke and that tree were what he saw in [Ruyi Visualization].


    Has he passed the initiation stage?


    Visualized the first picture?


    ording to [Ruyi Visualization], he is inside his own mind now?


    Thinking up to this point, Ren Baqian was in ecstasy and could not control his yelling and shouting. He had actually and truly seeded.


    The method mentioned by that monk really worked.


    Ren Baqian was in an ecstatic stage for a long time before he sat down on the floor.


    He couldn''t suppress himself from smiling.


    All this while, he was worried about what to do if he couldn''t cultivate.


    Perhaps the empress would find a way for him, by robbing or stealing from others. But waves, storms, and bloodshed were inevitable. The empress might not mind, but how about the people in the imperial court of Dayao?


    In the end, what would be awaiting him? Ren Baqian did not dare to ponder.


    Now, there wasn''t a need for him to consider those things any longer. Whatever the case may be, he had finally passed the initiation stage.


    After this, all he had to do was to nourish himself with medicinal herbs. The rest of this martial art wasn''t difficult to ovee, and at the most, he just needed to spend more money on medicinal herbs as well as some time.


    As for his fighting prowess, he didn''t care so much about it.


    After half a day of random thoughts and spections, Ren Baqian toned down his excited and ecstatic mood and recited a section of the Heart Sutra to calm down.


    The water was very cold as he walked towards the middle of theke. He was shivering a little, but he endured the cold and moved fiercely forward before he swam to the center of theke.


    When he arrived at the center of theke, he waspelled to dive down towards the bottom of theke.


    A long timeter, Ren Baqian awakened and found himself in a room in Pingle Park. After which, he suddenly felt dizzy, cked-out, and copsed onto the bed.


    After an unknown period of time, Ren Baqian awakened from his sleep and felt slightly better.


    Although he still had a headache, but, it wasn''t so bad now.


    Previously, he had been struggling under 15 meters of water and was unable to withstand it; therefore forcing him into waking up.


    As mentioned in [Ruyi Visualization], once he was able to reach the bottom of theke, the [Visualization of Water] would be considered sessful.


    It was not known how long it would take to reach that level, but he had passed the most important round and could slowly cultivate himself to reach it.


    Thinking about this made Ren Baqian somewhat excited. From the look of the sky outside, it should be afternoon and still some time before sunset.


    Ren Baqian thought of announcing the good news to the empress. After all, besides announcing the good news to the empress in this world, there was no one else to share his happiness with.


    However, he smelled his own body odor even before he went out. He had not bathed for God knows how long and hadn''t even change the clothes he was wearing. His mind waspletely focused on [Ruyi Visualization], and he had not been aware of any other matters.


    At the same time, he found a meal on the table, it was set there an unknown amount of time ago and looked untouched.


    Originally, he did not feel anything, but after seeing the meal, he felt his stomach growling. He ate a few mouthfuls, and although it was cold, at least it helped to fill his stomach.


    However, when he took the bowl earlier on, he felt something was not quite right with himself. His movements were uncoordinated and he felt a little awkward.


    Ren Baqian was a little suspicious. He made another few movements and they seemed to be faster. What previously took two seconds toplete, only took one second now. He was used to the habit of taking two seconds toplete the task and it felt very strange.


    In addition, Ren Baqian tried some other movements, but did not discover any changes.


    "It looks like these were the effects of [Ruyi Visualization]." Ren Baqian thought. Although these effects were happening faster than expected, it was, nevertheless, a good thing.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian went to fetch some water for a shower. There were no shower gels to speak of in this world and not even perfumed soap.


    What he used was a type of tree ash, it was applied all over the body, then rinsed off, and the results were simr to soap. He had always taken his showers after returning to Earth, thus there was no necessity for such products. At this moment, he felt it would be slightly better if he could make some perfumed soap.


    However, this sort of thing did not matter right now, and he might as well see the empress first.


    Before leaving the house, he shaved his beard and looked in the copper mirror. Besides his hair being a little bit longer, everything else was alright, and he went out after this check.


    Seeing the guard at the doorway, Ren Baqian casually asked, "How long have I been inside here?"


    "Twenty three days," the guard answered quickly.


    "Thank You."


    "It turns out that it has already been so long, but, it is still eptable," Ren Baqian thought and then suddenly thought of a question. Thest time he went back was inte November. He was here for more than twenty days and that meant more than two months had passed on Earth. This meant that it was approximately February.


    Although he had returned to Earth during this two months, his mind was totally on [Ruyi Visualization], and he had been in a muddled state of mind. Hepletely did notmunicate with his family and was worried they would be anxious.


    ording to his calctions, he should go back tonight. The first thing he should do was to contact his mother; otherwise, she would go crazy. Furthermore, it seemed that Lunar New Year was fast approaching. He wasn''t sure of the date and wondered whether he could spend Lunar New Year with his family or not.


    He was thinking all the way to the pce gates and directed the guards, "Ren Baqian requests to meet Her Majesty, please notify her."


    A momentter, Ren Baqian strode into the pce. The empress was eating fruit and did not even cast a nce at him.


    Hong Luan and Qing Yuan were trying to hide theirughter, as previously, Her Majesty was asking about him every day. On the contrary when he came, Her Majesty appeared as if he wasn''t there.


    "Your humble servant pays respect to Her Majesty." Ren Baqian paid his courtesy from a distance away.


    The empress then lifted her head to look at him, threw the core of the fruit into another te beside her, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and asked, "Why are you out? Have you sessfully mastered the [Ruyi Visualization]?"


    As she was asking, she gave Ren Baqian''s body a once over to check on his progress.


    Soon enough, she was able to discern that Ren Baqian''s vigor had improved a little.


    It wasn''t much, but it was easy for an expert like her to detect.


    In particr, when Ren Baqian was practicing visualization using [Ruyi Visualization], he missed out on a few meals, and ording to the guard, he should be getting weaker by the day. However, at this moment, she wasn''t able to detect that from the outlook of his body.


    The imperial guards wouldn''t lie to her. In that case, the reason should be because Ren Baqian had passed the initiation stage of [Ruyi Visualization].


    Even so, the progress was a little too fast.


    Because nourishing the blood depended on eating food, medicinal herbs and such. But if he didn''t consume food, the medicinal herbs alone were useless. How could he recover his vigor? Even if Ren Baqian had passed the initiation stage of visualization, his body shouldn''t be how it was like at this moment.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands and said, "With your Majesty''s good luck, I was fortunately able to pass the visualization stage."


    He spoke with a face glowing with happiness.


    "It is somewhat beyond my expectation. I didn''t expect you to pass the initiation stage." The empress saw his delights and felt happy too. But, this feeling of happiness was rather unfathomable as well.

 Chapter 135: A Feast for the Eyes

    Chapter 135: A Feast for the Eyes


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Give Storyteller Ren a seat of honor, notify the imperial kitchen to prepare one more set of dinner," the empress instructed Qing Yuan.


    "Yes," Qing Yuan smiled and replied. There were extremely few officials that had been bestowed a seat of honor by the empress. Now, there was one more person.


    "How do you feel now?" the empress asked Ren Baqian after he sat down.


    Ren Baqian clenched his fists and replied, "There seems to be some changes, but they aren''t huge changes. After all, I have just passed the initiation stage."


    "As long as you have passed the initiation stage, the rest of the path will be a breeze. I have already prepared the medicinal ingredients for you, I will send them over to youter," the empress nodded and said. It was a good thing that Ren Baqian had passed the initiation stage of [Ruyi Visualization]. However, she still needed to acquire the Spirit Yuan Pill in Lu Qi''s hands.


    With the Spirit Yuan Pill, Ren Baqian could save a lot of time and effort in his cultivation process.


    His cultivation speed would be much faster.


    "Thank you very much, Your Majesty." Naturally, Ren Baqian did not know the empress was thinking of obtaining the Spirit Yuan Pill from the world''s eighth most powerful individual, Lu Pinghai. If he knew that, it would set him off in fear and trepidation.


    "There aren''t many pointers that I can give you for [Ruyi Visualization]. Cultivate slowly and steadily, don''t try to hasten your progress. If anything goes wrong, it will be difficult to undo it," the empress spoke again.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. Actually, he felt that there weren''t many issues with this martial art. He knew the empress said these words because she was concerned about him. Given her status, he felt a warm feeling flowing into his heart when he heard these words from her.


    After the banquet that night, the empress''s attitude towards him had indeed changed significantly.


    "Your Majesty, since I have already passed the initiation stage, I think I can look into the matter of the mine now. It''s very difficult for me to repay your kindness towards me, I have to do something for you that''s within my capability," Ren Baqian said after thinking it through.


    "That''s a good idea but you have just passed the initiation stage, it''s better that you wait for it to consolidate first. These next few days, if you don''t understand anything, you cane and ask me��"


    "... and you should continue your story as well. Every time, you stopped it halfway through. If you''re gone, I don''t know when is the next time I can hear it again. I''m afraid I might forget the progress of the story if I don''t listen to it for too long. You should try to finish the story these few days."


    The empress''s clear and crisp voice resounded through the air. Ren Baqian could not help but nod his head in agreement.


    After a while, dinner was served. In the pce hall, both of them sat in front of a table and had their dinner. Their surroundings were illuminated bymps that weren''t too bright. Only themps that were near to them were slightly brighter. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were standing at a distance. For a moment, it felt as though the pce hall only had two persons.


    Ren Baqian did not say anything. Every now and then, he would raise his head and cast a nce at the empress. He would push whichever dish that the empressid her gaze on to her.


    A mysterious atmosphere descended upon both of them. The atmosphere felt slightly warm, increasing Ren Baqian''s heartbeat.


    After all, the empress was an exceptional beauty. Furthermore, given her status and strength, she was a huge enticement to anyone.


    And right now, she was just beside him.


    However, when Ren Baqian thought of how she was able to crush him with one finger, he felt that he should behave himself.


    "Continue eating, there''s no need for you to keep looking at me," the empress raised her head and told Ren Baqian. Their eyes met.


    The expression within the empress''s almond-shaped eyes quickened Ren Baqian''s heartbeat again. Within her eyes, calmness and gentleness intertwined, resembling an utterly alluring painting.


    "I like to watch Your Majesty eat," Ren Baqian said as he forcibly suppressed his feelings.


    "On Earth, we have a saying called ''a feast for the eyes''. Just by looking at Your Majesty, I already feel full without eating."


    "Why do I feel that you have no appetite when you see me?" the empress replied coldly.


    "How can it be? It''s my blessing that I''m able to dine with Your Majesty. There are countless people in the world that are envying me right now," Ren Baqian said as he put on you-are-mistaken look on his face.


    The empress cast a nce at him and continued eating her dinner without looking at him anymore. Her movements slightly slowed down but no one could notice it.


    After finishing her food, the empress said, "Teach Gou Yue some more dishes, I''m tired of these dishes."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He reminded himself to teach Caretaker Gou the Eight Great Cuisines when he goes backter.


    [Eight Great Cuisines - China''s eight main cuisines: Shandong Cuisine, Sichuan Cuisine, Guangdong Cuisine, Fujian Cuisine, Jiangsu Cuisine, Zhejiang Cuisine, Hunan Cuisine, Anhui Cuisine.]


    After Ren Baqian finished his dinner, he apanied the empress for a while before heading back to his residence under the moonlight.


    The pce was always very quiet. asionally, he would encounter patrolling guards. Even pce maids, he seldom encountered them.


    During the day, there was still presence of vitality and liveliness. During the night, there was nothing but silence.


    Staying in such a ce for so long, no wonder the empress was so cold.


    As Ren Baqiany on the bed, all he could think about was to quickly give his family a call after he returned to Earth. He knew his family was worried sick about him.


    After Ren Baqian woke up the next morning, he was slightly stunned by his familiar-looking surroundings. He was in a rustic but appealing room. It appeared that he was still in Pingle Park.


    "Why didn''t I return to Earth? Is it that I counted the dates wrongly?" Ren Baqian thought to himself with doubt.


    He counted the dates again. If he never counted wrongly, today should be the twenty-fourth day and it should be the day he returned to Earth.


    That was because, every time he was teleported from this world back to Earth, it would be the fourth day here.


    Furthermore, thest time he was teleported here, he went to greet the empress on the first day and immediately began his cultivation.


    If he never counted the dates wrongly, then could the guard be the one that counted wrongly?


    These aboriginals raised five fingers when they meant to show two, they were indeed unreliable.


    If an aboriginal knows how to count, then a sow can climb a tree, Ren Baqian thought to himself. In the future, if he had the opportunity, he would definitely start a basic course for mathematics here. He had to at least teach them how to add and subtract.


    Ren Baqian got out from bed and washed his face. Then, he sat on his bed and visualized [Ruyi Visualization]''s [Visualization of Water]. After a while, he appeared on the shore again.


    After experiencing it before, he was getting familiar with it now. He swam to the center of theke and dived to the bottom of theke. The deeper he dived, the more resistance and pressure he faced. Eventually, Ren Baqian barely made it to the point that he reachedst time. He could not take it any longer and withdrew from his mind. He felt so tired as though he was going to die. His physical body was feeling alright, but his brain was extremely fatigued.


    After taking a nap on his bed, Ren Baqian felt better.


    "Why hasn''t the breakfast been sent to me yet?" Ren Baqian was puzzled. Usually, if he was in Pingle Park, a pce maid would send his meals to him. Right now, he was feeling very hungry. Looking at the time, it should be approximately ten in the morning but the breakfast was not sent to him yet.


    Logically speaking, this shouldn''t happen.


    Someone was in charge of his meals. It was impossible that they would forget about his meals.


    Could it be that something really happened?


    After thinking for some time, Ren Baqian still could not figure out what went wrong. He reckoned that he should head to the imperial kitchen and looked for some food.


    There was also a department in the pce that specially cooked for the guards and pce maids. However, Ren Baqian wasn''t familiar with it. He reckoned that it should be alright for him to look for food in the imperial kitchen.


    Upon thinking of this, he got out of his bed and rushed to the imperial kitchen.


    At this point of time, all the cooks in the imperial kitchen were trying out new dishes. When they saw Ren Baqian, they were slightly stunned. Following which, the stunned look on their faces turned into an overjoyed one.


    After all, Ren Baqian always gave the imperial kitchen some good stuff, be it spices or recipes.


    Previously, they had to call Ren Baqian "Brother Ren" because they had lost the bet. Whether they were willing to do so or not, at least they had epted the fact that they had lost the bet.


    However, when they saw Ren Baqian now, they were more than willing to call him "Brother Ren". Ren Baqian indeed knew many interesting and delicious dishes. Even though the dishes that were served during the empress'' birthday banquet were ugly-looking, they still tasted pretty good.


    After learning Ren Baqian''s dishes, they found it easier toe up with new dishes.


    After all, all of the cooks in the imperial kitchen had exceptional cooking skills. It was just that they were limited in their creativity. After seeing Ren Baqian''s dishes, they felt as though they had opened the door to a whole new world.


    These days, the imperial kitchen had beening up with new dishes. Every few days, they coulde up with two new dishes. Even though their dishes were stillcking in taste, they had be much faster ining up with new dishes whenpared to the past.


    Furthermore, now Ren Baqian''s status was no longer the same as before.


    Even though Ren Baqian was still the Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall, no one dared to treat him like one anymore.

 Chapter 136: Getting Into Hot Soup

    Chapter 136: Getting Into Hot Soup


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After whipping up a meal and guiding those cooks how to prepare a few more dishes, only then did Ren Baqian leave the imperial kitchen.


    He recalled that the empress asked him to finish with his story. Since he didn''t have anything to do at the moment, he had better go and meet the empress.


    These days, he was also somewhat more familiar with the interior of the pce. At the very least, he was familiarized with the route from Pingle Park to Yangxin Pce Hall where the empress resided. Also, he was more or less familiar with the route from Qingxin Pce Hall to the imperial kitchen.


    Inside the pce, the empress was twirling her hair with her fingertips. After a short while, she released her hand and her hair returned to its original state. Hearing that Ren Baqian wanted to seek an audience with her, she was stunned for a while as ording to the date, he was supposed to return to Earth.


    "Summon him in," the empress sat up straight and instructed.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian entered the pce and paid his respects, "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    "Why haven''t you gone back?" The empress looked at him and asked.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded after he heard what she said. "What does Your Majesty mean?"


    "You will disappear for one day after every three days. That''s what you told me before. You are not able to control it as well as do not know the reason for this. Why didn''t you return to the other world today? Could it be that you have been lying to me?" The empress''s brows were already raised as she spoke till here. A look of anger was slowly forming on her face.


    All along, I have never gotten involved in it as I trusted him.


    But, from the beginning up to now, he didn''t speak the truth.


    As such, whatever he said in the past, how many are truths and how many are lies?


    The feeling of being deceived flooded the empress''s mind and anger began to rose from her heart.


    At the same time, she was also disappointed and frustrated.


    And after hearing what the empress said, there was a drastic change in Ren Baqian''s facial expression.


    If those guards can''t remember the date, it is pardonable.


    But, how can the empress remember the wrong date?


    Whatever the case is, she can''t be simr to those guards who can only extend their five fingers?


    "You lied to me!" The empress''s reply was extremely cold.


    "I genuinely don''t know why this is happening. But, I have never once deceived Your Majesty." Ren Baqian was in a mess and he promptly replied loudly.


    At this moment, it was as if his heart had caught fire.


    How could this be? How could this be? How did this problem arise?


    I want to go back. I must go back. If I don''t go back, how will my parents react?


    At present, Ren Baqian''s head was filled with such thoughts.


    Meanwhile, the light rays in the surroundings fluctuated slightly. It was as if the light ray was near him, simr to how a light ray would refract when shone into the water. It appeared that changes also urred to air around Ren Baqian.


    The empress, who was originally raging with fury, sensed that something was wrong over at Ren Baqian''s side. Instantly, she appeared right in front of Ren Baqian and grabbed onto his wrist, wanting to pull him out.


    In the next second, Yangxin Pce Hall''s Qing Yuan and Hong Luan cried out in rm.


    When Xin Zhe, who was outside rushed into the Pce Hall, she discovered that the empress and Storyteller Ren had already disappeared without a trace.


    "What happened?"


    "Her Majesty has disappeared!" Hong Luan was astonished.


    After Hong Luan spoke, Xin Zhe instantly appeared right in front of her held her back by force tenaciously. She then asked Hong Luan with her eyes wide opened, "Where''s Her Majesty? Why did Her Majesty disappear?"


    "I''m not sure as well. Just now, Her Majesty grabbed onto Storyteller Ren and then both of them disappeared afterwards��" Hong Luan''s voice trembled with fear.


    If the news of the empress''s disappearance was spread outward, a perilous situation could be anticipated.


    "Tell me what happened specifically," Xin Zhe ordered Hong Luan. After which, turned around and gave an order, "Search, don''t let even an inch slip by. Search. At the same time, inform the Department of Inspection to search both inside and outside of the city. But, don''t mention about what happened to Her Majesty, just say that Storyteller Ren has disappeared."


    "In addition to this, not a single word must be revealed. If anything is revealed, I will personally remove that person''s head."


    ...


    ��


    Ren Baqian looked at the surrounding environment and then looked at the empress who was dressed in red, from top to bottom. He was dumbfounded and his mind was totally nk.


    The empress''s hands were very soft, and there weren''t any calluses at all. If there was a contest to select the most beautiful pair of hands in this world, this pair of hands would definitely be one of them.


    However, at this moment, Ren Baqian couldn''t feel anything at all.


    He waspletely dumbstruck.


    At this moment, the surrounding environment was his apartment on Earth.


    The empress had actually followed him over to Earth.


    Apart from a series of cursing in his heart, he didn''t have any other thoughts. His brain had already stopped operating earlier on.


    "Is this your world?" On the contrary, the empress was more clear-headed than him. After she turned her head and nced at the surroundings, she frowned. It was extremely dirty as it was filled with dust everywhere.


    Furthermore, the air was also terrible. A pungent smell immediately filled her nose.


    "Your Majesty...Your Majesty��"Ren Baqian gaped and he was about to cry, "Your Majesty, why did you follow me here��"


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, the empress subconsciously loosened her hand that was grabbing onto his.


    "Do you not want me toe so badly?" The empress''s reply was cold.


    "No, I''m just surprised. Even though I intended to bring Her Majesty to the world I live in, but, I wasn''t certain if it was possible. As such, I''m genuinely surprised." Ren Baqian replied at once.


    "This is the ce you reside in? Why isn''t there anyone to clean up?" The empress asked with a disgusted look on her face.


    "Please wait outside for me while I clean this ce, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian felt that he needed some time to sort out his frame of mind. At present, he was really frightened. The empress who could tear apart Gundams with her bare hands as well as destroy the entire city, actually followed him back to Earth. This caused his mind to be in a great mess.


    [Gundam - Japanese science fiction Giant robots with mobile suits bearing the name Gundam.]


    Ren Baqian turned around and opened the door, "Your Majesty, please follow after me."


    The apartment that Ren Baqian rented was a penthouse with two levels on the 7th and 8th floors of the building. Besides a bedroom, there was also a small living room and a huge balcony.


    The empress looked curiously at the surroundings. To her, everything was full of novelty as she had never heard of all these things before.


    "What is this?" The empress advanced forward a few steps and extended her hand to touch the ss door at the balcony.


    "Her Majesty, that is ss. Through ss, you are able to see what''s going on outside. With regards to your line of sight, it will not be affected and all, yet it can also prevent dust from collecting. Also, it can separate the temperature from indoors and outdoors."


    "I want this." The empress concluded at once.


    "Your Majesty, when I return to Dayao, I willplete the iron ore mine task before I start to manufacture ss," Ren Baqian promptly responded.


    "What is outside?" The empress looked outside of the ss door and asked.


    "Her Majesty, that is snow." Ren Baqian looked outside. The empress was definitely not asking about the balcony. There was a thickyer of snow on the balcony and snowkes were falling gently from the sky.


    "I want to go out and take a look. Open this."


    Ren Baqian quickly opened the door upon hearing the empress''s words. An extremely cold gust of air blew inwards directly.


    At this time, Dayao was awfully hot. Ren Baqian wore his Storyteller of Qingxin Pce Hall''s official robe outside every day and felt a slight chill when the cold air blew onto his body gently. But, it wasn''t too cold.


    The empress seemed to not sense the coldness outside. When she set foot onto the balcony, she stepped into a pile of snow and used both of her hands to grab a handful of snow.


    "It''s my first time seeing snow. I originally thought that I would see it at the borders, never did I expect that I would see it over here," the empress said. Soon after, she sprinkled the snow on the ground, extended one of her fingers and briefly touched the snowkes that were gently falling down.

 Chapter 137: You Lie to Me

    Chapter 137: You Lie to Me


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Draped in a red dress, the empress stood in the snow. With her hair drifting in the wind, she touched and felt the falling snowkes with her delicate fingers. At that instance, Ren Baqian''s heartbeat quickened yet again.


    If it was possible, he wanted to use the camera on his phone to capture this scene.


    Her beauty rendered him dumbstruck.


    "Your Majesty, it''s cold outside," Ren Baqian said softly. At the same time, he noticed the empress wasn''t wearing shoes.


    Just now in Dayao, she suddenly disappeared from her couch and appeared right in front of him, and he teleported to Earth with her at that very moment. That was why she wasn''t wearing her shoes at this moment.


    The empress turned around and cast a nce at him. Her hair was still drifting in the wind. A few strands of her hair covered her exquisite and alluring face.


    A tinge of coldness shed across the empress''s eyes.


    The next moment, the empress grabbed Ren Baqian by his throat and flung him onto the wall.


    "You lie to me!" the empress said coldly.


    "I trusted you but you have been lying to me." The empress reached out her right hand, looking as though she was waiting for Ren Baqian to give an exnation. A powerful aura was exuding from her body, appearing as if she was going to flip out soon.


    "Cough, cough." Ren Baqian felt his chest tighten. Beads of perspiration flowed down his forehead. The aura from the empress felt like a mountain to him, rendering him motionless.


    "Boom." The window and ss door at the balcony exploded.


    Crash. Shattered ss fell all over the floor.


    "Your Majesty, I don''t know what''s going on too. All this time, I can''t control it at all. Otherwise, why would I disappear once every three days? Isn''t it obvious? Why would I lie to you? I don''t know whether it''s because of [Ruyi Visualization] or other reasons. Just now, I was thinking why I didn''t return to Earth and then suddenly I am back here," Ren Baqian exined in a hurry.


    If the empress really flipped out, he would be in deep trouble. Even if the empress did not kill him after they returned to Dayao, she would not let him off easily.


    The empress held Ren Baqian by his throat, raised him up and pressed him against the wall. "I want to know how much of the things you told me is true?"


    Ren Baqian''s throat was tightly grasped by the empress. Beads of perspiration continued to flow down his forehead.


    "If I have a choice, I definitely want to stay with Your Majesty in the same world forever. It''s meaningless for me to stay in a world without Your Majesty. I don''t want a future that doesn''t include Your Majesty. I don''t know what happened this time around, but I really don''t have the intention of lying to you," Ren Baqian replied with difficulty.


    The empress stared into Ren Baqian''s eyes, looking as though she was trying to see if Ren Baqian was lying.


    After a long while, Ren Baqian slid to the ground. Holding his own throat, he coughed violently.


    Just now, he felt as though he was suffocating.


    Fortunately, fresh air filled his lungs and revived him.


    Just now, while Ren Baqian was crushed by the empress''s aura, the residents that lived below him felt something crushed against their bodies as well. Their bodies were rendered motionless and they even had difficulty breathing.


    Someone even wanted to call 120. After the empress withdrew her aura, these people recovered. For safety sake, some of them hurried to the hospital and got a medical examination.


    "You better not lie to me, otherwise, I will kill you even if it meansing to this world," the empress looked at Ren Baqian and said. She stomped her barefoot on the ground and her hair rose into the air.


    Ren Baqian sat on the ground and leaned against the wall. With a bitter smile on his face, he replied, "Your Majesty is like a goddess to everyone, who will bear to lie to you? If someone really lies to you, either that person is a blind man or a fool. I''m neither a blind man nor a fool, therefore why would I lie to you?"


    The empress''s facial expression loosened up significantly. Following which, she walked to the balcony and looked outside.


    The shattered ss on the could not hurt her pure-white feet at all. As the shattered ss made contact with her soles, they disintegrated into powder and were carried into Ren Baqian''s house by the wind outside.


    Ren Baqian sat on the floor and rested for a while before standing up.


    Even though the empress was filled with rage just now, she controlled her strength very well and did not injure Rem Baqian the slightest bit.


    "Your Majesty, it''s cold here. Follow me to downstairs," Ren Baqian stood behind the empress and said.


    "Alright." The empress nodded her head and followed Ren Baqian downstairs. Then, she sat down on the sofa.


    "I want this," the empress said after she felt the softness of the sofa.


    "I am already preparing it for Your Majesty. Previously in the beast park, I have already asked my men to tan some animal hides to make a sofa for Your Majesty. If I put an untanned animal hide over that type of wooden couch, it will be very hot for you to sit on. If I don''t put an animal hide over the wooden couch, it will be very hard and ufortable. These days, I have been focusing on cultivating [Ruyi Visualization], therefore I have to dy the making of the sofa. Once I return to Dayao, I will finish making the sofa for you," Ren Baqian exined while standing beside the empress.


    "Have a seat." Upon knowing Ren Baqian was preparing to make a sofa for her, the empress''s tone and facial expression became gentler.


    Ren Baqian finally heaved a sigh of relief and sat a distance away from the empress.


    "What is this?" the empress pointed to a chandelier above her head and asked.


    "Your Majesty, this is themp in our world but it doesn''t requiremp oil to light up." Ren Baqian stood up and turned on the chandelier''s switch. Immediately, the chandelier lit up. The man-made crystals beneath the chandelier reflected the light from the chandelier at the same time.


    "I like how this thing doesn''t needmp oil to light up, I want it." The empress looked at the chandelier with a fascinated look on her face.


    Upon hearing the empress''s words, Ren Baqian quickly thought about how to produce electricity in Dayao. He had to make sure there was electricity in Yangxin Pce Hall at least. He could easily obtain a diesel-fueled generator, but how could he produce diesel? He couldn''t possibly bring diesel along with him every time he returned to that world, right? In any case, he was incapable of bringing too much diesel with him.


    Perhaps he should see whether or not there were any human-powered generators for sale. He should also think of a way to store electricity in Dayao.


    "What is that?" the empress asked again.


    Ren Baqian followed the direction of the empress''s gaze and replied hurriedly, "That is a clock, it''s used to measure time. In our world, we use second as the base unit for time. Every time the finest needle moves, it means one second has passed. Sixty seconds make up one minute, which is shown by the longest needle. Sixty minutes make up one hour. There are twenty-four hours in a day."


    Ren Baqian looked at the clock and exined to the empress. At this moment, the clock showed 10:17 in the morning.


    One hour in that world was approximately equivalent to three hours on Earth. It was eleven in the morning when Ren Baqian met the empress just now in that world. In that world, one day was thirty-three hours long, nine more hours than a day on Earth. Having been dyed by the tussle upstairs just now, it was 10:17 now.


    "This is rather useful, I want it." Without doubt, the empress was interested in everything on Earth.


    Since Ren Baqian was hers, his things naturally belonged to her as well.


    "Your Majesty, are you hungry? How about I prepare something for you to eat?" Ren Baqian was afraid that the empress would im his house as Dayao''s territory on Earth soon.


    "Alright." The empress nodded her head and continued to examine her surroundings.


    Upon seeing that the empress was still in the state of fascination and curiosity due to arriving in a new world, he left her alone and rummaged through his fridge. Following which, he turned around and said, "Your Majesty, there''s only instant noodles left."


    "Cook it for me," the empress replied without even turning her head. The empress simply did not care about what she was going to eat.


    You cook it, and I will eat it.

 Chapter 138: Who is That Lady Behind You

    Chapter 138: Who is That Lady Behind You


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian turned on the induction cooker and boiled some water. When he turned his head around, the empress was behind him all of a sudden.


    "That will give off water, how is it done?"


    "This thing doesn''t have fire?"


    The empress was as curious as a child, and everything she found was a fresh experience for her. Everything here was full of bizarreness and was different from what she knew.


    Ren Baqian had no choice but to exin what was tap water, an induction cooker, and electrical energy to the empress. Even though she didn''t fully understand any of it, she did, however, manage to grasp the general idea of it.


    Fortunately, the empress didn''t say that she wanted those items this time round.


    After all, regardless of whether it was fetching water or cooking, she didn''t have much concept about them.


    Ren Baqian was cooking instant noodles while the empress looked at him from behind. In no time, the aroma of the instant noodles was being emitted.


    He ced the bowl of instant noodles on the table. At the same time, he indicated to the empress, "Your Majesty, this thing is meant to be eaten with a fork. Of course, it will be fine using a chopstick as well. But, be careful Your Majesty, it''s piping hot."


    Dayao didn''t have any food like noodles. At the very least, Ren Baqian had not seen it before. He was obliged to exin it detail to the empress.


    He couldn''t help but to say that even when the empress was eating instant noodles, it felt as if she was having a sumptuous meal. Her each and every movement were so delicate and refined.


    "Why aren''t you eating?" The empress lifted her head to ask after eating a few mouthfuls.


    "Your subject just ate a little before going to Yangxin Pce Hall. I''m not hungry now. Please wait a moment Your Majesty, I''m going to tidy up my room." Ren Baqian told the empress and ced a box of tissues by her side.


    "Go ahead." The empress paid no attention to him anymore. Ren Baqian went up and saw thepletely smashed ss and door. He then pondered if he should find something to seal it up first, before getting someone to install new ss for the door.


    Upon returning to his room, Ren Baqian immediately searched for his phone. It had been charged continuously for 20 days, and so it actually still had power.


    He just turned on the screen of his phone and saw over a hundred missed calls. There were missed calls from his parents, his brother��Ren Wannian, Chen Qing, and from a lot of unknown numbers as well.


    Ren Baqian quickly returned his mother''s call. It rang once and got through, "Baqian?"


    "Mum, it''s me." Ren Baqian lowered his voice.


    "Where have you been? Why haven''t I heard anything from you in the longest time? If your friend didn''t tell us that you might be in the mountains meeting someone, we would have made a report to the police. Where are you now? Come back without any dy��" Ren Baqian''s mothershed out when she questioned him. Towards the end of the conversation, she broke down into tears.


    Ren Baqian felt a burst of guilt, "I was indeed upied with something for the past few weeks. Also, I didn''t bring my handphone as I was in the mountains. Originally, I wanted toe back in ten or eight days. Never did I expect that something would crop up, and it wasted some of my time."


    "How are you now? Where are you? You have disappeared for so long, do you know how worried are we?" This time, it was Ren Baqian''s father on the line. It seemed that his entire family was worried to death for the past few weeks.


    "I''m at my rented apartment. Just got back." Ren Baqian replied.


    "Make a trip back within these two days?"


    "I''m afraid that I will still need some more time. Previously, it was due to mypany''s issue. Now, after I have returned, I need to appropriately handle the issues in mypany. The both of you need not worry, I''m fine. It''s just that I have to run around everywhere these days and can''t settle down yet. However, it''s part and parcel of starting up apany and I can''t help it. Right?" Ren Baqian pretended to be rxed.


    "Turn on the video function, I want to see where are you now and if you are fine." Ren Baqian''s father hung up just after he finished speaking.


    Following closely, Ren Baqian''s parents made a video call to him and he had no choice but to ept it. Two faces which were squeezed together, appeared immediately on the screen. His father''s eyes were bloodshot while the surrounding area of his mother''s eyes were a little red and swollen as she just cried.


    "As I have said, I''m really fine. I just got back from outside, take a look inside��" Ren Baqian aimed the camera at the surroundings and it was filled with ayer of dust everywhere. "You see, such thickyers of dust, I just returned and haven''t had the time to tidy up."


    Subsequently, he went by the window and shot his neighbourhood. Then, he turned the camera back at himself and said, "See, I''m already back. But, I estimate that I will be busy for another period of time."


    "As long as you are alright, it''s fine. As long as you are alright, it''s fine. In any case, we have seen you and can finally be at ease." Only then did his parents heave a sigh of relief. "Next time, you must call home regrly. It would be best if you could call back weekly, not any longer than once a month. Otherwise, we will go straight to the police."


    "Got it. Anyway, you were saying that one of my friends mentioned that I went to the mountains? Is it Chen Qing?" Ren Baqian pondered as he asked. He was the only one who would say that. But, how did his parents managed to contact Chen Qing? His parents shouldn''t be aware of his own social circle at all.


    "He''s called Chen Qing, that fellow is fair, dashing and has good family upbringing as well��" When the two of them spoke till here, they stared nkly for a while. After which, both of their eyes lit up.


    "Who is thatdy behind you?"


    At first, when Ren Baqian saw his parents'' expression, he felt somewhat astonished. When he heard what they asked, he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "I still have something on, talk another day." Ren Baqian hung up the call, turned around and saw the empress behind him. Her face was nearly touching the back of his neck and a very alluring flower fragrance directly filled his nose.


    Ren Baqian instantly froze. He did not even dare to make the slightest movement. At this moment, his face was only about five centimeters away from the empress and could even feel the empress''s breathing.


    "Why are there people inside?" The empress extended two of her fingers and wedged Ren Baqian''s phone away and walked away unconsciously. "What is this thing?"


    "Your Majesty, this is a mobile phone. It is being used for long distancemunication. Previously, I told Your Majesty that we have an enormouswork which covers the entire world. It enables people to know what''s happening on the other side of the world in an instant. The mobile phone is a product which allows long-distancemunication regardless of when or where someone is."


    "Is it possible in Dayao?" The empress was obviously very interested in this thing. To be directly aware of news from afar and also to speak to people who were a distance away, no matter what happens, the imperial court would be able to get hold of the news.


    The value of this thing was immensely huge.


    "Your Majesty, if we want to make use of the wirelesswork, we must have a considerable scientific and technical foundation before the phone can be deemed useful. This is because the phone requires a base station to transmit information to far away ces. Constructing the base station and also to manufacture phones, I''m afraid that it will not be possible to do so in this short period of time.


    If there are copper ore mines and iron ore mines within the borders of Dayao, perhaps, I would be able to make a wired phone within my lifetime. But, that would be a long timeter. At present, the technology level in Dayao is indeed too low," Ren Baqian exined in detail.


    "I don''t really understand, you mean that it is not possible to use it in Dayao?" The empress asked. There wasn''t any trace of displeasure on her face, rather, she wanted to find out even more.


    "It was the same as passing on the fire beacon, there must always be one person standing at different locations. When this person sees the fire beacon from afar, he or she would have to ignite the fire beacon to pass on the information to another location. The base station utilizes this function. However, the information transmitted is even moreplicated.


    From the steam engine, to electrical power, then thework, all this has been developed for hundreds of years to be able to reach the present stage.


    Even if I know the technology from within, Dayao stillcked this kind of basic technology.


    It is just like a baby during infancy stage, even if you give the baby a knife, the baby wouldn''t know how to make use of it. Only when the baby grows up, then would the baby learn to employ it.


    And the development of technology is just like this analogy, advancing step by step and developing step by step."

 Chapter 139: War Film

    Chapter 139: War Film


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian spent a lot of time and effort to make the empress roughly understand the significance of technology.


    However, it was impossible for the empress to understand everything. Even if she was very smart, it was not possible for her to understand something that she had never seen or heard before within a short period of time, let alone challenge the enormous social system of this world.


    Even an Earthling, who was influenced by technology every day, only had a rough idea about many things on Earth. Some ideas were even wrong.


    Despite this, Ren Baqian still racked his brain to make the empress see the differences between Earth and Dayao.


    "Your Majesty, I should send you back first. We have to let everyone know you''re safe. I think everyone in the pce is worried sick about you now," Ren Baqian said, "If you want to explore the Earth, I can bring you here again in the future."


    Since the empress was already here, Ren Baqian did not mind hering here again in the future so long as she did not create trouble.


    If he could control the time of teleportation to and fro between the Earth and that world, it would bergely beneficial to him. Firstly, he would have more freedom in terms of time. Secondly, he could use it to escape from danger. If his life was threatened, he could teleport back to Earth. Who in Dayao could pursue him all the way here? He simply wouldn''t believe they would squat in the bush waiting to jump out and yell "Wee!" when he returned to that world.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress nodded her head and replied, "Even though no one can hurt me, my sudden disappearance will indeed create chaos in the pce. It''s better for me to go back first and inform them that I''m safe."


    Ren Baqian understood what the empress meant by her words. She was trying to say that she wanted toe back and tour Earth after giving her subjects in Dayao a heads-up.


    "Your Majesty, hold onto me," Ren Baqian instructed the empress. He felt a pair of soft, delicate hands holding on to his wrists.


    "Return to that world, return to that world, return to that world��" Ren Baqian chanted in his mind for some time. However, his surroundings were still in the state of calmness. He, nevertheless, remained where he originally was.


    "Return to Dayao, return to the pce, return to that ce��" Ren Baqian continued to chant in his heart. However, his surroundings still did not change at all. He and the empress remained in their original spot.


    A premonition arose in his heart.


    He raised his head and looked at the empress. Her limpid eyes were looking right back at him.


    "Return to that world, return to Dayao, return to the pce��" Ren Baqian closed his eyes and chanted out loud.


    When he opened his eyes, he realized they were still on Earth, the empress was still looking at him, and her hands were still holding on his wrists.


    "Your Majesty, I''m afraid we can''t go back for the time being. I think I''m not fully charged yet��" Ren Baqian had an embarrassed look on his face.


    This was the only possible exnation.


    Ren Baqian hoped this wouldn''t be the case forever. Otherwise, he would be in deep trouble.


    In ordance with his past teleportation experience, he would return to that world in three days'' time. However, he still felt that it was better for him to send the empress back as soon as possible. The earlier she returned to that world, the more relieved he would feel.


    He wondered just how chaotic the situation in the pce was now.


    "Forget it then, let them wait a while. I can make use of this opportunity to see how loyal they are to me," the empress let go of Ren Baqian''s hands and said.


    She did not seem to mind at all.


    Ren Baqian felt helpless. He had no choice but to bring the empress to explore this world.


    "This is a toilet bowl, it''s for relieving yourself. ce the seat down and seat on it. After you have relieved yourself, press this button to flush it."


    "This is a faucet."


    "This is switch to turn on the light."


    "This is a fridge, it''s used to store food. Your Majesty, do you want to eat ice cream?" Ren Baqian took a whole milk ice cream from the fridge. "Your Majesty, have a taste. This thing is made of ice but it tastes very good. It''s usually eaten to relieve summer heat."


    While eating the ice cream, the empress followed Ren Baqian around his house.


    "Your Majesty, you can watch the television. This is part of the inte I was talking about just now. You can use it to see images from distant ces."


    Ren Baqian switched on the television and the vicious fangs of a crocodile greeted him.


    Ren Baqian''s heart skipped a beat. He was afraid that the empress would p the television out of shock. If that really happened, the wall behind the television would be destroyed, let alone the television.


    After all, the empress had never seen a television before. It was possible that she would react strongly to it.


    To his surprise, the empress did not show any reactions. She sat on the sofa and ate her ice cream as she looked at the crocodile on the television. Then, she said, "It looks as though it lives in the box."


    "This image is filmed using a special equipment and then shown through the television," Ren Baqian exined.


    "This animal can be found in Dayao. A huge one is roughly 4 feet long, much bigger than the one in this television. It''s not really powerful, but it always hides in the water, making it difficult to hunt."


    Ren Baqian made some mental calctions in his head. 4 feet should be roughly equivalent to 13 meters. The crocodiles in Dayao were much bigger than Earth''s.


    Whichever world one was in, a crocodile would always be a fearsome creature. However, for those aboriginals, that could tear down a city wall with one hand, a crocodile posed zero threat to them.


    No wonder the empress did not show any reaction.


    Ren Baqian switched to other channels. Other than advertisements, there were only television series and repetitive variety shows. He reckoned that the empress wasn''t interested in these types of channels. He wanted to let the empress watch Xinwen Lianbo so that she could know more about this world.


    [Xinwen Lianbo - a daily news program produced by China Central Television (CCTV).]


    Ren Baqian then decided to find some movies for the empress to watch. Eventually, he found the war film Pearl Harbor for the empress. He recalled that it was arge-scale movie. He had to let her know that the technologies of Earth y a significant role in wars in addition to providing daily convenience.


    This could save him some trouble in the future.


    After all, the empress was a domineering and egotistical individual and now she was going to stay here for a few days. If she really wanted to go out to explore, Ren Baqian was afraid that she might invite trouble. If that really happened, it wouldn''t be easy to sort things out.


    Therefore, he chose this movie to let the empress experience the might of the technologies on Earth, hoping that it would humble her. He would emphasize this point again after the movie had ended.


    "Your Majesty, this is a very old war film. I feel that you should take a look at it. The weapons nowadays are much more powerful than the ones shown in this film." Ren Baqian fast-forwarded the video to the part where Japanese forces invaded Pearl Harbor as he spoke.


    "Are they humans too?" The empress was stunned when she saw the characters in the movie.


    "They are white men and ck men." Ren Baqian gave the empress a brief exnation about the three races shown on the screen.


    Very soon, the scene of Japanese nes caught the attention of the empress. "These things can fly in the air? They look somewhat like those scrap metals. It''s just that those scrap metals can''t carry humans in the sky," the empress gave her evaluation.


    "Are the scrap metals she''s talking about the spirit swords?" Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    Ren Baqian gave a bitter smile and said, "Your Majesty, hold on. Let me tidy up upstairs first."


    After going upstairs, when Ren Baqian saw the two holes on the window and he door, he hung two nkets over them. Doing so could at least block the wind from blowing into the house.


    Then, he began to sweep and mop the floor. Following which, he tidied up his room.


    At this moment, various sounds of guns and explosions came from the television downstairs. The empress''s eyes were filled with interest and fascination as she looked at the images on the television.


    ...


    At this moment, Ren Baqian''s mum and dad were sitting on the sofa and staring at each other.


    "Did you see that girl just now?" Ren Baqian''s mum asked.


    "Is she a movie star?" Ren Baqian''s dad asked as he rubbed his chin.


    "Your son has a girlfriend."


    "You don''t need to worry about him anymore."


    "This rtionship will not work, that girl is too pretty, she isn''t suitable to be our daughter-inw. Furthermore, even though I just took a nce at her just now, I can see the cold look on her face. Her personality definitely isn''t good."


    "This is our son''s personal affair, let him choose his girlfriend himself. He is old enough to have his own opinions," Ren Baqian''s dad shook his head and said.


    "No matter what, as parents, we still have to keep a lookout for him, right? Previously, he lied to me about wanting to meet that girl. In the end, that girl waited for one week, and he never even gave her a single call. Now, whenever her aunt sees me, she treats me as though I''m her enemy," Ren Baqian''s mum grumbled.


    "Don''t worry too much. If he is free, I will ask him bring the girl back for us to take a look."

 Chapter 140: Showing the Empress the Explosion of an Atomic Bomb

    Chapter 140: Showing the Empress the Explosion of an Atomic Bomb


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian heard his phone ring as he was tidying up his room.


    He conveniently reached over to check and saw that it was his father.


    "Don''t let it be another one of his stupid ideas." Ren Baqian answered the call even though he was very unwilling to.


    "I hope I''m not disturbing you all?" Father Ren put on a familiar smile from the other end of the line.


    "What''s the matter, say it." Ren Baqian replied in a lifeless voice.


    "Bring your girlfriend back for a meal. Your mum and I want to meet her."


    "The both of you think too much. That''s my working partner, not my girlfriend," Ren Baqian bluntly denied.


    "If that''s the case, I''m afraid that your mum has to act on your behalf. You do as you see fit."


    Ren Baqian raged at once. Did they not think that they have agitated him enough? "If mum were to mess things up and agitate me again, I will bring a boyfriend back."


    After hepleted his sentence, he immediately hung up and switched off his phone.


    "What did he say?" Mother Ren asked from the sofa.


    "He said that he was going to find a boyfriend." Father Ren''s face turned pale.


    ��


    Ren Baqian tidied up the house roughly in a state of distraction. The empress was still eating the ice cream when he went downstairs. There were already three ice cream wrappers on the coffee table.


    "The ice cream is too cooling, Your Majesty, too much of it can easily harm your digestive system." Ren Baqian couldn''t help but to say that. The first thing that the empress learned to do on Earth was to take ice cream from the fridge.


    "I want all those that were in that thing just now." The empress finished up thest bit of ice cream and convenient ced the ice cream stick on top of the wrappers which were already on the coffee table. Only then did she point at the television and speak.


    The namesake of the movie "Pearl Harbor" was showing just now. There seemed to be only battleships in the show besides nes.


    "Your Majesty, I will try my best, but this requires time. After all, the current technology is a very refined system. The thing that you have just seen,prises of countless minuteponents. The foundation must be set up properly. It can only be done when Dayao''s technology reaches a certain standard. It is simr to cultivation, one will not be able to immediately reach the Earth Wheel level when one hasn''t even passed the initiation stage." Ren Baqian was helpless as he spoke.


    The empress nodded her head in approval.


    "Previously, you mentioned a weapon that can destroy an entire city in a strike from a thousand miles away. How does it look like?" The empress asked with curiosity. The empress saw what was on the television just now. Unless they were experts of her caliber, ordinary aboriginals wouldn''t be able to withstand the attack.


    The most important reason for this was that the effect of the attack was too concentrated, and it would even be difficult for the experts to evade.


    This made her gain some respect for the technology on Earth.


    Even though it could be seen on the television that the people here weren''t very strong, but those weapons had very formidable destructive powers.


    Ren Baqian immediately searched for a channel showing an atomic bomb explosion.


    The graphics were in ck and white. It started with some epic BGM ying and a group of people talking about something. That easily induced people into being overwhelmed with their emotions


    The empress felt very rxed at that moment, she then evaluated, "This music is pretty good. I like it very much."


    "If Your Majesty likes it, I shall prepare some music for you to listen during your free time." Ren Baqian replied promptly.


    An image appeared in Ren Baqian''s mind while he was talking. It would be such a beautiful scene if he were to y the song "��?��?" while hugging the stereo system, and in the background, the empress would be dueling against someone else.


    (��?��?- soundtrack of an animation called Guilty Crown)


    The images kept ying on the television. Along with the loud "BOOM", an enormous cloud of dust soared into the sky from afar. It formed into arge mushroom cloud.


    Soon after, it was followed by an overhead shot from the sky. At a distance away, the ze and dust from the ground soared into the sky, forming a mushroom cloud. The entire ground was vibrating.


    At the sight of this, the empress''s expression became solemn, and her body bolted upright.


    Perhaps, even an expert like her couldn''t handle such a formidable power.


    In particr, the area of the attack was enormous. It would be impossible for her to evade if she was in close proximity to the attack zone.


    Such formidable power could almost be considered as legendary.


    "The explosive radius of such a weapon would probably envelop the entire Lan City. There are at least 40,000 of such warheads on Earth, sufficient to destroy the entire world," Ren Baqian timely added on as he observed the empress''s expression.


    "But you mentioned that such weapons are already prohibited." The empress calmed down and slowly returned to the sofa after hearing Ren Baqian''s words. Even though she still had a grave expression on her face, her eyes were nheless lit up.


    "I want this." The empress'' eyes glowed as she spoke to Ren Baqian in all seriousness. Her expression at that moment was just like a little girl that discovered her favorite toy. "Great Xia is making preparations. Inevitably, they will take action within two years. With such a weapon, we can wipe out Great Xia''s troops in one fell swoop and capture Great Xia''s capital without resistance."


    Ren Baqian almost vomited blood.


    "Your Majesty, this thing is controlled by various countries. I cannot buy it." Ren Baqian''s expression turned dark.


    "I can do an exchange. Rare martial arts manuals, etc.��whatever that Dayao has." The empress insisted.


    "Your Majesty, we shouldn''t consider these weapons at the moment. Even if we can get it, I may not be able to bring it over. It may still be possible for other weapons. At Dayao, we can even think of a way to manufacture some weapons, things like grenades,ndmines and so on. But, it is going to be quite difficult as things like iron ores, smelting, refinement and gunpowder will all be required as well.


    I feel that iron ores and the standardization of weaponry are the most crucial for a start," Ren Baqian said as he looked at the empress. He was pondering over what the empress said about Great Xia taking action within two years. On top of that, the empress had previously asked him about iron ores and weapon forging. It seemed like there weren''t enough equipment in the military.


    After some thought, it actually seemed quite normal. Dayao was very weak in its industrial foundation. Itpletely depended on the strength of powerful individuals to intimidate other nations. If the two nations were to wage a war, the empress had to be well prepared since Great Xia was the biggest and most powerful nation after all.


    The empress felt a little disappointed, but she knew that what Ren Baqian said was true. She was a little too anxious.


    "How many things can you bring back?" The empress asked.


    "I have never tried before, but I reckon that I can only bring things that I can carry with me."


    "When we get back, we will first extract iron ore and create the weapons." After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress finally dropped the idea. She was aware of how weak Ren Baqian was. There weren''t many things that he could carry. She reckoned that he could only carry around ten of Dayao''s standard sabers at best as they were rtively heavier. It was simr to pouring a cup of water onto a burning cart of firewood.


    But, even the smallest number of additional weapons was necessary. She would have to go through many different means to obtain weapons for 20,000 people. It was hard to tell how many she could eventually obtain as well.


    "I want the standard sabers. Bring back as many as possible every time you go back," the empress added.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. "Your Majesty, I do not have enough funds here. I''m afraid that I will require some assistance from Your Majesty."


    "No problem, I can give you some things from the imperial depository to exchange for money." The empress nodded.


    Ren Baqian felt relieved after hearing that. In all likelihood, the empress had quite a bit off good stuff? Furthermore, some things that weren''t of much value in Dayao could actually be worth a lot on Earth.


    But, which was better between the standard saber and rifle? Ren Baqian felt that thetter was much better.


    Even though the people of Dayao were strong in martial arts, casualties in hand-to-handbat were inevitable.


    Whereas, the use of rifles can totally change the way of war.


    The thought of the Dayao warriors holding rifles with a back full of ammunition��They would all look like the incarnation of Rambo.


    In Ren Baqian''s opinion, the best option would be to smelt metal to manufacture standard weapons in Dayao. It would be better for him to bring back ammunition when he teleports back and forth.


    Of course, that was just his opinion. After all, the usage of ammunition was truly too fast. Even the ammunition consumption for practice alone was not something that he could handle on his own.


    But on second thought, Great Xia''s army attacked in rows, and it would be a concentrated battlefield. It seemed that it would work out as long as the soldiers were able to fire bullets. Given that situation, he could bring back two boxes each time if he only carried ammunition. That equates to 60 kilograms, or 3000 bullets. In two years, he could roughly travel 180 times, which meant that he could bring back around 500,000 bullets.


    The thought of that startled Ren Baqian.


    Bringing so many firearms into another world, will that be too dangerous?


    Besides, it may attract unwanted attention by gathering so much ammunition.


    The empress watched as Ren Baqian fell into deep in thought and didn''t wanted to interrupt him. She simply just looked at his side profile quietly.


    Since the creation of the world, this was the first time she waited so quietly while someone else was thinking.


    It was just that Ren Baqian did not respond for a long while and the empress started to get bored. "I want to go out and have a look."

 Chapter 141: I Promise You

    Chapter 141: I Promise You


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "I want to go out and take a look."


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian''s thought process was abruptly disrupted. With a rigid look on his face, he mechanically turned his head around and faced the empress.


    "This big shot is indeed not satisfied by my house," Ren Baqian snarled in his heart.


    "Follow me out," the empress looked at Ren Baqian and said solemnly.


    "Your Majesty�� we can go out and explore, but I''m afraid I can''t address you as ''Your Majesty'' outside. There are no emperors or empresses in our world. Even if there is one, it''s not you." A look of agony appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.


    "I understand. But why isn''t there an emperor in this world? Who governs the nation then?" The empress looked surprised.


    "Our world is governed by democracy, we choose our leaders through elections," Ren Baqian gave a rough exnation. Even though he did not know much about politics, he still knew the fundamental basics.


    "Alright, I get it. Follow me out to look around now," the empress replied. If someone dared to provoke her, she would p him or her to death. The people in this world were too weak and fragile.


    "Your Majesty, I''m afraid your clothes are not suitable for you to go out now," Ren Baqian said. "I will prepare some clothes for you."


    "Go now," the empress waved her hand and replied.


    Ren Baqian helplessly switched on his phone. When he switched it on, he saw a bunch of missed calls. All of them were from his parents.


    "You are my little apple��" Ren Baqian''s phone rang again. The name of the caller disyed "Dad".


    Ren Baqian picked up his phone and prepared to go upstairs to answer it. If he did not pick it up now, he reckoned that his dad would fly over to his house. However, he then saw the empress looking at him with a scorching gaze. "Someone ismunicating with you from a long distance, right? Is there anything that you''re afraid to let me know?"


    Ren Baqian did not expect the empress to remember his words so clearly and react so strongly. She had not used a smartphone before, but she knew he was going to pick up a call.


    "It''s a call from my parents." Ren Baqian had a bitter look on his face.


    "You''re not allowed to leave, sit down!" The empress stared at him.


    "Dad, Mum, you better not say anything that''s too much," Ren Baqian prayed in his heart as he looked at the empress. He did not know why the empress was suddenly so interested in him. She kept on staring at him.


    "You''re my little apple��" The ringtone terribly confounded Ren Baqian. He clenched his teeth and pressed the answer key. Immediately, a voice came through the other end of the phone, "You really have some guys now huh, how dare you hang up on me?"


    "Son, are you really interested in men? Let me tell you, if you really bring a man back, I will immediately end our mother-son rtionship."


    Ren Baqian''s parents were screaming hysterically on the other end of the phone.


    With an ashen look on his face, Ren Baqian hung up the call and almost dropped the phone.


    Beside him, the empress''s face froze. "You cut sleeve?"


    ["Cut sleeve" - euphemism for homosexuality]


    "Hell no!" Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood. "You''re mistaken! Your Majesty, you''re definitely mistaken!"


    A mysterious gust of wind suddenly blew across the room. The empress''s hair began to dance wildly in the air, and the temperature of the room dropped immediately.


    "Your Majesty, listen to me, this isn''t true at all. In our world, I am supposed to get married and have children at my current age. My heart has already been taken by Your Majesty and there''s no room for other people. Therefore, why will I want to marry other people? I''d rather be by your side and look at you every single day. This is my greatest desire. As such, upon seeing that I''m not willing to get married with anyone, my parents came up with such a baseless and ridiculous conjecture. I am also having a huge headache��"


    Ren Baqian''s words finally pacified the empress, who was about to flip out.


    "You have been chosen by me as my king, you can tell your parents that."


    "Your Majesty, my parents are ordinary and ignorant folks. They won''t believe me even if I break their heads."


    "I can tell them myself." The empress gave Ren Baqian a this-is-your-honor look


    "Your Majesty, you must hide your identity well��you can''t reveal your identity."


    "Even if my identity is revealed, what can they do to me? Even though the machines in your world are very advanced, it is impossible that your most powerful weapon will be used in highly-popted areas. No government will do that," the empress replied calmly. Within a short period of time, she already understood what could be done and what could not be done.


    No matter how powerful the weapons in this world are, their government wouldn''t possibly take me down with everyone else, right?


    When Ren Baqian saw that an atomic bomb did not scare the empress, he could only reply bitterly, "Your Majesty, you might not be scared but I am. If anything happens to me, I can''t be by your side anymore. After all, you still want toe back here frequently. Furthermore, Your Majesty, you have stayed in the imperial pce for so many years, don''t you want to experience the life of an ordinary person in this world?"


    The empress pondered over Ren Baqian''s words. She was indeed very curious about this world. Living the life of an ordinary person in this world sounded like a rather good idea to her. Furthermore, Ren Baqian was so weak and fragile. If anything happened to him, she would not be able to return to Dayao.


    Also, if something happened to Ren Baqian, she would lose the thing she likes.


    "Alright, I shall do as you say and live the life of an ordinary person," The empress finally agreed to Ren Baqian''s suggestion.


    "Your Majesty, why don''t I go out and buy some clothes for you first while you wait here?" Ren Baqian tried his luck and asked.


    "No, you''re allowed to do that," the empress rejected Ren Baqian''s suggestion.


    In this unfamiliar world, other than Ren Baqian, the empress knew about nothing else. Therefore, how could she let him out of her sight? If something happened to him, how was she going to return to Dayao?


    Ren Baqian scratched his head. He also felt that it wasn''t right to leave the empress here alone. However, he could not bring her out to buy clothes with her current outfit. He switched on his phone and looked through his phone directory. There was only one person that he could seek help from.


    When Ren Baqian saw that the empress wasn''t looking at him, he walked to the kitchen and made a call.


    "Are you back?" Jiang Nan''s gentle and delicate voice came through the other end of the phone.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt that this was how a girl should behave. The empress was too imposing and too cold. In addition, she flipped out too easily.


    "Hmm, can you help me buy a few pieces of female clothes and a few pairs of shoes? I need them urgently," Ren Baqian said softly


    "..."


    "Hello? Hello?"


    "Are yours spoilt? Be careful next time. Since I''m free right now, I shall help you. But since when did you have a girlfriend?" Jiang Nan chuckled.


    "It''s not like what you think. Her height is about 1.70 meters and her weight is about 50 kilograms. A red dress would be the best, find one that has a conservative design. I also need a coat. I need shoes as well, get me one pair in sizes 36, 37, 38, and 39. I want t-bottomed shoes." Ren Baqian understood the Chinese mindset very well. A minor issue could easily make them think the wrong way; therefore ,he did not even bother to exin to Jiang Nan.


    "Do you need bras?"


    Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and replied, "Yes, I need that. Her bra size is about a C cup. Buy a few more sizes."


    "Ha! Do you still have any more requests?"


    "That''s all, do whatever you deem fit as long as the top matches the bottom. And, don''t tell Chen Qing about this," Ren Baqian reminded Jiang Nan.


    "It''s toote, he is right beside me," Jiang Nanughed.


    "So you still don''t dare to show her to us huh!" Chen Qing yelled in the background.


    "Alright, send them to my doorstep. Let''s not meet today, I will treat you both of you to a meal in the future," Ren Baqian spoke softly.


    Jiang Nan chuckled and hung up.


    "I heard a woman''s voice," the empress sat on the sofa and said idly.


    "I can''t leave now, so I have to ask someone to buy the clothes for me," Ren Baqian told the empress.


    "Ooh." The empress oohed and did not care about Ren Baqian anymore.


    Actually, she could hear everything about Ren Baqian''s conversation with Jiang Nan but she acted ignorant.


    "Your Majesty, I have something to tell you."


    "Speak!" The empress turned around and looked at Ren Baqian.


    "Your Majesty, I''m afraid I have to call you by your name in this world. Or perhaps you can give yourself a nickname," Ren Baqian said.


    "Alright, I allow you to call me by my name in this world," the empress replied.


    "Once we are outside, whatever Qi�� Your Majesty likes, you can tell me, and I will buy it for you. In this world, you need to pay money to buy stuff." Ren Baqian still did not dare speak the empress''s name.


    "We also need to pay money to buy stuff in Dayao, do you think I''m a three-year-old child?" the empress said annoyingly.


    "I am in charge of following behind Your Majesty and paying for the stuff you want to buy," Ren Baqian immediately changed his tone.


    The empress nodded her head and a smile appeared upon her face. She was very pleased with Ren Baqian''s words.


    "Don''t be rash when you encounter anything outside, let me settle it. If someone offends you, bear in mind that he or she doesn''t know your identity and don''t get angry. Our world strictly forbids fighting on the streets and killing people. If anything happens, the police will investigate us and your identity will be revealed easily. Here the police is equivalent to the public order bureau in Dayao."


    "I promise you." The empress nodded her head.


    Upon seeing that the empress agreed to his conditions, Ren Baqian finally felt at ease. Since there was still time, he taught the empress about some general knowledge of Earth.

 Chapter 142: I Can’t Fasten Up

    Chapter 142: I Can��t Fasten Up


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Qi...Zixiao��" Ren Baqian was perspiring profusely as he looked at the empress in front of him.


    "Over in this world, I allow you to address me this way," The empress nodded.


    "Your Majesty, you have to address yourself as ''I'' over at this world. Ren Baqian corrected her.


    [The previous line uses "��". Both "��" and "��" mean "I" but thetter is used by an emperor/empress to address himself/herself. It''s simr to the royal we.]


    .


    "Okay, I permit you to call my name." The empress corrected herself.


    "Qi...Zixiao, where would you like to go?" Ren Baqian inquired.


    "You said that themoners here live in peace, work happily, and are rich. Let''s take a walk and look around. I would like to see the lives of themoners in your world," the empress said after thinking it over.


    "In that case, let''s go to the supermarket and the shopping mall as there are many people over there. However, due to therge number of people, there will be a possibility of someone making contact with you inadvertently. By all means, you mustn''t get angry." Ren Baqian warned her once again.


    "I understand. Since I have already made a pact with you, I will definitely not go back on my word." The empress was a little impatient now.


    "Also, Your Majesty, you might not know how to wear the clothes in this world. It''s necessary for me to inform Your Majesty before you change into them." Ren Baqian searched for the word ''bra'' as he spoke. After which, he ced his phone, which was disying an image, in front of the empress.


    Upon seeing the picture of a woman wearing a bra on the phone, in a sh, the phone appeared in the empress''s hands. She exerted force with three of her fingers.


    "Boom", the phone immediately exploded, and even the battery exploded as well. Yet, there wasn''t any trace of injury on the empress''s hand.


    "What are you trying to say?" the empress asked unhappily.


    Ren Baqian''s mouth was opened wide. After quite some time, he didn''t know whether he shouldugh or cry. "I''m just afraid that Your Majesty wouldn''t be able to wear the clothes properly in this world."


    "You just have to tell me how to wear it when the timees," the empress finished her sentence coldly and turned around to look out the window.


    "But, I was intending to tell you how to wear it just now!" Ren Baqian screamed inwardly, but he had no choice and couldn''t say anything all. He took pity on his phone as it died tragically.


    It couldn''t be that he had to put on a bra and demonstrate once for the empress to see? Seemed like he had no other option than this method left.


    Even though he knew how to unfasten one, he didn''t know how to fasten one up.


    After waiting for a long while and seeing that the skies were starting to turn dark, only then did Ren Baqian hear a few knocks on the door.


    "There is someone outside." The empress turned and looked over.


    "The clothes have been delivered. I will go and retrieve them once they leave," Ren Baqian said. Presently, he didn''t want to meet both Chen Qing and Jiang Nan. In particr, he didn''t dare let the empress meet both of them.


    Although the empress had already promised him that she wouldn''t get angry easily, but, Ren Baqian felt that it would be better to not create any new problems.


    After about ten minutes, Ren Baqian got up and looked through the peephole, there wasn''t anyone outside.


    He pushed open the door and the ground was jam-packed with shopping bags and boxes. There were as many as seven or eight of them. Ren Baqian brought everything very carefully inside his house. Fortunately, the pair didn''t catch him off guard or hide anywhere and so on.


    He had to admit that having such understanding friends was actually a very heartwarming thing.


    He closed the door and piled all the boxes on top of the coffee table. First, he took the shoes out pair by pair. The shoes were all identical and were ck. The front of the shoes was adorned with a buckle made up of abination of half-square and half-pentagram.


    "Try on these to see which size fits you." Ren Baqian passed the pair of size 37 shoes for her to try. The empress looked at these shoes with a rather favorable expression, which was infrequently seen on her. It seemed that she actually looks somewhat like a young girl at this moment.


    "This is okay." The empress put on the shoes and said.


    Ren Baqian mentally noted the size 37.


    He then opened up another bag and there was a red dress inside. The portion above the chest and the hem of the skirt were made of muslin while the rest of the dress was made of an opaque material. Also, the dress was decorated with exquisite embroidery.


    "eptable." The empress nodded.


    "Your Majesty, this set of clothes is to be worn from top-downwards." Ren Baqian did a rough gesture and the empress nodded.


    In another bag, there was a long overcoat. Ren Baqian casually put it aside as there was still time to try it onter.


    He poured the contents of thest paper bag onto the coffee table. There were two pairs of translucentce panties. One pair was ck and the other was red.


    Also, there were a few red and ck bras. Simrly, they were thece type as well.


    "Your Majesty��" Ren Baqian''s throat was a little dry. Even though these few undergarments couldn''t be considered as extremely revealing, but, if it was worn by the person in front of him, it was sufficient to make him tremble continuously.


    What is this?" The empress asked curiously and grabbed a scrap ofce.


    "This is the undergarment we wear in our world��" Ren Baqian began in embarrassment.


    Soon after, he gritted his teeth, took the bra out and directly put it on. "It is to be worn this way, after which, you fasten it up at the back."


    "This is a pair of panties, it is��"


    Ren Baqian had yet to finish his demonstration and he soared into the air and flew out, causing him to be scared out of his wits. Luckily, he fell gently onto the ground.


    When he returned to his senses, he saw the red dress disappear at the corner. Soon after, there was a "bam", and the door was shut.


    "Hu," Ren Baqian sat on the ground and let out a long breath.


    Teaching the empress how to put on an undergarment was still rather embarrassing for him.


    Ren Baqian climbed up, sat back on the sofa, and waited there for the empress to finish changing. He was also pondering over how would she look like after changing into the new set of modern clothes.


    After waiting for a long time, just as Ren Baqian found it odd that the empress wasn''t out yet, he heard a voiceing from the room that the empress entered previously. "Ren Baqian!"


    "Your Majesty?" Ren Baqian stood in front of the door and asked with caution.


    "In your heart, what sort of person am I? I want to hear the truth." The empress''s voice trailed out from within the room and was somewhat muffled.


    "You are just like a fairy in the world: in this world, in the world where Dayao is located, the one and only in existence. Just like the sun, the radiance from your body attracts everyone. However after approaching you, they might feel the scorching heat as well as get burnt. But, everyone would be most willing to do so," Ren Baqian lowered his voice and extolled. Even he himself felt that his attainment in ttery had been brought to the point of perfection.


    "Come in! I can''t fasten up." Along with Ren Baqian''s reply, the empress''s voice could be heard from inside.


    Her voice was trembling slightly, and it appeared that she was a little bashful.


    In a split second, Ren Baqian''s heart trembled along with the trembling of the empress''s voice. It was as if there was a ball of fire igniting within his heart.


    "Your Majesty, I will enter now." Ren Baqian hesitated for a while and then gently turned the knob.


    Inside the room, the empress back was facing him. She was wore only a pair of ck translucent panties, and one of her hands covered her chest. Two ck straps drooped from the bra and her hair dangled in front of her shoulders.


    Her entire fair and smooth back, slender legs, as well as her buttocks were exposed in front of Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s throat was dry, and his heartbeat soared from 67 beats per minute to 120 beats per minute. It was simr to the beating of drums, as if his heart would jump out from his thoracic cavity anytime.


    The back view in front of him, as well as the status and strength of this back view''s owner, practically made him felt like exploding.


    "I can''t fasten it up, help me fasten it," the empress coldly ordered.


    There was a hint of trembling in her voice that couldn''t be concealed from others.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian shut his eyes and took a deep breath. His heartbeat was still jumping tremendously and it was somewhat even stronger than just now.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps forward, extended his hands, and grabbed the two straps which had drooped down. Smelling the fragrance of the empress, he fastened the buckle with his hands somewhat shivering.


    Whenever his finger came into contact with the bright and smooth skin on her back, the empress would gently shudder as well.


    Ren Baqian was perspiring profusely while he fastened her bra for her. Only after spending a great amount of effort did he sessfully fasten it. During this period of time, his finger only went past the empress''s back not only once. This aroused fine goosebumps to appear on her body.


    And every time he came into contact physical with her, Ren Baqian''s heart would also tremble simultaneously.


    "Your Majesty, I have fastened it up." Ren Baqian wiped the perspiration off his head after he finally fastened her bra.


    "Get out!"


    Along with the shutting of the door, the two people, inside and outside the door, let out a long sigh practically at the same time. One of them leaned on the wall outside while the other stood upright in the room.

 Chapter 143: With Me by Your Side, It’s Definitely Possible

    Chapter 143: With Me by Your Side, It��s Definitely Possible


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After a long while, the empress finally finished changing her clothes and walked out of the room. Instantly, Ren Baqian''s eyes lit up.


    Even though she was still wearing a red dress, the modern exquisiteness of the dress still slightly altered her air, making her more lovely.


    It was just that her face continued to look ice-cold. It seemed colder than before, reducing her overall charm.


    "Let''s go, follow me outside," the empress said coldly. She returned to her normal self, acting as though nothing had happened.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt that the empress he saw trembling in his room just now was merely his own imagination. Right now, this was the real self of the empress.


    As an empress, she should behave like this.


    "Alright." Ren Baqian nodded his head. He went into his room and changed his clothes. After getting his wallet and keys, he cut off thebel on the coat and draped it over the empress.


    "It''s quite cold outside. Even though you might not be able to feel anything, you still have to put on an act for ordinary people to see," Ren Baqian said softly. Even though he knew this was the empress''s real self, his impression of her still changed slightly.


    .


    She had touched his soft spot.


    He wondered whether he feared the empress more or liked her more.


    When ady like the empress chose him as her husband, he would be lying if he said he wasn''t touched. It was just that the empress''s might and status suppressed this feeling of his all this time.


    And at this moment, this feeling began to sprout and grow. It was just that he did not know when it would blossom flowers.


    The empress did not reject him nor look at him. She merely stood there and let Ren Baqian drape the coat over her.


    The coat was ck in color and made of wool. Its design was simple, and it was easy to match clothes with.


    Jiang Nang had indeed put in a lot of effort in choosing the clothes.


    After Ren Baqian put on the coat for the empress, both them then took the elevator and headed downstairs. "This is an elevator, it can carry humans and goods up and down a building rapidly," Ren Baqian took the opportunity to exin to the empress.


    The empress could feel a slight feeling of weightlessness as the elevator descended.


    "What are written on them?" the empress finally said as she pointed to the button panel of the lift.


    "They are numbers. 1, 2, 3, �� Every number denotes a level," Ren Baqian exined patiently.


    The empress silently memorized those numbers.


    ...


    "They''reing out, I want to see how she looks like." On the driver seat, Chen Qing chuckled as he looked at the two people walking out of the building in the distance.


    "You''re so bad." Jiang Nan smiled gently. She knew Chen Qing was just being curious.


    As the two walked closer, Chen Qing and Jiang Nan''s eyes widened with surprise.


    The girl that was walking beside Ren Baqian looked like a goddess. Even though the both of them lived in a modern society and had seen countless movie stars and idols, they still felt this girl looked extraordinary, ssic, and grand. They could use all sorts of positive words to describe her.


    Even Jiang Nan, who was also a girl, was mesmerized by the empress.


    "Pinch me, I want to see whether or not I''m dreaming. Exactly where did he find such a girl?" Chen Qing smacked his lips and said.


    "What do you think?" Jiang Nan asked.


    "She is too imposing and too cold. It''s good enough for any guy to look at her from a distance. Ren Baqian is definitely not worthy of her," Chen Qing shook his head and stated.


    Indeed, she was too imposing and too cold. Chen Qing 100 percent believed that she came from an extraordinary background. No matter how beautiful a girl was, if she came from an ordinary family, she would not exude such an air. Even a rich man''s son like Chen Qing felt that he was unworthy of her.


    Nowadays, those who were from rich and influential families more or less had seen various aspects of the society. All of them could roughly tell what kind of background a person was from.


    "I only want someone that I can live together with to a ripe old age in conjugal bliss. We better stay away from those high-end people," Chen Qing held Jiang Nan''s hands and said.


    .


    Jiang Nan felt the warmth of Chen Qing''s hands and gave a smile.


    "But I''m still very curious how Ren Baqian ended up together with her." Hearing Chen Qing''s words, Jiang Nan nodded her head as well.


    A phoenix and a swallow couldn''t fly together, but these two persons made it possible.


    ...


    Ren Baqian did not notice the presence of Jiang Nan and Chen Qing. The empress noticed them, but she did not care.


    After all, why would she mind ordinary people looking at her?


    Right now, both of them were in the underground carpark. The empress looked at the metallic beasts with curiosity.


    Ren Baqian opened the door to the front passenger seat for her. This way, he would have an easier time talking to her and introducing certain things to her.


    As Ren Baqian steadily drove the car out of the carpark, the empress asked, "Is this the thing that you said can run without the use of horses?"


    "It''s propelled by gasoline, and it''spletely made up of mechanical parts. It is the main form of transportation in this world," Ren Baqian nodded his head and exined. He was surprised that the empress could remember his words so clearly.


    Just now, the empress indeed saw many cars in the underground carpark. It seemed that cars were verymon in this world.


    It was still snowing outside. Ren Baqian wasn''t driving very fast as he wanted to let the empress view the scenery on both sides of the road.


    The neighborhood Ren Baqian stayed in was quite secluded. As Ren Baqian drove out of the neighborhood, the number of cars on the road began to increase. The number of people on both sides of the road began to increase as well. The shops and buildings they passed by were bing more beautiful and taller respectively.


    By this point in time, the sky had already darkened. The shops on both sides of the road had their signboards lit up. Simrly, the streetmps were also shining brightly. Everywhere was illuminated splendidly.


    Along the way, the empress stared at the scenery outside. She did not speak to Ren Baqian at all. Everything she witnessed slightly stunned her.


    Even though she had already seen many things at Ren Baqian''s house, she was still amazed by the things outside.


    Right now, she saw a highly-developed society, a society that waspletely different from Dayao.


    "Who built themps on those poles?" the empress could not help but ask when she saw the streetmps erected in intervals.


    From their departure until now, she had not seen a single dark ce. Everywhere was lit up by the lights.


    With snow drifting through air, the city looked like a fantasnd.


    "They are built by the city council. Streetmps are considered a basic amenity of a city. The basic infrastructure of a city includes many things, for example: aqueduct, a sewage system, electricity, streetmps, roads, etc. These are the cornerstones of a city. There are public facilities as well�� public squares, parks, etc. These facilities are for people to rx and carry out recreational activities," Ren Baqian rified to the empress while keeping his eyes on the road.


    "Will my nation be like this one day?" The empress looked at her surroundings with envy in her eyes.


    Looking at such a scene, she couldn''t help but feel emotional.


    "With me by your side, it''s definitely possible," Ren Baqian replied with confidence as he shifted his gaze from the road to the empress.


    The empress turned around to look at him and nodded her head. She was very pleased with Ren Baqian''s words.

 Chapter 144: Sincerity

    Chapter 144: Sincerity


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "We have arrived!" Ren Baqian stopped the car, got down, and opened the door for the empress. From a bystander''s point of view, he seemed rather gentlemanly.


    Snow fell on top of both of their heads, and the empress looked at the sky somewhat happily. Under the illumination of the lights, the bits of snowkes were just like fairies descending in the night scene, falling onto their hair as well as their bodies.


    Just that it disappeared instantly once it fell onto the empress''s hair.


    "Let''s go in," Ren Baqian suggested as he tightened the overcoat which the empress was wearing.


    The ce they were currently at was one of the bigger supermarkets.


    Ren Baqian felt, that perhaps, the empress might be rather interested in this ce. This was the best ce for her to observe the everyday lives of themoners in China.


    "There are so many people," the empress said as she looked at the number of people entering and leaving the entrance of the supermarket. In Dayao, shops never experienced such a concentrated steam of people. Of course, there wasn''t even such a huge shop in Dayao to begin with.


    Ren Baqian and the empress walked side by side into the supermarket. This wasn''t a suitable ce forgging behind by even half a step. Moreover, Ren Baqian still had to pay attention to helping the empress fend off the people around her.


    Regardless of whether he was afraid that the empress would get angry, or whether the empress was now nominally his future wife, it was good that he had a such a protective mentality. His actions were very natural and from an outsider''s point of view, there wasn''t anything strange at all.


    At present, Ren Baqian wasn''t sure what exactly was he feeling. He simply just wanted to do so.


    Perhaps, it was more of the former thoughts. But, this didn''t necessarily mean that thetter didn''t apply.


    However, Ren Baqian was quickly aware of one point. Even though there were many peopleing and going, but whenever anybody neared the empress''s body, they would subconsciously change their path. There wasn''t a single soul within a half-meter radius of the empress.


    The pair walked forward, and the thing that caught everyone''s attention was the empress''s appearance��she was indeed gorgeous. Her elegant yet indifferent manner gave off an air of unparalleled loftiness. Shepletely did not look like some that belonged here. Even though the feeling she gave others was a little cold, she still caught the attention of each passerby.


    The two of them entered the supermarket. Ren Baqian pushed a trolley as he walked alongside the empress.


    The empress''s sight fixated on the wide array of goods on both sides. She was dazzled by the many goods in her surroundings.


    "This is potato chips and can be considered a type of snack. It isn''t very healthy," Ren Baqian exined in a low voice whenever he noticed that the empress''s gaze stopped temporarily on any of the goods. At the same time, he would ce the item into the basket of the trolley.


    "This is biscuit, a type of food which is used to ay one''s hunger every once in a while. One can choose the vor ording to their personal preference."


    "This is a tin can. The fruit inside is cooked and the air has already been removed. It can be stored for a long period of time."


    "This is salt."


    When Ren Baqian mentioned salt, the empress held a bag of salt up. She carefully studied it and said, "Very white and very fine, from what I remember, the salt in the pce cannot achieve the quality of this salt. How many bags of salt can one tael of silver buy?"


    Ren Baqian calcted, one tael of silver is 50 grams, which is approximately about 200 yuan. "You can buy 100 bags worth of salt."


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian and said, "In Dayao, 1 tael of silver can only buy this much salt."


    Ren Baqian nodded as he understood this issue. In Dayao, one tael of silver was only able to buy a single catty of salt. Moreover, it was the coarser kind of salt thatcked luster as well.


    One tael of silver could only buy a bag of such rtively fine salt.


    There was a 100 times price difference between the two worlds.


    "I wish to have this. If we were to start a war against Great Xia, I''m afraid that it will be difficult to buy salt from both the Yun and the Chen Nations." The empress turned her head and looked at Ren Baqian with both of her eyes filled with vigor, waiting for his reply. For the first time in her speech, the word ''wish'' appeared.


    Even though ''I wish to have this'' and ''I want this'' only had a difference of three words, the feelings portrayed to the people listening were drastically different.


    Ren Baqian hesitated for a moment, "I know of a ce that might be able to produce salt and that is the Nine-Peaked Mountain, southwest of Lan City. I have heard that there is a toxic ck pool over there, and it might be possible for us to filter well salt out. It''s just that I''m not really certain of the oue, and as such, I didn''t speak to you about it. Originally, I wanted to wait for the sweet potatoes to ripen first before talking to you about this issue."


    "If it is able to work out like what you said, I will note down this merit of yours. After we return and youplete the ire ore mine task, manage this first. If we are able to produce salt, there will be much less apprehensionter on. Also, we won''t need to divert our attention elsewhere when we dere war against Great Xia.


    After all, if themoners didn''t have any salt to eat, they will not be able to survive." The empress gazed at Ren Baqian, and simrly, for the first time, she exined in great detail.


    "I understand. I will spare no effort in aplishing these things." Ren Baqian acknowledged the empress''s words.


    The empress carefully studied his eyes and only then did she nod her head.


    Both continued to walk ahead. Even though the both of them didn''t paid no mind to the other people, as a matter of fact, they caught the attention of many people who were in the vicinity.


    Or perhaps, the attention was all on the empress.


    "These are a toothbrush and toothpaste, which are used for cleaning teeth. You do not need to use the branch of a willow tree anymore.


    This is a shower gel, shampoo��"


    Ren Baqian continued to push the trolley as he ced the items in it. These were all prepared for the empress.


    At this moment, he truly had the feeling of lovers strolling at the supermarket and buying groceries together.


    If it was frequently like this, the feeling was pretty good.


    Regardless of whether it was the daily necessities or was the different types of food they saw previously, the abundance of types and brands made the empress somewhat exim in admiration.


    The variety of goods in Dayao were indeed too little andpletely iparable to the variety over here.


    Atst, the pair selected some fruits and vegetables that the empress was interested in. Only then did they checkout and left the supermarket.


    The few men, who had followed them all along, looked at the both of them from afar and were somewhat disappointed and frustrated. Those men were full of envy and hatred towards Ren Baqian.


    After walking once around the supermarket, the empress had a clearer understanding towards the abundance of different types of goods on Earth. At the same time, she also observed the appearance of themoners in the supermarket. It was indeed exactly like what Ren Baqian had said, they led a rich life.


    She could feel the disparity between Dayao and Earth, and as such, she was somewhat envious. Regardless of which monarch, they would definitely hope that their nation would be like this.


    The two of them sat in the car and Ren Baqian smiled. "It seems like, it isn''t only me that thinks you are a goddess. Just now, many people thought the same way as well. There were many people looking at us, but in reality, they were only looking at you. I wonder if I should gouge their eyes out."


    Half of these words were truth and half of them were a joke.


    The empress looked at him with her head tilted, "You truly feel that way?"


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    "In that case, don''t lie to me in the future." The empress turned to look out of the windows.


    This wasn''t her first time saying that she hated being deceived, even to the extent of being a little worried of getting deceived by others. Whenever she said such words, it always made people feel that she was not at all like what her tough external appearance suggested. Deep inside, she was actually a very delicate person.


    She mostly gave off an overbearing, unreasonable, imposing, and cold vibe.


    Ren Baqian felt that there was meaning in her words. He kept silent for a while and wondered if it was just a misperception of his.


    He suddenly recalled what the abbot said previously, "If you want people to treat you with sincerity, you have to treat them with sincerity first. A glib tongue won''t bring you far in life."


    His heart trembled slightly, yet he said, "Your Majesty, there is a type of bird in this world, which has never set foot on the ground since birth. It has all along been soaring in the skies and will only fall to the ground when it dies.


    I am just like this bird. Since I met Your Majesty, I have all along been pursuing the radiance of Your Majesty. I will only stop on the day I die, just like that species of bird which pursues the skies. And the difference between me and the bird is that, even if I die or have to live in the underworld, I will be down there looking up, watching over Your Majesty from below."


    "Never had anyone said such a thing to me before. I will take it to be true," the empress eximed after a moment of silence.


    She was feeling a little troubled at this moment. She wanted to swat this fellow, who disrupted her frame of mind to death in a single p. It was seemingly a very simple thing, yet she could never bring herself to raise her palm. This was already not the first time, and it was the same scenario the previous time as well. Both times, she couldn''t raise her hand at all.


    She wasn''t aware why would she say that sort of powerless words and also felt that her heart was shaking.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress whose head was turned and looking out of the window from his side profile. The empress, at this moment, gave Ren Baqian the feeling of a fairy that fell into the mortal world and evoked an ineffable urge in his heart.


    It was even more intense than what had happened in his room earlier this afternoon.


    "This is the arrangement of Heaven and Heaven has the highest authority," Ren Baqian said onest sentence.


    He was referring to the empress as well as himself.


    Eventually, he made a firm resolution. No matter what, for the sake of the empress at this moment, for the sake of the empress who now had apletely different demeanor from the past, he shouldn''t behave as how he used to be anymore.

 Chapter 145: Toss and Turn in the Bed

    Chapter 145: Toss and Turn in the Bed


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    That night, Ren Baqian tossed and turned on the bed. A figure kept on running around in his head. Eventually, that figure ran to his heart and settled down.


    At the same time, the empress was lying on the soft bed downstairs while trying to sleep. Simrly, she couldn''t fall asleep either. Every now and then, she would give off a sigh.


    These two days, she felt more and more confused, more and more unsettled.


    After a while, she got up from her bed, pulled open the curtain and looked at the tall buildings, specks of colorful lights, and the pure-white snow under the moonlight outside.


    On the first level and the second level of the same house, two people were deep in thought.


    The next morning, when the empress woke up, she was still not getting used to life over here. No one drew water for her, and no one changed her clothes for her. Furthermore, she wasn''t in that usual cold and quiet pce hall.


    Just as she was thinking of these things, Ren Baqian knocked on her door and said, "Qi Zixiao, it''s time to wake up."


    By the time the empress opened the door and exited her room, Ren Baqian was already making breakfast in the kitchen. He made porridge, fried eggs, egg cakes, and some sd. He prepared the ingredientsst night.


    "Give me a moment." Ren Baqian turned around and gave the empress a smile. He adjusted the timer for the induction cooker, walked to the living room, turned on the television, and switched to morning news channel.


    "You can watch the television first," Ren Baqian offered.


    The empress nodded her head. Then, she sat on the sofa and watched the morning news. asionally, she turned around to nce at the busy Ren Baqian and then shifted her gaze back to the television.


    From the empress''s perspective, the house was very small. Even if she put six of such houses together, it would still be smaller than Yangxin Pce Hall, let alone the entire imperial pce.


    However, this morning gave her a unique feeling of warmth.


    After making breakfast, Ren Baqian turned around and gazed at the empress, who was sitting on the sofa. Sunlight shone through the window into the living room and onto the empress''s body. She seemed to be in a very good mood.


    While they were having their breakfast, they did not talk to each other at all. Afortable and warm atmosphere surrounded them.


    This was an extremely unique experience for both of them.


    After they finished their breakfast, Ren Baqian kept the bowls and chopsticks. When he came out of the kitchen, he realized the empress was watching a talent show.


    "What are they doing?" the empress asked with puzzlement.


    Even though she did not understand what was written on the screen, she could still understand what was said.


    "It''s a talent show where people disy their talents."


    "How is it useful to a country?"


    "In our world, we do things that are not necessarily useful to the country. Food, clothes, and shopping, and lodgings are considered material culture. Other than material culture, there is also spiritual culture. After people fulfill their material needs, they will feel spiritual emptiness. They will want more things to enrich their spiritual lives. Singing, dancing, performing, reading, and learning new knowledge can fulfill their spiritual needs. These things are able to bring people happiness," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Even though aboriginals are physically powerful, they need to work hard to survive. This is the only thing that everyone thinks about," the empress replied.


    "This the difference between the two worlds. Once the citizens'' material needs are satisfied, they will seek spiritual needs," Ren Baqian continued, sitting not far away from the empress.


    "What do you want to see today?"


    "There are many things that I want to see. I want to see various aspects of this society," the empress faced him and said.


    "I will bring you outside to look around. We will go wherever you''re interested in," Ren Baqian chuckled and said.


    "Alright."


    Yesterday when they came out, it was already quitete. Even though everywhere was brightly lit, the morning scenery still looked different from the night scenery. Many people wearing thick clothes were either waiting for taxis or walking briskly on either side of the road. Everyone was pressed for time.


    "The pace of life here is very fast. Everyone is busily working to sustain their families or pursue their desires. Only when one turns old and retires can he or she then sunbathe, idle, and enjoy his or herter years."


    The empress looked at the pedestrians. Then, she shifted her gaze to the tall buildings that surrounded them. Everywhere was filled with the air of modernity.


    "This is a handbag shop. A handbag is the thing that people carry on their arms��" Ren Baqian introduced the shops on both sides of the road.


    "This is a flower shop that specially sells flowers��"


    "This is a bookshop that specially sells books��"


    "Stop, I want to go down and take a look," the empress suddenly said. Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian made a turn and tried to find a parking spot.


    Since the snow just stopped, the weather was very cold. The empress was merely wearing a coat with a red dress underneath, revealing a little bit of her calves. This kind of outfit made people feel that she preferred looking good rather than keeping warm.


    However, when one saw her face, he could not help but admit that she was qualified to do so.


    Ren Baqian and the empress entered the bookshop. It was a three-story-high building. The first story was the payment section, the second story contained various book collections, and the third story contained audio and visual materials.


    After they entered the bookshop, the empress kept on ncing at the sma television. The sma television introduced various book collections.


    Upon arriving on the second story, when the empress saw the vast sea of books, her eyes lit up with fascination.


    The number of books here was a few timesrger than those in Qingxin Pce Hall.


    Walking through the book collections, she could smell the fragrance of books.


    When the empress saw everyone choosing books and buying them at reasonably cheap prices, she could not help but feel amazed.


    In this aspect, Dayao paled inparison to Earth. In Dayao, books were still very expensive to many people. Even though there were many schrs, their number was still very small whenpared to the enormous Dayao poption.


    After leaving the bookshop, Ren Baqian brought the empress to tour around the city so that she could learn a thing or two about this world.


    When it was afternoon, Ren Baqian asked the empress, "Do you want to eat hotpot today? This weather is very good for eating hotpot."


    "Alright."


    Two of them entered a hotpot restaurant and ordered some meat, vegetables and seafood. After Ren Baqian helped the empress prepare a te of dipping sauce, two of them then sat down.


    Sitting around a steaming hotpot in this kind of weather was considered a pure enjoyment.


    Ren Baqian poured the food into the hotpot. After the meat slices were cooked, Ren Baqian taught the empress how to eat hotpot. Very soon, he was shocked by the empress''s appetite.


    From what he remembered, whether they were in Dayao in the past or on Earth yesterday, the empress did not really eat much.


    Right now, there was already a pile of tes beside the two of them. The empress ate at least ten tes of meat.


    "Usually, I will have medicinal food to replenish my blood and qi. If I just eat normal food, I will need to eat a lot. All aboriginals are like this," the empress raised her head and told Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He was already shocked by the appetite of those people in the beast park. Given the empress''s strength, it was reasonable that her appetite was more terrifying than those people''s.


    When Ren Baqian saw a sauce stain on the corner of the empress''s mouth, he picked up a piece of tissue and helped her wipe it off.


    The empress''s body trembled, but she did not dodge Ren Baqian''s hand. Her eyshes were slightly shivering.


    When everyone in the restaurant saw what the two of them were doing, they couldn''t help but feel envy.


    Ren Baqian''s action and the empress''s alluring look filled the air in the restaurant with love, so much so, that every customer felt full even before they started eating.


    "I want this," the empress told Ren Baqian after she finished eating.


    "Alright," Ren Baqian replied and smiled.

 Chapter 146: Great Elder, Junior Elder

    Chapter 146: Great Elder, Junior Elder


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "I haven''t found Her Majesty yet. I will return immediately once there is news," one of the elderly said as he knitted his brows. There were two elders in the official residence, sitting down facing each other.


    "That sorcerer should have been killed long ago if not such matters wouldn''t have happened. If Her Majesty were to get into any trouble, the consequences would be disastrous," Junior Elder Zhe Kouhai spoke.


    Facing him was the Great Elder Shi Qing. He closed his eyes with a look of worry on his face.


    The empress'' disappearance was indeed a very serious matter.


    As time passed, even though Xin Zhe had kept it a secret, other people were already starting to find something amiss.


    When night fell, both Elders entered the pce together. They then realized that Xin Zhe actually dared to keep mum about such a serious matter.


    At this time, the Department of Inspection was conducting arge scale search in the city. Even the Left Army had been activated to search outside the borders of Lan City. Such big operation had already brought about much suspicion. At most, this matter could only be kept a secret for another day. If the empress was still not found by noon the next day, everything would be in a huge chaos.


    "I feel that it''s better if we inform the General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation," Zhe Kouhai suggested after thinking for a long while.


    "It''s not necessary for that yet. We shall inform the General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation to get ready if the empress is still not found by noon tomorrow." Shi Qing sighed.


    "Xin Zhe really ought to die. The empress actually went missing in the pce when she is supposed to be protecting her. And yet, she still made a futile attempt to conceal the matter. Damn it. If she wasn''t themander of the pce''s imperial guards for the search, I would have banished her to the prison at once. If anything were to happen to Her Majesty, she must be executed in public," Zhe Kouhai continued talking.


    But, Shi Qing remained silent with his eyes closed.


    At present, his brows were almost as knotted as a fried dough twist. His already wrinkled face seemed even older.


    The two men just sat there facing each other fromte night till sunrise.


    Zhe Kouhai stood up and said, "One night has already passed, and yet, there is still no news. We''d better make some preparations."


    Shi Qing, who was sitting there the entire time, opened his eyes abruptly. His eyes glowed with radiance. "What are you nning to do?"


    Zhe Kouhai lowered his head and looked at Shi Qing. "If we still cannot find Her Majesty by today, someone will definitely notice and perhaps create disorder. We have to prepare for this."


    Shi Qing stared at him for quite some time before shutting his eyes again.


    Zhe Kouhai left the residence, got into the carriage and let out a snort.


    Her Majesty has already been missing for an entire day.


    Furthermore, it happened in the pce.


    It''s possible that she may nevere back again.


    If Her Majesty still cannot be found over the next few days, then we should probably invite that person back.


    ��


    Presently, there were still a few imperial guards keeping watch at Yangxin Pce Hall.


    The air in the pce hall suddenly warped, and two people appeared unexpectedly.


    "Who is that? Your Majesty!" A few imperial guards witnessed two people appearing in the pce hall. Immediately, they knelt on one knee with overflowing joy at the unexpected good news.


    Naturally, the people who appeared in the pce hall were Ren Baqian and Her Majesty.


    Ren Baqian was wearing casual pants and a shirt. The empress was wearing a red dress, but it was a different outfit.


    The empress released her grip on Ren Baqian''s hand, turned around, walked a few steps and sat down on the couch. "How long has it been since I left?" She said with a cold voice.


    "Your Majesty, it has already been twenty hours."


    "Did anything happen? Where is Qing Yuan and Hong Luan? Get Xin Zhe here too." After the empress spoke, the imperial guards at the lower ground responded and two of them hurried off.


    The remaining two guards stayed to tell her about some of the things they knew.


    For instance, news about Xin Zhe ordering all the imperial guards to search the pce. At the same time, she concealed the matter and ordered the Department of Inspection to conduct arge-scale search in Lan City. But, due to the huge extent of mobilization, it attracted two Elders who found out about Her Majesty''s disappearance, and they notified the Left Army to search outside the city borders. Another piece of news was that Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were locked up in the side pce hall with someone keeping watch.


    To sum up, the empress'' disappearance for a day had left many people rmed.


    After all, given her status, her every action would already set off quite a bit of disturbance, not to mention something like her disappearance.


    After a short while, Xin Zhe, donned in her helmet and body armor, took big strides into the pce hall. She was full of exultation. "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    The empress nodded, "You''ve done well. Ask the Great Elder and Junior Elder to enter the pce, and inform the Left Army and Department of Inspection to halt the search. Get Ke Yong and Lei Yue to see me. The rest of you may take your leave."


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I bid my farewell." Xin Zhe and the other two imperial guards responded and left inrge strides.


    After they left, the empress looked at Ren Baqian, and said with a gentler tone, "You too, get some rest, don''t hold up your practice."


    "I shall take my leave, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian replied, turned around and left the pce hall. After taking a few steps, he saw Qing Yuan and Hong Luan hurrying over, staring at him sternly.


    You unexpectedly disappeared with Her Majesty and implicated the both of us.


    It was not that much of a grievance, but they felt some resentment towards Ren Baqian.


    On the contrary, Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park with a good-natured smile, heaving a sigh as soon as he got back to his room.


    The empress was much gentler during those two days on Earth. Ren Baqian saw her in different states of mind: enviousness, restlessness, curiousness, etc. She seemed more like an ordinary person. But once she returned to Dayao, she reverted to the originally highly revered empress once again.


    As he made breakfast in the kitchen, the empress was naively sitting on the sofa dressed in red, eating ice cream, and watching the news on television. Ren Baqian actually fancied that empress��a lot in fact.


    On the other hand, this cold and dignified empress always made him feel extremely pressured.


    Eliminating that thought from his head, Ren Baqian estimated the time for his next return. It was two and a half days on Earth and twenty hours over here.


    Ren Baqian intended to try and not to initiate going back on his own the next time. He wanted to find out how long he could stay in this world.


    After sitting on his bed for a while, Ren Baqian removed all those distracting thoughts out of his head. He then focused on the [Visualization of Water] of the [Ruyi Visualization], and once again appeared by the side of theke.


    Many people knew something about the disappearance of the empress. But, the majority of them only knew that the husband that the empress chose suddenly went missing in the pce. Therge-scale search outside the city borders by the Department of Inspection stopped after a day, and he was reportedly found.


    Shi Qing felt relieved after hearing that the empress had returned. The wrinkles on his face had also evened out.


    However, Zhe Kouhai was distracted for a long while when he heard the news. In the end, he did not speak a single word and eventually entered the pce to seek an audience with the empress.


    When he arrived at the pce doors, he saw that Shi Qing''s carriage already there.


    "Her Majesty has returned." Shi Qing let out a profoundughter as he spoke to Zhe Kouhai.


    "This is great news. I feel more relieved too." Zhe Kouhaiughed as well.


    Both men entered the pce to see the empress together.


    "I wonder where has Your Majesty gone to this time?" Shi Qing questioned as he saw the empress.


    "An interesting ce," the empress casually replied. Earth was indeed pretty interesting to her.


    The culture, the bustle, and also the extremely powerful weapons. Those were the things from Earth that left her with the deepest impressions.


    She hoped that Dayao could one day be like that too.


    "I probably shouldn''t intervene with Your Majesty''s whereabouts, but I feel that it will be better if Your Majesty can inform us in the future. Furthermore, it is also unwise to travel alone," Shi Qing said.


    "I understand. Don''t worry about this," the empress replied as she waved her hand.


    "The reason I''ve summoned the both of you, is to tell you that I am fine. If there is nothing else, you may take your leave."


    "Your Majesty''s disappearance this time has made quite a big impact. It has left many people in the pce flustered. Prior to this, nothing of this sort has happened before.


    I feel that Ren Baqian has bewitched Your Majesty with sorcery. Your Majesty, please kill this man and choose another man as your husband," Zhe Kouhai suddenly petitioned.


    Upon hearing his words, the empress immediately squinted her eyes, resembling the eyes of a phoenix.

 Chapter 147: Pour Some Wine for Me

    Chapter 147: Pour Some Wine for Me


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Your Majesty, please kill this man and choose another man as your husband," Zhe Kouhai suddenly said. The empress squinted her eyes; a cold glint flickering in them.


    The next second, the empress appeared in front of Zhe Kouhai. She gripped his throat forcefully and raised him up.


    "Your Majesty, please be lenient!" Shi Qing''s facial expression changed drastically. Even though he did not like Zhe Kouhai, he knew that this man couldn''t die.


    Raising Zhe Kouhai into the air, the empress stared into his eyes. When Zhe Kouhai''s face turned deep red and he began to gasp for air, the empress threw him to one side.


    "None of you are fit to meddle in my business, you''re dismissed," the empress said coldly. Then, she returned to her couch.


    Holding his throat, Zhe Kouhai panted heavily on the floor. Following which, he stood up, gave the empress a bow, and left.


    Outside the pce hall, Shi Qing looked at Shi Kouhai and said, "Why did you say those words? We are not allowed to meddle with Her Majesty''s personal matters."


    All this time, Shi Qing did not understand why Zhe Kouhai would say those words.


    "Right now, it''s no longer her personal matters. Thatd is bewitching Her Majesty, sooner orter he will bring about a cmity. I feel that even if Her Majesty doesn''t like it, as her subject, I still have to remind her," Zhe Kouhai replied.


    Shi Qing looked at Zhe Kouhai and remained silent for a long while. He did not believe Zhe Kouhai''s words. After all, Zhe Kouhai was the person thatined about Her Majesty the most.


    He was also the most scheming individual that Shi Qing had ever met.


    Sometimes, Shi Qing even felt that Zhe Kouhai might not be an aboriginal.


    Shi Qing definitely did not believe that Zhe Kouhai was willing to risk his life to enrage Her Majesty for her sake.


    Then what was his aim?


    After Zhe Kouhai boarded his carriage and left, Shi Qing stood there by himself for a long time. Then, he shook his head and decided not to think about Zhe Kouhai anymore. That man was too scheming.


    However, where exactly did Her Majesty and Storyteller Ren go? Shi Qing was extremely curious. He knew that he would naturally know if Her Majesty intended to tell him. If Her Majesty did intend to tell him, there was no need for him to ask her about it.


    After Shi Qing and Zhe Kouhai left for quite some time, the empress let out a sigh.


    "Your Majesty, what''s the matter? Do you have something on your mind?" Hong Luan massaged the empress''s shoulders and asked.


    "Pour some wine for me!" the empress ordered. Even though it was currently morning, she felt as though it was evening that she returned here with Ren Baqian.


    She liked to drink alcohol to drown her troubles. This was her method to ease her tension.


    Especially when she was feeling troubled.


    At this point in time, she was feeling very troubled.


    ...


    Ren Baqian finished visualizing the [Visualization of Water] and slept for the entire morning in his room. He finally woke up when the pce maid that delivered his meals knocked on his door.


    Ren Baqian waited for her to leave before sitting in front of the table. Before he touched the chopsticks, he could smell something different with the food. The dishes looked familiar, and the spices used to cook them smelled familiar.


    This meal was cooked by the imperial kitchen.


    All along, the imperial kitchen was only in charge of cooking for them empress. Everyone else''s meals, including Ren Baqian''s, were cooked by another kitchen.


    "This was arranged by the empress, right?" This thought came to Ren Baqian''s mind. He couldn''te up with any other possible exnation.


    From this meal, he could tell that the empress''s attitude towards him had indeed changed after they returned from Earth.


    When Ren Baqian thought of the empress, many indescribable andplicated feelings erupted in his heart.


    "Such a pity, I really didn''t expect that we will return here all of a sudden. I will bring the things over here next time around." Ren Baqian thought of the clothes and snacks he bought for the empress. He found it rather amusing.


    The empress''s favorite line was "I want this".


    This line was less domineering and more gentle than "I want this".


    [The previous line uses "��" and this line uses "��". Both "��" and "��" mean "I" but thetter is used by an emperor/empress to address himself/herself. Therefore, I tranted this line as "I want this" too.]


    Ren Baqian finished his food and headed towards Qingxin Pce Hall. He still needed to learn how to read Dayao words.


    After entering Qingxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian threw a handful of candies onto the table. The groggy Lin Qiaole immediately became energized. She looked at Ren Baqian with a burning gaze, resembling a husky that was begging for food.


    "Continue to teach me more words. Today, we will use a different method. You teach me word by word and I will go back and learn them myself," Ren Baqian said.


    "Alright," Lin Qiaole nodded her head.


    However, she soon realized something wasn''t right.


    Ren Baqian did not know Dayao words, but he would use an unknown writtennguage to make notes. Because of this, Lin Qiaole knew that Ren Baqian actually knew how to read but just not Dayao words.


    The writtennguage Dayao used was simr to Great Xia''s. Even though aboriginals had their own writtennguage, it had very little number of words and was not enough to express their spokennguage.


    Today, Ren Baqian did not use the slow and foolish method that he used in the past to learn Dayao words. Instead, he would make a note behind every word he learnt. This way, Ren Baqian would milk everything from her within a short period. In the future, when Ren Baqian did not need her anymore, how was she going to get more candies?


    "I''m not teaching you anymore." Lin Qiaole pushed the table away and leaned back on her chair. Her face filled with annoyance.


    "Why?" Ren Baqian raised his head and noticed that she was throwing a tantrum.


    "If I teach you through this method, you will learning everything in less than five days," Lin Qiaole grumbled.


    Ren Baqian was amused by Lin Qiaole''s reaction. Needless to say, he knew what she was thinking. "I will bring more candies for you next time around. In the future, I will open a candy shop and pay tribute to you using candies, alright?"


    Upon hearing these words, Lin Qiaole became overjoyed. "It''s a deal then, tomorrow I want ten times the usual amount of candies you give me."


    "Alright." Ren Baqian felt that this girl was too easy to fool. In any case, he did not have many more days to learn from her. Furthermore, his status was no longer the same as before. He did not need to be as careful as he was in the past. He wasn''t afraid of fooling her.


    He had already given some of the candies he brought herest time to the empress. There were still some left.


    For the whole afternoon, Ren Baqian had memorized over three hundred words. Previously, he had already learned many words. He merely needed five to six days to memorize every word.


    At the same time, he hade up with a new idea. Later on, he would make aparison table between Chinese words and Dayao words. He could hire a few programmers to make aparison software to trante Dayao words into Chinese words. This could save him a lot of time.


    Very soon, Ren Baqian left Qingxin Pce Hall. just as he reached the entrance of Pingle Park, the guard called after him, "Storyteller Ren, Her Majesty has summoned you to Yangxin Pce Hall to have lunch with her."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. After putting the piece of paper with all the words he had learned in his room, he headed to Yangxin Pce Hall to meet the empress.


    As usual, the pce hall was cold and empty.


    The empress had changed back to her red muslin dress with a white shirt beneath it. She was lying on a couch with a table ced in front of her. On the table, there were dishes and one bowl of soup. Opposite her, there was an empty chair.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian greeted the empress. He scanned his surroundings and realized that Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were nowhere to be found. The empress was the only person in the empty and cold pce hall.


    "Have a seat." When the empress saw Ren Baqian, she felt a tinge of joy as her heartstrings twitched. However, she merely asked him to sit down.


    Indeed, this is her usual self, Ren Baqian thought to himself before sitting.


    While they were eating, they did not talk to each other at all. Ren Baqian kept on pushing the dishes that the empress wanted to eat to her. The empress felt a feeling of warmth flowing through her heart.


    The same action that was done by a different person gave her a different feeling.


    After they finished eating, the empress asked, "When are you setting off?"


    Ren Baqian knew she was talking about the mine matter. To her, it was a matter of vital importance.


    "I need to prepare first. Right now, I still can''t teleport between Earth and this ce at will. Therefore, I don''t know how many days I will stay here. It will be very troublesome if I suddenly disappear," Ren Baqian said softly.

 Chapter 148: Living Off a Woman

    Chapter 148: Living Off a Woman


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After listen to what Ren Baqian said, the empress nodded, "Alright, I''ll get someone to send the medicinal herbs to you tomorrow morning. Come and find me after your cultivation session, I''ll bring you to the imperial depository to retrieve some things."


    Ren Baqian felt a little awkward after hearing what the empress said. Suddenly, he felt as if he was living off the empress by fishing her family resources back to Earth to buy things.


    Unfortunately, there was a still a long way to go before he could receive profits on Earth. Either he spends a great amount of time and energy to make all kinds of things to earn money, or he lives off the empress.


    However, after thinking about the martial arts manual and medicinal herbs that were provided by the empress, it seemed like he was destined to live off her.


    "What are you thinking of?" Seeing that Ren Baqian was silent, the empress asked.


    "I feel that I''m living off you," Ren Baqian awkwardly replied. Soon after, he met with the empress''s investigative gaze and exined the meaning of living off a woman.


    "Why, don''t you wanna live off me?" The beautiful empress nced at him bewitchingly and hinted with a hidden meaning.


    Ren Baqian looked at her and continuously shivered


    "Just take it that you are buying the items for me," the empress continued.


    "I''m aware of that." Ren Baqian nodded. The empress was always this cold. As a result, during the asional times when she was gentle and soft, it was as if a fairy had turned into an ordinary person and was exceptionally breathtaking.


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress and sat there for some time before he stood up and left. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan entered Yangxin Pce Hall after seeing that he left.


    After Ren Baqian departed, the empress reverted to her original style.


    It simply felt that the pce was especially cold.


    ...


    ��


    The next morning, five to six people carried packets of paper bags and ced them in another room of Pingle Park. After which, they went to fetch water and to light a fire to create a bath of medicinal liquid.


    "Storyteller Ren, you need to cultivate in the medicinal bath so that you can absorb the effects of it," an approximately 30-year-old woman looked and Ren Baqian and said.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Previously, he had already understood this during his cultivation of [Ruyi Visualization].


    Firstly, the group of people added medicinal herbs into the big tub. After which, they boiled the water and the color of the water immediately turned into a strange dark-green. After the temperature of the water had decreased, they continued to use a small me to maintain its temperature. Ren Baqian stared at the strange dark-green liquid for a long time before taking a stride into the tub while wearing a pair of short pants.


    "So hot." Ren Baqian inhaled a breath of cool air. It was at the very least over 40 degrees. Striding into the tub this way made his entire body turn red, and he felt as if he was being cooked.


    To be more precise, the firewood below the tub created a crackling noise that made him feel that he was the main ingredient used to stew a pot of soup.


    However, he got rid of all the distracting thoughts in no time and then began the [Visualization of Water].


    After quite some time, Ren Baqian helplessly opened his eyes and said to the people in the surrounding, "Sorry to bother the few of you, but could you all please step outside. I am afraid of strangers and not used to people being here. Wait for a while beforeing in again."


    Ren Baqian once again closed his eyes to visualize only after the few of them left with a smile on their faces. Although there was still the sound of the burning firewood, it didn''t really affect him anymore.


    As usual, it was filled with faint mist, and he wasn''t able to see any distance away. He could only see the existence of ake and a few trees which looked seemingly real.


    Ren Baqian walked into theke, and when he started to swim forward, he discovered that something was amiss. The water in his surroundings had begun to generate waves. Even though the waves weren''t big, it was much more exhausting whenpared to swimming in stagnant water. Moreover, the water had traces of dark green things that were simr to aquatic nts, that were tangled all over his body. It was as if he carried a heavy object on his back while swimming, causing him to swim even slower.


    Whenpared to previously, he took a longer time to swim to the center of theke. He did everything he could and dived further down. This time round, before reaching the location that he had reached previously, he was already exhausted to the extent that he sobered up.


    Ren Baqian shook his head, and he was still mentally drained. His body was also experiencing swelling pains. He looked down at the medicinal liquid, and its color had be much lighter.


    Apparently, he had absorbed the effects of the medicinal bath.


    This time, the absorption of the effects of the medicinal bath required at least one week for it to be digested. Gradually, it would strengthen his own body as well.


    Ren Baqian returned to his bed and took a short rest. After which, he went to visit the empress. However, the empress hadn''t ended her court session yet. He then went to wait for her outside Yangxin Pce Hall.


    After quite some time, Ren Baqian heard noises from afar and knew that the empress had returned.


    "The rest may take your leave. Xin Zhe, you don''t need to follow either." The empress motioned her hand towards everyone who was behind her. After everyone left, she then told Ren Baqian, "Follow me."


    The imperial depository was located in a rather secretive ce in the pce. It waspletely constructed by stones and did not have any windows or such at all.


    After the thick and huge metal door was opened, the imperial guard passed the torch to them and left.


    Ren Baqian raised the torch and followed the empress who was in front. Under the empress''s instruction, he lit the braziers in the imperial depository. At this time, it became bright inside. The imperial depository was much smaller than what he expected. On the first level, there were many shelves that held swords and other weapons, as well as armors. Leaning against the wall were boxes of gold and silver, jewelry, and so on. They were all gifts from the empress''s birthday celebration.


    A majority of the items were gold and silver. Only a few small boxes consisted of jewelry.


    As they headed to the second level, the set up changed into grids and shelves, and also contained much lesser objects. Ren Baqian walked around and noticed that they were all rare treasures that were extremely valuable. Most of the items here could not be found on Earth. Such rare treasures would probably fetch a good price on Earth. But, it would be extremely difficult for him to sell them.


    He was just an ordinary person and didn''t have any channels for him to sell off all these stuff.


    "Your Majesty, let''s just return to the first level. Although the value of things here isrge, it is difficult to sell them," Ren Baqian honestly told the empress.


    "Okay."


    Ultimately, Ren Baqian chose a few pieces of jade pendants and seals. Then, he selected a few pieces of ruby and emerald and then stopped.


    "Take a few more, these things are just being left here," the empress told Ren Baqian.


    "I''ll take these few first. It will be inconvenient to carry so many of them. This time, I want to experiment and see what''s the longest number of days that I can stay over here. It''s highly possible that I may be sent back all of a sudden. Thus, it will be better for me to take a lesser amount of items along with me," Ren Baqian sensibly replied.


    ��


    Meanwhile, in the pce of the capital of Great Xia, an elder with an imposing appearance was sitting on a chair. Below him were six people kneeling in front of him.


    "Who? Such nerves to assassinate the prince of Great Xia." The elder was the current emperor of Great Xia. At this moment, his face was filled with irrepressible anger.


    The prince of Great Xia got assassinated? How many years had it been since such a thing urred? What audacity to regard the imperial household of Great Xia as nothing.


    "Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince reached the county town five days ago and stayed one night before setting off. He was assassinated at Sleeping Dragon Gorge. There were ny-five intermediate and five advanced Man Level experts, one intermediate Earth Level expert ,and two consecrated experts at the Earth Embryo State who apanied the Seventh Prince. But, none of them survived. In addition, a merchant caravan returning from Dayao was also assassinated and nobody survived. We presume that they might have seen the murderer."


    To be able to kill the Seventh Prince''s entire entourage without a single survivor, this kind of capability was not what an ordinary person could achieve.


    Even though the scene had already been dealt with by someone, there were still traces left behind.


    ording to the scouts at the crime scene, they suspected that it was the work of the aboriginals.


    But, they didn''t have clear-cut evidence to confirm, and also, they did not have any reason why Qi Zixiao or Hong Wu would attack the Seventh Prince.


    "I want her to pay the price!"

 Chapter 149: You Killed My Son, I Shall Kill Your Gigolo

    Chapter 149: You Killed My Son, I Shall Kill Your Gigolo


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The Lian family was the second most rich and powerful family in Great Xia. In fact, it was considered the number one most powerful family in Zhijiang Prefecture. The entrance of its residence was always bustling with activity.


    However, for the past two days, it had been cold and empty. A dark cloud hung over the entire Lian family.


    The family head''s favorite son was eaten by a wild beast on the way back from Dayao after celebrating the empress''s birthday. Even his corpse could not be recovered. This news had spread throughout Zhijiang Prefecture.


    Some people said it was the family''s retribution, and some mocked their misfortune.


    The Lian family might be domineering in Zhijiang Prefecture but are they bold enough to seek revenge from Dayao? And whom do they seek revenge from?


    If the Lian family wanted to seek revenge, they could only seek it from the seventh most powerful individual in the world, Qi Zixiao. After all, Lian Baocheng, for some reason, had desperately wanted to see how beautiful Qi Zixiao was.


    All in all, many people rejoiced in their misfortune.


    The Lian family had been too overbearing for the past few years. There were many people that did not see eye to eye with them.


    Lian Qizhi sat in the main hall as he listened to the report of his subordinate. "We have already handled the family members of those people."


    "Do you think I''m ruthless?" Lian Qizhi sighed.


    "Why should you feel that way? After Young Master was killed, that group of people fled straight away. If it weren''t for that one guilty guy who returned to confess to us, I''m afraid the entire Lian family would be keptpletely in the dark forever," Lian Qizhi''s subordinate replied.


    Lian Qizhi strummed his fingers on the surface of the table. Even though that group of people had run away, they couldn''t escape his clutches. Lian Qizhi had already sent his men to investigate the incident. He wanted to capture that group of people and not let them die so easily. He had already killed all their family members that were in Zhijiang Province.


    However, he still wasn''t satisfied.


    How was it possible that both his son and Lian Tong were eaten by a wild beast? His son might act inappropriately towards Qi Zixiao, but why would Lian Tong do that as well? Qi Zixiao was simply too much of a bully.


    He could not afford to offend Qi Zixiao, but there was one person he could seek revenge from.


    You killed my son, I shall kill your gigolo.


    ...


    These few days, the news of Qi Zixiao having a gigolo that only knew how to bootlick had spread throughout the city.


    Along with this news, the line "Without the birth of Your Majesty, there will be an eternity of darkness" was widely spread as well.


    Reportedly, that gigolo used this line to win the heart of Qi Zixiao.


    This news had shocked the world, especially those who were well-informed.


    Many people were envious of that gigolo.


    Not only was Qi Zixiao the overlord of Dayao and the seventh most powerful expert in the world, but she was also an exceptional beauty.


    Everyone wondered how much merits thatd had umted in his past lives to make such a girl fall for him.


    ��..


    Genuine One Sect had been an obscure sect ten years ago.


    Everything changed when one of its members abruptly rose to fame one day. The sect had since then be well-known.


    "Senior, that Qi Zixiao is really arrogant. How dare she ept those words? She is disregarding all the heroes in this world," a seventeen-year-old young girl that was dressed like a nun said with resentment.


    Opposite her, there was an absolute beauty who did not seem to be angry at all. Simrly, she wore the clothes of a nun. She was adorned with a crown on the top of her head, and a hanging tiara rested on her forehead.


    At this moment, this girl was smiling at the young girl.


    "Senior, you never care about anything." The young girl was extremely anxious.


    "This is merely a small matter, why should I fuss over it?" the girl smiled and replied.


    "But you''re the third most powerful expert in the world. If was you, I would have taught her a lesson. So what if she is the seventh most powerful expert in the world, how dare she behave so arrogantly? Hey, I''m feeling angry for you, why don''t you have any reactions?" the young girl smacked the table and replied with anger.


    "If you weren''t so impetuous, the level of your strength would definitely be higher. Have you done your homework today?" The girl''s smile did not contain the slightest bit of anger. On the contrary, it was filled with serenity and humility. Everyone recognized her as the third most powerful expert in the world, Li Yuanzhu.


    The young girl gave a snort of indignation. After a while, she lowered her head and said, "You''re bing a goddess idol."


    Suddenly, the young girl''s eyes lit up with joy again. Then, she continued, "I heard that Qi Zixiao likes a bootlicking gigolo that does not know any martial arts. It''s really quite ridiculous. I can''t believe she was actually won over by a bootlicker''s words. Even I''m not stupid like her."


    Li Yuanzhu smiled at the young girl. After a long while, she said, "That''s not necessarily the case."


    The young girl wondered whether Li Yuanzhu was referring to Qi Zixiao''s foolishness or to something else.


    ...


    Ren Baqian was naturally unaware of what his reputation was like outside of Dayao. After all, there were many travelers and merchants going in and out of Dayao daily.


    Even if he knew, there was nothing much he could do about it.


    In reality, the outsiders were not the only ones who thought this way, everyone in Dayao also felt the same.


    So long as the empress insisted on marrying Ren Baqian and loving him, everyone else had no choice but to ept it.


    These past few days, Ren Baqian had been persevering with his cultivation. He felt that the condition of his physical body had be much better. Nowadays, he wouldn''t get tired easily, and his strength had increased as well.


    Originally, he could only exert a force of 600 newtons. Now, he could exert up to 675 newtons of force.


    In a few days'' time, his strength had increased significantly. He was extremely shocked by the efficacy of this medicinal bath.


    Previously, his cultivation progress was very slow. However, these past few days, his progress was extremely fast. No wonder this martial art needed the supplement of medicinal herbs.


    Nowadays, his diving depth record in theke had increased from fifteen meters to seventeen meters. Even though he still couldn''t see the bottom of theke, he was very happy about his cultivation progress.


    However, he did not know how expensive were the medicinal herbs he was using. If they were used on an aboriginal, his or her strength would have increased by five times.


    These few days, he shifted his cultivation to the night time. After he finished his cultivation, he could sleep and rest straight away. This was better than training during the day time and spending half of the remaining daylight sleeping.


    After getting up from the bed, before he could wash his face, his surroundings suddenly transformed. His surroundings changed from the room in Pingle Park to his living room on Earth.


    Previously, he was still feeling slightly groggy. After the teleportation, he awaked in an instant.


    Counting the number of days that had passed, he realized he was teleported back to Earth after five days this time around.


    Previously, he would be teleported once every three days. Now, he would be teleported once every two and a half to five days. Furthermore, he could choose the time of teleportation. These changes made him ddened him greatly.


    At least he now had more freedom.


    Now, he coulde back to Earth whenever he was free. This way, he could optimize his time.


    After all, in the past, the situation whereby he suddenly disappeared would ur easily.


    After feeling overjoyed about his improved circumstances, he noticed a bag beside him. It contained the things that he bought for the empress. Previously, he had never managed to bring it back.


    He could bring it back this time around. He also intended to bring back a hotpot and some hotpot ingredients. The empress had been thinking about them constantly.


    The beef and mutton in that world were extremely delicious--perfect for hotpot.


    Ren Baqian felt rather good when he thought of having hotpot with the empress in Yangxin Pce Hall.


    It was a pity he had to prepare to set off right after he returned to that world.


    Walking around the house by himself, Ren Baqian thought of the day where he and the empress were here together. That day, he made breakfast while the empress was situated on the sofa watching the television.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian felt like buying this house. He wanted to preserve that scene in this house forever.


    He had to first sell the jade pendants and gemstones he brought back.

 Chapter 150: I Am Also Very Helpless

    Chapter 150: I Am Also Very Helpless


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The window and the door on the second level were still broken. To date, he hasn''t handled this issue yet and simply used a nket to seal the gap up.


    Previously, when the empress had been here, he didn''t have time to handle this, and as such, he ought to settle this problem now.


    Ren Baqian changed into another set of clothes, considered whether he should delete the data from the surveince camera and directly took the hard disk out from the monitor to destroy it. He was ready to head out and dispose it into a river.


    Fortunately, his parents had not reported his disappearance to the police the previous time. Otherwise, the footage which had been recorded, would definitely cause huge trouble.


    Nowadays, Ren Baqian was no longer eager to investigate the reason for his ability to teleport. In any case, he wouldn''t be able to find out the reason now. Later on, only after his strength had increased, he would see if he was able to find out the reason or not.


    On that fateful day, at the split second he teleported and when the empress suddenly appeared and grabbed him, he could sense that people with a simr strength to that of the empress could somewhat sense that he teleported.


    In that case, when his strength had reached that stage, his perception might be a little clearer by then.


    He just didn''t know if he would have a day like that or not.


    Ren Baqian went out and got his sim card. Then, he went to buy two mobile phones.


    The other phone was prepared for the empress. If she were toe to this world again, this phone ought toe in handy.


    Otherwise, it would be terrifying if he lost her one day.


    As a matter of fact, on the third day that the empress was here, Ren Baqian brought her to a shopping mall. He made a trip to the washroom, and when he came out and discovered that the empress was gone, his heart almost stopped beating.


    Luckily, it was just a false rm. The empress was in a shop that was just by the side.


    But, this incident gave him a reminder.


    In future, if she came over again, he couldn''t actually use a rope to leash her waist.


    After settling the sim card and the mobile phone, Ren Baqian made a call to his family. In any case, he still remembered his parent''s phone number.


    As for Chen Qing''s calls, he would use WeChat to contact himter on. Even if he couldn''t retrieve the contact info of the other people, it wouldn''t matter. Anyway, he didn''t really keep in contact with them.


    "Hello, Dad."


    "Sigh, your father will always support you regardless of what type of woman you like."


    As Ren Baqian listened to his father''s words, even though he had nothing to say, he still felt warmth in his heart."


    "So long as you don''t bring a man home it will be fine."


    "Pfff!"


    Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    It has been half a month yet they are still poking fun on this topic?


    "I conveniently said it the previous time, just don''t get mum to rush me anymore and it will be okay."


    "Precisely. It''s because you said it so readily that''s why it was scary." His father continued to nag, "I almost got a heart attack because of you."


    "Anyway, when are you going to bring that youngdy back home to meet us?"


    "..."


    After informing his parents that he was safe, he nned to estimate the price of the few pieces of gemstones and find a ce to sell them.


    He sat in his car and used his phone to search the web for quite some time, only to find out that it was much more troublesome than what he had expected.


    As he didn''t have any certificate of origin, big organizations as well aspanies thatply with standard regtions wouldn''t ept these gemstones.


    Some people had their own channel to sell and did not need to consider this aspect. But, in his own hands, these goods were no different from stolen property apart from the fact that there wasn''t an owner who lost something.


    On the other hand, there were some smallpanies he could consider. But, these gemstones would definitely not fetch a good price if brought to thesepanies to assess their price.


    After surfing the for more than half the day, he found all kinds of random information and only a few were valuable to him.


    Ren Baqian closed the web page and thought for a while. He still had to find Chen Qing. At the very least, with Chen Qing''s status, his socialwork would definitely be somewhat wider. Perhaps, he would have a channel for him to sell these gemstones.


    He sent Chen Qing a message and after a short while, Chen Qing gave him a call, "Oh, Eight Thousand Years Old didn''t go dating today. Why did you think of me today?"


    "Where are you? Let''s have a meal this afternoon," Ren Baqian said.


    "I''m at thew firm. I have been so busytely that my feet don''t even touch the ground. I''m currently preparing information for a legal case. Let''s meet at the lobby of myw firm. There is a restaurant that''s not bad over there. Give me a call when you arrive."


    Ren Baqian could hear the tapping sounds of a keyboard from the other end of the line.


    "Okay."


    One hourter, Ren Baqian arrived at the lobby of thew firm where Chen Qing worked and gave him a call. After five minutes had passed, he saw Chen Qing scurrying over. Chen Qing immediately pulled open the car door and sat in the front passenger seat.


    "So busytely? It is so rare to see Young Master Chen like that."


    "I have no choice. Someone who is going to get married has to support his entire family."


    Ren Baqian looked at him with disdain. Chen Qing''s annual wage wasn''t even enough to cover his monthly spending.


    Didn''t he feel guilty when he said that?


    If you really want to support your family, all you have to do is to go back and take over your father''s business.


    "Why, what do you want to see me about?" Chen Qing asked.


    "Let''s talk at the restaurant."


    After a short while, the both of them were seated at a private room in the restaurant. Ren Baqian fished out two red and three green gemstones and ced them on the table.


    "Help me find out if there''s any way to sell them."


    "Where did you get them from? Are they stolen property? Or did you rob a tomb when you went to the mountain a few days ago? Don''t forget that I work inw." Chen Qing briefly nced at the gemstones on the table and wasn''t in a rush to inspect them in detail. On the contrary, he jokingly said two sentences about the gemstones.


    "They are clean. It''s just that I''m unable to reveal the origin of them. That''s the reason why I came to look for you."


    Listening to what Ren Baqian said, Chen Qing took the gemstones one by one, ced them in his hand and carefully studied. The two rubies were the size of a thumbnail. In addition, it was obvious that each had been polished as the color was a deep-red, as if it was a ball of me. Holding it against the light, it''s interior was extremely limpid, and only the edge had a slight crack.


    There was not a huge difference in the size of the two rubies. Additionally, their level of purity was quite simr.


    As for the emeralds, they had a dark-green luster, and their purity level was also superb. But, they were slightlycking whenpared to the two previous rubies.


    "I don''t really know much. But, I have seen quite a number of gemstones in the past. The worth of these gemstones shouldn''t be low. I can actually help you to get in touch with someone to sell them. However, because the origin is unknown, the other party may push down the price." Chen Qing ced the few pieces of gemstones in front of Ren Baqian after exining.


    "Understood." Ren Baqian nodded. He hadn''t even considered selling the gemstones at the market rate. As long as he could sell them off at a good enough price, it would be all right.


    Chen Qing saw that he understood and knew that this would be easy to handle. He then dialed a number, chatted a few sentences before saying, "Fatty Xu, I have a brother that has a few gemstones that he wants to sell. Come over and take a look."


    After which, Chen Qing read out the address and hung up the call.


    "Keep them first. Let''s talk about it again when Fatty Xu arrives," Chen Qing told Ren Baqian.


    After keeping it in for some time, Chen Qing hesitated before speaking to Ren Baqian, "Thest time, I saw you together with a woman��"


    Ren Baqian immediately looked at him from the side of his eyes. "It couldn''t be that you actually waited for me in the neighborhood to go out?"


    "The facts aren''t important," Chen Qing dismissed. Then, he said to Ren Baqian seriously, "That woman is indeed gorgeous. Her family background shouldn''t be ordinary. I can see it in with just one nce. She wasn''t raised in a small and ordinary family. Even the average official''s family wouldn''t be able to produce a woman like her, only those at the big shot level would be able to do so.


    You can also be considered aplished. Putting aside other factors, when the ck mud cream hits the market, your value of hundreds of millions won''t run away. But, in the eyes of some people, you are no different from any ordinary person.


    My point in saying this is that in our country, we still care about couples being well-matched in term of social status. Your status is too big of a difference from hers. Even though fate has brought you two together during this period of time, do not fall too deep intomitment."


    "Thanks," Ren Baqian spoke. Even though Chen Qing''s words weren''t pleasant to hear, but for him to say such things, Chen Qing indeed treated him as a friend, and as such, Chen Qing only said those words out of goodwill to warn him.


    He couldn''t help but to say that Chen Qing''s eyes were indeed malicious. He only took a nce from afar yet he could know so much.


    Yes, couples should be well-matched in terms of social status.


    But, I''m also very helpless. I was snatched into the pce okay?

 Chapter 151: Money Obtained

    Chapter 151: Money Obtained


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The Fatty Xu that Chen Qing had mentioned arrived not too longter.


    He looked approximately twenty-five years old, and he wore a pair of gold-framed sses. Ignoring his body size, he looked rather refined in manner.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that Fatty Xu weighed approximately 110 kilograms. Every time he took a step, his body would tremble.


    "Hello, hello, you must be Young Master Chen''s friend. You can call me Fatty Xu," Fatty Xu said as he shook Ren Baqian''s hand. The moment Fatty Xu entered the building, he took his sses off and scanned the room.


    "I''m called Ren Baqian," Ren Baqian introduced himself.


    "Oh, Eighty Thousand Years Old, what a formidable name. In the ancient times, only a prince consort would have such a name." Fatty Xu burst out inughter. He was amiable and slick but wasn''t detestable.


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, his mind shivered slightly. After all, he was really going to be a prince consort soon. Who did Dad find toe up with this name for me?


    "It''s rare that you will think about me when you have something good going on in your life." Fatty Xu patted Chen Qing''s shoulder and sat on a chair. Soon after, he seemed to feel difort. Immediately, he pulled another chair to him,bined the two chairs together, and sat on them steadily. Then, he took off his sses and wiped off the condensation that had gathered on them.


    "My marriage is a good thing, right? I will definitely invite you to give me a present." Chen Qing chuckled as well.


    "That is a must."


    "Have you decided on a date?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked Chen Qing. The banquet Ren Baqian attended previously was for Chen Qing''s and Jiang Nan''s engagement. He wasn''t sure whether or not had they decided on a date for their marriage.


    "The first of May next year. I would have notified you even if you didn''t ask me," Chen Qing replied.


    After a short chit-chat session, Chen Qing said to Fatty Xu, "My brother has something to sell. They are clean but he can''t find a buyer. Take a look at them. Take them if you can, otherwise, find a buyer for them. He is one of our own, don''t treat him like an outsider."


    "Don''t worry, leave it to me. We''re friends from now onwards." Fatty Xu immediately patted his chest.


    "Xu Jewelry is operated by his family. He has clean connections in this line of business," Chen Qing introduced Fatty Xu to Ren Baqian.


    Xu Jewelry was one of thergest jewelers in the city. Xu Jewelry had a grand total of six shops in this city. They had shops outside of the city as well, making them a rather reputable jeweler.


    Ren Baqian ced a few gemstones on the revolving tray and said, "Sorry for troubling you."


    Fatty Xu spun the tray, and the gemstones appeared before him. Following which, he took out a piece of white cloth, a pair tweezers, a pair of gloves, and a magnifying ss from his bag and ced them on the table one by one. Then, he put the gloves on, ced the gemstones on the piece of cloth, and then examined them carefully.


    While Fatty Xu was examining the gemstones, Ren Baqian and Chen Qing waited on one side. Ren Baqian was also unclear on exactly what kind of gemstones they were. Even though the gemstones that were gifted to the empress were of good quality, that world was, nevertheless, still slightly different from Earth.


    Hence, Ren Baqian wouldn''t be surprised if things took a wrong turn.


    Fatty Xu kept a solemn look on his face and remained silent as he examined the gemstones. After a long while, he ced the five precious stones back on the piece of cloth. Then, he took off the gloves and wiped off the sweat of his forehead. Following which, he smiled at Ren Baqian and Chen Qing and said, "There should not be any problems. Furthermore, they are natural and have never been processed with heat before. However, I still have to take them back to re-examine them. After all, the equipment I have here with me is simple and crude. Brother Ren, you want to sell them, right? Are they clean?"


    "They''re definitely clean��they were passed down to me by an old man. There won''t be any issues."


    "That will be the best," Fatty Xu said as he wiped off the sweat on his forehead.


    "Brother Ren, if you want to send them to an auction house, I can arrange an official appraisal for them. If you want to realize them, the selling price might be slightly lower than the market price. After all, there''s a lot of money involved. Even if you''re my friend, I still have to ount for it," Fatty Xu continued.


    "Realize them."


    "Alright, I will get back to you after I bring them back for re-examination."


    "Fatty, don''t you have a rough estimation of their price?" Chen Qing asked.


    "Even though these two rubies aren''t pigeon blood, they are deep-red and their purity level is very high. More importantly, they have never been processed before. Meanwhile, these three gemstones are emeralds. Their color and luster are not bad. If I''m not wrong, they are roughly worth at least 20 million yuan. I still need to re-examine them to confirm their selling price. It''s not that I don''t trust Brother Ren, but rather, I''m afraid that I might make a mistake. After all, it''s hard not to make a mistake when examining gemstones. A small mistake will cause a huge trouble," Fatty Xu borated and chuckled.


    Ren Baqian kept the gemstones. Then, the three of them had a meal together and chit-chatted. Throughout the meal, Fatty Xu never asked Ren Baqian about the origin of the gemstones at all. Since Ren Baqian had already told him where the gemstones came from, there was no need for him to ask about it any further.


    Chen Qing also mentioned the matter regarding the ck mud cream. Theboratory equipment and manpower had already been prepared. Those seeds were also being cultivated. All they needed to do now was to wait for the result.


    There were two reasons why Chen Qing mentioned this matter now. First, Ren Baqian had been very elusive recently. Secondly, Chen Qing wanted Fatty Xu to know that Ren Baqian was doing business with his family.


    Doing so would make Fatty Xu realize that Ren Baqian wasn''t someone to be trifled with. This could save Ren Baqian a whole lot of trouble.


    After they finished their food, Ren Baqian sent Chen Qing back to hisw firm and then followed Fatty Xu to thergest Xu Jewelry shop in the city. Ren Baqian waited for the entire afternoon before the examination results of the gemstones were finally out.


    Fatty Xu looked at the report in his hand and said to Ren Baqian, "Brother Ren, if these gemstones are sent to an auction house, they can be auctioned off for more than 30 million yuan. At most, they can be auctioned off at the price of 33 million yuan. If two or more people have their eyes on them, their auction price will be higher. However, if you decide to sell them to me, I can only offer you 25 million yuan for them. This is the best I can do. After all, there is still a lot of follow-up work that I''ll have to do. It will take a few months for these gemstones to be sent to an auction. I have to ount for such a huge sum of money and time invested."


    "Alright, thank you." Ren Baqian nodded his head. The selling price of the gemstones was much higher than he thought. He did not mind the fact that Fatty Xu would earn a huge profit from this transaction. After all, if he brought these gemstones elsewhere, it was very likely that he could only sell them for 30 million yuan.


    Next, they had to settle the appraisal agreement.


    By the time Ren Baqian left the shop, his bank ount had an additional 25 million yuan.


    As for those jade pendants, Ren Baqian also eventually showed them to Fatty Xu. Even though they were of good quality, they did not have much historical value. And so, they were not valuable and could only be sold for a few hundreds of thousands of yuan. In the past, that would be a huge sum of money to Ren Baqian. However, with the addition of 25 million yuan to his bank ount, Ren Baqian wasn''t in a rush to sell them.


    Ren Baqian, upon leaving the store, immediately transferred 2 million yuan to his family. Less than half an hourter, his family called him.


    The 2 million yuan gave his parents a huge shock.


    "Why did you transfer so much money to us?"


    "Mypany is doing quite well recently, and now I have some spare cash. Use this money to buy a house for Wannian and a car for Dad," Ren Baqian said andughed.


    Upon hearing these words, even though Ren Baqian''s dad and mom were still grumbling, they were very happy that their son had made it back.


    By the time Ren Baqian hung up the call, it was already quitete. Ren Baqian found a skewers shop and ate his dinner there. After all, it had been quite long since hest had skewered meat. He had been craving them.


    While having his dinner, he thought about what he should do in the future.


    His top priority now was to settle the matters regarding the mine and steelmaking.


    If he wanted to start a mine excavation, he had to first acquire some explosives. Explosives could produce an instant effect on increasing the mining efficiency.


    Otherwise, he would have to use an electric mining drill or a mining rig. However, their mining speeds would definitely be very slow.


    No matter what, it was better that he prepared some explosives first.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that those aboriginals would be pleasantly surprised by the explosives. After all, they had never seen explosives before.


    As for the rest of the mining equipment, Ren Baqian felt that he could prepare it at ater time.

 Chapter 152: Eating Hotpot in Yangxin Palace Hall

    Chapter 152: Eating Hotpot in Yangxin Pce Hall


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next day, Ren Baqian returned to the ce where he had bought his handgun the previous time. He requested the contact number from Chen Qing once again.


    Just like the previous sequence of events, he was blindfolded and brought inside.


    "I''m looking for a rifle as well as the kind of explosives that are used in mines," Ren Baqian removed the head covering, saw the same burly man asst time, and immediately spoke.


    "You want to rob a bank?" The burly man was bbergasted.


    "I''m going up to the mountains and might need to st a hole. I''ll need easy to operate, very stable, and powerful explosives that can be used to mine." Ren Baqian straightforwardly exined.


    "The risk of selling these things to you is too high," that burly man stared at him and replied. He hadn''t suspected anything the previous time. But, if Ren Baqian wanted to use explosivesbined with sting a hole, this immediately got him thinking of one upation��a pirate.


    Ren Baqian forced a smile.


    I am a genuine good citizen, alright?


    "I can pay more. Moreover, I will be using these explosives deep in the mountains and ces that are uninhabited. You don''t need to worry about the risk. I''m more worried than you in this aspect. After all, I''m some who doesn''tck money. This time, I have something to settle in the mountains and might need explosives to open up the paths in some ces. Otherwise, I wouldn''t need mine explosives.


    If, due to certain things, I have to go into the jail, it wouldn''t be worthwhile at all."


    At longst, Ren Baqian''s words moved the other party. Those who were able to find this ce were definitely nobles and not those hooligans who mingled on the streets.


    "How much mine explosives do you need for the mine?"


    "100 kilograms worth," Ren Baqian said frankly.


    The burly man pondered for a while. Mine explosives are extremely cheap, one ton would cost only 3000 yuan. Even if Ren Baqian wanted to pay more, how much higher could he sell them at? As a result, he raised his head and looked at Ren Baqian. "How about TNT mine explosives? 20 kilograms of it would suffice. Also, its stability is even better and not easy to give problems. In addition, it is more convenient to carry around."


    Ren Baqian was somewhat taken aback by this burly man''s boldness. Previously, when he wanted to buy mine explosives, the burly man had hesitated, but in the end, the burly man actually dared to sell TNT explosives.


    That man needed to know that, here, they were in China and not in any of those less regted countries abroad.


    Thinking of abroad, if Ren Baqian still needed anymore weapons, explosives and so on, he felt that it would be better to buy them overseas. It was indeed too easy for something to go wrong locally.


    "Sure, I want 40 kilograms of it. It would be best if it''s the detonator type that explodes upon trigger." Ren Baqian nodded. Previously, he wanted 100 kilograms worth of explosives, but he could only bring 60 kilograms back to Dayao each time. He was afraid that it wouldn''t be enough, so he had prepared to bring them back in two batches. Such things were too dangerous to be left at home.


    If they used TNT explosives and he could bring it all over in one go, in addition, with it being more powerful, this would be the most ideal solution.


    After the other party acknowledged, Ren Baqian chose a type eighty-one rifle. It was an imitation of the ssic AK rifle and had the best reputation internally.


    [type eight-one rifle - Chinese-designed Kshnikov and SKS based, second-generation, selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62��39mm assault rifle adopted by the Chinese People''s Liberation Army (PLA) since the mid-1980s]


    [AK - also known as the Kshnikov, is a gas-operated, 7.62��39mm assault rifle, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kshnikov]


    Using the 7.62mm bullet, the firing speed was double that of a handgun. The pration ability was also much better than the handgun. One magazine had 30 shots. Ren Baqian felt that if he held this rifle, there was a possibility that he could heavily injure the sharp-toothed tiger that he came across thest time.


    If he encountered another practitioner like Lian Tong, who had just stepped into the Earth Wheel level, Ren Baqian could fire a burst of gunfire and the other would absolutely not be able to dodge and block the shots.


    He bought one rifle, three magazines as well as five hundred additional bullets.


    After he paid, Ren Baqian was sent back to the car along with his gun that was packed into a bag.


    As for the TNT explosives, the deal hadn''t quite taken ce yet. In two days'' time, he would be informed of the collection site and had to head over immediately to retrieve them.


    The payment for the TNT explosives had already been made together with the rifle.


    The following few days, Ren Baqian waited for the explosives while pondering if he should find another ce to buy such items abroad. At the very least, it would be more convenient for him to purchase weapons and explosives.


    After retrieving the TNT explosives on the fourth day, he did not dy any further and immediately headed to Pingle Park, while carrying two big bags in his hands.


    What he brought back this time was the TNT explosives. Even though he could have brought them back after reaching the mine, he dared not leave them back at his home on Earth.


    The other items were the type eighty-one rifle, bullets, magazines, as well as the empress''s hotpot, base ingredients, sauces, some sweets, and a pair of shoes which she liked a lot.


    Ren Baqian looked at the familiar view around him. He put the things down, pushed open the windows and saw from the color of the sky that it was already evening. Then, he grabbed the hotpot and the shoes and went to see the empress.


    Ren Baqian stepped into Yangxin Pce Hall after waiting outside for a while. The empress was still drinking on the couch and was bored stiff. All of sudden, Ren Baqian thought that he ought to bring her aptop to watch movies, cartoons and so on.


    But, if he were to groom the empress into an expert of both dimensions, then he would have sinned much. He decided to scrap that idea after he thought of that.


    "Your Majesty, I''m back." Ren Baqian said as he revealed the hotpot from the bag.


    After seeing the hotpot, there was an additional trace of smile on the empress''s cold face. "Not bad."


    She turned around and told to Qing Yuan, "Inform the imperial kitchen that they don''t need to prepare dinner tonight. Cut some thin meat slices and vegetables, a little of every kind. Also, get some charcoal."


    Qing Yuan acknowledged the empress''s words, and when she went out, she felt rather curious.


    What is Her Majesty doing?


    Following which, the table was brought out and a metal dish was ced on it. Then, Ren Baqian put the copper hot pot onto its surface. At the same time, he brought out the base ingredient and added it in. This was followed by adding some water into the pot. Everything was prepared and what was left were the meat and charcoal.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was upied setting up his things, the empress opened her mouth and said, "You are going to set off this time, right?"


    "Yes, I can set off tomorrow. After all, this is a major matter." Ren Baqian responded.


    The empress nodded her head. It was indeed time for Ren Baqian to set off.


    The order for recruitment should have already reached the mountains. Three months was sufficient for them to recruit 20,000 practitioners. Even though training still required an additional period of time, the supply of weapons however, couldn''t be dyed any longer.


    In a moment, Qing Yuan and the cook from the imperial kitchen delivered all kinds of items over. The empress then waved her hand to dismiss both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    After the both of them left, the empress used one of her hands to prop up her chin as she looked at Ren Baqian, who was still busy over there. She was somewhat happy as Yangxin Pce Hall wasn''t that cold and solemn anymore.


    Soon enough, the water in the hotpot began to boil and Ren Baqian put the meat slices inside. He wanted to raise his head and inform the empress that it was ready to be eaten, but, it just so happened that he looked directly into that pair of clear and beautiful eyes.


    "Your Majesty, you can start eating," Ren Baqian said softly.


    Such a huge Yangxin Pce Hall only had two people seated and facing each other at this moment. The copper pot constantly emitted steam while the meat slices were boiling within.


    "Pour a cup of wine for me."


    After Ren Baqian poured the cup of wine for the empress, the empress said, "Fill your cup with wine as well."


    Following which, the empress raised her wine cup and gave a toast, "Wishing that your trip will be sessful."


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian said and he drank the wine in one gulp.


    Then, he filled both of their cups to the brim.


    The empress continued, "I will assign an entourage to apany you. You also have to be careful of any danger."


    Upon hearing words of concern from the empress, a warm feeling arose in his heart. It seemed that after the trip to Earth, there was a drastic change in the empress.


    At the very least, when the both of them were facing one another, the empress became more feminine. It was as if she unloaded ayer of ice-cold armor from her body.


    Such a change actually made him very happy.


    The two of them took almost two hours to finish the hotpot meal. They merely said a few words from time to time and took sips of wine every now and then. As for the rest of the time, they spent it staring at the boiling meat slices in the hotpot.


    There wasn''t any need for words. Just sitting opposite from and looking at each other made them felt an inexplicable joy.


    The both of them feltfortably warm, as if something was quietly germinating in their hearts.

 Chapter 153: Pretty Awesome

    Chapter 153: Pretty Awesome


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next morning, after Ren Baqian woke up, he washed himself up and began to pack his belongings. After which, he went to see the empress.


    This time around, the meeting ce wasn''t the usual Yangxin Pce Hall. Instead, it was the throne room. This was the first time Ren Baqian hade here.


    By the time he reached the throne room, the empress was already seated upon a golden throne on an elevated tform. There were already a few people standing beneath her.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty." After greeting the empress, Ren Baqian stood to one side in a well-behaved manner and examined those people. One of them was a burly man d in metallic armor with a helmet in his hand. There was a feather sticking out of the top of his helmet. The burly man''s skin was bronze in color, and he looked as though he was thirty-something years old. He was a military officer that was of Standard ss, Rank 6.


    Other than him, there were two other men. One of them had a very thick beard, and he looked approximately forty years old. Right now, he was examining Ren Baqian closely.


    The other man looked as though he was close to forty years old. Whenpared to the aboriginals, his body was considered slightly petite. However, he was still bigger than Ren Baqian.


    The former was wearing a Secondary ss, Rank 3 official robe while thetter was wearing a Secondary ss, Rank 5 official robe.


    "Ren Baqian!" The empress''s cold voice resounded through the air.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian quickly took a few steps forward and faced the empress.


    "Storyteller Ren Baqian of Qingxin Pce Hall is extremely capable, loyal, and responsible. I hereby promote you to Imperial Deputy Prefect. You are to take office immediately."


    Ren Baqian was stunned. Following which, he kneeled down on one knee and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    Ren Baqian was still in a daze. He was promoted after arriving here for merely two minutes. Furthermore, he was promoted to Imperial Deputy Prefect, which was of Secondary ss, Rank 5. The speed at which he was promoted was faster than a rocket''s.


    Ren Baqian had been in this world for less than three months, but he had alreadypleted walking a path that an ordinary Dayao citizen would take a lifetime toplete.


    Even an ordinary official or general that had obtained great meritorious service wasn''t promoted so quickly.


    However, the three other persons weren''t surprised by Ren Baqian''s promotion at all.


    After all, they all knew who Ren Baqian was. If nothing went wrong, this person would be the prince consort in the future. This official position was merely a stepping stone for him.


    Furthermore, the position of Imperial Deputy Prefect was responsible for various important matters in the imperial pce. This position was different from an ordinary position in the six departments of the imperial court or a military position.


    "Imperial Deputy Prefect Ren Baqian will be in charge of this mission and Overseer of Military Arms, Tao Jiyuan, will be his assistant. I want you to inspect Mount Damo and Mount Liucui and see if there''s any solution to increasing our output of iron. If you seed, I will reward you handsomely."


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan bowed and replied.


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, he knew why the empress promoted him. An official position of Secondary ss, Rank 8 wasn''t high enough for him to be in charge of this mission.


    After he was promoted to Imperial Deputy Prefect, his rank would be simr to that Overseer of Military Arms. Furthermore, given his unique status, he was definitely worthy to be in charge of this matter.


    "Teng Ji, Colonel of Winged Guards, lead three hundred winged cavalry to protect them along the way. You will be fully responsible for anything that goes wrong," the empress continued with a cold voice.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the armor-d general immediately replied.


    Naturally, he knew who the empress wanted him to protect.


    If both of them encountered danger at the same time, even if he died, he had to bring Deputy Prefect Ren back alive.


    Otherwise, he would have to die to atone for his sin.


    "Go back and make your preparations, set off after noon. Ren Baqian, you remain here." After the empress finished speaking, Tao Jiyuan and Teng Ji left the throne room.


    "I am Overseer of Military Arms, Feng Hou, I have something to ask you."


    "Greetings, Overseer of Military Arms." Ren Baqian turned around and cupped his fists.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, how confident are you with regards to the matter of increasing the output of iron ores from the mine?" Feng Hou asked Ren Baqian.


    "That will have to depend on the amount of iron ore and their distribution in the mines. If extraction of the iron ores is the only problem, I might have some solutions," Ren Baqian pondered for a while before replying Feng Hou.


    "ording to Her Majesty, Deputy Prefect Ren has means to smelt iron ores and forge weapons too? Can you tell me how are you going to do it? This way, I can make some preparations too," Feng Hou asked again.


    "The main issues with smelting iron ores are insufficient heat and unstable temperature. A simple solution to these two issues is box bellows. However, if you want to do it for a long period of time, you will need a st furnace. It doesn''t require much skill to operate. Furthermore, it doesn''t require manyponents and the stability of its temperature is very high. If the steel that is produced contains very little impurities, we can directly use it to forge weapons. This will save a lot of manpower," Ren Baqian exined.


    "What is a box bellows? What is a st furnace? What is steel?" Feng Hou furrowed his eyebrows and asked three questions in a row.


    With regards to the husband chose by Her Majesty, Feng Hou shared the same sentiments as everyone else. Ren Baqian did not seem at all capable, otherwise, everyone wouldn''t have raised objections to the empress''s decision back then.


    Ren Baqian was weak and delicate. Other than bootlicking, he did not seem to have any other capabilities.


    This morning, Her Majesty summoned them and told them something.


    Her Majesty wanted to increase the iron output from the iron mines.


    Her Majesty wasn''t the only one that had been racking her brain toe up with a solution to this matter. The entire Ministry of Works had been doing so as well. In reality, it was too hard to extract iron ores from the two iron mines.


    For so many years, they had been extracting iron ore from the mines bit by bit. Countless people had racked their brains to no avail. Everyone felt that extracting iron ore from the mines bit by bit was the only way.


    This time around, Her Majesty wanted Ren Baqian to inspect the mines and think of a solution.


    If this was the only thing that the empress wanted Ren Baqian to do, Feng Hou had no objections with it at all. If Ren Baqian seeded, he would benefit as well. If Ren Baqian failed, it had nothing to do with him at all. After all, he was the Overseer of Military Arms.


    However, when he heard that Her Majesty wanted Ren Baqian to interfere with the matters of smelting iron ores and forging weapons, he could not help but to raise objections. If Ren Baqian interfered with these matters, what was the point of having him as the Overseer of Military Arms?


    Furthermore, does Ren Baqian really know how to extract iron ore from iron mines, smelt iron ore, and forge weapons?


    If Ren Baqian was truly capable, everyone in the Department of Military Arms would listen to him. Otherwise, Feng Hou would definitely not let him interfere with the affairs of Department of Military Arms.


    Therefore, he decided to ask this Storyteller Ren some questions.


    :


    Ren Baqian did not mind Feng Hou asking him these questions.


    "You can try making a box bellows. It''s a huge box with a handle that can be pulled and pushed on one side. It must also have a valve for air to enter. A person operating it will have to push and pull the handle to channel air into it. Air contains oxygen. Sufficient oxygen will allow the fire to burn better and longer. Furthermore, if there is a person that keeps on pulling and pushing the handle, the fire will be more stable and the temperature of the fire will be higher. These conditions will improve the smelting process��" Ren Baqian gave Feng Hou a rough exnation.


    "Now, I will talk about the st furnace. First, I will exin what steel is. A weapon that is made out of ordinary iron is very weak. Therefore, we will have to remove the impurities from the iron and add a little carbon to it. Eventually, we will obtain steel�� A st furnace will directly remove the impurities in the iron during the smelting process and this process will produce steel. This way, we can save a lot of manpower, time and effort��" Ren Baqian continued.


    Feng Hou knitted his eyebrows. He did not understand what Ren Baqian had said. However, Ren Baqian''s words did sound pretty awesome.


    After staying in the Department of Military Arms for over ten years, Feng Hou knew pretty much everything about smelting iron ore and forging weapons. However, he did not understand anything that Ren Baqian had just told him.


    When the empress saw the troubled look on Feng Hou''s face, her lips curled upwards.


    This was what she wanted to see.


    Of course, she knew what everyone was worrying about.


    It was her own decision that she chose Ren Baqian as her husband and no one else had the right to interfere with her decision. However, she was still annoyed at the fact that everyone was looking down on her decision.


    Even if Feng Hou did not raise his doubts regarding Ren Baqian now, she would find him an opportunity to do so sooner orter.

 Chapter 154: On the Road

    Chapter 154: On the Road


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian walked out of the pce doors while wearing the Imperial Deputy Prefect''s official robe. There were already two carriages waiting outside the za. They both had crooked cows pulling the carriages, but they had very different exteriors.


    One carriage was from the pce and was pulled by two crooked cows. The carriage was entirely made out of wood and it emitted a fragrance of timber. The carriage driver was an old man with grizzled short hair and a square face, who appeared very solemn.


    On the other hand, the second carriage belonged to Tao Jiyuan. It was also pulled by two crooked cows, but the carriage was slightly smaller.


    Behind the two carriages were four horsemen donned in leather armor. They were not wearing helmets, and they each had a feather affixed to their shoulder tes. They were the winged cavalry��the most elite of the empress'' subordinates. There were only 1500 of them, but even their weakest member was stronger than Great Xia''s Earth Level practitioners.


    Those who had just entered the Earth Wheel level in Great Xia could hold a military position of Standard ss, Rank 7 and below, whereas in Dayao, one with the same level of strength could hold a military position of Standard ss, Rank 7 and below. However, they were just ordinary horsemen among the winged cavalry.


    These winged cavalry members were all riding the type of gigantic goats. These animals could run quite fast, and they were especially good at jumping. Their abilities to pass over mountain ridges were on par with that of the mountain-gazing birds. It was only that it would be a slightly bumpier ride.


    The reason they chose this type of mount over the mountain-gazing birds, was that the horsemen had bigger builds. Adding on their weapons, the weight would be too great for the birds to handle. Another reason was that with arge number of mountain-gazing birds gathered together, the stench would definitely be overbearing.


    "Thank you very much." Ren Baqian cupped his hands with gratitude after the imperial guard moved his luggage into carriage.


    He was very familiar with this imperial guard. It was usually him or another imperial guard keeping guard at the door of Pingle Park, and he was on his shift today.


    That imperial guardughed with his mouth wide open. He cupped his hands in salute to Ren Baqian and returned to the pce.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren!" Tao Jiyuan alighted from his carriage and greeted. At that moment, he sized him up from head to toe as he did not have a good look at Ren Baqian in the morning. He could not see anything special about him.


    However, when Sir Feng went back just now, he actually asked Tao Jiyuan to follow Ren Baqian''s orders. Tao Jiyuan felt astonished and was curious to know what they spoke about after he left the pce.


    Unfortunately, Feng Hou had been forced to suck it up. He couldn''t possibly say that he did not understand a single thing Ren Baqian said, could he?


    Seeing that confident look on Ren Baqian''s face and with all that content that he didn''t understand, he wavered a little. He was unsure if this man really knew about those things.


    At that moment, the empress spoke. "That is it for now. We shall see how it turns out in the time toe."


    Upon hearing that, Feng Hou swallowed the words that were at the tip of his tongue. He decided to wait and see how Ren Baqian''s iron ore mine mission would turn out.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, shall we set off?" Teng Ji dismounted and took a few steps forward before asking.


    "I appreciate your effort, Overseer of Military Arms. Set off!" Ren Baqian said as he looked back at the tightly shut pce door. He then turned around and got on the carriage.


    The two carriages pulled by the two crooked cows weren''t very wide at around 1.6 meters. He had to stretch his legs outside if he wanted to lie down. Ayer of fur was spread over the floor of the carriage, and there was also a small table at the side to put things such as wine, fruit, and so on.


    All the carriages of that era had wooden wheels and were very bumpy. It was still possible to put things like wine or water on the table within the city. But once out of the city, there wasn''t a need to even think about it.


    Ren Baqian sat cross legged in the carriage and leaned against the wall. He lifted the curtain and looked outside.


    "Set off!" Teng Ji''smand sounded.


    Everyone turned their mounts around, and the cow carriage slowly moved forward.


    They picked up speed once they left the city. Ren Baqian looked at the scenery outside along the way. He could feel the vibration from the carriage, and even if it only went over a tiny piece of rock, he was still able to feel .


    Fortunately, he had the fur mat underneath him. It was indeed very useful.


    However, even with the fur mat, Ren Baqian could not take it after four hours. He lifted the curtains and squeezed his way beside the cart driver to feel the head-on wind and dust. After a while, with a mouthful of dust, he returned to the carriage.


    "It''s simply torturous to go on a long journey in this world." Ren Baqian heaved a deep sigh, lifted the curtain by the window and continued looking outside.


    There isn''t much scenery to look at in this world.


    There''s nothing else besides mountains and water, if not it''s back to farnds again.


    There are also asional frightened animals by the road side.


    In the beginning, It seemed pretty fresh and interesting. But as time passed, it got boring.


    He somewhat regretted that he didn''t bring his e-book reader over. At least it was something for him to whittle the time away.


    At that moment, a thought emerged in his mind. If he were to return to Earth in the carriage, where would he appear when he was back? Would he still be in the carriage? Or would it be in the ce where he disappeared?


    It would take five days for this journey, and he actually wanted to try that out.


    Unfortunately, if he were to disappear, he reckoned that it would be discovered in less than half a day.


    They continued with the journey up till eight in the evening. Ren Baqian lifted the curtain asked the cart driver, "How much more till we take a break?"


    "Deputy Prefect Sir, there is a vige just ahead," the cart driver replied promptly, appearing to be very familiar with the area.


    Ren Baqian nodded and looked at the surroundings. It was already dark by that moment and nothing could be seen. Only asional howls of wild beasts could be heard from the night scene.


    After about an hour, the horsemen in front came to a halt. Teng Ji turned around and shouted towards Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan''s carriage, "Both Sirs, ahead is the Fallen Leaf Vige. Please wait for a moment, while we have a word with the vige chief."


    A horseman returned after a while, and the troops continued forward in a slow pace. As Ren Baqian had never seen the viges of this world, he lifted the curtain and sat beside the cart driver.


    The vige was not very big and he could make out a loop of wooden fence a short distance away. Its purpose was probably to ward off wild beasts. As a result, even though it was said to be a vige, it seemed more like a camp.


    Ren Baqian guessed that the aboriginals resided in such camps back when they were in the mountains. When most people left the mountains, they still continued their usual practices, and such traditions were then carried on for a long time.


    Ren Baqian asked the cart driver if his assumptions were true.


    If there weren''t any wild beast attacks, perhaps after tens to hundreds of yearster, following the expansion of the vige, these wooden fences would probably disappear as well.


    As Ren Baqian followed the troops into the vige, the entire feature of the vige was disyed in front of him.


    Most of the buildings were constructed with wood. Beneath the buildings were supporting wooden pirs of at least 20 centimeters in diameter and around 50 centimeters in height. All that was to prevent rain water, snakes and insects from encroaching within.


    There was a fishy smell in the vige. Many of the houses had dried wild herbs and animal skins hanging outside to sun dry, which exined the hefty odor.


    When they realized that a troop was entering the vige, the vigers were not a single bit afraid. They even walked out of their houses with smiles and waved at the people.


    Their clothes were mostly made of animal skin, exposing their bronze colored skin. The smiles on their faces were very sincere and full of passion.


    They curiously sized up Ren Baqian after seeing him seated in the carriage. After all, they could tell in one look that he was not an aboriginal.


    "Aboriginal troops andmoners have very good rtionships." That thought came to Ren Baqian instantly.


    The vige was practically circr and there was a round open space in the middle filled with things like stone dumbbells. Assumingly, the vigers used them to train their physiques when they had free time.


    There were also some wooden poles that were ced on top of a wooden rack at the side.


    One could tell from the look of this vige how much the aboriginals appreciated martial arts.


    The residences were all built surrounding that plot of open space, separated into two levels. At one nce, there were about a hundred families or so, which equates to about two to three hundred people in the vige.


    At this moment, each and every family lit up their oilmps. Some came out to greet the troops, while some just leaned on their windows as they looked outside.


    Ren Baqian alighted from the carriage and had a good stretch. The day''s journey was simply too torturous and it was finally time to rx atst.


    Tao Jiyuan jumped down from the carriage beside as well, but he looked much better than Ren Baqian and did not seem as tired.


    "Both Sirs, this is the vige chief. The biggest house belongs to the chief''s family. The both of you will be resting in the chief''s house for tonight." Teng Ji brought an elderly man over.


    "Greetings to the both of you."


    "Deeply appreciated." Ren Baqian said as he cupped his hands in obeisance.


    Tao Jiyuan nodded his head instead.


    Ren Baqian endured an entire night of mosquitoes buzzing after spending a night in the vige chief''s house. He woke up the next morning and yawned as he went straight into the carriage. He swore to himself that he would rather stay in the carriage the next time. To his surprise, there were so many mosquitoes, and they bit only him alone. He wondered if they were attracted to those animal skins that were hung outside to dry.


    He asked Tao Jiyuan when he woke up in the morning, but he didn''t really get bitten by the mosquitoes. Even the mosquitoes knew how to bully the weak.


    Furthermore, Tao Jiyuan''s snores from nearby also made him suffer throughout the night.

 Chapter 155: Mount Damo

    Chapter 155: Mount Damo


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After spending four rough days on the road, Ren Baqian had seen a lot of things. To his utmost surprise, every time they stopped at a vige, the winged cavalry would teach martial arts to the children living in the vige. Even though they did not teach the children much, the pointers they gave were still extremely precious to them. These pointers could save those children a lot of time and effort in their future growth.


    The aboriginals spared no effort in promoting martial spirit and the rtionship between the army andmoners. This made Ren Baqian sentimental as he seldom heard of this happening in ancient China.


    Other than the army that founded the current regime of China, there was only a small number of armies in the history of China that won the hearts of the citizens. In the ancient times, citizens often viewed soldiers as wolves.


    A few dayster, they reached a small town and Ren Baqian suggested that they should rest for a day.


    Even though the rest slightly scorned upon this request, they did not say anything. After all, Ren Baqian had a unique status.


    Ren Baqian told them not to disturb him and requested his food to be ced at the doorstep of his room. Following which, he returned to Earth in his room.


    The long and arduous journey had worn him out thoroughly. He needed to have a good rest.


    Even though his request was slightly unreasonable, he still had to request it. After all, he was just an ordinary human. Even when he was in Dayao, he did not suffer so much.


    The most arduous experience he''d ever had would definitly be that night he spent in the wild during the Great Hunt.


    However, it had been more of mental stress than physical stress for him at that time. It was iparable to the fatigue he was feeling this time around.


    In any case, his time in that world was up. It was better for him to find a ce and disappear now, than to suddenly disappear tomorrow.


    When Ren Baqian returned to Earth, he threw himself on his bed straight away. The soft and huge bed that did not shake when he jumped on it felt extremelyfortable.


    Ren Baqian finally woke up after sleeping for approximately five hours. He did not want to get up and rolled around his bed. After a long while, he finally got out of his bed and made himself a cup of instant noodles to eat.


    After spending three days at home without going out at all, Ren Baqian returned to that world again. It was exactly midnight when he arrived at that world. Hey on the bed and took a nap. After a few hours, he heard someone knocking on his door.


    "Sir Deputy Prefect."


    "Come in." Ren Baqian sat up from his bed.


    "Sir, it''s time to set off." The one that knocked on his door was Teng Ji. He finally felt relieved when he saw Ren Baqian.


    .


    For the entire day, there wasn''t any sound from Ren Baqian''s room. The food that was ced at the doorstep of Ren Baqian''s room was left untouched as well. As such, he had been left feeling uneasy all this time.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Ren Baqian had reminded him not to disturb him, he would have barged into the room.


    "Alright, understood," Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied. He got out of his bed and washed his face. After an hour, he was back on the road in his carriage.


    ...


    Mount Damo was the location one of the two mines in Dayao. There were all kinds of criminals working in it. Most of them were prisoners of war that had been captured during Dayao''s conflicts with its neighboring countries. Currently, there were a few thousand of them. Some of their strength even reached the intermediate stage of the Man Wheel level. However, all of them were chained with shackles and they had zero chance of escaping.


    Even though the mine was filled with young and strong warriors, the speed at which iron ore was extracted was still very slow. Increasing the amount of manpower was useless. The rocks in the mine were as hard as metal. Every strike from a pickaxe produced a burst of sparks and at most a mere white spot on the rock.


    There was a unit of three hundred men guarding this ce. The strength of the weakest guard was on Man Level.


    Powerful individual strength was the reason why Dayao could use merely sixty thousand troops to act as a deterrence against possible aggression from the three countries.


    Every one of these sixty thousand warriors was at least on Man Level. Even if they had to defend three fronts at once, they were not to be trifled with. They were the cornerstone of Dayao''s stability.


    A fleet of carriages and horses arrived at the foot of Mount Damo.


    "Who?" the guard at the foot of the mountain took two steps forward and asked.


    This ce was located in the depths of Dayao and the only visitors were aboriginals as well, and as such, the guard did not really look vignt.


    "Ask yourmanding officer toe out, this is Her Majesty''smand token," Teng Ji said with a deep voice while sitting on his mount.


    While waiting, Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan got out from their carriages and stretched their bodies. Staying on the carriages for two days straight had caused their bodies to turn stiff entirely.


    Even though Ren Baqian had rested on Earth for three days, Tao Jiyuan seemed to be in a better condition than him. He had no choice but to admire the body constitution of aboriginals.


    These few days, Ren Baqian had gotten closer to Tao Jiyuan. After all, they had been chatting with each other on the journey here. On the third day, Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan even sat in same carriage and conversed for quite some time.


    After chatting with Tao Jiyuan, Ren Baqian realized that not only was he literate, he was also quite knowledgeable in many aspects. Tao Jiyuan was considered a rare talent among the aboriginals.


    Ren Baqian also found out that there were a few high officials from Tao Jiyuan''s family in the past generations. His family had a lot of books from other countries as well. They had a total of five hundred books, which was considered plentiful among the aboriginal families.


    Tao Jiyuan grew up in such an environment, it was no wonder that he was so knowledgeable.


    However, his body constitution was born weak, limiting his progress in cultivation.


    Ren Baqian heard that he had an older brother than held an office in the Left Army. Even though his current rank wasn''t as high as Tao Jiyuan''s, his prospects were much better than Tao Jiyuan''s.


    In the aboriginals'' eyes, an official position in the army had the greatest prospects out of all professions. At least Tao Jiyuan was filled with pride and hope when he mentioned his older brother.


    Soon after, everyone saw three men rushing down from the mountain. All three of them were d in armor and had a broadsword on their waists.


    "I am the warden of this ce, Gu Qiong. I didn''t know you will be arriving here, do you have themand token of Her Majesty?" the man at the front said loudly while scanning everyone with eyes. He was around forty years old and he had a huge beard on his face. The armor that he was wearing was slightly dusty.


    With a single nce, he could tell that they were the winged cavalry. After all, this was the only unit in Dayao that had a colored, spotted feather sticking out of the shoulder tes.


    However, most of time, his gaze was upon Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan. They were obviously the bosses here.


    Even though the winged cavalry was powerful and it was Her Majesty''s personal army, they had no jurisdiction over this ce.


    "This is Imperial Deputy Prefect, Ren Baqian. This is Overseer of Military Arms, Tao Jiyuan. I''m Colonel of Winged Guards, Teng Ji. We are under Her Majesty''s order toe here for an inspection and search for a solution to increase the mining output."


    While Teng Ji was speaking, he threw a piece of white paper towards Gu Qiong. The white paper flew through the air as though it was a solid object.


    Gu Qiong caught the paper with one hand and took a nce at it. Following which, a smile appeared on his face as he said, "I see, Sirs, please follow me."


    Ren Baqian and Tao Jiyuan did not get on their carriages. They walked towards Gu Qiong and cupped their hands to greet him. Gu Xiong returned their greetings as well.


    "General Gu, please lead the way."


    Everyone followed behind him.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t get a full glimpse of Mount Damo when he was at the foot of the mountain. Now that he followed Gu Qiong up the mountain, he could gradually make out the panoramic view of Mount Damo and the mine.


    Mount Damo was still the most eye-catching. it was seven hundred meters tall and was shaped like a saucepan lid ced upside down. The entire mountain did not have many trees or nts. Especially beside the path that Ren Baqian and his counterparts were walking on, trees were cut down, revealing uneven jagged rocks.


    At the foot of the mountain, there were a few thousands of men working with a pickaxe in their hands. They were working extremely hard to excavate the mine, throwing every piece of broken rock to one side.


    Along with the wind, a huge gust of dust blew towards Ren Baqian and his counterparts.

 Chapter 156: Mining Iron Mountain Is Hard

    Chapter 156: Mining Iron Mountain Is Hard


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "It had been nearly one century since mining started on this Mount Damo and still very little progress has been made. Mount Damo could be described as entirely made of iron, iparably hard and extremely hard to mine. For so many years, the mining had only progressed to the stage you are seeing now. One person might not even mine a piece per day.


    As Gu Qiong led the crowd in the direction of Mount Damo, he gave an introduction on the geography of the mountain, with special emphasis directed at Ren Baqian.


    Gu Qiong actually recognized Tao Jiyuan as he had met him several times before. As for this Imperial Deputy Prefect from the pce, his status was extraordinary and this was also his first time here. Thus, he had the need to brief him on the situation.


    Ren Baqian''s knowledge of iron ore mines was obtained from the inte. Only after hearing Gu Xiong''s introduction, he realized that Mount Damo was quite different from what he envisaged.


    As they approached Mount Damo, they met the prisoners of war from the other three nations.


    Except for those guards, very few outsiders woulde here.


    Especially when there was one Dayao official who stood out from the rest of the aboriginals, causing the eyes of the people to light up upon noticing him.


    These people had been detained here for at least five years and as long as twenty years. They were always thinking of leaving this ce and going back to their hometowns.


    However, the three hundred armed guards were enough to suppress any riots. Those who entertained the idea of rebelling or escaping failed to survive.


    This made the ones that were left behind, somewhat resigned to their fate.


    However, at present, they unexpectedly saw a Dayao official who was not an aboriginal. This gave them a little bit of hope and one after another, they stood up transfixed and looked at him with high expectations.


    "What are you standing there for? Get out of the way and work! If you dare to loaf around on the job again, I will hang your head on the outside wall." Several guards took their knives and drove the crowd away.


    "Where are they from?" Ren Baqian also noticed that these people obviously came from the other three countries.


    "Do the aboriginals engage in ve trading?" The thought arose immediately in Ren Baqian mind.


    These are the soldiers of Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation. Also, there are some from the south who are on death row." Gu Qiong exined to Ren Baqian. He was also curious about the identity of this Imperial Deputy Prefect who was not an aboriginal and yet was a Secondary ss, Rank 5 imperial official. Moreover, he was the imperial officer responsible for various important matters in the imperial pce which made it hard for him not to be curious.


    The rumors about the empress''s husband had spread feverishly to Lan City, the surroundings, and even some mountain viges. But, he obviously hadn''t heard anything about it yet.


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian realized that the aboriginals were not stupid either and knew how to use prisoner of wars as miners. As for the prisoners from the south who were on death row, they should be the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Ren Baqian observed these people as he walked along, their outward appearances were alright, not like the sallowplexions he''d expected to see and many were muscr.


    After all, even a normal person would develop muscles after working for a long time here. However, a normal person would not be able to survive here for long if they work here.


    Everyone was wearing tattered pants while their tanned upper bodies were covered with scars, some caused by mining and some from whipshes.


    In addition, there was a rope twisted around each person''s feet. Three prisoners were tied together, with a length of about two meters between them.


    After asking, it was known that the rope was made from the bark of a sturdy branch tree which was soaked in oil. It was very tough and couldn''t even be torn by a practitioner at the Man Level. Even if a sword was used to cut it, it would still require heap lot of effort.


    On the way up, Ren Baqian saw a few people with missing limbs and they were using their hands to pick broken pieces of g to put into a basket.


    While observing these people, he noticed they were looking at him with expectation and their numb eyes were filled with longing.


    Ren Baqian knew what they were longing for, but he was not able to help them.


    The people in front were driven off and Ren Baqian followed Gu Qiong to the front of Mount Damo.


    After disembarking at the site of the mine, the first thing they came across was a big t tform and many wooden houses for visitors to rest in. Further up the road was a small t tform and beyond that was ckenedndscape, without soil or weed and Mount Damo seemed to beposed of fine iron.


    The mining was done from the outside inwards, the iron ore removedyer byyer and without digging any holes.


    There was a lot of scaffolding in front of Mount Damo, which people used to climb up and slowly mine the ore from the side in a slightly easier way.


    However, after a certain height, which the tforms could not reach, they had to dig deeper.


    "Sir, this iron ore from Mount Damo is hard to extract, with my ability I can only shave off one small piece at a time." Gu Qiong picked up a pickaxe by his side and smashed it into the dark iron wall with a whistling sound.


    There was a "ng" sound as if Mars had exploded. The wooden handle of the pickaxe broke and the head of the pickaxe flew and spun out into the air before falling onto the ground.


    Following the flying pickaxe head were some small broken pieces about the size of a fist.


    "Those people cannot even produce a piece as big as this per day."


    "So hard?" Ren Baqian was taken aback even though he had heard it before.


    Although he didn''t know the ability of Gu Qiong, since he held the highest position in this mine and was in charge of 300 guards, his strength couldn''t be that low.


    Moreover, Ren Baqian clearly saw him executing the blow, the handle of the pickaxe which was as thick as a wrist was smashed and the strength exerted was between 800 and 1000 kilograms, only smashed a fist-sized iron ore out.


    This was not a mine, it was actually an iron mountain.


    Ren Baqian reached out his hands to touch the surface of the rock, it felt like iron of ny five percent purity and above, with very little rock content.


    If not for some rock content, Ren Baqian would have thought it was manmade, rather than it being the natural form.


    Although there was some rock content, it were also very hard. Ren Baqian picked up an iron hammer and aimed at the point where the iron ore and rock met. He used all his strength, the sparks flew and the only white dot appeared on the surface of the rock.


    Seeing such a situation, Ren Baqian was not too sure of the explosives that he had brought along.


    Even if it was effective, it might not reach his expectations.


    "I have no other ideas, you two sirs feel free to look around." Gu Qiong did not expect any hope to be given from the two persons. In fact, he felt he could only mine in this slow way and was not optimistic that these two could help him.


    Tao Jiyuan was very clear about the situation here, he was casually watching Ren Baqian to find out whether this person, who was specially handpicked by Her Majesty for this job, was really capable.


    He had interacted with Ren Baqian for a few days, and based on the way he conveyed his thoughts, that man really had some novel ideas, some of which were very strange. However, just speaking with the mouth was just useless in rhetoric, and it wasn''t like the other countriescked such people.


    He was unwilling to ept the fact that this guy was receiving unexpected favor from the empress.


    As a result, he would also like to know whether it was due to the great love of the empress or just fantasy, whether this guy was just bluffing Her Majesty or really had some ideas.


    It would be interesting if the person handpicked by Her Majesty on a grand scale for this job had to go back dejectedly with his tail between his legs.


    At least it would make it difficult for him to do anything in future. Even if Her Majesty gave the orders, everyone still had to agree outwardly.

 Chapter 157: Two Plans

    Chapter 157: Two ns


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian looked at the iron mountain in front of him with doubt. Is this really natural?


    Ren Baqian believed that this was an enormous remnant of a meteorite rather than a mine.


    It was possible that the remnant of a meteorite crashed here a few billion years ago. After many years of transformation of the earth''s crust, the gigantic basin became a in. The remnant of the meteorite eventually turned into the current Mount Damo.


    Ren Baqian felt that this exnation was more likely than the iron mountain forming naturally.


    Otherwise, nothing seemed to make sense at all.


    "Can you make a few holes here?" Ren Baqian asked Gu Qiong as he pointed to a rock above his head. "The holes must be fist-sized and half a meter deep."


    Seven meters above Ren Baqian, there was a four-meter-long rock protruding outwards from the wall of the mountain.


    It was very hard for one to mine from that area given its height.


    However, if he could make a few small holes there and ce explosives within them, he might able to st a huge chunk of it off.


    This was merely his conjecture, after all he wasn''t an expert in demolition.


    "Sir, even though I don''t know what you''re intending to do, it''s impossible to make such huge and deep holes there. We can only make fist-sized holes at most. Anything deeper than that, we will have to resort to digging," Gu Qiong exined with a troubled look on his face.


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows. If what Gu Qiong said was true, explosives might not be very useful here.


    If he was on Earth, he would have many solutions to deal with this situation. For example, he could use acetylene to cut it.


    However, most of tools on Earth needed either electricity or gas tanks. For example, if he decided to use acetylene, he would have to bring one tank of it here. However, he could only bring one per trip. Furthermore, he had to bring it to this ce directly. Otherwise, given the condition of Dayao''s roads, it would explode on the road here.


    In addition, if he really brought a tank of acetylene here, his secret would be exposed. This was uneptable for him.


    "Bring me to the vicinity of Mount Damo to take a look." After pondering over the issue for quite some time, Ren Baqian felt that he should take a look at the surroundings of Mount Damo first. Right now, there was still some time before the sky darkened. He should at least inspect the surroundings of the iron mountain first.


    For the remaining part of the day, everyone rode around the foot of Mount Damo for some distance before going back. Ren Baqian realized this mountain was exactly what he expected it to be. It was an enormous remnant of a meteorite. That was because structure of this mountain waspletely different from its surrounding terrain''s. He noticed that all the ore veins were gathered at the top of the mountain. Furthermore, there were extremely little trees and nts on top of the mountain. Mainly, there were weeds and scrubs. Theyer of soil which covered the surface of the mountain should be dust that was umted over the years.


    "Sir Ren, do you have any ideas?" Tao Jiyuan furrowed his eyebrows as he asked Ren Baqian on the way back.


    "Oh? I do have an idea, but I don''t whether or not it will work. We have to give it a try first," Ren Baqian raised his head in shock and replied. His thought process was disrupted by Tao Jiyuan''s question.


    "That''s great then. For so many years, countless people havee up with ways to increase the mining output for Mount Damo but failed. As such, we can only use manualbor to mine the iron bit by bit. If Sir Ren''s idea works, you will do the nation a great service." A smile spread across Tao Jiyuan''s face.


    "I''d rather you go and snatch iron from other countries than mining them from this ce," Gu Qiong grumbled on one side.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. Isn''t this obvious? Snatching iron is of course more efficient than mining them. The issue is, is it that simple to do so?


    By the time they reached their camp, the sky had already darkened. Thoseborers swarmed back to the camp as well. They crowded around a few barrels in the middle of the za and waited for their meat soup. However, there were very few people talking to each other. They had spent many years like this. Extremely few new prisoners were sent here as well.


    Ren Baqian could smell the fragrance of meat soup from a distance. "Nice food!"


    "If they''re not full, they won''t have enough energy to work. After all, if you don''t have enough energy, you won''t be able to chisel a single piece of iron from this iron mountain."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    Gu Qiong had already prepared a wooden house for Ren Baqian. His dinner was meat soup as well. However, his meat soup had been improved with some wild herbs and two dried rations. Even Gu Qiong had to also eat such food every day. After all, there were no towns or viges nearby. Other than the people that delivered meat and other rations, no one else came here. It was almost impossible to make other types of food.


    After finishing his dinner, Ren Baqian immediately went to sleep. The next morning, after he woke up, he called Gu Qiong and Tao Jiyuan to his room. "I have an idea that we can try. Pile up arge amount of wood at Mount Damo and then burn it. Then, pour plenty of water over the fire. Things expand when it''s hot and contract when it''s cold. Cracks will start to appear on the metal surface and this will make the mining process slightly easier."


    Even though this was Ren Baqian''s idea, he wasn''t too optimistic about it. It wasn''t at all easy to heat up the iron mountain. Furthermore, metal was a good conductor of heat and the rockposition was very little. Even if a huge amount of wood was burned to heat up the iron mountain, only a few cracks would be produced on the iron surface.


    Moreover, cutting down trees and transporting wood to this ce will require a huge amount of manpower. This method wasn''t that easy to implement. The efficiency of this method was too low.


    Ren Baqian had another idea. He could return to Earth to make a huge number of mirrors and concave mirrors and bring them back here. Then, he would adjust the angles of the concave mirrors so that they would point at the wall of the mountain. Subsequently, he would use the mirrors to direct the sunlight to those concave mirrors.


    This way, he could use the concave mirrors to focus the sunlight and melt the iron into molten iron within an extremely short period of time. This would make the extraction process of iron much easier.


    "Things expand when it''s hot and contract when it''s cold? What does it mean?" Tao Jiyuan did not understand Ren Baqian''s idea. However, he was very interested and curious about it.


    "I can demonstrate it to you." Ren Baqian led both of them out of the wooden house.


    "Start a fire first," Ren Baqian instructed. Gu Qiong immediately asked someone to get some wood.


    After a while, a fire was started. Ren Baqian picked up two rocks and asked someone to hold them with two iron awls and heat them up with the fire.


    The rest looked at him curiously, trying to figure out what was he doing.


    When it was about time, Ren Baqian instructed the person to throw the rocks into a bucket of water that was prepared a while ago.


    Immediately, traces of steam were released from the bucket of water. After a few minutes, Ren Baqian ced his hand into the bucket of water and scooped out the two rocks. There were a few cracks on the rocks.


    Following which, Ren Baqian showed the rocks to everyone. Everyone, except Tao Jiyuan, did not discover anything unusual. A look of realization dawned upon Tao Jiyuan''s face as he said, "I see."


    This was a verymon natural phenomenon. It wasn''t that no one discovered it, but rather, no one pointed it out and exined what was going on. Therefore, they did not know the concept of thermal expansion. Certainly, no one had thought of using this concept on Mount Damo.


    "What happened?" Tao Jiyuan asked curiously.


    "An object will expand when you heat it up. Even if you can''t see it, it is actually expanding. And after an object is cooled down, it will contract. If these two processes happen within a short period of time, this reaction will be produced. Not only will this reaction ur on rocks, but metal as well.


    Ren Baqian gave Tao Jiyuan a rough exnation. If he talked about molecr theory, Tao Jiyuan would definitely not understand it.


    A pensive look appeared on Tao Jiyuan''s face. Meanwhile, Gu Qiong widened his eyes and asked, "Sir Ren, your idea is to burn Mount Damo?"


    "We can just burn one part of it," Ren Baqian looked around and replied. The top of Mount Damo might not have much vegetation but its vicinity had a lot.


    He could instruct Gu Qiong''s men to cut some wood to burn a part of the mountain. Even though the efficiency was very low, he still wanted to give it a try. He could at least increase the speed of the extraction process of iron.


    After he returned to Earth, he would do some research on how to make concave mirrors. By then, he could solve the iron extraction problem of Mount Damo once and for all.


    It was a pity that he wouldn''t be using the 40 kilograms of TNT he brought here.

 Chapter 158: Success

    Chapter 158: Sess


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Sir Ren, do you really think that this method will work?" Tao Jiyuan raised his doubts. Even though burning one piece of stone worked, he still felt that this method was too fantasy-like.


    Not only him, Yu Qiong, Teng Ji and so on, who were by the side listening also had the same thoughts.


    "We should test it out to see if it''s feasible or not. After all, there aren''t any better solutions presently, am I right?" Ren Baqian spread his arms and proposed.


    "That''s true." Tao Jiyuan nodded.


    "Sir Gu, I will have to trouble you to arrange this."


    Following which, Gu Qiong assigned a hundred guards to keep the three hundred prisoners of war under control as they proceeded to fell timber.


    Three prisoners of war were tied together using one rope. Three hundred of them nicely made up a hundred groups and the hundred guards were just enough to keep watch over them.


    Mount Damo was an unusual mountain. There were many other mountains in the surrounding and they were all lush and green, but Mount Damo was the only exception whereby it was bare and not even a single de of grass existed.


    The distance for felling timber couldn''t be considered as near. After all, the timber that had been nearby had already been chopped down to be used as fuel for daily cooking and not much was left.


    The whole day, a total of thirty tree trunks, which were more than twenty centimeters in diameter and longer than three meters were being transported back.


    The prisoners in this mine stopped digging the mountain, dragged the thirty logs down to the tform at the bottom of Mount Damo and chopped them into smaller pieces.


    After two full days of work, a total of fifty tree trunks were lugged back. Those that were delivered on the first day, were chopped into pieces as thick as an arm. Following which, the rest were kept for burning part of the mountain.


    ��


    A group of more than hundred people, bringing along over twenty carts and over seventy fork-horned cows, headed in the direction of Mount Damo.


    The fork-horned cow was one of the mostmonly livestock used for meat in Dayao, it grew very quickly, about half the time whenpared with the crooked cow. The crooked cow took five years to mature, whereas the horned cattle took just over three years.


    The taste of this type of beef was average, quite lean, and generally consumed by the military personnel.


    They were the people who sent supplies to the miners on Mount Damo once every twenty days. Besides food, some readymade pickaxes, spears, and other digging tools were delivered as the tools used for mining in Mount Damo wore out very quickly.


    "Brigademander, what are you looking at?" Someone shouted immediately as everyone turned in the direction of the foot of the mountain and saw smoke billowing from Mount Damo.


    In Dayao, ten people formed a team with a team leader that was of Secondary ss, Rank 9. Twelve teams formed a brigade, with a brigademander that was of Secondary ss, Rank 8. Five brigades formed a battalion, led by a military officer that was of Secondary ss, Rank 6 to Secondary ss, Rank 5.


    On average, a battalion consisted of six hundred and fifty to seven hundred people, including logistics staff.


    Five battalions formed an army troop of between three thousand three hundred to three thousand eight hundred soldiers.


    Five army troops formed a division of about fifteen thousand soldiers.


    One entire brigade was stationed at this ce. The brigademander, heard and raised his head with his expression changed. "There seems to be an incident on Mount Damo, two of you report to headquarters, one brigade will stay here to guard, and the rest put down your gear and follow me with your weapons."


    On the order, everyone put aside what they were carrying and thundered towards Mount Damo with a sword in hand.


    The brigademander frowned as he walked.


    How is it possible for something to happen on Mount Damo?


    Are the prisoners rioting?


    Even if they are rioting, the three hundred guards over there are enough to suppress them.


    Actually, there was no need for three hundred guards, two hundred should be enough to totally subdue them.


    What was the thick smoke about? Somebody was clearly setting the fire.


    The brigademander was thinking and worrying about the situation in Mount Damo. He covered sixty kilometers in four hours with his soldiers and arrived in a hurry at the base of Mount Damo.


    However, the situation was not as chaotic as he imagined, the guards at the base were standing by quietly, as if nothing had happened.


    "What happened?" Thepanymander hastily asked. He looked at the thick columns of smoke and was able to detect the burning smell.


    "Nothing happened, everything is normal," the guard promptly answered.


    The brigademander was relieved. Soon after, he was dumbfounded.


    If nothing happened, then what was happening above?


    "Brigademander Sheng, it should be clear if all of you go up to take a look." The guard did not understand the specific details and briefly added, "They said it was to burn Mount Damo until it cracks."


    Burn Mount Damo till it cracks?


    How is it possible? What kind of nonsense is this?


    Upon hearing these words, and also recalling how he and the others had hastily rushed down because of this matter, he fumed with anger.


    "All of you, go back and bring the supplies here. In addition, send someone to get the two who headed back to headquarters. I will go up to take a look." The brigademander Sheng snapped, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and went up the mountain in a hurry.


    Meanwhile at the mountain, Ren Baqian and others stood in front of the wooden house to look at the fire in the distance. A great deal of firewood was burning and the zing me made it hard for anyone to get near.


    "Sheng Kaishan pays his respects to the few sirs." Sheng Kaishan saw a few people at the mountain top, and he was surprised. What shocked him the most was not Ren Baqian or Tao Jiyuan, but seeing the winged cavalry here was totally unexpected.


    It was known that the winged cavalry were the empress''s personal guards and were rarely mobilized. What was the background of the visitor this time round?


    "This is Imperial Deputy Prefect, Sir Ren from Lan City, Sir Tao from Department of Military Arms, and Sir Teng. Kaishan, you and your subordinates should be here by now. Howe it is only you here? Where''s all the supplies?" Teng Ji stretched his neck to look into the distance, but save for Kaishan, there was no one else around.


    Sheng Kaishan, not knowing whether to cry orugh, exined, "Sir Gu, I saw the smoke and me from far away, thought something was wrong and hurried here without bringing the supplies. They have gone back to bring the troops."


    Upon hearing these words, Gu Qiongughed heartily.


    Later on, Sheng Kaishan carefully asked again, "Sir, what is happening here?''


    "That Deputy Prefect Ren said something about heating up and then sshing water to see whether the rocks would crack," Gu Qiong stroked his beard and turned his head to speak.


    "This iron mountain is full of iron, are you quenching the iron?" Sheng Kaishan was puzzled. He was not a cksmith, but he had heard of the term quenching.


    Wasn''t it the same as putting forged iron in water, what exactly was the difference between the two?


    "You are right." Gu Qiong hit his thigh in response. "Why didn''t I think of this?''


    "Sir Ren, Sir Ren, isn''t this quenching?" Gu Qiong turned his head and shouted.


    Ren Baqian heard him and nodded his head, "Quenching is a special process and has its own requirements. For normal quenching, the forged iron, with carbon and other materials, is quenched to form steel, and if done incorrectly, will also crack, not to mention iron. You do not have to worry about this point."


    After hearing this, they couldn''tprehend what he said. In any case, it seemed that Sir Ren was more knowledgeable than them.


    "Didn''t expect Sir Ren to know about forging," Tao Jiyuan casually said.


    "I know a little. Let the fire burn until noon. Once it has passed noon, do not add anymore firewood. I will return to my room to rest first." Ren Baqian bade them goodbye and returned to his room.


    At about three or four in the afternoon, Ren Baqian estimated it was about time and came out of the wooden house. At the same time, he shouted for Tao Jiyuan and Gu Qiong toe out.


    After waiting for the ze to get smaller, Ren Baqian ordered, "Fetch water and pour directly on Mount Damo."


    Upon hearing this, everyone instantly moved and the rest of the people began to keep their spirits up.


    Only ten meters ofnd were burned this time. Along with the numerous pals of water poured onto the mountain wall, hissing sounds was continuously heard. Every pail of water generated a jet of white steam, and soon, it became unbearable for those standing nearby.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian retreated a little.


    Only after an hour passed, Ren Baqian waved his hand to put a stop to everything. "It is almost there, wait for the steam to dissipate before we take a look."


    They waited until it was dark and the crowd brought their torches closer to the wall.


    "Can it really crack open the rocks?" The few who knew of the idea did not have much confidence and focused their attention on Ren Baqian.


    "Check it immediately to find out," Ren Baqian said. He was a little nervous as all he knew was theoretical stuff. If he wasn''t sessful, he would lose face. Moreover, the concave mirror


    Following the light on the wall, everyone looked at the wall of the mountain as previously. They felt anguished, could it be that he didn''t seed?


    Ren Baqian kept quiet, walked to one meter in front of the mountain wall, stopped and carefully inspected the wall. s, he finally disyed a rxed expression.


    "Hairline cracks, it really cracked!" Gu Qiong walked to one side, carefully inspected the wall of the mountain and shouted loudly in surprise.


    The torch lit up the stretch of wall on Mount Damo and small cracks could be seen all over the wall.


    Although the cracks could not be considered big, mining along the cracks would be more than twice as fast.


    "Sir Ren, this method really does work, I really admire you deeply, the contribution of Sir Ren is extremely huge." Tao Jiyuan saw the cracks on the walls, was surprised and then offered his congrattions.


    He never expected Ren Baqian toplete this mission sessfully, moreover, using such a simple and unexpected method.

 Chapter 159: Solar Furnace

    Chapter 159: Sr Furnace


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian sat on a chair in a daze. He happened to sit under the shade; however, the temperature of his surroundings remained scorching hot.


    It should bete autumn in Dayao now, but the weather remained zing hot.


    The clink and nk of pickaxes striking metal came from the distant Mount Damo.


    After they burned the mountain yesterday, hairline cracks appeared on the wall of the mountain. This made Gu Qiong and Tao Jiyuan overjoyed. They felt that they had found a solution to the mining problem at Mount Damo.


    However, Ren Baqian wasn''t as optimistic as they were. He reckoned that only the surface of the mountain was affected. The inside of the mountain certainly hadn''t been affected.


    Of course, this was because both parties had different expectations. Ren Baqian wanted enough metal to forge weapons for a 20000-man army.


    The standard saber that Dayao soldiers used wasn''t the 1.5 kg sword that ordinary people used. Every saber was approximately 10 kg. It needed roughly 10 kg of iron to forge.


    Every day, the thousands of prisoners in Mount Damo could only mine 40 kg of iron. This amount was enough to only make four swords. At this rate, they could only make 3000 swords for the next two years. Furthermore, he only took into consideration the needs of the army so far. The amount of iron they could mine was still utterly insufficient.


    One had to know that the army wasn''t the only one that needed weapons, hunters living in the mountains needed hunting tools, andmoners needed ironware as well.


    For Mount Liucui, even though Ren Baqian had not gone there yet, he had already inquired Tao Jiyuan about it when they were chatting. It was located deep within a mountain range and the mountain roads there were treacherous. Even though it was much easier to extract iron from that mine, it was extremely difficult to transport the iron ores out of that ce.


    What could a nation that had a poption of forty million do when it could only produce roughly 4000 kg of iron every year?


    "Sir, Sir, we have mined at least 200 kg of iron today! It''s equivalent to the amount of iron we mined over thest five days!"


    Ren Baqian did not know when he fell asleep. He was abruptly woken up by Gu Qiong''s excited, loud voice.


    "Oh? 200 kg?" Ren Baqian rubbed his eyes and replied. It would take one day to burn a part of the iron mountain and drench it with water and one more day to mine the iron. The mining process seemed to have sped up.


    "Increase the amount of wood then. It would be best to recruit more manpower from the surrounding cities to transport wood here. Spread out and burn the mountain from different areas. You can burn and mine iron on the east and west faces of the mountain alternatively every day. This will increase the efficiency slightly," Ren Baqian stretched his back and said. He was thinking what the surroundings of this mountain would be in a few years'' time. After all, if they really wanted to mine iron from this mountain by burning it, the amount of wood they needed every year would be tremendous. Furthermore, trees took up to ten years to grow and mature.


    Moreover, as the number of trees in the surroundings decreased, they would need to transport wood here from distant ces to maintain the current mining speed. This would require much more manpower. For now, Ren Baqian could only think of this solution. After he returned to Earth, he would do some research on the concave mirrors.


    "Sir, you''re right," Tao Jiyuan replied. Ren Baqian was able to increase the speed of the iron mining process within two days'' time. If he did what Ren Baqian said, the speed would increase even more. Immediately, Tao Jiyuan felt a sense of adoration towards Ren Baqian. He continued, "But we have to ask Her Majesty for permission first."


    "Let''s go and take a look." Ren Baqian stood up and let Gu Qiong lead the way. They headed to the foot of Mount Damo to observe the situation. Like what Ren Baqian had expected, only the surface of the mountain was affected by the heat. The cracks were merely five centimeters deep.


    "Overseer Tao, please send a message to Her Majesty to let her know of the situation here," Ren Baqian turned around and told Tao Jiyuan.


    During dinner time, Tao Jiyuan''s and Gu Qiong''s faces were still filled with excitement. Ren Baqian did not want to shatter their optimism. He merely said, "Tomorrow, I''m going to have a good rest. Don''t disturb me even if there''s something extremely important. There''s no need to prepare my meals either."


    "Yes, Sir Ren."


    After bidding Tao Jiyuan and Gu Qiong farewell, Ren Baqian returned to the wooden house. He waited for everyone to fall asleep before returning to Earth.


    ...


    It was only evening on Earth. Ren Baqian switched on hisputer and searched for the article he''d seenst time. After typing the keywords into the search bar, he found it almost immediately. Furthermore, there was more than one article on it.


    Someone had done this experiment seventy years ago. That person used a liquid mirror telescope to form a 50-kilowatt sr furnace that could melt a 1-centimeter-thick steel te within thirty seconds.


    20 yearster, that man founded aboratory and used ten thousand concave mirrors to produce 1000 kilowatt of sr power. It could increase the temperature of an object by 3500 degrees instantly.


    The melting point of iron was 1538 degrees Celsius. Therefore, Ren Baqian did not need such a powerful sr furnace. He just needed a smaller version of it.


    On a video he found online, a foreigner fitted 5800 fingernail-sized lenses to a satellite dish and used it to melt iron.


    This information proved that Ren Baqian''s idea was feasible.


    He did not need such a hugeboratory as shown in the video. He merely needed aboratory that was one-tenth the size of it. After all, his objective was to melt the wall of Mount Damo and he did not have a high demands on quality. As long as the sr furnace could focus on a certain part of the mountain and maintain an adequate temperature there, he would ept it.


    That night, through Chen Qing, Ren Baqian managed to contact a physicist from a university in the city. The next day, he met that physicist and told him his request. He needed an adjustable sr furnace that was formed by concave mirrors. It must be able to melt metal three hundred to four hundred meters away.


    The sr furnace also must be carriable by one person. Ren Baqian also wanted the blueprints for the sr furnace and all the concave mirrors.


    To Ren Baqian, this task sounded very troublesome. To the physicist, however, this was an easy task. After all, Ren Baqian did not have high demands on quality. He could even give this task to his students toplete. Furthermore, Ren Baqian was paying him five hundred thousand yuan.


    After settling this issue, Ren Baqian rested for two more days and went back to Dayao.


    ...


    Mount Liucui was located among the sixty thousand mountains in the west of Dayao. However, it would take two days to reach the location of the mine from Dayao. Furthermore, the mountain road to the mine there was treacherous and arduous. Transporting iron ore out of that ce was the biggest problem.


    A few days after leaving Mount Damo, Ren Baqian travelled along this road.


    When they just entered the mountainous region, the road condition was still alright. After all, this part of the road was frequently traversed by people.


    However, after another day had passed, the mountain road turned arduous and began to meander. On one side of the road, there was a cliff. On the other side, there was a mountain stream. The road was only one meter wide.


    Humans could pass through it but definitely not animals.


    Even humans couldn''t walk very fast on it.


    Every time Ren Baqian looked down the cliff, he would feel dizzy.


    One had to know that the cliff was three hundred meters tall. If one fell off it, he or she would be smashed to smithereens.


    Ren Baqian suddenly realized he had a huge weakness, that was, acrophobia.


    He just had never realized it in the past.


    Looking at Ren Baqian, Teng Ji felt very scared and worried. He followed closely behind Ren Baqian, preparing to hold on to him if he fainted and fell off the cliff.


    If anything happened to Ren Baqian, he would not need to go back to Dayao anymore


    After travelling for half a day, they finally reached a valley with cliffs on three of its sides. Ren Baqian could finally set his mind at ease. He felt that he hade back to life.


    The valley wasn''t very huge. Other than the one hundred or more guards, there were seven to eight hundred men mining.


    Theposition of iron in Mount Liucui was approximately forty percent. The difficulty of mining iron was reduced as well. However, the quality of the iron ores here wasn''t really good. Furthermore, since it was very hard to transport supplies and iron ores in and out of this ce, it was very hard to increase the iron output here.

 Chapter 160: The Existence of the Mountainside

    Chapter 160: The Existence of the Mountainside


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Among the valleys where Mount Liucui''s iron mine was located, it was hard for even weeds to grow in the trodden and barrenndscape.


    After travelling for a short distance inside, there were a few wooden houses without any wooden fences around them.


    Most of the prisoners here were aboriginals who would be released earlier after working in the mine for a few years. No one usually to escape, and the guards were not strict either.


    Ren Baqian had already been here for two days. He had been using a cloth tied as a mask on his face and wandered everywhere.


    There was too much dust in the valley; it was blown in from the mine. After waking up from a night''s sleep, one would always discover that the surrounding was grey.


    The iron ore here was of average quality, but easy to mine and was the highest producing mine in Dayao, although it was not much whenpared with the mines on Earth.


    Ren Baqian was pondering how to make transportation in and out of this ce easier.


    As long as the transporting of suppliesing in and the transporting of iron ore could be matched up, the production capacity of the mine could easily increase by a few times.


    On three sides of the valley were cliffs, the narrow road along one of the sides was where the iing supplies and outgoing iron ore had to go through.


    To another side was a very deep valley following a stream that flowed underground after a short distance.


    As for the other two sides, they led to the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Besides, the path wasn''t easy to navigate and opening a road here was not realistic.


    Ren Baqian, in the beginning, considered using cables to transport the goods, but if Dayao had enough steel to make cables, they would have long ago made weapons instead.


    Moreover, the materials needed to build a cable system would take Dayao several years to produce. In addition, the support system needed would be difficult to construct in this world.


    There was no point in thinking about using ropes as they wore out too quickly and using them to transport iron ores was simply unrealistic.


    In addition to this, Ren Baqian considered using hot-air balloons. However, after figuring that the manufacturing process and obtaining fuel for the hot-air balloons was far too difficult, using two or three hot-air balloons might not be any faster than using humans to carry the iron ores at present.


    Not to mention the air flow around the valley, hot-air balloons were originally not designed as a means of transportation.


    In actual fact, after considering all the options, building a tunnel was the more viable method.


    "Did you all consider digging a hole directly from this mountain side to link to the one opposite?" Ren Baqian pointed at the opposite mountain and said to Tao Jiyuan.


    "Hush, Sir Ren, you can just think of these words, but must not say them out," Tao Jiyuan said nervously.


    "Why not?" Ren Baqian was astonished.


    "It is said there is some kind of a presence inside the mountain. Previously, the Hao Nation thought of tunneling through it as well. But, every time they managed to dig about three meters in, the hole would copse. They tried a total of three times and the third time, they angered the presence inside the mountain. Not only all the miners died, even the two thousand soldiers outside were decimated and none survived. Since that time, the Hao Nation never ever thought of opening a hole in the mountain again."


    Ren Baqian looked at Tao Jiyuan doubtfully. Was it so terrible?


    "How many years has it been? Is that the truth?" Ren Baqian found it incredulous.


    "It has been about one hundred years, and still, nobody dares to touch this mountain." Tao Jiyuan smiled bitterly.


    Ren Baqian thought of the kirin he saw before. This world was indeed quite different from Earth in many ways and had many unknowns, and as such, what Tao Jiyuan said might be true.


    "Can we widen the mountain road?" Ren Baqian asked again after dropping his initial question. Since they couldn''t tunnel through, if they widened the road to three meters, at the very least, it would be good if the fork-horned cow and other animals could pass through.


    Although this was a big project, the iron mine was a foundation on which a country would not be able to do without even if it cost more, it wasn''t uneptable.


    Besides, he could use explosives to directly st the rocks off the mountain wall.


    Tao Jiyuan looked rather odd, "This road can only be so wide. No matter how much you dig on top, the road will copse as much. It has been this wide all the time."


    Ren Baqian raised his head to look at the mountain in front of him. There was nothing he could do about such reasoning.


    It can''t be dug or touched.


    Are you trying to y tricks on me?


    What is really inside this mountain?


    If I have the chance, I would really want to dig through and find out.


    But, he could only think about it casually. Ren Baqian wasn''t someone that would risk his life.


    "In this case, it is useless for us to stay here, let''s go back tomorrow." Ren Baqian sighed.


    "I am only here to apany Sir Ren to take a look." Tao Jiyuan began tough. If not for Ren Baqian wanting to take a look, he wouldn''t be here.


    "But, it''s okay to mine over here?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "When we dig here, the presence in the mine doesn''t care." Tao Jiyuan responded. "But, I still do not like this ce."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. Hearing this made his hair stand up.


    Anyway, there was already a n in ce in Mount Damo, and the ce was easily essible. They just needed to melt the iron mountain with the sr furnace and should be able to obtain enough iron ore in a short time. Then, he would have achieved his goals for this trip.


    As for this Mount Liu Cui, he would explore itter on if there''s a chance.


    The two of them stood there to look for a moment until Ren Baqian decided to go back to rest for a night before setting off.


    On the way back, he saw a guard bringing two crooked cows in the direction of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, and they kept going upwards.


    Ren Baqian had seen them ughtering the crooked cows a few times during these two days, but, they were never brought up so far, and he was, hence, curious. "What are they doing?"


    Tao Jiyuan thought about it and called a guard over to inquire.


    "Bichi is going down the mountain, these two crooked cows have been prepared for it. After eating these two crooked cows, it will note down to eat anything else," the guard exined to the two of them.


    "What''s a bichi?" Ren Baqian asked curiously. His impression of the aboriginals was that they just took out their knives to cut anything they encountered. Since when did they indulge in such superstitious activity.


    Tao Jiyuan acknowledged, "Oh, it turns out that it''s the bichi."


    He turned to Ren Baqian and said, "Among the Sixty Thousand Mountains, there is a fierce beast which looks like a mountain rat, has wings, and can run and fly. It is as fast as lightning and even the experienced old hunters there find it difficult to kill it. On the contrary, it will find opportunities to counter attack them."


    "What sir said is correct. The bichi woulde down twice a year, in spring and autumn, and if it couldn''t find food, it would attack the other cows and bite all of them to death. If you hit it, it would find a chance to take revenge. As such, we might as well bring two cows up the mountain each time to feed it so that it won''te down," the guard replied.


    At the beginning, Ren Baqian thought it was a bat, butter realized it was not. It seemed to be a beast unique to this world.


    The characteristic of taking revenge was simr to a weasel''s. Was it a weasel with long wings?


    "Can we find a ce to hide and observe it?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity. He was quite interested in this type of weird animal in this world.


    "Sir, it is better not to see it, it is said that seeing the bichi will bring disaster to the observer, and this prediction is quite efficacious."


    "If that''s the case, forget it then." Ren Baqian immediately heeded the advice.

 Chapter 161: Bichi

    Chapter 161: Bichi


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian always had this notion that he was a coward.


    But, doesn''t a coward live longer?


    Every day, he heard of people that thought highly of themselves and wanted to court death. And when they really died, they served as a reminder to the living.


    There had once been a girl whose clothes were identally ripped off by a mechanic. Even after the mechanic had apologized to her, she still refused to forgive him. Eventually, her father got involved. He beat up that mechanic even though thetter kneeled down and begged him for mercy. One had to know that kneeling down was a big deal in China. However, her father was still unwilling to forgive him, and he even destroyed the mechanic''s shop. In the end, the mechanic went crazy and killed him.


    Every time Ren Baqian saw this kind of news, his vignce increased. It was far better to live life as a coward.


    This afternoon, when he immediately heard that a bichi would bring misfortune to whoever that encountered it, he instantly followed the advice given to him and suppressed his curiosity. Even if it looked as beautiful as a flower, he wouldn''t want to see it.


    But, what is this small thing in front of me now?


    Ren Baqian''s head was filled with question marks.


    It was scarlet in color, slightly resembled a fox, and its pea-sized eyes looked crafty.


    Most importantly, it had a pair of wings on its back, resembling those of a bat.


    Just now, while Ren Baqian was daydreaming in his room, this small creature suddenly jumped through the window into his room. Then, it began to engage in a staring match with him.


    "I''m already avoiding you, and there''s no enmity between us, why are you doing this?" Ren Baqian painted an innocent look on his face."


    Ren Baqian felt that he had to find out what this creature wanted from him. It surely wasn''t here just to look at him, right?


    Even though the other party was a wild beast, a wild beast had intelligence too.


    Even crows had the intelligence of an eight-year-old child.


    Animals like weasels and foxes had high intelligence levels. Therefore, this creature surely wasn''t an idiot, right?


    "You can take whatever you like, treat it as a gift from me," Ren Baqian said trying his luck.


    Obviously, Ren Baqian had thought too much. The other partycked theplete intelligence of a human, so it, therefore, did not understand what Ren Baqian was saying. Its pea-sized eyes continued to stare at Ren Baqian.


    Eh? Ren Baqian suddenly realized that the creature wasn''t staring at him. It was staring at his hand, or rather, something beside him.


    Because of the huge eyes that this creature had, while it directly faced Ren Baqian, he subconsciously thought that it was staring at him. As time passed, Ren Baqian finally realized that the creature wasn''t staring at him.


    But rather, it was staring at�� the bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candy beside his hand?


    Ren Baqian picked up the bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candy and swayed it left and right. The creature''s pea-sized eyes moved left and right as well.


    "I will gift this to you, remember to open the bag before eating the candies." Ren Baqian did not know whether or not the creature understood what he said but nevertheless threw the bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candy to one side. Immediately, a shadow darted across his vision. The creature picked up the candy bag with its mouth and transformed into a scarlet shadow that disappeared into the night scene outside the window.


    Ren Baqian scratched his head. Just now, he''d eaten two pieces of White Rabbit Creamy Candy while he was daydreaming. Was the creature attracted by White Rabbit Creamy Candy?


    Then again, Ren Baqian felt that this was impossible. The two cows had already been brought up the mountain. Furthermore, the mountain was so far away from him. Even a god couldn''t pick up the scent of the candies from such a long distance, right?


    However, no matter what, the White Rabbit Creamy Candy saved the day again.


    Lin Qiaole, the empress, and�� the creature was called bichi, right?


    The charm of White Rabbit Creamy Candy was unstoppable.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian closed his window. He did not mind even if it made his room stuffy and hot.


    After falling asleep, Ren Baqian had a dream. He dreamt that the mountain was shaking, and the ground was trembling. Then, a thunderous roar of a beast resounded from some distant area. Just as he was about to investigate, he suddenly heard a loud boom from his surroundings. Following which, the wooden house that he was in copsed.


    Teng Ji and Tao Jiyuan felt the ground tremble, and they quickly ran out of their rooms. Just as they were about to pull Ren Baqian out of his room, they heard the loud boom. The wooden house that Ren Baqian was residing in suddenly copsed.


    Both of them felt their hearts turn taut. For this mission, anything could happen to anyone but not to Ren Baqian.


    Unfortunately, he was the one in trouble now.


    "Save him, quickly save him!" Tao Jiyuan''s limbs turned numb as a panicked look appeared on his face.


    Without saying anything, Teng Ji rushed to the copsed house and lifted the roof.


    Single-handedly, he lifted a huge piece of the destroyed roof and threw it to aside.


    "Save him, quickly save Sir Ren!" Tao Jiyuan yelled at the top of his lungs to the winged cavalry.


    "Sir Ren! Are you okay? Sir Ren?" Teng Ji yelled toward the heap of smashed wood pieces.


    Everyone else came to help him. They threw the smashed wood pieces to one side and dug towards the position of Ren Baqian''s bed.


    By this point in time, Ren Baqian''s head was in total chaos. The beam supporting the wooden house had broken and copsed. The other end of the beam was propped up by a copsed wall of the house, forming a triangle. It just so happened that he was under the triangle and was left unscathed.


    Even so, his heart was still beating rapidly. Did he just encounter an earthquake? If he wasn''t lucky, he would have died here.


    As Ren Baqian thought about it, he curled his body up, remaining stationary in the darkness.


    When he heard the yells outside, he instantly started yelling in reply.


    After what seemed like an eternity, Ren Baqian was finally dug out of the debris with dust and dirt all over his body. When he saw the starry sky and the torches surrounding him, the feeling of sce gushed into his heart.


    "Sir Ren, you''re really lucky. I can''t believe you''re not injured at all." Tao Jiyuan finally felt relieved after giving Ren Baqian''s body a thorough check.


    Teng Ji and the rest set their minds at ease.


    "I also think I''m lucky," Ren Baqian replied as he heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Out all these many wooden houses, only mine copsed. Fortunately, nothing happened to me, it could be worse."


    "Previously, when you said that one will have bad luck if he or she encounters a bichi, I didn''t believe you. Now, I really believe it," Ren Baqian continued.


    "Sir Ren saw a bichi?" Tao Jiyuan said with surprise. Ren Baqian did note out of his wooden house at all, how could he possibly encounter a bichi?


    "It''s scarlet in color, it has a pair of wings on its back, and its eyes are very small, right?" Ren Baqian described. "Before I turned out the light just now, it suddenly ran into my room through the window. It stared at me for a while before running away."


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, everyone had a queer look on their faces. Following which, they all took a step backward. Then, they cast an utterly disdainful look at him, appearing as though he was a piece of dung that couldn''t be disposed of.


    With an apprehensive look on his face, Tao Jiyuan began, "Sir, the one you saw is called bichi. An ordinary bichi is grey in color and represents disaster. The one you saw is extremely rare, and it represents misfortune thates with blessing."


    ["Wings" and "scarlet" is called "chi" in Chinese. Previously, the "chi" of an ordinary bichi is "wings" while the "chi" of the scarlet bichi is "scarlet".]


    "It''s indeed a misfortune thates with blessing," Ren Baqian agreed when he thought of the encounter he had just now.


    If he did not encounter that creature, he reckoned that his house wouldn''t have copsed. Out of so many houses, his house was the only one that copsed.


    However, even though his house copsed, he was left unscathed.


    The phrase "misfortune thates with blessing" was indeed apt in this case.


    "However, the people around you will only encounter misfortune," Tao Jiyuan continued.


    "..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "For you, you will encounter misfortunes thate with blessings during this period of time. However, for the people around you, they will only encounter misfortunes and not blessings," Tao Jiyuan had an awkward look on his face.


    Ren Baqian looked around him. He finally understood why everyone backed away from him. He also knew why Tao Jiyuan and Teng Ji had apprehensive looks on their faces.


    Was he going to lead a hard life in which the people around him would die from today onwards?

 Chapter 162: Cloud Crystal

    Chapter 162: Cloud Crystal


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "For you, you will encounter misfortunes thate with blessings during this period of time. However, for the people around you, they will only encounter misfortunes and not blessings." Tao Jiyuan said with an awkward look on his face, and everyone looked at Ren Baqian as if he was a huge piece of dung.


    Ren Baqian turned his head, looked at everyone and thought to himself, "This can''t be real?"


    Soon after, he pointed to a distant ce with an innocent look on his face. "It''s on fire, let''s put out the fire first."


    "..."


    Everyone turned around and looked at the kitchen which was burning. Then, they turned their heads again to look at Ren Baqian and uniformly took another step backwards.


    The guards that were a distance away, had already rushed over to put out the fire.


    At present, even Ren Baqian felt that it was indeed extremely unusual.


    However, there was a possibility of it being a coincidence, and he hoped that was the case.


    Otherwise, how could he return to the city while carrying the attribute of a jinx?


    It was only a minor earthquake thatsted barely for a minute just now. After waiting for a while and seeing that there was nothing much going on, everyone returned back to their resting areas in group of twos and threes to get some rest.


    Ren Baqian''s residence was changed. This was the wooden house which Tao Jiyuan had originally been staying at, but he vacated his original residence to squeeze in with Teng Ji and the other winged cavalry members.


    Presently, no matter what, he wasn''t willing to sleep under the same roof as Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian slept in the wooden house which Tao Jiyuan previously slept at. He was anxious and edgy for a long time as he was extremely afraid that something would happen again.


    He fell into a deep slumber only after a long time had passed.


    The next morning, everyone began to pack up and was prepared to leave the mountain.


    As a matter of fact, there wasn''t much to pack. However, Teng Ji intentionally found a guard and asked for a rope which was as thick as tree bark. Then, he tied it around Ren Baqian''s waist.


    If it was beforeing up the mountain, Teng Ji had been only a little anxious. But, after the bichi incident, his anxiousness had escted from a slightly to extremely anxious.


    If anything were to happen to Ren Baqian, they would only experience disaster and not good fortune.


    When they were departing the mountain, apart from a skilled winged cavalry member walking in front of Ren Baqian and Teng Ji who was behind him, the rest of the people all distanced themselves from him. In particr, Tao Jiyuan already hid all the way at the end of the convoy.


    "I think there shouldn''t be a problem. It''s not as if it''s the "Final Destination"." Ren Baqian gradually rxed afterpleting more than half the distance down the mountain and after the initial nervousness he felt.


    [Final Destination - American horror/thriller film]


    Even if the bichi really brought bad luck to people, the effect shouldn''t be instantaneous and causing them to be so frightened.


    But, Teng Ji didn''t know what Ren Baqian referred to when he mentioned "Final Destination". And as such, Ren Baqian''s words didn''t help to ease his anxiousness a single bit.


    "Sir Ren, as long as you leave the mountain, there shouldn''t be any problems," Teng Jiforted him.


    After walking this section of the mountain road with trepidation, not only Ren Baqian, but the rest of the people heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Fortunately, it shouldn''t be that serious." Ren Baqian turned around and smiled.


    Although everyone said simr things about the bichi and after experiencing two separate incidents the previous night, Ren Baqian was still somewhat skeptical about all this.


    Even though he had experienced teleportation and had seen a kirin before, nevertheless, Ren Baqian was instinctually unable to firmly believe in such mysterious things.


    This was due to the education he received as well as the habits he cultivated all along.


    Just when Ren Baqian spoke, all of a sudden, a shadow covered him entirely. Teng Ji''s expression changed drastically, and he drew out a saber with ease, immediately advanced towards Ren Baqian''s head and leaped over. His was so speedy that Ren Baqian didn''t even have the time to react.


    As for the people at the back, they were able to see a huge bird with wings spread out about seven to eight meters wide. It rapidly descended from a high altitude, and at this precise moment, it extended its sharp w and pounced towards Ren Baqian.


    Teng Ji swung his saber, and immediately, there was a burst of blood rain. Soon after, that bird let out a blood-curdling screech and fell head first to the ground.


    The whole bird waspletely ripped apart from its chest to its abdomen. Furthermore, that swing from Teng Ji''s saber caused its innards to fall out and stter all over Ren Baqian''s face.


    It just so happened that Ren Baqian raised his head, looked up, and he got drenched in the blood rain. He nearly vomited.


    "Sir Ren, are you okay?" Teng Ji turned and looked at Ren Baqian once he reached the ground.


    Ren Baqian wiped his face, tugged a piece of some internal organ off his face and flung it onto the ground.


    The fishy odor went straight into his nostrils; his stomach churned out of disgust.


    "Water, water," Ren Baqian hurriedly shouted. Immediately, someone passed the water bag over for him to rinse his face.


    Even though his body was still filled with blood, Ren Baqian at longst felt that he was revived.


    Back then, he nearly thought that he would die due to sheer disgust.


    He hurriedly went to find a stream in the vicinity, took off his clothes, and washed himself from head to toe. Then, he wore his underpants and stood there, letting out a long sigh.


    "My apologies, Sir Ren. I was anxious at that moment," Teng Ji cupped his fist and apologized.


    "It''s nothing, thank goodness for you. Otherwise, I''m afraid that I would run out of luck." Ren Baqian gestured with his hands. In any case, he was still able to tell what was going on.


    "What kind of bird is that? It actually dares to catch humans." He asked while walking back.


    "It''s a flower hawk. Generally, this thing catches wild beasts in the forest to eat. It asionally also attacks humans as well. But, such urrences are very rare. I''m afraid it''s because sir''s vital energy isn''t strong, and that''s why it had the guts to attack you," Teng Ji replied.


    "..."


    Is he trying to imply that I''m too weak and can be bullied easily?


    The whole journey back, Ren Baqian was prepared to see how the flower hawk actually looked like. When he arrived, he saw that everyone had already began to pluck its feathers.


    "Sir, you are in for a good a treat. This flower hawk is extremely difficult to capture and its vor is outstanding." Tao Jiyuan stood a distance from Ren Baqian and was full of smiles.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded and speechless.


    This thing nearly caught me and had me as its meal.


    Also, my whole face was sttered with its blood and innards.


    I have gone through all this just for the benefit of all of you?


    Half of the feathers on the flower hawk''s body had been plucked by two winged cavalry guards. But, anyone could still roughly tell how it looked like. Its pair of wings were spread open and about seven or eight meters long. Its body wasn''t small either and was about two to three meters long. It also had a pair of extremely bold and powerful ws. If scratched on one''s body, it might create a few holes on it.


    As for its overall appearance, it should have looked rather bold and powerful prior to its feathers being plucked. At present, it was just like a featherless phoenix that was inferior to a simple chicken.


    "Sir, there''s something in its stomach." A winged cavalry ran over and informed Teng Ji. He was holding something in his hands. After rinsing it with water, they were able to make out something that was simr to multi-colored sand.


    "Sir Ren, keep this," Teng Ji said with envy.


    "What''s this?" Ren Baqian inquisitively received the item. After carefully observing it, he realized that these things were very tiny granules slightly thicker than sand. Under illumination, these granules reflected weak multi-colored rays of light.


    "Those are cloud crystals. As long as we add a little of this when forging weapons, it will immediately turn an ordinary weapon into a Heaven-grade weapon. It can not only cut through metal like butter, but also has different types of efficacy. This handful of cloud crystals will be sufficient to forge a top-notch weapon." Tao Jiyuan came over to look at the things in Ren Baqian''s hands and revealed a look of admiration. If the cloud crystal was in someone else''s hands, countless of people would definitely try to get their hands on it.


    Unfortunately, it''s in the hands of this person. In that case, he shouldpletely not even think of obtaining the cloud crystals from him.


    Upon hearing what Tao Jiyuan said, Ren Baqian immediately found a bag and cautiously ced these cloud crystals inside as he was afraid he might leave out even a single bit. At the same time, he ran to see the flower hawk''s stomach which the winged cavalry dug out. Its stomach was as big as the size of a few fists, but waspletely bereft at this moment.


    Even though he had no use for it, it would be good if he could gift it to the empress. Perhaps, he could sell the cloud crystals off for a huge sum of money or even bring them back to Earth for examination? Who knew if there might be other uses for it.


    "These cloud crystals are extremely rare, and I wonder where the flower hawk actually found them. Perhaps, it swallowed these crystals to assist its digestion of food. If we knew where the flower hawk had found these cloud crystals, who knows we may find more." Teng Ji felt that it was somewhat a pity.


    "If there''s going to be such a good thing again, even if I were to get sttered all over my face, I would be just fine with it."

 Chapter 163: Flower Hawks

    Chapter 163: Flower Hawks


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Yangxin Pce Hall


    In front of the empress, there was a bowl that contained medicinal herbs and other ingredients. It gave off a very strong bitter smell that could make one knit his eyebrows.


    The bitterness of this medicinal soup was powerful enough to conceal the scent of other dishes. Regardless of what one did to it, it still gave off a powerful bitter smell.


    After drinking the bowl of medicinal soup, the empress''s face flushed slightly red. Her stomach felt scorching hot, as though there was a ball of mes in it.


    After a while, the heat from her stomach dissipated, spreading throughout her body. The empress opened her eyes, took a piece of candy from Hong Luan and ced it in her mouth.


    "Let him in," the empress ordered coldly.


    After a while, Feng Hou walked briskly into the pce hall and greeted the empress, "Greetings, Your Majesty."


    "Take a look!" The empress used two fingers to pick up a piece of paper beside her and threw it towards Feng Hou. A white streak shot across the air and slowed down before it flew into Feng Hou''s hand.


    Feng Hou lowered his head and looked at the contents of the paper. It was Tao Jiyuan''s report of the situation on Mount Damo.


    "Unbelievable!" Feng Hou eximed after reading it. Burning and cooling the mountain had increased the iron output by three times. If they could increase the manpower and burn the mountain from different positions in turns, the iron output could be increased by five times.


    With 250 kg of iron produced in a single day, they could forge at least fifteen weapons. In a year, they would be able to forge roughly five thousand weapons. In two years, they would have ten thousand weapons. This would solve the desperate situation that Dayao was in.


    With the situation changed this way, the preparations for the weapons of the twenty thousand newly recruited soldiers were already halfwaypleted.


    Other than making ironware, the iron from Mount Liucui could also be used to forge weapons. This could slightly fill the shortfall of weapons. The remaining shortfall could be settled by trading with some families in the Yun Nation and some in the Chen Nation. As such, there wasn''t much shortfall left.


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty. It''s really providential good luck. Deputy Prefect Ren has done Dayao a great meritorious service this time around. I would like to rmend him for a promotion or a reward."


    The fact that Ren Baqian was able to increase the production output of Mount Damo''s mine by so much really exceeded Feng Hou''s expectations. That Deputy Prefect Ren seemed to be rather capable after all.


    He no longer took objection to Ren Baqian meddling with the affairs of Department of Military Arms.


    "Don''t let anyone know about this. You will be in charge of gathering manpower for cutting trees and transporting wood to Mount Damo. Don''t dy this matter, otherwise you will be punished severely," the empress said coldly.


    "I will do as you bid," Feng Hou replied.


    After Feng Hou was dismissed, the empress said, "Summon Hong Bao."


    After a while, Hong strode into Yangxin Pce Hall with a sack in his hand. Then, he kneeled down on one knee and said, "Your Majesty, I''m lucky not to have let you down."


    At the same time, he opened up the sack and revealed a box within it. The box was filled with lime and a human head.


    "Clean it and show it to me." After the empress finished her sentence, someone immediately took the box away. After a while, the head was presented to the empress.


    The empress took a close look at the human head.


    The face of a dead man is very ugly, but it does look exactly like him��


    A feeling of distress suddenly appeared in the empress''s mind. She waved her hand and said, "Settle it."


    "Hong Bao, tell me the situation in detail," the empress asked again.


    "We followed him all the way to Great Xia. After we had determined his route, we waited for him at Broken Dragon Canyon��"


    After listening to Hong Bao, the empress realized that the death day of Seventh Prince happened to be the night before Ren Baqian brought her to Earth.


    ...


    There was a total of fifty winged cavalry that followed Ren Baqian and his counterparts into Mount Liucui this time around. Including Ren Baqian, Teng Ji, and Tao Jiyuan, there would be a total of fifty-three people. At this point in time, most of them had already split up. Some of them had gone to hunt for food in their surroundings. After all, a single flower hawk wasn''t enough for everyone to eat.


    Ren Baqian found a spot and sat down to rest. He fiddled with a cloud crystal in his hand. This was his biggest gain from this trip.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian heard a mournful bird crying from the sky. It was sharp and powerful, appearing as though it could pierce one''s eardrums.


    "It''sing." Teng Ji stood up and peered into the sky with a saber beside him.


    "What''sing?" Ren Baqian raised his head and looked at the sky. He saw a small ck spot hovering above. Apparently, the deafening mournful cry wasing from it.


    "Flower hawks usually form pairs. When one dies, the other also won''t want to live alone. Its mate is here," Teng Ji stroked his saber and exined. He did not look at all nervous.


    A flower hawk wouldn''t be too much of a threat if it wasn''t carrying out a surprise attack.


    In fact, flower hawks couldn''t be considered a powerful creature in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. They were merely rare and elusive.


    Everyone else raised their heads, took a look at the sky, and continued with their work. Clearly, they were allpletely unconcerned.


    After listening to Teng Ji''s words, Ren Baqian felt a slight pity for the flower hawks. He found these kind of animals that couldn''t live a solitary life to be rather touching. It was exceptionally easy for young men and women to develop attachment to such animals.


    "Waiiiiiiil!" A mournful cry resounded through the air again.


    "The flower hawk is descending." Ren Baqian suddenly felt the flower hawk was bing bigger.


    Very soon, Ren Baqian''s observation was confirmed.


    The flower hawk became bigger and bigger in his vision. When the flower hawk reached three hundred meters above the ground, Ren Baqian could already feel its might.


    After making a spin in the air yet again, following which, the flower hawk abruptly dived towards Ren Baqian and his counterparts.


    Yes, it was diving towards them. It did not have any intention of leaving here alive.


    It kept on increasing its speed as it surged towards them with all its weight propelling it downwards.


    "Sir, don''t move," Teng Ji cautioned. As the flower hawk became a brown-colored blur, Teng Ji jumped eight meters into the air with his saber.


    Whoosh. A rain of blood descended from the sky once more. A body that was perfectly cut into half, along with some innards, fell from the sky.


    "I will be drenched in blood and innards again if I don''t move." By casting a single nce at Teng Ji, Ren Baqian knew what was he going to do. Immediately, he ran to one side in haste.


    Even though the flower hawk had just now surged towards them in an oblique flight path, it was now dropping down vertically. It appeared that Teng Ji had split it into half from its head onwards.


    This could be seen from Teng Ji''s vertical jump as well.


    When Ren Baqian saw half of the flower hawk''s body whizzing closer and closer to him, he cursed, "Goddamnit."


    If he had stood at his original spot, nothing would have happened. Now, half of the flower hawk''s body was crashing towards him.


    "Sir, be careful!" A winged cavalryman near Ren Baqian was shocked by this scene. The flower hawk''s body was crashing towards Ren Baqian at an extremely fast speed. Even though it had been cut in half, it still carried a huge amount of force. If it hit an aboriginal, nothing much would happen. However, if it hit Ren Baqian, he would have at least a few broken bones and tendons.


    A few winged cavalry guards surged towards Ren Baqian. One of them jumped into the air and gave the flower hawk''s body a kick, creating an explosion of blood. With its meat smashed into smithereens, the body flew off in another direction.


    "Phew!" Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Thank you, Brother," Ren Baqian thanked that winged cavalry and wiped off the blood on his face. Then, he ran off to wash his face and hair.


    By the time he returned, the flower hawk had been disemboweled.


    "Are there any?" Ren Baqian quickly asked.


    "No, there''re only some crushed stones." Everyone knew what Ren Baqian was asking about. They immediately showed him the things that they extracted from the flower hawk''s body. It was just a handful of crushed stones.


    Cloud crystals were something that could only be encountered serendipitously.


    Ren Baqian felt it a slight pity.

 Chapter 164: Chatting Idly in the Palace

    Chapter 164: Chatting Idly in the Pce


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    He had to admit that the flower hawk''s meat was very fresh. In addition, the aroma of the roasted meat assailed his nostrils. After consuming the meat, he felt nice and warm all over.


    It was said that the flower hawk''s meat was full of nourishment.


    Unfortunately, sharing two flower hawks among so many people was just enough to tease his pte. Otherwise, he truly wished he could keep a piece of meat in his fridge on Earth to eatter on.


    When they were out of the mountains, everyone found a small town to rest for a day, and Ren Baqian used this opportunity to take a trip back to Earth.


    First, he went to talk to the physics expert regarding the progress of the sr furnace. The portable version, which could melt a small piece of iron in a short time, was almost ready and would be done in a few days.


    He was relieved to confirm he could bring it along when he got back to Lan City.


    Following which, he directly drove home. Thest time he went home was about four or five months ago. He didn''t even spend the Lunar New Year at home, and it was high time for a visit.


    Home was still somewhat the same. The only change was probably his father''s purchase of a new car for 200,000 yuan to fulfil a long-awaited wish of his.


    As for the rest of the savings, it was still kept with his parents. If Ren Baqiancked money, he could take it out or use the savings to finance his marriage in maybe ten thousand years'' time.


    "Who was thedy that time?" During dinner, Ren Baqian drank some baijiu with his father. His father, after two sses of wine, popped this question about thedy in red that he''d seen that day.


    [baijiu- a spirit usually distilled from sorghum]


    It wasn''t only him, but his mother and Ren Wannian also pricked up their ears.


    "As I have mentioned before, she''s just a business partner who consulted me on some matters, don''t over imagine. If I have a girlfriend, I will bring her back," Ren Baqian fibbed without changing his expression.


    Ren Baqian recalled that he was still a honest gentleman this timest year. Now, he could spout nonsense without batting an eysh, was good at manipting people, and his public morals were degenerating further with each passing day.


    After staying at home for two days, Ren Baqian returned to his rented apartment before going back to the other world.


    "Is everyone ready? Let''s set off." Ren Baqian opened the door and announced to the crowd waiting outside.


    A few dayster, Ren Baqian saw the faraway tall city wall getting nearer and nearer. At longst, he was back.


    This time, he had been out for more than half a month. Basically, he had been constantly on the move day after day. He only managed to rest when back on Earth and was already exhausted earlier on.


    Furthermore, he somewhat missed that person in the pce.


    The winged cavalry sandwiched the two carriages and entered the city. Ren Baqian put down the curtain and closed his eyes in repose inside the bumpy carriage.


    Inside a shop that wasn''t far away, a man looked at the winged cavalry and carriages entering the city. He sized them up for a long time before turning into the winding alleys and finally reaching a yard.


    The yard was silent, but after knocking on the wall behind the door a few times, a few indifferent looking young men came out from the room.


    "That guy is back, the carriages have just entered the city."


    "Is there anyone else?"


    "There is also a hundred of Qi Zixiao''s winged cavalry to protect him all around."


    "He is apanied and guarded by the wing cavalry on his recent trips, you can see how Qi Zixiao values him. We do not know when will hee out of the pce again. Moreover, he will not be alone. We might as well take the risk, after all, it is impossible to go back alive if you want to aplish this mission."


    "Taking a risk is alright, but you must be able to kill him..."


    "He is just an ordinary man. Even with the winged cavalry around, we have four crossbows and can shoot enough to make him look like a hedgehog in a split second."


    "It is too soon to go after him now, carefully monitor the situation, and wait until the next time hees out to take action, and kill with one strike," the man who was silent all this while spoke up, and the rest nodded their heads, no longer disputing anymore.


    However, while in this unfamiliar city surrounded by people different from them, it was very hard to do surveince from this ce without appearing suspicious.


    As for life and death, they were as good as dead. Of course, they didn''t expect to make it back alive. All they needed to do was to die together with their target.


    ��


    When the troops stopped in front of the pce guards, Ren Baqian came down from the carriage and stretched. He then saw the pce gate open and a guard in front of the door announcing, "Imperial Deputy Prefect, Ren Baqian, Overseer of Military Arms, Tao Jiyuan and Colonel of Winged Guards, Teng Ji entering the pce to seek an audience with Her Majesty."


    Ren Baqian walked in the familiar pce at a brisk pace. He had achieved half of his quota and brought a gift for the empress, which was considered as not too bad. The most troublesome thing was being the jinx and causing the death of his teammate. He didn''t know what the situation was now.


    In the throne room, the empress sat above and gazed down at these few people, asked them about the incidents that happened on their journeys, and then waved the extra two people away.


    "You saw the bichi?" The empress frowned slightly at Ren Baqian.


    "Yes." Ren Baqian nodded, this came out from his own mouth. It was better for him to say it straightforwardly than for others to say so.


    From Tao Jiyuan''s posture, it seemed to be quite serious.


    However, he did not encounter any more mishaps on the road these few days, and he was quite carefree. But, the question asked by the empress made him wary once again.


    "Forget it, just be more careful in future." The empress sighed slightly. "Walk with me and tell me about your adventures on the road."


    Ren Baqian followed the empress to the garden, and they sat down in a pavilion.


    He briefly narrated the incidents that happened during this trip, which in reality, wasn''t really much to talk about. He talked about Mount Liucui in a few sentences, but what he actually wanted to know from the empress was about the thing inside the mountain.


    After listening to him, the empress casually mentioned, "There was a legend about a monster inside there. The first generation emperor had been there, but returned after sustaining serious injuries. Since then, it has been a closely guarded secret, and I am also not clear about the matter.


    If there is an opportunity in future, I would like to take a look and find out what is really there. ording to the legend, the thing has existed since at least a thousand years ago."


    Ren Baqian was rendered speechless. There was really such a thing inside.


    To exist for more than one thousand and yet still be alive��it was really hard to imagine. Could it be some creature like the kirin?


    Suddenly, a question popped into Ren Baqian''s head, something he never asked or thought of before. But, if this world had a creature that existed for thousands of years, then, the lifespan of the people here was probably different from those on Earth.


    At this juncture of thought, Ren Baqian raised the question about this issue.


    The empress looked at him with astonishment, "You actually don''t know? Ordinary aboriginals have a lifespan between 70-90 years old. Those who cultivate up to Kismet Heaven can live to 120-140 years old, and those who attain Cardinal Heaven can live to 180-200 years old. After which, there is Longevity Heaven. It is said that one can live more than 300 years if they can attain that level. The first generation emperor cultivated until Longevity Heaven, but he was emperor for only twenty years before simply disappearing."


    Kismet Heaven, Cardinal Heaven, and Longevity Heaven. In actual fact, these were the cultivation realms of the aboriginals. In front of all these, there was also the Four-way Heaven.


    As long as ordinary aboriginals were of age, with some cultivation, they would be able to attain the Four-way Heaven which was equivalent to the Man Wheel level. Compared to Great Xia, which produced one Man Wheel practitioner out of one hundred people, it was not a small advantage. Kismet Heaven was equivalent to progressing from Earth Wheel to Heaven Wheel because Heaven Wheel was also known as breaking through the Celestial Gate and ascending Heaven. As the name implied: breaking through meant boundless space while failure to break through implied that one would fall back to the peak of Earth Embryo Level.


    The Cardinal Heaven was equivalent to the Spirit Wheel. As for Longevity Heaven, it only existed in legends. ording to Great Xia''s legend, there were levels above the Spirit Wheel, which ordinary people weren''t clear about.


    It was roughly divided in this way. In reality, the aboriginals were much stronger whenpared to the practitioners of other nations. This was entirely due to them having very strong bodies.


    Before knowing about this ssification, at the time when Ren Baqian was learning [Ruyi Visualization], he had already found out and understood a little from Lin Qiaole. But, he did not think that the life expectancy here would be much longer than that on Earth.


    Originally, he assumed that it would at most be about one hundred years old.


    To sum it up, he had been teleporting between two worlds and the time span was not equivalent. ording to the decay based on the amount of time the body experienced, if he lived for 60 years on Earth, it would be equivalent to 40 years in this other world.


    What would happen if he practiced [Ruyi Visualization] and wasn''t able to lengthen his life expectancy? When the empress was 60 years old, wouldn''t he be gradually approaching old age? At the very least, the empress could live to about 180 years old.


    Thinking about this immediately spoiled his mood.


    "Your Majesty, what is the life expectancy of a Great Xia practitioner?" Ren Baqian harbored a glimmer of hope as he asked.

 Chapter 165: An Extraordinary White Flower

    Chapter 165: An Extraordinary White Flower


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Earth Embryo Level, 100 years old. God Wheel Level, 150 years old. These numbers are rough estimates. Some people who have reached God Wheel Level are able to live to 160 years old as well, " the empress said casually.


    Following which, she looked at Ren Baqian and asked, "Are you worried?"


    "I''m worried that I can''t be by Your Majesty''s side for too long," Ren Baqian smiled and replied.


    The empress turned silent. After a while, she replied, "I''m not too sure about [Ruyi Visualization], but I don''t think it differs too much from ordinary Dayao martial arts. Things will be clearer once you have attained Earth Embryo Level and obtain full control of your body. Anyway, you don''t need to think too much about this. Even though there aren''t many artifacts that can extend life in this world, they still can be found."


    "But everyone in the court seems so young," Ren Baqian continued.


    This fact puzzled Ren Baqian. If a person who had attained Kismet Heaven could live up to 140 years old, there should still be some officials who were born in the founding years of Dayao in the court now. However, most of the officials he saw were younger than fifty years old. There were extremely few elderly officials like the Great Elder and the Junior Elder. They should also be younger than eighty years old.


    "They left fifty years ago. The first emperor of Dayao, a few officials, and a few warriors that fought during the founding years of Dayao," the empress exined.


    "Where have they gone?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I don''t know, no one knows. I guess they might have gone to Sixty Thousand Mountains. If I can attain Longevity Heaven, I might be able to find out where have they gone," the empress continued.


    "Longevity Heaven huh," Ren Baqian thought to himself. Longevity Heaven allowed one to live to the age of three hundred years old, which would be nine hundred years old on Earth.


    He did not know how long he could live.


    However, he knew he didn''t need to be so pessimistic. That was because he was travelling between the two worlds. If he spent six days here, twelve days on Earth would pass. If he spent ten years here, twenty years on Earth would pass. By then, the technology on Earth would be much more advanced. There might even be some technologies that could extend life.


    If he spent another thirty years here, sixty years on Earth would have passed. By then, the technological level on Earth would reach unprecedented heights.


    When that day arrived, he might be able to extend his life by a few hundred years or clone his own body.


    Therefore, there was no need for him to think much on it right now. All he needed to do was to train hard and survive.


    However, by the time he was forty-three years old, Wannian would be sixty years old on Earth.


    His parents would be approximately ny years old.


    He felt pity for them. He hoped that the technologies on Earth could develop faster.


    "Your Majesty, I obtained this at Mount Liucui. I have no use for it, so I decided to bring it back and gift it to you." Ren Baqian took out a small pouch and passed it to the empress.


    The empress took it with surprise. She opened it and realized there was a slightly withered, small white-colored flower.


    Beneath the flower, there was the colorful sand.


    "This flower was pure and sparkling when I saw it that day. Even though it was grown in the mountain, it still looked exceptionally extraordinary. Therefore, I feel that it suits you very well. It''s a pity that it has withered slightly after so many days," Ren Baqian spoke with a slight tinge of regret.


    The corner of the empress''s mouth curled up slightly. She took out the white-colored flower from the pouch, ced it before her face and sniffed it. Then, she cast a nce at Ren Baqian and said smilingly, "I have this magnolia in my imperial garden."


    With a look of surprise on his face, Ren Baqian said, "From the flower''s unrivalled charm, I still thought it was the king of all flowers and that it must be extremely rare."


    However, right now, there was a white-colored flower fluttering in the wind only ten meters ahead of him.


    The empress did not care about Ren Baqian''s cheap trick. She yed with flower for a while before putting it back into the pouch.


    "You''re quite fortunate to find cloud crystals," the empress said.


    "It''s dropped from the sky," Ren Baqian smiled and replied. Then, he told the empress about how the flower hawk wanted to seize him and how the cloud crystals were found after Teng Ji shed open the flower hawk''s body. However, he did not tell her that he was drenched in blood and innards as it was far too disgusting.


    "You have to work harder on your cultivation, otherwise, you will always be in danger," the empress said.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He also knew what he should he do. Recently, his strength had increased slightly again. He now had the strength of someone who weighed 73 kilograms. He hadpletely absorbed the effects of that medicinal bath.


    "Go back and cultivate first. If it weren''t for this trip, you would be having your third medicinal bath," the empress said, "Come and have dinner with me at Yangxin Pce after you have finished your cultivation."


    "I shall take my leave." Ren Baqian stood up, gave a bow, and left the pce. Later, he wanted to take the medicinal bath and properly store all the TNT.


    He had initially been prepared to use the TNT on the mines. However, since he did not use them, he brought them back.


    If the 40 kg of TNT identally came into contact with fire, they would blow up Pingle Park and the residences around it entirely.


    There were three rooms in Pingle Park. Usually, two of the rooms were for pce maids. However, since Ren Baqian did not have any pce maids, those two rooms were empty.


    His belongings had been sent to his room. He brought the TNT to the room next door and found a spot to keep them. Then, he asked someone to prepare the medicinal bath for him.


    After his cultivation session in the medicinal bath had ended, even though he was still tired, he felt much better than the previous session. At least he did not feel so worn out that he had to lie on the bed and sleep immediately.


    Looking at the time, Ren Baqian sat on the chair and took a nap. After an hour, he realized the sky was about to darken. He quickly rushed to Yangxin Pce to find the empress.


    The empress was lying on a couch reading a book. Not far away from the wooden couch, there was a table that had a hotpot, some sliced meat, and vegetables on it.


    "Your Majesty, sorry for beingte," Ren Baqian apologized.


    "It''s alright," the empress waved her hand and replied.


    Following which, Ren Baqian put the base ingredients into the hotpot and added some firewood to the fire.


    Halfway through the meal, when Ren Baqian looked at the empress eating silently with her head lowered, he thought of the day where the empress was sitting at the sofa watching news while he was making breakfast. His heart jolted as he said, "Your Majesty, do you want to visit Earth with me again?"


    This time was different from thest time. Last time around, he identally bought the empress to Earth. This time around, he took the initiative to invite her there.


    It was significantly different this time around.


    This also showed that Ren Baqian had no intention to hide anything.


    Actually, there was no need for him to hide anything now.


    What was the point of hiding anything when the empress had already been to Earth before?


    When the empress heard Ren Baqian''s words, she raised her head to look at him and nodded.


    Even though she looked very calm on the surface, she actually felt joy deep down. And because of this, she looked even calmer.


    After finishing her meal, the empress summoned Xin Zhe and said, "I will be away for one day. Don''t worry, if anyone wants to see me, tell them I''m in the middle of a training and I won''t be seeing anyone."


    "Your Majesty, let me follow you," Xin Zhe quickly said.


    "Do you think anyone in this world can hurt me?" The empress waved her hand and dismissed Xin Zhe.


    Even though Xin Zhe was unwilling to let empress go somewhere alone, she couldn''t disobey her, and all she could do was leave the pce hall.

 Chapter 166: I Am a Good Samaritan

    Chapter 166: I Am a Good Samaritan


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Earth.


    The apartment that Ren Baqian had rented all along, was originally empty. All of a sudden, two silhouettes appeared out of nowhere. If someone witnessed this, it would probably scare the living daylights out of them.


    The two of them directly teleported over from the pce hall, and it was pitch dark. There was only a faint ray of light shining from outside, and quite promptly, Ren Baqian realized that it was veryte at night. When he felt that hand, which was holding onto his wrist release its grip, he turned around and switched on the lights.


    In an instant, his apartment immediately lit up and Ren Baqian felt that it was somewhat ring.


    At this moment, the empress was wearing the same red dress she had worn when she returned previously to the other world. She was also wearing a pair of ck t shoes and seemed to have the vibe of a modern person.


    It was just that her hair in a bun together with a golden hairpin were somewhat mismatched with the clothes she was currently wearing.


    The empress appeared to be aware of this problem and took the hairpin off her head, letting her hair fall freely.


    Ren Baqian looked at the clock on the wall and it was 1:20 AM.


    At this moment, it was only around 8PM in Dayao.


    The two of them still needed to adjust to the difference in time.


    "Three days over here is equivalent to one day in Dayao," the empress eyed Ren Baqian and confirmed. She was already aware of this issue the previous time. Because after staying two and a half days on Earth, only twenty hours had passed in Dayao.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    "It is actually a good idea to cultivate here. However, Earth is too dirty," the empress said after thinking it through.


    Her nose constantly felt ufortable thest time she had been here for a few days.


    If it wasn''t for her strong body constitution, anyone else who suddenly came to such an environment would definitely contract rhinitis.


    Ren Baqian spread open his hands and said, "This is an inevitable process of technological development. We gain some and lose some. Perhaps, in a few years'' time, this world will return to its original state."


    It might be even better, or even worse. Nobody could predict what would happen in the future.


    However, along with the improvement in technology, people''s understanding of the environment had also improved a lot. Ren Baqian was more inclined to believe that the future would be an even better ce.


    "Your Majesty, take a rest now. I will bring Your Majesty around tomorrow," Ren Baqian said.


    ...


    The next morning, before Ren Baqian got up, the empress was already sitting on the sofa with her legs curled up while watching the news.


    With regards to awareness of this world, besides what Ren Baqian had introduced her, the only other way she obtained information was from the news.


    Ren Baqian leaned on the wall and looked at the empress who was sitting on the sofa. There was also this peculiar feeling in his heart.


    It was the feeling of having a first love that camete.


    Although he was very afraid of the empress in the beginning and also felt the empress''s imposing and cold aura, but these days, such feelings had begun to fade. He would feel a rush of excitement every time he saw the empress.


    Any guy would probably not reject such a woman who not only picked him as a husband, but also, retracted all her shrewdness.


    "I am hungry." The empress looked back at Ren Baqian''s gaze.


    "Okay." Ren Baqian beamed, turned around, and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.


    Ren Baqian prepared porridge before he fried eggs�� he only had these ingredients at home. By now, the vegetables which he had bought when the empress was here thest time, had already rotted.


    "Fire." The empress''s cold voice came through. Ren Baqian immediately turned around looked all over the ce but there wasn''t any sign of fire.


    "Downstairs." The empress said again and only then did Ren Baqian ran out of the kitchen. As expected, there was already smoke rising from the apartment downstairs.


    Ren Baqian was unsure if there was anyone downstairs. He hurriedly ran up and called the fire department. At the same time, he rested his upper body on the window and looked downwards. It was the unit right below his, on the sixth story.


    Ren Baqian also saw that there was someone leaning out of the window. It was a woman.


    "I have already called the fire department," Ren Baqian shouted.


    "Save me, I can''t open the door and can''t run out. I beg you to pass me a rope," the woman downstairs looked up and begged him earnestly.


    From her voice, she didn''t sounded old. But, he couldn''t tell from her appearance as the smoke had already ckened her entire face.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to take a look, why would he have a rope at his apartment.


    "Your Majesty, can you help me out?" Ren Baqian turned his head and asked the empress.


    Even though he didn''t know the household downstairs, he couldn''t possibly let a woman face such a huge fire alone. It was just a very slight effort needed from him. If he could save someone, he should definitely do so. After all, he was a good Samaritan.


    The empress''s emotions were stirred. The person downstairs wasn''t an aboriginal. Furthermore, she heard the voice, and it was a woman.


    However, since Ren Baqian requested it, she nodded her head nevertheless.


    "I will have to inconvenience Your Majesty to break open the door." Ren Baqian expressed his gratitude. Then, he hurriedly ran out to the corridor and opened the fire hydrant cab to take the fire extinguisher out. After which, he ran to the sixth story.


    The empress followed closely behind him.


    By this time, there was already someone at the sixth story. It was unknown whether this person was from next door or from downstairs. A middle-aged man was using a hammer to smash open the door lock.


    "Allow me." Seeing the situation, he ced the fire extinguisher aside. At first, he thought of getting the empress''s help to break the door lock into pieces with just a p. But presently, there was somebody else present, and he couldn''t deal with the issue that way.


    Luckily, he could exert about 700 newtons of force and felt that he should be slightly stronger than that middle aged man. He grabbed the hammer from the middle-aged man and after two pounds, he smashed the knob that was already somewhat tottering. But after smashing it, the door was still unopened. He only managed to smash the knob, that''s all.


    "There''s someone inside. Is there a rope, I will slip the rope in for her to climb out," Ren Baqian told the middle-aged man.


    "I have a rope." After getting the hammer snatched by Ren Baqian and turning to see the empress dressed in red, the middle-aged man couldn''t take his eyes off her.


    Until the empress''s expression began to turn so cold that the middle aged man shivered, he didn''t know why the feeling of fear began to emerge in his heart and subconsciously shifted his gaze away.


    At this moment, he heard what Ren Baqian said and immediately responded. Following which, he hurriedly ran downstairs to retrieve the rope.


    After he left, a spotlessly white hand swatted at the position of the door lock. A "bang" was heard and the chain, with the iron around it immediately dented. Soon after, theponents of the lock flew into the house.


    After swatting, the empress turned around and walked away. Ren Baqian remained expressionless for a while before he reached out and pulled the door open. Flumes of thick smoke and mes directly spurt out, and the shoe cab at the doorway had caught fire as well.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t care less about other stuff and immediately used the fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire.


    That middle aged man came back with a rope in his hand and realized that the door was already open. He was momentarily stunned but promptly picked up the nearest fire extinguisher, and began to aid Ren Baqian''s effort.


    After exhausting two canisters of fire extinguisher, the mes in the living room had been put out. Only the kitchen was still on fire. A girl came running out with her face full of soot. Following which she knelt on the ground and gasped for air.


    "Waaaaaaa! I thought I was going to die just now." That girl wailed loudly. At this moment, Ren Baqian heard her voice and looking at her, he reckoned that she was only about seventeen or eighteen years old.


    "Fortunately, you are fine. The fire department will be here right away," Ren Baqian casually said. Since she was fine, there wasn''t a need for him to stay any longer.


    When Ren Baqian returned to his apartment, the empress was already sitting on the sofa. She only shot a nce at him when he came back.


    Ren Baqian looked at the porridge, and fortunately, nothing happened to it.


    He went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. His face was filled soot, and ck and white lines alternated across it.


    By the time he finished washing up and changing into a fresh set of clothes, the fire department had already arrived.


    Ren Baqian and the empress were quietly having their breakfast while a group of people gathered downstairs after the fire was put out. They were discussing how the entrance door became like that. The original cement of the handle had beenpletely smashed inwards, and a big portion of the entrance door was concaved.


    Even if a sledgehammer was used on such a door, it was impossible to smash it till it reached this state. Not to mention that a single-handed, ordinary hammer was used.


    After they finished their meal, Ren Baqian tidied up the bowls and chopsticks. Then, he took out his phone and made a call. Now, the empress required an identity card. Otherwise, trouble would be a constantpanion.


    "I need to buy an identity, a real identity. I don''t want a fake one," Ren Baqian began to speak once the call got through.


    "We don''t do such business." On the other end of the phone was the ce that Ren Baqian had bought his guns from the previous two times. Ren Baqian really didn''t want to trouble Chen Qing anymore. Since the other party could set up a firearms business privately in the country, his connections would presumably be wide enough. Settling an identity card shouldn''t be a big issue.


    In any case, Ren Baqian didn''t have the right social connections. He had the money but didn''t know who should he stuff it towards. Also, he didn''t have the time to bribe these people.


    "20,000 yuan. You just have to tell me who should I look for. After that, inform the person about this issue first."


    The other party remained silent for a while before saying, "Okay."


    In order to get a real identity, he would need to provide the other party with things like the empress''s name and photograph. And even though the other party seemed like intelligent people, Ren Baqian still couldn''t trust them and was afraid of getting into troubleter on. Most importantly, people would be very wary just based on the nature of business alone.


    The other party had to find someone that was within the nation''s system. So long as they followed the procedures of registering an unregistered resident and created a legal identity for the empress, it would save them a lot of trouble in the future.

 Chapter 167: Taking a Photograph

    Chapter 167: Taking a Photograph


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After an hour, Ren Baqian received a text message, and he called the phone number of the sender. Soon after, a middle-aged man picked up his call.


    After exchanging greetings, Ren Baqian told the man that he had lost his identity card while moving back here from a foreign country and he had be an unregistered resident.


    In reality, both parties clearly knew the authenticity of this story. After all, if Ren Baqian really lost his identity card, he could have gotten a recement from the ce where it had been made.


    However, the other party did not say anything. After making an appointment with Ren Baqian, he hung up the phone.


    While Ren Baqian was making the call, the empress wasn''t too far away from him. When he saw her looking at him, he smiled and exined, "An identity can save us a lot of trouble. Furthermore, doesn''t Your Majesty want to see more of this world? If we want to take a ne or go overseas, we will definitely need proof of identity for you. Identity regtion in this world is very strict. Just by using the Inte, one can easily check your identity."


    The empress nodded her head. Her level of understanding towards this world was far too low. Fortunately, she had someone that understood this world very well. It was best that she followed his arrangements.


    "Your Majesty, let me take a picture of you."


    Ren Baqian suddenly smiled and sad.


    "What?" The empress raised her head with a puzzled look on her face.


    Ren Baqian picked up his phone and took a picture of the room. Then, he passed it to the empress and said, "Like the television, it can keep and disy images. I feel that it can preserve the most beautiful moments of Your Majesty."


    The empress looked at the image on Ren Baqian''s phone andpared it with the corner of the room that he took picture of. With curiosity, she asked, "How does it do it?"


    "Like human eyes, it is able to capture images. In fact, we are able to see because light from an object can move through space and reach our eyes. Once light reaches our eyes, signals are sent to our brain, and our brain deciphers the information in order to detect the appearance, location, and movement of the object we are looking at. A camera or a camera phone work on the same principle. They are able to capture the light from an object and create an image of that object."


    The empress knitted her eyebrows and pondered over Ren Baqian''s words for a while. Her face turned cold as she said, "I still don''t understand. Will this thing suck my soul?"


    Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood when he heard these words. A dumbstruck look immediately appeared on his face. He did not expect the empress to have such a derpy moment.


    After spending a huge amount of time and effort to exin the scientific theory behind photo-taking that he found online, Ren Baqian finally convinced the empress that the camera would not suck her soul and would only take a picture of her.


    At the same time, he took a picture of himself to ensure nothing wrong could happen.


    "After all, as time passes, a person''s appearance will always change and the people and things around him won''t remain forever. No matter what, we take pictures to preserve beautiful and precious moments of our lives. Furthermore, we will need a picture of you to create an identity for you."


    After a long period of time, the empress finally nodded her head, implying that she believed him.


    It was extremely difficult to obtain her trust.


    After all, the empress did not understand the science and significance behind photo-taking.


    Ren Baqian squatted down before of the empress and took a picture of the motionless empress. From her tightly clenched fists, he could tell that she was slightly nervous.


    Following which, Ren Baqian showed the empress the medium shot that he took of her. When she sensed there was nothing wrong with her body, she finally felt at ease.


    "Your Majesty, say cheese." Once again, Ren Baqian ran off and aimed his phone at the empress, who was sitting on the sofa. All he got in return was an ice-cold facial expression.


    Seeing the sunlight poured on the beautiful, red-dressed girl, whose upper portion of her body gave off a radiant glow, Ren Baqian turned emotional. He took a few pictures of the empress from various angles. Following which, he sat beside the empress and said, "Your Majesty, this can capture your most beautiful moments and save them forever. I want everyone in Dayao and the world to see how beautiful Your Majesty is."


    "I have eaten the Jade Embryo before, I will not grow old," the empress said coldly.


    Ren Baqian still did not know what a Jade Embryo was. At that time, when Hong Wu gifted the empress a Jade Embryo, no one told him what it was.


    Therefore, when he heard the empress''s words, he was shocked. After asking about it, he finally knew the beneficial effects of eating a Jade Embryo. In that world, the Jade Embryo was a precious treasure that was coveted by rulers andmoners.


    It was a pity that Jade Embryos were extremely rare. Otherwise, when Hong Wu gave it to the empress as a birthday present, everyone wouldn''t have eximed in envy and surprise.


    Ren Baqian looked at the picture of the empress in his phone. He wanted to capture the empress''s most beautiful moment, develop the photograph and paste it on walls all over the world. He wanted to let everyone see how beautiful the empress of Dayao was.


    He felt that it would be a good idea to paste her picture on the city wall of Dayao. However, he did not know whether or not would people find it offensive.


    Right now, Ren Baqian somewhat had the notion of unting the empress''s magnificence.


    Enjoying himself, Ren Baqian kept on taking pictures of the empress for nearly half of the day. The empress paid him no heed at all. After he was satisfied, he took a nce at the time. It was about time for him to set off for the appointed ce to meet that man. He put down his phone and told the empress, "Your Majesty, we will settle your identity first before taking a stroll in the city."


    After changing his clothes, Ren Baqian came down with one more phone in his hand. It was the phone that he previously prepared for the empress. The only thing saved on it was his number.


    "Your Majesty, if anything happens outside and we split up, it will be much easier for us to contact each other if you have this." Ren Baqian passed the phone to the empress.


    The empress had been curious about this gadget for quite some time. After all, it was so small, but it allowed one to talk to someone in a distant area. If her army was equipped with this gadget,munications would be more convenient.


    "How do I use it?" the empress raised her head and asked. She did not understand anything from this world at all. While feeling a sense of novelty, she also felt ufortable. It had been a very long time since she had felt so helpless.


    Ren Baqian demonstrated to the empress how to use a phone. At the same time, he called his own number, ced the new phone beside the empress''s ear and answered the call.


    "Your Majesty." Sitting right beside the empress, Ren Baqian could smell the fragrance from her body. A gentle smile appeared on his face.


    When the empress heard that the voiceing from the phone was identical to Ren Baqian''s, she took the phone over and fiddled with it. She then repeated the steps that Ren Baqian taught her.


    The empress was draped in a sable-hair-made coat this time around, intensifying the cold air she exuded.


    It was the middle of March now. Even though it was still cold, one would feelfortable when the warm sunlight poured onto him or her.


    Aspared to wintertime, the streets in March were much more lively and beautiful.


    After a harsh winter, everyone felt a sense of vigor, making them look more energetic than they were during winter. A rxed look could be found on many of the passing pedestrians'' faces.


    Soon after, two of them arrived at the civil affairs bureau. Ren Baqian turned around and said, "Your Majesty, can you wait here for me? I don''t think you will like the crowded atmosphere inside."


    "Let me follow you, I want to see how things work here," the empress shook her head and said.


    After an hour, two persons walked out of the civil affairs bureau. Ren Baqian had a temporary identity card with the name "Qi Zixiao" written on it in his hand.


    Just now, as Ren Baqian had expected, the person-in-charge was dumbstruck when he saw the empress. How could a person who had dealt with people from all walks of life not see that Qi Zixiao was an extraordinary individual?


    How could such an extraordinary individual be an unregistered resident?


    There''s definitely more to this than meets the eye.


    Fortunately, everything was settled without a hitch in the end. The empress was finally an inhabitant of Earth.

 Chapter 168: Countercharge

    Chapter 168: Countercharge


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Following the whistle, Ren Baqian and the empress felt the pressure as the ne elerated into the air. Thendscape outside the ne''s window also proved the separation from the earth. Peeking through the ne''s window and looking downwards, they could see everything getting smaller and smaller beneath them until everything appeared as tiny as ants. The ne stabilized for a moment before ascending once again.


    "Qi Zixiao, are you alright?" Ren Baqian asked as he looked at Qi Zixiao who was sitting by the ne''s window. He could tell that she was a little tensed up.


    On the ground, she was ranked as the seventh most powerful individual in the other world. But in the sky, she felt as if she was out of control. Even with her level of skill, she would not survive if she were to fall from such a high altitude.


    "We won''t drop down, right?" The empress looked out the window while frowning.


    "Safer than driving a car. Basically, nothing much will happen." Ren Baqianforted her softly.


    "Pow!" A sound was heard. As Ren Baqian was looking for the source of the sound, he saw that the armrest between them had been crushed by the empress. It broke into a pile of fragments.


    Many people would feel afraid during their first flight. However, the empress merely exerted a little more strength than she usually did, and it ended up in this state.


    Looking at the situation, Ren Baqian was considering whether to counter charge by saying that the quality of the armrest was too poor. After all, the strength of the empress must not be revealed. If someone were to find out that such legendary people who could tear apart Gundams with their bare hands actually existed��God knows what those people would do.


    It was because such unimaginable strength could easily be associated by others with things like myths, unknowns, longevity, and so on.


    Ren Baqian ced himself in the shoes of the others and thought about it. If he were to be some official or magnate, he would settle it at all costs with the exception of using nuclear warheads to plow the ground.


    Looking at how tensed up the empress still was, Ren Baqian stretched out his hand and said, "I can lend you my hand to hold, but please don''t crush it."


    It was not a joke, that was his exact sentiments. His hands were not as tough as the armrest and even the armrest was crushed immediately. His hands would probably have to be amputated if that were to happen to him.


    The empress nced at him and turned away to continue looking outside the window. She finally released the grip of her hands, and the fragments of the armrest fell to the floor.


    At this moment, the duo was on a ne flying towards Yazhou.


    Prior to this, Ren Baqian had asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to see the ocean?"


    Only a few hourster, the both of them were sitting on the ne.


    They had to travel to Yazhou to see the ocean during this season because one would freeze to death at the northern coast. Besides, in that bitterly cold weather, there was nothing much to see.


    Ren Baqian actually wanted to know if the empress knew how to put on a swimsuit. But that was just a thought. If he were to bring that up, he reckoned that he would be swatted to death.


    Previously, when he showed her how to wear a bra, his cellphone was instantly destroyed.


    After the ne ascended to the clouds, the empress widened her eyes a little. At that moment, the clouds resembled a floating plot ofnd reflecting the sun''s rays and was an extremely magnificent sight.


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian called the stewardess as she walked past. With an innocent look on his face, he pointed at the armrest and said, "The quality is too poor. Just by gripping it, it broke."


    Looking at the two of them, the impression of thedy in red grew on her. She was very beautiful and full of heroic spirit. Her aura was even stronger. The stewardess actually felt inferior when she looked at the empress. Just now, she was discussing with a few other stewardesses at the rear cabin. wondering what kind of family was the empress from.


    She was still pondering what Ren Baqian meant just now when he said that the quality was too poor. But, after seeing that the armrest of the seat waspletely crushed, that stewardess was obviously surprised. She was very clear on the quality of the armrest. How could it be simply crushed like that?


    However, the truth was right there in front of her eyes.


    "My apologies, Sir and Madam." The stewardess first apologized. Whether or not she believed it, the armrest was indeed broken. And it could not have been crushed by the mere strength of a human. It could only be that the armrest already had some problems beforehand that were not detected.


    She did not mention anything aboutpensation. After all, such incidents had never urred before and she didn''t know what to do as well. She could only check with herpany after the ne hadnded.


    But, to think of it, thepany would not request forpensation as well. Having the armrest of a ne''s seat crushed by a person''s grip was a very big snag. Thepany would be fortunate enough if the other party didn''t reveal the incident to the public.


    "It doesn''t matter. I just want to urge you to do more checks in future." Ren Baqian smiled courteously.


    Ren Baqianughed after the dumbfounded stewardess left. He had never made such a bogus usation before. The changes in him had grown bigger these days.


    "Is it expensive to sit on this thing?" The empress turned her head and asked Ren Baqian after she grew tired of looking at the clouds.


    The ne had truly widened her horizons. She had never imagined herself to be up in the clouds. ording to a myth of Great Xia, that was where the Gods lived.


    But, there were no Gods in this world, and it didn''t seem too difficult to get to the clouds.


    "Amoner with the most basic monthly sry can probably take two flights? It shouldn''t be considered too expensive. The speed is very fast if you were to go on a long journey. It will only take about six hours to travel three thousand kilometers."


    The empress did some calctions in her mind. The distance from Lan city to Great Xia was about one thousand five hundred kilometers. It would take half a month by carriage, and a cavalry with increased speed would take around four days.


    And it would probably take only less than four hours to cover that distance in this world.


    That was the power of technology of this world.


    This was what Dayaocked, the power to surpass the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation, and Great Xia.


    It was already ten in the evening when the ne arrived at Yazhou. Ren Baqian could feel the sizzling hot weather as soon as he got off the ne. He left the airport with the empress''s and his jacket in his hands.


    Even though it was alreadyte at night, it was still brightly lit outside. Furthermore, the fresh and clean air and the vacation ambience made people feel rxed immediately.


    They arrived in a taxi at the Rhine Hotel which had been reserved in advance. They had a luxurious sea view suite with two bedrooms and one living room. Ren Baqian put his things down and went to the window at the living room. He could hear the sound of the waves and also smelled the scent of the ocean.


    He had wanted toe here since long ago.


    The empress stopped beside Ren Baqian. Even though she couldn''t see anything, she could hear the sound of the waves.


    As far as the ocean was concerned, she had only seen it in books with very minimal descriptions. The deepest impression she had of the ocean was that salt could be made from it.


    If Dayao had oceans, there wouldn''t be a need to worry about salt anymore.


    After standing in front of the window for a while and finishing dinner, they both went back to their own rooms to rest.


    Ren Baqian got up early the next day and stood at the window, looking at the blue skies and white clouds outside. With the bright and beautiful weather, his mood became very good.


    At this time of the year, it was indeed morefortable here whenpared to the north.


    As he stood there and looked outside, there were already people who got up early and were strolling on the beach.


    The empress was already on the sofa watching television when he came out from his room. She had been waking up early every morning to catch the morning news. She would pick up a bit of knowledge through the news every day, but would seldom ask Ren Baqian about it. She kept the majority of the things in her mind and would only ask him if necessary.


    She was like a piece of sponge absorbing water, understanding the world''s knowledge bit by bit.


    Ren Baqian felt that if she really wanted to learn more, it would be best for her to learn the writtennguage of this world and find out more via the inte. That way of learning would be much more efficient than the television. But there was no hurry as there would be more than enough time in the future.


    It was better to rejoice and have some fun here at this well-known tourist spot first.


    After breakfast, Ren Baqian changed into a pair of long pants and shirt while the empress still wore a red dress, and they went out for a stroll.


    The hotel had a pretty good environment. There was nice greenery within the courtyard and there was also a swimming pool. Walking around were all tourists who looked very rxed.


    After taking a turn outside the hotel, facing the duo was a beach full of white sand and azure ocean with some children running about having fun.


    Almost everyone was smiling with joy and satisfaction.

 Chapter 169: Zixiao

    Chapter 169: Zixiao


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian and the empress walked barefoot on the beach, feeling the tactile sensation of the fine sand beneath their feet. The sound of the sea chimed melodiously in their ears. Traces of white-colored waves surged towards the shore from afar. In session, they struck the shoreline and receded slowly.


    "How do you feel about here?" Ren Baqian did not bother to call the empress by her name at this point in time. Previously, both of them had agreed to call each other by their names. He felt somewhat disconnected from the empress if he called her Qi Zixiao. However, he couldn''t quite bring himself to call her Zixiao either.


    At the end of the day, he was an ordinary young man who had never dated a girl before. Furthermore, he had been somewhat anti-social in the past.


    Even though his character had recently changed significantly, his social skills were still somewhat limited.


    The empress turned around to gaze at the azure sea. Then, she looked at the children running past her and the swimmers that had a smile on their faces. Following which, she said, "It''s very peaceful here. For an ordinary individual, this kind of life is very good."


    "That''s true," Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied. It was a pity that the person beside him wasn''t an ordinary individual.


    "So a sea looks like this... I have tried to imagine how a sea looks like many times in the past, but I couldn''t do it," the empress continued.


    On Earth, even a child could see the appearance of a sea through various channels.


    However, in that world, a sea was something that even the empress had never seen before.


    Of course, that world had its own strengths as well. For example, that world had powerful martial arts, artifacts that could extend life, etc. These things could definitely not be found on Earth.


    Overall, the Earth was more suitable for ordinary individuals to lead a stable life.


    "Do you want to give it a try?" Ren Baqian asked as he walked towards the shoreline and let the waves hit his feet and calves.


    After a slight hesitation, the empress took a few steps towards the shoreline. Then, she lowered her head and looked at the seawater submerging her feet.


    "Do you want take a photo?" Ren Baqian looked at the empress and took out his phone.


    The empress did not care about him. He took a few pictures of her side profile and kept his phone.


    Two of them stood there for some time before slowly walking back.


    "Hey, be careful!" A yell suddenly came from a distance. Ren Baqian turned around and saw a ball flying towards them. Moreover, it was heading directly towards the empress.


    Not far away, there were six foreign young men wearing T-shirts and shorts. In between them, there was a. A few of them even had a smile on their faces. Ren Baqian wondered whether or not they did it on purpose.


    Looking at their facial expressions, it was likely that they purposefully did it. However, that did not mean they were ill-intentioned. Perhaps they just wanted to see appearance of the empress.


    If the ball hit either Ren Baqian or the empress, they could run up to them and apologize. This way, they could start a conversation with the empress. This was their trick to pick up girls.


    This kind of trick wasn''t umon at all.


    However, the other party had chosen the wrong target this time around.


    The empress remained motionless. Following which, she raised her hand and softly smacked the volleyball, looking as though she was swatting a fly With a speed that was much faster than the speed it wasing, the ball whizzed towards the group of young men like a missile.


    "Thump!"


    After making contact with the face of one of the foreign young men, the volleyball shot right up into the air. That young man flew back in the air and copsed on his back with a bloodstain on his face.


    Even from afar, Ren Baqian could feel his pain.


    I have to admit that you really deserve it.


    The empress did not have any intention of stopping. Ren Baqian quickened his pace and followed behind the empress.


    He could not be bothered with that group of foreign young men.


    However, four of those young men recklessly ran to the front of Ren Baqian and the empress and blocked their way. A blonde, muscr, young man then started talking in inept Chinese, "You hit my friend, you have to apologize to him."


    The four young men were significantly taller than Ren Baqian and the empress. All of them looked at the empress only.


    When they saw her appearance, they were bbergasted. The empress''s appearance simply took their breaths away.


    Ren Baqian helplessly shook his head at them.


    Didn''t you see her smacking the volleyball back to you softly? How dare you confront us now?


    Furthermore, do you think Her Majesty has the word "apologize" in her dictionary?


    "Get lost," the empress spat out,pletely ignoring what they were saying.


    "You are the one that threw the ball over," Ren Baqian took a step forward and said, "Don''t tell me you were beaten up by ady?"


    The group of young men looked at each other. Then, one of them looked at the empress and insisted, "It was an ident just now, you still have to apologize to our friend."


    The empress turned around and looked at Ren Baqian. Her facial expression was ice-cold but her gaze looked uncertain.


    Subconsciously, Ren Baqian felt that the empress wasn''t asking him what should she do now, but rather, could she beat them to death.


    He did not know why he would think this way, but this was what he intuitively felt.


    "..." Ren Baqian did not know what to say at this moment.


    However, before he could say anything, the empress had already made her decision. The young man that was speaking just now suddenly flew back in the air and knocked into his friends standing behind him. None them did knew what had happened.


    Even Ren Baqian could not tell when she struck him


    From the swaying of her dress, Ren Baqian reckoned that the empress must have given him a kick.


    Ren Baqian and the empress continued on their way. The former could still hear the young men yelling in rm behind him. After all, none of them saw the beautiful-lookingdy attacking their friend. They werepletely unaware of what happened.


    "Zixiao, it''s not better not to attack anyone here. After all, your identity is unique and it can''t be found out by anyone," Ren Baqian suddenly leaned towards the empress''s ear and said. Upon hearing Ren Baqian calling her "Zixiao", the empress stopped abruptly in her tracks. She turned around and looked at him.


    "It doesn''t matter if they die or not. The main thing is, if you kill them, you will attract a lot of attention to yourself. This is very dangerous for you. Even if you''re not scared, it will create a lot of trouble for us." Ren Baqian was feeling nervous as well. He wondered how the empress felt after he called her "Zixiao" on impulse.


    The empress stared at his face with an ice-cold gaze. After a while, she shifted away her gaze and continued walking forward. Her ears turned slightly red.


    When Ren Baqian called her "Zixiao", her heartbeat mysteriously quickened, causing her to be diposed.


    She suddenly did not know what to say to him.


    Even though she had already chosen him to be her husband, and she''d heard him say such words many times before, she still felt frantic now.


    As for the other words that Ren Baqian had said, she did not hear them at all.


    God knows what he said.


    It was only that word "Zixiao" that kept on echoing in her ears.


    Ren Baqian could only keep up with her. It was more than enough for him to say those words once. From the look of it, the empress had already exercised a lot of self-restraint in this world.


    In fact, he would say such words because those young men weren''t really dangerous.


    If they were really dangerous, Ren Baqian wouldn''t be so inflexible as to not let the empress defend them. After all, he had two lives in his hands, his and the empress''s.


    He did not want the empress to reveal her unique identity.


    He enjoyed his blissful and carefree life with the empress on Earth very much, and he did not want anyone to disturb it.

 Chapter 170: Chatting Freely

    Chapter 170: Chatting Freely


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian went to rent a car after they left the beach. After which, they went to the supermarket, bought a lot of stuff that could be used for a barbecue and loaded it all into the car.


    Soon after, with the empress beside him, he aimlessly drove straight ahead on the highway. The wind blew into the car, ying with the empress''s hair from time to time causing it to brush against Ren Baqian''s face.


    Sunshine, beaches, open highways, and traveling aimlessly.


    This was the life Ren Baqian dreamed about.


    After switching on the car''s sound system and pressing a few buttons, the car was soon filled with lively music.


    "When wearing a flowery shirt, you need to be apanied by a ukulele,


    otherwise, you will look like a homeless brother.


    When wearing a suit jacket, remember to have a female partner,


    otherwise you will look like a parking attendant��"


    [Lyrics from Jay Chou''s song "Ukelele"]


    With one hand on the steering wheel gently tapping to the beat, he asionally turned his head to catch a glimpse of the empress sitting beside him.


    "How long will it take for Dayao to be like this?" The empress thought for long time before asking. She clearly felt more joy and satisfaction here whenpared to the fast-paced life in the city.


    "Science and education are the foundation of everything here��social development cannot proceed without them.


    Although there is a disparity between the poor and the rich, whereby the wealth of the rich is almost equivalent to the nation as a whole while the poor have trouble getting enough food, most of the ordinary people can satisfy their basic material needs. This is possible because materials are abundant and their prices are very low.


    Progress in science and technology is a precondition for achieving these goals. It does not depend on one or two people, but on the education of most of the people. Themoners do not only just hunt and farm, but contribute to the country.


    In this world, for example, children begin to study from age eight till they are sixteen or seventeen in high school. After graduating from high school, they will enter university and some even obtain a master or doctorate degrees. The minority only study for nine years. Most study for sixteen years, and some, for more than twenty years.


    This level of education allows everyone to have a considerable understanding of the world.


    Every year, about seven million students, with sixteen years of education, graduate.


    After going through school, these people influence all aspects of society, innovate, and made advances in science and technology."


    Once again, the empress was stunned by the figures Ren Baqian mentioned.


    Dayao had in total roughly less than forty million people, and yet, in this world, there were seven million graduates with sixteen years of education annually.


    If she did not personallye to this world, it would be very difficult for her to believe such astonishing numbers.


    Having been here twice, she felt the things she saw were real, and anyway, the person by her side had no reason to lie to her.


    In addition, from what she had seen these few days, the people in this world were physically frail, iparable to the aboriginals. But, in term of verbal skills and sensory perception, they were way better than the aboriginals.


    "Zixiao, pardon my blunt words, in Dayao there is basically no fundamental education. Also, it is still in the primitive stage of farming and hunting.


    The minority that has received education are the children of the court officials. They might do well in their positions, such as the six departments of the imperial court or other simr positions, but it would be very difficult to advance science and technology in the decades or even centuries toe.


    The portion of ordinary citizens receiving education is probably not much, but, if there''s enough to form a pool of talent, these people can gather together and can potentially change one country or even the whole world.


    The most important point of this was that they had gone through education and gained knowledge as well.


    Over here, we have three phrases: knowledge changes fate, knowledge creates wealth, and knowledge is power.


    The strength of a man is limited to maybe fifty kilograms or even five hundred kilograms, but, mechanical power can be a hundred or even one thousand times stronger than that. A job that required one hundred people can easily be done by machines.


    As long as there is knowledge, enough power could be harnessed or generated.


    One example is this car." Ren Baqian patted the steering wheel.


    "For example, as mentioned earlier on, airnes can ferry people and fly through the sky, rockets can send people to outer space, and none of this can be done by relying physical human power alone."


    "What do you all study?" The empress asked.


    "Many things, it is all epassing. Before high school, it is basic education and the contents are the same. It includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology,nguage, and history. After high school, it is up to the individual''s choice of learning direction.


    Those who study physics and chemistry, discover the rules of the world through research and learn how theposition of matter changes the properties of materials.


    Those who study medicine, be doctors and treat sick people afterpleting their course of study.


    Those who study agriculture, will teach others how to achieve higher yields from their crops and do research to produce higher yielding crops.


    As for those who study mechanical engineering, they are able to design machines to rece manpower, with a machine doing the jobs of tens or hundreds of workers. The automobile, the airne, and other such machines are examples.


    Those who study music,pose music that entertains people, just like the song you are listening to now.


    Those learning architecture, specialize in designing and building different types of buildings and structures. Those high-rise building you have seen are their contributions.


    Others specialize innguage, cooking, teaching, repair, and all sorts of imaginable fields.


    There are also many who choose to be teachers to teach what they have learned. Therefore, there is no shortage of teachers here."


    Ren Baqian parked his car on the roadside and proudly presented.


    "Here, the brain is the most powerful, knowledge is everywhere and has the highest value."


    Of course, he selectively filtered some information.


    For example, specialization in sports was left out as he thought it was hard for the empress to understand why anyone would want to learn how to run faster, jump higher, or jump further.


    Topics like economics, politics and such were also hard to understand.


    The empress heard what Ren Baqian said and looked into the distance.


    She realized that what Ren Baqian just mentioned, was the greatest difference between Dayao and this world.


    Seriously, anyone could be as great as a dragon.


    "In that case, what do you propose to do?" the empress looked at Ren Baqian and asked. Her eyes were cold, but harbored some hope.


    "The first priorities are the Mount Damo mine and the salt well. Then, we start work on educating the people. The aboriginals are very strong, but the power of the mind is much stronger than muscle power," Ren Baqian immediately replied as he had already considered this matter long ago.


    "One more thing to bear in mind is the remnant citizens of Hao Nation," Ren Baqian said.


    "In this world, there are 56 ethnic groups in China alone, with different habits and customs. But, they have merged together as members of one country and move diligently in the same direction, contributing towards the country.


    The remnant citizens of the Hao Nation have been under the control of Dayao for seventy years, yet they never integrated into the country.


    In reality, they are capable in many ways. The aboriginals are good at waging wars, but not in farming, business, manufacturing, etc. Thus, the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation are able to make up for the insufficiencies of the aboriginals.


    There is no need to be antagonistic towards each other. In fact, both parties can coborate. In your eyes, they may look very weak and can be wiped out with a single order. But, they were retained only because of the agreement signed earlier. However, they can be formidable too," Ren Baqian continued.


    Although he had never met any remnant citizens of the Hao Nation , the country had been destroyed for so long yet the aboriginals and these people were still hostile towards each other. So much so that guards were still needed to watch over them to prevent them from doing petty acts or staging a rebellion.


    This was a total waste, a waste of military resources and also a waste of the potential productivity of nearly twenty million people.


    If these people were liberated, imagine the amount of things they could do?


    "They will rebel, even now, they are not hones," the empress immediately said.


    "They are like caged birds who cannot see any future. During the past seventy years, the aboriginals have not tried to integrate them, and as a result, they are all unsettled. But, this should not continue. If the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation and even Great Xia are conquered, don''t tell me you will find a ce to confine them and always guard against them in case they stage a rebellion?" Ren Baqian said bluntly.


    "I have never thought of conquering them. Thete emperor did not have this n either. Otherwise, the Yun Nation would have been extinguished decades ago. The aboriginals are understaffed. Many of them are still living in the mountains and not able to control such arge territory," the empress exined.


    "As such, it is too wasteful not to integrate them. If we can use them, the power of Dayao will not only double, but increase more than that. The people''s lives will also be much better than it is now. Aren''t you letting them manage themselves now? Why don''t you let them do more things?


    I have mentioned this to Your Majesty before. It ispletely possible to integrate them into Dayao as long as we weed out a handful of disloyal ones. Most people do not think so much and will ept it as long as they can live, work in peace, and see hope in their future. Strengthening their identity with Dayao will lessen their probability of rebelling. Even if they were to rebel, not many will follow, and it will not set off a storm."


    If Your Majesty still has some reservations, we can do it step by step and slowly integrate them into Dayao. The aboriginals only need to control some key ces, and they will be unable to create any storms.


    Several decades ago, the entire Hao Nation was defeated, what do these people need to worry about now?"


    "The people in court will not agree."


    After Ren Baqian heard this reply, he could imagine the great resistance this proposal would meet in court. He had never considered himself as a reformer and said, "Do it step by step, let a small portion of dutiful remnant citizens of the Hao Nation leave and then see what kind of changes will happen.


    A few hundred thousands of people will not cause any major impact, but the changes will be visible."


    "Do you have any ideas?" the empress inquired. She felt Ren Baqian was not saying nonsense and definitely had some solutions.


    "I have a few, but, I''ll need to see those people in order to confirm them." After all, Ren Baqian had never met any remnant citizens of the Hao Nation descendants before and did not know what the actual situation was like now. He could only determine which idea to use only after seeing what their lives were like.

 Chapter 171: Daring

    Chapter 171: Daring


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Even though both of them were listening to a cheerful Chinese song in the car, they were discussing serious issues.


    After talking for quite some time, both of them became silent again. The empress pondered over Ren Baqian''s words and Dayao''s future.


    Previously, while she was in Dayao, she did not feel anything. Even though Dayao still had some catching up to do before it could reach the level of the Chen Nation and the Yun Nation, it wasn''t as bad as the disparity between Dayao and Earth.


    However, after arriving in this world, she felt that something had to be done.


    The only thing that aboriginals could be proud of was their powerful individual fighting strength.


    ording to Ren Baqian, who used the term "society progress level" to describe the development level of a world, the disparity between the society progress level of Earth and Dayao was far too great.


    Ren Baqian ced his hands behind his head. asionally, he would take a look at the empress''s side profile and then the white clouds in the blue sky.


    After a long while, Ren Baqian, "Should we do our barbecue here? I''ll get down and make preparations first."


    They were near to a beach, but the quality of the sand beneath their feet wasn''t really good. There were also many reefs in their surroundings. However, it was a new style of environmentpared to those tranquil beaches.


    Ren Baqian took out the barbecue grill and charcoal and found a good spot to start fire. Following which, he went back to the car to grab the marinated meat.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian and the empress were seated on small stools on the beach with the sea right beside them. Even though the small stools paled inparison to the chairs in those high-ss hotels, they were veryfortable to sit on.


    Every now and then, Ren Baqian would ce the barbecued meat on a te and pass it to the empress.


    "No matter how high-ss those ces are, they still pale inparison to your imperial pce. Living the life of an ordinary individual like this is still more interesting. For an ordinary individual, living a life like this is considered bragging to other people. For Your Majesty, it''s considered enjoying life." Ren Baqian rambled endlessly without getting to the point. He also did not care whether or not would the empress reply to him.


    After eating the barbecued meat, the empress finished the entire bottle of baijiu by herself. Even so, her eyes remained crystal-clear.


    [baijiu - a Chinese alcoholic beverage made from grain.]


    "Do you know that Earth is round? Earth is just a small in this boundless universe. There are countlesss like Earth. On theses, there are various types of intelligent lives. For example, Autobots, Decepticons, Ultraman, Super Saiyans��" Ren Baqian began bullshitting after drinking half a bottle of baijiu.


    To convince the empress, Ren Baqian purposely found a clip of Transformers on his phone and showed it to her. When the empress saw the battle between humans and the Transformers, she was dumbstruck.


    Her gaze was glued to the screen, subconsciously thinking what she should do if she encountered such enemies in the future.


    Even though the other party was enormous in size, made out of metal and carried various types of weapons, she could still handle them. However, countless ordinary aboriginals would die effortlessly in their hands.


    Ren Baqian was amused when he saw the pensive look on the empress''s face. The smile on his face became wider and wider.


    Incidentally, the empress raised her head and saw the smile on Ren Baqian''s face. Immediately, she realized the clip was the "movie" that Ren Baqian had mentioned earlier. Her face turned cold instantly.


    "You''re lying to me!"


    "Ahhhhhh��" Ren Baqian''s voice dragged across the air. He then fell into the water with a loud ssh.


    Ren Baqian was shocked when he dropped into the water. He did not expect the water to be so deep and his feet couldn''t touch the seabed as well. Furthermore, he did not know how to swim.


    "Help�� Gurgle��. Hel.... Gurgle" Ren Baqian could feel the seawater gushing into his mouth. He couldn''t find anything to hold on to as he kept on struggling for his life.


    When the empress saw Ren Baqian struggling up and down in the water, she knitted her eyebrows.


    A red shadow flew across the surface of the water like a lightning. The empress caught Ren Baqian with one hand and tapped the water surface with her other hand. The water surface was depressed and then exploded, creating a gigantic water pir above the water.


    Using the force from the explosion, the empress bounced back to the shore and threw Ren Baqian to one side.


    Ren Baqian began to puke out tons of seawater. He even puked his dinner. Following which, he rolled around the sand and panted heavily.


    "Hahaha..." Lying on the sand, Ren Baqian suddenlyughed out loud, looking extremely happy.


    When he thought of how daring he was to scare the empress with Transformers just now, he could not help but admire himself.


    Even though the empress threw him into the water in a moment of rage, she still saved him afterwards. It appeared that the empress wasn''t really angry.


    Perhaps this was how two lovers interacted with each other? It was a violent interaction though.


    The empress cast an irritated look at that fool. Even though she never entered the water, her body was still wet. Many parts of her clothes were sticking to her body.


    After Ren Baqian sobered up, he went into the water again and washed away the sand from his body. Then, he wrung his clothes and returned to his car with water dripping all over the floor. By this time, the empress was already in the car.


    All the way until midnight, he drove back to the hotel.


    Two of them spent two days on Hainan Ind. The second day, they strolled around the ind and shopped. He bought a few dresses for the empress and a new set of clothes for himself. Soon after, they took a ne back to Shencheng.


    After returning to Ren Baqian''s house, the empress sat on the sofa with a bag of Maltesers in her hand.


    The bag of Maltesers was bought at Hainan Ind. To Ren Baqian''s surprise, the empress loved it very much.


    Despite her phenomenal fighting strength, the empress loved to eat sweet food very much. Ren Baqian wondered whether she would get a toothache after eating so many sweets. If she really had toothache, it wouldn''t be easy to find a dentist for her.


    Ten minutes after they returned home, they heard someone knocking on the door. Ren Baqian opened the door and saw a middle-aged couple with a young girl that looked approximately eighteen years old standing outside. The young girl was quite pretty.


    "Hello, sorry for disturbing you, we live below you. Thank you very much for what you did a few days ago," the middle-aged man held Ren Baqian''s hands and said.


    "Thank you very much. Actually, we wanted toe up and thank you two days ago but you weren''t at home then. Just now, when we heard some noise above us, we guessed that you were back and we immediately came up to take a look." The young girl was very polite as well.


    Simrly, the middle-aged woman thanked Ren Baqian repeatedly.


    If it weren''t for Ren Baqian, her daughter would not have been able to escape the house and would have died. Even if she survived, she would have been burned and scarred, which would have been very cruel torture to her as well.


    They thanked Ren Baqian from the bottom of their hearts.


    "It''s no big deal. As neighbors, we should help each other." Ren Baqian smiled and waved his hands.


    "I would like to treat you a meal to as a way of thanking you, what do you think? It''s just a meal," the middle-aged man said.


    "It''s alright, it''s really no big deal." Ren Baqian continued to wave his hands. He had no interest in having a meal with this family. Furthermore, the empress was still in his house.


    After spending a huge amount of effort and time, Ren Baqian finally sent the family away. He closed the door and heaved a sigh of relief.


    He felt it was more troublesome to be thanked by someone than to save someone.


    At night, Ren Baqian watched a movie with the empress. They watch a ssic ghost movie, Out of The Dark.


    [Out of The Dark - A 1995 Hong Kong ghost movie starring Stephen Chow]


    Ren Baqian wanted to see whether or not would the empress be scared by the ghost movie.


    And just like what he expected, the empress ate the popcorn and finished watching the movie unmoved.


    Even though there were some puns in the movie that she did not understand, the bomb scene still made her smile.

 Chapter 172: Small Scale Solar Furnace

    Chapter 172: Small Scale Sr Furnace


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Two silhouettes suddenly appeared out of thin air within the quiet and cold Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Ren Baqian was clutching in his hands a huge paper box and a small bag. After seeing the surrounding scenery clearly, he looked down at the empress''s hands. They were empty.


    "The thing in my hand back then, disappeared in a split second," the empress said as she looked at her left hand.


    After going through the second medicinal bath, he had the strength of a man that weighed a little more than 75 kilograms. The weight of the box in his hand together with the empress was more or less equivalent to how strong he was. Originally, he wanted to see if the empress could bring back some items. But, it was already proven that it wouldn''t work and the items would directly disappear. It was unknown whether the item was being left behind on Earth or disappeared somewhere during the process of the teleportation.


    "Your Majesty!" Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan''s voice trailed from behind.


    "What time is it now?" The empress turned around and questioned.


    "Your Majesty, it''s zishi now." Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan walked towards the empress, bowed, and responded.


    Seeing both of their manners, it seemed that they had been keeping watch here since the empress had left.


    Zishi is the time period between 11 pm and 1 am. It just happened to be midnight.


    "Did anything happen in the pce?" The empress asked again.


    "Everything was safe and sound."


    "The both of you may take your leave," the empress said and waived them off.


    After the pair of them had left, only then did she look at the box in Ren Baqian''s hands and ask, "What''s that?"


    After Ren Baqian gotten someone to deliver the box to his house, the both of them returned to the pce hall, so she hadn''t yet had the time to ask.


    "A piece of equipment that utilizes sunlight to melt steel. This will be used for a demonstration. After some preparation, I would like to manufacture ss, mirrors, and a piece of bigger equipment to melt Mount Damo bit by bit. I have been thinking of constructing a factory to manufacture ss, but it might be scorned upon. And as such, I have prepared this equipment and presume that the rest of the people would have nothing to say anymore," Ren Baqian patted the box and said.


    This was a sr furnace exhibition, and simrly, he was exhibiting his own capabilities.


    It was not that he wasn''t clear about his current situation. On that day in the throne room, Feng Hou''s attitude, as well as Tao Jiyuan''s attitude from the start, made him realize a lot of things.


    Not considering all these, even if he didn''t put himself in someone else''s shoes, he would have arrived at the same conclusion as well.


    Therefore, he wanted to show how capable was he and wait for it to be recognized by everyone. In future, it would be more convenient to do such things. After all, he didn''t like to be questioned for everything he did.


    "Good." The empress nodded, turned around and returned to her couch. "Inform me when you are done with your preparations. I will gather Second Elder as well as a few others to observe what you have prepared."


    "Yes. I will take my leave first." Ren Baqian lifted that box very carefully and walked out. When he was outside, he found two imperial guards and got them to help him bring the box to Pingle Park.


    When he returned to Pingle Park, Ren Baqian cultivated [Ruyi Visualization] before crashing into his bed.


    The next morning, when Ren Baqian saw that the sun was already up, he got the imperial guards to shift the box from Pingle Park to a piece of vacantnd.


    In any case, this demonstration only required a spacious and empty ce where the sun wasn''t obstructed.


    Ren Baqian opened the box and revealed a metal dish which was simr to the shape of a saucepan lid. Its diameter was roughly a bit more than one meter long, and there was a square at the top. Also, there were two other smaller boxes contained within the box, and inside these boxes, were neatly arranged small lenses. It was said to it cost about 2000 yuan.


    He had no choice but to admit that this task was rather troublesome and the aboriginals with their thick arms and legs would be of no help. Ren Baqian was afraid that they would exert their strength and destroy this metal dish. Without any better options, he oversaw this task himself and spent about three hours installing the lens, causing his arms to ache.


    The two guards didn''t leave either and looked at the busy Ren Baqian from afar. They were very curious as to what he was doing over at the piece of vacantnd.


    Once in a while, when their sight chanced upon the small lenses, they subconsciously felt that these were very precious items.


    "Come, help me to hold this." Ren Baqian said to the two imperial guards and went to look for a branch.


    "Take this and face the sun ording to this angle." Ren Baqian gave a hands-on exnation to that imperial guard.


    The disk was emitted brilliant rays and was glistening under the sun. It was like a treasure. The other imperial guard subconsciously neared as he wanted to see what was going on.


    "Don''te close. Stand at the side." Ren Baqian got a shock from his movement. This disk reflected the focal point of the sunlight and could directly melt steel, let alone a person.


    "Okay, hold it there, don''t move." Ren Baqianmanded the guard to stand properly while extending the branch one and a half meters away from the center of the disk.


    ����֦�ִｹ���һ˲��,˲���ð��,�����������.


    At the split second the branch reached the focal point, instantly, there was smoke. Soon after, it caught fire.


    This scene made the two guards stare nkly. What kind of treasure was this disk?


    Ren Baqian returned to his room once again and found a small brass ring, looped it over the branch and extended it towards the focal point. In an instant, the branch caught fire. However, the brass ring also began to melt within seven to eight seconds. Ultimately, when it fell to the ground, only half of it was left.


    The sun in this world was bigger than the sun on Earth and the temperature was slightly higher as well. As a result, the speed of the metal melting was also much faster.


    "Deputy Prefect, what is this treasure?" The two imperial guards were speechless and eventually, they couldn''t help but to ask.


    Ren Baqian grinned but didn''t give an answer, "Inform Her Majesty�� forget it, I''ll go myself."


    He got someone to ce the disk back into the box and, after which, store the box back into the house. Then, he ran to Yangxin Pce Hall full of joy and expectations to look for the empress.


    "Your Majesty, I am done with my preparations. I have already experimented with it a moment ago, and there isn''t any problems," Ren Baqian said with a smile of his face.


    "Oh, I actually want to see what you came up with. But, there''s no hurry to see it right now. I will get someone to inform Second Elder, Tu Wan, andpany. Apany me for a meal now" the empress said softly.


    After the empress spoke, she got Hong Luan to get the imperial guard to inform the Second Elder and Minister of Revenue, Tu Wan, Imperial Treasurer, Gu Yue, Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye, as well as, Overseer of Military Arms, Feng Hou, and so on.


    "Your Majesty, manufacturing such a sr furnace requires mirrors. I suggest that we construct a ss factory in the name of the pce and the manufactured ss and mirrors can be circted to the market. Also, it can be sold to the rich in other countries. I believe that they will be willing to pay a considerable price for these items. After which, we can directly use this money to buy supplies and transport them back. This can also help to replenish the goods in our country."


    "Using the name of the pce?" The empress didn''t have any concept on wealth umtion.


    "That''s right. The pce will dispatch manpower to manufacture ss and mirrors, open a shop to sell these items, as well as set up a merchant caravan to transport these items to the other countries. Then, we''ll use the money from the sales to purchase other goods, slightly increase the price before selling them in our country. This would not only allow themoners to benefit and be grateful towards Your Majesty, but would also safeguard the wealth of the pce.


    At the same time, it will be entirely controlled by the pce. This will also prevent a lot of other issues from urring, for example, other people getting involved in this issue," Ren Baqian exined.


    "If you put it this way, it seems feasible." The empress nodded in agreement.


    "You want to set up a merchant caravan?" The empress asked.


    "Yes, the current circumstance requires this action. After all, transporting goods from one ce to another to sell would be very profitable. We canpletely replenish the imperial treasury whenever required.


    For example, the mirror. If the manufacturing cost is two and a half taels of silver, we can sell it at five taels of silver locally. But, once it''s being transported and sold in other countries, we can sell them at fifteen taels of silver. This sum of money will be flowing from the other countries into our country and such trading would make our country richer.


    Furthermore, for a long time, the other countries have been selling their goods to our country. Even though this can replenish theck of goods in Dayao, but if we continue this way, Dayao''s wealth will continue to flow outwards, and we will just be sustaining the lives of the nobles from other countries.


    We can also set up merchant caravans. This will not only allow trade to circte but also form an equilibrium. At the same time, we can also receive news of the other countries through these merchant caravans." Ren Baqian simply exined the economic knowledge that everyone on Earth had.

 Chapter 173: Demonstration

    Chapter 173: Demonstration


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian and the empress were having their lunch. During lunchtime, things were rather peaceful as both of them seldom spoke to each other. They spent most of their time devouring their meal.


    The empress''s dining etiquette was worth a second look. Even though no one taught the aboriginals dining etiquette, every one of her movements exuded an aura of nobility.


    After they finished their lunch, both of them sat in the pce hall for a while. Ren Baqian began to tell the empress what a ss factory could do again.


    Not only could a ss factory produce mirrors and sses to make profits and trade resources from rich families in other nations, it could also produce various household utensils and things like telescopes, which enabled one to look into the distance.


    The methods to make these things could be easily found online. Obtaining these methods would save him a lot of trouble.


    Ren Baqian chatted with the empress for quite some time until someone arrived. Then, Ren Baqian bade farewell to the empress and returned to Pingle Park.


    The person waiting outside the pce hall was the Imperial Treasurer, Gu Yue. She was also the mother of Liu Ruoyao, the girl whom Ren Baqian had a conflict withst time. She was an aboriginal that looked approximately forty years old. She wore an official robe, and she had a solemn look on her face.


    When she saw Ren Baqian walk out of the pce hall, she cast a nce at him.


    She did not have a favorable impression of this husband that the empress chose.


    Even though Liu Ruoyao was in the wrongst time and had already been punished, Gu Yue still hated Ren Baqian.


    However, she couldn''t do anything as he was, after all, the husband chosen by the empress.


    Otherwise, she would find an opportunity to deal with Ren Baqian.


    One should note who''s the master of a dog before hitting it. A stranger simply had no right to lecture her daughter.


    Subsequently, more and more officials arrived at the pce hall. All of them stood in the center of Yangxin Pce Hall and looked at each other. They could only guess what the empress wanted to do as they did not know anything. From the look of it, it was possible that the empress wanted to talk to them about weapons or food resources. After all, the officials from the Ministry of Works, the Department of Military Arms and the Ministry of Revenue were here.


    The empress merely said, "We will talk when everyone is here." Following which, she did not say anything else. After her words, everyone waited patiently in the pce hall.


    Thest one to reach was Great Elder, Shi Qing. After he arrived, the empress began to talk, "I have something to show all of you today."


    Everyone was puzzled. They wondered what was it that the empress wanted to show them, to the extent that she summoned so many people.


    "I wonder what is it that Your Majesty wants us to see?" Shi Qing cupped his fists and asked.


    "Since everyone is here, follow me." The empress got up from her couch and walked out of Yangxin Pce Hall. Everyone hurriedly trailed after her.


    After they walked some distance, they arrived at the entrance of Pingle Park. Upon seeing the empress, the guards at the entrance quickly greeted her.


    Everyone knew where this ce was.


    Even if they had nevere here before, they could tell what the status of the person living here was from the courtyard. They reckoned that there was only one person living here at this point in time.


    "Why has Her Majesty brought us here," everyone subconsciously thought to themselves.


    Ren Baqian was daydreaming in the courtyard. When he saw the empress and the officials, he quickly stepped forward to greet everyone. He had seen most of the officials behind the empress before. Even if no one told him their ranks and positions, he could find outter when the empressmanded them or by looking at their official robes.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, demonstrate it for us," the empress instructed.


    From a box in corner, Ren Baqian took out a circr dish that had mirror pieces ced all over it like a spiderweb. He instructed a guard to hold it properly and took out a few sunsses. He passed one of them to the empress and the rest to everyone else.


    "Your Majesty, wear these sunsses to protect your eyes."


    Everyone began to take a close look at the sunsses in their hands. The object had two circr frames covered by a ck transparent solid substance, appearing as though it was carved out from a gemstone. They did not know how to use the sunsses.


    The empress had often seen people wearing sunsses on Earth. After fiddling with it, she put it on straight away. A look of realization dawned upon everyone else''s faces. One by one, they copied her and put on the sunsses. Immediately, the scene was filled with big shots in official robes and sunsses.


    Looking at them, Ren Baqian felt an aura of grandeur from them.


    After wearing the sunsses, the amount of light that entered their eyes immediately reduced significantly, making their surroundings look less bright. They felt as though they had cooled down, heaving a soft sigh of relief.


    Like what he did before, Ren Baqian ced a tree branch on the focal point. Instantly, the tree branch burst into mes.


    When everyone saw this scene, they reacted like the two guards previously. They thought this was some kind of treasure that could burn things and start fire.


    Everyone''s imagination began to roam.


    "Lend me your sword," Ren Baqian said to the guard. Immediately, the guard had a constipated look on his face. This sword was his money-making tool. He absolutely believed that his sword would be destroyed if he gave it to Ren Baqian.


    "I willpensate youter," Ren Baqian smiled and said. Even though he could have just used a small metal de, he still decided to use a sword as it would be more impactful.


    With a miserable scowl on his face, the guard passed his sword to Ren Baqian. Then, Ren Baqian ced the sword on the focal point. Less than ten seconds, the sword began to smoke. Following which, a red spot appeared in the middle of the sword. The red spot gradually grew in size and molten iron started to drip on the floor. Eventually, a circr hole appeared on the sword.


    "Hisss!" Everyone gasped.


    The sight of a sword melting indeed produced an extremely powerful visual impact. It was much more impactful than burning a tree branch.


    One had to know that it required time to melt iron ore. This artifact could actually burn a hole in a sword in such a short period of time. One could tell how formidable it was.


    "Your Majesty, congrattions on obtaining such a precious treasure. May I know where you acquired it from?" Shi Qing immediately asked. He felt that the empress wouldn''t ask everyone here just to admire this treasure.


    "Your Majesty, are you preparing to use it on Mount Damo?" Feng Hou''s eyes lit up. After all, he had been to Mount Damo with Ren Baqian. Out of everyone present, he was the one that knew the situation best. With this treasure, the iron extraction process at Mount Damo could be sped up significantly.


    Upon hearing Feng Hou''s words, everyone reckoned that the empress must have summoned them for this matter. With this treasure, the iron extraction process at Mount Damn could indeed be sped up.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, exin what''s going on to everyone," the empress said.


    Ren Baqian instructed the guard to put down the circr dish. Then, he took off two mirror pieces from it and ced them on his hand and exined, "Actually, these are just mirrors. Everyone should know that a mirror can reflect light. Now, light contains energy. You can assume that light produces heat as well. This is why you feel hotter when you''re standing directly under the sun whenpared to standing in a house. Making use of this logic, we use many mirrors and adjust their angles such that the light beams reflected off them will be focused on one spot. This will cause that spot to experience extreme heat. This is also why that iron sword was melted within seconds just now."


    "Are you saying this treasure is made up of such mirrors?" With curious looks on their faces, everyone crowded around Ren Baqian and looked at the two pieces of mirror on his hand. Were these mirrors the same as therge one he''d given Her Majesty? Even though it was small, the reflection on it was extremely clear. They were of good quality.


    Some people walked closer to the sr furnace. However, after Ren Baqian''s demonstration, no one dared to walk in front of it. If it could melt an iron-made sword under ten seconds, one could imagine what disastrous effect it would have upon a human body.


    "Yes, it ispletely made up of mirrors. I call it sr furnace. Itpletely uses the energy from the sun to produce extreme heat. We can manufacture a few of these and ce them at Mount Damo. After melting the mountain, we can begin to extract iron from it. We can easily increase the iron output of Mount Damo by one hundred times within a short period of time."


    "One hundred times! Are you really saying one hundred times?" Feng Hou stared nkly at Ren Baqian with his eyes widened.


    Ren Baqian''s previous trip to Mount Damo had already increased the iron output there by five times. Originally, Dayao could only produce 2000 swords per year. Having increased the iron output of Mount Damo by five times, Dayao could now produce 10000 swords per year.


    Because of this, his perspective on Ren Baqian had already changed for the better. As such, he had been in a good mood recently as well.


    But now Ren Baqian actually said the iron output could be increased by one hundred times?


    Does that it even make sense? That would mean five hundred thousand swords could be produced in a year. And in two years'' time, one million swords would be produced.


    This number made him feel incredulous.

 Chapter 174: The Final Verdict

    Chapter 174: The Final Verdict


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "The iron ore mine at Mount Damo ispletely open-pit mining. Transportation is essible as well. The biggest problem is its high iron content. It is too hard, making extraction very difficult from the beginning. By building a fewrge-scale sr furnaces, they can melt Mount Damo bit by bit. That will immediately increase the speed of extraction. The increment will depend solely on the size and the number of sr furnaces." Ren Baqian assured the people.


    By this moment, no one could be bothered with examining the mirrors any longer. All attention was set on Ren Baqian as what he said had attracted all of their interests.


    Theck of iron ore had always troubled Dayao. Even though they could purchase them from the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation, the amount was still too little. The merchants were also more interested in transporting goods that were small, light, and had a higher value, such as salt, fur, precious stones, cloth, and porcin.


    Any ironware had always been very precious. To an ordinary aboriginal, a one-kilogram fine iron knife would be considered a treasure that could only be obtained after many years of savings.


    The empress wanted to expand the army by 20,000 soldiers, and she had to find a way to prepare more weapons as well. If not for Ren Baqian, she would have traded the treasures from the pce''s internal warehouse for weapons from the other nations.


    During this period of time, it was very difficult formoners to buy any ironware. But, there was no other choice. After all, making preparations for the new army was of the utmost priority at the moment.


    That was why the imperial guard acted like he lost his son when Ren Baqian used his standard weapon for an experiment just now. It was just short of the verse: the man exists as his de does, so much as he dies when it does. To him, the de was closer to him than his son.


    Under such circumstances, when Ren Baqian said that the production at Mount Damo could be increased a hundredfold, everybody was in disbelief.


    If that was the case, Ren Baqian would indeed reap great merits. Even if he were to solely rely on this contribution and not do anything else in future, it would already be sufficient for him to be established in the courts of Dayao.


    If Ren Baqian were to say that he was able to increase the production of iron ores at Mount Damo by a hundred fold previously, they would have definitely not have believed him as they were simply afraid to be interrogated by the empress.


    However, he had just demonstrated melting part of a steel sword by using this disk. Adding on the characteristics of Mount Damo, everyone felt that he exaggerated his words, but somehow still felt that there was a possibility.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, are you serious?" Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye, stared at Ren Baqian with an intense re. He was a burly man with a ited beard.


    "Of course, but before that, we need to build a ss factory. After the ss factory ispleted,only then will we be able to produce enough mirrors to facilitate the sr powered furnace."


    "What is needed for the ss factory that you have mentioned? As long as it can be done, the entire Ministry of Works will serve your bidding," Tong Zhenye said in a deep voice.


    "Same for the Ministry of Revenue." Tu Wan the Minister of Revenue, seemed older than Gu Yue the Imperial Treasurer, but she was ady full of elegance.


    Presently, everyone knew the reason why the empress brought them here.


    One reason was to observe this treasure and coordinate with all parties in building the ss factory at the same time. The other reason was probably to request for assistance from the various departments. Money and manpower were what they must have at this point in time.


    However, in order to benefit from the n that Ren Baqian had devised, nobody would say no even if they had to help out.


    "I will not be troubling everyone with other matters. This ss factory will be considered as property of the pce, and of course, the money to build this factory shall be supplied by the pce." Ren Baqian said on behalf of the empress.


    "Huh?" Everyone was surprised, not knowing what that meant.


    They all sessively became pensive soon after. For instance, Great Xia, the Yun and Chen nations had their own industries in fact. But, Dayao was economically backward. Both the former emperor and the empress had very little material demand and were notvish. In addition, their thoughts were not focused on that either. That exined why the imperial family never had any industries.


    Needless to say, the words spoken by Ren Baqian were definitely his own idea. The empress wouldn''t have thought this way.


    "I will make arrangements for the sr furnaces for Mount Damo. There''s no need for all of you to do anything. I shall require a few smiths during the building process. At the same time, I will also need to gather a few skillful aboriginals. They must be skillful with their hands."


    After listening to that, the Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye did not seem to object. Not to mention Ren Baqian imed that he could increase the extraction rate at Mount Damo by a hundred-fold. Even if it was just tenfold, he would readily support whatever manpower Ren Baqian required.


    Increasing the speed of extraction was most beneficial for the Ministry of Works.


    Tu Wan frowned a little. She was skeptical about what a ss factory like that could do. But, she felt more at ease after thinking about it for a bit. Besides, this was the idea of Deputy Prefect Ren, who was also the husband chosen by the empress. By using the authority of the pce to do that, the others had no say as well.


    By doing that, the ss factory would be the empress''s property in future.


    Could she possibly take away anything that belonged to the empress?


    For that reason, nobody had any objections.


    "That it shall be," the empress announced the final verdict, seeing that everyone kept silent.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the crowd replied.


    Initially, no one expected much from Ren Baqian. But after this event, they actually looked up to him more. After all, he was able to do such things, it was clear that he had the capabilities. Unfortunately, he was still too weak. He would be choked to death with just one hand, and wasn''t a suitable candidate for Her Majesty.


    "We shall start on the ss factory''s matters tomorrow. Deputy Prefect Ren will be in charge, and all other departments shall cooperate."


    "Yes."


    With that said, everything have already been confirmed. The people had not made a wasted trip to the pce. At the very least, it was an eye-opener for them as they managed to witness something miraculous.


    Everyone conveniently took the sunsses with them. That bunch of people didn''t even think of returning the sunsses to Ren Baqian. With the sunsses on their heads, they nodded to Ren Baqian and left immediately, afraid that he would want them back.


    Those sunsses were considered rather good stuff to them. Besides, they didn''t understand much about ss. They thought that those lenses should be made out of precious stones with refined workmanship and would make a pretty good heirloom.


    Naturally, they wouldn''t have known that Ren Baqian bought those sunsses by the roadside for 30 yuan a pair. If he wanted, he could easily bring back a sackful anytime he desired.


    Everyone nodded to Ren Baqian before they left. This proved that the big shots in the pce hade to acknowledge him more, and it was actually a good thing.


    He went to Yangxin Pce Hall in the evening and had a quick chat with the empress. He spoke about the things that were required to build the ss factory. Even though it sounded pretty simple during the afternoon, it was not a small matter in actual fact.


    Firstly, he needed fuel. It would be best if coal or some other suitable substitutes could be obtained from this world. If not, they could only rely on using charcoal.


    Next would be a st furnace. Both steel and ss making would require that regardless.


    Since a st furnace was required, then they would have to obtain cement and bricks too.


    Also materials that were required to produce ss, such as sandstone, sodium carbonate, feldspar, dolomite, limestone, mirabilite, etc. were required.


    Most of which needed to be obtained from within Dayao. Of course, he didn''t need to source for those materials himself. He only needed to bring back a few samples from Earth as a reference for the people of Dayao, and they would ordingly find a source for them.


    However, he still needed to make the sodium carbonate himself.


    Hence, even though it was only building a ss factory, many materials were in fact required.


    Ren Baqian had assigned the Ministry of Works to prepare the cement and bricks. There was no need for him to conceal such techniques. After some time, after reaping the biggest profits, he was even prepared to reveal the techniques for making ss.


    Cement could also be used in many applications such as building the city or repairing roads.


    There were many applications for bricks as well. For example, casting metal from st furnace smelting in future. Also, building houses for themoners would not call for big rocks to be grinded and transported back to the city either.


    Besides, brick houses were waterproof, fireproof, anti-corrosive, and they protect against the cold as well. They were much better than wooden buildings in all aspects.


    The empress did not have any objections regarding all these issues. She only wanted to see the results.

 Chapter 175: The Ministry of Works

    Chapter 175: The Ministry of Works


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next morning, Ren Baqian took the token that allowed him to exit the pce, two guards, and a few crooked cows with him and headed out of the pce.


    After all, given Ren Baqian''s strength, no one would feel at ease letting him go out alone. Even he himself did not feel safe if he was to go out alone. Therefore, the empress had assigned two imperial guards to him.


    The strength of these two imperial guards was much higher than Teng Hulu''s and Tie Dao''s. Teng Hulu and Tie Dao had merely attained the level of Four-way Heaven, which was roughly equivalent to the initial stage of Man Wheel. This level could be attained by even the weakest soldier in Dayao''s army.


    The two imperial guards that the empress assigned to Ren Baqian had just attained the level of Kismet Heaven, which was equivalent to Man Wheel. They were much more powerful than the practitioners that had just attained Earth Wheel from the other three nations.


    After exiting the pce, Ren Baqian spread his arms and took a deep breath. It had been quite a while since hest came out.


    Whenpared to the pce, the outside was still better. The pce was far too cold and secluded.


    Riding on a crooked cow, Ren Baqian moved forward in the middle of the road. The two imperial guards behind him were also simrly riding crooked cows. They were heading for Ministry of Works first.


    The roads in Lan City were very wide. The middle of a road in Dayao was for mounts and carriages while the two sides were for pedestrians. The three men riding on crooked cows attracted everyone''s attention. Whispers broke out among the onlookers.


    "He is the one that is chosen by Her Majesty to be her husband?"


    "From his appearance and the official robe he is wearing, it''s definitely him. There''s no one in Lan City that looks like him."


    "I really don''t get what Her Majesty sees in him."


    However, among the crowd, there was a person who left hurriedly after seeing Ren Baqian. No one noticed him at all.


    ...


    Along with the wind, the whispers drifted into Ren Baqian''s ears.


    Even when the aboriginals were whispering, they sounded like ordinary people talking at normal volume. Ren Baqian had always wondered, "Do they have a hearing problem?"


    In any case, Ren Baqian could not be bothered with their remarks. He believed that these remarks would die down after a certain amount of time.


    There were many people entering and exiting the Ministry of Works. It was much busier than Honglu Bureau. After all, the Ministry of Works was responsible for many different kinds of matters. Honglu Bureau simply paled inparison to it.


    Ren Baqian gave his name and he was led inside building. However, Tong Zhenye wasn''t in at this point in time. Ren Baqian waited for approximately one hour before Tong Zhenye finally arrived. He was still wearing the sunsses with his nose stuck up so high that it almost reached the sky.


    With his formidable physique, bald head and ited beard, Ren Baqian felt that he was still missing a gold chain.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, what''s the matter?" Tong Zhenye led Ren Baqian to a room and asked him directly.


    "Sir Tong, we need to build a st furnace before we can produce ss. Not only do we need it in the ss factory, we will also need it in the Ministry of Works to smelt metals. A st furnace can speed up the smelting process by several times, and it requires less wood too," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Oh?" Tong Zhenye was astonished.


    Deputy Prefect Ren really knows everything huh.


    It would be a great thing if the smelting process could be sped up several times while consuming less wood.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, take a seat and tell me more about it." An extremely excited look appeared on Tong Zhenye''s face.


    "You will need two materials to build a st furnace. The first one is bricks and the second one is cement. Bricks can be used to build houses and various types of buildings too. With bricks, you will no longer need to transport stones from distant areas, polish them and cut them before building anything. You can save a lot of manpower this way. Cement is even more useful than bricks. Other than the things I mentioned earlier, it can also be used to build cities, pave roads, etc.," Ren Baqian sat down to one side and continued.


    Upon hearing these words, Tong Zhenye''s face turned solemn. If what Ren Baqian said was true, these two materials must be extremely valuable, and they had a wide range of uses.


    "Can you tell me specifically what bricks and cement are?" Tong Zhenye asked.


    Ren Baqian roughly told Tong Zhenye about the uses of bricks and cement. Tong Zhenye pondered over his words for a while before asking, "If what you said is true, then bricks and cement really do have a wide range of uses. Will they be produced by the imperial pce as well?"


    "We are prepared to hand over this job to Ministry of Works. After all, these two materials are beneficial to the entire Dayao. We believe that things can be done faster if it''s handled by the Ministry of Works."


    Upon hearing these words, a smile appeared on Tong Zhenye''s face. Previously, he was still praying that the pce would not monopolize these two materials. After all, ording to Ren Baqian, these two materials were not difficult to make. Furthermore, they could be used in many areas.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, thank you very much then. If you need the Ministry of Works to anything, feel free to tell me," Tong Zhenye stroked his ited beard and said.


    "Mainly, we need to find a limestone mine. As for y, we can easily find it everywhere around rivers and mountain foots."


    �ΰ�ǧ��ʯ���Ҵ������һ��,���ֶ��������ܴ�,Ӧ�ú������ҵ�.


    Ren Baqian then gave Tong Zheye a rough description of limestone. Limestone reserves were usually very huge, they should be easy to find.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, give me a moment." After finishing his sentence, Tong Zhenye stepped out of the room and yelled at the top of his voice, "Get me Tie Ze and Tie Quan."


    Following which, he returned to the room and told Ren Baqian, "These twods roam all over Dayao every day, they might know where to find them."


    After a few minutes, two burly men ran hastily into the room and asked, "Sir, looking for us?"


    "Deputy Prefect Ren has something to ask both of you, answer him truthfully," Tong Zhenye stroked his beard and said.


    "But we didn''t create any trouble these past few days," both of them replied with doubt.


    "Just do as you''re told," Tong Zhenye chided them.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, feel free to ask them any questions."


    "Have you seen this type of limestone before? It is��" Ren Baqian gave them a brief description of limestones.


    "Isn''t this thing found everywhere?" The two burly men scratched their heads and said.


    "Where is the nearest ce?"


    "Walk in that direction for half a day and you will find it everywhere," one of them looked around for quite some time before pointing in a direction and said.


    He was pointing at the northeast of Lan City.


    "Sir Tong, I might have to borrow these twods," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and said.


    "From today onwards, both of you will listen to Deputy Prefect Ren''s instructions. If you screw up anything, be prepared to get beaten up when you''re back," Tong Zhenye ordered Tie Ze and Tie Quan as he widened his eyes in threat.


    "Yes, Sir." Both of them shrunk back in fear.


    "I''ll have to trouble you to make a trip to the ce that you mentioned and bring some limestone back for me to see. If it''s what I''m looking for, that would be the best. Otherwise, I might have to trouble you to make a few more trips to search for it. Other than limestone, I need feldspar and dolomite as well. If you know where to find them, please arrange some men to bring them back. However, for now, finding limestone is of the top priority," Ren Baqian continued. At the same time, he roughly told them about the characteristics of feldspar and dolomite.


    "You can find dolomite after travelling half a day out of the city as well but it''s in another direction. As for feldspar, they can be found in a few possible locations. We are not really sure," Tie Ze and Tie Quan replied after thinking about it for a while.


    "Alright, I have to trouble you to find them. By the way, have you seen a type of ck rock that can be burned before?"


    "We are not sure about that."


    "Then please bring back some of the things that I have mentioned."


    After Tie Ze and Tie Quan had left, Tong Zhenye said, "I know what you''re talking about. The people in the north often burn that kind of ck rocks. Initially, I was quite surprised that a rock can be burned. Sir Ren, why don''t you burn wood? They can be found everywhere."


    Upon hearing Tong Zhenye''s words, Ren Baqian was overjoyed. "That rock is much better and useful than wood. Furthermore, the heat they produce is much hotter than wood''s. That is really some good stuff."

 Chapter 176: Assassination

    Chapter 176: Assassination


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The item that Ren Baqian was looking for, was actually a type of mineral which wasmonly seen. It was very widely distributed and easily found in this world. He just arrived at the Ministry of Works, and Tie Ze and Tie Quan helped him to resolve a great part of his trouble.


    After the both of them left, Ren Baqian warned and exhorted Tong Zhenye repeatedly that they must extract the coal from the coal mine. The coal mine was not only resistant to fire, but its temperature was also higher. It was extremely useful whether it was used for burning bricks, making ss or even melting iron ores.


    The only inconvenience was that the distance of the coal mines were too far. ording to Tong Zhenye''s words, it would require them to travel for ten days by carriage. As such, transporting it this way would use up too much manpower and physical resources.


    It would be great if they could find a coal mine somewhere in the vicinity.


    Ren Baqian bade farewell after he spoke a little longer to Tong Zhenye. Following which, all he had to do was to wait for Tie Ze and Tie Quan to confirm that they found limestone. Then, they would be able to start mining.


    "Let''s go to the beast park," Ren Baqian said to the two guards as he left Ministry of Works.


    It had been a period of time since he hadst seen the two little chaps, and he somewhat missed them. Also, the sweet potatoes should also be nearing its ripened stage and he ought to take a look.


    As for the money involved in the partnership between him and Caretaker Shi, he no longer cared about it now.


    To put it crudely, he didn''t have any use for money at this moment.


    They left Ministry of Works while riding on the crooked cows. A short distanceter, four people suddenly appeared at the top of the wall just when they took a turn. They were lifting something and aiming at Ren Baqian, who was in the center.


    "Sir, be careful." Upon seeing this scene, the two imperial guards from behind immediately shouted as their expressions changed drastically. One of the imperial guard threw himself over at Ren Baqian and pushed him down the crooked cow''s back.


    At the same time, a "buzz" could be heard. Countless of ice-cold gleams were shot towards Ren Baqian from both sides.


    The numerous shots practically enveloped Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqianpletely didn''t have the time to react to what happened and right away, he was being knocked over by a huge force. Following which, he felt a burst of sharp pain in several parts of his body.


    As for the guard that knocked him over, he fell tly onto to the ground full of holes just like a sieve.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian also fell to the ground. He was feeling spasms of pain all over his body and waspletely confused. Never did he expected himself to be assassinated by others. Moments ago, if the guard''s action was slower by just a little bit, he would have turned into a sieve by now.


    He actually almost died? This abrupt perception messed up his state of mind. Subsequently, what he felt was immense fear and anger.


    However, the pain in his body made him unable to move the in slightest bit.


    At this moment, a sharp pain came through the both of his legs, his back and waist area. This kind of pain made him fear that he would actually die in the next second. Soon enough, he cked out.


    The other guard''s eyes were already red with fury. He bellowed in agony and blocked Ren Baqian from the front.


    "Anybody, pleasee. There are assassins." That guard shrieked frantically. Naturally, he could make out the abilities of the few assassins. They have yet to reach the level of Earth Wheel. In a matter of a few moments, he could actually wipe them outpletely. But, if one of them made use of their skill and attacked Deputy Prefect Ren one more time, he would definitely die.


    The four people at the top of the wall took a nce at Ren Baqian, who was lying on the ground. In the next moment, they all rushed towards him.


    These four people knew that they couldn''t leave Lan City alive. Since the day they received this mission, they came with the mentality that Ren Baqian must die.


    Even though Ren Baqian was already shot by a few arrows, it would be better to stab him a few more times to verify that their target was already dead. In any case, they couldn''t leave this ce alive.


    "Pop!" The sword in the guard''s hand transformed into a beam of light, and he chopped the person right at the front in half. As for the other three people, it was as if they didn''t sense what was going on and continued to throw themselves over.


    "ng!" The guard swept the sword away from the second person''s hand and using one leg, heunched him towards the wall. This was followed by a sh from his sword which made the third person''s head soar to the sky.


    However, thest person, who was also the strongest, held a sword in his hand, dashed as fast as a lightning and went straight for this guard instead of Ren Baqian. Just at the moment the guard chopped off the third person''s head, he pierced his sword right into the guard''s chest.


    Blood spurted out from that guard and his eyes were opened wide. He threw away the sword in his hand and grabbed the other party. Both of his hands were like an iron mp as no matter how much the other party struggled, he wasn''t able to get away.


    Then, he knocked his head ruthlessly on the other party''s head and subsequently a second time and then a third time.


    After a while, that man''s head was split into half. His brains and blood spewed all over, and his corpse was thrown to one side. The sword in his chest was left untouched. He knew very clearly that he would die faster if he were to pull it out.


    Within a minute, someone rushed to the scene and witnessed blood flowing everywhere.


    Of the two guards, one was shot till he became a sieve while the other had a sword erected on his chest.


    There was still that Deputy Prefect Ren, who was lying on the ground with a pool of blood around him.


    And there were also a few corpses scattered around. Such a scenario actually made the others extremely indignant. There were people who actually dared to assassinate a court official in Lan City and better still, an official with a special identity.


    However, they should check on the condition of Ren Baqian''s injuries without dying any further. Both of his legs and one side of his waist were pierced through. His back also had an extra line of blood groove.


    But, he was still breathing. Furthermore, his injury wasn''t fatal in the short term.


    As for that guard, he was fine for the time being. But, if they continued to dy any longer, things might take a turn for the worse.


    After a short period of time, Ren Baqian was carried away by people and urgently sent to the clinic.


    Tong Zhenye''s face was full of tyranny, "You should know who is he, right? You must cure him, regardless of what method you use. If he dies, all of you will die too."


    There were too many issues interrted to Ren Baqian: the husband of the empress, Mount Damo''s iron ore mine, and also a better smelting technology, as well as the cement which he had mentioned. Regardless of which issue was it, he couldn''t die.


    How could the doctors in the clinic not recognize Tong Zhenye��especially after he ced that young man down and seeing the official robes donned on them. Immediately, they were able to guess his identity.


    After all, there was only one outsider who had became an official in Dayao.


    ...


    ��


    After half of stick of incense had burned, there was a loud "boom". The entire couch was smashed into smithereens and fragments flew in all directions.


    The empress''s face was icy-cold as she suddenly appeared outside of Yangxin Pce Hall. Her body began to soar as she went straight towards the clinic.


    Tong Zhenye was looking at the doctor, who was treating Ren Baqian''s wound at the moment and somewhere not far from his side was that seriously injured guard.


    All of a sudden, he detected a terrifying aura moving rapidly in their direction. This aura was too familiar as he practically experienced it several times a month.


    Tong Zhengye then went to the courtyard to await for that person''s arrival.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty." Following the red silhouette which appeared in the clinic, Tong Zhenye bowed his head and greeted.


    The next second, he flew invertedly outwards and smashed three walls in session. Not only did he get smashed out of the clinic, but he also flew through a magistrate office followed by bumping into another building.


    The extremely loud noise and the scene of rock filling everywhere caused amotion.


    In an instance, seven to eight people appeared at that courtyard. This was actually the Ministry of War yet someone actually had the cheek to cause a racket over here?


    In addition, there were people who even leaped over the wall, wanting to see who was so presumptuous.


    At this moment, there were a bunch of people standing at the courtyard outside the clinic and all of them remained silent out of fear.


    Before they even started talking, Tong Zhenye miserably walked out of the building which was partially destroyed while supporting his waist with one hand.


    "Sir Tong, what''s the meaning of this?" Minister of War, Qin Chuan, asked full of hostility.


    "Ptui." Tong Zhenye was also furious.


    Whom did I piss off?


    "Her Majesty is over there." Tong Zhenye''s sentence made the Minister of War, who was eager to get into action instantly listless.


    "What happened?" Qin Chuan frowned while asking.


    In general, even if Her Majesty was unhappy, she wouldn''t hit someone this way.


    "Someone has just tried to assassinate Ren Baqian," Tong Zhenye said in an unhappy tone.


    As Qin Chuan and Ren Baqian didn''t really cross paths, he only recalled who Ren Baqian was after thinking for a while.


    "Tong Zhenye, get over here." Just when he wanted to continue asking, an ice-cold voice trailed from the courtyard, making him hold back his stomachful of words.

 Chapter 177: Torment

    Chapter 177: Torment


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Qin Chuan brandished his hands and said, "What are all of you still doing here? Are your boides itching for a beating? Go and continue your work!"


    Immediately, every onlooker dispersed in confusion.


    The empress was right beside their building and she was about to blow up. At this point in time, no one dared to screw anything up. All of them wanted to keep as far away as possible from the empress.


    Actually, many people could sense the empress''s aura when she rushed to the clinic. Along the way, everyone wondered what could have happened that made her so angry. As such, they hurriedly followed behind her. However, when they saw Tong Zhenye was beaten up so badly, they instantly decided to stay as far away as possible from her.


    It was just that Qin Chuan''s sensitivity towards auras was extremely weak, and hence, he couldn''t sense the empress''s arrival.


    When Tong Zhenye returned to the courtyard, he saw the doctor and his disciples trembling down there.


    There were some people standing on the walls and roofs outside of the courtyard trying to see what happened. All of them were officials from various ministries.


    "Speak, what happened?" The empress was standing outside of a room in the clinic. The surrounding temperature was plummeting, causing the air to freeze. Everyone present could feel a piercing chilliness.


    Just now, the empress had already taken a look at Ren Baqian. His most severe wound was at his waist where it was punctured by an arrow. He wouldn''t die for the time being but it was still a very thorny problem as the arrow was smeared with poison.


    Even though the poison wasn''t deadly, it was much more troublesome than those lethal poisons.


    This caused the mes of anger within her heart to burn even more fiercely. If she knew who did it, she would kill everyone in Great Xia''s imperial pce.


    "Your Majesty, Deputy Prefect Ren was attacked after he left and walked two hundred steps from the Ministry of Works. The enemy has obviously made ample preparation. The weapons they used are crossbows and their target was Deputy Prefect Ren. I immediately rushed over when I heard the imperial guard''s scream. By the time I arrived, the battle had already ended. One of the two imperial guards died on the spot, and the other one was severely injured," Tong Zhenye recounted the incident. Actually, he did not know a lot of things either. It just so happened that he was the first to arrive on scene.


    Now that he had be the empress''s punching bag, he could only smile bitterly.


    "Your Majesty, Sir Ren is alright for the time being, his wounds are alright as well. However, the poison on the arrow will be stuck in his body. Even though he looks alright on the surface, the poison is actually corroding his body now. Without an antidote, I''m afraid Sir Ren will be a disabled person in half a month''s time. By then, he will still be clear-headed but he won''t be able to move his body at all. Even if he obtains an antidote, it will not really work anymore," an energetic old man walked out from the room and told the empress.


    "What kind of poison is it?" the empress asked coldly.


    "Nine Pavilions''s Torment. The poison''s name is Torment. As its name implies, a person who is afflicted with Torment will be tormented for the rest of his life. The experience will be worse than dying."


    Upon hearing these words, the empress''s hair drifted on its own. A violent gust of wind then blew across the entire courtyard. Everyone was continuously pushed backward by the powerful wind.


    "Your Majesty, there''s no point in getting angry now. Right now, what matters the most is to figure out a way to save Sir Ren," Tong Zhenye hurriedly advised the empress. His face turned ashen when he saw the empress''s facial expression.


    However, he was also shocked by the old man''s words.


    Nine Pavilions, as the name implied, there was a total of nine pavilions. Every pavilion''s pavilion master was a top-notch expert. Every one of them was ranked within the top one hundred experts in the world.


    Out of the nine pavilion masters, the most powerful one was Hua Sanliu, the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    With so many formidable experts, one could well imagine the strength of Nine Pavilions.


    The nine pavilion masters were famous for their entricity.


    One moment they would happily chatting and drinking with you, the next moment they could be hostile and go all out to kill you. After killing you, they would even weep for your dead body.


    Once, there was a pavilion master who gatecrashed a wedding banquet to drink. The host even treated him like a guest of honor.


    After finishing his drink, he suddenly went into a rampage, killing everyone in the wedding banquet. Then, he decorated the scene into a funeral hall and personally put on mourning clothes for those dead people.


    Anyone who would encounter such a person would want to stay as far away as possible from him and hide from him.


    It wasn''t like there was only one or two pavilion masters that behaved like this. But rather, all of them behaved this way. The more powerful a pavilion master, the more entric and sick he was.


    Especially Hua Sanliu.


    It was definitely not an easy task to seek antidote from a ce like this.


    ...


    "Have you found anything?" a burly man in official man asked. Right now, at the scene where Ren Baqian was attacked, there were eight men searching for clues.


    The burly man wasn''t really tall. He was approximately 1.60 meters, which was considered extremely short among the aboriginals. However, everyone around him was scared of him, behaving as though he was a tiger. When they heard him talking, they immediately gathered around him.


    "They walked until here and the four attackers jumped out from behind the walls on both sides of the road. At the same time, four crossbows were aimed at Sir Ren. If the imperial guard never pushed him away, he would be the one that became a porcupine," one of them said.


    "The clothes of these four persons are from the Yun Nation."


    "Their weapons are from the Yun Nation as well."


    "One of the swords is from Dayao, it should belong to the most powerful attacker."


    "There isn''t anything else on the rest''s bodies."


    "They are either from Great Xia or the Yun Nation. They are definitely not from the Chen Nation," one of them said after searching through the bodies, making the burly man turn around.


    "Even though the people from these three nations look slightly simr, Chen Nation people''s skin is slightly coarser. After all, the wind in Chen Nation is stronger. These four are obviously sacrificial warriors trained by a powerful family. Don''t tell me they train in their rooms every day?" someone said.


    "Continue to investigate. I want to know how long they have been in Dayao, where they stayed, and whom they contacted. Don''t miss any detail," the burly man ordered loudly.


    Just now, he could sense a terrifying aura heading towards the clinic. One had to know that, from the beginning of the attack until now, it had only been half an hour. When Her Majesty received the news of Ren Baqian being ambushed, she immediately rushed out of the pce. One could tell how much she cared about this matter.


    At the same time, the empress''s aura let everyone know that she was extremely furious. Under such a situation, no one dared to ck off.


    He would be in deep trouble if he did not know anything when the empress questioned himter.


    However, at this point in time, the empress wasn''t thinking about these issues.


    One would take roughly ten days to travel from Dayao to Nine Pavilions even if he travelled at his fastest speed.


    ording to the old man, Ren Baqian could endure for half a month at most. After half a month, even if he had the antidote, it would be useless.


    Therefore, she couldn''t send someone to Nine Pavilions to seek the antidote. Given that she did not have enough time, there was no point for her to even think about whether or not could she obtain the antidote.


    She must ask someone to send Ren Baqian to Nine Pavilions. Furthermore, that person must be powerful enough to make Nine Pavilions hand over the antidote.


    Only two persons in Dayao were capable of doing this.


    The empress herself and Hong Wu.


    However, Hong Wu was guarding the border right now. And if she suddenly appeared in Great Xia, one could well imagine impact she would cause.


    Moreover, the royal family of Great Xia wouldn''t look on nkly as she roamed around Great Xia and returned to Dayao.


    Was she just going to watch him die then?


    With an ice-cold look on her face, the empress mmed the door closed. Standing in the room, she looked silently at the pale-white Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 178: Shock in the Imperial Court

    Chapter 178: Shock in the Imperial Court


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was naked. At this moment, the wounds on his body had already faded to faint scars. Medicine like the ck mud cream was readily avable at the clinic, and wounds were able to heal in a very short period of time.


    But, both of his eyes were still shut, and he appeared very pale, without a single bit of consciousness.


    For some time the empress stood in front of him with a perplexed look on her face.


    Ren Baqian had brought about many changes to Dayao. That aside, the empress couldn''t simply watch him die like that. After all, he was the only person whom she really fancied in so many years.


    If she were to leave Dayao on her own to go to Great Xia, it would probably be very risky.


    It wouldn''t be that risky if she could settle things easily at the Nine Pavilions. But if there was to be a conflict, other people would probably immediately know of her presence. By then, it would be very difficult for her to leave Great Xia.


    Based on the way things were handled at the Nine Pavilions, it seemed like the chances of any conflict urring were very high.


    There was still room for negotiation if it was a normal person. But, those people at the Nine Pavilions were maniacs. There was no telling what they would do.


    At present, the empress was caught between two difficult situations.


    After some time, the empress heaved a little sigh and her expression became a little less cold. With one hand, she lifted the cloth on the bed and immediately wrapped Ren Baqian up. Soon after, she grabbed Ren Baqian with one hand and broke out of the door, transforming into a red streak as she headed for the pce.


    Everyone at the clinic felt relieved after the empress left. Many people immediately sank to the floor, and nobodyughed at them either.


    They were terribly frightened by the empress just now. She was like a raging volcano, ready to erupt at any moment, and nobody could catch their breath.


    Tong Zhenye gazed into the direction the empress disappeared into, turned around and asked the old man, "Are there no other solutions?"


    "This type of poison is very rare. Nobody knows the prescription other than the people at the Nine Pavilions. And of course, detoxification will be naturally out of the question." The old man shook his head.


    "Sigh." Tong Zhenye heaved a sigh as well. The buildings that Ren Baqian spoke about should at least bepleted before such things happen.


    He saw hope, but it unfortunately came to an end spontaneously.


    He didn''t doubt the old man''s words a single bit. Previously, the empress also didn''t have the slightest suspicion at all.


    If he said that there was no other way, then there must certainly be no other way.


    There were a few old entric people in the imperial court of Dayao, and this elderly man was one of them. The old woman in Qingxin Pce Hall was another one of them. Apart from beingbelled as an old monster, there were other reasons why they werebelled as entric.


    "What about that imperial guard?" Tong Zhenye asked again.


    "He is severely injured and almost lost his life. He needs time to recuperate." The elderly man replied.


    Tong Zhenye nodded and then shook his head. "What a pity."


    Naturally, he felt it was such a pity that such a thing happened to Ren Baqian. If it was before, he would naturally despise him. But after he had demonstrated and spoke about those grand ns, he had changed the perspective of many. Deputy Prefect Ren''s capabilities in that aspect weremendable regardless. In future, he would continue to hone his skills and even though he still wasn''t a good enough fit for the empress, he was barely eptable.


    What a pity.


    Tong Zhenye exerted some force with his feet and disappeared in a sh,nding on the roof of a house far away.


    ��


    The empress immediately brought Ren Baqian to Yangxin Pce Hall after returning to the pce. She spread her arms and he fell on the couch.


    "Go to Pingle Park and get some clothes for him." The empress said in a cold voice.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Both of them replied, and Qing Yuan hurried out of the door.


    "Put my hair in a bun," the empress ordered as she sat in front of the mirror. In the mirror was ady, cold and full of heroic spirit.


    After Hong Luan was done fixing up her hair, she traced the words on both sides of the mirror with her fingers. She then turned her body and looked over.


    Qing Yuan''s face was red as she ced clothes on Ren Baqian. It took her a long while to finish putting it on for him.


    The empress took a few steps in the huge pce hall and looked at the surrounding.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan felt that Her Majesty was giving off a very weird vibe, but couldn''t tell why.


    They assumed that it could be influenced by the assassination attempt on Deputy Prefect Ren. They didn''t know who could be so daring, and also wondered if that person had been caught.


    However, nothing much had happened to Deputy Prefect Ren fortunately. Even though he had not regained consciousness and his face was a little pale, his wounds were recovering well and he should be waking up soon.


    Otherwise, Her Majesty would be absolutely furious.


    Her Majesty aside, the two of them had only seen her treat one person like that in so many years. They wouldn''t want anything to happen to him as well, otherwise Her Majesty would be deeply hurt.


    As the two of them were preupied with their thoughts, the empress suddenly spoke, "Tell Shi Qing that if I were to die, invite that man back. Zhe Kouhai had been thinking about it for so many years. I didn''t kill him all this while as I felt that this day may arrive."


    Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were dumbfounded when they heard what the empress said. Their faces were filled with astonishment and cried out, "Your Majesty!"


    "Just in case, that''s all. Nobody in this world has been able to defeat me yet." The empress raised her voice and said with a tone full of disdain for all beings.


    The two of them panicked when they heard that. "Your Majesty, what are you going to do?"


    "I''m going out. Tell the public order bureau and the Department of Inspection to investigate. As long as they find anyone rted, kill them. No evidence shall be required and spare no one."


    As the empress was speaking, she stood by the couch while carrying Ren Baqian in one hand. As soon as she had finished her sentence, she disappeared from the pce hall, leaving behind an echo of the words "Spare no one".


    "Your Majesty!" Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan shouted and hurried out of the pce door in a futile attempt to locate the empress.


    "Hurry, get General Xin Zhe here. Her Majesty is in trouble," the loyal pair frantically shouted.


    ...


    The empress sprinted towards a corner of the pce while carrying Ren Baqian andnded in a courtyard in a sh. This courtyard had arge pond and a monster with a lion''s head, an antler, the body of a moose, dragon scales, and an ox taily in it. It was the kirin that Ren Baqian had seen previously.


    It stood up the moment it felt the presence of the empress, letting out a cry towards her. Not only did it not sound terrifying, it sounded very intimate in fact, as if it was a greeting.


    With a flip, the empress stood on its back and said with a cold voice, "Go, to the north."


    "Ooooooowhooo!" This time, the kirin didn''t sound as cute as it did just now. It was full of intimidation and its eyes were filled with excitement. Its body rose into the air andnded on the roof of one of the houses nearby. With another leap forward, it jumped across five or six courtyards andnded on another roof.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    Everyone in the pce was startled by the cry of the kirin. Soon after, they saw the kirin running out of the courtyard with a red figure on its back, and they immediately cried out in rm.


    Her Majesty actually left the pce riding a kirin?


    Upon witnessing this incident, over ten shadows immediately leaped from the pce and gave chase. But, the kirin had already disappeared past the pce walls shortly after they started chasing.


    Xin Zhe looked very gloomy. Her Majesty didn''t normally ride the kirin out. Her actions were obvious that she was travelling far. But, as themander of the pce''s imperial guards, she didn''t even know anything. What exactly was happening?


    After she heard the things that Hong Luan and Qing Yuan had to tell, she waspletely stupefied.


    After the time taken for a stick of incense to burn, Shi Qing''s face took a huge change when he heard about the news while he was basking in the sun in his residence.


    Zhe Kouhai''s face turned gloomy after hearing the news as well.


    Tong Zhenye waspletely dumbfounded when he heard of it. The empress actually went to the Nine Pavilions on her own?


    The entire imperial court of Dayao was in shock.


    She was the empress of Dayao, and she actually headed to the north on her own. If something were to happen to her, what would be of Dayao?

 Chapter 179: Regaining Consciousness

    Chapter 179: Regaining Consciousness


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Inside the house of Great Elder Shi Qing, a few officials were seated in a circle. An extremely distressed look was on all of their faces.


    Most of them had heard about the attack on Ren Baqian today. After all, when the empress rushed over to the clinic in a fit of rage, many people could sense her aura. After enquiring about it, they were able to find out what had happened.


    However, no one had expected the empress to bring Ren Baqian to the north alone.


    The empress''s action this time around was really uneptable.


    When you chose him as your husband and everyone objected to your decision, you said you will push him to the level of Earth Wheel and everyone epted him.


    What happened afterwards proved that Ren Baqian was indeed capable. At least he had increased the iron output of Mount Damo by a few times.


    This slightly changed everyone''s perspective of him.


    However, this time around, they just couldn''t tolerate the fact that the empress brought Ren Baqian to the north alone.


    The Son of Heaven never puts himself in danger. Even though this phrase did not exist in Dayao, everyone in Dayao knew the logic behind it.


    One had to know that if anything happened to the empress, Dayao would fall into chaos. Moreover, they were currently preparing for a war with Great Xia.


    The empress was also Dayao''s most powerful expert.


    At this point in time, everyone felt that this matter was getting out of hand.


    "Everyone, what should we do now? No matter what, we can''t let Her Majesty go to Great Xia alone," Tu Wan looked around and asked.


    "Send the winged cavalry after Her Majesty," Minister of War, Qin Chuan, furrowed his eyebrows and said.


    "If the winged cavalry enters Great Xia''s territory, Great Xia won''t sit still and do nothing. If we do that, I''m afraid Her Majesty will be in an even greater danger," someonemented.


    "She is already in a great danger," Qin Chuan immediately replied.


    Even though everyone endlessly debated over this issue, the one thousand five hundred winged cavalry members stationed outside Lan City still struck camp and headed for the north four hourster.


    And before this, they had already sent a carrier pigeon to Hong Wu.


    However, everyone felt that the possibility of Hong Wu stopping the empress was very small. That kirin could traverse all kinds of terrains. Hence, no one knew from where the empress would enter Great Xia.


    ...


    The empress was sitting sideways on the back of the kirin. No matter how the kirin ran or jumped, the body of the empress seemed to be glued to its back.


    Ren Baqiany on the empress''s legs.


    One had to admit that the empress really did not know how to take care of people. Positioning Ren Baqian''s torso on her thighs was the best she could think of. In reality, Ren Baqian felt sick and nauseous along entire the way.


    If he wasn''t in aa, he would have asked someone to just kill him.


    Ren Baqian was unconscious and he did not know what was going on outside. He found himself in theke in [Visualization of Water]. The surface of theke was no longer calm and smooth, but rather, choppy and torrential.


    He wanted to swim downwards but couldn''t do so. Every time he wanted to dive downwards, he would be stopped by an invisible force and swept away by a huge tidal wave.


    After an unknown amount of time had passed, he suddenly woke up and regained consciousness.


    The first thing he felt when he woke up was something pressing against his chest, making him sick and nauseous. However, he couldn''t puke no matter how hard he tried.


    At the same time, his body did not have any strength at all. He found it hard to even turn his head around.


    He realized he was on something that was moving forward very fast. The ground, grass and stones beneath him flew past his eyes at an extreme speed while the strong wind kept on sting his face.


    When Ren Baqian let out a groan, the empress''s ice-cold face jolted. She lifted him up and ced him on the back of the kirin, letting him sit directly next to her.


    By now, Ren Baqian had slightly sobered up. Just now, he already knew who was beside him when he smelled a tinge of delicate fragrance.


    "Your Majesty." Ren Baqian''s throat very dry. His voice was muffled by the wind the moment he opened his mouth to talk.


    "You''re awake," the empress said casually.


    "The people who attacked you have been killed," she continued.


    "Your Majesty, where are we going?" At this moment, Ren Baqian could finally move his neck. However, he was not looking ahead, but rather, at the empress who was beside him.


    The first thing he saw was her limpid eyes and charismatic-looking eyebrows.


    "Great Xia," the empress merely replied. In fact, she did not know what to say. After all, she was a girl that did not know how to care for other people.


    "We are going to Great Xia?" Even though Ren Baqian had not sobered up fully, he still knew that the empress shouldn''t be going to Great Xia.


    The empress is the ruler of Dayao, how can she go to Great Xia?


    And what''s going on with me now? Why do I need so much strength to even move my fingers?


    "Your Majesty, what happened?" Ren Baqian asked weakly.


    "You''re poisoned, I''m bringing you to get the antidote now." The empress''s voice turned frigid.


    "..." Ren Baqian was stunned.


    I''m poisoned? The empress is bringing me to Great Xia to get the antidote? Why can''t I be treated in Dayao? Is this poison very troublesome?


    "What will happen if we can''t get the antidote?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "You won''t be able move or talk, but you will still be conscious."


    "How much time do I have?"


    "You must eat the antidote within half a month''s time, otherwise it will be useless even if you have the antidote."


    Ren Baqian panicked when he heard these words. He wanted to scold someone but he did not know who to scold. The condition that the empress described sounded like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the one that Stephen Hawking was suffering from. Furthermore, the disease could worsen at a very fast pace.


    If he really was afflicted with that condition, he would rather die.


    "Don''t worry, there''s an antidote." For the first time, the empress consoled him.


    If the antidote is easily obtainable, why would the empress bring him to get it personally? After all, the empress is the ruler of Dayao. How can she enter the territory of Great Xia rashly?


    Ren Baqian knew this thing wasn''t that simple.


    "Your Majesty, how long have I been unconscious for?" Ren Baqian finally asked about the time after panicking for quite a while. He was poisoned, not afflicted with ALS. Since it was a poison, there was definitely an antidote for it. Earth might actually have a cure for it.


    Of course, this was him thinking positively.


    After all, a poison from another world wasn''t easy to cure. Furthermore, he had too little time. As of now, he only had half a month''s time left.


    Therefore, he could only do this best to think positively now.


    "Twenty hours," the empress replied.


    They had already travelled for a day and a night.


    Ren Baqian did some calction. Thest time he returned to this world 11 pm to 1 am Right now, he still had a few more hours before he would be teleported to Earth.


    "Your Majesty, I may be able to find a solution if I return to Earth," Ren Baqian said.


    "How confident are you?" The empress looked at Ren Baqian.


    "I don''t know," Ren Baqian shook his head and replied miserably.


    "We only have fifteen days. As of now, we are left with fourteen days. It will take about ten days to travel from Dayao to Nine Pavilions. Even though this kirin is fast, it will still need seven and a half days to reach Nine Pavilions. You can only return to Earth twice for two and a half days each at most. Otherwise, you will not make it in time," the empress said solemnly.


    Even though the kirin was much faster than a horse, a tired horse could be reced with a new one, but the empress couldn''t do so with the kirin. She would have to give the kirin a break before it could continue again. Therefore, riding the kirin would only allow them to reach Nine Pavilions two days earlier.


    If Ren Baqian returned to Earth twice for two and a half days each, even if he failed, they still had two more days to negotiate with Nine Pavilions or snatch the antidote from them. If they made a single mistake, Ren Baqian would forevermore lead a life that was worse than dying.


    The empress had been pondering over this matter along the way.

 Chapter 180: Laboratory

    Chapter 180: Laboratory


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Another day had passed. In a forest, the empress carried Ren Baqian in one of her hands while she used the other hand to pat the kirin, "Wait in the vicinity, I''ll be back one dayter."


    The kirin shook its head, gamboled all the way and jumped over a mountain stream. Then, it made a turn and disappeared thereafter.


    Even though Ren Baqian was on the kirin''s back for the past two days, he didn''t even spend any time testing out the kirn.


    He was barely holding onto his life, what was the use in looking into this kirin?


    The next second, two silhouettes appeared in the apartment on Earth. The empress was carrying Ren Baqian with one hand. At this moment, Ren Baqian could barely speak. If the empress relinquished her grip, he wouldn''t even be able to stand on his feet.


    "Where do we go to find the remedy for the poison?" The empress asked.


    "Your Majesty, help me to get my phone," Ren Baqian answered feebly.


    After he woke up, he only drank some blood. The blood came from a small beast that the empress caught on the road, and she poured it directly into his mouth.


    Ren Baqian was ced on the sofa by the empress. He was extremely moved just by looking at the back view of the empress going upstairs.


    Such a woman actually went to such an extent for him. What else was there to say?


    One had to know that she was the ruler of a nation. She hadn''t had any sleep or any rest for the past two consecutive days on the road just to find the antidote for himself. For this reason, she even took the risk to enter the boundaries of Great Xia.


    Ren Baqian felt if he could survive this phase, even if he had to make enemies with the entire world, he was most willing to do so.


    After a while, the empress brought Ren Baqian''s phone to him. Under the guidance of Ren Baqian, she dialed Chen Qing''s number. At this moment, he could only rely on him.


    "It seems like I haven''t met you for a long time. You have been very elusive for the past half a year," after the call got through, Chen Qing said as he giggled.


    "Come to my house. It''s a matter of life and death," Ren Baqian replied weakly.


    "Is it because of that womanst time?" Chen Qing''s first reaction was to rte him getting into trouble with that woman.


    "I have been poisoned,e quickly," Ren Baqian said as he kept his eye on the empress. However, he didn''t feel any coldness from her that he expected.


    "Why don''t you go to the hospital? Shall I call the ambnce for you? I will arrange a hospital for you." Chen Qing who was on the other line asked while he went out hastily.


    "For the time being, I won''t die from the poison. I''m afraid that the hospitals have never encountered such a poison before." Ren Baqian answered. Of course, no one had seen this type of poison before. He was the first person on Earth to encounter such a poison, and it was such a pity that it was in his body.


    "Wait for me, I''ll be there soon." Chen Qing hung up the call, trotted to the garage once he got out of the lift, and hastily drove over to Ren Baqian''s ce.


    "Zixiao, change into a fresh set of clothes." Ren Baqian turned his head slightly to look at the empress.


    The way he called Zixiao was very natural.


    "Which woman was it?" The empress suddenly asked.


    Ren Baqian nearly vomited blood. At this moment, this person actually still remembered what Chen Qing said?


    "My friend saw you from afar the previous time you came to Earth and he felt that your appearance and presence wasn''t like any ordinary person. See, it''s something that even a blind can make out. However, he felt that your social status is too high and if we are together, problems will arise easily. In our world, we pay particr attention to couples being well-matched in term of social status��" Ren Baqian exined slowly and thought to himself, "Chen Qing, in any case, I saved your life this time."


    After the empress heard what Ren Baqian said, she remained silent and directly carried the bag into the house to change.


    .


    The things which had disappeared the previous time they teleported, hadn''t disappeared during the process of teleportation. Rather they were left behind in Ren Baqian''s apartment and the housekeeper had tidied up and put them aside.


    Chen Qing took almost an hour to reach Ren Baqian''s apartment and the person who opened the door for him, was the woman dressed in red which he had seen previously. He was a little surprised as he had not expected her to be here.


    In addition, the previous time he saw her was from a distance away. This time round, the distance between them was much nearer and that kind of ice-cold and imposing feeling was more evident.


    He felt immense pressure just by standing over there.


    Chen Qing couldn''t help but to admire Ren Baqian as he actually got entangled with such a woman. Sure enough, she wasn''t someone ordinary. He wasn''t mistaken at that time.


    After the empress gave way, he entered the apartment and saw Ren Baqian who was lying on the sofa. He stepped forward and saw his paleplexion, "What happened to you?"


    "I have been poisoned and impossible for me to move at all. It''s a type of poison which does not exist anymore. There''s thirteen more days before it takes effect, and thereafter, it is simr to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). I''m afraid that if we go to an ordinary hospital, it will dy the time."


    Chen Qing grimaced and then said, "Where did youe across such a bizarre thing?"


    Before Ren Baqian could answer, Chen Qing had already taken out his phone and made two calls. Soon after, he said to Ren Baqian, "We have all kinds of equipment in our ownboratory.


    First, let''s find out the specific situation and then let''s find a few medical experts to find ways out for you."


    "Okay." Ren Baqian nodded.


    Chen Qing helped Ren Baqian up and in the end, due to Ren Baqian''s weight gain which caught him off guard, he had no choice but to look at the woman dressed in red. "I''ll have to trouble you to help."


    The empress merely reached out and Ren Baqian was already in her hand. She was so swift that Chen Qing didn''t see clearly and she was already carrying Ren Baqian with just one hand.


    This made him even more startled. Who exactly was this woman?


    .


    Even those who practiced martial arts weren''t able to attain that sort of speed. In addition,


    Chen Qing had to expend quite a great deal of effort in taking Ren Baqian by his arm. But, Ren Baqian was like a stalk of rice straw in her hands.


    Chen Qing was driving in the front while Ren Baqian and the empress sat in the backseat.


    Throughout the whole journey, Chen Qing looked into the rearview mirror from time to time, checking on the both of them. As long as his gaze stayed on the empress for more than a second, the empress would immediately give him an icy-cold stare. This made him feel incessantly guilty.


    It has been a long time since he felt like that, as if he couldn''t even raise his head in front of someone.


    This made him even more curious about this woman''s identity.


    But, Ren Baqian didn''t have the slightest bit of intention to introduce her.


    He parked his car at the carpark of a building. After he got off the car, he discovered that the woman was still watching him from the car. This made him astonished as he didn''t know what the other party wanted to do.


    When he went forward to pull open the door, only then did that woman get off the car while holding onto Ren Baqian in one hand.


    "She''s waiting for me to open the door?" In a split second, Chen Qing felt that he was like a parking attendant and his heart was in a mess.


    In reality, Ren Baqian was the one who politely opened the door for her every time. As such, up till now, the empress still didn''t know how to open a car door, that''s all.


    This small understanding created an endless mess in Chen Qing''s heart.


    The three of them entered the lift and Chen Qing pressed the button for eleventh floor. After they got out of the lift, they went into a room which was at the side. There were a few security guards inside and after inspecting Chen Qing''s identity, they entered another room which had another lift. This time, there were only two buttons, eleventh floor and twenty-third floor.


    When they got out of the lift again, it was a room simr to the one on the eleventh floor. There were also a few security guards standing outside.


    From this, they could see that the security of theboratory was very tight.


    Even though it had only recently been established and located at amercial building in the city center, but, Chen Qing''s father spent a lot of effort on thisboratory.


    After all, the influence of the ck mud cream was too huge.


    Just past this room was a ss partitioned room. In there, were many people wearing white coats who were busy with their research. Just a rough nce and there were at least more than ten people working in thisboratory.


    "Wait for a moment, I''ll look for the supervisor," Chen Qing said to Ren Baqian, and he hastily went inside. The next moment, he brought a woman out with him. Ren Baqian saw her the previous time at Papa Chen''s office. Her name was Xu Shan.


    "First, go and get your blood drawn. Then, we''ll examine what kind of poison is it," Xu Shan said as she walked along. Chen Qing did mention some details beforehand, otherwise, she would have directly suggested for Ren Baqian to head to the hospital.


    After which, Xu Shan nced at the empress''s face and found it breathtaking.


    Even though Xu Shan was a woman herself, she couldn''t help but to feel a little jealous upon seeing such a woman.


    Ren Baqian got his blood drawn followed by puncturing his lumbar vertebra to extract some body fluid. After a series of test was conducted, Xu Shan was frowning while reading the report in one of the offices an hourter.


    "ording to what you said, I thought that it might be aluminium toxicity. But, it''spletely not the case. This kind of poison isn''t themonly seen poison which had to do with protein, organic substances, mycotoxin, or even bacteria. Rather, it''s a very strange type of poison.


    This kind of poison is alive. It''s very odd."


    As Xu Shan spoke, she projected a few pictures on the screen.


    Ren Baqian raised his head strenuously only to see a picture with many tiny dots on it. After Xu Shan erged a picture, they were able to see that there were many bigger dots on the top. Also, there was something that was simr to tiny bugs on it.


    "This isn''t bacteria. From itsposition, this is a type of bug and it''s extremely tiny. It is the size of about five red blood cellsbined. But, this size is already their whole entity.


    They will devour the white blood cells in your body. After which, they will ovte and incubate even more bugs within a short period of time. Then, they will break through your blood vessels and attack your neurons," Xu Shan exined seriously.


    "This is something that has never appeared before. It''s a new discovery and will be of great significance to current study of biology." Xu Shan''s eyes glimmered.


    "How do we deal with these bugs?" At present, what Ren Baqian wanted to know was how to get rid of these damned things.


    Since they knew that it was caused by a type of bug, there should be a way out, right?

 Chapter 181: Problem

    Chapter 181: Problem


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "We need to do a few more tests first. This is a newly discovered life form, we have to find out what will effect it." Xu Shan looked at Ren Baqian like he was a precious treasure. "How long have these bugs been in your body?"


    "Three days, less than 72 hours," Ren Baqian replied.


    "We still have to do a few more tests on you and see if you have any other conditions." Upon finishing her sentence, Xu Shan asked someone to carry out various tests on Ren Baqian. She herself read through the report a few more times and went to theboratory again.


    "What''s the matter? I''m busy." After a while, Sun Qing arrived beside Xu Shan. Even though his face was expressionless, his tone had shown that he was very unhappy. Anyone who was interrupted during his or her work would be unhappy.


    "Look at this, this is a new discovery, this is a huge discovery." Xu Shan passed the report to Sun Qing while looking at Ren Baqian''s blood sample with a microscope.


    Sun Qing read through the report. His facial expression kept on changing, eventually settling on an astonished one.


    "What is this?" Sun Qing asked anxiously.


    "This is a new discovery, I have just told you that. It was found on the body of theboratory''srgest stockholder. He is also the one that provided us with the form. I really wonder where he obtained these things from?" Xu Shan shifted her gaze from the telescope. There was an excited look on her face.


    "As long we can find a solution to restrain this life form, we can cure a world-ending disease and even other incurable diseases as well."


    "Leukemia!" Sun Qing immediately said with his eyes lit up. Nothing was more exciting than curing an incurable disease.


    The World Health Organization had listed Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), cancers, AIDS, leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis as the world''s top five most hard-to-treat diseases.


    Leukemia involved the rapid production of immature white blood cells.


    ording to the report, these worms could devour white blood cells.


    There were still other issues that they had to consider. For example, white blood cells were a body''s first defense line against microorganisms and pathogens. It was the most important defensive mechanism of a body. After the number of white blood cells in a person''s body was reduced, he or she would be more susceptible to diseases.


    However, whenpared to curing leukemia, this was just a minor issue.


    Sun Qing walked beside Xu Shan and stuck his eyes closely to the eyepiece lens. He happened to see a white blood cell being devoured.


    "Where is he?" Sun Qing raised his head and asked after a long while.


    "We are carrying out a few other tests on him now. He is really a lucky star," Xu Shan smiled and said.


    Previously, Ren Baqian brought them the ck mud cream which shocked the entire world of medicine. This time around, he brought them worms that could live in bloodstream.


    He was indeed a lucky star to both of them.


    For the entire day, various tests were carried out on Ren Baqian. The only thing he was d for was finally having a legitimate meal. He was fed meat porridge. One had to know that the empress had merely fed him some blood for the past few days straight.


    After Ren Baqian finished the meat porridge, he instantly felt rejuvenated. However, he still could not exert any strength or move his body parts freely. He could merely move his fingers and turn his head. He couldn''t even raise his elbows at all.


    At night, after spending the entire day on doing tests, Ren Baqian could no longer take it and asked, "How''s it looking? Do you have any solutions?"


    "We need time," Xu Shan replied directly.


    "I don''t have enough time," Ren Baqian looked at her and said bluntly.


    "I had an idea just now. Blood dialysis involves removing excess water, solutes and toxins from the body while retaining red and white blood cells. If we can reverse this process, we can remove the red and white blood cells and retain the R worms. Even though this method can''t cure the diseasepletely, it can reduce the number of R worms. However, if we really want to resort to this method, we have to have custom-made equipment and it will take at least half a year before we can use them. Furthermore, this method will be very harmful to your body as well. It''s a pity you don''t have enough time," Xu Shan looked at Ren Baqian and said. The name "R worms" was casuallye up by her just now. She used this name because these worms were found in Ren Baqian''s body and his surname started with the letter "R".


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, he was infuriated.


    If this method is useless, why did you say so much about it?


    "Now we have to see what kinds of reactions would these worms have towards various medicines and substances. This will take up some time. We have already activated all the avable manpower in theboratory."


    "How much time will it take?" Ren Baqian asked with a gloomy face.


    "Luck ys a very important factor in this. We might discover an effective medicine today, tomorrow or even half a monthter. We have already tried a few drugs on the worms just now but we have yet to obtain the desired oue," Xu Shan replied helplessly.


    "So are you saying that I should resign myself to fate?" Ren Baqian felt dejected. After going through so many tests, this was the only result they coulde up with.


    "Yes, this is true to a certain extent. I will pass the information on the R worms to my teacher and some renowned experts and see if they cane up with any solution or not," Xu Shan continued.


    From the beginning to the end of this conversation, even though the empress did not understand most of the things they were talking about, she still knew what was going on. Basically, the other party could note up with a solution. Everything would require more time to work. And right now, the thing theycked the most was time.


    The empress felt that there was no point in continuing this conversation. She picked up Ren Baqian and left the room.


    Chen Qing furrowed his eyebrows and followed closely behind her. He did not know what to do at this point in time either.


    Even though Xu Shan and Sun Qing weren''t famous in China, they were actually somewhat renowned internationally. Sun Qing might not be present at the moment, but Chen Qing knew he must have already read through all the information. It seemed that he could note up with a solution either.


    Now, it would have to depend on Xu Shan''s teacher and those other few experts.


    After entering the lift, when the empress saw that Ren Baqian''s face did not look good, she said, "I will get the antidote."


    "It''s too dangerous," Ren Baqian moved his lips and mumbled.


    Along the way, he had been asking the empress about the antidote. Even though the empress did not tell him much, he knew how dangerous it would be to obtain the antidote. Just the fact that Nine Pavilions was in the hintend of Great Xia alone sounded extremely dangerous.


    Ren Baqian still did not know the fifth most powerful expert in the world, Hua Sanliu, resided in Nine Pavilions. If he knew that, he wouldn''t have said these words. They were simply throwing their lives away by seeking the antidote.


    "Who in the world can stop me?" The empress''s face was ice-cold and her eyes were filled with disdain.


    [The "me" in this sentence is �� zhen. It''s used by an emperor or an empress.]


    Chen Qing was frightened by the empress''s tone. This woman''s confidence was simply terrifying. He did not know what kind of person would say such words.


    Did she just say "me"? What is that supposed to mean?


    [As aforementioned, the "me" that the empress used is different from the "me" thatmoners used.]


    Chen Qing did not expect her to say "me".


    However, this woman was far too charismatic.

 Chapter 182: Objective: Sarin Gas

    Chapter 182: Objective: Sarin Gas


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Chen Qing wanted to help both Ren Baqian and the empress settle down. In particr, he wanted to arrange for someone to take care of Ren Baqian. However, Chen Qing''s assistance was declined by him.


    After Chen Qing sent the both of them back, the empress ced Ren Baqian on the sofa and sat at one side.


    The both of them sat in silence from evening all the way tillte at night. They only ate a little from the takeaway.


    "Zixiao, go and get some rest." Ren Baqian used an entire night to sort out his frame of mind. It wasn''t beneficial to overthink this matter. They could only look forward to the progress at theboratory, or, head to Great Xia to retrieve the antidote.


    The empress didn''t answer him. Instead, she turned on the television.


    "I want to watch the television programs." Only then did the empress speak.


    Ren Baqian squeezed a smile on his face with much difficulty. He asked, "What kind of ce is the Nine Pavilions?"


    "A ce where lunatics gather," the empress casually answered.


    "They must be very powerful?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "There is no one in this world that can hinder me." The empress''s tone was filled with absoulute confidence in herself.


    Even though the empress''s tone was unyielding, Ren Baqian could pick up some hints from it. "That means they are really powerful."


    "What do we do if they don''t want to give it to us?"


    "If I have spoken and if they dare to not give us the antidote, I will beat them to death so that they can apany you at your burial."


    "He he." This time, Ren Baqian really smiled. As expected, this was the empress''s usual style.


    Soon after, the two of them fell into silence again. It was only the sound of the Qing Dynasty television series that kept ying in his ears.


    "Only if your heart was of one mind, my love for you will not be in vain. One who has seen the ocean thinks nothing of mere rivers and this is etched in one''s mind. Even though thousands of boats sailed by, I didn''t even take a look as I only have eyes for you. It is hard to say whether the stars or the moon is better. If you didn''t lower your head to cry just because you missed the moon, perhaps, you would be able to see a vast sky full of stars! That isn''t inferior to the beauty of the moon as well!"


    [This is a line from the famous China television series, Scarlet Heart.]


    However, at this moment, Ren Baqian was already immersed in his thoughts. The empress was actually watching the series with her eyes bright and full of expression.


    He was an ordinary person and Qi Zixiao was actually the ruler of a nation. The other party had an exceptional appearance and simrly, her martial arts skill was unrivalled. Yet, she was able to treat him this way. She actually carried him towards the enemy''s territory without any sleep or rest for days, all ready to face the formidable opponents as well as seizing the antidote just for him.


    Why was she doing this? Was it due to the lies he said? Or was it because of his value to Dayao? Or was it because she had a thing for him? Was it something like what Bai Jingjing had for Zhi Zunbao?


    [Bai Jingjing and Zhi Zunbao are characters in the Hong Kong version of Chinese Odyssey.]


    It was because of the first point and also the third point. The first point was the cause and the third point was the effect. Neither was he blind nor was he a fool. He waspletely aware of how she felt.


    Whether the second point existed, it was no longer important anymore.


    Just for the friendship that only existed in novels and movies, what else was there for him to hesitate? What could he not do? Previously, he had already thought that even if he had to make enemies with the entire world, he was most willing to do so?


    "That''s right, even if he had to make enemies with the entire world, he was most willing to do so." Ren Baqian reiterated this thought in his mind once again.


    Presently, what could he do while he''s in such a state? What could he do to help when the timees? Besides showing affection to disallow the other party from going to Great Xia?


    After thinking for a while, there seemed to be something which would be useful. Although it would be difficult to obtain it, but, it wasn''t impossible. Furthermore, after obtaining it, regardless of whether the empress was at the Nine Pavilions or whether she ran into any opponents who obstructed her way while leaving Great Xia, this thing would be of enormous use.


    "Zixiao, can you bring me upstairs? I have thought of something which might be useful to us," Ren Baqian spoke and a touch of determination shed in his eyes.


    If this matter was exposedter on and he was wanted by the entire Earth, he would flee for his life.


    As for his parents and rtives, the worst case scenario was for him to be sent to the other world.


    "What is it?" The empress turned and looked at him with her soft eyebrows and bright pair of eyes.


    "Sarin gas, one kilogram of it is sufficient to exterminate people that are within a radius of 500 meters." Ren Baqian''s used a gentle voice to speak about such a terrifying thing. This was the determination which he had just reinforced.


    "As long as you obtain the antidote, Zixiao, if you encounter any problem you''ll just have to throw it out. I presume that the danger will be reduced a lot with this item. However, it is somewhat difficult to acquire it."


    "Great," the empress answered without hesitating the slightest bit.


    With regards to such arge-scale destruction item, she didn''t feel ufortable at all.


    Next, she carried Ren Baqian up and sat him down in front of hisputer. Then, Ren Baqian directed her to boot up theputer followed by cing his hand on the keyboard. It was as if she was embracing him and both of her hands were holding onto Ren Baqian''s hands.


    Ren Baqian''s heart was cid when he smelled the delicate fragrance from the empress''s body and felt her hair on his face.


    He could feel the tenderness of her hands as well as her warmth.


    Ren Baqian wore a smile on his face. After this event, even if he became the most wanted criminal after his detoxification and transformed into a terrorist from an ordinary man, it didn''t affect his mood at this moment.


    He was feeling very warm and very happy.


    "Why are youughing?" The empress asked coldly, but it was as if she was speaking by his ear. Such an intimate action actually made her ears felt somewhat warm.


    "When people are happy, they willugh. As long as you are by my side, I will be happy." Ren Baqian beamed.


    "What am I supposed to do? Quick." The empress''s tone was getting colder but the smile on Ren Baqian''s face was getting wider.


    But the main issue was still urgent. Ren Baqian typed on the keyboard with much difficulty while the empress helped him scroll the pages. Firstly, they have confirmed that between the two powerful poisonous gases, VX and sarin gas, VX was the more toxic one. But, sarin gas was the one that better fulfilled Ren Baqian''s requirements. It required lesser time to take effect and provided faster results. It would also affect the nerves directly and greatly reduced the opponents'' strength even if it did not kill them.


    Itpletely fulfilled all of Ren Baqian''s requirements.


    Next, he continued to research on sarin gas. Soon enough, Ren Baqian''s attention was captured by a news article from few months back.


    An organization''s nt for making chemical and biological weapons was bombed by U.S.


    In the months before that, the organization had justunched an attack with sarin gas.


    This news was from a few months ago, but, it has greatly affected Ren Baqian at this moment.


    Because in previous attacks, it was inferred from the symptoms of the casualties that the other party was using sarin gas.


    Although it was bombed just a few months ago, Ren Baqian felt that there was a higher possibility of finding sarin gas over there.


    After all, before that attack, they did not use much sarin gas. As such, there was a high possibility of them keeping it in their hands to act as a form of deterrence.


    In addition, it''s much easier to obtain sarin gas over here whenpared to going to the U.S and trying out their luck. Even though it was possible to find the address of a few underground bases on the inte, but God knows where the sarin gas was being kept. Unless, they caught some military officials for information.


    After much deliberation, Ren Baqian still felt that it was a better option to head to that organization rather than go to the U.S.


    Although he had already made up his mind before, it wasn''t that easy for them to avoid the surveince and satellites that were everywhere in the U.S. Now, with a better choice before him, he would naturally give up the dangerous idea that he had before.


    As for that notorious organization, even if they found out who did it, what could they do?


    "Zixiao, we are going overseas to take a look. Perhaps, they will have the thing we are looking for," Ren Baqian said with his head slightly inclined to the side.


    "Great." The empress didn''t hesitate to nod her head.


    The next thing to do, was to find someone to settle the both of their passports.


    And, the destination was Turkey.


    These days, that country''s situation wasn''t very stable and there were no direct flights from their airport.


    They had to transfer nes in Turkey before arriving at that country.


    It was easy to obtain the tourist visa for Turkey. All they had to do was to apply online and they were able to obtain it after a few minutes.


    The only trouble were the passports. Fortunately, Chen Qing was able to help him with regards to this issue. Even though Chen Qing didn''t know why Ren Baqian was still running everywhere at this point of time, but, he had already sense that the ordinary Ren Baqian had be someone which he wasn''t able to read anymore regardless of the things he did, those strange items and poison, or even that woman by his side.


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone after ensuring that he was able to collect the passports tomorrow afternoon. He couldn''t help but to admit that it was important to have such an influential friend in one''s life. Even if he couldn''t settle things himself, his connections alone would be sufficient for him to solve some things which seem very troublesome to him.


    He calcted the time. They would head to the capital tomorrow right after obtaining the passport. Then, they would take a flight to Turkey.


    They would be able to arrive tomorrow, at midnight.


    Following which, it would depend on both of their luck.

 Chapter 183: Encountering People

    Chapter 183: Encountering People


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the second day, in the middle of the night, a man and a woman appeared in the airport of Istanbul. The man was carrying a backpack and the woman was wearing a red-colored dress. The woman held on to the man''s waist, appearing like a young couple on an overseas trip.


    However, if one took a closer look, he or she would realize that the man''s body waspletely soft and powerless. His legs could not move at all and the tips of his feet were roughly one centimeter above the ground. He waspletely supported by the arm of that woman, making him look as though he was walking on his own.


    Naturally, the man and the woman were respectively Ren Baqian and the empress.


    Neither of them left the airport after they alighted from the ne. They waited for a night and took another ne to Gaziantep the next day. Gaziantep was the closest Turkish city to the region controlled by that organization.


    After arriving in Gaziantep, the pair ate some local food. Of course, only the empress was eating. asionally, she would feed Ren Baqian some food. Even though she wasn''t as gentle as an ordinary girl, Ren Baqian still felt very fortunate for receiving such treatment from her.


    After finishing their food, both of them went to a store nearby to buy some things. Thanks to some trantion software, Ren Baqian, who could only speak basic English, and the empress were able to barely cope in a foreignnd.


    After buying some food and drinking water, the empress picked up Ren Baqian and headed towards their destination. After leaving the city, they arrived at a secluded area and the empress picked up her speed. Even when the empress was carrying Ren Baqian, she still moved faster than the kirin. Strong wind kept on sting against Ren Baqian''s face, causing him to be unable being to open his eyes. He felt that if a rope was tied to his body now, he would fly up into the air like a kite.


    Of course, he might be dragged along the ground as well.


    After travelling for half an hour at a very high speed, they saw an iron fence. With a tap of her feet, the empress jumped over it.


    Far away, a soldier happened to turn his head in their direction and see this scene. Instantly, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief. By the time he opened his eyes, the red shadow had already disappeared.


    "Zhansu, what happened?" another soldier looked at where Ren Baqian and the empress disappeared and asked.


    "Nothing, I was likely mistaken just now," the guard named Zhansu replied with doubt.


    After approximately ten minutes, the pair left the border of Gaziantep and stopped behind a mound.


    The empress took out her smartphone and fiddled with it. Following which, a satellite map appeared on her smartphone. Ren Baqian taught her how to use this application before they set off.


    Thanks to the media, the regions that this organization upied could be easily found.


    This organization controlled regions in the north, east, and central of this country. Every year, there would be many brainwashed young people secretly joining this organization.


    After ascertaining the right direction, the empress picked up Ren Baqian and started moving again. After another hour, both of them entered the region controlled by that organization. They could vaguely see a city in the distance. Suddenly, the empress flew to a huge rock and hid behind it with Ren Baqian in her arms.


    After a while, a few vehicles passed by the dirt road not too far away from them. There was a pickup truck at the head and another at the end of convoy. Both of the pickup trucks were equipped with a machine gun. Inside each vehicle, there were roughly six men wearing camouged bulletproof vests and helmets.


    In the center, there was a truck carrying many people.


    From behind the rock, when Ren Baqian saw the vehicles, he knew they were in the right ce.


    It was also about time for them to return to that world.


    After all, they did not have much time left. It was better that they don''t waste too much time now. Furthermore, even if they had already gathered the essential information, if they did not obtain the stuff in time, they had to re-gather the information, and it would be quite a long time before they returned here again. They would need to take at least two and a half days before they could return here again.


    �ο��ΰ�ǧ����ʵ�������汧��һ������.


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian still had some hope in theboratory.


    The next time they returned to Earth would be five dayster in that world. That would be equivalent to fifteen days on Earth. By then, theboratory might have found a cure to his disease.


    Even though it was highly unlikely that this would happen, there was still a chance.


    If they really found a cure, Ren Baqian and the empress did not need to take the risk of obtaining an antidote from the Nine Pavilions anymore.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he said, "Zixiao, let''s go back first."


    "Alright," the empress nodded her head and replied.


    As soon as the empress nodded her head, both of them vanished into thin air. Following which, they appeared in that world at the same spot where they previously disappeared to return to Earth.


    The kirin was lying on the ground with its belly facing the sky. It kept on rubbing its back against the ground, appearing as though its back was very itchy.


    The sudden appearance of Ren Baqian and the empress shocked the kirin. Immediately, it stood up from the ground, gave a little whimper, and ran towards the empress.


    The empress patted its head and jumped on its back. "Let''s go."


    ...


    A few dayster. Everywhere in a forest of Great Xia was filled with fiery-red leaves. Every now and then, they would drift down from trees along with the autumn wind, entirely covering the ground of the forest.


    Ren Baqian was leaning against the kirin. Feeling bored, the kirin was biting its own ws. It might be biting its w nails.


    This kirin was called Qi Shui. Reportedly, it was found by the first Dayao emperor beside ake called Qi Shui. Hence, it was given this name. It had already stayed in Dayao''s imperial pce for fifty years. Even though its blood lineage wasn''t pure, its life span still surpassed ordinary creatures''. Reportedly, it could live up to five hundred years old. Right now, it had merely grown to its adulthood.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian was sitting on the ground with a very thick cloak covering him. It was brought back by the empress on one of her trips to obtain resources.


    Most of the time, they were travelling on secluded paths. This way, the probability of them being discovered was smaller. After all, the empress knew how dangerous this trip was.


    asionally, she would descend from the mountain to obtain some stuff.


    Previously, because of the drastic drop in temperature in Great Xia, the empress left the mountain and brought back a cloak and a bowl of porridge. Ren Baqian did not know where she obtained them.


    This time around, the empress left the mountain again to search for food. After all, Ren Baqian could not be sustained purely on animal blood.


    His sitting posture at this moment was far too ufortable. Initially, he was still feeling alright. However, after Qi Shui slightly moved its body, Ren Baqian''s posture turned awkward. Even though he couldn''t move, he could feel his arms, shoulders, and back turn numb.


    Right now, he was hoping that the empress coulde back as soon as possible. His current sitting posture was too unbearable. He would rathery t on the ground now.


    Suddenly, a rustling sound resounded through the air. Immediately, Ren Baqian became alert and looked in the direction of the source of the sound.


    A wild beast?


    Just as this thought appeared in Ren Baqian''s mind, two people wearing tight-fitting clothes appeared from behind the tree. Both of them were equipped with swords. Even though they were covered in grass and dirt, Ren Baqian could tell from their clothing that they weren''t ordinary hunters.


    Both of them spotted him at the same time as he spotted them. They also saw the beast he was leaning on.


    "Is it�� a kirin?" one of them asked in rm.


    "I''m sorry, we have walked the wrong way." The other guy grabbed him and dragged him away.


    Ren Baqian watched on as both of them disappeared into the forest. Following which, his heart turned taut. He hoped that neither of them wouldn''t spread the news of seeing a kirin here.


    A kirin like this was extremely rare in this world. The most widely known kirin would be the one in the imperial pce in Dayao.


    It was a pity that he couldn''t move. Even if he could move, he couldn''t do anything to them.


    Ren Baqian had an extremely good understanding of his fighting capabilities.


    As for Qi Shui, which was lying behind Ren Baqian, did not even bother to look at the two men all this time.


    ...


    "Cheng Wu, why did you pull me away? That is a kirin!" the man who was being dragged away threw off the other guy''s arm and asked after they were roughly one hundred meters away from Ren Baqian.


    "How can we provoke someone that has a kirin? If he doesn''t like us, we won''t leave this mountain alive today."


    "That''s true, but I never expected the day toe whereby we can get to see a kirin. We can brag about it when we return home."


    "Other than the kirins that other people have reported to have seen, I only know there''s one in the imperial pce of Dayao. Since when is there another one in this world?"


    "Eh? Cheng Wu, do you think it''s the one from Dayao''s imperial pce?" the other guy questioned casually.


    "How can it be?" the other guy shook his head and replied.


    "But it''s a kirin, not a cabbage, why will it appear out of nowhere? Why are you still standing here anyway?"


    "Wait, something isn''t right." The eyes of the guy named Cheng Wu lit up brightly.


    "What?"


    "There''s something wrong with man just now. His aura is too weak and the way he''s leaning against the kirin seems slightly awkward," Cheng Wu replied as he recalled the sitting posture of Ren Baqian.


    "What do you mean?"


    "That man might be severely injured and he has difficulty moving around," Cheng Wu replied with incredulity. He did not have strong confidence in his conjecture, but the more he thought about the scenario just now, the more likely he thought it was true.

 Chapter 184: Trampled to Death

    Chapter 184: Trampled to Death


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "That person is severely injured, it''s hard for him to move!"


    "So what?" The other person replied. What could they do even if he was severely injured.


    Cheng Wu was a 30-years-old skinny man. The lines on his face looked as if they were carved out by a knife or hatchet. He stood where in ce with a hesitant look on his face.


    "Let''s go back and take a look!" After some hesitation, Cheng Wu appeared decisive.


    The man heard what he said and looked at his expression. He immediately cried out involuntarily, "Are you mad?"


    Previously, Cheng Wu was the one who pulled him away. Now, he wanted to go back. Together with what he said about that man being immobile, it was not hard to decipher what he was nning to do.


    Cheng Wu''s eyes glittered with radiance. "We are just going to take a look back there. If that man is indeed severely injured, then that just leaves us with that kirin. Since he is associated with the kirin, there might be something valuable on him. A rare martial arts manual, or treasures. Don''t you want them?"


    "You are indeed crazy. There is still a kirin over there." The other man was astonished. Cheng Wu had always appeared to be bold and scrupulous, but he didn''t expect him to have such great nerves.


    "Didn''t that kirin not have much reaction just now? We will just look from afar. What if that guy had already died from his injuries? If that is the case, we can just directly take it. That kirin will not be on guard the entire time, will it?" Cheng Wu stated his opinion.


    "But if he recovers, I''m afraid that the both of us will not be able to escape." The other man was a little worried.


    "Let''s check the situation first. If he''s not dead yet, we can use other methods to make him die. But that kirin is not human, it''s not possible for it to have the awareness of a human. I have something here. Three bone piercing needles from this can prate skin from a hundred steps away. I''m afraid that man may have already died, and that kirin doesn''t even know what is happening," Cheng Wu added.


    He took out a cylinder from his sack as he spoke, shook it in front of the other man for a while before putting it back into the sack.


    "You actually have this thing?" The other man was surprised when he watched him take that thing out. That cylinder was only sold at the Hundred Machines Pavilion, and was very expensive. It could fire up to three rounds with three needles each. It was very silent and very fast, and probably even newly risen Earth Wheel experts would be unable to detect it and fall for it.


    "Bi Su gave it to me previously. She probably wouldn''t have died if she had this for self-protection." A wisp of haze shed across Cheng Wu''s eyes as he spoke.


    "So, I will grab any opportunity that has a chance to make me stronger. If not, how am I going to seek revenge for Bi Su?" Cheng Wu said as he clenched his teeth.


    The other man could understand how Cheng Wu felt. No matter who''s beloved junior was killed, the only thing on that person''s mind would probably be revenge,. It was not easy for Cheng Wu to endure this till now.


    However, Cheng Wu''s ns seemed quite feasible indeed.


    If that guy was dead, the kirin would certainly not be standing guard throughout.


    The both of them just had to keep watch at the side without getting discovered.


    It would not be too dangerous if they were only keeping watch from afar.


    The other man nodded his head at the thought of that. "I''ll go with you, but let''s make things clear. Do not be rash. Let''s check out the situation first."


    Cheng Wu smiled a little and gave a pat on his partner''s shoulders. But, he thought to himself, "Sorry, I can''t die without getting revenge."


    After all, the reason he must convince his partner was because of that kirin. Nobody knew what powers that mythical creature had.


    If anything were to happen, at least he would have an additional trace of hope.


    Besides, Cheng Wu could run faster than him.


    The both of them made up their minds but were in no rush to go back there. They actually walked in another direction before carefully heading towards the ce.


    Even though they only caught a glimpse of it just now before hurrying off, Cheng Wu noticed a tree at a distance away that was nearer to Ren Baqian. That meant that they could move nearer to the kirin and Ren Baqian.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian was facing another direction.


    They took a detour before carefully moving in towards that direction, keeping as silent as possible.


    As they neared that ce, they peered through the forest and saw that open space again.


    They cautiously peered over and saw both the kirin and the man there. But, there was another person with them. It was a woman in red, wearing a seemingly odd looking red dress. She was squatting down beside the man, feeding him something.


    "It turns out that he had apanion," that thought shed across their minds.


    That woman suddenly lifted her head and looked over in the next second. Her face looked cold. They could sense the murderous intent and cynicism from her eyes, even though they were quite a distance away.


    "We''ve been discovered, run." They turned away and ran. A re from the woman gave them goosebumps all over, and they felt as if they were drenched in ice water. They knew immediately that she was an expert, probably even more superior than their master.


    The empress unhurriedly put down the bowl. The next moment, she disappeared from where she was and appeared somewhere not far behind the two men. In a sh, she re-appeared above them, stomping down on one of their heads with both feet.


    Even before he had time to react, he was stomped into the ground like a nail with only his hair above the ground. He was trampled to death instantly.


    Cheng Wu, who was a few meters ahead, looked back when he heard the noise from behind, only to find that hispanion''s hair was the only thing left above the ground. And thatdy was looking at him while still standing atop his partner''s head. Her face was full of heroic spirit and it looked as cold as frost.


    He subconsciously took out the cylinder. This cold looking woman dressed in red, coupled with that kirin suddenly got him thinking of that legendary figure.


    How is it possible that this person is here?


    Besides her, who else can it be?


    Cheng Wu''s mind went nk at this moment. It seemed that his n prior to this was nothing but a joke.


    But how can she be here?


    How is it possible?


    I can''t ept this!


    A rock shot over from beneath thedy''s feet the next second. Together with a piercing sound, it directly hit Cheng Wu''s head. It prated his skull and emerged from the other side along with his brains and blood, and it ended all his thoughts as well.


    Cheng Wu took another step before falling to the ground. At this moment, there was an empty hole in his face and blood was sttered all over.


    It took less than a minute for the empress to disappear and return to where she had been.


    "What happened?" Even though Ren Baqian couldn''t move his body, he could still hear the sound of something running in the forest. It subconsciously led him to think that it was the two men that he saw previously.


    "It was just two bugs." The empress paid no heed to it.


    Upon hearing the empress mentioning two, Ren Baqian was quite certain that it was the two people he''d seen previously.


    They actually left and came back, and he reckoned that they were up to no good.


    Even death couldn''t erase the crimesmitted.


    In fact, Ren Baqian spoke about the incident to the empress after she returned. But, it was obvious that she paid no attention to it. She wasn''t bothered by them as long as they didn''t show up in front of her.


    The empress squatted down, picked up the bowl, and fed Ren Baqian the remaining half of the congee. She then carried him onto the kirin''s back and continued on their way.


    A dayter, they returned to Earth while they were in the mountains about a day''s journey away from the Nine Pavilions.


    At present, Ren Baqian had already been poisoned for nine and a half days. There was still five and a half days left.


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress were shocked when they appeared on Earth even before looking at the situation around them. There were two hooded people beside them. One of them pulled down the hood revealing a man''s face. He was holding his pants, and it seemed like he was just about to use the toilet.


    The two people were obviously dumbfounded as well. Their mouths gaped slightly with their eyes wide open as they looked at the man and thedy who appeared beside them.


    Both parties stared at each other in consternation.

 Chapter 185: She Missed!

    Chapter 185: She Missed!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the instance where the four of them stared at each other, Ren Baqian''s face looked dumbfounded. How could it be so coincidental?


    The next moment, without even having the chance to say anything, the two men flew up into the air, lifeless.


    Previously, Ren Baqian and the empress disappeared behind a huge rock near a dirt road that led to the city in the distance. At that time, there were three vehicles on the road: two modified pickup trucks and one army truck. At this point in time, there was a line of men wearing camouged helmets peeing at the roadside. At the same time, they were roaring withughter. They were mocking the two men for behaving like girls, having to hide somewhere to pee.


    In the end, they saw the two men flying up into the air from behind the rock.


    At first, they were all were dumbstruck. Following which, someone yelled, and everyone pulled up their pants and aimed the guns in their hands at the rock. Simultaneously, they were cursing repeatedly as well.


    By this point in time, behind the rock, the empress''s face was ice-cold. Actually, she had not known what the two men were trying to do. After all, no one had done such a thing in front of her before.


    She was actually annoyed by the fact that she encountered the two men the moment she appeared on Earth.


    Upon hearing a mor that was shouted in anguage she did not understand, the empress picked up Ren Baqian and jumped out from behind the rock. Opposite them, more than twenty men aimed their guns at them while cursing in anguage foreign to them.


    None of them felt the need to use the machine guns on the pickup trucks as there were just two people after all.


    Ren Baqian and the empress were less than twenty meters away from the men. At this moment, both parties could see each other.


    Instantly, the empress vanished into thin air. Before anyone could react, she appeared above the person at the most front and stomped her foot on his head. However, unlike the person whom she stomped into the ground like a nail previously, the head of this man was stomped right into his thoracic cavity. Using the dead man as a stepping stone, she jumped onto another person''s head, appearing as though she was ying hopscotch.


    Less than two secondster, a total of nine persons copsed to the ground with bones sticking out of their backs.


    The rest could only see a red shadow holding a man flying back and forth above them at an incredible speed while hearing bone-shattering sounds erupting from theirrades'' bodies. Fear arose in their hearts. Cursing loudly, they raised their guns and fired wildly at the air.


    They simply could not lock onto the empress.


    The next moment, the red shadow descended from the air like a demon and flew back and forth across the group of men. One by one, the men flew into the air. From the start till the finish, all they could see was two shadows flitting up and down the air.


    This battlested for less than ten seconds.


    The sound of guns firing stopped spontaneously.


    By the time the empress stopped in her tracks, she was surrounded by corpses.


    Half of the corpses had all their bones and internal organs crushed to smithereens.


    The other half of the corpses had their heads in their thoracic cavities with their backbones sticking out of their backs.


    Ren Baqian finally experienced the feeling of getting caught in a hail of bullets. However, not a single bullet touched him.


    In the situation just now, he actually did not feel worried or scared at all.


    He had absolute confidence in the empress''s strength.


    "There still might be people in the vehicles," Ren Baqian warned.


    Just as Ren Baqian finished his sentence, the doors of the two pickup trucks flew open.


    "Bang, bang, bang."


    As soon as the doors were opened, the sound of gunfire resounded through the air.


    There was a total of three men shooting at them. Right now, their faces were filled with nothing but fear, appearing as though they had seen the devil himself. As they were yelling and cursing, their fingers were pressing against the triggers of their guns.


    Holding Ren Baqian in her arms, the empress moved three meters to her side. Following which, she jumped onto the head of one person and then onto another person''s head.


    With a fearful look on his face, thest person hid behind the car door while shooting at the empress.


    Suddenly, the empress brandished her hand in the air. Out of nowhere, a few bullets appeared in her hand. With a swing of her arm, a few holes immediately appeared on the window of the car door. The man was still pressing the trigger on his gun while yelling frantically. He did not even realize his gun was out of bullets. At the same time, a liquid was trickling down his pants.


    That man felt that he was in a dream. He was definitely in a dream, otherwise, how could such a thing happen in this world? Everything would make sense if he was in a dream. These two persons must be devils... He will not surrender to them...


    The empress''s movements were too fast. Neither Ren Baqian nor that man realized that she had caught the bullets and threw them back. Furthermore, she missed! She missed! She missed!


    A cold aura exuded from the empress''s face. Instantly, she appeared in front of the car door and gave it a kick.


    "Boom."


    The car door distorted and mmed into the man with immense force. The legs and head of the man that were extended over the car door remained in the same spot, but the rest of his body flew into the car and out of the door on the other side with blood spurting everywhere.


    With a dark look on her face, the empress picked up Ren Baqian and left the scene quickly.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. Thest man died a horrific death.


    The empress purposely walked along a secluded path. After a while, they arrived at the city which they saw from a distance just now. As they got closer to the city, they realized there was something wrong with the city.


    It waspletely different from China, where tall flourishing buildings stood in abundance.


    Not far away from the pair, there was a sea of dpidated single-story houses. Most of the buildings were broken-down, with only one or two walls intact. Every structure was riddled with bullet holes and traces of artillery fire.


    There were some buildings that were slightly taller in the distance, but they couldn''t make those out clearly.


    Right now, all they saw was debris,pletely filled with the aura of death.


    However, they had to enter the city first before knowing its exact condition. Holding Ren Baqian in her arms, the empress jumped into the air andnded on the roof of a house and continued to move forward. asionally, she would stop on a tall building and search for the right direction to move forward.


    By now, both of them discovered that there were still many people in the city. Most of them were soldiers who wore camouged helmets like those that they saw earlier.


    There were very few civilians. Some of them were wandering on the streets while avoiding the soldiers that they came across.


    Some were standing together while shouting in anguage that Ren Baqian and the empress did not understand.


    There were also young men that waved their hands fervently when they saw those soldiers.


    Ren Baqian and the empress stopped on the roof of a tall building. Then, the empress asked, "What shall we do next?"


    "Seize someone to ask for more information, I think the stuff we want isn''t here. We have to ask him or her the location of the most important city and of the leader. Our best bet would be to find someone who isn''t a local. From what I know, there are many brainwashed young people thate here from other countries. They aren''t as loyal and zealous as the local soldiers. We will have an easier time extracting information from them," Ren Baqian said. "You can leave me here, there shouldn''t be any danger."


    The empress nodded her head. She properly ced Ren Baqian against the wall and jumped down from the building.


    "Nasha, it seems that we have made the right choice bying here." Two Caucasian girls dressed in army fatigues were smoking under the shade.


    "Yes, I like it here. Fighting alongside everyone for a noble cause is so much better than the boring life I used to live. I have found my life''s purpose in this ce," a girl with freckles on her face smiled and said.


    Both of them were roughly twenty years old. They gave up their peaceful and abundant lives and came to this ce secretly. It had been half a year since they arrived here, and they were beginning to get used to the life here.


    In this ce, they had found the things they desired.


    Even if they died here, they did so for a noble cause.


    Therefore, they didn''t fear death.


    And at this moment, a person appeared right in front of them. The person was wearing a red dress and her appearance was stunning. She did not look like someone that belonged to this ce, but rather, on television or banquets.


    However, the two girls weren''t bothered by these things, but rather, by how thisdy appeared right in front of them.


    Anyone would be startled when someone suddenly appeared in front of them. The two girls were no exception. They opened their mouths at the same time and were about to scream for help.


    The empress pped one of the girls on her forehead.


    Instantly, the back of her head mmed heavily onto the wall behind her, spurting out blood everywhere.


    At the same time, the empress seized the other girl and disappeared.


    After a while, someone discovered the dead female soldier lying on the ground with both her eyes wide open. Immediately, that person screamed to alert everyone.


    Soon after, many soldiers in the city were mobilized.

 Chapter 186: Pretending to Faint

    Chapter 186: Pretending to Faint


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Nasha once thought she held lofty ideals in order to absolutely uphold justice. She had already prepared well beforeing here from her hometown.


    However, she was trembling at this time. Not only from the severe pain in her left arm, but also from fear.


    Right now, there were two people in front of her. A man who was leaning against the corner of the wall and a woman who at first nce looked stunning. After being brought here in a totally unimaginable way and having her arm broken, she was full of fear.


    If they were from the government army, she wouldn''t be in this state. But, the woman in a red dress actually brought her along as she jumped seven or eight meters high at lightning speed. This made her abnormally frightened. She was simply not a human, but a devil dressed in human skin.


    A gentle smile covered Ren Baqian''s face and he spoke gently, "Be good, just tell us what we want to know and you will stop suffering such pain. What we want to know is very simple, and others will talk even if you refuse to. Why make things difficult for yourself?"


    The trantion software in the phone the empress was holding tranted what Ren Baqian had said.


    Fortunately, he carried along a sr energy power bank which was bought before hest set out. When he was hurrying along during his journey in the other world, he hung the charger outside his backpack so that he was able to charge his phone.


    Nasha understood what the man said and hesitated for ten over seconds before a sharp pain wracked her right hand. The pain of another broken bone made her ckout and the injured hand was being shifted up to her neck again.


    "If you refuse to talk, we can only continue on to find the next person. It is not difficult for us, someone will definitely talk," Ren Baqian continued prompting gently. Nasha was full of fear, shouting madly and crying bitterly, "What do you want? I will tell you everything. Let me go, please let me go��"


    No matter what, she was just a youngdy that was only twenty years old. Although she came here to fulfil her dreams because of her ideals and had received some basic training, she was still a youngdy without much experience in life.


    "Good, this is very good, talk slowly..." Ren Baqian said softly.


    Following which, he managed to obtain a portion of the required information after the question and answer session.


    As a matter of fact, this girl didn''t know much, and it was in fact not possible for her to know too much, like for example, which location had sarin gas and where the leader of the organization was.


    But, it gave Ren Baqian a clue on the whereabouts of this organizations headquarters. It was about one day''s travelling distance away, and at the empress''s speed, it would take at most half a day.


    The top levels of the organization, including the head, must be there. Perhaps, they could obtain what they wanted there.


    After learning what he wanted to, Ren Baqian felt some regrets and gently said, "It is good to have ideals, unfortunately, this world is very cruel."


    He lifted his head to look at the empress. "Send her on her way."


    Before Nasha had a chance to respond, the empress put a finger on her forehead and then threw her dead body on the ground. After which, she picked up Ren Baqian and departed at high speed.


    asionally, someone would see a red shadow shing by from a window or something leaping between two buildings when raising their head. They failed to see anything on the second look and it seemed like an illusion.


    After leaving this ce, Ren Baqian phoned Chen Qing to ask about the progress at theboratory. It would be great if an antidote was found. Unfortunately, although Xu Shan sought help from her mentor, the progress was still unsatisfactory.


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone. It seemed they must continue pursuing this process.


    ��


    After the both of them left, the entire army in the city searched the whole city thoroughly. But, they ultimately couldn''t find anything. It was not until more than an hourter that the dead body on the rooftop was discovered. By that time, the two were already very far away from the city.


    And the convoy outside the city was also soon spotted.


    All the people at the scene were shocked by what they saw. Twenty or thirty people were lying down haphazardly on the ground. Half of them had their heads in their chest and their spines poking out from their back. No one knew how this operation was carried out.


    The crowd found some clues from some other bodies.


    Shoe marks.


    Those bodies considered in good condition had shoe-like wound marks.


    These people were kicked to death with a single kick? How was that possible?


    So many people had no ability to resist the attack at all?


    Although bullet marks were found in the surrounding area, there were no bullet holes on the dead people. They died in one of two ways: with their heads in their chests, as if stuffed inside, or with broken internal organs and the single shoe mark on the body.


    Furthermore, the shoe mark wasn''t veryrge and seemed toe from ady.


    In addition, there was one body that was different from the others. The head and two legs were outside the totally deformed right car door while the body and left car door was somewhere nearby.


    The way this person died was beyond theprehension of anyone.


    Atst, someone spected that this person was standing beside the car door and the door was swung back by a gigantic force, as could be inferred from the degree of deformity of the car door.


    The car door mmed on the body with so much force that the body was cut off by the car door, car roof, and underbody. The middle body portion flew out through the other door as a result.


    If one was at the scene, it was a possible exnation of the situation, but also the most unlikely.


    In any case, a groupprising of dozens of people were killed by maybe two or three people using their bare hands. This was the message conveyed to the people by the scene. They couldn''t understand and were panicky because this wasn''t possible.


    Even the best soldiers weren''t able to do this.


    ��


    Half a dayter, the empress brought Ren Baqian to the outskirt of another city, LK City, which was the headquarters of the organization. Although it was very old, it was bustling in general, with many more vehicles, and it took them some time to enter the city center.


    Their hiding ce was still on the roof of some building. After all,with her skills, tall buildings were like t ground to the empress. They would not be easily discovered by others either.


    The pair stood behind a wall on the rooftop and peered below. There were many people here, and it was more like a normal city. It was unlike the previous city, which looked like a ruin with many soldiers and very few civilians.


    The only difference with other cities was that it was filled with a fric atmosphere.


    "Zi Xiao, be careful, this ce is very dangerous. Although those people armed with guns cannot harm you, the army can still pose some danger to you."


    "The weapons of this world are not limited to what you saw, there are cannons, bombs and such, which are weapons with very destructive power. We are not here to do anything, but just to get some things," Ren Baqian admonished.


    Although he knew this city should pose no threat to the empress, what she knew of the weapons in this world was too little, and Ren Baqian didn''t want her to get hurt because of her carelessness.


    At this moment, the sky began to darken. The empress poured some water for Ren Baqian and after hiding him, she disappeared into the night scene.


    ...


    Three hourster, not far away from where Ren Baqian was hiding, five corpses were found.


    The mission conducted by the empress went without a hitch. She focused on catching those who looked like high-ranking people living in the big houses. Out of the five, two were officials from this city, but they did not disclose the information wanted by Ren Baqian.


    Listening to the buzz of the city and the increasingly dense traffic noise, Ren Baqian felt that someone might have already found something amiss.


    After all, catching five people was not the same as catching five chickens. It was not the time to rest yet, and they were not necessarily all alone.


    The corpses of the five executed people should have been discovered by now.


    Ren Baqian mulled over changing their location once the empress was back.


    While waiting for the empress, a group of uniformed soldiers from the organization rushed up instead. The door to the rooftop tform fell with just one kick. The corpses that were not deliberately hidden were soon found together with Ren Baqian, who was hiding in the corner.


    When he heard the sound of rushing footsteps and the tform door breaking down, Ren Baqian closed his eyes and pretended to faint.


    In his heart, he cried out, "Your Majesty, if you don''te back soon, you will not see me again."


    Pretending to faint was the most appropriate move to make now.


    Even though his clothing and appearance were different from the people here and several guns were pointed at him but, pretending to be unconscious would buy him some time and lessen the beatings.


    After all, he was here with the corpses of some officials, and they were not likely to kill him immediately. They would want to know his identity, who his aplices were, how many of them there were, and why he wanted this information.

 Chapter 187: Mission Accomplished

    Chapter 187: Mission Aplished


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The soldiers aimed their rifles at Ren Baqian. Following which, someone walked up to them and told them something. Then, that person talked to his walkie-talkie again. Very soon, one of the soldiers stepped up and poked Ren Baqian with his rifle. When he saw that Ren Baqian did not have any reaction, he made a hand signal to the rest of the soldiers behind him.


    Ren Baqian tried his best not to move when the person poked him with his rifle. Honestly speaking, it wasn''t easy to feign unconscious, especially in such a situation. He could not move at all or open his eyes to look at his surroundings. He waspletely unaware of what was going on now. All he could do now was pray that the empress woulde back quickly. Otherwise, if anything happened to him, it would be a great injustice to him.


    At this point in time, roughly six rifles were pointing at Ren Baqian. A few soldiers were checking the other corpses while some were searching the rooftop.


    Two soldiers had already lifted Ren Baqian as they prepared to bring him back for interrogation.


    At this moment, a red shadow holding a person suddenly appeared in a corner of the rooftop. When she saw the soldiers on the rooftop, she was stunned.


    Don''t tell me something happened to that guy?


    When she thought of this, she felt a slight panic.


    Without thinking it through, she appeared outside of the crowd of soldiers. Four soldiers were stuck with a huge force before they could react. At the instance when they were struck by the empress, their internal organs and bones were crushed to smithereens. Without any sound, they flew off of the rooftop.


    Before the sound of bones being crushed resounded through the air and the rifles dropped to the ground, a few more soldiers were knocked off the rooftop.


    Even though the remaining soldiers realized something wasn''t right, half of the men behind them were already dead and thrown off the rooftop by the time they turned around.


    When the people beneath the building saw human corpses dropping down from the rooftop like dumplings, they immediately let out rmed cries.


    Initially, the man kidnapped by the empress was overjoyed when he saw the soldiers on the rooftop. However, when he saw the empress flying back and forth across the rooftop and all of the soldiers disappeared within seconds, his eyes widened and his mouth was agape with incredulity.


    "Sorry for beingte," the empress picked up Ren Baqian with one hand and said. Her tone contained a trace of guilt and care.


    Looking at the empress with widened eyes, Ren Baqian smiled and said, "You aren''tte, you came back at the right time."


    Just now, when he heard fleeting rmed cries, his mind was set at east. When the two soldiers holding him suddenly let go of their hands, he did not panic at all, remaining calm andposed.


    Actually, nothing much happened to him due to the timely return of the empress. Those soldiers only intended to bring him back for interrogation and had not done anything to him yet.


    However, he still silently praised himself for his resourcefulness and the hard work that he had put in to feigning unconsciousness.


    "Let''s change locations, we have been discovered here," Ren Baqian said. Holding him and the man, the empress quickly left the rooftop. Within a short period of time, they arrived at a secluded corner at the border of the city.


    The empress then ced Ren Baqian down carefully. The man that she was holding on with her other arm was nearly suffocated to death. After she let go of him, hey on the ground and coughed non-stop.


    "Eh?" When the surrounding light shone on the man''s face, Ren Baqian looked as though he thought of something.


    Could he be that person? If he''s really that person, the empress would have done a great service to the world this time around. She should at least be awarded a Nobel Prize for this.


    "Zixiao, pass me the phone," Ren Baqian said. The empress took out the smartphone from the bag and passed it to him.


    Ren Baqian pressed the search button on the screen. Very soon, the picture of a man giving a speech appeared on the screen. Afterparing the guy in the picture with the ck-robed, bearded man with a ck hat panting heavily in front of him, Ren Baqian smiled.


    He did not know what to say at this moment. Is this the will of Heaven or is Lady Luck smiling upon him? Is this considered "a misfortune thates with blessing"?


    "Where did you find him?" Ren Baqian looked at the empress with a smile on his face. His voice was filled with joy.


    "I saw many people surrounding him as he walked out of a house."


    "If I could move now, I would give you a thumbs up. You have done a great job," Ren Baqian said happily.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress could not help but feel a tinge of joy in her heart.


    "You''re BGD, right?" With a wide smile on his face, Ren Baqian shifted his gaze to the ck-robed man.


    When the man heard Ren Baqian''s voice, he trembled in dread. Then, he looked at the empress with fear in his eyes. Just now, within a short period of time, he had already concluded that this woman''s strength was inhuman.


    He even suspected whether or not was she sent by the gods to punish him.


    "Who''re you?" BGD forciblyposed himself and asked in English. The calm look on his face was merely a front.


    Upon hearing his question, Ren Baqian used the trantion software to reply, "You don''t need to care who we are. We are here to look for something, you have sarin gas, right?"


    "What do you want to do with it?"


    "It''s none of your business. We will leave once we get the sarin gas and its antidote. Otherwise, we will kill you. These things aren''t valuable to you anyway. Furthermore, you can get more of them through various channels. No matter what, I think they are not as important as your life."


    "And I can tell you that we won''t be using the gas on you or your soldiers," Ren Baqian added.


    "I don''t know who you are, so why should I believe you?" BGD''s eyes were filled with doubt. After speaking with Ren Baqian, he felt slightly at ease. He believed that as long as he could continue the conversation, he would live. After all, as the leader of such an organization, he wouldn''t be intimidated so easily.


    "It may sound very hackneyed, but I still have to say it. You have no other choices now. Even if we kill you, we still can continue to search for it. By now, you should have seen her skills. No one can stop her, not even your army. It''s not worth getting killed over this matter. Furthermore, the noble cause that your people fight for might get caught up in power struggles after your death. You should know this better than me."


    Ren Baqian made threats and promises at the same time. He strongly believed that BGD valued his own life more than the sarin gas. Given his status, he also wouldn''t care whose hands the sarin gas fall into.


    "I can promise you to get you the sarin gas, but you have to promise me not hurt me." Like what Ren Baqian had expected, BGD did not seem to be serious about getting him the sarin gas.


    "Deal, so where do you keep your sarin gas?" Ren Baqian smiled and asked.


    "It''s kept in an underground base. That thing is very dangerous, you can follow me to get it," BGD''s eyes lit up.


    "I think you''re lying to us, perhaps I should let you know how you will be treated if you aren''t honest with us," Ren Baqian said this line word by word while looking at BGD.


    The next second, BGD let off a miserable shriek while holding his leg. The empress stepped on the center of his lower leg and broke it.


    "This is just a gentle reminder to remind you not to do anything stupid. Don''t forget, you have the lives of tens of thousands of subordinates in your hands. It''s definitely not worth it to sacrifice them for merely sarin gas."


    "I know, I know what I should do. You don''t have to do this, I''m not lying to you," BGD mumbled in agony with beads of perspiration trickling down his forehead.


    "I really hope that you won''t do anything stupid. Be assured that you can continue to be the leader of this organization in peace after we leave. If you don''t listen to us, you will be a mere corpse," Ren Baqian repeated his words.


    Actually, Ren Baqian wasn''t feeling really confident deep down. After all, BGD was a man that had tens of thousands of soldiers and was in control of many people''s lives. He did not understand BGD''s character very well, and he did not have any experience in dealing with him before.


    Therefore, he could only bare his fangs to intimidate him, hoping that he would do his bidding.


    Following which, the empress picked up BGD and Ren Baqian''s backpack and left. Ren Baqian was hidden in a corner and waited for the empress there.


    Screams and sound of cars moving could be heard in his surroundings. It sounded as though there were a lot of soldiers searching the city for something.


    Ren Baqian knew that this would definitely happen after BGD gone missing. His current location should be quite safe, and the soldiers shouldn''t be able to find him for the time being.


    After half an hour, the empress suddenlynded beside him. The backpack in her hand was bulging. There was a ck-colored sack in her other hand. It seemed to be made up of the same material as BGD''s robe.


    "Is this the thing we''re looking for?" the empress took out a ck-colored can that resembled a pull-top can and asked.


    Looking at the size of the sarin gas can and how big the backpack was, Ren Baqian reckoned that there should be at least twenty cans of sarin gas in the backpack. The ck sack must have contained roughly the same number of sarin gas cans as well.


    "We will know once we try it," Ren Baqian replied. He felt that he was bing more and more cold-blooded, no longer valuing the importance of human life.


    Soon after, a unit of armed soldiers walked on the street searching for something. Suddenly, a can flew out from the darkness andnded beneath their feet.


    Immediately, everyone raised their guns and scanned their surroundings while cursing non-stop.


    However, after one minute, the few soldiers that stood near to the can copsed to the ground while clenching their necks. White foam spilled out of their mouths.


    Within three minutes, everyone was lying on the ground.


    In a distance, after witnessing this scene, Ren Baqian and the empress disappeared into the night scene.


    "Is that person still alive?"


    "Since we have promised him to spare his life, I will not go back on my words," the empress replied. It was beneath her dignity to do such a thing.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head, having no objection to the empress''s decision.


    The world was so big, why would he be scared of BGD hunting him down?


    It all depended on the trip to the Nine Pavilions now.

 Chapter 188: Nine Pavilions

    Chapter 188: Nine Pavilions


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After they left, they thought that there would definitely be a major search and upheaval. But, in actual fact, there wasn''t.


    The matter was suppressed after BGD was brought back.


    When he heard of the news that a convoy from another city was destroyed, he immediately knew who the culprit was.


    It was hard for him to imagine that a human''s strength could possibly reach that level. But he had witnessed it with his own eyes.


    As a result, he decided to suppress the entire situation after thinking over. Otherwise, it will cause panic, affect his own position and probably even provoke others into seeking revenge.


    However, his faith in his religion grew stronger after this incident. Since there was actually such a strong human that was hidden from this world, the existence of God must be certain as well.


    And the two people involved didn''t even know what would happen to BGD after they left and couldn''t be bothered either. They had already passed the borders of Turkey even before sunrise and returned to Gaziantep. After which, they randomly found a roof to stay on. The nights over here weren''t cold at all.


    Even though he wasn''t sure, Ren Baqian felt that the empress would probably be tired by now.


    Both bags were ced to the side, and Ren Baqiany at the corner of the walls. From his vantage point, he could see the empress standing at the ledge, overlooking the city in the dark and the asional gleams of light. The night breeze blew and lifted her hair as well as the edge of her skirt.


    Ren Baqian increasingly enjoyed gazing at the empress. It made him feel cheerful and lighthearted, even if it was just her rear view, or if she was just motionless.


    When dawn broke, they went down for breakfast and returned with some packaging film, carefully wrapping up the bottles with it. Even though they have obtained the antidote concocted with deadly nightshade and pralidoxime, using the antidote after being poisoned would still be dangerous. After all, the antidote would require some time to take effect.


    Looking at the empress who was wrapping the bottles with the packaging film, Ren Baqian felt that she had done many things these days which she had never done before.


    For example, things such as caring for and feeding another among other misceneous tasks. These are things that an empress would never experience.


    And now that she was doing all these, she didn''tin at all. The cold look on her face was just her original character.


    "Your dress is dirty," Ren Baqian spoke abruptly. The empress''s dress was indeed a little dirty. She had been wearing that dress that he bought with her at HN for thest few days. After so many days on the move, no matter how meticulous she was, there was still some dust on her dress as well as some stains along the edge.


    The empress ignored his words and brushed the edge of her skirt a little. Even though it wasn''t visible, there was still some dust on her.


    Ren Baqianughed after looking at her actions, making her somewhat enraged.


    "We will go and buy a dress together after I have recovered." Ren Baqian proceeded with speaking gently. It was unlike how he spoke to Nasha, gentle on the outside but cold on the inside which made the empress somewhat ufortable with that feeling. This time, it was actually very genuine and intimate.


    "Okay!" The empress replied without even lifting her head.


    Two and a half dayster, they immediately returned to the other world. Presently, it was three days away from reaching fifteen days in the other world. When they were about an hour''s journey away from the Nine Pavilions, the empress asked Qi Shui to stop at a mountain top. She ced Ren Baqian aside, and vanished into the forest. After some time, she returned with her previous appearance of a red muslin dress with a white shirt beneath it.


    Given her status here, she couldn''t possibly let others belittle her filthy appearance.


    "Wait for me here, I''ll be back in a while." The empress said as she held the ck bag in her arms. She understood how powerful this thing was and one bag of it would be sufficient.


    "I would actually like to see their reaction when those people see you. I want to see your heroic posture when you disy the skills of a top-ss expert. I think it will be the world''s most moving sight ever, an image that will forever be etched in my mind.


    But I''d better not go now and cause you inconvenience." Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress let out a faint smile, very mild yet beautiful. It was a sight that only a few could ever see in this world.


    "I will be back in a while. Qi Shui, protect him."


    "If it really doesn''t work out, it is still your safety that is most important. Don''t try to be overly brave. You are much more important than I am, by a hundred times in fact. I don''t want to see you getting hurt." Ren Baqian''s face filled with solemnness as he spoke the words that he had always been wanting to say, even when he knew what would be of him if something were to happen to her.


    Those words were the most sincere ones that he had ever said in his entire life.


    "Nobody will get in my way," the empress replied as she looked at him with a bright gaze. She patted Qi Shui on the head and leaped down the mountain''s peak in a sh.


    The vision of that figure advancing courageously stayed in Ren Baqian''s eyes, and it remained deep within his mind, upying the whole of it.


    ...


    The Nine Pavilion''s fame for prowess had already spread far and wide by the time Great Xia was just founded. It had been at least more than four hundred years by now.


    If someone were to speak of the Nine Pavilions, besides having a psychotic style of work, they were also well known for having many experts.


    By saying that the number of experts were equivalent to the number of carps crossing a river, it actually wasn''t far from fact.


    The Nine Pavilions had a great reputation. Over a few hundred years, at least four people rose to rank within the top ten experts in the world. Based on that fact alone, people would never dare to belittle them in the slightest bit.


    But, the Nine Pavilions was so huge that only a handful of people truly understood it. After all, majority did not like to make contact with that bunch of lunatics.


    The Nine Pavilionsy within a col. It was said that it was a veryrge vige that was closely packed. The entire vige had thousands of families, scattered all over the col, and everything in the whole vige was neat and tidy. Known by the outsiders as the Vipers, the disciples of the Nine Pavilions were like ordinary people in the vige, always chatting and making jokes.


    In the vige, there were people who sold meat, fruits, rice, noodles, salt, and metal. It was no different from any other vige in this world. Except for the nine tall towers behind the vige which sat in session that could attract some attention.


    Many people would subconsciously take a nce at the tall towers as they walked by, with faces full of respect for it.


    It woulde as a big surprise for outsiders if they were to witness such a situation.


    It was beyond imagination how that group of lunatics could live like ordinary people in that vige, when they could call you their brother in one moment and kill your entire family in the next.


    It was even more unbelievable how the disciples of the Nine Pavilions could live like a group of vigers, while they were dreaded by people all over.


    There were no guards in the Nine Pavilions. After all, many people there could be considered experts.


    There were at least over a hundred Earth Wheel level experts, and countless of Man Wheels experts over there. A random stone thrown that was off target would probably hit an old farmer who was an Earth Wheel level expert.


    Nobody dared to behave atrociously in such a ce. Not even the people from the Nine Pavilions.


    But today, some actually dared toe and behave atrociously.


    There was an archway at the entrance of the vige, around the height of four to five meters. After experiencing hundreds of years of wind and rain, the house had long been ridiculously mottled.


    And the words "Nine Pavilions" were inscribed on the archway. It was bold and beautiful, and the characters portrayed sword consciousness.


    It was said that those words were left behind by the great pavilion master who founded the Nine Pavilions. The words carried his appreciation for swordsmanship.


    Consequently, there were often people who studied and practiced under that archway.


    Presently, it was the same. There were twenty to thirty men lifting their heads and observing with their full concentration while sitting ten meters away from the memorial arch.


    At this moment, ady in red suddenly appeared on the archway carrying a weird looking bag.


    She was overlooking the entire vige with both of her feet resting on the archway.


    "Hua Sanliu,e out!"


    That voice resounded, and the initially quiet Nine Pavilions became as noisy as a sizzling pan.

 Chapter 189: One’s Reputation Provides Protection

    Chapter 189: One��s Reputation Provides Protection


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Hua Sanliu,e out!" The cold voice of the red-clotheddy standing on the archway rang across everyone''s ears. A shocked look instantly appeared on all of their faces.


    Not only was Hua Sanliu the Grand Pavilion Master of Nine Pavilions, he was also the fifth most powerful expert in the world. Even the imperial family of Great Xia had to treat him with politeness by calling him "Mr. Hua". Since when had someone yelled his name like this?


    Soon after, everyone went into a frenzy. Whether it was the pedestrians that walked like old farmers, street peddlers, shop owners, or gorgeously-dresseddy bosses, all of them surged towards the archway to see what was going on. Every one of them jumped onto the rooftops near the archway, appearing as though there were countless locusts jumping together on the street, extremely spectacr.


    When they saw a red-clotheddy standing on their precious archway, they began to curse at her angrily. Some even took down their peaceful-looking fronts and bore their vicious fangs.


    "Who are you? How dare you!"


    "Come down and beg for forgiveness!"


    "Get down!" A man flew through the air with a sword thrusting towards the red-clotheddy. The sword gave off a cold glint that was filled with chilliness.


    Many people knew who this man was. Currently, he was on the intermediate level of Earth Wheel. Among everyone in Nine Pavilions, he was considered somewhat powerful. Most importantly, he was still very young, having an age of less than twenty-two years old this year. He had high chance of bing a pavilion master in the future.


    Even though he would not reach the level of Hua Sanliu, he was still fully capable of reaching the level of other pavilion masters.


    Moreover, this man''s swordsmanship wasn''t gaudy at all. From the age of seven, he only learnt one move ���� sword thrust.


    Not only was his sword thrust fast, it was also extremely vicious.


    Even an individual on the same level as him could not block his sword thrust.


    The red-clotheddy was definitely an expert, otherwise she wouldn''t haven been able to pass those people surrounding the archway. However, everyone also felt that even if she wasn''t injured by this sword thrust, she would still be exhausted by it. They kept on closing in on the archway, waiting to teach thedy a lesson once she dropped down.


    Many people felt their hearts tremble involuntarily when they saw the appearance of thedy. They could not believe such a beauty existed in this world. They had to keep her aliveter...


    "ng." No one saw how thedy warded off the attack. The sword thrust, which everyone thought she couldn''t block, flew up into the air while the man crashed into a house heavily.


    This scene made many people realized that thisdy wasn''t merely an expert, but rather, an extremely powerful one. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have warded off the sword thrust with such ease.


    At this moment, an angry roar resounded through the air, "Who darese here and create trouble?"


    When the first word rang through the air, the source of voice was still at the back of the crowd, but by the time thest word rang through the air, a person appeared out of nowhere on the rooftop of a house not far away from the archway. He appeared approximately forty years old, and he wore a green-colored robe and a schr hat. Beneath his chin, there was a one-meter-long beard. He looked refined and elegant, resembling a Great Xia schr.


    Actually, he had been an imperial schr in the past. Coincidentally, he entered the Nine Pavilions and became one of the pavilion masters.


    "Greetings, Eighth Pavilion Master," everyone greeted him.


    A look of amazement shed across Eighth Pavilion Master Zhang Zijiang''s eyes when he saw the red-clotheddy. An exceptional beauty who possessed outstanding skills like her was definitely not an ordinary nameless individual. "Who are you? Why are you creating trouble in Nine Pavilions?"


    "Ask Hua Sanliu toe out." After taking a nce at Zhang Zijiang through the corner of her eyes, the red-clothed girl did pay him any further attention.


    Her attitude showed that she did not care about Zhang Zijiang at all.


    "Arrogant!" the onlookers chided the red-clothed girl furiously.


    Zhang Zijiang''s face darkened as well. When he was young, his family was extremely poor. As such, he hated to be looked down upon by other people. After bing one of the top-notch experts in the world, he hunted down every one of those who had looked down on him in the past and killed them.


    Among all the pavilion masters in the Nine Pavilions, Zhang Zijiang was the most petty.


    "If you want to meet Grand Pavilion Master, you have to show me your skills first." Before he even finished his sentence, he had already jumped into the air. A metal w that flickered with a cold glint appeared out of nowhere in his hand.


    Upon seeing Zhang Zijiang take action, the crowd felt at ease. Thisdy might be powerful, but she definitely wouldn''t stand a chance against Eighth Pavilion Master. Eighth Pavilion Master might be ranked ny-first in the world, but this also meant only ny people in the world could defeat him.


    After all, there weren''t many powerful practitioners in this world. Just the fact that he was ranked ny-first alone was enough to make him arrogant.


    Even though the empress looked down on Zhang Zijiang, she still could tell that he was rather capable. If she continued to stand on the archway, the archway might get destroyed, causing her to feud with the Nine Pavilions. At the end of the day, she just wanted to get the antidote.


    With a jolt of her body, the empress surged forward. Following which, both parties collided in the air. Before the onlookers could see what was going on, Zhang Zijiang smashed into the ground like an artillery shell.


    "Hiss!" Everyone gasped in surprise at the same time.


    ���µھ�ʮһ��Ȼֻ����Ů����ǰ����һ������,��Ů�˵�����˭?


    The ny-first most powerful expert in the world couldn''t even touch thisdy at all.


    Who exactly is thisdy?


    Whichdy is so powerful?


    The third most powerful expert in the world, Li Yuanzhu? But that wasn''t possible as she usually lived in seclusion and looked like a nun.


    The seventh most powerful expert in the world, Qi Zixiao? But why would the empress of Dayaoe here?


    The twelfth most powerful expert in the world, Sun Mengniang? But that woman was forty years old. Then again, it was rumored that she knew of a way to preserve her looks, therefore, it might be her after all.


    While everyone was guessing the identity of the red-clotheddy, Zhang Zijiang, who was lying in a hole on the ground, spat out a mouthful of blood with a shocked look on his face.


    Other people couldn''t see what happened clearly, but he could. Just now, after the short exchange with thedy, he could tell that she was extremely fast and strong. She did not seem like a girl at all, but rather, like a gigantic beast. After getting hit by her, his hands now were still feeling numb. If she went all-out against him, he would be gravely injured at the very least.


    Among the female experts in Great Xia, even if they were more powerful than him, they wouldn''t possess such a level of strength to make him feelpletely overwhelmed.


    "This woman isn''t from Great Xia, there is only onedy in this world who''s so powerful�� Qi Zixiao."


    When Zhang Zijiang thought of this, a wave of horror instantly swept across his mind. With a flip of his body, he jumped out of the hole.


    Afternding on the ground, he stared at the empress and said, "Qi Zixiao, why are you here?"


    Upon hearing these words, all the onlookers stared at the empress.


    She is Qi Zixiao? The empress of Dayao is actually here?


    Some people initially had evil thoughts when they''d seen her appearance. Now, all of their evil thoughts flowed out of their bodies along with their cold sweat. One''s reputation provides protection for him or her. Given Qi Zixiao''s reputation, who dared to have designs on her?


    "Hua Sanliu, I am here, why aren''t youing out to wee me?" The empress''s cold voice echoed through the air. She no longer wanted to hide her identity.


    [The "I" here is "zhen" in Chinese, a term used by an emperor or an empress to address himself or herself.]


    At this point in time, those who were previously busy with training and did not care about what was going on jumped onto the rooftops along with the other onlookers.


    There were only a few people in this world that could use "I" to address themselves, and there was only one girl who could do so.


    When the empress''s voice rang through the air, an uproar broke out in the Nine Pavilions.


    "I never expect Qi Zixiao toe here personally, your presence brings light to my humble Nine Pavilions." A gentle voice came from afar through the air. Following which, a shadow flew across the sky and a person appeared before everyone.


    As soon as that personnded, a few more shadows leapt out from the pagodas andnded behind him.


    Knowing that Qi Zixiao had arrived in the Nine Pavilions, no one could stand still.

 Chapter 190: I Will Grant You Your Wish

    Chapter 190: I Will Grant You Your Wish


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In front of everyone, was a man donned in a robe that was embroidered with flowers. His hair was draped over his shoulders, his face was powdered, and a cinnabar dot was between his eyebrows. He was considered good-looking, but it was just that he gave off a gloomy and cold aura.


    This person was the grand pavilion master of the Nine Pavilions, Hua Sanliu. He looked as if he was in his early twenties, but in actual fact, he was already in his fifties.


    And behind him stood eight people. They had nothing inmon as some were tall, some were short, fat, or skinny. There was an old man with saggy skin as well as a youngdy who seemed to be in her sweet sixteen.


    These nine people ounted for nine of the top hundred experts in the world.


    It could also be said that all are notorious.


    After Eighth Pavilion Master Zhang Zijiang became one of the top-notch experts in the world, he hunted down every one of those who looked down on him in the past and killed everyone including their families.


    That old man who was about seventy or eighty years old, was the Fourth Pavilion Master Lu Wu. When he was young, he had killed his parents as well as his entire n. After which, he minced their bodies up and fed them to the dogs.


    As for that youngdy who looked as if she was in her sweet sixteen, she was the Fifth Pavilion Master Shi Qingjiao. Previously, she had concealed her own identity and married a rich man. On the night of their marriage, she actually murdered everyone and disappeared with the wind.


    At first, there were some people who thought it was due to hatred or some emotional entanglements. However, there was something she said that got passed on by people, "I fell in love with him when I first met him and wished that we could live together till a ripe old age. It was just that afterwards, I suddenly didn''t like him anymore and that''s why I killed him."


    Several other people alsomitted different evil deeds.


    It was just that they didn''t leave such a huge impact. The people in the Nine Pavilions were powerful. Even if everyone else in the world couldn''t put up with it, there wasn''t anything the


    "The pavilion master is here!"


    "Greetings, pavilion master!"


    Upon seeing this bunch of people, who were rarely seen gathered together, a look of respect emerged on the faces of the onlookers.


    At this moment, the few of them were sizing up the legendary woman, Qi Zixiao.


    As for Qi Zixiao, she was staring at Hua Sanliu.


    "Aiyaya, what day is it today, such a distinguished guest actually came to my Nine Pavilions. If I had known earlier, I would havee to the door to wee you. What is the Dayao empress doing over here? Aren''t you afraid that you cane but can''t leave?" A surreptitious smile formed on Hua Sanliu''s face as he spoke in an exaggerated tone.


    "Give me the antidote for Torment. You can tell me whatever it is that you want." The empress got right to the point and didn''t even say a single word of bullshit.


    "Eh, Torment, is there an antidote for that?" Hua Sanliu was astonished. Then, he turned around and looked behind with suspicions, "Is there an antidote for Torment? Why haven''t I heard of it before?"


    "If the Grand Pavilion Master hasn''t heard of it before, naturally, such an antidote doesn''t exist." Shi Qingjiao covered her mouth andughed softly.


    Upon hearing his words, the empress''s heart suddenly tightened and her killing intent skyrocketed. If there wasn''t any antidote for Torment, wouldn''t that person be simr to a log of wood in the near future?


    "Aiyaya, I have recalled. I think there is an antidote after all. My memory has been deteriorating for the past two years. However, I am actually curious to whom actually got poisoned by Torment and could actually get the noble Dayao''s empress toe over here personally?" Hua Sanliuughed in a low voice.


    "I have heard that you have been raising a gigolo. Don''t tell me that the antidote is for him? With the exception of Hong Wu, there is no one else in Dayao''s imperial court that deserves such attention from you."


    A cold vibe was given off from the empress and the surrounding temperature was a few degrees lower. On top of that, the wind blowing in the field made the empress''s hair flutter in the wind.


    "Hand over the antidote." There wasn''t any warmth in the empress''s voice at all.


    "Aiya, you are the one who is pleading to me now. I''m so afraid when you talk like this!" Hua Sanliu spoke in a strange voice and the onlookers roared withughter.


    If anyone of the onlookers met Qi Zixiao outside, they wouldn''t dare to behave this way.


    But over here, there was Hua Sanliu, who was even more powerful than Qi Zixiao. As such, nobody showed any trace of fear and ridiculed the seventh most powerful expert in the world in her presence, while looking at her surrender. Such an opportunity may never again happen in their lifetime.


    The empress frowned slightly and the cold vibe she emitted became even stronger. This Hua Sanliu was indeed worthy of being the most inelegant and disgusting person out of the top ten experts in the world.


    If it wasn''t because she needed to obtain the antidote, she would have beaten him up without saying anything further at this moment.


    "As long as you give me the antidote, you can state the conditions that you want," the empress said once more.


    "So magnanimous, so impressive. Indeed, you are Qi Zixiao. Since you have put it this way, I will raise my conditions." Hua Sanliuughed in a weird manner and used his fingers to point at the empress. "I want you!"


    Everyoneughed once again.


    By this time, ayer of frost could even be scraped off the empress''s face.


    "Your gigolo that you have been raising. Hand him over to me. After I have saved him, he will stay here. How''s that? I''m incessantly curious about this man, who can enchant a person like you," Hua Sanliu''s tone changed as he continued his previous sentence.


    "You are courting death." The empress clenched her fists. Who has ever spoken to her this way in her entire life?


    "If you brought your one thousand five hundred winged cavalry warriors along or Hong Wu with you, I might really not dare to do so. What should I be afraid of since you are here alone?" Hua Sanliuughed heartily.


    "Under what conditions will you hand over the antidote to me," the empress gritted her teeth as she asked.


    "Ahaha, Aiyaya, you are indeed cute. You actually haven''t turned hostile up until now. It seems like that person is really that important to you. Such an opportunity is rare, I have to consider the conditions properly." Hua Sanliuughed heartily once again.


    "Go, bring the antidote over." Suddenly, Hua Sanliu ordered the person behind him.


    Ninth Pavilion Master Zhu Lang was a little plump, as if he was from a rich family. Since he arrived, he had been continuously wiping off his perspiration. Upon hearing Hua Sanliu''s words at this moment, he sighed and ran towards the back. Even though his movements weren''t quick, every time he stepped on the ground it shook. This made people suspect whether or not the Ninth Pavilion Master was made out of metal, otherwise, how could he be so heavy.


    But, Zhu Lang was the person in the entire Nine Pavilion who knew the most about medicine.


    At this moment, there was absolute silence. Hua Sanliu was racking his brains, what should I ask from her?


    After a long time, Zhu Lang ran back with an additional small box and threw it to Hua Sanliu.


    "Do you want it?" Hua Sanliu raised his head and looked at the empress as he fiddled with the box.


    "Do you want it that much?"


    "Name your conditions." The empress was a little relieved when she saw that box.


    Whatever the case, as long as she took the box back, she would be able to save him.


    "Condition, condition, I can''t think of any. Suddenly, I realize that there''s nothing that I want at the moment. If I''m into women, maybe I can get you to apany me for some fun. But, I don''t even like women. In that case, what else do I want?" Hua Sanliu was distressed all of a sudden.


    "All of sudden, I feel that my life is so boring. I don''t like men, neither do I like women. I don''t like gold and silver either. Everyone, tell me whether my life is boring or not?" Hua Sanliu turned his head and looked at the onlookers behind him.


    "Indeed, it''s boring. Practically too boring." The burly man who looked as though he was cast out of iron nodded in agreement.


    "If it were me, I would rather die." A skinny man, who looked simr to a bamboo pole said full of schemes.


    "Aiyaya, this is a good idea. Such a good idea." Upon hearing these words, it was as if Hua Sanliu heard something amusing and he began to smile cheerfully and lightheartedly.


    He then passed on the box to Zhu Lang and sneered at the empress. "Let''s do it this way, you kill me and the thing is yours. If you aren''t able to kill me, I will peel your skin and manufacture the most beautiful puppet ever. I will ce it over here for everyone to look at whenever they feel like it�� all right?"


    The empress relinquished her grip and hung the ck backpack on the top of the archway. Then, she surged towards Hua Sanliu.


    "Since you want to die, I will grant you your wish!"

 Chapter 191: Pulverized

    Chapter 191: Pulverized


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    At this instance, the empress squinted her eyes and surged towards Hua Sanliu.


    If it weren''t for the antidote, she would have flown into rage a long time ago.


    In the entire Dayao, who dared to talk to her like this?


    Outside of Dayao, who dared to talk to her like this?


    Just because you''re the fifth most powerful expert in the world doesn''t mean that I can''t touch you. Do you really think that I can''t beat you to death?


    Courting death? I will grant your wish now.


    The empress instantaneously materialized into an arrow before everyone''s eyes. All they could see was a blurry shadow streaking through the air. From this, they could tell how fast the empress was.


    Before the onlookers could react, the empress was already exchanging blows with Hua Sanliu. Following which, a loud boom resounded through the air and both parties were knocked back in the air.


    Those onlookers who did not manage to avoid the shock wave of the collision were knocked flying through the air. All the structures behind the archway copsed with a loud boom.


    Even though the archway looked archaic, it wasn''t affected by the shock wave. Even the ck-colored sack hanging on it wasn''t unaffected.


    The onlookers were overwhelmed with horror. This was the might of experts that were among the top ten in the world?


    The empress did a flip in the air andnded safely on the ground. Hua Sanliu stomped and crushed three persons'' heads before he could stabilize himself andnd safely on the ground. However, he did not seem to care about this at all. Instead, he burst outughing and said, "Interesting, interesting."


    Following which, he jumped ten meters into the air and surged towards the empress. Before everyone''s eyes, an enormous, long, ck-colored saber appeared in the sky and charged the empress with a boundless aura of might.


    The aura alone rendered many people immobile.


    Even among Spirit Wheel experts, very few possessed such ability. This ability involved creating an embodiment for one''s spirit. This ability was also known as Embodiment of Spirit.


    After one broke through Celestial Gate, he or she would attain Spirit Level.


    Unlike those at other levels, a Spirit Level expert would cultivate his spirit and transform his essence, qi, and spirit into Embodiment of Spirit. Only by cultivating Embodiment of Spirit could then a Spirit Wheel practitioner be a legitimate top-notch expert. Embodiment of Spirit was their most powerful weapon against their enemies.


    However, most people were stuck at the stage of cultivating Embodiment of Spirit. Some Spirit Wheel experts would even die while doing so. This kind of incident was quitemon.


    Facing the saber that could split mountains, even the empress could feel its might. Her eyes gave off a red glow, and her hair had turned blood-red. This was the mark of an aboriginal gathering all of the qi and blood in his or her body.


    For practitioners from other nations, after one attained the level of Spirit Wheel, he or she would try to cultivate Embodiment of Spirit. On the contrary, aboriginals would always try to harness the power of their blood lineage and filled their bodies with the power of qi and blood. This was the biggest difference between aboriginals and practitioners from other nations.


    Unarmed, the empress clenched her fists and punched the ck saber continuously, causing a series of explosions to ring through the air. The onlookers below saw a red-colored figure colliding repeatedly with a long ck saber that looked as though it was held by a giant''s hands.


    Loud booms could be incessantly heard. However, each time a collision urred, the red shadow would draw back slightly.


    The aboriginal empress, whose strength had always been unrivalled, was actually now suppressed by Hua Sanliu.


    As the both of them fought, the onlookers below them retreated further and further away from the action. Those who were slightly slower in doing so exploded into a bloody mist. Thick and long saber scars appeared on the surface of the ground, causing the onlookers to flee in panic. All of them were scared of being devoured by the intense battle.


    The shock wave from the battle alone was enough to cause such destruction to the surface of the ground, one could imagine how it felt like to be fighting the empress face-to-face.


    The battle between the empress and Hua Sanliu forced the eight pavilion masters to retreat. The strength of the two experts overwhelmed them with fear.


    Even though they knew Hua Sanliu''s strength was unfathomable, they did not expect him to be so powerful.


    To be able to match his strength, the eight pavilion masters would have tobine forces.


    "Boom."


    Another deafening boom echoed through the air and the empress was knocked flying through the air. Stabilizing herself in the mid-air, shended on a huge rock roughly one hundred meters away.


    The moment her feet touched the rock, the rock exploded into smithereens.


    Following which, the empress raised her arms. One could see a few faint-looking bloody traces on her fists.


    There were a few wounds on her body as well.


    "How can you kill me with this bit of strength? Tell me, how can you kill me with this bit of strength?" Hua Sanliu howled withughter in the air.


    By this moment, the empress''s eyes and hair were blood-red. She was standing on the rock barefooted as her shoes had already shattered.


    "Huff!"


    "Puff!"


    "What is that sound?" the burly man who looked as though he was cast out of iron asked. He was the one that had replied to Hua Sanliu just now. He was Zhong Feng, the Third Pavilion Master of Nine Pavilions.


    "It''s from her." Shi Qingjiao looked at the empress with a solemn look on her face.


    Currently, the aura surrounding the empress kept on intensifying, resembling a ferocious beast that was about to wake up.


    "It''s a breathing sound!" another pavilion master said with incredulity.


    To him, it resembled the breathing of a gigantic beast. It sounded as though the beast was suppressing its blood thirst beforeunching an attack. Right now, it was conserving its energy.


    And at this moment, the empress''s body began to transform again. Odd-looking veined patterns began to appear on her skin filling her body.


    Then, the empress opened her mouth slightly. As she breathed out, traces of white-colored mist shot out from her mouth like arrows and dissipated into the air.


    In the air, Hua Sanliu had already realized something was amiss earlier than the others. Previously, he was already puzzled by Qi Zixiao''s attacks. Even though they were powerful, they somehow did not match the strength of the seventh most powerful expert in the world. Furthermore, she fell into a disadvantageous position too soon, way before he activated Embodiment of Spirit.


    It was at this moment that he realized Qi Zixiao did not go all-out on him.


    Right now, the level of Qi Zixiao''s strength had be significantly higher than before. Furthermore, it was still increasing now, almost matching his level.


    What kind of martial art could increase her strength so much within such a short period of time?


    "Disrupt her, don''t let her continue," this thought suddenly emerged in Hua Sanliu''s mind.


    "Die!" As Hua Sanliu roared, his Embodiment of Spirit transformed into countless saber shadows and flew towards the empress.


    "Huff!"


    The empress breathed out deeply. When she raised her head, one could see that the ckness of her pupils hadpletely disappeared, and her face was covered with blood-red vein pattern.


    "Roar!" The empress suddenly let out a roar. Following which, she disappeared in a sh. By the time she re-appeared, she was in midair surging towards the countless saber shadows with her fists clenched.


    "Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!"


    A series of explosions resounded through the air, almost causing a sonic boom. This time around, even the eight pavilion masters could not make out what was going on. All they could see was a burst of ck light that looked as though it could devour everything. asionally, they could see a red dot flying back and forth across the border of the burst of ck light, proving someone was still there.


    The empress''s fists collided with the burst of ck light repeatedly. Faint fine cracks began to appear on the huge ck saber. Subsequently, those cracks becamerger andrger, so much so that they covered the entire saber.


    "Roar!"


    In the air, the empress let out the roar of an ancient beast once again. Ferociously, shended a punch on the de of the ck saber. Suddenly, the saber shattered into smithereens in the air.


    A figure was knocked flying through the air.


    "Grand Pavilion Master!" the onlookers cried.


    "Roar!" The empress disappeared into thin air in an instant. Following which, she appeared above Hua Sanliu, who was still soaring through the air. She punched Hua Sanliu''s chest and sent him flying downward. The empress then followed him like his shadow and punched him continuously.


    A ck shield suddenly appeared in front of Hua Sanliu''s body, forcibly blocking the empress''s fists. Hua Sanliu, currently, was violently spitting out blood. Blood was gushing out from even his orifices. His eyes were filled with terror. How could Qi Zixiao be so powerful?


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    "Save Grand Pavilion Master!" Second Pavilion Master roared.


    ...


    The eight of them looked at each other but none of them was willing to take the first step to help Hua Sanliu.


    At this moment, there was obviously something amiss with Qi Zixiao. She even defeated Grand Pavilion Master Hua Sanliu, it was better to let someone else take her on right now. The eight pavilion masters all had the same thought, and hence, none of them moved.


    However, the next moment, they all surged forward at the same time.


    A long sword appeared in Second Pavilion Master Jiang Hailiu''s hand, the body of Third Pavilion Master Zhong Feng exuded a metallic glow, a long rod appeared in Fourth Pavilion Master Lu Weng''s hands...


    The eight pavilion masters had already activated Embodiment of Spirit. However, theirs had yet to reach the level of Hua Sanlian''s whereby it was so powerful that it could be projected outwards. Their Embodiment of Spirit could only maintain stability when it materialized within their hands.


    "Bang!" The empress made a flip in the air and heavilynded her feet on Hua Sanliu''s body. Immediately, his body exploded into a bloodly mist.


    The eight persons immediately stopped in their tracks with their eyes popping out. How could this be possible?


    The fifth most powerful expert in the world, Hua Sanliu, was actually pulverized by the empress...


    After pulverizing Hua Sanliu, the empress suddenly lost strength andnded on the ground. She forcibly stabilized herself as the veined pattern on her body slowly receded. Her eyes, however, still remained blood-red.


    "Give me the antidote," the empress raised her head and demanded.


    Her voice remained ice-cold. The manner she pulverized Hua Sanliu just now caused everyone to tremble in fear.


    However, they could sense the fatigue in her voice.


    "The martial art she used just now has exhausted too much of her energy, she can''t take it anymore. Nine Pavilions, whoever kills her will be rewarded handsomely!" An angry roar echoed throughout the vige.


    "Kill her!" Upon hearing themand, thousands of shadows instantly surged towards the empress.


    "Courting death!" The empress''s voice was filled with chilliness and killing intent.

 Chapter 192: Poison Gas

    Chapter 192: Poison Gas


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Kill her and take revenge for Grand Pavilion Master!" the onlookers shouted. The Nine Pavilions was able to have a high standing in this world because every generation of Grand Pavilion Master was ranked among the world''s top ten experts. In addition, nobody dared to underestimate the rest of the pavilion masters either.


    One could imagine that the recent death of Hua Sanliu was a great shock to the members of the Nine Pavilions. All of their eyes were filled with fear and a murderous intent.


    They feared Qi Zixiao''s power, but the intention to kill pervaded the air.


    Besides some pavilion masters achieving fame through battles, many disciples of the Nine Pavilions were like mad dogs, who risked death just to attack their rivals. And as such, the Nine Pavilions received fame for its fighting prowess.


    What''s more, the unstable stature of the empress was clearly visible to all.


    Following the shouts of "serious injury" and "kill", everyone looked at the empress with bloodshot eyes and charged vigorously towards her. Among the fastest was none other than the chubby guy seen earlier, Ninth Pavilion Master Zhu Lang. His movements were slow, and the ground shook whenever he walked. He was seen taking a deep breath and his whole body expanded by one moreyer. Then, he leaped into the air like a meteorite and with a whistling sound, smashed into the empress.


    The empress raised her head and saw up to a thousand people rushing at her, and her eyes were cold and ruthless. " All of you are courting death!"


    But, her current top priority was Zhu Lang, who was speeding menacingly at her like a meteorite.


    The empress clenched her fists and a series of snapping sound was produced. Just now, she suddenly showed amazing strength and obliterated Hua Sanliu, who was of a higher ranking than her. But, the price she paid for doing that wasn''t small.


    That burst of energy just now had damaged her body. Now that the energy had receded, the feeling of weakness and pain from her whole body was alternately sent to her brain.


    Now, her power had fallen to only thirty percent of what it was at her prime. She needed at least one month of cultivation to recover from the injury and return to peak condition.


    The pain caused by each bone and muscle in her body slowed down her movements by a lot.


    Facing Zhu Lang, who was smashing into her from the air, the empress didn''t dodge. She gritted her teeth and delivered a punch upwards.


    "I am Qi Zixiao, how can you underestimate me," the empress silently voiced her thoughts. Her eyes as sharp as a knife.


    At that very moment, her fist met the soft body of Zhu Lang, it was surrounded by fat which trembled and absorbed her energy.


    "Bang." After the collision, Zhu Lang flew back into the air like a ball and the ground under the empress cracked.


    Yet another person, who endowed his whole body with gleaming gold and rushed to attack the empress like a raging cow. This person was Third Pavilion Master Zhong Feng. He and Zhu Lang individuallybined their skills with the Spirit Martial. However, Zhong Feng grew a gleaming gold body that was impervious to knives and swords, whereas Zhu Lang''s body was like a sponge which could absorb energy.


    Both fists of the empress and Zhong Feng collided and powerful shock waves were emitted. Zhong Feng retreated six or seven steps, while the empress retreated seven or eight steps.


    This made the onlookers even surer that the empress was in a bad condition.


    One must know that at her peak condition, even if Zhong Feng condensed his Heaven-grade weapon''s energy to double it, he wouldn''t be able to take a single punch from Qi Zixiao. This time, he had the upper hand, and from this, everyone could see how bad the current situation of the empress was.


    At the same time, Shi Qingjiao appeared behind the empress like a ghost and stabbed her waist with a short knife. The empress flipped her fists to pound the de, causing a metallic shing sound to be produced and two more wounds bloodied her fists.


    A long stick from the left spun and created seven to eight fanciful patterns, which hit the key points of the empress''s body.


    In unison with the other attacks, a veil of sword shadows enveloped the empress from above.


    The empress had no choice but to retreat as the attacks wereing from all directions. She would not even deign to look at them if she was in tiptop shape. With her strength at thirty percent and her speed also decreasing, it put the empress at a disadvantage. Furthermore, the eight pavilion masters banded together with the Heaven-grade weapon to greatly increase their power. After forcing herself to intercept the stick, she received some bloody cuts from the sword shadow that could be seen everywhere. Seeing a gap in the enclosure surrounding her, she leapt in the direction of the archway.


    The empress was filled with murderous intent and her inverted brows disyed her anger. If it was prior to these attacks, she was still unwilling to use this poison gas. But, if she still did not utilize it now, she would be left over here.


    The antidote was not in her hands yet, so she couldn''t even leave, let alone escape.


    "Qi Zixiao is dying, thinking of escape? Stop her!" Jiang Hailiu was excited with the situation.


    In front of the empress was a raging crowd of the Nine Pavilion members. She abruptly jumped up wanting to cross over their heads, but twenty or thirty of them, carrying all sorts of weapons, jumped up concurrently.


    The next moment, those twenty to thirty people fell back to the ground like dumplings in a pot, but the empress was also blocked by them, and she was forced to pause for a while. Once again, Shi Qingjiao appeared like a ghost behind the empress and continuously stabbed her back twenty-seven times and turned into a trail of knife light.


    "Get lost!" The empress''s expression was as cold as ice. She turned and threw a punch in return. The impact sent Shi Qingjiao flying out with a muffled voice, and the empress had fresh blood flowing from her hands.


    Relying on the rebound from this punch, the empress flew for a few meters, but more than ten people jumped up to intercept her again.


    "Get lost!" She kicked everybody away. Simultaneously, she stepped on one person and headed for the door.


    Was her goal the bag hanging on the door? Jiang Hailiu, who was chasing her knew there was certainly something odd with that bag. Otherwise, why would she make such a strange move?


    However, it was toote to say anything, the empress somersaulted through the door, and the ck bag had already appeared in her hand.


    Meanwhile, a ball of meat raced like a meteorite at her. The empress turned in mid-air and stepped on the ball of meat. Although her action repelled Zhu Lang, she was also knocked back to the ground and immediately surrounded by many Nine Pavilions disciples.


    The empress took out two bottles from the bag, broke the bottlenecks and swallowed the content.


    "Oh no, stop her." Jiang Hailiu thought the empress was taking medicine to restore her condition and hastily shouted. But by this moment, it was toote, and he could only look on helplessly as she took the medicine.


    "The effect of the medicine will take some time to materialize, surround and kill her," Jiang Hailiu shouted and rushed over.


    It wasn''t only him that thought that way, everyone else thought so too. Nobody expected the empress to take the antidote for the poison gas.


    The empress threw the bag on the ground, stepped on it with one foot and the bottles inside broke instantly. She flexed the tip of her toe, split the bag and directed it at the crowd, injuring more than ten people with the broken shards.


    The sarin gas in the backpack was released in all directions and dispersed into the air.


    0.5 milligrams of Sarin were enough to kill a normal adult. Furthermore, it was colorless and tasteless. The amount in the backpack was at least ten kilograms and the concentration level could only be imagined when dispersed in such surroundings.


    However, nobody in the crowd noticed it as in this world, poison was only in either pill or liquid form. One method was to orally consume the poison, which was an intrusive method to the human body; whereas another method was through the burning of poisonous substances. They had totally no concept of such poison gas, which utilized liquids evaporating to invade through the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

 Chapter 193: The Destruction of Nine Pavilions

    Chapter 193: The Destruction of Nine Pavilions


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The empress was surrounded by the eight pavilion masters. No matter who attacked her, she would counter-attack with a punch. Her punches weren''t showy at all. She was solely using her strength to counter the eight pavilion masters'' techniques. This had always been her style. No matter who her opponent was, she would kill them with a single punch.


    If she was at her peak strength, she would not fear these people at all even if they joined forces. However, after pulverizing Hua Sanliu, she had fallen into an absolutely disadvantageous position. Every now and then, another wound would be added to her body. Her red dress was already covered in bloodstains. Blood dripped from her hands and from a half-a-inch-deep wound on her waist. The wound on her waist was caused by Shi Qingjiao. She alwaysunched a deadly attack at the most suitable timing right after everyone had attacked.


    If it was another person, she would have cut his or her waist open.


    There was also a wound on the empress''s shoulder. It was so deep that her shoulder bone could be seen. It was inflicted by Jiang Hailiu.


    The empress''s face turned colder and paler as time passed. The redness of her lips became more and more prominent, resembling the color of a bloody fire. Her gaze had be ice-cold.


    Everyone was amazed by Qi Zixiao''s willpower. From the start of the battle until now, her determined gaze had never changed. They could not see any sign of weakness or fear from her.


    Despite their amazement at her willpower, they still wanted to stop her from escaping this ce. Even if Hua Sanliu had died, they would not let anyone undermine the Nine Pavilions.


    They did not even need to consider the benefits they would receive from Great Xia''s imperial family for killing Qi Zixiao. Just Qi Zixiao''s head alone was more than priceless.


    "She can''t take it any longer," everyone thought to themselves. Even though the epic battle between Qi Zixiao and Hua Sanliu did notst long, it had exhausted her immensely. And now that she had lost so much blood, she was on the brink of copsing.


    Everyone here was faster and more ruthless. They could even engage in a battle of attrition with Qi Zixiao and kept her here.


    Suddenly, the disciples of the Nine Pavilions surrounding the battle began to feel headaches and nauseous. Following which, several of them copsed to the ground. Hundreds of people dropped to the ground one by one. This scene shocked everyone in the Nine Pavilions. There were many people shouting names and checking on those who had copsed. The bodies of those who had copsed began to twitch while white foam poured out from their mouths.


    "We are poisoned!" Everyone''s facial expression changed drastically.


    Where does the poisone from? Qi Zixiao? Who? Other than Qi Zixiao, who can it be?


    One by one, the disciples of the Nine Pavilions copsed to the ground without knowing what was going on.


    Everyone began to scatter in all directions. Even though they did not know how Qi Zixiao had poisoned them, they still pulled away from each other subconsciously.


    However, it was toote to do so at this point of time.


    So how deadly were ten kilograms of sarin gas? If one kilogram of sarin gas was enough to kill one million people, then ten kilograms of sarin gas was enough to turn this ce into a dead zone. Furthermore, this ce was so small. If an ordinary individual was exposed to such a high concentration of sarin gas, he or she would die in less than two minutes.


    From the moment the empress detonated the sarin gas cans with a kick until now, seven minutes had passed. Excluding the time for the sarin gas to take effect, everyone in Nine Pavilions were exposed to high concentrations of sarin gas for five minutes.


    Even though the disciples of Nine Pavilions were stronger than ordinary individuals, they still died within five minutes. This was also because they had absorbed a huge amount of sarin gas. It was simply toote for them to escape now.


    With fear on their faces, the disciples of the Nine Pavilions began to run outwards. However, not long after they started running, they dropped to the ground with their bodies twitching.


    The eight pavilion masters'' facial expressions changed drastically. They did not expect Qi Zixiao to poison them, and they did not know how she did it.


    "Qi Zixiao, you drank the antidote just now?" Jiang Hailiu suddenly recalled the scene just now and understood what was going on. The thing that Qi Zixiao drank just now wasn''t an energy-recovering medicine, but rather, a preemptive antidote.


    The eight pavilion masters stopped what they were doing and subconsciously looked at the countless fragments of the ck backpack that Qi Zixiao shattered with her kick on the ground.


    The ck backpack was where Qi Zixiao took out two bottles of an unknown liquid and drank them.


    Where else could they get the antidote from now?


    "That''s why I said you''re courting death." The empress looked at the eight pavilion masters with an ice-cold gaze. She was panting heavily with blood seeping out from the corner of her mouth. For the past seven minutes, she had arduously been holding them off.


    "Hand over the antidote!" Jiang Hailiu held on to hisst glimpse of hope and roared. He knew it was highly unlikely that Qi Zixiao would hand over the antidote. At this point in time, his body was trembling furiously, appearing as though someone had poured a bucket of cold water over him.


    The rest of the pavilion masters'' faces turned deathly pale.


    For the time being, they were still alright. After all, they were more powerful than the ordinary disciples, and hence, they were able to hold off the poison for a slightly longer amount of time.


    "Antidote? I have drunk it all," the empress inly replied. This simple line caused the eight pavilion masters to shiver in terror.


    "The antidote you want is with me, I will destroy it before I die as well." An ashen look appeared on Zhu Lang''s face.


    "It''s okay, I can go in and look for it myself. There is definitely some antidote left," the empress said. "There shouldn''t be too many antidotes that require such a box to hold."


    That''s right, the antidote for Torment was kept in a very exquisite box. The empress reckoned that Zhu Lang wouldn''t find such a box to hold it if it was easily contained.


    There was something else that she did not say for the fear of rming them. Even if they destroyed the antidote, as long as there was a bit of remnant of it, she could identify its smell and find it. She reckoned that different antidotes were made up of different ingredients and they would, therefore, have different smells.


    "You will die with me!" Third Pavilion Master Zhong Feng roared and charged towards the empress. The empress merely took a step to her side and avoided him. By now, she no longer needed to put in so much effort into warding them off anymore. All of the ordinary disciples were lying on the ground. Some of their bodies were still twitching, but they would die soon.


    Spirit Wheel experts might be more powerful than ordinary practitioners, but that did not mean they were impervious to all poisons.


    Thousands of people were lying on the ground in disarray, looking extremely ghastly. Those who ran away did not dare to stop running. No one knew the exact area of effect that the poison had.


    The look on Zhu Lang''s face was indescribable. He crushed the wooden box in his hand and fled the scene.


    Holding on to hisst tinge of hope, he decided to flee the area. He might find a way to cure himself and survive outside.


    Upon seeing Zhu Lang run away, the rest of the pavilion masters took action as well. One of them fled the scene while the remaining four charged towards Qi Zixiao. Since they were going to die anyway, they felt that they should inflict more injuries on her.


    After running less than five meters, Zhu Lang found it harder and harder to control his body. Following which, he copsed to the ground.


    Since he was the weakest among the eight pavilion masters, he was the first to die.


    The sound of Zhu Lang copsing to the ground hit everyone like a heavy hammer. A terrified look appeared on all of their faces.


    The next one to fall was Zhang Zijiang. She dropped to the ground while jumping over to the next rooftop.


    Calmly, the empress dodged the attacks from the four pavilion masters. Then, she watched on as they copsed to the ground one by one.


    "You will not leave Great Xia!" Jiang Hailiu''s eyes were filled with malice. After finishing his sentence, he dropped to the ground in front of the empress.


    The empress stood there with an indifferent look upon her face. Other than several men that had escaped, everyone in the Nine Pavilions was dead.


    The empress knew she had no time to waste. She knew a thing or two about sarin gas from Ren Baqian on Earth. Given such a high concentration of sarin gas in the air, she was in danger even though she had taken the preemptive antidote.


    In terms of body constitution, an aboriginal was much better than a Spirit Wheel practitioner from Great Xia. In this aspect, even Hua Sanliu paled inparison to her. Moreover, she had consumed the antidote and, therefore, would be alright for the time being. However, if she lingered here any longer, things might go awry for her.


    She ran up to Zhu Lang''s body and took the remnant of the crushed antidote from his hand. Then, she searched through the nine pagodas for the antidote. After a while, she left Nine Pavilions with a few wooden boxes.


    The inheritances kept in the Nine Pavilions were considered top-notch in Great Xia. however, she wasn''t interested in them, so she couldn''t be bothered to loot the ce.


    Behind her, the Nine Pavilions was like a ghost town with countless dead bodies sprawled all over the ce.


    Other than the few ordinary disciples that had fled, everyone else in the Nine Pavilions was dead.


    No one had expected the Nine Pavilions, which stood tall and upright in Great Xia for hundreds of years, to be annihted just because of a poison named Torment wandering in the outside world.

 Chapter 194: Shocked the World

    Chapter 194: Shocked the World


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was waiting anxiously in the mountain, and it was impossible not to worry. But, he could only move his fingers at this moment, so what else could he do?


    After waiting for at least eight to ten hours, Ren Baqian finally saw a red shadow appearing in front of him.


    The empress at this moment, was in a very sorry state. The red muslin dress with a white shirt beneath was torn and stained with blood. Fresh blood was still dripping from her waist and shoulders. Her face was pale and the trace of blood at the corner of her mouth was not wiped clean.


    "Zixiao!" Ren Baqian was shocked to see the empress in this condition, he felt as if he was being stabbed by a knife.


    In his eyes, the empress was always majestic looking and since when did she look like that? Since when did shend herself in such a sorry state?


    Who did she do it for?


    He was wrestling with his thoughts and wasn''t able to say anything at this moment. The matter of the antidote was also thrown to the back of his mind.


    "Open your mouth!" The empress stood in front of him and said. She had a pill, which was about the size of a longan in her hand and threw the rest of the boxes onto the ground.


    Seeing Ren Baqian in a daze, the empress forced open his mouth and popped the pill in. It almost got stuck in his throat and choked him to death. Seeing him unable to breathe, she pounded his back to get the pill out and then promptly stuffed it into his mouth again.


    With great difficulty, Ren Baqian finally managed to chew and swallow the pill as the empress poured a mouthful of water from the water bag into his mouth.


    As the empress always behaved this way, Ren Baqian did notin about her almost choking him to death. This was a small matter and notparable to what she had done for him.


    "Are your injuries serious?" Ren Baqian finally asked.


    "During this month I will only have thirty percent of my power, but even with this level of power, no one can withstand me." The empress was forever full of confidence.


    "However, I am hungry now." The empress changed her tone.


    The battles that she just went through had taken a heavy toll on her body and resulted in intense hunger.


    Aboriginals needed arge amount of food or medicine to replenish their qi and blood.


    Ren Baqian tried to move his fingers, but still, he couldn''t move them.


    The empress looked at him and said, "The medicine will take some time to take effect. I will look for something to eat."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head, the antidote was not an elixir and naturally did not take effect instantly. He looked on as the empress left again.


    After the empress''s departure, Ren Baqian tried to move his body from time to time. But ultimately, he still was unable to move at all. Right at the time when he was doubting whether the medicine brought back by the injured empress could really work, he felt his shoulders twisting about.


    This made Ren Baqian immediately ecstatic.


    Although it was just a slight wrenching movement in his shoulders, he was extremely excited as he hadn''t been able to move for more than ten days. As such, he was extremely attuned to any small changes at the moment.


    This showed that the antidote was real.


    Following the movement of his shoulders, his hands, arms, and calves started to move as well.


    By the time his waist could move, he felt himselfing to life again.


    Ren Baqian held on to Qi Shui, who was at the side as he tried to stand up, but his body was rusty from inactivity for more than ten days. His joints were creaking, and his legs were like jelly. He felt as though he was getting old in advance and to recover he needed to move about more.


    While Ren Baqian was moving about, the empress came back with meat wrapped in oil-paper, which exuded nice aroma.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was cautiously moving about, a happy expression appeared on the empress''s face.


    She had finally saved him.


    This brought out the greatest joy in her.


    "Zixiao!" Ren Baqian looked at her with joy and happiness.


    The empress suppressed her joy, held up the meat wrapped in oil paper and offered, "Do you want to eat?"


    Her voice was clear and a lot less cold.


    "Alright." Ren Baqian nodded his head in delight. As to how the meat was obtained, he wasn''t interested. In any case, the empress certainly didn''t carry any money with her.


    The empress indeed came back with a lot of meat, and even wine. Ren Baqian only ate a bit and quietly looked at her while she was eating, as if he could never see enough of her.


    "It has been hard on you," Ren Baqian said sincerely. He didn''t say thanks as there was no meaning in saying it right now.


    The empress swallowed one mouthful of wine and said, "You better not lie to me in future or I will kill you."


    Ren Baqianughed nonstop after hearing this, annoying the empress a little as she felt this rascal was getting more and more impudent.


    It took awhile for Ren Baqian to stopughing. Then, he looked at the empress and said in an earnest tone, "There is no need for you to intervene when the timees."


    The empress kept mum and ignored him.


    The meat and wine took quite a while for the empress to finish. Only when she felt no longer felt that hungry, she then said, "We better get moving��two people ran away just now and the news will spread. We have to leave Great Xia before they respond to the situation"


    Earlier, five people ran away, but the empress caught up and killed three of them. The other two went into hiding, and the empress didn''t bother to look for them.


    ...


    One day after the two of them had left, a group of people gathered outside the col where the Nine Pavilions was located and among them, was a young man in his thirties wearing a brocade robe.


    Although the Nine Pavilion was feared by many, they still had some dealings with the outside. Otherwise, the Lian Family wouldn''t have been able to obtain Torment.


    This convoy was at the Nine Pavilions for a reason.


    However, they were shocked when they reached the mountain pass and everyone paled.


    Below, countless bodies could been seen lying around haphazardly, and almost all the buildings near the Nine Pavilion''s archway had already copsed.


    "What''s happened here?" Everyone was shocked. Did someone aggressively attack the Nine Pavilions? How was that possible? And who had the guts to do so?


    More importantly, the Nine Pavilions was like a haunted house with no sound or movement inside.


    Thest time they were here, not only were there many disciples, there were also many domestic animals. But this time, even a bug couldn''t be found.


    Everyone stood at the mountain pass and momentarily was unsure of whether to advance or retreat. They thought of going forward to take a look but were afraid the enemies might still be inside.


    After waiting for over one hour and hearing no sounding from inside, the crowd was emboldened to go inside.


    The man wearing the brocade robe led the way, and the further he went inside, the more shocked he was. It was because the dead bodies of the Nine Pavilion''s disciples were lying all over the ce.


    Soon enough, they discovered that all these people were all poisoned to death.


    The Nine Pavilions was famous for using poison, which poison specialist in this world could actually kill all the disciples of the Nine Pavilions with poison?


    What about Hua Sanliu? The rest of the eight pavilion masters?


    Even if ordinary disciples might be poisoned to death, but was it possible to poison these few people to death?


    Until he saw a corpse with half a body, he froze immediately.


    This corpse only had the upper chest and head, but he had seen this face before. It was Hua Sanliu, who was the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    Previously, he had only seen him twice from afar. At that time, he seemed so mighty. How did he die so tragically over here?


    If even Hua Sanliu died here, were the rest of the pavilion masters also dead? Otherwise, why wasn''t there a single soul to clean this ce up?


    He had a sudden thought which was scary to behold. If this information spread, it would shake the whole world.


    The Nine Pavilions was actually decimated by someone.


    Soon after, he had another thought. Since the Nine Pavilions was decimated, were the assets and various secret manuals that were umted over the past few hundred years still over here?


    As he thought of this, his heart was consumed by fire, and he raised his head to look at the nine high towers with a gaze full of fury.


    However, when he reached the entrance of the vige, one person beside him suddenly fell to the ground, followed by a second and a third person. He suddenly thought of something, was the poison still around?


    As he was about to rush out to leave, his whole body fell to the ground after running a short distance.


    Yes, although already more than one day had passed, there was still remnants of sarin gas in the air and the residue remained attached on the corpses.


    Naturally, they were contaminated by the poison when examined the corpses earlier on.


    Only those that stayed behind at the mountain pass were spared. Several people rushed to take the man away, but he was already foaming at the mouth and was dead.


    Upon seeing this, the rest of the people hurriedly ran out of the mountain.


    Following their departure, the news that the Nine Pavilions was totally destroyed spread quickly and countless people gathered outside the mountain in the short span of two days.


    The two disciples who managed to run away, thought ofing back after a few days to take a look and to take all the secret manuals and ancient records away. Therefore, they hadn''t announced the news of Qi Zixiaoing to Great Xia.


    They didn''t dare toe near here for a period of time, and hence, other people discovered this matter.


    It was only at this time that they learned from the two disciples that the Dayao empress, Qi Zixiao, came personally to the Nine Pavilions and defeated Hua Sanliu. In addition, they didn''t know what poison was used to kill the other eight pavilion masters as well as all of the other disciples.


    Everyone was shocked!


    Subsequently, the entire world was in shock too!


    Numerous flying pigeons were used to spread the news within two short days in Great Xia, and then spread to the entire world.


    Numerous people spread the news by word of mouth and countless people were stunned by the fact that the Nine Pavilions was destroyed. More people spected on the power of Qi Zixiao. After all, since she could defeat Hua Sanliu, she should be ranked as the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    Even more people spected on what type of poison Qi Zixiao used as it killed up to thousands of people in the Nine Pavilions within a short time. This also included the eight pavilion masters.


    Nobody ever knew that the Dayao empress, the seventh most powerful expert in the world, Qi Zixiao, was actually a poison expert.


    Her status, her disy of power, and the methods she disyed shocked the world greatly.


    At the same time, the border was also getting ready their soldiers and horses. Countless of experts were dispatched. No matter what, Qi Zixiao must be contained and not allowed to return to Dayao.


    ording to rumors, Qi Zixiao was seriously injured at the moment.

 Chapter 195: The Couple Tour in Istanbul

    Chapter 195: The Couple Tour in Istanbul


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    While countless people in Great Xia were shocked by the news of the Nine Pavilions'' destruction, a man and ady were travelling through the famous city of Istanbul on Earth like any ordinary couple.


    Every day, there were countless couples just like theming to this city from all over the world. Therefore, they weren''t at all conspicuous.


    The only conspicuous things about them were thedy''s exquisite and charismatic face and the dangerous ice-cold aura exuding from her body.


    At this moment, however, thedy waspletely devoid of these traits.


    She was entirely focused on the Turkish kebab in her hands. asionally, she would take a look at the beautiful scenery surrounding her.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was holding a bag containing all kinds of local delicacies.


    While they were walking down the street, Ren Baqian would buy any street food he spotted, and the empress would eat anything he bought. For every food Ren Baqian bought, he would take a small bite of it and pass it to the empress to let her finish it. Those who saw him doing this had a warm smile on their faces.


    Ever since the epic battle with Hua Sanliu, the empress''s appetite increased dramatically. A sheep that weighed 70 kilograms usually had 25 kilograms of meat and even this amount was too much for a muscr bodybuilder to eat. The empress could effortlessly eat two portions of such an amount of meat, which was roughly equivalent to her weight.


    Any food that entered her stomach would be immediately converted into essence energy, replenishing every single cell in her body.


    While they were traversing through the territory of Great Xia two days ago, the pair would asionally stop for a rest, and the empress would catch a few animals for Ren Baqian to roast. Sitting on the back of Qi Shui, she would eat the food in an elegant but extremely fast manner.


    This slowed down their travelling speed significantly.


    Now that they were back on Earth, both of them wanted to make use of this opportunity to have a good rest. Ren Baqian needed to nurse his health. After all, he was still feeling weak. On the contrary, the empress waspletely focused on eating the local delicacies.


    However, Ren Baqian did not know something. Despite having a serene look on her face, the empress was actually feeling pain all over her body. She had been enduring the pain without batting an eyelid.


    She would only speak out when she was hungry.


    When Ren Baqian saw the empress finished the Turkish kebab and pita wrap, he passed her a bottle of Lion''s Milk that he bought from a restaurant just now. Lion''s Milk, also known as Turkish white wine, was an anise-vored, alcoholic drink that had an alcohol percentage of 45%. After adding water or ice to it, its color would turn milk-white.


    The empress raised her head and finished the bottle of Lion''s Milk that had been added to ice. Her face was slightly red as she had already drunk three bottles of Lion''s Milk before this.


    That''s right. Ever since she arrived on Earth in the morning, she had never stopped eating or drinking. While she was in Great Xia, the amount of food that she consumed was simply not enough for her appetite. Since they were in a rush to leave Great Xia, she could only asionally catch some animals for Ren Baqian to roast for food.


    Now that they had returned to Earth, she could finally eat her fill.


    When Ren Baqian saw there was a stain on the corner of the empress''s mouth, he used his thumb to wipe it off. The empress froze and looked at him. Following which, she lowered her head, looked at the pita wrap in her hands and gently bit it.


    Two of them had toured around the city for half a day. They weren''t really interested in the beautiful scenery or intriguing culture of this city. Instead, they had gained a deeper understanding of the local delicacies here.


    That afternoon, they went to a beach in Istanbul that was near to the estuary of the ck Sea.


    There were many people on the beach. Hot and beautiful girls wearing bikinis could be found everywhere. All of them were lying on beach mats suntanning.


    While the empress and Ren Baqian were standing on the beach, thetter''s gaze kept on wandering. Hot girls wearing bikinis were a verymon sight in this world, but it made the empress raise her eyebrows in disapproval.


    "Are they really that nice to look at?" the empress asked coldly.


    "No, their beauty pales inparison to yours. I''m actually not looking at them." Ren Baqian shook his head and said, "Everything here, the sea, the beach, and the people, are just decorations to adorn one person."


    The empress looked slightly tipsy. After drinking a few bottles of Lion''s Milk, she looked even more alluring.


    By this point in time, Ren Baqian felt that the empress was like a burning me while he was like a moth that couldn''t restrain its emotions and fly towards it.


    Actually, he liked seeing every frown and every smile of the empress. He seldom saw her like this in Dayao. And as such, he always wanted to tease her. However, he did it half-heartedly every time.


    After all, he wasn''t a bullfighter and he did not want to die.


    However, he did note here just to tease the empress. In fact, he was a sea-lover. Perhaps this was a desire of someone that grew up ind.


    I want a house that faces the sea, with flowers blossoming around it and warm sunlight shining on it.


    Such words would nevere out from the mouth of someone that lived near a sea. The sea was an inders'' romance, especially when it came to couples.


    In reality, those who lived by the sea did not feel this way. Living in areas situated near the sea for too long, especially houses that had a direct view of the sea, made it easier for one to catch rheumatism and various dampness-rted illnesses.


    Initially, the empress was feeling unhappy. After hearing Ren Baqian''s words, she did not say anything else. With a darkened face, she continued to eat her snack. She was eating a strudel. This kind of sweet-tasting food was her favorite.


    "Since you don''t like it here, we can go back now," Ren Baqian smiled and said.


    He was delighted after seeing the I-am-not-happy look on the empress''s face throughout the car ride back.


    After returning to the city, both of them stayed in a hotel overnight. The next day, they took a ne back to Beijing. By the time they reached Ankara, it was already nighttime. They stayed there for a night, and the next morning they took a chartered car back to Shancheng. After reaching his house, Ren Baqian threw everything on the floor and copsed onto the sofa.


    All along, his body had not yet recovered from the poison. Now that he was travel-worn, he felt extremely fatigued.


    Less than half an hourter, the empress looked at him with her eyes lit up and said, "I''m hungry."


    "Alright!" Lying on the sofa, Ren Baqian turned around and gave her a smile. No matter how tired he was, he would definitely fulfil this simple request of the empress.


    Ren Baqian drove the empress out for a meal. Then, they went to the supermarket and bought a bunch of food. For the entire afternoon, the empress justy on the sofa and ate all kinds of food while watching a movie. There were pizzas, KFC Family Bucket Meals, Donkey Burgers, and other various cooked foods.


    asionally, Ren Baqian would steal some food from the empress''s hands to eat. And every time he did this, the empress would cast a nce at him, but he still never got tired of doing it. Even though there was a heap of food on the table, he still preferred to take from the empress''s hands.


    At night, only when the empress went to her room to sleep did Ren Baqian returned to his room happily and practice [Visualization of Water].


    While he was poisoned, every time he visualized [Visualization of Water], the surface of theke would churn furiously, preventing him from diving into theke.


    As he recovered gradually, he was able to dive into theke once again.


    Theke in [Visualization of Water] was part of his body. Every time he dived into it, his body would be slightly transformed. To put it simply, his kidneys were transforming. After all, kidneys were water-attributed.


    However, due to theck of time for cultivation, he did not discover any other changes with his body other than the increase in his strength after taking the medicinal bath.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian woke up and made breakfast for the empress. Then, he gave Chen Qing a call to tell him he was alright.


    Upon hearing this news, Chen Qing had a weight taken off his mind. For the past few days, he had been staying at theboratory but very little progress had been made.


    After hanging up on Chen Qing, Ren Baqian received another call in less than ten minutes. After he picked up the call with doubt, he heard a female voice on the other side of the line. "Lucky boy, where are you? Can youe down to theboratory?"


    "I''m not interested." Upon hearing it was Xu Shan''s voice, he immediately hung up. Since he had recovered now, he wasn''t interested in going back to theboratory.


    In less than ten seconds, his phone rang again. This time around, Ren Baqian hung up without even picking up the call.


    When the phone rang for the third time, Ren Baqian picked up the call with his eyebrows furrowed.


    "Boss, don''t forget you''re our boss. Do you know what impact will the R worms has on this world? If we can control it, we can use it to cure an incurable disease like leukemia. The entire world will benefit from it and you can be a billionaire. Right now, we are progressing very slowly, you have toe down to theboratory."


    Fearing that Ren Baqian would hang up on her, Xu Shan spat out a string of words the moment Ren Baqian picked up her call.


    "I have no interest in making more money," Ren Baqian mumbled. There was no point in him making more money now.


    However, if what Xu Shan said was true, it would be a pity if he just ignored the research on R worms now. There were still some antidotes to Torment left.


    If theboratory really came up with a cure for leukemia, not only would he be a billionaire, he would rise to fame as well.


    Furthermore, some of things that he wanted in the future needed social status and social connections to obtain.


    For example, aputer numerical control system and other high-tech equipment. Right now, he still did not have any idea on how to obtain this kind of equipment. He even needed Chen Qing to sell his gemstones. If he could enter the social circle of wealthy people and meet one or two influential individuals, he would have a much easier time obtaining whatever he wanted.


    "Alright, I will go overter," Ren Baqian replied inly and hung up.

 Chapter 196: Full of Confidence

    Chapter 196: Full of Confidence


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian and the empress brought along the antidote and rushed to the lobby of the building where theboratory was situated at. He gave Chen Qing a call and in no time, Xu Shan and Sun Qing immediately came down to receive the both of them. It seemed like they couldn''t even wait any longer as they immediately pulled him over, and cautiously touched him from head to toe without even saying anything.


    "Enough, the both of you!" Ren Baqian''s face disyed his unwillingness.


    The previous time I was poisoned, the both of you researched for such a long time yet there weren''t any results. Now, the both of you are behaving like perverts and touching me all over. What do the both of you want?


    Furthermore, which bastard touched my buttocks?


    Crap, and almost touched my penis as well.


    Ren Baqian''s face already turned pale.


    Only at this moment, the both of them said in astonishment while pulling on to Ren Baqian, "Lucky boy, how did you actually do it?"


    "Let''s go up and talk." Ren Baqian looked at the empress, and the four words "I am not happy" were written all over the empress''s face.


    If they were in Dayao, she might have already swatted the both of them to death.


    To put it simply, she was just being protective.


    With regards to this point, Ren Baqian had long ago discovered it.


    However, the empress was already very restrained in this world.


    They took the lift up, but Chen Qing wasn''t there. Instead, Papa Chen had already been waiting inside since long ago, and his gaze fell on the empress when they entered.


    All these years, he had seen all kinds of people and believed that he somewhat had foresight. Even though this woman''s appearance was breathtaking, this wasn''t the main point. The main point was that when he saw her, his awareness was raised involuntarily as he was afraid to offend her.


    For an ordinary person, it probably wouldn''t be that obvious. But, for a sly old man like him who had seen all sorts of officials, only then would one be particrly sharp.


    This woman was absolutely the kind who was in charge of life-and-death decisions.


    However, he only took a nce at the empress before looking at Ren Baqian again. He really didn''t dare to be impudent in case he offended her without even knowing the reason. By all means, he should never offend someone like her.


    "It''s good that you are fine now. Sometime ago, I heard from Chen Qing that you were very ill, and I was very worried. Now that you are fine, it''s all good," Papa Chen said as he gave a passionate smile.


    "Thanks a lot, Uncle." The rtionship between the two of them had always been very good. As such, Ren Baqian also had a great impression of Papa Chen.


    Just like thisboratory business. Even though he had managed to save Chen Qing, but if it was someone else, he would never give away sixty percent of his shares for just a form and a sample. Giving forty percent of the shares was already considered a pretty good offer.


    However, Papa Chen actually made that decision when he was just an ordinary sried worker, who only earned about a few thousand yuan a month. Since then, Ren Baqian felt that Papa Chen was someone that he could work together with.


    And as such, he didn''t think much when he brought the antidote over.


    Otherwise, an ordinary person would definitely not take such an important item out so easily. This was because the prior agreement and the establishment of theboratory, pertained only to issues of the ck mud cream.


    However, Ren Baqian didn''t care about such things.


    It appeared that all the things on Earth had already lost it attractiveness to him.


    Even though he still didn''t have much money, status, or the young models which he used to think about all day, he didn''t yearn for them anymore.


    As long as he had a fixed status for him on Earth to obtain the things he required, it would be sufficient.


    "This is��.? Is it convenient for you to introduce her?" Papa Chen chuckled. Even though he could sense that this woman wasn''t anyone ordinary, there wasn''t any harm in getting to know her. Who knew he might actually get to know some big shots from her. It was something that a businessman like him, yearned for even in his dreams.


    "This is...."


    Ren Baqian turned his head and took a quick look at the empress while the other party was looking at him.


    "My fianc��e!"


    Ren Baqian spoke as he looked at the empress. The empress''s gaze twinkled for a moment before shifting it elsewhere.


    "Cough cough!" Upon hearing this answer, Papa Chen nearly choked to death.


    "Very well matched!" Papa Chenplimented after coughing a few times and his tone was sincere. In general, if anyone heard how heplimented Ren Baqian, they would have thought that Papa Chen really felt that way.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian already said those words, Papa Chen no longer showed any interest in the empress. In any case, he and Ren Baqian were on the same boat at the moment.


    Following which, Xu Shan and Sun Qing did a series of examinations on Ren Baqian. To their surprise, he really had recovered. The R worms in his body had alreadypletely disappeared.


    "How did you do it? What did you eat?" The pair of scientists were stirred with excitement.


    Papa Chen remained unmoved. In actual fact, he was actually aware of this matter. Sun Qing and Xu Shan had directly found him and requested more equipment for theboratory. They wanted to expand their research on the R worms. In addition, they also described the future prospects of the R worms to him.


    Thus, besides expressing his concern towards Ren Baqian, he was also here because of the aforementioned reasons.


    "This is the antidote." Ren Baqian took out an interesting and appealing small box. Both Xu Shan and Sun Qing''s eyes were practically fixated on it.


    Papa Chen also stared at that box. At the same time, he was scheming in his heart on how to get the other party to hand this box over to him.


    As a far as this issue was concerned, he understood clearly that their previous agreement only concerned the ck mud cream. The value of the item Ren Baqian just took out, didn''t pale inparison to the ck mud cream.


    After all, his status determined his way of thinking.


    "I only have this much. All of you better pay more attention and keep it safely. If it''s gone, there''s nothing I can do about it anymore." Ren Baqian took another box out and ced it at the side of the table. He felt that if both Xu Shan and Sun Qing wanted to test itsposition and find any substances which had a reaction to these R worms, two pills ought to be enough.


    There was one more pill in his bag which he kept as reserve.


    Ren Baqian''s straightforwardness caught Papa Chen slightly off guard.


    Papa Chen looked at Xu Shan and Sun Qing opened the boxes as if they obtained treasures before promptly seeing them off. Only then did he said to Ren Baqian, "Baqian, if we are able to achieve results from the research, I will give another fifteen percent worth of stocks to you.


    It was foreseeable that the results of thisboratory would bring dozens of billions in wealthter in the future. By giving away fifteen percent worth of stocks out of the forty percent he originally had, not only was he giving away hundreds of millions or even one billion worth of profits to someone else, it also made greatly reduced his authority in theboratory as well as the medicinal factory in the future.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that there must be results. Even if he had to lose fifteen percent of his stocks, his earnings wouldn''t decrease as well.


    It was a huge matter that affected more than ten billion worth of profits. Naturally, the two once again had to sign an agreement. The reason why he spoke now was because of the woman who was by Ren Baqian''s side, who made him felt rather pressured.


    Under his preconception, he felt that even a rich merchant wouldn''t be able to nurture a woman like her.


    Only those evergreen political families or military families would be able to nurture a woman with an ability to control life-and-death decisions.


    As a result, he made a timely statement so that others wouldn''t feel that he had taken too much.


    There were many things that required an appropriate behavior.


    "Forget it, Uncle. I have said that I don''t have much interest in these things. Just like the sentence you told me before, ''When doing business, having a win-win situation for both sides is the most important thing!'' This sentence has been engraved in my memory.


    Regardless of whether it is theboratory or the medicinal factory, Uncle will be in charge of it. I''m not concerned about it. I also don''t care about how much money I earn." Ren Baqian gestured with his hands.


    When he was in Dayao, he relied on Earth. But now when he''s on Earth, he actually relied on the other world.


    In particr, there was the empress and the entire Dayao.


    He really didn''t care about earning money anymore.


    He was full of confidence and the way he spoke was also filled with vigor. His carefree appearance actually made Papa Chen a little amazed.


    In less than a year, this young man had actually matured into such state, and Papa Chen wondered what in the world he actually experienced. He was actually willing to give away money that was within his grasp at the snap of his fingertips.


    Papa Chen smiled after he was slightly surprised by Ren Baqian''s words, "Since you call me Uncle, this means that I will be taking advantage of you."


    Both parties chatted for a while longer, and Ren Baqian rejected Papa Chen''s suggestion once again. As such, Papa Chen didn''t say anything more. He only felt that this young man would be someone extraordinary in the days toe.


    Ren Baqian delivered the antidote and there wasn''t anything else to be done. He declined Papa Chen''s invitation to have dinner together and went to the shopping mall with the empress. Previously, he had promised the empress to apany her and buy a dress. Although she had already changed into a red dress set, it was a dress which he casually bought for her when they were in Turkey.

 Chapter 197: A Coincidental Encounter

    Chapter 197: A Coincidental Encounter


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Chapter 197 - A Coincidental Encounter


    Ren Baqian and the empress were rampaging through the shopping mall. That''s right, they were rampaging through the shopping mall. Ren Baqian bought every dress that the empress had her eyes on. After only half an hour, Ren Baqian had no choice but to ce the heap of shopping bags into his car first before continuing to shop with the empress.


    The empress was in a rather good mood. Soon, they arrived at an undergarment shop. After taking a few steps into the shop, Ren Baqian realized the empress was still standing outside. She was motionless as her gaze wandered elsewhere.


    Ren Baqian merely stood there and smiled. Casually, he chose eight different designs, asked the shop assistant to find them in the right sizes, and paid for them.


    The shop assistant found it very humorous too. She had never encountered a situation in which thedy wouldn''t enter an undergarment shop no matter what and the man chose and bought the undergarments for her.


    When Ren Baqian carried a stic bag out of the shop, the empress did not want to look him.


    The society of Dayao wasn''t really conservative and hot girls wearing short skirts made of animal hide could be seen everywhere on the streets. After all, the climate of Dayao was extremely hot. However, the empress was an exception. Due to her status, she seldom came into contact with the outside world, and she always had a dignified and cold look on her face. Therefore, she subconsciously felt too embarrassed to choose and buy personal things such as undergarments.


    The shopping trip had ended, and the back seat and the trunk of the car were fully filled with red-colored dresses. Most of their designs looked somewhat simr.


    The pair arrived at a restaurant. Ren Baqian watched on as the empress wolfed down ten portions of rice and dishes. Even the server was shocked when Ren Baqian ordered more food.


    Soon after, both of them stopped eating, or rather, the empress stopped eating.


    "Are you full?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I still can eat a bit more." The empress wasn''t embarrassed of her ravenous appetite. Aboriginals naturally had huge appetite. Furthermore, she was on the path to recovery now.


    She was used to ignoring surprised gazes from other people.


    She simply did not care how tiny individuals with no power looked at her.


    "Should we go to another restaurant? We can try other cuisines." Ren Baqian looked at the heap of tes on the table and smiled.


    "Alright!" The empress nodded her head.


    That night, both of them visited three restaurants. The first restaurant sold Shandong cuisine, the second restaurant sold Hunan cuisine, and thest restaurant solely sold dumplings. After they finished eating, they went for another shopping spree before returning to Ren Baqian''s house to rest.


    The two of themy on the sofa watching a movie on the television with all the lights switched off. Only the light and sound from the television could be seen and heard.


    They were watching Transformers in Chinesenguage. This was the movie that Ren Baqian had previously used to scare the empress. There were many scenes in this movie that depicted modern armies fighting. This could help the empress to know and understand more about modern warfare.


    However, towards the end of the movie, Ren Baqian felt slightly vexed. Since he watched this movie quite long ago, he did not remember much of its storyline. Now that he watched the movie again, he realized the modern armies depicted in it were extremely weak. He reckoned that the empress could tear out the arms of the Transformers with bare hands, let alone those soldiers.


    "In real life, our armies are much more powerful than the ones shown in the movie. We have various types of guided missiles. We also have weapons of mass destruction such as the nuclear bombs. The sarin gas you used is one of these weapons of mass destruction," Ren Baqian turned his head around and exined.


    "I get it," the empress replied casually. With brightly lit eyes, she stared at the battle between humans and Transformers on the television screen.


    After consecutively watching two Transformers movies, Ren Baqian finally switched off the television. The empress looked glum, it seemed that she wanted to continue watching the rest of the movie series.


    ...


    Ping City. In an official residence, a group of people stood around a table looking at a map.


    "Her Majesty travelled through this path," Hong Wu drew a line across the map, "She set off from Lan City and travelled in a straight line."


    The empress had already gone missing for half a month. When he heard this news, he almost tore down his entire house. He did not expect the empress to go to the Nine Pavilions alone for the sake of thatd. If he''d known this would happen, he would have killed thatd with a p. He believed that the empress wouldn''t me him for killing thatd.


    After all, at the time when the empress chose Ren Baqian as her husband, she did not seem too interested in him.


    Hong Wu did not know what could have happened recently that would cause such a change in the empress''s attitude. He couldn''t believe the empress would ce herself in such a dangerous situation for Ren Baqian. This was something that he couldn''t understand.


    Now that the empress did such a thing for Ren Baqian, Hong Wu knew he couldn''t touch thatd anymore. Currently, he hoped that he empress coulde back safely and thatd would die there.


    Then again, it was hard to determine the oue.


    Those madmen in the Nine Pavilions weren''t easy to deal with.


    Now that the empress was in enemy territory, if she was detected, the imperial family of Great Xia would not let such a good opportunity slip by.


    "Is there any news from the winged cavalry?" Hong Wu asked with a deep voice. For the past half a month, he only slept two hours each day. Therefore, he was feeling slightly exhausted now. However, he still had to stay awake and alert in front of everyone.


    In everyone''s eyes, Hong Wu had always been a stabilizing force. Right now, he could only stay calm so that they wouldn''t panic.


    "There''s no news from them yet. The one thousand and five hundred men of the winged cavalry have been split up into ten units. They have already been in Great Xia for ten days. I''m afraid it''s difficult for them not to get detected even if they are split into ten units," someone replied.


    "As long as one unit can find Her Majesty, we will find out where she is," Hong Wu said. Every unit of winged cavalry had a carrier pigeon to send information. Right now, he was waiting for the winged cavalry''s news so that he could personally bring Her Majesty back.


    Everyone sighed. The longer the empress was in Great Xia, the more danger she was in.


    This applied to the winged cavalry as well.


    Like what Hong Wu said, everyone could only wait for the winged cavalry''s carrier pigeons.


    "Sir, there''s news on Her Majesty." While everyone was deep in thought, someone suddenly ran into the room.


    Upon hearing these words, a look of joy appeared on everyone''s face. What they were afraid was there was no news of the empress. As long as there was news of her, it would be good news to them.


    "Speak up, what news?" Hong Wu''s eyes lit up brightly.


    "Her Majesty defeated Hua Sanliu and used poison to obliterate the Nine Pavilions. Only two ordinary disciples survived," the soldier reported to Hong Wu loudly.


    A wave of silence swept across the room. Following which, an uproar broke out.


    There was a huge amount of information contained in these words.


    They couldn''t believe the empress actually killed Hua Sanliu. This was something unexpected.


    Previously, everyone was afraid that the empress would sh with the Nine Pavilions. After all, they were well aware of her temperament. Furthermore, the people living in the Nine Pavilions were madmen. Therefore, there was a high chance that the empress would sh with them. Moreover, Hua Sanliu was ranked fifth in the world while the empress was only ranked seventh. Hence, none of them had been optimistic that she could defeat him. The best oue they hoped for was that neither side won.


    They were also afraid that the empress might get hunted down by the Nine Pavilions.


    This was another reason why the winged cavalry took the risk to enter Great Xia and headed straight for the Nine Pavilions. Along the way, they also searched for traces of the empress.


    If Hong Wu did not know he couldn''t catch up with the empress, and that he had to oversee Ping City, he would have headed to the Nine Pavilions as soon as possible.


    However, no one had expected the empress to kill Hua Sanliu!


    This was beyond everyone''s expectations.


    The following news they received was even more incredible.


    Who doesn''t know about Her Majesty? She was a blunt and straightforward individual, since when she did she know how to use poisons?


    Furthermore, even though the Nine Pavilions wasn''t top-notch in using poisons, they still knew a thing or two about poisons. Therefore, how was it possible that Her Majesty could poison everyone in the Nine Pavilions to death? How was it possible that even the other eight pavilion masters were killed by her poison?


    What was going on?


    It seemed that the empress only brought Imperial Deputy Prefect Ren Baqian with her on this trip. Was it possible that Ren Baqian was a poison expert? Was he so powerful that he could destroy the Nine Pavilions?


    These questions came to everyone''s mind.


    Other than this, there were no other possible exnations.


    "Is there any more news? How''s Her Majesty doing now?" Hong Wu suppressed the amazement in his heart and asked.


    "Reportedly, Her Majesty is severely injured and her whereabouts are unknown. Her Majesty reached the Nine Pavilions four days ago, and she left that ce on the same day," the soldier continued.


    "Bang." The table beneath Hong Wu''s hands reduced to smithereens instantly.


    ...


    At this moment, the empress and Ren Baqian were sitting on the back of Qi Shui. Suddenly, Qi Shui stopped in its tracks and lowered its body. It was looking at the two girls standing in front of it on high alert.


    The two girls were dressed like nuns. One of them was wearing a hanging tiara in front of her forehead. She was elegant and remarkably beautiful, looking like a goddess descended from the sky. Her eyes were limpid and serene like the surface of ake.


    The other girl looked approximately sixteen years old. With some baby fat still on her face, she looked innocent and naive. At this point in time, she was staring at Ren Baqian and the empress with her eyes widened. After taking a closer look at the kirin, Ren Baqian, and the empress, her eyes became wider while her mouth turned O-shaped.

 Chapter 198: Boobs Bigger Than Yours

    Chapter 198: Boobs Bigger Than Yours


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Hey, wait for me senior! Just get someone else to search for the Seven Leaves, why insist on looking for it yourself." An approximately sixteen-year-old girl dressed in nun clothing jumped


    There was another nun with a spiritual aura, and she was carrying a sack. From time to time, she would enter the forest and stop in front of a shrub, gently picking fruits the size of fingernails, and ce them into her sack.


    Such fruits were called Seven Leaves and by removing the outer shell, the fruit kernel was revealed. It was high in fat content and it tasted very sweet and fragrant. Besides being one of the more popr snacks of the people in Great Xia, it could even be used to extract oil from vegetables.


    The price was rather high for an ordinary person. They were reluctant to eat them and would bring them to the city to sell after picking some from the mountains.


    But, this was considered nothing to the spiritual nun. As long as she made a request, countless people would offer Seven Leaves to her and she would have a lifetime supply of it.


    Hence, the younger girl couldn''t understand why her senior had to go up the mountains during this period every year to collect Seven Leaves herself. Furthermore, they had to venture so far off the beaten path. Her senior and herself had to travel half a day to find that ce as the other chaps had already picked all of the Seven Leaves around the temple.


    Aren''t we just going to eat them anyway?


    What''s the difference?


    It won''t be any sweeter if we pick them on our own.


    "You will know in future." The spiritualdy gave a slight smile, that was ordinary and modest.


    She was Li Yuanzhu, the third most powerful expert in the world, Li Yuanzhu.


    If Hua Sanliu was the most loathsome of the experts, then she would be the most admirable character in Great Xia.


    She hadn''t killed a single person and hadn''t touched a single drop of blood since she became famous. She had always been very humble and friendly towards others. Regardless of whether it was a woodman in the mountains or an old woman from a peasant family, nobody would feel the slightest bit of uneasiness when they saw her.


    On top of that, thatdy was also very eminent.


    She was like a fairy in the heart of all others.


    The other girl, who looked approximately sixteen years old, was called Ning Qing. It was said that she was Li Yuanzhu''s junior. But in actual fact, Li Yuanzhu''s master died long ago. She was just epting a disciple on behalf of her master.


    Presently, even though she was supposed to apany Li Yuanzhu to pick the Seven Leaves, she bounced about vivaciously as soon as she entered the forest. She fancied everything she saw. Whether it was the red fallen leaves or a beautiful piece of rock, it made her happy. When she asionally saw a small animal, she would make a big fuss and run around chasing it. But, she didn''t pick a single piece of Seven Leaves at all.


    While Li Yuanzhu was picking the Seven Leaves, Ning Qing had a whole afternoon of fun before returning to Li Yuanzhu''s side. She pretended to help pick a few fruits, before her attention was drawn away once again to a few bugs.


    Seeing her behaviour, Li Yuanzhuughed helplessly. She was always like that, not able to calm down for even a bit.


    "Oh yes senior, that Qi Zixiao is quite powerful as well. I heard that she killed Hua Sanliu. Hua Sanliu was actually ranked fifth in the world, which was a rank higher than her. But, he was unexpectedly killed by her." Ning Qing turned around and said. She was bouncing about when she suddenly recalled something that she heard.


    "Naturally, she''s very powerful." Li Yuanzhu pursed her lips and smiled.


    "Never have I thought that Qi Zixiao would actuallye into Great Xia. What could it be for? She could have enjoyed her life as an empress, but she chose to risk her life to battle with Hua Sanliu," Ning Qing pondered again curiously.


    Li Yuanzhu thought about the news that she heard and found it very interesting and unexpected. But, she kept quiet about it. She never liked to talk about such gossipy stuff.


    "It would be good if we could run into her. I have heard that she is remarkably beautiful. I would very much like to see what she looks like, but I''m sure she isn''t as beautiful as senior," Ning Qing mumbled to herself.


    Her senior was good-natured and couldn''t care less about anything. But, she seemed to pay close attention to the otherdy among the world''s top ten experts.


    After all, since the both of them were around the same age and were the onlydies among the world''s top ten experts, it was inevitable that the both of them were oftenpared to each other. Li Yuanzhu naturally did not like it, and subconsciously bore an enmity towards the empress.


    The both of them conquered yet another mountain peak as they walked, picked the Seven Leaves and had fun along the way. Suddenly, Li Yuanzhu stood erect, turned her head and looked over. She felt a very powerful aura heading towards her location at a high speed.


    Even though her awareness level was already very strong, her range of detection wasn''t big enough. She could only detect it when the other party was within five hundred meters from her.


    "Senior, what''s happening?" Ning Qing asked curiously.


    "Someone is here and it''s an expert. But, the aura is weak, so the person should be injured." Li Yuanzhu replied without much facial expression. She couldn''t care less about whoever was approaching, but Qing Ning was present. It wouldn''t turn out well if Qing Ning were to be caught in conflict with the other party.


    "Expert? That person must be very powerful for you to call an expert. Furthermore, the person''s injured�� Could it be Qi Zixiao?" Ning Qingughed as she continued talking.


    Even though Ning Qing actually wanted to see that world-famousdy, but the world was too vast and it would be too coincidental if they were to bump into her. It wouldn''t be possible no matter how she imagined.


    Li Yuanzhu kept silent.


    Soon after, they saw two people riding on an unusual beast, which was the kirin. It zoomed onto a huge rock and stopped suddenly, staring cautiously at their direction.


    Li Yuanzhu looked over and exchanged cold gazes with the person on the kirin''s back.


    Ning Qing actually called it right, what a coincidence! Li Yuanzhu was astonished.


    Ning Qing initially felt curious when she saw the unusual beast. After which, she looked at the kirin, as well as the man anddy on its back. In particr, thedy in red who was full of heroic spirit. A figure suddenly shed in her mind, it was someone whom she had just mentioned not long ago. She was surprised, and her mouth was wide open, shaped like an ''O''. Was she about to be a deity? How could she be so urate?


    "Qi Zixiao!" Li Yuanzhu spoke softly. Although they had never met before, but she could tell in one look.


    After all, she was indeed powerful. She was dressed in all red and was riding a kirin. Something must be wrong if she didn''t know who that was.


    "Li Yuanzhu!" Cold air emitted from the empress''s body. She never thought that she would bump into this renowneddy at this ce. It made her feel as if Li Yuanzhu was there to intercept her.


    But, looking at thisdy who was as well-known as she was, she couldn''t possibly cower the slightest bit even when she was only left with thirty percent of her strength.


    She gentlynded on the foreground with a flip from the kirin. Then, she looked at Li Yuanzhu, with her body as erect as a spear.


    Looking at that stance, Ren Baqian wondered what was happening.


    Did they run into an expert? Who is Li Yuanzhu?


    Since the empress recognized her in one look, she must be someone strong.


    On second thought, it seemed like he had heard of that name before.


    Ren Baqian tried to recall as fast as he could of when he heard of that name.


    At that moment, Li Yuanzhu gave an ordinary, amiable and gentle smile. "I have no ill intentions and it is just a coincidence. It is fate that brought us together. I''ve heard of your fame for a long time, how about having a quick chat?"


    "What do you mean!" the empress replied coldly.


    "I just want to get to know you since we''ve met. Of course, I won''t stop you if you want to leave."


    Li Yuanzhu smiled, and her tone was rxed, making the empress feelfortable, like how one felt while experiencing the spring breeze.


    As Ren Baqian watched from the back, he confirmed that she must be an expert, perhaps even one of the world''s top ten experts.


    Li Yuanzhu''s attitude couldn''t be a pretense as shepletely treated the empress on an equal footing. In addition, the empress seemed to be afraid of the other party as well.


    At the thought of that, it suddenly struck him who she was. Li Yuanzhu, the third most powerful expert in the world.


    Previously, he had heard someone speak of her, but he didn''t pay much attention to it. For a moment, he couldn''t recall who she was.


    Ren Baqian got a shock when he came to realize her status.


    Even at her peak, the empress would probably not be able to win against her. Not to mention that she currently had only thirty percent of her strength.


    It was fortunate that Li Yuanzhu did not disy any ill intentions.


    The empress simply stood there as motionless as an electric pole. After all, she wasn''t the type who would be hostile for one moment and sit down to drink and chat merrily the next.


    .


    But, we can''t possibly keep standing over here, can we?


    In any case, at least Li Yuanzhu expressed some kindness.


    It is better not to show any form of hostility to the other party at this moment.


    At least till you have recovered.


    Ren Baqian shouted at once. "We have meat. Do you have wine?"


    The entire ce went quiet. Li Yuanzhu never expected that the man whom she did not pay much attention to, would voice out a reply. Furthermore, he made such a statement, immediately making a decision for the empress.


    Her delicate face revealed a gentle smile. "We don''t have wine, but we have hand-picked Seven Leaves to offer."


    After a while, the four people sat together. Li Yuanzhu and the empress looked at each other without speaking a word. One was cold but the other was gentle. They were both entirely different people.


    Just the both of them sitting there made the entire wilderness felt like paradise.


    Ning Qing looked curiously at the empress, and then again at Ren Baqian, and a thought rose in her mind.


    So, Qi Zixiao looks like that, she''s very beautiful indeed.


    And that''s the pretty boy that she has found.


    I really can''t see anything special about him.


    Ren Baqian watched as the two of them looked at each other without talking and found it a little dull.


    The third most powerful expert in the world looked like that. She seemed so gentle, nothing at all like what he had imagined.


    He had always thought that those who were ranked top ten in the world would have the same type of aggressiveness as the empress. After all, an expert should have the demeanor of an expert.


    That girl who looked like she was approximately sixteen kept looking at the empress and himself. She behaved as if she was looking at strange animals, and it made him feel a little ufortable.


    "I think senior is better looking." After looking for some time, Ning Qing suddenly broke the silence and said something unexpected.


    Seeing the two exceptional experts gathered together, there probably wouldn''t be anyone who would say such a thing other than her. Such a thought was considered pretty oundish.


    Li Yuanzhu expressed an apologetic look and lightly patted Ning Qing''s head, chiding her for uttering nonsense.


    Ren Baqian sensed that the empress''s presence grew colder. Even her face was as cold as ice.


    After some thought, he felt that the empress and Li Yuanzhu were both in a state where they were trying to defeat each other with their gaze. He waspelled to help the empress regain some pride.


    But, on a serious note, it was hard to dere who was better looking as both had their own unique features. In terms of martial arts, Li Yuanzhu was ranked third in the world, and it was not something that the empress could be proud about.


    Ren Baqian nced around, and his eyes lit up.


    "Zixiao has bigger boobs." Ren Baqian''s verbal assault was deadly. Li Yuanzhu was as beautiful as a deity, and she was so spiritual that it seemed as though a deitynded wrongly on a mundane world. But her chest was t. It seemed t to him at least.


    Not only hers, but the girl''s beside her as well.


    As a result, the destructive power of Ren Baqian''s words was off the charts.


    Ning Qing looked at the empress'' bosom, at her senior''s, and then at her own. Her face suddenly turned pale, and her mouth shriveled up.


    After hearing such words, even adylike Li Yuanzhu had her spirits shattered. Her ears turned slightly red, and her attention was subconsciously drawn to the empress''s body.


    The empress''s ears were flushed, and she shot a death stare at Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 199: Overpowering All Kinds of Weapons

    Chapter 199: Overpowering All Kinds of Weapons


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian''s words plunged a knife deep into the two persons'' hearts.


    Even Li Yuanzhu, who was usually calm andposed, turned embarrassed and vexed, let alone Ning Qing. She pouted her lips so much that an oilmp could be hung on them. She stared at Ren Baqian with a look of hatred, desiring to bite a chunk of flesh off him.


    After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian acted as if nothing had happened. He took out a packet of braised beef from his bag and said, "Do you want to try it? It''s our special local product and it tastes pretty good."


    Facing this kind of person, Li Yuanzhu did not know what to do. When she was very young, she led an extremely hard life. After she grew up, the people that she encountered would always treat her with respect and courtesy. No one had ever treated her like this, giving her a jujube after giving her a p.


    Does this guy think she''s stupid?


    However, she did not make a big fuss over this issue. It had been a very long time since shest got angry. Even though Ren Baqian''s words shattered the tranquility of her mind, she merely felt embarrassed and vexed.


    At the same time, she found him to be somewhat funny too.


    This guy was extremely daring, and this was even an understatement. Li Yuanzhu couldn''t believe he would say such words in front of Qi Zixiao.


    Furthermore, even though Qi Zixiao gave him a death stare, she did not re up.


    This made Li Yuanzhu even more curious.


    After all, she had heard a lot about Qi Zixiao''s temperament.


    This guy looked like he did not even have the strength to truss a chicken. He was average-looking, far from being handsome.


    And to see Qi Zixiao risking her life for him and tolerating him saying such words, it was indeed weird.


    Li Yuanzhu wanted to know how he was able to make Qi Zixiao treat him like this.


    However, she was merely curious. She had always been a peaceful and harmonious person. She seldom cared about worldly affairs as well. She would even forget about this incident in a few days'' time. Therefore, she wouldn''t ask too much about this guy.


    At this point in time, the awkward silence had already been broken. Li Yuanzhu said, "I have long wanted to meet the ruler of Dayao, but Lan City is too far from here. I certainly didn''t expect to see you here today."


    "What''s the point in us meeting?" the empress retorted coldly. She did not really have any opinion on Li Yuanzhu. Even after meeting her, she did not find her annoying. Mostly, she felt indignant.


    She used to be the seventh most powerful expert in the world. Now, she ranked fifth. However, Li Yuanzhu was ranked third.


    It was a pity she was left with only thirty percent of her strength. Otherwise, she would have wanted to spar with Li Yuanzhu.


    "A well-deserved reputation," Li Yuanzhu smiled gently and said.


    "Humph!" the empress snorted.


    Ning Qing looked at Li Yuanzhu and then shifted her gaze to the empress. She felt slightly irked.


    Senior is such a nice person, why did you snort at her?


    Let''s not talk about your injury, you can''t beat her even if you''re at your peak form.


    "Senior is ranked third in the world," Ning Qing said with pride. The intention behind her words was obvious.


    Senior is ranked third in the world. You used to rank seventh in the world and now you''re merely ranked fifth. So, what''s there to be so arrogant about? Furthermore, you''re severely injured now.


    This was a very childish and naive thought.


    After all, she was only sixteen years old. Having been brought up in a temple, she did not understand the ways of the world. As such, she was spoilt and childish.


    Everyone in the temple pampered her, turning her into a spoilt brat.


    These words caused the empress''s face to darken even more. An aura of battle fervor exuded from her eyes. If it weren''t for the fact that she was severely injured now, she would have initiated a battle with Li Yuanzhu now.


    "I''m sorry, she''s still a child," Li Yuanzhu apologized sincerely.


    Then, she turned around and told Ning Qing, "Don''t utter rubbish, otherwise I won''t bring you out next time."


    However, her tone did not sound at all strict.


    Ren Baqian frowned. Shouldn''t the next line be "please don''t let her off that easily"?


    If she dared to utter such rubbish at this age, what would happen when she grew up? What was the point of having police then? Furthermore, she spoke the truth. Saying that she was just a child made her words even more hurtful.


    "Zixiao has big boobs," Ren Baqian said with confidence.


    Ren Baqian felt he was like Feng Qingyang, whose [Nine Swords of Dugu] overpowered all kinds of weapons.


    [Feng Qingyang is a character in The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, a wuxia novel written by Jin Yong. His [Nine Swords of Dugu] is a swordy that can ovee all kinds of weapons.]


    It! Is! A! Fact! That! You! Have! A! t! Chest!


    Taking advantage of Li Yuanzhu''s good temper, Ren Baqian dared to say such words. She was feeling angry and yet she had to maintain her elegant demeanor. Even though she was the third most powerful expert in the world, she could be bullied easily.


    If it was another top ten expert, Ren Baqian wouldn''t dare to say such ruthless words.


    ...


    Ning Qing''s face turned ashen. She had never hated someone so much before in her entire life. She wanted to bite him to death if it was possible to do so.


    Li Yuanzhu almost couldn''t hold the smile on her face. She had barely recovered from the humiliation just now. Now that Ren Baqian plunged another knife in their hearts again, she found him to be extremely unbearable.


    For the first time in her life, she found herself hating someone.


    All this time, the empress was already feeling angry out of embarrassment. Now, her ears had turned bright red. She wished she could p Ren Baqian to death right now.


    However, when she saw the forced smile on Li Yuanzhu''s face, she immediately withdrew her chilliness and smiled.


    Doing so made her stunningly beautiful.


    The smile on her face disappeared within seconds. After all, beating Li Yuanzhu in this aspect was nothing to be proud of.


    In her heart, strength was number one.


    "Now that we have met, I shall take my leave now," the empress blurted out. She picked up Ren Baqian by his cor and jumped onto the back of Qi Shui.


    She somewhat exuded the air of a victor.


    During this brief encounter, Ren Baqian had ruthlessly plunged two knives into each of their hearts.


    As they passed by the two girls, Qi Zixiao raised her hand and threw a bottle at Li Yuanzhu. Li Yuanzhu instinctively caught it.


    After the kirin had disappeared, Ning Qing blew her top and yelled, "That bastard! Qi Zixiao must be blind to fall for him! Senior, why didn''t you swat him to death! How dare hepare you with Qi Zixiao��"


    Li Yuanzhu shook her head, speechless.


    That fellow was indeed a bastard.


    Following which, Li Yuanzhu looked at the bottle in her hand. It contained a liquid that had the color of a white jade. After unscrewing the bottle, the fragrance of a wine pervaded the air.


    Is she treating me to a drink? As Li Yuanzhu thought of this, a smile appeared on her face.


    "Senior, you still have the cheek to smile? I''m going to die from anger," Ning Qing spoke resentfully.


    ...


    After travelling for some distance, Ren Baqian put on a cheeky smile and said, "Zixiao, I have taken revenge for you."


    Upon hearing these words, the empress was so angry that she couldn''t say anything.


    Since when do I need someone like you to take revenge for me? And what are your eyes looking at?


    She felt very humiliated today, furthermore it was in front of Li Yuanzhu.


    Even though the people on Earth did not seem to care so much about such topics, and she often saw models wearing only bras on the television and girls wearing bikinis on the beach, she still found it uneptable.


    She wanted to give Ren Baqian a p but couldn''t bear to do so.


    However, when she thought of Li Yuanzhu''s facial expression, a mysterious feeling of joy arose in her heart. Deep down, she was overjoyed


    Another day had passed. While Ren Baqian and the empress traversing through a mountain, they suddenly heard blood-curdling screams


    Looking down from a mountain ridge, they saw a sea of chaos. On one side, there was a Great Xia army thatprised of a few thousand men. Opposite the Great Xia army, there were over one hundred men charging towards them.


    Suddenly, several men at the front of the charge jumped into the air and surged towards the Great Xia army. Immediately, a small group of soldiers at the front of the army stepped forward to stop them from disrupting their army formation.


    And at this moment, the rest of the over one hundred men leapt into the air and dived towards the center of the army formation, setting off a bloodbath in the process.


    "Are they�� the winged cavalry?" Upon taking a closer look, the empress identified the over one hundred men. After all, she was very familiar with the equipment of the winged cavalry.


    But why were they fighting a Great Xia army here?


    At this moment, the formation of the Great Xia army began to change. Other than the soldiers that got tangled up with the winged cavalry, the rest of the army formed a circle around the winged cavalry and trapped them.


    With an overwhelming aura of killing intent, the empress jumped into the air from Qi Shui''s back and swooped downwards.

 Chapter 200: Head-To-Head Battle

    Chapter 200: Head-To-Head Battle


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Die!" A burly man wasughing his head off. He shed the sword directly at his opponent, creating a whoosh sound. He then brought another sword in front of him. The coordination of these two guys was pretty good. The two Man Wheel experts who were at the advanced level could actually withstand his attacks. However, the burly man felt that he would put an end to their attacks.


    He turned around, seized the opportunity to change the direction of the sword and one of the other party''s heads soared into the sky.


    Soon after, the burly man shouted again and wanted to split that same person''s body into half. All of a sudden, he was obstructed by a few pikes that were thrusted right in his face.


    There was a look of disdain on the burly man''s face. He simply moved his sword and those hands which were holding onto the pikes suddenly lost control and the pikes immediately flew to the sky. But, those people didn''t stop moving and moved away at once, allowing the people at the back to continue thrusting their pikes over.


    This was the centipede formation that Great Xia used when battling against the aboriginals. The advantages of the aboriginal warriors were too huge. Even if the number of Great Xia soldiers was ten times more than the aboriginals, it would be difficult for them to achieve victory on the battlefield if they didn''t use such a battle formation.


    Not to mention that the Great Xia troops were facing the elites of the aboriginals, the winged cavalry.


    Although there were only just over a hundred winged cavalry warriors, they were all Earth Wheel level experts. Even if there were five thousand Great Xia elite soldiers, it was also difficult to withstand the attacks of the winged cavalry warriors.


    As a result, after themander of Great Xia arranged for dozens of people to obstruct the first batch of aboriginal warriors, he directlyunched the centipede formation. He wanted to cut up these winged cavalry warriors and annihte them.


    Such situations weremonly seen in the battlefield. After the attacks of the winged cavalry warriors, they discovered that they were about to face opponents which were moving rapidly and held pikes in their hands while forming the centipede formation.


    "A bunch of scumbags!" One of the winged cavalry warriors was just like a spinning top, and he chopped off all the pikes in his surroundings. The sword in his hand transformed into a streak of white line and took five to six heads along with it. Suddenly, a pike was thrusted towards his waist at an extremely great speed.


    That winged cavalry warrior used only one hand to grip onto the pike, making it difficult for the opponent to advance. After which, he flipped the pike upwards and the opponent released both of his hands at once, this was the result of many years of battle experience.


    For example, these type of soldiers were all unit leaders in the Great Xia army. They had the strength of an expert who just entered the initiation stage and had fought more than once against the aboriginal warriors. The fact that they were able to survive meant that their strength as well as their reaction speed, were more powerful than the other soldiers.


    But in the next second, he looked at the sword gleam which shed in front of him in fear. Following which, the portion of his body above his chest flew to the sky.


    If it was an ordinary aboriginal warrior, it would highly be possible for him to be obstructed by the centipede formation that was surrounding him. But, the warrior in front of him wasn''t anyone ordinary. Rather, he was part of the elites of Dayao, the winged cavalry.


    Once again, an aboriginal warrior flipped his hand over and chopped a few more heads. All of the sudden, he stopped in his tracks as he swept his gaze outwards and a pike immediately left a bloody trail under his armpits.


    That warrior chopped off the heads of the two opponents with ease and called out loudly in exultation, "Your Majesty!"


    Upon hearing his voice, all of the aboriginal warriors became wild with exultation and looked in the direction of the voice. As a result, many people weren''t able to dodge some attacks in time, causing a few more scars to appear on their bodies.


    However, many people saw a red silhouette dashing over from a distance. If it wasn''t Her Majesty, who else could it be?


    "Your Majesty!"


    "We have found Her Majesty!"


    Everyone shouted with a sudden outburst of emotion. They have finally located Her Majesty after searching for days without rest. For a moment, it made all of their hearts surge with excitement.


    The middle-aged Great Xiamander behind the military formation was still frowning while looking at the battlefield. Looking at the current situation, granted that the five thousand elite soldiers were able to annihte the over a hundred winged cavalry warriors, he was afraid that the number of his elite soldiers would decrease by seventy percent at the very least. This was already considered an optimistic estimate. Ultimately, the possibility of both sides suffering a huge loss was also likely.


    Such a pity there wasn''t a crossbow battalion. If there was one, things wouldn''t turn out this way.


    One had to know that they were elite soldiers of Great Xia.


    Even though it is said that the merciful couldn''t takemand of an army, but, his heart felt as if it was bleeding.


    The only thing that he couldfort himself was that, after all, they were facing the elites of Dayao, the winged cavalry.


    Just then, he heard the shouting of a winged cavalry warrior from within the formation. There was a drastic change in his expression. He could make out the red silhouette while seated on the back of his horse and it was charging towards him.


    "Stop her," thatmander shouted out hurriedly. He was actually feeling distressed deep down inside. Why did this Qi Zixiao turn up at this time?


    He had already invested his entire military strength into surrounding these winged cavalry warriors. With the addition of Qi Zixiao, he was absolutely unable to obstruct them anymore. He could only hope that Qi Zixiao was seriously injured like the information which had been passed on to him said. But looking at that silhouette dashing at him from afar, he didn''t pin much on that hope any longer.


    Even if Qi Zixiao was seriously injured, she wasn''t someone that they could easily stop. Besides, looking at the speed she was travelling at this moment, it didn''t seem like she was injured at all.


    Half of the more than one hundred mounted soldiers that were surrounding him immediately turned their horses around and dashed towards that red silhouette.


    The appearance of the empress was icy-cold. Confronting the over fifty horsemen that were charging at her, she jumped up suddenly and stepped on all of their heads, as though she was ying hopscotch on Earth. Regardless of whether they were evading or brandishing their weapon, there was practically no difference towards the empress.


    More than a dozen of the horsemen immediately fell from the horses after meeting face to face with the empress. And prior to falling off the horses they had already met with a violent death.


    These fifty-some mounted soldiers didn''t even manage to stop the empress at all. When the remaining soldiers turned the horses around, they only saw the silhouette of the empress charging towards their direction.


    "Shoot!" The middle-agedmander shivered slightly as he looked at the scene in front of him. He forced himself to exercise control over his voice and gave an order.


    He revealed a bitter smile. The five thousand elite soldiers under his control were currently entangled in battle and absolutely couldn''t move. As for himself, no matter if he retreated or not, he would still die.


    We are ruined,pletely ruined.


    At this moment, his only wish was to help as many soldiers escape as well as kill a few more winged cavalry warriors.


    The remaining soldiers had already ced an arrow on their bows and their bowstrings were pulled back. They immediately release their hands upon hearing the order and approximately sixty arrows went straight for the woman dressed in red with a whoosh sound.


    The empress merely extended her hand to seize and there were an additional six arrows in her hand. As for the other arrows, she had already brushed all of them to the side.


    She threw those six arrows back at them with ease. Three arrows fell to the ground, two prated the horse''s buttocks and with a stroke of luck, and thest arrow hit one person.


    Upon seeing this scene, the empress''s face turned even colder. She brushed away the second round of arrows, immediately dodged and appeared on top of one of the mounted soldiers. She instantly pped the soldier''s head, causing it to be smashed into pieces and seized the opportunity to pounce at themander who was in the middle. Immediately, three figures at the Earth Wheel level sprung into the air. However, they sessively fell to the ground after a face-to-face encounter with the empress.


    The empress smashed thatmander''s head into pieces with just one p. She carried his corpse and jumped out from the crowd. At the same time, she yelled, "Themander of Great Xia is already dead. Kill!"


    Her icy-cold voice disseminated across the area.


    "Kill!" The winged cavalry warriors shouted out after bursting into a loudughter. They didn''t show any sign of fatigue even after travelling for days without rest, as if they were high on drugs.


    "Let''s take revenge for themander!" This weak voice was immediately drowned by the shouting. However, this personal guard of themander still had the mentality that the empress must certainly die and charged at her with full or sorrow.


    After knowing that theirmander had died, the morale of the Great Xia soldiers declined greatly. In just a short period of time, they crumbled and began to flee in all directions.


    "Your Majesty!" More than ten winged cavalry warriors bolted towards the empress''s side and they were full of respect for her. By this time, her surroundings were already filled with corpses.


    "Kill,e back in thirty minutes," the empress coldly replied.


    "Yes." With the exception of one captain which remained by the empress''s side, the rest of them broke into a run to chase after the defeated soldiers of Great Xia one after another.


    Ren Baqian witnessed the bloody brutal battle of this era from the mountain ridge as well as the empress who rode and charged at the opponents alone. In particr, that "kill" which came out of her mouth set his heart on fire.


    However, he was only fired up, that''s all,


    If he really had go onto the battlefield, he felt that hecked a machine gun, or perhaps, an M61 Vulcan, and such.


    .


    He also felt that it would be absolutely suitable if he could y the soundtrack of ��?��? as the BGM back then.


    [��?��?- soundtrack from an animation called Guilty Crown]

 Chapter 201: Returning to Dayao

    Chapter 201: Returning to Dayao


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    By the time Ren Baqian reached the foot of the mountain, the winged cavalry warriors that went to chase after the fleeing Great Xia soldiers had returned. Severed limbs were strewn all over the ground, and there were no survivors.


    The air was pervaded with the stench of blood, causing Ren Baqian''s nose to feel ufortable. He tried his best not to cover his nose.


    These winged cavalry warriors risked their lives to search for the empress in Great Xia and engaged in a fierce battle with Great Xia soldiers. Ren Baqian woulde off as insensitive if he covered his nose now.


    The empress was just standing there observing the scene. Ren Baqian actually knew the captain standing beside the empress. It was Teng Ji. However, when Teng Ji saw Ren Baqian, he gave him a disdainful look.


    After all, the empress had ced herself in such a precarious situation for him. He should count himself lucky that they did not hack him to pieces when they saw him.


    Ren Baqian understood this, and he, therefore, did not mind Teng Ji giving him that look. He merely felt helpless.


    Previously, he had not thought of this issue as he had been solely with the empress this whole time. Now that he encountered this issue, he couldn''t do much about it either.


    Soon after Ren Baqian reached the foot of the mountain, the winged cavalry warriors returned. All of their bodies were covered in bloodstains. They were not the only ones. The empress''s body was covered in many bloodstains too. All of the warriors wore an innocent smile on their faces, but their bodies gave off the stench of blood, making one realize the callousness of this world.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty." Everyone kneeled down on one knee in front of the empress.


    "You may stand," the empress replied. Her voice was imposing but not cold.


    After all, no one would have his or her face darkened upon seeing such subordinates.


    "Why are you here?" the empress asked.


    "The winged cavalry has vowed our lives to follow Your Majesty!" everyone yelled in unison.


    A feeling of warmth shed upon the empress''s face. Following which, her face turned austere again. "Where are the rest?"


    "Your Majesty, we have split up into ten units. The rest are searching through other routes. There should be two units that are nearby," Teng Ji raised his head and said.


    "Stand up," the empress said again. Actually, the winged cavalry was a burden to her at this point in time. However, she did not voice it out.


    After all, the speed of the winged cavalry''s mounts paled inparison to Qi Shui''s. Furthermore, the winged cavalry was huge in number, hence making them arger target.


    "Yes." Everyone stood up.


    "How many casualties did we have?" the empress asked once more.


    Teng Ji turned around and yelled, "Form up!"


    The more than one hundred men quickly lined up in four columns. After carefully counting the number of men he had, Teng Ji said, "Where are the remaining two? Search for them."


    Everyone clearly knew it was impossible that the two warriors ran so far away when chasing the fleeing Great Xia soldiers that they lost their way. They were definitely among the corpses lying on the ground.


    There were at least seven hundred corpses on the ground. In the brief battle just now, more than seven hundred of Great Xia''s elite soldiers were ughtered. Including the fleeing soldiers that were killed, they had lost more than one thousand and five hundred men. All of them were dead.


    On the contrary, this winged cavalry unit had lost only two men. If the empress had not killed themander of the Great Xia army, this winged cavalry unit would have suffered more casualties.


    After a while, the empress saw two corpses being carried over. She said, "Bring them back and give them an borate funeral."


    Everyone knew it was impossible to bring back the corpses as they would rot halfway through the journey. However, they could still bring their heads back and bury their bodies here without setting up gravestones for them. Now, they had to find a safe ce to handle their bodies first.


    The bodies of aboriginal warriors that were killed in foreignnds were usually handled like this. Afterwards, their souls and heads would be brought back to Sixty Thousand Mountains. This was done so that their souls could protect the living aboriginals.


    Previously, the bodies of the warriors that died during the mission of killing Seventh Prince were handled this way too.


    "Inform the other two nearby units to meet up at a location that will take one day to reach. Tell the rest to return to Dayao separately," the empress instructed.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Should we inform General Hong Wu as well?" Teng Ji asked.


    "Arrange it," the empress waved her hand and ordered.


    Immediately, Teng Ji instructed some men to notify the other units. At the same time, the winged cavalry warriors returned to their mounts. Most of them took a nce at Ren Baqian before they left. They wanted to see which bastard had made the empress take such a risk.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian felt he was somewhat like Private Ryan from Saving Private Ryan. His feelings were slightlyplicated.


    .


    The winged cavalry had a unique contact method in foreign territories. They had an animal that looked somewhat simr to a hummingbird, and it was called yiniao. Yiniao usually came in pairs, and they would remain faithful to their significant other until death. When they were separated, they would automatically return to each other, extremely magical. No one knew how they were able to locate each other.


    Very soon, five pitch-ck yiniao flew up into the sky and headed towards different directions.


    Every unit of winged cavalry had a few yiniao from the other units. This enabled them tomunicate with each other.


    After a while, many winged cavalry warriors brought two enormous goats back. The bodies of the two dead warriors were tied to their backs.


    Just now, when they had seen the Great Xia army, they got down from their mounts so as to let their mounts hide in safety. These goats were very smart as well. They did not run too far away, and they merely grazed on an open meadow nearby to wait for their masters.


    The so-called winged cavalry resembled an ordinary cavalry. In reality, they were just an infantry riding on mounts. While riding on their mounts, they were severely limited and couldn''t fully utilize their powers. Therefore, they would ride their mounts while travelling, and they would get down from their mounts when they wanted to y their enemies.


    "Set off, back to Dayao!" the empress said to everyone. Her voice resounded across the area. In a sh, she appeared behind Ren Baqian, sitting sideways on Qi Shui.


    "Set off!" The roar of the winged cavalry sounded like an odd cry of the primitive wilderness. One by one, they followed behind Qi Shui.


    The more than one hundred winged cavalry warriors went full speed ahead, causing the ground to tremble furiously. After all, the aboriginals were well-known for their immense weight.


    ...


    A trade convoy was moving forward on a in. More than ten carriages carried goods while the remaining carriages carriedborers and practitioners.


    A forty-year-old, austere-looking practitioner seemed to sense something. Then, he instructed a man beside him, "Liu Er, can you hear if there''s anything?"


    Immediately, a young man jumped down from his horse and stuck his ear to the ground. Following which, he ran after his horse and jumped onto its back. "Boss, there are horsemening our way."


    The middle-aged, austere-looking man nodded his head. This was the interior of Great Xia, and they would asionallye across horsemen. There were no reports of bandits nearby either well. Therefore, there was no need for them to worry too much.


    However, for the sake of safety, he leaned towards a particr carriage and knocked on its door. "Manager, there are horsemen heading our way."


    A plump-faced man that resembled a wealthyndlord stuck his head of the carriage and yelled, "Stop first."


    "Manager, should we get into our formation just in case something happens?" the middle-aged man asked again.


    "No need, there aren''t any bandits here. Everything will be fine after we wait here for a while," the manager waved his hand and replied.


    He travelled this route every year, and he had never heard of bandits appearing here.


    The city of Yucheng was just 25 kilometers away. Other than the experts in the army and government offices, there was the Qingyang Sect on the mountain outside the city as well. There were three Earth Wheel experts in the sect, therefore any bandits that dared to appear here were simply courting death.


    The trade convoy came to a stop. Everyone could feel the ground beneath their feet trembling. They could also see dust and sand rising into the air in the distance.


    "There are many of them," the middle-aged man thought to himself. It was impossible for a small number of horsemen to create such a powerful impact. He reckoned that there were at least five hundred horsemening their way.


    "They might be soldiers from the army. Isn''t that Qi Zixiao in the territory of Great Xia now? Maybe they are looking for her," the manager squinted his eyes and guessed.


    "So, what if they found her?" the middle-aged man shook his head. The army of Great Xia was mostly made up of Earth Wheel practitioners. A Spirit Wheel practitioner was on apletely different level from an Earth Wheel practitioner. Even if they outnumbered her, they would not be able to capture her.


    Even though he merely attained the level of Man Wheel, because of his family background, he heard many stories about the strength of Spirit Wheel experts.


    Sitting on his horse, the middle-aged man looked in the direction of the iing horsemen. After a while, he could see the appearance of some figures. Following which, his facial expression changed drastically.


    At the most front of the charging horsemen, there was an unknown beast that carrying two persons. Behind that unknown beast, there were men riding on enormous goats, not horses. Those goats weremonly seen in Dayao.


    Only aboriginals loved to ride on these goats.


    When the middle-aged man thought of this, his facial expression changed. He yelled wildly, "They are not Great Xia horsemen! They are from Dayao! What are Dayao people doing here? Leave the goods here and run!"


    Upon hearing the middle-aged man''s words, the manager''s facial expression changed drastically as well. "How can it be? What are Dayao people doing here? No, we can''t leave the goods here!"


    "All the ordinary aboriginal soldiers are at the level of Man Wheel. How can they be ordinary soldiers if they can make it all the way here? We can''t stop them! Who cares about the goods? They are not going to take them anyway!"


    As the middle-aged man yelled, he picked up the manager, turned his horse around and rode towards the direction of Yucheng.


    Everyone else''s facial expressions changed drastically, and they fled in all directions.


    No one cared about the goods.


    Like what the middle-aged man said, the aboriginals wouldn''t want to take the goods.


    At this point in time, everyone''s top priority was to flee for their lives. Thoseborers were hating their parents for not giving them two extra legs to run faster.


    The middle-aged man whipped his horse furiously. Every now and then, he would turn around to take a look. Soon after, when he saw those Dayao people did not have the intention to chase them and headed straight for Mount Yuyang, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    After the aboriginals disappeared into Mount Yuyang, he instructed someone, "Go and notify the authorities in Yucheng."


    After a while, he rode back to the convoy.


    ...


    Sitting on the back of Qi Shui, Ren Baqian could see those people fleeing in all directions.


    However, even if they did not run away, the empress wouldn''t care about them. After all, so many of the defeated Great Xia soldiers had escaped just now, the authorities should have already gotten wind of the empress''s presence.


    After entering Mount Yuyang, they began to head further towards its depths. Qi Shui and those enormous goats were specialized in traversing forests. Theplicated terrain of the mountainous forest posed no obstruction to them. This way, the Great Xia army would have difficulty in hunting them down.


    Every two hours, they would take a break. By night-time, they settled in for the night within the depths of Mount Yuyang.


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat beside a campfire. Ren Baqian was roasting meat for the empress. Everyone else steered clear of them, but they could still smell the aroma from their campfire.


    Even though all the campfires were the same, they felt that Ren Baqian''s smelled exceptionally nice.


    The next morning, they set off immediately after they woke up. After half a day had passed, they stopped at the mountain ridge. This was where Teng Ji and the other two units had arranged to meet.


    ...


    Qingyang Sect.


    "Sect Leader, Liu Canjun sent someone to seek an audience with you," a huge man walked into the room and said.


    "No, I''m not seeing him. Tell him that I have trained until the extent that I''ve gone crazy and I''m gravely injured now," the old man said without even opening his eyes. Had he not known the news, he would have gone out to see him. However, since he now knew what was going on, he would rather say these words to reject his audience. Doing so would save both parties'' face.


    "Sect Leader...I think it''s better to meet him. We can listen to what he has to say first." The huge man had an odd look on his face. Qingyang Sect did not have any martial art that could make one go crazy. Furthermore, Qingyang Sect and the authorities of Yucheng always had a good rtionship, why did Sect Leader have to be so cold?


    "Yesterday a group of aboriginals entered Mount Yuyang," the old man casually told the huge man upon seeing that he still did not get what was going on.


    "So what?" The huge man still did not know what was going on. Even though aboriginals were powerful, they were not so scary that they could make one flee in hear upon hearing they wereing.


    When the old man saw how stupid the huge man was, he angrily shook his head. "They are the winged cavalry of Dayao. Their weakest warrior is at the level of Earth Wheel, same as you and me. Qi Zixiao is among them. Liu Canjun is courting death and he wants to drag Qingyang Sect down with him. If you want to experience the might of the winged cavalry and Qi Zixiao, you can go ahead. There''s no need for you to inform me."


    It was at this moment that the huge man''s facial expression changed drastically. He couldn''t believe that he did not know what was going on. Following which, he replied with rage, "I will go and chase him away now."

 Chapter 202: Route

    Chapter 202: Route


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian, the empress, as well as the over a hundred winged cavalry warriors waited from noon all the way untilte at night. It wasn''t until the next morning that a unit actually arrived. As for the other unit, there was still no sign of them.


    As a matter of fact, this unit of the winged cavalry didn''t really encounter any trouble along the way with the exception of running into a convoy, which was about a thousand people strong when they were rushing over. Some of them were killed while more than half of them managed to escape.


    Ren Baqian suspected that the other unit might have run into some trouble on the way here. For example, just like the unit which just returned, they might have run into arge number of Great Xia''s elite troops and so on. He was afraid that they would be some sort in danger. If they continued to wait, he feared that the Great Xia troops would have already deployed after obtaining this information.


    However, he didn''t raise this issue.


    He was the person who had the least say at this moment.


    The empress came over here because of him and the winged cavalry came for the empress. If that was the case, could he suggest that they shouldn''t be waiting any longer?


    Unless he had no choice, otherwise, Ren Baqian knew that he wouldn''t be able to bring himself to raise the issue.


    "Continue to wait, I guess. At worst, I will go back and retrieve some deadly nightshade and pralidoxime back. That thing is easier to make whenpared to the sarin gas," Ren Baqian thought about it for a long time.


    Previously, the empress brought back two bags of sarin gas. One was used in the Nine Pavilions while the other bag was still hanging on Qi Shui''s back.


    Initially, Ren Baqian still wanted to bring the other bag of sarin gas back to properly safe keep it. He wanted to save it for the battle against Great Xia someday in the future, so that he could throw it at their principal army troop, and perhaps, almost massacring all of them.


    However, if they threw thest bag of sarin gas over here, they wouldn''t have any more of it.


    Back then, the empress made a clean sweep of the sarin gas stored by that organization. As the organization''s factory had already been bombed, he feared that there would be no other opportunities for that organization to produce the sarin gas anymore.


    Ren Baqiany on a piece of huge rock and looked at the white clouds in the blue sky. He took this time to think of the load in his mind while the empress was sitting somewhere not far away. As for that three hundred winged cavalry warriors, part of them were prepared to receive the other unit whereas the others were delegated to hunt in the mountains.


    Once again, they waited from morning all the way till the skies turned ck. Everyone had already been waiting for one and a half days. Just at this moment, a lengthy whistle was heard from a far. The winged cavalry warriors that were in the middle of preparing to hunt, raised their heads and their faces were filled with happiness.


    "Does this mean that they have returned?" Ren Baqian turned his head to the side and looked at all of their reactions.


    Soon enough, a regiment of goat riders that were bouncing up and down came from afar.


    The scene of a group of burly men, with murderous intent from head to toe, riding on goats and advancing towards them was very picturesque. It would absolutely break many people''s fantasy of the profession of a horseman. If he were to take a picture of this, people would absolutely not be able to look straight at it. However, Ren Baqian had seen it quite often for the past two days, and he was a little used to it already.


    That type of enormous goats usually ran around in herds. When they ran on t grounds, they were slower whenpared to the horses. But, those goats were indeed pretty good for mountainous routes as there were hardly any terrains that could stop them.


    "Your Majesty! Subordinate has arrivedte, please pardon me." The over a hundred winged cavalry warriors got off their mounts one after another and kneeled on one knee to greet the empress.


    Looking at their appearances, they seemed like they didn''t get into any trouble. Their armors were not broken, and there wasn''t any trace of blood sighted on them either.


    "It''s good that you all have arrived, get up," the empress said without any expression.


    The empress only asked after everyone got up, "Why did all of you only arrive at this time."


    The empress merely asked without thinking. After all, they didn''t look like warriors which had gone through a battle.


    The captain who was taking the lead, sulked the entire time. He turned around and used his leg to kick the person behind him,unching him outwards. Only then did he reply in embarrassment, "That basta*d led us down the wrong way."


    As for the other people, they were sulking the entire time as well. All of them gave that burly man the side-eye. Their gazes were full of despise and gave off an obviously-you-have-led-the-wrong-way kind of look.


    Ren Baqian, who was not far away from them, immediately burst outughing after looking at their expressions.


    If they weren''t an enemy, this bunch of guys were really honest and lovely. Even though many a times they had the halo of a pig-ignorant teammate.


    "Take a rest first, we will set off tomorrow." The empress waved her hands and got them to find a ce to rest.


    Ren Baqian pondered for quite a while before moving towards the empress, "It has already been three days. I will have to return to Earth in two day''s time. How much longer do we have to walk in this mountain?"


    The empress called Teng Ji over and inquired. ording to everyone''s speed, they would still require another one and a half days before they could leave the mountain. After which, they would have to spend another half day to pass through a in to enter the next mountain range.


    "Will the Great Xia troops be waiting for us over there?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Teng Ji revealed a set of white teeth, "We will just have to kill all of them before going over."


    "After that? How are we going to walk?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    Teng Ji shot a nce at the empress and then answered, "Following which, we will enter Mount Lianyin. After climbing that, we will reach a gorge that is called Falling Moon Gorge, and there is a huge river that will obstruct us. The widest part of the water exceeds one kilometer. Moreover, the flow of the river is rapid and there are fish that consumes humans. There is only one ce each at the upstream and downstream of the river that we can pass through. I''m afraid that there will also be Great Xia troops intercepting us over there as well. In addition, ording to the timeframe, the experts of Great Xia would have probably arrived as well.


    However, the only good thing is that Hong Wu might be able to dispatch experts from the military troops to wait for us over there. After passing through Falling Moon Gorge, we will reach the borders. Instead, there will not be many interceptions over there.


    Because if they are mobilizing troops for an interception, Dayao will not just sit back and watch and will immediately head for Qiuyun pass to bust their ass. The mainmander of Great Xia will definitely not dare mobilize their troops to the border.


    And even if they mobilized part of their troops, no matter what, they will not be a match for the four hundred over winged cavalry warriors.


    Therefore, the most dangerous ce is actually at the Falling Moon Gorge."


    After hearing what Teng Ji said, Ren Baqian was lost in thought. Previously, it was only him and the empress, and they didn''t have to prepare much. With Qi Shui''s speed, even if they had to make a detour, they wouldn''t need to worry either.


    Now, there were so many people. Even though they were more formidable, but, the target had be bigger as well, and it was easier for people to locate their whereabouts. In that case, it would be simr to what Teng Ji had said, there might be a fierce battleing up.


    Once Teng Ji left, Ren Baqian told the empress, "It would be better if I return to Earth now. So that I can return once more before we reach the Falling Moon Gorge. I will be able to bring some things back. At the very least, we will require the antidote for sarin gas. If things go ordingly to what Teng Ji said, I''m afraid that we will have to use up our remaining sarin gas at Falling Moon Gorge.


    "Okay." The empress looked at him and nodded her head.


    At this moment, there were a few hundred winged cavalry warriors and the empress was keeping watch over everything. Naturally, she couldn''t leave together with him.


    After informing the empress, Ren Baqian went to find a concealed ce and immediately disappeared. Contrary to what he expected, there wasn''t anyone that noticed.


    At the time of dinner that night, only then did everyone find out that the basta*d who had been around the empress all these days, was nowhere to be seen. But, no one cared, and even if that fellow really died, they still wanted to apud and celebrate the loss of him.


    At this time, the empress got someone to ry the message to everyone that they would set off in advance tomorrow. After all, Qi Shui''s speed was very fast and could travel without stopping in the mountains. There was still time if she set off at night.


    ...


    When Ren Baqian returned to Earth, he directly appeared in the living room. Before he could even move, he heard someone talking in the room that the empress was staying in. He didn''t need to think and knew that the housekeeper was here.


    Fortunately, the housekeeper wasn''t in the living room at this time. Otherwise, he would scare the daylights out of her.


    It was much better in the past as he would return to Earth every three days and it would be in the middle of the night. Ever since he could choose to return after every two and half days to five days, regardless of whether it was the time that he teleported back on Earth or returned to their world, it wasn''t fixed anymore. He couldn''t guarantee when would he suddenly appear in front of the housekeeper. At that time, he might also even have topensate for her medical fees.


    He quietly walked to the doorway while thinking deeply in his head. After which, he opened the door and closed the door.


    "Mr. Ren, you are back!" A head immediately popped out from the door.


    "Mmm." Ren Baqian nodded. Each of them minded their own business, and he went up to the second level to take a bath. While bathing, he pondered over what he should bring back to the other world this time around.


    It would be awesome if he had the strength of an aboriginal, which was equivalent to about nine hundred kilograms. Then, he would be able to carry one tonne of TNT that could tten half a mountain. Let alone the ability to destroy the entire Great Xia army.


    Perhaps, he could bring back a machine gun and on top of that, and approximately eight hundred kilograms worth of bullets. The empress would directly sweep the machine gun across and he would be able to y some BGM while sitting on Qi Shui''s back. The soundtrack of The Rock as BGM would suffice.


    [The Rock - an American thriller/action movie]


    It was such a pity as he could only exert up to 800 newtons of force. It was only equivalent to an ordinary man''s strength. Those who frequently did heavy manual work would also be much stronger than him.


    Without the medicinal bath, his strength had also stopped increasingly recently.

 Chapter 203: Drones

    Chapter 203: Drones


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After taking a bath and changing into new set of clothes, Ren Baqian felt fresh and cool. Following which, he gave Xu Shan a call. Thest time she called him, he had already saved her phone number.


    "Lucky Boy! What''s the matter? I''m very busy now," Xu Shan said after picking up Ren Baqian''s call. "Lucky Boy" had be Ren Baqian''s new nickname. Every time he brought them something good. Even when he was inflicted with a poison, he could stille up with a cure for an incurable disease like leukemia. Furthermore, he was safe and sound in the end.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian felt that the Chinese proverb "Dismantling the bridge after crossing the river" couldn''t be more apt for this situation. Now that they had the antidote to R worms, they no longer bothered about him.


    "I want an antidote that is made up of deadly nightshade and pralidoxime. The antidote is for a neurotoxin. I want one thousand portions of it." Ren Baqian took those enormous goats into consideration as well.


    "Why do you need so many antidotes?" Xu Shan was slightly surprised. It wasn''t difficult to produce the antidote, but it was hard for her not to get surprised when Ren Baqian wanted one thousand portions of an antidote for an neurotoxin.


    "I need them for something. The faster you can produce them, the better it is. How long will you take? Pass me the billter," Ren Baqian asked.


    "This antidote can easily be found in hospitals. However, the sheer amount of antidote you need is too huge, I''ll have to seek help from my schoolmate. I can pass them to you the day after tomorrow."


    "Alright, I wille and collect them that afternoon." Ren Baqian hung up after finishing his sentence. Then, he switched on hisputer and searched for information on various weapons.


    Even though he still had ten kilograms of sarin gas, he did not want to use it. After all, it was extremely hard to obtain sarin gas.


    He searched through a variety of modern bombs online. Actually, there were a lot of weapons that he could use. For example, phosphorus bombs and napalm bombs. They were light in weight but extremely deadly.


    Furthermore, they were exceptionally effective against soldiers that were not hiding in bunkers. The people in that world did not know anything about these weapons. If these bombs were thrown at them, they most likely wouldn''t react in any way.


    If he encountered an expert and that expert elegantly brandished his sword to deflect the bomb, a tragic sight would unfold.


    The only weakness of these weapons would be their inhumane nature. If it was in the past, Ren Baqian would definitely not think of using such weapons. However, now that he had seen so much death, he became more and more indifferent towards human lives.


    After browsing through the weapons, Ren Baqian sighed. There were many weapons, but he could not obtain any one of them.


    Ren Baqian felt more and more restricted.


    He realized every time he thought of something to use, he could only think about it and not obtain it.


    He even needed the empress to get the sarin gas from that organization.


    Closing the page on weapons, Ren Baqian began to search for other things.


    For example, drones. Drones had a few uses. He could use it to find out where the enemy forces were and what their weaknesses were. Of course, the main weakness of the enemy forces usuallyy in the location of their experts. Nevertheless, such information was still important.


    He could easily buy a drone in this city. After searching for a shop that sold drones online, he went downstairs and drove to the drone shop.


    After half an hour, he walked out of the shop with two boxes in hand. One drone cost roughly forty thousand yuan, and it could fly for 27 minutes. Its speed could reach up to 94 kilometers per hour. That meant it could make a round trip of 40 kilometers. The drone was much more powerful than what Ren Baqian had expected.


    However, the Wi-Fi distance of drones could only reach up to five kilometers. This was the limit for many drones. Furthermore, he did not have a satellite and therefore he could only receive images from his drones. There were better functions, but he wouldn''t be able to use those at this point in time.


    A Wi-Fi distance of five kilometers was more than enough for Ren Baqian. He could clearly identify the position of the enemy forces before they detected him. This kind of equipment was far too powerful in a world that did not have any signal disturbances.


    If the front line could be supplied with a few drones, they could scout every single movement of the enemy forces.


    Other than the drones, he also bought a few spare batteries so that he could keep on using the drones if they ever ran out of power.


    Afterwards, he went to buy five binocrs, ten walkie-talkies, two sr batteries and a sr panel. Now, he was fully prepared.


    On the way back home, he saw a few cosyers on the side of the road. Looking at their appearances, they seemed to still be students. One girl was wearing a red-colored traditional Han Chinese dress that had a phoenix sewn on it. If the empress wore it, she would be very beautiful.


    Ren Baqian stopped his car by the side of the road and ran up to those cosyers. Upon seeing Ren Baqian running up to them, they immediately became suspicious of him, especially when they saw him alighting from a car. Was he going to hit on them? This kind of incident often happened in novels and movies. Furthermore, recently there was an infamous incident of a man putting a beverage can on his car roof to showcase his wealth as a way to hit on female students. As such, students these days were very hostile towards people who drove a car and tried to hit on them.


    "Excuse me, may I know where you got your dress from?" Ren Baqian greeted them politely with a smile and pointed to the young girl standing in the middle.


    Actually, that girl was also the prettiest out of every girl there. Her face was exquisite and her skin was fair. The traditional Han Chinese dress set off her elegance. Many people surrounding her were looking at her.


    "Tianlong Shopping Mall. There''s a shop that makes clothes. It''s called Xiaoci Boutique." The girl''s voice was delicate and gentle, extremely pleasant.


    "Thank you." Ren Baqian gave them a smile, returned to his car and drove off.


    The cosyers looked at each other nkly. They initially had thought Ren Baqian wanted to hit on them. They certainly never expected him to ask them about the traditional Han Chinese dress and then promptly leave afterwards. They were rather surprised, but they still eventually felt at ease.


    The girl smiled cordially. She felt that her friends had indeed thought too much. Just now, she also thought that Ren Baqian was going to hit on her. Even though she felt disgusted, she was secretly delighted. Now, not only did she feel at ease, she also felt a slight disappointment.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian drove to the shopping mall that the girl told him about. Very soon, he found the shop. The shop contained many kinds of clothes but most of them were rarely worn by ordinary people. There were various types of cosy costumes and weird outfits, making this shop very eye-catching. Everyone who walked past this shop would take a look at it, but very few entered it.


    Ren Baqian entered the shop and asked for a red-colored traditional Han Chinese dress that had a golden phoenix sewn on it. He even thought of putting the word "empress" on it but changed his mind when he realized it would look cheesy.


    After stating his requirements for the material and size of the dress, Ren Baqian paid the deposit. He would have to collect it half a monthter. Ren Baqian was not in a hurry to collect this dress. He could collect it even after he returned to Dayao.


    For the next two days, Ren Baqian bought a Type 81 assault rifle and some bullets. These days, he had already be quite close with the weapon dealer. He could request them to bring the assault rifle and bullets to a certain ce, and this could save him a lot of time.


    Afterwards, he went to find an empty and spacious ce to practice flying the drone. Even though the drone seller had given him a demonstration on how to fly the drone, he still felt that he needed some practice.


    He arrived at a za and flew his drone. Immediately, he captured a lot of people''s attention. They watched how he activated the drone, flew the drone, and crashed the drone. Many people sighed when they saw the drone crash to the ground.


    "Lad, how much did you pay for it?" someone casually asked Ren Baqian upon seeing how much fun he was having with it.


    Ren Baqian raised four fingers.


    "Forty thousand yuan? It''s not cheap, it''s such a pity that you broke it," the old man said while shaking his head.


    Ren Baqian merely smiled at him. Then, he went back to his car and brought out the other drone. This time around, he had learned from his mistakes and he was able to fly the drone smoothly. This boosted his confidence greatly. After ying with it for a while more, he kept it and returned home.


    The next morning, he went to theboratory and then back to that drone shop to buy another drone. Following which, he packed with him a music yer, an earpiece, and the assault rifle he''d bought and returned to that world.


    The scene of his living room instantly transformed into the scene of wilderness. In a daze, the empress was sitting on a rock with her hand propping up her chin in front of him. Her entire body was exuding an ice-cold aura.

 Chapter 204: Stunned

    Chapter 204: Stunned


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    It was not known how long the empress had sat there for. Her eyes widened a little when Ren Baqian appeared out of nowhere. She swept her gaze all over him and stopped temporarily for a short moment. After all, his current image was extremely strange. There was a bag in front of his chest as well as a bag on his back. A gun was slung on his body, and his ears were stuffed with his earpiece. Also, he was carrying two bags in his hands. He was no different from a refugee at this moment.


    Ren Baqian ced the bags on the ground, climbed to the top of the rock and sat by the empress''s side. He took out one side of the earpiece and stuffed it into the empress''s ear. Then, he tenderly asked, "Have you been waiting for long?"


    The empress ignored him and listened to the music that came from the earpiece. There were so many things in that world which she had yet toe in contact with. Nowadays, whenever she saw anything, she would no longer reveal an extremely surprised expression. In any case, Ren Baqian would exin to her.


    The warm voice of a female transmitted from within her ears. Although she wasn''t able to understand the meaning of the song, but, the melody was still very soothing.


    This was a very therapeutic song. When the name of the song was tranted into Chinese, it was called ''Gentle and Soft Poem''. In the past, Ren Baqian liked to listen to this song a lot, and he wanted to share it with the empress. To be able to share something that he liked with the empress was a form of pleasure and happiness for him.


    The both of them sat atop the rock and listened to the soothing melody. It seemed that the uing battle had left their minds, and even the wind in the mountain became more genial.


    "A very weirdnguage." The empress said.


    "It''s from a small ind nation at the eastern part of our world. Some things are still very valuable over there." Naturally, Ren Baqian didn''t dare to say what was the most valuable as he would be beaten to death.


    "What are they singing about?" The empress asked again. Even though the melody was a little strange, but the music in that world mostly had such a melody. On the contrary, the type of melody from Dayao and Great Xia was rarely heard over there. However, the empress still felt that it sounded very pleasant. She felt warmth in her heart after listening to it.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian still roughly remembered the meaning of the tranted lyrics. He then exined it to the empress and she nodded her head, "Sing for me."


    "Wait for me to master this song first. I don''t know theirnguage."Ren Baqian grinned. Soon after, he spoke and somewhat unted, "However, I do know how to y ''Pomp and Circumstance'' on the erhu.


    I learned how to y the erhu from my grandfather. As such, I might not be considered skillful. Under my yfulness, I have managed to practice this piece ''Pomp and Circumstance'' pretty well. Back then, the evaluation from my brother upon hearing my ying was, ''the erhu looked as though it had a life of its own.''"


    Upon hearing the title "Pomp and Circumstance", the empress actually didn''t think any further and nodded her head, "Okay."


    Thinking of the scenario whereby he would y the piece "Pomp and Circumstance" for the empress, Ren Baqian was overjoyed.


    "Let''s go." The empress removed the earpiece and disappeared from the top of the rock without even exerting herself. Immediately, she appeared a few steps away.


    "This time, I have brought along some good stuff." Only then did Ren Baqian recall and said, "Besides the antidote, there is also some binocrs, you will be able to see ces that are a distance away." Ren Baqian propped himself up and jumped down. He took out the binocrs from the bag, opened the front cover and gestured to the empress before handing it over to her, "It should somewhat be useful for scouting."


    The empress epted the binocrs and copied Ren Baqian''s action. She ced the binocrs before her eyes. Then, she saw a faraway ce, as if it was right in front her at this moment. She was a little unustomed to it, but after looking all around, she slowly became familiarized with it.


    The corner of her mouth was gently pointed upwards. She gave off the impression that she really liked this thing.


    "Is there anything else? This is somewhat useful," the empress said.


    "Not only is there the binocrs, there''s also the walkie-talkies. It''s simr to a mobile phone and people are able tomunicate across long-distance. This way, it is also more convenient tomunicate with each other." Ren Baqian took out a pair of walkie-talkies, adjusted the channels, and passed one to the empress. He was holding onto one walkie-talkie too.


    "This can be used?" The empress was a little surprised.


    Previously, didn''t Ren Baqian say that it can''t be used over here?


    But, her voice was immediately transmitted out of the walkie-talkie that was in Ren Baqian''s hand.


    "This can only be used within a close range, approximately 3 kilometers away. It should be sufficient for the current situation. Many a times, this will make it more convenient and there isn''t a need for shouting to pass on messages anymore. I have brought ten walkie-talkies.


    The empress calcted the distance of about 3 kilometers and it was sufficient. In actual fact, 3 kilometers might even be more than required for their current situation. If these walkie-talkies were ced with the military troops at the boundary, then, it would fully unleash its usefulness.


    With this, Hong Wu would be able to instruct the entire army as he wished, and it would be extremely useful during a war.


    In addition, they would be able to promptly report on their findings during scouting. They didn''t need to travel a few kilometers back just to report anymore.


    At this moment, the empress could think of these two points. From just these two points, the value of the walkie-talkies was already tremendous.


    "Next time, bring more of these." The empress replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Then he picked another bag from the ground, "There''s still the most important item, the drone. It can fly in the air like the airne which you have taken before. You will be able to clearly know the situation of the enemy as far as 5 kilometers away.


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress''s eyes glimmered. This time, the items which he had brought back were indeed very useful.


    The both of them sat on Qi Shui''s back. As for the other bags, they were tied with ropes and hung on both sides of Qi Shui. The originally bold and powerful kirin was now simr to a mule that ferried goods. This made Qi Shui groan non-stop and at the same time, it shook its body wanting the bags taken down.


    At first, it was only the empress on its back and Qi Shui was able to ept that. Next, it endured when there was an additional Ren Baqian on its back. Now, it was treated as though it was an animal that was used for its strength and was being ordered around.


    No matter what, it was still a kirin. Even though Ren Baqian felt that its temperament was just like that of a husky, it still had that little bit of pride after all.


    Ultimately, it was still the empress who pacified Qi Shui before they started on their journey. When it was in the middle of the night, they saw a bonfire that was a distance away and only then did someone came to receive them as they approached. "Your Majesty."


    Many people were rmed by their arrival. When they were receiving them, they constantly gave Ren Baqian the side-eye. The empress was waiting for this fellow and only arrived at this moment. She indeed loved him too much causing everyone to feel that it was unfathomable.


    However, the empress had alreadye to Great Xia just for him. Everyone had no other alternative but could only sigh.


    Another day had passed when they set off again. Finally, everyone arrived at the border of Mount Yuyang. After crossing over the mountain ridge in front of the, they would reach a section of in which required another half a day for them to pass through. Following which, they would enter Mount Lianyin.


    Everyone''s conjecture was that there should be Great Xia soldiers intercepting them on this in. But, there wouldn''t be too many of them. Also, there won''t be any experts. After all, there hadn''t been enough time for them to schedule anything.


    However, just to be safe, the empress called three captains over and got Ren Baqian to take out nine binocrs from his bag to pass it to them.


    "What is this?" These days, everyone had practically ignored Ren Baqian. At this moment, they finally asked him a question.


    "Some binocrs. If you all are able to see a small dot that is approximately five hundred meters away, yet you can''t clearly tell what it is, this item can pull that object up to fifty meters around it. Simply put, this thing allows you to clearly see objects or humans that are ten times farther.," Ren Baqian exined to the three of them. Looking at the three of them which were at a loss, Ren Baqian had no choice but to ce the binocrs right before his eyes to conduct a demonstration. Then, he handed over the binocrs for them to test out.


    With a puzzled look, Teng Ji took the telescope and ced it in front of his eyes, but he couldn''t see anything at all. It seemed as if it was blocked by something.


    Ren Baqian looked at Teng Ji who aimed the binocrs at himself. He then helplessly pointed far away, "Look over there."


    Teng Ji turned the telescope in the direction Ren Baqian pointed and was frightened to death suddenly. Things that were dozens of meters away seemed to be right in front of him. This made his hand tremble, and he nearly dropped the binocrs.


    Once again, Ren Baqian handed the binocrs to the other two people. When the two of them saw Teng Ji''s frightened to death appearance, they felt that it was baffling. In the end, their reactions were exactly the same as Teng Ji''s after looking through the binocrs to see things from afar. The heads of people that were more than ten meters away, seemed to be right in front of their eyes.


    Looking at the three people who looked at the binocrs as if it was a treasured object and had the appearance of whoever-is-going-to-snatch-this-I-would-fight-it-out-with-you, Ren Baqian took out another pair of binocrs to demonstrate how to adjust the multiplier. This time, they finally knew how to use it. After which, they took the binocrs and looked afar while having a lot of fun with it.


    He could imagine that kind of shock someone in this era would get upon receiving something like the binocrs. The value of the binocrs was simply too great.


    After a long time, they finally put the binocrs down and the way they looked at Ren Baqian had also changed as well. Regardless, this was really a good and useful item.


    The surprise that Ren Baqian had given them wasn''t over yet. Next up, he took out a night vision device. He only brought along one of it.


    "This is a night vision device. You would be able to clearly see any other organisms as well as humans, in the pitch-ck night within a scope of 2 kilometers." Ren Baqian just finished speaking before this item was snatched over by someone.


    "This cannot be used during the day and is easily damaged. It will only be useful at night. Pass it to the Sentinel." Ren Baqian promptly warned them.


    After listening to these words, only then did the three of them suppress their thoughts. Soon after, they shifted their gaze onto Ren Baqian and wondered if he was still going to take anything else out. That was because Ren Baqian was holding onto several bags of stuff.


    "This is a walkie-talkie. I''ll be giving six of them to you. You can use it tomunicate within a range of 3 kilometers," Ren Baqian said while he was holding on to the walkie-talkie.


    However, the few of them were incapable of understanding how to use this thing.


    After Ren Baqian adjusting the channel of the walkie-talkie, he handed it over to Teng Ji, "Go somewhere approximately hundred meters away from here. Then, speak to it."


    Teng Ji nodded. He held onto the binocrs with one hand and the walkie-talkie in the other. With a jolt of his body, he appeared approximately a hundred meters away in less than three seconds. After which, he held onto the walkie-talkie and looked at it for quite some time before hearing a voiceing out from the small box, "Can you hear me?"


    Immediately, he was scared out of his wits. This voice actually came from the box, and the owner of the voice was still seated at that same ce.


    "Ah!" Teng Ji''s astonished voice transmitted from the walkie-talkie. The other two captains looked at Teng Ji, who was a distance away and then looked at the small box that was in Ren Baqian''s hand. They were amazed.


    "Say something."


    "Ren... Deputy Prefect Ren," Teng Ji stuttered.


    Even an Earth Wheel level captain was stuttering. It could be clearly seen that he was feeling a little nervous and felt that this small box would absorb him inside and trap him.


    "Come back." In less than three seconds after Ren Baqian finished speaking, Teng Ji had appeared by everyone''s side.


    "This is the purpose of this item. You can use it tomunicate from a distance away. But, you can only use it for twelve hours. After which, you''ll need to recharge the batteries. Thus, only turn on the walkie-talkie only when you require it. Turn it off when you are not using it." Ren Baqian demonstrated in front of everyone.


    This time, everyone looked on Ren Baqian as if he was a deity.


    Originally, they still didn''t understand why the empress had found a feeble chicken like him. She even took such a huge risk toe to Great Xia for him. Everyone was puzzled by this issue right from the start.


    After they received the empress, everyone viewed Ren Baqian as theirmon enemy.


    But at this moment, all of their previous thoughts were tossed beyond the topmost clouds.


    Ren Baqian made these people stunned just by casually describing the few items that were unheard of to them.


    It was justifiable to why the empress chose this feeble chicken.

 Chapter 205: Scouting with a Drone

    Chapter 205: Scouting with a Drone


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The next morning, the group crossed a mountain ridge. Holding a pair of binocrs in each of their hands, three winged cavalry warriors and three captains held their heads and chests high and ran ahead to scout.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was sitting on Qi Shui''s back. His walkie-talkie kept on sounding off.


    "No ambush beneath the mountain!"


    "No ambush in the east!"


    "No ambush in the west!


    "�� south!"


    "... north!"


    "Woah, the wind today is so noisy��"


    "That''s right! That''s right!" a voice that was five times louder than usual exploded from the walkie-talkie.


    Ren Baqian facepalmed. All of you are here to have fun, right? After taking the binocrs and walkie-talkies, those people ran around the mountain like excited monkeys.


    Wouldn''t you get out of hand if I hand you the drone?


    Didn''t I tell you that the batteries for the walkie-talkie don''tst long? If you continue to y with walkie-talkies, I''m afraid they will die before you even spot the Great Xia soldiers.


    And who''s the one that said the wind today is so noisy? Are you trying to be funny?


    The empress couldn''t be bothered with them and let them fool around.


    Ren Baqian was d that he had already charged the sr battery. Otherwise, he would have to hold the sr panel everywhere he went.


    Soon after, everyone arrived at the foot of the mountain. And like what the scouts said, there wasn''t any ambushes. At least they couldn''t see anyone within a distance of 25 kilometers.


    They couldn''t see anything further than 25 kilometers.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. After all, he did not like bloodshed. Of course, this had something to do with him being a weak chicken. Even when he was holding a Type 81 assault rifle, he did not feel safe. God knows when an arrow would be fired in his direction.


    A regiment of goat riders galloped through a in. This in was approximately 100 kilometers long. It would take them half a day to cross it.


    Sitting on Qi Shui''s back, Ren Baqian felt that the sun was unbearably hot. He casually put on his sunsses, and he immediately felt better. At the same time, he turned around and helped the empress put on a pair of gold-rimmed sunsses. With Qi Shui as their mount, both of them appeared extremely eye-striking among the goat riders, resembling two Lamborghini owners that sneaked into a gathering for Audi owners.


    "There''s someone ahead! It''s Great Xia mounted scouts!" Just as they saw the silhouette of a green hill in the distance, a voice suddenly broke out from the walkie-talkie.


    At this moment, a few people could make out a few ck spots in the distance. One would never see them if he or she never took a closer look. However, they could be seen clearly with the help of binocrs. A few mounted soldiers wearing the military uniforms of Great Xia could be seen. They were standing sideways on the back of their horses looking in the direction of the empress and her winged cavalry.


    After all, an extremely huge amount of dust and sand was kicked up into the air by the few hundred goat riders. They could easily be seen from afar.


    By the time they were 3 kilometers away from the Great Xia mounted scouts, they could see them clearly with their binocrs. They could even see the facial expressions of the mounted scouts.


    At this point in time, a few mounted scouts had already gone back to report to their superiors. There were still two or three mounted scouts standing there. When the empress and her men were 1.5 kilometers away, they then turned around and ran off.


    They were not afraid of the winged cavalry catching up to them. These enormous goats ran slower than horses on tnds. They managed to keep a safe distance from the goat riders while keeping themselves in sight.


    "Your Majesty, they have entered the forest," Teng Ji''s voice broke out from the walkie-talkie. The walkie-talkies really mademunications much more convenient.


    However, everyone else already knew this without him saying. In front of them, there was a forest and a slope. Behind the forest and the slope, there was a mountain pass.


    "Are they trying ambush us in the forest? Your Majesty, give me one hundred man and I can kill every one of them," a captain said arrogantly. His name was Zheng Hu. Other than him and Teng Ji, there was another captain who had a very refined name, Li Tanhua. His facial appearance was much cleaner and gentler than others'' as well. Even though he was very quiet, he seemed very trustworthy.


    "We can just charge into the forest. If they''re in their formation on a tnd, it might be slightly troublesome for us. However, they are in the forest now. They are simply courting death," Teng Ji said.


    After all, in aplicated environment like a forest, aboriginal warriors'' fighting capabilities were greatly boosted. And if their enemy couldn''t get into their formation, they would just be waiting for their destruction.


    "They definitely have some dirty tricks up their sleeves," Li Tanhua said coldly.


    It wasn''t that the rest did not know the Great Xia soldiers had some dirty tricks up their sleeves. It was just that they had over four hundred Earth Wheel experts and an advantage of terrain in this forest. They wouldn''t be scared even if there were ten thousand Great Xia soldiers hiding and waiting for them.


    Their powerful strength made them disregard the strategies of the Great Xia army. They felt that they could just charge the forest and kill them all.


    The empress and her men were less than 5 kilometers away from the forest. Using the binocrs, they could see the Great Xia soldiers hiding in the forest.


    Teng Ji put down his binocrs and sneered, "How dare these people block our way? They''re simply courting death."


    "Your Majesty, should we do some scouting? After all, they must have something up their sleeves if they dare to do this. Even though we aren''t afraid of them, it''s still not a good idea to suffer casualties when we know they already have made preparations," Ren Baqian turned around and told the empress.


    Those aboriginal warriors knew there was a trap, but they still wanted to use their mighty strength to charge forward. Unlike them, Ren Baqian did not want to step into a trap when he already knew there was one.


    Out of everyone, he felt that he was the most vulnerable. What if someone in the forest jumped out to stab or shoot him with an arrow? Not too long ago, when he was ambushed in Lan City, he almost became a sieve.


    "Stop!" the empress shouted softly. Everyone immediately reduced their speed and stopped in their tracks. Even with naked eyes, everyone could see light reflecting from within the forest. It seemed that the Great Xia soldiers did not intend to hide. They were merely standing there, looking as though they were prepared to stop the winged cavalry.


    Using the binocrs, the three captains saw rows of archers standing in the midst of the forest with their bowstrings pulled. There seemed to be many more shadows in the forest.


    "Your Majesty, we can just charge the forest and crush them to smithereens," Teng Ji held up a fist and said.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian to see what he had to say.


    Ren Baqian felt that it was time for him to perform. All along, he believed that themander of the Great Xia army wouldn''t be so stupid to solely depend on some archers and soldiers hiding in the forest to stop the mighty winged cavalry. After all, a person who could led an army wouldn''t be a fool.


    Even if he was a fool, the people around him aren''t fools, right?


    Ren Baqian jumped down from the kirin''s back. Then, he took down a bundle and ced it on the ground. Unwrapping the bundle, he took out a portable drone. Without turning his head, he said to the winged cavalry warriors behind him, "Form a line and protect me."


    Ren Baqian was afraid that the enemy might take notice of his drone and shoot an arrow at him. He had not forgotten the incident of the empress shooting down Ning Caichen''s flying sword.


    The four hundred over winged cavalry warriors lined up in two rows and stared at the forest ahead of them.


    Meanwhile, in the forest, themander of the Great Xia army was stroking his beard as he watched the goat riders lined up. His brain was filled with question marks. "Why aren''t these aboriginalsing in yet? Given their usualbat style, they will charge into the forest even if there are mountains of daggers and seas of mes here, let alone these mere archers."


    "Take a stroll outside of the forest," themander waved his hand and instructed. The scouts that had just returned scrambled out of the forest again. They purposely strolled along the border of the forest, somewhat resembling prostitutes that stood outside of brothels and threw flirtatious nces at men.


    Upon seeing this sight, many of the winged cavalry warriors instantly broke out into amotion. However, without the empress''smand, none of them dared to do anything.


    Behind the main body, the empress and the three captains were watching Ren Baqian fiddling with a spider-like gadget.


    Ren Baqian set up the disy screen and remote control. Following which, he fiddled with the remote control and the drone began to rise to the sky. The three captains'' eyes almost popped out when they saw this scene. This thing could fly?


    Raising their heads, the three of them stared at the sky.


    Meanwhile Ren Baqian was looking at the small dot on the disy screen. That was the current position of the drone. Right now, it was four hundred meters above the ground. Following which, the drone flew towards the top of the forest.

 Chapter 206: Magical Object

    Chapter 206: Magical Object


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was operating the remote control. The drone was already out of sight by now. Following his controls, an aerial image of the forest ahead appeared on the screen.


    At this moment, there was a ground terminal beside his feet. It was a palm-sized box with two antennas. Also, it could transmit images, receive data within a range of 1.7 kilometers, and reach up to 5 kilometers if it was just operating regrly without transmitting any image.


    Unfortunately, without inte connectivity, only images could be transmitted while relying solely on the ground terminal. Besides, it had to be within 1.7 kilometers. If there was an inte connection, videos could also be directly transmitted.


    Ren Baqian directed the drone towards the forest and snapped images continuously. It could be seen very clearly on the screen that there were some human figures under the shade of the trees.


    He caught a whiff of fragrance. The empress had moved beside him to see the images on the screen. Three captains standing at the side grew rather impatient, but they dared not get too close to the empress. And as a result, they didn''t know what could be seen on the screen.


    Along with the drone flying out of the data transmission range of the ground terminal, thest image taken was left disyed on the screen. Ren Baqian erged the orientation map at the bottom left and focused on snapping images with the drone. He could only check the images after retrieving the drone.


    Many of the winged cavalry warriors turned their heads and looked when they heard the buzz of the drone just now. They saw the odd-looking object rise into the sky and then disappear. Out of curiosity, they turned back to look at Ren Baqian, who was focused on operating the drone, from time to time.


    Previously, the walkie-talkies and binocrs were already an eye-opener to them. In just a day, over 400 people had alreadye to know of it. This had immediately changed many people''s opinions of Ren Baqian. At present, many of them were very curious as to what Deputy Prefect Ren was doing.


    At this time in the forest, themander of Great Xia was growing very suspicious.


    Those aboriginals stopped just a few kilometers away and didn''t budge. What were they doing?


    They didn''t even react when a few mounted scouts went out for a re. Something''s not right.


    Unable to hold back his suspicions, hended on a tree branch in a sh to survey the scene from an elevated position. Unfortunately, he could only make out a few ck spots and wasn''t able to see much.


    Just as he came down from the tree, an orderly came running from behind. "Liu Canjun, the lieutenant-colonel was asking what happened?"


    "Those aboriginals stopped just a few kilometers away, and I myself feel very puzzled as well. But, we have already guarded the mountain pass. They must take this route, if not it will be a very long way around. Inform the lieutenant-colonel, that we will act ording to n once they arrive."


    Thismander was Liu Canjun, who had been refused a meeting by the chief of Qingyang Sect. The current ambush n was also proposed by him.


    But, the lieutenant-colonel was the highest ranking military officer in all of Yucheng. He was inmand of Yucheng''s military camp with 4000 troops and horses. There were over a hundred of such camps located in every city of Great Xia, with thergest having 6000 people, and the smallest having 2000 people.


    As for the strategically located counties, a battalion of 750 soldiers were deployed in garrison on a duty roster. As for the ordinary counties, a squadron of 150 soldiers were deployed instead.


    For this operation, the lieutenant-colonel had recalled all the troops and horses of Yucheng, including the troops deployed in all the cities. This was because orders had been passed down from the higher authorities, to halt Qi Zixiao in Great Xia by all possible means. But Qi Zixiao and the winged cavalry warriors stubbornly entered Mount Yuyang, which was very near to Yucheng. The troops had no choice but to be deployed, if not, they could be used of deserting from battle. Besides losing their own lives, even the youths and the elderly in their entire family would be punished with serving a penal sentence.


    The chief of Qingyang Sect was currently with the lieutenant-colonel. As he was about to be executed, it didn''t matter anymore whether he agreed to meet or not. The troops were ready to set off the next day to surround Qingyang Sect. It was either the troops be deployed, or the chief be executed. How was the old man going to worry about other things, now that he was about to lose his head?


    ...


    Ren Baqian controlled the drone to fly in a circle above the forest, flew it further away, and then turned it back.


    A group of winged cavalry members turned their heads as they watched the dronend behind them. Their hearts were itching as if they were scratched by cats, what exactly was that thing?


    Especially the three captains, who were as anxious as monkeys.


    Ren Baqian ignored them and transferred the memory card from the drone to the card reader. He subsequently connected it to the tablet of the remote control and began examining the images captured just now.


    The first few images were captured much earlier on, and they couldn''t tell much from the pictures. As the drone went deeper into the forest, more and more things could be seen through the trees canopies.


    "Eh!" Ren Baqian held his finger on the tablet and let out a bewildered sound as he looked at an image. As he zoomed in, he saw a scarecrow under the shade of a tree. It was wearing a uniform of a Great Xia soldier and was very difficult to differentiate from afar


    As he scrolled back to the previous images, he realized that out of those indistinct soldiers that he saw in the forest just now with a pair of binocrs, only the front few rows were real soldiers, while the rest were all scarecrows.


    If Ren Baqian could tell, naturally, the empress would be able to tell as well. Her eyes were filled with suspicion.


    Why did they ce some scarecrows in the forest?


    Ren Baqian continued scrolling backwards and deleted those images that were blocked by trees. At the same time, he zoomed in on a few of them to have a clearer look.


    "Look at this, there are heel ropes. And this, those few people dug a hole there, but it isn''t concealed properly... And this was exposed as well, it''s a beast trap." Ren Baqian said to the empress as he zoomed on the images. As the three captains overheard their conversation, their hearts itched even more. Wanting to take a look was all they had in their minds.


    Gradually they saw more and more things. Ren Baqian had a suspicion in mind all along.


    It''s not possible that they have only deployed a few hundred people to obstruct us, is it?


    By simply setting up those traps, they can at most prevent people from advancement.


    What is their motive?


    "There are people over here!" Ren Baqian suddenly eximed as he saw many troops halfway on a mountain, deep within the forest and many huge rocks and tree trunks were recently chopped. Besides that, there were also a few wooden buckets.


    Some soldiers were holding pikes, while some of them had bows slung behind their backs. All of them had a piece of cloth tied onto their arms. They were multi-colored and of all sorts.


    After looking through over ten images, there were at least a thousand people waiting on the mountain and they seemed like they were fully prepared.


    As he continued examining the images, a lot of firewood could be seen at the foot of the mountain, amongst the rocks and the underbrush.


    "Are they going to set a fire?" Ren Baqian raised his suspicion over the firewood scattered over


    There.


    Along with the return journey of the drone, it captured images from another point of view. All of a sudden, Ren Baqian''s eyes opened wide.


    In the forest, many of the trees had a wooden bucket ced behind them. There was also firewood scattered all over��especially along the sides of the path of advancement. Besides the firewood and wooden buckets, there were also a few archers in the treetops waiting in ambush. All of this was very clearly captured on the image.


    Ren Baqian immediately knew what the other party was nning to do. He also guessed what was inside those wooden buckets. He probably wouldn''t have guessed it if not for the firewood. The firewood really made it quite obvious. In addition, he knew what those cloths that were tied onto the Great Xia soldier''s arms were for as well.


    The other party was obviously nning to use a few hundred people to act as an obstruction. After which, they would pretend to flee towards the mountain pass. And if the winged cavalry were to give chase and follow them, they would then block off the mountain pass. Those rocks and archers were prepared for that reason.


    As for the inside of those wooden buckets, if he''s not mistaken, it would be something like oil or animal fat which could be easily ignited. They would then set fire to the surroundings. In addition, it was currentlyte autumn in Great Xia and the air was very dry. With a great number of fallen leaves scattered over the forest, such a fire would directly lead to a forest fire.


    Those wooden buckets that were prepared on the mountain were also for the same purpose. On one hand it could ignite and cause obstruction, and on the other hand, it could more or less slow down the winged cavalry warriors as grease could be quite slippery.


    And it was the same for those traps as well.


    If the winged cavalry were to barge in like that, it was easily imaginable. Even with the strength of an Earth Wheel level expert, some lives would definitely be lost in thatrge fire and thick smoke as in addition to obstructing their charge.


    Even if the winged cavalry could dash in and kill them, their mounts would probably turn into roasted goats immediately. The remaining journey would be troublesome as well.


    By setting fire to the forest and mountains for their own interests, it was absolutely ruthless.


    "They want to lure us in before setting a fire to burn the forest, and then intercept us halfway up the mountain," Ren Baqian said as he looked at the empress and she lightly nodded. She had seen those images just now, and naturally would have thought of it as well.


    After she was done looking at the images, she turned around and perched on top of Qi Shui. Ren Baqian waved at the three captains and showed them the images one by one.


    Previously, they had heard what Ren Baqian was saying. But, they couldn''t see the images and didn''t know what the other party was setting up.


    They were astonished when they saw the images on the screen as it was exactly the same as witnessing the scene with their own eyes. They all subconsciously turned their heads and stared at the odd-looking object that justnded. All three of them guessed that those images were brought back by that object but didn''t specifically understand how it was done.


    At the same time, the tablet from which Ren Baqian was showing the images, was like a magical object to them. It was even more magical than the pairs of binocrs.


    As he showed them the images one after another, they grew from frowning initially, to be suddenly enraged. "Basta*ds, they actually want to burn me to death! I must slice them into pieces!"


    But, they were even more interested in the drone that Ren Baqian was using. That object was simply too powerful. It could even allow them to clearly see the entire setup of the enemy troops that were 5 kilometers away.

 Chapter 207: Killing People by Poisoning Them

    Chapter 207: Killing People by Poisoning Them


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    The Great Xia army did not expect their deployment to be exposed. They also did not expect that there would be something like the drone in this world. As such, they were still painfully waiting for the winged cavalry to charge into the forest.


    After all, when the drone was four hundred meters above the ground, it was too small to be seen. Furthermore, it did not exude any sort of aura either. Therefore, it was very difficult for it to be detected. Even though it made a buzzing sound, they couldn''t hear it as it was too far away from the ground. The Great Xia soldiers still thought that the sound was made by mosquitoes.


    Ren Baqian and the captains stood in a circle. If it weren''t for the images that the drone took, they would have jumped straight into the enemy''s trap and into the point of no return.


    Aboriginals never cared about what was in front of them or what was beneath their feet, all they knew was to charge forward blindly.


    There was a reason why the poption of aboriginals had not increase much even though Dayao had been founded for 70 years.


    Their confidence in their strength made them fearless, but many a time, it also became their weakness that their enemies exploited.


    Take this situation as an example. If they charged into the forest, even if they managed to annihte the enemy forces, all of their mounts would be killed. They would also suffer some casualties. By the time they walked to Falling Moon Gorge, they would be utterly exhausted. And when they faced the interception at Falling Moon Gorge, they wouldn''t be able to put up any resistance.


    Fortunately, the Great Xia army''s plot was discovered. The science and technology of Earth had won today''s battle��the drone had won today''s battle.


    "Your Majesty, let me lead 50 men to kill the archers at the front. Meanwhile, the rest canunch a nking attack on the enemies in the forest. As long as we can kill the people who are starting the fire, their n will be foiled. Even if they manage to start a fire, we will still have enough time to retreat," Zheng Hu volunteered.


    "Then? Everywhere in the forest is covered with fallen leaves. If they manage to start a fire, the fire can''t be put out within a short period of time," Ren Baqian interjected.


    "What can we do then?" Zheng Hu stared at Ren Baqian and asked. His eyes resembled two bronze bells.


    "Staring at me won''t solve the issue, we should think of a solution now," Ren Baqian casually waved his hand and said. When he just arrived in Dayao, he was easily frightened by aboriginals'' formidable physique and aura. After having been here for so long, he was used to their physique and behavior. He wasn''t scared of them anymore.


    "We can bypass them and it will take roughly half a day to do so. However, our mounts can''tst that long, and they will need to rest. If that''s the case, I''m afraid that we will have to take an extra day to reach Falling Moon Gorge. Since we have dyed our journey by one day, the enemy forces at Falling Moon Gorge will have one additional day to make preparations," Li Tanhua added.


    While using the drone to scout out the enemy''s defensive arrangements, Ren Baqian discovered that there were two precipitous mountains on both sides of the mountain pass. If they wanted to proceed on with their journey, they had to pass through the mountain pass. This was also probably why the enemy forces set up a blockage there.


    "Can''t we take another path?" Ren Baqian asked after thinking about it. He wasn''t too sure about Great Xia''s geography.


    If they could avoid the ambush here and steer clear of Falling Moon Gorge by switching to another route, it was worth dying their journey by a few days. Why go head-to-head with the enemy? With the enemy forces setting up ambushes along their nned route, even if they could pass through this area, it wouldn''t be easy for them to pass through Falling Moon Gorge.


    "The other route is through Broken Dragon Canyon, that route is even harder," Teng Ji shook his head and said.


    Following which, a strong-willed voice interrupted them, "The winged cavalry will press forward and destroy anything that is blocking Her Majesty''s path!"


    Ren Baqian looked at him with a nted gaze. He only had one solution now. With this solution, the enemy wouldn''t even have the chance to start a fire.


    "Your Majesty, why not we use the sarin gas? We can shoot the sarin gas cans over to the enemy side," Ren Baqian told the empress. All they needed to do was to clear the archers in the forest and shoot an arrow with the sarin gas cans tied to it at the mountain pass. He reckoned that the Great Xia soldiers wouldn''t start a fire if they did not see the winged cavalry charging into the forest. If everything proceeded smoothly, they should be able to strut through Falling Moon Gorge after half an hour.


    The only thing was he couldn''t bear to part with the sarin gas. There were twenty sarin gas canisters left, which totaled to ten kilograms of sarin gas. ording to the images obtained from the drone, they would need at least six cans to engulf a huge part of the area in sarin gas.


    Sitting on the back of the kirin, the empress listened to what everyone had to say. Finally, she nodded her head and said, "We will do what Imperial Deputy Prefect Ren said. Split up into three groups with fifty men each. After you have killed every Great Xia soldier in the forest, pass me a bow."


    "Yes, Your Majesty." The three captains immediately acknowledged the empress''smand. Following which, they passed the best bow they had to the empress. It was a cowhorn bow. It was made up of a bamboo, cow horns, and a tendon from an unknown beast. They also provided her with a quiver of metal-tipped arrows.


    Bone arrows weremonly used in Dayao as the materials to make them were easily obtainable. On the contrary, metal-tipped arrows were seldomly used. The bow and arrows belonged to Li Tanhua. He himself was not willing to use these metal-tipped arrows during peacetime.


    The empress ced an arrow on the bow, pulled the bowstring and aimed at the sky. Her aura intensified and lessened all of a sudden. Following which, everyone heard a twang and a bird fell from the sky the next second. Someone went to pick up the bird and bring it back. There was a bloody hole on the body of the bird, but the arrow had vanished into thin air.


    Subsequently, the three men each led fifty men with an extra fifty men behind them to a position 500 meters away from the forest. The Great Xia archers, who were at the level of Man Wheel, had a shooting range of only 800 steps. 800 hundred steps was roughly equivalent to 400 meters. Before they entered the shooting range of the Great Xia archers, they got down from their mounts and dashed into the forest while unsheathing their swords and letting out a weird cry.


    The extra fifty men behind them were in charge of looking after everyone''s mount.


    When the one hundred and fifty winged cavalry warriors pulled within 350 meters of the forest, hundreds of gleaming arrows shot out from the forest with a deafening sound.


    Teng Ji took the lead and cut down the arrows flying towards him. Then, he jumped twenty meters forward.


    Even though the winged cavalry warriors held weapons, wore heavy armor, and ran 100 meters in less than 9 seconds, they still had some energy left to spare.


    After shooting two volleys of arrows, the enemy soldiers quickly fled towards the mountain pass.


    When the one hundred and fifty winged cavalry warriors reached the forest, they immediately split up into three groups. Two groups headed for the archers that hid on top of the trees waiting to start a fire. Only one group chased the archers that were fleeing towards the mountain pass. However, before they reached the border of the forest, they stopped in their tracks.


    The Great Xia soldiers hiding at the mountain pass were prepared to shoot their arrows. However, when they realized no one wasing out of the forest, they remained stationary.


    "Sir, only roughly over one hundred of them entered the forest, the rest are still outside," Liu Canjun ran up to a lieutenant standing on the midpoint of the mountain and reported to him. The lieutenant had a one-meter-long beard, looking more like a schr than a general.


    Even though this lieutenant looked like a schr, Liu Canjun did not dare to look down upon him. One had to know that this lieutenant had reached the advanced level of Earth Wheel, which meant he had the strength of Earth Embryo Realm. He was considered a powerful expert in Great Xia.


    The lieutenant furrowed his eyebrows. He did not expect that the enemy would give them such a difficult problem. With only some one hundred winged cavalry warriors in the forest, he did not know whether or not he should set fire to the forest.


    After thinking about it, he said, "Be more alert! Once they appear, use the huge rocks and logs to halt them first. We have four thousand men in a favorable position, why can''t we take on less than two hundred enemy soldiers. Once we obstruct them with the rocks and logs, the rest of their men will enter the forest, and we can start the fire then."


    However, the moment that he was waiting for did not arrive. Instead, an arrow that had a few cans fastened to it arrived.


    As the cans shattered upon hitting the ground, a colorless, transparent liquid sshed all over his surroundings. The liquid then released a gas that engulfed his surroundings. As the wind in the mountain blew, the gas was spread to other areas.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian and the empress were using binocrs to watch the enemy soldiers at the mountain pass. Waiting behind them was a huge number of winged cavalry warriors.


    After a long while, using the binocrs, Ren Baqian saw the enemy soldiers copsing to the ground while clenching their throats. Those who had yet to copse to the ground began to flee in panic. However, after a few steps, they dropped to the ground as well.


    At this moment, themander''s facial expression changed drastically. However, by the time he discovered that something wasn''t right, it was already toote. He jumped and appeared ten meters above his original position. Then, he jumped to higher ground again. It appeared that he was trying to escape the poisonous gas by jumping to higher ground. However, while making his next jump, he dropped to the ground as well.


    Some time had passed. After the winged cavalry drank the preemptive antidotes to sarin gas and fed them to their mounts, they strutted through the mountain pass. Both sides of the mountain pass were filled with huge rocks, logs, and dead bodies.


    Someone opened up the wooden buckets hidden in the forest. Indeed, they contained animal fats. The defensive arrangements set up by the Great Xia army were indeed vicious, it was a pity that they weren''t put to use. Within such a short period of time, thousands of Great Xia soldiers werepletely ughtered.


    At this moment, everyone gazed at Ren Baqian with a weird look upon their faces.


    Previously, they felt that Ren Baqian had many interesting gadgets. Now, they realized that he also had many deadly gadgets.


    Ren Baqian was able to poison thousands of men to death without any signs. Even theirmander, who was on the advanced level of Earth Wheel, died at his hands. All of the Earth Wheel practitioners in his surroundings were poisoned to death as well.


    Upon witnessing this scene with their own eyes, they gained a new form of reverence for Ren Baqian. They told themselves that, if one day they became enemies with Ren Baqian, they would shoot him to death with an arrow no matter what.


    Out of the four thousand elite soldiers at the mountain pass, only about a hunded men made it out alive. These survivors passed the news back to Yucheng, which eventually caused the news to spread throughout Great Xia.


    As such, Great Xia began to investigate who was the one that poisoned the soldiers to death.


    One had to know that, aftering into conflicting with Dayao, Great Xia had never encountered such an incident. The aboriginals always resorted to individual strength to ovee their opponents. They had never resorted to poisoning their enemies to death and then strutting across their corpses.


    Previously, Great Xia''s imperial family did not believe the news that Qi Zixiao had annihted the Nine Pavilions. That was because they understood their enemy very well. Qi Zixiao did not know how to use poisons. Destroying the Nine Pavilions wasn''t a feat that could not be done single-handedly by someone who did not know how to use poisons.


    It wasn''t just hundreds of men, but rather, thousands of men that were geared up to fight. Even the weakest individual among them was on the level of Man Wheel. Furthermore, there were Spirit Wheel experts in the eight pavilion masters.


    And this time around, four thousand elite soldiers waiting in ambush at the mountain pass were poisoned to death.


    The number of people killed in these two incidents was immensely huge. Simrly, this time around, the soldiers were poisoned to death without any signs while they were fully conscious in a spacious area.


    She definitely had a poison expert by her side! This was everyone''s conjecture.


    Very soon, Ren Baqian, who was considered a lucky basta*rd by many people, appeared on everyone''s radar. Out of all the empress''s subordinates, he was the most suspicious one. He also was the only one that the empress brought along with to the Nine Pavilions. And when the empress was at the Nine Pavilions, he went missing.


    Ren Baqian unknowingly bore the me for everything.


    Poison Warrior.


    A Poison Warrior that could kill thousands of men without any signs.

 Chapter 208: White Dragon River

    Chapter 208: White Dragon River


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was seated and swaying on Qi Shui''s back while staring into space. He felt that this time, it seemed as if he was on a journey to India to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures with Tang Sanzhang. A moment ago, he had just defeated the Single Horned Rhinoceros King, and the next moment, he was prepared to ascend the Mountain of mes, experiencing hurdle after hurdle.


    [Tang Sanzhang, Single Horned Rhinoceros King - characters from The Monkey King]


    It was such a pity that there wasn''t the Red Boy waiting over there. There also wasn''t any sweetheart before the flowers and under the moon.


    [Red Boy - character from The Monkey King]


    Ren Baqian thought about it again and even if they existed, he wasn''t even Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Fortunately, the empress wasn''t Xuanzang either.


    After walking for an entire day, there was a very high mountain peak obstructing this group of people. So long as they were able to cross over, they would reach Falling Moon Gorge within half a day''s time. After that, they would be on an unimpeded journey back to Dayao.


    At longst, the threemanders got sick of ying with the binocrs. Unlike the previous instances when it seemed as if the binocrs were tied to their heads, their gazes were now shifted to the bags hanging from both of Qi Shui''s sides. At the very least, one of the things inside was called the "drone". It was a pity that Ren Baqian didn''t even let them touch it, and this made the three of them hold a secret grudge against him.


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian who was currently in a daze, cried out in surprise. Unexpectedly, Qi Shui jumped up and nearly flung him off its back. His voice had just left his mouth when he felt a gush of power cing him on Qi Shui''s back once again.


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian turned his head and smiled at the empress. The sun shone on the canopy of the trees, as if it had just been smashed and dropped downwards while spots shone on the empress''s body.


    The empress had the earpiece plugged into both of her ears. Listening to music from the music yer was also considered a form of entertainment during the journey.


    With the fragmented sunshine sprinkled all over the empress''s body, her earpiece, music as well as her rxed expression, it made the empress look as though she was a girl sitting beneath the shade of a tree on campus.


    If there wasn''t that bunch of gazes in the surrounding which swept over from time to time and caused an irksome presence, it would be so much better.


    At this moment, there were actually two mounts that had no one riding on them. Ren Baqian didn''t think of changing over while the empress didn''t chase him away either. As such, they both considered it as tacit agreement to continue riding on the same mount.


    They have reverted to addressing each other by Ren Baqian''s official position as well as Her Majesty. They didn''t talk much throughout the day, and there seemed to be some kind of atmosphere between them, causing the rest of the people to be isted from them.


    This led many winged cavalry warriors to feel envious whenever they swept their gazes over and were forced to look at the pair being affectionate. More than one person even pondered if they should make a trip to the mountains when they returned, to find a woman they fancied and get married to her.


    Once again they used one day to cross over a mountain in front of them. After leaving that mountain, there was a huge river that was about a hundred meters wide. The noised created by the turbulent river could even be heard from afar.


    "There are people opposite!" Teng Ji shouted by the side.


    .


    Ren Baqian raised his binocrs and sure enough, there was a Great Xia soldier who was riding on his horse and headed towards their direction to survey the scene from an elevated position. It seemed as if he was specially deployed to wait over there. Then, Ren Baqian changed the direction of the binocrs to face the side. They were able to see that there was one soldier stalking out at the area not far from the upper and lower reach of the river as well.


    "They are specifically waiting for us," Li Tanhua spoke casually. He reached back to touch his bow but to no avail. Only then did he remember that his bow was still in the empress''s hands.


    On the contrary, the empress didn''t bother if the Great Xia soldiers were stalking out opposite. They weren''t able to keep them in the dark in any case. As such, she couldn''t be bothered with them.


    Ren Baqian looked carefully at the river and it was very muddy. After all, the flow of the water was so rapid that it brought along the mud in the river, and hepletely unable to see the base of the river at all.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, be careful. There are weird fish inside the river," Teng Ji warned him. Now, Ren Baqian was even more valuable than bitcoin.


    "What sort of weird fish?" Ren Baqian turned his head and asked.


    He thought to himself, could there be piranhas inside?


    However, it wasn''t impossible. If piranhas existed on Earth, it wouldn''t be a surprise if they existed here as well.


    It was at this time, he heard something emerging from the water behind him.


    "Be careful!" Teng Ji''s expression changed, and he immediately threw himself onto Ren Baqian. However, faster than him was a red silhouette that appeared instantly by Ren Baqian''s side.


    Upon hearing the sound of an object emerging from the water, he turned around just to see a gigantic fish head advancing towards him and was in the midst of swallowing him up.


    Yes, that''s right, swallow is the word.


    The fish had the mouth of a bird, very long and full of fangs. But, its body was round. It looked like a bird''s beak affixed onto a fish''s body. It was ugly and, in addition, ferocious looking as well. Ren Baqian immediately trembled as he took a step back.


    In the next second, a lily-white hand stretched out beside Ren Baqian and pped the mouth of the fish which was about to attack him.


    That fish''s head seemed as if it was being smashed by a heavy object, and the fish shot out from the water immediately. Its approximately six-meter-long body flipped in the air, and the empress pped its body just when its tail was about to hit her. Then, its body burst open and lots of flesh spewed out towards the big river. Together with its flesh, the body also sank at the middle portion of the river.


    Soon enough, another five to six dorsal fins appeared in the middle of the huge river. That river was already contaminated with blood.


    Ren Baqian finally calmed his heart down after a long time. Back then, he really received the shock of his life as everything happened too abruptly.


    Never did he expected that by standing near the riverside, that thing actually dared to extend its head and tried to swallow him. It was practically a terrifying experience.


    If it wasn''t for the empress, he would have been fed to the fish.


    At this moment, the empress had already returned to Qi Shui''s back and was staring nkly, just like nothing had happened before.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, hehe." Teng Ji winked at Ren Baqian and gave him a smirk as well. In the next second, he felt something fly past the tip of his nose together with the sound of the wind. It made him break out in cold sweat.


    The empress lowered her head and looked at her palm, it was crooked again.


    After going through this near-death experience, Ren Baqian became well-behaved. He didn''t dare run all over the ce anymore. This word was too dangerous.


    Everyone directly pitched their tents over here.


    Ren Baqian notified the empress and went to find a secluded ce so that he could return to Earth. After staying on Earth for two and a half days, he returned with many things. Among them were an additional thousand portions of antidote as they already had ns to release the poison gas. With the poisonous gas, he felt that he wouldn''t need to bring anything else.


    No matter how the other party set up their deployment, after fourteen bottles of sarin gas were thrown over, they should be able to continue with their journey.


    It was just a pity that it would be very difficult to obtain this thing again.


    Apart from this, he also brought the customized traditional Han Chinese dress back. He held it in his hands and smiled at the empress, "Only you can bring out the charm of this dress. I have specifically gotten it customized as a gift for Your Majesty."


    "What type of clothing is it?" The empress shot a nce at him and was somewhat suspicious. It was wrapped up, so she couldn''t tell how it looked like.


    Ren Baqian took out a photo that disyed how the outfit looked on a model.


    It was a long gown with broad sleeves that had to be wrapped around one''s body three times. The lengthened front piece formed a triangle which had to go past the front of the body, all the way till it reached the feet. Overall, it was red but had ck and gold along the edge of the gown. Embroidered on the front was a golden phoenix spreading its wings, and as for the back, it was embroidered with golden petals falling gently in decoration. It seemed to provoke one''s eyes, but, it was also extremely beautiful.


    Ren Baqian imagined the effect of that set of clothes on the empress. Together with her ice-cold aura as well as her temperament, in all likelihood, she would be able to take everyone''s breath away.


    If someone else were to wear it, perhaps, would only give off the air of a local tyrant.


    After all, it depended on who wore the clothes. The effect of the same piece of clothing worn on Shawn Yue, would definitely be different from others.


    [Shawn Yue - Hong Kong actor]


    The empress looked at the clothes in the photo and revealed a look that indicated she fancied it. No women would be able to resist beautiful clothes. Soon after, she got Ren Baqian to keep the clothes in the bag and would only try it on once she got back to Dayao.


    He carried the items and went back. With regards to Ren Baqian''s disappearancest night, everyone was somewhat aware of it. After all, he was always with Her Majesty at the same bonfire whenever they pitched their tents. This morning, the empress didn''t set off because she was waiting for him. Everyone was unsure of where he went and felt that this person was even more mysterious than before.


    ...


    The name of the river was the White Dragon River. ording to legend, there was a white dragon which incited trouble in the river.


    The Falling Moon Gorge was situated along both of the shores of the White Dragon River. It was about 300 meters tall, and below it was the turbulent White Dragon River.


    At this moment, they were at one side of the Falling Moon Gorge and over ten thousand soldiers were scattered about and taking a rest wherever they were. A majestic old man stood on the rock and looked distantly at the opposite bank.


    The other party had arrived at the White Dragon River yesterday afternoon. Following which, they pitched their camp. However, they didn''t set off this morning, and it somehow made him not unsure what the other party was nning to do.


    "Zhu Mu Elders, thank you for your help this time. If we seed, I will request recognition for your merits," after a while, the old man got off the stone and said to the two old men who were both sitting cross-legged and as skinny as a pole. After taking another closer look, he realized that the both of their appearances were exactly the same. The only difference was that one of them had a bamboo embroidered on their cuff, whereas the other had a tree embroidered on it.


    After hearing what he said, the Zhu Mu Elders opened their eyes and gently nodded.


    These two people had a very grand reputation in Great Xia. Even though their ranking was not among the top ten experts in the world, they were ranked at the eleventh.


    The two of them had always worked hand in hand since birth and had never been separated before. When dealing with people, they would attack them hand in hand regardless of whether the other party was a single person or a group of people.


    Thus, both of them were tied at the eleventh position among the other experts.


    As a matter of fact, their intentions were aligned. In addition, they also had a method to attackbinedly and their coordinationrgely increased their military strength. Even Hong Wu found it tricky whenever he ran into them. It was just that the strength of one of them, was weaker whenpared to the tenth position in the top ten experts in the world, and as such, they were at the eleventh position.


    However, following the death of Hua Sanliu, the pair were now the tenth most powerful expert in the world.


    This time, it required arge price for them to invite these two elders with something that they desperately needed.


    Just at this moment, a yiniao bringing along a letter flew over. A person quickly stepped forward after receiving the letter, "General, they have set off and will arrive in two hours."


    The old man became solemn, "Organize the troops and prepare for battle."

 Chapter 209: Exposed

    Chapter 209: Exposed


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was sitting on Qi Shui''s back yet again. Travelling along the White Dragon River, everyone headed towards the upper reach of the river. The elevation of the ground increased while the distance between the two river coasts decreased.


    "The Falling Moon Gorge is right ahead," Teng Ji reminded everyone.


    At this moment, the path alongside the river, which had been perfectly straight all this time, suddenly made a turn, significantly increasing the distance to the Falling Moon Gorge.


    After travelling towards higher ground for some distance, Ren Baqian saw fluttering banners at the opposite side. There were many of them, and they were inscribed with words of this world.


    At the same time, he also saw the how the Falling Moon Gorge looked like. The two sides of the Falling Moon Gorge extended forward for some distance. Beneath the gorge, there was a bottomless abyss.


    Above the gorge, two protruding ridges almost merged together. The smallest gap between the two ridges was merely three meters wide. At the same time, there was a suspension bridge connecting the two ridges.


    Here, the winged cavalry could jump to the opposite side. However, they could only do so one at a time. Simrly, they could only cross the suspension bridge one at a time.


    On the other side, there was a narrow road only a few meters wide. Eventually, the road widened up significantly, forming a huge piece of tnd.


    At this moment, ten thousand Great Xia soldiers were standing neatly and closely there. The army extended all the way to a distant forest. The banners of the army could be seen flying in the wind.


    The ten-thousand-man army was in neat formation, exuding a somber and deste aura.


    If the empress and her counterparts wanted to jump to the opposite side, they had to do so one by one. After crossing over to the opposite side, they would have to face the Great Xia army.


    Even an Earth Wheel expert would be severely injured if the enemy shot a volley of arrows at them. After all, the enemy could focus thousands of arrows on one soldier at a time.


    The main issuey with the narrow road on the opposite side. It forced them to jump over one at a time and then get lit up by enemy arrows.


    Initially, Ren Baqian felt this sight looked spectacr. Following which, he started to tremble in fear. The enemy was not ying fair at all.


    He did not know how to pass through this ce without using the sarin gas.


    Even Teng Ji, Zheng Hu, and Li Tanhua had a solemn look on their faces when they looked through their binocrs.


    The empress squinted her elegant, almond-shaped eyes while curling up the corner of her mouth slightly. Even though killing all the soldiers here wouldn''t deal a devastating blow to Great Xia, it would still cause them heartache.


    After all, one could easily tell that these were Great Xia''s elite soldiers that had been through numerous battles. Their formation was neat and orderly, and they exuded a strong aura of death.


    "Qi Zixiao!" an old man d in armor rode out from the formation on a horse and yelled.


    "I''m Jia Yugong, I have been waiting for you for a long time."


    "Old bast*rd! How dare you call Her Majesty by her name!" Zhen Hu immediately roared with anger.


    "She is the ruler of Dayao, not the ruler of Great Xia! Furthermore, the decision on whether or not will she be able to return to Dayao to be an empress still lies on us!" Jia Yugong burst outughing.


    "Great Xia! Great Xia!" The Great Xia soldiers unsheathed their swords and raised them high in the air while cheering in unison. A surging aura of death erupted from them as their voices pierced through the sky.


    If an ordinary individual saw this scene, his or her legs would go soft with fear.


    The empress merely snorted in contempt.


    As for the winged cavalry, each and every one of them was on the level of Earth Wheel, and therefore, they weren''t scared at all.


    If they were to fight head-to-head, they would charge towards the enemy soldiers with their swords raised in a hearty manner.


    However, right now they had to cross over to the other side one at a time, and this was not at all an easy feat.


    Will I go to hell if I die here? Ren Baqian wondered after seeing the Great Xia soldiers.


    In the past, he would not have even dared to kill a chicken. Soon after he arrived in this world, he ordered Xiong Pi to kill someone. Then, during the Great Hunt, he killed someone with his own hands. Subsequently, he used sarin gas to destroy the entire Nine Pavilions despite the fact that he wasn''t there himself. Not too long ago, he killed four thousand men at the mountain pass using sarin gas again. Now, he was about to kill another ten thousand men.


    But why does news spread so slowly in Great Xia?


    Didn''t these people receive the news of four thousand Great Xia soldiers dying at the mountain pass of Mount Lianyin?


    Previously, he still wondered whether or not the Great Xia soldiers would run away without putting up a fight after hearing the news.


    In the end, so many of them gathered here...


    "Sigh, karma!" Ren Baqian sighed and said after thinking about it for a long while.


    A few winged cavalry warriors rolled their eyes at him.


    The empress almost chuckled out loud when she heard his sigh.


    ...


    While Ren Baqian was sighing, a yiniao flew across the air above the Great Xia army on the opposite side. In fact, this yiniao had reached here a few minutes ago. However, the aura of death exuding from the Great Xia army was too strong. As such, the yiniao did not dare toe down, so it hovered in the air.


    After everyone quieted down, the yiniao flew downwards to a cage that contained its significant other. Following which, a soldier took down a slip of paper from its leg. After scanning through it, that soldier''s facial expression changed drastically. He hurriedly ran to Jia Yugong. "Sir, Sir!"


    Jia Yugong was standing perfectly straight while looking straight at the winged cavalry opposite him, appearing extremely imposing. When he heard someone yelling for him, he turned around and asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "Sir, take a look," that soldier replied with his face deathly pale.


    Jia Yugong cast a doubtful nce at the soldier and took the paper slip. After reading it, his facial expression immediately changed drastically as well.


    "Be careful of Qi Zixiao''s poison, Yucheng''s 4000 men stationed at the mountain pass of Mount Lianyin were poisoned to death."


    Previously, Jia Yugong was still wondering why these people did not look like they had just been through a fierce battle. He didn''t expect that the 4000 soldiers stationed at the mountain pass of Mount Lianyin were poisoned to death.


    Instantly, he was unable to keep on hisposed and imposing front.


    If they were fighting a head-to-head battle, even if he died, he would have no regrets.


    However, if he was poisoned to death like those four thousand soldiers, he would not be able to ept it.


    Now, he was racking his brain. How did they do it? How do I prepare for them? Do they still possess that poison?


    What should I do now? Should I fight them or retreat? What if they try to poison us?


    Right now, Jia Yugongpletely uncertain of how exactly the enemy poisoned so many people to death.


    Will my ten thousand soldiers follow in their footsteps? Will my soldiers die before they even touch the enemy?


    If I retreat now, how will I exin it to my superiors? If they don''t have any more poison, wouldn''t I be aughing stock?


    Furthermore, right now we are in an extremely favorable position, if news of us retreating without putting up a fight is spread, I might have tomit suicide.


    Someone might even break my backbone.


    Jia Yugong could only take a gamble that the enemy did not have that poison anymore. However, he felt this scenario was highly unlikely.


    At this moment, an arrow whizzed through the air andnded in the middle of the army formation.


    "Why aren''t they shooting at me? Why are they shooting at our formation?" A feeling of doubt arose in Jia Yugong''s mind. Following which, the light bulb in his brain lit up, and he yelled, "The first five rows proceed to the back of the formation by your left and right sides and form up!"


    Upon hearing Jia Yugong''s words, the first five rows of the army became slightly chaotic. At this moment, another arrownded within their formation. Jia Yugong confirmed his conjecture that the enemy''s arrows were poisonous. At the same time, he also noticed there was something fastened to the arrow.


    "Row 5, row 6, and row 7, disperse!"


    "Anyone who disrupts the army formation will be executed!" Jia Yugong roared. The rows of soldiers that he called out moved to the back of the army smoothly like water and formed up.


    After releasing the second arrow, the empress ced the third arrow on the bow and stopped. If the enemy continued to do this, the remaining twelve cans of sarin gas wouldn''t be effective at all.


    Jia Yugong was indeed troublesome.


    Sitting upright on a horse, Jia Yugong raised his sword and burst outughing at the sky. "Qi Zixiao, I want to see what you can do!"

 Chapter 210: Qi Zi Ga...?

    Chapter 210: Qi Zi Ga...?


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Hearing Jia Yugong shouting loudly made most of the winged cavalry furious. The empress quietly raised her bow to shoot an arrow which did not have a bottle of sarin gas attached to it. In the blink of an eye, it reached the front of Jia Yugong''s face.


    Jia Yugong''s long-handled broadsword was seen being hurled in front of him and a loud sound ensued. He lost his bnce and retreated seven or eight steps before managing to stabilize himself again.


    Looking at the surface of his broadsword, he saw an indentation. The arrow was also shattered.


    He was shocked at the force delivered by just one arrow. However, it also made him realized that the empress had ran out of ideas, and he immediately regained hisposure.


    "All soldiers, prepare!" At Jia Yugong''s order, the foremost soldiers mounted the arrows lightly on their bowstrings, with the bows slightly tilting downwards.


    As for the Zhu Mu Elders, they hid in the vicinity and waited to ambush Qi Zixiao.


    ...


    "Your Majesty, they have retreated 30 meters, please give order for my men to attack," Zheng Hu cupped his hands together in front of the empress and pleaded.


    "We are willing to go with him." Teng Ji and Li Tanhua volunteered at the same time.


    At this moment, the other side retreated another 30 meters and the shooting range naturally widened. They could actually send more than one hundred people over.


    "No hurry," Ren Baqian said as he jumped off Qi Shui''s back. "Your Majesty, you can be a thief for one thousand days, but you cannot watch a thief for one thousand days. Do not look at me this way, words are harsh, but it is justifiable. This is ng, do you understand?" Ren Baqian said to the three people who were staring at him.


    "Even if they are prepared to guard during the day, but can they still keep their guard during the night? When that timees, they wouldn''t be able to see clearly at all and wouldn''t know what was going on either. However, it would only dy us for about half a day," Ren Baqian exined to the three guys.


    In actual fact, it was more convenient for the winged cavalry to operate at night as they had strong capabilities, as well as a lesser number of people. As for the elite troops of Great Xia, they would be tired after standing the whole day. Furthermore, if they shot the arrows with poison on them, they might not even be able to detect it.


    "In that case, we shall wait until night," the empress said indifferently.


    If it were not because of the great decrease in her power, she would be able tounch an attack by herself and save all the trouble.


    "However, if we do not make any movements, I reckon that they will guess what we intend to do in no time. At that time, it will be troublesome if theye out with other ideas to deal with us. I still have an idea to try out," Ren Baqian proposed again.


    ''Speak." The empress looked at him with anticipation and wondered what idea he could hatch.


    Ren Baqian took out the drone from his backpack. "I would like to try and see whether we can use this to deliver the sarin across."


    The empress turned her head slightly. "Alright."


    Those three people stopped thinking of nosily going over to kill people and waited to see what Ren Baqian would do. The gadget in Ren Baqian''s hand was more fascinating than killing people.


    In fact, Ren Baqian had thought of using an airdrop before and did research on timed delivery with drones. But, the remote controls sold on the inte had a short range: typically about one hundred meters and not the few kilometers range he needed.


    There were many conversion methods, but unfortunately, he didn''t know how to do it. He was not strong in working with his hands and not that conversant with machinery.


    Later on, he thought up the idea of using two ropes to secure a bottle of sarin under the drone.


    One of the ropes was tied to the back half of the bottle and fixed to the drone. The other rope was attached through the rubber stopper of the bottle.


    After which, he could use the cradle head of the drone to change the direction and dislodge the rubber stopper. With the other rope tied to the back of the bottle, the sarin would naturally flow out of the bottle opening and deliver the liquid down below.


    It wasn''t easy to detect, and the rate of vaporization was faster, and the area of coverage was bigger.


    The only drawback was some wastage, as the sarin gas was vtile and some of it would already vaporize by the time the liquid was spilt below.


    However, with the toxicity of the sarin gas, it should be enough.


    Even after using two bottles, there were still twelve bottles left. They were roughly equivalent to about six kilograms.


    And theoretically speaking, one kilogram of sarin gas could already kill millions of people.


    Ren Baqian greeted a few people and distributed the antidote to everyone. This antidote was to prevent them from being killed if the poison was released identally. Then, he then took a bottle and a drone far away to fiddle with.


    Exactly after half an hour, Ren Baqian ran back to get the remote control.


    "Is it okay?" The empress looked at him inquiringly with her clear eyes.


    "It should be okay, I will give it a try." Ren Baqian grinned.


    At the front, Zheng Hu and Teng Ji were using the binocrs and putting on an act to observe the other party. The winged cavalry got off their mounts and a hundred of them followed behind the empress and Ren Baqian, pretending to get ready and leave anytime so that they could attract the attention of the other side.


    As expected, the other side didn''t ck off and when the drone rigged by Ren Baqian flew over them, two and a half rows of enemy soldiers copsed to the ground, giving Jia Yugong a fright.


    He confirmedter that the poison sent earlier had dispersed, and that it was not due to other unknown means. The other side retreated by another twenty meters and threw some bunched up animals, which they caught from god knows where, in front of their soldiers. If the little animals died, they would retreat further.


    "Qi Zixiao, you are ranked fifth in the world, but you are neither advancing nor retreating, what on earth are your intentions?" Jia Yugong shouted from time to time.


    If it was as before, this group of winged cavalry members would have directly charged across.


    However, Ren Baqian was at the back doing something at this moment, so Jia Yugong''s yelling only caused a stir. After which, everything calmed down once again.


    Jia Yugong raised his hand to shield the sunlight and looked across. He muttered to himself and wondered what those people were up to.


    The Zhu Mu Elders, who were in their hiding ce, opened their eyes for a moment. Seeing that there wasn''t any movement, they continued to close their eyes to rest.


    Although the more than four hundred winged cavalry warriors were no match for these two people, the addition of Qi Zixiao made things a bit tricky. They didn''t know the extent of the decrease in Qi Zixiao''s power with any certainty. As such, they deemed that it would be better to wait and scope her out before engaging her.


    Just the thought of capturing Qi Zixiao was enough to excite the two jaded guys whose hearts were like dead trees.


    The status and power of Qi Zixiao attracted a great amount of attention.


    The time passed by, bit by bit. A little dot flew up eight hundred meters high, moved into position above the troops and then descended two hundred meters.


    All of a sudden, Zhu Mu Elders looked up at the sky at the same time. With their visual power, they both saw what looked like a small dot in the sky that was emitting a buzzing sound.


    Both were somewhat puzzled and didn''t know what was above. It sounded like some kind of insect.


    At this moment, some water droplets dripped in front of them, making them frown slightly.


    Under the control of Ren Baqian, the rotation of the cradle head of the drone in the sky caused the rubber stopper to fall out. The liquid then rushed to the opening and discharged all the sarin gas.


    However, the mountain wind dispersed it in the sky and scattered it everywhere.


    Controlling the drone with the remote control, Ren Baqian didn''t know whether the mission was a sess or not. He waited for another two minutes before sending the drone back.


    Before the drone hadnded, the troops on the other suddenly became chaotic.


    Soldiers were seen copsing to the ground, column by column.


    Seeing this situation, the empress knew Ren Baqian had seeded. Her demeanor became fierce and her cold voice resounded in everyone''s ears.


    "Take the medicine and kill!"


    The winged cavalry warriors had been waiting for half a day, not knowing how long they had to wait and their anxiety turned to joy when the order was finally given. After taking their medicine, they ran forward individually andunched themselves up, jumping towards the other side as they shouted, "Kill!"


    At the same time, the empress morphed into a red silhouette as she leaped over everyone''s heads. She consecutively shot two arrows at the soldiers unaffected by the poison gas and pounced on Jia Yugong.


    Although she hadn''t responded earlier, it didn''t mean she would let him off.


    Jia Yugong was not feeling heroic anymore. He was shocked by the chaos caused to his troops, and hearing the order to kill, he started running back towards the direction where the Zhu Mu Elders were hiding.


    As for the Zhu Mu Elders, they were also shocked by the chaos running amuck through their troops. But still, they forced themselves to control their anxieties. Seeing the red silhouette pouncing on the fleeing Jia Yugong who was running in their direction, they waited until Jia Yugong was in front of them. When the empress was about ten feet away from Jia Yugong, they then showed themselves and let out longughter.


    Both of them were generally skinny, of average appearance, and theirughter sounded like blocks of woods rubbing together and was very unpleasant to hear.


    A thick brush appeared in Elder Zhu''s hand. He drew directly in the air and a ck character floated in midair.


    "Lock!" Elder Zhu shouted and both his eyes emitted radiance.


    Following the sound "lock", a huge chain appeared at the feet of the empress and moved to twine around her.


    This was his Embodiment of Spirit


    And Elder Mu directly jumped above the empress, hands in embracing mode and shouted, "Subdue!"


    A paperweight, approximately 150 meters high and more than 60 feet in diameter, appeared in front of him and smashed towards the empress.


    "Your Majesty!" The winged cavalry warrior behind her shouted with a look of fury, as if his eyes were going to explode any moment.


    "Zixiao!" Ren Baqian, who was far away and looking through the binocrs, suddenly cried out. This was the first time he saw a battle between experts who were at the Spirit Wheel level. Although the object appeared as small as a tiny mountain, the consequences were unthinkable if it hit the empress.


    The empress saw the paperweighting down at her with great force. Her eyes turned bloodshot and every part of her body experienced great pain. She could only see the paperweight getting bigger and bigger, including the evil spirit patterns at the bottom of the paperweight.


    Jia Yugong turned his head to look at this scene. He immediately stopped running and couldn''t stop sneering.


    "Qi Zi��.ga?"Jia Yugong was feeling confident and wanted to shout, but he saw Elder Mu suddenly clutching his throat in midair and fall down. The paperweight in the air simultaneously fragmented into pieces.


    Elder Mu swayed twice, copsed on the ground and the ck lock and bamboo pen vanished.


    Before he could finish shouting the three words "Qi Zixiao", the situation suddenly changed and he almost choked to death. He shouted one word "ga" in front of everyone.


    The empress stared at him, hair in a mess and eyes full of murderous intent, "Qi Zi��.ga?"

 Chapter 211: Harbinger of Doom

    Chapter 211: Harbinger of Doom


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Through his binocrs, Ren Baqian saw the empress appear before Jia Yugong like a ghost. Following which, she unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks at him. Her movements were so perfect that they made Ren Baqian gasp in amazement.


    Jia Yugong simply wasn''t the empress''s match. Like a broken sack, he was knocked flying into the sky. His body waspletely disfigured.


    "Your Majesty!" Teng Ji and his counterparts caught up to the empress. What happened just now almost scared them to death.


    "Kill them!" the empress ordered coldly.


    The front portion of the Great Xia army was in chaos. Previously, the sarin gas airdropped by the drone had killed at least two thousand men. Following which, the empress shot another two arrows with sarin gas cans attached to them into the most popted area, causing another batch of soldiers to copse to the ground as they did not have enough time to avoid the gas. This worsened the situation of the Great Xia army. Some people wanted to flee for their lives, some wanted to stop the winged cavalry, and some wanted to save Jia Yugong. It was a total mayhem.


    The situation came too suddenly. Jia Yugong and the Great Xia army did not expect this sudden turn of events. It all started from the people that copsed first.


    After Jia Yugong was killed, it became harder to reign in the chaotic situation.


    After all, they were elite soldiers that had been through numerous battles. If they had the luxury of time, they might be able to regroup. However, after the more than four hundred winged cavalry warriors charged at them and sparked off a bloodbath like a pack of wolves attacking a flock of sheep, theypletely copsed.


    Ren Baqian watched as the scene unfolded with his binocrs. Heads and limbs were flying in all directions, making him sigh ruefully.


    However, after seeing so many bloodbaths taking ce, he was used to it. He began to treat human lives with less importance.


    The empress walked up to Elder Mu. She was able to recognize the Zhu Mu Elders the moment they appeared. After all, both of their facial features and weapons were very unique.


    Elder Mu was truly a top-notch Spirit Wheel expert. Even after he was poisoned and fell from such a high position in the air, he was still alive.


    His body was covered with bruises, his face had turned purple, his pupils had be the size of a rice grain, and one of his hands clenched his throat tightly. He was losing his consciousness, but he was still holding on to hisst tinge of life.


    The sarin gas reduced the size of his windpipe, causing him to have difficulty breathing.


    The Zhu Mu Elders'' strength prevented them from realizing they were poisoned earlier. Consequently, they breathed in more sarin gas. Their powerful body constitution caused them even more torment.


    If someone fed them the antidote this instant, they might be able to survive.


    Other people might have done this so that they could subdue these two powerful experts. On the contrary, the empress coldly stomped her foot on his head.


    And his head exploded to smithereens like a watermelon.


    Following which, she appeared on top of Elder Zhu''s body in a sh and stomped both her feet on his chest, causing his internal organs to spurt out from his mouth.


    In a sh, the empress appeared beside Qi Shui.


    Ren Baqian passed her a handkerchief. "There''s some bloodstain on your face."


    He did not know whether it was Jia Yugong''s blood or not. With the two drops of blood on her fair skin, she looked more pretty and flirtatious.


    The empress took the handkerchief and wiped off the bloodstain.


    Actually, not only her face was stained with blood. Her body and her feet were stained with a lot of blood. Especially her dress, it gave off the stench of blood.


    "My dress!" The empress''s facial expression became much more gentle.


    Ren Baqian took out the custom-made traditional Han Chinese dress and passed it to her. After which, she jumped down the cliff. Three hundred meters beneath the cliff, there was the raging river water.


    Of course, the empress wasn''tmitting suicide.


    Given her strength, she would be alright even if she jumped down from such a great height. Ren Baqian''s gaze wandered about. He wondered whether or not would he be pped to death if he used the binocrs to look down below the cliff.


    When Ren Baqian saw the two winged cavalry warriors that had been protecting him all this time looking at him attentively, he sighed silently in his heart.


    Both of you are really meddlesome!


    Given the empress''s status, Ren Baqian really wanted to take a peek at her body.


    Even though he would be able openly see her body in a few years'' time, he still preferred to see it now as it got his adrenaline going.


    He did not even care about the massacre taking ce in front of him now. All he could think of was the mosaiced image of the empress''s body.


    After some time, the empress jumped back onto the cliff. She wore a crimson, long gown that had a golden phoenix spreading its wings embroidered on it. A garish and beautiful girl appeared before Ren Baqian''s eyes. And like what Ren Baqian had expected previously, after the empress put on this gorgeous gown, he couldn''t keep his eyes off her.


    Her hair was slightly wet, appearing as though she had just washed it. The empress''s bare feet caught Ren Baqian''s attention. She used a rock as a stepping stone and jumped onto the back of Qi Shui. At that instance, Ren Baqian caught a glimpse of her beautiful and delicate feet. Subconsciously, he turned his head around and looked at her empress''s jade-white legs. However, they were blocked by her dress.


    "What are you looking at?" the empress asked in an unfriendly tone with her eyebrows knitted.


    "Nothing." Ren Baqian quickly shook his head. However, there was a look of regret on his face, making one want to give him a kick.


    The next moment, a kicknded on his face, knocking him down from Qi Shui''s back.


    Ren Baqian fell to the ground with a "ouch". Hey on the ground with his four limbs spread open, but he wasn''t in a hurry to get up. After wandering about with his gaze, he still did not manage to see anything that he wanted to see.


    At this moment, he began to find Qi Shui a hindrance,pletely forgetting how much he liked it in the past. "Destroying the bridge after crossing the river" was the perfect idiom to describe him now.


    Actually, when he and the empress were on Earth, he had seen her feet a few times before. There were many hot aboriginal girls wearing skirts that were made of animal skin in this world. Therefore, they did not fear exposing their legs to people.


    Ren Baqian could still hear blood-curdling screamsing from a distance. In front of him, there was the battlefield where massacres were taking ce. Then, when he looked at the empress''s gorgeous dress, he felt his heart skip a beat.


    After a while, when Ren Baqian heard that the blood-curdling screams became much softer, he stood up from the ground. Using his binocrs, he inspected the battlefield opposite him. All he could see was dead bodies lying everywhere. The ground was covered in blood. The Great Xia army hadpletely copsed, and the defeated soldiers were running towards the distant forest with the winged cavalry chasing them.


    After some time had passed, the winged cavalry warriors returned with satisfaction. An innocent smile could be seen hung on their faces once again.


    After the winged cavalry formed up and ounted for their strength, it was discovered that four men were killed in action.


    All of them were killed while fighting with the Earth Wheel experts in the Great Xia army. Ren Baqian felt pity for these four men. After all, they were killed because of him.


    Ren Baqian thought of the bichi again and felt that he was a harbinger of doom. This time around, Great Xia was the unlucky one. If the phrase "misfortune thates with blessing" was true, then where was the blessing?


    Actually, there were many Earth Wheel experts in this Great Xia army. It was just that the situation became extremely chaotic after a huge number of soldiers was poisoned to death. Following the charge of the winged cavalry, they did not have any chance to disy their strength. Otherwise, if they coordinated well with the ten thousand elite soldiers, they would have dealt a destructive blow to the winged cavalry in a head-to-head battle.


    As for the Zhu Mu Elders, they were poisoned to death merely after showing their faces and giving everyone a scare without achieving anything. Moreover, they had only recently entered the top ten ranking of experts in the world.


    In this battle, three thousand Great Xia soldiers were poisoned to death. Subsequently, another four thousand soldiers were in by the winged cavalry in the midst of chaos. Less than three thousand soldiers managed to escape and survive.


    Including the two previous battles, Great Xia lost approximately thirteen thousand men. They had indeed suffered heavy casualties. This had not included the destruction of the Nine Pavilions and the deaths of the Zhu Mu Elders. On the other end of the spectrum, the winged cavalry only lost six men.


    Also, everyone had forgotten about the Qingyang Sect, which had been staying low-key.


    As for Qi Zixiao, not even a single strand of her hair was harmed.


    After this news was disseminated, the entire Great Xia went into an uproar. The emperor of Great Xia even flipped the table in his study room.


    When Lian Qizhi of the Lian family heard of this news, his face turned deathly pale.


    Previously, all he wanted was to let Qi Zixiao watch her gigolo die. Since he was powerless, this was the best he could do to seek revenge. He really did not expect Qi Zixiao toe to Great Xia for that gigolo.


    When he first heard the news that the Nine Pavilions was destroyed, he locked himself in his study room for a day. Subsequently, he sent everyone that knew the whole story, except for one Earth Wheel expert, out on a mission and got someone to kill all of them.


    He felt that he had underestimated Qi Zixiao''s strength and temperament. He couldn''t imagine what Qi Zixiao would do to him if she knew that he was mastermind of the incident.


    And when he heard of the three victories that Qi Zixiao scored, he began to think about how to silence that Earth Wheel expert.


    Losing an Earth Wheel expert dealt a devastating blow to the Lian family, not to mention that they had already lost two Earth Wheel experts previously. Now, they only had a total of four Earth Wheel experts left.


    Right now, he was really scared that his secret might be divulged.


    Even though the Lian family was situated deep within interior Great Xia, but would the difficulty level of destroying the Lian family be higher than the difficulty level of destroying the Nine Pavilions?

 Chapter 212: Returning to Dayao

    Chapter 212: Returning to Dayao


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Qi Shui zigzagged past all the corpses that were found throughout the area. The concentrated stench of blood filled the air and corpses were strewn everywhere. A portion of the corpses were poisoned to death whereas the majority of them were chopped to death. There was practically no corpse that wasplete, and blood was seen sttered everywhere.


    Whenever he watched gory movies in the past, he always felt that there was too much blood in the scenes. At present, he suddenly felt that being too realistic was not a good thing. If it were before, he would have definitely vomited the food he had the previous day just by looking at those severed corpses, broken limbs, and all the spilled guts.


    Ren Baqian also saw something interesting among the pile of corpses. It was a box that had many small holes on it, and there weren''t only one or two of them. Previously, this ce was the center position of the Great Xia''s battle formation, and all of the corpses were soldiers that were poisoned to death. There were many such boxes littering the ground. However, most of them were stepped on and already broken, revealing arrows inside. Only a few of them were still in good condition.


    He jumped down and picked one up. Teng Ji said as he saw from afar, "Those are Great Xia''s crossbows. There should be a crossbow battalion somewhere here."


    Ren Baqian held onto the box and took aim at a piece of empty ground. He found something that was simr to a wrench, pushed it, and felt a shock in his hand. In a split second, twelve arrows were shot and nailed into the ground.


    "This thing is quite powerful." Ren Baqian was somewhat speechless. Even though it wasn''t as good as modern age guns; for example it would take quite a long time to load an arrow after firing a round, and the shooting range was shorter, but it was already considered rtively powerful.


    Previously, this crossbow battalion should have been heavily protected in the center of the Great Xia''s battle formation. The opponent''s n should have been that the front row, made up a number of archers, would reduce the number of winged cavalry.


    A pity that regardless whether it was the archers or the crossbow battalion, they weren''t put to good use at all. They did not even disy any of their strength and were directly poisoned to death.


    This could only be med on Great Xia''s extremely bad luck.


    At first, Ren Baqian wanted to pick up a few crossbows. But after thinking for a while, traces of sarin gas were present on them, so he decide to drop the idea.


    After walking for a distance, there were only a few corpses scattered here and there, and only then did the stench of the blood diminish.


    "Sigh, such is life!" Ren Baqian sighed as he looked at the sky with his head tilted upwards 45 degrees. He was really ufortable. Last time, even though there were also many dead people, there wasn''t as many as this time, and secondly, he also hadn''t walked through the pile of dead bodies. The feeling of watching from afar and walking close to the dead bodies was definitely different.


    In particr, such a terrible sight like that.


    Fortunately, he only sighed and was affected for a while. After which, he threw it all behind him.


    Regardless of where he was, such issues were unavoidable, and he couldn''t afford care much either.


    Unless the world is unified and can guarantee a few hundred years of peace. Otherwise, which battlefield isn''t the same?


    They continued advancing for another few kilometers, and all of a sudden, the winged cavalry warrior right at the front dashed towards the side.


    "Your Majesty!" Teng Ji remained where he was and cupped his hands in obeisance towards the empress.


    "What''s the matter?" The empress asked.


    "There are many corpses in front. From their dressing, I''m afraid that they are troops from the Protectorate of the North."


    Immediately, the empress''s face turned gloomy.


    After the winged cavalry warriors in the front gradually stopped and separated into two sides, Ren Baqian and the empress could finally see the scene ahead.


    Ahead of them were corpses, weapons, and arrows all over the ce. Right in the center was a headless burly man standing upright and holding onto a knife. His body was filled with wounds all over, and his flesh was cut open.


    Just seeing this scene, one was able to feel a harsh and solemn aura.


    The empress got down from Qi Shui and slowly walked one step at a time, while Ren Baqian promptly jumped down and followed behind her.


    The battle back then made him feel that it was cruel whereas this ce gave him a dismal feeling.


    There were not only the bodies of aboriginal soldiers but also the bodies of Great Xia soldiers.


    All of the bodies of the aboriginal soldiers were like sieves and fully pierced with short swords. These arrows were not shot by bows but crossbows. It was the kind of crossbow which they had picked up at the previous battlefield.


    One could imagine that these soldiers were from the Protectorate of the North and had rushed over to greet the empress. They were supposed to intercept the Great Xia troops before joining forces with the winged cavalry. However, they were ambushed by Great Xia''s troops and were subjugated chaotic warfare over here. Ultimately, the aboriginals werepletely wiped out.


    This happened two days ago. Ren Baqian''s return to Earth caused their journey to be dyed by two days. After resting and reorganizing, Great Xia''s army calmly intercepted Dayao''s troops and the conclusion was too horrible to endure.


    ording to Ren Baqian''s imagination, this was the ce where Great Xia first used crossbows and attacked from both sides. Soon after, the soldiers rushed up to attack, and once again, they used the crossbows to shoot those aboriginal soldiers together with the Great Xia soldiers to death.


    But, despite this, the aboriginal soldiers at the scene were much lesser than the Great Xia soldiers. At first nce, the ratio was probably 1: 2 or 2.5 respectively. There were approximately 1000 aboriginal soldiers and 2000+ Great Xia soldiers that were buried over here.


    As for that deceased burly man who was standing, in addition to knife wounds, there was also a trace of purple and ck marks on his body. It was as if he was being bound by something.


    In a while, Ren Baqian was able to recall what he saw from the binocrs. It should be the chain that appeared out of nowhere and tried to bind the empress.


    Looking at all these sights, the empress''s ice-cold aura was growing more concentrated. It made the people around her feel that the temperature was falling, and they were trembling with fear.


    At this moment, a strong killing intent was exuded from the empress.


    "Your Majesty, it''s Lin Yaoqi." Li Tanhua still kept his poker face as he approached with an angry-looking head that was filled with blood.


    Li Yaoqi was considered a brave individual in the Protectorate of the North. Never would anyone expect that he would die over here.


    The only thing that was gratifying was that the Zhu Mu Elders lived a mere two days longer than him.


    "Your Majesty, there are also corpses in the woods." At this moment, the winged cavalry warrior that ran into both sides of the woods came out to report.


    Ren Baqian followed the empress into the woods. Sure enough, there were a few corpses lying inside. There were only corpses of a few Great Xia''s soldiers and aboriginal soldiers scattered around.


    But, the aboriginal warriors that were able to charge inside here were slightly more powerful than the rest.


    The Protectorate of the North wasn''t the winged cavalry, and the ordinary soldiers had just attained the level of a Man Wheel. An expert at the level of Earth Wheel could already serve as a low-rankmander. Those who were able to withstand the crossbows and entered the woods must at the very least be an expert who was at the advanced level of the Man Wheel.


    "Bring all of them back," the empress paused for a moment as she spoke. Then, she turned around and returned to Qi Shui''s back.


    Ren Baqian stood to one side and watched everyone else picking up the heads of the dead soldiers and hanging them by both sides of their mounts. He then sighed, returned to Qi Shui''s back and wondered if the families of these thousand dead soldiers would hate him or not.


    Even if the aboriginals didn''t view death as something very serious, but this battle had more or less affected the moral of the troops. Everyone became quieter during the next part of the journey.


    When it was dark, everyone walked out of the mountain ridge, and in front of them was the in.


    They all rested for two hours before setting off once again. As expected, there wasn''t any interceptions ahead. By the time it waste into the night, they had already crossed over the borders of Great Xia and returned to within Dayao''s borders.


    Not long after returning to Dayao, they ran into a group of mounted scouts that were raising torches. After making a loud inquiry and confirming that it was the winged cavalry, one of them immediately asked in exultation, "May I ask if Her Majesty is inside?"


    After receiving a positive reply, he immediately sent someone to go back and make a report. On the other hand, he brought a group of people to seek an audience with the empress.


    She only found out that this mounted scout was slightly injured upon approaching him. His arm was also bandaged. However, it was not only him who was injured, the few people behind were injured as well.


    "What happened? Where''s the General-in-Chief, Hong Wu?" the empress inquired.


    "Your Majesty, a few days ago, Tiesuo Pass sent troops to attack Ping City and only retreated today. The General-in-Chief is overlooking everything in Ping City." As that soldier answered the empress, he also shot nces, from time to time, over at Ren Baqian, who was sitting on the same mount as the empress.


    The empress choosing a husband was such a huge issue that besides spreading throughout Sixty Thousand Mountains, the news had spread almost everywhere.


    Seeing Ren Baqian, he was able to deduce his identity. Originally, he still wanted to see if there was anything strange about him, but in the end, he was greatly disappointed.


    "Go, go to Ping City," the empress said. Upon hearing the mounted scout''s words, she kind of understood why Hong Wu didn''t turn up.

 Chapter 213: Arriving at Ping City

    Chapter 213: Arriving at Ping City


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ping City was located the northernmost part of Dayao, it was half a day''s journey from Great Xia''s Tiesuo Pass.


    Even though this city had a poption of less than fifty thousand inhabitants, it had prevented Great Xia from invading Dayao for many years, resembling an extremely sharp knife point pointing at Great Xia.


    The city walls of Ping City were sixteen meters in height. They were covered in traces of various types of damages and repair. Most of the bloodstains on the walls had already coagted.


    At this point in time, Ping City seemed more dpidated than usual. There were many scattered, crushed rocks outside of the city. These were caused by Great Xia''s trebuchets.


    Logically speaking, after the Great Xia army had retreated, the soldiers and citizens of Ping City should be having a good rest now. However, at this point in time, every corner of the city was filled with torches. Hong Wu waited outside of the city with a bunch of generals.


    Soon after, when they heard the sound of hoovesing from the darkness, a look of joy appeared on their faces.


    After a while, they could see silhouette emerging from the darkness.


    Hong Wu could easily see the heads hanging on the mounts of the winged cavalry. Aboriginals did not have the habit of chopping and keeping the heads of their enemies as spoils of war. The heads hanging on the winged cavalry''s mounts should be theirrades''. They were to be sent back to the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    When Hong Wu saw the angry-looking head hanging on the side of Li Tanhua''s mount, he looked unmoved, but he let out a deep sigh in his heart.


    Lin Yaoqi was extremely talented, and Hong Wu thought very highly of him. Thisd had a very high chance of reaching his level.


    Upon spotting Qi Shui, Hong Wu greeted the empress, "Greetings, Your Majesty." Then, he hurled a piercing nce at Ren Baqian, who was also seated on Qi Shui.


    Everything that happened was all because of him.


    Even if the empress managed to destroy the Nine Pavilions, be the fifth most powerful expert in the world, and return safely this time, he still wished this kind of incident never happened at all.


    He also couldn''t believe that Ren Baqian and the empress were sitting on Qi Shui''s back together. He simply couldn''t believe the empress would allow Ren Baqian to sit with her.


    Hong Wu wasn''t the only one��the rest of the generals also looked shocked.


    Upon seeing the look on everyone''s face, Ren Baqian felt slightly awkward.


    Previously, it was still alright for him to sit with the empress on Qi Shui. Now, it did not seem appropriate for him to continue doing so. Furthermore, given the incident that happened this time, these people definitely did not like him. He felt that he should get down from Qi Shui''s back.


    However, just as he was about to jump down from Qi Shui''s back, he felt his lower back turn numb, and he couldn''t move his body. Following which, a hand grabbed the back of his clothes and held him tightly in ce, stopping him from jumping off Qi Shui''s back.


    "Speak after we enter the city," the empress said to everyone.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," everyone immediately replied.


    Under everyone''s attentive gaze, Ren Baqian rode into the city with the empress. However, Hong Wu and a few other generals had noticed the empress''s action, and they shook their heads in silence.


    After the empress and Ren Baqian entered the city, Hong Wu and his generals ced their attention on the winged cavalry. They realized there was something wrong with the number of winged cavalry present. There were too many winged cavalry warriors.


    Out of ten units of winged cavalry that had been dispatched, seven units had already returned. That meant the empress had at most three units of winged cavalry with her, which was approximately four hundred men.


    Reportedly, the empress and her counterparts faced at least three interceptions from Great Xia on their way back. The first one was at Mount Yuyang, and the second one was at the mountain pass at Mount Lianyin. During these two interceptions, Great Xia had lost a total of six thousand men. This was the news that they obtained from Great Xia. To everyone''s surprise, they realized the winged cavalry units that escorted the empress back lost only a few men.


    The third interception was at Falling Moon Gorge. Even though no one knew the exact details, they knew what was going on. This was another reason why Hong Wu had arranged for Lin Yaoqi to lead one thousand men to receive the empress.


    However, only the heads of that one thousand men returned. Everyone could easily see the heads hanging on the mounts of the winged cavalry. They also saw Lin Yaoqi''s head. Logically speaking, the winged cavalry should suffer heavy losses after going through three tough battles. However, this did not happen.


    This baffled everyone.


    On the way back, some people counted the number of winged cavalry warriors present. Six men were missing, and there were six empty mounts.


    Everyone''s mind was filled with question marks. They did not know what happened. Was the winged cavalry really that powerful? However, out of the other seven units that had returned, three units had encountered interceptions and suffered heavy losses. One of them even returned with half of their men killed. As for the rest, all of them were injured in one way or another


    After reaching the general office situated at the center of Ping City, Ren Baqian went to rest while the empress held a meeting with all the generals.


    "Initially, I wanted to receive Your Majesty personally. However, a few days ago, Great Xiaunched a furious invasion on Ping City. Therefore, I had no choice but to stay here and send Captain Lin Yaoqi to receive you. Please forgive me," Hong Wu started talking first.


    "It''s alright," the empress waved her hands and dismissed.


    "Your Majesty��" Hong Wu apologized first before starting on another topic.


    "You were too rash this time around,"


    The empress darkened her face and replied, "Don''t talk about it anymore, I know I should do."


    A powerful aura gushed out from her body as she pinched her own fingers beneath her sleeves. How would she not know she had been too rash this time around? She just did not want other people to talk about it. The husband she had just chosen was poisoned with Torment, how could she let it go that easily?


    Furthermore, she did not want Ren Baqian to die.


    After all, this was the first time in her life that she fell in love with someone. This was also the first time she felt a rush of excitement for someone.


    It was just that she couldn''t tell anyone about these things or her feelings.


    Hong Wu took a look at the empress and sighed in his heart. He felt that the empress had changed. Then, he changed the topic and asked, "Was everything smooth on your way back?"


    "It was rather smooth," the empress replied after thinking about it.


    "Did a Great Xia army intercept you at Falling Moon Gorge?"


    The empress sneered and replied, "There was someone called Jia Yugong waiting for us there. The Zhu Mu Elders were also there. Both of them took over ten years to make it to the top ten rankings by luck, how dare they challenge me!"


    Hong Wu was slightly startled. The Zhu Mu Elders were troublesome individuals, he couldn''t believe they were hired by Great Xia.


    After he heard of the Nine Pavilions'' destruction, he knew with certainty that Her Majesty had activated the power of her blood lineage. Even until now, she definitely had not recovered yet. This could be seen from her aura. She had not even reached fifty percent of her peak form yet. In her current state, it was extremely difficult for her to escape from the Zhu Mu Elders.


    However, the empress was sitting unscathed here right now.


    "What happened to the two of them?" Hong Wu continued to ask.


    "I sent them to meet Hua Sanliu," the empress sneered.


    Everyone in the meeting hall was shocked. Not only did the empress kill Hua Sanliu, she also killed two persons who were just promoted to the top ten rankings. After all, even Hong Wu might have difficulty dealing with them.


    If Ren Baqian was here, he would definitely say something like, "Your Majesty''s wisdom and strength is unparalleled, you''re undefeatable and you''re alone at the top of the world."


    This bunch of people only knew how to exim in admiration, none of them knew how to bootlick her.


    Therefore, the empress found Ren Baqian to be more likeable.


    Hong Wu was amazed by the empress''s feat as well. However, it was more appropriate for him to ask the winged cavalry for more details.


    "Your Majesty is mighty," Hong Wu stated. Following which, everyone in the meeting hall repeated after him, "Your Majesty is mighty."


    "Lin Yaoqi''s unit waspletely annihted, I wonder what happened?" Hong Wu asked again. He wasn''t the only one that wanted to know about this matter, the rest wanted to know about it as well.


    "You can ask the winged cavalryter," the empress shook her head and replied.


    She did not want to tell them that Lin Yaoqi and his counterparts were ambushed and killed by Great Xia soldiers.


    After talking about a few other things, the empress said, "I''m tired, all of you are dismissed, let''s talk about other things tomorrow."


    after everyone left, Hong Wu was the only one that remained at the same spot.


    "General, is there anything else?" The empress''s attitude became much friendlier when she talked to Hong Wu alone.


    "Is it true that Your Majesty poisoned everyone in the Nine Pavilions and the four thousand men at Mount Lianyin to death?"


    The empress nodded her head.


    "Is it Imperial Deputy Prefect Ren''s doing?" Hong Wu could be considered one of those who knew the empress the most. He might not know some things about her, but he definitely knew that she did not know how to use poisons.


    After thinking about it, the empress nodded her head.


    "Your Majesty, this man is really dangerous. Furthermore, I heard that he has encountered a bichi, I''m afraid he is not suitable for you."


    Even though Ren Baqian looked like he couldn''t even defeat a child or kill a chicken, he was still considered terrifying for poisoning thousands of people to death. Moreover, he was always by the empress''s side.


    Looking at the way the empress behaved previously, he could only beat about the bush when persuading her to reconsider her decision to marry Ren Baqian.


    "This is my personal matter. I already knew about the bichi incident, don''t mention it again." The empress''s face darkened again.


    Upon hearing these words, Hong Wu knew he couldn''t persuade the empress for the time being. Therefore, he could only say, "I shall escort Your Majesty to your room then."


    The empress nodded her head.


    After escorting the empress to her room, Hong Wu withdrew his gaze and sighed deeply.


    At this point in time, he felt worse than a father who had to see his unmarried daughter getting cheated on by a man. At the start, he did not take Ren Baqian seriously at all. However, now that he saw what happened to the empress, he felt that Ren Baqian wasn''t as simple as he appeared.


    When he saw the empress giving everyone a this-is-my-personal-matter-all-of-you-shut-up look, he knew that she had already made up her mind. Even though he already knew this when the empress headed to Great Xia to obtain the antidote for Ren Baqian, he was still speechless when his conjecture was confirmed now.

 Chapter 214: Voyeurism Milestone

    Chapter 214: Voyeurism Milestone


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the morning, Hong Wu and everyone from the Protectorate of the North found out about what happened throughout the journey from the winged cavalry.


    Everyone was eximing in astonishment with regards to that unknown poison. If they had this and immediately threw it over when they start a war with Great Xia, they would then be able to make their way directly into Great Xia''s capital.


    Soon after, they heard another winged cavalry warrior talking about the walkie-talkies, binocrs, night vision devices, as well as that gadget that could fly to the sky and take pictures of the other party''syout that were as good as seeing it with their own eyes. Out of the six binocrs in the winged cavalry''s hands, three were snatched away. A group of people stood at the roof and took turns looking through the binocrs. After which they deeply nodded, and the next person took over��


    When it was the third person''s turn to use the binocrs, he refused to budge no matter what. The man next to him extended his hands several times but was swatted by him. In addition, he was stillughing mischievously, causing a cold shiver to go down their spine.


    "Let me take a look!" The person at the side was infuriated, snatched the binocrs over, and incidentally kicked him off the rooftop.


    Following which, he ced his eyes on the binocrs. First, he got a shock as it was actually so clear. Things that were so far away actually seemed so close to him now.


    "Hmm? Which family do these youngdies belong to? They are actually bathing in the courtyard! So fair��" Thatmander began to yak.


    "What youngdies? Let me see, let me see..." Immediately, the people in the vicinity fought over the binocrs.


    Hong Wu took the binocrs and stood on the roof, looking at a distance and was in a pensive mood. This thing actually came in handy, and it appeared that the fellow was the one who took it out. It seemed like he had to look for him to get a few of these in his hands.


    He didn''t consider the issue of whether Ren Baqian was willing to give the binocrs to him or not.


    After all, the winged cavalry warriors already had a few of these items.


    As for whether he liked Ren Baqian or not, that wasn''t important anymore. He should take the things he ought to, and in particr, such items that would have all kinds of uses as far as battle formation was concerned.


    He thought about it, the two troops were separated at the very least, by 1000 kilometers. If they could even see g signals from afar, they would then be able to promptly respond in time. Furthermore, there was that item that could allow them tomunicate within 3 kilometers, what was that thing called?


    "Go and bring that walkie-talkie over for me to have a look." Hong Wu thought for a bit before instructing the person by his side to bring it over.


    ...


    ��


    The next morning, the empress was still resting in her room. She was somewhat tired after the battles in addition to the fatigue from being constantly on the move from some time back.


    Now that the empress was back at her safe haven, shepletely didn''t want to budge even after waking up. She continued to lie on the bed staring nkly at the roof.


    When was thest time shezed in bed like this? It was a long time ago, so long ago that she couldn''t even remember when was it.


    Since she moved into that absolutely empty pce hall, she never oncezed in bed at all.


    Even if she didn''t attend the morning court sessions, every time she woke up and looked at the cold empty surrounding, it made her reluctant to continue lying down.


    "Your Majesty! It''s time to have your lunch," Ren Baqian''s voice came through. The empress shifted her gaze away and didn''t n to acknowledge him.


    However, after Ren Baqian persevered and knocked at the door for a long time, a pillow broke through the door and together with the sawdust, smashed right into him. Upon seeing this, Teng Ji who was a distance away immediately retracted his neck like a tortoise. Fortunately, he wasn''t the one who had to inform the empress to have her meal.


    Upon witnessing this scene, the imperial bodyguards in the surrounding unconsciously shifted their gazes away. After a short moment, they shot their gazes back to Ren Baqian. He had been lying there for a while, and they didn''t know whether he was still conscious or not.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes and looked at the skies above. Even though he was only smashed once, that pillow was made out of wood. It seemed as if the strength of the pillow flying out wasn''t weak, but in actual fact, it really didn''t hurt that much. It was just that it came along with a burst of driving force.


    He looked at the white clouds in the blue sky above, smelled the empress''s scent on the pillow and was actually not eager to get up at all.


    Very fragrant.


    It was like the scent of a flower.


    Ren Baqian ced the pillow on his face and deeply inhaled, it was indeed very fragrant.


    "Ouch!" Ren Baqian felt that his stomach had been stepped on, and immediately, he let out a painful cry. After which, the pillow disappeared from his side, only leaving a trail of fragrance.


    Together with the pillow, the wooden basin filled with water that had been ced at the doorway by Ren Baqian, disappeared as well.


    A "bam" was heard and the door was mmed.


    The imperial bodyguards couldn''t stop giggling to themselves.


    "Sigh�� Such is life!" Ren Baqian sighed. Suddenly, he remembered the days when he just graduated from high school. He yed games every night and slept in during the mornings.


    At that time, they raised a dog called Xiao Xi and it was a Shend Sheepdog. Every day, not long after he fell asleep, it would jump on Ren Baqian''s stomach or tread on his face to wake him up so that he could bring it outside for a walk.


    Such a pity that the dog only liked to stay at home and was just like himself. As long as he went out and let go of the rope for more than two seconds, it would run towards home again.


    The empress stepping on him just now made him reminisce over the times that Xiao Xi jumped on his stomach every morning.


    He got up from the ground and dusted off the clothes that he was wearing. The ground was tiled with gstones, and the air in this world was good. His clothes were not at all dirty, but he subconsciously dusted them off anyway.


    After he dusted his clothes, the empress walked out of her room, and she was still wearing that red Han Chinese dress. She looked absolutely gorgeous with her hair simply tied up. This hairdo was more suitable for the dress aspared to when she let her hair down.


    Her elegant, almond-shaped eyes were filled with anger as she shot a piercing gaze at Ren Baqian.


    "Your Majesty, it''s time to have your lunch." Ren Baqian''s hands dangled as he spoke.


    Lunch was specially prepared for the empress by Ren Baqian. These days, as long as he didn''t return to Earth, he would take care of all the empress''s meals.


    Seeing that the empress didn''t get up in the morning, Ren Baqian looked for the imperial bodyguards and inquired where the kitchen was and went to whip up a few dishes for her.


    It was said that the food prepared at this residence was unptable. He had a meal in the morning and nearly thought that it was being prepared for the odd-job workers. Afterwards, he asked around and realized that Hong Wu consumed such dishes as well. Hong Wu would eat whatever food that was served at the camp.


    Should he say that Hong Wu wasn''t picky, or that he was being too strict on himself? Ren Baqian always felt that one should always treat themselves better, regardless if one was a male or a female. For example, one shouldn''t be too harsh on themselves when it came to the desire for food.


    There was one stir-fried vegetable dish, two meat dishes, and one mutton soup.


    The empress sat at the table and looked at the dishes in front of her. She unenthusiastically said, "Take a seat as well."


    When they were on Earth, there weren''t many things that the both of them had to take note of. But over in this world, Ren Baqian had to somewhat take note of his behavior.


    As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". The empress followed this saying on Earth and so did he over in this world.


    After taking her lunch, the empress met Hong Wu and spoke a few words with him. She inquired on the issue at the border as well as the situation over at Great Xia.


    This time round, Hong Wu didn''t avoid Ren Baqian. However, Ren Baqian wasn''t exactly all that interested either. His eyes were soulless as he stood over there and nobody knew what he was thinking about. It certainly must not be rted to the issue that the both of them were discussing about.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren!" Hong Wu''s voice startled Ren Baqian.


    "General-in-chief!" Ren Baqian promptly inquired.


    "Those binocrs, as well as the walkie-talkies, are very useful towards the border defense. Do you still have more?" Hong Wu asked in a deep voice. He stared directly at Ren Baqian and looked rather emotionless. But, Hong Wu''s imposing manner from many years of fighting in the battlefield made Ren Baqian somewhat ufortable.


    "It''ll be some time before the binocrs will be ready. Once the ss factory ispleted, we would be able to manufacture them. As for the walkie-talkies, I''ll think of a way." Ren Baqian nodded.


    If they could manufacture these items over in this world, then there wouldn''t be a need to bring them over from Earth. There were so many things that Ren Baqian wanted to bring over, unfortunately, there was a limit to what he could bring.


    However, walkie-talkies and sr energy battery chargers must be brought over.


    "Also, the thing that can fly in the sky. I wonder if you can let me have a look at it," Hong Wu continued to ask.


    "It is possible." Ren Baqian looked at the empress, who was nodding her head.


    A momentter, a group of people were surrounding the courtyard and the imperial bodyguards were pushed out, unsure of what was going on inside.


    Ren Baqian was surrounded by a group of people. He adjusted the drone and it began to fly upwards following his control.


    Immediately, everyone eximed in admiration. This thing actually flew up.


    Ren Baqian controlled the drone around the city and within 1.7 kilometers, the image could be transmitted directly back to the ground station. The dy wasn''t very long either. Everyone squeezed behind Ren Baqian''s back, looking at the images that were disyed on the screen while eximing in astonishment. The images were so real that it seemed as if they were looking at it with their own eyes.


    "Puahaha!" It didn''t take long before people began to snigger.


    Inside a window, a man and a woman were doing something that affected the survival of the aboriginals.


    Many people made up their minds. In future, they must close the windows, close the windows, close the windows.


    At this moment, everyone looked at this magical object, and they were envious of him. They made up their minds and wanted everything to be left behind. There was even one guy, who pondered if he could exchange the beautiful maidservant which he purchased from Yun Nation for this magical object.

 Chapter 215: Returning to Lan City

    Chapter 215: Returning to Lan City


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After staying in Ping City for one day and two nights, everyone prepared to set off the next afternoon.


    Yesterday, Ren Baqian had given the sr energy battery charger, the remaining binocrs and walkie-talkies, and the drone to the Protector General of the North.


    Before leaving the city, Ren Baqian turned around and waved to a bearded man with a swollen face who was among themanders that were seeing them off. His face was brimming with satisfaction and joy.


    That bearded man actually tried to use a beautiful maidservant to exchange for his drone. That man was truly a genius. He even dared to find Ren Baqian in private to offer him the deal. Ren Baqian admired his boldness very much.


    Yes, not only did that bearded man dare to think about it, he even dared to speak out his thoughts. Ren Baqian could tell that he was a "straightforward" person.


    There was a reason why the poption of aboriginals did not increase much.


    One could definitely imagine the oue. While the bearded man was offering the deal to Ren Baqian, the empress suddenly appeared out of nowhere and punched the bearded man. He flew straight into a wall and became embedded in it. He couldn''t even pull himself out of the wall.


    However, sincest night, everyone had be much friendlier towards Ren Baqian.


    After all, the gadgets that Ren Baqian had taken out dazzled them.


    Once again, they were back on the road. The number of winged cavalry troops had increased to approximately one thousand and three hundred. One of the winged cavalry units had more than half of their men killed in Great Xia after encountering an interception. There were also two units that had some casualties.


    Hong Wu somehow found a carriage for the empress. However, it wasn''t really luxurious. It followed closely behind the main body. The empress could rest and sleep inside it at night as well.


    During the day, however, the carriage was very bumpy. Sitting in it was much more ufortable than sitting on Qi Shui.


    During the daytime, they would hasten on with their journey. During the night-time, they would rest in cities or towns. By now, everyone felt at ease. Since Ren Baqian was free, he continued the story of Investiture of the Gods for the empress. He finished the story in a few days'' time. Then, he started on the story of Journey to the West.


    When Ren Baqian talked about the Monkey King Sun Wukong wreaking havoc in Heaven, the empress looked at him with a nted gaze. She inly asked, "Do you want to learn from that monkey?"


    "Actually, Protector of the Horses is a good job. He can earn money without doing anything. His sry is high as well. He even has the luxury of time to sit down and suntan. Therefore, isn''t it a good job?" Ren Baqian argued. Then, he concluded, "A monkey is wild and unruly. I''m different from him. A high sry is good enough for me. It will be the best if I can earn money without working at all."


    "If you think that Protector of the Horses is a good job, you will take care of Qi Shui from today onwards," the empress casually said.


    "That''s fine." Ren Baqian was quite interested in Qi Shui. If he had the opportunity, he wanted to draw a vial of blood from Qi Shui and bring it back to Earth to test it.


    Ren Baqian also wondered if there were dragons in this world or not.


    He still did not know that there was one in the imperial pce of Great Xia.


    Half a month had passed. Everyone could finally see a ck-colored wall appearing above the distant horizon. That was Lan City.


    Since three days ago, mounted scouts from Lan City had been calling on the empress''s entourage one after another. All the officials in the city were waiting for the empress to arrive.


    They took a step closer and saw a mass of people standing outside the city gate. Except those who were on duty, every official came out of the city to wee the empress.


    Ren Baqian jumped down from Qi Shui''s back and climbed onto another mount.


    Sitting together with the empress on the same mount in front of all the officials and citizens was far too ostentatious.


    This time, the empress did not stop him.


    Actually, at that point in time, the empress just wanted to make her stance clear to Hong Wu and the rest.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" approximately three hundred officials standing at the city gate yelled in unison. Behind them, the citizens watched the scene with enthusiasm. They wanted to take a look at the empress but were pushed away by the soldiers.


    The empress nodded her head and replied inly, "It has been very tough on all of you when I''m was not around. Let''s return to the imperial pce now."


    When the citizens standing on both of sides of the street saw the empress sitting on Qi Shui, they cheered loudly for her.


    The empress was well-received in Dayao. Twenty days had passed since the day the empress pulverized Hua Sanliu and destroyed the Nine Pavilions. This news had been spread throughout Dayao and Lan City.


    Ordinarymoners did not know why the empress went to the Nine Pavilions. They were cheering for her bravery.


    Qi Shui was walked forward at a very slow pace. With thunderous cheers roaring in the background, the empress looked exceptionally magnificent.


    All of these citizens were here to look at the empress. However, some also wanted to take a look at Rem Baqian, whose face was glowing with radiance.


    After returning to the imperial pce, the empress headed to the throne room for court session while Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park. Pingle Park could be considered his home in this world. Other than the beast park, he has stayed here the longest. After returning to Pingle Park, he immediately felt rxed.


    He threw himself onto the bed. After rolling about on the bed, sleepiness kicked in, and he fell asleep straight away.


    Inside the throne room, everyone discussed the matter of the empress throwing everything aside to go to Great Xia. Almost everyone was rising in revolt.


    The empress''s face darkened. "Are you trying to revolt against me?"


    "We don''t dare to do that. However, as the ruler of Dayao, it''s inappropriate to leave everyone behind and put yourself in such a dangerous position."


    "If I can''t even save a person, how am I fit to be ruler of Dayao?" the empress asked coldly.


    "But we are worried about Your Majesty''s safety."


    "What''s there to be worried about? Do you think anyone can stop me?" the empress sneered.


    "Then why did Your Majesty leave such words ''if I were to die, invite that man back''?" Shi Qing reminded.


    The empress was speechless for a moment. Of course, she knew of how dangerous it was for her to go to Great Xia. It was irresponsible for her to say such words. However, when Shi Qing exposed her like this, she felt utterly embarrassed. For a moment, she was speechless. The next moment, she flew into a rage out of humiliation. An earth-shattering aura exploded from her body and surged towards everyone in the room like a tsunami, causing everyone to fly backward.


    "Your Majesty!" everyone cried in unison.


    With a darkened face, the empress withdrew her aura. After a while, she spoke again, "I won''t take any unnecessary risks in the future anymore."


    However, these words meant nothing to her. If such a situation arose in the future, she would still do the same time. She said these words merely to give both parties a way out of this awkward situation.


    Actually, everyone already knew the empress did not mean her words. It was impossible for her to admit her mistakes.


    However, they still had to make their stance clear. What if Her Majesty did something even rasher than this in the future? This time around, her action almost scared everyone to death.


    "Where''s Tie Yan?" The empress immediately called for someone when she saw that everyone had calmed down.


    "I''m here." Immediately, a short but muscr man stepped forward.


    This man was the supervisor of the Public Security Bureau, Tie Yan. He was the one who investigated the scene where Ren Baqian was ambushed.


    "Have you found anything?" the empress asked coldly.


    Needless to say, Tie Yan knew what the empress was talking about. Quickly, he replied, "Your Majesty, those four men were sacrificial warriors, I couldn''t find out anything about them. The weapons and crossbows they used as well as the clothes they wore are from the Yun Nation. During this period of time, I did not dare to ck off on the investigation. Finally, I found out that they travelled from Great Xia to the Yun Nation, and then from the Yun Nation they travelled to Dayao. In Dayao, they stayed in a ce that was arranged by a shopkeeper from a family with the surname Xu. That family is from the Yun Nation as well. I have already thrown everyone in the Xu family into the prison. However, after interrogating them, I realized they did not know anything. The shopkeeper arranged lodgings for the four sacrificial warriors after receiving a sum of money from them."


    "That means, other than finding out they are from Great Xia, you have found nothing?" the empress asked coldly.


    "I have not done a good job, please forgive me," Tie Yan replied.


    "Continue the investigation, I will give you another three more months. I want to know who is so audacious to such a thing."


    After thinking deeply about something, the empress continued, "And remember to kill everyone that you have thrown into the prison."

 Chapter 216: The Sweet Potatoes Have Ripened

    Chapter 216: The Sweet Potatoes Have Ripened


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian got up from his bed and stretched after sleeping for more than two hours. He then shouted for someone to prepare the medicinal bath. It had been a long time since thest increase in his strength. Now that he''s back, he could finally enjoy the pleasure of rapidly increasing his strength again.


    An increment of 75 newtons a week was already considered very fast to him.


    That would be 300 newtons in a month, 600 newtons in two months, and over 1500 newtons of improvement in three months. The thought of that left him feeling a little excited.


    After soaking in the medicinal bath, Ren Baqian felt that the empress must be exhausted from the journey as well. She would probably be resting at Yangxin Pce Hall after the meeting in another ce. Then, he went back to his room and waited until almost dinner time before visiting the empress at Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Everyone who saw him along the way rolled their eyes at him. Even though the empress had returned, they were all very worried and on edge during the period she was away.


    And Ren Baqian was the main cause of their worry.


    When he arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall, the empress was yawning. It seemed like she had just woken up not long ago.


    "Your Majesty, how was your rest?" Ren Baqian went forward and asked.


    The empress kept silent and shook her head, and it seemed like she was still a little tired.


    Ren Baqian knew for sure, that she must have really tired herself out over the past few days.


    Qing Yuan brought a chair from the side, and Ren Baqian sat down with the empress for a while. He said to her that the sweet potatoes nted in the beast park had already ripened, and should be dug up for inspection.


    "Is that the crop that can be grown in abundance?" The empress sobered up after hearing this.


    "Yes. I can''t say for sure that it will have a potential output of 10000 catties, but there should be at least 6000 catties of it. What''s important is that it can be grown anywhere. It can be grown on any type of soil, even on the mountains," Ren Baqian replied.


    "That''s good. I will bring some people over tomorrow morning." The empress nodded. Provisions were very important, especially such high yielding crops that could be farmed anywhere.


    Dayao had low crop production, and not much were imported from other nations as well. They relied solely on raising livestock. Especially in the mountains, their primary resources were gathered by hunting as well as picking wild herbs and fruits. If those sweet potatoes were like what Ren Baqian described them to be, then it would be of great help.


    "Your Majesty, do you havend estate?" Ren Baqian asked yet another question.


    "What''s that?" The empress was a little puzzled.


    "That means royalndfills that belong to Your Majesty," Ren Baqian exined. The spices for those sweet potatoes should have ripened as well. Also, he had nned to grow some other things such as cotton, which could be used to make cloth. They couldn''t possibly just rely on that plot ofnd at the beast park which couldn''t serve much purpose.


    "Everything in this world belongs to me," the empress replied.


    After hearing those words, Ren Baqian understood that the imperial family of Dayao actually didn''t have any proprietarynd estate. It was truly unexpected.


    Withoutnd estate, and with only two merchant caravans mainly responsible for purchasing from other nations while incidentally selling some goods, it was no wonder that the empress lived a simple life. However, this was also because the sessive emperor did not put much thought into it. After all, the condition of Dayao''s economy wasn''t considered good, and they didn''t have much left over capital to lead an extravagant life.


    But, hadn''t the former emperor considered their ability to pay the pce maids'' monthly wages? It wasn''t surprising that there were so few pce maids in the pce.


    "Then who does thend outside Lan City belongs to?" Ren Baqian questioned.


    "It has all been distributed to those officers and soldiers with meritorious services back then," the empress answered.


    "Is it possible to buy some of it?" Ren Baqian looked at the empress, and she looked back at him with a pair of glittering eyes but was full of bewilderment.


    At the look of that, Ren Baqian thought to himself, "I understand, the empress has no knowledge of this at all. It is better that I consult someone else."


    "Later on I''ll get someone to find out if it''s possible to buy some. If we could grow and sell some spices, the profits will be huge," Ren Baqian said.


    "You shall arrange for that." The empress couldn''t be bothered. She really had no interest in such things.


    "Your Majesty, what is the imperial family''s main source of revenue?" Ren Baqian still felt that he should ask.


    The empress replied without hesitation, "The imperial family has a share of the gold and silver mines."


    Now Ren Baqian knew where the imperial family''s money came from. He didn''t have much knowledge about the minerals in Dayao, but he felt that the imperial family couldn''t possibly have much of them.


    He had bettere out with solutions in future.


    "Rest early, Your Majesty. I shall not impose on you any further." Ren Baqian cupped his hands and left.


    Early next morning, he left the pce and headed for the beast park. It had been about two months since thest time he had been to the beast park. He let out a sigh as he stood at the entrance of the beast park.


    When he first arrived in this world, he had nothing much to do and always pondered about how to make money. He also managed a shaved ice shop with Caretaker Shi.


    Who would have thought that things would turn out this way in just a few months'' time.


    It''s not that he didn''t understand, it was just that things were changing too rapidly.


    This time, it was not just two people following Ren Baqian when he went out, but a group of ten men. The look of it was pretty impressive.


    After entering the beast park, Caretaker Shi could be seen behaving as frantically as crabs from afar. Seeing that group of people, he promptly went over to wee them. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw Ren Baqian''s face.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren!" Caretaker Shi paid his respects. As Ren Baqian had a different status now, he didn''t dare address him as Brother Ren anymore. The empress would peel his skin off if she were to know of it.


    "Caretaker Shi, I finally had time toe back and take a look." Ren Baqian was all smiles.


    It was still that familiar scent, that familiar mate, and that as loud as a big trumpet voice.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren will always be wee to visit anytime." Caretaker Shi patted on his own chest.


    "What''s the status on those two plots ofnd?" Ren Baqian questioned, as that was his main objective here.


    "There''s someone constantly taking care of them." Ren Baqian was very satisfied with Caretaker Shi''s response.


    "How are Tiantian and Gungun?" Ren Baqian asked. He hadn''t seen them for a long time, and he still missed those two chaps.


    "They have grown fat. Let me take Caretaker Ren for a look." Caretaker Shiughed.


    Ren Baqian nodded, and walked alongside Caretaker Shi.


    He bumped into a couple of familiar faces along the way. Some of them were the odd-job workers who used to be under his care. He saw Teng Hulu and Tie Dao as well, and they all greeted from afar.


    Ren Baqian didn''t speak much, but had intended to ask those two guys over to work under him. After all, he had nned to ask about the fields, and he couldn''t possibly do it all on his own. There were also some other odd jobs that could be assigned to the pair of men.


    There was still the house that he used to stay in, but the entrance had been fenced up into a courtyard. Tiantian was stepping on top of Gungun, peering through the window into the house. They could be wondering why he hadn''t returned after so long.


    When Tiantian sensed that someone was approaching, it clumsily turned over, immediately falling off Gungun''s body.


    When Ren Baqian opened the door, those two fellows stared nkly at him for quite a while before realizing who he was. Then, they crawled over to his side unhurriedly and hugged his legs, asking for food.


    Ren Baqian stroked the both of them. They had indeed grown fatter aspared to before and were almost like balls. They looked much cuter and lovable now.


    I shall bring the both of them back to Pingle Parkter.


    Just simply looking at them makes me pretty happy.


    It was just that their teeth had gotten somewhat sharper and somewhat in the way. He identally got wounded on the back of his hand by Tiantian''s teeth, and that made him infuriated which resulted in giving Tiantian a flick on its forehead.


    After teasing them for a bit, Ren Baqian stood up and left to follow Caretaker Shi to have a look at the fields.


    It was a sheet of green looking from afar.


    First they went to the sweet potato field and got someone to dig along the vines and roots with a shovel. A huge bunch of muddy sweet potatoes were hauled up immediately. The bigger ones were the size of a fist, and the smaller ones weren''t too much smaller. Ren Baqian held it for a while, and it weighed about 5 to 6 catties.


    He then got someone to dig up another two spots, and every spot contained a pretty decent harvest. More than 10 catties worth of sweet potatoes were dug out in total from those three ces. There should be a harvest of at least 6000 to 7000 catties of sweet potatoes from this mu ofnd, which met with their expectations.


    Ren Baqian felt good seeing the whole bunch of sweet potatoes piled together. After all, this was the change he brought to Dayao. He said to Caretaker Shi,


    "Get these cleaned up, and have the kitchen steam half of them and roast the other half. I will be expecting someone to bring them overter."


    Following that, they went to check out the other plot ofnd. The pepper and star anise grew into small trees and would probably take a long time to ripen. Even the sesame nt would take another two months. Only the cumin looked like they were ripe.


    But, the people at the beast park didn''t know how to harvest those crops and were afraid of spoiling them, so they just left them there. They had piled all those that had fallen to the ground together and waited for Ren Baqian toe back and handle them.


    Ren Baqian stayed at the field until it was almost noon when he saw someone approaching from afar.


    In one look, he noticed thatdy in red was in front of him.

 Chapter 217: Ten Times

    Chapter 217: Ten Times


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    There were many people behind the empress and Ren Baqian could recognize a few of them. There were Great Elder Shi Qing, Junior Elder Zhe Kouhai, Minister of Revenue Tu Wan, Imperial Treasurer Gu Yue, Minister of Works Tong Zhenye, etc.


    Most of them were wearing the sunsses that Ren Baqian had bought for twenty yuan per piece from a roadside stall. However, they looked as though they were wearing branded sunsses, resembling Mafia godfathers. Like a crane standing among a flock of chickens, they were extremely eye-striking.


    When theborers in the beast park saw the empress bringing so many high-ranking officials here, they were shocked. They did not know what was going on.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Sirs!" Ren Baqian greeted everyone.


    The empress nodded her head while Tong Zhenyue gave Ren Baqian a smile. After all, Ren Baqian had recovered and could now start working on the ss factory project and all the other things that he and Ren Baqian had talked about. Ever since he heard that the empress and Ren Baqian returned to Dayao safe and sound, he immediately asked his subordinates to find every material that Ren Baqian had asked for. His subordinates even transported back three carriages of coal. Even though three carriages of coal weren''t a lot, it still showed how much he valued Ren Baqian.


    Among everyone present today, other than the empress, he cared the most about Ren Baqian.


    To Ren Baqian''s surprise, Great Elder Shi Qing also gave him an extremely friendly smile.


    Great Elder and Hong Wu were considered the pirs of Dayao by themoners. In fact, they really were.


    Hong Wu guarded the border for many years and stopped Great Xia from invading Dayao numerous times. He was renowned for his military sesses in the north.


    Meanwhile, Shi Qing had been toiling away in the imperial court for many years. He had done many things that benefited numerousmoners. He enjoyed an extremely high level of prestige in Dayao.


    Amid so many disdainful faces, Ren Baqian was astonished to see an influential individual like Shi Qing expressing goodwill to him. Even though Shi Qing was very old, he still held immense power in Dayao each year. With the addition of his sunsses, he reminded Ren Baqian of those godfathers in Hong Kong''s or Taiwan''s movies telling their henchmen, "Work hard, I have high hopes for you."


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, how are the so-called sweet potatoes?" the empress asked. Firstly, she brought so many people here because it was an important matter. Secondly, she wanted to give Ren Baqian''s prestige a boost. If anything went wrong, not only would the empress be humiliated, Ren Baqian would be in deep trouble as well.


    "Your Majesty, they have already ripened. We can dig some out now to weigh them. Just now, I already dug out some to be cooked in the kitchen. Everyone can have a taste of the sweet potatoester."


    "Alright, let''s begin."


    Now, they wanted to see how many sweet potatoes one mu ofnd produce could produce.


    [One mu is equivalent to one fifteenth of a hectare]


    Everyone watched on silently as theborers from the beast park dug out the sweet potatoes.


    Previously, everyone only heard from the empress that it was a new crop. They did not know about it in detail.


    However, Dayao had never been an agricultural country all along. Moreover, the aboriginals mainly ate meat. Hence, they valued animal husbandry much more than agriculture. Everyone simply did not care about agriculture.


    A new crop merely provided them with a new type of dish.


    However, those big shots wearing sunsses thought slightly more highly of the so-called sweet potatoes. After all, everyone saw how amazing the sr furnace wasst time. They felt that anything Ren Baqian took out was definitely something extraordinary.


    As the time passed, heaps of sweet potato stems were dug out from the ground and ced on one side.


    Not caring about the dirt, an old man wearing a Secondary ss, Rank 3 official robe picked up a few sweet potatoes and inspected them.


    It was at this moment that someone brought two basins of steamed and roasted sweet potatoes over.


    "Everyone, have a taste. They taste pretty good," Ren Baqian told everyone. Then, he picked up a roasted sweet potato and pried it open, revealing its golden interior. An overwhelming fragrance pervaded the air. One could even smell it from far away.


    Everyone had been standing the whole morning during court session. When they smelled the fragrance of the sweet potato, they felt even hungrier. They looked at each other and shifted their gazes to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian passed the sweet potato to the empress, "Your Majesty."


    After taking the sweet potato from Ren Baqian''s hands, the empress examined it closely. Even though the sweet potato''s outer skin did not look clean, it smelled sweet and fragrant. It was simply appetite-stimting.


    Usually, any food that the empress ate would be tested for poisons by someone first. However, when the food was from Ren Baqian, she did not mind it at all. After all, while she was on Earth, no one tested her food for poisons either. She did not really guard against Ren Baqian.


    Taking a bite of it with her pearly white teeth, a glint lit up in her eyes. This thing indeed tasted good.


    Nobody could stop the empress from eating the sweet potato without having it tested for poisons first in time. Following which, they looked at Ren Baqian with doubt.


    "Let me try it." Tong Zhenye did not raise any objection. Her Majesty has already eaten it, are you afraid that it is poisonous?


    "Give me one as well." Shi Qing followed suit.


    In an instant, the roasted sweet potatoes were gone. Those who never managed to take the roasted sweet potatoes got the steamed ones instead.


    Everyone took a bite and nodded their heads with their mouths stuffed. "Not bad, not bad."


    This thing smelled nice and tasted rather delicious too. Upon entering one''s mouth, it turned soft and silky.


    Like a bunch of old farmers, the big shots gnawed on the sweet potatoes while nodding their heads in approval. The sweet potatoes were well-received.


    "What is this thing called again?" someone asked. Ren Baqian realized it was the old official that examined the sweet potatoes just now. He was trying to guess his identity.


    "It''s called sweet potato," Ren Baqian replied.


    "How long will they take to ripen?"


    "Three months. Furthermore, they can be grown anywhere. You can even grow them on hillsides. They are very easy to cultivate too," Ren Baqian answered.


    "One mu ofnd can produce how many sweet potatoes?" that official asked again.


    "I will let you knowter," Ren Baqian replied and continued, "However, you can''t eat too many of this thing. You have to eat it with other foods, otherwise you can get heartburn easily."


    That official nodded his head and did not say anything else. Then, he looked at the huge heap of sweet potatoes on the ground with his eyes glittering. From the look of it, he felt that one mu ofnd could produce a lot of sweet potatoes. He had made a rough guess in his heart, but he wasn''t really confident with it.


    After everyone finished eating, when they saw the huge heap of sweet potatoes on the ground, they were brimming with expectation.


    ording to Deputy Prefect Ren, this crop could be easily grown anywhere. This feature was very important. Complementing the sweet potatoes with other foods, the strongholds in Sixty Thousand Mountains would have a much better life. Furthermore, everyone in Dayao could have a new type of delicious dish on their dining tables.


    Very soon, almost all the sweet potatoes in the field were dug up. Someborers carried them to one side and weighed them.


    Initially, Ren Baqian wanted to help them to weigh the sweet potatoes. After all, he had no confidence in aboriginals'' mathematical skills. Will you dare to believe in a bunch of middle-aged men that still counts using fingers?


    However, when Ren Baqian saw a few treasurers from the imperial treasury walking over to help theborers, he stopped in his tracks.


    These treasurers should be reliable.


    "3160 catties.... 3752 catties�� 4860 catties�� 5925 catties�� 6451 catties��"


    Every time everyone heard a number, their hearts skipped a beat. Fearing that the treasurers might make a mistake, everyone crowded around them.


    Even the voice of the treasurer who was shouting out the numbers was trembling. He was afraid that he shouted out the wrong numbers.


    Too many sweet potatoes... there were simply too many sweet potatoes��


    No one had expected one mu ofnd could produce so many sweet potatoes.


    The output of the wheat grown outside of the city was merely 600 catties. The output of this thing was actually 6000 catties! Ten times the output of the rice! Ten times!


    It''s incredible...

 Chapter 218: Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

    Chapter 218: Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Livestock


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    6451 catties. After confirming it three times in a row, that court official who examined the sweet potatoes right at the start stared at them nervously. He was afraid that there would be some sort of calction error.


    After the figures had been confirmed, everyone went into a frenzy.


    There were too many sweet potatoes.


    This crop that was called sweet potato, could grow anywhere and could also be consumed as supplementary food. Moreover, its output was so high that it was ten times higher than the output of rice.


    If the output of sweet potatoes was simr or slightly higher than that of rice, no one would really care. However, to everyone''s surprise, it was much higher. As such, the value wasn''t the same anymore.


    As long as the cultivation of sweet potatoes was promoted, in future, Dayao wouldn''t need to purchase crops from other nations any longer.


    That Secondary ss, Rank 3 official who examined the sweet potatoes began tough heartily.


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty. These sweet potatoes are very favorable for Dayao. There will be no shortages of food in the future." Everyone turned and looked at the empress with a look of happiness on their faces.


    The empress was pleased upon hearing the remarks of everyone. As expected, Ren Baqian didn''t let her down. An output of 6000 over catties was already sufficient for everyone''s jaws to drop.


    She looked over at Ren Baqian, "I will reward you for the sess of the sweet potatoes."


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty." Ren Baqian expressed his gratitude at the suitable time. As far as a reward was concerned, it wasn''t really beneficial anymore. After all, being promoted and getting rich was meaningless for him already. However, to be able to upgrade his rank among themoners in Dayao was nevertheless, something good.


    But, this output of 6000 over catties wasn''t considered much of a surprise. The potential output of the sweet potatoes was said to be about 10000 catties, and even though Dayao''snd was very fertile, the total output was only 6451 catties worth.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t know much about these sorts of things and merely searched for information online. But, there was one point which he remembered, loam was a better option than this type of firm and substantial soil.


    "Ge Yihong, go and find out about the issue of the sweet potatoes from Deputy Prefect Ren. After that, expand the nting of it as fast as possible," the empress instructed him.


    "Yes!" Ge Yihong was the Secondary ss, Rank 3 official who examined the sweet potatoes. He was the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Livestock which was part of the Ministry of Works. Basically, an official that was in charge of agriculture and livestock raising. With regards to the current situation of Dayao''s agriculture, he knew it better than anyone else and naturally, he would also be clearer on the astonishing output of the sweet potatoes.


    "Your Majesty, there''s also the ss factory as well as Mount Damo. Tong Zhenye quickly stepped forward and bumped Ge Yihong to one side. Even though the sweet potatoes were important, there was still a pile of things waiting for him to do. Previously, Ren Baqian only visualized the future for him, but in fact, didn''t realize it for him. As such, he had been thinking about it for a very long time.


    Now, Ren Baqian was finally back. How could he allow Ren Baqian to work in the fields?


    Ge Yihong was enraged as he was being pushed away. But, the other party was the Minister of Works and he was only the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. Of course, at this rank, even if Tong Zhenye was his immediate superior, it wasn''t that important anymore. Most importantly, he wasn''t Tong Zhenye''s match at all.


    "Go back and discuss it among yourselves," the empress said faintly. In her heart, the iron ore mine task in Mount Damo was the most important. However, as she wasn''t very sure about it, she instructed them to settle it themselves.


    Tong Zhenye looked at Ren Baqian and revealed a self-acknowledged good-natured smile that actually looked sinister.


    After everything was over, everyone roughly knew what they had to do and didn''t see the need to stay any longer. A group of people were preparing to leave when Ge Yihong pointed at a piece ofnd and asked what was nted on it.


    "Spices," Ren Baqian simply answered. For the time being, he was going to prepare a piece ofnd to nt these items. After which, he would sell these spices and make a quick buck from the other three nations.


    These spices would definitely reap huge profits for Dayao.


    They could also use that sum of money to buy other supplies as well as enrich the imperial depository. Then, they would slowly release the spices in a few years'' time.


    Upon hearing that it was spices, Ge Yihong''s eyes brightened. He announced to the empress that he would be taking his leave and immediately ran over.


    The court officials had also heard about the news of the new spices in the imperial pce. After all, those spices had appeared during the empress''s birthday celebration. Although the dishes at the time didn''t look very appetizing, they were actually very delicious. Immediately, everyone could taste the vor that was different from the usual dishes they consumed.


    There were only some of these spices in the pce and basically, none of them were circted outside. Everyone had only heard of it, but none had seen it.


    Now, after getting hold of news that those were spices, there were many people that were interested. Arge number of people shifted to the vicinity of that piece ofnd and walked around for quite some time.


    However, they couldn''t understand what was going on and were only there to join the crowd. After inquiring for quite some time and finding out from Ren Baqian that the imperial family would purchasend, nt these spices and sell them, they could only look forward to it.


    In any case, as long as they could purchase these spices when the timees, it would be fine. They didn''t need to have everything in their own hands.


    Even if they wanted to grab it for themselves, how could they grab it from the empress?


    After thinking for a long time, Ge Yihong finally couldn''t hold back anymore, "I still feel that Deputy Prefect Ren should work at the Department of Agriculture and Livestock. It just so happens that there is actually a vacant position for the junior official."


    Ren Baqian''s ability toe up with the sweet potatoes as well as these types of spices, made Ge Yihong felt that he still had other good stuff on hand. It would be a pity if he couldn''t poach him to join the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.


    Everyone gave him the side-eye. They have seen shameless people before, but, they have yet to see someone so shameless that could lie through his teeth.


    The junior official of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock was busy with work all day round.


    And your words simply ignored his existence?


    If Ren Baqian really joins the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, what would you do?


    In that case, will there be two junior officials in the Department of Agriculture and Livestock?


    However, seeing that he not only turned a blind eye to their looks of despise but also remained calm, many people felt that this shameless manner was actually simr to their demeanor back then in the days.


    After staying for quite time, everyone began to leave the beast park one after another. On one hand, Tong Zhenye kept clinging onto Ren Baqian to ask when he would be heading to Ministry of Works. On the other hand, Ge Yihong was asking about the situation of the sweet potatoes. With great difficulty, Ren Baqian finally managed to get rid of the two of them and returned to the pce to dine with the empress.


    After sitting and rxing in the garden and enjoying the serenity with the empress for a while, he headed to Qingxin Pce Hall and looked for Lin Qiaole to study. Previously, halfway through learning he was almost assassinated. As such, he had forgotten many words now.


    That night, he made a trip to Qingxin Pce Hall again. After which, the both of them appeared in the room on Earth.


    At this moment, it was already June and the weather was getting hotter. Ren Baqian opened the windows and door for better venttion in the room. He looked at the time and it was only 7 o''clock in the evening. Then, he turned to the empress who was already sitting on the sofa


    "Okay." The empress nodded. In this world, she had no opinions in regards to the itinerary, except for the time that she bought many red dresses in the shopping mall.


    After all, everything in this world was new and odd to her.


    In particr, the tranquil and rich atmosphere of this world also made her felt especially at ease and pleasurable. She never had to consider other things, and everything from the imperial court was far away from her.


    The city looked extremely beautiful during the transition from spring to summer. The vibe that the city gave off was also full of vitality. Many people were taking strolls by the roadside. There were hip-hop teenagers wearing headphones that walked in small groups as well as people dancing in the za. Also, there were young mothers pushing strollers, and young parents bringing their children out for a walk with skewers in their hands.


    During the previous time that the empress came, there wasn''t that many people in the city at night.


    He drove to the supermarket to buy a pile of things and stuffed them into the car. The empress was holding a bucket of popcorn and suddenly felt that it was very tasty.


    As long as it was something sweet, she would be fond of it. As for food that were salty or spicy, she avoided them to a certain degree. Even though she didn''t reveal any expressions, Ren Baqian was able to make out that she disliked them, just from the gaze of her beautiful and elegant, almond-shaped eyes.

 Chapter 219: I Hate Wang Jiawei

    Chapter 219: I Hate Wang Jiawei


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After putting everything into the car, Ren Baqian and the empress walked towards a za not far away. From a distance, they could already hear music ying at the za. There were also many people gathering there.


    As Ren Baqian and the empress walked closer to the za, they could see several people dancing there. Their dance moves were cheerful and light-hearted. Among the dancers, there were more young people than old people. All of them were doing the za dance merrily with beads of sweat sprinkling all over the floor.


    In addition, there were also a few girls with a really good figures. They were already wearing shorts when it was barely the beginning of June.


    Ren Baqian merely took a nce at them, and he could already sense an aura of deathing from beside him. Immediately, he turned his head around and saw the empress staring at him coldly. Both of them stared at each other for a while before the empress turned to her side and continued eating her popcorn.


    "What are they doing?" the empress asked casually. She had seen such a scene a few times before, but she did not know what they were doing.


    "za dancing."


    "za martial arts? Fanciful but impractical movements," the empress said nonchntly.


    ["Dancing" and "martial arts" have the same pronunciation in Chinese - "wu".]


    A series of question marks emerged in Ren Baqian''s mind. When he looked at the movements of those za dancers again, they did seem like they were doing practicing martial arts in the za. A look of realization dawned upon his face as he tried to hold in hisughter.


    "When the citizens are free, they would train exercise and train their bodies. Most people seldom exercise. As time passes, their bodies will turn unhealthy," Ren Baqian exined without pointing out the empress''s misunderstanding.


    This scene would only appear in modern societies. In ancient times or in that world,moners needed to work hard for their livelihoods every day. They did not have the luxury of time to dance or exercise.


    At the same time, modern societies used various types of machinery, leading to a decrease manualbor. In modern societies, many people were either sitting down or lying down the whole day every day. And as such, they began toe up with various ways to train their bodies.


    After listening to Ren Baqian''s exnation, the empress slightly understood what he meant. She envied the increase in quality of life in modern societies. This phenomenon would only appear once a civilization reached a certain level of development.


    The term "civilization" was taught to her by Ren Baqian.


    After walking past this group of za dancers, they saw another group of za dancers not far away. This time around, the group of za dancers was mainly made up of elderly people. Their movements were much slower as well.


    "The vastnd is my love. The rolling green hills are flourishing at the foot of the mountain. What kind of rhythm is the most rocking��" The catchy tune kept on drilling itself into the Ren Baqian''s and the empress''s minds. Ren Baqian quickly brought the empress away from the group of elderly za dancers.


    [The song is called "The Hottest Ethnic Trend", a very popr song by a band called Phoenix Legend in China.]


    As they walked further into the za, they could see people taking a stroll and children skating on rollerdes. Not far away, there were a few youngsters skateboarding. When they saw a red-dressed beauty looking at them, they immediately began to do various stunts. Every movement required a great deal of attention. Suddenly, one of them slipped and fell to ground, causing all his friends to burst out intoughter.


    Walking on this lively and bustling za, Ren Baqian and the empress also saw a fifty-year-old woman teaching a few youngster wushu. Their movements were slow and soothing, warming the heart of anyone that was watching them.


    After watching them for a while, Ren Baqian and the empress heard them talking about entering apetition.


    "What do you think?" Ren Baqian wanted to hear the empress''s opinions on wushu.


    The empress shook and remained speechless. She felt that their movements were too powerless and there was no need for her toment anything.


    This kind of ordinary boxing technique was insignificant to aboriginals.


    Aboriginals lived in the Sixty Thousand Mountains and they had to fight with wild beasts every day. In the past, the strongholds would evene into conflict with each other over territories. Therefore, they had alreadye up with a set of martial arts that were suitable for them.


    Ren Baqian and the empress strolled around the za. Suddenly, a thirty-year-old man stopped the pair.


    "Hey, do you want to take part in the making of a movie? I have a movie that is in need of two characters now. I also need a lead female character. I feel that both of you are very suitable for the roles in my movie. Especially thisdy, she is extremely suitable to be the lead female character. If both of you are willing to take part in my movie, I promise that both of you will definitely make it big in the show business."


    Initially, Ren Baqian still thought he was a fraud. He had seen a lot of such incidents happening online before. However, he changed his mind after taking a closer look at the man. The man was roughly thirty years old, his hair was slightly long and messy, he wore a peaked cap and held a handbag, and he looked very sincere too. He looked as though he had finally found someone that he had been searching for a long time.


    "I will give you 99 out of 100 marks for your acting, the one mark is deducted for your haughtiness." Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "My name is Du Rufeng, this is my business card. I''m really a director. I have prepared this move with utmost care for many years. Now we are about to start making the movie, but we stillck one lead female character." The man quickly passed his business card to the empress.


    However, the empress did not care about him. She turned around and gave Ren Baqian a can-I-punch-him-into-oblivion look,


    "We are not interested," Ren Baqian waved his hand and replied. Then, he left together with the empress.


    That man did seem like a legitimate director. He was indeed very imaginative.


    It was an interesting idea to let the empress be a lead female character in a movie.


    "You should really consider it. Given your appearance, it would be a waste if you''re not acting in a movie. You can just stand there and say nothing, and everyone''s gazes will be drawn to you will put their gazes on you." Unwilling to give up, Du Rufeng got very close to the empress.


    Ren Baqian quickly held on to the empress''s wrist. Otherwise, Du Rufeng would be knocked flying into the air.


    "Thump." Du Rufeng was still knocked flying into the air.


    No one at the scene saw how the empress punched Du Rufeng. Her punch was simply too fast.


    "Can you at least put in some effort in your acting? Nowadays, no matter what you do, you have to put in effort. How can you make money if you don''t put in effort? She hasn''t even touched you and you are already in the air. Don''t you think you''re exaggerating?" Ren Baqian had a look of contempt and shock on his face.


    The empress had been attracting a lot of attention with her appearance. The people surrounding them now were looking at her all this time. Now that something like this happened, everyone around them bustled with noise and excitement.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, many people burst outughing.


    That''s true. Only a boxing champion can punch you that hard. You got so close to her and then threw yourself backward, do you take all of us for fools?


    "Let''s go," Ren Baqian said to the empress. Both of them left just like that.


    After they had left for quite some time, Du Rufeng was still lying on the ground motionless. Someone checked on him and realized that he had fainted.


    However, no one thought that he was punched by the extremely gorgeous red-dressed girl. After all, there were so many people at the scene and there was definitely more than one person peeking at the empress.


    Ren Baqian and the empress walked around the za once. After receiving countless envious looks, Ren Baqian brought the empress back home.


    "Do you like it here? Do you think I should buy this house or move to a new house?" Ren Baqian asked casually as he opened the door to his house. He was considering whether to continue staying here or to move to a new ce.


    He felt that buying a house on Hainan Ind was a rather good idea. The air there was fresh and the climate there was favorable throughout the year. There were also many girls wearing bikinis there. Whenever he was in a bad mood, he could look at them to feel better.


    "This was a rather good ce," the empress replied casually as she did not know what Ren Baqian was thinking. After all, this was the first ce she stayed in upon arriving on Earth. She was already quite familiar with this house. Furthermore, she did not have high requirements of the house she was staying in. This small house was just to her liking. It was much more better than the cold and empty pce hall she woke up to every morning.


    "I will buy this house then," Ren Baqian nodded his head and replied. Since thendlord rented out this house all year round, he should be willing to sell it.


    Ren Baqian had also decided to buy a house on Hainan Ind.


    After putting down the things they bought, Ren Baqian took out a set of Chinese checkers that he just bought to y with the empress. To Ren Baqian, this board game was second only to Five in a Row.


    [Five in a Row is an abstract strategy board game.]


    The empress yed it once and�� flipped the table.


    "Boring." The empress had a disdainful look on her face. She picked up the remote control and switched on the television.


    Looking at the checkers that had been reduced to powder on the table, Ren Baqian smiled bitterly.


    Initially, he wanted to win a few rounds against the empress and then throw a few rounds to encourage her. Reality proved that he had thought too much.


    "Do you want to y Five in a Row?" Ren Baqian suggested.


    Without even batting an eye, the empress threw the remote control at him and said, "I want to watch a movie."


    ...


    "I never told her that I love her, because I know the untasted fruit is always the sweetest."


    "Love is like a contest, I can''t say if she''s the winner. But I know very well that I''ve been a loser from the start."


    "I thought the words ''I love you'' really mattered. I thought they meant a lifetimemitment. But looking back, nothing matters because everything changes."


    "If ever I ask you the same question again, please don''t tell me the truth. Although it may not be the truth, please tell me you love me."


    After switching off all the lights in the house, the glow from the television flickered on the empress''s face.


    While listening to the lines of Ashes of Time, the empress hugged a bolster tightly with a pensive look on her face. Then, she turned around and looked at Ren Baqian. Following which, she shifted her gaze to the television again and watched the movie in great spirits while cing a slice of chocte into her mouth.


    [Ashes of Time is a 1994 Hong Kong film written and directed by Wong Jiawei and inspired by characters from Jin Yong''s novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes.)


    The more Ren Baqian listened to the lines, the more regret he felt for choosing this movie.


    In the past, he felt that this movie was quite ssy. Now that he watched it again, he wondered why the lines sounded so ridiculous.


    "Mankind never appreciates what they have at the moment. Only when they lose it, do they then realize how much they miss it. That''s why there aren''t many happy people but so many miserable people. Actually, all we have to do is to appreciate and hold on to what we have at the present," Ren Baqian said profoundly while sipping on a bowl of chicken soup. He was trying to distract the empress.


    Ren Baqian had made up his mind to hate Wang Jiawei from today onwards.


    [Wang Jiawei is the director of Ashes of Time.]


    You aren''t an overzealous, infatuated young girl, why are you such a fan of Wang Jiawei''s lines? You might as well watch Cbash Brothers...


    (Cbash Brothers is a Chinese animated TV series produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio.)

 Chapter 220: The Iron Ores are Ready

    Chapter 220: The Iron Ores are Ready


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Boss, two bowls of beancurd jelly and two tiers of steamed buns." Ren Baqian and the empress attracted a lot of attention when they walked into the breakfast shop.


    [Beancurd jelly - a type of Chinese snack made with very soft tofu]


    If they were to see such a woman in a five-star hotel, they would feel that it was nothing out of the blue. But, to see such a woman in a breakfast shop by the roadside, they felt that it was a little odd.


    "Sweet or salty?"


    "Salty!" Ren Baqian said as if it was a matter of course.


    Is there sweet beancurd jelly in the world? Is that thing even edible?


    "Sweet!" The empress couldn''t understand anything but could only catch the word sweet.


    Ren Baqian and the empress looked at each other with deep gazes.


    A whileter , the beancurd jelly was served. The empress frowned upon seeing the concentrated braised soup. There were many ingredients in the braised soup and it didn''t look very appetizing. But, Ren Baqian had already dug in even though it was piping hot. Nevertheless, she tasted a mouthful of it and the taste was still eptable.


    After a hearty breakfast, when they drove past the za, the empress eximed all of a sudden, "What do you think if we build two of such zas in Lan City?"


    After walking around in the za with Ren Baqian yesterday, that carefree appearance, as well as the satisfied expression on themoners faces who were exercising or having fun, made her felt that it would be good to have a ce like this in Dayao''s city.


    "It''s possible, but there wouldn''t be any significance. As a matter of fact, the infrastructure of a city is more important. I notice that many ces in the city are dirt roads and when it rains, it would umte water. The drainage system of the city reliespletely on the irrigation canals and as long as it rains heavier, floods would frequently ur.


    Presently, it is somewhat difficult to remodel Lan City. It is even more troublesome to remodel Lan City than to build a new one. As such, it would be better to build a new city like this only when Dayao earns money."


    Ren Baqian pointed at the surroundings and said,


    "After which, we will gradually remodel the old city to form dual cities in Dayao. The prerequisite is that we have to make money first." Ren Baqian turned around and exined. The more he said, the further he digressed. Unknowingly, the topic was changed from building a za to building a new city. The both of them actually didn''t find that anything was amiss.


    But, everything in Lan City was left behind by the Hao Nation. All the facilities were too backward, and building a new city was much easier than remodeling one.


    Moreover, all kinds of facilities could be nned right from the very beginning.


    In particr, after producing cement, it would, in fact, be very easy to build a city. It wouldn''t be like the past when they had to transport rocks over long distances after cutting and grinding them from far away.


    The only problem would be the pce. It would not be an easy feat to rebuild the pce, in particr, thosendscape gardens.


    Of course, this was only a city and it wasn''t very important to Dayao as a whole. If they wanted to rapidly increase the overall construction of Dayao, the money required would definitely be an astronomical figure.


    And if they wanted to make an overall change in Dayao, there was still a long way to go. It wasn''t just a matter of money.


    Once they have returned to the other world, he would create aparison table of Chinese characters and Dayao characters as soon as possible. Then, he would recruit a few people and trante some basic scientific knowledge into Dayao writing to cultivate his first batch of students. A few yearster, this batch of students who have learnt some fundamentals of physics and chemistry, would then spark a revolution.


    If everything were to be done by him, he would die an earlier death than Zhuge Liang due to exhaustion.


    [Zhuge Liang - Chinese politician, military strategist, writer, engineer, and inventor]


    ...


    The both of them wandered on Earth for three days before returning to Yangxin Pce Hall while carrying several small and big bags of items.


    Previously, he had purchased three drones and within a short span of time, he purchased an additional two. Even the boss of the specialty store could recognize him by now.


    He got a sr battery and, once again, two additional small-sized batteries. In fact, Ren Baqian had his eyes on an electrical umtor and some supporting equipment that could store kilowatts of electricity. This was sufficient enough to light up Yangxin Pce Hall and also power up other electrical appliances such as electric fans, etc. Such a pity that it was too heavy. Including the packaging, the entire set was about 70 kilograms, and he could only bring it back the next time round.


    This time, he bought another twenty walkie-talkies to make their dailymunication more convenient.


    For example, if the empress wanted to look for Ren Baqian, she could directly use the walkie-talkie to contact him. It could also be used as a mobile phone within a short distance.


    The walkie-talkies they were using now weren''t like the cheap ones that they bought previously. This time round, the walkie-talkies they purchased were branded. The effectivemunication range could reach up to 10 kilometers in the open, and up to 3 kilometers within the city.


    When they returned to Yangxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian adjusted two specially prepared walkie-talkies These two walkie-talkies were the most expensive, had the most powerful functions and could monitor other channels as well. He handed one to the empress and kept the other one for himself. At the same time, he also set aside a sr battery for the empress. Only then did he instructed someone to carry the bags back to Pingle Park.


    Ren Baqian returned to the room andy on the bed for a while. Ren Baqian took out the walkie-talkie and called the empress. Once he heard some noise from his walkie-talkie, he immediately spoke, "Your Majesty!"


    A short whileter, the empress''s voice came through, "What''s the matter?"


    At this moment, Hong Luan and Qing Yuan who were somewhere near the empress opened their eyes in disbelief at the small orange box in the empress''s hand. There was a voiceing from inside? Furthermore, it was Deputy Prefect Ren''s voice?


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while if he answered honestly that he was unupied and had nothing to do, he reckoned that he would get beaten up by the empress. He then replied, "I''m just testing out the signal. Now that I have tested, good night to you, Your Majesty."


    The other party immediately turned off the walkie-talkie.


    Ren Baqian drew back the corners of his mouth and ced the walkie-talkie at one side. After which, he entered the Visualization of Water for cultivation. After another while, he woke up from it, copsed on his bed and fell into a deep slumber.


    And at Yangxin Pce Hall, the empress was in a daze while holding onto the walkie-talkie, with her lips slightly curled upwards.


    It seemed that this pce hall wasn''t that cold and deste anymore.


    She then waved at Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, "The both of you can take your leave now."


    After which, she ced the walkie-talkie aside and finallyy on the bed.


    Early the next morning, Ren Baqian brought along sheets of paper that recorded the process of making cement, as well as the characteristics of different types of ores and headed for Ministry of Works. Ren Baqian was surrounded by ten tall and strong bodyguards and his child-like physique was immediately overshadowed as if a wall was built around him.


    The guards at the Ministry of Works had a deep memory of Deputy Prefect Ren, as he was almost assassinated just as he left the Ministry of Works on his previous visit. In addition, Tong Zhenye also specially kept an eye on him as Ren Baqian was immediately invited in once he reached the doors of the Ministry of Works. Upon receiving information, Tong Zhenye was already waiting in the room for him.


    "Sir Tong!" Ren Baqian cupped his fist to the other when he entered the door.


    "The things that you have mentioned the previous time have been brought back. Go and take a look first." Tong Zhenye impatiently pulled Ren Baqian and walked out. He was already so anxious that he didn''t even want to utter any nonsensical words.


    Tong Zhenye pulled Ren Baqian all the way till they reached a room at the back of Ministry of Works. Only then did he finallye to a halt and pointed ahead. "Everything that you want is inside here."


    It was unknown what the room in front of Ren Baqian was used for previously. At present, everything was emptied out and reced with piles of all sorts of things. There were piles of limestone, gypsum rocks, y, feldspar, as well as dolomites. There was also a pile of coal at the side.


    Ren Baqian had little previous knowledge about such things. He could only rely on the things that he had penned down on the paper in his hand to distinguish it all bit by bit, and it seemed like there wasn''t any problem with the materials. He was hoping that the ores in this world were simr to those on Earth.


    "Are there any iron ores?" Ren Baqian turned around again to ask.


    "How much do you need?" Tong Zhenye asked in a low voice.


    "Just a little will do, one cart of it will be sufficient for now." Ren Baqian said. Iron ore powder was also required to make cement. However, this stuff was produced in Mount Liucui. He didn''t mention it before, but he needed it for this task at this moment.


    First of all, he had to use the ratio of the form he obtained online, burn some necessary materials in an earthen kiln and see the specific results. If the form used on Earth couldn''t be used in Dayao, he would still have to try and tweak the form. In that case, it would be somewhat troublesome.


    Once there were no problems with the cement form, they could then prepare forrge-scale mining and transport materials for production.


    "Yes, there is."


    "Is there anywhere in the city that has an earthen kiln?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "There isn''t any inside the city, but, you can find them outside." Tong Zhenye said as he stroked his beard.


    After all, smelting metal still required an earthen kiln. But it wouldn''t be ced in the city.

 Chapter 221: Beautiful Moons

    Chapter 221: Beautiful Moons


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After asking someborers to send the iron ores to an earthen kiln outside of the city and making an appointment for the next day, Ren Baqian went to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to find Ge Yihong. Then, he taught Ge Yihong how the sweet potatoes germinate, how to cultivate them, where they should be nted, and so on and so forth.


    Everyone already knew the potential output and the taste of sweet potatoes; therefore, they had no doubt about this new crop. Ren Baqian merely gave them some information to note. He did not need to worry about the rest as everyone already knew what should be done.


    Even if every sweet potato could germinate, they could only cultivate them on one hundred mu ofnd. After more sweet potatoes were cultivated, they could slowly release them onto the market. This would allow the citizens of Dayao to gradually ept sweet potatoes into their diets. After the production of sweet potatoes stabilized, he could teach them the methods of making sweet potato wine, sweet potato fries, etc.


    There were also some areas that the Department of Agriculture and Livestock had to take note of. For example, a plot ofnd that had sweet potatoes nted on it had to be nted with other crops after the sweet potatoes were harvested to avoid exhausting the soil. Also, eating too many sweet potatoes would cause heartburn.


    Ren Baqian also brought another two crops to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock. One was potatoes and the other one was pumpkins. The potential output of potatoes was lower than sweet potatoes, having an output of roughly three thousand catties per mu ofnd. As for pumpkins, their potential output was about the same as potatoes''.


    Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins had something inmon, that was, they had high starch content. They could be eaten as non-staple or staple food. Furthermore, they had high potential output, which made them perfect as staple food.


    With these three crops, Ren Baqian could proudly im that Dayao would no longer face the issue of food scarcity in the future. Ten yearster, the food output of the other nations would increase greatly as well. After all, all these nations were situated so near to each other. These crops spread to other nations easily.


    Ren Baqian did not consider a potential output of three thousand catties of potatoes to be something amazing. However, when Ge Yihong heard this number, his mouth gaped open without making any sound for a long while. Following which, he faced upwards and burst outughing, causing the dust collected on the beam of the roof to fall down.


    If someone told him there were crops that had a potential output of three thousand catties a few days ago, he wouldugh out loud and chase the person away. He would have felt what the person said wasplete bullsh*t. However, after he witnessed six thousand catties of sweet potatoes being dug from the ground, he valued anything that Ren Baqian took out.


    "Pah!" Ren Baqian swiped off the dust on his head. His entire head and face were covered with dust. The main culprit, Ge Yihong, dodged the dust and appeared beside the door, leaving Ren Baqian alone under the rain of dust.


    Even after swiping a huge amount of dust off his body, Ren Baqian did not seem any better. He was so angry that he red at Ge Yihong. Even though Ge Yihong''s rank was Secondary ss, Rank 3 and his rank was Secondary ss, Rank 5, he did not fear him at all.


    After all, there was a powerful woman behind him.


    Ren Baqian agreed fully with the phrase "Behind every sessful man there is a woman". Even though he wasn''t sessful, he had an extremely powerful woman behind him.


    Ge Yihong did not mind Ren Baqian ring at him, and his facial expression did not change. Ren Baqian was ring at him with utmost effort, but he acted as though he never saw it. Instead, he continued to ask Ren Baqian for the cultivation methods of the potatoes and the pumpkins.


    Even though Ren Baqian was enraged, he still provided Ge Yihong with all the information he needed. Otherwise, he would need to return here again.


    Ren Baqian reminded Ge Yihong of a few important points regarding the potatoes and pumpkins. One important point was that pumpkins couldn''t be consumed together with mutton. And Dayao people often ate mutton.


    After giving all the essential information to Ge Yihong, Re Baqian quickly bade him farewell.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, why don''t youe over to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to work? It just so happens that we are in need of a junior official. Deputy Prefect Ren, you''re perfect for this position." Ge Yihong still wanted to persuade Ren Baqian to stay. At the doorway, there was a Secondary ss, Rank 4 official staring at Ge Yihong with hidden bitterness, resembling a shrew that had been abandoned.


    "I''m not interested, goodbye." Without saying anything else, Ren Baqian immediately left. Until now, he could still feel there was dust in his mouth.


    "Sir!" After Ren Baqian had left, the junior official was still looking at Ge Yihong with bitterness.


    "Sigh. If he cane and work here, I can retire and leave this ce to you," Ge Yihong told the junior official sincerely without any sign of shame on his face.


    The junior official rolled his eyes.


    You speak as if you can make all the decisions.


    You alone can''t decide who takes up this position...


    ��..


    Ren Baqian came out of the pce clean and tidy in the morning and returned to the ce dusty and filthy in the afternoon. After taking a quick bath, he headed to Qingxin Pce to learn words.


    At night, Ren Baqian felt bored and took a stroll around the courtyard. Raising his head, he saw two moons in the sky, one big and one small. The big one was slightlyrger than Earth''s moon. The big moon was slightly red in color. Using his naked eyes, not only could he see craters on the moon, he could also see a small dot in its center.


    "What is that?" Doubt arose in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    In the past, he would asionally raise his head and gaze at the two moons. Today, upon taking a closer look, he discovered that there was a small dot on the center of the big moon. He quickly went to get his binocrs to look at it again. With the binocrs, he could see the small dot slightly clearer.


    Through the binocrs, the moon also became bigger. Soon after, he managed to find the small dot with his binocrs and realized that it was oval-shaped silhouette. Previously, he had never taken notice of it. Now that he took a closer look at it with the binocrs, he discovered that it looked like an eye. He felt weird, feeling as though someone was looking at him.


    However, Ren Baqian knew this was impossible. The small dot must be some oddly shaped terrain.


    One day, he had to bring a telescope here to look closer at the two moons in this world.


    Of course, he thought of this idea in the heat of the moment. He wouldpletely forget about it the next morning.


    Sitting on a stone bench in the garden, Ren Baqian took out the walkie-talkie and called the empress. After a while, he heard some noise from his walkie-talkie. The empress had picked up the call, but she did not say anything. She was waiting for Ren Baqian to say something.


    "Your Majesty�� The moons tonight are really beautiful�� I just wanted to tell you about it," Ren Baqian said after racking his brain for a long while. Right now, he resembled a young boy who was tugging the ponytail of a girl he liked sitting in front of him. Instead of tugging the empress''s hair, he was harassing her with the walkie-talkie. He was simply too bored at this moment.


    After all, back on Earth, he could watch a movie or surf the Inte. There was nothing to do in this world. Right now, he was also not in the mood to cultivate, therefore he yed with the walkie-talkie.


    After finished speaking, he waited for the empress to reply him. After a while, he realized the empress had already switched off the walkie-talkie.


    With a listless look on his face, Ren Baqian raised his head and yelled, "Such is life!"


    After standing in the courtyard for a while more, he returned to the house to begin his cultivation.


    Meanwhile, the empress was lying on the rooftop of Yangxin Pce Hall. Every now and then, she would pour some wine from the wine sk in her hand into her mouth. She was looking at the big and small moons in the sky. Her face was flushed, appearing as though the wine had really gone to her head. Her gaze seemed to be in a light trance.


    "What is Her Majesty looking at?" Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were looking up at the rooftop.


    "I don''t know, recently she has be weirder and weirder."


    "But Her Majesty seldom gets angry these days." Upon hearing Qing Yuan''s words, Hong Luan nodded her head. Also, recently Her Majesty wasn''t as cold as usual. Sometimes, she would smile at them as well. Both of them were very happy with these changes.


    "ng!" A roof tilended on the ground not far away from them, giving them a fright. Both of them immediately covered their mouths and stopped talking. Looking at each other, their eyes curled down, smirking.


    After looking at the moons for a long time, the empress still couldn''t tell in what ways they were beautiful. However, she wasn''t in a bad mood. She felt a warm feeling bubbling in her heart.


    She liked this feeling very much.


    As this feeling gushed out from her heart, she suddenly felt that the moons were indeed beautiful.

 Chapter 222: It Is Indeed Terrifying to Have No Culture

    Chapter 222: It Is Indeed Terrifying to Have No Culture


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Early the next morning, Ren Baqian went out to join Tong Zhenye. In addition, the Overseer of Military Arms Feng Hou, and the Junior Overseer of Military Arms Zhe Hongbo apanied them on this expedition as well. The group of people, along with the imperial bodyguards, majestically headed straight to the outskirts of the east gate.


    Ren Baqian rode on a fork-horned cow, which was the mostmonly seen mount in the ins of Dayao. He was in the midst of the crowd and from time to time, the fork-horned cow would twist its buttocks as if there were nails on the ground. It was really ufortable to ride on this thing and was inferiorpared to the mountain-gazing bird.


    But, it required a lot of courage for one to ride a mountain-gazing bird in a crowd. Let''s not talk about the D��j�� vu of sneaking in an Alto among a fleet of BMWs. The faint but nose-assailing stench that would infiltrate one''s nose was enough to push the majority of the people far away.


    It was the first time Ren Baqian traveled towards the east gate of Lan City. After going out of the east gate and going forward for about an hour, they would have to change their direction and head towards the north for another hour before seeing a small hill. From afar, they were able to see ck smoke emitting from that small hill. When they got closer, they saw a wall which was surrounded by rocks and was about the height of an average human. There was an enormous door right at the front and this ce seemed dested. This was the Jingtian Furnace.


    In general, iron ores from Mount Liucui would be smelted first in a small town outside the mountains. After which, they would be transferred over here together with the iron ores from Mount Damo.


    The guards at Jingtian Furnace opened the door upon seeing a group of peopleing from afar. After everyone had entered, they were able to see a huge piece of vacantnd. It was sparsely packed with iron ores and copper ores after their initial stage of smelting. Also, there was arge pile of firewood which was currently drying in the sun.


    In addition, there were also the ores which Ren Baqian had seen at the Ministry of Works yesterday. Those piles of ores had also been transported over and piled at the side. There were also people smashing them into pieces.


    Firstly, a few fierce-looking burly men put the limestone onto an iron te. After that, they smashed it in one move and it immediately turned into tiny pieces. In no time, a pile of fragmented ores appeared on that iron te. Following which, another person would transport these fragmented ores onto another iron te at the other side. There was a huge stone roller ced on top of the iron te. It was simr to the calendar roll at the front of the road roller. The two people, one on the left and one on the right, pushed the huge stone roller forward which immediately crushed those fragmented pieces further into tinier particles. Then, they pushed it back again.


    After going through this process for a few more times, there was an additional piece of ore powder as well as a little g left on the iron te. Then, someone came to save it aside and used a sieve to sift out the fine powder.


    When everyone turned their heads and looked at the burly men smashing the ores, the people of the Ministry of Works rushed out to meet with them and ushered them inside.


    It was said that an earthen kiln was found inside. However, it would be better to say that it was made from cylinders that were made of y. It was two meters wide and three meters tall. After putting the iron ores inside, arge quantity of firewood would also be put inside to melt them. But, the speed was very slow. Furthermore, it was also necessary to add a rtively rare firewood called ming Timbre to raise the temperature to a sufficient temperature to sessfully melt the iron ores.


    After which, molten iron would flow out of one of the troughs below.


    The iron obtained in this way were soft, but there were a lot of impurities in it. However, it still required a smith to pound the impurities out after burning it for a long time.


    It could be said that the efficiency for the methods of smelting and wroughting the iron was considerably low. Also, it was time-consuming and the consumption of firewood was also great.


    As Ren Baqian walked, he listened to the supervisor of Jingtian Furnaces introduce the sequence of processes over here and nodded to express that he understood.


    However, when Ren Baqian was walking inside, he saw huge boxes that were as tall as an average human, ce by the side of each furnace.


    It was the box bellows that Ren Baqian had mentioned to Feng Hou previously.


    "With this box bellows, the temperature of the furnace has increased a lot and the speed of smelting iron is also much faster. This is all thanks to Deputy Prefect Ren." Feng Hou nodded his head at Ren Baqian.


    That Ministry of Works official looked at Ren Baqian as he heard Feng Hou''s words. The box bellows which he heard of from Feng Hou, was actually suggested by Ren Baqian?


    "When will the other box bellows be ready?" Feng Hou asked that the Ministry of Works official again.


    "It will be ready in two days'' time." That official promptly responded.


    "Are the raw materials used to make cement, mixed ording to the proportion?" Ren Baqian questioned Tong Zhenye. Tong Zhenye looked at Feng Hou, Fenghou looked at Zhen Hongbo, and Zhen Hongbo looked at that official again.


    "Sir, are you talking about the ores that were delivered yesterday? It has been mixed ordingly to the form." That official replied at once.


    Ren Baqian swept his gaze across everyone and noticed that there were all looking at one another. In that case, he felt that it would be better for him to just ask this official.


    "How should I address you?"


    "Sir Deputy Prefect, I am the supervisor of Jingtian Furnaces and you can call me Tie Mu. If there''s anything that Sir doesn''t understand, you can always inquire from me." Tie Mu said with his fists cupped. The husband selected by the empress was the only official in the imperial court that wasn''t an aboriginal. Anyone would be able to recognize him.


    Not to mention those who were officials.


    "Transport the raw materials for making cement over." Ren Baqian nodded. "Let''s take a look at the results after burning it."


    Following that, someone brought over the cement powder. Ren Baqian checked it, and it was all fine powder that had been sifted out.


    After which, they found an empty furnace and added firewood inside. Then, they filled a hollow y pir that had many fine holes, with cement before adding it into the y furnace. Dense smoke soon spouted from the top of the y furnace, drifting in all four directions around it. Everyone took a few steps back to watch from a distance.


    In order to achieve Ren Baqian''s temperature requirements, there was also someone standing amidst the smoke while covering his nose and pulling the bellows. He coughed every now and then before someone went to take over his position.


    "How long do we have to burn it for?" Tong Zhenye asked.


    "It shouldn''t be too long. It will be fine as long as we can achieve the proper temperature." Ren Baqian wasn''t very certain as well. From the data he obtained, there was only information on the changes in cement at a certain temperature. But, there wasn''t any information on how long it should be burned.


    "Let''s try firing bricks," Ren Baqian suggested as he looked at the y furnaces around him.


    Originally, he was ready to wait for the cement to be burned before building a furnace for firing bricks. But at this moment, Ren Baqian felt that he could use these y furnaces to experiment. In any case, they weren''t really busy at all.


    It had been some time since they retrieved that y. Although they weren''t dry, they have eroded to a certain extent and should be sufficient for firing bricks.


    Following which, one of Jingtian Furnaces'' craftsman began to pour the y powder into the trough, added some water and stirred it till it became y paste ording to Ren Baqian''s instructions. Then, he kneaded the mixture into bricks of fixed shape. He ced them inside, along the walls of the y furnace before adding firewood in the middle and started to calcine.


    "I''m afraid that this will require about ten days to burn without stopping the fire at all," Ren Baqian said to Tie Mu as he hurriedly noted it down.


    Until now, he didn''t even know what these big shots were burning y for. In any case, he just had to follow ordingly to their arrangements. Nowadays, there wasn''t much work at Jingtian Furnaces anyway. Within a month, they were unupied for at least two weeks.


    The firing of cement was very fast. It quenched and cooled quickly before the sky turned dark. After that, they took that hollow y pir out and poured the cement onto the ground. It was already sintered pieces inside and when it fell to the ground, it broke down into even smaller pieces.


    Everyone judged Ren Baqian. This was the cement which he imed was simr to stone?


    Ren Baqian crouched by the side of those worked materials and used his hand to grab some. In his hands were additional crystals that were simr to ss, it was sintered during the use of the high temperature.


    "Eh? Are these precious stone?" At first, Feng Hou was astounded. Soon after, he revealed an expression that he had just discovered a big secret.


    Just now, it was clearly soil when it was delivered inside. But after he exited the room, why were there gemstones in the room? Albeit the gemstones were small and didn''t worth much, but they were still definitely more valuable than soil.


    Although the materials didn''t burn into stone like what Ren Baqian said, but if it was possible to obtain precious stones from the process, this was already considered a big step forward.


    But everyone began to let their imaginations roam freely.


    Where were these soils dug out from?


    "It''s ss. Or, it could be said that it''s the crystallization of ss." Ren Baqian gave everyone the side-eye.

 Chapter 223: Friends Are Like Clothing

    Chapter 223: Friends Are Like Clothing


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In the garden, the empress was dazedly looking at a white flower. She remembered someone told her this flower was extraordinary. When she thought of the serious look on that person''s face, she suddenly chuckled. Then, she turned around and asked Hong Luan, "What''s Deputy Prefect Ren doing?"


    "Deputy Prefect Ren has gone to the Ministry of Works," Hong Luan replied.


    The empress nodded her head. Following which, she thought of something and said to Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, "Send a yiniao to General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation and ask him to find Lu Pinghai and bring the thing back. As long as he is willing to exchange it for something, give him anything he wants."


    "Yes," Hong Luan replied and left in a hurry.


    ...


    Jingtian Furnaces.


    Tong Zhenye, Feng Hou, and the rest were looking at the crystal bits that they obtained from cement under the sun. The crystal bits were giving off colorful dazzling glow. These crystal bits looked like gemstones, but they had already confirmed that they were not.


    "Mix the gypsum powder and these stone materials in the ratio of 3 to 97," Ren Baqian taught a craftsman how to mix the worked materials. If nothing went wrong, this would be the cement they were looking for.


    They would only know how well the cement would work after mixing water and grit to it and letting it set overnight.


    Then, they bought the cement and grit back to the Ministry of Works. The moment they reached their destination, they impatiently found a spot in the backyard and mixed the cement and grit together with some water.


    Ren Baqian found two rocks to be used as bricks and smeared them with the cement. By tomorrow morning, they would know how well the cement worked.


    "Alright, wee back tomorrow morning. By then, we will know the oue," Ren Baqian said as he looked the color of the sky. Nowadays, the weather of Dayao was extremely hot, having a temperature of up to 33 degrees Celsius. The cement should be ready by tomorrow morning.


    After returning to the pce, Ren Baqian headed straight to Qingxin Pce Hall to learn how to read. When the sky darkened, he stood up and prepared to leave.


    "Eh!" Lin Qiaole yelled when she saw Ren Baqian standing up.


    "What?" Ren Baqian lowered his head and looked at her.


    Lin Qiaole cast a nce at him and asked, "I heard that Her Majesty has chosen you to be her husband?"


    Ren Baqian thought about her question. It''s true that she has chosen me to be her husband. If that''s the case, am I going to adopt her surname?


    "Why?" Lin Qiaole widened her eyes and asked.


    Ren Baqian spread his hands with resignation.


    You''re really slow. It has been so many months and you only know of it now? How ill-informed are you exactly?


    And how would I know the answer to your question?


    Everything happened too abruptly, and the wheel of fate kept on spinning. Ren Baqian himself was overwhelmed with shock for a very long period of time as well.


    "You''re so ugly and weak, I can even kill you with one finger," Lin Qiaole said with disgust, "Why did Her Majesty choose you?"


    Ren Baqian''s face darkened.


    I really don''t feel like talking to you now...


    Ren Baqian pointed two of his fingertips in the air at Lin Qiaole''s head. If he knew [Six Arteries Divine Sword], he would have shot her to death.


    ([Six Arteries Divine Sword] is a martial art from Demigods and Semi-Devils, a wuxia novel.)


    "No wonder you have no friends, it has been so many months and you only know of it now," Ren Baqian said with disdain.


    "What is ''friends''?" Lin Qiaole suddenly asked, "I have seen this term on many books but what does it mean?"


    When Ren Baqian saw the innocent look on Lin Qiaole''s face, he suddenly couldn''t bear to chide her. After all, she grew up in this ce alone. Every day, other than eating and sleeping, she spent all her time stuck in this ce.


    Her probability of meeting and befriending people was smaller than winning a lottery ticket. The probability of her having friends was probably the same as the probability of her getting hit by an asteroid.


    "Wives are like limbs, friends are like clothing. Having no friends is equivalent to running naked on the street," Ren Baqian replied sincerely after thinking about Lin Qiaole''s question.


    Lin Qiaole looked nkly at Ren Baqian. After a long while, she somewhat figured out what he was implying and replied with contempt, "Pervert."


    "That''s why you have to make a few friends when you have the opportunity," Ren Baqian continued.


    After Ren Baqian left, Lin Qiaole was still in a daze. Even though she had seen the term "friends" many times, she still did not know what it meant.


    Ren Baqian headed for Yangxin Pce Hall. When he reached there, dinner had already been served. The empress did not touch the food at all, appearing to be in a daze thinking about something.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian greeted the empress.


    "Oh," the empress returned to her senses and asked, "How''s the progress at the Ministry of Works?"


    The tasks that Ren Baqian had for the Ministry of Works were very important to the future of Dayao. Therefore, she wanted to know about their progress.


    Actually, she could simply instruct the Ministry of Works to report to her. However, she wanted to hear from Ren Baqian as he knew more about these things.


    "We still don''t know the oue yet, we will only find out about it tomorrow," Ren Baqian replied, "If we seed, Dayao can build taller buildings in the future. Furthermore, if we want to build walls, we will not need to dig out stones, cut them, and transport them here from distant ces anymore. This way, we can save a lot of manpower."


    "Inform me of the oue tomorrow then." The empress nodded her head.


    "Let''s have dinner together," the empress continued. Then, she straightened her body.


    Ren Baqian had a hunch that she had been waiting for him. With a smile on his face, Ren Baqian poured some wine for the empress.


    After finishing their dinner, Ren Baqian asked curiously, "Your Majesty, don''t you need to train?"


    He had been curious about this for a very long period of time.


    Every aboriginal that he came across was training every day. However, he had never seen the empress train before.


    Given her powerful strength at this young age, other than being gifted, shouldn''t she be training one hundred times harder than other people?


    However, Ren Baqian had never seen her train before, let alone training one hundred times harder than other people.


    The empress shook her head and replied, "I am training at all times."


    Ren Baqian did not quite understand what she meant. Following which, he said, half understandingly, "So walking is considered training, eating is considered training, sleeping is considered training, and sitting is considered training, right?"


    The empress shook her head and gave a rough exnation, "No, it means training at every single moment, be it you''re sleeping, eating, sitting or walking. The aboriginals that you havee across are mainly on the level of Four-way Heaven or Kismet Heaven. These people treat their bodies as Heaven and Earth and they train their bodies on the grind. For someone who has attained the level of Cardinal Heaven, he or she naturally does not need to train as hard as those people."


    Ren Baqian somewhat understood these words.


    As for the exact details, he wouldn''t understand even if the empress exined it to him. Therefore, he did not ask her any more questions.


    "Your Majesty, do you want to y Five in a Row?" Ren Baqian suddenly thought of it and asked.


    Upon hearing this question, the empress did not bother to even look at him. Ever since that day she lost the game against him, she had zero interest in it.


    Suddenly, she raised her head and looked at Ren Baqian. "Since you''re so free, sing the song that you mentioned to me that day."


    Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood. Why did she remember it? At aplete loss, he replied, "Your Majesty, I will bring an erhu back and y you the song ''Pomp and Circumstance'' in the future."


    "Alright, but you must remember what you have said. If you forget about it, it''s considered lying to me and that''s a punishable crime byw."


    When Ren Baqian heard these words, he almost kneeled down on the ground. Did she learn these words from "Empresses in the Pce"? Ren Baqian felt that he shouldn''t have let her watch this kind of nonsensical show.


    [Empresses in the Pce is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the Inte novel of the same name by Liu Lianzi.]


    "Your Majesty��" Ren Baqian raised his head and looked at the empress''s face and replied, "How can I forget what I promised you?"


    After Ren Baqian left, a smile appeared on the empress''s face. As she picked up the wine cup and sipped from it, she suddenly thought of a line in the movie she watched that day. "The more wine I drink, the warmer I feel. The more water I drink, the colder I feel."


    Right now, her heart was feeling warm.


    She finally understood what this line meant.

 Chapter 224: House Yunyan

    Chapter 224: House Yunyan


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the second morning, Ren Baqian went to the Ministry of Works again. He saw Tong Zhenye and asked, "Sir Tong, how is the cement now?"


    "Let''s go together to take a look," Tong Zhenye said. "I haven''t had the time to check on it yet."


    The two went by the backyard and did not see Feng Hou or Zhe Hongbo. After all, they were officials who had to deal with a lot of things every day. They didn''t have much time to spend on just looking at the cement. So long as they knew the results of the cement, it would be sufficient.


    As Tong Zhenye was the minister in the Ministry of Works, he had a broader outlook on matters than most people and his concern for the cement was also much higher.


    When they reached the backyard, they saw the pile of cement that was mixed yesterday and a block that consisted of two stones cemented together.


    Ren Baqian used the tip of his toe to feel it and found it to be very hard.


    "I have seeded?" Ren Baqian was ted. What he feared most was that the ores in this world were different in some aspects from those on Earth. After all, this was a different world and whether it was even in the same universe was also not known.


    Furthermore, there were spirit swords and extremely powerful martial art skills in this world. Therefore, it was normal for differences to exist between these two worlds.


    Testing the hardness of the cement with his leg had let him see hope for sess.


    He squatted down to press with his finger and sure enough, it felt as hard as stone. He checked the block that had two stones cemented together again and found that the cement had solidified and wrapped around the stones.


    He lifted up the block and threw it on the ground with all his might. A corner of the te was smashed and only a piece of the cement was chipped off.


    "Sess, there is no problem with this cement." Ren Baqian said happily.


    Tong Zhenye saw the action by Ren Baqian, understood the result and nodded his head.


    Leaning on the cement block, he patted it before smashing it with his palm again. The pile of cement on the ground fell apart and some piecesnded on Ren Baqian''s body.


    Ren Baqian gasped for breath, it wasn''t fear, but pain, as a piece of cement had hit the shin bone of his calf directly.


    "Ow, hiss, ow!" Ren Baqian clutched his calf and hopped continuously.


    "It is slightly inferior to stone, but eptable. Even though it requires quite a lot of materials, but it is much easier than collecting stones, grinding them and then transporting them." Tong Zhenye nodded and turned to look at Ren Baqian''s painful expression, averted his eyes and acted like he did not see anything.


    After thinking about it, he felt that Ren Baqian had many good things in his hands and might have something he desired. He then apologized, "I am sorry."


    After Ren Baqian jumped for a long time, he lifted his trouser leg, saw a bruise on his calf and a cut that was still bleeding as well.


    On reflection, he could not be calctive with Tong Zhenye as these aboriginals were crude, and it was just due to his bad luck.


    "The next step is to store more cement and wait for ten days to see how the burning of the bricks go. If there''s no problem, then build the brick kiln first. Put full effort in producing cement and bricks, and then prepare to build a st furnace.


    Once the st furnace is built, ss can be produced. Moreover, this type of st furnace can also be used to produce steel, so much so that it can directly refine steel and save heaps of effort.


    "In addition, cement has many other uses, such as paving the roads by directly applying it. gstones will not be required anymore. The same is true for the repair of city walls and simr structures. It is beneficial to produce as much as possible and its consumption will certainly be huge in the future." Ren Baqian rubbed his leg as he spoke to Tong Zhenye.


    "I understand, I will present a petition to Her Majesty and dispatch people to carry out these matters." Tong Zhenye nodded his head and did not doubt what Ren Baqian said. As for paving the road, even if Ren Baqian did not mention it, he would have thought of itter on.


    If this cement was utilized properly, it was a good material which would be of special benefit to the Ministry of Works.


    Then he looked at Ren Baqian again and said, "The cement that Deputy Prefect Ren have given us have been very useful to Dayao and the Ministry of Works. Tonight, I will host a banquet at House Yunyan in honor of you as well as to express my gratitude. The officials of the Ministry of Works will be there, and you must certainly attend."


    Ren Baqian dly nodded his head after hearing this, it was the first time a big shot from the court had invited him to a banquet and could be implying eptance of him. After all, how could he just rely on the empress and wander around the pce every day?


    He hoped this was a good start to letting him quickly integrate into Dayao''s court.


    After leaving the Ministry of Works, Ren Baqian headed directly to the beast park.


    A short distance from the entrance, he saw Caretaker Shi exercising with stone dumbbells. The stone dumbbells, which weighed about thirty kilograms, were being lifted up and down repeatedly and he was sweating all over.


    On noticing Ren Baqian''s presence, Caretaker Shi''s hands trembled, and the dumbbells smashed straight into the house.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren." Caretaker Shi didn''t even take a look despite the loud bang and dust generated, giving the impression of a cool-guy-who-doesn''t-turn-his-head-to-look-at-explosions.


    "Caretaker Shi." Ren Baqian smiled.


    "I was wondering when Deputy Prefect Ren would be back, those shaved ice shops made a profit of four hundred over taels of silver over these two months and the fans you made have had a profit of over two hundred taels of silver.


    Giving me a part of the profit from the shaved ice shops is enough. I have to give you four hundred and fifty taels of silver. Nowadays, it is not easy to see Deputy Prefect Ren and I was wondering how to pass the money to you." On mentioning this matter, Caretaker Shi became ted. The shaved ice shop made over four hundred taels of silver in just over two months and his share was over two hundred taels of silver. He could have an ie of about one thousand taels of silver this year, which was a king''s ransom to him.


    Of course, he never expected Ren Baqian to receive promotion after promotion during these few months. From an official position that was one level lower than his, he rose to be a Secondary ss, Rank 5 official. This official post of Imperial Deputy Prefect was inconsequential, but the important thing was being chosen by Her Majesty as her future husband.


    Thinking about these changes in the past few months, he had some regrets.


    Regarding this matter, Ren Baqian didn''t pay much attention to it recently. He only remembered the shops he set up when Caretaker Shi mentioned it.


    Although money didn''t mean much to him now, he was still happy to get more than four hundred taels of silver and using it to reward other people wasn''t a bad thing. The most important point was it was earned from his own enterprise and was totally different from what was given by the empress.


    "How is the shaved-ice business doing recently?" Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    " The shaved-ice business is still doing well, but I have stopped making the electric fans as several other shops are selling them," Caretaker Shi replied with a tinge of regret.


    "It doesn''t matter," Ren Baqian casually said.


    Originally, he wanted to tell him there would be more good stuff for him to sell in the future, but he retracted his words before they came out of his mouth.


    In terms of Caretaker Shi''s status, the present business was considered his limits and any more wealth would make other people jealous of him.


    At least, this was the case on Earth.


    As for the future, it depended on Caretaker Shi''s luck. If he had the opportunity, he would offer some words of advice to help him make some money and wouldn''t forget the friendship forged during his initial period here.


    "When the timees, I will get someone to retrieve it. This time, I am here to ask for two people from you," Ren Baqian told Caretaker Shi.


    "No problem," Caretaker Shi replied.


    "Find Teng Hulu and Tie Tao, I want to ask them if they would like to follow and work for me."


    "There is no way they will be unwilling. They have been thinking of Sir Deputy Prefect all this time and their only worry is that you have forgotten them."


    A momentter, Teng Hulu and Tie Tao were found, and they greeted Ren Baqian with joy.


    "Are the both of you willing to work for me?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Of course, we are willing. Your underlings are thankful that Sir Deputy Prefect has not forgotten the both of us." The two were overjoyed. It was a great fortune to work for Ren Baqian.


    Even if it were as before, they wouldn''t refuse. Now that Ren Baqian was in an even higher position and status, it was a no-brainer.


    Both of them knew their own strength. Their abilities were average and if they had not served Ren Baqian when he was just a caretaker, it wouldn''t be up to them to serve Ren Baqian at this moment.


    "It is settled, this token is for the two of you. See me in the pce tomorrow morning. As for your residence, get the money from Caretaker Shi and rent a ce in the city," Ren Baqian informed them.


    This token was requested by him from the empress to enable him to mobilize people to do farm work or implement his other ideas.


    Ren Baqian returned to the pce after meeting a few people. He enquired about the whereabouts of the empress and then went to the garden. Anyway, he still had to notify her of the invitation to the banquet that night.


    The empress usually stayed in just a few ces. It was either Yangxin Pce Hall, the garden, or Qing Xin Pce Hall, and the beast park. These ces seemed really uninteresting to Ren Baqian.


    On seeing the empress, Ren Baqian paid his courtesies and sat down one side and said happily, "Your Majesty, the cement project is a sess."


    "It is good news, but you have been more than amply rewarded, so I will not reward you any further." The empress nodded her head. She had seen the tall buildings on Earth and her understanding of the importance of cement was deeper than Tong Zhenye.


    Ren Baqianughed, "To be able to stay by Your Majesty''s side is the greatest reward."


    After hearing this, the empress slightly tilted her face and her eyes narrowed under the sunlight. She always liked to hear him say these types of words.


    The two just sat there, talking asionally, but most of the time they were silent. The empress wasn''t talkative, and Ren Baqian was a man of few words.


    But, their mood was very rxed, and the atmosphere was very warm. Even Qing Yuan and Hong Luan kept their distance so as not to disturb them.


    It was only after lunch that Ren Baqian brought up the topic regarding the invitation by Tong Zhenye to attend the banquet dinner.


    After thinking a little while, the empress asked, "Where is it held?"


    "House Yunyan." Ren Baqian replied.


    "Oh, I know." The empress said, "Change your clothes this evening and get ready to go. If you encounter anything interesting, tell me when you get back."


    Then, Ren Baqian left for Qingxin Pce Hall, and in the evening, he changed his clothes and went towards House Yunyan.


    When he mentioned this ce, the pce guards around him gave a strange expression.


    "Why, what is wrong with this ce?" Ren Baqian doubtfully asked.


    Everyone''s expression became even weirder.


    There was nothing wrong with the ce, it was, in fact, a nice ce.


    The key point was that the person going wasn''t the right one.


    "My Excellency, in Great Xia it is known as a brothel." The lead bodyguard assigned by the empress couldn''t help telling Ren Baqian.


    "Pfft !" Ren Baqian spat out old blood upon hearing what he said.

 Chapter 225: The Four Great Courtyards

    Chapter 225: The Four Great Courtyards


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "How dare Tong Zhenye, that old bast*rd invite me to a brothel?" Ren Baqian almost dropped to his knees.


    Ren Baqian''s heart raced.


    Does the empress know what kind of ce is it? She shouldn''t know, right? Who will tell her anything about a brothel?


    Should I go?


    Is there even a need to ask this question?


    Of course I''m going!


    Hmmm, I wonder how the brothels in this world are like? Is it true that the prostitutes in ancient times are proficient in all four arts? Let me go and take a look then! Are Tong Zhenye and those bast*rds daring enough to arrange a prostitute for me?


    [The four arts are zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting.]


    Ren Baqian turned around with a look of doubt on his face and asked, "What is a brothel?"


    Since I don''t know anything about it, I''m innocent. Furthermore, I don''t even know House Yunyan is a brothel. Your Majesty, me those old bast*rds if you want.


    "Let''s go, we shouldn''t bete for Sir''s banquet," Ren Baqian said to everyone. Taking the lead, he walked off in a rush.


    Looking at the fervent gaze in Ren Baqian''s eyes, everyone quickly followed behind him. Why are you in a rush when you don''t even know what a brothel is?


    Ren Baqian did not care what anyone thought about him. In any case, he already had an excuse for himself.


    Even though he knew he couldn''t do anything there, the girls that he would be able to see there were still a treat for his eyes.


    However, Ren Baqian had forgotten an important verse that was applicable to his situation: If you ask me how mncholy I am now, I feel like a eunuch going to a brothel.


    [This is an altered version of a line from Li Yu''s poem in the Song Dynasty. Basically, this line means that it''s pointless for a eunuch to go to a brothel as he can''t physically enjoy the experience there.]


    Even though he wasn''t a eunuch, he felt worse than a eunuch. A eunuch could still go around touching girls, but he wasn''t free to even do so.


    In between Wudaogou District and Shihu District, there was a street called Jing Street. However, most people would call it the Alley of the Four Great Courts.


    During the day, this area was quiet and sparsely popted. During the night, it would be brightly lit and bustling with activity. Carriages and mounts could be seen everywhere. Especially those foreigners that were staying in Lan City, they woulde here whenever they were free. An ambassador from Great Xia, Gu Zicheng, would spent twenty out of thirty days a month here.


    The main reason why this street was called the Alley of the Four Great Courtyards was that there were four famous courtyards here. They were called Baihua Courtyard, Qinghua Courtyard, Duiye Courtyard, and Jinyu Courtyard.


    The prostitutes in these four courtyards were sweet and gentle girls from Great Xia,the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation. Therefore, they werepletely different from aboriginal girls. Other than foreign merchants, there were also many aboriginals frequenting these four courtyards.


    Aboriginal girls were shrewish in nature and they knew nothing about the four arts. Those who visited a brothel definitely weren''t looking for tigresses? Furthermore, many aboriginal girls were stronger than men. Even if they were weaker than men, they were still proficient in hunting and fighting, allowing them to find someone to settle down with. Therefore, one wouldn''t be able to see any aboriginal girl in this kind of ce.


    House Yunyun was the most famous brothel in Baihua Courtyard. Those who visited this ce were powerful and influential individuals. This brothel wouldn''t allow people below a certain standard to enter. Furthermore, most of the prostitutes in this hotel were proficient in the four arts. Not only were there girls from Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation, there were also sweet-tempered girls from the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Ordinary people couldn''t enter this brothel at all. Therefore, there were many rumors surrounding it. This was also why its fame was spread far and wide.


    Ren Baqian was whipping his mount furiously as he rode forward with urgency. Guided by the imperial guards, Ren Baqian and his counterparts arrived at the Alley of the Four Great Courtyards after half an hour. By now, the sky had already darkened. The buildings on both sides of the street were lit up. Bright and gorgeousnterns were also hanging on the walls surrounding the four courtyards, looking extremely beautiful.


    Ren Baqian could already see many people walking on the street. Most of them were foreigners that had brought bodyguards with them. Most of these people were very low-profiled. There were also some people that arrogantly strode through the street. These people were the children of those powerful imperial officials. A formidable aura exuded from their bodies. They did not even bother to cast a single nce at those foreigners, simply bumping into them as they walked. It''s your fault if you bump into me.


    Ren Baqian looked around and found two rather familiar persons. He seemed to have seen them before during the Great Hunt. If Ren Baqian could recognize familiar faces, other people could definitely recognize him as well. After all, his followers were wearing the imperial guard uniforms. Those who saw them were scared out of their skins as they thought the empress was here.


    These people immediately extended their heads to take a closer look.


    When they saw the person whom they were protecting was Ren Baqian, a look of realization dawned upon their faces.


    Ahh, it''s this fellow...


    Following which, they widened their eyes with shock.


    How dare this fellowe to this ce?


    Ren Baqian''s boldness alone won many people''s approval.


    A carriage that had two men sitting opposite each other was moving forward slowly. Both of them looked handsome and refined.


    They were Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju. They followed their Fifth Uncle to Lan City.


    "That''s the guy?" The pair eximed in astonishment as they looked at Ren Baqian through the curtain gap.


    "How dare he visit a brothel? Do you think Qi Zixiao knows?" Zhang Heqi had a look of incredulity on his face.


    "Third Brother, don''t address her directly by name here, someone might hear you." Even though Zhang Heju was surprised, he still gave Zhang Heqi a warning. There were many Dayao officials here and most of them were quite powerful. If someone heard them addressing the empress directly by her name, they might get into trouble.


    Zhang Heqi immediately shut up. Then, he said again, "Do you think the empress of Dayao knows he is here?"


    "So what if she knows? It is none of our business," Zhang Heju said softly as he continued to look at Ren Baqian.


    At this moment, an imperial guard that stood near them sensed something and turned around to look at their carriage.


    Zhang Heju immediately put down the curtain for the fear of the guard noticing him.


    "His status skyrocketed and ours remains stagnant even though we have already stayed here for two months," Zhang Heqi said with jealousy. If Ren Baqian was an aboriginal, he wouldn''t feel so bad. After all, it was natural for an aboriginal to be favored in Dayao. However, Ren Baqian was a foreigner, but Qi Zixiao still chose him to be her husband.


    Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju had stayed in Dayao for two months, but they had yet to make any progress.


    He was smarter and more handsome than Ren Baqian. In which aspect did he lose out to him? But Qi Zixiao still chose Ren Baqian to be her husband.


    This was why Zhang Heqi was so jealous of Ren Baqian.


    He wasn''t the only one, even Zhang Heju felt the same way too. However, Zhang Heju was slightly more cunning and prudent than Zhang Heqi. He seldom revealed his true thoughts or emotions.


    "I heard that the empress of Dayao went to the Nine Pavilions recently because of him. She killed Hua Sanliu and destroyed the entire Nine Pavilions. She''s truly terrifying�� But I can tell that Qi Zixiao indeed cares about him, so much so that she is willing to take such a risk��"


    ...


    Stopping in front of a courtyard, Ren Baqian looked left and right and asked, "Is this the ce?"


    "Sir, this is the ce," Xu Wei nodded his head and replied.


    Ren Baqian looked at the entrance and realized that there wasn''t any signboard. Furthermore, there were two aboriginals holding a saber each standing guard at the entrance.


    How does this look like a brothel? It looks more like a prison!


    However, when he looked through the entrance, he could see a building across the courtyard. He could hear coquettish femaleughtering from within the building. However, there was a rock garden in the center of the courtyard which blocked more than half of his sight of the building. He could hear theirughter, but he couldn''t see anything. This made him even more anxious to enter the building.


    Getting off his mount, Ren Baqian strode into the courtyard with Xu Wei and the imperial guards following behind him.


    "Sir," two burly aboriginals standing at the entrance cupped their fists and greeted Ren Baqian


    Ren Baqian reckoned that this ce was operated by a powerful Dayao official. Otherwise, the aboriginals working here wouldn''t be willing to work under foreigners, let alone standing guard at the entrance.


    Even though his conjecture wasn''t exactly right, it wasn''t exactly wrong as well.


    Baihua Courtyard wasn''t the only one that was opened by an influential aboriginal, the remaining three courtyards were as well.


    Their backers weren''t imperial officials, but rather, four protectorates in Dayao.


    The powerful backers of the four great courtyards were the North, Northeast, Southeast, and South protectorates. A portion of the profits they made through the four great courtyards was directed to the army, allowing them to buy resources from other nations.


    The governors of the protectorates weren''t the backers of these four great courtyards, but rather, the protectorates themselves were their backers.


    Therefore, Lan City only had these four courtyards all these years.


    ...


    "House Yunyan? I think I heard of it before��" The empress rubbed her chin dazedly.

 Chapter 226: I Will Help You Shoulder the Blame

    Chapter 226: I Will Help You Shoulder the me


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian took a detour around the rock garden and was finally able to see the building ahead. Outside the three-tier wooden building was a wooden verandaid with green tiles.


    And every tier had an overhanging ledge covered with ash green tiles, totally different from the typical boorish style of buildings in Dayao. On the contrary, it looked somewhat graceful.


    The building was quite huge, and its lobby directly faced the rock garden. Women''s tender giggles and men''s loudughter could be heard from inside.


    "You don''t look, familiar Sir, this must be your first time here. Pleasee in Sir. Would you fancy the lobby or a private cubicle?" A short and considerably prettydy of approximately 28 years old with huge boobs hurried forward and greeted with a bow. She was very courteous and smiled as she lightly sized up Ren Baqian. She had a very neat smile and there was no makeup on her face. Ren Baqian had imagined a female brothel keeper to be smooth with their words and extremely flirtatious, but she was totally different.


    However, this had, in fact, got Ren Baqian feeling morefortable. If they were to have that sort of a familiar face to them, like how it was in television shows, he really wouldn''t know how to deal with it.


    In fact, Ren Baqian wanted to go to the lobby to look around. The main purpose of this trip was to satisfy his curiosity. If not, why would he have taken the risk ofing here when he had to go back and kneel on the washboard? He would have loads of opportunities when he was back on Earth.


    However, he still went ahead and asked, "Has Sir Tong, the Minister of Works arrived?"


    "So you are a guest of Minister Tong. He hasn''t arrived yet, but many Sirs are already here. Shall I bring you over Sir?" thatdy replied.


    "No hurry." Ren Baqian waved his hand. "Let''s take a look at the lobby."


    "Sir Deputy Prefect!" Xu Wei promptly attempted to dissuade him as he heard those words.


    "No worries, I''m just going to have a look." Ren Baqian waved his hand again. "This building seems pretty elegant, I wonder how the interior will look."


    He took arge stride forward before Xu Wei could stop him.


    This was his aim. How could he give up on this opportunity?


    There was a circle of tables in the lobby, each separated by screens.


    And in the middle was a tform of about three inches tall. It was simr to the performance stages usually found in pubs.


    The lounge wasn''t exactlyvish, but it was very elegant. It could be seen that there was a lot of effort put in everywhere. There were bonsais in almost every corner as well.


    Ren Baqian walked into the lobby, took a nce at the concept, and was slightly disappointed.


    This ce indeed had many young and prettydiesing in and out. There were a few of them apanying their customers at a few tables, and their bell-likeughter rang out.


    Those women were the same as thedy behind him. They had no makeup on their faces and portrayed a very clean and delicate look. Their smiles were also very neat and proper, without even the slightest bit of promiscuity.


    However, it was far from what he had expected to see at a brothel.


    To mention the shortfalls, Ren Baqian felt that it wasn''t exciting enough.


    It was too proper and too refined. There weren''t even any flirtatious women with their cleavages revealed, and it wasn''t seductive at all.


    On second thoughts, Ren Baqian felt that he could have over thought the whole thing. If there were to be any action, the cubicles were just upstairs. There was no apparent reason for the people to be overly sexual here in the lobby.


    "Forget it, let''s go. To House Yunyan," Ren Baqian turned over and instructed thedy behind.


    Xu Wei heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Ren Baqian indeed only came to take a look. He was really frightened as he followed Ren Baqian into this ce.


    If anything were to happen here, he would really get into big trouble.


    Xu Wei''s mood dampened even further when he recalled that he heard about Ren Baqian running into a bichi.


    House Yunyan was behind that building. There was a pond just beside it, and a stream branched out of it, flowing past House Yunyan.


    Ren Baqian was led from the side of the courtyard, directly to the second story of House Yunyan. He opened the door and saw a few people. Feng Hou, Zhe Hongbo, Zhu Yihong, and three other unknown officials were sitting inside. Every one of them had an extremely beautiful and gentledy seated beside them, chatting andughing happily.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes brightened as he witnessed this.


    "Greetings everyone, I''m notte, am I?" Ren Baqianughed as he cupped his hands.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren! What time is it now, and you still say that you''re notte. Three jars for you first," Zhe Hongbo replied with a huge burst ofughter, and everyone else sessively nodded their heads.


    Ren Baqian almost stumbled over.


    I meant it as a polite greeting, and you guys actually took it seriously.


    Furthermore, that penalty drink of yours goes by jars?


    If I were to drink that today, I would be a fool.


    "You must be joking, Junior Official Zhe. Given my standards, I can''t even drink three cups, not to even mention three jars." Ren Baqian stared firmly at Zhe Hongbo.


    Everyone had a fake smile and gave a weird look, making Ren Baqian''s hair stand on end.


    "Sit here, Deputy Prefect Ren," Zhu Yihong called out to Ren Baqian. The seat was just right next to his. There was another empty seat, and Ren Baqian thought that it must be Tong Zhenye''s.


    If they were to sit ording to their ranks, he wouldn''t even have the chance to sit there no matter what.


    But in actual fact, no one could let go of him.


    After all, the banquet was nominally tomemorate Ren Baqian for introducing cement and sweet potatoes, and needless to say, his other identity.


    Ren Baqian found out the identities of the other three men when he sat down. One of them was Li Ye, Junior Official of the Department of Ordnance. The other one was Tong Yan, Official of Department of Construction. Thest one was Feng Lie, Assistant Minister of Works.


    Among them, the supervisor of Craftworks was mainly responsible for the renovation of buildings, manufacturing of official robes, and the registration of craftsmen, etc.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, I have to thank you for producing the cement. We will be able to save a lot of time when we build or renovate houses in the future." Tong Yan cupped his hands after Ren Baqian took his seat.


    "It was in service of Her Majesty," Ren Baqian replied hurriedly.


    Following that, everyone began chatting with each other. From time to time, they poked fun at the beautifuldies around them as well.


    Everyone had a young, beautiful, gentle and pleasant lookingdy by their side. It would cause many people to drool if the photos of thesedies were circted on Earth.


    Only Ren Baqian was all alone, without anypanion. He opened his eyes wide and realized a problem. Could he have fallen into a trap?


    This bunch of old chaps unexpectedly invited me to a brothel, and then every one of them is hugging ady each while I just look on.


    This progression isn''t right, is it?


    Out of goodwill, they should at least find me ady to talk to.


    Ren Baqian was there pinching his forehead, pondering whether those people were doing it on purpose or did they pick their owndies when, at that moment, heavy footsteps could be heard outside the door. Everyone stopped what they were doing. Tong Zhenye opened the door and said, "I amte."


    "Sir Tong, you are thest person to arrive. Take three jars as a punishment," Zhu Yihong repeated what Zhe Hongbo said just now loudly.


    Even though Tong Zhenye was his superior, but when it was time to run on a bank, he wouldn''t show a single bit of leniency.


    "Well said, well said." Tong Zhenyeughed out loud, and replied, "Why are you sitting there alone, Sir Ren?"


    He turned his head and shouted loudly towards the outside, "Get Qing You and Ling Guan here."


    After that, he took big strides into the room and sat beside Ren Baqian. He pped Ren Baqian''s shoulders, which almost caused him to fall through the table. "I''ve camete and will finish my drink as respect in a while."


    "Sir Ren camete too." Zhe Hongbo added indistinctly.


    Ren Baqian gave Zhe Hongbo the side-eye.


    Why do you keep targeting me?


    What hatred andints do you have against me?


    Tong Zhenye burst outughing. "Hurry up and serve the wine."


    The wine was served soon after his voice sounded. Everyone had a jar in front of them, and it seemed like it was approximately half a liter of wine.


    Even when the table was already filled with jars, they still kept repeatedly serving it. They left only after they had brought in twenty of those small jars to the side of the room.


    In one p, Tong Zhenye shattered the cover of the jar and handed it over to Ren Baqian. He took another jar and held it up towards everyone. "Let''s have three jars first."


    He then raised his head and immediately chugged it down.


    Ren Baqian saw that everyone was looking at him. He was clenching his teeth in his mind.


    Oh lord, just do it.


    I can''t possibly act terrified when I haven''t even started.


    He raised his head and drank a big mouthful. He followed what Tong Zhenye did and spilled out a little.


    The alcohol content in this wasn''t very high. It was definitely less than 20%, and that eased his mind a little.


    After finishing three jars, Ren Baqian''s face was flushed. Even though the alcohol content was less than 20% and that he only drank half and spilled half, he had consumed about 1 liter of it and was on the brink of throwing up.


    At this moment, the door was pushed open again. Twodies walked in, and they were a few times more beautiful than thedies who were already seated in the room. They first took a bow to everyone, and then went beside Tong Zhenye and Ren Baqian with a faint smile.


    Tong Zhenye grabbed one of thedies and dragged her into his embrace. He pushed the otherdy towards Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was astonished.


    Even though he was jealous that everyone else in the room had a prettydy aspany, but this old chap, Tong Zhenye actually pushed a girl to him?


    Tong Zhenye saw the startled look on Ren Baqian''s face and burst outughing immediately. "We are just men having some drinks out here. As long as we keep mum about it, nobody will know. If Her Majesty found out about it and put the me on you, I will help you shoulder the me."


    Everyone gave him the side eye after hearing what he said.


    Have you forgotten how badly were you beaten up by Her Majesty? What exactly are you going to shoulder the me with?

 Chapter 227: Your Majesty, Hear Me Out!

    Chapter 227: Your Majesty, Hear Me Out!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Sitting in the pce hall, the empress was bored stiff. She had been fiddling with the walkie-talkie for a long time, but she had yet to press the call button.


    She was exceptionally bored today.


    However, she did not fuss over the fact that Rem Baqian was out drinking. After all, drinking was a culture of Dayao. Even though she seldom went outside of the pce, she still heard a lot of interesting stories that happened in the outside world. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan would often tell her stories and gossip that they heard to amuse her.


    Furthermore, she liked to drink as well.


    "I wonder how House Yunyan looks like�� I must visit that ce one day��" The empress was in a daze. Other than the imperial pce, she had never been to any restaurant in Lan City. She reckoned that drinking in a restaurant would be more interesting than drinking in the pce hall by herself.


    However, the empress still felt that she had heard of "House Yunyan" somewhere before.


    "Qing Yuan, have you heard of House Yunyan?" the empress asked casually. Qing Yuan loved to listen to gossip and then spill it all to everyone in the pce.


    "House Yunyan��" Qing Yuan was puzzled why the empress asked about it. However, she still racked her brain to remember what she knew. After a long while, she jolted up and said, "Ahh, I remember what it is. There was a time where Minister of Works, Sir Tong, and Minister of War, Sir Qin, had a huge fight in House Yunyan. Everyone called it ''The Ultimate Battle of Yunyan''. At that time, the news of this battle was spread far and wide."


    "I did remember you told me about this before." The empress nodded her head, looking as though she had remembered something.


    "Why is it called the ''The Ultimate Battle of Yunyan''?" the empress asked curiously again.


    "I heard that House Yunyan is a brothel and many officials frequent it," Qing Yuan replied.


    "Why is it called brothel?" the empress questioned.


    "Maybe it''s because it''s green in color?" Qing Yuan guessed. Previously, she also wondered why it was called brothel, but no one exined it to her.


    [Brothel in Chinese is called "��¥". The word "��" means "green" while the word "¥" means "buildings". The direct trantion of "��¥" is "green building".]


    "Your Majesty, why did you think about all these things?" Qing Yuan felt that the empress behaved oddly tonight. In the past, the empress wouldn''t be interested in these things when she told her about them.


    "Sigh!" the empress sighed deeply and remained silent for quite some time.


    She became even more bored.


    "Summon Xin Zhe," the empress instructed.


    After a while, Xin Zhe entered the pce hall. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"


    The empress stood up and walked towards the outside of the pce hall. "Follow me out of the imperial pce. There''s no need to inform anyone else, I''m just going out for a stroll."


    "Yes." Xin Zhe immediately followed behind the empress. She seldom saw the empress in such high spirits, therefore she did not raise any objections against her going out of the pce. In any case, no one was able to hurt her. For the past few years, the number of times the empress went outside of the pce could be counted on one hand. This was the first time she wanted to go outside of the pce for a stroll at night.


    Qing Yuan pursed her lips in a pout. She couldn''t believe the empress did not want to bring her along.


    It had been very long since shest went out of the pce.


    In a sh, the empress appeared on the roof of Yangxin Pce. Within seconds, she appeared outside of the pce. Since she was just going out for a stroll, there was no need for her to walk through the main entrance.


    Furthermore, she walked faster than all types of mounts.


    "Your Majesty, where are we going?" Xin Zhended behind the empress and asked.


    "House Yunyuan, do you know the way there?" the empress asked casually. She wanted to see how it felt to drink in a restaurant. Since so many court officials frequented House Yuayun, it must be a very nice ce.


    Furthermore, she could go there and hear to what they talked about.


    Upon hearing the empress''s words, a look of fear appeared on Xin Zhe''s face. "Your Majesty, we can''t go there!"


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan might not know what House Yunyan was. Unlike the pce maids, Xin Zhe had so many male subordinates, how would she not know about House Yunyan?


    Even if no one dared to mention it in front of her, she would still hear about it asionally.


    Upon seeing such a huge reaction from Xin Zhe, she turned around and asked her, "Why? Is there anything that I don''t know about it?"


    "Your Majesty, House Yunyan is a ce where men seek pleasure. Given Your Majesty''s status, the oue will be disastrous if you go there! Furthermore, that ce will bring shame to your name as well!"


    "Seek pleasure? Isn''t it a restaurant?" The empress finally felt something wasn''t quite right with the ce��


    "Your Majesty!" Xin Zhe did not know whether she should cry orugh. Which bastard told Her Majesty about such a ce?


    "That is a ce where girls will drink and seek pleasure with their customers. That ce is not suitable for you to go to. Why don''t we visit some other ces? If Your Majesty wants to visit a restaurant, I know of a few that are not bad," Xin Zhe tried to persuade the empress.


    After hearing these words, the empress turned silent. Following which, she began to chuckle softly.


    Immediately, Xin Zhe could sense the temperature of their surroundings dropped drastically. She could feel a tinge of chilliness creeping into her body.


    "Hehe, then the more we should go and take a look," the empress sneered.


    "Your Majesty!" Xin Zhe was terrified. If someone found out that Her Majesty went to that kind of ce, the oue would be unthinkable.


    "Lead the way!" the empress roared coldly.


    ...


    "Sir Ren''s sweet potatoes will greatly improve the lives of the people living in the mountains in a few years'' time. On behalf of everyone, thank you, Sir Ren. Sir Ren, why not you considering to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock?" Ge Yihong hit Ren Baqian''s bowl of wine with his own bowl and downed it.


    "I''m not considering it, I''m not going there," Ren Baqian rejected Ge Yihong''s offer. Following which, he finished his drink in one gulp. His eyes were already blurred.


    Before drinking with Ge Yihong, he had already drunk with a lot of people. Even though this wine wasn''t strong, it couldn''t be drunk so much in one go.


    He had already pushed away the sweet-looking girl that Tong Zhenye arranged for him just now. If that old bast*rd had the intention to frame him, wouldn''t he die a horrible death?


    "Sir Tong, enjoy yourself. I''m not interested in girls, I am here just to drink," Ren Baqian grinned and replied, revealing his set of white teeth.


    "Pff!" Tong Zhen spat out the wine in his mouth. After taking a nce at Ren Baqian, he burst outughing and said, "That''s good."


    When the lovely, pitiful-looking girl, who was called Ling Guan, poured wine for Ren Baqian, Ren Baqian purposely pulled his seat away from her and maintained a distance of half a meter away from her. She looked like one of those girls that Tong Zhenyue would hug in each of his arms.


    Ling Guan did not mind Ren Baqian''s action at all. She pursed her lips and smiled. Then, she "intimately" filled up Ren Baqian''s cup. Every time she poured wine for him, she would purposely stand up and do it. Ren Baqian felt that this girl was in collusion with Tong Zhenye and his counterparts.


    "Speak! Sir Tong has given you what benefits to get me drunk!" After drinking a few jars of wine, Ren Baqian was looking at her dizzily with his eyes nted.


    "Sir, you must be joking. These drinks were offered to you by other people and you chose to drink them yourself. I''m merely helping you to refill your cup. Don''t you like a pair of jade-white, delicate hands helping you refill your cup?" Ling Guan chuckled and said.


    Listening to Ling Guan''s words, the image of a person suddenly emerged in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    If that person could do this��


    When Ren Baqian thought of the empress pouring wine for him while speaking to him with such a gentle voice, his mind jolted. That would definitely be thest cup of wine he would drink.


    However, even though the empress was cold, she did it in an extremely attractive manner. Every now and then, she would behave like a demure and ssydy. This kind of contrast was very attractive to Ren Baqian. He had seen her behaved like this for several times before.


    When Ren Baqian thought of the empress, a wistful longing for her suddenly arose in his heart


    In the past, he had always walked on eggshells when he faced the empress. However, after spending so much time with her, she had now be an extremely important and dear person to him.


    He was merely fooling around when he got all excited the moment he heard that House Yanyun was a brothel. Now that he was here, all he could think about was the empress.


    After drinking another two bowls of wine, Tong Zhenye looked at him dazedly and asked, "Deputy Prefect Ren, why don''t youe and work for me in the Ministry of Works? We still need an assistant minister."


    Tong Zhenye''s method of convincing Ren Baqian was exactly the same as Ge Yihong''s. Feng Lie looked at him with hidden bitterness.


    "No��. I''m not going!" Ren Baqian turned down his offer immediately.


    "Given your knowledge, you will definitely make it big if youe to Ministry of Works. Everyone in the imperial court will change their impression of you. Why bother doing those misceneous things in the pce? It''s such a waste of your talent." With a drunk look on his face, Tong Zhenye was still trying his best to tempt Ren Baqian.


    Actually, he had a motive for inviting Ren Baqian to drink with him. Celebrating the sess in making the cement was just an excuse. Given Ren Baqian''s capability, he wanted to bring him into the Ministry of Works.


    Pulling Ren Baqian into the Ministry of Works was Tong Zhenye''s real intention. Even though Ren Baqian already held the position of Imperial Deputy Prefect, the empress would still allow him to go the Ministry of Works if he asked for it.


    He felt that Ren Baqian was very knowledgeable and that he could be of a great help to the Ministry of Works.


    Of course, he had other ideas too. For example, he wanted to find out how many things Ren Baqian knew. However, after drinking so much, he had long forgotten about this task. Even so, he still remembered to convince Ren Baqian to work in the Ministry of Works.


    "I don''t�� want to go anywhere," Ren Baqian said dizzily.


    He couldn''t hear what Tong Zhenye said as his head was spinning. Following which, his head mmed onto the table.


    Tong Zhenye continued to talk,pletely oblivious to Ren Baqian''s condition. Then, he heard Feng Hou saying, "Deputy Prefect Ren, how can you give up just like this? At least you finish your drink, not bad!"


    Tong Zhenye looked at Ren Baqian and hupped. "Huh? I haven''t finished talking yet."


    "If Deputy Prefect Ren goes back like this, Her Majesty might punish us," Tong Yan, who was slightly more sober than the others, said. Then, he continued, "In any case, you said that you will take responsibility for everything."


    "What''s there to be scared of?" Tong Zhenye said nonchntly. At most, he would say that he was helping Her Majesty test Ren Baqian''s character. Therefore, why would he be scared of Her Majesty punishing him?


    "Oh? Really?" A cold voice suddenly came through the window. Two figures appeared in the room out of nowhere.


    The empress took a sweeping nce at the situation in the room. Everyone had a girl beside them while Tong Zhenye had a girl in each of his arms. On the contrary, Ren Baqian maintained a safe distance from everyone with his head nted on the table. She was rather satisfied with the situation in the room.


    "Your��" Before Tong Zhenye could finish his sentence, he broke through three walls and flew out of the building.


    The thunderous sound gave everyone in the brothel a shock.


    The empress picked up Ren Baqian by his cor and disappeared into thin air.


    Before Xin Zhe left, she red angrily at everyone. This bunch of bast*rds actually brought that guy here? Were they courting death?


    Tong Yan took a look at the enormous hole on the wall. Then, he shifted his gaze back to the frightened girls. With a calm look on his face, he downed a cup of wine and said, "Sir Tong will take responsibility."


    Just now, when the empress appeared in the room, everyone was shocked. Now that the empress had left, when they looked at the wall and heard Tong Yan''s words, they burst out intoughter. None of them could sit still. Ge Yihongughed to the extent that he smashed the stone table in front of him into smithereens.


    Tong Zhenyey in a room face up with dust covering his entire body. He did not care about the naked guy and girl that were beside him. Filled with grievance, he yelled, "Your Majesty�� Hear me out!"

 Chapter 228: I Must Have Missed You Too Much, Your Majesty

    Chapter 228: I Must Have Missed You Too Much, Your Majesty


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    As Ren Baqian was in a dizzy state, his stomach started to churn when the night breeze blew. He vomited once he opened his mouth, and the empress held him as he vomited along the way, as if she was sowing seeds.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian who was in her hand with a gaze full of disgust. Even though that stench was left on the road, but, there was still the remnant stench that assailed her nose.


    "Your Majesty, how about I carry Deputy Prefect Ren," Xin Zhe suggested from behind. The empress was at the front carrying him, and that stench directly prated her nose. In addition, she also had to carefully dodge the unknown things that were in her way.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian, swung her arms and tossed him over to Xin Zhe while she jumped off the rooftop andnded on the street. With both of her hands at her back, she walked forward leisurely.


    The nights in Lan City were extremely dark. In addition to the light from the pedestrians carryingnterns and the courtyard, there was only the light from the two moons.


    Xin Zhe imitated the empress''s position and carried Ren Baqian''s back, allowing his body to lean forward.


    Ren Baqian''s body weight in the either of their hands was simr to them carrying a stalk of rice straw.


    "Zixiao��" Ren Baqian mumbled indistinctly.


    The empress paused in her tracks and turned around.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes were tightly shut and there wasn''t any intention of him getting sober. He was still murmuring, "Zixiao��Zixiao��"


    Xin Zhe got startled. To her surprise, Ren Baqian actually called Her Majesty''s name.


    And when she looked at Her Majesty, she was not a single bit angry at all.


    Instead, her expression was rxed and calm. It wasn''t cold at all.


    "Zixiao...pour me wine��"


    Empress, "..."


    Xin Zhe, "..."


    Ren Baqian''s audacity made Xin Zhe astonished.


    The empress frowned and no longer paid him any mind. She turned around and walked towards the pce.


    Upon their return to the pce, Xin Zhe threw Ren Baqian back to Pingle Park. The empress held a wine sk and went to the rooftop of Yangxin Pce Hall, lifted her head and admired the moonlight. She drank a mouthful of wine from time to time as well.


    At first, she was prepared to hit Ren Baqian till he was half dead as well as conveniently bash Tong Zhenye till he was handicapped. But, when she saw that he maintained a distance from others and appeared to be well-behaved, her anger immediately subsided. Then, her mood took a turn from bad to pretty good.


    If Tong Zhenye didn''t spout nonsense, he might not have suffered a beating.


    ...


    ��


    "What happened just now?" There was a man with only one arm, sitting inside a house. His name was Xing Rong. He had previously been a captain in the Protectorate of the North. Now, he was the person-in-charge of Baihua Courtyard.


    "Minister of War, Sir Tong has arranged a banquet dinner in House Yunyan." Beneath him were ten simr looking sturdy men, that were missing body parts here and there.


    Xing Rong remained silent. His career, which revolved around blood and fire, gave others the vibe that he was just like a refined metal��taciturn, firm, and full of vigor.


    Even if he was now a disabled person, there weren''t many people that belittled him.


    "Imperial Deputy Prefect, Ren Baqian was also invited by Sir Tong," that man continued.


    Xing Rong pondered for quite a while before he could remember who Imperial Deputy Prefect Ren Baqian was.


    Indeed, there wasn''t anyone that took Ren Baqian''s official position seriously. They usually referred to Ren Baqian as "that chap".


    Once he recalled who Ren Baqian was, Xing Rong actually smiled, "What happened after that?"


    "Her Majesty came." That man gave a concise andprehensive answer.


    "Sir Tong took a kick to his body, smashed three walls and fell into Duiye Courtyard. As for Deputy Prefect Ren, nothing happened to him and he was brought back. I''m not sure if anything happened after he got back."


    Xing Rong burst outughing upon hearing what the other guy said. Heughed until his tears were on the verge of flowing out. After quite some time, he finally stoppedughing, "How''s Ren Baqian as a person?"


    "I can''t really tell. He seems rather well-behaved."


    "If he isn''t well-behaved, the empress doesn''t even need to lift a finger, and I''ll p him to death for her," Xing Rong casually remarked. The empress had a well-known reputation in Dayao and so did Hong Wu, who enjoyed a high prestige in Protectorate of the North with the Dayaomoners. As Hong Wu''s subordinate, one would naturally highly respect the empress as well.


    "Get everyone who knows about this issue to keep their mouths shut," Xing Rong replied as he waved his hand.


    No matter whether it was him or the people from the Ministry of Works, everyone kept the issue silent. But, this issue still circted a bit around, in particr, among the big shots of the imperial court.


    Tong Zhenye invited Imperial Deputy Prefect to a drinking party with female entertainers at House Yunyan. After which, he was kicked by the empress and flew from House Yunyan to Duiye Courtyard.


    This was also considered Lan City''s most attention-grabbing attempt of uncovering adultery in a brothel. Even though this issue was only confined to a small number of people.


    Many people rejoiced in their misfortunes and were waiting to see how Tong Zhenye looked like tomorrow. For example, Qin Chuan, who was the Minister of War, took pleasure in ridiculing Tong Zhenye that old bastard.


    At the same time, they would also take a look at Imperial Deputy Prefect, to see if he was beaten to death by Her Majesty.


    ...


    Ren Baqian slept all the way till dawn. However, he woke up with a serious hangover and felt his stomach churning once again. Just when he was about to vomit, he found a basin right beside his bed. Immediately, he threw up gastric acid for quite some time. Following which, he reached out for a bowl of sweetened water, but that didn''t ease his difort. Before he could even feel better, his felt his stomach begin to churn again, causing him to vomit everything he had just consumed.


    After being tormented for half a day and vomiting whatever he consumed, he finally fell into a deep slumber.


    It was already noon when he woke up again, and there was a pce maid near him who was yawning away. She got startled when she heard that he had woken up and promptly helped him up. Then, she poured him a cup of sweetened water.


    This time, Ren Baqian felt better after finishing this drink. At longst, he managed to survive.


    He swore in his heart resolutely, "Damn it, no matter what, I will not drink so much the next time. It was indeed a hard time. If I were to drink so much the next time, I will change my surname to Qi."


    He got out of bed and went out to take a breath of fresh air.


    He waspletely unaware of anything regardingst night, and still thought that it was Xu Wei andpany who sent him back here.


    That pce maid hurriedly left and soon enough, she brought a bowl of porridge over. Ren Baqian immediately gulped down the entire bowl.


    "Sir, someone is looking for you. That person has been waiting from morning till now." The guard in Pingle Park saw that he was awake and informed him with a strange expression.


    Other people didn''t know about what happenedst night, but, these guards were very clear on exactly what happened.


    No one would have expected that the Minister of Works, Sir Tong, would have gotten knocked back by a kick from Her Majesty, and in spite of everything, nothing happened to this Deputy Prefect Ren.


    If Tong Zhenye were to know about this, he would most probably bear a grudge. "Your Majesty, you have changed. In the past, you would have put the me on both parties equally."


    Ren Baqian recalled the matter that he got Teng Hulu and Tie Dao to find him yesterday. He then got the imperial bodyguard to go out of the pce to bring them in. At the same time, he sat on the stone bench in the courtyard with one hand on his head, making a pose just like "The Thinker". Ren Baqian held onto that pose until he heard footsteps and turned his head to look. To his surprise, it wasn''t Teng Hulu and Tie Dao but the empress, who was wearing a red muslin dress with a white undershirt beneath it.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian promptly got up to greet her.


    The empress took a look at him and coldly replied, "I heard that you went to drink with female entertainers? Come, tell me about it, how did it go, I have yet to try it."


    "Your Majesty, how would I know what kind of ce that was. It waspletely the Minister of Works Tong Zhenye''s fault for me going. I did also mention it to you before I went yesterday. It was only after I went there that I knew what kind of ce it was. I didn''t expect that the honest-looking Sir Tong was actually so frivolous," Ren Baqian immediately eximed that he was being wronged. Moreover, he didn''t even hesitate the slightest bit in ruining his reputation.


    "I heard that you were shouting my name," the empress continued to say.


    "I must have missed you too much, Your Majesty. One daysts as long as three autumns when we can''t see each other, and this statement is true."


    "You still wanted me to pour wine for you."


    "Pfffff!"

 Chapter 229: Split the Loot

    Chapter 229: Split the Loot


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    In Yangxin Pce, Ren Baqian and the empress sat opposite each other. In between them, was a table that had a few tes of dishes on it.


    "Drink with me! I can pour your wine for you!" After filling up Ren Baqian''s cup with wine, the empress''s eyes and lips curled into a smile.


    Upon smelling the nose-assailing scent of alcohol, Ren Baqian immediately became nauseous.


    This wasn''t any ordinary alcohol, it was the sorghum wine that Ren Baqian brought here.


    "Your Majesty! I''m innocent!" Ren Baqian cried. Since when did he want the empress to pour wine for him? Did he say such words? And how did the empress know of it?


    "Is it that you''re not willing to drink with me?" The empress''s eyes sparkled, resembling the gleaming reflection of waves in sunlight. Her tone was gentle, and she even dragged thest word of her sentence.


    If the empress behaved and talked like this any other time, Ren Baqian''s heart would flutter.


    However, at this very moment, Ren Baqian felt he had a bitter pill to swallow.


    He racked his brain but still couldn''t remember what he had done wrong.


    Using just three fingers, the empress picked up the wine cup and ced her gaze on Ren Baqian. When she saw the look of agony on Ren Baqian''s face, she felt amused and the smile on her face widened.


    Clenching his teeth, Ren Baqian held up his wine cup, gave the empress a toast, and finished the drink in one gulp.


    Following which, his stomach started to churn yet again. Trying his best, he suppressed the urge to vomit.


    With a smile on her face, the empress drained her wine cup. Then, she poured Ren Baqian another cup of wine.


    Ren Baqian stared nkly at the wine cup. Yesterday, he was thinking that if the empress ever poured a cup of wine for him, that would definitely be thest cup of wine he would drink. He certainly didn''t expect to drink it today.


    After drinking three cups of wine in a row, Ren Baqian covered his mouth with his hands for the fear of spewing out vomit.


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian like this, the empress said, "Forget it, I won''t mess with you anymore."


    Instantly, Ren Baqian felt as though he had been given an amnesty.


    "Give Deputy Prefect Ren a bowl of green vine water," the empress raised her head and said. Her voice was immediately transmitted to Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were standing at the entrance of Yangxin Pce Hall.


    After a while, a bowl of green-colored, clear water that gave off an odd smell was ced before Ren Baqian.


    "Drink it, it will help your body detoxify," the empress said.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty." Following which, Ren Baqian drank the bowl of green vine water. It tasted very weird, appearing as though many ingredients had been mixed into it.


    However, after drinking it, his body immediately turned warm and his agony lessened significantly.


    "Ahh�� I''m saved!" Ren Baqian groaned.


    The empress slightly pursed her lips, looking extremely pleased with herself. For the first time ever, such a childish look appeared on her face.


    "Your Majesty, what''s this?" Ren Baqian asked curiously. This kind of hangover medicine was definitely marketable. He had drunk Like before and he felt that its effect was only so-so. It simply paled inparison to this green vine water.


    [Like is a hangover medicine sold in China.]


    "In the Sixty Thousand Mountains, there is a type of green vine that can be consumed after it''s ground to fine powder and mixed with water. However, aboriginals seldom get drunk and therefore no one uses this herb," the empress exined casually.


    Ren Baqian made a mental note. If he could bring this back to Earth, he believed that it could beunched onto the market quite promptly.


    After all, the development of the ck mud cream and the cure for R-worms was still in progress. Ren Baqian reckoned that it would take a few more years before they were ready.


    Even though he still had twenty million yuan, it wasn''t really enough for him to do anything with it. Furthermore, he was also embarrassed to ask the empress for things to bring back to Earth and sell.


    After chatting with the empress in Yangxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian stood up and left.


    Even though he was fooled by the empress, he still discovered something good. He reckoned theboratory on Earth would be able to develop a product andunch it onto the market very quickly.


    Upon returning to his room, Ren Baqian tried to see if he had forgotten anything or not.


    That afternoon, he had already met Teng Hulu and Tie Dao. When both of them saw the empress, they did not even dare to raise their heads.


    The empress merely cast a nce at them without saying anything. Before she left, she also reminded Ren Baqian to find her at Yangxin Pce Hall after he was done.


    It was as though she just wanted to see whether or not Ren Baqian had be sober.


    Ren Baqian briefed Teng Hulu and Tie Dao on some matters. Other than providing them with a blueprint of a ntation, he also drew them a rough image of a sofa. Then, he instructed them to find a carpenter to build the structure of the sofa and a cksmith to make springs. The sofa would be done once the cushion and the processed leather were ced upon it.


    When Ren Baqian concluded that he hadn''t forgotten anything, he disappeared into thin air.


    Ren Baqian appeared in the living of his house on Earth. He realized that it was already nighttime. Other than the light shining through the window, everything was pitch-ck.


    Just as Ren Baqian was about to sit down on the sofa, his ears twitched. There was noiseing from upstairs. It sounded as though someone was walking and rummaging through his things.


    There was someone in his house!


    "A burr?" Ren Baqian immediately knew that there was a burr in his house.


    He did not whether he himself or the burr was the unlucky one.


    He didn''t expect himself to encounter a burr the moment he returned to Earth.


    Furthermore, nowadays he always returned to Earth with the empress. Unfortunately, he had to encounter such a situation when he returned alone.


    Eventually, Ren Baqian concluded that both he himself and the burr were unlucky.


    What should he do now? Should he call the police? He reckoned any noise he made now would alert the burr.


    Should he make some noise to scare the burr away? Ren Baqian reckoned that the important things he ced upstairs wouldn''t be stolen. For example, the contract he signed with Chen Qing''s father. No one would steal this kind of thing.


    However, wouldn''t it be a humiliating if he let them steal his things? After all, he was someone that had faced tens of thousands of Great Xia soldiers and walked through a sea of blood before.


    After staying in a world full of expert martial artists for so long, how could he be scared of a burr?


    Furthermore, he could exert up to 850 newtons of force now. He should be much stronger and courageous than an average adult, right?


    Ren Baqian made his decision. He moved slowly and quietly to the kitchen and took a kitchen knife. Even though he might not use it, he still needed to defend himself if the other party had a knife.


    Following which, he crept to second floor. Simrly, the second floor was pitch-ck. There was only some lighting out from his room. The light seemed toe from a shlight.


    When Ren Baqian reached the door of his room, his heart skipped a beat.


    F*ck! There are two persons!


    "There''s a ghost!" One of the two people in the room was scared out of his wits when he pointed his shlight at the door and saw a silhouette.


    "Ghost my foot!" the other person cursed and pointed his shlight at the door.


    At this point, it was toote for Ren Baqian to hide. With a sinister look on his face, he stood at the door of his room holding a kitchen knife in his hand. Simrly, he had a shock as well.


    "Goddamnit, if I know there were two burrs, I would definitely not act tough! Things are about to get messy!" Ren Baqian cursed in his heart. What should he do now?


    "What are you looking for?" Ren Baqian yelled with a deep and low voice, trying to act like a ghost.


    The man who cursed just now was astonished at first. Then, he flew into a rage. Instantly, he pulled up a knife from his waist and cursed, "Humph, stop trying to trick us!"


    "Brothers, we are on the same boat. I didn''t expect both of you to beat me to it," Ren Baqian chuckled awkwardly.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, that man became even more enraged. "Get lost! Otherwise I will stab you to death!"


    "We should at least split the loot, right? Aren''t you afraid that I will call the police after you kick me out of this house?" Ren Baqian continued to act as though he was a burr too. He wanted to see what they had stolen so far.

 Chapter 230: Counterattack

    Chapter 230: Counterattack


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    At this moment, a piece of white cloth was ced on the bed. There was a pile of things in it, but he couldn''t clearly see what was in there.


    Ren Baqian thought about it and he had nothing worth stealing. There was about a thousand yuan in his wallet, and it didn''t matter if they took it away. As for those cards, it was unlikely for anyone to guess the passwords, and he could just re-apply again the following day.


    He suddenly thought of a matter, it seemed there were some pieces of jade left. Although they weren''t worth much, they were still worth about two million yuan in total. But, previously after selling the precious stones, he didn''t sell the jade pendants because the selling price was too low.


    However, it didn''t matter. It was no big deal if the jade pendants, worth two million yuan were lost. Anyway, the police should be able to catch the culprits if this loss was reported to the police.


    As for the phone, Ren Baqian remembered there were some photographs he had taken of the empress and he actually needed to get it back.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while, it was just a small request and isn''t difficult toply with. The phone could not be sold for much money anyway.


    The other guy pondered, what would happen if a police report was made? He couldn''t help saying, "What do you intend to do?"


    "You will get half when we see each other," Ren Baqian offered. Of course, it would be too obvious if he said he only wanted the phone.


    The other two men looked at each other and nodded, "Alright."


    Ren Baqian reached out his hand to switch on the lights and the two guys immediately shouted, "Do not switch on the lights!"


    "It is alright, I have been watching this house for a long time and there is rarely anybody at home," Ren Baqian said casually.


    The two people certainly knew that Ren Baqian was saying was true, otherwise, they wouldn''t be here at this time.


    "All the stuff are over here, these are the few things we want and you can choose a few items from the rest." One of them directly grabbed a few pieces of the jade pendants. Although they didn''t really know their value, these types of jade pendants generally fetched good prices most of the time.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes swept inside the room and assessed them as things not too important to him. Things such as contracts and the like were scattered around the room.


    "The wallet doesn''t have much cash, but I still choose the wallet." Ren Baqian stood at the doorway and didn''t move as the two guys inside were holding a knife each.


    Having his wallet back would save him the trouble of re-applying for credit and identity cards.


    That big guy threw the wallet to Ren Baqian''s feet.


    "What you have taken are jade pendants? Those should be good stuff. This being the case, let me make some small money, I want the phone." Ren Baqian continued saying.


    The phone slid across the floor to his legs.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief as the rest of the things didn''t matter to him.


    "He is the owner! The photograph on the table is of him!" Just when Ren Baqian was feeling rxed, the other guy in the room suddenly shouted in surprise.


    ...


    ��


    Ren Baqian cursed under his breath, he suddenly remembered the photograph he had taken with the empress in Turkey. He disyed it on the table after developing the film previously.


    He would not have switched on the light had he known this would happen.


    The big guy became ferocious after hearing this, "This rascal, you are courting death."


    "You are only here to steal things, do you want to be murderers too? If you get caught for stealing, the sentence at most is three or two years, as for murder it''s the death penalty!" Ren Baqian said evenly.


    Upon hearing this, the two were stunned and stopped their original intention to charge at him.


    This was the first time they had encountered such a scenario and this rascal was simply too calm.


    If they had not seen this rascal clutching a kitchen knife, they would have thought they were encountering a tough guy.


    However, Ren Baqian''s calm discourse impressed the two guys as someone of caliber, and they secretly admired him. Initially, he pretended to be their counterpart and was able to say such words at this point in time.


    Ren Baqain''s calmness also influenced the two of them.


    "You are right, we seek wealth, not lives." The big guy nodded.


    "That''s it then, the wallet and phone are useful to me, the rest doesn''t matter." Ren Baqian smiled.


    "You are quite a character, take this as me offending you, we do not want anything else and will leave," the big guy said.


    Ren Baqian observed the two men while picking up his phone and said, "In that case, I will not report this to the police."


    The big guy suddenly went berserk, charged at Ren Baqian and stabbed his knife at him.


    "Fc*K!" Ren Baqian was shocked by the sudden change. Wasn''t it settled?


    His reaction wasn''t slow, and he managed to dodge aside at once.


    After experiencing so many problems, he was still a weak chicken and had not improved much on his physical aspect. However, he would not panic when facing danger and could remain calm in order to avoid the dagger.


    "Why?" Ren Baqian couldn''t understand why the other party changed his mind?


    "Only a dead man wouldn''t report this to the police!" That big guy hissed and aimed his dagger at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s head was filled with questions.


    No matter what��is killing anyone worth it?


    What he said wasn''t wrong, unless the other side wanted to kill him from the start. Otherwise, it didn''t make a single bit of sense.


    He didn''t know what the hell was going on and had no time to figure it out. But, he narrowly escaped the danger and turned his knife towards the other party''s hand.


    Ren Baqian''s ferocious nature was also aroused, he had killed before and couldn''t afford to be as meek as amb at this moment.


    Ren Baqian thrust his kitchen knife quickly and fiercely as the other guy''s hand came across. That big guy wasn''t able to retract his hand in time, and it was cut off by Ren Baqian, making him cry out and holding his arm.


    "Fuzi!" The other guy rushed out of the room and was shocked by the scene. He took out a dagger and stabbed at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian dodged the knife with difficulty but was shed on the rib. The pain went straight to his brain and he grunted.


    This guy aimed his dagger at Ren Baqian''s neck, and at the same time, the guy who was called Fu Zi used his left hand to pick up the dagger despite the pain.


    On seeing the two guys attacking him together, Ren Baqian quickly shouted, "Help, save me." He turned around and run.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s shouts, the other two men became anxious and started chasing Ren Baqian downstairs with their knives. It was pitch-dark downstairs and their eyes couldn''t adjust to the darkness. They practically couldn''t see anything.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian suddenly stopped running and swung his kitchen knife backward. He cut straight down from the neck of the person chasing him and blood spurted like a fountain.


    That guy went limp and fell down without a sound.


    Ren Baqian''s palms were sweating, but it wasn''t because that he killed someone. But, it was because he was involved in a real hand to hand fight with real knives. It was really scary, and his heart almost jumped out of his chest.


    At this time, Fuzi, the man with the severed hand, came downstairs and saw the other guy lying on the ground. He immediately backtracked and ran.


    Ren Baqian let out a long breath and slowly followed him upstairs. He was thinking whether this could be considered as a legitimate self-defense?


    It should be fine to report to the police?


    He wasn''t afraid of anything, but, he was afraid of being detained for a few days. If that was the case, he would be in deep trouble. He wouldn''t have a way to exin his disappearance during the detention period.


    That guy pointed the dagger at Ren Baqian as trembled all over. His face was covered with sweat, either from pain or fear. The original n was to kill Ren Baqian to stop him from spilling the beans, but one of them was unexpectedly killed by Ren Baqian.


    Blood was also simultaneously spurting out from his wrist.


    "If you do not go to the hospital, I reckon that you will bleed to death," Ren Baqian kindly reminded him.


    His killing of that guy should be considered self-defense, but it would be hard to define if this guy were to bleed to death here. After all, Ren Baqian was worried about getting into trouble as well.


    That big guy stared at him fiercely and charged at him with the knife again.


    However, with only one hand, which was not the right hand he usually used, he was no match for Ren Baqian and was shed on the chest with the kitchen knife. He fell straight down, but he was still alive and bleeding profusely. His ribs were probably cut through.


    Then, Ren Baqian cooled down and picked up the phone to call the police.


    "There were two people who entered my house to steal and tried to kill me with knives in order to silence me. One was identally killed by me and the other is half-dead." Ren Baqian also gave them the address.


    Following this, he made a call to Chen Qing.


    Chen Qing sleepily answered the call, "Big brother, what is the time now?"


    "I have killed someone!" This sentence from Ren Baqian woke him up instantly and he continuously asked, "What is the situation? Where did it happen? Does anyone know?"


    Hearing Chen Qing''s words gave Ren Baqian a warm feeling, he was indeed a friend. His first response was not to get the police to apprehend him, but to help him think of ways to deal with the problem.


    "Two burrs came to my house to steal and ferociously attacked me with a knife. They wanted to kill and silence me. In the struggle, I killed one and the other is seriously injured," Ren Baqian said unhurriedly.


    "Are you alright?"


    Ren Baqian heard the sound of Chen Qing heaving a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone.


    "My palms are sweating, and I am frightened to death." Ren Baqian sighed deeply.


    "Are you injured?" Chen Qing was surprised. From what he knew, Ren Baqian had never fought before, and he was actually able to tackle two guys armed with knives. What more, with one being killed?


    "Do you wish I was hurt?" Ren Baqian said grumpily. "I have already reported it to the police, quicklye and get me out."


    "Rest assured, everything''s fine. I will be there soon." Chen Qing tried to soothe him and then hanged up the phone.


    Ren Baqian leaned against the wall and sat down. He seemed to be calm when talking to Chen Qing on the phone, but his heart seemed like it was about to jump out of his chest.


    Holding a knife and fighting with someone.


    It''s simply too thrilling,


    It''s simply too exhrating.


    Ren Baqian experienced a spike in adrenaline and was both excited and scared.


    The police acted very fast and were in the neighborhood within six or seven minutes. Following which, they went upstairs to knock on his door.


    Ren Baqian then went down to open the door and almost slipped due to the blood on the floor.


    As soon as the police came in, they saw a man lying prone on the stairs and he was covered with blood.


    "There is one more person upstairs." Ren Baqian pointed upstairs.


    Two police officers, one on the left and one on the right, controlled and interrogated him over the incident, while two other persons went upstairs to investigate the scene.


    Ren Baqian recounted the whole incident, including the words that they exchanged. With an innocent and scared look, he pointed at the person lying prone on the floor and said, "There are some jade pieces in his pocket. If they just wanted my things, I would haveplied, but they wanted my things and also to silence me. I am scared to death."


    The two policemen recorded the narration of the incident with a voice recorder. An ambnce came and took those two guys away while Ren Baqian went along to the police station.


    On entering the police station, the identities of the two burrs were already discovered. They were wanted for a massacre in some other city and had fled here.


    This exined why they wanted to kill Ren Baqian in order to silence him.


    So long as Ren Baqian made a police report and described their appearances, they would immediately be hunted and caught. It was a case of "might as well be hanged for a sheep as for amb" and that was why they wanted to silence Ran Baqian.


    Unexpectedly, they encountered a tough time here.


    More than a dozen minutester, Chen Qing arrived at the police station, enquired about the whole incident, patted Ren Baqian on the shoulders and gave him a thumbs up. Most people who encountered such an incident would have panicked. It wasn''t easy to escape with his life, and yet he was able to counterattack them.


    By the time he gave his statement and waited for the report, it was already early morning by the time Chen Qing and Ren Baqian finally left the police station.


    In fact, the police had made their conclusions at the crime scene, and Ren Baqian directly slept on the table in the interrogation room for thest few hours.


    For an ordinary person to encounter such an incident and yet was still able to sleep, it was a behavior admired deeply by the policemen who saw it.


    "I am hungry, let''s go for breakfast?" Ren Baqian turned his head to ask Chen Qing aftering out of the police station.


    Chen Qing looked at him with a strange expression and said, "The average person would be feeling very uneasy, especially with such a bloody and thrilling scene. You could sleep and eat. People who don''t know you might think you are a recidivist."


    "Why should I let this matter make me lose my appetite and sleep?"


    "Don''t forget this matter is not over yet, better wait a while and not leave S City before the verdict is out. Normally, you should still be detained inside," Chen Qing said. The situation appeared to be stable and Chen Qing had made use of hiswork. Otherwise, there was no way Ren Baqian could have been released so quickly.


    But he still needed to follow the required procedures.

 Chapter 231: Changes in the Body

    Chapter 231: Changes in the Body


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian''s surroundings were engulfed in deep blue. The tinge of sunlighting from above him was the reason why his surroundings weren''t inplete darkness. The water all around him pressed heavily against his muscles and bones. Even so, Ren Baqian was trying his best to swim downwards. He had already thrown the notion of giving up unimaginably far away. Now, all he could think about was continuing to swimming downwards.


    After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly woke up after his body lost all its energy.


    "Phew!" Ren Baqian was panting heavily, looking as if he had extruded all the air that was stuck in his lungs just now.


    After a while, Ren Baqian clenched his fists, but they remained soft and strengthless. However, his eyes exuded a bright glint.


    Today, he actually dove into theke one meter deeper than usual.


    He had cultivated [Ruyi Visualization] for a very long period of time. Usually, after he took a medicinal bath, he could only dive deeper into theke by 14 centimeters than before every one day. It would take him seven days to dive a rough total of one meter. Seven days were the duration that was needed for him to fully absorb the nutrients of the medicinal bath.


    However, today he actually dove one meter deeper than the day before yesterday.


    "Why would this happen?" Ren Baqian pondered deeply.


    For the past few days, not many changes had happened. Yesterday, he did not train at all, and yet he was able to dive one meter deeper than usual. This was equivalent to absorbing all the nutrients of one medicinal bath in one go.


    The only noteworthy event that happened recently was that he killed a man and severely injured another yesterday.


    However, killing a man and severely injuring a man had no link to his cultivation progress.


    Could the fear-stimted retaliation on the two burrs cause these changes?


    Ren Baqian felt it was highly likely that his physical potential was unleashed when he was fighting for his life.


    No expert became the best in the world by training under a cliff for thirty years. People who did this were usually killed by a shoe that appeared out of nowhere after yelling "I''m the best in the world".


    Not only could a life-or-death battle allow one to master various techniques and improve his reaction time, judgement, and experience, there would also be some changes to his body as well. Ren Baqian felt this was an easy concept to understand.


    After all, the human body held many amazing secrets.


    It has happened before that someone could exert strength that was a few timesrger than usual upon encountering danger. This was the hidden potential of the human body.


    Perhaps the same thing happened to his body as well? Not only did he experience a life-or-death battle, he was cultivating [Ruyi Visualization] as well. This might be the cause of the changes in his body.


    Perhaps he should return to Dayao and try it out? Should he spar with the imperial guards? Upon thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that this idea might not work.


    Firstly, a sparring session and a life-or-death battle were twopletely different things. Secondly, he reckoned that he wouldn''t even be able to defeat one hand of an imperial guard.


    He might have a chance if he found a ten-year-old kid to spar with.


    No matter what, he decided to go back and give it a try first. After all, there was no harm in trying.


    If he really had to fight a life-or-death battle during a sparring session, he would rather take the medicinal baths and let his cultivation progress slowly. Initiating a life-or-death battle for no reason might really cost his life.


    The more he thought about it, the more tired he got. Unknowingly, he fell into a deep slumber.


    After an unknown amount of time, Ren Baqian was woken up by hunger. His stomach sounded as though there was a drum being beaten inside. The feeling of hunger was unbearable.


    When he looked through the window and saw that the sky was still dark, he checked his phone and realized that he had slept for only three hours.


    However, his belly was already crying for food. Right now, all Ren Baqian could think of was getting some food to eat.


    Upon arriving downstairs, he realized that the bloodstains had already been cleaned. The stench of blood was no longer there either. Usually, ordinary people would find it ufortable and unlucky to walk past a ce where a person had just died. Ren Baqian simply did not care about this at all.


    After eating a bowl of instant noodles, Ren Baqian caressed his belly with satisfaction, feeling as though he had returned to life. Suddenly, a bout of hunger struck him again.


    Even after eating three bowls of instant noodles in a row, Ren Baqian still felt hungry. It was only after he cooked five packets of frozen dumplings and finished them all that he felt slightly better.


    "Goddamnit, I''m finally alive," Ren Baqian touched his belly and groaned.


    "Could these changes be due to the increase in my strength? Does it mean that my body needs more energy now?" Ren Baqian thought to himself. If the empress solely depended on rice to replenish her energy, the amount of rice she would have to eat would scare an ordinary person out of his wits.


    In the past, he would acquire the necessary nutrients from taking the medicinal bath. This time around, he solely depended on eating food to get the nutrients. No wonder he kept feeling hungry.


    He walked to the living room and tried using the chest expander. This time around, he spread it apart with more ease thanst time. This showed that his strength had increased again.


    Every time hepletely absorbed the nutrients of one medicinal bath, he would be able to dive one meter deeper into theke and his strength would increase by 75 newtons. This might be the reason why he felt so hungry this time around.


    Before he started taking the medicinal baths, the maximum weight was 65 kilograms. Does it mean that the maximum weight he could lift now was approximately 95 kilograms?


    Even though he might not be able to defeat an ordinary aboriginal still, he was very satisfied and happy with the amount of progress he had made.


    Ren Baqian returned to his bed and continued his sleep. The second day, he went to buy the crystalline sr panel and electrical umtor that he had his eyes on previously. This electrical umtor could store kilowatts of electricity. Two of these electrical umtors would be enough to sustain electric lights in Yangxin Pce Hall.


    If he bought two more of these electrical umtors, he might even be able get the empress a television or a video game console.


    Afterwards, Ren Baqian bought two Chinese-style floormps. They looked somewhat like themps in the pce. There was a vent on top of it and a paperntern hanging beneath it. There was even a painting of flowers and birds on the paperntern.


    Each floormp used a 20-watt light bulb. With an electrical umtor, the floormps couldst for 90 hours.


    Next time, he would buy an additional electrical umtor as a backup.


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park with two floormps and an electrical umtor. The electrical umtor and crystalline sr panel weighed a total of 70 kilograms while the two floormps weighed 17 kilograms. With 8 kilograms of avable space, Ren Baqian bought some candies, popcorn, and hotpot ingredients.


    By the time Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park, it was morning. He took a medicinal bath first. Then, he called the empress with the walkie-talkie. After a while, his call was put through. Before Ren Baqian could talk, he heard amotion on the other end of the line. "Tong Zhenye, you old bast*rd! Today I will let you have a taste of my sword!"


    "Humph! Sir Qin, I can defeat you with only one hand," Tong Zhenye''s voice came out of the walkie-talkie as well.


    "Arghhhhh! I''m going to kill you today!"


    Following which, all Ren Baqian could hear wasmotion and heckles�� He couldn''t even hear anyone attempting to mediate the fight.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. So, this was how the court session in Dayao was like? It was indeed aboriginal-style.


    Qin Chuan is the Minister of War, right? Ren Baqian couldn''t believe the Minister of War and the Minister of Works were going to fight. If this happened in modern days, they would headline the news for half a month straight.


    Just as Ren Baqian began to develop interest in themotion with his eyes sparkling, the empress suddenly switched off the walkie-talkie. It was a pity that he couldn''t know the oue of themotion.


    It was already afternoon before someone finally came to Pingle Park to find Ren Baqian. "Deputy Prefect Ren, Her Majesty has summoned you to Yangxin Pce Hall to eat with her."


    Ren Baqian let the imperial guard hold the box of things he brought here and headed to Yangxin Pce Hall. Upon arriving there, he saw the empress lying on her couch rubbing her head. He wondered whether or not it was themotion during the court session that caused her to have a headache.


    When the empress saw the box, she raised her head and asked curiously, "What is that"


    "Floormps. Your Majesty, you no longer need to endure the irritating smoke from the oilmps," Ren Baqian chuckled and said.


    After finishing their lunch, Ren Baqian quickly opened up the box. Then, he ced the floormps on each side of the empress''s wooden couch. The style of the floormps matched this pce hall perfectly.


    Following which, Ren Baqian ced the electrical umtor behind the wooden couch and plugged the floormps'' power cables into it. Next, he turned on the switches of the floormps and they lit up immediately.


    The floormps gave off a warm yellow light. It wasn''t dazzling, but rather, just bright enough to light up the surroundings of the couch.


    Qing Yuan''s and Hong Luan''s mouths turned O-shaped. Previously, they only saw Ren Baqian taking out a bunch of cables. They did not see him taking out oil or lighting any wick. So how did themps light up?


    The empress felt the warmth of the light from the floormps and nodded her head. The brightness of the light was veryfortable.


    The floormps were much brighter than oilmps and they wouldn''t flicker. Most importantly, she did not need to inhale the smoke from oilmps anymore


    Just as Ren Baqian was looking at the floormps with satisfaction while thinking that he had done a noble deed by bringing electrical light to this world, the empress suddenly asked, "Did you bring back the erhu that you have promised me?"


    Ren Baqian, "..."

 Chapter 232: The Good Days Have Come to an End

    Chapter 232: The Good Days Have Come to an End


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "The erhu which you have promised to show me, did you it bring it along?" The empress''s voice drifted into Ren Baqian''s ears. Immediately, he was petrified.


    "Damn, I have actually forgotten about it. But, the empress still remembered��" Ren Baqian was troubled, and his face turned bitter, almost resembling a bitter gourd.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian''s expression, and she understood what was going on. Then, she faintly said, "It''s considered lying to me and that''s a punishable crime byw!"


    Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Your Majesty, I have been busy preparing the Chinese-style floormps as well as the electrical umtor these past few days��" Ren Baqian replied promptly.


    "It''s considered lying to me and that''s a punishable crime byw��"


    Ren Baqian wanted to cry but no tears came out. He felt that those who filmed the Qing Dynasty television series ought to be strangled to death. If it wasn''t for them, how would the empress learn a sentence like that.


    "This time��I encountered a huge change in my life!" Ren Baqian immediately changed his argument.


    "Oh?" Upon hearing what Ren Baqian said, she was slightly curious. At the very least, it seemed like nothing happened to him currently. This indicated that it wasn''t a huge problem.


    "The both of you can take your leave." Upon seeing Ren Baqian''s gaze, she waved her hand and said to Hong Luan and Qing Yuan.


    Qing Yuan was unhappy as she still wanted to listen to what exactly happened to Deputy Ren. At the same time, she was also curious about where he went.


    These days, both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had discovered that there were strange things appearing in the pce. For example, thismp which could be lit without adding oil as well as the talking box that was in the empress''s hand.


    This made the both of theme up with all sorts of conjectures.


    Unfortunately, the empress didn''t allow them to listen to what was going on.


    "Go ahead and speak," the empress said right after Qing Yuan and Hong Luan left.


    "Your Majesty, there are things which you don''t know. This time, when I just got back to my apartment on Earth, I heard someone making noise upstairs. Immediately, my heart tightened as I thought an ident has urred�� At this moment, the culprit thrust the dagger at me. Your Majesty knows my situation. I was dumbstruck at that moment and managed to dodge the attack. However, there wasn''t only one person, but, two of them��"


    Ren Baqian narrated what happened for more than ten minutes. Equipped with his tone and expressions, he told the story of himself encountering the thieves and then counter-attacking them, as though it was a Hollywood blockbuster with uninhibited twist and turns. It was extremely disturbing. If one listened to his side of the story, he or she would definitely think that Ren Baqian met the marine corps and not two thieves.


    For this reason, he intentionally showed the wound on his ribs to the empress.


    "Atst, I spent three days at the police station before they finally released me. I have been thinking about Your Majesty for the past three days there. Once I was released from the police station, I immediately went to retrieve this electrical umtor as well as the Chinese-style floormps before rushing to meet Your Majesty. Only then did my deste heart finally fall to the ground and found a ce where it belonged." At the end, Ren Baqian talked rubbish in a deadpan manner.


    The empress took a look at him and shook her head gently, "Forget about it, I''ll let you off this time."


    Ren Baqian could finally rx. "It is not that I didn''t want to bring the erhu, but there were just too many twist and turns. I was mentally and physically exhausted during the three days in the police station. Moreover, I longed for Your Majesty as well. That''s why, I postponed this matter."


    "I can''t tell that you are mentally and physically tired, but, your face is indeed glowing with health," the empress said indifferently and was smiling with her eyes.


    The empress didn''t know how many percent of what Ren Baqian said was the truth. But, it was a fact that he ran into a problem.


    In fact, many a time, women don''t mind if whatever you said isn''tpletely true. Rather, so long as she thinks that whatever you said is true, and she''s willing to believe it, all will be good.


    Even though the empress felt that Ren Baqian had somewhat exaggerated the story he told, but seeing that he was really injured, she didn''t really care if Ren Baqian actually forgot about the erhu. On the contrary, because of Ren Baqian''s bitter experience this time, she got reminded of another issue.


    "Indeed, your skills arecking. You don''t even have the strength to defend yourself whening across danger. Although your martial arts skill will improve sooner orter, without realbat capabilities, even people who are far less powerful than you can kill you easily.


    From tomorrow onwards, I will get someone to teach you martial arts. You are not allowed to bezy at all. Otherwise, if you are killed by someone, even if I am able to take revenge for you, you will not be able to rise from death. The previous time is an example and it will be the same this time round," the empress continued, and in her voice, there was a little bit of concern. But, it was enough that it could be felt.


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty," Ren Baqian said softly.


    He also knew that what the empress said was right.


    In a world like this, nobody knew what kind of things they would encounter at any point in time.


    In particr, the difference in the fighting capabilities between himself and the others was too great, and the corresponding danger was greatly enhanced as well. If he really encountered something simr to the previous time, he would have no other choice but to resign himself to his fate.


    "I will try my best," Ren Baqianplied.


    It seemed that the empress didn''t care about his determination and said, "I will watch you."


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    That afternoon, the empress was sitting on a chair and beside her, was a small table with fruits, candies, popcorn, as well as beverages.


    Behind her was a huge imperial canopy that was like a parasol that covered the sunlight.


    There was also Qing Yuan and Hong Luan by her side. One of them massaged her shoulders while the other was fanned her.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look at the empress. Then, he looked at the bodyguard in front of him, whose body type was exactly like Arnold Schwarzenegger''s. He was dumbfounded.


    Didn''t she say that I will be taught? Why am I down for a battle?


    "The fastest way is to learn directly from battles." This was what the empress had just said in the past scene.


    But, at present, is it a matter of battling? At this moment, I am going to be beaten up by the other party unterally.


    "Begin, such a dilly dally." The empress was eating popcorn by the side, which was followed by grapes and a mouthful of wine.


    It fully interpreted the saying "bystanders who are ignorant of the truth and facts and are just there for the show".


    "Deputy Ren, I''ll go easy on you." That bodyguard restrained hisughter.


    Ren Baqian genuinely wanted to spit on his face.


    "Your Majesty, I think that it''s still better for me to learn some moves first," Ren Baqian couldn''t help but look back and say.


    "No worries, you''ll know how to fight after a while," the empress said casually.


    Ren Baqian looked helplessly at the muscr bodyguard that was across from him. He made a firm resolution, shouted out loudly and dashed towards the other party.


    His imposing manner was threatening, and he was like a rabid dog.


    Then, he flew back at a faster speed than when he flew outwards.


    A huge footprint was imprinted on his chest.


    Ren Baqian held onto his chest andy on the floor, looking at the sky while muttering to himself, "Such is life!"


    "Don''t skive, I''m watching you," the empress told him with a smile as she ate the popcorn and drank the sorghum wine.


    ��


    After more than two hours had passed, Ren Baqian was lying on the floor and his whole body was covered in dust. With the exception of his face, there wasn''t a single part of his body that was okay.


    "Your Majesty, I really can''t do this. I feel like I''m seriously injured." Ren Baqian''s voice was like an extremely sorrowful cuckoo that was full of resentment,


    "Oh, I''ll teach you a set of boxing techniques tomorrow. You''ll practice again," the empress capitted.


    Ren Baqiany on the ground and didn''t have any intention of getting up. If the empress had said this earlier, there was no need for him to get beaten up.


    By this point, the sun had already set. Ren Baqian looked at the setting sun and thought of himself running in the sunset previously�� as well as his youth that was gone forever.


    "You are too crafty andzy. If it were someone else and they had this opportunity, they would be itching to practice diligently every day. But, you never even thought about it before. If you don''t experience any hardships, you will definitely goof off.


    In future, you will handle things in the morning, train on odd-numbered days and spar on even-numbered days in the afternoon," the empress said sternly.


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian knew that his good days hade to an end.


    ...


    Even though Ren Baqian got bashed up, he still enjoyed an unusual massage in the evening. A middle-ageddy, who''s position was unknown, continuously hit his back with ointment in her palm and got rid of all the blood clots and bruises on him. After an hour had passed, she got up and left. Ren Baqian felt that his entire body was loosened up. Also, the fatigue and pain from during the daytime had practically disappeared, causing every single cell in his body to shout the word, "Refreshing!"

 Chapter 233: [Boxing of Death]

    Chapter 233: [Boxing of Death]


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Eh? Why is it giving off light?"


    "It doesn''t even produce any smoke!"


    Shi Qing, Shi Kouhai, Tong Zhenye, Qin Chuan, Tu Wan and a, few other officials were inspecting at the floormps at Yangxin Pce Hall while eximing in admiration.


    The empress was standing in front of a mirror, ignoring thempletely.


    "This thing stores sunlight and then releases it as energy. Therefore, the floormps don''t need oil to burn, and they don''t produce any smoke," Ren Baqian exined to those country bumpkins.


    "This is indeed a treasure!" Everyone nodded upon hearing Ren Baqian''s exnation.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren, do you still have any more of this treasure?" Tong Zhenye asked.


    "Of course I don''t have any more." Actually, it wasn''t at all difficult for Ren Baqian to bring each of them a sr energy umtor, but he simply did not have any intention to do so.


    In these people''s eyes, the floormps were like magical treasure. Things might go wrong if he gave every one of them a floormp.


    He gave them the walkie-talkies because they were of great use to them.


    Things like the electrical umtors and floormps were not of any use to these people, therefore Ren Baqian felt it was unnecessary to give them these things.


    Those people revolved around the floormps and eximed in admiration for a long period of time,pletely satisfying the empress''s desire to unt.


    Ren Baqian felt that the empress invited so many people to have lunch with her so that she could unt her new toy.


    Even though this type of floormp could be found in abundance on Earth, it was considered magical and exquisite in this world. Previously, all of these officials doubted her choice of husband. Now that she saw them getting fascinated by the floormps, she felt extremely satisfied.


    While having lunch, everyone sang great praises about the imperial pce''s food as well. Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan even shamelessly licked the tes clean.


    Everyone was aroused by Ren Baqian''s spices.


    Even though some spices had been nted in the beast park, it would still take some time for them to be fully grown. Furthermore, only a small amount of them was nted.


    Now, they could only wish Ren Baqian could nt more spices as soon as possible.


    After lunch, Tong Zhenye pulled Ren Baqian to one side and asked, "Deputy Prefect Ren, I heard that you want to buynd? I have a few plots ofnd that I can give you, what do you think?"


    "Sir Tong, I''m not the one that''s buyingnd, Her Majesty is the one that wants to buynd," Ren Baqian immediately corrected him.


    Ren Baqian was very surprised that Tong Zhenye was so well-informed. It was just two days ago that he sent Teng Hulu and Tie Dao to spread the news.


    Actually, Ren Baqian himself did mention that he wanted to look fornd to cultivate spices previously at the beast park. It was just that he hadpletely forgotten about it.


    "It''s the same," Tong Zhenye replied frankly. The imperial family had never bought anynd from anyone before. Therefore, everyone knew whose idea it was when Her Majesty suddenly wanted to buynd.


    "Sir Tong, how many mu ofnd can you give me? What do you want in return?" Ren Baqian asked. He did not believe Tong Zhenye would be willing to give a few plots of hisnd to the empress for free immediately after hearing that she wanted to buynds.


    "I can give you fifty mu ofnd. In return, I want at least ten mu ofnd worth of spices. I''ll pay you a sum of money as well," Tong Ye immediately bargained.


    Ren Baqian felt Tong Zhenye''s offer was a good deal. Fifty mu ofnd was a huge amount ofnd. This morning, Teng Hulu just told him some bad news. Thend surrounding Lan City had all been given to those meritorious soldiers that founded Dayao. Even though the harvest each year wasn''t plentiful, not many people were willing to sell theirnd. Even if they could buy thend, thend they were able to buy was scattered. This was far from Ren Baqian''s requirement.


    "I can only sell it to you for three years," Ren Baqian added.


    "What if I give you one hundred mu ofnd?" Tong Zhenye said after thinking about it.


    "Alright, I will sell you twenty mu ofnd worth of spices for five years. There''s no need for me to sell you spices for more than five years. By then, the production of spices should be huge enough and you will be able to obtain them easily," Ren Baqian capitted. Actually, if Tong Zhenye nted the spices himself, it would take less than five years for him to achieve self-sufficiency in spice production.


    However, Ren Baqian couldn''t allow them to grow whatever the empress was growing. Otherwise, they were basically stealing profits from the imperial family.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian felt that five years were a reasonable amount of time.


    After thinking about it, Tong Zhenye nodded his head and agreed to Ren Baqian''s offer. Other than his personal consumption, he intended to sell the spices to Great Xia and the Yun Nation as well. He reckoned that he would be able to make a huge profit off these spices.


    One had to admit that Tong Zhenye was a shrewd businessman that had his potential limited by the Ministry of Works.


    There weren''t many business-smart people in Dayao but that did not mean there were none at all. Tong Zhenye was one of such people.


    "I shall take my leave first," Tong Zhenye said. Following which, he looked at Tu Wan and nodded his head.


    Tu Wan had the same intention as Tong Zhenye. Ren Baqian offered him a simr deal to what he offered Tong Zhenye.


    One had to admit that these Dayao officials had very little amounts ofnd.


    Rank 3 officials like Tong Zhenye and Tu Wan were already considered high-ranking officials. However, to Ren Baqian''s surprise, they did not have muchnd. Had Ren Baqian not listened to them personally, he wouldn''t have believed it.


    Let''s not talk about the actual amount ofnd they had. Just the amount ofnd they offered Ren Baqian was far too little.


    It was most likely that they were speaking the truth.


    Aboriginals did not really care about utilizing theirnd. They wanted to preserve thend surrounding Lan City was for the sake of glory. After all, these plots ofnd were awarded to them for their meritorious services during the founding years of Dayao.


    ...


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian and the empress were on a ring in the pce.


    Ren Baqian did not know that such a ce existed within the imperial pce.


    Many stone dumbbells and stone balls were ced around the ring.


    "Pay attention to my movements." After finishing her sentence, the empress began to disy a boxing technique to Ren Baqian in her red dress.


    The moment the empress began to move, Ren Baqian immediately ced his focus on her stance.


    Austerity.


    This was the first impression Ren Baqian got.


    As the empress started moving, Ren Baqian felt an aura of death arise in his surroundings. He felt as though he was on a battlefield.


    Powerful.


    The empress''s movements weren''t fast orplicated. However, every punch she executed created a loud boom in the air, appearing as though her punches had exploded the air.


    Most importantly, the empress exuded the might of tens of thousands of soldiers even though she was just disying a boxing technique. Ren Baqian could not even stand still in front of her. Subconsciously, he took a few steps back away from her.


    "Boom!" As the empress unleashed a punch, roughly seven stone bs in front of her exploded into smithereens at the same time.


    "Your Majesty''s martial arts are unparalleled, you''re the best martial arts expert in this world!" Ren Baqian woke up from a daze and yelled immediately.


    "Humph!" The empress''s voice was slightly arrogant yet attractive at the same time. Following which, she calmed down and asked, "Have you taken a good look at it?"


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    "Your Majesty, I am enthralled by your elegance," Ren Baqianughed sheepishly and said.


    The empress raised her eyebrows and stared at Ren Baqian.


    "I personally disyed this boxing technique for you, how dare you did not pay attention?"


    "All I could see just now is an aura of death, and I felt as though I was on a battlefield. I''m really too stupid to learn this technique," Ren Baqian quickly said.


    "This was a military-used boxing technique, it''s called [Boxing of Death]. It was created by General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation, Hong Wu. It has a total of eight moves. I want you to remember these eight moves in three days'' time. On odd-numbered days, you will practice the technique for six hours. On even-numbered days, you will practice the technique for two hours and spar for two hours," the empress coldly instructed.

 Chapter 234: I Need a Change of Opponent

    Chapter 234: I Need a Change of Opponent


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian stood in the arena with his upper body exposed. Over the past few months, he had grown quite a lot of muscle mass. At the very least, his original "spare ribs" couldn''t be seen anymore.


    At this moment, his eyes were full of unswerving determination and he stared closely at his opponent. Even if Chen Qing was at the side, he wouldn''t be able to recognize this sharp and piercing gaze of Ren Baqian. This man, whose aura was just like a sword and had a ruthless vibe now, was actually his good friend who seemed ordinary and mediocre in the eyes of many.


    Theptop behind him, which was connected to the stereo system, was currently ying the OST of Crows Zero, "Into the Battlefield". At the time when he watched the movie, this song practically made him all fired up.


    [Crows Zero - A 2007 Japanese action film based on the manga Crows by Hiroshi Takahashi.)]


    The intense rhythm and dense drum beats at this moment gave Ren Baqian an adrenaline rush and his battle fervor raged. It gave him the feeling that if he had a gun at this moment, he would be able to carry it onto the battlefield.


    And the attention of Ren Baqian''s opponent at this time, was evidently attracted by the thing that was giving off a sound. His gaze wandered andnded on that stereo system.


    "An opportunity!" Ren Baqian''s eyes glimmered. He jumped off the ground and like a wild dog without a leash, he dashed towards his opponent.


    "Bang!"


    Then, Ren Baqian flew backwards and fell heavily on the ground at a faster speed than when he dashed towards his opponent. His chest was imprinted with a footprint of a size 46 shoe.


    "Oh, ah~!" Ren Baqiany on the ground and let out a long moan, "Your Majesty, I need a change of opponent."


    "You can choose any guards in the pce!" the empress, who was seated and eating popcorn not far away, said generously.


    "Is it possible to lower their age? I have yet to even achieve the Man Wheel level!" Ren Baqianmented.


    "How do I lower their age?" Currently, the guard that Ren Baqian was up against, was approximately 30 years old. For the aboriginals, this meant that they have yet to reach their peak. Moreover, the skills of the guards in the pce weren''t the highest. The winged cavalry was still slightly more powerful than the imperial guards.


    The youngest guard in the pce should be 22 years old. To be able to be an imperial guard at the age of 22, his original ability shouldn''t be weak in the first ce. Thus, Ren Baqian''s request wouldn''t actually make any difference to his current situation.


    "I feel that, an opponent about 10 years old would be okay for me to try," Ren Baqian expressed his request in with a sincere look on his face.


    The empress nearly chuckled out loud upon seeing that he had no sense of shame.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan looked down on him. Could he save some face for himself?


    And his opponent was looking at the sky at forty-five degrees.


    I didn''t even use half of my strength just now, what else do you want me to do?


    "A reciprocal rtionship would then be considered a sparring practice, am I right? Even if this person''s legs and hands were to be tied together, I will still not be his match," Ren Baqian got up from the ground and earnestly pleaded.


    The empress gave him the side-eye for a long time before she finally said, "Fine!"


    Upon hearing what the empress said, he was ted, "Your Majesty''s wisdom and strength are unparalleled. Yourpassion for themoners helps deliver all living creatures from their suffering!"


    "We will continue today! From tomorrow onwards, I will change the opponent for you."


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian sighed. He struck a pose and then tapped along to the rhythm of a song from the Japanese band Nightwish. Once again, he dashed towards the opponent like a wild dog.


    "Bam!"


    ��


    This was the seventh day since the empress had taught him the boxing technique. It could be said that his face was filled with tears during these seven days.


    The eight moves alone from the [Boxing of Death] made Ren Baqian suffer to no end.


    Ren Baqian''s bones already taken form many years ago. As such, he absolutely couldn''t do many actions at all.


    Then, the empress got two guards to push his shoulders down so that he could manage a split. At that time, his voice was simr to a pig being ughtered and was spread throughout the pce, lingering for three days.


    For three consecutive days, Ren Baqian walked with his legs syed out and felt that they were as flimsy as cooked noodles.


    Having to train every day, this was still okay. At most, he would be more tired. However, in addition to all the training, he still had to endure getting beaten up every alternate day. This made Ren Baqian feel extremely regretful.


    Today, he finally couldn''t help but raise the issue that he had been pondering over the past few days.


    At night, another female official came to help decongest the bruises on his body. Ayer of Indian god oil, which was a term given by Ren Baqian, was applied on his body. After the oil was applied, his entire body reflected light. But, the result was extremely good. Every time he was coated with ayer of Indian god oil and given a good massage to decongest the bruises it was indescribablyforting from head to toe. Whenever he looked at his body the next day, there wasn''t a single bruise at all.


    However, he didn''t know that only the minority of the aboriginals could afford this Indian god oil. Although it wasn''t considered invaluable, it was extremely costly. Even the big shots in the imperial court could only use the oil asionally. Moreover, it was impossible for them to use it every alternate day to rub their entire body just like Ren Baqian.


    A bottle of this type of medicine cost 100 taels of silver. If he used a bottle every alternate day, it would cost more than 10,000 taels of silver in a year. Even the empress would consider this costly.


    Caretaker Shi, who was a Secondary, Rank 9 official, only took home 6 taels of silver every month. Also, the annual rent of a shop on Jingyang Road wouldn''t exceed 100 taels of silver.


    As for the medicine used in the medicinal bath, the cost was even higher. The cost of each medicinal bath he took was 1000 taels of silver. Each time, the medicinal bath could onlyst him for seven days.


    Just based on the two items which Ren Baqian used, the annual expense amounted to 50,000 taels of silver.


    Dayao wasn''t well-to-do and the entire pce''s annual expense doesn''t even exceed 400 taels of silver. The majority of this expense was spent on the imperial guards'', female officials'', as well as the pce maids'' sries. The money spent on Ren Baqian was so much more than the total annual expenses of the entire pce.


    The empress solely relied on the imperial family''s profit on gold and silver mines with only a slight surplus. With the additional expenses on Ren Baqian, the imperial family''s profits immediately became a deficit.


    ...


    ��


    The next day, Ren Baqian hurriedly left and gathered Overseer of Military Arms Feng Hou as well as Junior Official of the Department of Construction before hurrying over to Jingtian Furnaces. In the morning, he received news that the pile of bricks which were fired in the furnace previously, had all turned into broken pieces.


    Throughout the entire journey, Ren Baqian was thinking deeply as to why the bricks broke while he was being jolted up and down by the walking motion of the fork-horned cow. Since they were able to produce cement, that meant theposition of the ores in this world should be simr to the ones on Earth. Not to mention the fact that baking bricks contained mostly y, all the more that such a situation shouldn''t happen.


    When they arrived at Jingtian Furnaces, the supervisor, Tie Mu hurriedly came to wee them, "Sir, the fire was extinguished yesterday and we wanted to take the bricks out. Only then did we discover��"


    "Hang on, let''s take a look at the situation first." Ren Baqian waved his hands and then hastily rushed to that furnace. The bricks inside had practically not been taken out yet. Ren Baqian went down thedder and there was only half a brick left. The rest of the bricks had turned into fragments and fell to the bottom of the furnace.


    As for the remaining half a brick, it could be seen from the surface that it waspletely cracked, and many parts bulged as well. Touching it would immediately cause it to break into pieces.


    Ren Baqian''s eyebrows lifted.


    What was going on?


    "Sir Ren, how is it?" Tong Yan, who was on top him asked.


    After thest drinking session at the brothel, everyone became familiar with one another.


    Ren Baqian knitted his eyebrows and crawled out of the furnace with dust all over his body. He then said to Tie Mu, "Do it again, I will watch for what exactly went wrong."


    After which, he said to Tong Yan, "I''m unsure of the reason, let''s wait it out before we talk about it."


    When the craftsman of Jingtian Furnaces was working, Ren Baqian fished out a piece of paper and did a step-by-stepparison to see what went wrong.


    "There''s no problem?" Ren Baqian muttered to himself. He personally watched the craftsman of Jingtian Furnaces do everything step-by-step, from crushing to mixing and even kneading the shape of the bricks. There was no problem at all.


    "Could it be that the information on this paper is wrong?" Ren Baqian began to doubt the information which he had found online.


    Perhaps, there was something that wasn''t written on this paper.


    "Sir Ren, what is this?" Tong Yan and Feng Hou gathered together. Just now, they saw him holding onto the piece of paper while muttering to himself.


    "For me to remember some things," Ren Baqian casually replied. In any case, the neither of them could understand what was written on that paper.


    "I have never seen such writings before." Tong Yan took a nce and shook his head.


    Ren Baqian ignored him. If Tong Yan had seen those words before, it would be really strange.


    "Eh, what are you all doing?" Ren Baqian looked at the craftsman as he ced the bricks back into the furnace.


    "Like what you said Sir, we have got to fire them." The craftsman was at a loss.


    "Dry it, dry it in the shade first, how is it possible to fire it if you send it in like this?" Ren Baqian''s eyes were opened wide as the instruction was obviously written on the piece of paper.


    "Sir, this is the way you had us to fire them the previous time." Tie Mu was dumbfounded.


    "How can it be? These aren''t dry, how can it turn into bricks?" Ren Baqian''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    "Sir Ren, the previous time you didn''t say anything about drying it in the shade. We fired it like this," Feng Hou spoke out of justice for the workers.


    Ren Baqian looked at Feng Hou with disgust, "How can it be?"


    In his heart, he was thinking, "My foot, could it be that I really didn''t say it the previous time?"


    He thought about it carefully. It seemed like the previous time, the entire processes of producing cement and baking bricks werepleted in a day. Where could they find the time to dry those bricks in the shade?


    Ren Baqian''s expression turned solemn. "This time, you all better not foul up. Firstly, dry the kneaded bricks in the shade. Remember to dry them in a cool ce and not directly in the sun. After which ce them back into the furnace to fire them. It will be best to turn on a few furnaces at the same time, so that we can experiment with baking them at different temperatures as well as the duration."

 Chapter 235: Shameless

    Chapter 235: Shameless


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian stared at his opponent with a solemn look on his face.


    After getting defeated in thest few one-sided battles, the empress finally gave him a new opponent.


    The empress had granted his shameless request. His opponent was a ten-over-year-old child.


    Furthermore, it was a girl.


    She wore a set of white-colored, silken clothing, her face was gorgeously powdered and tender, and her hair was tied up in two buns, looking like a very cute Lolita. Looking at her, pedophilic thoughts arose in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    "Your Majesty, I can''t bear toy a finger on her!" Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows and sighed.


    "If you defeat her, I will give you a reward." The pitch of the empress''s voice raised, containing a tinge of enticement.


    Ren Baqian almost lost his head when he heard the empress''s voice. From the empress''s words, Ren Baqian understood something. Deep down, the empress felt that he couldn''t defeat this Lolita.


    "Your Majesty, why not you give me an eight-year-old opponent?"


    The empress, Qing Yuan, the imperial guards, and even the Lolita were shocked. All of them stared at Ren Baqian with their eyes wide open.


    Are you that shameless?


    "I''m just joking. Your Majesty, why don''t you give me a boy as my opponent?" Ren Baqian chuckled and said. If it was a boy, he felt that he should be able to fight him.


    "Defeat her first," the empress said while eating a bowl of shaved ice.


    Ren Baqian sighed. Lowering his head, he jogged to hisptop and yed "She is my sin" by Nightwish. The atmosphere in the arena immediately intensified.


    The Lolita looked curiously at the two big boxes that were sting out music.


    Subconsciously, she started tapping her fingers to the music.


    "How may I address you?" Putting on a solemn look on his face again, Ren Baqian cupped his fists and greeted the Lolita.


    The Lolita cast a nce at him and cupped her fists. "Tong Lan."


    Ren Baqian felt that this Lolita was definitely not from an ordinary family. Someone who came from an ordinary family definitely couldn''t afford the set of silk clothing she was wearing.


    When Ren Baqian heard that her surname was Tong, he immediately associated her with Tong Zhenye.


    "What''s your rtionship with Minister of Works, Sir Tong?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "He is my grandfather," Tong Lan replied inly.


    "Oh, I see." Ren Baqian nodded his head. Then, he continued, "A few days ago, I went to a brothel with your grandfather."


    "Oh." Tong Lan nodded her head without giving any reaction.


    "I see, she doesn''t know what a brothel is. It seems like I have wasted my breath on her." Upon looking at Tong Lan''s facial expression, Ren Baqian knew he had wasted his breath on her.


    At this moment, the empress''s cold voice resounded through the air. "You really can''t forget about that day, huh? Why don''t I apany you there again?"


    "Your Majesty, this is a tactic! I am engaging in a psychological warfare with her," Ren Baqian immediately turned around to face the empress and replied with a serious tone.


    Everyone looked at him with disdain.


    Are you really that shameless?


    Ren Baqian helpless turned back his head. Looking at Tong Lan, who looked absent-minded now, he lowered his body slightly and pushed the ball of his feet and surged forward.


    "Unparalleled Vanguard!" Ren Baqian roared.


    When everyone saw Ren Baqian take action, they immediately became energized. However, when they saw him unleashing six kicks in a row, a confused look appeared upon their faces.


    This move was [Chain Kicks]...


    The moves of [Boxing of Death] were unsophisticated and vicious. It was amonly used boxing technique in the military of Dayao. Everyone more or less had some understanding of it even if they never learnt it before.


    At this moment, everyone realized the move that Ren Baqian yelled waspletely different from the move he executed.


    Your opponent is just a ten-year-old child, how can you be so shameless?


    For the past few days, Ren Baqian had redefined the limit of his shamelessness in everyone''s heart.


    "Bang!"


    Ren Baqian fell to the ground with blood spewing out of his nose. There was a small footprint on his face.


    Tong Lan looked Ren Baqian with contempt written all over her face. "A cheat!"


    Ren Baqian covered his face in embarrassment. He couldn''t believe that he could not beat a ten-year-old girl. He couldn''t face anyone now.


    All the onlookers raised their heads and looked at the sky...


    After a while, Ren Baqian, whose left cheek had another footprint, and Tong Lan were standing opposite each other again.


    "Do you know how much three thousand taels of silver worth? How long can the Tong residence live off this amount of money?" Ren Baqian asked with a serious tone.


    "Of course I know. My pocket money per month is three taels of silver. The overall expenditure of the Tong residence doesn''t exceed one thousand taels of silver," Tong Lan replied.


    "I owe your grandfather three thousand taels of silver. If you hit my face again, I won''t return him the money," Ren Baqian threatened Tong Lan.


    The empress, "..."


    Qing Yuan, "..."


    Hong Luan, "..."


    The imperial guards, "..."


    Tong Lan, "..."


    Tong Lan''s eyes widened. She had never seen such a shameless person before today!


    "An opportunity!" When Ren Baqian saw Tong Lan was distracted by words, he immediately yelled, "[Hundred Battles Onught]!"


    However, his fists went into a flurry as he surged forward with great momentum. All the onlookers watched on nkly as he yelled "[Hundred Battles Onught]" but used [Unparalleled Vanguard] instead.


    "Bang!"


    Clenching his stomach, Ren Baqian smashed into a stone b.


    "I didn''t hit your face this time around. It''s a matter of course to pay off your debt. My grandfather once said that, ''If someone doesn''t want pay up the money he owes you, you have to beat him up until he pays you back the money''," Tong Lan said with a solemn tone.


    ...


    For the rest of the day, Ren Baqian had to endure devastating pain and humiliation. He finally realized that he couldn''t even defeat a ten-year-old kid.


    Even though Tong Lan was Tong Zhenye''s granddaughter and she had been practicing martial arts since she was very young, she was still a ten-year-old kid after all.


    Yangxin Pce Hall. When the empress saw how dejected Ren Baqian was, she couldn''t help but say, "Now that you know you''re weak, you just have to practice harder in the future."


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian raised his head with gratitude written all over his face.


    "Why don''t you get me an eight-year-old opponent? I would be so grateful to you!"


    The empress felt like pping Ren Baqian to death. Why didn''t she realize he was so shameless before?


    "Your Majesty, the aboriginals are indeed blessed by Heaven. Their individual strength and bravery are outstanding, I think I need to work harder from today onwards," Ren Baqian immediately corrected himself.


    The empress''s facial expression lightened up. Then, she took a piece of paper from the bottom of her couch and threw it at Ren Baqian. "Take a look."


    Ren Baqian opened up the piece of paper with doubt and read the words on it attentively.


    After a while, Ren Baqian raised his head with a confused look on his face. "Poison Warrior?"


    Why was he associated with a reputation that Jia Xu used his entire life to build up? If Jia Xu knew this, would he be so angry that he jumped out of his coffin? Furthermore, what did he actually do to bebeled as a "Poison Warrior?"


    [Jia Xu is an official of the state of Cao Wei in the Three Kingdoms period. He is known for his use of poisons and schemes.]


    The empress nodded her head. "Previously, we used sarin gas to kill roughly eight thousand Great Xia soldiers. Including the Great Xia soldiers that the winged cavalry had in, Great Xia lost a total of thirteen thousand men. Furthermore, the Nine Pavilions was also destroyed. After a thorough investigation, the imperial family of Great Xia came to the conclusion you''re responsible for everything. After all, there aren''t many people in Dayao that are proficient in using poisons. Therefore, you''re the most suspicious one."


    "Great Xia might try to assassinate you. All in all, your existence is of great threat to them. In terms of threat level, you''re second only to General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation Hong Wu. Their assassins might even be on their way here now."


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded. "..."


    "But now that I think of it, they did not really use you wrongly. Even though you didn''t poison those Great Xia soldiers to death personally, it was your idea after all. Actually, I should reward you for poisoning the two thousand Great Xia soldiers at Falling Moon Gorge to start off the battle," the empress added.


    A look of grievance appeared on Ren Baqian''s face. "Is it better for me to stay in the pce these days?"


    "You can''t hide forever. Someday, you still will have to go out of the pce. Hence, I think you should train harder so that you can protect yourself." The empress furrowed her eyebrows as well.


    The assassins that Great Xia would send to kill Ren Baqian this time would definitely be more powerful than the onesst time.


    Because of this, the empress was also slightly worried too.


    There were still many things waiting for Ren Baqian to do, he couldn''t possible hide in the pce forever, right?


    "No matter what, now everyone in the world knows about you." When Ren Baqian heard the empress''sst sentence, he did not know whether tough or cry."

 Chapter 236: Back at the Laboratory Once Again

    Chapter 236: Back at the Laboratory Once Again


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian dived straight into his bed when he returned to Earth. These days, he was both mentally and physically exhausted and had suffered lots of injuries as well.


    He had to handle many different issues every morning and had to practice martial arts from afternoon all the way till night where he could finally take a break.


    After that, he still had to be beaten up every alternate day, by a Lolita with her hair up in buns, to let him realize why the flowers were so rosy.


    Lastly, he still had to bear with the threats from another nation. He had to be prepared against an assassination attempt at all times. It had already been a few days since hest stepped out of the pce.


    "Hai!" Ren Baqian sighed deeply.


    When will this ever end?


    He got up after lying in bed for quite some time. There were many missed calls on his phone, and of which, almost ten were from Chen Qing. There were also some missed calls from unknown numbers.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a bit and there shouldn''t be much problemstely. Regarding the previous incident, the verdict had already been announced thest time he returned to Earth. It was due to reasonable self-defense.


    After all, he was indeed aw-abiding citizen, and the evidence gathered from the scene had already proved it.


    Even those few pieces of jade pendants and a few other things had already been retrieved.


    Why is Chen Qing looking for me then?


    After some thought, Ren Baqian decided to return Chen Qing''s call.


    "Brother, you are my brother. Can you please check the time before calling me next time?" Chen Qing who was on the other end of the line, had a stomach full of resentment.


    Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    These few days has been really miserable for me, and it''s just this once that I''m harassing you.


    "I see that you have called me a few times, what''s the matter?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I have good news. There is progress in the R worms research that we have conducted previously. But, let''s go more into detail tomorrow!" Chen Qing immediately hung up as soon as he finished that sentence.


    When Ren Baqian tried calling again, his phone was already switched off. Only then did he throw his phone aside.


    If he were to wait for theboratory to carry out the research, his bones would have already turned into ashes.


    But there were still some benefits somehow. After all, having gathered some results from a research subject, meant that they were one step closer to releasing a new drug in the market. But as for the specifics, he still had to see the results that had been gathered.


    This time, he brought back some green vines and seeds. Those things would perhapse in handy very soon.


    It was said that, these green vines grow very rapidly and could grow into a huge bunch in just a few weeks. They could be utilized in just half a year. Ren Baqian had personally experienced the effects of these green vines, and it would definitely crush all the hangover remedies on the market.


    If this thing were to roll out, he would probably have a source of revenue very quickly.


    After lying in a daze on his bed for half a day, Ren Baqian entered the [Visualization of Water]. He came out of the [Visualization of Water] after an hour and fell promptly asleep.


    He woke up the next morning and got lost in thought for a while. After which, he changed his clothes and headed downstairs for breakfast. Then, he took the green vines and headed to theboratory.


    "It''s surprising that you''re here, Lucky Boy. It''s really rare." Xu Shan greeted Ren Baqian as soon as she saw him, and it was indeed ack of proper respect for a big boss like him.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian seldom showed up at theboratory. Furthermore, he wasn''t responsible for such things. He was only a major financial backer and also the direction provider for the research.


    "There has been progress in the R Worms?" Ren Baqian asked firstly.


    "Yes indeed, follow me." Xu Shan led Ren Baqian to the office, took out some documents and pictures to exin to him. After ten minutes, Ren Baqian summarized the details that Xu Shan spent a long time exining. The antidote that he brought over previously was basically a type of deep-sea organism that contained a certain substance. That substance could suppress the R worms and could even kill them if the dosage was high enough.


    The only problem was that it could also cause certain damage to the human body.


    However, this was considered a small effect to leukemia patients.


    "How much longer before the research of this drug isplete?" Ren Baqian asked another question.


    "The fastest will be another two more years. It will be three years before it can hit the market." Xu Shan gave a rough estimate.


    Ren Baqian nodded and asked, "What about the ck mud cream?"


    "I''m afraid that it will be eventer, mainly due to the slow growth rate of some medicinal ingredients," Xu Shan replied.


    "I''ve brought you some more good stuff." Ren Baqian pushed over a sack.


    Xu Shan''s eyes glowed when she heard that. The first two items that Ren Baqian brought were new things that had never been discovered before. It was unexpected that he actually brought something again.


    "You have already be a legend in my heart. I really want to know where you get so many of these good things." Xu Shan couldn''t help but say that. He quickly took out the green vine from the sack. It was about the thickness of two fingers. Even though it had already been plucked for some time, it was preserved very well. The entire body of it was greenish-blue, with only a slight wither at the side.


    "What is this?" Xu Shan couldn''t help but ask, as she held the green vine and examined it left and right.


    "It''s called green vine. This thing can cure hangovers when it''s ground to powder. It crushes all the hangover cures in the market." Xu Shan appeared a little disappointed as Ren Baqian finished talking. This wasn''t what she wanted.


    "Don''t belittle it. Its effects are like the ck mud cream, instant results, and very powerful," Ren Baqian added.


    "Understood. We will embark on its research as soon as possible. ording to what you''ve said, this green vine should do pretty well in protecting the liver." Xu Shan nodded. "Theboratory is already shorthanded, we better increase manpower."


    "I''m not responsible for this, you should direct that to your superiors." Before Ren Baqian could finish talking, Xu Shan took out her phone and called Papa Chen, adequately disying her swift action. When the line went through, she introduced to him the thing that Ren Baqian brought, in the presence of the man himself. In addition, she reiterated that there was a severe shortfall in manpower.


    Papa Chen rushed down in less than half an hour. After the conventional greetings, he asked, "Are the effects of this green vine really good?"


    Ren Baqian repeated what he said previously, "Very powerful, I have used it myself, the results were instant."


    Papa Chenughed immediately. After listening to what Ren Baqian said, he could imagine the prospects of this green vine instantly. Even though there were many different kinds of hangover cures at present, most of them had the capabilities of protecting the liver in fact. The effects in actually curing hangovers weren''t truly negligible.


    Yet, it wasn''t possible to lessen the number of banquets he had to attend. For someone like him, who frequently engaged in social interactions, his health was damaged long ago.


    There were many people in the modern society who had to engage in social interaction frequently. Hence, even if the effects weren''t that great, there was still a pretty good market for hangover cures.


    If it turned out to be like what Ren Baqian said, when the drug manufactured from green vines entered the market, it would immediately seize the entire market.


    "When thates, we have better sign the contract once more. This time you must agree." Papa Chen reiterated his previous idea.


    After all, everything in theboratory at present, was brought over by Ren Baqian, and there were three projects in fact. Even though Papa Chen contributed some energy and funds, it was too big a differencepared to the shares that he currently owned.


    If he didn''t want to have any problems with their coboration in future, then this must be ironed out clearly.


    After all, it could have been sheer luck when Ren Baqian first brought out the ck mud cream. But for the second time and even the third time, it could notpletely be exined by luck.


    He had to set himself in the right position to reap more rewards in the future.


    You win some, you lose some. This was a point he understood very well.


    "We shall talk about that then." Ren Baqian couldn''t even be bothered the slightest bit.


    Seeing him like that, Papa Chen could tell that he was really not interested and decided not to say anything further. He would directly prepare the contract and let him sign it the next time around.


    At the same time, he was also curious about what Ren Baqian was doing at the moment.


    All in all, neither did he care about money nor the management of theboratory and the medicinal factory. In that case, what exactly did he care about?


    After Ren Baqian bade farewell to Papa Chen and left theboratory, he immediately called somebody and went to an office building located a few streets away. There was a middle-aged person already waiting for him at the lobby.


    After they exchanged greetings, Ren Baqian followed the other party up to the sixth story. There was an area of approximately 300 square meters for rent.


    "This is it. This was previously a softwarepany, but they have expanded a lot and relocated to a bigger ce." That spectacle wearing middle-aged person introduced to Ren Baqian.


    The middle-aged person promptly rebutted, "How can it be? This ce has excellent feng shui, and they had specially gotten someone to look at it then."


    Immediately, the middle-aged personmented his misfortune, "How can it be? The feng shui over here is outstanding. We even got a geomancer to look at this ce before.


    Ren Baqian gave him the side eye as the other party''s reaction made him even more suspicious.


    "This can be checked by just simply asking around," Ren Baqian replied. The other party immediately trembled in his thoughts.


    This young man is not someone that can be easily fooled, I had better shut my mouth and stop rebutting.


    "Forget it, I''m not bothered by what happened to the previouspany anyway," Ren Baqian stated the fact. He had nned to employ some programmers here to create some software that trantes between Chinese characters and the characters of the other world. When that happens, he could then directly trante the books he wanted into the characters of the other world.


    He was prepared to throw away money for thispany and not earn money from it.


    The earnings from the coboration with Papa Chen at theboratory and the medicinal factory was already sufficient.


    The market for hangover medicine had a revenue of 500 million yuan in a year. Moreover, it was those liver protecting kind of hangover medicines. Once the hangover medicine which was manufactured by the green vines hit the market, just based on its powerful effects alone, it could not only seize the entire market but even break into the overseas market.


    At that time, merely hangover medicine alone would have a market capitalization of more than one billion, and it might even reach up to about three billion.


    Adding on the other two types of medicine, there would be a market of at least a few billions annually. Also, these few types of medicine had the potential of seizing the entire market immediately once they hit the market.


    As a result, setting up a non-profitingpany wasn''t even a burden to him.


    330 square meters, at a rent of 10600 yuan per month. Ren Baqian immediately signed a three-year contract with the other party and transferred over one year worth of rent.


    After this was settled, he went to the previous real estate agency. It was already the right time, and he was prepared to buy the apartment.


    Two dayster, the rightful owner of that apartment became Ren Baqian. He owned an apartment in this city atst.


    But this wasn''t important to him anymore.


    On a bright and beautiful morning like this, with the empress sitting on the sofa eating ice cream as she watched the television, while he made breakfast in the kitchen... The thought of this sight was enough to make him stay there forever.


    When he returned to the other world, Ren Baqian still felt a little regretful. In fact, when he went back to Earth this time, he had actually intended to sign up for mixed martial arts sses or something simr. He felt that it could increase his fighting strength within the shortest time possible, and at least enough to not let him get trampled by a Lolita all the time.


    But, he had been busy with the ownership transfer of the apartment as well as finding a head-huntingpany to get himself a personal assistant. He had met a few of them but unfortunately, he wasn''t too satisfied.


    He hoped that he could find himself a satisfactory personal assistant the next time he went back. When that happened, he could hand all of his work over to him, and atst, he could rx.

 Chapter 237: Begging for Forgiveness With an Injury

    Chapter 237: Begging for Forgiveness With an Injury


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Upon arriving at the other world, Ren Baqian suddenly felt that he had forgotten something. He furrowed his eyebrows and racked his brain. What did he forget about?


    The next moment, he kneeled on the ground.


    Erhu? Where''s the erhu? Where''s the erhu? A stupefied look appeared upon Ren Baqian''s face. How could he forget about the erhu again?


    Why did he forget about the erhu every time he returned to Earth? Was it destined?


    God, why aren''t you blessing me?!


    Ren Baqian raised his head and let out a deep sigh. A look of agony rose upon his face.


    There was no point in sighing now. He had toe up with an exnation for the empress so that she wouldn''t pursue this matter.


    Even though the empress would not really kill him, she would still be willing to mete out punishments such as making him kneel on ss fragments. Or would she punish by making him train every day? Or maybe she might make him spar with her?


    What should I do?


    Ren Baqian paced up and down his room but still couldn''te up with any good solutions.


    Should I apologize and ask for punishment? Wait, this is not my style.


    Even if he did apologize and ask for punishment, the empress would merely sneer at him. Then, she would team up with the Lolita and beat the hell out of him.


    The main thing was the empress would think that he did not care about what she said. He did remind himself to get it before he returned to Earth. Unfortunately, hepletely forgot about it when he arrived on Earth.


    A look of agony appeared upon Ren Baqian''s face. It seemed like he had to resort to thest method, which was, begging for forgiveness with an injury.


    "Knife�� knife�� Is there a fruit knife or something?" Ren Baqian rummaged through his room. To his surprise, he realized he did not bring any sort of knife or dagger from Earth to this world. He had a handgun, a rifle, and a grenade. However, these things weren''t useful for him to beg for the empress''s forgiveness with an injury.


    Eventually, Ren Baqian found a short saber in his room. Immediately, his eyes lit up. Following which, however, a constipated look appeared upon his face.


    This saber was given by the husband of the wife whom he had saved using the condom method at the Chen Medicinal Shop previously.


    The problem was this saber was too thick. Wrong, it was too wide.


    Even though this was a short saber, it was much wider than a normal dagger. There was even rust on it.


    Ren Baqian felt that he rather get beaten up by the empress than stab himself with this knife.


    However, he had already forgotten to bring an erhu back many times. How could he forget about it again this time? He felt guilty for it as well.


    Forget it, I will beg for her forgiveness with an injury. The pain willst for only a while. With the ck mud cream, I will be as good as new in an hour''s time.


    A true man should be decisive and ruthless.


    Upon thinking of this, Ren Baqian clenched his teeth. Then, he unsheathed the saber and brandished it around his arm. Following which, he shed his arm with the saber. Instantly, a nted open wound that was half an inch deep appeared on his arm. Blood spurted out and flowed down his hand.


    Ren Baqian grimaced in pain with beads of perspiration dripping down his forehead.


    Looking at the wound on his arm, Ren Baqian decided to go all out. Following which, he swiped the saber across his chest.


    "Luckily this saber is short in length. If it is longer, I would be blinded by it." Ren Baqian''s forehead broke out in cold sweat. His entire body was drenched in blood now.


    "Argh!" Ren Baqian suddenly yelled out in pain.


    He stared at the saber in his hand with his eyes wide open like a pair of bells.


    The short saber had transformed into a long one that was roughly one meter in length.


    Just now, the saber was only roughly thirty centimeters in length. At the instance where he thought to himself "If it is longer, I would be blinded by it," it became one meter in length and pierced through his arm.


    Is this a Compliant Golden-Hooped saber? Ren Baqian thought to himself with his eyes widened. Following which, a wave of lingering fear swept across his mind. If he was pointing the sword at his chest just now, he would be dead.


    [The Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod is a magical staff wielded by the immortal monkey Sun Wukong in the 16th-century ssic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The length and size of the staffplies with his wishes.]


    A sharp pain surged through his arm.


    "Goddammit." Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and pulled the sword out from his arm. Blood instantly gushed out of the wound.


    Ren Baqian looked at the saber in his hand. One secondter, he decided to hide the sword first. His number one priority now was to find the empress to save him.


    He could study this saber again in the future.


    After hiding the saber under the nket, Ren Baqian called the empress through the walkie-talkie with his lips trembling.


    10 seconds had passed�� 20 seconds had passed�� 1 minute had passed...


    Ren Baqian looked at the color of the sky. It''s still daytime, why isn''t the walkie-talkie by your side?


    "Will I bleed to death?" When Ren Baqian thought of this, he shuddered in fear. Immediately, he pushed open the door and ran out to seek help from the imperial guards.


    When the imperial guards saw Ren Baqian ran out his room drenched in blood, they were scared out of their wits.


    Everyone know how much the empress loved this man. If anything happened to him, the oue would be unthinkable.


    ...


    "Your Majesty, for some unknown reason, Deputy Prefect Ren is riddled with injuries. The imperial guards have already sent for a doctor."


    Inside the pce hall, the empress soaked in a pool of clear water with her eyes closed lightly. At this moment, Hong Luan''s voice resounded through the air.


    The empress opened her eyes abruptly. ording to the time now, Ren Baqian should be back from Earth now, right? Something happened to him?


    The next instance, a spotlessly white figure appeared beside the pool. Like a piece of cloud, a piece of white-colored undergarment engulfed her. Following which, she put on a red dress and disappeared from the pce hall.


    When Hong Luan saw the empress disappear from the pce hall, she sighed deeply.


    Her Majesty cares about that man too much.


    She had never treated anyone like that before.


    When the empress arrived at Pingle Park, the doctor had yet to arrive. The imperial guards were cleaning Ren Baqian''s wounds.


    "What happened?" the empress asked while furrowing her eyebrows. Her body waspletely engulfed in an aura of death.


    "Your Majesty, it''s a long story, I will tell youter." Ren Baqian''s face was pale-white and his forehead beaded with sweat.


    His wounds felt more painful than just now, making him tremble in cold.


    Soon after, the doctor finally arrived. Immediately, he checked on Ren Baqian wounds. Thecerations on his chest and arm weren''t severe, they merely looked intimidating.


    It was only the deep stab on his arm that was severe. It had slightly injured his bone.


    The doctor left after applying the ck mud cream on Ren Baqian''s wounds and bandaging them.


    After the imperial guards also left, Ren Baqian began to talk with trembling lips. Just now, his wounds felt extremely painful. Now, they were feeling painful and itchy at the same time.


    Since the ck mud cream allowed one''s injuries to heal quickly, it caused utter itchiness.


    "Your Majesty, while I was on my way to buying some stuff, two men suddenly appeared and hacked me with choppers. From their skills, they did not seem like ordinary robbers. Even though I tried my best to resist them, I still wasn''t their match. When I saw that things weren''t going too well, I immediately returned to this world," Ren Baqian said.


    "Who did it? I am going to kill all of their family members." The empress knitted her eyebrows.


    "Your Majesty, thank you so much but I don''t know who I have offended, I will look into it when I go back to Earth," Ren Baqian quickly said.


    "I didn''t expect this kind of thing would happen in your world too," the empress said.


    "Where there are people, there is trouble. Sometimes, one doesn''t even know who he or she has offended and gets targeted and harmed by people. It has always been this way since the ancient times." Ren Baqian had a sagacious look on his face.


    The empress thought deeply about the line "Where there are people, there is trouble".


    "Now, Great Xia has viewed you as a thorn in their flesh and there are people in your world that are targeting you. You better work harder in learning the [Boxing of Death], I will be supervising you. We will increase your training duration and sparring session by two hours every day," the empress said after thinking about it.


    Ren Baqian, "..."

 Chapter 238: Treasure Saber

    Chapter 238: Treasure Saber


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Your Majesty, your humble servant is still injured." Ren Baqian was feeling conflicted. He was still thinking about the saber under his mattress.


    "Your injuries have already healed, at most you have lost some blood. You can go for training, or do you want me to apany you to train?" The empress was exasperated by him. She had never seen a person who disliked martial arts before. Was there anyone in Dayao who have had such an opportunity and yet never went all out to train?


    At this moment, there was only a slight scar left on Ren Baqian''s wound. The efficacy of the ck mud cream could be rated as a divine drug.


    He felt like dying during the period his wound was healing.


    Just like this, Ren Baqian''s duration of boxing practice, increased from six hours to eight hours daily.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was seeking sess by working himself to death.


    If he had known, he might as well have gotten the empress to team up with the Lolita and fight against him.


    Looking like a man who had just been tortured, Ren Baqian dragged his exhausted body back to his room and closed the door and windows. Then, he took out that saber from under his mattress.


    His head was filled with thoughts of this Compliant Golden-Hooped Saber for the entire day. It could be long or short, but he didn''t know whether it could be big or small.


    "Did Ie across a treasure?" Ren Baqian had been thinking about this the entire day and the moment he was back, he hurriedly inspected it.


    Ren Baqian felt that he knew very little about this world.


    For example, the weapons the aboriginal warriors used were made of ordinary fine iron. He also hadn''t heard of any Heaven-grade weapons and such before.


    However, this world had the existence of spirit swords, which would make Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin turn in their graves.


    People in this world knew very little about the spirit swords. Even the sword masters didn''t know much about them. At the very least, this was what Ning Caichen had said.


    This gave Ren Baqian a feeling that there were many undiscovered things in this world and that even the empress didn''t know much about them.


    As such, even though this Compliant Golden-Hooped Saber was a shocking find, he felt it wasn''t uneptable. On the contrary, he wanted to know exactly what kind of treasure it was.


    The sabre was restored to its original size��just thirty centimeters long. It made this morning''s event seem like an illusion.


    Ren Baqian held the handle of the knife, with the tip pointed up and said, "Grow."


    "Grow. "


    "Erge."


    "Expand."


    ��


    Ren Baqian fiddled with the saber repeatedly, but there wasn''t any response at all.


    If the saber hadn''t pierced through his arm this morning, he would have regarded this as an illusion.


    After thinking about it, the only difference between now and this morning was that the saber was stained with blood then and now there was no blood. Was it possible that this thing recognized its owner by blood? But he did drip blood on it this morning��


    After going through the alternatives, he concluded there was only one possibility. He could only be satisfied if he tried. Biting his teeth, he cut his arm again, dripped his blood on the saber and observed carefully for any changes.


    "Grow!" Following hismand, the saber suddenly extended in length from 30 centimeters to 60 centimeters.


    Moreover, the shape of the saber changed a little. The originally round and blunt front tip became sharper.


    "Grow!" Ren Baqian continued muttering. The saber was one meter long this morning and it was still short by 40 centimeters.


    As the blood continued to drip on the saber, the Compliant Golden-Hooped Saber only extended by ten centimeters after half a day of effort.


    The blood that had flowed to the saber previously, did not spill out at all. It began to fade and eventually, disappearedpletely into the saber. It was as if it had been absorbed by the saber.


    "This thing doesn''t recognize the owner of the blood. Is it absorbing blood?" Ren Baqian suddenly realized this problem.


    Does this thing be longer the more blood it absorbs? Or maybe it changes ording to one''s wish?"


    "Broaden! Grow!" After experimenting for half a day, Ren Baqian determined that the saber could only grow longer while the width and thickness remained constant.


    Ren Baqian frowned, wiped his wound with a cloth and applied the ck mud cream which was left behind by the physician this morning.


    He had lost quite a lot of blood this morning. If this bloodletting continued, he reckoned that he might bleed to death.


    After taking care of the wound, Ren Baqian held the saber and said "shorten". Once again, the saber returned to its original shape.


    "Grow", the saber grew a little, but it was only half a meter long this time.


    "It seems that the blood absorbed by this thing will be consumed or that it will shrink back to normal with the passing of time. That''s why when I came back just now to make this saber transform, there was no response."


    "This is considered something special, I guess?" Ren Baqian held the saber by the hilt to examine it closely. Based on its outer appearance, it wasn''t outstanding, but the fact that this saber could grow or shrank itself meant it wasn''t anything ordinary.


    "Could this be a spirit sword?" Ren Baqian thought about what Ning Caichen had said about the spirit swords and reckoned that it shouldn''t be the case.


    A spirit sword came with sword essence. In addition, when the sword master held onto the sword, it would increase the power of the sword master even though the price to pay was the consumption of the sword master''s life force.


    However, there wasn''t any response when he held this saber. In addition, it could absorb blood and could grow and shrink as well. It wasn''t consistent with Ning Caichen''s description of spirit swords.


    From the look of it, it should be another type of treasure.


    In any case, this saber should be considered as something good and Ren Baqian''s first thought was to give it to the empress. On further consideration, it could only go to the empress as would not have much value in his hands unless he sent it to theboratory. But, he dared not send it to theboratory as it would generate controversy.


    Thinking about this made Ren Baqian somewhat happy.


    As to the empress''s ce in his heart, he still did not know how much he admired her up till date. It could be six, seven, eight, nine, or ten points, but he certainly fancied her very much and she was extremely important to him.


    To give this treasure to her, Ren Baqian was not a little bit reluctant to part with it at all. Instead, he was more than happy to do so.


    However, he hesitated after standing up and felt it was better to wait for a few days. If he sent it now, the situation around his previous wounds might inadvertently be exposed.


    Just like that, Ren Baqian was on his way to Yangxin Pce Hall with the saber three dayster.


    "Your Majesty, I have found a treasure."


    "Oh?" The empress straightened her body as she was curious. Ren Baqian was in the pce these few days, so how did he manage to find a treasure?


    "It is this saber." Ren Baqian presented the saber with great ceremony and suspense. He even gave a brief description of its ability to grow and shrink.


    The empress took the saber from Ren Baqian''s hands. The scabbard was made of ordinary leather and the handle was covered with animal skin. She couldn''t see anything precious in it.


    She conveniently pulled out the saber from its scabbard. It was about 30 centimeters long, slightly thick and blunt in front. It didn''t look sharp and there were even some grain-sized notches on it.


    Ren Baqian looked confident despite the fact this saber looked no different from any other saber. Basically, it looked just like an ordinary and shabby saber.


    The saber was with him for so long and if he was not wounded by it when apologizing to the empress that day, he would not have discovered its secret.


    The empress initially believed that Ren Baqian had found a treasure, but on careful inspection, she found it to be an ordinary saber. She couldn''t help but to raise her head and look at Ren Baqian.


    "Your Majesty, this saber is indeed a treasure. Long ago, your humble servant saved the life of a woman who was bleeding profusely at the Chen family medical shop. The woman''s husband gave me this saber as a sign of gratitude. At first, I thought it was an ordinary saber, but I unexpectedly found out this afternoon that it contained some mysteries��" Ren Baqian then told the empress about the history of the saber as if he was telling her a story.


    The empress listened as she stroked the saber. Then, she flicked her finger at the de.


    "ng����ng."


    Ren Baqian''s eyes were opened wide, his incessant talking muted, and he was petrified.


    Broken! Broken! It was unexpectedly broken!


    Following the flicking of her finger, he saw the de missing a part. The tip disappeared, and a nging sound emanated from the wall of Yangxin Pce Hall.


    The empress looked at the broken part of the saber, it wasn''t hollow and nothing was hidden inside. She was puzzled and raised her head to look at him.


    Ren Baqian''s only response was, "..."

 Chapter 239: This Is Indeed a Magical Artifact!

    Chapter 239: This Is Indeed a Magical Artifact!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Holding the broken saber and its broken tip in each of his hands, Ren Baqian felt as though a herd of horses were galloping through his head. I thought this was a treasure saber? Why was it broken by a finger flick? The saber was broken five centimeters away from its tip...


    Can I fix it with superglue? Or should I melt it to reforge it?


    "What is its secret?" A curious look appeared on the empress''s face. After sprinkling some salt on Ren Baqian''s wound, she sprinkled a handful of cumin on it.


    "Your Majesty�� This is a treasure saber�� Now it has be a broken saber��" Heartache was written all over Ren Baqian''s face.


    "Oh? I can''t tell it''s a treasure saber though," the empress replied.


    "Sigh��" Ren Baqian sighed. All he could think of now was how to fix the broken saber. He wondered whether or not it could still be used.


    With a helpless look on his face, Ren Baqian said, "By chance, I discovered that this saber can grow and shrink at will after staining it with some blood. Therefore, I felt it''s a treasure sword. Initially, I intended to gift it to Your Majesty, but I didn''t expect it to break so easily."


    "Grow and shrink at will?" Ren Baqian''s words piqued the empress''s interest slightly. However, she really couldn''t see anything special about this saber.


    "At least it can grow and shrink at will�� I wonder if it can still be used?" Ren Baqian thought to himself. Following which, he used the broken saber and gave his own arm a cut.


    The first time he tried to cut himself with the saber, he was afraid of pain and hesitated for a long time before doing it.


    For the second and third time, even though he was still afraid of pain, he no longer hesitated for that long.


    Now, Ren Baqian had no qualms about cutting himself with the saber. He did not flinch nor furrow his eyebrows. Instead, he felt an adrenaline rush. He did not even realize he had awakened an odd characteristic in him.


    When the empress saw what Ren Baqian was doing, she knitted her eyebrows. Then, she looked attentively at the broken saber in Ren Baqian''s hand.


    "Grow�� grow.... Grow!" Ren Baqian yelled in his mind. Following which, the saber gradually grew in length. It had grown from 35 centimeters to 70 centimeters.


    The empress gave a gasp of surprise and her almond-shaped eyes were bing round-shaped. She couldn''t believe the saber really increased in length.


    Even though the body of the saber had lengthened, its front end was still broken. Given that the broken saber could still grow and shrink, Ren Baqian knew it definitely was not an ordinary weapon. Since there was still blood on it now, Ren Baqian wanted to see if the broken saber and its broken tip could be pieced together or not.


    This definitely couldn''t be done if it was an ordinary saber. However, for this saber, Ren Baqian had high expectations for it.


    Ren Baqian connected the broken saber with its broken tip. Following which, as the saber slowly absorbed the blood, the gap between the saber de and the broken saber tip began to fuse and form a crack. Eventually, the crack became as thin as a strand of hair. Even though there was still a crack, the saber tip remained fixed to the saber de after Ren Baqian let go of his hand.


    "Sess!" Ren Baqian was overjoyed. Initially, he still thought this sword was destroyed before it was even used. He couldn''t believe he had fixed it. It was indeed a treasure sword.


    Ren Baqian quickly sprinkled more blood onto the saber. The hairline crack gradually grew fainter and disappeared. Eventually, the saber reverted to its original form but the nick on its de was still there.


    "Your Majesty, it''s indeed a treasure sword!" With a cheerful look on his face, Ren Baqian passed the saber to the empress.


    At this point in time, the empress was also slightly interested in the saber. She took over the saber and examined it closely. Right now, the saber was 80 centimeters long. The rust that was on it previously had disappeared as well. The de of the saber exuded a cold gleam. The saber''s only w was the nick that was a few centimeters long.


    After witnessing the saber grow and shrunk in length, she knew that this saber was definitely something extraordinary.


    Then, she used the tip of the saber to poke her fingertip. Subsequently, a white spot appeared on her fingertip.


    Following which, she used the de of the saber to slice her palm. A white line appeared on her palm and disappeared after a few seconds.


    "Your Majesty��" Initially, Ren Baqian was shocked when he saw what the empress was doing. Following which, he was speechless. Even though this saber wasn''t extremely sharp, it wasn''t exactly blunt either. It still caused his flesh to split open when he sliced his arm with it. He couldn''t believe that it merely created a white line on the empress''s skin. It couldn''t even create a fine cut in her hand.


    He grabbed the empress''s hand and examined it closely. At the same time, he could sense the temperature and the smoothness of her hand. Her skin quality was slightly better than ordinary girls''.


    It was incredibly hard for him to believe that the saber merely created a white line on her skin. She was so powerful that she seemed inhuman.


    The empress forcibly pressed the de of the saber against her palm again. This time around, the white line merelysted slightly longer than before. Slowly, it faded away.


    Following which, the empress used two of her fingers to "cut" the de of the saber. "ng." A soft and crisp sound echoed through the air.


    "Clink!" More than half of the saber de dropped to the ground.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Treasure sword, you have died a horrible death!


    "Its sharpness and hardness are ordinary. Other than the fact that it can grow and shrink at will, there''s nothing special about it. You can keep it as a toy," the empress said nonchntly. Even though it was novel, the empress lost interest in it soon after trying it out.


    Ren Baqian looked at the broken saber de, speechless.


    Treasure sword, you have disappointed me so much.


    How can you break so easily? Are you a fraud?


    Ren Baqian couldn''t believe he thought it was a treasure.


    It looked like a treasure. However, other than ying with it like a toy, it did not have many uses. If he used it as a weapon, would it break at the instance it made contact with his enemy?


    Ren Baqian picked up the broken saber. Since the empress did not want it, he might as well bring it back to Earth and study it.


    "Your Majesty, do you want y a game?" Ren Baqian suggested with excitement when he saw that the empress was bored.


    "What game?" the empress asked casually. She did not seem to be interested at all.


    "King of Fighters!" Ren Baqian took out the bag which he kept hisptop in previously. Inside the bag were two video game controllers. He prepared these game controllers as he thought that the empress could y some video games when she was bored.


    "Your Majesty, press this�� then press this�� and this��" Ren Baqian sat beside the empress and taught her how to operate the video game controller.


    When the empress saw tiny characters appearing on theptop screen, she became slightly energized. She also began to focus her attention on it.


    After one hour��


    "Perfect!" A voice came out of theptop.


    "Bang!" The video game controller in the empress''s hands shattered into smithereens.


    "Boring!" The empress raised her head high with a look on disdain on her face. When she opened up her palms, all the fragments fell to the ground.


    Ren Baqian tried to withhold hisughter. Your Majesty, how can you be such a sore loser?


    Previously, she did the same thing with the Chinese checkers as well, smashing them into smithereens. This time around, she destroyed a video game controller.


    Ren Baqian had decided to ask the empress to y "Contra" with him next time. He wondered whether or not would she smash theptop if her character died in the game. From past experience, he knew it was highly possible that she would do the same thing if she lost the game.


    Fortunately, the empress did not smash theptop this time. Both of them were able to watch a movie on it.


    After having lunch, it was time for Ren Baqian to practice [Boxing of Death].


    While he was keeping hisptop, his gaze shifted to the broken treasure saber. Suddenly, he saw something stunning.


    The broken saber was merely 10 over centimeters in length, slightly shorter than before. The part that had broken off it was still the same length, roughly 30 centimeters.


    "Your Majesty, take a look! Take a look!" Ren Baqian picked up broken saber with astonishment written all over his face.


    A catchy tune instantly filled his mind.


    "I have a beautiful dream


    I want to sow the sun after I grow up


    I want to grow many many suns


    I will give one to South Pole


    I will give one to the Arctic ocean


    I want to hang one up in the sky during winter


    I want to hang one up in the sky during night-time


    La, sow the sun!


    La, sow the sun!


    La, sow the sun!"


    ["Sowing a Sun" is a nursery rhyme by China Broadcast Children''s Choir]


    The catchy tune kept on echoing in Ren Baqian''s mind. All he needed to do was to rece the word "sun" with "treasure saber".


    If the part that was broken off from the saber did not shrink, could he grow another saber out of it by watering it with blood?


    After it lengthened and grew another saber, all he needed to do was to break it again.


    A look of shock appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.


    This is indeed a magical artifact! Why do we still need to mine for iron? We can just sow and cultivate sabers!


    Help! All the dead physicists and chemists on Earth areing back to life!

 Chapter 240: The Bricks Are Fired

    Chapter 240: The Bricks Are Fired


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After his day of training had ended, Ren Baqian dragged his exhausted body while carrying the treasure saber back to Pingle Park.


    "I shall give you a name." Ren Baqian pondered for a while. Compliant Golden-Hooped Saber? Otherwise, Elongation Saber?


    Ren Baqian grinned. This name sounded pretty good as the Elongation Saber could grow as well. It would be called Elongation Saber.


    Ren Baqian felt that he needed a physicsboratory as this saber mustn''t be sent to the medicalboratory. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the money, so he need not think about a physicsboratory. It wasn''t something that he could build with 20 million yuan. Even if he could, he didn''t n on spending all his money on it as well. It would be good enough if he knew how to use this saber for the time being. He would consider researching this saber, only when he earned money from the rest of the items after they hit the market.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian headed for the imperial kitchen in high spirits, to look for Caretaker Gou. After which, he went to the lower hall in the imperial kitchen.


    The imperial kitchen was divided into two portions. One portion was the upper hall which he went on a daily basis. The upper hall was also in-charge of the empress''s meals. Nowadays, the cooks over there were also in charge of Ren Baqian''s meals.


    And the other portion was in charge of the pce maids'', female officials'', as well as the imperial bodyguards'' meals.


    The livestock which the pce needed to ughter everyday was also located there.


    When he got there, he saw two giant sheep, one wild boar as well as one curve-horned cow that were waiting to be ughtered. In this world, the wild boar was called the ck-faced ruler. As for the curve-horned cow, it was simr to the water buffalo and slightly smaller than the fork-horned cow. Also, the curve-horned cow wasn''t as good at running as the fork-horned cow.


    "Use this saber to ughter them." Ren Baqian handed the broken saber to the person preparing to kill the livestock. The other party gave Deputy Ren a look are-you-trying-to-tease-me? This saber didn''t even have its tip, moreover, it was so short��


    In the end, he still used the specialized knife for ughtering livestock while Ren Baqianpletely submerged the broken saber into the basin of blood.


    Within two hours, every single drop of blood from the four livestock was absorbed by the Elongation Saber. It made everyone else that was present greatly astonished. In the past, the blood of the ughtered livestock could fill up an entire basin. But at this moment, all the blood had disappeared.


    Ren Baqian didn''t give an exnation, carried his saber away and returned to Pingle Park. As he thought of "grow, grow, grow" in his heart, he saw that the length of the saber grew from 15 centimeters to almost 2 meters long.


    Ren Baqian held onto the long saber and pointed it diagonally upwards. Immediately, he felt that he was like Sephiroth��with the exception of long hair fluttering in the sky as well as a leather trench coat.


    [Sephiroth - a fictional character in the role-ying video game Final Fantasy VII]


    When this saber was short, it looked a little thick and broad. But, when it grew to a long sword, it actually looked somewhat liked a zanbato.


    [Zanbato an especiallyrge, single-edged sword dating to the Heian period of historical Japan. The name zanbat�� trantes to "horse-ying sword" or "horse-chopping saber". Original examples came from Song Dynasty China.]


    However, Ren Baqian also discovered a problem this time. Even after absorbing the blood of four livestock, the length of the sword wasn''t satisfactory.


    One had to know that the blood he spilled on the saber at that time, made it grow to about a meter long.


    And the blood of the four livestock absorbed by the sword, only made it grew to about two meters long. If that was the case, the results weren''t as effective as he expected them to be,


    Could it be possible that only human''s blood was effective? Could it be that only his own blood was effective? Ren Baqian got a shock after thinking for a while.


    After thinking about it carefully, this saber had a dubious worth that made him reluctant to give it up. Killing four livestock in the pce only allowed it to grow to 2 meters. At the very least, he had to retain at least 30 centimeters of the saber for him to continue using it again. Ren Baqian weighed the 1.6 meters saber in his hand, it weighed about 10 catties and that would be about 3000 catties worth of iron in a year. It was better than nothing.


    Unless he sent this sword to a ughter factory. But, there wasn''t a ughter factory in this world as all the livestock were ughtered privately. Was it necessary for him to build a ughter factory outside the city?


    If he really wanted to bring out the potential of the Elongated Saber, this could be the only way.


    Another question was, if the saber stopped getting chopped off and shrank after a period of time, was it due to the blood absorbed by the de disappearing with the passage of time? Or did it actually strengthen the other aspects of the saber? For example, the hardness of the saber.


    Ren Baqian felt that he could give it a try.


    As the saber shortened and the de returned to 15 centimeters long, the weight was also reduced. The weight was almost the same prior to the saber being cut off. It was simply magical as itpletely didn''tply with thew of conservation of mass.


    However, the de of the saber seemed to be slightly longer than before it had absorbed the blood.


    Ren Baqian used his fingers to roughly measure, and indeed, it seemed that it was approximately one centimeter longer.


    It seemed like following the absorption of blood by the saber, even if the broken portion wasn''t attached back, it was still able to grow. He even wondered if the saber was had a "kidney deficiency" as it grew and got chopped off repeatedly.


    [In Chinese, the term "kidney deficiency" is used to describe someone that is fatigued due to their weak kidneys. In this case, Ren Baqian wondered if the saber was tired from growing and getting chopped off repeatedly.]


    After experimenting with the saber, Ren Baqian carefully ced it aside and he received news that the bricks were done baking. As such, Her Majesty summoned him to Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Upon reaching Yangxin Pce Hall, there were already two people waiting over there. One was Tong Zhenye and the other was someone whom he had never met before. He only afterwards found out that he was the Junior Official of Department of Construction. Initially, the Department of Ordnance was supposed to be in charge of firing bricks and burning of cement. After all, Jingtian Furnaces was managed by the Department of Ordnance. Now, the responsibility of firing y bricks and burning of cement was switched to the Department of Construction.


    And in front of Tong Zhenye were a few pieces of fine weapons for a street brawl��wall bricks.


    "Deputy, could you please check if this is correct?" Tong Zhenye asked after Ren Baqian gave his greetings.


    Ren Baqian lifted his head and looked at the empress before looking at the bricks happily. These were pure y bricks. They had a good feel to them, a smooth surface, as well as a substantial weight. They weren''t as rough as the modern red bricks because soot wasn''t added inside. Even though this method was more troublesome, it ensured the quality of the bricks and wouldn''t spoil over hundreds of years.


    By smashing the bricks into pieces, they could see that it was very dense inside. It wasn''t ck like the inner portion of red bricks, which had soot mixed into it.


    Ren Baqian grinned after carefully inspecting the bricks, "That''s the way, it''s so much easier to fire bricks and use cement to construct infrastructure whenpared to extracting and polishing rocks. "


    The other people nodded as well as it was indeed the case.


    "We''ll follow your n then. Ministry of Works, seize the time to fire such bricks and cement so that we can construct the ss factory. If there''s anything that anyone of you doesn''t understand, you can look for Deputy Ren." The empress nodded.


    The few of them epted the order.


    Ren Baqian made a trip to Pingle Park once again, retrieved the blueprint of the earthen kiln and handed it to Tong Zhenye. At present, the speed at which those y furnaces were firing bricks and cement was too slow. Also, there were also too few of the y furnaces.


    If at present Dayao didn''tpletely rely on firewood to burn things, Ren Baqian hoped to make a rotary kiln. That way, the speed of firing bricks and burning cement would greatly increase.


    "It would be best to shift the earthen kiln further away. Somewhere in the vicinity of the location to retrieve y is a good ce," Ren Baqian exhorted.


    "Why?" Tong Zhenye asked curiously. It was much easier to transport y than to transport bricks. Furthermore, most of the craftsmen would have to stay there and the transportation of food and other materials would also require more manpower.


    Doing things this way, the consumption of materials and manpower would be much greater.


    "Or else, when the particles caused by years of heavybustion are suspended in the air, you will not even be able to see the stars when you look up." Ren Baqian said as he spread out his hands. He onlycked saying the slogan, "It''s everyone''s responsibility to protect the environment and leave an azure blue sky for our future generations."


    He most definitely wouldn''t want to see a sky full of haze which resembled a fairnd whenever he opened his eyes in the next one or two decades.


    However, it was very difficult for Tong Zhenye to understand what Ren Baqian was talking about. After all, the people in this world had never experienced air pollution before.


    "Act in ordance with Deputy Ren''s words." The empress made her decision. Ren Baqian had more knowledge in this aspectpared to the others.


    Only then, did Tong Zhenye nod his head in acknowledgment.


    Momentster, Tong Zhenye looked at Ren Baqian in an extremely weird manner, causing Ren Baqian to have goosebumps all over his body.


    "What happened?" Ren Baqian was baffled.


    "I have heard a little from Tong Lan, about the things Deputy Ren has done. Ren Baqian''s shamelessness made me gasp in amazement," Tong Zhenye said as if he was praising him. But, even fools could see that Tong Zhenye was looking at Ren Baqian with total contempt.


    Tong Zhenye didn''t think much of it when it was said to be a training practice. Even though Tong Lan was still very young, she would have no problem defeating several Ren Baqian''s single-handedly.


    He casually asked about it when he was having his meal, and when he heard Tong Lan talk about what happened in the afternoon, he sprayed out his food.


    Not to mention him, even the other people in the Tong residence were astonished.


    Ren Baqian could actually be so shameless in the presence of Her Majesty as well as his ten-year-old opponent. He not only raised the issue about the brothel but, he even spoke about not returning money as a threat. It was practically an eye-opener for everyone.


    "How can it be, my standards are so far off whenpared to Sir Tong," Ren Baqian immediately replied in a modest manner.

 Chapter 241: Trouble!

    Chapter 241: Trouble!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "I will go back to Earth with you. I have already said that I''m going to kill those people who injured you," the empress told Ren Baqian calmly.


    Ren Baqian had a shock.


    Previously, he told the empress he was attacked on Earth just to hide the fact that he forgot to bring an erhu back here. Furthermore, he also told the empress before that he would appear wherever he disappeared during his teleportation. The empress had already confirmed this fact after going to Earth several times with him.


    Therefore, he would be instantly exposed if he brought the empress to Earth.


    "Your Majesty, this time I''m going back to investigate who the mastermind is, it will be a boring process. I can''t possibly make you follow me around. Why don''t you follow me to Earth after I have found out who the mastermind is?" Ren Baqian smiled and replied casually.


    "What if you encounter danger again? Given your skills, you can''t even defeat a child," the empress looked at Ren Baqian and asked. Her voice contained a tinge of concern, giving Ren Baqian a stab in his heart.


    "I will be more careful when I return to Earth this time around. Furthermore, I have to temper myself, a flower growing in a greenhouse will never be able to withstand wind and rain. The strength of Earthlings pales inparison to the aboriginals''. If I can''t even handle Earthlings, I''m truly an embarrassment," Ren Baqian exined, "Moreover, I still have a handgun with me. It''s just that I didn''t bring it with me thest time around. This time around, I won''t forget to carry it with me."


    The empress had doubts about guns. To her, a gun was like a toy. However, it was useful to a certain extent when used against ordinary people.


    "Since you insist, we will do ording to what you said. You have to be careful," the empress said with concern.


    "Zixiao, I will be careful. After two and a half days, I will be able to return here whenever I want. I will be safe," Ren Baqian smiled and replied with a gentle tone. In Dayao, he seldom called the empress by her name. Calling her by her name at this point in time made him sound extremely affectionate.


    After returning to Pingle Park, Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the empress did not insist on going to Earth with him. Otherwise, the oue would be disastrous.


    However, when Ren Baqian thought of how much the empress cared about him, he felt extremely guilty. An ashamed look appeared on his face.


    He promised himself not to lie to her again in the future. It was better not to beg for her forgiveness with injuries again. A ceramic pot is likely to break when used to carry water from a well; a general is destined to die on the battlefield.


    He used to be a cute and honest boy. Now, lying had almost be his instinct.


    Sigh, such is life...


    After heaving a sigh, Ren Baqian rummaged through his room for his handgun. Of course, he wasn''t in any danger and there was no need for him to carry a handgun with him. It was a white lie that he had to tell the empress. Carrying a handgun on Earth would bring nothing but trouble to him.


    After changing his clothes, he looked at the handgun lying on the bed. After a while, he picked it up and stuffed it into his pants.


    The next moment, he disappeared into thin air.


    "Thatd is really hard to find, we will wait for a while more. If he doesn''t appear soon, I will��"


    Ren Baqian heard a voice the moment he returned to Earth.


    Looking in the direction of the source of the voice, Ren Baqian saw a tall and skinny man that wore a pair of spectacles sitting on the sofa. There were two other men standing beside him. Both of them looked formidable.


    At this moment, the three persons were staring at him. Apparently, Ren Baqian''s sudden appearance had stunned them.


    Ren Baqian was stunned as well. He quickly scanned his surroundings.


    This is indeed my house. That''s right, but who are these three men?


    F*ck. Am I really that unlucky? Trouble!


    "Kekeke�� I really didn''t expect this�� I really didn''t expect this�� I''m really shocked!" After the man sitting on the sofa calmed down, he began to p his hands andugh. Then, he let out a series of sighs. His face was filled with astonishment and joy.


    "Can we have a chat?" The man extended his hand out for a handshake. Even though his tone was an enquiring one, he did not seem to have the intention to talk to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s head was filled with question marks. He also wanted to know who these people were and what they were doing here.


    However, there was one thing he knew for sure, that was, he was in deep trouble.


    Ren Baqianposed himself and reced the shocked look on his face with a calm one.


    "How may I address you?" Ren Baqian did not move. The two men that were standing walked towards him and tried to put an armlock on him.


    Ren Baqian''s body instantly moved. He shifted his elbow upwards and kicked one of the men in his face with his right foot. Then, he used his left foot to give that man a low blow. That man dropped to the ground while grabbing his crotch and whimpering in pain.


    Upon seeing this, the other man tried to kick Ren Baqian. Ren Baqian dodged his kick and executed [Unparalleled Vanguard]. Energy surged through his body as he thrusted his hands forward and punched the man heavily in his chest.


    That man flew backward in the air andnded on the coffee table behind it, smashing it into smithereens.


    Ren Baqian''s skill level had improved recently. Furthermore, his strength had increased as well. Now, he had the strength of a man that weighed 110 kilograms. His speed was also slightly faster than an ordinary man''s. Therefore, he could easily take down these two men.


    "Not bad!" The spectacled, middle-aged man wasn''t shocked by the turn of events. Instead, he pped his hands and praised Ren Baqian. Then, he added, "But you better behave properly now."


    "I don''t like other people touching me, now we can have a good chat." Ren Baqian leaned against the wall and said, "Who are you?"


    "It isn''t important who I am, but I don''t mind telling you. My name is Jin Jun. ''Jin'' for gold, ''Jun'' for gentleman," Jin Jun stated without any fear.


    ["Jin" stands for "gold" in Chinese, "Jun" stands for "gentleman".]


    "What are you here for?"


    "Initially, I''m here for some other matters." Jin Jun picked up a stack of papers lying in the coffee table fragments.


    "I''m very interested in your shares in thisboratory. I don''t know what you did to make Chen Yan direct the funds from his other businesses into thisboratory without any hesitation. I really can''t believe you''re the biggest shareholder." Jin Jun ced the stack of papers beside him.


    "What do you know?" Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows. That stack of papers looked like the contract he signed with Papa Chen. He recalled that he ced it in his bedroom. It seemed like these people had found it.


    However, he wasn''t surprised that his identity as the biggest shareholder of theboratory was revealed. The information on the shareholders of theboratory could be easily obtained from the Industrial and Commercial Bank. Ordinary people might have trouble getting hold of this information, but influential and powerful individuals should have no problem obtaining it.


    Ren Baqian certainly did not expect himself to be targeted even before any results were produced by theboratory.


    Is this man crazy? If you really dare to do anything, why don''t you target Jack Ma?


    From the look of it, it was obvious that this man was an unbridled and fearless man. Certainly, he was treating Ren Baqian as a pushover. He''d only ever seen this kind of situation on the news and he didn''t expect himself to encounter it.


    Of course, he himself did seem like a pushover.


    One year ago, he was still an ordinary individual. Due to luck, he began a coboration with Papa Chen and became the biggest the shareholder. By directing the funds from his other businesses to theboratory, Papa Chen definitely attracted a lot of attention.


    To these people, Ren Baqian seemed like an ordinary individual with no influential power. All he had was a contract. This made him an easy target. As long as they could take him down, they would be able to obtain a slice of the pie without paying a hefty price. Subsequently, they just needed to deal with Papa Chen.


    If these people had a feud with Papa Chen, they could just disturb the businesses that he had invested a huge amount of funds and energy in and make him suffer a huge loss.


    Business etiquette exists in this world. What these people were doing was clearly despicable.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian thought of something. Previously, he was stabbed in the bar. Subsequently, he heard that the person who stabbed him had a dispute with Papa Chen and his actual target was Chen Qing.


    Was Jin Jun the mastermind behind that incident? Or was it the people that are backing Jin Jun?


    "I have very little understanding of the coboration between you and Chen Yan, perhaps you can tell me more about it? And�� how did you appear out of nowhere? I''m really curious."

 Chapter 242: I Am Also Very Wronged

    Chapter 242: I Am Also Very Wronged


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Are you the ones who stabbed me thest time?" Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    Jin Jun looked carefully at Ren Baqian. He was very calm, not flustered at all and seemed to have something up his sleeves.


    Unfortunately, he also had something up his sleeves.


    Neither side was in any sort hurry.


    "These words should not be spoken carelessly, we are decent businessmen." Jin Jun smiled.


    "Decent�� businessmen?" Ren Baqian also startedughing. It appeared like he was the one indeed. He appeared to be representing others, otherwise, he would be using the word "me", instead of "us".


    "Ren Baqian, born in 1993, graduated from SY University two years ago, and your family lives in Jian Xing Garden in T City. Your family unit consists of your father, mother, and younger brother. As you can see, we know a lot about you, so we are not afraid even if you will take desperate measures when pushed against a wall. You cannot escape today. Even if you do, you will be like a monk who can''t run away from the temple.


    "Now, let''s talk about what I am interested in. For example, how did you suddenly appear? I am even more interested now." Jin Jun gestured with his hands. He was excited as he felt he had discovered a big secret.


    From Ren Baqian''s past record, he appeared to be an ordinary person. Thus, Jin Jun wasn''t worried and didn''t bring any weapons. There was no need to, and if they did bring weapons, it would easily lead to more troubles.


    What was there to worry about? Would he dare to do something to three of them? Not to mention his family, even if he was given a knife, would he dare to kill three of them? Was he able to kill them? From his records, he was simply just a meek and cleanmb.


    However, at present, Jin Jun''s view of him had changed as this fellow had actually acquired some martial art skills from somewhere.


    Still, there was no need for Jin Jun to worry. The question was the same. Did he dare to?


    Ren Baqian became reticent and morose after hearing these words. Although he knew the other side were riffraff, the threats to his family dampened his mood.


    He looked at the two thugs: one was rolling on the ground, clutching his crotch and unable to get up, and the other was getting off the ground and staring at him fiercely.


    "People can change." Ren Baqian let out a sigh. There was no need to pursue the rest of the matter, he only needed to know the gist of it. First, the other party did not consist of just these few people and they most likely had other people behind them.


    Second, the other party was here because of his coboration with Chen Qing''s father at theboratory. It was just his luck to be involved.


    Jin Jun heard the sigh and sensed something was wrong. Before he could react, Ren Baqian had already pulled the trigger of the pistol which was pointed at him.


    Fortunately, there was a silencer, and after some muffled sounds, Jin Jun was lying on the sofa with a puzzled and a shocked look.


    Momentster, the fierce-looking thug copsed with a few gunshot wounds.


    Ren Baqian looked down at the man who was in extreme pain and stepped on his neck.


    The empress always liked to do this, and it seemed to be fun. All of a sudden, he wanted to try it out.


    Unexpectedly, this guy actually grabbed hold of his calf intending to tell him, but it was a pity he didn''t have enough strength.


    Ren Baqian regretted shooting him in the head. It was different from shooting at the body and was very disgusting when the brain exploded from the head.


    Ren Baqian walked to Jin Jun''s crumpled body to prop it up and sat down beside him.


    Jin Jun was still not dead yet, but he couldn''t speak. His mouth was foaming with blood and his eyes disyed the fear of death.


    "Isn''t this surprising?" Ren Baqian put a hand on his shoulders and saw the other thug''s body still twitching and breathing. He raised his hand to shoot and immediately, he stopped moving.


    "Actually, I am even more surprised than you," Ren Baqian said slowly and emotionally.


    "In any case, this is my home. All of you came in and out and treated it like the city gate? Who have I provoked? Every day is tough, it was hard for me toe home and it was my bad luck to have met all of you��Every day, this guy or that guy will be concerned about me. Great Xia is concerned about me, you guys are concerned about me��" Ren Baqian rambled on. Jin Jun then took hisst breath and fell softly on Ren Baqian''s shoulders.


    He died while listening to Ren Baqian''s nonsensical babbling and his heart was full of despair.


    "Sigh, it was hard to find somebody to talk to. Can''t you wait until I am done talking?" Ren Baqian turned his head to look at Jin Jun and felt grieved, there was little opportunity to talk to others and no way to talk to others about many things. It wasn''t easy to find someone to talk to, and he should have persisted in living a while longer.


    "Sigh...!" Ren Baqian sighed deeply, extended his hand and pushed Jin Jun aside.


    What should he do now? If it was thest day on Earth, it would have been easy to handle by cleaning up the scene and bringing the corpses to the other world.


    But, he just returned to Earth and still had two and a half days to go.


    Within a day, if Jin Jun could not be contacted by his people, they would send people to look for him. Ren Baqian couldn''t assume that no one knew of Jin Jun''s whereabouts.


    Therefore, it was certainly not feasible to leave the dead bodies here. On the other hand, the risk of discovery was also very great if he were to drag the three bodies down to the car and move away.


    God knew whether only these three people from the other party were involved, perhaps they had a driver waiting downstairs? He would be discovered once he went downstairs. At that time, once the other party gave Jin Jun a call and realized that he wasn''t contactable, he would probably be in deep sh*t immediately.


    If this was not handled well, he would have to seek refuge in the remotest corner of Earth. Such extreme bad luck!


    Ren Baqian was feeling aggrieved. Who had he provoked?


    He went upstairs to check around, and sure enough, everything was in disorder.


    He packed his things and made preparations for escape at any moment. Following which, he reached the empress''s room and there were many clothes which he had bought for the empress that filled the whole cupboard. But, it was a pity that he couldn''t bring them along.


    Wouldn''t she be unhappy? Forget it, he could buy them again next time.


    He took out his mobile phone and made a video call to his family. His mother picked it up after only two rings.


    "You are getting younger and younger!" Ren Baqian was smiling and didn''t appear to be a person nning to go into exile.


    "You are finally willing to call home. When are youing back? And what about thedy that was previously there��" Ren Baqian''s mother said longingly.


    "When I have the time. I have to go on a trip for the time being and will go home when I am back."


    "The journey home is only a few hours long. Presently I can only see you a few times in a year, and almost forgot that I have such a son."


    ...


    Ren Baqian chatted with his mother for ten minutes before regretfully hanging up the phone.


    He hoped things could go smoothly this time, or else, he might not get to go home in the foreseeable future.


    His brother Ren Wannian had gained entrance to a good university, and they were nning a celebration dinner which he was going to attend, but now, his hopes were dashed.


    In his final analysis, it was due to the bad luck brought by those bad guys.


    "Hi, Chen Qing, do you know of a person called Jin Jun?" Ren Baqian asked Chen Qing over the phone.


    "Why do you ask about him? Where did you meet him? Did he find trouble with you?" Chen Qing started asking him after hearing his inquiries.


    "What is his background? Tell me the details."


    Following Chen Qing''s exnation, Ren Baqian finally knew Jin Jun''s background.


    Like what Ren Baqian thought, they were not on good terms. Papa Chen and Jin Jun were considered business adversaries. Also, Jin Jun had two elder brothers, Jin Wen, and Jin Wu.


    Among them, Jin Wen was the leader, followed by Jin Wu, and then Jin Jun leading the rear, but he was also the boldest.


    The Jin family was quite powerful in the city. They were underhanded in their dealings and below them were a bunch of people. Previously, the incident at the nightclub was also caused by them.


    However, they rarely let people off with a chance to give evidence against them as many henchmen were willing to take the rap for them. Thus, under the protection of their henchmen, Papa Chen was unable to deal with them at this moment.


    After listening to Chen Qing, Ren Baqian said, "Something small cropped up recently. Help me to look after my family and be careful of the Jin family''s actions."


    "How did you be enemies with them? What can I do to help?" Chen Qing asked immediately.


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone. There was really no one who could help him in this situation now.


    Walking around the room, he looked for some transparent adhesive tape to cover the gunshots wounds and see whether the tapes could stop the blood from flowing out. Otherwise, he would not be able to clean up if the bleeding did not stop.


    The tape was quite effective. In addition to this, he tied up the wounds with the bedsheets and it eventually stopped the bleeding.


    The blown-out head of one of the thugs, which looked like sachima, was extremely disgusting to look at.


    He dragged the three guys together and mopped the floor. However, some blood had seeped into the seams, but he cleaned up whatever he could. After cleaning up, he saw the bullet hole on the floor and regretted being trigger happy. He didn''t know what to do with the bullet hole even if he wanted to deal with it.


    He managed to find a pair of pliers and pulled out the bullet. But, it left behind a hole on the ground. After which, he found two bullet holes on the sofa. Fortunately, the sofa was made of leather, and the bloodstains on it were easy to clean.


    "If I''d have known earlier, I would have brought the Elongated Saber along. With my forty-meters-long saber, I would let these three newbies run thirty-nine meters first." Ren Baqian kept muttering as he lifted up the sofa in search of the bullet heads.


    A phone rang, and Ren Baqian took it off of Jin Jun''s body. He saw the words "Xiao Hui" and pressed the "connect" button.


    "Brother Jun, Brother Wen is still waiting for you! When are you leaving?" On hearing this, Ren Baqian guessed it was most probably the driver who was waiting downstairs. And Brother Wen should be Jin Wen? It looked like he could not cover up the whole situation for long.


    "Cough, cough." Ren Baqian coughed loudly for a few times and spat out some saliva, pretending to have a sore throat. Then he imitated Jin Jun''s voice, "Come up."


    His voice was slightly different. Ren Baqian hoped that the driver would think it was due to the sore throat, which caused his voice to change.


    "Brother Jun, you have a sore throat? I wille up," the person on the other end of the phone said.


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone and vented his breath, it seemed he had some more time to cover up.


    Ren Baqian dragged the three bodies to a corner and waited on the sofa for the other party to appear.


    "Brother Jun?" A voice rang out at the doorway. The person opening the door was not on guard.


    On entering, he saw a handsome young man, who was covered with blood, pointing a gun at him. Before he could shout, Ren Baqian had already pulled the trigger.


    Closing the door, Ren Baqian turned around to look inside the house and let out a sigh. Although it was cleaned up, the corners of the walls and the seams on the floor were bloodstained. Furthermore, there were bullet holes on the floor and sofa as well.


    Even if he properly disposed of the bodies, the police would soon be here, and he would be exposed immediately. Even worse, the monitor in the lift would only show a few peopleing up.


    The evidence was irrefutable.

 Chapter 243: On the Run

    Chapter 243: On the Run


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian closed the door and squatted down beside the young man lying on the floor.


    Bloody foam was spewing out of his mouth like how a crab produced bubbles through its mouth. His eyes were filled with utter fear. He did not expect a stranger to be waiting for him, and he could feel life was leaving his body.


    "I think you still can be saved." Ren Baqian had an amiable look on his face.


    "If you have something to say, you better say it now. Otherwise, you''re going to die soon. Tell me, where''s Jin Wen?"


    The young man continued to spew out bloody foam from his mouth. Like a chicken, he kept on gurgling without saying anything.


    "Don''t tell me��" Ren Baqian was bbergasted. Where did he shoot this young man in? Then, he examined the body of the young man carefully. One shotnded on his chest and another shotnded near to his heart. It was already very fortunate that he did not die on the spot, let alone him allowing him to speak.


    After Ren Baqian finished examining the young man''s body, thetter cackled and stopped breathing.


    "Sigh! I actually aimed for your stomach, can you believe it?" Ren Baqian looked disappointed and frustrated. He also did not care whether or not the young man could listen to his words.


    This time around, he really had to go into hiding.


    There were still Jin Wen and Jin Wu in the Jin family. Ren Baqian reckoned that they would be heading here in less than a day''s time.


    Now, he had two options. The first option was to wait for them here and kill them afterwards. However, doing this would cause this ce to be packed with corpses. He couldn''t move the corpses alone and he would be easily trapped by the police in his own house too.


    The second option was to go into hiding.


    Ren Baqian felt wronged. In one or two years'' time, the green vine hangover medicine was going to hit the market. And given two or three more years, the ck mud cream and the cure for leukemia would be hitting the market as well. By then, he would be rich and influential. He also could ascend the apex of his life and marry a beautiful girl as his wife. However, all his hopes were dashed now.


    Ren Baqian took a bath, changed his clothes, and gave Chen Qing a call. Then, he picked up his belongings that he had just packed and left the house.


    He did not care about the dead bodies at all. After all, he did not want this house anymore. It was a pity that he had just bought it. After five people had died in a row in this house, he reckoned that no one would dare to live here.


    In any case, Ren Baqian felt that the feng shui of this house wasn''t good.


    After half an hour, Ren Baqian, along with Chen Qing, appeared not far away from a bank with a briefcase in his hand. He withdrew one million yuan in cash and ced them into his briefcase. Then, he transferred the remaining twenty million yuan to Chen Qing.


    Fearing that it had something to do with moneyundering, the manager of the bank interrogated Ren Baqian thoroughly to find out why he was transferring such a huge sum of money to someone else.


    "What do you want to do?" Chen Qing knitted his eyebrows in astonishment. Even a fool could tell that something wasn''t right.


    "I will tell youter," Ren Baqian replied softly.


    After settling the manager, Ren Baqian and Chen Qing left the bank. Ren Baqian took out his luggage from his car and put it into Chen Qing''s car together with his briefcase. Then, he turned around and said, "I''m in trouble, I need to go into hiding. Find a way to transfer the money that I have just transferred you to a card. I will contact you again."


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian had an innocent and helpless look on his face. He wanted to look as miserable as possible. He wanted to look like a child that was bullied. All hecked now was tears flowing down his cheeks.


    Ren Baqian transferred his money to Chen Qing because he scared that the police might freeze his bank ount. If that happened, he would be in deep trouble. Even if the police did not freeze his bank ount, he would still do the same thing. After all, his location would be exposed whenever he withdrew money from an ATM. Now, he could only hope that Chen Qing couldunder some money for him. As of now, he did not need to worry about Chen Qing stealing his money or Papa Chen seizing his shares.


    He believed Chen Qing could settle the money issue for him.


    "Is it that serious? If you have offended Jin Jun, I can help you think of a solution," Chen Qing said with his eyebrows knitted.


    "It''s much more serious than you think." Ren Baqian did not want to mention that he had killed someone first. "Send me the addresses of the Jin family''s important figurester, especially the addresses of where they frequent at night. Send it to my other phone."


    Ren Baqian passed the number of the phone that he prepared for the empress to Chen Qing. He had decided to bring along the empress when he returned to Earth next time.


    I''m in this miserable state because of all of you, I will set up a family reunion for you in hell. A wise man once said, "A family has to be united andplete."


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, Chen Qing was scared out of his wits. "What are you going to do?"


    "Just send their addresses to me. Even if you don''t know, your dad should know. You will know what''s going on tomorrow." After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian hopped into Chen Qing''s car and drove off.


    Chen Qing stood there in a daze.


    "Where should I go now?" Ren Baqian thought to himself. Logically speaking, he should flee overseas. After all, murdering four persons was a huge crime.


    However, he couldn''t do that now. Moreover, the Jin family was going to hunt him down as well.


    It was a pity he did not have the sarin gas with him now�� Forget it, even if he had the sarin gas with him now, he wouldn''t dare to use it. Murdering people and using poison gas were twopletely different things. If he used the sarin gas on the Jin family, there was nowhere he could hide in this world.


    Now he had two options: either he hid in the wilderness or he hid in the city. He would be safe so long as he could hide for two and a half days. Half a day had already passed, there were two more days left. Optimistically, the Jin family would take half a day to find out what happened and arrive at his house. That meant he just needed to hide for one and a half days.


    Ren Baqian did not know which option to choose. After all, he did not have much experience in going into hiding.


    As he was driving around aimlessly, he saw a shop on the side of the street. Immediately, he stopped his car by the roadside.


    It was a musical instrument store.


    "Erhu�� erhu��" When Ren Baqian saw this store, his eyes brimmed with tears of excitement.


    Previously, if he had remembered to buy an erhu, he wouldn''t have to go on the run now. He could bring the empress to Earth to annihte the Jin family. Put it simply, this murder case was caused by an erhu.


    "A single slip may cause evesting sorrow, I have be a fugitive now." Ren Baqian sighed as he got down from his car. He finally found an erhu that he liked after rummaging through the store for a long time. He even yed the song "Just Call Me Nobody" in the store, causing the store owner to gasp in amazement. This was the first time the store owner heard "Just Call Me Nobody" being yed in a way that it sounded more mournful than "Moon Reflected in the Second Spring".


    ["Just Call Me Nobody" is the theme song of the movie Just Call Me Nobody, a 2010edy-martial arts film directed by Kevin Chu. "Moon Reflected in the Second Spring" is a well-known erhu tuneposed by Hua Yanjun.]


    After purchasing the erhu, Ren Baqian decided to hide in the wilderness. There were too many surveince cameras in the city, and he did not have much experience in being a fugitive.


    Following which, he went to buy a huge backpack, a lightweight sleeping bag, three catties of marinated beef, two bottles of Baijiu, and two loaves of bread.


    Ren Baqian found a secluded area and parked the car. Then, he put everything he bought into the backpack and tied the sleeping bag to its top. As for briefcase and the erhu, he held one in each of his hands.


    Subsequently, he hitched a ride to another secluded area. The area was surrounded by long perimeter walls. It seemed that there weren''t any surveince cameras there. After alighting from the car, Ren Baqian hitched another ride to the countryside. After he reached the countryside, he hitched another ride to a bald mountain. The mountain was approximately 1000 meters tall. Its forest area was extremely huge, and it had not been developed much yet. It was a suitable ce for one to hide in.


    Ren Baqian did not know how much of his tracks could be covered up by switching cars several times. He could only try his best to hide as much of his tracks as possible.


    By the time he reached the foot of the mountain, the sky had already darkened. Not wasting any time, he grabbed a torchlight and ascended the mountain through the night.


    Panting heavily, Ren Baqian ascended a few hundred meters of the mountain. He felt that having too much money with him could kill him as well.


    The briefcase of money weighed less than 13 kilograms, but it felt heavier and heavier as time passed. There were a few times where he considered throwing it away.


    However, when he recalled that he needed money on the run, he endured carrying the briefcase. By now, more than one day had passed.


    And at this moment, Chen Qing was sitting in a shop in the neighborhood where Ren Baqian stayed. Through the window, he could see a lot of police cars driving past the shop. He remained silent.


    Two hours ago, he had already found out what happened.


    Ren Baqian actually killed Jin Jun. He killed a total of four people, and now he was on the run driving Chen Qing''s car.


    No wonder Ren Baqian sounded like he was preparing his own funeral.


    He had a rough guess of why Jin Jun was in Ren Baqian''s house, but he couldn''t confirm it.


    "I really can''t tell he is that kind of person!" Sitting opposite Chen Qing, Jiang Nan was in shock. She had doubts in her judgement. She had never expected Ren Baqian to do this kind of thing, it was truly shocking for her.


    After half an hour, Chen Qing was summoned to the police station.


    At this point in time, all the policemen and hooligans in the city were looking for Ren Baqian.


    The next morning, the police station obtained information on Ren Baqian''s whereabouts. After killing the four men, Ren Baqian went to a bank to withdraw some money and transferred the remaining sum of money to someone else. The police understood why he did this. This also meant that this criminal was very dangerous. His mental capacity was extremely high,pletely different from an ordinary person''s.


    Criminals like him would calmly make various arrangements after killing someone.


    However, what Ren Baqian did next puzzled everyone.


    Why did he go to a musical store to buy an erhu? Why did he y the song of "Just Call Me Nobody"? What''s going on?


    Everyone furrowed their eyebrows as they tried to guess what Ren Baqian was thinking.

 Chapter 244: An Erhu Rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance”

    Chapter 244: An Erhu Rendition of ��Pomp and Circumstance��


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian heard the barking noises of dogs from a distance away and knew that the police had arrived. Their speed was very fast, much faster than what he expected.


    There was no telling whether the police were quick at solving the case or whether the Jin family was powerful.


    Even though he didn''t really set anything up, but, he did change a few cars along the way. For the police to track his route, they would probably still need to spend some time.


    Ren Baqian sat on the stone and pondered, he couldn''t just leave this way, right? He should leave a good reputation after he left. Even after he left, he still had to let others know that he was once here. As he thought of this, he took a pen and paper from his bag and wrote on a slip of paper. Then, he disappeared before the other party could spot him.


    A long timeter, a team of police arrived right behind the police dogs. They saw a piece of paper and the handwriting resembled something written with a chicken w. It took some time before they were able to figure out the words, "Myrades, it has been tough on you."


    Upon seeing what was written on the slip of paper, everyone flew into a rage and gnashed their teeth. This culprit was indeed too bold and arrogant. He was practically provoking the police.


    Thereafter, the police dogs only did their rounds nearby but couldn''t pick up the scent anymore. It was as if that personpletely vanished from that area.


    A few hundred police officers went uphill and searched for another five days. Ultimately, they were unable to find a single trace of that person.


    Just that piece of paper made everyone grit their teeth in anger, vowing to bring this guy to justice.


    ...


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian let out long moans and short gasps upon returning to Pingle Park. He threw his things on the floor, took out the erhu and yed a well-known piece "Trouble Caused by the Moon". When the imperial bodyguards heard his singing, they reacted as though they had seen a ghost.


    ["Trouble Caused by the Moon" - a hit song from Phil Zhang, a Taiwanese singer]


    "I admit that the trouble is caused by the erhu, this night sky is so beautiful and you''re so gentle��"


    [The writer had Ren Baqian rece the original lyrics ''moon'' with ''erhu'']


    After singing one song, Ren Baqian finally felt that he had somewhat alleviated his pent-up frustrations. Neither did he piss nor provoke anyone, yet he had to had to give up his career and family as he became a fugitive. He had to hide in the mountains for two days, eat marinated beef whenever he was hungry, and drink sorghum wine whenever he was thirsty. It could be said that he was miserable.


    After sighing for a long time, Ren Baqian went to wash his face, changed into a new set of clothes and ran to see the empress.


    "Your Majesty, the clothes which you have left at my apartment, are all gone." Ren Baqian sighed.


    The empress''s eyebrows immediately straightened. There were still quite a few of those clothes which she liked. Moreover, who dared to touch her belongings?


    "Even the apartment is gone."


    "What''s going on?" the empress asked coldly. At present, it could be heard from her tone that she wasn''t happy. She was actually extremely unhappy.


    "I was careless. I didn''t expect the other party to act again after that previous attack attempt, and furthermore, he came directly to my doorstep. I killed the other party in the fit of helplessness and have since be a fugitive. Now, even though I have a home, I can''t return to it. I still have to hide going from ce to ce. Fortunately, I saw a musical instrument store when I was fleeing and thought of the promise which I have made with the empress. I didn''t dare to lose this even when I was fleeing for my life. Luckily, I have made it back peacefully. However, I''m afraid that I would be hunted down once I''m back on Earth again."


    A look of grievance appeared on Ren Baqian''s face. It was time to take out the erhu. Finally, he didn''t forget to bring it along with him this time.


    The empress got all soft-hearted upon seeing him. She then said, "Forget it, it''s good that you are back. The next time, I''ll go to Earth with you. We shall see what they can do."


    At this moment, Ren Baqian wasn''t in the right mood to y "Pomp and Circumstance" on the erhu. Instead, he was in the mood to y "Moon Reflected in the Second Spring".


    Fortunately, the empress didn''t raise this issue as she was being very considerate towards him.


    Ren Baqian''s mood finally turned for the better after two days. After all, things had already reached such a stage, and it was useless to sigh anymore.


    At this moment, being a criminal wasn''t something severe to Ren Baqian.


    He could teleport once every two to three days. The next time he appeared on Earth, ten days would have passed over there, and it would be difficult for the police to arrest him. In addition, even if he was caught, as long as he wasn''t shot dead on the spot, he could bring the empress along with him to break out of prison when the timees.


    It was just that he couldn''t stay in his country anymore. He could only go overseas.


    Actually, there were still other methods. For example, go to a certain country to do cosmetic surgery and change how he looked.


    However, when the empress would see that "his entire face was beyond recognition", he wouldn''t be able to guarantee what kind of reaction will she give.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and felt that he should continue to flee for his life with this face of his.


    On the third day, Ren Baqian and the empress sat in garden, with the sun shining brightly in the morning.


    In the distance, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and two imperial bodyguards were looking curiously at the queer-looking object in Ren Baqian''s hand. They were constantly wondering what he was going to do with that.


    The empress was also full of expectations for it.


    She also didn''t know how an erhu performance was like. However, Ren Baqian said that he wanted to perform for her and she was looking forward to it tremendously. Also, she felt a tinge of sweetness in her heart.


    Ren Baqian adjusted his posture and his face was full of confidence as he had painstakingly practiced the "Xiao Hu Xian" version of "Pomp and Circumstance". After which, he took a deep breath��


    ["Xiao Hu Xian", a user from Bilibili who uploads awesome erhu videos. Bilibili is a video sharing website themed around animation,ic, and game {ACG} based in China, where users can submit, view, and addmentary subtitles on videos.]


    Upon pulling the erhu, the sound of faint breathing that was produced immediately gave the empress goosebumps all over her body. Her eyes also widened.


    The lower abdomen of the imperial bodyguards tightened as well. They looked as if they had seen a ghost, what was this ything?


    It looked as though the erhu in Ren Baqian''s hands had a life of its own. The sound of faint breathing continued one after another. It sounded devilish.


    If one had to evaluate it, it was flirty, simply too flirtatious.


    Ren Baqian''s fingers swirled in the air and he waspletely enchanted. Everyone in the surrounding was dumbstruck.


    After four seconds, the sound of faint breathing was produced again.


    The empress exerted strength in her hand and immediately, she grabbed a piece of the stone table in front of her. But,pletely didn''t realize what just happened.


    She was really stunned by his performance.


    Besides being stunned, she was also at somewhat of a loss.


    She didn''t experience such a huge fluctuation in her state of mind even when she was confronting the people at the Nine Pavilions. At this moment, it was as if andslide and tsunami had urred in her peaceful heart, which was like the calmke. In the wake of the sound produced by the erhu, she wasn''t able to even calm down for a moment.


    Blue veins began to erupt on the empress''s forehead as she continued listening to the sound of faint breathing produced by the erhu.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were already dumbfounded since earlier on. They stared at Ren Baqian with their mouths wide open and had a look of horror on their faces.


    As for the few imperial bodyguards, the expression on their faces seemed as if they were constipated. Also, they were trembling from head to toe.


    Before Ren Baqian could even finish performing the piece he was proud of, fragmented stones and gravel were already falling from the table.


    The empress subconsciously used her fingertips and grabbed the surface of the table repeatedly. As such, a small portion of the 15-centimeter-thick stone table was nowhere to be seen.


    Atst, Ren Baqian only yed half of the piece and came to an end spontaneously. He gave a look that he wanted to continue ying it. It was because the "Xiao Hu Xian" version ended over here. It was said that Xiao Hu Xian''s neighbors smashed the doors and burst in, and so naturally, there wasn''t the second part of the piece.


    Ren Baqian felt that he had never performed so smoothly as well as gotten so engrossed in ying before. His performance today had practically exceeded his standard. He opened his eyes and looked at the empress as if he was presenting a treasure to her.


    Eh, Your Majesty, why is your forehead filled with blue veins?


    The empress snatched over the erhu and swung it as if it was a concealed weapon to an imperial bodyguard who was dozens of meters away. She fumed with rage between gritted teeth. "Suppress this item below the za in front of the pce."


    The empress''s teenage heart shattered like ss, even super glue wasn''t able to glue the pieces back together.


    It was as though the two imperial bodyguards were given an amnesty. Without saying a single word, they carried the erhu and dashed out.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.

 Chapter 245: Reunion

    Chapter 245: Reunion


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the mountain, everything was engulfed in darkness. The only source of light was a bit of silvery light from the dim moon hanging high up in the sky.


    One of them was squatting down in a debonair manner while fiddling with a phone. The other person was standing upright like a javelin while her long air drifted in the night breeze.


    "I have already sent some men to take care of your family, the cops are keeping watch over them as well. Be careful! Try not to contact your family members."


    This was one of the two text messages that Chen Qing had sent him. The other text message provided him with a few possible locations of Jin Wen and Jin Wu.


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian sighed deeply again. Every time he thought of this matter, he felt constipated and panicky.


    After a while, he stood up and looked into the distance with a solemn look on his face.


    "Your Majesty, let''s set off."


    Treating Ren Baqian like a chick, the empress picked him up by his cor and jumped into the air. After flying through the air for a few hundred meters, she swooped down from the sky.


    Ren Baqian''s face was sted by wind. Even though he was being held by the empress like a chick, he still maintained the solemn look on his face. Feeling the strong wind that was blowing in his face, his inner poet awakened, and he muttered to himself, "A time wille for me to ride the wind and crest the waves."


    The following line was "I''ll set my cloud-like sail to cross the sea which raves". However, right now, Ren Baqian was like a g fluttering in the wind as he hung from the empress''s hand.


    It was extremely exciting to travel at a speed of 200 kilometers tens of meters above the ground. Ren Baqian knew he was safe, but his heart still yo-yoed, feeling as though he was taking a high-speed elevator up and down.


    The time now was 9 pm. Given the empress''s speed, they could reach their destination in one hour''s time.


    Ren Baqian wasining inside his head. He preferred the empress to carry him on her back. Even if she carried him in her arms, it would still be better than how she was carrying him now, like a g that was fluttering in the wind.


    ...


    Jin Wen put down the document in his hand, took off his spectacles, and rubbed his temples.


    "Still no news of thatd?" he asked.


    "Yes, Brother Wen," a man wearing a cored shirt standing beside Jin Wen confirmed.


    Jin Wen continued to rub his temples and picked up another piece of paper. On the paper, there was a picture of a young man.


    All these documents were informationplied on Ren Baqian. He had read them more than once.


    Until now, he was still shocked. He couldn''t believe that Ren Baqian could kill Third Brother and his three henchmen.


    And the thing was, where had thisd disappeared to? It had been half a month since hest appeared. It was as though he had disappeared from the face of the Earth.


    Third Brother''s wife had been making a big fuss over the fact that Ren Baqian couldn''t be found. His henchmen were bing restless as well. If thisd really escaped his clutches, he had to dig a hole and hide in it out of humiliation.


    "Are the cops still keeping watch over his family?" Jin Wen asked.


    "Yes, but they are going to leave soon," that man replied.


    "When the cops have left, arrange a spectacr death for every one of his family members. Kill them one by one, I don''t believe thatd won''t show up," Jin Wen casually ordered.


    Killing people was a very difficult task. At times, it could be very easy as well. A simple ident would do the trick.


    After finishing his sentence, Jin Wen took out a valuable box of tea leaves and ced some tea leaves on a lidded teacup. His subordinate quickly boiled a pot of water for him. However, Jin Wen still preferred to make the tea himself. This has always been his habit.


    At this moment, the window opposite Jin Wen suddenly exploded. Following which, two figures appeared in the room.


    The sudden turn of events momentarily stunned Jin Wen. One had to know that they were on the seventeenth floor. How in the world did someone break through the window to enter this room?


    However, Jin Wen wasn''t slow in following reactions. He instantly pulled out a handgun from his drawer and pointed it at the two figures. It was at this moment that he got a clear look of the two figures.


    One of them was an ordinary-looking man that Jin Wen found somewhat familiar. The other person was a girl that he couldn''t take his eyes off.


    "Brother Wen, it''s thatd!" Jin Wen''s subordinate cried out in rm. Confusion swept across Jin Wen''s mind. Thatd? Following which, he realized who the man was. It was thed that murdered Third Brother.


    Upon taking a closer look, Jin Wen realized there wasn''t any rope fastened to their bodies. He wondered how they broke through the window and entered the room.


    Soon after, a sinister smile appeared on Jin Wen''s face. "I have been hoping for you to appear before me, but I certainly didn''t expect you to appear in this fashion."


    As he was talking, his finger pulled the trigger on the handgun. Six gunshots resounded through the air. Four shots were directed at the red-dressed girl and two shots were directed at Ren Baqian.


    He had no choice but to do this. After all, the manner in which both of them appeared was too freaky. He wouldn''t feel at ease if he did not shoot immediately them to death.


    However, the next moment, the red-dressed girl''s arms disappeared into a flurry. Jin Wen couldn''t tell whether or not she moved her hands. It seemed like an illusion.


    To his horror, Ren Baqian and the red-dressed girl remained standing there unscathed.


    Ren Baqian widened his eyes in shock. He couldn''t believe this old bast*rd was more ruthless than him. How dare he open fire without saying anything unnecessary?


    Jin Wen was in much more shock than Rem Baqian. He had fired all the bullets in his handgun in one go, but the two persons were unscathed.


    "Ghost!" Jin Wen immediately thought to himself. His forehead broke out in cold sweat.


    With an indifferent look on her face, the empress swung her hand and flung out all six bullets.


    Jin Wen''s subordinate, who was standing one meter away from Jin Wen, was hit by all six bullets, instantly turning into a sieve.


    "Zixiao, your martial arts are unparalleled in this world!" Ren Baqian gave the empress a thumbs up.


    The empress''s face darkened even more. Chilliness was seeped out of her eyes. Subconsciously, she rubbed her fingers, wishing that she had more bullets to throw.


    With blood spurting out from his body, that man copsed to the ground with a "thump".


    "Hey! We can talk things though peacefully!" A look of panic appeared on Jin Wen''s face. Even though he had been through all kinds of situations, he still couldn''t help but panic now. He simply couldn''t believe they weren''t scared of guns. Who said thatd was just an ordinary man?


    As he was talking, he took out a loaded magazine from his drawer and attempted to load his handgun with bullets. It seemed that he would only feel safe if his handgun was loaded.


    "Bang!" Ren Baqian raised the handgun in his hand and Jin Wen''s head exploded into a bloody mess.


    "..." Ren Baqian had a constipated look on his face.


    Hey, I aimed for his shoulder, not his head! And I haven''t finished speaking!


    "Is the matter resolved?" the empress turned around and asked Ren Baqian.


    "There''s still Jin Wu. He might be in this building or at the next location." An innocent look appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.


    He had a line that he wanted to say for a very long time, but he didn''t have the chance to do so!


    ...


    Soon after, Ren Baqian found Jin Wu at an upper-ss district. At that time, Jin Wu was doing certain indescribable things with a girl, sending a reverberating scream into the empress''s and Ren Baqian''s ears.


    When the empress saw the situation in the room and heard the scream, her face turned ice-cold. Without saying anything, she thrust her hand in the air. Jin Wu and that girl were instantly thrown to the wall and stuck on it.


    Looking at the wall covered with blood, Ren Baqian had a sullen look on his face.


    Why is it so difficult for me to even say something?


    There''s this wise saying, if one does not have a glorious homing after making it big, he might as well go home in silken robes at night without anyone noticing. This logic applies to seeking revenge as well! At least let me finish what I want to say!


    In the end, Ren Baqian could no longer take it. He found a slip of paper in the room and wrote down what he wanted to say on it. However, what if they were 404? Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he wrote at a tremendous speed.


    [If someone calls you a 404 that is definitely not apliment. They are saying you are clueless. Ites from the ''404 error'' message disyed on an otherwise nk page when an inte browser cannot find a website.]


    His handwriting was still ugly.


    "A wise man once said, a family has to be united andplete. All of you have finally reunited."


    Then, he ced the slip of paper on the bed.


    A look of satisfaction finally appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian and the empress searched the house. They found Jin Wu''s son in the living room and Ren Baqian immediately shot him to death.


    "Zixiao, you''re blushing," Ren Baqian suddenly said to the empress while they were jumping through the air from building to building.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress panicked and her hand trembled. Ren Baqian fell towards the ground with a blood-curdling scream.


    "Your Majesty, save me!"


    When Ren Baqian saw that he was getting closer and closer to the ground, his scream became a miserable howl that trembled incessantly.


    When the empress got hold of him, his heart almost leaped out of his mouth. One would know how he felt if he or she free-fell from such a high altitude.


    "What is that sound?" Many people heard a scream outside their houses. However, they saw nothing when they looked out of their windows.


    Ren Baqian was lying on the top of a building panting heavily. He almost peed his pants just now. If the empress was a tad slower, he would have be a meat patty.


    The empress was standing on the edge of the building looking down. She felt frantic when she thought of the things she saw just now.


    "Zixiao! I was so scared just now!" Lying on the ground, Ren Baqian did not even intend to move. He was scared stiff just now.


    The empress acted as though she never heard what Ren Baqian said. After a long while, she finally calmed down. Then, she turned her head around and asked coldly, "Where are we going next?"


    "There are still a few more ces, there are four persons left." Ren Baqian was still lying on the ground grasping his heart.


    "Lead the way!"


    Following which, the pair headed to a few locations and finally wrapped up their mission.


    Jin Wen, Jin Wu, and their wives, and children were finally reunited in hell. It might be cruel to kill all of them, but Ren Baqian felt that he would be the one suffering if he let a single one of them live.


    Ren Baqian did not really care about their henchmen. Without their leaders, they would soon be a chaotic mess.


    Deep into the night, Ren Baqian and the empress were standing on the top of a building. The building opposite them was a very ufortable ce for Ren Baqian.


    The police station.


    Ren Baqian sat down on the edge of the building, took out his phone and made a call.


    "Hello?" A voice sounded off on the other end of the line. It was Ren Baqian''s dad and he sounded very tired.


    "Dad!" Ren Baqian said softly.


    "Baqian? Where are you? How are you now? What''s going on? The police said you have killed someone!" Ren Baqian''s dad softened his voice and asked anxiously when he knew it was Ren Baqian.


    In the police stations of T city and S city. "Thatd has appeared." Following which, amotion broke out. Everyone crowded around theputer with an excited look on his face. That bast*ard had finally appeared.


    Nowadays, surveince work was no longer as troublesome as it had been in the past. The police no longer needed surveince vans. All they needed to do was to nt a virus on their target''s smartphone.


    "I''m alright, don''t worry," Ren Baqian said casually.


    "It''s good that you''re alright. If you''re innocent, turn yourself in. I and your mum will definitely help you clear your name," Ren Baqian''s dad said deeply after a slight hesitation. Until now, he still did not believe that his son would kill someone.


    After starting a business venturest year, Ren Baqian''s wealth and social status kept on increasing. He even sent a huge sum of money to him and his mum. Why would he risk his bright future by killing someone?


    "I''m indeed wronged." Ren Baqian was filled with grievance.


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian''s dad instantly felt his son was innocent and an overjoyed look appeared on his face.


    Ren Baqian could hear the breathing sound of his mum on the other end of the line.


    "Don''t worry, I''m fine. I know what to do but it''s not convenient for me to talk about it now. Just keep in mind that I''m fine," Ren Baqian continued to speak in a rxed tone.


    After talking for another two minutes, Ren Baqian hung up and threw the phone on the floor of the rooftop.


    There was already a huge bunch of men running from the police station opposite them.


    After a few minutes, when the police arrived at the rooftop, all they could see was a phone lying on the floor.


    They turned the building upside down but still couldn''t find Ren Baqian.


    The phone Ren Baqian used was Jin Jun''s son''s. It could be easily tracked. When the police rushed to Jin Jun''s house, they saw three dead bodies.


    Following which, they went to Jin Wen''s and Jin Wu''s houses�� and they discovered a slip of paper in Jin Wu''s room.


    "Is it a secret signal? Or is it a secret code?" Everyone had this thought when they saw the ugly writing on the slip of paper. Could it be a puzzle that was intentionally left by Ren Baqian?


    Ren Baqian is simply too arrogant!


    After they racked their brains and figured out what was written on the slip of paper, they almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Everyone clenched their teeth in anger.

 Chapter 246: A Foreign Country

    Chapter 246: A Foreign Country


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>YHHH <strong>Editor: </strong>Book_Hoarder


    A young man with sses, was browsing on thergest video site when suddenly his eyes noticed a video titles ��Cultivators Really Exist�� which was just uploaded half a minute ago.


    Out of curiosity, he opened the video and the image was a little blurry. The resolution of the video was poor due to image noise as it was taken by a handphone in the night. Using the opposite building in the video as reference, the location of the person shooting the video should be between the seventh and the ninth floor. At the same time, there was a voiceing from the speaker saying, ��Help~!�� which sounded as miserable as chickens getting killed.


    Soon after, he saw someone falling from high altitude with dramatic gestures in the screen. It made his heart jump all of a sudden, and he couldn��t help but start cursing, ��Cultivator, my foot, it is obviously someone falling from a high level.��


    Just at this moment, that figure which was falling downwards suddenly disappeared. He rewound the video, looked closely again, and saw two people suddenly appear on the opposite building wall. After which, they disappeared again.


    One of them was the person who fell from above and the other one looked like a woman.


    ��It is fake, right?�� he muttered subconsciously and was ready to refresh the video and watch it once more. However, when he refreshed the site, he discovered that the video had been taken down.


    ��Dang, this can��t be real, right?��


    If it were previously, he would have believed that it was fake. But, the video was taken down so quickly that it made his imagination ran wild.


    Conspiracy theories have always been something many people believe in.


    ��


    ��Chief, watch this video.�� Following the shout of the young man, a man in his thirties walked to his back and watched the video. It was the video that had just been uploaded for half a minute, but, the resolution was much higher this time. In particr, after the brightness was adjusted, the two figures on the screen became more conspicuous.


    ��Fake.�� The man in his thirties concluded after looking at it once.


    ��Chief, this video hasn��t been tampered, and it looks like it��s real.��


    ��Impossible.�� That man who was in his thirties, readily concluded. Slowing down the video, one could see a woman rushing to the falling figure at an extremely high speed. She lifted his clothes and brought him to the opposite wall, stepped on the surface, and headed diagonally upwards.


    This was absolutely impossible. The speed at which people fell from high altitude was about 23 meters per second and the speed of the woman in the video was far faster than this. It wasn��t something that humans could achieve.


    After watching the video three times, the expression of that man in his thirties turned grave. Even though his rationality told him that this was impossible, but, everything in the video was too surreal. Moreover, the most important thing was that this video was taken from a mobile phone and wasn��t altered by any software.


    In other words, this was most likely true.


    The next morning, this video as well as the case in Shencheng was spread to some people��s desks.


    Both cases happened at the same ce.


    In the case of Shencheng, 11 people in different locations died within an hour. This wasn��t something one or two people could do. At the very least, several groups of people were required to work together.


    But at the scene of each case, only the traces of a man and a woman were left behind.


    With the addition of this video�� it immediately made some people feel that they have discovered something incredible, something that could change the perception of human kind.


    ��Upon finding him, don��t use force. Talk it out first.�� Such an order and the two people��s data were sent to a certain department.


    One of them had detailed information while the other only had an identity card.


    ��


    ��The boundless horizon defines my love, and the flowers are blooming at the foot of the continuous green hill����


    A shabby SUV violently dashing across the grasnd.


    At present, Ren Baqian and the empress were at the northern part of MG Nation. The journey was about 600 kilometers long, and they arrived at this ce in a night.


    Then, they found an unfortunate man, knocked him out, and threw him to the side of the road.


    Ren Baqian presently already had nothing to lose. He had already done nasty things, and even if he were to do anything else, there wasn��t any psychological pressure anymore. In any case if he were to be arrested, he had enough bullets to shoot for five minutes.


    Anyway, they wouldn��t be able to arrest him.


    Anyway, even if they did arrest him, he would be able to break out of prison.


    Ren Baqian��s current target was the country at the north, which was known as the ��fighting nation��. That country where people picked fights with bears and beat them up till the bears cried.


    When he arrived there, he would head westward to Europe. At that time, he might make a stop at a certain country in Eastern Europe. Or, he might head to South America as he heard that it was more chaotic over there.


    For an ordinary person, chaos was a terrible thing. But, it wasn��t a big issue for Ren Baqian so long as he wasn��t betrayed by others.


    His strength would increase by 7.5 kilograms every sevens day. By now, he had the strength of someone who weighed 112.5 kilograms. In addition, after being destroyed by that little Lolita with two meatballs on her head every day, Ren Baqian felt that he could survive anywhere.


    What��s more, he was still getting stronger. Even if he couldn��t reach the empress��s level, so long as he attained the winged cavalry level, he could begin to dominate people.


    ��The air over here is much better,�� the empress casually said as she gazed at the borderless grasnd.


    There were many of such ces in Dayao. Furthermore, the air over there was even better.


    But whenpared to S City, this ce was already considered a paradise.


    ��Your Majesty, do you want to try to drive?�� Ren Baqian suggested. In any case, she wouldn��t be able to turn the car over in this endless grasnd. Why not let her have some fun and treat it like it was kart racing.


    ��Sure.�� The empress was neither for nor against his idea.


    Ren Baqian taught the empress how to change the direction and the gears of the car as well as when to elerate and break. Following which, they swapped positions.


    The empress stared intently at the brakes and stepped hard on it. When she realized that the car didn��t move, she nonchntly stepped on the elerator till it was fully depressed.


    Ren Baqian, who was unguarded, almost got lifted to the backseat.


    ��Zixiao�� you gave me a shock,�� Ren Baqian sat upright, patted his chest, and said.


    ��What should we do now?�� The empress��s voice was very cold and calm.


    ��What do you mean by that?�� Ren Baqian turned his head over in doubt and saw that the empress was holding onto the steering wheel. There wasn��t anything wrong.


    The only problem was that the only steering wheel was in the empress��s hands. She actually pulled��it��out.


    Ren Baqian stared straight ahead. He looked at the endless grasnd in front of them and then looked at the steering wheel in the empress��s hands. Atst, he sighed, ��let it be, the car won��t turn over since it��s a grasnd. If the car were to turn over, Zixiao, you certainly have to pull me out.��


    Half an hourter, Ren Baqian looked at the SUV that left tens of meters of rolling trails on the ground as it finally copsed to one side. Then, he looked at the surroundings again. Where could he find another car now?


    After being carried for half an hour by the empress, the two of them were seated in a SUV once again. This vehicle was slightly newer than the previous one, but this time round, Ren Baqian didn��t permit the empress to test go-karting again.


    After another day had passed, the two of them finally arrived at Ren Baqian��s original nned destination, R Nation.


    At night, Ren Baqian and the empress walked along the streets of a foreign country. The empress frowned from time to time as the people going back and forth were all tall Caucasians.


    The different people around her made her feel somewhat ufortable.


    Even if Great Xia and Dayao were two different countries, it didn��t make her feel this way.


    Ren Baqian took a nce around and everything was in words that he didn��t recognize. The people in the surroundings also couldn��t understand theirnguage, and for a moment, he was at a loss.


    All of a sudden, a bald man took two quick steps, stuck himself to Ren Baqian��s back while pressing a sharp object onto his waist, and said very fiercely, �����֧էӧڧԧѧۧ�� !��


    ����֧�֧էѧ��է֧ߧ�ԧ�!��


    Ren Baqian was perplexed, what was the other party saying? However, judging from the other party��s knife on his waist and his tone, could it be the internationally used ��don��t move�� and ��hand over your money?��

 Chapter 247: Almost Becoming a Fugitive Again

    Chapter 247: Almost Bing a Fugitive Again


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian had a bewildered look on his face. He did not understand what the man was saying. When the man saw that Ren Baqian did not have any reaction, he became fiercer than before.


    At the same time, another man walked towards them and reached out his hand to pull the empress into an alley beside them. Before he even touched her, his body flew into the air. While he was in the air, he puked out his shattered internal organs.


    A vicious look shed across the face of the bald man standing behind Ren Baqian and he thrusted the dagger in his hand forward. He expected his dagger to plunge into Ren Baqian''s flesh. However, the next moment he realized that his hand couldn''t move, appearing as though the dagger was caught by something.


    He did not know when the empress had gotten a hold of his dagger. She wrung the dagger around and thrusted the dagger into the bald man''s stomach.


    Following which, the empress gave the bald man a p on his face. All his brain matter immediately spurted out from his nose, mouth, and ears.


    By the time Ren Baqian returned to his senses, everything had been settled.


    Ren Baqian looked at dead bald man and then shifted his gaze to the calm empress. Following which, he covered his face with both his hands in sorrow.


    This was the first city they arrived in after escaping from China. He had not even gotten a good look at this city, and they were going to be fugitives again.


    He couldn''t lead a peaceful life these days.


    With an eye peeking out of his hands, Ren Baqian scanned his surroundings. To his surprise, there weren''t many people around them. He could only see a few figures in the distance. There was also car driving towards them from a distance. However, Ren Baqian reckoned that its driver and passengers would not be able to see anything.


    After all, this wasn''t China. In China, even in a small county town, everyone woulde out onto the streets at night. This ce was much more cheerless and colder than China.


    Ren Baqian was overjoyed. "Zixiao, drag their bodies into the alley. Otherwise, we are going to be fugitives again."


    The empress red at Ren Baqian. She was unhappy with Ren Baqian for ordering her around. However, she still pulled the person whom she kicked into the air into the alley in a sh. Ren Baqian also dragged the bald man''s body into the alley.


    Nobody would take notice of such a dark and secluded corner. This made Ren Baqian feel much more at ease.


    Ren Baqian then took their money from their wallets. The money they had in total was approximately 3000 rubles. Ren Baqian did not know the exchange rate between Chinese yuan and Russia ruble. He also did not know the prices ofmodities here and whether or not this amount of money would allow them to have a meal. However, he still took the money. He had brought 20000 yuan with him, but he hadn''t yet gotten the chance to exchange them for rubles.


    Then, he asked the empress to bring the two dead bodies to the rooftop. Meanwhile, he stood in the alley and checked his surroundings. There weren''t any surveince cameras in the area, and no one saw what happened just now. It was truly a blessing.


    The bloodstains left by the bald man''s corpse when he was dragged into the alley were still on the ground. However, it would take two or three days before anyone found their bodies on the rooftop. By then, he and the empress would have already left.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the empress. The empress''s eyes were bright and limpid.


    Initially, Ren Baqian wanted to tell her not to act rashly. However, when he recalled that the bald man wanted to kill him with the dagger, he put off the idea and let her be.


    Previously in China or Turkey, the empress had never resorted to violence recklessly. Ren Baqian reckoned that she probably knew what she should be doing.


    "Are you cold?" Ren Baqian asked. Right now, it was already July and it was summer. Even though the temperature at night wouldn''t drop below 20 degrees Celsius, Ren Baqian could feel chilliness creeping into his body.


    As for the empress, this temperature wouldn''t affect her much. However, Ren Baqian still asked her this question. After all, the empress helped him kill his enemies and apanied him on the run. As such, he felt somewhat guilty about it.


    The empress turned around and looked at Ren Baqian. Her eyes looked exceptionally beautiful and bright in the night. They reminded Ren Baqian of the stars in the night sky.


    "Where shall we go next?" the empress asked.


    "We will go find some food first." Ren Baqian touched his pocket and found out that he did not have much money left. He did not know whether or not the restaurants here epted yuan.


    They found a roadside restaurant and ordered some Russian stewed meat and baked potatoes. They also ordered a bottle of Vodka. It tasted slightly weird to Ren Baqian as he seldom drank it. On the contrary, the empress liked it very much.


    After eating this meal, they were left with only 200 rubles. This amount of money was not even enough for them to find some lodging.


    Furthermore, the empress wasn''t full yet. When Ren Baqian tried to use renminbi to book a room, he was turned down. This made him feel rather helpless.


    "Maybe we should rob someone or a shop," Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    This was just a passing thought, and in the end Ren Baqian did not act upon it. Ren Baqian felt that he still had to follow some moral guidelines.


    The pair spent the night beside the river. The next morning, they headed to the bank to exchange their renminbis for rubles. Afterwards, they found some lodging and rested for a day. At night, they left the city and found a secluded area to teleport to Dayao.


    Three days after the both of them had left, three men came to this city for investigation. After all, the empress''s facial appearance and red dress made her very recognizable. The three persons easily obtained the news of Ren Baqian and the empress. They also noticed a bizarre murder case involving two men. One men looked as though he was hit by a car, having all his internal organs shattered to smithereens. The other man looked normal, but his head received some major trauma, causing all his brain matter to spurt out from his orifices.


    The weird thing was, the two men''s bodies were found on the rooftop while their internal organs were found on the road at the ground level. There were traces of the two men being dragged into the alley as well. Until now, it was still unknown how the two men''s bodies ended up on the rooftop or how they died.


    The news of this bizarre murder case spread throughout this small city and became many people''s topic of idle conversation during their free time.


    When the three persons knew of how the three men died, they immediately thought of the guy named Jin Wu who had died a few days ago. His dead body was embedded in the wall. The ways that Jin Wu and the two men were killed werepletely different, but they had something inmon, that was, they could not be achieved by a normal human being.


    After reporting to their higher-ups, the three of them headed towards the direction where Ren Baqian and the empress had left to.


    They passed by the area where Ren Baqian and the empress had disappeared and continued forward. Soon after, they realized they couldn''t find any more traces of them. It was as though the both of them had vanished into thin air.


    ...


    When Ren Baqian saw Yangxin Pce Hall appearing before his eyes, he felt as though he had returned home.


    Nowadays, even he did not know whether Earth or Dayao was his home.


    Especially after he became a fugitive on Earth.


    "Your Majesty, sorry to have troubled you these days," Ren Baqian turned around and apologized softly.


    In a sh, the empress appeared on her couch. Following which, she stretched her body, revealing her perfect figure clearly. Then, she cast a ferocious stare at Ren Baqian before saying, "All of them are like chickens that can be killed in passing, so how is that considered troubling me?"


    Indeed, the empress''s strength made her look like a god on Earth. There was nothing she was scared of.


    Ren Baqian casually sat down on a seat beneath the empress. Curling up his legs, he asked the empress curiously, "Your Majesty, do you feel like a god on Earth? Everything on Earth is like an ant to you. You can destroy anything and anyone with a flip of your hand."


    "Oh!" Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress went into a deep thought. After a long while, she replied, "Like what you said, all of us are specialized in different things. To you, aboriginals are very powerful. To me, we are no different from you and your fellow Earthlings. However, there are still many things on Earth that I''m interested in. I also agree with the statement ''Knowledge is power''."


    Hearing the empress''s words, Ren Baqian chuckled. The empress was much more sober than he expected. Initially, he thought that she would have this idea after going to Earth anding in contact with powerless Earthlings so many times.


    If he was the empress and he possessed the strength to destroy anything and anyone with a flip of his hand, he might be so domineering that he wouldn''t even recognize himself.


    In the past, he wouldn''t have dared to do the things he did recently.


    Now, not only did he do these things, he also did not feel guilty doing them at all.


    He merely felt sad for not being able to go home and living the life of a fugitive.


    He remembered a line from a movie: "With great poweres great responsibility."


    This line had made someone into a superhero. However, he begged to differ with this line. For him, it was "With great poweres little responsibility".

 Chapter 248: Lian Family, Ning Caichen

    Chapter 248: Lian Family, Ning Caichen


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Somewhere in Great Xia, the cold wind was blowing. The surrounding forest was all covered in white.


    "Jia!" Around eight horsemen spurred their horses to full speed on the main path urgently. All the pedestrians on the road sessively stepped aside.


    The man in the lead was dressed in an embroidered set of clothes with a fur cape draped over it. He didn''t look very old and seemed cold and detached. Behind him was a bunch of brilliantly clothed men who were also covered in capes. All of them had a small stream like design embroidered on their chest.


    That was the symbol of the Lian family. Anybody from the nearby provinces, who had a bit of knowledge would definitely recognize that. After all, the Lian family was considered the most influential family in Zhijiang Province.


    At present, other than the man at the front with the embroidered clothes who appeared cold and detached, all the other people seemed rather rxed. They hardly spent any effort on this mission and had umted quite a lot of points in the Lian family. Many were wondering whether to exchange the points for money or to collectively exchange them for a martial arts manual when they get back.


    Just when everybody passed a col, the man in the embroidered clothes suddenly sensed a danger. With a press on the horse''s back with both hands, his entire body took to the air, like a legendary giant bird spreading its wings.


    At that moment, tens of arrows suddenly shot over from both sides and bound everyone within.


    The remaining six to seven horsemen snarled as they attempted to draw their swords, but, were sessively shot down from their horses. Only two of them barely managed to escape but had sustained injuries as well.


    "Who are you? Show yourself!" The man in the embroidered clothes shouted from the skies. He drew out his sword and pounced towards the shadows of the people who emerged from the sides.


    "Zhu Chengjun, you shall stay here today!" Two figures charged ahead swiftly after shouting loudly. One of them held a de with distinct sawtooth ridges along the back which were able to wedge the weapons of others. The other person held a truncheon.


    Zhu Chengjun''s facial expression took a change when he saw the weapons they were holding. He knew the both of them. To top it off, they were also from the Lian family. At present, out of the four consecrated experts remaining in Lian family, only the two of them were real members of the Lian family. The person holding the sawtooth de was Lian Peng, and the other was Lian Zhan.


    Zhu Chengjun used his sword to deflect the de that struck at him. He then ced his entire mind and body on that truncheon.


    Sure enough, when it was about to reach him, that truncheon suddenly grew longer by a section. A sharp tip, somewhat resembling a steel cone, suddenly appeared on the front end. Six flowers of plum blossoms were ejected into the air, engulfing Zhu Chengjun.


    "As expected," Zhu Chengjun thought to himself. If he hadn''t known the secret of the other party''s truncheon, he would have probably been fooled.


    A series of nks sounded in the air. Zhu Chengjun exchanged a few blows with the two of them. He was at a slight disadvantage as there were two people against him.


    "Your strength has surprisingly improved tremendously. Indeed a talent for someone your age." Lian Zhan''s facial expression changed and couldn''t help but praise him in midair. He had never expected two of them to just be able to barely suppress him in a bout.


    "Only a talent who survives is a talent," Lian Peng coldly stated.


    "You people..." Zhu Chengjun initially felt puzzled and angry. They were all consecrated experts of the Lian family. Why did they suddenly attack him? And from the looks of the situation, they were determined to kill him.


    But at this moment, something shed through his mind.


    "Have you been sent by Lian Qizhi to silence me?" Zhu Chengjun shouted in anger after hended on the ground.


    "Go down and ask the King of Hell," Lian Peng responded in a cold voice.


    Zhu Chengjun scanned his surroundings after hended. He was encircled by tens of people wielding swords.


    "Lian Qizhi sent people to assassinate the lover of Qi Zixiao and lured her to the Nine Pavilions. As a result, the Nine Pavilions was destroyed and the emperor of Great Xia lost thousands of elite soldiers. You think that you can survive after killing me? After Lian Qizhi silences me today, it will be your turn tomorrow."


    The faces of the two horsemen, who survived by sheer luck, turned deathly pale when they heard that. They were filled with despair.


    Lian Peng and Lian Zhan both had a big change in their expressions. Following that, Lian Pengughed grimly. "These people can''t hear anything, you have wasted your effort. There is no need for you to worry for the both of us."


    Zhu Chengjun swept his eyes across the surrounding people. "All of you think that you can keep me like this?"


    "What if they include me?" A voice sounded from another direction.


    "Lian Qizhi! You actually dare to appear!" Zhu Chengjun gritted his teeth and looked over. "As an expert who has reached the apex of Man Wheel..."


    He suddenly got distracted halfway while he was speaking and immediately swallowed the remaining half of his words, "I will kill you first".


    Explosive sounds could be heard from the joints all over Lian Qizhi''s body, and the qi and blood within his body rumbled like thunder rolls. His vigor mbered up little by little, from the advanced level of Man Wheel, to the initiation stage of Earth Wheel, the intermediate level of Earth Wheel, to the apex of Earth Wheel, all the way till the Earth Embryo Realm before it stopped.


    "On what basis do you think I can be the master of the Lian family?" Lian Qizhi was all smiles. At this moment, he was three inches taller whenpared to just now.


    Zhu Chengjun was dumbfounded. Lian Qizhi had always disyed strength at the apex of Man Wheel, even though many people had felt that he didn''t have what it took to be a master. But, he never would have thought that he was actually the most powerful one in Lian family.


    "Now you can rest in peace. It''s a pity that you don''t have any family. Otherwise, I could help you take good care of them. But this is good as well, as you don''t have to worry about anyone." Lian Qizhi grinned.


    "I willl kill you!" Zhu Chengjun''s face was full of killer''s intent. He was up against three Earth Wheel experts��one of which was at the advanced level of Earth Wheel. He was sure that he couldn''t escape. He pounced at Lian Qizhi when his qi and blood level was raised to the highest level, wanting to bite off a piece of his flesh even if he were to die.


    With a swing of both arms, Lian Qizhi flipped into the air and shot out thirteen silver beads in session. Each of the beads hit Zhu Chengjun''s sword and a "dang" sounded when thest bead struck. Zhu Chengjun''s sword broke. With the remaining energy left in thatst bead, it prated his shoulder, and he was sent flipping backwards beforending on the ground.


    Zhu Chengjun covered his shoulder with one hand and was overwhelmed with shock. That long sword of his was considered quite a rare piece of weaponry, and he could even deflect a huge rock with it. Unexpectedly, it broke when it was struck by the silver beads of the other party. Was Lian Qizhi this strong?


    "I supposed you can die contentedly now," Lian Qizhi spoke softly. He stood in the same spot and didn''t chase after Zhu Chengjun.


    Just as Zhu Chengjun thought that he would inevitably die and when everybody thought that the bout was over, a sudden round of apuse was heard from the top of a tree not far away.


    Everyone was startled by those ps, especially Lian Qizhi. To his surprise, somebody actually escaped his attention and hid nearby. Who exactly was it?


    A young schr carrying a book trunk was seated on top of the tree, and he looked as if he was a student rushing for an examination. As Lian Qizhi attentively sensed for his aura, it wasn''t much differentpared to an ordinary person.


    However, nobody actually sensed that there was someone up there, and even a fool could tell that he was no ordinary person. On the contrary, they immediately felt that he was someone not to be trifled with.


    "When I saw all of youe over earlier on, I already felt that there will be some fun. But, I have never expected it to be so much fun. It is so interesting indeed. If I were to bring you people back as gifts, Qi Zixiao would definitely be very happy." That schr was full of smiles.


    "Who are you?" Lian Qizhi panicked and barely managed to remain calm on the outside.


    "Sword,e." That schr didn''t reply, but instead, reached a single hand out into the sky and let out a long cry.


    "Are you a sword master?" Lian Qizhi''s expressions took a change. The other party was actually a very rarely seen sword master, and he immediately felt regretful. In session, he shot out eighteen silver beads from his hands towards the sword master with a swoosh.


    "Aiyo, don''t hurry." As if he missed his step, that schr fell to the bottom of the tree. Looking around sneakily, a long sword flew over from the forest and immediatelynded in the hands of the schr as he fell from the tree.


    The schr was Ning Caichen, and the sword was Green Pearl.


    Ever since the previous trip to Dayao, Green Pearl had always been this sneaky, as if it was a thief.


    ...


    After a short while, Ning Caichen grabbed Zhu Chengjun with one arm and ran for his life, as if he was a gamboling bunny. An entire row of silver pearls was embedded into the book trunk on his back. They would be worth ten over taels of silver if he were to pluck them off.


    Lian Qizhi''s silver beads could even prate a 30-centimeter-thick tree trunk in one strike. But, it couldn''t pierce through this simple and crude book trunk.


    Zhu Chengjun couldn''t help but say, "When I initially heard you say ''bring all of you back as gifts'', I thought you were going to bind them up for Qi Zixiao," as he bore with the pain. He didn''t care if the other party replied to him. In any case, it was what he wanted to say at that moment.


    At present, Zhu Chengjun had a few other wounds on his body, especially on his legs. Initially, when he saw Ning Caichen''s imposing manner when he first appeared, he thought that he had met an expert. Never did he expect that Ning Caichen would grab him and escape.


    At first, he should still be grateful to him for saving his life nevertheless, but Ning Caichen had actually used him as a shield. If not, he wouldn''t have been so badly injured, to the extent that he couldn''t even tell his flesh apart from the blood on his legs.


    "In any case, I only have to bring you to Qi Zixiao. There is no need for me to step into action." Ning Caichen''s forehead kept perspiring. He ran even faster when he heard the shoutsing from far behind.


    Zhu Chengjunughed. He already couldn''t be bothered about what would happen when this man brought him back to Dayao. A sudden tion rose in his mind when he thought about the entire Lian family perishing together with him.


    Lian Qizhi, you wouldn''t have expected this!

 Chapter 249: Your Majesty… the Affairs of the Nation Are Important!

    Chapter 249: Your Majesty�� the Affairs of the Nation Are Important!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    One monthter, a coachman with grizzled hair and beard drove a carriage pulled by a bald and ugly old horse into Lan City.


    Ning Caichen pulled open the curtains of the carriage and peered out the window. Lan City looked pretty much the same to him. Simple and unadorned aboriginals that gave a fierce look whenever they saw a foreigner were everywhere.


    Lying beside Ning Caichen was Zhu Chengjun. The injuries on his body weren''t overtly obvious. Both of his legs were tightly wrapped with a piece of white cloth. asionally, when the carriage jerked too violently, some blood would stain through the white cloth.


    It usually took less than a day for the wounds of an Earth Wheel expert to heal. After all, their body constitution waspletely different from an ordinary individuals''.


    In the past, Zhu Chengjun''s legs had suffered a severe injury, and it had only taken a week for his injury to heal.


    However, it had been a month and the wounds on his legs had yet to heal. It might have something to do with Ning Caichen.


    Every day, Ning Caichen would make Zhu Chengjun drink a type of wine and eat some kind of shrimp with a transparent body.


    Zhu Chengjun never refused Ning Caichen or expressed doubt over the wine or the shrimp. Instead, he would calmly drink the wine and eat the shrimp.


    And the main thing was, he couldn''t exert much strength. He wondered whether or not it had something to do with the wine and the shrimp.


    "Do you still have anything to say?" Ning Caichen put down the curtain and shifted his gaze to Zhu Chengjun.


    "Last words? Are you able to help me fulfil myst wishes?" At this point in time, Zhu Chengjun''s body was much thinner than before. His face had be deathly white and his eyes wereckluster.


    "Tell me about it, you are entitled to having yourst wishes too," Ning Caichen said softly.


    Ning Caichen had no animosity towards Zhu Chengjun. He even saved his life. The reason why he did not let Zhu Chengjun''s injuries heal was that he wasn''t confident about his ability to keep watch over an Earth Wheel expert for 24 hours straight every day.


    Since Zhe Chengjun was severely injured, it made Ning Caichen''s job much easier.


    "My parents are dead, and I don''t really have anyone to care about. I heard that Dayao people like to bury dead bodies under the za and pile them up. Can you bury me in another ce? I want a peaceful death. And dig my pit deeper so that my body won''t get dug up by a dog," Zhu Chengjun inly said.


    "I will try my best." Ning Caichen felt that he could fulfil Zhu Chengjun''sst wishes. He brought Qi Zixiao such an important piece of information with a live witness. He reckoned that she would fulfil this little request of his.


    To Ning Caichen, Qi Zixiao was easy to deal with. Other than her pre-eminent martial arts, she was cold, arrogant, bad-tempered, vicious, and ruthless. At the end of the day, she was still a better person than those hostile people in the Nine Pavilions.


    At this moment, the carriage suddenly stopped.


    Ning Caichen pulled open the curtain and realized their carriage had stopped by the side of the road. The sound of horses galloping sounded through their carriage. When Ning Caichen saw that it was Dayao cavalry, he closed the curtain.


    He wouldn''t be so stupid as to block the aboriginal cavalry''s road. It did not matter to him whether he reached earlier or not. His top priority was to not create any trouble.


    Safetyes first�� Safetyes first...


    Very soon, Ning Caichen looked through the window again and saw a unit of soldiers mounted on cows passing by his carriage. There was a total of thirty men, seemingly guarding someone important.


    After a while, through a gap in the file of mounted soldiers, he saw who they were guarding.


    Even though Ning Caichen merely saw the back view of that person, he could easily tell who it was.


    "It seems that Qi Zixiao treats him pretty good huh," Ning Caichen rubbed his chin and mumbled to himself.


    He couldn''t believe Ren Baqian was protected by an entourage of thirty Earth Wheel experts. Even the princes in Great Xia had never received this kind of treatment before.


    "Hmm, it''s really important to find a good wife after all." Ning Caichen began to think about which princess in Great Xia was still single. He did not mind even if the other party was older than him.


    This was his dream life.


    When the entourage disappeared, Ning Caichen said to the old coachman, "Old Huang, turn right at the second junction to the Honglu Bureau.


    ...


    Naturally, Ren Baqian did not notice his old friend on the side of the road. At this moment, he jumped down from the back of the fork-horned cow with a happy look on his face. Carrying a bundle in his hands, he ran into Yangxin Pce Hall with excitement.


    "Your Majesty, it''s done, it''s finally done!" Ren Baqian smile and strode into the pce hall.


    At this point in time, the empress was embedded in the sofa. Her sofa was made of sharp-toothed tiger skin. In front of her, there was a wooden coffee table that had aptop on it.


    The springs made in this world weren''t really good quality. After some consideration, Ren Baqian chose a type of spring that wasn''t really tough. The sofa padding was made using arge amount of cotton from Earth, making one sink into the sofa when he or she sat on it.


    However, the empress liked the sofa this way. It was veryfortable to sink into the sofa.


    When Ren Baqian ran into the pce hall, the empress did not turn around and look at him. She was concentrating her attention on the screen of theptop.


    Standing behind the sofa, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan red at Ren Baqian.


    "Is worth it to sacrifice your ten-thousand-year-old cultivation to extend his life by ten years?"


    "It is not a matter of worth, but rather, a matter of willingness!"


    ...


    Ren Baqian was speechless. When he walked to side of the sofa, he realized the empress was still watching Chinese Pdin.


    [Chinese Pdin is a 2005 Chinese television series adapted from the original version of the Chinese action role-ying game The Legend of Sword and Fairy by Softstar Entertainment.]


    When Caiyi turned into a butterfly and theatose Liu Jinyuan shed a drop of tears, the empress sighed deeply. Qing Yuan''s and Hong Luan''s eyes were reddened.


    Ren Baqian was dumbstruck.


    Is the show that touching?


    "What? Has the matter been settled?" The empress looked as though she had just found out that Ren Baqian had arrived.


    "Your Majesty�� The affairs of the nation are important!" Ren Baqian groaned.


    "I know!" The empress waved her hand casually.


    "Sigh!" Ren Baqian sighed. Recently, the empress behaved as though she had opened the door to a whole new world. When she attended court sessions, she would lie on the sofa watching TV series on theptop.


    And like the empress, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan would be standing behind the sofa watching the TV series.


    "Your Majesty, it has been made." Looking pleased with himself, Ren Baqian opened up the bundle on the coffee table and revealed two wine sses.


    The empress picked up the sses and asked, "Why do they look slightly greenish?" She had seen many types of drinking sses before, and so she therefore wasn''t amazed by two wine sses. However, these two wine sses were made by the ss factory outside of Lan City. Therefore, they were significantly different from the usual drinking sses.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan weren''t amazed either. They had watched enough TV series to know what they were. Even though this type of wine ss was precious, it wasn''t precious enough to make them astounded.


    Both of them were well-informed after all.


    "It should be due to the metalposition in the base materials. It will be fine after wee up with a solution to get rid of the metalposition," Ren Baqian said joyfully. Since the wine sses had already been made, the following steps could be carried out easily.


    However, the main problem now was the instability of the furnace fire. Hence the sess rate was very low. Ren Baqian reckoned that the smiths of the ss factory would improve their skills as time passed.


    They had finally built the ss factory this month, and they had sessfully manufactured their first batch of wine sses. However, there were only a few intact. The two wine sses that Ren Baqian brought over were the best among all the intact ones.


    "Can the sr furnace be made now?" The empress remembered Ren Baqian mentioning this term.


    Actually, she had learned quite a few terms from Earth. She also learnt some Chinese characters. That''s right, she learned them from those TV series.


    She conveniently learnt a bit of Russian and English too.


    "�������,����ҧ������"


    "I want this."


    [This was already in English.]


    Both of these two lines meant "I want this" when tranted.


    She only used these words when she was conversing with Ren Baqian. On Earth, this was her favorite line when shemunicated with other people.


    "It can be made once the smiths are more familiar with the process," Ren Baqian said as he nodded.


    Since the ss had been made, they now had to make the sr furnace. After all, this wasn''t too difficult to make. Previously in Shencheng, he had already obtained the blueprint for the sr furnace and the mold for the concave mirrors.


    Once the concave mirrors were produced, they could just apply a simple coat of silver paint on their backs and it would be done. Ren Baqian had also memorized the entire skill set required to operate it.


    While making the concave mirrors, he could also make use of the opportunity to train the smiths. Subsequently, they could produce pure ss products to make money.


    One had to know that the wealth in the imperial depository was depleting very quickly. More than half of the gold, silver, and gemstones had already disappeared.


    All along, the imperial depository had never been abundant. Most of the valuables had been used by the empress to buy weapons. The remaining gold, silver, gemstones, and artifacts that Ren Baqian saw in the imperial depository when he visited there previously were actually the empress''s birthday gifts.


    After buying Ren Baqian''s tonics and building the ss factory, the imperial depository was utterly depleted.


    Ren Baqian only recently found out about this when he visited the imperial depository with the empress. The empress had never mentioned this to him before.


    This made Ren Baqian feel slightly touched and helpless at the same time.


    If you would have told me this earlier, I would have brought a bag of nail clippers back to make some money.


    However, the empress had always been like this. She seldom spoke what was her mind.

 Chapter 250: Rampaging on the Road to Death

    Chapter 250: Rampaging on the Road to Death


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On Earth, every city''s night was brightly lit with radiance. However, there were often sinful things happening in ces where the light didn''t shine.


    For example, at this time, the border of the R Nation was close to a certain city that had beautiful women everywhere. Two bald youths were pointing a gun at a yellow-skinned and ck-haired young man that was badly battered. That ck haired young man was their object of ridicule.


    "Khitan person, I detest all of you. All of you should get lost and return to the ce you belong to," a bald youth cursed under the influence of alcohol.


    At this time, that ck-haired young man''s face was full of fear as he knew what kind of people he had run into. Those youths were called skinheads. They were attached to the radical party and had strong hostility against all foreigners.


    They weren''t only hostile towards the yellow-skinned Chinese or Vietnamese, but, also treated the "ck hair" people from the Caucasus as well as the Africans and South Americans the same way.


    If any of the above people met skinheads, the minor cases would result in a beating, and for the severe cases, there were even deaths.


    Two years ago, there were even people stabbed to death at the gate of a University.


    Currently, he could only hope that these two people would let him off.


    Right now he was full of fear and regret as he shouldn''t havee out alone at night. But, he was out of his mind and stayed out longer just to hang out with his junior, which resulted in him dying his time to go home.


    "I have an interesting game, why don''t we y it together." Another bald youth revealed a malicious smile. His finger tapped the revolver and the magazine sprung out. Then, he slowly stuffed three bullets inside leaving an empty space between each bullet.


    His slid his other hand on the magazine and it immediately rotated. Soon after, he returned the magazine to its original position.


    "Let''s y a game, as long as you don''t die, we''ll let you off." That bald youth with a malicious smile teased that ck-haired youth as he pointed the gun at him.


    That ck-haired youth almost copsed onto the ground. His was frightened to death. There were three bullets and three empty spaces and that meant that the probability of dying was half. However, the probability of the other half might not necessarily be a good oue.


    The two bald youths burst outughing when they saw him copse onto the ground.


    "This game is really interesting. I want to y it too."


    At this moment, a male voice could be heard from the entrance of the alley.


    He spoke trashy Russian one word at a time.


    "Who are you, show yourself!" The bald youth who was holding a gun, immediately turned around and pointed the gun at the direction the voice wasing from. But just as he turned around, he saw a silhouette dashing into his arms at lightning speed, striking a heavy blow at his abdomen. Another hand grabbed onto his wrist, pinched it, and swung the gun, causing it tond in the hands of the other party.


    Before he could even make any other movements, the other party gave him a punch to the ear, causing half of his body to be temporarily paralyzed. He even saw stars in his vision.


    And hisrade was even more miserable than him. He was directly stomped onto the ground by a woman dressed in red that had descended from the sky. This bald youth could even hear the sound of his bones breaking.


    "Get out of my sight, we detest pigs like you guys the most!" Holding a gun in his hand, Ren Baqian pointed it at the ck-haired man who looked like an overseas student. He was still speaking poor quality Russian at this moment.


    Initially, that dark-haired young man was dumbstruck. But soon after, he frantically escaped at lightning speed and didn''t even dare to look back at all.


    After running for a distance, that dark-haired young man found it baffling, why did that man save him? But at that time, that person''s back was facing the light and he couldn''t actually make out how the other party looked. He also couldn''t tell who it was.


    Ren Baqian stepped on the head of that bald youth, lowered his head, took bullets out from his pockets, and loaded two more inside. Then he imitated that bald youth''s action and did a sliding movement to restore the original position of the magazine.


    "I like this game, if you survive, I''ll let you off." Ren Baqian was full of smiles.


    He had seen many of such bald youths in R Nation these days.


    One month had passed in Dayao and during this period of time, he had returned to Earth six times. He had stayed in R Nation for almost one month and didn''t know if he was unlucky or if someone else was unlucky. It might be because he went outte at night, or if perhaps, it was because the empress was too attractive. As such, he had met a total of seven such radical youths that emitted a ruthless vibe from head to toe.


    Most of them were between the ages of fifteen to twenty years old and were very naive and immature. They were brainwashed by some slogans and their minds were practically filled with violence.


    In Ren Baqian''s heart, they were just a bunch of kids.


    Therefore, he mustn''t let them off by any means.


    Without even letting the youths beneath his feet speak, Ren Baqian immediately pulled the trigger.


    "Bang!" The gunshot was extremely loud.


    "Apologies, your luck isn''t very good," Ren Baqian said apologetically to the sachima drenched with tomato sauce beneath his feet.


    [In this context, Ren Baqian is describing the corpse to the Manchurian snack sachima - fluffy strands of fried batter bound together with a stiff sugar syrup, looking somewhat simr to American Rice Krispies Treats.]


    The youth beneath the empress''s feat struggled with all his might. At this moment, he had already sobered up due to the shock and was desperately trying to break away from the person on his back. But, that person was just like a nail, nailing him to the ground. Regardless of how he struggled, he still couldn''t move at all.


    "I''m sorry, spare me, spare me!" That bald youth wailed as if his life depended on it.


    "It''s just a game, why is your reaction so huge?" Ren Baqian was astonished.


    After which, he consoled him gently, "Good boy, listen to me, I''m someone who keeps my words. After one gunshot, I''ll let you off regardless of whether you are dead or not."


    Then, he aimed the gun at the other party''s head. The empress gave a look of disgust and in a sh, she appeared meters away.


    "Bang"


    "My apologies, both of you are very unlucky, it seems like this game isn''t very fun," Ren Baqian apologized to the two blocks of sachima drenched in tomato sauce. Then, he stashed the gun at his waist.


    Just now, the gunfire attracted pedestrians over and upon seeing the empty alley and two blocks of sachima, they immediately shouted in fear.


    Momentster, before the arrival of the local police, two ck-haired and yellow-skinned men and one woman dashed into the alley at lightning speed. They then carefully examined the scene.


    "Was this done by them?" one of the woman asked quickly.


    "This man''s shoulder de is shattered. It seems like it was stepped on, causing it to be crushed. There is also a bit of soil on the ground. This was most probably done by them."


    "Damn it, they ran away again." That woman cursed, and she was full of resentment.


    It had been three months, three entire months, and the other party had never exercised restraint at all. They caused all kinds of problems everywhere they went, and the crime theymitted the most was still murder.


    The three people had been tracking the other party for the past three months. Every time, they would miss them just by a bit, and never even get the chance to catch a glimpse of their backs.


    Each of the three was well-versed in one or more of the following fields:puters, tracking, fighting, firearms, infiltration, information analysis, as well as driving a car or a ne. All three of them were the cream of the crop, yet they couldn''t even touch the other party''s tail and were even duped by them.


    It wasn''t just the three of them looking currently for the other party. There was also another team of three who were seeking the trails left behind by those two people. This clearly meant that they were not doing their task well. When they thought about it, they felt that it was simply too shameful.


    At present, they have practically forgotten their initial intention of finding the other party.


    All they wanted to do now was arrest them and clear themselves of opprobrium.


    If their target absconded in a well-behaved manner, perhaps, they might not be so furious. Moreover, their target had tantly and unrestrainedly revealed their whereabouts time and time again. However, they still were unable to find out anything about their target. In that case, how could they be convinced.


    ...


    On top of a tall building not far from here, Ren Baqian was watching the three people with a binocrs as they walked out from the alley. He was very interested in them. "They seem to have been tracking us for quite some time and haven''t given up yet."


    He also felt some resentment. "There are so many cases in the country waiting for them, and I have already ran so far, do they have to pursue us so relentlessly?"


    "It seems like I haven''t uploaded my Moments in a long time?" Ren Baqian thought for a while. In any case, the other party was always hot on his tracks, and even if he didn''t sent anything out, they would still know where he was.


    [Moments - socialworking function of WeChat. Users can share and get ess to epted WeChat friends'' information, creating an intimate and privatemunicating circle within the users'' choice of close friends]


    As he thought of this, Ren Baqian turned on the handphone that hasn''t been used for a long time. After which, he aimed the camera at himself as well as at the building to his back and gave a splendid smile.


    "Zixiao, smile!" Ren Baqian didn''t forget to turn back and shouted.


    The empress rolled her eyes at him.


    ...


    Ren Family.


    These days, Papa Ren and Mama Ren had been very worried. They didn''t know their son''s situation and were extremely afraid that something had happened to him outside.


    At this time, Papa Ren''s phone suddenly range. He quivered and picked up the call, only to realize that it was Ren Wannian, his son who had just gotten into college.


    "Sigh!" Papa Ren sighed. Ultimately, he was still waiting for his eldest son''s god-knows-when-would-he-call-back call.


    "Father, quickly check WeChat. Brother has updated his Moments." As soon as he answered the phone, he heard his youngest son shouting excitedly.


    "What?" Papa Ren got a shock and hurriedly opened his WeChat to check the Moments. Then, he saw the picture of the person he wanted to see the most.


    It was taken at night. The background was an exotic building that was full of a foreign country''s style.


    Ren Baqian was facing the camera with a splendid smile. He even gestured a very old-fashioned twist in the picture.


    There was a side-profile of a woman dressed in red not far behind him, and her long hair was floating in the wind.


    There was a short message below the picture, "The scenery is beautiful, just that the temperature is a little low and it''s a little cold. In addition, it has been cloudy these days. Everyone, please don''t forget to collect the clothes before it rains!"


    Papa ren and Mama Ren were stunned as they saw the Moments that Ren Baqian had uploaded.


    ...


    Chen Family.


    Chen Qing and Jiang Nan were expressionless as they looked at the Moments that Ren Baqian had just uploaded. This person was simply invincible. He actually tantly updated his Moments even when he was on the run?


    Do you really want to die that badly?


    ...


    In a car on the street, there were two men and one woman who were looking gloomy.


    As the phone rang, the slightly older one among them looked down and took a glimpse at the phone. It was a familiar number on the screen.


    He had just reported on the situation in the morning. What was the point of calling at this time?


    When he gloomily answered the phone call and listened to the contents, his face immediately turned extremely ck.


    A short whileter, he received two pictures on his phone that disyed Ren Baqian''s splendid smile and that short message.


    The three of them took turns looking at the pictures on the phone and their faces instantly darkened.


    "I must arrest him. I want to put him in prison. I will definitely not let him off!" That originally delicate woman blew her top and shouted frantically.

 Chapter 251: My Hand Is Swollen!

    Chapter 251: My Hand Is Swollen!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian and the empress were on a train listening to the rumbling tracks. Both of them had gone sightseeing in the countryside of this unfamiliar country.


    They had already left R Nation. They left on that night itself. First, they passed through Brus, where beautiful girls could be found everywhere. Then, they crossed Pnd and finally arrived at this country. Their destination was Prague, the most suitable city for lovers to tour.


    Ren Baqian had this impression of the city after listening to the song "Prague Square". He purposely chose this ce as his destination while nning which route to take.


    ["Prague Square" is a song by Jolin Tsai, a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and businesswoman.]


    "Phew, it''s so cold." Ren Baqian wrapped his coat around his body tightly. His face was so cold that it turned red.


    Prague wasn''t really cold in the start of October. The temperature there was roughly 16 degrees Celsius. However, anyone who sat on top of a train with cold wind sting him or her for an hour would feel cold.


    That''s right, on the top of a train.


    Ren Baqian and the empress were sitting on top of the train, not inside the train.


    The cold, strong wind kept on pouring into Ren Baqian''s mouth.


    Right now, he had the strength of a man that weighed 150 kilograms. His strength had increased significantly, but that did not mean he wasn''t scared of cold.


    On the contrary, sitting beside Ren Baqian, the empress waspletely unaffected by the low temperature and the sting cold wind. Her hair and dress were dancing in the wind.


    The empress was hugging her knees with her eyes squinted, appearing extremely satisfied.


    Ren Baqian realized that the empress would only squint her eyes when she was satisfied and when she was about to kill someone. The only difference being that her nose would pucker when she was satisfied while the corners of her eyes would raise when she was about to kill someone.


    It was a very slight difference.


    As the head of the train entered a tunnel, both of themy t the top of the train. After the train had exited the tunnel, the pair sat upright again.


    "Since we are so bored, let''s tease them!" An evil smile appeared on Ren Baqian''s face. He took out the old phone and switched it on. Then, he took a picture of himself and the in behind him.


    "The weather has be colder today and my face is freezing. It''s indeed the wrong choice to take a train for sightseeing in this season." Ren Baqian left out the fact that he was sitting on top of a train, not in the train. Following which, he uploaded this line with the picture and switched off the phone.


    After a while��


    Papa Ren, "..."


    Mama Ren, "..."


    Chen Qing, "..."


    Jiang Nan, "..."


    A particr department, "..."


    Amotion broke out in the department. "Quickly find out where he is!"


    The three persons that had been tracking Ren Baqian immediately received the two pictures and their faces darkened instantly.


    Ever since the three of them had taken on this mission, they had not felt good at all. Every day, they were teased by Ren Baqian while working hard to track them down.


    It had been three months!


    Anyone who had been teased for three months would definitely blow his or her top.


    "Hou Yong, where are they?" After receiving the pictures, the man that looked the oldest out of the trio received a call. Following which, he was sted with a series of questions.


    Hou Yong''s face was darkened. "I''m sure they have left R Nation. They should be in Brus now."


    "Find him!"


    Hou Yong clenched his teeth and hung up. He also wanted to find them, but so far, he hadn''t caught a glimpse of their backs.


    "Where is he heading to?" Even though Hou Yong was infuriated, he still took out a map to analyze the possible routes that Ren Baqian might take.


    He had already marked out the cities that Ren Baqian and the girl had gone to. Connecting the marked cities formed a zigzagging line. The two persons did not seem like they were on the run but rather, going on a scenic tour. After entering R Nation from M Nation, they arrived somewhere near Dikson Ind. That ce was also close to the Arctic Circle.


    They also went to Moscow, where they stayed for two days leaving a murder case behind.


    Then, they traveled south and arrived at the border of the Ukraine. Subsequently, they headed west and reached a border city of Brus.


    Ren Baqian and the girl made everyone feel as though they were going on a sightseeing tour. They did not have a clear-cut destination, and roughly every ten days they wouldmit a crime.


    They were the most vicious and fearless fugitives that he had ever seen.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was covering his face with both his hands. With a pensive look on his face, he revealed a big discovery that he had made. "Zixiao, I think I''m cursed by the bichi."


    The empress turned around and looked at him. She replied inly. "Didn''t you know that a long time ago?"


    Ren Baqian sighed deeply.


    Ever since he encountered that bichi, he was almost snatched by a flower hawk, almost assassinated, and poisoned. After going through a multitude of trouble to get himself cured of the poison, he encountered vicious burrs in his house when he returned to Earth. Following which, he encountered Jin Jun and his henchmen. Eventually, he became a fugitive.


    This wasn''t over yet. He initially nned to go on the run and lead a peaceful life. This had always been his goal. However, no matter where he went, he would be robbed, attacked...


    asionally, Ren Baqian could not help but question R Nation''s public security. How could R Nation''s public security be so bad? It''s a huge and powerful nation after all! How do those Chinese working and studying in R Nation survive?


    Fortunately, they already left that country. Ren Baqian told himself he would never go back there again.


    Thinking back to what happened for the past few months, Ren Baqian felt that he was really down on his luck. Within a month''s time, he had encountered things that ordinary people would never encounter in their entire lifetimes


    He just couldn''t believe it had nothing to do with the bichi.


    Don''t they say "misfortune thates with blessing"? Why are there only misfortunes? Where are the blessings? Where are the blessings?


    The only consoling thing was that he wasn''t the one that died.


    "How long does bichi''s cursest?" Ren Baqian couldn''t help but ask again.


    "The shortest it goes on for is three to five years. I don''t exactly know how long it can possiblyst," the empress replied inly. Then, she added, "With me around, you won''t die."


    Ren Baqian felt a tinge of warmth arising in his heart. Then, he reached for the empress''s hand.


    "Smack!"


    Ren Baqian stared at his hand, which had swelled to the size of a pig trotter. He groaned, "Zixiao, my hand is swollen!"


    The empress puckered her nose and humphed, ignoring him.


    When a city appeared in the distance in front of them, the empress picked up Ren Baqian and jumped off the train. In a sh, the pair appeared beside the train tracks.


    "I am standing at the Square of Prague in the evening


    At the wishing well I cast in my hope


    The flock of white pigeons back faced the sunset


    That scene is too beautiful I dare not look"


    [Lyrics from the song "Prague Square"]


    Ren Baqian hummed the song to himself. He and the empress had arrived at their destination, Prague.


    .....


    Hou Yong had been studying the map for a very long time. He casually asked the young girl beside him, "Sisi, where would you go if you''re here with your boyfriend?"


    Sisi scanned the map. Without thinking it through, she answered, "Prague of course! That is the most suitable city for lovers."


    Hou Yong pped his thighs. Aren''t they a pair of lovers?


    For the past few months, Ren Baqian and the girl had been inseparable and they went everywhere together. Previously, they would frequent the supermarket together. They even went on a trip to Turkey. Who would believe it if anyone said they weren''t lovers?


    Hou Yong believed their target destination was...


    "Quickly book the air tickets to Prague!"


    After finishing his sentence, he made a call to his superior. "I suspect their target destination is Prague, we are going over there now!"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Following which, his superior heaved a sigh of relief and said, "The second unit already reached Prague yesterday. Swiftly set out now, I want you to track them down."


    "From the piano keys emitted a glow


    Tinted ss windows decorated the gothic cathedral


    Who who who is ying a stanza of mncholy


    I follow the direction of the piano melody and I see roses lying on the oil portrait of the 18th Century


    At the side quietly appreciating, thinking about your romance


    Looking at it again, would it be the same forever..."


    At this moment, Ren Baqian felt that he had an innate talent in music. However, his "innate talent in music" sounded like gibberish to the empress, who had been listening to him singing.


    As they entered this beautiful, culturally rich city, Ren Baqian felt much cheerful and lighthearted.


    However, he first had to buy some ointments like safflower oil that could dispel blood stasis.


    His hand hurt.

 Chapter 252: Looking for the Woman Dressed in Red

    Chapter 252: Looking for the Woman Dressed in Red


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian was wearing a jacket, a pair of jeans, and shoes. He was also carrying a haversack on his back. He didn''t look any different from those ordinary young tourists. If one had to point out a difference, it would be that his femalepanion was absolutely stunning and caught the attention of everyone. This also made them the envy of all.


    The empress was wearing a sleeveless red dress which revealed both her arms. In such weather, the people in the surroundings felt cold just by looking at her. However, she didn''t seem to realize it.


    The pair leisurely walked at the new town district in Prague. Once in a while, the empress would faintly say, "Here!" whenever she saw beautiful clothes in the disy window.


    Once again, they entered an exotic shop with a European style. The empress paused in front of a bohemian dress. It was dominantly red withrge flowers interwoven in blue, white, and ck and hadyered hems. At the same time, under the cor were tassels and a white gauze. It was full of the exotic European style, and it prominently highlighted the charm of women.


    The empress stood in front of the skirt and scrutinized it. A rare look of hesitation shed across her face.


    It could see that she fancied this dress a lot. But, she had never worn clothes that were in this kind of style before. Her dresses were mostly crimson, and there weren''t too manyplicated colors on any of them. The style of her dresses was also more concise.


    Among her many dresses, there were only slight differences between the cors and the cuffs.


    The color of this dress was too dazzling, and the style was veryplicated.


    "Zi Xiao, you will definitely look very good if you wear this dress. In this world, there are only clothes that don''t fit you, and there aren''t any clothes that you won''t look good in." Ren Baqian used his gentle voice to bewitch the empress. Nevertheless, he really wanted to see the empress wearing such a feminine dress. It would definitely be captivating.


    But he was right about something. A beautiful person would look good wearing anything.


    Even if the empress wore an old-fashioned set of clothes, she would still be able to bring out the aura of a runway.


    Momentster, the empress changed into the dress and walked out from the dressing room. Ren Baqian immediately eximed in admiration and apuded, "Wow!"


    "There is nothing more beautiful than you in the world. You are the only one, the most resplendent one. I am certain of that!"


    The empress was presently wearing a floral dress in an exotic European style, and the curve of her upper body waspletely revealed. Her hair was scattered across her shoulders as well as her back. The outer corner of her eyes, as well as the tip of her brow, gave off a soft and delicate look. Her feminine charm was oozing out, and she was absolutely gorgeous. It made it difficult for people to take their eyes off her.


    It wasn''t only Ren Baqian who was looking at her. Even the shop owner at the side, who was a youngdy in her 20s, ran at lightning speed to select an azure shawl withce patterns and ced it over the empress''s shoulders. Then, she stood at the side and smiled. Her smile had a trace of jealousy in it.


    When the empress stood in front of the mirror, looked at herself in the reflection, and saw the somewhat different her whenpared to the past, Ren Baqian had already paid for the dress.


    The price wasn''t too expensive, it was a total of 700 euros for the dress and the shawl. When the dress was on the empress, it made people feel that an additional two 0s should be added to the price.


    After putting on the dress, the empress was not quite ustomed to it. She wanted to change out of it but was stopped by Ren Baqian. "You should let people all over the world know that you are this beautiful! Besides, changing a style can also change your mood!"


    The empress thought for a moment and no longer insisted on changing out of the dress.


    Ren Baqian conveniently took a straw hat with folded ends and ced it on the empress''s head.


    It matched very well with the dress she was wearing.


    It was still the same saying, a beautiful person would look good wearing anything. A beautiful person could wear a cotton-padded jacket and even bring out the feel of "Fashion Week".


    "Can I take a photo?" the shop owner asked suddenly.


    "What?" Ren Baqian didn''t really understand her lousy English. Of course, even if the shop owner''s English wasn''t lousy, it would still be difficult for him to understand.


    The other party took out a mobile phone, adjusted it into the photo-taking mode, and gestured to him before he finally understood what was going on.


    "Zixiao, she wants to capture your beauty and leave it behind." Ren Baqian smiled at the empress.


    The empress supported the hat with one hand and let the shop owner take a photo. After which, the pair left the shop.


    Prague was very small, only about 400 square kilometers wide. In Ren Baqian''s hometown, one five-tiered city was 40 times the size of Prague. Prague was equivalent to the size of one district in a five-tiered city back in Ren Baqian''s hometown.


    With the advancement of the two, the pavement below began to turn into cobblestone. The pavement wasn''t made of gstones but instead pieces of small stones. If one''s shoes weren''t thick enough, he or she would feel some pain on the soles of their feet.


    The temperature wasn''t high, it was about 18 degrees Celsius, but it was a sunny day. The roadside tables set up by the cafes were always filled with tourists that came in small groups that didn''t feel cold at all. It was mostly young couples, groups of friends, or entire families that came here to y.


    The entire city gave people a very rxed andfortable vibe.


    Ren Baqian and the empress found a cafe and sat down. The empress was holding onto a yogurt drink and appreciatively sipped small mouthfuls of it. She immediately turned her attention to the dessert when it was served.


    She tried drinking coffee once but didn''t really like the taste of it. Instead, she fell in love with yogurt. In addition, there was also her undying love for desserts and sweets.


    ...


    On the crowded Charles bridge, there were two people standing at each end while another person was stood right in the middle scanning through the crowd.


    "There''s a very high possibility that they have already arrived in Prague. Just now, the photo that the man uploaded on his Moments should have been taken in a district at the Northern side of Prague. The satellite photographs are 90% identical to the one he took. Take extra precaution, especially of the woman dressed in red."


    The man in the middle of the bridge was handsome, had an amiable temperament, and a faint smile on his lips, which made it easy for people to lower their guard against him. At this time, he spoke to the other two through the microphone on his cor.


    "There are too many people. Also, there are many ck-haired and yellow-skinned Chinese over here. The woman dressed in red will be a more clear-cut target."


    Since the appearance of the empress, even though the style of her dress changed slightly, the color had never changed. This made people have an urge to find out exactly how much she liked the color red.


    ording to the other party''s mboyant behavior as well as unscrupulousness, everyone felt that they wouldn''t dress up and instead conceal their whereabouts.


    "Received!" The other two people responded one after another.


    "Remember, upon discovering them, don''t hastilye into contact with them. Inform me immediately. In addition, do not enrage them, they are very dangerous. Furthermore, they are vicious, merciless, and absolutely unrestrained," the man warned them once more.


    "Understood!" The other two people naturally knew the degree of danger these two people posed. These days, the information that had passed down to them from time to time had already indicated that the two people were crazy and ruthless.


    "This time, I will let you all go off on a holiday when we return!" That man was leaning on the balustrade and smiling at the passersby, causing a few fair-haired and blue-eyed beauties to reveal a look of interest.


    "Chief it seems that you are saying something that you can''t deliver!" A man embarrassed him jokingly.


    "You talk too much!"


    "Hey handsome, do you have time to drink coffee?" A young girl, who seemed to be around 20 years old and was full of vitality came forward to hit on him.


    "Even though I really want to go, but it''s a pity that I can''t make it now. I''m waiting for someone," that man apologized faintly with his maic voice. Every movement of his gave off a masculine vibe, which made that young girl almost see stars in her eyes.


    "This is my number, you must give me a call after you meet the person." That girl fished out a pen and wrote her number on the back of the man''s hand.


    That man kissed the phone number on the back of his hand and smiled again, causing the girl''s eyes to glimmer.


    "Chief, you are hitting on girls again."


    "I got hit on by her!" That man corrected him.


    "There is indeed no justice in this world."


    "Don''t get distracted, this trip is not for us to enjoy, it''s for us toplete our mission. Take note of the woman dressed in red!" That man patiently repeated what he said previously.


    ...


    Looking at the multitude of people on the Charles Bridge, Ren Baqian felt as if it was Golden Week.


    [Golden Week - in the People''s Republic of China, is the name given to a semi-annual 7-day national holiday, implemented in the year 2000]


    Previously, he had only seen pictures of the sea of people at different tourist attractions during Golden Week. Initially, he didn''t have the money to travel, andter on, he didn''t have the opportunity to do so.


    Now, he could actually experience it in a foreign country. Not only were there many Caucasians, but there were also many Chinese with ck hair and yellow skin as well. He even saw a group of Little Red Riding Hoods!


    "There are so many people!" the empressmented as she looked at the sea of people ahead.


    "The old town in front is the most beautiful!" Ren Baqian surveyed the scene from afar.


    They then merged into this sea of people.


    And two meters away from the both of them, a man wearing a hat was inspecting the crowd.


    "Ren Baqian...Qi Zixiao...Woman dressed in red��"


    Just perfectly, Ren Baqian''s and Qi Zixiao''s faces were blocked by a few young, tall and sturdy Caucasians.


    After those few youngsters got out of the way, that man saw an azure shawl as well as a straw hat in the crowd but shifted his gaze away.


    What he was looking for was the woman dressed in red��

 Chapter 253: A Rapturous Applause

    Chapter 253: A Rapturous Apuse


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian and the empress were walking across Charles Bridge. The empress had activated her glowing bracelet again. Bone-piercing chilliness exuded from her body. Everyone around her subconsciously kept half a meter away from her. This was an instinctive action, but most people couldn''t sense it.


    Even though there was a multitude of people on the bridge, it wasn''t really cramped. Therefore, not many people realized there was a gap between them and the empress.


    On the bridge, Ren Baqian and the empress saw the source of music and drumbeats they''d heard just now. A guy sitting on the side of the bridge was beating a hand drum while blowing a 1.5-meter-long pipe at the same time. The pipe gave off a hollow and distant tune while the drumbeat added a primitive twist to it.


    After watching the guy perform for a while, they walked past him.


    There were 30 statues mounted to the balustrade of Charles Bridge. Every statue had its own story.


    Walking along the bridge, Ren Baqian was narrating the story of a stature to the empress. Actually, he was merely reciting the story from his phone. He simply failed as a tour guide. Furthermore, he wasn''t conscientious. After narrating one story, he became bored and put his phone away inside his pocket.


    The empress did not know the ssical stories behind these statues, so she, therefore, could not understand their deep cultural importance. She simply did not care whether or not Ren Baqian told her the stories.


    Of course, Ren Baqian also couldn''t sense this.


    The scenery of the riverbank from the bridge was very beautiful, especially the historical district on the other end of the bridge. The spaces were filled with alternating red and white houses and tall gothic-style towers. These foreign and graceful structures were much interesting to look at than the statues.


    Taking out his old phone and activating the phone camera, Ren Baqian appeared beside the empress and said, "Zixiao, give me a smile!"


    On the picture, one person had a brilliant smile on his face while the other person cast a gorgeous and exquisite gaze into the distance.


    Their background contained a sea of people and the statues mounted on Charles Bridge.


    "It''s such good weather but there are so many people!" After Ren Baqian uploaded a Moment on WeChat, he switched off his phone.


    Papa Ren, "..."


    Mama Ren, "..."


    Ren Wannian, "..."


    Chen Qing, "..."


    A particr department, "..."


    Everyone was speechless. They had never seen anyone that was on the run behave like this before.


    When Papa Ren and Mama Ren saw this picture, they looked at each other and remained speechless. Ren Baqian looked lively, cheerful and lighthearted. They could not tell that he was a wanted man.


    Neither of them knew whether they should heave a sigh of relief or continue worrying for him.


    At least Ren Baqian looked like he was leading a good life now. However, he couldn''t be on the run forever. After all, he already had a foot in jail. Papa Ren and Mama Ren held great reverence for the nation.


    "Who is this? This girl is really beautiful, she is even more beautiful than movie stars." Ren Wannian was looking at his phone in his dormitory. He had a bright look of amazement on his face. When his constipated-looking roommate saw his facial expression, he immediately rushed over and peeked at the picture on the phone. Following which, he turned dumbstruck.


    "It''s my brother and his girlfriend," Ren Wannian guessed. He realized that this girl kept on appearing in Ren Baqian''s recent Moments.


    "He''s too godly. You have to let me take a look at your sister-inw personally one day. I want to see if she looks different from the photo or not," Ren Wannian''s roommate proimed as pped his shoulder.


    "..." Ren Wannian did not know whether tough or cry.


    He simply did not know what to say.


    Should he say that his brother was on the run because he was wanted by the entire country? But how could a wanted man like him smile so brightly? And why would he be in the mood to upload Moments on WeChat?


    Ren Wannian felt that he had worried for his brother for nothing.


    ...


    In the middle of the bridge, a handsome man was leaning against the balustrade. His gaze scanned the crowd. asionally, he would exchange looks with a gorgeous girl that walked past him, smile at them, and then rejected their requests to get his number when they asked for it.


    This had urred five to six times just now.


    "Such a beautiful girl!" he suddenly eximed in amazement as his gazended upon a girl wearing a straw hat.


    Given his experience in dating girls, he concluded that this girl was top-notch. The indifference on her face made him want to conquer her even more.


    Then, he realized the girl looked somewhat familiar. Following which, a glint shed across his eyes. "It''s her! They are here!"


    His phone rang at this moment as well. After a slight hesitation, he picked up the call.


    "Shen Du, they are on Charles Bridge!"


    "I have already seen them!" Shen Du gave a fast reply and hung up. At the same time, he said to another two persons beside him, "The targets have appeared, they are right in front of me."


    Then, he walked up to Ren Baqian and the empress and blocked their way, "Hey, can we have a chat? I''m not a bad guy!"


    Shen Du said spreading his hands.


    He had wanted to encounter them in secluded area as it would easier for them to talk. However, now he felt that it was better to run into them in a crowded ce like this one. At least they wouldn''t kill him on the spot in such a bustling and cramped ce. Furthermore, this kind of ce also made it harder for them to escape.


    "I''m not interested!" Ren Baqian loathed Shen Du the moment he saw his face.


    How can a man have a face like this? I hate this kind of pretty-faced boy the most in my life.


    "I won''t take too much of your time and this chat will be beneficial to you. Don''t you want to return home?" Shen Du smiled and said. His voice was very calm and maic,pletely devoid of hostility.


    Obviously, he was trying to get into their good books.


    No one would loathe this kind of person.


    Except for Ren Baqian.


    "I''m not here for myself! I''m not the one that wants to talk you, it''s the nation that wants to talk to you," Shen Du smiled at the empress as he continued.


    One had to admit that Shen Du was extremely good atmunication. Firstly, he made it clear that he wasn''t their enemy. Then, he indicated that he knew their identities but did not point it out bluntly. This would prevent them from reacting rashly. Finally, he brought out the ultimate weapon by mentioning the nation. His words were able to make one''s imagination run wild and continue hearing him out.


    He felt that this tactic would work exceptionally well against these two fugitives.


    Ren Baqian''s brain operated swiftly, trying to guess what the other party was talking about.


    So he represents the nation? The nation wants to talk to us? Talk about what? What does the nation want to know?


    "You look like someone I hate!" the empress suddenly said.


    The smile on Shen Du''s face froze.


    "That''s not important. I''m not really the person you hate. Most importantly, the nation wants a chat with you. There''s so much to gain and nothing to lose."


    "What a coincidence! I hate him too!" Ren Baqian turned around and said to the empress with his eyebrows knitted. He really hated this man.


    Ren Baqian hated this man because he looked too handsome.


    To his surprise, the empress expressed her hatred for this man before he did.


    Shen Du''s smile hadpletely frozen. He did not know what he did to offend these two.


    The next second, Shen Du flew off the bridge and fell into the river.


    "Chief!" A man who had just squeezed through the crowd yelled when he saw this scene.


    Following which, he flew off the bridge and fell into the river as well.


    Everyone on the bridge was shocked by this scene.


    However, very few people saw that it was thedy in a straw hat that threw them off the bridge. Most people were still trying to figure out what was going on.


    "I''m your brother, I''m not going to stand here and watch both of you get married. It''s truly an embarrassment for two men to get married. Both of you should cool down!" Ren Baqian leaned against balustrade and yelled towards the river.


    Those who understood what Ren Baqian''s words flocked to the balustrade of the bridge.


    Those Chinese tourists who spoke good English tranted Ren Baqian''s words for those who did not understand him.


    Previously, everyone was still worrying for the two men in the river. Now, they broke out into rapturous apuse while wishing them well.


    Shen Du''s head had just emerged from the water. When he heard Ren Baqian''s words and the apuse from the onlookers, he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

 Chapter 254: Feeling

    Chapter 254: Feeling


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Zixiao, who do you think he resembles?" Ren Baqian turned his head to ask the empress after they left the Charles Bridge. In his heart, he thought of Great Xia''s Seventh Prince.


    Ren Baqian didn''t know how was that fellow doing. If he really killed that fellow, would he be more powerful?


    Unfortunately, the Seventh Prince of Great Xia wasn''t an easy target for him to kill.


    However, he didn''t know all that what was left of the Seventh Prince was only his skull.


    It happened the day before he made a breakthrough in the [Visualization of Water].


    "Hua Sanliu!" The empress said indifferently. The person back there reminded her of Hua Sanliu, as there was a slight simrity in how their eyebrows looked.


    However, she hadn''t understood what that guy said. Otherwise, she would be ready to p him to death.


    "That guy who was originally the fifth most powerful expert in the world?" Ren Baqian replied in astonishment. He had never see Hua Sanliu before. As such, he didn''t know if Shen Du was Hua Sanliu''s doppelganger or not.


    Perhaps, they only resembled one another.


    It would be even more interesting if they looked exactly the same.


    He asked whatever went through his mind, "Do they look alike?"


    The empress shook her head slightly. "Somewhat alike only."


    Ren Baqian nodded, it was very normal for people to resemble one another.


    But, the nation wanted to find him to have a chat? Interesting. He wondered what the nation was aware of.


    Was it possible that they knew about his ability to teleport?


    In that case, they might have found out about theboratory issue. Thereafter, they wanted to know where he got those items from and whether he had any other things up his sleeves?


    This was highly possible.


    He had lots of good stuff with him and coborating with the nation wasn''t out of the question. Just like the Elongation Saber, it was magical but there wasn''t much use for it. Originally, he was prepared to build a physics and chemistryboratory if he had the opportunity in future.


    If he coborated with the nation, he would save a lot of trouble.


    However, he had to put on airs as being excessively spontaneous would not likely seal the deal.


    When he thought of this, he put his mind at ease and continued to tour the old town of Prague. After stopping for a moment under the Old Town Bridge Tower, they headed straight to the legendary old town square in Prague.


    ...


    "I encountered them but the mission has failed!" Chen Du climbed out of the water. He then made a call to the nation with the phone of hispanion that hadn''t fallen into the water.


    "What''s going on?" the person at the other end of the phone asked in a serious voice.


    "I don''t know, they said they hated me!" Shen Du fumed with anger as he spoke. He never expected that someone as lovable as him would ever encounter such a situation.


    On the other end of the phone was silence followed byforting words. "Never mind, you are not Chinese yuan, not everyone will like you. Follow them first, another group will be there soon!"


    Shen Du''s face was as ck as the base of a pan.


    Why do I feel that there is something amiss in what you said?


    "Did any conflict happen?" The person opposite asked again.


    Shen Du''s face darkened even more upon hearing this. "There was no conflict. They said they hated me and threw me into the Vltava river."


    "From your voice, it seems that you are fine. Don''t get into any conflicts with them. That Number 2 is more normal. I''m afraid that Number 1 has some inhuman abilities."


    This were the code names given by the department. Number 2 was Ren Baqian and Number 1 was Qi Zixiao.


    After all, Ren Baqian was previously just an ordinary person. It was only after Qi Zixiao appeared by his side that everything changed.


    Qi Zixiao was the key figure.


    ...


    Ren Baqian and the empress wandered for a long time around the old town square in Prague. There were white pigeons flying around the ever-present lovers holding hands and hugging each other.


    Ren Baqian lowered his head, looked at the empress''s hand, and then, at his hand which was still swollen. Ultimately, he still dismissed that intention.


    While the both of them were wandering the old town square, they were just in time for the chiming of the clock. They heard the melodious ringing of the clock, specially followed the sound, and ran to see the astronomical clock.


    The empress sized up the astronomical clock for a long time before she pointed at it and said, "I want this!"


    Ren Baqian knew that the empress didn''t want this exact clock. Rather, she wanted to build a simr clock tower in Lan City.


    It was indeed a lot easier with a clock as people wouldn''t need to look at the sky to estimate the time anymore. Especially on cloudy days with rain, they weren''t able to see the sun at all, and thus, couldn''t even predict a somewhat urate time.


    "Okay!" Ren Baqian nodded. It shouldn''t be too difficult to manufacture a clock like this. The main objective was finding someone to design a blueprint, and that alone would suffice. Some of the parts that could not be manufactured in Dayao could also be custom made on Earth.


    After the ss was manufactured, it would be sold and converted into legitimate money. When that happens, they could then sell vintage grandfather clocks and then make a big sum out of that.


    At the end of the day, there were too many things that could be used to dredge for money. At times, Ren Baqian didn''t even know which item he should choose.


    Even the simplest nail clippers could be sold for a lot of money.


    In addition, needles could also be sold. Although Dayao mostly used bone needles from grinding animals that couldn''t be found on Earth, they were very durable after being made into needles. However, selling Earth-style needles to other countries would most probably reap a huge profit for Dayao. Furthermore, the volume of a needle was small, and a merchant caravan could transport them in bulk. In all likelihood, the profits wouldn''t be low.


    After the concave mirrors were manufactured, he would then organize a specialized merchant caravan and meticulously prepare some goods.


    It was time for those few nations that had been dredging money from Dayao, to spit out some money back.


    Soon enough, the skies turned dark as they strolled all the way. After dinner, the pair leisurely strolled down the streets of the old town when suddenly a streak of ze illuminated in the skies.


    "Fireworks?" Ren Baqian lifted his head to look. He was slightly surprised, and a smile formed on his face immediately.


    At this time, in the river downstream of the Charles Bridge, a small boat was setting off fireworks.


    There was always all sorts of surprises in this romantic city.


    The empress was even more surprised than Ren Baqian. After all, it was her first time seeing fireworks. Witnessing these illuminated flowers in the skies flooded her eyes with different expressions.


    The radiance of the fireworks shone on their faces, and the lightsing from it flickered in the darkness.


    And not far away, a pair of lovers embraced each other eximing in surprise.


    Ren Baqian, influenced by the atmosphere, made a firm resolution and used that pig trotter hand of him to grab the empress''s palm.


    There wasn''t an unexpected, "Bang!"


    Ren Baqian grabbed firmly. A slender, soft palm fell into his palm.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look at the empress but she was looking at the fireworks with her head raised. Just that��her gaze somewhat drifted away and her ears were a little warm.


    "You are the most beautiful treasure that heaven sent to this world!" Ren Baqian whispered into the empress''s ear.


    The empress''s ear turned even redder.


    Ren Baqian smelled the scent of the empress''s body and felt the softness and warmness of her hand. A satisfying happiness flooded his heart and filled it with warmth.


    The fireworks ended very quickly. After all, it was privately set off, so it definitely wouldn''tst longer than half an hour.


    When the two stood there for a few minutes and still didn''t see any smoke rising, Ren Baqian knew that the fireworks had ended.


    He was a little regretful. If this moment couldst longer, it would be even better.


    However, he didn''t release his hand. He was still holding onto the empress''s hand and pulled her onwards.


    Simrly, there were three people that were not far behind from them. Among them, two of them were a couple and the other was a "single dog" with a look of resentment on his face as he red at the couples on the street.


    Ren Baqian smiled as he walked past them. Listening to the cries of joying from behind, he felt the surging feelings between the both of them.


    Although the fireworks had ended, the warmth between him and the empress was still present. He hoped that this street was slightly longer, so that they could have more time to walk together.


    The empress lowered her head slightly, as if she was counting the pieces of stones that wereid on the ground.


    "Sorry to disturb the both of you." From in front, three people stopped the both of them.


    The empress lifted her head her gazepletely ice-cold��so cold that it practically prated the bones.


    In a split second, she turned from being warm to ice-cold.


    The empress''s hand also left Ren Baqian''s swollen hand, which looked like a pig''s trotter.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes widened and he was fuming with rage when he felt the empress pulling her hand out from his palm. "All of you know that it''s disturbing us, yet you all appeared!"


    His right hand directly extended to his lower back and he pulled out the gun. Shoot!


    Ren Baqian''s waspletely indignant!


    How long has it been?


    Ah? At longst, I finally held her hands and cultivated feelings.


    You all actually dare toe and disturb us? Still dare to apologize to us?


    If apologizing is useful, what is the use of having the police? What is the use of a gun?


    The three people were startled by Ren Baqian''s action and hurriedly ran to the side. Thereafter, they directly smashed into the window of a house.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!" A series of three gunshots sounded and the fragmented rocks on the ground flew all over. Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth and threw the revolver into the broken window.


    "Ah!" it was unknown whom the revolver smashed into.

 Chapter 255: We Need a Husky

    Chapter 255: We Need a Husky


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    By the time the trio walked out of the room, the two people outside had already disappeared.


    "They are despicable, they are too much�� they are really too much. How can the higher-ups negotiate with this kind of people?" Sisi said clenching her teeth. ss fragments were still dropping off her body.


    "It''s not like you never read the information on them before." Hou Yong was infuriated, but he tried to restrain his anger as he knew this matter was of great importance.


    Upon thinking of the information she read, Sisi''s anger subsided. ording to the information, thatdy was inhuman.


    "He merely shot the ground, he did not have any intention of hurting you." Shen Du and two other persons appeared. At this moment, Shen Du was in great mood.


    Seeing that this trio was more pathetic than him, he immediately felt much better.


    "Humph!" the Hou Yong trio snorted. Ren Baqian and thedy hadmitted a total of six murder cases and killed roughly 20 people in R Nation. Back at home, the things they did were hair-raising.


    When Ren Baqian took out his gun, the trio thought he was going to shoot them to death on the spot.


    "But all of you truly deserve to be single!" Shen Du mocked, "They were having such a sweet moment and you had to disturb them. I told you to wait a while more, but you didn''t believe me. See what happened now? The chicken has flown the coop and the eggs are broken. I don''t know when we can intercept them in the future again."


    "Stop with your cynical remarks, weren''t you thrown into the river as well?" Hou Yong chided.


    It''s my good fortune to be thrown into the river by such a great beauty. It still beats getting shot by someone." Shen Du had a nonchnt look on his face.


    Hou Yong''s face darkened. We are the pathetic ones huh?


    "Group Leader Shen, you have to let us know when you and Liu Tong are getting married, we will wish you well," Sisi retorted.


    Upon hearing these words, Shen Du''s face darkened as well.


    This b*tch is too vicious...


    "I will buy you a chicken drumstick tonight!" Hou Yong gave Sisi a look of approval.


    ...


    "You''re not going back?" the empress asked casually as she looked at the colorful and vibrant city under the night sky.


    Just now, she was slightly shocked that Ren Baqian opened fire.


    Actually, she clearly understood what the man said on the bridge in the afternoon. Otherwise, she would have pped him to death.


    You look like someone I hate and therefore I have to kill you. This logic had already established itself in the empress''s mind.


    However, the empress still remembered the miserable look on Ren Baqian''s face when he just fled the country. She felt that deep down he wanted to go home.


    "Of course I''m going back," Ren Baqian looked downwards and said.


    Both of them were in Prague Astronomical Clock Tower now.


    Sometimes, they would stay in hotels. Of course, they did not go through the reception desk.


    Having no passports was indeed troublesome. Ren Baqian still couldn''t find anyone suitable to forge passports for him and the empress.


    Looking from the clock tower, the city was still brightly colored. There were still some people wandering about the za beneath the clock tower.


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s reply, the empress did not say anything else.


    Ren Baqian turned around and gave the empress a hey-ask-me-more-questions-and-I-will-answer-you look.


    However, the empress did not even bother to look at him.


    Ren Baqian held his breath for a long while. Eventually, the look of anticipation on his face turned into a bitter one. Indeed, it was impossible for the empress to act like an over-caring girl.


    What he couldn''t see was the smiling expression in the empress''s eyes.


    "I definitely have to go back. After all, I''m more familiar with that ce, and it''s dear to me. It''s also more convenient for me to do anything there. However, even though the nation said they wanted to coborate with us on certain issues, I still don''t trust them. After all, a nation is formed by humans, and human minds are unpredictable and unreliable. What if we are bullied after we go back? What should we do if we are led around by our noses? We can''t possibly start a massacre and run away again, right? The other party won''t tolerate this kind of behavior again. Therefore, we have to establish a foothold first so that the nation will be to negotiate with us on proper terms. This would save us a lot of trouble in the future as well," Ren Baqian said as he shifted his gaze to the za like the empress''s.


    He was just amoner. Now that he had things that people desired in his hands, he did not wish to attract troubles to himself after he returned there. He couldn''t possibly cause a havoc every time he encountered trouble.


    The empress thought deeply about Ren Baqian''s words. There were too many implications involved, making her feel that it was a hassle.


    If anyone tried to take advantage of her, she would just p him or her to death.


    If anyone tried to find trouble with her, she would just p him or her to death.


    If she did not find someone pleasing to the eye, she would just p him or her to death.


    Why make it a hassle like what Ren Baqian did?


    After standing on the clock tower for some quite some time, Ren Baqian said, "Let''s go back!"


    The empress grabbed his wrist and both of them disappeared from the clock tower.


    The next day, the two units realized that two persons disappeared once more.


    However, everyone was already used to it. Every time, Ren Baqian would disappear for nine to fifteen days and appear for three to five days.


    Many people wondered what they were doing while they disappeared.


    Concealing their tracks?


    Impossible.


    It was unimaginable that they would try to conceal their tracks.


    If they weren''t concealing their tracks, then what were they up to?


    At the same time, that particr department in China also invited a group of people for a meeting.


    Previously, they thought their goal could be easily achieved by hunting down Ren Baqian and the empress. After all, Ren Baqian was a loyalist. From thements he made on some forums in the past, they found him to be favorable towards and confident in the nation.


    They did not expect the two units of men they sent to fail the mission.


    Ren Baqian even opened fire without any hesitation. Even though he shot at the floor, it still said something about him.


    After the meeting, and under some people''s instructions, a team of psychologists, criminologists and other experts was formed to understand the mentalities of Ren Baqian and the empress.


    Ren Baqian thought that the nation was after the things in his hands afterunching an investigation on theboratory. Actually, their attention was captured by the video uploaded online and the deaths of the Jin family members. They realized a superhuman being like the empress actually existed in this world.


    The existence of a superhuman being had a lot of implications. For example, the development of mankind, super soldiers, and so on and so forth.


    It wasn''t until after this that they found out about the things theboratory had been studying and the two persons became even more important to them.


    This newly-formed team came up with various conjectures regarding the two persons'' disappearance. For example, ancient civilization, alien spaceship, the legendary paradise, hibernation...


    Hibernation wase up by a biologist. From the information he obtained, the strength disyed by the empress was simply unachievable by normal humans. Therefore, she had to undergo hibernation to recuperate.


    ...


    The empress was sitting on her throne. Her face was cold and imposing. Ren Baqian and Tie Yan were seated not far away from her.


    There were another two men in Yangxin Pce Hall. One was Ning Caichen, the other was Zhu Chengjun. At this point in time, Zheng Chengjun''s face was not only pale-white, it was indifferent as well. By now, he had alreadypletely disregarded his life.


    Both he and Ning Caichen felt that he had zero chance of going back Great Xia alive.


    "What do you want?" the empress looked at Ning Caichen and asked. After all, Ning Caichen wouldn''t be so kind as to send Zhu Chengjun here.


    A bashful shy smile appeared on Ning Caichen''s face. "Initially, I really did not want anything. After all, Deputy Prefect Ren and I are so close. However, my spirit sword, Green Pearl, is badly damaged, I need some materials to repair it. It would be best if Your Majesty can grant me a Cloud Crystal, or an appropriate amount of White Dragon Grass and stone marrow."


    Tie Yan cast a piercing gaze at Ning Caichen. A Cloud Crystal was a priceless treasure and it was worth a city.


    Even though White Dragon Grass and stone marrow weren''t as valuable as a Cloud Crystal, they were still extremely valuable.


    How dare you request something that is worth a city for this person?


    "I can''t give you a Cloud Crystal. I will send someone to pass you the White Dragon Grass and stone marrowter," the empress expressed. Since someone had given her the information she needed, she wouldn''t be stingy with the reward.


    Just like what the drama series which she watched that day said: it was not about the worth, it was all about the want.


    Following which, Ning Caichen was led away by someone.


    "Your Majesty, forgive me for not doing my job well," Tie Yan stood up and asked for the empress''s forgiveness.


    "Your pay is confiscated for three months!" the empress waved her hands and said.


    "As for this person�� keep his body intact and bury him somewhere outside the city." The empress swept an emotionless gaze across Zhu Chengjun. For the sake of his honesty, she had decided to keep his body intact.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian suddenly said.


    "What''s the matter?" The empress''s gaze gentled when she looked at Ren Baqian.


    "I have a few words to say." Ren Baqian stood up, looked at the empress, and turned around to ask Zhu Chengjun, "Since the Lian family has already been exposed, will they continue to stay at their current residence?"


    To Ren Baqian, nothing was more important than his life. Wealth and status meant nothing to him if he was dead. What about the Lian family? To conceal this incident, they were willing to silence everybody involved. At this point in time, what would they do?


    Ning Caichen took one month to reach Dayao. The Lian family would have run far away by the time they sent someone there to kill them.


    "Lian Qizhi should still be there, most of their family members wouldn''t leave either. After all, the Lian family is situated within the interior of Great Xia. It wouldn''t not easy for you to send someone after them. However, it''s likely that they will send their young and gifted talents into hiding first," Zhu Chengjun replied inly casting a nce at Ren Baqian.


    What Zhu Chengjun said was right. It was not easy for Dayao to send people into the interior of Great Xia. The position of the Lian family was much deeper within Great Xia than the Nine Pavilions'' had been.


    If it weren''t for the destruction of the Nine Pavilions, the Lian family wouldn''t be so worried about Qi Zixiao going crazy again and exterminating them.


    As for the heavy casualties that Great Xia suffered, they couldn''t be med on the Lian family. On the contrary, the Lian family''s doings even drew Qi Zixiao to Great Xia.


    Therefore, the Lian family wasn''t severely dealt with by Great Xia.


    "I feel that a family has to be united andplete. It''s somewhat cruel of us not to set up a reunion for the Lian family. We need a husky to sniff out the Lian family," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and said to the empress.


    Aboriginals were too conspicuous, sending them to annihte the Lian family would be a hassle.


    Therefore, a mad dog that feuded with the Lian family would be perfect for this job.


    Even if he failed the mission, they wouldn''t suffer any losses.


    Ren Baqian had no qualms about annihting the Lian family. They targeted him first and therefore they couldn''t me him for wanting to annihte them.


    And like the Jin family, perhaps some members of the Lian family knew nothing about this incident. However, these people still enjoyed using the money earned from doing evil. If Ren Baqian really died from Torment, these "innocent" people would be using money that was stained with his blood. Hence, they deserved to be killed as well.


    How can you not cut the grass without removing the roots as well?


    "A family has to be united andplete�� This is really a good and imposing line, I have to memorize it..." Tie Yan cast a look of admiration at Ren Baqian as he mumbled to himself.


    A surprised look shed across Zhu Chengjun''s eyes.


    This gigolo is vicious...

 Chapter 256: The Enhancement of Strength

    Chapter 256: The Enhancement of Strength


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Ren Baqian walked into the dusky dungeon as the warden carried amp to lead the way. Following behind them was Xu Wei.


    Ren Baqian walked with his legs syed out. He had just returned from the fields outside the city and every time he rode the fork-horned cow for a long journey, he would suffer burning pain on his inner thighs.


    These days, he had obtained some fields from other sources and had a grand total of two hundred mu. He exchanged fields with others and finally pooled the two hundred mu of fields together.


    After all, everyone somewhat still gave face to the empress.


    Today, the two hundred mu of fields were being sown, and Ren Baqian went to observe. They were all under the charge of Tie Dao and Teng Hulu. The pair had also employed more than twenty people whichprised of women, children, and the elderly. But these people weren''t weak and wereparatively stronger than the strong young men on Earth. Ren Baqian saw them walking rapidly as if flying, while carrying two buckets of water which were each the size of a vat.


    Before being wounded and apologizing for his mistakes, he had brought along two bags of spice seeds which were just enough to sow 50 mu of the fields. Luckily, the sesame in the beast park were ripe and there was an additional 20 mu for him to sow the spice seeds. The rest of the fields were nted with sweet potato and local crops.


    After walking around the fields, Ren Baqian returned to the city at about noon and immediately went to the prison to see that Zhu Chengjun.


    Ren Baqian was rather familiar with this prison. He was thrown here a few months earlier, when he first arrived in this world. During that time, his only thought was to preserve his sanity. He didn''t expect things to take a new turn and end up like this.


    The prison consisted of cells made of stone blocks on both sides with a metal gate in the middle.


    There weren''t many prisoners in the prison and it wasn''t noisy at all. Also, there were no cases of prisoners banging on the metal gate and shouting of being wrongly used as seen on the television.


    Foreigners were usually executed after staying for a few days, and there weren''t many aboriginals sent here. Most aboriginals were here for fighting and sent home after being whipped.


    Crimes such as theft and robbery were essentially non-existent in Lan City.


    In Lan City, if you threw a brick, it might likely hit an expert at the Earth Wheel level.


    "Open the door, I''ll go in and take a look," Ren Baqian said at the doorway of the prison cell.


    There was no lock on the outside of the cell. Only one metal bar was inserted across the door outside.


    The aboriginals were too strong and had many experts among them. As such, they were never afraid that someone would break into prison and release the prisoners. Even if they could seize the prisoners by force, they wouldn''t be able to escape as well.


    The prison cell was very dark. It only had a small window letting in some light.


    Zhu Chengjun was looking better now. After he stopped drinking wine and eating shrimp for a few days, his leg injury was almost healed.


    Ren Baqian stood in the doorway to look at him, and he also raised his head to look at Ren Baqian.


    The warden stood in front of Ren Baqian to prevent the prisoner fromunching any sudden attack as he had heard about Sir Ren''s prowess.


    "How about it, am I considered your lifesaver? Shouldn''t you show your gratitude?" Ren Baqianughed and said.


    During the other day, Zhu Chengjun already knew he probably wouldn''t die. Although he was imprisoned, he was still waiting to even the score with the Lian family. He expected Ren Baqian to ask for something, but whatever it was, he would agree as long as the target was the Lian family.


    On hearing such unexpected words, he was dumbfounded.


    "I will naturally agree if it is to deal with the Lian family. But, will you all believe me so easily?" Zhu Chengjun questioned.


    "This is a simple matter, and one poison pill, packaged like a jelly bean, should do the job. It doesn''t affect you when you take it, and it is rather tasty. Without the antidote, you would die after a period of time, with the antidote you will live. Isn''t it simple? The way the Lian family treated you, you shouldn''t self-destruct because of them," Ren Baqian said, his voice sounding simr to those viins in his memory.


    In reality, what he did was simr to those viins.


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, Zhu Chengjun startedughing. "It is very simple, give me the poison."


    "There''s no hurry. The poison pill is still being made, and most poisons do not taste good. I spent a lot of time coating it with ayer of sugar without destroying its properties. You stay here for a few days first, and we will let you out a few dayster after the poison is ready." Ren Baqian waved his hands and gave the impression that he was considering for his sake.


    Zhu Chengjun heard this and startedughing loudly, who cared about the taste of the poison in such a situation?


    Of all ces, the other party had to choose such a ce to waste his time.


    "I am here to see how you are doing today and am relieved to see that you are alright." Ren Baqian nodded his head and turned to leave. "Give him some good food and don''t let him starve."


    In actual fact, making poison had nothing to do with him and was the concern of the clinic.


    What he needed to do was to package the sarin gas separately. The previous method of throwing the whole bottle was too wasteful and with only a few bottles remaining, the sarin gas must be used frugally.


    What''s more, with one whole bottle thrown outside, not only the Lian family, but an unknown number of people in the entire city would die.


    At that time, Great Xia would definitely go into a frenzy.


    Ren Baqian felt that as a human, it was the right thing to leave others a lifeline. You might meet them someday in the future, and there was no need to be so ruthless.


    The main point was Great Xia still had many masters, especially the top experts.


    Although many of them didn''t normally appear outside, it was too ruthless to poison an entire city, and out of moral obligation, they might jump out of seclusion to get rid of evil. For example, this includes people like Li Yuanzhu who was like a fairy. No matter who it was, he would definitely encounter big troubles.


    The bodyguards by his side might not able to defend him against such elites.


    On returning to the pce, Ren Baqian took his lunch and joined the empress to watch Chinese Pdin 3. The empress asked him many times why there wasn''t a Chinese Pdin 2, and Ren Baqian was at a loss. The empress asked him, but who could he ask?


    When it was time for martial arts training, Ren Baqian stood in the center of the stage and his sparring partner was still Tong Lan. There were two hair buns on her head and she looked like a little Lolita. Just like the empress who preferred red dresses, she liked the color white. She was always dressed in white, the only difference being the various flowers embroidered on top.


    "You are getting fatter! You are already ten and ought to get married in a few years'' time. Who dares to marry you if you are so fat?" Ren Baqian said some nonsense to find the opponent''s weak point.


    "You are already a grown up yet you can''t even defeat me. Are you shameless or not?" Tong Lan retorted.


    Her grandfather Tong Zhenye, had told her not to give Ren Baqian any face and beat him up ruthlessly.


    "Opportunity" Ren Baqian saw Tong Lan rolling her eyes while talking and immediately pounced on her like a ferocious tiger.


    After a month of hard training, his power had increased greatly, and he was able to attack the little Lolita �� with only one strike.


    "Bang!"


    Ren Baqian was lying on the floor, with both eyes looking at the blue sky and white clouds.


    These days, his progress in other aspects wasn''t obvious, but, his attacking ability had improved greatly.


    Furthermore, he didn''t hesitate or retreat when sparring with others.


    His personality was imbued with more drive and impetus.


    To other people, he was still just a rookie.


    But Ren Baqian knew that he had improved tremendously.


    He had improved from a level one rookie to one that was level two.


    When he exceeded the level nine stage and achieved the top rookie level, only then would Ren Baqian be able to defeat this 10-year-old Lolita.


    After thinking about it carefully, he didn''t know why but he kind of felt like crying.


    Sigh...such is life!


    ...


    After returning to Earth, he traveled from Prague to Vienna, which was a famous music capital with many concert halls.


    Ren Baqian and the empress even went there specifically to attend a ssical music concert.


    The impression they formed after attending the concert was that it would make them sleep very soundly.


    When he went back to the other world, Ren Baqian had decided that the next time he returned to Earth, he would visit the fashion capital, Mn.


    "They will certainly go to Mn!" In a department somewhere, more than one person had the same idea.


    "Arrange for a few people who are good at interacting with people. The men mustn''t be too handsome, and the women mustn''t be too pretty. Otherwise, it might be counterproductive." A psychologist said and then regretted soon after, "It is a pity that I don''t meet the standards."


    "I will go personally!" A middle-aged man announced. He really wanted to see those two people.

 Chapter 257: Every Dog Will Have Its Day

    Chapter 257: Every Dog Will Have Its Day


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    With amazement written all over his face, Ren Baqian looked at the poison pill that was the size of a four-year-old child''s fist.


    Are you kidding me?


    "This has been made ording to your requirements. After consuming it, one has to eat the antidote once every half a month, otherwise his or her stomach will rot. Its size can''t be helped. Since its medicinal taste is too strong, I had to use a huge amount of honey and other ingredients to conceal it. If the pill is too small in size, it won''t be powerful enough to kill an Earth Wheel expert." The imperial doctor had a look of amazement on his face as well. He had never heard of anyone that wanted a poison pill that was sweet in taste.


    "Or you can use this, but its medicinal taste is very strong." The imperial doctor took out another box. The moment Ren Baqian opened the box, he smelled a very odd odor, making him want to puke. The pill was slightly smaller than the Six vors Foxglove Pill that he ate previously.


    "Never mind, I will use this. I''m a trustworthy person. Since I''ve told him the poison pill will be sweet, I have to give him a sweet one." Ren Baqian took the fist-sized pill and left. In any case, he wouldn''t be the one eating it.


    "He has to swallow it whole," the imperial doctor added as Ren Baqian walked off.


    Ren Baqian merely waved his hand without turning back.


    Every day, Ren Baqian was surrounded by Earth Wheel experts and they came as no surprise to him. However, in Great Xia, a top-tier aristocratic family only had a few consecrated Earth Wheel experts.


    The Earth Wheel level was further divided into four levels: initial, intermediate, advanced, and apex. An initial Earth Wheel expert could use a saber to block bullets, jump seven meters into the air, and exert 5800 newtons of force. Basically, he or she was considered a superhuman on Earth. Zhu Chengjun was an intermediate Earth Wheel expert, and he was much more powerful than an initial Earth Wheel expert. Even if the pill was fist-sized, he could still swallow it with ease.


    After asking someone to bring Zhu Chengjun to the pce, Ren Baqian sat in the courtyard of Pingle Park and ced a box on the stone table in front of him.


    When Zhu Chengjun was led into the courtyard, Ren Baqian was ying nts vs. Zombies on his smartphone.


    "Give me a moment, I will be done soon." Ren Baqian was looking at the screen on his phone with an anxious look on his face. After a long while, he put down the phone and examined Zhu Chengjun. His face was skinny, his lips were thin, and he had an indifferent look on his face. He looked a trustworthy person to Ren Baqian.


    His clothes were shabby and dirty and there were several strands of straw in his hair. However, he still looked much better than Ren Baqian had when he just arrived in this world and was thrown into the dungeon. At that time, he was just wearing a pair of underpants.


    Zhu Chengjun looked energized as well.


    "Hmm, there''s nothing much I have to say. You do my bidding and I will give you the antidote. Once youplete the task, I will cure you of the poison. You''re merely on the level of Earth Wheel, I don''t really need to guard myself against you," Ren Baqian said while nodding his head.


    Initially, Zhu Chengjun was still wondering what the thing in Ren Baqian''s hands was. When he heard these words, a burst of anger arose in him. He felt that these words were too arrogant. Given his strength, he would be valued by people everywhere he went in Great Xia. This was the first time someone looked down on him.


    However, when he thought of what he had seen for the past two days, he felt that it was reasonable for Ren Baqian to say these words. All of the pce guards were on the level of Earth Wheel. Even the jailer was on the level of Earth Wheel. He couldn''t help but sigh. The aboriginals were indeed too powerful.


    "Anyhow, I can find someone else to do it. It''s not difficult to find someone that''s willing to do this kind of thing for me. However, I feel that you can sniff out every single member of the Lian family, and therefore, I''m giving you this opportunity to redeem yourself. You can live, and you can seek revenge for yourself, you can have best of the both worlds. This is a deal between you and me. Once you havepleted the task, you can go anywhere you want," Ren Baqian continued.


    "There are still a few Earth Wheel experts in the Lian family. Lian Qizhi himself was near the level of apex Earth Wheel. It''s not easy to find someone that can get rid of them," Zhu Chengjun couldn''t help but say. Ren Baqian''s words made him feel as though he was worthless.


    "It''s not that troublesome," Ren Baqian waved his hand and replied. "Pick a night and throw this small bottle into their residence. You can throw it in yourself or get a local ruffian to do it, it doesn''t make a difference."


    Zhu Chengjun stared at the small transparent bottle in Ren Baqian''s hand. Suddenly, he remembered that Ren Baqian''s reputation was spread widely in Great Xia, even though he looked no different from an ordinary man.


    Commoners might not know much about him, but almost all the powerful and influential individuals knew who he was.


    Poison Warrior.


    The person who poisoned everyone in the Nine Pavilions and tens of thousands of Great Xiao soldiers to death.


    Does that bottle contain poison? The eight Spirit Wheel pavilion masters in the Nine Pavilions were killed by his poison. Even a Spirit Wheel expert could not survive his poison, let alone an Earth Wheel expert.


    Ren Baqian could indeed find a random person to throw the bottle into the Lian family''s residence.


    No wonder Ren Baqian had spoken to him in a disdainful tone. When Zhu Chengjun thought of this, he felt slightly dejected.


    A person''s worth needed to be validated by other people. Most people would feel dejected when their worth was undermined by other people.


    "Alright, swallow this in whole." Ren Baqian passed the box to Zhu Chengjun.


    When Zhu Chengjun opened the box, his eyes widened with shock.


    This pill is the size of a child''s fist, how am I supposed to swallow it?


    "This poison pill is quite safe. As long as you eat the antidote on time, you will definitely not die. If you don''t eat the antidote on time, you will definitely die. It won''t take effect prematurely orte. Its stability is very high. It''s merelyrger than ordinary poison pills. I have faith in you, you can do it." Ren Baqian had a look of encouragement on his face.


    After some hesitation, Zhu Chengjun clenched his eyes and stuffed the pill into his mouth. Following which, he tried to push the pill down his throat. Ren Baqian watched on as a lump appeared on Zhu Chengjun''s throat, resembling a snake that was devouringrge prey.


    When Ren Baqian saw that Zhu Chengjun was almost choked to death by the supersized poison pill, he quickly asked someone to bring some water over. After a long while, Zhu Chengjun coughed heavily and recovered.


    Then, Ren Baqian passed him half a year''s worth of antidote, a small bottle of sarin gas and a bottle of antidote for sarin gas. Finally, he told Zhu Chengjun the method of contact before asking someone to send him off.


    Actually, Ren Baqian was slightly hesitant about passing the sarin gas to Zhu Chengjun. This weapon was far too dangerous. But on the other hand, it was an impossible task for Zhe Chengjun to single-handedly annihte the Lian family.


    However, after thinking about it, he still decided to give him a small bottle of sarin gas. Even though the amount of sarin gas he gave him was quite small, it was enough to destroy the Lian family.


    Ren Baqian told Zhu Chengjun that the poison wasn''t really that powerful and that it was merely enough to cause heavy casualties in the Lian family.


    He purposely lied to Zhu Chengjun about the potency of the poison as he did not want him to use it on a city in the heat of the moment.


    When Zhe Chengjun walked out of the pce, he suddenly felt the sky looked brighter than usual. On the way to Dayao, he thought he was dead for sure.


    He did not expect himself to have the chance to seek revenge and surviving.


    No matter what, he had to seek revenge first. He did so much for the Lian family and they tried to silence in the end.


    He also couldn''tpletely believe Ren Baqian, so he needed to find someone to check if the poison in his body could be cured or not. He definitely wanted to seek revenge on the Lian family, but it reguardless did not feel good to have his life in other people''s hands.


    After all, he was an Earth Wheel expert. Now that he had survived, he wanted to regain control over his life. This was a human instinct.


    If he could survive this ordeal, he promised himself that he would work hard in the future, by hook or by crook. He did not want to be looked down on by people again.


    Every dog will have its day.


    Zhu Chengjun''s indifferent face was filled with determination and resolution.


    Ren Baqian''s words somewhat damaged his ego. Even though he understood why Ren Baqian would say those words, he still couldn''t ept his disdainful tone.


    ...


    "Oh? Zhu Chengjun drank wine by himself in a restaurant?" Ren Baqian initially thought that Zhu Chengjun would leave for Great Xia immediately. He did not expect him to find a restaurant to drink wine first.


    Was he celebrating his survival?


    "Then he got into a conflict with someone and was beaten up badly. If it weren''t for the people from the public order bureau, he would have been beaten to death," the imperial guard continued.


    "Pfff!" Ren Baqian spat out the tea in his mouth.


    After all, he saved Zhu Changjun''s life with great difficulty.


    Such a bad beginning...


    Even though you''re an Earth Wheel expert and you garner awe in Great Xia, in a ce like Lan City, even an olddy can beat you to death.


    Following which, Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Send him back to Great Xia, immediately."


    Fortunately, Zhu Chengjun never threw out the bottle of sarin in the heat of the moment; otherwise, the oue would have been disastrous.

 Chapter 258: Educational Institution?

    Chapter 258: Educational Institution?


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On that very night, Zhu Chengjun was sent out of Lan City at the fastest speed possible.


    Ren Baqian really didn''t dare to let him continue staying here. Just in case his brain twitched, and he threw that bottle of sarin gas out, it would be aughing matter.


    But, Ren Baqian also thought of some other issues which he had to ount for. As he would have to find out the locations of the other people from Lian Family first, he wasn''t in a hurry to destroy the Lian Family when he returned.


    Even though they were sent somewhere far away, they still had some sort of connection with the Lian Family.


    If Ren Baqian were to exterminate the entire Lian Family, he was afraid that those people would conceal their identities. At that time, even if he wanted to dig those rats out, it would be difficult for him to do so.


    In any case, as long as this husky was sent back to Great Xia, the other issues had nothing to do with Ren Baqian anymore.


    It would be best if sessful, but, it didn''t matter even if it failed.


    However, Ren Baqian also felt that even though aboriginals were powerful, there were many things that were really inconvenient.


    For example, the issue this time, if he had another group of people underneath him this time, things wouldn''t be this troublesome any longer.


    Another example being if the aboriginals wanted to send spies outwards.


    There were very few aboriginal spies outside of Dayao. Theypletely relied on a few merchant caravans. For instance, the two imperial merchant caravans scouted out information when they were on the move.


    There were also a small number of weaker ordinary aboriginals, who looked more simr to the people of the other three nations, who acted as spies.


    However, these aboriginals weren''t really good at reconnaissance. Furthermore, the people from the other nations were also warier of these people. As such, scouting for information was really not easy at all.


    Ren Baqian felt that the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation in the South were pretty good alternatives.


    However, he counted the number of things he had at hand now. On one hand, was the issue regarding the ss. On the other hand, there was also the well salt issue which he had yet to deal with.


    After settling both of the issues, he was actually prepared to make a trip to the South.


    But at present, the problem regarding the ss had made Ren Baqian lose a lot of his hair. Looking at the bunch of hair he dropped on his pillow every night, he straightforwardly shaved his head bald.


    So long as they used potassium nitrate to oxidize the metal element from the ss, getting rid of the color on the ss was not a problem at all.


    It was also easy to obtain potassium nitrate.


    However, the silver mirror reaction made Ren Baqian somewhat vomit blood. He listed all the processes of the oxidation reactions that were found online.


    Firstly, he wasn''t able to obtain ammonia.


    Secondly, to obtain nitric acid, it was necessary to add nitrogen dioxide and water, or sodium nitrate and sulfuric acid.


    But, nitric acid was required to produce nitrogen dioxide. Also, Ren Baqian had yet to find out whether there was sodium nitrate in this world.


    After mulling over this for a long time, it was necessary to have chickens first before obtaining eggs. However, chickens still had to hatch from eggs.


    After Ren Baqian had shaved bald, he began to scratch his scalp.


    Ren Baqian almost grabbed a piece of his scalp out, yet he still didn''t have any way out. In desperation, he felt that he should still shift those items over from Earth. After which, he would wait for this world to have the concept of chemistry before getting the people to study it.


    "I want to nurture a few students," Ren Baqian found the empress and said suddenly.


    The empress was somewhat astonished. She didn''t expect that he would bring up this kind of idea as he feared to inconvenience himself the most.


    All the thoughts in her head were practically written on her face.


    "There are some things that I have to do. But, I don''t even have time to spare on any given day. I feel that it''s better to nurture a few students so that in future, I will be more rxed," Ren Baqian helplessly said.


    Every day, he had to spend half of his time practicing martial arts and doing a variety of things. Ren Baqian felt that he was living on less than 24 hours a day as it always seemed that he had less time than others.


    The empress instructed Hong Luan and Qing Yuan to wait outside first. She looked at Ren Baqian for a long time before she finally spoke, "Actually, I always had this kind of intention. Great Xia, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation all have their own Department of Education as well as various educational establishments. However, Dayao doesn''t have any of these.


    Since you want to nurture a few students, why not build an educational institution and let the people of Dayao have a ce to study.


    Originally, I wanted to bring this matter upter on. Since you''ve raised this issue, it would be better to settle it this way."


    "Eh?" Ren Baqian''s mouth was wide open as he was caught off guard. All he wanted was to nurture a few students so that they could assist him in his tasks. How did this topic escte to an educational institution?


    He definitely wouldn''t object if the empress asked him some timeter. It was just that at present, he had to practice martial arts daily, manage things that were ongoing at the ss factory, and so on. Also, he had toe up with a solution to ovee the deficit at the imperial depository. How would he have the time?


    "Why, unwilling?" The empress''s expression changed in an instant. It wasn''t cold, rather, she was longing for an answer. Her gaze was filled with hope.


    "All these years, there were many people sent out of Dayao, but there had been no great gains.


    Even though the court officials managed to gather some book collections from the other nations, they were not systematic. Also, there wasn''t anyone to guide us on it."


    As for the ordinary aboriginals, learning how to read was already difficult for them, let alone other things.


    You have told me before that ''Knowledge is power.'' Precisely, your world is based on countless ordinary people as the foundation. Among them, the geniuses born would lead the entire world''s direction before they could achieve that state.


    And it is too difficult for my Dayao to attain that state."


    As the empress spoke, she got up from the couch, walked towards Ren Baqian and faced him. With her eyes fixated on his eyes, it was as if she wanted to see his innermost being.


    "Only you can handle this and allow me to see what I want to see. In that case, are you willing to do it for me?"


    The empress was waiting for Ren Baqian''s reply with a pair of beaming eyes and a face full of eagerness.


    It wasn''t the first time that Ren Baqian had seen such an expression on the empress. When the empress first arrived on Earth and looked at the brightly lit city, her expression was somewhat simr to what she was showing now.


    But for the first time, the empress showed such an expression to him.


    Both of their faces were about ten centimeters apart from each other. Ren Baqian was able to feel the heat transmitted when she breathed and smell the scent emitting from her. He could even see himself in her eyes, and it made his heartbeat increase a little.


    "The vision that you have pointed out, is the direction that I will advance towards," Ren Baqian replied softly.


    Upon hearing these words, the empress revealed an astonishingly brilliant smile that was hard toe by. In a sh, she returned onto her couch with a bright smile on her face. "We will do it this way. You are responsible for the new educational institution. As for its name, we will call it�� I''ll give the honor of naming it to you." After careful consideration, the empress couldn''te up with any suitable names for the educational institution and immediately handed the task over to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress''s expression and at that smile on her mouth. Then, he thought of her facial expression and tone just now, which was totally ipatible with her character. He felt that the empress had followed the bad examples from the costume dramas that she watched on Earth.


    Sure enough, he opened the door to a new world for the empress.


    "But, they have to start learning how to read first," Ren Baqian bluntly said.


    Originally, he was thinking of tranting the characters on Earth to the characters in this world. At this moment, he changed his thinking and might as well get them to start learning the simplified Chinese characters.


    "I will leave the arrangements to you. Hopefully, I will see a group of real talentsing out from the educational institution," the empress said.


    "I will strive for the best." Ren Baqian thought for a while. Those who had received basic education should be considered as talents in Dayao.


    He will then pick a few rtively smart and witty students, who are able to ept and learn new things to assist him.


    "What about the students? How do we go about recruiting them?"


    "Not all of the kids of the court officials are gifted and extraordinary. Send those who are not to the educational institution," the empress stated as she scratched her chin.


    Ren Baqian spread out his hands. Previously, the empress spoke as if this educational institution was where she ced all her hopes on. In the end, it became a shelter for the good-for-nothings.


    However, the standard for those who were gifted and extraordinary would certainly be based on martial arts. After all, this world wasn''t Earth. At the end of the day, strength still stood above every other aspect. Even though strength couldn''t solve all problems, but, it was able to solve majority of the problems.


    And those who were not gifted and extraordinary, they were just candidates who didn''t excel in martial arts. It didn''t imply that they wouldn''t excel in other aspects.

 Chapter 259: What’s Going On?

    Chapter 259: What��s Going On?


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    Inside the throne room.


    "Tong Zhenye you old bast*rd, do you want see if my sabre is sharp or not?" Qin Chuan''s eyes were wide open, resembling a pair of copper bells. His voice was so loud that it could tear open the roof.


    Ever since he learnt this line from someone, he had been using it so much that everyone started to get sick of it.


    "Humph, Sir Qin, do you think I''m afraid of you? Who''s the one that fell into the pit at House Yunyan previously?" Tong Zhenye smirked.


    "Pfff!" Many people burst outughing. During the Ultimate Battle of Yunyan, both parties initially came to a draw. To everyone''s surprise, Qin Chuan''s wife yelled at Qin Chuan from the ground level of House Yunyan, which in turn caught him by surprise. Tong Zhenye seized the opportunity and kicked him into a pit in the opposite courtyard.


    Qin Chuan viewed this incident as a great humiliation. He did not expect Tong Zhenye to use this incident to mock him now. Immediately, his eyes fumed with rage as he surged towards Tong Zhenye.


    An afterimage instantly appeared behind his body.


    Tong Zhenye was already prepared for him. He moved into his fighting stance with his fists raised.


    The two of them began to fight in the throne room.


    Onlookers surrounded them and spectated the battle. They were already used to seeing this kind of incident.


    "Sir Qin''s [ck Tiger Steals Heart] is really ruthless."


    "Sir Qinunches [ck Tiger Steals Heart] again��"


    " [ck Tiger Steals Heart] again��"


    The onlookers were nodding their heads while discussing the fight...


    If Ren Baqian was here to witness the fight, his eyes would pop out.


    So the court session in Dayao is carried out this way?


    Minister of War, what are you doing with your [ck Tiger Steals Heart]?


    Tong Zhenye, where are your kicks aiming? Why are you targeting the Minister of War''s crotch?


    Bored stiff, the empress sat on the throne with her hand propping up her chin.


    She looked as though she was watching the battle, but in actuality, she was thinking about The Journey of Flower that she watchedst night.


    [The Journey of Flower is a 2015 Chinese television series starring Wace Huo and Zhao Liying.]


    After a long while, the empress sat up straight. She looked around and suddenly her eyes lit up. Following which, she picked up two seven-inch-long, three-inch-wide, two-inch-thick, rectangr, red-colored objects and weighed them in her hands. The next second, the two objects flew towards Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan with a whizz.


    "Bang, bang!" The two objects smashed into smithereens as they hit Tong Zhenye''s and Qin Chuan''s heads. The two of them quickly swept off the dust on their heads. When they realized who the thrower was, they meekly cupped their fists. "Your Majesty!"


    Most of their past fights ended like this.


    "There''s one more matter I want to talk about. I am going to set up an educational institution. All of you may send members of your family that you deem suitable to it," the empress rubbed her chin and said after brushing off the dust on her hands. Everyone could tell that she was in a good mood from her gaze.


    "Education institution?" Everyone was stunned. They had heard of education institutions in the other three nations. This was the first time they heard of an educational institution in Dayao.


    "Your Majesty, who will be in charge of the educational institution," Shi Qing shook his sleeves and asked.


    Starting an educational institution is a good thing, but who will be in charge of it?


    "Deputy Prefect Ren Baqian," the empress replied inly.


    Everyone was dumbfounded. Following which, someone asked, "Your Majesty, what kind of students do you need?"


    "Smart, quick-witted, and young," the empress answered.


    This was what Ren Baqian requested. If the students were too old, it wouldn''t easy to teach them. Furthermore, their outlook of the world have already been formed.


    However, they couldn''t be too young either. If they were only seven to eight years old, it would take at least ten years before they could be utilized.


    The best age group would be fifteen to sixteen years old. They could be utilized after only two to three years of schooling.


    The younger the students, the more time they would need to cultivate them.


    Everyone nodded their heads after listening to the empress''s request.


    They did not know whether or not Ren Baqian had the qualifications to take charge of an educational institution. However, they did know that he had a lot of weird gadgets.


    Most importantly, the empress had already openly stated her request. Setting up an educational institution wasn''t a matter of importance, so therefore, no one would object to it. However, they weren''t sure about the matter of finding suitable students.


    ...


    By now, Ren Baqian had already seen the site for the educational institution. It was right beside the imperial pce.


    On one side of the imperial pce, there was the beast park. On the other side, there was a training arena. The imperial guards often used it to train when they were having breaks.


    The space was two hundred meters long and one hundred meters wide. In the arena, there were many huge rocks, stone chains, and two-meter-tall wooden poles that Ren Baqian had seen Xiong Pi practice with in the past.


    Ren Baqian saw an imperial guard holding a bow standing one hundred and fifty meters away from the wooden pole. When the imperial guard released the bowstring and shot out the arrow, the wooden pole shattered.


    Such power was equivalent to that of a sniper rifle.


    There was an empty plot ofnd beside this training arena. It was slightly smaller than the training area. Since it had not been used for a long time, it was overgrown with weeds. There was a forest beside the empty plot ofnd.


    The educational institution would be built upon this empty plot ofnd.


    Ren Baqian walked around the empty plot ofnd, knowing what to do.


    Since there wouldn''t be too many students at this point, he would build a courtyard and a few houses first. If there were more students, he wouldn''t have the time to teach them.


    Thirty to forty students would be the ideal number for Ren Baqian.


    However, it was soon time for him to return to Earth. He would settle the rest of the matter when he returned here.


    ...


    "Zixiao, let''s go and rob a shop or something!" Ren Baqian said in a serious tone, "Look, we only have twenty-five thousand yuan left."


    They had been on the run for four months, but only one month had passed on Earth. They originally exchanged one million yuan for roughly one hundred twenty thousand euros. Even though they did not stay in any proper amodations during this Europe trip, they still spent one hundred thousand euros in a month due to the empress''s excessive shopping habits.


    Their money depleted faster than Ren Baqian had expected.


    Furthermore, now they were in Mn, the famous capital of fashion. He was scared that they would be penniless after leaving this ce.


    However, he knew there were many easy targets in this ce as well.


    There were many Italian mafias here, right?


    The empress considered Ren Baqian''s suggestion seriously. When she thought of shopping, it took her only one second to make her decision. She looked at Ren Baqian and nodded her head. "Alright!"


    "Pfff!" Ren Baqian almost burst outughing.


    The facial expression that the empress made while she was pondering looked extremely amusing.


    "What are youughing at?" The empress looked at Ren Baqian with a nted nce. She had no qualms about robbing someone or a shop.


    After all, most of the weapons that Dayao had now had been snatched from the Yun Nation.


    Actually, the aboriginals snatched the entirety of Dayao from the Hao Nation.


    "Actually, I think I should phrase it this way. Everything in the world belongs to Your Majesty, it''s only right that you take some money from other people for yourself." Ren Baqian had a serious look on his face. Phrasing robbery in this manner made it sound more elegant and ssy.


    The empress thought about Ren Baqian''s words again.


    "Smack!"


    With a bitter look on his face, Ren Baqian stared at his hand, which had swelled to the size of a pig trotter.


    Your Majesty, since when you have learned to p my hands?


    Neither of them were in a rush to shop. Instead, they wandered around the city. The Roman and Gothic structures from the Renaissance that could be found everywhere in the city piqued their interests.


    When they arrived at Piazza del Duomo, the empress took a closer look at the distant, imposing cathedral.


    This kind of Gothic structure always managed to capture people''s attention with the first nce.


    Under the blue sky, the cathedral, the square, the tourists, and the pigeons that could be seen everywherebined to form a beautiful picture.


    Ren Baqian and the empress walked across the square when, at this exact moment, a huge ck man stuffed some pigeon food into Ren Baqian''s hand. Immediately, a few pigeons flew towards Ren Baqian, looking as though they had found their target.


    Ren Baqian smiled and released granules in his hand. Instantly, the pigeons swirled and danced around him and the empress.


    A few passers-by couldn''t help but take out their phones and start taking pictures of the red-dressed girl that was surrounded by flying pigeons.


    As for Ren Baqian, he had be part of the background.


    When the pigeonsnded on the ground, the huge ck man reached out his hand with a smile on his face. "Money!"


    Ren Baqian looked at him and smiled. He knew this was the usual tactic that these people employed to make money.


    First, they will stuff some pigeon food into your hands and let you enjoy the feeling of pigeons swirling around you. Then, they will ask you for money.


    If you don''t want to pay them, very soon three to five huge ck men will appear before you.


    Furthermore, these people''s main target was yellow-skinned tourists.


    Before Ren Baqian came here, he had already read about the culture here online.


    "Get lost!" Ren Baqian maintained the smile on his face while his tone contained a tinge of contempt.


    He had alreadye up with a n. He would wait for this ck man''s helpers to arrive and swoop on them.


    He and the empress would find a secluded area and wait for these people to present them with free money.


    The amount of money they would obtain might not be a lot, but Ren Baqian understood that the wealth of a millionaire was earned cent by cent.


    Just because they wouldn''t obtain a lot of money did not mean they shouldn''t do it.


    Furthermore, robbing someone or a shop was harder than doing this. Now, all they needed to do was to bend down and pick up money.


    Indeed, after a whistle resounded through the air, four tall and muscr ck men surrounded Ren Baqian and the empress. With intimidating looks on their faces, they talked in anguage that was unknown to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian snapped his fingers, and the empress looked at him annoyed.


    "There are too many people looking here." Ren Baqian gave a bashful smile while pointing to his surroundings.


    A gust of wind blew across the four men. The next moment, they yelped in pain and dropped to the ground.


    No one could tell exactly what had happened.


    The empress''s movements were too fast.


    Ren Baqian timely put up a surprised look on his face. "You''re actually pretending to fall down!?"


    Just as these words came out of his mouth, he saw a few persons around him take off their outerwear to reveal police officer uniforms.


    "F*ck, what''s going on? Is this a trap?" this thought immediately appeared in Ren Baqian''s head.

 Chapter 260: Guessing the Beginning Correctly but Not the Ending

    Chapter 260: Guessing the Beginning Correctly but Not the Ending


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "We are the Federal Police, may I ask if they have threatened you all?" After a few Italian police officers surrounded them, one of them pointed at the people below them and inquired to Ren Baqian and the empress.


    They spoke in Italian.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss when he saw the other party shing their badges. He then thought aloud, "He should be saying that we have beaten someone up, and wants us to go back to the police station with him? Did he even see us beating people up?"


    It was unknown whether he was talking to himself or to the empress. There was a bit of suspicion in his tone as well.


    Ren Baqian knew their own situation. The both of them didn''t even have passports and were burdened by legal cases. If they were to enter the police station, they could only fight their way out. Even without going to the police station, the pair would give the game away under interrogation.


    Sooner orter, they would have to fight their way out. As such, they had better strike first and gain the upper hand.


    It was a pity that they just arrived at Mn for a half a day and didn''t have the time to roam around yet.


    Damned entrapment.


    Ren Baqian silently cursed in his heart. All of a sudden, he became violent. He pushed off from the ground, and in an instant, he got close to one of the police officers and pped his ear. At present, Ren Baqian could exert up to 1650 newtons of force, and this wasn''t considered little. That police officer didn''t even get a chance to groan before he crashed to the ground like a stump of wood.


    These police officers were dumbfounded by the unforeseen event. What was this situation? The remaining few people hurriedly reached into their holsters. But, before they could even draw their guns out, they already flew outwards.


    The onlookers were also dumbfounded.


    A middle-aged person in the crowd still had a satisfied look on his face. Previously, he had sent people to monitor the route from the north to Mn, and sure enough, the two of them did show up.


    He guessed both the route and the destination of the two and was already waiting here in advance.


    Because he knew that the two were so vicious and fearless, he deliberately sought a few Italians to help them clear their troubles in case the pair fled aftermitting a crime, just like what happened in R Nation.


    This way, it was considered that he expressed a little of his sincerity.


    However, he guessed the beginning correctly, but not the ending.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian suddenly got violent and pped that police officer, his face immediately froze.


    A few secondster, those police officers were all lying on the ground unconscious. He nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Don''t either of you feel any psychological pressure when you publicly attack the police?


    Do the both of you still have a little conscience? Can''t the both of you differentiate the good from bad?


    Are the both of you ready to fight against the entire world?


    Do the both of you really think that their country is ipetent?


    Well, some countries in Europe are really ipetent.


    The middle-aged man looked as if he would vomit blood anytime. Seeing that Ren Baqian and the empress were about to leave, he hurriedly chased after them, "Could I have a word with the both of you?"


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress couldn''t even be bothered with him. They turned around and left.


    One by one, the onlookers opened up a pathway for them.


    That middle-aged man chased the two of them for half a street, and all of a sudden, Ren Baqian came to a halt. His hand was already touching his waist area.


    The middle-aged man saw Ren Baqian''s action, and he got startled. He consciously raised his hands to show that he didn''t have any evil intentions. "I''m here to help the both of you out!"


    Ren Baqian lifted his trousers and drew back the corners of his mouth, revealing a set of white teeth.


    "I''m here to help you, can we have a word? I''m not representing anyone. The both of you should know what I mean." That middle-aged man rapidly added on as he was afraid that the other party would be triggered.


    "We are not free!" Ren Baqian gave a one sentence reply.


    "If you two are worried about the Italian police, we will settle the issue for you," that middle-aged man continued.


    Upon hearing what the middle-aged man said, Ren Baqian felt that it was somewhat interesting.


    "They were the undercover agents that you nted?" Ren Baqian was frustrated.


    The middle-aged man nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Recently, we''ve done a lot to clean up the messes that the both of you have left behind. Otherwise, why do you think that R Nation''s police wasn''t able to find out about you two?" That middle-aged man continued. He then pointed to a cafe by the roadside. "Please take a seat, the both of you, and let''s have a chat."


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress, and she couldn''t care less about what was going on over here. Her vision was focused on somewhere far away.


    He followed her line of vision and looked over. There was a bright disy window showcasing a floral skirt with a matching red top.


    "Well, you do look more pleasing to the eyepared to the previous few." Ren Baqian nodded.


    In any case, the other party did help them to clean up their mess. Furthermore, he didn''t have much cash left on hand either. If they were able toe to some sort of settlement, would he be able to get Chen Qing to transfer his approximately 20 million yuan over to him?


    A momentter, the three of them were seated in a cafe.


    "First, let me introduce myself. My name is Chen Shi." The middle-aged man introduced himself.


    At the same time, he was sizing the both of them up.


    Ren Baqian, male, 25 years old, Chinese, graduated from SY University. After which, he worked at Zhongcheng Trading Company for eight months... All the information was clearly etched in his head.


    But the Ren Baqian now, looked different from the decent looking and introverted person in the photograph.


    Whenpared to the photo, he was sturdier, bald, and gave off a very weird aura.


    On the one hand, it seemed that he didn''t care much about anything. On the other hand, he gave off the feeling that he was full of drive. At the same time, there was still a slight shadow of his past.


    As for the other person, Qi Zixiao, female, unknown, unknown, unknown...


    Apart from her name and gender, everything else was unknown, as if she was a person who emerged from the crevices of a stone.


    After all, in terms of looks, temperament, and strength, people like her wouldn''t be able to conceal themselves no matter what. In particr, although she was sitting there and didn''t speak at all, she actually made him feel some pressure, as if she was a person that had control of life-and-death decisions.


    It was impossible for such a person to emerge from the crevices of a stone. But, he wasn''t able to find any information on her. It was all nk.


    It was these two individuals who had contributed to so many cases in their country, and even after running to R Nation, they had yet to exercise any restraint. Throughout their entire journey, they went on a scenic tour andmitted murder as well. Human lives were taken as though they were worthless.


    And ording to a recent investigation, the two of them should be involved in another murder case in Austria.


    "Oh!" Ren Baqian nodded and used a small spoon to stir the cup.


    The empress held her yogurt and was taking sips from it.


    Chen Shi waited for a long time, but it seemed like neither of them had any intention of continuing with the conversation. He was somewhat helpless.


    "The Italian police officers were there to help the both of you just now." Atst, Chen Shi spoke.


    "Oh, I thought that they were going to arrest us," Ren Baqian said innocently.


    Chen Shi looked at Ren Baqian''s innocent expression and he felt a burst of tightness in his chest. Couldn''t you ask around?


    There were so many people around you, and as soon as you could speak up, someone would have told you what they were talking about.


    Furthermore, I was standing next to them too.


    Who would have expected that you would have attacked someone, without even saying a word, in front of so many people?


    "I knew the both of you would get into trouble here. As such, I intentionally bribed a few police officers to clear up the mess in case you all caused any trouble again."


    Ren Baqian nodded. Previously, he thought that the Italian cops were undercover agents and he had run into an entrapment.


    However, you have disrupted me from collecting money.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was indifferent and that Qi Zixiao was concentrating on sipping her yogurt, Chen Shi was even more sullen.


    How much work have we done for the both of you?


    From bribing the Italian police to interfering with the investigation direction of the R Nation''s police, we have done all these things that shouldn''t have been done by us.


    Shouldn''t the both of you be slightly aware of the situation?


    If it were someone else, Chen Shi would have definitely mmed the table. But, it was the both of them, and he really didn''t dare to do so. If he did so, the pair would one hundred percent be hostile, and it would take God knows how long to chase after them again.


    It might even infuriate the pair, causing them to kill him in one move. Thereafter, they would continue to escape. He believed that the other party would absolutely be able to do such a thing as they were too gutsy.


    "Fortunately, regardless of anything, I can finally sit down and have a chat with them." Chen Shiforted himself in his heart.

 Chapter 261: She Is Wu Zetian

    Chapter 261: She Is Wu Zetian


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Let''s talk about the main issue now," Chen Shi cleared his throat and said.


    "I believe neither of you intend to live like this forever, right? If it weren''t for the fact that someone is clearing up your messes for you, I''m afraid you wouldn''t be so carefree like now."


    Hearing these words, the empress gave a smirk.


    After staying in this world for so long, she truly believed that Earthlings couldn''t do anything to her at all.


    There were indeed extremely powerful weapons in this world, but she wasn''t an unmovable wooden dummy.


    Most importantly, if she really wanted to kill someone, who could run away from her?


    Furthermore, she wasn''t from this world.


    Looking at Qi Zixiao''s facial expression, Chen Shi knew what she was thinking. However, he did not mind at all. He continued, "You have underestimated the nation. Conventional methods might not work against you, but there are also many unconventional methods. We won''t hesitate to use them if necessary. If R Nation finds out about you, they might not use force against you, but they might use methods that are extremely hard for you to guard against. For example, poison gas, chemical weapons, sonic weapons, etc. Individual strength can''t reign supreme in this world. There are many kinds of unconventional and unguardable new weapons. They might not work against a fully-equipped army, but they are definitely effective against a small number of targets. Put it simply, anything you eat might contain something that threatens your life. Take this slice of cake as an example. A trap might be nted in it, but you won''t know its existence even after it has struck you."


    The empress emotionlessly stuffed the slice of cake into her mouth.


    Ren Baqian thought carefully about Chen Shi''s words. A portion of what he said was right. He and the empress should not underestimate the nation. The power that a nation could utilize was far beyond their imagination.


    As for the other things that Chen Shi said, they were easier said than done.


    However, it would only take a moment of slight carelessness for him and the empress to be in deep trouble.


    There were many cases of people leading a free and unfettered life in other countries after fleeing from the nation. However, these people were able to do so because the nation did not really care about them.


    If the nation really ced huge importance on someone, Chen Shi''s words mighte true.


    One could be a thief for a thousand days but couldn''t guard against a thief for a thousand days. It was impossible for him and the empress to be on guard every single second. He and the empress could escape to a deste and uninhabited ce, but even so they needed to be careful of bombs dropping down from the sky.


    Of course, the empress wasn''t someone to be trifled with. If she wanted to kill someone, unless that person wasn''t on Earth, he or she would not be able to escape.


    Therefore, both sides had fear of each other.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian had no intention of fleeing forever. If he had an opportunity to lead a stable life, he wouldn''t have chosen to go on the run.


    Actually, he and the nation clicked well with each other.


    "Moreover, I believe there is a reason why both of you went on the run. From your records, we can see that you did not do anything that challenges thew or disrupts the public order. We have done some investigation on the Jin family as well, and we know their style of handling matters. There''s definitely a reason why they appeared in your house. We also gained a deeper understanding of your character," Chen Shi exined to Ren Baqian.


    They had indeed gained some understanding of Ren Baqian''s and the empress''s characters. The victims in the cases in R Nation were mainly skinheads, extremists, and criminals.


    If no one provoked the two of them, they would not make trouble out of nothing.


    However, if someone provoked them, there was nothing that they wouldn''t dare to do. And like what was said earlier, both of them were fearless.


    Had Chen Shi not found them in Mn first, he wouldn''t still have this opinion of them in a few days'' time.


    Upon hearing Chen Shi''s words, Ren Baqian knew that he was giving him an out, and he would definitely ept it. Immediately, he put a look of grievance on his face. His face-changing ability had been trained to the point of perfection. "Tell me, did I offend anyone by staying at home? I was just sitting at home minding my own business and suddenly such a misfortune befell on me. Not only did Jin Jun want to snatch my share of theboratory, but he also threatened me with my family members'' lives. I was forced into this situation. What is that famous line again? ''When a man is in wrath, he will let blood spill as far as five footsteps.''"


    ["When a man is in wrath, he will let blood spill as far as five footsteps" is a line from "The Story of Tang Ju", which is recorded in Zhanguo Ce (ս����, Strategy of the Warring States), a fictionalized work of history first circted during the Latter Han Dynasty of China [25~220 CE].]


    "And then you annihted the Jin family," Chen Shiughed bitterly and said. This man was truly in wrath.


    "It''s not like you don''t know their style of handling issues. They have already threatened me with my family members'' lives. If reporting the case to the police was useful, they wouldn''t have been so active all this time. They have power and wealth, and I''m just a citizen. After thinking about it, I decided to sacrifice myself for the sake of everyone."


    Ren Baqian put on a dejected look of grievance on his face.


    I''m being forced into this situation!


    Chen Shi was stunned by Ren Baqian''s words.


    Thisd really knows how to give excuses!


    But this also meant it was easier to negotiate with him.


    "No matter what, murder is a huge crime. However, the nation is very interested in some of your things. The nation is willing to give you a chance."


    The empress raised her eyebrows and squinted her eyes. "Give me a chance?"


    [The "me" here is "��" in Chinese. It''s a term used by an emperor or an empress to address himself or herself.]


    The table beneath her hands immediately turned into smithereens. Everything on the table fell all over the floor.


    When Ren Baqian heard the empress say something, he knew something was up, and he immediately withdrew his legs. Hence, he was left unscathed.


    On the contrary, Chen Shi''s crotch waspletely drenched in coffee. Fortunately, the coffee wasn''t hot anymore. Otherwise, the oue would have been unimaginable.


    At the same time, he was breaking out in cold sweat.


    The main reason why he was breaking out in cold sweat was Qi Zixiao''s aura rendered him immobile and caused his heart to beat so wildly that it seemed as if it was going to explode.


    He never thought that someone''s aura could be so terrifying.


    "Boss! The quality of this table is too inferior!" Ren Baqian turned around and yelled.


    Chen Shi, "..."


    After a while, the three of them were shifted to another table.


    "If I''m not wrong, you said that we can coborate, right?" Ren Baqian inly asked. The look of grievance on his face had disappeared. Now, his facial expression was like the empress''s, cold and in.


    "You can put it that way too," Chen Shi changed his tone and replied bluntly. He couldn''t believe that Ren Baqian''s facial expression could change so easily.


    "Tell me more about it in detail," Ren Baqian continued.


    "The nation is interested in the things in your hands and theboratory you set up with Chen Yan. I believe you have many things that are very valuable. I am also very curious about her. Are there really cultivators in this world? Can their knowledge be taught to human beings? The nation is interested in many things. I believe you''re willing to part with the things in your hands and that doing so won''t have any significant impact on you."


    Chen Shi''s eyes were sparkling.


    Ren Baqian drummed his fingers on the table lightly. "Then what can we get in return?"


    "Everything that you did will be written off instantly. Whatever happened back home will be suppressed, and your arrest warrants will be revoked. However, we also have a condition for you. Both of you can''t be so rash anymore and have to abide by thew. You can tell me your requests and I will report them to my higher-ups," Chen Shi continued.


    After a while, Chen Shi added, "By the way, why did she address herself as ''me'' just now? I am very curious about her identity."


    Chen Shi had been thinking about why Qi Zixiao used the term "me" to address herself. Various conjectures arose in his head. From her tone and the message she was conveyed, he truly felt that he did not hear her wrongly.


    He reckoned that there was an immense secret, making him feel slightly excited.


    The empress turned around to look at Ren Baqian. Then, she shifted her gaze to an oil painting on the wall.


    Ren Baqian turned silent for a moment. Then, he lowered his voice and said, "Since you already something is amiss, I shall be honest with you. Actually, she is Wu Zetian. She gave up the throne to cultivate immortality. Now, she is back from her cultivation, but the world has already changed. However, she still has a million-man army. The nation should lend us 100 million yuan first to thaw the million-man army..."


    [Wu Zetian, also known as Empress Consort Wu, Wu Hou, Wu Mei Niang, Mei-Niang, and Wu Zhao, 624-705 CE, r. 690-704 CE, was the only female emperor in the history of China.]


    Chen Shi looked as though he had just eaten a mouthful of sh*t. "..."


    Ren Baqian pondered over the words he had just said.


    A million-man army... what should I say next? I can''t possibly say I want to start a rebellion, right? Wait, no! I definitely can''t say these words!


    "Then, we can make a terracotta army from the Tang Dynasty!"


    A frustrated look appeared on Chen Shi''s face. "Can you be serious?"

 Chapter 262: Ordinary People, Witness my Strength!

    Chapter 262: Ordinary People, Witness my Strength!


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    "Forget about that big army and what not. As for the rest, you make a guess whether what I''ve said is true or false!" Ren Baqian said as he spread out his arms.


    Chen Shi had his whole mind upied with that "me" word. Those who were fit to use that word were either delusional, or ... He was kind of afraid to think of it.


    If it were someone else, Chen Shi would have pped that person.


    However, the strength of the empress made it hard for him not to overthink.


    After all, judging from the data that had been collected so far, the strength of the other party was impossible for any human to attain.


    From that video, her speed was two times faster than a person falling from the sky. It was hard to even see her shadows clearly, moreover, it had to be yed in slow motion in order for her movements to be seen clearly.


    In other words, an ordinary person would fall from the sky at a speed of 23 meters per second, but she was moving above 70 meters per second.


    That also meant that she could travel 100 meters in just slightly more than one second.


    To imagine that someone could be a hundred meters away a second ago, and appear in front of you in the next second, that would be equivalent to teleportation from an ordinary person''s point of view. It was practically impossible for anyone to react in such a short distance.


    Needless to mention that the empress could still maintain that speed even when carrying Ren Baqian. When she stepped on the surface of the wall, she was able to leap to another building that was more than hundred meters away. This proved that her she could be stronger.


    Such speed and ability to jump weren''t things that a human body could achieve.


    And in correspondence, how great was her strength?


    Chen Shi could somewhat believe if she was a cultivationer.


    If she was a cultivationer, how long had she lived? What was her true identity?


    So much so that Cheng Shi dared not imagine.


    It was truly fridge horror.


    Looking at Chen Shi''s grave expression, it got Ren Baqian pondering about the pros and cons of what he just said. If the other party really thought that the empress was a cultivationer, it was not as if he couldn''t show him the secret manual.


    The secret manual of Great Xia would be sufficient to let them gnaw at it.


    Furthermore, for experts at the Earth Wheel level and above, their life expectancies would indeed increase. An expert at the Earth Embryo Realm could live up to 100 years old whereas an expert at the Spirit Wheel Realm could already live up to 150 years old.


    And there were even higher levels above the Spirit Wheel Realm, simr to that of the Longevity Heaven of the aboriginals.


    It wasn''t right to say that it was the method of cultivating martial arts, but it was sufficient enough to make them believe it.


    At the same time, there was also an advantage in saying that. What he was holding could be justifiable.


    If not, there were many things that would be difficult to exin.


    As for whether it will be exposed, leave that till someone on Earth could surpass the Spirit Wheel level.


    He believed that the martial arts manual wouldn''t be widely spreaded within a short period of time. With just a handful of people practising and under the circumstances of a low potency, he wondered how long it would take for someone to reach the Spirit Wheel level.


    If Ren Baqian remembered correctly, the cultivation of martial arts in Great Xia also required some rare treasures.


    Would anyone on Earth be able to attain the Spirit Wheel level?


    Furthermore, he wasn''t at all worried that the people on Earth would cultivate to such high levels. On the contrary, if the people on Earth could really find a method to cultivate to a very high level, it didn''t seem like a bad thing to him as well.


    Perhaps, it could push him to a higher level as well.


    Otherwise, he would really be doubtful as to what level he could attain on his own.


    After all, he wasn''t able to practice the other martial arts, and no one knew for sure how good the [Ruyi Visualization] martial arts was. Even though it was possible for him to smoothly attain the Earth Wheel level, but there was still a huge obstacle after that.


    In the case that he got stuck at the Earth Wheel level, the life expectancy of an Earth Wheel expert was only 100 years. At the same time, because he travelled between the two worlds, due to the differentpses in time, his life expectancy was considered shorter aspared to someone who had always been on the other world.


    The empress could live up to 200 years old. If she could break through the Longevity Heaven, there was a big possibility that she could live up to 300 years old.


    As for whether that would create a threat for him, he never worried about this problem. With another world supporting him, and also having money and power on Earth, it wouldn''t be that bad. In any case, it would be much better than getting stuck at the Earth Wheel level in future.


    At the thought of that, his mind seemed to have made a decision. He was prepared to pull off a pack of lies.


    Of course, it had to lie bit by bit.


    Nobody would cherish something that came easy.


    Chen Shi, who was opposite him, have been deep in thoughts for a long time. He raised his head and asked Ren Baqian, "What other requests do the both of you have? You may put them across altogether. I will report to my superiors."


    "Money. First up, 100 million Euros. I have no more money to spend. I was already nning on a robbery if you hadn''te." Ren Baqian spread out both arms on the table, and had finally spoken words of truth.


    Chen Shi mulled over for a while. Ren Baqian had 1 million Yuan when he was on the run, which was equivalent to slightly more than hundred thousand Euros. He would have finished it in no time if he was a little more extravagant.


    From where would the both of them get money after that?


    Get a job?


    To crib a saying, it was impossible for them to get a job. Certainly not in this lifetime.


    If the two of them were to get a job and earn sries, he would pull off his head and kick it like a ser ball.


    Then, they would probably end up like what Ren Baqian said and be on the verge ofmitting robbery.


    At the thought of this, Cheng Shi didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    These two people had indeed made him speechless.


    "We can forget about 100 million Euros. Our nation''s wealth isn''t blown over by the wind. I can help you settle those things within our nation You appear to have some money parked with someone else?"


    "If there isn''t any money, what is there to talk about coboration?" Ren Baqian replied with a question.


    Chen Shi was at a lost for words. He couldn''t help it but felt that the other party was truly a bastard. He was, in fact, representing their nation, could he not be so blunt about it?


    "What do you have to offer in return for a coboration?" Chen Shi ced strong emphasis on the word coboration.


    "Some rare treasures!" Ren Baqian was thinking about the things in that world. Many things that were brought over should already be considered quite rare, after all, they were objects from another world. As for whether they were rare treasures, if they didn''t make the cut, he could then just change them for another one.


    Besides, he still had the ultimate weapon, which was the Elongation Saber. Even though the saber was a little weak and would break on touch, but that didn''t mean that the Elongation Saber had no value.


    If the research were to be sessful, imagine if the military were to fight with daggers and bays, and then they suddenly elongate by two meters...


    Furthermore, with Earth''s technology, they might even be able to gather some other information from it.


    For instance, 1 catty of iron bing 2 catties? 1 catty of gold bing 2 catties? 1 barrel of oil bing 2 barrels?


    "If she truly was a cultivationer, then are you able to bring the Cultivation martial arts?" Chen Shi asked the question that he was most concerned about.


    "Rome wasn''t built in a day. If we were to coborate, I will give it to you bit by bit." Ren Baqian didn''t reject him and merely left him in suspense.


    "I need to report to my superiors. Please wait." Chen Shi indicated his actions, got up and left.


    After he left, the empress turned her head and asked, "Who is Wu Zetian?"


    "The only empress in history, the most famous female, even more powerful than most of the males." Ren Baqian was just thering a moment ago and now, he was hurriedly exining to the empress.


    "I am who I am, there isn''t a need for me to impersonate anybody, and nobody can bepared to me." The empress seemed pretty unhappy. If it was someone else saying that, she would have pped that person into a meat patty.


    "Of course. It''s just that we cannot reveal your true identity to them as they won''t be able to understand. You are truly the one and only and nobody can bepared to you, regardless if it was in the past or in the future. Just like those words on the mirror." Ren Baqian softly appeased her.


    The empress naturally knew that her identity could not be revealed in this world, and she ignored Ren Baqian after listening to what he said. She tranted her discontent into food intake and order another round of desserts.


    After a while, Chen Shi hurried back again. He sat down and said, "Someone wishes to talk to you guys."


    "Eurotrip hasn''t ended yet." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    "A video call will suffice." Cheng Shi replied.


    Only then did Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    "Let''s move to another location. At the same time, I will also want to know exactly what level her strength is at so that we can know what to expect. After all, there are many things that have to be witnessed with our own eyes in order to have a peace of mind."


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress, even though there wasn''t much changes in her facial expressions, but he could imagine her feeling unhappy and unwilling deep down inside. He moved in close to her ear and whispered, "ordinary people, I shall let you witness my prowess. I guess you should be having this thought."


    The empress''s ears got itchy from his breath when he whispered and her body shivered a little. But, she felt that it was easier to ept it after listening to what he said.


    She simply felt that those words brought an indescribable feeling of shame which got her feeling close to bursting.


    Chen Shi first made a call. When they stepped out a whileter, there was already a car outside.


    Before they got up the car, Ren Baqian whispered to the empress, "don''t exert your full strength, just simply exhibiting your skills a little will suffice."


    The empress waved her hand as it didn''t require Ren Baqian to tell her that. In fact, she would only be in her true strength when she was in another state. Ren Baqian didn''t know about this, and not many people knew about it either.


    Hua Sanliu knew about it, but he was already dead.


    Eight of the pavilion masters were dead as well.


    Those two disciples who barely survived, couldn''t even tell the empress''s condition when she was far away.


    Soon after, everyone appeared at a remote ce out of the city. After a few people got off the car, Chen Shi fiddled with theptop and ced it facing the duo after a short period of time.


    On the other end of the screen was a middle-aged man wearing sses. He looked very dignified, but he probably wasn''t the real master.


    Ren Baqian guessed that the real master was at the back.


    "Firstly, we want to check the authenticity of what you have said. After which we will discuss some issues." That middle-aged person spoke.


    Ren Baqian and the empress took a nce at each other. In an instant, the empress appeared approximately 60 meters away, raised her feet and stomped.


    "Boom!"


    There was a loud boom and even though those people were at the other end of the screen, they could almost feel the tremors of the ground.


    Around 300 square meters ofnd surrounding the empress was fissured. The rocks beneath the soil were protruding as well.


    Regardless of whether it was Chen Shi, this world, or the people at the other end of the screen, they were all stunned.


    Guessing it was one thing, and witnessing with their own eyes was another.


    Regardless of whether it was her appearing around 60 meters away in a split second as though it was teleportation or that sheer force with just a stomp of her feet, everyone was left in shock.


    Especially that might of her stomp. Even though thend area might not seem very big, but one point had to be taken and that was the ground. In normal cases, if the force was veryrge, it would nail right into the ground like a piledriver.


    However, the empress actually spread out her energy across the entire area by just applying force on a small area. Furthermore, the ground wasn''tpressed downwards, but it fissured upwards instead.


    Just the demonstration of such strength alone was already beyond imagination.


    It was needless to talk about the rest of the issues.

 Chapter 263: Conversation

    Chapter 263: Conversation


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the screen, even though Ren Baqian saw only one person, there were actually many other people present that he couldn''t see.


    Every single one of them could be considered a powerful and influential individual.


    After all, this was an important matter that might affect the future of mankind.


    "Can you show me other things?" asked the middle-aged, bespectacled man on the screen as he adjusted his eyewear.


    A sneer appeared on Ren Baqian''s face. The next second, a handgun appeared in his hand and he pointed it at Chen Shi''s head. "Do you want to see a piece of sachima drenched with tomato sauce?"


    Veins popped out on Chen Shi''s head. This fellow is so unpredictable!


    The man on the screen was shocked. Following which, an infuriated look appeared on his face.


    "Just because she is willing to disy her strength doesn''t mean you can request her to do anything at will. Do you think you''re watching a show? Should I perform a duet for you?" Ren Baqian sneered.


    Behind the screen, several men that Ren Baqian couldn''t see spat out the tea in their mouths.


    This fellow was indeed vicious. However, it was normal for him have such a reaction. After all, that girl might be a cultivator. It would be weird if she was easy to talk to.


    Her superiority in power allowed her to look down on ordinary humans.


    "Why don''t you get a different person to talk to me? I think it''s time for the person behind you to show his face. Otherwise, how I will know who I''m talking to? Am I right?" Ren Baqian continued.


    Ren Baqian waited for a reaction from the screen.


    In a room in a distant ce, an old man put down his teacup and nodded his head to his subordinate. "Connect the video call to me."


    After a while, the screen went dark. By the time it lit up again, the person and the environment it disyed had changed.


    There was an old man sitting on a chair nodding his head.


    "Nice to meet you, Sir!" Ren Baqian''s face immediately turned bright as he put his handgun away.


    This was the real big shot. Ren Baqian had seen him numerous times on television.


    "Mr. Ren, I don''t know what you want us to address you as, so I will just address you this way," the old man said and smiled. He spoke very slowly and his tone was very amiable.


    "I believe we havee to the consensus that we''re going to coborate. Let''s discuss our coboration. We can speak openly and seek somemon ground. We have some ideas and I believe you have some requests as well. Feel free to tell us about them. This is the basis for a healthy and openmunication, am I right!"


    Ren Baqian pped his hands. This man was truly a big shot. The way he spoke waspletely different from the previous man''s. The first thing he did wasy down the foundation for their coboration.


    "Firstly, I want to ask a question. This question won''t affect our coboration, I merely want to understand more about both of you. Are there more of Miss Qi''s kind? Is she the only one?"


    Ren Baqian thought hard about the question.


    This question would have a lot of impacts on this coboration.


    If the empress was the only one of her kind, why weren''t there other people? Since she could do it, why couldn''t other people do it as well?


    If cultivators really existed in this world, how could there be only one immortal?


    If there were other people like her, then where were they? What was the rtionship between them and the empress? Would they appear on Earth too?


    The answers to this question could affect many areas of their coboration.


    At this point in time, there were also many people that Ren Baqian couldn''t see behind the screen. Some people were observing every single moment that Ren Baqian made, trying to read his bodynguage and understand him further.


    "She is not the only one," Ren Baqian answered after a serious consideration.


    Everyone jolted up when they heard Ren Baqian''s reply.


    Those who were observing him uttered, "Likely true!"


    All of them were professionals, and they couldn''t say withplete certainty whether Ren Baqian was speaking the truth or not. All they could say was "likely true" or "likely false" as a reference.


    After all, one couldn''t make a judgement solely based on a person''s facial expressions and movements. Those who were trained in this field knew this very well.


    "Aspared to the others, what level is Miss Qi''s strength on?"


    "Top-notch!" Ren Baqian replied. Actually, she was the best among everyone. However, he then recalled something, that was, the former emperor led a group of people and left Dayao after he attained the level of Longevity Heaven.


    Why did they leave Dayao? Where had they gone to?


    Dayao had only been established for 70 years, the first emperor had not even reached the end of his lifespan yet.


    Were there any more people like him? Were they still alive?


    Ren Baqian did not know the answers to these questions. There were many secrets in that world that he had yet toe into contact with.


    "Likely true!"


    "Where are the others? How many of them are there?" the old man on the screen asked again. At this point in time, he felt slightly nervous.


    If those people appeared on Earth, no one could know what kind of impact they would cause.


    However, one thing for sure, they would definitely create chaos. When so many powerful individuals appeared in this world, would they abide by thews here? It was obvious that they wouldn''t do so. They would only abide by their own rules and wouldn''t care about the rules of this world.


    "Paradise!" Ren Baqian blurted out. Actually, he felt that the paradise mentioned in Taoist scriptures was somewhat simr to that world.


    However, there was also a very huge difference between that world and the paradise in Taoism. The paradise in Taoism had an entrance and an exit.


    On the contrary, entering and exiting that world solely depended on the mystery behind his teleportation.


    Even though it was just a change of concept, it soundedpletely different to people. After all, a paradise was often associated with immortals.


    "Likely true!"


    "Likely false!"


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s response, some people felt he was lying and some felt he was speaking the truth. However, there were more people that felt he was speaking the truth.


    "You don''t need to worry about how many of them there are, they won''te here. That''s because it''s extremely difficult for them toe here. Toe here, they have to fulfill a very important condition. That''s all I can tell you." Ren Baqian spoke mainly the truth, but he still hid certain information.


    "Likely true!"


    "Can ordinary individuals visit this so-called paradise?"


    "No!"


    Subsequently, the old man asked Ren Baqian a lot of questions. Some were regarding the paradise, some were regarding their coboration. There was also a question that caught everyone''s attention.


    Are there any martial arts that could lead to immortality?


    "They can''t lead to immortality, but they can prolong your lifespan. When your cultivation has reached a certain level, you can live up to three hundred years old."


    Meanwhile, Chen Shi was staring at Ren Baqian. What about Wu Zetian?


    However, Ren Baqian''s words made many people very excited.


    Prolonging lifespan would always be one of mankind''s instinctive desires.


    Given the current speed of technological advancement, there would be many more methods to prolong one''s lifespan.


    "Then what requests do Mr. Ren and Miss Qi have?" the old man finally asked. Actually, he still had some questions, but he wasn''t in a rush to ask them. All he wanted to do now was digest the information he obtained from this conversation.


    "Rx, remove the arrest warrants on us first. Then, lend us one million euros��we are out of money." Ren Baqian was reinvigorated. After talking for so long, he could finally ask for money.


    The old man''s gaze froze. Following which, he began to chuckle.


    "Our money belongs to the nation, it''s the taxpayers'' money. I can ask a bank to give you a loan, but you still have to return the money," the old man smiled and said, "Anyway, when is Mr. Rening back? Let''s have a meal together at XXX, remember to bring Miss Qi along too."


    "Our Europe trip hasn''t ended yet!" Ren Baqian was having the time of his life recently, he wasn''t in a rush to go home.


    "Alright, I shall wait for your return then. After all, we still have a lot of things to talk about for the coboration," the old man nodded his head and said.


    "We will definitely go back for Chinese New Year!" Ren Baqian said. He did not celebratest year''s Chinese New Year with his family. This year, he made his family terribly worried. No matter what, he had to celebrate this year''s Chinese New Year with them.


    When the screen of theptop turned dark, Ren Baqian turned around and looked at Chen Shi. "What will the loan n be? Make a passport for each of us as well, we need them urgently."


    Finally, the arrest warrants on Ren Baqian and the empress had been revoked. This would save them a lot of trouble in the future. Ren Baqian felt exceptionally carefree.

 Chapter 264: At a Loss

    Chapter 264: At a Loss


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    When Papa Ren saw the familiar name on his phone, his hand shook slightly.


    "Hello, Dad, I will be back at the end of the year." Ren Baqian''s voice sounded, and it caused him slight surprise.


    He was surprised by the content of the conversation.


    "It''s good that we know you are fine now. Since you are fine outside, don''t call home anymore," Papa Ren''s voice trembled.


    Even if it had been a long time ago, recalling the time he had just heard that news, Papa Ren still felt as if he was struck by lightning.


    "Everything''s okay now, no need to overthink. I''m not a fugitive anymore." Ren Baqianughed heartily.


    "What''s going on?" Papa Ren was startled, didn''t the police say he was a murderer and had be a fugitive?


    Ren Baqian spoke in a deep voice, "Actually, I''m an undercover agent. At that time, the police needed information from a criminal gang. However, I happened to be dealing with them because of something. Of course, it wasn''t anything illegal. Thus, the police found me, and after considering it over, I decided it wasn''t too risky, so I became an undercover agent. Now that the gang has been destroyed, I''m am cleared of my fugitive status."


    Ren Baqian''s words scared Papa Ren, and he was dumbstruck.


    "Really?" There were some ws in his ount, but Papa Ren wasn''t willing to think about it. Ren Baqian''s words on so-called dealing with the gang, and as a result, the police who managed to find him made Papa Ren feel that something was amiss. But, he still wanted to believe the words that came from his son''s mouth.


    "Of course it''s true. Otherwise, why would I dare to go back?" Ren Baqian replied.


    "Great, great..." Papa Ren''s lips trembled somewhat, and he didn''t really know what else to say.


    Ren Baqian felt a little guilty. "Everything''s fine now, I''ll be back in two months'' time."


    "Then, where are you now?" The father in him couldn''t help but ask. He finally dared to ask this question after so long.


    "I''m touring in Europe! Hang on, I''ll show it to you!" Soon after, Ren Baqian turned on the video function and showed Papa Ren the scenery outside.


    "Come back earlier, your mum and I are very worried about you," Papa Ren couldn''t help but say as he looked at the exotic buildings that were full of European style.


    "Understood! I''lle back as soon as possible. Tell mum not to worry as well," Ren Baqian replied.


    "There won''t be any more danger, right?" Papa Ren asked another question. He only hung up the phone after getting a definitive reply from Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian stored his phone and then turned around. The empress was reading a fashion magazine while seated on a sofa not far away. Even though she couldn''t read the words, she was able to look at the pictures.


    At this time, the two of them were in a hotel suite arranged by Chen Shi.


    After one whole day, both of their passports, as well as a brand-new bank card, were sent over.


    At this time, there really wasn''t anything going on anymore. They would begin their coboration after the two of them returned to China.


    The empress suddenly looked up and said, "You seem to be always telling lies recently!" Over the past two days, she had suddenly discovered this problem and was a little confused.


    "In the past, everyone used to call me a cute and honest boy. However, after my sincere heart has been given to someone, I couldn''t get it back anymore." Ren Baqian was motionless when he said that.


    He sighed. In the past, people really used to call him a cute and honest boy.


    That was my youth, as well as the time running beneath the sunset that has already passed.


    [A famous sentence from a Chinese online drama �C Unexpectedness]


    Ren Baqian''s words made the empress''s heartbeat race a little. She felt this way every time he said something mushy like that.


    "In that case, let''s set off!" Ren Baqian bowed slightly, extended his hand into gesture inviting the queen out.


    "Pop!"


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Two dayster, based on the basis of friendly cooperation between the two sides, with a hidden bitterness, Chen Shi specially arranged for someone to handle the shopping bags that filled up half of the hotel suite.


    Ren Baqian and the empress disappeared without a trace after leaving the suite.


    No one could keep track of the whereabouts of the two of them.


    Ren Baqian and the empress saw a change in the surrounding environment. The two had already appeared at Yangxin Pce Hall. From the huge door, the light illuminated the hall.


    Next to the empress''s wooden couch were twomps also emitting light.


    However, it was still a little dim in the pce hall.


    The empress released Ren Baqian''s hand and returned to the couch. Shezily reclined on the surface and her gaze wandered.


    The drastic difference of the two worlds affected her due to the carefreeness on Earth and the desteness in this world. The rxed feeling did not recede from her body, and for a moment, she didn''t want to stay in this pce hall.


    "Pour some wine for me!"


    "I''m extremely willing to do so!" Ren Baqianughed softly and ced two barrels down.


    There were two barrels of which, one contained ammonia and the other contained silver nitrate, which were specially used to create the silver mirror reaction.


    As for the other things, they could be obtained in this world but might me a little troublesome to procure.


    Nevertheless, this world must be educated on the basic physics and chemistry concepts. Otherwise, many things could not be done. Not everything could be directly brought from Earth.


    As Ren Baqian visited Yangxin Pce Hall every day, he knew where the wine was kept. He directly headed to get the wine jug and cup, before pouring one cup of wine for the empress.


    Seeing that the empress drank the wine in one gulp, Ren Baqian filled her wine cup to the brim once again.


    "Apany me to drink!" the empress ordered.


    Ren Baqian poured himself a cup, tipped it back, and gulped the wine. It was as if a knife slid down his esophagus and entered his stomach.


    He went to the side, turned on hisptop and searched for a while before ying the tune "Canon".


    A slow-moving piano sound yed and a warm atmosphere spread in the hall.


    After drinking another cup of wine, Ren Baqian extended his hand and asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to dance? The dance that we saw at the restaurant yesterday."


    Ren Baqian was talking about what happened at the restaurant yesterday. The two of them witnessed the proposal of a man and a woman and everyone present gave apuse as their blessings. The restaurant also yed the same piece he was currently ying, "Canon".


    As they were ted, that man and woman danced along with the music.


    Up until now, Ren Baqian had yet to forget that memorable scene.


    The corners of the empress''s eyes were bent, and she was slightly moved. This piece of music could really stir up one''s emotion. She was also hesitant as she had never done anything like this before. Her status also made her feel that these things were not worth doing.


    Ren Baqian took a step forward and pulled the empress''s finger. "Why not try it out and see how it feels like?"


    The two stood facing each other. Ren Baqian and the empress appeared as if they were almost the same height as both parties could directly look into each other''s eyes.


    Ren Baqian ced one of his hands on the empress''s shoulder and another hand on her waist. The warm sensation transmitted through his palm and made his heart sway.


    This was the first time that he and the empress were so intimate.


    The empress felt a pair of men''s hands resting on her body, and she was slightly nervous, so much so, that she had goosebumps all over her body.


    She had never experienced something like that before. Apletely strange feeling impacted her heart.


    "Don''t be nervous, this is the first step, the second step, the third step..." Ren Baqian whispered to appease the empress.


    However, the empress became even more nervous. This kind of intimate action and the warmth of his hands made her feel as if there was an elephant rampaging in her heart. Her ears turnedpletely red as well.


    The empress felt that she had never been so clumsy before. The confidence of the fifth most powerful expert in the world was gone.


    Just at this moment, the empress lifted her head and looked over Ren Baqian''s shoulders. She saw Qing Yuan and Hong Luan with their mouths open wide and nk expressions


    The empress exerted some force as she became nervous.


    "BANG!"


    Ren Baqian immediately flew outwards and became stered onto the walls of Yangxin Pce Hall.


    ...


    When Ren Baqian woke up an hourter, he discovered that he was lying on a bed in Pingle Park. His entire body and head hurt to death, as if he had sustained some kind of serious injury.


    "Take a good rest now that you are awake. These next two days, don''t move about randomly," the empress said faintly while seated on a stool that wasn''t far away. After which, she hurriedly left the ce as if she was escaping.


    Ren Baqian wanted to touch his head but when he wanted to exert his strength, he felt a burst of pain on his back. This left him drenched in cold sweat.


    "What exactly happened?" Ren Baqian was unclear. What happened to him?


    After carefully recalling for a long time, he recalled that he had juste back from Mn with the empress. Then, he and the empress drank two sses of wine. Following which, he waspletely unable recall how he got into such a state.


    "Even if I drank too much, I wouldn''t feel like I have been trampled on by an elephant, right?"


    "What exactly happened?"


    After a long time, Ren Baqian finally managed to ce a hand over his head where there was a sharp pain. There was actually a huge lump there.

 Chapter 265: East Sea

    Chapter 265: East Sea


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    After lying on the bed for two days and consuming a ton of precious tonics, Ren Baqian could finally get out of the bed.


    Until now, he still did not know what happened. However, he did know what was wrong with his body.


    Cracks had appeared on his backbones and shoulder des, and he almost suffered a cerebral concussion. It was as if he got hit by a truck.


    But why would there be a truck in Yangxin Pce Hall.


    The only person who could do this to him was the empress. However, every time he asked the empress about this, her ears would turn red, and she would try to divert the topic.


    This made him even more curious about what happened that day.


    He reckoned that he might have been drunk and did something that infuriated her, causing her to p him. However, if that was the case, why would her ears turn red? She would only behave this way if she was shy.


    What exactly happened?


    In the end, he decided not to ask the empress anymore since she was not going to tell him. He reckoned that Qing Yuan and Hong Luan should know what happened, but they wouldn''t tell him either.


    He racked his brains but still couldn''te up with anything. He couldn''t believe a murder case almost happened just because he danced with the empress.


    Now that Ren Baqian could move, he asked someone to carry him to the empty plot ofnd beside the arena outside of the pce. Then, he discussed his n for the educational institution with the people from the Ministry of Works.


    He wanted to build a perimeter wall and a few houses. Three of the houses would be used as ssrooms, one would be used as a library to keep book collections, and one would be used as aboratory.


    However, he just wanted the three ssrooms to be built first. The rest could be built at ater date.


    After another two days, Ren Baqian could finally walk on his own. Even though his body still hurt, there was nothing seriously wrong with it.


    The medicines in this world were indeed unique, be it the ck mud cream or the medicine he took for his injury this time around.


    An injury like this would take at least a month on Earth to heal. After all, it was a severe injury.


    Upon their return to Earth this time around, they went to Spain and stayed there for three days.


    Actually, there was a ce in Spain that Ren Baqian had always wanted to go, the Nova Mar Be Beach in Barcelona. He had only witnessed its beauty and prominence online. He had always wanted to visit this ce but did not have the chance to do so. Firstly, he did not have the time. Secondly, the empress was by his side.


    Previously, the empress almost flipped a table when she saw girls in bikinis. Ren Baqian reckoned that he might be in deep trouble if they visited Nova Mar Be Beach.


    [Nova Mar Be Beach - a section of this beach is a nude beach]


    Ren Baqian felt that the phrase "Serves you right for doing something so stupid" was apt for this scenario.


    [This is amonly used Chinese Inte ng.]


    On the return from Earth, Ren Baqian brought back a set of ssboratory equipment and some glucose. Following which, he brought some imperial guards with him and headed for the ss factory immediately.


    As he reached the ss factory, a burly man quickly stepped forward and greeted him, "Sir Ren."


    This burly man was called Jiao Zuo. He had been working for the imperial family for a very long time. He was assigned to Ren Baqian when thetter requested some manpower from the empress.


    This man had apanied trade caravans to the Yun Nation and Great Xia several times before. He was also literate. Furthermore, it was extremely difficult to find an aboriginal that was this meticulous and prudent. He was an exceptional assistant for Ren Baqian.


    Of course, despite his good qualities, he still created a lot of trouble for Ren Baqian in the beginning.


    However, he had be much better recently.


    "How is the progress? Are you able to get rid of the color in the ss?" Ren Baqian asked after getting off fork-horned cow.


    "Sir, I was about to report this matter to you. The color in the ss has be much fainter than before. I believe we will be able to produce colorless ss soon." Jiao Zuo had a joyful look on his face.


    "Let me take a look." Ren Baqian nodded his head. After a while, he was led to a room where he saw a piece of ss. On the ss, there were still some parts that were in green in color. However, the color of green had indeed be much fainter than before.


    "Good job!" Ren Baqian nodded his head in approval.


    "It''s my duty," Jiao Zuo replied with a grin.


    "Have you made the mold that I asked you to previously?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I have already made it and I even tried to make a few sses." Jiao Zuo opened up a box and revealed a few drinking sses. They were ssic drinking sses and goblets, and they were also slightly green in color.


    "Sir, we will be able to earn a lot of money if we sell these sses in the Yun Nation and Great Xia," Jiao Zuo chuckled and said.


    Ren Baqian picked up two sses and took a closer look at them. Then, he shook his head and replied, "They are still slightly crude. The surface and the base of the ss are uneven. Redo the mold and choose the best craftsmen for the job."


    "Got it, Sir." There was a look of pity in Jiao Zuo''s eyes. He felt that the sses in the box were already not bad.


    However, Deputy Prefect still failed them.


    Following which, Ren Baqian took out a box containing a bunch of ssware. Then, he purposefully found a small room and did the silver-mirror test (Tollens'' test) on them.


    When Jiao Zuo saw the box of ssware that Ren Baqian had, he finally understood why Ren Baqian would fail the sses he made.


    The ssware that Ren Baqian took out were pure and transparent,pletely devoid of any blemishes. The ssware that they had made paled inparison to Ren Baqian''s.


    Ren Baqian went to the ss factory for the next few days in a row. Every day, he would do the silver-mirror test on that ssware in the small room. He would mumble strange words like "sodium hydroxide", "silver nitrate", and "ammonia solution".


    asionally, he would kick the wall in frustration.


    "Ahh!" The imperial guards standing outside the room were already used to hearing Ren Baqian''s frustrated roars.


    No matter what Ren Baqian did in the room, Jiao Zuo tried not to let anyone into the room lest they disturb him.


    After several days and several failures, Ren Baqian finallypleted the silver-mirror test which most people couldplete in two hours.


    Ren Baqian looked at the palm-sized mirror with joy written all over his face.


    His chemistry teacher could rest in peace now.


    With the first sess, the subsequent attempts would be easier.


    Ren Baqian yelled for a few craftsmen and taught them how to make the silver mirror.


    That afternoon, frustrated roars resounded from the room once again.


    "Ahhhh!"


    "Why are you so stupid like pigs"


    "Sir, what are pigs?" someone asked.


    "I''m going back!" Ren Baqian walked out of the room in anger with veins popping out of his head.


    ...


    East Sea. On a dirt road outside of a shabby fishery vige.


    "Lu Pinghai should be arriving here soon, right?" a pretty-faced youth sitting on a horse asked. He was wearing a brocade robe.


    "That''s what I heard, Young Master," a middle-aged man carrying a spear on his back beside the youth answered.


    Traces of pity could be found in his eyes as he looked at the youth.


    He was thest descendant of the Yu family. Unfortunately, he was handicapped with regards to cultivation.


    Everything would change if he could get Lu Pinghai to give him the Spirit Yuan Pill. However, he did not know whether or not the thing he brought could make Lu Pinghai yield to his request.


    "I will definitely seed. Lu Pinghai will be moved by this thing, and I will get the Spirit Yuan Pill. Then, I will take back everything that has been snatched from me," the youth smiled and said. There was not a single tinge of doubt in his eyes. He had no doubt that he would seed.


    Everything that happened is a chance given to me by God to temper myself.


    I will definitely seed!


    I will seek revenge upon those who have looked down on me.


    "Uncle Ping, sorry to have troubled you these few years. If it weren''t for the fact that you wanted to repay the Yu family''s kindness, I''m afraid I wouldn''t have survived until today," the youth sighed and said.


    "It''s my duty," the man who was called Uncle Ping replied.


    "There must be a lot of people mocking you for staying with a bum like me. After all, you''re Earth Embryo expert," the youth chuckled and continued. If it weren''t for Uncle Ping, he wouldn''t have kept the inheritance of the Yu family.


    Uncle Ping merely smiled and did not say anything else.


    When the two arrived at the entrance of the vige, the youth halted his horse and took a closer look at the vige. "This is such a shabby vige."


    Then, he turned his head around and looked at the forest beside the vige. That was where Lu Pinghai''s best friend''s tomb was.


    Suddenly, Uncle Ping''s facial expression changed. "Young Master, be careful."


    Before he finished his sentence, he already appeared in front of the youth with lightning speed. He whipped out the spear from his back and deflected two sharp arrows that were flying in the direction of the youth.


    "Eh!" A gasp of surprise sounded out from the forest.


    Following which, two burly men that looked exactly like each other walked out of the forest. "You''re the third batch today."


    "Aboriginals!" Uncle Ping''s facial expression changed drastically. Their purpose foring here should be the same as theirs. It was quite obvious what they had done to the previous two batches of people.


    "You or me?" The two burly aboriginals looked at each other.


    "Rock, paper, scissors!"


    Uncle Ping''s face reddened with anger. After all, he was an Earth Embryo expert. This was first time that he was humiliated like this.


    "Come, if you can survive ten moves from me, I will let you off." One of the aboriginals stepped forward with a big smile on his face, looking as though he had won a prize. His gaze shifted to the broadback spear in Uncle Ping''s hands.


    It resembled the standard sabers that weremonly used in Dayao, but it was longer and thicker.


    "Young Master, step back!" Uncle Ping said in a deep voice. He trusted the aboriginal''s words. Aboriginals seldom went back on their word after making a promise.


    All he needed to do now was to survive ten moves from the aboriginal. He trusted his own capabilities and he felt that the aboriginal had underestimated him.


    He had a killer move that had never failed before. Everyone that had seen it was already dead. It was a pity that he had two opponents now. He could only use his killer move once.


    ...


    Two minutester, the burly aboriginal spat on the corpse of Uncle Ping.


    Following which, he killed the grieved youth with a single punch.


    Then, he dragged the two corpses into the forest.


    "Eh? What is this? It looks like something good." A voice resounded through the air in the forest.


    "Keep it and show it to General when we get back."

 Chapter 266: Molten Iron

    Chapter 266: Molten Iron


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    At the East Sea, an old man wearing green clothing came to a small fishing vige and stopped outside. The old man was only carrying a flute on his waist and a jar of wine in his hand.


    Looking at some of the dpidated viges, the old man''s eyes filled with emotion, nostalgia, and also memories of the fleeting years.


    In the twinkling of an eye, so many years had passed by.


    "I''m afraid that in a few years, this vige will no longer exist."


    The old man stood outside the vige for a long time before turning towards a small grove nearby. But, he stopped after taking a few steps.


    "Come out!" The old man called in a deep voice.


    As his voice died away, two men wearing clothes made of rough material came out of the grove in front. They had the same look, same height, were physically strong, bald, had rustic expressions, and gave the impression of being down-to-earth people from the mountainside.


    However, the long knives resting on their shoulders gave them an air of menace.


    "Eighth most powerful expert in the world, Lu Pinghai, we have been waiting for you for a long time." They both said in a low, muffled voice at the same time.


    Lu Pinghai looked at the two and his facial expression was motionless.


    The aboriginals seldom appeared in other nations, and these two specifically came here under someone''s order.


    "Her Majesty told us to get a Spirit Yuan Pill from you at whatever price or condition you want," the two continued.


    As expected.


    Lu Pinghai suddenly realized that the order was from Qi Zixiao.


    "Tell Qi Zixiao this old fellow doesn''t want anything, please go back," Lu Pinghai shook his head and said.


    "Her Majesty said that if you do not agree, she wille personally to find you," the two said in response. Actually, what the empress said was to kill him if he refused to give her what she required.


    But if they phrased it this way, Lu Pinghai would turn hostile on the spot.


    No matter what, he was the eighth most powerful expert in the world and was not easily threatened.


    "Then let Qi Zixiaoe and find me." Lu Pinghaiughed loudly. He passed through the two men without even looking at them.


    Although Qi Zixiao was the fifth most powerful expert in the world and, furthermore, had Hong Wu, the ninth most powerful expert with her, he was still not afraid of them.


    Being the eighth most powerful expert in the world, he was definitely confident of himself. They hadn''t fought before, who knew what would the oue be?


    Qi Zixiao was originally the seventh most powerful expert in the world, and didn''t she kill Hua Sanliu, who was ranked the fifth in the world?


    What''s more, it''s not as if he did not have any trump cards.


    "Lu Pinghai, you really want to offend Her Majesty because of one Spirit Yuan Pill?" The two turned around their hands already on their swords.


    "Although Qi Zixiao is powerful, I will not let her have my stuff just because she says so. Today, as a sign of respect to Qi Zixiao, I will let the two of you go if you do not act recklessly." Lu Pinghai grunted, swung his sleeve behind him and immediately the sleeve extended like a snake for a few meters. It directly wrapped around the sword hilts of the two men.


    "ng!" The two knives shed at the sleeves but could not ovee the force exerted by the sleeve on the knives. Instead, their two swords were directed towards their own necks.


    "Roar!" The two men bowed their heads at the same time. The two swords crisscrossed and shed towards the sleeves which were on the hilts of their swords. But, they shed their swords in vain.


    That sleeve was like a living thing and loosened from the hilts. It then hit the two men heavily on the chests, causing them to move backward involuntarily. They went backwards for seven to eight steps before stopping and vomiting fresh blood.


    "Eh?" Lu Pinghai snorted. These experts who had just attained the Spirit Wheel level could not even resist one strike from him, let alone being hit directly on the chest. But to his surprise, they were still standing over there.


    These two that were sent here were already quite powerful, the aboriginals must have a lot of experts.


    "To cultivate oneself is not easy, so today, I will let the both of you go," Lu Ping Hai said and disappeared into the woods.


    The two nced at each other and turned around to leave.


    Since neither of them was a match for their opponent, they had to go back and report Lu Pinghai''s rejection of their offer to the general.


    Lu Pinghai entered the woods and finally sat down in an open space.


    His old friend had lived here for several decades, and now he could not even find his grave.


    But, this was also fine as nobody would disturb him.


    By closing his eyes, he could visualize where he used to live.


    "I am back to see you..." Lu Pinghai opened the wine jar, took a mouthful, and poured some on the ground.


    ...


    Ren Baqian looked at the silver mirror in his hand and then at the smug looking craftsmen and Jiao Zuo. "How many days does it take for you to make a mirror? How stupid are you? Even the ck-faced guy is smarter than you!"


    ck-faced guy is another term for the wild boar.


    "Two days!"


    Ren Baqian looked askance at the craftsman who answered him.


    "Even one ck-faced guy could do the job given in two days."


    The few men shrugged their heads and quietly listened to the lecture. The row of big and strong men bowed their heads and stood like walls.


    Ren Baqian rambled on for a long time before he finally said, "Everyone gets a reward of ten taels of silver and the monthly sry will be increased by one level."


    Although these people were stupid to the point where it was beyond cure, they still managed to produce the silver mirror anyway. Scolding and rewards should be dispensed as warranted.


    "Thank you, Sir!" Everyone beamed happily.


    Ten taels of silver was equivalent to more than two months of their sry. Furthermore, their monthly sries were increased by one level and that was also quite a handsome sum.


    "Everyone, please take your leave." Ren Baqian let the craftsmen leave first before instructing Jiao Zuo on the important works to be done.


    The most important were the concave and t mirrors that would be used to make the sr furnace. After these tasks werepleted, the iron ore mining problem at Mount Damo would be solved. Only then could the iron ore be sent via trade caravans to other countries and sold for cash.


    In the following period of time, Ren Baqian would go to the ss factory in the morning, the pce at noon, and practice his martial arts in the afternoon.


    After the ss making and silver-ting issues were resolved, things went more smoothly. Although the speed of ss production was not fast, it was better than it was at the start. The proportioning of the materials was also affirmed, there were less problems and one weekter, there were enoughpleted concave and silver mirrors to fill two rooms.


    Following this, Ren Baqian brought people to the ss factory every day to make a shelf with square frames made of wood, the center of the square frames was made of rattan cane and was concave in shape to fit the mirrors.


    After which, the mirror would be affixed on it.


    A few dayster, during the afternoon, a group of about a hundred over people came bustling out of Lan City and went straight to the ss factory outside the city.


    However, they didn''t enter the newly built brick house but went to an open space by the side of the ss factory.


    There was a big wooden tform with a shelf on it, measuring six meters high and twelve meters wide. A row of concave mirrors was fixed on it and a dazzling white light could be seen from afar. It was difficult to open one''s eyes, and many people used their hands to block the white light from their eyes.


    The empress came down from her carriage, followed by six high ranking officials: Shi Qing, Zhe Kouhai, Tu Wan, Tong Zhengye, and Qin Chuan. As long as they were avable, they were pulled along by the empress.


    Everyone wondered why the empress asked so many people toe and what exactly they were going to see.


    At this moment, they saw the shelf and the concave mirror which disyed distorted images. Shi Qing, Zhe Kouhai, Tong Zhenye, and some others immediately knew what it was. It had actually been produced now, but they didn''t know whether it would be the same as described by Sir Ren. If it was, it would be a happy asion.


    The rest of the people were looking curiously at that big piece of mirror.


    "Isn''t that a mirror?''


    "I wonder what it''s made of, it doesn''t look like a bronze mirror and yet is so bright."


    "But the reflections are not moving and don''t look right. Look at the stones in the mirror, the images are distorted."


    "Hey, the images make people look short. What a joke."


    The empress looked at the big mirror in front and sized it up for a moment. Afterwards, she told Ren Baqian, "You can begin."


    Ren Baqian was very rxed, he had spent a lot of time building this. Now, it was the time for him to showcase it.


    He hoped those idiots didn''t mess things up.


    After greeting him, thirty guards who normally served him ran to the side to carry thirty mirrors that measured two meters high by one meter wide. Then, they ced the mirrors on the ground, facing the direction of the shelf.


    Following which, some people carried a four-meter-long iron bar which was as thick as the circumference of a bowl, and ced it standing upright on the ground.


    Ren Baqian walked in front of the row of thirty t mirrors. He adjusted the angle of one of them, reflecting the sun rays to the concave mirror on the shelf and then the focused beam of light from the concave mirror-reflected to the top of the iron bar.


    As he adjusted the angle, the rest of the people followed suit and started to adjust the mirrors. From time to time, he helped everyone adjust the mirrors.


    Initially, many people looked at him, but with the empress, Shi Qing, andpany fixing their eyes at the top of the iron bar, more of them directed their eyes there and wondered what they would see.


    But at once, they got the shock of their lives.


    The top of the iron bar suddenly burst into mes without any cause.


    One had to know that this was an iron bar. No one was blind, and they were certain that it was an iron bar from the heavy footsteps of the guards that had carried it over as well from the effort it to erect. But, how could an iron bar catch fire?


    Even more surprising things were happening, the top of the iron bar not only caught fire but was also melting, and the red-hot liquid iron flowed down the bar.


    Very soon, the tip of the iron bar was missing a portion.


    Not only was it shocking for those who saw it for the first time, even Shi Qing andpany were also surprised.


    The previous time, it was just a disk of light which burnt a hole in a steel knife.


    This time, it was the melting of an iron bar as thick as the mouth of a bowl, and the difficulty was ten to one hundred times more.


    Therefore, several people who witnessed this personally were astonished.


    "Your humble servant congrattes the empress and Dayao. This is a great contribution from Sir Ren, and Dayao shall not need to worry about theck of iron for the next one hundred years," Shi Qing happily announced loudly.


    After he opened his mouth, everyone reacted and one after another, and they congratted the empress.


    Although they didn''t know what was happening, they could see for themselves the melting of the iron bar, which was as thick as the girth of a bowl.


    In that case, Mount Damo could continuously be mined for fine iron, and they would no longer face the problem of a shortage in supply for the army. This was definitely a joyous asion and very good news.


    Ren Baqian contributed the most to this project, and in the eyes of many people, his status was elevated by a few levels.


    Earlier, the empress did mention something about letting him run a school and ordinary disciples without innate talent from each family could be sent in. Nobody took it seriously, and many people didn''t even consider it.


    When the empress askedter on, they would say even though their disciples were not talented enough, putting their heart into martial arts training was enough.


    However, based on what they saw at present, this guy really possessed some abilities.


    Those families might as well send the ordinary disciples to the educational institution to try it out and see what they could learn.

 Chapter 267: I Have Acrophobia

    Chapter 267: I Have Acrophobia


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On the second floor of a restaurant near Beihong District, a group of young men and girls were seated around two tables. There were more than ten of them.


    "Have you heard? Her Majesty wants to set up an educational institution," a tall and strong sixteen-year-old young man said while drinking some wine.


    "It is led by that Ren Baqian!" another young man added.


    "Humph!"


    It was a young girl that snorted. She was roughly seventeen years old and looked pretty and elegant. Following which, she mmed her wine cup on the table.


    The rest looked at her and sniggered openly.


    This girl was called Liu Yueyao, also known as Yao Zi. She was the girl that got the worst of it during the Great Hunt. She was mocked by Ren Baqian and was eventually chided by everyone.


    Subsequently, she received ten strikes of whips and was grounded for a month.


    Initially, she wanted to find an opportunity to seek revenge. However, after staying at home for a few days, she heard a news that caused her to be dumbstruck. That glib gigolo was actually chosen by Her Majesty to be her husband.


    She could not understand why Her Majesty would fall for thatd.


    Not only was Her Majesty the empress of Dayao, she was also the seventh most powerful expert in the world. Moreover, her looks were so beautiful that she could bewitch countless men. Liu Yueyao couldn''t believe such a great beauty would choose that kind of man as her husband.


    This news almost made her break everything in her room.


    As time passed, her hatred for Ren Baqian did not decrease the slightest bit. Instead, she hated him even more now.


    Every time she heard news of Ren Baqian, she would be annoyed.


    However, the rest did not really care about how she felt. In any case, they were already talking about the educational institution.


    "What does one learn in an educational institution?" There were a lot of people that wanted to know the answer to this question. After all, this was the first educational institution in Dayao.


    "It should be the same as Great Xia''s. Literature, mathematics, art of war,w, etc.!" someone said with confidence.


    "Maybe it even teaches ssics too," someone joked.


    "That might be possible," someone added.


    ssics was the generic term for several doctrines that were passed down from ancient times. These doctrines were mainly focused on teaching one ethics and virtues. They also contained teachings on the rtionships between human beings, the society and the nature.


    ssics were viewed with great importance in the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation, and Great Xia. However, the aboriginals had all along disliked this field of study, let alone these sons and daughters of court officials.


    In Dayao, violence was the solution to everything.


    Even though there werews in ce, most people still preferred to use violence.


    Everyone dropped this topic after having a short discussion about it. These youngsters spent most of their time practicing their martial arts and ying with their friends. asionally, they would meet up to discuss things that happened in Lan City. They at most read only a few books at home.


    Actually, none of them really cared about the educational institution. To them, this was just a casual discussion.


    Furthermore, they knew they wouldn''t be selected to enter the institution.


    They understood that only those gifted and extraordinary individuals would be selected.


    ...


    Ren Baqian was sitting in Yangxin Pce Hall, holding a list of names that the empress had just given him. It contained the names of students that were submitted by the court officials.


    "Shi Gan... is he the grandson of Great Elder?" Ren Baqian casually asked when he saw the first name.


    "It''s his youngest son," the empress replied inly.


    "Pfff! Great Elder is really young at heart!" Ren Baqian gasped in surprise.


    Great Elder is roughly seventy to eighty years old, right? This list states that Shi Gan is only twelve years old, which means Great Elder had him him when he was roughly sixty to seventy years old! Respect!


    Ren Baqian continued to read the list. Then, he saw a familiar name.


    Tong Lan, ten years old.


    "Huh? That girl is not gifted?" Ren Baqian had a shocked look on his face. This ten-year-old girl made him realize why the flowers were so rosy, how was she not gifted then?


    "Tong Lan is rather gifted, at least she is more than her grandfather," the empress said.


    "Didn''t I request for ungifted good-for-nothings?" Ren Baqian pointed at the name list with doubt.


    "Tong Zhenye said that they are still young and they can use the two years inside the institution to find their ymates," the empress said as she threw a grape into her mouth.


    Ren Baqian was speechless. Are you treating this ce as a kindergarten?


    However, after thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that it was a great chance for him to seek revenge on Tong Lan. After all, he had suffered so much in her hands.


    A gentleman would take revenge on anyone, of any age.


    The notion of letting off a pretty lolita had never existed in Ren Baqian''s mind before.


    One isn''t a gentleman if he refuses to seek revenge when it''s necessary.


    A great man has to be ruthless.


    I have to keep in mind these words of wisdom.


    "Hehe..." Ren Baqian grinned. The empress cast a nce at him and rolled her eyes. She most probably knew what Ren Baqian was thinking.


    However, Tong Lan was very shrewd as well.


    She might be one that tormented Ren Baqian in the end.


    Ren Baqian looked through every name on the list. There was a total of thirty-one students, more or less within his expectations.


    He was the only teacher, and he could only teach so many students.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian started speaking again, "Can we get a few students from themoners'' families? They can be teachers of the institution in the future."


    After all, the students they had now were sons and daughters of court officials. In the future, they most likely would be court officials as well.


    He couldn''t possibly be teaching them forever, right?


    "That''s a good n!" the empress nodded her head. "But have youe up with a name for the educational institution?"


    "Blue Sky Academy!" Ren Baqian had a serious look on his face.


    When the empress began to raise her eyebrows, he quickly corrected himself, "I''m just joking, it''s New Eastern Academy."


    Upon seeing an aura of death exuding from the empress''s eyes, Ren Baqian corrected himself once more, "Actually, I''m joking again, let''s call it ck Bamboo Academy. I came up with name because I saw a few ck bamboos in the bamboo forest just now."


    Upon hearing this name, the empress looked slightly satisfied. She continued eating her grapes and ignored Ren Baqian.


    "There''s still a month to go before the new year, right? Are there any activities for the new year? We will start the enrolment for the educational institution after new year then," Ren Baqian asked. He still did not know how Dayao celebrated the new year.


    "There isntern grabbing!" The empress replied and exined, "In the past, it was apetition among the members of a stronghold or between two strongholds. It''s opened to youngsters below 20 years old, and the victor of the event will be rewarded. Those who have performed well will be able to gain the favor of the girls in the strongholds as well. If you want to participate in it, I will grant you a special permission to do so. If you perform well, I might even give you a reward." A smile appeared upon the empress''s face when she mentioned that she was going to give Ren Baqian a reward.


    "What are the rules?" Ren Baqian bolted upright upon hearing the empress''s words.


    "A frame will be set up and antern will be hung on top of the frame. Each group will have ten members, and the members can be chosen at will. Whoever gets possession of thentern first will win." The empress''s eyes were smiling.


    "Don''t tell me the participants are allowed to attack each other?" Ren Baqianughed dryly.


    "Of course they are allowed to do so, this is a great opportunity for everyone to showcase their skills," the empress replied with certainty.


    "Forget it then." Ren Baqian immediately turned down the idea of participating in the event. He couldn''t even defeat a ten-year-old lolita. He would surely die if he participated in the event.


    "Don''t you want to hear my reward for you first?" The empress''s tone contained a rarely seen tinge of yfulness, causing Ren Baqian''s heart to throb.


    However, his brain was like a rattle drum that stopped rattling immediately. "A true man will never go back on his words."


    Since the empress had put it this way, he knew it was definitely something not good. Only a fool would jump into such a huge pit.


    "I can give you a kiss!" The empress''s voice suddenly became as soft as a mosquito''s. However, Ren Baqian could still hear it loud and clear.


    Hearing these words, Ren Baqian raised his head abruptly and looked at the empress. At this moment, her face was slightly blushing. The shy look on her face made Ren Baqian feel as though there was a piledriver in his heart.


    Ren Baqian put on a stern look on his face. "I feel that, death befalls us all but some die for a good cause while some die for a bad cause. For Your Majesty, I will die with no regrets."


    Following which, he changed his tone and put on a helpless look on his face. "It''s not that I''m not willing to participate in this contest. Actually, I have acrophobia and I don''t dare climb too high up above the ground. Even though deep down I''m suffering, I have no choice but to give up on participating in this event."


    The empress flicked her wrist and flung a te of fruits at his head.

 Chapter 268: Little Fist Hammering Your Chest

    Chapter 268: Little Fist Hammering Your Chest


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: Book_Hoarder


    On board a ne flying from Tokyo to Shanghai, Ren Baqian looked at the empress who had been throwing tantrums for a few days, which was extremely unusual. He sighed lightly. "I will just participate in thatntern-grabbing contest. Even though I am seriously afraid of heights, but a man''s got to do what a man''s got to do."


    The empress nted her head and red at him before turning her head back to look at the scenery outside.


    The empress had been throwing tantrums for a few days already. She didn''t speak a word and rolled her eyes whenever she looked at him.


    It wasn''t like that reserved empress at all.


    This was the first time such a situation urred with the empress. At first, he thought that it was pretty fun seeing the empress like that. But after some time, it wasn''t that fun anymore.


    Actually, Ren Baqian had somewhat guessed that the empress was having her period these few days.


    Because the empress asionally exposed the extremely feminine side of her, which was very abnormal whenpared to the past.


    It was eptable that most other women throw tantrums all the time. There were always a few days in every month that they behaved abnormally with a terrible temperament.


    And the empress was reserved most of the time. She would asionally behave abnormally every month and was very feminine.


    The more Ren Baqian thought about it, it was actually very possible that she was having her period now. As the saying goes, there has got to be a devil behind anything abnormal, and there has got to be blood shed for a woman being abnormal.


    Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand. It was very soft and warm. The "Pow!" and the pain that he had expected didn''te, and that made him feel more relieved.


    Over the past few days, he had asked people about thentern-grabbing contest and had some understanding of it.


    Just like what the empress said, thentern-grabbing contest would be performed in groups of ten.


    Of which, nine of them would be protecting the captain.


    And, participating teams could also attack other teams. Even though they were not allowed to be too brutal, there would be people injured every year. It was fortunate that the aboriginals were burly, and there usually weren''t any cases of death.


    Another rule was that all participants were not allowed to use weapons, but they could wear armor. They would usually wear things like leather armor, which wasn''t exactly very useful but provided some protection.


    This sparked off an idea in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    Since armor is allowed, there will not be any limitation as to whether it is leather or metal armor right?


    He could put on self-made full body armor fitted with steel spikes, making himself simr to a hedgehog and see who dared to touch him.


    When the timees, all he had to do was to bump around in the crowd.


    It''s decided then.


    When the nended, Ren Baqian led the empress by her hand, and they were freezing like dogs the moment they stepped out of the ne cabin.


    They had just returned from Hawaii and made a flight transfer in Japan. They had specially bought two thick coats, but it was still unbearably cold when they came out.


    "So cold!" Ren Baqian tightened his clothes with one hand and held the empress''s hand with the other as they followed the flow of the crowd and moved forward.


    However, they had finally made it back.


    It had been almost half a year. When they fled overseas, it was during the end of August and the beginning of July. At present, it was already thest day of December and the next day would already be the start of a new year


    "Mr. Ren!" They were held back the moment they left the airport.


    The other party was a man in his mid-thirties, and he was apanied by a man and woman.


    "I''m surprised that someone is here to wee us, such treatment is a little out of the norm." Ren Baqianughed. "You look pretty familiar, we seemed to have met before."


    "Yes, I was shot with a gun by Mr. Ren before." His face was full of hidden bitterness.


    "Just kidding! Don''t take offense. I actually highly respect people like you who work for the nation." Ren Baqian immediately knew who that was. Heughed and promptly brushed the matter off.


    The three of them gave him the side eye.


    Respect?


    I''m sorry, I don''t see that at all.


    "This way, please." The three of them stopped talking any further.


    There were two cars waiting for them outside. Ren Baqian and the empress boarded the car at the back, and the middle-aged man sat in the front passenger seat.


    Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand throughout the journey. He wasn''t prepared to let go until he had gotten the "Pow!". He had intended to hold her hand until the next year.


    After two hours, the car entered an underground carpark of a tall building before they all got down.


    When they entered the lift, the empress looked down and saw Ren Baqian still holding on to her hand. "Pow!"


    "It is slightly rougher than the previous time, and a little rounder. I may have grown fattertely." Ren Baqian replied with a conscientious look as saw his hand swell like a pig trotter.


    The three of them looked at him with their side eyes and indescribably felt that they had been showered with public disy of affection.


    There were already people waiting when they got out of the lift. Around six men and women, all wearing suits, waited by the lift entrance. A rather enthusiastic person said, "Mr. Ren, Miss Qi, the both of you have finally returned."


    Those who didn''t know the previous events would have thought that the two of them had gone abroad for an investigation.


    The other party was a newly established department and backed by a tremendous research team. They were prepared to research the things that Ren Baqian had brought with him.


    The following half of the day was spent discussing the details of some coboration matters.


    The previous time was just preliminary opinions by both parties, and this was the formal one.


    First of all, Ren Baqian couldn''t be as willful as he was previously. He had to abide by the nation''sws at least. The nation was governed byws, and these couldn''t be broken just because he was someone of a special status.


    Ren Baqian didn''t have any objections on this. If he hadn''t originally been provoked, he wouldn''t have gone and caused trouble.


    But, Ren Baqian actually requested for two different identities in the secret department. One of which was the department that Chen Shi was in. It would be easier for him to settle some things in the future and could at least negate some trouble if he were to meet with problems.


    The other party initially wanted to give Ren Baqian and Qi Zixiao a titr post in the military, but Ren Baqian rejected it. If that was the case, the both of them would have been bound by the nation.


    Following that, they supplemented some details regarding the coboration.


    For instance, how they were going to allocate the findings when the things that Ren Baqian brought were able to produce results from research.


    In short, the nation still ounted for the bulk of this research. But, Ren Baqian had the right to know. It wasn''t justifiable that he would be kept in the dark if the research produced results for the things that he brought. Furthermore, he could use some of the findings and turn them into business applications.


    Both parties did some supplementation to some details.


    For this matter, it wasn''t possible for Ren Baqian to engage awyer for advice and such. It was all on the basis of what he deemed fit. For some matters, he didn''t even know if he was losing out or if it was favorable towards him.


    After half a day, both parties were aware of each other''s opinions and considerably resolved part of their objections.At the end of the discussion, Ren Baqian felt that even his brains were hurting. It was so much trouble talking to these people as it was all minor details.


    But, this was what had to be done.


    If they hadn''t made things clear, there was no telling what some people would do in the future.


    Especially ten, twenty, thirty yearster, there was no telling what the people in charge then would think.


    Most people would say that there was no need for so much consideration. But for Ren Baqian, thirty years on Earth was only fifteen years to him.


    Eventually, both parties agreed on a few memorandums. It was impossible for them to have a contract.


    And the empress just sat there in a daze throughout. She had no interest in such things at all.


    Thereafter, Ren Baqian took out some things that he conveniently brought over. A bottle of soil, a bottle containing a very prominent flower that was picked from the garden, and a piece of rock.


    Those things looked pretty ordinary, but they were the foundation of a world. They could perhaps, discover something different between Earth and that world from those things.


    The other party promptly arranged for somebody to store those things.


    "Mr. Ren, we will require something more special." The person speaking was Yang Sen, head of this new department called M87.


    M87 was a gxy located within the Virgo constetion. This name also implied another world. It could be inferred from this that some people regard paradise as a totally different world.


    Besides, in the theory of Taoism, paradise was located within the space of the great world. As a result, there were different kinds of connections between their world and ours. And because their existence was rtively isted, the paradise world had its very own unique time structure.


    Therefore, it could be said that paradise is another world of its own.


    But, Ren Baqian felt that the person who gave it that name must have watched too much of Ultraman.


    "Research must always start from the foundation. I also want to find out whether there are any differences in these fundamental things. I will bring some things over again after some time, and there will be something that you are looking for," Ren Baqian exined to them.


    "May we have a pleasant cooperation!" The other party nodded. Ren Baqian wanted to find out more, and so did the other party.


    Since Ren Baqian mentioned that he would be bringing in more things after some time, the other party epted it as well.


    "You can contact me if there is anything." Yang Sen handed a business card to Ren Baqian with no name written on it. "As long as it''s within my capabilities, I will do my best to help you resolve your problems. But that doesn''t include things that vite thew.""


    ...


    That night, Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand as they watched the 4D light disy in the skies of Waitan. The dazzling colors illuminated the bodies of every person. Around them were all youngsters and the bulk of the cold breeze had been blocked by the surrounding people.


    As time passed, the atmosphere in the surrounding grew more enthusiastic.


    "60 seconds, 59, 58.." As the countdown began, the year wasing to an end.


    Appropriate to the asion, Ren Baqian held both of the empress''s hands, and the pair stood facing each other.


    "10, 9, 8..." When it came to thest ten seconds, many couples around them were shouting loudly as they held hands or embraced each other.


    When it was thest few seconds, many people wanted to give a kiss as they stepped into the new year.


    Ren Baqian looked into the empress''s eyes. They looked at each other''s gaze and they were both a little shy.


    As the countdown "3, 2, 1" resonated throughout the crowd, Ren Baqian moved in with his lips. It was such a good opportunity. What if the empress was also influenced by the atmosphere! Ren Baqian plotted in his mind.


    The empress withdrew her body a little and subconsciously raised her hands, hammering Ren Baqian on the chest lightly.


    This action was very often seen on the television, and the empress had seen it many times.


    ...


    "Someone here has thrown up blood, call the ambnce quickly!" The surrounding people hurriedly called the emergency line.

 Chapter 269: The Worth of the Elongation Saber

    Chapter 269: The Worth of the Elongation Saber


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    "How does it feel like to have a girlfriend that''s extremely powerful in martial arts!" Ren Baqian did not know if anyone had considered this question before or not, but he certainly felt that he was qualified to answer this question.


    It''s somewhat like dating a road roller.


    A slight moment of carelessness will leave you ttened on the ground.


    This was a life-threatening dating experience.


    After a week had passed, Ren Baqian could finally get down from his bed. He felt a psychological barrier was setting itself up in his head.


    Fortunately, he had the medicinal ointment from the strange world.


    Until now, he still remembered the surprised look on Yang Shen''s face when thetter visited him in the hospital. Yang Sen did not expect to see Ren Baqian in this state.


    Two of his ribs and his sternum were broken, looking as though he was involved in a car crash. However, he was standing within a crowd at the Shanghai Bund at that point in time.


    The only person who could cause such injuries to him would be Qi Zixiao, who was always by his side.


    Hearing what happened to Ren Baqian, many people wondered if there was a conflict between him and Qi Zixiao or not. They also wondered whether this incident would affect the coboration. However, Qi Zixiao had been apanying Ren Baqian by his bedside with an apologetic look on her face for the past few days.


    Someone suggested that it might be domestic violence. However, no one rified this with Ren Baqian. They merely felt sorry for him when they thought of him.


    Naturally, Ren Baqian was too embarrassed to tell them that the empress merely thumped his chest shyly with her fist.


    However, he understood something after this incident. If he did not want to risk his life for this marriage and then cause the empress to be a widow, he had to increase his strength.


    For the past few days, Ren Baqian noticed something amiss with the empress''s attitude. Even though it wasn''t obvious, he could sense it.


    He also knew what the reason was.


    When he arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall, he saw that the empress was in a daze. He wondered what she was thinking about. There was a wine sk beside him.


    When the empress saw Ren Baqian, she regained her usual cold self. However, there was still a look of guilt in her eyes, resembling the look she had when she caused Ren Baqian to have cerebral concussion previously.


    She could control her strength well most of time, but Ren Baqian was really too weak. When she couldn''t keep herself calm and her emotions were running amok, she would identally cause grave injuries on Ren Baqian


    "Zixiao!" Ren Baqian stepped forward and held the empress''s hand.


    She withdrew her hand slightly, but Ren Baqian continued to hold on it.


    "One always needs to get used to certain things," Ren Baqian said gently as he held the empress''s hand between his palms.


    In his mind, he added, "Not including getting severely injured."


    "Don''t worry, let nature take its course and things will be fine."


    "I worry that I will have to personally buried you in the garden one day," the empress replied somberly. Her voice sounded slightly cold and her words sent chill down Ren Baqian''s spine.


    Ren Baqian knew that she was feeling guilty and was hence trying to resist him for the fear of hurting him.


    In other words, she was fearful.


    For the past few days, the empress had felt confused. She did not know what was happening to her. This was the first time she had such a feeling, and she was slightly dejected because of it.


    It was just like the feelings she had previously...


    The first time she felt excited, the first time she felt as though her heart was getting rammed by an elephant, the first time she felt guilty, and the first time she felt fearful...


    "I believe you can control your strength. Look at this hand, it''s so beautiful, tender and warm. It makes me want to hold it forever. Even though it possesses great strength, it is not used to hurt anyone or anything," Ren Baqian continued to hold the empress''s hand while speaking in a very gentle tone.


    The empress continued to let Ren Baqian hold her hand. Her heart was beating faster and faster.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian bent down and gently kissed the empress''s finger. As though she was struck by lightning, the empress''s body shuddered slightly.


    Her ice-cold face melted like snow.


    Ren Baqian felt that the sess rate of him kissing the empress''s hand without any retaliation from her was very high at this moment.


    However, that did not mean he could do something stupid.


    Before reaching the level of Man Wheel, Ren Baqian felt that his body still couldn''t withstand a single hit from any aboriginal.


    It was better that he doesn''t do anything too risky.


    "Don''t think too much." Ren Baqian straightened his back and smiled. "It''s time for us to set off now, I''m sure many people are waiting anxiously for us."


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian and wrinkled her nose. Then, she let out a soft "humph".


    She sounded like a small girl that raised her head in pride.


    When Ren Baqian heard this, he knew the empress had regained her usual self.


    After a few hours, Ren Baqian and the empress appeared in that same building again.


    "Mr. Ren''s injuries recover very quickly." Yang Sen looked shocked. It had only been half a month and Ren Baqian looked as if he had fully recovered.


    "Do you want to do a more thorough checkup?"


    "No!" Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    Don''t try to trick me, I don''t want to be your test subject.


    Yang Sen was slightly disappointed. Since both parties were still in the initial stage of the coboration, they were still wary of each other.


    "What happened to those things that I brought you previously?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Following which, he was given a stack of printed reports.


    "Basically, theirponents are simr to Earth''s. However, we have discovered many new microorganisms. Some of them died after we extracted them out from the soil and some changed in nature. We will need more time to find out more things," Yang Sen gave a simple exnation.


    "However, the content of iron and calcium in the soil is very low. On the contrary, the content of titanium and potassium is very high."


    Ren Baqian could tell that Yang Sen cared a lot about the progress in this area. He was able to blurt out the information with ease.


    After scanning the stack of reports, Ren Baqian ced them back on the table. "Let''s go to theboratory and take a look. You will be very interested in the thing that I brought this time around."


    Ren Baqian was very confident. That was because he brought along the Elongation Saber this time around.


    After all, their coboration had just begun, and he had to showcase to them something heavyweight.


    Even though there were many valuable things in that world, for example, anything from the kirin''s body or the Cloud Crystal, he still chose to bring the Elongation Saber after much consideration.


    The Elongation Saber''s characteristics were what that made it valuable. Its ability to grow at the user''s will was enough to make one amazed. Ren Baqian had no use for it, but the nation would be able toe up with many valuable insights by studying it.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian also wanted to know if this saber possessed any secrets or not. He simply did not have the resources or the time to study it.


    Therefore, he chose to bring it to Earth and let the nation study it. Maybe the nation coulde up with something beneficial.


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s words, a look of joy appeared on Yang Sen''s face. The things that Ren Baqian brought them previously were indeed slightly different in nature from Earth''s, but they weren''t really valuable.


    One had to know that they were interested in the existence of paradise.


    Therefore, things like soil couldn''t satisfy them.


    Under thepany of Yang Sen and two security guards, Ren Baqian and the empress boarded the lift to the basement. This building had severalboratories above the ground.


    However, the most important areas were located in the three levels beneath the ground.


    After exiting the lift and passing by two more gates, they were greeted by the color of green. It was as though they had entered a forest. Above them, there was an azure sky.


    Ren Baqian noticed something wasn''t right and reached out his hand to touch the "forest". To his surprise, it was actually a wall.


    Since the forest was a fake, he reckoned that the sky was fake as well.


    Simrly, the empress touched the "forest" and subsequently did not care about it anymore. She thought she was surrounded by ss.


    "This is a new technology, it hasn''t beenunched onto the market yet," Yang Sen exined simply.


    Following which, they arrived at aboratory. Theboratory contained rooms made up of reinforced ss, various types of equipment, andputers,pletely different from what Ren Baqian had expected.


    After taking a nce at theboratory, Ren Baqian had some understanding of it.


    Right now, there were thousands of talents from various fields in thisboratory. They could conduct various projects at the same time. There were also thousands of supplementary employees, including security guards, cooks, secretaries, assistants, etc.


    Currently, it was one of the top-notchboratories in the country. They hadpleted most of their projects and were preparing to study the things that Ren Baqian brought from "paradise".


    However, they could only study the handful of soil, a flower, and a piece of rock for the time being. Hence, most of them were idle now.


    Very soon, Ren Baqian met the person-in-charge of theboratory. It was an old man that had grizzled hair. He immediately asked Yang Sen, "What did he bring this time around?"


    "This is Elder Lu, he is quite aplished in the field of biology. He is also one of the persons-in-charge of thisboratory," Yang Sen introduced.


    "This is Mr. Ren and this is Miss Qi. Mr. Ren has brought something here."


    "Let me do a checkup on both of you!" Elder Lu''s eyes lit up upon hearing Yang Sen''s words.


    "Actually I have brought something for you to study." Ren Baqian shook his head and took out a sheathed saber.


    "What is this?" Elder Lu stared at the saber and asked.


    Yang Sen immediately thought of it as some legendary weapon.


    Ren Baqian unsheathed the sabre and cut his arm with it, letting the blood drip on the de of the saber.


    After cutting his arm with the saber so many times, Ren Baqian was already used to the pain.


    As Ren Baqian jolted his mind, the saber in his hand suddenly grew from thirty centimeters to sixty centimeters in length, giving Elder Lu and Yang Sen a scare. They still thought it was a switchde.


    Following which, it grew to one meter long. It was purely growing from the handle of the saber.


    Yang Sen''s eyes were lit up brightly.


    Ren Baqian took out the ck mud cream and applied some of it on his wound. In an instant, his wound began to close up and heal.


    "This is called the Elongation Saber. You can see its function for yourself, it can grow in length after absorbing blood," Ren Baqian said to Yang Sen and Elder Lu.


    However, Elder Lu was staring at Ren Baqian''s arm. "What medicinal ointment did you use?"


    "ck mud cream. I already have aboratory studying and developing it and it''s going to hit the market soon," Ren Baqian replied inly.


    Even so, Elder Lu was still very interested in it. This cream was tightly linked to the field of biology.


    Then, he shifted his gaze to the saber in Ren Baqian''s hand. "It can grow in length by absorbing blood? Can it be shorter?"


    Ren Baqian jolted his mind once more and the Elongation Saber shortened to its original length. "You can adjust its length with your mind. Also, as time passes, it will slowly return to its original length."


    "The length of this thing can be adjusted with your mind?" Elder Lu was shocked.


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s words, Yang Sen''s eyes were as bright as a pair of lightbulbs. His breathing had be heavier as well.


    Elder Lu''s lips were trembling. Previously, Ren Baqian brought them a handful of soil. This time around, he brought them such an incredible item.


    "Yes." Ren Baqian then gave them a brief exnation of the Elongation Saber.


    "Let me try it," Elder Lu said. This saber was made up of a metal that could grow and shrink at will, clearly disying its worth.


    The amount of blood Ren Baqian bled and the amount of growth the sabre had were disproportional in mass,pletely defying thew of conservation of mass.


    Moreover, the length of the saber could be adjusted using mind power. If they could unveil the science behind its characteristics, they could unleash a huge impact on the modern world


    For example, they could apply it to piloting a ship, a ne, or a car, stopping and moving forward at will.


    Or they could also apply it toputers. Using his or her mind, one could insert whatever he or she thought of into aputer without having to type it out.


    They could also apply it to the technology of virtual worlds.


    There were so many areas they could apply it to...


    To Ren Baqian, this Elongation Saber wasn''t really useful for the time being. However, to the technologies on Earth, it was a key to a treasure trove which contents could shock and change the world.

 Chapter 270: That’s Right, Do Whatever That Pleases You

    Chapter 270: That��s Right, Do Whatever That Pleases You


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    After Elder Lu received the Elongation Saber and struggled for a long time, surprise filled his face. "Why isn''t there any reaction?"


    "How can it be!" Ren Baqian took the Elongation Saber back. Along with his mind power, the saber was able to lengthen and shorten, grow and shrink, as well as advance and retreat...


    "Let me try!" Yang Sen took the sword over. After which, he struggled for a long time as he kept repeating the word, "grow...grow..."


    But after a long time had passed, there was still no reaction at all.


    This time, there was something amiss among everyone''s gazes.


    Ren Baqian pondered, could it be that only people from the other world could use it? But, he was an Earthling. Then, he stuffed the Elongation Saber into the empress''s hand as he wanted to see if there would be any changes or not.


    Dozens of secondster, the empress lifted her hand and threw the saber back to him. "Only you are able to use it."


    "This thing also has the ability to recognize its master?" Ren Baqian was astonished as hepletely hadn''t expected that.


    Not only Ren Baqian was surprised, but everyone else was also surprised.


    The ability to recognize its master, what did that signify? In what aspect did this saber ally with Ren Baqian? Or did this saber actually have its own thoughts?


    For the former, only one key could open one lock, by what means did Ren Baqian control this saber? As for thetter, could it be that this saber was alive?


    "It seems that this knife can only be used by me. I will bring back the things that you all require in a few days time." Ren Baqian stuck the saber back into the scabbard. Even though this knife was a little useless, only he was able to use it, and nevertheless, it still made him feel pretty good.


    "Leave this saber behind, we still need to conduct some experiments on it." Elder Lu promptly grabbed Ren Baqian''s arm.


    Even though Ren Baqian was the only one who could use the saber, the research value of it was nevertheless immense.


    Ren Baqian thought it over and felt that it would be good for them to research on the saber. This was so that he could see if there were still any hidden secrets. "Don''t break it by all means. If you break it, don''t expect anything else from me."


    Elder Lu held the saber with both hands, and he instantly disappeared to shout for a few researchers. Ren Baqian, who was left behind, couldn''t be bothered anymore.


    At present, the most important goal was to study the secrets of this saber.


    The saber was temporarily left in theb. After which, Ren Baqian and the empress immediately left and returned to SY, the haunted house where several people died.


    At the very least, the majority of the people in that building believed that it was a haunted house.


    When Ren Baqian appeared at that neighborhood, a few people were stunned for a while before their expressions changed drastically. After Ren Baqian left, they hurriedly called the police, "Hello, 110? I saw that murderer-cum-fugitive!"


    Several police officers were stopped just when they were dispatched to that neighborhood. After all, Ren Baqian''s arrest warrant had already been revoked.


    However, this case left such a deep impression on the police officers��particrly that slip of paper that Ren Baqian had left as a note. As soon as they heard the news of his return, they immediately flew into a rage and wanted to arrest him.


    After getting a reminder, only then did they recall that he wasn''t a fugitive anymore.


    To date, many people still couldn''tprehend what was going on. The crimesmitted by that individual were practically conclusive. In addition, the impact was so great and so bad, how could it be that his arrest warrant was revoked?


    "Look at it!" The people who had stopped them just now threw a piece of paper at them. The content on the paper was regarding the issue mentioned above.


    In the notice, Ren Baqian took on a new lease of life, became a staff of a certain secret department, and the Jin Family had been involved in a series of crimes....


    In fact, it wasn''t necessary for this notice to be sent out. However, they were afraid that some people might create trouble for Ren Baqian. Judging from how Ren Baqian handled matters previously, ultimately, it might not necessarily set off any storms...


    They might as well specifically notify everyone about it.


    "In future, as long as he doesn''t vite anyws, just let him be." In the end, that police reiteratedthis point again.


    ...


    Ren Baqian stood in front of the door, looked at the new lock on his door and then at the key in his hand. He was somewhat speechless as he couldn''t even enter his own house.


    He made a call to Chen Shi and asked where the keys to the new lock were ced. After which, he opened the door to his house.


    The entire house was full of dust, and the living room was filled with shopping bags that were purchased during their trip to Mn.


    Ayer of cloth, which seemed to be his own bed linens, covered the shopping bags.


    Ren Baqian called the housekeepingpany, and the other party was very surprised upon receiving his call. He exined that he wasn''t a fugitive anymore, stated that it had previously been a misunderstanding and that he was actually a government employee. The other party immediately promised to arrange for someone to go over and tidy his house up. In addition, the housekeeper would bring along a new contract as well.


    The empress stood there with a slight frown. As she flung her sleeves, the dust in the entire living room seemed to be blown by a storm. In an instant, nobody could be seen at all.


    Upon sensing something amiss, the Queen zoomed out of the room in a blink of an eye, leaving Ren Baqian to be baptized by theyers of dust in the room.


    "Cough, cough!" Ren Baqian covered his nose. From head to toe, it looked as if he just made his way out from a pile of coal.


    He turned his head to look at the empress.


    The empress was looking at him innocently.


    After waiting for an hour, the housekeeper who promised toe immediately had arrived. At present, the house was much dirtier than before. The walls and ceilings were full of dust. If they were to raise their voice, the dust would probably fall off from above.


    Half an hourter, Ren Baqian who had taken a shower and changed into a set of new clothes, dragged the empress to the supermarket to purchase ingredients, as well as sweets and wine for her.


    "Anything that I can help you with?" Ren Baqian asked a young woman who suddenly stopped in front of him.


    Twenty-eight years old, wearing a police coat and a ponytail in her hair, she looked very neat.


    The woman took out a police badge from her pocket, "Police. I am just warning you, don''t offend me. Don''t assume that whatever you did is over."


    "If you think I did anything wrong, you can arrest me." Ren Baqian stretched both hands out and smiled at her. He then took a nce at her identification. She was called Lin Mu.


    "But, my arrest warrant has already been revoked, am I right? Nobody else came but you. If it isn''t because of righteousness, that must mean that you have some kind of connection with the Jin Family?"


    "I can tell you that one of them was my aunt. What did she do wrong? She has never harmed anyone and actually died in this murderer''s hands." Lin Mu fumed with rage between gritted teeth. "The most important thing for a family is to beplete. Is this what you left behind? You murderer! You should be shot to death. Even though I don''t know what kind of background youe from that could actually get your arrest warrant revoked, it doesn''t mean that the previous issue is over."


    "Hah, the Jin Family havemitted so many crimes, why didn''t you arrest them? What wrong did the people, who were harmed by Jin Family do?" Ren Baqian ridiculed her. You appear to be very righteous, but in actuality, you are just bullying the weak and are afraid of the strong. Maybe, you became a police officer because of the Jin Family'' connections, and as a result, you couldn''t handle them. In that case, are you seeking revenge now?"


    Speaking all this, Ren Baqian bent his body slightly so that he could look straight at the other party''s eyes. He then spoke softly, "Take a guess, if you are dead, will there be anyone to take revenge for you?"


    Lin Mu was so angry that she shivered all over. "Do you really think that you can do whatever pleases you? You are threatening the police, beware that I''ll arrest you now."


    Ren Baqian nodded his head seriously, "That''s right, I can do anything that pleases me."


    "You..."


    Ren Baqianughed as soon as he finished speaking.


    Such a self-righteous, provocative, neurotic woman, not interesting at all.


    "Looks like you came to threaten me? I forgot to say that I''m a government employee now. However, you aren''t qualified to know my specific identity because what I am in charge of is ssified information. As for the previous question, you should have asked the Jin Family when they were still alive. Can the rich and powerful do whatever pleases them? I''m sure that they would have given you an answer." Ren Baqian grinned, turned to pull the empress, and directly walked past that young woman, leaving her behind as she gritted her teeth in anger.


    "You are very silly!" The empress was somewhat discontent as Ren Baqian actually wasted so much time on someone unimportant.


    "It''s just a matter of teaching her reality. What''s more, I hate this type of self-righteous person."


    The conversation between the two was heard by Lin Mu, causing her to almost crush her teeth into pieces.

 Chapter 271: Eighteen Million Catties

    Chapter 271: Eighteen Million Catties


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Ren Baqian did not really care about the policewoman. However, after seeing her, he wondered what happened to the Jin family after he fled.


    After returning to his car, Ren Baqian gave Chen Shi a call. He should understand more about this matter.


    Ren Baqian found out that after he escaped, the Jin family descended into a chaos. Since the leaders and all their next-of-kin had died, the remaining members of the Jin family fought an epic battle over the inheritance.


    At that point in time, some surviving members of the Jin family did think about seeking revenge. However, before they had the chance to do so, the police eradicated them and pursued their past misdeeds.


    After all, the Jin family did not have a clean background. Given the severity of this incident, the police conveniently brought up their past misdeeds and arrested them.


    Of course, there were also some people that contributed to their downfall in the dark.


    After making the call, Ren Baqian felt at ease and dropped this matterpletely. The Jin family had fallen into pieces and could no longer create any trouble for him.


    After returning to that strange world, Ren Baqian did not have much going on for the next few days. asionally, he would visit the construction site for the educational institution. The foundation of the three brick-made ssrooms had already been built. Ren Baqian would ask the person in charge to add whatever ideas he thought of to the construction blueprint of the institution.


    For example, swings, pavilions, a moat to direct the water from a nearby stream into thepound of the institution, etc., etc... Ren Baqian spent the rest of his time cultivating or receiving one-on-one tutoring from Tong Lan.


    Every time he was thrown to the ground by Tong Lan, he would remember that a man once said, "When my background music is turned on, I am invincible!"


    Ren Baqian happened to be theplete opposite of that man.


    "When my background music is turned on, I will never win!"


    Ahhh, such a painful revtion!


    Teleporting between Earth and the strange world, his cultivation progress still remained very slow. However, the amount of force that he could exert had already increased to roughly 2200 newtons.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian was approaching the bottom of theke. He could no longer see the surface of theke, and he reckoned that he was not far away from thekebed.


    Touching thekebed would imply that he hadpleted the Visualization of Water and had attained the level of Man Wheel.


    Achieving this level would bring about qualitative changes to one''s body.


    After attaining the level of Man Wheel, his entire body would undergo some changes, indicating that he had taken an important step forward.


    In Great Xia, only one in one thousand practitioners could attain Man Wheel, and only one in one hundred Man Wheel practitioners could attain Earth Wheel.


    These two ratios had an important implication.


    The level of Man Wheel was an extremely important stage in cultivation.


    Early in the morning, Ren Baqian washed himself up. He shaved his head revealing a clean scalp.


    He even shaved his mustache.


    Following which, he took a cold bath. Then, he picked up Gungun, which had been hugging his legs, and threw it onto Tiantian.


    Tiantian and Gungun had been recently sent to Pingle Park. Ren Baqian missed them a lot and told the empress of his request. Subsequently, she asked someone to send the two little chaps to Pingle Park.


    When Ren Baqian arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall, the empress was reading a book.


    "Your Majesty, do you want to go back to Earth with me? You will get to experience our Chinese New Year''s celebration and home-cooked meals." Ren Baqian was standing beside the empress. He ced his weight onto the wooden couch as he tried to see what she was reading.


    "You are going home?" the empress straightened her back and asked. Conveniently, she mmed the book on his chest.


    "Yes," Ren Baqian replied, nodding his head. It had been a very long time since hest visited his family. If it weren''t for the empress, he would have gone back and visited them a long time ago.


    "I''m not going," the empress rejected him tly.


    Hearing these words, Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. Even though the empress treated him quite well, given her temperament, she still treated other people quite coldly.


    Furthermore, given her dominating aura of ultimate power, ordinary people would be terrified of her.


    Ren Baqian knew this because a vacuum would appear around her region whenever she exuded her aura, causing people to not dare to near to her.


    If he really brought the empress back to his family''s house, he was afraid that there might be many awkward moments.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian felt that it was not yet the right time to bring the empress back to his home.


    However, it was still up to the empress whether or not she wanted to go back with him. From the look of it, the empress really did not want to go with him.


    "The sr furnace should be reaching Mount Damo, right?" Ren Baqian asked. It had been half a month since the sr furnace was sent to Mount Damo. Because the escorts were delivering mostly ssware, they had to be extremely careful, but they should still arrive at Mount Damo in half a month''s time.


    "ording to the original n, it should arrive tomorrow," the empress replied. Previously, she had already received the news regarding it.


    Using yiniao, she should receive the news sometime today.


    After all, she and Ren Baqian weren''t the only ones paying close attention to this matter. There were many imperial officials that cared about it as well.


    This issue could affect the entirety of Dayao. The Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and everyone else awaited news.


    ...


    Mount Damo. Tens of craftsmen were busy fixing pieces of parabolic mirrors to an enormous frame. In the distance, a group of people watched them with excitement.


    "This thing can melt Mount Damo?" Gu Xiong, the overseer of Mount Damo''s mine, looked at those workers and asked. After hearing the words of those who brought the sr furnace here, he felt incredulous even until now.


    "You will seeter." This voice belonged to Tao Jiyuan. He followed along to Mount Damo this time around.


    Naturally, he heard a lot about this sr furnace from those people who saw what Ren Baqian did. He also heard Feng Hu talking about it before.


    He heard that it could use sr energy to melt iron.


    However, he was unsure of the exact details.


    The workers were busy fixing the parabolic mirrors to the frame, looking as though they were piecing together a puzzle.


    Half a day had passed before the craftsmen had finally finished fixing the parabolic mirrors to the frame. Following which, they took out some t mirrors and began adjusting their angles.


    Eventually, all the mirrors were able to reflect the sunlight to the sr furnace, which in turn directed the sunlight to a half-a-meter-square area on the body of Mount Damo.


    Everyone focused their attention on that area, trying to see what would happen.


    In less than two minutes, they saw that area turn red, emitted smoke, and then burst into mes.


    Three minutes had passed, and molten iron began to flow down the wall of the mountain.


    "Sess!" The person who cheered was the leader of the craftsmen, Peng Ze.


    Following which, the rest of the craftsmen cheered as well.


    They had finally seeded after working so hard for so long.


    Everyone else stared at the molten iron flowing down Mount Damo with shock in their eyes. The sr furnace actually worked...


    Previously, the method of burning the mountain had already increased the output of iron several times. With this gadget, the output of iron could be increased up to hundreds of times.


    Subsequently, those craftsmen began to set up the second sr furnace. The number of parabolic mirrors they brought allowed them to build three sr furnace. At the same time, someone was teaching Gu Qiong how to adjust the angles of the mirrors and the frames.


    After all, they couldn''t melt just one area of the mountain.


    The craftsmen also ced metallic boxes below the mountain to collect the molten iron.


    Even though the molten iron would heat up the metallic boxes, it wouldn''t cause them to melt. After all, the temperature of the molten iron kept on decreasing as it flowed down the mountain. Some molten iron had even cooled downpletely, forming iron stctites down the side of the mountain.


    These iron stctites could be easily broken off with a hammer.


    Two hours had passed. A total of one thousand catties of molten iron and iron stctites that were broken off were collected.


    A sr furnace could be used for six hours in a day. Due to the position of the sun in the sky, sunlight couldn''t always be reflected off the t mirrors into the sr furnace.


    However, six hours alone were enough to produce three thousand catties of iron.


    With three sr furnaces, a total of nine thousand catties of iron could be produced.


    Excluding the cloudy days and rainy days in a year, there was at least 200 sunny days. This implied...


    Tao Jiyuan sat on the ground, not caring about his image anymore. Having only ten fingers, it took quite a while to calcte the amount of iron they would have in a year.


    "Eighteen million catties of iron!" Tao Jiyuan''s lips trembled when he arrived at this number.


    This number truly terrified him. When the others heard this number, they began to shudder in shock as well. Gu Qiong''s face reddened, looking as though he was drunk.


    One had to know that Dayao produced less than ten thousand catties of iron per year in the past.


    With the sr furnaces, the amount of iron that could be produced now was equivalent to one hundred years'' worth of thebined output of iron from Mount Liucui and Mount Damo in the past.


    This number was truly scary.


    With enough manpower and sunlight, this number would keep on increasing.


    If a saber needed twenty catties of iron to forge, they could now forge one hundred thousand sabers in a year.


    One had to know that the main reason why Dayao had one hundred thousand soldiers was that they did not have enough weapons. Among themoners, a saber could even be a family treasure.


    When the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue got ahold of this news, all three Ministries broke out into amotion. Themotion was so loud that everyone on the streets could hear them. Tong Zhenye''s and Qin Chuan''sughtersted for exactly one hour.


    Even though they had seen Ren Baqian disy the might of the sr furnace before, they were still amazed. They never expected it to be so powerful.


    That night, Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan hosted a banquet for their subordinates at House Yunyan. In the end, the banquet became the Ultimate Battle of Brothels again.


    And just like before, Tong Zhenye got thestugh once again.


    When the empress first got hold of this news, she was stunned. Following which, a look of joy appeared on her face. With this output of iron, Dayao could forge two hundred thousand weapons in two years.


    They might not even need to forge so many weapons. As long as they could forge fifty thousand weapons, they could train an additional fifty thousand soldiers. They could assign thirty thousand soldiers to the Protectorate of the North and ten thousand soldiers to the Protectorates of the Southeast and Northeast each.


    Even if Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation attacked Dayao together, she did not need to worry about them anymore.


    The empress was feeling very excited. She stood up and paced around the pce hall. She was thinking about the person that she could share her joy with, but he wasn''t here at the moment.


    ...


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian still did not know what was going on.


    Even if he knew, he wouldn''t be as happy as the others.


    Eighteen million catties of iron were merely nine hundred tons of iron. This was still far from the amount of iron that the Tang Dynasty could produce in a year.


    This number paled inparison to the output of iron on Earth as well. One had to know that China produced 1100 million tons of iron in a year. Nine hundred tons of iron was not even enough for a small city to use.


    However, this was still an immense improvement to Dayao.


    At least Dayao''s weapon reserve would no longer be controlled by other nations.


    All along, Dayao never had ack of powerful soldiers. The only thing theycked was weapons.

 Chapter 272: Celebrating the Chinese New Year

    Chapter 272: Celebrating the Chinese New Year


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    After Ren Baqian stopped his car in his neighborhood, he went into a daze for quite some time.


    It was impossible for him to return home with mixed emotions.


    However, after fleeing abroad and making a trip back home, his emotions were somewhat stirred.


    At this time, many children were setting off firecrackers; others, sticking couplets and hangingnterns.


    Although the celebratory atmosphere of the Chinese New Year has faded over the years, in this neighborhood, however, that the atmosphere of Chinese New Year was still going quite strong. This might be due to the vast number of elders living here.


    Not longter, Ren Baqian''s phone began to ring. Once the call connected, he heard his father yelling, "Why are you standing there in a daze and noting up? Did your girlfriende along?"


    Ren Baqian''s parents were extremely concerned with regards to that woman, who was with Ren Baqian even when he was a fugitive.


    "No!" Ren Baqian only said one word before he was interrupted by his father, "Then hurry up and help me paste the couplets up."


    Ren Baqian raised his head and saw a silhouette passing by the house''s window.


    It seemed that Papa Ren had been waiting over there all along.


    Ren Baqian got down from the car, gathered the things inside, and carried them upstairs.


    Before he could knock the on the door, Papa Ren had already opened the door and got up to let him in.


    Mama Ren hurriedly came up to Ren Baqian and inspected him from head to toe. "You have be tanner! Did you go through a period of hardship?"


    Speaking about hardships, Ren Baqian was helpless and miserable. He felt that he had gone through a lot of hardships, such as being thrashed single-handedly��and both-handedly��by a Lolita. He was also hung and beaten up by that Lolita. In any case, he had been given a beating once every two days.


    In addition to that, there had also been the asional hammering of the empress''s fist, which always left him severely injured as well.


    Indeed, he had suffered a whole lot.


    At present, Ren Baqian had confirmed that the first serious injury he sustained was caused by the empress. It was just that he couldn''t recall why it happened...


    As for him getting tanner, it was because of the intense sun rays in Dayao. Instead, it would be weird if he didn''t get tanned.


    He put the things down, spread his hands and said, "Look at my face, does it look like I suffered? My main aim was to go on a scenic tour of Europe and take a look at the scenery outside."


    "You actually gained some weight, how heavy are you now?" Papa Ren sized up Ren Baqian and casually asked.


    "160 pounds..." Recently, Ren Baqian had bulked up quite a bit. It wasn''t obvious while he was clothed, but when he undressed, his entire back was filled with muscles.


    "In the past, I used to eat at home every day and didn''t gain weight. On the contrary, I gained weight after going overseas this time..." Mama Ren was full ofints with regards to Ren Baqian not being able to gain weight during the times he used to eat at home.


    "There are many junk foods in Europe, and there was a variety of high calories food every day. Fortunately, I have recently been working out daily. Otherwise, I wouldn''t even look like this."


    "You still have the cheek to talk about working out? You still have the mood to work out? Do you know how worried we were?" Mama Chen prodded Ren Baqian''s forehead as she spoke.


    "I was assisting the nation." Ren Baqian supplemented his response, "Your son is now a government official."


    "Eh?" Papa Ren and Mama Ren were a little astounded.


    "Just a staff member in a certain department, there is no danger. I''m responsible for some simple things only," Ren Baqian said.


    "How about your business?"


    "It''s not affected. This post is actually a part-time job, and I just have the identity of an official."


    "Is there such a good thing?" Papa Ren and Mama Ren felt that it was a little unbelievable. It was hard to even secure a position as a government employee, but he could actually do it part-time.


    "This time, I have brought some things back for all of you." Ren Baqian opened his bag and took a wooden box out. "This is the product that ourpany will soonunch, it''s the ck jade intermittent cream. If any of you get wounded, just smear the ck mud cream over the wound and it will heal immediately."


    [ck jade intermittent cream - used in Jin Yong''s wuxia novel and has the same effects as the ck mud cream in this story.]


    "Pooh!" Mama Ren spat. "I have read the new Jin Yong''s novels. This rascal is getting out of line."


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and didn''t tell his mum that Jin Yong and the new Jing Yong were two different people.


    [Jin Yong and the new Jin Yong are both China top-notch authors, the former born in 1924 and thetter born in 1964]


    It was said that the new Jin Yong was pretty awesome. As long as it was a book written by him and his name was printed on it, no other authors wereparable to him.


    "The name of the medicine hasn''t been settled yet. However, the efficacy is true. As long as you smear this cream on any injury, there will not even be scars. Keep it properly."


    "The other things are clothes that I bought for you. Try it on whenever you all are free. I thought we were going to paste couplets? Where''s Wannian?" Ren Baqian curiously asked. It was the eve of Chinese New Year, yet he wasn''t home.


    "It seems like he has a girlfriend. They were high school ssmates, I reckon that they will get tired of each other in a while." Mama Ren was somewhat dissatisfied as she felt that it was too early for him to date during his freshman year in university.


    "Not bad, otherwise a good cabbage will be destroyed by a pig." Ren Baqian nodded.


    [Ren Baqian is saying that a good girl would be "destroyed" in the hands of his brother.] After which, he suffered a blow from the [Six Arteries Divine Sword].


    ([Six Arteries Divine Sword] is a martial art from "Demigods and Semi-Devils", a wuxia novel.)


    "I nearly forgot to ask, what''s the name of your girlfriend? Where is she from? Why didn''t you invite her back?" Mama Ren''s eyes were bright and full of expression.


    "She''s lives in another part of the nation and needs to celebrate Chinese New Year with her family too." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    "What''s her name? What is she working as? During the time when you were in Europe, why was she there too." Ultimately, Mama Ren didn''t let him off.


    "Her surname is Qi and her name is Zixiao. She is also a government employee and is my superior. Remember I still have that part-time job? That''s the one." With great difficulty, Ren Baqian finally dealt with all his mum''s questions and went to the corridor to paste rhyming couplets as well as the word "Fu".


    [During Chinese New Year, most Chinese would paste the word "Fu" which signifies good fortune.]


    Ren Wannian returned home around 2 p.m.


    Ren Baqian was sitting on the couch talking to his father. He was telling him about the things that he saw and experienced during his Europe trip. Of course, he excluded many things that weren''t suitable for children. For example, the fact that he created a lot of sachima that were drenched with tomato sauce.


    Based on what he said, he was basically enjoying a scenic tour in Europe.


    Of course, in reality, it was almost the same.


    During the meal, Papa Ren and Mama Ren asked a bunch of questions about his girlfriend again. The questions included what her Four Pirs of Destiny was as well as how her family situation was. All these questions gave Ren Baqian a headache.


    [The Four Pirs of Destiny - Chinese astrological concept that a person''s destiny or fate can be divided by the two sexagenary cycle characters assigned to their birth year, month, day, and hour.]


    The Four Pirs of Destiny, the other world didn''t even have anything like that.


    As for her family situation, her grandfather was the founding emperor and absorbed in cultivating to be an immortal. Ren Baqian didn''t even know if he was dead or alive. Her father, who was thete emperor, was also absorbed in cultivating to be an immortal and disappeared after he was seriously injured.


    Can I say all these? If I dare to say it, will you all dare to believe it?


    The family spent the first day of the Chinese New Year together. On the second day, Ren Baqian began to wander the streets and visited his friends and rtives.


    After something happened to him, his rtives were really good. Nothing melodramatic happened. Instead, they helped Papa Ren and Mama Ren make some inquiries.


    In order to rify things, Ren Baqian had to pay visits to others. Then, he would conveniently mention his identity as a government employee.


    It made his family feel that he was simr to 007.


    [007 �C the codename of James Bond of the James Bond franchise]


    After all, he escaped with a record of killing over ten men and returned half a yearter as if nothing happened. This made it hard for people not to have doubts over what he said.


    As far asmoners were concerned, Ren Baqian was already considered a legendary character.


    Ren Baqian declined toment. If he were to reveal his girlfriend, he would be able to carve the word "legendary" on his forehead.


    Even if he didn''t reveal his girlfriend, Mama Ren already helped him to do so.


    Now that Ren Baqian''s business had seeded and he became a government employee with the five insurance and housing fund, there were many people who wanted to introduce marriage partners for him.


    Then, Mama Ren showed them the Moments that Ren Baqian had uploaded, and there wasn''t any sign of people wanting to introduce marriage partners anymore.


    "Brother!" Ren Wannian stealthily moved to Ren Baqian''s side.


    "Does sister-inw have a younger sister?"


    "No, get out of here." Ren Baqian pped the back of his head.

 Chapter 273: The Eve of Leveling Up

    Chapter 273: The Eve of Leveling Up


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    After staying with his family, enjoying the reunion, and receiving all kinds of looks for a few days, Ren Baqian returned to Dayao.


    After changing his clothes, Ren Baqian went to Yangxin Pce Hall with a bag. The bag contained dumplings, red braised pork, and eggnts with meat filling that his mum made.


    The empress was slouching in the sofa watching Noble Aspirations. She was also holding a packet of tomato-vored potato chips in her hand.


    [Noble Aspirations is a 2016 Chinese xianxia Romance television series based on Xiao Ding''s best-seller novel Zhu Xian.)


    Upon seeing Ren Baqian arrive at the pce hall, the empress cast a nce at him and then ignored him. She was watching the television series with great attention.


    "Your Majesty, I have brought you some dumplings. They are homemade and you definitely have to try them." Ren Baqian raised up the bag in his hand.


    The empress pointed to the lead character on the screen. "I always feel that ugly men like him look like girls."


    Following which, she cast a nce at Ren Baqian and then looked at the pretty-faced character on the screen.


    Even though the lead character looked very simr to a girl, Ren Baqian wasn''t much better than him. Fortunately, he had be slightly muscr now, which made him look slightly better.


    When Ren Baqian just arrived in Dayao, he was frail and skinny. His waist had been smaller than some aboriginals'' arms.


    As for his facial appearance, it was best not to talk about it.


    "Three sr furnaces have been set up at Mount Damo, we can produce 3000 catties of iron per day now," the empress told this good news to Ren Baqian. She was still feeling very happy about it even though it had already been a day.


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian was the only person that she could share her joy with.


    "They have done a good job!" A look of joy appeared on Ren Baqian''s face as well. Even though the output still paled inparison to the modern world''s, it was still a good start given Dayao''s mining foundation.


    With a surplus in the amount of iron Dayao had, he could start making other things as well.


    For example, steam engines?


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian and the empress were lying on the sofa, each at one end. Both of their positions were oddly identical. They were both hugging their legs.


    The empress realized Ren Baqian was imitating her. Without batting an eyelid, she grabbed a potato chip and threw it at him.


    After the previous incident, both of them subconsciously kept a distance from each other. Ren Baqian was really too weak, and he couldn''t withstand any injury.


    A slight touch from the empress could cause a severe injury to Ren Baqian.


    He was like a piece of beancurd.


    However, such a yful action was naturally quitemon.


    Both of them were also alright when it came to such yful actions.


    The next day, Ren Baqian resumed his daily routine.


    Practicing his martial arts and getting beaten up. At the same time, he had an additional job of preparing the teaching materials for the educational institution. After all, the first day of school was arriving soon.


    Dayao''s new year was in three weeks'' time, and the students would be reporting for school soon after.


    While preparing the teaching materials, Ren Baqian realized being a teacher was not easy.


    The students in Dayao were different from him when he was young. In the past, he did not have a choice. He had to learn what was taught to him. Furthermore, he took examinations on these subjects all the way till college.


    However, these things were new to Dayao. He needed to pique the students'' interests and captivate their attention.


    Ren Baqian was going to teach the studentsnguage, mathematics, physics, and chemistry for the time being.


    Among these four subjects,nguage was the easiest. All he needed to do was to teach them how to read and write. He also prepared to introduce simplified Chinese characters to this world.


    It was absolutely necessary to teach these students mathematics as well. Aboriginalmoners still needed to use fingers to do addition and subtraction for single-digit numbers. For problems involving double-digit numbers, they had to resort to guessing to obtain the right answers. Every aboriginalmoner faced this issue.


    The imperial officials weren''t any better than themoners. They could do simple addition and subtraction. Any math problems that were slightly moreplicated than this would cause them to scratch their heads in doubt.


    Only the people from Ministry of Revenue had mastered division and multiplication techniques for double-digit numbers.


    This world had zero understanding of physics and chemistry.


    Of course, everyone knew that punching a rock with bare hands would hurt. After all, they did know that a rock was harder than their bare hands. This was a no-brainer.


    No one tried to understand physics on a deeper level.


    These fundamental cornerstones were necessary in transforming Dayao into a feudal society in which the material needs of most citizens were adequately met.


    No matter how powerful an aboriginal was, without knowledge, he or she only knew how to kill someone and destroy something. He or she couldn''t do anything to build the society.


    Other than carrying bricks.


    Dayao had thousands of Spirit Wheel aboriginals to carry bricks. All of them could carry a thousand of catties'' worth of bricks while running as fast as flying.


    ...


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian was surrounded by darkness. He could only see a tinge of lighting from above his head.


    He waspletely surrounded by water. The immense pressure was crushing his body. Every single part of his body bore an enormous amount of pressure.


    Thest trace of air in his lungs had escaped.


    Ren Baqian knew he was going to surface soon.


    However, he still tried his best to dive downward, even if it was just a little bit of progress.


    At this moment, his fingertips suddenly touched something, causing his entire body to tremble.


    There was absolutely nothing in thiske, not evenly a stalk of seaweed. This was the first time he touched something in thiske.


    "Could it be thekebed?" Ren Baqian was filled with ecstasy.


    Does it mean that he had reached the doorstep of Man Wheel?


    Suddenly, he lost his strengthpletely and he cked out. Following which, he returned to the real world, and his entire body felt an extreme fatigue.


    After Ren Baqian woke up, he touched his body but couldn''t feel any changes.


    Right now, the maximum amount of force he could exert was 2500 newtons. His current strength level was built up from scratch.


    His strength and speed did not seem to have changed much from yesterday.


    "Perhaps I haven''t reached the level of Man Wheel?" Ren Baqian was slightly confused now.


    He left his room and asked someone to prepare the medicinal bath for him.


    He was still pondering over the issue as he entered the bathtub. The level of Man Wheel was like a mountain pass. After attaining this level, he should be able to feel some changes.


    It seemed that he had not attained the level of Man Wheel yet. He decided to cultivate again at night to see what would happen.


    After having his medicinal bath, Ren Baqian left the imperial pce with some imperial guards and headed for the ss factory.


    The end of the year was near, and the number of people in Lan City had increased significantly.


    Many men and women wearing animal-skin-made clothes were shopping in Lan City for salt and fabrics to bring back to their strongholds in the mountains.


    They also brought a huge number of fur-based products from the mountains. Most of them even brought wild animals that were caught alive and tied up.


    Ren Baqian saw two persons carrying a tree trunk that had a sharp-toothed tiger tied to it.


    Other than this, Ren Baqian also saw many unknown products and wild beasts that only existed within the depths of the mountains. For example, oddly shaped horns and unknown birds kept in cages.


    Apanied by a unit of soldiers riding on cows, Ren Baqian headed straight for the ss factory. Upon arriving there, Ren Baqian was led to a house by Jiao Zuo. There were many wooden chests ced neatly in the house, giving off a sweet scent of wood.


    Ren Baqian stepped forward and opened up a chest. Inside the chest, there were sparkling and transparent drinking sses. Dry grass was stuffed between each drinking ss to prevent them breaking when they were being transported elsewhere.


    Ren Baqian was used to seeing ssware and hence he did not feel anything when he saw these sses. However, when Jiao Zuo saw these sses, a look of pride radiated off his face.


    After all, these were made by him and the other craftsmen.


    Then, Ren Baqian opened up another chest. This chest contained silver mirrors that were standing upright. All of them were circr in shape and were embedded into wooden disks.


    After checking all the chests, Ren Baqian nodded his head with satisfaction.


    These items were the goods that would be sent to the other three nations soon.


    The amount of gold, silver and gemstones in the imperial pce''s treasure vault could only buy him three months'' worth of medicinal ingredients at most.


    Even though a new batch of gold and silver would send to the treasure vault at the end of the year, it was for the next year''s expenses. These expenses included the sries of the imperial guards, pce maids, and all the other employees in the imperial pce. It also included the empress''s daily expenses.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian''s future training necessities would have to depend on this batch of goods.


    It was the end of the year, and the two imperial-pce-owned trade caravans had already returned. Ren Baqian could send this ssware byway of these two trade caravans to the other three nations at the start of next year and make those nations pay back part of the huge profits they cheated from Dayao in the past.


    "Every craftsman shall receive ten taels of silver and every apprentice and odd-worker shall receive three taels of silver. You yourself shall receive twenty taels of silver. Tally up everything and tell me the total amount of silver needed. I will ask someone to send the silver to you as soon as possible so that everyone can have an abundant new year," Ren Baqian said inly after closing up the chests and left the house.


    "Sir, you''re wise and brilliant! It is our good fortune to be able to work under you!" Jiao Zuo immediately said.


    "What a talent!" Ren Baqian redefined his impression of Jiao Zuo.

 Chapter 274: Advancing to Man Wheel Level

    Chapter 274: Advancing to Man Wheel Level


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    That night, Ren Baqian entered the [Visualization of Water] again. Theke was still lifeless, slightly misty and had a few trees surrounding it.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t wait to plunge into theke. He swam to the middle of theke and dived down for ten, twenty, and then finally, thirty meters. The pressure was increasing and the surrounding was getting dinner.


    However, his condition was much better aspared to earlier and his heart was on fire.


    When his fingers touched the objects at the bottom this time, Ren Baqian still had some air left in his lungs.


    Based on his experience, he couldst a dozen seconds more.


    These days, he was keenly aware of the situation of his body before he dived.


    Due to theck of oxygen in his lungs, Ren Baqian had begun to experience a burning pain. He put all his mind on his hands and touched all over the surrounding area.


    It wasn''t the mud that he envisioned, but rather, what felt like stones at the bottom. One of his hands felt something protruding out. But, before he could carefully probe it again to figure out what it was, he suddenly woke up feeling very tired.


    "What a pity, I just missed by a bit." Ren Baqian thought.


    "But I missed it by just a little, I certainly can do it tomorrow." Ren Baqian tried to wave his fists but didn''t have the strength and went to sleep immediately.


    The next day, Ren Baqian dived to the bottom of theke once again and directly searched for the object he touched the day before. He finally touched it, and it seemed to be a stone ring.


    When he woke up from the [Visualization of Water], he felt somewhat unwilling as he was so close to sess.


    That stone ring was thrown down? Could it be pulled open? Is there anything below? Ren Baqian pondered.


    There was no record of this stone ring in the [Ruyi Visualization].


    "I can certainly do it tomorrow!" Ren Baqianid on the bed and waved his fists.


    On the third day, Ren Baqian came out from the [Visualization of Water] with an unwilling look once again.


    "I can definitely do it tomorrow!"


    On the fourth day, Ren Baqian was lying on his bed aftering out from the [Visualization of Water].


    "Damn it!"


    On the fifth day, "Son of a bi*ch!"


    ...


    The progress over five consecutive days wasn''t much, and this led Ren Baqian to suspect that his method might be wrong.


    He finally came to this conclusion after pondering the concept of the cultivation of [Ruyi Visualization]. This [Visualization of Water] began with absorbing the effects of the medicinal bath which slowly strengthened the body. Besides increasing his energy, his physical strength was also much stronger than before.


    For example, he didn''t feel the slightest bit tired even after walking for a few hours.


    Diving into theke daily during the [Visualization of Water] was to subject him to mental pressure and, at the same time, influence the outer body. This was the process to bring out the potential of the body and promote the efficacy of the medicine.


    Right from the start, this point was the main reason for entering the [Visualization of Water].


    That stone ring was certainly not a riddle for him to y with, but for the same reason as before, it was to put his body under pressure and bring out the potential in his body.


    Now, since he had reached the bottom of theke, if he wasn''t mistaken, what he had to do was pull the stone ring out.


    At this juncture, Ren Baqian resolved to pull out the stone ring one day, whether it took one day, two days, or even longer.


    A few dayster, after returning from a trip to Earth, Ren Baqian continued his medical bath routine and pulled at the stone ring again. He pulled with all his might and finally felt the stone ring moving up a little.


    This raised his morale as he knew he was on the correct track.


    He managed to move the stone b below the stone ring slightly and it seemed like there was a door.


    Another day had passed, and Ren Baqian was lying on his bed cultivating the [Visualization of Water]. All of a sudden, his originally calm body started to tremble.


    Two hot streams started from his kidneys and flowed all throughout his body.


    Wherever the hot streams flowed, the blood vessels and the blue veins would rise, and the muscles would bulge as if something was moving underneath.


    With the heat flowing in his body, Ren Baqian was running a high temperature and turned red at the same time, as if he developed a fever. The temperature of his body quickly reached 40 degrees Celsius, but the heat couldn''t be discharged together with his sweat as his sweat pores were closed tightly.


    After a while, Ren Baqian''s head emitted gas looking simr to steam from arge kettle.


    If he was seen by someone on Earth at this moment, they would have thought they were witnessing the legendary "Three Treasures and Five Visceras".


    [Three Treasures and Five Visceras - terminology used in Taoist Neidan/internal alchemyNeidan, or internal alchemy, is an array of esoteric doctrines and physical, mental, and spiritual practices that Taoist initiates use to prolong life and create an immortal spiritual body that would survive after death]


    After a long time, the gas emitted from Ren Baqian''s head gradually decreased and his body temperature also dropped.


    Ren Baqian slowly awakened at this time.


    Soon after waking up, he didn''t feel like he had any breakthroughs or made any progress. His whole body felt as if he was totally exhausted. He was thirsty and tired, and his brain wasn''t clear. He only felt like having a good sleep.


    He struggled to get up and gulped three cups of water in a row. Then, he copsed on the bed and fell into a deep slumber.


    Afterwards, Ren Baqian was woken by his hunger. He couldn''t tell the exact time, and in any case, it wasn''t bright out yet. His stomach felt like it was on fire and all the cells in his body were crying out for food.


    He crawled out from his bed, quickly ran out of his house, picked up a bamboo shoot that had been prepared for Tiantian and Gungun and started gnawing on it.


    The two chaps were awakened by him. They found this rascal stealing their bamboo shoots and ambled around trying to grab it back.


    But at this moment, Ren Baqian''s eyes were shing green light. He was considering roasting them as he could smell the scent of meat.


    Sir Ren!" The guard outside was rmed by themotion inside, came in to look and saw Ren Baqian squatting there with prating green eyes.


    "Quick, bring me to the imperial kitchen, I am dying of hunger!" By this time, he had already eaten the second shoot, but it didn''t relieve his hunger at all.


    He knew what he needed, meat, and in great amount.


    When he reached the imperial kitchen, to his surprise Ren Baqian didn''t see any leftover food. What he saw were either raw vegetables or raw meat.


    While eating the fruits, he got someone to start the fire and then began to stew the meat.


    He fretted for three hours and ate through two pots of meat, which was about 20 catties worth. Only then did his hunger recede.


    Ren Baqian leaned against the wall while sitting on the floor and felt like cursing. He had encountered the same situation before, and it was the same for this breakthrough. For the next breakthrough, he must certainly prepare some food first. There should be at least a dozen catties of braised beef with soya sauce or something simr; otherwise, the feeling of debilitating hunger was too unbearable for an average person.


    After a good rest, the sky was already bright when Ren Baqian strolled to Pingle Park while picking his teeth.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian couldn''t adapt to his body. His body was much more rxed, his legs were floating, and his walking style was like doing a spacewalk.


    He tried it out when he went back and ran ten meters in the blink of an eye. His speed was much faster than before.


    If his running time for one hundred meters was thirteen seconds before, now, he only needed eight or nine seconds at most, and he felt he was not even exerting himself.


    The sudden change in his body was rather hard to adapt to initially.


    At the same time, his punching speed was also much faster.


    As for his strength, the increase was even more pronounced. When Ren Baqian went to Pingle Park and fiddled with the dumbbells, his strength had increased, and he could now exert 500 more newtons of force.


    Which was to say, he could exert more than 3000 newtons of force.


    The most improvement was in his jumping ability. He was able to jump over a two-meter-high wall with one thrust of his legs.


    Ren Baqian clenched his fists with a smile, this breakthrough had actually improved his body to such a great extent.


    He then asked the imperial bodyguard to help him test out other aspects of his abilities and discovered that his spatial vision and reaction were much quicker than before.


    For example, when he fought with Tong Lan previously, he couldn''t see her moves clearly and even when he could see them asionally, he wasn''t able to react fast enough.


    After this trial, Ren Baqian was excited throughout the entire day. He had finally advanced to the Man Wheel level and could be considered a practitioner. His strength had improved tremendously as well.


    Although his power had only improved from 250 kilograms to 300 kilograms, the extra 50 kilograms brought his power to the crushing level.


    Needless to say, his speed had increased by forty percent, his jumping ability had doubled, and his spatial vision and reaction improved by thirty percent.


    If he were topare himself now with what he was one day before, Ren Baqian felt that he could easily defeat three persons of his previous version.


    The improvement by thirty or forty percent didn''t seem like much, but the difference in end result was actually substantial.


    Compared to his ability one day before, he could see the movements which he couldn''t see previously. The attacking strikes he could not dodge before could be avoided now.


    The opponent''s point of view was opposite to his.


    Ren Baqian was smiling excitedly right until he was facing Tong Lan on stage in the afternoon


    He yed Justice League''s BGM "Hero''s Theme".


    With this majestic music ying, he imagined himself in a battlefield filled with smoke.


    Ren Baqian was boiling with indignation at the thought of being beaten by this little Lolita for so long. He could finally take revenge and emerge victorious today.


    Even if he was no match for his opponent, he should at least give her a fright.


    "Sir Tong!" Ren Baqian suddenly changed his expression, smiled and nodded in the direction of someone behind the little Lolita.


    Following which, he crouched like a leopard, charged at Tong Lan and attacked with his fists moving like shadows.


    The little Lolita was shocked by the faster than expected strike and was caught unaware.


    However, it was only for a moment.


    "Boom!"


    Ren Baqian arced across the stage andnded heavily on the ground.


    "Sigh, such is life!" Ren Baqianid on the floor looking at the dark blue sky and let out a long sigh.


    "Your strength has improved!" Tong Lan was amazed by the big improvement shownpared to the previous day.


    He had doubled his power by managing to parry four strokes instead of two.


    Ren Baqian opened his mouth to blow a bubble. Whatever happened, he had advanced from a level two rookie to a level three rookie.


    From this battle, he discovered that his defensive skills had also improved. The punch by Tong Lan to his body was only slightly painful now and didn''t hurt as much as before.


    Tong Lan controlled the power of her attack very well and always delivered the same amount of force. That meant his defensive ability had improved greatly.


    Thest time he was hammered lightly on his chest by the empress, he was almost fatally injured. At present, he should only suffer a serious injury.


    This was a tremendous improvement.

 Chapter 275: He Who Teaches Me for One Day Is My Father for Life!

    Chapter 275: He Who Teaches Me for One Day Is My Father for Life!


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Even though Ren Baqian was taught "why the flowers were so rosy" by Tong Lan once again, he still felt happy.


    After all, he was bing more powerful than before. The sensation of having his body filled with strength made him very happy.


    Furthermore, he had just attained the level of Man Wheel.


    He had only been in this world for six months and he had already reached this level. This was enough to make him happy and proud. He felt that he was a genius for someone that did not have any foundation to attain the level of Man Wheel in six months'' time.


    Upon thinking about it, he realized he had only cultivated for four months at most.


    Didn''t they say one in one thousand practitioners could attain the level of Man Wheel?


    This is the difference between a genius and an ordinary individual.


    Moreover, he had reached the level of Man Wheel before the new year of Dayao. He wouldn''t be embarrassed when he attends thentern-grabbing contest.


    Humming a tune, Ren Baqian arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall. The moment he reached there, he heard a voice that was filled with contempt and killing intent, "He is seeking death! Find out where he is!"


    Walking into the pce hall, Ren Baqian saw two men d in armor. Their armors looked slightly old, covered in de scars.


    "Dismissed, remember to hunt him down!" the empress said coldly.


    "Yes, Your Majesty!" The two men cupped their fists and left. There was a miserable look on their faces. It was not easy task to hunt down an expert like Lu Pinghai. If he was in Dayao, it wouldn''t be that difficult. However, he mainly moved around in Great Xia, which made it extremely difficult to track him down.


    It was at this moment that Ren Baqian realized the two men were twins. If he did not remember correctly, they were from the Protectorate of the North. He had seen them before at Ping City previously.


    After two of them had left, Ren Baqian stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, why are you so angry?"


    "I want something from Lu Pinghai and I even allowed him to choose anything he wants in return for it. As long as it''s not too much, I will grant it to him. However, he acted high and mighty and rejected my request." The empress was still furious.


    Ren Baqianughed bitterly in his heart. There was nothing unusual about it.


    However, in the empress''s eyes, it was exceptionally unusual.


    The name "Lu Pinghai" sounded quite familiar to Ren Baqian. Upon thinking about it, he realized Lu Pinghai was the eighth most powerful expert in the world. He had been doing his own research dutifully.


    "Is that thing very important to you?" Ren Baqian asked. Given that the empress was in such a huge rage and her target was even the eighth most powerful expert in the world, he reckoned that the thing must be very important to her.


    "I guess so!" The empress declined to give a direct answer. The Spirit Yuan Pill was useless to her, she wanted it purely for Ren Baqian.


    Previously, Ren Baqian''s body constitution was too weak and he could only cultivate [Ruyi Visualization]. Therefore, she asked Hong Wu to send someone to find Lu Pinghai and ask him for the Spirit Yuan Pill. The Spirit Yuan Pill could improve Ren Baqian''s body constitution and increase the speed of his cultivation progress.


    However, to her surprise, Ren Baqian smoothly reached the most important stage of [Ruyi Visualization] and attained the level of Man Wheel in just a few months'' time. [Ruyi Visualization] was indeed powerful. She couldn''t believe that it could elevate someone whose body constitution was so poor to the level of Man Wheel.


    However, she had paid a huge price for it.


    Having no use for the Spirit Yuan Pill was one issue, Lu Pinghai not giving it to her was another. She was still extremely angry that Lu Pinghai rejected her. After all, it was in her nature to feel this way.


    I have already made an offer to you, and you can request whatever you want. As long as it''s not too much, I can grant it to you. If you reject me, I will beat you to death.


    "Lu Pinghai really doesn''t know how to appreciate Your Majesty''s kindness. If we find him, we should just throw a bottle of sarin gas at him. After we have killed him, we will take all of his belongings." Ren Baqian behaved like a good-for-nothing adviser.


    Whether the empress was right or wrong, he would definitely stand on her side.


    There were two rules that he lived by.


    The first rule, the empress is always right.


    The second rule, please refer to the first rule.


    The empress was gratified after hearing Ren Baqian''s words.


    "He knows that even if someone tracks him down, he would be long gone by the time I arrive. After all, no one can keep up with his speed. Otherwise, I would really want to meet him personally and hear what he has to say before he dies," the empress said with fury. Even though she had already asked the twins to track Lu Pinghai down, she knew they wouldn''t be able to find him


    Ren Baqian racked his brain. Without a satellite, he couldn''t make a GPS tracking unit. He couldn''t do anything about it.


    "Doesn''t he have a fixed home?" Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    "His whereabouts are always unknown. We only know that he will visit a fishing vige in East Sea for a few days every November."


    "And we can''t be sure of that either. We can only wait for him there next year."


    The empress nodded her head. She had already changed her goal. Previously, her goal was to get Spirit Yuan Pill, now her goal was to beat Lu Pinghai to death.


    Since this was her goal, she did not mind letting him live one more year.


    "Have you picked your team for thentern-grabbing contest?" the empress changed the topic and asked. She wanted to see how Ren Baqian would perform during the event.


    "Can''t I just choose a few imperial guards that are young?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I''m afraid you can''t even find nine imperial guards that are under the age of twenty-five," the empress said. There were very few neers among the imperial guards. Most of them had been here since previous emperor''s reign. It was very hard to find recements for them these days.


    "Eh?" Ren Baqian was stunned, and his eyes were widened. He did not expect that there would be less than nine imperial guards under the age of twenty-five in the pce.


    "Go and ask Xin Zhe how many imperial guards in the pce are under the age of twenty-five in the pce!" the empress ordered and Qing Yuan left the pce hall in a rush.


    After a while, Qing Yuan returned and reported to the empress, "Your Majesty, there are three persons that are under the age of twenty-five!"


    "Fill up the six remaining slots yourself," the empress turned around and said to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian scratched his head. It was not that hard to fill up the six remaining slots. He could easily pick an aboriginal from the streets, but he couldn''t possible choose a few ordinary individuals to make up the shortfall, right? It would be very humiliating.


    He might not want to be the champion, but he also did not want to be humiliated.


    It seemed that he had to seek help now.


    Ren Baqian racked his brain. Since he was closer to the people from Ministry of Works, he decided to seek help from Tong Zhenye.


    Apanied by a few imperial guards, Ren Baqian headed to the Ministry of Works. When he reached there, he found out Tong Zhenye had already gone home. Since the end of the year was near, the Ministry of Works wasn''t really busy.


    As such, Ren Baqian went to the Tong residence. After stating his intention in visiting the Tong residence to the gatekeeper, he and his imperial guards waited outside the gate.


    After an hour, Ren Baqian was then brought into the Tong residence.


    After taking a few mere steps into the residence, Ren Baqian saw a white-dressed Lolita skipping out of the house. There was a female guard following behind her.


    "Eh? Good-For-Nothing, why are you here!" The Lolita looked very surprised.


    "Due to the inhumane acts you have done to me, I have decided not to pay your grandfather back his three thousand taels of silver. This amount of money will be apensation for the trauma you have caused me. I''m here today to notify your grandfather about it." Ren Baqian had a you-are-the-main-culprit look on his face.


    I let you to call me "Good-For-Nothing" in the pce because you''re still a child and I don''t want to argue with you. How dare you call me "Good-For-Nothing" outside of the pce? How can I face other people if you call me that?


    "I have already asked Grandpa and he said you have already returned the money you owed him," the Lolita had a disdainful look on her face. "I would''ve used more strength to beat you up if you haven''t returned the money. Grandpa taught me that, if a person refuses to pay you the money he owes you, you have to beat him to death."


    "I heard that you''re going to be my student in half a month''s time, right? A person should first be changed by a teacher''s instructions and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order. Remember to respect your teacher!" A sagacious look appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.["A person should first be changed by a teacher''s instructions, and guided by principles of ritual. Only then can he observe the rules of courtesy and humility, obey the conventions and rules of society, and achieve order" is a line from Xunzi, a Chinese Confucian philosopher who lived during the Warring States period and contributed to the Hundred Schools of Thought.]


    Tong La blinked her eyes with a nk look on her face. "What are you talking about?"


    "Just remember this line, ''He who teaches me for one day is my father for life!''"


    "I also want one more son, but I''m afraid Her Majesty won''t agree to this!" Tong Zenye''s voice rang across the air.


    "Goddamnit!" Ren Baqian yelled in his heart.


    He hadpletely forgotten about this.

 Chapter 276: Still Short of Three People

    Chapter 276: Still Short of Three People


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    In the guest room, Ren Baqian told Tong Zhenye about his purpose ining. Tong Zhenye touched his beard and said, "I do have a little grandson who is eighteen this year, and he has got pretty good strength."


    Ren Baqian had originally nned to find a few men with good enough strength, but he had never expected Tong Zhenye to actually have a grandson who fit the bill pretty well.


    "But he seems to have already formed a team with a few friends..."


    After Tong Zhenye had just spoken halfway, Ren Baqian immediately swallowed the words that he was about to say.


    Why did you even suggest him when he already had a team, to show off that you have a grandson?


    Ren Baqian started to feel that looking up this old chap Tong Zhenye was a mistake. This old man was basically not reliable at all.


    "Otherwise, you can take Tong Lan along with you."


    Ren Baqian almost spat out. He was going to grabnterns. What was he going to do with a Lolita like her?


    "You see, she is a little stronger than you, and at the very least, you can''t beat her. She will probably think that you will inconvenience her, but she may actually agree if I were to step forth. There have also been female teams who have participated inntern-grabbing contest in the past," Tong Zhenye replied as he spread out his arms.


    Tong Zhenye''s words made Ren Baqian speechless. He was truly no match for that Lolita.


    "Lending me a few Earth Wheel level servants will do. People from your Ministry of Works will also suffice. As for Tong Lan, let''s forget about her. It won''t be good if she gets hurt by others while grabbingnterns," Ren Baqian replied.


    Tong Zhenye looked at Ren Baqian with a look of concern for the handicapped for a long time to the extent that even Ren Baqian felt uneasy. Tong Zhenye then spoke,


    "Do you think that youngsters with that kind of strength are foolish? If they have that kind of strength at that age, they would have already enlisted into the army. They were worth nurturing in the army as well. How could it be possible for them to be servants? People around that age with that strength are mostly disciples of the court officials, or perhaps, someone particrly gifted from themoners of Lan City. If those youngsters who had performed outstandingly in thentern- grabbing contest every year didn''te from influential families, they would have immediately been enlisted in the army, public order bureau, or the Department of Inspection."


    Ren Baqian was slightly distracted. The imperial bodyguards in the pce were all at the Earth Wheel level. He had gotten used to seeing them on a day-to-day basis and had forgotten about this point.


    But, what he previously didn''t know was theter portion of what Tong Zhenye mentioned. As it turned out, thisntern-grabbing contest actually served the purpose of recruiting the best of the gifted youngsters.


    But at the thought of it, this indeed was a great method.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian actually thought of something. "Do we not have something like an imperial provincial examination?"


    "What is an imperial provincial examination?" Tong Zhenye was baffled.


    Ren Baqian roughly exined, and Tong Zhenye replied as he caressed his beard, "That is something like the martial arts trials in Great Xia."


    But there truly weren''t any martial arts trials in Dayao.


    It was because Dayao had been through three emperors since the nation was founded seventy years ago.


    The first was Ya Peng, who was also the founding emperor. In his time, it could be said that there were experts all over Dayao, and randomly picking anyone in the imperial court would lead to someone strong.


    In addition, the aboriginal experts already had long life expectancies. There was no need to rece the old with the new like other nations. Everyone already had their own positions in the imperial court, so they didn''t bother much with talent selection.


    But, that batch of people had already disappeared as Ya Peng did.


    ording to what Ren Baqian said, they were overly obsessed with wanting to be immortals and had disappeared.


    However, everyone knew that there was certainly something that people were unaware of. They had to probably reach Ya Peng''s level before they could find out.


    Over the years, Hong Wu''s greatest wish was to find out why exactly those people left and where had they gone to.


    ording to his conjecture, they should be somewhere deep within the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    The second emperor was the former emperor. He had the longest reign of 42 years.


    When he seeded to the throne, it was also when Dayao was at its weakest. Almost all of the experts of the older generation had followed Ya Peng and had already left. At that point in time, he had actually selected some talents. Part of them was from the younger generation of those experts, such as Tong Zhenye and Hong Wu. Another group consisted of young experts chosen from the viges of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, who were now mainly in the protectorates.


    Of which, one of the more well-known experts was the Protector General of the South, Xi Wangu, He was just slightly weakerpared to Hong Wu. However, Hong Wu was already over sixty years old this year while Xi Wangu was only in his forties.


    It was believed that by the time Xi Wangu reached the present age of Hong Wu, he wouldn''t be any weaker than him.


    He was also very popr within the imperial court of Dayao, especially among the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation, whose expressions change immediately upon hearing his name.


    After which, the next in line would be the empress.


    There was one time that the former emperor went out and returned with serious injuries. He then entrusted the care of his child to Hong Wu and then promptly disappeared after that.


    At present, the people in the imperial court were all still those that the former emperor had left behind.


    Because of such reasons, Dayao didn''t have a talent selection system like the imperial provincial examination in Great Xia.


    Rather, it had something more along the lines of a rmendation-based system.


    Apart from the historical reasons above, there was still another important point. There were too manymoners and there wasn''t any real sort of culture. For them, the best opportunity for advancement was getting promoted step by step in somewhere like the army.


    As for the disciples of those high-ranking officials in the imperial court, even though they weren''t really cultured, they at least knew how to read. Since young, they have been subconsciously influenced by what they have seen and heard. As such, their level of knowledge was slightly broader. They were then sent to their individual departments after going through certain examinations.


    After chatting for a while with Tong Zhenye, Ren Baqian finally understood some of Dayao''s present methodologies.


    All in all, the period of nation-building was too short. In addition, the life expectancy of the aboriginal experts was too long. For instance, people such as Hong Wu, Xi Wangu, Tong Zhenye, and Qin Chuan could live up to almost 200 years old. There was no need to worry about recing the old with the new. As a result, no one was aware of this problem.


    It would probably take several decades or even a hundred years before the hidden problem would reveal itself.


    Ren Baqian and Tong Zhenye had a good chat. It was only when someone knocked on the door to inform it was lunchtime that Ren Baqian realized it was already noon. He then hurried back to the pce.


    After this trip to the Tong Residence, there were three more people added to Ren Baqian''s team: the little girl Tong Lan and two of Tong Zhenye''s nephews.


    Three imperial bodyguards from the pce and him would make up another four people, which meant that he was still short of three at present.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a bit and thought of another person that he knew. But, he wasn''t sure of that person''s current situation and whether or not he already had a team.


    It was Du Changkong, whom he had met during the Great Hunt. Back then, he took Ren Baqian''s crossbow out to unt himself and ended upnding himself in a bunch of problems.


    At that point in time, he was intending to give him something from Earth in exchange for a martial arts manual. It ended up not being useful as Ren Baqian had never seen him ever since then.


    Even though this Du Changkong was a pig-ignorant teammate, Ren Baqian still had a pretty favorable impression of him.


    The next day, Ren Baqian arrived at the Du Residence after asking around for a bit.


    Ren Baqian was considered a rather well-known figure in Lan City. No matter where he went, everyone would immediately recognize who he was as soon as they saw those imperial bodyguards around him.


    A gigolo, who walked around showing off a bunch of imperial bodyguards from the pce every day. Other than Ren Baqian, there wasn''t anyone else like this.


    "The second master just went out. Deputy Prefect Ren might want to wait here for a moment. I will go and find him now." The burly man, who was a substitute guard, replied as he cupped his hands.


    "There''s no need to do so. Just tell me where he went."


    "He could be drinking at House Shanhuai now!" That burly man replied.


    "House Shanhuai, what a weird name. Do you know where that is?" Ren Baqian asked as he turned his head around.


    "It''s on Jingyang street. It''s run by people from the Shanhuai camp and on normal days, many children of the court officials hang around there," Xu Wei exined.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. "The location where children of the court officials gather!"


    After a while, Ren Baqian showed up in front of a store with his bodyguards. The store was unremarkable and didn''t have any sign-boards set up. There were only two square wooden boards hanging outside the door, one read wine while the other read meat.


    "Pretty interesting indeed!" Ren Baqianughed and told Xu Wei, "Go up there and get Du Changkong toe down. I won''t be going up."


    "That fellow actually came here." Someone looked down from the second floor and was surprised.


    "Who?" The person beside stretched out to take a look as well. "How could it be him! Liu Ruoyao, your enemy is here."


    "Liu Ruoyao has so many enemies, how will she know who it is." Someone at the side let out a heartyughter, and the others followed as well.


    Liu Ruoyao immediately grabbed a wine jar and threw it over. That person pushed the bottom of the jar with his bare hands and promptly redirected it from flying over horizontally to vertically upward. He then caught the falling wine jar andughed. "Are you treating me to a drink? In that case, I shall not stand on courtesy."


    "She gnashed her teeth as soon as she mentioned it. Unfortunately, it was that enemy that she couldn''t do anything about!" He turned and stretched his head towards the window, speaking to the young person outside.


    Instantly, more than ten people quietened down.


    With those words said, everyone knew who that was. It was someone that everyone had recently been mentioning frequently.


    Thereafter, everyone had this doubt in their minds, "What is he doing here?"


    Is Du Changkong here?" Xu Wei went up to the second floor and asked.


    Everybody''s attention immediately shifted towards a mature looking man at the side. He was a burly man who looked as if he was around forty years old.


    "Me?" Du Changkong pointed at himself in surprise. He had never thought that they were actually looking for him. It had been a long while, and he thought that he had long been forgotten by the other party already.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren is inviting you down for a few words." Xu Wei cupped his hands in obeisance.

 Chapter 277: I’m Not the Only One Who Can’t Defeat a Ten-Year-Old Child

    Chapter 277: I��m Not the Only One Who Can��t Defeat a Ten-Year-Old Child


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Du Changkong had no idea why Ren Baqian was looking for him. With a pensive look on his face, he went downstairs and saw Ren Baqian who was surrounded by imperial guards.


    Ren Baqian''s skin looked much darker than before. He was also exquisitely adorned now. The most noticeable change about him was that his essence, qi, and spirit had be abundant.


    In the past, Ren Baqian was frail and had ack of courage, appearing like an introvert.


    Now that his status and strength had soared, he was no longer the same person as before.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren!" Du Changkong cupped his fists and greeted Ren Baqian.


    "Brother Du!" Ren Baqian took a close look at Du Changkong. He looked older than he actually was. He was only eighteen years old, but he looked as though he was thirty to forty years old, appearing mature and reliable.


    However, after the previous encounter, Ren Baqian knew that Du Changkong was a fraud and a typical good-for-nothing teammate.


    If Ren Baqian wasn''t in need of people for his team, he wouldn''t have reached out to him.


    "Long time no see. I did say that I was going to look for you, but so many things have happened during this period of time, and I couldn''t spare any time to find you." Ren Baqian put his arm around Du Changkong''s shoulder. However, Du Changkong was much taller and more muscr than him. This made Ren Baqian very ufortable, and he had no choice but to put his arm down.


    "At least Deputy Prefect Ren still remembers me." Du Changkong grinned.


    "Anyway, what''s the matter?" Du Changkong hesitated for a while before asking. Given Ren Baqian''s current status, Du Changkong was sure that he wasn''t here to reminisce the good old times with him.


    "You should know about thentern-grabbing event, right? Have you gotten a team? My team still has empty slots and I immediately thought of you. After all, we are such close friends. I have faith in your capability." Ren Baqian patted Du Changkong''s back.


    "I''m in my younger brothers'' team, we already have four members!" Du Changkong was in a predicament. Actually, he was well aware of Ren Baqian''s strength. However, he did not really care if he won or lost the event. For him, friendship came first, and the event came second.


    Furthermore, everyone knew that Ren Baqian was highly regarded by the empress now. This was a very good opportunity for Du Changkong to build up his rtionship with Ren Baqian.


    Even though aboriginals were honest and straightforward, they still knew how to seize an opportunity when they saw one.


    "How powerful are they?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "They are slightly weaker than me," Du Changkong answered after thinking about it for a while.


    "Tell you what, the four of you can join my team. It''s settled then," Ren Baqian chuckled and said. This was a win-win situation for the both of them. All Ren Baqian needed to do now was kick off one imperial guard from his team.


    If he was to exclude the weakest member, that would definitely be he himself. It was also not good for him to exclude the members from either the Tong family or the Du family. Therefore, he could only kick one of the imperial guards off the team.


    "How shall we split the work then?" Du Changkong asked. There were ten people in team and every member had a different job. For example, the person who was in charge of opening a path to thentern was called "tooth gate", the person who was in charge of snatching thentern was called ntern head", and the person who was in charge of blocking opponent teams'' attacks and attacking opponent teams was called "broom".


    Of course, these roles were not fixed. In reality, if the ntern head" was gotten rid of, the "tooth gate" or the "broom" could try to grab thentern as well.


    Just like in the game of ser, a goalkeeper might run to his opponent''s field and try to score a goal as well.


    "We will have a meeting the day after tomorrow," Ren Baqian said.


    "Who else is in the team?" Du Changkong asked again.


    "Do you know who Tong Lan is? She is the granddaughter of Sir Tong, the Minister of Works!" Upon hearing this name, Du Changkong''s facial expression turned weird, looking as though he was having a toothache.


    "Do you need me to introduce you to some people?" Du Changkong''s face twitched, appearing as if he was going to give up.


    "Why?" Ren Baqian was curious. He did not know why Du Changkong would have such a reaction when he mentioned Tong Lan''s name. Was Tong Lan really that powerful?


    "That girl''s mouth is way too smelly. Furthermore, she is so young that we might be aughingstock if we team up with her."


    Ren Baqian agreed with Du Changkong. That girl''s mouth was really smelly.


    Patting Du Changkong''s shoulder, Ren Baqian said, "It''s alright that her mouth is smelly, and it''s also alright that she is too young. You need to be more broad-minded. Given your current mentality, no wonder you''re still single."


    Du Changkong was dumbfounded. What was Deputy Prefect Ren talking about?


    "It''s settled then, we will meet at the practice arena beside the imperial pce on the morning after tomorrow," Ren Baqian concluded. Following which, he jumped onto the horned cow and left before Du Changkong could reply.


    Du Changkong stood there and scratched his head. He found Tong Lan to be extremely annoying.


    After going upstairs, several people looked at him. "You know that guy!"


    "I have borrowed a crossbow from him before in the past. She knows about it," Du Changkong pointed to Liu Ruoyao and said. Her face immediately darkened.


    He had touched her sore spot.


    Because of that crossbow, she was chided by Ren Baqian, humiliated in front of Her Majesty, and punished severely in the end.


    Meanwhile, that man soared in status and power and even became the fianc�� of Her Majesty.


    Du Changkong''s words were a p to her face.


    "What did he find you for?" someone asked curiously.


    "Thentern-grabbing event!" Du Changkong sat down and spoke with a muffled voice.


    "He wants to join thentern-grabbing event?" Everyone was shocked.


    To everyone, Ren Baqian was like an ant. He could be killed with a single punch. He actually dared to join thentern-grabbing event?


    Is he going to cheat?


    Who dares to touch him? A slight push would cause him to fly through the air.


    Du Changkong nodded his head. However, he did not say anything about the increase in Ren Baqian''s strength.


    His strength was equivalent to the strength of a Great Xia native that had just attained the initial level of Man Wheel. He was still very weak in everyone''s eyes.


    "Have you agreed to his request?" someone asked.


    "Yes!" Du Changkong spread his arms and replied.


    "Humph!" A snort resounded through the air. Obviously, it was from Liu Ruoyao.


    "I''m afraid all of you can''t even get close to the frame," Liu Ruoyao sneered.


    "That''s none of your business." Du Changkong wasn''t someone to be trifled with. He was afraid of Hong Xian, not Liu Ruoyao.


    Liu Ruoyao grinded her teeth in rage as she prepared to find Hong Xianter. Hong Xian had stated that she wouldn''t be joining thentern-grabbing event this year. However, Liu Ruoyao reckoned that she would change her mind if she knew Ren Baqian was joining the event.


    Usually, she wouldn''t be able to touch him. However, now that he was participating in thentern-grabbing event, no one could me her if he was severely injured by her.


    Actually, Liu Ruoyao wasn''t the only person with such a notion. After all, the empress was the idol of countless people in Dayao. Many people hated Ren Baqian out of jealousy. There were a lot of people that wanted to give Ren Baqian "a soft nudge" identally during the event.


    Even though everyone had this intention, they did not disy it.


    ...


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian left the pce early in the morning and headed for the practice arena beside the pce. Now was the time when the guards changed shifts and not many people were there.


    By the time Ren Baqian reached the arena, Du Changkong was already there. There were three other persons beside him. The four of them were squatting like a v beside a wall while gnawing on some supersized biscuit rolls in their hands.


    "Deputy Prefect Ren!" Du Changkong stood up and greeted Ren Baqian.


    "Brother Du!" Ren Baqian got down from his horned cow and examined the three other people. They slightly resembled Du Changkong, but they did not look as old as him.


    Those who did not know them would think that Du Changkong was a father that was bringing his three sons out for a walk.


    "They are Du Changyue, Du Changqing and Du Changjiang, they are my younger brothers. Deputy Prefect Ren, you can just call me by my name, otherwise I would be quite ufortable," Du Changkong introduced his younger brothers to Ren Baqian.


    "Nice to meet you," Ren Baqian cupped his fists and greeted the three persons. The three immediately returned his greeting. At the same time, they were examining this legendary individual curiously.


    "That girl is still not here yet?" Ren Baqian turned his head around to look for Tong Lan.


    After waiting for an hour, Ren Baqian saw a few persons approaching the arena. Tong Lan was standing on a horned cow. When she arrived at the arena, she jumped into the air and did a somersault beforending on the ground. Then, she pointed her index finger at Ren Baqian with an annoyed look on her face. "How dare a good-for-nothing like you participate in thentern-grabbing event? How dare you ask Grandpa to make me join your team? In any case, we are not going to win, I might as well eat some fruit and watch you from the sidelines."


    "And these people, even though they are slightly better than you, who is the greatest good-for-nothing, they still can''t get rid of the good-for-nothing tag on them. Being on the same team with all of you, other people might think that I''m in same rubbish league as you. I''m still so young, how can I face other people in the future?"


    One by one, Tong Lan pointed her finger at Ren Baqian, the Du Brothers, and the two youths who were smiling bitterly behind her.


    "Can you defeat her?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked Du Changkong.


    Du Changkong had a constipated look on his face, but he did not fly into a rage. In the end, he shook his head sullenly. If Ren Baqian did not stare at Du Changkong, the former would not have been able to tell that thetter was sullen.


    Ren Baqian widened his eyes in shock.


    Du Changkong couldn''t defeat this girl?


    I still thought she is just more gifted than ordinary children. Since she started training from young, it is natural that her martial arts are better than other children''s. I thought that was why the empress made her my sparring partner.


    Tong Lan isn''t a girl, she is a demon. How can Her Majesty lie to me for so long?


    I still thought I''m so weak that I couldn''t even defeat a ten-year-old child... It turns out I''m not alone...


    "Do you feel relieved now that you realize they couldn''t defeat me as well? Are you surprised that I''m not as weak as you think? Humph! Even the strength that I exert to bite my rice is more than the strength you exert tounch a punch." Tong Lan''s little face faced the sky. Arrogance was written all over her face as she sneered at them.

 Chapter 278: The Objective of the Lantern-Grabbing Contest

    Chapter 278: The Objective of the Lantern-Grabbing Contest


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    Early in the morning, a group of people was criticized by a small Lolita, but they couldn''t retort at all. They were all sulking, their faces as ck as the bottom of a pan.


    It was only Ren Baqian who was still in a pretty good mood. He then began to hum a tune.


    In any case, he wasn''t alone.


    "Although all of you are good-for-nothings, since grandfather has opened his mouth, I will reluctantly lead all of you in participating in this year''sntern-grabbing contest. Just do not be a burden to me," Tong Lan continued to speak. She pondered for a while before letting out a sigh, with a face full of grievance. "It is impossible for this bunch of good-for-nothings to not be a burden to me. It''s my first time participating in thentern-grabbing contest and I shall be ruined in all of your hands."


    "Friendshipes beforepetition, and the most important thing is participation!" Ren Baqianplemented what Tong Lan said.


    The four brothers from Du Family nodded their heads together as if they were chicks pecking on rice.


    Tong Lan gave Ren Baqian the side eye. "Even a good-for-nothing can reassure himself. If one is able to clinch the first ce, why on earth clinch the second ce?"


    Ren Baqian lowered his head, looked at Tong Lan, and sighed softly, "Up till now, you still don''t understand the genuine meaning ofntern grabbing. Do you think so many people grabnterns just because they want to determine a winner?"


    Tong Lan raised her tiny face and had a disdainful look on her face, "Don''t tell me it''s a festival for people to make friends!"


    "Not entirely. But, you are still too young to understand the meaning of it. I totally understand that" Ren Baqian continued. He then lowered his head and looked at Tong Lan as if he doted on her.


    Tong Lan wanted to give him a kick upon seeing his expression.


    The rest of the people looked at Ren Baqian and were waiting to see what he would say.


    "The objective of this festival is to educate the young aboriginals by means of sport to promote mutual understanding full of excellence, unity, and fairpetitive spirit. It shall be without any discrimination and full of thentern-grabbing spirit. Thus, it shall contribute to the creation of a peaceful and more beautiful world.


    It can be summarized as, ''Peace, friendship and progress.''"


    Tong Lan, "..."


    Du Changkong, "..."


    Everyone, "..."


    Everyone was dumbstruck as they have never thought there was actually such a profound meaning behind thentern grabbing festival.


    Ren Baqian waved his arms and said, "Our slogan is higher, faster, and stronger!"


    "Nevertheless, Sir Ren has a thorough insight. Peace, friendship, and progress are the objectives of us participating in thentern-grabbing contest whereas higher, faster, and stronger is our slogan." Du Changkong immediately apuded.


    Everyone was helpless.


    Are we talking about the same issue as the both of you? Why does it feel that something is amiss?


    Ren Baqian didn''t care if they believed him or not. In any case, he had to speak that way.


    In a moment, he would discuss with the empress about pasting the objective, as well as the slogan of this year''sntern-grabbing contest, all over Lan City.


    "Well, everyone has arrived, let''s talk about the arrangements. Tong Lan will be the ntern head" and I''ll be the "tooth gate" who paves the way to thentern. Among the others, the two of you from Tong family as well as Xu Le and Jiang Hu, will be divided into the left and right "broom" to protect Tong Lan. As for Du Changkong and your brothers, the few of you will be the "roving guard" that obstructs the opponent from approaching as well as provide assistance to the "broom"." Ren Baqian said as he pped his hands together.


    Xu Le and Jiang Hu were two imperial bodyguards from the pce.


    This was a moremonly seen arrangement.


    However, grabbingnterns wasn''t a ser match. Most of the time, it would still turn chaotic towards the end of the contest. There were two critical people in the contest. One of them was the "tooth gate", who specialized in paving the way for the ntern head". If the "tooth gate" was obstructed, the advancement of the entire team would be impeded as well.


    Another critical person was the ntern head", who would deliver thentern''s head to the bottom of the tform. His main role was to watch the head of thentern closely.


    The ntern head" would not be allowed to advance directly to thentern tform by himself while bypassing the "tooth gate". Either the "tooth gate" or the two "brooms" must be present. Otherwise, it would result in an elimination. Simr to a battlefield, a general couldn''t possibly leave his troops behind and charge into the enemies'' battle formation on his own, could he?


    The rules of thentern-grabbing contest were also the most fundamental for building team rapport andbat habits.


    Therefore, this contest was also often held in the military. It wasn''t held only during the New Year, just that during normal times, it wasn''t such a grand event.


    Grabbingnterns in Dayao was equivalent to the ser in modern times.


    In general, the ntern head" was always the most powerful member of the team. Following which, the next powerful member would be the "tooth gate".


    Everyone didn''t have any opinion with regards to Tong Lan being the ntern head". But, they were somewhat rmed when Ren Baqian said he was going to take the "tooth gate" position.


    "You are going to be the "tooth gate"?" Tong Lan opened her eyes wide in disbelief. "You want me to carry you, this burden, and head for thentern tform?"


    Ren Baqian waved his hands, "Do not belittle me as I have already made arrangements. When that timees, I won''t impede you at all. No one will be able to obstruct me from the front either."


    "Do you even believe what you said?" Tong Lan''s questioned him with her eyes opened wide.


    "We can''t use weapons, but we can wear armor, am I right?" Ren Baqian countered her question.


    "That means, you will be wrapping yourself up like a tortoise. Will that be useful?"


    "Humph, when that timees, I''ll let all of you experience what unstoppable means!" Ren Baqian was very confident.


    Since the aboriginals were formidable, those who took part in thentern-grabbing contest weren''t ordinary people either.


    Even when a tiger encounters a hedgehog, it will not be able to swallow it.


    Everyone gave Ren Baqian a judgmental look, and they wanted to know where he gained his confidence from.


    Tong Lan puffed up her chubby cheeks and dispiritedly said, "I''m done for. It''s my first time participating in the contest, and I will not be able to even go near thentern tform. So embarrassing. In future when this instance is brought up, it will be filled with ck history. Tomorrow, I''ll prepare a piece of cloth to conceal my face."


    [ck history - a bad past that someone doesn''t want to talk about/recall anymore]


    She had learned the term "ck history" from Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian wanted to pinch her chubby cheeks as he looked at them. But, he pondered for a while and didn''t dare to do so.


    He reckoned that he would have to wear a cast while participating in thentern-grabbing contest if he pinched her cheeks.


    "Today is just a meeting for all of us. Everyone doesn''t have to worry too much. Even if we can''t win, I''m not going to me all of you. Just like what I have said previously, ''Friendshipes beforepetition. Our slogan is higher, faster and stronger!''"


    Everyone looked at him in amazement.


    It is because of you that we are unable to win.


    Otherwise, there might still be a glimmer of hope.


    Due to your existence, that glimmer of hope has been destroyed.


    "After this, we shall meet here again during noon on the first day of New Year. Then, we will go together to participate in thentern-grabbing contest," Ren Baqian told the several people. Everyone nodded their heads with the exception of Tong Lan, who looked unwilling and was mumbling to herself just like a chatterbox. However, Ren Baqian ignored her.


    Thentern-grabbing contest would probably begin around 7 p.m.


    In general, participants would arrive around 5 p.m. Ren Baqian wanted everyone to arrive four hours prior to the start of the contest so they could discuss their n once more. Trying to sharpen one''s spear at thest moment before a battle wouldn''t get one a sharp spear, but at the very least, the spear would appear shiny.


    "Everyone, we will meet again in five days'' time." Ren Baqian cupped his hands in obeisance and left on the fork-horned cows together with the imperial bodyguards.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was now a distance away, Tong Lan let out a snort and appeared on the back of the fork-horned cow within a split second. She didn''t wait for the other two and rode the fork-horned cow back.


    After a few others had left, Du Changqing then spoke, "This doesn''t seem very reliable!"


    "It doesn''t matter. Anyway, we didn''t even consider winning the contest," Du Changkong responded.


    The few of them nodded their heads.


    During thentern-grabbing contest, there would be arge number of capable peopleing forth. Several outstanding young people would participate in the contest as well. After all, this was also the time to disy the capabilities of the next generation.


    Aspared to those capable people, the few of them were indeed inadequate.


    The next day, notices were put up everywhere in Lan City. Many people looked around and wondered what was written on them.


    They only managed to hear someone right in the middle speaking with a queer expression, "This notice says that the objective of this year''sntern grabbing festival is to educate the young aboriginals by means of sport to promote mutual understanding full of excellence, unity, and fairpetitive spirit. It shall be without any discrimination and full of thentern-grabbing spirit. Thus, it shall contribute to the creation of a peaceful and more beautiful world.


    In a nutshell, ''Peace, friendship, and progress.''


    For not only this year, but this will also be the objective of futurentern-grabbing contests."


    Towards the end of his speech, that person''s voice sounded simr to the buzzing made by a mosquito.


    After speaking his first few words, the entire ce became absolutely silent.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    What was he talking about?


    Tong Lan covered her face and rode past while seated on the fork-horned cow. That fellow actually posted the notice all over Lan City.

 Chapter 279: The Palace Hall in Fairy Tales

    Chapter 279: The Pce Hall in Fairy Tales


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    During this half a month leading up to New Year, Ren Baqian could feel a festive mood everywhere in Lan City.


    Everywhere bustled with activity. Aboriginals could be seen bringing many products to Lan City to exchange for resources. Many people were sitting along the roadsides of Shiwu District and Yiwulu District with goods ced in front of them. These goods included medicinal herbs and various offspring of wild animals. asionally, one could see some treasures as well.


    Therefore, Lan City was filled with a multitude of people almost every day, resembling a mega-sized bazaar.


    Everyone wore a smile on their faces.


    After all, New Year was an important festival of the year to everyone.


    Ren Baqian had been strolling around the city to see some of the oddities in this world.


    He even brought a few things that piqued his interest. For example, a green-colored stone that revealed white-glowing spots when ced in the dark, resembling the stars in the night sky.


    He also bought a nt that would bloom every alternate day. The flower bud on top of this nt would open up and close every alternate day, and this process would go on and on��extremely interesting.


    There was also an animal horn which produced a sound that could be heard hundreds of miles away. However, the sound could not be heard by humans. Only certain animals could hear it.


    On the contrary, the imperial pce was cold and cheerless.


    The twopletely different worlds were separated by one pce door.


    The empress did not really care about New Year. No preparation was made for the arrival of New Year, and there were no decorations anywhere in the pce. Everyone in the pce was still carrying out their usual daily tasks.


    After all, the empress had always been alone in the pce. She had no one to talk to or share her joy with. Therefore, a festival like New Year meant nothing to her.


    However, this year she had someone to spend New Year with. Therefore, it would be a slightly different experience for her.


    "Your Majesty, should we put up some decorations in the pce?" Ren Baqian suggested to the empress, who was watching a television series at the moment. On the way back to the pce, he saw a lot of court officials in Beihong District cleaning up and decorating their residences.


    Their decorations were very unique. They gathered many bones and drilled a hole on every one of them. Then, they strung a strip of cloth through the bones and hung them on the wall. Every time the wind blew, the holes would produce a wailing sound while the bones would tter when they hit against the wall.


    The entire Beihong District was chilly and gloomy.


    For the past two days, whenever Ren Baqian passed by Beihong District, he would tremble in cold. He felt that the surrounding air had be colder than usual.


    This kind of atmosphere wasn''t festive at all. The officials'' residences were like haunted houses. Were they trying to scare people? Ren Baqian wondered who the "genius" was that came up with such creative New Year decorations.


    However, everyone in those residences had jubtion written all over their faces, thus confusing Ren Baqian.


    The empress propped up her chin with her fingers and looked at Ren Baqian. Following which, she nonchntly said, "Do whatever you like."


    After saying goodbye to the empress, Ren Baqian returned to Earth. When he returned to Dayao, he brought along two huge bundles of stuff. Inside the bundles, there were colorful LED string lights and bells.


    Now that the maximum amount of strength he could exert was 3000 newtons, he could bring back many things at once. The number of things he could bring back was now several times more than before. He was no longer restricted by hisck of strength.


    Ren Baqian asked someone to build a few wooden frames on the two sides of Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Then, he asked Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to hang up the LED string lights and the bells on the wooden frames.


    Even though it wasn''t aplicated task, it was arduous. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were standing on the wooden frame while Ren Baqian was carrying a bundle of string lights running to and fro between the two persons. He handed one end of the string lights to Qing Yuan and ran to Hong Luan to pass her the other end. The two girls would thence the wooden frame with the string lights. This process repeated several times.


    The empress was still watching her television series, but she wasn''t focusing on it. Every now and then, she would look at the three persons that were working in frenzy, slightly in a daze.


    It had been a very long time since Yangxin Pce Hall was so lively.


    Or rather, this ce had never been so lively before.


    Yangxin Pce Hall had always been cold and cheerless. Even when she was young and her father was still the ruler of Dayao, this ce was already like this.


    For a very long period of time, she even felt that this was how Yangxin Pce Hall should be.


    Therefore, when she saw how busy Ren Baqian, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan were, she was slightly surprised. At the same time, she felt warmth and amusment too.


    The empress did not even realize she was smiling.


    It took them nearly half a day to set up the LED string lights. After Ren Baqian plugged the electric cable into the electric power source, the color of the entire Yangxin Pce Hall began to change. The string lights that were hung along the sides of the pce hall and the entrance emitted colorful light. Furthermore, the light seemed to be flowing as well.


    For every 100 meters in length, the string lights weighed 9 kilograms. Ren Baqian brought a total of 2000 meters of string lights, making the entire Yangxin Pce Hall brightly colorful.


    Initially, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan still did not know what Ren Baqian was trying to do. After seeing this sight, they almost cried out in rm. Even though the current Yangxin Pce Hall still looked slightly cheerless, it also exuded a rich and diverse, intoxicating aura.


    Even the empress was pleasantly surprised. She did not expect the decorations to be so beautiful and dazzling.


    Moreover, Ren Baqian even asked someone to cut down two logs and ce them in front of the empress''s couch. Then, heced them with some remaining colorful string lights.


    "Your Majesty, this is how your pce hall should be." Ren Baqian wiped off the sweat on his forehead. Running around the pce hall with the heavy string lights had tired him out drastically.


    However, after seeing how gorgeous Yangxin Pce Hall was, like the pce hall in fairy tales, he felt very satisfied.


    The empress''s face was filled with surprise while her heart was engulfed in warmth. For a moment, she did not know what to say.


    After a long while, she said softly, "It''s very beautiful, I like it!"


    Hearing the empress''s soft and gentle voice, Ren Baqian''s heart melted.


    This was probably the most romantic thing that he had ever done in his life.


    "But I''m afraid there is not enough power to sustain these string lights. I have brought back another set of batteries. Including the four battery sets that we already have, these string lights canst for roughly five hours." Ren Baqian looked slightly disappointed.


    The fact that such a beautiful sight couldn''tst forever made him slightly disappointed.


    Previously, he did not bring back many battery sets. He prepared a total of four battery sets to sustain the empress''sptop,mpstands and walkie-talkie. Now, there were a total of five battery sets in Yangxin Pce Hall.


    It seemed like he had to bring back arger battery next time around.


    Following which, Ren Baqian, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan hung the bells on the string lights. Whenever the wind blew, the entire Yangxin Pce Hall would be filled with a sweet-sounding chime.


    The chime sounded much better than the ghostly wails and howls that those residences at Beihong District produced.


    The empress listened to the chime for the whole night and almost couldn''t fall asleep.


    It was far too noisy.


    She could not feel it during the day. However, when it was the dead of the night, she could hear the chime loud and clear.


    However, the empress did not ask anyone to take down the bells. The next day, she behaved as though nothing had happened.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan loved the bells dearly. On the second day, Qing Yuan had dark circles under her eyes. On the third day, it was Hong Luan that had dark circles under her eyes.

 Chapter 280: What Are We Doing Here?

    Chapter 280: What Are We Doing Here?


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    This was the first New Year that Ren Baqian spent in the other world, and enjoying a hotpot feast at Yangxin Pce Hall was he and the empress''s only activity. The hotpot base from Earth wasbined with the unpolluted wild vegetables and fresh meat from the other world.


    This was a well-matchedbination from both worlds.


    The resulting delicious taste was also unparalleled.


    Of course, the most important factor was the person he was eating with.


    It was doing the right thing with the right person at the right time.


    For example, Ren Baqian was looking at the empress, who was giggling away at this time.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes were losing their focus, and he was a little wobbly. As such, he knew he had drank too much.


    The empress didn''t look much different from usual, but her face was flushed, and it was evident that she also drank too much.


    And the flush on her face only added to her gorgeous look.


    There were four bottles of wine on the floor. One bottle was for Ren Baqian and three bottles were for the empress.


    However, Ren Baqian failed to stop himself from drinking too much.


    "Your Majesty, let me tell you, the most important thing I have ever done in this lifetime was getting acquainted with you... Most of the blessings for my next life have already been used up in this life, and I have also epted this fact..." Ren Baqian said incoherently.


    However, the empress didn''t mind as this was what she liked to hear.


    "I must thank Heaven for arranging so many good things in my life, and I am most satisfied with this one. I am very grateful and will offer incense, fruits, vegetables, and three types of sacrificial animals. This is called offering sacrifices to Heaven..." Ren Baqian continued.


    "It is simr to giving a red-packet when people pull strings for you. When someone does you a favor, no matter what, you''ll still have to reciprocate. Otherwise, who will care about you in the future? It is the same with heaven..."


    The empress poured herself a cup of wine, listened quietly to him boasting, and before long, finished another jar.


    Ren Baqian rambled for a long time before finally stopping due to exhaustion.


    The empress got someone to tidy up before lying on the sofa to watch a television series. Unexpectedly, she took out a packet of popcorn from somewhere.


    Until now, Ren Baqian had no idea how much rations she had stocked up. In any case, she would eat some snacks while lying on the sofa to watch television series from time to time.


    The big hall was very spacious, and the sound emitted from theptop generated echoes.


    However, there was also another sound in the big hall which was quite disruptive.


    "Hoo...Hoo..." The empress was often distracted by it.


    Ren Baqian was seated on the floor, and he slept while leaning on the sofa.


    "Send him back to Pingle Park," the empress waved her hand and ordered.


    "Yes!" Qing Yuan reluctantly took her eyes away from theptop as the plot was at a crucial moment.


    The empressid on the sofa, looked at the colorful shing lights above her and continued to watch the television series in contentment.


    ...


    The next day Ren Baqian woke up with a slight headache. He was given some green vine water and felt much better after drinking it.


    Today was the first day of the New Year in this world, which also signified that it was the day of thentern-grabbing contest.


    As it was still early, Ren Baqian took out two boxes from under his bed, inspected them after opening them, and then closed them again.


    He strolled to Yangxin Pce Hall to visit the empress, and it was rare that she woke upte like this. She had just woken up when Ren Baqian arrived, looked very groggy and wasn''t quite mentally alert yet. Such a situation was rarely seen.


    "Your Majesty... you stayed up watching the television series all night again..." Ren Baqianmented.


    "Ahh!" the empress lightly yawned. The normally domineering empress was yawning like a little kitten.


    "How are the preparations for thentern-grabbing contest?" The empress casually asked.


    "Wait for my heroic performance!" Ren Baqian raised his thumb, and his teeth were shing.


    It was like seeing the character from Naruto, Might Guy, in person.


    [Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. There is also an anime version as well.]


    Hearing him say this, the empress felt more awake. She looked at Ren Baqian who was full of confidence and then shook her head, hoping that the result wouldn''t be too miserable.


    The empress had long known who was in Ren Baqian''s team and the arrangements made.


    With regards to Ren Baqian taking the "tooth gate" position, the empress had her reservations. She would be satisfied as long as he could even touch thentern tform.


    After lunch, Ren Baqian went back to Pingle Park. First, he put on a skin-tight clothing. Then, he donned his armor and wore a robe over it. Before he could even move, he already felt unbearably warm.


    The temperature of Lan City during wintertime was about 23 to 24 degrees Celsius, and wearing a robe was bearable, but, the addition of skin-tight underclothing made him about to perspire.


    However, he couldn''t be naked while changing his clothes. Unlike the characters in Magical Girl, with their halo screen around them, he would be butt-naked.


    Two boxes were hung on the back of the fork-horned cow, and Ren Baqian brought some people to the practice arena which was outside the pce. He and the Du brothers arrived at almost the same time.


    The Du brothers wore underpants that were made from animal hide. Their tops, which swung from left shoulder to the right waist, was also made from animal hide. The right half of their bodies rippled with bulging muscles while the thick blue veins and arteries on the muscle surface were just like dragons.


    Based on their appearance, Ren Baqian gave them nine points. He gave them one less point in case they get too proud.


    But after thinking for a while, these few people couldn''t even defeat one little Lolita. As such, it made Ren Baqian feel that they were good-for-nothings.


    The five of them then squatted at the corner of the wall in vic style as it was cooler over here.


    "Who is going to buy some bowls of shaved ice? Xu Wei, find someone to buy a few bowls and don''t wait for the heat to kick in and knock us out before the contest starts," Ren Baqian shouted loudly. He was the only one whose forehead was perspiring profusely.


    After the past few months, shaved ice had be a rtivelymon product in Lan City.


    It was rare that Caretaker Shi had a business mind, but in this instance, he actually opened a total of ten shops across almost every district.


    After a while, the five of them continued squatting in a row and slurped shaved ice.


    After waiting for exactly one hour, Tong Lan finally arrived. The two young members of the Tong Family came along. One was Tong Tiehou and the other was Tong Tiecheng. They followed Tong Lan''s lead, and one look was enough to know they were useless.


    Tong Lan stood on the back of the fork-horned cow with her white satin dress drifting in the wind. On top of that, her good looks gave one the impression of a fairy.


    "Why do you always stand on the back of the fork-horned cow!" Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    Tong Lan looked at Ren Baqian liked she had seen trash and didn''t respond.


    "Is it because you are shorter than others when you sit on the back of the cow? Or is it because you look more sophisticated and grander when you stand on its back?" Ren Baqian carelessly spected.


    "Hmmph!" Tong Lan raised her little face and continued to ignore him.


    Tong Tiehou and Tong Tiecheng both gave Ren Baqian a thumbs-up


    Ren Baqian widened his eyes. Was that really the right reason?


    Sure enough, no matter how a Lolita looked, they would experience eighth-grade syndrome.


    [Eighth-grade syndrome - describes teenagers around the age of fourteen that try to look cool to impress people around their age. It''s more like a growth phase for some teenagers.]


    This was especially true for Tong Lan who possessed great power.


    "Do you want to y Five in a Row?" Ren Baqian beckoned with his hands.


    "What is Five in a Row?" The little Lolita instantly showed her curious nature. After all, she was a little girl full of curiosity.


    "Come, it is like this." Ren Baqian drew a Five in a Row board on the ground and taught everyone how to y.


    Five in a Row was an easy game to pick up, and even with the aboriginals'' IQ, they were able to learn easily. Before long, they crowded around in a circle as Ren Baqian and the little Lolita yed the game.


    "Childish!" Tong Lan gave a look of despise after losing ten games in a row.


    "Such a big man yet you are still ying such a childish game. Such a useless guy."


    "Sir Ren, why are we here so early today?" Du Changkong touched the back of his head and finally recalled this matter.


    As soon as he said that, everyone else also remembered that they were supposed to discuss the tactics for the contest. Why did they end up ying Five in a Row for the entire afternoon?


    "When the timees, both of us will charge forward and the rest will cover us." Ren Baqian said casually. "With our strength and my meticulous preparation, if we do not crush them, they will crush us. I have thought about this for many days and feel there is no need for any strategy. Everyone will act ording to the situation."


    Everyone looked obliquely at him and assumed they would certainly be crushed.


    Tong Lan covered her face with her little hand. She felt that her first time participating in thentern-grabbing contest had ended before it had even started.

 Chapter 281: Before The Contest

    Chapter 281: Before The Contest


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Thentern-grabbing contest had a very long history in Dayao. In the past, a few strongholds in the Sixty Thousand Mountains would hold it together.


    After Dayao was established, many aboriginals left the mountains and lived in the cities. As the poption of the cities grew, the scale of thentern-grabbing contest in each city grew as well.


    In Lan City, the capital of Dayao, thentern-grabbing contest on the first day of New Year would be the most eye-grabbing, distinguished event in the entire country.


    Starting from noontime, aboriginals living in the mountains would enter Lan City in an endless stream. They would set off in the morning and stay a night in the city just to witness this epic event.


    The citizens of Lan City would definitely not miss this grand asion that urred once every year.


    Even the merchants and diplomats from other nations staying in Lan City would attend and spectate the event.


    Of course, they would not have any seats, so they had to squeeze together with themoners.


    Neither the empress nor the court officials cared about the diplomats from the other nations.


    Actually, out of all the diplomats, only Great Xia''s Gu Zicheng was treated with some importance.


    This was not because Great Xia was the most powerful nation out of the three nations, but rather, Gu Zicheng had lived the longest in Dayao out of all the diplomats.


    For more than 10 years, Gu Zicheng had been safe and sound in Dayao. This was not solely because he was low-profile.


    Even the people that sent him here had not expected him to live so long.


    One had to know that the diplomats did not just stay in Lan City and do nothing. They had to step up whenever the trade caravans from their nations encountered troubles in Lan City. When their countries had issues with Dayao, they needed to step up as well. A moment of carelessness would cause their heads to fall. Their nations couldn''t do much about it and the empress could easily find an excuse for their death.


    If they did not do a good job and embarrassed their nations, they would suffer and their families back at home would be affected.


    Basically, going on a diplomatic mission to Dayao was equivalent to having one foot in hell.


    Previously, the Yun Nation''s diplomat that was beheaded stayed in Dayao for only a year.


    The new diplomat that reced him had already been here for a month.


    Therefore, the fact that Gu Zicheng could survive in Dayao for over 10 years was admirable.


    Gu Zicheng had great talent and finesse in diplomatic skills.


    Even Shi Qing was puzzled about why Great Xia had ced such a talent in Dayao without utilizing him for more than 10 years. Was it possible that Great Xia had a multitude of talents?


    At this moment, Gu Zicheng was sitting on the carriage. Whenever the carriage ran over the gstones, it would jolt slightly.


    Hearing themotion from outside, Gu Zicheng had a solemn look on his face.


    He already knew about the death of the Seventh Prince. Through some channels, he also knew about Great Xia''s preparations. He did not know whether or not would he be buried here.


    Over 10 years had passed, and his hometown had already changedpletely. It seemed that dying here wasn''t as bad as he thought.


    Or should he pledge allegiance to Dayao?


    This thought shed across Gu Zicheng''s mind, and he immediately suppressed it.


    This was because he still had his family in Great Xia.


    When he arrived at the event site, it was still early. A guard hade here early to secure a spot for him. Beside him were the new diplomat from Yun Nation and a diplomat from Chen Nation. The three of them could be considered brothers in this situation.


    At this moment, Gu Zicheng had regained his usual calm-looking smile on his face. He greeted the other two diplomats by nodding his head at them.


    Their spots weren''t too bad. On one side, there seats of the court officials. On the other side, there was a sea of people.


    In front of them, there was an enormous and spacious field that was enclosed by grass ropes.


    The field was 400 feet long and 70 feet wide. In its center, there was a gigantic wooden frame which was 20 feet wide and 8 feet tall. The wooden frame was separated into 7 levels. The size of each level got smaller toward the top of the wooden frame. The highest level was only 2 feet wide.


    This wooden frame was called thentern tform.


    On the topmost level, there was a square dais that had a redntern ced on it. Whichever team got ahold of thisntern within a specified period of time would be the winner.


    For thentern-grabbing contest, only one team would be the winner. There was no second ce or third ce.


    On the two sides of thentern tform, there were a total of 26 teams, 13 teams on each side. The distance between each side and thentern tform was simr, approximately 200 feet.


    Out of the 26 teams, 18 were formed by descendants of the court officials. The remaining 8 teams were formed bymoners.


    Dayao had been founded for 70 years, and themoners only won thentern-grabbing contest 10 times. Out of these 10 times, there were three times that both sides suffered heavy casualties.


    The remaining seven times had been won by dark horses.


    The most recent victory by themoners was six years ago. In that team of dark horses, there was someone that Ren Baqian knew. It was the simple-minded Xiong Pi. He and his team members were almost recruited by the army.


    In every year''sntern-grabbing contest, the dark horses would be the ones getting the most attention and people would discuss them enthusiastically for a very long period of time after the contest.


    Many people wanted to see if there were any dark horses this year.


    Even if these dark horses did not win the contest, they would still garner respect if they put up a good performance. Furthermore, the empress and the court officials would be present to spectate the contest as well.


    Due to these reasons, thentern-grabbing contest was the biggest stage for young aboriginals. This applied to both themoners and the descendants of the court officials. They wanted to put up a good performance to impress their elders and bring honor to their families.


    The holding area for the participants was very quiet. Even the ambitious participants were conserving their energy.


    After all, even Hong Xian and Xi Yueya, who were the most outstanding individuals among these youngsters, could not easily suppress everyone else. There were several opponents that were somewhat on a par with them.


    Most people were feeling anxious.


    However, there were also some people that were an exception. For example, the group of people that formed a circle while yelling, "I jump! I jump! I jump again!"


    Those who did not know what was going on stretched their necks to see what this group of people was doing.


    "Childish!" Tong Lan had a contemptful look on her face. "You''re already so old, yet you still y this kind of childish game. Good-for-nothing!"


    After finishing her sentence, she walked away with her nose arrogantly in the air.


    Ren Baqian looked at the squares and small wooden blocks on the ground and sighed. It was getting harder for him to trick Tong Lan. She quit after losing 10 rounds of Five In A Row in the afternoon, but only after nine rounds of Chinese checkers just now.


    Beside him, Du Changkong had a cheerful look on his face. He did not care if he lost the game whatsoever. What mattered the most was that he participated in it.


    Ren Baqian threw aside the wooden blocks in his hand. Then, he stood up and looked into the distance. Behind the line of torches, there was a sea of people producing a thunderous mor. Ren Baqian wondered whether or not half of the poption of Dayao was attending this event.


    The holding area wasn''t partitioned. Actually, it was just a huge plot of vacantnd that was enclosed by ropes, and the surrounding onlookers could see them clearly. The ropes could also be easily broken by other teams.


    The team next to his team waspletely made up of girls, and their leader was Hong Xian. There was also a girl that kept on sneering at him.


    Eh? Wasn''t she that girl he had chidedst time? Liu Ruoyao?


    Was this encounter inevitable or purposely arranged by someone? It spelled trouble for him.


    He couldn''t possibly beat up girls, right? Even though aboriginal girls were very powerful, they were still girls after all.


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that he shouldn''ty a finger on them. He couldn''t bring himself to hit a girl. At most, he would only push them away.


    Other than Hong Xian and Liu Ruoyao, there were eight other girls. All of them had a unique look and their bodies were exceptionally hot. They were sizing up Ren Baqian.


    How dare this man participate in thentern-grabbing event?


    Even though he was much stronger than they expected, they could still disregard him. They did not know whether he was bold or naive.


    Liu Ruoyao would be teaching a good lessonter.


    Ren Baqian did not know anyone on the other side of the field. He heard from Du Changkong that they were rather easy to deal with. Still, there were two individuals that were slightly weaker than Hong Xian. The first person was called Qin Haoyong and the second person was called Qin Kun. The former was Qin Chuan''s youngest son while thetter was his grandson.


    Ren Baqian had no choice but to admit that Qin Chuan was a talent.


    The rest of his teammates felt nothing special about this. After all, aboriginals had long lifespans, especially experts.


    It was not unusual to see a family of different generations living under the same roof.


    Both of them looked somewhat simr in age.


    Qin Haoyong sensed that Ren Baqian was looking at him. He turned around and gave Ren Baqian a nod of goodwill. He felt slightly surprised that Ren Baqian was here.


    After all, Ren Baqian was considered the weakest participant in this contest.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head at Qin Haoyong as well. Then, he turned around and asked Du Changkong, "How much longer until the start of the contest?"


    "Less than the time needed for an incense stick to finish burning," Du Changkong replied after taking a look in another direction.


    That would be around 20 minutes. Ren Baqian felt he should start preparing since it would take him some time to put his armor on.


    Ren Baqian ced the two boxes that he had brought along next to each other. Then, he said to everyone, "Form a circle around me."


    He felt that he should give everyone a surprise after preparing for so long. As a result, he could only disy it at thest moment.


    Filled with doubt, everyone encircled him. With eight burly men surrounding him, no one outside of the circle could see what was going on inside.


    Ren Baqia chuckled and took off his robe, revealing the skin-tight clothing. Then, he opened up the boxes beneath his legs.


    His group members had been curious about what the boxes contained and reckoned that they must have contained something that emboldened him to be a tooth gate.


    However, even after they racked their brains, they still did not know what the boxes contained.


    One had to know that weapons were prohibited in this contest. Whatever was kept in these two boxes wouldn''t be too useful for him.


    However, when everyone saw what Ren Baqian took out of the boxes, they gasped in surprise. It was at this moment that they realized how naive and innocent they were.


    All of them had a stunned look on their faces. "Sir Ren, is this alright? Will it break the rules?"


    "It''s definitely alright!" Ren Baqian replied with confidence.


    This was a set of armor, right? Since this was armor, it would not break the rules. After all, the rules did not say anything about this.


    It''s none of my business whether or not the rules in the future would prohibit it.


    "What is it? I want to see! I want to see!" When the sulking lolita saw everyone behaving mysteriously and letting out gasps of surprise, she could not help but squeeze herself into the circle.


    "Good-for-nothing, what is this?" With her eyes wide from shock, Tong Lan stared at the thing that Ren Baqian was wearing.


    Tong Lan''s voice captured the attention of the two other teams, but with eight burly men forming a circle around Ren Baqian, they could not see anything.


    "Hmph, no matter what trick they have up their sleeves, they still no chance of winning the contest," Liu Ruoyao sneered.


    Strength was the key to winning thentern-grabbing contest. Trickery would only provoke mockery.


    Even though Liu Ruoyao''s parents had already warned her not to do anything stupid, she had already decided to teach Ren Baqian a lessonter. At most, she would try not to do it in an obvious way.


    Hong Xian was sitting quietly on one side. She paused on her gaze on Liu Ruoyao for a while, thinking about whether or not she should take back the words she said just now.


    "Quiet!" Ren Baqian put his index finger to his lips, warning Tong Lan. Following which, he continued to put on the armor.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian looked like a hedgehog, Tong Lan''s eyes widened. Following which, they curled as she covered her mouth to hide her snickering.


    This was extremely amusing to her. She couldn''t wait to see everyone''s facial expressionster.


    She had no care about whether they were breaking the rules or not. As long as it was amusing, she was fine with it.


    ...


    Far away from thentern tform, the empress was sitting in a chair. Standing behind her were Xin Zhe, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan.


    This was the best seat because she could see both sides of the field clearly.


    Sitting on both sides of her were the court officials. All of their department members were sitting behind them.


    "Your Majesty, will Deputy Prefect Ren be alright?" Shi Qing asked with concern.


    If anything was to happen to Ren Baqian, Her Majesty might fly into an uncontroble rage. This was likely to happen.


    However, if Her Majesty really flew into a rage, thentern-grabbing contest this year would be in a mess.


    "We will seeter," the empress replied casually. Deep down, she was feeling slightly uncertain.


    Previously, she had just wanted Ren Baqian to participate in thentern-grabbing contest for her, and she had not thought too much about it. However, as the day of the contest drew closer and closer, she became slightly worried.


    However, when she thought about how confident Ren Baqian was, she felt slightly at ease. She wished Ren Baqian was really as confident as he said he was.


    At this point in time, the empress had mixed feelings. On one hand, Ren Baqian was really too weak. On the other hand, he possessed marvellous gadgets from Earth that could do almost anything. She hoped Ren Baqian had something that could stun everyone.


    Not far away, Tong Zhenye was feeling calm andposed. Previously, he had reminded Tong Lan to protect Ren Baqian no matter what happened. Therefore, he wasn''t worried at all.


    Simrly, Qin Chuan was also very calm. He had already reminded Qin Kun and Qin Haoyong not to touch Ren Baqian. If anything happened to Ren Baqian, it would have nothing to do with him.

 Chapter 282: Dumbstruck

    Chapter 282: Dumbstruck


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    From time to time, Qin Haoyong looked at the group of people gathered beside him. He could hear the snickeringing from there and was full of doubts about what they were doing inside.


    He was also curious to know what gave that man the courage to participate in thentern-grabbing contest.


    If not for his father''s instruction, he wouldn''t have taken the initiative topete with him. In any case, the other party had no chance to be the champion.


    If the other party encountered any problem, Qin Haoyong might be able to help out and the other party would owe him a favor in return.


    On the other side, Liu Ruoyao saw that there was only a little bit of me left on the base of the incense burner and became more carefree.


    After taking her revenge, she would be carefree.


    That person made her lose face and caused her to be punished as well. Therefore, she wouldn''t let him off easily.


    As for the teams in the distance, they didn''t pay much attention to this side. Although many people knew about the participation of Ren Baqian and Tong Lan, one was a rookie and the other was a lolita after all. Both of them were easily identifiable, and these children of the court officials were well informed. However, most of them didn''t regard Ren Baqian and Tong Lan as their rivals.


    They had to get past Liu Ruoyao and Hong Xian first, and everyone knew Liu Ruoyao very well.


    Although they had heard of the talented little girl from the Tong Family, she was too young and her partner was too green to be a threat if the partnership depended only on her.


    "Sir Ren, the contest is going to begin," Du Changkong reminded.


    Ren Baqian said, "Oh." His voice came from under the helmet and sounded muffled.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian had fully transformed into a human-sized hedgehog. His entire body, including his face, was covered with ayer of soft armor. The outer part of the armor was covered with dense spikes and the gap between any two spikes was so narrow that a finger could only just fit in between them.


    Each spike was about two centimeters long and sufficient to pierce through one''s palm. Each tip exuded a dense cold light as well.


    Furthermore, each spike had a barb attached to it.


    If it hit a person, it was guaranteed that it would prick the other party into bing something like a sieve. When separating it from one''s body, it would also take along a piece of bloody flesh.


    This was the legendary magical object for squeezing into the subway. It was the 17th-century Siberian bear hunting suit, the human-sized hedgehog suit, which Ren Baqian had enhanced into an ultimate killer suit.


    The main property of this suit was its venttion. There were countless pores in the soft iron cloth to guarantee a certain permeability. In addition, there was also a soft lining inside, which made it more bearable for people to wear.


    Secondly, the spikes were made from an alloy, which ensured sharpness, hardness, and a reduction in its weight all at the same time.


    Lastly, this suit had a trump card.


    This trump card, however, harmed both the opponents as well as his teammates. It would kill 1,000 enemies, sacrifice 1,500 of his own, and should only be used as ast resort.


    The vulnerable parts of this hedgehog suit were the throat, armpits, and the inner thighs. However, these weaknesses did not affect the lethality of this suit.


    Ren Baqian ced high hopes on this suit and felt full of energy when he wore it. He felt as if he transformed into a character from Saint Seiya, and regardless of whether there was a mountain full of knives or a fiery sea before him, he could still cut a bloody path through it.


    (Saint Seiya: also known as Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac or simply Knights of the Zodiac, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. It has an anime adaption as well.)


    "I am unbearably hungry and thirsty," Ren Baqian said vehemently.


    Everyone rolled their eyes.


    The rest were perplexed by hisments and couldn''t believe their ears.


    "Good-for-nothing, I also want this!" The little lolita said with envy as her eyes sparkled.


    "If we can win this time, I will give it to you." Ren Baqian replied generously.


    The little lolita said with contempt, "You have no intention of giving it to me."


    "Sir, the contest is about to begin," Xu Le reminded him.


    At this time, someone was already raising a g in the center. Once he put the g down, thentern-grabbing contest would officially begin.


    The spirits of everyone rose.


    "Make way for me. Do not block the way!" Ren Baqian warned Du Changkong and Du Changqing who were in front.


    The two nodded their heads incessantly and were cursing in their hearts. Only a fool will obstruct Ren Baqian''s way.


    Bumping into others wasn''t a problem, but bumping into Ren Baqian, the result would be disastrous. Even though the aboriginals were tough, they were not at the stage of being invulnerable to knives and guns.


    This body, which had glimmering barbed spikes, was not to be messed with.


    But, wouldn''t Ren Baqian be immediately kicked out once he dashed out? This waspletely against the rules, right?


    All eyes were on the raised g, and thest few seconds seemed especially slow.


    The surrounding audience was focused on the performance of the participating teams this year. At the same time, they were observing many young experts as well.


    Ren Baqian was still solidly blocked from view and moved his body slightly to see whether there were any problems with his suit. As for the little lolita, Tong Lan, she was staring at Ren Baqian with her radiant eyes.


    "Begin!"


    The person holding the g in the center of the arena pointed it down as thest embers of the incense extinguished.


    There wasn''t anything more to say.


    Following the g wave and themand for the contest to begin, 26 teamsprising of over 200 people, which were divided into two sides, poured from the waiting area into the arena as everyone vigntly watched each other at the same time.


    "Haha, my big axe has been impatiently waiting for action!" a sudden cry in the crowd erupted.


    Qin Haoyong, who was positioned near the side, was impressed by these words and reminded himself to remember them.


    Liu Ruoyao looked disdainful.


    How dare you make such ament? I will not let you touch thentern tform at all.


    As Du Changkong and Du Changjing moved aside, a somewhat clumsy fellow rushed out from the center.


    "What were they doing furtively just now? I''m finally able to see what was going on." Qin Haoyong had been curious for a long time. He was in no rush to charge out too fast, turning his attention to the side instead.


    The next moment, he saw a silhouette dashing out from the crowd. His eyes almost popped out, he staggered, and he almost fell.


    "What is this thing?"


    Qin Haoyong waspletely mystified.


    The four "roving guards" of Hong Xian''s group didn''t take notice of any other team and directly headed for Ren Baqian''s team. When Liu Ruoyao saw that silhouette dashing out from the crowd, she instantly felt a tightness in her chest and almost vomited blood.


    "This is foul y!" Liu Ruoyao shouted.


    The empress had been staring at that location ever since thepetition started. When she saw that silhouette bursting out of the crowd, she almost choked and her eyes twitched. Previously, she had been wondering where he got his confidence from and had never expected him to act this way.


    "Ptui!" Tong Zhengye spat out a mouthful of tea instantly. He raised his hand, pointed tremblingly in that direction, and was astonished. Although he knew that person was shameless, he didn''t expect him to be that shameless.


    Qin Chuan was even more dumbstruck by the sight and simply couldn''t figure out what it was.


    After Tong Zhengye spat out his tea, the rest of the people looked in the direction he was pointing. They were horrified to see arge hedgehog with a body full of glimmering barbed spikes. Was this the way topete?


    Everyone felt that today''s incident was really an eye-opener.


    Shi Qing had been an official for many years and had seen all kinds of things, but this was the first time he had witnessed such an incident at thentern-grabbing contest. At first, he was dumbfounded. After which, he turned to ask the empress with some uncertainty, "Your Majesty, is this foul y?"


    The empress twitched her eyes for a while after hearing Shi Qing''s question. She then said in a low voice, "Regarding the armor, there isn''t any foul y."


    "But this..." Shi Qing pointed at the center of the arena. Was this armor?


    If this was elsewhere, it wouldn''t be a problem. As long as one had a weapon in his or her hand, this armor would be a joke.


    It could be seen that the more than 200 participants were bare handed, but with the appearance of this big hedgehog, what could everyone else do?


    "Next time, add a rule to disallow sharp objects on the armor to prevent injuries to others. However, since this rule wasn''t included previously, it will not be considered an offense," the empress lightly stated.


    Tong Zhenye, who was at the side, opened and closed his mouth like a catfish onnd. After a long time, he looked resentfully at the empress out of the corner of his eyes.


    Your Majesty, you have changed.


    You weren''t like that originally!

 Chapter 283: The Shoe From The Sky

    Chapter 283: The Shoe From The Sky


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Ren Baqian asked Du Changkong to get out of his way. Without saying anything, he charged wildly toward thentern tform. He clearly understood that he was the weakest among all the participants. Even if there were 10 clones of himself, he wouldn''t be able to beat the second weakest participant. Therefore, he chose to charge forward wildly like this.


    At the same time, he was howling withughter in his heart.


    Why don''t you stop me? Why don''t you stop me? See what will happen if you touch me!


    Ren Baqian indeed ran very fast. Within a few seconds, he was ahead of everyone. Some people were already fighting with each other in the distance.


    When people saw who the fastest runner on the field was, they had stunned looks on their faces.


    What is going on?


    Is this eptable? He is breaking the rules, isn''t he?


    More than half of the participants were looking at Ren Baqian.


    Should I stop him?


    How do I stop him?


    Everyone else looked at each other. In the end, all of them turned their heads and looked at the side of the field in unison.


    Liu Ruoyao was stomping about in anger while yelling, "He is breaking the rules! He is breaking the rules! He is breaking the rules!"


    Almost of all of the participants had such a reaction, let alone the spectators. Everyone looked on as the oversized hedgehog that gave off a cold glimmer charged forward wildly. The spectators went into an uproar.


    Initially, Gu Zicheng did not know what was going on. However, when he noticed the reactions of people beside him and followed their gazes, he almost spurted out blood.


    There was actually such a genius among the aboriginals?


    However, he quickly recalled something that he heard of recently.


    Could he be that guy? Other than him, no one else would do such a thing.


    After staying over 10 years in Dayao, he understood the aboriginals'' nature very well. No aboriginal would think of such an ingenious method.


    When the empress saw the participants looking at the charging Ren Baqian in a daze, she turned around and gave Tong Zhenye a nce. With a bitter look on his face, Tong Zhenye let out a cough that echoed across the entire field.


    "He is not breaking the rules, so the contest shall proceed as per usual."


    The empress nodded her head in satisfaction.


    Upon hearing these words, many spectators understood what "dirty tricks" meant for the first time in their lives, especially the descendants of the court officials. All of them were depressed. How could they defeat Ren Baqian this way?


    When Liu Ruoyao heard these words, she was incensed.


    In the end, she surged forward and appeared in front of Ren Baqian with wild rage written all over her face.


    Ren Baqian merely lowered his head and continued to charge forward.


    At the same time, he yelled, "I can''t stop! Someone please give me a hand!"


    Behind him, Tong Lan had a look of disdain on her face.


    Can you act properly? If that''s the case, what are your legs doing? They are like spinning wheels!


    When Liu Ruoyao saw a mass of glimmering sharp points charging toward her and heard Ren Baqian''s voice, she became even more angry.


    However, she did not dare to continue standing there. She did not want to see for herself whether or not those sharp points could pierce through her. In a sh, she dodged Ren Baqian''s charging attack. Afterward, she felt extremely sullen.


    Previously, she was determined not to let him make contact with thentern tform. However, she couldn''t even stop him now.


    As Tong Lan ran past her, she even gave her a smile. Du Changkong and his counterparts had a rxed look on their faces. Out of every team, their team was the most rxed. Many teams had already started fighting with each other.


    Du Changkong and the rest gave Ren Baqian a thumbs up in their hearts. It was good to have someone that had a powerful backer on their team.


    However, as everyone picked up their speed, Ren Baqian began to fall behind. After all, he was still the slowestpared to everyone else.


    At the same time, two girls from Hong Xian''s team had stopped Xu Le and Jiang Hu.


    Meanwhile, Liu Ruoyao clenched her teeth and followed behind them, trying to find an opportunity to strike again.


    The sound of people getting beaten up was incessant. Many people wereunching punches and kicks while running at full speed. asionally, those who couldn''t dodge the attacks that wereing from all directions flew into the air and copsed to the ground. Someone even got his arm twisted and thrown onto the ground.


    "Watch out, hedgehog!" someone suddenly yelled. A man was flying toward Ren Baqian threateningly. He adjusted his posture in the air, but maintained his flying path. Even if he could kick Ren Baqian to the ground, the soles of his feet would be filled with holes.


    This was the man that yelled those words.


    Hearing these words, Tong Lan could not help but burst outughing.


    Ren Baqian was like a hedgehog that could not be eaten.


    The aboriginals'' cultivation system was divided into four levels: Four-way Heaven, Kismet Heaven, Cardinal Heaven, and Longevity Heaven. Most of themoners had attained Four-way Heaven. Every participant had attained Kismet Heaven. After all, they were quite good to have attained Kismet Heaven at such a young age.


    However, even if they could stop Ren Baqian with their strength and even though Ren Baqian was like an ant to them, they did not dare take the risk of stopping him and bing a sieve.


    Even Liu Ruoyao did not dare to do so.


    If you try to attack Ren Baqian, would you go hard or soft on him? If you go soft on him, you''re going to suffer a huge loss. Are you willing to be a sieve for the sake of merely touching him? However, if you go hard on him... don''t forget his status...


    No matter how much Liu Ruoyao hated Ren Baqian, she only wanted to humiliate him. At worst, she only wanted to cause him a slight injury.


    Only a fool would try to injure him severely. Her Majesty will not let her off if she did that.


    Therefore, even though she was infuriated, she couldn''t do anything about it.


    The rest felt the same way too.


    However, that man''s yell was really funny.


    "An oversized hedgehog? Hahaha..." Tong Lanughed heartily while following behind Ren Baqian. Her voice was pleasant and alluring.


    As Ren Baqian was running, he gave the guy in the air the finger. At the same time, he was making calctions in his head. If he did not change his speed, he might crash into that guy, so should he crash into him or not?


    Before Ren Baqian could make up his mind, Du Changkong suddenly appeared in front of him. He squatted down andunched himself into the air. Holding a superman pose, he whizzed toward the guy in the air.


    In any case, everyone in the arena was his opponent.


    That guy wasn''t scared either. He brandished his arms and shot out countless fist shadows. Following which, he collided with Du Changkong. After a few exchanges, that guy got punched in his chest and flew backward. Du Changkong fell back to the ground as well. As hended on the ground, his feet punctured two holes in the ground that went knee-deep into the soil.


    Ren Baqian was roughly 70 meters away from thentern tform. Even though everyone else started off slower than him and some were even in a daze for a few minutes, they still reached thentern tform earlier than him.


    This was like a 600-meter race between a tractor and a Ferrari. Even if the tractor started off at the 300-meter-mark, the Ferrari could still catch up and overtake it.


    Over 10 people rose from the ground and jumped onto the second level of thentern tform. Two of them were already exchanging kicks. One of them was kicked off thentern tform while the other crashed into one of the supporting pirs.


    However, the person who crashed into the pir was pulled by Qin Haoyong from his back and then pushed off thentern tform. After pushing that guy off thentern tform, Qin Haoyong jumped three levels up thentern tform.


    Aside from the people that climbed thentern tform, there were also some people who tried to stop other teams from approaching the tform.


    Ren Baqian did not care about anything. Bracing himself, he charged forward and shouted, "If God tries to stop me, I will destroy him! If Buddha tries to stop me, I will destroy him! I will destroy anyone that tries to stop me! Get out of the way if you want to live!"


    Those people raised their eyebrows and gave way to Ren Baqian.


    There was no way that they could stop this spiky beast. However, given his speed, the contest would be over before he even made it to the midpoint of thentern tform.


    Following behind Ren Baqian tightly, Tong Lan was approaching thentern tform as well. However, the rest of her team members had been stopped and were caught up in the chaos.


    At this point in time, there were roughly 40 people climbing thentern tform from its two sides. Every now and then, someone would fall off the tform.


    Beneath the tform, there was a sea of chaos. Other than the people on the tform, half of the remaining people got caught up in the chaos far away from the tform while the rest were here.


    "Phew!" Ren Baqian was panting heavily when he reached thentern tform. By getting here safely, the hedgehog armor had indeed not let him down. His job was mostly done now.


    However, since he was free, he felt that he should try climbing thentern tform. Doing this would aggrandize him as well.


    Tong Lan did not care about him. With a flip, she jumped onto the second level. Before she evennded on the second level, someone suddenly appeared in front of her. That person let out a gasp of surprise. He was surprised to see such a young participant.


    However, his reactions weren''t slow at all. Using his right hand, he tried to karate chop Tong Lan.


    Using one hand, Tong Lan held his right hand, somersaulted, andunched a slicing kick to the top of his head.


    The guy took half a step backward and dodged Tong Lan''s attack. Following which, he tried to karate chop her again.


    Whizz.


    Tong Lan''s eyes widened. Are you bullying me due to the fact that my legs are shorter than your arms?


    Her legs brandished in the air like a pinwheel andunched several kicks at the guy, causing him to stagger backward. Making use of her momentum, Tong Lan held the edge of the second level to propel herself into the air and surge toward the guy. After a few exchanges, her opponent fell off thentern tform.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was still on the first level and trying to get to the second level. After all, he was weak to begin with. Furthermore, his armor inconvenienced his movements. Previously, when he was running, it was still alright. Now that he wanted to climb thentern tform, it was slightly troublesome for him.


    Moreover, thentern tformcked anydders. Most people ascended it by jumping. If it weren''t for the fact that everyone had to ascend the tform level by level, most people would jump two to three levels at once.


    Since Ren Baqian wasn''t capable of jumping, he had to grip the beams and pirs of the tform to climb up. At the same time, he had to make sure the spikes on his armor wouldn''t pierce the beams and pirs.


    Watching an oversized hedgehog climb up thentern, Liu Ruoyao felt frustrated. In a moment of rage, she took off one of her shoes and threw it at Ren Baqian.


    Even though her shoe wasn''t heavy at all, with her strength level it hit Ren Baqian''s back like a brick.


    This act of impulse caused two oues that she never thought of.


    First, the shoe was pierced by the spikes on Ren Baqian''s armor and wouldn''te off his back.


    Second, the force from the shoe mmed Ren Baqian to one of the pirs. The spikes on his chest pierced the pir and caused him to stick to the pir as though he was being nailed onto it.


    Ren Baqian felt something hit his back, and he hugged the pir in front of him. He could even hear the sound of the spikes piercing the pir.


    "F*ck!" Ren Baqian widened his eyes. He exerted strength to push himself off the pir. However, the spikes on his armor got hooked into with the wooden fibers inside the pir, stopping him from releasing himself from the pir.


    When the spectators saw this scene, they were dumbfounded.


    Many people rejoiced in his misfortune and burst outughing.


    The empress''s eyes twitched. Simrly, Shi Qing, Zhe Kouhai, Tong Zhenye, Qin Chuan, and the rest had their eyes twitching.


    Right now, the fastest participants had already reached the fourth level. However, all of them were engaged in a fight to stop each other from advancing. No one could get away and ascend to the fifth level.


    Initially, all of the spectators had their eyes fixated on the fifth level. They had not expected such a scene to ur below.


    They had not expected somebody''s shoe to get stuck to the oversized hedgehog.


    This scene happened too suddenly. No one knew how to react to it.


    Ren Baqian was stuck to the pir for a long while. After clenching his teeth and exerting a huge amount of strength, he finally pulled the spikes on his armor out of the pir.


    Liu Ruoyao was slightly taken back by the consequences of throwing her shoe at Ren Baqian. Following which, she felt a feeling of thrill and pleasure. At the same time, her eyes lit up. While fighting other people, she also kept her eyes on Ren Baqian, preparing to throw her other shoe at him.


    When she saw Ren Baqian begin to move again, she took off her other shoe and prepared to throw it at him again.


    However, before she could do anything, somebody else''s shoe flew out of the chaos and hit Ren Baqian. The shoe stuck to Ren Baqian''s back and mmed him back onto the pir again...


    "F*ck!" Stuck to the pir, Ren Baqian was in a violent rage.


    Which bastard threw his shoe at me?


    The people fighting below thentern tform lost the mood to fight. Their movements slowed down significantly, resembling a scene from The Matrix. All of them were looking attentively at the oversized hedgehog that was stuck to the pir.


    This fellow was too loathsome.


    He actually dared to undermine the tradition of thentern-grabbing contest.


    How could any unarmed aboriginal youth ept the fact that a glimmering, alien, oversized hedgehog had been approved in this contest?


    Previously, no one could do anything about him. However, the shoe from the sky had opened a new door for everyone, allowing them to see a new world... A new future...

 Chapter 284: Four Martial Arts Manuals

    Chapter 284: Four Martial Arts Manuals


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    "To hell with all of you," Ren Baqian silently cursed. He removed his helmet and sat on the ground. There were shoes all around him.


    If it weren''t for Xu Le, Jiang Hu, Du Changkong, and his brothers, who rushed over to protect Ren Baqian, he would have been drowned in a swamp of shoes today.


    At present, the massive number of shoes all over the ce was evidence.


    "Have the list of names been recorded?" Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth in fury and asked Du Changkong.


    "Sir, with the exception of the people on thentern tform, almost everyone on this side threw their shoes." Du Changkong was trying to hold back hisughter.


    This was his first time witnessing a scene where more than 100 people threw their shoes. It was quite a spectacr sight.


    "Hand me the list of names tomorrow. I''ll send someone to collect it!" Ren Baqian was unable to do anything about it, but so what if they had many people on their side?


    Did that mean that they could throw shoes at someone?


    Later on, I''ll find an opportunity to make things difficult for all of them.


    Am I really so detestable?


    In actual fact, only the first person, Liu Ruoyao, really hated him. The second person found it fun and followed. After which, everyone looked on and found it fun as well...


    In the end, no one had the mood topete anymore. Even the people from the other end of thentern tform ran over from time to time.


    It could be said that this year''sntern-grabbing contest had the most rxed atmosphere. Everyone participating in the contest, as well as the viewing audience,ughed really hard.


    Even the empress almost couldn''t contain herughter anymore.


    It was only Ren Baqian who felt embarrassed. He was actually pinned to the pir by shoes.


    Even after the contest had ended, Tong Lan rejoiced in Ren Baqian''s misfortune after seeing how he ended up and said, "I don''t want that thing of yours anymore."


    At the thought of carrying so many shoes on her back, she dropped the idea.


    Thentern-grabbing contest ended and the winner was ady called Jiang Ningyun. Previously, she wasn''t really well-known. She wasn''t weak and was almost on par with Hong Xian. With a bit of luck, she managed to grab thentern in the end.


    "Get someone to wrap all these shoes for me. I''m bringing them back." Ren Baqian wanted to get up and take his armor off, but he sorrowfully discovered that the spikes in his buttocks area had poked something, and he almost couldn''t get up.


    When he got up, another block of rotten wood was stuck to his buttocks area. No matter how anyone looked at it, it was entertaining. Tong Lan burst into a loudughter for a long time.


    After Ren Baqian changed into another set of clothes, he only saw Xu Wei, Xu Le, Jiang Hu, and numerous bodyguards waiting for him. Everyone else had left.


    For example, the empress and the court officials had already left much earlier. The road into the city was practically obstructed by the multitude of people.


    Everyone circumnavigated before entering the city through another gate.


    Once Ren Baqian returned to the pce, he headed straight for Pingle Park. As he had made a fool out of himself today, he had better go back and soothe his spiritual trauma first.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian dashed to Du Changkong''s house and forced him to write down the list of people who had thrown their shoes at him. Upon receiving the two lines of names he wrote, Ren Baqian was astonished. There was a name on the list that looked familiar.


    Shi Gan.


    "This is Great Elder''s youngest son, right? It seems like he''s 13 years old?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Yes, he was the second person to throw his shoes at Sir!" Du Changkongplemented.


    "Humph!" Ren Baqian sneered.


    This young fellow indeed doesn''t know how he will die.


    There''s this saying, if heaven does something against you, you may escape, but if you do something against yourself, you are done for.


    During the start of the new term at the ck Bamboo Academy, I''ll show him "why the flowers were so rosy."


    There was also Tong Lan.


    Ren Baqian carefully looked at the list of names provided by Du Changkong. There wasn''t anyone else who was going to enter the educational institution, but this didn''t matter because he would sooner orter find an opportunity to create trouble for them.


    He cautiously folded the piece of paper and put it into his pockets. After which, he returned to the pce once again.


    Upon recalling Ren Baqian''s "heroic elegance" yesterday, the empress wanted tough. She couldn''t help but say, "You asked me to look at your heroic elegance."


    Ren Baqian replied in a serious tone, "Your Majesty, based on the first half of the contest, I was unstoppable and invincible."


    It was a pity that there was a little ident in the second half, otherwise, it would have been perfect.


    The empress gently shook her head. "Strength is the most important factor. Even though what you did was somewhat useful, you saw the oue for yourself."


    Ren Baqian nodded. He was also clear about what the empress had just said.


    Yet, cultivating this [Ruyi Visualization] once a day made him extremely drained every time he finished. It wouldn''t be effective if he cultivated the [Ruyi Visualization] twice a day as it would take a toll on his body.


    As for punching and kicking, he couldn''t even defeat a little lolita. It was truly uninteresting.


    Nevertheless, he still preferred using the Gatling gun and such.


    "The nation wants to obtain some martial arts manuals, and they can''t wait anymore." Only now did Ren Baqian speak of this matter. Since the video discussion in Mn, nine months had passed on Earth. Those people had been waiting anxiously for the martial arts manuals all this while.


    The previous two times he returned to Earth, the other party had already brought up this matter.


    "Give it to them then." The empress seemed not to care at all.


    She wasn''t very interested in the affairs on Earth.


    "Look for something simple and easy to pass the initiation stage. It will be easier for them to see the results, and they will be more confident then." Ren Baqian replied.


    The two of them made a trip to Qingxin Pce Hall and retrieved four martial arts manuals. Of which, there were two manuals that were easy to master at the beginning and got difficult toward the end. As such, the foundation of these two types of martial arts wasn''t sturdy.


    As for the other two martial arts manuals, they were difficult to master at the beginning and got easier toward the end. Even though it was difficult to pass the initiation stage during the early period and the cultivating period was long, it would be a breezeter on. One would practically face no obstruction when entering the Earth Wheel level from the Man Wheel level.


    "Just these four martial arts manuals will do. We are already considered generous by giving them four manuals in one go." Ren Baqian felt that it should be sufficient to satisfy those people.


    The rest was up to themselves.


    However, there was almost no hope for those older people to seed in cultivation. Rather, there was some hope for theirter generations.


    In any case, he had to receive some good stuff in return. It was a coboration after all. How could the other party benefit from him without any investment? Prior to this, he had also brought quite a few items over to Earth and had sort of proven his sincerity.


    For items such as the martial arts manuals, he definitely had to exchange them for a good price.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian was also prepared to send a copy of these manuals to his family.


    If he chose the valuable martial arts manuals for his family, firstly, the level of cultivation would be very difficult. Secondly, other people would be concerned about it and might end up creating trouble.


    Ren Baqian felt that it would be sufficient as long as his family led an easy life. He didn''t want to stir up too much trouble.


    At times, knowing more and obtaining more did not necessarily mean it was a good thing. Unless he brought his family over to the other world.


    In this impoverished world, however, it wasn''t a good thing for his family as they would not be able to browse their Moments even if they wanted to do so.


    Subsequently, the two of them disappeared from the pce hall. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had long since be used to thismon urrence. They went back to rest after tidying up the pce hall.


    Her Majesty would take at least 18 hours before she returned to the pce once again.


    At present, it was already April on Earth and it was Spring. The trees in the neighborhood had turned green, and there were always willows floating in the air.


    Ren Baqian opened the windows, and it was still somewhat cold. However, at this time, it was noon and the temperature was within the eptable range.


    The empress directly opened the refrigerator, took the ice cream out, and appeared on the sofa in a sh. Naturally, she used her other hand to turn on the television.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the empress, who looked more and more like a female nerd now. He couldn''t help but to sigh and say, "Your Majesty, it''s better to eat your meal now. You can watch the television seriester at night."


    "Oh," the empress casually replied as she took mouthfuls of the ice cream and switched between channels to find a television series that she would be interested in.


    After watching "Tearing Apart The Japanese," the empress finally decided to give up. She stuffed the ice cream stick back into the packaging and stared at Ren Baqian with her huge eyes.


    (Tearing Apart The Japanese: A controversial scene from the Chinese television series, Anti-Japanese Wonder Hero)


    "Your Majesty, change your clothes first," Ren Baqian reminded her. "I will also change my clothes as well."

 Chapter 285: No More Desires?

    Chapter 285: No More Desires?


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    After Ren Baqian and the empress changed their clothes, they went out to have something to eat. Then, they headed to the supermarket and bought shopping carts of foodstuff. There were potato chips, popcorn, candies, choctes, and of course, wines.


    Two of them linked up the shopping carts and pushed them as though they were driving a train, attracting a lot of attention.


    After going back home to put down their groceries, they went out a few more times to buy the things they needed before settling down.


    Ren Baqian downloaded Final Destination for the empress to watch. The unexpected and fascinating storyline entertained the empress greatly. She even finished a huge bucket of popcorn by herself.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was reading the messages he received on his phone.


    One of the messages was from Chen Qing. He only met Chen Qing once after Chinese New Year. Chen Qing wasn''t really surprised when he saw Ren Baqian.


    The Chen family paid great attention to Ren Baqian''s matter. Therefore, when the arrest warranty on Ren Baqian was cancelled, they immediately got ahold of the news.


    They wondered what Ren Baqian did to cover up such a huge incident.


    However, it was a good thing for them as well. No one would reject a powerful and influential friend.


    Other than Chen Qing, Ren Baqian also received calls from his family and Yang Sen.


    After giving his family a call, Ren Baqian realized it was nothing important. His mom just wanted him to meet his girlfriend.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the empress. The empress acted as though she never heard what Ren Baqian''s mom said and continued watching the movie while eating the popcorn.


    Next up, Ren Baqian gave Chen Qing a call. It was a good news. The hangover medicine made from the green vine powder had been approved by the China Food and Drug Administration. At the same time, its production line had been established and the construction of the drug factory was in progress. Once these things were settled, they could advertise the product andunch it onto the market.


    The only problem was that the green vines grew too slow and their output was insufficient. It would take some time before the product could spread all over the nation.


    Chen Qing asked Ren Baqian to make a trip to that Chen family''s building when he is free. After all, Ren Baqian had not been to the drug factory or met the in-charges before.


    "I will leave it to you to settle everything, I''m not interested in these things." Ren Baqian bluntly rejected Chen Qing''s offer.


    Ren Baqian was very confident of the green vine hangover medicine. He did not intend to participate in the follow-ups at all, be it now or in the future.


    The number of days he stayed on Earth per year wasn''t a lot, it was better for him to keep a low profile. The nation understood his current situation better, it would be troublesome he went onto the radar of other people.


    Being an invisible rich man was the best option for him.


    However, he dide up with a name for the green vine hangover medicine.


    Blue Potion.


    The name for the green vine hangover medicine would be "Blue Potion." In those massively multiyer online role-ying games, when one ran out of mana, he or she would drink a blue potion to recover his or her mana.


    Magic was always associated with one''s mind.


    Getting drunk would cause one''s mind to be dazed and tired. This was somewhat simr to the behaviors of the characters in video games when theycked mana. Therefore, he decided to call it Blue Potion.


    In the past, he was even ridiculed by Chen Qing when his charactercked mana.


    This name would also remind people of the zinc gluconate that were sold in pharmacies, which were contained in blue bottles.


    After hanging up on Chen Qing, Ren Baqian gave Yang Sen, who was from the Messier 87 department, a call.


    After two rings, Yang Sen picked up the call.


    "Mr. Ren, we have made some discoveries regarding your saber," Yang Sen said.


    "Oh?" Ren Baqian was slightly surprised. He thought it would take quite some time before they coulde up with anything.


    "The saber is made up of steel, but it contains otherponents as well. One of theponents is very weird; it seems to have a life of its own. ording to Elder Lu, your saber is alive," Yang Sen continued.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t surprised when he heard these words. After all, the saber could grow and shrink at will; it did not seem like something that was dead.


    "It might possess cognition, and it might be avoiding our inspection!" Yang Sen''s words gave Ren Baqian a fright.


    "Cognition?" Ren Baqian repeated this term. Usually, only mammals possessed cognition. Therefore, it was surprising to hear that a saber possessed cognition.


    "It''s still a conjecture. We need to do more experiments to confirm it," Yang Sen replied.


    Actually, they had not made much progress. The research progress for this saber was much slower than they expected.


    "So, have you considered the proposal I told you previously?" Yang Sen finally reached the main topic.


    "Alright, alright, we will coborate, but I can''t be the only one that''s contributing to the coboration, right? What can you offer me for my martial arts manuals?" Ren Baqian asked with a solemn tone.


    "What do you want?" Yang Sen asked. Through Ren Baqian''s replies, he could roughly determine the situation of that world.


    Previously, he already used this method, but he had not benefited from it much. Ren Baqian seldom talked about valuable things. Even if he had told him something, he wouldn''t be totally truthful.


    "You should at least get rid of the people that are spying on me to show your sincerity, right?"


    "Someone is spying on you? I will send someone to check it out." Ren Baqian''s words gave Yang Sen a fright. The people he sent were high-level professionals and shouldn''t have been discovered easily. However, they were the legendary cultivators after all, and they might have some unknown scouting methods. No matter what, he had to shift the me first.


    "They were not sent by you? Forget it then, I will settle them myself," Ren Baqian replied.


    So they really had not sent spies to spy on me? This couldn''t be...


    Actually, Ren Baqian did not know whether or not Yang Sen had sent people to spy on him. He was merely babbling nonsense to feel out Yang Sen.


    In any case, he felt that if he was Yang Sen, he would definitely send some people to spy on himself.


    "Don''t act rashly. This society is governed byws. By all means, don''t resort to violence. If anything happens, we might not be able to settle it. Don''t let the previous incident happen again and don''t forget you that have promised us." Ren Baqian''s words gave Yang Sen a huge shock.


    "Alright, you settle them for me then," Ren Baqian replied casually. He did not sense the anxiety in Yang Sen''s tone.


    Ren Baqian had to admit that Yang Sen was much more shrewd than him.


    "Anyway, you can use nuclear warheads to exchange for my martial arts manuals!" Ren Baqian demanded an exorbitant price once again, almost causing Yang Sen to choke to death.


    "What did you say? What do you want again?" Yang Sen thought he heard Ren Baqian wrongly.


    "Nuclear warheads, nuclear warheads, nuclear warheads. I have repeated it three times," Ren Baqian repeated with a solemn tone.


    "What do you need nuclear warheads for? How can someone have his own nuclear warheads? It''s too dangerous!" Yang Sen snarled softly.


    "I have some enemies back in that world. It''s best to use nuclear warheads to bomb them. It''s easy for you guys to produce nuclear warheads, so my martial arts manuals are far more valuable than them," Ren Baqian replied earnestly.


    "Do you have ways to transport them? Are you able tounch them? How''re you going to protect yourselves from the radiation? How can you prevent the radiation from leaking? How''re you going to store them?" Yang Sen asked a series of questions.


    Ren Baqian pondered over these questions and realized that he really couldn''t do it.


    There shouldn''t be an issue with the transportation since small-sized nuclear warheads weren''t really heavy. However, for the remaining issues, he really did not know how to solve them.


    Then again, he was just babbling nonsense and did not really want nuclear warheads. They were not really useful to him. He couldn''t possibly throw one at the capital of Great Xia, right?


    "Give me sarin gas instead. It''s easy to store and I can use it," Ren Baqian demanded.


    Actually, Ren Baqian had no real need for sarin gas. He still had three bottles of it, which was more than enough for him to use.


    He also had no intentions of throwing it on the battlefield after Dayao started warring with the other nations in two years. It was too inhumane. If he really did this, he wouldn''t feel good about it. Furthermore, aboriginals were very powerful to begin with; there was no need for him to resort to sarin gas.


    He had prepared to develop that world technologically, but not in the aspect of weapons.


    Doing so would not render cultivation irrelevant and worthless.


    That world waspletely different from Earth. Ren Baqian felt that abination of cultivation and technologies would be that world''s only way forward. Only through thisbination could a magnificent flower of technologyter blossom in that world. He did not want to produce high-tech weapons that Earth Wheel experts could not stop. Even the empress, who was at the level of Cardinal Heaven, could stop those weapons of mass destruction.


    "I can''t give you sarin gas either!" Yang Sen''s forehead was beaded with perspiration. Ren Baqian was too dangerous. If he really gave him sarin gas and it was used on Earth, all of them would be in deep trouble.


    From what Ren Baqian did in the past, the probability of him using sarin gas on Earth was quite high.


    "Then tell me, what can you offer me?" Ren Baqian spread his arms even though Yang Sen couldn''t see him doing so.


    The empress turned around and cast a nce at him. Following which, she shifted her gaze back to the television and squeezed herself into the center of two sofa cushions, feeling extremelyfortable.


    She really did not like to bother herself with those troublesome matters.


    "We can offer you some methods to optimize the martial arts manuals that you will be giving us. After all,puters are more reliable than human brains at times," Yang Sen said. This was also why they were feeling so hopeful.


    "I''m not interested!" Ren Baqian rejected him. He had not even made the decision on whether or not to give them the martial arts manuals, therefore he wasn''t interested in optimizing these methods.


    "We can provide yourboratory with various equipment and machinery."


    .


    "I''m not interested!" If it was really his ownboratory, he wouldn''t mind this offer. Furthermore, given his current unique status, he also reckoned the nation wouldn''t stop him from buying any equipment he wanted. He felt that Yang Sen was trying to con him with those insincere offers.


    Moreover, theboratory would not really belong to him.


    Yang Sen was rubbing his temples as well. It was very troublesome to negotiate with Ren Baqian. He couldn''t give Ren Baqian what he wanted, but he also did not know what Ren Baqian would want.


    "I will call you backter." Yang Sen hung up and contacted his boss to see if there were any better suggestions. If he was not wrong, there should be a think tank that studied Ren Baqian and Qi Zixiao. They had all the information about them.


    Ren Baqian threw his phone aside and began to ponder as well. What did he really want? He had thought about this question for a few days, but still couldn''te up with an answer.


    Facilities? He couldn''t bring them back to that world.


    Technologies? Right now, all he needed was fundamental technologies, and these could be easily found online and in books.


    As for high-level technologies, he needed to wait for that world to reach a certain development level first before implementing them.


    Blueprints? Ditto. Those that he needed, he could obtain himself. Those that he couldn''t obtain himself, he did not need them yet. Actually, there were many things that he did not need top-notch blueprints for. For example, he did not need a top-notch blueprint for brick kilns because he did not even need to use them.


    Money? Job? These weren''t useful to him at all.


    Women? Ren Baqian turned around to look at the empress, who was watching the television while eating popcorn. Then, he lowered his head again.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt that he was stumped. He really did not have anything that he desired.


    "Is it possible that I don''t have any desires anymore? Am I bing an immortal?" Ren Baqian had a pensive look on his face.

 Chapter 286: Uncultured But Meaningful Words

    Chapter 286: Uncultured But Meaningful Words


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    After pondering for a long time, Ren Baqian found himself stumped.


    On the other hand, a group of people was also stumped by him.


    In any case, this opportunity could not be given up. Even if he did not know what he wanted, he still had to talk about it.


    Not long after, Ren Baqian received a call. Upon looking at the phone number, he realized that the call was from the capital.


    "It must be because Yang Sen can''t make the decision and got someone with a higher authority to call me?" Ren Baqian saw that phone number and thought through it for a while. After which, he picked up the call and both parties were silent.


    "Anyway, you called me. I don''t believe you won''t say anything." Ren Baqian noted that the other side didn''t say anything and smirked. Was the other party trying to put on airs? He then conveniently put the phone on the table and put it on speaker mode.


    The empress was watching Final Destination and the sounds of the show were transmitted through the phone.


    Ren Baqian looked at the screen from time to time. After a minute, the line was unexpectedly cut off.


    "What is the situation? Is it because I am taking too long to answer the call, and the other side is not happy? How can that big shot be so petty?" Ren Baqian mumbled.


    Those big shots had so many things to do every day, and it was unlikely for them to pester me. Could it be that something went wrong?


    He was still thinking about it when the phone rang again. This time, he instantly heard a voice when he picked up the call.


    "Are you Mr. Ren? I called you just now, but there was no response." The voice on the line was from a person who didn''t sound too old. His voice was very charming and could easily impress others favorably.


    "It''s me!" Ren Baqian was dubious about what the other guy was saying. However, only a fool would try to read too much into this issue.


    "Please hold on!" that person said. A rustling noise was heard as the phone was handed to another person.


    "Mr. Ren!" The voice was very steady and sounded familiar. He had heard itst year during the video call. Apart from the empress, this man was the most awesome person that he had ever seen and was therefore unforgettable.


    "Hello, Sir!" Ren Baqian sounded very respectful, like a primary school student meeting the principal. However, he went directly to the sofa and even grabbed popcorn from the empress.


    "Pop!" The empress instinctively gave him a p.


    Previously, his hand would have swelled up like a pig''s trotter if he was pped like that, but at present, his hand was only slightly red with four finger marks vividly imprinted on it.


    Compared with his previous experience, it was already a big improvement.


    Ren Baqian licked the back of his hand like a cat. The empress saw this action and impulsively gave him another p.


    "Mr. Ren, do your parents know what is going on in your life?" The person on the lineughed heartily.


    "What do you mean?" Ren Baqian was rmed.


    "Don''t you want to teach your family about cultivating techniques and simr things?"


    Ren Baqian thought for a moment. "This doesn''t have any relevance to our transactions."


    "Actually, I pondered for a long time after watching that video. I think an old fellow like me cannot master those martial arts!" the person on the line continued.


    Ren Baqian was of the same opinion. He really wasn''t optimistic that they would be able to cultivate sessfully.


    Not to mention their old age, based on the fact that they were so busy every day, how would they even have the mood to cultivate?


    "Actually, this is what I envisage. After going through the simtion of the martial arts manuals, we can find out how they impact human life expectancy, but we need people who have cultivated to a certain standard first. I presume that Mr. Ren and Madam Qi will not assist in the study. In that case, we will have to wait until someone has attained the life extension stage. I don''t know how long we will have to wait and I am afraid that an old fellow like me will not be around to see it."


    After seeing that the other party had already considered this issue, Ren Baqian nodded, "You are correct, I am also not optimistic."


    "Therefore, we just want to leave something behind for the future generations. Even though these martial arts manuals are given to us, it will spread sooner orter because it cannot be hidden. We will see whether it takes 10 or 20 years."


    The final result will be the evolution of the human race as well as bringing about tremendous changes to society. Even I can hardly anticipate what kind of changes will happen to the rules of human society when that timees.


    Nevertheless, I still want to leave something behind for posterity. Perhaps this is the key to all human evolution. Doesn''t Mr. Ren think so too?"


    Doesn''t Mr. Ren think the same way too?"


    Ren Baqian reconsidered and felt that the other party didn''t seem willing to pay.


    This doesn''t seem nice?


    How is this considered a coboration?


    "Sir, pardon me, but let me say something. Even though both parties enjoy it when one visits a brothel, one still has to pay money," Ren Baqian said courteously, but the person on the line gasped.


    The empress was shocked. She was probably trying to figure out the meaning of prostitution, but the concept was far removed from what she knew.


    Subsequently, her eyes widened. She grasped at a pillow until there was a hole and the cotton came out.


    "It is just a metaphor! Calm! Keep calm!" Ren Baqian tried tofort the empress as he covered the phone with one hand. The empress finally gave the back of his hand another p and the finger marks crisscrossed like an LV logo.


    The pping of Ren Baqian by the empress and the cotton flying out of the torn pillow made the room look like Heaven. However, there were feathers flying everywhere in Heaven, but cotton fluffs were flying everywhere in the room.


    The words spoken by Ren Baqian were indeed too filthy.


    Even the empress reacted this way, not to mention the person on the other side of the call. He was stunned and could onlyugh bitterly after a long time.


    "I do not know how to answer this."Ren Baqian''s words really made people choke.


    "Uncultured, but meaningful words." Ren Baqianughed sarcastically.


    "What do you want? Pleasee straight to the point," the person on the line simply said.


    "Nuclear warheads..."


    Ren Baqian was interrupted halfway through his speech. "There is no need to say such things. Just speak the truth."


    After thinking it through, Ren Baqian realized he didn''t need anything. As for money, there was 90 million euros left from the previous loan of 100 million euros. The other side hadn''t mentioned anything about paying it back, the time limit, or the interest. As such, he didn''t need to think about paying it back at all.


    Perhaps, he would consider repaying the loan when intion reached the stage where a loaf of bread cost two or three thousand euros.


    "I have brought four martial arts manuals. For each manual, I want a favor, which I will exin in due course before I give the manuals to you. These favors will not affect the country and will not be unreasonable. Perhaps it may be to gather something, for example some blueprints or some rare items. Or, if Imit any crimes in the future, help me to settle them and this will be considered fulfilling a favor."


    Ren Baqian listed out his requests, which were four martial arts manuals in exchange for four favors. This shouldn''t be a losing proposition. He couldn''t really think of what he wanted and stating his four favors when necessary was eptable to him.


    "The previous request can be epted, but it must not vite the nationalws and regtions, be against morality, or be unreasonable. The nation will do what it can and help you to the best of its ability. As for the second request Mr. Ren, forgive me for being straightforward, but with your status, the incident that happened before should not happen again. If Mr. Ren doesn''t find trouble with others, others will not create trouble either.""You can''t say that for sure. Just some time ago, there was a survivor from the Jin family, who searched my rubbish bin so as to find evidence to incriminate me." Ren Baqian conveniently used her.


    It was just a matter of saying one sentence, so why not go ahead with it.


    As to what would happen to that policewoman, he wasn''t concerned at all.

 Chapter 287: The Opening of Black Bamboo Academy

    Chapter 287: The Opening of ck Bamboo Academy


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Eventually, both parties settled on the conditions of the favors. That afternoon, three cars arrived at Ren Baqian''s doorstep and more than 10 men alighted from them. Then, they used coded suitcases to store the four martial arts manuals and anguageparison table that Ren Baqian previously made and left behind. At the same time, they gave Ren Baqian a memorandum to assure him that the Big Shot would acknowledge the favors they had agreed on in the future.


    Of course, no one knew what would happen in the future. After all, nobody could predict the future.


    After settling this matter, Ren Baqian felt very much at ease. He stood by the window and enjoyed the cool wind blowing in. In the past, after every winter, he would always enjoy the warmth of spring. It made him feel as though his body was re-energized.


    However, now that he just came back from Dayao, he no longer felt the same as before. After all, the temperature of Dayao''s wintertime wasparable to Earth''s summertime. Since the weather in Dayao wasn''t chilly at all, he naturally wouldn''t feel as though his body was re-energized now.


    He casually used his phone to read news online and realized the hoverbikes that Dubai developed were preparing to hit the market.


    In the past, he always felt that those newly developed products took a very long time to hit the market. However, now that he spent less time on Earth, he felt they hit the market faster than usual.


    "This thing is quite interesting!" Ren Baqian took a closer look at the hoverbike''s parameters. The hoverbike made use of a drone to lift the body of the motorbike up into the air and could fly up to 10 meters above the ground.


    "What''s so interesting?" Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the empress stretched her head over to see what Ren Baqian was looking at. Both of them were almost lying against each other.


    This distance was normal for both of them. As such, they did not feel anything odd about it.


    "This is a motorbike that can fly. It can fly up to 10 meters above the ground. It''s quite interesting. In the future, we won''t need to worry about too many people on the streets." Ren Baqian smiled and showed the thing on his phone to the empress.


    The empress took a nce at it and her eyes lit up. The hoverbike looked very interesting to her. "I want this!"


    The empress made up her mind immediately.


    The thing could fly up to 10 meters above the ground. It might be dangerous for ordinary people, but it wouldn''t pose any problem to the empress. Even if the aboriginals used it, it wouldn''t be dangerous either.


    However, it consumed a lot of electricity. When fully charged, it could only fly for half an hour. Furthermore, it couldn''t fly very fast and its maximum speed was only 48 kilometers per hour. It could only be used as an oversized toy.


    "It seems like we have to increase the electricity output of the pce." Ren Baqian began to search for sr energy umtors on his phone. After all, they would need more power to sustain certain interesting gadgets, like this hoverbike for example.


    After searching for quite some time, he finally found an umtor that fit his requirements. It had a battery capacity of 3000Ah, which was equivalent to the total battery capacity of the 10 ordinary umtors he bought previously.


    With this umtor, the empress could switch on the air conditioner, watch movies on theptop, and turn on those string lights all at the same time.


    The umtor weighed 255 kilograms. Even though it was quite heavy, he still managed to bring it back.


    When Ren Baqian thought of this, he directly called a factory to make some enquiries and order 10 of these umtors, 100 ordinary umtors, and a sr panel. Then, he called another factory to order 100 streetmps.


    Following which, he found a house rental website and searched for a warehouse.


    For the next two days, he was busy settling this issue. First, he rented a warehouse in a suburban district. Following which, he got the two factories to send the umtors and the streetmps to the warehouse. Afterward, he hired two security guards through Chen Qing to look after the warehouse.


    Of course, he couldn''t hide these things from anyone. It was very easy for the nation to find out about them too, but Ren Baqian did not care at all.


    What''s wrong with using umtors? Can''t I use them to charge my phone?


    It would really be a surprise if he told them paradise needed electricity.


    After asking someone to deliver an umtor to his house, he and the empress returned to Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Currently, he could exert a maximum strength of 3000 newtons, which was enough to for him to carry an umtor, the empress, and some snacks that the empress liked back to Dayao.


    With this umtor, Yangxin Pce Hall''s power shortage issue could be solved once and for all. With a battery capacity of 3000Ah, all the string lights could be switched on for 8 hours. With three of these umtors, they could be switched on for the entire day.


    Furthermore, he had ordered 10 of these umtors and could use them as reserves. Ren Baqian could enjoy electric light and air-conditioning in Dayao now.


    He would need to travel to and fro between Dayao and Earth 10 times to bring back the 10 umtors. This would take two months in Dayao and half a year on Earth.


    Next up, he would have to bring those streetmps and ordinary umtors over here. It would take roughly half a year toplete the instation of the streetmps in the imperial pce.


    Doing so would take up a lot of time, but it would surely make the imperial pce exceptionally beautiful. Ren Baqian was looking forward to that day.


    This was a long-term n. For now, he needed to prepare for the opening of ck Bamboo Academy, which was the day after tomorrow.


    He had to wee a batch of spoiled young masters and mistresses.


    On that morning, Ren Baqian woke up very early to wash up and eat his breakfast. Then, under thepany of the imperial guards, he arrived at ck Bamboo Academy.


    There was a huge and empty courtyard. In the center, there were three one-storey buildings. Behind the three buildings, there were still some buildings under construction. In one of the corners of the courtyard, there was a frame that had a few block-and-tackles.


    Even though the courtyard had been leveled, it still wasn''t neat and tidy. After all, the academy was still under construction. Transporting sand, cement, and bricks to the academy would cause the courtyard to be very dirty.


    Ren Baqian looked at his watch. It was 7:30AM, half a hour more until 8AM.


    However, not a single one of the spoiled young masters and young mistresses arrived early. They simply had no respect for their teacher.


    It was alright... They would know how to respect their teacher after they left this ce....


    Ren Baqian believed that he could teach them and turn them into well-educated, refined, cultured, and smart aboriginal youths.


    At this moment, he saw a few youths walking toward him. There were four boys and one girl, and they were wearingmoners'' clothes. They should be themoners'' children that hadter been selected to study at the academy.


    Ren Baqian confirmed this after asking for their names.


    Subsequently, more and more people arrived. All of those that arrived first weremoners'' children, and there were a total of 19 students. Including the court officials'' children, there were a total of 50 students.


    When it was about 8AM, Ren Baqian saw a youth riding on a horned cow arrive at the academy. His body was swaying as the horned cow brought him in. Ren Baqian could smell the reek of alcohol from that youth as he got closer to him.


    "Your name?" Ren Baqian asked expressionlessly.


    "Tie Jiaxiong," the youthposed himself and replied respectfully when he saw Ren Baqian.


    Even though he was not willing to attend this academy, he still knew it was better to behave himself in front of this person.


    "Enter the building in the middle and find a seat." Ren Baqian pointed to the building in the middle. Tie Jiaxiong then quickly entered the building.


    Subsequently, the remaining students arrived. Many of them had brought along their servants and more than half of them werete. There were many students that reeked of alcohol and their faces had a nonchnt look. All of them were forced to attend the academy by their families. Their situations were somewhat simr to Tie Jiaxiong''s.


    Ren Baqian was sneering in his heart.


    What a bunch of idiots. In this ce, I will let you know why flowers are so red.


    Tong Lan bounced toward Ren Baqian and greeted him, "Good-for-nothing!"


    "In this ce, I am your teacher and you have to call me Teacher. Otherwise, I will beat you with a ferrule or ask Sir Tong to bring you back home," Ren Baqian replied with a solemn tone.


    Tong Lan pouted her lips and walked off. She turned around, snorted at Ren Baqian, and walked toward the noisiest building in an arrogant manner.


    Following which, Shi Qing''s youngest son, Shi Gan, arrived at the academy. Even though he was just 12 years old, he was already quite tall. He was around the same height as Ren Baqian. He looked rather straightforward and honest. However, Ren Baqian never forgot that Shi Gan threw a shoe at him during thentern-grabbing event. This fellow was definitely not what he seems.


    When everyone had arrived, Ren Baqian closed the main gate and kept all the servants outside.


    Inside and outside of the academy were two different worlds.


    "Keke, idiots!" Ren Baqian''s sneer echoed across the empty and spacious courtyard.

 Chapter 288: Punishing An Individual As An Example To Others

    Chapter 288: Punishing An Individual As An Example To Others


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    There were only three ssrooms in the ck Bamboo Academy, but the rooms weren''t small and consisted of neatly arranged chairs and tables. It was exactly the same as the ssrooms on Earth, but it was a fresh experience for the aboriginals.


    None of the people here have studied in such an environment before. At most, the elders at home would teach several juniors how to read and speak a little. After which, they would read books on their own and ask questions only when they encountered something they didn''t understand.


    As a result, everyone felt that it was very fresh when dozens of people were packed together in a ssroom. Among them, themoners'' children were tolerable and rather quiet. Even though it was said that they were the children ofmoners, they were mostly children of minor officials or children whose parents had connections.


    The more than 30 remaining people began to chat loudly among themselves and caused a racket.


    Ren Baqian could hear the mor from the courtyard even though it was a distance away.


    With a sneer, he walked into the building. Even though everyone''s voices became much softer, it was evident that they didn''t really care about Ren Baqian.


    "Silence!" Ren Baqian mmed the table, but there still wasn''t much changes to the noise level. Especially for those who were hungover, their voices were exceptionally abrupt.


    Ren Baqian stood in front with a nk expression and swept across the ssroom. Once again, he spoke, "What is this bunch of useless people doing over here?"


    As soon he spoke, the room suddenly turned quiet and everyone was staring at him. Many people were furious. If it weren''t for his special status, there might have been a huge fight.


    "At least it''s better than a certain person who was stuck to a pir," someone said, and the whole room roared withughter.


    "Hahahahahaha!"


    Ren Baqian''s face was expressionless as he marked Shi Gan down in his heart once again.


    "Although I''m not strong, someone like me was able to participate thentern-grabbing contest with all of you and even reached thentern tform. Perhaps other people will not even bother to look at you guys at all," continued Ren Baqian.


    "I''m going to rify this point now. It''s not that I want to ept all of you; I just want to nurture a few disciples. To put it inly, it''s your elders who sent you here. All of you are useless people and can''t seed in anything. As such, your elders do not want to see you at home as it would be akin to raising pets for their entire lives. They only decided to send all of you over here because of that!" Ren Baqian continued to sneer.


    After he finished speaking, many people''s faces were flushed with anger.


    They knew that they weren''t gifted and hadn''t stood out in their family. However, Ren Baqian''s words rubbed salt on their wounds.


    As the saying goes, don''t hit someone in the face during a brawl and don''t point out a weakness in an argument. Ren Baqian actually did both one after another, specifically aiming at their weaknesses.


    "Who are you calling useless?" someone immediately stood up and raged.


    "Isn''t that the case? Don''t all of you know why your elders sent you over here? Are all of you dumb?" Ren Baqian was full of evil intentions and directly ridiculed them over their limits.


    "We shall see who''s the useless one!" a young man shouted loudly and shattered a table into numerous fragments with just a p. He took off from the ground and pounced on Ren Baqian.


    "Hmph!" Ren Baqian smirked, and his gaze turnedpletely malicious. He raised the Type 81 assault rifle and immediately fired.


    Ren Baqian had long since guessed that this would be the result. He put the Type 81 assault rifle on the table once he stepped into the ssroom.


    "Bang, bang, bang!"


    As three gunshots sounded, blood exploded from that person''s body before he fell to the ground.


    At first, many people were still waiting to watch a good show. Never did they expect that such a sudden change would ur. Immediately, everyone was stunned, and their gazes wandered around the Type 81 assault rifle in Ren Baqian''s hands. At the same time, they were trying to deduce what in the world that thing was.


    "Look, this is such a thing. Even a kid can hold it and kill all of you. If all of you aren''t useless then what are you?" Ren Baqian continued to ridicule them. At the same time, he turned to face Xu Wei, who was beside him. "Drag him out, leave him at the clinic, and get the doctor to cut open his wounds to take out the bullets. Inform his family that this person has been deemed useless for life and that there is no hope anymore. Keep him as a pet."


    Ren Baqian''s vicious words made everyone''s expressions turn dark. The youth on the ground was practically spitting out blood, and he finally managed to get up with great difficulty. Fresh blood was oozing out from his vicle as well as both his right and left shoulders.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head. Just now, he had only wanted to shoot the youth''s shoulder. In the end, his hand trembled.


    Xu Wei went forward to lift that youth. The youth still tried to resist, but Xu Wei directly twisted both of his hands, carried him, and left the ssroom. A momentter, Xu Wei returned to the ssroom and continued to stand in the corner.


    "Look, all of you don''t even know what force is. In my eyes as well as in the eyes of others, you are all useless," Ren Baqian started to mock the group of them.


    "I''m different from them, so don''t ssify them together with me!" Tong Lan immediately retorted.


    At the same time, she rubbed a handful of salt on the other people''s wounds. Many people were ring at her, but couldn''t do anything about it.


    Shi Gan curled his lips. He also wanted to say what Tong Lan just said.


    "You are slightly better than the rest of them," said Ren Baqian, who had no choice but to admit this. ording to the standards of the world, Tong Lan could be considered a genius.


    "However, you are only slightly better than them. All of you don''t even know what force is."


    Tong Lan was unconvinced by what Ren Baqian said, "You can''t even defeat me."


    "Still, I have 10,000 ways to kill you." Ren Baqian spread his arms.


    "With that rod you used just now?" Tong Lan had a disdainful look on her face. Even though the things that spurted out from that rod were fast, she believed that she was still able to avoid them.


    "There were 10,000 people in Great Xia who had the same thoughts as you. At present, they have already turned into ashes."


    Ren Baqian''s words immediately reminded everyone of some previous rumors. It was just that aboriginals only valued force and personal strength. Therefore, they subconsciously viewed such an issue with contempt or even ignored it.


    This was especially because of how weak Ren Baqian was; this always made people feel that he was harmless. Also, people always forgot that Ren Baqian had the capability to kill people, and no one knew how many people had actually died by his hand.


    In addition to his unscrupulous savagery just now, he shot and hurt a person. Moreover, he even got someone to throw the injured person out.


    Although everyone still looked down on Ren Baqian''s strength, they didn''t dare to behave as recklessly as before.


    "All of you must first understand your identity and that you are useless people. This is irrefutable. Now, there are two options to choose from. First, continue to stay here and remain well-behaved. Second, like the idiot just now, go back and tell your elders at home that you are useless and beyond redemption. Naturally, you will not have toe here again in the future. Then, you will be kept at home and treated as pets."


    Ren Baqian talked about being kept as pets three times in a row, and it deeply pierced through everyone''s hearts.


    "Anyone who wants to leave can get out of here now," Ren Baqian said once more.


    However, no one else was impulsive this time.


    Even Tong Lan kept her mouth shut.


    Ren Baqian gently nodded. The aboriginal temperament wasn''t that bad after all. At the very least, they didn''t behave like barbarians and could heed the advice.


    This was considered a good sign.


    "First of all, I want to let everyone know what I can impart to all of you."


    "What I can impart to you isn''t exactly a whole lot, but neither is it little. The most important lesson will exin what exactly force is."


    Although everyone was still raging with anger, they could finally listen to him quietly at this point. Otherwise, they would be thrown out like that previous youth.


    "Tong Lan, how much strength can you exert?" Ren Baqian casually asked.


    "About 15,000 newtons of force!" Tong Lan mumbled.


    Ren Baqian cursed in his heart. A 10-year-old girl could actually exert 15,000 newtons of force. As expected, the aboriginals were abnormal. It wasn''t only him that felt that this was abnormal because other people immediately turned their heads over to look as well.


    One must know that even though the aboriginals were formidable, a person who attained Four-way Heaven could only exert between 2,500 to 10,000 newtons of force. As for those who attained Kismet Heaven, they could exert between 10,000 to 20,000 newtons of force.


    Apart from those extremely gifted aboriginals, like Xiong Pi, for example, the rest of the aboriginals were probably about the same.


    The practitioners in Great Xia were much weaker in strength. Their practitioners at the Man Wheel level could only exert about 5,000 newtons of force. As for those at the Earth Wheel level, they could only exert up to 12,500 newtons of force. Therefore, an aboriginal expert of the same rank greatly surpassed a Great Xia practitioner in strength.


    Tong Lan had just turned 11 a few days ago, yet she could actually exert 15,000 newtons of force. The Tong family''s youngdy could definitely be considered a genius. This made many people upset because they weren''t gifted like her.


    "In that case, do you know how to move an object that is 15,000 kilograms? Under the circumstance that you are alone and cannot break apart that object."


    "That''s impossible!" Tong Lan immediately replied.


    "If it''s impossible, I wouldn''t even have said it. In that case, let me ask all of you another question. Who among you is able to lift themselves up? All of you should weight between 100 to 150 kilograms and your strength should be multiple times your weight. Are you all able to achieve this?" Ren Baqian looked at everyone and asked.


    Then, he actually saw several idiots trying to lift themselves.


    Among them was Tong Lan, the little Lolita, who actually put her hand on her nape and tried to lift herself. Such creativity indeed.

 Chapter 289: The Four Subjects

    Chapter 289: The Four Subjects


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    "So why can''t you lift yourself up? It seems like a very simple task, but none of you were able to do it," Ren Baqian looked at everyone and said. There were a total of 49 students, 34 males and 15 females. Their age ranged from 13 years old to 18 years old.


    Ren Baqian saw the students looking at themselves with doubt after giving it a try. They did not understand why they couldn''t do it.


    Ren Baqian continued, "This is what I want to teach all of you. What is force? How is force transferred? How can force be used so that you can achieve the impossible? For example, lifting something that is a few times heavier than the maximum amount of strength you can exert. Of course, most importantly, I want to teach you the nature and properties of matter and energy. This subject is called physics. All of you should be d that you''re able to sit here and listen to me talking about this. That''s because this subject exins why the universe behaves in certain ways. Learning physics allows you to truly see and understand this world.""Everyone here should know who I am, but I shall introduce myself once more. My name is Ren Baqian, and I''m the supervisor of ck Bamboo Academy. You''re the first batch of students here and may call me Teacher. You have to disy a certain level of respect toward someone who can teach you knowledge and who can determine whether or not you are allowed to stay here. At the same time, you also have to maintain a certain level of reverence toward someone who is a forerunner of knowledge here and is more knowledgeable than any one of you."


    "Do you understand me?" Ren Baqian propped his hands against the table and looked down at everyone.


    Everyone understood Ren Baqian''s words, but no one said anything.


    "Understood! Teacher!" a youth named Xu Ping said. He was amoner.


    Following which, the othermoners repeated after him as well.


    "What about the rest of you? Are you mute? I have made myself very clear and possess the most power in this ce. When I ask you something, you had better reply. If you don''t want to stay here, you can go home and be a pet. Now, do you understand me!" Ren Baqian yelled coldly.


    "Understood!"


    "Understood..."


    "Understood!"


    Everyone was shocked by Ren Baqian''s imposing manner, and they replied softly.


    "Can''t you be louder? Is this a marketce? Why are your replies so chaotic?" Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows with an unsatisfied look on his face.


    "Understood!" This time around, the students'' replies grew louder, but they were still very messy. After all, it was quite difficult for these undisciplined and rebellious aboriginal youths to reply at the same time.


    To an Earthling, this was an extremely simple task.


    "A nation has nationalws, a family has family rules, and a school has school rules as well. Soon, I will tell what can be done and what cannot be done. If you break any of the school rules, you will be punished. The serious offenders will be expelled, like that idiot just now. I believe all of you understand your own situations very well. Most of you can also visualize your own futures. You know you will be worthless and unsessful. Right now, you''re merely maintaining the state of being alive. Yes, it''s a state. You might look alive, but you actually have nothing and are hollow on the inside. If I rip off your skin and ce it over a wooden frame, it would still look exactly like you now. That''s because you''re empty on the inside and merely look alive. There are many people like this, but do you wish to be one of them? Studying at ck Bamboo Academy is the only way out for you. It will allow you to learn something, do something, and leave behind something in this world when you die. Those who think you''re useless will re-evaluate you and treat you with a brand-new attitude. Therefore, cherish the chance you are being given to study here. This is your only chance," Ren Baqian looked at everyone and said with emphasis.


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words, many students'' facial expressions changed. Anger, resentment, and solemness were written all over their faces.


    This was the first time someone talked to them like this and told them these words.


    Ren Baqian pointed out their futures. Even though they were unhappy about it, they had no choice but to admit that his words were right.


    Their situations were just like what he said.


    There were only two individuals that were different from the rest. One of them was Tong Lan. She turned around and looked at everyone''s facial expressions. Then, she shifted her gaze to Ren Baqian. Following which, she turned around and looked at everyone''s faces again, appearing as though she was amused by their facial expressions


    The other person was Shi Gan. His eyes were dull, appearing to be in a daze.


    After everyone had digested his words, Ren Baqian continued, "School starts at 8AM and ends at 2:30PM every day. Those who are tardy will be punished. Every day, there will be four lessons. Between each lesson, there will be a 15-minute break. You know the consequences, so don''t bete for these lessons. I will be teaching you four subjects. The first subject is writtennguage. The writtennguage that you were taught is tooplicated and has to be simplified. This is the easiest subject. It will also include basic moral education. A civilized society must have order and a certain level of moral discipline. Moral standards usually precedews. For example, one should not bully old people or the weak. The second subject is mathematics. I don''t want to see you using your fingers to carry out the addition or subtraction of numbers. You only have 10 fingers, and they are not enough for you to use. The third subject is physics. Like what I said just now, it is the natural science that studies matter as well as its motion and behavior through space and time. It also studies the rted entities of energy and force. The fourth subject is chemistry. It is also a natural science, but is concerned with the substances that matter isposed of, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. The first and second subjects will teach you the fundamentals, while the third and fourth subjects will teach you about the nature of this universe! There will be an examination every month. Those who can''t pass the examinations will be punished and those who fail the examinations repeatedly will be expelled. Do you understand my words?" Ren Baqian asked loudly.


    "Understood!" Even though everyone said this, they were still very confused. What were the third and fourth subjects about? They did not understand Ren Baqian''s words at all.


    "We have already learned how to read and write, so why should we learn it again?" Tong Lan raised her head and asked.


    "In the future, you have to raise your hand if you want to ask a question. You can ask your question after I permit you to do so," Ren Baqian said with a deep voice.


    Then, he continued, "The writtennguage that you have learned is from Great Xia. It''s words are tooplicated and too difficult to write. These two factors make the writtennguage very difficult to both learn and propagate. The writtennguage that I''m going to teach you ispletely different from Great Xia''s; it can be propagated and learned easily. I hope more people in Dayao can be literate so that they can read newspapers and understand the news. Right now, 99% of Dayao''s poption are illiterate, and they read by guessing the meaning of each word."


    "What is news? What is newspaper?" Tong Lan continued to ask.


    "News is a record of events that have ured in this world and it allows people to know of these events promptly. Through the news, you can know what Great Xia is doing now, what is happening in Lan City, and what decrees the government has issued. You will even know that your grandpa fought with Sir Qin at the brothel again yesterday."


    "Pfff!" Just when Shi Gan regained his focus, he heard these words and burst outughing, causing Tong Lan to cast an angry look at him.

 Chapter 290: The Theory Of All Living Things

    Chapter 290: The Theory Of All Living Things


    Trantor: YHHH Editor: X_X


    "What did Sir Ren teach today?" Tong Zhenye casually asked Tong Lan during dinner as he was somewhat curious about what Ren Baqian would talk about.


    Deep down, he epted the fact that Ren Baqian had lots of good stuff. No matter if it was the cement, red bricks, ss factory, or even the sr furnace, they were indeed very useful. Ren Baqian took all these items out seemingly at will, and nobody knew how many more things he still had up his sleeves.


    At the very least, the glittering colorful lights that he saw at Yangxin Pce Hall these past two days were not known to him before. Neither were the two standing floormps nor the sofa, all which were on disy at Yangxin Pce Hall. In addition, there was theptop which Tong Lan said could produce sounds. There was also the ice making machine, which really added up to too many things.


    This was the reason why he sent his favorite granddaughter to the ck Bamboo Academy.


    "I don''t know, he was talking endlessly without getting to the point." Tong Lan curled her lips. Most of the things Ren Baqian said today she had not understood, but since nobody asked, how could she ask? After all, she was a genius!


    "Could you tell me what he said?" Tong Zhengye asked again.


    "He said they were useless and if they went home, they would be kept as pets for their whole lives. Learning at the ck Bamboo Academy was their only hope." Tong Lan consciously excluded herself from them.


    "There was this silly youth who was disgruntled, and he fell to the ground after being sprayed with some stuff from a rod that good-for-nothing had. After which, he was kicked out of the academy." Tong Lan giggled again.


    Tong Zhengye nodded his head as what Ren Baqian said was correct in some aspects. Those not-so-talented children were left unattended at home and unable to progress in cultivation. In the future, they wouldn''t be of much use besides taking up a monthly allowance and breeding the next generation.


    "He also said that he will be teaching us four subjects. Also, he will be teaching us how to read with characters that are different from what we know now," Tong Lan said.


    "Oh? How are they different?" Tong Zhengye asked with great interest.


    The people nearby listened avidly to the conversation but didn''t say anything.


    At the very least, Tong Zhengye had praised Ren Baqian a few times in his residence, and this made the Tong Family''s opinion of Ren Baqian differ from the general view outside.


    "He said the Great Xianguage was too cumbersome to use and would teach us a simpler and easily transmissiblenguage." As told by Ren Baqian, Tong Lan then told her family about how it would be used by people to read the news.


    "It would include major news about the nation''s events or even minor news such as grandfather fighting with Sir Qin at the brothelst night," Tong Lan said in great detail. Immediately, the whole hall became absolutely silent.


    Everyone had an odd expression on their face.


    "Cough, cough!" Tong Zhengye choked. He deeply pondered about the news that Ren Baqian talked about, but it didn''t make much sense because it was simr to a bulletin board.


    "What else did he mention?" Tong Zhengye continued asking.


    "He would also teach three other subjects: mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He said physics was about the structure andws of the world whereas chemistry was the study of theposition of materials and the making of new materials. These two were called natural sciences."


    The expression of Tong Zhengye turned serious after Tong Lan said this.


    Tong Lan didn''t know what that meant, but Tong Zhengye immediately noticed that something was amiss. ording to those words, what Ren Baqian wanted to say was clearly, "The theory of all living things and the way of nature." Wasn''t this epassing all of the reasoning of everything in the universe?


    If this was the case, what Ren Baqian mentioned would make these people somewhat shocked.


    Was what he said really the truth? How did he say it?


    Tong Zhengye thought deeply for a moment and said," Note down what he says daily and bring it back for grandfather to see."


    "Yes!" Tong Lan pouted her mouth. It was too troublesome to take notes.


    She felt she was in big trouble.


    On this day, many people were talking to each other and many didn''t take notice of what Ren Baqian said at the beginning. After listening to others, however, his message was etched in their minds.


    After all, Ren Baqian''s words were too incredible. What he said included studying the structure of the world, theposition of materials, the worldlyws, and the production of new materials. No matter how they listened, these concepts weren''t anything ordinary. The theory of all living things and the way of nature made many people think of the legendary heavenlyw.


    There was no way they wouldn''t care about what he said.


    ...


    At this time, the empress was slouching on the sofa while Ren Baqian was sitting on a stool outside Yangxin Pce Hall. He was facing a bonfire and above him was a shelf.


    Ren Baqian was spit-roasting a mutton leg. He was twirling a pole with one hand, while the other hand would cut off a slice of the mutton leg from time to time.


    Ren Baqian had always thought that all problems could be resolved after a barbeque. Even if it still couldn''t be resolved, two barbeques would be enough to do so.


    However, there were no mutton skewers over in this world, so he had to depend on himself.


    He slowly roasted the mutton for about two hours. Earlier on, the aroma had already wafted into Yangxin Pce Hall and reached the nose of the empress. She took a sniff, raised her head to take a look in the direction of the doorway, and continued to watch a television series.


    Just as the empress was about to run out of patience, Ren Baqian brought in a pot which exuded a very fragrant aroma of roasted meat and caused people to salivate from even a meter away.


    As for the guards stationed outside Yangxin Pce Hall, they looked anguished since that man had been roasting meat right under their eyes for more than two hours. These two guards were practically tormented by having to smell the tantalizing aroma.


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat facing each other at a small table. He poured her a cup of wine before pouring one for himself.


    It wasn''t eptable to eat barbecued meat without wine.


    There were also two tes of fruit by the side to offset the greasiness of the meat.


    The empress swallowed two big pieces of meat into her stomach, drank a cup of wine, and asked casually, "I heard that something happened on the first day of school."


    The empress had known about this earlier but only asked him about it now.


    "Jade is worthless if not polished, and people will not be upright if not disciplined. Set a precedent and they will be easier to controlter on," Ren Baqian cheerfully answered. Even though those rascals weren''t talented, only a few of them were well-behaved. It was necessary to discipline them from the start or else it would be hard to control them in the future.


    "Oh!" The empress nodded her head in agreement.


    "I reckon someone will make aint tomorrow!" Ren Baqian continued saying.


    "Hmph!" The empress said coldly, "They dare to?"


    Ren Baqian gave her a thumbs-up. He liked her domineering ways.


    Who was considered a behind-the-scenes supporter? This was it! No matter what he did, those who dared to raise objections would get a beating from her.


    "I am very happy to hear that you talked about the theory of all living things," the empress said in a t but delighted tone.


    This was because she knew the words Ren Baqian wanted to say were very important to the development of Dayao and were the foundation of the world he came from.


    She was very happy that Ren Baqian was willing to impart this knowledge to others.


    Because she was the empress of Dayao, her vision of the future was not confined to one family or onend.


    "I''ve said this before, I want Dayao to transform into what you envision." Ren Baqian proposed a toast from afar, then drank it in one gulp.


    On hearing this, the corners of the empress''s eyes lifted.


    Ren Baqian took out a blue flower from his sleeves at an opportune time and put it on the tabletop.


    "Many flowers have withered recently and only this flower is still blooming. As such, I feel that it is just like you, as you''ll never wither. When the other flowers are in full bloom, it stands out among all of them. When the other flowers wither, it''s the only flower that remains."


    The empress picked up the flower to take a look, pinned it on her clothes, and said gently, "This flower is called Qing Yang. It will only wither during the cloudy season and then bloom again afterward."


    "When this flower withers, even Heaven is quite unwilling to let it go. As a result, Heaven shed tears. And when it blooms again, Heaven rejoices," Ren Baqian continued after the empress spoke.


    He conveniently praised himself in his heart as coaxing his own girlfriend needed a lot of effort.


    Seeing that the empress wrinkled her nose, Ren Baqian knew from her bodynguage that she was very happy.


    Wrinkling her nose indicated that she was in a good mood while raising her eyebrows indicated that she wanted to kill someone.


    When the empress was happy, he was happy too because emotions could be contagious.


    This applied to both happiness and sadness.


    Seeing that exquisite face, which was full of heroic spirit once the coldness was dispelled, coupled with her unique face and charm, Ren Baqian felt that if he could live to 200 years old, he would definitely pamper her for another 176 years.


    The other 24 years was the time he spent before he came to this world.


    (Ren Baqian didn''t realize that ording to the time on Earth, he was already 26 years old. This is because two? Chinese New Years had passed by on Earth. However, he assumed that he was only 25 years old.)

 Chapter 291: A Glorious Gardener

    Chapter 291: A Glorious Gardener


    Trantor: TYZ Editor: X_X


    Ren Baqian looked down at everyone. Today, all of them seemed better than yesterday. They had be much more respectful toward him.


    "Today, we will talk about physics," Ren Baqian said to everyone. Logically speaking, he should teach them writtennguage first, but he felt that it was better he if piqued their interest.


    After all, this wasn''t Earth and the aboriginals did not have the habit of studying. Therefore, he had to pique their interest for studying first.


    Every student was looking at him attentively right now. It seemed that the words he said yesterday were quite effective.


    "First lesson, let''s talk about the motion of an object." Ren Baqian ced a stone on the desk and continued, "Is this stone stationary or in motion?"


    "Stationary," someone immediately replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Then, he picked up the stone and let go of it. It gave off a soft thump when it hit the ground.


    "Was the stone stationary or in motion just now?"


    "It fell toward the ground."


    "Stationary or in motion!" Ren Baqian emphasized.


    "In motion."


    "Can a stone move?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    Everyone was stunned when they heard this question. Can a stone move?"


    Ren Baqian picked up the stone and moved it up and down.


    "Is the stone stationary or in motion now?"


    "Stationary, your hand is the one that''s moving."


    "Then..." Ren Baqian let of the stone and dropped it onto the ground. "Is it stationary or in motion?"


    "Teacher, the stone is falling downward. A stone can''t move on its own, but it is in motion when it''s falling toward the ground," Tong Lan answered.


    "You''re half correct."


    "You''re sitting in a carriage or on a horse that is moving forward, but everything in your surroundings is moving backward, which one is in motion?"


    "You said the mount is moving? But you''re not moving... The position of you and the mount did not change, but everything in your surroundings is moving backward..."


    "What I want to tell you is that motion is rtive. Now that this stone is in my hand, it is stationary rtive to the movement of my hand. However, rtive to this ssroom or all of you, it is in motion..."


    "When you drop down from the sky, you''re not moving but your surroundings are..."


    "Mechanical motion is the mostmon type of motion in the universe. Everything in nature is in motion. You need to identify the reference object first..."


    ...


    "Men at birth are naturally good. Their natures are much the same; their habits be widely different. If foolishly there is no teaching, their natures will deteriorate. The right way to teach is to attach the utmost importance to thoroughness. Of old, the mother of Mencius chose a neighborhood; when her child would not learn, she broke the shuttle from the loom..." Ren Baqian used the chalk to write down the Three Character ssic on the ckboard. There were a total of 60 Chinese characters. Beside every Chinese character, he wrote a corresponding character from the writtennguage of this world.


    "Write it down and memorize it. This is how you write the word ''men.'' One left-nting downward stroke and one right-downward concave stroke..."


    "Idiot, this is not how you write it... What are you writing?"


    "Who is Mencius? Let me tell you a story, it''s called Three Moves by Mencius'' Mother..."


    "This is the homework for today. Write these 30 characters 10 times each and hand it in to me tomorrow. Use your own paper and pencil. If you really don''t have any, you cane look for me..."


    ...


    "Answer this question again, what does 6 plus 3 equal? If you dare to tell me it''s 11, I will shoot you..." Ren Baqian growled with an ominous glint in his eyes. His hand was already touching the Type 81 assault rifle.


    A tall and burly young man looked around with a nk look on his face. Following which, his eyes lit up.


    "6 plus 3 equals 8!"


    "Bang!"


    ...


    "You must remember how each number is written, from the number 1 to 10. Today''s homework is, what is 2 plus 7? What is 4 plus 9..."


    ...


    While Ren Baqian was still studying in university, he had thought about bring education to undeveloped areas after he graduated. He wanted to have a memorable experience for himself in this lifetime. However, he became addicted to Bilibili and gave up this idea in the end.


    (Bilibili is a video sharing website themed around animation,ics, and games {ACG} based in China, where users can submit, view, and addmentary subtitles to videos.)


    He had not expected himself to be a volunteer teacher for these youngsters and fulfill his long-forgotten dream.


    As Ren Baqian watched the students leave the academy, he grasped his chest, feeling as though he was soon going to suffer a heart attack from being too angry.


    He remembered he once saw a news story about a mother getting a heart attack and hemorrhaging while apanying her child to do homework.


    You''re nothing! I have to teach 49 idiots on my own!


    "Sigh... be patient..." Ren Baqian sighed. After getting the imperial guards to tidy up the ssroom, he closed the main gate of the academy and returned to the pce.


    "How was it?" the empress asked Ren Baqian with a smile on her face. She could hear Ren Baqian roaring from the academy in the morning.


    "Even though they are stupid, they still can be saved," Ren Baqian replied after thinking about it. Even though those idiots had angered him terribly, he knew that one couldn''t turn smart in a couple of days.


    The scene of his elderly teacher calling him "good-for-nothing" and "stupid" was still vivid in his mind. He did not want to judge the future of these students too soon.


    The responsibility of a gardener was to water the flowers so that they could grow and blossom.


    The empress nodded. It was good that Ren Baqian understood this.


    After having lunch, Ren Baqian met two people at Pingle Park. They were the managers of the two imperial trade caravans.


    "I have looked through what you have done over the past few years. The results aren''t really good. Look at this list, how can this spoiled wine cost 10 taels of silver? How can a bolt cost 30 taels of silver? Also, the prices of the things you sold are always lower than the market prices. If it weren''t for your well-known and honest character, I would have thought you were helping the outsiders make profits," Ren Baqian pped the paper on the table and said."Sir Ren, it''s not like we wanted this to happen either. Actually, they bought our goods at depressed prices. We couldn''t sell anything if we did not lower the prices. We also know the prices at which we bought the goods were too high, but there was nothing we could do about it."


    Hearing Ren Baqian''s words, the two managers'' faces turned ugly, appearing as though they were used.


    "If there was really something wrong with the both of you, you should know what Her Majesty would do to you given her temperament. As for my temperament, you will soon know about it. I will take over this matter from today onward and both of you will report to me. I''m different from Her Majesty. Her Majesty has too many things to worry about every day and can''t be bothered with this matter. I''m definitely not someone that can be trifled with. If you do a good job, I will reward you. If you do a bad job, I will punish you. I hope you know what you should do, and I will not reward you unduly. Otherwise, you should know the consequences."


    Ren Baqian did not know whether or not these two manager had colluded with outsiders. In any case, something seemed amiss to him. No matter what, he had to intimidate them first.


    "The goods this year will be different from those of the past years. There are two things that I want you to sell this year..." Ren Baqian opened up a box beside him, took out a goblet and a ssic drinking ss, and ced them on the table. Then, he took out two mirrors and ced them on the table too.


    "How much do you think these can be sold for?"


    "This is a cup? It''s so clear and transparent. What is it made of? I think these can be sold for at least 500 taels of silver each."


    "This mirror ispletely different from bronze mirrors. The reflection it produces is extremely clear. I think it can be sold for at least 1,000 taels of silver."


    The two managers had surprised looks on their faces. The drinking ss did not have any impurities at all and waspletely transparent. Every single hair on their faces were clearly reflected in the mirror.


    "Don''t tell me you''re spies from other nations?" Ren Baqian took a closer look at the two men.


    "Sir!" The two of them were shocked.


    "These cups can be sold for at least 5,000 taels of silver each. They are carved out of pure gemstones. For this quality, how can you sell them for 500 taels each?"


    "And this mirror, it is exquisite, shiny, and its reflection is perfectly clear. It should be sold for at least 30,000 taels of silver."


    One had to know that when Venice first produced mercury mirrors, they sold these mercury mirrors for 15 francs each. Furthermore, these mercury mirrors were decorated with only tinfoil. Therefore, he did not go overboard by setting a selling price of 30,000 taels of silver for such a perfect-quality mirror.


    They had made too many mirrors. Furthermore, Ren Baqian reckoned that they would appear in many ces in Dayao after a few more years. He wanted to sell them off as soon as possible so that they could make a huge profit. He even thought of increasing the price.


    "Sir, no one would buy them at this price," the two managers said softly.


    "Are you idiots?" Ren Baqian felt like knocking their heads.


    "There are many brothels in those two nations, right? Find the best brothel, give them a sum of money, and get their famous courtesans to auction these cups personally. The highest bidder wins the cups. Let me tell you, brothels are where rich young masters can be found in abundance. Every ce you go, sell a pair of these cups. After you''re done with one city, move on to another. It''s easy to deal with the brothels. You can give them 1,000 taels of silver and take all the profits made from the sale of the cups or you can just split the profits with them. If they are unable to sell the cups, give them 500 taels of silver and set the starting auction price at 5,000 taels. Subsequently, give the brothels the extra profits you make. Do you think they won''t take up this offer? You can also find an influential rich young master and gift him a pair of these cups. Then, ask him to introduce the cups to other people without any conditions. If he really does it, give him a small sum of money. For every cup that is sold, give him an additional 500 taels of silver. Once the reputation of these cups has been built up, people will automatically approach you to buy them. For this mirror, you have to remember this line, ''Love is eternal, a mirror can be handed down forever.'' This mirror can be the best love token for lovers to gift each other. As for those married couples, what would be more precious to a woman than having a mirror that can perfectly reflect her looks? A man can always lie to a woman, but this mirror will never lie..."


    Ren Baqian gave the two managers a two-hour-long lesson on sales, causing them to be dumbstruck in the process.

 Chapter 292 Deserving To Be Your Majesty

    "Remember this, who are our customers? They are local tyrants, bureaucrats, aristocratic families, and those who are ambitious.


    Why do we want to sell things to them? Because they are the only ones that deserve them and only our products can enhance their status and values in order for them to be respected and attain what they desire.


    Whether it is for their own use or for their dream lover or for their superior...


    If he doesn''t want to have it? It doesn''t matter, let his opponent possess it first..."


    ... For the next few days, Ren Baqian taught the disciples at the ck Bamboo Academy every morning. In the afternoon, he either practiced boxing or got beaten up by Tong Lan. At night, he taught the two numbskulls who, apart from looking a bit tall, were pretty useless managers of the imperial trade caravans.


    "What are sales?" Ren Baqian sat on a stone chair in Pingle Park. In front of him were two almost 50-year-old managers, who stood there like honest school children.


    These two days were an eye opener for them.


    "To solve customer''s needs!" the two shopkeepers instantly answered.


    "How do we do sales?"


    "To create demand for customers!"


    Ren Baqian nodded his head gently, these two blockheads finally understood some principles of sales.


    "What are we selling?"


    "It is about status and value as humans need to enhance their value through foreign goods..." The two shopkeepers were fluently spouting terminologies, and the empress would be amazed if she saw them.


    "Very well. Bear in mind that we are not selling goods, but status! Self-expression! Love! High position and a generous pay! We are not selling anymodity," Ren Baqian summarized to the two of them.


    "Yes, Sir!" The two men nodded sessively with conviction. They were wondering where this genius got his knowledge from.


    These few days of lectures had benefited the two greatly. Even if they were given a pile of feces to sell, they could sell it at the price of gold.


    "Both of you can take your leave now. Memorize today''s lesson and set out in two days." Ren Baqian waved them off.


    "Sir, we recorded notes when we got back andpared with each other every day, " the two men quickly replied with respect.


    "Well, when you have seeded, you will realize your own self-worth." Ren Baqian waved at his guards to escort the two men from the pce.


    He felt some regrets after the two departed because time was too limited. Otherwise, he would have experimented with MLM.


    At present, he could only rely on the two men to apply the skills they had learned during these few days.


    Fortunately, he didn''t have to worry because his goods had nopetitors. Even with some setbacks, he presumed that the two managers would still give a good ount of themselves.


    The goods he had prepared were 2,000 ss goblets, 2,000 ssic drinking cups, and 1,000 silver mirrors.


    However, they would not be sold during one trip, but divided between four trips. The first trip would have the least amount of goods, but the number of goods would gradually increase from the second trip onward.


    Of course, the price of the goods would be the highest during the first trip and then gradually reduce.


    His goal was to get more than 30 million taels of silver from the sales of this batch of goods in Dayao and Yun Nation.


    This was considered a king''s ransom in Dayao.


    The annual revenue of Great Xia''s state treasury was 100 million taels of silver. Yun Nation and Chen Nation received 31 million and 22 million taels of silver per year, respectively. As for Dayao, which had and area equivalent to Yun Nation and Chen Nationbined, they only had an annual ie of seven million taels of silver.


    Half of the revenue was from the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation who resided in the south.


    Out of these seven million taels of silver, the military expenditure was already 3 million taels of silver. With 100 thousand soldiers and excluding the food and basic expenses, each soldier received a sry of just 12 taels of silver annually. That was equivalent to a sry of one tael of silver per month.


    It was a known fact that the lowest level of a soldier in Dayao''s army was at the Man Wheel level. In other countries, those with the same ability wouldmand at least six to ten times their sry.


    It was no wonder that some protectorates were reduced to the point of having to rely on the brothels to supplement their ie.


    The remaining four million taels of silver were used to pay the sries of all of Dayao''s officials, craftsmen, odd-job workers, renovations for the city, and so on. There was hardly any bnce left over.


    As a result, Dayao basically had no spare capacity to build any infrastructure. Even the main road was just a ttened dirt path.


    The imperial armory, which purchased weapons to supplement the army in sessive years, didn''t have much money left at all. The additional financial burden of Ren Baqian''s cultivation shrank the empress''s coffers by a big portion over thest three months. At best, it could onlyst for three more months.


    The monthly cultivation cost of Ren Baqian was about 50,000 taels of silver. In other words and excluding exotic items, the coffers of the empress were only left with 300,000 taels of silver. Some of the jewelry were gifts from other countries for Her Majesty''s birthday celebration this year.


    Ren Baqian carefully assessed the ount and felt that it really wasn''t easy to be an empress.


    However, the empress was still resolute and didn''t feel any misgivings.


    With the exception of Africa, Dayao''s empress was perhaps the poorest among all the rulers of Earth as well as the rulers of the civilized nations in this world.


    Ů�۶�������,������˵��λ����.If the empress was in such a dire situation, let alone those court official.s


    ording to Ren Baqian''s assessment of the situation in Dayao, the money he earned could only tide over the country''s desperate situation. The road to development for Dayao was a long one.


    He had to put his worries aside and take it step by step.


    Lying in bed, he entered a vast empty space. Right in the middle of this space was a towering tree that upied the entire area. It was about 100 meters tall. The crown of the tree spanned a circumference of more than 10 kilometers and countless green vines were wrapped around the tree trunk.


    When he broke through the [Visualization of Water], he entered the second visualization stage, which was the [Visualization of Wood].


    Water begets wood, so after the [Visualization of Water], it wasn''t surprising that he had entered the [Visualization of Wood] directly.


    The five elements corresponded with the five organs. The [Visualization of Water] corresponded with his kidneys and the [Visualization of Wood] with his liver.


    Ren Baqian''s current mode of cultivation was climbing up the tree while following the trunk and the vines. Once he reached more than three meters in height, however, the gusty wind was like a storm blowing from all directions, and even breathing was difficult. As he climbed up bit by bit, he had great difficulty clinging on to the trunk and the vines while stabilizing his body against the wind. Once he had exhausted his strength, he would be blown away by the wind and would withdraw from the [Visualization of Wood].


    Momentster, Ren Baqian was blown away from a height of five meters. When he awakened, he had already returned to his bed and was soon sleeping soundly.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian took a medical bath and subsequently went to the Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Today was a rest day for the school as Ren Baqian had imported the system of a five-day work week from Earth.


    On the previous rest day, Ren Baqian had taken the opportunity to return to Earth to ce an order for some items. Today, it just so happened that he was going back to Earth with the empress to bring the items back.


    The items included textbooks needed by the students; mathematics for grades one to six, physics and chemistry textbooks for junior high students, Three Character ssics which came in a book form, and someboratory materials as well.


    Originally, Ren Baqian considered Standards for being a Good Pupil and Child and The Analects Of Confucius but gave up on the idea. This world and Earth were different and so were the aboriginals and themoners on Earth.


    The biggest difference between this world and Earth was the way they regarded the importance of martial arts.


    Blindly applying the wise words of Confucius might not necessarily be a good idea.


    On entering Yangxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian saw a red silhouette somersaulting around. At the same time, a strong gusty wind was generated with every move made by the empress.


    After attentively watching for a while, Ren Baqian discovered she was practicing a type of boxing whose name was unknown to him. A thunderous sound apanied each punch that was delivered by her.


    Ren Baqian watched quietly from the side. He was watching the empress shadow box, but a better description would be that he was just watching that silhouette.


    In any case, he didn''t understand the boxing technique he saw. Furthermore, he couldn''t even see the actions clearly.


    After a short while, the empress suddenly stopped and slowly brought down both hands. Steam seemed to be spurting out of her palms, and she directly smashed the green tiles below. He wondered what kind of material was used to make the tiles in Yangxin Pce Hall since they actually didn''t shatter.


    " How much of it do you understand?" the empress turned her head and asked him.


    "Your Majesty, it''s no wonder that you are worthy of your title. Your humble servant actually didn''t see any of your movements clearly. However, I will definitely put in more effort to keep pace. Eventually, I might be able to understand the subtlety of your boxing technique." Ren Baqian instantly gave her a thumbs-up.


    The empress stared at him and subconsciously ground her teeth.


    She had deliberately slowed her movements just now and this scoundrel didn''t even see it."There is no need to wait for another time, you will practice boxing with me from today onward!" the empress said coldly.


    "Your Majesty, we are going on a trip today. You had mentioned that you wanted to go to the amusement park the previous time!" Ren Baqian said with a smile.


    After the empress watched Final Destination 3, she was constantly thinking about the amusement park.


    As a result, the empress knitted her eyebrows after hearing what Ren Baqian said and pondered whether practicing boxing was more important than going to the amusement park.

 Chapter 293 Intuition

    In a room, there were a fewputers. Every screen was further split into nine sections, surveying various positions in the district. For example, the lift, the underground garage, etc.


    All the surveince cameras in the district were connected to this room.


    However, this wasn''t a monitoring room. It was a house in the district that had three bedrooms and a living room.


    Due to the fact that the curtains of this house were drawn every day and there were asionally strangers entering and exiting the house, someone in the district thought that there were illegal activities going on in the house and called the police. Yesterday, when the police arrived at the doorstep of this house, the people in the house were stunned.


    The police left only after the people in the house showed them their identifications.


    One had to admit that this incident wasughable. Now that the people in the house thought about it, they were speechless.


    The residents in this district wereparable to the omnipotent residents of Chaoyang District. Their level of vignce was extremely high.


    "How did they discover us?" A short-haired girl looked at the monitor screen impatiently.


    Initially, they had been observing Ren Baqian''s house with binocrs from a house across the street. They could observe Ren Baqian the moment he returned home. One day, however, their higher-ups suddenly told them that they had already been exposed. As a result, they quickly moved to this house and stared at monitor screens every day.


    "Who knows? Don''t forget the higher-ups'' reminder, they aren''t ordinary individuals," a spectacled young man said. He took out a cylindrical metallic object and sucked on it. Following which, he blew out a huge cloud of smoke. After a while, the room became paradise-like.


    "The smoke from this thing smells so much better than cigarettes''!" the short-haired girl turned around and said.


    The spectacled young man spread his arms and replied, "Actually, I wanted to smoke cigarettes, but after seeing how big your reaction was, I decided to smoke with this instead. However, I now realize that this kind of electronic cigarette is not bad either, it''s much better than I thought."


    "Not bad, you''re quite tactful!" The short-haired girl leaned on the table. "Previously, both of them suddenly appeared in the house. Are there really superhumans in this world?"


    "How do I know? Boss might know, so you can ask him." The spectacled young man took out a ss bottle filled with liquid and used a dropper to obtain some of that liquid. Then, he deposited the liquid into the electronic cigarette. Following which, he began to blow out clouds of smoke again.


    Looking at the pleasantly dazed look on his face, those who did not know he was smoking an electronic cigarette would think that he was taking drugs.


    "They are back." The short-haired girl quickly patted the spectacled young man. A frame at the top-left corner of the screen showed someone opening a window in the house.


    "Could it be the housekeepers?" the young man looked at the screen and asked. The surveince camera had a bottom-to-top view, hence they couldn''t see what was going on in the house. The surveince camera was ced in such a way that it wouldn''t be discovered.


    "It can''t be, the housekeepers would note at this time," the short-haired girl replied.


    Following which, both of them began to look at the monitor attentively.


    Now that their target had appeared, both of them had to take note of when he disappeared again. Previously, this wasn''t a difficult task. All they needed to do was to look through binocrs to see when their target disappeared. However, they now had to keep staring at the monitor.


    This was why the short-haired girl had a resentful look on her face.


    "What''s the point of staring at them?" The short-haired girl did not understand what was going. In the past, she automatically knew what to do whenever she was tasked with a mission. This time around, all she needed to do was to stare at the screen and report the daily routine of Ren Baqian to her superiors.


    It had been a few months, and their higher-ups had not given them any new instructions.


    "Go and ask Boss. I don''t know anything."


    Naturally, Ren Baqian did not know his convenient lie would cause these two people to resentfully stay in a small house for more than 20 days.


    After opening the window, Ren Baqian discovered that the weather today was quite good.


    It was the beginning of May on Earth. The temperature during the day was more than 20 degrees Celsius. The sun shone brightly, and it was the best time to take a stroll outside.


    After he opened the window, he turned around and heard the sound of a door closing. The empress had entered her room to change her clothes.


    She did not even finish eating her ice cream. Ren Baqian could tell that she couldn''t wait to leave the house.


    It was very hard to believe that the empress was so interested in amusement parks.


    By the time Ren Baqian went upstairs to put on a hoodie, a pair of jeans, and his sneakers, the empress was already sitting on the sofa in her dress eating her ice cream.


    Indeed, the empress would never disregard eating; it was a matter of priority.


    "Let''s go to the amusement park!" Ren Baqian snapped his fingers. The empress threw a pillow at his face.


    "I always feel that that action is very disrespectful!" The empress looked at Ren Baqian from the corner of her eyes and nibbled on her ice cream.


    "How is it disrespectful? It''s an action that reinforces my tone. For example, you have eaten enough." Ren Baqian snapped his fingers again. A pillow hit his face once more.


    "Your Majesty, it''s time to set off!" Ren Baqian bowed and reached out his right hand to hold the empress''s hand by her fingers.


    "Not bad!" The empress was very satisfied, and she conveniently helped Ren Baqian straighten out his cap. She had washed her hands just now because they had be sticky after being stained with melted ice cream.


    They left the house and boarded the elevator. On the seventh floor, the elevator stopped and a young girl walked in. When she saw Ren Baqian and the empress, she was shocked. Following which, she gave them a bow.


    "Thank you for saving my life the other time," the girl thanked Ren Baqian. She had visited Ren Baqian at his house to invite him for a meal, but was rejected. Even now, she still felt scared whenever she thought about the ident.


    Therefore, she wanted to express her gratitude when she saw Ren Baqian.


    The girl''s chest was quite big, and Ren Baqian took a sweeping nce at it.


    "Smack!" The empress gave Ren Baqian''s nose a p.


    "Ouch!" Ren Baqian groaned in pain as he grasped his nose. The empress wasn''t looking at him, so how did she know where he was looking at?


    Following which, Ren Baqian felt his nose turn moist. As he touched his nose, his hand got stained with blood. His nose was indeed bleeding. Quickly, Ren Baqian raised his head upward and took out a banknote. He rolled it up and stuffed it into his nose.


    "What did you hit me for?" After stuffing the banknote up his nose, Ren Baqian talked with a muffled voice. Just now, he clearly saw that the empress had not turned around to look at him.


    "Intuition!" the empress turned and replied to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Your Majesty, you have watched too much Final Destination.


    You just feel like giving me a p, right? You simply don''t care whether or not I did anything wrong.


    That girl looked at Ren Baqian and the empress and snickered. When she saw Ren Baqian ring at her, she quickly apologized, "Sorry, I can''t help it."


    After alighting from the elevator, Ren Baqian looked at the reflection in the empress''s sunsses. With the banknote stuffed up his nose, he looked like an elephant now.


    Ren Baqian drove to thergest amusement park in Shencheng. From outside, he could already hear the rumble and screamsing from the roller coaster. The empress''s attention was immediately captured by the roller coaster.


    "It''s that one!" The empress''s eyes lit up. It seemed that Final Destination 3 had left a deep impression on her, so much so that she headed straight for the roller coaster upon arriving at the amusement park.


    Surprisingly, the amusement park was filled with people. Ren Baqian wondered whether or not it was because of the good weather. There were many parents that brought their children here to have fun. There were also many couples going on dates here.


    Ren Baqian subconsciously held the empress''s hand as well.

 Chapter 294 Anger

    Even though the amusement park wasn''t overcrowded with people, it was still considerably packed. In particr, there were more people in front of the roller coaster. After all, there weren''t exactly a lot of activities for adults in this amusement park.


    As the both of them queued up for over half an hour, the empress just stood there calmly eating her ice cream. On the other hand, Ren Baqian was fiddling with his mobile phone with one hand and holding the empress''s hand with the other.


    "Will there be any problems with this?" the empress asked abruptly.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress, and a bad premonition arose in his mind.


    Normally speaking, the odds of a roller coaster having problems was about the same as an airne crash.


    However, judging from the empress''s behavior after watching Final Destination, her inability to take it off her mind, and the words she just said, Ren Baqian was afraid that she would create some problems even if there weren''t any.


    Like a great person once said, problems must be faced. Even if problems were created when there were no problems, they too must be faced.


    The empress couldn''t possibly emte the excitement from the movie and actually do something funny, could she?


    "Actually I have acrophobia, so I will just wait for you down here," Ren Baqian uttered while leaving after he saw that the people ahead were already starting to enter. He was prepared to stop the roller coaster at any time.


    The empress''s movements were much quicker than his, grabbing the cor of his shirt. He couldn''t escape no matter how hard he struggled.


    "You''re going to leave me alone?" The empress pointed at the surroundings, which were full of couples.


    She then looked at thest egg roll in her hands, as if she couldn''t part with it. Subsequently, she tossed it into her mouth.


    "They will be grateful to me if I don''t go up there," Ren Baqian replied in a soft and proper tone.The empress didn''t speak a word and dragged him forward while conveniently rubbing her hands on his clothes.


    Ren Baqian was shocked when he saw her reaction. Had he guessed it correctly? Was she going at it for real?


    Ren Baqian dared not shout out loud. He felt the empress''s strength as she tugged on his cor, and he grabbed onto the railing at the side.


    I will not get on this ride even if you beat me to death,


    People in the surroundings felt amused when they looked at the both of them. This guy was too timid.


    If their girlfriends were that pretty, they wouldn''t even frown a single bit if they had to brave the dagger mountains and me seas, let alone riding a roller coaster.


    Thisdy''s arm was so strong that even the guy''s fingers that were grabbing onto the railing had be pale.


    Following that, the empress poked Ren Baqian at the back of his waist, and he eventually calmed down. His entire body was soft and no longer had any remaining strength to exert.


    After fastening the safety belt and mping down the U-shaped safety restraint, Ren Baqian''s body finally regained some strength. Fully nervous, he looked at the empress and spoke to her softly, "They are merely ordinary people! There will be a huge problem if something were to go wrong!"


    The empress turned her head with a blossom-like smile and looked at him. "Don''t worry, I will be gentle."


    Ren Baqian almost vomited blood. A small issue on the roller coaster would result in a huge problem. How would being gentle help?


    Those words weren''t even the least bitforting!


    Ren Baqian observed three minutes of silence for the people on the roller coaster and hoped that there wouldn''t be any problemster ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!


    Along with the sound of the bell, the roller coaster slowly moved forward and Ren Baqian''s heart began to lift as well.


    It was still alright at the start when the speed was still very slow. Besides, it was travelling upward. Ren Baqian got a little giddy as he looked down at the ground below him.


    When the roller coaster travelled downhill rapidly, Ren Baqian''s heart rate began to increase.


    As the roller coaster moved at high speeds and asionally turned 360 degrees in the air, Ren Baqian gripped tightly onto the over-the-shoulder restraint and bawled miserably.


    "Ah!"


    "Bang!"


    Ren Baqian suddenly heard that sound, and before he could even react to it, his entire body began feeling weightless. If he hadn''t tightly gripped the over-the-shoulder restraint, he would have been flung out immediately.


    However, the over-the-shoulder restraint was now lifting upward.


    "Crap!" Ren Baqian was indeed bawling tragically at this time.


    "Save me!"


    The sound of his miserable bawling spread across almost half of the amusement park.


    He had thought the empress would tamper with the roller coaster, but he had never expected that she would actually tamper with his safety belt.


    Fortunately, the empress''s small hands were in time and got ahold of Ren Baqian''s shirt at his waist area, which made him feel more relieved.


    After that, the empress actually released her grip! Released her grip! Released her grip!


    Ren Baqian was going crazy. Was she trying to murder her husband!


    At this time, the over-the-shoulder restraint was totally released and the safety belt on his body had snapped. Ren Baqian gripped the over-the-shoulder restraint tightly and fluttered in the wind, resembling a kite in the sky.


    Afterward, the empress suddenly stretched out her hands and grabbed onto his wrist, making him feel a little safer.


    However, her other hand tapped lightly on the metal over-the-shoulder restraint at the same time and it immediately broke. Ren Baqian held onto the broken safety restraint with both arms and fluttered with the wind as the empress held onto him.


    "Ah!" Ren Baqian''s yells became even more miserable.


    Meanwhile, the people below had also realized that there were problems with the roller coaster, and many people cried out in fear.


    In the eyes of the bystanders, the boyfriend''s safety belt had snapped and the girlfriend held onto him tightly without letting go. Such a scenario, which often urred in movies, was happening in front of the eyes of the audience. What a deeply touching sight? Many people below started filming with their mobile phones, thinking that with such a girlfriend, one would live without regrets.


    However, Ren Baqian currently almost felt like killing someone.


    At this moment, the operator of the roller coaster realized that there was a problem and promptly reduced the speed of the ride.


    Everyone on the ride was left dangling in the air soon after.


    Somehow, Ren Baqian was now even more miserable than before. One of his arms was being held tightly by the empress while the other was gripping onto the cart. Exerting almost 3,000 newtons of force almost squashed the cart out of shape, but he refused to release even the slight bit of his grip.


    He was eventually rescued with great difficulty and was almost driven insane.


    Although I had sufficient strength to ensure that I was able to hold onto the over-the-shoulder restraint without falling even after the safety belt snapped, I can''t be toyed with in such a manner.


    I have acrophobia!!!


    "My sincere apologies, Sir. Do you want to go for a checkup at the hospital?" The person in charge was currently rushing down.


    "Don''t bother me!" Ren Baqian was feeling all jittery.


    Even a person made out of y would have a temper. Ren Baqian felt that he had to express his attitude.


    Ever since he had been rescued, he had put on a facade. He didn''t even look at the empress after she came down, but merely said, "I don''t want to y anymore. Let''s go back."


    Even a blind person could sense the coldness and resentment from his voice.


    "It wasn''t interesting at all!" The empress ced one finger beneath her chin and turned her head to look at the surroundings. This rollercoaster was far more boring than she had expected it to be, but she still wanted to visit a few other attractions.


    However, upon hearing Ren Baqian''s entirely different tone, she first blinked her eyes and looked pensive.


    There were actually many people at the side apuding the empress and praising thisdy who had just held on tightly to her boyfriend without letting go.


    Ren Baqian felt even more depressed.


    The both of them walked back for a while, before the empress calmly and puzzledly asked," Are you angry?"


    "Very angry!" Ren Baqian lowered his head as if he was looking for money on the ground and refused to look at her.


    "Look at me!" The empress grabbed his arm.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and looked in another direction.


    Soon after, a relentless hand stretched across to his chin and pulled him over.


    Regardless of whenever it was, the empress''s eyes always appeared very bright, clear, and pure, as if they were ake. Now, however, they looked as if they had some indefinite twinkling.


    Looking at the resentment on Ren Baqian''s face, the empress blinked her eyes and pulled Ren Baqian''s face toward herself.


    She kissed him.


    It was a little cold and very soft. It also had a soul alluring scent.


    Ren Baqian felt his heart beating like a piledriver going, "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    What was going on? Ren Baqian''s eyes opened wide.


    It was a mere contact, like a dragonfly touching the water lightly. It ended before Ren Baqian even had time to enjoy it.


    The empress was blushing from the bottom of her ears to her face. She lowered her head a little and avoided eye contact with him. Her eyes were filled with bashfulness.


    "Keke, seeing that you already know your mistake and have deeply reflected upon yourself, let''s walk around again." Ren Baqian suddenly thought that it was just a roller coaster ride and that it wasn''t impossible to consider doing something even more thrilling.


    "Pow!" The empress pped his nose.

 Chapter 295 Difficult The First Time, Easy The Second

    "Ahhh!"


    An earth-shaking, blood-curdling screech resounded through the air from the Turbo Drop in the amusement park.


    As the machine descended rapidly, a man''s safety belt suddenly broke, causing the man to almost fall out of his seat. Fortunately, thedy beside him held on to him.


    The man wasn''t the only one that was screaming. The other riders of the Turbo Drop were also screaming. Their screams wereparable to the man''s.


    After all, anyone would be scared out of their wits when they saw this kind of thing happening right beside them.


    When the machine returned to the ground, every rider jumped out of it as though they were fleeing for their lives. The length of the long queue reduced to a few meters in an instant.


    After all, who would dare to ride the Turbo Drop after this kind of thing happened?


    Ren Baqian was breaking out in cold sweat. Even though he knew the empress would hold on to him, he was still scared stiff.


    "Sir, are you alright?" a staff member ran up to Ren Baqian and asked.


    "Am I alright? Do I look alright to you! Don''t bother me! Let me walk on my own." Ren Baqian felt his legs turn to jelly


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian wasn''t the only one that had his legs turn to jelly. The staff members of the amusement park had their legs turn to jelly as well. Previously, something went wrong with the roller coaster, so it was currently under repair. However, they did not expect something bad to happen to the Turbo Drop so soon.


    When the staff members saw Ren Baqian and the empress leave without saying anything, they couldn''t stop them. No matter what these two intended to do in the future, it would be none of their business. The owner of this amusement park would be responsible for everything. These two might even be on their way to make a call to stir up trouble now.


    When the owner of the amusement park rushed over to the Turbo Drop and saw the face of the victim on the monitor screen, he was baffled. Following which, his facial expression changed.


    This was the same man that met with a mishap on the roller coaster. Now, it was him that again met with a mishap here. Was it a coincidence?


    Furthermore, the reason behind both mishaps was the same. In both cases, the safety belts were severed.


    Moreover, the man did not want anypensation or want to do a body checkup either time. He would leave without saying anything.


    He would rather die than believe that these two people were mentally sound.


    But how did the safety belts break? One had to know the safety belts weren''t made of nylon, but metal. They simply couldn''t be broken by a human.


    Was it really a coincidence?


    There was a bncing scale in the owner''s heart. On one end, he felt that they were here to stir up trouble. On the other hand, he felt that it might really be a coincidence.


    Right now, the bnce scale kept on tipping. One moment, it tipped toward the left. The next moment, it tipped toward the right...


    Ren Baqian cast a do-as-you-wish look at the empress.


    The empress lowered her head and hesitated for a long while. She dug the balls of her feet into the ground, creating two small holes in the process.


    Following which, she clenched her teeth, raised her head, and surged toward Ren Baqian.


    "Oh!" Previously, he could smell the fragrance of the empress and the softness of her lips. This time around, however, all he could sense was pain. Tears began to well up in his eyes.


    The empress''s nose struck his nose directly. He did not know whether or not she did it on purpose.


    Even though it seemed like a light touch, the hardness of the empress''s body wasparable to steel. She did not feel anything, but Ren Baqian immediately covered his nose with tears welling up in his eyes. Blood and tears began to flow down his face like water.


    After a while, Ren Baqian stuffed a hundred-yuan note in both his left and right nostrils. Then, he looked at the empress with glittering eyes.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian''s face lunged forward.


    She wouldn''t cause any severe injury to me this time around, right?


    Difficult the first time, easy the second.


    The empress raised her chin slightly and the two blood-colored, tusk-like banknotes sticking out of Ren Baqian''s nose poked directly against her face. Once again, Ren Baqian covered his nose with both his hands. This time around, tears were gushing out of his eyes.


    This was the first time he experienced how painful it was to have two rolled-up banknotes plunged so deeply into his nostrils!


    "I think I have to go to the hospital!" By now, Ren Baqian''s eyes were brimming with tears. He pulled out the two rolled-up banknotes and threw them aside. His nose was feeling intense pain. Before, it was merely the bridge of his nose that hurt. Now, it was the inside of his nose that hurt. He reckoned that the two rolled-up banknotes might have pierced through his brain if he had exerted more strength.


    If that really happened, his head would be literally filled with money.


    When the empress saw Ren Baqian crying, a faint blush appeared on her face. She moved forward and gave Ren Baqian a gentle peck on his lips.


    The blood on Ren Baqian''s lips stained her lips. She extended her tongue outward and licked her lips clean. This time around, her face became even redder.


    Feeling the softness of the empress''s lip, Ren Baqian suddenly felt that he could endure the pain for a while more.


    "Let''s go to the Overturning Seas and Rivers." Ren Baqian pinched his nose and pointed to a ride far away, looking as though he was pointing to the stars while saying, "My conquest is the sea of stars."


    (This is a line from Legend of the Gctic Heroes, a series of science fiction novels written by Yoshiki Tanaka.)


    Suddenly, he thought of a refined line sung by a very famous musician: "Beyond the pots and pans in the present, there should be poetry and a girlfriend in our lives."


    (The original line should be "Beyond the pots and pans in the present, there should be poetry and the far afield in our lives." It is a song by Xu Wei, a Chinese rock musician.)


    Overturning Seas and Rivers was also a major ride. It had a 20-meter-tall frame that had seats for people to sit in. First, the riders would be lifted up into the air tens of meters above the ground. Then, they would be spun clockwise 720 degrees for two rounds and 720 degrees counterclockwise for another two rounds.


    It was as thrilling as Turbo Drop. After all, it would spin 720 degrees in the air 20 meters above the ground.


    Ren Baqian felt his limits were going to be tested once again.


    However, the amusement park did not want his limits to be tested anymore.


    When both of them arrived at the Overturning Seas and Rivers, they realized no one was queuing for it. After all, two mishaps had already happened in the amusement park today. Who would be stupid enough to continue trying such a dangerous ride?


    The operator of the ride looked puzzledly at Ren Baqian, whose face was still stained with blood. He looked as though he had just been through a car ident.


    "All the major rides in this amusement park have been closed down for inspection today."


    "Ha! We can''t do anything about it," Ren Baqian thought to himself. He did not know whether to feel d or sorry.


    With two mishaps uring in a day, the owner would definitely terminate the major rides for inspection even if he was a fool.


    The empress furrowed her eyebrows, looking slightly annoyed. The previous two rides weren''t fun at all. Initially, she thought this ride would be fun when looking at it from afar.


    After knowing Ren Baqian and the empress had left, the owner heaved a sigh of relief. Just now, when he heard that Ren Baqian and the empress were heading toward the Overturning Seas and Rivers, he immediately asked someone to close it down. He had no choice but to do so. After all, the two mishaps that urred today had scared away all his customers.


    At the same time, he was very sure that Ren Baqian and the empress were here to stir up trouble. It was a pity that he couldn''t find any evidence. Otherwise, he would teach them a lesson.


    However, he was still baffled. If these two persons were really here to stir up trouble, why didn''t they seize the opportunity to blow up the matter? Why didn''t they seekpensation from him?


    Furthermore, the two safely belts did not look like they had been cleanly cut by someone. Rather, they looked as though they were haphazardly torn apart by something. He couldn''te up with a usible reason for this.


    However, no matter what, the amusement park''s reputation had already been tarnished. If news about these two mishaps were to spread, he would lose a notable number of customers. Before news of this incident died down, the business of the amusement park would definitely be affected significantly.


    Ren Baqian and the empress returned to his car.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the empress, feeling an urge to kiss her.


    This must be what "getting greedy" meant.


    Previously, the two kisses were merely superficial contact. He wanted to have a real kiss with her.


    The empress seemed to be aware of Ren Baqian''s intention and raised up one of her hands, looking as though she was preparing to give him a p. What a pity.


    Of course, if she really wanted to p Ren Baqian, Ren Baqian would not be able to dodge it.


    Obviously, this action was meant to intimidate Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian grabbed her hand and ced it before his nose to sniff it. Then, he gave her fingers a gentle peck.


    The empress''s ears turned red again.


    In a shy but graceful manner, she gave Ren Baqian''s nose a p.


    "Let''s go somewhere else in the future!" Brimming with tears, Ren Baqian tried to find something that he could use to stuff his nose with in a hurry.


    Previously, you loved to p my hands. Why did you change your target to my nose today? Your Majesty, where did you learn this move from? Ahhhh...

 Chapter 296 Erhu Lives Again

    Ren Baqian and the empress left the amusement park and found an exquisite ce to have a meal.


    When they had just eaten halfway, they heard loud erhu musicing from audio equipment outside.


    The tune was so familiar that Ren Baqian almost sang along.


    "You are the one who initiated the separation if you want to separate, just separate..."("Love Business," a song by Chinese Inte Singer, MuRong Xiaoxiao)


    Ren Baqian was shocked to hear that song ying. It was a divine song.


    Ren Baqian turned around and saw a man dragging a small cart with a stereo on it. That man was holding an erhu in his hand and ying it at the entrance of the hotel.


    His passion for music was instantly rekindled, and he remembered his erhu that had been thrown away.


    It happened on a beautiful afternoon...


    On seeing the restaurant owner going out to greet that man, Ren Baqian followed along, gave the musician 100 RMB, and said, "Lend me your erhu to y a piece. Unplug the stereo as it is too loud."


    Then, he took the erhu to one side and sat down to start tuning it.


    When the public saw that man lugging the stereo set and ying the erhu at the hotel entrance, they knew what he was up to and were quite disgusted with him.


    However, things changed when everyone saw a handsome, well-dressed young man tuning the instrument. Many people also saw him giving the street musician 100 RMB, and they immediately became interested.


    After all, there weren''t many street performances in this city.


    The empress sat by the window and looked at Ren Baqian holding the thing she saw before. She was somewhat curious as to what Ren Baqian was up to. After all, the previous man hadn''t yed that badly.


    After tuning, Ren Baqian began to y the erhu with a look of euphoria.


    The tune of "Song Of Neuropathy" flowed melodiously from his hands.("Song of Neuropathy" by Luo Tianyi. Luo Tianyi is a Chinese Vocaloid developed formerly by Bts, Inc. under the Yamaha Corporation and was created in coboration with Shanghai HENIAN Information Technology Co. Ltd. She was released for the Vocaloid 3 engine.)


    The tune was very lively and although the passersby couldn''t figure what tune it was, it sounded nice and many stopped to watch.


    About 10 secondster, the tune became a little weird. Then, the style suddenly changed.


    A few short passages, which sounded like an old hen or an owlughing in their faces, emanated from his hands.


    The public, who initially liked the music, were caught unaware by the change of style and were puzzled by the situation.


    Then, they saw Ren Baqian''s hands dancing around, which appeared like an old hen beating its wings, giggling and cking nonstop or better still, mocking them.


    Everyone felt that they were being ridiculed.


    Ridiculed by an erhu spirit.


    Who says that one can''t turn bizarre even after a country''s founding? Please stand up and I guarantee you will not be beaten to death.


    Everyone could hear the mocking tone in the tune.


    Those who stopped and listened to Ren Baqian ying the erhu were certainly not anxious people or in a bad mood. However, their originally good mood turned sour after hearing this tune.


    More than half of them raised their middle fingers and turned to leave.


    Inside the restaurant, the empress covered her forehead with blue veins throbbing at her temples.


    She made up her mind not to let him touch this thing ever again.


    The other guests were also speechless at this time.


    As soon as Ren Baqian finished ying, the boss immediately whispered to him, "Brother, please tell me if you are not satisfied with the food. It isn''t necessary to do this!"


    Ren Baqian''s face turned ck. "Is it really so unpleasing to the ears?"


    He felt good about himself.


    He already considered himself half as good as "Xiao Hu Xian." (As mentioned in the previous chapters, Xiao Hu Xian is a user who uploads awesome erhu videos on Bilibili.)


    "Forget it. Here, take it back." Ren Baqian handed the erhu back to its owner. The man was stunned and took the erhu. He thought he was already awesome and that his rendition of that tune outside any building was sure to be eagerly rewarded with money.


    He didn''t expect to meet someone who was better than him, a loftier mountain, so to speak.


    He respectfully used two hands to return the 100 RMB to Ren Baqian. "Brother, I cannot keep this money even though this is my job because I know my propriety. Please tell me the name of this tune and where I can find the score."


    Ren Baqian gave a thumbs-up to the discerning musician. He whispered the name of the tune into his ears and headed back freely to the restaurant.


    He left without a care in the world, without taking the clouds away from the sky.


    Yet, he actually left behind a bunch ofplicated gazes.


    It made them really feel like bashing him with a brick.


    "Your Majesty, I will buy an erhu soon!" Ren Baqian said as he sat down. He felt that his pursuit of music shouldn''t be stopped.


    A man must always have dreams.


    Music is my dream.


    "No way!" The empress mmed the table and broke off a piece of it.


    The owner came in and almost cried out when he saw the situation. Were these two here trying to create a scene?


    "If you touch that thing again..." The empress hesitated and then gritted her teeth. "I will tie you up in the square to keeppany with the one who was buried there the previous time!"


    Ren Baqian felt his dream hade to a premature end.


    Just as he stepped out of the restaurant, he received a call from his mother.


    "Mother." Ren Baqian''s face was radiant as they exchanged some words about trivial family matters. Subsequently, she whispered and asked, "Your brother is in some trouble, so can you find somebody to help him out?"


    "What happened? What is the matter?" Immediately, Ren Baqian frowned.


    "It''s like this: Wannian had a fight with another guy, and it wasn''t a serious matter, but the other side refused to let go. He stayed in the hospital, refused toe out, and imed medical fees from us. That was fine with us, but they escted the matter and involved the school, so now the school wants to discipline Wannian..."


    "Two people were fighting, but why did the school only want to discipline Wannian?" Ren Baqian was a bit confused.


    "The other side said some nasty words and Wannian struck first. Wannian''s nose was broken, a portion of his face was swollen, and he took it lightly. However, that little monkey devil was cunning, went directly to the hospital, and didn''te out. The doctor said he was alright, but heined of pain everywhere. His family looked like the cunning type, and he took the chance to stay there because we could afford to pay.


    Then, that family wanted 100,000 RMB to settle in private, which your father refused because of his principles and character. This was not Wannian''s fault in the first ce. After that, they went to the school toin and because Wannian raised his fist first, the school wanted to discipline him. I was thinking since you have status now, you should probably know some people who can help you find a resolution."


    "I got it. Don''t worry, it''s nothing." Ren Baqianforted her, "There is no need for you to handle this problem. I will find someone to settle it and it will certainly be alright. I will call Wannian first."


    Ren Baqian hung up the phone and directly called Ren Wannian.


    "Brother." Ren Wannian sounded normal.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian asked. What his mother just said wasn''t clear on certain points, so it would be clearer if the victim exined it himself.


    "It''s nothing. Just a fight with someone who has a cheap mouth." Ren Wannian was a little resentful.


    "What did he say?" Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    "Remember the time you uploaded photos which included sister-inw to your Moments? It was seen by a roommate. I told others that sister-inw was extremely pretty, but they didn''t believe me. I showed them the photo and that idiot made some offensive remarks. Then, we got into a fight after that."


    "What did he say!?" Ren asked calmly, but with a much deeper tone.


    "He said you were a sugar daddy. With her looks, if she was not looking for a sugar daddy, she would not be someone who an ordinary guy could support. We argued and he said that she was my sister-inw now, but could be anyone''s wife in future. Then, we fought."


    "Fancy fighting with someone over a small matter. Next time, inform me first. Alright, I got it. Don''t worry about the school and that family. Send me the details about which hospital that rascal is staying in and his name. I will find people to settle this properly," Ren Baqian said softly and hung up the phone.


    As for why the school did not punish that guy and deliberately punished Ren Wannian, he didn''t want to ask further.


    "What''s a sugar daddy?" the empress turned around and asked.


    "Don''t worry about it!" Ren Baqian shook his head. "I have to make a trip to Quancheng."


    "I''ll go with you."

 Chapter 297 The Sight of Blood Makes Me Feel Sick!

    Ren Wannian studied at Lusheng University, which was located in Quancheng. The flight time from Shancheng to there was quite short.


    Ren Baqian arrived at Quanchengter that night.


    After arriving there, Ren Baqian and the empress went straight to a hotel to rest for the night.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian went to the bank and withdrew 700,000 yuan. Then, he stored the money in two imitation Adidas duffel bags that he bought from a roadside store.


    People were stunned when they saw Ren Baqian withdrawing money with these two duffel bags beside him.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian and the empress went to the hospital and found the ward ording to the address they were given. As they approached the ward, they heard someone saying, "Let''s see whether they want their son to get disciplined by the school or pay uspensation. Don''t worry, this matter is not over yet. How dare he punch Liu Man? Does he really think that he is above thew?"


    Without saying anything, Ren Baqian and the empress entered the ward.


    Upon entering the ward, Ren Baqian saw a young man that had e growing all over his face lying on the bed.


    Beside the bed, there were two women and a man. The man and one of the women looked approximately 50 years old. The other woman looked roughly 30 years old and was well dressed.


    The voice Ren Baqian heard earlier sounded quite young, appearing to be the 30-year-old woman''s.


    These few people looked somewhat simr to each other, and it seemed that they were a family.


    "Are you his family members?" Ren Baqian closed the door after the empress entered the ward.


    When the three people saw Ren Baqian and the empress, they felt slightly uneasy. The man looked ordinary, but the girl looked extremely beautiful. Even though her face looked ice-cold, she still looked prettier than most celebrities.


    "Who are you?" the 30-year-old woman asked.


    "It''s them! He is Ren Wannian''s elder brother. I saw their photos on his phone!" yelled the young man lying on the bed, who was named Liu Man. He did not recognize Ren Baqian, but rather, the empress.


    Hearing these words, the three people''s faces turned ugly. The 30-year-old woman furrowed her eyebrows immediately.


    "My brother is in this state because of your brother. We will not let this matter rest if you don''t give us a proper exnation."


    "So you''re indeed his family members, huh." Ren Baqian nodded.


    "I''m his father. What do you want?" the 50-year-old man immediately stood up and said rudely.


    "Alright, things are easier now. Don''t you wantpensation? Here it is!" Ren Baqian threw the two duffel bags on the floor.


    "Who''re you trying to scare? Let me tell, this matter has nothing to do with money! How did your parents educate your brother? How could he beat up people anyhow? If he beats up people in school now, won''t he kill people in the future?" Liu Man''s sister yelled fiercely as she stared at the two duffel bags.


    Previously, they had asked for 100,000 yuan. How much money could these two duffel bags hold? They looked like they could hold roughly 800,000 yuan, therefore she assumed that they did not hold any money.


    Ren Baqian squatted down and pulled open the zippers of the two duffel bags, revealing the wads of cash inside.


    "Whether this matter has something to do with money or not, there is 700,000 yuan here. This is the usualpensation amount for death. I don''t really like the words he said. I will use this 700,000 yuan to buy an apology from him. Thinking about it, it''s a gain for you," Ren Baqian said inly.


    Hearing these words, those people were infuriated.


    Liu Man''s sister stood up and chided Ren Baqian, "What do you mean by your words? Who''re you trying to scare? Do you think I won''t call the police? Everyone in your family is a thug!"


    As she spoke, she took out her phone.


    Ren Baqian nodded. "I need to go out for a while. Call the police if you want. I will be back soon."


    After finishing his sentence, Ren Baqian and the empress left the room.


    After Ren Baqian had left the room, Liu Man''s sister was still scolding Ren Baqian. She casually took out a wad of banknotes from one of the two duffel bags and said, "How dare he try to scare us with toy money..."


    She stopped talking and looked at the banknotes. They looked somewhat real to her now.


    She held one of the banknotes up to the sunlight and checked the watermark. It simply did not look like toy money at all.


    "What happened?" Papa Liu asked when he saw her odd behavior.


    "These banknotes seem real!" Liu Man''s sister said softly.


    "How can that be? How much money would that be?" Papa Liu was shocked. He quickly walked over to the duffel bags with Mama Liu and checked the wads of banknotes. To their horror, every wad of banknotes was real.


    Both of them were shocked.


    "It''s real money! How much money is this?!"


    "I''m afraid that there really is 700,000 yuan inside!" Liu Man''s sister replied softly.


    "He left so much money here, but what is he trying to do?" Everyone was terrified at this moment.


    Even Liu Man was shocked. He got off the bed and picked up two wads of banknotes. To his surprise, the banknotes were real.


    Everyone broke into an uproar.


    "What is he trying to do? Should we call the police?" Mama Liu asked anxiously.


    Papa Liu''s face became unsettled as well.


    "Didn''t you say he is from an ordinary family?" Liu Man''s sister turned around and looked at Liu Man, appearing slightly nervous. If the Ren family wasn''t an ordinary family from Shencheng, she wouldn''t have created so much trouble.


    "If I''m not wrong, his brother is only a businessman and somewhat rich." Liu Man looked slightly nervous as well.


    Actually, the Liu family was just an ordinary family that was slightly crafty and unruly back in their hometown. Therefore, when someone suddenly threw them a bag of 700,000 yuan and left, all of them were appalled.


    Liu Man''s sister merely had a worth of a few million yuan. She had invested most of her money in the stock market. Hence, she would only have a few hundred thousand yuan in cash even after she sold her two houses. She seemed rather formidable to her family members because she knew a few people in the school, but that was all.


    Ren Baqian''s action shocked them in an instant.


    With an apprehensive look on her face, Liu Man clenched her teeth and said, "We will wait him toe back first. Don''t touch the money."


    After roughly half an hour, Ren Baqian entered the room with two more duffel bags. Without saying anything, he opened up the two duffel bags, revealed the wads of banknotes within them, and threw the two bags back onto the ground.


    "Thump, thump!" The sound gave everyone a shock.


    "There is another 700,000 yuan here. I don''t really like the words you said, so give me an apology and this money will be yours. You will definitely make a huge profit," Ren Baqian pointed to Liu Man''s sister and said.


    Liu Man''s sister exploded instantly. "Do you think you''re invincible just because you have some money? I''m calling the police now. Let see what will happen to you when the police arrive. Who are you trying to scare with your money?"


    "See, I''m a very fair person. Usually, thepensation amount for one dead person is 700,000 yuan. I have offered you thepensation amount for two dead people, and all I want is an apology from you and your brother. You should consider this offer. Either you take up this offer or I will do it for you myself. If I do it for you myself, it might be slightly painful for all of you. Furthermore, the knife scars won''t be pretty. I will give you a day to consider this offer and will be back tomorrow." Ren Baqian''s tone was very gentle, and he had a calm look on his face.


    "Keep the money. It will be yours sooner orter."


    "Don''t leave, I''m calling the police now!" Liu Man''s sister immediately called the police.


    "That''s up to you, but do you think the police will really arrest me when they arrive?" Ren Baqian''s facial expression finally changed. There was a mocking look on his face.


    "Do you think you''re invincible just because you have some money! This is a society that''s governed byws!" Papa Liu, who was considered an unreasonable and wicked individual by many people, was flustered at this moment. He even had to bring out the police to intimidate Ren Baqian.


    Meanwhile, Liu Man and Mama Liu were terrified, and their faces turned deathly pale.


    They knew that someone who could throw 1.4 million yuan at them and threaten them expressionlessly wasn''t an ordinary individual. Even if Ren Baqian was arrested, they wouldn''t be safe.


    Furthermore, the nonchnt look on Ren Baqian''s face was extremely intimidating.


    All of them had a premonition that they were in deep trouble this time around.


    Liu Man was filled with regret. This person seemed really troublesome! If he knew this would happen, he wouldn''t have created so much trouble. Why did he have to make those disparaging remarks? Why did he have to create so much trouble after fighting with Ren Wannian?


    At the same time, he was angry at his father and sister. If they had not tried to extort the Ren family, he wouldn''t have had to do this.


    Ren Baqian gave them a friendly, yet bashful, smile. "These words sound rather familiar... Let me think... Oh yeah, previously someone said these words to me as well. You see, I''m still standing here. I guess I''m really invincible."


    "Consider my offer seriously. I will be back again tomorrow. Don''t force me to do anything to you because the sight of blood makes me feel sick!"

 Chapter 298 Broken, Broken!

    Ren Baqian left the hospital and those few people immediately went into a frenzy.


    All four bags were full of money, with exactly 1.4 million yuan in them.


    How could someone who was capable of doing such things and saying such stuff be an ordinary person? How could he be trifled with?


    Liu Man''s face was pale and absolutely dumbfounded.


    "What should I do, Xiao Qing? Tell me what I should do!" Mama Liu was shocked, anxious, and didn''t know what to do.


    Liu Qing, Liu Man''s sister, turned pale, but she still forcibly kept her cool in front of everyone and said, "Mama, keep quiet first. Let me make a few phone calls."


    After making a call and exining things, the causes and effects of the issue naturally inclined toward her own family. However, she did mention Ren Baqian''s attitude and also the 1.4 million yuan.


    On the other end of the line was a grassroots official who had a little bit of authority, but such people weren''t dumb either. He knew that this problem was thorny the moment he heard it. Those who got involved in it were jumping into a fire pit on their own.


    Was there no one else to count on to do this?


    Even if his own rtives were faced with this problem, he would avoid it at all cost, not to mention that it was Liu Qing asking for help. After remaining silent for about half a minute, he replied, "I can''t help you with this. It''s better that you apologize to the other party and admit your mistakes." He hung up the phone thereafter.


    Liu Qing looked unsettled. Apologize and admit that she was in the wrong? Even after the other party threatened her, how could she simply just apologize and admit that she was in the wrong? Was there any justice left in this world?


    Based on the actions of the other party, she was certain that he wasn''t an ordinary person.


    Still, she felt indignant.


    Before she could make the second phone call, somebody opened the door to the hospital ward.


    Two young men stepped in.


    "We are from the Ministry of State Security. What did the person say when he came in just now?" The two men asked after scanning the room.


    "Ministry of State Security?" A few of them were puzzled. What Ministry of State Security?


    "Here''s our identification. We urge you to provide assistance. Tell us what that person said or did just now." The men took out documents from their bags and shed them for a bit.


    Even though Ren Baqian was very important, his family members weren''t within the limits of the close surveince. After all, they were limited in manpower, and it was impossible for them to expend their manpower on people who were irrelevant. They were only able to gather information about his family members at fixed times.


    As for this matter, Ren Baqian directly made his way into Quancheng before they could even react in time.


    They had just realized that something was amiss.


    After understanding part of the situation via certain means and knowing that Ren Baqian had just withdrawn 1.4 million yuan, they felt that something big was going to happen. After which, they immediately went to the hospital to look for the parties involved and stepped in just after Ren Baqian had left.


    "Let me see!" Liu Qing took a few steps forward to receive the documents. She was immediately stunned at first nce because those were actual documents with the government''s logo.


    Following that, her eyes shone brightly. Could it be that person hadmitted some crimes and was being monitored by a department of the government? That wasn''t surprising at all since how a person behaves corresponds with the way he does things.


    Suddenly, it appeared as if they had chanced upon a savior.


    "Your arrival was timely. That man threatened us just now. I was so frightened and thought that there was already no more justice in this world."


    "What did he say?" The two men lightly knitted their brows. They roughly knew what was going on and that there wereints about this family being meddlesome. If not for them, how could they possibly get in trouble?


    They more or less had a certain level of understanding with regard to the characters of Ren Baqian and the empress.


    Regardless of how their characters turned out to be this way, there was one thing that the two men could be sure of, which was that Ren Baqian was extremely troublesome.


    Liu Qing came clean and told them everything that Ren Baqian had said just now. Also, she incidentally exaggerated everything he said, which was something that she was very well versed in.


    Papa Liu asionally supplemented with a few words from the side, and both of them exaggerated Ren Baqian''s vileness by a great deal.


    "Tell me about it. This kind of person actually still exists today? It goes without saying that his brother had injured my brother, yet he still dared to unexpectedly act like this. I almost thought that we had returned to the old days of society." Liu Qing was furious.


    The two men looked at each other and said, "Wait over here for us."


    "Are you going to arrest him?" Liu Qing questioned with her eyes wide open. At the same time, she wondered if they would take away that 1.4 million yuan on the floor if he was arrested?


    "Don''t do anything else, just wait for our news." After the two men gave these instructions, they turned around, left the hospital ward, and gave their higher-ups a call.


    Chen Shi got a big headache as soon as he received the news.


    Ren Baqian actually dared to fire a shot at him. Was Ren Baqian even someone that he could properly speak to? With great difficulty, Chen Shi had helped him stay peaceful for the past few months. Besides, it was still the honeymoon phase of their partnership at present, and Ren Baqian had already gotten into trouble.


    "Go look for them and try your best to mediate. Preserving social order is your key task."


    "Chief, that''s not easy!" The two young men immediately revealed the difficulty of this matter. Having essed all sorts of information, they both knew the characters of Ren Baqian and the empress very well. It would be a miracle if they were easy to talk to.


    "You have to do it even if isn''t easy. Present society is governed byw, and we cannot allow him to do as he pleases." Chen Shi''s voice grew heavy as he reiterated, "As for the problem at the school, we can let Ren Baqian settle it, but for this Liu family, we cannot just simply allow them to apologize. Originally, this matter started because of them. If they hadn''t had ill intentions, it wouldn''t have progressed into this mess. Their actions could be considered extortion and ckmail."


    ...


    "That was indeed troublesome." After the empress boarded the car, she disliked Ren Baqian for being extremely long-winded. He actually spoke so much.


    "I have to give others some time to respond." Ren Baqian chuckled. In this aspect, the empress was very simple and straightforward.


    "And after that?" The empress had guessed who he was referring to. She felt that in this world, many things were done by beating around the bush and weren''t straightforward at all. If it was in the other world, she would probably rack her brains a little to think about it. However, this world was merely a ce for her to vacation, so she didn''t want to invest any effort in thinking it through.


    "After that, we shall see whether they are intelligent or not." Ren Baqian chuckled again.


    "What do you mean?" The empress asked as she turned around and looked at him.


    Ren Baqian turned and looked at the empress. He moved his body closer toward her, and the empress immediately ced her hand on his face to prevent him from moving in any closer.


    However, it felt extremely gentle. At least there wasn''t blood this time round.


    Ren Baqian gently licked the empress''s palm. Suddenly, she felt as if she had been electrically shocked and immediately retracted her hand. Her other hand then assumed a position as if she was going to hit him. She waved it a little but didn''t take action.


    "Like what I''ve said before, this was also a deration. Nobody shall provoke me or else I will blow up even the smallest matter. I will seek revenge for even a staring incident.


    Besides, I''m just a man, and I can''t possibly always handle so many people trying to rack their brains and disturbing me. It''s still fine for now, but a man can never be content. They are bound to craft up more things and slowly test my limits, wanting more from me like how you would squeeze out toothpaste from a tube.


    I do not wish to meet with such problems in the future. Therefore, I have to repeatedly warn them about what kind of a person I am.


    A kind person gets taken advantage of like how a kind horse gets ridden. This phrase actually makes sense.


    This way, they will have a lot to consider even before they start to harbor ill intentions in the future. They will be unsure about whether they can destroy me in one fell swoop.


    If they can''t, then they will have to bear the consequences.


    The reason for me being so long-winded was to allow them to have enough time to think about this and respond."


    "And after that?"


    "After that, I will destroy them right in their faces." Ren Baqian burst out inughter.


    "This is what you call provoking, right?" The empress actually didn''t find anything inappropriate about his approach. He should really just destroy their ideas once and for all. If he were to be overcautious and hesitant in front of them, she would really dislike that.


    However, Ren Baqian''s method of handling things was obviously provocative.


    "That''s why it''s all up to them whether they are intelligent or not." Ren Baqian stretched out his index finger and lightly tapped the empress on her lips.


    Next, he was prepared to do the same to his own lips as well.


    Just a little fun between couples.


    Even though the empress was always a little shy, such actions were still eptable to her.


    Afterward... the empress actually did something beyond his expectations. She gently revealed her teeth, opened her mouth, and bit down on his finger all of a sudden.


    "Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, it''s bleeding already, ah! Broken, broken, broken!!!"

 Chapter 299 A Refined And Pure Individual

    Ren Baqian and the empress left the hospital and went straight to Furong Street. This was a famous food street situated in downtown Quancheng.


    Both of them were very excited as they arrived at Furong Street. Along the way, their responsibilities were clearly defined. Ren Baqian was in charge of paying for the food while the empress was in charge of eating the food. As long as a store had a small queue in front of it, they would patronize it. They had eaten grilled squid, transparent prawn dumplings, octopus meatballs, barbequed cheese, smoked ice cream, stir-fried cow intestines, Chinese burgers, pineapple fried rice, etc...


    Both of them did not care about the scenery surrounding them at all. They ced their entire focus on the street food.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t help but admire the empress''s appetite. She had eaten food from every store on the street. Ren Baqian had spent a total of roughly 2,000 yuan on the food and 99 percent of the food was obliterated by the empress. A human could never have such an appetite.


    The dream of every foodie was to be able to dominate a food street, but none of them could do it.


    The empress had been eating for the past three hours. Even though the taste of the street food wasn''t really great, they were novel to her. As such, she felt that this trip wasn''t as boring as she thought it would be. This food street made it worthwhile for her.


    However, even though the empress had an enormous appetite, there were still certain food that she did not want to eat.


    For example, stinky tofu. After smelling it, she passed it straight to Ren Baqian. After doing that, she maintained a distance of one meter away from Ren Baqian as she seemed to smell a stenching from him. This saddened Ren Baqian.


    The stinky tofu should be tasty, right?


    Far away, there were some people observing Ren Baqian and the empress.


    After all, Ren Baqian had previously opened fire on them after they disturbed him. Chen Shi had a deep impression of that incident. If possible, he did not want to disturb the two of them.


    Chen Shi could tell that both of them enjoyed being rubbed the right way. If no one provoked them, they wouldn''t stir up any trouble. Like ordinary citizens, they liked to shop, watch movies at home, and eat their meals outside.


    It was really surprising to see superhumans like them trying to stay low-profile and not stir up any trouble. Hence, Chen Shi had a rather good impression of them.


    Sometimes, he felt that this was how a true cultivator behaved. After all, a cultivator was on apletely different level than an ordinary human and sought different desires. As a result, they wouldn''t care so much about wealth and power like Earthlings did.


    However, if someone provoked them, they definitely wouldn''t think twice about retaliating.


    To many people, the incident between the Ren family and Liu family seemed like a minor issue. As long as Ren Baqian informed the agency, someone would settle it for him.


    However, he did not do so and threatened the Liu family instead.


    Thisplicated the entire matter.


    Chen Shi had also made up his mind to put in more effort in the future toward building a better rtionship with Ren Baqian''s parents and Ren Wannian.


    At the same time, he had another idea as well. Perhaps he should recruit Ren Wannian into their department. He definitely would be of great help to them in the future.


    It seemed that Ren Baqian still cared a lot about his family. Even though he seldom returned home, he still frequently called his family. He looked no different from a wanderer.


    After they finished eating, Ren Baqian and the empress returned to their hotel.


    They had booked a double suite in the hotel, which also had a rather huge living room. After returning to the room, the empressid on the sofa without even changing her clothes. Naturally, she switched on the television.


    Ren Baqian realized that the empress''s daily routine was to watch television, eat, sleep, watch television again... It was an endless cycle.


    Every time he thought of this, he would feel extremely guilty.


    Just as he took off his shoes andid on the sofa, he heard someone knocking on the door.


    "Coming!" Ren Baqian yelled. Then, he dragged his slippers and went to open the door. Standing outside the room was a man. He looked approximately 35 years old, had an ordinary facial appearance, and looked rather honest.


    "Mr. Ren, nice to meet you. My name is Wang Zijun. There''s something that I want to talk to you about, so can Ie in?" Wang Zijun nodded and gave Ren Baqian a very friendly smile. However, he did not try to shake Ren Baqian''s hand.


    "Come in!" Ren Baqian replied.


    After closing the door, Ren Baqian took off his slippers and sat cross-legged on the sofa. Following which, he pointed to the a single-seat sofa beside him and said, "Make yourself at home."


    "Sorry for disturbing you then," Wang Zijun smiled and replied before sitting down on the sofa.


    "Both of you are leading a life that is envied by many people. Ordinary individuals like me have a busy life." Wang Zijun chuckled.


    Ren Baqian nodded but did not reply to him. He did not have the intention of exchanging pleasantries with Wang Zijun.


    The empress was hugging a pillow while searching for her favorite show on the television using the remote control.


    "Mr. Ren, I''m from the Ministry of State Security. Let me tell you my purpose for visiting you. We have looked into the incident involving your brother. Mr. Ren, don''t worry, we can definitely settle the issue with his school for you. Even though the Liu family is annoying, they are still ordinary individuals after all. Aspared to you, they are nothing but a bunch of mosquitoes. Mr. Ren, you don''t have to trouble yourself over them. Why don''t you let us settle this issue for you? They will be punished duly for whatever they did."


    Hearing these words, Ren Baqian knew Wang Zijun was giving him a way out of this issue by trying to make the problem sound less serious before reducing it to nothing.


    However, Ren Baqian did not want this issue to be settled just like that. He gave a faint smile and replied, "Even though mosquitoes are small, they still need to be smacked to death."


    Wang Zijun knew this would happen. After looking into the incident, he expected Ren Baqian to react this way.


    "Why don''t I make them apologize to you? After all, you previously said that you would obey thews. Why go back on your word because of these people? Mr. Ren, it''s not worth it to trouble yourself over these people," Wang Zijun immediately said.


    Ren Baqian shook his head. "At that time, I said that I will definitely obey thews if no one provokes us. Furthermore, I have already restrained myself. Otherwise, I would have smacked them to death earlier. Isn''t this method straightforward and easy? Why waste so much time negotiating with them?"


    Then, Ren Baqian changed his tone and continued, "Actually, you should persuade them to give me an apology. It''s just an apology, so why are they so reluctant to do so? An apology won''t kill them anyway. Ego is a bane to some people, and they might die because of their ego."


    Wang Zijunughed bitterly. "Mr. Ren, you must be joking. Up until now, both parties have been very satisfied with this coboration. My superiors also hope that we can amicably maintain this coboration. They don''t want such a matter to affect this coboration."


    "That''s none of my business. You see, I don''tck money or anything else. Actually, this so-called coboration is a sacrifice that I made for the progress of mankind. I even took out some of my things for you. Even though it is called a coboration, your side has definitely benefited more from it than I have. Now that I think about it, I feel that I''m really a great man." Ren Baqian felt that he truly was great after giving it further thought.


    "Look at me, I''m such a refined, pure, morally upright, phnthropic individual." Ren Baqian had a wide smile on his face. Upon realizing that he was so great, he felt slightly emotional.


    Wang Zijun, "..."


    He did not know how to reply to Ren Baqian.


    Indeed, Ren Baqian wasn''t easy to deal with, just like the report on him had stated.


    "Mr. Ren, to be honest, how do you want this matter to be settled?" Wang Zijun asked bluntly.


    "I want Liu Man and Liu Qing to apologize to me. I am a man that honors my own words, and I won''t ask for more. If I say I want to kill them, I will definitely not let a single one of them live. Of course, I just want to give them a minor punishment this time around. I want to let them know that it doesn''t pay to be ruthless. God is watching everything you do."


    "Of course, if you''re willing to put them into cement urns and throw them into a river, I''m fine with that too."


    "From a legal standpoint or a moral standpoint, what you intend to do is uneptable and too ruthless. Our responsibility is to protect the citizens, therefore we can''t tolerate you doing such a thing." Wang Zijun was feeling a headache now.


    "Do you think that I''m too ruthless?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked the empress with a doubtful look on his face.


    "If it were me, I would have directly pped them to death. I will p anyone that has a problem with me to death." The empress''s gaze finally left the television. She had disdainful look on her face.


    "Hmm, it seems like I''m too soft-hearted." Ren Baqian spread his arms.


    "Mr. Ren..." Before Wang Zijun could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Ren Baqian.


    "I have already finished saying what I want to say. You can try to stop us, but let me advise you that it''s better for you to persuade them."


    "Goodbye, remember to close the door behind you." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    Upon hearing these words, Wang Zijun left the room with a gloomy look on his face. After Wang Zijun left, Ren Baqian smiled. He was very satisfied with his own attitude. Throughout the conversation, he had been very amiable. He had sessfully expressed his "kind" intentions to Wang Zijun.


    "You said you want to see whether they are smart or not. If they are smart, then what are we going to do?" The empress was slightly curious. Ren Baqian had already made his stand so clear, yet she did not know how he was going to settle this matter.


    "Your Majesty, you have to reward me first before I tell you what I am going to do," Ren Baqian turned around and said with a coquettish tone. He had a look of expectation on his face.


    I will tell you if you kiss me or let me kiss you.


    Following which, the empress kicked him off the sofa.


    ...


    After receiving the news, Chen Shi smoked two cigarettes. Following which, he furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Arrest the Liu family on the charges of extortion and ckmail."


    Initially, he did not have any solution to deal with this matter. After all, the Liu family wanted a medicalpensation of 100,000 yuan, which wasn''t a small amount. Now, Ren Baqian''s stand happened to solve this issue for him.


    Getting arrested could be considered a form of protection for the Liu family.


    Otherwise, if Ren Baqian and Qi Zixiao decided to do something, it would be very hard to stop them. What could he do if that really happened? Fall out with them? Or act as though nothing had happened? Hence, arresting the Liu family would be the best option now.


    ording to thew, a mary request for an amount that was 100,000 yuan and above could be considered extortion and ckmail. If found guilty, one could be jailed for a minimum of three years and a maximum of 10 years. Since the Liu family was unsessful in their attempt, they would be released after one or two years. By then, Ren Baqian would have forgotten about this incident already.


    The members of the Liu family weren''t kind souls either. Getting arrested for this incident would teach them a lesson as well.


    Meanwhile, Liu Qing was waiting in the hospital with an indignant look on her face.


    The four duffel bags of money were ced beside her.


    Just now, when she told her husband what happened, he was speechless as well.


    "Hmph, that man is really seaking death. From his behavior, I can tell he hasmitted a lot of crimes. He should have been arrested a long time ago. Execution by firing squad would be the besteuppance for him," Liu Qing sneered.


    To her, nothing felt better than seeing the person who threatened her getting arrested.


    "The police will confiscate this money, right?" Papa Liu asked. At this point, he was getting excited too.


    It would be good to get some medicalpensation for his son.


    "Everything is under control. I don''t believe that the Ren family wouldn''t fork out their money to save their sons. By then, it won''t be a matter of 100,000 yuan anymore. They deserve it. Wouldn''t this matter have already been settled if they were willing to hand over the money earlier? They forced me to contact the school. Now, their younger son is going to be punished by the school and their elder son is going to be jailed." Liu Qing felt that she had won this battle. The Ren family was in deep trouble now.


    "We better be careful in the future. If we really provoke some big shot, we will be in deep trouble," Li Qing''s husband advised her.


    "What are you scared of?" Liu Qing said with contempt, "Don''t you think I already thought it through?"


    At this moment, a few policemen entered the ward. Liu Qing immediately asked them, "Have you arrested him?"


    Other than this matter, she couldn''t think of any reason why the policemen were here. They must be here to notify her of Ren Baqian''s arrest.


    "Are you Liu Qing?" one of the policemen asked.


    "Yes, I am!" Liu Qing replied with ease.


    "You are suspected of extortion and ckmail. Please follow us to the police station. This is the arrest warrant." Without any hesitation, one of the policemen handcuffed Liu Qing.


    This sudden turn of events stunned everyone in the room.


    Why were the policemen arresting Liu Qing?


    "Are you mistaken?" Liu Qing questioned with a sharp voice while widening her eyes.


    "Arrest Liu Man as well as Liu Mingjing."


    Every member of the Liu family was stunned.


    Even Liu Qing''s husband, who had just arrived, was stunned. What was going on?


    .....


    That night, after Ren Baqian received the news of the arrest of the Liu family, he said to the empress, "See, there are always smart people in this world. They know I can''t go after the Liu family if they are locked up in a detention center. Now that I have made my stance clear, I don''t even need to trouble myself to deal with the Liu family."


    "Mhmm." The empress merely raised her head and acknowledged him.


    Hearing her voice, Ren Baqian felt that she was rather cute.


    Following which, he gave his parents a call and told them that the matter had been settled. Then, he chit-chatted with them for a while before putting down the phone.


    Afterward, heid down on the sofa and watched the empress sway elegantly into her room. He stared into space and sighed.


    Nowadays, his rtionship with the empress was rather good. He had a deeper understanding of the empress''s temperament. In certain ways, the empress was behaving more and more like a normal girl.


    However, the strength disparity between them was too wide.


    If they really got married in the future, Ren Baqian felt that he would suffer during their consummation.


    Therefore, he had to work harder.


    After the empress closed her room door, Ren Baqian decided to lie on his bed and cultivate the [Visualization of Wood]. Once again, he appeared in the world where there was an enormous tree that touched the sky.


    The empress was able to hear what was going on outside her room. She sat on her bed with a faint smile on her face. After tossing and turning in her bed for a while, she hugged a bolster and thought about some matters of the heart before falling asleep.


    The next morning, both of them took a ne back to Shancheng. On the ne, they even put up a public disy of affection.


    Upon getting ahold of this news, Chen Shi heaved a sigh of relief. This matter had been settled in the way that he had expected it to be.


    Back in Shencheng, Ren Baqian went to collect the physics and chemistry teaching materials, The Three Character ssic, and someboratory equipment that he had ordered previously. Subsequently, he and the empress teleported back to Dayao.

 Chapter 300 The Boiling Point Of Water Is 110 Degrees Celsius

    "Nothing in this world is eternal. Water will turn into water vapor or be ice, stone will be weathered by the wind to be dust, and metal will be liquid when the temperature is high enough. Under varying conditions, nothing will remain the same forever." Ren Baqian stood on the stage to educate his students.


    The audience conscientiously listened to him even though they generally looked a bit old, were a bit stronger, and were not like ordinary primary school children from the remote mountainous areas. Their nature, however, was the same. Ren Baqian had learned to ignore surface appearances and look for one''s nature instead.


    At least this was the case for this instance.


    Ren Baqian was already considering whether he should order customized uniforms for them.


    In addition, he also considered if he should order the red scarf and badges with one bar, two bars, and three bars.(The red scarf represents student identity and membership of the Young Pioneers in China, which was first introduced from the USSR. A red scarf was given the meaning of one fraction of the Red g. The Young Pioneers is an organization for children aged between 6 to 14 and is a preliminary organization for the Communist Party.)


    However, he felt these badges could be changed to one knife, two knives... and even up to nine knives.


    During this period of time, everyone was getting familiar with this new life and identity.


    In addition, their interest was aroused as well.


    After all, they had never before heard or thought of the things Ren Baqian taught them.


    Some materials were eptable, but some were difficult for them to ept. For example, some people immediately raised their hands to ask questions about what he had just said.


    Ren Baqian was very pleased that with his gun enforcement and loving guidance, these wild children had learned to raise their hands and ask questions within a short period of time.


    The gauze bandages on many of the students were the price they paid for the brutal love received, not eliminating the two students who were identally injured.


    But, they didn''t need to care too much about such minor details.


    "Speak!" Ren Baqian pointed with an iron pointer, which was as thick as a finger, at a young student.


    "The ancestors'' souls are immutable and have always been guarding us," that youngster said loudly.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head to look at the student, who became ufortable and wary.


    "You are correct, there are many things in this world that cannot be ascertained yet and this includes the spirits of the ancestors. The things I am teaching you are based on the basicposition of this world and have already been discovered. As for things that are still unknown, I will leave it to you.


    Science is about standing in front of your predecessors to ceaselessly discover the unknowns and not to deny the unknowns. Please bear this point in mind." Ren Baqian calmly smiled.


    He didn''t deny the existence of those spirits just as he didn''t deny the existence of ghosts on Earth. These are unknown things which were not proven, but it didn''t mean they didn''t exist.


    It was just like the teleportation that he couldn''t exin or find reasons for. That didn''t mean it didn''t exist, but it could only be said that it hasn''t been discovered yet.


    Ren Baqian''s cid smile was greeted with relief and joy from many of the students.


    It was rare for Ren Baqian to show his affirmation of their beliefs.|


    Tong Lan, the little lolita, rested her chin on one of her hands, pouted, and quietly derided the fools around her.


    "The world is made up of molecules, atoms, and ions, which are the foundation of the world. These are invisible to the naked eye, and all things in this world are constituted from them."


    "Teacher, since they cannot be seen, how do we know whether what you said is real?" Someone immediately raised his hand to ask.


    "You cannot see molecules with an optical microscope, you need an electron microscope, and I will set one up when the conditions are right. In addition, there are many ways to prove this, and I will talk about them in the future," Ren Baqian said faintly.


    Someone immediately asked about the optical and electron microscopes, so Ren Baqian gave some simple exnations.


    Usually, the physics ss went well and Ren Baqian was normally in a good mood.


    That was why physics ss was always scheduled as the first lesson.


    "Today, we will do an experiment on the structural transformation of water. The first point, under normal atmospheric pressure, water will boil at 100 degrees Celsius and transform to steam..." Ren Baqian spoke fervently as he ced the small pots, alcohol stoves, and thermometers on the desks.


    "Come, take a look, the temperature is now 80 degrees Celsius and the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius...." Ren Baqian said and everyone craned their heads to look.


    Although everyone knew the fact that water would be steam after boiling, it was the first time that such a formal experiment was being carried out and many of them were very interested.


    Then, the crowd watched the temperature exceeded 100, 101, 102, 103... and finally 110 degrees Celsius...


    "Well, it has been proven that water under normal atmospheric pressure boils at 110 degrees and changes into its gaseous state. At this pressure, the temperature of the water will remain at 110 degrees." Ren Baqian extinguished the alcohol stove and threw it out the window together with the pot.


    "Teacher, you just said 100 degrees celsius," said Tong Lan, the little olita, with bright piercing eyes.


    "The atmospheric pressure isn''t constant and varies from ce to ce. Normally, the higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure. At this ce, the boiling point is 110 degrees Celsius. It is enough to remember that the higher the pressure, the higher the boiling point and the lower the pressure, the lower the boiling point." Ren Baqian had just discovered that the atmospheric pressure on this world was different from that on Earth.


    This was a wake-up call for him. Although he didn''t feel much difference, this was still a different world and many aspects were different from Earth.


    To develop the technology in this world, there was a need to validate everything bit by bit.


    Otherwise, he might get pped in the face again at any time.


    Next, he used saltpeter to turn water into ice in front of everyone, and they were amazed. This immediately reminded him of the shaved ice sold outside.


    This lesson discussed the two different states of water.


    Toward the end of the ss, Ren Baqian got someone to bring the study materials from the other ssroom that he had transported from Earth. Then, he distributed them to everyone.


    "Teacher, what is this?"


    "Your future learning materials. They are all from my country." Ren Baqian was not from Dayao and this was known to all, but nobody really knew which country he dide from.


    "Ie from a very distant country, so far away that you are unlikely to reach it in your lifetime. My country is very different from this ce. In my country, we like to study nature because we know that knowledge is power and that it will enable us to aplish what we could not do before."


    "For example, machines that run faster than galloping horses, machines that can fly in the sky, and machines that can lift items that weigh up to 500,000 kilograms..."


    Other than the empress, this was the first time Ren Baqian freely told people about Earth.


    Previously, he was afraid people would take advantage of him when they knew he possessed many good things, so he didn''t dare to say much. With his change of status and position, however, there was no need to worry about this or conceal his knowledge. Furthermore, he had already revealed many things.


    Rather than letting them guess, it was better to take this opportunity to briefly tell them about it.


    There was nothing to cover up and nothing shameful to hide.


    It was also better than letting them specte about whether he was from Great Xia or Yun Nation.


    "Teacher, what is this thing?" Someone pointed to a picture on an opened page of the physics textbook. "Is this the machine you mentioned?"


    "This is a high-speed rail which can run at more than 1,200 kilometers per hour. It doesn''t need to rest and can travel the same distance in two to four hours that would take a horse several days.


    "If Dayao has this, it will only take 4 hours to get from here to Ping City. If any problem arises, our military forces will be able to arrive in just 4 hours."


    These words from Ren Baqian left everyone astonished.


    Just the journey from Lan City to Ping City took half a month by horse carriage. Even if they hurried, it would take at least three or four days on horseback when spurring the horses.


    If they had this item during wartime, they could support the frontline at any time, and the battlefield reports could be sent whenever necessary, which was a significant advantage.


    Many among those seated were the children of the court officials. Even though some weren''t talented and some were reckless, they could still understand this.


    "To build this high-speed rail requires many things which I can teach you, but as for when it can be built in Dayao, it will depend on all of you." Ren Baqian smiled.


    He liked to see the expressions of excitement and expectation and felt a great sense of aplishment.


    Following this, he told the students other things, and their eyes grew round and wide as if they were listening to some holy scriptures.


    Even Tong Lan and Shi Gan weren''t distracted and listened with full concentration.


    However, this kind of ideal condition didn''tst very long.


    During the second lesson, Ren Baqian was heard raging.


    And in the mathematics ss, a gun was fired.


    "Bring the doctors here!" Ren Baqian shouted as blue veins bulged from his temple. "Get them to send someone to stay here and treat ck Bamboo Academy as a medical school..."

 Chapter 301 Du Laoliu

    "Principal Ren said that?" Tong Zhenye was slightly shocked after hearing Tong Lan''s words.


    How can this so-called "high speed rail" be so fast? This is truly terrifying.


    If Dayao possessed this "high speed rail," they could send reinforcements and deploy armies in various directions at any time and with ease. For example, they could send the armies from the Protectorate of the South and the Protectorate of the Southeast to the north andunch an attack from there.


    If what Principal Ren said was true, then this "high speed rail" could be considered a divine tool.


    "This is the thing!" Tong Lan took out a book and flipped it open. Then, she pointed at the picture of the high speed rail and showed it to Tong Zhenye. "I don''t know whether he is boasting or not."


    Tong Zhenye stroked his beard and stared at the picture for a long time. He was trying to memorize the picture.


    "Don''t utter nonsense, Principal Ren is undeniably capable," Tong Zhenye replied with a deep voice. He was well aware of Ren Baqian''s past achievements. Ren Baqian also had the most dealings with the Ministry of Work and he had certainly won his approval.


    Ren Baqian''s official position had also been changed. From today onward, he would be the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy. He would be the principal of Dayao''s one and only educational institution. His rank was Secondary ss, Rank 4. The speed at which Ren Baqian was promoted was unbelievable.


    "He can''t even beat me. I can make him fly with a snap of my fingers," Tong Lan pouted and said.


    "You can''t say that. Some people might not have exceptional fighting capabilities, but they could be formidable in many other ways. Great Xia has many of such people. Principal Ren is also one such person. Even I''m stunned by the things he said." Tong Zhenye shook his head.


    "It seems that I have made the right choice by sending you to ck Bamboo Academy!" Tong Zhenye was quite proud of his foresight when he thought of this issue. Previously, Tong Lan''s father disapproved of his decision to send Tong Lan to ck Bamboo Academy. From the look of it now, it seemed that he had made the right decision.


    "I feel that I have be stupid after hanging out with a bunch of idiots every day. ording to Principal Ren, stupidity is infectious. My intelligence quotient is being lowered every day." Tong Lan pouted with an annoyed look on her face.


    Other than Tong Zhenye, the parents and grandparents of other students also asked them what they had learned in school every now and then. The main thing was that Ren Baqian''s theories on all living things in the world had stunned them.


    These days, their children and grandchildren had learned a lot of bizarre knowledge from the ck Bamboo Academy. They did not know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.


    ...


    "Laoliu, let''s go for a drink!" The door of a secluded courtyard residence was suddenly pushed open. A tall and burly young man wearing a robe strode into the courtyard.


    A youngster sitting in front of a table in the courtyard was roused by these words. It had been many days since hest drank with his friends. In the past, he drank and had fun with his friends almost every night. Now, he studied and faced his homework every night.


    "Let''s go! That girl said she hasn''t seen you for quite some time, and I bet she misses you!" The tall and burly man smacked the youngster''s back and said.


    Hearing these words, the youngster called Laoliu felt his heartbeat quicken, and he almost agreed to the other young man''s invitation.


    However, at this moment, he thought of Ren Baqian''s words.


    Do I really want to be taken care of by my family for my entire life? That girl is much more talented than me. Will her family agree to our marriage in the future?


    Laoliu looked at his homework on the table and clenched his teeth.


    "Forget it, I haven''t finished my homework, and Yagui makes us do homework every day. If I can''t hand it in tomorrow, I will be in deep trouble. There are still two more days until the rest days, and we can go drinking then."


    "Yagui" was a nickname given to Ren Baqian by the students. A yagui was a monkey-like animal that lived in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. They were extremely fierce and had incredible strength and speed.


    In the eyes of the students, Ren Baqian was no different from a yagui. He looked so skinny, but he was very fierce.


    "Eh? Laoliu, since when did you be so timid? You are like those p*ssies from Great Xia!" The tall and burly young man was slightly surprised. In the past, Laoliu was very bold. He certainly had not expected Laoliu to be so timid after attending the ck Bamboo Academy. He couldn''t believe Laoliu would rather do homework than drink with his friends.


    "Get lost, get lost! Don''t disturb me!" Laoliu jokingly scolded that young man. Following which, he turned his head around and continued tackling the mathematics questions with great bitterness written all over his face.


    "3 times 9 is... 18, 7 times 7 is... 56..."


    The next day.


    "Bang!" A gunshot echoed across the ck Bamboo Academy.


    "School medic!" Xu Wei''s loud voice resounded through the air.


    "Coming,ing." A bald man that was slightly skinnier than ordinary aboriginals carried a bag and walked out from the building beside the ssroom.


    "Bang!" Before he entered the ssroom, another gunshot rang through the air.


    "I''m going to shoot you bunch of idiots to death!" Ren Baqian''s voice followed behind the gunshot.


    "Use the ck mud cream to heal his wound. I am going shoot him every five minutes!"


    Two days passed. Late in the night, Laoliu was sitting in a restaurant with a few friends. It had been five days since hest touched alcohol. Therefore, when he saw the wine arrive, he finished the entire jug in one gulp without any hesitation.


    "Ahhh!" Du Laoliu heaved a long breath after finishing the jug of wine, feeling invigorated.


    "Why can''t youe out at night recently? I heard you have to do something until midnight every day?" a voluptuous and pretty young girl asked Laoliu. The first question was asked with a chiding tone while the second question was asked with a curious tone.


    "Sigh!" Du Laoliu felt a headache as he thought of this.


    "Take a look!" Du Laoliu took off his clothes and pointed to his upper body. His shoulders and arms were covered with faint-looking circles that were much paler than the other parts of his body.


    "They were caused by Yagui. My legs also have a few of these scars."


    "Yagui?" Everyone around him was curious.


    "The principal of the ck Bamboo Academy..." With a sullen look on his face, Du Laoliu denounced Ren Baqian''s savage acts.


    Everyone burst out inughter. "Why don''t you just quit school?"


    Upon hearing these words, Du Laoliu became silent.


    With a solemn tone, he said, "Brothers and sisters, I''m not as talented as all of you. Like what Principal Ren said, if I don''t attend school now, I will be a good-for-nothing that depends on my family for the rest of my life. At least now I have the chance to overturn my situation..."


    These words caused everyone to turn silent.


    Actually, there were a lot of people that became the kind of person that Du Laoliu talked about. All of Du Laoliu''s friends had frequently encountered such people before. If Du Laoliu was amoner, they wouldn''t really care about it, but he wasn''t. For someone who came from an aristocratic family, it was a sin to be a good-for-nothing.


    Du Laoliu wasn''t talented, but he was a loyal individual and quite smart. Therefore, he was able to mingle well with all of them and they were also willing to invite him to socialize together.


    However, they also knew that if Du Laoliu did not make some changes in his life, he would be a good-for-nothing in the future.


    Hence, no one was able to rebuke Du Laoliu''s words.


    "Did you learn anything there?" the pretty young girl asked.


    Du Laoliu nodded. Even though he did not know what the things he learned now, except for mathematics, could be used for in the future, he believed that they would be useful.


    "Alright, next time we will find you during your rest days to have fun together." The young girl gave Du Laoliu a smile as her eyes lit up.


    Du Laoliu nodded, feeling grateful that she said such words. Deep down, he promised himself that he would work hard and not be a good-for-nothing so that he could marry her in the future.


    Following which, he stood up and raised another jug of wine. "Let''s drink to our hearts'' content today. Such a day is hard toe by."

 Chapter 302 Motorbike

    There was a wave of fluctuations in the air. Ren Baqian appeared in Pingle Park while seated on a monster which was full of mechanical vibes. It had all sorts of metalponents assembled together and had a wheel attached to both the front and back.


    That''s right. This time, Ren Baqian brought a motorbike directly from Earth and was prepared to let the students see what a technological product was.


    Although that bunch of idiots made him rage with anger many times, he was still very meticulous when it came to educating them.


    This was because he recently saw something that previously didn''t exist in them, which was the desire to study as well as the thirst for knowledge.


    Even though they were slightly stupid and their minds were filled with muscles and sachima, at the very least, they did their homework every day.


    Just this point alone made Ren Baqian very satisfied.


    The motorbike was a cruiser, a Benda Original Beast that had beenunched in the marketst year. It weighed about 170 kilograms. The body of the motorbike was verypact and had a fully mechanical aura. For people in this world, it should fall fully into the realm of science fiction.


    He removed the two big bags and one box that was hanging from the motorbike. Then, he checked the contents once more before hanging one of the bags on the motorbike again.


    In addition to the empress''s snacks, there was also a thumb drive full of television series, a sr-powered streetmp, an electrical umtor, and a sr panel.


    Ren Baqian put his things down. With both hands holding the handles, he pushed the motorbike off its center stand, brought it to the courtyard, and parked it on its side stand. After which, he wore his sunsses and stepped twice on the kickstart lever. Just when a booming roar was produced by the motorbike, he had no choice but to stop it because a plump chap was hugging onto one of the wheels and rubbing against it.


    "Gungun!" Ren Baqian shouted.


    Then, another panda came over while jolting its buttocks to hug Ren Baqian''s legs.


    "Sira�| what kind of monster is this?" The guards outside heard the roar and were just about to ask what was happening when they saw Ren Baqian seated on that monster.


    "Take these two chaps away." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    After that guard lifted the pandas by their necks and put them to the side, Ren Baqian stepped on the kickstart lever of the motorbike. Then, he immediately rode off from Pingle Park.


    "What kind of monster is that?" Once Ren Baqian left the courtyard, he ran into a group of guards. The first guard pulled out his sword and almost swung it at the motorbike. It was a model example of one''s hands reacting faster than the brain.


    "Show mercy to me and to the motorbike!" Ren Baqian promptly shouted. He was almost shocked to death by that impetuous fellow.


    That man immediately put away his sword.


    "Can''t you see that I''m on top?" Ren Baqian clenched his teeth in anger.


    "Sir Ren!" The five guards cupped their hands in obeisance at once. "We heard a booming noise, saw this thing, and thought it was a monster. Sir Ren, please don''t me us."


    Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth. This bunch of muscle-brained idiots.


    The few of them looked at the two thin lenses, which were a result of grinding two ck gemstones, that were worn right in front Ren Baqian''s eyes. Recently, many Sirs seemed to be fond of this thing. They wore this thing on their faces and looked at the sky with it every day.


    Soon after, everyone shifted their gazes to the motorbike Ren Baqian was sitting on. "Sir Ren, what is this?"


    "This is my new mount. Get out of the way. I''ll let all of you experience it." Ren Baqian wrung the throttle and headed out with a rumbling noise.


    "What kind of monster is this?"


    "Show mercy to the motorbikea�|"


    The same type of noise could be heard from afar.


    Several guards were still in a daze. What on earth was Sir Ren''s new mount? It actually didn''t have legs but had two tires that were simr to the carriage wheels.


    "This object is out of the ordinary!" One of the guards was full of admiration for the motorbike.


    Everyone nodded their heads in session as well.


    This mount was much more powerful than the fork-horned cow.


    Ren Baqian was almost hacked to death a few times throughout his entire journey. He was fuming with anger and cursing nonstop.


    Fortunately, he finally arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall. He brought the snacks inside and saw that the empress was still watching a television series. Recently, she had be addicted to them.


    In the past, whenever she had nothing to do, she would shout for two musicians to entertain her. However, since she now had aptop, the musicians in the pce almost lost their jobs.


    "What was that sound just now?" the empress turned and asked. That sound was somewhat indescribably familiar.


    "It''s a motorbike." Ren Baqian smiled, opened the bag, and took out two bottles of wine followed by the empress''s favorite ice cream. "It''s still cold and has yet to melt."


    As the empress received the ice cream, the tip of her nose wrinkled slightly. She was perfectly contented.


    "Tadah, there''s also the popcorn which is your favorite!" Ren Baqian took out another two buckets of popcorn whichnded in the empress''s hands in no time.


    Following which, the empress stuffed all sorts of choctes and sweets into the crevices of the sofa.


    In the past, Ren Baqian hadn''t paid too much attention to this matter. This time, he finally knew where the empress hid the snacks.


    He then took out a few more bags of potato chips, conveniently put the empty bag next to himself, and sat on the sofa.


    His fingers crisscrossed forward, as if they were dancing on the sofa. After a split second, a "pow!" was heard when his fingers touched the empress''s palm.


    Ren Baqian acted as if nothing had happened and touched the back of his hand. He couldn''t recall who it was that once told him, "one would get used to being beaten after some time."


    These words were very logical.


    "You said that there is salt in the mountains." After watching a television series for a while, she recalled this issue because she saw the dishes disyed in it. Salt was still important for Dayao, and the price of salt had also been limited to a certain group of people in Dayao.


    "Wait for another month, educate them with the basic knowledge first, then bring them to the mountains for a field trip," replied Ren Baqian after thinking. Right now, he was on the right track. He really didn''t want to throw this group of students into the mountains.


    It would be better to wait a month or so until early March. When that time arrived, he would then demonstrate chemical experiments to them.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that the condition of the brine had to be what he expected it to be.


    "The people in the South have misbehaved again. A few days ago, we found many arrows that were manufactured in the Yun Nation. The heads of more than 300 people have been chopped, but things have not ended yet." the empress said enthusiastically with a tinge of killing intent in her voice.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his head gently. He had heard of the issue in the South a while ago and had some opinions on it, but that issue required some time.


    He had to make a trip there to get the specific details.


    "Let''s put this matter to thest. Even if there was unsettled execution carried out, those people would sooner orter be executed anyway. It''s no pity that those blockheads which were exposed so easily were executed."


    Ren Baqian somewhat hesitated over whether he should abduct an MLM elite from Earth. Those bunch of fes was definitely stronger in this aspect than him.


    However, that kind of person was just like a double-edged sword. If utilized well, it would help to solve the problem in the South easily. Otherwise, it might cause even greater trouble.


    In fact, Ren Baqian also felt that the same effect could be achieved by abducting and returning with a monk. However, this method was simrly a double-edged sword.


    He wondered what it would be like to set up a sect in the South.


    It seemed that it would work better and that it would also be easier to control the situation.


    Combining the MLM model with religion could not only reach the desired effect quickly but would also more easily control the situation.


    Moreover, considering the long-term future, this kind of religious sect could also abolish some of the antagonistic feelings between parts of the aboriginals and the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    As for what this religion would be after he died, Ren Baqian believed that theter generations would have their own future blessings.


    To put it simply, why should I even care after I die.

 Chapter 303 The Diary of Willful Students

    The second day, Ren Baqian rode the motorbike to the ck Bamboo Academy. Under thepany of the cow-riding imperial guards, he appeared exceptionally striking to the eye. Along the way, he attracted a lot of dumbfounded gazes. This was the first time that the people of Dayao saw such a beast. They were also intrigued by the weird roaring sound it made.


    Even Xu Wei and his counterparts couldn''t help but look at Ren Baqian and the beast he was riding on every now and then.


    The students immediately saw the odd-looking thing when they entered the academy.


    A group of people surrounded the motorbike. Some of them even tried touching it out of curiosity. It felt very hard and metallic to them. The color of ck on its surface seemed unusual as well. They could not make sense of it.


    Many students would be eating biscuit rolls on their way here. After touching the motorbike, they left greasy handprints all over it.


    "What is this?"


    "I don''t know. Was it brought here by Teacher?"


    "It''s should be the machine that Teacher talked about. Look at this, it is made of metal."


    "It looks quite weird and it''s very light. I wonder what it''s used for?"


    Some students even picked up the motorbike and raised it over their heads. They spun it a few times before cing it back in its original spot.


    "Tong Lan, what are you doing?"


    A small figure suddenly squeezed through the crowd surrounding the motorbike and tried to touch it. Following which, Tong Lan used her fingers to scratch the motorbike''s surface.


    "Ah! There are scratches on it now!" someone immediately yelled.


    "Idiots, this is just the color that is dyed onto it," Tong Lan said with contempt. Her fingers had drawn long scratches on the surface of the motorbike.


    Ren Baqian did not mind the students touching and observing the motorbike at all. In the first ce, he brought it here for them to study it.


    During lesson time, a student asked Ren Baqian about the motorbike. He merely replied, "You will knowter."


    "Previously, we have talked about the change of state of matter. Today, we will talk about the nature of light. Flip to page..."


    Nowadays, Ren Baqian would read the text from the textbook. Doing this allowed the students to learn the Chinese characters as well...


    After the lesson had ended, Ren Baqian walked to the motorbike and saw the scratches on it. He merely grinned and did not me them.


    Then, he mounted the motorbike, stepped on the kick start lever, and twisted the throttle. Immediately, the motorbike gave off a thunderous roar. The two exhaust pipes at the back of the motorbike began to emit smoke as well.


    Every student was given a fright. How could this thing fart so loudly?


    Following which, Ren Baqian rode off like a dog that had its leash taken off. The group of imperial guards protecting Ren Baqian yelled and quickly followed after him.


    "This thing can actually be ridden and can even run!" one of the students eximed in surprise.


    "It seems fun!" Tong Lan''s eyes lit up.


    She wasn''t the only student that had her eyes light up, and there were many students whose eyes brightened. The motorbike was considered a novelty to them after all. Even though it had short legs, it could "run" very fast.


    Riding this thing through the streets of Dayao was not only cool, but provocative as well.


    Ren Baqian rode back to the imperial pce in a provocative manner.


    A few big shots were walking out of the pce at this moment. When they saw what Ren Baqian was riding on, they were shocked.


    "Principal Ren, what is this mount?" Tong Zhenye walked toward the motorbike and touched it out of curiosity, resembling a country bumpkin.


    "Where is its mouth? How do I feed it?" Not waiting for Ren Baqian to reply, Tong Zhenye picked him up by his cor and lifted him off the motorbike. Then, he mounted it and used one of his heels to kick it.


    "Eh? Why is it not moving?" Tong Zhenye began to feel curious.


    Seeing the bbergasted look on Tong Zhenye''s face, Ren Baqian could not help but snicker with his nose raised high up.


    With great difficulty, Ren Baqian finally sent away Tong Zhenye and his counterparts. Then, he returned to the pce.


    ...


    The next morning, the students were still hovering around the motorbike like yesterday.


    "Yesterday Yagui rode it like this, right?" Upon seeing that Ren Baqian was not around, one of the students mounted the motorbike and imitated the way he rode it.


    "Then what? How did he make it move?" The students surrounding the motorbike looked at each other with puzzlement. Yesterday, all of them only cared about looking at this thing. As such, they did not see how Ren Baqian made it move.


    After school had ended, all the students looked on attentively as Ren Baqian rode off on the motorbike.


    "Did you see how he did it? How did he make it move?"


    "I saw one of his legs move slightly in what seemed to be a stepping motion."


    "He also twisted his wrist."


    "He gripped his left wrist first before wringing his right wrist. It should be this way."


    On the third day after school had ended, the students continued watching how Ren Baqian made the motorbike move. Basically, his movements today were the same as yesterday''s. Surprisingly, the students were able to memorize Ren Baqian''s movements this time around.


    Early in the morning of the fourth day, Tong Lan was already heading toward the school. She was standing on her horned cow while eating her breakfast. She went to school early because she wanted to y with that thing.


    When she reached the entrance of the academy, she poked her head through the entrance and scanned the courtyard. She did not see Ren Baqian, but she did see two bast*ards ying with the motorbike already. She couldn''t believe these two bast*rds were earlier than her. One of them was sitting on the motorbike while imitating how Ren Baqian had stepped on the kick start lever.


    In a sh, Tong Lan appeared behind these two and kicked the person riding the motorbike into a wall.


    Then, she mounted the motorbike and said, "Let me y with it first. I will pass it to you after I get bored of it."


    The person that she kicked into the wall was Xu Peng. He picked himself up from the ground with an angry look on his face.


    He purposely came to school early just to y with this thing. In the end, the motorbike was snatched away from him by a girl that was only half his height. There was nothing he could do because he couldn''t defeat this little girl.


    Tong Lan mounted the motorbike and sneered. Following which, a wide grin appeared on her face. She held the handlebars of the motorbike with her small hands and extended her leg toward the kick start lever.


    But she couldn''t reach it...


    Tong Lan''s face turned red in an instant. Her legs were too short...


    "HAHAHAHA!" The resentful Xu Peng and Du Laoliu burst intoughter.


    It was extremely amusing and satisfying to see Tong Lan trying to reach the kick start lever with her short leg, but failing.


    Standing in front of a window and watching this scene from afar, Ren Baqian burst intoughter as well.


    He quickly took out his cell phone to take a picture of this scene. It could document the dark history of Tong Lan for the future.


    However, before he could raise up his phone to take a picture, Tong Lan had already flown into a rage out of embarrassment. She did a flip in the air andnded a slicing kick to Du Laoliu''s head, causing him to lie on his stomach immediately. In a sh, she appeared in front of Xu Peng, grabbed his iing fist, and headbutted his chest.


    "Boom."


    A hole immediately appeared in the wall.


    Xu Peng was nowhere to be found.


    "Sir, will they break it?" Standing behind Ren Baqian, Xu Wei looked slightly worried. This thing looked extremely precious. It would be a pity if it was damaged by those children.


    "No problem." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    This could stimte their interest in learning too.


    The motorbike did not really mean anything to him. He just felt that it was slightly troublesome to bring it over here from Earth.


    Tong Lan refused to give up. After beating up Xu Peng and Du Laoliu, she mounted the motorbike, nted her body, and kickstarted the motorbike. She did not even bother to lift up the kickstand and wrung the throttle immediately.


    Within three seconds, the motorbike flipped over. At that very instant, Tong Lan jumped off the motorbike. Meanwhile, the motorbike crashed to the ground as well.


    "Boring." Tong Lan ced her hands behind her back and raised her face arrogantly. With this manner, she sauntered into the ssroom. When she saw the wrinkling smile on Ren Baqian''s face, she made a face at him.


    "Hmph!"


    After Tong Lan left, Xu Peng jumped through the hole in the wall with a flip.


    While he was looking out for Tong Lan, another person lifted up the motorbike and mounted it.


    Xu Peng was infuriated when he saw this, but when he realized who the person was, he couldn''t express his fury and had to suppress it.


    He couldn''t defeat this person either.


    Shi Gan.


    The two youngest students in the academy happened to the most capable fighters. This disheartened a lot of people.


    Shi Gan was still very young, but he was approximately 1.7 meters in height and had a muscr built. As he mounted the motorbike, he had an ted look on his face. He then fiddled with it for a while. Following which, he wrung the throttle and stepped on the kick start lever. Instantly, the motorbike surged forward.


    Ren Baqian saw Shi Gan crash into a wall with the motorbike at lightning speed. The rear of the motorbike was up in the air while Shi Gan was plunged head first into the wall.


    Boom!"


    When the dust in the air had cleared, one could see that the motorbike had been bent out of shape.


    There was arge hole in the wall.


    Shi Gan was nowhere to be found.


    "This bunch of idiots." Ren Baqian stood behind the window andughed until his stomach hurt. With delight, he managed to record the scene where Shi Gan crashed into the wall two seconds after stepping on the kick start lever. It was extremely funny.


    If Ren Baqian slowed down the video, he could even see Shi Gan''s facial expression at the instant he crashed into the wall.


    Ren Baqian decided to buy a camera so that he could take pictures and videos of the students in the future.


    After a few years, when these students had be important figures in the imperial court, he would screen a serialized movie, The Diary of Wilful Students.


    It was a pity he had not managed to capture the scene where Tong Lan tried to reach the kick start lever with her short leg, but failed. Otherwise, it would be very amusing to see her reactions when she saw that scene in the future.

 Chapter 304 Punishmen

    "Tong Lan, Shi Gan, what do you two have to say about the motorbike?" Ren Baqian asked from the stage after the lesson had ended.


    "He damaged it!" Tong Lan pointed her index finger at Shi Gan. "It has nothing to do with me."


    Shi Gan''s face was dejected and depressed. After all, he had just crashed through a wall.


    After hearing Ren Baqian''s words, he maintained an innocent look.


    If one didn''t know this fellow was a bad egg, one would have been deceived by his expression.


    Ren Baqian shed a gruesome grin.


    "Before him, you already fell down once and damaged it. There were witnesses and evidence of damage." Ren Baqian gestured with his hands.


    "It would have been damaged by him even if I did not fall," Tong Lan refuted.


    "A person was walking on the road with 150 taels of silver in his pocket. You robbed him of 50 taels of silver first, then Shi Gan robbed him of another 100 taels of silver. You cannot say that if you didn''t rob him, Shi Gan would have robbed him of 150 taels of silver and that you were innocent. This is not logical and is against Dayao''sw." Ren Baqian rapped the pointer on the desk twice.


    "You have to pay for damaging other people''s property, just like it is only right to repay a debt. This principle is applicable everywhere."


    After hearing Ren Baqian''s words, Tong Lan ground her teeth and knew there was no way to evade this issue.


    Shi Gan continued to look innocent.


    "Teacher, I have no money," Shi Gan opened his mouth and implied he had no money but had one life to give.


    "I have no money either!" Tong Lan red.


    "It is alright. As your teacher, it is in poor taste to talk about money. As you can see I have taught for a long time and have not asked for any school fees. I do not expect any marypensation this time. There are two options for you two to choose." Ren Baqian stretched out two fingers.


    "The first option is to repair the motorcycle within seven days."


    "The second is to clean the toilet every day for one whole month."


    As soon as Ren Baqian spoke, Tong retorted with rage, "Impossible!"


    How could such a delicate and lovely girl like Tong Lan clean the toilet? How was this possible? If so, how could she get married in the future if she was known as the toiletdy?


    Tong Lan clenched her fists.


    Shi Gan''s innocent look also disappeared and was reced with wide staring eyes. If looks could kill, Ren Baqian would have been shed to death.


    His father was Shi Qing, yet Ren Baqian actually asked him to clean the toilet?


    "Educating and cultivating people isn''t only about studying and gaining knowledge, but also about how to behave properly. Even though it causes me heartache, I still have to do it," Ren Baqian said sympathetically.


    The other 49 students looked at him with bright piercing eyes. Who was he trying to kid?


    You are disying your mirth. Do you think we can''t see it?


    "If the both of you don''t want to clean the toilet, then repair the motorcycle within seven days. Once the time is up and if it''s still not fixed, then both of you will have no other choice but to clean the toilet.


    There is no need to think of other ideas; even bringing in your fathers would not help." Ren Baqian put his pointer on the desk, ced his hands behind his back, and hummed a tune as he left the ssroom.


    The rest of the students looked at him with bright piercing eyes.


    Weren''t you showing grief earlier?


    What''s the meaning of being so rxed all of a sudden?


    As soon as Ren Baqian left the ssroom, the ss exploded in anger.


    Tong Lan smashed the desk with just one punch of her small fists. Then, she stamped on it one leg at a time.


    "Damned Yagui, damned Yagui, I will definitely not let you off."


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian stretched his head into the ss again. "Remember to mend the desk tomorrow morning. All of you know the consequences.


    He even winked at Tong Lan, which almost infuriated Tong Lan to death.


    As soon as he disappeared, the ssroom that was quiet for a few seconds became chaotic in no time.


    More than 10 female students supported Tong Lan.


    After all, Tong Lan looked as delicate and pretty as jade, so many female students felt sorry for her.


    In addition, there were some students who wereughing loudly. They were Xu Peng and Du Laoliu, who escaped the morning session along with two other teenagers.


    They wereughing very happily and then thrown against the wall by Tong Lan.


    Shi Gan walked from his desk to where Ren Baqian had been standing before. He cleared his throat to get everyone''s attention, then sped his hands.


    "Dear elder brothers and elder sisters, this is an important matter and I ask for your help. After this, whether we are sessful or not, your little brother here will buy dinner at House Shanhuai to thank all the brothers and sisters. We will not return without getting drunk."


    Ever since he entered the ck Bamboo Academy, Shi Gan hadn''t socialized much with the others. In addition, he was always daydreaming. Many people didn''t like him either.


    But the way he spoke today, calling everyone elder brother and sister, made it hard for them to stay out of his affairs, and theyughingly said, "We''ll wait for you to treat us to dinner and wine."


    Ren Baqian knew what happened from the ssroom next door and had a whole new level of respect for Shi Gan.


    "Like begets like" was a saying that really made sense.


    In fact, the two persons who didn''t blend in well with this group of students were Tong Lan and Shi Gan.


    Both Tong Lan and Shi Gan were still young, but were powerful and more talented than their peers. They were entirely different from the others and were naturally arrogant.


    However, their performances differed from each other. Tong Lan based her performance more on surface appearance even though she threw people against the wall at her whim and fancy. The main point was being pretty and lovely, however.


    No matter whether it was on Earth or in this world, one''s looks could be one''s ticket to sess.


    She was petite and regarded by many people, especially women, as their little sister.


    Tong Lan neverid a hand on the other female students.


    As a result, she was quite well liked by many of them.


    Yet, Shi Gan was a totally different case. Either he was wandering around daily or he would be daydreaming. Although he was not as showy as Tong Lan, others could feel the arrogance in him.


    Others would help Tong Lan when she encountered problems, but nobody cared about Shi Gan.


    Shi Gan was aware of the fact that it was difficult for the two of them to repair theplicated thing in seven days, and his words immediately garnered him support and goodwill. After all, these were teenage aboriginals and were not thatplex orplicated.


    It was not known whether he was already thinking of improving the rtionship or only did so when this problem arose today.


    If it was the former, it was a good thing to want to be closer to others, but if it was thetter, then Ren Baqian wouldn''t be too pleased.


    Whatever the reason, it showed that Shi Gan was more mature and smarter than his peers.


    Knowing that his father was the Great Elder Shi Qing was a relief to many.


    There were bound to be outliers regardless of ethnicity.


    Even if the entire poption consisted of mentally sick cats, there would still be some who had the characteristics of a dog.


    For the next few days, a crowd would gather around the motorbike every morning and afternoon to study it.


    From time to time, people could be heard saying, "This part should be straight, so straighten it."


    "Oh? You broke it!"


    "This thing is too brittle! One touch and it breaks!"


    "Quickly, find a cksmith to make a new part."


    "Are you guys here to help or to create trouble?"


    "Why did you take this out?"


    "How do I put this back?"


    Conversations like this kept going on ceaselessly.


    The snorts of Tong Lan could be heard from time to time. Whenever she did something wrong, she raised her head and looked at the sky while snorting in arrogance.


    Shi Gan encouraged everyone by saying, "My brothers and sisters are the best. Every small step forward is a great victory for us."


    Every time Ren Baqian heard this type of encouraging words, he would wonder where Shi Gan had learned it from. He never heard such words from Elder Shi Qing before. It would be a waste of talent if this fellow was not appointed to lead a group of young pioneers.


    A few dayster, Ren Baqian assessed their progress. He was certain of their ability to dismantle things but quite pessimistic of their ability to repair.


    Shi Gan and Tong Lan would not be able to escape their duty of cleaning the toilet.


    This didn''t surprise him at all. If they could repair it, they would be students of Blue Sky Academy and not ck Bamboo Academy.


    ......


    In a courtyard in Lan City, a group of men was gathered around whispering to each other.


    "All six men from Lin Zhongli''s team were killed yesterday," someone in the center said. Everyone''s face turned ashen upon hearing this.


    "More than 40 people divided into seven groups sneaked in. Now, we are only left with a few and still can''t even get close to him," he grudgingly said. Over 40 carefully selected Earth Wheel experts from the army, yet they didn''t even have a chance to get close to Ren Baqian.


    "In the past two months, it was so strict in the city that there was no opportunity to strike. We have already lost more than half of our people, and our group may not be able to aplish the mission," another guy dejectedly said.


    "Anyway, this isn''t our territory. Once they suspect something, they will kill without any investigation. At least a few hundred people were killed recently."


    "My suggestion is to take a risk and strike. Whether sessful or not, at least we have tried our best and not let our emperor down," a somewhat feminine looking man gritted his teeth and said.


    "That person is guarded by 30 Earth Wheel experts. There is no chance ofunching a risky strike."


    "It is better than the status quo. Who knows, we may not even have a chance tounch a risky strike tomorrow or the day after," the effeminate man said.


    "There is no need to wait for tomorrow or the day after. You all can seek death now," a rough voice suddenly came from outside the courtyard. Then, there was a loud st, and the courtyard wall shattered into countless stones that rained down on some people.


    Two of them barely managed to dodge a few pieces of stones and were smashed by the remaining flying shards into unrecognizable fragments of flesh and blood.


    The remaining few people rose into the sky and quietly fled in three directions


    de reflections streaked from the ground and across the sky. Those few people were prepared and drew their weapons one after another as they escaped.


    After the sounds of swords shing together were heard, the sky seemed to rain down blood.


    A short, stout, and buff man walked into the courtyard and sneered, "You cannot even make it past today, so how do you even think of tomorrow or the day after. The most important thing for a family is to be in good order and happily united. All of you came to Dayao together and I will send all of you down to hell together."


    A few other burly men came into the courtyard wearily. These words were quite impressive the first time they heard them, but it was unbearable for them to hear them every day.


    During these few months, it had been repeated more than 10 times and announced every time one of their targets got killed.


    "Sir Tie, there aren''t any survivors!" someone quickly checked and reported.


    "Bring the dead bodies back to use as fertilizer for nting crops. I have taken some good stuff from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and heard it was contributed by Principal Ren. There is a type known as sweet potato and another type called pumpkin. I presume that they require human blood to grow well." Tie Yan made a gesture, turned around, and walked away.


    It couldn''t be that they were duping him.


    Even if what they said was the truth, it didn''t mean that nobody else could sneak in.


    Continue to check and continue to kill.

 Chapter 305 Fists the Size of Punching Bags

    A week''s time was up. Ren Baqian looked at motorbike, which seemed more broken than before and nodded with satisfaction.


    "Remember, one month." Ren Baqian pointed his finger at Tong Lan and Shi Gan.


    "Everyone is a brick that builds up Dayao. The division ofbor does not take into consideration your wealth or status. Work hard! The brushes and buckets are over there. Tomorrow, I hope I can see a sparkling clean toilet." Ren Baqian waved to everyone and left swiftly.


    Everyone looked dejected.


    However, they had anticipated this happening two days ago. Shi Gan was able to ept the reality rather fast.


    He cupped his fists and said to everyone, "Brothers and sisters, sorry for troubling you these few days. Let''s make a night of it at House Shanhuai someday. Actually, I have to trouble everyone with another request..."


    With an embarrassed tone, Shi Gan continued, "Everyone, please aim properly... Don''t spray your pee all over the toilet..."


    Everyone, "..."


    Tong Lan was furious. Her face was puffed like a stuffed steamed bun, making one want to squeeze it.


    Everyone knew how angry she was and none of them dared to provoke her.


    "Why don''t we get twoborers to clean up the toilets? Yagui won''t be here at that time anyway," someone offered a suggestion.


    Shi Ganughed bitterly. "It''s not easy to deceive him. If he learns about it, I don''t know what he will do. Yagui is right. One has to duly ept the punishment if he or she does something wrong. Since it hase to this, I have to ept it."


    Everyone naturally knew it wasn''t easy to deceive Ren Baqian. Hearing these words, they did not say anything else and left while sighing.


    This was the first time that the 49 students worked as one to do something. It was a pity that they failed.


    In the early morning of the second day, Ren Baqian went to check the boys'' toilet. The toilet was modeled after those old-fashioned school toilets.


    The toilet in the school he attended when he was young had left a deep impression on him. Therefore, he asked the builders to make a cement slope in the toilets. Through this cement slope, urine and waste matter could be flushed into arge pit outside of the toilets with a huge amount of water.


    However, the stench of urine and waste matter was still very strong. After all, Dayao''s weather was too hot.


    Today, the toilet was slightly dirtier than it usually was when cleaned by theborers. However, he could still tell that it had been cleaned.


    Since it had already been cleaned, he wouldn''t ask too much from Tong Lan and Shi Gan.


    After all, the fact that Shi Gan and Tong Lan were willing to clean the toilets was incredible.


    After school had ended in the afternoon, Ren Baqian returned to the imperial pce. Along the way, someone suddenly jumped out of nowhere and roared, "Sir Ren, stop!"


    The imperial guards surrounding Ren Baqian were stunned. They thought it was an assassin and drew their swords.


    However, when they took a closer look at the person, they realized it was the Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye.


    "Sir Tong!" When Ren Baqian saw the angry look on Tong Zhenye''s face, he reckoned that it had to have something to do with Tong Lan cleaning the toilets in school.


    "Sir Ren, isn''t it too much to ask Tong Lan to clean the toilets in school?" Tong Zhenye roared angrily.


    "A nation has nationalws, and a school has school rules. No matter who it is, I treat everyone equally," Ren Baqian replied.


    "Doing this will cause Tong Lan to be mocked in the future. Even if you have the backing of Her Majesty, I''m not willing to take things lying down," Tong Zhenye yelled.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head and looked at him. At the same time, he pressed the call button on his walkie-talkie.


    Then, he said, "Sir Tong, initially no one knew about this matter, but after you yelled about it so loudly, everyone knows about it now."


    Heads were sticking out of a courtyard beside them to see what was going on. If Ren Baqian did not remember wrongly, this seemed to be Shi Qing''s mansion.


    "How can people not know about such an incident? Sir Ren, even though we have a great rtionship, I still have to let you taste my punching bag sized fists today for the sake of Tong Lan!" Tong Zhenye raised his fists and said.


    "Sir Tong!" Xu Wei and his counterparts stepped in front of Ren Baqian.


    "Get out of the way! Otherwise, I will beat all of you up as well!" Tong Zhenye bellowed.


    "Sir Tong, it''s our responsibility to protect Sir Ren," Xu Wei furrowed his eyebrows and said.


    "Alright then, I will let you know why flowers are so red today!" Tong Zhenye snorted and appeared in front of Xu Wei in a sh. He bent his knees and jumped half a meter above the ground to reach a height that was level with Xu Wei, who was sitting on a horned cow. Then, heunched a heavy shot at Xu Wei with his fist.


    Xu Wei threw his fist forward as well. The fists of both parties collided and Xu Wei flew back in the air.


    At the same time, Tong Zhenye jumped over the rest of the imperial guards and surged toward Ren Baqian.


    "Protect Sir Ren!" One of the imperial guards yelled and jumped up from his horned cow. However, he was instantly smacked to the ground by Tong Zhenye.


    When Ren Baqian saw Tong Zhenye fly toward him with lightning speed after knocking off Xu Wei and the other imperial guard, he raised his pistol and fired it. He knew it couldn''t hurt Tong Zhenye and merely wanted to slow him down.


    When Tong Zhenye saw the ck handgun in Ren Baqian''s hand, his pupils shrunk. Following which, he made a flip in the air and dodged the bullet. He smacked an imperial guard that was right below him and used the reactionary force to make another flip in the air. Subsequently, he surged toward Ren Baqian again.


    "Today, I will let you taste my punching bag sized fists!" Tong Zhenye howled withughter in the air.


    A red figure suddenly appeared beside Tong Zhenye. Before anyone could clearly see who the red figure was, Tong Zhenye flew back like a bullet and smashed into the wall of the courtyard beside them.


    Half of the wall copsed.


    After hitting Tong Zhenye, the red figurended on top of a horned cow and stood there with a calm look on her face.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," everyone greeted the empress in unison.


    "So how big is a punching bag sized fist?" the empress asked coldly.


    Covered in dirt, Tong Zhenye picked himself up.


    "Your Majesty, Tong Lan arduously spars with him and teaches him how to fight every day, but he made her clean toilets."


    "Sir Tong, a true man has to be objective. I know Tong Lan has worked very hard in sparring with me, so she does deserve some credit. However, she has indeed done something wrong and has to be punished for it. Furthermore, she isn''t the only one that is cleaning the toilets. The Great Elder''s son, Shi Gan, is cleaning the toilets as well, but you don''t see the Great Elder confronting me." Righteousness was written all over Ren Baqian''s face.


    Tong Zhenye furrowed his eyebrows, appearing to have thought of something. Then, he pped his hands with a look of realization on his face.


    "No wonder the Great Elder told me about this matter! I can''t believe he actually set a trap for me! I have to confront him about this matter and let him taste my fists! Your Majesty, I shall leave first."


    Ren Baqian looked at Tong Zhenye with incredulity.


    Tong Zhenye, can you put on a better act?


    "Why are you in a rush to leave? You haven''t told me how big a punching bag sized fist is. I am very curious about it," the empress said coldly.


    Tong Zhenye gave a dryugh and cupped his fists.


    "Your Majesty, I have already seen a footbag-sized fist just now. It is truly formidable and I have nothing but admiration for it. It''s just that it came at me too fast, so I couldn''t take a proper look at it."


    "I will show it to you again then!" The empress appeared in front of Tong Zhenye in a sh and punched him, causing him to fly into the air again.


    Another huge chunk of the wall surrounding the Great Elder''s courtyard broke off.


    Shi Qing was sitting in the courtyard while looking at the bruised Tong Zhenye. Then, he poured himself a cup of tea and drank it.


    With a casual tone, he said, "I shall let the fact that you maligned me just now pass, but you will fix this wall, right?"


    "Pffft." Tong Zhenye spat out a mouthful of blood.


    With a gloomy look on his face, he sighed and said, "Sigh, Her Majesty has changed."

 Chapter 306 Too Ugly

    "It will be the midterm examination next week. The contents which I have taught during this period will be tested. Those who pass can go on a field trip with me for half a month whereas those who fail can stay at home toplete the assignments which I will be giving you. The number of assignments will definitely be sufficient to keep you upied until I return. Everyone, go back and study well," Ren Baqian said as he used both hands to prop himself up on his desk.


    Following which, he didn''t care about everyone''s reaction and tootled off.


    After Ren Baqian left, the ssroom turned chaotic.


    "What''s an examination?"


    "What''s a field trip?"


    Everyone was whispering to one another and were all at a loss. None of them had evere in contact with the things that Ren Baqian mentioned before.


    However, there were still two points that everyone understood. Firstly, the so-called "examination" was definitely rted to whatever that he spoke about in ss.


    Secondly, if Yagui wasn''t satisfied, he or she would be out of luck.


    Even though they didn''t know what the criteria for passing, everyone was prepared to go home and re-read everything they had learned previously.


    It had been almost two months since school started. ording to the schedule, it should probably be time for the midterm examinations.


    It was time for Ren Baqian to let them experience the kind of despair one would face after taking an examination.


    In any case, these students were much better than Ren Baqian was during his schooldays. At the very least, nobody suffered any beatings. Also, there wasn''t any brawling among the boys and girls or mixed gender group fights.


    However, he felt that he should actually go back and find an assistant on Earth. He couldn''t possibly set all the questions on the examination on his own, could he?


    Previously, he had had this thought before. In the end, because of the Jin Family, he became a fugitive, which held this matter up. At this point, he ought to find an assistant again.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that if he recruited an assistant, it was extremely likely that he or she would demand wages.


    He thought about it, but it actually didn''t matter. At present, the nation already knew what it ought to know. There was only one thing that they still didn''t know; this was actually another world.


    As long as he didn''t mention anything, nobody would detect that something was fishy.


    After all, this world was more or less simr to paradise. It was just a little different in terms of some aspects.


    The reason why Ren Baqian hid originally was to divert the crux of this matter. The legends of a paradise had existed since ancient times and had a specific location. As for this other world, the secret was about himself.


    Apart from this, there weren''t many secrets for him to hide.


    With the exception of the fact that this was another world, there wouldn''t be any effect if he told them the majority of what he knew.


    In any case, they wouldn''t be able to teleport to this world.


    Plus, it was only him who came into contact with them. As such, it would be impossible for them to get anything out of him within a short period of time.


    Upon returning to Yangxin Pce Hall, Ren Baqian saw that the empress''s face was icy-cold, and a chilly, murderous intent was emitting from her from head to toe.


    "Your Majesty, what happened?" Ren Baqian walked over to the empress''s side and asked softly.


    The empress''s eyes twitched twice. Ren Baqian was clear that the murderous intent of the empress had reached a certain level. At present, her head had to be filled with thoughts of chopping people.


    A short momentter, the empress snorted, "Xia Baichong is simply too much of a bully. He actually wants me to hand over the murderer of the Seventh Prince and even dared to threaten me. Otherwise, he will attack Dayao. Hmph! Let''s see what he can do to me!"


    Ren Baqian was slightly rmed. What exactly happened?


    "The Seventh Prince is dead?" Ren Baqian had a very deep impression of the person who looked exactly like him. It could be said that the Seventh Prince was the first person he wanted to kill after arriving in this world. Knowing that there was arge disparity between himself and the other person''s identity, Ren Baqian restrained his murderous intent deep down inside.


    To his surprise, the Seventh Prince was actually dead? It practically made him extremely astonished. There was actually someone who dared to touch the Seventh Prince?


    "How did he die? Where did he die? Why is Your Majesty implicated?" Ren Baqian was astounded. Hadn''t it been almost six months since the Seventh Prince left Dayao? Why did Xia Baichong look for the empress?


    Ren Baqian naturally understood. If he wasn''t mistaken, the emperor of Great Xia was called Xie Bailong. The Xie Baichong which the empress mentioned just now would probably be him.


    ["Long" represents dragon and "Chong" represents worm in Chinese. The empress dislikes the Great Xia emperor, thus changing thest character of his name to "Chong."]"I sent someone to kill him at the Sleeping Dragon Gorge," the empress shot a nce at Ren Baqian and said coldly before turning around."Pfffft!"Ren Baqian looked at the empress in frustration.


    They have found the mastermind, right? You killed his son, he called you out, and you actually said that he is too much of a bully?The empress looked up and said with an unyielding tone, "The people that I sent absolutely didn''t leave any trail. It''s impossible for him to know that I''m the mastermind. He actually dares to nder me!"


    Ren Baqian silently gave him a thumbs up. Soon after, he nodded his head in agreement, "Indeed, he''s too much of a bully. He actually dares to find Her Majesty without any evidence."


    The empress acknowledged what Ren Baqian said.


    Ren Baqian changed his tone and said, "However, I feel that this is just an excuse. I''m afraid that they will attack Dayao in advance."


    The empress listened and thought carefully.


    Afterward, she nodded "I''m afraid that''s the case."


    Ren Baqian pondered for a long time and tried to analyze the situation. "Great Xia has had the intention of attacking us for a long time. Originally, there was still one and a half years to go, but all of a sudden, they pushed forward the date. Seeking out Your Majesty is just a pretense, and they are using it as an excuse so that they have sufficient reasons to invade us. At present, they aren''t ready, but they still must invade Dayao. There must be something going on. Perhaps there were conflicting views within Great Xia and the emperor wants to divert it elsewhere? Or perhaps..."


    Ren Baqian looked from the other party''s perspective and pondered. The probability of the second reason wasn''t small. It might even be due to both reasons that Great Xia was preparing to attack Dayao abruptly.


    "Or, it might be because of the 10,000 soldiers that died within Great Xia''s borders previously. He doesn''t know how much material it takes to manufacture that poison or how long it takes to make it. Generally speaking, however, the deployment of poison always requires a lot of materials and time. He is afraid that we can manufacture more poison within this time frame.


    He would think that if we had a lot of the poison that we used previously, we certainly would have thrown it over. I have only been in Dayao for a short time, and regardless of the case, the poison I have on hand wouldn''t be that much.


    In the short span of time I have been in Dayao, I manufactured so much poison that it cost the lives of 10,000 soldiers. If they give me more time, they are afraid that I will be able to manufacture even more poison. In that case, they will be in deep trouble.


    As such, he might as well invade Dayao earlier and not give me time to manufacture poison."


    The empress tilted her head and looked at him, "These words make sense!"


    "In that case, what does Your Majesty n to do?" Ren Baqian inquired. No matter how the empress answered this question, the other party would definitely start a war.


    Even if they didn''t make a move now, they would definitely do so one and half yearster.


    It was neither good news nor bad news if Great Xia invaded Dayao now. Just like what he said previously, both Dayao and Great Xia weren''t ready.


    "First of all, kill Gu Zicheng and offer him as a sacrifice to the gods. Since Great Xia dares to invade us, we shall let everyone whoes die," the empress said coldly. After recalling that she had actually been maligned by Xia Baichong, she was full of anger. She wasn''t able to calm down without killing someone.


    Poor Gu Zicheng had been holding fast to his position in Dayao for more than 10 years. In the end, he couldn''t escape death.


    "Your Majesty, I have a book that can be gifted to Xia Baichong. It will definitely make him vomit blood." Ren Baqian rolled his eyes and an evil idea popped up in his mind.


    In any case, a war was going tomence. It would be best if they could infuriate the other party to death.


    "Oh?" The empress was a little curious. What did Ren Baqian want to write?


    "Bring paper as well as a writing brush over," the empress instructed Hong Yuan. A short whileter, a small table, writing brush, and paper were arranged in front of them.


    After Ren Baqian sat down, he ground the ink, moistened the brush, and closed his eyes to take a rest.


    Only a momentter, when his essence, qi, and spirit were raised to the apex, did he lift the brush and write mboyantly.


    The empress extended her head to look and felt scornful.


    Your writing is simr to words that have been scratched by a chicken w. You actually needed time to prepare before writing?


    Although the characters he wrote seemed like they were scratched by a chicken w, the content actually made the empress''s mood immediately take a turn for the better. Even the tips of her brows bent.


    "Dayao''s empress to Xia Baichong:


    My old friend was arrogant like you, but look, the weeds on his grave are already 15 meters tall now.


    Looking at the weeds on his grave, I thought of how arrogant you are, just like him.


    The weeds on your grave will soon be as tall as his!"


    His brush moved delicately, yet imposingly, and he finished writing all in one go. Ren Baqian looked from top to bottom and was extremely satisfied. He then nodded his head gently.


    After which, he curiously asked the empress, "What was the reason for killing the Seventh Prince?"


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian and was full of smiles. "He was too ugly and very unpleasant to the eyes!"


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    A momentter, he rejoiced, "Fortunately, I''m extremely good looking and refined. Verypatible with Your Majesty as you are capable and I''m good looking."

 Chapter 307 Planning For The Future

    That afternoon, the empress summoned all the court officials to discuss these matters. All of them reacted even more strongly than the empress.


    Someone immediately suggested killing Gu Zicheng as a sacrifice to the gods and attacking Great Xia afterward.


    No one cared about how the Seventh Prince died or who killed him.


    Everyone had the same idea.


    I never provoked you, so how dare you find trouble with me? Since you want a fight, I will give it to you. Do you think I''m scared of you? Now, we even have a chance to ransack Great Xia!


    Only Shi Qing and Zhe Kouhai, who were both old and wise, remained silent while stroking their beards.


    "Great Elder, do you have anything to say?" The empress wasn''t surprised at everyone''s reaction.


    It was normal for the aboriginals to have such a reaction.


    Whoever had the bigger fist was the boss. Only weaklings defended themselves by using their mouths.


    "I feel that we have to alert the Protectorates of the North, Northeast, and Southeast; especially thetter two. The Yun Nation and the Chen Nation might take actions too, hence these two protectorates have to be on high alert at all times. Also, we need to look into the issue of salt. I''m afraid the number of salt merchantsing to Dayao from the Yun and Chen Nations will reduce greatly after the war starts. This will pose a huge problem to us. The citizens living in the mountains will have a tougher life from now onward," Shi Qing said solemnly.


    Hearing these words, the empress nodded.


    The avability of salt was indeed a huge problem for them.


    After the war started, the trade routes would definitely be affected. By then, the amount of salt transported to Dayao would drastically decrease.


    Now, they had to depend on Ren Baqian''s trip to the mountain.


    "Your Majesty, rather than putting up a defense against them, why don''t we strike first and gain the upper hand? We should attack Yun Nation and seize their salt pans. This way, the issue of salt avability will be solved. Otherwise, we can also ransack their cities. I don''t believe their cities don''t contain any salt," Qin Chuan stepped forward and said.


    The empress did not say anything after hearing these words. It was not difficult to withstand an invasion from the Yun Nation with 15,000 men, but it would be impossible to invade and prate Yun Nation.


    However, the sess rate of ransacking the Yun Nation''s cities for their ironware and salt seemed rather high.


    Of course, Dayao would have a higher price to pay this way. Doing so would cause Dayao to be attacked by the Yun Nation and Great Xia at the same time.


    Simultaneously starting a war on two fronts would be strenuous for Dayao despite its formidability.


    Defending a city waspletely different from attacking a city.


    "How''s the recruitment for new soldiersing along?" the empress asked.


    "Your Majesty, the recruitment haspleted. We have recruited a total of 20,000 new soldiers, and their training has just begun. It would take at least half a year before they are operationally ready. However, I''m afraid we don''t have sufficient weapons and equipment. The military armory is nearly empty. Thest bit of resources was transported to the Protectorate of the North two months ago."


    The empress nodded. "Let the new soldiers practice with wooden swords first."


    Following which, the empress asked Feng Hou about the avability of weaponry in Dayao.


    Talking about this matter, Feng Hou had a cheerful look on his face. Currently, Mount Damo was producing tens of thousands of catties of iron every day. In less than three months, they had produced 600,000 catties of iron, which was enough to forge 30,000 weapons.


    Currently, a huge number of iron ingots was sent to Jingtian Furnaces every month. However, at this point in time, sabers were still forged by hammering the iron repeatedly to get rid of the impurities and adding in beasts'' blood to give them the characteristics of an alloy. Even a master cksmith could only forge a maximum of three standard sabers in a day.


    Jingtian Furnaces had a total of over 20 master cksmiths and some ordinary craftsmen. They could produce less than 100 weapons per day.


    Currently, there were approximately 3,000 standard sabers piled up in Jingtian Furnaces.


    This number had made Feng Hou overjoyed.


    Everyone was stunned after hearing his words. They did not expect that so much weaponry could be produced in two months.


    Following which, all of them looked very happy.


    At this speed, they would be able to fully equip a 10,000-man army in two months'' time.


    One had to know that Dayao only had 90,000 soldiers in the past.


    Given the aboriginals'' fighting capabilities, 10,000 of them was equivalent to 100,000 soldiers from the other nations.


    The empress nodded. "Can it be faster?"


    After thinking about it, Feng Hou replied, "We can make 150 weapons every day at the most."


    This way, they could make 4,500 weapons every month. Every official in the court had a look of satisfaction on their faces.


    However, the empress still felt that it wasn''t enough.


    Even though she appeared speechless after hearing Qin Chuan''s words, deep down she was actually only slightly affected.


    Dayao wascking in too many resources.


    Especially after she followed Ren Baqian to Earth, she realized Dayao wascking in all kinds of resources. To reach the development level of Earth, Dayao needed not only knowledge, but various kinds of resources as well.


    They needed salt, iron, copper, bronze, and all kinds of various metallic resources.


    They also needed an enormous amount of manpower.


    How could she build a new city if she did not have money and manpower? How could she reconstruct the roads if she did not have money and manpower?


    The imperial treasury was empty, and the resources that sustained Ren Baqian''s cultivation could onlyst for one more month. What could she do without money?


    Ren Baqian had thought about this problem as well. However, his solution was trade-based.


    On the contrary, the empress''s solution was much more direct.


    Seize them from other nations!


    What should they do if they did not have enough manpower? The armies and citizens of the Yun Nation could be the manpower they needed! Ren Baqian did mention that the best solution was to transform those people intoborers and make them build roads.


    At that time, even though the empress had not said anything about it, she did make a mental note of it.


    What should they do if they had no money? They would have money once they took down the Yun Nation.


    Taking down the Yun Nation did not mean that they would ransack it and run away like they had in the past. Rather, it meant annexing the entire Yun Nation.


    The issue of managing the citizens of the Yun Nation could be settled in the future


    Furthermore, she had Ren Baqian to aid her.


    He could think of solutions for her.


    Ren Baqian''s home country had 56 ethnic groups, so he should know what to do.


    However, Dayao''s current military strength was still not enough to annex the Yun Nation. It wouldn''t be enough even if they had an additional 20,000 soldiers.


    Sitting on her throne, the empress looked slightly dazed. Tong Zhenye stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Principal Ren might have a solution for the matter of weaponry. Principal Ren once said that there is something that can turn iron into steel. This thing allows metal to be forged into weaponry without having to hammer it repeatedly..."


    Tong Zhenye''s words brought the empress back to her senses.


    "Alright, I will ask himter." After finishing her sentence, the empress remained silent as a pensive look appeared on her face.


    Upon seeing the empress''s facial expression, no one else dared to say anything either. All of them were waiting for her to say something.


    "How many soldiers do you think we will need to sessfully annex the Yun Nation?" the empress asked.


    The atmosphere in the pce hall froze in an instant.


    No one expected the empress to say such words with a straight face at this point in time.


    Your Majesty, are you serious?


    "Your Majesty, excluding the 20,000 recruits, we will need another 60,000 soldiers," Qin Chuan immediately replied with a loud and clear voice. From the speed of his reply, he must have thought of this for at least one or two days. Otherwise, he would have used his fingers to do the math.


    "Actually, I have already thought about it. Right now, the Yun Nation has a total of 400,000 soldiers. If we engage them in a war, they will continue to recruit new soldiers. Given the Yun Nation''s strength, they would have at least 700,000 soldiers. We will need at least 60,000 soldiers to take down the East Sea and annex Yun Nation. And if we attack the Yun Nation, Great Xia and the Chen Nation will definitely interfere as well. This will extend the battle line, and we will have to face several battle fronts. We will need an addition of 20,000 soldiers..."


    If the battle line was extended into the interior of the Yun Nation, many areas would be affected.


    "Get ready to recruit another 20,000 soldiers!" the empress said.


    "Yes!" An excited look shed across Qin Chuan''s face instantly.


    "Your Majesty... If we recruit another 20,000 soldiers, I''m afraid we don''t have enough food and money to supply them. We have already stretched our limits by training the current 20,000 recruits," the Minister of Revenue, Tu Wan, immediately said.


    Propping up her chin with her index finger, the empress replied, "There is money in the Yun Nation just waiting for Dayao''s warriors to take. As for food..."


    ...


    The court sessionst from noon to night. During dinner, when the empress told Ren Baqian about some of the matters discussed during the court session, he was stunned.


    What''s going on? I thought we were preparing to attack Great Xia? Why are we attacking Yun Nation now?


    Everyone in the court discussed this with enthusiasm for the entire afternoon?


    And this decision has been approved?


    How headstrong are all of you exactly? How weird are all of you exactly?


    After a long while, Ren Baqian asked with a helpless look on his face, "Your Majesty, are you serious?"


    The empress wiped her mouth and rolled her eyes at him. "Even if Mount Damo can produce tens of thousands of catties of iron, we will stillck iron. If we want Dayao to reach the development level of your world, the amount of resources we need are immense. Just Mount Damo alone is not enough. Dayaocks iron and the Yun Nation has a lot of iron mines. Dayaocks money and the Yun Nation has plenty of it. Dayaocks cksmiths and the Yun Nation has a multitude of them. Dayaocks manpower and they can be found everywhere in the Yun Nation. The Yun Nation has everything we need, therefore why shouldn''t we annex it? As for the recruitment of new soldiers, we can recruit them from the countless fearsome warriors living in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Currently, we arecking other things. We have to think about the issues regarding theck of weaponry and food. In the future, I also want you toe up with ways to settle down the people of the Yun Nation. Are there any more questions?"


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Your Majesty, you have already evolved from "buying things" to "seizing things."


    In the past, even though Ren Baqian knew that Great Xia would attack Dayao sooner orter, he still felt he was very far from experiencing a war. However, the current course of events still caught him by surprise. At the same time, he felt that the wars in this world weren''t as umon as he thought.


    Furthermore, Dayao did notck manpower as badly as the empress thought. There were still roughly 10 million remnant citizens of the Hao Nation enjoying their retirement lives in the south.


    "Your Majesty, why you don''t want to attack the Chen Nation? The Chen Nation is situated at the south of the Yun Nation and is its only neighbor. It is a more suitable target than the Yun Nation, which has Great Xia and the Chen Nation as its neighbors," Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    "The Yun Nation has many resources that the Chen Nation doesn''t have. Furthermore, there are many waterways and rivers in the Chen Nation. There are many ces where they can dy our military conquest by destroying bridges. If we annex them, we will have a lot of troubles to deal with in the future. On the contrary, we can gallop straight across the Yun Nation because is a tnd."


    A look of realization dawned upon Ren Baqian''s face. Following which, he gave the empress a thumbs-up and praised her, "Your Majesty, you have indeed thought long and hard about this decision. When other people are still thinking about Great Xia, you have already thought about the distant future and made ns for it. This will increase the speed at which Dayao develops. It is definitely necessary to n for the future if we want to quickly establish a solid foundation for theing of the Information Age to Dayao..."


    The empress nodded solemnly.


    Then, a smile bloomed on her face like a flower.

 Chapter 308 Great Xias Reinforcements

    To Ren Baqian, forging iron was a much easier problem to resolve. It would be resolved as long as there was hydraulic power and a st furnace was constructed. Even though it would requirebor to lift the heavy hammer for forging, it would be more efficientpared to hammering on the iron repeatedly.


    As long as there was sufficient steel, it would be possible to assign a breastte to every soldier. Aboriginal warriors had great vitality and having a breastte could also prevent many casualties. Moreover, it wouldn''t hinder their mobility.


    However, the food shortage problem was a little tricky for Ren Baqian.


    New crops such as pumpkins, potatoes, and sweet potatoes had just been cultivated. At the very least, it would take six months before there would be a considerable amount to harvest. Only then could these crops be directed to themoners, reducing their consumption of meat and supplementing the army in turn.


    There was an issue which he hadn''t realized before. With regard to the aboriginals, they had to eat a lot of meat to ensure that they had sufficient physical strength, especially in the battlefield. This was because the strength of an expert came from food. Moreover, the meat in this world contained the most substances which could be converted into the energy that they required.


    Even if there was an increase in pumpkins and potatoes, they couldn''t be used as staple foods. It was even more impossible for pumpkins and potatoes to be staple foods for the army.


    If their diet onlyprised of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins, they wouldn''t have time for other things anymore. After breakfast, they would have brunch. After brunch, they would have lunch. After lunch, they would have dinner, and after dinner, they would have supper.


    Ren Baqian thought hard for quite some time. In this case, there was only one way to supplement the army''s food supply; through fishing.


    Aboriginals rarely ate fish. On the one hand, they were used to hunting and raising livestock and didn''t have any habit of fishing. On the other hand, it was because the bones in the fish made it troublesome to eat.


    In addition, unlike livestock, live fish couldn''t be delivered elsewhere. With Dayao''s weather, fish would probably rot in a day''s time.


    Therefore, unless one was along the river and there was a shortage of other food, fish was generally not on the Dayao people''s menu.


    Ren Baqian had a thought. The two reasons why the aboriginals didn''t like fish could actually be solved in one way; canned fish, something simr to canned sardines, which could be crushed and eaten together under high-temperature production.


    This was actually a feasible solution.


    There were two options. One option was ss jars, which were easy to manufacture because the ss factory was already avable. High heat would be applied after storing the fish in the ss jars. Wooden stoppers would then be put in ce and sealed with wax after. Although the shelf life of these ss jars weren''t as long as vacuum cans, it already sufficed.


    The downside was that transporting these ss jars would be troublesome as the ss jars would be too heavy. Furthermore, these jars would need to be wrapped inyers of grass during the packing process. Otherwise, given the poor road conditions in Dayao, there would probably only be broken ss left when delivered.


    Another option was tinned cans, but he didn''t know if there were any tin ore mines in Dayao or not.


    Furthermore, manufacturing tinned cans didn''t only require iron and tin but also required many otherponents as well.


    Seeing that he was frowning, the empress inquired about what was running through his mind. Then, Ren Baqian told her about the canned fish idea.


    After the empress listened to what Ren Baqian said, the tip of her nose wrinkled. She seemed delighted. "This idea is pretty good. ss jars will suffice. You can make them bigger. I still think that the jars on Earth are too small. It''s not even sufficient for one mouthful."


    Ren Baqian pped his hands once. "That''s right, it can be made into sturdier ss barrels and ss jars so it will be much easier to transport them. As expected, Your Majesty is exceptionally talented. You actually thought of such a good solution in just a short span of time. I didn''t even think of that."


    The empress was enjoying the praise with her tiny face looking slightly upward.


    Ren Baqian felt that the empress was bing more adorable, and this always made his heart stir. As such, it made him feel like giving her a kiss.


    However, he had to return to Earth at night. In order to prevent himself from getting seriously injured, Ren Baqian decided to give up on this enticing thought of his.


    "My intuition tells me that you were up to no good just now, right?" The empress gave him the side eye.


    "Your Majesty... I have been wronged!"


    That night, Ren Baqian returned to Earth and looked for an assistant that could prepare the examination questions. At the same time, he went online to search for the blueprint of a forging machine.


    The academic progress, as well as the literacy level of these aboriginals, was probably around the standard of a fourth grader. As for mathematics, they were equivalent to a second grader. Physics and chemistry were subjects that had never learned before. Moreover, the students'' progress in these two subjects weren''t the same. As a result, Ren Baqian need not even think about using examination questions from a school to test them. He had to find someone to produce a set of specialized questions.


    When the news of Ren Baqian searching for an assistant was noticed by the nation, they went through a thorough analysis again. After analyzing the aspects of gender, age, appearance, height, and personality, an assistant appeared by Ren Baqian''s side a few dayster.


    ording to the gender on the information given and the fact that she didn''t have Adam''s apple, the assistant should be a woman. Her voice, as well as the way she walked, was somewhat simr to a man. In addition, her appearance was masculine, and she was also t chested.


    This was the most appropriate candidate after a thorough analysis of many people.


    When Ren Baqian saw this candidate, he somewhat didn''t know what to say. Although the candidates before her were either average looking or busty, he had no choice but to give them up even though it was a yes in his heart.


    But this person really exceeded his requirements, right?


    In addition, she had a name that seemed like a guy''s no matter how people looked at it: Shen Feng.


    However, apart from this person''s gender, all others aspects were in line with the requirements of Ren Baqian.


    In the future, Ren Baqian just had to instruct "her" about what to do, and he wouldn''t need to things himself anymore.


    After thinking for a short while, he decided to hire her. Then, he returned to Dayao with the examination questions as well as the streetmps.


    Over the past two days, Ren Baqian hesitated about whether he should bring the streetmps or salt back to the other world. He could only bring back 600 catties of salt per trip, which was utterly inadequate for Dayao.


    He had to ensure that more than 30 million people could consume salt, and the monthly salt consumption in Dayao was about 2 million catties. This was ording to the current situation where the people in Dayao only consumed half of what amoner on Earth would consume.


    If he wanted to attain the normal salt intake level for the people of Dayao, it would be at least 4 million catties worth of salt.


    Each month, he would return to Earth once every five days after teaching at the ck Bamboo Academy. At most, he could only bring back about 2,600 catties of salt each time, and it wasn''t a substantial amount.


    It was still better to settle the streetmps in the pce first.


    As for the salt, he would go to the ck pool to take a look. If he couldn''t obtain any salt from there, Dayao could only resort to stealing from the Yun Nation.


    ...


    After the court session on the first day, the court officials in Dayao continued to discuss the situation over the next few days. The n of attacking the Yun Nation was practically set.


    On the contrary, nobody considered attacking Great Xia anymore. In any case, they adopted measures appropriate to the actual situation.


    Contrary to everyone''s expectations, Gu Zicheng was actually not sacrificed to the gods but sent to the prison. Everyone in the entire embassy was sent to prison. Only one person was sent back to Great Xia with a letter of credence.


    However, everyone understood that the day Great Xia invaded Dayao was also the day Gu Zichen would be sacrificed to the gods.


    It was time for a legend like him, who had lived for so long, to lose his life.


    On the fourth day, when everyone was in discussion, there was news from Ping City. Three days ago, Great Xia had increased their troop numbers by an additional 200,000 soldiers at Tiesuo Pass, Qingyang Pass, and Yunluo City. They were on the brink of stirring up trouble.


    On the same day the empress was interrogated by Great Xia''s emperor, the reinforcement of Great Xia''s soldiers had already arrived. Furthermore, they traveled overnight.


    Over the past few days, the soldiers at the Protectorate of the North found that it was now smokier in these three cities than before. The drone that Ren Baqian left behind was used and detected the smoke from a high altitude.


    The reinforcement of Great Xia''s soldiers came much faster than everyone had expected. From this, it also showed that what Ren Baqian said about the emperor of Great Xia was right; the emperor was just finding an excuse to send soldiers and didn''t care about the empress''s exnation at all. From his perspective, the war was already imperative.


    Dayao, however, absolutely didn''t think of exining themselves either.

 Chapter 309 Street Lamps

    "Look at your own exam. You''re not allow to look around and look at other people''s answers. You should know the consequences of cheating on the examination." Sitting in front of the ssroom, Ren Baqian scanned everyone like a hawk. cing a rifle on hisp, he was obviously trying to intimidate the students.


    When the students received and saw the examination packet, they finally knew what examination meant. All of them looked miserable and several of them looked around anxiously.


    When Ren Baqian''s words resounded through the air, everyone obediently lowered their heads and looked at their own exams.


    After a while, they picked up their brushes and started answering the questions.


    Every student had already adapted to the brushes that Ren Baqian made using the feathers of a type of huge bird. They stained their brushes with some ink and started writing. Once they got the hang of it, these brushes worked better and faster than the brushes they had used in the past.


    "Bang!"


    The sudden gunshot shocked everyone.


    "Du Laoliu, this is thest warning that I''m going to give you. If you look at the person beside you again, I will make sure you stay and recuperate," Ren Baqian said inly.


    Du Laoliu was given a fright. Following which, he obediently looked at his own exam.


    The rest of the students also did not dare to cheat on the examination in any way.


    After all, they found the rifle to be extremely intimidating.


    Even though the bullets couldn''t kill them, they were very painful!


    After an hour had passed, the rm clock ced beside Ren Baqian suddenly rang, giving everyone a scare.


    This was the first time they saw an rm clock.


    "Time''s up. Pass the exams to me," Ren Baqian said as he patted the lectern beside him.


    Ren Baqian left after receiving everyone''s exams.


    After he left, the students began to ask each other about the examination questions.


    "What is the speed of sound?"


    "What is the melting point of iron?"


    "Convex lens or concave lens emit light?"


    ...


    Ren Baqian brought the exam packets back to Pingle Park. Many tall and thick wooden pirs were erected on both sides of the road back to Pingle Park. They were about six meters tall with roughly uniform thickness. Ayer of nt sap had been applied on their surfaces as well, preventing them from rotting.


    Furthermore, the wood that was used to build them couldn''t be easily damaged by bugs. This allowed them to be used over many years.


    These pirs had just been erected, and the streetmps had yet to be set up on them. The batteries and streetmpponents he had brought over from Earth weren''t sufficient.


    Afterward, Ren Baqian went to Yangxin Pce Hall. When he arrived there, he saw a few boxes on the floor. There were also a few craftsmen waiting for him there.


    He then taught those craftsmen the method of connecting the sr panel, batteries, and streetmps together. Even though the craftsmen did not know what these things could be used for, they still did a good job under Ren Baqian''s instructions.


    One of them jumped onto a wooden pir at a position that was two meters above the ground. Following which, he climbed to the top of the pir like a monkey. Using his legs to hug the wooden pir, he used a rope to hang a sr panel, a battery, a light bulb, and amp cover at the top of the pir and began to install them together.


    After this craftsman had sessfully installed themp on the wooden pir, Ren Baqian climbed up to check it. He realized the craftsman had indeed done a rather good job.


    Initially, the craftsmen were rather slow in installing themps on the wooden pirs. However, after sessfully setting up a few, they began to get the hang of it. Ren Baqian felt that these craftsmen''s learning ability was much stronger than those idiots in the academy.


    A total of 20 streetmps were set up throughout the entire afternoon. Six of them were set up in front of Yangxin Pce Hall while the rest were set up along the path connecting Yangxin Pce Hall and Pingle Park.


    Ren Baqian hoped this path could be lit up with the streetmps first.


    Afterpleting this task, Ren Baqian entered Yangxin Pce Hall to apany the empress.


    "You are leaving for the mountains in a few days'' time?" the empress asked.


    "Yes! The avability of salt is an important issue and has to be settled as soon as possible. Even if we can''t settle it, we still have to think of other solutions quickly," Ren Baqian replied.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t confident in setting up salt wells in the mountains, but he still had to give it a try.


    "Oh!" The empress nodded and did not say anything else.


    "But from today onward, the area outside of Yangxin Pce Hall will always be lit. You no longer need to carry antern when you want to go out and stargaze," Ren Baqian chuckled and said.


    Hearing these words, the empress became happier.


    The development level of Dayao still paled inparison to Earth''s, but everything had to be done step by step.


    Looking at the changes taking ce in the imperial pce and the things Ren Baqian taught those students, she was confident that she would see Dayao flourish like Earth in her lifetime.


    "Great Xia has sent out their troops today," the empress said subconsciously.


    "Already?" Ren Baqian was slightly taken back. It had been only a week since the empress told him what the emperor of Great Xia said.


    Great Xia was indeed in a hurry to attack Dayao.


    "Since they have already made the decision to attack Dayao and have made the necessary preparations, they naturally wouldn''t dy it any longer." The empress wasn''t really surprised.


    "This afternoon, 150,000 Great Xia soldiers set off from Tiesuo Pass and lined up before Ping City. Their catapults have alreadyunched three rounds of rocks at Ping City. However, General Hong Wu said that their targets might be Shun City and Ziyue City. The defenses of these two cities have already been set up to prevent night attacks from Great Xia. I still don''t know the specific details regarding the situation. It will be known tomorrow," the empress said inly.


    For the past few days, Ren Baqian had been looking through the maps of Dayao and Great Xia. The key cities and passes thatid between Great Xia and Dayao were Tiesuo Pass, Qingyang Pass, Ping City, Shun City, Yuo City, and Ziyue City.


    Of course, there was also an enormous in and a mountain range lying between the two nations. However, the key areas were these four cities and two passes.


    If Great Xia did not break through these areas and attacked Dayao from other ces, their escape route and line of supply could be easily blocked.


    Therefore, if their target was all of Dayao, they had to take down one of these cities or passes to ensure their military campaign could proceed smoothly in the future.


    "General Hong Wu''s army should be able to stop them," Ren Baqian said.


    Ren Baqian did not know Hong Wu well. However, Hong Wu had been defending the border of Dayao for a multitude of years and was highly regarded by many people. He was an extraordinary military strategist.


    Furthermore, he had 30,000 aboriginal warriors under hismand, a drone, binocrs, and walkie-talkies. He shouldn''t have much problem holding back the armies of Great Xia for the time being.


    "Of course." The empress nodded.


    Her tone disyed her confidence and trust in Hong Wu.


    After having dinner, Ren Baqian heard a small din outside of the pce hall. He turned around and realized the sky had already darkened. However, aspared to the past, the darkness now was apanied by traces of light. He knew that the streetmps were ready.


    "Your Majesty, let''s go out and take a look. The starry sky tonight will be very beautiful," Ren Baqian held out a hand and said.


    "Alright!" the empress replied with a smile.


    Ren Baqian seized the opportunity to hold the empress''s hand and walked her out of the pce hall. At this moment, both of them could already see the lighting from outside of the pce hall.


    As they walked out of Yangxin Pce Hall, they could see the imperial guards raising their heads in a daze. They couldn''t even close their mouths.


    Before these streetmps were ready, no one expected they would produce such an effect. They couldn''t believe the streetmps would automatically emit light when the sky darkened. Thenterns that were usually used in the pce paled inparison to these streetmps.


    There were 12 wooden pirs in the courtyard of Yangxin Pce Hall and six of them were emitting a white light from their tops, illuminating their surroundings.


    Even though it wasn''t like daytime, everything in the courtyard could still be seen clearly.


    "Cough!" Ren Baqian gave a cough, and the four imperial guards quickly turned around and greeted the empress, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"


    The empress nodded and did not say anything. Holding Ren Baqian''s hand, she followed him under the light from the streetmps.


    Ren Baqian led the empress out of Yangxin Pce Hall''s courtyard. There were two rows of streetmps outside Yangxin Pce Hall, but only one row was lit up.


    A ck figure and a red figure were slowly walking along the road.


    Ren Baqian was in a good mood as streetmps had finally appeared in Dayao. Even though they were brought over here from Earth, he believed that Dayao would be able to create its own one day.


    "The starry sky tonight seems exceptionally bright!" Ren Baqian beamed.


    The empress turned around and looked at the path behind her. Then, she turned and looked at the path in front of her. "Huh? Only this section is equipped with streetmps?"


    The distance between each streetmp was 60 feet, which was roughly 20 meters. The path connecting Pingle Park and Yangxin Pce Hall was brightly lit. Many people in the pce were dumbfounded when they saw this path suddenly light up, especially when other parts of the pce were still engulfed in darkness.


    "Very soon, the entire imperial pce will be equipped with streetmps. And one day in the future, they will be found all over Dayao as well." Ren Baqian chuckled.


    "I will be waiting for that day toe." The empress gave Ren Baqian a smile.


    At this point in time, when the people that were surprised by the streetmps saw that Ren Baqian and the empress were holding hands, they couldn''t believe their eyes.


    This was the ice-cold empress of Dayao! Why would she do such a thing!


    The scene of Ren Baqian and the empress holding hands and walking side by side certainly had a greater impact on everyone than the streetmps.

 Chapter 310 Small Battle in Ziyue City

    Night.


    Ziyue City, 150 kilometers away from Ping City. Both Shun City and Ziyue City were respectively located on each side of Ping City.


    It had about 10,000 in poption and a city wall that was five meters tall, which was nothing close to an imprable defense. It was considered smallerpared to an ordinary city which was situated at the border.


    But over the decades, this city had been keeping watch along the borders.


    At present, even though many people in Ziyue City were d in helmets and armor, the ce wasn''t exactly solemn and respectful. In fact, it was pretty noisy and roaringughter could be heard asionally.


    Every few meters in this city, a hefty and burly man could be seen standing around in a worn out leather cuirass, wielding a long de, and looking deep into the darkness. Even though they knew that the Great Xia army was just ahead, the darkness had affected their vision, and they weren''t able to see too far away even with the aid of the city lights.


    Even if they knew that a Great Xia army was rushing over, everyone still looked pretty rxed and weren''t tensed up at all.


    "I''ve heard that Great Xia''s army has arrived at both Ping City and Shun City. Are they going all out to the extent of abandoning their seized territories?"


    "Hehe. The person who kills 100 people gets promoted. This time round, it will determine whether you get promoted or not."


    "There is no telling whether we can fight all the way to Great Xia this time."


    Everyone wasughing loudly.


    "Protector General of the North, the Great Xia army has stopped in their tracks 1.5 kilometers away to the north. At present, we still haven''t determined the number of soldiers in their army."


    "The entire army of Great Xia came a long way. Is there anyone willing to go and wee them? At the same time, let them experience the passion of our ferocious aboriginal warriors." Xiong Yue, the Protector General of the North, had an enormous build and was seated upright on a chair at the front of the hall. Below him were two rows of over tenmanders dressed in leather armor.


    "Your subordinate wishes to go!" Almost all of them stood up and volunteered themselves.


    "Oh, everyone''s essence, qi, and spirit is pretty good." Xiong Yue nodded. "Bai Shiye and Jia Qing, both of you shall lead 1,000 troops each and leave through the north gate. Go fight them at close quarters, then retreat and return from the east and west gates. Set off in 15 minutes, and return in an hour," Xiong Yue ordered before both men left in delight.


    "Continue sending the mounted scouts out of the city. Find out exactly how many troops they have," Xiong Yue spoke again. 15 minutester, the north gate of Ziyue City opened and 2,000 burly men decked in leather armor whistled as they moved out. After some distance, they brandished their long swords and scampered off in a frenzy.


    Even though they were just running, their speed was not much slower than horses. Their running speed wasparable to Usain Bolt, and they didn''t seem to slow down even after running for a few kilometers.


    When they were able to see the dense mass of troops under the moonlight, the twomanders shouted respectively, "Kill!"


    Behind them, everyone started howling like beasts and pounced on the dense mass of troops.


    "Everyone listen: kill." Following the clear and sonorous voice, thousands of shadows dashed out from the front of the battle formation.


    They were first greeted with a barrage of crossbows bolts, and the troops subsequently forged ahead with all sorts of weapons.


    There was a variety of weapons, such as swords, spears, and halberds. Even weapons like maces and crowbars could be seen.


    "Kill!" There were brilliant rays of excitement in Bai Shiye''s eyes. Holding a sword in his hand, he directly struck at the shadow who came head-on. The opponent seemed as if he was shocked by the momentum of his sword. After which, he moved aside as if his body was blown away like leaves in the wind and revealed bits of silver stars from the sword in his hand.


    "Die!" Bai Shiye spun his body around, and his de transformed into a white light swiping across the waist of his opponent, shing it in half immediately.


    The other party''s sword merely left a trace of blood on his arms, as if his arm had been stung by a mosquito.


    However, this opponent actually made him feel that something wasn''t right.


    In the army of Great Xia, those who were worthy of using weapons like swords weren''t supposed to be so weak.


    "You dare kill my disciple? You are courting death!" A thunderous yell could be heard from somewhere not too far away. A sword-wielding elder appeared from the green hill, leaped over everyone''s heads, and charged toward Bai Shiye.


    Both parties exchanged blows and were able to feel the power emitted from both of their weapons. Bai Shiye took a few steps back, but the other party was sent flying around six meters away.


    "An Earth Wheel practitioner from Great Xia!" Bai Shiye knew immediately the strength of the other party, which was approximately the equivalent of an intermediate Earth Wheel expert. However, the skills that he disyed just now made Bai Shiye a little suspicious. It wasn''t a technique that wasmonly used during closebat on a battlefield. Out of the consecutive 18 moves, almost half of them were meaningless. Judging from the way the other party was disying such fancy moves on the battlefield, he was definitely not someone from the army.


    He looked left and right, and many of the opponents that his troops faced were simr to the one that he had fought.


    "They are not the Great Xia army, they are from the sects in Great Xia!" Bai Shiye reacted ferociously.


    Yet, why did they appear here?


    That opponent who was sent flying off by Bai Shiye just now, was nowhere to be seen at present. Bai Shiye continued to attack a few other opponents with his sword. At this time, orderly footsteps could be heard from ahead. Every sound was as if a giant was stomping on the ground and was shaking with each step.


    Countless dark shadows could be seen moving in the darkness and uniform spearheads were reflecting the radiance of the cold moon.


    Following which, a bugle horn sounded. Those people who were fighting with the aboriginals just now immediately fled to the sides like rabbits. They were fast, and the aboriginals couldn''t catch up to them.


    "Fire!"


    "Buzz!"


    From the darkness, countless arrows fired down on all the aboriginals like falling rain. In one barrage, around 70 people got hit by the arrows and ended up like hedgehogs.


    Besides that, many other people were slightly injured by these arrows as well.


    Looking at the situation, Bai Shiye promptly let out a long howl, and everyone retreated at flying speeds.


    However, as the aboriginals were making their retreat, down came another barrage of arrows. Even though the damage caused was much less this time, 34 of them weren''t able to dodge the arrows in time and ended up like hedgehogs. The rest of the aboriginals immediately lifted the 34 wounded soldiers and ran. They chopped off their heads when they found that they weren''t breathing anymore and hung the heads from their waists, leaving their bodies as they were.


    The aboriginal way of thinking was to bring the heads of the fallen warriors back to the Sixty Thousand Mountains for burial. As for the bodies, they actually didn''t really mind.


    On the way back to the city with the aboriginals, Bai Shiye roughly took a head count. At least 300 men had not made it back, but they only managed to bring back less than 100 heads.


    This made his heart ache to the extent of almost bleeding.


    Of course, at the time of retreat, there were around 600 of the enemy''s corpses lying on the ground, but this didn''t even cross his mind at all.


    "Sir!" Bai Shiye reported when he got back. "I have returned to report about the mission."


    "How did it go?" Xiong Yue asked.


    "We set off with 1,000 men, and returned with around 300 lives lost," Bai Shiye reported.


    "Eh?" Xiong Yue and the others were surprised when they heard that. Their initial guess was a loss of at most 200 men. Besides, the other party had just arrived. After a long and difficult trek, how was it possible that the aboriginals had suffered such a huge loss?


    "Sir, those soldiers we met weren''t from the Great Xia army. The skills that they used weren''t those of a conventional army on a battlefield. They seemed like the moves of the sects in Great Xia. Furthermore, I have seen that most of them weren''t exactly strong, but they ran extremely fast, which seemed like they were using their so-called martial arts," Bai Shiye replied.


    At this moment, Jia Qing entered with his fists cupped. "Sir, I have returned to report about the mission."


    "How was it?" Xiong Yue asked with a heavy voice.


    "We had set off with 1,000 troops, returned with 600, and lost 400." Jia Qing looked ghastly.


    After listening to what Jia Qing had to say, what he had met with was exactly the same as Bai Shiye. They were both caught in a tangle with the sect members of Great Xia in front of their battle formation.


    Even though the moves of the other party weren''t suited for closebat on a battlefield, the aboriginals were in fact much stronger than those of the Great Xia army. Furthermore, one aboriginal was faced up against at least two to three opponents. Even if he hadn''t been killed, they would be tangled up for some time, especially since there were so many Earth Wheel experts present.


    Following which, the entire army of Great Xia attacked at once, firing long-range arrows.


    This had resulted in both teams sustaining far greater losses than they had expected.


    This turn of events left everyone in the hall feeling astonished. Great Xia had actually sent those sect members to the battlefield?


    At present, after dispatching their mounted scouts outside of Shun City, the Great Xia army split into two directions. 20 round-shaped objects were hauled by horses toward the front of their battle formation, forming a straight line. All of the ck cylinders were made out of cast iron and were aimed at Ziyue City, which was a few kilometers away.


    If Ren Baqian was here, he would definitely be able to recognize what those things were.

 Chapter 311 The Empress Leads Her Soldiers Into Battle

    "Boom! Boom! Boom!"


    After a series of sonorous booms resounded through the sky, more than 10 enormous, round stone shells flew toward the city wall of Ziyue City. More than half of them flew into the city and caused a few casualties.


    A few of those stone shells smashed into the city wall, creating holes of various sizes.


    "Those are their catapults? Their range is much shorter than before, but they are slightly louder now." Standing on the city wall, Xiong Yue scratched his bald head with puzzlement. Why did Great Xia seem worse than before?


    At this point in time, those metal barrels were 800 meters away from Ziyue City. Their shooting range had already reached its limit.


    Previously, when that series of booms rang across the air, Xiong Yue had led everyone to the city wall to see what was going on. What he saw made him feel slightly bewildered.


    The power of Great Xia''s new catapults was much weakerpared to their old catapults. Xiong Yue did not understand why they would use these catapults.


    After roughly two hours, just as Xiong Yue wondered whether he should go back and take a nap first or not, those metal barrels let out a series of loud booms again.


    Every metal barrel shot out a round stone shell that had a diameter of six inches.


    Xiong Yue jumped into the air and extended his arm. After flipping in the air, hended back on the city wall with a round stone shell in his hand.


    After tossing it up and down, Xiong Yue said, "Boring, I thought they came up with something new."


    He flung his arm and threw the stone shell away.


    The stone shell hit one of those metal barrels, causing broken stones to fly everywhere. Blood-curdling screams could be heard and that metal barrel toppled.


    "I will go back and take a nap. I''m already so old, so my stamina can''t keep up with these youngsters. Report to me if anything weird happens." Xiong Yue had a dull look on his face.


    What was Great Xia up to?


    However, Xiong Yue wasn''t worried at all. There were still 8,000 fearsome warriors and tens of thousands of aboriginal citizens in the city that could easily defeat the Great Xia soldiers .


    "Yes, Sir," everyone replied.


    Suddenly, an angry roar echoed across the air, "Xiong Yue, where do you think you are going?"


    Following which, iron chains shot out from the ground beneath Xiong Yue''s feet and tangled up his ankles. Then, an enormous spear whizzed through the air and flew toward Xiong Yue.


    At the same time, three figures streaked toward Xiong Yue like lightning bolts.


    "Ha! Five Spirit Wheel experts? You are courting death!" Xiong Yue chuckled. Then, he brandished his iron fists and threw a punch at the spear that looked as though it could pierce through a city.


    ...


    150 kilometers away.


    Hong Wu was reading a book in his residence. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. In a sh, he appeared beside the perimeter wall of his residence. The longbow hanging on the wall appeared in his hand as well.


    He nocked an arrow on the bowstring and drew it back. An imposing aura was exuding from his body.


    Everyone in Ping City was shocked. They turned around and looked at the center of the city. They could sense a monster opening its eyes and baring its fangs at the sky from the residence at the center of the city.


    A bone arrow shot out from the residence and soared skyward with a powerful might.


    ...


    "Your Majesty, urgent report!" Xin Zhe ran hurriedly into the pce hall and kneeled down on one knee.


    "Present it!" the empress replied coldly.


    When the empress read the slip that Xin Zhe passed to her, her face turned ice-cold.


    After reading the slip, she crushed it, and it disintegrated instantly.


    "Lu Qi, you''re simply courting death!" The empress''s voice was bone-piercing. It contained an obvious aura of death, causing Ren Baqian to tremble in fear.


    "Your Majesty, what happened?" Ren Baqian asked softly.


    "General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation, Hong Wu, fought with Lu Qi, aka Lu Pinghai, for an hour. Hong Wu was severely injured and Lu Qi retreated with heavy injuries," the empress forced these words out of her clenched teeth coldly.


    Xin Zhe did not look surprised after hearing these words. Instead, there was a solemn look on her face. It seemed she already knew the contents in the slip.


    Hearing these words, Ren Baqian was shocked. "How''s General Hong Wu now?"


    One had to know that Hong Wu was the key stabilizing force for the Protectorate of the South. If something happened to him, the Protectorate of the South would be in deep trouble.


    "His injuries aren''t life-threatening, but he will be out of action for a few months," the empress replied coldly.


    Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows. It was a good thing that Hong Wu''s life wasn''t endangered. However, it was a bad thing that he was severely injured when Great Xia was about to invade Dayao.


    It was obvious that having the ninth most powerful expert in the world at the front line was extremely important.


    Alone, he could secure victory on the battlefield by killing the enemymander amid the chaos.


    Hong Wu''s superior individual strength and status as the ninth most powerful expert in the world had always been the main pir of support for the Protectorate of the South.


    Now that Hong Wu was severely injured, half of that pir of support had copsed.


    Even though he could stillmand his army, the Protectorate of the South was still in a dire situation.


    After all, this wasn''t Earth. A few top-notch experts could easily behead the enemymander of an army that had tens of thousands of soldiers.


    The style of warfare in this world was slightly different from Earth''s.


    Just like how the situation of a few thousand aboriginal soldiers withstanding tens of thousands of Great Xia soldiers wouldn''t happen on Earth.


    However, Great Xia arrived with full fury this time around. It seemed that they were not as easy to deal with as everyone had thought.


    While the empress''s blood was boiling and Ren Baqian was pondering over the situation, another urgent report arrived.


    The empress merely took a nce at it, but the aura of death from her body almost escaped Yangxin Pce.


    Seven Spirit Wheel experts and 78 intermediate Earth Wheel experts from Great Xia mounted a sneak attack on Xiong Yue and hismanders while they were standing on the city wall. At the same time, the army of Great Xia advanced andunched an attack on Ziyue City.


    Xiong Yue, the Assistant Protector General of the North, was killed by the seven Spirit Wheel experts. Two of the attackers were killed in the process.


    At the same time, sixmanders of Ziyue City were killed in action while three were gravely injured. As for Great Xia''s side, 17 of their intermediate Earth Wheel experts were killed and 21 of them were injured.


    "Pass down my order! Summon Great Elder, Second Elder, Junior Elder, the six ministers, and all other officials into the pce for a court session!" the empress instructed Xin Zhe.


    Xin Zhe left, and after quite some time, the empress finally withdrew her aura of death.


    "Your Majesty, is there something wrong?" Ren Baqian asked softly.


    The empress ced the slip on the table. After taking a look at it, Ren Baqian''s facial expression changed.


    Given the current situation, it seemed that Ziyue City was going to fall into the enemy''s hands soon!


    Great Xia was truly the most powerful nation in this world. The first offensive theyunched dealt such a devastating blow to Dayao. It seemed that they wanted to annihte Dayao in one go.


    Ren Baqian furrowed his eyebrows.


    After a while, the empress left.


    Ren Baqian arrived at the garden outside of Yangxin Pce Hall and sat there for quite some time. He wondered what would happen next. Could the aboriginals stop Great Xia''s invasion?


    One had to know that if Ziyue City fell into the hands of Great Xia, their armies could march right into the interior of Dayao. Their margin of error, the variety of military strategies they could deploy, and the depth at which they could prate Dayao would increase significantly.


    On the contrary, it would be very difficult for Dayao to block this opening.


    The Protectorate of the North might even be cut up and surrounded by the armies of Great Xia.


    At night, when the empress returned to Yangxin Pce Hall, the aura of death that she had exuded at noon had disappeared. She was now much calmer.


    Ren Baqian automatically poured a cup of wine for the empress. "Your Majesty, Dayao''s generals and officials arepetent and capable. The armies of Great Xia will definitely be stopped outside of Dayao."


    "Ziyue City has been captured," the empress said.


    She had received this news during the court session that she held with all the officials. This was within Ren Baqian''s expectations. However, it happened earlier than he expected.


    "I am going to take to the battlefield myself!"


    The empress''s words made Ren Baqian realize that the peaceful life he sought was slipping away from him.


    "Your Majesty, I will go with you!" Ren Baqian immediately said. His future wife was going to the battlefield soon, so he had better follow closely behind her. Tonight, when he returned to Earth, he would ask for an M61 Vulcan from the nation. It might not be able to kill Spirit Wheel experts, but it could definitely kill Earth Wheel experts.


    He would mow down the peons while the empress would fight the BOSS.

 Chapter 312 Radio Station

    The empress was very delighted with Ren Baqian''s response. She raised her head to look at him with sparkling eyes. "You really want to apany me to the battlefield?"


    "Of course!" Ren Baqian immediately replied, "Even if I''m only there to y the BGM and look at Your Majesty''s heroic elegance, it is good enough since I will be there to apany you."


    In the event of an unfavorable war, he could also hold onto the empress while she escaped.


    However, this certainly couldn''t be said.


    The empress smiled with some warmth in her expression.


    Those were the words which made her happiest today.


    However, she rejected his good intentions. "The avability of salt is a major issue. There wouldn''t be much difference if you were present at the military front or not, but only you can handle the issue of the salt."


    "In fact, I can do a lot of things at the military front." Ren Baqian smiled.


    The empress shook her head mildly. "The avability of salt is a major issue. The winged cavalrypany will be sufficient. Besides, there are also 15,000 ferocious aboriginal warriors under the Protectorate of the Center."


    Seeing that the empress had already made up her mind, Ren Baqian didn''t say anything more. He asked, "Your Majesty, when are you setting off?"


    "In another three days time, the detailed battle report should be delivered. It will also take a few days for the Protectorate of the Center''s troops to mobilize. As such, I will set off in four days'' time."


    "In that case, I will set off in four days too." Ren Baqian pondered before speaking.


    That night, Ren Baqian returned to Earth. He sat on the sofa and went into a daze;, never would he have expected that things would change so quickly.


    It was also unknown how long the war would take or how things would turn out eventually.


    He was somewhat hesitant about whether he should ask the nation for sarin gas or not.


    Putting aside the consideration of whether the nation would give Ren Baqian the sarin gas or not, as long as he threw 300 kilograms of sarin gas over, 80 percent of the Great Xia soldiers at the front line would be handicapped.


    But if he used sarin gas this time, what about the next time and so on? In the future, would they be using sarin gas all the time? Although more aboriginals would theoretically survive and they would be extremely delightful and satisfied, would such an easy victory be okay? What would the aboriginals, whopletely avoided experiencing blood and fire, turn out to be like?


    Most importantly, Dayao wasn''t able to manufacture the sarin gas, so it wasn''t a sustainable source of strength for them. After one or two asions, the aboriginal troops would inevitably be affected and ck off. In the future, if any unforeseen event were to ur and they couldn''t take out the sarin gas, Ren Baqian feared that the aboriginals would be caught unprepared.


    He felt that he was now standing at a fork in the road. He had to make a choice and the result of his choice would affect the future direction of the development of that world.


    He could already think of many disadvantages if he used poison gas to gain victory.


    Among the many disadvantages, there was one most important point. If several hundreds of thousands of people were poisoned to death, he would probably be annihted as well. It would be unpredictable whether or not hundreds of upright people that were out to subdue evil would jump out from the valley and attack him one day. If there was an expert who was at the top ten ranking among the hundreds of people, even the empress wouldn''t be able to protect him. After all, the impact of killing hundreds of thousands of frontline troops was too great. It was alsopletely iparable to the previous incident of him using the sarin gas.


    Thus, an unconventional weapon like the sarin gas shouldn''t be used unless the situation was critical, and it was better for them to wait. If Dayao was able to defeat Great Xia, there wouldn''t even be a need to resort to using this method. If the war became unfavorable for them, in that case, nothing more could be said.


    When he came to understand this, he felt that he had escaped the dispute between the two countries and also helped the other world to advance.


    As if he was the king of the world.


    As Ren Baqian looked out the window with a look of despondency, he hummed a tune, "It''s extremely lonely without a rival, it''s extremely meaningless without a rival. All alone at the summit with the cold wind constantly blowing at me. Loneliness, who can understand me..."


    [Unequalled - A soundtrack written by Stephen Chow, for the movie ''The Mermaid'']


    "Your mom is calling! Your mom is calling!" Ren Baqian, whose ego was inting at the moment, heard this segmented ringtone that he set. All of a sudden, like a deted ball, he picked up the phone and spoke in a docile tone, "Mom, any instructions from you?"


    "I''m going to celebrate my fiftieth birthday soon. Don''t you think you should bring your girlfriend back?"


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Let''s not talk about whether a fiftieth birthday could be considered a major event. The people in the other world are being beaten into pulp, yet you are here nning your fiftieth birthday celebration?


    In addition, you want the empress to attend?


    She''s busy killing people at this moment!


    "Mom, your fiftieth birthday is a major event. When do you turn fifty? I will definitelye back to wish you a happy birthday and gift you a birthday present that you can show off," Ren Baqian immediately replied in high spirits. Regardless of how he felt, he had to express it through his actions.


    "Are you my biological son?" Mama Ren was full of doubts on the other end of the call. "You don''t even know when my birthday is?"


    "I have been very busy recently and gotten muddleheaded. Haha, I will definitely go back on your birthday." Ren Baqian chuckled.


    After he hung up the call, Ren Baqian sent a message to Ren Wannian on Wechat, "When is mum''s birthday?"


    After which, he continued to stare into space. He thought for a short while before giving Shen Feng, the assistant who he had hired the previous time, a call.


    "Boss!" A masculine and tough voice came through the receiver.


    Just by listening to her voice, it was hard for anyone to imagine that she was actually a female. Of course, even after meeting her face to face, it was almost impossible to tell her gender


    Ren Baqian doubted whether he could determine her gender even after she was stripped naked.


    "Is there any item that can be used tomunicate over long distances under the situation that there aren''t any satellites,works, base stations, and electricity? The further the distance of transmission, the better it will be." Ren Baqian asked her.


    "���ߵ�̨."���ɴ�������."A radio station." Shen Feng directly answered him.


    "�Ƕ�������?"�ΰ�ǧ���ȵ�,����һֱ��Ϊ�Ƕ�����Ҫ�л�վ������."That thing is feasible?" Ren Baqian was astounded. He had always thought that that thing required a base station for it to work."Our army had already been using it since 80 years ago. Haven''t you seen them in movies that were based on that era?" Shen Feng was slightly surprised.


    Ren Baiqian thought for a while. It seemed like there was indeed such a thing, but he had long since forgotten about it.


    "Doesn''t it require electricity?"


    "In the past, they generated the electricity manually with a person''s hand cranking it at the side. Now, it''s not so troublesome anymore. It will work with a sr battery," Shen Feng exined everything in a simple manner.


    Ren Baqian felt that he had seen the scene of one person hand cranking the electricity while the other person used the radio station. "Oh, what is the transmission distance of this thing?"


    "That depends on the power as well as the environment you will be using it in. In general, it should be 15 watts to 20 watts. In the city, where the electromaic environment is moreplex than usual, the transmission distance will be about 10 plus kilometers to several tens of kilometers. If the electromaic environment is better, it can reach hundreds of kilometers or even thousands of kilometers.


    Upon hearing what Shen Feng said, Ren Baqian was ecstatic. That world certainly had a good electromaic environment. If he knew about this thing earlier, he would have used it long ago and wouldn''t be waiting over here now.


    What was the most important aspect of fighting a war? It was obtaining information. With this thing, unless it was a situation like Xiong Yue, who had been surprise attacked by a group of people, most people would have the time to react. Furthermore, mobilizing the troops, sending support, encircling their enemy, etc. would be done without any obstruction.


    As long as the mounted scouts were able to find out Great Xia''s ns, Dayao would be able to respond ordingly and make preparations at the same time.


    "Get me 40 radio stations. I want something that isn''t too big and is easy to operate. The longer the transmission distance, the better," Ren Baqian replied at once.


    A few dayster, his face shimmered with satisfaction while he lugged a few boxes back to Dayao.


    "Your Majesty, I brought some good stuff back." Ren Baqian arrived at Yangxin Pce Hall with a cheerful expression and with several guards carrying boxes behind him.


    "Oh? What are inside those boxes?" Seeing that Ren Baqian was quite excited, it made the empress curious as well.


    "100-watt short-wave radio stations. People canmunicate with one another across thousands of kilometers or even farther away. Regardless of where Your Majesty is, I will be able to contact you. Simrly, even if Your Majesty is in Ping City, all the court officials in Lan City will be able to contact you as well. Moreover, the battery can be used continuously for 36 hours..." Ren Baqian continuously exined the inexhaustible knowledge which he had crammed in his head for the past two days.


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress was thrilled. This thing was indeed very useful.


    With this item, she would immediately know what was going on if anything were to happen.


    In this world, a radio station could be said to be a magical object.


    "How many of them did you bring?"


    "15 radio stations," Ren Baqian answered. "Leave one in Lan City, one with me, one with Your Majesty, and one with each of the five Protector Generals. For the other seven radio stations, Your Majesty can make the arrangements ording to your wishes. There are still 25 more radio stations back on Earth. I will bring another 15 back the next time around. As for the remaining 10 radio stations, I''m afraid that I can only bring them over after I return from the mountains. At that time, I will get the guards to deliver them back to the city."


    The weight of a radio station was less than 10 kilograms, but with the batteries, sr panels, and other essories, he wasn''t able to bring everything in one trip.


    However, this was already sufficient to make the empress delighted.

 Chapter 313 Where’s My Immortal-binding Chain?

    For the next two days, Ren Baqian went to the academy in the morning and dawdled at the Ministry of Works in the afternoon. He was discussing two important matters with Tong Zhenye. These two matters were regarding the st furnace and the steelmaking method.


    The st furnace that he introduced was frequently used in the Song Dynasty and was already very close to a modern one in terms of its mechanics. Furthermore, it used charcoal instead of coal, so it was quite suitable for Dayao.


    It made use of hydraulic power to operate the furnace bellows through a water wheel beneath it that was driven by flowing water. Utilizing wheels, axles, tension bars, and gears, the furnace bellows would open and close repeatedly. The higher the wind power, the stronger the fire burned.


    This method allowed pig iron and wrought iron to be obtained easily. Furthermore, pig iron and wrought iron could be produced indefinitely now. When the st furnace was turned off, molten iron would flow out from its side. The iron ores could be inserted into the st furnace from its top.


    This would save a lot of manpower.


    Afterwards, Ren Baqian taught them the method of steelmaking. By hammering pig iron and wrought iron together, the carbon content in each type of metal would diffuse across to the other. This method could increase the speed that the iron became steel by several times. Furthermore, this method did not require any craftsmen. It could be driven solely by a hydraulic system. The craftsmen were needed only for thest part of the process.


    With this method, Dayao''s speed of smelting iron and forging weapons could be increased by least 10 times.


    Other things could be slowly developed in the future. After all, there were many things that were very useful to Dayao. However, given the current technological level of Dayao, they still couldn''t be produced.


    "Can you see that? Water will flow down from here and push the wooden wheel. In turn, the wooden wheel will spur the tension bar. Then, this hammer will automatically strike..." Ren Baqian was using a small model to exin how the st furnace worked. He personally oversaw the craftsmen in rushing out this model.


    A tiny wooden wheel was ced above a wooden trough. When water was poured down the wooden trough, the wooden wheel would be pushed by the flowing water and would revolve about its axis, disying the process that Ren Baqian just talked about.


    "I see..." Everyone in the courtyard nodded.


    In the courtyard, there were Tong Zhenye, Feng Hou, officials from the Ministry of Works, and some craftsmen. All of them were staring at a wooden nk ced in their center. On top of the wooden nk, there were a few models that Ren Baqian disyed for everyone to see, including the models of a st furnace and a hydraulic system.


    "So you can produce steel by doing this with these two types of metals?" The craftsmen looked slightly doubtful. They had been smelting iron their entire lives and found it hard to ept someone teaching them what to do.


    Most people''s eyes lit up. Previously, they didn''t think that this could actually be done.


    These things weren''t difficult to understand, but they would never have thought of them if it weren''t for Ren Baqian.


    Especially at this critical moment, the things that Ren Baqian showed them were extremely useful.


    "Choose a suitable location to build this. If you encounter any problems, send someone to notify me. I will be entering the mountains for quite some time. Otherwise, you can wait until I return," Ren Baqian said to everyone.


    "By the way, this water wheel can also be used to irrigate fields if you make some tweaks to it. You can think about it."


    Following which, Ren Baqian left the Ministry of Works with Tong Zhenye.


    "Sir Tong, I''ve already given you the blueprints and the models, and I''ve also told you the issues that you should take note of. The rest will depend on all of you."


    Tong Zhenye nodded. Naturally, he knew the importance of this matter.


    "Sir Tong, I still have something to do. Follow me to the Great Elder''s residence first!" Ren Baqian said.


    Under thepany of the imperial guards, both of them arrived at the Great Elder''s residence. Then, they were led to Shi Qing''s study room by one of his servants.


    "Greetings, Sirs!" The moment Ren Baqian and Tong Zhenye entered the room, they saw Shi Qing, Zhe Kouhai, Qin Chuan, and their counterparts surrounding a box on a table.


    "Sir Ren, will this thing really work like what you said?" Qin Chuan asked with doubt.


    He felt incredulous after being summoned and told by Shi Qing that this thing allowed a person tomunicate with another person who was a thousand miles away.


    "You will know after we try it. Yesterday, I had already sent some men to Jiaozi. By now, they should have arrived." Ren Baqian nodded at everyone. Jiaozi was a town situated 400 miles away from Lan City.


    "What is this?" Tong Zhenye asked curiously.


    "It''s a radio station. If you ce one in Lan City and one in Ping City, they will allow the two cities tomunicate with each other at any time, just like how two people talk to each other face-to-face. There is no dy and messages can be transmitted instantly. We will not need yiniao anymore," Ren Baqian gave a simple exnation and gave Tong Zhenye a fright.


    "See this button? This is the switch for the radio station. Switch it on and adjust the frequency..." Ren Baqian exined to everyone as he read the instruction manual.


    "The instructions on how to use this are written on this paper?" Tong Zhenye immediately asked.


    "Yes. After I leave, you can ask the students from the academy to read it for you."


    "Hey! Hey!" Ren Baqian yelled at the box on the table.


    This radio station had a transmitter and a receiver attached to it.


    "Just like this?" Qin Chuan and the rest looked at the box with doubt.


    "The radio station there hasn''t been switched on. Wait for a while, and they will contact uster," Ren Baqian exined.


    "Buzz, buzz." After some time, a buzzing sound emitted from the radio station. Following which, it gave off a doubtful voice. "Is this how it is supposed to be used? Sir Ren told us to press this button..."


    Hearing this voice, everyone was shocked.


    "Hey, can you hear me? Where are you now?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "Eh? There is a voice!" the person on other side eximed. Following which, he realized who it was and continued, "Is this Sir Ren? I''m Xu Le and am in Jiaozi now..."


    "Sess!" Ren Baqian raised his head and gave everyone a smile.


    With this thing, Dayao would have an easier time fighting the war.


    They could also discuss offensive and defensive strategies through the radio stations. All the armies of Dayao could be considered integrated now.


    "Which part of Jiaozi are you at now?" Qin Chuan asked.


    Following which, Qin Chuan and Xu Le asked and answered each other''s questions for a while. Everyone could hear their conversation clearly, and they no longer had any doubt.


    Shi Qing and Zhe Kouhai were very excited. Then, they looked at Ren Baqian in an extremely entric manner.


    "What are you looking at?" Ren Baqian felt extremely ufortable.


    "Sir Ren, this is called a radio station? How does it work exactly? Will my son learn about these things in the academy as well?" Shi Qing asked curiously.


    "Of course. However, whatever things you do, it''s best to take it a step at a time. They have a lot more to learn before they can make such a thing." Ren Baqian nodded.


    "Good, good." Shi Qing smiled with satisfaction while stroking his beard. This thing had shown them how formidable Ren Baqian was.


    It was much more valuable than the sr furnace.


    "Sir Ren, is your academy still epting students?" Zhe Kouhai asked after hearing Ren Baqian''s words. He remembered he still had a few nephews back home who were quite smart.


    Previously, he disapproved of Ren Baqian greatly. However, this thing that Ren Baqian took out had changed his opinion instantly.


    "I might be taking in a new batch of students next year or the year after next year," Ren Baqian replied. He already had enough students for now and would need to wait for at least one year before he took in another batch of students. He would choose the two most outstanding students from the current batch to lead the new batch of students.


    If he did not do this, he would be worked to death. This bunch of students had been causing his blood pressure to rise.


    "How many of these things do you have?" Zhe Kouhai asked. Everyone else paid a lot of attention to this question as well.


    "40, which should be enough. However, right now I have only 10 with me. It will take some time before the rest arrive," Ren Baqian nodded and replied.


    "I will leave this radio station here. You can use it to contact me or Her Majesty."


    "Sir Ren, you have done Dayao a meritorious service again this time around." Tong Zhenye chuckled, looking overjoyed. Even though he wasn''t in charge of this thing, he could tell how important and valuable it was.


    "When you''re back from the mountains, I will treat you to a drink at House Yunyan!" Tong Zhenye patted Ren Baqian''s shoulder heavily.


    Fortunately, after attaining the level of Man Wheel, Ren Baqian''s body had be much stronger. If it was in the past, he would have copsed to the ground.


    "Oh? Is that so?" A female voice suddenly came out from the radio station, sending a cold shiver down Tong Zhenye''s spine.


    "Your Majesty? Your Majesty?" Tong Zhenye pointed at the radio station with surprise written all over his face. He didn''t actually expect to hear the empress''s voiceing out from the radio station.


    Wasn''t Her Majesty in the pce?


    "What?" the empress''s voice came out of the radio station again.


    Tong Zhenye immediately turned submissive. "I never expected to hear Your Majesty''s voiceing out of this thing. I''m very surprised, but happy at the same time. Forgive me, Your Majesty."


    When Qin Chuan saw Tong Zhenye''s facial expression, he burst outughing. "Old bast*rd!"


    Had the empress not said anything, Tong Zhenye would have pulled Ren Baqian to the brothel. He had managed to avoid a cmity.


    "I have tuned this radio station to a public channel. Since Her Majesty has a radio station as well, she can hear you talking." Ren Baqian grinned widely at Tong Zhenye.


    ...


    On the third day, Ren Baqian had already finished grading the examinations. 24 students had passed the exam and would go on the field trip with him to the mountains.


    As for the remaining 25 students, an endless amount of homework would be waiting for them...


    Ren Baqian walked out of the academy and took a look at the imperial pce. He knew that the empress would leave Dayao tomorrow for an unknown period of time. Usually, they would be separated for only a few days. This time around, they were going to be separated for a few months. He was somewhat unable to get used to it.


    After the empress left, he would go to Earth. After he returned to Dayao, he would set off and head for the mountains.


    Along the way back to the pce, Xu Wei suddenly felt that something was wrong. An aura of death lingered in the air, putting him on guard.


    He raised his hand and stopped the entourage, trying to find the source of the aura of death.


    Suddenly, two ck chains shot out from the ground, entangling Ren Baqian and the horned cow he was riding on.


    "Great Xia''s Spirit Wheel experts!" Xu Wei''s facial expression changed drastically.


    "Protect Sir!"


    At the same time, he let out a howl to alert the imperial guards in the pce.


    Ren Baqian''s facial expression changed drastically as well. The two ck chains gave off a bone-piercing chilliness. He felt as though his body was frozen in ice.


    Then, he saw a man standing on an enormous sword while flying through the air. That man exerted strength through his feet and the sword flipped in the air,nding in his hand. The sword was bigger than the person. Like a fallinget, the sword sliced through the air and fell toward Ren Baqian and his entourage.


    Bearing the brunt of this assault, Ren Baqian''s eyes widened while his face was filled with horror. Suddenly, he vanished into thin air.


    The chain that entangled him and the horned cow also disappeared with him, leaving the horned cow behind by itself.


    A person hiding 100 meters away from the scene spurted out a mouthful of blood. He yelled miserably, "Where is my Immortal-binding Chain?!"


    Blood was spilling out of his mouth while his eyes were filled with fear. He was in aplete daze. One had to know that the metal chain was a Spirit Weapon that he had formed with his own spirit. He nurtured it every day, and it had be one with him. However, it was now gone! It was gone! It was gone!


    His Spirit Weapon had disappeared with his target! He couldn''t sense its presence at all!


    He felt as though his soul had been shed by someone.

 Chapter 314 Arrogant Young Master, Can You Release Me?

    In the sky, a middle-aged man wearing a green shirt was holding a giant sword that was twice as tall as him. He came down from the sky like aet crashing to the ground.


    As long as this person is killed, it will be worth it even if I can''t get away.


    The middle-aged man secretly thought.


    His eyes disyed some regrets. It was such a pity that he had attained the Spirit Wheel level for close to 100 years, and it would be hard for him to improve any further. If it wasn''t for the fact that his life was alsoing to an end, he wouldn''t have be a sacrificial warrior.


    As for Ren Baqian and the people below him, they were already seen as dead in his eyes.


    However, just when he struck the sword at the top of their heads, he saw a scene that made his eyes pop out. That "Poison Warrior" actually disappeared together with another Spirit Wheel practitioner''s Immortal-binding Chain.


    "How is this possible?" The man was shocked, but the power of the giant sword increased with time.


    Xu Wei, who was rising from below to counter him, was mmed to the ground. The cracks on the ground were covered by all the bones in his body, and fresh blood spewed incessantly from his mouth.


    Yet, the Spirit Wheel expert''s descent was only slightly thwarted.


    Xu Wei, whose power was equivalent to an apex Earth Wheel expert, was like a child meeting a man. He was only able to block the blow slightly without knowing it would cost him his life.


    Following a loud boom, the area where Ren Baqian was previously standing was ripped apart to form a gully that was half a meter wide and ten meters long.


    Xu Wei and the four guards closest to him were all killed.


    After the mannded, the giant sword swept around the area and blood showered the surrounding. The few guards that rose up were sent flying and some cavalry horses had their necks broken.


    "You are gambling with death!" The pce walls resounded with the fury of an icy voice. The empress looked at the horrifying scene below and both her eyes became red. Purple veins appeared on the surface of her skin as her hair fine ck hair turned red.


    Although she responded and rushed out from the pce when she sensed the danger outside, she was still toote.


    The empress rushed down from the pce wall at a speed almost invisible to the naked eye. Sensing the tremendous power and extreme killing intent of the empress, that man thrust the giant sword at her.


    The empress turned her body slightly and avoided the giant sword with ease. Then, she grabbed at the other party''s head.


    Even though the man was aware of the empress''s movement, he still reacted too slowly. After which, he felt a sharp pain in his head and let out a loud cry.


    The empress already gripped an extra piece of bloody scalp with ck hair attached.


    "I want you to die a horrible death! I will exterminate your whole n." The empress was full of murderous intent and rage. In a sh, she appeared in front of the man. With one hand, she grabbed the Heaven-grade weapon he swung across at her and with her other hand, shetched on to his face. That man immediately let out a terrible and inhuman bawl.


    His face was wed off by the empress with one swipe.


    Following that, only a red silhouette was seen rotating around that man. His body was spinning ceaselessly around, but he could never get away from the figure of the empress.


    The bawling sound was getting weaker and weaker.


    When the empress stopped, that man was only left with bare bones and most of his viscera were missing. His flesh and blood were all scattered over a radius of 100 meters.


    "Hu...! Hu...!" the empress gasped for air loudly. The red color in her eyes didn''t diminish, but became deeper instead.


    The veins on her body were also more pronounced.


    "Your Majesty!" someone called from the side. Her Majesty''s eyes immediately glittered with red light and looked toward the speaker. Her face became whiter, and her exposed skin was now fully covered with purple veins, which made her look weirder and coquettish.


    "Your Majesty, Sir Ren isn''t among the crowd," Tong Zhenye said carefully. With Her Majesty in this mood, he really wouldn''t be able to withstand any of her kicks.


    The empress''s eyes shrank slightly after hearing that. Also, the red light in her eyes began to dim as the veins on her body began to fade.


    "When Sir Ren was attacked just now, he suddenly disappeared." Tong Zhenye arrived slightly after the empress, and the time the empress took to kill that man was how long it would take to drink a cup of tea.


    This was enough time for him to gather information from the other guards about what happened.


    After hearing this, the empress finally calmed down. From the top of the wall, she could only see a sea of blood below. There was a huge gully in the ground, and she hadn''t even dared to look for Ren Baqian''s corpse.


    Upon hearing Tong Zhenye''s statement, the empress realized that Ren Baqian had returned to Earth at that time, and she was filled with ecstasy. It was like having lost the most precious thing and then finding it again. She lost a great amount of strength in just a short period of time.


    With the limited powers Ren Baqian possessed, the empress thought that he had already been killed due to the fact that he would have had no chance to escape from a Great Xia Spirit Wheel expert''s attack.


    "It is a pity five guards were killed and seven seriously injured," Tong Zhenye said sorrowfully.


    "Hold an borate funeral for them!" the empress said after pausing for a while.


    "Just now, there were two Spirit Wheel experts in the attack. There is still one remaining," Tong Zhenye reminded.


    The empress shed a chilling re.


    Not too far away, a man was surrounded by a group of people.


    One Spirit Wheel expert was up against four court officials, each whose power was equivalent to a Spirit Wheel expert. Tie Yan, the supervisor of the Department of Inspection, Bai Shiying, the supervisor of Public Order Bureau, Zhu Jue, the supervisor of the Department of the Army, and Tao Yin, the supervisor of the Department of Mounted Scouts. Each of them was not any weaker than any expert at the Spirit Wheel level, let alone a seriously injured one without any Spirit Wheel power left.


    They were only keeping him alive to gain information or he would have been more than dead now.


    By the side, Qin Chuan, Tu Wan, and some others were standing on top of the wall. With Her Majesty in this dreadful mood, it was better to stay here.


    Tie Yan and Bai Shiying were livid. People were actually assassinated in the city and furthermore, their target was none other than Principal Ren.


    You people are seeking death and dragging us into the matter?


    They felt like cutting him into eight pieces.


    A red silhouette came down from the sky, directly stepped on the shoulders of the Spirit Wheel expert, and propelled him to the ground. All of a sudden, the sound of disintegrating bones was heard and that man vomited fresh blood. It was obvious he was no longer alive.


    The empress looked at her feet and gave an icy stare to Tie Yan and Bai Shiying.


    "Your Majesty" Everyone greeted her in unison.


    "Verify their identity. I want to exterminate their whole n." The empress was overflowing with murderous intent.


    "Your Majesty, the other person should be Zhao Jiuchuan of Mount Jiazi''s Six Swords Sect. That sword was his huge Heaven-grade weapon," Tie Yan instantly answered. The nce just now was enough for him to know who the person was.


    After all, someone with the ability to form their own Spirit Weapon had to be a top caliber expert, and it was very unlikely for him to be unknown.


    "As for this person... maybe he didn''t use a Heaven-grade weapon because he wanted to hide his identity," Tie Yan spected.


    Even if he wanted to hide his identity, there was no reason to refrain from using his killer move when facing death, right?


    How could someone so stupid attain the Spirit Wheel level? How did he form his own Spirit Weapon?


    Tong Zhenye said with a weird expression, "His Heaven-grade weapon was a metal chain."He didn''t know why it disappeared, however.


    "The metal chain is a type of Heaven-grade weapon used to tie up people, and there are only three people in Great Xia who use it. Besides Elder Zhu, one of the Zhu Mu Elders who was killed by the empress, there is Qiu Yu from the Ministry of Justice in Great Xia. Lastly, there is Luo Zhen, who is a cultivator from Mount Jiuzi. In all likelihood, he should be this unknown man," Tie Yan replied in a respectful way.Regardless, it wasn''t possible for Qiu Yu to be sent here as an assassin and his looks didn''t match. He was rumored to have a handsome and elegant appearance, which this man did not measure up to. Therefore, it could only be Luo Zhen."My Immortal-binding Chain," the man under the foot of the empress struggled to squeeze a few words out between his teeth before he died... Even at death''s door, he didn''t forget his Immortal-binding Chain, which had been his lifelong achievement and the foundation of his life. Right before his death, he still couldn''t understand why it just disappeared."Sure enough, he is Luo Zhen." Tie Yan nodded his head.


    "You two!" The empress pointed at Tie Yan and Bai Shiying


    "Your humble servants didn''t do a good job. Please punish us." Both said in unison."The both of you, order 50shes of the scaly whip for yourselves." The empress said coldly. Although she knew that a Spirit Wheel expert had infiltrated, it was impossible for both the Public Order Bureau as well as the Department of Inspection to not detect this. As such, she was not ready to let this matter go easily.This type of scaly whip was made from the tail of a beast. It was iparably heavy and had scales that would explode when the whip was unleashed.Onesh of the whip and an ordinary person would suffer broken bones, severed ligaments, and mutted flesh. Even a Spirit Wheel expert enduring 50 strokes wouldn''t be able to get out of bed for three days....


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes wide as hey on the floor breathing heavily. The sword stabbing at him a moment earlier was too terrifying. It gave him the feeling that if he was struck by it, there would be hardly any residue left of him; the need for cremation would be unnecessary.Even though the empress was in the pce nearby, the sudden attack by the other party gave the empress insufficient time to save him.Fortunately, he made a prompt decision to teleport to Earth.


    Even now, he still had not recovered from the trauma, and his heartbeat approached 180 beats per minute.


    He finally got back to his senses after a long time and squatted on the floor. How did this metal chaine back with him?


    Was this the Heaven-grade weapon mentioned by the empress?This thing was formed from spirit, essence, and qi. To his surprise, he actually it brought it back with him in the form of a tangible object.


    How could he release himself?


    Ren Baqian also faced another difficult problem. This thing was binding him down and even his fingers couldn''t move. In addition, it was bone piercingly cold.


    He couldn''t let himself be bound by this thing. Did he have to wait for two and a half days before going back to Dayao in the same state?


    Before he had the chance to go back, he would be frozen to death first.


    "Arrogant young master, can you release me?" Ren Baqian negotiated softly with the metal chain. "Your boss is no longer around here. You are a refugee in another world, so there is no need to bind me any longer."

 Chapter 315 The Metal Chain

    Ren Baqian had heard the empress briefly mention Spirit Weapons before. He knew extremely little about them.


    What had happened so far was out of his expectations. He unknowingly brought this spirit-formed Spirit Weapon back to Earth with him. Furthermore, it was still in its physical state;pletely illogical.


    "Sir... let''s talk this over nicely..."


    "Don''t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Do you think l won''t call the fire department right now? Just because you teleported here with me doesn''t mean I can''t handle you..."


    Ren Baqianid on the floor and twitched like a bug. After negotiating with the metal chain for a long time, it still did not show any reaction.


    He felt helpless.


    What should he do? He couldn''t even reach his phone now.


    Plus, his body was getting colder and colder.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was bing frozen.


    There were still two more days before he returned to Dayao. Would he be an ice sculpture by then?


    Could he be saved by heating up his body?


    Ren Baqian was already considering whether or not he should think of a way to leave the empress a note. Doing so would give him a chance of being saved.


    It was a pity he couldn''t even do such a simple task.


    "When is the housekeepering? Quickly call the police for me!" Ren Baqian looked at the sky and realized it was evening. Immediately, he let out a deep sigh.


    "This is such a wrongful death!"


    Ren Baqian trembled due to the cold. He tried his best to stand up, but failed.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian felt freezing cold. If this situation persisted, he wouldn''t live to see tomorrow.


    A wave of grief swept over him.


    I''m not even married yet! Argh! Argh!


    As Ren Baqian felt colder and colder, he began to reminisce about his past. All he could think of was the empress. He remembered every one of her frowns and smiles. Whether she was indifferent, lovely, or mischievous, he cherished every single memory of her.


    It was a pity that the warmth from his heart couldn''t relieve the chill he was feeling.


    At this moment, the metal chain that tangled up his body suddenly moved.


    However, Ren Baqian''s body was so cold that it had turned numb. As such, he could not feel anything at all.


    Very soon, he realized what was going on as the metal chain was slithering around his body.


    He was surprised by this turn of events, but he did not know what was going on. However, something happening was still better than nothing happening. Ren Baqian could sense that the metal chain was trying to seek a trace of vitality.


    After slithering around Ren Baqian''s body twice, one end of the metal chain rose up high like a snake. Before Ren Baqian could react, the metal chain surged toward his forehead. The next moment, it prated and entered his forehead.


    Within a few seconds, the metal chain waspletely inside Ren Baqian''s head.


    "F*ck, what just happened?" Ren Baqian wanted to move, but his entire body still remained frozen. He could only move his fingers for the time being.


    After a long while, Ren Baqian''s body recovered its mobility slightly. He touched his forehead to see if there was a hole or not.


    However, his forehead was smooth and sleek like before.


    He forcibly picked himself up from the floor. Propping himself against the wall, he walked to the bathroom and looked into the mirror to see if there was anything on his forehead or not.


    Everything that happened just now felt like a dream.


    "What''s going on now?" Ren Baqian looked at his reflection in the mirror and pondered.


    After a while, he came up with a conjecture.


    The metal chain was a Spirit Weapon and was something that was formed by one''s spirit after all.


    Spirit most likely refers to a person''s soul or mind, right?


    Ren Baqian wasn''t too sure about this and could only make guesses based on its name.


    Has this metal chain fused itself with my soul? Or is it residing in my soul?


    Ren Baqian reckoned that the metal chain had not fused with his soul because no changes had taken ce in his body. That implied the metal chain was residing in his soul.


    Could it be feeding on my soul?


    The thought of this frightened Ren Baqian.


    This thing was formed by somebody''s spirit. It came to this world, disconnected from its original master, and entered Ren Baqian''s body.


    Is it feeding on me? Or is it treating my body as a home?


    Ren Baqian hoped it was thetter.


    After looking at the mirror for a long while, Ren Baqian could not see anything wrong with his forehead. He still did not know what had happened.


    Even if he returned to the Dayao, the empress might not be able toe up with a solution. After all, she had never heard of such a thing before.


    Usually, after the master of a Spirit Weapon died, the Spirit Weapon would disappear as well.


    Ren Baqian brought this Spirit Weapon back to Earth before its master died and broke its connection to its master, resulting in the current situation.


    Its master should be dead by now, right? After all, no one would survive after attempting to kill him outside of the imperial pce. If the assassin was still alive, he would be in deep trouble when he returned to Dayao.


    After pondering over this matter for quite some time, Ren Baqian felt a slight headache and rubbed his head.


    He went upstairs, switched on his phone, and gave theboratory a call. Then, he left his house and drove straight to theboratory. He wanted to do a physical check-up to see if there was anything wrong with his body.


    Xu Shan and two assistants were waiting for Ren Baqian at theboratory. After giving him a thorough check-up, they realized there was nothing wrong with him.


    However, Ren Baqian still wasn''t at ease. After all, he still did not know what would happen to him now that somebody''s Spirit Weapon was in his body.


    Ren Baqian finally returned home as midnight approached. Heid on the bed and tried his best to enter the [Visualization of Wood].


    After all, now that his strength had increased, he did not want to stop his cultivation.


    This incident made him realize how important it was to increase his strength.


    As he entered the [Visualization of Wood], his eyes froze. He saw the metal chain winding itself around the huge tree, pretending to be one of the vines. Upon taking a closer look, Ren Baqian realized it was imitating one of the vines and hiding itself among them.


    However, its ck color and rigid posture made it extremely noticeable. No matter how hard it tried to hide itself, it still could be identified easily.


    Do you think I''m blind?


    Ren Baqian did not know whether to cry orugh.


    After standing under the tree for quite some time, Ren Baqian began to climb it. When he climbed to the two meter point, he could already touch one end of the metal chain. He reached out his hand and touched it. It was no longer as cold as before, resembling an ordinary metal chain.


    The metal chain writhed slightly, appearing as though it was forcibly continuing its guise as a vine despite being made ufortable by Ren Baqian''s touch.


    Ren Baqian''s hand froze.


    Upon taking a closer look, Ren Baqian realized the metal chain was motionless. It seemed that what he saw just now was an illusion.


    Ren Baqian touched the metal chain again and it remained motionless. Ren Baqian began to believe that it had been an illusion just now.


    At this moment, the metal chain writhed again.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes lit up.


    This thing is actually alive?


    After thinking about it, Ren Baqian reckoned that this might be the case. After all, this thing plunged itself into his head of its own ord. This proved that this thing might be alive.


    This worried Ren Baqian even more.


    After all, a thing that was formed by somebody else''s spirit was residing in his soul or his mind. Furthermore, it was alive, so why wouldn''t he be worried?


    No one knew what would happen next.

 Chapter 316 There Is Too Much Information

    After staying on Earth for two and a half days, Ren Baqian returned to Dayao when it was time. As soon as he appeared, he looked around and saw that he was surrounded by walls. Perhaps, instead of walls, it should be said that he was surrounded by humans. Dozens of burly men equipped with helmets and armor opened their eyes wide in disbelief when they saw Ren Baqian suddenly appear out of thin air with an enormous box that was bigger than him.


    "Sir Ren, Her Majesty wants you to quickly return to the pce and seek an audience with her," someone said after they squeezed through the crowd of burly men. It was themander of the imperial guards.


    "Okay." Ren Baqian nodded. It seemed that these people were waiting for him.


    "What about the assassin?" Ren Baqian asked again.


    "His body has been dismembered by the empress and used to suppress the four corners of Lan City," Xin Zhe replied.


    Ren Baqian grinned. This was the empress''s act of taking revenge and wiping out a grudge for him.


    "What about Xu Wei and the rest?" Ren Baqian continued to ask as he didn''t know how they were doing.


    "Xu Wei, Shi Ying, Zhu Jia, Zhou Hu, and Zhou Shu died during the battle. Her Majesty has already sent someone to give them an borate funeral in the mountains," Xin Zhe responded.


    "What about the constion money?"


    "ording to custom, Xu Wei''s family will receive 200 taels of silver. The families of Shi Ying and the rest will receive 50 taels of silver each."


    "When we return, I''ll get someone to send 300 taels of silver over. Get someone to deliver these 300 taels of silver as well as their bodies. If there are any children in their families, ask if they are willing to seek knowledge in the ck Bamboo Academy," said Ren Baqian.


    After all, they were his guards who had died while protecting him. Ren Baqian felt that this was the least he could do for them. "Many thanks, Principal Ren." Xin Zhe cupped her hands in obeisance and gave him a smile, which was rarely seen.


    Then, a chunk of ck metal chain emerged from the top of Ren Baqian''s head. Just like a snake, it swayed nonstop as if it was extending its head to look all over the ce. It had an enchanting appearance; one moment it twisted into an S shape and the next moment it became a B shape...


    Everyone looked at the top of Ren Baqian''s head incredulously.


    "What are all of you looking at?" Ren Baqian was puzzled. He stretched his hand to the top of his head and that metal chain locked up and retracted back as if it had gotten a shock.


    "Sir Ren, there was a metal chain on the top of your head just now. It should be that Immortal-binding Chain, right?" Xin Zhe pointed at his head and asked with a pensive look on her face.


    She knew everything that had happened on that fateful day.


    Normally, a Heaven-grade Weapon would dissipate together with the death of its owner.


    Of course, prior to this situation, there had been no history of a Heaven-grade weapon eloping with another person.


    Thus, seeing that a Heaven-grade weapon had emerged from Ren Baqian''s head, Xin Zhe didn''t understand what was going on either.


    "Oh?" Ren Baqian was stunned. That thing actually emerged on its own?


    "What about now?"


    "It''s gone."


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Ren Baqian felt that the metal chain came out to take a breather as it found this world familiar. Even though this thought of his was very nonsensical, that was a Heaven-grade weapon formed by the owner''s state of mind. It wasn''t a living creature.


    Regardless, he had to meet the empress first.


    As everyone arrived at the front of the pce, they saw more than 1,000 enormous goats standing quietly over there. Also, there were more than 1,000 goat riders standing next to them. Everyone swept their eyes across these 1,000 goat riders and saw a few familiar faces. They were the winged cavalry warriors that had returned from Great Xia on the day of the assassination attempt on Ren Baqian.


    At this time, neither party had any ns on exchanging greetings. Under everyone''s gazes, Ren Baqian headed straight for Yangxin Pce Hall.


    Upon entering Yangxin Pce Hall, he saw that the empress was quietly sitting on the sofa. The empress heard noises, turned around, and saw him. Immediately, her eyes shone with joy but calmed down soon after.


    "Your Majesty!" Over the past two days, Ren Baqian also dearly missed the empress. This was especially since he experienced a situation where he almost froze and was awaiting death.


    "Oh, apany me to the battlefield," the empress said. Presently, he felt safer being around her as such a situation wouldn''t happen to him again.


    Ren Baqian was slightly moved, but he pondered and said, "It will be better for me to go to the mountains to take a look first. If the idea doesn''t work out, I will go to the front lines and find Your Majesty. If the idea is feasible, I will brief them about what to do before meeting Your Majesty."


    The empress answered while looking at him, "You better be careful. I have assigned a guard to you. Even if youe across an ordinary Spirit Wheel expert, she will be able to guarantee your safety."


    "I''m setting off!" the empress announced as she got up from the sofa. She had waited until now because she was waiting for Ren Baqian. Now that he had arrived, she could set off.


    "Your Majesty, be careful!" Ren Baqian cupped his hands in obeisance.


    The empress walked in front of him and cautiously watched him for a long time. Then, she clutched his chin with her hand, gently leaned forward, and pressed her lips on his. Both of them could feel the warmth of each other.


    Aspared to her giving a peck previously, both of their lips came into contact for 10 seconds this time. They could feel how soft and warm the other''s lips were. After that, the empress tookrge strides and headed out of the pce hall.


    She was wearing the gift from Ren Baqian, that red traditional Han Chinese dress with a phoenix sewn on it. Her hair was worn in a bun with a hair clip.


    When she walked out of the Yangxin Pce Hall, her entire vibe changed rapidly, like a sharp sword piercing into the sky.


    "Set off!" the empress indifferently instructed the people outside the pce hall.


    Ren Baqian was a little stunned. The soft touch on his lips hadn''t seemed to have dissipated yet, but hadn''t they been in the wrong roles just now?


    He pursed his lips, which were still rather sweet.


    A metal chain stealthily extended from the top of his head, twisting into an S shape before twisting into an M shape.


    When Ren Baqian left the pce hall, there was already someone waiting for him outside.


    "Hey, let''s talk about this. Although I''m under orders to protect you, I can only ensure that you will live to see Her Majesty. I do not guarantee that you will not lose any of your limbs!"


    Looking at the girl with a pair of sleepy eyes in front of him, Ren Baqian was speechless.


    Your Majesty, this is the guard that you are assigning to me?


    "I will give you 10 pieces of White Rabbit Creamy Candy every day." Ren Baqian extended his palm.


    "I will guarantee that you do not lose your arms."


    "20 pieces!"


    "I will ensure that you live to see Her Majesty in one piece." Lin Qiaole immediately perked up when she heard what Ren Baqian said. She patted her t chest with the appearance of a loyal guard.


    "Let''s go!"


    "Where to?"


    A momentter, Ren Baqian was standing on the top of the city wall. Under the protection of the winged cavalry, the empress''s throne left the city and headed straight north.


    All the court officials were present in the city.


    Tong Zhenye waited for the empress to leave and appeared beside Ren Baqian in a sh. He then patted him on the shoulder and said, "It''s good to hear that Sir Ren is fine."


    Ren Baqian waited until he couldn''t see the throne of the empress, then turned around and cupped his hands. "Sir Tong."


    "Sir Ren, what happened to you after you were attacked?" Tong Zhenye asked curiously. He was even more curious about how Ren Baqian disappeared together with Luo Zhen''s Immortal-binding Chain.


    "Have you heard of Hearthstone?"Ren Baqian turned around and asked.


    [Hearthstone - a World of Warcraft item that allows one to teleport back to one''s home city.]


    "I have never heard of it before. What''s that?" Tong Zhenye was inquisitive and felt that he would be able to hear something shockingly confidential.


    "There''s a treasure in this world called the Hearthstone and rubbing it can instantly bring someone thousands of kilometers away."


    "There is actually such a treasure in this world?! I wonder if Sir Ren could give me the chance to widen my horizons!" Tong Zhenye was full of envy. This world actually had such a treasure.


    Even Lin Qiaole, who was by the side, fixed her gaze on Ren Baqian.


    "To be able to use the Hearthstone, one has to swallow it first. Then, it will integrate with your body. When you want to use it, all you have to do is rub your d*ck. Sir Tong, do you want to see?" Ren Baqian gave him the side eye and questioned him back.


    Tong Zhenye thought about Ren Baqian touching his own d*ck during the time he was attacked, then...


    "Pfft!"


    "I want to see, I want to see!" A delicate voice came from the side. Lin Qiaole waspletely excited because she wanted to see what kind of a treasure the Hearthstone was.


    Ren Baqian, "Pffft!"

 Chapter 317 Treat It Like An Arrogant Young Master

    After descending from the city wall, Ren Baqian went straight to the clinic. He heard from Tong Zhenye that there were two people in Dayao who knew Great Xia practitioners the best. One of them was in the imperial medical center, the other one was in Qingxin Pce Hall.


    He did not know who was more reliable and went straight to the clinic.


    The employees working in the imperial medical center were divided into five ranks. The highest ranking official was called "President" and his rank was Secondary ss, Rank 1. Below him, there were the master physicians, physicians, medics, and finally, disciples.


    Disciples were the lowest ranking. Medics were slightly better than disciples. However, in reality, medics were just disciples that possessed more medical skills. Medics were like the ancient Chinese schrs that were preparing for imperial examinations.


    "Is Master Physician Qiong in?" Ren Baqian entered the clinic and asked. Very soon, he found the person he was looking for. It was an elderly man that looked approximately 60 years old. His skin was tanned, and he was reading a medical book in his room at this moment.


    "Master Physician Qiong?" Ren Baqian opened the door and cupped his fists.


    "Principal Ren? You came just at the right time. What does this mean?" Master Physician Qiong was delighted when he saw Ren Baqian. He had been trying to find Ren Baqian for the past few days, but thetter was either at the pce or the academy every day. He did not expect Ren Baqian to find him here.


    "This... and this...: Master Physician Qiong flipped through the book he was reading.


    Upon looking at the content of the book, Ren Baqian realized it was a manuscript copy of "Typhoid and Diseases" that he gave to Chen Medicinal Shop.


    However, it was merely halfpleted.


    After all, he had only been to Chen Medicinal Shop twice to trante the book.


    "I also don''t really know much about these things. I will send you a few books in the future so that you can do some cross-referencing," Ren Baqian immediately said.


    "Chen Medicinal Shop still has some books, when can you trante them?"


    "You can ask the students from the academy for help. Master Physician Qiong, the main reason why I came here today is to seek help from you." Ren Baqian had no time to talk about the medical books. He wanted to talk about his condition urgently.


    Following which, Ren Baqian told Master Physician Qiong about what happened to him.


    "You''re saying that you were attacked by a Spirit Wheel expert,then instantly teleported thousands of miles away with his Spirit Weapon, and now that Spirit Weapon is in your body because it couldn''t find its original master?" Doubt was written all over Master Physician Qiong''s face.


    "That''s right," Ren Baqian said.


    "Is it the one on top of your head?" Master Physician Qiong looked at metal poking out of the top of Ren Baqian''s head with utter surprise.


    He had never seen such a thing before, let alone heard of it.


    Lin Qiaole quickly looked at the top of Ren Baqian''s head. Indeed, there was a metal chain poking out of his head. The top end of the metal chain was drooping, resembling a snake that was looking around.


    "The top of my head?" Hearing these words, Ren Baqian tried to reach for the metal chain on top of his head, but missed it as the metal chain quickly withdrew back into his head


    Afterwards, Master Physician Qiong did a series of tests on Ren Baqian. Aboriginal body check-ups were very interesting. Other than checking his eyes and mouth, Master Physician Qiong also made him drip a few drops of his blood into a basin of clear water. Then, the physician added a few types of liquids into the basin, and Ren Baqian''s blood began to transform.


    Ren Baqian felt it wasn''t a body check-up, but rather, a chemistry experiment.


    "Your kidneys are healthy... Not bad!" Master Physician Qiong nodded.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    "Your liver is slightly inmed and your lungs are slightly injured, but they won''t be much of a problem."


    "Come, chew this and spit it out." Master Physician Qiong handed Ren Baqian a piece of leaf. Initially, when Ren Baqian ced it in it his mouth, he felt nothing. However, after chewing it for a while, his face came distorted as his mouth felt tart and numb.


    "Don''t mind its taste. This is good stuff that I''m usually unwilling to use on average individuals," Master Physician Qiong quickly said when he saw that Ren Baqian was about to puke.


    After he finished chewing the leaf, Ren Baqian spat it into a small te. Master Physician Qiong sniffed and observed it carefully. Ren Baqian did not know what Master Physician Qiong could tell from it.


    "There''s nothing wrong with your soul." Master Physician Qiong nodded after using a knife to flick the chewed leaf around. Then, he made Ren Baqian sit down.


    "From the look of it, there isn''t anything wrong with you currently. You should know that Spirit Weapons are formed out of spirit. Usually, Great Xia practitioners will cultivate their vital energy first, somewhat like the aboriginals. We temper our body through various methods, but after attaining the level of Man Wheel, a Great Xia practitioner will convert his essence blood into essence qi. On the contrary, an aboriginal will continue to increase the thickness of his blood vessels and temper his blood and bones. A Great Xia practitioner can exude his essence qi. When he attains the level of Earth Wheel, he can use the qi in the environment to heal his injuries. This is the so-called Earth Embryo. Other than the Sea of Qi that stores qi, everyone has a ce called the Sea of Consciousness in their bodies. The so-called "crashing the Celestial Gate" is the process of opening up the Sea of Consciousness. When the Sea of Consciousness is connected to heaven and earth, it will begin to transform. The qi and soul power in heaven and earth will form a spirit in the practitioner''s body. By then, he would have attained the level of Spirit Wheel. This Spirit Weapon is actually the product of the fusion of the essence qi and spirit..."


    Master Physician Qiong gave Ren Baqian a brief exnation of spirit.


    "That''s why a Spirit Weapon will disappear after its master passes away. A Spirit Weapon follows its master wherever he or she goes. Logically speaking, a situation where a Spirit Weapon can''t connect to its master shouldn''t ur. It is even less probable for a Spirit Weapon to continue to exist after its master has died."


    "Yet, this has indeed happened." Ren Baqianughed bitterly.


    After furrowing his eyebrows for quite some time, Master Physician Qiong replied, "There''s something you haven''t told me yet."


    Ren Baqian sighed. "I did hide something from you, but it''s more or less simr to what I have told you. What should I do now? Can this thing be taken out?"


    "It can''t be taken out. No matter what caused this situation, this Spirit Weapon has already regarded your body as its home. It''s possible that it needs a ce that can ensure its existence after its master died."


    "How will it affect me? It seems like it''s alive!" Ren Baqian quickly said. The metal chain had already bored out of his head twice.


    "Usually, a Spirit Weapon is controlled by its master. Such a situation like yours has never happened before. From the look of it, since this Spirit Weapon is made up of spirit and essence qi, it''s like a doppelganger of its dead master. Even if its master is already dead, it''s likely that his spirit in this Spirit Weapon has developed intelligence. It is because of this that I said that it regards your subconsciousness as its home to ensure its continued existence. Drawing on advantages and avoiding disadvantages is the instinctive behavior of all living things. However, this Spirit Weapon developed its intelligence only after its master died. Therefore, it wasn''t affected by its master''s death. It is like a newborn baby now."


    "Sir Ren, when you attain the level of Spirit Wheel and form your own Spirit Weapon, you should be able to drive it out of your body. However, it will be very dangerous to do so. After all, a human''s subconsciousness isn''t an ordinary ce. I feel that you should see if you canmunicate with it or not. Since a spirit that has just developed intelligence is like a newborn baby, maybe you can use it for your own benefit."


    "Is this possible?" Ren Baqian felt he might have had a lucky break. Perhaps he could use a Spirit Weapon while at the mere level of Man Wheel to ughter his enemies in the future? As he thought of this, he felt slightly excited.


    "We have no other solutions, right? Even a Spirit Wheel practitioner can''t plunge a Spirit Weapon into your subconsciousness, let alone drive this Spirit Weapon out of your subconsciousness."


    "Furthermore, it hasn''t attacked you yet. Every day, it''s being nurtured by your subconsciousness. Therefore, I feel that it''s highly possible. However, Sir Ren, there''s something you should take note of. Even if you are able to use it, don''t use it. Fighting with a Spirit Weapon requires a powerful spirit and a huge amount of essence qi. Having a powerful spirit will also allow your body to heal. Since you haven''t reached the level of Spirit Wheel, your subconsciousness can''t connect to heaven and earth, and you can''t use the Spirit Weapon. If you really use this Spirit Weapon in a fight, your subconsciousness will be sucked dry. Even in the best scenario, your subconsciousness will be severely damaged, and it would be difficult to progress your cultivation in the future," Master Physician Qiong warned.


    "So there''s an arrogant young master living in my body and I have to coax him and prevent him from getting hurt, right?" Ren Baqian was speechless. Just now, he was still feeling excited. He did not expect the metal chain to be such a bast*rd.


    "Something like that." Master Physician Qong smiled cheerfully upon seeing thar Ren Baqian understood what was going on.


    Ren Baqian wanted to spit at his face.


    After leaving the medical center, Ren Baqian went straight to Qingxin Pce Hall to find Lin Qiaole''s grandma, Supervisor Lin. Supervisor Lin''s reaction was somewhat simr to Master Physician Qiong''s. She was very surprised, appearing as though she had seen an alien.


    After all, this kind of thing had never happened before. Supervisor Lin couldn''t find any information on it even after she looked through all the ancient records.


    In the end, her conclusion was somewhat simr to Master Physician Qiong''s, allowing Ren Baqian to stop thinking so much about it. It seemed that he had to put in more effort inmunicating with the metal chain.


    "What are you doing here?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked Lin Qiaole.


    "Protecting you." Lin Qiaole looked annoyed. "Her Majesty wants me to protect you."


    "You don''t need to do that in the pce. Go back and have a good rest." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    Girl, are you stupid?


    I have already agreed to pay you 20 pieces of White Rabbit Creamy Candy, so why are you still desperate for it?


    "Yaaaaawn! Yay!" Lin Qiaole let out a yawn. Following which, she left with a pair of sleepy eyes, appearing as though she was sleepwalking.


    After seeing Lin Qiaole leave, Ren Baqianid on the bed and entered the [Visualization of Wood].


    Instantly, he saw the metal chain pretending to be a vine hanging on the tree. It gave off a ck glimmer and was extremely eye-catching. It resembled a firefly that was flying in the dark night. It also resembled a butcher that was cutting meat ever so elegantly. Even though it was hiding among countless vines, Ren Baqian could identify it with one nce.

 Chapter 318 The First Group Chat In The Other World

    On the morning of the third day, when the sky wasn''t even lit yet, the horsemen left from the West Gate in groups.


    Ren Baqian was waiting for them somewhere near the city.


    After all, someone just tried to assassinate him not long ago. This time around, Ren Baqian was traveling to the mountains, which were some distance away. As such, he couldn''t help but be extra cautious.


    Even though Great Xia''s diplomats were all locked up in prison and had been forgotten by people, this didn''t mean that there wouldn''t be any scouts from Great Xia lurking around the city.


    In particr, those trade merchants that seemed honest and well-behaved. Ren Baqian was absolutely certain that there was a Great Xia scout among them.


    Ren Baqian was sitting in the carriage while Lin Qiaole was sleeping in ordance with the rocking of the carriage''s side. The other carriage consisted of two officials from the Ministry of Works, and there were over 50 imperial guards who were all above the level of Earth Wheel.


    After the assassination attempt, the empress upgraded his guards to higher level experts, but assigning 50 guards to protect him was also the limit.


    However, if something were to happen in reality, he could only count on the forever drowsy Lin Qiaole.


    From time to time, there were young girls arriving together. Some of them arrived under the escort of their servants, yet sent their servants back home.


    "How many people have arrived?" Ren Baqian lifted the curtain and asked.


    "Sir, 22 people have arrived." Someone immediately answered.


    This person was Ren Baqian''s new guard leader and also someone that was familiar to him, Shi Hu.


    "Alert me when everyone is here." Ren Baqian nodded.


    Another minute passed, and the sky was already bright. Thest three people had finally arrived.


    Under Ren Baqian''smand, the entire troop set off. As he got further away from Lan City, Ren Baqian began to feel more rxed.


    It wouldn''t be that easy for him to be discovered out here.


    As a matter of fact, there were more foreign trade merchants in the districts where the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation lived in the south. Only a few cities in the north had these foreign trade merchants; for example, Lan City.


    It was extremely difficult for Ren Baqian to run into them outside of the city.


    Cheerful conversations and noises from the many students could be heard from the back of the carriage. asionally, Tong Lan''s crisp voice, which sounded like a bell, could be heard as well. Although her tone was always fierce and filled with malicious intentions, not many people cared about it.


    After traveling on the road for a day, Ren Baqian incessantly shifted from the carriage to the back of a fork-horned cow and vice versa.


    The carriage was too bumpy, but it wasn''tfortable riding the fork-horned cow. As a result, he continuously changed between these two positions from time to time.


    At this moment, he was actually envious of Lin Qiaole because she actually slept so well in the carriage. No matter whether it was bumpy or noisy, nothing could disturb her sleep. The only time she would get up was during lunch, and she would return to sleep after consuming ten times the amount that Ren Baqian ate.


    Ren Baqian even wondered if she would still be sleeping after he was killed.


    After setting up the tents and having dinner, Ren Baqian was listless, so he turned on the radio station.


    "Your Majesty, are you there?"


    A short momentter, the empress''s voice could be heard. "What happened?"


    "Nothing''s wrong, I just wanted to know where Your Majesty is, if you ate well, and whether the journey was tough or not?" Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    To put it simply, he was just fooling around.


    The empress, "..."


    After a long time, Ren Baqian thought that the empress had turned off the radio station when she finally replied, "We have arrived in Gu City."


    "Your Majesty, what did you have for dinner? I saw that you didn''t bring along any chefs from the imperial kitchen. As such, I wonder if you are used to the food served there." Ren Baqian continued to tease.


    "When the enemy army is outside, there''s no need to pay particr attention to such a minor issue." The empress answered.


    "How can this be possible? Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation. Even if the enemy is outside, issues regarding Your Majesty shouldn''t be neglected. I will get the imperial kitchen to send someone over now."


    Ren Baqian was stumped by what he heard. He didn''t even have time to speak. Who was this person?


    "May I ask who this is?" Ren Baqian questioned.


    "I am Shi Qing!" The other party said.


    "As it turns out, it''s Sir Shi! This thing is very useful. I can even hear Sir Shi speak from a great distance away." Another person spoke, and his voice was very charming. It sounded like the voice of a middle-aged man.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "May I ask who else is on this frequency?"


    "You are Principal Ren from the ck Bamboo Academy, right? I have heard about you for a long time. I am Li Qianqiu. I didn''t expect that I would meet you under such circumstances." That person said.


    Ren Baqian immediately knew who this person was once he revealed his name. Protector General of the Center, Li Qianqiu, who was one of the five Protector Generals.


    "I see, it''s Sir Li. This item is indeed pretty good. Your Majesty, I will go get someone to inform the pce!" Shi Qing responded.


    "Your Majesty is also here? Li Qianqiu pays his respect to Your Majesty. I wonder, where is Your Majesty now at this moment?" It seemed like Li Qiuqian heard what Shi Qing said, thus he immediately paid his respects to Her Majesty.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty. I''m Xi Wangu. As I have duties, I am not able to personally pay my respects to Your Majesty. Please pardon my negligence."


    "Skip the formalities. Are there any unusual movements in the south?" The empress asked enthusiastically.


    "Those people have never been content. Over the past few days, I have executed a few more people, and it finally made them slightly more well-behaved. This, however, is also only on the surface. Some people are still coborating privately. I''m indubitably sure that Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the other nations are using all their strength. Once I have these tigers by their tails, I will definitely capture them all in one go." Xi Wangu replied coldly.


    "Li Qianqiu, what about your side?" The empress inquired.


    "We have already arrived at Qinghe Stream in the mountains, and the front line has reached Rao City. Currently, Great Xia''s army has branched out to five different routes. Among the five routes, two surrounded Ping City and Shun City. As for the other three routes, they were headed in the direction of Yusheng City, Guke City, and Liao City, respectively.


    Both Guke City and Liao City have 1,000 garrison soldiers, 2,000 soldiers who withdrew from the Protectorate of the North, and several tens of thousands ofmoners. As for Yusheng City, there are only 1,000 soldiers over there. I''m afraid that it''s difficult to obstruct the invasion of Great Xia''s troops.


    I have already transferred 1,500 soldiers over, and they are hurrying to Yusheng City throughout the night. I''m just not sure if they will arrive in time," Li Qianqiu said in a deep voice with a concerned tone.


    Ren Baqian witnessed them using the radio station as a group chat while they greeting one another and talking about military affairs. Although the radio stations should be utilized this way, he still found it to be a strange phenomenon.


    Furthermore, none of them spoke previously. It was only after he greeted the empress that everyone appeared out of nowhere. What in the world do all of you want?


    Ren Baqian listened to the ongoing conversations from the radio station.


    Lin Qiaole was awakened by the noise. She opened her eyelids with great difficulty. "Why is it so noisy? Who is talking?"


    "Go back to sleep." Ren Baqian gently patted her head.


    Like a cat, she swatted away Ren Baqian''s hand before changing position to continue sleeping. In no time, Lin Qiaole''s deep breathing could be heard, and she even began to drool in her sleep.


    After quite some time, Li Qianqiu and Xi Wanya took their leave because they had work to do. After realizing that there wasn''t anyone else around, Ren Baqian asked, "Your Majesty, are you still there?"


    "I''m here!" the empress dered.


    "Even though I can''t see Your Majesty now, we are under the same starry sky at this moment, so it feels like we are much closer now," Ren Baqian continued to tease.


    Nearly a thousand kilometers away, the empress pushed open a window and looked at the sky above her with a smile on her face.


    "The stars tonight are really bright, but it seems like the wind is springing up. It may rain tomorrow," Shi Qing''s voice was suddenly transmitted from the radio station, and this made Ren Baqian feel like strangling him.


    Why didn''t I find this old man as annoying in the past?


    A metal chain quietly probed from the top of Ren Baqian''s head and looked in all four directions. Then, it extended its front section out of the carriage''s window, as if it was curious about the outside world.


    Before Ren Baqian could sense anything, the metal chain retracted back at lightning speed.

 Chapter 319 Ascending The Mountain

    The next afternoon, a party of people arrived at Nine-peaked Mountain.


    Ren Baqian alighted from his carriage and asked some guards to locate the luoweng horn. Then, he raised his head and examined the mountain range ahead of him. The ridges and peaks on this mountain range ovepped each other. Ren Baqian did not know exactly how long the mountain range was. It merely looked extremely vast to him. The tall trees and the dense prehistoric forest gave the mountain range an aura of savagery.


    In the distance, the tallest of the nine peaks looked as though it was touching the sky. This must be how the name "Nine-peaked Mountain" came about.


    Sweet-sounding chirps could be heard in the forest. Every now and then, Ren Baqian would see a few birds flying out of the forest.


    "Teacher, what are we doing here?" Shi Gan walked beside Ren Baqian and asked. The rest of the students dismounted from their beasts to stretch their bodies.


    Tong Lan was standing on her horned cow while checking out her surroundings. Thepels of her jacket were fluttering in the wind, making her look like a delicate fairy.


    It was a pity that she was a short-legged fairy.


    "You will know very soon," Ren Baqian replied.


    From the future historical records of Dayao: "Dayao, 71st Year. The great pioneer, scientist, and educator Ren Baqian led 24 useless students to Nine-peaked Mountain and sessfully built salt wells, solving the problem of salt scarcity in Dayao..."


    Such a scene appeared in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    However, just in case things did not work out and he was pped in the face, he felt that he shouldn''t say too much.


    The guards quickly located the luoweng horn. A few hundred meters away, there was a 1.5-meter-tall wooden pole. A 60-centimeter-long horn was hung on top of it. One of its ends was thick and the other end was thin. It was entirely brown in color with its surface divided into sections by red rings.


    "This is a good-quality luoweng horn," Shi Hui picked up the horn and said.


    "Why do you say that?" Ren Baqian asked with curiosity.


    "A new ring would grow on the surface of a luoweng horn every eight years. This luoweng horn has 16 rings, which means it is at least 100 years old," Shi Hui exined.


    Ren Baqian nodded. It was like growth rings of a tree.


    The fact that Shi Hui was able to multiply 16 by eight so fast surprised Ren Baqian greatly. He realized Shi Hui was quite gifted in mathematics.


    Following which, Shi Hui ced the thin end of the luoweng horn into his mouth and blew it with force.


    The sound produced by the luoweng horn wasn''t as deep as a cow horn''s. It was very sharp, resembling the screech of an eagle.


    Ren Baqian covered his ears. The sound of this thing was very loud and pointed, giving him a severe headache.


    After quite some time, a howl came from the distance. It was produced by a human.


    "This means that they have heard us and are on their way to receive us," Shi Hu told Ren Baqian.


    "What if we were enemies?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "When an enemy blows the luoweng horn, a different pitch will be produced. One needs a special technique to blow this thing; outsiders would not know how to blow it. Furthermore, aboriginals won''t resort to deception such as pretending to be friendly," Shi Wu exined.


    Ren Baqian always felt human nature was unpredictable. There could never be too much deception in war; anything could happen.


    However, it seemed that aboriginals seldomly resort to deception.


    Maybe it had something to do with their stupidity.


    Of course, this was just a joke. In reality, aboriginals had their own set of etiquette and rules that they abided by. For many years, this set of etiquette and rules was strictly followed by everyone.


    Furthermore, aboriginals were honest and straightforward people. Therefore, they seldomly resorted to deception.


    This was also rted to the lifestyle they lived in the mountain in the past. If their reputation was damaged, they would be ostracized by other strongholds. If that happened, no one would help them when they encountered trouble, and they would soon cease to exist.


    As time passed, some rules had be invible.


    These rules were strictly followed even outside of the mountains.


    After one hour, another howl resounded through the air from the forest. This time around, the source of the howl was much closer to them and about a few hundred meters away from them.


    "This is to check the identity of the visitor," Shi Wu exined.


    Following which, he blew the luoweng horn and let out a sharp screech again.


    After another few minutes, rustling sound could be heard from the forest. Subsequently, two figures appeared in front of them.


    "You''re Her Majesty''s men?" one of them yelled.


    The two men looked approximately 40 years old. They were wearing only a pair of animal-hide underpants, and their naked upper bodies were packed with bronze muscles. They each wore a ne of fangs on their necks and carried a bow on their backs.


    "This is Sir Ren and these are his students. They are from the ck Bamboo Academy. I am an imperial guard and this is my token." Shi Hu shed a token in his hand.


    The two men stepped out of the forest. Instead of looking at Shi Hu''s token, they examined everyone closely.


    "He is not an aboriginal?" one of the muscr men pointed at Ren Baqian and asked.


    "Sir Ren has personally been chosen by Her Majesty to be her husband. He is also the principal of ck Bamboo Academy. This ce is not too far from Lan City, so you should have heard of him before," Shi Hu answered.


    "Oh, it''s him!" That man scratched his head. "I did hear of him, but I didn''t quite believe it before."


    Following which, he examined Ren Baqian and shook his head. "Too skinny."


    Clearly, he was wondering why the empress would choose such a weakling as her husband.


    Ren Baqian was 1.75 meters tall and weighed nearly 90 kilograms. Due to the training and beatings he received every day, solid muscles had developed throughout his body as a result.


    On Earth, he would be considered a muscr man.


    However, in the eyes of these aboriginals, he still looked skinny like a girl. Hepletely failed to fulfill their aesthetic conception of a man.


    His shoulders had to be broader and his arms had to be so thick that they could be used for walking before the aboriginals would consider him to be a normal man.


    "Previously, I met a girl called Na Gu from your stronghold." Ren Baqian finally recalled that girl''s name after constantly thinking about it on the way here. "I told her about it back then, and that''s why we came here today."


    "Is it?" That muscr man continued to scratch his head.


    "What''s your purpose foring here?" the other muscr man asked. Ren Baqian''s party had a total of 70 plus people. Other than Ren Baqian, the rest of them were aboriginals and were equipped with sabers and armor.


    In Dayao, only rich people or officials could afford these sabers.


    Ordinary people already treated daggers as their family treasures.


    However, these two men weren''t really afraid of Ren Baqian and his party. Just like the aboriginals that Ren Baqian had encountered on his trip to Mount Damo, these people did not fear officials at all. They did not even show the slightest bit of respect to them. It was as though they treated the officials like people from other strongholds.


    Most people living in the mountain behaved like this.


    After all, thete emperor originated from the mountains.


    Only the people living in the city, who often came into contact with the outside world, would have some respect for the officials.


    "I heard that there is a ce here called the ck Pool. I want to go there and take a look," Ren Baqian said.


    "What''s so nice about that poisonous pool?" one of the burly men mumbled. Then, he said to everyone, "Follow me, but that thing can''t be brought up to the mountain."


    He was pointing at the carriage.


    "We can leave it here," Ren Baqian did not mind and replied.


    Following which, that burly man led everyone onto a dirt path beside them and exined, "The path where we came from just now is more suitable for descending from the mountain. There is another path that is more suitable for ascending the mountain."


    After walking along the dirt path for a few hundred meters, the burly man led them into the forest. Ren Baqian ordered some people to carry the radio station, the sr panel, and the rest of the equipment. He left only two people to take care of the carriage.


    Ren Baqian and his party entered the forest. Immediately after they entered the forest, the students ran and jumped around like monkeys.


    Even though they had grown up in Lan City, they were instinctively close to the forest.


    Tong Lan stepped on a tree trunk and jumped onto a tree branch. Then, she acted like a female Tarzan in front of Ren Baqian.


    "Come and chase me!" Tong Lan turned around andughed at the students behind her.


    Propping one hand against the tree branch beneath her, she leaped into the air, flipped, andnded on another tree. Following which, she jumped toward another tree. Along the way, she did not forget to make an ugly face at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian looked up, saw her making an ugly face at him, and casually raised the camera hanging around his neck. He watched on as Tong Lan jumped toward another tree and smashed into the tree trunk...


    "Bang!"


    The tree trunk, which had a circumference equivalent to the wingspan of two people, trembled slightly, causing a piece of leaf and two unlucky snakes to fall from the tree branch.


    "Mmph!" Tong Lan leaped onto the branch of another tree and covered her nose with her hand. Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she couldn''t help but shed a tear.


    She was a genius, so how could she cry?


    Ren Baqian put down the camera with satisfaction. He had already taken another picture of Tong Lan''s dark history.


    After walking a few hundred meters in the forest, they saw a small path ahead of them. It was unknown whether the path was made by humans or wild beasts.


    Every now and then, they would hear the sound of small animals fleeing away in rm from the bushes around them, causing a few students to chase after them. After a while, they saw Du Laoliu return with a deer-like animal in his hands. Itsrge eyes were glimmering with tears, appearing extremely pitiful.


    Tong Lan immediately jumped down from the tree. "So cute!"


    "It''s quite cute." Ren Baqian nodded. "Let''s eat it for dinner."


    "Yeah!" Lin Qiaole, who was initially sleepwalking, almost drooled when she heard about food.


    After walking for about four hours, Ren Baqian and his party finally got out of the forest. They then saw a ce in the distance enclosed by a wooden fence. There was also a huge wooden door that had already been opened.


    Inside the enclosure, there were two tall turrets.


    Ahead of Ren Baqian and his party, there was a brook. The crystal-clear water of the brook refreshed everyone.


    Several students instantly ran to the brook with excitement to wash their faces and drink from it. After walking in the forest and climbing up and down the trees for so long, all of them were thirsty.


    "Ah!" Before all of the students had run over to the brook in excitement, they saw a student swinging his hand. A fish that was slightly bigger than a finger was biting one of his fingers.


    "Finger-biting fish taste quite good, but they are too small." One of the burly men that led Ren Baqian and his party chuckled.


    "Taste quite good?" Ren Baqian rubbed his chin. The citizens of Dayao seldom ate fish.


    "Are there a lot of them in the brook? Are they easy to catch?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "There are quite a lot of them in the brook. If you want to catch them, all you need to do is ce your finger in the brook and they will bite it without letting go. When the harvest is bad, the children in the stronghold wille here to catch the finger-biting fish."


    Ren Baqian looked at the students around him and felt that he would be able to taste the so-called finger-biting fish soon.


    He had always been very satisfied with the food in this world. This world had delicious food that couldn''t be found on Earth.

 Chapter 320 Bonfire

    "Why do we need to do this?" a dumbfounded student muttered.


    A row of 23 students squatted along the two sides of the brook. They ced their hands into the water for a short while, then hastily pulled them out and removed a fish from their finger. Even though these fish looked pretty small, their bite was actually pretty painful.


    "Yagui said that we will be awarded additional marks on the final examination," another student said.


    "You guys don''t even have the mettle of an aboriginal warrior." Tong Lan despised those students as she sat on a rock not too far away from them.


    "At least we''re better than those doing the extra homework now!" Another student giggled.


    Thinking about those 25 people at home writing at a tremendous speed, everyone started feeling better bnced.


    "What do you think will happen if I put my d*ck in the water?" Du Laoliu whispered to the person beside him.


    The young man beside him almost spat out blood.


    "I want to find out as well. Why don''t you try?" The young man instigated.


    "Forget it, I was just saying it for fun." Du Laoliu forced augh.


    "This type of fish will bite any piece of flesh the size of a finger, right? Why not use some meat strips?" a girl asked. "Du Laoliu, where''s the cute animal that you caught?"


    She felt sorry for her fingertips.


    "Yagui confiscated it and said he was having it for dinner, but none for us," Du Laoliu expressed his helplessness.


    "Tong Lan, is your nose still hurting?" Du Laoliu touched on a sore spot.


    The next second, Tong Lan kicked him into the brook.


    Even though it didn''t seem deep, the water reached the height of his waist. Du Laoliu flopped around in the water for a while before standing up and bawling miserably. His voice resounded far and wide.


    His fingertips had three finger biting fishtched onto them, but that wasn''t the main concern. Most importantly, he reached down into his pants and pulled out a fish.


    Du Laoliu''s face turned pale.


    An aboriginal man usually wore a kilt or short pants with nothing underneath due to the hot weather...


    ...


    Presently, Ren Baqian was in the stronghold. It wasn''t very big and had less than 100 wooden houses. They were all about a meter off the ground. This design was primarily to ward off insects.


    There were about 200 people in the stronghold, but the youths and strong people had currently split into two groups and gone hunting, leaving behind the kids and the elderly. There were also a few guards to protect against beasts. The person who weed Ren Baqian initially was one of the guards.


    At this moment, the elder of the stronghold had already left. Ren Baqian stayed in a wooden room which had just been vacated for him.


    The rest of the guards had already left to chop wood in order to build a small house.


    Ironware in the stronghold was very precious. They were reluctant to use them to chop wood and build houses, but those guards didn''t really have to worry about that issue.


    Ren Baqian sat on the floor first, then switched on the radio station. He heard someone talking as soon as he switched it on. It was Li Qianqiu discussing military affairs with a weakly stranger. Ren Baqian overheard them talking about the Great Xia army''s tendencies.


    That weak sounding voice probably belonged to Hong Wu and was coughing intermittently after every few sentences. That voice was a far cry from the high spirits that he had back then, and it seemed as though he was pretty badly injured.


    Ren Baqian merely listened and didn''t interrupt. He turned off the radio station after he had rested enough and switched to packing some stuff for the trip up the mountain.


    For example, some ss bottles that were manufactured from the ss factory. These bottles could be used to store the brown water from both the ck Pool and the crevices of the other mountain.


    He would then send the gathered samples back to Earth and let them do aboratory test to see if the results were what he had expected.


    As he was packing, Lin Qiaoley sleeping and drooling at the side, tightly hugging onto an animal with big watery eyes that resembled a small deer.


    That small little thing was so constricted by her that it seemed as if it was running out of breath.


    When it was evening, over 30 strong, young men returned with their prey. They could see over 20 young boys and girls squatting by the river bank from afar as well as a refined girl who was dressed in white, sat on a rock, and was swinging her legs.


    "Who are you people?" one man in his forties asked.


    "We are from the ck Bamboo Academy, and we followed our teacher here. He is the husband chosen by Her Majesty!" Shi Gan stood up and cupped his fists.


    "Ah! Ah! Ah! It''s that person right?" A girl in the crowd with a head full of braids was astonished. She often went to Lan City with her brother and had heard a lot about the events happening in Lan City. She guessed that the husband that Her Majesty had chosen was the man that she saw some time ago who looked like a swindler. After all, he seemed to be the only official in Dayao who had a foreign origin, but that was all just a wild guess.


    However, it had been such a long time since she saw Ren Baqian that the girl thought he had already forgotten her. She would only remember him whenever she heard his name while in Lan City.


    "The guy that we saw previously should be him," Na Gu said as she held onto her brother.


    "We''re not sure about that yet," Na Gu''s brother replied with a heavy voice.


    After a short while, everyone saw Ren Baqian. He was taking a stroll in the courtyard. Ren Baqian could see from afar that a group of indigenous people was returning as they carried their prey. There was one animal which was exceptionally eye-catching. It had the build of a small hill and needed two people to carry it.


    The people here called it the ck Faced Gentleman, but it was in fact just a wild boar.


    "It''s indeed you!" Ady with a head full of little braids jumped out of the crowd. She was holding two of the little animals that Du Laoliu had caught.


    "Miss Na Gu!" Ren Baqianughed as he greeted.


    "I thought that you had forgotten me," Na Gu muttered. "Are you going to employ me? AS we have agreed previously, half a catty of salt for a day."


    "How could I forget." Ren Baqianughed.


    The both of them chatted a little bit, then Ren Baqian watched as everyone in the stronghold started organizing their hunting spoils.


    When night fell, another team of strong young hunters returned from the mountains, but their catch was rather disappointingpared to the previous group.


    The meals of these indigenous people were based purely on luck. If they were lucky, one hunting trip would yield a few days'' worth of meals. If they didn''t have much luck, they would only bring back a little food even after a few days.


    At night, the stronghold organized a rather grand bonfire party.


    The indigenous people were simple and honest. When they had guests, they would bring out whatever food they had to host them.


    At the sight of this, Ren Baqian took out some spices as well. He also whipped up a dish of stewed river fish, and it was delicious, but not many people enjoyed it besides himself.


    He sat on a wooden pir and slowly sipped on the fish soup that he was holding. The sound of drums resonated throughout the entire ce. There was also an elder ying an instrument made out of animal bones that sounded a little like an ocarina. The music was humble, serene, and distant.


    Surrounding the bonfire, the indigenous people were dancing very primitive and wild dance.


    The girls in the stronghold were wearing short skirts and shirts made of animal skin, exposing their long legs and navels. At the same time, it revealed their toned and slender figures. Ren Baqian felt that it would be much better without those burly men jumping around and exposing their hairy legs in underwear made of animal skin.


    Due to the influence of the lively atmosphere in the stronghold, many students went down and started dancing as well. Not to mention, there were a few of them who danced pretty well.


    For instance, Du Laoliu and two other female students.


    "Why aren''t you going down to dance?" Ren Baqian asked without even turning his head to look.


    Somewhere not far away sat the short-legged Tong Lan.


    "Childish!" Tong Lan was full of disdain, but her eyes were glistening.


    "You can''t say that it''s childish. Besides, if you don''t do it now, there may not be another chance in the future!" Ren Baqian casually replied.


    Given Tong Lan''s status, there weren''t many opportunities for her to participate in such indigenous dances. Furthermore, since she was already acting like an adult when she was still so young, she probably wouldn''t even do such things in the future.


    "Hmph!" Tong Lan snorted a couple of times and ignored Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian felt a little regretful. He had originally wanted to take this opportunity to film it, but that little brat wouldn''t budge.


    A metal chain appeared above Ren Baqian''s head all of a sudden, started swaying to the music, then tied itself into a knot.


    The thing on Ren Baqian''s head immediately attracted Tong Lan''s attention.


    "Hey, what''s that thing on your head?" Tong Lan asked curiously.


    "Arrogant young master." Ren Baqian knew that chap appeared without even thinking.


    After a while, everyone started looking at that thing above Ren Baqian''s head. The metal chain started tying knots over and over again, ending up with seven knots in total. It looked as if Ren Baqian had seven bottle gourds above his head that fluttered in the wind as he moved his head.

 Chapter 321 The Black Pool

    The next day, Ren Baqian brought the students and the indigenous people up the mountain.


    Usually, the food that the indigenous people hunted could sustain their entire stronghold for three days. However, because Ren Baqian and his entourage arrived, they had to hunt for food again on the second day.


    The forest on Nine-peaked Mountain was very dense. Sunlight only illuminated a small number of areas and was scattered by the canopy of leaves, breaking into numerous pirs of light.


    The soil on the ground was extremely fertile. Over many years, the dead leaves fell from the trees, rotted, and seeped into the ground, causing the soil to be extremely rich.


    "There isn''t much game near the ck Pool, so we will head for the northwest. Na Gu will lead you from here," the middle-aged leader of the hunting team, Ta Hu, told Ren Baqian.


    Currently, they were still on the outer edge of Nine-peaked Mountain. The center region of Nine-peaked Mountain was enormous and was where a huge number of game animals could be found. Needless to say, it was also much more dangerous there. The wild boar that they encountered yesterday was considered nothing in the center region of Nine-peaked Mountain.


    "I hope you will have a fruitful trip!" Ren Baqian cupped his fists and said.


    "I hope so too." Ta Hu gave a forthright smile.


    "Na Gu, lead them there."


    "Got it. Remember to catch a shazi for me. Recently, I have been craving it," Na Gu replied bluntly.


    Following which, the group split up and bade farewell to each other. Ren Baqian watched on as those burly men with hairy legs walked in another direction with their clubs ands.


    Ta Hu''s party also had four sabers, one of which was a short one. They used bone arrows for their bows. The arrowheads of the bone arrows were made out of a type of wild beast bone.


    Ta Hu also had 10 metal-tipped arrows, but he was reluctant to use them and treated them like precious treasures.


    Ren Baqian, his students, and the imperial guards followed Na Gu to the southwest.


    "How far is it?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "We will arrive after we cross that peak," Na Gu pointed ahead and replied.


    Ren Baqian followed the direction of her finger. All he could see was dense vegetation, vines, and grass that was as tall as a man. His line of sight was blockedpletely.


    "Her Majesty chose you to be her husband?" Na Gu asked with curiosity. Even though it was already a fact, she still found it hard to believe.


    "What do you want to ask about?" Ren Baqian immediately knew what she was thinking when he saw the look in her eyes.


    Most aboriginals did not know how to hide their feelings and thoughts. They would bluntly ask whatever question they had, even if the question shouldn''t be asked.


    Na Gu''s brain was like the size of a pea.


    "It is most likely because I''m handsome!" Ren Baqian touched his own face.


    "Pfft!" This sound came from Tong Lan, who was following behind Ren Baqian with her ears pricked up.


    "Then what else could it be?" Ren Baqian retorted.


    Everyone opened their mouths, but did not know what to say. Ren Baqian''s looks were only slightly better than his fighting skills.


    What did Her Majesty see in him? Knowledge? Everyone had to admit that this was true. However, after knowing Ren Baqian''s character for so long, they knew he was waiting for everyone to say this.


    If they did not say he was knowledgeable, it would imply that they agreed he was handsome. It was a dilemma for them.


    For a moment, everyone was at a loss.


    Ren Baqian observed the constipated looks on everyone''s faces and chuckled. Then, he said with a solemn tone, "There is always a reason for hating someone, but there''s no reason for liking someone."


    Words of wisdom.


    However, everyone felt that these words were true. Du Laoliu, who had someone he liked, was especially and greatly affected by these words.


    Tong Lan was the only one that had a disdainful look on her face.


    She objected to everything Ren Baqian said outside of ss. She would approve of anything that Ren Baqian disapproved of. This was an issue of principle.


    Unless Ren Baqian could defeat her.


    After walking for quite some time, they finally reached that peak. Looking down from the peak, they saw a green ocean. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and roaring beasts echoed across their ears. This was a kingdom that was filled with vitality.


    "It''s there." Standing on a rock, Na Gu pointed in a particr direction.


    In the midst of the green ocean, there was a small ck dot. This was where the ck Pool was.


    "It''s still very far away!" Ren Baqian used his hand to shield his eyes from the dazzling sunlight while looking at the ck spot.


    Walking through a forest was much slower than walking on tnd. Everywhere was filled with tall grass and vines. A moment of carelessness would cause one to be bitten by venomous snakes. A ce that looked very near needed a long time to reach in reality.


    The position of the ck Pool was a few miles away from their current position, but it would take them roughly four hours to arrive there.


    Like what Ren Baqian had expected, they walked through the forest for about four hours before reaching the vicinity of the ck Pool.


    Their surroundings began to change when they were a few hundred meters away from the ck Pool. The leaves on the trees were withering. It seemed like the vegetation had already been affected by the ck Pool at such a distance.


    After walking out of the forest, they saw the pool, which was roughly 10 meters ahead of them. The pitch-ck surface of the pool was tranquil andpletely devoid of life.


    The the soil around the pool was different from the forest floor. It waspletely yellow in color whereas the soil in the forest was ck. A type of short grass could be found scattered all over the ce.


    "This is the ck Pool."


    Ren Baqian knew this was the ce without Na Gu telling him so. He could smell the stench of rotten eggs, forcing him to cover his nose.


    If he wasn''t wrong, this was the smell of sulfur. He walked to the side of the ck Pool. The water looked almost entirely ck, preventing him from telling how deep it was.


    "What are we doing here?" Tong Lan followed Ren Baqian and asked. This question had been bothering everyone for a few days already. Shi Gan had asked Ren Baqian about it before, but thetter had not replied to him.


    Ren Baqian dipped his index finger into the water and looked at it. His finger turned ck and dirty, containing a lot of dark impurities. Following which, Ren Baqian used his tongue to taste it. It tasted very salty with a slight tinge of bitterness, causing him to scrunch his face


    "Bottle!" Previously, Ren Baqian had asked the imperial guards to prepare five sealed bottles for him.


    "Do you know that the ground moves?" Ren Baqian turned around and asked everyone.


    "How can the ground move!" The moment these words came out of Na Gu''s mouth, someone said, "Whether the ground moves or not will have to depend on the reference point taken."


    "You''re right, but even from the perspective of an ordinary person, the ground is still moving. Beneath the ground, there are the tectonic tes that move in various ways. The most obvious example of the ground moving is an earthquake. When the tectonic tes move, under certain circumstances, earthquakes will ur." Ren Baqian seized the opportunity to teach everyone a lesson.


    "Then why does the ground move?" a student immediately asked.


    Ren Baqian picked up a stone and let go of it, letting it fall to the ground. "An object will fall to the ground when it is affected by gravity. Simrly, the ground is affected by gravity too."


    "You mean one day the ground will fall as well? Where does it fall to?" Tong Lan''s tiny mouth gaped in horror.

 Chapter 322 Creating Problems When There Are No Problems

    "No, no, no, this is not what I meant. The will be affected by this force, but it is not just a matter of falling down. I will borate on thister, but right now, what you need to know is the concept.


    To put it simply, when the is in motion, it will create various topological conditions, such as mountain ranges rising from tnd, oceans bing ins, mountain ranges levelling to tnd, and so on. Of course, it will take a long time, in terms of millions of years.


    In some cases, oceans became ins or mountain ranges and the sea water didn''t evaporate in time before being swallowed into the ground by the change. After countless years of change, they were discovered identally by people," Ren Baqian said.


    "Teacher, you mean this ce was previously an ocean?" Shi Gan asked. What Ren Baqian said was really astounding.


    This ce was the ind area of Dayao and thousands to ten thousand kilometers away from the sea. Was this ce originally an ocean? Did he mean that the location of Dayao and the Yun Nation was originally an ocean?


    "There is such a possibility and this is just a guess. An analysis on theposition of the ck water in the ck Pool is needed to verify this." Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    The crowd was startled and then started asking, "What''s next? Are we just trying to prove this?"


    "Next, you should know that salt is obtained from seawater..." Right after Ren Baqian said this, the crowd was shocked. "We can produce salt here?"


    Dayaocked salt and even the children knew that. Most of the salt in Dayao was imported from other countries. If salt could be produced here, the significance was something even the kids understood.


    "That will depend on theposition of this water." Ren Baqian didn''t want to say for sure. but tasting the water earlier had proved there was salt within. They only needed to know whether it could produce edible well salt.


    "How do we find out theposition of the water?" the crowd asked.


    "What is chemistry used for? Chemistry is for analyzing, transforming, and extracting materials. However, your standards are all too low to conduct these experiments. Therefore, treat this as a field trip," Ren Baqian said with a smile.


    Then, he asked Na Gu, "Has this ce ever dried up before?"


    "I don''t know." Na Gu was a little overwhelmed. She didn''t understand half of what was said, but felt it was something very advanced.


    "Bring me a rope," Ren Baqian shouted behind him. He wanted to test the depth of the ck Pool.


    Soon enough, a stone about the size of a human head was quickly tied to a rope and thrown into the pool. It went in with a "plop" sound, and the water sshed about.


    Apart from throwing the stone inside, there were no other signs of life in the pool.


    "Sir, the rope has stopped." The rope lowered by the guard had stopped after five or six meters.


    "Find me a stick and push the rope forward. Try to drop it at the center and test out a few ces." The students ran to find branch after receiving Ren Baqian''s order.


    Although Ren Baqian didn''t confirm it, the thought of producing salt excited all of them.


    If they could seed in producing salt, it would be a significant event.


    After several attempts, the deepest part was found to be about 10 meters.


    Ren Baqian noted down everything after doing some calctions. He thought of going to the stream in the mountains that flowed with light brown water.


    "In the direction they are going, it will take one day to walk there. We will take at least one and a half days to get there," Na Gu said.


    Based on Ren Baqian''s estimation, he needed to go back to Earth first before going to that ce.


    They immediately headed back to the stronghold. Whenever there were sounds of any small animals, the guards would quickly hunt for them. After all, even a mosquito''s leg had meat. There wasn''t much food in the stronghold, so it would be best to solve the food problem themselves.


    Once they reached the stronghold, Ren Baqian made arrangements for half of the guards to build houses and half of them to go hunting.


    At night, Ren Baqian woke up Lin Qiaole. "I am going to rub the Hearthstone. Do you want to see?"


    Ren Baqian felt he that he had to at least inform Lin Qiaole or else she would go mad if she woke up and discovered he was gone. This girl was silly, but quite pragmatic at times.


    "What is a Hearthstone?" Lin Qiaole forced her eyes open and gave him a confused look.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    "Anyway, I need to go away for a while. It will take about one day, and you don''t need to worry," Ren Baqian informed her.


    "No way, Her Majesty asked me to protect you." Lin Qiaole was awake now.


    "The ce I am going to is a state secret which the empress knows. Just wait for me here." Ren Baqian waved his hands, took a bottle of water collected from the ck Pool, and walked to a corner of the room. He thought of going back to Earth and disappeared in a sh.


    At the moment of his disappearance, Lin Qiaole felt a fluctuation in the air. Her eyes zed, and she lunged at Ren Baqian like a lioness, but she failed to get ahold of him and caught only thin air.


    "Eh?!" Lin Qiaole was surprised and stretched her hands twice to grab him, but there was still nothing.


    "Where is he? This is very strange. Her Majesty tasked me to protect him, but if he dies in another ce, the empress wouldn''t me me, right? Hey, he still hasn''t given me the candies ..." Lin Qiaole muttered a few words. She sat down against the wall, stared at the location where Ren Baqian had disappeared, and was unable to keep her eyes open after a few minutes.


    Immediately after going back to Earth, Ren Baqian contacted Yang Sen to arrange aboratory for him to conduct the analysis. Then, he hurriedly headed to Shanghai.


    In any case, he would be finding someone to analyze the contents of the ck water. Sooner orter, those people in theboratory would find out as well. As such, he might as well save them the trouble by letting them do the test.


    Seeing Ren Baqian with a bottle of water, Yang Sen was thrilled. After some time, the results finally came out. "Is this brine?"


    "What is itposed of?" Ren Baqian asked. Yang Sen handed him the results directly.


    Ren Baqian took a nce and saw Na,K, Ca, Mg, Li, Br, I, Cl, SO(2-)4, CO3-, B2O3, and HCO3. (Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bromine, iodine, chloride, sulphide, sulphate, carbonate, boron trioxide, and bicarbonate). In addition to these substances, there were many other chemicals he couldn''t even remember.


    He reckoned his chemistry teacher was about to jump out of his coffin.


    "What are these things?" Ren Baqian asked unabashedly.


    Yang Sen, "..."


    "Get a researcher to exin to Mr Ren." Yang Sen made an internal call. Ren Baqian asked him, but who could he ask?


    This question was also recently asked by the one of the researchers.


    After a short while, a bespectacled and deste looking young man came to give them a lecture.


    The final conclusion was that this was just ck brine. There was nothing special about it and bringing this kind of sample to theboratory was simply a waste of their time.


    "There is nothing else?" Ren Baqian was puzzled. This material was from another world, so shouldn''t there be some differences? The previous sample of soil that he brought back to Earth contained many microorganism that weren''t found here.


    "Although there are slight differences, they weren''t significant. These microbes only give us a little bit more insight into the ecology of our target world. Other than that, theposition of the ck brine isn''t much different and was not what we anticipated. To put it simply, it is just ck brine from another world," the young man said as he adjusted his spectacles.


    Ren Baqian secretly gave a thumbs-up after the young man left. He spoke the truth, and it was no wonder that he was a researcher.


    He was definitely not just a dabbler like Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian chuckled because it didn''t matter. After all, not everything in the other world was useful.


    "How''s the cultivation going on?" Ren Baqian asked curiously. He wanted to know how they were progressing on the basic skills.


    "The time has been too short to see much effect," Yang Sen simply said as there was nothing to hide.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head, it seemed that the details of the initiation stage were just like this. They had to attain at least the Man Wheel level and convert essence blood into essence qi before they could obtain what they desired.


    "It is worth noting that you have to cross a barrier when transitioning from essence blood to essence qi. Many people be stuck in front of this threshold," Ren Baqian reminded.


    "We are aware of this problem. Although each manual didn''t borate, the four manuals did confirm this fact. How about you briefly exin to uswhat problems to pay attention to and the main points of each stage," Yang Sen suggested.


    Ren Baqian gestured with his hands. "I cannot help you with this because my cultivation method is different from these and I don''t know these methods very well either."


    "Oh?" Yang Sen''s eyes lit up. He was able to pick up some information from Ren Baqian''s words.


    "That is to say there are many cultivation methods?"


    "Kind of. However, some cultivation methods require a specific type of person. The methods that I brought here are the most suitable for all of you," said Ren Baqian after thinking for a moment and nodding his head.


    The cultivation methods of the aboriginals and Great Xia were already different.


    There were some differences between the [Ruyi Visualization] cultivated by Ren Baqian and the cultivation methods of Great Xia. If this wasn''t the case, he wouldn''t have seeded in cultivating it.


    Yang Sen nodded his head and didn''t bring up the topic of giving them references from the martial arts manuals anymore.


    After all, the four martial arts manuals were invaluable to Earth.


    If he was too greedy, the other party might resent it. Plus, he still didn''t know what the other party needed, and the other party was also not someone who was utterly selfless.


    He would only have the opportunity to bring up the request after both sides had cooperated further.


    After leaving theboratory and before going back to Shancheng, Ren Baqian had Shen Fong prepare the reference materials for distilling the ck brine into salt.


    Having found out theposition of the ck brine, he was quite relieved. He didn''t encounter the problems anticipated and solved the situation with little fanfare.


    Although he was a little disappointed, he couldn''t help but to say that this was the best result.


    Previously, he had checked some information about distilling ck brine to produce salt, but he would have needed to spend more time if he did it himself.


    After distilling for a long time, the substances containing sulfuric acid would form monomer crystals and could be dissolved by sshing water on them. As for the salt, it dissolved slower, therefore it remained.


    Ren Baqian could imagine the sensation that would ensue when this news reached the imperial court.


    No matter how much manpower or material was needed, Dayao wouldn''t let go of this opportunity.


    They would be able to depend on themselves for salt.


    Also, he could go back and prepare to write the historical records, "The great pioneer, scientist, and educator Ren Baqian led 24 disciples to Nine-peaked Mountain to research salt production and to solve the salt scarcity problem that gued Dayao since its founding."


    The only regret was that the solution was too simple. There were no twists and turns, so the story would be boring and totally uninteresting to read. He couldn''t show the breathtaking and heart rending experience of undergoing and oveing the 81 obstacles needed to produce salt.


    As he thought about it, seven bottle gourd dolls went to the castle to defeat Snow White and the seven dwarfs in order to save the little match girl. The experience of this mission was enough to write a soul stirring novel.


    The other story would be about the Lich King killing the little match girl and Snow White with one p and sending the seven dwarves to live in seclusion. Which story was more attractive?


    Therefore...


    Ren Baqian felt that since there weren''t any problems, he would create some for himself.

 Chapter 323 How Are You Going To Explain This To Her Majesty?

    Wang Dachui was walking on a dirt path. The sun was setting, reminding him of the youth he had lost.


    Beside him, there was a stone tablet with the words "Jingyang Ridge" inscribed on it. Not far away, there was a wine shop.


    Wang Dachui entered the wine shop, sat down, smacked the table, and yelled, "Waiter, serve some wine please!"


    After finishing the bowl of wine in one gulp, Wang Dachui smacked the table again. "Waiter, more wine please. Give me a te of pickled cabbage as well."


    After finishing his third bowl of wine, Wang Dachui smacked the table to ask for more wine again. The waiter said softly to him, "Sir, our wine is very strong. It is said that one will not be able to cross the ridge after drinking a third bowl..."


    "Cut the nonsense. Serve me more wine now, I have the Blue Potion..." Wang Dachui smacked the table with confidence.


    ...


    After drinking 18 bowls of wine, Wang Dachui left the wine shop and walked to a secluded area. Suddenly, a roar resounded through the air and a tiger with raised eyebrows appeared in front of Wang Dachui.


    Wang Dachui was stunned. Following which, he took out a blue bottle and drank its contents. His eyes regained rity instantly, and he turned around and fled. His legs moved so fast that they resembled the rotating des of a fan.


    "One must drink Blue Potion after drinking alcohol..."


    Ren Baqian sat on the sofa and grinned. Today was the premiere of Blue Potion''s advertisement. He intentionally switched on the television to watch it. The advertisement was rather impressive.


    Especially the face of Wang Dachui, which Ren Baqian reckoned that youngsters wouldugh at when they saw it.


    After the advertisement ended, Ren Baqian switched off the television. Then, he went to the clothing shop that he had visitedst time to collect the empress''s cape. Afterward, he brought the cape, the snacks for the empress, a box of ssware for chemistry experiments, and some other materials back to Dayao.


    He also brought along a sack of salt that weighed roughly 20 catties. Some of it was intended for Na Gu''smision while the rest of it was intended for the stronghold as a gift to express his gratitude. It couldst them for roughly half a month.


    Upon arriving in Dayao, Ren Baqian felt that he had stepped on "something," which gave him a fright.


    The "thing" that he had stepped on reacted even more strongly than him. With a flip, that "thing" threw Ren Baqian against the wall, causing the things in his hands to fall all over the ground.


    "Who are you trying to scare?" Ren Baqian felt pain all over his body. He reckoned that if he wasn''t at the level of Man Wheel, he would have broken all his bones.


    Apparently, the "thing" that he stepped on was Lin Qiaole, whose hair was standing on end.


    "You stepped on me first!" At this point in time, Lin Qiaole was fully awake with an angry look on her face. Her hair was standing on end. If she had a tail, it would now resemble a spike mace.


    "This is such a big house, so what are you doing there?" At this moment, Ren Baqian heard a loud crash. He looked down and saw that most of the ssware had been smashed into smithereens, resembling crushed tofu.


    "This is such a big house, so why can''t I be here?" Lin Qiaole red at Ren Baqian angrily while revealing her canine teeth.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    "Do you know how precious these things are?" Ren Baqian pointed at the box of smashed ssware with a look of resentment on his face.


    "You stepped on me first." Lin Qiaole also heard the sound of the ssware breaking and reckoned that she might be in deep trouble. She quicklyid down, closed her eyes, and fell asleep. She used her hands to cover her earspletely.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian did not know whether tough or cry.


    Do you think you''re an ostrich?


    It was such a pity. He was going to demonstrate a chemistry experiment to his students. Now, he failed before he even started.


    Ren Baqian did not care about the box of ssware anymore. He switched on the radio station because he wanted to see if anything had happened while he was away.


    Ancient warfare wasn''t the same as modern warfare. An army could reach the enemy''s capital in merely a few days after the start of a war.


    It had been 10 days since the war started. The empress and her army still needed a few days before they could reach the front line.


    They had spent a lot of time travelling.


    However, even though they suffered a huge loss at the start of the war and were just getting familiarized with the modernmunication equipment, the current situation for the aboriginals wasn''t too bad.


    That was because the enemy forces were severely dyed as well.


    "Your Majesty, are you there?" Ren Baqian asked after realizing that no one was talking.


    "What''s the matter?" It seemed that the empress had been listening to the radio station all along. It was just that she did not have the intention to talk. She replied a few seconds after Ren Baqian popped the question.


    "So Your Majesty is here! Greetings, Your Majesty!" someone immediately said.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" +1


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" +2


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Why are all of you so dull-witted?


    "If you have something, say it. Otherwise, you''re dismissed," the empress inly said.


    The channel became silent once again.


    "Your Majesty, the north is cold, remember to wear more clothes. I have prepared a cape for you. Tomorrow, I will have someone send it to you," Ren Baqian chuckled.


    The empress, "..."


    "How''s everything on your end?" the empress asked.


    "There shouldn''t be many problems. For the next two days, we will be heading to the other ce to take a look. Afterward, we can start looking for ways to produce salt," Ren Baqian replied. Nowadays, the empress was the only person that he could share his joy with.


    "Good!" The empress''s voice was filled with joy. Salt and iron were resources that were extremely important to any country. However, Dayaocked both resources.


    Now, the scarcity of iron and salt had been tentatively resolved.


    As such, the empress was very happy.


    After talking for a while longer, Ren Baqian dismissed himself and switched off the radio station. When he turned around, he saw Lin Qiaole looking at him with a pair of big, pitiful eyes while holding her stomach with both her hands.


    "I can''t help you with this. Go out and make yourself some hot water," Ren Baqian said.


    "Hot water can''t fill up my stomach..." Lin Qiaole whined.


    "Are you hungry?" Ren Baqian suddenly realized what was going on.


    "What do you think?" Lin Qiaole asked.


    It was only after Ren Baqian instructed an imperial guard to prepare some food that he found out that Lin Qiaole had never left the house at all yesterday. All her meals had been sent to her.


    She must have been waiting for him to return.


    "This stupid girl!" Ren Baqian sighed.


    ...


    The next day, Ren Baqian instructed an imperial guard to send the cape and snacks to the empress. Then, he set off with his party. This time around, they had to travel for an entire day and spend the night in the wild. As such, many students were very excited.


    Tong Lan secretly snuck up beside Ren Baqian and said with a cheeky tone, "Yesterday, you spent the entire day with Sister Lin in the house. A man and a woman together in a room��a dry kindling on a zing fire. How are you going to exin this to Her Majesty?"


    Ren Baqian almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    The metal chain came out of Ren Baqian''s head like an antenna, perfectly straight.


    "Where did you learn these words from?" Ren Baqian asked with incredulity.


    "Every time Dad goes to the brothel to drink, Grandpa would always say these words," Tong Lan replied.


    Ren Baqian was shocked.


    Tong Zhenye, you old bast*ard! Given your sess in the Ultimate Battle of Brothels, how dare you say these words?


    Tong Lan, your dad isn''t your grandpa''s legitimate son, right?


    "Yan!" The sleepy Lin Qiaole let out a big yawn and asked, "What''s there to be exined?"


    "And every time Dad would be beaten up by Mom," Tong Lan continued with contempt.


    A smirk appeared on Ren Baqian''s face.

 Chapter 324 Battle Losses On Both Sides

    As they trekked through the mountain for a day, countless small animals were killed to serve as their lunch during this period.


    It was nearly evening when they came to the stream which contained light brown water. It flowed out from under a rock, and in less than 100 meters, it flowed into a crevice.


    With his prior knowledge of the brine water from the ck Pool''s test result, Ren Baqian was much more confident and assumed this was probably just another type of brine water.


    Ren Baqian dipped his finger and licked it. Although there were poisonous chemicals, they posed no danger because the dosage level was low.


    The vor was equally salty, was very bitter, and was worse tasting than the water from the ck Pool, causing Ren Baqian to quiver. Then, he happily dipped and licked his index finger again.


    "Not bad. It is slightly sweet." Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    "How is that possible?" Na Gu didn''t believe it and wanted to go up to give it a taste.


    However, several students were faster than her and followed Ren Baqian''s example to taste the water. Everyone ended up wincing, and their faces looked like dried orange peels.


    "Liar!" Tong Lan winced and pointed her finger usingly at Ren Baqian.


    "Huh? Don''t you think it is sweet?" Ren Baqian was surprised. "This water tastes different to different people?"


    After hearing this, the rest of the students went forward to try and all ended up with a wrinkled look.


    Every pair of eyes was directed at Ren Baqian with hatred.


    "This is Science. Regardless of what others say, it is iparable to experiencing it for yourself. It is not just about experimenting, but also about pondering the reason why." Ren Baqian put on the face of a caring teacher who was guiding them systematically.


    "You were clearly deceiving us into trying," Tong Lan said contemptuously as her eyes scanned around to see whether there were any wild fruits nearby.


    Her eyes brightened, and she jumped up,nding seven or eight meters away because she had spotted a bunch of red fruits that were the size of cherries. Then, shecently put them into her mouth.


    "All of you will understand the reasons behind my exhortations one day," Ren Baqian stated as he stuffed a White Rabbit Creamy Candy into his mouth and immediately rxed.


    "Collect the water," Ren Baqian said. This time, they collected more water; 20 bottles in total. If this brine was what he anticipated, it wouldn''t be of any harm to bring more back andpare itsposition to the ck brine.


    After all, this ce was further away.


    After the guards had bottled the water properly, Ren Baqian saw the sky darkening and asked Na Gu, "Is there any ce nearby for us to spend the night?"


    "The nearest ce is about half a day away on foot. We have wasted too much time on the way here," Na Gu said.


    "In that case, let''s all look for suitable ces nearby to spend the night. Come back in an hour and do some hunting along the way," Ren Baqian told the guards. Most of the guards moved out with some students following them.


    "Can the ck Pool and the brine here really produce edible salt?" Na Gu asked him after the guards had left.


    "It should be possible." Ren Baqian hedged. "Therefore, the people from your stronghold may not need to go hunting in the future anymore."


    "If we do not hunt, then what do we eat?" Na Gu felt that Ren Baqian was spouting nonsense since they couldn''t only eat salt for sustenance even if they could really produce salt.


    "In future, there will be a salt factory which belongs to the Ministry of Works and the imperial family. All of you can choose to work there instead of having a hard time hunting. Of course, you can still continue to hunt, but you will definitely have to travel far away because the game animals will be frightened by the presence of so many people. Alternatively, you can apply forpensation and move the stronghold to another ce."


    "Oh, I see!" Na Gu nodded.


    Ren Baqian was expecting a bigger response from her. After all, their stronghold had always been here.


    "So there will be salt to eat in the future?" Na Gu asked. She was more concerned about this matter. The game in the mountains appeared to be limitless. If one couldn''t catch any food today, one could get them tomorrow or even the day after tomorrow without going hungry.


    How the production of salt would affect the stronghold was something too far away to think about. Without salt, however, she wouldn''t have any strength. This point was very clear to her.


    "Yes, that''s right!" Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    If there wasn''t enough salt here, then they would fight until they reached the shores of the Yun Nation. There would definitely be salt for them to consume over there.


    "That''s great!" Na Gu replied delightfully.


    "Sir, can this ce really produce salt?" asked two officials from the Ministry of Works loudly, their faces full of doubt.


    These two guys only now realized the reason why Ren Baqian had brought everyone here.


    Ren Baqian looked at these two carefully and then remembered their identities. They kept very low profiles, and he had almost forgotten them.


    "We can!" Ren Baqian nodded his head. "However, we have to go back and do more research on how to aplish it."


    "Great, this is great!" the two guys rejoiced. Salt had been a knotty problem without a solution for so many years. It had always been controlled by the merchants from the other three countries.


    To be able to produce salt here was a mind blowing thought for them.


    A momentter, all of the guards returned, and one of them had found a suitable resting ce. It was at the intersection of two mountain cliff faces, so they just had to guard against wild beasts from the other two sides. Furthermore, a rock jutted out from above and would shelter them if it rained.


    Ren Baqian brought everyone to take a look. Considering that they had been able to find such a ce on such short notice, it wasn''t bad at all.


    Subsequently, everyone dispersed to go hunting. The poor animals in this area were just unlucky and were caught by the students even when hiding in their holes.


    After the sky turned dark, everyone returned. They caught a dozen animals called "short hogs" that looked like small deer. Also, they caught over 40 fat animals that looked like mountain rats and were skewered together. In addition to those, they even brought back two pythons, one flower bear... and an abundance of wild fruits.


    Ren Baqian saw the innocent giant panda that had died unjustly and went over to give it a kick.


    "Sir, this thing doesn''t taste good, but we weren''t able to find that much food over this short period of time." The guard was nursing a grievance and hoped that his master wouldpromise. Anyway, there were many other things to eat, so there was no need for Ren Baqian to eat this bad tasting animal.


    "Forget it. Quickly proceed and keep the bear paws for me." Ren Baqian red for a long time before finally letting out a sigh.


    The panda was a national treasure on Earth, but over here, it was found everywhere and considered unappetizing, stupid, and good-for-nothing.


    Of course, it wasn''t weak and had an attacking power that was simr to a bear.


    Next, he found a ce near the cliff face of the mountain and rested while watching the guards start a fire. Some of the other guards and students brought their catch to a water source nearby for cooking preparation.


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian used two sticks to spit-roast the four bear paws by continuously turning them over the me. The roasted meat was marinated with spices, and the aroma wafted through the air.


    However, the aroma came not only from his bonfire, but also from the roasting of other meats over the other bonfires as well.


    Ren Baqian waited for the bear paws to slightly cool down before taking a bite. The taste was so-so. The meat wasn''t too fatty and tasted slightly worse than pig trotters. He lost his appetite to continue eating them and gave the bear paws to the others. After taking two short hog legs to gnaw on, he found that they tasted much better.


    As the moon rose higher and higher, the sound of wild beasts howling from afar came along. There were also asional noises made by wild beasts running around in the woods.


    No one was afraid of the wild beastsing over to attack because any such beasts would be their supper if they really came over.


    Unfortunately, while waiting for supper, a big storm came instead.


    The weather in the mountains changed without warning. From feeling the first raindrop fall on the face, it quickly became a torrent in less than a minute. The fires were mostly extinguished, and everyone huddled under the big, protruding rock.


    "Watch the rock above carefully and make sure it doesn''t copse," Ren Baqian exhorted repeatedly. He was worried that the soil might loosen and cause the rock to crush him into a meat patty.


    "Rest assured, Sir." Shi Hu turned his wet face to speak.


    Most of the guards were positioned outside just to block off the wind and rain from Ren Baqian and the students.


    It rained for four hours, and the guards outside were totally drenched.


    Early the next morning, Ren Baqian andpany ate some wild fruits to fill up their stomachs a little before setting off to return home.


    Because of the rain from the previous night, it was hard to negotiate the mountain paths. Especially due to the wet leaves, their bodies went through many repeated cycles of being wet and dry by noon.


    These starving people only reached the stronghold at night and proceeded to wipe out all the remaining food.


    The two groups that went out to hunt were still not back after two days. If they did not return by the next day, the people in the stronghold would have to starve.


    After resting for a night, Ren Baqian ordered most of the guards to go hunting early in the morning. As for all of the students, they went by the riverside and used their fingers to fish.


    He was sun-tanning himself in the stronghold.


    When night fell, those guards who had been ordered to hunt returned with some prey. The two hunting parties also came back one after the other and prevented everyone from going hungry.


    That night, Ren Baqian brought the two types of brine back to Earth again for theboratory to analyze theirposition as well as the proportion of chemicals.


    When he returned to Dayao, he waspletely relieved because there were no problems with salt production anymore.


    As soon as he turned on the radio station, he heard the angry voice of the empress.


    "Li Qianqiu, how many more days will it take you to reach Yusheng City?"


    "Your Majesty, my vanguard will arrive tomorrow."


    "We will only set out after all the troops have arrived. Then, we will wipe them out," The empress said coldly.


    "Yes!" Li Qianqiu replied in a deep voice.


    Ren Baqian was taken aback by this news. Was Yusheng City in trouble? Had the city''s defenses been breached in such a short time? Great Xia''s attack must have been really ferocious.


    He only understood after listening for a while. Yusheng City had been broken into, and this was done by a sect from Great Xia that tunnelled into the city. The city was then set on fire in all directions by many practitioners from Great Xia''s sects via the tunnels. Outside the city, there were 100,000 Great Xia soldiers attacking the defenders ferociously.


    It merely took Great Xia half a day to destroy the city.


    Out of 2,500 soldiers, only 300 managed to evacuate, and out of 40,000moners, 5,000 were killed inbat.


    Yes, killed on the battlefield.


    This was because themoners of Dayao had considerable fighting power.


    However, untrainedmoners were no match for the 100,000 Great Xia soldiers and the practitioners from Great Xia''s sects. It was still difficult to affect the overall situation.


    In this battle, Great Xia suffered more than 10,000 casualties while Dayao lost more than 2,000 soldiers and 5,000moners.


    The ratio of war casualties was two to one, but such a ratio was rather terrible by Dayao''s standards.


    It was a fact that Great Xia had more than half a million soldiers on the frontline and an additional 200,000 soldiers standing by in Great Xia.


    The total strength of Dayao''s army, including new recruits still in training, was only 10,000 . The army confronting Great Xia was the 30,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the North and the 8,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center that had not arrived yet. Also, included were the 1,200 winged cavalry warriors led by the empress. The total number of soldiers Dayao had was around 50,000.


    So far, after the two battles at Ziyue City and Yusheng City, Dayao had already lost more than 6,000 people while Great Xia''s casualties were not greater than 70,000 people.


    The sects of Great Xia had yed a great role in this matter.


    Following this, Dayao would pit 44,000 warriors against Great Xia''s main force of 430,000 and an unknown number of practitioners from Great Xia''s sects. At the same time, there were also the 200,000 Great Xia soldiers on standby to watch out for.Flower bear - The aboriginals termed panda as a flower bear, as per initial chapters

 Chapter 325 Success

    Two dayster, Tong Zhenye rushed to Nine-peaked Mountain. The moment he saw Ren Baqian, he picked him up and shook him like a chicken.


    "Sir Ren, is it true? Can you really produce salt?"


    Tong Zhenye''s boorish face was filled with excitement and nervousness. He feared that Ren Baqian might say "no."


    "Put me down first..." Ren Baqian yelled. He was seeing stars after being shaken by Tong Zhenye''s pincer-like hands.


    "Oh!" Tong Zhenye let go of his hands and Ren Baqian fell to the ground.


    "Do you have something against me?" Ren Baqian had a bitter look on his face. Just now, he felt that his body was going to fall apart.


    "Sir Ren, is it true?" Tong Zhenye asked anxiously.


    "Do you think I would lie to you?" Ren Baqian replied while massaging his own shoulders.


    Previously, when Ren Baqian revealed on the radio station that he could produce salt, the chat group for the court officials went silent. Following which, it exploded with joy and incredulity.


    When Tong Zhenye heard of this news, he rushed to the Shi residence to ask for more details. Then, he rushed over here.


    "So have you made some salt already?" Tong Zhenye asked.


    "I was waiting for you to arrive before I start making it," Ren Baqian replied. "Don''t worry, I''m quite confident that it will work."


    "This is such an important matter that you must bepletely confident in doing it," Tong Zhenye said solemnly.


    "There''s no point in talking so much about it now. We will know once we try. Have you brought the things that I need?"


    "Yes, I have." Tong Zhenye asked his subordinates to bring out two huge buckets that were filled with milk. However, Dayao''s weather had caused it to go bad.


    Other than the milk, there was also a huge wok, a sieve, and a piece of rough cloth.


    Ren Baqian asked his men to bring out a few huge buckets that contained the two types of brine collected from the ck Pool and the mountain stream.


    "I need a few assistants!" Ren Baqian yelled at the group of students. Immediately, several students stepped forward.


    At this point in time, an enormous group of people was surrounding the empty plot ofnd in the center of the stronghold. There were students, imperial guards, and officials from the Ministry of Works. Ironically, the resident aboriginals were pushed away from the center of their stronghold.


    Most of them still did not know what was going on. Na Gu merely mentioned to them that Ren Baqian was going to use the two types of poisonous water to make salt. However, most of them did not believe Ren Baqian would seed. The water was indeed salty, but it was poisonous as well.


    Now, however, a seemingly powerful court official had arrived.


    "Record down the process," Ren Baqian reminded. Then, he asked someone to pour the ck brine and yellow brine into a basin ording to a specific ratio. Soon after, tiny pieces of white crystals appeared at the bottom of the basin.


    "The sulfuric acid in the ck brine and the barium in the yellow brine will form an insoluble barium sulfate," Ren Baqian exined to his students. Even though they had not learned this yet, it was still a valuable experimental experience for them.


    After asking someone to filter out the white crystals, Ren Baqian said to Tong Zhenye, "Keep these small pieces of barium sulfate, we will need them in the future."


    The next step was to fry the salt. Ren Baqian instructed someone to start a fire and boil the brine. Then, he poured some milk into the boiling brine. Logically speaking, soy milk should be used. However, there was only a bean-type nt called "legume" in this world, and they could only be found in the northern region of Great Xia. Furthermore, their output was very small.


    Dayao did not have this nt at all.


    After doing some research on Earth, Ren Baqian discovered that milk could be used to substitute for soy milk. In Dayao, milk might be expensive, but salt was even more expensive.


    "The protein in the milk can filter out the valence electrons in the brine. The residue will then be absorbed..." Ren Baqian continued to exin.


    Even though the students were listening to him attentively, they did not understand what he was talking about at all. They did not know what proteins, valence electrons, and barium sulfate were.


    Simrly, Tong Zhenye and the other officials did not know what was going on either.


    However, they still tried their best to record the process down.


    Before salt was formed, a milky fragrance was emitted from the wok, causing many people to feel hungry.


    "Did you bring any rations? There''s not enough food in this stronghold to feed everyone here," Ren Baqian said.


    Tong Zhenye brought 10 plus people along with him. Now, the stronghold had more than 100 additional people to feed. Furthermore, these people had extremely huge appetites.


    One had to know that the more powerful an aboriginal was, the bigger his or her appetite would be.


    Even though the hunting team and the imperial guards had caught some animals, the stronghold still did not have enough food to feed everyone.


    Tong Zhenye took a nce at Ren Baqian. He did not need Ren Baqian to remind him of this because he understood the situation in these strongholds much more clearly than Ren Baqian.


    Afterward, everyone ate their food while waiting for the process to end. The people that were initially standing in the center of the stronghold were sitting down now.


    The aboriginal residents continued to watch the process from a distance.


    During this process, someone had to use a strainer made out of the rough cloth to scoop out the impurities from the boiling brine. After boiling it for eight hours, they added more water into it. Eventually, the water evaporated and ayer of white crystals appeared on the wall of the wok.


    "This is salt?" Tong Zhenye''s eyes lit up. He had been waiting and observing for eight hours. He wasn''t the only who had his eyes light up. Everyone was filled with anticipation.


    One had to know that the contents in this wok would affect millions of people in Dayao.


    "Wait a while more," Ren Baqian said. After some time passed, the water hadpletely evaporated. Ren Baqian then instructed someone to take out the white crystals from the wok and ce them on the densely woven sieve. Following which, he poured some water onto the sieve.


    Most of the salt was not dissolved by the water. Instead, the impurities in the salt were filtered out by the water.


    "Is it done?" Tong Zhenye looked at theyer of white crystals left on the sieve with his eyes lit up, appearing as though he was about to pounce on it.


    Ren Baqian dipped one of his fingers into the salt and ced it in his mouth. Then, he nodded and said, "It will be done once you let it dry in the sun."


    Without any hesitation, Tong Zhenye dipped one of his fingers into the salt and ced it in his mouth. Following which, he burst outughing. "Dayao finally doesn''t need to suffer from the scarcity of salt anymore!"


    Tong Zhenye wasn''t the only one cheering. Even the students were cheering as well.


    Dayao had suffered from a scarcity of salt for so many years. During those years, after their original salt source got poisoned, they descended from the mountains and wiped out the Hao Nation. Despite doing so, Dayao still did not have a steady source of salt. Both the citizens living in the cities and the indigenous people living in the mountains suffered from theck of salt.


    For so many years, salt had been one of the most important resources to Dayao.


    It was very difficult for outsiders to understand Dayao people''s thirst for salt.


    Even though the students had done nothing other than fishing during this trip, they understood how important this trip was for Dayao when they witnessed how salt was produced from the brine.


    It was as though a poor family had discovered a mountain of gold.


    Ren Baqian was the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy. The more powerful and knowledgeable he was, the more things they could learn from him.


    When those indigenous residents saw the group of people standing in the center of the stronghold cheer like madmen, they broke into an uproar as well. This was because they heard Tong Zhenye''s words.


    However, they were still doubtful.


    Could this salt really be eaten?


    One had to know that the water from the ck Pool had poisoned someone to death before.


    Seeing how happy everyone was, a smile appeared on Ren Baqian''s face as well. No matter what, he had done something good for Dayao once again.


    However, the smile on his face quickly disappeared. Shi Gan, Du Laoliu, and a few other people grabbed his hands and legs, then threw him into the air.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes snapped wide open. I understand that you''re very happy and you celebrate by throwing people up into the air, but who the hell throws people up to the height of a five-storey building?


    Ren Baqian felt as though he was lifting off in a ne as he was being thrown tens of meters up above the ground and into the air. He even let out a series of cries.


    "My god, I have acrophobia!"


    "Whoever throws me up into the air again, I''m going to shoot him to death!"


    A loud cry echoed across the entire stronghold.

 Chapter 326 Dayao’s Letter Of Credence

    After everybody started to quiet down, Ren Baqian adjusted his gown that had almost been pulled off and said to Tong Zhenye, "Even though we can produce salt now, there is still one issue that has to be taken care of."


    "What''s the issue?" Tong Zhenye was surprised. He had just received good news and was afraid that Ren Baqian would bring up a piece of bad news.


    "These two brine outlets are too far away, but that''s just a small problem. Even though this will consume a lot of manpower, it is something that Dayao is able to withstand." Ren Baqian replied after some pondering.


    "Dayao has a poption of 30 million. If one person consumes two catties of salt in a year, then that equates to one ton of salt for 1,000 people and 10,000 tons of salt for 10 million people. That amount is way too huge," Ren Baqian said. This was an estimation based on the average consumption amount in this world, which was much lower than for an ordinary person on Earth.


    For an ordinary Earth person, his or her salt intake should twice as much as what Ren Baqian said.


    Ren Baqian did a calction in his head. That pot of brine just now should have produced around 3 catties of salt, and the ratio of the amount of brine to salt produced was roughly 100:4. That meant that 100 catties of brine could produce four catties of salt.


    Given the strength of the people of Dayao, they could at most carry 200 catties of brine per trip via the mountain trails. This could produce eight catties of salt, which was equivalent to about four kilograms.


    Putting aside the receptacle problem and solely addressing manpower, a round trip to and from the stream with the yellow brine would take two days. Even if the salt boiling process were to relocate to somewhere equidistant between where the ck and yellow brine sources were located, a return trip would still take a day and a half.


    It was the same for the ck brine as well.


    Factoring in the resting time of the workers, a two day trip for one person could in fact bring back enough brine to produce four kilograms of salt. Ignoring weather conditions, a person could make 180 trips in a year that could produce one ton of salt.


    In that case, it meant that at least 10,000 people would be required to transport the brine.


    On top of that, it would take at least 11,000 people when including the process of boiling and drying the salt.


    In reality, however, at least 20,000 people were required. After all, transporting brine was indeed aborious effort.


    Factoring in the production of the receptacles as well as the transportation of food and milk, a total of 20,000 people would be required. This was a calction that was based upon the minimum annual consumption set at two catties of salt per person in Dayao.


    In order for the salt production to fully satisfy the daily needs of the people in Dayao, there had to be even more manpower. At the very least,10,000 more.


    Of course, the price paid for salt production was still eptable for Dayao.


    The real issue, however,id somewhere else.


    "The most important issue is that the quantity of brine isn''t sufficient for such a high consumption rate." Ren Baqian thought some more and said, "The ck brine is still okay, but I have noticed that the outlet source of the yellow brine only has a flow rate of less than 30 tons per day. This will be insufficient for salt production."


    30 tons of flowing yellow brine per day was too lowpared to Ren Baqian''s requirements. Mixing that with an equal amount of ck brine would only be able to produce around two tons of salt. This would equate to around 700 tons of salt in a year, which was too little and insufficient to fulfill even 10 percent of Dayao''s consumption.


    Initially, Ren Baqian thought of erging the outlet of the yellow brine, butter on, he felt that it wasn''t a good idea. This was because the flow was small and slow, which proved that it wasn''t just a problem with the brine outlet, but also that the distance from the origin to the outlet wasn''t long enough.


    "Does Sir Ren have a solution in mind?" Tong Zhenye asked.


    "Somewhat. My proposal is to build a well. Since there are outlets of ck and yellow brine, this proves that there are one or more bodies of seawater trapped beneath the ground. By building a well at the appropriate location, the mouth of the brine supply can be brought closer. In turn, this will reduce the required manpower and resources. It will also solve the problem of not having enough brine."


    "This isn''t a problem." Tong Zhenye chuckled. He would have been worried if the problem was something else, but building a well wasn''t exactly considered difficult to him.


    "What if it is a few hundred meters or even a kilometer deep?" Ren Baqian sighed faintly. Besides, that wouldn''t be just digging a well. The body of seawater might be too deep, and it would be difficult to ascertain its location.


    The only thing that they knew at the present was that there was an 80 percent chance that they would reach the underground seawater if they dug the well in the vicinity of the mouths of the brine outlets.


    However, this distance was too far, so it was hard to meet Ren Baqian''s requirements.


    Ren Baqian didn''t believe that there were no other bodies of seawater beneath that plot ofnd.


    Looking at the issue in the long run, digging a well seemed to be more appropriate.


    However, this wasn''t something that could be done within a short period of time.


    They had to take into consideration that during the ancient era of Earth, it took people a year or more to dig a well by means of percussion drilling.


    Even though the aboriginals were strong, their strength wouldn''t be of much help for this problem.


    "We shall first construct the salt pan. If there isn''t enough yellow brine, then we can use another method which only requires ck brine even though the speed will be a little slower. Let''s just hope that the ck brine canst for a longer period of time." After Ren Baqian pondered for some time, he felt a little helpless.


    It was a problem that he brought up, but the solution to it wasn''t something that could be aplished within a short period of time.


    Even if they were to concurrently build wells at multiple locations, it would still take them at least a year. If their luck was good, perhaps there would be a few wells that were functional.


    That night, Ren Baqian took a trip back to Earth. When he returned, he brought along something that seemed rather odd to the people of Dayao.


    Its entire body was ck, and there was a thin tube at the front end of it. Its length seemed to be longer than the height of Ren Baqian.


    Besides that, there were still a few heavy boxes.


    "What is this?" Lin Qiaole was a little curious.


    "Just a little preparation. In a few days'' time, I will teach Great Xia how they should behave." Ren Baqian sounded extremely confident. At the same time, his heart was filled with disdain for that bunch of defects. He actually had put in quite some effort to obtain a heavy machine gun and its ammunition.


    Even though the problem of the salt pan hadn''t been fully resolved, Ren Baqian was already in the midst of preparing to meet the empress in the time toe.


    This was the W-85 heavy machine gun that he had just painstakingly obtained from his nation.


    The entire length of the weapon was 2.15 meters. The gun itself weighed about 19 kilograms while the tripod weighed 18 kilograms. In theory, its firing rate was about 650-700 rounds per minute with a firing range of 1.6 kilometers. Within its firing range, it could rip a person in half.


    Ren Baqian felt a little excited at the thought of bringing this to the battlefield. When that happens, he would definitely get someone to film how heroic he looked and show this to his descendants.


    He would be the legendary Rambo Ren.


    Over the next two days, Ren Baqian apanied Tong Zhenye on a trip to the mouths of the two brine streams which contained ck brine and yellow brine, respectively. He also found a spot where he felt that it was appropriate to construct the salt pan. This location at least had a more straightforward path. Furthermore, cutting away all the weeds and trees along the path would make walking with the receptacles much easier.


    At the same time, he had also selected around eight locations to prepare for the digging of the wells.


    ording to what Ren Baqian said, Tong Zhenye had a unique set of skills for selecting the locations.


    Since someone else would also have just made a wild guess, he might as well do it himself. Who knew if he might have guessed it correctly by chance.


    Every evening, Tong Zhenye would talk to the people of the Ministry of Works about the design blueprint for the percussion drilling method of drilling a well. Percussion drilling reliedpletely on a human-powered foot pedal to drill a well by means of the lever principle. This was a more advanced methodpared to brine extraction by means of a bamboo wheel and was probably the best solution for this era since they didn''t have ess to modern machinery.


    ...


    "Your Majesty, Dayao''s letter of credence has arrived."


    In the imperial pce of Great Xia, an elderly figure sat atop a tall throne with two rows of civil and military court officials standing beneath him.


    "Read it out!" The elder gave a faint smile.


    At present, 500,000 soldiers had entered the borders of Dayao and secured the upper hand. 200,000 reinforcement soldiers had already arrived at the borders, and 300,000 new soldiers were still undergoing training within Great Xia.


    With over 1 million soldiers, his objective was to conquer the whole of Dayao.


    Plus, the current war situation had already progressed into the state of his initial expectations. After unleashing his strategy, in his eyes, Dayao would be like a youngdy who had been toyed with.


    However, Dayao''s letter of credence should have been delivered before the war had even begun. He had no idea what that little girl from Dayao wanted to say or how she wanted to exin.


    Regardless of what she said, it was impossible to make Great Xia withdraw their troops. However, it would be a joy atop joys if he were to listen to her exnations about resolving the ongoing war.


    Xia Bailong sat on the high throne, feeling entirelycent.


    The court officials beneath him were all grinning as well. The W-85 heavy machine gun is a gas-operated heavy machine gun designed in the People''s Republic of China. It fires the Soviet-designed 12.7��108mm round

 Chapter 327 Do You Really Think That I’m Made Of Mud?

    Seeing that the court official beside him didn''t make any sound after a long while, Xia Bailong softly grunted, causing the other party to quiver.


    "Your Majesty, I seek your forgiveness. It is really difficult to identify the words from this handwriting." That eunuch immediately fell to his knees.


    "Get up. It''smendable that a bunch of barbarians can even write." Xia Bailongughed. It was as if a switch had been turned on, and all the court officials began to burst into loudughter that was full of contempt.


    "His Majesty is right, it''s alreadymendable that a bunch of barbarians can write. We shall not expect too much from them," one of the court officials agreed with Xia Bailong.


    Xia Bailong nodded his head in satisfaction.


    "Erm, Your Majesty, your servant''s vision is blurry and can''t make out the words written on this letter." that eunuch cautiously and solemnly said after reading through the letter.


    Although Ren Baqian''s writing was difficult to read, it had yet to reach the point that it waspletely illegible. As someone who served Xia Bailong, the eunuch understood Xia Bailong''s character very well. If he read this letter out loud, he wouldn''t be in Xia Bailong''s good books anymore. Even if nothing happened to him in the short term, Xia Bailong would probably find an excuse to kill him tragically.


    One had to know if these castrated men wanted to be well-regarded, it all depended on the emperor''s trust. If the emperor was not satisfied with any of them, there were already countless people who were waiting to step over them and climb to the top of the hierarchical structure.


    "You can''t even read a letter? Get lost," Xia Bailong coldly retorted. "Li Kairui, you read it."


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    A bearded elder with grizzled white hair came forward and received the letter in great spirits. Then, he read it in detail and revealed an odd expression on his face.


    "What? A schr like you can''t read either?" Xia Bailongughed coldly.


    Li Kairui was a Chancellor of Great Xia and also a schr from the Zhaoyang conste. Naturally, he would be of a different caliberpared to the eunuch from before.


    He forced a smiled and said, "The contents of this letter disrespect Your Majesty."


    "Read!" Xia Bailong coldly replied. "I would like to hear how disrespectful they are."


    Li Kairui forced a smile before clearing his throat and reading the letter out loud,


    "Dayao''s empress to Great Xia''s emperor:


    My old friend was arrogant like you, but look, the weeds on his grave are already 15 meters tall now.


    Looking at the weeds on his grave, I thought of how arrogant you are, just like him.


    The weeds on your grave will soon be as tall as his!"


    Li Kairui changed the originally written "Xia Baichong" to "Xia Bailong." After all, it really sounded too unpleasant.


    However, he read the contents exactly as they were written in the letter.


    The smile on Xia Bailong''s face began to freeze after Li Kairui read half of the letter.


    After Li Kairui finished reading the entire letter, a chilly vibe was emitting from Xia Bailong''s body. He even left a deep fingerprint mark on the armrest of the throne made of pure gold.


    Everyone else was stunned. No one would have imagined that the contents of Dayao''s letter of credence would turn out like that. It was practically openlyshing out at Great Xia''s emperor.


    "My old friend was arrogant like you?"


    "The weeds on his grave are already 15 meters tall?"


    What kind of words were those?


    "I thought of how arrogant you are, just like him?"


    "The weeds on your grave will soon be as tall as his?"


    This was practically how gangsters behaved.


    Originally, everyone still wanted to ridicule Dayao''s empress since they would still attack Dayao regardless of how she struggled to give an exnation.


    At this point in time, however, nobody could say anything.


    Dayao''s empress didn''t even have the intention of giving an exnation!


    She openlyshed out at them!


    Even though they previously thought about how the empress of Dayao might react, any normal human being would definitely give some exnation, right? Even if she shifted the me of the Seventh Prince''s death, it would be considered giving some face to Xia Bailong.


    Yet, how could she actually do this?


    How could the proud and arrogant Xia Bailong ept this situation? How could he and his officials, who believed that they were the strongest nation, swallow this?


    Everyone felt that attacking Dayao without any exnation was already a very hooligan behavior. Never had they expected that the other party would be no weaker than them. They even sent a limerick that insulted them openly.


    "Qi Zixiao actually dares to act this way?" Xia Bailong''s chest was heaving up and down heavily. He cursed out loud, "I''ll definitely capture her alive and see if she''s still reluctant to admit her mistake."


    "Your Majesty, please calm down. She must have wrote those words in the heat of moment," Li Kairui replied in a low voice.


    "I know, it''s just that she dares to ridicule me to this extent..." Xia Bailong was boiling with anger.


    From that day onward, Xia Bailong had a headache for a few consecutive days. He wasn''t able to sleep peacefully at night.


    If Ren Baqian knew that the letter he wrote impulsively would make the Great Xia emperor''s blood pressure rise until he almost had a cerebral congestion, he would probably write this event down in the so-called historical records he kept out of arrogance.


    ...


    In addition to studying the location of the salt pan, the manufacturing process, and the drilling of the well with Tong Zhenye and others, Ren Baqian would also find out what was going on at the frontline on a daily basis from the radio station.


    After Yusheng City was destroyed, the soldiers from the Protectorate General of the Center finally arrived at the frontline. Previously, they dispatched 1,000 soldiers to assist Yusheng City in their defense. However, along with the fall of Yusheng City, those 1,000 soldiers had died in the city as well.


    As for the remaining 7,000 soldiers, they didn''t wage war with the Great Xia soldiers. Due to the Great Xia soldiers that were guarding the city, it was difficult for just 7,000 Dayao soldiers to attack them. If the Dayao soldiers forcefully attacked the Great Xia soldiers, not only would they fail to defeat them, but they would also sustain serious injuries.


    As a result, they decided one dayter to switch to attacking the 80,000 Great Xia soldiers outside Guke City. In coordination with the 1,000 aboriginal soldiers who were defending Guke City, the arriving aboriginal army killed half of Great Xia''s 80,000 soldiers. At the very least, they left over 20,000 enemy corpses in the city and more than 10,000 dead soldiers dispersed outside. Only about 40,000 of these Great Xia soldiers retreated to Liao City and grouped up with the 80,000 soldiers there, totaling up to about 120,000.


    Currently, there were only 5,000 soldiers left under the Protectorate General of the Center.


    Presently, the empress was already nearing Liao City. She was using the radio station from time to time to stay in contact with the Protector General of the Center, Li Qianqiu. This was because she was prepared to mount a joint attack on the 120,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    Only the aboriginals could do such a thing like sending 6,000 of their soldiers tounch a joint attack on 120,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    Even though 1,200 out of the 6,000 Dayao winged cavalry warriors were at least Earth Wheel experts, Ren Baqian still felt that it was somewhat hard for him to ept this fact.


    After all, the schools on Earth educated him about wars with a few hundred thousand soldiers surrounding over 100,000 of their opponents, and he had already gone through 20 years of such an education. Now, seeing a few thousand aboriginal soldiers attacking over 100,000 Great Xia soldiers, these numbers still made him felt ufortable even though he knew that Earth Wheel experts weren''tparable to the normal soldiers on Earth.


    ...


    Ren Baqian was seated on the ground with a mechanical model for percussion drilling in front of him. As his finger tapped on a small piece of wood behind the model, the drill bit was drilling under the action of the lever and bored into the ground, digging a small hole without much effort.


    A group of students looked curiously at the mechanical model that Ren Baqian was fiddling with. Although they had learned a bit of physics, the content was all theoretical. Furthermore, Ren Baqian had just touched on the topic of light rays.


    This was the second time that they had seen a mechanical model with such application and practicality. Consequently, they felt very curious and examined it very carefully. The first time they saw something like this was Ren Baqian''s motorbike, which had turned into scrap iron in their hands.


    After fiddling with the model for a long time, Ren Baqian kept it and said to Tong Zhenye who was nearby, "These are the fundamentals of the issue. I will leave the rest to all of you."


    "Sir Ren won''t be staying here?" Tong Zhenye was slightly distracted.


    "It''s almost time, so I will go to the frontline to take a look," Ren Baqian replied nonchntly.


    If one wasn''t familiar with him, one would never know that he was putting on an act.


    "Sir Ren, it''s better for you to stay over here so that everyone can worry less," Tong Zhenye replied with a queer expression on his face.


    Previously, you were almost assassinated twice and always provoked the empress into flying into a terrible rage. You still want to run to the frontline now? Should I say that your heart is big or that you are just acting recklessly? You staying here peacefully would be the greatest contribution.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes wide and asked, "Do you really think that I''m made of mud? That I don''t even have the energy to defend myself? Let me tell you, when I''m furious, even I''m afraid of myself."


    "You are really made of mud. Watery mud." Tong Zhenye nodded his head seriously.


    "If there is an opportunity in the future, I''ll definitely let you experience what power is. All of you arepletely ignorant about what power is," Ren Baqian gave him the side eye and replied resentfully.

 Chapter 328 Ready To Set Off

    When everyone went up the mountain, they had brought a pile of ss bottles. However, when they went down the mountain, they brought a pile of galvanized iron sheets as well as a wooden box with them. Ren Baqian was holding onto a W-85 heavy machine gun that was longer than his body and pointed it from time to time.


    "Teacher, what is this?" Shi Gan moved close to Ren Baqian and asked.


    For a long while, everyone had been pondering about what that thing was in Ren Baqian''s hand. No matter how they looked at it, it looked like the rifle he used in the ssroom previously.


    However, wasn''t the previous rifle smaller? Why was this one was so much bigger?


    The consequences of getting shot by this rifle made everyone tremble with fear.


    "Do you want to know what this is?" Ren Baqian shed a good-natured smile.


    "Yes." Shi Gan nodded his head sincerely.


    "Stand over there. I''ll fire a few shots at you." Ren Baqian pointed to the side.


    "Teacher, I have not made any mistakes these past few days." Shi Gan''s expression was as if he had been wronged.


    "It''s better to experience the power of this thing personally." Ren Baqian''s expression was filled with "benevolence." Upon seeing that expression, Shi Gan immediately shrunk back in fear and hid at the back of the crowd.


    However, Ren Baqian really wanted to try out the power of this gun because he hadn''t used it since the day he obtained it.


    After they left the mountain, Ren Baqian got someone to bring a small box over to him. When he opened it, there was an ammunition belt rolled up inside. Then, he loaded the ammunition belt into the machine gun, made sure that the tripod was well supported, and aimed at the woods.


    Everyone curiously watched Ren Baqian as he fiddled with that strange-looking tube. While the guards were curious about what that thing was, the students were curious about how powerful it was.


    "Bang, bang, bang!" Ren Baqian grabbed the handles on both sides of the back end and pulled the trigger while facing a big tree in the woods. The muzzle of the gun suddenly spat a half meter long me.


    The moment the sound was heard, the metal chain extended in a perfectly straight manner from Ren Baqian''s head. It was no different from an antenna.


    The fire and the extremely loud sound surprised everyone.


    They were even more stunned upon seeing the scene inside the woods.


    After Ren Baqian held down the trigger for about 10 seconds, everyone saw wood shavings sttering everywhere from a big tree with a girth so thick that it took two people to hug it. Soon after, there was only half the tree left. A squeaking noise was produced as the remaining half of the tree copsed toward one side.


    One had to know that it was a huge tree with a girth was so thick that it took two people to hug it. Even if an aboriginal at the Earth Wheel level wanted to chop the tree down with a weapon, he or she would still have to exert a certain amount of strength.


    Yet now, this tree had actually copsed after 10 seconds.


    The power of this gun made everyone fearful.


    "Teacher, can I y with it for a while?" asked Tong Lan. She was full of smiles as she ran to Ren Baqian''s side and spoke with a delicate and adorable voice. If she had a tail, she would probably be wagging it at this moment.


    "Dream on," Ren Baqian said while digging into his ear. This thing was rather useful aside from the fact that it was a little loud. He could also control the recoil of this gun with the use of the tripod.


    Of course, even if the tripod didn''t counteract the recoil of the gun, he still had enough confidence in his own strength.


    All in all, both of his hands could exert up to 350 kilograms of strength. His body could withstand even more strength. It wasn''t impossible for him to lift 450 kilograms while doing a bench press, and he was already considered the finest among the people on Earth.


    Unfortunately, the design of this machine gun wasn''t for a single person to use. The trigger was on the handle at the rear end of the gun. If a tripod wasn''t utilized, one would have to brace the gun on the shoulder of another person. Furthermore, a shoulder essory was also included with the gun.


    "Hmph!" Tong Lan wrinkled her nose in dissatisfaction.


    He then ced the empty ammunition belt into the metal trunk so that he could continue to use it after reloading the bullets.


    This machine gun originally utilized a disintegrating link that could fire up to 60 rounds. However, under the request of Ren Baqian, it was reced by a semi-disintegrating link, which meant that several ammunition belts could be linked together.


    Otherwise, 60 rounds would be used up too quickly.


    Ren Baqian had a total of 20 ammunition belts. Inside one huge metal trunk, there were two small boxes for the two ammunition belts.


    In addition to the other bullets that had not yet been brought back from Earth, he would definitely require a team of fork-horned cows dedicated to carrying this ammunition when he arrived at the frontline.


    After Ren Baqian stowed the gun on the fork-horned cow, that bunch of students swept up the shell casings on the ground and took all of them back formemoration.


    Just like when Ren Baqian was young, even a bullet casing was something precious.


    Following which, everyone took one and a half days to return to the city. Just as they returned, they saw Shi Qing, who came up to greet them. This caused Ren Baqian to be a little surprised.


    "Sir Ren, you achieved something big this time around." Shi Qing said as he pulled at Ren Baqian''s arms.


    The production of salt was indeed a very important and significant matter to Dayao, so much so that even Shi Qing couldn''t sit still anymore. Once he got ahold of the news that Ren Baqian had returned, he hastily went to meet him.


    After dismissing the students, Ren Baqian continued exchanging conventional greetings with Shi Qing before returning to the pce with the guards.


    Without the empress, the pce lost its owner as well.


    Although there weren''t many people that departed with the empress, the atmosphere of the entire pce was much colder now.


    Ren Baqian was walking in the pce and felt somewhat bored. Since the empress wasn''t around, this ce didn''t have any significance to him.


    Even though the weather was rather warm, the absence of the empress somewhat made the pce feel chilly, as if it werete autumn.


    Ren Baqian turned on the radio station when he returned to Pingle Park and asked, "Your Majesty, are you there?"


    There was no response for a long time, and it seemed that the empress wasn''t near the radio station.


    If she followed the route, she should arrive in the vicinity of Liao City today, which was also the frontline of the war. As such, she might encounter Great Xia''s army at anytime.


    Even though Ren Baqian was absolutely confident in the empress''s skills and there were 1,200 winged cavalry warriors apanying her, he was still somewhat concerned about her.


    After walking around in the courtyard, Ren Baqian actually found some things that he had almost forgotten about��the TNT explosives.


    They were originally intended to be used to st the iron mine. Such a pity that they weren''t used back then.


    Now that he had to go to the frontline, he had no choice but to bring them along with him.


    In addition to the TNT explosives, there were also two bottles of sarin gas and the antidote, which were carefully wrapped. Perhaps, he might utilize this on the battlefield.


    "You are going to set off tomorrow, yet you don''t n on returning to Qingxin Pce Hall to inform Librarian Lin?" Ren Baqian asked after turning his head and seeing Lin Qiaole, who was leaning against the wall while dozing off.


    "Ahhh!" Lin Qiaole let out a long yawn before going back to sleep again. It was as if she hadn''t heard Ren Baqian''s words at all.


    "This time, I''m heading to a battlefield that is filled with Spirit Wheel experts. In this case, Earth Wheel experts are considered nothing! With your skills, you''ll definitely be in danger," Ren Baqian threatened her.


    At longst, Lin Qiaole finally opened her eyes and gradually cleared away the confusion. After which, she was lost in her thoughts.


    "Going to the battlefield to protect you is much more difficult than protecting you here. You have to give me double the amount of candy!" Ren Baqian facepalmed after hearing what Lin Qiaole said.


    You are only smart when ites to these kind of things. Other than using muscles to settle issues, all you can think about is food, right?


    He couldn''t be bothered with Lin Qiaole and shouted for someone to prepare the medicinal bath.


    While bathing, he turned on the radio station and asked from time to time, "Is Your Majesty there?"


    After taking the medicinal bath, he heard a woman''s voiceing from the radio station that asked, "Is Li Qianqiu around?"


    "Greetings, Your Majesty. Your humble servant will go and inform Protector General now," another man said.


    "Your Majesty, have you arrived at Liao City?" Ren Baqian jumped at the opportunity and asked.


    "There''s still another 160 kilometers before we arrive," the empress replied with an unenthusiastic voice.


    "I have alreadypleted my task. Sir Tong is currently working overtime to settle the salt pan. I''m already back in Lan City and will look for Your Majesty tomorrow. One daysts as long as three cycles of autumn when we can''t see each other. Now, it seems that 13 cycles of autumn have passed, and I already can''t wait to set off." Ren Baqian''s voice was full of teasing.


    The empress, who was a distance away, stared into space for a while. Soon after, happiness could be seen written on her face. She then gently replied, "Okay!"

 Chapter 329 Clothes as Red as Blood

    The next morning, Ren Baqian left the city with his guards and went straight for the north.


    Back then, when he watched television series, he saw those horses of the generals that looked all majestic with long weapons like broadswords andnces hanging from their backs.


    Ren Baqian had currently strapped the folded up frame of a W-85 machine gun to the side of a fork-horned cow. He felt that he had more swagpared to famous people such as Guan Y��, L�� Bu, and Li Xuanba.


    A question for the aforementioned three men: Would you be afraid of this gun?


    Even after two days, his bodyguards still asionally nced over at that heavy machine gun which was over two meters long. The test-fire from the other day had indeed left a very deep impression on everyone .


    The empress took 13 days to march from Lan City to Liao City, but Ren Baqian reckoned that his party would only require nine days to arrive. Furthermore, he had to return to Earth on two of these days.


    When that time arrived, he would then be able to demonstrate the power of technology and show them what unmatched power and destruction looked like.


    Ren Baqian got all fired up at the thought of this. He felt that his huge gun couldn''t wait for action.


    ...


    Not long after Ren Baqian and his party had set off, the empress ran into the mounted scouts of Great Xia.


    As soon as the other party spotted the scouts of the winged cavalry from a few hundred meters away, they immediately turned their horses around and dashed back.


    The goat riders were simply too easy to identify. The winged cavalry were the only troops who used giant goats as mounts. In the eyes of Great Xia, the winged cavalry were their main focus, and they were able to identify them simply by looking at the equipment and mounts of the scouts.


    A few scouts from the winged cavalry saw their enemies running away in the distance, leaving behind a trail of dust. They turned around and went back to report the situation to the empress.


    "Your Majesty, a few of us ran into the scouts of Great Xia. I''m afraid that they will find out about us very soon."


    "How far away are we from Liao City?" the empress asked faintly.


    "Another 25 kilometers to go."


    "Get ready to face the enemy," the empress replied faintly as she reclined into the thick animal hide on her throne. She rested one hand on her head while the other held a ss of wine.


    "Turn on the radio station," the empress said.


    Hong Luan immediately switched on radio station.


    "Li Qianqiu, where are you at now?" the empress asked.


    Li Qianqiu responded after some time, "Your Majesty, we have already arrived at Pingjin Mountain."


    Pingjin Mountain was about 15 kilometers to the east of Liao City, which was approximately the same distance as Liao City was from where the empress was. That was why both parties were constantly in contact with each other.


    "In a few moments, the winged cavalry will head straight toward the barracks of the general of the Great Xia army after breaking through the siege of the enemy troops. When that happens, the Great Xia army will be in disorder. You will then take that opportunity tounch a surprise attack," the empress''s face blushed when she uttered those words, and her eyes shone as bright as stars. There was no telling how much of this was her feeling tipsy and how much of this was her feeling excited for the impending battle.


    As for whether the winged cavalry were able to break through the siege, that wasn''t even a consideration for her.


    It would be a joke if 1,200 Earth Wheel experts couldn''t break through siege of the Great Xia army.


    ...


    25,000 Great Xia soldiers surrounded the east gate of Liao City and constantly attacked their enemies. Long scalingdders were put up against the City wall as battle cries resounded across every inch of it. asionally, there would be people screaming as they fell off the walls. In addition, there were also many of them lying motionless at the top of the walls.


    A middle aged general armored in temail, looked toward the distant city wall as he stood in front of the tents with his eyebrows tightly knitted.


    This Liao City was indeed a tough nut to crack.


    There were 1,000 soldiers defending the city, 2,000 injured soldiers who had retreated from Shun City, and an entire city ofmoners. These people had been resisting an army of 70,000 Great Xia soldiers at the city walls for exactly 10 days, and there were countless dead bodies lying everywhere.


    At this moment, a few mounted scouts dashed toward the camp.


    "Sir, we have spotted the tracks of the winged cavalry 25 kilometers away."


    When he heard the news, the middle aged general paused intermittently as he ran his left hand through his beard. "Do you know the exact positions of the enemy?" he asked in a heavy voice.


    "We ran into their scouts before we could even get close and immediately returned to report the situation, but looking at the dust that was swept up from afar, it seemed that they had less than 2,000 soldiers. They will probably take another four hours to reach us."


    "Continue to investigate quickly."


    Following which, the middle aged general ordered, "Go and inform the General-in-Chief at the main camp."


    An hourter, out of the 25,000 Great Xia soldiers, 15,000 soldiers were sent from the east gate of Liao City toward the empress. At the same time, another 10,000 soldiers rushed over from the north.


    Even though the empress only had less than 2,000 soldiers, Great Xia didn''t dare to lower their guard a single bit.


    The power of over 1,000 winged cavalry warriors was equivalent to over 10,000 soldiers from Great Xia. Furthermore, the winged cavalry was very flexible and could adapt to situations very readily.


    Furthermore, just a while ago, 10,000 Great Xia soldiers from the north barracks had been shifted to the east gate of Liao City to join forces with the 30,000 soldiers outside. They simultaneously surrounded the east gate as well as kept a lookout for the 5,000 aboriginal soldiers around Pingjin Mountain.


    The Great Xia general had dealt with Dayao for over 10 years. As such, he naturally knew their power as their weakest soldiers were minimally at the Man Wheel level. He was also aware of the prowess of the winged cavalry that numbered less than 2,000 soldiers.


    At present, the winged cavalry had already defeated the soldiers of Great Xia Protectorate of the Center at Guke City and arrived in the vicinity of Liao City. The Great Xia army dared not act blindly without thinking anymore, and they felt that their own military strength had been weakened. Even the siege from three directions had gradually slowed down, allowing the defenders andmoners in Liao City to take a temporary breather.


    Within Liao City, barely half of the 3,000 soldiers survived. If themoners hadn''t picked up the weapons of the deceased and aided in killing the enemies, they would have yielded long ago.


    They had already persisted for nearly 7 days under the violent attacks of the 70,000 Great Xia soldiers. Also, under the attack of the 40,000 soldiers that came from Guke City, they had managed to hold out for another two days.


    At this moment, every part of the city wall was devastated and every step taken would cause one to step in blood. Everyone on top of the city wall had already gotten used to the bloody stench. When the Great Xia army had retreated, it was unknown how many people actually sat in the blood.


    The majority of those people were themoners that Ren Baqian thought were very ordinary. Yet, they were the ones who caused many of the Great Xia soldiers to shed blood after picking up weapons and fighting.


    Over thest few days, they had thrown down at least 20,000 corpses from the top of the city walls.


    The number of casualties within Liao City were also equally disastrous.


    ...


    When the empress and the winged cavalry arrived seven kilometers southeast of Liao City, they saw the siege of Great Xia troops ahead. At a rough nce, there was an estimated 20,000 soldiers. There were so many weapons that they seemed as dense as a forest. Many of the troops had blood stains on their armor, and an austere vibe was emitted from them.


    The ground in front of the battle formation was filled with rusty caltrops. Each caltrop had four spikes protruding out and a hole in the middle. They were all strung up together by ropes in groups of six, which would make it easier to retrieve them after the battle.


    "Trample over them." The empress stood on the golden throne with a killing intent that permeated the entire ce as she looked at the battle formation in the distance.


    "Dismount!" Following thismand, thousands of winged cavalry warriors flipped over and dismounted in an orderly fashion.


    "Ha!" Everybody let out a loud cry, and the convergence of the thousands of voices sounded like an explosion, immediately causing a slight disturbance among the Great Xia soldiers far ahead.


    "Kill!" a manmanded.


    "Kill!" Thousands of winged cavalry warriors formed into three rows and dashed straight toward the enemy. They were all holding onto their swords as an ice cold killing intent permeated everywhere.


    Even though they were up against an army 20 times more numerous than their own, they didn''t seem to cower in the slightest.


    This was the winged cavalry, the elite of the aboriginals.


    "Fire." Following amand from the Great Xia army and a "swoosh," countless white feathers nketed thend with dark shadows before smashing down again.


    It was like a rainstorm.


    At this moment, numerous shadows soared into the sky. The des in their hands transformed into streaks of cold white light, clearing the sky of the rain of arrows.


    "Fire!" Another barrage of arrows was loosed from the battle formation of Great Xia.


    Hundreds of shadows soared into the sky again.


    "Kill!" Many of the winged cavalry warriors had eyes that were scarlet in color as they stared into the battle formation ahead.


    In one jump, they leaped over 10 meters and went straight into the sea of spears that reflected the cold light.


    Like a tiger entering a herd of sheeps, a bloody massacre arose.


    Looking at the scene from the skies, it looked as if tens of red-hot steel knives were cutting through a huge piece of butter. It first sliced through and then melted on both sides. The Great Xia army immediately routed and became scattered.


    After finishing a ss of wine on her golden throne, the empress smashed the ss onto the ground. Then, she transformed into a streak of red shadow and leaped several hundred meter in a sh, stepping on the heads of the Great Xia troops and heading for the rear of the battle formation.


    Her clothes were as red as blood. Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei in thete Eastern Han dynasty. L�� Bu, courtesy name Fengxian, was a military general and warlord who lived during thete Eastern Han dynasty of Imperial China. Li Xuanba was Tang Gaozu''s third son, courtesy name Dade.

 Chapter 330 The Situation After Two Weeks

    The miserable scowls just before death, the desperate yells, the sound of knives piercing into the human body, the sound of human bodies being thrown andnding on the ground, and the innumerable voices were all sent into the ears of the empress. However, it was as if she couldn''t hear anything.


    At this time, she was sitting on a fine horse, and it was unknown when her bunned up hair had fallen loose. Just like a waterfall, her head full of fine ck hair was scattered behind her.


    Corpsesy everywhere and surrounded that fine horse.


    Among the corpses, there was a middle agedmander who had angry, ring eyes. He was dressed in a suit of metal armor and was also themander of 25,000 soldiers. However, not only was his status not beneficial for him at this moment, it had in fact been the cause of his death.


    Great Xia''smander had already died, and their soldiers had begun to flee. However, the speed at which they were fleeing wasn''t enough to outrun the winged cavalry''s pursuit. They soon realized that death was inevitable no matter who stood in their way. As such, under the impression that they would be ignored if they were to do so, they fled to both sides. The entire battlefield was in total chaos.


    The aboriginal soldiers ruthlessly attacked the formation of the 25,000 Great Xia soldiers while the others continuously escaped in both directions.


    "Your Majesty!" Numerous soldier that were drenched in blood halted before the empress and got into formation.


    "Advance." The empress turned around and looked into the distance. Her voice was exceptionally cold.


    Just like waves, the winged cavalry pounced on the 10,000 Great Xia soldiers outside Liao City''s east gate. The Great Xia soldiers had practically just received the news that the winged cavalry was approaching. Just after the Great Xia soldiers finished organizing their formation, they weed the winged cavalry.


    "Listen, what''s that sound?" One by one, the soldiers andmoners in Liao City opened their eyes after resting for a while and asked. They were leaning against the city wall with their eyes shut, trying to get whatever rest time they could. Everyone was covered in bloodstains with pieces of gore sttered on their faces, but they were so exhausted that they couldn''t even be bothered to clean themselves up.


    "It''s the reinforcement soldiers!" someone shouted at the top of his lungs.


    "Reinforcement soldiers? The reinforcement soldiers are here!" As soon as everyone heard the news, their spirits were all uplifted. They climbed up from the ground, supported themselves against the wall, and looked outside.


    "Too few!" Some people saw the number of reinforcement soldiers in the distance and were disappointed at first. Merely 1,000 or so reinforcement soldiers were indeed too few. One had to know that there were nearly 100,000 Great Xia soldiers surrounding Liao City. Even if this group of over 1,000 reinforcement soldiers were to dash into the city, it would be more effective than staying outside.


    However, just when this thought emerged in their heads, a few people shouted with excitement, "It''s the winged cavalry! The winged cavalry has arrived!"


    Even though there were only above 1,000 winged cavalry warriors, their strength was equivalent to 10,000 ordinary aboriginal soldiers.


    This wasn''t the only important thing. There was also the significance of the winged cavalry.


    Since the winged cavalry was here, what about Her Majesty?


    The people at the top of the walls looked around, and soon enough, they saw a red dress that slowly approached from the back.


    "Is that Her Majesty?" Many people could only see a red spot in the distance, but couldn''t see clearly who that was. They were just guessing that perhaps it really was Her Majesty.


    After all, the winged cavalry had already killed 10,000 Great Xia soldiers with a red figure slowly following behind them. Apart from Her Majesty, no one could think of anyone else.


    "Her Majesty has led the winged cavalry here!" Such voices gradually spread from the east gate to the city center, to the north, and then finally to the west. Soon enough, the entire city was in ecstasy.


    A general who was d in leather armor hurried to the city wall at the east gate. He held a telescope in his hand and was looking in that direction before his face warped into an ecstatic expression. "It''s really Her Majesty!"


    At this point, an urge rose up in his heart. He wanted to lead the soldiers who were still able to move and charge out immediately.


    In that case, I would be able to say that I have fought alongside the empress before!


    However, he nced around and saw the deep exhaustion under the ecstasy on everyone''s face. Thus, he restrained this urge of his deep down in his heart.


    After the empress and the winged cavalry destroyed half of the 100,000 Great Xia soldiers, only 3,000 of them managed to flee. The empress turned around, saw the city wall which was stained with blood, and continued by coldly saying, "Advance!"


    When the empress and the winged cavalry arrived to the north of Liao City, they could see that the Great Xia soldiers were slowly retreating. Between the two sides, there was a 100-meter deceleration zone that was filled with caltrops.


    In addition to 5,000 aboriginal soldiers that were currently battling fiercely against the Great Xia soldiers to the west of Liao City, over 1,000 winged cavalry warriors had in more than 30,000 Great Xia soldiers and sent them retreating on their own. Previously, Great Xia had already lost over 120,000 soldiers.


    That very night, the empress brought the winged cavalry to join forces with Li Qianqiu''s army.


    The winged cavalry sustained about a dozen casualties. As for Li Qianqiu''s 5,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center, there were currently 4,000 of them left.


    Great Xia merely withdrew with more than 40,000 soldiers and gathered the remaining 70,000 injured soldiers. Additionally, 30,000 Great Xia soldiers had died in the battle.


    On the same day, the Great Xia soldiers in Yusheng City continued to advance toward the abyss of Dayao. Two dayster, 200,000 reinforcement soldiers from Great Xia marched past Ziyue City and headed toward the vicinity of Liao City.


    At the same time that the reinforcements from Great Xia arrived, 5,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the South proceeded toward the direction of Yucheng City. They were prepared to intercept the 80,000 Great Xia soldiers that had entered the ind area of Dayao from Yusheng City.


    At this time, Great Xia had already invested 700,000 soldiers. The first wave of troops involved 500,000 soldiers, with 200,000 soldiers besieging Tiesuo Pass against the 20,000 aboriginal soldiers from Dayao''s Protectorate of the North. As for the remaining 300,000 Great Xia soldiers, only 80,000 soldiers were headed for Yusheng City and only 70,000 soldiers remained outside Liao City, totaling to 150,000 soldiers. However, this didn''t include the unknown number of practitioners from the sects of Great Xia.


    ording to the current estimates from the Protector General of the North, these practitioners from the sects of Great Xia should number around 10,000. Of these, the weakest were at the very least at the Man Wheel level. Moreover, there were even more Earth Wheel practitioners. Even if they were less powerful than aboriginal warriors who were at the same level, these practitioners had greatly reduced the gap between Great Xia and Dayao.


    Unless they encountered the elites of the winged cavalry, the sect practitioners were able to cause considerable damage to most aboriginal soldiers, especially if the aboriginals were stuck in the middle of fighting the ordinary Great Xia soldiers.These practitioners from Great Xia sects would suddenly appear in the form of small teams during battle and were especially threatening.


    Two weeks after the start of the war, 150,000 enemy soldiers had already been in. War in this world was crueler and bloodier than war in the world that Ren Baqian came from.


    After all, the killing power of those experts was too great and iparable to the ordinary people on Earth. Ordinary people might be unable to move their arms after brandishing their sword for 15 minutes, but for Man Wheel experts, they were able to brandish their swords for two hours at the very least. As for those experts at the Earth Wheel level, even if they attacked with their weapons for half a day, they wouldn''t feel tired at all.


    As for the aboriginals, out of the 30,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the North, only 20,000 soldiers remained. Out of the 5,000 reinforcement soldiers from Protectorate of the Center, only 4,000 soldiers were left. At the same time, the casualties among themoners from Ziyue City, Liao City, and Yusheng City added up to more than 10,000.


    Everyday, Ren Baqian would turn on the radio station and listen to the ongoingmunication at the front line. At the same time, he would note down the battle loss ratio of Dayao and Great Xia. Excluding the soldiers that the winged cavalry killed, the current battle loss ratio of Dayao to Great Xia was 1:10. If he wanted to include the loss of the aboriginalmoners, who had considerable fighting power, the ratio should be within 1:10 and might even reach a ratio of 1:5.


    This kind of battle loss ratio was eptable for Great Xia, but it was difficult for Dayao to ept.


    One had to know that at present, Great Xia still had 550,000 operational soldiers. Meanwhile, the aboriginals only had a total of 31,000 soldiers. They had 22,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the North, 4,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center, and 5,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the South. Even if they were to somehow hypothetically add 10,000 warriors from the winged cavalry to the army, they would only have slightly over 40,000 soldiers at most.


    The confidence of Great Xia didn''t only depend on these 700,000 deployed soldiers, but also on the 500,000 new soldiers that were prepared to go to the battlefield.


    As for Dayao, they had 20,000 new soldiers as well as an additional 20,000 soldiers that they were currently recruiting.


    If the battle loss ratio of 1:10 was followed, the gap between the two forces would also increase.


    This was the first time Ren Baqian discovered that Dayao had only inflicted casualties to one-eighth of the enemy''s total forces. In the end, it turned out that their own losses were even more disastrous proportionally than the other party''s losses.


    After rubbing the back of his head for a long time, Ren Baqian asked suspiciously over the radio station, "How do the Great Xia soldiers who are advancing into Dayao from Yusheng City replenish their army provisions? Aren''t they afraid that they will run out of food?"

 Chapter 331 The Strategy of Great Xia and the Idea of Forming a Militia

    Ren Baqian''s doubts were quickly dispelled by the answers he received from the frontlines and confirmed that his conjectures were correct.


    That section of the Great Xia army obtained provisions from Yusheng City, which were enough to supply them with half a month of rations. This section then separated themselves from the supply line of Great Xia.


    As a result, the speed of their military advance was impeded.


    However, they were not bothered by this because the soldiers of the Protectorate General of the North were too busy to chase them, and they only needed to capture the rest of the cities within this half a month.


    To put it simply, they were an isted army.


    Since the other Great Xia soldiers were entangled with the northern forces of Dayao, the isted army had to rely on themselves for their own rations. If they found themselves stuck in a certain city, they would have to rely on the other Great Xia forces taking great risks to establish a supply line that delivered additional rations into their hands. Consequently, they would copse if they were to run out of rations.


    However, Great Xia dared to let a lone troop travel deep into the north of Dayao because they had the ability to rely on themselves.


    This was because the Dayao soldiers that could be mobilized were all pinned down.


    As for the 200 to 1,000 guards in each and every city and town of Dayao, they weren''t able to resist this well-organized troop.


    On top of this, many practitioners from Great Xia''s sects were attached to this troop as well.


    Therefore, before the arrival of the reinforcements from the Protectorate General of the South, Dayao had no choice but to tolerate the lone troop in their interior.


    What Dayao had to do now was very simple, which was to destroy them.


    Besides being strong individually, the people of Dayao were inherently weak in all aspects of agriculture. If everything was destroyed and many refugees left the cities, a prolonged war would drag Dayao down.


    There were about 10 million aboriginals in total, and most of them stayed within the Sixty Thousand Mountains. In the ins, there were 3 to 4 million aboriginals, and Dayao could barely sustain them based on their current situation. If most of the fields and livestock were destroyed, Dayao''s imperial treasury would be emptied to prevent therge number of resulting refugees from starving.


    Earlier on, it was already difficult for Dayao to provide rations for the 20,000 new recruits. It was only after the war started that they decided to add another 20,000 new recruits, indicating just how empty the state treasury was.


    Could they just ignore the fate of these refugees? It must be remembered that these refugees weren''t like ordinary refugees who had meager fighting capabilities. Themoners in Dayao were all capable fighters.


    By that time, Dayao would have already descended into chaos.


    Great Xia also shared the same view. This was why they initiated with a continuous wave of attacks. It would be ideal if they could advance through multiple paths, but if they were blocked, it certainly meant that they had encountered a huge part of the aboriginal forces. As there was a limited number of aboriginal soldiers, locking down arge portion of them would enable the rest of the Great Xia soldiers to be deployed in the interior of Dayao.


    Apart from the small amount of news from the frontlines, the strategy of Great Xia was based on Ren Baqian''s spections.


    He didn''t know whether his spections were urate, but they were based on what he would do. If this was what Great Xia nned to do, it would cause serious harm to Dayao. The region north of Lan Cityprised of at least half of thend settled by the aboriginals, if not more. They were now exposed to enemy aggression from the other side. If thisnd was destroyed and unable to produce any crops, the impact on Dayao would be enormous.


    He and Great Xia totally differed on one point, however.


    Great Xia believed that with a stalemate in the war, the damaged region of Dayao wouldn''t be able to resume production and that with the ecological damage, food production would be reduced as well. The daily living conditions would get worse inside Dayao and more problems would be highlighted, causing Dayao to be weaker and weaker.


    It was just like a healthy person whose immune system was destroyed, causing him or her to suffer from all kinds of diseases before finally dying.


    Conversely, in the opinion of Ren Baqian, the ripening of the high yield crops like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes, while not suitable for military rations, would have no problem keeping the refugees from starving to death. Consequently, when the wartime fighting potential of Dayao was unleashed, Dayao would get stronger and stronger instead.


    It must not be forgotten that Dayao had enlisted 20,000 new recruits. ording to the battle loss ratio, this meant Great Xia had to enlist 200,000 recruits.


    However, all of the aboriginals could be considered as soldiers, and up to a million soldiers could be recruited from a poption of 10 million natives. Could this be done in Great Xia? Even though the poption of Great Xia was 10 times the size of Dayao, the training of the recruits in Great Xia was much slower whenpared to that of Dayao.


    While Dayao only needed half a year to train their recruits, Great Xia needed at least two years to train the recruits.


    When Great Xia''s elite soldiers were used up, would they then send their farmers to war?


    Of course, the crux of this matter was the high yield crops like the sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes that could fill the stomach andfort the people in Dayao. This was something that Great Xia didn''t know about because they were new crops.


    Furthermore, Dayao also had the biggest trump card, which was none other than Ren Baqian himself. As long as there was enough ammunition and enough soldiers to stop the experts from the other side, Ren Baqian felt he could defeat 10,000 enemies alone.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look at the ammunition boxes on the backs of the fork-horned cows and continued to write and draw in his book. The details were all about the current war, his analysis, and his spections.


    Ren Baqian felt that based on the present situation and his own conjectures, if the war continued along this path, Great Xia could inflict great damage on Dayao. Yet, they would still find it difficult topletely defeat Dayao.


    This was the case unless Great Xia had some killer weapons that hadn''t been deployed yet.


    As for whether his conjectures were correct, he only had to look at the movements of the Great Xia soldiers in Yusheng City to know.


    If the other party were really nning to act as he expected, then what they would do next would be to spread out to the remote areas to mop-up before regrouping to attack the cities. Next, they would repeat this cycle again.


    "What are you writing about?" Lin Qiaole asked while riding and swaying on the back of the fork-horned cow.


    She had been swaying and dozing off on the cow for three days, but ultimately, she still hadn''t fallen off.


    The reason for this was because she had bound herself tightly with ropes to the back of the fork-horned cow.


    Ren Baqian didn''t understand how useful an expert like her, who was bound tightly, would be if they ran into their opponents. He figured that he couldn''t wait for her to slowly untie herself since he would have already been reduced to ashes by then.


    "Some conjectures," Ren Baqian said as he closed the book.


    "Oh." Hearing him say this, Lin Qiaole couldn''t be bothered to ask anymore.


    "There are no more candies!" Lin Qiaole eximed expectantly.


    "Do not bother me when you get a toothache!" Ren Baqian took out a packet of White Rabbit Creamy Candies from a bag on the back of the fork-horned cow and tossed it to Lin Qiaole. She immediately perked up, smiling as her eyes sparkled.


    The news came quickly, and on the second day, they heard that the army of Great Xia, which had invaded Yusheng City, had split up and were heading out in different directions.


    Upon hearing this news, Ren Baqian instantly knew that the other party was acting ording to what he had anticipated, so he announced the attacking strategy of Great Xia on the radio station.


    "What is the probability of this thing happening?" The weak voice of Hong Wu was heard from the radio station.


    "After all the impossible causes have been ruled out, what is left is the truth." Ren Baqian adjusted his sunsses. "War is not just about killing and injuring the enemies, destroying their economy and production is also an effective tactic."


    "These 80,000 soldiers are not all of what Great Xia has. Don''t forget, they have another 200,000 soldiers, and a portion of this contingent could join forces with those soldiers outside Liao City. Moreover, another portion could continue to prate ind. These are all entirely possible. "


    "Cough, cough! Protector General Li, what do you think?" Hong Wu asked.


    "I think there is a possibility of this happening," Li Qianqiu said after a short pause.


    "I also agree that there is a possibility," Hong Wu said softly.


    After hearing this discussion over the radio station, the empress, who was in Liao City, tapped her finger lightly on the arm of her chair and gently asked, "What do all of you think?"


    Both Hong Wu and Li Qianqiu frowned.


    "Your humble servant has an idea," Ren Baqian immediately said.


    "Speak up!" The empress nodded her head even though her actions could not be seen by Ren Baqian.


    "Besides the few cities in the throes of war, there are 16 towns and cities north of Lan City with 4,600 troops from the Protectorate General of the South guarding them.


    What if these 4,600 soldiers were transferred out? With the current situation in every city and town, it is very difficult to withstand the attacks from the Great Xia army, so we can only dy them for some time. In that case, why not bring out these soldiers and merge them together to give the enemies more trouble. Otherwise, even when the 5,000 reinforcement soldiers from the Protectorate General of the South arrive, it will be very tough to stop the over 80,000 Great Xia soldiers and sect practitioners."


    "This n would leave the area north of Lan Citypletely defenseless, and the other party would not even need to join forces, but would only need to spread out and attack." Hong Wu shook his head gently and thought that Ren Baqian was being too simplistic.


    "We can form a militia. The army was previously affected by weaponry and food shortages, but the weaponry problem has already been resolved. As for food, each aboriginal family should contribute since they are protecting their own homes. Furthermore, each aboriginal will receive a steel saber for a weapon. As such, I presume that many will be interested in joining the militia.


    During this period, wartime achievements will be recorded and rewards will be given out after the war."


    "Please narrate the details!" The empress''s interest was aroused, and she found the militia idea refreshing.


    "Assign a small number of elite soldiers as the bare bones crew needed to hold the fort. Then, themoners will be the flesh. They will be trained whenever they are unupied so that they can protect our nation during wartime."

 Chapter 332 Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

    "The strength of the aboriginals isn''t low. Once they reach adulthood and train a little, they will attain Great Xia''s Man Wheel level and can qualify as a junior officers in Great Xia. Also, they do notck courage.


    This could be seen from the way manymoners defended the city at critical times and resisted the invasions of Yusheng City and Liao City.


    They merelyck weapons,bat training, and people to organize them.


    Although war is the responsibility of the army, at times when the army cannot protect them, themoners will have to protect themselves.


    This will certainly inflict casualties, but it will be better than the present situation.


    As long as some elite soldiers form the skeletal system, then themoners can be used as the flesh. For example, one elite soldier to nine civilian and abat effective army can be formed in a very short time. If they need even more soldiers, they can recruit them from those staying in the mountains to quickly form new military units," Ren Baqian announced on the radio.


    "This n... is feasible." Hong Wu kept quiet for a long time before gradually opening his mouth. Although he didn''t like the idea of sendingmoners into the battlefield, he had to find ways to reverse the present situation.


    If the army was allowed to destroy the hintend of Dayao before being driven away, it would take an unknown amount of time for Dayao to recover.


    Needless to say, with the 200,000 reinforcement soldiers of Great Xia, just 100,000 of thembined with the 70,000-strong main force outside Liao City would be enough to pin down the winged cavalry and the soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center in Liao City. If the other 100,000 reinforcement soldiers also entered the hintend of Dayao, thebined force of more than 180,000 soldiers would easily swallow them up even if the 5,000 reinforcement Dayao soldiers from the Protectorate of the South arrived.


    In that case, the situation would be even more difficult.


    "As long as such a system is implemented, they will lead a normal life during peacetime and be mobilized during wartime. This way, they do not need much food supply and can enlist tens of thousands of troops very quickly during wartimes."


    "Great Elder, call Qin Chuan over to discuss this issue," the empress ordered.


    "There is another problem regarding the two army troops that have entered Dayao. Since they need to replenish their supplies, we can strengthen the defenses and inform all the people in strongholds to take away all the food supplies to the city centers to let them have nothing in the wild. If a city is invaded, evacuate the people and destroy all the food that cannot be taken away.


    "We will ensure that they cannot replenish their rations and that they will gain nothing from us. In that case, they either have to retreat or seek help from Great Xia to supply them with food. In the first scenario, we will cut off their escape route and engulf them. For the second scenario, we can cut off their food supply line, force them to retreat, and intercept them on their way back." Ren Baqian continued.


    "We have insufficient military strength," Li Qianqiu stated the current bleak situation.


    In the face of the aggressive assault by Great Xia, Dayao entered into a disadvantaged position after just a short time.


    "If the 16 cities and towns north of Lan City implement our new n, we can get at least 3,000 soldiers. Even though most of them are deployed elsewhere from the south of Lan City, we should be able to get another 1,500 soldiers, right? Adding the 5,000 reinforcement soldiers from Protectorate of the South, we will have about 9,500 soldiers altogether. Furthermore, although the empress''s winged cavalry seem to be stuck in Liao City, they can be deployed here at anytime. By then, we would have enough strength to defeat one of the two troops.


    We also have the means tomunicate via the radio station, whereas the other side isn''t able to do it."


    Everyone was relieved to hear Ren Baqian mention the radio station as this was their greatest advantage over Great Xia right now.


    "Why don''t we change the method of warfare? We have less people, but our 8,000 soldiers can match the fighting strength of 80,000 of their soldiers. In terms of flexibility, we are also better than them. Furthermore, many people were born in the mountains and are good with bows and arrows.


    "We can fight around them, harass them with bows and arrows, and retreat after a wave of attacks. They would not be able to catch us except with their cavalry. However, we can easily defeat a small number of their cavalry soldiers." Ren Baqian said.


    "Although our soldiers have stronger arms physically, Great Xia have better made bows and arrows. As a result, the shooting range of both parties are quite close. When we attack them with our arrows, we are exposing ourselves to their arrows, and in such an engagement, our losses will be bigger."


    "On the contrary, our losses would be less when engaging in closebat using swords and spears." Hong Wu resolved Ren Baqian''s question.


    "It''s not that we cannot do it, quick maneuvers are good enough. Great Xia''s army is overstaffed, and their flexibility is vastly inferior to ours." Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and called to mind the initial exploits of the army of Genghis Khan.


    Although the aboriginals depended entirely on their two legs, their running speed wasn''t slow at all.


    "However, we were discovered by the time we reached the vicinity of the Great Xia army." Hong Wu insisted on his opinion in this matter.


    Ren Baqian didn''t refute him again because Hong Wu was more familiar with the situation than him. He still needed to go to the frontline to observe for a period before deciding on the next move.


    Following this, everyone discussed at length the two issues regarding the militia as well as the the strategy of fortifications and clearing the fields


    Ren Baqian heavily favored the idea of naming the militia as the City Management Brigade. The name alone would improve their military strength by at least 30 percent. Unfortunately, the empress immediately vetoed this idea.


    Although the strategy of fortifications and clearing the fields is the correct one to take at this juncture, the people of Dayao will be distressed by the thought of destroying unripe crops. Perhaps, the people of Dayao would have to tighten their stomachs after this war.


    "Do not worry about the food supply. It will be alright when the sweet potatoes ripen. Anyway, Dayao does notck food supplies," Ren Baqianforted the crowd. They just needed to cripple the Great Xia army to reverse the situation. Then,rge tracts ofnd in Great Xia could be utilized freely.


    After discussing over the radio, the army worked nonstop to form the militia and transferred the weapons originally meant for the recruits to the cities and towns north of Lan City.


    Shi Qing ordered every town and city to gather themoners from the nearby strongholds, taking along all the food they could bring and destroying the leftovers.


    The whole northern region of Dayao began to bustle with activity.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian continued his journey to the northeast. He spent a night in one of the strongholds after travelling for a day.


    Early the next morning, an elderly aboriginal asked Ren Baqian and the rest as they were preparing to eat, "Sir, how is the situation now?"


    Themoners didn''t know the current war conditions, but they had heard about cities in the north being invaded by the Great Xia army.


    "The orders to move the food from all the strongholds to the nearest town will arrive very soon. The food that cannot be brought along will be destroyed," said Ren Baqian after he turned his head to speak. Even if he wasn''t asked, he would still tell them because their current location was too close to the frontline.


    "How could we do this?" The elderly aboriginal was shocked. The vegetables would mature in half a month. Part of the crop would be for their own use while some would be sold in exchange for meat to fulfill half of their food stores. The other half of the food supply consisted of the water buffaloes and domestic animals in the strongholds.


    If this half was lost, the future would be tough for them.


    "The Great Xia army will be here soon. If we don''t destroy the food supply, we will be supplying them with food. Evacuate to the city and the empire will make arrangements for you," Ren Baqian said coolly.


    At that moment, an uproar was hearding from the entrance of the stronghold.


    "Sir, the Great Xia army is here!" Shi Hu''s face turned pale after hearing this.


    Ren Baqian racked his brain.


    You guys run faster than Cao Cao?(Cao Cao, courtesy name Mengde, was a Chinese warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty who rose to great power in the final years of the dynasty)


    "Everyone, winner winner, chicken dinner!" Ren Baqian wasn''t too anxious because the Great Xia army they were encountering here should be the scattered and retreating soldiers.

 Chapter 333 Asura’s Hell

    "Bring me my gun." Ren Baqian beckoned to the side. Immediately, someone took the 2.15 meter long heavy machine gun and ced it in front of Ren Baqian before he wielded it in his hand.


    "Bring me the trunk that contains the bullets," Ren Baqian called out once again. Then, he walked toward the entrance of the stronghold''s gate. Shi Hu hurriedly followed behind him.


    "Wake up that fellow who is still asleep." Ren Baqian said without turning his head.


    At such a crucial moment, Lin Qiaole was still a more reliable option.


    It didn''t mean tha Shi Hu and the rest weren''t reliable, but they were slightly weakerpared to Lin Qiaole.


    In any case, Lin Qiaole was the bodyguard that the empress had handpicked for him. As such, the empress should have a good understanding of her strength.


    When they arrived at the entrance of the stronghold, the main door was currently shut. The entire ce was in disorder. There were some people blocking the main door while others were looking for weapons. It was aplete mess.


    "Who are those people that have arrived? How many of them are here?" Shi Hu caught someone and asked.


    "The Great Xia soldiers. There are a few thousands of them at the very least," the person urgently answered.


    Ren Baqian went to the top of the stronghold and looked out. All he could see were the lines of soldiers in the distance that were as long as dragons as they advanced toward the stronghold. The front of the queue was at least a few kilometers away. It was like a yellow dragon with quite a bit of dust swept up at the back.


    "Can you gauge how many soldiers there are?" Ren Baqian asked Shi Hu first before turning back to instruct someone else, "Bring all my ammunition boxes as well as that bag of mine over."


    After that, they opened the two boxes and connected the ammunition belts together.


    "Looking at the amount of dust scattered, there must be at least 4,000 Great Xia soldiers." Shi Hu silently calcted in his heart before speaking up.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and waited over there.


    There was a total of about 300 old and weak people as well as 200 strong and young people. In fact, at the age of 50, aboriginals could still be considered as young and strong. At the very least their fighting capabilities weren''t weak at all.


    These people were already somewhat reluctant to defend against a thousand soldiers, not to mention a few thousand of them. Although thesemoners weren''t weak, they were unarmed and simply a bunch of slightly stronger vigers that were at the Man Wheel level when matched against the elite soldiers of Great Xia.


    "Sir, are we going to retreat? Even if we bring along the people in the stronghold, they will not be able to chase after us if their cavalry isn''t present," Shi Hu said softly.


    "Retreat, what retreat? Winner winner, chicken dinner." Ren Baqian gave him the side-eye.


    I can finally use my heavy machine gun today and you are telling me to retreat now?


    After thinking for awhile, Ren Baqian said, "Let the old and weak people in the stronghold retreat first. Don''t allow them to bring anything along. We will retreat only if we really can''t hold on anymore."


    After he spoke, Ren Baqian''s bag and the 20 ammunition belts were sent to the corner, while the rest of the wooden boxes were piled below.


    Ren Baqian took the binocrs out from his bag. Via the binocrs, he could immediately see everything clearly. He could even see the face of the soldier right at the front.


    With spears in their hands, four people in a row were headed in their direction, but he couldn''t clearly see how long the spears were.


    However, Ren Baqian managed to see the silhouettes of the horses through the binocrs. Fortunately, there weren''t many of them.


    "Let the old and weak people retreat first. It will be troublesome if they remain here and we actually need to escape." Ren Baqian urged Shi Hu to execute hismand.


    Shi Hu took a nce at the gun that was racked up. Although he saw the power of this thing on that same day, he wasn''t certain whether it would be able to stop the Great Xia soldiers.


    The other party had way too many soldiers.


    Later on, if things didn''t turn out well, he would get that girl to escort Ren Baqian away first as he and the others tried to obstruct the Great Xia soldiers for a while longer.


    At the thought of this, Shi Hu went down and made arrangements. Soon after, under the apaniment of dozens of young people, the old and weak people in the stronghold left from the back. They then headed straight to Xiaojiang City, which would take them half a day to travel to.


    The front of the Great Xia army arrived 500 meters away from the entrance of the stronghold and halted, waiting for the rest of their soldiers to arrive.


    "You really want us to obstruct them?" At this point in time, Lin Qiaole finally woke up. She leaned on the corner of the wall and spoke unhurriedly.


    "Fight to our deaths and do not retreat!" Ren Baqian grinned and revealed a set of ghastly white teeth.


    Lin Qiaole looked at him suspiciously.


    Since when had he be so strong-willed?


    "How''s that? Am I strong-willed?" Ren Baqian snickered and instantly lost his charm within three seconds.


    "Strong-willed indeed! As long as you don''t shout for helpter, it''s fine!" Lin Qiaole threw a huge piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy into her mouth. After that, she carefully counted the number of White Rabbit Creamy Candies she had in her purse.


    Every time she ate a piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy, she had to recount the total number of candies she had. This may be rted to the early death of her math teacher, but she feared that she would lose her candies.


    "Leave two people behind to fill the ammunition belts with bullets. Everyone else, get into your positions and defend properly. For every guard, there should be three young and strong people present," Ren Baqian turned around and shouted. At present, three assembled ammunition belts were ced on the ground, each of which was made up of five normal ammunition belts and 300 rounds of bullets. Simrly, 300 rounds of bullets were also loaded into the gun.


    The Great Xia soldiers outside didn''t wait for the rest of the soldiers to arrive. Instead, they marched into their battle formation and advanced toward the stronghold.


    Although the footsteps of the 1,000 soldiers weren''t in order, it made Ren Baqian, who was at the top of the stronghold, shivered.


    "Let theme closer, just a little closer in case they escapeter!" Ren Baqian mumbled softly. He looked into the scope and aimed as he pointed the muzzle of the gun toward the front of the battle formation.


    Frankly, saying that he wasn''t nervous at all was a lie.


    In front of him was a battle formation of 1,000 soldiers.


    Even though Ren Baqian had a heavy machine gun in his hand, he was still somewhat anxious.


    Not only was he nervous, everyone else was nervous too. Let alone those young and strong people, even though they had kick-ass character, they were up against 1,000 elite Great Xia soldiers. Under this sort of situation, staying here was practically the road to death.


    It already showed a great deal of courage for them to stay here at this moment.


    Among them, there were people who were reluctant to part with their stronghold. Also, there were people who had the thought of obstructing the Great Xia soldiers while letting the old and weak leave first. They would only leave when they really couldn''t obstruct the Great Xia soldiers any longer. This was the opinion of the majority of the people.


    Each and every one of their faces tightened while they fixated their gazes on the Great Xia soldiers in the distance. They were also clenching weapons such as clubs in their hands.


    "Hu Zi, don''t be lenientter," someone said to the youngster beside him.


    "Look at me smash their brains into piecester." That youngster was holding on to a thick wooden club. It wasn''t long before he asked, "Can we obstruct them?"


    "Obstruct? Obstruct what? There are a few thousand of them! Just try to stall the time. We will only retreat when they are a distance away and we can''t obstruct them any longer," that burly man responded.


    As for the other guards, they were ready to fight to the death so that Ren Baqian would be able to flee at anytime. However, they were still looking forward to the weapon that Ren Baqian brought and whether it could really obstruct the Great Xia soldiers outside of this stronghold.


    Looking at the other party''s spears that were pointing ahead, they were approaching the mark that was 200 meters away from the stronghold.


    "Whoosh!" Four or five arrows were shot into the Great Xia battle formation.


    There had been nomunication between the two sides from the beginning to the present. Regardless of whether it was the elite soldiers of Great Xia or the young and strong people from the stronghold, they were all silent.


    From both parties'' perspective, the other party wasn''t only an enemy, but was also from a different tribe. As such, only one party could survive.


    A few Great Xia soldiers got hit and silently fell to the ground. There was only a slight disturbance within the battle formation before the rest of the soldiers stepped over their bodies.


    This silence, as well as the intensive footsteps, made Ren Baqian''s heart feel even more stifled.


    A smile appeared on his face, just like the smile he had when he was the Honglu deputy and instructed Xiong Pi to hang that Lian Family''s guard. It was very good-natured, and he was able to conceal his innermost thoughts. As such, it was impossible to notice what was he actually thinking about.


    "Bang, bang,bang...!" Ren Baqian squeezed the trigger and a me shot out of the muzzle of the gun that was half a meter long.


    Now, the Great Xia soldiers in the battle formation weren''t silent anymore. At the split second when the tongue of me was spurting out from the gun, it set off a storm of blood. Severed bodies, limbs, and internal organs were flying everywhere as many people copsed without a word. But, there were still many people with severed arms or legs who were screaming miserably on the ground.


    When a 12.7mm bullet hits a person''s body, it would practically slice through his or her body. However, if it hit another area, it would cause broken limbs to fly everywhere.


    Furthermore, from Ren Baqian''s point of view, his first shot hit the chest of the man in front, created a huge hole in his chest, and even broke another person''s leg at the back.


    From the scope, he clearly saw the Great Xia soldiers getting blown to pieces and falling in rows as they let out blood-curdling cries. It was as if they were wheat that was being cut.


    Visceral fragments were sprayed from the wounds and spilled everywhere.


    Most people still didn''t know what had happened when all of a sudden, they found a piece of their body missing.


    Like a scene in Asura''s Hell, it left everyone in the stronghold dumbstruck.

 Chapter 334 Extermination

    Bang, bang, bang, bang... A series of machine gun shots reverberated above the stronghold, and the introduction of this strange weapon into this world brought a victory which sent chills down people''s spine.


    Kaka. Whenever an ammunition belt was empty, Ren Baqian would throw it directly to the base of the turret and order, "Load the bullets."


    His hand continuously pressed the other ammunition belt to the gun while aiming at the Great Xia soldiers who were panic-stricken by the sight of the fallen and shattered bodies of those in front of them. Then, he pulled the trigger once again.


    Witnessing the scene of soldiers falling into a pool of blood and listening to those whose limbs had been severed or those who had a big hole in their stomach as they howled miserably, the eyes of the Great Xia army''s captain also popped out in anger.


    He originally assumed that under the attack of 1,000 elite Great Xia soldiers, the scene would be simr to a boulder rolling over the aboriginals'' stronghold. At most, there would only be a little trouble for them.


    He was still thinking this way a minute ago and hadn''t expected tongues of fire to emerge from a turret in the stronghold. In addition, strange and crisp sounds rang out before the soldiers at the front fell like mown grass.


    Exactly a quarter, or around 200 plus, elite soldiers were turned into a sea of blood and minced meat.


    This wave of attack was too sudden, and the method used waspletely unfamiliar. Up until now, he still couldn''t figure out what weapon the other party was using.


    Whenpared to bows and arrows, it was far superior in terms of speed and power. Its power horrified him, and he couldn''t restrain the horror from showing in his eyes.


    If this were to continue, all of the 1,000 elite soldiers would fall before they could even reach the walls of the stronghold.


    Although he shouted the order to retreat, the Great Xia soldiers were packed too closely, and by the time Ren Baqian emptied his second ammunition belt, almost another quarter had fallen.


    Out of 1,000 Great Xia soldiers, half were already lying on the ground.


    "Load the bullets!" Ren Baqian threw the ammunition belt to the base of the turret. He looked emotionless and had calmed down. His heart rate descended from 160 beats per minute to 70. The sounds of miserable howling and the sight of blood and spattered flesh were banished from his mind.


    There was a very apt saying, "Those who''ve watched a ton of action movies will remain unfazed in times of danger."


    Ren Baqian went against the grain because seeing copious amounts of blood made him feel naturally unfazed.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was the realm.


    The loneliness of an expert arose spontaneously.


    Who shouted the order to withdraw?


    Was it the guy with a green feather on his hat?


    He was dressed like an officer! Ren Baqian aimed while he was thinking and pulled the trigger.


    The Great Xia captain seemed to suffer an electric shock, magically twisting his body and unexpectedly dodging the bullet.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes wide in surprise.


    How could this bucket-sized waist twist like a water snake? He must really be an expert!


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The two soldiers beside that captain were immediately filled with a few big holes in their bodies.


    Ren Baqian pointed the muzzle, simply sprayed the bullets, and finally cut down that captain into a pile of mosaics.


    He then pointed the muzzle again at those Great Xia soldiers who were fleeing in all directions.


    It was a little wasteful using 600 bullets to kill or injure 500 people. Due to the density of the Great Xia army''s formation, many of the individual bullets killed or injured two soldiers at once, and the hit rate was calcted to be 50 percent.


    Furthermore, this was achieved in such a dense situation.


    As Ren Baqian slowed down the firing speed, the gunfire changed from a continuous spray to sporadic bursts of two or three shots at a time.


    The aboriginal guards saw the Great Xia soldiers approaching, heard the sound of the strange weapon, and at the same time, saw the Great Xia soldiers spurting blood like it was rain as they fell in rows. The imposing momentum of the Great Xia soldiers simply evaporated.


    Everyone was stunned. They looked at the Great Xia soldiers and then looked at the turret, where the tongues of fire emerged. Their eyes seemed to express the feeling of seeing God.


    All the previous tension had disappeared.


    Ren Baqian stopped pulling the trigger after using up four ammunition belts. About 100 people from the other side ran away, and some of them even ran in S-shaped paths, causing Ren Baqian to exim in astonishment.


    He had brought 5,000 rounds of ammunition, but these 12.7x108mm bullets were too heavy at 131 grams, or slightly more than two and a half taels, each. This added up to one catty for four bullets. With the added weight of the box, he was only able to bring back over 2,000 rounds per trip.


    After using up the four ammunition belts, there were less than 4,000 rounds left, so he thought it would be better to use them sparingly. Therefore, even though the range of the gun was more than 1,000 meters and he was confident in his marksmanship, he hadn''t bothered to shoot those who had run too far away because the losses outweighed the gains.


    The dead bodies and bloody flesh fell in a radial pattern outside the stronghold with a higher concentration closer to the stockade and more dispersed further away.


    "It''s extremely lonely without a rival, it''s extremely meaningless without a rival. All alone in the summit with the cold wind constantly blowing at me. Loneliness, who can understand me..." Ren Baqian hummed a bad, took out his binocrs, and observed the Great Xia soldiers stationed a kilometer away.


    He only saw a few people standing in front of the Great Xia battle formation and looking in their direction. These 100 Great Xia soldiers who managed to escape with their lives were recounting something to them.


    Ren Baqian then pointed his binocrs to the side, and his eyes were suddenly transfixed.


    What was that?


    There was a carriage pulling a ck cylinder...


    "It is a cannon!" Ren Baqian blurted out.


    The Great Xia army actually had this thing?


    Lin Qiaole, whose eyes were fixed on the machine gun the whole time, finally regained her senses, "What cannon?"


    Ren Baqian pointed his finger in the direction of the Great Xia army and opened his mouth for a long time without saying anything. The fact that the Great Xia army really had a cannon was rather unexpected.


    Never had he expected that he would be able to see such a thing in this world.


    However, as he carefully observed the cannon, he realized it was as primitive as the iron cannons during the Yuan and Ming Dynasty, clumsy, and not very powerful. However, he needed concrete evidence in order to confirm his thoughts.


    Ren Baqian frowned as he felt that he had the need to bring his Italian cannon.


    If Great Xia had brought in other weapons, it would be eptable to him, but he was provoked by them bringing in the cannons.


    "Sir Ren, this thing is really powerful!" Shi Hu rushed to the turret in astonishment.


    Even though he already knew this thing was powerful, he did not expect it to be so terrifying.


    This was especially so when encountering the opponents.


    Ren Baqian cleared his throat twice as he tried to maintain the pose of an expert.


    He then continued to look at the other side with his binocrs. Many people who looked likemanders were standing at the front and gesticting in their direction. They were frowning, expressing a look of terror, or looking angry.


    One of them was particrly conspicuous. His silver helmet was very shiny, and Ren Baqian felt he would be betraying his own conscience if he didn''t shoot him.


    If he got rid of the high ranking officers over there, would they retreat?


    It would be worthwhile to get rid of the other party even at the cost of wasting or using more bullets.


    Furthermore, a fewmanders were unexpectedly gathered together as well...


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian moved the muzzle slightly as he took aim. This was followed by him pulling the trigger.


    Bang, bang, bang...


    Through the scope, he saw the image of thatmander who was wearing a silver helmet looking surprised. Then, his sword was seen waving in the air.


    There were some sparks in the air as the sword in his hand disintegrated.


    After that, themander tried to dodge.


    However, the amount of bullets was toorge and the speed too great.


    The range of this gun was 1,500 meters. At 1,000 meters, it had great destructive power as well as a firing rate of six rounds per second.


    In an instant, thatmander was turned into a bloody mess when he tried to dodge.


    Ren Baqian decided to go all out. He pulled the trigger on the surroundingmanders, shooting them down like mosaic tiles.

 Chapter 335 Formidable Ren Baqian Who Rides On Hot Wheels

    For a short time, Ren Baqian fired bullets that were attached to an ammunition belt at the Great Xiamanders, who were observing the frontline from a vantage point. Instantly, they fell like a heap of mosaic tiles.


    Prior to this, Ren Baqian didn''t open fire on those soldiers who were beyond 700 meters and had let them run away. Everyone assumed that this was the limit of the firing range for Ren Baqian''s weapon. Even though the strength of the soldiers in this world and the Great Xia soldiers were much stronger than those on Earth, their bows only had a range of 300 to 400 meters.


    Their crossbows had a range of about 100 paces, while the huge crossbows protecting their cities had a range of 800 to 1,000 paces. As for the Thunder Cannon that Great Xia recently developed, it had a range of 1,400 paces and had been deemed as a weapon that could be used to besiege a city.


    The weapon in Ren Baqian''s hands was more powerful than powerful crossbows because it had an unbelievable rate of attack. Also, it''s range of 1,400 paces was already considered astounding in everyone''s eyes.


    Many of the Great Xiamanders observed from one kilometer, or 2,000 paces, away and were thinking about storming the aboriginals'' stronghold, snatching their weapons, and bringing them back to the headquarters. Instead, they were wiped out by Ren Baqian.


    For a moment, there was chaos among the Great Xia soldiers, especially among the personal guards. One had to know that in Great Xia, if amander was killed, their surviving guards had to die as well. In normal times, these personal guards were also given preferential treatment. They were also bound together for better or worse with theirmanders, and as a result, they were extremely loyal.


    Even if a personal guard was killed, themander would take care of his family and give them financial support. On the contrary, if themander died, the personal guards would not live on either.


    At this moment, a fewmanders and captains had been decimated, leaving their personal guards stunned. Soon enough, they were all angrily crying about seeking revenge for their higher-ups.


    Chaos spread from the front to the rear of the troops.


    Ren Baqian used his binocrs to observe the confusion on the other side. First, he saw some people inside the group shouting something, followed by one third of them charging toward the stronghold. Even the cannon was being hauled by horses and carried forward by them. As for the rest, they were at a loss and didn''t know what to do.


    "Very heroic!" Ren Baqian felt utmost respect for them.


    It was better for these brave enemies to die.


    He didn''t know that by wiping out those people earlier, he had caused many people to lose their means of living.


    This group of Great Xia soldiers consisted of five barracks, numbered 4,600 soldiers, and was equivalent to a brigade.


    From the highest rankingmanders to the captains of every barracks, there was a total of about several hundred people. Including those who had been incited, a crowd of more than a thousand people rushed over.


    Ren Baqian slowly used the scope to aim at the targets deliberately. Some were seen running around the battlefield with their bodies suddenly missing a part or broken into two, causing dust to be swept up. The scene was quite scary and made them even crazier.


    However, their frenzy only caused Ren Baqian to shoot even faster.


    asionally, there were some who managed to escape the shooting, but he didn''t care. There were still many guards around him, and 50 Earth Wheel level guards could easily kill these Great Xia soldiers.


    Therefore, after shooting half of the Great Xia soldiers to death, he stopped and gave an order. The guards jumped down from the stronghold''s walls with their steel knife to kill those "heroic" Great Xia soldiers.


    The surrounding area was immediately filled with battle cries.


    Several vigers from the stronghold looked enviously at the ensuing battle and simply rushed out carrying clubs. After charging for a while, they threw down the clubs and picked up weapons from the ground.


    The ground was scattered with spears, and each viger grabbed a bundle of them to bring back to the stronghold. Then, they waited for the cksmith to melt the spearheads and convert them into swords. They were smiling happily that their faces looked like sunflowers.


    Ren Baqian used the binocrs to observe the few desperate soldiers who were loading the cannon with explosives.


    He waited until after they had loaded a stone artillery shell before proceeding to shoot them dead.


    They were not needed to ignite the fuse anymore. He could do it for them.


    Once again, Ren Baqian fired his machine gun at those Great Xia soldiers who didn''t know whether to charge or retreat. It was easier than serving tea and sending off the guests when he saw them rushing to retreat.


    The battle outside the stronghold was alsoing to an end.


    Together with other soldiers who were stained with blood, Shi Hu kicked the corpses blocking the way to the sides. They sped their arms to their chests like heroes as they watched the soldiers from Great Xia fleeing helter-skelter.


    Ren Baqian threw away his gun, shouted for Shi Hu to look after his precious gun and led Lin Qiaole and some guards to inspect the two cannons. By the time they arrived, the soldiers of Great Xia were nowhere to be seen.


    "Sir, do you know what this is?" Some guards looked at the iron cylinder and curiously asked Ren Baqian.


    "Cannon!" Ren Baqian casually said before inspecting it carefully.


    The cannon looked a little ugly. The mouth was like a trumpet, while the belly was rtively thick. He wondered why it was designed this way.


    It was about 1.6 meters long,pletely made out of cast iron, and entirely ck.


    The weight was estimated to be about 500 kilograms, but he couldn''t be specific since he did not weigh it.


    He took out the stone artillery shell, which was about 110mm in diameter.


    Ren Baqian then re-inserted the stone artillery shell and looked for a direction to aim at. With one hand holding the binocrs, he lit the fuse with the other to find out the range of the cannon.


    A boom sounded as the cannon shuddered, causing the cannon and the carriage wheels to move back due to the recoil.


    The smell of gunpowder permeated the air.


    However, the smell of the gunpowder was different from that of Ren Baqian''s machine gun. To his surprise, it actually smelled like peaches. It made Ren Baqian a bit baffled, and only Heaven knew what the people from Great Xia had added to the gunpowder.


    "Go and find where the artillery shell went. Its imprint is also eptable." As Ren Baqian pointed to a direction in front of him, a dozen guard behaved like horses being released from their reins... and ran out.


    "This thing seems to be simr to yours?" Lin Qiaole asked.


    "It is much lousier." Ren Baqian looked disgusted, and his face had a how-dare-youpare-it-with-my-precious-gun expression written on it.


    There was not much difference in theory, but the big difference was in the few hundred years of development.


    If Great Xia was allowed 1,000 years to develop the cannon, it was debatable whether they could achieve the same modern standard in the time toe.


    By then, Dayao could already be using the Star Destroyer.


    (Star Destroyer - spaceship from Star Wars)


    Soon, the imprint of where the artillery shell hadnded was found. Ren Baqian went to take a look and calcted it to be about 1,200 paces or about 600 meters. He had estimated that the cannon''s range would be less than 800 meters.


    Although it wasn''t considered a big deal in Ren Baqian''s eyes, it was still considered something pretty good for this era. After all, catapults could only reach about 400 paces or close to 200 meters.


    Furthermore, the catapult was more low-tech and needed more manpower to operate.


    This thing only needed a few people to operate.


    This weapon wasn''t powerful enough to use to attack the cities, but it could be effectively used to attack the strongholds in the remote areas.


    The wood used to build the strongholds simply wouldn''t be able to withstand this type of stone artillery shell.


    Furthermore, since they had developed the stone artillery shell, it would only be a matter of time before Great Xia discovered that the iron artillery shell was even more powerful.


    Perhaps it was possible that Great Xia had already discovered this, but they were not using it for some reason.


    By the time Ren Baqian ordered the guards to pull the two cannons back into the stronghold, the rest of the weapons had already been collected by the vigers of the stronghold.


    "Sir." A viger used two hands to present some swords to Ren Baqian.


    "This is not bad." Ren Baqian picked the most beautiful one. It was quite heavy and weighed more than 10 kilograms.


    As Ren Baqian whirled a pattern with the sword, the guard beside him turned green with fear. The guard looked at the sword tip as the wind blew past his eyes. His whole body was covered with goosebumps, his head emitted cold air, and he instantly flew backward several meters.


    This guard made up his mind not to be near this eminent person whenever he held a weapon.


    "Sir, what should we do with these weapons?" a guard asked.


    The vigers in the stronghold looked at Ren Baqian anxiously.


    These spears were considered precious to them because roughly 2,000 of the spearheads were enough to make 100 swords, and this was worth a lot of money.


    "They belong to all of you." Ren Baqian could see their desire and gestured with his hands.


    Previously, Dayaocked iron, but there was less deficiency now. As time passed by, the weapons produced would increase, and after one year, these weapons made from iron wouldn''t be so unobtainable for the people in the stronghold.


    "Thank you, sir!" the vigers in the stronghold said happily.


    "Bring this thing to the nearest city or town and get someone to send it to the Ministry of Works. I will write a personal letter slightlyter," Ren Baqian pointed at the cannon as he instructed the vigers.


    "Yes, sir." The vigers looked affectionately at Ren Baqian after receiving those spears. Furthermore, he had saved their stronghold earlier on.


    It was natural for him to ept such gratitude.


    Ren Baqian turned on the radio station and located Shi Qing after asking around.


    He felt that Shi Qing wasn''t doing much by stationing himself at the radio station everyday and seemed to be more like a Taobao customer service assistant.


    (Taobao - a Chinese online shopping website headquartered in Hangzhou, China and a subsidiary of Alibaba Group)


    Ren Baqian rted the events that had happened, and Shi Qing was shocked.


    This Ren Baqian had encountered the Great Xia army again?


    This news was indeed shocking.


    Sir Ren, can you not frighten us again?


    If anything happens to you, the empress will lose her mind.


    Shi Qing couldn''t hold back and said tactfully, "Sir Ren, as long as you are safe and don''t wander around, you will be most helpful in this war... As for intercepting the Great Xia army, we aboriginals have 10 million soldiers. There is no need for Sir Ren to waste your efforts."


    However, he found it unbelievable when Ren Baqian told him about the subsequent details. Ren Baqian actually led tens of guards to beat back thousands of Great Xia soldiers without any losses? How could this be possible? It was a one versus 100 battle, and the casualties wouldn''t be few even if the soldiers were all at the Earth Wheel level. After all, the Great Xia soldiers were no weaklings.


    Ren Baqian didn''t exin in detail. He got them to urgently inform all the strongholds outside of the northern towns and cities near Lan City to immediately move their food supplies to the nearest towns and cities and to destroy the rest with fire.


    After that, he wrote a letter and gave it to the vigers. He then got the guards to pack his belongings and prepared to set off.


    2,000 people died outside this stronghold, so the ground would most likely be very fertile next year.


    Unfortunately, the vigers of this stronghold were going to the cities to hide.


    In all likelihood, the wild grass would be extremely lush in a few months'' time.


    After Ren Baqian left, the vigers brought along the 2,000 spears to the next town. The story of how the husband of the empress used a strange weapon to kill 2,000 Great Xia soldiers started circting in this town, and the number gradually changed to 5,000, then 8,000, and even 20,000.


    The image of Ren Baqian changed from that of a weak and delicate gigolo to a formidable gigolo who rode on Hot Wheels while holding a gun in his hand.

 Chapter 336 Catapults

    "Sir, those are scouts from Great Xia." Ren Baqian was half a day away from Liao City and had spotted the mounted scouts of Great Xia observing them from a distance from time to time. However, when they were about five to six hundred meters away, they would turn their horses away.


    "Be alert at all times," Ren Baqian said as he stroked the machine gun mounted on the back of the fork-horned cow.


    "Wake up that person who is still sleeping and untie her ropes."


    Currently, Ren Baqian began to wonder whether it was Lin Qiaole protecting him or if he was the one protecting Lin Qiaole.


    During the entire journey, Lin Qiaole had been asleep and bound by ropes to the back of a cow. This seemed to be the most important and enjoyable thing for her.


    Following this, everyone raised their vignce to prevent the Great Xia troops from suddenly charging and surrounding them.


    Ren Baqian could see the city gate being opened when he was a few kilometers away from Liao City, and goat riders were prancing out from the city to wee the team of Ren Baqian.


    At present, Ren Baqian could see from afar the Great Xia barracks which were located outside the eastern gate of Liao City.


    The reinforcement soldiers of Great Xia arrived yesterday, and as expected by Ren Baqian, they amounted to only 100,000 troops and merged with the 70,000 soldiers who were already there. Once again, they surrounded the north, east, and west gates of Liao City. They didn''t care about people going south and seemed to be trying to separate Tiesuo Pass and Shun City from Dayao, but it was hard to figure out what they were trying to achieve by doing this.


    "How''s the situation in the city?" Ren Baqian asked a winged cavalry warrior.


    "Everything is normal." The winged cavalry warrior didn''t look solemn. Even if 170,000 Great Xia soldiers were outside the city, he still would not be nervous.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head before raising his head to look eagerly into the distance at a red dot on one of the towers of the city wall.


    Before arriving at the city, they heard the sound of a cannon firing from far away. Soon after, overwhelming battle noises could be heard.


    "Are they attacking the city?" Ren Baqian immediately asked.


    When he contacted the empress via the radio station in the morning, he didn''t hear any news about the Great Xia army attacking the city. Now, it seemed like the Great Xia army was ready to do so.


    "Enter the city." Ren Baqian looked up and saw that the figure on the city wall had disappeared.


    Everyone made their horned cows run wild and beside them were a group of goat riders on their prancing sheep.


    Although he had seen it many times and heard the battle cries from afar, Ren Baqian couldn''t resistughing in such a situation. Damn it, it was just tooical.


    He reckoned that those making a movie wouldn''t dare to write such a movie script. It was like a group of well-built expertsing out of a sheep vige and sitting on happy,zy, and beautiful sheep��


    The austere atmosphere died down quickly.


    The city gates hadn''t been closed from beginning to end, and no one had stopped either Ren Baqian or the others. The city gate only closed gradually after everyone had entered.


    Although three sides of the city were being attacked, themoners inside the city didn''t panic at all.


    It was just that many people walked to the street outside their houses and looked in the direction of the faraway battle noises with ferocious expressions.


    A few days before the empress arrived, the defenders of the city had inspired the innate spirit of themoners to blossom. Now that the empress was in the city, thesemoners would dly set off instantly to kill the enemies.


    Seeing Ren Baqian and his teaming in, they took more than a few nces and gazed at Ren Baqian to judge the man that the empress had selected as her husband.


    The party of people arrived at the citymander''s residence.


    The citymander was responsible for governing the city as well as the surrounding strongholds.


    Dayao was considered sparsely popted. It had 175 towns and cities. Among these 175 towns and cities, 93 of them were located in the south and were where the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation lived.


    The towns and cities where the aboriginals lived only consisted of the remaining 82. Many of the aboriginals living in the ins lived around the strongholds.


    Ren Baqian jumped down from the fork-horned cow and hurried inside. When he reached the main hall, he saw the empress seated in a chair with Qing Yuan and Hong Luan standing behind her. There were also somemanders who were wearing leather armor standing further down.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian moved forward to pay his respects.


    She replied with a "hmm" sound from her nose.


    "Everyone, get busy with your own matters. Li Qianqiu, follow me to the city wall to take a look," the empress said coolly. Everyone nced at Ren Baqian before filing out.


    Ren Baqian raised his head to look at the remaining person. He was two meters tall, a fierce looking hunk, had a bronzeplexion, and gave off a forbidding expression.


    "Come along with me too." The empress pointed at Ren Baqian.


    "Yes!"


    This wasn''t the reunion Ren Baqian had expected after such a long separation between the newly wedded couple. They greeted each other before he followed her to the city wall.


    "Principal Ren." Li Qianqiu grinned at Ren Baqian, revealing an intimidating smile that far exceeded a show of goodwill.


    Since the outbreak of the war, Ren Baqian had done many things, including the provision of the radio stations as a group chat for the military leaders. This was the first time that such a means of interaction was possible, and it was a treasure they appreciated.


    There were also the issues of iron, salt, weapons production, the strategy of fortifications as well as the clearing of the fields, and the formation of the militia. As a result, Ren Baqian''s importance had risen sharply in the eyes of the court officials.


    As soon as they met , Li Qianqiu showed his goodwill.


    "Greetings, Sir Li!" Ren Baqian sped his hands in salute and smiled broadly.


    They had yet to reach the city wall when, all of sudden, a whistling sound was heard in the air. This was followed by the sounds of heavy objects hitting the city wall.


    Standing on the city wall and looking out, they saw a few catapults positioned 200 meters away. Wooden boards on both sides of each catapult were used to block the iing arrows as rows of soldiers ced huge rocks on the catapults.


    From time to time, a few bone arrows were fired across to the other side and some people were heard groaning miserably as they fell down.


    Although the cannons of Great Xia had a long range, they weren''t powerful enough to do much damage to the fortified city. On the other hand, their catapults had a shorter range, but caused more damage to the city walls.


    Ren Baqian saw the empress looking into the distance, so he handed the binocrs hanging from his neck to her and got an appreciative look in return. By the time he turned his head, he saw Li Qianqiu using binocrs from an unknown source to look into the distance. Only Ren Baqian was left empty-handed.


    A momentter, he took the binocrs from the empress to peer far away.


    Behind those catapults were rows of stern and murderous looking soldiers. While the first row of soldiers carried silver shields, each soldier in the second row had a big box by their side. The soldiers in the next three rows were armed with bows and arrows. Further back, there were soldiers brandishing their spears like a dense forest in the air.


    In the distance, there was an unbroken row of barracks with barely visible boundary. Rows of fences were also erected outside the barracks.


    Soon after putting down his binocrs, he took a deep breath. He had seen military troops previously, but he had never felt such pressure before.


    Sure enough, it was a quantitative change causing a qualitative change, and there were at least 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers out there.


    When using the binocrs earlier, he saw the other side assembling a huge amount of armaments, which it implied that the catapults were just the beginning.


    After seeing the situation, Li Qianqiu told the empress respectfully, "Your Majesty, they are waiting for us to go out and destroy the equipment. The soldiers in the second row of the battle formation are from the Shenjiying. Behind them are the archers. If we want to destroy their catapults, we may have to suffer many casualties."


    (Shenjiying: one of the elite military divisions)


    While they were talking, the catapults kept onunching stones, with some of them weighing half a ton. These stones hit the city walls one after another. The entire city wall vibrated from the shockwaves, and it felt as if the walls would copse at any time.


    In addition, there were two shots that went over the city wall andnded in the city center, causing those houses near the city walls to get crushed into fragments.


    Fortunately, the residents there had left earlier and didn''t suffer any injuries.


    The empress raised her hands. "Bring me the bow."


    Someone immediately brought the longbow to her. She was seen drawing the bow and shooting the arrows. Immediately, the wooden boards protecting the catapults were smashed. However, many soldiers quickly used logs to repair the boards.


    "Your Majesty, you must destroy at least half of them. Otherwise, they will be able to repair them too quickly," Li Qianqiu said.


    Next, they took a look at the other two directions from the city wall, and the situation was about the same.


    Only the direction toward the south had yet to be attacked.


    However, the Great Xia army from both the east and westid down many caltrops across arge area near the south gate. There was also a row of soldiers from the Shenjiying who were armed with crossbows to prevent Dayao from making a sudden attack from the south gate.


    "What do you think about those catapults?" the empress asked casually while standing on the city wall.


    "This is a simple matter, Your Majesty. I will let them have a taste of their own medicine," Ren Baqian instantly answered.


    The empress nodded her head.


    Although Ren Baqian was not omnipotent, most of the time, he was able to give the answers that she wanted to hear.

 Chapter 337 Wu Shenghou

    "Hold on Your Majesty!" After getting down from the city walls, Ren Baqian trotted into the citymander''s residence and removed dirt from the spear in his hand. He carried another box out of the residence and handed it to a bodyguard to bring back to the city wall.


    Li Qianqiu and the empress were waiting with a group of winged cavalry warriors. Looking at the guard who was holding the box behind Ren Baqian, they were all guessing what was inside.


    Ren Baqian ordered the bodyguard to open up the box, which revealed numerous rows of ck tubes.


    They were quite small, about the length of a palm, and had a diameter of about 2.5 centimeters.


    "Principal Ren, what are these?" Li Qianqiu asked in curiosity as he fiddled around with one of the tubes in his hand.


    "Explosives!" Ren Baqian giggled.


    He had received this bunch of explosives back on Earth from the same supplier who had sold him the guns in the past. It was categorized into twoyers, internal and external. In the core, there were 300 grams of TNT explosives, whereas the external portion was filled with gunpowder. Once ignited with fire, the pressure caused by the explosion of the gunpowder would then detonate the TNT.


    These things was originally intended for mining use, and 300 of them had been prepared. This boxprised half of the total. They ended up not being utilized and were brought along on this trip from Lan City. At this moment, they could be put to good use.


    "Explosives?" Li Qianqiu had some doubts.


    The empress had a little knowledge about what explosives were, but she also had no idea how to use them.


    "You will find out in a while." After Ren Baqian finished talking, everyone started going up the city wall again.


    Ren Baqian squatted down, tied the explosives to a few long arrows, and cut short the fuse at the back of them. He then lifted his head and said to Li Qianqiu, "Sir Li, in a while, I''ll have to trouble you to find someone to fire this arrow to the bottom of the enemy''s catapult."


    "I''ll do it!" Li Qianqiu was unwilling to pass on the task.


    In fact, for a distance of over 200 meters, almost every aboriginal who grew up hunting in the mountains was able to shoot this far.


    However, he very much wanted to see what tricks Ren Baqian had up his sleeves this time.


    Ren Baqian had prepared a total of 22 arrows, and the enemies had 20 catapults scattered around Liao City.


    After the preparation was done, Ren Baqian handed the bow and arrow over to Li Qianqiu. Before Ren Baqian could even speak, the bone arrow transformed into a streaky white line and screeched through the sky,nding on a catapult.


    Ren Baqian, "..."


    Li Qianqiu was filled with anticipation and after waiting for 10 seconds, he asked, "Why isn''t there any reaction?"


    "The fuse wasn''t lit..." Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "I forgot, I forgot!" Li Qianqiuughed,picked up another bone arrow, and mounted it on the bow again.


    Ren Baqian sent for another person to bring a torch to light the fuse before hurriedly saying, "Done. Fire!"


    The fuse had 10 centimeters remaining and, by right, should have no problemsting over 10 seconds. However, he was afraid that there might be problems with the fuse. If the fuse burned too fast, there might be huge trouble at that time.


    Li Qianqiu released his finger as soon as Ren Baqian''s words sounded. The bone arrow once again screeched over 200 meters through the skies andnded on a catapult.


    Following which, Li Qianqiu looked at Ren Baqian and gave him a questioning look.


    "Wait!" Ren Baqian looked in that direction with a pair of binocrs, but couldn''t see clearly whether the fuse was still burning.


    After a short while, however, a thunderous boom sounded from the location of the Great Xia army. All of a sudden, a ze erupted toward the sky, and in an instant, the catapult was reduced to a fragmented mess. The fragments shot everywhere, colliding against the metal shields at the front of the battle formation and giving off loud ngs.


    The few soldiers who were reloading the ammunition around the catapult had all been flung away by the shockwave of the explosion. Two of them, who had been closer to the catapult, were sted into pieces with their body parts scattered all over.


    Boom! Even before the Great Xia army could recover from the shock, another explosion urred within their lines. This was from the first tube of explosives which had been shot before lighting up its fuse. It got blown away,nded within their battle formation, and exploded. Soldiers who were within its st radius all had been flung away by the explosion. Those who were within a five meter radius immediately got sted to smithereens.


    Upon witnessing this sight from atop the city wall, Li Qianqiu immediately eximed in exultation, "Good stuff!"


    "We shall use this box of explosives sparingly and mainly to tackle the weapons that they have been using to besiege our city. Without their siege weapons, they probably won''t have any other methods besides surrounding the walls. By wasting time here, they will probably have to consume a huge amount of rations as well," Ren Baqian warned, afraid that Li Qianqiu would extravagantly use these explosives.


    "With this thing, regardless of how many men they send our way, they will only be able to watch from below." Li Qianqiuughed heartily as he pat on Ren Baqian''s shoulders.


    Following which, he handed the bone arrows to a few guards so that they could do what he just did.


    After witnessing the explosion within the Great Xia battle formation, those guards carefully lit up the fuses and immediately fired the bone arrows across because they were afraid that the explosives might detonate in their own hands.


    A fiery ze and thunderous explosion could be witnessed from the Great Xia battle formation around every minute or so.


    After just a short while, six catapults from the east side of Lan City had crumbled into piles of fragmented wood. After that, explosions could also be hearding from far north of the city followed by sts from the east.


    After a brief period of time, all of Great Xia''s catapults had been reduced to fragmented wood. Hundreds of soldiers had also either been sted to death by the explosives or injured by the flying wooden shrapnel.


    "Keep a close watch on this box and keep it safe. You will be responsible if anything happens," Li Qianqiu warned the guards standing behind him.


    "Don''t worry, Protector General."


    "Don''t ever let ite close to an open fire or bump against it. Be sure to keep it safely away. Keep it somewhere dry and cool. Also, remember not to let ite into contact with fire at all costs," Ren Baqian warned and urged repeatedly. The people on Earth knew how dangerous these things were. They must never be exposed to fire. However, the people of Dayao somehow made him feel a little uneasy.


    If this thing were to explode, a quarter of Liao City would probably turn into scrap.


    "Rest assured, Sir." The bodyguard behind him cupped his hands.


    Since those catapults had been destroyed, it seemed like Great Xia wouldn''t beunching any more attacks today. While Li Qianqiu continued with his investigation from the city wall, Ren Baqian followed the empress back to the citymander''s residence.


    "Your Majesty appears to have lost weight," Ren Baqian uttered gibberish on the journey back. The empress wasn''t an ordinary person, so she naturally wouldn''t gain or lose weight when she ate more or less.


    The empress actually enjoyed thepliment and took a quick nce at him.


    All the guards behind them looked up at the sky and acted as if they didn''t hear a thing.


    ...


    To the north of Liao City, there was a huge tent at the rear of the camp of the thousands of Great Xia soldiers. A 50 year old high ranking military officer with long hair and a beard stood in front of a long table. He was looking at a map on the table while making a few gestures with his fingers asionally.


    "Great general!" A middle aged person with the looks of a schr entered the tent with his hands cupped.


    In the tent was themander of the 70,000 soldiers who were attacking south. He was called Wu Shenghou, the champion general.


    His reputation in Great Xia was a far cry from Hong Wu''s in Dayao, but that was because in the south, Great Xia hadn''t been attacked for 70 years. In reality, he was very well known in the imperial court and was also in the top three of the military.


    Within the short time span of a few decades, he had been promoted from amoner to a standard ss, rank 3 general. Given the status of Wu Shenghou, he could oversee almost everything.


    After defending the borders and preparing for over 20 years, so much so that he even dreamt about attacking Dayao, he could now finally fulfill his lifelong wish. Currently, the situation of the battle was still as he had expected. What happened next would have to depend on which party was the smarter one.


    "How is the condition of Lu Pinghai''s injury?" Wu Shenghou asked without even lifting his head.


    "Great general, Lu Pinghai has recovered a little, and his condition will be back to normal in about a month''s time." The schr cupped his hands.


    "Still in time," Wu Shenghou replied softly.


    "Li Yuanzhu has responded, but she still hasn''t agreed," the schr added.


    "As expected." Wu Shenghou wasn''t surprised.


    "Has Lu Zijian been located?"


    "There still isn''t any news of him yet," the schr answered. Lu Zijian, ranked second strongest in the world, had always been very secretive regarding his whereabouts.


    As for the world''s strongest, Lin Xian, it had already been many years since hest appeared. Many people suspected that he was already dead or that he had made a breakthrough to the legendary realm.


    "Do you think that Qi Zixiao will leave Liao City?" Wu Shenghou asked casually.


    "Definitely not! If she leaves Liao City, she will be abandoning the thousands of soldiers andmoners there. Qi Zixiao will never do something like that unless she was faced with a life and death situation. Based on the current situation she is facing, it is impossible for her to leave," the schr replied firmly.


    Wu Shenghou nodded because he had the same thoughts as the schr.


    It would probably be toote by the time she wanted to leave.


    Wu Shenghou moved his finger from one point on the map to another before eventually pressing on one of the points. That was his target.


    Not only was this the singr path that the people from Lan City and the Protector General of the North had to travel on, but this was also the only path that the reinforcement troops from the Protector General of the East and North could take.


    By upying this location, even if Qi Zixiao could flee, she would also be abandoning the entire piece of fertilend in the north.


    "Is there any news from the Yun Nation?"


    "Their court is still in a state of unrest," the schr gently replied.


    "Have they forgotten how their nation was almost destroyed by that bunch of barbarians?" Wu Shenghou sneered in disdain. "That bunch of fellows who pass off as merchants..."


    "Even without them, the great general has already been preparing for so long. Taking down Dayao isn''t exactly impossible." The schr immediately added, "Lan City''s wall is merely six meters thick. These catapults will already be able to shatter Liao City."


    One had to know that the city walls of Tiesuo Pass, Shun City, and Ziyue City in the north were all at least 20 meters thick. The walls of Tiesuo Pass even reached up to 30 meters thick, whereas the walls of Lan City were only six meters thick. A couple of shots from a catapult would already shatter a hole in it.


    "We can''t enter even if the wall is shattered!" Wu Shenghou said in a dull tone.


    In a ce such as a city, the aboriginals were able to disy their immacte strength. Wu Shenghou would rather let the aboriginals starve to death inside the city than let his soldiers enter and fight with them. He was afraid that even the aboriginalmoners would be able to inflict quite a lot of damage.


    Needless to say, the winged cavalry was in the city as well.


    However, if they were able to shatter the walls, the cannons that they had manufactured could probably be put to use.


    At the thought of having another weapon at his disposal, such as the artillery shell called the Thousand Flower Bomb, Wu Shenghou felt that the imperial court needed to generously reward those smiths.


    Just while the both of them were chatting, they heard a loud sounding from afar, something that was different from the noise of giant rocks smashing into the walls.


    "Which bastard used the Thunder Cannon?" Upon hearing such an explosion, Wu Shenghou immediately thought of the Godly Fire Cannon and the so-called Thunder Fire Powder which was kept in the army.


    Soon after, Wu Shenghou overruled that thought. Without his order, who would dare to use the Thunder Cannon?


    Just as he walked out of the tent, he heard another thunderous sounding from the front of the battle formation.


    Boom!


    Wu Shenghou frowned. What on earth was going on? This was clearly the sound that was made when the Thunder Cannon was fired. However, it was still very loud even though it was so far away. It also sounded much louder whenpared to the Thunder Cannon.


    Before he could even figure it out, a few more thunderous sounds could again be heard from ahead.


    "Someone go and take a look to see what''s happening," Wu Shenghu said with a heavy voice.


    After 15 minutes, amander wearing metal armor entered the tent and knelt on one knee. "Great general, I''m not sure what happened, but the catapults suddenly exploded into balls of mes without any reason. The impacts were very strong, and the catapults havepletely been destroyed."


    Another 15 minutester, people rushed in from the east and west to report their situations as well. The catapults from both of these sides had also been destroyed.


    "What kind of methods are those barbarians using?" Wu Shenghou''s face turned ck. He never thought that those barbarians were actually capable of these unknown methods.

 Chapter 338 Mortar

    "When will you return to Earth?" the empress asked Ren Baqian just as they sat down in the courtyard.


    "I will return tonight," Ren Baqian replied instantly.


    "Bring back some alcohol, popcorn, candy, chocte, and television series for me..." The empress folded her fingers as she named the items she wanted.


    Ren Baqian was incredulous.


    Your Majesty, we are in the midst of a war! Can you be more serious?


    The metal chain rose from Ren Baqian''s head and twisted itself. Just when it formed an S shape, the metal chain sensed the empress''s movement and hurriedly retracted. However, the empress still managed to grab the top of the metal chain and tugged at it.


    "What is this?"


    "Eh? Your Majesty, gentler, gentler. You must never break it. Otherwise..." Ren Baqian spoke halfway and found that something was amiss. He quickly retracted his words and hupped due to the hastiness.


    "What will happen to me?" the empress suspiciously asked.


    "Otherwise, something bad will happen to me," Ren Baqian promptly answered. Subsequently, he used the fastest speed to talk about the history of the metal chain.


    "It actually turned out like this." After listening to Ren Baqian''s summary, the empress was also surprised.


    Soon enough, however, a yful look appeared on her face, and she pulled the metal chain out bit by bit. Only after she pulled out about seven to eight meters of the metal chain did Ren Baqian feel an indescribable pain from an unknown area in his head. As he headed toward the empress, the pain made him scream out, "Ouch, ouch!"


    "So, it''s just this long." When the empress saw the limit of the metal chain, she loosened her hand and it retracted into Ren Baqian''s head at the speed of lightning. At the same time, she conveniently touched his head.


    "Your Majesty..." Ren Baqian wanted to cry, but no tears were shed.


    How was this a Heaven-grade weapon? Why didn''t it bind others?


    Why do I feel like I have been tied up by a dog chain just now?


    "Your Majesty, is there any problem with the food supply in the city?" Ren Baqian asked.


    The empress somewhat frowned when this issue was brought up. "It can sustain for another month."


    "So little time?" Ren Baqian was slightly taken aback.


    He still thought that the city had enough food tost a year and a half.


    "This is already considered a lot." On the contrary, the empress actually found Ren Baqian''s reaction a little weird.


    "Mymoners mainly survive on meat, and naturally, there isn''t much left in the city. If it weren''t for the fact that Ziyue City had been destroyed and that those soldiers as well asmoners incited the strongholds to contribute their livestock, the rations wouldn''t even be this much. However, the rations can onlyst for a month because the amount of food each person consumes is being reduced," the empress said indifferently.


    "What about the rations at Tiesuo Pass and Shun City..." Ren Baqian immediately recalled.


    "Originally, we had already considered that Tiesuo Pass might be besieged by the Great Xia army. Livestock are stored in half of the city, so they will be able to sustain for slightly longer than us. However, it isn''t significantly much longer," the empress continued.


    "It seems like this war cannotst for too long. Now that the defenses have been fortified and the crops have been cleared in the north, the amount of food and livestock have also been greatly reduced. If the war is prolonged, I''m afraid that we won''t be able to sustain," Ren Baqian said as he thought.


    "Make them retreat in a month!" the empress answered matter-of-factly.


    "How do we go about doing that?" Ren Baqian jolted up. It seemed that the empress had her own opinion.


    "Before you came, I was thinking about it..."


    "..." Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "Since you came, it''s your turn to think..."


    Ren Baqian remained speechless.


    "Let''s think of a method to burn all of Great Xia''s rations?" An idea immediately emerged from Ren Baqian.


    I don''t require much rations, I just want your rations to be decreased.


    Great Xia was here with an army of 170,000 soldiers. The food they needed wasn''t a slight amount. Moreover, their supply line was also long, and it would be impossible for them to receive supplies daily.


    As long as the rations of the Great Xia army were burned, they wouldn''t be able to sit still anymore.


    Of course, protecting their own rations would certainly be Great Xia''s top priority. It wouldn''t be an easy task if Dayao wanted to burn them all.


    "Sure!" the empress answered straightforwardly.


    In addition to the burning of Great Xia''s existing rations, Dayao also had to cut the supply line to Great Xia''s further rations.


    Immediately, Ren Baqian excluded the winged cavalry from seeking out Great Xia''s resupply forces.


    With the winged cavalry''s ability, it was entirely possible for them to spread their other forces out and investigate with teams that consisted of two or three. Only when these other soldiers located Great Xia''s supply forces would the winged cavalry then join them in burning the supplies.


    "Li Qianqiu has already sent someone to locate the route that Great Xia uses to bring in their supplies," the empress gently said.


    Ren Baqian finally felt relieved. It seemed that the aboriginals'' brains weren''t filled with only muscles. After all, to be able to reach the position of Protector General, Li QIanqiu was certainly not someone ordinary. The things that immediately came to his mind were impossible for others to think of.


    However, Great Xia would presumably think likewise.


    Ren Baqian felt that he required some good items.


    After chatting with the empress for a while, Ren Baqian talked about the time he ran into that troop of Great Xia soldiers as well as their cannon. Then, he heard from the empress that the Protector General of the North had long since known about the cannon. However, they didn''t take it seriously because it wasn''t very powerful.


    "As far as a sturdy city is concerned, the cannon might not be powerful, but with regards to the strongholds in the wilderness, its power can''t be considered weak at all. The other party canpletely utilize their cannons to destroy the strongholds before dashing in and killing themoners. This will reduce the number of their casualties too."


    Ren Baqian spoke this way only because he grew up on Earth. He knew about the usefulness of gunpowder from an early age and also knew about the power of gunpowder. Therefore, he looked at it with a high degree of certainty.


    On the contrary, however, in the eyes of the empress and the othermanders, those Great Xia practitioners seemed to have it harder.


    The poption of the aboriginal strongholds were generally small. Furthermore, they usually fought independently. As a result, those Great Xia practitioners would actually be able to bring out the full strength of the strongholds.


    Even after they had firmly established themselves, the role yed by the Great Xia practitioners in the siege shouldn''t be underestimated.


    ...


    That very night, Ren Baqian immediately made a call to Yang Sen when he got back to Earth.


    "I want a nuclear warhead!"


    "Impossible!" Yang Sen quivered.


    Why are you being like this again?


    "Sarin gas!"


    "Impossible!"


    "White phosphorus bomb!"


    "That is also impossible!" Yang Sen''s forehead was hurting.


    Can the things that you require not be so dangerous? I can''t give you a single one of them.


    "We are in the midst of a war! Can you hear clearly? It''s a war! If you cannot give me anything, how can we continue this coboration?" Ren Baqian mmed the table and replied at the top of his lungs.


    "I can give you guns and bullets. For example, the heavy machine gun that I gave you previously. Or, a conventional item like a rifle."


    Even though he had already listened to Ren Baqian''s exnation, Yang Sen still felt that it was too uwful for cultivators from paradise to actually still require whatmoners used.


    "Mortar and napalm bomb!"


    Yang Sen hesitated for a while because the power of these weapons weren''t weak either. Ultimately, he still nodded his head slowly. "What caliber do you require?"


    "First, give me two PP-93 submachine guns and 70 napalm bombs that are 60 millimeters in caliber!" Ren Baqian immediately said. Sure enough, Ren Baqian asked for a sky-high price and Yang Sen only gave him a down-to-earth offer.


    (PP-93: a submachine gun that was developed in the 1990''s at the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in T as a non-folding version of the earlier PP-90 ndestine submachine gun for use by security andw enforcement units)


    If he had asked for a mortar with 60 millimeters shells right from the start, he reckoned that Yang Sen would probably give him grenades instead. At that time, he would have to use a lot of saliva to persuade him again.


    "I want the supporting manuals, firing tables, and a few better-quality night vision devices. Deliver them to me in two day''s time!" Ren Baqian hung up the call and pondered for a while. These things should be sufficient.


    A mortar which utilized 60 millimeter shells and had a range of 5564 meters could strike Great Xia''s central barracks from the city wall.


    The napalm bombs could kill and injure people who were within a radius of 20 meters. After the explosion, the steel bearings would wipe out everyone who was within the 20 meters radius. Besides, the mmable napalm was able to ignitebustibles that were within a 12 meters radius.


    This would be the best option for burning the Great Xia rations.


    At the thought of these items only being delivered to him after two or three days, Ren Baqian felt that he should buy a house in Shanghai. During that time, it would be much more convenient for him regardless of whether he needed to find Yang Sen or if he needed to settle other things.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian took out a paper and pencil and began to calcte:


    Each mortar weighed 22.5 kilograms, so two would weigh 45 kilograms.


    Each artillery shell weighed 2.5 kilograms, so 70 would weigh 175 kilograms.


    He also required two more drones, which was another 15 kilograms in total.


    20 walkie-talkies weighed 20 kilograms.


    Two walkie-talkie repeaters weighed 30 kilograms.


    Two sets of small scale sr energy umtors as well as two sr panels weighed 40 kilograms.


    The total weight of all the above mentioned items already summed to 325 kilograms.


    Currently, he should be able to bring back 340 kilograms worth of items. Since he could carry another 15 kilograms worth of items, he decided to also bring back some of the things that the empress had requested.

 Chapter 339 Test Fire

    In the barracks of Great Xia, Wu Shenghou sat in the seat of honor andmanded, "Spread the order. Continue attacking the city tomorrow. Increase the power, use the scalingdders, and attack the city in groups. Attack simultaneously with the strength of three barracks and maintain it. Don''t let them have the opportunity to even breathe."


    "Yes!" Immediately, amander epted themand to notify the rest.


    "That Poison Warrior has already arrived in Liao City, right?" Wu Shenghou asked again.


    "ording to the description from the scouts, it should be him," amander answered with his fists cupped. A few other officers appeared pretty uneasy when the Poison Warrior was mentioned.


    After all, nobody would wish to meet someone like that on the battlefield. It would be too gloomy to be poisoned to death even before having the chance to unsheathe their des.


    Luckily, everyone was prepared this time.


    "Has the pennisetum been distributed?" Wu Shenghou spoke in a dull tone.


    "It has all been handed out as per the great general''s orders," thatmander immediately replied.


    After over ten doctors in Great Xia had died, investigation showed that the remains of the poison in the Nine Pavilions, Mount Lianyin, and the Falling Moon Gorge were of the same type. They then discovered a remedy for it, which was pennisetum, a nt that was widely found in Great Xia. It was slightly poisonous, but it was just right to remediate that type of poison.


    By simply putting some pennisetum in the mouth, it could counteract that type of poison. Even if the other party were to use poison in such open spaces, they wouldn''t be able to cause much damage because of the pennisetum. As for the slight side effects that the pennisetum would cause, they could totally be disregarded.


    In the morning after breakfast, the Great Xia army formed up into their battle formation and began the attack. Battle cries could be heard from all three directions.


    Along with groups of rangers, there was also an increased number of scouts to the south of the city


    However, people like the empress and Li Qianqiu didn''t feel too pressured. In fact, they were all in high spirits as they watched Ren Baqian operate the drone.


    After the drone took off, Li Qianqiu and the othermanders gasped in surprise again.


    The drone finallynded half an hourter. ording to the images, Ren Baqian roughly drew out the position of the enemy''s barracks to the east of the city beforeparing the details one by one.


    The fence outside Great Xia''s barracks was only three meters tall, but barbed wire was lined across the top of fence and specially ced to prevent the aboriginals from breaching the fence and attacking at night.


    Furthermore, in each barracks, every entrance had four of the cannons that Ren Baqian had seen before, and they pointed directly outward.


    The Great Xia army had spent quite a lot of effort in preventing the aboriginals from attacking at night.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian arrived early and before the aboriginals could attempt a night attack. Otherwise, they would have suffered some losses.


    With the present map, everyone could immediately see and familiarize themselves with all the weak spots of the Great Xia barracks. They had also identified a few ces where the rations were stored.


    Flying two drones at a height of 600 meters, they were able to capture images of the Great Xia barracks at the east and north gate. While recharging the batteries for both drones, Ren Baqian nced through the images that were taken of the Great Xia battle formation as well as the scene of their assault.


    Every image was filled with austerity and was extremely mentally shocking.


    Ren Baqian felt that any one of those images would qualify to be in the annual top ten photos if they were to be brought back to Earth.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian carried the mortar and ascended the city wall. This entire stretch of wall was filled with many people and battle cries. Over 20 scalingdders were put up against the wall, and Great Xia soldiers carried crossbows over their heads as they climbed up. They were shed the moment they reached the top, and their wails could be heard as they fell off the wall.


    asionally, there were leaders and captains who were stronger and tried to stand their ground when they reached the top. However, they too weren''t able tost longer than a minute before falling off the wall.


    The archers of Great Xia had already arrived ten0 meters from the city wall and were firing wave after wave of arrows toward the top.


    "Hurry and bring some scarecrows over!" Ren Baqian subconsciously shouted as he witnessed this sight.


    "Sir, what did you say?" Shi Hu asked as he struck down some arrows that were shot over.


    "Bring some scarecrows here. Those arrowheads will dull after they hit the ground." Ren Baqian was full of resentment as he pointed to the arrows that hadnded behind him on the stone structure.


    Even so, these arrows were much better than the bone arrows that the aboriginals used. Besides, the arrows in the city were running low, so those metal arrows could be used to replenish the supply. However, if the arrowheads became blunt after hitting against the stone, the flight of the arrows would be unstable and, in turn, be useless.


    After he was done talking, Ren Baqian extended his head outward and took a nce beneath the walls before immediately withdrawing. He then carried the mortar down the wall and shouted to Shi Hu, "Hurry, get Sir Li to prepare some scarecrows and ce them on top of the wall. Also, gather some things like wood or hay andy them behind the wall to collect and reuse those arrows!"


    After yelling, Ren Baqian carefully ced the mortar on a piece of t ground. He adjusted the angle based on the firing table and scope before stepping on the bottom of its frame with one leg.


    "Come and support this!" he yelled at a bodyguard beside him.


    After the bodyguard had properly supported the barrel, he dropped the mortar shell into the barrel and hurriedly covered his ears.


    Following a light nk from when the shell hit the bottom of the barrel and activated the firing mechanism, the shell shot out from the barrel with a boom and a trail of smoke.


    Bang! The artillery shell flew out of the barrel apanied by smoke.


    The sound was a little softer than what Ren Baqian had expected, something simr to the sound of popcorn popping on the street from when he was younger.


    Ren Baqian dashed toward the wall once again. Just when he was halfway there, a loud bang could be heard from outside the city.


    He ascended the city wall and hurriedly extended his head to look at where the mortar shellnded.


    It was easy to locate because he only needed to find the spot where many people had fallen.


    The st had a 20 meter radius, which equated to an area of over 1,000 square meters.


    The moment he extended his head, he saw a patch ofnd behind the archers where many people had fallen. At least 300 to 400 people had been killed, and many of them had their limbs blown off to an unknown location.


    The steel bearings within the mortar shell shot out in all directions the moment the shell exploded and hit everyone within the proximity. These victims ended up looking like sieves.


    Countless ming bits burst out into the surroundings during the explosion and set quite a number of soldiers'' clothes on fire. The entire region was in chaos.


    A small number of lucky ones managed to escape the cmity and stood amongst the pile of corpses. Looking at the devastation and hearing the miserable cries around them, their faces were all filled with lifelessness.


    The surrounding people were also shocked by this unforeseen event. Many of them felt at a loss and hadpletely no idea what just happened. They all appeared frightened as they looked at how devastated those people around them were.


    To those soldiers, killing with des and spears was an entirely different thing from the foreign and unknown type of attack that had just hit them.


    Very quickly, at the urging of the troops behind them, they started charging toward the city wall again.


    "It''s off target!" Ren Baqian spat out a mouthful of saliva.


    However, its power was much stronger than what he had anticipated.


    One shot could kill over 300 people, ten shots could kill over 3,000 people. Firing 70 shots would then be able to kill over 20,000 people. Just by making two trips, he would be able to wipe out one third of the Great Xia army. If he were to run faster, in just a month''s time, it could be possible for him to distress the entire Great Xia army that was outside the city and beat them into a tearful retreat.


    However, these were just his thoughts. The Great Xia soldiers weren''t fools, and he reckoned that they would probably find a way to reduce their casualties after a while. Besides, the damage wouldn''t be as severe if they didn''t crowd together.


    "Sir Ren, this thing is indeed formidable!" a few bodyguards eximed repeatedly in admiration.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t be bothered to pay attention to them. This thing was already considered a piece of standard equipment in modern times. Naturally, these aboriginals would find it powerful.


    Previously, when he wielded a taser, they had already regarded it as a magical object.


    When Ren Baqian had confirmed the location, he ran down from the wall again, adjusted the angle of the mortar and fired another round.


    Boom! A mortar shell suddenlynded behind the archers of Great Xia. Countless steel bearings shot rapidly throughout the surroundings like bullets, and a huge cluster of mes scattered all over.


    The scattering steel bearings struck the archers in front and the shielded soldiers that were moving forward. As a result, they ended up looking like sieves too.


    Ren Baqian climbed up the wall, extended his head, and carefully analyzed for quite some time before spitting out a mouthful of saliva again. "Damn it, off target again."


    Once more, he went back down into the city, adjusted the angle, and released the shell into the barrel.


    "Fire!"


    Boom!


    Ren Baqian ascended the walls once again, only to see that another region of death had been artificially created.


    Everyone in the proximity became either corpses or casualties whoy wailing on the ground.


    It was still a little off target, but the difference in distance this time could still be considered eptable since it was only ten meters off.


    To Ren Baqian, this was an eptable range.


    Finished with fighting, time to pack up.


    Ren Baqian carried the mortar back to the citymander''s residence. The empress, who was focused on watching a television series, asked, "I''ve heard that the results were not bad?"


    "Not bad indeed!" Ren Baqian gave a thumbs-up.


    "Are you going to use this for a night attack?" the empress asked again.


    "Burn their rations andunch a night attack at the same time," Ren Baqian corrected her.


    Li Qianqiu, who also heard of the news, came rushing over after a short while. He burst into loudughter as soon as he met them. "Principal Ren, I''ve heard that you have something awesome. Let me have a try!"


    "Wait for the night attack, and I''ll let you have a taste of it." Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    "Great!" Li Qianqiu felt exhrated. With an up to date map of the Great Xia barracks and together with Ren Baqian''s outstanding weapon, they could finally teach that bunch of Great Xia people a lesson.


    ...


    Shortly after Ren Baqian left, Wu Shenghou tightly knitted his brows as he looked at a few fragmented shields. Before him, these pieces had numerous 3-millimeter-sized steel bearings embedded in them.


    What sorcery was it this time around?


    He suddenly realized that something was different about this battle.


    Where did those barbarians obtain this weapon, which had such astonishing killing power?


    Just the day before, the catapults at three locations had been destroyed, and now, thousands of soldiers had been killed after just three loud explosions.


    Such a situation waspletely unexpected.


    If the other party were to continue using such weapons, how could Great Xia block these attacks?


    Besides, there were already two types of never before seen weapons that had emerged. Did those barbarians have any more such armaments?


    Furthermore, a number ofmanders were looking ghastly below him. Their thoughts were identical to what Wu Shenghou was thinking.

 Chapter 340 Night Attack

    "By now, everyone should know about the walkie-talkie, right?" Ren Baqian asked as he ced a row of walkie-talkies on the table. Immediately, there was amotion among themanders under Li Qianqiu. Each of the winged cavalry captains had one of these, and themanders had long since been envious of them.


    "For those who are clueless, ask those who know about it," Ren Baqian said unenthusiastically. "Each person gets one."


    Dozens of big hands swept across the table, leaving only three out of the 20 walkie-talkies.


    The military system in the Protectorate of the Center was different from the winged cavalry. One in 100 people was a captain, and at the same time, this person would also be a well-known figure in the winged cavalry. At the very least, they had all attained the advanced stage of the Earth Wheel level.


    As for the Protectorate of the Center, one captainmanded 300 people. In general, they were all at the intermediate stage of the Earth Wheel level.


    "If this thing is ced in the city and as long as it is within 15 kilometers of Liao City, you can use this as a ry to contact." Ren Baqian ced the walkie-talkie repeater to one side.


    "As for this night vision devices... Sir Li, you shall make the arrangements for these two sets. By all means, you musn''t use this thing during daytime." Ren Baqian took out five sets of infrared night vision devices. Among them, he gave two sets to the Protector General of the Center to distribute among his soldiers. Also, he gave two sets to the winged cavalry. Lastly, Ren Baqian kept the remaining set for himself.


    "This thing forms an image through infrared rays. Different temperatures will have different outlines on it. Even if someone is inside a tent, you will be able to detect them. Through this thing, you can see whether the other party is in their barracks as well as whether there is an ambush or not. In a while, you guys will go out and test it out on each other. These devices can be used to see things that emit heat. Regardless of whether they are humans, animals, or even torches, pay attention and distinguish the difference," Ren Baqian exined inyman''s terms.


    In the beginning, there were rumors circting on the inte that by using infrared, one would be able to see through people''s clothes. Thus, when Ren Baqian obtained this device back then, he got a little excited and immediately drove a fewps on the streets.


    He found out that it was purely nonsense after testing it out himself. What this thing could see was the amount of heat emitted by the human body. What could the body''s radiating heat reveal? It was all patches of red and yellow.


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the eyes of the people beside him brightened as if they were shootingsers from their eyes.


    What were they most afraid of during a night attack? The worst thing that could happen would be that the other party was prepared and waiting for them to walk right into a trap.


    With this thing, it would be obvious at a nce whether the other party was sleeping or not.


    On the other hand, if the other party was ambushed in the dark, everything could be seen at a nce with this device.


    "You can only see through tents and so on. Basically, materials which allow light to prate. Always remember that you can''t use this device on walls."


    "Everyone knows the mission this time, right?" Ren Baqian inquired once more.


    Everyone sequentially nodded their heads.


    "Remember, pass through the countless flowers at all costs, but don''t be allured by any of them. Run away after achieving your goal and never take responsibility for it." Seeing that everyone nodded their heads, Ren Baqian stopped talking as these issues must have been long since arranged by Li Qianqiu.


    "Set off stealthily in a dangerous environment!" Ren Baqian waved his hands as he spoke.


    Everyone was silent.


    Even the east gate was closed. Following the ropes, 5,000 soldiers slipped down the wall.


    If it wasn''t for the fact thatnding on the ground was too noisy, many people would have directly jumped over the wall.


    Ren Baqian stood on top of the city gates, used a night vision device to scan the surrounding, and saw two army units that were a kilometer away. Judging from their uniform, it seemed like they were sent on patrol by the Great Xia army. Other than that, he also spotted some sporadic dots and Great Xia''s hidden sentries.


    "I have taken care of everything." Ren Baqian informed the guard before turning to look at the empress, "In that case, Your Majesty doesn''t have to go, right?"


    After thinking for a long time, she finally replied faintly, "I''m unupied, and in any case, I''m not able to sleep either."


    After Ren Baqian grabbed the rope and slid to the ground, the empress was already beside him just with a jolt of her body.


    After arranging the troops, everyone slowly headed in the north-east direction while carefully making their way in the dark. From their night vision devices, the Great Xia soldiers emitted a luminous radiance, and they were able to see it from a few kilometers away. As such, they were able to stay away from trouble.


    As for the Great Xia sentries, the winged cavalry carefully made their way in the dark and crushed them to death.


    5,000 soldiers marched their way to a suitable position when Li Qianqiu turned around to look at Ren Baqian. Seeing that Ren Baqian nodded his head and waved his hand, the winged cavalry and the soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center divided into two sections. One section headed toward the Great Xia barracks at the east of Liao City while the other section headed toward the barracks in the north.


    Ren Baqian signalled for people to bring both mortars as well as the ammunition bag over. After that, he adjusted the angle of the mortar.


    There were two mortars, one facing the east while the other faced the north toward the central barracks. They were both aimed at the locations of the stored rations that had been photographed by the drone during the daytime.


    In any case, while the angles of the mortars were being adjusted, they were already aware of the positions of these of ration stores. As for whether the mortars could hit the targets or not, they would have to submit to the will of heaven.


    When he thought of this, Ren Baqian felt that he had forgotten to do something for this mission; he forgot to sacrifice three animals.


    "The east section has arrived at the intended location. We are 300 meters away from them and can''t get any closer."


    "The north section has arrived as well. We are 350 meters away."


    Ren Baqian rubbed his hands and turned around to ask the empress,"Your Majesty, do you want to try it out?"


    The empress was a little excited, and it seemed like she was a little interested. "How do I do it?"


    "In a while, the both of us will put the mortar shells into the barrels and when I say release, all you have to do is to let go." Ren Baqian passed her a mortar shell and got two guards to support the cannon.


    Ren Baqian ced the end of the mortar shell into the barrel and seeing that the empress imitated his action, he slowly counted, "One, two, three... Release!"


    Bang! Bang!


    The noise from both mortars ovepped each other, and at the same time, smoke rose from both of the muzzles, heading straight for the sky.


    "Fire!"


    "Fire!"


    Only after firing three shots per person did Ren Baqian begin to redeploy the mortars into a new position and re-adjust their angle of fire.


    When the sound of a crashing explosion was heard in the distant Great Xia barracks, the empress''s eyes glistened. This thing was indeed interesting.


    The abrupt explosion immediately startled the entire Great Xia barracks.


    "Enemies! Night attack!" Such shouting was spread widely across the barracks as soldiers hurriedly rushed out with weapons. It waspletely chaotic.


    "Kill!" All of a sudden, a figure appeared on the side of the fence of the Great Xia barracks. With a few kicks, this figure managed to kick the entire fence down. As this figure stepped on the fence and ran while gaining momentum, she sprung upward and directly leaped over the ground that was sprinkled with caltrops. The sword in this figure''s hand was directed straight at a Great Xia soldier who had not even put on his clothes and hacked at him.


    These caltrops just so happened to be ced in areas where the light couldn''t reached. If they didn''t have the drone to detect them and weren''t aware of this fact, many of the Dayao soldiers would probably have fallen into Great Xia''s trap.


    Furthermore, the caltrops were ced at a position that was exactly at the edge of where the fence would be after it fell. It could be seen that the other party had prepared for a night attack.


    Just as the Dayao soldiers dashed into the Great Xia central barracks, blood-curdling screams resounded as the chaotic scene got even louder and messier. Blood and broken limbs were strewn everywhere on the ground as well as in the areas that surrounded the tents.


    "Fire!"


    "Fire!"


    "Fire!"


    Another six mortar shells were separatelyunched into the central barracks. At the time of the explosion, these shells sttered napalm into the surroundings and directly ignited the nearby rations, fodder, and tents.


    "It caught fire!" Such shouts came and went while intertwined with the blood-curdling screams in the distance.


    A few of the winged cavalry warriors were killing the Great Xia soldiers to their heart''s content.


    Looking in the distance, a group of Great Xia soldiers had gathered together, amounting to a few hundred people.


    One of the winged cavalry warriorughed maliciously and dered, "Help me defend for a while!"


    As soon as he finished talking, he took out a ck cylinder and lit the fuse. After that, he threw the explosive over at the other party.


    Boom! The explosion was sted directly within that group of soldiers. People in the vicinity were immediately killed by the explosion while the people a distance away were thrown into the sky.


    A few winged cavalry warriors shouted, "Kill!"


    While wielding a saber in their hand, they threw themselves upon the Great Xia soldiers.


    Just like a tiger entering a flock of sheeps, a streak of sword gleam and blood were strewn alongside the hacked limbs. However, after a short period of time, all that remained were the few winged cavalry warriors that were soaked in blood from head to toe. Then, they headed toward another direction to kill more enemies.


    There were many such scenes throughout the entire barracks.


    For this night attack, Ren Baqian took everything that he could bring with him.


    Ren Baqian looked at the mes in the distance and listened to the killing sounds that were transmitted to his ears. At the same time, while quickly adjusting the angle of the mortar, he didn''t forget to take out a piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy from his pocket and pass it over to the empress.

 Chapter 341 Night Attack Continues

    Wu Shenghou stood in front of the big tent, and there was already a group of soldiers andmanders gathered around him. In addition, more and more soldiers were heading toward their direction and gathering here.


    Those aboriginals were fighting only a short distance away. Seeing the situation here, they absolutely avoid it, directing their attacks at other ces.


    "Sir, there are at least 2,000 men from Dayao, and our rations have mostly been burned," reported themander who was on night patrol. He had immediately responded when the first mortar shellnded and gathered the soldiers who had been roused from their sleep.


    However, the tent was too big. This tent was meant for tens of thousands of people and themander only managed to gather a small portion of them.


    In addition to the attacks by the aboriginals that had caused panic in a few ces, there were also attacks from an unknown force which created very loud noise. Thebination of these two forces made the barracks even more chaotic and hard to control.


    "Organize the battle formation to press the other side and gather the rest of the soldiers together. Don''t give the barbarians any chance at all," Wu Shenghou said in a deep voice. As long as this group of soldiers stopped the barbarians, the rest of the soldiers would be like a small stream entering the sea, integrating themselves into the team. Naturally, the chaos would subside too.


    "Dou Licheng, bring people along with you to gather more people. Then, look after the rations and douse the fire," Wu Shenghou continued speaking in a steady voice without even a hint of panic.


    The chiefmander was very calm, and the rest of the people felt more secure.


    "Yes!" Anothermander immediately passed down the order.


    Before the time it took to pour a cup of tea had psed, there was another explosion near the ce where the rations were stored. Three shells were fired from the mortar in a row, killing some of the soldiers guarding the rations.


    Like a sharp arrow, one of themanders gazed pratingly at the chaos in the barracks before he threw himself into the darkness.


    He had heard some faraway soundsing from that direction earlier on.


    It wasn''t loud, but he managed to catch the faint sounds.


    He leaped up atop a gpole, and from the top, he was able to see the corner of the barracks to the east of Liao City.


    "Great General, that attackes from the sky! Another ce that stores rations has been destroyed. The soldiers in the vicinity have also lost their military strength." A lower rankingmander who was covered in blood rushed over to report to the general.


    After hearing this, Wu Shenghou furrowed his brows even more.


    "From the sky? Did you see anybody in the surrounding area?"


    "Sir, there are no aboriginals around. That thing dropped down from the sky and then exploded, causing the death and injury of a few hundred of our brothers!" thatmander said miserably.


    "Great General, I suspect the weapon that generated the loud noise is simr to the catapult and cannon in propelling its ammunition." Themander with the arrow-like prating gaze jumped down to speak.


    At the same time, he pointed his finger in the south east direction of the barracks, which was where the aboriginalsunched their attack.


    "From listening to the sound, General Jia from the east barracks is also under attack. I suspect his situation is simr to what we are experiencing.


    "The other side is attacking us and General Jia simultaneously. Theirunching position should be between the central barracks and the east barracks. From what I heard earlier, the sounds are quite simr to the firing of the Thunder Cannon."


    On hearing this, Wu Shenghou jerked and asked in a deep voice, "How is the situation at Wu Ying''s barracks?"


    "Sir, Wu Ying''s barracks hasn''t been affected yet," someone immediately replied.


    "Dispatch Wu Ying out. The other party will definitely attack, and it is crucial to find out their location and what methods they are using. If we can grab some weapons from them, that would be ideal. Chen Shi, follow them and you will earn merit if sessful."


    Although the confusion in their central barracks continued, there was a more important issue in Wu Shenghou''s mind.


    He must obtain the these weapons used by the aboriginals.


    Even if he couldn''t, he should at least know what weapon the other side was using as well as its weak points.


    Just after arranging the troops into orderly formations and gathering the soldiers into position, quite a few loud noises were suddenly heard.


    A few winged cavalry warriors saw the explosions amid the soldiers on the other side, startedughing loudly, and turned to run.


    ...


    "Sir, a great number of soldiers from the Great Xia central barracks areing over."


    Without lifting his head, Ren Baqian adjusted the angle of the mortar tounch three shots with the empress before he reached out for the night vision device and peered in the direction the guards were pointing at.


    "So many soldiers?" Ren Baqian was slightly surprised. He could see from the infrared night vision goggles that arge wave of alternating red and yellow figures were running in their direction.


    "These are not ordinary soldiers!" Ren Baqian added this statement, which he based on the movements and speed of these soldiers.


    The other side seemed to have confirmed the direction of the attacks and were advancing toward this side. Although they tried their best to maintain a uniform speed in between them, it could be seen that there was some confusion.


    Ren Baqian felt that these weren''t ordinary Great Xia soldiers, and he ascertained this from their fast speed and great agility when moving at night.


    They were either military elites or practitioners from Great Xia''s sects.


    "Sir, don''t worry, we are here and will definitely not let theme too close." The guard beside him was smiling and eager for a fight. He had been biding his time, and his wait was finally over.


    One had to know that besides the guards of Ren Baqian and the empress, there were also over 100 winged cavalry warriors.


    There were about less than 1,000 people from the other side, and 200 Earth Wheel guards should be enough to let the enemies run over and then make them crawl back.


    "In that case, all of you advance and leave two personnel to carry the mortar shells for me!" Seeing that they were in high spirits, Ren Baqian simply ignored them and continued to fire shots.


    He only fired five more rounds, and the total number of mortar roundsunched was 30.


    The other side only stored food in seven locations, and after bombing another two ces, he could begin another round of bombing with the remaining dozen mortar shells.


    If people from the other side were fighting the fire, then it was just their bad luck.


    For those who managed to escape from the bombs earlier, this would make it up for them now.


    Ren Baqian and the empress continuedunching the mortar bombs in high spirits. With the exception of a few guards, the rest advanced to meet the oing soldiers.


    The practitioners of Great Xia reached a ce not far from their destination and saw a dark mass of human heads under the moonlight.


    "Be careful, there is an ambush!" someone shouted.


    "Ambush, to hell with you!" a winged cavalry warrior scolded.


    Was there a need to ambush rascals like you guys?


    He then took out a sword to greet them.


    When both sides collided, the Great Xia practitioners were confounded.


    Although they expected to meet some guards, they never expected to see a whole squad of guards who were at the Earth Wheel level.


    There were more than 200 guards, and all of them were Earth Wheel level experts.


    One sixth of the winged cavalry was also present.


    Fortunately, the Great Xia side had more people and quite a few practitioners. With regard to meeting the winged cavalry, they were already well prepared.


    The practitioners from Great Xia formed into different groups with many sect members forming their own arrays to marginally resist these winged cavalry warriors and guards.


    Some of the remaining practitioners joined with their own sect members to tackle the winged cavalry, and a small number of them attempted to force their way through to reach the rear side of the crowd.


    A man was seen jumping about a dozen meters in the air with a six meter long spear that was as thick as the mouth of a bowl. His sudden appearance generated an overbearing force on everyone present.


    "Broken Hill Spear''s Xiao Shan has arisen!" The practitioners from Great Xia were invigorated by this presence. This person was one of the two Spirit Wheel level experts in Wu Ying''s barracks.


    The Spirit Wheel level wasn''t just simply a matter of being one level higher. If the expert was extremely powerful, tens of Earth Wheel experts weren''t even a match for a Spirit Wheel expert that could form a Heaven-grade weapon.


    With him around, they wouldn''t lose even when going against the winged cavalry.


    Furthermore, with one Spirit Wheel level expert, victory was assured.


    "Spirit Wheel level?" Many winged cavalry raised their head to take a look and continued to do what they were supposed to do.


    Her Majesty was behind them. What was the big deal about the presence of a Spirit Wheel level expert?


    Xiao Shan, as the man in the air was called, looked harsh. Although the long spear in his hand was not as powerful as imagined, it was powerful enough for him to be proud of.


    Like a missile and with all his might, a spear was thrusted at the position where Ren Baqian was. Ren Baqian''s hair stood on end, and his whole body went rigid as he felt an imminent disastering.


    "Great spear technique! Very impressive !" The practitioners from Great Xia praised loudly and imed that they wouldn''t even have a chance to escape if they were the one confronted.


    Although they were in the middle of a battle, many of Great Xia practitioners couldn''t refrain themselves from taking a look at Xiao Shan in action, hoping to learn from it. After all, it was rare to see a Spirit Wheel expert in action.


    "Hmph!" The empress''s cold voice reverberated through the whole field. She appeared in front of Xiao Shan in a sh, stepped hard on his long spear, and made Xiao Shan lose control of it, causing him to fall downward.


    Xiao Shan heard the shouting, which made him feel heroic initially, but the appearance of this human shadow stamping on the spear tip made him lose control of his spear, causing him to falter. He peered out from the corner of his eyes to verify the image of this person and was terrified. Xiao Shan pushed the spear downward, used the rebounding force to move backward, and turned to run away without saying a word.


    Then, the spear that had gouged out a hole which was tens of meter deep disappeared from sight.


    Although he knew Qi Zixiao was in Liao City, he didn''t expect her to appear in person, especially here.


    At first, he expected Qi Zixiao toe out specifically to counter Wu Shenghou. The barracks was in chaos when he left, and he was thinking that Qi Zixiao would face off against Wu Shenghou, so he would be able to avoid her. He never expected to meet her here and fall into her hands.


    "Where are you running to?" the empress coldly asked. She was behind Xiao Shan in a sh and smashed a fist at him.


    Xiao Shan promptly turned to block with his two hands, instantly spitting out fresh blood. He was then pushed back tens of meters and ran away at an even faster speed.


    By spitting out blood, he was using the simplest method of triggering his energy, and although he would need to recuperate for eight to 10 days, he considered himself lucky for being able to escape.


    Under the eyes of many Great Xia practitioners, Xiao Shan was seen forming the Heaven-grade weapon, seen showing his prowess, seen spitting fresh blood, and then seen desperately running away after a red shadow appeared in front him.


    This scene instantly caused the recently inspired Great Xia practitioners to despair.


    "Qi Zixiao!"


    If they still didn''t know who she was, they would be fools.


    As for the other Spirit Wheel expert, he slipped away without showing his face upon perceiving the presence of the empress.


    The empressnded on the ground with her hands behind her back and head held high as she returned to Ren Baqian''s side.


    "Your Majesty''s martial prowess is matchless and even the experts who have formed a Heaven-grade weapon will flee at the mere sight of you." Ren Baqian ced a bar of chocte in the empress''s hand.


    "Hmmm!"

 Chapter 342 Give Them A Head Start of 700 Meters

    "Junior, you can leave first. I will remain behind!"


    "Senior!" That woman''s voice trailed off from a distance, and a tinge of absolutely heartbreaking sadness could be heard from it.


    "Senior, leave quickly!" Another young man grabbed the woman''s hand and ran.


    Upon witnessing this scene, the older male senior stared with his eyes wide open. He was infuriated.


    Damn gigolo!


    Even though this world didn''t have an incisive saying such as, "Once you die, other men will sleep with your wife, beat your children, and even spend your money," this senior felt the exact same sentiment at this moment. He cursed and swore at Ren Baqian, causing him to nearly spit out blood!


    "Junior, you stay behind, brother will leave first!" Seeing that the situation was getting worse, another man whose face was ghastly pale spoke one sentence and immediately fled.


    At just the split second that he turned around, someone attacked his back with a sword. It was only when he was thrown forward that he noticed that his male junior, who had been fighting alongside him, had already ran 20 meters away.


    The male junior turned and saw that his senior''s eyes were extremely red while staring at him. He then shouted sorrowfully before speeding up to flee, "Senior, I will take care of your wife and children for you. Don''t worry!"


    Even a Spirit Wheel expert fled upon a face-to-face confrontation with Qi Zixiao, let alone the others who saw this situation. Nobody dared to stay, fleeing one after another.


    Those who had their sect elders present among them gradually retreated from the battlefield in an orderly manner.


    As for those whose sect elders had gone somewhere else and left only a few fellow students, their level of skill determined their survival.


    However, there were also some people who had no choice but to fight to their death. These people were mostly not as skilled or perhaps were too entangled in this battle and knew that they wouldn''t be able to escape in the end. In that case, they could only fight to their utmost and request for their sect members to look after their families.


    Only a minority of the Great Xia soldiers were fighting like machines with all their might.


    "Stop chasing!" Ren Baqian shouted at the top of his lungs and ordered the winged cavalry warriors toe back. These Great Xia practitioners were skillful and weren''t people that the strong aboriginals could chase after.


    "Sir!" Everyone turned around resentfully and conveniently stabbed those who were still breathing.


    About 800 Great Xia soldiers came, and they lost about 200 soldiers from this confrontation.


    "Bring me my machine gun. I''ll give them a head start of 700 meters! If they manage to escape, it means that they are fortunate. Otherwise, they are just purely unlucky!" Ren Baqian''s face was filled with "benevolence" as he spoke.


    If the winged cavalry chased after the Great Xia soldiers and became entangled, it would be difficult for Ren Baqian to open fire.


    After racking up the gun, Ren Baqian put on the night vision device before reaching out and waving to both sides. "Step aside. If by chance any of you sustain an idental injury, there will not be any financial support for your family!"


    Everyone moved to the sides at lightning speed.


    Through the infrared night vision device, Ren Baqian looked at the red and yellow alternating patches in the distance, took aim, spat some saliva, and held down the trigger on both sides of the gun.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The metal bullets formed a long line and pounced on the Great Xia practitioners who had run about 700 meters away.


    "They didn''t catch up!" A Great Xia practitioner who was running discovered that the aboriginal winged cavalry didn''t catch up and heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Let go of me!" a woman said angrily.


    "Senior sister... it was an emergency just now..." The man who was holding her hand shed a smile to win her favor.


    "Senior brother!" That woman turned her head, faced the darkness that looked as if it could devour everyone, and shed tears. What was left in her heart was bitter hatred.


    After looking back, the man looked at the woman who was in tears and finally sighed lightly, but he felt much more relieved now.


    That man pulled the woman''s arm and said, "Senior, it''s still unsafe here. Let''s return to the central barracks before talking."


    "It''s none of your business!" The woman pushed him away.


    However, in the next moment, the long line formed by the metal bullets instantly shattered her into pieces in the darkness. Her head was smashed by the bullets, and she immediately fell into that man''s embrace.


    That man didn''t react to this sudden change and met the same fate as the woman.


    The speed of the bullets was too fast, and the surroundings were also dark. Most of the practitioners were hit directly without even being aware of the bullets. As long as the bullet hit any of the four limbs, it would immediately shatter it. If a bullet hit any part of the body, it would pierce open a huge hole in it.


    No one could have expected for such an unforeseen event to happen.


    It was as if those who had just escaped and were catching their breath had fallen into a cold abyss.


    Upon discovering that the bullets shot over in the dark could hit a person after prating through someone else, an expert immediately shouted out, "Disperse and flee quickly."


    ...


    When Ren Baqian tossed the ammunition belt aside and reloaded the bullets, he discovered that the Great Xia soldiers were running all over the ce like sheep. He then fired the machine gun again and shot a dozen more people. After that, he ced the gun to one side and continued to fiddle with the mortars. However, the target of the mortars had changed this time around, and they were aimed at the vicinity of the other party''s central barracks. Even though the Great Xia soldiers fled separately, there was still arge number of aboriginals soldiers at the east of their barracks. Many people were running toward the entrance of the barracks as blood-curdling screams could still be heard.


    Although there were no iing attacks during thisst stretch, no one dared to let their guard down. At the moment they finally reached the central barracks, all of the practitioners finally felt at ease.


    "I can''t exist together with those barbarians!" A few practitioners, whose eyes were extremely red, managed to squeeze out these words though their gritted teeth.


    On the route of retreat back to the central barracks, as long as it wasn''t someone who didn''t have a family, practically all of the survivor''s rtives and friends had died out there.


    Wrath and hatred filled everyone''s hearts.


    "We will take revenge sooner orter!" someone dered in agreement.


    After everyone arrived at a safe ce, those with weaker minds and those who had people that were close to them die just now couldn''t help but grieve. Tears were hidden in their eyes and they tried really hard not to let them flow.


    "Return first! We will always have an opportunity for revenge next time," someone said.


    A practitioner who was at the apex of the Earth Wheel level abruptly shrieked as he strained his ears, "Be careful of your heads!"


    "What?" Everyone hurriedly looked up.


    However, the sky was too dark and no one could see far into the distance.


    While everyone was still searching for what wasing from the sky, a dark green mortar shell fell right on the top of an Earth Wheel expert''s head.


    This Earth Wheel expert, whose good friend had just passed away, was fuming with rage and had no avenues with which to vent. Upon seeing a strange-looking thing that was falling from above his head and noticing that it didn''t have any pointed areas, he punched his fists at it without any hesitations.


    Boom!


    Even though they weren''t crowded together, they weren''t too far away from one another since they had just ran into the central barracks.


    This explosion immediately wiped out a portion of the people.


    ...


    Ren Baqian still didn''t know that his attack using the mortar was sessful. He based his actions on the principle of: "Even if I don''t bomb you to death, I still have the intention of scaring you to death."


    Did all of you think that you would be fine just by running back to your barracks? I will let you all of you have a taste of the so-called a long range attack and the so-called fireball technique.


    "In the future, call me a mage!" Ren Baqian told the guard beside him and continued to adjust the mortar angle.


    "Sir, what is a mage?" one of the guards asked loudly.


    "You don''t need to know, just calling me that will do," Ren Baqian didn''t look up as he answered. He felt slightly regretful because it was a pity that he didn''t have more napalm bombs. Moreover, he only had two mortars. Otherwise, he would show them the so-called "Five Fireball Mages."


    (Five Fireball Mages: a team of five fire mages from World of Warcraft)


    "Order them to withdraw." Ren Baqian reckoned that it was about time. In particr, there was only a small area in the north barracks remaining.


    "Yes!"


    "The night attack has ended. Every section, withdraw ording to the nned route! The winged cavalry will bring up the rear!" This guard used the walkie-talkie and the terminology that he learned from Ren Baqian.


    "Lin Xiao''s section received... Dong Mu''s section received... Qin Ze''s section received..."


    With a slight pause of his hand, Ren Baqian wondered, Did something weird sneak inside just now? It seemed as if something suspicious sneaked in...

 Chapter 343 Attack

    "Sir Ren, they have already withdrawn and are in the middle of their return journey."


    When Ren Baqian heard the sound from the walkie-talkie, he first looked toward the two big barracks and saw that there weren''t any Great Xia soldiers rushing out. Besides, on such a dark night, the aboriginals were able to better disy their capabilities.


    Furthermore, the two Great Xia barracks only now barely managed to quiet down. He reckoned that attending to their casualties, fighting fires, and assembling their disordered soldiers should keep them busy for quite some time.


    "The task isplete, so withdraw." Ren Baqian ordered people to carry the mortars, machine gun, and the ammunition boxes while slowly withdrawing. When they arrived back in the city, the gates were wide open and everyone entered one after another.


    Shortly after everyone returned to the citymander''s residence, the casualties were also reported back as well.


    There were only about a few hundred casualties. Of these, the winged cavalry were only slightly affected, but the casualty count for the Protectorate of the Center was about 400 soldiers. Half of them had lost their lives while the other half returned with heavy injuries.


    The number of the casualties among the aboriginals was nothingpared to Great Xia.


    The Great Xia army had lost at least 30,000 soldiers. In addition, arge amount of their rations had been burned.


    However, something that the winged cavalry described seeing on their way back had caught Ren Baqian''s attention.


    Toward the end of the night attack, when the aboriginals were attacking the Great Xia soldiers inside their barracks, they were also hit with bombs just as they managed to gather into troops. Furthermore, they couldn''t retaliate at all. As a result, the central barracks brought out a couple of cannons.


    The winged cavalry warriors didn''t take these cannons seriously, but when countless nails shot out from the cannons, a few of the winged cavalry warriors took direct hits due to their carelessness and ended up dying on the spot.


    There were more than 20 winged cavalry warriors that were injured by these Great Xia cannons.


    In his hand, Ren Baqian sized up the nail that they had brought back. It was about 15 centimeters long and had the thickness of a pinky finger. The entire body was made out of pig iron, and its base was shaped like a slightlyrger hexagon.


    "What''s the firing range of this thing?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Approximately 200 paces. It''s deadly when someone is within the 100 pace range," a captain from the winged cavalry replied.


    "That means that those who got killed by this were idiots who didn''t know how to dodge when someone was aiming this at them from a distance of less than 100 steps?" Ren Baqian asked in a bad tone.


    "The main point was that it was unexpected. Even though this thing couldn''t shoot far, it did a lot of damage at close range. Moreover, it was quite powerful too," that winged cavalry captain replied as he scratched his head while feeling that those few subordinates of his had died a unworthy death.


    "There are far more things that are unexpected. Are you going to dodge if I point this thing at you?" Ren Baqian immediately drew out a gun from his waist and pointed it at the officer''s head.


    "Definitely!" that officer replied hurriedly. This Principal Ren had poisoned more than thousands of people to death, and today, he had brought out something that could attack the Great Xia army from a few kilometers away. Even though they weren''t entirely sure what it was, one thing they were sure about was that simply from the explosion, steel bearings would shoot out and make someone look like a sieve.


    At present, the winged cavalry had alreadybelled Ren Baqian as someone to be wary of. Even though he looked weak and thin, the things he brought were truly deadly.


    Nobody dared to belittle the things that he brought out.


    "Whatever it is, today''s night attack was a total victory, and we owe it all to Sir Ren." Li Qianqiuughed at the side.


    Even though they lost around 400 people, it was already sufficient to make them feel satisfied because Great Xia suffered a heavier loss.


    Ren Baqian waved his hand as if honor and glory were like floating clouds in the sky.


    "Even though we are not sure about how much of the rations the other party has lost, they definitely lost quite a bit. During the night attack, the winged cavalry and the soldiers from the Protector General of the Center saw that the ces where they kept their rations had caught fire."


    This was something that Ren Baqian had intentionally ordered someone to take notice of.


    "If the other party has suffered huge losses to their rations, they will definitely be more urgent in getting food supplies. In a while, dispatch a portion of the walkie-talkies, a walkie-talkie repeater, and a radio station. I suggest deploying a group of winged cavalry warriors with this equipment to go out there, disperse, and investigate. Kill the all Great Xia''s soldiers on sight, and if they run into a supply group, gather their team and destroy their supplies if the circumstances allow. If there are any rations remaining, contact the city through the radio station to send people over to assist."


    Both Li Qianqiu and the empress gently nodded. Cutting off the enemy''s rations was essential, so there wasn''t anything wrong with Ren Baqian''s suggestion.


    "As for the rest of the Great Xia army here, there are two possible options. One option is to lower their military defences, with besieging them being the main focus. After all, this night attack should have probably hurt them quite a bit. However, I feel that the other option is also very viable, which is to drive them into desperation. If the other party''s rations are in too great of a deficit and the supplies take a very long to arrive, they will probablyunch arge scale attack. They will exhaust their military strength and fight it out with us in attrition warfare."


    "What is attrition warfare?" Li Qianqiu immediately questioned.


    "If they reallycked rations, for example, if they are only left with enough to feed 10,000 men for two days and their ration supplies will take seven days to arrive, what will they do? Their supplies won''t be enough even if their consumption was cut in half. We would thenunch a full scale attack on them after they had been struck by hunger to the extent that they can''t even walk properly. They won''t even stand a chance fighting back.


    "If this is the case, it''s better off for them to finish up the remaining rations andunch an attack. It would be best for them if they can breach the city. If not, at least they are able to expend all of their military strength and make their deaths worthwhile. As for their remaining soldiers, even if the rations aren''t sufficient, it will be enough to tide them through until their supplies arrives.


    "It''s very likely that the enemy will do this if their rations are in too much of a deficit.


    "Exchanging their lives for ours, that is attrition warfare," Ren Baqian concluded.


    Li Qianqiu frowned for quite some time and nodded slowly. "This is possible."


    By putting themselves in the other party''s leadership position, they would probably do this if they had no other choice.


    It was already gettingte after everyone had a brief moment of discussion, and they all went back to rest.


    In a typical warfare setting, both parties would have scouts who would obtain an abundance of useful information. In this war between Dayao and Great Xia, however, neither party had any scouts. As a result, all insight had to rely on spection.


    ...


    Everyone in Dayao went back to rest, but the Great Xia camp was still brightly lit.


    They were providing emergency care for their casualties, fighting fires, checking the deceased, and tabting their losses all the way until sunrise.


    Wu Shenghou sat in the big tent with an ashen face and was motionless like a statue.


    He lifted his eyelids when he heard a set of hasty footsteps and looked at the schr who hurriedly walked in.


    "How is it?" he asked in a dull voice.


    "The central barracks has 11,000 casualties and the east barracks has over 23,000 casualties. Out of 876 men from Wu Ying''s barracks, only 392 are left. As for the rations, the east barracks lost 75 percent of it and is left with only two days worth of rations for 60,000 men. The main barracks lost 60 percent of its rations and is left with 10 days worth for 17,000 men. The west barracks didn''t lose any of its rations at all."


    "How many more days can the rationsst?" Wu Shenghou asked.


    "The west barracks still has two worth days of rations for 60,000 soldiers. Adding on the remnants from the east barracks, there are still enough rations to feed 14,000 soldiers for one day. The amount of rations left in the central barracks can still sustain the soldiers for just over four days. All in all, there are still enough rations tost for 5 days. If the ration consumption is reduced by half, it canst ten days, but the soldiers won''t have enough strength to fight."


    "How much longer until the resupply of rations arrives?" Wu Shenghou asked.


    "It will take another 10 days," the schr replied softly. "However, both General Wen Yuan and General Zhao Sheng should be able to bring some over. They are just at the border, and it will be more convenient to get rations from them."


    "Inform them!" Wu Shenghou said in a deep voice.


    "Spread the word, let the soldiers fill their stomachs and then attack the city in four hours!"


    "Sir?" The schr was shocked. The soldiers hadn''t rested for almost the entire night, yet he was in such a hurry to attack?


    "We can''t dy any longer!" Wu Shenghou looked ghastly. "You are aware of what sort of attack took ce against Wu Ying''s barracks yesterday, aren''t you?"


    The schr nodded.


    "In addition to that, the surprise attack targeted the rationsst night and they had explosive items that they threw into the crowd. There''s no telling whether the other party has anymore tricks up their sleeves. We can''t afford to dy any longer. With a spurt of energy, no matter how great the casualties are, we must take down Liao City or force them to use their hidden trump card."


    Wu Shenghou was resolute and decisive. As amander, he would definitely be able to find a way to counter it if the enemy were to reveal their trump card. Only the unknown was frightening. It could be possible that the other party would hit their head just when they thought that victory was near and would end up losing everything.


    "I never expected that those barbarians had things like that." The schr gave a bitter smile.


    "Neither did I." Wu Shenghou sighed softly. He even felt that he was the barbarian now.


    "Those things couldn''t possibly have belonged to Dayao. Someone must have given those to them. Capture that person or kill him."


    "Does the general know who it is?" the schr asked, but in fact, he had somewhat guessed who it was.


    "It should be that Poison Warrior. When Chen Shi and Wu Ying went out yesterday, they saw a person operating a weapon from afar. At present, the only one capable of this in Liao City should be him. Besides, I''ll rather kill the wrong person than to let him off," Wu Shenghou said.


    Ren Baqian merely spected about the Great Xia army''s condition, so there were naturally many inconsistencies.


    However, even though the underlying reasons differed, Wu Shenghou''s decision was rather simr to what Ren Baqian had guessed.


    ...


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress in the hall to have breakfast. There were rolled-up pastries, noodle soup, and a pot of meat that was the size of aundry basin.


    That pot of meat vanished at a speed perceivable by the naked eye.


    After seeing that the pot was empty, Ren Baqian asked softly, "Is Your Majesty full?"


    The empress pondered for a bit before replying, "Half full, but I have to take the lead in reducing food consumption. This way, the rations in the city will be able tost longer."


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    After a short conversation, someone came reporting from outside. Great Xia was attacking the city.


    As two of them looked at each other, Ren Baqian pointed at himself and said, "After so much spection, there has got to be something that a wise man would guess correctly!"


    The empress lifted her head and pondered. There didn''t seem to be any problem, but something just didn''t feel right.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian confirmed his previous spection.


    The other party''s attack was indeed much stronger than the previous time. There were Great Xia soldiers climbing up the wall at almost every moment as well as soldiers wailing and falling off at the same frequency.


    After another day passed, Great Xia''s intensity of attack was still on the rise without a letup. Over 100,000 soldiers seemingly took turns to attack, and there was a ughter all day long at all three sides of the city wall.


    Ren Baqian saw Li Qianqiu giving out orders when he stepped into the small hall inside the citymander''s residence and waited for him to finish his words before asking, "Still able to withstand?"


    "If they send another 100,000 soldiers, we would then be on par." Li Qianqiu was not the least bit bothered.


    Ren Baqian nodded and said, "If the pressure is too great, then make use of the remaining explosives."


    "Didn''t we use up all of it the night before?" Li Qianqiu asked doubtfully.


    "I still have another box!" Ren Baqian replied. These 300 tubes of explosives filled up 2 boxes. He had brought out half of it when they blew up the catapults the other day and used up the rest of that box during the night attack. There was still one box remaining.


    "Apany me to search the ce!" Upon hearing this, Li Qianqiu immediately stood up from behind the office table and tookrge strides toward the outside, shouting for people along the way.


    Those who had used these explosives before knew what it was capable of. In any case, this was a treasure in the eyes of Li Qianqiu. He wanted to get ahold of it before deciding whether it would be utilized or not.

 Chapter 344 Pinned To The City Wall

    Two dayster, Ren Baqian took the box back to Dayao just after noon.


    He carefully stored the box and strolled toward the hall of the citymander''s residence. A group of people were hurriedly entering and exiting the hall.


    The empress was seated at the seat of honor as she daydreamed. It was unknown what she was thinking about.


    "Your Majesty, how''s the situation now?" Ren Baqian walked beside her and asked.


    Upon hearing the noise, the empress''s eyes finally came into focus. Her eyes first circled Ren Baqian''s face before she extended her hand to take the bag he was holding. She rummaged through the contents of the bag before cing it by her feet.


    Then, she finally spoke, "Great Xia has been attacking for the entire night. Over the past two days, they lost about 30,000 people. There are about 1,500 injured or dead Great Xia soldiers in the city as well. Now, even the winged cavalry is staying behind to defend the city wall."


    This was the greatest weakness of the aboriginals. Even though they were strong, they only had a small number of soldiers. 6,000 Dayao soldiers had to defend three sides of the city wall, and excluding the negligible number of guards defending the southern area, there were only about 2,000 soldiers defending each side as a matter of fact. Furthermore, they were constantly under attack from Great Xia''s unending stream of soldiers.


    As the number of casualties gradually increased, the pressure on the remaining soldiers increased as well.


    All of these were expected. Great Xia''s tactic of taking by storm caused both sides to suffer heavy losses.


    Now, it just depended on who could hold out longer.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while. It seemed like Great Xia wasn''t able to hold out any longer.


    Even if they could, he wouldn''t allow them to do so.


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress in the hall until it was time to light themps. By that time, Great Xia still didn''t have the intention of withdrawing their soldiers. It was now evident that Great Xia''s 100,000 plus soldiers were taking turns to attack Liao City all day and night until the several thousand aboriginal soldiers could no longer hold on.


    After dinner, Ren Baqian walked around the top of the city walls apanied by a few guards. As soon as he got up there, he choked on the smell of blood that permeated the air. The blood-curdling screams around him were also drilled into his head.


    Ren Baqian saw eight huge scalingdders being pushed to the side of the city wall. Each scalingdder was just like a building that was able to move. At the top of the scalingdder was a tform and dozens of Great Xia soldiers were standing on it. When the distance was extremely close, they directly jumped across and attacked with their weapons. There were also countless soldiers at the base that were incessantly climbing upward.


    "Kill!" Dozens of Great Xia soldiers jumped over and roared with malevolent looks on their faces.


    Most of them merely shouted the word "kill" and had yet to establish a firm footing, but they had already been hacked and fell to the ground. Only a few of the more powerful Great Xia soldiers were fighting against the aboriginals.


    A winged cavalry warrior appeared from the side, shing ferociously and quickly with the sword in his hand. He knocked down several Great Xia soldiers with ease and waved his sword at the same time, which helped him to deflect the few arrows that were shot at him.


    More Great Xia soldiers jumped from the tform of the hugedder.


    At this time, the city wall was filled with torches from one end to the other, and everything within tens of meters below the city wall was brightly lit. The entire area below the city wall was covered with dead bodies, damaged gear, and Great Xia soldiers that were flocking up in the dark.


    Boom! There was a loud noise as a fire broke out directly underneath the tform of the scalingdder in the distance. Thedder immediately blew up, and the Great Xia soldiers at the top fell to the ground while screaming tragically.


    This was the meritorious service of explosives. Otherwise, a heap of effort would be required to destroy an enormous scalingdder like that.


    Besides, a tube of explosive was all that was needed for things to be resolved.


    Thereafter, a few more sts broke out. After all the scalingdders in Ren Baqian''s sight were destroyed, numerous aboriginal soldiers finally had time to take a breather.


    "Sir Ren!" One of the winged cavalry warriors wiped the blood on his face, cupped his fist while facing Ren Baqian, and sat at the side of the wall to rest.


    "Does the Great Xia army still have more siege equipment?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Wasn''t it difficult for the other party to manufacture a huge scalingdder like this?


    "I hope there isn''t anymore!" that winged cavalry warrior mumbled to himself.


    From the beginning of yesterday morning, 18 consecutive hours had psed since the start of Great Xia''s attack. Even experts at the Earth Wheel level were already beginning to feel tired.


    However, an imagination was always good. Not long after, the Great Xia soldiers rushed forward once again.


    This time, it wasn''t the same exhausted Great Xia soldiers who had attacked previously. These new soldiers had already had a sufficient rest of 10 hours and were honing their strength for this attack. They were carrying scalingdders which looked simr to modern daydders and were charging over again.


    "Damn it!" Ren Baqian cursed. This time, he even brought quite a few bouncingndmines and was prepared to bury them outside the city. However, if the other party didn''t retreat, how would he bury thesendmines? Of course, he couldn''t bury them at the top of the wall, right?


    After walking to three different parts of the city wall, Ren Baqian hastily returned to the citymander''s residence and took his mortar out. He then went to the bottom of the city wall.


    If their opponent didn''t retreat, then he would bomb them until they retreated.


    This time, he returned with a total of 40 mortar shells, which were the napalm bombs he used previously. In addition, he also brought along 50 OZM-72 bouncingndmines. There were a total of 650 pieces of steel ball bearings in each of these 50ndmines, which would explode out after the mine jumped up about a meter high. The the lethality of thesendmines were perhaps even greater than that of the mortar shells.


    (OZM-72: soviet manufactured bounding type anti-personnel mines.)


    He went up the city wall and took a ncem but couldn''t see clearly in the pitch ck darkness. However, in the few areas visible under the city wall, he kept in mind which areas had more or fewer people. Thereafter, he ran at lightning speed to adjust the angle of the mortar.


    After a short while, a boom was heard and smoke could be seen emitting from the muzzle of the mortar. Tens of secondster, there was immediately a burst of fire outside the city which engulfed the surrounding Great Xia soldiers in one go. At the same time, two scalingdders were instantly destroyed.


    "Oh yeah!" Ren Baqian''s voice didn''t sound pleasant; rather, it sounded calm.


    "Sir Ren made a move!" The aboriginal soldiers cheered. Upon seeing the scale of this attack, everyone knew it was Ren Baqian who had instigated it. Besides him, there wasn''t anyone else who would have such a thing. The destructive power of those ck cylinders wasn''t as powerful as this.


    He adjusted the muzzle of the mortar and fired again.


    Boom!


    The people at the top of the city wall cheered even louder.


    "Sir Ren, I want to give birth to a monkey with you...!" Someone''s voice trailed together with the wind.


    [In chinese inte lingo, people use monkey to tease someone.]


    Ren Baqian''s face immediately twitched.


    Which bastard shouted these words?


    Do you believe that I will kill you?


    After the third shot was fired, Ren Baqian continued to adjust the angle of the mortar.


    When the mortar shells were fired, people cheered on the wall, but after tens of seconds, the cheers spontaneously came to an end.


    A dud?


    A thought like this emerged in Ren Baqian''s head as he stuffed another mortar shell into the barrel to fire once more.


    Boom!


    He adjusted the angle and fired once again.


    There wasn''t any sound of explosion.


    This time around, Ren Baqian immediately discovered that something was amiss. If there was something wrong with the first shot, that would be understandable, but if something went wrong with both shots, then it wasn''t a question of probability anymore.


    "Ren Baqian, that thing of yours has been pinned to the city wall!" a winged cavalry warrior ran down from the wall and hurriedly shouted.


    Ren Baqian responded, "What do you mean?"


    He also knew that it wasn''t the time for him to just stare. After he heard this, he knew what had happened and quickly headed up to the city wall.


    "Where is it?"


    "Sir Ren, follow me." That winged cavalry warrior brought Ren Baqian along the city wall and dodged the sabers and swords that were swung at him from time to time.


    Ren Baqian twisted left and right, passing through the silhouette of a streak of sword gleam. At the ce where the winged cavalry warrior stopped, Ren Baqian leaned over the wall and looked downward. He saw a dark green mortar shell pinned to the wall by a long arrow. At the same time, it was swinging with the wind, just like a clock.


    "So ruthless?" Although Ren Baqian already guessed what was going on, it was still a little shocking for him to witness this scene.


    This was an mortar shell! It travelled at a few hundred meters per second!


    Besides, it was night now!


    Where did this experte from?


    "Sir, be careful!" Shi Hu pushed Ren Baqian away as a long arrow whizzed past his shoulder.


    "Do you know where is he? I will st him to death!" Ren Baqian was indignant as hey on the ground after breaking out in a cold sweat.


    "Bring me my binocrs, my night vision device, and my machine gun!"

 Chapter 345 I Am Just Trying To Frighten Them

    "Bastard, where are you? When youe out, I will surely kill you..." Ren Baqian was at a corner of the city wall and stealthily leaned out to look far away into the darkness.


    He didn''t notice that the "antenna" on his head hadpletely exposed him.


    This was the corner where the east and south walls met and was a rtively quiet ce.


    There were blood-curdling screams that came from a ce a dozen of meters away from him, but he didn''t seem to hear them.


    "Watch out for the arrows! Where did theye from?" Ren Baqian cautioned Shi Hu who was beside him. Shi Hu was also wearing the same type of night vision device as Ren Baqian and was curiously looking outside. Shi Hu had not expected the images of people to look like this and was quite fascinated by the novelty.


    "Notify everyone! Fire!" Ren Baqian called out from behind him. He had already adjusted the angle of the mortar, so those who stayed behind just needed to load the mortar shells.


    A momentter, the boom of a mortar was heard from the city, and Ren Baqian stared intensely at the crowd below. Although he couldn''t see the people clearly, he could still make out their movements. All he needed to do was find the archer who was nocking an arrow at this time. The act of drawing back a bow was quite a big movement and had a high chance to be found out.


    Boom! The mortar shell directly exploded outside the city wall and turned a corner of the night vision device red.


    He saw at least three men doing the same action earlier, but none of the mortar shells had been shot yet.


    "Could it be one of them?" Ren Baqian spected, but he refrained from shooting his gun.


    Ren Baqian quietly slipped down the city wall, re-oriented the angle of the mortar, and got someone else to open fire before heading to the top of the city wall to hide.


    Boom!


    Ren Baqian carefully watched the images of the people in the dark and cursed, "Son of a bit*h," when at least ten people were seen doing the same action.


    There was more than one sharpshooting archer in Great Xia, and there was simply no way for Ren Baqian to find the specific person he wanted.


    Thinking up to this point, Ren Baqian moved the gun rack and pressed the trigger to sweep across all the targets.


    It doesn''t matter if you are the right target or not.


    I will shoot and if I shoot the wrong person, that just means you are unlucky.


    The first two archers didn''t even react and were smashed into tattered dolls.


    The third archer leapt backward, then pushed off with his legs to run.


    "An expert! An expert has to die!" Ren Baqian acted as if he had found the right target, ignoring the others as he aimed the machine gun and sprayed the bullets like a long metallic dragon at the fleeing shadow.


    However, there were too many people out and about in the dark. He could only see the colored patches formed from body heat, and after that guy dodged a few times, it was difficult for Ren Baqian to pick him out from the crowd.


    Ren Baqian emptied an ammunition belt by shooting in the general direction of his target and then let Shi Hu carry the machine gun down from the city wall.


    There were still many things to be done tonight, so he couldn''t continue to spend his time on this.


    After releasing the subsequent mortar shells, Ren Baqian broke up the assault outside of the east gate to give the soldiers there a reprieve.


    Furthermore, most of the scalingdders were damaged. At present, the intensity of the attacks were still eptable, so much so that a portion of the soldiers even took turns to rest.


    Following this, Ren Baqian fired eight shots in a row in the direction of the north gate and two of the shells were hit by arrows. One of them collided with the city wall and exploded after dropping down to the ground. The other shell ended up like the two on the east gate and were pinned to the wall.


    These few mortar shells instantly emptied the Great Xia soldiers outside the city wall, and half of the scalingdders disappeared as well.


    After all three directions were covered by Ren Baqian, the Great Xia attacks finally weakened. An hourter, the Great Xia soldiers retreated. Without the scalingdders, it would be useless even if they had a lot of people. They could only cut down more trees from the nearby forest to make more siege equipment before they could organize another wave of attacks.


    When the Great Xia soldiers retreated, many aboriginal soldiers sat directly in the pools of blood, leaned against the wall, and fell into a deep sleep.


    After continuously fighting for so long, even a man of steel couldn''t carry on.


    Ren Baqian took the guards up the city wall again.


    "Bring that down," Ren Baqian told Shi Hu as he pointed at the mortar shell that was pinned to the wall.


    "It will not explode, right?" Shi Hu knew the power of this thing because he had seen it many times during these past two days.


    "Just be careful not to touch the front and it will be alright." Ren Baqian gestured.


    Shi Hu had asked about this before. This type of shell had two safety features; it would not detonate if the trajectory was too low or if force of impact at the tip did not reach a certain level.


    As long as one of the conditions wasn''t met, the shell was safe to handle.


    It had only been shot through by an arrow, and even if it had been hit by a tracer bullet, it wouldn''t explode.


    Ren Baqian asked for a few pieces of cloth before cutting the arrow shaft and pulling out the arrow. He then wrapped the mortar shell properly. It was taken carefully to one side, ready to be thrown down directly at the Great Xia soldiers the next time they came back to attack.


    He wasn''t sure whether or not it would explode under such conditions.


    Even if it didn''t explode, it could smash one person to death.


    Then, he carefully examined the broken long arrow that had been extracted from the pinned shell. The shaft was totally made of wood, the fletching was made up of white feathers, and the arrowhead was made of fine iron.


    He looked at it for a long time without finding anything and handed the two arrows to Shi Hu.


    "Sir, these arrows came from the same person," Shi Hu said after taking just a nce.


    "How do you know?" Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    "Some archers make a mark on their arrows to indicate who the victim was killed by. There is an engraved mark here that both arrows have," Shi Hu exined and pointed to the tail of an arrow as he handed it to Ren Baqian.


    "Sure enough!" Ren Baqian looked at where Shi Hu was pointing and saw a simple floral pattern at the end of the shaft.


    "Well, if he isn''t dead, he can be considered lucky." Ren Baqian waved his hands and stopped pursuing the matter regarding the archer. He went back to the citymander''s residence to take out the box containing thendmines. Following which, he quickly brought along some people, traveled out of the city, and buried tenndmines spread out over an area that was 100 to 200 meters away from the city wall.


    When stepped on, the OZM-72 bouncingndmine would pop up about one to two meters before exploding. The explosive power wasn''t considered strong, but the 650 pieces of lethal shrapnel could cause numerous injuries within a 14 meters radius.


    This type ofndmine wasn''t meant to kill people, but designed to injure them. After all, a wounded person needed two people to carry him or her away. An injured casualty also required other people to care of them and was more of a burden than a dead person.


    Furthermore, the injured also needed food.


    These were the reasons why Ren Baqian brought thendmines back from Earth.


    Did the other party want a war of attrition? Then he would create many wounded people for them. People who couldn''t fight, needed to be taken care of, and consumed food.


    "Make sure you do not step on them. Whoever steps on them will be as good as buried." Ren Baqian buried thendmines before covering the sides with soil. He then emphasized his warnings repeatedly.


    After hearing this, the guards and winged cavalry beside him went silent.


    These things used by Ren Baqian would cause serious injuries or death to anyone, even experts who were at the Earth Wheel level, if not handled carefully.


    Each one of these sturdy men walked like a cat and didn''t even dare to breathe hard.


    In actual fact, these mines wouldn''t be operational until they had been buried for a period of time in order to prevent injuries to the minyers if they identally stepped on a mine.


    At the same time, these so called bouncingndmines weren''t the same as the mines depicted in the movies. In the cinema, andmine wouldn''t explode if you stepped on it or pressed down on it with something else and kept pressure on the mine trigger. In reality, once these bouncing mines were stepped on, the fuse would be activated and would explode after a short time even if there was no further movement. It was just that the damage to the surrounding would be less.


    Ren Baqian and his party then went to the northern and western areas outside of the city. Altogether, theyid ten mines in each of the three locations. Ren Baqian brought them back to the city, requested for more than ten pieces of white cloth, and scrawled the words: "Watch your step!" on them.


    "Sir, isn''t this the same as alerting them? What if they discover this?" Shi Hu rubbed his head and asked.


    "From how many meters can this cloth be seen clearly?" Ren Baqian squinted his eyes as he asked him.


    Shi Hu ran out to observe the clothes carefully from a distance under thentern light, then ran back and reported, "It should be about 120 meters during daytime. Right now, it isn''t even clear from about 30 meters away."


    "How far away did we bury them?" Ren Baqian was exasperated.


    "About 200 meters away." Shi Hu estimated by counting on his fingers.


    "Is that right? When the other party steps on a mine, many will be killed or wounded. When they see the cloth on the city wall, wouldn''t they watch their step? Even if they do not watch carefully, wouldn''t they make all kinds of disorderly conjectures?"


    "What about afterward? We didn''t bury any at the base of the wall, and they will discover this quickly!" Shi Hu continued asking because he still did not understand the intention of Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian crossed his arms and said solemnly, "I am just trying to frighten them!"


    Shi Hu was speechless.


    ...


    The next day, the Great Xia army finally rested for a full day. On the third day, they brought along a stack of scalingdders to continue their attack on the city.


    Right now, there weren''t anymore of the mobile and enormous scalingdders. They were all stepdders that could be carried by a few people directly to the city wall.


    The Great Xia army gathered into bloodlusting formations and approached Liao City.


    Ren Baqian heard that the Great Xia soldiers wereing out of their barracks and rushed quickly to the top of the city wall with the empress, Li Qianqiu, and the others. They saw the armying out of their barracks in an orderly manner and approaching Liao City.


    The soldiers who were at the forefront were still carrying shields and were followed by the archers and pikemen.


    Additionally, between every two rows of soldiers, there were a few people carrying stepdders.


    As far as he could see, there were currently more than 40 stepdders with even more stepdders being carried out of the barracks.


    "Aren''t these stepdders made from our trees?" Ren Baqian suddenly realized.


    "They also cut down our trees to cook their food!" Li Qianqiu followed up with a soft whisper from the side.


    "Isn''t this considered eating and using our resources, yet still wanting to attack us?" Ren Baqian asked.


    Li Qianqiu was stunned, he hadn''t consider this before, but it seemed to be the case after listening to Ren Baqian!


    His mood instantly changed for the worse.


    "They are arriving soon!"


    Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu exchanged a few words and saw that the Great Xia soldiers were approaching the mine that wasid yesterday that was the furthest away from the wall.


    Li Qianqiu knew about Ren Baqian going out at night to bury something, but he didn''t know what had been buried. After hearing what Ren Baqian said, Li Qianqiu focused his attention on the unfolding events.


    The first row of soldiers passed over the first mine, and the second row also marched past it. To their surprise, these soldiers miraculously didn''t step on it.


    However, an archer from the third row stepped on it, and there was a slight clicking sound.


    One secondter, as he raised his leg, the mine popped up from the ground.


    Boom!


    With an explosion, numerous steel ball bearings and shrapnel were propelled violently into the surrounding area.


    With the exception of those who were nearby and blown away with their bodies riddled with holes from the explosion, many were maimed by the scattered fragments. In no time, the Great Xia soldiers were in utter disarray.


    Followed by the second mine, third mine...


    The crowd watching from the top of the city wall saw the chaos among the Great Xia soldiers and were ted.


    "Principal Ren, what type of treasure is it this time?" Li Qianqiu turned his head to ask.


    "Bouncing mine!" Ren Baqian mentioned two words.


    He just found out an interesting fact. The melee infantry of Great Xia were ced in front, while the crossbow battalion and archers were behind. This was to guard against an assault by the aboriginal soldiers by providing cover with a rain of arrows in the initial stage.


    However, these mines had all been tripped by the crossbow battalion and archers who wore the least protection. This resulted in the maximal number of deaths and injuries.


    Although there weren''t too many dead and injured people, it still numbered up to 300 or 400 people. Most of them were injured, especially below the waist...


    The Great Xia soldiers were already in chaos before they reached the base of the city wall.


    After two hours, the Great Xia soldiers finally continued their advance. At this point in time, those with good eyesight saw what was written on the white cloth hanging on the city wall.


    However, what happened next, Ren Baqian hadn''t expected. Those Great Xia soldiers acted as if they didn''t see the message and weren''t panicked at all.


    Ren Baqian was initially surprised, then he frowned and looked pensive.


    "Damn it, this bunch of illiterate people can''t read!" Ren Baqian finally found the reason and almost threw a cup in frustration.

 Chapter 346 Exhausting One’s Limited Abilities

    "Done burying thendmine?" Ren Baqian looked at the Great Xia barracks nearby and asked in a low voice.


    "Sir, it''s done."


    "Let''s go." Ren Baqian took everyone along with him and quietly waved goodbye. He only left andmine behind without taking the clouds away from the sky.


    Ren Baqian got someone to bury anotherndmine a distance away before he found another ce to set the mortar up. Then, he fired one shot to the east and one shot to the north of the central barracks before stopping and returning to the city to sleep.


    Ren Baqian and his party went back to sleep while Great Xia was almost tormented to death. In the middle of the night, there was a sudden explosion in the central barracks. Moreover, the explosion urred between a few tents and many were injured or even killed. Great Xia thought that Dayao hade to raid their barracks again, so the soldiers rushed out after grabbing their weapons.


    After waiting for a long time, they discovered that the other party had only fired one mortar shell and nothing else happened.


    Everyone waited for an hour before being convinced that the other party wouldn''te back again. Only then did they return to sleep.


    The next morning, when Great Xia''s soldiers just got into formation, someone stepped on andmine. Everyone immediately focused their vision on the ground and carefully advanced. They continued walking for another 100 meters and only heaved a sigh of relief when nothing happened. In the end, another explosion urred before they could even catch their breath and they had to retreat again.


    On the third day.


    There was a river north of Great Xia''s central barracks with a width of 100 meters. The flow of the water there was rather rapid, and in peacetime, the Great Xia army would retrieve their water from over there.


    This river wasn''t far from the central barracks. In the past, it was considered safe here because the aboriginals were constrained in Liao City. As such, the Great Xia soldiers coulde here to retrieve water without any pressure.


    However, two explosions suddenly urred at the riverside this morning. Thereafter, a group ofborers shouted out loudly and carried over ten people back to the barracks. Several of them couldn''t be saved anymore while the remaining people were drenched in blood.


    On the fourth day, the Great Xia soldiers kept thinking that there was something under their feet. After every step they took, they took a very long pause.


    At this point, they finally understood what the phrase, "watch your step," meant.


    Although most of the soldiers were illiterate, there would inevitably be a few of them who could read. The words on the white cloth that hung on the city wall in the day had attracted many people''s attention. During the evening after they retreated, news of what the words meant was spread everywhere.


    In addition, the explosions that took ce every now and then caused the Great Xia soldiers to walk with extreme caution over the next few days.


    However, there were no explosions on this day and many soldiers heaved a sigh of relief as they attacked the city.


    It was alright to fight with real des and spears, but not knowing when something would suddenly explode beneath your feet was something that would make people nervous.


    "They have exhausted their limited abilities," Wu Shenghou said with a rxed expression.


    "How does Great General know about this?" that schr asked an inquisitive question.


    "With the exception of that particr evening''s night attack, their following attacks became smaller in scale. Also, their usage of formidable weapons is starting to decrease. Even though there is a type of weapon that will explode in the ground, there aren''t many of them. Furthermore, there were more than ten of these weapons deployed in each direction a few days back, but over thest two days, the number has decreased. As for today, there were none. Besides, no matter where they got this weapon from, ording to the power and precision of this weapon, it must be specially crafted by skilled craftsmen. Of course, the quantity manufactured wouldn''t be arge amount. It can be used to harass or attack a small number of soldiers. When both armies confront each other, it can only hurt a few more people and dy the attack. "


    After Wu Shenghou exined his analysis, that schr immediately chimed in, "Great General is indeed wise."


    Wu Shenghou waved him off. "You and I have known each other for many years, so you don''t have to resort to using ttery. If I can think of it, you can definitely think of it too. If they started out with more of these weapons, I would definitely have a headache. Now, however, it seems that the quantity isn''t thatrge, so I need not worry too much anymore."


    "Great General, don''t forget that the other party also has a weapon that can eject numerous small steel bearings. The power of that weapon is even greater than that of the others. Even the Earth Wheel experts have had difficulty escaping from them."


    "The more powerful the weapon is, the greater the restriction it has," Wu Shenghou said decisively.


    "The steel bearings shot out by the other party''s weapons were all extraordinary and well-made. Even if our skilled craftsmen were able to manufacture them, it would be time-consuming. The explosive speed of this weapon is fast, and several shots can be fire in a sh. The number of steel bearings used when utilizing a weapon like this will not be a small amount. In my opinion, it''s unknown how long the other party took to gather such arge amount of steel bearings. After using it a few times, even if they still had more, they wouldn''t have a significant amount."


    "Great General''s words are very true."


    ...


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was viewing houses in Sheshan, Shanghai.


    He was apanied by a bespectacled woman in her thirties who looked professional and also spoke professionally. However, Ren Baqian felt that she was always sizing him up.


    This vi had been found by his assistant, Shen Feng, whose exact gender was questionable. It was a two-and-a-half storey apartment that was about 600 square meters in size. It had four bedrooms, two halls, and two toilets. The second storey had a huge balcony as well as a 1,000 square meter garden. There were also two swimming pools, one in the garden and one indoors. In addition, there was a semi-underground car garage.


    After viewing this house, Ren Baqian''s first thought was that he could bring the empress here to swim. It was impossible for the empress to swim at a crowded beach, but there was a slight chance that she would be willing to swim over here.


    Besides, there were many rooms as well as arge garage. In the future, any weapons or ammunition could be stored here, making it very convenient.


    Moreover, the house was borately decorated even though the style wasn''t to his liking. Yet, it wasn''t to the extent that he detested it. The best thing was that he could send his bags over and move in directly.


    The only thing that Ren Baqian didn''t like about this vi was that it was too cold and empty. The pce was already cold enough, yet the number of rooms in this vi was more than the number of people staying in it.


    He would be living alone most of the time and living in such a huge house could be horrifying.


    "Can you knock down all the walls and join all the rooms together? I''m living alone and will always feel that there is someone in the other rooms. Ick a sense of security, so if all the rooms can be joined together and I can have a panoramic view, there won''t be any remaining ws," Ren Baqian said sincerely.


    The real estate agent''s expression immediately froze after she heard what Ren Baqian said.


    Always feel that there is someone in the other rooms? Is he talking about humans or ghosts?


    Lack a sense of security?


    Are you here to create trouble?


    "Sir, the feng shui here is excellent, and there absolutely will not be any problems. Furthermore, I will personally introduce you to a master that is very well-known in Shanghai. You don''t have to worry about such issues."


    "I don''t mean it that way." Ren Baqian calmly waved his hand. "It''s a psychological effect��do you understand? Ick a sense of security and would like to stay in a ce with a panoramic view. There are so many rooms here that I feel ufortable!"


    "If you want to hire someone, hire a psychiatrist and that might be more effective."


    If it were not for the fact that he wasn''t someone ordinary, she would have smashed his face with the book in her hand.


    If you don''t like big houses, why are you viewing a vi?


    After staying in Dayao for a long period of time and dealing with high level people in the nation, he naturally had an added loftiness to him. This was the reason why the woman didn''t dare to offend him.


    "Sir, perhaps you can take a look at other vis which have different room configurations? There are many houses listed by ourpany that are suitable for a person with a status like yours."


    "Status?" Ren Baqian smiled widely, just like how the big bad wolf smiled when it met Little Red Riding Hood.


    "What kind of status do I have?"


    The woman beat around the bush and said respectfully, "Definitely not someone ordinary!"


    Could an ordinary person view a vi worth over 30 million? However, she didn''t dare to casually guess the other party''s status either. Even though she felt that he was a rich man''s son, she might have guessed incorrectly and offended the other party. If he was overly sensitive, she would be in deep trouble.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian indeed had an imposing manner which made her felt pressured. She could also feel that this person was somewhat dangerous.


    "Good foresight!" Ren Baqian gave her a thumbs up andughed heartily.


    "I will take this house," Ren Baqian pped and said.


    The woman shivered upon hearing Ren Baqian''s words. He actually bought an apartment, which was worth over 30 million, just like that?


    She quickly summed up the amount ofmission she would receive from this.


    "Wait a minute!" Ren Baqian hinted to her before giving Yang Sen a call. "Chief Yang!"


    "Mr. Ren, what''s the matter?" Nowadays, whenever Yang Sen answered Ren Baqian''s calls, he would tremble. These days, he had been dealing with Ren Baqian very frequently. Moreover, he had to listen to Ren Baqian talk about nuclear warheads, phosphorus bombs, and napalm bombs every now and then. It reached the extent that he didn''t want to answer Ren Baqian''s calls anymore.


    "My house is flooded, and I''m homeless now. I just happened to see a house, and it isn''t expensive, only over 40 million yuan. However, I don''t have enough money in my pockets right now, so I need you to loan me 50 million. This includes money for renovation."


    Yang Sen was speechless.


    "I believe Chief Yang can handle something this minor, right? I brought back good stuff this time." Ren Baqianughed.


    "Wait a moment. I''ll ask for instructions first." Yang Sen hung up the call as soon as he finished his sentence.


    Ren Baqian hummed a melody. In actual fact, he hadn''t been spending much money. Previously, he had 20 million yuan, and adding the loan from the nation, he had about 100 million yuan left. However, if there was someone else willing to pay the bill, why would he want to fork out any money?


    Currently, the nation could only supply him with some weapons and with money.

 Chapter 347 Type 82-2 Grenade

    In actual fact, the items Ren Baqian brought back this time were a product used by the impoverished in the other world.


    They were the bone arrows used by the winged cavalry.


    Dayao couldn''t afford to use iron arrows, but this type of bone arrow wasn''t only very hard, it also had good stability. The arrows used for hunting in the mountains were also made from this kind of animal bone. When Ren Baqian returned to Earth, he brought along a few bone arrows with him so that he could hand it over to theboratory.


    In fact, he still had another idea. This idea popped up in his head after he returned to Earth.


    The next time he returned to Earth, he would bring the corpse of an Earth Wheel expert back. He presumed that the researchers on Earth would be able to obtain important information from their bodies, including the direction of cultivation. This was something that he wanted to know as well.


    After learning about the progress of theboratory, there wasn''t much research progress on the Elongation Saber. However, after hearing news about the cultivation progress of the selected soldiers, the person with the fastest progress had already attained the Man Wheel level. This cultivation speed made him rather surprised.


    However, after thinking carefully, it wasn''t iprehensible. The so-called Man Wheel level converted one''s essence blood into qi after reaching a certain extent. Furthermore, some of the elite soldiers on Earth were even martial artists, so this next step shouldn''t be that far away.


    Therefore, it wasn''t unimaginable to attain the level of Earth Wheel in a short period of time if they had an adequate logistical supply.


    Fortunately, he never felt that there were any threats on Earth, and as a result, he actually had a favorable attitude toward researching cultivation.


    Two dayster, that vi belonged to Ren Baqian.


    The vi had four rooms, two halls, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool. It also came with an enormous semi-underground garage.


    Moreover, there was also a garden which made the air exceptionally fresh. In the future, when he returned, he no longer needed to smell the noxious, turbid air anymore. Recently, Ren Baqian''s nose was always itchy, and he even suspected that he was going to get rhinitis soon.


    At the thought of his nose dripping everyday, Ren Baqian couldn''t help but tremble. That image was practically unbearable for him to even imagine.


    The greatest significance of this vi was that there would be a ce for Ren Baqian to store his weapons and ammunition. Secondly, it would be possible for him to entice the empress into swimming since there was no one else around.


    Swimming pool, sunlight, bikini. At the thought of all of this, he got a little excited.


    As for the 1,800 square meter garden, he didn''t really care about it. The garden in the pce was so much bigger than that.


    "It''s too spacious and empty," Ren Baqian said as he walked with Shen Feng, who was dressed in gender-neutral clothes.


    "Convert this spot into a supermarket!" Ren Baqian pushed open one of the bedroom doors and said to Shen Feng.


    Even though Shen Feng was always expressionless, she was a little astonished upon hearing Ren Baqian''s order.


    You want to set up a supermarket in your vi? The circuitry in your brain is really weird!


    "The shelves shall be positioned in a circle. Then, fill them with all kinds of snacks��sweets, choctes, popcorn, potato chips, yam chips... ce two refrigerators in the middle and fill them with different vors of ice cream..."


    Shen Feng recorded what Ren Baqian said with a pen recorder, and her eyes grew bright and full of expression.


    "Actually, my greatest wish since childhood was to open a supermarket at home." Eventually, Ren Baqian reminisced about a childhood that had psed.


    "My second wish was to open a barbecue restaurant... Therefore, prepare tools for barbecuing as well."


    "Boss, how should I deal with the things over here?" asked Shen Feng while pointing at the cab, bed, desk, and chair.


    "Up to you. You can take them if you wish. Otherwise, you can deal with them in whatever way you want to."


    "In addition, find me a housekeeper that will clean the house once a day, including the swimming pool. Without my permission, however, she cannot enter the garage or my bedroom."


    "Lastly, when I''m not around and this ce is left empty, will anything happen?" Ren Baqian thought for a while before asking.


    "The security here is very safe. Rest assured, boss," Shen Feng immediately responded. With Ren Baqian''s status, even if a certain ce was very chaotic, there would be someone to ensure that the security was still top-notch.


    "That''s great!" Ren Baqian nodded. He was well aware of Shen Feng''s status and had already guessed it during the interview.


    When he was recruiting a personal assistant, 11 of the 10 individuals had been sent by certain departments, and they didn''t want to miss any opportunities to find out more things from him.


    That night, a truck arrived at Ren Baqian''s new vi, and the driver moved several boxes into the garage.


    Ren Baqian opened a box and checked through the contents before closing it again. He then brought it back with him to Dayao.


    ...


    The next morning, when the Great Xia army was attacking the city, they saw a banner hanging on the city wall that had words written on it.


    The Great Xia soldiers ahead didn''t really pay much attention to the banner. The number of casualties these days had showed that only a minority of people who went up the city wall came back alive. The majority of them were either killed or seriously injured. If it wasn''t for the fact that these Great Xia soldiers were well trained and that there was a disciplinary team at the rear, many soldiers would have run away.


    Even under these conditions, there were people who started trying to escape at night over the past two days. However, they ended up being hung on pirs and publicly exposed as a warning to the rest.


    Under these circumstances, it was more important for them to seize the remaining time and to find a spot to bury the corpses instead of finding out what was written on the banner.


    "Believe in the big lucky charm and I will survive. It must ensure that I will return alive from the top of the city wall," a soldier held an amulet in his hand tightly and mumbled to himself.


    "What''s the point of believing in it? I''m afraid that we won''te back alive today." A soldier with a missing ear sighed. He was among the first batch of soldiers that were going to attack Liao City.


    "If we attack another region, even if we are unsessful after getting to the top of the city wall, we can always find an opportunity to retreat or we can directly attack the city wall. There was always this glimpse of hope. It''s precisely because of this bunch of barbarians that we can''te down alive after going up the city wall," another soldier said softly. Only two to three other soldiers that were nearby could heard him clearly.


    His words also represented the rest of the soldiers. If it was said that there was still a glimmer of hope when attacking another region, then there wasn''t any hope when attacking this Liao City.


    Perhaps Liao City would be defeated some timeter, but it wouldn''t be defeated today.


    At the very least, Liao City''s defense hadn''t decreased during yesterday''s attack.


    What they cared about was that they would soon be killed in thisnd. Some of the officers were rather curious about what exactly was written on the white cloth hanging on the city wall.


    When the distance was close enough, a few of the literate people could finally see the words above.


    "Watch your heads!"


    Previously, they had to watch their step, but this time around, they had to watch their heads?


    Everyone knew to be careful even without needing Ren Baqian''s reminder. However, there was no point in being careful. Fortunately, that type of powerful weapon used by the other party had been used less and less frequently. It wasn''t only Wu Shenghou who felt that there weren''t many of these strange weapons left in Liao City that could still be used.


    In less than 15 minutes, Wu Shenghou received the news. "Watch your heads?"


    He then subconsciously thought of something that had fallen from the sky before.


    "They are ready to utilize all of their remaining weapons." Wu Shenghouughed. Since the other party didn''t use any special weapons yesterday, he already knew that they didn''t have many of them left.


    As for today''s banner on the city wall, its only purpose was merely to catch their attention.


    "Continue to attack the city. Get the sharpshooters ready on standby," Wu Shenghou waved his hand and ordered.


    Along with his instructions, the Great Xia soldiers shouted loudly and clearly.


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!" The Great Xia soldiers in their battle formation shouted three times while holding spears in their hands. Next, they lifted the stepdders which they had just built and began climbing up the city wall.


    "Look carefully at how you should use this small little thing!" Ren Baqian was holding a small "muskmelon" in his hand and demonstrating to over 20 winged cavalry soldiers.


    "First of all, hold down the handle here and pull out the ring... Remember, the ring must be pulled out and the handle must be held down. In a moment, if anyone screws up, I''ll show him the meaning of ''fluttering in the wind.'' If he doesn''t die, I will peel off his skin and hang him inside the city. I will then get someone to draw an elephant on his d*ck until the Great Xia soldiers retreat. After that, I will drag him back to Lan City and hang him from the top of the city wall. If any of you wants to unt the size of your d*ck, you can consider making a mistake deliberately."


    The more than 20 winged cavalry warriors looked at Ren Baqian as heughed foolishly.


    "After pulling out the ring, continue holding the handle and throw it at a ce where there are many of our enemies," Ren Baqian continued to exin and threw the "muskmelon" at the bottom of the city wall.


    With Ren Baqian''s strength, he threw the grenade 100 meters away, and itnded just under the feet of the Great Xia soldiers who were guarding the stepdders.


    Boom!


    A group of people had just run over while carrying a stepdder. Along with the explosion, half of them were killed on the spot while the remaining people also suffered injuries.


    The Type 82-2 grenade weighed 260 grams, which was the same as half a catty. It contained 62 grams of high explosives and 1,600 small steel bearings which were three millimeters in diameter. The outer shell of the grenade could also form 330 pieces of 0.3 gram fragments that had an explosive radius of six meters.


    Although the explosives weren''t that powerful, the numerous fragments and small steel bearings would explode outward at an initial speed of 1400 meters per second. This would be enough to turn the surrounding people into sieves and cause arge number of casualties.


    This time, Ren Baqian brought back no less than 600 grenades with him. He also brought 30 of the 60 millimeter napalm mortar shells as well as 30 bouncing mines.


    Currently, Ren Baqian had 600 grenades, 42 mortar shells, and 38 bouncing mines with him.


    "Everyone take ten grenades each and use them when the other party gathers to attack us. In no time, you will be able to disrupt their attacking momentum," Ren Baqian exhorted. The more than 20 winged cavalry warriors acted like Thousand-hand Bodhisattvas that were using their shadowless arms. In an instant, the two boxes were empty as the grenades disappeared in no time.


    "Bastards!" Ren Baqin cursed. 26 people came forward to collect the grenades, but 300 grenades had disappeared.

 Chapter 348 My Money Was Actually Stolen?

    Great Xia had justunched an attack and just arrived at the bottom of the city wall when they were weed by "muskmelons" which showered down on them. After dozens of grenades were thrown down, half of the soldiers copsed. There were all kinds of blood-curdling screeches, and even though some of them weren''t dead, their bodies became simr to sieves and weren''t able to live any longer.


    Those that were in slightly better conditions, had minor injuries all over their bodies.


    "Believe in the big lucky charm and it will keep your entire family safe for life!" One of the Great Xia soldier fell to the ground while holding an amulet near his chest. His eyes were filled with ecstasy.


    His injuries weren''t serious, but they also weren''t minor. Furthermore, his injuries riddled his entire body, but he wasn''t injured in any vital areas. He definitely wouldn''t be able to fight on the battlefield anymore, so there wouldn''t be any serious consequences to his body. All he needed to do was rest for ten days to half a month in order to regain his strong and courageous self.


    Inside the biggest tent in the Great Xia barracks, Wu Shenghou smashed the table in front of him with just one p. His face then turned ghastly pale.


    Yesterday, he said that the other party had already exhausted their limited abilities. Just a moment ago, he even said that they had nothing up their sleeves anymore. However, the other party actually took out a new type of weapon in no time.


    Although the method of killing was simr, from the description given by the soldiers, the weapon used this time was different from the previous ones. It was much smaller and less powerful, but more people were getting injured on the battlefield and less were dying.


    This time, there were several hundred more wounded soldiers than before. At present, there were more than 3,000 wounded soldiers in the barracks. All of the soldiers had been pierced by the shrapnel from their enemy''s weapons, and many of their wounds had be infected.


    Now, Wu Shenghou hoped that they would be able to transport these wounded soldiers away from the frontline after the rations were delivered because the injured were lowering everyone else''s morale.


    "Continue to attack. I want to see how many weapons they actually have." Wu Shenghou clenched his teeth.


    He didn''t believe that the other party would have many more of these fine weapons.


    "In addition, get the scouts to take note of the south. If the rations arrive, notify me immediately."


    Soon enough, the sounds of both parties fighting as well as the collision of shing weapons could be heard.


    However, whenever the Great Xia soldiers achieved a certain level of sess, a few of the winged cavalry would toss a grenade down and disrupt the rest of the attack. The soldiers on top of the city wall would then settle the rest of the enemies who couldn''t break through and also couldn''t retreat.


    This caused the Great Xia soldiers to nearly vomit blood after experiencing a few rounds of this tactic. How was this attacking a city? This was practically courting death.


    Of course, the usage rate wasn''t light and not a single grenade out of the original 300 remained.


    ...


    The Yun Nation, Qingfeng City.


    "Ziheng, I have ipatible standpoints with Great Xia," a sturdy and strong man entered an inn with Gu Ziheng and began to sullenly curse.


    Ren Baqian was very familiar with these two. They were both imperial trade caravan managers who had learned about marketing from him.


    "It''s already pretty good that you cane back alive after dealing with these people. You guys can be considered lucky," answered Gu Ziheng, who was also a robust man.


    "We lost everything. I only brought back 2,000 taels of gold ingots. If I didn''t run fast enough, I''m afraid that I would have came back empty handed."


    The person who just spoke was called Tang Feng, and he was one of the two managers of the imperial trade caravans. He hadn''t received any news when the aboriginals started fighting against the Great Xia soldiers. However, he soon felt that something was amiss. One night, he found someone tailing him and immediately apprehended this person. After realizing that it was someone from the Great Xia barracks, he immediately felt that the situation was far from good. After that, he and his subordinates escaped with a portion of their gold.


    At that time, he was still a little lucky. From the way he behaved, he still had somewhat of an intention of wanting to sound out the situation. If everything was okay, he would go back to the city.


    However, even before they could escape from the city, the Great Xia soldiers had caught up with them.


    After battling with the Great Xia soldiers, Tang Feng was left with 20 plus subordinates out of his original 50. After a great effort, they went over to the Yun Nation through the border between Great Xia and the Yun Nation. Then, he found Gu Ziheng over here.


    In fact, he also had some lingering fears. If it weren''t for the fact that he had be more vignt after traveling extensively, perhaps he wouldn''t even have escaped from Great Xia this time.


    Unfortunately, at least 200,000 taels of silver had been left behind.


    The 2,000 taels of gold ingots that he had brought back was equivalent to 20,000 taels of silver. This meant that he only brought back one-tenth of the 200,000 taels of silver.


    At that time, however, he was only able to bring along these 2,000 taels of gold ingots. The amount of silver was too great, and if he wanted to bring everything along, they wouldn''t have been able to escape in time.


    "Wait for Her Majesty to retaliate. When that timees, you can naturally take back everything that was yours and with interest," Gu Ziheng took a sip of his tea and said.


    "What''s happening in the Yun Nation right now?" Tang Feng asked.


    "I''m more familiar with this ce than you. In my opinion, I believe that they will have to fight for quite some time." Gu Ziheng grinned.


    The Yun Nation, Great Xia, and Dayao were all somewhat different. The Yun Nation was simr to an ensemble of all its cities.


    The imperial court''s dominance was also rtively low in the Yun Nation.


    As for the cities in the Yun Nation, they were controlled by warlords. Every warlord had the power to control life and death within the boundary of a certain city. Even if the imperial court wanted to disseminate an order to kill someone, it still required the warlord''s approval.


    As a result, whenever something happened, the Yun Nation''s reaction was always the slowest.


    "Let''s rest for a day before we set out on our journey. You be careful as well," Tang Feng reminded.


    "Understood! After you leave, I''ll move to another ce. The warlord in this city is currently irascible, so who knows, he might resort to anything. If this wasn''t a bustling city, I wouldn''t have stayed here either. Now that the situation is chaotic, I''ll have to make some preparations as well. Take a rest first. I''m going to exchange for some gold ingots because it will be easier to travel with them if something happens."


    Gu Ziheng ced his teacup on the table, pushed open the door, and took his leave after he finished speaking.


    Gu Ziheng sent off Tang Feng one dayter. Just after returning to the inn, he found that the inn was surrounded. In no time, the soldiers swarmed over.


    "Ladies and Gentleman, what''s the matter?" Gu Ziheng had a few tall and strong subordinates with him. Most importantly, he was an expert at the Earth Wheel level, while his subordinates were experts at the Man Wheel level. This made the soldiers approach with more caution.


    "You people are the trade merchants from Dayao, right? The warlord has heard that you all have brought along some rare treasures and wants to see them," one of the soldier said.


    "Is there a need for so many soldiers to be present if he just wants to see our treasures?" Gu Ziheng looked at the hundreds of soldiers who surrounded the inn. In the vicinity, there were also a few Earth Wheel experts standing around.


    His expression turned gloomy. Upon seeing such a situation, he naturally understood what was going on. If he didn''t, he would have been a fool.


    He was afraid that things would also begin to stir in the Yun Nation after Her Majesty started a war against Great Xia. The warlord in this city felt that they were pushovers and wanted to seize their treasures from them. Moreover, he would be able to reap easy profits.


    The other party had probably nned this out some time ago. Furthermore, they might have sensed Gu Ziheng''s intentions when he exchanged for gold ingots yesterday. As such, they decided to take action.


    "Recently, there has been an increase in thieves in the city. The warlord is afraid that you all will run into them and specially ordered us to escort all of you," the soldier exined.


    "Escort your head!" Gu Ziheng cursed, clutched that soldier by the chest, and tossed him to the side with all his might, throwing him through the walls.


    He let out a long whistle to notify the rest of the soldiers.


    As soon as he saw Gu Ziheng''s movements, a swordsman wearing a green shirt in the vicinity said coldly, "Courting death!"


    The swordsman then pulled out a sword from his back, and in a sh, he appeared above Gu Ziheng''s head before stabbing at him.


    "Go to hell!" Gu Ziheng continued to swear. He dodged the sword, punched that man, and caused him to retreat. After that, he fished out a handful of silver fragments and threw then outward.


    Throwing these silver fragments didn''t require any aim because they became one cluster after being thrown outward.


    With Gu Ziheng''s strength, one would definitely be severely injured after getting smashed by these fragments.


    Plus, the subordinates behind him were fighting against the city defense soldiers.


    "Leader, catch this weapon." Several burly men jumped out from the inn and joined in the fight. One of them threw over a mace that was as tall as a person.


    "Fight my foot! Pack up everything, bring the gold ingots, and let''s force our way out," Gu Ziheng scolded loudly as he received the mace. The mace rotated once around and forced three of the enemy Earth Wheel experts to retreat. As for those city defense soldiers, they were stered on the wall and drenched in blood.


    ...


    A few dayster, Ren Baqian heard news from the Protectorate of the Northeast over the radio station that made his eyes open wide. He was in utter disbelief and eximed, "My money was actually stolen?"

 Chapter 349 Your Majesty, Your Money Was Stolen!

    "Are these the mirrors and cups brought by those barbarians?" A middle-aged man with a long beard was ying with a ss cup. There was also a silver mirror on the table beside him.


    "Yes, Sir."


    "It''s hard to believe that that gang of barbarians coulde up with such things," the middle-aged man said doubtfully.


    "Sir, these are yours now."


    "Well, not bad. Did you gain anything else?"


    "There were also 270,000 taels of silver, 17 mirrors, and 42 such cups..."


    "Send it to the government treasury," the middle-aged said with a smile. Based on the selling price charged by those aboriginals over the past few days, these things were worth 700,000 taels of silver. The total value of these items was one million taels of silver, which was enough to equip at least 20,000 soldiers.


    "Sir, will those barbarians take revenge?"


    "Fear not. They are preupied with other matters, and their country might be exterminated if the situation gets worse. Furthermore, just today, the order has been given to mobilize the soldiers, and our city will contribute 10,000 troops," the middle-aged man said casually and waved his hand. With this one million taels of silver, even the loss of those 10,000 soldiers could easily be replenished.


    "In that case, we and Great Xia willbine to attack that bunch of barbarians. I''m afraid that they will notst long!" the subordinate said in surprise.


    ...


    Boom!


    At night, explosions rocked a location somewhere within the Great Xia Barracks, sting apart the surrounding tents. In the tents, some soldiers died in their sleep while others were wounded, moaning and groaning from the intense pain they were suffering after being rudely awakened.


    Soldiers from tents in the vicinity rushed out to remove the dead and carried the wounded to the casualty barracks before rushing back to their tents to rest with their clothes still on. However, they heard the sound of a distant roar before they could fall asleep.


    Yet, these soldiers didn''t seem to hear it and fell into a deep slumber.


    Initially, they would get nervous, but they got used to it after some time. Over the past few nights, there were explosions every single night. If the explosion was somewhere nearby, they would go out to take a look. On the other hand, they ignored those that sounded far away. If they had to sleep, they slept, and if they had to dream, they dreamt.


    All the way until the early morning.


    Wu Shenghou dashed out of his tent with a sulky face.


    He hadn''t looked pleasant at all over these past few days.


    Frustrated!


    In his military career, he had never fought such a frustrating battle.


    He knew long ago that it would be difficult to fight against Dayao, so much so that he had been nning it for the past 20 years.


    How many 20 year periods were there in a person''s lifetime? He spent 20 years nning for an indeterminate event, which showcased his temperament.


    No matter how powerful the aboriginals were, he was prepared and confident that he would certainly achieve victory in this war.


    In the long run, the northern region of the aboriginals'' territory would be lost. The Yun Nation would invade and the army in the south would rebel. At the same time, new soldiers from Great Xia would reinforce the front lines, and it would be time for those barbarian aboriginals to be chased back to the mountains.


    The developments at the beginning of the war were within his expectations.


    However, during thest 20 days, everything had changed.


    The other side had somehow obtained some totally unfamiliar weapons which were very powerful and were especially devastating on the battlefield against ordinary soldiers.


    A small thing lying unnoticed on the roadside was able to cause injuries and death to dozens of people or even up to 100 people.


    At the beginning, he thought the other side did not have many of those weapons and would run out of them soon. However, the supply seemed to be endless as one weapon after another was used. Furthermore, their functions frequently changed.


    As for the barracks on the battlefield, the thunderous sounds of explosions could always be heard regardless of whether it was day, night, in battle, while resting, or even when fetching water for cooking. These explosions would ur every few hours. As such, all the people in the central barracks were full of anxiety these day.


    Especially when Great Xia was attacking, the other party would throw a small exploding ball after the attackers had advanced to a certain stage in order to break up the assault. Before the follow-up forces could arrive, the forces at the front would already be decimated.


    Thesest few days, attacking the other party was ineffective. The number of casualties on Wu Shenghou''s side were gettingrger andrger. In contrast, the casualties on the other side was dwindling.


    Every time he heard those explosive sounds during their attacks, he would know that the tempo of their attack was getting disrupted.


    There was absolutely no ease in directing the attackspared to before.


    The disruption of the attacks every few hours irritated him and caused his chest to tighten.


    Plus, the morale on the battlefield was falling lower and lower, which was also another cause for concern.


    If the other party didn''t have those strange weapons, morale wouldn''t have dropped so dramatically even after their attacks were temporarily thwarted.


    Yet now, they had to watch their every step when walking and looked at the sky when attacking.


    This caused many soldiers to be at a loss.


    The reason for him to persevere was basically so that he could achieve the strategic objective of this war and wait for the other two armies that were deep in Dayao''s territory to achieve their expected goals.


    At the same time, his indomitable spiritpelled him to see how many more strange weapons had yet to be deployed.


    He didn''t believe that the other party''s supply of weapons would be endless.


    ...


    Wu Shenghou was in a bad mood, whereas Ren Baqian was in a good mood.


    Ren Baqian went out every night toy some mines and would then fire two shots at the enemy barracks. Seeing the Great Xia soldiers alternate between looking down and staring skyward whening out of their barracks was a satisfying experience for him.


    This was especially so because the soldiers in the city treated him almost like a god now.


    Although he wasn''t physically strong, those weird things he brought yed a big role in defending the city.


    At present, there were still 80,000 Great Xia soldiers outside the city. Even with half of them injured or dead, they still had no intention of withdrawing. Ren Baqian felt that they wouldn''t give up until their goal was achieved.


    The situation in the city wasn''t too good. After sending out 300 winged cavalry warriors to intercept the enemy''s food supply line, there were 800 winged cavalry warriors and 3,000 soldiers left, which totaled to no more than 3,800 people. They had also already mobilized some of themoners, who were here before the empress came, in order to help defend the city.


    However, Ren Baqian wasn''t too worried about these people who had been hardened by the experience of war. They onlycked some military knowledge, but they could form a new martial force. In terms of strength and courage, they weren''t worse than the soldiers.


    In addition, Great Xia had two other armies in Dayao that were wreaking havoc. One of them had about 80,000 soldiers and had already invaded many strongholds by the time Ren Baqian arrived in Liao City. The casualties started to drop only after all the people in the strongholds had gathered in the cities.


    Aside from this army, another force of 100,000 soldiers was doing the same thing. After reaping few benefits in the remote areas, these two groups began to attack the cities and had recently sacked two of them.


    The casualties among the defenders in these cities were high, but the casualties suffered by these two armies were also heavy.


    In ordance with Ren Baqian''s instructions, more than 3,000 defending guards were selected to defend a city, and even though the militia was formed, it was hard to get them battle-ready in such a short time. By virtue of their personal courage in defending the city and even with their much greater abilitypared to the Great Xia soldiers, they still could not escape the destiny of being sacked.


    There were already three cities that had been sacked these past few days, and the number of casualties wasn''t any lower than 40,000.


    It must be mentioned that the individualbat capability of the aboriginalmoners and the militia members was something to be proud of because they were able to inflict 60,000 casualties on the elite Great Xia troops.


    This great loss was also the reason why the Great Xia soldiers didn''t chase after the fleeingmoners after sacking the cities.


    At the same time, the 3,500 drafted aboriginal soldiers were awaiting instructions to merge with the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South in order to deal a fatal blow to the 120,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    The reinforcements would join the 3,500 conscripts in seven days. It was a battle of 8,500 Dayao soldiers versus 120,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    Even if Great Xia won this battle, the remaining Dayao soldier would do nothing aside from withdrawing.


    Moreover, Great Xia still might lose the war.


    Ren Baqian strolled to the side hall of the citymander''s residence where two radio stations were located. There was also another radio station taken by the winged cavalry that were intercepting the Great Xia soldiers.


    Ren Baqian went in and asked, "Is there any news yet?"


    "Not yet." The operators responsible formunications were the guards of the empress and Li Qianqiu.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and was about to turn to leave when he heard a rustling sound on the radio station, followed by a voice that said, "This is the Protectorate of the Northeast. Is Principal Ren there?"


    "Is he looking for me?" Ren Baqian was a bit uncertain, so he went back and replied, "This is Principal Ren. What''s the matter?"


    "Sir, it''s Tang Feng." Another person was speaking over the radio station.


    "Aren''t you in Great Xia? I was wondering whether you were back yet and didn''t expect for you to be in the Protectorate of the Northeast."


    Ren Baqian was speaking the truth as he really had been wondering about the situation of the merchant caravans. However, it was hard to deliver messages because the radio station hadn''t been brought over yet when the caravans departed. Although bird couriers could be used, they were mostly for intra-citymunication. Moreover, these birds weren''t cheap and the merchant caravans didn''t have them. Ren Baqian could only hope that the caravans had nine lives and woulde back safely with their money.


    Currently, the supply of medicinal herbs had been cut, the empress was bankrupt, and the remaining money in her little imperial treasury was being used to maintain the pce and the guards.


    "Sir, I am not the only one who is back, Old Gu is also back. However, he is still in bed and may not wake up for a couple of weeks," Tang Feng said.


    Ren Baqian frowned, Old Gu was Gu Ziheng, who should have been in the Yun Nation at this time. Yet, even he was in the Protectorate of the Northeast? Had something happened?


    After the war with Great Xia started, he knew that his mirrors and ss cups in Great Xia could be written off as a loss, so he could only depend on earning some taels of silver in the Yun Nation to recoup his losses.


    One had to know that without money, there wouldn''t be medicine. Without medicine, he wouldn''t be able to improve himself. This subsequently meant that he wouldn''t be able to marry the empress, which was a grave matter. Was he trying to be a magician?


    "Sir, I couldn''t bring the money back... I was robbed... I only managed to bring back 2,000 taels of gold, while the rest was snatched away. Old Gu was better than me, he barely manage to escape with 5,000 taels of gold. The rest of the goods and silver were stolen by the warlord of Qingfeng City.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes wide when he heard this.


    The money he depended on to cultivate was just stolen like this?


    The metal chain crawled out from the top of his head, slithered to the ground, wrapped around the stool at the side, and then raised it up high.


    No one in the hall cared to look at Ren Baqian''s expression. Instead, they looked at the metal chain that was unting its prowess by raising the stool. Every single one of them was amazed by this feat.


    "How much was stolen?" Ren Baqian squeezed some words out. He didn''t want to talk about the unsold goods, but the money from the sold goods was his hard-earned money.


    They actually dared to steal Dayao''s money? How could this be tolerated!


    "About 500,000 taels was stolen," answered Tang Feng as he mentioned this startling figure.


    This was 1/14th of Dayao''s annual ie and equivalent to four years of ie for the empress.


    "Repeat the whole story. Who robbed you?" Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth in fury.


    "I escaped from Juruo City in Great Xia and the culprit was from the army. Old Gu escaped from the Yun Nation and the culprit was the warlord of Qingfeng City."


    Ren Baqian just turned away after hearing this. He was pulling a stool along, but the sound of the stool hitting against the floor didn''t attract his attention at all.


    "Your Majesty, your money has been stolen!"


    The empress, who was watching a television series and eating popcorn, looked up in disbelief.


    "Exactly one million taels!" Ren Baqian raised one finger.


    The empress stared wide eyed.


    "This includes the mirrors and ss cups that were given to the merchant caravans to be sold to raise money for the imperial treasury. A sum of exactly one million taels was stolen by the warlord of Qingfeng City in the Yun Nation!"


    Bang! The table in front of the empress was smashed the very next moment.


    "Great Xia also stole a portion."


    However, the empress didn''t pay attention to thisst sentence he said because her attention was totally focused on the one million taels that were supposed to replenish the treasury. The words "warlord of Qingfeng City" had already caught the empress''s attention.


    "How dare he..." The empress''s hair almost stood up on end, and she spoke each word through her gritted teeth.


    "Your Majesty, it looks like the Yun Nation is going to send its troops!" Ren Baqian said matter-of-factly. It could be deduced from this matter that the Yun Nation had already decided. Otherwise, how could a warlord of a city be so daring?


    The empress sort of calmed down upon hearing this, but it was hard to pacify her fury. It had always been her robbing others, but this time, she had been robbed and the sum totalled one million taels.


    One million taels could get many things done.


    "However, before we settle with the Yun Nation, we can send experts to deal with the warlord of Qingfeng City first. We must punish this type of person who robbed us of our hard-earned money and confiscate their family''s properties. It will be too slow if we wait until the Yun Nation is destroyed. We need to make the best use of our time," Ren Baqian raised his fist and said forcefully.


    A war was a war, but it was hard to tolerate the feeling of being robbed! As for Great Xia, this debt would be settledter. Once the Great Xia army was destroyed, he would make sure that even the mice that entered the Great Xia treasury would shed tears when escaping.


    "Destroy his whole family!" The empress passed down a resolution.


    "Family reunion!" Ren Baqian added.

 Chapter 350 Poisoned

    "Sir Ren, Sir Ren?" Shi Hu shouted a few times before before catching Ren Baqian''s attention.


    "What''s the matter?" Sir Ren turned his head, looked at Shi Hu, and tried to find out what was going on.


    Ren Baqian had continuously been in such a mood for a few consecutive days. Ever since he learned that his money was gone, he had been consumed by great bitterness and deep thoughts all day long, causing others to wonder if he had been dealt too huge a shock.


    "Her Majesty is looking for you."


    "Oh!" Ren Baqian nodded and hastily headed over to the main hall of the citymander''s residence.


    "Your Majesty! Sir Li!" Upon arriving at the main hall, Ren Baqian noticed that the empress was eating popcorn. She even shared some of the popcorn with Li Qianqiu, and he was extremely touched.


    It was indeed worth it for him to feel touched. For the empress to share her snacks with him, he must be someone highly favored by the empress.


    "Sir Ren, I wish tounch a night attack on the Great Xia barracks again. What do you think?" Li Qianqiu asked. If it was only about a night attack, he wouldn''t have had to inform Ren Baqian at all. However, with the amount of manpower he had, it wasn''t possible for him to gain much from a night attack. Naturally, his purpose of informing Ren Baqian was so that he could obtain some good stuff from him.


    "There have been further reinforcement soldiers from Great Xia!" The empress then added, "40,000 elite soldiers as well as 30,000 of their regrs are escorting and protecting a batch of rations while heading over here. They will arrive in two days'' time. These reinforcement soldiers were transferred from Tiesuo Pass and the outskirts of Shun City."


    It couldn''t be denied that the value of the radio station in this world was too great. Themunication between each and every Dayao district was extremely smooth. As long as there were any changes in the other party''s military strength, Dayao would immediately be aware of it and would make preparations before they arrived.


    After listening to what Li Qianqiu said, Ren Baqian immediately knew why Li Qianqiu wanted tounch a night attack and replied on the spot, "I''m afraid that a night attack will not be that effective."


    "Does Sir Ren have any other ideas?" Li Qianqiu inquired.


    "Let''s take a look at the direction the wind is blowing tonight before we try to poison them." Ren Baqian felt that it was time for him to utilize the remaining two bottles of sarin gas.


    "How do we poison them?" Li Qianqiu''s eyes brightened. Everyone knew that Ren Baqian was famous for his poison which killed over 10,000 Great Xia soldiers and horses. However, Li Qianqiu felt that arge amount of poison was required to kill this many Great Xia soldiers, and Ren Baqian might not necessarily have it with him. Thus, he hadn''t asked Ren Baqian during this time.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian had alwayse up with some other powerful weapons that had yed a great role in defending the city in recent days.


    At present, it wasn''t only Li Qianqiu who treated Ren Baqian as a sack with multiple treasures��the winged cavalry soldiers and troops from the Protectorate of the Center also treated him this way. They always felt that he had a myriad of rare items, and nobody knew where he obtained them from.


    If there was someone else who knew about where these items came from, Li Qianqiu felt that it would definitely be the empress.


    "Airdrop!" Ren Baqian said straightforwardly. Airdrop would cover thergest surface area, and furthermore, the poisonous liquid would evaporate faster too.


    The only thing to be worried about was how effective the poison would be on the ins, which were spacious and empty.


    Previously, he had used the sarin gas on some sunkennd in a mountain gorge. The airflow there was inferiorpared to the airflow on the ins. Even so, only 3,000 Great Xia soldiers had been poisoned to death at Bailong Stream while standing in their battle formation.


    At this moment, Great Xia''s tents extended into the distance. With such a wide range, the sarin gas might not be effective anymore.


    Not to mention that the ins were windy and the poisonous gas could easily be blown away.


    In fact, Ren Baqian''s goal was to poison a few of the main areas in the Great Xia barracks. If he could poison the Great Xia''s chiefmander to death, things couldn''t be better.


    It was a pity that the chiefmander hadn''t shown up at all. Otherwise, the empress would immediately behead him with her own hands.


    ...


    At night, Ren Baqian was sitting in the room and fiddling with the drone when Shi Hu knocked on the door and said, "Sir, it''s a southeasterly wind!"


    "Understood."


    Ren Baqian opened the door, got someone to take the two drones, carried his back, and then went out to meet Li Qianqiu, who was waiting outside.


    "Sir Ren, it''s all up to you now!" Li Qianqiu cupped his hands and said.


    As long as the poison was able to destroy half of the Great Xia soldiers outside the city, they would still be able to defend Liao City.


    Under the light of a torch at night, a group of people headed north. After walking for a short while, they heard the empress''s voice from a walkie-talkie ask, "Are all of you ready?"


    "We are ready. Let''s hope that there will be good news." Ren Baqianughed. He said this quite easily, but wasn''t confident that his n would seed.


    When they reached the top of the city wall, Ren Baqian began to hang bottles on the drones. Just like the method he used previously, he made use of the cradle head when it changed direction to loosen the bottle cap. As such, the liquid in the bottles would spill out naturally.


    As the drone rose toward the sky, it flew toward the north barracks and went straight to the area where the most soldiers were stationed ording to the images taken by the drone. Next, he manipted the cradle head of the drone and caused the liquid spilled out. The poisonous liquid was dispersed by the air and evaporated when it approached the ground.


    Upon seeing how Ren Baqian controlled the drone, Li Qianqiu eyes were filled with admiration at how truly useful this thing was. Even if it wasn''t used to release poison, it was extremely useful during war because they could check out the enemy''s deployment of soldiers.


    Buzz, buzz, buzz!


    A few Great Xia soldiers who were on patrol looked up, but ignored the sound.


    During the day, there were many people, so it was noisy. As such, drones weren''t easily noticeable from a height of 600 meters. However, in the dead of night, the sound of the drone was rtively easy to hear. Fortunately, the sky was dark, and even if people heard it, they weren''t able to locate it. Instead, they might think that the sound was made by mosquitoes or something.


    As one soldier turned over in his sleep, his breathing grew progressively heavier until he was almost gasping for air. He then held his throat and struggled, but not a sound was made at all. In the end, the soldier died a miserable death.


    This didn''t only happen to him, but to all the other soldiers in his tent as well.


    One of themanders who was patrolling walked into a tent and felt that something was amiss because the positions of the soldiers lying inside were too weird. Each and every one of them was grabbing their throats as if they were being suffocated to death.


    "Enemy attack!" themander shouted at the top of his lungs. Soon after, he also experienced breathing difficulties, headache, and nausea.


    A thought shed in thatmander''s mind, and he hastily yelled, "Poison! There''s poison!"


    He fished out a lump of pennisetum and staggered outward. After running for over ten meters, he crashed into the ground.


    Thatmander''s shouts alerted many people, causing them to rush out of the tents with nk looks on their faces. It was only when they felt suffocated and nauseous that they snapped out of their daze, took out lumps of pennisetum, and then stuffed them into their mouths. At the same time, they yelled "Enemy attack! There''s poison!"


    Before the attack, the Great Xia army had already been prepared against being poisoned by Dayao. After all, the entire Nine Pavilions as well as an entire barracks had been destroyed by them. In that case, how could Great Xia not be prepared?


    Every soldier had been warned about this matter when the pennisetum was given out to them. At the beginning, everyone took this matter very seriously, but a long time had passed since then. They hadn''t encountered the legendary poison that had killed thousands of people, so they all forgot about it.


    They put the pennisetum into their mouths in a flurry only after hearing the other soldiers shouting and witnessing the actions of the surrounding soldiers.


    ...


    "Great general, we have counted up the figure. A total of 1,700 people were killed. Everyone took pennisetum in their mouths. At present, there aren''t any new deaths."


    At this moment, Wu Shenghou grabbed his head because it was throbbing really badly. If the poison attack hadn''t been detected so early, he would have died from it too. Currently, he felt relieved after listening to the number of casualties.


    "Hmph, I believe this is their final strategy, right?" Wu Shenghou snorted. The other party even used poison, so he was certain that they didn''t have any other tricks up their sleeves anymore. Once the reinforcements arrived, they would then take down Liao City in one move.


    "Notify everyone that we will rest for one day and continue to attack Liao City the day after," Wu Shenghou instructed. At the same time, a long cry could be hearding from his stomach, which made his expression change.


    They had no choice but to take a break because the side effect of the pennisetum was diarrhea. If they attacked Liao City tomorrow, that image would be too beautiful, so much so that Wu Shenghou didn''t even dare to think about it.

 Chapter 351 Express Bomb Delivery

    Looking at the images taken by the drone, Ren Baqian''s first response was that they looked spectacr.


    The sight of over 10,000 people having diarrhea wasn''t something that someone could see at any time.


    Just from looking at the images, Ren Baqian could even smell the stench.


    His face turned pale since the sarin gas attack fromst night evidently didn''t have much impact on the Great Xia army.


    In any case, at least two bottles of sarin gas were used. Today, however, apart from seeing arge number of Great Xia soldiers having diarrhea, he didn''t see many dead bodies at all.


    He only a saw a batch of corpses which were going to be buried by the other Great Xia soldiers. With just a nce, he knew that the number of soldiers killed was much less than expected.


    After concluding that everyone in the north barracks was having diarrhea, Ren Baqian had an ominous feeling.


    The other party found themselves an antitoxin?


    Even if the sarin gas wasn''t effective, this could be attributed to the wind dispersing it. Yet, what was the exnation for over 10,000 Great Xia soldiers having diarrhea?


    Unless the other party used a certain medicine and then had to deal with its side effects, it was impossible for tens of thousands of people to all have diarrhea at the same time.


    Most importantly, he didn''t notice any chaos in the north barracks, indicating that all hope was lost because the chiefmander was fine. Otherwise, it was impossible for everyone to have gastrointestinal distress with no other actions taken.


    "If all of youunch a surprise attack now, it is possible that it will be more effective than a night attack." Ren Baqian frowned as he spoke to Li Qianqiu.


    He was only speaking casually. Even though everyone in the north barracks was having diarrhea, the soldiers in the other two camps were fine.


    If they were to be an easy target for the other two camps, all of their remaining soldiers might be utilized in one go at that time.


    After putting aside the drone and its base station, Ren Baqin took out the two mortars again.


    "Hand me six mortar shells," Ren Baqian instructed Shi Hu.


    At present, there were only 30 mortar shells left. Under Ren Baqian''s meticulous nning, he used as few as possible and only at areas that required them the most.


    However, now that he saw that everyone in the Great Xia north barracks was squatting, Ren Baqian felt that he needed to deliberately embarrass them.


    The people in this world were also very particr about going to the toilet. In the barracks, there would always be public toilets a short distance away. Also, there weren''t any tents located near the toilets because the toilets were located on a piece of vacantnd.


    There were at least a few hundred such public toilets in Great Xia''s barracks.


    Currently, there were tens of thousands of soldiers crowded outside these hundreds of toilets, and dozens of soldiers were waiting in the vacant areas between each toilet.


    Ren Baqian''s goal was to casually pick a few soldiers within the mortar''s range.


    After that, he adjusted the angle and inserted the mortar shell.


    Bang!


    Everyone in the Great Xia barracks was almost copsing from dehydration. Although the army''s military doctors also brought along medicines for treating diarrhea, they didn''t prepare enough for over 10,000 people. Yesterday, since everyone was worried about being poisoned, many people ate the pennisetum as a result. In turn, this caused their diarrhea to worsen. At the same time, most of them immediately mped their legs together as soon as they got out of the toilet and went back in the line while swearing nonstop.


    From time to time, curses like "I''m on the verge of sh*tting my pants! Whoever is in the toilet, get out" could be heard.


    Just when everyone was anxiously waiting to go to the toilet, tragedy struck.


    Apanied by a piercing sound, two ck spots fell from the air.


    Everyone was busy mping their legs together, so nobody noticed what was going on.


    Boom! Boom!


    The spectacr scene was difficult to describe with words.


    Somewhere in the Great Xia barracks, the sky and the sea disyed the exact same color.


    A sea of yellow!


    After the explosion, the faces of everyone who rushed back to their tents turned ck.


    Boom! Boom!


    Once again, a sea of yellow was seen.


    Among the six mortar shots fired, four of them hit the intended targets.


    After the bombings were over, Great Xia was fuming with anger. Great Xia would have closed one eye if Dayaounched a surprise attack on any other day.


    Out of the six shots fired, four of them hit the toilets. Even a fool wouldn''t believe that the other party hadn''t deliberately aimed the mortars at the toilets.


    A bunch of people cursed and swore at Ren Baqian''s descendants and ancestors since he wascking in virtue. He was truly wicked!


    After Wu Shenghou heard about this incident, his face twitched for a long time. Atst, he spoke with a throbbing head and said, "This little trick up their sleeves is all they have left. In my opinion, they have already exhausted their limited abilities. Now, let''s just wait for the arrival of our reinforcements tomorrow and we will be able to take down Liao City."


    ...


    Ren Baqian felt more carefree after bombing them.


    In this world, there shouldn''t be anything moreforting than bombing the toilets of one''s enemies just as they were all lining up to use them.


    Ren Baqianplimented his own wit and then began to brainstorm a n that he had been thinking about for a few days.


    Since Great Xia had so many soldiers, he would have to get rid of their chiefmander first. Since Ren Baqian didn''t know where the chiefmander was, he would let the other party take the initiative to expose his own position.


    Or, Ren Baqian would find a way to send a bomb over to him.


    As for how to do it...


    Ren Baqian returned to Earth, gave Yang Sen a call, and said, "Make me a bomb. It can''t weigh more than 320 kilogram. There must be 100 to 150 kilograms worth of Composition B explosives in the bomb. Other than the outer casing, the rest of it should be packed with steel ball bearings. Better yet, use steel nails if possible. I want it in three days'' time."


    "Impossible! Three days is definitely not enough time. I can give you conventional equipment like grenades or mines after getting authorization from the higher-ups."


    "You still owe me a few conditions from the previous time." Ren Baqian immediately used his trump card. A condition could only be considered as a condition after it was realized. Just like money could only be considered as money when it was spent.


    After these conditions were used up, he would bring out two more martial arts manuals that were better and exchange them for a few more conditions.


    "Let me ask first!" Yang Sen immediately hung up the call and went to ask for instructions.


    20 minutester, Yang Sen called back and said, "Even though the difficulty level is high, I believe in the technological and manufacturing capabilities of our military. They will definitely be able to make the bomb."


    "Make the outer shell of the bomb in ordance with my figure. It is better to make it have the same proportions as a human or to erge it a little."


    Yang Sen was taken aback. He had never seen or heard of anyone who requested that the outer shell of a bomb be manufactured ording to his own appearance.


    Was this the so-called suicide bombing?


    "Get someone over to your department. I''ll head over now." Ren Baqian hung up the call and headed straight for Shanghai.


    After Ren Baqian reached the building where the Messier 87 department was located and met with Yang Sen, he immediately put forward his request and said, "The bomb must be able to be detonated by remote control. There also must be a surveince device inside. You must give me a microphone set with a transmission range of five kilometers as well. At the same time, it is necessary to put a walkie-talkie and a loudspeaker inside, preferably at the head of the bomb. The outer shell of the bomb look simr to me, but the hair should be longer. This is the style of the hair and the style of the clothes. I will draw it out for you..."


    Ren Baqian''s n was to make a humanoid bomb that looked like the Seventh Prince.


    With a bomb that looked like the Seventh Prince, it was impossible for the other party to suspect that it was a bomb, right? He would then use another method to attract the interest of the enemies. After the other party brought the bomb back, he would then detonate the bomb when it was near the chiefmander. This was the so-called express bomb.


    More than 100 kilograms of Composition B explosives. One had to know that there was only 50 grams of TNT explosives in a grenade. A kilogram of TNT explosives could make 20 grenades, while 100 kilograms could make 2,000 grenades.


    In addition, Composition B explosives consisted of hexogen as well as TNT. It was also much more powerful than TNT alone.


    The explosive speed of 2,000 to 3,000 grenades bundled together at the same time, together with the shockwave and the shrapnel inside, was close to 8,000 meters per second...


    As long as the Great Xia chiefmander was within 30 meters of this bomb, even if he was an expert at the apex of the Earth Wheel level, he would still be mosaiced.


    As long as he was within ten meters of this bomb, even if the Great Xia chiefmander was an expert at the Spirit Wheel level... Ren Baqian believed that the bomb would still be able to kill a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Ren Baqian didn''t really know much about the Spirit Wheel level. From what he heard and understood, it was ambiguous. After all, an Earth Wheel expert at the intermediate stage could sh a bullet with a saber. It wasn''t just once or twice that he had encountered such a situation while using the machine gun, and hepletely relied on the rate of fire as well as the power of the machine gun to decimate the enemy into pieces.


    Above the intermediate stage of the Earth Wheel level, there was the advanced stage. Further up, there was the Earth Embryo Realm. Even further up, one had to break through the Celestial Gate in order to attain the Spirit Wheel level. Moreover, Spirit Wheel experts were also divided into different grades.


    Thus, he was really uncertain about his n.


    However, even if the other party didn''t die, seriously injuring the other party was sufficient.


    Ren Baqian''s mind wandered a little. After he recovered from his daze, he drew on a piece of paper, hit the table, and said, "The style of the clothes should be like this."


    Yang Sen looked at the thing that Ren Baqian drew and facepalmed. Three words appeared in his mind, What is this?


    Was this a pig wearing suspenders with a cloak blowing in the wind?

 Chapter 352 All Of You Have Been Surrounded

    Three dayster, Ren Baqian looked at the humanoid bomb that was one foot taller than him. It''s outer shell was made from a type of special steel. He immediately whipped out his phone and looked at the selfie.


    After analyzing the selfie, although the humanoid bomb didn''t look exactly like the Seventh Prince, it was still recognizable.


    However, the hairstyle he requested was for the hair to be worn in a bun. What was on this statue''s head? A carrot?


    Also, the clothes worn by the statue was different from how he expected it to be.


    "This bomb weighs 312 kilograms, contains 142 kilograms of high explosives, and has more than 20,000 shrapnel fragments... The killing radius can reach 120 meters. In fact, at a distance of 200 meters, the fragments can still cause considerable damage to unprotected personnel," exined the staff member from the military unit. Although he didn''t ask any stupid questions, he was still extremely curious about this bizarre bomb.


    Ren Baqian listened and nodded. Without mentioning other aspects, this bomb was generally satisfactory.


    The most important thing was that there was a walkie-talkie and surveince equipment in the bomb''s head. In addition, there was also a loudspeaker, which waspletely in line with Ren Baqian''s requirements.


    Ren Baqian immediately got someone to send the bomb to his vi''s garage. He then wrapped one arm around the humanoid bomb''s waist and returned to Dayao.


    First, he went outside to understand the situation. Although Great Xia was still attacking Liao City, the intensity was much lower than before. It seemed that Great Xia was waiting for their reinforcements, and he reckoned that they would arrive in the afternoon. The earliest that they would be able to wholeheartedly participate in the attack would be tomorrow.


    "Your Majesty, abandon the city!" Li Qianqiu said with great difficulty.


    If they wanted to abandon the city, this was the best time to do so because it would be too difficult to defend against the Great Xia reinforcementster.


    With the reinforcements, Great Xia''s morale increased. On the other hand, there were only 3,000 soldiers defending the city and approximately 1,000 winged cavalry warriors in Liao City.


    "What do you think?" The empress turned her head and looked at Ren Baqian. Even though she didn''t mention anything else, everyone knew that she wasn''t willing to abandon Liao City.


    No ruler would choose to abandon a city when he or she was in charge, particrly an expert like her who was proud and arrogant. Moreover, if the 100,000 soldiers here headed toward the south, the total number of Great Xia soldiers would amount to 300,000. At that time, they wouldn''t be able to defend the northern territory of Dayao anymore. It was equivalent to giving Dayao up without a fight.


    "I feel that we can give it a try," Ren Baqian answered.


    The empress, who was originally frowning, immediately became more at ease. Regardless of when it was, Ren Baqian always had a way out.


    "Does Sir Ren have any other ideas?" Li Qianqiu hesitated a little before asking. The things that Ren Baqian brought were indeed very useful. If he still had arge amount of those weapons that he had used before, they might be able to hold on for a period of time, but how long could they hold on for?


    If it was possible, he wouldn''t want to abandon the city either. After abandoning the city, both Tiesuo Pass and Shun City, which had been besieged, would bepletely isted. The northern part of Dayao would then be free for the other party to roam around unhindered.


    In the end, however, if they still weren''t able to withstand the attack, they might as well retreat now and return to defending from their base. At that location, it would be easier for them to defend, but harder for them to attack. Given the present situation, it was still possible for them to retreat to defend from their fortress and thenunch a counter attackter on.


    "I have an idea." Ren Baqian said. "Your Majesty, Sir Li, follow me."


    Ren Baqian brought both of them to his room and then pointed at the statue. "We can try using this."


    Seeing the metal statue in his room, Li Qianqiu was baffled.


    Use this statue to defend the city?


    The empress looked at the statue and then back at Ren Baqian again. All of a sudden, she recalled something, pointed at the statue, and said, "Xia..."


    Xia...? The empress couldn''t recall as she hadn''t remembered his name back then.


    However, the empress could still remember the identity of that person, Great Xia''s Seventh Prince.


    "Not bad, it''s a statue of Great Xia''s Seventh Prince." Ren Baqian nodded.


    Li Qianqiu came to understand what was going on. Soon after, he replied, "If this is a statue of Great Xia''s Seventh Prince, then perhaps it will be a little useful. Yet, it is merely ''a little'' useful."


    Once this statute of Great Xia''s Seventh Prince was erected at the top of the city wall, would Great Xia still dare to attack them? Wouldn''t they be afraid that their lives would be made difficult in the future?


    He reckoned that they wouldn''t dare to do so.


    Even if they didn''t dare to attack, this was just a statue, and it wasn''t able to encircle the city wall. Furthermore, when they were really in the midst of fighting, who would even remember this matter?


    "It isn''t what you think." Ren Baqian gestured with his hands.


    "What are we going to do?" Li Qianqiu asked with curiosity.


    "Bomb!" Ren Baqian made an explosion gesture with both of his hands.


    "Make them bring the statue to their chiefmander. After that, we will wipe them out..."


    "How''s that possible?"


    "You''ll know tomorrow morning." Ren Baqian waved him off.


    "Sir Ren, are you very confident?"


    "You''ll know tomorrow morning."


    Ren Baqian still stood his ground. He felt that this n was pretty feasible. As for whether it would work out, it all depended on luck.


    There''s nothing perfect in this world��even a foolproof n has its ws at times.


    One day passed. In the middle of the night, when the sky was at its darkest, Liao City''s north gate quietly opened. Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu got the guards to carry the humanoid bomb and headed straight for the Great Xia barracks.


    Li Qianqiu was Ren Baqian''s bodyguard. With his strength as a Protector General, even if he encountered any of the top ten experts, he would be able to buy some time with a few moves. As for any other Spirit Wheel experts, he would be able to smash them one at a time.


    "Okay, ce it here," Ren Baqian said as he looked at the torch that was a distance away.


    This ce was only about 200 meters away from the entrance of the Great Xia barracks. As long as the sky was slightly brighter, the humanoid bomb would be visible.


    "Return!" After the guards put the humanoid bomb down, Ren Baqian and the rest returned by the same road they came from. It was tranquil all the way back. With the exception of the two guards who carried the humanoid bomb, the others came out for a stroll.


    "What happens now?"


    "Wait for Great Xia''s patrol team." Ren Baqian was wearing the night vision device.


    Not long after everyone returned to the city wall, Great Xia''s patrol team approached the vicinity of the humanoid bomb and vaguely saw a visible figure in front of them using the light from the stars. They were shocked, pointed their spears at it, and shouted out loud, "Who''s this?"


    Following this, the soldiers in front of the barracks sensed that something was wrong and immediately struck the big gong next to them, awakening everyone in the barracks.


    One of the captains who was also on patrol asked loudly, "What''s happening?"


    "There''s a statue here!" After some time, the previous patrol team finally discovered that this motionless thing was actually a statue and not a real person. It was just a false rm.


    Yet, how did a statue like this end up here? It couldn''t be that it grew legs and ran over on its own?


    After that captain saw the statue, he rified with the patrol team about if they knew when it had appeared here. At the same time, he wondered what that bunch of barbarians was up to this time around.


    "All of you have been surrounded. Surrender immediately and all your lives will be spared...All of you have been surrounded. Surrender immediately and all your lives will be spared..." This warning message was yed repeatedly in an electronic voice, giving that captain and the patrol team a huge scare.


    That captain even pulled out his sword, but the statue was still motionless and speaking the same sentence repeatedly without any emotion.


    "All of you have been surrounded..."


    "What is this thing?" That captain was overwhelmed with shock. This thing could actually speak?


    Furthermore, who had been surrounded? Us? This was simply a joke!


    "A few of you, go around and see if there are any other people!"


    "You, go and report to the Great General!"


    Thatmander instructed all the soldiers in the vicinity.


    "What''s going on? Who''s speaking?" At this time, amander who was awakened by the noise came over to find out what was going on.


    "Commander, there''s a statue here that can speak!"


    Thatmander first touched the statue and found that it was indeed made of metal. He then tried to lift it up and discovered that it wasn''t light at all. However, it was a strange phenomenon that the statue could speak, and he was astonished.


    "Inform the Great General." Themander passed down an order. As for how this thing should be handled, that would still have to depend on the Great General''s instructions.

 Chapter 353 Because I Just Happened To Meet You

    "Sir Ren, what should we do next?" Li Qianqiu asked when they got back to the city.


    "Let''s wait and see the fireworks," Ren Baqian replied. He opened another box carried by a guard that had a set of surveince equipment, a control unit, and a walkie-talkie.


    "Click. This thing is really strange. It is obviously made of iron and can even make sounds...."


    "Inform the Great General..."


    Ren Baqian had just turned on the surveince equipment when he heard two sentences and the second one was, "All of you have been surrounded. Surrender immediately and all your lives will be spared..."


    "This is....?" Li Qianqiu immediately thought of their radio stations which also had walkie-talkies. Could it be possible that there was one inside the statue?


    "More or less." Ren Baqian nodded his head. Although it wasn''t really so, it was close enough. "This way, we can know whether this thing has reached the hand of their chiefmander. Well, do you know who their chiefmander is?"


    "It should be Wu Shenghou!" Li Qianqiu said.


    "Is he very capable?"


    "I''m not sure, but he tussled with the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation for over ten years and should be of some caliber. Plus, looking at the situation now, don''t you think he is quite capable?" Li Qianqiu smiled bitterly.


    Single-handedly, he could take on ten people with confidence, but in terms of leadership, the other party was really outstanding.


    Apart from everything else, the Great Xia army had been reduced by more than half, yet there was norge scale desertion. This proved that they were capable of managing the troops.


    "What about his personal strength?" This was what Ren Baqian wanted to ask.


    "He does not surpass the apex stage of the Earth Wheel level," Li Qianqiu said instantly. Although he didn''t know the specific details, Great Xia and the aboriginals were different. The aboriginal court officials were at the Spirit Wheel level, whereas the court officials and themoners of Great Xia consisted of many Man Wheel level experts. Meanwhile the number of famous Spirit Wheel experts in the imperial court could only be counted on two hands. On the contrary, there were more Spirit Wheel experts outside the imperial court.


    Great Xia ced more emphasis on the ability to govern and administer the state.


    As for the aboriginals, they were the same from top to bottom... just that the power belonged to their fists.


    Upon hearing that the other party didn''t surpass the apex of the Earth Wheel level, Ren Baqian had a better understanding of the situation. "You can deliver a banner that ridicules him to the Great Xia barracks."


    "What should the content on it be?"


    "Mourning for Wu Shenghou, who was living in hardship and died with remorse. Cause of death:ck of knowledge and experience!"


    Li Qianqiu was speechless.


    "This is an order from Great General. Find out whether there are any problems and send it to the central barracks if possible."


    After hearing the voices from the surveince equipment, Ren Baqian was pleased that he had taken the first step to sess.


    His utmost concern was that the other side might smash this thing.


    Since the other side was fascinated with it, it would be easy to proceed.


    The Great Xia soldiers carefully inspected the metallic object for a long time and couldn''t find any problems with it. Besides being able to make sounds, the statue didn''t have any other strange properties. Finally, the bomb was brought into the central barracks after much promptings.


    "All of you have been surrounded..." The message kept on repeating loudly.


    "What''s this thing?" This question was asked by several people along the way.


    Everyone could see that this was a metal statue, but its ability to generate voices was intriguing.


    "Is there a man inside?"


    This question was also asked repeatedly by many.


    However, this notion was quickly dropped because no fool would keep on saying the same thing.


    "Sir, this is the statue that can speak!"


    "How does this strange thing generate voices?"


    "It should being from inside. Do you want to open it to take a look?"


    Ren Baqian was concerned after hearing that they were thinking of opening this thing. Was Wu Shenghou the person being addressed as "sir?" It would st him directly if he was the one, but this mission would be a failure if Wu Shenghou wasn''t there.


    Thankfully, he was relieved and ecstatic to hear the next statement.


    "Please wait. Let me ask the Great General."


    Ren Baqian rejoiced and asked, "Is Wu Shenghou the Great General they are referring to?"


    He didn''t believe that Wu Shenghou wouldn''t be curious at all or that he wouldn''te to see this thing.


    Although the statue was made to resemble Ren Baqian in the hopes that the Great Xia soldiers would recognize the Seventh Prince''s likeness and send it directly to Wu Shenghou, the fact that nobody recognized it was still alright because the n was still very likely to seed.


    "Wu Shenghou is known as the champion Great General," Li Qianqiu added.


    "It must be him." Ren Baqian pped his thigh and hummed, "Little rabbit, be good, open the door quickly, and fall into the bowl..."


    After about ten minutes, Ren Baqian heard the voice of the person who was addressed as "sir" say, "Carry this and follow me!"


    Upon hearing these words, Ren Baqian joyously asked Li Qianqiu, "Is there wine? Bring some wine and side dishes to watch the fireworks."


    "There''s food, but only Her Majesty has wine." Li Qianqiu turned his head to look at him. How was it possible to still have wine after being under siege for a month?


    Ren Baqian took out a walkie-talkie to call the empress, and she answered in a slightly drowsy tone, asking, "What''s the matter?"


    "Your Majesty, do you want to see fireworks? I am asking you because the fireworks have already been prepared."


    "Fireworks?" The empress sobered up a little, but was still muddled and immediately thought of the fireworks they had seen in Prague.


    How could there be fireworks at this time, however?


    "There aren''t only fireworks, but also dishes. The only things missing are Your Majesty and wine." Ren Baqian giggled.


    Li Qianqiu was shocked. Who else would have the guts to say, "The only things missing are Your Majesty and wine." Awesome!


    Li Qianqiu retreated back two meters to prevent himself from being entangled in any mess.


    Wouldn''t Her Majesty kill this little fellow, Principal Ren? She would most likely spare him no matter what he did. It would be better to plead on his behalfter and at least try to save him.


    Less than five minutester, a red shadow stretched across the city wall and a ss bottle hit Ren Baqian on the chest, almost knocking him down.


    "What exactly is going on?"


    Ren Baqian was caught and stabilized by Li Qianqiu, but he had managed to keep ahold of the bottle as he heartily replied, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty!"


    "It is really fireworks. Your Majesty should be able to see itter on," Ren Baqian said.


    "It better be!" The empress narrowed her eyes.


    Li Qianqiu was surprised that the empress didn''t beat Ren Baqian up. She really favored him!


    If he had said that, he would simply have been kicked to the Great Xia barracks immediately by the empress.


    This was certainly different strokes for different folks!


    "How long must I wait?" The empress was already impatient after waiting for less than a minute. She was woken up after just falling asleep and was already being very tolerant.


    "It should be very soon!" Ren Baqian heard thumping sounds from the surveince equipment that indicated a heavy object was being moved forward.


    "Put it down here!" Ren Baqian''s eyes sparkled after hearing this from the surveince equipment, and he opened the wine bottle.


    "Does Your Majesty want to drink? It can keep out the cold."


    Noticing that the empress was ignoring him, he took a sip of the sorghum wine. It burned his throat like a knife cutting through it.


    "Ah!" Ren Baqian released a breath that smelled exactly like alcohol.


    "Does Sir Li want to drink?" Ren Baqian''s voice faltered, and he handed the wine bottle to Li Qianqiu.


    Li Qianqiu took a gulp and eximed loudly, "Good wine, strong wine!"


    "I will present you with ten bottles when the war is over!" Ren Baqian dered generously.


    "In that case, I have to thank you in advance." Li Qianqiuughed heartily at the thought of receiving the good wine.


    "Is this the thing that keeps on making sound?" A vibrant voice came from the surveince equipment.


    "Great General, this is the one."


    Ren Baqianughed loudly when hearing this! His n had finally seeded.


    "All of you have been surrounded? Hmph! Are they talking about themselves? Your lives will be spared if you surrender? Just a bunch of dying people. Tomorrow, we will attack and destroy Liao City in one fell swoop. Then, we will see what else they can say. However, it is really strange that this thing can speak."


    "What the Great General says is right. There are now 30,000borers cutting down trees to make scalingdders. This time around, there will not be a shortage ofdders. Liao City will definitely be conquered once and for all. Thinking of Qi Zixiao fleeing in a helter-skelter fashion is enough to make me feel proud."


    "True enough..."


    It could be deduced that there was arge number of people from the sounds heard.


    The more they discussed, the happier Ren Baqian was. With the people calling this person Great General and him acknowledging it, Ren Baqian could certainly confirm that this person was his main target. The rest were just small fries and could be considered extra rewards.


    "This statue looks familiar. Is this the Seventh Prince? I have met the Seventh Prince once before he went to Dayao a year ago, and this statue bears some resemnce of him."


    "What is the reason for making a statue that resembles the Seventh Prince?"


    "I heard that the appearance of the Seventh Prince is very simr to that of the Poison Warrior."


    "Could it be possible that this was made by that Poison Warrior? He sent a statue of himself here to poison us?"


    "We have inspected it, and there isn''t any poison...."


    "What exactly is the reason for sending this statue?"


    "That Poison Warrior must have a reason for doing this!" Wu Shenghou''s voice was heard speaking again.


    Ren Baqian hummed a tune, took out another walkie-talkie from the box, pressed a button, and sang whole-heartedly, "It is because I happened to meet you. Leaving a beautiful trail, the wind blew, causing the flowers to drop like tears raining down and because I am not willing to separate..."


    When the voice of Ren Baqian was transmitted over, everyone in the Great Xia tent was shocked by the lyrics and looked at Wu Shenghou with ashen faces!


    I just happened to meet you? Leaving a beautiful trail? Wind blowing and the flowers falling like tears raining down? Because I am not willing to separate?


    What the hell was this? This was very scary!


    Everyone expressed fear, but many inexplicably felt that the strange song was pleasant to the ears, which made it even more frightening.


    "What kind of person is trying to trick us!" Wu Shenghou fiercely shouted.


    "Because I just happened to meet you, leaving behind a promise ten years ago. If we meet again, I think I will remember you..."


    Ren Baqian sang affectionately while holding the remote detonator. He then released the safety catch above and used his thumb to press the button.


    There was a big explosion in the Great Xia barracks, an explosion that was greater than any of the other explosions before it. Huge mes shot into the sky, and the shockwaves sted shrapnel all over the surrounding areas, like a storm sweeping across and destroying everything in its path.


    A loud boom was subsequently heard by everyone who was at the top of the city wall.


    Even the city walls were shaking.


    Additionally, many people in the city were awakened abruptly by the shockwaves generated by the distant explosion.


    Ren Baqian put down the walkie-talkie and said to the guard beside him, "Record this. The cause of Wu Shenghou''s death: too much curiosity, too little knowledge, and limited imagination due to ignorance."


    Ren Baqian took the wine bottle from Li Qianqiu to take a sip, turned to the empress, and asked, "Your Majesty, do you like these fireworks?"


    "Can anyone survive this?" the empress asked.


    "Based on the voices, they should have been within a ten meter range and certainly will not survive!" Ren Baqian said confidently.


    "Oh!" The empress nodded her head slightly. She said after a pause, "That song is pretty good. Sing it 100 times for me now!"

 Chapter 354 Destroying the Great Xia Barracks

    The empress was deep in thought.


    Ren Baqian silently praised himself for his resourcefulness.


    Li Qianqiu looked at the huge explosion in the distance and suddenly remembered one thing. In a sh, hended in the darkness, and his whole body was aroused by the blood essence. He woke the entire city with his loud voice and ordered, "Everyone, gather at the north gate."


    After shouting at the top of his lungs, he pressed against the tent to prop himself up and then strolled outside as if nothing happened.


    When Ren Baqian heard this, he recalled that the most important thing had not beenpleted. He got the guards to move the mortars and mortar shells over. This time around, they had to aplish their mission.


    Even though Li Qianqi was an expert at the Spirit Wheel level, he seldom fought against anyone. This was because the martial art he was practicing had an enormous w��whenever he exerted strength, he would experience hyperemia.


    As a result, Li Qianqiu had a nickname in private, the Immortal Spear.


    Although the weapon he used was a gigantic double-headed axe, his nickname was nevertheless Immortal Spear. From this, anyone could see that he was svelte. Among the five Protector Generals, he was unconditionally in a league of his own!


    In less than five minutes, all of the winged cavalry warriors had rushed to the north gate. The previous explosion had already awakened everyone, and they thought that an ident had urred. When they heard the shout, they immediately went to the north gate.


    Li Qianqiu instructed the soldiers to open the city gate and said in a deep voice, "Great Xia''s chiefmander, Wu Shenghou, is dead, and their barracks is in chaos. Charge there now."


    "Kill! We are noting back if we don''t emerge victorious!" the empress said faintly as she looked at the chaotic scene ahead.


    1,100 winged cavalry warriors spread their feet and charged violently at the Great Xia barracks.


    Five minutester, another 3,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center arrived. Li Qianqiu jumped down from the top of the wall andnded in front of everyone. He raised his voice and said, "Great Xia''s chiefmander, Wu Shenghou is dead. The winged cavalry have already set off. Themanders will lead all of you to assault the central barracks for one attack. Then, we will change direction and attack the Great Xia reinforcements in the other barracks. Last but not least, we will head north and spring a surprise attack."


    Even though they had already wasted some time, the reaction of the two other Great Xia barracks was even slower.


    The soldiers there hadn''t even attained the Man Wheel level, so it would take more time for these reinforcements to reach the north barracks. Since they would take longer to arrive, this period of time would already be sufficient for these 3,000 aboriginal soldiers tounch an attack and return to fight the reinforcements afterward.


    At present, the sky still wasn''t bright, but there wasn''t enough time for Great Xia to make any preparations to get into battle formation. If both parties ran into each other, the personal strength of the aboriginals could actually be fully disyed.


    Furthermore, the sky was dark and with Dayao''s reinforcements, the Great Xia archers could be considered useless.


    Under such a situation, it wasn''t difficult for the 3,000 aboriginal soldiers to defeat 20,000 to 30,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    "Yes!" themanders answered, bringing their 3,000 soldiers and dashing wildly out of the city.


    A few of the bulky aboriginals, who were d in leather armor, asked, "Sir, what do we do?"


    These few individuals were the leaders of the militia, which had just been formed in Liao City. Among them, the most powerful person had only just attained the Earth Wheel level.


    "Prepare to collect rations!" Ren Baqian responded.


    Nowadays, there wasn''t much food in the city, yet a supply of rations had just been delivered to the Great Xia forces. In a short while, after the Great Xia soldiers were defeated, the militia would then grab these rations.


    As for defending the city, there wasn''t any need to do so.


    There were a total of 40,000 soldiers in the east and west barracks of Great Xia. They definitely relied mainly on the forces from the north barracks. It would be pretty good if they could retain 5,000 soldiers to defend their barracks, but they wouldn''t have even the least bit of energy left to further attack Liao City.


    Even if they didn''t care about the life and death of the north barracks army and directly attacked the city, the aboriginalmoners in the city were enough to take them down. At that time, when the Great Xia soldiers returned to their barracks, they would be trapped like a turtle in a jar.


    "Yes, Sir!" these few leaders of the militia immediately responded.


    "We will leave the city too!" Ren Baqian called out to the bodyguards beside him. Everyone was riding on a fork-horned cow as they headed out of the city. Just after they got out of the city, a few people walked around with night vision devices and walkie-talkies to check out the locations of the other two barracks.


    Then, Ren Baqian found a ce to deploy the mortar.


    In the distant Great Xia barracks, loud blood-curdling screeches and fighting noises could be heard. The previous explosion of the humanoid bomb was supposed to wipe out all the high ranking officers. In the end, only a few captains survived.


    A captain was usually a main officer of the barracks andmanded 800 to 1,200 soldiers.


    Regardless of whether it was their strength or prestige, the captains in the barracks were incapable of handling the chaotic situation in the barracks, let alone the fact that they were already out of their wits.


    After that, 1,100 winged cavalry warriors that were at the Earth Wheel level charged in for the kill.


    If amoner fought against an Earth Wheel expert, the ending was imaginable. Even if defending the city was such an arduous tough, there wasn''t much damage inflicted on the winged cavalry. From this point, one could see the difference in strength between the two parties. If there was a person who could lead the army, he would have been able to create some trouble, but at this time, the higher-ups had been wiped out and the winged cavalry sprang a surprise attack. Moaning and howling that sounded like ghosts could be heard from the barracks.


    At this moment, another 3,000 aboriginal soldiers rushed in and attacked, causing the Great Xia barracks to be even more chaotic.


    "Sir, the Great Xia soldiers from the east barracks have already departed. There are about 1,000 horsemen in the vanguard. As for the back, I can''t really tell the number of people, but the barracks is already half empty."


    After the soldiers of the east barracks moved out, the soldiers of the west barracks were also dispatched. However, themander of the west barracks was even more decisive, deploying all of his forces and heading straight to the north barracks to assist.


    "Prepare to wee the enemy!" Li Qianqiu used the walkie-talkie to pass his order down.


    After rushing into the barracks and fighting for a while, the 3,000 aboriginal soldiers immediately returned to the empty ins and assembled. Then, they began to head toward the direction of the east barracks with countless torches moving in that direction.


    However, just as they moved out, they ran into 1,000 horsemen that had rushed over at great speed. Countless soldiers exchanged a few attacks with these horsemen, and one by one, the horsemen fell off their horses. After that, they were trampled into the mud by the horses behind them.


    However, these horsemen managed to dy for some time. After the Great Xia soldiers behind them discovered that their vanguard had encountered an enemy, a portion of them had already formed a battle formation. Subsequently, the soldiers which arrived from behind joined and thickened the battle formation.


    "Kill!" the aboriginal soldiers yelled, pouncing forward upon seeing the countless silhouettes ahead.


    However, faster than them were the mortar shells. Six mortar shellsnded directly on the front part of the Great Xia battle formation, and these soldiers suffered a crushing defeat. Their soldiers were also dealt a huge shock.


    The aboriginals took this opportunity to rush in and set off a reign of terror.


    There wasn''t the slightest suspense when the 3,000 aboriginals soldiers fought against the 10,000 Great Xia elites. In two hours, the Great Xia army began to copse.


    "Stop chasing and killing. The the troops in the back will be the front. Head northwest now." After Li Qianqiu''smand was conveyed, a long whistle was soon heard on the battlefield, gathering the soldiers who were chasing the enemy troops and marching directly toward the northwest.


    The pressure was greatest when the vanguard of the troops engaged in battle. Thus, when they changed targets to face another group of enemies, the soldiers in the front were swapped with those at the rear.


    Otherwise, even if it was a Man Wheel expert, it would be difficult for him to proceed into another round of fighting after going through a round of intense battle.


    This time, their opponents were the 20,000 soldiers from the Great Xia west barracks. After both parties met, Ren Baqian fired ten rounds of mortar shells and created chaos within the Great Xia army. However, the Great Xia soldiers in the west barracks split into two portions. One portion ended up getting entangled with aboriginal soldiers, though it could be said that they were massacred.


    The other portion was increasing their speed and heading toward the north barracks. They were attempting to rush inside before the aboriginal soldiers arrived.


    Li Qianqiu evaluated and remarked, "Silly method."


    "They have no other way." Ren Baqian was sitting on the ground.


    20,000 Great Xia soldiers fighting against 3,000 aboriginal soldiers in the dark. The oue was obvious.


    The north barracks still had 70,000 soldiers and 30,000borers. If they were able to gather one portion of the injured soldiers, they would still be able to fight out one more battle.


    If they didn''t support the north barracks, Dayao would be able to destroy these 20,000 Great Xia soldiers.


    Therefore, after knowing about the ident in the north barracks, the other Great Xia soldiers immediately came to lend a hand. However, upon discovering that they were obstructed, they gave up a portion of their soldiers.


    Although they knew that the aboriginal soldiers would catch up soon, they still decided to give it a try. Due to the current situation, there weren''t any better solutions.


    "Should we kill themanders first? It''s easy to raise a army 1,000 strong, but difficult to find a good general. Following the deaths of so many Great Xiamanders, even if they wanted to reorganize their army, it wouldn''t be something that could be done in a short span of time. If themanders of the east and west barracks ran away, it would be possible for them to gather many soldiers in no time," Ren Baqian said.


    "I will make a move first!" Li Qianqiu stroked his chin and entered the darkness without his weapons.


    Not long after Li Qianqiu left, the winged cavalry warriors in front used a walkie talkie to transmit information that they had met an obstacle. The other party was a Spirit Wheel expert. Even though he was wounded, there were more than 30 winged cavalry that died by his hand.


    The other party could be the legendary Lu Pinghai!


    Since Ren Baqian heard this news, naturally, the empress also heard about it. From head to toe, she exuded an immense killing intent. In a sh, she returned to the citymander''s residence. When she appeared outside again, there was a bow as well as a quiver of arrows in her hands.


    "Lu Qi, I was exasperated over how to find you. Today, I''ll send you down to hell!"


    These words that were full of killing intent overpowered and suppressed the battle cries of the entire camp.

 Chapter 355 Bulldozer

    Together with the reinforcements, Lu Pinghai had just arrived at the central barracks in the afternoon. He had originally intended to strike at a crucial moment, but never had he expected for the barracks to be destroyed on his first night after arriving. This made him feel that he was rather unlucky.


    Stepping out of the tent and looking at the chaotic barracks, Lu Pinghai pondered whether they should head out to Tiesuo Pass or go back to Great Xia. He felt more inclined toward thetter, but because he hadn''t fulfilled his promise to the Great Xia emperor yet, he felt somewhat embarrassed about going back.


    Even though the token that the other party took out was somewhat of a joke, after that person died, Lu Pinghai had never expected that someone else would know its purpose after so many yearster. Furthermore, it managed to find its way to him. However, since the token was in the hands of the other party, Lu Pinghai agreed toplete three tasks to pay back the other party.


    At the thought of this, Lu Pinghai looked back into the past. People tended to do this when they were old. Back at that point in time, he had just entered the society and lodged at a weird inn that epted hirings for assassination.


    He remembered that the first employer offered him a basket of eggs and a pair of shoes as his reward.


    Back then, he didn''t even own a pair of shoes.


    He undertook his tasks with speed and ferocity, earning himself the nickname of Speedy Sword soon after.


    From that time forward, Lu Pinghai left theis inn after a good looking man said something to him.


    After so many years, he had already forgotten what that person looked like. However, he still remembered his eyes, which were as clear as a child''s.


    He remembered his name as well. Ye Qiu.


    Lu Pinghai saw that man again after he had earned himself a reputation and gave him a doll that he had carved by hand, which resembled him. He said to Ye Qiu that if he could afford to pay, he would fulfill three tasks for him.


    Unfortunately, that man never sought him out, and Lu Pinghai subsequently heard that he had already passed away.


    He sought revenge for Ye Qiu, lost a finger, and could never wield a sword again. Speedy Sword Lu Qi had long since disappeared.


    In ce of that, he was then known as Nine Fingers Lu Qi.


    Some timeter, nobody called him by the names Nine Fingers or Lu Qi anymore.


    Everyone only knew him as Lu Pinghai, the world''s eighth most powerful expert.


    Just as he was getting lost in his thoughts, the surrounding Great Xia soldiers all ran off. A bunch of big burly warriors of the winged cavalry, with arms that could run a horse race and fists that could support a person''s weight, had reced them.


    After that, it was all history.


    Lu Pinghai noticed at once when the empress appeared in the air. His reputation as one of the top ten experts in the world would have been tarnished if he wasn''t even able to detect her presence at such a close distance.


    He took a nce at the empress in the air. His sleeves transformed into long poles and struck two of the winged cavalry warriors on their chests. Both of them were immediately sent flying off with blood spouting from their mouths.


    Just a moment ago, his sleeves transformed into a de, a spear, a sword, a pole...


    His Heaven-grade weapon was this pair of sleeves, known as the Thousand Thread Sleeves. It could manifest countless forms and was able to transform into anything he wanted.


    After striking two of the winged cavalry warriors, Lu Pinghai flipped away.


    "Lu Qi, I was still worried that I wouldn''t be able to find you. I shall send you to meet your maker today!" The empress drew an arrow back and fired.


    The moment he left, a deep hole was drilled into the ground. The people in the surroundings felt the tailwind swept up by bone arrows as well as a series of explosive sounds.


    That arrow travelled faster than sound.


    "Qi..." Lu Pinghai dodged just as he spoke a word. Quite a few bone arrowsnded behind him, leaving a row of holes in the ground.


    "Zi..." Lu Pinghai dodged again and only managed to squeeze out another word. Once again, a number of holes appeared in the ground behind him.


    "Xiao..." Lu Pinghai''s voice trailed as he continued to flee.


    The number of arrows in the empress''s quiver had been reduced by half. Her rate of fire was not too far off whenpared to Ren Baqian operating the machine gun.


    "Crazy woman!" Lu Pinghai was faced with a rain of arrows even before he could finish saying those three words. He cursed in silence and ran for his life.


    The empressnded on the ground before a few of the winged cavalry warriors appeared in front of her and immediately cupped their hands.


    "Your Majesty!"


    Following which, the empress was gone with the wind as were the arrow quivers that had been slung across the backs of five or so of the winged cavalry warriors.


    Lu Pinghai''s speed on the ground was so fast that the surrounding people couldn''t even see him clearly. The empress fired out half a quiver of arrows everytime she leapt into the sky. She jumped up again every time shended on the ground, like a northern goshawk preying on wild rabbits. Her focus was always fixed on the view of Lu Pinghai''s back.


    The arrows shot through the air with explosive sounds, straight toward the north from the center of the central barracks.


    After the empress fired the arrows, she changed hands and slung the bow across her back. Her entire body started glowing in red, streaks of tattoo-like purple veins surfaced on her face, and her speed increased to an unmeasurable velocity.


    Behind his back, Lu Pinghai felt that something wasn''t right, and he turned around, only to see the veins surfacing on the empress''s face from afar. After he realized that she was chasing after him at a speed that was 30 percent faster than his own, he yelled immediately, "Qi Zixiao! Hong Wu isn''t even dead. Why so much hatred?"


    Even though he wasn''t entirely sure of Qi Zixiao''s powers, he had heard of such situations before. This was clearly a secret technique used by the aboriginals when they fought with their lives on the line, which involved igniting their essence blood!


    Previously, Hong Wu had used this technique before. If Lu Pinghai hadn''t held on until after Hong Wu''s energy drained away, he probably would have sustained injuries that were much more severe than Hong Wu''s.


    Qi Zixiao''s blood essence started to ignite as soon as she saw him, so how deep was her hatred toward him?


    Also, such a secret technique was categorized into the third, sixth, and ninth grades. The higher the grade was, the longer the duration wouldst. The after effects would also be much milder. He felt that the empress''s powers definitely wouldn''t be weaker than Hong Wu''s, and his heart started to tremble immediately.


    The empress''splexion was ice-cold and she didn''t speak a word. With a stomp of her foot, cracks were formed on a piece of rock the size of an ox before it shattered into pieces with a loud rumble.


    When I say I will kill you, then I definitely will!


    The both of them chased and fled around, moving further and further away from Liao City. The empress was less than 20 meters away from Lu Pinghai, so he had no choice but to turn around and exchange a blow before flipping away. He made used of this impact to increase the distance between them.


    However, every time they shed, he felt as if he had been hit by a huge hammer.


    Now he knew why Hua Sanliu had died at the hands of Qi Zixiao. Besides her immacte strength, her speed was also phenomenal, and it was extremely difficult to even escape.


    Now he could only wait and see how long Qi Zixiao''s secret technique wouldst.


    Last time, Hong Wu''s techniquested for an hour. There was no telling how long Qi Zixiao''s wouldst.


    If Qi Zixiao didn''t know her limits, perhaps he could even capture her, bring her back to face the emperor of Great Xia, and fulfill his promise to him.


    Two hours passed. Lu Pinghai had spat out three mouthfuls of blood, but Qi Zixiao didn''t seem to have any intention of giving up the chase.


    At the present, the sky had already started to brighten.


    In front of the two of them was a continuous string of barracks.


    This stretch of huge barracks surrounded a city and could only be seen from high up in the sky.


    In these two hours, the empress had chased Lu Pinghai from Liao City to Tiesuo Pass.


    Lu Pinghai thoughts grew flustered when he saw the barracks in the distance. It would be rather disgraceful if they were to see him in this current situation.


    He wasn''t sure how much longer Qi Zixiao could continue pursuing given her current condition, but he was already reaching his limit.


    They ran from Liao City to Tiesuo Pass in two hours!


    This distance was exactly 200 kilometers.


    Currently, both their speeds had reduced to a level that wasn''t even 30 percent of their initial speeds. However, in this situation where they had both ran 200 kilometers in two hours and even passed over several mountain ridges, even Spirit Wheel experts would be worn out.


    "Qi Zixiao is here! Hurry and send assistance!" Lu Pinghai seized the moment and yelled, but this one breath had caused him to slow down. As he turned around, his sleeves took six consecutive punches from the empress. He was flung into the sky, throwing up blood as he fell in the direction of the military camp.


    Lu Pinghai''s yell had alerted numerous people in the Great Xia camp. A din immediately brewed up before tens of silhouettes leapt out.


    The people who leapt out from the Great Xia camp cried out in rm after seeing the both of them, "It''s Lu Pinghai and Qi Zixiao!"


    "We ran for two hours from Liao City to here. She''s already exhausted, so act swiftly," Lu Pinghai shouted as he threw up blood. He was feeling incessantly agonized. This Qi Zixiao was unexpectedly so strong!


    The moment he spoke those words, the movements of those silhouettes suddenly became sluggish.


    Additionally, there were another two silhouettes who had justnded outside of the barracks. Upon seeing them, the others felt a little more confident. Even though these two people weren''t among the top ten strongest in the world, they were Spirit Wheel experts.


    Even if they couldn''t defeat Qi Zixiao under normal circumstances, after having run here from Liao City in two hours, Qi Zixiao should probably already be reaching her limit.


    "Do it!" someone shouted. Then, more than ten silhouettes charged toward the both of them.


    The empress wasn''t the least bit concerned and had her eyes fixed tightly on Lu Pinghai. The purplish veins on her face grew more concentrated, and the color became darker. Droplets of blood seeped through the surface of her skin as well.


    Looking at the empress, Lu Pinghai was on the verge of cursing.


    Why is she fighting so hard?


    What hatred does she have for me?As if chasing me around for two hours isn''t enough, even when you''re already reaching your limit, you still want ramp up your essence blood ignition?


    At this point, the empress totally couldn''t be bothered by the rest of the people. She raced up to Lu Pinghai and once more threw him off with a session of blows. She then leapt into the sky and stomped on Lu Pinghai,nding within the Great Xia barracks with a loud bang.


    Even with blood spurting out of his nose and mouth, Lu Pinghai was still able to dig himself out of the hole in the ground, jump out of it, and continue running.


    He was now able to witness it. Qi Zixiao wasn''t putting her own life at stake, she was practically exchanging her life for his!


    The empress chased after Lu Pinghai once again. With both hands grasping his shoulders, she continued dashing forward.


    Tents, fences, corners, and everything else. Like shredded paper, everything was smashed into pieces as the empress rampaged through.


    Lu Pinghai was throwing up blood as he collided into everything in front of him.


    From an aerial view, the trail of the empress looked as if it was a yellow dragon.


    Together, the empress and Lu Pinghai were the dragon''s head.


    Beside the yellow dragon, dozens of people were chasing them. Of the two Spirit Wheel experts, one of them was wielding a sword. When the other expert raised his hand, a meter long wooden pir emerged from the sky and struck the empress on her back.


    The empress couldn''t care less. She consecutively took three blows to her back, each one striking at a higher speed. However, blood spouted from her mouth when she took the third blow.


    Presently, the appearance of the empress was horrifying. Almost all of her exposed skin was covered with the purplish veins. There were also blood droplets seeping through her skin, turning her white inner garments red.


    Yet, she still maintained a death grip on Lu Pinghai, not allowing him to budge at all. She held him and rampaged through, creating a straight line within the Great Xia camp. People, fences, city gates, houses, courtyard walls. Like a bulldozer, everything in sight was destroyed.


    Just like that, they rampaged into Tiesuo Pass.


    Hong Wu heard a familiar sounding from the outside, stepped out of his residence, and saw a red silhouette holding a man while rampaging toward him. They knocked him over and bashed through his residence, all the way from the south toward the north gate.


    Hong Wu was almost shocked to death, and hurriedly chased after them, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"


    However, the empress couldn''t hear a single thing at the moment. Both of her eyes had turned ck, without the least bit of brightness.


    With a strike of his palm, Hong Wu eventually struck the empress down upon the ground, finally stopping this disastrous bulldozer.

 Chapter 356 Riding the Rainbow Clouds To Fetch You

    The empress felt an acute pain in her body as soon as she woke up. Every cell in her body was groaning and filled with immense pain.


    If someone else were in her shoes, he or she would have immediately yelled out.


    The empress merely opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling before turning her head to look at Hong Wu, who was staying at the bedside.


    "Your Majesty..." Seeing that the empress had awoken, he was at a lost for words.


    The empress would never have thought that she had actually chased Lu Qi all the way from Liao City to here, not even in her dreams. Risking the danger of sustaining serious injuries, grabbing on to Lu Qi, and bashing through the Great Xia barracks to get to the city.


    If Hong Wu hadn''t stopped her, she probably would have rampaged all the way to Great Xia.


    "Is Lu Qi dead?" the empress asked immediately. Her voice was cold, not expressing a single sign of the pain from her body.


    However, how could Hong Wu, who had ignited his essence blood not too long ago, not be aware of it?


    "Even though he isn''t dead yet, he will be soon. I have detained him," Hong Wu replied.


    "Kill him!" One word from the empress had decided the fate of Lu Qi, Lu Pinghai. No matter how strong she was, she would never have the thought of respecting the wise and being reduce to acting submissive.


    If I intend to kill you, I will.


    "Your Majesty, this is a very dangerous move!" Hong Wu said in a low voice, "Your Majesty is the monarch of a nation, how can you do such a thing? Not to mention one Lu Qi, even seven Lu Qis can''t bepared to you. If anything happens to you, what will be of Dayao? What will be of the countlessmoners?"


    "I won''t die!" the empress replied subtly. She had still been clear-headed when she was in Great Xia''s camp, but she had indeed been at her limits at that time as she bashed toward the city gates with her blood essence ignited. Eventually, she lost consciousness after passing through the gates.


    How else would she have headed toward the city so urately?


    "Even so, you need not do it by yourself. Given Your Majesty''s status, how can you take such risks!"


    Hong Wu was full of bitterness.


    He had seen the empress grow from a kid to who she was today, and their rtionship was more intimate than his rtionship with his own child. Now that she hadnded in such a plight, how could he be unconcerned?


    "Lu Qi is too dangerous! Besides, I said I will kill him on my own!" the empress replied faintly.


    Unless the empress and Hong Wu were both present, no matter which army Lu Qi was in, he would still be too dangerous.


    Although the empress didn''t know how Great Xia managed to make Lu Qi work for them, she could not leave such an expert in Great Xia''s arsenal. The aboriginal soldiers weren''t numerous to begin with, and they could only rely on their individual strengths. The thing that they were most fearful of was a super expert like Lu Qi.


    It would still be fine if the other party was an ordinary Spirit Wheel expert, but Lu Qi was a super expert. Unless Hong Wu and the empress were to deal with him personally, nobody else would be able to stand against him.


    Lu Qi had previously tried to kill Hong Wu and had now appeared with a Great Xia army. This proved something. With such a super expert in the Great Xia forces, it was simply too dangerous. Now that the empress had crossed paths with him, she would never let him slip away.


    Needless to say, there were also other grievances that gave the empress more reason not to let him off.


    "Could Your Majesty be seeking revenge for me? If that''s the case then I ought to die from putting you in such danger," Hong Wu suddenly said to the empress in a very humbling tone that got her directly.


    "You are thinking too much. I will kill you if you continue talking," the empress replied coldly. If not for her being in so much pain that it was difficult to move about, she would have given this old man a good kick.


    "Whatever it is, Your Majesty must never do this again." Hong Wu sighed deeply.


    "I won''t die," the empress replied with a dull tone. "I want to see Lu Qi''s head. That will make me feel better."


    The moment Hong Wu stepped out from the door, he felt so moved that tears streamed down his face.


    Your Majesty, did you do this for me?


    Helping me seek revenge?


    If not, then why are you doing this?


    Your Majesty is willing to brave such danger for me.


    All these years of painstaking efforts have not been in vain.


    That little girl from back then has grown to be so strong now!


    At the thought of this, another person appeared in his mind.


    Damn it, we''re not going to let that bastard have it easy!


    At present, even though that guy was indeed quite useful, Hong Wu detested Ren Baqian to the core.


    For instance, the radio station, the drone, the walkie-talkie, the binocrs, and he heard that Ren Baqian had recently produced salt as well...


    However, usefulness and hatred were two different things.


    I will definitely not let this brat off!


    After a while, Hong Wu brought in a head that as swollen as a meat bun.


    "This is Lu Qi?" The empress was lying in her bed and felt suspicious. This person didn''t look like Lu Qi.


    "Yes, Your Majesty, this is definitely Lu Qi!"


    Hong Wu didn''t know whether to cry orugh. This Lu Qi must have been so unlucky to be used as the empress''s shield while she rampaged over here. Even the 45 centimeter thick city gate had been wrecked. They had also created arge hole through Hong Wu''s residence and stone walls. It was very fortunate for Lu Qi to still be alive after all of this.


    Of course, Lu Qi was already severely injured and had reached his limits or else he wouldn''t have ended up in this state.


    For a Spirit Wheel expert, especially someone of Lu Qi''s standards, their physical strength wasn''t measurable by an ordinary martial arts practitioner.


    However, even though Lu Qi managed to survive back then, he died an even more horrible death,


    What a pity for a top grade expert to have died in such a fashion.


    "Oh!" The empress nodded. Since Hong Wu said that this person was Lu Qi, then he must be Lu Qi.


    Subsequently, the empress thought of something else. "Did he have anything else on his body?"


    "He had this on him." Hong Wu took out a wooden box.


    "What''s that?" the empress asked.


    "A Spirit Yuan Pill and the martial arts manuals that he had practiced as well a concise manual about his Thousand Thread Sleeves." Hong Wu opened up the box, revealing several thin books. Beneath those books was a jade box which contained a Spirit Yuan Pill. On the pill were a few circles of veined patterns, and there wasn''t any scent from the pill, as if all of it was contained within the pill itself.


    Hong Wu handed the Spirit Yuan Pill to the empress to let her have a look, covered up the box, and ced it beside her.


    Following which, Hong Wu suddenly recalled something. "Your Majesty, you probably won''t be giving this Spirit Yuan Pill to that brat, will you? If that''s the case, I will kill him with a swat."


    Regardless of what it was, it was that brat''s fault!


    "You are thinking too much again," the empress faintly replied.


    "Your Majesty has only known that brat for less than a year..." Hong Wu was dejected. It was true indeed that when a girl came of age, she would leave the family!


    "I will kill you if you continue talking." The empress was fuming mad as she gritted her teeth. Why hadn''t she realized how detestable this old man was?


    At the same time she made a silent vow to herself to chase this old man out.


    After sighing for some time, Hong Wu finally suppressed the thought of a girl leaving the family when she came of age and asked about the situation in Liao City. Previously, when the empress made her way over here, he had already asked about Liao City''s situation. However, he heard that they were under siege by Great Xia''s army. Those who lived in the citymander''s residence didn''t know much about the details, but now that the empress was awake, she would be the best person for him to get his answers from.


    "Wu Shenghou is dead," the empress replied enthusiastically. She then went on to roughly exin what had happenedst night. There were many things that she was unsure about, so she left them out.


    Hong Wu only understood that Ren Baqian made something and that this item was brought back to the Great Xia barracks by its soldiers. Thereafter, Wu Shenghou and many of the other captains andmanders lost their lives. Li Qianqiu''s soldiers, together with the winged cavalry, then attacked the Great Xia army, totally massacring them.


    Upon hearing this, Hong Wu felt incessantly happy.


    The southern invasion by Great Xia was entirely nned by Wu Shenghou. Now that he was dead, it wouldn''t be easy for them to find another person to rece him.


    Tiesuo Pass and Shun City just had to suppress the Great Xia soldiers that were there. With Li Qianqiu''s soldiers, over 1,000 winged cavalry warriors, and the 3,500 defenders and reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South that were transferred over, they formed an army of 11,000 soldiers. Such a force would be sufficient to eliminate the Great Xia soldiers in the northern territory of Dayao. Tiesuo Pass and the siege of Shun City would then naturally be freed.


    This time around, Great Xia could be said to have suffered a huge defeat and had ended up with nothing.


    One must know that currently, Great Xia had already injected 700,000 soldiers into their army apart from another 180,000 soldiers outside Shun City and Tiesuo Pass. Originally, Wu Shenghou had 110,000 soldiers. Adding the other 140,000 soldiers within Dayao''s boundary, there was a total of 430,000 soldiers.


    At present, Wu Shenghou was dead and the Great Xia army was being massacred. Even if they did manage to escape, only less than half of them would be able to make it.


    In addition, after eliminating the two armies inside Dayao''s borders, Great Xia would only be left with over 200,000 soldiers in the south. They probably wouldn''t be able to handle the impending attack from the aboriginals.


    After both parties had finished their conversation, Hong Wu left with the head and felt exultant. A whileter, he sent the radio station to the empress''s room as per her request.


    Ren Baqian was presently sitting atop the city wall. The winged cavalry were already starting their attack.


    After intercepting the Great Xia reinforcements from both routes, 3,000 soldiers began attacking toward the north as well.


    Nobody bothered with the few thousand guards in the Great Xia east barracks.


    They would probably stealthily sneak away too.


    The city had also dispatched some of the militia toward the north barracks to seize their rations.


    However, Ren Baqian simply sat there, awaiting the empress''s return.


    "It has already been eight hours right?" Ren Baqian checked the time. He had no idea where the empress had chased that Lu Qi to or why she hadn''t returned after so long.


    Since the distance was too far away, the walkie-talkie was out of range. Thinking over it, however, given the empress''s strength, as long as she didn''t barge into the Great Xia army alone, she should probably be able to make it back in one piece.


    "Sir Ren, the empress is at Tiesuo Pass!" someone suddenly ran up the city wall and reported.


    "How did the empress end up there?" Ren Baqian was astonished.


    "The empress is using the radio station to contact you. She''s waiting for you," the soldier said.


    Ren Baqian hurriedly returned to the citymander''s residence.


    "Your Majesty? Why did you go to Tiesuo Pass?"


    "Oh... Why bother about why I came here?" the empress rarely got angry.


    My body is still hurting, and there you are, uttering such nonsense!


    "Your Majesty, you''re the boss, you call the shots!" Ren Baqian immediately acknowledged his mistake.


    "I will be here to keep watch for a few days. Come and fetch me once you have eliminated the enemy." The empress reverted to speaking with her cold voice.


    "Yes! When that happens I will ride the rainbow clouds to fetch you!"


    "You will bear the consequences if I don''t see these rainbow clouds."

 Chapter 357 Made Into A Scapegoa

    Ren Baqian sat on top of the city wall and watched the militia happily pushing carts of food back. There was also arge flock of cattle and sheep.


    Even though the ordinary Great Xia soldiers ate grains, some of the practitioners still had to eat meat. Although their appetite wasn''t as huge as the aboriginals, it wasn''t significantly smaller.


    "How should we make arrangements?" Ren Baqian asked with his head inclined.


    "Distribute the food to themoners and bring the livestock with us," Li Qianqiu answered. The rice could be eaten by themoners, but if the soldiers ate it, there wouldn''t be a need for them to do anything else other than eat from morning to night.


    At noon, the soldiers of the Protectorate of the Center returned. They were all starving to the point of sulking.


    The winged cavalry only returned in the afternoon. The corpses of Great Xia soldiers were lying everywhere in the dozens of miles north of the north barracks.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that they were extremely hungry, they would have still been able to chase for another day.


    One month. They had been under attack for an entire month. At longst, they could release the resentment they had.


    Just like what Ren Baqian had expected, the guards defending the east barracks had already slipped away from the back. There weren''t any aboriginal soldiers to chase after them, and he considered them lucky.


    "Get people to bury the corpses. Otherwise, it will be troublesome when an epidemic urs." Li Qianqiu nodded his head when Ren Baqian finished his words. After all, they knew this logic.


    Going down from the city wall, Ren Baqian heard countless people asking from time to time, "Did we win?"


    "The Great Xia soldiers ran away!"


    "When do we fight our way there?"


    ...


    The aboriginals ced more emphasis on the fact that Great Xia had besieged them rather than worry about being defeated.


    With regards to these boorish people, being besieged by Great Xia for one whole month was an absolutely embarrassing matter.


    On the other hand, the aboriginals took issues such as death and injuries very lightly.


    Perhaps it was because everyone was convinced that their ancestors'' dead souls existed. As a result, they weren''t very frightened by death.


    Like some believers of religions on Earth, they weren''t afraid of death. Instead, they believed that they would find an even better ce to return to after death.


    From these behaviors, it could be seen that the aboriginals weren''t narrow-minded and epting.


    The faces of themoners in the city were filled with joy and apanied by heartyughter. Everyone spoke much louder now, particrly when carts of food were delivered into the city. This made them rather excited because their supplies were running low. Many people stuck their heads out from their homes to see what was going on too.


    As for other scenarios, for example, young girls giving kisses to dashing young officers wearing their official robes to express their excitement or even having a celebration, they were non-existent.


    Everyone did what they were supposed to do. The soldiers began to eat after they returned. After that, theyy down to sleep. A portion of themoners helped to handle the rations while among the remaining people, those who had to dry theirundry and those who had to beat their children, did so respectively.


    In themoners'' hearts, they merely defeated an enemy. If anyone shouted loudly to celebrate, he or she would be aughingstock.


    "The aboriginal children are really rugged..." Walking on the road, Ren Baqian saw a woman carrying an eight-year-old child by his neck and throwing him out of the courtyard.


    "Go outside! Don''t create any trouble over here!"


    That child rolled over, dusted the dirt off his body, and shed his sparkling incisors at Ren Baqian. Following which, he kicked up a racket and disappeared like a wisp of smoke.


    Was that his biological mother?


    Ren Baqian was a little curious about what the empress would be like if they both had a child together in the future.


    From the empress''s character... it was very likely that the child would watch her eat snacks and candies or even see her catching up on television series...


    Ren Baqian rubbed his face as soon as he thought of this scene. It was better for him not to think so much.


    In the end, they still celebrated for a while. However, everything was taken care of by Ren Baqian. In any case, it was his first time experiencing war. Furthermore, he experienced an arduous month of defending the city. With the sacrifices of the soldiers and the generals as well as everyone in the city uniting, they finally emerged victorious even with a huge gap in the number of soldiers between them and Great Xia.


    This victory definitely deserved a celebration.


    There wasn''t any wine and even though the meat was sufficient, they ughtered the livestock which they had just obtained from the Great Xia barracks. The entire army finally ate a full meal, and the atmosphere was joyous.


    There were dozens of circles within the barracks, and in each circle, there were topless burly men who were wrestling without any rules or regtions. From time to time, someone would be thrown out from the crowd, attracting excited shouts from the spectators.


    "Next! Who''s up?"


    Ren Baqian was hugging the wine that had been left behind by the empress. He drank a bottle of wine as he watched the wrestling matches and immediatelyy on the ground.


    A noisy night was over.


    The next day, he checked the battle results. Great Xia''s casualties were more than half of their entire army. As for the aboriginals, the damage done was minimal. The greatest damage incurred was the ten over winged cavalry warriors that had died by Lu Pinghai''s hands.


    However, there was updated news that had been transmitted back today.


    "Sir, the Protectorate of the Northeast has new updates. The Yun Nation has sent their troops out, and they have arrived near the front of our battle formation!"


    "..." Ren Baqian grinned after hearing this piece of news.


    Alright, I don''t even need to find an excuse anymore.


    After fighting with Great Xia for more than a month, there wasn''t any sign of activity from the Yun Nation. Even if Great Xia had the upper hand, the Yun Nation was still doing their research when Dayao was building up their defense, step by step.


    Now that the war was almost over and you made a move, not attacking you would go against my conscience.


    Nobody is as professional as you when ites to courting death.


    As expected, you don''t even know how to find piping hot sh*t to eat.


    Upon hearing this news, Li Qianqiuughed heartily because he had almost the same thoughts as Ren Baqian. Presently, the Yun Nation dispatched their soldiers at the worst time. If they had done so earlier, Great Xia would still have had the upper hand. If they did soter, who knew if they would be able to obtain detailed news from the Great Xia army? They might have reconsidered sending their troops out.


    Everyone in Dayao was extremely interested in stealing from the Yun Nation.


    However, Ren Baqian knew it wasn''t that simple this time around. After dealing with Great Xia, he had to take the Yun Nation down and incorporate it into Dayao''s territory.


    The mineral and saltpans of the Yun Nation were very important to Dayao.


    Li Qianqiu made some arrangements before leading his soldiers toward the south to encircle the two other Great Xia armies.


    After waiting for a long time, Ren Baqian returned to Earth and restocked another 100 mortar shells as well as 1,000 machine gun bullets before he came back to this world and chased after those two Great Xia armies with his guards.


    This time around, the number of guards apanying him increased from 50 to 100. With 100 Earth Wheel experts as his guards, as long as they didn''te across arge group of enemies, they would be able to walk around freely.


    In Great Xia, even the aristocratic families wouldn''t have such a luxurious lineup of guards.


    Ren Baqian felt that if he brought these 100 guards with him, he could walk all over Earth without getting into any trouble.


    After three days of chasing on the road, Ren Baqian added 50 mortar shells and another 2,000 rounds of machine gun bullets.


    With a gun in his hand, he wasn''t panicky anymore. Regardless of what kind of enemy he encountered, 170 mortar shells and 5,000 rounds of machine gun bullets would definitely be sufficient.


    As for those two Great Xia armies, they merged, changed their direction, and headed north on the day Ren Baqian returned to Earth. It seemed like they knew about Wu Shenghou''s death and that their troops outside Liao City had been defeated. If they didn''t retreat and continued advancing forward, they would reach Dayao''s base.


    That ce was easy to defend, but difficult to attack. However, after the Great Xia troops in Liao City were obliterated, these two armies werepletely stranded in hostile territory. Dayao didn''t even need to attack them. As long as they were surrounded for half a month, they would starve to death.


    Therefore, even if they wiped out the northern territory of Dayao and upied Dayao''s base, they would still have no choice but to retreat.


    Since the Great Xia troops outside Liao City had been destroyed, the mission of the other two armies was already considered a failure.


    If there was any good news that resulted from this war with Great Xia, it would be the fact that the Yun Nation was made into a scapegoat.


    At this time, the Yun Nation was still excited about the joint attack with Great Xia. They wanted to exterminate Dayao and wash away the humiliation that they had suffered a decade ago.

 Chapter 358 Great Xia And The Yun Nation

    Great Xia.


    Upon receiving the news from frontline, Xia Bailong immediately smashed the cup in his hand. As he felt uneasy, he overthrew all the tables in his study room and threw tantrums for a long time while shouting, "I''m going to die from anger!"


    After that, he felt lightheaded, his surrounding turned dark and he plopped onto the ground.


    In response, the eunuch who was hiding far away hastily called for the imperial doctor. There was a frenzy in the pce at this moment.


    "His Majesty is infuriated and has an lusion. I will prescribe some medicine in a while. You guys should also persuade His Majesty not to get angry and keep calm." That imperial doctor left hurriedly to prescribe medicine after giving his advice.


    After Xia Bailong regained consciousness, half a day had already passed.


    "Water..." Xia Bailong muttered. The eunuch beside him immediately served a cup of warm water.


    "What time is it now?"


    "Your Majesty, it''s already five in the evening," that eunuch prudently replied.


    "Get the Minister of State, the Grand Commandant, and the Minister of War here." Xia Bailong was outraged when he recalled the news that he had received in the morning. Then, his head throbbed with pain, so he quickly used his fingers to press on his temples.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. The imperial doctor came just now and he mentioned that Your Majesty fainted because of anger. You have to remain tranquil and not get angry. Please take care of your body, Your Majesty," that eunuch cautiously said.


    "Go quickly!" Xia Bailong said in a stern voice.


    An hourter, a group of people gathered in this study room.


    "Have a look!" Xia Bailong took a few pieces of paper from the bed and threw it over. He couldn''t help but to read it again, but after reading it, he felt a stabbing pain in his chest.


    The Imperial Tutor received them and saw that there were several messages on the first piece of paper. The first message was about how Dayao took advantage of the fact that Wu Shenghou and hismanders were dead and destroyed the Great Xia barracks. The casualties incurred were more than half of their forces, but by the time this letter was sent, only one third of the soldiers had gathered.


    The second message mentioned the situation where Qi Zixiao had chased after Lu Pinghai all the way to Tiesuo Pass. She was suspected to be seriously injured since she had broken through the barracks there. Lu Pinghai was dead, and his skull was hanging at the top of the city wall.


    As for the third message, it was rted to Lu Pinghai''s death and caused an uproar among the practitioners in the barracks.


    Lu Pinghai''s prestige was too high. Now that he was dead, the others couldn''t sit still and had the thought of retreating.


    Lastly, the fourth message was about the news which had been spread to the two other armies in Dayao. These two armies were now on their own and had been encircled by the aboriginal soldiers.


    There were still a few sheets of paper at the bottom that contained detailed exnations about the above mentioned messages. They also included a written report about the discovery of a statue outside of the Great Xia barracks, how they carried the statue back, how it exploded and created a sea of fire within a three meters radius while firing countless hidden weapons from within this sea of fire, and how Wu Shenghou and the othermanders had died.


    Also, it included details about the empress chasing Lu Pinghai on the very same day.


    The Imperial Tutor remained silent after reading it and passed it to the Chancellor beside him. Without making a single noise, the Chancellor then passed it over to the Imperial Counselor. After that, the Imperial Counselor passed it to the Grand Commandant, who frowned upon reading it. Thest person to receive these papers was the Minister of War.


    "How could this be?" At longst, someone broke the silence within the room.


    Xia Bailong smashed the cupboard beside him into fragments. "Making a mistake and harming the country! That general''s wife and children shall be sent away to serve a penal sentence!"


    "Your Majesty, you can''t do this!" The Grand Commandant, Zhao Hongzhi, immediately obstructed Xia Bailong. "I''m afraid that the soldiers and their higher-ups at the frontline would be bitterly disappointed."


    "Your Majesty, you mustn''t do this!" said the Minister of State and the Minister of War, one after another.


    "My army..." Xia Bailong almost couldn''t catch his breath. Out of his 700,000 soldiers, there were only 200,000 left that were outside of Tiesuo Pass. There were more than 100,000 Great Xia soldiers within the Dayao borders, but nobody knew how many of them would return.


    A few days ago, he was still waiting for the battle report against Dayao with full of confidence. Today, he lost everything just because of one wrong move. How could he even swallow this resentment?


    Xia Bailong reluctantly calmed himself down because he knew it was impossible to deal with Wu Shenghou. Instead, he changed the topic and asked, "What should we do next? Any opinions?"


    After the Minister of State heard what Xia Bailong said, his eyelids began to droop. He silently looked down and made up his mind to keep his mouth shut.


    Professional issues should still be left to the professionals to settle.


    The Grand Commandant and the Minister of War were put on the spot since they were able to draw a map of Dayao with their eyes closed. Upon receiving the news just now, both of them immediately knew that unless there was an unforeseen situation like an earthquake uring, there was no longer any hope.


    The Grand Commandant finally spoke after a long silence, "The only option is to negotiate with Dayao so that our remaining soldiers can return to us. We have to withdraw our soldiers that are encircling Tiesuo Pass and Shun City. Then, we will make ns again."


    "I''m furious!" Xia Bailong hissed.


    "It''s just temporary. ording to the time, the Yun Nation should be taking action soon. It just so happens that they can deplete Dayao''s energy.


    However, in my opinion, although the Yun Nation is well-equipped, their soldiers are in a mess and there''s difficulty in passing down orders. I''m afraid that they can''t sustain for long. We should step up and contact those remnant citizens of the Hao Nation or even dispatch some people to assist those remnants in staging an uprising.


    At the same time, we should try to ally with the monarch of the Chen Nation and send soldiers out together. We might as well throw in some benefits for them too.


    Using these few obstacles to implicate Dayao, it will be difficult for their soldiers to replenish their energy. They will not be able to hold on regardless of whether it concerns their military strength or their rations.


    At that time, our soldiers would be able to find a good opportunity to head south and wipe them out in one move."


    Xia Bailong began to ponder upon hearing what the Grand Commandant said. A whileter, he looked up and asked everyone, "What does everyone think of Grand Commandant''s n?"


    "Even though I''m not well versed in military affairs, in my opinion, I believe that Grand Commandant is speaking from experience. This n is feasible!" The Imperial Tutor answered after he noticed that Xia Bailong was looking at him.


    "I also feel that it''s feasible..."


    Seeing that everyone nodded their heads, he contemted further. Even though he was still indignant, he didn''t have any other options at this point in time.


    Xia Bailong then said, "With this being the case, there''s no time to lose anymore. Pass down the order immediately and inform General Yunhui about this matter. Inform them to get the remaining Great Xia soldiers in Dayao back to us and withdraw all the soldiers surrounding Tiesuo Pass and Shun City. We will temporarily cease fire."


    After he spoke, he looked up, shot another question at them, and asked, "Will Dayao release them?"


    No one could answer this question.


    Since Great Xia had already decided on a cease fire, if it were a normal person, there would be an 80 percent probability of them releasing the Great Xia soldiers. After all, there was nothing for Dayao to lose.


    However, nobody dared to vouch for what that bunch of barbarians would decide.


    "Pass the order down first." Xia Bailong frowned and waved his hand.


    "Go to the messenger and inform Su Yi. If the Yun Nation wants to withdraw their soldiers, think of a way to make them change their decision. If necessary, promise them one condition. In addition, do you all have any candidates that can be sent on a diplomatic mission to the Chen Nation?"


    ...


    At this time, the Yun Nation army had already assembled outside Qingtang Pass, which led directly to Dayao. There were all sorts of gs found within the army. With the exception of the 200,000 defenders outside Qingtang Pass, the other 230,000 soldiers were from various cities of the Yun Nation.


    At the rear, there were also soldiers from remote cities heading over.


    "Sir, the people from Siwei City and Qinghuan City are fighting!" a youngmander said loudly as he strode into a building that was located at the center of Qingtang Pass.


    Standing there was a middle aged man in a robe who was admiring a piece of calligraphy on the wall. Although it was just words, the words were stunning. Although those words were imprinted in his mind, he still looked at them everyday, hoping to learn something new.


    When he heard the youngmander''s words, he turned and smiled, "Has everything been settled?"


    "Everything is settled, but those chaps are too outrageous!" the youngmander grumbled.


    "General, your subordinate is afraid that they will not be of any help on the battlefield and will retreat after they run into any problem. This will affect the morale of our soldiers."


    The middle aged man shook his head slightly because he knew that an army put together like this wouldn''t be that great.


    Yet, that group of people still wanted to retain enough military power to suppress those warlords. They also wanted to use this opportunity to deplete the strength of those warlords. As such, they simply formed this coalition force.


    Furthermore, in such a short period of time, not all the soldiers had arrived yet. The middle aged man had already dispatched people to urge them to attack as soon as possible. He really couldn''tprehend what was in their minds other than sh*t.


    However, as they each had their own ideas, it was indeed difficult to make any arrangements. Even if they gave themselves some more time, there wasn''t any way for them to fully integrate with the coalition forces.


    "Get the leader of each army toe over and discuss official matters. We will strike camp tomorrow morning and take turns attacking."

 Chapter 359 Reuniting

    The next day, an army of several hundred thousand from the Yun Nation blotted out the sky and covered thend as they rushed to Sanxi City, which was dozens of kilometers away. Their gs covered the sky, and although they advanced in a somewhat disorderly manner, it wasn''t that much of a problem.


    The Protector General of the Northeast, Zi Doni, had already been waiting for a long time. When the army of the Yun Nation was ten kilometers away from Sanxi City, they opened the city gates, charged out, and shed with the Yun Nation soldiers. After engaging the enemy, they split into two columns, bypassing the center of the Yun Nation''s West City army and taking a circuitous route to attack the coalition forces at the rear.


    The coalition forces were well equipped and even an ordinary soldier wore armor, but the biggest issue was theck of unifiedmand. Each member of the coalition had the idea of conserving their own strength. Upon meeting the enemy, they were instantly ughtered in the confusion while the several hundred thousand strong army of the Yun Nation was scattered by the forces of the Protectorate of the Northeast. If not for a pincer attackunched by the Yun Nation''s West City army after reversing their direction, the losses incurred by the Yun Nation would have been more than half of their total forces.


    Zi Doni stood tall and upright upon a mound by the side. He was using the binocrs that he had received a few days ago. Watching the Yun Nation soldiers flee in all direction, Zi Doniughed grimly.


    These Yun Nation riff-raff actually dared to take advantage of Dayao and act recklessly.


    "Each barracks, gather your own soldiers, separate into two columns, and move along the inner city for two kilometers before following the ridges of Mount Yuguan and Mount Daze. Then, take a break and wait for orders, but keep your distance from the West City army!"


    After that, he used the binocrs to carefully observe the West City army from afar. They were considered to be the best fighting unit in the Yun Nation, orderly in marching, disciplined, and full of killer instinct.


    However, they were only elites from the Yun Nation.


    Zi Doni was interested in a carriage-like item that the West City army possessed. On top of it was a box that was simr in size to a human while there were two men standing behind it.


    "Zhao Yue, Zhao Yang, Zheng Qian, and Chi Zuo, lead all of your soldiers out to attack!" Zi Doni ordered. 4,000 aboriginal soldiers drew out their long sabers and rushed toward the West City army that was gathered on the central ins.


    The 4,000 aboriginals soldiers charged at more than 100,000 men without any hesitation.


    Zi Doni used his binocrs and saw that the West City army was pushing those carriages to the front of their battle formation. After that, the rear wooden panel was opened, revealing densely packed arrows.


    "Fire!"


    When hearing thismand from within the battle formation of the West City army, the two men on the carriage immediately pulled a lever at the side of the box, causing countless arrows to fly out and cken the sky.


    "Kill!" The aboriginal soldiers at the front brandished their long sabers to cut down the arrows, but arge number of arrows slipped through this defensive. Many of the aboriginal soldiers instantly fell to the ground after being hit in critical parts of the body. Even more soldiers were struck by the arrows, paused for just a moment, and continued charging forward while roaring with both eyes zing.


    After a round of shooting, soldiers armed with shields andnces passed through the gaps between the carriages and surrounded them.


    Some of the people beside the carriages immediately loaded some cases on them. These cases were full of exposed arrows.


    Someone aligned the back of the case with the vacant holes left by the discharged arrows, pushed it in, and a quarter of the arrows were installed in a short time.


    With four full cases pushed in, the box on the carriage was fully reloaded with arrows.


    "Retreat!" Zi Doni gave an order.


    From what he had just seen, he had already understood the role of these carriages from the Yun Nation.


    A minimum of 100 arrows were fired at a time. These arrows fanned out, covered arge area, and had great prative force. Their range was far more than the 100 step range of an ordinary arrow, and they still packed formidable power at two hundred steps.


    With just one volley of shooting, at least 200 soldiers were already dead.


    The other party only deployed six such carriages in each direction, and from what he saw, the Yun Nation possessed at least 60 of these carriages.


    Another noteworthy point was the fast reloading speed of this new weapon, which could be reloaded within a count of 30 seconds.


    Encountering this type of device in the wilderness was something rather troublesome.


    He immediately ordered everyone to bypass the West City army and to return to the city.


    Zi Doni dared to split his forces in half to bypass the West City army and attack the coalition forces directly. He also dared to retreat directly in front of their eyes.


    If the West City army dared to chase after them, that would be what he wanted. Those carriages with the arrow boxes were only suitable for when two armies were confronting one another and not suitable for pursuing the enemy.


    Zi Doni gently tossed and caught the walkie-talkie with one hand. This was really a good device because it allowed him to easily convey his orders on the battlefield and pass down orders directly to the different barracks. With 10,000 soldiers divided into ten barracks, it was as if he was personally there.


    ...


    Ren Baqian learned about this battle that very night. He heard about how Zi Doni split his soldiers into two forces to bypass the West City army right in front of their eyes before attacking more than 100,000 coalition soldiers at the rear with devastating results.


    Ren Baqian didn''t know much about Zi Doni, the Protector General of the Northeast. A person who could achieve this position was definitely not someone who was easy to deal with.


    ording to the guard next to him, among these five Protector Generals, Hong Wu from the north was the best at martial arts, Li Qianqiu from the center was the most loyal, Xi Wanya from the south was hoping to seed Hong Wu, and Zhuo Yue from the southeast was inscrutable, never made any mistakes, and many people felt that he didn''t seem like an aboriginal.


    Protector General of the Northeast, Zi Doni, was the coolest in temperament, sharp as a knife, and unmatched in deploying the army.


    Ren Baqian tossed aside the matter of the northeast. He was approaching Li Qianqiu''s position, and if Li Qianqiu stayed in the same spot, he would be able to see him the next evening.


    Now that the Great Xia soldiers were turning back and the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South were arriving in two days, only the 3,500 soldiers recruited from the various towns and cities were chasing Great Xia from behind.


    Li Qianqiu''s forces, the winged cavalry, and those 3,500 soldiers faced great difficulty in directly attacking these Great Xia soldiers because they had many practitioners from the Great Xia sects. As such, if they employed the same tactics in the wilderness that Zi Doni had used, but the aboriginals were obstructed, then the Great Xia archers would cause much more casualties to the aboriginals.


    After all, those sect practitioners were much faster than the aboriginal warriors who were at the same level as them.


    As a result, Li Qianqiu maintained his distance from the Great Xia forces and began to retreat in order to reunite with Ren Baqian.


    Using the mortar bombs from Ren Baqian to throw the enemy soldiers into confusion and deploying the winged cavalry to harass them with sharp sabers, Li Qianqiu''s forces could increase the chaos. At that time, when the 3,500 soldiers joined in the attack, this Great Xia army would be attacked from all sides and would suffer defeat.


    "Just stay and wait here. Running around is exhausting!" Ren Baqian decided to stay put after learning about Li Qianqiu''s n.


    The next afternoon, Ren Baqian met up with a mounted scout from the winged cavalry and was warmly greeted by him.


    After being supported by the grenades, mortars, and machine gun, they would feel rather unustomed if Ren Baqian wasn''t controlling them.


    At present, whenever they saw Great Xia''s battle formation, their first thought was to find Ren Baqian so that he could fire the mortars before lobbing grenades to mess up the enemy forces. After that, they would charge in to easily mop them up.


    Not long after the forces of Li Qianqiu and Ren Baqian reunited, Li Qianqiu patted Ren Baqian with his big palm and said, "Principal Ren, I feel like I am missing something when you are not around. I am relieved to see you."


    He patted Ren Baqian as he spoke. Just like hammering a nail, Ren Baqian''s ankles sank into the ground after Li Qianqiu finished speaking.


    In the future, when I can pat you into the ground, I will think of you even if I only don''t see you for a day! Ren Baqian thought this as he pulled his legs out. What was the meaning of "do not bully the poor youngster?" This was it!


    "Where is the Great Xia army at?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "30 kilometers southeast of here," Li Qianqiu immediately replied.


    "When do we attack?" Ren Baqian asked another question.


    "Tomorrow night!"

 Chapter 360 For Her Majesty’s Happiness

    "Your Majesty, someone shot a letter inside," said Hong Wu after opening the door to the empress''s room.


    "What does the letter say?" The empressy on the couch and didn''t want to budge. Alternatively, it could be said that she was aching all over and that she didn''t want to move at all.


    "If we allow the Great Xia soldiers in our borders to return, they will withdraw all of their soldiers that are surrounding Tiesuo Pass and Shun City." Hong Wu ced the piece of paper at the head of the empress''s couch.


    "Hah!" The empress sneered.


    At this time, Great Xia actually wanted their soldiers back? Was that not ridiculous?


    Even if they were to incur more casualties, they still had to detain the Great Xia soldiers within Dayao. One had to know that these Great Xia soldiers had their hands stained with the blood of themoners. Even if Dayao had to suffer further losses, they would still bury all of those foreign soldiers within Dayao.


    "In that case, I shall not reply to them. How is Your Majesty feeling today?"


    "Pretty good," the empress faintly replied.


    Even though it felt like there were countless steel needles pricking the empress''s body at this moment, she merely replied, "Pretty good."


    Over a long period of time, being alone in the pce had long since formed her current personality. Regardless of whether anything was good or bad, whether she was happy or in pain, the empress would never tell anyone.


    Therefore, whenever she was angry, it was like a volcanic eruption, and her killing intent would fill the entire ce. During normal times, she was just aloof.


    It was only recently that she acted more like a human. asionally, she would also act like an ordinary person who smiled faintly, thought about her own stuff, or even threw tantrums.


    "Your Majesty, don''t ever lie to me. How would it be possible that I wouldn''t know the consequences of this martial art? You were too impudent this time around. Never do this again in the future..." Hong Wu couldn''t help it and started yakking.


    "Get out!" The empress''s face turned ice cold.


    "Your Majesty, you must take care of your health!" Hong Wu advised as he retreated.


    After Hong Wu left, the empress rolled that piece of paper into a ball and threw it on the ground. Then, she resumed lying on the couch and listened to the news from the radio station every now and then.


    ...


    "Inform the soldiers to stop and begin pitching their tents!"


    A middle agedmander passed down the order among the Great Xia soldiers who were advancing forward.


    Thismander was named Yu Zheng and was known as Great Xia''s General Xuanwei. He was one of the chiefmanders who had led the two armies deep into Dayao.


    At this moment, the sun had just started to set, and it was four hours before night fell. However, there were two Dayao soldiers on patrol that kept their guard up at all times.


    After the tents were pitched, the middle agedmander gathered all the other high ranking officers in his tent.


    "How''s the situation today?"


    "Those Dayao soldiers behind are still following us. They are neither approaching nor distancing themselves from us. In my opinion, they feel that their military strength isn''t sufficient and are waiting for more soldiers tounch a joint attack," a beardedmander said in a husky voice.


    "15 kilometers to the west, traces of Dayao''s mounted scouts were discovered. It should be the winged cavalry!" anothermander said.


    "After Wu Shenghou''s death, the barbarians in Liao City are now free to do other things. They have about 7,000 soldiers after grouping up, and adding on the winged cavalry, it will definitely be a little troublesome," themander beside him added.


    "Ze Ying and Zhong Tianshan, each of you take 10,000 soldiers and lie low in our camp. The rest of you, instruct the others to wear their helmets and armor. Most importantly, stay vignt."


    "What''s Sir trying to imply...?"


    "These days, we have to make such arrangements so as to prevent them fromunching a night attack!" Yu Zheng exined.


    The same arrangement was also made for the other army that was closely connected.


    Even though both Great Xia soldiers had merged, they were still led by their respectivemanders.


    ...


    Wearing the night vision device, Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu led everyone to a ce that was a kilometer away from the Great Xia camp.


    "Ha, they are waiting for us!" Ren Baqian used the night vision device to look at the camp. All of a sudden, he burst intoughter.


    There wasn''t a single soul in sight regardless of whether it was inside the camp or near the fences. There was apleteck of heat energy signatures.


    Even a fool would know that the other party was waiting for the enemy.


    "Go and find out where they are hiding." Ren Baqian turned and said to Li Qianqiu. This type of situation wasmonly seen in movies and television series. Normally, the soldiers within the camp were ready to face their enemies while some of them remained hidden outside. The enemies would then be faced with a frontal assault when they charged into the camp, followed by the hidden soldiers appearing, blocking off the path of retreat, andunching a pincer attack.


    Li Qianqiu passed down the order. Soon enough, a few winged cavalry warriors disappeared into the darkness.


    Only after more than an hour did a few winged cavalry warriors return and report, "There are two groups, one about a kilometer north of the Great Xia camp and the other a kilometer northeast of it."


    Not long after, another winged cavalry warrior made a report as well and said, "There are soldiers stationed at the eastern and southeastern sides of the Great Xia camp."


    Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu did some calctions and estimated that there were easily 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers lying in ambush. Rather thanunch a direct assault on the main camp, it would be well worth their while to take down these soldiers instead.


    After making up their minds, they sent out orders without hesitation. The group of aboriginal soldiers in the south were tasked to observe the two Great Xia units nearby without making any moves. They were only to attack if they saw activity.


    As for Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu, they made their way toward the enemy unit that was northeast of the Great Xia camp. Ren Baqian adjusted the mortar, but didn''t open fire and waited for the winged cavalry to head over first.


    At present, those Great Xia soldiers were still waiting to ambush the aboriginals. Ren Baqian was waiting to see which party would be the one ambushing the other.


    In a small and sparse forest, over 10,000 Great Xia soldiersy low and quiet, waiting for the night attack that Dayao might spring on them.


    "Captain, do you think there will be a show tonight?"


    "Only the heavens know what will happen. Wait patiently and don''t talk."


    "But this damned ce has so many mosquitoes."


    Soon enough, the surroundings became quiet, and apart from breathing noises and slight rustlings made from moving their bodies, there were no other noises.


    Many soldiers even started to sleep.


    "Ah!" Suddenly, a miserable shriek came through the fringe of the forest.


    "What''s the matter?" Just after the captain spoke, he heard thousands of people shouting at the top of their lungs, "Great Xia dogs! Kill!"


    "It''s the Dayao soldiers!" It was toote for the people waiting in ambush to evenprehend what was going on. One by one, everyone began to shout at the top of their lungs in order to wake up the soldiers who had fallen asleep.


    "The winged cavalry!" somebody shouted from afar so as to alert the people who didn''t know what was going on.


    "Light the torches!" the captain yelled.


    Anyone who fought against the winged cavalry in this pitch ck darkness was practically courting death. At the moment, they could only light up their torches, get into their battle formation, and fight against the winged cavalry while waiting for the other soldiers to assist them.


    Very quickly, Ren Baqian saw the lit torch. The forest was illuminated bright red, exposing everything that was happening within. The soldiers inside could now clearly see the approaching enemies as well as their cold and sharp des that glistened in the torchlight.


    "The weather is very dry, so things will catch fire easily. Be careful!" Ren Baqian muttered softly. He took a mortar shell and stuffed it into the mortar barrel before looking to the side. "Hold this!"


    Only after the two guards reached for the barrels of the mortars did Ren Baqian release his hands and covered his ears.


    Bang!


    Right after hearing the sound of the two shots, tworge masses of fire could be seen bursting forth amid the chaotic Great Xia soldiers in the forest. Shrapnel was flying all over the ce and taking down all in it''s path.


    The originally chaotic Great Xia army became even more chaotic after encountering such a situation.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his ears, took another two mortar shells and stuffed them into the barrels. After that, he covered his ears again.


    Another two masses of fire exploded within the forest.


    "The Great Xia soldiers in the north have set off and are rushing toward the forest." The news from the mounted scouts was transmitted through the walkie-talkies.


    "Set off!" Li Qianqiu used the walkie-talkie tomand the soldiers. From afar, 3,000 soldiers immediately rushed toward the north where the Great Xia soldiers were hiding and pounced on them.


    As these 3,000 soldiers collided with the Great Xia army, blood-curdling screeches instantly rang out.


    At this point in time, it was chaotic in the Great Xia camps as well. They had been waiting for Dayao to spring a night attack on them, but they hadn''t expected that Dayao would actually attack these two hidden Great Xia units at night. As a result, the Great Xia camps were rushing to dispatch reinforcements.


    "Great Xia''s north camp has taken action and about 4,000 soldiers just marched out. They are all practitioners from the Great Xia sects!" This news was transmitted through the walkie-talkie.


    "Quickly rack up my gun!" Ren Baqian shouted repeatedly, but he didn''t forget to turn around to speak to Li Qianqiu and say, "For Her Majesty''s happiness..."


    After that, he changed to speaking in a pitiful tone, "You must protect me..."


    Li Qianqiu was speechless.


    Just a moment ago, he was still wondering what the link was between winning or losing this battle and Her Majesty''s happiness. In the end, he heard thetter half of Ren Baqian''s sentence and almost choked to death.

 Chapter 361 Night Battle

    "Damn it!" Ren Baqian swore and looked at the opposite side through the night vision device.


    When he used to go to work, Ren Baqian would rarely curse anyone. However, he was now bing more and more like a broken record. He didn''t care about his image anymore and cursed however he liked.


    How many of the 4,000 sect practitioners could he shoot with his machine gun? Those practitioners weren''t fools and had legs that were simr to wheels. It would be considered impressive if he could kill a few hundred of them after firing all of the bullets.


    Looking through the night vision device, he could only see patches of yellow and red heat sources moving rapidly in this direction.


    Bang bang bang! The machine gun that was set up on the ground spurted out a tongue of me and a line of bullets that looked like a long metallic dragon, opening a path in the crowd. All of a sudden, the Great Xia practitioners were shredded to pieces.


    Ren Baqian pressed and held the trigger, shaking the muzzle left and right before the bullets scattered out at a small angle.


    A row of red dots in the night vision device suddenly fell over. Some of the powerful experts deflected the bullets with the weapons in their hands whereas those slightly weaker ones were chopped into half.


    After a round of firing, the other party momentarily stopped in their tracks.


    This ferocious round of firing had scared the wits out of them.


    "The opponent''s concealed weapon is very powerful. Disperse!" someone in the crowd shouted loudly, and just like how farmers let sheep out to pasture, everyone dispersed in no time.


    Simr to the sport of gliding, some people jumped a few meters high and then floated a distance away.


    Some of them pushed off from the ground, and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared from the crowd.


    In addition, there were others acting like apes and monkeys. They did a few somersaults in the air andnded outside of the crowd. After that, they fled into the distance.


    Also, there were people lying on their stomachs who, like a lizards, crawled at a speed that was just as fast as running.


    Ren Baqian used the night vision device to look at the situation. He then fired at the ce that had the greatest number of enemy soldiers.


    Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! The gunshots paused for a dozen seconds before ringing out again.


    After using four ammunition belts, Ren Baqian looked at the guard beside him, who was still stuffing bullets into an empty ammunition belt. The rate of fire was much faster than the rate of reloading bullets.


    Next, he adjusted the angle of the mortar toward a densely popted ce and fired. As there were too many people over on the enemy''s side, there were still ces that were congested with people.


    Boom! Boom! Two explosions went off as dozens of people were blown up.


    Ren Baqian consecutively fired eight mortar shells before the other party found out how to tackle the problem.


    "Beware of your heads. Once a "boom" is heard, something will drop from the sky after 20 to 30 seconds.


    "Damn it! Such geniuses," Ren Baqian immediately cursed after hearing what the enemy said.


    After he cursed, he fired two shots in the direction of where that voice came from. In the distance, he could see people running for their lives while simultaneously looking at the sky. Some of them felt that it was too crowded in the vicinity and decided to run further away.


    "It''s above your heads! Run quickly!"


    Boom!


    Following the explosion, it wasn''t only the targets of the bombing that were affected. People in other ces were affected as well, scattering like birds and beasts.


    The sky was quite dark and it was already fairlyte when the mortar shells were found, so there were still some soldiers that couldn''t run out of the explosion range. However, the casualties were indeed much lower, with two explosions killing only ten people at most.


    The distance of 1,000 meters was shortened to 300 meters in less than a minute.


    Thousands of people were shouting about killing the barbarian dogs on the other side and rushing toward Ren Baqian''s position at the same time. Currently, they weren''t going to rescue the Great Xia soldiers in the woods anymore. Instead, their brains were filled with thoughts of killing the person who operated the concealed weapons.


    At least three or four hundred people had been killed or injured, and the eyes of the survivors were filled with anger.


    "Sir Li..." Ren Baqian miserably turned his head and looked at Li Qianqiu. Subsequently, he saw that Li Qianqiu''s d*ck was erect and as upright as a road sign.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    This is war! Why are you so excited? Are you into masochism?


    In the past, I still thought that you were loyal, considerate, and reliable. Never would I have expected this...


    At this moment, his impression of Li Qianqiu fell from the clouds to the depths of the earth. Immediately, Li Qianqiu wasbelled as a pervert by Ren Baqian.


    "Sir!" someone shouted from a distance. Then, a few hundred winged cavalry warriors came out of the forest, surrounding Ren Baqian and the others.


    There was still a portion of the winged cavalry dealing with the routed Great Xia soldiers in the forest, but about 500 winged cavalry warriors came out from the forest and were prepared to intercept the practitioners from the Great Xia sects.


    Only eight minutes had passed since the surprise attack, but the battle in the woods wasing to an end.


    Great Xia had yet to form into their battle formations, had not made sufficient preparations, and did not have an advantage in terms of the strength of their army. Under such situations, they were like sheep in front of the winged cavalry, who were all at least at the Earth Wheel level.


    Ren Baqian could finally heave a sigh of relief after seeing these winged cavalry warriors. Now, even if he took off the night vision device, he could already see the figures of the Great Xia practitioners. Each and every one of them were holding different types of weapons in their hands, and like wild dogs, they charged toward the winged cavalry with bloodshot eyes.


    It was obvious that their minds were only filled with the thought of tearing the winged cavalry into pieces.


    A few minutester, the winged cavalry ran into those Great Xia practitioners.


    The flickering of the sword gleams, the miserable screams, and the sound of weapons shing immediately emerged.


    "Earth Wheel experts! They are all Earth Wheel experts!"


    "It''s the winged cavalry!"


    The Great Xia practitioners cried out in rm as they were met by the quiet, yet merciless, winged cavalry.


    However, among these Great Xia practitioners, there were quite a few Earth Wheel experts. At the very least, there were 300 of them. Even though they wouldn''t be able to match up with the winged cavalry when fighting one-on-one, they were able to dy the winged cavalry from further attacks with the assistance of the other soldiers.


    Some of the more skillful experts jumped into battle formations.


    Obviously, the person inside the battle formation would be the most important person. As the saying went, "Capture the ringleader before capturing the underlings."


    It wasn''t only one person who thought this way.


    Ren Baqian spat out a mouthful.


    "Do all of you think that this thing is used to shoot ground targets? This is an air defence machine gun!"


    Ren Baqian was fuming with anger. He ruthlessly lifted the machine gun and aimed at a silhouette in the air.


    Bang bang bang!


    ng, ng,ng!


    Sparks flew in all direction. That silhouette twisted and turned in the air incessantly, and a pair of sabers in that person''s hands glittered with countless sparks.


    "Sh*t!" While aiming at the silhouette with the machine gun and spraying bullets, a thought immediately shed through his mind that the other party''s weapon was definitely not something ordinary. Otherwise, it would have been absolutely impossible to deflect the numerous bullets fired by the machine gun.


    In the past, some people felt that their movements were very fast, but in the end, they all ended up with broken sabers. Currently, he had already fired off half an ammunition belt of bullets, but apart from dodging some bullets, the other party had deflected at least dozens of bullets with those sabers of his. Ren Baqian felt that he had encountered a treasure, and he definitely had to grab it from the other partyter on.


    Ren Baqian looked as the man brandishing his sabers got farther and farther away from him while getting higher and higher above the ground from deflecting the bullets...


    Ren Baqian felt that if he had unlimited bullets, he would have shot this person up to the moon.


    ng! Finally, that man failed to deflect the bullets and one of his legs broke. After that, he fell from the air while letting out a tragic scream.


    Just like shooting y pigeons, Ren Baqian fired the machine gun once again. An explosion urred in midair and blood spurted out. What was left of the other party were only bits and pieces of his body.


    Ren Baqian remembered the ce where that man fell, waited for a while, then went to retrieve his sabers.


    "Hah!" Li Qianqiu picked up his huge axe, jumped up, and advanced toward a practitioner that was approaching him. He then struck him with his axe.


    Upon seeing the axe, which looked like a door, heading toward him, seven swords instantly appeared in the other party''s hands. Each sword struck at the surface of Li Qianqiu''s axe as a tremendous force was transmitted into his hand.


    It was as if Li Qianqiu didn''t sense anything. The trajectory of his enormous axe didn''t change, and he directly hacked the other party in half.


    After that, the axe was thrown out horizontally, travelling and streaking across the air in a straight line before chopping an expert, who was pouncing toward Ren Baqian, in half. Blood started raining down everywhere, and Ren Baqian''s entire face was sshed with blood.


    Ren Baqian loaded another ammunition belt and continued to use the machine gun. His eyes were red with anger, and he would shoot the person who jumped the highest!


    In the proximity, there were blood-curdling cries and the sounds of close quartersbat. asionally, severed heads and limbs flew about. In addition, there was also the yelling and cursing of those who had lost their family members and friends. All this had a great influence on Ren Baqian, causing him to shudder with excitement and re up with an aura of death.


    The machine gun finally yed the role that it should have yed long ago.

 Chapter 362 Grievance

    The defeat of the Great Xia soldiers was faster than anticipated.


    Previously, Ren Baqian hadn''t really seen the aboriginals battling against the Great Xia soldiers in the open because they had either been defending the city orunching night attacks.


    However, ording to hearsay, the casualty rate of the Great Xia elite soldiers needed to reach 30 to 50 percent to cause a rout. This scale already regarded the Great Xia elites as a strong army.


    The practitioners from the Great Xia sects weren''t obliged to follow orders, but Ren Baqian felt that they were much more courageous and had the advantage of having a lot of members. In addition, they were used to a life of bloodshed and would only copse if the casualty rate was at least 30 percent.


    However, Ren Baqian overlooked the silent psychological pressure exerted by the winged cavalry with their shing sabers as well as the existing rumors that the aboriginals were superior to ordinary warriors.


    In particr, the sight of fellow soldiers being sshed with blood around them as they fell down one by one was especially demoralizing. On the other hand, the other party only suffered slight losses. Apart from a few famous Earth Wheel experts who couldpete or even win, most were barely able to cope and fought all out with their lives.


    It was under such circumstances that many people realized who their opponents were and thought about retreating.


    If the opponents were ordinary aboriginal soldiers, they would still have some hope.


    However, with the winged cavalry as opponents, they had no hope of victory.


    In addition, they were not military elites who were expected to execute orders without fail. Even the death of Lu Pinghai could make the practitioners in the north rise up in revolt, not to mention the hundreds of Earth Wheel experts here and the corpses everywhere.


    Some of the more quick-witted practitioners began to flee.


    This action was soon followed by others.


    Moreover, many didn''t flee toward the Great Xia camp, but fled northwest in the direction of Great Xia because it was better to conceal their identities than to lose their lives here.


    When the casualty level reached about 20 percent, the practitioners from Great Xia began to scatter and flee in all directions.


    This 20 percent casualty rate was due to the winged cavalry killing the weaker practitioners very quickly.


    Like mortar shells, many winged cavalry warriors pushed off from the ground andunched into the distance.


    When fighting in a straightforward manner, the winged cavalry were stronger than those Great Xia practitioners who were at or below the Earth Wheel level. However, the Great Xia practitioners at the same level as the winged cavalry warriors were much stronger.


    "Chase them for 500 meters and then return!" Li Qianqiu''s voice resounded.


    Ren Baqian aimed with the machine gun for a long time and finally gave up resentfully.


    If he didn''t give up, he would be the one who caused the most casualties to the winged cavalry tonight.


    After returning from the short chase, each of those winged cavalry warriors sat and cleaned their sabers using strips of cloth cut from the corpses.


    Not long after, the winged cavalry in the forest came out as well. With the exception of themselves, no other living humans could be detected in the vicinity.


    The Great Xia army waspletely annihted with only a few managing to escape.


    This was because the winged cavalry was more familiar with the forest.


    It must be noted that the winged cavalry members were mostly recruited from the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    "Has the Great Xia armye out from their camp?" Ren Baqian sat on the floor and asked through the walkie-talkie.


    "Sir, they have note out, but are stepping up their vignce."


    Ren Baqian grunted and put his head down to the ground. The response from Great Xia was very normal. They would suffer even more casualties if they tried to rescue their soldiers. In the darkness, not only was the visibility limited to a short distance, but the strength of the Great Xia soldiers was at its lowest. On the other hand, the aboriginals weren''t affected by this at all.


    Even after knowing that there were only a few thousand aboriginals soldiers out there, they still didn''t dare to make a move.


    However, their deaths were simply a matter of time to Ren Baqian.


    It would take at least a week to reach the border, and it was impossible for them to leave alive.


    Li Qianqiu wouldn''t allow them to leave alive either.


    This Great Xia army was tainted with the blood of most of the aboriginalmoners.


    Even though Ren Baqian didn''t witness it with his own eyes, he had heard that many strongholds weren''t informed of the attacks beforehand and were instantly ttened.


    There were also some cities that had been destroyed.


    "Won''t the Great Xia people think of taking revenge?" Ren Baqian looked at the Milky Way in the night sky, heaved a sigh, and turned to Li Qianqiu.


    "Simply kill all those who are thinking of revenge. Kill them until they dare not think about it." Li Qianqiu grinned cruelly, disying the characteristics of an aboriginal.


    In Ren Baqian''s eyes, Li Qianqiu was quite a good person, but to outsiders, all the aboriginals were seen as cruel and bloodthirsty.


    "Your enemy is my hero!" Ren Baqian sighed and then tossed the matter aside.


    He used to think that life was precious in the past.


    He always considered himself a good guy who helped olddies cross the street, was friendly to others, and helped when he could. However, he didn''t actually do any of these things.


    Yet, he still considered himself a good person.


    Only the heavens knew when he had started to think that life was just a phase or simply a term.


    When the 3,000 soldiers returned, everyone prepared to head south to attack the other two units that were lying in ambush, but they received news that these two units were instead returning back to the camp.


    Great Xia originally intended to leave some ambush soldiers in order tounch a pincer attack when Dayao attacked them at night, but Great Xia never expected themselves to be put in such a vulnerable position. Therefore, they decided to call those two units back.


    When the aboriginal soldiers in the south discovered that the other party was heading back to their camp, it was already toote, so they could only watch them do so.


    "The night has ended. We wille again tomorrow night," Ren Baqian yawned and said.


    In one night, he had knocked out one seventh of the Great Xia army and scattered the sect practitioners. Now that Great Xia was setting up their battle formation in the camp, there wasn''t a need to continue.


    As it was nearing dawn, the two aboriginal forces finally reunited.


    Since those 3,500 soldiers were originally from the Protectorate of the Center, it was a smooth affair when Li Qianqiu resumedmand. Apart from the mounted scouts and the sentinels, the rest went to sleep.


    There were no tents to speak of.


    When outdoors, the aboriginals took the sky as their nket and the ground as their bed. The wet and cold nightspletely didn''t matter to them at all.


    Ren Baqian slept in his clothes for a night and woke up the next day with a bumpy forehead, but zing eyes.


    These damned mosquitoes.


    After a good meal of roasted livestock, everyone chased after the Great Xia soldiers. Shortly after the enemy had just pitched their tents, Ren Baqian and his people arrived a few kilometers away from them. They barbecued some meat before continuing with the night attack.


    ...


    Ren Baqian and the rest of the aboriginals waited for several hours. It was midnight when they reached the outskirts of the Great Xia camp.


    "Sure enough, they are waiting for us!" Ren Baqian said after looking with the night vision device.


    Although the Great Xia soldiers weren''t grouped into military formations like they werest night, the peripheral tents were all empty while there were big patches of heat signatures inside the camp as they waited to ambush the enemy.


    It was densely crowded inside the camp with tens of thousands of soldiers standing around like idiots. Ren Baqian felt that they were asking to be bombed. He immediatelyunched mortar shells at areas that were densely crowded with enemies.


    There were some upheavals following the explosions, but they were soon suppressed.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    After seven or eight explosions, the confusion in the Great Xia camp could no longer be controlled. They didn''t even see the enemy, but with every explosion, men and horses were thrown off their feet.


    "Sir, what should we do?" A group ofmanders were gathered in an area inside the Great Xia camp.


    "Fight our way out!" someone suggested.


    "Fight our way out? Seeing the smoke from afar during the evening, at least six or seven thousand barbarians are likely gathered and waiting outside. It would be suicide if we ventured out at night," anothermander countered with a frown.


    "It is also a dead end if we stay and wait. Our morale will soon plummet, so we might as well go out and kill some barbarians!" anothermander said anxiously.


    The timely sounds of explosions acted as footnotes to his words.


    The entire group was facing a dilemma.


    Whether they ventured out or not, it was damned if they do and damned if they don''t.


    If they ventured out, the aboriginals would be waiting. Plus, in a night battle, the oue was already known.


    If they stayed, they would be passively taking a beating. Even though the enemy couldn''t be seen, the soldiers were already in turmoil. If they waited longer, the soldiers would erupt in chaos even before the enemy came.


    They were all nursing a grievance��this battle was too frustrating because they could not move forward or retreat. They had never fought such an unfair battle before.


    "Wait!" Finally, a man in the center said, "I don''t believe that their special weapons will not run out."


    After a short time, this person reached the same conclusion as Wu Shenghou.

 Chapter 363 Continuation of the Night Attack Part 1

    Following a few rounds of artillery bombardment, the enemies outside the st radius remained in their positions.


    Ren Baqian hoped that the other party would move. After the enemies made their movements, he would create confusion to make it easier for his soldiers to break in.


    If he could, he would continue bombarding them till the enemy had no strength left to retaliate. However, the number of artillery shells left were limited.


    If Ren Baqian had around 1,000 artillery shells, he would bombard them to the extent that they would doubt their own lives, guaranteeing that when they returned to Great Xia, they would spend every single day pondering, "Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?"


    But the problem was that he didn''t have that many.


    The enemies didn''t move, and many of them squatted down in an attempt to lessen the damage dealt by the explosives.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that the enemies wouldy t on the ground after continuing with the bombardment. He reasoned that the enemies would realize that the damage of the explosives would be reduced if they were to lie down.


    "Where are their rations?" Ren Baqian turned over to ask Li Qianqiu. Soon enough, dozens of winged cavalry warriors encircled the Great Xia barracks and investigated..


    They received the news that Great Xia''s rations were well secured.


    "From where can you see it? Go take a look!" Ren Baqian eximed.


    "Skip that hassle." Li Qianqiu waved his hand. With one hand holding onto Ren Baqian, he exerted some force on his legs and the both of them leapt about 25 meters into the air. Ren Baqian removed his night vision device, and caught sight of the rations that were protected in the middle of the barracks.


    Lit torches were attached to the entire outer fence and there wasn''t much light inside. But, everyone had a torch in their hands. Once the Dayao soldiers attack, they would light up the torches and the camp would immediately be illuminated.


    However, there were still a few lit torches in the middle section, which allowed Ren Baqian to catch a clear glimpse


    Surrounding the rations that were piled up like a mountain in the middle of the camp, the Great Xia soldiers got into their battle formation and stood to the front.


    Even though they encircled the rations, due to thend structure and arrangement, most of the soldiers stood facing where the two gates were and lesser people stood facing the north barrack.


    The south and north barracks were pitched near together so that they could assist each other in a quick manner. In addition, both barracks had their separate line ofmands. The current north barrack was one of the first barrack to infiltrate Dayao as most of the sect practitioners in the society came from there. After they lost the war yesterday, there was no telling how many of them managed to return back to the barracks.


    About half of the 20,000 soldiers in hiding yesterday were killed. Very few of them managed to escape. At present, there was at most 40,000 soldiers remaining in their camp.


    And those whounched the night attack from the south barrack were the 100,000 reinforcement soldiers who joined inter. At present, there were around 80,000 of them left.


    At the peak, Ren Baqian saw everything beneath clearly.


    He heard something tearing apart��


    "Eh?" In just a split second, Ren Baqian could no longer feel the arm that was grabbing on to his shirt cor. Unexpectedly, his shirt couldn''t take the weight and tore, which scared the sh*t out of him.


    Given his current strength, even though he wouldn''t fall to death from a height of around 25 meters, he would probably break his legs. Most importantly, he was unable to control his body!


    Thankfully, Li Qianqiu reacted almost instantly and grabbed hold of his arm, and held onto him as they descended from the sky. Like a meteorite crashing into the ground, the entire ground shook when theynded.


    "Your uncle!" Ren Baqian cursed as soon as hended.


    Wouldn''t it be fine if Li Qianqiu held on to his arm when he leapt up? His heart rate almost shot up to 180 beats per minute just now.


    Li Qianqiu pulled out his legs from the ground, turned his head and looked at Ren Baqian, before asking, "You know my uncle?"


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    He told himself not to get angry with this bunch of bastards as he continued to sulk. He only managed to calm down after some time before proceeding to find out the location of Great Xia''s rations.


    His clothes became a piece of torn rag. Dangling on his body, he looked no better than a beggar.


    Aspared to the aboriginals, a huge portion of his exposed skin was soft and tender. There were countless mosquitoes aiming for him as if he was Tang Sanzhang, but he didn''t seem to notice at all.


    "Extinguish all of the lit torches!" Ren Baqianmanded.


    Dozens of winged cavalry warriors drew out their bows, prepared their arrows and fired one round. The lit torches on Great Xia''s outer fence were shot down from their positions andnded on the ground. At the same time, the brightness dimmed down. Following which, those winged cavalry warriors rode around the vicinity of the camp, as the camp grew dimmer.


    "This is how it is on the inside," Ren Baqian drew an oval on the ground. Making a mark on an area somewhere near the middle he indicated that was the position of the rations.


    In front of it was a beefy battle formation. The enemy troops were situated nearer to the river and the north barrack had less troops.


    The soldiers deployed to face the north barrack were the least in numbers, but attacking that area would make the aboriginals vulnerable to a pincer attack. With that consideration, the area facing the river would be most suitable tounch an attack at.


    "In a while, I will drop an artillery barrage and ignite their rations. They will be caught in a chaotic situation. You guys will then strike before making a turn here to get to that spot and be on standby."


    "With this round of attack, their firefighting activities will be affected. With each dy, the fire will grow stronger, and they will be forced to fetch water in order to put out the fires."


    "The rest of our people will wait in ambush near the water source, and they will kill anyone whoes their way."


    "Your next step will then depend on their reaction. They are unlikely to abandon their rations, as the rations in the north barrack are insufficient to sustain 20,000 soldiers until they return to Great Xia. What they will be likely to do is to deploy a part of their troops to fetch water from the river as they fire their arrows in tandem with their soldiers moving forward. Hence, those that are deployed near the river must be wary. There is no need to kill too many of them during the first attack, as the others are out of the firing range on both sides."


    "As for how should we handle the situation at that time, we would have to see how they deploy their soldiers. If everything goes ording to n, out of those two groups of enemy soldiers, we will take down one of them." Ren Baqian exined the battle n in detail as he drew the map on the ground.


    Regardless of whether it was the art of war, or the 36 stratagems, he had never learnt any of it.


    As for the feasibility of this n, Ren Baqian felt that having a strategy was better than having none. Besides, the worst case scenario would just be facing their enemies head-on. Given the aboriginals'' current military strength, in addition to firing the mortar to disrupt Great Xia''s battle formation, they wouldn''t lose even if they had to fight them head on. It was just a matter of reducing the number the casualties as much as possible.


    At present, they were relying on the fact that their enemies didn''t dare to act blindly without thinking as well as the fact that Ren Baqian knew every single move of the other party like the back of his hand. In addition, they still had the walkie-talkie which enabled them tomunicate and pass down orders immediately, and also the mortar which couldunch attacks from far away.


    Not forgetting the fact that the brutal strength of the aboriginals would best be put to use in such chaotic situations.


    Could 1,000 soldiers batter an army of 10,000 back on Earth? One could do that in this world.


    An ordinary soldier could exert a force of about 1500 newtons whereas the winged cavalry could exert up to 15,000 newtons of force and even split apart a bullet with a de.


    With such quick reactions, speed and also great strength, an aboriginal elite like a winged cavalry warrior was equivalent to 100 ordinary soldiers. No one could hold a candle to them.


    All of these factors became the aboriginals'' advantage.


    Out of those key factors, items like the walkie-talkie and the night vision device were brought over from Earth. Even though they didn''t inflict direct damage, they were of tremendous value .


    The night vision device allowed them to understand all of their enemies'' movements in the dark. The walkie-talkies allowed them to directlymunicate with the soldiers without having to deploy a messenger. Regardless of whether it was to muster the troops or to give out orders, all of that could be achieved almost instantaneously.


    "What happens if the north barrackes to assist them?" Li Qianqiu asked.


    "Then we will preupy them with something," Ren Baqian answered.


    Everyone then made their way to the vicinity of the north barrack. Once again, Ren Baqian took off high into the sky, and he saw that the arrangement of their rations was almost identical to that of the south barrack.


    "Send 500 men to the river bank of the north barrack and prepare for interception." Li Qianqiu passed down his orders through the walkie-talkie.


    Ren Baqian fired the mortar after adjusting the angle.


    Ten artillery shells were fired in session, and the angle was adjusted with slight corrections as the shots fired. This round of artillery barrage was just sufficient enough to destroy half of the north barrack''s rations.


    When the artillery shells hit the ground and exploded, the mmable substances sshed all over the rations, setting them alight.


    The north barrack, which had always been taking careful precautions, suddenly sank into disorder. Almost immediately, voices could be heard, "Fetch water, put out the fire!"


    The Great Xia army first overthrew the ration carts to reduce their losses before rushing to the tents nearby to grab some bedding to try and put out the fire. At the same time, another group of soldiers were deployed to fetch water from the river. Soon after, battle cries resounded near the river bank, and those 1,000 soldiers who went sent to fetch water were beaten up into a stuffed bun.


    This all happened within a very short time frame.


    Ren Baqian and his men then moved to another position, adjusted the firing angle of the mortar, aimed it towards the rations in the south barracks and fired. Your uncle - a ng word for damn it, but in this context, Li Qianqiu actually misunderstood the word literally.Tang Sanzhang - Monk in Journey to the West

 Chapter 364 Continuation of the Night Attack Part 2

    Following a loud explosion, the south barracks quickly became chaotic.


    When humans were bombarded, they could still hide and withstand the attack, but their rations could not.


    Without rations, Dayao didn''t even need to attack and the enemy army would starve to death.


    This Great Xia army immediately reacted the same way, and the soldiers who stood guard at the barriers had already made preparations as well.They all knew that the aboriginals were about to attack.


    The first wave of assault that Great Xia was faced with wasn''t from the winged cavalry. Instead, it was a round of mortar strikes by Ren Baqian. Over ten shells were fired consecutively, aimed at areas where the enemy forces were the most concentrated, and spread toward the side. A huge part of the attack struck the position where the other party''s soldiers were the most dense, and a few of these shells disrupted the region where the winged cavalry wereunching their attack.


    Thereafter, 1,000 winged cavalry warriors emerged from the darkness by the river. As a streak of sword gleam shed across the air, an area of fence immediately copsed. The winged cavalry formed into a wedge shaped battle formation and charged ahead, killing their enemies.


    Like a hot knife through butter, the soldiers of Great Xia were shed apart even before they were able to recover from the previous chaos. The front of the battle formation pierced through first while the other winged cavalry warriors followed up and split the gap further apart.


    Whenever the head of the wedge shaped formation was hindered, a few of the warriors would leap forward and continue forging deep ahead. In just a short period of five minutes, they had managed to fight their way from the border to the center.


    The surrounding winged cavalry warriors immediately spread out like a blossoming flower or, in other words, like a closed fist spreading out into an open palm. Row by row, the soldiers in the middle of the Great Xia battle formation started to copse.


    At the same time, some of the winged cavalry were setting fires all over the ce while others were flipping the ration carts into the mes. This intensified the ze, which also ensured that more of the rations were destroyed.


    Li Qianqiu kept jumping up and down in the darkness in order to observe the tendencies of the Great Xia army because the two meter radius area of ground that he was standing on was half a meter lower than the other areas. This attracted Ren Baqian''s attention, so he looked toward Li Qianqiu.


    Under themand of Li Qianqiu, before Great Xia was entirely surrounded like a dumpling, the winged cavalry attacked the weakest part of the northern area. After knocking down the fence, they escaped from that little piece ofnd in the middle of the north barracks and rapidly disappeared into the darkness.


    Previously at the south barracks, if the Great Xia army had separated their rations and made use of quilts to put out the fires, it would have reduced their losses. However, the fire was currently too immense, and they had totally ditched this idea.


    At least half of their rations were engulfed by the ze.


    In the middle of the Great Xia battle formation, the middle-aged general from the previous attack turned pale as he looked upon the huge ze right in front of him. The radiance of the mes shone on his face and turned into a strange red color.


    "Fetch water and put out the fire!" He managed to yell out these words with much difficulty.


    "Sir, they are afraid that the enemies may be waiting outside. The chaos at the north barracks just now was a result of their rations being burned. However, those barbarians didn''t attack the north barracks," one of the soldiers immediately reported.


    "Those wielding des and shields, the spearmen as well as the crossbow battalion, get ready. Archers, fire three volleys toward the outside," the general of Great Xiamanded.


    After that, the troops began rearranging themselves ording to the orders passed down from the general and exactly 20,000 people formed up into a battle formation on one side of the river. At the front were the soldiers wielding des and shields followed by the crossbow battalion, two rows of spearmen, and three rows of archers at the rear.


    During the mobilization of these soldiers, there were two people jumping up and down in the darkness outside the camp��


    "No other ideas?" Ren Baqian heaved a sigh as he descended from midair. Like jumping on a spring mattress, his entire body felt fatigued.


    "This is the first time I realized that you are actually a genius!" Ren Baqianmented as he jumped into the air again and descended after he reached the apex.


    Damn it, when you die in the future, the cause of death must be stupidity.


    Also, why are you erecting a tent?


    ��


    "Sir, we managed to retrieve half of the rations, but couldn''t make it in time for the rest�� Shall we still fetch the water?" one of themanders asked as he pointed toward a huge bonfire. That area was already hopeless and couldn''t be saved even if they were to ssh water on it.


    As the winged cavalry had yed their role too well when they set fire to the surroundings during the attack, Ren Baqian had even nned to lure the Great Xia soldiers over to the river to fetch water in order to fight the fire. However, Great Xia had eventually decided to give up on that thought.


    The general of the south barracks was full of a murderous aura. He then said, "Pretend that you are going to fetch water and send some men out to probe. If the aboriginals are indeed out there, fire arrows immediately."


    Following his orders, the battle formation that was already formed started moving toward the river bank. They held their position when they were about 60 meters away from the fence and the archers fired three rounds toward the outside.


    Under themand of Ren Baqian, the aboriginals soldiers that were fighting outsidey in a prone position outside the fence and were protected because the arrows couldn''t reach them.


    In the scene of the night, the arrows screeched through the air andnded in the river.


    Following which, a few hundred Great Xia soldiers faced death with equanimity and rushed out with water buckets. Thereafter, blood-curdling screeches filled the air.


    "Fire!" Without hesitation, the Great Xia army fired another three volleys of arrows from the camp. This time around, sounds of arrows piercing through human bodies could be heard.


    Throughout the duration of this war between Great Xia and Dayao, full scale arrow fire within a fixed proximity like this had incurred the most casualties. Whenever both parties engaged in closebat, there were in fact much less casualties, but the casualty rate would be on a constant rise.


    Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu looked upon the situation from somewhere far away as Great Xia fired volley after volley of arrows and felt a little suspicious.


    "Something doesn''t seem right."


    Amid his suspicions, the other party sent a few hundred kamikaze soldiers that charged toward the outside. When the ughter started, countless volleys of arrows immediately came raining down from the camp.


    "Damn, they obviously aren''t trying to fight the fire. They are fishing!" Ren Baqian had a sudden realization as he looked at the Great Xia battle formation that stood rooted to the ground.


    ording to what he had nned out originally, if the enemies were to fight the fire, they would definitely move their battle formation to the river bank. Once they had stepped outside the barriers and moved further away from the remaining soldiers in the camp, the aboriginal soldiers would then strike and take down those 20,000 soldiers.


    One had to know that in order to contain 80,000 soldiers, a camp like this had to have an area that spanned at least a five kilometer radius.


    It was only one kilometer from the center of the camp to the gate at the river.


    Now, however, the rear of the battle formation was only one kilometer away from the center of the camp. It would only take a few minutes for their reinforcements to arrive. The enemies stood rooted in their positions and wouldn''t move forward an inch even if they were beaten to death. Instead, they consecutively sent out hundreds of men and immediately fired their arrows the moment the blood-curdling screeches sounded. They didn''t even bother worrying about their own soldiers out there.


    "Damn it! This is totally different from what I expected," Ren Baqian cursed.


    Currently, this enemy unit was much closer to the rest of the Great Xia army in the center of the camp than Ren Baqian had previously expected. If they were to charge over now, it would be impossible for them to retreat before the enemy reinforcements arrived. It would turn into a head-on attack, which was contrary to his initial idea of reducing casualties.


    However, the other party wasn''t a marite, and it wasn''t possible for them to act ording to his expectations.


    "Do we attack or not?" Li Qianqiu asked. Based on his opinion, if they were to strike head-on against their enemies right now, they could kill them together with their reinforcement troops when they arrivedter. No fear! With 6,000 aboriginal soldiers and 1,000 winged cavalry warriors against 80,000 Great Xia soldiers, the sess rate would be rather high.


    The higher number of casualties would be the only problem.


    If they were to act ording to Ren Baqian''s n, the number of casualties would be reduced, and Li Qianqiu was also supportive of this idea. As for the sentiments of the soldiers, these were more profound whenpared to Ren Baqian. Although a soldier wouldn''t be affected bypassion, if given a choice to do something that would reduce casualties, they would rather take that option.


    "Attack if the circumstances are favorable. Even if they are not, force yourself on them!" Ren Baqian spat out a mouthful of saliva and continued talking, "Winged cavalry, assume your positions. As for the others, get ready to retreat. I will first hit them with a round of mortar bombardment before the winged cavalry strike with a sudden attack. Just kill two soldiers each and retreat."


    After all that ferocity, Ren Baqian still felt that there wasn''t any need to face their enemies head-on. There were still seven more days to go, which was still a pretty long journey ahead.


    They still had to conserve some military strength and fight against the Yun Nation when they headed back!


    However, he was very thankful to have the assistance of the empress''s winged cavalry. With this group of elites, even if they were up against the assault of 100,000 soldiers, the current blitzkrieg situation, a night attack, or even a long distance raid, there was nothing that they couldn''t handle.


    Unfortunately, they were up against Great Xia in this war. Currently, the winged cavalry''s total strength had fallen from 1,500 to just 1,000 warriors, and even Ren Baqian started to feel the pinch.

 Chapter 365 Continuation of the Night Attack Part 3

    "Boom!" Waves of explosions resonated from within the Great Xia camp.


    "Kill!" When the winged cavalry got closer, over ten people at the front drew out their des. With a kick, the fence made from tree trunks ten centimeter thick that surrounded the Great Xia camp immediately copsed.


    One by one, the winged cavalry emerged from the darkness. Their murderous aura, coupled with body builds that were much stronger than many peoples'', made their enemies tremble in fear.


    Following yells of "kill!," the winged cavalry formed up into the wedge formation and charged toward their enemies'' battle formation, which was still a little chaotic after being bombarded by the mortar shells previously.


    "Crossbow battalion, fire! Archers, fire toward the rear! Infantry go obstruct them. Spearmen teams 6, 7, and 8, thrust forward!" Several orders were passed down from within the battle formation as volleys of crossbow bolts and arrows were fired toward the iing winged cavalry.


    The Great Xia battle formation was crescent shaped. Regardless of which direction the winged cavalry approached from, they would still be in the firing range of a substantial amount of projectiles


    However, the Great Xia troops hadn''t recovered from the chaos created by the earlier bombardment and the bolts from the crossbow battalion didn''t pose much of a threat to the winged cavalry. They charged into the crowd and began killing their enemies, bringing forth a rain of blood.


    After using the mortar to pave a path and disrupt the enemy''s battle formation, the winged cavalry charged directly into the enemy battle formation to engage in closebat. With the exceptional strength of the winged cavalry warriors, they managed to wreak havoc to their enemies using this time tested method.


    Li Qianqiu carried Ren Baqian and continued jumping up and down. As the night wind brushed across his face, Ren Baqian felt like singing, "The cold night wind casually beat upon my face!"


    [Ren Baqian''s rendition of a song by Andy Lau, a Hong Kong singer/actor]


    However, very soon after, his attention was fixed upon something.


    At this moment, he could see that the enemy''s battle formation had already been torn apart. The corpses as well as the willfully flowing fresh blood on the ground seemed like a dark red flower from afar.


    The remaining survivors had began to flee in disarray, and a big portion of them ran toward the center of the camp. The troops there formed their battle formation and began moving toward that direction.


    When the routed soldier had almost reached the battle formation, the reinforcements halted about 200 steps away and fired their arrows toward the front, covering the sky with a nket of arrows.


    The sound of stretching bow strings and loosed arrows ovepped with each other in unison, creating a thunderous swoosh sound.


    Both the winged cavalry and the Great Xia troops were within their firing range.


    "How brutal!" Ren Baqian mumbled to himself.


    One had to know that almost half of the 20,000 soldiers still remained. These were actually Great Xia soldiers who were still alive and kicking��their own people. There were still almost 10,000 of their own soldiers, which wasn''t a small number at all.


    The Great Xia chiefmander was unexpectedly so brutal. How would he justify this to the other soldiers? How would he exin this to the imperial court when he returned to Great Xia?


    When the winged cavalry on the ground noticed the impending arrow shower, they sessively picked up the corpses on the ground and raised them above their heads as shields. Some who still had excess energy brandished their sabers such that even water couldn''t ssh through.


    "Retreat!" Ren Baqian ordered. Their objective had been met and such an oue was eptable.


    Still those same few words: There were still seven days left, which was a long way to go.


    Following Li Qianqiu''smand, Ren Baqian and his men began to retreat and returned to their rally point.


    Even after taking a detour, the winged cavalry arrived at the rally point earlier than Ren Baqian and his men. When Ren Baqian arrived, he could already see them sitting down and attending to their wounds in silence.


    Ren Baqian did a thorough headcount. 976 men, again a little fewer than before.


    The strength of an Earth Wheel expert was definitely crushingpared to that of an ordinary soldier. The winged cavalry greatly exceeded the ordinary soldiers, regardless of whether it was physical strength, speed, reaction time, or toughness. However, there were still casualties every time they step onto the battlefield.


    The majority of casualties were caused by the crossbow bolts.


    Even after they had charged into the enemy battle formation, there were still crossbow bolts fired from the darkness. After all, the crossbow battalions weren''t fools that were easily trampled over when facing their enemies at close range.


    In particr, the winged cavalrymonly had a bad habit of leaping forward to sh more enemies after wiping out everyone nearby.


    By leaping up so high when there were so many people, who else would they shoot at but you?


    Ren Baqian was thinking that when the war was over, he had to request for the empress to pass down an order. It would be a necessity for him to correct the winged cavalry''s problem of always jumping around like rabbits.


    It hurt him a lot to see the winged cavalry suffer casualties!


    After walking a circuit around the camp, Ren Baqian and Li Qianqiu greeted each other. He then brought his bodyguards to search for a remote ce and ordered them to keep watch over the surrounding areas. Ren Baqian then disappeared into the darkness.


    At present, many of them had a rough guess in their heads. Ever since Ren Baqian set out on his journey toward Liao City, even though Ren Baqian always tried his best to find an isted room to vanish in, he would always reappear after a few days carrying a bunch of things with him.


    Hence, Ren Baqian had already prepared himself for people making such conjectures about him. In any case, he had previously spoken to Tong Zhenye about the "hearthstone," but since nobody had asked him about it, he just allowed them to continue with their wild guesses.


    However, concepts like time travelling were simply too far fetched for the aboriginals. In their minds, Ren Baqian still came from somewhere in their world.


    Ren Baqian still had two short sabers with him when he returned back to Earth that were around 70 centimeters long. The des of the sabers were about 40 centimeters long and three fingers wide. The handles and scabbards were made of gold and silver, respectively. Additionally, the words "Golden Time" were engraved on one saber and "Silver Time" on the other.


    These sabers belonged to that person who Ren Baqian almost sent to the moon. His corpse had ended up torn apart, but his sabers still remained perfectly unscathed.


    Back then, Ren Baqian tried out these sabers when he got ahold of them, and they indeed sliced through metal as if it was mud. The other precious sword brought back by a soldier, which could also slice through metal as if it was mud, broke after exchanging three blows.


    To Ren Baqian, obtaining these sabers was as if he had gained the most precious treasure ever. It was a pity that he was too weak and basically had no use for them. He threw them aside after hugging them to sleep for a night.


    He had specially brought these sabers back this time when he returned. The aboriginals had no use for such short sabers, and since he too couldn''t put them to use, he might as well bring them back and unt them.


    Ren Baqian also had to bring back some good stuff to Earth asionally to prevent people from belittling the other world.


    He first threw the sabers aside when he returned to the vi, prepared a nice hot bath, and had a good shower. Wearing only his underwear, he strolled to the next room that was full of snacks and grabbed a few packets of dried fruits, some beef jerky, and a few soft drinks before going to the ground floor to watch television.


    After over a month of war, it was already halfway through April in Dayao. On Earth, it was March 2019.


    Even though he would watch the news every time he came back, the feeling that he was drifting further apart from Earth grew stronger.


    This was mainly because every time Ren Baqian came back, his whole mind was filled with bombs, mortar shells, and grenades. Apart from Yang Sen and his own family, he rarely came into contact with people. Seemingly, the ordinary life on Earth didn''t concern him much anymore.


    Furthermore, the time in the two worlds travelled at different speeds. The time on Earth passed too quickly, resulting in him feeling distinctly more distant.


    After being slightly rueful for a brief moment, Ren Baqian felt that with the passing of time, such distant feelings could possibly create a rift between his family and himself, and it would only get worse as time went on.


    However, there was nothing that he could do about it.


    If he were to live to the ripe old age of 100 years in the other world, he would at least live for 2,170 years on Earth.


    By that time, let alone Ren Wannian''s son, even his great grandson would already be dead.


    After a day ofzing on the sofa, Ren Baqian picked up his cell phone and returned his missed calls. One of them was from his mother. His father would be celebrating his 52nd birthday, and she wanted him to bring his girlfriend home for a visit.


    His mother had already been brooding when he didn''t bring his girlfriend back for her 50th birthdayst year.


    As for that person in the photograph, his mother had already been missing him for a very long time, and the result of this was his father''s 52nd birthday. By the looks of it, they would still be celebrating her 51st birthday this year.


    Every year on their birthdays, nobody else would be present except for the two of them.


    The other missed call was from Chen Qing.


    The hangover cure "Blue Potion" had already hit the market. Sales immediately flourished just after a very short period of time. Its effects were so powerful that it immediately crushed all the other simr products on the market and even made a reputation overseas. Even though there were a couple of questions and remarks online about the Blue Potion, a perceptive person would be able to tell that those remarks were fabricated by theirpetitors.


    Now that "Blue Potion" had gained a reputation and its sales volume wasn''tcking, the only inadequacy was its production output.


    Nowadays, Papa Chen was full of lofty ideals and was buyingnd in the south to nt the green vines.


    Another piece of news was that the remedy for leukemia had already been developed and was about to begin clinical trials. The nation was currently taking a special interest in this drug.


    After hearing this news, even though Ren Baqian smiled in response, he didn''t have strong feelings in his heart.


    As previously mentioned, it had been a long while since he came into contact with everyday life on Earth. Money, which had been a very important thing to him in the past, no longer held its significance. It was just a number to him since he didn''t even have much time to spend money.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian suddenly felt that he was pretty pathetic. At least, other people had a few friends or enemies and had someone that they could show off pompously to for no apparent reason.


    As for himself? Apart from being able to negotiate with the nation, he didn''t even have anyone that he could show off to��


    Forget it, I shall give Yang Sen a call. This way I can unt a little in front of him and in front theboratory staff.

 Chapter 366 Killing Inten

    Ren Baqian walked out of theboratory looking slightly disappointed.


    This was the only area where he thought he could show off, but it appeared that nobody in theb was impressed by the pair of razor sharp short sabers after seeing the Elongation Saber.


    After seeing their reaction, Ren Baqian felt as though he was throwing flirty looks at a blinddy. He didn''t want to stick around any longer and immediately drove off after bidding Yang Sen goodbye.


    Not long after, Ren Baqian sat in an exquisite restaurant. On his table was a bottle of beer and two side dishes.


    He missed humanpany. Even though he was able to return to Earth from time to time, being here on his own was dull. Staying alone in arge, lonely vi only made things worse.


    Thankfully, the war would end with the destruction of the Great Xia army. With regards to the Protector of the Northeast and the Yun Nation, Ren Baqian felt that a batch of hand grenades would be enough to do the job.


    The Yun Nation''s great army of more than 400,000 soldiers sounded impressive on paper, but the truth of the matter was that only 180,000 of them had any true fighting capabilities. The rest of the soldiers from the various cities were practically useless and considered good if they didn''t burden the main force. They only knew how to fight each other for undeserved spoils of war and would readily retreat from a real fight without hesitation.


    All they were good for was probably standing by the side and shouting, "Dope!"


    He nned to bring the empress back to Earth for some well-earned rest and rxation after the war. He felt that the long days of outdoor camping and continuous fighting were hard work.


    As Ren Baqian raised his ss, he thought, Even though all I do is fire mortars from afar, it''s still been really tiring, and I do deserve a good break.


    He remembered his training after giving himself a toast.


    It''s been a while since Ist trained, so my strength has been stagnant at 680 catties for quite a while.


    Oh well, it can''t be helped. I don''t have the money nor the necessary ingredients.


    The imperial depository of the empress''s pce had been emptied.


    At least they managed to recover 7,000 taels of gold from the trade caravans that were robbed. That converted to around 70,000 taels of silver, which was enough to purchase a hefty amount of herbs from Lan City.


    In addition, there was still that warlord from theYun Nation. Seizing his assets after killing him should provide enough resources tost Ren Baqian quite a while.


    The Department of Inspection was supposedly responsible for this matter.


    The Department of Inspection sounded like some nonsensical bureau from ancient times, but they were actually in charge of a lot of matters. Things like arresting people and carrying out assassinations were part of its responsibilities. It was not too extreme to call it an attack dog reared by the pce.


    It was said to be a small department of over 100 people that were at least at the Earth Wheel level.


    They weren''t as good as the winged cavalry at breaking through enemy lines, but they were excellent at close quartersbat.


    Rumor had it that Great Xia''s seventh prince was assassinated by the Department of Inspection.


    As this stream of thoughts flowed through his mind, Ren Baqian noticed that he had finished half the bottle of beer, but had not touched the dishes much.


    Ren Baqian put his thoughts aside and brought his focus back to his meal. Turning his head around, he incidentally noticed a girl walking over to a nearby table from the bathroom. His eyes grew wide as he unknowingly snapped the chopsticks in his hand in half.


    "What the f*ck!"


    Ren Baqian felt his emotions fluctuate heavily.


    Such an uncanny resemnce.


    He had previously seen the Seventh Prince who looked exactly like him, while back in Prague, the empress had told him that one of the workers looked annoyingly like Hua Sanliu.


    At that time, he had wondered if there were others as well.


    For instance�� the empress.


    Cases of doppelgangers weren''t unheard of on Earth. Such things had been circted on the inte before.


    It wasn''t impossible for there to be someone who looked like the empress.


    However, even if there was someone who looked like the empress, it would be statistically difficult to find her.


    From the case of Hua Sanliu''s doppelganger, Ren Baqian knew that the two lookalikes could be different ages.


    After all, the flow of time was different in the two worlds.


    From these factors, Ren Baqian felt that he would never meet someone else who looked like the empress in his lifetime.


    Who knew that this would actually happen while he was having a meal.


    This felt just like winning the grand prize after buying stuff on Taobao.


    Unimaginable!


    Wearing a sheer white cardigan over her white t-shirt and jeans, the girl had hair that was just past her ears, and a face that was slightly rounder than that of the empress.


    Her demeanor waspletely different from the empress, it was much softer and way warmer. The biggest difference was herck of killing intent, something that the empress had honed through years of holding incredible power, status, and the confidence thates with all that.


    Her eyebrows were slightly thinner than the empress��making her look less dashing, but more elegant.


    Although they weren''t exactly the same, they looked 80% simr to each other.


    Despite losing points for her less than impressive demeanor, the girl still looked very exquisite.


    The girl noticed his gaze and nced over at Ren Baqian as she sat down. She furrowed her eyebrows and looked away upon seeing Ren Baqian''s dumbstruck face.


    What the f*ck�� What the f*ck�� Ren Baqian didn''t know what to think besides that.


    What should I do? Countless ideas ran through his mind in an instant.


    Maybe I should kill her? That was Ren Baqian''s first thought. The first sparks of killing intent rose from deep within his heart.


    It was odd for him to immediately think this way, but his mind became flooded by it.


    Following these first thoughts, a mass of other nonsensical ideas rushed into his brain.


    It waspletely uneptable to him that someone who looked like the empress might start a family with someone else.


    Utter cuckoldry.


    The mere thought of it made him extremely ufortable.


    The girl looked pretty young. Her clothing and makeup suggested that she was about 18-20 years old.


    Killing her would solve everything.


    Although she waspletely innocent, she looked far too much like the empress. He could not ept it if someone like her got together with another man.


    The killing intent became much stronger, possessing him and taking over his mind.


    Ren Baqian''s eyes never left the girl. The killing intent in his heart shot out like a needle, piercing right into the girl and making her feel ill at ease.


    She eventually found the source of her difort. It wasing from the gaze of a man sitting a few tables behind her. She couldn''t tell the intention behind Ren Baqian''s look since she was used to being the center of attention.


    Ren Baqian only stopped when she red fiercely at him. He shut his eyes and drank a mouthful of alcohol, keeping his killing intent in check with great effort.

 Chapter 367 What the Heck Just Happened?

    "To kill or not to kill?" Ren Baqian kept his head low, monitoring the girl''s table from the corner of his eye.


    He was trying to y down his murderous thoughts by thinking of identical twins, who were the most alike. As much as they were alike, twins were two different people.


    Despite that, malicious thoughts continued to enter his head. He feltpelled to kill her.


    Ren Baqian sat there in a daze for a good long while until he saw the girl and her friends standing up from their seats. He tossed the money for his meal on the table and hurriedly followed them.


    They were just three girls gging down a taxi by the road.


    When she saw Ren Baqian following them out, the girl who looked like the empress whispered some stuff to her friends. The two of them turned to look before quickly turning away.


    Ren Baqian stood beside his car, getting in to tail their taxi when they had left.


    He followed them to a school campus. Ren Baqian took note of the school''s name: SH University.


    His conjecture was right: she was still a student.


    Ren Baqian left his car outside the campus, entering the university on foot.


    He still had not made up his mind at this point. Taking the life of an innocent person, especially one who resembled the empress this much, was no mean feat.


    Walking around the campus brimming with young life, Ren Baqian felt the stark difference between this peaceful ce and the other war-torn world. His lust for blood finally quieted down.


    He remembered the policy of non-intervention he had promised to his country. Disrupting their agreement over this matter was not worth it.


    Furthermore, he had yet to bring the empress to his vi with its brand spanking new swimming pool.


    For the sake of this vi and bikinis, he could not afford to act recklessly.


    He decided to find an opportunity to discuss alternative solutions with that girl.


    He would at most kidnap her and bring her back to Dayao.


    Before that, he would have to find out who she was in order to locate her again.


    Ren Baqian hastened his pace. Just when he was about 20 odd meters away from the three girls, a few other students blocked their path.


    Among them, a young man wearing a button down shirt was holding on to a bouquet of flowers. Ren Baqian snapped out of it, realizing that nothing bad was going on. He repeatedly reminded himself that this was not a rescue situation.


    This was a 211 University after all, so it was unlikely that any major incidents would happen here.


    [1.Project 211 is a project of National Key Universities and colleges initiated in 1995 by the Ministry of Education of the People''s Republic of China with the intent of raising the research standards of high-level universities and cultivating strategies for socio-economic development.]


    The bouquet of flowers in the guy''s hand foreshadowed the cringeworthy events that were to follow.


    "Qi Jiayu, be my girlfriend!" the young man with the flowers suddenly eximed.


    "So her name is Qi Jiayu! She has the same surname as the empress!" Ren Baqian swirled the thought in his brain for a bit before feeling grossed out by the scene.


    They didn''t even show such things on television anymore.


    Utterly uncreative!


    That young man was rather dashing, however. Perhaps just a little less than Ren Baqian himself.


    Qi Jiayu''s two friends quickly stepped aside, leaving her at the center of attention. A bunch of people had gathered around to watch this guy''s deration of love. His friends were even shouting, "Say you''ll be his girlfriend!"


    Students nearby were attracted by themotion.


    Ren Baqian wasn''t surprised. There were after all not many opportunities to watch such crappy plotlines on television anymore.


    Ren Baqian swore in his heart, Son of a b*tch!


    Things would really degenerate into a third-rate melodramatic soap opera if he were to go over and interrupt right now.


    Although, he couldn''t possibly just stand here and watch this could he?


    Ren Baqian felt the need to disrupt the proceedings a little!


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t think we''repatible. I think I can do much better!" Qi Jiayu suddenly answered. Her words made Ren Baqian almost trip. He was thoroughly impressed that she could actually say something like that in front of such arge audience. Even he himself would find it hard to do that.


    Ren Baqian was barely two meters away from her by then. It was toote for him to turn around and leave.


    His footsteps had caught the attention of one of Qi Jiayu''spanions, who turned just in time to see his shocked expression.


    What now? Qi Jiayu had already diffused the situation herself, so what am I supposed to do now? Having already figured out her name, should I just quickly walk away?


    Ren Baqian was caught in an awkward situation.


    How was he supposed to just leave?


    What a terrifying circumstance he hadnded himself in!


    He couldn''t bring himself to be part of this third-rate soap opera either! What was he to do? Walk up and attempt to snatch the girl? Give the guy a warning?


    Ren Baqian clenched his jaw and took a few long strides toward the young man.


    Barely recovered from being forcefully rejected, the young man was surprised to find someone walking up to him with such gusto.


    Was this her boyfriend? Or was he someone just like myself? he thought to himself.


    "You��" Before he could say anything more, Ren Baqian pped him right into the ground. Half of his dashing face was now swollen.


    Everyone watching was momentarily stunned by the events that had just transpired. Anger quickly followed!


    This ce was an ivory tower after all. These were all still merely kids sitting high up in their ivory tower!


    Ren Baqian''s next line shocked the anger out of them all. Everyone was at aplete loss for what to do or what to think.


    "You were going to abandon me for her? You call yourself a man?" Ren Baqian pointed angrily at Qi Jiayu before pointing at himself.


    No one moved.


    What the heck was happening? The f*ck, this was too unreal! What a crazy plot twist! This was way more exciting than any third-rate melodrama that was out there!


    The young man''s entourage was so astonished that they took several steps back.


    Qi Jiayu''s initial surprise quickly turned into utter incredulity. She had quickly pieced together the notion of a stalker upon seeing Ren Baqian''s familiar figure, but then his wordspletely shocked the crap out of her.


    The young man on the floor was both literally and figuratively struck dumb. All he could muster up was to stutter, "You�� You�� You��"


    Feeling wronged and anxious, he was unable to find the words he desperately needed.


    He was bleeding from the corner of his mouth, and Ren Baqian had knocked one of his teeth out with that powerful p.


    "I��"


    "Bah! You wh*re! Your promises are as fake as your acting! I''ve misjudged you!" Ren Baqian gave him another good kick right in the stomach, sending the young man''s arduously mustered reply of "I don''t know him" back in. Ren Baqian spat on the ground and walked off.


    The already stunned audience was even more baffled now.


    Wh*re? Acting? Who was that man? What kind of situation was this? What the heck just happened?

 Chapter 368 Conjecture

    Ren Baqian didn''t care about the psychological scarring he had inflicted on the young man, even though this youth would be so affected that he remained single for the next two and a half years.


    Back at the vi, Ren Baqian began to daydream.


    He had handed Shen Feng the task of digging up information regarding Qi Jiayu. Such a request would no doubt be a piece of cake for him (her)?


    Ren Baqian fell deep into thought. His mental state earlier that day was extremely weird, as if he had been possessed by a demon. All he had been able to think about was murder.


    Prior to that, the first person he had felt thispelled to kill was the Seventh Prince.


    That killing intent was unsurmountable.


    Up until then, he himself had not even ughtered a chicken.


    Yet, this time around, things were a little different.


    The Seventh Prince was exactly like him. Ren Baqian felt as though he had been thrown into a death battle the moment heid eyes on him��only one of them could survive. Ren Baqian could sense that the Seventh Prince felt the same.


    He surmised that there was some sort of inexplicable connection between the two doppelgangers that was driving this need to eliminate the other.


    This girl, however, looked like the empress. Shouldn''t she be the one who felt murderous instead?


    The idea that popped into his head waspletely out of whack too. It felt as if someone had imnted it into his brain.


    The killing intent had swiftly taken over his mind, flushing everything else out of his consciousness.


    It wasn''t until he walked into the campus grounds that he managed to calm down.


    Odd!


    Just what was going on?


    He would discuss the matter with the empress and see her reaction before making further deductions.


    What could have caused this?


    Could it be the metal chain? That thing was embedded within his consciousness, and seemed like the most probable candidate.


    That shouldn''t be the case, though!


    He had only been able to sense it after much contact with it during cultivation practice. The metal chain was like a sheet of nk paper; a young, naive child that acted purely on its whims.


    How could something like this affect him so much?


    On the other hand, what else could it possibly be?


    ��


    Yang Sen stared oddly at the article.


    The article talked about an incident that happened at SH University in the afternoon. Anyone would have been dumbfounded by its content.


    That Ren Baqian actually went to SH University to snatch someone''s boyfriend?


    This was such exciting news.


    "Any progress?" Yang Sen lifted his head to ask.


    Across the room stood an effeminate middle aged man. Yang Sen would have no trouble believing the report if it had been on this man instead.


    "His target isn''t the guy," the middle aged man replied. He spoke unhurriedly in his strange ent.


    "His target is the girl named Qi Jiayu," he continued.


    Yang Sen looked at him without saying a word. This wasn''t surprising news.


    He was much more interested in the motivations behind Ren Baqian''s actions.


    "Take a look at this information first!" The middle aged man waved a folder in his face.


    Yang Sen looked at the photograph at the top of the folder in surprise.


    "Doesn''t she look familiar?" The middle aged man giggled in a charming manner.


    Yang Sen had no idea why the word charming had sprung up in his head, but he immediately felt a wave of nausea wash over him.


    He sternly responded, "Indeed, it''s no wonder he went all the way to SH University."


    "I doubt you''d be able to guess why he actually went to SH University." The middle aged manughed.


    "Really?" Yang Sen chuckled sarcastically. Anyone would be riled up if they saw someone who looked exactly the same as their significant other.


    "Take a look at these as well," the middle aged man said as he took out a pile of printed photographs.


    "This was from the restaurant''s CCTV. Luckily there was a surveince camera facing in his direction, otherwise we would have missed out on this important piece of information."


    Yang Sen picked up the stack of photos and quickly flipped through them. His expression turned grave and his brows furrowed in thought.


    "That look in his eyes, what does it reflect?" Yang Sen asked as he studied one of theter photos. Even he could see that there was something not quite right with Ren Baqian''s facial expression. The expert standing before him had surely picked that out already.


    "Killing intent! He wants to kill that girl!" The middle aged man made a mock pistol with his hand, pointed it at Yang Sen, and said, "Bang!"


    "Why?" Yang Sen couldn''t understand why.


    "Love has no logic and neither does hate. Humans are an odd breed, but there is something different about this situation. It is truly strange that he wanted to kill someone who resembles that almightydy so much. There must be a reason."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "There are a myriad of possibilities. For instance, love me, love my dog. Simrly hate me, hate my dog. The two parties have unequal strength. As much as his strength has reached the apex of human achievement, thatdy is ying in a whole different league altogether. Even though she''s not at the level of the mythical celestial beings, her power is beyond the reach of mere humans��"


    "What are the odds of this being the true reason?" Yang Sen asked seriously. This was a severe issue with potentially severe ramifications.


    "Probably quite small. I have, after all, seen both of their behaviors. If they can hide from me, then Earth owes them each an Oscar. Judging from their characters, I don''t see any reason why they would want to fake their behaviors either."


    Yang Sen felt like smashing the ashtray on his head.


    "But of course the only person who will know for sure is him. I''m merely specting. Maybe he needs to kill his wife as a means of furthering his training? Their techniques are surely different from ours, and probably much more powerful."


    mon trope in chinese cultivation novels)


    "For all we know they might have weird requirements like killing someone close to you or murdering your wife. Since he isn''t able to kill his own wife, finding someone simr as a substitute might work�� Maybe he didn''t have such thoughts at first, but it popped up the instant he saw that girl. In this case, the spontaneous killing intent would no longer be much of a surprise. Of course, this is only a conjecture. We know too little about this. Only he knows the full story."


    Yang Sen was deep in thought. None of these were impossible scenarios.


    ��


    Ren Baqian was oblivious to the fact that these guys had terrible misunderstandings about his intentions. He would no doubt vomit blood on them if he found out.


    He had just received Qi Jiayu''s information before leaving for Dayao, and Shen Feng delivered it personally. Ren Baqian was in no hurry to read it and ced it on his desk.


    He still felt that his reaction was strange, so he decided to put this matter aside to avoid any major issues before leaving.


    This could wait until he came back from Dayao.


    A short while after, he brought 80 mortar shells and 400 grenades with him to Dayao.


    Upon reappearing at the spot he disappeared from, Ren Baqian softly called out. Several guards immediately appeared to greet him, "Sir!"


    "Grab these things, and chase them through the night," Ren Baqian said tly.


    They were no longer surprised to see the huge boxes beside Ren Baqian.


    After tying the boxes to the horned cows, Ren Baqian proceeded to tie himself to one as well. Hisck of sleepst night caught up to him, and he soon began to doze off.


    He had spent a good portion of the night pondering over his odd reaction. It distinctly felt as if he was under the influence of something.


    The lull of sleep quickly washed over him upon his return. He could barely keep his eyelids from closing.


    To him, Dayao now felt more peaceful than Earth.


    Back on Earth, he had to watch out for the country, and there was a group of people out there researching him.


    There were less annoyances in Dayao, so he felt much freer.

 Chapter 369 Breakdown

    They pressed on unceasingly, only catching up to Li Qianqiu the next night.


    Ren Baqian face-nted into the floor upon dismounting from the fork-horned cow, unable to move.


    "How much longer before they leave Dayao?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Approximately five days at this speed," Li Qianqiu answered gravely.


    "How long can they endure if we harass them every night and disrupt their sleep?" Ren Baqian suddenly quipped, inspired by his own exhaustion. He was fortunately able to get some sleep on the back of the horned cow. The Great Xia troops had to march in the day, and would likely copse after only a few days of sleep deprivation.


    "Three days at most, though Great Xia''smanding general would realize soon enough and set up the relevant countermeasures," Li Qianqiu replied.


    "So what if they be aware? We''ll pretend to attack when they let a portion of their troops stand down to rest. I don''t think they''ll be able to continue resting then. If they ignore our act, we''ll attack them for real. What can they do about it?" Ren Baqian continued, all the while keeping his eyelids open with great effort. The troops from the aboriginal tribes were much faster than those from Great Xia anyway. The aboriginal soldiers could afford to continue the chase after resting for half a day, but surely Great Xia couldn''t afford to take a break?


    If Great Xia dared to stop, the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South were only a day away.


    Even at Great Xia''s current pace, they could catch up within three days.


    As Great Xia''s army continued to wear down, they might just crumble at the start of the inevitable battle.


    "We can give it a shot!" Li Qianqiu nodded.


    Even though this strategy was unlike those he was used to, it sounded equally effective.


    Li Qianqiu and his men left with 200 grenades and returned at dawn.


    He did as discussed with Ren Baqian, harassing the enemy without engaging them directly. The Great Xia troops were put on guard at all times.


    The Great Xia camp was notably different this time around. The two different groups hade and merged together.


    They seemed to be running low on manpower and could no longer sustain two separate camps.


    After a long, restless night, it was once again time for Great Xia''s exhausted troops to break camp.


    As the aboriginal soldiers started to rest, Ren Baqian woke up from a good night''s sleep feeling refreshed. He toured the entire camp before finding a corner to think.


    It was only at lunchtime that Ren Baqian chanced upon Li Qianqiu again. "Sir Li!"


    "What''s the matter, Sir Ren?" Li Qianqiu asked.


    "Do you know of anything that can influence the thoughts of other people? Something that makes them think in atypical ways," Ren Baqian replied.


    "Lots!" Li Qianqiu eximed.


    "Really? Tell me more, Sir Li!" Ren Baqian was wide awake. He had been racking his brains over this matter for many days to no avail.


    "I know of a kind of mushroom that induces hallucinations. It makes the affected person see everyone else as a good deal shorter than themself, as if they themselves had grown into a giant. The affected person''s ego swells as well, egging them to provoke people and beasts that they would usually shun," Li Qianqiu said with a look of remembrance on his face as he recalled the time he identally ate one of those mushrooms. What amotion he had caused then.


    Next thing he knew, he was lying in bed for half a month.


    A truly memorable experience!


    The look on Li Qianqiu''s face piqued Ren Baqian''s interest quite a bit!


    However, this story was not what he was looking for.


    "Not this type��" Ren Baqian considered a while before divulging the incident. He emphasized that he felt mind controlled.


    "Oh, could Sir Ren have been plotted against?" Li Qianqiu asked.


    "What do you mean?" Ren Baqian countered.


    "From what I know, there is a coquettish woman called Xia Wanniang from Great Xia. Her Heaven-grade weapon is capable of disrupting emotions and arousing desires, subtly influencing others'' thoughts. This all hearsay, though. I don''t know for certain the true extent of her abilities," Li Qianqiu answered seriously.


    Ren Baqian fell silent after hearing this. Surely it could not be the case that someone from Great Xia had crossed over to Earth to plot against him?


    Forget it, maybe it was just the aura of death from the battlefield rubbing off on him.


    He would find out if this was only temporary once he returned to Earth to look for Qi Jiayu.


    Ren Baqian finally put the matter aside.


    They neared the Great Xia camp that evening. Before nightfall, Ren Baqian had already fired a few mortar shells into the camp from two kilometers away.


    The artillery fire was immediately followed by the winged cavalry charging up to within 30 meters of the camp. They left after seeing that the soldiers inside were riled up and on high alert.


    Giving them a moment to drop their guard, the winged cavalry then turned back to attack.


    Breaking them through continued harassment meant disrupting any moments of reprieve they had.


    Marching in the day without being able to rest at night had indeed taken its toll on the Great Xia troops. The charges by the winged cavalry kept them on their toes, but the moment the winged cavalry left, the Great Xia troops lost their focus. Many of them were practically sleeping while standing guard.


    "General, I don''t think our troops can endure much longer." Leading officers in the Great Xia encampment reported to the general.


    A middle aged officer stroked his beard and solemnly said, "These barbarians actually know such tricks? They''re trying to break us by wearing down our troops. Pass down the order that one third of the troops are to rest. Under no circumstances are they to leave their tents. They will rece a different third of the active troops after four hours."


    The movements in the Great Xia camp were obvious. Li Qianqiu and Ren Baqian quickly noticed that two thirds of the soldiers were kept on guard while the other third were sent to rest.


    "Do we continue?" asked Li Qianqiu.


    "Continue!" Ren Baqian replied without hesitation. There was no way they could have a good rest as long as the pressure was kept up.


    If harassment wasn''t enough, they would fake an attack. If they ignored the feint, then Ren Baqian would order a full scale attack. Regardless, Great Xia was stuck in their mind games.


    All through the night, the Great Xia camp was filled with war cries and the sound of explosions.


    The winged cavalry often charged to within firing range of Great Xia''s defenses before retreating.


    By sunrise, the Great Xia troops were all about to copse from exhaustion.


    Nobody dared to let down their guard even if they knew the winged cavalry was only feigning an assault. The Great Xia troops were on full alert every time they charged over.


    They were often woken up during their rest breaks and didn''t manage to fully recover. To make things worse, they had to strike camp first thing in the morning.


    The following night, Great Xia''s responses to the winged cavalry charges were slightly more rxed. Most of the soldiers were thoroughly drained and dropped their guards a little to catch a few winks of sleep. In addition, the multiple false assaults had lulled them into having a false sense of security.


    The real assault began as soon as their guard slipped. Mortar fire rained upon the Great Xia frontline troops, decimating them. Yet, this was nothing new.


    This time around, however, the winged cavalry charged well into Great Xia''s shooting range, entering the camp in the blink of an eye and ughtering the enemy soldiers. Death cries rang out all through the camp.


    Afterpleting one round of attacks, the winged cavalry fled before Great Xia could reform their defensive perimeter.


    Great Xia''s camp had made preparations to remain on alert for the whole night just to prevent such a scenario from happening. Troops had been specially stationed throughout the camp, lying in ambush. Despite their best efforts, the winged cavalry''s surprise attack still managed to sweep the floor with the Great Xia corpses.


    It was as though the enemy could see through their ploys.


    Even the Great Xiamanders began to wonder if there was a spy in their midst.


    Everyone in the camp heaved a huge sigh of relief when the sun rose.


    The aboriginal soldiers had typically stopped their attacks at dawn.


    Tortured expressions could soon be seen across their faces as they remembered that they had to march on.


    Great Xia''smander''s face grew ashen. Even though he had let the men take shifts, four hours of rest after an entire day''s worth of marching was simply not sufficient. A good bulk of them had been broken after only three days.


    The enemy''s strategy was crude and simple. Their message was obvious: "You will not get the rest you need. We will wear you down to the bone!" Although Great Xia''s general knew this, the countermeasures put in ce were of no use.


    They were the ones who had spent night after night attacking, so how were they keeping it up?


    Sometimes he envied the aboriginalmanders for having such formidable warriors at their disposal. He knew that if he had an elite unit of Man Wheel level soldiers and 1,000 Earth Wheel soldiers at his disposal, the oue of this battle would bepletely different.


    In terms of military strategy, his opponent was but a child. When paired with a fast and powerful army, however, such infantile tactics were more than sufficient to trap him in an impossible situation.


    His opponent could easily win with both eyes closed!


    His army could do little to fight or trap these powerful opponents��they simply came and went as they wished. Fighting against the Protector General of the North was much easier in the past. Rtive to army size, the casualties incurred by both sides were often quite equal. Yet, ever since the appearance of their strangely powerful siege weapons, even getting equal trades became an impossibility.


    To add insult to injury, themander still couldn''t figure out how his opponent was able to read them like a book. Nothing happening in his camp seemed to escape those barbarians'' eyes. They were somehow able to detect an ambush no matter how well hidden the soldiers were.


    A confident general with lofty goals led an army into enemy territory. What a terrible plight he was now in!


    Standing tall, the general barked out his next order, "We stand our ground today! Continue with the manpower rotation from the night before."


    Getting caught up in the same cycle would only leave the troops worse for wear. They were disadvantaged whether they moved or stayed, so why not get a good day''s rest in preparation for the aboriginals'' next assault instead.


    Forcefully marching on would lead only lead to self defeat.


    The soldiers cheered wildly upon hearing the order.


    A solemn look was pped upon his face. The general was well aware that despite how close they were to the border, only a handful of them would actually make it out of Dayao alive.


    He had slightly less than 90,00 troops left, while his opponent had 1,000 winged cavalry and 6,000 soldiers belonging to the Protector General of the Center. Despite having the numerical advantage, the odds were stacked against him even in terms of face to facebat. Moreover, they still had those formation wrecking siege weapons.


    They were probably conserving strength and ying it on the safer side for now. There would be no holding back once they got closer to Great Xia.

 Chapter 370 The Final Assaul

    "Sir, Great Xia''s troops didn''t strike camp. It looks like they''ve decided not to move today," a voice reported the mounted scout''s findings over the walkie-talkie.


    "Continue to observe them," Li Qianqiu replied.


    Ren Baqian overheard the conversation and chuckled, "Looks like they finally chose a good burial spot. It might be a bit deste, but the scenery is still pretty good."


    "If that''s the case, we should fulfil theirst wishes." Li Qianqiu said gravely.


    ording to their projected route, the Protectorate of the South''s reinforcement troops were scheduled to arrive in the afternoon.


    The reinforcement army had a radio station and receiver on hand, making it easy for them to join up.


    They would be able topletely destroy Great Xia''s army with the additional 5,000 people.


    With two and a half day''s worth of marching to go, there was no way Great Xia''s army could get out of this alive.


    Ren Baqian stood up and stretched. Seeing the tired bodies of the aboriginal soldiers lying all over the floor, he reminded himself that this would all be over soon.


    This war had produced 500,000 casualties in the past one and a half months alone. Although it was simple and direct, war in this world was still cruel.


    He would go fetch the empress once the war ended. Oh rainbow clouds! Fortunately, the rainbow clouds couldn''t fly. If that was the case, he would have been caught unprepared.


    Li Qianqiu stood by the radio station all morning to monitor the reinforcement army''s movements.


    It was barely noon when the reinforcement army chanced upon the mounted scout that Li Qianqiu had sent out. Not long after, a few goat riders could be seen riding toward them.


    "Sir, they''ve arrived."


    "Great!" Li Qianqiu uttered. A momentter, a dark mass of soldiers came into full view.


    Severalrge gs bearing the word "South" were flown above the soldiers. The reinforcement army had indeed arrived.


    5,000 armor d and saber wielding warriors stopped 500 meters away. A few of their leaders dismounted from their horned cows and made their way toward Li Qianqiu.


    "Is that you Sir Li? My troops and I greet you! All 5,000 of them." The officers walked up to greet Li Qianqiu. One of them handed him a token.


    "It''s been hard work getting here!" Li Qianqiu stuffed the token into his waist belt and nodded. "Please take a good rest, have a meal, and spend the afternoon getting ready. Gentlemen,e over in the evening to receive orders, for we attack tonight. This old man will treat all of you to a feast once this war has ended."


    "Understood!" the officers roared.


    Ren Baqian had thought that there would be quite a number of things to settle when the two armies met. He wasn''t expecting it to be this efficient, ending with the handover of a token and a few words spoken.


    After the reinforcement army''s officers left, Li Qianqiu said, "That was Hong Ze, son of the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation. What ad, truly living up to his father''s name."


    That was how Ren Baqian found out that Hong Wu''s son was part of the reinforcement army.


    He appeared to have an impression of Hong Wu''s son, who was also Hong Xian''s father. Du Changkong had mentioned that Hong Xian''s grandfather was Hong Wu and that his father was the Protector General of the South. Ren Baqian didn''t have anymore contact with the Hong family after the Great Hunt.


    However, none of those officers looked familiar to him. Ren Baqian wasn''t terrible at recognizing faces, but it was hard for him to tell the aboriginals apart. To him, they were all ripped, gigantic, and had fierce faces.


    The Protectorate of the South''s reinforcement army rested the entire afternoon. Li Qianqiu sent for the reinforcementmanders before nightfall.


    There wasn''t much to prepare for. All they had to do wasunch an attack at full force to scatter Great Xia''s troops before chasing them down.


    Ren Baqian''s mortar fire would lead the attack, breaking their formation and letting the winged cavalry charge through unimpeded. Li Qianqiu would then storm the camp with the rest of the soldiers.


    The Protectorate of the South was to nk them from the other side.


    The winged cavalry and Li Qianqiu''s group would move in from the southwest while the reinforcement army would attack from the southeast. The n was to herd them toward the north.


    It was pointless to fight them head to head; flushing them out in one fell swoop was the way to go.


    Once the enemy had dispersed, the winged cavalry would continue to chase down and scatter any small units that were attempting to reform. This would make mopping up the stragglers a lot easier.


    Li Qianqiu handed out several walkie talkies to the reinforcementmanders. Things were going to go much smoother with these in hand.


    They were dismissed after the quick briefing. Preparations had to be made.


    After dinner, the well-rested soldiers took out their whetstones and honed their des.


    The winged cavalry sharpened their nicked saberss with bitter hatred.


    These swords were their lifeblood, and they hated Great Xia for causing such damage to them.


    The bulk of the forces set off at midnight to get ready in time for the final assault. The agreed upon time was around three in the morning, more than two hours before sunrise. The sun would then rise as Great Xia''s army scattered, making it easier to chase them down.


    "They''ve noticed us," the mounted scout reported.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes at Captain Obvious''s words. Li Qianqiu had brought his soldiers so close to the Great Xia camp that they could see the sentry. Even a blind man would have noticed them.


    Ren Baqian dismounted from his fork-horned cow. He followed Li Qianqiu up to higher ground for a better look at the Great Xia formation. To his surprise, they no longer huddled together like before.


    Instead of the four troops formation, Ren Baqian saw almost 20 smaller groups, each in their own individual formations.


    "To think they thought of countermeasures!" These smaller formations were much easier to reform after being shelled.


    Li Qianqiu brought Ren Baqian up into the air a total of three times. Uponnding, Ren Baqian drew the camp''syout on the ground, marking out the positions of all 20 groups.


    Everyone was waiting in silence.


    An austere mood pervaded the air around them, covering the entire area in a nket of eerie silence. The final battle was about to begin.


    The atmosphere was incredibly stifling. Ren Baqian felt as if arge rock was pressing down on his head, and he needed to let loose real badly.


    "Ahhhh!" Ren Baqian shouted.


    Everyone turned to look at him.


    "Don''t mind me��just clearing my throat." Ren Baqian whirled his hands around restlessly. "How much longer?"


    "Half an hour."


    "Let me know when it''s a quarter of an hour," Ren Baqian quipped.


    After some time, one of the guards said, "Sir, it''s time."


    "Let''s go!" Ren Baqian removed the cover from one of the crates to reveal stacks of mortar shells.


    "Support!" Ren Baqian shouted.


    Two seasoned guards promptly stepped up to support the mortar''s body.


    Boom! Boom!


    Two shells exploded right in the middle of the 20 formations within the camp. The Great Xia soldiers responded by squatting down and covering their heads. The sight of 80,000 soldiers going low to brace for a mortar barrage was quite magnificent.


    Over the next seven minutes, Ren Baqian fired a total of 40 shells, about six per minute. He had rewarded ten of the 20 formations with four each.


    Firing more would have been pointless.


    Many of the formations would have reformed in the time between thest bout of fire and the first winged cavalry charge.


    "Kill!" Not giving two hoots about the shelling''s effectiveness, Li Qianqiu roared when it was his turn to shine.


    1,000 winged cavalry warriors charged forth, covering a distance of 200 meters in a mere 11 seconds before elerating further into the Great Xia camp.


    "Kill!" Bloodthirsty cries rose up from within the camp.


    Ren Baqian plopped his butt down on the ground after seeing Li Qianqiu storm into the camp. There was not much left for him to do here. This war was essentially over.


    He reached into his bag and popped a White Rabbit Creamy Candy into his mouth. Ren Baqiany down and looked up into the starry sky. He thought it was strange that this bag of candy hadsted him this long.


    These candies would have been gone in a few days if Lin Qiaole was around.


    Lin Qiaole???


    Ren Baqian was surprised when he suddenly thought of Lin Qiaole. Come to think of it, where was his powerful bodyguard? Lin Qiaole often found ces to doze off even when the empress was around�� He hadpletely forgotten about her after the empress left! They had simply left Liao City just like that!


    Surely that White Rabbit Creamy Candy guzzling Spirit Wheel level expert was not sleeping back in Liao City?

 Chapter 371 The Corpses of Experts!

    After the reinforcement troops of the Protectorate of the South came from the southeast and attacked as well, the Great Xia army was routed shorty thereafter. Death cries began to shift to the north from within the camp.


    "Let''s go!" Ren Baqian got up with a carefree look on his face. This was thest battle, and the next step was to constantly chase and kill, which had nothing to do with him."Inform Sir Li that we will take our leave first and will wait for them in Liao City," Ren Baqian instructed a guard to inform Li Qianqiu.


    After a while, he would make a trip back to Earth. Then, he would head to Liao City and wait for the winged cavalry before returning to Ping City to receive the empress.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian suddenly recalled something and walked into the Great Xia camp. At this time, the majority of the surviving Great Xia soldiers were already fleeing toward the north and only a few were spotted in the barracks.


    The camp was filled with corpses that were cut apart.


    The aboriginals were really strong with the winged cavalry particrly so. Often, they could easily chop someone in half with just one strike of their saber.


    As a result, the ground was filled with broken limbs and internal organs. The sight was extremely disgusting. "Can any of you tell who was an expert from these corpses?" Ren Baqian asked the guards.


    "We can''t tell!" A few of the guards were stunned. Asking them to make out who was an expert from the corpses was equivalent to asking them if they could discern the gender of the animal that they had just consumed.


    Ren Baqian was somewhat disappointed. It was a difficult task to identify who the experts were among therge number of corpses.


    "Sir, perhaps this subordinate can try to identify them," one of the guards suddenly spoke.


    Ren Baqian was pleased and said, "Find me the corpses of two experts, and once it''s done, I''ll gift you with one catty worth of White Rabbit Creamy Candies!" That guard scratched his head and thought, What on earth is "White Rabbit Creamy Candy?"


    He thenughed mischievously and answered, "Let''s talk about it after I have identified which ones were experts! However, Sir will have to change the reward!"


    After that, everyone looked at him rummage through the corpses. In addition, he didn''t flip each and every corpse over. Instead, he looked down and shook his head from time to time when walking through the corpses. It was evident that he had a clear-cut goal in his mind. An hourter, that guard dragged a body that was split into two. This body was equipped with armor and a helmet as well.


    "Sir, this person should be rather powerful." Upon seeing that the body was dressed in amander''s outfit, Ren Baqian suddenly recalled something. He had actually forgotten this matter.


    Even if themanders in this world weren''t the finest experts, they weren''t anywhere near weak.


    "Sir, this person seems like a captain. Furthermore, looking at the injuries on his body, it''s evident that he didn''t die in one blow."


    Looking at the position of the cut, the tip of the weapon that had been used was a little blunt. This was obviously inflicted by a weapon used by the winged cavalry.


    The winged cavalry were powerful and didn''t require a sharp weapon to chop someone to death. Moreover, the tip of a sharp weapon would break easily. As a result, the tips of the winged cavalry''s weapons were slightly rounder.


    Thismander fought hand-to-hand with the winged cavalry and didn''t get killed in one blow, but had sustained injuries everywhere. This illustrated that they fought several exchanges and that at the very least, he should be at the intermediate stage if not the apex of the Earth Wheel level.


    After listening to that guard''s analysis, Ren Baqian was a little startled.


    There was actually such a genius among his bunch of guards? Genius indeed!


    Ren Baqian actually remembered this guard''s name; he was called Zhe Yu. Even though he was an Earth Wheel expert, all of the other guards were also Earth Wheel experts. As such, Ren Baqian didn''t notice anything that stood out about Zhe Yu.


    "You did a good job!" Ren Baqianplimented him.


    Zhe Yu sniggered.


    "What reward do you want?"


    "Sir, back then, you collected many weapons and among them, there was one saber that I''m envious of. Since Sir doesn''t even use it, I would like to ask for it!" Zhe Yu immediately answered Ren Baqian. He had been thinking about this saber for quite some time, but never had a suitable opportunity to obtain it. It just so happened that Ren Baqian wanted to find the bodies of experts, so he immediately knew that his opportunity hade along.


    "Merits will be rewarded. Take your pickter when we return." Ren Baqian nodded. Those weapons were left behind previously by the Great Xia soldiers. He kept a few of them that looked promising, and even though he wanted to keep them for himself, he didn''t mind giving one to Zhe Yu."Thank you, Sir!" Zhe Yu immediately expressed his thanks loudly. He was ecstatic.


    The rest of the guards were envious of him.


    One had to know that having a good saber was more precious to these guards than having any other treasures. It was even more important than having a wife.


    "This applies to the rest of you too. Do well and you will naturally be rewarded ordingly," Ren Baqian continued.


    "Many thanks, Sir Ren!" everyone answered in unison.


    Although protecting Ren Baqian was a dangerous task, mainly because people always attempted to assassinate a weakling like him, he relied entirely on these guards that risked their lives for him. However, Ren Baqian was indeed not a narrow-minded person. Furthermore, he was close to Her Majesty and had many tricks up his sleeves. As such, people always naturally believed what he said.


    "Try looking for another expert''s corpse!" Ren Baqian said to Zhe Yu.


    Ren Baqian waited over there while numerous guards went into the pile of corpses to find the corpse of another expert. It took a long time to find the second corpse, and by looking at the armor on it, the body belonged to another captain.


    Ren Baqian was perfectly satisfied with the fact that he managed to find the corpses of two experts.


    "Stuff the internal organs back in!" Ren Baqian instructed as he pointed at the two bodies which were split into four segments and had their internal organs dragging on the floor. He had better bring the internal organs back to Earth as well. Who knew if there was a difference between the internal organs of an Earth Wheel expert and an ordinary person. Then, he brought everyone to a deste ce and got someone to untie the bundle of weapons that was hanging from the fork-horned cow.


    "Take a look and choose the one you want!"


    Zhe Yu was in ecstasy as he straightforwardly took a saber from the bundle of weapons. With both hands holding it, he said to Ren Baqian, "Sir, this is the saber I was talking about!"


    Ren Baqian took it from Zhe Yu''s hands. It was very heavy and weighed 30 kilograms at the very least. The scabbard was made of copper and was green, while the handle of the saber was made from animal hide. Immediately, Ren Baqian knew why it was so heavy after pulling the saber out of the scabbard.


    It was thick. The thickest portion was two fingers thick and the widest part was near the hilt, which was about the size of a palm. The spine of the saber was a straight line, and from the widest part, the tip of the saber was positioned at the end of it and arced from the de. The de was one meter long and looked somewhat like an erged version of a boning knife.


    Ting! Ren Baqian threw the saber over to Zhe Yu, who was full of anticipation, and dered,"It now belongs to you!"


    "Thank you, Sir!" Zhe Yu hugged the saber in extreme happiness, as if he was hugging his own wife.


    Ren Baqian then bundled the two corpses and brought them back to Earth after everyone left.


    These two bodies were prepared for theboratory.


    Although the progress of studying the martial arts manuals on Earth was rather quick, it was because those people practicing it were already near the Earth Wheel level. As a result, their progress was naturally much faster.


    However, their progress in theter stages might slow down.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t wait any longer.


    He was still waiting for theboratory to conduct research on the things that he wanted.


    It wasn''t only the Earth Wheel level. Most importantly, there was still the Spirit Wheel level.


    His entry into the Earth Wheel level was smooth, but with the [Ruyi Visualization], there wasn''t much detail with regards to entering the Spirit Wheel level. He didn''t want to be bbergasted by the time he reached the apex of the Earth Wheel level. In any case, the research on Earth would definitely be beneficial for him. Upon returning to Earth, he threw the two bodies into the bathroom before finding a huge bag to put them inside. After that, he ced them in the trunk of his car. During this process, he kept having the misconception that he was doing a post mortem on the bodies.


    In Dayao, nobody would find it inappropriate to be carrying corpses and walking around everywhere.


    On Earth, however, the feeling of impropriety was extremely strong after Ren Baqian ced the bodies in the trunk of his car.


    The main difference was the environment. In the case of Earth, this scene was too familiar and simr to what was seen in movies. Next, he reckoned that he would bump into the police while on the way to theboratory and would be pulled over for a traffic stop. That would be the perfect scenario. Then, it would turn into an action film or even the "Rule of Law!"


    ["Rule of Law": a China program where they broadcast real lifewsuits and cases]


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian stopped his car by the side of the road and looked at the police officer that was knocking on his window.


    He cursed under his breath, "Son of a bi*ch!"

 Chapter 372 The Value of Earth Wheel

    "Inspection!" The policemen was knocking on his car''s window.


    Ren Baqian searched all over his body for the identity document issued by some department, but couldn''t find it. Furthermore, he didn''t even have his wallet with him. Nowadays, even a lollipop could be paid for with a cell phone. In that case, who would bring along his or her wallet, identity document and simr items!


    "Please wait, let me make a phone call!" Ren Baqian said after winding down the window.


    "It doesn''t matter who you are calling. I have to do an inspection anyway!" That police officer was displeased and annoyed by people who made phone calls for the slightest matter. It seemed as if they couldn''t prove their identity without doing so.


    "I''m from one of the nation''s secret departments, and some of the things in the car are ssified!" Ren Baqian put on a face. He had sensed an ominous feeling earlier, and it was nowing true.


    Usually, he wouldn''t see the police when going about his business, but it was just his luck that there were two corpses in his trunk.


    He didn''t feel like making a trip to the police station.


    The police officer''s mouth twitched. Secret department? How could there be that many secret departments in the nation?


    "Please show me some identity documents!"


    "I didn''t bring them!" Ren Baqian stated the truth.


    Ren Baqian ignored him and called Yang Sen. He was relieved when Yang Sen picked up the phone because it would have been a big problem if Yang Sen didn''t bring his phone along or if had no way to receive the call.


    "I was stopped by the police for a road check, and there are some secret things in my car. Please get someone toe pick them up!" Ren Baqian said. Then, he told him the location.


    After the phone call, Ren Baqian shrugged at the police officer, sat in his car, and waited for someone toe.


    "Take the key out of the ignition!" the police officer ordered. He became more rxed after Ren Baqian pulled out the car key.


    The way Ren Baqian was behaving convinced the police officer that there was certainly something illegal in the car.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian had nothing to fear. Moreover, he did mention something about confidential matters during the phone call.


    This made the police officer hesitate over whether he should force Ren Baqian to get out of his car. Anyway, he didn''t have any form of identification, and it was hard to believe he was from some secret department.


    Coincidentally, another police officer with a dog happened toe by at this time, and the dog immediately rushed to the trunk and started barking.


    The police officer who had just arrived instantly said, "Get him out of the car and open up the trunk to check!"


    This dog was specially trained to detect drugs, but was also very sensitive to the smell of blood.


    As a result, he was immediately alerted when he saw the reaction from the dog.


    The police officer who was there first went forward to exin something. Then, the two of them looked at Ren Baqian while reporting the incident via walkie-talkie.


    One of them nodded to the other after reporting on the walkie-talkie and said gruffly, "Mister, please get out of the car and open the trunk for inspection!"


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look at the two policemen outside his car and heaved a sigh.


    "I have already mentioned that someone will be here soon. Do you want him to call your superior first?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Please get out of the car!" One of the policemen reached for his waist with his hands.


    Ren Baqian was helpless and really didn''t want to cause any trouble.


    He opened the door to get out of the car, took out his phone, leaned on the car, and asked, "Is there any harm in waiting for a few more minutes before investigating? I am not able to run away. I mentioned that the trunk contains some confidential things, and I am waiting here without making it difficult for you. Isn''t it better for you not to invite trouble? Anyway, you will understand when someonees here."


    Hearing his words, they reported over the walkie-talkie again and kept quiet this time. One of them watched Ren Baqian from the side while the other took the dog to continue the inspection.


    "What case are you on?" Ren Baqian curiously asked.


    "It''s confidential!" the police officer countered.


    "What type of skin-care products do you use? You are out in the open every day, yet you are not tan at all! Please rmend me!" Ren Baqian asked again. Recently, he felt that he became tan very fast because the sun in Dayao was intense. He didn''t have the natural anti-sun protection of the aboriginals, and the empress almost couldn''t recognize him after he was out in the wilderness for a few days.


    That police officer listened to these words without saying anything. This person could actually find something like that to say?


    "We are on duty. Be serious!"


    "You are among friends. Why are you so serious? Take it easy, it''s difficult to work in any department!" Ren Baqianughed.


    Yang Sen would spit out blood if he heard these words.


    It was difficult for others, but never for him.


    Ren Baqian was bored. His main concern was Dayao, but he didn''t have much to say to those barbarians because they didn''t understand him. It wasn''t much different from casting pearls to swine.


    It was rare for him to have leisure time, to banter with people, and to enjoy some tranquil time on Earth.


    He chattered for a long time before that police officer waspelled to ask, "Are you really from a secret department?"


    He hadn''t met anyone from any secret department who was so talkative. Weren''t these people supposed to watch their tongues? This guy was simply not discreet at all.


    "I guarantee you! Do you know the Messier 87 department? Ie from there and specialize in researching aliens!" Ren Baqian continued bragging.


    "I not only know of the Messier 87, I also know who Ultraman Tiga is!" the police officer blurted.


    [1.Ultraman Tiga is a Japanese tokusatsu TV show and is the 12th show in the Ultra Series.] "You are myrade!"


    Ren Baqian waited for a long time before the person sent by Yang Sen finally appeared. Yang Sen had already called the police station beforehand, which ryed the news to that police officer who was on duty. Ren Baqian had a good time chatting with these two and was reluctant to leave since he had not had a good chat with someone in a very long time.


    When he arrived at the building where the Messier 87 department was located, he was met by Yang Sen, who was waiting with some followers in the parking lot.


    "What did Mr Ren bring?" everyone asked eagerly.


    "Two corpses, and both are at the apex of the Earth Wheel level," Ren Baqian replied. There were many corpses avable earlier that included Spirit Wheel experts like Lu Qi. It was said that his head was hung up in the city until it became smelly.


    However, Yang Sen andpany were excited.


    To them, these two corpses were considered as being no less valuable than two Ultraman Tigas from the Messier 78 department.


    Those in theboratory only knew about top level Earth Wheel experts from the brief descriptions in the martial arts manuals given to them by Ren Baqian. Everyone knew that Earth Wheel experts were powerful and far beyond human limits, but they didn''t know how powerful they really were.


    There were many things to uncover from the two corpses, and it represented the evolution of human beings in the future.


    The value simply couldn''t be measured in terms of money


    No one expected Ren Baqian to bring back such an important thing since he had only brought back some small items before.


    However, after Ren Baqian opened the bag inside the trunk, everyone felt that the two corpses were miserable looking. They were not intact, were broken into two portions, and were missing some body parts like hands and chunks of flesh. More importantly, the wounds were stuffed with rags, and after taking out the rags, it was discovered that the internal organs were stained with sediment.


    That such precious things were treated this way by Ren Baqian caused everyone grief and heartache. It was like seeing their own children being abused.


    Following this, the researchers ignored Ren Baqian as they moved the corpses away. Ren Baqian was left alone with Yang Sen.


    "Mr. Ren, what is the level of the Earth Wheel in that world?" Yang Sen couldn''t help asking. Although he didn''t know what level the Earth Wheel meant was in that world, he gathered from the martial arts manuals supplied by Ren Baqian that it was certainly not that high.


    After all, he didn''t believe that Ren Baqian would give them the best cultivation methods so easily.


    At present, their biggest hope wasn''t to get better cultivation methods though Ren Baqian, but to develop methods more suited for human cultivation through the study and research of the few methods that had been provided.


    Although this wasn''t a short-term project, with many elites and supeputers doing the research, it should be more effective than what the other world could achieve.


    With the technology avable on Earth, everyone was very confident


    In addition, based on their research and development, the resulting methods would indeed be more suitable for the people on Earth.


    Yet, he still wanted to know what the Earth Wheel level was in the other world because the results from the supeputers showed that the power of an Earth Wheel expert far exceeded that of human.


    An answer from Ren Baqian could also help him to understand the other world better.


    "About at the level of the elite forces." Ren Baqian continued after some contemtion, "Probably about the level of the special forces."


    Ren Baqian intentionally concealed some details. In Dayao, it really was the level of the elite troops. As for the court officials, they were all at the Spirit Wheel level.


    However, in Great Xia, the Earth Wheel practitioners were also considered as minor experts.


    "It''s the level of the elite troops?" Yang Sen was surprised. Even though he felt that the Earth Wheel experts weren''t at a high level, he didn''t expect them to be at the level of elite guards.


    An army formed with soldiers who were all at the Earth Wheel level was indeed a terrible thing for the people on Earth to know because the researchers only could understand the basics of the Earth Wheel at the moment.


    "It''s about there!" Ren Baqian nodded his head.


    "His words sounded like they were real!" someone concluded after looking at his expression from a monitor.


    This was Ren Baqian''s n to let the people on Earth overestimate the other world''s strength. Overestimation was better than underestimation. It was better to let people fear you than to let them look down on you. This would make it less troublesome for him in the future.

 Chapter 373 There’s Indeed A Problem!

    Ren Baqian delivered the corpses to theboratory. Achieving the expected results he wanted wasn''t something that could be done in a short period of time.Even if the country mobilized a lot of manpower and material resources, it would still be difficult to produce valuable results within a few years. Ren Baqian was able to wait, however.


    10 years, 20 years. As long as he could get what he wanted.


    After sitting in Yang Sen''s office for a while, he returned to his car and opened a file with information about the girl named Qi Jiayu. This document was given to him by Shen Feng previously. First, he looked at the half-body shot of Qi Jiayu in the document. She indeed resembled the empress. If her face was slimmer and her eyebrows were thicker, Qi Jiayu would look exactly like the empress. The only other difference was the aura each of them had.


    Qi Jiayu, female, 20 years old,es from a moderately affluent family, parents own a small business, oldest child with a younger sister and brother.


    Her phone number and address were also written in detail. Even her ss schedule was included.


    In addition to this, the words "variable character" were written in the character portion. Ren Baqian carefully read it again, put the document back into the file, and drove to SH University. ording to her ss schedule, she should have ss today. It would be sufficient if he saw her from afar once again. He parked the car outside the school and strolled into the entrance of SH University. Nobody stopped him from entering. ording to the map, he found the lecture building that he needed to go to and arrived on the third floor.


    When Ren Baqian found the ce, Qi Jiayu''s ss had just ended. Ren Baqian found a good ce to lean against the wall as he watched arge number of studentsing out from that ssroom. Soon, he saw Qi Jiayu and a girlughing and walking away. Many boys around them stole nces at her. After all, her appearance was outstanding regardless of where she was, and it was normal for her to attract attention.Ren Baqian squinted his eyes and felt the impulse again. He had the urge to kill this girl, so much so that his hands even subconsciously reached to his waist and touched the grip of his gun.


    Kill her! There shall only be one empress. There isn''t a need for another person who has such an uncanny resemnce to the empress!Thoughts like these naturally emerged in Ren Baqian''s mind.


    Kill her! Kill her! Kill her�� It was as if a voice was repeating this his head.


    Do you want to let a person who looks like your wife marry some other man in this world? Although they aren''t the same person, their appearance is almost the same!Qi Jiayu is the Qi Zixiao of Earth. From this point, they are both the same person. They merely live in different worlds��


    Ren Baqian was suddenly overwhelmed with killing intent as different thoughts started emerging, all of which instigated him to kill that girl immediately.


    He pressed his hand onto the grip and wanted to draw the gun out a few times, but he managed to restrain himself.


    His body slightly shuddered.


    If it weren''t for the deterrence of the others students who wereing and going, perhaps he wouldn''t have been able to restrain the killing intent in his heart. Many people also noticed this seemingly strange man with his squinted eyes. He gave people a feeling of difort.Among them, one guy who was originally looking down, looked up incidentally and caught a glimpse of Ren Baqian. He recalled something and was furious soon after.


    It was this chap that made him a joke in front of the entire school.


    It was this chap that made his name known throughout the entire school. There were always girls pointing and talking about him after walking past him, which made him almost spit out blood a few times.


    His university life was practically half tarnished.


    "It''s you, it''s you!" That poor kid who was made into aughing stock mmed his fist angrily at Ren Baqian''s face.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head, then twisted his body, waist, and buttocks to avoid the other party''s sudden attack.


    After experiencing Tong Lan''s training, even though Ren Baqian was still a rookie in the other world, an ordinary person on Earth wasn''t a threat to him at all.


    Everyone saw a guy go berserk, dash toward another guy who was leaning against the wall, and throw a punch at him. After that, the guy leaning against the wall leisurely dodged the other party''s attack with both of his hands still in his pockets. He didn''t even look at the guy who threw a punch at him.


    "So cool!" Many girls were lovestruck.


    Ren Baqian was considered pleasant looking. He was originally slim, delicate, and average looking. After living in the other world for such a long time, he became more muscr and rugged looking.


    In particr, this one month war experience made him look like someone who gave off a very imposing aura. Compared to the guy who threw the punch, it was obvious who was superior.


    Not to mention that he avoided the fist of another person without making any big movements at all. Also, he could actually leisurely dodge the attack in such a confined space. Such skills and indifference made many people interested to know what was going on. A soft gasp from the crowd made the unlucky kid even more enraged. Once again, he became a clown in everyone''s eyes. If he had a knife with him, he probably would have had the intention of stabbing Ren Baqian a few times.


    After being attacked, Ren Baqian became more clear-headed. That Qi Jiayu had already walked down the stairs, so his killing intent began to vanish gradually.


    Then, Ren Baqian gently kicked the ankle of the unlucky kid, causing him to fall down.


    "I won''t ept you, so please give up! I already have someone I like!" Ren Baqian said in a pitiful tone. The kid on the ground nearly spat out blood.


    He''s being like this again! He''s being like this again!


    What hatred and vengeance does he have against me?


    Just because of this bast*rd, I didn''t just be gay, I became a gay stalker.He was on the verge of crying.


    While Ren Baqian was at it, he framed that unlucky kid and strolled out of the lecture building, which stole the attention of some interested girls.It wasn''t known where Qi Jiayu was heading to.


    Ren Baqian didn''t have the intention of finding her either.


    Just now, he concluded that there was indeed a problem!


    There was something interfering with his thoughts.


    It was just that he didn''t know what it was.


    There should only be a metal chain in his head. Could it be that the metal chain was interfering with his thoughts?


    But why?


    In addition, why was everything alright when he saw other people, but when it came to Qi Jiayu, everything was different.


    It was simr to the time when he met the Seventh Prince for the first time.


    Could it be something rted to the empress?


    Ren Baqian couldn''t understand certain things. After getting into his car, he rubbed his temples because he was having a headache.


    He was considering whether there was a need to ask the empress about this or not.


    Then, he zoned out for a short while before heading back to the vi. He ordered arge pile of batteries and sr panels of the inte and made preparations to pick up the empress. After two days, he returned to Dayao with the batteries as well as the sr panels.


    "Somebody!" Ren Baqian appeared at the location where he had disappeared before. All of a sudden, several figures appeared in front of him."How''s the situation on Sir Li''s side?" Ren Baqian inquired first. An entire day had passed, but there shouldn''t be any huge changes?


    "We are still looking for those who have managed to avoid us. Back then, the Great Xia soldiers were running in every direction, and many of them hid themselves from us. Now, we have separated into teams to look for them," Shi Hu immediately answered.


    "Bring these things along and let''s set off!" Ren Baqian got someone to bundle up the things he brought from Earth and ced them on the fork-horned cow. Their party subsequently hurried toward Liao City.


    Three dayster, Ren Baqian returned to the small city where he had previously stayed at for an entire month. The blood on the walls had already dried up and illustrated what took ce here. At the very least, tens of thousands of people had died on top of the city walls, so much so that it looked purplish-ck from afar. Ren Baqian went straight to the citymander''s residence and got off his fork-horned cow. Upon receiving the news, the citymander came to wee him. "Principal Ren!"


    "Back then, when I set off, did I leave something behind? Ren Baqian asked straightforwardly. He didn''t know if that girl, Lin Qiaole, was still over here or not.

 Chapter 374 You Can’t Tell The Time When You Are Asleep

    In fact, Ren Baqian was a little worried that Lin Qiaole would go looking for him after realizing that he was no longer around or that she had returned to Lan City.


    Other than eating and sleeping, however, Ren Baqian couldn''t tell if she had any other reasons for her existence.


    As long as she hadn''t starved to death, he reckoned that she would probably still be sleeping somewhere between Liao City and Lan City even after a year.


    Fortunately, such situations didn''t ur. Soon after, Ren Baqian arrived at a house in the citymander''s residence that was personally arranged by the citymander.


    "Sir, she probably won''t even know that you ever left!" The burly man who guided him over grinned.


    Ren Baqian was immediately astonished.


    He had probably already left for about half a month? How could she possibly fail to realize that he wasn''t around?


    "She didn''t step out of the house during this period and has been sleeping the whole time. We simply left some food by the doorstep. She probably doesn''t even know that the Great Xia army outside the city has already left." That burly aboriginal was full of expression.


    Apart from sleeping, she would be eating. Her daily activities were simply just sleeping, eating, and back to sleeping again.


    2nd senior, is that you?


    [2nd senior: Pigsy from Journey to the West. The author is referring to Lin Qiaole as a pig.]


    With his utmost respect, Ren Baqian opened the door, and the light rays shone into the house from behind him. With light amid the darkness, even the dust particles that were suspended in the air could be seen.


    He was right; these were indeed dust particles. There was ayer of dust on the ground, and as Ren Baqian opened the door, it was swept up and floated in the air.


    Disarrayed footprints could be clearly seen on the ground. They were imprinted on the ground from when Lin Qiaole walked to the door to collect her food.


    A human shaped objecty on the bed, and as Ren Baqian got closer, he could hear it gently breathing.


    Ren Baqian stood in front of the bed and saw Lin Qiaole sleeping as if there was no tomorrow while wearing just a tube top and a short skirt.


    Her drool flowed all over her face!


    If you were to ignore her sleeping posture as well as the drool on her face, she actually had a pretty good figure. Wearing just a tube top and a short skirt, she revealed a huge portion of her snow white skin.


    Unfortunately, that face which was full of saliva had indeed made it difficult for Ren Baqian to overlook this fact.


    Also, Ren Baqian felt that his chest might possibly be more well developed than hers, which made it such a pity.


    It was t to the extent that it could be considered a scarcity of resources even to the aboriginals! The aboriginal females frequently practiced martial arts or performed manualbor, but there hadn''t been any of them who were this t.


    "Time to wake up!"


    ��


    "The sun''s already shining on your ass!"


    ��


    "The White Rabbit Creamy Candy are gone!""Huh? Why are they gone?" As Lin Qiaole opened her eyes, they appeared to be at a loss, which demonstrated to Ren Baqian what was meant by: "Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?"


    She only sobered up after some time and said, "Oh! You are here! Why aren''t you apanying Her Majesty?"


    Ren Baqian''s face was lively.


    Indeed, you can''t tell the time when you are asleep!


    "The Great Xia army have already retreated!"


    "They have already retreated? No worries, you guys can go busy yourselves with your affairs. Just give me a heads-up when you are leaving!" Lin Qiaole yawned as her upper and lower eyelids started to battle again. She didn''t even notice in the slightest that she had been revealing her beautiful figure to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was in disbelief.


    Previously I had already forgotten about you once.If I hadn''t remembered you and only returned about five yearster, would you still be sleeping here?Or even after about 100 years. I''ll bring my grandson here to see your bones. I''ll point at you and tell him, "Look, this person has been sleeping her entire life, from birth to death, even until now."


    "We will set off tomorrow. You should go take a shower first. Your entire body stinks." Ren Baqian was full of distaste.


    "Impossible! It''s perfectly normal for people in our n not to shower even once in their entire lives." Lin Qiaole appeared very doubtful.


    "F*ck!" Ren Baqian was astonished. "Aren''t you an aboriginal?"


    "Who said I was?" Lin Qiaole rebutted and shut her eyes. "Holler at me when you are leaving tomorrow."


    Ren Baqian''s jaws couldn''t close for some time. He was really shocked.


    There actually was someone in the empress'' pce who isn''t an aboriginal?


    No wonder I found her so much more warm and gentle when I saw her for the first time aspared to the other aboriginaldies that I usually see. She doesn''t have as much of that heroic spirit.


    No wonder she''s so t!


    No wonder she can sleep so well!


    I had always thought that she was sick, like those on Earth who suffer from hypersomnia and had to sleep 20 hours a day.


    Never did I think that she actually isn''t an aboriginal!"You aren''t from Great Xia, right?" Ren Baqian asked. He was suspecting that in this world, besides Great Xia and the Yun Nation which had normal people and besides the aboriginals, there were probably other ethnicities as well.


    "Definitely not!" Lin Qiaole replied with her eyes shut. "Aren''t you such a pest? Let me sleep for a while more!"


    Ren Baqian grinned.


    Alright!


    I''ll let this person of an unknown ethnicity continue to sleep and question her after we set off.


    Even though Ren Baqian thought this to himself, he felt as if a cat was scratching on his heart the moment he left Lin Qiaole''s house. He was really curious about what ethnicity she was.


    After waiting for a day in the citymander''s residence, Ren Baqian saw the winged cavalry all covered in dust the next afternoon. After they entered the city, they immediately went to the camp at the corner of the city to rest. They felt a little exhausted after two days of chasing and killing.


    "Everything settled?" Ren Baqian held on to one of them and asked. He was a familiar man, Teng Ji.


    "There were probably a few of them who scattered and escaped. Sir Li is currently sending people to track down those stragglers and arrest them."


    "We shall set off tomorrow then!" Ren Baqian nodded.


    "Great!"


    Ren Baqian took a walk around the city and returned to the citymander''s residence before switching on the radio. "Your Majesty!"


    "What''s the matter?" the empress''s cold voice resounded.


    "Have you been eating welltely? Does Ping City have a chef?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Not well!" the empress immediately responded.


    It used to be all the same food in the past, and she never thought about if these foods were tasty or not. However, after getting used to food with different spices, she could immediately tell the difference after returning to eating this kind of stuff.


    Fortunately, the empress was used to being poor in the past, so she could still force this food down her throat even though it didn''t taste great.


    "Has Great Xia withdrawn their army from Ping City?" Ren Baqian questioned again.


    "They were no longer around when I woke up this morning."


    After the Great Xia forces realized that those two troops weren''t returning, there wasn''t any reason for them to stay here anymore. They seized the opportunity to tear down their barracks during the night and left. This was so they could avoid facing the aboriginals, who would have charged out from the city and attacked them while they were packing up.


    "Tomorrow, I shall set off to fetch Your Majesty!"


    The empress sat in a room in Ping City with one arm leaning against the table and propping up her chin while the other hand was fiddling with her hair. The radio station was right in front of her on the table.


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress twirled her finger around her hair and drew circles in the air with her curled up hair. She then replied with a tinge of happiness, "It''s about time we returned home."


    After that, the thread of the discussion took a turn.


    "Don''t forget about the rainbow clouds that you promised me!"


    She still remembered this.


    "What do you feel like eating, Your Majesty? I''ll bring you some food!"


    "Hotpot!" the empress replied promptly. Ren Baqian and her had already thought of a ce to go and were both craving hotpot.


    "Sorghum liquor, candy, chocte, ice cream, popcorn, tomato-vored potato chips, tomato-vored seaweed��" the empress continued listing items to Ren Baqian.


    "Your Majesty, I have prepared a house for you that is filled with all sorts of snacks that you can grab the moment you open your eyes," Ren Baqian said.


    "That''s pretty good!" The empress was beaming with happiness the instant she heard those words.


    "I haven''t seen Your Majesty in half a month, but it feels as if a few years have past," Ren Baqian said softly.


    "Humph!" The empress wrinkled her nose and humphed softly.


    "I saw a very prominent flower on the road, the king of flowers, and thought that it would be best suited for Your Majesty!"


    "I have seen that flower before as it''s all over the garden," the empress immediately recalled the time when Ren Baqian held a white flower, iming that it was the ruler of flowers and well suited for her. He still acted as if it were extremely precious and had wrapped it up very carefully, but it had already wilted by the time she saw it.


    "This isn''t like that previous one. It was evident that the previous one had the look of a sovereign; otherwise, it wouldn''t have appeared in the garden. However, the flower this time is even better suited for Your Majesty."


    "Then I shall wait and see." The empress smiled.


    After chatting for a while, other people who tuned in to the radio, like Shi Qing, were sshed with a public disy of affection.


    Switching off the radio, Ren Baqian left the house and scoured the entire citymander''s residence in search of flowers. He then plucked one of each kind and wrapped them up with arge piece of cloth. After picking dozens of flowers, he sat on the ground and unfolded the cloth, revealing a variety of flowers.


    Ren Baqian hesitated for some time before picking a small red flower. Afterparing it to the others, he made his final decision and carefully wrapped this small red flower with a piece of cloth.

 Chapter 375 Players Who Pay to Win

    When setting off the next day, Ren Baqian finally managed to carry Lin Qiaole out from the room


    Ren Baqian wondered whether he was imagining it, but there seemed to be a whiff of a sour smell from Lin Qiaole''s body.


    Seeing the state of her clothes, Ren Baqian waspelled to ask, "Don''t you need to bathe and wash your clothes?"


    Lin Qiaole let out a long yawn, went to a wellhead by the side to get a bucket of water, and poured it over her head.


    Then, she spun like a spinning top at a very high speed, which was hard for Ren Baqian to see and seemed illusory.


    Arge amount of water droplets were propelled from her body and sshed on Ren Baqian''s head.


    The principle was simr to the spin-dry cycle of a dryer.


    By rotating like a spinning top to dry off from a bucket of water, itbined bathing and washingundry in one step. This was indeed a remarkable feat!


    Ren Baqian pondered for a long time and concluded that spinning her body like a dog shaking its fur after getting wet was disgusting.


    Two minutester, Lin Qiaole stopped and sat down on the floor in a daze. She didn''t know who and where she was or what she was doing��


    "Please wait for me! I am a bit dizzy!"


    Ren Baqian was incredulous. Why didn''t he consider Lin Qiaole a goofy person previously?


    He went forward to touch her clothes and found them to be quite dry.


    They were still half-wet, but they should finish drying in one hour given Dayao''s weather condition.


    "Whom did you learn this move from?" Ren Baqian asked curiously. To be able to execute such a weird skill required some talents.


    "Does this require learning? I knew it since I was born! Aren''t I awesome?" Lin Qiaole said proudly.


    "It is a natural talent! Awesome!" Ren Baqian gave her the thumbs up


    Shaking fur was nothing to be proud of. Ren Baqian felt that this rascal was more like a dog.


    Others were catgirls or half-human, she was 80 percent b*tch.


    He felt like swearing as he listened to her.


    "You said that you are not an aboriginal yesterday. In that case, what ethnicity are you?" Ren Baqian finally found the opportunity to ask.


    "I don''t know!" Lin Qiaole simply replied.


    "You don''t know?" Ren Baqian raised his pitch an octave higher.


    "Nobody told me!" Lin Qiaole said with grievance.


    "Didn''t Librarian Lin tell you? How do you know you are not an aboriginal?" Ren Baqian was confused.


    "I was picked up by my grandmother. She said that I''m not an aboriginal, but she doesn''t know my race. I took 40 years to only grow this big�� and I am still not a grown up!" Lin Qiaole pointed at her chest in despair.


    It looked like she knew she was t chested.


    However, was she really 40 years old? Ren Baqian was amazed as he really couldn''t tell that she was 40 years old. Furthermore, she didn''t look like an adult yet? What was her ethnicity and life span?


    Although he knew there were kirins in this world and heard about flood dragons, this was the first time he had seen such a half-human.


    Ren Baqian thought about bringing her back to Earth for research purposes.


    "So what do you know?"


    "In any case, you will automatically know some things." Lin Qiaole couldn''t tell why.


    "Did you sleep every day in order to be a Spirit Wheel expert? Can you increase your strength by sleeping?" Ren Baqian finally asked the question he had been harboring for a long time.


    "Yeah! I am still growing and sleeping makes me grow. The strengthes naturally as a result," Lin Qiaole said this with some grievance.


    However, Ren Baqian felt even more grievance.


    He felt it was unfair that he had to tire himself out through cultivation, yet others just needed to sleep to achieve this.


    As a matter of fact, life was never once fair.


    He was simr to a child from the countryside��he had to struggle for a lifetime and would not necessarily achieve more than someone who was just born well off.


    It was really disheartening!


    "You sleep every day, bu, have you sparred with anybody? Just having strength and not knowing how to use it is like being a child with a sledgehammer. I will introduce someone to you who you can train with daily once we are back home. There is no need to hold back because she is sturdy and can take punches." Ren Baqian immediately found a suitable training partner for Lin Qiaole


    t chested girl versus lolita. What a pair.


    "I have no time. I''m sleepy!" Lin Qiaole yawned. She was already sleepy after pouring a bucket of water over herself.


    "I know how to fight and will learn while I sleep," Lin Qiaole continued exining.


    "How can that be?" Ren Baqian widened his eyes at her ability to "hack" the cultivation system just by sleeping. He was taught and tortured by a ten year old little lolita and was still unable to beat her.


    By sleeping, one can increase one''s strength and skills?


    ["Hack": The author is referring to how game yers cheat in their games.]


    "Shi Hu!" Ren Baqian yelled.


    "Sir, I aming!" a voice answered from outside, then Shi Hu rushed in.


    "Can you adjust your strength to the level of an Earth Wheel expert?" Ren Baqian was determined to find out how invincible Lin Qiaole was.


    "No way, I am sleepy!" Lin Qiaole was almost asleep.


    "One bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candies!"


    "Two bags!"


    "Deal!"


    "Sir?" Shi Hu was stunned and didn''t understand the situation.


    "I won''t strike too hard." Lin Qiaole sprang up from the floor. Two bags of White Rabbit Creamy Candy was sufficient to wake her up.


    "She will adjust her strength to the level of an Earth Wheel expert and spar with you." Ren Baqian retreated a few steps to observe Lin Qiaole with the utmost concentration.


    "Come on!" Shi Hu rushed at Lin Qiaole with a raised fist.


    Lin Qiaole lowered her body, cut close to his body in the blink of an eye, dodged a blow from Shi Hu, twisted her body into a strange posture, and wed at his face.


    Ren Baqian saw Lin Qiaole instantly leave some bloody w marks on Shi Hu''s face.


    "Foul! Is this a move at the Earth Wheel level?" Ren Baqian asked sternly.


    "It should be!" Lin Qiaole said defensively.


    "Is that the case?" Ren Baqian asked Shi Hu because he couldn''t see clearly. He wondered how the difference could be so great since Shi Hu''s wasn''t weak at all.


    In that brief moment of sparring, Shi Hu could only manage to deliver three punches and one kick, but had totally missed.


    "Your subordinate does not know either!" Shi Hu was at a loss.


    "Tune down your level to that of an expert at the intermediate stage of the Earth Wheel level!" Ren Baqian exhorted. He wanted to see them sparring at the same level, not to see Lin Qiaole rapidly defeat Shi Hu.


    "I will lower it a little more��" Lin Qiaole said hesitantly. She wasn''t sure whether she had adjusted her strength to the level of an Earth Wheel expert.


    "Start!" Ren Baqian said again.


    Lin Qiaole scurried directly at Shi Hu at a much slower speed that was visible to Shi Hu. Sheunched a punch and lowered her elbow. If the opponent was intending toe near, his body would go under her fist and be perfect for her to smash down.


    At the same time, she raised her leg and was ready to knee the opponent if he came near.


    Ren Baqian recognize this move as one that came from [Boxing of Death]. In fact, there were assorted variations to this move, it wasn''tplicated, and it was very suitable for use on the battlefield.


    However, Lin Qiaole caught ahold of Shi Hu''s fist with both hands, deflected its direction toward his upper body, and didn''t forget to w at his face again.


    After deflecting Shi Hu''s fist, her leg traced a circr path as it aimed at his back and hit his vertebra.


    Shi Hu broke out into a cold sweat, and his body stiffened.


    The pain of being hit there almost killed him, and for an instant, he wasn''t even able to move his little finger.


    Lin Qiaole reached the ground, rebounded, and turned her body in one move. She directly squatted on his back, wrapped both hands around his neck, and seemed as if she would break his neck if force was applied.


    "Stop!" Ren Baqian hurriedly intercepted.


    Lin Qiaole was just demonstrating, and by the time Ren Baqian called out, she had alreadynded on a wall several meters away after jumping off of Shi Hu''s back with both legs.


    Ren Baqian gasped at the sight of Lin Qiaole''s deadly moves.


    Anyone who wanted to fight with her had to be prepared for disfigurement.


    Seeing the blood flowing from the five w marks on both sides of Shi Hu''s face, Ren Baqian deemed it as not much of an impact because Shi Hu was already ugly. It would be a different matter if Ren Baqian suffered two w marks as he depended on his face to make a living and would have fought with his life on the line to prevent it.


    In any case, he had confirmed that the fighting skills of Lin Qiaole weren''t weak, so it was no wonder that the empress made her his bodyguard.


    Although he had not yet seen her fight with another Spirit Wheel expert, she had adjusted down to the Earth Wheel level and easily defeated Shi Hu, a feat which wasn''t achievable by the average person.


    Ren Baqian knew that even if he were to progress to Earth Wheel level, he was certainly no match for these guards who trained everyday.


    This Lin Qiaole was really unbelievably great.


    Gaining strength and skill through sleeping�� was simr to yers who pay to win in video games.


    Ren Baqian thought of the times when he used to y video games until he was dead tired, but was then defeated by all sorts of crushing powers from the yers who pay to win.


    Just thinking about it made him envious and jealous.

 Chapter 376 Flying Roof Tiles

    It wasn''t only Ren Baqian and the winged cavalry who went to Ping City. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan also went with them. The two of them had been waiting here after the empress left for Ping City. Since they were going to pick the empress up, they brought along the empress''s carriage too.


    After Ren Baqian and the rest left, manymoners headed out of the city as well.


    Thesemoners were tasked with burying the bodies.


    There were all kinds of corpses lying on the ground just as they headed north of the Great Xia barracks. Due to the weather in Great Xia, the bodies started to emit a foul stench. If there were only a few corpses, it wouldn''t be that bad, but such arge number of dead bodies lying everywhere had a high possibility of causing a gue. As a result, these bodies had to be buried.


    Furthermore, burying these bodies underground could also increase the fertility of thend.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that it was a distance away from the fields, manymoners would be very willing to bury these bodies in their fields because it would help to increase their harvest.


    Previously, Ren Baqian had already witnessed such a scene. Back then, when Wu Shenghou died and Great Xia was defeated, manymoners organized teams to bundle up the corpses and carried them back to their fields to be buried the next day.


    Seeing their happy and excited behavior, Ren Baqian felt as if they weren''t going to retrieve dead bodies, but were getting jink instead.


    [1.Jink- billed as an American technological breakthrough that can substantially improve fertilizer potency and increase crop yields.]Of course, they would obtain huge benefits from collecting these corpses as well.


    After the Great Xia soldiers were chased away and killed, they weren''t able to bring too many weapons along with them, so arge number of weapons were scattered outside. Even though most of them were spears, they could be collected and used to make daggers. If they collected a few more spears or even a steel knife, they could be smelted together into a thick saber. This would then be their family heirloom.


    In the past, there had been no cases of enemies invading Dayao. Now that the output of Mount Damo in the south was sufficient, the imperial court didn''t have any intention of making use of these weapons.


    Half a month ago, with the exception of the sabers and spears that were gathered by Li Qianqiu and then transported away, the other weapons were all scattered, left behind, and imed by themoners as personal possessions.


    With these weapons, the next time there was a war, these armedmoners would be able to serve a "piping hot bowl of sh*t" to the enemy. On Earth, people paid particr attention to the issue of "hiding money with themoners." In this world, however, it was all about "hiding ''weapons'' with themoners." Following which, they headed all the way north. When they were on the road, Ren Baqian looked at Lin Qiaole, who was tied to a fork-horned cow and snoring away, and hesitated for a long time before giving up on the n of finding her a sparring partner. If the lolita was scratched by Lin Qiaole, Tong Zhenye would probably kill Ren Baqian with his bare hands.


    One dayter, Ren Baqian and the others could finally see Ping City from a distance away.


    Ren Baqian stood on top of his fork-horned cow and looked through the binocrs. Ping City''s gates were actually open, but very few people were entering and exiting.


    The soldiers at the top of Ping City''s walls had also slightly increased aspared to the previous time he came.


    Even though the Great Xia army had retreated, Hong Wu still maintained a considerable amount of vignce.


    Everyone marched for another half a day. When they were about 5 kilometers away from Tiesuo Pass, they could already see that there was rubbish everywhere. It was the same as the situation right outside Liao City. Before the Great Xia army retreated, they left behind a huge amount of rubbish, and even though Hong Wu had already sent people to tidy up, it was evident that it wouldn''t be tidied up in a short period of time.


    Ren Baqian got everyone to stop.


    "Sister Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, the both of you will head into the city first. The rest of us will continue tomorrow."


    Everyone looked at him. These 5 kilometers would probably only take them another hour of travel. As such, they didn''t know what was going on in his mind.


    "Wait over here," Ren Baqian instructed before running into a secluded forest which he had spotted previously.


    As he wanted to return to Earth, it was better for him to leave everyone outside of the garbage heap than leaving them within.


    When he returned to the vi on Earth, Ren Baqian first drove around the city and then bought a pile of sweets and choctes which weighed no less than 150 kilograms. After that, he purchased sorghum wine and base ingredients for hot pot before returning to his vi.


    He also called to order a cotton candy machine as well as a lot of colored sugar.Over the next two days, he made cotton candy whenever he was bored. As a result, he became very skilled at it.


    During the period of time that he was back, the housekeepers came to clean up the house. It was actually a rare sight for the housekeepers to see the owner of the vi. "Do you want to eat cotton candy?" Ren Baqian was currently making cotton candy in the hall and offered it to the housekeepers as they stepped in. The housekeepers were a little stunned.


    Don''t ordinary people offer cigarettes? It can''t be that rich people offer cotton candy?


    Then, the two housekeepers saw the pile of cotton candy that was ced next to Ren Baqian, which was his achievement over the past two days. The two housekeepers were betweenughter and tears as they received the cotton candy from Ren Baqian. With regards to Ren Baqian''s behavior, they could only conclude that he had an unusual hobby.


    On the third day, Ren Baqian brought bags of different sizes back to Dayao. After shouting for Shi Hu, they went into the forest and walked twops around before finding a suitable tree that was in line with Ren Baqian''s imagination. In addition, this tree was rather straight. This tree was three meters tall and almost as thick as the mouth of a bowl.


    Ren Baqian ordered someone to cut down the tree and to get rid of all the leaves. Following which, he brought this tree past the garbage heap and arrived in Ping City .


    The situation inside Ping City was much better than Liao City. Great Xia had mainly surrounded Ping City and onlyunched small scale attacks. Apart from Hong Wu, who was seriously injured, there weren''t arge number of casualties. Even though it could be seen that the city wall was damaged, it wasn''t like Liao City''s wall, which was almost stained a purplish-ck from the bloodstains.


    They didn''t encounter any incidents as they entered and headed straight for a residence right in the middle of Ping City.


    In general, intersections were always found in the middle of a city. After all, it was necessary for the roads to lead to the gates in all directions.


    However, it was different in Ping City as there was arge-scale residence right in the middle. As a result, all pedestrians, horses, and carriages had to make a detour here.


    This was the residence of Hong Wu, who had been protecting Ping City for a decade.


    Although themoners who walked here had to make a detour, nobody everined because this was the border and not just another city.The idea behind locating Hong Wu''s residence here was very simple. If the enemy troops were to destroy Ping City, they would have to make a detour around Hong Wu''s residence first. This was the same as announcing to everyone that Hong Wu was here.


    Everyone arrived at the gate and got off their fork-horned cows. Just when they were going to report their identity, a burly man appeared in front of them.


    That burly man looked at Ren Baqian and the rest with suspicious eyes. The imperial guards and the winged cavalry behind him were easily recognizable.


    After that, he pointed at Ren Baqian just as he came to a sudden realization and eximed, "Ah! You are the fellow from that time!"


    Ren Baqian raised his head and grinned. This person was the same guy who wanted to use a beautiful maidservant to trade for a drone. In return, he had previously been kicked into the wall by the empress.


    "Is Her Majesty here? ck Bamboo Academy''s Principal Ren would like to seek an audience with her."


    "She''s here!" That burly man scratched the back of his head, turned around, and kicked the soldier behind him. "Quickly get someone to announce the arrival of Principal Ren!"


    He then jumped off the flight of steps, ced his arm around Ren Baqian''s shoulders, and asked, "That, that thing that flies in the sky, are there anymore? Can I exchange something for it?" During the war, even though Great Xia mostlyunched small scale attacks, there were two surprise attacks as well. However, with two drones taking turns to surveil Great Xia''s movements from the sky as well as the binocrs on the city walls, none of their moves could escape the eyes of themanders in Ping City.


    As long as there was a slight change in the strength of the troops, it would immediately be detected. This burly man had been envious of a magical object like the drone. Unfortunately, General Hong Wu treated the drone like a treasured possession and didn''t even allow him to go near it.


    "A beautiful maidservant?" Ren Baqian grinned. He wondered if the empress would suddenly jump out of thin air and give him a kick since there were times when she appeared unpredictably. That burly man was at a loss. After hesitating for a long time, he stealthily said in a wretched tone, "Leave your address behind, and I''ll send one overter on."


    Whoosh!


    Thump! "Aiya!"


    Ren Baqian got smacked by a flying roof tile to the face��


    The empress looked at the sky while standing on a roof that was a distance away. She immediately returned to the courtyard before anyone found out that the roof tiles were thrown by her.


    Just looking at Ren Baqian and that burly man''s expressions made the empress already want to throw something at them.However, she threw the roof tiles at the wrong angle again!

 Chapter 377 Candy Tree

    "Have I been disfigured?" Ren Baqian pulled Shi Hu and pointed to his face. He still depended on his face to survive!


    Who would have thought that after experiencing ordeal after ordeal, he was actually attacked right outside Hong Wu''s residence. Even if he could endure it, Hong Wu wouldn''t be able to do so! If Ren Baqian was disfigured, he would have to get an exnation from Hong Wu.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay!" Shi Hu touched the back of his head and giggled.


    "Okay, my foot!" Ren Baqian touched the strips of cloth that were stuffed into his nostrils. His nose was aching and swelling while his forehead had traces of blood.


    "Sir Ren? What happened?" asked Qing Yuan in surprise. He came out and saw that strips of cloth had been stuffed into Ren Baqian''s nostrils. Ren Baqian''s forehead was also red and had two long cuts on it.


    "I was ambushed!" Ren Baqian felt very wronged. Who had he provoked to get smashed by a flying roof tile.


    "Her Majesty beckons you to enter." Qing Yuan pursed her lips and smiled.


    Ren Baqian conveniently stuffed a White Rabbit Creamy Candy into Qing Yuan''s hand. This thing was always sessful in paving a way for him. When he had enough money, he would certainly purchase a factory which manufactures White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    As expected, Qing Yuan was beaming with happiness.


    "Sir Ren, where do I deliver the beautiful maidservant to?" that burly man tugged on Ren Baqian''s sleeves and asked sneakily. Up until now, he still hadn''t given up yet.


    "The pce, Pingle Park!" Ren Baqian replied without even turning back to look at him.


    If you have the ability, you will deliver the beautiful maidservant. Let''s see if the empress will hang your head on the city wall and let it be bacon. Leaving behind the burly man who was depressed and confused, Ren Baqian brought Shi Hu along with a few other winged cavalry captains as they followed Qing Yuan into the residence and passed through two courtyards before arriving in a room. From the exterior, the room wasn''t that big and the decoration was quite ordinary. Hong Wu had never been too concerned about these things.


    After entering the room, Ren Baqian saw the empress sitting by the table. She was using her fingertips to poke at a five centimeter thick table and was creating holes in it. Ren Baqian sized up the room which couldn''t be considered big at all. It was about 60 square meters and was considered a humble abode for the empress.


    The furnishings were also very simple with a bow hanging on the side wall. That was the only ornament in this room.There was pink muslin hanging around the huge bed inside, and this made the room a little more like a girl''s boudoir. The room should have been arranged by Hong Wu after the empress moved in.


    In addition, there was that table as well as a radio station sitting on top of it.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty!" everyone said in unison.


    After that, Ren Baqian continued to lie through his teeth and said, "Your Majesty has loss weight."


    "Have I?" The empress looked up at him and touched her cheeks.


    "Yes, but you became even more heroic looking," Ren Baqian added.


    "What happened to your face?" the empress casually asked.


    "I was attacked by someone right at the door of this residence," Ren Baqianined since he felt very wronged.


    "Oh, Shi Hu didn''t protect you well. A month of his sry will be forfeited!" The empress couldn''t bear to look at the hurt Ren Baqian and conveniently punished Shi Hu.


    Shi Hu lowered his head and said, "It is all your humble servant''s fault!"


    The empress red at him. It was obviously Shi Hu''s fault. Otherwise, could it be her fault?


    As for the attack on Ren Baqian right in front of Hong Wu''s residence, this was never brought up again.


    "What about the rainbow clouds?" The empress nted her head to the side as if she were trying to see if there were any rainbow clouds outside.


    "When Your Majesty is ready to leave, you will naturally realize that you have to walk on rainbow clouds to leave. In the future, themoners of Tiesuo Pass can also spread the heroic disposition of Your Majesty to the entire world." She used her fingers to poke her chin and was rather astonished.


    "Your Majesty, I have also brought along other gifts. Please allow me to make some preparations," Ren Baqian said.


    "Come back as soon as possible." Even though the empress wanted to ask Ren Baqian some questions, she was even more excited to find out what the gifts were that he had prepared. In particr, she had been stuck in Tiesuo Pass for more than half a month. Apart from recuperating from her injuries, she had absolutely nothing to do and found it very boring.


    "I need some time," Ren Baqian announced before he left. He then brought Shi Hu with him and left hastily, leaving the few winged cavalry captains to be interrogated by the empress.


    After he left the empress''s room, Ren Baqian dashed to the main door of Hong Wu''s residence. Just as he stepped out of the courtyard, he bumped into Hong Wu, who was wearing a green shirt.


    "Greetings, Great General!" Ren Baqian cupped his hands in obeisance. ording to the ordinary course of events, he should have went to pay his respects to Hong Wu first.


    Upon meeting the jerk that he was going to "marry" the empress off to, Hong Wu red at Ren Baqian and walked past him without saying anything.


    "Did I provoke him?" Ren Baqian was in doubt and was very surprised by Hong Wu''s attitude. At the very least, when he came back from Great Xia previously, Hong Wu''s attitude wasn''t this bad. They had still managed to converse with each other back then.


    "We were attacked right outside his residence and have yet to even talk to him about it. He actually has the audacity to be so unreasonable!" Ren Baqian was aggrieved.


    Shi Hu bowed his head and said nothing. Hong Wu was the military hero of Dayao while Ren Baqian was his immediate superior as well as the future Prince Consort. No matter who said what, he couldn''t butt in at all. "Forget it. It isn''t easy for an old man like him to sustain such serious injuries," Ren Baqian shook his head and said.


    After he walked out of the courtyard, Hong Wu suddenly stopped in his tracks. He was fuming mad now.


    A jerk like Ren Baqian, who was going to marry the empress, had even scolded him in his own residence. Any human being would also definitely be angry.


    However, it wasn''t worth finding any trouble with Ren Baqian over this issue because prior to this, Hong Wu was already determined to show him some colors.


    Ren Baqian brought Shi Hu along and moved a pile of items to the courtyard. He then proceeded to dig a hole and ced the base of the tree into it. A few guards followed Ren Baqian''s instructions and hung candies on the tree. Meanwhile, Ren Baqian continued to make cotton candy. Whenever the cotton candy expanded to the size of a human head, he took it out and passed to the guards so they could hang it on this tree.


    Not long after, this tree with its originally bare trunk and branches became brightly colored.


    A variety of candy wrappers and colored cotton candies made the tree extremely splendid and vivid. More importantly, the smell of cotton candy drifted far away, and even Qing Yuan and Hong Luan ran out from the room with their eyes sparkling with joy. A tree like this, filled with sweets and cotton candy, could be lethal to females. Just when Ren Baqian looked down, a silhouette appeared at the bottom of the tree and then began to climb upward.


    "Librarian Lin��" a few of the guards shouted. Ren Baqian looked up and saw Lin Qiaole squatting on a thick branch while taking a bite of cotton candy. Her eyes were beaming with happiness. Lin Qiaole''s other arm was still busy grabbing lollipops and stuffing them into her pockets. Her movements were so swift that it was almost shadowless.


    Seeing that the size of her bust had grown three timesrger, a few pieces of candy that had been hung up went missing as well."Get down!" Ren Baqian red and shouted at her.


    Lin Qiaole blinked her eyes and dered, "I''ll collect an advance on the protection fee! Give this tree to me and I''ll protect you for a year!"


    "You are not even worthy of this tree!" Ren Baqian noticed that there were pieces of candy missing and was hopping mad.


    Lin Qiaole was confused. She hesitated for a while before saying, "Two years!"


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "Come down. I''ll give you White Rabbit Creamy Candies." Seeing that there was candy missing from the tree, Ren Baqian''s heart ached.


    A look of disappointment appeared on Lin Qiaole''s face for a second. Soon after, however, she appeared in front of Ren Baqian and stretched out her hand right in front of his face.


    Ren Baqian grabbed a bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies and passed them to Lin Qiaole. In the end, Lin Qiaole snatched the cotton candy that was in Ren Baqian''s hand, ran to the side, and ate mouthfuls of it. From time to time, she looked at the tree and was full of admiration for it.


    Ren Baqian turned around and saw the look of admiration on Lin Qiaole''s face. His heart then softened as he sighed and said, "Let''s continue to hang the candy!"


    Fortunately, he had brought back about 150 kilograms worth of candy this time around. This amount was sufficient enough to hang candy around the tree several times over.


    After instructing the guards, Ren Baqian grabbed another bunch of candy from his bag and threw them to Lin Qiaole. In any case, she was a cute and delicate girl, so he decided to treat her as his pet.

 Chapter 378 Wine Pool and Candy Fores

    The people inside the courtyard knew about what was happening, but the empress restrained herself from going in to find out what Ren Baqian was doing. She talked listlessly with Hong Wu and was clearly absent minded.Seeing her like this, Hong Wu sighed and left after sitting down for a while.


    On the way out, he saw Ren Baqian fiddling with the candy tree and gave a snort as he assumed that this rascal was engaging in dishonest practices again. He tried a few times toe up with the words for "evil courtier," but to no avail, although he knew the meaning of it.At this time, the Protectorate of the Northeast was still at war with the Yun Nation. Although Great Xia had already retreated, this matter was obviously not over yet.Domestically, the whole northern region was in a slump.In this situation, this courtier not only didn''t look for solutions, but instead made these childish things to indulge the empress, which made Hong Wu extremely angry.If Ren Baqian wasn''t capable, Hong Wu wouldn''t be so angry and would feel contempt at the most.However, the various things made by Ren Baqian showed his true capability. Yet, upon his recent arrival, the actions that Ren Baqian took really made Hong Wu dissatisfied.


    Ren Baqian looked at Hong Wu obliquely while making the cotton candy.


    What can you do to me? I didn''t offend or provoke you, so what are you protesting about?He spent quite some time to reinstall the three meter tall tree. On its exterior, there wereyers andyers of cotton candy, while its interior had various types of choctes. Seen from afar, the red and green patterns were rather attractive.He made another two batches of cotton candy and furtively passed them to Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, both of whom expressed avarice. This was because the empress was inside, so they felt embarrassed to ask for cotton candy. Lin Qiaole was sitting on the wall with a lollipop in her mouth, her eyes were closed, and her head was drooping bit by bit. A few minutester, she fell from the wall. She woke up with a shock while falling, curled up her body, did a somersault, andnded on her backside instead of her head.Thump!Lin Qiaole didn''t seem to suffer any pain from the fall, and her wide open eyes showed bewilderment.


    Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing here? Less than a minuteter, her eyes closed again. Sheid down on the side and started snoring.Ren Baqian turned to look at her and shook his head. This fellow was beyond hope!Ren Baqian went into the house and saw that the empress was still sitting in a daze in front of the desk, so he said, "Your Majesty, the present is ready. Do you want me to bring it inside?""Alright!" The empress nodded. Just now, she had already sneaked a peek after Hong Wu left and was touched by Ren Baqian''s gesture. Ren Baqian looked up at the roof, estimated the height, and said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant is thinking of digging a hole in the ground."The empress didn''t even ask why and nodded again, "Okay!"Ren Baqian turned his head to shout for Shi Hu. In an empty space at the side of the room, he smashed a tile with a blow and then got other people to dig a hole there.After the hole was dug, Ren Baqian instructed them to pull out the tree and nt it in the hole before filling in the soil.


    When the tree was brought in, it attracted the attention of the empress, and her eyes kept on following the tree.The sweet smell of the cotton candy was especially enticing and made her yearn for it."What is this?" the empress finally asked."Your Majesty, I solemnly introduce the candy tree from the wine pool and candy forest in heaven mentioned in the ancient books!" Ren Baqian used both hands to point reverently to that candy tree.A wine pool and meat forest was already out of date. In Dayao, meat had low value, was the staple food, and it was easy to build a meat forest at little cost. A candy forest was something befitting the status of the empress.If the emperor who said, "Why don''t they eat meat" existed in Dayao, he certainly would not be recorded in the history books.


    [The emperor who said that phrase was Emperor Hui of Jin, when told that his people didn''t have any rice to eat.] Why not eat meat? Isn''t eating meat cheaper? Nothing''s wrong! The empress was very excited and found the candy tree very interesting. It was more appealing to her than any other gift.She nodded vigorously and said, "It suits me very well, but what is a wine pool?""As the name implies, it is a pool filled with wine. A person in the pool just needs to open his or her mouth to drink until they are drunk."


    As the empress thought about that scenario her heart skipped a beat.However, exactly how much wine was needed to fill a pool?"I want a wine pool!" the empress said radiantly."I will build one for Your Majesty once we are back at the pce!" Ren Baqian replied immediately. Building a wine pool wasn''t difficult, but it couldn''t be done in one or two days.From a guard, Ren Baqian took a pair of shears that had had its handles lengthened with two sticks. He stood below the tree and observed for a long time before using the shears to cut a string that was tied to a cotton candy stick. This caused the cotton candy to fall down directly.


    It wasn''t easy to handle this type of shears as it was easy to miss and cut the air instead.


    Ren Baqian dexterously caught the cotton candy and presented it to the empress."Your Majesty, please taste it! It is more interesting to obtain the candy with this tool."Stretching the hand to pluck was less fun than using the shears to cut. Having to ovee a little difficulty made things more interesting.For example, the price of trying to snatch a doll with a w crane was enough to buy the doll, but many people were still willing to try to snatch these dolls from a w crane machine. This led Ren Baqian to think of finding a ce to make a w crane machine when he returned to Earth. He would fill the dolls with candy, give the empress 100 coins, and tinker with the odds of catching a doll.The idea was to let the empress catch one or two dolls with 100 coins.


    That should make it more interesting.This was assuming that the empress didn''t smash the w crane. The empress took a bite of the cotton candy and nodded her head in satisfaction.With this candy fruit tree, she wouldn''t even mind if the rainbow clouds weren''t colored. "Does Your Majesty want to give it a try?" Ren Baqian watched the empress eat the cotton candy one mouthful at a time and handed the shears to her.The empress took the shears and immediately found a problem with it; the sticks weren''t tied properly, and the des wobbled.However, this was a small problem for her. She raised her hands like lightning, and the candies cascaded down.It was like picking fruit in the forest.As the fruits dropped, the empress was clearly very happy and excited like a little girl. Her hand movements didn''t stop, and without much effort, the floor was filled with fallen candies."A bumper harvest is a joy to behold!" Ren Baqianmented.The empress nced at him, put the shears back in Ren Baqian''s hand, and was clearly very happy as she walked on tiptoe to the table with her hands behind her back.Staying in Tiesuo Pass for more than half a month was really boring, and she was having fun now that Ren Baqian was here.The happiness of the empress was contagious, and it made the corner of Ren Baqian''s mouth tilt slightly in a smile.Ren Baqian collected the candies on the floor and put them on the table for the empress. Then, he ordered the guards to continue hanging more candy on the tree.Ren Baqian stood beside the empress and presented her with that little red flower from before. "Your Majesty, the other day, I saw this flower that was as outstanding as the empress and felt that it should be given to you."Those guards that were hanging up the candy gave sidelong nces and then looked at the sky�� at the roof.


    A few days ago, we saw you plucking a bunch of flowers at the citymander''s residence. The empress carried the half-dried flower in her hand. It was her favorite color, red, but somehow she found it familiar looking. "It seems to be from the citymander''s residence in Liao City?" the empress asked doubtfully. This type of flower wasn''t found in Lan City, but she had the impression that she saw them at the citymander''s residence in Liao City when she had been there for a month."So, this flower was imbued with the breath of the empress. No wonder it is so imperial," Ren Baqian babbled.The empress darted a nce at him. "You are always by my side. Have you picked up my imperial air?""Your humble servant was influenced by the power of Your Majesty!" After Ren Baqian thought for a while, these words seemed to suggest he was like a dog relying on the power of his master.


    The phrase "influenced by the authority of Your Majesty" seemed to refer to a fox assuming the power of a tiger."Your humble servant was influenced by your fragrance, and the mosquitoes do not bite me any more." Ren Baqian felt that this was more like it.

 Chapter 379 Conversation During A Hot Pot Feas

    A pot was sitting on the table in the room. As the temperature of the water rose, the soup began to roil and bubbled up from time to time as it started to boil.Upon seeing this, Ren Baqian quickly put in the meat and wild vegetables. Instantly, the aroma filled the air.Previously, they were awkward and had nothing to say while waiting for the hot pot to boil, but now, the impasse was broken when the soup started to boil.The three people were Ren Baqian, the empress, and Hong Wu, who had learned the skill of varying his expressions as he wished.When facing the empress, he looked serene. When facing Ren Baqian, he was frosty. The changing expressions were rather impressive to watch.Ren Baqian wondered whether he had deprived Hong Wu''s family of their share of food or messed with his daughter.


    Is his frosty expression toward me due to some grudge he''s bearing?With such a person around, Ren Baqian''s mood was instantly affected.The empress was aloof as usual and didn''t say anything as Ren Baqian was keeping quiet.Hong Wu was like a light bulb between the both of them. With the hot pot ready, Ren Baqian started to move about, and the atmosphere lightened.The empress''s attention and eyes were fixed on the meat floating in the hot pot."Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian dipped and then scooped slices of meat, putting them her te. In a split second, they were gone. These days, the empress was being pampered.


    Ren Baqian topped up the wine ss for the empress and then for himself."Your humble servant wishes you mastery in the martial arts world!" Ren Baqian toasted her with a wine cup.


    The empress gulped it down, her eyes brightening as the wine entered her belly.


    "Your humble servant congrattes Your Majesty again for killing Lu Qi and shocking Great Xia!" Ren Baqian said respectfully.Although Ren Baqian said it casually, these were all facts. One had to know that the empress had killed Hua Sanliu, who was the fifth most powerful expert in the world, the Zhu Mu elders, who were twins tied for the tenth most powerful worldwide, and Lu Qi, who was originally recognized as the eighth strongest. Due to these feats, she rose to the position of the fifthmost powerful expert in the world.Over the past two days, the news that Great Xia had been defeated and lost 500,000 soldiers was circting all over Great Xia.


    The fame of the empress as a ruthless conqueror was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Great Xia.


    An unknown number of practitioners and schrs were discussing Qi Zixiao in the streets and alleys as well as in the taverns.Thements were generally about their amazement at her feats. Three years ago, the empress was young, didn''t have much of a record in fighting against experts, and was ranked in the top ten experts of the world. This caused many people to doubt her and challenge her over the past two years.Although none of her challengers survived, the empress didn''t have a record ofpeting against the finest experts yet. It was only during these past six months that she had sessively done it three times and really shocked the whole world.


    Outside of Dayao, her fame outshone that of Hong Wu, who had guarded the borders for decades.After all, this top expert was a youngdy of iparable beauty and thus, attracted even more attention.Unfortunately, the rumors mentioned that she was keeping a gigolo. "This is the third cup�� Although I didn''t do anything much, I still want topliment myself for working hard!" Ren Baqian said sincerely after some reflection.Hong Wu bristled upon hearing this and almost threw his bowl at Ren Baqian''s face. This shameless guy was worse than that rascal Tong Zhenye when he was young.If he had known that this guy had such a character, he would have prevented Her Majesty from choosing him as her husband even if it meant risking his life.The empress frowned after hearing this.She looked at him with her clear eyes and asked, "Do you want me to pour you a cup of wine?""Let me do it myself!" Ren Baqianughed and drained his cup of wine."Imend the Great General for his hard work and valuable service!" The empress gestured with her wine cup at Hong Wu."Many thanks, Your Majesty. This is part of my duty!" Hong Wu raised his cup with both hands and gave Ren Baqian a fierce look at the same time.However, the atmosphere was livelier now and much better than before."Your Majesty, what should we do next?" Ren Baqian raised his cup to ask."What do you mean?" The empress blinked her eyes, not clearly understanding his question."Great Xia retreated after the defeat, so what will happen next?" Ren Baqian asked."Thosemoners who fled to the cities will need to go back to the fields to tidy up. However, as for those strongholds which have been burned down and the crops that have been destroyed this season, the livelihoods of those folk will not be easy for the next two seasons. Tax relief should be provided to them," said Hong Wu, who regarded this as a big issue.


    "Those damaged cities also need to be restored!""And then?" Ren Baqian continued to ask."Principal Ren, speak whatever is on your mind!" Hong Wu said."My meaning is, don''t we need to get Great Xia topensate for the damage?" Ren Baqian asked."Exactingpensation from a defeated nation?" Hong Wu and the empress looked at him because there was no precedent for such a case in this world.Seeing that the two didn''t understand, Ren Baqian exined, "They shouldn''t be allowed to attack at their whim and fancy as well as simply withdraw after their defeat, right? We have lost so many people. Is it too much to ask for 100 taels for each Earth Wheel expert''s death? Don''t they need topensate for the funerals? There are at least 100,000 casualties, which equates to 10 million taels. There is also mental trauma suffered by the families of those casualties. They should bepensated because of the atrocitiesmitted by Great Xia. Although money can''t make up for their mental traumas, notpensating them isn''t eptable.In addition, Her Majesty didn''t sleep well and has lost half a kilogram of weight. Shouldn''t theypensate for this?Furthermore, many cities had their buildings destroyed due to the invasion by Great Xia. These required manpower and resources to build. As a result, Great Xia should pay money to solve this problem! What about the trees that were destroyed? How many years will they take to regrow? It takes 10 years to grow a tree and 100 years to nurture a person. Money is needed to buy things, and they have to pay for robbing us of our trees. They also left behind so much rubbish after retreating and clearing the rubbish requires much manpower and resources�� Although it is inevitable to encounter losses in a war between two armies, it was started by Great Xia, so they are liable no matter how you look at it. Besides thispensation, there is also a need to pay reparations for being defeated!"Ren Baqian used his fingers to calcte for the two and concluded, "Finally, they robbed me of five million taels of silver. Shouldn''t they pay me back?"


    Hong Wu and the empress were stunned and had their eyes opened by what Ren Baqian said. They had never heard of the defeated needing to paypensation.What about the five million taels of silver? When were you robbed of five million taels of silver?


    Hong Wu was surprised and then said coldly, "Xia Bailong certainly will not agree to this request!"


    "We have to take it by force if they won''t give. I heard they have just 180,000 soldiers at the border and that even defending the border is difficult. If an army were to enter their hintend, what can they do? Their recruits can''t be fully trained in a few months. Even if they were to deploy forces from other locations, they can''t do it within a short time. Many things can be done during this period. After plundering them, we can tell the outside world that Great Xia refused topensate after attacking us. They attacked us first, yet they refuse to bear the consequences. As such, they disregard all themoners in the cities."


    "I am afraid this may be counterproductive and that themoners will still hate us." Hong Wu seriously thought about it. Although he didn''t like Ren Baqian, he could still put aside his prejudices for this matter.The thought of plundering them was rather cathartic. After all, they were given a beating for nothing and should not take it lying down, especially the Great General who had been guarding the border for decades."It is hard to fathom the human heart. A person who suffered harm because he wasn''t protected adequately by his guardian may end up hating his guardian. Such a sight ismonly seen." Ren Baqian shook his head."Anyway, it doesn''t seem that they like us now."Hong Wu agreed with this sentence stated by Ren Baqian."The problem now is the Yun Nation!" Hong Wu frowned. The Protectorate of the Northeast was still battling the Yun Nation, and the war between the Protectorate of the North and Great Xia had just ended. If they were to start a war with Great Xia, they would enter the quagmire again."The first batch of 20,000 recruits will be ready in two months. Dealing with the Yun Nation alone will not cause much of an upheaval during these two months. On the contrary, with Great Xia licking their wounds, they may hit us with a strike at any time. They are sharpening their ws as our battle with the Yun Nation continues. Instead, it is better to attack them first before we settle the issue with the Yun Nation. At the very least, they will not be prepared for us to attack before we finish dealing with the Yun Nation," Ren Baqian said.


    "It will not take long to destroy the Yun Nation," Hong Wu replied. He was seeking stability: destroy the Yun Nation first before taking on Great Xia.Furthermore, the Yun Nation was easier to deal with than Great Xia.


    "To repel the Yun Nation is easy, but to upy them will take some time," Ren Baqian said. After hearing this, Hong Wu was shocked and looked at the empress for her opinion.The empress nodded slightly to concur with Ren Baqian."Although the Yun Nation is smaller than Dayao, their people areplex andplicated. As such, many military personnel are needed for an invasion. Although there are advantages in upying the Yun Nation, the disadvantages are also many. Just like the southern region, these people are basically untrustworthy. Additionally, upying such a big piece ofnd requires the management of a whole protectorate." Hong Wu frowned, he didn''t know when the empress and Ren Baqian had formed such an idea, but swallowing the Yun Nation was rather difficult for Dayao.


    One Yun Nation plus the southern region entailed great effort and might do more harm than good.


    Hong Wu''s first response was to oppose this idea. Dayao had adequate resources and used tock iron and salt, but the iron and salt problems had been resolved. In this case, why should they take the risk of invading the Yun Nation, spend great effort governing it, and gamble with messing up if not done well? The Yun Nation wasn''t a small country, and its poption wasrger than that of Dayao. Dayao wouldn''t be able to find enough officials to govern it after the invasion."However, the Yun Nation has what we need most," Ren Baqian rified.Be it salt, iron, minerals, or people, these were all needed by Dayao. To enable the rapid development of Dayao, the products of the Yun Nation were crucially essential."As for their governance, I have a n ready," Ren Baqian said.Hong Wu looked at him skeptically."This matter is of great importance, so I hope Your Majesty will think twice." Hong Wu cupped his hands and pleaded."I have decided!" the empress announced. After visiting Earth, she realized that Dayao was very poor and barren, that it needed the bountiful resources of the Yun Nation, and that the Yun Nation had to fall into her hands."The Great General doesn''t need to worry. We will act ording to the situation. If it can''t be done, we can just bring backrge amounts of material from the Yun Nation," Ren Baqian added.Hong Wu rxed a little after hearing this, but was still rather worried.War wasn''t child''s y. upying such a big nation and integrating it into their territory was also not aughing matter.It seemed like he had better find an opportunity over the next few days to return to Lan City and meet up with Shi Qing and others.

 Chapter 380 Your Majesty, Do You Want To Swim?

    Hong Wu was frowning when he left. He was ultimately still doubtful toward the issue of subjugating the Yun Nation.


    Conquering the Yun Nation wasn''t a difficult task.


    However, the problems would only arise after the conquest because it was easy to drag Dayao into a quagmire.


    At that time, even the experts who weren''t involved in the war would no longer remain still.


    If they wanted to stabilize the situation in the Yun Nation, the military strength required wouldn''t be a small number.


    However, there was one issue that he handled immediately. The next morning, he got someone to deliver a letter to Great Xia''s current chiefmander of Tiesuo Pass, Zi Ye. It was noon when Zi Ye opened the letter in his residence. The handwriting of the letter seemed as if it were written in chicken scratch. After careful identification, he could finally see that there were uses listed and that Great Xia was supposed topensate Dayao. It included all sorts of expenses and ranged from funeral services, building repairs, and even mental trauma�� Thest use actually indicated that five million tales of silver had been robbed by the Great Xia army. In total, the amount to bepensated summed to one billion and five million taels of silver. This was the annual revenue of Great Xia''s state treasury.


    Zi Ye was stunned at first. He looked at the letter carefully and wondered if he had incorrectly read the contents within. After reading through the letter for a third time and confirming the contents, he immediately ripped the letter into pieces.


    At the same time, he asked coldly, "Could it be that they are insane?"


    After that, he instructed, "Chase that person out."


    Compensation? That was practically a joke. Never had there been a rule like that.


    Hong Wu received the information at night and went to report to the empress.


    "Just as I thought, Great Xia''s chiefmander chased the person who delivered the letter back," Hong Wu said.


    "In that case, like what we said previously, we will take it from them," the empress said faintly.


    "Your Majesty, who should we send?" Hong Wu asked. If they only send the winged cavalry to Dayao, it would perhaps be inadequate. In that case, Dayao wouldn''t be able to get theirpensation.


    Furthermore, the finest experts were not found in the winged cavalry. The strongest in the winged cavalry would be its Protector General, who had strength equivalent to a Spirit Wheel expert.


    "Get Li Qianqiu to go," said the empress, who pondered for a while before answering him.


    With Li Qianqiu''s strength, as long as they didn''t meet the finest experts, there shouldn''t be any huge problems.


    The next day, after the empress, Hong Wu, and Ren Baqian roughly circled out an area, the empress used the radio station to call for Li Qianqiu. Two dayster, Li Qianqiu, who had been resting and reorganizing his soldiers near Liao City, rushed to Ping City with the 6,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center. The trio continued their discussion in Hong Wu''s study room for the entire afternoon. The next day, Li Qianqiu brought the winged cavalry, 3,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the Center, every single horned cow that could be used as a mount, and arge number of buffalo that could serve as military supplies, then headed toward the west. They were ready to turn over Mount Lianyin and leave for Great Xia.


    They also brought along the 1,000 grenades that Ren Baqian had prepared.


    These grenades would y a very big role when facing Great Xia''s army.


    1,000 grenades were already more than sufficient for three battles, let alone disrupting Great Xia''s battle formation.


    Both Hong Wu and Li Qianqiu had a radio station each and could thereforemunicate at anytime. If Li Qianqiu had to retreat, Hong Wu would then provide support from Tiesuo Pass.


    As for any other issues, it was all up to Li Qianqiu to handle them.


    ��


    "Your Majesty, it''s time for us to return," Ren Baqian said to the empress the day after Li Qianqiu set off.


    This time, Li Qianqiu''s return journey would probably take at least a month. The empress had been away from Lan City for a long time and should return now.


    "We''ll set off tomorrow." The empress nodded. Then, she swept her gaze across Ren Baqian, and her intention was very clear.


    Where are the rainbow clouds that you promised? "Your Majesty''s rainbow clouds are still on the way here. Why not wait for another three days!" Ren Baqian promptly responded. The previous time he returned from Earth, he only brought back the grenades and other equipment, but forgot the most important item.


    "In that case, let''s wait for another three days," the empress replied indifferently.


    Although she was already bored of staying in Ping City, staying for another three days wouldn''t harm her.


    Another day passed. Ren Baqian and the empress made a trip back to Earth.


    It had been more than two months since the beginning of the war, and more than half a year had passed on Earth.


    Thest time the empress came, it was still autumn. Now, it was already the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The weather was just right. First of all, it was a strange room that appeared in the empress''s sight. This room was muchrger than the one in the previous house. There were loft windows at the side that allowed the bright and beautiful sunlight to sprinkle inside. From the empress''s position, she could also see the verdant and lushndscape outside of the windows. In the past, all she could see right outside her windows were apartments, but now, they had all disappeared.


    "Your Majesty, this is our new house," Ren Baqian said.


    "Oh!" The empress replied in an unenthusiastic tone as she wasn''t really interested in this matter.


    "Your Majesty, follow me. You''ll definitely like this." Ren Baqian pulled the empress''s hand, which was very soft and warm. It had been a long time since he held it, causing him to be a little excited.


    He pushed open the door that led to a very spacious corridor. At the end of the corridor was a table, a pot of flowers, and a window above it.


    The room diagonally opposite from Ren Baqian''s room was reserved for the empress. It was three times the size of her previous room. There was a huge mirror and a row of wardrobes that could barely fit all of the empress''s clothes.


    Leaning against the window was a princess bed.


    "Your Majesty, this is your room!" Ren Baqian introduced.


    The empress tilted her head. In the previous house, Ren Baqian and the empress''s rooms were located on different levels. Now, their rooms were just diagonally opposite from each other.


    "I have brought all of Your Majesty''s clothes over!" Ren Baqian pulled open a wardrobe and revealed a sea of red garments.


    In the wardrobe, practically everything was a red dress.


    Upon seeing these dresses, the empress was delighted. Even though she hadn''t worn the majority of them, women usually bought clothes just for the sake of buying.


    Seeing these dresses in her wardrobe made her mood pleasant.


    "Next up!" Ren Baqian opened another door, which led to a room filled with shelves positioned in a circle. A dazzling array of snacks that the empress liked to eat could be found here.


    There were also three freezers in the middle, which stored all sorts of frozen treats and ice cream.


    The empress flung away Ren Baqian''s hand and walked into this room alone after seeing what was inside. She grabbed a qiaolezi and popped it into her mouth before roaming around in this room. [qiaolezi: a brand of chocte ice cream in China.]


    There was a faint smile on the empress''s face. She felt that even though this ce was awesome and she liked it a lot, it still didn''t make her as happy as that candy tree.


    Generally speaking, she was still very satisfied.


    Ren Baqian leaned against the wall and watched the empress roam around the room. A smile appeared on his face as well.


    "And here is the floor that is one storey below." Ren Baqian and the empress arrived on the first level of the vi.


    The living room was huge, but the both of them weren''t really concerned about it.


    Ren Baqian immediately opened one of the doors to allow gleaming reflections of waves in the sunlight to seep through. The room was huge,rger than thebined area of the two bedrooms on the second floor, and was covered with colorful Mediterranean style tiles. In the middle was a swimming pool that was about 100 square meters and was filled with crystal clear water.Next to the pool were three deck chairs and a side table.


    Ren Baqian solicitously introduced, "Your Majesty, in the future, you can swim over here. Imagine the scenario, swimming here and soaking in the cool water with me serving tea and pouring wine for you. It''s something to dream of�� I even prepared a swimsuit for Your Majesty! Do you want to try it on?"


    "It seems like you really want me to try it?" The empress turned to look at him.


    "As Dayao is torrid, I want Your Majesty to be relieved of the summer heat," Ren Baqian answered. Swimsuit, swimsuit, he had been anticipating this for the longest time.

 Chapter 381 Misty Road

    "Your Majesty, it''s very refreshing to soak yourself in the pool. Moreover, there isn''t anyone here."


    The empress nced at him, extended her hand, and grabbed him. The next moment, Ren Baqian was sent flying toward the pool.


    "I don''t feel warm in this weather. You can go into the pool alone," the empress said unenthusiastically before going upstairs to change.


    The empress was well aware of Ren Baqian''s intentions. She had been to the beach before and even though she didn''t mind, she was still a little shy about swimming.


    Plop!When Ren Baqian fell into the pool, he began to panic because he didn''t know how to swim.


    Ssh ssh�� He swallowed big gulps of water. With great difficulty, he finally stabilized himself and stood up, only to realize that the water was at his chest level.


    After all, the depth of the pool was only about 1.4 meters. After climbing out of the pool, Ren Baqianid at the edge of the pool and, just like a fountain, spurted out a stream of water. Finally, he was revived. He knew that he had to learn how to swim sooner orter.


    If a Man Wheel expert like him were to drown in a 1.4 meter deep pool, that would be a huge tragedy.


    He took a towel from the side and wiped his head. Then, in his soaked clothes, he went back to his room to change.


    After changing into a set of new clothes, he heard the sound of the television. When he went downstairs, he discovered that the empress was already sitting on the sofa and eating ice cream.


    "Do you want to go out for a ride?" Ren Baqian sat beside her and asked. "It''s been tough on you these days."


    "Sure!" The empress cheerfully nodded.


    She had really been bored in Ping City these past few days, and it was good for her to take a breather outside.


    Ren Baqian drove down the mountain and idly talked about how he felt a few days ago, "It seemed like there was something disrupting my thoughts. I kept wanting to kill a certain person. Furthermore, all sorts of thoughts emerged in my mind. I''m uncertain if it''s the metal chain''s problem or if it is something else that is affecting me."


    He didn''t mention Qi Jiayu, the woman that looked exactly like the empress. Ren Baqian only wanted to hear the empress''s opinion regarding this issue.


    Even though the aboriginals weren''t proficient in reading minds, with the empress''s ability, she should more or less be able to do so.


    It seemed as if the metal chain would emerge from Ren Baqian''s head whenever someone shouted for it.


    The empress grabbed the metal chain that had just emerged from Ren Baqian''s head and was about to twist it into an S shape. She delicately sensed the metal chain and said doubtfully, "This thing shouldn''t affect you in any way."


    "In addition, there''s nothing else in your soul other than this metal chain." The empress fiddled with the metal chain in her hands and wrapped it a few times around her palm. Even though the metal chain wanted to escape, it couldn''t do so. "As it turns out, Your Majesty is proficient in this aspect!" After listening to what the empress said, Ren Baqian felt that what the empress knew was far more than what he had expected.


    "I don''t know much, but there''s a fraction of my soul in your body. If there is a situation, I can definitely detect it," the empress said faintly. When Ren Baqian heard what the empress said, he subconsciously stepped on the brakes, nearly causing the car behind him to crash into his car. The other driver was hopping mad and held down his car horn as he cursed and swore.


    "There''s a fraction of your soul in my body?" Ren Baqian was stupefied.


    "Back then, I thought that if you ever let me down, you wouldn''t be able to escape no matter where you went," the empress said in a dull tone. "If you never let me down and got killed by someone, this fraction of my soul would pester that person, and even if he or she was at the other end of the world, I would still be able to kill him or her."


    Ren Baqian widened his eyes.


    Holy crap. When did this happen? There''s actually such a dangerous thing in my body?


    "It usually has no effect on you. It was done a long time ago." The empress turned her head and didn''t look at him. Ren Baqian''s mouth was wide open, but he didn''t know what to say.


    Could it be that the empress was afraid that I would run away in the past?


    Otherwise, why would she be bothered to do such a thing?


    If I am in Lan City, the empress can crush me to death with just one finger.


    "Why would I ever let you down!" Ultimately, Ren Baqian spoke in a gentle tone and continued, "Knowing you is something arranged by Heaven, which has the highest authority. Moreover, you are the only treasure between heaven and earth. To be able to have you as my partner, I have nothing more to ask for in this life." The empress''s ears turned hot when she heard this. She was so ted that her fingertips began to subconsciously poke at the car door��


    From the inside, the empress''s finger pierced through the outside of the car door as if she were poking a piece of paper�� The driver of the car next to them couldn''t believe his eyes.


    Ren Baqian continued to drive forward. He then asked, "Is dividing a fraction of your soul easy? Are there no effects on you?"


    "It''s very painful!" the empress said cooly.


    If the empress said that it was painful, it must be really painful, simr to tearing herself apart.


    However, she hadn''t expected it to hurt so much.


    Otherwise, she might have hesitated.


    This was a secret technique that originated from the aboriginal tribes. An expert at the Cardinal Heaven level could perform it, but only once. When this expert attained the Longevity Heaven level, he or she would then be able to divide his or her soul for the second time. However, whenever an expert''s soul was in the process of being divided, he or she would experience pain equivalent to tearing a person apart. As a result, it was rarely used. Now, Ren Baqian knew why he had the urge to kill Qi Jiayu when he saw her.


    As for why those thoughts emerged, perhaps he was affected by that fraction of the empress''s soul.


    This was simr to his own reaction upon meeting the Seventh Prince for the first time.


    When this fraction of the empress''s soul saw Qi Jiayu, it also generated this same reaction.


    ording to what he thought, this was a divided soul after all, and it was different from himself. Therefore, when killing intent arose, it evoked all kinds of thoughts in his mind. Ren Baqian didn''t mention this matter again.


    He was sincerely fond of the empress.


    To have such a woman and to spend a lifetime with her, he was content. At this moment, Ren Baqian concluded that he wouldn''t let the empress down in any way. Naturally, he would pay no attention to the fraction of the empress''s soul in his body.


    "Can you sense what the fraction of your soul saw?" All of a sudden, Ren Baqian recalled something.


    "I am unable to do this. Since this fraction of my soul has already left my body, I can at most locate its position."


    "Oh!" Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief since his privacy could still be maintained. In the future, just in case he went for a "dirty massage," he would be hanged in the city and turned into bacon after he returned to the other world if the empress could pry into his soul.


    Ren Baqian decided to put aside Qi Jiayu''s matter for now as he didn''t know how he should handle it. Although he knew that he was affected by that fraction of her soul, the influence was already present. Such thoughts had surfaced in his mind before and had already left behind a trace.


    Thus, he still somehow couldn''t take his mind off of that Qi Jiayu.


    However, this matter would be consideredter.Over the next two days, the both of them had nothing to do and roamed around Shanghai, looking at the dresses and shoes of various shops�� For the empress, buying dresses had always been something that she liked to do. Three dayster, the two of them returned to Dayao with a pile of white boxes.Another day had passed, and it was the first glimmer of light. From the entrance of Hong Wu''s residence all the way to Ping City''s south gate, the entire road was nketed inyers of mist. People walking on the path felt as if they were walking on clouds.


    It was a road covered by mist.


    Everyone who woke up early and saw this scene was amazed. They didn''t know what was going on, but they stopped on both sides of the road, obstructing other people from walking through. A few of them even tried to scoop some mist into their hands, but to no avail.


    The dense mist on the groundpletelycked any shape at all.


    After looking closely, people realized that there were a few burly men, each holding a weird thing and standing on both sides of the road. Mist was emitted from the front of these weird things.


    As those weird things began projecting multicolored lights, the mist became colorful as well. "Only this rainbow mist road can match up to Your Majesty." Ren Baqian stood outside Hong Wu''s residence and gently bowed with one arm pointing outside.


    At this time, looking from the inside, it seemed as if there was ayer of colorful clouds on the ground outside. The smoke slowly rose and dissipated, just like paradise. Looking at the marvellous sight in front of her, the empress''s eyes glowed.


    Although she had pictured many a time how Ren Baqian''s rainbow clouds would look, never had she expected that it would be a road paved by colorful mist.


    No female in this world would be unaffected by a scene like this.


    It was a huge surprise!


    Ren Baqian stepped forward, held the empress''s fingertips and led her outside.


    When they stepped into the mist, they were able to feel that the temperature inside was much cooler than anywhere else.


    However, this made it even more realistic.


    Ren Baqian led the empress as the both of them walked on this misty road toward the south gate.


    As the two of them walked ahead, the burly men behind them turned off the mist machine. It didn''t take long before the mist on the ground dissipated, exposing the road which wasid with gstones.


    From a distance, it seemed as if this roadposed of clouds was only prepared for both Ren Baqian and the empress. As they went forward and the mist began to dissipate, this misty road also began to shorten.


    "Quick,e out and see the immortals!"


    "What immortals? Where are the immortals?" Many people who were affected by the noise outside pushed open their windows and looked out. They saw a road that was paved with mist as well as the two people walking on it. All of a sudden, they couldn''t speak.


    The empress''s eyes were constantly shing as she walked on the misty road from the start to the end. She was pleasantly surprised.


    She had been smiling since the beginning.


    As they approached the city gate, they turned back to look. The mist behind them had begun to dissipate.


    Hong Wu and the others were also rushing over toward them.


    Ren Baqian took the lead and gently nted his lips on the empress''s lips.


    The empress looked at him with twinkling eyes, as if there was something surging in her vision.


    It was rare for her not to dodge his kiss. This soft sensation and faint fragrance stirred Ren Baqian''s emotions.


    It was a pity that the time and ce were not right; otherwise, Ren Baqian really wanted things to continue this way.A man and a woman gently kissing at the city gate.


    The surrounding guards were extremely hurt and looked up at the sky. Hong Wu''s eyes widened in anger as his gaze, which was as sharp as a knife,nded on Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 382 An Arduous Journey

    "Wu Shenghou is dead? Great Xia has retreated?"


    Outside Sanxi City, there was a huge tent amid a continuous chain of camps set up by the Yun Nation that was a few kilometers long. A middle-aged man cried out when he saw the contents of the letter that he was holding.


    This person was the Yun Nation''smander-in-chief, Zhu Wuzhen.


    The Great Xia army had already retreated half a month ago, but the Yun Nation just received this news.


    After Wu Shenghou died, the Yun Nation wasn''t able to receive any news. However, the retreat of the Great Xia army was something that couldn''t be concealed.


    Zhu Wenzhen was filled with uncertainty. Now that Great Xia had retreated, it might be a little troublesome for the Yun Nation to send their troops out.


    If the Yun Nation was united as one, they could still put up a fight against Dayao if they dispatched their elite soldiers.


    Yet, thinking about the officials of the imperial court made him feel bitterly disappointed.


    As the saying goes, a thing cannot exist without its basis; if the skin doesn''t exist, what can the hair adhere to? They couldn''t even understand such simple logic.


    For them, internal struggles and their own selfish calctions were obviously more important than outside threats.Previously, there was Great Xia to drain Dayao''s energy. At present, Great Xia had retreated while he had the intention of withdrawing his troops.


    Then, he saw the second letter, and his expression changed greatly. Zhu Wenzhen was outraged. He subsequently smacked the table and saw a palm-shaped cavity form on the table with sawdust falling from it. After some time, his anger dissipated, and he forced a smile.


    In this situation, they could actually tell him not to withdraw his troops. Wasn''t this equivalent to being Great Xia''s scapegoat?


    It was unknown which court official or influential person had received Great Xia''s bribe and made such a decision.


    Did they really think that without Great Xia, the 180,000 soldiers from the West City army and those misceneous soldiers could actually obstruct Dayao?


    It was practically a joke.


    His only hope was that the Chen Nation would send their troops out, just like what the letter mentioned.


    ��


    It began to rain when Ren Baqian, the empress, and the rest arrived in Liao City. The pitter-patter of the rain went on for three days.


    Over these three days, Ren Baqian and the empress had been drinking and staring into space.


    "Has the rainy season arrived?" Ren Baqian was ying with the wine ss in his hand and asked.


    "It''s around the corner," the empress casually replied.


    ording to the season, the rainy season was from now to September, and the rest of the year was the dry season. There weren''t four seasons. In Dayao, there were only two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season.As Liao City was slightly further north, the rainy season was somewhatter as a result.


    "When the plum blossoms in May, the rainy season begins and croaking noises made by frogs can be heard near the ponds." Ren Baqian looked at the drizzle outside and racked his brain for a line of poetry.


    "Not bad!" the empress said unenthusiastically.


    She didn''t know much about poetry, but it sounded pretty good. "There''s something even better!" Ren Baqian immediately smiled.


    "Tell me about it." The empress''s mood was lifted.


    "Heavy rain, you are all water! Fine horse, you have four legs! Northern storm petrels��" Ren Baqian spoke energetically and expressively�� Smack! The empress lifted the chopsticks in her hand, and a piece of meat flew toward Ren Baqian''s face.


    "Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian chuckled mischievously. He took that piece of meat and stuffed it into his mouth. Then, he used a piece of cloth to wipe his face.


    The empress ignored him, drank a ss of wine, and threw a piece of chocte in her mouth after.Downing alcohol with chocte was rather creative.


    However, Ren Baqian got reminded of the liquor choctes that he used to eat during childhood. He presumed that the empress would love them too.


    After staying in Liao City for three days, the weather finally cleared up on the fourth day. Everyone continued their journey again.


    Due to the rain, they had difficulties walking on the dirt road as their legs sank into the mud every now and then. They couldn''t pick up speed either.


    In addition, it began to rain heavily again after travelling for one day.


    Ren Baqian made his way to the empress''s carriage so as to avoid getting drenched.


    In fact, there were two other carriages that stored food, other daily necessities, and Lin Qiaole, who had been sleeping ever since she got in the carriage. However, it wasn''t the carriage that was important, but the people in the carriage were.


    Listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the empress''s carriage, Ren Baqian resumed his old trade and narrated to the empress, "A Chinese Ghost Story."


    ["A Chinese Ghost Story": Hong Kong movie] "The story begins with a heavy rain. Ning Caichen, who was going to collect the ounts in Guobei County, encountered heavy rain and hid in the legendary Lanruo Temple��""Ning Caichen? It seems that I have heard this name before." The empress found this name familiar.


    [1.Ning Caichen is a character in The Empress''s Gigolo and has a name simr to the character in "A Chinese Ghost Story"]


    "He attended your birthday celebration�� He came once more afterward and delivered someone."


    "Oh! I remember. It''s him! Continue!" The empress thought that this story happened to the Ning Caichen she met before.


    "They have the same name, but this isn''t his personal experience," Ren Baqian pointed out. Otherwise, when he mentioned the other characters such as Yan Chixia, Grandmother Tree Demon, ck Mountain Demon, etc, the empress would be full of suspicions.


    After that, everyone continued to walk on the muddy road while Ren Baqian was in the empress''s carriage narrating "The Strange Tales of Liao Zhai."


    From time to time, the wheels got stuck in the mud, but all it required was for a guard to lift the carriage up, so this didn''t dy their journey. However, their speed of travel was inevitably reduced by a lot.


    "An arduous journey!" Ren Baqian sighed just when he finished narrating "Painted Skin."


    This was indeed an arduous journey.


    It wasn''t the rainy season yet when they arrived, and they didn''t face much trouble walking. However, on their journey back this time, the path was simply undting. They sank in the mud every step they took.


    The guards outside were like mud balls.


    "Can that type of cement repair roads?" the empress looked at the mud outside and asked.


    Simrly, Ren Baqian looked outside and responded, "If you want to be rich, you ought to repair the roads first. You can use cement to build roads.""That''s even better."


    "Fortunately, Great Xia didn''t attack now. Otherwise, the marching speed of our soldiers would have been reduced by a lot." Ren Baqianughed.


    "Great Xia wouldn''t be able to use their bowstrings during the rainy season," the empress exined.


    After listening to the empress, Ren Baqian came to a realization. These bowstrings were mainly made from beast tendons and would soften once they came into contact with water. Even if it didn''t cause blisters, the bowstrings would still soften over time in such a damp environment.


    It seemed that Great Xia had intentionally attacked them earlier on.


    "However, the manpower and material resources needed to build roads can be quite a lot. We''ll have to rely on the Protectorate of the Northeast." Ren Baqian thought about it. There were no cars and there wasn''t any machinery in this world. Everything relied on manpower. Even transporting goods also relied on the horned cattle and humans. The amount ofborers required to build roads would definitely be arge number.


    On Earth, during ancient times, they usedborers to build roads. Since Dayao didn''t haveborers, he had to find a solution to solve thebor problem.


    It was impossible to employborers, and Dayao wouldn''t be able to afford it. Also, there weren''t enough aboriginals to build roads.


    He then decided to target the Yun Nation people.


    "At this time, I''ll inform Zi Doni to capture some people alive." The empress nodded.


    "They have at least 400,000 soldiers," Ren Baqian warned the empress.


    "400,000 of the Yun Nation soldiers isn''t as strong as 200,000 Great Xia soldiers. If there''s anything worthy of praise, it is that the Yun Nation has pretty good weapons. Yet, no matter how good a weapon is, it has to be wielded by a human," the empress whispered."ording to the schedule, those recruits still have to wait for two months, but I n for them to set off in a month''s time." Now that Great Xia was crippled, those 20,000 recruits could be transferred to the Protectorate of the Northeast. There was another batch of 20,000 recruits behind them. After training this new batch of 20,000 recruits and sending them over to the Protectorate of the North, they would suffice.


    Now, the 180,000 Great Xia soldiers weren''t able to set off any storms during this short period of time.


    "It''s all thanks to the things you brought." The empress took a glimpse at Ren Baqian. If it weren''t for the mortars, grenades, binocrs, walkie-talkies, and radio stations that Ren Baqian brought, Great Xia could have actually matched up to Dayao. Mortars and grenades could disrupt the opponent''s battle formations. Binocrs and drones could detect the opponent''s situation at any time. As long as there was any movement, it could be detected.


    The role of the walkie-talkies and the radio stations was even more important.


    The various military forces could directly contact each other to know the situation in various ces without any dy. Furthermore, orders were transmitted in real time. The movement of each section during a battle was also more timely and urate.It could be said that the role of walkie-talkies, radios, binocrs, and drones didn''t seem as direct as the mortars and grenades, but in reality, the effectiveness of them wasn''t inferior to the mortars and grenades.


    After continuously traveling on the muddy road for 20 days, this group of people finally spotted Lan City from a distance.


    "Finally back!" Ren Baqian got off the empress''s carriage and did some stretches to loosen his muscles before getting on his fork-horned cow.


    After being away for so long, he somewhat missed his students.


    Now that the spring break was over, he wondered how many idiots were going to be shot just because they didn''tplete their homework.

 Chapter 383 Banque

    The weing of the empress this time was much more majestic than the previous time.


    After all, they managed to repel Great Xia attack after just over a month this time around, and all of Lan City''smoners were very proud of this.


    This was the strength of our empress.


    Thus, when they knew that the empress was returning, they fell over each other in their eagerness to see the empress with their own eyes.


    From the city gate to Beihong District, both sides of the street were filled with people. Even the drizzle couldn''t dampen the passion of Lan City''smoners.


    "Her Majesty!"


    "It''s Her Majesty!"


    "Long live the victors, Your Majesty!"


    All sorts of cheers could be heard from the crowd.


    The empress''s imperial carriage drew open its front curtains, allowing the people to see her decked in red andying on her side.


    Just like how Ren Baqian saw the empress for the first time, she was lying on a thickyer of fur without much expression. Her eyes were lightly shut while both Hong Luan and Qing Yuan followed closely behind.


    Even though she wasn''t sitting upright with a strict posture, this image very much fulfilled the impression that themoners had of her.


    Ren Baqian was riding on a fork-horned cow and following behind her submissively. It was inevitable for the crowd to point fingers at him.


    Thanks to the existence of the radio station, the daily situation of the north was able to be reported to Lan City. After that, various court officials spread the news to the official residence, which was then further transmitted to themoners.


    Everyday and everywhere, all of Lan City was discussing the battle in the north throughout the day.


    Many of the things that happened during the war had also reached the ears of the civilians.


    As a result, even though Ren Baqian was still the empress''s gigolo, many people heard that this man had contributed quite a fair bit during this war with Great Xia. This made many people change their impressions of him.


    At least it wasn''t a case of a fresh flower stalk sitting atop a mosaic anymore.


    It had almost advanced to the state of a fresh flower stalk sitting atop cow dung.


    This improvement was worthy of celebration.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to the side and coincidentally saw a few heads sticking out from an open window.


    Those were his students.


    Ren Baqian smiled at them, revealing a set of dense white teeth.


    "Yagui spotted us!" Those students subconsciously pulled back their heads.


    "Du Laoliu, have you finished your homework?"


    "What is there to worry about? The empress has just returned after such a victorious battle. A banquet will definitely be thrown in the pce. In addition to the other things that he has to settle, that Yagui certainly will not resume school that soon. There''ll be more than enough time to finish the homework." Just as Du Laoliu finished speaking with such confidence and patted his own chest, he turned around and looked at the others.


    "What about you guys?"


    "Not yet��" A few other students were facing the same plight as Du Laoliu. During this period of war in the north, they had been at the restaurant every day talking about the war and exchanging information that they had gotten from their parents. How could they possibly be in the mood to do their homework?


    Du Laoliu nced past every single one of them and felt a little disappointed.


    Although he was so confident with his words, if sses were to resume within a few dayster, he still wouldn''t have enough time to finish his homework even if he were to stay home each day to do it.


    When that happens, he would have no choice but to take a bullet again.


    Out of all the students, he got shot the most.


    Even though the wounds would recover after applying the ck mud cream, there would still be patches of fresh skin on the body that were different from before.


    Since then, he didn''t dare to bare his upper body anymore.


    Beneath his clothes, there were white spots on both his arms and shoulders that were roughly the size of a fingertip. Those who didn''t know would think that he had dermatosis.


    "I''vepleted half of it," one of the students replied.


    Everyone''s attention was directed over to him.


    "Buddy, the lives of your elder brothers here rest in your hands." Du Laoliu ced his arms around this student''s neck.


    "A bunch of useless people!" A lolita walked down the stairs with a face full of disdain.


    "Have youpleted it?" Everybody''s eyes sparkled.


    "Hmph!" The lolita pridefully held her head up high as she walked down the stairs, not bothered by the looks of envy from the rest.


    After leaving the restaurant, her head immediately drooped, and she ran straight back to the Tong Residence. She became frantic the moment she reached home, gritting her teeth before rushing toplete her homework.


    ��


    When Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park, the first thing he saw were the two round chaps, one ck and one white. One of them was lying on the ground while the other one was stepping on it and climbing up a tree.


    Almost a year had passed, and those two chaps had grown quite a bit.


    Ren Baqian walked over as those two chaps looked at him.


    After that, Ren Baqian tugged on the panda at the bottom, causing the one on top to lose its bnce and tumble down.


    Ren Baqian burst intoughter, hugged the furry panda, and rubbed his face against it. It had a familiar smell.


    The other panda rolled on the ground before running toward Ren Baqian with its mouth wide open and wanting to push him away. With a light touch, Ren Baqian pushed it away. It tumbled and fell, immediately letting out a cry as if it had been wronged.


    Ren Baqian rubbed the bodies of the two pandas and went inside the house to have a look. There actually wasn''t much dust. It seemed like there had been people cleaning the ce after he left.


    He then dove straight into his bed. He had finally returned home and had a bed to sleep on.


    The long distance travelling in this world was simply too exhausting.


    It was already dark when Ren Baqian was woken up. He stretched his body and felt much better.


    "Sir, Her Majesty has asked you to join the banquet in a while," Shi Hu reported.


    "Is everyone in the imperial court attending?"


    "That''s right."


    Ren Baqian pondered for a bit. It seemed that he only possessed that green ceremonial robe.


    "The empress has ordered someone to tailor a ceremonial robe for you. I reckon it should be here soon," Shi Hu replied.


    "Heat up the water. Let me take a bath first."


    When he was done bathing, the ceremonial robe had already been delivered.


    Given his current official position, his robe was purple and had beautiful birds embroidered on it. It was much nicer than his previous green ceremonial robe.


    Thest time he attended a banquet, Ren Baqian sat at the furthest end of the table. If not for the empress''s special invitation, he wasn''t even eligible to attend that banquet given his status back then.


    This time around, his seat was together with Feng Hou and a few officials from the Ministry of Works at the first half of the table.


    Next to him were Feng Hou, the Overseer of Military Arms, as well as Ge Yihong, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. In front of him were the six Ministers, Great Elder, and Junior Elder.


    The moment Ren Baqian entered the banquet hall, he received a number of stares. He also received greetings from a few officials from the Ministry of Works whom he had worked with.


    As for the other departments, the officials of the Ministry of War were rather friendly to him as well.


    The others weren''t exactly sure of how the items Ren Baqian brought out these days had impacted the war front, but the Ministry of War was crystal clear about this. Also, the idea of the militia that he had devised had made the people at the Ministry of War rather pleased. Hence, they were very friendly with Ren Baqian the moment they saw him.


    For instance, they were grinning nastily at him!


    Those who were unaware would think that they were nning to beat him up.


    "Sir Ren, this trip has been tiresome for you." The moment Ren Baqian took his seat, Feng Hou smiled as he sat down beside him.


    "Service for the nation!" Ren Baqian replied courteously.


    Feng Hou was speechless.


    What is he talking about?"How is the building progress of the st furnace?" Ren Baqian questioned him.


    "Still in progress. The rain has been rather heavy these days and has slowed down the construction speed quite a bit," Feng Hou replied.


    The rainy monsoon season arrived earlier in Lan City. It had been pouring these days, and even the speed of cement production had been badly affected. Thus, up until the return of Ren Baqian, the st furnace was only halfpleted.


    At present, the hydraulic powered forge had beenpleted. This was a much easier process, and the production rate of weapons had increased significantly.


    On the contrary, now that the st furnace was halfpleted, the supply of metal was insufficient to keep up with the building progress.


    Ren Baqian and Feng Hou chatted for a bit before the six Ministers entered one after another.


    Both Great Elder and Junior Elder followed behind.


    After everyone was seated, the empress walked into the hall.


    "We respectfully wee Your Majesty and congratte Your Majesty''s victorious return!" Everyone stood up and bowed.


    "Take your seats," the empress replied faintly before taking the seat of honor and saying, "We will not talk about politics today. Today is a celebration, so help yourselves to the drinks. Begin the performance!"


    After the empress''s speech ended, six strong men and sixdies walked into the hall. The men were wearing leather shorts, while thedies wore tube tops and leather skirts.


    After that, the fast beating of drums sounded. The 12 people starting performing a primitive dance in the middle of the hall. Many of the movements resembled that of hunting and were full of energy while wild in nature. They were also shouting, "He! Ha!"


    Soon after, an ocarina sounded as well, which added on a swab of destion to the wild nature, as if they were in an endless wilderness.


    "This is a celebratory dance. In the strongholds back in the past, if there was a fruitful hunt or a victorious battle against enemies, such dances would be performed," Feng Hou softly exined to Ren Baqian because he knew that Ren Baqian was clueless about this.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Such primitive dances were interesting and full of vitality.


    After the dance ended, a few middle-ageddies yed instruments which resembled a pipa.


    The mood in the hall was immediately lifted up.


    Starting from Great Elder, everyone started toasting the empress.


    The hall was filled with liveliness and harmony.


    Up until an hourter��


    All of a sudden, somebody shouted loudly, "Ignorant old man Tong, what did you say? Do you want to have a taste of how sharp my de is?"


    "Come,e,e, I shall teach you a life lesson today��" Tong Zhenye''s voice resounded.


    After a couple of ms, Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan immediately lifted the table and leaped over to the center of the hall. Tong Zhenye struck with [ck Tiger Steals Heart], and Qin Chuan struck back with [Monkey Steals Peach]. This was followed by another [ck Tiger Steals Heart] from Tong Zhenye. Then, Qin Chuan attacked with his [Darkness Lifting Kick], followed by another [ck Tiger Steals Heart]. After that, Tong Zhenye attacked with [Dredging Moon from the Seabed]�� and then the fourth and fifth move of the [ck Tiger Steals Heart]. There were people at the side cheering loudly for them as well.


    "The strike by Sir Tong was executed at the perfect moment and disrupted Sir Qin''s readiness, forcing him to defend. Due to one mistake, Sir Qin''s position went leeward. Sir Tong then struck again, forcing Sir Qin to retreat��" Feng Hou assessed the fight from the side, speaking rather loudly.


    Ren Baqian''s face was full of expression.


    From Tong Zhenye''s [ck Tiger Steals Heart], there were 13 consecutive strikes.


    You are actually able to read so much into it?"Feng Hou, stop spouting nonsense!" someone immediately shouted from the opposite table.


    tes and cups then went flying toward Feng Hou.


    At the sight of this situation, Ren Baqian hurriedly crawled to the side.


    He then heard some rustling soundsing from behind him.


    After he crawled behind a pir to hide, Feng Hou got into a fight with a burly man from the Ministry of War.


    Bowls and tes subsequently started flying across both sides of the hall.


    Stretching out his arm, Ren Baqian grabbed ahold of a piece of pig trotter in midair. On closer inspection, two chunks of meat had already been bitten off.


    Out of disgust, he threw that piece of pig trotter away.


    "Sit here, Sir Ren." Shi Qing waved at him from a ce nearby.


    Ren Baqian stopped in his tracks after taking just two steps.


    An enormous shadow flew toward Shi Qing''s direction, knocking him and the table onto the ground.


    Tong Zhenye stood up, picked Shi Qing up, and ced him on the ground. He looked around and spotted something, then picked up Shi Qing''s document case that had been knocked over and threw it at Qin Chuan.


    Looking at the situation, Ren Baqian thought that it would be better for him to stay in his location.


    He turned his head and looked at the empress, only to see her sitting in the seat of honor as if nothing was happening, filling her own ss, and drinking.


    It was so chaotic below, yet the empress could still be so calm.


    Ren Baqian was full of admiration for the empress.

 Chapter 384 The Yun Nation

    The capital of the Yun Nation, Wang Jing, was said to have been established by a banished prince from a previous dynasty in Great Xia.The location of the Yun Nation at that time was a deste piece ofnd.A long time after that, all kinds of criminals, farmers fleeing from famine, and various talents formed a country with Wang Jing as the capital.After that, the people of that country merged with the natives from the south to form the predecessors of the Chen Nation. The original Hao Nation was founded by the aboriginals and an army fleeing from a dynasty that preceded Great Xia.


    Subsequently, this former dynasty was reced by Great Xia, and likewise, the Yun Nation removed the royal family of its previous dynasty.The aboriginals overthrew the ruler of the Hao Nation.The changing of dynasties resulted in the current situation. Wang Jing was a super city in this era with a poption of millions. Merchants from all over the world gathered here.Even the merchants from Great Xiamented that they preferred Wang Jing to the capital of Great Xia because it wasn''t as boring.


    Wang Jing was most well-known for the flower boats on the Sanhua River. Hundreds of these giant boats plied the river and were lit up all night. Laughter and music from bamboo instruments reached the shores from thesevish ces.Next, there was the eastern part of the city that was almost half filled with all kinds of shops, merchants that wereing from various countries, and even sailors that were here to purchase merchandise.Thriving, drinking, and dreaming your life away as well as indulging in sensual pleasures was how people who visited Wang Jing described it.


    Even the son of an ind chief refused to go back aftering to Wang Jing and gave up his position as a future ind chief. This episode of someone seeking a carefree life in the Yun Nation was well known and was a source of pride to the people of Wang Jing.In addition, the ambassador from the Chen Nation hadn''t change for decades, and when asked by the Chen Nation''s king about returning home, the ambassador replied, "I am willing to stay here for life!"From these two cases, a general idea of what Wang Jing was like could be inferred.


    It made people addicted to a lifestyle of indulgence and mad them unwilling to leave.However, the atmosphere in Wang Jing had changed somewhat recently. The sounds of music and the whisperings of lovers had toned down from the flower boats while the sounds of drums and harps were growing more strident.Those superficial yboys were no longer discussing romantic dalliances, but were talking about military matters instead.The attack against Dayao by the Yun Nation was seen as an act of revenge by its people. This was to avenge the attack that almost wiped out the country more than ten years ago.Although these young people hadn''t experienced that event personally, they regarded it as a humiliation.The recent attack was a matter of national prestige and revenge.Everyone was animatedly discussing how long it would take to conquer Dayao.A blind musician in a flower boat was unconvinced. He didn''t understand affairs of state, but he knew that these youngsters were underestimating Dayao.He didn''t know much about Dayao, but he had lived through that period and had seen the terror of those barbarians with his own eyes when he wasn''t yet blind.It wasn''t only on the flower boats. In the streets and alleys as well as among the traders, everyone was discussing this war.There had been peace in the Yun Nation for a long time. This time, they were attacking an arch-enemy who had almost wiped them out, so most of the people in Wang Jing focused their attention on this war.There were some people who were keenly aware of an undercurrent in the Yun Nation.In fact, this had been noticed a year ago or even earlier.As a result, a few people from the Zhang family ran to Lan City to find opportunities to form alliances in Dayao under the pretext of trying to solve the problem of their shop closures,. Unfortunately, the aboriginals adamantly rejected these foreigners.Although the empress chose a foreigner as her husband, those from the Yun Nation didn''t get any opportunities. They brought their gifts to the residences of the court officials, were met with contemptuous looks and rejections, and didn''t even get to see the actual owners in many cases because they were driven out by the doormen.The ordinary folks in Wang Jing knew that they were waging a war against Dayao and looked forward to hearing the good news.What they didn''t know was the urgent delivery, by horseback, of seven booklets by the West City army. Three of them exined the situation and highly rmended the withdrawal of the soldiers, but this information was suppressed.Thest four booklets requested for money, rations, manpower, and ordnance.The first three booklets were a report by Zhu Wuzhen about the situation. Thest four booklets were written because he knew that the court had made a decision, so he had thought of ways to improve their odds of winning."Are they asking for the north army to be transferred to the west? Shouldn''t 400,000 soldiers be sufficient? Furthermore, they have thetest crossbow weapons, yet they still ask for more people to fight against 15,000 barbarians?" More than one person found it hard to believe after reading the booklets sent by the West City army. This meant that with each and every person urinating, 400,000 people were enough to inundate Sanxi City. Moreover, the north army had other uses. They could take this chance to attack Dayao and take back the jurisdiction of those cities at the same time. Therefore, it was not at all justifiable to send the north army to the west.


    "Tell them to expect getting other reinforcement soldiers only after they have made some progress."The soldiers from the West City army ran off their feet, but were given only 20 carriages of thetest crossbows weapons. These carriages were in addition to the 60 that they already had and could shoot 132 arrows per salvo.These soldiers departed from the Yamen with great reluctance, spitting and cursing as they went back to report to theirmanders.


    [1.Yamen: was the administrative office or residence of a local bureaucrat or mandarin in imperial China.]This bunch of bloody basta**s!A 400,000 strong army? Those allied forces from the cities were hopeless.Only the 180,000 soldiers from the West City army could be relied on.This was about attacking a city, however! That bunch of 15,000 barbarians was equivalent to at least 150,000 of their soldiers. Even an idiot knew it took several times the number of forces to attack a city. Presently, the ratio was about one to one. They might not be able to take down Sanxi City even if the West City army was bled dry.After receiving the news, Zhu Wuzhen mulled over it for a night, wrote a letter, and sent it back. "ording to the Art of War, besiege the enemy when you have ten times more soldiers, attack when the ratio is five times, and separate the enemy when the ratio is 1:1�� Great Xiaid siege to two cities a month ago, didn''t attack, and suddenly retreated��"Although he expounded on the Art of War strategy, he wasn''t asking for the north army. Instead, he needed the cities to continue sending reinforcement troops instead.In his letter, he expounded on the reasons why they couldn''t take Sanxi City with the avable soldiers. 700,000 Great Xia soldiers surrounded Ping City and Shun City, but didn''t attack. All of a sudden, their soldiers suddenly retreated. Moreover, this was the West City army. Since the north army couldn''t be dispatched, the reinforcements woulde from the various cities. With at least 200,000 reinforcement soldiers, he could besiege Sanxi City and send some of the soldiers to enter Dayao directly. If Sanxi City sent troops to help, that would be what he wished for. Whether it was to kill the separated troops or to continue attacking Sanxi City, the desired result would still be achieved.To advance or retreat at will meant that he was in an invulnerable position.If Sanxi City didn''t send troops to attack, then he would do as Great Xia had done and destroy Dayao''s fields and strongholds. As for the north region, most of the fields in the east had been destroyed, so the harvest in Dayao for theing year could be imagined.By the time the Chen Nation sent their troops, Dayao would be facing attacks from several fronts. Externally, they would face military threats while internally, they would face famine. Naturally, Dayao wouldn''t be able to withstand these problems.As the allied forces from the cities merged together, theirbat power was conversely reduced. Therefore, most of the forces would be scattered inside Dayao. Merits would be awarded based on the numbers of heads collected.Even themoners would count the number of aboriginal soldiers killed.At the moment, ording to Zhu Wuzhen, this was the best method to use. Since the court didn''t want to send the north army, the focus was on weakening the warlords, and he took this opportunity to help them.To say nothing of the 300,000 alliance soldiers entering Dayao, even 300,000 ants could bite some people to death.


    At that time, each city would move on its own since this would prevent all of them from losing everything in one battle.Themoners were also getting credit for killing the enemy soldiers, and Zhu Wuzhen didn''t have to worry about whether they were involved in the fighting. It would be best if the aboriginal soldiers in Sanxi City could be lured out. If not, they could still cause Dayao a lot of trouble. As mentioned, the destruction of the fields would certainly cause a famine in Dayao thising year.With military and crop disastersing together, even if the Yun Nation didn''t win, they wouldn''t lose either.If they didn''t win on the battlefield, dragging down Dayao would still be considered a victory.


    He would continue to do the job that wasn''tpleted by Great Xia.He was using the same method as Wu Shenghou, which was to bully the numerically inferior Dayao. No matter how powerful they were, they have only limited soldiers. With more attacks against them, they would be overwhelmed. Eventually, their ws would be exposed.Presently, the imperial court was thinking of how to weaken the cities of the warlords, so this coincided with the wishes of the court officials.If his spections were correct, then the court officials would certainly agree without hesitation .Upon receiving the news that the imperial court had agreed, he didn''t feel ted, he only felt exhausted.

 Chapter 385 Commotion

    During the court session, the empress felt around for two pieces of bright red, rectangr, t, and surfaced�� bricks. She lifted her hand, and one after another, the two pieces of brick flew outward.


    The supervisor of the Public Security Bureau and the supervisor of the Department of Inspection were fighting. Among the two, one of them got smacked strongly on the head by a brick first.


    After that, the other person got smacked on the head by a brick too.


    "Your Majesty!" The two of them stopped fighting. They turned around and cupped their hands in obeisance.


    The empress patted the dust off her hand and felt very satisfied. These bricks were very convenient regardless of their weight and size. Moreover, the feeling of throwing it was indeed different, Plus, the uracy was extremely high.


    It seemed like she should carry a few more pieces with her.


    Nowadays, bricks were still considered rare in Dayao. Only ss factories, cement factories, and st furnaces used bricks, whereas the majority of themoners had yet to see them.


    It was unlike Earth, where bricks could be collected anywhere.


    "The militia is still under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War." The empress said faintly, "However, the name doesn''t sound that pleasant. Change it into another name." This was the first court session the empress had attended since she returned. After dealing with other more important matters, sheter brought up the issue of the militia.


    In fact, things had already been set in motion beforehand. It was due to the urgency of the war that the militia had been formed in the north. As for the other protectorates, there weren''t any actions taken yet because they were waiting for the empress to formally make arrangements.


    Just now, this was the reason why the supervisor of the Public Security Bureau and the supervisor of the Department of Inspection had fought with each other. However, as the two weren''t good with words, they might as well used their fists to vent their discontent.


    Of course, even if it was one person who spoke harshly, the oue would still be the same.


    Besides the two of them, the Minister of War, Qin Chuan, and the Minister of Justice, Liu Yidao, were each giving the other a death stare. If the empress didn''t put a stop to their fight, thetter two would probably stage an opera in front of them.


    "Why don''t we call them themoner''s army?" Shi Qing asked after thinking for a while.


    "What would be the difference in that namepared to calling them the militia?" The empress gave him the side-eye.


    "Shall we call them rearguards?" Qin Chuan suggested.


    ��


    It had been proven that it was the empress''s mistake to let this bunch of court officials think of a name. "Principal Ren, what do you think?" After listening consecutively to seven or eight names, the empress had no choice but to shift her gaze to Ren Baqian, who was sitting in the middle. It was Ren Baqian''s first time participating in a court session, and he witnessed two Standard ss, Rank 4 officials fight just after exchanging a few words. Immediately, he understood why the empress was so calm during the banquet. Ren Baqian was the only newbie among them, so he might as well just continue to keep his head down as if he were daydreaming.


    Now that the empress called his name, Ren Baqian had no choice but to step forward and suggest, "Why not call them the city management military group?"


    "Therefore, the public order bureau should haveplete control over the militia. From the name, it''s obvious that it''s a department under us." Bai Shiying immediately yed along with Ren Baqian''s words. "Eh?!" Ren Baqian realized that the entire Ministry of War was ring at him. He reckoned that they were pondering which part of his body was more resistant to beating.


    "Why not call them the defense force?" Ren Baqian promptly changed his suggestion.


    This time, the entire Ministry of Justice cast angry look sat Ren Baqian.


    "It is better if Your Majesty is the one who determines the specific name." Ren Baqian dropped a bomb on the empress and continued to look down. He made up his mind not to attend court sessions even if he had nothing to do.


    In the event that someone gave Ren Baqian a punch, he wouldn''t have any logical reason to justify himself. "They will be called the defense force, and the Ministry of War will have jurisdiction over them. Depending on the size of each town, 1,000 to 3,000 people will be selected. They will continue to lead their normal lives, but will receive three months of training every year. Also, provide food and weapons during training." The empress made the final decision.


    After that, Ren Baqian continued to daydream until he heard someone shouting, "Court session has ended!"


    Only then did hee back to reality.


    After finishing his lunch, he summoned Tang Feng and Gu Ziheng, the two managers of the caravans.


    "Sir!"


    Inside Pingle Park, Ren Baqian was currently teasing the two pandas. He flipped Tiantian over with its belly facing the sky and scratched the area between its belly and private parts. Ren Baqian enraged Tiantian to the point that Tiantian opened its mouth and wanted to bite him. However, just when Tiantian stretched his head out to attempt this, Ren Baqian used one hand to restrain him.


    He realized that pandas didn''t like people rubbing the area between their bellies and private parts. Whenever he did it, Tiantian and Gungun would attempt to bite him, but he never got tired of doing it.


    "The both of you are here. How are your injuries?" Ren Baqian finally let go of Tiantian, whom he had been torturing for the longest time, and smiled.


    Tiantian immediately somersaulted, got up on its feet, and walked away while groaning. Its voice was full of grievance.


    "It''s all thanks to Sir that our injuries have healed quickly," both of them replied.


    "Alright. The situation is chaotic now, and there are people fighting everywhere. Both of you should take a break for a while and help me purchase some things."


    "Sir, please speak."


    Ren Baqian looked at the both of them. It might be due to the fact that they had more dealings with people from other nations, but they spoke differentlypared to the ordinary aboriginals as a result. They were more polite and also didn''t sound as boorish.


    Ren Baqian returned to the room, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to them.


    "Purchase 45 sets ording to this paper."


    These were the medicinal herbs required for Ren Baqian''s training. He required one set of herbs for his weekly medicinal bath, so these 45 sets of herbs couldst him for ten months.


    The 7,000 taels of gold brought back by the both of them had been converted in to 70,000 taels of silver, which was barely enough to purchase 50 sets of herbs. However, Ren Baqian instructed them to only purchase 45 sets.


    "We''ll do our utmost best." After the two of them read through the contents, Tang Feng folded the piece of paper and kept it safe with him.


    "You will divide the left over money. After all, you all deserve some reward. However, don''t make any mistakes on the things I want, particrly the quality and the year it was harvested.""Many thanks, Sir," the two people sincerely thanked him. Ren Baqian gave them a reward of 7,000 taels of silver, which was considered a huge sum to them.


    Naturally, their subordinates would have to receive a little reward too. In addition, they had to deliver some money to the families of those who had died outside.


    Even so, this was still considered a huge sum of money by everyone.


    "The 45 sets of herbs don''t have to be purchased all at once, but do send one batch of them back as soon as possible. I''m waiting to use it. The both of you may take your leave." Ren Baqian waved his hand after he finished speaking.


    After the both of them left, Ren Baqian sat in the garden for a while. He then called the guards to inform the students that school would reopen in three days'' time.


    As the guards visited each address to inform each and every student, amotion broke out.


    When Ren Baqian wasn''t around, they somewhat missed going to school. After all, they were able to learn about things that they had never heard or seen before.


    However, now that Ren Baqian was back, the image of him brandishing his gun furiously appeared in everyone''s head once again.


    In particr, the damned homework. They had been ying so hard for the past two months that it was as if they had returned to the old days where all they did was drink and fight without any worries. The issues of homework and so on had been thrown to the back of their minds.


    "Has anyone informed you guys yet? There''s still three days left before school reopens!" A few students gathered with very sullen expressions.


    "Don''t remind us! How did time pass so quickly? I feel like I have only been ying for a few days, yet Yagui is already back.""Do any of you know someone who haspleted their homework?"


    Homework was now their top priority, and they were only left with three days. Even if they burn the midnight oil, they might not be able toplete the homework.If they could choose, they truly wanted to borrow another 500 days from Heaven.


    [Lyrics from a Chinese song]


    "It seems like Tong Lan is done with her homework. When I met her that day, even though she didn''t say anything, it seemed like she hadpleted her homework." Someone came up with an idea right away.


    "It''s not necessarily the case that that little girl will let us copy her homework, right?"


    "We have to give it a try. I don''t believe that she has the nerve to refuse to lend to a bunch of us!"


    "Go, go, go!"


    An hourter, the little lolita Tong Lan, pped her hands and instructed her servants, "Throw this garbage out!"


    Then, she returned to her room and worked on her homework while fuming with anger.


    ��


    Following the announcement of the school''s reopening date, the students from ck Bamboo Academy began to rack their brains.


    Several students divided up their homework and allowed one another to copy. A few others went to borrow thepleted homework from the little lolita and got beaten up by her. There were also a small number who gave up and left suicide notes. In addition, there were also a few students who had alreadypleted their homework, but imed that they had yet to do so, joined the rest in sighing while they looked at themotion, and secretly enjoyed themselves.

 Chapter 386 Siege Part 1

    Jinyu City wasn''t considered a big city in Great Xia, but the poption was about tens of thousands of people.


    At present, it was morning, an early chilly morning in May. Dozens of people were lining up to pay the entrance fee before they were able to enter the city.


    There were peasant households who wanted to enter the city with the vegetables they grew, hunters who brought their bounties, and a few intellectual looking schrs who were wearing green shirts and wielded swords.


    "Is there an earthquake?!" Some people felt a tremor under their feet and shouted at the top of their lungs.


    Everyone was rmed and wanted to run toward vacantnd. As long as the magnitude of the earthquake wasn''t too severe, they would be safe on vacantnd. One had to know that there was an earthquake that urredte at night a decade ago where thousands of people were buried under the copsed houses.


    This memory was still fresh in the minds of themoners.


    "Don''t panic! The horsemen areing!" A knowledgeable schr smiled.


    "Themoners don''t often get the chance to see troops of horsemen. As such, it''s normal for them to have this misunderstanding." Another schr patted him on the shoulder."I''m nothingpared to you two elder brothers. To be frank, I have never seen troops of horsemen before. If the two of you didn''t speak, I''m afraid that I would have assumed that it was an earthquake too!" A petite schr cupped his hands in salute.


    "Why would the horsemene here at this time?" The schr who spoke first was a little suspicious. His name was Li Mengyuan, and he was a famous figure in his hometown. Li Mengyuan''s uncle was also a Rank 5 captain.


    "It''s the imperial court''s business. I assume that they are heading to the south!" It was obvious that the petite schr wasn''t interested at all.


    "Zhengyan, don''t put it that way. The nation''s affairs are also the world''s affairs. How can the world''s affairs have nothing to do with me? Next time, we will have to keep an eye on things when we join the imperial court as well," Li Mengyuan warned.


    "What elder brother said is right. I have benefitted from it." That petite schr cupped his hands. His name was Yao Zhengyan.


    The group of them turned around, and in the distance, they saw a ck line on the horizon and a long earth dragon was raised at the rear of it.


    With the exception of Li Mengyuan and Yao Zhengyan, there was another schr called Xu Pingzhi whomented, "Never did I expect that Wu Shenghou would be defeated."


    "It''s indeed unexpected. The imperial court has prepared for so many years, yet 700,000 soldiers and countless rations have been wasted just like that." Li Mengyuan shook his head.


    "Are those Dayao people exactly like how the legend described?" Yao Zhengyan asked. Now that Great Xia had been defeated by Dayao, news of Dayao being godly was spread throughout the entire city.


    From the words of themoners, the Dayao people wore leather skirts and nothing on their upper body. During fights, they would let out barbaric howls. An Dayao ordinary soldier was about 2.5 meters tall and held rods that weighed a few hundred kilograms in their hands. One movement from these rods could send their enemy flying.


    "You heard about it too?" Li Mengyuanughed because he had heard of this rumor before.


    "The rumor I heard wasn''t this exaggerated, but the Dayao soldiers are indeed powerful. An ordinary Dayao soldier is at the very least a Man Wheel expert. Over here, they could even qualify to be a captain. Fortunately, they only have about 100,000 soldiers. On top of that, their officials are rough and not well-versed in military affairs or ordnance. Therefore, they make no attempt to improve themselves," Li Mengyuan exined.


    At present, the methods of transmitting messages were not very developed yet and were mostly based on spreading rumors. Thus, themoners in Great Xia knew very little about Dayao.


    As Li Mengyuan came from a family background of generals andmanders, he knew more about Dayao.


    "That''s really awesome." Yao Zhengyan processed what Li Mengyuan said. At the very least, he knew about the strength of someone at the Man Wheel level. An ordinary Man Wheel practitioner in Great Xia was very much in demand everywhere.


    In Great Xia''s military system, 10 soldiers formed one squad and five squads formed one toon. A captain was in charge ofmanding 50 soldiers.


    As long as a Man Wheel practitioner entered the military system, he would at the very least be inmand of 50 soldiers.


    From this, one could see the position of a Man Wheel practitioner in Great Xia.


    The fact that Dayao''smoners were at the Man Wheel level was a little ridiculous.


    "Do they eat humans?" Yao Zhengyan asked. Many people in the streets and alleys vowed that those barbarians in the south were cannibals. As such, he had been curious about this fact for a long time.


    Do cannibals really exist?


    Even though the Dayao people were uncivilized and backward, they were still humans in the end. After hearing what Yao Zhengyan inquired, Li Mengyuan also frowned and thought out loud, "I don''t know about this, but there''s no smoke without fire." Just while the three of them were chatting idly, they heard people eximing from the top of the city wall, "It''s the Dayao barbarians. Close the gate! Quickly, close the city gate!"


    At the same time, the sounds of drums beating at the top of the city wall were transmitted into the city.


    "Dayao barbarians?" The three schrs were rmed. They turned their heads and looked in the direction of the cavalry that was heading toward them. All sorts of doubts emerged in their heads.


    This was Great Xia''s hintend.


    What were the forces of Dayao doing here?


    Could it be that they conquered the border?


    Even if they conquered the border, it was impossible for them to fight their way here so quickly, right? In the vicinity, they could hear people shouting anxiously, "Let us in quickly!"


    A momentter, the city gate closed slowly.


    Li Mengyuan pulled a guard who was running down from the city wall and asked, "How many people are there? Are we able to defend the city?"


    That guard was originally already anxious. After being pulled back twice by someone and yet still unable shake that person off, he realized that the other party was someone strong. Seeing that the other party was just a schr, he said, "I don''t know. The original soldiers from the barracks have been transferred. Now, there are only 1,000 of us left in the city."


    Upon hearing these words, Li Mengyuan immediately let go of his hands.


    "We are done for!" Li Mengyuan was deathly pale.


    The two other schrs also heard the guard''s words clearly and became gloomy. "From the dust raised by the horsemen in the distance, there are at least two or three thousand people. Furthermore, the Dayao soldiers are Man Wheel level experts at the very least. As for the elite winged cavalry, only an Earth Wheel expert can qualify to be one. 1,000 of our guards isn''t able to defend the city," Li Mengyuan muttered under his breath. Previously, when Great Xia attacked south, they transferred the majority of the soldiers out of the local barracks because nothing would generally happen. After all, there were still some soldiers left to defend each city.


    Now that Dayao had fought their way here, however, the defensive line formed by these leftover guards was so weak that it was almost broken.


    A person who was nearby, scolded harshly, "Who''s spouting nonsense? Try misleading everyone with rumors again, and I''ll behead you!"Li Mengyuan looked up and discovered that the speaker was a captain. He calmed his nerves and immediately apologized, "My apologies. I lost my mind for a bit."


    Although his face was deathly pale, he finally managed to calm himself down with great difficulty.


    "What should we do now?" The other two looked at him.


    "First, let''s find a ce to hide ourselves. It''s chaotic now, so we shouldn''t stay outside." Li Mengyuan hurriedly pulled the other two schrs and walked into the city.


    At present, the city was also in a mess.


    Upon hearing that the Dayao barbarians had fought their way over, there were adults impatiently screaming and children crying everywhere. Also, there were soldiers riding on horses and rampaging through the city while shouting out, "Step aside! Step aside!"


    "Are we really unable to defend the city?" Xu Pingzhi asked in a deep voice.


    "It''ll be difficult!" Li Mengyuan shook his head.


    "Still, it''s not as if there isn''t any chance left. There should be quite a few experts from the Great Xia sects. If we gather all of them, perhaps that might be effective."


    Li Mengyuan knew that even if they gathered all the experts from the Great Xia sects, the chances were very slim.


    However, this was their only chance left.


    If the two armies faced off against each other, then there wouldn''t be any chance at all. However, these sect members would be rather useful if they were deployed to defend the city.


    If they were lucky, perhaps the Dayao forces would attack another city after discovering that Jinyu City wasn''t one to be trifled with.


    "I doubt that those Dayao troops fought their way from the border. It''s possible that they made a detour at Mount Lianyin before arriving here. In that case, it''s impossible for them to have brought their siege equipment along, so how can they break down the city wall?" Xu Pingzhi asked."That''s why we still have a glimmer of hope. It''s all up to the practitioners from the Great Xia sects to obstruct the Dayao forces from dashing into the city," Li Mengyuan rified.


    The current city gate was made from ayer of wood that was as thick as the size of a palm as well as twoyers of iron tes. This was to prevent any experts from breaking their city gate.


    Since the aboriginals didn''t have siege equipments, there was only one way to destroy the city. In this case, they would have to send their experts to climb over the city wall and open the gate.

 Chapter 387 Siege Part 2

    "Stop!" Thousands of aboriginals were starving to the extent that their eyes had turned red. After the order was passed down, they stopped 1.5 kilometers outside of Jinyu City and stared at the city. They subconsciously licked their lips as their eyes glowed.


    ording to the n, they should have already been attacking another city 7 days ago.


    Unfortunately, the tragedy was that they actually got lost along the way!


    This dy actually took them seven days to exit from the mountain range. The livestock that they brought along initially was only supposed tost them long enough ording to the original n. If they hadn''t managed to feed on wild animals and fruits to tide themselves through the duration of this mishap, they probably would have had to kill their mounts to mitigate their hunger.


    Even so, these thousands of soldiers were so famished that their chests were literally stuck to their backs. Their stomachs were all growling like drums, and they wished they could immediately conquer the city in front of them in order to be able to eat to their heart''s content.


    Li Qianqiu arrived at the front of the troops on a fork-horned cow. Looking past the city walls with a pair of binocrs, all he saw were frightened faces.


    After estimating the number of enemies he was facing, he immediately made a decision.


    There were just a few hundred people on the city walls. If things went as anticipated, the whole of Great Xia should currently be almost empty of troops. Therefore, Great Xia would be totally incapable of withstanding the strength of this Dayao army.


    "Winged cavalry, open the city gate and kill anyone who resists. The first battalion and the second battalion will control the four city gates. The rest will first gather the rations, especially the livestock, and then assemble at the magistrate''s office." Li Qianqiu waved his hand.


    It shouldn''t be difficult to take down this city. Even if there was resistance, they wouldn''t be a match for the almost 1,000 Earth Wheel level winged cavalry warriors.


    After that, grab the rations! Grab the rations!


    "Kill! Destroy the city!"


    "Kill!" Following Li Qianqiu''smand, hundreds of winged cavalry warriors stepped down from their mounts. Wielding long sabers, they charged toward Jinyu City. In just less than three minutes, they travelled across 1.5 kilometers and arrived at the city walls as sparse arrows shot down from above.


    To this bunch of winged cavalry warriors who were at the Earth Wheel level, those arrows barely caused any disturbance to them. Many of them immediately caught ahold of those arrows with their bare hands and tossed them back.


    Thereafter, with the aid of a takeoff run, they leaped around eight meters up into the sky, one after another. With just a single push on the city wall, they directly flipped up andnded on top.


    Even 100 ordinary soldiers stood no chance against one winged cavalry warrior. Needless to say, in the current situation, there were almost two winged cavalry warriors fighting against each ordinary soldier.


    It was simr to two tigers preying on a little rabbit.


    Looking at how these Dayao aboriginals had actually leaped up the city wall, which was ten meters high, the guards'' legs turned into jelly as their entire body froze.


    Streaks of light reflected off the sabers.


    Blood curdling screeches of impending death resounded from the top of the city walls.


    However, shortly after, the city gate broke open. The resistance forces within the city were like a weak and gentle lolita who would fall down easily as she was bashfully repelled by a two meter tall and burly man who weighed 150 kilograms.


    "Enter the city!" Li Qianqiu ordered.


    While everyone entered the city, the winged cavalry was already dashing toward the magistrate''s office.


    During this period, the aboriginals still faced some resistance from the city''s renowned practitioners that were gathered by the Great Xia imperial court. However, just as the practitioners assembled, the city gate had already been broken open.


    Thereafter, over ten Earth Wheel experts began fighting against almost 1,000 winged cavalry warriors. At that moment, they were dumbstruck.


    They wanted to surrender after just a single sh, but the winged cavalry didn''t listen to their pleas and immediately cut them down with their long sabers.


    Eventually, only two people managed to escape from the city with their skills.


    Out of 3,000 soldiers, half of them went to take control of the city gates located at the four cardinal directions, while the other half began to rob themoners everywhere.


    One by one, the winged cavalry warriors kicked open the doors of themoners'' houses. The warriors stared at them with their long sabers out and shouted, "Hand over all your food!"


    These Great Xiamoners were originally already very terrified. When their doors got broken open, they werepletely disheartened. Furthermore, a burly man wielding a saber still shouted, "Hand over all your food!"


    Trembling, they immediately put all of their rations in a bag and handed it over, then looked on as the burly man left with their rations and went to another house.


    The Great Xiamoners heaved a sigh of relief after tightly shutting their doors.


    The inn that Li Mengyuan and two others were hiding in wasn''t spared either. When amotion started brewing in the courtyard, their hearts were in their mouths.


    Eventually, those Dayao soldiers simply took the rations and left, leaving the trio stunned as they hid in the room.


    "They were here just to take rations? So Dayao doesn''t even have enough food now? I''ve long heard that Dayao was and of scarcity and poverty, but never had I expected them to be that poor." Yao Zhengyan was a little dumbstruck.


    Throughout the wars that had been recorded in the past, there had never been any incidents where after conquering a city, the soldiers only took rations and nothing else.


    Most of them milked people dry without any restraint while rape and pige urred too.


    After a war, almost every household would be wearing their mourning garbs.


    These Dayao aboriginals were considered pretty humane to only take rations and leave without bothering about other things after conquering the city!


    This was indeed contrary to Yao Zhengyan''s expectations.


    "Hopefully we can get away safe and sound this time." The other two really wanted to stay alive.


    Ever since they knew that Dayao was going to attack the city, they hadn''t been at ease. Due to the disaster and chaos of war, they couldn''t even escape to anywhere else and feared getting killed if they weren''t careful.


    At present, given that the soldiers of Dayao merely took their rations, the situation couldn''t get much better.


    Even before noon, the former magistrate''s office was already piled up with loads of rations.


    There was very few livestock, especially horses and cows. There was rtively more poultry, in the form of chickens and ducks, but most of the rations were coarse grains and the like.


    Starting from the afternoon all the way untilte at night, the smoke from the kitchen in the magistrate''s office never ceased.


    Thousands of aboriginals ate meal after meal, from lunch to afternoon tea to dinner and then supper. Those coarse grains weren''t actually of much use and did very little to replenish the soldiers'' qi and blood.


    If 2.5 kilograms of meat was required to fill one aboriginal''s stomach, then it would require about 15 kilograms of coarse grains to do the same. Almost everyone had to eat at least half a pot of grains to barely fulfill their bodily needs. However, following their physical exertion, they would be feeling hungry again very quickly.


    From afternoon untilte at night, all of the soldiers were busy with their cycle of eating, sourcing of food to bring back to the magistrate''s office, eating again, continued sourcing of food, and eating again.


    On the second day, the aboriginals nabbed over a dozen of schrs, including Li Mengyuan and the two others. Since they were surrounded by tall and strong men wielding shiny sabers, all of them were trembling as if they were livestock that were about to be ughtered.


    Li Mengyuan and the others were all ashen-faced, not knowing what these Dayao aboriginals were going to do to them.


    "Hand out the papers and brushes to them. I will speak, and you will write!" Li Qianqiu dered with a heavy voice as he stood on the steps in front of everyone.


    Everybody started feeling a little more at ease.


    After the papers and brushes were handed out, a few schrs sat cross-legged on the ground, and the others followed. They ced their papers on the ground, sat down, and prepared to write.


    Li Qianqiu took out a piece of paper and started reading from it.


    "Xia Baichong was brutal and ruthless. In his own selfishness, he had gathered many soldiers and attacked Dayao. At present, many soldiers and generals have died, and 500,000 Great Xia soldiers were buried far from their nativend. Also, Dayao has been robbed. What have the innocent people done to deserve this? Thus, Great Xia is required topensate Dayao for their funerals, city restorations, damaged fields, psychological damage, trees that were chopped down, garbage disposal, and burial of bodies�� The total sum will be one billion and five million taels of silver.


    You have to pay with your life when you kill someone. You have to pay back money when you owe a debt. You have topensate when you damage something. This is right and proper. Xia Baichong hasmitted mistakes, but has yet to bear the consequences and has refused to pay reparations. Therefore, we, Dayao, will im it ourselves. If you have anyints, you may ce the me on Xia Baichong."


    After Li Qianqiu finished talking, he touched his head and cursed, "F*ck! What bullshit is this?"


    "What the f*ck are you looking at? Aren''t you going to start writing?" Li Qianqiu frowned and cursed at the schrs who were staring nkly at him


    "If a ruler has been insulted, his servants ought to die. You have insulted my nation''s ruler, and I would rather die than write," one of the schrs yelled as he threw away his brush and lifted his head.


    "Take him away and behead him. Where is his family? Behead them as well." After Li Qianqiu waved his hand, that schr was dragged away.


    "A man is responsible for his own actions. Don''t implicate my family!" that schr cried as he was being dragged away.


    "This is granting your family a reunion in case you get lonely during your journey."


    What an uncivilized person. How can someone like you be a schr?


    As the saber shed across, a man''s head fell off. Fresh blood spurted a few meters away.


    "Go ask around about who brought him here and where his family is. Send his family on the journey with him," Li Qianqiu told the guard beside him. He then turned to speak to the rest and exined, "Principal Ren once said, ''Unity is the most important in a family.'' Those are my exact sentiments on this matter."


    "So, are the rest of you going to write or would you rather die?"


    After witnessing that schr whose head was chopped off, everyone felt sorrowful.


    This bunch of wretched barbarians. Everyone was cursing in their minds, but didn''t dare show it. Nobody wanted to test whether the saber was sharper or their necks were thicker.


    Besides, those barbarians didn''t only kill that person, they wanted his whole family dead as well. When faced with such means, they didn''t dare to rebel.


    Between life and righteousness, however, which was more important? For the majority, life was still more important. The best that they could do was just to console themselves in their own minds. Even if one person refused to write, there would still be others who would do it.


    After some time, Li Qianqiu held the papers that had been written on. With strong feelings, he said, "That''s why the more a person studies, the more his character worsens and the more timid he bes."


    With just this phrase, everyone became flushed with anger.


    After half a day, those papers were posted all over the major locations within Jinyu City.


    Li Qianqiu went scouring for food in Jinyu City for two days, and almost all of the livestock had been gathered.


    Apart from livestock, there was also a lot of gold, jewelry, and salt that had been raked in from the shops and rich families.


    Li Qianqiu couldn''t be bothered to deal with those poorer families.


    He only needed to take the most valuable items. Taking too many things would in fact create inconvenience for their advancement.


    To the ordinary families in Jinyu City, this was considered a blessing amid their misfortune.


    "Find a few people who are familiar with directions. We will set off tomorrow," Li Qianqiu ordered to the people beside him. He was determined not to take a detour this time around.


    Two hourster, Li Mengyuan''s group of three appeared before Li Qianqiu once again.


    Nowadays, the majority of themoners had never stepped more than five kilometers away from Jinyu City before.


    This trio of schrs had traveled from another ce, so they were unfortunately ced in the clutches of Li Qianqiu again.


    Seeing this fierce-looking Dayao general in front of them, the trio wanted to cry, but no tears came out of their eyes.

 Chapter 388 When Scholars Encounter Soldiers

    "Have I met the three of you before?" Li Qianqiu was a little suspicious upon meeting the three emaciated men in front of him.


    In his eyes, most Great Xia people were emaciated.


    To put it simply, in the eyes of the aboriginals, any other race looked as if they were as feeble as a little chick.


    "General, we three were among those who wrote the announcement just now." The three of them scowled miserably.


    "ording to what you say, the three of you are fated with us." Li Qianqiu was thrilled.


    The three of them couldn''t even shed a tear.


    Fate my foot. Nobody wants to be fated with you! "Tomorrow, you''ll set off with us. I want you to lead us to Yechi City. I''m sure that you all know the location, right?" Li Qianqiu asked in a deep voice.


    "Great General, we don''t know��" The three of them immediately shook their heads because this was about acting as guides for the Dayao aboriginals. Even if writing announcements for the aboriginals was pardonable, as long as they proceeded to guide them, the three of them would die a tragic death.


    The entirety of Yechi City would hate the three of them to death.


    As for the imperial court, they would inevitably behead the three of them to appease themoners.


    This might even implicate their entire family.


    "Oh!" Li Qianqiu nodded and casually replied, "Behead them then!"


    "Spare our lives, Great General!" The three of them broke out in cold sweat.


    "Behead them!" Li Qianqiu ignored the three schrs. Since they were useless, he might as well behead them. As for whether they knew the way or not, he didn''t care anymore.


    Yao Zhengyan used hisst bit of strength to struggle, but the guard had an iron grasp on him, and he couldn''t move a single bit. His face was also drenched in cold sweat as he shouted out, "Sir, let me lead the way. I''ll head over to make some inquiries about Yechi City and certainly won''t make any mistakes."


    It was a fact that he had never been to Yechi City before. However, he couldn''t care less about this fact because he needed to protect his own life now.


    "Oh! In that case, behead the other two. Keep this guy," Li Qianqiu said coldly.


    "Sir, I suddenly recalled that I have heard of Yechi City before and roughly know where it is located," Li Mengyuan yelled at once.


    "Sir, spare my life. I have also recalled where Yechi City is located," Xu Pingzhi shouted at the top of his lungs too.


    This was exactly the scenario of when schrs encounter soldiers. Regardless of the schrs'' decision, the other partypletely ignored them. Once the other party opened his mouth, it was always about beheading the schrs. In the afternoon, the schrs had also seen a bloody head exhibited to them and were really spooked.


    "Ha!" Li Qianqiuughed grimly. That was why he hated these schrs. They had many dirty tricks up their sleeves as well as absolutely no integrity.


    Yechi City was located near Jinyu City. Getting there would take about a day''s march from Jinyu City. Li Qianqiu despised them because the schrs even beat around the bush while they were pleading for their own lives.


    "Tie the three of them up onto poles. Bring them along tomorrow. Immediately kill them if they try anything funny!" Li Qianqiu left after instructing his subordinates.


    In no time, they erected three poles and tied one schr up on each pole, respectively.


    The three schrs were tied to the poles as the cool breeze blew gently. They felt deste and were up a creek without a paddle.


    Running into a bunch of "death gods" left the three of them clueless.


    "If I had known earlier, I wouldn''t have entered the city." Li Mengyuan sighed.


    The three of them spent a night at a farmer''s house outside the city and arrived at the city early this morning. To their horror, they actually encountered such a tragedy.


    "What should we do next?" Xu Pingzhi''s face turned dark.


    "Take it one step at a time. If we bring them to Yechi City, I''m afraid that our names will go down in history for thousands of years and bear uncountable infamy." Li Mengyuan grieved.


    After Li Mengyuan spoke, the three of them became silent.


    The three of them were very clear about that sort of situation.


    However, their heads had nearly rolled just now.


    "Even if we don''t lead the way, they would get someone else to do so." Yao Zhengyan was trying to justify their actions.


    The three of them couldfort themselves, but this reason wouldn''t make the imperial court and themoners forgive them.


    The next morning, Li Qianqiu instructed someone to get the three schrs down and threw them into the crowd to walk with everyone.


    No one was afraid that they would run away. If these three schrs could run away from the aboriginals, that would be the greatest joke of the century.


    The next day, the Dayao soldiers sessfully attacked Yechi City. They grabbed Yechi City''s food, grabbed the food, and only grabbed the food�� This was slightly different from their original n. At present, grabbing the food became their main mission.


    Yechi City was slightly smaller than Jinyu City. Even though there were two practitioners who came from Jinyu City to warn them, Great Xia still could not obstruct Dayao''s iron hooves.


    In the blink of an eye, Yechi City was conquered.


    The only thing that made Li Qianqiu a little annoyed was that many of the wealthy merchants in the city had run away. In three days, two of Great Xia''s cities were suddenly attacked by Dayao''s army. Great Xia felt a huge shock!


    Xia Bailong threw countless cups that day. He vomited blood and fainted once again.


    Currently, it was evident as to how things were developing among themoners, but he didn''t have sufficient military strength to stop the Dayao troops which appeared out of thin air.


    If this continued, Xia Bailong was afraid that during his term as Great Xia emperor, he would be the only one that allowed an enemy to roam around freely in his borders.


    How could he ept this.


    ��


    "Your Majesty, this bird can speak!" Ren Baqian carried a birdcage and rushed to the pce hall.


    It wasn''t strange that birds could speak. There were many birds that could, for example, the parrot, crested myna, and so on. However, this bird was extremely spiritual, as if it had a mind of its own. Thus, Ren Baqian felt that it was rather strange.


    In the hall, the empress had returned to her life of lying on the couch and binge watching television series.When the empress saw Ren Baqian, she only shot a nce at him before shifting her gaze back onto theptop.


    "When will my wine pool be constructed?"


    "I''m afraid that it''ll take some time," Ren Baqin replied. He could only bring back about 300 kilograms worth of items each time. How long would it take him to fill up an entire pool with wine?


    He had better find a way to obtain ingredients to brew wine on his own.


    "Come, give me a smile!" Ren Baqian squatted on the sofa and carried the birdcage with one hand. He then used his other hand to poke the small, ugly, and dirty looking bird inside.


    That small ugly bird widened its soybean-sized eyes and started scolding, "Smile my foot. Do you think I''m a prostitute from a brothel? You are asking me to smile? You should self reflect on your morals and conduct��"


    Ren Baqian''s face turned ck.


    When I bought the bird just now, it wasn''t like this! It was rather well-behaved and adorable!


    Damn it! I was fooled! He put his hand into the birdcage and pinched the wings of the bird that was pping around. After that, he exerted strength in his thumb and forefinger.


    Snap! The entire world became peaceful.


    Ren Baqian conveniently threw the birdcage to one side and cursed a few times, "Damn it!"


    That silly bird actually thought that it was a big deal?


    The empress turned around and snickered, "I saw that. Indeed, that bird can speak!"


    "All-rounded education. Nowadays, it''s not only humans who have no morals, even birds don''t have them either." Ren Baqian thought for a while and then regretted. That bird was indeed rather spiritual. If he ced a knife at its neck, he would definitely be able to train it well.


    Unfortunately, he didn''t have the chance to train it anymore.


    Forget it, there were so many interesting things in this world."Does Your Majesty want to go out for a walk?" Ren Baqian looked at the empress and asked. The past two days, he had gone to the Ministry of Works to find Tong Zhenye and discussed the st furnace issue as well as the issue of expanding the cement factory. After all, they were about to start repairing the roads and had to expand the cement factory.


    When the cement factory waspleted and everything was ready, they would only require thebor from the Yun Nation. Apart from that, he roamed around the city and would frequently discover some amusing items from the indigenous people. In particr, the booths in the Yiwulu District sold many interesting items. He had purchased that little ck bird from an indigenous person''s booth.


    "No, thank you. I want toplete this television series," the empress immediately declined and diverted her vision back to theptop''s screen.


    "Your Majesty�� you have changed��" Ren Baqian looked at the empress''s otaku appearance and was infuriated.

 Chapter 389 Dark Circles

    Today was an ordinary day for 99.99% of the people in this world.


    However, for a very small number of people, this day was rted to their life and death.For example, Yao Zhengyan and his tworades. Even though nobody mentioned anything, the news that they acted as a guide for the Dayao aboriginals spread like wildfire.


    Once the Dayao forces left, one could well imagine how they would end up.


    It was even possible that they would be dissected and eaten by themon people.


    As a result, the three men gritted their teeth and made a decision to rely on Dayao. They didn''t require any official position as long as Dayao could ensure their safety. If it was possible, it would be best to bring their families along as well.


    After listening to these three men, Li Qianqiu stroked his chin.


    This issue didn''t matter to him because it was merely bringing along three craven and cowardly men.


    As for how to dispose of them, they would think about it further when they returned to Dayao. At worst, they would conveniently dump them somewhere. Great Xia wouldn''t be able to create any havoc since they would be within Dayao''s borders.


    It would be sufficient if they could survive on their own.


    Even if they really died, then it could only be considered that they had had a bad life.


    Apart from the three schrs, it was also a matter of life and death for a few other people on this fateful day.


    For example, the students at ck Bamboo Academy.


    School reopened today!


    With severe dark circles around her eyes, Tong Lan ced her homework into a small cloth bag. She then let out a long yawn.


    She hadn''t slept for three nights.


    In any case, however, shepleted her homework. She was somewhat content with herself. At the very least, she could witness that group of idiots getting punished.


    She was Tong Lan. How could she let those idiotsugh at her?


    Standing on the back of her fork-horned cow, Tong Lan rode out of the Tong Residence and continued to maintain her posture of "fluttering in the wind." However, her upper and lower eyelids began to fight, and in no time, she closed her eyes.


    After travelling for a while, Tong Lan fell off the fork-horned cow''s back because she didn''t stabilize herself properly. This time, her flexible skills of the past weren''t disyed at all. It was as if her brain was filled with lead, and she felt straight to the ground. Tong Lan shook her head and got up from the ground. Now, she was more or less awake. She nervously checked to see if her clothes were dirty before lying on the fork-horned cow''s back to continue sleeping.


    It didn''t take a long time before she arrived at the academy. Tong Lan immediately looked as if she was in great spirits. ncing upward, she tookrge steps and walked into the academy with her severe dark circles.


    As soon as she entered, she saw Ren Baqian smiling at her.


    Evil smile! Tong Lan noted in her head. She then snorted and walked into the ssroom.


    Ren Baqian looked at Tong Lan, whose dark circles were so severe. She obviously looked so tired that she couldy on the floor and sleep, yet she pretended to act energetic. As such, Ren Baqian found itughable.


    This little lolita was really amusing.


    Tong Lan was young andpetitive, always exhibiting a proud appearance. She constantly reminded herself that she was a genius.


    After looking at the little lolita enter the ssroom, Ren Baqian stood at the door for a while. The majority of the students had dark circles under their eyes.


    However, only a few of the other students'' dark circles were as severe as Tong Lan''s. It was simr to smokey-eye makeup.


    For those who knew what was going on, they would know that these students had burned the midnight oil toplete their homework. For those who didn''t, they would assume that these students were into deathrock music.


    Only after all the students arrived did Ren Baqian subsequently stroll back to his desk. Ren Baqian looked at the dark circles in the room below, smiled, and said, "I am very happy to see all of you. Next, there will be someone who is going to receive my ''tender'' guidance."


    "Hand in your homework first. Those who have notpleted it, stand at the door."


    Everyone looked at one another, and they all hadcent smiles on their faces, waiting for the others to stand at the door.No one. There wasn''t a single student who stood up. Everyone was seated in their seats as they waited for someone else to stand up. There was an emotion known as rejoicing in other people''s misfortune, and there was another kind of happiness that was built on the basis of looking as others were shot at for five minutes.


    "This is out of my expectations. I thought that at least half of the ss would be standing there." Ren Baqian looked at his students and was pleasantly surprised.


    He wasn''t the only one that was surprised. A few other students were also shocked.


    The little lolita opened her eyes wide. How''s was it possible? That bunch of good-for-nothings actuallypleted their homework? Didn''t they look for her two days ago in order to copy her homework?


    She had actually done half of her homework previously and spent another three days and three nights toplete the other half.


    How was it possible that everyone hadpleted their homework?


    "It''s still not toote to stand up. If I discover that any of you have notpleted your homework and have yet to stand up, you will bear the consequences," Ren Baqian warned.


    Still, no one stood up.


    "Alright, hand in your homework now. I''ll take a look at night." Ren Baqian nodded. This was an unexpected surprise.


    Regardless of everything else, this group of youngsters still did their homework. He was very satisfied about it.


    The next step was to review the content of the previous lessons. After he ordered a few students to stand up, about half of them could answer his questions. After not seeing them for a long time, Ren Baqian''s mood was pretty good, so he didn''t punish anyone for answering wrongly. He was about to appoint someone to bring all of the homework out and was preparing to leave.


    "Teacher?"


    "What''s the issue?" Ren Baqian looked up.


    "I heard that you went to the battlefield?"


    "That''s right." Ren Baqian nodded.


    "What''s the battlefield like? Did you feel excited and all fired up?" This bunch of students were in great spirits at the mention of the battlefield. "So-so! You''ll know that feeling when you go to a ughterhouse. It''s probably the same feeling," answered Ren Baqian after thinking about it. He was somewhat worried while he was on the way to the frontline, but when he arrived there, it wasn''t as scary as he had expected it to be.


    However, Ren Baqian had always been closely protected and had only used modern weapons to fight against the enemy. He hadn''t experienced the kind of close quartersbat that they were expecting. They had asked the wrong person.


    The ssroom immediately became lively right after Ren Baqian left with the homework.


    "Even if Yagui was at the front line, he wouldn''t be fighting with the enemy. You have asked the wrong person."


    "I heard that he killed many enemies. At least a few thousand of them."


    "A few thousand? I think he would have ran at the sight of three enemies."


    "Don''t forget that Yagui has a gun. I also heard that Yagui has killed many enemies and that his merits from this battle weren''t small. Yagui has an even bigger gun with him, and it''s bigger than a human. It can kill at least hundreds of people in a minute. Don''t bother trying to escape if he uses that gun on any of us."


    "Really? It''s that powerful?"


    "That''s why we should study diligently and learn Yagui''s skills. All of you can do it too."


    "How is it possible that all of youpleted your homework?" Tong Lan ignored the ongoing discussion and asked the three students who hade to borrow her homework from her.


    The three of them looked at Tong Lan and smiled smugly. She felt like smashing them against the wall after seeing their smiles.


    Seeing that Tong Lan''s expression was turning darker and darker, they didn''t want to provoke her further. After all, this girl would take action after being provoked.


    If she took action, the unlucky ones would be the three of them.


    "Seven of us divided the homework and then copied from one another. That''s how wepleted it."


    Tong Lan''s face turned ck when she heard what they said. She worked so hard, yet they actually divided the work so that they could copy from one another? At the thought of herself not sleeping for three days and three nights, she directly grabbed the table and mmed it at the three other students.


    "Are you crazy?"


    Bang!


    Crash!After the three of them were smashed onto the ground, Tong Lan dusted off her hands and strolled out of the ssroom.


    It was time for her to go home and sleep.


    Ren Baqian was leaning against the wall when he saw Tong Lan walking out. He then smiled at her and said, "Many a time, it''s difficult for a person to achieve something on his or her own. It would be easier if several people worked on it together. Learn to borrow other people''s strength as well."


    "Hmph!" Tong Lan stuck up her nose and left ck Bamboo Academy.


    After Tong Lan left, Ren Baqian returned to the ssroom once again, and the other students shut their mouths up.


    "It''s a good idea to work together to aplish something, but there is an exception when doing homework because homework is a way to deepen the knowledge you have. Remember, the knowledge you learn is the same as your personal strength. It can be used for a lifetime. Things such as money and status can be taken away by other people, but knowledge and strength can''t. Therefore, studying is for you to learn something and also serves to stimte your thoughts," Ren Baqian stood at the front and said a few words before turning around to leave.

 Chapter 390 Palmistry

    After teaching for a few days at the ck Bamboo Academy, Ren Baqian finally received the medicinal herbs from the merchant caravan.


    Most of the ingredients were easy to obtain, but there were two types of herbs which were rare. They were only able to obtain six sets of these two types of herbs even afterbing high and low in Lan City. Thereafter, they needed to head to the southwest to purchase the rarer herbs. In particr, they had to send some people to the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The headquarters of the aboriginals was located there.


    In any case, Ren Baqian could finally continue with his training.


    Seven sets of the medicinal herbs couldst him for more than a month and could solve his emergency situation for the time being.


    That very night, Ren Baqian entered the [Visualization of Wood], which he hadn''t done for a very long time. He felt exhausted after he woke up from it. Previously, he was already ustomed to this sort of feeling, but after stopping for two months, he was somewhat unable to adapt to this kind of fatigue.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian clenched his fists and finally felt that his strength had increased.


    This feeling was pretty good.


    However, when he saw Tong Lan in the pce in the afternoon, he immediately felt that this increment in strength was his own illusion. As usual, Ren Baqian was walloped by Tong Lan. He then spoke in a stern voice and dered, "Your grandfather will always be a grandfather!"


    Boom!He suffered a solid punch.


    With a ck eye, Ren Baqian continued to say, "Your teacher will always be your teacher. Remember to respect your teacher.""Hmph!" The little lolita looked at the sky and snorted. She looked at him with disgust.


    Today''s training was finally over. Ren Baqian earnestly said to the empress, "Your Majesty, I feel that I need to change opponents.""To an eight year old?" The empressughed at him.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss. Wouldn''t he lose face if he couldn''t even defeat an eight year old?


    He absolutely believed that the empress could an eight year old "genius" that could hang him up and beat him. "How about getting an imperial bodyguard to be my opponent��?" Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth and asked.


    In any case, the imperial bodyguards were gentler than Tong Lan as they were of a lower status.


    Furthermore, the strength of the imperial guards wasn''t necessarilyparable to Tong Lan.


    Even though the imperial guards and Tong Lan were at the Earth Wheel level, what Tong Lan learned wasn''t something that the imperial guards could achieve. After all, that old bastard Tong Zhenye was a Spirit Wheel expert and definitely had some tricks up his sleeves. He knew just from seeing Tong Zhenye defeating Qin Chuan with his [ck Tiger Steals Heart] in 13 consecutive strikes.


    From a sensible point of view, Ren Baqian always felt that the Minister of War should be able to fight better than the Minister of Works. In fact, Qin Chuan won more battles than he lost.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian as his expression changed. Her almond-shaped eyes were now bent, as if she wasughing in her heart. She finally said something after a long time, "I''ll change the opponent for you only if you defeat Tong Lan!"


    "Your Majesty��" Ren Baqian was full of grievance.


    "Work hard to defeat her. It isn''t pleasant to hear that you can''t even defeat a ten year old," the empress added.


    Ren Baqian felt that the empress was rubbing salt onto his wound.


    This wasn''t only unpleasant to the ears, but it would also embarrassing if spread to the others.


    Forget it��it was just Tong Lan. At the very least, he would somehow benefit from battling Tong Lan.


    Every time he stood beside her, he was much taller than her. Thus, he nheless still had a psychological advantage.If his opponent was changed to one of the imperial guards that had thick and muscr limbs, he would lose this bit of advantage. During the rainy season, rain fell as and when it liked even though the sky was still clear just a while ago. Ren Baqian was sitting in a chair beside the empress and basking under the sun when the sky suddenly became overcast.


    After Ren Baqian and the empress returned to the main hall, it began to rain heavily. The bean-sized raindrops mmed onto the tiles and the ground, producing pitter-patter sounds.


    "Your Majesty, do you want to have hot pot for dinner tonight?" Ren Baqian looked at the rain outside and then turned to look at the empress.


    "Sure!" The empress nodded her head.


    One could never have too much hot pot.


    Before the sun started to set, guards were already streaming in despite the rain with their hands filled with food that would be hot pot ingredients. The empress and Ren Baqian felt pretty good as they listened to the sound of the rain while having piping hot food.


    Ren Baqian filled each of their cups with wine, raised a toast, and then drank it in one shot.


    "The people in the south are always dishonest, and we have just killed a group of them. Recently, we also noticed that they are connected in private," the empress said unenthusiastically as she took a sip of wine.It was unknown when she acquired this habit of talking about the nation''s affairs during meals.


    "Oh!" Ren Baqian nodded.


    This was an ongoing issue. However, it became even more serious after the war with Great Xia.


    "Do you have any thoughts on this issue?" the empress asked faintly.


    "Let me make trip there!" Ren Baqian decided after thinking for a while. "After all, it takes some time to deal with this issue. I will treat it as making preparations to attack the Yun Nation. However, I would not be able to apany Your Majesty anymore and that would be a little regretful." "In this case, you don''t have to regret. I''ll go with you," the empress said cooly. "Your Majesty wants to tag along too?" Ren Baqian was slightly surprised as he hadn''t expected that the empress would be interested in heading to the south.


    "I want to see why they are still not content even though the imperial court has given them more than ten years of peaceful living," the empress replied. She had already grown sick of their dirty tricks long ago. If she hadn''t made that promise to them back then, she would have gotten rid of them.


    Now that she was going to resolve this issue, she also wanted to see what those people were like, what kind of life they lived, and whether the imperial court had treated them poorly or not.


    "What about the nation''s affairs?" Ren Baqian asked. Previously, they headed to the north because of the urgent situation during the war. Now that things had stabilized, it wasn''t appropriate for the empress to leave behind the nation''s affair and head to the south.


    "With the Elders and the radio stations, everything will proceed smoothly." The empress didn''t mind at all.


    "I have to take my students along too, so I''m afraid that this trip will take up some time," Ren Baqian continued.


    "Oh, by the way, do you want to get your palm read? I learned it from an elder when I was a child." Ren Baqian''s eyeballs rolled.


    "Palmistry?"


    "Everyone''s palms are different. You can see the fate of a person from their palm. This is a skill that has been passed down for thousands of years," Ren Baqian exined. "How do you read it?" It piqued the empress''s curiosity.


    "Your Majesty, give me your hand," Ren Baqian said as he held the empress''s hand and flipped it over. After that, he used another hand to touch her palm and squinted his eyes.


    He touched it once, then again and again��


    The empress was so full of expectations that her eyebrows rose, and a cold glint shed across her eyes��


    Ren Baqian then coughed once. "Your Majesty was born into riches and honor, a descendant of the imperial family, and ranked the best in the entire world. A ruler''s life��. From your marriage line, it seems that you have found your fated one and that things will turn out smoothly. You and your partner will live to a ripe old age in conjugal bliss��" The empress continued to look at him with an icy-cold gaze. She somehow felt that she was being lied to by the guy in front of her��


    "From your wealth line, no one canpare to Your Majesty''s wealth in this world. Although your wealth isn''t the best at present, this year will be your turning point. From this year onward, Your Majesty''s wealth will increase gradually, and you''ll be the richest in the world�� Your Majesty will also have 12 children��"


    Smack!The empress''s ears turned red, and she shot a cold stare at Ren Baqian. "12 children?"


    Giving birth to 12 children? The thought of it made people shiver.


    Moreover, giving birth was a difficult task for the aboriginals.


    An average family had about three to five children, and that was already considered pretty good. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be so few aboriginals.


    For someone who was so strong, like the empress, it was even more difficult for her to produce an heir.


    This scoundrel was definitely lying to her.


    Ren Baqian exerted all his strength into swinging his hand. He was almost close to tears.


    "I''m the one who''s going to have 12 children��" Ren Baqian inhaled.


    Smack!" The empress''s almond-shaped eyes widened. If they weren''t her children, whose children would they be?


    "Your Majesty, it''s really swollen��" Ren Baqian looked very miserable.

 Chapter 391 Exterminating An Entire Family

    Night.


    Dark clouds were covering the moon.In the Yun Nation, over 20 people were gathered not far away from Qingfeng City, looking at a torch on the city wall. Leading the group was a burly man who was almost a little giant. He was carrying two double ded axes on his back.The assassination of the Seventh Prince of Great Xia was executed by a group he led.


    This time, he was leading a group to exterminate the entire family of the Yun Nation''s Qingfeng City''s warlord. The main function of the Department of Inspection involved covert matters. One of its functions was to investigate, but this was only nominally the case because the aboriginals found it easier to torture their captives to get information than to investigate secretly.Another one of its responsibilities was to perform these exterminations.However, the empress was a straightforward person who simply chopped off the heads of anyone she disliked. As a result, she rarely needed to deploy them.Conversely, they were called upon twice this year, and to these agents who did nothing besides practicing martial arts daily, they shed tears of gratitude that Her Majesty finally remembered them.There were only around 100 people in the Department of Inspection, and the lowest level official was at the Earth Wheel level. However, they were different from the winged cavalry that were adept at charging into battlefields. They were like the sect practitioners from Great Xia and more suited for one to one confrontations.


    "Even the moon isn''t shining. It is an opportune time to kill people tonight.""Sir, when are we entering the city?" someone behind him asked in the dark."We need to execute this mission in a clean cut manner. Her Majesty''s orders are to exterminate the entire family and not to spare anyone. Do not forget to find out the location of the treasury." Hong Bao waved his hands. "Let''s go!"Subsequently, a line of men proceeded under the cover of night to approach the city and took advantage of the gaps in the patrolling defenders to sneak into the city.It was about 10PM. To the people in this world, who usually worked from sunrise to sunset, it was high time to rest.


    However, a precious few drunkards were roamingte at night on thenes of the red-light district, having fun, and drinking alcohol.


    The line of people moved along the remote and dark areas, but as Hong Bao jumped over a wall, he felt that something was out of ce and that there seemed to be somebody vomiting on the wall.Hong Bao adjusted his body while in midair and aimed both legs downward tond on the back of that guy. The weight of his huge body, in addition to the two axes on his back, caused the person underneath him to fall with a snap and then be motionless.


    There were originally two people in the alley, the one who vomited and another drunkard.In the end, the appearance of a burly man in midairnding on the other person and rendering him senseless sort of sobered up the drunkard. He thought of shouting, but the huge palm of Hong Bao hit him on the head and mmed it forcefully against the wall, causing it to burst like a watermelon. More than 20 shadows went by behind Hong Bao andnded with muted thuds.Pow. Only one personnded with a different sound.When everyone turned to look at him, they could see the fresh vomit on the soles of his shoes under the dim light.The vomit sshed on the bodies of the others as hended on his big feet.Those around him red menacingly at him, and he was the only one bearing an innocent look."Catch someone to ask about the location of the warlord''s residence." They suppressed their desire to wallop this guy after Hong Bao''s voice reminded them of the importance of the mission.


    As the shadows departed, there were sounds of bodies colliding in the small alleys.After a short while, everyone came to arge area that bounded the huge residence. "Kill everyone, but temporarily leave a few important people alive to find out the location of the treasury." When Hong Bao waved his hands, everyone drew their weapons as they vaulted over the walls to enter the courtyard.


    Some guards who were patrolling were caught unaware and had their heads cut off by these invaders that suddenly appeared from the shadows.The sttering of blood and the sound of the falling corpses rmed those further away.


    "Who is that? What are those sounds?"Some figures silently rushed to where the voices wereing from while the rest dispersed in different directions."Who are you? Ahh!" The howlings of these people before they died alerted the people inside the residence. They hastily ran out and were weed by all kinds of weapons. The warlord of Qingfeng City, Ye Ke, heard of themotion and asked in a low voice, "What''s happening?""Sir, I think there are assassins.""Oh!" Ye Ke nodded his head and wasn''t too concerned. He had done many things in his lifetime, so the number of people seeking revenge against him were too numerous. Nheless, he was still living well.He had full confidence in the guards protecting him.


    Besides the ordinary guards, there were dozens of Man Wheel practitioners and seven Earth Wheel consecrated experts.


    This kind of power was definitely not inferior to that of the middle-ss aristocratic families in Great Xia.


    Up until now, nobody had been able to breach the defenses and get near him. Most of the intruders didn''t even get to see his face before they were skinned and hung up on the city walls.He assumed that this time would be the same as before and that the matter would be resolved quickly.Even as the screams of the guards being killed got closer and closer, he was still not fazed.Two Earth Wheel consecrated experts appeared and blocked the intruders, but seeing therger than normal figures in the dark caused them to ask in shock, "Aboriginals? What are you all doing here?"


    One, two, three, they saw seven or eight of them right here, and there were screamsing from somewhere further away.


    These must certainly be aboriginals."A life for a life. A debt must be repaid!" A burly man carrying a mace disyed his white teeth in the dark like a menacing wild beast."Kill!" that burly man shouted as he leaped over ten meters and thrusted his mace across.Seeing the power of the thrust from this mace was enough for the two Earth Wheel experts to know it was futile to resist.


    Boom! The mace smashed on the floor, shattering the te into shards that flew all over the ce.Although the two consecrated experts managed to escape this blow, they experienced cold fear upon seeing the rest of the figures jump over.


    Earth Wheel, these were all Earth Wheel experts.


    The two consecrated experts quickly recalled the incident that had happened in the city one month ago.Despite being at war, they never expected the aboriginals to be so vindictive that they would sneak into the Yun Nation all because of that seemingly small matter from a month ago.Both of them btedly felt regret. If they had known, they would have stopped Ye Ke that day and simply left if they couldn''t persuade him."Just name your terms!" both men shouted.The other party simply ignored the two of them and quietly waved their weapons menacingly.The intent was to wipe out everyone.Seeing that these people were not going to relent, the two guys bellowed at their fellow consecrated experts for help."Who is here to cause trouble in my house?" the warlord shouted from inside his house.Three other consecrated experts who heard the cries for help instantly came out of their houses that were next to the warlord''s residence. They appeared inside the warlord''s residence in no time. They were surrounded by five burly men the moment they stepped in."Aboriginals?" The three were shocked to see these people around them��.


    "Warlord, bad news, the aboriginals are here!"After hearing these screams, Ye Ke hastily tumbled out of bed and asked, "What''s the matter?""The aboriginals, they are all Earth Wheel experts. We can''t stop them. Both consecrated experts Chi and Yu have already perished!" Ye Ke turned green with fear as he heard these words.There was no need for him to figure out why the aboriginals were here.The reason he dared to loot the aboriginal caravans was because the aboriginals were at war with Great Xia, the greatest country in this world.What could the aboriginals do if he looted their caravans? Did those barbarians have the ability to find him?Great Xia had already taken action. In addition, the Yun Nation was going to attack, so the aboriginals would be considered alright if their country wasn''t destroyed.He never expected that Great Xia would be defeated so quickly, and his impression of Great Xia as the most powerful country was totally eradicated.However, he wasn''t too worried because the troops from the Yun Nation were still on the frontline. Thus, the aboriginals could do nothing to him.He hadpletely not expected for the aboriginals to sneak into the Yun Nation so quickly and ruthlessly to seek revenge.


    Barbarians! Bloody barbarians! They didn''t look at the overall situation. They were engaged in a war and still sought revenge against him for such a small matter.It was useless to curse them now. Since he couldn''t resist them, it was more important to run for his life."Master? What should we do?" the concubine on the bed asked fearfully. Although she didn''t know how powerful the barbarians were, she had heard of them. Since the defense had been breached, what should they do?The frightened Ye Ke didn''t say anything. He put on his clothes and smashed open the rear window because it was too risky to escape from the front, which was where the barbarians had entered from.He only needed to run out of his residence and hide in the barracks to be safe.As for the his concubine, he could marry moreter on. Renewal could only take ce when the old were discarded first.Even if his sons were to perish, he could raise some more, not to mention that concubine of his. "Master!" The cry came from behind him, but Ye Ke didn''t even turn to look.After only running for a short distance, he heard the screams of people being killed ringing out from in front of him.It wasn''t onlying from the front court, but also from the backyard."How many barbarians are actually here?" Ye Ke was getting paler.He was starting to regret now.However, it was useless to regret.The question was where could he run to.Ye Ke was sweating profusely as he inspected the dark surroundings. His eyes lit up when he saw an old water tank under the eaves not too far away.That ce looked remote and was unlikely to attract attention.


    It was safer to hide there than to run around wildly at the risk of bumping into those barbarians.


    ��


    Midnight massacre.


    The guards within the city immediately sent out their soldiers to rescue the warlord after learning about the attack, but were blocked by seven or eight people outside the residence. It was still dark in the city, and to these ordinary soldiers, the seven or eight aboriginals were like seven or eight death gods. They immediately charged into the crowd to kill the soldiers. Within a quarter of an hour, the 1,000 soldiers that were here to rescue the warlord had been ughtered and sent scattering in all directions.At this moment, Hong Bao was standing in the bedroom where Ye Ke had been. The concubine was curled up on the bed shivering.Hong Bao lifted the quilt to reveal a naked body.


    "Your skin is smoother and more tender than that of the girls in the brothels," Hong Bao said covetously."Sir, please spare me, spare me. I''ll do whatever you want." The concubine didn''t hide her body and squatted on the bed to beg for her life."Her Majesty said not to spare anyone!" Hong Bao felt regret as he hit that concubine with his palm and blood spurted out.


    "Find him! That bastard was specifically mentioned by Her Majesty and must be found," Hong Bao ordered to those behind him.The seven or eight people behind him dispersed in different directions.Meanwhile, the massacre still continued a distance away in the city.Hong Bao sat in the room with his huge axes ovepping each other. As the time was about to approach daylight, it seemed that there were no living people to be found in the warlord''s residence, but the warlord was nowhere to be found."Is the location of the treasury known?""Yes, in the backyard.""The rest will continue the search. I will take a look at the treasury.""Sir, the troops from the barracks should be here soon," someone said.It had taken some time to repel two batches of soldiers, but it was almost morning now, so the soldiers from the barracks currently shouldn''t be far away. "Lead the way. Half of you follow me to the treasury." Hong Bao had walked halfway there when he asked, "Who knows how to write?"


    Everyone behind him looked at each other. They could barely read a few words, so writing was pretty difficult. Finally, someone stepped forward and said proudly, "Sir, I know how!""Find a conspicuous ce to write: ''A life for a life. A debt must be repaid. The killer is your uncle.'' We have a reason for doing this," Hong Bao whispered. This instruction from Officer Ren had been passed down to him through the radio station. "I will do my best," that burly man said as he patted his chest.Then, he entered the hall, dragged two corpses back, and pondered for a long time. He then gesticted at the floor, looked up at the brightening sky, and hesitated before writing big letters on the wall in blood: "Kill people XX. Owe money must X. The killer is your X."He retreated a few steps to look at the wall, saw the numerous X''s, threw away the cloth he had used for writing to the side, and muttered, "Sir, I did my best. They should be able to understand? If they do not understand, then it is their fault."

 Chapter 392 What Was She Talking About?

    "Just this?" As Hong Bao walked around the so-called treasury, his face turned ck.


    There were a dozen boxes of silver, some impressive looking but useless weapons and armor, and several crystal cups as well as very beautiful mirrors that were stored in a box. The copper mirrors they were used to werepletely iparable to these extremely beautiful mirrors.


    The most valuable things here were the crystal cups and mirrors inside the box. Yet, no matter what, the owner of this treasury was a warlord of the Yun Nation. Furthermore, the Yun Nation was well-known for being affluent. How was it impossible that he only had this little bit of treasure?


    There was only one possibility: this treasury was just for show, and there was another one that stored the genuine treasures.


    "Sir, what should we do? Take them?"


    "Take this box." Hong Bao pointed at the box that contained the crystal cups and mirrors.


    Even if he didn''t know much about treasures, he could see that this box of items was more valuable than the silver."Torch it, burn everything, and wait for them to find the real treasury before we make another trip," Hong Bao ordered as he rubbed his chin.


    Since he couldn''t find the genuine treasury, he would burn everything here so that there might be a chance for the genuine treasury to be revealed. He would wait outside the city for a day. After everything was burned to ashes, he would then make another trip into the city to see if there was any trace of the genuine treasury. "We have yet to locate that warlord."


    "Even if the warlord can escape, the city can''t. His roots are here, and ultimately, he can''t escape. Now that the sky is turning bright, burn everything first. Then, evacuate. Seal up the wells and smash everything that contains water so that they can''t fight the fire."


    "Yes."


    Thereafter, everyone separated into two groups. One group went around setting fires everywhere, while the other group sealed up all the wells.


    They also conveniently smashed everything that contained water.


    For instance, the buckets and water tanks in the courtyard.


    One, two, three water tanks had been smashed. When a certain water tank was broken, a person fell out. The person who broke the water tank was just as stunned as the man inside the water tank, but this man quickly somersaulted and broke into a run.


    Naturally, this man was Ye Ke.


    The screams outside had since disappeared, and there was only the sound of heavy iing footsteps. The meaning was very evident.


    Everyone in his residence was dead.


    This included his concubines as well as his kids.


    Ye Ke was frightened out of his wits. On the one hand, he was cursing the city soldiers in his heart because they had yet to arrive. On the other hand, he was carefully hiding himself and waiting for these barbarian to leave before he could escape.


    However, he wasn''t able to hide anymore.


    The aboriginal soldier came back to his senses and revealed a bitter smile. He then conveniently unsheathed the sword that was on his back and thrusted at that person.


    After that, the aboriginal soldier walked over and stepped on the body to pull out his sword. He then wiped the sword twice with the fallen man''s clothes. All of sudden, he thought of something.


    This person''s build seemed simr to the warlord that everyone was looking for?


    Could this person really be him?


    "Hehe!" Instantly, that aboriginal soldier was ted. It was as if a a tasty meat pie fell from heaven.


    The aboriginal soldier flipped that person over, saw that he was still breathing, and asked. "Are you the warlord?"


    Ye Ke was like a crab and vomiting blood out of his mouth. That thrust from the sword had prated his lungs.


    "Yes or no?"


    Pow. He was given a p to the face.


    "Are you the warlord or not?"


    Pow. He was given another p to the face.


    "Why don''t you answer me! Are you the warlord or not?!"


    Pow pow pow pow!"Are you still breathing? Not breathing anymore? Forget it. I will be rewarded even if I only bring your head back." Seeing that the person wasn''t breathing anymore, the aboriginal soldier directly chopped off his head.


    Regardless of whether you are the warlord or not, I will treat you as him.


    "Boss, boss, I have brought the warlord''s head back. Can you check if it''s him?" The aboriginal soldier excitedly ran over to present this treasure to Hong Bao.


    Hong Bao stood in the courtyard and saw the head that was delivered by his subordinate. This head was disfigured to the extent that it didn''t even look like a human''s head anymore. Even the deceased''s biological mother wouldn''t be able to recognize his face, let alone Hong Bao.


    "What about his body?"


    "It''s over there. I''ll go bring it over."


    A momentter, he carried the body over.


    The body was very dirty, but from its build, it was very simr to Ye Ke''s.


    "Did you ask where the genuine treasury is located at?"


    "Oh, I forgot��"


    "Forget it. I''ll reward you." Hong Bao waved him off. In any case, they had grabbed a box of treasures.


    As for the genuine treasury, now that the warlord was dead, it was unknown if the city soldiers could locate where the real treasury was. He would wait for another two days before nning his next step. Even if they didn''t locate the genuine treasury, those crystal cups and mirrors should be able to fetch arge sum of money. They would at least gain some merit by handing them over to the empress. The soldiers in the city arrived just as the mes started to rise in the surroundings.


    "Go and kill our way out."


    ��


    If Ren Baqian knew that those people grabbed the worthless crystal cups and mirrors, his expression would definitely change for the worse.


    At present, he was on Earth.


    After cleaning himself up, he was ready to go out.


    Today''s task was rather special, he was going out to meet someone extraordinary.


    Qi Jiayu.


    Frankly speaking, he didn''t think about how he would treat the woman who looked 80 percent simr to the empress. Moreover, if he didn''t guess wrongly, that Qi Jiayu was probably this world''s empress.


    Two different people who were actually the same person in some aspects. Otherwise, the fraction of the empress''s soul wouldn''t have reacted that way upon seeing Qi Jiayu.


    Just like when he met the Seventh Prince for the first time.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was a thorny situation and didn''t know how he should handle it.


    Ignore her? At that moment, however, the fraction of the empress''s soul evoked an evil thought. Kill her? From a certain point of view, this was the best option.


    Nowadays, Ren Baqian had no sense of guilt after killing innocent people. He had even killed thousands of people, so why would he care about an ordinary person.


    Nheless, she was this world''s empress afterall. This identity made it somewhat difficult for him to take any action. Thus, after considering for a few days, he finally contacted Qi Jiayu through Shen Feng and arranged for her to meet him.


    The method was very simple. First of all, he got Shen Feng to find her teaching assistant and then informed the teaching assistant that a certainpany needed to recruit several interns.


    Those who wanted to apply had to hand in their resume.


    Thereafter, he would check if her resume was among those that were handed in.


    If not, he would have had to think of another method.


    Things went smoothly, however, and he arranged for an interview with her after that.


    Ren Baqian drove his car to a cafe in Shanghai. Subsequently, he found a seat inside.


    After waiting for about 20 minutes in the cafe, he saw a youngdy walk through the door.


    The youngdy was wearing a floral skirt and a whitece shirt. She looked youthful and exuded a lovable charm.


    At the same time, the killing intent in Ren Baqian''s heart began to soar.


    "It''s her." Ren Baqian immediately knew that his target was here.


    The next moment, his phone rang.


    "Hello, is this Mr. Ren?"


    "Table 16. I can already see you," Ren Baqian said indifferently.


    Qi Jiayu pushed the door and looked around. After asking the waiter, she then walked over to Ren Baqian by following the waiter''s directions.


    "Hello!" Qi Jiayu spoke first. Soon after, she recognized Ren Baqian and was a little shocked, "It''s you?"


    "Take a seat!" Ren Baqian said faintly.


    "You are that stalker? What''s the point of beating around the bush and wasting so much effort to deceive me intoing here? Could it be that you are going to chase me? Do you know that your behavior is very annoying? Even though it seems like you put in a lot of effort, my apologies, I''m a decent person who deserves someone better." A chain of sentences came out of Qi Jiayu''s mouth after she recovered from the shock.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    What was this situation?


    Seeing that Qi Jiayu dropped a bomb of words on him and then turned away to leave, Ren Baqian was clueless.


    What was she talking about? What was this situation?


    I have been rejected by her?

 Chapter 393 The Oscars for Best Actor and Actress

    This was the first time Ren Baqian had been rejected by a girl.


    For a moment, even the killing intent in his head dissipated.


    Instead, his mind was filled with question marks.


    After sitting down for a while, Ren Baqian couldn''t help butugh.


    He was neither embarrassed nor annoyed since he had never had that intention at all.


    As a result, the development of this issue made him feel that it was rather interesting.


    Also, it was somewhat of a pity.


    He wanted to have a chat with her first before deciding how to deal with her.


    Ren Baqian even thought of providing for her. One million yuan a year? Ten million yuan a year?


    In this world, money didn''t hold any significance for him.


    By keeping a younger version of the empress with him, perhaps she might be useful in the future.


    He wouldn''t touch her, and it would be sufficient as long as nobody else touched her.


    Unfortunately, she had ruined this opportunity.


    She had destroyed her own path.


    Since the other party wasn''t willing to talk, in that case, there wasn''t any need to talk anymore. He had better kill her. Ren Baqian threw money on the table and walked out of the cafe with a smile on his face. He couldn''t see Qi Jiayu in the surroundings anymore.


    He drove to the main gate of SH University, found a location where he could see the entire gate, and parked his car there.He reclined his seat and then used his phone to y an old song, "Trouble Caused by the Moon."


    [As seen in Chapter 244, it''s a hit song from Phil Zhang, a Taiwanese singer]


    Listening to the familiar tune, Ren Baqian gently shook his leg and took out his pistol with one hand. He then wiped it with paper before cing it at the back of his waist. After that, he reclined the seat backward like a bed.


    After waiting for almost two hours, Ren Baqian saw a figure wearing a whitece shirt and a floral skirt appear at the gate."It''s all your fault and the moon caused trouble��" Ren Baqian hummed and got out of his car. With both hands stuffed into his pants pockets, he walked toward the direction of the university''s gate.


    Should I use the gun�� or my bare hands? Ren Baqian pondered as he walked. It would be louder if he used a gun. In the end, it was still better to use his hands.


    However, just when he was about to cross the road, he was stopped by someone.


    "Mr. Ren!"


    Ren Baqian tilted his head and looked at the three people who had stopped him. They had a familiar scent, which was the scent of people working for the nation.


    They arrived so quickly.��have they been following me?


    Does the other party know what am I nning to do? "Mr. Ren, our chief wants to have a word with you." One of them took out a phone, dialed a number, and ced the phone on Ren Baqian''s ear.


    "Mr. Ren, remember the things that you have promised the nation." Yang Sen''s voice came through the phone.


    "What?" Ren Baqian replied him with a question.


    "You promised the nation that you will not kill anyone. I hope that you can keep your word. You are an extraordinary person. It isn''t worth destroying your reputation for a small matter or worth affecting our coboration," Yang Sen warned."Why do you say that?" Ren Baqian asked in a very gentle voice. He wanted to sound out what the other party knew."In any case, we don''t want to see Qi Jiayu get harmed. She is just an ordinary person. Although she looks like that person, she is just an ordinary girl in today''s society and doesn''t exist in the same world as you," Yang Sen continued.


    Ren Baqianughed. He then said, "I wouldn''t affect any of you by providing for her, right? This is something that requires mutual consent. Even though it goes somewhat against social customs, that is none of any of your concern."


    "I hope that these are your heartfelt words. If you have time, it would be best for Mr. Ren to make a trip to theboratory. Recently, there have been some achievements that Mr. Ren may be interested in," Yang Sen warned before once again raising the issue of their coboration.As long as it was a normal person, he or she would know how to weigh the pros and cons. Yang Sen trusted that Ren Baqian would make the right choice. Ren Baqian didn''t reply to him and immediately passed the phone over to the other man.


    "Goodbye!" Ren Baqian waved at the three men and continued heading toward the gate.


    How could he turn and leave in this situation? In that case, wasn''t Yang Sen''s guess correct?He couldn''t be explicitly indicating that he really wanted to kill someone, right?


    Otherwise, it would hurt his reputation. Trust was important when one was mixing around in the underworld. Since Ren Baqian said that he wouldn''t kill anyone, he shouldn''t let the other party obtain information that could be used against him.


    Nheless, Ren Baqian still felt that he was a morally upright person. After all, keeping promises was the foundation of morality.


    He tookrge strides toward the university''s gate and could still feel that the three men''s gazes never left him.


    Qi Jiayu heard the footsteps behind her and looked back. Her eyes shed with a trace of horror and disgust. She said in a loud voice, "I won''t fight over your boyfriend. That Liu Zhengliang just likes me. Even if you can''t handle your own man, can you stop bothering me?"


    After these words were spoken, the people around them heard it clearly and hastily surrounded the both of them as if they had received an energy boost. A man and a woman were fighting over a man. This was so much more exciting than two women fighting over a man. Ren Baqian kept quiet.


    He had been overconfident the whole time and made a mistake due to his negligence.


    He yed tricks on people all day, yet to his surprise, he was actually tricked by someone else.


    Ren Baqian contemted if he should shoot her dead now.


    "Follow me to the Ministry of State Security." Ren Baqian flipped through his pocket for a long time before showing his identity document. He had specially brought it along today."I have documents that prove that I''m single and talkative as well as a FFF group identity card. Do you want to see them?" Qi Jiaying ignored him. Nowadays, all kinds of documents could be forged on the inte. Did he think that she was a fool?


    [FFF group: the name of a heresy organization from a chinese novel] "This thing may be able to prove my identity." Ren Baqian took out a gun from the back of his waist and scared the students out of their wits. Qi Jiayu was also shocked, but then her eyes shed with anger. This fellow was getting to be too much.This was SH University��what was he trying to do by taking out a fake gun?


    Bang! Before Qi Jiayu could say anything, Ren Baqian fired a shot at the ground.


    The gunshot resounded through the campus, and this time, everyone in the surroundings was frightened. That was a real gun. The man in front of them was holding a real gun.


    "Oops, I''m sorry, but I misfired. I will have to write a report when I return and reckon that I will be punished." Ren Baqian revealed an astonished expression, as if he had really misfired the gun.


    Ren Baqian unloaded the magazine of the gun and stuffed it into his back pocket.


    He then shed his identity document to the other students and said, "I''m from the Ministry of State Security. This student is needed to assist us in an investigation, and I apologize for the misfire just now. I hope that it didn''t affect anyone."


    After listening to his exnation, the fear on the other students'' faces gradually disappeared.


    "You can notify the police and the school to confirm my identity," Ren Baqian said to Qi Jiayu. "The impact may be rtively huge. So many people have seen me, and the surveince has taken pictures of me. You don''t have to worry about your safety concerns because my identity can''t be faked.""In that case, we will wait for the police toe." Qi Jiayu remained unmoved.


    "Damn it," Ren Baqian cursed under his breath.


    This Qi Jiayu was really vignt.


    "Mr. Ren." The three men walked up to Ren Baqian again.


    "Our group is handling a task, so you guys better not get involved," Ren Baqian warned them.


    The three men looked at one other. Although firing the gun was a rtively nasty move, Ren Baqian had dealt with the matter promptly and indicated that it was a misfire. Also, he even lied about being punished when he returned, which suppressed the majority of the issue. With his identity, the current situation was still tolerable.


    After all, Ren Baqian''s identity documents were real. From the documents, he was considered an employee working at a certain department for the nation. "It is best to give our chief an exnation. At present, the situation isn''t the same as what you said.""I will submit a report. Currently,I have something to discuss with this student." Ren Baqian nodded. The appearance of these three people, together with Ren Baqian''s words, made the other students believe them. One by one, they revealed an amazed expression. It turned out that there really was a secret department, but they didn''t know if the "dragon department" existed or not.


    ["dragon department": department formed by the elites] Even Qi Jiayu was a little doubtful now. She carefully looked at these three people and tried to distinguish if they were on Ren Baqian''s side or not. Previously, even the teaching assistant was deceived. They even helped him to recruit interns from their sses. Otherwise, things wouldn''t have turned out this way.


    Five minutester, police officers arrived at the scene.


    "What happened?"


    "He has a gun!" Qi Jiayu said while pointing at Ren Baqian. She then hid behind the police officers.


    Ren Baqian ignored her dirty tricks and handed his identity documents to the police officers, exining, "I need this student to assist me with something. These are my identity documents. All of you can verify them."


    After the police confirmed Ren Baqian''s identity, the people in the surroundings finally believed him.


    "This student, I will have to trouble you to take a trip with me." Ren Baqian pointed at Qi Jiayu.


    "My apologies, I thought you were a stalker. I previously had such an experience when I was a child. If the police hadn''t arrived in time back then, I am afraid that�� I have been afraid of strangers ever since then," Qi Jiayu was said apologetically and pitifully. Ren Baqian looked at her performance as she vividly and thoroughly acted out the shock that a bunny would experience after running into danger. He felt that the Oscars owed her the best actress award.


    If it wasn''t for the fact that he had read her profile and knew that nothing like this had happened, he would have believed her based on her current performance.

 Chapter 394 Toothache?

    "Sir, why are you looking for me?" The both of were sitting inside Ren Baqian''s car, and Qi Jiayu''s was a little apprehensive.


    For a sophomore, the Ministry of State Security had many different meanings to her. As a result, she wasn''t able to calm down. Ren Baqian turned his head to look at her and suppressed the killing intent in his heart.


    Every time he saw her, he had the same reaction.


    Previously, he thought of providing for her, but it seemed like that didn''t make much sense now.


    What was the use of providing for a person that he wanted to kill every time he saw her? Was it to hone his temperament? This was actually a pretty good idea.As he experienced more things, his killing intent increased too.


    Perhaps this was what it meant for one to be influenced by his or her environment.It was inevitable for him to be affected by the empress and those aboriginal soldiers who faced life and death everyday.


    There were also some things that inherently suppressed his natural instincts. Along with the breaking of moral constraints that had been instilled in him all this time, his killing intent began to develop.


    All sorts of situation had formed his current temperament. At times, he was very calm, and other times, he was very benevolent. However, there were times when he wanted to kill someone just because of trivial issues or because they weren''t pleasant to his eyes.


    "Do you know this person?" Ren Baqian took out his phone and showed a photo to Qi Jiayu.


    The person in the photo was bald, fierce looking, not wearing any shirt, and had a criss-crossed scar on his body. The background of the photo was a dense forest.


    Just by looking at this person''s photo, one could already feel the fierceness emitting from him.


    "No��"Qi Jiayu shook her head.


    Of course, Ren Baqian knew that she wouldn''t recognize him. The person in the photo was Li Qianqiu, and Ren Baqian had taken this photo randomly.


    It would be a big deal if Qi Jiayu knew who he was.


    "How about this person?" Ren Baqian showed another person''s photo.


    It was a picture of a girl who was tied to the back of a cow, and the background was also the wilderness."I don''t know this person either��" Qi Jiayu was at a loss as she didn''t know what Ren Baqian''s intention was.


    "Remember their faces. If you see the two of them, please contact me," Ren Baqian said as he put away his phone.


    "Oh!" Qi Jiayu was unclear of the reason, but she still nodded her head. She didn''t know why Ren Baqian believed that she would run into these two people.


    Of course, she wouldn''t run into the two of them. Ren Baqian was only using this as an excuse. All in all, he couldn''t remain silent after calling her to get into his car, right?


    "You will meet them eventually, but we do not need to go into the specifics. You only need to inform me when the time arrives." Ren Baqian was feeling vexed as, on the one hand, he had to suppressed his killing intent, but on the other hand, he had to fabricate lies.


    Even though fabricating lies had already be a habit, he was still feeling vexed.


    What made him even more vexed was the appearance of this person."You can get out of the car now. When people ask about what happened��" Ren Baqian muttered to himself. He could predict that certain people would definitely inquire about what he had told her. "Just tell them��" All of a sudden, Ren Baqian turned his head and asked, "Is ten million yuan sufficient to keep you?"


    "Ha? My apologies, I''m a decent person, and I deserve someone better." Qi Jiayu subconsciously rejected him.


    "Yes, that''s it. If anyone asks about our conversation, you can just mention this. Even though they are from the same department as me, we are from different sections. The meaning of this sentence is understood by insiders and indicates that you are the person that I have selected. You''ll have to swallow anything rted to these photos and everything I have asked you into your stomach. Before this issue is resolved, you can''t let anyone know about it. You should know the importance of secrecy for anything rted to the nation''s secret department. Don''t create any trouble for yourself or me." Ren Baqian waved her off and concluded, "That''s all. Remember to say what I have instructed you to say."


    "Oh!" Up until now, Qi Jiayu was still dumbfounded. She stillpletely didn''t know what was going on.


    "Why do I have to do all this?" Qi Jiayu finally recalled this question.


    "You have no room for refusal. In addition, if you do this, I will help you to apply for funding in your school activities." After Ren Baqian drove off, she stood in the carpark and stared into nk space for a long time.


    For an ordinary female sophomore, she simply didn''t know what to even consider after having met with such problems out of the blue. In addition, there wasn''t anybody that she could discuss these problems with.


    However, if someone really wanted to keep her for ten million yuan, would she agree? Ten million yuan was a sum that she might never obtain even if she worked for her entire life. The thought of it was really tempting.


    Unfortunately, this offer wasn''t real.


    "You are Qi Jiayu, right? We have a few questions to ask you." Three men walked up to Qi Jiayu.


    They were the three men who were on the campus just now, and it seemed that they knew the guy whose surname was Ren. Furthermore, they were in the same department. As such, Qi Jiayu could recognize them at a nce.


    "What''s the problem?"


    "What did that Mr. Ren talk to you about?" one of them asked.


    Qi Jiayu immediately recalled Ren Baqian''s words and said with a bashful look on her face, "He asked if he could keep me for Ten million yuan."


    "How did you answer him?"


    "My apologies, I''m a decent person, and I deserve someone better," Qi Jiayu said.


    The three of them looked at Qi Jiayu. This way of rejecting someone was indeed rarely seen.


    "Did he say anything else?"


    "He didn''t say anything else and let me out of his car."


    "If you run into any problems in the future, call this number." A man took out a pen and a small book, then wrote a phone number before passing it to Qi Jiayu. "What do you mean?"


    "In the future, if you are in danger or in trouble, you can call this number.""I will run into danger?" Qi Jiayu was astonished.


    "Humans will always be in danger. Everyone faces the risk of being hit by a car on the road," said the man as he made an ambiguous statement. "Sorry to have bothered you." After the three men left, Qi Jiayu held the paper with the phone number and thought about the two photos that Ren Baqian had shown her. Ren Baqian said that she would run into these people, and the other agents said that she would run into danger. What exactly did all of this mean?


    The two people in the photos were very dangerous?


    ��


    After Ren Baqian left Qi Jiayu, the killing intent in his heart vanished gradually.


    This kind of feeling where he wanted to kill someone, yet had to restrain himself, wasn''tfortable at all. He made a call home, chatted for a while with his family members, and finally felt at ease.


    Nowadays, his family had epted the situation that they couldn''t see him all year round. However, they were still concerned about his marriage. Every time they talked over the phone, they didn''t forget to inquire about the girl they saw or ask him when he would bring her home. In Ren Baqian''s mind, the thought of bringing these "counterfeit goods" back to meet his parents emerged.


    However, just as that thought emerged in his head, Ren Baqian dismissed it. In the future, if the empress met his parents and learned that he had actually brought another girl who looked like her back home, he reckoned that he would be in deep sh*t. The next two days, he stayed in the vi and stared into empty space.


    Although Yang Sen said that there was progress in the research, Ren Baqian was not in the mood to make a trip there.


    After staying in the vi for two days, he took a batch of radios, walkie-talkies, batteries, and sr panels back to the other world. The other world stillcked a lot of these items.


    Before technology was developed, it was necessary to poprize instant messaging.He left Pingle Park and went to meet the empress.


    Seeing that almost half of the candy tree in the hall was empty, Ren Baqian felt that if it wasn''t for the fact that aboriginals were strong, the empress would have long since gotten a toothache from consuming candies this way.


    Fortunately, the empress was also extremely strong, so strong that even ordinary swords couldn''t hurt her.If the empress had a toothache, she might be even more dangerous than an alligator during a check-up. After making cotton candy and refilling the candy tree, Ren Baqian brought tworge cotton candies and sat on the sofa. He handed over one of them to the empress.


    "These past few days, I met someone that resembles Your Majesty. I almost thought that she was you. This world is indeed magical, and there is actually someone that looks so simr to you." Ren Baqian took a mouthful of the cotton candy andughed.


    "Oh? I want to see if she really resembles me." The empress was very interested in meeting her doppelganger.


    "The next time we return to Earth, follow me to take a look." Ren Baqian smiled.


    A few minutester, Ren Baqian realized something strange. The empress actually took one bite of the cotton candy, but didn''t continue eating it. Instead, she sat there quietly and watched the television series that was ying on theptop. With the empress''s love of sweets, this kind of situation was really rare."Your Majesty, why aren''t you eating?"


    The empress turned to look at Ren Baqian. After some time, she finally spoke unhurriedly, "I''m not sure why, but I have a toothache! I don''t have any appetite!"


    Whenever the empress felt pain, she wouldn''t behave like an ordinary girl that put on a pitiful expression. Thus, nobody would know that she was in pain if she didn''t mention anything.


    Ren Baqian eximed, "Ah?!"


    Chapter 395: I Need to Make a Trip to the Hospital


    The empress having a toothache was a big issue.


    "Is the cause of the toothache really due to eating sweet food?" Ren Baqian wasn''t sure. He had thought about this before, but could his prognosis be that urate?


    The skin of the empress couldn''t even be hurt by a sword, so he found it hard to believe that her teeth could decay.


    "Your Majesty, can you open your mouth to let your humble servant take a look?" Ren Baqian asked.


    The empress red at him.


    There was no way she would open her mouth to let him take a look.


    "It doesn''t matter," the empress said faintly.


    "Although the pain is unbearable, a toothache isn''t a disease. If there''s tooth decay, Your Majesty should perhaps eat less sweet stuff in the future," Ren Baqian advised.


    The empress raised her eyebrows upon hearing the advice to eat less sweet stuff and squinted at Ren Baqian. Her look conveyed the warning of retaliation if he didn''t exin himself clearly.


    "Your Majesty, if you continue to eat sweet food despite the toothache, it will lead to periodontitis." Ren Baqian looked at the posture of the empress and didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "I already said it doesn''t matter." The empress ignored him.


    "How about letting the doctors from the clinic take a look?" Ren Baqian asked.


    No matter what, a disease must be treated and not simply endured.


    "Hong Luan, summon the doctors and inform them of my toothache," the empress said after some consideration.


    Not long after, three people of advanced age from the clinic arrived at the pce.


    It looked like the older doctors were considered more experienced and that this was the same in every world.


    After paying their respects, one of them stepped forward to take her pulse.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t resist asking, "Can you diagnose a toothache by checking one''s pulse?"


    "You are too noisy." The empress stared at him. He had no choice but to shut his mouth and stand aside quietly.


    "Which tooth is hurting, Your Majesty?"


    The empress pointed to one of her cheeks.


    "Please open your mouth and let your humble servant take a look at your teeth," that doctor said after feeling her pulse for a long time.


    "I am alright now. Please take your leave." The empress waved her hands.


    "Your Majesty!" Ren Baqian grimaced. What was so difficult about having a tooth examined?


    "Your Majesty, it''s better to check because problems concerning teeth are not trivial. It will be serious if it affects your appetite," the doctor concurred.


    The empress frowned for a long time before opening her mouth slightly.


    That doctor didn''t dare to get too close and couldn''t see the problem after peering for quite a while.


    "Your Majesty, your humble servant is ipetent," that physician apologized and retreated a few steps.


    Another doctor came to take a look.


    All three doctors couldn''t figure out the problem with her teeth.


    Finally, the empress was given brewed medicine to stop the pain and inmmation.


    The medical achievements of this world were great in certain areas, for example, the ck mud cream. However, this world was very backward as far as dentistry was concerned.


    In fact, this wasn''t only the case in this world, it was the same with the ancient civilizations on Earth.


    Many well-known figures were beset with dental problems.


    Some used a string tied between their tooth and an arrow and drew the bow to shoot the arrow along with their tooth.


    Others tied a string to their tooth on one end and tied the other end to a door. Then, they opened and closed the door. Swoosh. The tooth was gone.


    It looked very simple, but the risks were great and could lead to other problems.


    In the case of Wen Jiao, a famous general in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, he extracted his decayed tooth, suffered a stroke, and was dead after ten days; a sort of murder case linked to a tooth.


    Therefore, many people adopted the waiting method, which was to get used to the pain and wait until the tooth fell out.


    Lu You, of the Southern Song Dynasty, waited as he wrote his diary.


    A disease which is not really a disease that paralyzes the arm. A cary is hard to keep


    ---"Dental Diseases"


    I seem to have a tooth that is about to fall out.


    One tooth will fall and both eyes are misty.


    ---" Lao Tan"


    [Lao Tan: a Southern Song dynasty historian]


    Another tooth seem to be falling.


    Teeth are falling out and yet still able to chew,me and still able to walk


    --- A verse from "Toast the Wine"


    Let it drop, you can still eat after it drops.


    Bald, toothless, and thick-skinned, now is the time to eat mushy food with a spoon.


    ---"Chu Gui Za Yong"


    [Song dynasty poem]


    Damn, it really was impossible to eat.


    It could be deduced from the diary of Lu You that dental problems were really troublesome for the ancient civilizations.


    The empress couldn''t resist eating sweets again after taking the medicine. A short whileter, she had no choice but to stop eating.


    Although she had taken painkillers, the intense pain started again after eating sweets.


    The empress was a little moody because she was unable to eat sweets and didn''t even feel like watching television series. She justid on the bed in a daze.


    The empress was simply restless.


    "Your Majesty, we can go to Earth in two days. The dentists there are more experienced and specialize in taking care of teeth." Ren Baqian couldn''t help saying this after seeing the empress in this state.


    The empress kept quiet.


    She finally realized the seriousness of this problem; not eating sweets was giving her more of a problem than the attack by Great Xia.


    To Ren Baqian, her silence indicated consent.


    "Move the candy tree away in a little while," Ren Baqian ordered. This was to prevent the empress from thinking about eating candy when she saw the tree.


    "No way!" The empress sat up on her couch and red at Ren Baqian. That candy tree was like a treasure to her, and she wouldn''t let anyone get away lightly if they dared to touch it.


    When Ren Baqian saw her ring at him like a tigress, he spread his hands helplessly.


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian and the empress returned to Earth again.


    The empress changed her clothes and sat down on the sofa with an ice-cream in her hand, but after two mouthfuls, she couldn''t continue eating.


    Previously, she didn''t feel ufortable when eating cold food, but it was different this time.


    "Your Majesty, let''s go. It is time to visit the dentist." Ren Baqian went downstairs after changing his clothes.


    After the two of them got in the car, Ren Baqian followed the route to the dentist as shown by the map downloaded on his phone.


    The empress was still downcast.


    Although the empress usually didn''t say much, Ren Baqain was still able to notice whether she was in a normal or low state.


    "You will be fine after visiting the dentist," Ren Baqian tried to console her.


    Upon reaching the dental clinic, they registered, took a number, and waited for their turn.


    The female dentist was in her thirties, and her eye flickered slightly after seeing the empress.


    "Do you have any medical history?"


    "No."


    "What''s the issue?" the dentist asked casually.


    "She has a toothache. It should be somewhere here." Ren Baqian said as he pointed to his own face to show the location where the empress felt pain.


    "Is she sick or are you the sick one? Speak for yourself. What''s the problem and where''s the pain?" the dentist retorted impatiently.


    Ren Baqian frowned at the bad attitude of this dentist.


    "Hurry up, there are many patients waiting," the dentist said with dissatisfaction.


    "Oh!" The empress snickered and raised her eyebrows.


    She hadn''t met anyone who talked to her like this in many years.


    The toothache was already giving her the jitters, yet she met this oblivious person.


    "I think there''s nothing wrong with you. Next patient." The dentist nced at them and then looked behind.


    "Oh, oh!" Ren Baqianughed softly and put his gun on the table with the muzzle pointed at the dentist.


    Violence couldn''t solve all problems, but it could solve most of them. He was convinced of this statement now. At least it could make this rude dentiste down from her high horse.


    The gun ttered on the table, and the dentist''s face changed. "You better leave as soon as possible. I am calling the police."


    The empress turned to look at Ren Baqian with a searching look. She only had one intention.


    Can we kill her?


    It was just his luck to encounter such a rude and oblivious dentist. Would it kill her to have a better attitude?


    "Please do as you wish. You can report to the police," Ren Baqian said casually.


    Before his voice died down, the empress took the gun and used her finger to pull the trigger.


    She had seen Ren Baqian use it many times before.


    It wasn''t worth her while to dirty her hand against this type of person, so this little weapon from Ren Baqian was appropriate.


    "Why isn''t there any sound?" The empress gave Ren Baqian a puzzled look after pulling the trigger. She had seen Ren Baqian use it this way before.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "The safety catch wasn''t released," said Ren Baqian as he released the safety and put the gun back on the table.


    The dentist was frightened by their actions and said shakily, "Sorry, I might have offended you earlier. There are too many patients, so I was anxious. I apologize."


    Boom! The empress fired a shot at her. A hole appeared on the ss panel behind her and a spider web of cracks filled the area around the hole.


    "So, this is the way to use it." The empress was enlightened. She aimed the gun at the dentist and fired another shot.


    Boom!


    The other patients waiting to see the dentist were stunned, then dashed outside yelling "murder!" as they ran.


    Nobody expected to encounter such an incident when visiting a dentist.


    That dentist was already lying on the floor as the second shot from the empress brushed past her ear.


    "This thing isn''t easy to use." The empress carelessly threw the gun to Ren Baqian.


    Thump! As Ren Baqian caught the gun with his hand, his face was full of agony.


    He looked down at his legs. His pants were stained with blood, and the wound was painful. It was so painful that his legs were shaking.


    "Zixiao��" Ren Baqian spoke and then stopped��


    "What''s the matter with you?" The empress was wondering how Ren Baqian had managed to shoot himself.


    She wasn''t proficient with guns and didn''t even have much of a concept, let alone understand what misfire was.


    "I think I need to make a trip to the hospital��" Ren Baqian indistinctly sighed.

 Chapter 395 Oh Yeah

    The police came very quickly, but people from the Messier 87 department came even sooner.


    "Mr. Ren." The iing person didn''t exactly look pleased.


    "See, this isn''t my fault. I have a bad temper, and I tend to get anxious with anyone that provokes me. It''s already pretty good that this person here is still alive." Ren Baqian spread out his arms.


    He stood up and limped toward the outside as he spoke.


    "Yo! Yo! Yo!" Ren Baqian acted as if he was singing hip-hop. He made this sound as he walked, inhaling the cold air into his mouth.


    It was painful. The bullet seemed to have hit his bones.


    He had never been that unyielding type who was able to pretend that nothing had happened even after suffering a gunshot wound.


    He was the type who would announce every single problem he was facing, not to mention that he was suffering from a gunshot wound.


    The others then came to realize that Ren Baqian actually had gunshot wounds.


    "Why did you hurt yourself?" Looking at how Ren Baqian was hurting, the empress still couldn''t figure out why he had actually inflicted damage on himself.


    Ren Baqian was speechless and couldn''t be bothered to exin.


    After that, the police arrived. With the presence of the people from the Messier 87 department, the police couldn''t do much to Ren Baqian.


    After the Messier 87 department understood the whole story, they didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    So much disturbance had been stirred up over such a trifle.


    Fortunately, nothing major had happened.


    That dentist only suffered a shock and didn''t die, so this could be considered teaching her a lesson. They didn''t like this type of healthcare worker. Nobody would want to meet such healthcare workers when they were sick.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that he had suffered a loss. It was just a visit to the dentist for the empress, yet he had to suffer a gunshot wound while the rest were all unscathed.


    By the time Ren Baqian got the bullet extracted and his wound bandaged at a nearby hospital, the Messier 87 department had already found another dentist for the empress.


    Not only had they found her a dentist, Yang Sen even personally rushed over with a couple of research staff from theboratory.


    They were pretty interested in gathering some data from the empress.


    They didn''t usually have the chance to, but now, with this given opportunity, they would definitely not miss it.


    Even a strand of fallen hair from the empress was considered very valuable to them, not to mention other things like teeth, saliva, and blood. If they were lucky, they could probably even obtain all of these this time.


    Of course, they wouldn''t dare say such things in the presence of Ren Baqian. Instead, they imed to be assisting the dentist.


    After all, the empress''s identity was special and so was the situation. In the case that any problems arose, it''d be much easier to resolve.


    There weren''t any mishaps during the dental consultation this time. After an old dentist had examined the empress, she gentlyughed and said, "It''s the eruption of the wisdom teeth. They usually erupt between the age of 16 to 25, but there are also some cases of eruption beyond that age. It''s nothing serious, but there is one tooth impacting the eruption of a wisdom tooth. Due to the obstruction of where the wisdom tooth was supposed to be at, an infection has urred, so I suggest that it should be extracted."


    "No way!" the empress immediately refused without any hesitation.


    Her eyes were wide open, like those of a phoenix. She would chop off the head of anyone who dared to extract her tooth.


    "I''m afraid you won''t be able to eat sweets for the time being," Ren Baqian said unhurriedly.


    The empress was speechless.


    She hated this sentence from Ren Baqian the most.


    "It''s better that you heed the dentist''s advice. This wisdom tooth serves no purpose, and it will impact the other teeth if it erupts crookedly. Not to mention the rest, just think about the White Rabbit Creamy Candies. They are waiting for you," Ren Baqian spoke gently as he held her hand.


    "Are there any problems with her other teeth?" Ren Baqian asked. After all, he was afraid that the empress''s teeth might have decayed since she loved eating sweets so much.


    Even though the empress was very strong and her body was almost impervious to swords, it was hard to say the same for things like a bacteria infection.


    "There are absolutely no problems with any of her other teeth," the dentist replied.


    With that, Ren Baqian''s mind was put at ease.


    "Right now there are only two options. It''s either you extract it and then you can eat whatever you want or you leave it, but then you will have to bear with the pain. Also, if you don''t extract it, you can''t eat sweet stuff anymore. I''m afraid you can''t have things that are too hot or too cold either. It''s a choice between momentary pain orsting pain," Ren Baqian told the empress as he stood beside her.


    The empress was at a loss and reluctantly nodded after quite some time. She nodded very lightly, so lightly that one wouldn''t be able to tell if one didn''t pay attention.


    "Prepare for the extraction." Seeing her expression, Ren Baqian decided to strike while the iron was hot.


    As for the matter of wisdom tooth extraction, Ren Baqian didn''t have any psychological burden. In any case, it was still better off this way than seeing the empress act so moody and unhappy after she ate anything these days.


    At present, the biggest problem was that even though the empress had already agreed, would it actually be possible to extract a tooth from her.


    "Zixiao, she''s here to treat your condition. If she were to hurt you in any way, please don''t kill her," Ren Baqian whispered into the empress''s ears. He was afraid that the empress might unintentionally smack that olddy to death.


    While Ren Baqian was talking, his breath spouted into the empress''s ear, making it a little itchy.


    However, her entire mind was preupied with the tooth extraction, so she couldn''t be bothered by anything else.


    To the empress, a tooth extraction could possibly be more serious than Great Xia and the Yun Nation coboratively attacking Dayao.


    "All of you get out," the empress said after some time.


    "You guys get out," Ren Baqian said to Yang Sen and his people.


    "In case anything happens, they are assistants on standby." Yang Sen pointed at the other two people.


    "They''ve got to leave as well." Ren Baqian showed no quarter.


    "You too." The empress poked Ren Baqian in the waist, and half of his body immediately went numb.


    The empress didn''t want to be seen by anyone while her tooth was being extracted.


    After Ren Baqian left the room, the door was shut from the inside.


    The empressid on the bed inside the room, and she found it a little difficult to adapt to the bright light that shone on her face.


    "Rx, we''re only extracting one tooth." The olddy smiled. She knew that the person in front of her had a special identity or else they wouldn''t have contacted her.


    However, no matter how special she was, what had to be done, had to be done.


    Having over 40 years of experience in her trade, tooth extraction to her couldn''t be any simpler. It would be over in just a few minutes.


    However, she was faced with a problem at just the first step.


    "What''s this?" the empress asked as the olddy took out a syringe.


    "This is anaesthetic. You will no longer feel pain after a jab of this."


    With a light heart, the old dentist poked the needle into the empress''s gums. She applied force, then even more force. The dentist was almost sweating, and what got her stupefied was that the needle couldn''t even prate her patient''s gums.


    Kah. With a light snap, the olddy''s hand shook, and the broken needle jabbed straight in.


    "I''m done for." The old dentist was startled. With such a forceful jab, she was afraid that it might even pierce through the empress''s gums.


    However, what the olddy didn''t expect was that even with such a forceful jab, there wasn''t a single scratch on the epidermis of the empress''s mouth.


    The empress shut her eyes and knitted her brows. Her killing intent was permeating the entire ce, and with great difficulty, she resisted smacking the olddy to death.


    Simply from using so much force and jabbing the empress in the mouth, the olddy should have already been smacked to death even if it hadn''t actually hurt the empress at all.


    "My apologies, the needle broke." The old dentist wiped away the sweat on her head. Before she could even use a pair of tweezers to remove the broken needle from the empress''s mouth, the empress immediately spat it out. The needle tip shot out and stuck to the ceiling.


    After that, the old dentist tried all sorts of methods, but she still wasn''t able to inject the empress with the anaesthetic.


    The empress started feeling a little impatient.


    Opening her mouth and allowing someone to fool around with her teeth was something that she felt was very humiliating and demeaning of her status as an empress. Besides, the olddy took so long.


    The old dentist felt odd.


    What kind of person is this girl?


    Her gums are like steel. Even needles can''t prate it.


    Just what kind of a person is she?


    She started to worry if this tooth was even extractable.


    She was in shock.


    "Shall I try to extract your tooth without the use of anaesthetic?" the dentist cautiously asked after pondering for some time.


    She felt as if she hade in contact with something impressive. How was this person in front of her even human. She was basically a monster cloaked in human skin.


    "Forget it. You tell me the location, and I''ll do it myself." The empress sat up and seemed to have understood. The dentist was probably incapable of extracting her tooth because the dentist''s strength was too low and on the level of ants.


    The dentist got even more puzzled. A patient came to her, but she couldn''t do anything for the patient. Furthermore, the patient even had to do the extraction on her own. If this news was spread out, the dentist''s reputation would hit rock bottom.


    Yet, she indeed wasn''t capable of extracting that tooth.


    On the contrary, the empress hoped that the dentist would allow her to do the tooth extraction herself. She didn''t want the dentist to do it anymore since it seemed as though the dentist didn''t dare to.


    After that, under the direction of the dentist, the empress stuck her fingers into her mouth to locate the wisdom tooth that had just emerged. With a forceful pinch on her gums, the empress extracted the tooth.


    It was simple and rough, but the aftermath was pretty disastrous. That area of her gums had almost been pinched to smithereens, and her entire mouth was filled with blood.


    However, the empress didn''t really seem bothered by it. Instead, she sized up the wisdom tooth in her hands, tossed it into her mouth, and swallowed it.


    This tooth was in fact one of the toughest parts of her body. How could she possible just throw it away?


    The dentist stood to the side as she watched the empress''s series of movements, and she stared so hard that her eyeballs almost fell out.


    The patient had actually extracted a tooth that was barely budding out from her gums with her bare hands. How did she do this?


    Even if the dentist were to do it, she would have to dislodge the tooth from the gums and loosen it before extracting.


    When Ren Baqian heard the door open, he went forward to the door and saw the empress walk out.


    "How is it? Was the tooth extracted?" This was what Ren Baqian was most worried about. He somehow felt that the empress''s tooth wasn''t easily extractable. However, under the circumstances, there weren''t any other options, so he could only give it a try.


    "Let''s go," the empress replied. The blood in her mouth made her oral cavity appeared even more red. She was still feeling a little under the weather because she felt pretty sorry about that tooth.


    "Why is there so much blood?" Ren Baqian was surprised, and his tone grew a little more hostile.


    Killing intent permeated through the air.


    After having killed so many people in the other world, even though his killing intent wasn''t that strongpared to the empress and some of the other aboriginal warriors, it was much stronger than most people on Earth.


    The mood outside the room settled down after a short while.


    "No worries. She couldn''t do it, so I did it myself," the empress briefly exined and walked out without even turning her head around. She was still feeling pretty regretful toward that tooth.


    "Oh." Ren Baqian''s killing intent also dissipated. With both hands in his pockets, he followed behind the empress unhurriedly.


    Yang Sen only felt relieved after Ren Baqian left.


    He was actually worried that something bad might have happened just now.


    Then, a party of people hurriedly entered the room to find out about the situation.


    Aftering to know that even a needle wasn''t able to prate the empress''s gums and that she eventually used her bare hands to pinch that wisdom tooth out, everyone was a little surprised.


    A physique like the empress''s was indeed too strong.


    Knowing that empress was very strong and fast, they assumed that her physical body would be very tough as well. It was only now, however, that they realized she was in fact much stronger than what they had imagined.


    Everyone was in high spirits. The fact that the empress was so strong proved that with training, the people on Earth were able to attain such strength as well.


    However, they didn''t manage to obtain her tooth or her blood, which was what they hade here for.


    Regardless of whether it was her blood or her tooth, all of it had been swallowed by the empress. Nothing was left behind.


    ��


    "I want to eat ice cream," the empress said as she sat on the sofa without taking her eyes off of the television.


    "Your Majesty, are you still feeling any difort in your mouth?" This was their third day on Earth.


    "No problem. Just bring me the ice cream. I want qiaolezi." The empress called attention to that.


    After a while, the empress held a stick of ice cream and devoured it in just a few mouthfuls.


    "Bring me a few more!"


    "Bring me one more!"


    "I still want more!"


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    There was already a row of ice cream sticks on the coffee table.


    Are you intending to make up for those few days that you had to go without desserts?


    Nheless, Ren Baqian had finally been able to ascertain something, which was the fact that the empress had recovered.


    On that same evening, Ren Baqian returned to Dayao. He then started the process of making cotton candy and instructed the others to hang sweets up on the candy tree. Meanwhile, the empress held a pair of extra long shears that she used to cut down those sweets. Her eyes were bright and full of emotion.


    A weekter, a party of bodyguards escorted the empress out of Lan City and raced toward the south during the wee hours.


    Besides the empress, Ren Baqian, and many bodyguards, there were also over 40 students from the ck Bamboo Academy. Apart from that, there were also a handful of officials from various departments that made up a majestic party of about 500 people in total.


    Even though the objective this time was to resolve the problems in the south, there were also quite a number of other things that had to be done as well.


    With the empress out on an inspection tour, she saw many pedestrians along the way who stopped in their tracks on both sides of the road and weingly gazed at her. There wasn''t much reverence in their gazes, but they were all full of respect.


    The one regretful thing for them was that they were unable to see the empress''s true appearance.


    At present, inside the imperial carriage that everyone was staring at, Ren Baqian was sitting across from the empress. They were facing each other while Qing Yuan and Hong Luan stood behind the empress.


    Ren Baqian was deep in his thoughts as he looked at the two cards that the empress was holding. He looked at the expression of the trio and continued pondering. After some time, he drew a card from the empress''s hand and then startedughing.


    He then took out a pair of queens from his hand and ced them on the floor.


    "Your Majesty, you have lost again." Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows and smirked.


    The empress''s eyes were wide open. She raised her eyebrows in disbelief and looked pretty unhappy.


    "Your Majesty, please close your eyes." Ren Baqian smiled because it was time for the winner''s reward.


    Throughout the entire day of ying Old Maid with the empress, they first drew a card to be the joker, and this would leave a cardinal number of cards in their hands. After ying all of their card pairs, the both of them would have to draw a card from the other''s remaining hand, and the person with thest card would lose.


    Up until now, Ren Baqian had already won 13 times consecutively.


    The empress groaned lightly and reluctantly shut her eyes. Her face was slightly red as well.


    "Hehehehe!" Hearing Ren Baqian''sughter made the empress want to p him on the head.


    Ren Baqian gently leaned over closely and looked at the empress. Her face was full of heroic spirit, and her heart was highly passionate.


    Even in their dreams, such a sight was something that countless people yearned for.


    As Ren Baqian drew closer to the empress''s face, she could already feel his breath.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan turned their heads and looked away, acting as if they were looking for something.


    Ren Baqian''s detestableughter had finally stopped as well.


    Like how one couldn''t cover one''s ears in time when thunder pealed, Ren Baqian stuck a piece of paper on the empress''s forehead�� On this paper was a tortoise that was crookedly drawn.


    "Oh yeah!"

 Chapter 396 Encouragemen

    "Oh yeah!"


    "Oh yeah!"


    "Oh yeah!"


    In the past three days, Ren Baqian had already won 67 rounds consecutively. He pasted many slips of paper on the empress. They were all packed densely on her face, making her look like a mummy.


    Everytime the empress moved her head, the slips of paper would produce a rustling sound.


    "Again!" The empress gritted her teeth. It started as a game, but now, Ren Baqian couldn''t even back out. She couldn''t ept the fact that she couldn''t win even one round.


    "Your Majesty, a small gamble would pleasure you, but a big gamble would injure you. You''ll be annihted if you overdo it��" Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    It was pretty fun pasting slips of paper on the empress''s face and watching her gritting her teeth in angst, unable to deal with herself. After all, the empress was always putting on a cold face. Even though her eyes were currently on the verge of turning red, it gave her more of a human touch.


    I''ll let her win after I win another three to five rounds. Ren Baqian pondered for a while and thought that he had won enough. The empress looked as if she was about to reach her limit.


    If he continued to win, he reckoned that he would get into trouble.


    Ren Baqian consecutively won 67 rounds of Old Maid, which was a game that relied purely on luck. Besides having pretty good luck, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan''s facial expressions gave it away too easily.


    By simply looking at their anxious faces while looking at certain cards, it would definitely be the right choice to draw another card and would always be the right card.


    Those two fellows didn''t even know that they had given the empress away.


    "Oh yeah! My luck''s pretty good!" Once again, Ren Baqian drew a card from the empress''s hand, formed a pair, andughed as he ced the cards on the table.


    "Your Majesty, it seems that your luck isn''t very good today. Why don''t we fight it out another day." Ren Baqian smiled. At present, the empress''s eyes had already turned red. How could she battle it out another day?


    However, she still had to disy a positive attitude.


    The empress''s eyes were originally wide open. Not knowing what went through her head, she suddenly retracted her expression and replied faintly, "Another day then."


    "Eh?" Ren Baqian was slightly taken aback. He didn''t expect the empress to simply call it a day. After all, there were all sorts of behavior that woulde from people who had lost until their eyes turned red.


    "Tie him up," the empress said in a dull tone.


    "Huh? Your Majesty, what are you doing?" Ren Baqian was rmed.


    "Trying to get away after beating me for three days, how is that possible?" With one p, the empress sent Ren Baqian smashing to the floor. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan rejoiced at his misfortune and tied him up tightly.


    "Very fun, isn''t it?" The empress sat cross-legged in front of Ren Baqian, who was tied up like a dumpling. While asking that question, she took down the pieces of paper on her face and pasted them on his face.


    "You were pretty happy winning over the past two days, weren''t you?"


    "Your Majesty��"


    "Laughing mischievously, weren''t you?"


    "Your Majesty, this��"


    "''Oh yeah,'' right?"


    "Just a catchphrase��"


    "Trying to escape after winning, weren''t you?"


    "I was just asking casually��"


    The empress was full ofints. Within a few minutes, there were slips of paper covering Ren Baqian''s entire face. She then took one end of the rope that Ren Baqian was tied up with and tied it to the ceiling of the imperial chariot. Hauling it up forcefully, Ren Baqian was suspended in midair.


    "Your Majesty, we can have a proper discussion. Why don''t you let me down first?" Ren Baqian didn''t know whether tough or cry. Now that the empress had pasted paper all over his face, both his eyes were covered, and he couldn''t see a thing. Even by simply taking a breath, the slips of paper on his nose and mouth would move up and down.


    This was indeed karmic retribution.


    People who had lost until their eyes turned red would want to win it all back.


    As for this person, she immediately took revenge�� Nobody else would y it like that��


    ...


    Four days after leaving Lan CIty, everyone arrived at the side of a big river.


    It was indeed a big river. Its width was at least a few kilometers, and one could only look at the opposite shore in the distance.


    Feeling the blowing water vapor and listening to the sound of the river flowing, Ren Baqian walked toward the river bank slightly cautiously.


    He had almost been consumed by the White Dragon River previously. He highly revered the waters of this world, especially such a big river like this.


    He had no idea what sorts of life forms lived within it.


    Sure enough, a bodyguard had just gone to the river bank to wash his face. As the water sshed around, a ten meter long crocodile emerged from the surface of the water and chomped toward him.


    The humongous build of the crocodile made people cower in avoidance. Its wide open jaws made them believe without a doubt that it could easily crush a man.


    Boom. That bodyguard pounded his fist toward the top of the crocodile''s mouth before grabbing its upper jaw, lifting it into the sky, and ferociously smashing it into the ground.


    After that, he took out his de and tossed it over, impaling the crocodile.


    This series of movements was smooth and nimble, but the rest merely nced over and paid no attention to it.


    That bodyguard also looked pretty rxed. A crocodile was considered a ferocious beast by Ren Baqian, but to the rest of the aboriginals, it was simply a normal living creature.


    What happened next turned that bodyguard''s face pale. The crocodile flipped around and very quickly dashed toward the river.


    It knew that it had preyed on the wrong thing and only wanted to escape back into the river while ignoring its injuries.


    "My de!" With his eyes wide open, that bodyguard cursed, leaped over, and grabbed ahold of the crocodile''s tail. With all his might, he swung it over and smashed it onto the ground.


    Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump��!


    That crocodile was thrown against the ground repeatedly as if it were a worn out sack. After a few rounds of mming, it appeared to still be alive, but was already down to itsst breath.


    "Just a reminder, your de seems to have been bent," Ren Baqian said unhurriedly.


    That bodyguard immediately froze.


    After having taken all that mming while being pierced into the back of that crocodile, the de was entirely deformed.


    "My de��"


    "Has anyone eaten this thing before? Is it tasty?" In high spirits, Ren Baqian stood at the side,pletely ignoring the bodyguard who acted as if he had lost his son.


    Ren Baqian had heard about crocodile meat before, but had never tried it.


    The food in this world was widely avable and tasted pretty good, and this kind of made him look forward to having crocodile meat.


    "It''s alright. Quite chewy," someone replied.


    "Peel off its skin first before we barbeque it in a moment."


    During lunchtime, Ren Baqian almost drooled when he smelled the alluring aroma of the crocodile meat.


    After that however, his brows began to knit when his cheeks grew sore from chewing on the crocodile meat in his mouth. How was this even considered chewy? He felt as if he was chewing on some sort of rubber product.


    "Ptui!" Ren Baqian spat the crocodile meat out. This thing was really not meant to be eaten.


    When he turned his head and looked at the others, however, they simply chewed a couple of times and swallowed the crocodile meat.


    Especially to the empress, the crocodile meat was no different from tofu in her mouth. By just looking at the way she ate, it would make others think that this meat was soft and tender.


    This was the difference in the disparity of strength. Besides disying the physical strength of a person, it also reflected in the inner qualities of all aspects of the body.


    Even to the extent of how one ate, there was a lot of difference.


    "Sir Ren��" A bodyguard approached Ren Baqian with a bashful smile.


    Such an expression disyed on arge and crude bodyguard was like a burly man with chest hair, leg hair, and a full beard wearing a sailor skirt. No matter how anyone looked at him, they would want to give him a beating.


    "What''s the matter?" Ren Baqian had an impression of this bodyguard. He was a bodyguard from the pce who rarely talked. The deepest impression that Ren Baqian had of him was of his mouthful of uneven teeth. He looked like a husky, where no two teeth were sitting on the same line.


    "It''s like this: I have got my eyes on ady, and I want to marry her." As that bodyguard rubbed his hands, his facial expressions looked as if he was saying something that he found hard to bring up.


    "Marry her then!" Ren Baqian was puzzled, why ask him about it?


    "But she asked me to wait until the next lifetime�� Sir Ren, can you teach me what to do?" As that bodyguard scratched his head, kes of white dandruff fell off like snow.


    If he was ordered to cut someone down, then naturally, it wouldn''t be a problem. However, in this aspect, he found it a little problematic. This matter had been in his head for quite some time. After pondering, he felt that it would be more reliable for him to consult Principal Ren on this. Regardless of whatever other subjects, Ren Baqian was an expert in this aspect. It could be seen from how he made the empress fall in love with someone like him, who was so weak.


    "Since she already made a pact with you for the next lifetime, it''s obvious that she''s interested in you," Ren Baqian replied with a face full of encouragement.


    "Oh? Is it like this?" that bodyguard hurriedly questioned.


    "Of course."


    "Then why didn''t she agree?"


    "Maybe she has some sort of a hidden trouble that was hard to mention." Ren Baqian replied after hesitating for some time. He had a hard time cooking up this reason.


    "For instance, maybe she''s seriously ill and does have not much time left to live. Such things are prettymon. Some girl may have contracted a serious illness after eating too much kimchi. Alternatively, maybe her family ran into some problems, making her unable to unite with her true love and leaving her no choice but to make a pact for their next life�� I can infer from this that she is a very strong woman. However, whichdy doesn''t want to have someone who can help her with her difficulties after running into trouble? So, since you are already aware of her feelings, then you musn''t give up. No matter what excuses she gives you in the future, it''ll only be to avoid giving you problems and to let you give up on your own�� However, you''ll always have a ce in her heart, and furthermore, she''ll be waiting for you. No matter how strong thedy is, even though she has already put it this way, nobody wants to be given up on��"


    After Ren Baqian''s enlightenment, that bodyguard raised his spirits and was prepared to carefully check on thatdy''s problems after he returned home. After resolving her problem, he would then take her as his wife.


    Looking upon the back of that bodyguard as he left, Ren Baqian murmured, "Wish you guys good luck!"


    There was a phrase that he said well: "A gooddy is afraid of being bothered by a man." There might be a chance that the bodyguard would seed if he really was to go back and pester her. Ren Baqian would have done a good deed then.

 Chapter 397 Inspection

    This river was called the Neen Streams because this particr river had neen meanders.


    Besides the source, the narrowest part of this river was a few kilometers wide, while its widest part was a few hundred kilometers wide.


    After a day of walking along the Neen Streams and heading west, everyone had finally arrived at their first destination. The canning factory, hydraulic forging workshop, st furnace, new cement factory, and ss factory were all located here.


    After all, the hydraulic power in this area was rich.


    Besides, if one were to sail down the river for three days and walk toward the north for another four to five days, he or she would arrive at the Protectorate of the Northeast. If one were to head south for three days on foot, he or she would arrive at the Protectorate of the South. If one were to continue sailing along the river, he or she would eventually pass by the Chen Nation and enter the ocean.


    Aside from having to be wary about all sorts of weird things in the water, this was an undoubtedly good location.


    In the future, if there were to be another north to south stream, it would then lead to Lan City or even somewhere further up north. Heading south would then lead to the southern district. If that were to happen, then this location would be exceeding superb.


    Furthermore, looking from the map, such a n would be highly feasible.


    That would only be possible if the extremely inurate map from Dayao could be trusted.


    After about eight to ten years, this ce could possibly transform into something like Pudong New District or at least something like Xiongan New District.


    [Districts in modern China]


    Before arriving at the canning factory, they could already see a bunch of people fishing along the river bank.


    They had a very unique method of fishing.


    A group of people were squatting by the river bank, and each one of them were tens of meters apart. After shing their fingers, they dipped their arms into the water. They were also holding a pike with a barb in the other hand.


    Every other moment, you could see someone stabbing the pike into the water at lightning speed. When they took out their pikes, there would be a huge fish on it that weighed over ten kilograms, struggling to break free.


    It would subsequently be easier to handle from then on. They would first tear off a piece of flesh from that fish and ce it into the water. After that, they would simply wait for their next catch with their pikes ready.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian had at least witnessed over thousands of people doing that exact same thing. From time to time, crocodiles were flung out of the water with their mouths pierced by the pikes. There was an abundance of aquatic life in this river. With such a simple and crude method, one could at least catch up to a few hundred kilograms of fish in a day.


    Once all of therge carnivorous fish in an area had been caught, the same species of fish would be replenished very quickly from other areas.


    After god-knows how many years of umtion, this river seemingly contained an infinite amount of aquatic life.


    Ren Baqian and the empress stood by the river bank and watched for a while. Those two figures stood side by side while the others waited from afar.


    "This ce is a treasure trove," Ren Baqian said as he pointed at the billow of water in front of him. It was a pity that Dayao had never properly utilized it.


    Just this river alone was capable of producing food that could feed hundreds of thousands of people with ease.


    The main reason for this was that the people of Dayao didn''t like to eat fish because of their bones. To the Dayao people who were used to biting huge chunks of meat, this was very troublesome to them.


    However, if they were cooked using a pressure cooker and stored into tins, they would be a pretty good option forbat rations.


    Once the production picked up, they could then be released for sale on the market.


    "In the future, we can open up two more canals to create a direct passage from north to south. Regardless of whether it is to transport goods or to travel, it can save a lot of manpower and resources." Ren Baqian shared his thoughts with the empress. As for the manpower required to dig the canals, the Yun Nation would definitely be supplying it.


    At present, Ren Baqian was already nning to provide a few new jobs for the people of the Yun Nation.


    These included road repair, digging canals, and mining.


    "Let''s not talk about this first. From what I know, the training barracks has a lot of resentment toward you," the empress said slowly as she looked at the river.


    "Why?" Ren Baqian was puzzled. He hadn''t had much interactions with the training barracks.


    "They have been eating fish for almost 2 months. They signed up for the army to eat meat, not fish��" The empress felt that it was a little funny. Over thest two recruitment cycles, there had been around 40,000 new recruits in the training camp. If they had to pick someone that they found most detestable, they would undoubtedly choose Ren Baqian.


    Because of a suggestion he made, the recruits had been forced to eat fish for two months by now.


    They would still be able to ept it if they were forced to eat fish asionally, but they had been eating fish every single day, and it was obvious how much resentment they had. At present, discontent had been openly voiced at the training barracks.


    Ren Baqian spread out his arms. There was nothing that could be done about it. Besides, Dayao wasn''t exactly that rich in rations currently, and it was already considered pretty good to have food to eat. The people in the north who were affected by the chaos of the war still had to rely on eating grass to survive.


    After those vigers in the north who had been affected by the chaos of the war returned home, they were only left with damagednd that was inplete shambles.


    Raising livestock in the north was slightly subparpared to the south. Very often, they would sell their green produce from their farms at the market in order to supplement for meat.


    Now that the crops in the fields had been destroyed, their only option left was to rely on harvesting wild herbs and very minimal meat to barely fill their stomachs.


    Even though they wouldn''t starve to death, it wouldn''t fill their stomachs either.


    ording to what the aboriginals would say, they were basically eating grass.


    However, that was definitely much better than eating soil.


    It would take at least another few months more for them to revert to what it was like before the war.


    After that, a party of people arrived at the canning factory.


    This so-called canning factory wasn''t that big. It only had a few big sheds and thousand over people.


    The courtyard was filled with piled up firewood everywhere, as well asrge amount of waste products from the fish.


    From afar, a pir of smoke could be seen rising from the canning factory. It was as if the fire was burning 24 hours a day to cook the fish that had been caught from the river. The cooked fish were then stuffed into ss jars that were as tall a people and had their openings covered with animal hide. They were then sent to the training barracks that was half a day away by road.


    As they were approaching the factory, an extremely fishy stench assailed their nostrils.


    A few hundred meters away from the high temperature cooking was the ce where the waste products of the fish were discarded. There were many house fly-like insects in that area, and anyone walking past would startle them, causing a dark nket to arise.


    Looking at the situation made Ren Baqian have a face full of frowns.


    Dirty, messy, poor! It made people sick.


    How could anyone possibly eat something that was made like this?


    "Is this how you all produce food for the recruits to eat?" Ren Baqian frowned as he questioned the person in charge of the canning factory who hade forward to wee them.


    That person looked at the empress, and then at Ren Baqian, before replying with a baffled look, "Yes!"


    "Can you eat that?" Ren Baqian questioned again.


    "I would eat this everyday!" That person still didn''t understand what Ren Baqian was driving at.


    Looking at that person''s innocent face, Ren Baqian was so mad that he didn''t know what else to say.


    "This is what goes into the mouth. It is something that one eats. Can''t it be prepared any cleaner? Let''s not expect it to be spotless, but it could at least be prepared a little cleaner right?" Ren Baqian was bitter and hateful.


    "Sir, we will do as you wish," that person responded atst even though he felt that Ren Baqian was making a big fuss over a minor issue.


    People of this era had entirely different standards of hygiene whenpared to modern people.


    It was just like how "third brother" used his left hand to wipe his butt and his right hand to eat at the same time. This was something that people from most countries were unable to ept.


    ["third brother": a famous Hong Kong television series character]


    After that, Ren Baqian and his party stayed here for three days and devised an entire hygienic system for them. Everyone who came in contact with the food had to first wash their hands. The waste products of the fish had to be disposed of daily to somewhere far away. Ren Baqian had also strongly requested for them to cover all of the sheds with vines weaved into curtains to prevent flies from entering.


    Even though not all of Ren Baqian''s requests were met before he left, he made sure that he woulde back to take a look next time.


    After all, this was Dayao''s first ever food processing factory. It was a must to fix the hygiene regtions so that everything else in the future could follow suit.


    After that, everyone went to the hydraulic forging workshop. There was a row of wooden water wheels by the river bank. As they spun, the bearings drove tworge hammers that repeatedly hit against a metal te at the bottom.


    Even if they shouted at the top of their lungs, the loud noises of the workshop made it such that people in the vicinity could hardly hear anything clearly.


    With a 15 kilogram hammer, a cksmith could only work for an hour at best before he needed to rest. However, this thing here can operate for 12 hours while driving two 50 kilogram hammers to work nonstop. Just one set of these is equivalent to the effort of hundreds of people," joyfully exined the official from the Ministry of Works who was in charge of the hydraulic forging workshop.


    At this ce, there were a total of six water wheels. In addition, there were still more water wheels in production.


    To them, such hydraulic forging was a new invention, and its results were more than satisfactory.


    The metal tes that got hammered everyday would be weapons in a short period of time. They could then equip the army and help Dayao win this war that had yet to end.


    As for Ren Baqian, who had designed this hydraulic forging method, everyone from the Ministry of Works had great respect for him. Not only this hydraulic forging, there was also the sr powered furnace, cement factory, ss factory, etc. Such contributions made by Ren Baqian had allowed Dayao to surpass all other nations in all aspects for the first time ever.

 Chapter 398 On the Riverbank

    The Neen Streams, originally deserted and with hardly a trace of human life within five kilometers, suddenly bustled with activity beginning two months ago.


    All kinds of wooden material and carts filled with cement were piled up together. Unknown to the civilians, the first batch of factories in Dayao had been built within these two months.A countless number of bullock carts and hand carts went in and out each day.Besides the different types of fish cooked at high heat at the Neen Streams before being sent to the new military barracks, there was quartz sand, borax, boric acid, barite, barium carbonate, limestone, feldspar, and various kinds of mineral rocks being delivered from afar.It was a lively scene, bustling with noise and excitement.Correspondingly, dozens of miles away, there were two new barracks where 40,000 recruits were being trained.When Ren Baqian and the empress arrived at these two new barracks, the attention on him was only second to that given to the empress."Is he that little fellow?""We can strangle him to death with one hand. It should be him.""This rascal��"


    "How about throwing a stone at him?""You are seeking death. Her Majesty is here�� although I also feel like doing it."An unknown number of people were secretly cursing him.They joined the army to eat meat, but ended up eating fish. As a result, some of the bones inside the fish weren''t stewed soft enough, and their throats were often poked. Furthermore, the taste was bad.This situation was due to the diabolical idea of that little fellow. It was simplycking in virtue. Since entering the barracks, Ren Baqian had sensed the hostility from all around. They came from these recruits with their muscr bodies, bronzed skin, and fierce looks.Although he was forewarned by the empress, the hostility was like copper needles poking him and was very hard to ept.


    "I am innocent��." Ren Baqian felt aggrieved and whispered to the empress beside him.At present, many people didn''t even have enough to eat.


    Thinking of an idea to guarantee sufficient food and nutrition should have garnered gratitude from you all, but engendered hostility instead.


    It was like a dog biting the hand of its master."You cannot be considered innocent. The idea came from you after all," the empress answered thoughtlessly.


    "At that time, it was difficult to provide rations for 20,000 recruits, not to mention 40,000," Ren Baqian protested. "If this wasn''t done, it would be impossible to provide for 40,000 recruits, let alone the others." Ren Baqian felt even more aggrieved."So you came up with this idea��" the empress phrased it differently."Your Majesty, your humble servant did this for the country." Ren Baqian feltpletely depressed and wronged."Therefore, the idea was hatched, and these people didn''t hate the wrong person." Ren Baqian was left speechless.


    How should he continue with this conversation?


    No matter how one viewed it, the idea certainly came from him.Those recruits joined the army in order to have meat, but ended up eating fish. Whatever the reason, the idea came from Ren Baqian, so naturally, they hated hm.In some ways, they weren''t wrong.Ren Baqian was unable to do anything about it.


    .


    The empress seemed to unintentionally catch his hand to pinch it, which was supposed to be considered consoling him, before letting go of his hand.The empress said softly, "You cannot expect everyone to understand your intentions."


    The empress''s actions were very fast, but it was still seen by many people. Each and everyone of them looked up at the sky and pretended not to see.


    Ren Baqian knew that the empress was right.Even in a modern society, not everyone was enlightened, much less in such a backward world. The aim was to educate those who had never read a book and hade out of the mountains for the very first time.He understood this, but it didn''t stop him from feeling aggrieved.These were two different matters.He walked around the two barracks, looked at their conditions, and watched their demonstrations.The first barracks was clearly better than the second barracks. At least it was more organized, and their demonstrations were more impressive.The first barracks had trained for more than five months, and after the empress''s inspection, they would be sent as the first batch of new soldiers to the Protectorate of the Northeast.As for the second barracks, these recruits needed four more months of training before they were ready. After 12 days of dy, the empress set out on her imperial chariot to a ferry crossing where threerge ships were waiting.


    The ships were really huge, 45 meters in length and a building that was three storeys high. The ship should have previously been luxurious since there were many carvings, but it had been used for a long time. The hull was very old with patches in many ces.On the other half of the ship, there were long propeller shafts which acted as the sail to propel the ship.


    "Your Majesty, be careful." Ren Baqian saw that the empress was trying to go up the gangway and used his hands to support her. The people around them rolled their eyes in disapproval. Even if the ship was twice the height, it shouldn''t be a problem for her. Was there a need for his gantry?The expression on the empress''s face regarded this as an unnecessary act, but she was actually rather pleased. Ren Baqian touched the arm of the empress through the light muslin and actually didn''t entertain any funny ideas. He was carefully looking at the ramp as it trembled with every step and wondered whether it would break all of a sudden.He viewed the whole ship from the deck. This ship was colossal in size considering the technology avable in this world.Even though the ships as seen from above and below were clean, they were very old."Du Laoliu, be more cautious."


    "Ahh? Howe this stepdder is so shaky? I feel like I am going to fall. Tie Xun, please give me a hand!" Two barely audible voices came from behind.


    Ren Baqian turned to look across the side of the ship and saw Du Laoliu squinting at a teenager below.He took out a gun.Bang!"Ahh!"


    "Master, I was wrong!" Du Laoliu stood akimbo with his head lowered while apologizing sincerely. "A man must not scream for help even when there is danger."


    "You know too much!" Ren Baqian said faintly.


    Bang!


    "Ahhh!"


    The people below saw the figure of Ren Baqian disappear from the ship''s side. They silently recited what Ren Baqian said and told themselves not to forget this imposing phrase.Ren Baqian put the gun in his waist, walked beside the empress, and asked, "Where did this shipe from?"He didn''t think the ship was built by Dayao because the style was different, the carvings were very refined, and the damagedcquered portions had not been repaired.He wondered about this possibility, Was this ship left behind by the Hao Nation?


    In that case, it would be at least 70 years ago. Anything soaked in water for so long was very likely to have decayed. "Zhuo Yue sent it here some years ago," the empress replied.Ren Baqian jogged his memory and recalled that Zhuo Yue was a Protector General of the Protectorate of the Southeast. He had heard that there were many rivers in the Chen Nation, and it was obvious where the ship came from


    "It is time for a change. Don''t you think this ship is rather unsafe on the river?" Ren Baqian asked. The deck emitted creaking sounds as he stepped on it."Zhuo Ye is already searching for an appropriate ship and will send it here after it is found."Ren Baqian kept quiet.


    There was no need to ask anymore. Right from the start, they didn''t even consider custom making their own ship or whether other people would want to sell ships to them.He reckoned that Zhuo Yue''s way of buying a ship was to offer one tael of silver, put a knife to the other party''s throat, and ask them whether they wanted the ship or the money.He reckoned that an ordinary person wouldn''t be able to sail this ship by looking at how majestic it was. This ship was certainly very expensive.


    The speed of the ship wasn''t very fast, and it would take about one hour to sail through over ten kilometers of the river. However, it was stable and hardly any bumps could be felt.


    Ren Baqian and the empress stood at the bow of the ship and looked at the surroundings of the Neen Streams. It was unfolding on a magnificent scale. He felt inspired and was thinking of reciting the poem, "The river flows eastward��"At this moment, he heard singinging from afar."The long river flows under your feet, the wind and the waves rushed to the horizon��"Of the sounds that reached his ears, Ren Baqian could only make out these two sentences. What was strange was the fact that the voices came from somewhere parallel to the ship and not from the opposite shore.


    Ren Baqian turned to look all around and finally saw a small speck on the river far away.Perhaps it was someone sliding on the river in the same direction as them, but kilometers away.If not for the singing, they wouldn''t have spotted him.The movement was smooth, as if someone was skating. Although it wasn''t clearly seen, the speed was fast, and it certainly wasn''t someone swimming."Is it possible to walk on water?" Ren Baqian was shocked as he hadn''t expected to see such a person in Dayao."Hand me the binocrs," Ren Baqian told his guard.Using the binocrs, Ren Baqian was able to see the whole scene.


    One man wearing a purple shirt was sliding on the river. Ren Baqian couldn''t make out his face or ascertain his age.With both hands behind his back, looking up at the sky, and his shirt flying in the wind, this person''s posture was like a flying immortal. From this action alone, it could be seen that he wasn''t an ordinary man.Ren Baqian''s expression became strange as he took a more detailed look.A piece of wood was floating on the water, and the front part of the wood was tied with a string to a flying sword one meter above the water. It was like a water buffalo pulling the man on the nk.His illusion of a floating immortal was instantly shattered like a soap bubble bursting.

 Chapter 399 Kadsura Coccinea

    After witnessing a person fluttering gracefully on the waves like an immortal, most people would feel stunned. Just seeing such a performance was enough to tell you the caliber of the person, which should be many levels above normal.


    However, when one saw a flying swordboriously pulling that certain person via a string in front of them, that image was instantly shattered.


    Ning Caichen? Ren Baqian immediately thought of this name.


    He was the only sword master known to Ren Baqian. Sword masters were rare. While there were at most a few hundred of them when chaos erupted in this world, with the present situation, there were approximately more than 100 of them distributed all over the world. Most people would never get to meet one in their whole life.


    He shook his head when he quickly realized that it wasn''t him.


    It was another sword master.


    Ning Caichen''s buttocks weren''t so perky.


    Ren Baqian touched his chin and felt that he was getting more biased.


    This person moved at a high speed, and in the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he already went from the center of the river to the opposite shore. He stepped on the rear of the board, then somersaulted in the air just in time to catch the tilted front end of the wooden pir with both hands.


    As hended, he put the wooden pir, which was as long as a man, onto his head with both hands fully stretched and acrobatically walked away. He didn''t notice the three big ships at all.


    His speed wasn''t slow and his body didn''t sway in spite of carrying the big wooden pir on his head.


    Ren Baqian smacked his lips and felt that there was a mismatch in his expectations.


    He had wasted his time watching this stunning performance from the start.


    He didn''t know why, but he felt the urge to take down the wooden pir on that fellow''s head.


    As for the sword master who travelled in the same direction as them, he didn''t sense anything wrong.


    Ning Caichen had told him before that the majority of sword masters were busily engaged in searching for all sorts of materials in the remote areas. Therefore, it wasn''t unusual to find a sword master here.


    For the sword masters who came to the interior of Dayao, their aim was to get to the various mountain ranges or the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Ren Baqian felt that he should rmend enacting a regtion to the empress that all thend and mineral rights in Dayao belonged to the nation, but that the discovery of treasures would be rewarded proportionately.


    However, this was just a thought and might not be put into practice.


    The next part of the journey was apanied by heavy rains, storms, and muddy tracks.


    The hills and vegetation were more numerous than that of the vicinity of Lan City.


    The farnd became rarer and was reced by vast tracts of dense, uninhabited forests. From time to time, the calls of birds and the roars of beasts were heard.


    These dense forests were like primary forest. From the outside, one could see the dense vines hanging from tree trunks and asionally spot some monkeys or other animals climbing up and down. In addition, there were snakes with bodies thicker than humans lying on the road and basking in the sun.


    These days, their meals were getting more sumptuous, and Ren Baqian gained insight by eating many types of meat that he had never eaten before.


    During one rest period, a group of students went to the forest to look for treasures.


    Not long after, many intense roars could be heard from the forests.


    Subsequently, a student with scratches on his face could be seen running back with two fruits in his hands.


    Ren Baqian saw the unfamiliar fruit and curiously went to take a look.


    It was the size of a small fist, as white as jade, and crystal clear. Like a small shrunken head, it had five clearly distinguishable features. Among the vivid features was one ofughter and crying.


    There were two leaves on top as well.


    "Ginseng fruit?" Ren Baqian was surprised because this fruit really looked like a human face.


    "It''s a kadsura cinea."


    "Is it tasty?"


    "The taste is heavenly." That student was very happy to see this rare fruit which wasn''t found in Lan City at all. Although he was scratched badly on his face by the monkeys, he found it worthwhile to get two kadsura cineas."


    "Let me take a look." Ren Baqian took the two fruits, observed them under the sun, and conveniently put them into the bosom of his robe.


    "Those are mine!!!" That student red at Ren Baqian''s action.


    "I will exchange some good stuff for them." Ren Baqian took out one handful of White Rabbit Creamy Candies from his waist pouch to give to that student.


    That student looked at the candies in his hands, looked at the two fruits in Ren Baqian''s bosom, and wept without tears.


    "Take off the wrappers before eating," Ren Baqian reminded the miserable and angry-looking student who simply threw the candies into his mouth.


    "Your Majesty, I have found something interesting." Ren Baqian gleefully hugged the two fruits and presented the treasure to the empress.


    "What are these?" The empress was curious as she had never before seen such fruits that resembled a human head.


    "They are called kadsura cineas. Their shape is unique, but the taste is said to be good." Ren Baqian gave the two fruits to the empress, but she promptly returned one to him.


    Crunch, crunch�� The empress took two bites, and the fruit was all gone.


    "It is really good." The empress nodded.


    "Your Majesty can also eat this one. I will get people to find moreter," Ren Baqian responded.


    "Forget it. It''s nice to eat them once in a while, but boring to eat them too often." The empress waved her hands.


    Ren Baqian felt that these words were also applicable to the candies.


    He understood the goodwill gesture of the empress and took a bite of the fruit. It was sweet and delicious. As his saliva flowed, the fragrance of the fruit went right to his brainstem.


    The fist-sized fruit was gone after a few bites, but the fragrance stayed in the mouth for a long time.


    This fruit was really delicious.


    After eating one, Ren Baqian started to think constantly about it.


    Not long after, he saw many studentsing back with either a little animal or some fruits in their hands, but he didn''t see any kadsura cineas after sweeping his eyes over their hands.


    "All of youe over here for a while," Ren Baqian pped his hands shouted at the students.


    Everyone looked around and wondered what was in store for them.


    "Has everyone heard of the kadsura cinea?" Ren Baqian asked them.


    "What is that?" Most of the students didn''t know what it was.


    "Those who don''t know, ask him." Ren Baqian pointed at that student.


    "Cough, ten White Rabbit Creamy Candies in exchange for one kadsura cinea." Ren Baqian reached for his waist and took out a big bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    Most of the students still didn''t know what it was.


    "Are you trying to joke with us?" The little lolita was holding a rabbit-like animal by the ears. This creature was not small and had a mouth full of protruding teeth.


    She was holding it like a toy.


    "Those don''t taste as good as the kadsura cinea," the little lolita proimed while pouting. Other people might not know about White Rabbit Creamy Candies, but the empress would always throw a few to her during her daily visits to the pce.


    Ren Baqian muttered to himself that this might not be enough to deceive them.


    "Five lollipops!" Ren Baqian brought out five more lollipops and stuck them in between his fingers. It was as if five balls had grown out of his fist.


    The little lolita felt conflicted as she tried to calcte whether five lollipops was worth one kadsura cinea.


    "Teacher, what if we don''t want lollipops?" Du Laoliu immediately raised his hand and said, "We are not kids, so how could we like these things?"


    He didn''t forget to cast a look at the little lolita as he spoke.


    Boom! Du Laoliu flew outward.


    "You will get three extra points on the final examination. Consider them as extra credit for a practical project." Ren Baqian decided to y this trump card.


    Most of them brightened up after hearing this.


    After all, they weren''t clear about White Rabbit Creamy Candies or lollipops, but three extra points for the final examination was tempting. A measly three points wasn''t important, but what about 10 or 20 of them? Many of the underperforming students had a glimmer of hope not to rank at the bottom again.


    Seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd, Ren Baqian added, "The final results will be posted at the front of the school, and all of your family will know about it."


    This time, everyone expressed eagerness.


    As Ren Baqian turned to leave, he silently added a phrase, Whether the full marks for the final examination are 400 or 800 points depends on how many fruits you guys manage to pick.

 Chapter 400 On The Road

    "Your Majesty!" When Ren Baqian gifted her two kadsura cineas, the empress gave one back to him.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was a good habit.


    There were indeed very few kadsura cineas. The following few days, as long as it wasn''t raining heavily, those students would head to the wood to hunt for the kadsura cineas.


    The highest number of kadsura cineas brought back in one trip was six.


    The lowest number was two.


    It was only then that Ren Baqian learned that the growth of the kadsura cinea was actually in a pairs.


    A tree usually only had a maximum of six fruits, and it was because of this production output that there were only a few kadsura cinea trees around.


    This made Ren Baqian feel somewhat regretful.


    However, there was also a piece of good news. At the very least, it was good news for those students.


    ording to this progress, full marks for the final examination would be 400 points.


    In order to encourage them to continue looking for the kadsura cineas, Ren Baqian told them a piece good news. The top three scores in the final examination this year would each receive a certificate of merit.


    The top students could then paste the certificate up in their homes, which would improve the status of their families.


    These would be the top three scoring students of ck Bamboo Academy, and they represented the glorious future of Dayao.


    Ren Baqian''s wasn''tpletely tricking them. After all, this was Dayao''s first batch of students, so they could be considered as high-level intellectuals. The top three scoring students would be highly valued in the future.


    Of course, even if the students weren''t in the top three rankings, they would still be highly valued.


    Not only this batch of students, but in all likelihood, the following batches would be highly sought after as well.


    Dayao didn''t onlyck talented individuals, but alsocked in many other aspects.


    In particr, it was necessary to promote the development of Dayao''s technology. This small number of talented people absolutely wouldn''t have much effect.


    Throughout this entire journey and in addition to the kadsura cinea, there were all kinds of novelty things that he had never seen before in the city.


    For example, there was a weird, three-foot-long snake with a bulge on its head. Initially, Ren Baqian thought that it was a flood dragon. Later on, he learned that this snake was called a xixia and liked to appear in the evening. As a result, it was called xixia (Maybe leave a trantor note for the readers for this term?).


    After cutting open that bulge on its forehead, a red and jelly-like substance called danhong (Maybe leave a trantor note for the readers for this term?) could be found.


    It was said that eating this kind of thing was good for nourishing the soul.


    A guard handed it to the empress followed by her throwing it over to Ren Baqian.


    It tasted like jelly, but was its vor was lighter.


    There waspletely no reaction after he finished eating it.


    Instead, after eating, the metal chain emerged from the top of his head and wrapped around his body until he became a cocoon.


    The empress immediatelyughed after being surprised. After all, it was really rare for him to be tied up by the metal chain from his head.


    With a smile on her face, she looked at Ren Baqian as he fell to the ground. After that, he rubbed against the ground like a tiger.


    At that moment, Ren Baqian really wanted to curse so badly.


    I wanted to depend on you to bind others! Never did I expect you to bind me. In that case, what is the point of having you?


    Prior to this, Ren Baqian had always felt that as long as he couldmand the metal chain when he was eventually able to use it, at least he could have more fun by binding things.


    It turned out that this metal chain was moreplicated than he imagined.


    He thought carefully. If he fought with others in the future and this thing actually binded him, Ren Baqian would not even die in peace.


    A pity that this iron chain had already taken root in his mind. Before attaining the Spirit Wheel level, there was no way to remove this thing from his mind.


    "Your Majesty��" Atst, Ren Baqian innocently asked the empress for help. After she finishedughing, she pinched one end of the metal chain and shook it. Immediately, the metal chain retracted back as if it had felt an electric shock.


    What he didn''t know was that after he had finished the danhong, there was a slight change in his Sea of Knowledge. Officially, because of this change, the chain felt ufortable and emerged to bind him tightly.


    Throughout the entire journey, he didn''t only see a variety of rare fruits and animals, but also saw some strongholds and towns.


    Even some of the styles and habits of these strongholds and towns were somewhat different from what he had seen before.


    For example, as they headed further south, many strongholds and towns decorated the surface of their houses with a variety of feathers, making them look very colorful and extremely beautiful.


    The aboriginals in these strongholds and towns also had a bigger forehead, fiercer appearance, and a higher level of strength.


    "It seems to be somewhat different from the north." As this feature became more and more prominent, Ren Baqian was somewhat doubtful.


    "There are alot of Heishan people here," the empress said indifferently before giving Ren Baqian a detailed exnation.


    The so-called Heishan, was a region in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    The aboriginals in the north should be called the Yanta people because they had all moved from the area surrounding the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    On the other hand, these so-called Heishan people stayed even deeper inside the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    There weren''t only Heishan people, but also Chiyu people as well as Shuiyunze people.


    There were also all sorts of aboriginals within the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The people were named after the region they lived in.


    Those who were from the Yanta region were called the Yanta people, and those who were from the Heishan region were called Heishan people. It was the same for the Chiyu and the Shuiyunze.


    Therefore, although they were all aboriginals, with regards to their customs and appearances, there were many differences.


    Just like the China on Earth, people of the same race but from different regions were slightly different in appearance, height, and customs.


    It was Ren Baqian''s first time hearing about this, and he found it somewhat intriguing.


    However, there was something that they shared inmon: they all liked to fight.


    Originally, a few aboriginals in front of them had fought over trivial matters and smashed the walls of the courtyard into smithereens. When the empress''s chariot arrived, these several aboriginals immediately dispersed and stood in a circle to watch her arrival.


    Not long after the imperial chariot left, they began to fight again.


    Everyone, including the empress, was used to it. As a result, no one considered whether it was disrespectful or not.


    Even the big shots in the imperial court were like this, so how could the atmosphere among themoners be better?


    In the eyes of the aboriginals, there was nothing that couldn''t be solved with a fight. If there was, then they would fight two times.


    "Eh? That''s a very familiar looking wooden pir��"


    In a town, Ren Baqian looked at the distant crowd while seated on a fork-horned cow. Suddenly, an upright wooden pir in the crowd caught his attention, just like how people would be attracted to fireflies in the night.


    That height and that thickness. Furthermore, it was still able to move. It was clearly the one he saw when he traveling on the river.


    With the exception of that sword master, an average person definitely would not walk around with a wooden pir that was thicker than a human, right?


    As they continued to go forward, he discovered that the wooden pir was moving away from the crowd. Soon enough, it turned into an alley.


    However, even behind a wall, that wooden pir was still as ring as fireflies in the night�� because, it was too tall. The wooden pir, in addition to the sword master''s height, was no less than four meters tall.


    "Very interesting." Ren Baqian smiled. He was very intrigued by these sword masters.


    Never had he expected to meet that fellow again.


    Unfortunately, it seemed like the other party didn''t want to bump into them.


    Since the empress was Dayao''s ruler and also one of the top ten experts in the world, it wasn''t difficult to understand why this sword master was avoiding them.


    Sword masters were also afraid of causing unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble. Thus, they would evade after running into the empress and her subordinates.

 Chapter 401 Dissociative Identity Disorder

    In the past, Ren Baqian had always liked to immerse himself in a warm bath. Although there were geothermal energy sources in Northeast China, it was still very cold outside.


    Soaking himself in the public bath on an extremely cold winter day, followed by steaming himself in the sauna, was especially invigorating.


    When Ren Baqian was in university, a roommate from the south went into the public bath and saw him butt-naked. He got so afraid that he almost ran away, causing Ren Baqian to tease him for a long time.


    Ren Baqian sat in the wooden tub with the water up to his neck. The smell of herbal medicine emanated from within.


    He was unsure why he was reminded of that roommate of his who came from the south.


    It is said that one is getting old when he or she begins to recall the past.


    Ren Baqian was deep in thought.


    He estimated that the person who said this had never experienced youth. He was only 24�� 25�� 26 years old? How old was he now?


    It was already 2019 on Earth. Furthermore, more than half the year had past. It seemed like he was 26 years old now?


    ording to what he experienced, he should only be 25 years old. Regardless of whether he was 25 or 26 years old, he was still in his prime, as delicate as a flower, and as refined as a precious jade.


    The people in the ancient times always talked about sweet 16, which was also the best time of one''s teenage years.


    He had yet to reach 28 years old, and it was senseless for him to think of such an issue.


    Once again, Ren Baqian soaked in the tub for a little while. He then got out of the tub when he felt that it was almost time. The water was getting a little cold, and the medicinal herbs should probably have already been absorbed into his body.


    First, he stood there bare-bottomed and looked downward with his head lowered. He shivered a little before reaching for a towel to dry himself off and putting on his clothes.


    Eh? There was arge, thick wooden pir moving in the courtyard.


    Arge, thick wooden pir was swaying outside of the courtyard as if it had a life on its own.


    "Who''s that?" Ren Baqian was able to spot the wooden pir, and naturally, so did the imperial guards. The two guards immediately jumped up the walls of the courtyard.


    "My humble self would like to seek an audience with Sir Ren!" There was a voiceing from the other side of the wall and it seemed kind of familiar. It sounded somewhat like a man with a hint of a woman''s voice.


    In fact, when Ren Baqian saw that swaying wooden pir, Ren Baqian already knew who was outside. He didn''t expect that the other party wanted to seek an audience with him.


    It just so happened that he was interested in finding out more about the other party too.


    "Allow him to enter," Ren Baqian said as he got dressed.


    After Ren Baqian finished speaking, the two imperial guards looked at the person behind the wall as they stroked their chins. They red at that person like a tiger watching its prey.


    After that, a person carrying a wooden pir on her head jumped over the wall andnded in the courtyard.


    "Sir Ren." That person cupped her hands from a distance away. "It''s been a long time since west met."


    Ren Baqian looked at the other party''s appearance. She was wearing a purple robe, her hair was scattered over her shoulders, and her eyes were bloodshot. It looked as if she had applied eyeshadow. She could only be considered average looking. Most importantly, the charm of her eyebrows was not something that an average person had.


    After listening to what that person had to say, all the imperial guards scanned Ren Baqian with their eyes and were ready for gossip.


    Did one of Ren Baqian''s womene knocking on his door? Never would they have expected that Sir Ren had such a past�� They wondered if they should inform Her Majesty or not��


    Honestly speaking, Ren Baqian treated them really well. The truth, however, woulde to light sooner orter.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    He felt that a basin of feces had just fallen from the sky and hit him.


    Ren Baqian felt that he didn''t know who this woman was, but he indescribably felt that she was somewhat familiar, especially her eyebrows and her eyes.


    "Have we met before? Are you rted to Ning Caichen?" Ren Baqian was a little puzzled.


    This woman gave him a feeling simr to Ning Caichen.


    Did Ning Caichen have a sister? Yet, he hadn''t met her before, right?


    "It''s me! Sir Ren would have never expected it, right?!" The other party looked at Ren Baqian seductively.


    Plop! Ren Baqian saw the other party''s movements and got goosebumps all over his body.


    "You are Ning Caichen?" Ren Baqian was loss for words. He hadn''t seen Ning Caichen for a few months and he actually changed his gender?


    Although he knew that the medical expertise in this world was rtively developed, he had never imagined that it could actually reach this level. They could even perform such a surgery?


    "This is why I have came to look for Sir Ren��" Ning Caichen said as he pressed his fingers into an orchid shape.


    "Although I am ashamed to meet people now, I still consider Sir Ren an old friend. Please help me out." Ning Caichen was making suggestive eye contact with Ren Baqian as he spoke.


    "What happened? Finally realized your childhood dream?" Ren Baqian instructed someone to bring two stools in and ced them three meters apart.


    Ning Caichen''s current appearance made him felt weirded out.


    "If Sir Ren wants to tease me��" Ning Caichen was distressed. "It''s a long story��"


    Ning Caichen sat on the chair and that wooden pir actually didn''t move a single bit.


    His tone and expression was extremely seductive, which made him even more feminine than a woman.


    "Summarize everything!" When Ren Baqian noticed that Ning Caichen was about to give a lengthy exnation, he immediately put a stop to it.


    The fact that Ning Caichen loved to brag was etched in Ren Baqian''s memory. Even if he ignored him, Ning Caichen would still continue to talk endlessly without getting to the point for a long time.


    If Ren Baqian allowed him to speak freely, he reckoned that it wouldst past midnight.


    In that case, they would really be having a candlelight evening talk.


    Afterward, because of Ning Caichen''s current appearance, Ren Baqian''s head would be hung at the top of the city wall.


    Ning Caichen''s face look as if he didn''t want to talk about what had happened. After pondering for a long time, he began to sort out where he should start speaking from.


    Upon seeing his current expression, Ren Baqian straightforwardly asked, "Did you choose to look like this?"


    "Absolutely not." Ning Caichen immediately shook his head. Why would he want to look neither like a man nor a woman.


    "I see that you are rather happy with the current situation," said Ren Baqian, who couldn''t help but say this.


    Ning Caichen immediately gave Ren Baqian a death stare and replied, "I have already be like this, and you still want to tease me? In any case, I''m still an old friend of yours. Back then, we even spent the night in the wilderness."


    As he spoke, his fingers were pressed together into an orchid shape while his tone was flirtatious.


    The imperial guards who surrounded them looked at Ren Baqian with the expression of a busybody. There were already a few of them who were prepared to rat on him.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    "At that time, we ran into wolves, alright? If it wasn''t for me, you would have been eaten by them." Ren Baqian selectively ignored the fact that he had used a grenade to make Ning Caichen pass out.


    "Many thanks for saving your servant''s life. Do you want me to devote my life to you?" Ning Caichen continued to shoot flirtatious nces at Ren Baqian.


    "No, no, if it wasn''t for me, you would have been eaten by wolves. For this reason, my Green Pearl was seriously injured��" Just when Ning Caichen spoke this sentence, Ren Baqian put on a miserable look. Ning Caichen''s voice became a bit coarser and was somewhat like his old voice.


    However, he still didn''t forget to press his thumb and middle finger together.


    "These days, it has be more and more serious��" Ning Caichen was distressed.


    Then, his voice sounded more neutral again as he said, "There is no point in talking so much about the past. After all, the friendship still exists. That''s the reason why I came to see Sir Ren."


    When he said thisst sentence, his expression became loveable again and his voice sounded more neutral.


    Soon after, he became distressed again, "Sir Ren, please help me out this once. I will be extremely grateful to you and will gift you with something valuable."


    Ren Baqian looked at Ning Caichen in a confused manner. One moment he used the term "I," another moment he used the term "your servant," and the next moment he used "my humble self." Furthermore, his expression and voice changed with every sentence he spoke. Was he suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorderr?


    Should I call you Ning Caichen number one, two, or three?

 Chapter 402 Electroshock Therapy

    "An organization has recently emerged. The core members are sword masters who are assigning tasks and giving out due rewards. As you know, we sword masters are often out searching for resources. With this organization, many people can get the resources they want bypleting these tasks. This is more efficient than tramping through the mountains and searching. I don''t know who has such big clout that they are able to garner most of the sword masters into joining such an organization." Ning Caichen was disying split personalities, one moment ravishingly beautiful and charming before returning to his original expression of bitterness.


    "Are you in this state because of that organization?" Ren Baqian finally exposed the truth. There must be a reason why Ning Caichen mentioned the organization now. Ning Caichen became so miserable within these few months. Was it rted to some secret activity in the organization?


    Was this organization plotting to take over the world? This was often the case in novels and movies.


    Who were they plotting to overthrow? Was it Great Xia?


    Regarding this matter, Ren Baqian was delighted to hear about it.


    Did the organizationck advisors? Ren Baqian felt he should be able to be one of those inept advisors.


    He felt gratification from being the unseen maniptor behind the group of sword masters plotting to subvert Great Xia.


    "It doesn''t matter��"


    "Close the door and send off the guests!" Ren Baqian was eagerly waiting to hear the secret, but Ning Caichen''s words made him feel like he was eating choctes that were off in vor.


    "I cannot say it doesn''t totally matter. In actual fact, I epted a task, encountered some problems, and was poisoned��" Ning Caichen quickly said.


    "Then why did you go on and on about the organization?" Ren Baqian red up.


    "Wasn''t that clearly exined��" Ning Caichen felt that he was innocent. He asked for help and exined clearly. What did he do wrong?


    "Isn''t there any secrecy agreement within the organization? It sounds like a covert organization��" Ren Baqian continued to widen his eyes.


    "No such thing. It''s an organization for people to cooperate, to exchange goods, and to find what they need��" Ning Caichen pointed his finger gracefully.


    Ren Baqian felt that his n to be an inept advisor wasing to a premature end.


    "Actually, I feel that you are doing fine. ording to an ancient saying, it''s quite good to be a woman. You see, they wear nicer clothing than men and can wear male or female outfits when they like. Women dressed like men is called fashion, while men dressed like women is calleddy boss," Ren Baqian said sincerely.


    Ning Caichen had nothing to say.


    "Furthermore, women can be willful or unreasonable and no one would find it strange. There is a saying that you should never try to reason with a woman. You see, women are allowed to be willful, but it''s not an eptable behavior for men."


    "Hey, is that so? This sounds interesting." The chilling voice of the empress came from behind Ren Baqian.


    "However, the empress is different because she is a treasure of the world. How can she be the same as those ordinary women?" Ren Baqian''s expression didn''t change. He continued his speech before turning to the empress and asking, "Your Majesty, why have youe here?"


    "Oh!" The empress gave him a cool smile, then said casually, "I heard that an old friend was looking for you. I wanted to see who it was."


    Others didn''t know Ren Baqian''s background, but nobody knew more than her.


    "My respects to Your Majesty, the empress of Dayao." Ning Caichen saluted with sped fists and said, "My movements are restricted, so please do not be offended."


    He shot a coquettish nce at the empress as he spoke.


    Have you ever witnessed someone sping their fists with both their left and right pinky fingers protruding? Ning Caichen saluted like this. Those who didn''t know him would wonder what he was trying to convey.


    "Put him on the chopping block," the empress said coolly.


    He had the gall to look at her coquettishly? Courageous.


    Since you have so much courage, I might as well chop off your head.


    When Ning Caichen heard this, he was frightened and apologized, "Your Majesty, please pardon me. I really met with some predicaments. I am here to seek help and brought a generous gift as well."


    "Your Majesty, he is Ning Caichen," Ren Baqian softly told the empress who was beside him since he felt it wasn''t right to see the empress chop off Ning Caichen''s head.


    The empress found this name somewhat familiar.


    "He was the one who told the empress about the Lian family and also attended your birthday celebration," Ren Baqian added.


    The empress remembered who he was, but looking at Ning Caichen, she was bewildered.


    If she remembered correctly, he was a man.


    A man who had changed so much and made her feel awkward.


    After all, a cross-dressing man wasn''t the trend in Dayao.


    "It''s a long story��" Ning Caichen kept on sighing.


    "Cut the story short." Ren Baqian was distressed. Was this guy really oblivious toward his life and death situation?


    "An organization was formed recently with sword masters as their core members as well as someone inside who assigned tasks��"


    "His changed appearance isn''t rted to this organization," Ren Baqian interrupted.


    Ning Caichen rolled his eyes resentfully at Ren Baqian.


    "Then, I was poisoned��"


    "Was it your enemy who poisoned you and changed you so drastically? Why didn''t the other party kill you?" Ren Baqian finally got to ask this question.


    "He said that he was a good person and that all sentient beingse into this world with certain merits. Killing people was harmful to his karma. That''s why he never kills, and I have never heard of him killing anyone��"


    Ren Baqian was wondering why they didn''t just kill him.


    "I seem to have some impression�� Zhu Cisheng?" the empress asked.


    This matter was very strange, and the people using this unusual method were very rare. Although the empress seldom bothered with external matters, she had heard of this before.


    Ning Caichen whispered, "It was him."


    "In that case, why are you here?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "I have heard of an herb called Luoyin Root that can solve my problem. It can be found in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, but it''s too difficult for me to find it alone. Thus, this is why I want to trade something else for it." Ning Caichen was finally talking business. "I have a xueke which I originally wanted to exchange for a few materials. This item has no other functions besides vastly increasing one''s qi and blood. It''s of great benefit toward martial arts cultivation as it can easily save decades of painstaking effort. In short, it''s a fantastic treasure."


    The empress''s attention was aroused when the xueke was mentioned. This thing was deemed to be one of the treasures that could only be found serendipitously.


    It wasn''t of much use to her, but it was very beneficial for Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian''s cultivation required various kinds of herbs, and the speed of this cultivation was much faster than an average person''.


    Although this herb couldn''t save years of hard work for Ren Baqian, he could certainly gain twice the result with half the effort.


    Previously, Ren Baqian took Lu Qi''s Spirit Yuan Pill, which replenished primordial qi and improved what was inherent in him.


    If Ren Baqian was doing ordinary cultivation, that Spirit Yuan Pill would have a miraculous effect.


    However, with regards to Ren Baqian''s cultivation of [Ruyi Visualization], the result wasn''t up to expectation.


    This xueke happened to be just right for Ren Baqian to use.


    "The Luoyin Root can also only be found serendipitously, and ording to legend, it has only been seen by very few people," the empress said. She naturally wanted the xueke, but it wasn''t easy to find the Luoyin Root.


    "It''s best to act as quickly as possible. I feel I am getting more emotional these days��" Ning Caichen looked charming, and although he was a man, his face and mannerisms were more enchanting than a woman. Many guards were secretly thinking about taking him back as their wife.


    The empress nced to the side for a moment. Based on his behavior, shouldn''t he be executed?


    Ren Baqian was anxious and said, "You may need this��"


    "What is it?" The empress turned to look at him.


    Ning Caichen was fluttering his eyes flirtatiously.


    "Electroshock therapy�� use a weak, short, and moderate current to stimte the brain in order to control the mental symptoms." Ren Baqian felt there was a great need to apply electroshock therapy in this situation. A shock might just work.


    Anyway, it shouldn''t get worse.


    "Wait, let me find it." Ren Baqian quickly rushed outside to the horse carriage to find the box where most of his things were kept.


    If he remembered correctly, the stun baton should be there.


    Just after the amount of time it took to burn through a joss stick, Ren Baqian excitedly ran back with a short, thick electrode that had not seen the light of day for quite some time.


    "Sir Ren, what are you going to do?" Ning Caichen eximed flirtatiously, "Aiya, it''s so thick, I��"


    Zap��!


    Ren Baqian ced the stun baton directly on the arm of Ning Caichen.


    "Ah, ah, ah��" Ning Caichen began flopping around.

 Chapter 403 Joke Gone Too Far

    "Ah ah ah ah��"


    Ren Baqian ced the stun baton on Ning Caichen''s arm and took it off a few secondster. The other party immediately fell t on the ground.


    He had also experienced electric shocks from the stun baton before. Naturally, he knew what would happen after an electric shock and knew that it would take some time before Ning Caichen would regain consciousness.


    "Your Majesty, what is xueke?" Ren Baqian politely shifted a chair over for the empress and only asked her after she sat down.


    When Ning Caichen mentioned the xueke, it was obvious that the empress was emotionally affected.


    "I''m also unsure and have only seen its name in a book. However, this thing is very beneficial for you as it can double the speed of your cultivation progress," the empress said indifferently.


    Ren Baqian felt warmth in his heart. At the end of the day, it was because the xueke was beneficial to him.


    "Many thanks, Your Majesty."


    The empress rolled her eyes at him and even though it wasn''t anything special, Ren Baqian felt that it was a disy of affection from her. It made him felt a rush of excitement in his heart.


    As the saying goes, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. An ordinary woman could be gorgeous in the eyes of her lover and would be pleasant looking no matter the situation, let alone Ren Baqian''s case when it was the empress.


    "Is that thing useful?" The empress felt that the electroshock therapy that Ren Baqian mentioned wasn''t reliable.


    She also discovered the current state of Ning Caichen and that there was apparently a problem with his soul.


    Fortunately, he was a sword master, so his sword was in control of his entire strength.


    If it were a Spirit Wheel expert who ended up like Ning Caichen, he or she would be half crippled.


    However, a Spirit Wheel expert wouldn''t end up in such a predicament.


    Zhu Cisheng had been a Spirit Wheel expert for countless of decades, but his strength had yet to increase.


    It could be assumed that he had to resort to such methods because he couldn''t make any improvements.


    This method hurt not only others, but also harmed himself. Even though it didn''t take any lives, this method not only only broke the paths of others, but his own path as well.


    "Perhaps it will maybe be slightly effective? Probably?" Ren Baqian was uncertain.


    He heard that mental hospitals often used this method? Professor Wang Yang, who was an expert in lightning and thunder, relied on this theory to gain his fame.


    At present, it was evident that there was something wrong with Ning Caichen mentally. There weren''t any psychiatrists in this world, and he was trying to save someone that was practically hopeless.


    What if he tried his luck and it was effective?


    Perhaps? Maybe? Slightly effective? Probably?


    The empress tilted her head and looked at Ren Baqian before looking at Ning Caichen, who was lying on the ground. Atst, she looked toward the sky and squinted her eyes. Today was a rare sunny day.


    It didn''t matter to her if Ning Caichen was dead or alive. She only wanted to know if Ren Baqian''s method would really work.


    Ren Baqian squatted in front of Ning Caichen to check on his situation. Just now, he had used the stun baton on him for almost four seconds. Ning Caichen was supposed to lose consciousness for a short while.


    At this point, Ren Baqian saw that Ning Caichen''s eyes were back in focus and asked, "Are you feeling any better?"


    Only after a long time did Ning Caichenpletely regain consciousness. However, he was aching and feeling numb from head to toe.


    "The stun baton is so awesome��my body is so softtttttt��." Ning Caichen had just regained consciousness, and his expression was filled with flirtatiousness, as if he was looking at Ren Baqian with a gaze full of hearts.


    Zap�� When Ning Caichen spoke thosest few words, Ren Baqian expressionlessly used the stun baton on him again.


    Everyone looked at Ning Caichen in worry as he fell t to the ground after experiencing a burst of twitching.


    "Sir is so awesome. Your servantttttttt��"


    Zap!


    "Your servant likesssssss��"


    Zap!


    "Urgh!"


    Zap!


    Ren Baqian immediately ced the stun baton on Ning Caichen''s body after hearing his disgusting and delicate voice.


    ��


    One afternoon passed by and Ren Baqian''s spirits were uplifted. He began to gain some confidence.


    "It seems like it''s effective?"


    The empress nodded in agreement and said, "It''s effective. In fact, it became more serious!"


    The original condition switched between being a man to being a woman from time to time. Now, however, Ning Caichen was practically a woman.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while. Prior to the treatment, Ning Caichen was suffering from Dissociative as he switched from being a man to being a woman from time to time. Yet, now that he had practically be a woman, the stun baton was indeed effective in treating Dissociative Identity Disorder from a certain viewpoint.


    Forget it, he should stop the treatment first and decide what to do again when Ning Caichen woke up. At the very least, it would take a while to observe the effect of the treatment and whether Ning Caichen would still switch from man to woman from time to time.


    If Ning Caichen stopped doing so, Ren Baqian would have treated half of his condition in that case, which was the Dissociative Identity Disorder portion.


    As for the remaining half, he was afraid that he had reached his limits.


    After some time, Ning Caichen''s eyes regained focus.


    "How do you feel?" Ren Baqian almost used the stun baton on Ning Caichen again since he was somewhat used to it.


    "I have never felt better," Ning Caichen said in a delicate tone.


    "What the ancient people said was right. It''s actually better to be a woman."


    This left everyone speechless.


    Everyone looked at the stun baton in Ren Baqian''s hand with an expression as if they had seen a ghost. This time around, it was over. Ning Caichen only had a minor issue, but after Sir Ren''s treatment, hepletely turned into a woman.


    "I would like to express my gratitude to Sir Ren. If it wasn''t for you, I still wouldn''t know what I really wanted��" Ning Caichen continued to speak.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded. The treatment he gave could be considered a sess, right? It should be sessful?


    "The most important thing for a human is to know what he or she wants and to work hard for it. Otherwise, isn''t it a waste of his or her life?" Ren Baqian encouraged Ning Caichen.


    Ning Caichen replied, "I agree with Sir Ren!"


    On the other hand, the empress and numerous imperial guards looked at Ren Baqian in a peculiar manner.


    It was already awkward for everyone when Ning Caichen became like that, yet Ren Baqian could actually strike a conversation with him?


    Ren Baqian''s heart was pounding hard. After all, Ning Caichen was someone he knew.


    Now that he was in this state, he should be fine, right?


    Ren Baqian turned his head, looked around, and saw that everyone was looking at him with an extremely weird gaze. He then intentionally coughed twice to clear his throat and said, "Your Majesty, it''s alreadyte, so let''s have dinner first. I wille and check on him after our dinner."


    After eating his dinner, Ren Baqian strolled back to the courtyard. Ning Caichen had already crawled up from the ground and was seated on a stool at the side. He was looking down while using his hand tob through his hair.


    "How do you feel?" Ren Baqian stood a few meters away and asked.


    "I feel good. Sir Ren is honorable and kind. Your servant will remember you as long as I live. I shall devote myself to you for your entire life��"


    "Stop!" Ren Baqian was taken aback and immediately shouted.


    If you want to devote yourself to me, I would rather get someone to behead you in that case.


    "Your servant is just kidding. Seeing that you are so excited, it makes me hesitate a little��"


    Ren Baqian got goosebumps all over his body because he felt that this time around, Ning Caichen''s joke went too far.


    "It felt really good andfortable just now. It''s something that is very difficult for me to forget. I only ask that Sir Ren to use that thing to shock me again." As Ning Caichen looked up, his eyes were glistening. If one didn''t know his past and based their judgement on this tone and expression, they would believe that this person was really a beauty.


    "F*ck!" Ren Baqian couldn''t help but curse. Ning Caichen really went overboard��


    Furthermore�� he even turned into a masochist��

 Chapter 404 Arrival

    When Ren Baqian, the empress, and their followers continued to advance, Ning Caichen had already left.


    He said that he went back to retrieve the xueke and that this time around, he didn''t want to exchange it for the Luoyin Root but for Ren Baqian''s stun baton��


    Perhaps, Ning Caichen had fallen in love with the stun baton. To put it another way, he enjoyed getting electric shocks.


    Ren Baqian felt that it was a pretty good idea for the flirtatious Ning Caichen to leave.


    Ning Caichen not only found his self-worth, but also found "someone" he loved (the stun baton). In the future, he could travel the world with it. How unconstrained would his life be?


    Exactly how many people knew what they wanted before they died? Everyone lived one day at a time.


    Moreover, there was someone in the past who said that great souls were all hermaphrodites. Ren Baqian probably didn''t misunderstand this sentence, right? This showed that at present, Ning Caichen had a great soul. Plus, those who witnessed this situation were extremely moved.


    Furthermore, his Dissociative Identity Disorder had been treated.


    The treatment was somewhat harmful, so it was normal for him to experience a few side effects. It was just that he had some difficulty in identifying his gender. As long as he didn''t mind, it would be alright.


    Looking at Ning Caichen, he was also rather happy and had noints. The situation was pretty good.


    Ren Baqian felt very relieved, but the others weren''t able to feel the same. They looked at Ren Baqian as if they saw a ghost.


    Witnessing a half-man, half-womanpletely be a woman, this ability of Ren Baqian''s was really terrifying for a group of burly aboriginal men. What if Ren Baqian did the same to them and turned them into neither a man nor a woman? Everyone subconsciously kept their distance from him.


    They didn''t know how Ren Baqian turned Ning Caichen into a woman. The bunch of them only saw him using a "stick" which emitted a blue light to poke Ning Caichen from time to time.


    Things became like this after just one afternoon.


    It was indeed terrifying.


    "Yagui, I heard that you changed a man into a woman?" the little lolita, Tong Lan, got ahold of this news and ran over to ask Ren Baqian.


    At the back, there were also many students looking at Ren Baqian because they were very concerned about his answer.


    "Do you want to try it out?" Ren Baqian harbored evil thoughts.


    The little lolita first looked at him with a disgust before hesitating a little. She wavered for a long time before opening her mouth and asking, "Can you turn me into a man?"


    "Why?" Ren Baqian was astonished. He had never heard anything about the Tong Family valuing males over females. Why did Tong Lan think this way?


    Aboriginal women weren''t weak and some could even bepared to men. As such, the aboriginals didn''t value males over females.


    There were even women officials in Dayao''s imperial court.


    Due to the fact that women were innately more cautious and had more patience aspared to men, they were mostly delegated to the Ministry of Revenue. Women were rarely found in other departments.


    "I heard that House Yunyan is very fun and have long since wanted to go, but grandfather won''t let me and said that only men can enter." Tong Lan was discontented. No matter how intelligent she was, she was only a ten year old kid. At times, she had some childish thoughts.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    This was definitely ack of family education and parental care as well as a loss of social morality.


    "My method is a bit wed. There is a huge probability of turning someone into a half-man, half-woman. A half-man, half-woman isn''t able to enter either," Ren Baqian said painfully.


    "Ptui! Useless." The little lolita was disappointed. She didn''t want to turn into neither a man nor a woman.


    This fellow was indeed unreliable.


    While everyone was traveling on the road, two things happened. The first thing was that the winged cavalry and Li Qianqiu''s soldiers had sessfully returned under Hong Wu''s support.


    As per what he thought, the interior of Great Xia was empty at this time because their military power had been transferred out. Apart from some of the practitioners from the sects, there wasn''t much resistance. Those practitioners and the portion of the remaining defenders were easily destroyed. It was like a scene where one would gently push a sandcastle, causing it to crumble into a pile of sand.


    A total of five cities were wiped out, and it shook all of Great Xia.


    However, there was one thing different from what he had predicted. Before the Dayao soldiers invaded, he had nned for them to loot and bring back gold and silver. In the end, they returned with food, food, and only food�� The majority of the food was also consumed during the return journey to Dayao.


    Fortunately, it was good that they had brought back some gold and jewels at the very least. Furthermore, these riches were all stolen from wealthy families. They should be of quite high value and could replenish the state treasury. The gold and jewels could at least support the construction of roads, a task that was paramount at the moment and could benefit the nation in the long run.


    These soldiers left a brilliant legacy back in Great Xia. Wherever they went, they ate, ate, and ate, practically gobbling up everything in their path. Before their reputation of looting had been spread, their reputation for eating was already known everywhere. With the exception of humans, there was nothing they didn''t eat.


    Smoke was constantly produced throughout those three days, and this was the best way to describe the cooking scene of the Dayao soldiers. During the three days that they upied the cities, smoke was constantly produced.


    This was something else that he also hadn''t expected. There was too little meat to satisfy the aboriginals'' hunger pangs in Great Xia. As such, they ate six meals a day and mostly relied on consuming vegetables. After all, there was an abundance of vegetables in Great Xia, and it was difficult to transport them back to Dayao. Furthermore, it helped to curb their hunger. Therefore, they collected all the livestock in every city and used grains and vegetables to fill their stomachs.


    In conclusion, crop failure urred wherever these soldiers traveled through.


    These soldiers not only recklessly walked around within Great Xia''s borders and ignited fear within the neighboring cities, they also created a huge ruckus in all of Great Xia. This made it even more difficult for Great Xia to provide relief for the strandedmoners from these five cities.


    Hundreds of thousands ofmoners from the five cities and the nearby strongholds poured into the surrounding cities after the departure of the Dayao soldiers, causing the surrounding cities to be somewhat chaotic.


    The reason for the hectic scene was because of food. After all, Great Xia had to provide food for 700,000 soldiers. Many of their soldiers were in the vicinity after being transferred, so the granaries stocked for disaster relief were already empty. After something like this urred, they weren''t able to supply enough food for those who had fled from their hometowns.


    They could only rely on the authorities to contact the wealthy families and try to persuade them to donate some food.


    There were also notices that Ren Baqian instructed Li Qianqiu to post. Many schrs felt that it was a joke. Dayao actually dared to ask for reparations? Furthermore, they only announced it after they were already in Great Xia territory. It was simr to a situation where two parties were fighting and one of them got punched. Thereafter, the person who threw the punch demanded apensation of 100 taels of silver. If the injured party didn''tply, the attacker would rob his house.


    What was the difference between a bandit and these Dayao soldiers?


    Manymoners harbored a grudge against them.


    After all, they had been living a safe and peaceful life. In the end, because of these soldiers, they had no choice but to leave their hometowns, causing them to feel a resentment deep down in their hearts toward both Dayao and Great Xia.


    ��


    Li Qianqiu and the winged cavalry''s return was one of the things that happened while the empress was traveling.


    The second thing was that the entire family of Qingfeng City''s warlord had been eliminated.


    The Department of Inspection managed to grab a bunch of treasure from the warlord''s residence and was already back within Dayao''s borders. They were rushing to the Protectorate of the South to hand over the treasures for the empress to inspect.


    They were both pieces of good news. Although they had yet to count the total value of the things they had looted, it was presumed that the amount would be rather high.


    It was enough to start some construction work after they returned to Dayao.


    At this time, Ren Baqian got up and lifted the curtain of the empress''s imperial carriage. He was able to see an army that was in formation and waiting for them in the front.


    Thousands of soldiers bared their upper arms and slung only a piece of animal hide from their left shoulders to the right side of their waists. They were burly and bald men that wielded long sabers in their hands.


    They looked more like bandits than soldiers.


    However, all of Dayao''s soldiers behaved like this, and everyone was used to it.


    Finally, they arrived at their destination.


    The Protectorate of the South.

 Chapter 405 Entering the City

    Gu City. On both sides were mountain peaks and pristine jungles, and there was a gorge in the middle which allowed people to pass through.


    Gu City was situated in this gorge.


    After passing through Gu City and going south, the canyons on boths sides gradually separated and became a huge basin that was known as Tianjing Basin.


    Thend was fertile, and the climate was pleasant. Just this ce alone could support hundreds of thousands of soldiers.


    Therefore, in the history of thisnd, there had been rumors that this was a ce for countries to fight over in this world.


    "This world" referred to the entire scope of Dayao or perhaps to an area slightly smaller than it.


    Because, a piece ofnd near Dayao''s Sanxi City was robbed by the Yun Nation. By closing the gates, they could resist the Yun Nation''s army outside and by opening the gates, tens of thousands of Dayao soldiers could directly dash toward the cities of the Yun Nation.


    As a result, Great Xia could only split their soldiers into different groups and routes. It would be difficult for the Yun Nation''s West City army to advance, so they could only imitate Dayao''s method of dispersing and dispatching arge number of unorganized and undisciplined allied forces into Dayao. They could only hope to create some pressure for the Protectorate of the Northeast.


    Back in those days, Dayao was satisfied with therge amount of property they gained under the mediation of Great Xia. Only this piece ofnd remained in the Yun Nation''s hand.


    In the foreseeable future, the Yun Nation wouldn''t exist anymore.


    Perhaps, in Ren Baqian and the empress''s heart, they didn''t see any future for the Yun Nation anymore. The Yun Nation would just be a plot ofnd within Dayao''s territory.


    There wasn''t any moral or legal constraint between countries, and they still had to follow the most basic rules of the jungle. The weak were always prey for the strong.


    The Yun Nation hadrge quantities of minerals and an abundance of goods, but it wasn''t capable of protecting itself.


    This was the method to destroy the Yun Nation.


    In modern society, this kind of thing wasn''t umon. However, it was just that one would find a better excuse to use.


    In this world, it was just a matter of looking for a reliable or unreliable reason.


    In any case, Dayao and the Yun Nation were two countries that were inharmonious. Even if the Yun Nation really did something immoral and Dayao stood on Ultraman''s point of justice of Ultraman, those Yun Nation people wouldn''t ept the fact that these ferocious Dayao people would fight their way to upying and ruling the Yun Nation.


    Reputation, who was right or wrong, had nothing to do with this issue.


    In the past, the history of China always spoke about having a sufficient reason to send out the soldiers. That was because most wars were civil wars among people of the same ethnicity. Whether it was a rebellion or an uprising, they had to win over the hearts of themoners because a stitch in time saves nine.


    Yet, this didn''t exist in Dayao.


    The idea of ??ethnicity wasn''t something that couldn''t be erased by just simple right or wrong.


    Therefore, whether it was the empress or the officials in the imperial court, they were all toozy to find an excuse. When the time came, they would then find a random reason to fight the Yun Nation.


    For example, the kid of the husky that was given to the Yun Nation envoy had contracted syphilis.


    Now that the 20,000 recruits had already set off, they were just awaiting their arrival before starting the counterattack.


    Ren Baqian was currently sitting on a fork-horned cow and entering Gu City with the empress''s carriage by his side. South of Gu City was Tianjing Basin where tens of millions of the Hao Nation''s remnant citizens were living.


    Back then, when they chose this plot ofnd, it wasn''t necessarily because of the sentence, "The one who controls this ce has the world."


    Now, however, this ce seemed as if it were a cage that confined more than tens of millions of the Hao Nation''s remnant citizens inside.


    In front of Ren Baqian was the Protector General of the South, Xi Wangu, and it was said that he was less than 50 years old. ording to this strength, this period would probably be considered as his youth.


    He had a squarish face, which was the standard face shape of an aboriginal. His thick eyebrows and big eyes made him a beautiful man among the rest of the aboriginals. At the very least, he had chiselled lines on his face that made him much better looking than the rest of the fierce-looking aboriginals.


    Xi Wangu controlled his mount to reduce its speed so as to get right next to Ren Baqian. Xi Wangu then smiled at him and said, "Sir Ren."


    "Protector General!" Ren Baqian promptly cupped his hands. The status of the five Protector Generals was equivalent to a prince or princess. Even the empress was more courteous toward them.


    "I have long heard of Sir Ren''s name but this is my first time meeting you. The radio station that you brought has made a huge contribution." Xi Wangu smiled.


    The appearance of the radio station helped to link all of Dayao together. Regardless of where things happened, people would be notified in time so that a response could be made.


    In the simplest case, whenever a natural disaster urred in a certain ce, the local officials would make a report and wait for approval to start the disaster relief. This process would take at least four or five days of hard work. Moreover, this was under the condition that a yiniao was used.


    Now that they had the radio stations, whenever they encountered a major issue, the earliest they would get a response would be on the day itself.


    With this time difference, more lives could be saved and more things could be aplished, not to mention the usage of the radio station in the military, as speed was the most valuable thing to them.


    Although the radio station didn''t have the option of boosting its speed, the speed of the military''s mobilization response had increased tremendously. Just obtaining news from the imperial court and sending downmands to their subordinates used to required at least several days.


    During a war, these several days were the most critical days.


    Therefore, the first thing hemended Ren Baqian for when he saw him was the radio station.


    "It''s only an object and still depends on those who use it." Ren Baqian was very modest and didn''t credit himself. After all, he could be considered a porter who had brought the radio station to this world. There was indeed nothing to brag about.


    If the students from the ck Bamboo Academy could make a radio station, he would probably be happier and wished that he could announce that to the whole world.


    "It isn''t that simple." Xi Wangu smiled.


    This sort of thing was of little significance to an individual, but was really a magical object at the national level.


    "I also heard that Sir Ren found salt in the mountains. Also, the output of Mount Damo''s iron ore mine is now hundreds of times greater than before."


    "Just some little tricks." Ren Baqian grinned. He was still somewhat content in this aspect. After all, using knowledge to achieve something was worth boasting about because the knowledge belonged to him.


    Even if he found them on Baidu, the knowledge was already instilled in his head.


    [Baidu: China''s google]


    "If Sir Ren doesn''t despise me,e to my residence for a drink or two. I''m very curious about those items of yours."


    ��


    The both of them chatted as they walked and somehow ended up in Gu City.


    Gu City was different from the other cities. The rest of the cities were located at the border, were controlled by the army, and themoners served them.


    Over here in Gu City, it was bustling with activity. It was a ce for merchants to gather.


    This was because Gu City was the only mountain pass that could ess Tianjing Basin.


    Those who wanted to enter Tianjing Basin had to pass through Gu City.


    In addition, some aboriginals from the mountains woulde here to procure goods.


    Also, there were remnant citizens from the Hao Nation who came since this was the only ce that they could ess after leaving Tianjing Basin.


    Therefore, it was even more prosperous in Gu City than it was in Lan City.


    Before the empress set off on her journey, there wasn''t any ns to clear the roads of Gu City. As a result, the soldiers paved a road ahead as majority of the people in Gu City surrounded to see the empress.


    After all, the people of Lan City could see the empress once in a while, but the people in Gu City might never get to see her in their entire lifetime.


    "Who''s the person wearing the purple robe?"


    "I heard that he''s the empress''s husband�� It should be him."


    "Why''s he so skinny and weak?"


    "I heard that he''s rather smart."


    "Why did I hear that he could be crushed with one hand?"


    "Don''t judge a book by it''s cover. I heard that he can transform, possesses remarkable abilities, and wields a big gun. He even killed over 10,000 Great Xia soldiers."


    "I heard that the experts in the north can cultivate Heaven-grade weapons. Are his remarkable abilities attributed to the Heaven-grade weapons or does it have something to do with that huge gun?"


    Just as in the past, apart from the empress, the most striking person in the group was an "outsider" like Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian sat on the fork-horned cow and listened to bits and pieces of the conversation. He wasn''t really paying attention.


    Instead, he was looking for those people who didn''t look like aboriginals.


    A portion of them were foreign merchants and another portion were his targets.


    On the same day, the empress and her subordinates stayed at Xi Wangu''s residence. That very night, Xi Wangu hosted a wee reception for the empress. The next morning, Ren Baqian brought a few imperial guards out of the residence to walk around. On one hand, he was taking a look at Gu City, and on the other, he wanted to understand the situation of the Hao Nation''s remnant citizens.


    Although the merchants who came here mostly used walking as the mode of transport, this didn''t represent all of them. They had to enter Tianjing Basin before they could see the real deal. However, they were still able to get a glimpse of the big picture.

 Chapter 406 Hatred

    The various types of people and events that Ren Baqian had seen in this world were limited.


    The people he interacted with were basically the aboriginals.


    Others whom he met were the foreign merchants in Lan City and those who attended the empress''s birthday celebration at the Honglu Bureau.


    No matter how poor Lan City was, it was still under the control of the empress. Those merchants who went to Jingyuan Road were mostly from distinguished families, tended to be snobbish, and were not urbanized. As a result, he didn''t mingle much with them.


    After arriving at Gu City, he didn''t venture too far away from his prearranged mansion and saw many shops and stalls of different hues and shades. They were mostly owned by foreign merchants and the remnant citizens of Hao Nation. There were hardly any aboriginals.


    At the side of Ren Baqian was a typical young aboriginal named Feng Ting. He was bald, fierce looking, muscr, and had a body size that was twice the width of an ordinary guy.


    This was a guide that Xi Wangu had arranged for Ren Baqian and his guards.


    After all, they weren''t familiar with this ce or its people.


    "Most people live in the mountainous area and set out early in the morning so as to arrive here by around noontime. There are very little people now, but there will be more in the afternoon," Feng Ting exined.


    Ren Baqian knew he was referring to the aboriginals.


    As for the people from other countries and the remnant citizens of Hao Nation, they weren''t considered as part of them.


    Just as the foreigners rejected the aboriginals, they were in turn rejected by the aboriginals.


    "Set out in the morning and arrive at noon? It isn''t that far," Ren Baqian said as he looked at the few aboriginals around.


    "There''s a big city called Nanhuang City, at the south of the Great Basin. It''s a bustling city and has many good products," Feng Ting said.


    The things being sold here were oil, salt, sauces, and cloth meant for daily use by the remnant citizens of Hao Nation. Other products traded were herbs and animal skins intended for themoners. As a result, there weren''t many good products.


    The products in Nanhuang City mainly catered to aboriginals who lived in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Every day, many people from the strongholds would bring the things they found in the mountains to Nanhuang City to trade. Nanhuang City was extremely lively, had many good things to choose from, and was even busier than Lan City.


    Methods of preservation were limited in this world and most goods couldn''t be kept for long. The distance to Lan City was far and easily needed 20 days of travel. The caravans would need more than one month as they were slower.


    It was no problem for minerals like gemstones, but for some strange and precious fruits, they would be moldy and rotten by the time they arrived at Lan City.


    Furthermore, some exotic animals weren''t used to the environment outside of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and most of them couldn''t survive the agony of the journey to Lan City.


    Back when Ren Baqian participated in the Great Hunt for the first time, he saw some strange animals which were suitable for riding. Basically, they spent a heap load of effort to transport them back to Lan City alive.


    The empress wasn''t impressed, but those second and third generation aboriginal officials were delighted and rode them proudly.


    However, the numbers were very small.


    Ren Baqian asionally chatted with Feng Ting, but his attention was focused on the pedestrians and shops on both sides of the street.


    After travelling for some time, Ren Baqian could gradually recognize the differences between the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation and the foreign merchants.


    The Great Xia people were more likely to be confident and proud because they had the backing of the most powerful nation.


    During the Great Xia invasion, not all of the merchants were captured, but they couldn''t return either. The war between the two countries had temporarily ended, so these merchants started to move freely again.


    However, their spirits were much lower because they had just been defeated.


    They were also different from the merchants from the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation.


    The merchants from the Yun Nation were more mboyant, better dressed, and used more delicate weapons. They greeted you with smiles, but cursed you behind your back. That was exactly what the aboriginal hated most, their two-faced behavior.


    The special features of the merchants from the Chen Nation were that they were dark, skinny, and had small builds. They weren''t good looking.


    Even after migrating from the Yun Nation to the Chen Nation, they were still small-minded, and it wasn''t known whether this was due to the previous environment they had lived in.


    To put it simply, the characteristics of the people from these three countries were quite different.


    As for the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation, they ought to be called the Shan Yang people as they allegedly came from a ce called Shan Yang. With the growing poption and the addition of people who couldn''t survive on their ownnd in Great Xia, they merged and strengthened to form a nation sessfully.


    Appearance wise, the people of the Hao Nation weren''t much different from those of Great Xia, but their foreheads protruded slightly more and their eyes were more deep set.


    There were many differences in their clothing. These remnant citizens of the Hao Nation wore a small jacket on top and a long pleated skirt below. There were slits on both sides of the skirt and hairy legs could be inadvertently seen through the gaps.


    Both men and women were dressed like this.


    The most important thing was the hatred disyed in their eyes. Although they didn''t show it, it was buried in their hearts and couldn''t be hidden.


    Their country had been destroyed, they were ruled by others, and tens of millions of them were fenced up and crammed into a basin.


    After 71 years, this hatred had prated into their bone marrow.


    When they saw Ren Baqian, they were initially amazed and surprised. After that, the hatred in their eyes became even more intense than when they looked at the aboriginals. This puzzled Ren Baqian greatly.


    He had never even made contact with them.


    In actual fact, it wasn''t hard to guess. They were caged up, but Ren Baqian sneaked into the aboriginal imperial court and even brought along aboriginal guards.


    They were all outsiders, but he received different treatment.


    Moreover, Ren Baqian was the husband of the empress and had contributed in the war against Great Xia.


    Although the Hao Nation people didn''t know the specifics, they were able to obtain some information from the ces where the people from different countries gathered.


    They even dreamed about Great Xia chasing that bunch of barbarians back into the mountains. Even though Great Xia would then be their master, they could live free.


    However, Great Xia not only lost, but was miserably defeated. They waited 71 years for Great Xia to send their army, but it was a fiasco.


    Ren Baqian was one of those who greatly affected the war, so it was only natural to hate him. If he was an aboriginal, they would have added their hatred for him to all the aboriginals.


    Yet, he wasn''t one and was still what the aboriginals considered an outsider.


    "You,e here." Ren Baqian waved to a man nearby. That man pretended not to hear and lowered his head to move away in a hurry.


    "Grab him," Ren Baqian ordered. When that guy looked at him just now, the hatred in his eyes could be seen even by a blind man. His hand touched his waist, hesitated for a moment, and then let go.


    A guard went over, grabbed him by the back of his neck, and lifted him over.


    "What do all of you want?" this man struggled and shouted.


    "Search his waist to see what is there." Ren Baqian put his fingers under his chin.


    A knife made of bone was then handed over to Ren Baqian.


    "Were you thinking of killing me?" Ren Baqian pinched the knife with two fingers as he calmly asked.


    This 45 centimeters long bone knife was quite sharp. These remnant citizens of the Hao Nation strapped their knives on their thighs and concealed them inside their skirts, making them difficult to spot.


    "No, Sir has misunderstood me," the man replied with his head lowered. Ren Baqian was surrounded by aboriginal guards and even 100 of him wouldn''t be able to hurt one of Ren Baqian''s fingers. He was not a fool and knew what to say.


    "What?" Ren Baqian wasn''t convinced. "I haven''t met you before and should have no enmity with you."


    "Sir, it is a misunderstanding. A small fry like me does not dare attack you."


    "Misunderstanding or not, what you say does not count. I have the final say. I feel that you wanted to kill me and that you are seeking death," Ren Baqian ignored him and muttered to himself.


    He felt he wasn''t wrong in using this guy. The hatred in his eyes and his hand''s position on his waist where the knife was hidden confirmed Ren Baqian''s suspicion.


    The hatred disyed upon seeing Ren Baqian and the obvious movements indicated this man''s intention. Did he take Ren Baqian for a fool?


    "In fact, I like it when people hate me to death, yet can''t do anything about it. However, I prefer to know why people who hate me to death couldn''t even resist touching their knife even with so many guards around," Ren Baqian said softly.


    "People do things for a reason. It couldn''t be that you got scared because you saw so many people here and touched your knife to seek security, right?"


    The man instantly replied, "Sir, I was thinking of a matter and touched my waist to see whether I forgot to bring something. I didn''t find it and was thinking of going back to retrieve it."


    "Well, that sounds reasonable." Ren Baqian nodded.


    That man heaved a sigh of relief.


    "But, I don''t believe it. We will bring you back and cruelly torture you for a few days before deciding whether or not to believe you." Ren Baqian waved at the guards toe over.


    The man''s expression drastically changed. Could he survive a few days of cruel torture? Was it meaningful only to decide at this stage?


    Many people were crowding in this direction to watch, but quickly moved away with their heads lowered after hearing this and turned their heads away from the scene.


    During this period, Xi Wanya was constantly killing people. Many people were trembling with fear and could only bury their hatred in their hearts.


    Seeing the situation, the rest of the people were clear that this man wouldn''t live.


    Ren Baqian could actually guess it, notpletely, but a little.


    He walked on the streets for a long time, and the hatred in their eyes told him that it wouldn''t be easy to get any information from them.


    He might as well do it in a simple and direct way.


    He was here to do good, which was to save these people. Their petty tricks, however, were making it unbearable for the empress, who would act sooner orter.


    Now, you can be excluded. We will sacrifice you and perhaps a few more people in order to bring happiness to tens of millions of families.


    A monument will be set up for youter.


    Not everything was about human lives. He wasn''t a saint or a monk and didn''t stress equality for everyone.


    Killing one, ten, 100, 1,000, or 10,000 innocent people to let 100,000 or a million honest and sincere people be Dayao citizens and help Dayao modernize would be considered reaching his goal.


    To put it bluntly, Ren Baqian knew it was impossible not to kill anyone if he wanted to achieve his objective.


    Sooner orter, he had to kill. Since he met someone who showed his intention so clearly, he might as well start with him.

 Chapter 407 Time For Settlemen

    The so-called severe torture by the aboriginals wasn''t severe, it was just in torture.


    These guys weren''t able to have such fancy ideas.


    In the Sixty Thousand Mountains, they had to contend with Heaven and Earth in order to live, They had no time or energy for such things.


    To them, killing people was no big deal. Just kill if they found someone obnoxious. There was no need to think of fanciful ways to torture people.


    Even if they left the mountains and built a country, it wouldst less than a few decades as they were so poor and surrounded by hostile countries that they would still nevere up with these cunning ideas.


    He picked up the scaly whip and shook it after dipping it into salt water, causing the scales to puff up. Ash of this whip would directly tear away a strip of flesh.


    Even an aboriginal, let alone an ordinary person, would have to rest in bed for a few days after receiving threeshes.


    After threeshes, an ordinary person would be half dead.


    The person caught wasn''t unyielding, and it didn''t matter even if he was. Either way, Ren Baqian could easily catch others just by giving an order.


    In Ren Baqian''s mind, these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation weren''t rted to him in any way. After going through the war, they were just a number to him.


    He had seen many dead people, and it didn''t matter if more innocent people were to die.


    ��


    Where there were people, there would be society.


    With more than one person, there would beparison. With more than two people there would be collusion.


    This was true even among the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation who were captured.


    Not only were there social rivalries, there was a martial arts world and even sects.


    This was what Ren Baqian found out over these few days in Gu City.


    There were 67 big and small cities as well as hundreds of sects in Tianjing Basin.


    Initially, the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation were forced into the basin by the rebel forces. Due to the division between different forces, there were many battles between them.


    The mostmon were naturally the ordinary civilians.


    Above them were the army and the sects.


    The army constituted the greater power while the sects were the lesser power. There were struggles within the sects, so some sect members would enter the army to wield power.


    There were three forces in Tianjing Basin and each controlled dozens of cities.


    Plus, the rtionships between these three forces were not monolithic.


    Many of those rebel leaders of different ranks became the warlords or officials.


    There weren''t that many of them, no more than 200,000. The Protectorate of the South was watching and wouldn''t just sit around and let them do something on arge scale.


    Their name was also changed to the city security force while their forces were scattered such that each city ranged from no more than a few thousand soldiers to 10,000 soldiers.


    After all, they still belonged to Dayao, and the imperial court could tolerate a few thousand defenders.


    If they were independent forces, they would be asking for death as they wouldn''t be tolerated.


    Those rebels were badly beaten in the past, could only resort to petty manoeuvres secretly and dared not stir up too much turbulence openly. If they overstepped the line, even the past agreement wouldn''t be able to protect them.


    As for the sects, which numbered in the hundreds, their overall power wasn''t strong.


    Some of the stronger sects escaped Dayao by tramping over the hills to other countries. Those left behind were either weak or sentimentally attached to their homnd.


    Although there were some top experts left, they weren''t able to generate much waves.


    Moreover, Xi Wanya was monitoring them. From time to time, he would execute a group of people if he discovered any untoward movements.


    During those days of battle with Great Xia, he had killed tens of thousands of people.


    Ren Baqian stayed in Gu City for a few days. Besides hearing from the few remnant citizens of the Hao Nation that he caught, other information was acquired from Xi Wanya''s sources. Although he hadn''t entered the basin to see with his own eyes, he had a rough idea of the situation there. He had to wait until he was there in person to confirm the validity of the information obtained.


    Ren Baqian bound together a booklet that contained the notes he hadpiled during this period.


    He went out of his room, strolled past a few courtyards, and heard music being yed from a bamboo instrumenting from another courtyard.


    Upon entering the courtyard, he saw a couple ying a musical instrument made from bamboo. It was like a flute, but was only as long as one palm. The sound produced by it wasn''t that mournful and had its own vor.


    The empress happened to be eating fruits in the room.


    The candy tree was by her side. Ren Baqian had fixed a trolley with four wheels to the tree so that she could be apanied by the tree wherever she went.


    "How are things?" the empress asked as he strode in.


    "I need to take a look in order to know," Ren Baqian replied gently. He sat beside the empress and took a bite of the refreshing fruit which melted in his mouth.


    This was one of the goodies that Xi Wanya had given to the empress.


    "When are we leaving?" The empress brightened up as she was getting bored here.


    She wasn''t really interested in what Ren Baqian was doing.


    The main purpose of this trip was to see what these people were like. They were protected by Dayao, yet harbored evil intentions against Dayao. On the other hand, she didn''t like to be separated from Ren Baqian for several months at a time.


    "I am afraid we will have to be apart from each other in due time," Ren Baqian said. They would be too conspicuous together, and it would be hard to discover the desired information.


    The empress was a little disappointed, but understood that this was a serious matter.


    Ren Baqian asked, "Your Majesty, do you want to follow me back to Earth? Your humble servant will set out after this trip."


    He said he wanted to meet Qi Jiayu, but these days, he was always on the move. The empress also didn''t follow him back to Earth, and he was thinking of quickly settling this matter as he already had a n to resolve the issue.


    He wanted to kill those who deserved to die so as to prevent the mind from mulling over it.


    "Let''s go back and take a look," the empress told Qing Yuan and Hong Luan. She held Ren Baqian''s wrist, and the two disappeared into the room.


    A momentter, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan went out to ask the two musicians to leave.


    After returning to Earth, Ren Baqian and the empress changed their clothes.


    It was the end of midsummer, so the weather was very hot.


    Ren Baqian wanted to ask the empress whether she would like to go for a swim. He longed to see the empress in a swimsuit because she had a figure that would excite a man.


    However, there was a official business to attend to.


    "Your Majesty, do you remember when I said that there was a person who looks the same as you?" Ren Baqian asked


    "I have some interest, but I wonder why you are so eager for me to meet her." The empress smiled at him. She always seem to be more rxed on Earth.


    Over here, she wasn''t the empress of Dayao.


    "It''s indeed true." Ren Baqian nodded. "But the empress must see her first."


    "Very well." The empress nodded her head after seeing his seriousness. Although he was normally easy going, when he said that something was important, it was time to take a look.


    "Your Majesty, this is a new phone." Ren Baqian didn''t rush to leave, but instead took out something from his bag. It was a red phone.


    "What are the differencespared to the previous one?" The empress found this phone to be slimmer, and it turned out to be soft when she touched it.


    "It''s really different." Ren Baqian took the empress''s hand, ced the phone around her wrist, and it became like a watch.


    "This is thetest version." Ren Baqian said with a smile. This phone used thetest technology, which was a flexible screen. In fact, it was already avable two years ago, but only avable on the open market recently.


    "It''s really convenient." The empress nodded.


    "Let''s go." Ren Baqian guided the empress to the car and drove to SH University.


    While in the vi, he had checked the course schedule of Qi Jiayu and found that she should be teaching today.


    The two entered the campus. The ivory tower environment was refreshingly pure whenpared to society. With books in their hands, the to and fro of the students gave the ce an academic atmosphere.


    "Is this Zixiao''s first time visiting a university?" Like a pair of lovers, Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand while walking around the campus.


    "It''s indeed my first time." The empress nodded. She had been brought to an elementary school by Ren Baqian, but those 10 year old kids were radically different from these university students, making her envious.


    Fortunately, Dayao had its own school nowadays. Although there weren''t many students, they were the seeds that would germinateter.


    As the two walked around the campus, her looks and disposition were attracting attention, especially in an ivory tower where students harbored illusions about love.


    They stared at the empress and thought, Our university actually has such a female student? Why haven''t we heard of her before?


    However, after seeing that Ren Baqian was holding her hand, they swore silently, A good cabbage is being eaten by a pig.


    "Wait here." When they reached the teaching block, Ren Baqian stopped walking and waited with the empress under the shade of a tree for Qi Jiayu to finish her lesson.

 Chapter 408 Meeting

    As the ss bell rang, there was anmotion in the teaching block. Students began to rush out from the ssrooms.


    As more and more students poured out, Ren Baqian''s gaze began to search within the crowd.


    The ce where the empress and Ren Baqian were standing had a good field of view. Other people could see the both of them too.


    In particr, many people revealed a look of astonishment upon seeing the empress. They found her indescribably familiar.


    After all, some of these students were Qi Jiayu''s ssmates.


    "She''s out," Ren Baqian spotted a face in the crowd and murmured faintly. Although she had practically the same face as the empress, his gaze was very cold toward her.


    Following Ren Baqian''s gaze, the empress looked over. At first nce, she saw a woman who resembled her. A strong desire to murder her emanated from the empress''s heart. Her eyebrows rose, and her hair rippled even though there wasn''t any wind. The surrounding temperature also fell by a lot.


    "This is a very strange feeling," the empress said in an ice-cold voice. At this moment, she knew why Ren Baqian had to let her meet her doppelganger.


    Ren Baqian could sense her desire to kill and wasn''t surprised at all.


    He said unenthusiastically, "This is exactly how I felt when I saw the Seventh Prince back then."


    "Is there a connection?" The empress could sense his unspoken implication.


    "Maybe there is something rted that we don''t know." Ren Baqian didn''t know what was involved, but he knew this desire to kill didn''t arise without a good reason.


    While the both of them were chatting, Qi Jiayu sensed that something wasn''t right. She then looked over in their direction.


    Upon seeing the empress''s face, she was instantly stunned. After that, a look of horror was shown on her face as she halted in her tracks.


    After the ssmates who were with her saw her reaction and noticed the empress, they were astounded.


    As he could sense the killing intent of the empress growing stronger, Ren Baqian gently said, "Don''t kill her now."


    Back then, when he just came back from the battlefield, his desire to kill was so strong that it was as if he had been tempted by a demon. These days, the peaceful life helped to significantly reduce his killing intent. This time around, he could actually control himself and remembered what he had agreed upon.


    Qi Jiayu walked toward the both of them. She took a nce at Ren Baqian and asked suspiciously, "This is?"


    She always knew that she was very pretty, and even if she met someone who was prettier than herself, it was nothing surprising. What she didn''t expect, however, was that she would meet a woman who was ssier, but looked exactly like her.


    Even though they resembled each other,pared to the other party, Qi Jiayu was like Cindere while the empress was a princess.


    Qi Jiayu had an urge inside her heart since she wanted to be someone like the empress. The aura of the empress, as well as the aloof vibe she emitted, made Qi Jiayu not only envious, but also jealous.


    Ren Baqian cautiously stared into Qi Jiayu''s eyes. As expected, he sensed hostility from her. However, an ordinary girl like her wouldn''t have any desire to kill.


    "She indeed resembles you. This world is really wonderful." Ren Baqian smiled, but people couldn''t see that he was actually being indifferent.


    "Are you all here just to find me?" Qi Jiayu hid her inner thoughts and smiled at the both of them.


    "I guess so. She heard that there was someone who looks very much like her. Thus, out of curiosity, she came here to take a look," Ren Baqian said with a smile. "Now that she has met you, it''s time for us to take our leave."


    "Oh." Qi Jiayu didn''t know how to respond to what Ren Baqian said. Plus, the empress''s appearance made her feel uneasy. Just now, she even had to control herself in order to sh a smile.


    "Let''s go." Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand.


    Before he left, he turned around, nodded his head to send his regards, and said, "Goodbye."


    He was afraid that a murder case would take ce at the university if the empress continued to stay here.


    Qi Jiayu stared nkly at the two of them as they held hands and left. She even forgot to ask about the issue that Ren Baqian had told her previously. He said that she would meet those certain few people, but a few months had already passed without her running into any of them. At first, she still wanted to casually ask him about it, but now, it was at the back of her mind.


    "How do you feel?" After getting into the car, Ren Baqian sat in the seat and turned to look at the empress.


    "Very weird. I feel like killing her." There was a hint of regret in the empress''s eyes.


    She was different from Ren Baqian. She was the fifth most powerful expert in the other world, and her mental state was always under control.


    It was really weird for her to have the desire to kill a stranger.


    She wanted to investigate its cause even more than Ren Baqian.


    "You said that you felt like this when you met the Seventh Prince?" the empress asked.


    "That''s right. I''m sure that the Seventh Prince felt the same way too," Ren Baqian replied coolly.


    "Back then, when I saw her, the desire to kill rose in my heart. At that time, I didn''t understand why I felt that way. Later on, I learned that there was a fraction of your soul in my body and understood that there was a connection between Qi Jiayu and you."


    "Any thoughts?" the empress questioned Ren Baqian.


    "A little." Ren Baqian nodded and talked about his opinion at that time, "In the past, there was a movie with a very interesting plot. There were many doppelgangers of the main character in a countless numbers of parallel universes. Everytime he killed one of the doppelgangers, he would grow a little stronger."


    "Were there any changes to your body after the Seventh Prince died?" the empress asked.


    "The period right after the Seventh Prince died was also the period when I entered the [Ruyi Visualization]. I''m unsure if there is any connection." Ren Baqian wasn''t particrly clear about this matter, but in his opinion, there had probably been changes.


    It just so happened that he was in the [Ruyi Visualization] when the Seventh Prince died.


    The empress was silent for a long time before she said, "Leave her be, and don''t kill her. She might be useful for when I want to break through the Cardinal Heaven stage. My intuition tells me so."


    The empress was already at the peak of Cardinal Heaven. If she made a breakthrough, she would reach Longevity Heaven, which was equivalent to the strength of the first emperor of Dayao.


    After attaining Longevity Heaven, the first emperor left with many officials and strong soldiers. He had never been seen again after that.


    Upon hearing what the empress said, Ren Baqian was slightly worried.


    "How long before you can break through Cardinal Heaven?"


    "The fastest would be three to five years, while the slowest could take up to decades." The empress was unsure as well. She still had one more step to ovee, but was unsure how long it would take.


    "Decades would mean over 100 years on Earth. I can''t ensure that my bones would still be intact by then." Ren Baqian chuckled.


    Soon after, he continued, "If you attain Longevity Heaven, will you leave Dayao? Just like the first emperor?"


    The empress kept mum and only replied after some time, "I don''t know what will happen. Perhaps I''ll find out when I attain Longevity Heaven."


    Ren Baqian held onto her hand and said in a delicate, soft, and sincere tone, "If you want to leave, remember to bring me along."


    "The first emperor didn''te back, and I''m not sure if he''s dead or alive. Not a single person who went with him came back. I''m afraid that there is danger lurking over there."


    "I have said it before. Even if I''m in the underworld, I would still look up at the sky to see you." Ren Baqian ced his face on the empress''s cheek, and the empress thought that he wanted to kiss her. She was moved by his words as he was extremely charismatic. Never did she expect that he only gently rubbed his face against hers.


    Both of their cheeks came into contact and they were able to feel each other''s warmth.


    The empress''s fragrance was also transmitted into Ren Baqian''s nose.


    A fuzzy feeling arose in their hearts.


    "However, Your Majesty has to wait for me. Otherwise, if you make a breakthrough first, I''m afraid that we won''t know when we can get married and have children." Ren Baqian retracted his head and grinned.


    The empress felt a little humiliated. She then smacked his hand.


    Pow.


    Ren Baqian touched the back of his hand that was red and swollen. His hand got swollen so frequently that it had be a habit.


    However, he had to increase his speed of cultivation. Otherwise, if the empress made a breakthrough before him��


    Ren Baqian wondered how long it would take for Ning Caichen to deliver the xueke as it would be very effective toward his cultivation.


    He not only had to attain the Earth Wheel level, but also the Spirit Wheel level. Otherwise, how could he catch up to the empress''s pace.


    He was hoping that the empress''s pace would be slower since he had yet to build Dayao into the country that she envisioned. Yet, if her pace was too slow, then Qi Jiayu might have died by then.


    He had to put in more effort.


    After sitting for a while, he drove to the Messier 87 department. Previously, Yang Sen said that there was progress in the research. Now, it was time for him to check out the situation.

 Chapter 409 Miserable Exper

    When Yang Sen saw Ren Baqian, he got up and said, "The two of you are just in time. I''m heading out now, so why not follow me to take a look?"


    "Does it have anything to do with us?" Ren Baqian inquired.


    "A little. We''ll talk moreter," Yang Sen answered.


    A total of three cars drove out from the carpark of the building where the Messier 87 office was located.


    Yang Sen then exined, "This issue does not have that much to do with the both of you. It''s actually about the martial arts manuals that the both of you brought over."


    As Yang Sen gave an ount of the issue, Ren Baqian realized something interesting.


    A Man Wheel expert had appeared on Earth, someone who had truly attained the Man Wheel level. Furthermore, he was someone outside of the organization and had trained hard entirely on his own.


    It was necessary to understand that Earth didn''t have a systematic cultivation practice like the other world.


    Although there were also people who practiced Daoism, worshipped Buddha or practiced martial arts, they didn''t only follow one path. Due to the limitations of the environment, it was difficult to achieve too high.


    After Ren Baqian provided the martial arts manual, only one batch of experts broke through the Man Wheel level within a short span of time.


    This person, however, had read extensively, summed up the experiences of his predecessors, and cultivated for many years. As such, he was able to create a set of martial arts skills that was at the Man Wheel level. This was something that not many people could achieve.


    Just from this point, this person was considered extremely remarkable.


    The problem didn''t lie here, but on another point.


    This man had been cultivating for many years and made a breakthrough in one go. He attained the Man Wheel level and was full of mettle, believing that he was number one in the world. He assumed that no one would be able to surpass his level. On the basis of his predecessors, he advanced the cultivation methods to an entirely new level.


    After ten years of hard work, he became invincible. He couldn''t continue to stay in the mountains, right?


    The situation where one is rich yet he or she doesn''t want to go back to his or her hometown, was akin to one wearing nice clothes and walking around at night.


    This person held it in for a few decades, so he naturally wouldn''t behave this way. On the contrary, he was prepared to be famous.


    He wanted to send out a heroic invitation to all the people in the "martial arts" circle and set up the stage to challenge all the outstanding heroes on Earth.


    If one were to discuss the advancement of cultivation methods made by him, it was rather admirable. What a pity that he was overly domineering.


    Hundreds of experts who had attained the Man Wheel level through the martial arts manuals provided by Ren Baqian were ready to give him a good beating.


    A certain person cultivated hard in the mountains for several decades. When he came out, he believed that he was the best in the world. In the end, the world had changed so greatly that even children could match up to him.


    This was the rough result.


    It was very vivid and also very unfortunate.


    If Ren Baqian didn''t provide the martial arts manuals, perhaps he would really be the most well-known person in the world and someone that everyone knew.


    His name might even have been recorded down in history.


    Such a pity��


    Ren Baqian was betweenughter and tears. This person was indeed pathetic.


    However, the reason why Yang Sen brought him and the empress along wasn''t solely because of this pathetic expert.


    Yang Sen wanted them to take a look at the people that the nation had cultivated.


    After all, everything they had umted previously had been consumed after attaining the Man Wheel level. After that, their cultivation speed would definitely decrease.


    For a very long time, he had wanted to receive pointers from Ren Baqian and the empress. However, the duo hadn''t been visiting the Messier 87 department. This time, he made use of the opportunity to drag the both of them along with him.


    In particr, the empress''s strength was far beyond the limits of a human being since she came from the other world. If she could give some pointers, they would definitely cut down on the number of detours.


    After figuring out Yang Sen''s thoughts, Ren Baqian turned to look at the empress and saw that she was daydreaming. He wondered what was going on in her mind.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that she was still thinking about the Qi Jiayu issue.


    After driving for nearly two hours, they finally arrived at their destination, which was another vi.


    In front of the vi, there was a humongous courtyard with an elevated stage in the middle. There were people of all ages in the vi. Some of them were holding onto cloth bags that contained weapons, and the type of weapon could be seen from the shapes of the bags. There were also people who wrapped their weapons so tightly that nobody could make out what the weapons were.


    One of the middle-aged men wore a Tang suit and was standing at the top. He had short hair, looked mentally alert, and had a pair of bright eyes.


    Yang Sen brought Ren Baqian and the empress along with him. Immediately, someone guided them to their seats.


    "Chief Yang," the people nearby whispered. After all, Yang Sen was an influential person and shouldn''t be treated with great fanfare in such a ce.


    After waiting for a long time, a group of people came out of the vi. One of them was tall and had a squarish face. He gave a faint smile and was the most attractive person in the crowd.


    Everyone sat down before someone came to the stage and said, "Today, many of us with amon interest have gathered together presumably for the recent news. After mastering different martial arts from different sects, Senior Bai has finally made an advancement in the predecessors'' path��"


    Ren Baqain started to feel bored after hearing the introduction.


    To put it bluntly, the speech was bragging about his own achievements and would then open up the stage to challenge the other outstanding heroes.


    All of a sudden, someone within the crowd asked, "Will Senior Bai go public with the type of martial arts he has mastered?"


    Immediately, a group of people followed suit with the same question.


    After all, this group of people didn''te to fight, but came to find out the method that could break through one''s limitations.


    The person on the stage smiled a little and then said, "If anyone got ahold of such a skill, they naturally wouldn''t announce it. As the founder, however, Senior Bai has a broad mind and is willing to announce his painstaking efforts after all these years. Together with everyone, he willpile the ''Art of War''��"


    After that, there was a lot of noise as many people asked what this meant.


    It turned out that Senior Bai didn''t only invite these outstanding heroes, but had also invited them topile this "Art of War" together in order to incorporate the exercises of the various sects into this "Art of War."


    After his speech, everyone began to hesitate.


    "As the number one expert on Earth, Senior Bai is even willing to announce his secret skills andpile them into the "Art of War." Can it be that everyone here still wants to retain their sect secrets?" the person on stage continued with another question.


    "Number one on Earth? Who acknowledged that?" someone shouted immediately.


    Ren Baqian immediately perked up after hearing the conversation. The atmosphere was finally getting lively. The purpose of himing wasn''t to witness their meeting.


    That so-called Senior Bai didn''t get angry. He got up from his seat and cracked all of his joints from head to toe. Thereafter, he appeared on the stage in just one movement.


    His movement was elegant and actually garnered a lot of apuse.


    "We''ll talk about the ''Art of War''ter on. This time, I have invited everyone because I wanted to check out the standards of the experts on Earth. Does anyone want toe up for an experience?" The middle-aged man spoke in a crisp voice and was scheming in his heart. No matter what he said, there would definitely be someone who objected to his idea. He would showcase his skills on stage first so that things would go smoothlyter on.


    After all, he had confidence in his own skills.


    It wasn''t that he belittled all the other outstanding heroes, but apart from him, everyone else was a mediocre person in his eyes.


    "Let me have a go." Someone immediately jumped onto the stage.


    "My name is Yang Huai, and I''m a nobody. I would like to have a taste of the number one expert''s skills." He was a man in his early thirties who had an extremely ferocious vibe.


    "Pfft! Cough, cough!" Yang Sen, who was drinking tea below the stage, saw the person who jumped onto the stage and immediately choked. He turned to the side and said softly, "In any case, you should let Senior Bai win two matches first. How could you send Yang Huai up? You are basically pping him on the face."


    "Previously, this Bai Yuhe was extremely arrogant. Yang Huai already tried to hold it in, but decided to humiliate him," the person next to him whispered.


    Seeing Yang Sen''s reaction, Ren Baqian immediately knew that this was one of the experts they were cultivating.


    At this moment, he felt very excited. After all, he was also at the Man Wheel level and wanted to see how strong the other Man Wheel experts were, particrly because they were on Earth.


    He had read martial arts novels from a young age and grew up with martial arts movies. Xingyiquan, Liuhequan, Taijiquan, Baguazhang, etc. were all martial arts that he had heard of since childhood. Ever since then, he had always been curious about these martial arts.


    Now that he was a Man Wheel expert, he wanted topare their martial arts with the [Boxing of Death] that he had mastered.

 Chapter 410 Despair

    Ren Baqian fixed his attention on the stage, waiting to see the standards of those two people.


    Even though he wasn''t very strong, he had a pretty keen eye. After all, Spirit Wheel experts were all over the ce in Dayao, while Earth Wheel experts were no better than dogs. After so much exposure to people with such strength, the way he viewed things became different as well.


    The way Yang Huai leaped onto the stage didn''t reveal much about him. It was obvious that he didn''t want to reveal his level to his opponent and wanted the opponent to charge forward blindly.


    Indeed, Bai Yuhe was fooled.


    "The world''s number one expert. Even though they are just words of praise, I feel that I''m still worthy of that title." Bai Yuhe smiled. Even though what he said was very ordinary, the arrogance from his words was pretty obvious.


    After all, he''d progressed far ahead of his predecessors in terms of martial arts. This was something that not many people could achieve. Solely based on this point, he was sufficiently justified in his pride.


    It was a pity that he got it wrong from the very start.


    The times had changed. It was an exceptionally remarkable feat that he had spent over ten years in the mountains honing his skills. However, his craft was already outdated by the time he left the mountains.


    "There''s only one way to find out," Yang Huai said as he stood in front of his opponent.


    Everyone below the stage concentrated their attention as they waited for the bout to begin.


    Both parties cupped their hands in greeting, which was a form of etiquette.


    Regardless of what they were thinking about, the bare minimum of etiquette was still required. The virtue of martial arts and etiquette had always been an important part of the tradition and culture. They were both deeply inculcated in everyone.


    After the greeting wasplete, Bai Yuhe stretched one arm forward and assumed a half stance, waiting for his opponent to strike. He had already made up his mind to win this bout beautifully.


    If he were to only barely win after tangling with his opponent for a long time, it wouldn''t showcase his abilities.


    Seeing that Bai Yuhe shifted into his stance, Yang Huai charged forward with a series of steps and his fist struck toward his opponent''s chest.


    That fist brought about a whistling sound, which immediately made Bai Yuhe look stunned.


    He was initially clueless, but this move had immediately allowed him to gauge his opponent''s strength, which wasn''t very far off from his own.


    "How is this possible?" Bai Yuhe was in shock. He was only able to attain his current level after practicing a derivative method and had self-proimed that this method far exceeded any of today''s experts. Then, there came this person who surprisingly had reached a simr level to himself. How could this be?


    Nheless, his own movements weren''t slow either. He immediately exchanged blows with his opponent.


    After both of them unleashed a few moves on the stage, everyone below them suddenly looked very tense.


    Regardless of whether it was speed or strength, both of their abilities had greatly exceeded the crowd. Everyone below the stage knew that if they themselves were up there fighting, they would definitely get beaten off the stage after a few moves.


    Even though the strength of a Man Wheel expert was merely the standard level of an ordinary person in Dayao, it in fact far exceeded most normal people already.


    One had to know that a Man Wheel expert could exert up to 7,500 newtons of force. For a few gifted experts, they could even surpass this figure.


    This was in terms of the strength of both arms.


    The two of them started off with better foundations than Ren Baqian. After they attained the Man Wheel level, they could exert about 4,000 newtons of force, which wasn''t something a normal person could hold a candle to.


    Furthermore, in terms of speed, they were much faster than normal people. Ordinary people found it hard to even see their movements clearly.


    Bai Yuhe had such capabilities, and this was exactly what everyone had expected of him.


    However, Yang Huai, who jumped onto the stage all of a sudden, actually possessed such capabilities as well. It was beyond everyone''s expectations.


    Immediately, many people started asking around to find out which sect Yang Huai hailed from and who his master was. How could someone as skillful as him actually be unknown?


    Many people also began to rejoice at Bai Yuhe''s misfortune. What was going to happen next would be very interesting because Bai Yuhe had had to face off with such an expert just as he got up on the stage.


    Both men had simr builds, and all that was left was topare the levels of their kicks and punches.


    Although Bai Yuhe was a little more arrogant, one could have a good gauge of his intelligence by looking at how he had managed improve and surpass the martial arts of his predecessors.


    Not only their skills, but their kicks and punches were formidable as well. After exchanging about eight blows, Bai Yuhe''s arm struck Yang Huai''s hips like a cannon, and he was sent flying off the stage.


    After knocking Yang Huai off the stage, Bai Yuhe withdrew his stance andmended, "Great skills."


    "Let me give it a shot!" Another person immediately leaped onto the stage and asked, "Do you need a break?"


    "Let''s get started." Bai Yuhe cupped his hands and greeted.


    After both of them exchanged blows, Bai Yuhe immediately felt strange. This contender was actually at a simr level to himself, and he wasn''t any weaker than the previous guy.


    Where do these two experts hail from? Bai Yuhe wondered to himself. What made him puzzled was that he had only been able to attain the strength and speed that these two opponents had after making a breakthrough. How did the two of them do it?


    After yet another eight moves, Bai Yuhe knocked his opponent off the stage. Before he could even catch his breath, another contender hopped onto the stage.


    "Let me give it a shot as well."


    Bai Yuhe was speechless.


    Unexpectedly, the new contender''s abilities also weren''t too far off from his own. The only difference was actually in their moves. How could he possibly not be rmed if these men here were only a fraction away from the limit breaking physique that he was so intensely proud of.


    Previously, when he was facing the first and second contender, he still believed that they were exceptionally gifted to be on par with himself.


    However, after the appearance of the third contender, he started to feel that something wasn''t right.


    Not only did he feel that something wasn''t right, the others began to feel the same as well.


    None of these three challengers were very old. They were all roughly between 25 to 30 years old. From the looks of their moves, they didn''t seem to hail from the same sect either. However, all of them actually had such strength, and it was hard for the crowd below not to grow suspicious.


    When the fourth contender ascended onto the stage, Bai Yuhe began to ponder what exactly the issue was.


    After the fourth contender got beaten off the stage, Bai Yuhe''s face didn''t look too good, and he couldn''t help but to take a rest on the stage.


    He self-proimed that his achievements had far exceeded his predecessors and those of his generation.


    Is it me that is too weak or is it that there are too many experts in this world?


    What exactly is going on?


    Bai Yuhe started to doubt himself.


    Could it be that something huge had urred in the outside world? Had someone made a breakthrough and announced their methods? However, ording to what he knew, nothing of the sort had happened.


    But, what was happening now?


    After Bai Yuhe had rested enough, the fifth contender came onto the stage. He was actually slightly stronger than the fourth guy.


    This time around, Bai Yuhe barely won after the both of them exchanged about 40 strikes.


    Then, came the sixth contender��


    Bai Yuhe was extremely pale, but it wasn''t that he couldn''t fight anymore.


    He thought that he was already the number one expert in the world after making his breakthrough, yet never had he expected that the few people that randomly leaped up on the stage were all of the same level.


    Did the world change too much or could he no longerprehend?


    Could it be that everyone in the outside world had already attained such strength?


    If so, wouldn''t his actions be nothing more than a joke?


    Not only was he the only one thinking such things, everyone in the crowd below felt the same way as well.


    They weren''t blind and could naturally see that the strength of those contenders far exceeded their own.


    It was understandable if one or two such people appeared from the crowd. However, after seeing so many experts appear all at once, they had all started to question themselves and wondered if they were trash.


    By nurturing these practitioners through the means of Ren Baqian''s martial arts manuals, the nation''s motive this time was to give Bai Yuhe a p to the face. However, they had never expected to kill the confidence of Bai Yuhe and the rest of the people.


    "This man is pretty good," Ren Baqian said softly to Yang Sen.


    Combining all the martial arts of his predecessors and creating a method to breakthrough to the Man Wheel level was already considered quite a feat. Besides, it was very tough to create his own way of martial arts. Regardless of where he went, such a person would never obliterate everyone.


    If not for Ren Baqian''s methods, Bai Yuhe probably would be able to raise Earth''s martial arts up a notch.


    Besides, his fighting techniques were considered preeminent.


    "Not bad indeed." Yang Sen nodded. Such talents should be recruited by the nation.


    Even though Yang Sen''s role was to get Ren Baqian and the empress to take a look at the rest of their people, his objective was to observe this Bai Yuhe.


    However, before recruiting Bai Yuhe into their organization, his pride must first be stripped away.


    At present, Bai Yuhe had beaten the eighth contender off the stage and had a self-deprecating look on his face.


    He had originally thought that he was number one in the world. Never had he expected that all eight contenders were on his level.


    What was he fighting for?


    Maybe a ten year old kid would jump forward and also be at the same level.


    Thinking back to over a decade of hardship and training, thinking back on all that joy he felt for all the progress that he made, he had thought that all of it was scenery on his climb to greatness. Now, however, he only saw it as a joke.


    It would be better off if he returned to farming��


    After over a decade of training, even though Bai Yuhe had fought and won all eight rounds, the self-proimed number one martial arts expert in the world was in despair.


    The blow was too great.

 Chapter 411 Progress in the Laboratory

    "I''m not fighting anymore��" Bai Yuhe looked at the ninth person who jumped onto the stage. He was disheartened.


    It wasn''t necessary to continue fighting.


    "Why? Are you afraid?" The ninth contender was a woman, and she shot an icy re at him.


    "Everyone, the joke is on me. It turns out that I am a frog in a well, and it''s better for me to return to the mountains��" Bai Yuhe ignored what the woman said and waved at the crowd. Anyone could see that he was feeling despair at this moment.


    It''s better for me to go back to the mountains and farm.


    This time around, there wasn''t any difference if I left the mountains or not.


    The so-called martial arts skills that I have cultivated are all a joke.


    Every challenger''s skill level was simr to Bai Yuhe''s, yet he had been immeasurably self-satisfied and assumed that he had reached a level that his predecessors were unable to attain.


    These nine people made him feelpletely ignorant.


    Even if he defeated the ninth contender, there were 100 contenders in total.


    In fact, after the first person appeared, he lost hispetitive edge over them.


    The crowd below didn''t have much of a reaction toward Bai Yuhe''s words. Apart from this batch of experts cultivated by the nation, the other people were all skeptical of the situation.


    They were skeptical and wondered if their entire life had been wasted.


    When did the world be like this?


    Their skills weren''t evenparable to Bai Yuhe''s skills. When they learned that Bai Yuhe had broken through the limits of their predecessors, they were extremely excited.


    In particr, the skills Bai Yuhe disyed when he sparred with others was sufficient to make them believe that what he said was true.


    Yet, what was going on with these contenders continuously jumping on the stage to challenge him?


    Just from the speed and strength demonstrated, each and every contender just now surpassed the rest of the crowd, not to mention the expertise and types of moves executed. They were practically at aparable level with Bai Yuhe.


    One had to know that they were all well-known experts in the martial arts circle. Naturally, the outstanding heroes who Bai Yuhe had invited were all these famous experts.


    Yet, how did these contenderse about? Each and every one of them was an expert whose skills had surpassed the outstanding heroes. They were also outsiders without any reputation. Where did theye from?


    Could it be that Bai Yuhe was just a paper tiger? A thought like this emerged in the minds of the outstanding heroes, but they immediately got rid of it. After all, both parties were fighting on the stage, and the audience was not blind. Everyone was able to observe their power and speed.


    The eight matches on the stage had already made the outstanding heroes doubt their own lives.


    Could it currently be that there were such skilled experts everywhere in this world and only the bunch of them were as feeble as a chicken?


    Ren Baqian could feel that the atmosphere became chilly right after Bai Yuhe finished his words. Bai Yuhe didn''t even turn around and entered the vi. Ren Baqian somewhat sympathized with him.


    In fact, this person was rather capable as he made an advancement in his martial arts skills on his own. This wasn''t something that anyone could achieve.


    Such a pity.


    "How was it? Any pointers to give?" Yang Sen smiled at Ren Baqian.


    On the surface, it seemed that Ren Baqian and the previous contenders were simr in strength because they were all Man Wheel experts. This was something obvious to the nation.


    Yang Sen, however, had confidence in Ren Baqian.


    After all, Ren Baqian was someone who travelled to and fro from the other world and had obtained first hand experience. As such, these contenders were certainly no match for him.


    "Forget it." Ren Baqian shook his head. Even though he practiced the [Boxing of Death], apart from getting thrashed by the little lolita, he had no fighting experience yet.


    If he was able to use a gun, he might be able to win, but this stage obviously didn''t allow the use of guns.


    It would be quite embarrassing if he were to meet with an opponent that he was no match for.


    If he was unable to defeat his opponent in the other world, it wasn''t a big deal, but if he was thrashed by the people on Earth, it would be an utter humiliation for him.


    He wasn''t confident in a head-to-head fight.


    It would be better for him to go back and practice diligently for another 50 years�� At that time, this group of people would probably be dead.


    He was a little terrified as sparring had never been his forte.


    In two years, he would probably attain the Earth Wheel level. By then, he would only need one hand to thrash them. He would be a fool if he challenged them at this point in time.


    Someone beside Yang Sen sneered softly and muttered, "Coward!"


    In fact, they had been paying attention to Ren Baqian and Yang Sen''s conversation. They had also been trying to guess his identity right from the beginning.


    When they heard that Yang Sen had asked Ren Baqian for some pointers, they were somewhat dissatisfied. As such, they looked down on Ren Baqian when he rejected Yang Sen.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head and took a quick look at that person. It was a man in histe twenties, and he was currently looking at him from the side. This person''s gaze was full of provocation.


    Ren Baqian calmly fished out a pistol, pointed it at that person, and said, "You might die if I throw this punch at you."


    Yang Sen didn''t know what to say.


    Everyone else was speechless too.


    Since Ren Baqian was gripping the handle of the gun, it indeed looked like a fist. However, there was the body of the gun as well as the muzzle on top of this fist! There wasn''t a need to throw a punch. If he fired the gun at such proximity, even an immortal wouldn''t be able to dodge the bullet.


    He actually brought something like this?


    "Mr. Ren��" Yang Sen didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "I''m joking��" Ren Baqianughed out loud. "What era is it now that it still involves fighting and killing? What''s the point of cultivating martial arts? It''s to strengthen our body, not to use it for fighting with others. We are the sessors of socialism, and what we have to strive hard for is the construction of the Four Modernizations. It would be unreasonable for us to fight and kill people�� [The Four Modernizations were goals first set forth by Deng Xiaoping to strengthen the fields of agriculture, industry, national defense, and science/technology in China.]


    Yang Sen thought, It seems as if you were ready to destroy his entire family. You still have the cheek to say such words?


    "Actually, I have been waiting since I was a child, waiting for my mothend to summon me to be a sessor�� but I have waited until now." Ren Baqian recalled that he had been waiting for so many years and found it somewhat regretful.


    "In the future, you will be Dayao''s imperial consort! What sessor are you talking about?" Originally, the empress was staring into nk space, but after hearing what Ren Baqian said, she was immediately discontent.


    "I was just kidding." Ren Baqian held the empress''s hand and squeezed it once.


    The empress casually squeezed his hand back too.


    It could be seen with the naked eye that his hand began to swell.


    Yang Sen, who was beside him, became slightly distracted. What the empress just said revealed a lot of things about the other world.


    Previously, when Ren Baqian requested weapons to fight a war, he already knew that a nation existed as well as the fact that there was an ongoing war over in the other world, which he termed as a paradise.


    Furthemore, this Miss Qi should be someone from that nation.


    If Ren Baqian were to be an imperial consort in the other world, that meant his status was rather high.


    Yang Sen pondered for a while and felt that this was a piece of important news.


    The higher the position Ren Baqian reached in that world, the greater his value would be.


    Ren Baqian turned and said, "Let''s go. You said that there was progress the previous time. Tell me more about it."


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, Yang Sen didn''t force him to stay any longer. He informed the person behind him and left with Ren Baqian and the empress.


    "Mr. Ren, is your hand alright?" Yang Sen asked upon discovering that one of his hands was as swollen as a pig''s trotter.


    "It''s alright. I''m used to it." Ren Baqian had a carefree expression on his face.


    Wasn''t it just a little swollen? It would hurt for a little while, but in no time, it would stop hurting.


    When they returned with Yang Sen, the sky was already dark. They declined Yang Sen''s invitation to eat and went to learn about the recent progress of theboratory.


    There had been a lot of progress. After all, there were supeputers and various modern instruments. The progress of various research projects wasn''tparable to those of the past.


    In the past, issues which used to take half a lifetime to calcte, verify, and discover might only need a few days or even a few hours to resolve.


    What caught Ren Baqian''s attention pertained to the martial arts manuals as well as the test results from analyzing a Man Wheel expert.


    With these results, the progress on the derivation of the martial arts manuals was very fast.


    The four martial arts manuals that Ren Baqian brought had been fully optimized by the team in theboratory. As such, the cultivation methods became more refined and simpler.


    Of course, this was because the martial arts manuals supplied by Ren Baqian were very simple.


    There weren''t many aspects involved in these simple martial arts manuals. As their potential wasn''t great, it was easier to modify them.


    After optimization by theboratory, the skills in these simple martial arts manuals became even stronger than before. If full marks was 5 points, the original power of these martial arts manuals was only 2 points, the speed of cultivation was 2 points, and they had a potential of another 2 points. After optimization, all aspects actually reached 2.5 points, which rigidly increased by another level.


    Ren Baqian couldn''t help but marvel at such progress, so much so that he even wanted to hand over his [Ruyi Visualization].


    One other thing that Ren Baqian cared about was that they had discovered some new substances in the blood of the Man Wheel experts that the nation had cultivated.


    Among them were amine molecules.


    Theboratory named it polypropmine and distributed them in the blood of the Man Wheel experts.


    Its greatest role was to convert a part of the nutrients in blood into another substance.


    This type of substance was the so-called "qi" produced by the cultivation of the essence blood in Man Wheel experts.

 Chapter 412 Leaving For Tianjing Basin

    Over the past few months, there had been a lot of progress at the Messier 87 department. Ren Baqian was overjoyed.


    Even though martial arts in the other world was very advanced and had its own cultivation system, itcked the perfect scientific research that could be found on Earth, which could fundamentally solve all aspect of cultivation.


    As long as more time was given and after the cultivation skill set trickled into the army, schools, and even society, Earth would enter the era of cultivation.


    That kind of future could be anticipated.


    Since these skills already existed, it was impossible for them to be kept in the dark.


    If everyone began to cultivate, the entire fabric of society would certainly change too. Everyone would be affected by the impact of this wave.


    There were some good aspects, such as the fact that the national football could finally be saved.


    The dreaded effects would be the social problems caused by the peoples'' gain in strength.


    However, the country would certainly develop aprehensive n to adapt to the new social order.


    Ren Baqian didn''t need to consider these issues. These were issues that the nation had to think about.


    He was very optimistic toward such situations.


    Since this world had been dull for too long, such changes would bring about a very interesting future.


    As for whether such a future would have an impact on Ren Baqian and the empress''s current status, he wasn''t worried at all.


    He was at the peak of this era and standing on the crest of the wave. Everything started off with him.


    As for the nation, the empress only needed one more step before she attained Longevity Heaven. Even if there were an abundance of Earth Wheel experts on Earth, the empress''s strength could still act as a deterrent against everyone.


    However, for this scenario to happen on Earth, a long time would probably need to pass.


    Now, the biggest limitation in the world didn''t only concern these skills, but also included ingredients and environments, unless Earth also had the same kind of foods that could enrich one''s blood and vital breath. Even if one had innate talent, it would take a long time before he or she would be able to attain the Earth Wheel level just by relying on meat.


    After walking around the Messier 87 department, Ren Baqian obtained various documents and returned to his vi with the empress.


    For the time being, he didn''t need to care about what was going on over here. It was difficult to get to the stage that would reach his expectations.


    He would retain the documents.


    The documents rted to cultivation on Earth were also rtively useful for the other world.


    In the future, perhaps he could teach the students at the ck Bamboo Academy how to cultivate scientifically?


    That seemed pretty good.


    Over the next two days, the empress yed with her new cell phone in the vi. This type of cell phone, which could also be used as a watch, made her feel content.


    "Eh? What kind of game are you ying?" Ren Baqin walked over, extended his head, and looked at the cell phone''s screen. He realized that it was a scene in a game.


    "I think it''s called Arena of Valor?" the empress casually replied. When she was fiddling with the phone back then, she saw an advertisement for Arena of Valor and was attracted to it.


    [Arena of Valor, is an international adaptation of Wangzhe Rongyao, a multiyer online battle arena developed and published by Tencent Games.]


    "It''s time for dinner." Ren Baqianughed.


    He wasn''t worried that the other teammates would be a burden for the empress because the empress would be the one who was a burden.


    Those who were on her team had to be prepared to y the game with one less teammate.


    After finishing their dinner, the two of them sat on the sofa and yed Arena of Valor.


    A few minutester, three people who were thousands of miles away nearly smashed their phones at the same time.


    It was annoying to meet a deadweight teammate, let alone meeting two of them?


    At night, the two of them huddled in the brightly lit vi and created trouble for their teammates. This made the both of them ecstatic.


    ��


    After staying on Earth for a few days, they finally returned to Dayao. Ren Baqian divided his students into five groups, assigned them a task, and instructed everyone to enter Tianjing Basin.


    This so-called task was to make them use their own eyes to see the living conditions and social dynamics of the Hao Nation''s remnant citizens. He wanted his students to understand their thoughts and think about how to deal with them.


    They had never learned anything like this before. Ren Baqian wanted to seriously understand the part that most people in this country didn''t understand and reflect on the situation.


    Regardless of whether what they saw, thought, and learned was in line with Ren Baqian''s opinion or not, this was a very important part of their lives.


    Setting up an academy to educate people wasn''t purely about teaching from textbooks, but also about educating someone morally.


    "Teacher, we will be setting off." The next day, everyone bade farewell to Ren Baqian.


    The task which Ren Baqian assigned to them made them rather excited.


    This was their first time leaving a familiar environment to do something very meaningful.


    ording to Ren Baqian''s words at that time, what they saw and learned would affect the future of tens of millions of people.


    As he looked at the young, tender, and familiar faces in the courtyard, Ren Baqian couldn''t help but say, "Be careful."


    Even though these students were all at least Man Wheel experts, every team had at least one student who was an Earth Wheel expert and acted as the leader. With these conditions, they should be able to protect themselves.


    However, Ren Baqian was still somewhat worried.


    After all, they were only kids. The oldest student was only 18 years old, while the youngest was 11 years old.


    Du Laoliu pped his chest and said, "Rest assured, if anyone dares to find trouble with me, I''ll twist his or her head off and kick it like a ball."


    "Don''t get your head twisted by others." Immediately, someoneughed.


    "Who dares? Hasn''t everyone seen my huge fist before?" Du Laoliu raised his fist and threatened everyone.


    "Garbage!" The little lolita gave him the side-eye. Shepletely looked down on him.


    ��


    "Safety is still the priority," Ren Baqian said faintly. "A knife isn''t required to kill someone. If someone is targeting you, just a bunch of drugs can cause you to lose conscious. At that time, I wouldn''t dispatch anyone to save any of you since I can''t afford to lose any additional people. Even if I wanted to save you, your life and death might not be under your control anymore. Under such circumstances, I might not even be able to save you. Even though Tianjing Basin is in Dayao, it''s very different from what all of you know. The people there are veryplicated."


    "Yes, understood." Everyone''s mood became solemn after listening to what Ren Baqian said.


    "Time to set off," Ren Baqian said with his hands behind his back as his students left the courtyard smiling.


    After everyone left, Ren Baqian looked at the departing figures and softly murmured, "I hope that everyone will remain safe."


    After all, Ren Baqian had taught these students for several months and more or less had some feelings for them. He didn''t wish to see anyone missing when they returned.


    Although he had also arranged for two guards to follow each group, this n might not be foolproof.


    After another day had passed, Ren Baqian went to bid farewell to the empress before leaving the city.


    This time around, Ren Baqian didn''t bring too many things. He only brought a pistol, a rifle, several grenades, and Lin Qiaole, who was sleeping soundly in the carriage.


    She should be able to guarantee his safety.


    After all, Tianjing was filled with the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation. With aboriginal guards, it was somewhat eye-catching and easier to expose his identity.


    Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole weren''t aboriginals. Nobody knew for sure, but it might be less dangerous if just the two of them traveled together in Tianjing.


    However, the biggest issue that Ren Baqian was currently facing was how to get the two fork-horned cows, which were pulling the carriage, to walk in a straight line.


    After leaving the city for a short while, these two fellows actually headed for the forest at the side��


    "Stop, stop��" Ren Baqian whipped the two fork-horned cows across their backs, which caused them to run even faster��


    "Crap! Stop, turn back, turn back��"

 Chapter 413 Longshou City

    The ancient people had a good saying, "Sacrifice was made, yet triumph wasn''t achieved when such sorrowful results always made heroes devastated��"


    Ren Baqian felt that these words were really apt. The ancient people were awesome and what they said made a lot of sense.


    He was currently in the described situation.


    They just left the city not long ago, but their carriage had already overturned. Ren Baqian was also wet from the dew on the grass, and those two stupid cows were still eating grass indifferently.


    If he didn''t rely on the two fork-horned cows to transport them around, perhaps they would be his dinner tonight.


    When Lin Qiaole crawled out from the carriage, her eyes were still filled with sleepiness. She turned her head and looked around before speaking with confusion, "how did the carriage overturn?""Keep quiet. Lift the carriage back onto the road." Ren Baqian was helpless.


    Lin Qiaole used one hand to lift the carriage up. Ren Baqian dragged the two fork-horned cows back to the road and continued their journey.


    "What time are we having our meal?"


    "You eat after waking up and go back to sleep after eating. Why don''t you take a look at how fat you are now?" Ren Baqian had a disdainful look on his face.


    He spoke like this, but in actual fact, Lin Qiaole wasn''t fat at all. Not only she wasn''t fat, but she was very skinny. She gave off an impression that she was skinny and weak, unlike the other experts who exuded a heroic vibe. No matter who it was, nobody could tell that she was actually extremely skilled.


    "If I''m fat, so be it��" Lin Qiaole was indifferent about this matter and casually rubbed her chest area twice.


    "What are you doing?" Ren Baqian was amused by her actions.


    There was no difference if you rubbed that washboard of yours.


    "From my memory, this is called kneading and seems useful." Lin Qiaole looked at her chest and was very confident.


    "To knead, you must have something to knead. What''s the point of kneading nothing?" Ren Baqian rubbed salt on her wound.


    "I believe if I knead for another 50 years, there will be something��" Lin Qiaole wasn''t affected at all.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    Your time calction method may be different from the average person''s��


    "How many years before you reach adulthood?" Ren Baqian thought about how she was not an adult even when she was 50 years old and felt pain in his testicles. This kind of inhuman lifespan was indeed enviable.


    "About more 50 years��"


    A lifespan that makes me envious��


    If I send her to theboratory, I wonder if they can develop a drug that will prolong life. Next time, I''ll obtain a bottle of blood from her��


    ��


    The two of them continued on their way, and not too long after, they arrived at the start of a downward slope. After a few bends, there was a series of winding roads around a mountain. From where they were standing, they were about 800 meters away from the t ground at the bottom. Within their field of view was a piece of endless in and dense forested regions in the far distance. There was also a city.


    This was today''s destination. After entering Tianjing Basin, the first city was Longshou City. Behind Longshou City, there were winding mountain ranges.


    It was said that there was an earth dragon lying in Tianjing Basin with its head facing the area outside Tianjing Basin, as if it were going to rise into the air and pounce toward the north.


    The saying that, "Obtaining Tianjing Basin is equivalent to obtaining the entire world" had something to do with this earth dragon.


    Longshou City was situated in the vicinity of this earth dragon''s head.


    Of course, this was ording to the Hao Nation, and the aboriginals didn''t pay attention to it.


    There was a checkpoint at each of the two extreme ends of Panshan Road. When these two ces were closed, more than one million remnant citizens of the Hao Nation would be trapped in Tianjing Basin.


    Ren Baqian took out his checkpoint clearance token. Naturally, he could pass through the checkpoints without any hitches.


    After passing through the second checkpoint, an endless in was in front of him. There was a dirt road which extended from the checkpoint to the city that was almost invisible at a distance.


    At this time, there were many cow-drawn carriages on the road. These were merchant caravansing to and from Gu City. As such, Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole didn''t seem conspicuous among them.


    If there was anything worthy of attention, it would be that the other vehicles travelling from Gu City to Longshou City were filled with all kinds of goods. The carriage that Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole were on was not filled with much stuff.


    From the tracks left by the carriage wheels and the sound of the carriage travelling on the road, it could be deduced that this carriage was not loaded with goods.


    Ren Baqian didn''t try to talk to the merchants next to him because it would be rather suspicious


    Therefore, his attention was ced on therge swaths of farnd on both sides of the road as well as the farmers who work on the farnd.


    Ren Baqian took note of the surrounding and realized that the farming tools used by the farmers were mostly made from stone. The ends of the tools were connected to wooden handles.


    Just like everywhere else in this world, even a kitchen knife could be regarded as a family heirloom. Farming tools that were made of iron were too extravagant for the aboriginals as well as for these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Previously, the majority of the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation that Ren Baqian saw were merchants. Even if their statuses were not high, they were not considered impoverished, and he couldn''t tell much from seeing them.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian could tell a lot just from seeing these farmers.


    At the very least, he saw the poor living conditions of these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Although the farmers weren''t malnourished and sickly in appearance, their clothes were torn, tattered, and patched together with cloth scraps of various sizes.


    Most importantly, these farmerscked essence, qi, and spirit. This gave people the feeling that these farmers were like walking corpses thatpletelycked any vigor.


    "Sure enough, I needed to witness all of this for myself before I could understand," Ren Baqian whispered.


    "Give me one of those red lollipops of yours. I haven''t tried it before and need to taste it once��" Lin Qiaole immediately continued his sentence.


    "Be careful of any tooth decay." When Ren Baqian grabbed a lollipop from his pocket, Lin Qiaole began staring straight at him.


    "Here''s a red lollipop for you." Ren Baqian threw it over to Lin Qiaole.


    "Petty." Lin Qiaole looked at Ren Baqian as he put away a bunch of lollipops and nearly wanted to scratch him.


    Lin Qiaole carefully peeled off the wrapper of the lollipop and ced it neatly in her waist pocket. Recently, she had started collecting these wrappers.


    "Oh yes, what is your reason foring here?" She finally recalled the question she wanted to ask.


    "I want to take a look at their living conditions and see how can I tame them," Ren Baqian pointed at the farmers and said.


    Lin Qiaole was bbergasted as she spoke, "They provoked you? I will help you hit them. Give me a piece of candy for every person I hit."


    "The next time we start a war against Great Xia, would it suffice if I released you on the battlefield?" Ren Baqian turned his head and looked at this cheaply-priced expert. Then, he felt as if he was going to release a dog.


    "I''m no match for the army," Lin Qiaole immediately replied. If she dashed into the Great Xia army, she probably wouldn''te out alive.


    The fact that Great Xia crumbled once they encountered the aboriginals was because of the winged cavalry''s existence. There were at least thousands of Earth Wheel experts there.


    If Lin Qiaole was the only one, she reckoned that she would be torn apart.


    "You are only a threat toward themoners, do I still need you then?" Ren Baqian gave her the side eye and looked down on her.


    "That''s also true." In the end, Lin Qiaole''s skin wasn''t that thick. After thinking about it, she felt that what Ren Baqian said made sense and didn''t bother rebutting him anymore.


    When it was approaching night time, the duo finally arrived in front of Longshou City.


    While Ren Baqian was waiting to be inspected, he carefully examined the guards at the lower city gate. They were wearing leather jackets, were generally thin, and had a long saber strapped at their waists.


    Even before he arrived, he knew that these sabers were all bone sabers.


    "Show us what''s in the carriage!" When it was Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole''s turn, a guard came to open the curtain. Upon seeing that there was only one box inside, the guard''s eyes glistened.


    Usually, when carriages returned from Gu City, they would be filled with all sorts of goods.


    There was only one box, which meant that the things inside were valuable. Immediately, his quick-witted self took charge of the situation.


    "Open the box."


    Ren Baqian stuffed a bunch of loose silver into his hands. "If I really open the box, then you wouldn''t be receiving these."


    The guards of Longshou City were very greedy. After all, those who came and went were mostly merchants. Moreover, this was the only route. Even if those merchants hadints deep down inside, they had no choice but to pass through this road. Naturally, the guards unscrupulously received bribes from the traveling merchants.


    Ren Baqian already knew of this prior toing here. Thus, he wasn''t surprised by their behavior at all.


    Ren Baqian''s words made that guard''s expression freeze. Just like what Ren Baqian said, even if there was something valuable in the carriage, it didn''t belong to him no matter what. In that case, he might as well know his limits.


    These loose pieces of silver could match up to the amount of bribes he would receive in a month.


    He kneaded the loose pieces of silver in his hand, put on a smile as he waved, and waved them through.

 Chapter 414 The Relative Power Among the Various Parties

    As the wheels ttered on the gstones, Ren Baqian sat in the oxcart to observe the buildings and people on both sides of the road.


    It was an unfamiliar environment, and he felt as if he was on a holiday.


    The buildings in Longshou City were mostly built out of wood or pirs.


    The buildings were dpidated, and it became worse as they approached the city gate.


    Many children were wearing old clothes while baring their buttocks and running around. There were also a few of them who were biting their dirty fingernails while they looked at Ren Baqian.


    No matter where they were, rich or poor, children were always full of energy.


    It was easier to learn more by looking at the faces of adults.


    By taking a brief look, Ren Baqian felt that the situation among themoners was not too good. This was reflected in the way they dressed and the expressions they had.


    They wore old clothes, gave the impression of being numb, and seldom smiled.


    The buildings further inside the city were much better and more houses were decorated with flowers and nts.


    "Yui Inn?" Ren Baqian first saw the sign board with the big word "Guest" written on it, before seeing the name of the hotel when he got closer to it.


    It was worthy of being thergest hotel chain in this world for establishing itself in a ce like Dayao that was beyond its home territory.


    "Boss, two main rooms please," Ren Baqian shouted as he entered the courtyard. It was depicted on TV this way.


    "What do you mean by main rooms?" Thedy at the counter raised her head and asked with a regional ent from the northeast. Although her forehead was slightly big, she was quite pretty with curved eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and was about 30 years old. She was charming and a wheeler-dealer.


    "Main rooms�� the best rooms that you have." Ren Baqian felt downcast because he had gotten off on the wrong foot.


    "Niu Er, two first-ss rooms," thedy boss bellowed. After that, she smiled at Ren Baqian and continued, "You speak in a strange and interesting way. Are you from somewhere far away?"


    "Oh, I am from the Yun Nation." Ren Baqian nodded. This was supposed to be his identity at this time.


    He and Lin Qiaole didn''t look like the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation and appeared more like the people from the Yun Nation or Great Xia.


    "Is the war still going on? How was the journey here?" thedy boss asked.


    "It''s still ongoing. The journey was tough and strenuous. I have to bring in my cow carriage to the courtyard." Ren Baqian spat out his words and went out to bring in the cow carriage.


    Thedy boss leaned against the doorway as she watched Ren Baqian''s movements. Her eyes shed with suspicion when she saw the way Ren Baqian tied up the fork-horned cow in the stables.


    The way he tied the rope wasn''t like that of the Yun Nation people, but more like an aboriginal.


    People from the Yun Nation preferred to tie Qingyun knots, while the aboriginals liked to tie three ring knots.


    Ren Baqian watched the guards tying their horses to trees every day and naturally followed the same style as them without questioning it.


    By the time Ren Baqian raised his head to look at her, she was smiling again.


    "Have we arrived?" Lin Qiaole groaned as Ren Baqian pulled the curtain. She slowly crawled out like a snake.


    After waiting for her toe out and taking his box with him, the two followed the innkeeper to their adjoining rooms on the second level.


    As they went upstairs, thedy bossnguidly asked, "Did you leave anything behind in the carriage? We will not be responsible if anything is stolen."


    "No."


    "You guests have brought very little luggage."


    The rooms were rather clean.


    After all, this was Longshou City, the first city on the road after entering Tianjing Basin. There were many merchants entering and leaving daily. This inn was already considered decent.


    "Let''s go out for a walk." Ren Baqian gave a kick to Lin Qiaole, who had jumped into bed the moment she entered the room.


    "Hey��"


    Ren Baqian expressionlessly took out a lollipop, waved it in front of her, then threw it toward the doorway. Lin Qiaole appeared there like a gust of wind.


    Indeed, candy was not a panacea for everything, but not having it wasn''t eptable either.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian opened the box to take out a grenade which he put into his waist pouch. He had heard that there were quite a few pickpockets around.


    The two of them left the room after the box was locked.


    "Lady boss, do not let anyone enter our room," Ren Baqian said.


    "Don''t worry, I will break their limbs if they enter."


    Not long after Ren Baqian left, thedy boss ambled upstairs, opened the door, and entered the room. She took out a thin wire to pick the lock and opened the box to discover some bullets, a dozen grenades, a rifle, some books, and a bag of loose silver pieces.


    First, she flipped through the pages of a book, but she found the letters unrecognizable.


    Next, she looked carefully at the grenades and bullets before locking the box again.


    ��


    With his hands sped behind his back, Ren Baqian led Lin Qiaole in the direction of the city center while looking at the shops on both sides of the street.


    There were various shops selling all types of clothes, salt, medicine, and rice as well as several tailor shops. Whatever was needed was avable, and the ce looked very busy with people going in and out of the shops.


    After standing there and observing for a while, Ren Baqian found out who the people were that patronized these shops.


    Many of the people who went in and came out had one or more bags and loaded their baggage in hand carts or on bamboo shoulder poles before leaving. They didn''t look like ordinary civilians, but instead appeared to be small traders from other cities.


    They bought what they needed at low prices and then resold these goods at the countryside and in small towns.


    After walking for a short distance, their noses were inundated with a fragrant smell. They followed the smell and came across someone using a stove to roast a fruit bigger than a lychee. The fruit cracked after being roasted for a while and emitted a refreshing fragrance.


    "How much are these fruits sold for?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "One copper coin for three."


    When Ren Baqian turned to look at Lin Qiaole, she was drooling with her saliva dripping along the neckline of her clothes.


    "Give me 30 pieces." Ren Baqian threw a loose silver piece across.


    The rind was very hot, and the cracks in it revealed the golden flesh.


    It tasted like coconut, was slightly chewy, and was rather tasty.


    This was followed by Lin Qiaole carrying bags of snacks and eating nonstop.


    "Move aside, move aside��!" The tter of horse hooves was heard before a few men wearing long gowns and riding dwarf horses were seen galloping down the streets and causing a disturbance.


    "Who are these people?" Ren Baqian asked a stallholder on the roadside.


    "Are you a guest from afar? These people are from the Nine des Sect. Don''t provoke them and you will be fine." The stallholder smiled.


    "They are allowed to gallop around the city with impunity?" Ren Baqian asked.


    "Be careful with your words! They are quite powerful here. If they hear you, you can get into trouble," that stallholder rapidly said.


    "They are so overbearing? I didn''t say anything. I''m just asking why no one is in control of the situation." Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows and casually threw some silver pieces to the stallholder. "Please exin to rify my doubts. We foreigners should understand the situation in order not to offend the wrong people."


    The stallholder looked around before saying softly, "Guests like you will get to know this ce after staying for a period of time. The city guards are mostly members of the Nine des Sect, and many of the public order bureau officials are also their members. As long as there are no major problems, nobody will intervene."


    Ren Baqian threw some more loose silver pieces across because he had surprisingly obtained a lot more information from the stallholder. The most powerful force within Longshou City was unexpectedly not the chief of the 5,000 strong city guard, but a sect called the Golden Ring Residence. It was the biggest sect not only in Longshou City, but in this region that included Jici City and San Yuanli City.


    Of course, this Golden Ring Residence was only the most powerful in the region.


    Additionally, Longshou City was actually one of the three most powerful forces in the basin.


    Therefore, even though this Golden Ring Residence was more powerful than the warlord of Longshou City in this area, they didn''t dare to provoke him.


    Of course, the warlord of Longshou City didn''t dare to provoke them either since the Golden Ring Residence was not just a mere sect.


    Beside these two factions, there were also two others small sects; one was the Nine des Sect, while the other was the Jiangliu Sect.


    In addition, there was a local gang called the Death Toad Sect. It controlled a group of local ruffians and petty thieves and didn''t have much power. In any case, the warlord of Longshou City wouldn''t have tolerated them if they grew too big.


    ording to the stallholder, outsiders shouldn''t provoke even the Death Toad Sect.


    It was safety first when outside, and harmony was the most important. Be humble regardless of who you met because there was no need to court trouble.


    Ren Baqian thanked the stallholder for his kindness and got Lin Qiaole to continue moving forward.


    He had a rough idea of the power distribution in Longshou City and didn''t expect such a small city to have so many factions. Compared to the aboriginal regions, it was much more chaotic.


    "Hey, your wallet has been stolen," Lin Qiaole said incoherently as she ate the fruit in her hand.


    Ren Baqian felt for his waist pouch only to discover that it was really gone.


    "Do you want me to snatch it back? Five lollipops." Lin Qiaole''s eyes sparkled


    "There''s no need." Ren Baqianughed.


    He expected to hear an explosion after a while.


    In the hands of someone who didn''t know better, it was almost certain that they would pull out the pin from the grenade.


    In the time it took to drink two cups of tea, the pair heard an explosion from another direction in the distance while they were walking forward.


    Ren Baqian took a look in that direction, then continued to look for a ce to have his dinner. It was as if nothing had happened.

 Chapter 415 - Punishing Without Teaching is Tantamount to Abuse

    Chapter 415: Punishing Without Teaching is Tantamount to Abuse


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The passersby outside nced at a dozen men gathered in an alley, but quickly moved away with their heads bowed when they saw the ferocious stares sent their way.


    ��What happened?�� asked a bearded man in a deep voice. He wore a sleeveless vest, pleated skirt, and was painted with tattoos of flowers all over his body.


    This pleated skirt was a type of clothing worn by both sexes of the Hao Nation��s remnant citizens.


    ��We don��t know. We have also just arrived.�� The rest of them shook their heads. They rushed here when they heard the loud sound.


    ��Who��s the dead person?�� The shattered corpse in the alley no longer resembled a human; it was more like a rag. Some of the limbs were blown away to ces unknown.


    ��It��s Double-headed Snake. I saw himing in just now.�� A 16 year old teenager who was nearby said, ��He went to work on the street earlier and was probably sessful, but I don��t know how he became like this.��


    The teenager looked frightened.


    Although he wasn��t old, he had seen a lot of life and death. The previous month, a thief about his age stole from the father of a Nine des Sect member. He saw with his own eyes as the culprit was tethered to a horse and dragged to death outside the city. In principle, he should have been ustomed to seeing such things and should not have shown this expression.


    The cause of this expression was due to the fact that he could see the alley clearly and didn��t see anybody else entering.


    Just now, he furtively followed Double-headed Snake to find out what good loot he had stolen, but he heard a loud sound when he arrived at the entrance to the alley. It sounded like thunder, then he saw this corpse and smelled a strange odor in the air.


    He didn��t see anybody else from the beginning to the end.


    He told the crowd about what he had seen and everyone was puzzled. Since no one else was around, how did Double-headed Snake die?


    ��Look at the wall.�� A man suddenly pointed at the surrounding wall that was pockmarked with many small holes.


    Because of the explosion from the grenade, the wall was a bit damaged, but the marks from where the fragments entered the wall were not as easy to see.


    The crowd quickly dug out some fragments from the wall.


    Nevertheless, they still couldn��t figure out what had happened since the grenade was something beyond their knowledge.


    ��Check whether there are any suspicious people in the city,�� the burly man finally said.


    He had to understand what had happened first.


    ��


    Ren Baqian was eating noodles at this time. After staying in Dayao for so long, he was finally able to eat noodles.


    Upon entering the small restaurant at the roadside, he saw two people eating noodles inside.


    Ren Baqian pointed in the direction of the two people and said, ��Give me the same thing that they are eating.��


    The noodles weren��t tasty. They were sour, spicy, and tasted a bit strange, but he was satisfied to be able to find noodles in this ce.


    On the way back, Lin Qiaole suddenly moved her hand like lightning to catch ahold of the hand of a young man in his twenties. Her eyes were fiery. She could tolerate someone stealing Ren Baqian��s wallet, but not his candies. She had been eyeing them for so long and hadn��t taken action, so how dare he try to steal them?


    ��Ouch, ouch, my hand is breaking���� The youth behind Ren Baqian, who was grabbed by Lin Qiaole around his wrist, writhed in pain. His eyes rolled around as he tried to extricate himself.


    ��He stole from you.�� Lin Qiaole frowned. Although she had caught him, she didn��t know what to do next.


    She spent most of her time in Qingxin Pce Hall, and the only two times she went out were to apany Ren Baqian. As such, she didn��t know how to handle such a situation.


    Ren Baqian grabbed the youth by his clothes and dragged him to an alley by the side.


    ��Tell me how I should deal with you? Do you want me to break your hand or your leg?�� Ren Baqian pressed him against the wall and calmly asked. He wasn��t out to create trouble this time, only to investigate, but this didn��t mean he could tolerate everything.


    Thieves had stolen his money and still wanted to steal his candies. Did they specialize in shearing off wool from one sheep? Did they see him as someone easy to bully? In any case, he was a Man Wheel expert.


    ��Are you from a foreign country? Let me tell you this, I am from the Death Toad Sect, so you better let me go, and I will definitely not harass you. If not, we have 800 members, and no matter how highly skilled the two of you are, you will not be able to get out of Longshou City.�� The young thief stared at them maliciously.


    He needed to be sharp in this profession. Otherwise, he would not be able to save his own life if he were to provoke the wrong people.


    He had been observing the two of them ever since they left the restaurant and was able to tell that they were not locals with one look. Since foreigners weren��t familiar with this ce, most would try to avoid trouble. That was why he tried to frighten them with these words.


    ��800 members? How scary!�� Ren Baqian grinned sarcastically, grabbed his hand, and remarked, ��This pair of hands is beautiful and has not done muchbor. There isn��t even a single callus on them. A rare sight for a man!��


    Seeing Ren Baqian��s expression, the young man sensed trouble.


    <em>Crack! </em>The young man��s index finger was bent backward until it touched the the back of his hand.


    The young man gave a miserable howl.


    ��This looks more pleasing to the eye.�� Ren Baqian looked down at the howling young man who was stooping down and holding his finger.


    ��Next time, open your eyes wide��.�� Ren Baqian said as he ambled out of the alley.


    ��That��s it?�� Lin Qiaole whispered to Ren Baqian as she followed beside him.


    ��What should we do otherwise?�� Ren Baqian retorted. After all, they were not here to create trouble.


    ��Punishing without teaching is tantamount to abuse. This was written in the ancient records,�� Lin Qiaole said dubiously.


    Ren Baqian turned to look at her as if he were looking at an alien.


    ��What? Is it wrong to say that?�� Lin Qiaole asked tentatively.


    ��What you said is correct,�� Ren Baqian agreed. ��Let��s go back.��


    After returning to the location near the alley with Lin Qiaole, they happened to see that man walking out. He shivered from head to toe when he saw the two of them.


    Ren Baqian caught him by the chest and pulled him into the alley again.


    ��Sir, you are magnanimous, so don��t lower yourself to my level.�� The young man was so frightened that it was as if he had lost his soul when he saw their stance. He begged for mercy and didn��t forget to wave his broken finger in front of Ren Baqian.


    ��Do you know what you did wrong?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I know that I was blind to offend the both of you. This viin will not dare to do so anymore,�� the young thief appealed.


    ��If you make a mistake, you must be punished and ept the beating stoically. It��s hard for an earthen jar to escape damage if it is constantly used to draw water. Sooner orter, you will need to pay for your actions. At your age, why don��t you do something better than stealing? If you get caught, you will be killed if you meet someone vicious. Not everybody is as amodating as me����


    The young man looked miserable. Was the guy in front of him a lunatic? He had already left, then came back again to give him a lecture. Furthermore, this guy broke one of his fingers. Did he misunderstand the word ��amodating?��


    Saying a lot didn��t mean someone was amodating��


    <em>How about letting me go to the clinic to check my finger? This finger of mine is still needed in my line of work��</em>


    ��Do you agree with what I said?�� Ren Baqian asked after rambling for a long time.


    ��I agree! I will turn over a new leaf once I go back.�� The young man looked remorseful.


    ��Come, let me take a look at your finger. This one is broken. How did it be this shape? It��s asymmetrical���� Ren Baqian grabbed the hand of the terrified young man.


    <em>Crack! </em>The sound of a bone breaking was heard, and the thief��s middle finger was bent backward.


    ��To punish without teaching is as good as abuse. I am teaching, not punishing. I leave you with your life,�� Ren Baqian said with satisfaction as he let the young man go.


    ��Teach but not punish. The evil people will be punished���� Lin Qiaole added.


    The young man turned green with fear upon hearing this.


    Were these two going to kill him? Why was this youngdy so ruthless?


    ��Forget it. Teaching him a lesson is enough, and there is no need for further punishment. He��s just trying to make a living. He wouldn��t do this if he had alternatives�� It isn��t easy for him either���� Ren Baqian said kindly.


    ��Oh.�� Lin Qiaole nodded.


    After the two had left, the young man looked at his broken fingers and cursed.


    <em>F*ck! I ran into lunatics.</em>


    <em>I wonder if these two fingers can be reset��</em>


    ��


    With his fingers wrapped in cloth, the young man dragged himself home. Today was really not his day, and he wondered when he could get even with them.


    ��Street Crossing Rat, why are you in this state?�� Another young man came over moments after the young thief reached his dpidated house.


    ��I don��t want to talk about it���� Mentioning the incident made him bawl. Although it wasmon for a thief to get a beating after being caught, he felt aggrieved by this incident today. Were those two mentally deranged?


    ��Did you meet any strange people in the city?�� the other guy asked when he saw that the thief was unwilling to speak. ��Half Mountain Flower gave instructions to report suspicious, strange, or unfamiliar people.��


    Half Mountain Flower was the chief of this area, and there were more than 20 people under his control.


    Street Crossing Rat��s eyes brightened after hearing this. Weren��t the two that he met today considered unfamiliar people? They were also crazy.


    He could take his revenge now!


    Street Crossing Rat was a Man Wheel expert, while their chief was an Earth Wheel expert.


    Although those two people had trained in martial arts, they were so young. How high could their cultivation be? He didn��t believe they could defeat the chief.


    In his heart, the Earth Wheel level chief was the most powerful person ever. When the chief went to the brothel, he would get two youngdies to serve him, one in front and one pushing from behind��


    Furthermore, the thief wondered what the chief would do to that littledy who looked so vivacious, but was so ruthless��

 Chapter 416 - Picking a Fight

    Chapter 416: Picking a Fight


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Nightfall. In the Yui Inn.


    The innkeeper was preparing to close up shop. Even though the city gates were open throughout the night, there were practically no customers at this hour.


    After she had closed the door to the courtyard and turned around, she felt her eyes turn blurry and hurriedly blinked a few times.


    There were obviously no other people in the lobby just now, but suddenly, there was a burly man standing at the counter.


    ��Bee Sting, have you seen any suspicious looking strangers?�� the burly man had a square face, big eyes, and thick eyebrows. His looks could be considered rather majestic. He was big and tall, and even though it was nowhere near an aboriginal, he was stillrger than the ordinary remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    ��Yo, this isn��t the Lin Residence. What are you doing here today?�� Thedy boss immediately forced a smile as she looked at the man in front of her.


    At the same time, questions ran through her mind.


    <em>This man is looking for strangers?</em>


    <em>Who is he looking for?</em>


    <em>Could it be those two upstairs?</em>


    Regardless of what ce it was, there would be darkness wherever there was light. There would definitely be ces beyond the reach of the light.


    There was only one sect in Longshou City that had such power, the Death Toad Sect.


    The burly man was Lin Yuan, a deputy chief of the Death Toad Sect. It was said that his strength was much higher than the chief��s. Just because the sect chief saved his life once, he chose to remain a deputy ever since then. Even though he himself was much stronger than the Death Toad, he was considered someone trustworthy because he had remained loyal after so many years.


    In Longshou City, he was considered someone pretty well established.


    Even though the Death Toad Sect had gathered a bunch of local ruffians, which caused people to despise them for that, both the Death Toad and Lin Yuan had pretty solid martial arts skills. As a result, even the Nine des Sect wouldn��t dare to provoke them.


    ��I��ll leave after a couple of questions. It��s pretty free and unfettered for you, Bee Sting, to be housed here in such a ce. I was afraid that my men would not understand what etiquette was, so I came in person just to find more information,�� Lin Yuan said with a deep voice.


    ��Oh? It probably isn��t a small matter since Deputy Chief Lin came personally? For you guys to make such big fuss, could it be that something has happened?�� thedy boss softly replied as she leaned on the counter.


    ��Just tell me yes or no. One man and one woman. Both of them are young,�� Lin Yuan replied.


    ��You know our rules���� Thedy boss rolled her eyes and looked at the second floor.


    ��Understood. Many thanks.�� Lin Yuan cupped his hands in gratitude.


    He understood Bee Sting��s meaning. Her rules were that nobody was allowed to cause trouble in her inn.


    Nobody was allowed to touch her customers inside the inn.


    ��Where are they from?�� Lin Yuan lowered his volume.


    With a twitch of her body, thedy boss spoke softly as she sat on the bar counter with one hand resting on Lin Yuan��s shoulder, ��If you can show me that you are stronger than that idiot in my house, I��ll tell you everything����


    ��You must be kidding. Bee Sting and Jade de��I dare not offend this couple, �� Lin Yuan answered as he took a step back.


    ��Are you despising us because we are old and faded?�� thedy boss replied faintly. She circted her gaze and captivated his soul.


    Lin Yuan��s heart thumped violently for a brief moment, but he quickly suppressed it.


    The green snake bites, and the yellow bee stings. Bee Sting, one could tell what kind of a person she was just by her nickname.


    The amount of people who wanted to get intimate with her, but ended up losing their lives, was as many as the number of carps crossing the river.


    Reportedly, a prince from a warlord��s family in the north was skinned alive by Bee Sting. He was indeed skinned alive. His skin was stuffed with straw, and his flesh was used to make stuffed buns.


    After that, she was exposed and had no choice but to flee here.


    After she escaped, it was said that over 10 puppets were found, and all of them were made of human skin and stuffed with straw.


    Hence, she had another nickname and was called the Skin Craftsman.


    ��Look at your courage���� Thedy boss stretched out her hand and drew a circle in front of him.


    ��Even though I��m rather gutsy, I know very well what I can do and what I can��t���� Lin Yuan forced out a smile.


    Thedy boss grabbed ahold of his shirt and pulled him over. She took a few breaths close to his ear and murmured softly, ��They said they were merchants from the Yun Nation, but I haven��t seen any goods����


    ��Many thanks.�� Lin Yuan immediately took a few steps back, cupped his hands, and vanished into the darkness.


    Thedy boss sneered after seeing that he had disappeared. After all, it would be good to have someone help her investigate the background of her guests.


    ��


    Ren Baqian naturally didn��t know that he had been under surveince ever since he stepped foot into Longshou City. Furthermore, it wasn��t just by a group of people.


    Previously, he had painstakingly urged his students not to get into trouble. Never had he expected that nothing much had happened to them, but instead, he himself was being watched.


    A night passed. The next morning, just as Ren Baqian opened the door, a body full of fragrance threw itself into his embrace.


    ��Hey���� A soft and charming voice sounded in surprise.


    With quick reflexes, Ren Baqian lifted his arms to keep the other party away. While he was at it, he grabbed her twice, and it felt pretty good.


    ��Are you alright?�� asked Ren Baqian as he pretended that nothing happened while he helped thedy who threw herself at him.


    ��I just wanted to ask if you would like to have breakfast, but never did I expect to slip and fall straight toward you.�� Thedy boss��s face was blushing a little. She stuck her chest out and brushed her hands gently across Ren Baqian��s body as she stood up.


    As Ren Baqian reminisced over the feel of her touch, he replied without any expression on his face, ��Good to hear that you��re fine. Prepare breakfast for two, and please do be more careful.��


    After sending thedy boss away, Ren Baqian shut his eyes. What had just happened was too much of a coincidence. She came and fell over as soon as he opened the door.


    This Longshou City wasn��t very big, but there were quite a number of demons and monsters around.


    It was definitely more interesting to go out for a walk aspared to staying in the pce because there was more of the vor of society. There wouldn��t be any such experiences if he were to stay in the pce or remain by the empress��s side.


    Society was a ce where all men were headed toward.


    It was full of young and flirtatious married women, unmarried heroines, and cross-dressing beggars.


    Ren Baqian��s imagination flew around in his mind. He walked to the room next door, and the door immediately swung open as soon as he pushed on it. On the bed, Lin Qiaoley sprawled out on her back with saliva drooling all over. She was wearing a piece of thin white cloth as a bra and a pair of shorts that were so form-fitting that they almost stuck to her body.


    Ren Baqian reconfirmed her washboard figure, noting that it wasn��t even as robust as his own pectoral muscles.


    What a tragic story this was.


    ��Wake up. The sun is already shining on your bum���� Ren Baqian shouted as he stood beside the bed.


    There was no response��


    ��Time to eat����


    ��Oh, where?�� Lin Qiaole immediately sat up with hazy eyes.


    ��Put on your clothes, and let��s go down to eat.��


    ��


    After eating, Ren Baqian ced two grenades in his embrace and brought Lin Qiaole out for a walk. Along the way, he bought a money sack and ced the grenades in it before wearing it around his waist.


    The duo walked the entire morning from the north part of the city to the south. Ren Baqian managed to conveniently find out more about his students.


    After all, with so many aboriginals youths around, they would be pretty prominent, so it wasn��t difficult to gather news about them.


    They were all still in the city when Ren Baqian had arrived yesterday and had only left the city this morning.


    Meanwhile, five disciples of the Nine des Sect entered the city mboyantly riding dwarf horses.


    ��Let��s first take a break and have some drinks. We shall continue with work in the afternoon,�� one young man suggested.


    Everyone responded immediately, shouting, ��Shao Yuan, this round of drinks shall be on you.��


    ��Well said.�� That young manughed and led everyone into a restaurant by the side of the road.


    After everyone was full and had drank to their heart��s�� content, that young man brushed past someone as he walked downstairs and found a slip of paper in his hand.


    When the rest weren��t looking, he took a nce at that paper, and his thoughts were suddenly clear.


    ��


    Just after Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole left the restaurant, they spotted amotion just ahead of them with people moving away to both sides of the road.


    The mor of horse hooves galloping hurriedly then sounded. The five disciples from the Nine des Sect sped along on their horses as they shouted, ��Make way, make way!��


    Ren Baqian initially stood indifferently by the road side with Lin Qiaole as they waited for the horses to pass. He didn��t expect that one of the horses was actually running toward where they were standing. The young man on that horse shouted, ��The horse has lost control. Make way, make way.��


    ��He is doing that on purpose.�� As muddle headed as she could be, Lin Qiaole was still a Spirit Wheel expert, and her senses surpassed that of the ordinary people. She could see quite clearly that there was nothing wrong with the horse and that it only started heading toward them after the young man had spotted them.

 Chapter 417 - Leaving The City

    Chapter 417: Leaving The City


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��He is doing that on purpose,�� Lin Qiaole immediately said.


    Even before Lin Qiaole mentioned anything, Ren Baqian had also felt that something was amiss.


    Just like the situation in the morning, this was too much of a coincidence. There were so many people, but the rider actually dashed toward the both of them.


    ��Kill the horse, but leave the person behind.��


    During the time the both of them had their short conversation, the distance between Ren Baqian and that horse was about 300 (TLC. It sounds like they should be closer?) meters. He could even feel the wind that was brought about by the oing horse.


    A small figure appeared in front of Ren Baqian. The horse raised its two front legs and swung them across. Everyone in the surrounding area immediately cried out in surprise.


    Even though a dwarf horse wasn��t tall, it wasn��t weak either. Colliding with someone like that could result in death.


    Lin Qiaole, who was in front of Ren Baqian, looked thin and weak. It felt like she would be blown away by a gust of wind, let alone being charged by a horse. Everyone could practically imagine the scene of her being struck by the horse and then being sent flying.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    As Lin Qiaole��s delicate palms swatted the horse��s head, the horse crashed into a wall and fell to the ground.


    The rider on the horse also flew in the air and managed to twist his body tond at the shop beside the wall.


    Upon witnessing the situation, the other few riders immediately got off their mounts and surrounded them. There was one person who shouted, ��Shao Yuan, are you okay?��


    The others found out that the horse had died and furiously shouted at Lin Qiaole, ��Even though it was Shao Yuan��s fault that he lost control of the horse, aren��t your actions too much?��


    They clearly saw Lin Qiaole kill the horse in one blow.


    To be able to kill a horse that was stampeding in one blow, that person had to at least be a Man Wheel expert.


    However, this girl actually stood unmoving despite being charged at by the wildly galloping horse. This was something that even their seniors couldn��t achieve.


    Even though the horse was a dwarf horse, its weight was at least 250 kilograms. Due to the impact force of the collision, it wasn��t possible for a Man Wheel expert not to move a single bit.


    This girl, who seemingly looked younger than the bunch of them, was actually a skilled expert. As such, they spoke in a more polite tone.


    However, they weren��t on their own and had the Nine des Sect as their backing. Thus, they had to demand an exnation from them no matter what.


    ��He dashed toward us,�� Lin Qiaole said.


    Ren Baqian listened to her response and said faintly, ��My servant was afraid that the horse would collide with me and attacked harshly.��


    ��What servant? You are the servant!�� Lin Qiaole was immediately dissatisfied upon hearing the word ��servant.��


    ��If you aren��t my servant, then what are you?�� Ren Baqian questioned her back.


    ��Bodyguard!�� Lin Qiaole was firm on her status.


    ��A servant or a bodyguard?�� Ren Baqian was holding a lollipop in his hand.


    Lin Qiaole hesitated for a while, but didn��t relent and replied, ��Bodyguard.��


    Now, Ren Baqian was holding two lollipops in his hand.


    ��Servant it shall be!�� Lin Qiaole was beaming with happiness as she grabbed the lollipops from his hand.


    The other people watched in amazement as they saw Ren Baqian coax a child with lollipops.


    It was hard to imagine that this girl, who was so easily bribed by others, was actually a skilled expert.


    ��Although it is partially my fault, don��t the both of you think that you have acted excessively and over the limit? With your skill, you clearly could have avoided the horse. Instead, you decided to kill my horse. How is this justified? We are disciples of the Nine des Sect after all. Although it isn��t a big sect, it doesn��t allow people to be bullied like that,�� said the young man named Shao Yuan, who was covered in dirt, as he walked out of the shop and toward both Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole.


    ��Speaking of which, I still want to ask you something. The road is so wide, but you actually chose to dash toward us?�� Ren Baqian looked at him with narrowed eyes.


    ��Naturally, the horse went out of control. This isn��t something that I can exercise control over. Otherwise, such a thing wouldn��t even have happened.�� The young man��s gaze flickered as he spoke.


    ��Such a coincidence���� Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    ��Why don��t the both of you leave your names so that we can ount for what happened. After all, that horse was precious and belonged to the sect. It was very valuable,�� the young man continued.


    ��Even if we tell your our names, you wouldn��t learn anything. We are foreigners and aren��t here to create trouble. I��ll give you this thing topensate for your loss.�� Ren Baqian took out a dark green ball and threw it at him.


    ��What is this?�� The young man received the ball and sized it up carefully. It was a dark green ball with protrudingttices on it. There was also a ring as well as a metal strip.


    ��It is a good item and more valuable than your horse. As for its function, I won��t tell you about it. After all, this thing isn��t something that should be in your hands.�� Ren Baqianughed out loud and ignored them. After that, he left the scene with Lin Qiaole.


    ��Seniors, let them go,�� the young man said while holding onto the dark green ball.


    ��The horse���� One of them wasn��t satisfied. After all, a dwarf horse was too precious to them. If they let them off like that, how were they going to ount for themselves when they returned.


    To purchase such a dwarf horse would require thebined annual allowance of these five young men.


    ��She��s an expert. We��ll exin what happened to the seniors. I presume that they will not me us. After all, it was the horse I rode on that lost control. If there��s any responsibility that needs to be taken, I��ll bear it and will never inconvenience you guys.�� The young man squeezed out a smile.


    After listening to what the young man had to say, no one had any furtherments. However, they were somewhat embarrassed because the young man was their junior.


    ��What did he give you?�� someone asked curiously.


    ��A ball like this looks very intricate. I wonder what its use is.��


    ��What about this metal strip? It looks like a handle. There��s also a ring here? Pull it out and take a look. Maybe it will open.��


    The few of them gathered around to see the ball that Ren Baqian gave the young man.


    After all, although she was t-chested, Ren Baqian had a bodyguard who was young, pretty, and skilled. They presumed that a person with such an identity wouldn��t be someone ordinary, let alone the items he had.


    ��Eh, the ring can��t be removed?��


    ��Is it broken?��


    ��Try to see if you can open it? Who knows? There might actually be something inside.��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    After hearing the explosion, Ren Baqian couldn��t help but to say, ��Curiosity killed the cat!��


    ��What did you give them?�� Lin Qiaole couldn��t contain her curiosity. If an imperial guard was here, he or she would definitely know what Ren Baqian had given to the riders. Naturally, she wouldn��t know what a grenade was as she had constantly been sleeping back then.


    ��Something small.��


    ��Punishing without teaching is tantamount to abuse!�� Lin Qiaole reiterated.


    ��I won��t have a chance to punish them anymore,�� Ren Baqian replied. Following which, he thought for awhile before speaking again. ��It seems like we are being watched. Forget it. We roughly know the situation over here. Now that things have turned out like this, we can��t stay here anymore. Let��s take a look at the other cities.��


    After all, this was the first city at the entrance of the basin and was too close to Gu City. As a result, they had yet toe in contact with many things.


    If he wanted to take a look at more things, he had to continue advancing deeper inside.


    ��The both of you are in such a hurry to leave? If you leave now, I��m afraid you will have to spend the night outside.�� Thedy boss was slightly astonished when she heard that Ren Baqian wanted to check out. She wondered what they hade across outside.


    ��Thew and order here isn��t very good. It��s not a suitable ce for me to stay any longer.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��How��s that possible?�� Thedy boss was even more surprised and said, ��Longshou City is famous for itsw and order. After all, there are often so many merchants entering and leaving the city. If thew and order wasn��t good, the city would have already been in chaos.��


    <em>Perhaps after I came here, thew and order worsened. </em>Ren Baqian didn��t voice his thoughts out loud.


    An hourter, both Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole left from the south gate in a carriage.


    Among the few people that were standing at the city gate and looking at Ren Baqian��s carriage, one of them said, ��I��m certain that it��s him. Shall we chase after him?��


    The rest of them looked at the two people that were ahead.


    ��Brother Lin, what do you say?�� the man right in the front asked.


    ��There isn��t a need to provoke them. The girl is at least an Earth Wheel expert. It��s not easy to be so skilled at such a young age. Her background is definitely not simple at all,�� Lin Yuan said in a deep voice. Indeed, it wasn��t a wise decision to provoke them just because one of their juniors had created trouble.


    ��Furthermore, even if we don��t chase after them, the Nine des Sect will not be willing to take things lying down either,�� Lin Yuan continued.


    Speaking of this matter, the man next to him was also somewhat distressed. After all, it wasn��t easy to send one of their own into the Nine des Sect as a disciple. Over the years, he had only managed to send two disciples in, but now, one of them was dead.


    ��Let��s wait for the Nine des Sect to chase after them. We��ll see how things turn out,�� the man at the forefront said. ��After all, this is Tianjing Basin and not the Yun Nation. Those two people are such show-offs that they actually want to leave after injuring and killing people. It��s somewhat disrespectful to us.��


    Lin Yuan kept mum. Disrespect or respect, it was all bullsh*t.


    The genuine thoughts of the man at the front was that he was afraid of the Nine des Sect.


    After all, to be a skilled expert at such a young age, that girl was certainly not someone ordinary. She was probably from a distinguished family or a renowned sect.


    If this pair died over here, their backing would probably locate the Nine des Sect first.


    In recent years, the Nine des Sect had be more and more overbearing. If a few of the old officials in the Nine des Sect died, that would be more assuring.


    Based on this sole reason, it was worthwhile to get involved in this matter.


    Besides, there might be some good stuff on the other party. As far as he knew, the other party had a hidden weapon that was extremely powerful. This secret weapon was also difficult to guard against and was considered an excellent item. If the other party had anything else, then it would be an unexpected surprise.

 Chapter 418 - Hitting an Iron Plate

    Chapter 418: Hitting an Iron te


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It waste afternoon when Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole left the city, and it became dark after they had traveled a short distance.


    With great difficulty, they managed to find a grove and parked the carriage and cows by the roadside. Ren Baqian then came back with some dry firewood he had picked up.


    The roars of wild animals could be heard and from time to time. There were also fragmented noisesing from the underbush, but nothing could be seen.


    ��We are only left with steamed buns���� Ren Baqian took out some steamed buns from the carriage. These were taken from the inn when they were leaving in a hurry, and to have steamed buns to eat was already pretty good.


    The roasted steamed buns were slightly burned, but they tasted fairly good after salt and pepper were added to them by Ren Baqian.


    The buns would taste even better if they had chili sauce.


    After eating the steamed buns, theyy on the grass to watch the sky while the mosquitoes buzzed beside their ears.


    <em>Pow! </em>Ren Baqian pped himself and killed a big mosquito in exchange for the pain.


    ��Why do they only sting me?�� Ren Baqian felt that something was wrong. Nothing was happening to Lin Qiaole while these mosquitoes were all going for him.


    <em>Bzz. Bzz.</em>


    Ren Baqian turned his head to see a mosquitonding on Lin Qiaole��s face. The proboscis of the mosquito was trying to pierce her skin, but it was like trying to pierce through an iron te. The insect dropped down upon contact. This mosquito lost its bearings and flew away.


    The hardness of her skin made him envious and jealous.


    Ren Baqian sighed and continued lying down to view the sky. The night sky in this world was full of stars and was a beautiful sight to behold. He could see the beautiful night sky on Earth when he was young, but not anymore when he grew up.


    ��The dark sky droops


    The bright stars apany it


    Insects are flying


    Insects are flying����


    Ren Baqian smacked his lips, but he couldn��t go on singing because the mosquitoes were flying everywhere��


    The sound of galloping horses broke the silence of the night.


    The sound of horses traveling quickly sote at night made Ren Baqian realize that he had matters to attend to. Earlier this afternoon, he already knew that they would chase after him. However, they hade after himter than expected.


    ��Wake up. There��s work to do.��


    ��I��ll do it after I wake up���� Lin Qiaole said in confusion.


    ��I can wait, but they can��t wait any longer!��


    The sounds of hooves were getting closer even as they talked.


    There were at least six or seven horses.


    ��There is firelight. Some people are up ahead.��


    ��ording to the path they took, there is an 80 percent chance that it is them. Be careful.��


    The few people on horseback saw the firelight in the distance and became alert immediately because they had finally caught up with their quarry. These people had actually killed a few Nine des Sect members in Longshou City and definitely couldn��t be let off.


    The sounds of the hooves stopped outside the area illuminated by the fire.


    In the darkness, the group of them saw two people lying near the bonfire and knew they had found their targets.


    ��You two, I don��t know how our Nine des Sect members provoked you to make you deal them such a cruel blow. Out of the five, only one survived. The survivor was seriously injured and might be crippled after recovering. The method used by the both of you was diabolical. Furthermore, the both of you thought of running away after killing someone?�� Six people came out from the darkness. The first two were around 60 years old, and following behind, were four capable and vigorous looking men that were in their thirties.


    ��They are too ugly���� Ren Baqian said without hesitation. Although the other side had provoked him first, he considered the Nine des Sect as just a small martial arts sect. Furthermore, he was a Secondary ss, Rank 4 official in Dayao��s imperial court.


    If he wasn��t here on official duties, he could simply dispatch a group of guards to wipe out the entire Nine des Sect.


    The gap between them was too big, and he couldn��t be bothered to exin this to the Nine des Sect members.


    Anyway, there was nothing to exin.


    Did he need to say they deliberately charged into him and that he was reasoning with them? Ren Baqian was toozy to give an exnation.


    The members of Nine des Sect came because of their anger with the two. They hesitated to attack as they knew that thedy was an expert after they saw the dead body of the horse.


    Hearing what Ren Baqian said, they became angrier. If they let these two off, the Nine des Sect wouldn��t be able to carry on in the future.


    ��Since you said so, there is nothing to else say. We will bring you back and let our chief deal with you.�� One of themughed furiously, and without saying anything more, he jumped up and pounced at the two of them. The rest of them proceeded to surround the pair.


    Ren Baqiany on the ground and fired three shots in rapid session at the figure in midair that wasing toward him.


    As the three gunshots roared, that man changed his position in midair a few times and shouted, ��Trying to hurt me with a trivial hidden weapon? You have underestimated our sect.��


    Subsequently, a lotus flower made up of snow white knives bloomed in the air.


    After disying the power of his knives, the man in midair looked at the two people below who were not making any moves. He rxed and thought that the two were young and had not seen much of the world. The youngdy could kill a horse and must be very strong, but was muddle-headed when faced with a life or death situation.


    After catching and sending them back, he would let them know that this was Tianjing Basin and not the Yun Nation. Not everybody coulde here and behave arrogantly.


    These two would pay with their lives in exchange for the lives of his fellow sect members.


    He would let the littledy pose in 18 positions for her own pleasure before making her pay with her life.


    When the surrounding people saw the snow white lotus disyed in midair, their eyes brightened. This set of swordy was called [Seventh de]. The name of the Nine des Sect wasn��t derived from nine des, but from nine sets of de techniques. Every set was very powerful, and theter the set was, the more powerful it was.


    [Ninth de] hadn��t been mastered by anyone for many years, and only the chief was sessful in mastering [Eighth de]. This [Seventh de] was the most powerful set practiced among their current pursuit group.


    This elder used the most powerful set of de techniques right at the beginning, and his intention to win was evident.


    While all sorts of thoughts were going through the minds of everyone, a figure suddenly bounced off the ground at a speed faster than the elder��s and appeared before him. This figure turned in midair a few times to pass through the de gleam, and before the elder could react, it wed at his face. After that, it wed at him again.


    That man��s face was filled with 10 bloody w marks, making him look inhuman. The man then fell down from midair with a miserable howl.


    This change shocked the surrounding crowd because this fallen man was one of their elders and an Earth Wheel expert who was at the intermediate level, yet he was defeated after only one sh.


    ��Spirit Wheel���� A raspy trembling voice was heard.


    The others were horrified. Spirit Wheel? A Spirit Wheel expert was the top expert wherever he or she was and could even be the warlord of a region.


    If this person were to be a Great Xia official, she would at least be a Rank 4<em>o </em>fficial.


    Most of the practitioners had never seen a Spirit Wheel expert before.


    Was this little girl a Spirit Wheel expert? Did they themselves actually want to battle with a Spirit Wheel expert?


    Thinking about themselves doing so, everyone began to have cold sweats.


    Nothing was worse than fighting against a Spirit Wheel expert. If there was something worse, it would be personally preparing to fight with a Spirit Wheel expert.


    It was practically putting one��s neck on the edge of a knife.


    Nobody doubted the words spoken as they came from another elder who was also an Earth Wheel expert.


    This time around, the Nine des Sect sent out two Earth Wheel experts in order to catch these two people and bring them back.


    One had to know that there were only a total of five Earth Wheel experts in the Nine des Sect. It was also the biggest sect in Longshou City and its Earth Wheel experts could go to most ces and act with impunity.


    Nobody expected them to encounter anyone more dominant, yet surprisingly, they were met with a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Lin Qiaolended on the ground, licked her fingers, and frowned. The vor of blood didn��t seem to taste good.


    ��You may get diarrhea���� Ren Baqian saw her actions and couldn��t restrain himself from saying, ��You lick any Tom, Dick, or Harry��s blood. Don��t you find it dirty?��


    Lin Qiaole immediately rubbed her hands on her body.


    If they were termed as Tom, Dick, or Harry earlier on, the Nine des Sect members would certainly have fought with their lives on the line against their opponent.


    However, learning that their opponent was a Spirit Wheel expert, all thoughts of resistance perished, and their only thought was to escape from this ce alive.


    Nobody doubted that all six of them would die if the opponent decided to kill them.

 Chapter 419 - Nearly Got Into Trouble

    Chapter 419: Nearly Got Into Trouble


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��How should I deal with them?�� Lin Qiaole wiped the blood off her ws, ignored the few enemies, and turned to look at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian looked at the several people in the surroundings. They stood rooted to the ground and did not dare move a single bit, as if their bodies were frozen.


    The man on the ground also stopped screaming, fearing that his voice would attract Lin Qiaole��s attention.


    With just one stroke, Lin Qiaole turned those aggressive people into trembling quails, and they were too scared to even take action.


    After hearing what Lin Qiaole said, everyone shuddered in their hearts. They were extremely nervous that the man would instruct her to ��kill.��


    No one would have the opportunity to escape as they were confronting a Spirit Wheel expert. Simply knowing that she was a Spirit Wheel expert made them scared out of their wits. There wasn��t a need for her to take any action at all.


    ��Sir, if there is anything that I can do to serve you, I will always be there at your beck and call. I will certainly settle things for you properly,�� one of the men suddenly said.


    ��This person shall stay, as for the others���� Ren Baqian pointed at the man who talked and sighed halfway through his words. The first person who spoke was pretty impressive as his reaction was fast. Ren Baqian indeedcked ackey, and it didn��t matter if the other people died or not. To him, as long as the majority of themoners were alive, it would be alright. Hepletely didn��t care if these experts were dead or alive.


    Upon hearing half of Ren Baqian��s words, the person who spoke up immediately heaved a sigh of relief.


    ��The night is long, and there are many people who are not in the mood to sleep. Now, the timing is just right. Let��s y a finger-guessing game, and those who win can leave. As for those who lose, the scenery here is pretty good, and it is a pretty good ce to be buried. There are mountains on one side and water on the other. In the future, you will not be lonely either,�� Ren Baqian said.


    When they heard this, everyone was chilled to the bone. Not only did they encounter a Spirit Wheel expert, but there was another person who didn��t follow conventional reasoning andpletely relied on his own preferences. Regardless of who the person was, he or she would definitely be afraid of encountering such a person, particrly if such a person had a Spirit Wheel expert as a bodyguard.


    ��Sir, we were all blind. We beg you to let us live. In the future, as long as you have any instructions, we will definitely carry them out without question,�� the other Earth Wheel expert said as he restrained the fear he was feeling.


    At the same time, he cursed those disciples who had already died. If it weren��t for them, they would not have run into such a situation.


    ��I beg Sir to let us go. We were blind���� One by one, the others began to beg for mercy.


    ��Originally, I didn��t want to create any trouble, but the bunch of you chased us. You can��t me me for that. I have already given all of you a chance���� Ren Baqian had only spoken halfway when a gust of wind blew past him. All of sudden, someone disappeared.


    Lin Qiaole was missing.


    ������ Ren Baqian looked to the side where Lin Qiaole had originally been standing. At this moment, that location was empty. He suddenly felt like he was going to break down.


    That senseless girl actually left him alone and disappeared? Furthermore, she left him among the enemy��


    Ren Baqian looked unmoved since he shouldn��t panic in this situation. He couldn��t make a fool out of himself just because of an ignorant blunder. In short, he could not let the other party find out the real situation.


    He peeked at the people on the opposite side and saw an ominous glint emitting from one of the men who had just spoken.


    This man was one of the two Earth Wheel experts.


    The others were all getting restless, but they weren��t nning to make a move against Ren Baqian. Instead, they had the intention to flee.


    Just a moment ago, Ren Baqian was still thinking about how to deal with them. In the blink of an eye, the situation changed, and his Spirit Wheel expert had actually disappeared.


    How could they not be tempted to escape when presented with such a golden opportunity?


    The only thing that made everyone hesitate was that they did not not know exactly what the current situation was. Where did that Spirit Wheel expert go? If they fled and got caught, their ending would probably be even more miserable. Instead, should they grab the person in front of them?


    Just when everyone was hesitating, Ren Baqian faintly said, ��A person can be weak and can have low martial arts skills, but he or she must have a brain that functions well. All of your skills are low, plus you have lousy brains. It already was not easy to live until now. However, all of you want to continue living, but even if I don��t kill all of you, you guys wouldn��t live long.


    Ren Baqian was thinking very hard as he spoke. At this time, it all depended on his eloquence to see if he could stall for time. If the other party found out that he had a guilty conscience, perhaps they would immediately take action. When Lin Qiaole returned, he would probably be in the hands of the enemy.


    At that time, his life and death would be beyond his own control.


    However, he couldn��t force them too much. Otherwise, the other party might take a risk out of desperation, and he would end up being unlucky.


    Currently, he could only hope that the other party doesn��t get hold of the real situation. He had to use words to stall for more time.


    ��Sir, what do you mean by that?�� What Ren Baqian said immediately attracted the attention of everyone. Those two Earth Wheel experts were originally restless, but upon hearing what he said, they were startled.


    ��Currently, Dayao is fighting a war outside, yet you all don��t know where you stand. As far as I know, Dayao is no longer able to tolerate all of you and is nning to exterminate the entire Tianjing Basin. All of you, including your families, will die, but you guys don��t have any sense of awareness yet.�� Ren Baqianughed sarcastically.


    What Ren Baqian said frightened everyone, including the two Earth Wheel experts. They couldn��t care less about anything else now.


    One had to know that even though the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation and the aboriginals were from the same country, they were just like fire and water.


    It would take the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation more than a day or two to get out of this basin. Since birth, all the Hao Nation descendants knew that therge area ofnd outside the basin previously belonged to them. However, they were trapped in this basin. Under such circumstances, the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation would naturally y some dirty tricks.


    As long as Xi Wanya, the Protector General of the South, got ahold of any developments regarding such a situation, he would ughter to the extent that there was enough blood to float pestles.


    This aspect had made more people resentful, and some people worried that one day, the aboriginals would make their way in and kill everyone.


    It was only due to such worry that they wanted to escape from this basin. They wanted to control their own lives.


    At this moment, when they heard Ren Baqian talk about the things that they were most worried about, no one cared about anything else.


    ��How does Sir know about this?�� one of the Earth Wheel experts promptly asked. He couldn��t even be bothered to grab Ren Baqian and escape anymore. They knew that what Ren Baqian said involved the entire Tianjing Basin, which included their family members.


    ��This is the reason why I��m here,�� Ren Baqian said indifferently.


    Everyone wanted to continue asking questions, but a figure suddenly fell among them. Lin Qiaole came back and stood there while carrying two people in her hands.


    Seeing that Lin Qiaole had returned, Ren Baqian could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    Even though less than two minutes had passed, these two minutes were sufficient for him to die umpteen times.


    It wasn��t time to talk about this, however.


    ��Who are they?��


    ��They were spying on us from the woods just now.�� As Lin Qiaole threw the two people to the ground, it was revealed that their faces had been scratched. She even looked up at Ren Baqian with a hopeful face, as if she wanted to im credit and ask for a reward.


    Ren Baqian was full of resentment toward her.


    <em>You actually left me behind to catch the two of them?</em>


    <em>You have to remember your identity. You are a bodyguard, bodyguard, bodyguard!</em>


    If it wasn��t for the fact that there were outsiders here, he would have taught her a good lesson about what a bodyguard was.


    ��Dead Toad? Lin Yuan?�� the several people from the Nine des Sect immediately cried out in surprise.


    ��You can still recognize him?�� Ren Baqian lowered his head to take a look. The faces of the two men were practically beyond recognition.


    Why did Lin Qiaole love to scratch people��s faces so much?


    ��We have had a few dealings before. I can recognize him from his clothes as well as his build,�� that Earth Wheel expert replied. Once again, he quietly verified Lin Qiaole��s strength from the fact that she could actually capture the two of them in such a short period of time. Undoubtedly, she was certainly a Spirit Wheel expert.

 Chapter 420 - Misunderstanding

    Chapter 420: Misunderstanding


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Dead Toad? That sect from Longshou City, right?�� Ren Baqian had heard of the Death Toad Sect when he was in Longshou City. Immediately, he remembered upon hearing the name.


    He didn��t know why the both of them were following him.


    ��That��s right. These two people are the chief and the deputy chief of the Death Toad Sect. Sir, what you said just now�� were lies, right?�� someone asked in a trembling voice.


    If it were during normal times, the people from the Nine des Sect would definitely want to find out why these two people were tailing them. Now, however, they were more concerned about what Ren Baqian had just said.


    What Ren Baqian said just now was far too important to them.


    If Dayao really wanted to mobilize their soldiers and fight in the Tianjing Basin, this cage would most likely be flooded with blood.


    Apart from the few experts who could surmount the surrounding mountains and cliffs to escape, the others weren��t able to do so.


    At present, they could only hope that Ren Baqian was lying to them just now. After hearing what he said, theypletely ignored the fact that Ren Baqain wanted their lives.


    ��Deceiving all of you? Is it necessary for me to do so?�� Ren Baqian sneered. At the moment, the Tianjing Basin was regarded by Dayao as something simr to psoriasis. If there was ever a day when the empress no longer cared about the original agreement, he reckoned that the entire imperial court would raise their hands in agreement to massacre all of these surviving remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Dayao had never learned how to conciliate and appease other nations before. Also, Dayao was a country that never paid attention tow and righteousness.


    To Dayao, killing was a way to simplify matters.


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, the few people from Nine des Sect were at a loss for words. Their faces turned ghastly pale.


    ��In that case, the reason you came���� Just now, Ren Baqian had already mentioned that he came over for this matter.


    Moreover, with a Spirit Wheel expert beside him, he had increased the persuasiveness of his words.


    ��I came here specifically for this matter, and it can be considered as giving all of you another chance to live,�� Ren Baqian said expressionlessly. If he didn��t make this trip here, the lives of these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation would subsequently depend on the empress��s mood.


    However, in his eyes, these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation were still rather useful.


    After all, the aboriginals were too boorish and brainless.


    It wasn��t sufficient for a nation to only know how to fight wars.


    If they wanted to recruit some other people, these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation would be a better option.


    All in all, even if they defeated the Yun Nation in future, the rebellion of the Yun Nation��s people would definitely be even more intense.


    In contrast, these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation had been under Dayao��s control for so many years that the rules and regime of the aboriginals had prated deep into their bones. This could be seen by the fact that after all these years, the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation only dared to y some small tricks, but didn��t start an uprising.


    As a result, they were a better optionpared to the people of the Yun Nation.


    Originally, the life and death of these people didn��t matter to him, but after seeing the reactions of these people when they heard what he said, he actually changed his mind. Under these circumstances, he would reveal his identity and keep the obedient ones as hisckeys. This way, his trip this time around would be less troublesome.


    At the very least, he wouldn��t be watched and sounded out by others, unlike what had happened in Longshou City.


    If they performed well, he would keep them by his side. In any case, he definitely had to utilize some of the natives.


    ��As it turns out, Sir is here for this matter. We were impudent previously and hope that Sir will not take offense.��


    Ren Baqian gently nodded his head as these words were pleasant to hear.


    ��On ount of the fact that you all are on the right track���� Ren Baqian only spoke halfway, but everyone understood what was he trying to convey.


    ��Indeed, we acted too rashly. Actually, we are just like a family.��


    Ren Baqian was clueless.


    <em>Who wants to be in a family with all of you? Are all of you shameless? Only the empress and I can be considered a family.</em>


    ��Sir, even if we wanted to start a rebellion, we don��t have sufficient weapons. Tianjing Basin has mostly bone knives. Back in the day when we first arrived here, the des and spears were all melted to forge kitchen knives. Nowadays, most people use bone knives. Even though our bone knives can be polished until they are sharp, the aboriginals are extremely strong and are equipped with steel sabers. If both parties sh with each other for a few rounds, the bone knives will break. Thus, even if we had the desire to start a rebellion, we don��t have the capability pull one off. Are you willing to assist us this time around?��


    Ren Baqian was confused.


    <em>Did this bunch of people misunderstand everything?</em>


    <em>Asking me for weapons to start a rebellion?</em>


    ��I wonder which family from the Yun Nation you are from? Perhaps, you were sent by the Yun Nation��s imperial court?��


    Ren Baqian remained silent.


    ��A month earlier, someone from Great Xia came. He��s currently in the basin. At that time, he said that it was inevitable for the Yun Nation to lend a helping hand. Atst, Sir has arrived, yet we actually caused a misunderstanding like this. If Sir is willing to assist us, the probability of our sess will increase. There are only three Spirit Wheel experts in the Protectorate of the South. With the Spirit Wheel expert from Great Xia plus thispanion of yours, it would be sufficient to pin down or even defeat our enemy. At present, we are onlycking in weapons.��


    Ren Baqian was utterly speechless.


    He finally returned to his senses. These fellows actually thought that he had been sent by the Yun Nation to help them start a rebellion?


    Ren Baqian took some time to recall what he had said. Indeed, he did say he was from the Yun Nation. After all, he and Lin Qiaole didn��t look like the aboriginals. Plus, before his appearance, the aboriginals had never epted a foreigner before. As a result, these Hao Nation descendants didn��t doubt the two of them.


    On top of that, Lin Qiaole was a Spirit Wheel expert and he actually said that he was here to assist them. It was no wonder that such a misunderstanding arose.


    However, this misunderstanding created a good opportunity for them.


    ording to what that person said, someone from Great Xia was already here? Moreover, this someone was a Spirit Wheel expert? It seemed like Great Xia was still not ready to give up.


    From what that person said, they probably had a big plot brewing.


    Needless to say, as long as Ren Baqian yed along with the other party��s words this time, they might even make their way into the enemy��s army. At the very least, he knew that they were preparing something big. When the time came, he would just have to notify Xi Wanya and wipe them out in one fell swoop.


    He would destroy this bunch of conspirators before dealing with the rest of the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Ren Baqian racked his brains and immediately thought of an idea.


    ��None of you are qualified to know my identity. All you have to know is that I��m here to help you,�� Ren Baqian said indifferently while adopting a posture that was full of arrogance.


    In fact, after seeing his posture, this group of people was even more convinced because the person who came from Great Xia also had the same attitude.


    Regardless of whether it was someone from Great Xia or the Yun Nation, helping the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation was equivalent to looking after a stray dog. It was normal for them to be arrogant.


    ��Where is that Great Xia person now?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Previously, he went to the Golden Ring Residence. As for his current location, we are unsure of that.�� Although the Nine des Sect was quite influential in the vicinity of Longshou City, they were just a small sect when considering the entire Tianjing Basin. Naturally, they wouldn��t know much.


    ��Consider yourselves lucky. If it wasn��t for the fact that all of you are somewhat useful, you guys could continue to daydream about leaving here.��


    Everyone was soaked from their cold sweat. It was indeed fortunate for them to survive. As such, they definitely had to go back and light a joss stick for the founder of their sect.


    ��Leave two people as guides to show the way. The rest of you can get lost now,�� Ren Baqian muttered.


    ��Sir, I��ll stay behind.�� The person who spoke was that quick-witted man from before. Previously, before anyone else could respond, he was the first to speak. At present, he was also the first person to talk.


    This man also had his own thoughts. Previously, he wanted to save his own life, but now, he wanted to grab ahold of Ren Baqian. As long as he hugged the thighs of the person who was in front of him at the moment, even if the rebellion against the aboriginals failed, he could probably leave safely with Ren Baqian.


    Furthermore, while the war was ongoing, he would not be treated as cannon fodder and sent to the front of a battle formation to get killed.


    ��Sir, I��ll stay behind to guide the way as well. If there is any trouble, I can also help Sir to solve it.�� The other person who spoke out was the Earth Wheel expert who had not yet taken any action.


    He also had simr thoughts. Even though his status as an Earth Wheel expert was rather high, it all depended on which sect an Earth Wheel expert came from.


    ��The two of you can stay behind. Everyone else, get lost and bring the two people on the ground with you.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. Currently, he was toozy to find out why these other two people had followed them.


    He had something even more important to do.


    Everyone nced at each other, cupped their fist with their other hand, and left with their heads lowered.


    Only an elderly Earth Wheel expert and a Man Wheel expert from the Nine des Sect stayed behind sincerely.


    Ren Baqian stretched his body and said to the two people in front of him, ��I��m unsure of the situation over here. This time, I only came over after receiving an order. Tell me everything that you know.��


    He never expected that he would encounter such a situation just as he entered Tianjing Basin. He was really lucky.


    This group of Hao Nation descendants actually treated him and Lin Qiaole as people from the Yun Nation and invited them back. It was also a ��lucky day�� for them.

 Chapter 421 - Missing Someone

    Chapter 421: Missing Someone


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A few Nine des Sect members put Dead Toad and Lin Yuan, who looked like dead dogs, on horseback and took advantage of the night to leave.


    Along the way, everyone would take a look at the two unconscious people from time to time. If they were to kill them, the Death Toad Sect would be finished.


    If they took action now, there would be no trace. That envoy from the Yun Nation probably wouldn��t pay attention to such a small matter either.


    In the end, the Earth Wheel elder who had been scratched in the face by Lin Qiaole sighed and said, ��If there is a war in future, these two will at least constitute a formidable fighting force.��


    Only then did everyone dispel this notion.


    On both sides of the road in the wilderness, one man and one woman were hiding in the dark and observing with suspicion.


    ��How did the cowardly Lin Yuan fall into the hands of the Nine des Sect?�� a woman with an insipid voice asked slowly.


    ��Were they chasing after the two people you were talking about?�� the man asked.


    ��This is pretty close, but the situation is quite strange.��


    ��Are we still going to proceed?��


    ��I am afraid there is a problem. Let��s go back and ask the Nine des Sect where those two people went.��


    ��


    After dawn, Ren Baqian andpany headed toward the Golden Ring Residence. From Long Shou City to Jici City, where the Golden Ring Residence was situated, it normally took four days of travel, but their group took five days.


    During the journey, Ren Baqian managed to get a lot of useful information from the two Nine des Sect members.


    What they knew was much more than what Ren Baqian had gathered so far. After all, many things were privy to their members that ordinary people wouldn��t know.


    The distribution of power in Tianjing Basin was moreplicated than what he had been told by Xi Wanya.


    There were a dozen factions of various sizes, up to 100 sects, and their rtionships were intricate as well as messy.


    However, there was an alliance behind all these parties who was in contact with them and was preparing for an uprising.


    This alliance was dominated by eight big sects and three big factions. The three big factions were the three biggest forces in Tianjing Basin andprised of practically all the cities here.


    These three factions consisted of the Northern Union, the Southern Metropolis, and the Green Bell Flower.


    Among them, the most powerful was the Northern Union, followed by the Southern Metropolis and the Green Bell Flower. However, the internal organization of each faction was messy andplicated. The least powerful Green Bell Flower was actually the most united.


    The Golden Ring Residence was one of the eight sects. Its influence extended over six cities and not just three, unlike what he had previously been told.


    The Golden Ring Residence was the smallest of the eight sects.


    The biggest sect was the Lingshan Sect, which was the biggest sect in the Northern Union. Its influence covered almost 20 cities, and in the Northern Union, many generals were from the Lingshan sect.


    In addition, among the eight big sects, there was one that Ren Baqian found interesting. It was called the Manxing Pavilion and was within the territory of the Green Bell Flower. It was said that all the members were female and that one of the pavilion masters was called Green Bell. From her name, the rtionship between the two parties could be inferred.


    More than once during the journey, Ren Baqian felt that these two Nine des Sect members were rather stupid. They didn��t suspect him at all and didn��t even verify his identity before telling him everything without reservation.


    On the other hand, the aboriginals had had no contact with outsiders before. The aboriginals and other races rejected each other. As such, these two people didn��t doubt that he was on the same side as them.


    In addition, they were too eager for outside support, longed to escape this cage, and wanted to recapture theirnds.


    Thinking about it, Ren Baqian felt that they were quite pitiful. Despite this pity, he couldn��tmiserate with them.


    Both sides were neither wrong nor right, but were standing in different positions and were enemies as a result.


    After traveling this way for five days, the group reached Jici City, where the Golden Ring Residence was located.


    On arrival, they checked into an inn and the Earth Wheel experts of Nine des Sect went to the Golden Ring Residence to present their name cards. Meanwhile, Ren Baqian took Lin Qiaole and wandered around the city.


    Jici City was much bigger than Longshou City. The streets of Jici City were bustling with people and were more orderlypared to Longshou City. Also, the lives of themoners in Jici City were slightly better than those of Longshou City or at least their expression were a bit more cheerful.


    Although their clothes were old, they were clean and didn��t have too many patches.


    However, they were only slightly better off since they were still thin and pallid.


    Generally speaking, Ren Baqian had a rough idea of the living conditions of the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation after visiting these two cities. Poverty was endemic and to have a full stomach must be their greatest wish.


    Apart from this, Ren Baqian was attracted by the shops on both sides of the road.


    Whether it was daily necessities such as salt or cloth, the prices were higher by more than half whenpared to Lan City.


    In addition to shops that soldmodities, there were shops selling special products. For example, shops that specialized in polishing bone knives, arrowheads, and other weapons.


    Ren Baqian intentionally went in for a look and finally bought a bone knife. This type of bone knife was very sharp, almost as sharp as an iron knife. Its biggest drawbacks were its hardness and tensile strength, which weren��tparable to iron. If it was pitted against an iron knife, cracks would appear after a few exchanges.


    Some bone knives were made out of bones that had better hardness and tensile qualities. These could be used for quite some time, but were expensive, so not manymoners could afford them.


    ��Is that guy a the Golden Ring Residence disciple?�� Ren Baqian looked at a man in the middle of a group of people whose back was facing him.


    From his position, Ren Baqian was well ced to observe the other party. The other party had a long bone saber on his back, and on the back of his bone saber, there was a row of nine gold rings. When walking, the golden rings would hit the bone knife, emitting a clear and melodious sound.


    Ren Baqian had heard about their technology before. This type of gold ring was produced by using a special method. When the bone saber was shing, the gold rings would emit ear-piercing sounds that interfered with the five senses and made the opponent impetuous.


    If one was facing a disciple from the Golden Ring Residence under the sunlight, one must be wary of the disturbance caused by the gold rings and also of the reflections of light. There was a special way to use the saber that scattered the reflected light into innumerable fine fragments. This in turn interfered with the opponent��s vision.


    Even if a person was one level above a the Golden Ring Residence disciple, he or she would still face disruptions to their hearing from the sound and to their vision from the light reflections, causing it to be a difficult battle.


    ��Yes, Sir,�� the Nine des Sect member replied. His name was Liu Xing, while the Earth Wheel elder was called Liu Zhangmei.


    ��


    While Ren Baqian was wandering around the city, the empress was in Gu City and sat in the garden in a daze.


    As that man wasn��t around, she found these past few days boring. Even television shows didn��t interest her much.


    Things were definitely more interesting when he was around.


    In the past, she used to be alone and felt fine, but after getting used to having someone around, it was particrly easy to feel lonely without that person.


    ��Is there any news from him?�� the empress asked without even raising her head.


    ��Your Majesty, Sir Ren didn��t bring along his radio station for this trip���� Qing Yuan said softly behind her. She then turned toward Hong Luan and stuck out her tongue. Her eyes were filled withughter as she continued, ��Ren Baqian has only been gone for a few days, yet Her Majesty is already missing him.��


    The empress sat for almost half a day before she rose up to get candy from the candy tree. She discovered that one-third of the candies had already been picked.


    Ren Baqian had promised that he would be back when the candies were finished.


    The empress used the shears to cut down a bunch of candies and saw that there was only candy left on half the tree.


    ��If he isn��t back by the time all the candies are eaten, I will tie him up and hang him on the tree.�� She raised her eyebrows when she recalled hearing that there were 23 ways to tie up a person. She would definitely try out all the methods.


    She totally forgot about the agreement with Ren Baqian to only eat 20 candies per day at most. There were originally 1,200 candies on the tree, which was equivalent to two full months of supply.

 Chapter 422 - The Golden Ring Residence

    Chapter 422: The Golden Ring Residence


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Ren Baqian returned to the inn, he saw several dwarf horses at the entrance and a few the Golden Ring Residence disciples carrying a bone knife standing there.


    Pedestrians carefully made a detour and didn��t dare to approach that area, resulting in the few of them bing prominent on the bustling street.


    The Golden Ring Residence had an extremely huge influence over here.


    Even the warlord of Jici City had to show courtesy toward them, let alone ordinary people. It was natural for themoners to stay away from them.


    ��Are you the sir from the Yun Nation?�� Upon seeing Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole, the Golden Ring Residence disciples sized them up with one of the disciples asking this question.


    ��That��s right.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Our sect elder is currently waiting for Sir in the inn,�� that disciple said respectfully.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head and tookrge strides into the inn.


    Someone inside heard noisesing from outside and strode out. He then spoke in a clear voice and said, ��This Mister is from the Yun Nation, right? It must have been tough on you throughout the long journey.��


    Ren Baqian looked up and took a nce, this man was probably in his forties. He was slim, heroic-looking, had a warm attitude, and emitted a sort of calming charm from head to toe.


    If this man were brought to Earth, even though he was in his forties, there would be many woman fighting for him.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was still slightly better looking than this man.


    ��I��m Ling Zekuan, the elder in charge of foreign affairs for the Golden Ring Residence. It��s my pleasure to meet you.��


    ��Forget about the pleasantries. I��m sure you know my reason foring,�� Ren Baqian said indifferently.


    ��I have heard about Sir. This inn isn��t the best ce for an important guest like you. Due to our negligence, you have been staying here for some time. Thus, I have already made arrangements at my residence and would like you toe over. Let my the Golden Ring Residence y its part as the host,�� Ling Zekuan said with a smile.


    ��Great!�� Ren Baqian gently nodded.


    He knew that entering the Golden Ring Residence was only the beginning.


    Although this person��s attitude was still respectful, he wasn��t as respectful as the members of the Nine des Sect. After all, this was the difference between a big sect and a small sect. Ren Baqian reckoned that this man wouldn��t be as easily deceivedpared to those Nine des Sect members.


    He had to pass through this stage at the Golden Ring Residence beforeing into contact with more things.


    If he spilled the beans, perhaps Lin Qiaole would have to carry him and escape.


    One had to know that there was also a Spirit Wheel expert holding the fort in the Golden Ring Residence.


    There were a total of 13 well-known Spirit Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin. Apart from Lingshan Sect, the biggest sect which had two Spirit Wheel experts, the rest of the seven major sects had one Spirit Wheel expert each.


    Even though there were 13 Spirit Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin, these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation didn��t dare to rush indiscriminately into action.


    Using the same standard, the aboriginal experts who had attained the Cardinal Heaven level were too terrifying. Even the Spirit Wheel experts inTianjing Basin were ranked among the lower half of all Spirit Wheel experts.


    Previously, when Great Xia invaded Ziyue City, seven Spirit Wheel experts surrounded and killed the Protector General of the North, Xiong Yue. On the other side, two of the Great Xia Spirit Wheel experts died.


    Furthermore, Protector General of the South, Xi Wanya, was stronger than Xiong Yue. Adding on another two Cardinal Heaven experts, even the 13 Spirit Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin didn��t dare to indiscriminately rush into action.


    Therefore, the greatest demands that these the Hao Nation citizens had toward the other nations were for weapons and Spirit Wheel experts.


    At this time, Ren Baqian��s identity was that of an official from the Yun Nation. Moreover, he had a Spirit Wheel expert for a bodyguard, so it was natural for him to receive deferential treatment.


    Everyone left the city and headed for the most eye-catching mountain that was located in the northwest direction.


    When they came close to the mountain, they sawyers of pavilions stacked from the foot of the mountain to halfway up the mountain. Each and every building could vaguely be seen among the trees.


    Although the Golden Ring Residence was a sect, it was only the size of small town.


    When they reached the vicinity of the Golden Ring Residence, they could see a monastery gate in front. On both sides were stone walls that were three meters tall and surrounded the entire Golden Ring Residence. Only the top was exposed.


    There were two disciples standing on each side of the gate, and all of them were wearing a yellow shirt, a brown pleated skirt, and had a bone saber on their back.


    A group of people hurriedly came out to wee Ren Baqian and the rest.


    They exchanged conventional greetings.


    The person who came up first was the chief of the Golden Ring Residence, Zhan Changkong, and he was in his sixties with an imposing appearance. Following behind him was his wife, who looked as if she was in her early thirties. She was slender, elegant, and extremely beautiful.


    However, along the way, Ren Baqian had heard the Nine des Sect members talk about a few of the well-known individuals in the Golden Ring Residence. He knew that she was in her forties and also was a beauty during her younger days. Her nickname was Painting Fairy since she excelled in painting too.


    In addition to these two people, the others who greeted them included two internal attendants and aw enforcer with an external attendant by their side. Out of the six important attendants in the Golden Ring Residence, four attendants actually came to wee Ren Baqian.


    After all, Ren Baqian was an envoy from the Yun Nation, and they had to treat him with solemn respect.


    Even if Ren Baqian��s identity wasn��t known, the strength of Lin Qiaole alone was sufficient to give her preferential treatment.


    ��Sir, I heard that you have apanion with you. Is she in the carriage?�� After exchanging conventional greetings, Zhan Changkong asked this because he was very curious about this Spirit Wheel expert.


    Zhan Changkong heard that this person was just a young girl, but was already a Spirit Wheel expert. He was afraid that there would be another Qi Zixiao and Li Yuanzhu.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and opened the curtain of the carriage. As expected, she was sleeping soundly inside.


    These two times that she left the pce, she really let herself loose.


    Compared to the times she stationed at Qingxin Pce Hall, she was even worse now.


    Without saying a word, Ren Baqian took out a piece of candy and threw it into his mouth. After chewing for a while, he opened his mouth and exhaled toward Lin Qiaole. She was originally lying down with her eyes shut, but her nose twitched as she began to drift toward Ren Baqian.


    Looking at that salted fish pose of hers, Ren Baqian wanted to not speak a word, take off his shoes, and extend his feet at her. If he didn��t remember wrongly, Lin Qiaole��s sense of smell was more sensitive than an ordinary person��s.


    [Fish pose: a yoga move]


    After thinking it through, however, he felt that this would be rather inhumane. In the end, he gave up on this tempting n of his.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian was afraid that she would scratch him.


    ��I��ll count to three. Otherwise, I��ll throw this piece of candy away.�� Ren Baqian took out a piece of candy and slowly tore open the wrapper.


    ��Three.�� Ren Baqian turned around and threw the candy far away.


    A gust of wind blew past Ren Baqian.


    Lin Qiaole appeared in midair, grabbed the piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy, and threw it into her mouth. She then questioned him, ��What about one and two? Don��t you know how to count?��


    ��Ha!�� Ren Baqian felt quite insulted from being questioned by someone from Dayao.


    Everyone looked eagerly at how Ren Baqian tricked this Spirit Wheel expert out, as if he was ying with his pet.


    No one could believe that this young girl was actually a Spirit Wheel expert, but just now, after witnessing her speed as well as her sleek movements, everyone could not help but acknowledge that she was indeed a Spirit Wheel expert.


    In everyone��s minds, a Spirit Wheel expert should be majestic, haughty, or experienced. At the very least, the other Spirit Wheel experts they knew were like that.


    For example, the respected elder in their sect that they only saw once a month. All year round, he would be painstakingly cultivating in the mountains or transcending the cliffs to look for medicinal ingredients.


    Every time they saw him, he only spoke a few words.


    In their hearts, this was their perception of a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Their perception of Lin Qiaole waspletely different from the Spirit Wheel expert they knew.


    However, after carefully looking at Lin Qiaole, she looked like she was around 17 years old with a body that had yet to blossom. She wore her hair in a simple bun, and her face was very delicate and clean. Perhaps in a few more years, she might turn into a beauty.


    She was wearing a tube top made from silk and a short skirt. Her clothing was simr to the aboriginals, but perhaps it was also trendy to dress like this in the Yun Nation?


    Everyone was shocked after looking at Lin Qiaole��s appearance.


    The chief was reminded of the fact that his age was catching up with him, but he hadn��t reached the Celestial Path yet. As such, he felt that he had wasted his entire life.


    He couldn��t help but admit that there were talented people in this world.


    Zhan Changkong sorted out his mood before introducing himself and saying, ��I��m Zhan Changkong. Please follow me.��


    Seeing that Lin Qiaolepletely ignored him, he turned to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian and Zhan Changkong walkied side by side, whereas Lin Qiaole was at the rear, eyeing the bag of candy that was hanging from Ren Baqian��s waist. Her gazed swayed ording to how the bag of candies swayed.


    Painting Fairy actually wanted to chat with Lin Qiaole, but she didn��t know Lin Qiaole��s temperament and saw that she was fixated on the person in front. As such, she decided to give up on that idea.


    However, she thought about it and wondered what was so outstanding about this man from the Yun Nation? So much so that a talent like Lin Qiaole was infatuated with him to the point that her gaze couldn��t leave him at all.


    If Ren Baqian knew what was going on in her mind, he wouldugh hysterically.


    Even if the bag of candy was hanging from a pig, Lin Qiaole would be able to stare at that pig for an entire day.

 Chapter 423 - Gifting One’s Daughter

    Chapter 423: Gifting One��s Daughter


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Where are the both of you from? How should I address the both you?��


    ��We are from Wang Jing. My surname is Ye, and you can call me Ye Yunxian.�� Ren Baqian made up a name. He didn��t know much about the Yun Nation, but he did know of two ces. One was the capital Wang Jing, and the other was Qingfeng City.


    As for the Yun Nation people, he only knew one person, which was Ye Ke, the warlord of Qingfeng City. That ��thing�� was extremely daring to steal from him, and the empress had already arranged for the extermination of his entire family.


    After all, he was just pretending to be a merchant from the Yun Nation. Prior toing here, he didn��t do any homework with regard to the various aspects of the Yun Nation. Never would he have expected that things would turn out like this.


    ��Ye Yunxian, an immortal among the clouds with overflowing magic breath. Nice name,�� Painting Fairy, who was at the side, praised Ren Baqian.


    [1.Xian: immortal in Chinese]


    ��Previously, the two members from the Nine des Sect only briefly mentioned the reason why you havee. I wonder if Mister Ye can tell us in detail about the purpose of your visit?�� asked the external attendant, Ling Zekuan. What he asked was also what everyone else wanted to ask. This was the top thing that everyone wanted to know.


    At this moment, everyone was in the middle of the banquet, and there were 17 pearls radiating in midair. The lighting was pleasant, soft, and wasn��t ring. It was unlike the candlemps that would assail the nostrils of people. The entire hall was illuminated.


    Ren Baqian was envious when he saw these things and knew they weren��t ordinary night pearls because these 17 pearls could light up the entire hall. These pearls even caught up with the technology of a 40-watt light bulb and could definitely be regarded as a treasure.


    Zhan Changkong and Painting Fairy were seated at the head of the long, narrow table. Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole were seated further down from them. As for the two members of the Nine des sect, they were seated after Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole.


    Across from them were the six important attendants of the Golden Ring Residence. At this moment, they were finally in full attendance.


    ��We share the same enemy,�� Ren Baqian said first. When he spoke, he looked at Lin Qiaole from the corner of his eye. He saw that she was building a tower with the pile of candies he had just given her. Thereafter, she took a piece from the middle of the pile, and immediately, the candies were scattered everywhere.


    Everyone nodded their heads in session. Indeed, the aboriginals were theirmon enemy.


    ��Your homnd has been upied by them, leaving all of you with no choice but to inhabit a ce like this. Just like a caged bird, the majority of the people aren��t able to step out of here in their entire life.��


    Everyone revealed a mournful expression on their face.


    What Ren Baqian said really hit home.


    Nobody was willing to be kept here like a bird in a cage, even if it was an extremely huge ce and so huge that no ordinary person would be able to walk around the entire piece ofnd. Still, this couldn��t conceal the fact that they had been detained here.


    The vast and boundless world outside was what they really yearned for.


    ��After all these years, this is the best opportunity for all of you. Dayao has just fought a war with Great Xia and is currently at war with us. Dayao is practically too upied to deal with anything else. If all of you revolt at this time, they would be attacked from both sides. It would inevitably create chaos for them. There is also the Yun Nation forces that are pinning down Dayao��s soldiers in the northeast. All of you will be under the least pressure. In the north, there is Great Xia. I presume that they won��t sit still. At that time, there would be disasters everywhere, and Dayao certainly wouldn��t be able to hold on any longer. This is the best opportunity for all of you to leave this ce and recapture thend that belongs to you,�� Ren Baqian said very slowly.


    Even though what he said was something that everyone knew, his words touched the bottom of their hearts because this was what everyone felt.


    Didn��t Great Xia send someone over for the same reason?


    It was indeed the best opportunity of thest 70 years. If they wanted to wait for another opportunity, perhaps it might be many years down the road.


    ��We are also aware of this matter. However, if we want to revolt, action must be taken. I wonder if Mister Ye is able to assist us?�� asked Zhan Changkong bluntly as they both had the same goal. In that case, they didn��t need to probe each other any longer.


    He was hoping for them to talk about the main point.


    ��20,000 spear tips and 5,000 swords. Of course, these will not be gifted for free,�� Ren Baqian said indifferently.


    ��What are your terms and conditions?��


    ��You need to revolt as soon as possible, preferably within three months. In addition, there are still some issues that you will not be allowed to decide.�� Ren Baqian said. Although everything was fake, the conditions had to beid out. The harsher the conditions, the easier it was for the other party to believe him.


    If he didn��t mention any terms and conditions, he might have given away some clues on ident.


    Often, humans were just so strange. They hoped that others would be generous toward them, but when people became generous, they became suspicious instead.


    ��We are still in the middle of preparations���� Zhan Changkong replied.


    ��Opportunity passes by as quickly as time flies. By the time you are ready, Dayao will also be ready. ording to the information I obtained, they are already training their recruits.


    ��How many of them?�� Zhan Changkong hurriedly asked.


    ��40,000 recruits.��


    Immediately, the room went silent.


    40,000 soldiers. Regardless of whether Great Xia or the Yun Nation had 40,000 soldiers, they wouldn��t be able to create a storm.


    However, if there were 40,000 aboriginal soldiers, that wouldn��t be a small amount anymore.


    The room fellpletely silent. Ren Baqian was looking down while the others were thinking in silence.


    ��This is a big issue and does not only involve our Golden Ring Residence. It would be better to discuss itter. It would be better for Mister Ye to meet with the higher-ups of our alliance to discuss everything in detail.��


    This wasn��t something that the Golden Ring Residence could take charge of. After racking his brain for a while, Zhan Changkong decided to put aside this matter first as he was only here to entertain the guests. It was sufficient for them to know the purpose of this visit as well as some other basic information. Next, he would leave everything else for the alliance to handle.


    ��When can I meet the higher-ups of your alliance?�� Ren Baqian asked. ��I don��t have much time to waste over here.��


    ��Mister Ye must be exhausted after traveling for such a long distance. Take a short rest first. I��ll send someone to escort you tomorrow as it��ll take eight to nine days of travel.��


    ��First, however, let me propose a toast to Mister Ye. Whatever the case, you are our friend.�� Zhan Changkong raised his wine cup and proposed a toast from a distance.


    ��Cheers.��


    As Ren Baqian drank it in one gulp, his expression changed. This wine was unexpectedly good. Even though it wasn��t strong, it was sweet and ptable. There was the aroma of a nt. After gulping down a cup of wine, he instantly felt rejuvenated, as if the exhaustion from traveling day after day had disappeared by arge degree.


    ��Mister Ye, you shouldn��t have ever tasted this wine before. After making this wine, it��s stored in the trunk of a tree for a year and then enclosed in a mud jar for three years. The wine that Mister Ye just drank was stored in a millennium old tree trunk. Every year, we only make about 50 kilograms of it. I can��t even bring myself to drink it on normal days.��


    ��Indeed, it��s pretty good.�� Ren Baqian nodded. He finally found an advantage that these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation possessed. They make rather good wine.


    In the future, he would gather a group of people to specialize in wine brewing.


    ��Come in!�� Zhan Changkong then pped his hands. 16 girls who were in their teenage years entered the hall. Among them, the eight girls who were holding musical instruments stood at the side. The other eight girls, who were holding ribbons in their hands, began to dance as music was yed.


    Following the girls�� dance poses, their graceful figures which were faintly discernible, and the ribbons that were flying in midair, Ren Baqian��s attention was captured.


    He had to admit that these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation were much stronger than the aboriginals in this aspect. The aboriginals�� dance was full of primitive unruliness. Although it was rather tasteful if he watched the aboriginals asionally, the girls dancing now were more suited to his taste because they were more aesthetically pleasing.


    In particr, one of the girls exuded the vitality of youth. Her skin was fair, and her appearance was outstanding. Every frown and every smile of hers was extremely attractive. Compared to the two other outstanding women he had seen in this world, this girl��s appearance wasn��tcking either.


    The most attractive thing about her was her eyes, which were clear and full of curiosity, as if she was a girl who was clueless about the world. She gave off an innocent vibe that made Ren Baqian feel that his inner thoughts werepletely clean after seeing her.


    Ren Baqian found the second advantage of these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Later, it would be a good idea to gather a bunch of them and have them dance in the pce whenever he wanted.


    Yes, he also had to bring back the 17 pearls on their heads.


    Zhan Changkong had noticed Ren Baqian��s expression. Seeing that he was all smiles, Zhan Changkongughed and said, ��If Mister Ye fancies any of them, I can gift them as a present to you. I only hope that Mister Ye will take good care of them in the future.��


    ��Eh?�� Immediately, everyone was rmed. With the exception of one girl, the other seven girls didn��t matter. This one girl, however, was the youngest daughter of the chief of the Golden Ring Residence and was also his precious gem.


    To everyone��s surprise, she had actually appeared together with all the other dancer girls. This already took everyone aback, but what Zhan Changkong said made their jaws dropped.


    Everyone looked at Painting Fairy and realized that she was acting as if she didn��t hear anything.


    Zhan Changkong looked at Ren Baqian with his smiling eyes. There was a hint of anticipation in his gaze.


    No matter what, there would definitely be war in the future. If it was their victory, there wouldn��t be a problem. If they were defeated, however, only a few of them would survive. In particr, Dayao definitely wouldn��t spare a sect like the Golden Ring Residence.


    Even though it was unpleasant to hear that he was sending Caixian away, it was her only opportunity to escape. Even if they were defeated, she would be able to survive.


    This man from the Yun Nation, who had a Spirit Wheel bodyguard, was someone with a high status. In this case, it wouldn��t be considered tarnishing Caixian��s life.

 Chapter 424 - Traveling on the Same Journey

    Chapter 424: Traveling on the Same Journey


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After listening to what Zhan Changkong said, it would be a lie if Ren Baqian said that he wasn��t at all tempted.


    He was indifferent toward all of them except for one of the teenaged girls. Not only was she beautiful, her eyes were as clear and transparent as ake. Her eyes had the purity and curiosity of a baby. Wanting to take good care of that purity was a fatal temptation for a man,


    However, after thinking about the empress that was still waiting for him to bring food back, Ren Baqian thought about his identity and shook his head. He replied, ��Thank you for your concern. I appreciate your kindness.��


    ��What? Are they all not to your liking?�� Zhan Changkong couldn��t help but ask as he was feeling veryplex emotions at this moment.


    ��My purpose foring this time is to settle matters of the alliance. I��m not in the mood for anything else,�� Ren Baqian rejected him again like before.


    After he had rejected the offer, he realized that a few of the attendants had heaved sighs of relief. On the other hand, Zhan Changkong wasn��t very happy. This made Ren Baqian harbor suspicions.


    <em>Does this Zhan Changkong really enjoy sending the girls out?</em>


    <em>Plus, why are those attendants so relieved?</em>


    <em>Every word that you spoke just now was to try to prevent me from entering.</em>


    <em>Could it be that your close friend is among them?</em>


    After the dance had ended, those girls left one after another. Ren Baqian somewhat felt a little regretful as that pair of eyes were indeed unforgettable.


    At night, when Ren Baqian went back to rest, Zhan Changkong and Painting Fairy returned to their room.


    ��Is it really so pressing? Aren��t you afraid of trusting the wrong person?�� Painting Fairy asked after entering the room. Previously, she had acted as if she hadn��t heard anything. At present, she immediately voiced out her concerns after returning, and it was clear that her thoughts were disturbed.


    ��Even though you have brought up this issue before, I never expected you to actually be in such a hurry. You just met him, and without even understanding his nature, you actually wanted to entrust my child to him.��


    ��Time and tide wait for no man. Qi Zixiao has arrived in Gu City. It��s hard to tell her purpose foring to Gu City and not being in Lan City.�� Zhan Changkong sighed.


    ��What?�� Painting Fairy was shocked when she heard what he said. As for that world renowneddy, there was no one in Tianjing Basin who didn��t dread or hate her.


    ��Are you serious?��


    ��I can��t be wrong.�� Zhan Changkong replied. ��Even though I don��t know him well, there isn��t much that I can do anymore. If there are any unforeseen incidents and we reconsider this matter, it will be toote. Besides����


    Dayao wasn��t fearsome at all.


    The scary thing was the infinite number of barbarians within the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Even after leaving the basin, there was no telling whether it was possible to chase those barbarians back and resist their counterattack. It was also hard to say how many people would perish and how many would be able to survive.


    ��Besides, Caixian is too pure. If anything happens to us, I��m afraid it��ll be tortuous for her in the future. That being the case, it��ll be better to find a backer. We don��t have the luxury of time and chance to slowly take our pick,�� Zhan Changkong added.


    During ordinary times, their daughter��s appearance would naturally be the target that countless numbers of people would pursuing.


    However, during troubled times, this became her catastrophe.


    On top of that, she had a pure nature and didn��t know the affairs of life. It was indeed worrying to think whether or not she would be able to protect herself during these troubled times.


    Rather than risking it, would it not be better to find her a backer? Even if that person didn��t have a good nature, how bad could it be?


    After listening to what Zhan Changkong said, Painting Fairy had aplex look on her face. Even though she hated to do so, she knew that it was in her daughter��s best interest and spoke no further.


    ��What should we do now?��


    ��Someone from the residence will escort him to Mount Tianyun tomorrow. Send Caixian to tag along. Given her looks and nature, no man wouldn��t be aroused after several days of interaction,�� Zhan Changkong replied with a face full ofplex emotions.


    After a long time, Painting Fairy sighed before standing up and leaving the room.


    ��


    The next morning, after Ren Baqian was done washing up, he woke Lin Qiaole up. In order to help her stay awake, he yed a little game with her.


    He threw a piece of candy toward the left, and like the wind, Lin Qiaole appeared in midair.


    Thereafter, Ren Baqian took out another candy and threw it to the right.


    After catching about five candies, Lin Qiaole couldn��t help but ask faintly, ��Why is it that I somehow feel that something isn��t right.��


    ��All you do everyday is eat, sleep, then eat again. You will grow fat, and your body will also be stiff. You need to train a little.��


    ��Cough, cough.�� Ling Zekuan eventually coughed upon not knowing how to react after watching this scene from the courtyard for quite some time.


    ��Mister Ye, breakfast is ready.��


    After Ling Zekuan finished talking, a few maids sent their breakfast into the courtyard.


    ��If there��s anything unsatisfactory, please feel free to let me know.��


    ��What time are we setting off?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��We can prepare to leave after breakfast.��


    After breakfast, Ren Baqian packed his stuff and waited for someone toe get him and Lin Qiaole.


    About two hourster, Ling Zekuan finally arrived just as Ren Baqian was starting to get a little impatient.


    ��Everything is ready Mister Ye. Pleasee with me.��


    Following Ling Zekuan, Ren Baqian walked out and realized that they were heading toward the front gate. When they had almost reached the gate, he saw from afar that there was a big group of people ahead.


    ��Mister Ye, I��ve already arranged for these people to escort you ahead. There will be people taking charge throughout the journey, so you don��t have to worry.�� Seeing that Ren Baqian had arrived, Zhan Changkong turned around and cupped his hands to greet him.


    ��Thank you.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands.


    After that, the crowd separated into two groups. In front, there were six horses and a gorgeous carriage as well as the carriage that Ren Baqian arrived in.


    ��Mister Ye, I shall not say much. I��m sure we��ll meet again someday. See you again next time, and we shall drink and chat then.�� Zhan Changkong cupped his hands.


    ��Hope to see you again.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands, but in his mind, he was thinking that if they did meet again in future, these people would devour him alive. If that was the case, then it would be better for them not to meet in future.


    At the very least, after staying in the Golden Ring Residence for a night, Ren Baqian��s feelings toward this ce were not exactly that bad. It was a pity that he was on a different side. The other party was bound to be his enemy, and there was nothing much that could be said anymore.


    ��Hope to see you again.�� Everyone cupped their fists in session.


    After looking at those two carriages at the front, Ren Baqian understood their intention not to escort him up to his carriage. He then turned around and boarded his own carriage.


    After that, eight men stood out from the crowd and mounted their horses one after another. Two of them were in charge of driving the carriages. One of the men on the horses was Ling Zekuan, the elder in charge of foreign affairs. As for the other two men from the Nine des Sect, it was his first time seeing them sincest night.


    ��If there��s anything thates up along the way, feel free to let me know, Mister Ye.�� Ling Zekuan turned and smiled at Ren Baqian as he sat on his horse.


    His smile wasplex and difficult toprehend.


    Before entering his carriage, Ren Baqian nodded his head at Zhan Changkong and the rest.


    After the entourage had set off, Ren Baqian began to mull over the other carriage at the back. When he saw it initially, he thought that it had been prepared for the two of them. However, that wasn��t the case, which actually made him feel a little puzzled.


    Could it be that there was something in that carriage?


    Something struck Ren Baqian��s mind. Could it be that those dancers from the day before were on board?


    He wondered if that girl was in that carriage.


    However, even if she was, he still wouldn��t dare to ept her. If he were to ept her, the empress would definitely rip his skin off and hang him on the city wall to air-dry until he became jerky.


    He couldn��t be any clearer about the empress��s temper.


    If he were to visit the brothel in Lan City for a drink, as long as he knew his limits, the empress might possibly turn a blind eye to that. Besides, even with the old bast*rd Tong Zhenye present to help him carry the burden, the empress still seemed to be more interested in beating the crap out of Ren Baqian.


    If he were to have a magnificent house with which to keep a mistress, then that would probably work out.


    After racking his brains for a bit, Ren Baqian didn��t want to think any further. At worst, after arriving at their destination, he would just order Ling Zekuan to send her back.


    Whoever loved her could have her. In any case, he didn��t dare to ept her.


    They advanced forward throughout the journey before stopping for a break in the afternoon.


    Ren Baqian continued to pay attention to the movement of that carriage. Sure enough, when the carriage stopped, an arm stretched out from the curtains and pushed it aside. Ady��s face emerged from behind the curtains.


    <em>As expected, it��s her, </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself. It was the samedy fromst night who had eyes that were as clear and transparent as ake and gave others the impression that she wasn��t well versed in affairs of life.


    At present, she was wearing a green dress and had her hair bunned up like a little girl. She was looking much more vibrantpared to the day before.


    ��Mister Ye, my father asked me to take you to Mount Tianyun.�� Following what the others did, that littledy cupped her hands toward Ren Baqian and smiled.


    How innocent and unaffected.


    ��Your father? Who is��?�� Ren Baqian immediately captured that phrase.


    ��Thirddy.�� Ling Zekuan nodded his head at that girl before saying to Ren Baqian, ��She is the youngest daughter of the residence chief and is apanying me to take you to Mount Tianyun.��


    As Ren Baqian looked at that girl, he couldn��t seem to figure it out.


    Zhan Changkong almost gifted that group of dancers to me yesterday and that included her right?


    Or had he misunderstood something?


    There should be some sort of misunderstanding. She probably wasn��t included in that group of dancersst night��it was only the rest of them. Then again, however, that offer wouldn��t be meaningful anymore. Those few girls fromst night could only be regarded as not bad looking. Ren Baqian hadn��t felt much attraction toward them because he was used to seeing the empress and Li Yuanzhu.


    Evenpared to the t-chested girl, Lin Qiaole, their looks were still slightly inferior.


    Never had he expected that the master of the Golden Ring Residence would allow his own daughter toe out and dance.


    Ren Baqian pondered and felt thatst night could be a misunderstanding.


    ��Yes, my name is Zhan Caixian. You can simply call me Caixian. Mister Ye, your name is Ye Yunxian, right? Both our names have the word xian in it, what a coincidence,�� the little girl said with a cheerful voice as she jumped down from the carriage.

 Chapter 425 - The Empress is Looking For Her Husband

    Chapter 425: The Empress is Looking For Her Husband


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Mister Ye, is it huge outside?��


    ��Mister Ye, how big is it outside?��


    ��Mister Ye, have you seen the ocean? What does it look like? What color is it? From what I read, an ocean doesn��t have boundaries. Is that true?��


    ��Mister Ye����


    Since noon, Ren Baqian had been hearing ��Mister Ye�� as well as a series of questions from her. He couldn��t help but ask, ��Are you ��One Hundred Thousand Whys?''��


    <sup>1</sup>


    Having said that, Ren Baqian actually didn��t feel fed up. This girl had a trait that made it difficult for people to detest her. Even though she asked very naive questions, it only made people feel that she should be like this.


    ��What��s ��One Hundred Thousand Whys?''��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know how to reply to her.


    ��In the future, you��ll look at it with your own eyes. Listening to what others say isn��t as good as looking at it with your own eyes,�� Ren Baqian answered. He had yet to see the ocean in this world. Just in case he said it was blue, but it was actually red, yellow, green, or even ck in reality, what would he do?


    There was also the Red Sea and the ck Sea on Earth. Although he had never been to those ces before and didn��t know if they were really red or ck, at least some parts of the Yellow Sea were indeed yellow, mainly because there was too much sand in the water, and it made the sea muddy. ��I don��t know when I will be able to go out and see���� When she talked about going out, Zhan Caixian was also somewhat distracted. She had never even traveled far away before, and the furthest ce she ever went with her father was Mount Tianyun. From a young age, she knew that she couldn��t leave Tianjing Basin as there were ferocious barbarians lurking outside.


    Her father, as well as the uncles in the residence, hated the barbarians. From a young age, even though she was influenced by them, she didn��t really hate the barbarians. She only wanted to leave Tianjing Basin to take a look at the outside world because she heard that it was huge and even more beautiful than the Golden Ring Residence. For a moment, Zhan Caixian fell into a daze.


    Ren Baqian looked at her side profile for a while before darting his gaze elsewhere.


    Zhan Caixian had the characteristics of the Hao Nation remnant citizens. Her forehead was very wide, her facial features weren��t that refined, and her mouth was slightly big. Still, her facial features looked just right on her face and took people��s breath away.


    No matter who saw her, their first reaction would be topliment her beauty.


    Ren Baqian didn��t mind appreciating her beauty, but he didn��t want to get too close to her. Otherwise, he wouldn��t have the heart to leave her. ��Mister Ye, is the Yun Nation very big? I heard that the Yun Nation is prosperous. Is it even more prosperous than Jici City?�� Zhan Caixian kept quiet for a short while before cing her attention on a new question.


    After asking a series of questions, she suddenly stopped talking and looked in one direction. A few minutester, she ran over cheerfully.


    Originally, Ren Baqian still felt that this was rather strange. After looking over at her, he realized that she went to chase a butterfly.


    Ren Baqian and the others took 12 day toplete a journey that normally took nine days. Over these 12 days, Ren Baqian went back to Earth for two days. In addition, there were many times when Zhan Caixian went far away to chase after butterflies and bugs.


    Although Ren Baqian did his best to avoid her, he still became familiar with the girl named Zhan Caixian during these 12 days. After all, she was the kind of girl who was difficult to hate.


    He obviously knew that she was an enemy, but still gradually epted her.


    Even Lin Qiaole was very familiar with her.


    However, being familiar didn��t mean that they had a good rtionship. On the contrary, their rtionship wasn��t good. There was a reason for this��


    The incident urred on a bright and beautiful afternoon.


    ��Spring ising to an end as the flowers start to wither. There are already unripe fruits on the apricot trees. Swallows can be seen flying across the sky, and clear rivers are surrounding the viges. There are still plenty of fish in the sea! Behind the walls, a young girl is currently ying on the swings whileughing pleasantly. Naturally, the people outside the walls starts tough too. However, theughter behind the walls gradually stopped, and the people were frustrated, as if they lost something. It seemed that their emotions were hurt by the ruthlessness of the girl.��


    <sup>2</sup>


    The voice from the other carriage was crisp and sweet. Ren Baqian pried open the curtains of his carriage and looked toward the other carriage, only to see that Zhan Caixian was sticking her head out to look at the roads on both sides. At the same time, she was also singing. She looked very content. In fact, she was always happy. Over the past few days, Ren Baqian could see that she was happy, cheerful, and full of energy, as if the word ��worry�� didn��t exist in her dictionary. The people traveling with her looked at her with the intention of wanting to spoil her. Her liveliness also infected the others and made their journey less dull.


    Ren Baqian stretched his body and said to the carriage driver, ��Let��s take a break.��


    A whileter, the entire team stopped by the roadside. Here was a piece of boundless farnd, and the farmers were busy with their farming chores while kids ran around the small paved areas in the field.


    When team stopped, everyone got out of their carriages to stretch their bodies.


    ��Mister Ye, what kind of clothes do the people in the Yun Nation wear? Are they simr to the ones you are wearing?�� Zhan Caixian jumped out from the carriage, ran toward Ren Baqian, and continued asking a series of questions. However, after just a few minutes, she saw a butterfly in the distance and happily ran over.


    From the way Zhan Caixian got off the carriage, Ren Baqian felt that she was somewhat skillful. However, when she was chasing after butterflies, she was just like an ordinary person. In addition, she didn��t seem skillful at all and was actually rather clumsy.


    Momentster, Zhan Caixian ran back from a distance with a big blue butterfly in her hands. Out of fear of hurting the butterfly, she was extremely careful. Every time she got off the carriage, she couldn��t help but catch butterflies whenever she saw them. However, when they were on the move, she wouldter release these butterflies.


    ��Look, it��s so beautiful!�� Zhan Caixian ran over to Ren Baqian and lifted her both hands for him to see.


    ��Very beautiful,�� Ren Baqian echoed.


    Zhan Caixian ran to Lin Qiaole��s side, ��Sister Lin, look at this!��


    ��Wow, so beautiful.��


    Then, a gust of wind blew, and Zhan Caixian��s hands became empty.��Oh, it��s not that tasty.�� Lin Qiaole smacked her lips and was slightly regretful.


    Zhan Caixian��s face was lifeless. Her mouth was wide open for a long time, and she couldn��t speak at all. After a long time, she finally reacted to the fact that her butterfly had been devoured by Lin Qiaole. Following which, she quickly ran back to her carriage. Only after seeing that she ran back to her carriage did Ren Baqian walk over and casually ask, ��Was that intentional?��


    ��Intentional? I really wanted to eat it, but it wasn��t tasty,�� Lin Qiaole said in azy tone.


    Ren Baqian didn��t say anything much, but when he was resting at night, he saw that when Zhan Caixian got down from her carriage, her eyes were slightly red. It seemed that she had cried in the afternoon. He wondered if she had cried because of the tragic fate of that butterfly or cried because Lin Qiaole ate her precious butterfly.


    This was the first time Ren Baqian ever saw her upset.


    The next day, Zhan Caixian regained her vitality. However, whenever she caught a butterfly, she didn��t dare to approach Lin Qiaole anymore. Furthermore, when she released the butterflies, she would sneak a peek to see if Lin Qiaole was back in the carriage or not. It was as if she was guarding herself against a thief. After traveling for 11 days, Mount Tianyun was finally within their sight.


    ��How long before we arrive at our destination?�� Ren Baqian opened the curtains and looked at the distant mountains.


    ��Mister Ye, we��ll arrive in one day.��


    ��


    Gu City. The empress was looking at the empty candy tree. She had already been in a daze for a long time.


    When the colorful candy was gone, this tree was just a dead tree.


    After Ren Baqian left, she was on her own.


    ��Your Majesty? What do you want to eat for dinner?�� Hong Luan, who was behind the empress, asked.


    ��Your Majesty?�� Hong Luan gently called out to her again.


    ��What?�� The empress regained her senses.


    ��What do you want to eat for dinner?��


    ��Anything,�� the empress replied indifferently.


    After consuming her dinner, the empress suddenly said, ��Get ready. I want to make a trip to Tianjing Basin tomorrow. I still don��t know how the living conditions are for the Hao Nation remnant citizens. Also, I wish to find out why are they always agitated.��


    ��Yes. I��ll inform Protector General Xi to arrange the manpower now.��


    ��There��s no need to inform him.�� The empress stopped her. ��I want to take a look on my own and don��t wish to listen to his nonsense.��


    ��Your Majesty!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were both startled. Soon after, they continued, ��Your Majesty, we��ll inform Bodyguard Xiong in that case.��


    ��I will not be bringing along any bodyguards either,�� the empress answered. ��I��ll go as amoner to take a look at the situation personally. The both of you will apany me while the rest stay here in Gu City. ��

 Chapter 426 - The First Task of Traveling Incognito; Robbery

    Chapter 426: The First Task of Traveling Incognito; Robbery


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    One dayter, unknown to Xi Wanya, the empress brought Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to Longshou City.With her skill, the empress was able to avoid others without being detected.��It is said that there is a dragon vein here that runs through the entirety of Tianjing Basin. Since the dragon��s mouth faces the north, this is why people say Tianjing can control the world.�� The empress looked at Longshou City , which was not far away, with contempt.She didn��t believe such things.


    <em>Control the world? Who can control my world? </em>They were a group of confined people nursing a pipedream.While Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were dressed in green, the empress was dressed in red as usual. The three of them were very conspicuous as they walked on the road.Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan each carried a small bag. Inside were quite a number of very important things, such as sorghum wine for the empress��


    There was also a set of clothes for changing.When the three arrived at the city gate, there was a long queue ahead.��Go and ask what��s happening.�� The empress signalled.


    Qing Yuan went forward to ask and then returned after a short while, ��Her�� Miss, we need to pay an entrance fee.��The empress frowned. Tianjing Basin was under her control. Why didn��t she know about this entrance fee?After some consideration, she decided not to think too much about it since this could be regted in the future.��You brought money, right?��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan remained silent.


    The two opened their mouths in bewilderment. When they were preparing for this trip, they were only thinking about what the empress needed. Furthemore, they even packed some condiments because they were concerned that the empress might not be used to the local food, but they had forgotten the most important thing: money.After all, they didn��t need to use money in the pce, and money was a remote concept to them.��Her�� forgive me, Miss, we forgot to bring money. Why don��t we go back first? We will get some money ande again tomorrow,�� the two whispered nervously.The empress raised her eyebrows. Whenever she went out with Ren Baqian, there wasn��t a need to consider all of these things. If not for the city wanting to collect an entrance fee, she wouldn��t have thought about using money at all.What would Ren Baqian do in such a situation? The empress tried to recall the methods that Ren Baqian would use to resolve problems and then rxed somewhat.


    ��Forget it. Let��s use other methods.����What other methods?��


    ��Think of a way to get into the city first, then find a rich man and rob him of some of his money.�� The empress believed that this was what Ren Baqian would do if he were here.��What?�� The two of them fell into a daze. ��Miss, this����The empress was going tomit robbery? If the others found out, the both of them would be in big trouble.��It is decided. Move and switch to another ce to enter the city,�� the empress ordered the two to cross the field nearby. They found a remote area where she held one person with each hand. Then, they moved a few hundred meters in a few seconds and jumped over the city wall to get into the city.The empress��s movements were too fast, and the soldiers patrolling on top of the city wall didn��t notice this scene at all.The three of them entered the city, crossed a fewnes to merge with the crowd, gazed at everything with interest, and found everything refreshingly new.The empress was more restrained, but Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were so excited and absorbed with the surroundings that they forgot about the n to rob someone. However, even though they were in a crowd, the three were attracting attention from others.One reason was their appearance, especially that of the empress. The other was the way they were dressed, especially the empress�� The empress��s red dress, coupled with her appearance��it was impossible not to attract attention.The trio looked at their surroundings as the people around them looked at them.The empress quickly noticed this situation, but she didn��t mind. She didn��t need to care about the opinions of other people.In fact, there were many men who would like to strike up a conversation with them. There were many merchants in Longshou City and many rich people. Naturally, there were many people with all kinds of intentions.However, the empress had an overpowering aura which made people diffident after one nce from her. Thus, the three didn��t encounter any problems.��Miss, the men also wear skirts����


    ��Miss, look, there is a bone polishing shop disying a bone knife, which I haven��t seen before����Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were full of joy. The empress was looking at the surroundings while thinking of how she could find that rascal Ren Baqian. That rascal shouldn��t be in Longshou City anymore, and his whereabouts were unknown.The empress felt that it was important to find Ren Baqian because the two people beside her were idiotic and good for nothing. With that rascal around, at least she wouldn��t have to figure out how to rob someone. Tianjing Basin was neither too big nor too small. With ten million people here, it was very hard to find a person without any clues.


    The three walked around the city for a long time, and as the novelty wore off, Qing Yuan and Hong Lan finally quieted down.The main reason was that the two were getting hungry. The trio had only eaten one meal in the morning, and it was almost evening now.Remembering that they forgot to bring money, they were too embarrassed to tell the empress they were hungry.The empress heard their stomachs growling, but wasn��t swayed.They walked half a loop around the city and had a rough idea of what to do.Generally speaking, the bigger the courtyard, the richer the owner.After looking for a long time, they came to the northern part of Longshou City and saw the biggest courtyard so far. There weren��t many buildings around it, and it alone upied tens of acres. At the gate were two carved saber-toothed tigers made from stone as well as a few guards protecting them.


    If they didn��t guess wrongly, this could be the residence of Longshou City��s warlord.After guessing that the house belonged to the city��s warlord, the empress confirmed it as their target. With her status, she wouldn��t rob an ordinary man.Longshou City��s warlord was indeed an appropriate target.The empress didn��t wait until it was night time. She brought the two to walk around the residence and then headed straight for it.The guards at the gate saw that a woman in red was bringing two women in green and walking toward the residence. Taking the lead, the woman who was wearing a red dress made the guards�� eyes brighten.��Seeing the age of thesedies, are they here to settle some love affairs with the warlord?�� These guards spected and went forward to block the three.��You, this is the residence of the city��s warlord. Leave quickly if you aren��t here for official matters.��Although the demeanor of thedy in red was extraordinary, the guards of a powerful family were as powerful as their family head. As the guards of the city warlord, they had seen many such people before and didn��t really care.The empress didn��t even look at them and said coolly, ��Ask the warlord toe out and meet me�� Forget it, I will go and find him.����Insolent! Who are you?�� The four guards reacted angrily to her words.By the time their hands reached the hilts of their weapons, the empress, in a sh, was already heading inside effortlessly. Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan nced at each other and immediately followed suit.When the three of them reached the courtyard, the guards at the gate started to sway. One by one, they copsed to the ground. Surprisingly, nobody blocked the three of them from entering the courtyard.Although nobody escorted them into the residence and they were walking around freely, the rest of the people didn��t know their identities. They simply assumed that the three of them were guests, especially since they were youngdies, and let them move forward easily.After all, in Longshou City, such a case of crushing the guards and charging into the residence had never happened before. Furthermore, the three were very cool and strolled idly as if they were in their own house.In fact, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were a little nervous, yet excited. This was a robbery, which they had only read about in novels before, and they never expected to be the ones doing the robbing.


    The empress passed by two courtyards, caught ahold of a servant along the way, and asked, ��Where is the warlord?��The servant was startled by the cold tone of the empress and subconsciously replied, ��Sir is in the reception hall������Lead the way.��


    ��Yes���� The servant didn��t know who this person was, but he was secretly thinking that she looked even more dignified than the warlord. While the empress was following the servant, someone finally discovered that the guards had been knocked unconscious, and the front courtyard became noisy.Subsequently, it urred to someone that threedies had been seen just now. While searching for them in the residence, they sent people in to report to the warlord.At this time, the empress was in the courtyard that led to the reception hall. In front was a room with four windows open. From the front of the courtyard, a few people could be seen sitting and chatting in the room.


    On one side further away were two men, while on the other side, three men were seated.��Warlord Xun, I heard that some people from the Yun Nation are here?�� one man who was further away asked.


    ��Mister Fang, you are well informed.�� The man who answered was in his mid fifties and had a long beard as well as a smiling face.In fact, he had just received the news and didn��t know that two people from the Yun Nation had passed through Longshou City earlier. This made him feel that his subordinates were ipetent.��What does Warlord Xun know about their purpose?�� the man called Mister Fang asked.Warlord Xun caressed his beard. How could he say that he hadn��t met up with them? Only ten days after the Yun Nation people left had the warlord learned that they passed through. As a warlord, it was shameful not to know that such a person had crossed his territory. Soon after, he raised his head and saw a woman in red with two women in green being led in by a servant. Instantly, he frowned. Who were these people? Why didn��t anyone notify him of their arrival? As the empress walked into the room, everyone looked at her in amazement.The empress paused for a moment and felt that the script she had prepared should be alright. She said coldly, ��This is a robbery! Hand over your money.��


    ��


    Everyone was petrified!


    The warlord, who originally wanted to ask about her identity, was so dumbstruck that his eyes widened in shock.

 Chapter 427 - Really Want to Turn Her Into A Human Puppet

    Chapter 427: Really Want to Turn Her Into A Human Puppet


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Warlord Xun almostughed after hearing this disrespect. They actually dared to rob a warlord��s residence? If it weren��t for the fact that the person in front of him didn��t look delirious, Warlord Xun would probably have suspected that she was suffering from hysteria.


    ��How should I address you? If you need travel expenses, as long as you ask, I still might provide you with some. There��s no need for you to crack such a joke,�� said Warlord Xun while still sounding calm. After all, he had seen all sorts of people and wasn��t easily agitated.


    ��Rob and steal your money or die.��


    The empress remained unmoved. She didn��t even have a good impression of these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation. Instead, she was very disgusted. If it weren��t for the original agreement, she would have already killed these people.At the moment, just taking his money and sparing his life was already a great gift to him. Upon hearing what she said, the warlord��s face turned pale. He was already speaking in a nice manner. Did the other party think that he, the warlord of Longshou City, was a good target to bully?


    ��This lunatic dares to spout nonsense over here.�� Before the warlord could even speak, his subordinates couldn��t stand it any longer.


    The empress��s figure shed past.


    <em>Pow! </em>The person who spoke suddenly spurted blood from their seven apertures and softly fell to the ground.Nobody would have expected that when she said she was going to take action, she really would do so. This unforeseen event caused everyone to be taken aback, and they furiously got up from their seats and wanted to pull out their weapons.


    ��Spirit Wheel�� Everyone, stop.�� At the next instant, Warlord Xun realized how strong the other party was. He wasn��t able to react to her speed. Apart from a Spirit Wheel expert, nobody else would be able to do such a thing.


    After he said this sentence, everyone froze as beads of perspiration trickled down their foreheads.


    How could she be a Spirit Wheel expert? This woman was actually a Spirit Wheel expert?


    ��Senior���� Warlord Xun got up and said in a hoarse voice, ��I��ll definitely do my best to obtain whatever senior needs.��


    Ultimately, he still didn��t believe that a Spirit Wheel expert would run into his residence just tomit robbery.


    What was the identity of a Spirit Wheel expert? Tianjing Basin had a poption of ten million people, but there were only 13 famous Spirit Wheel experts. This was due to the fact that the lifespan of a Spirit Wheel expert exceeded that of an ordinary person.


    Regardless of where a Spirit Wheel expert went, he or she would be treated like one��s ancestors.


    There wasn��t a need for a Spirit Wheel expert to rob!


    ��Gold!�� The empress didn��t know about psychological warfare. Her objective was very clear-cut.


    ��You, get someone to bring all the gold in the treasury here.�� Warlord Xun didn��t expect that the other party really wanted money. However, his reaction was quick, and he immediately instructed the frozen servant at the side. This servant had been rooted in ce ever since the empress spoke her first sentence. Upon hearing the warlord��smand, he immediately scrambled to his feet and ran outside. The empress wasn��t worried about them ying any tricks because this was something that could be settled by a simple p. Those guys wouldn��t be able to raise a ruckus in front of her.


    ��Senior, please wait a moment.�� Warlord Xun cupped his hands in obeisance.


    The empress ignored him. Subsequently, the room quieted down. Everyone kept quiet out of fear because they were afraid that they would provoke the woman in front of them.


    It was obvious that she wasn��t a good tempered person.


    ��Warlord, some people broke into the residence����


    Warlord Xun looked nkly at the guard who rushed in to inform him and quickly waved the guard off.


    ��Take your leave, and inform everyone to resume their duties. It��s a senior who broke in.��


    After waiting for about 20 minutes, heavy footsteps could be heard from outside. Several people moved four boxes into the hall and ced them on the ground.


    Warlord Xun took a few steps forward and opened the boxes. Among the four boxes, three of them were filled with gold ingots, while thest box was filled with all kinds of jewelry.


    Thereafter, he obediently stood at the side and said, ��Senior, everything��s here.��


    The empress tilted her head. Immediately, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan went forward and stuffed some gold ingots from the box into a wrapping cloth. Then, they set their gaze on the jewelry.


    This jewelry was beautifully crafted. Some of them were embedded with gems, causing both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to be even more excited. One of them filled the wrapping cloth to its brim before stopping.


    The empress stared hard at the warlord. If he hadn��t replied to her in the correct way just now, she probably would have killed him with one swat. She didn��t expect that he would be quick-witted, but she let him keep his life as a result. The empress��s stare made the warlord sweat, and he was drenched in his own perspiration. However, he didn��t dare to move a single bit.


    The empress kept silent, turned around, and left the house. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan hurriedly caught up with her as the things in their bags rattled while they walked.


    ��Phew!�� Once the empress left the courtyard, everyone heaved a sigh of relief and sat in the chairs.


    ��That person was young, beautiful, and dressed in red. It can��t be�� Oh!�� One of them spoke halfway, then everyone else��s expressions changed drastically. They hurriedly covered his mouth.


    ��Don��t drag us down even if you want to die!�� the person next to him whispered.


    From thatdy��s outstanding appearance, young age, and wardrobe style, not only did he guess her identity, but everyone else guessed it too. Yet, nobody dared to say anything.


    If they said something and it was heard by that person, perhaps no one here would be able to survive.


    That person shouldn��t have even appeared here at all. If the news of her appearance spread, it would definitely create a huge ruckus.


    The entire Tianjing Basin would take action upon hearing this news.


    Although no one knew why was she here, it was a fact that she had shown herself. Furthermore, she was most likely the same person that everyone was thinking of in their minds.


    ��A crisis is going to ur!�� More than one person revealed such thoughts. Momentster, everyone was finally at ease after realizing that the woman didn��t return.


    The man who was called Mister Fang got up and said, ��Warlord Xun, I��ll take my leave.��


    He had to bring this piece of news back immediately.


    Warlord Xun also had no intentions of keeping him here. He was dumbfounded now. Why did Qi Zixiaoe?


    Even though everyone had been mulling over how to start a revolt on a daily basis, in the event that they really met Qi Zixiao, nobody wouldn��t be terrified.


    ��


    ��Miss, where are we heading to now?�� After they left the warlord��s residence, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan asked this because they were starving.


    ��Eat,�� the empress said indifferently.


    Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan looked at each other. Their eyes were filled with happiness.


    After finding a restaurant, the trio sat in a private room. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan then opened the wrapping cloth andid out all the gold and jewelry.


    ��Miss, take a look. This bracelet is embedded with nine rubies and is the best fit for you.����This ne is pretty good too.��


    While the both of them were chattering away, the empress was looking out the window at the pedestrians on the streets.


    Upon finishing their dinner, the three of them randomly found an inn to stay for the night.


    After arranging a room for Qi Zixiao and her two servants to sleep in, thedy boss of the inn looked in their room��s direction and gently trembled.


    If anyone saw her now, they would definitely be frightened by her expression. Her eyes were shining while the corners of her mouth were drawn back at an angle that wasn��t humanly possible.


    ��Perfect. I have never seen such a beautiful person before. I really want to peel her skin and turn her into a human puppet�� I am so excited. I can��t help but drool when I think of collecting such a beautiful human puppet����After standing behind the counter for a long time, she finally made a cup of tea and added something to it. After that, she swayed gently with every step she took as she moved toward the room on the second floor.


    ��Distinguished guests, would all of you like some tea? This tea is made from premium tea leaves that I have collected myself����


    The empress took a sip from the sorghum wine bottle and said, ��Leave. Don��t bother us if I don��t instruct you to.��


    Behind the door, thedy boss��s face became warped. In no time, a distorted smile emerged on her face as well.

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428: Having Learned the Truth in the Morning, One May Die in the Evening Without Regrets


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Night. Yui Inn.


    Two figures appeared in the pitch-dark hall and quietly went up the second story.One of them took out a tube, punctured the paper surface of the window, and blew the powder from the tube into the room.After blowing the tranquilizer powder into the room and waiting for a while, the two people were relieved when they didn��t hear any sounding from inside.The two had confidence in their Intoxicating Powder. It was made from intoxicating flowers and other ingredients and had gone through many years of research and development before emerging as a powerful drug. Ordinary people took seven days to wake up after inhaling it, Man Wheel experts needed three days, Earth Wheel experts would need half a day, and even Spirit Wheel practitioners would be slightly affected as well. ��Keke, kekeke���� one of them chuckled. Her voice was charming and pleasant.Thedy boss was excited since she would certainly be able to produce a highly valuable human puppet tonight.��Is everything ready?�� thedy boss asked excitedly.��16 skinning knives and 48 Soul Fixing Pins. Aren��t they all in this box? You are in such a hurry because you have found something good, but how does that benefit me?�� the other person asked. It was a male voice.��How does it benefit you? Just look at her and you will know.�� Thedy boss smiled and pinched him.She had already made the decision to give up the inn in exchange for this human puppet and to hide herself in another city withplete anonymityter.Consequently, she didn��t hesitate tomence action in the inn so as to prevent any problems from cropping up halfway. A perfect human puppet was her lifelong pursuit.She had heard it before that, ��Having learned the truth in the morning, one may die in the evening without regrets.�� She was deeply convinced by these words.As long as she could produce a perfect human puppet, she wouldn��t desire anything else for the rest of her life.The man snorted, took out a small bottle to take a sniff, then pushed open the door.��Go in, don��t stand here,�� thedy boss said unhappily because he had stopped moving after opening the door.What the man said next, however, caused her expression to change.


    ��Why are you fine?�� The man��s voice was filled with incredulity. This Intoxicating Powder took many years to develop, and even his master had been knocked out by one package of it. His master was a famous poison expert in Tianjing Basin, yet even he sumbed to this Intoxicating Powder, not to mention other people.Ady in red could be seen sitting at the table in the middle of the room with one hand resting on her chin as her shining eyes looked in the direction of the open door. There was no sign that she had been affected by the drug.��I would like to know the benefit.�� The empress��s tone was bone chillingly cold.Thedy boss changed her expressions a few times and cursed, ��Useless thing! Use the hard approach instead of the soft one. I don��t want this inn anymore, so catch her and leave the city immediately.��Then, she gave a coquettish smile to the person in the room and said, ��It��s your bad luck that you ran into me. me yourself for being too attractive.��


    She urged the man beside her, ��What are you waiting for? Don��t injure her skin or it wouldn��t be nice.��Her mind was filled with the thought of making a human puppet. It was difficult to encounter such perfect material in a lifetime, and she couldn��t care about anything else. This was all for the sake of art. At her urging, the man beside her propelled himself horizontally across the room with his legs touching the floor a few times, as if gliding. With a turn of his hand, a bright light seemed to split the darkness of the room.It was a short knife about half a meter long. The knife gleam was like jade instead of a normal white. The next second, the de gleam appeared in front of the empress��s throat, and it seemed as if it was going to pierce her throat. He was confident. As long as he touched it, the force at the knife tip should shatter therynx while only leaving a small mark.


    However, these thoughts ended abruptly the next moment. His heart started to beat wildly, and it was almost impossible to control his panic.He saw an exquisitely white hand grasping his short knife, and he was unable to move his weapon no matter how much strength he used. It was as if the knife had frozen in ce.Almost at the same time that he took out his knife, another figure flew over his head and aimed a pair of short needles at the empress��s eyes.The empress used her other hand to strike at the air a few times. Every strike shed right at the front of the needles. Thedy boss only felt a strong force transmitting back that forced her to fly back in the direction of the door. If she hit the door, it would fly out and awaken the people in the inn.At that moment, the empress got up and stretched her palms at lightning speed to pull thedy boss back. She tapped each person��s head once with her finger, causing the two people to instantly bleed from their five facial features before copsing upon the ground. However, if one were to look carefully, both of them were still barely alive.The empress nonchntly lit amp, shut the door, and opened the box that they had brought along. There were 16 knives of various sizes inside the box. Some were as big as a palm while others were as small as a finger.Beside these des, there were also 48 silver needles as well as a bunch of cans and bottles.The empress put the needles in her hand, took a look at their bodies, then inserted these needles one at a time.She sequentially inserted one on the left and one on the right. As a ruler, it was very important to be fair, and both of them should receive an equal amount.


    Usually, this saying was seldom used, but at this time, applying it was apt. After the 48 needles were inserted into their heads, the empress looked at the 16 small knives of different sizes.Although she didn��t converse with them directly, she heard their conversation clearly. When she heard about skinning knives and Soul Fixing Pins, she knew their intent and naturally didn��t give them a chance.Although the two were almost dead, these things should be used on their bodies.The empressid out the 16 knives neatly and divided them into two portions, each consisting of various sizes. After feeling that they were about the same proportion in terms of size, she inserted them into their bodies.Afterpleting all of these tasks, the empress was in a better mood. Trying to harm her was really a reckless thing to do.Thest person who dared to mess with her�� After racking her brain, she couldn��t think of anyone who had dared to do so�� especially with such disgusting and enraging ideas. If not for the inconvenience of being outside, she would have hung these two on the city wall until they were dried out.She tidied up the two people and picked up the bottles and cans on their bodies. She didn��t know what had been blown into her room, but Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were in the next room, should have been affected. She lightly sniffed a bottle and felt a little worried because she didn��t know much about these things.


    Initially, she didn��t expect to find so many bottles and cans on their bodies. There were more than ten in the box, 7 or 8 on their bodies, and she didn��t know which one containers stored poisons and which ones held the antidote.Seeing that the two were still breathing, the empress poured the contents from two bottles into their mouths. She saw thedy turn green and then purple, start blistering all over, and thedy��s body began to swell. Within a few moments, yellow fluid flowed out of her body, and after a short time, she became a piece of thin skin as the rest of her body liquefied.As for the other person, his body became a riot of colors, streak after streak of blood appeared on the surface of his body, and these streaks soon burst, leaving a mass of flesh and blood as the end result.


    Throwing the two bottles aside, the empress went out to knock the innkeeper and the chef unconscious before bringing them to an empty room. Subsequently, she took those untested bottles and cans and began experimenting on them.The room she was staying in previously was bloody, reeked, and was no longer habitable.After two hours of agony, the empress finally found the antidote. By this time, even the livestock being raised behind the inn were all dead.��What was that phrase the rascal always says? Hey�� is this a reunion or is everything in good order? I think they are reunited and in good order!��


    The empress thought about Ren Baqian��s frequently used words and felt likeughing.

 Chapter 429 - Secret Alliance

    Chapter 429: Secret Alliance


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress used the antidote on both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan. Early the next morning, they left the inn as if nothing had happened.


    It was just that the two maids were slightly puzzled. Why did Her Majesty wake up so early? She was actually waiting outside for the both of them.


    Also, where did thedy boss and her assistant run off to?


    In addition, they both were suffering from headaches, as if they drank too much alcohol the previous night.


    After the three of them left, the ident in the inn was soon discovered. Soon after, the warlord��s underlings surrounded the inn. The traces at the scene were a mess. Conversely, this made Warlord Xun suspect whether this was actually Qi Zixiao��s doing. After all, with her abilities, how could such a thing happen.


    However, soon enough, the old man at the magistrate��s office dispelled his doubts. From the boxes and bottles there were lying everywhere, as well as the bodies of the waiter, the chef, and the livestock in the backyard, he could tell that the culprit had been testing out medicines.In addition, the slight traces left in two of the rooms were simr to the smell of one of the medicine bottles. After testing the effect of this medicine, the truth came to light.


    Even Warlord Xun couldn��t help but exim, ��Disasters that have been caused by Heaven can still be escaped, but the sins caused by a person can never be escaped!�� Warlord Xun had no doubts about that person��s identity anymore. Both Jade de and Bee Sting were Earth Wheel experts, yet they died so easily over here. Just as he suspected, the other party was definitely a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Under these circumstances, it had to be the person that everyone had on their minds.


    At the thought of this, Warlord Xun even wanted to praise himself for being clever. If it wasn��t for the fact that he had thought on his feet, he reckoned that his residence would probably have been destroyed.


    When he returned, he would marry a concubine to calm his nerves.


    Although he thought this way, he knew that a big change was going to ur. ��


    Mount Tianyun stretched across several hundred kilometers, and there were many rare treasures located here.


    The peak of the mountain went straight into the sky, as if it was connected between Heaven and Earth. As a result, it was called Mount Tianyun and was also the tallest mountain in Tianjing Basin. There was an alliance in Tianjing Basin, a fact that was already known to Ren Baqian.However, he only heard about some of the detailster on. This alliance was called the Secret Alliance and was formed over the past 20 years.It wasn��t a person, but a group of people, who organized this Secret Alliance.This group of people had started an uprising against the Hao Nation and had also been defeated by the aboriginals. They had no choice but to sign the agreement and were chased into Tianjing Basin.


    Back then, these people had started a revolt against the Hao Nation for the sake of ideals and power, but they ended up in such a state. After entering Tianjing Basin, a portion of them refused to give up, forming the three factions of Tianjing Basin today.


    A portion of them didn��t want topete for power with the Hao Nation. Instead, they formed their own sects and passed on their knowledge to others, hoping to leave this ce one day.


    There was also a portion of them who werepletely disheartened and lived in seclusion.


    Many yearster, several of them rushed about and gathered the experts who were living in seclusion to form the initial Secret Alliance. At that time, Tianjing Basin also happened to be in chaos. All factions were attacking one another, wanting to annex the others to form one sole faction to fight against the aboriginals.


    During that period of time, the people in Tianjing Basin had no means of livelihood. Later on, the Secret Alliance roped in all the sects to have a discussion with the three factions. As a result, the current situation arose.However, although the three major factions seemed to have stopped fighting on the surface, they were still continuously ying dirty tricks.After all, during the period when they had been fighting against one another, all three parties had produced a lot of feuds. At the very least, righteousness still prevailed. In the name of righteousness, all three parties tried their best to restrain themselves. At most, there were only a few small disputes and they didn��t start anyrge-scale war.


    At present, the Secret Alliance nominally joined the three factions and all of the other sects to form an even greater alliance. All the power in Tianjing Basin was assembled in preparation for any battle in the future.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t refrain from admiring the Secret Alliance after understanding their history.


    Actually, he didn��t admire the Secret Alliance. Instead, he admired Xi Wanya.


    There was actually such arge organization right in front of Xi Wanya��s eyes, but he still didn��t know much about it. He could be considered a talent, a talent with only muscles for brains.


    If Ren Baqian didn��t make the trip himself this time, he reckoned that this group of people would abruptly create some trouble.


    After growing for many years, there were indeed quite a few practitioners in Tianjing Basin. There were more than 10,000 Man Wheel and several hundred Earth Wheel practitioners. If they were matched with 100,000 soldiers, many ants could still bite an elephant to death.


    If Tianjing Basin got messy, perhaps it would be unbearable for Dayao too.


    In particr, the Protectorate of the Northeast was currently fighting with the Yun Nation. In the north, there was Great Xia that hadn��t given up. Lastly, in the southeast, there was the Chen Nation that hadn��t made their intentions known yet. Adding all these aspects together, Dayao might be destroyed.


    At that time, he would have to go to the Sixty Thousand Mountains with the empress to farm and hunt. In the future, his son would be running around a stronghold butt-naked.


    Thinking of such a life, Ren Baqian felt that he wouldn��t hesitate to harm the interests of others for his own benefit.


    <em>In that case, you all shall die.</em>


    Here, it was unlike the situation at the Golden Ring Residence. When everyone arrived at the foot of the mountain, someone went to notify the person in charge. Soon enough, he came back down to bring everyone up the mountain.


    They went along a small road and walked through a forest for a while. Atst, they passed through a ravine and arrived at a piece of farnd that had a vige.


    An ordinary vige in the mountains.


    There were about a few hundred houses sparsely distributed in the vige, and there was a twisted fence made of wood outside the houses.


    Also, there were bundles of firewood in some courtyards. If it wasn��t for the fact that he knew about his destination, Ren Baqian would find it hard to believe that this was the ce where the Hidden Alliance was headquartered at.


    Weren��t the people here the so-called experts? At the very least, they should look more experienced, right? For example, Huang Yaoshi, who had a field of peach blossoms and yed the flute whenever he was free. Looking at the situation here, however, there was an olddy who was carrying firewood that was stacked as tall as two people. They were too down-to-earth.


    [Huang Yaoshi is a fictional character in the wuxia novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes and its sequel, The Return of the Condor Heroes, by Jin Yong.]��Are you shocked? I was shocked the first time I came here too.�� Zhan Caixian jumped toward Ren Baqian and looked up at him with her petite face.


    ��Very shocked.�� Ren Baqian told the truth.


    ��Still, the grandfather and grandmother here are very nice.�� Zhan Caixian grinned. Then, she jumped all the way ahead and shouted, ��Grandmother Hu, I��m here to see you!��


    ��Girl, you are here���� said the olddy who looked like she was in herte eighties. She was carrying a stack of firewood that was as tall as two people, but her movements weren��t slow at all. Seeing that Zhan Caixian was here, she turned her head and shed a smile at her.


    ��Do you need any help? I can help you to carry a small bundle of firewood���� Zhan Caixian deliberately stretched out a finger and gestured, indicating that she really meant a small bundle.


    ��That��s considerate of you. This old waist of mine is indeed not capable anymore.�� While the olddy spoke, she stretched out her hand and pushed all the firewood onto Zhan Caixian��s head. ��A small bundle���� Zhan Caixian quickly raised the firewood with both hands as the pile was tilting downward and would soon bury her.


    Although it was just firewood, the density of this kind of wood was high. This firewood weighed almost 500 kilograms, and it was almost impossible for her to lift them all. It could be said that her skills were pretty good since she didn��t get squashed by the firewood.


    The people from the Golden Ring Residence immediately rushed over to help her. However, after they rescued Zhan Caixian, her entire forehead already looked like a bird��s nest.


    As they walked to the vige ahead, Ren Baqian didn��t say anything and followed behind everyone along with Lin Qiaole.


    When they arrived the vige entrance, there was an old man who wore a traditional costume and had a full face of wrinkles that was reading a book attentively in an area under the shade.


    Seeing that everyone wasing over, he looked up and smiled at everyone with the remaining teeth he had.


    ��Come,e,e, who can help me to check if the second half of the book is written or not. I flipped through a few times, but still don��t know if it��s written or not.��


    ��Grandfather Qiao, I��ll help you read it in a moment. These days, I have been reading quite a lot of books. Perhaps I might have read it before,�� Zhan Caixian shouted while carrying a bundle of firewood.


    ��You aren��t allowed to read it, and I��m sure you haven��t read it before!�� the old man promptly replied.


    ��Why can��t I read it? How do you know that I haven��t read it before?�� Zhan Caixian refused to ept what he said.


    ��It��s for men to see, not for women! Let alone girls!�� The old man shook his head.


    When Ren Baqian heard this, he almost burst outughing.


    <em>Old man, how old are you? Even if you aren��t 100 years old, I��m sure you are at least 90 this year? You are still reading sensual books at this age, is your body still alright?</em>

 Chapter 430 - A Mountain Range From the Front, a Mountain Peak From the Side!

    Chapter 430: A Mountain Range From the Front, a Mountain Peak From the Side!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The old man didn��t give the book to Zhan Caixian to see, but instead asked Ren Baqian, ��Do you want to see?����Many thanks.�� Ren Baqian happened to be interested in the sensual literature of this world and had no reason to refuse.The old man liked his straightforward reply, and his face looked like a chrysanthemum as he smiled, saying, ��You are a good guy and more honest than those who desire, but say otherwise.��


    The surrounding people were displeased. Was a person reading sensual literature with him considered a good person? Were those who went with him to the brothel his blood brothers?Ren Baqian happily epted the book and said politely, ��Thank you for sharing.��This made the old man even happier, and he praised, ��This little rascal is good, has vision, and is polite.��The rest of them didn��t understand, but Ren Baqian understood.Only those who had the experience would understand.The major forums on the inte were infested with mers. Any words posted could attract vitriolic attacks, and everyone was full of spite. Only a handful of those 1024izens would spend their time typing, ��Thanks for sharing. The thread starter is a good person. Good people live a peaceful life���� They weren��t spiteful at all.


    That was why everyone was a good person.��Can I bring it with me and return it to youter?�� Ren Baqian took the book and gestured.��Keep it if you like it. You can give me a new one when you have the opportunity to do so. The precious sword is a gift to the hero. The rouge is a gift to the beautiful woman!�� the old man said with gusto.Yet, Ren Baqian felt that it wasn��t quite right.The precious sword is a gift to the hero. The rouge is a gift to the beautiful woman. The sensual literature is a gift to�� Ren Baqian felt he couldn��t dwell on this thought. The more he thought about it, the more it felt like the old man was scolding him. The old man smiled so widely and even gifted him a sensual book, so how could he release Lin Qiaole to scratch his face? Ren Baqian cupped his hands to thank the old man. He then took the book from him and quietly put it in his bosom.��What��s in the book? Let me see! Why women can��t see it?�� Lin Qiaole leaned over and asked curiously.��You will know after another 50 years!�� Ren Baqian retorted. Although Lin Qiaole looked presentable, she might not be able to get married and might have to wait another hundred years.Entering the vige, he could see old people basking in their yards or watering flowers from time to time. They were no different from the olddies in the strongholds.


    Fortunately, he came across a person in the courtyard who was holding a brush and painting on a table. This person adopted a horse stance with his forearm parallel to the table. Every now and then, he would paint on the paper. His every move looked very imposing, and his demeanor gave Ren Baqian the impression that he was an expert. After all, these were old war veterans. Not all of them were bumpkins, and it wasn��t surprising that some were calligraphy and painting experts. ��Vige head grandfather, what are you drawing?�� With some firewood in hand, Zhan Caixian propelled herself into the yard with two or three bounces.��I am painting mountains!�� the old man replied without even lifting his head.Zhan Caixian craned her neck to look at the painting and then turned to look at the mountain range in the vicinity. She said doubtfully, ��This mountain looks a bit fat!��


    ��This is so majestic!��


    ��Slightly shorter?����It��s umting momentum and will break through the sky one day!����This obviously looks more like a hill.����This is called seeing a mountain for what it isn��t. You talk too much.�� The old man became furious.


    Although Ren Baqian didn��t see his painting, he did understand what was said. To be able to depict a mountain as a hill definitely required above average talent.Ren Baqian had been deceived by his demeanor. After half a day, he turned out to be a spiritual painter.


    While thinking, he added the words,�� Spiritual painter!��When the old man��s sharp ears picked up on those words, his eyes brightened. He thenughed loudly and said, ��This little rascal is savvy. The important thing about a painting is the soul and the intention, not the form. Come take a look. Only a man with vision can understand my painting.����This old fellow is a Spirit Wheel expert and is only slightly weaker than me.�� Lin Qiaole added to these words by gesticting with her hands, one pointing at the sky and the other at the ground.


    Ren Baqian guessed that her message roughly meant the difference between Heaven and Earth. However, she said he was a bit weaker, so what did that mean?��This little girl talks big.�� The old man was amused by her actions.��Today, I will not argue with you. Little chap,e over here and see my painting.�� The old man looked at her attentively a few times before turning to greet Ren Baqian. It was more important to find someone who appreciated his painting than to fight with someone to prove who was stronger.��Excuse me.��Ren Baqian put his hands behind his back and walked to the table to take a look. His expression was strange. <em>How is this drawing of yours a range of hills?</em><em>This is obviously a steamed bun. Behind this steamed bun was the outline of another steamed bun. </em>A small stone was also drawn on top of the steamed bun.��How is it?�� The old man lookedcent.��A mountain range from the front, a mountain peak from the side!�� This poetic verse immediately came to Ren Baqian��s mind. It wasn��t an exaggeration to say that the perspective depended on the angle of observation. ��Good, well said!�� The old manughed loudly after hearing this verse. ��This verse matches my painting and is very appropriate. Is there a following verse?��


    ��The scene differs when seen from different distances.����Not bad!�� The old manughed and added the two verses to the painting.Ren Baqian agreed with the ancient saying, ��Hooligans aren��t scary. They are scary when they have culture.��This guy before him wasn��t only a cultured hooligan, but a Spirit Wheel expert as well.The little girl passively looked at the painting titled, ��A mountain range from the front, a mountain peak from the side�� and was still trying to figure out where the mountain ridges and peaks were.The old man then put his brush aside. Seeing that Zhan Caixian was still holding the firewood, he asked, ��Why don��t you deliver the firewood to Hu Qinghua? Aren��t you tired of holding it?��


    ��Oh!�� Zhan Caixian nodded her head quickly and said seriously to Ren Baqian, ��Your poem is very good.��


    She then ran out while carrying the firewood.The old man stretched out his hands to rub his body twice and raised his head to ask Ren Baqian, ��This little rascal is my style. Not bad, not bad! How is Ye Sanbo rted to you?Upon hearing this, Ren Baqian��s mind began to whir. This old man was asking about a man from the Yun Nation whose surname was Ye. This person was someone who was well known from at least 70 years ago. If he was still alive, he would be another expert. However, he hadn��t heard that such a person was still around in Qingfeng City. There were two possibilities. Either he was an expert from a generation ago or he was the ancestor of Qingfeng City��s warlord and long dead. Perhaps, the old man was deceiving him. There were often such plots in television shows where a man would trick somebody into saying something,ugh three times, then p the tricked person to death.Ren Baqian responded after thinking for a while, ��I have never heard of this person before. How does senior know him?��The old man kept quiet for a moment, then sighed and said, ��Is that so? I thought I was seeing the descendant of my old friend. Time is running out, things have remained the same, but people have changed!����Come in and talk.�� The old man waved his hands as his mood became downbeat.Ren Baqian felt that he was overthinking the situation, but it was better to be careful and avoid mistakes. After all, he was in enemy territory.If sessful, he would need half the effort to suppress Tianjing Basin in the future.If they saw through him, he would be hunted down by others.This old man was a Spirit Wheel expert, and there might be other Spirit Wheel experts in this vige. If there were, thebined strength of the old Earth Wheel experts and these Spirit Wheel experts would make it very unlikely for Lin Qiaole to be able to bring him along while escaping.

 Chapter 431 - Why Did You Scratch Me?

    Chapter 431: Why Did You Scratch Me?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The house was very simple. It was an ordinary wooden house furnished with a bed and a wooden cab, but the ce where a table should be located was empty. In all likelihood, the missing table was the table outside.However, the most attention grabbing thing in the room was a head that looked like a lion with six short-angled horns on it.


    At the moment when Ren Baqian stepped into the entrance, this head suddenly opened its eyes. At the same time, the vibe of a ferocious beast weed him. It seemed that it was no longer a head, but a four meter long ferocious beast that was going to pounce on him.


    The ferocity in the eyes of this fierce beast, as well as thepelling vibe, made him have no doubt that he would be torn apart by the beast in the next second.It was as if Ren Baqian��s heart was being gripped by a huge hand. The next moment, he subconsciously fished out his gun from the back of his waist.


    <em>Rumble! </em>A crisp and clear rumble could be heard from its throat, and like a thunderp, it rang inside Ren Baqian��s head.


    Ren Baqian suddenly woke up from this hallucination and saw that the eyes of the head on the wall were still open. Its pair of eyes were entirely ck, just like a pitch-ck vortex that was going to suck souls inside.


    Lin Qiaole, who was beside him, was staring at the head on the wall. She was still producing a rumbling noise in her throat. After looking at her hands carefully, the old man realized that her fingernails were a centimeter long. The old man sized up Lin Qiaole with a strange gaze. Soon after, he let out a mncholy shout, ��Quiet!��


    A steel nail was ejected from his hand and burrowed into the beast��s head.


    Immediately, Ren Baqian heard a roar and that head closed its eyes. Lin Qiaole also resentfully quieted down. She secretly swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and her gaze never left the beast��s head.


    ��Senior, this is��?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but to rify his doubts. Although he had seen many things in this world, such as the Elongation Saber and the chain in his head, he clearly understood that he still didn��t know much about this world. Nevertheless, the abnormality of this head still frightened him.It was as if this head was alive.


    ��Back in the day, I encountered a ferocious beast in the Sixty Thousand Mountains with my teacher. It has been so many years, but it is still not content.�� As the old man nced at the head on the wall, his eyes revealed that he was reminiscing about memories from the past.��It��s still alive?�� Ren Baqian��s voice cracked.


    ��How can it be alive in such a state?�� the old man broke intoughter and questioned Ren Baqian back.


    It didn��t have a body. Only its head, which had experienced an unknown number of years, was left hanging on the wall. No matter how they looked at it, it couldn��t die again. Yet, Ren Baqian personally experienced that the beast��s head had blinked and roared.


    ��Then what was that just now��?�� Ren Baqian was puzzled.


    ��It��s dead, but shows no signs of rigor mortis,�� the old man said indifferently.


    ��Can I trade something for it?�� Lin Qiaole��s eyes were shining as she pointed at the beast head.


    ��Oh? What do you want to trade for it?�� The old man couldn��t help butugh.


    ��These. They are much more valuable than that thing.�� Lin Qiaole grabbed a bunch of candy from her tube top and took out three White Rabbit Creamy Candies. From her expression, it could be seen that her heart was aching.


    Three White Rabbit Creamy Candies was her limit.


    ��What are these?�� The old man looked at the things in Lin Qiaole��s hand with curiosity. He had never seen such things before. Ren Baqian silently snatched the three candies over and ced another three candies in her hand.


    Even though she was an unsophisticated girl, he felt sorry to see that she was being taken advantage of.


    ��The three candies I had were bigger! Give me another one!��


    He didn��t expect Lin Qiaole to raise an objection.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words.


    He silently took back the three White Rabbit Creamy Candies in her hand. After that, he ced the candies that were warmed by his own hand back into her palm. He couldn��t be bothered with her any longer.


    ��Milk candies! They are very tasty! You will not be able to find them anywhere else.�� Lin Qiaole made a solemn vow.


    ��Forget it. This thing is dead, but shows no signs of rigor mortis. It��s useless even if you take it.�� The old man shook his head.


    ��Lets duel. If I win, give that head to me.�� Lin Qiaole knew that the trade had failed and immediately resorted to seizing that head openly. However, this result was just the way she wanted it to be because she would save three White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    ��What do you want that jiexue��s head for?�� The old man was a little puzzled.


    ��It seems really delicious���� Lin Qiaole was beginning to salivate as she looked at the jiexue��s head. ��Are you ready? I��m going to make a move.��


    Lin Qiaole actually had the cheek to warn her opponent.


    The old man was speechless.


    ��Let��s go outside. I want to see the strength of an expert who is slightly stronger than me.�� The old man stretched out his hand and gestured. It seemed like he hadn��t forgotten the gesture of ��Heaven and Earth�� that Lin Qiaole had made previously. Lin Qiaole gracefully jumped up andnded in the courtyard.


    The old man smiled at Ren Baqian and walked out at his own pace.


    Just as Ren Baqian followed them outside, he saw two figures colliding into each other. After that, he couldn��t see the two of them clearly. It was as if two gusts of wind were colliding into each other.


    The sound of their bodies shing was constantly heard. Just as they began their duel, more than ten silhouettes appeared in the courtyard. All of their faces were filled with wrinkles, and some of them couldn��t even straighten their backs.


    Back in the day, these people were experts. Upon sensing that there was a fight going on, they dashed over to observe the battle.


    ��Ah!�� In less than a minute, a miserable scream could be heard. It was that old man. Ren Baqian finally felt at ease since it seemed like Lin Qiaole didn��t suffer any losses.


    ��Stop! I��m not fighting anymore!�� A momentter, the old man shouted at the top of his lungs again. His figure gradually materialized from the afterimages.


    The old man��s clothes were tattered, his face was full of scratch marks, and his expression was full ofplex emotions.


    Among Spirit Wheel experts, he wasn��t even considered weak. He was one of the top experts in Tianjing Basin, so losing to such a young girl made him look bad.


    What was more unsightly was his opponent��s tactics!


    Why did she scratch people?


    Furthermore, she particrly scratched at one��s face. Didn��t she know what was meant by not hitting someone in the face during a brawl? Originally, even if the old man lost, he was prepared to say that the younger generation would eventually surpass the elderly. At most, he would be shocked when guessing the other party��s origins. Even if he was more disappointed, he would just admit that he was advancing in age. At such a young, even if she started cultivating in her mother��s womb, how could she be so powerful?


    At this moment, however, he didn��t have these thoughts anymore. His brain was filled with�� <em>Who did this girl learn from? Why did she scratch people?</em>Everyone saw the situation in the yard and looked at Lin Qiaole, who was licking her paws, before looking at the old vige chief again. Their expressions weren��t the best. Qingyun Sword, who had been known in the world for many years, was actually defeated by the hands of a little girl? The Qingyun Sword that overtook the world�� where did he go?


    ��Qingyun Sword? Pfft, those old bones of yours are going to be buried soon.�� The expression of a lofty old man with white hair was unsightly. In the end, he ruthlessly swore and jumped up,nding tens of kilometers away. In no time, he was nowhere to be seen.


    ��Old! We are all old!�� Another elder shook his head and sighed.


    The majority of the people turned around and left.


    Qingyun Sword was the name of the old vige chief, a name that was known to many, and also a symbol of a certain era.


    At present, he was actually defeated by a young girl. This made everyone rather disappointed.


    The old man��s jaw dropped and remained that way for a long time. After a long while, he finally touched his cheeks and asked faintly, ��Can she not scratch other people��s faces?�� Ren Baqian was speechless.


    It seemed that being scratched on his face was more difficult to ept than being defeated.The old man��s lips quivered a few times before he indistinctly sighed and murmured, ��Back in those days, I was confident, elegant, experienced, and talented�� just from relying on this face of mine!��


    Ren Baqian was astonished for some time! The shamelessness of this old man actually brought out his elegant demeanor from back in those days!

 Chapter 432 - Not a Human

    Chapter 432: Not a Human


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole were sitting in front of a bonfire. Ren Baqian had attached the jiexue <em>�� </em>s head to a stick and was roasting it. Lin Qiaole was drooling so much that it dripped down her chin, neck, corbone, and even flowed to the ground. Her eyes were sluggish as she drooled from her mouth. She looked as if she were a mentally retarded kid.However, whenever the eyes on the head began to turn, she would p the top of it before reverting to her previous state.The old man was sitting not that far away, and a sad feeling arose from the bottom of his heart.


    A little girl who looked mentally handicapped was the cause of the scratches on his face.Sitting on the steps next to him was Zhan Caixian, who had one hand on her chin while she looked at the head of the fierce beast being roasted.��Why is this thing still not cooked?�� Ren Baqian��s hands were getting sore. He had been roasting it for more than an hour, but there was no sign of it getting cooked.��If it was so easy, I wouldn��t have kept it here for decades. Judging from the way you are roasting it, don��t hope to finish cooking it in this lifetime.�� The old man heard Ren Baqian��s doubt and immediately raised his head to adopt the posture of an advisor giving some pointers.��In that case, how should I do it?�� Ren Baqian asked unabashedly.


    ��If it was alive, anything you try wouldn��t work. However, it is long dead, just that it is only dead and not stiff yet. Just use juice from the Three-way flower to marinate it for three days. After that, use Phoenix Chest��s wood to start a fire and you should be able to cook it,�� the old man instructed.��If that doesn��t work, can it be eaten raw?�� Ren Baqian considered it troublesome and turned to ask Lin Qiaole.Lin Qiaole pursed her lips. She felt that it would be nicer to eat when cooked, but then again, she didn��t want to wait too long. The sight of this thing had strongly fired up her appetite. Not to mention three days, in one more day, her saliva would have flooded the entire vige.��Vige head grandfather, can the Three-way flower and Phoenix Chest��s wood that you mentioned be found over here?�� Zhan Caixian asked the old man beside her.��These things cannot be found here, they can only be found deep inside the Sixty Thousand Mountains. It would take two or three years to find them. It would be too tough to bite if eaten raw. Back then, when we killed this thing, my teacher also expended a lot of effort,�� said the old man as he shook his head.After hearing this, Lin Qiaole didn��t hesitate anymore. She took thejiexue��s head out of the fire, started gnawing, and made noises that sounded the same as chewing on wood. When Ren Baqian heard her chew, he even felt that his own teeth were aching.��Roar!�� A roar filled everybody��s mind, as if the jiexue��s head was roaring with unwillingness.Lin Qiaole gave the head a backhanded p and continued to gnaw.


    The old man was smiling slightly and calmly watched Lin Qiaole bite the jiexue��s head. It was as if he knew that the end result would be failure.Regardless of what ended up happening, at least he had exacted some revenge.Then, he helplessly saw Lin Qiaole biting off a piece of the skin from the jiexue��s head����Shucks, how is this possible?�� The old man eyes widened because his teacher had told him about the characteristics of this jiexue. It was said to be imprable by spears and knives, impervious to fire and water, and difficult to injure due to its great strength.Even his teacher spent a lot of effort before he was able to kill this jiexue. After so many years, he still was unable to handle the head of this jiexue. His Qingyun Sword was a precious sword that could cut through iron like mud, but it only emitted sparks when trying to cut the head.Yet, this little girl was able to bite through? Were her teeth sharper than his Qingyun Sword?Subsequently, the old man focused sharply and stared closely at Lin Qiaole.Ren Baqian was instantly put on alert.��As expected, you aren��t a human! Initially, I thought you had cultivated a special type of martial art, but as it turns out, you are actually not a human,�� the old man said coldly after staring at her for a while.


    ��What do you mean?�� Ren Baqian was shocked by his expression.��Don��t pretend to be confused!�� the old man said coldly. He stared at Lin Qiaole and then heaved a sigh, saying, ��Let it be. I cannot take care of everything.����Senior, what are you trying to say? Your junior doesn��t understand,�� Ren Baqian said. He was also hoping to get some information about Lin Qiaole��s origins. ��It is useless to say any more. Good luck to you.�� The old man refused to speak further. Although he kept quiet, his expression was growing colder.Ren Baqian was aware that the old man certainly knew something, but seeing his refusal to answer, he wondered how he could make this old man talk.In fact, the old vige head didn��t know much. Back in the day, his teacher had just managed to make a breakthrough and attain the Spirit Wheel level before heading to the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Not long after, he came back seriously injured. Before he died, his master told him not to go deep into the Sixty Thousand Mountains unless he attained power that was far superior to what his master had achieved. In addition, he was told to be careful of those who looked like a human, but were not humans.Previously, he didn��t understand what his teacher meant. After seeing Lin Qiaole, however, he suddenly remembered what his teacher told him.This matter concerned the death of his master, so he naturally wanted to know more about it. However, there was a war with the aboriginals hanging over his head, and he was forced to repress this thought. He made the decision to capture this girl at any cost after the war so that he could ask her about what was deep inside the Sixty Thousand Mountains. ��Tell me your reason for this trip.�� The old man calmed down and raised his head to ask Ren Baqian after some time.In ordance with what he had said in the Golden Ring Residence previously, Ren Baqian repeated his story.��I have three requests. The first is to strengthen your attack and attract the attention of the aboriginals. The second request is regarding theck of weapons. Finally, thest request is for her to join us inbat,�� the old man said while pointing at Lin Qiaole.The old man didn��t wait for Ren Baqaian to ask and continued exining, ��Xi Wanya isn��t easy to deal with, and no one will be a match for an expert of his level on a one to one basis. Her skills aren��t bad, and she should be able to dy Xi Wanya for a period of time. In the meanwhile, we can surround and kill the other two Cardinal Heaven experts in the army.����I can promise you the first and third requests. The second one is problematic because it isn��t easy to transport weapons from the Yun Nation at the moment due to the ongoing war. To move arge amount of weapons requires manpower and resources, and such a mobilization will easily be discovered,�� said Ren Baqian after further thought.��That��s your problem. After all, if you fight against the aboriginals yourself, you will notst long, and it��s important not to repeat the mistakes of the past. If you want us to risk our lives, you need to provide something,�� the old man said coldly.Ren Baqian questioned him back, ��Didn��t Great Xia send their people? Where are they? What conditions did they give you? Furthermore, if you don��t have our help, you won��t be able to do anything yourselves.����We can wait until they attack Wang Jing and engage the enemy before taking action. The pressure we would face at that point will be about the same as taking action now,�� the old man replied.��With regard to Great Xia, that matter is between them and us. It has nothing to do with you.����The aboriginals are training new soldiers,�� Ren Baqian reminded.


    ��Their aim is definitely to counter you.��


    ��Well, I promise you I will think of a way to deliver the weapons within three months. Three monthster, you must take action,�� Ren Baqian muttered. In fact, it was impossible to meet all three conditions, but he still needed to be as convincing as possible.


    ��That will be all then. There is an empty room in the vige for you to stay in tonight,�� the old man said as he returned to his room.


    That night, Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole were sitting in the room, and Lin Qiaole was still gnawing on the jiexue��s head. When no one else was around, she suddenly raised her head and asked, ��Should I kill him? He is hostile!��


    ��Carry on chewing on that lion head. It isn��t the right time yet.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands. After hearing this, he looked at Lin Qiaole, who was still chewing on the animal head, and went into a daze.


    From the intense reaction of the old man, it was obvious that the girl in front of him was carrying many secrets.


    They were many secrets in this world.


    There were mysterious things in the slopes of the Sixty Thousand Mountains: the unknown location of Sword Mountain, the mysterious disappearance of thest two emperors, and the unknown origin of Lin Qiaole.


    The things he knew about this world were rather limited, and there were a lot more mysteries to uncover.

 Chapter 433 - Ganging Up On Qi Zixiao to Kill Her

    Chapter 433: Ganging Up On Qi Zixiao to Kill Her


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the wee hours, Ren Baqian stood at the entrance of the vige and looked ahead. There were a couple of youngsters practicing their martial arts.


    Some of them were cultivating their swordy while the others were practicing theirs punches and kicks.


    They were all disciples of the elders in the vige. After all, those elders used to be highly active experts 70 years ago, but most of their life spans were now stretched to their limits.


    Ren Baqian watched from the sidelines for quite some time. He realized that their techniques were very different from the [Boxing of Death] that he learned.


    Compared to their techniques, the [Boxing of Death] was more direct, more widespread, and more suited for mass ughter on the battlefield. It also entuated the aboriginals�� tremendous strength and power.


    On the other hand, their techniques were entirely based on the rules of the society, which inclined toward close quarters evasion and one on one dueling. There were also more feints.


    In addition, there was still another very important point��their moves were very fancy and pleasant to watch! At the very least, the way they turned and evaded look very graceful.


    Unlike the [Boxing of Death] and apart from the [ck Tiger Steals Heart], there was only [ck Tiger Steals Heart] which wasn��t as smoothly executed and nice-looking as these techniques that were practiced by the remnants of the Hao Nation.


    The execution of the [Boxing of Death] by the aboriginals was fully aimed at taking down ten enemies in one move. Its strength was indeed pretty formidable.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t possess the strength of the aboriginals. When he executed the [Boxing of Death], the effects were very much weaker.


    Ren Baqian felt that if he were to face off against these youngsters, he wouldn��t be their match.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian felt even more miserable. Not only was he unable to defeat the ten year old lolita, he probably wouldn��t be able to defeat any Tom, Dick, or Harry who mighte at him. This was something that he found hard to endure.


    Something that he felt really suited toward was actually another fighting technique that the empress had taught him. It had a weird style that was purely focused on taking the opponent��s life. Many of the moves mimicked how a ferocious beast would attack and kill humans.


    Such moves were entirely techniques that ��preyed on men.��


    Unfortunately, the moves of this technique were extremely difficult and strange. Plus, they didn��t correspond with the skeletal structure of a human or the amount of force exertion. Back then, Ren Baqian witnessed how naturally the empress was able to execute the technique. However, when it was his turn, there were many moves that he couldn��t even perform at all. This meant that additional cultivation was out of the question.


    Even to this point, he still couldn��t perform all of those moves and still mainly relied on practicing the [Boxing of Death].


    ��Brother Lin, you��ve executed this technique incorrectly. You have to lean lower!��


    ��Sister Hua, your move was short by two sparks from your sword. You need to apply more strength from your wrist.�� A crisp and beautiful voice sounded in the training ground.


    The little girl, Zhan Caixian, was running around and helping everyone correct their moves.


    It was hard to imagine that a little girl like Zhan Caixian could actually execute fighting techniques better than those people.


    Zhan Caixian��s character made the elders really fond of her. Thest time she came, many of the elders passed down some moves to her. She had pretty good innate skills as well and had performed much better than the elders�� disciples. After staying here for just two days, she had already been called over by the elders to correct their disciples�� mistakes during training.


    If someone else were to take her ce, many of the disciples would definitely resent that person and think, <em>I cultivate everyday, while you only cultivate from time to time. How can I not be angry when you are actually better than me?</em>


    On the contrary, because of Zhan Caixian��s innocent and naive character, one would be unable to bear resentment toward her.


    Ren Baqian stood at the side for quite some time and felt that he wanted to give it a try. After all, he hadn��t fought with anyone who was at his level, so he didn��t know where he stood either.


    However, after thinking about the only two fighting techniques that he knew, he could only forgo this impulse.


    The [Boxing of Death] was too distinct of a fighting technique, originated from the aboriginal army, an was something that he absolutely couldn��t disy.


    The only other technique that Ren Baqian could use was the [Tortoise Fist].


    After some hesitation, he still decided to drop the idea.


    Ren Baqian was ready to take his leave after finishing his breakfast. He still had to leave the mountains to ��notify�� the Yun Nation about sending weapons over and also needed to prepare to take a look at the other cities.


    When Ren Baqian located the residence of the old vige chief, over 20 of the elders were actually already seated in the courtyard.


    ��There��s nothing more to say. Kill her, and they are bound to wreak havoc. It will be worth it even if they take revenge and purge us all. When was there ever a war that didn��t have casualties?! Even if they don��t die now, they still will die in the future!�� one of the elders dered. He was the tall, lofty, and white-haired elder that Ren Baqian had previously seen. He had a very threatening vigor, and his headful of white hair swayed even without the presence of the wind.


    Over these two days, Ren Baqian came to know of his nickname, which was the Celestial Hound��


    It was said that whoever he fixed his attention on, he would bite onto that person like a dog without letting go.


    Moreover, he had a bad temper. Even if it was God, he would still bark at him. That was how his nickname came about. However, most people actually didn��t dare to rebut him directly to his face since it would bring about an endless argument.


    ��The old dog said it right.�� Another elder tapped on the bamboo cane he was holding.


    ��It��s a good opportunity, and there��s no need to hesitate,�� another man added.


    ��Xi Wanya will definitely go crazy with revenge. Only God knows how many people will perish at that time.��


    ��That��s a future problem. Like what the old dog said, which war doesn��t have casualties? We must not miss out on this opportunity!��


    ��Get in touch with all the experts at the Earth Wheel level and above. No matter how powerful she is, she is just one person. I don��t believe that we, the whole of Tianjing Basin, can��t seed in killing one person.��


    Ren Baqian came to a halt at the door and overheard the entire conversation.


    Who were they nning to kill?


    Based on their conversation, it should be a high level aboriginal. Otherwise, it wouldn��t have involved Xi Wanya, his crazy revenge, etc.


    Their target must be someone strong, someone over the limit of strong.


    Someone so strong that they needed to gather all the experts in Tianjing Basin to kill him.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian suddenly got distracted.


    There was no need to think any further. Besides the empress, no one else fulfilled those criteria.


    However, what was the current situation?


    Was the empress still in Gu City or was she somewhere else?


    ��Pleasee in, the two of you,�� Qingyun Sword, the vige chief, said in a clear voice.


    ��Seeing that everyone is in the middle of a discussion, I wasn��t sure if I should interrupt,�� Ren Baqian replied after calming his mind down.


    ��Come in and talk,�� Qingyun Sword insisted.


    Both Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole stood at the side. Lin Qiaole was still holding the jiexue��s head that was almost half the size of her body. After two and a half days, she had eaten a huge chunk of it. The purplish-red color of the dried out flesh and the white bones were extremely eye-catching, and it looked very brutal.


    ��There is a piece of news that we have just received. Whether it��s with regard to you or to me, it��s still a very important piece of news. You guys need to help out as well,�� Qingyun Sword imed after taking a look at Lin Qiaole.


    ��Please speak.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands, but he feltpletely tensed up.


    ��Qi Zixiao has appeared in Tianjing Basin by herself!��


    ��What?�� Even though Ren Baqian had already prepared himself for this, he still couldn��t help but be surprised after listening to what Qingyun Sword said. How could the empress possibly be in Tianjing Basin alone? What was she here for?


    With regard to Ren Baqian��s reaction, Qingyun Sword felt that it was very normal. He was also astonished when he heard this news.


    After all, she was the Empress of Dayao. It was indeed iprehensible that she had actuallye here alone.


    Of course, she wasn��t exactly alone as she still had two servants by her side. However, she was considered alone in everyone��s eyes.


    ��You guys are intending to��?�� Ren Baqian already knew of their ns, but still subconsciously asked.


    ��You��re right. Gather all of the experts to surround and kill her! That��s why we need your assistance,�� Qingyun Sword said with a low voice as he focused all of his attention on Lin Qiaole.


    He was referring to Lin Qiaole.


    As for Ren Baqian�� It wasn��t that Qingyun Sword looked down on him, but he was really a piece of trash in terms of martial arts.


    ��That��s how it shall be!�� Seeing that Qingyun Sword had already made his decision, Celestial Hound immediately pped his thighs, threw his head back, and let out a heartyughter.


    ��It��ll be worth it even if we die there.��


    Killing the fifth most powerful expert in the world who was also the Empress of Dayao, how major was this matter? After aplishing such a major task, would it matter even if you died?


    Once Qi Zixiao was dead, Dayao would definitely be in massive disorder. As long as they were able to withstand Xi Wanya��s crazy revenge, their descendents would be able to step out of this prison cage.


    Everyone looked at each other andughed out loud in session. The heroic spirit that they had possessed when they fought through hardships during the days of their youth had returned to their bodies once again.


    To be able to exchange blows with the fifth most powerful expert in the world and to be able to kill the Empress of Dayao, it would all be worth it even if they were to die immediately.

 Chapter 434 - It’s Difficult to Find a Soulmate

    Chapter 434: It��s Difficult to Find a Soulmate


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After discussing for a long time, everyone returned to their residences. In less than an hour, eight elders passionately left the hidden vige.


    There wasn��t any need to think. The old man called out to his friends and invited them to leave the mountains together.


    This bunch of elders, who were contacted by the old man personally, definitely weren��t ordinary people.


    They then left the mountains to find those experts who lived in seclusion.


    Apart from the experts who lived in seclusion, there were also the three factions and the sects of all sizes.


    This time, those who were participating in this operation in Tianjing Basin were experts who were minimally at the Earth Wheel level.


    If it wasn��t for the fact that it was inconvenient to mobilize such arge number of people, as well as the fact that the empress��s whereabouts weren��t fixed to a certain location, they would have wanted to arrange arge number of ordinary elite soldiers and Man Wheel practitioners, then deployed them first to sap the empress��s energy.


    Under the situation where the empress��s whereabouts were constantly shifting, only an expert would be able to rush to her destination in the shortest possible time.


    Ren Baqian��s only thought was, <em>Something serious has happened!</em>


    Followed by, <em>Why is the empress here?</em>


    Originally, Ren Baqian wanted to provide them with some weapons to gain their trust before entering their inner circle to understand their ns. By then, when they started to revolt, he would subsequently be able to make targeted arrangements and annihte all opposition.


    Unfortunately, all his ns had been disrupted.


    Why did the empresse to Tianjing Basin?


    Furthermore, she didn��t bring any bodyguards, only traveling with Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    The empress wasn��t God. Although she was formidable in Ren Baqian��s eyes, if she were to be surrounded by several hundred Earth Wheel experts and a few Spirit Wheel experts, it would still be difficult for her to escape even though she was the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    After all, many ants could still bite an elephant to death.


    Baron Nashor in League of Legends could still be killed by a group of yers if they surrounded it.


    <sup>1</sup>


    What should he do next?


    Naturally, the best method would be for him to locate the empress and leave Tianjing Basin.


    However, finding the empress wasn��t an easy task. Even if the two parties were in the same city, they would probably just brush past each other. Furthermore, the facts were that Ren Baqian only knew an approximate range of where the empress might be. Finding the empress was like finding a needle in a haystack. Instead, it would be better for him to follow the people here as they carried out theirrge scale operation.


    After that?


    With Lin Qiaole, the empress, and three burdensome people consisting of Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and himself, the odds of winning against countless opponents were very low no matter how he thought about it.


    There wasn��t much he could do.


    Conventional weapons weren��t useful against Earth Wheel experts, let alone Spirit Wheel experts.


    A nuclear bomb? Even if he was able to obtain one, they would perish together with their enemies.


    Poison gas? That seemed feasible, but after thinking it through, if a foreigner like him was surrounded by experts and he decided to take out a bunch of bottles, it would definitely raise some suspicions. At that time, it would only take one person to swat him to death.


    Furthermore, the rate at which the poison gas spread was too slow. Those experts were very swift and could avoid the poison gas as a result.


    When using poison gas, there was also the same concern as using a nuclear bomb. No matter what, the nation wouldn��t give it to Ren Baqian.


    Apart from nuclear bombs and poison gas, he couldn��t think of another method that he could utilize in such a situation.


    Under these circumstances, there weren��t many weapons on Earth that woulde in handy.


    Hisst resort would be to bring all four of them back to Earth with him and then hide for five days.


    He would first wait for the empress to kill a batch of people. During a crucial moment, he would then bring them back to Earth to rest for a few days before returning to this world.


    However, it wouldn��t be easy to grasp the opportunity. With so many experts fighting hand in hand, it was possible for the tides to change at every second. Ren Baqian had to bring the empress, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and Lin Qiaole with him simultaneously. It was easy to imagine the difficulty of this task.


    Forget it. If the other party wanted to organize for a group of experts to arrive in the vicinity of their targeted area, there would still be a period of time before it actually happened. Over the next few days, he would have to ponder over this matter and see if there were any other methods that he could utilize.


    Ren Baqian thought about all these things until he had a headache. He wanted to let out a long sigh.


    <em>Your Majesty�� Weren��t you doing well in Gu City?</em>


    <em>Even if you wanted toe into Tianjing Basin, you should have brought along a few bodyguards.</em>


    Ren Baqian turned his head and saw Lin Qiaole happily gnawing on the beast head.


    It��s been two days and you are still gnawing on it. Don��t your cheeks hurt?


    However, Ren Baqian felt that her face had be slightlyrger�� Could it be the legendary stud jowls?


    Lin Qiaole frequently scratched people��s faces, so Ren Baqian somewhat suspected that she was rted to cats. If she was really rted to cats, it was logical that her cheeks would get chubbier.


    Yeah�� when she finished gnawing, she would have a face that looked like a steamed bun.


    ��They are nning to gang up on Her Majesty and kill her. Don��t you have anything to say about that?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but ask this as he watched her gnaw on the beast head.


    ��What?�� Lin Qiaole raised her head and looked at him nkly.


    ��They are nning to gang up on Her Majesty and kill her!��


    ��Why? Where? Who?��


    Lin Qiaole��s reaction practically implied: ��Who am I, where am I, and what am I doing?��


    <sup>2</sup>


    ��Never mind. Just keep gnawing on your beast head���� Ren Baqian replied as held his head.


    That very afternoon, Ren Baqian returned to Earth.


    When the moonlight rose in the evening, the old vige chief, Qingyun Sword, appeared outside the courtyard.


    ��Is Mister Ye in?��


    ��He isn��t in!�� Lin Qiaole vaguely said while gnawing on the beast head.


    ��Where did he go?�� Qingyun Sword was a little suspicious because Ren Baqian should have been in his room at this time.


    Lin Qiaole ced the beast head down and thought about it for a long time. Previously, Ren Baqian had told her how to respond in such a situation�� What exactly had he said?


    After thinking for some time, Lin Qiaole finally remembered a sentence that Ren Baqian had said in dissatisfaction and repeated it.


    ��What time is it now? At this hour, it is sote to disturb someone. Don��t you have any manners? Give me a while, and I��lle out and kill you. Yeah!!��


    Thest word, ��Yeah!!�� was filled with overflowing charm!


    Coupled with her ambiguous voice due to the fact that she was still gnawing on the lion head�� Qingyun Sword immediately had dirty thoughts.


    ��Apologies, please have Mister Yee to my room tomorrow when he wakes up.�� Qingyun Sword swung his sleeves and left hurriedly.


    After he walked for several hundred meters, Qingyun Sword looked at the sky, as if spotting the youth he had lost.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian returned with an erhu.


    He was mulling over something. When the time came, there would be so many people, and the empress might not see him. He would then y ��Pomp and Circumstance�� on the erhu as it would be easy for the empress to recognize the tune. Without saying a word, the empress would know where he was.


    In addition to this, there was a pile of fortified smoke grenades. This was mainly because he didn��t know what he should bring back. After racking his brains, he thought that these smoke grenades might be useful. As such, he decided to bring them along. When he returned, he took a nce at Lin Qiaole and felt that her face gotrger.


    Soon after, he opened the doors to his room, sat in front, and tuned the strings of the erhu before ying the song ��Pomp and Circumstance.��


    After a series of short notes, the ��moaning�� of the erhu was heard by everyone.


    ��Damn it! What kind of sound is that?!�� Celestial Hound, who was currently wiping clean his weapon, cursed furiously.


    ��Why does this tune sound so strange?��


    ��Who��s ying this sort of musical instrument? I want to p him to death����


    A series of curses sounded within earshot of the noise made by Ren Baqian��s erhu. However, there was one person squatting in front of Ren Baqian. Her hands were holding and supporting her face as she listened to his ying attentively.


    After Ren Baqian finished ying ��Pomp and Circumstance,�� he felt refreshed.


    <em>Sure enough, I��m an established erhu yer who had been dyed by my studies.</em>��What��s this? It��s very pleasant to hear!�� Zhan Caixian��s eyes brightened while she was squatting in front of the door.


    Ren Baqian bolted upright upon hearing what she said.


    Thinking about his erhu that had been crushed in front of the pce, Ren Baqian couldn��t help but be distressed.


    Atst, he had found a soulmate.


    ��Can you teach me how to y this instrument?�� Zhan Caixian continued.


    ��Sure!�� Ren Baqian agreed almost immediately.


    Ren Baqian felt that the girl in front of him was bing more pleasing to his eyes. After all, it was indeed difficult to find a soulmate.


    When Bo Ya met Zhong Ziqi, he had also probably felt what Ren Baqian was feeling.


    <sup>3</sup>

 Chapter 435 - Surge like a Gathering Storm

    Chapter 435: Surge like a Gathering Storm


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Pingfeng Valley housed over ten families. Smoke from the kitchen chimneys rose straight into the air at around four in the afternoon.


    An olddy holding a walking stick stood at the entrance of the valley with a young girl for quite some time before slowly making their way down.


    ��Master, is the person who stays here very powerful?�� The young girl tried to help the olddy, but was fended off by the olddy instead.


    ��You can do whatever you like at home, but don��t do this when we��re outside. I��ve not aged to the point where I can��t walk.��


    Following which, the olddy answered, ��If it wasn��t for the injury that he sustained during the numerous continuous wars back then which damaged his foundations, he would probably already have attained the Spirited Wheel level. With his innate skill, how could he possibly be stuck at the Earth Wheel level without any progress����


    As she was speaking, it seemed as if that youth had appeared right in front of her again. He always carried a paper umbre, revealed a dimple when he smiled, and was a little bashful.


    Back then, she was in her twenties, which was the prime of her life.


    Unfortunately, she suffered the sleight of nature.


    ��How awesome.�� That young girl stuck her tongue out. There were only 13 Spirit Wheels in the entire Tianjing Basin.


    This person should presumably be someone who was famous back in the day.


    The olddy walked very slowly, as if she was appreciating the scenery around her. At the same time, she was adjusting her state of mind.


    The duo walked along the small road for an hour before they finally arrived at the entrance of the vige.


    When a few kids saw strangers approaching, they looked at them with curiosity before all of them of scattered, leaving behind only one little boy with vertically braided hair. He was bare bottomed and ran in front of the duo with his mucus flowing. With his dirty hands, he rubbed his nose and asked, ��Who are you looking for?��


    ��Does Changtian stay here?�� The olddy smiled.


    ��There��s no such person here!�� the little boy replied after some hesitation.


    ��Oh!�� The olddy nodded and continued walking forward.


    ��I already said that there is no such person, so what are you still doing?�� the little boy asked curiously as he followed beside them. He raised his hand, wanting to grab the young girl��s clothes, but he was a little hesitant. The material that her clothes were made from wasn��t something that people in this vige would wear.


    When the young girl saw his actions, she hurriedly move over to the other side of the olddy. If her clothes were to be touched by his hand, which was covered in mucus, she would probably have to throw them away.


    ��As long as he isn��t dead, he must be here. Even if he is dead, I want to see his grave,�� the olddy replied before turning her head to look at the young girl. ��Are you selling this olddy so soon?��


    ��I��ve realized my mistake, master.�� The young girl immediately lowered her head and moved back to the other side of the olddy.


    A mucus-stained hand suddenly grabbed ahold of the young girl��s skirt, and she became very upset and on the verge of tears.


    ��So soft���� The little boy was full of envy as he touched her skirt. After that, he quickly ran back into the vige.


    ��Run quickly Grandpa Chang, an old monster wants to take you away!��


    The olddy��s steady pace immediately came to a halt, and she began to sulk.


    However, her sullen mood dissipated very quickly, and a light and joyous feeling reced it. Sure enough, he was still here.


    After a while, she stopped in front of a door. She saw an elderly man sitting in the courtyard and pasting paper onto an umbre.


    The elderly man looked around 60 years old. With a headful of white hair that wasbed back, he concentrated his attention on performing the handicraft in front of him. After he was done with his work, he ced the umbre aside, lifted his head and smiled at the olddy.


    ��Long time no see!��


    It had been decades and countless thoughts, but it was all condensed into the phrase, ��long time no see!��


    ��Have you made a breakthrough?�� The olddy looked delighted.


    ��Yes. I originally wanted to mend my foundation, but no matter how much I tried, it was still futile. I gave up after that, worked on some handicraft here everyday, and experienced everything around here. I never thought that I would actually breakthrough. Life is so unpredictable!�� Changtian spoke in a very rxed manner,pletely neglecting how dejected he felt back before he had decided to give up everything ande to this vige.


    ��Good, good! You can still outlive me for a couple years. Remember to visit me at my grave every year. I��m afraid of loneliness,�� the olddy replied with a trembling voice as her eyes welled up with tears.


    ��Sure!�� Just a simple word from Changtian, but he had already agreed.


    After this olddy passed away, he would move to where her grave was and apany her everyday, just in case she got lonely.


    In the courtyard where the elderly man had stayed for decades, the olddy looked at everything. It was as if she wanted to mentally imprint a picture of this ce. After that, she sorted out her feelings and said, ��The reason I came here is to request for you toe out of the mountains.��


    ��I��ve no interests in those things anymore,�� Changtian replied faintly.


    ��The Empress of Dayao and the fifth most powerful expert in the world, Qi Zixiao! She is currently in Tianjing Basin,�� the olddy said.


    After Changtian heard what she said, his facial expression finally changed. The faint smile that was always on his face had also faded. ��How many men does she have?��


    ��Just her and two servants who are at the apex of the Man Wheel level.��


    ��Who else will be involved?��


    ��Including you, there will be 17 Spirit Wheel experts. Plus, there will be all the Earth Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin.��


    The young girl beside the olddy turned her head to look at her master with her mouth wide open. Weren��t there only 13 famed Spirit Wheel experts? There would only be 14 including this person before them��


    ��Alright! After I��m done with this umbre, I��ll follow you down the mountain. I��ve promised someone that I would make this umbre, and I can��t possibly leave it halfway done.�� As the elderly man spoke, he held the paper umbre in his hand. Even if one were to put down everything, there were bound to be some things that could never be left behind. It wasn��t for himself, but for the thousands of people in Tianjing Basin.


    The next day, three shadows stood at the entrance of the valley, turned back, and gazed.


    There were tens of families from the vige standing somewhere not too far away with packages in their hands.


    ��Elder Chang, these are the mulberries that you love. I��ve picked some for you and packed them inside. You can enjoy them along the way.��


    ��Also, these are pastries that I��ve made with basil leaves for you to take with you.��


    ��Grandpa Chang,e back soon!��


    The elderly man took a close look at every one of them and had these unadorned vigers deeply etched in his heart. He then epted those packages and said, ��Don��t send me off any further. I��m leaving and will be back very soon.��


    ��


    On Mount Qingniu, five shadows descended withrge strides.


    From this group, there were four of them who not only dressed the same, but had simr features as well.


    The only difference they had was that one of them had a mole at the left corner of his mouth, while another one had a mole at the right corner of his mouth. The remaining two had a mole at the top and at the bottom of their lips, respectively.


    Roar! As a loud cry sounded, the other three men joined in unison. The sound was extremely loud and could even be heard several kilometers away.


    All the four-legged beasts on the mountainy on the ground from intimidation while all of the birds took off into the air.


    ��Haha! Haha! I never expected that there would be a day like this where all four of us join forces!��


    ��Just in time to visit that bunch of cuckolds to see how many of them actually still survive!��


    ��


    In the Golden Ring Residence, Zhan Changkong, Painting Fairy, and all the attendants were standing in front of the residence.


    At present, everyone had a different perspective of Ren Baqianpared to what they originally had. Everyone was holding a weapon, and their killing intent permeated the entire ce.


    ��Xuhuan, after we��re gone, the residence will be depending on you,�� Zhan Changkong ordered.


    ��Warlord, why not let me go? You and madam can stay here.�� The person speaking was a man in his thirties.


    ��Since we��ve decided to do something, we must give it all we��ve got. This matter affects everyone in Tianjing Basin, so how can I be afraid to lose my life? Moreover�� given your innate skill, I��m hopeful that you will break through to the Spirit Wheel level in the future.


    Also, if Caixian returns, take good care of her.��


    Painting Fairy��s gaze was soft and gentle as she looked at her husband give out orders.


    ��


    In Wangbei City, the door to the most centrally located residence opened. A dignified looking middle-aged man walked out with big strides as tens of men and women decked in armor and helmets followed behind.


    In front of him, there was a force of a few hundred cavalry.


    The middle-aged man nced ahead, turned around, and said, ��Come here, Zihe.��


    ��Father!�� Abative-looking young man tookrge strides forward.


    ��If I don��t make it back, the North Alliance will be counting on you,�� the middle-aged man said in a low voice. During the night before, he had already informed his son about each and every important person in the North Alliance as well as who could and couldn��t be trusted. Regardless of whether he would make it back alive, at least his son would have a countermeasure for dealing with the situation.


    However, before they were about to set off, he still didn��tpletely feel at ease.


    ��Father, you must return safely! Let me wish you a victorious return!�� the young man dered brightly and clearly.


    ��Haha! We��re facing the fifth most powerful expert in the world, Qi Zixiao. Who dares to say that they cane back alive?�� The middle-aged manughed. He hesitated for a moment before slowly raising his hand and touched the young man��s head. This was the first time he had touched his son��s head like that since he was five years old.


    ��Father!�� The young man��s eyes began to swell.


    ��You��re behaving like a girl!�� the middle-aged man scolded. He couldn��t bear to see his son like this.


    A few of the armoreddies behind them immediately red at him.


    ��Let��s go! Set off!�� the middle-aged man ordered in a deep voice.


    All of the cavalry ahead straightened their bodies and cheered, ��North Alliance!��


    ��


    Southern Metropolis, Green Bell Flower, Lingshan Sect, Manxing Pavilion, Nine des Sect, Death Toad Sect��


    Regardless of whether they were famous or not, regardless of whether they were a well known sect in Tianjing Basin or a gang that resided in the marketce that everyone scorned, regardless of whether they belonged to the higher ss of the three factions or were elders who lived in seclusion in the mountains��


    Countless hot blooded people throughout all of Tianjing Basin held their freshly polished weapons, lifted up their hopes that had long been hidden away, and rushed toward their target.

 Chapter 436 - An Undercover Agent and a Renegade (Part 1)

    Chapter 436: An Undercover Agent and a Renegade (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sat in the courtyard and stared nkly into space.


    The sound of wood being sawed could be heard in the vicinity.


    Zhan Caixian was holding his erhu and ying it with exhration. Her face was blooming with tion.


    Lin Qiaole was sleeping at the top of the wall.


    Yes, at the top of the wall.


    Boom!


    Every time there was such a noise, it meant that Lin Qiaole had fallen off the wall. After that, she would climb back up to resume sleeping in her groggy state once more.


    ording to her own words, the room was too quiet and that sawing noise was disturbing her sleep, so she simply ran outside to sleep. Even though it was noisier, the mor made by people wasn��t that prominent. Instead, she could actually fall asleep over here.


    At present, Ren Baqian was in a city called Ming City. It was located right in the middle of Tianjing Basin.


    He came to this city with the people from the hidden vige. Before they arrived, the sects in the vicinity had already gathered over here. Among them, there were dozens of Earth Wheel experts and one Spirit Wheel expert.


    This was just from the sects in the vicinity.


    After the arrival of Ren Baqian and the others, there were also people continuously arriving in the city.


    When he thought about what he heard, that all of the experts in Tianjing Basin were rushing here, Ren Baqian couldn��t help but worry.


    Currently, the empress was the boss.


    [Boss: the final boss yers would have to defeat in League of Legends] (TLC. Not sure if this is referring to Baron Nashor? I don��t think there is a traditional final boss in LoL like in a normal RPG. Also, from the next few lines, it doesn��t even sound like he was ying LoL, but rather something like World of Warcraft?)


    From the current situation, it was equivalent to all the guilds and scattered groups in the entire server joining forces to defeat the boss.


    Back then, when he still yedputer games, he had participated in such an operation before. It had felt rather invigorating, particrly with the background music, and his adrenaline had soared.


    Looking at everyone��s high morale and then recalling that the boss in this world was his wife that he had yet to marry, Ren Baqian silently cursed nonstop.


    If he had a more reliable person with him, Ren Baqian would have sent a letter to Gu City long ao. Lin Qiaole, however�� Ren Baqian was afraid that she would fall asleep in the middle of the trip.


    In addition to that ear-piercing noise of wood sawing, the weather was very hot. As a result, Ren Baqian was a little frustrated. He stood up, walked around the courtyard, and threw a piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy at Lin Qiaole. Then, he said something to Zhan Caixian and left the courtyard.


    After he walked outside, he turned his head to take a look. As expected, Lin Qiaole was following behind him quietly.


    ��Tell me, who will win?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t resist asking. He had already asked this question many times.


    Lin Qiaole��s response was always the same. ��Don��t you already have an answer?��


    ��But you are an expert. Your foresight will be better than mine.��


    ��If it��s me, I can confront three Spirit Wheel experts at most. If there are more, I will have to run, but I will take you along with me when I flee, so don��t worry.�� At least, Lin Qiaole still remembered that Ren Baqian was her master.


    However, this wasn��t what Ren Baqian was concerned about��


    Ren Baqian kept silent and shot his gaze at the four simr looking elders that were walking toward him. The only difference between the four of them was the position of the mole near their mouths.


    The four elders noticed his gaze, revealed warm smiles, and looked at Lin Qiaole before brushing past them.


    Ren Baqian turned back to look at them. The four of them were heading toward the warlord��s residence, which was also the headquarters of all the experts.


    He had not met them previously, and they ought to be the experts who had just arrived.


    With the passing of each day, the number of experts in the city increased.


    The streets were very lively, and from time to time, he could see practitioners carrying their weapons with them. In addition, these weapons were all made of metal.


    ��The brother below, would you care toe up for a drink?�� Ren Baqian heard people shouting from above his head. He saw a window on the second floor of the shop next to him. A man was smiling as hey on the window and looked over in Ren Baqian��s direction.


    Ren Baqian looked left and right. He then heard that man shouting again, ��Brother from the Yun Nation, would you care toe up for a drink?��


    Only then did Ren Baqian confirm that the man was calling out to him. He pondered for a while before walking into the building and going up to the second story.


    This shop was a restaurant. At this time, there weren��t many people.


    On the second floor, a young man in his twenties was standing by the window. He was very good looking and whenever he smiled, it felt very sincere. This was the young man who called out to Ren Baqian. Seeing both Lin Qiaole and Ren Baqian, the young man cupped his hands and said, ��Greetings, brother. Greetings�� senior.��


    ��Do you know me?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Mister Ye Yunxian! Or Principal Ren�� Care to have a few words with me?�� This sentence caused Ren Baqian��s mind to nk out for a moment. Uncontroble murderous intent emerged from the bottom of his heart. Ren Baqian then coldly ordered, ��Kill him!��


    He absolutely didn��t think that the other party was bluffing. This was because an ordinary person simply wouldn��t know that the so-called Yun Nation envoy was the husband of Dayao��s empress. Not to mention that the other party immediately called him Principal Ren. It was obvious that the other party knew a lot about him.


    Following Ren Baqian��smand, Lin Qiaole turned into a gust of wind and pounced onto the young man by the window.


    ��Hang on! I��m not your enemy!�� The young man swayed. Soon after, he turned over and leaped out of the window. However, in less than three seconds, he came crashing into another window with his face filled with scratches.


    Without saying anything further, Ren Baqian took out his gun, raised his hand, aimed it at the young man, and fired three consecutive shots.


    ��I��m not your enemy! Let��s cooperate.�� The young man promptly shouted as he turned, rolled over, and avoided Ren Baqian��s bullets.


    ��Stop!�� Ren Baqian hesitated for a while and finally spoke out. He wanted to hear what the other party had to say first.


    Seeing that Lin Qiaole returned to Ren Baqian��s side, the young man could finally take a breather.


    At present, the young man wasn��t as calm as he had been before. He had wood shavings on his body, his hair was scattered, and his face was filled with scratches. His head had also nearly been smashed by Lin Qiaole.


    The young man inhaled a few deep breaths and threw a tael of silver aspensation at the shop owner who came running up. He then smiled bitterly, ��It��s really dangerous to deal with Principal Ren.��


    ��Your skills are pretty good!�� Ren Baqian praised him without any sincerity. However, this person was really quite skilled.


    The strength difference between a Spirit Wheel expert and an Earth Wheel expert was just like the gap between Heaven and Earth. For example, when Ren Baqian had been ambushed in Lan City, the instant the enemy party used his Heaven-grade weapon on his lead bodyguard, the bodyguard was immediately killed.


    Even though that had been a sudden attack and the other party actually used his Heaven-grade weapon, Lin Qiaole was more skillful than the assassin from back then. Even a Spirit Wheel expert like Qingyun Sword wasn��t her match. The fact that this young man could actually survive after experiencing two moves from her was already considered an amazing feat.


    In addition, the other party was less than 30 years old and was presumably one of the experts of the younger generation. Apart from the empress and Li Yuanzhu, he should be considered a rtively top-notch expert.


    The young man sat down at the table next to him. Subsequently, Ren Baqian also followed suit.


    After the other party pulled out a bottle and applied some powder to his face, the wounds on his face began to heal quickly. It was just that the newly regenerated skin was still tender and traces of the scratches could still be seen.


    At present, Ren Baqian finally calmed down and asked faintly, ��Who are you?��


    ��You should have heard that someone from Great Xia is here as well���� The young man smiled. At this time, he didn��t seem to be affected by the fact that he had almost been killed. It would be difficult to calm down after hearing that someone who had almost lost his or her life at yourmand wanted to cooperate with you.


    Just from this person��s temperament, it was clear that he was definitely not anyone ordinary.


    ��It��s you!�� Ren Baqian was astonished. He didn��t expect the other party to be someone sent by Great Xia. Furthermore, he knew Ren Baqian��s identity, yet he said that he wanted to cooperate. Ren Baqian didn��t know what was he trying to imply.


    ��Principal Ren can address me as Su Qing.��


    ��How did you recognize me?�� Ren Baqian asked. This was what he wanted to find out the most at the moment.


    ��I have met the Seventh Prince before, and by coincidence, I know that Principal Ren looks exactly like him���� The young man smiled.


    Ren Baqian suddenly saw the light. As it turned out, this was the crux of the problem.


    ��I never expected that Principal Ren would change his identity and sneak into the rebel headquarters as the Yun Nation��s envoy. I assume that the appearance of Dayao��s empress isn��t coincidental either. Such a huge trap, wanting to capture all of the experts in Tianjing Basin in one go. Impressive!�� the young manplimented him endlessly, as if he really admired how Ren Baqian handled things.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.

 Chapter 437 - An Undercover Agent and a Renegade (Part 2)

    Chapter 437: An Undercover Agent and a Renegade (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian pondered.


    <em>I could say that I was originally here to do a social survey�� </em>In the end, after Ren Baqian left Gu City, everything was totally different from what he had expected, and he wondered why it turned out like this.


    ��What do you want my cooperation for?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��These people are finished, and these days are theirst days of glory���� Su Qing looked out the window and heaved a sigh.


    ��Actually, I was initially a little worried, worried that you aboriginals would be forced back into the mountains due to being besieged from all directions. The end result of the Yun Nation, Tianjing Basin, the Chen Nation, and Great Xiaunching offensives against the aboriginals can be foreseen. After all, the brains of the aboriginals�� Well, you know. I don��t expect them to be able to deal with this situation.�� Su Qing gave Ren Baqian a ��you know�� gesture and continued, ��This oue is what many people wish for, but it��s not what I want to see.��


    ��Did the Chen Nation send out their army?�� Ren Baqian grasped the significance of this information.


    ��They will within the next few days or they may have already marched out.�� Su Qing didn��t hide the news as they was no need to do so. Ren Baqian would soon receive the news once he left Tianjing Basin anyway.


    ��What do you want?�� Ren Baqian asked again.


    ��I do not want Great Xia to have no enemies. I should have been happy when I initially saw this entrapment since the aboriginals have produced a smart person, but I quickly became worried. If your people settle down too quickly, Great Xia would see no headway and would have to retreat. This is also something that I don��t wish to see,�� Su Qing replied.


    Ren Baqian immediately understood what Su Qing was saying. He was hoping to see Great Xia get stuck in a quagmire and be unable to extricate itself.


    Great Xia should at least suffer a major defeat and have to reorganize the army in order to fight again.


    The resources and troops of Great Xia were already exhausted. To equip the army to fight again in a short windows of time, they would need to recruit new soldiers. If that wasn��t enough, conscription was needed.


    Ensuring adequate resources for hundreds of thousands of soldiers in a short period of time was very difficult even for Great Xia. Under these circumstances, they would probably have to raise taxes.


    If certain areas became destitute and people purposely instigated the impoverished, a rebellion would probably break out in an instant.


    If Great Xia defeated the aboriginals, the returning army could quell the rebellion.


    However, if Great Xia became stuck in a quagmire or was even defeated and there were internal rebellions, the foundations of the empire would be shaken.


    Ren Baqain analyzed the problems that could arise if Great Xia were to send out troops again.


    The key point was that the war between the aboriginals and the other nations couldn��t be too short and needed to drag on. The simplest method would be to incite a rebellion in Tianjing Basin that would take a while to suppress. Seeing the dire circumstances inside Dayao, the Great Xia army that had just been badly defeated would make up its mind to fight again.


    As for what to levy taxes on, the other party should know the conditions in Great Xia better than Ren Baqian.


    Whether or not themoners became destitute�� this wasn��t an issue at all. As long as their own people had the same mindset and were there, it was very easy to make a region be destitute.


    By that point, it would be a matter of raising arms and calling for action.


    Ren Baqian felt that his thought process was notpletely correct, but it was highly feasible.


    He didn��t ask the other party whether they wanted to rebel. He tapped on the table a few times with his fingers and asked, ��How will it benefit us?��


    ��A weak Great Xia means safety for your people,�� Su Qing said.


    ��No, we don��t need that. We do not care whether Great Xia is strong or weak.�� Ren Baqian shook his head. With him around and with scientific and technological advancement, it could easily be imagined that Dayao would be prosperous and powerful. He didn��t care whether Great Xia was strong during the next few years, next 10 plus years, or even next few decades. It didn��t matter if they exerted pressure on Dayao.


    Ren Baqian then spoke with contempt ��Moreover, Great Xia alone cannot stir up too much trouble.��


    He wasn��t looking down on them, but in terms of raw power, one aboriginal was equivalent to 10 people from Great Xia.


    ��You underestimate the people of this world and also Great Xia. Wu Shenghou nned for so many years. If it weren��t for your weird weapons, the northern region of Dayao would be gone,�� Su Qing replied.


    ��You seem to know a lot, �� Ren Baqian retorted.


    Su Qing smiled and didn��t answer. After all, many things that were used on the battlefield couldn��t be hidden from other people.


    In fact, what Su Qing cared about most wasn��t the weapons that Ren Baqian used on the battlefield, but the way the aboriginal army moved freely like flowing water, including during the conflict in the northeast. The aboriginalmanders responded extremely quickly to the battle conditions and had theirbat effectiveness increase by 30 percent.


    This was difficult even for Great Xia to achieve. He spected that there was certainly a reason behind this. Although there wasn��t any evidence, he had some hypotheses.


    ��Show me your trump card as a war will cause deaths. If Great Xia gets dragged in, an unknown number of people will die, resources will be wasted, and your words will not be able to simply smooth things over.��


    ��100 million taels of silver within three years!�� Su Qing said firmly and clearly.


    ��That��s one year of revenue for the Great Xia treasury�� Can you provide it?�� Ren Baqian��s heart skipped a beat. 100 million taels of silver was an absolutely astronomical figure and was more than 10 years of revenue for Dayao.


    The ie of the Dayao treasury was a few million taels annually and little was left after all the expenses. This sum of money could be used to pay for so many things.


    Even Ren Baqian was tempted.


    Even though he had made up his mind to conquer all of the Yun Nation because he wanted to make it part of the national territory of Dayao, he couldn��t be too antagonistic since the money he could earn by the end of that conquest might be less than the sum of money being offered now.


    ��The aristocratic families from Great Xia are still very rich. I will get them toe up with this sum of money, but it will take some time and requires Great Xia to be in chaos.�� Su Qing smiled confidently.


    Ren Baqian admired this type of ��I don��t have it, but I can rob�� attitude.


    ��On top of this, you have to do three things for me. This will be the premise of our cooperation,�� Ren Baqian said. Everything else was false and woulde to an end in the future. With this renegade, it would be easier to pass through safely this time.


    ��Tell me about them,�� Su Qing said after some pondering. This cooperation was very important to him.


    ��The first is to help me deliver a letter to the protectorate in Gu City within two days. I think you should have subordinates in Gu City and also the contacts,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Xi Wanya should already be on the road, but I can do this. The person who delivers the letter will depart from Gu City immediately.�� Su Qing smiled.


    Ren Baqian was quite relieved to hear his promise.


    In fact, when he learned that the empress was in Tianjing Basin two days ago, he remembered the radio station.


    What made him feel like smashing the wall was the fact that radio set waspletely unusable.


    At first, he thought it was due to the maic field of Mount Tianyun, but all along the road after leaving Mount Tianyun, the radio station was still unusable. No matter what channel he switched to, all he got were loud static noises.


    This made Ren Baqian suspect that the ionosphere over Tianjing Basin was causing the problem, and he had no choice but to give up on radiomunications.


    This wasn��t his fault, it was the fault of this world.


    Hispanion, Lin Qiaole, was also unreliable.


    He had solved his biggest problem by getting Su Qing to help him deliver the message. In the worst case scenario, at least he would not have to sh against more than 10 Spirit Wheel experts surrounding him while ��ying mahjong�� when he and the empress returned from a visit to Earth.


    [Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It ismonly yed by four yers.]


    ��I will tell you the other two conditions a few days from now,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��The proposed tasks must be things that I am capable of doing.��


    ��I will not make things difficult for you.�� Ren Baqian smiled after observing that Su Qing was always overthinking matters. However, the appearance of the empress had caused a group of people to n for her assassination, and he happened to have mixed in with a group of people here.


    If he said that it wasn��t intentional, nobody would believe him.


    However, these Hao Nation remnants were very unfortunate. Of the two foreign envoys, one was an undercover agent and the other was a renegade�� One was enough to make them feel like vomiting blood, not to mention two of them. If they knew the truth, they would definitely seek revenge.


    ��Beside the muscles in your brain, what else is presentable? You can��t even find the way to the inn and unnecessarily made me walk so far,�� a clear voice said.


    ��You can��t find the inn either,�� another speaker retorted in a voice that was rougher.


    ��Hey! Do you think that I won��t smash you into the wall?��


    ��


    The voices from the street made Ren Baqian��s ears prick up�� Was that the little lolita? Why was she here?


    This city was full of top experts, yet you little rascals actually made your way here��

 Chapter 438 - Notify

    Chapter 438: Notify


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian extended his neck to take a look. Sure enough, it was the little lolita. She was holding local snacks in her hand and another tall student was by her side.


    The both of them were standing side by side, and when looking at them from behind, it made people feel that they were a father-daughter duo.


    ��If there��s any news, remember to notify me,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��They don��t trust me very much either. After all, we are both foreigners. In fact, since things have progressed to this stage, you don��t have to worry anymore.�� Su Qingughed.


    Ren Baqian felt that there were a lot of things which he had to worry about. He had to worry about everything that the other party told him not to worry about.


    The information obtained by both parties was inherently unequal.


    ��I��ll get someone to pass the letter to you when I return. As for the two other conditions, I��ll notify you again. Within this short period of time, the rebellion in Tianjing Basin won��t stop.�� Ren Baqian nodded at him, got up, and left with Lin Qiaole.


    From the beginning to the end, Su Qing��s expressions were very calm, as if he had a trick up his sleeve.


    In any case, he had to adopt a stance on this issue and could not let Ren Baqian see through the real situation.


    Only he himself knew that he was deeply worried prior to meeting Ren Baqian.


    After Ren Baqian left, Su Qing began tough. He then poured himself a ss of wine and sipped it.


    Great Xia was already rotten and should have been overturned by the other nations long ago.


    This time, meeting Qi Zixiao��s husband was an unexpected surprise for him.


    The biggest reason why he said everything clearly was that he wasn��t afraid if Ren Baqian knew everything.


    Even if the aboriginals knew that Great Xia was in a mess, what difference would it make? At present, the amount ofnd Dayao had was already sufficient for those barbarians to squander. Even if Great Xia got itself tangled in a mess, the aboriginals could only rob them while the tide was against them. Would they still stay in Great Xia any longer than that?


    These barbarians didn��t have that many talents who could manage the ce. On the contrary, if their territory was too big, they would die trying to sustain theirnds.


    In addition, Great Xia wasn��t Tianjing Basin and Qi Zixiao wasn��t the world��s number one expert.


    Those experts wouldn��t appear even if there was a war or during the transition period between dynasties.


    If the aboriginals made their way into Great Xia and didn��t want to leave, someone would naturally show up.


    100 million taels of silver. He was confident that it would tempt Ren Baqian. It was more than 10 years of Dayao��s treasury revenue and was something that they wouldn��t be able to achieve even after 100 years.


    These people�� were hopeless!


    Su Qing drank alcohol by himself and looked in the direction of the warlord��s residence. As he silently thought about these issues, a smile began to form on his face.


    What did these people have to do with him?


    Ren Baqian went downstairs and whispered to Lin Qiaole, ��I saw Tong Lan just now, and she��s just ahead. Go and find them, but don��t rm them. Let me know when you return.��


    ��Why do I feel that I��m getting busier these days?�� Lin Qiaole was rather discontent.


    Nevertheless, Lin Qiaole knew about Tong Lan. After all, they previously went to harvest salt together. Furthermore, this time around, they had also traveled together to Tianjing Basin. Although she was sleeping most of the time, she could still remember who the youngest girl was.


    Ren Baqian gave her the side eye and asked,��Where did you get the courage to speak like that?��


    Before she could even rebut, Ren Baqian hurriedly said, ��I��ll give you an extra three candies. Go quickly.��


    Lin Qiaole grinned, and in a sh, shended on the rooftop and opened her eyes to their widest extent to search for Tong Lan.


    Ren Baqian took a good stretch. Now, he could finally take a breather.


    Originally, he was worried that even if he brought the empress back to Earth during a crisis, they would still be surrounded by the other party when they returned. This would be really troublesome. After all, the other party wouldn��t give up easily. In the absence of other means, who knew if they would wait idly for Ren Baqian and the empress to return.


    As long as he notified Xi Wanya, he wouldn��t need to worry about anything else.


    Perhaps, the other party��s so-called encirclement of the empress would turn into an annihtion of themselves?


    If so, it would be a trap created by the empress and himself. They would just have to wait for those idiots to make their way into the trap.


    Regardless of whether those were the facts or not, if he said yes, then it meant yes.


    At present, while he was walking on the street, he was no longer irritated and his back and legs weren��t aching anymore. Instead, he was sizing up the shops on both sides of the streets with great interest as well as the pedestrians who wereing and going.


    A short whileter, Lin Qiaole returned to Ren Baqian��s side and said, ��Found them.��


    Following her instructions, Ren Baqian saw Tong Lan. That young brat was still arguing with the other student about where the inn was located.


    Ren Baqian didn��t approach the two of them. He found a shop on the road, borrowed some paper and a pen, and wrote some simplified Chinese characters on the paper before crushing it into a paper ball. After that, he handed it to Lin Qiaole.


    When the two students turned into a secluded alley and were preparing to walked onto another street, Lin Qiaole threw the balled up paper at Tong Lan.


    Tong Lan reacted very quickly. She jumped directly into the air, turned around, and discovered that a paper ball was thrown at her. At the same time, Lin Qiaole, who was standing on a rooftop, was looking at her.


    ��It��s her?�� Tong Lan was bbergasted.


    ��Who?�� the other student asked.


    ��The bed warmer who��s always with Yagui!�� Tong Lan��s lips curled. ��Yagui must be in the vicinity.��


    [Bed warmer: when a guy and a girl has a ��special�� rtionship]


    ��What does bed warmer mean?��


    Tong Lan sank into deep thought.


    This was a good question.


    The weather was already hot; wouldn��t it be even hotter if someone were to warm the bed?


    <em>When I return to Dayao, I��ll ask grandfather!</em>


    She subsequently picked up the paper ball and remarked, ��It seems like this is for us.��


    The message read, ��There will be great changes. Think of a way to inform the other four groups and quickly leave Tianjing Basin. Instead of traveling through the towns, leave through the wilderness.


    -Your grandfather will always be your grandfather. Your teacher will always be your teacher!��


    ��That damn Yagui!�� Tong Lan cursed after seeing how Ren Baqian signed off on the message.


    As a matter of fact, with these simplified Chinese characters and the appearance of Lin Qiaole, even if there wasn��t such a sign off, she would have known who had written it. Yet, he had to write such an annoying message.


    <em>Great changes? These people are going to start a revolt? </em>the other student subconsciously thought of this conclusion. After all, most of the students who came here were second or third generation descendants of Dayao officials. Even those students who originally didn��t know about the situation here had gotten up to speed by now.


    ��I��m afraid so. Let��s go back and look for the others.�� Tong Lan red at him. ��This is all because your brain is only filled with muscles. If it wasn��t because of you, we wouldn��t have lost our way!��


    ��It��s because they built this city in a way that is too messy. As a result, it��s difficult to find our way. �� Immediately, the other student pushed the me away. Otherwise, he would be nagged by this little girl for a long time. Moreover, he wasn��t able to defeat her.


    After spending two and a half days, the two of them finally returned to the inn. Everyone else in their group had already returned earlier on.


    The two of them called everyone else into a room and showed the note to the others.


    ��If they are starting a revolt, how can we escape? If we return now, won��t we be mocked by the others?��


    ��Why don��t we kill their warlord?��


    ��This idea is pretty good!��


    Many people were stirred up.


    It was difficult for them to earn meritorious deeds on the battlefield, but now, the opportunity was right in front of them.


    ��They also have experts. You guys are nowhere near their standards! Since Yagui has spoken, let��s leave here first. The other groups still don��t know about this issue yet.�� Atst, someone rational had opened his mouth.


    Otherwise, it would have been another tragedy that resulted in a ��decrease in the aboriginals�� poption.��

 Chapter 439 - She’s Waiting For Us!

    Chapter 439: She��s Waiting For Us!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    That night, Ren Baqian sealed the letter with wax and sent it to Su Qing.


    Over the next few days, Ren Baqian saw experts from all over the world arrive in Ming City in waves.


    Those who arrived today were from the North Alliance .


    Their leader, Tie Feng, was followed by more than a dozen armor d officers. Behind them was another hundred or so cavalry.


    Tie Feng was a Spirit Wheel expert and a powerful one at that. His officers were Earth Wheel, while the cavalry were Man Wheel. This wasn��t the North Alliance��s full strength, but the strength of just Wangbei City alone. The North Alliance��s strength was evident from the fact that this one city��s might was already greater than thebined forces of the Eight Great Sects.


    A short while after entering the city, Tie Feng gathered the experts under his charge that had entered the city earlier. Together, the North Alliance��s forces were the strongest in Ming City.


    ��The North Alliance��s leader, Tie Feng, is inviting me to a banquet?�� Ren Baqian looked at the invitation in astonishment. He knew that Tie Feng had arrived and had even sneaked a peek.


    He didn��t expect Tie Feng to host a banquet so soon.


    ��Should I go?�� Ren Baqian nced at the invitation in his hand, deep in thought.


    To be honest, he wasn��t interested in establishing good ties with these people. However, going over to size up the many experts present was a good idea. Who knew? He might even pick up some useful information.


    He showed up at the banquet that night.


    While he didn��t obtain any useful information, he got to know the North Alliance��s key personnel a bit better.


    The scantily-d youngdies who were dancing left an impression on him as well.


    A deep impression indeed!


    So much so that they even appeared in his dreamster that night.


    Ren Baqian threw his underwear into the trash bin once he woke up, not even bothering to destroy the evidence.


    Such things were no big deal in modern times anyway.


    Now that he thought about it, he hadn��t been with a woman for quite some time. Ren Baqian wondered when he would finally reach the Earth Wheel level and be back by the empress��s side.


    He felt as though he was living an ascetic life.


    The next day, another one of the three strongest factions arrived. In a seemingly strange coincidence, the Southern Metropolis sent Ren Baqian an invite as well.


    Two consecutive nights of wanton partying left Ren Baqian��s mind in a flurry.


    The third day, thest of the strongest three, the Green Bell Flower, arrived.


    Argely female army.


    Before they arrived, Ren Baqian harbored fantasies about the Green Bell Flower��s female force.


    Their name alone was alluring enough.


    Upon seeing the eight foot tall, eight foot wide, metal truncheon wielding ��woman�� striding alongside an elephant, Ren Baqian almost fell off the wall that he was watching from.


    Seeing this first fine specimen erased all other thoughts he had about them.


    Thankfully, the Green Bell Flower had no intentions of throwing a banquet. Ren Baqian would have otherwise had to find a way to politely reject without incurring ire.


    He wasn��t afraid to offend others, but this was a bad time to be targeted by others.


    Over the course of the past three days, other smaller sects had arrived as well. This included seven of the eight sects.


    Even the famed Manxing Pavilion from Tianjing Basin was here.


    They entered the city slightly after the Green Bell Flower and seemed to have made the journey together.


    Although the Green Bell Flower didn��t live up to its name, Ren Baqian had to admit that the Manxing Pavilion fully did so.


    Their experts aside, Manxing Pavilion��s 10 or so disciples were truly good looking. The cold, chiseled faces of these beautifuldies amplified one another��s allure. Eyes followed wherever they moved.


    After the Manxing Pavilion and the Green Bell Flower arrived, Qingyun Sword organized a gathering for the first time.


    It was to be held at the mayor��s residence.


    Arge number of people showed up, including even the reclusive experts from the previous generation.


    The key personnel of the various factions plus the reclusive experts came up to a total of almost 300 people.


    Right on time, Ren Baqian walked through the door of the residence with Lin Qiaole. There, they met Su Qing and an elderly man.


    The two locked eyes in mutual understanding.


    ��Mister Ye, you amazed me with your vast array of knowledge thest time we spoke. I have been thinking about our conversation ever since and waiting for a chance to chat with you again.�� Su Qing chuckled in greeting.


    Ren Baqian was taken aback.


    <em>What��s going on? Is he trying to trade praise?</em>


    Ren Baqian promptly received the ball in his court, ��You tter me, Mister Su. Your elegant tales of conquest in the brothels left me yearning for more!��


    It was Su Qing��s turn to be stunned.


    <em>What��s this? Did we not agree to trade praise?</em>


    <em>I fawn upon your worldly knowledge, but in return, you talk about my phndering ways?</em>


    <em>This is utter nonsense��</em>


    Su Qing nced around and caught the Manxing Pavilion guests looking at him with disdain. Visiting brothels wasn��t particrly glorious, but it was no big deal when talking with other men. Ladies, on the other hand, would naturally find such things rather abhorrent.


    Su Qingughed and said, ��Teasing me again aren��t you, Mister Ye.��


    ��Haha, naturally!��


    Su Qing shed a meaningful nce at Ren Baqian, signalling for them to enter. The two parties walked in quietly side by side.


    There were too many experts around to speak freely.


    Entering the mayor��s residence, they noticed that the tables were huddled together in the courtyard.


    Up front were the seats reserved for the strongest sects. Ren Baqian and Su Qing had their own tables as well. Further back were the tables for the reclusive experts and the key personnel of the smaller sects.


    People were still streaming in as they found their seats with the ushers�� help.


    Ren Baqian felt like this was arge gathering of the martial world.


    Its purpose, however, was not to elect a new n chief, but was for the sake of suppressing a great evil that threatened them.


    Mmm, yes, this great evil was actually his betrothed wife.


    The courtyard was filled with noise. People were greeting one another andworking.


    Ren Baqian turned to look at Lin Qiaole. Her head was almost lying t on the table already.


    The racket continued for only a short while longer before Qingyun Sword mmed his fists against a table.


    ��Can everyone please be silent!�� A booming voice drowned out the noise in the courtyard.


    Everyone immediately fell silent.


    ��This is the mostplete gathering we��ve ever had! Such a rare urrence!�� Qingyun Sword eximed.


    The three major factions, the numerous sects, and the reclusive experts were all gathered in the courtyard. Something like this would not even have happened 70 years ago.


    After all, the countless wars back then had resulted in the deaths of more than half of the experts.


    ��I��m sure most of you already know why I��ve called for this meeting today. The fifth strongest expert in the world, Qi Zixiao, the Empress of Dayao, is in Tianjing Basin at this moment. This is our best chance, and we must seize it to escape from this prison. Should we seed, our descendants will be free to roam the world.


    I shall get straight to the point here. Amongst all of you seated here today, some will live to see this future, while others will not be able to. No one can know if they will survive this battle. We��re all gathered here for a single,mon goal! For the sake of everyone in Tianjing Basin and for the sake of our descendants, we must fight for freedom,�� Qingyun Sword said as he pointed up to the sky.


    Everyone listening was moved.


    Qingyun Sword��s words resonated strongly with his audience.


    Qi Zixiao was powerful. She was so powerful that a group of people here wouldn��t be able to defeat her, let alone a single person.


    Yet, some things had to be done.


    Some blood had to be spilled.


    How many people here had already made funeral arrangements? Everyone had gathered despite their alignments, moralpasses, and strength.


    They might not live to see the future, but they wanted to fight for the people of Tianjing Basin.


    They were ready to unleash 70 years of resentment. This was their rebellion!


    ��Where is she?!�� someone shouted out in an agitated manner.


    ��Where is she? Kill her!��


    ��Kill her, then fight our way out!��


    ��Fight our way out!��


    Qingyun Sword��s words had stirred up intense, murderous feelings within the crowd.


    ��She��s waiting for us!�� Qingyun Sword quieted the crowd with a single sentence.


    Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows slightly.


    ��She is just 400 kilometers away from us and has already been there for three days. She is aware that we areing and is waiting for us,�� Qingyun Sword said gravely.


    ��I��m not sure if she��s looking down on us or thinking too highly of herself. I had initially wanted to corner her after gathering everyone, but it seems as though she has stopped in her tracks to wait for us����


    At this point, Ren Baqian sighed silently and thought, <em>Your Majesty�� Wise up will you��</em>


    Su Qing nced at Ren Baqian. This was going to be the end��


    However, instead of seeing a look ofcency, he noticed that Ren Baqian wasmenting something.


    <em>Are you pitying these people? To think that the legendary Poison Warrior was someone with a soft heart! How unexpected��</em>

 Chapter 440 - Biological Weapon of Mass Destruction

    Chapter 440: Biological Weapon of Mass Destruction


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian focused half of his attention on what Qingyun Sword was saying while spending the other half deep in thought.


    He would turn to look at Lin Qiaole every once in a while. She was sleeping soundly with her head on the table as her drool pooled on the ground.


    Ren Baqian wanted to mp her mouth shut.


    Why was a good lookingdy like her drooling all the time?


    Qingyun Sword was making preparations up front.


    Killing the empress was going to take a lot more than just a bunch of guys charging head first.


    Qingyun Sword divided the Earth Wheel experts from the various sects into 11 different groups. They were to be further split into vanguard and rearguard positions to maximize their strength in numbers and reduce casualties.


    However, they only had three days to practice this formation. Their coordination would be essential for the formation��s sess.


    Fortunately, they were all Earth Wheel experts with much higher adaptability and aptitude than ordinary people. Despite the short time, they would definitely be able to reach an adequate level of proficiency.


    Everyone was up discussing until deep into the night.


    Ren Baqian wrote a letter and set off to find Su Qing.


    He realized that their exchange at the entrance of the warlord��s residence had given them a decent excuse to meet at thiste hour.


    ��My men have already left Gu City. They had no more business there after their identities were exposed,�� Su Qing replied. He wasn��t surprised to see Ren Baqian, but was shocked that he wanted to send a second letter.


    The way Su Qing saw it, all they had to do was wait for these people to fall into the trap they had prepared. There was no reason why Ren Baqian would need to send another letter.


    <em>Unless�� The preparations weren��t ready?</em>


    He immediately cast this thought away. Qi Zixiao��s provocation and Ren Baqian��s appearance here made it extremely clear that something was underway.


    Honestly, Qi Zixiao was powerful enough to handle these people even if something went wrong with the n. Moreover, Xi Wanya and the Protectorate of the North were there as well. All they had to do was wait for these people to gather before taking them all out in one fell swoop. Any survivors would be hard pressed to start another uprising.


    ��One more thing,�� Ren Baqian interrupted Su Qing��s thoughts.


    Su Qing looked at him and smiled. He received the letter from Ren Baqian��s hand with his slender fingers.


    ��Here for more stories about my brothel escapades?��


    Ren Baqian brandished his arms and left.


    What was there to hear about?


    He would visit them himself after all of this. First, however, he had to find a scapegoat.


    Outside of the city, the experts trained and practiced the formation. There were still some people missing, two of which were Spirit Wheel experts.


    Ren Baqian hoped that this routine would never end.


    ording to their n, Xi Wanya was supposed to have set off already. Ren Baqian wondered if his second letter that contained the empress��s location had reached him.


    If the empress was really waiting, then the battle was most likely going to happen near that city.


    Things were not always going to go smoothly for Ren Baqian. Three nights ago, Ren Baqian received notice that they were going to set off for battle in two days. (TLC. This part is confusing because they should have left already if they were leaving in 2 days. By the end of the chapter 4 nights have passed.)ording to Ren Baqian��s calctions, it would take Xi Wanya around five to six days to arrive after receiving the letter.


    Even if he had left immediately, today would only be the fifth day.


    Ren Baqian had taken more than 20 days to get here from Gu City. However, he had traveled in a carriage and taken a bit of a detour.


    It would probably take about 10 days on horseback at top speed to get from Gu City to where the empress was. (TLC. It said it would take Xi Wanya 5-6 days to arrive after receiving the letter.)


    Xi Wanya wasn��t going to be able to arrive on time.


    If things went well, they should be able to meet Xi Wanya by the time he and the empress had gone to Earth and returned.


    One other thing Ren Baqian was unsure of was how many Spirit Wheel experts would survive the fight with the empress. Things would get ugly if Xi Wanya were to face too many of them.


    There were too many variables for Ren Baqian to urately determine the odds. He supposed they would have to manage things as they happened.


    Ming City was much quieter that night.


    They were due to set off the next day.


    Everyone took the time to condition themselves and maintain their equipment.


    Ren Baqian checked his fortified smoke grenades once more.


    He reckoned that their formation was going to be useless.


    The essentialponent of this batch of fortified smoke grenades was the content in the smoke. The smoke itself was only a side effect.


    Skunk musk was the star of these smoke grenades.


    In other words, the grenades contained the secretions of skunks.


    Being sprayed with skunk musk supposedly felt like getting whacked in the back of the head by a baseball bat. Following that sensation, one��s brain would turn to mush, and it would be almost impossible to breathe. Add to that the burning sensation in the eyes, and it was no wonder why some people fainted after being exposed to it.


    It didn��t only assault the nose, but all other senses as well.


    To make things worse, skunk musk would linger for a long time and could take a whole week of intense washing to remove.


    It is an indescribable scent, a level of smell that smelly tofu could only dream of attaining.


    Ren Baqian��s fortified smoke grenades were chock full of highly concentrated versions of that stuff. It was sufficient to cause existential doubt.


    Aside from the use of weapons of mass destruction, Ren Baqian felt that this was his strongest option.


    Of course, this could in some ways be considered a biological weapon of mass destruction.


    Despite its positive points, there were downsides to using this as well.


    Its biggest weakness was that the user had to suffer along with the targets!


    After all, the smoke would quickly envelope anyone sufficiently close by once released.


    Ren Baqian didn��t dare imagine how the empress would react, but he knew it would be interesting.


    He felt bad for a moment, but quickly picked himself back up. Given a choice, he wouldn��t be using a chemical weapon like this. Under these circumstances, he was doing it in order to save someone.


    ��Ugh, such is life!�� Ren Baqian heaved a deep sigh. He turned to the sleeping Lin Qiaole with slightly malicious intent and thought, <em>She��s got a great sense of smell doesn��t she?</em>


    All of a sudden, Lin Qiaole woke with a start. She stared nkly at Ren Baqian and asked, ��What��s happening?��


    ��Nothing has happened. Go back to sleep.�� Ren Baqian waved.


    One night passed.


    The group set out the next morning.


    They departed in high spirits,pletely oblivious to the present that one of their members had prepared.

 Chapter 441 - Your Majesty, Wise Up!

    <span>Chapter 441: Your Majesty, Wise Up!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At an inn in Wu City.


    ��Miss, are we leaving today?�� Qing Yuan pushed open the windows while Hong Luan brought a basin of water so the empress could wash up.


    ��We aren��t leaving,�� the empress said indifferently. In her mouth was a toothbrush from Earth that was much morefortable to usepared to a branch.


    In Qing Yuan and Hong Luan��s eyes, a small toothbrush like that was considered a high-end product. At the very least, even the important officials in Dayao were still using branches to clean their teeth.


    ��What is it that you care about over here?�� Qing Luan asked softly. The empress only stayed about two days in the previous cities she visited. It was only this city that she stayed in for seven days. That was why both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were puzzled.


    ��I have seen what I needed to see. It��s almost time,�� the empress said indifferently after washing up.


    ��Almost time for?��


    ��It is about time for those remnant citizens of the Hao Nation to take action. I originally thought that they would do so a few days ago,�� the empress replied. As a matter of fact, after leaving Longshou City, she realized that there would be people paying special attention to her in every city she traveled to.


    Some people were street vendors, some were pedestrians, and some were guards in these cities.


    Since then, she knew that there there were people on her tail.


    Originally, she thought that she would soon see some people. However, things were still unexpectedly calm.


    Under this calm situation, there was actually a more turbulent undercurrent brewing.


    The empress actually wanted to meet the experts among the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation. She wanted to see what they had to say to her as well as experience the kinds of tricks they had up their sleeves.


    In addition, she wondered whether that fellow actually knew that she was in Tianjing Basin or not. Many people here should have already known about it, so he should have somewhat sensed it too?


    By now, if he still didn��t know that she was in Tianjing Basin, she would hang him on the wall when they returned to Dayao and whip him everyday.


    After washing up, the empress lost interest in going out. She stood by the window, spotted a mountain in the distance, and felt that it would be a pretty good ce to bury people.


    The so-called experts in Tianjing Basin ought to be content if they were buried over there.


    After standing in front of the window for a long time, the empress turned around and said, ��y cards with me.��


    ��I��ll go get the cards. Sister Hong Luan will y with you.�� Qing Yuan rolled her eyes and quickly left the room. Neither of them were Principal Ren. As such, they didn��t dare to beat Her Majesty when they yed with her. Even if they did win, they still didn��t dare to stick slips of paper on Her Majesty��s face. In this case, it would be better if she viewed the game from the sideline.


    The empress yed cards from the morning to the afternoon, and Hong Luan was covered up by the slips of paper to the point that she looked like a mummy. Atst, the empress was perfectly satisfied and went to sit on the bed.


    Not long after, the empress��s eyes lit up. In a sh, she disappeared from the room and appeared on top of the roof.


    She looked around and saw five people standing around the rooftop.


    There were both men and women, young and old. There was an elder who wore a green top, a beautiful middle-aged woman, and a dwarf who was half the size of an ordinary person.


    The five people just stood there and didn��t make any movements, but each and every one of them exuded an aura.


    ��Five Spirit Wheels. Much fewer than what I had expected. I wasted my energy waiting.�� The empress��s cold voice could be heard clearly within a radius of a thousand kilometers.


    ��I��m Qingyun Sword, Tong Kai!�� Naturally, it was the old vige chief who Ren Baqian had seen before. Presently, he was no longer the same old and haggard man that carried a long sword while looking like a hooligan. With a sharp sword revolving around his body, his entire person seemed as if it was an extremely powerful sword.


    ��Manxing Pavilion��s Shan Rou!�� The gaze of the middle-aged beauty who just spoke was limpid and resolute. Following which, she smiled gently at the empress.


    ��I��m Liu Xiangdong!�� The person who spoke was the extremely tiny dwarf.


    ��I��m Chang Tian!�� This speaker an old man in his sixties who held a paper umbre in his hand.


    ��The North Alliance��s Tie Feng!�� dered a buff, middle-aged man.


    The five of them were courteous toward the empress. After all, this was a sign of respect toward an expert.


    Only by attaining their level would one know how powerful this woman is.


    ��Please pardon us for not weing Your Majesty��s arrival. The five of us came here a step early. A few of our friends are still behind us, and I��m certain that Your Majesty will be satisfied by them,�� Qingyun Sword said in a bright voice.


    ��North Alliance�� I��ll kill you first at that time!�� The empress ignored Qingyun Sword��s words and kept harping on the two words ��North Alliance�� as she diverted the conversation toward Tie Feng.


    She had heard of the North Alliance and Wangbei City when she first arrived in Tianjing Basin. Including Longshou City and Gu City where she entered from, these regions were all under the sphere of influence of the North Alliance.


    Upon hearing those words, Tie Feng wasn��t the slightest bit angry. Instead, heughed heartily and said, ��It��s my honor to be remembered by Your Majesty. Before I came, I already made ns for my funeral arrangements. All my bets are ced on this battle.��


    ��How much more time do you need to prepare?�� The empress looked at Qingyun Sword. It seemed that he had the highest authority among them.


    ��We will all arrive tomorrow night. The day after tomorrow will be fine,�� Qingyun Sword said sincerely.


    Since the empress was waiting for them, this meant that everything was obvious. There wasn��t any need for him to conceal anything.


    ��We��ll be waiting for all of you on Mount Wu the day after tomorrow. Show me what you all have to offer,�� the empress said indifferently. After she finished speaking, she disappeared from the rooftop and reappeared in her room.


    Simrly, the five experts vanished from the rooftop.


    However, at this time, the streets were already in chaos. After all, the voices of the experts weren��t quiet because they didn��t have the intention of hiding from anyone.


    There weren��t many people who knew of Qingyun Sword, Chang Tian, and Liu Xiang Dong, but when the name of the North Alliance��s Tie Feng was heard along with the words ��empress�� and ��your majesty,�� it was as if a huge hammer had crashed into the hearts of themoners.


    The North Alliance��s Tie Feng and Dayao��s empress were actually in Wu City?


    Furthermore, they were going topete?


    This was an extremely important matter.


    In everyone��s hearts, this was going to be a battle.


    It was hard for an ordinary person to imagine that the empress alone could actually gather all the experts in Tianjing Basin just for one battle.


    They were already frightened out of their wits when they heard the conversation from the rooftop, so much so that the innkeeper��s legs were still shivering.


    He had heard that icy-cold voice before��


    After all, nobody would easily forget such a beautiful woman.


    Who could have known that a top expert was currently residing in the inn and that the innkeeper was so clueless? He already had the idea of abandoning the inn and escaping to his house. That same night, he packed his belongings, prepared to go home, and nned to return here after a few days.


    After all, in the hearts of the Hao Nation citizens, there wasn��t a good impression of the aboriginal ruler.


    The result of this incident was that the empress enjoyed the entire inn for two nights. There was no one else in the inn except for the three of them, and even the mice ran away.


    On the third morning, the empress got out of bed and washed up before sitting in front of the table. She then faintly said, ��Help me to dress up.��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan took about an hour to dress up the empress. Only after looking in the mirror and feeling satisfied did the empress stand up and drape a big red coat over her body.


    After they left the inn, they traveled far to have their breakfast. The innkeeper and the cook had already fled. Even the other shops on the same street were closed. The empress had no choice but to travel quite a distance just to have her breakfast.


    When she finished consuming her breakfast, the empress acted as if nothing had happened and took a stroll in the city.


    It seemed like she was strolling, but she moved a few meters with every step she took. It was as if the ground beneath her feet was shortening.


    Once they left the city, the empress crossed more than ten meters with every step she took, causing Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to exert all of their strength just to barely keep up with the empress.


    At the same time, with each step she took, her aura was on the rise. When she arrived at the foot of the mountain, her aura was already as dense as the peak of the mountain. It was overwhelming and hard to match, causing everyone to sense their insignificance and feel that they were only capable of looking up at her. At the base of Mount Wu, thousands of people stopped in their tracks. When they felt suppressed by the aura that was radiating from the woman dressed in red, they retreated to both sides just like running water. Fear could be seen from each and every one of their gazes.


    These people were all the apanying disciples of the various sects or the guards of the three major factions.


    As if she didn��t see any of these people, the empress advanced forward.


    Those who were standing or sitting on the mountainside got up one by one and looked down. As the empress approached them, everyone subconsciously gave way to her.


    Ren Baqian saw this scene from the crowd and repeatedly recited a sentence in his heart, <em>It��s all worth it when a person gains such prestige in their lifetime.</em>


    All of a sudden, the empress��s footsteps came to a halt. She turned, scanned through the crowd, and took a nce at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian smiled gently and swiftly gave a thumbs up before retracting his gesture almost immediately. Following which, he lowered his head.


    The empress was thrilled to see him, but her words were ice-cold as she asked, ��What are you doing here?��


    Everyone turned their heads to look in Ren Baqian��s direction!


    Ren Baqian even wanted to vomit blood��


    <em>Your Majesty, can you wise up��? You think it��s that easy to sneak in? Can��t you see that I��m undercover?</em>

 Chapter 442 - I Want to Play a Tune In Order To Give Your Majesty’s Prestige a Boost

    Chapter 442: I Want to y a Tune In Order To Give Your Majesty��s Prestige a Boost


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Previously, Ren Baqian had made many assumptions about the beginning and development of this battle.


    In his opinion, the beginning of the story should be like this: Dressed in all red, the empress would stand alone on the peak of the mountain and overlook everyone below while saying indifferently, ��All of you should die together.��


    Or, the empress would fight alone against the other outstanding heroes. In the case that no one was a match for her, they would set up a formation. After that, Ren Baqian would throw dozens of fortified smoke grenades over and everyone would ��escape upon smelling the gas.��


    He would gain merit from this, and the empress would then deliver a kiss.


    Or, during a crisis, he would take the empress along with him and escape to Earth. After whispering sweet nothings to each other and resting for a few days, they would return to the other world and see Xi Wanya��s big face right in front of them.


    In short, the beginning, development, and ending of the story should have been something along these lines.


    However, the beginning of the story waspletely different from Ren Baqian��s imagination. He had worked so hard just to hide as an undercover agent among the enemy��s leadership group��


    One sentence from the empress was all it took to immediately sell him out��


    Using his peripheral vision, Ren Baqian looked at the surroundings. Currently, no one had determined who the empress was talking to yet. However, there were many people who were already looking at him.


    If he now screamed, ��Your Majesty, it��s great to see you. I missed you so much!�� would they beat him up?


    Would the empress be able to save him in the nick of time?


    Ren Baqian felt that it would still be better for him to be more cautious.


    Ren Baqian sneered at once and said, ��Hmph! This must be beyond everyone��s expectation. None of you would have expected to see me here, right?!��


    Everyone heard what Ren Baqian said. This Ye Yunxian had met Qi Zixiao before? There was still hatred between them? This Ye Yunxian was more formidable than they had expected.


    What kind of person could forge an enmity with Qi Zixiao and not die? He was absolutely more than just an envoy from the Yun Nation!


    Immediately, everyone looked at Ren Baqian in a bad light.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps forward. Everyone gave way to him while waiting to see him confront the empress.


    The empress didn��t expect that Ren Baqian would give such a cold reply. Immediately, she felt her heart aching, so she raised her eyebrows and looked at him with her ice-cold gaze.


    At present, Ren Baqian was only tens of meters away from the empress. When he was passing through the crowd, he was very worried, but when he was standing in front of them, he finally rxed, put on a smile that was full of warmth, and asked, ��You didn��t expect me to be waiting for you over here, right? I have missed you to death!��


    This familiar face and these familiar feelings somewhat warmed the empress��s heart.


    One step, two steps, and on the third step, he jumped up and threw himself at her. Following which, the empress dodged, but conveniently gave him a princess hug. However, upon remembering his icy-cold tone just now, she felt ufortable and threw him to the ground.


    Everyone in the vicinity was stunned. What was this situation? Originally, his tone gave everyone the feeling that they both knew each other. Furthermore, they thought that there was an enmity and deep hatred between them.


    However, in the blink of an eye, the enmity between them turned into affection? This painting style had change too quickly, so quickly that everyone didn��t know how to react.


    ��Who are you?�� Suddenly, someone reacted to the situation. This person was absolutely not from the Yun Nation.


    It was impossible for someone from the Yun Nation to be on Qi Zixiao��s side.


    Ren Baqian turned around and looked in all four directions. After being deceived, resentful looks were stered on their faces.


    Even though he didn��t have the mood to build rtionships with these people, he still got to know many of them. There were experts from the Golden Ring Residence, the North Alliance, and the Southern Metropolis as well as people from a few other sects.


    At this moment, everyone was staring at him with suspicion and indignance.


    ��My apologies, I��m a police officer!��


    Ren Baqian looked at everyone. He had a pretty good impression of everyone here. Before they interacted, the death tolls were just a number to him. With regards to such a number, he was neither concerned nor did he overthink it.


    After interacting with them, however, a humane image of each and every one of them was instilled in his mind.


    He sighed and continued by saying, ��You guys are criminals while I am an official. We aren��t people from the same industry. Honestly speaking, what all of you want is to walk out of this ce. This time around, I am here for the same purpose, so don��t be so anxious!��


    However, it was toote to say these words. The entirety of Tianjing Basin��s experts had already gathered here. It was impossible for everyone to retreat just because he said a few sentences. In this case, to not waste time, he stopped exining further.


    ��Stop your nonsense. You are obviously not an aboriginal, yet you are Qi Zixiao��s dog! Practically an insult to your ancestors!�� Immediately, someone scolded Ren Baqian, and this was followed by a series of scolding.


    Upon seeing the situation, the empress��s gaze turned even colder. The murderous intent within her was even more vigorous, and she remembered each and everyone who opened their mouths


    Only she could scold him��nobody else could.


    <em>I will kill anyone who scolds him!</em>


    ��I know who he!�� someone said. ��You are the gigolo that Qi Zixiao is looking for, right?��


    Ren Baqian touched his face. His reputation had even spread to this ce!


    ��No doubt, I��m good-looking on the surface! However, after interacting with me for a long time, all of you will discover that my heart is also equally beautiful!�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    ��Ptui! Who said that you are handsome? Aren��t you shameless?��


    ��Are you all doubting Her Majesty��s taste?�� Ren Baqian retorted.


    <em>Ptui! Ptui! Ptui!</em>


    Undoubtedly, everyone revealed looks of contempt.


    Everyone looked at the Golden Ring Residence chief and frowned. As Zhan Chankong stroked his beard, it could be seen from his gaze that his thoughts wereplicated. Never would he have expected that he personally sent a spy to the hidden vige. His heart was filled with resentment, anger, and all sorts of other thoughts, causing him to not even know what was he actually feeling.


    In any case, no one dared to spit directly at the two of them. After all, the person standing beside Ren Baqian was the Empress of Dayao. Even if they were already prepared to die, the empress��s identity and strength made it impossible for them to ignore.


    ��Everyone, shut up!�� Qingyun Sword frowned as he looked at the farce below.


    ��All of you are making a joke out of yourselves,�� Qingyun Sword said. After that, he darted his gaze at Ren Baqian and said coldly, ��I truly didn��t expect this!��


    ��I didn��t expect it either!�� Ren Baqian replied. Indeed, he didn��t expect to mix himself with this group of people.


    ��I don��t like it when someone else is standing at a higher position than me!�� The empress was aloof. Just now, when Ren Baqian came over, the momentum which she had been umting was disrupted. Following her every step now, she was slowly gaining back the momentum she lost.


    The empress continued to walk to a higher position before looking down at everyone.


    ��Your Majesty, be careful,�� Ren Baqian said from behind the empress.


    ��Retreat to the back! Let me check out what kind of tricks they have up their sleeves,�� the empress said coldly.


    The number of people who came wasrger than what she had expected it to be. Previously, she hadn��t expected that the turnout would be so good. This ce was huge, and there were many people that were all targeting her.


    On the contrary, such a scene caused her to be even morepetitive.


    18 Spirit Wheel experts. Pretty good!


    The experts among these remnant citizens of the Hao Nation were also pretty skillful.


    There were tens of millions of people, but all the experts among the Hao Nation remnant citizens were gathered here and were looking up at the empress. This caused her to be all fired up, producing a booming noise like a flood of water pounding against a river bank.


    In addition to the empress��s identity, she was also a martial practitioner and the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    The previous emperors of the aboriginals weren��t the type of rulers who would ce themselves in dangerous situations.


    Otherwise, how could the first-generation emperor throw everything away, bring along a group of experts, and disappear into the mountains without any news.


    How could the second-generation emperor go out alone, get seriously injured, and subsequently vanish after he returned again.


    Being an empress was her responsibility and identity, but it wasn��t everything.


    The thunderous boom from the empress made the facial expressions of many experts change drastically. The blood and qi in her body produced a noise that resembled a powerful current.


    To what stage had she actually cultivated her blood and qi to?


    Ren Baqian was ashamed as he stood behind the empress. He then spoke with a different tone and asked, ��Your Majesty is here to fight against other outstanding heroes. Why not let me y a tune to give Your Majesty��s prestige a boost?��


    Just like a volcano, the empress was on the verge of erupting.


    She could sense a bad omen.


    Ren Baqiqan turned his face, smiled, and took out the erhu. With so many listeners at such a big event, his opportunity to perform had arrived.


    The empress was standing alone and about to face hundreds of experts. Could an ordinary person match up to such might? Was this worthy of the average person?


    It had to be ��Pomp and Circumstance!��

 Chapter 443 - One, Two, Three, Four, Once More

    Chapter 443: One, Two, Three, Four, Once More


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress felt like beating Ren Baqian to death. ording to her expectations, her mind and body should both be at their optimal forms.


    However, Ren Baqian had interrupted her twice, causing her to fall slightly short of this perfect state.


    Ren Baqian was blissfully ignorant of these mysterious things and happily fiddling with his erhu in one corner. Even though he wasn��t left-handed himself, he held the bow in his left hand just like his left-handed grandfather had taught him.


    Ren Baqian yed two long notes to get in the groove. After that, he began ying ��Pomp and Circumstance.�� The song��s odd notes flowed as the erhu moaned while Ren Baqian yed.The empress felt a sudden urge and abandoned all thoughts of waiting for the enemy to strike first. She silently blurred into a red shadow as she sprang forward at one of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts below.


    She moved so quickly that the others only saw a red streak.


    Tie Feng of the North Alliance!


    The empress said she would kill him first and was going to make good on her word.


    ��That��s right! Come!�� Tie Feng guffawed. He brandished a longsword that had an extremely hot de, singeing even the air around it.


    <em>ng! </em>The empress��s figure shook slightly, sending Tie Feng flying away like a cannonball.


    Tie Feng was adept at leading assault charges and was considered one of the stronger Spirit Wheel experts. Compared to the empress, however, his strength was nothing.


    ��Umbre!�� As Chang Tian pointed up into the sky, a paper umbre about 30 meters long appeared.


    ��Open!�� Chang Tian called out again. This time, the giant umbre abruptly opened, covering a span of 20 over meters. The empress noticed a looming darkness, and it was as if the umbre had blocked out half the sky.


    ��Descend!��


    Countless steel needles rained down from the umbre.


    Looking closely, one could see that there were actually ribs in the umbre��s frame!


    Qingyun Sword pointed forward, sending his longsword flying out of the sheath on his back. It flew into the air, scattering a vast number of sword rays all around.


    The ribbon in Shan Rou��s hand extended forward as if it had a life of its own. It grew to about ten meters and wound itself around the empress��s legs.


    Liu Xiangdong turned into a ck shadow, moving deftly among the giants around him. The small-statured Liu Xiangdong was like a monkey, grabbing at the empress��s head in a few agile movements.


    These four had the fastest reactions. They kept the empress��s initial words in mind and understood that those in positions of high power and status tended to speak their minds.


    The empress raised her fist and forced Liu Xiangdong back. It seemed as though the dwarf managed to dodge in time since her fist failed to connect. Liu Xiangdong rode the force of her punch and flew a short distance away before rushing toward her again uponnding.


    Following their attacks, the rest of the Spirit Wheel experts began to stir.


    One of them was wielding a fishing rod that had dozens of fishing lines. This likely possessed some sort of binding ability.


    Another had a chessboard that sent chess pieces flying like bullets. As if that wasn��t enough, the chess pieces morphed into beasts as they flew through the air.


    Of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts, eight of them possessed Heaven-grade weapons. Even though the other ten were usingmon weapons, the speed and strength they disyed were still far beyond that of any Earth Wheel expert.


    The empress was surrounded by rays of light as the 18 Spirit Wheel expertsunched their attacks. Those on the outside could only hear the sounds of collisioning from inside without being able to see anything.


    The entire sequence of events from the empress��s first strike to the retaliation of the 18 experts happened in the blink of an eye.


    Ren Baqian had barely yed eight notes into the song. The haunting melody drilled into thebatants�� heads.


    The groans and moansing out of his erhu pierced their very hearts and souls��


    Everyone was clearly affected by the music. Even the empress missed a sh against Liu Xiangdong.


    The old man��s fishing rod twitched, sending dozens of its lines digging into the ground around the empress.


    The perimeter set up by the chess pieces that came to life revealed weaknesses as two of the beasts fell behind.


    The rest of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts were disturbed as well. All of them wanted to turn and find the source of these sounds, but they held fast and resisted this urge. Despite exercising restraint, the song had disrupted their coordination and created holes in their formation.


    Fighting against a peak expert like the empress required precision. This slightpse allowed her to attack several of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts in a flurry of movement. After sting a number of them backward with a couple of good hits, red traces could be seen lingering in the air that tracked the path she took as she attacked the chess master before swiftly pouncing on Qingyun Sword.


    Qingyun Sword felt the empress pull him into a lock. A powerful force overwhelmed him, forcing him into submission like a giant beast. A strong primal fear arose from deep inside him.


    ��Fifth most powerful expert in the world indeed!�� Qingyun Sword shouted. He bit down on the tip of his tongue to draw blood, spraying it in front of him while he broke free from the empress��s grip.


    He raised two fingers up and drew an arc in front of him.


    Following his movement, the sword floating a meter above his head burst into a thousand light shards. They surrounded the empress, all ready to grind her into mincemeat.


    ��Scram!�� the empress roared. Clinging and nging sounds could be heard as she fended off the attack with her hands.


    Even though these light shards couldn��t hurt her, she didn��t want her clothes to get damaged.


    The empress spun a 180 degrees in the air before stomping down toward Qingyun Sword. He desperately summoned his longsword before him, which shattered into kes of light upon getting kicked by the empress.


    Qingyun Sword spat out a mouthful of blood as his feet sank a meter into the ground.


    A paper umbre appeared between the empress and Qingyun Sword before she could use the momentum from the first attack tounch another.


    The Spirit Wheel experts managed to regroup and surround the empress once again.


    A scornful sound continued to y in the background, constantly guing their minds. It was both seductive and mournful, finding a sweet spot between a prettydy��s teasing moans and the groaning sounds made by a bed. This sound was unlike anything they had ever heard before, making it hard topletely ignore.


    In general, practitioners already had senses that were much more attuned than ordinary people. Spirit Wheel experts, who focused on honing their souls, definitely had even keener senses, and their souls were much more affected that the empress��s due to their poorer physical control.


    ��Shut it!�� one of the Spirit Wheel expert shouted in Ren Baqian��s direction. He would have gone over and hacked the musician to bits long ago if not for the opponent standing before them.


    Ren Baqian pressed his lips tightly together while nodding resentfully.


    <em>It��s not as if I can��t y with my mouth shut.</em>


    He then continued to y his erhu with satisfaction.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan anxiously watched the battle unfolding below. They couldn��t see anything clearly and were frequently distracted by Ren Baqian��s erhu. Drawn by its sound, yet also repulsed by it, they badly wanted to smack him hard.


    The Earth Wheel experts at the base of the mountain desperately needed to plug their ears. The erhu sounds agitated them and urged them into a state of bloodlust.


    <em>Bang! </em>A figure flew out of the encirclement. It was ady who wielded a pair ofrge shears, and she spat out mouthfuls of blood as the bones in her body broke one by one.


    She had been momentarily distracted by Ren Baqian��s erhu, allowing the empress to break her guard andnd a dozen blows directly on her body. She would have been killed if not for the fact that the empress wanted to kill Tie Feng first.


    Nevertheless, recovering from such severe injuries would definitely take a long time.


    ��I��m here. Please don��t forget me, Your Majesty,�� Tie Feng announced. He had finally returned after being punched off the mountain at the beginning of the fight.


    Everyone now understood why Liu Xiangdong, Chang Tian, and Shan Rou had stuck close to Tie Feng and were ready to defend him at a moment��s notice.


    Since Qi Zixiao had dered him as the first to die, she would only severely injure the others before she managed to kill him.


    This was Qi Zixiao��s self-imposed restriction.


    The haunting erhu sounds continued, tugging on their heartstrings. If not for the empress��s fearsome presence, the lot of them would have gone up to beat that fellow to death.


    Ren Baqian beamed with satisfaction. This was the first time he had the opportunity to y for an audience of this size. Reluctant to stop, he started counting to himself��


    <em>A one, two, three, four, once more!</em>

 Chapter 444 - Ferocious Beast

    Chapter 444: Ferocious Beast


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When that familiar tune started ying again, blue veins emerged from everyone��s foreheads.


    If it was unpleasant to the ears, so be it. However, the noise from the erhu made everyone quiver from time to time. As a result, it was inevitable that their movements became imperfect.


    ��Stop her! I��ll go!�� one man shouted. He turned his body toward the mountain and pounced over while the others immediately filled the gap that he had left behind.


    The empress shot him a icy-cold re and said, ��Courting death!��


    Attacking the empress��s people in front of her? If he wasn��t courting death, then what was he doing?


    Immediately, the purple-red veins on her forehead got deeper. Shepletely ignored the swords around her, turned into a sh of red light, chased after that man, and crashed into him.


    ��A good opportunity!�� The person who was obstructing the empress felt delighted. With peerless vigor, his longsword pierced toward the empress. She could either dodge or face the attack head on. If she were to dodge, then she naturally wouldn��t be able to catch up to him. If she were to face the attack head on, the chances of winning this battle would be significantly higher if this attack caused a slight injury.


    ��Want to escape?�� Shan Rou sneered. Like a snake, the ribbon in her hand advanced toward the empress��s feet and wrapped around them.


    ��Have a taste of my staff!�� A tall man jumped into the air, and just like a poisonous dragon, he thrusted the long staff in his hand.


    ��Get lost!�� the empress violently shouted. She brushed her hand across the oing longsword, and the sound of metal nking together could be heard. When she moved her hand across the longsword, her fingers flicked on the de 17 times, each with tremendous force. The vibrations traveled from the sword to the other party��s hand, forcibly springing it away from his grip.


    Next, she flipped her palm to face the sky. Her white, jade-like palm forcibly blocked the long staff that resembled a poisonous dragon in the air.


    However, a clear sword gleam quietly streaked across the empress��s back, causing a string of blood to spurt out. Just as her blood sprayed into the air, it rapidly turned into gas.


    This was caused by the ignition of the essence blood in the empress��s body. Once her essence blood was out of her body, it could no longer be controlled, causing it to immediately evaporate.


    The empress ignored the injury to her back, and in a sh, she appeared outside of the group of people who were encircling her. The tips of her toes tapped on the ground gently, and in a split second, she caught up with the person who was five meters ahead.


    ��Be careful!�� Everyone was extremely shocked. They were extremely shocked not because the empress had broken through the encirclement so easily, but because of the fact that they didn��t even hurt her a single bit. More importantly, there was also a person trapped within the ribbon that was wrapped around the empress��s feet.


    Shan Rou had actually been rigidly dragged out by the empress.


    ��Let me assist you!�� a few people shouted in session. Then, they grabbed the ribbon between the empress and Shan Rou while theirrades pounced on the empress.


    The empress looked ahead and realized that there was another person who was five meters away from her. She only needed another step before she could capture him. Just at this moment, she felt a strong forceing from her feet that caused her to stop in her tracks.


    The empress was at one end of the ribbon while another six people were grabbing the other end of it. It was as if they were in a tug-of-war.


    However, there were still another ten silhouettes fluttering toward the empress.


    The empress went ballistic. The color of the veins on her face grew darker as her skin began to turn red. She used her feet to push off from the ground and sped toward the ribbon which was grabbed by six other people. Everyone was caught unprepared. One by one, each of them got dragged away unsteadily.


    The debris under the empress��s feet flew everywhere. When she dashed off, only arge hole was left in her original location.


    Using this strength and momentum, she finally caught up with the person ahead of her.


    As this person turned around, dozens of bone needles spilled out from his hand. This was followed by six iron awls which were as thick as fingers. All of a sudden, the short spike in his hand turned into a long spike, and he yelled, ��Break!��


    Like a dragon, the spike advanced toward the empress at lightning speed.


    The empress used her hands to prop herself up, allowing dozens of bone needles to hit her body. Once the essence blood revolved around her body, the bone needles that had just passed through her skin immediately turned into powder.


    The six iron awlsnded in the empress��s hands, and she threw them back at the people who were chasing after her. She gave everyone a scare, and one after another, they prepared to avoid those iron awls.


    With the empress��s strength, on top of these specially crafted iron awls, if they hit someone, they would undoubtedly leave an enormous hole in a person��s body.


    Thereafter, they could only watch on as the closest iron awl got further and further away. It flew away just like that.


    All of a sudden, it was as if the empress��s arms became boneless as they wrapped themselves around the other party��s spike, tugging and shaking it. Immediately, the wielder wasn��t able to hold onto the spike anymore, causing it to fly into the sky.


    At a speed that no one could see clearly, the empress consecutively flicked the other party��s chest seven times.


    ��What kind of move is this��?�� the person muttered. By the next moment, he became motionless like a y puppet.


    ��You are already dead!�� The empress didn��t even take a look at him. However, before he died, she needed to kill someone else.


    She turned around and threw herself to the back. However, a stone under her feet flew in Ren Baqian��s direction.


    The noises made by Ren Baqian not only made others distracted, but it also made her anxious.


    The stone went straight for the erhu in Ren Baqian��s hands. She managed to grasp the right amount of strength needed, and it was just enough to smash the erhu into pieces.


    However, just when the empress turned her head to face her opponents, this stone hit Ren Baqian��s forehead while he was wholeheartedly immersed in the erhu��s tune. Ren Baqian saw his vision go nk and then fell backward��


    ��Ah!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan cried. They didn��t expect Her Majesty to kick a stone over and knock Principal Ren out.


    However, the both of them felt relieved. If Her Majesty didn��t take any action, they wouldn��t be able to take it anymore.


    Originally, Lin Qiaole, who was by Ren Baqian��s side, was in a daze. Upon seeing that he wasid out, she ced her head on his stomach and adjusted until she found afortable sleeping position.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were nearly scared to death when they saw one person getting knocked unconscious and the other person trying to find afortable sleeping position. The empress was fighting in front of them. What on earth was Lin Qiaole trying to do?


    The empress nodded her head to wee the crowd. With each punch she threw, she weed the ferocious beasts head on. A deafening ��boom�� was heard every now and then. Just like smoke, the ferocious beasts dissipated into the air.


    Every time a ferocious beast was defeated, a crack would appear on the chessboard.


    At this moment, the cracks on the chessboard were densely packed. Currently, there were only about ten out of the dozens of metamorphosed ferocious beasts remaining.


    The empress broke up a few more beasts, jumped up, and pounced on Tie Feng, who was behind her. Then, her five fingers transformed into ws and shed at the top of his head.


    ��Stop her!�� Shan Rou immediately shouted.


    Just then, a paper umbre appeared right between the empress and Tie Feng. It was Chang Tian who made this move. The paper umbre obstructed the empress��s ws once it was opened, but her ws created a huge hole in it. Soon after, he closed the umbre and used it as a sword, disying many different offensive moves.


    The empress didn��t pay even the slightest attention to this. She used one hand to block the paper umbre and the other to w at Tie Feng. Qingyun Sword��s longsword turned into a clear gleam and went for the empress��s neck. The sword gleam that had injured the empress previously appeared once again.


    ��Everyone, get lost!�� she yelled at the top of her lungs. The two words ��get lost�� practically turned into reality as huge sound waves mmed around. It was as if ancient beasts were roaring, causing everyone��s hearts to skip a beat.


    The redness on the surface of her skin and of her veins became even deeper. The color of her veins practically turned purple. Everyone felt that these purple veins of hers seemed to be an entity of its own that wanted to separate itself from the empress��s body.


    The empress��s eyes revealed her anger. An overbearing, frightening, and sinister aura was emitted from all over her body.


    Everyone felt that they weren��t confronting a human anymore. This wasn��t the same woman that was dressed in red whose heroic spirit had been brimming. Instead, it was a beast from ancient times that had resurrected in front of everyone.


    Although the former Qi Zixiao was formidable, she had yet to exert all of her strength. At this moment, she was the Qi Zixiao who was the fifth most powerful expert in the world.

 Chapter 445 - It’s My Turn to Shine!

    Chapter 445: It��s My Turn to Shine!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Die!�� The empress��s eyes zed over with a red sheen. Her speed went up a notch, rendering her almost too fast to see with the naked eye.


    Tie Feng faced the empress head on with his eyes full of madness. His presence also changed dramatically as he roared, ��Sword field!��


    The longsword in his hand plunged into the ground. Immediately after, des started to sprout out of the earth, spiraling around him to form arge circr field of swords with him in the center.


    Flitting across the sword tips, the empress gave no heed to the des. Her shoes were soon damaged beyond repair, but she pressed on and stepped on the sword tips as if she was performing a dance. Each de she ran over shattered into a million shards of light behind her blurred figure.


    Everyone could see that she was taking the straightest, most direct path through the field of swords.


    ��Execute!�� Tie Fengmanded. He lifted his longsword out of the ground in one stroke, unleashing a beam of red light from its de. The red beam mmed into the red blur that was the empress.


    At the same time, a flurry of swords shot out from the ground and formed a dragon that chased the empress from behind.


    Dust was flying everywhere, and the sound of metal shing against metal rang through the air.


    Everything was over when the dust settled. As the two of them stood in the middle of the battlefield, the empress held a bright red heart in her hand. Bloodstains lined her cheeks,plementing the purple streaks on her face and painting a hauntingly beautiful picture.


    Tie Feng was clutching at the hole in his chest with one hand while his other hand still wielded his sword. His body swayed in the breeze and copsed on the ground. The same crazed look remained on his face to the end, revealing his contentment at having wounded the empress.


    Streaks of blood flowed from the empress��s abdomen, but the bleeding quickly stopped. The empress was consciously stemming the bleeding, but was unable to heal it right away.


    Following Tie Feng��s demise, the man lying on the ground from before finally sumbed to his chest wound. The area around his wound ruptured, leaving only his ribcage behind.


    It was as the empress had said. His fate was already sealed, but the empress made sure that Tie Feng would go first.


    Two dead, one seriously injured.


    The empress had suffered two sh wounds.


    ��Chief!��


    ��Warlord!��


    The Earth Wheel experts bemoaned as they watched Tie Feng copse.


    Those who watched the fight from above were sad, but knew that Tie Feng wouldn��t have lived very long after expending practically all of his qi and blood on those final two techniques. From this fight, however, it was obvious that Tie Feng was extremely close to forming his own Heaven-grade weapon.


    He could have released his soul without tapping into his qi and blood, but most certainly did so anyway because he knew there was no way he was getting out alive. As a parting gift to Qi Zixiao, he had put 100 percent into his attack and managed to inflict substantial injuries to her.


    Those watching quickly put their grief aside.


    After all, they had gathered here expecting to die.


    The empress��s injuries sent her into a vastly different state. Her eyes were nowpletely red, and an insane killing intent emanated from every inch of her body. She turned to face the nearest enemy and charged toward him in an instant.


    ��Stall her! Such a state will notst for very long!�� Qingyun Sword shouted. There was no doubt that Qi Zixiao was several times more powerful in her current state, but things would be fine if they could hold out until it ended.


    ��Get in formation!��


    ��Kill those at the top.��


    Seeing the empress take a hit just to kill that other Spirit Wheel expert led Qingyun Sword to figure out Ren Baqian��s importance.


    Acting this way was despicable and against his principles, but this was no time to be fussy. All of the experts in Tianjing Basin were gathered here with vast numerical superiority to fight against a single woman. What could be worse?


    Qingyun Sword made his move, sending his sword floating around the empress in an unpredictable manner. The longsword was constantly shifting its position in an odd manner.


    Instead of traveling properly through space like a good physical object, the longsword was teleporting from point to point, making its movements much harder to lock down.


    ��Asking for it!�� The empress fended off the iing attacks with ease. She took two leaps and rammed her shoulder into Chang Tian��s temple, sending him flying backward with blood spurting out of his mouth. She then lunged at Qingyun Sword without missing a beat.


    At this point, there were two others who had gone up to attack Ren Baqian andpany.


    ��We need one more person up there! That youngdy is not to be trifled with!�� Qingyun Sword frantically reminded.


    Three out of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts were already dead. Sending three of the remaining 15 to sneak attack Ren Baqian and the others had greatly increased the stress ced on those who were still fighting the battle-heightened empress.


    Lin Qiaole woke up from her groggy state in an instant. Her eyes lit up dangerously, and she disappeared with the wind.


    The Earth Wheel experts down the mountain were in formation. They formed tworge circles around the battlefield, trapping those inside within the formation.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were bing distressed. Unable to be of any help, they stood there stamping their feet anxiously.


    After cking out for some time, Ren Baqian finally woke up. He was in a state of shock and couldn��t figure out what was happening.


    On his head, there was a bright red bump that made him look like a unicorn.


    It was a long while before he finally came back to his senses. The first thing he asked was, ��Who hit me just now?.��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan shot him a nce and quickly turned away. Were they supposed to tell him that it was Her Majesty?


    As much as that was the truth, it was a difficult thing to admit.


    Ren Baqian touched the bump on his forehead and promptly screamed in pain, ��Damn it! Sh*t!.��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan nced at him and quickly turned away again. They thought about whether this insolence should be reported to the empress.


    The two of them were loyal to a fault!


    Ren Baqian swore under his breath before looking down at the chaos below and seeing the empress fight off a dozen other people. One of these people would fly off while spurting a mouthful of blood every once in a while, only to struggle back into the fray.


    He had barely watched for two minutes when he saw the empress m someone��s head down into his torso.


    And then there were 11.


    A smaller battle was being fought between Lin Qiaole and the three Spirit Wheel experts who had left the main battle below. The three of them bore scratch marks inflicted by Lin Qiaole while she suffered several cuts to her face and a puncture wound to her abdomen.


    The ever-sleepy Lin Qiaole finally revealed her ws. She stared intently at the three Spirit Wheel experts, always keeping her prey in sight.


    The Earth Wheel experts continued to maintain their formation. Nobody was to leave.


    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! </em>Three dull sounds could be heard as three fresh bodies crashed into the ground. Another Spirit Wheel expert had died to the empress��s violent punches. At the same time, the empress gave Shan Rou a powerful kick squarely to the chest, causing it to cave in.


    Cries of ��Teacher!�� and ��Pavilion Master!�� could be heard.


    A new wound had emerged on the empress��s leg. Theceration was about three inches long and bled incessantly��


    The empress��s eyes were growing redder and redder. The purple streaks throughout her body were bing more substantial while her current strength was way beyond that of her uninjured form.


    Her very presence sent shivers down the spines of her enemies.


    To them, Qi Zixiao��s current form resembled a divine ancient beast more than a human being. She had the upper hand in a fight against so many Spirit Wheel experts, had killed at least four of them, and had severely injuring another two. No one knew if Shan Rou would be able to survive.


    Taking the task force of three Spirit Wheel experts out of the equation, there were only nine remaining who stood against the empress.


    It was now a matter of how much longer she could sustain this form.


    This life and death battle was as ferocious as theye. Every moment that the empress remained in this heightened state was extremely deadly.


    As more of them got killed, the stress on the remaining few would increase. The more they had to bear, the faster their bodies would give way. Everyone of them was aware of this fact.


    Qingyun Sword knew what the others were thinking since the exact same thing was also on his mind.


    <em>How can anyone be this strong?! </em>It was simply unimaginable that there could be anyone even more powerful, yet such people existed!


    He could not afford to let such thoughts bring them down. Subsequently, he shouted out loud, ��She can��t maintain this state for long.��


    ��Heavenly Star Formation, gather!��


    Following hismand, the inner formation began to move in, shrinking the perimeter.


    He nned to use their formations to expend the empress��s remaining energy.


    Qingyun Sword didn��t expect the youngdy up the mountain to be this skilled, but he understood that there was no longer any other choice. This was the price they had to pay for failing to kill that gigolo earlier.


    Ren Baqian looked worriedly at the empress. As a Man Wheel expert, he had a poor grasp of the power situation. He was unsure how much more she could take.


    Ren Baqian opened the box that Lin Qiaole had been carrying, revealing the dozens of fortified smoke grenades stored within.


    It was his time to shine!

 Chapter 446 - Retch!

    Chapter 446: Retch!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Previously, Qingyun Sword split the numerous Earth Wheel experts into two groups. Among these, one group was arranged in the Heavenly Star Formation.


    This groupprised of five divisions, namely, Initiate, Gather, Shine, Dodge, and Extinguish. Every division had 36 people, and each division had their own unique battle formations.


    This also meant that every division had the ability to form up into their individual formations to fight the enemy as well as assemble into a bigger formation whenbined together.


    As for the specific arrangements, Ren Baqian wasn��t exactly sure because he wasn��t in the formation. Based on what he had heard, this formation specialized in trapping people.


    Even if Qingyun Sword were to be trapped within this formation, he would find it difficult to escape.


    The other group was set up in the Moon Board Formation, which was split into six divisions. Each division was able to strike with a strength that was almost equivalent to a Spirit Wheel expert. As a result, this formation was akin to having six more Spirit Wheel experts.


    When the six divisionsbined into one, they could strike with a force far greater than that of a Spirit Wheel expert. With the help of the other Spirit Wheel experts controlling the enemy, the formation would be able to exert its power to its fullest potential.


    The empress would be ced in an extremely dangerous position if she were to be trapped by the Heavenly Star Formation, controlled by the Spirit Wheel experts, and struck by the Moon Board Formation.


    However, this formation would only be good for long range attacks. If one were to infiltrate into their formation, it would be thrown into disorder.


    If the formation were to be infiltrated in the six divisions by six people at the same time, it would definitely crumble.


    These two formations were specially prepared by Qingyun Sword for the empress.


    Following Qingyun Sword��s orders, the Heavenly Star Formation split into its five divisions and surrounded everyone. Each division had 36 people, and as everyone drew closer to one another, the distance between each division grew shorter as well. Eventually, all five divisionsbined into a circle, creating therger formation.


    Ren Baqian took a nce back and saw that one of the divisions was just behind him. Coming down from higher up the mountain, the 36 men constantly changed positions, and Ren Baqian even saw a few familiar faces among this division.


    Everyone from the Golden Ring Residence closely fixed their attentions on him.


    After all, Ren Baqian was sent to the hidden vige by the members of the Golden Ring Residence, so they couldn��t escape this rtionship.


    As it was currently the middle of a battle, nobody brought this matter up.


    However, there would definitely be someone who would bring this issue up after the battle. At that time, the Golden Ring Residence would have to be ountable to everyone involved.


    The best justification would be to kill Ren Baqian!


    Even though the Heavenly Star Formation was designed to trap people, it had the ability to kill as well. It simply wasn��t as powerful as the Moon Board Formation, however.


    If Ren Baqian stood his ground and didn��t budge, he would either be drawn into the formation of this division and ughtered or be trapped by the overall formation when the five divisions merged into one.


    However, those Spirit Wheel experts were currently in the middle of fighting. Even though they were all trying to control their strength and make it more concentrated, their every punch and sword strike would result in arge hole or a deep ditch in the ground. If Ren Baqian were to be drawn inside, he was afraid that even without anyone attacking him, the repercussions of the others exchanging blows would already be sufficient to make him die a horrible death.


    If Ren Baqian were to move, the high ground was already blocked, so he could only retreat further down the mountain, which would still result in him dying.


    ��Luckily, I��ve made some preparations.�� Ren Baqian exhaled. Currently, there was already no need to hesitate over using them. He took out a smoke grenade from the box and jolted it slightly. He estimated the distance and threw the smoke grenade precisely in front of everyone on the mountain.


    Since he was worried that the effects might not be powerful enough, Ren Baqian threw another one and looked up nervously.


    ��Be careful, there��s poison!�� When they saw Ren Baqian throw an odd looking object that emitted white smoke, they immediately held their breath, and the formation became slightly messed up.


    After that, an indescribable, unbearable, and unimaginable stench started to spread with the smoke, directly assailing everyone��s noses.


    Everyone passed through the smoke while holding their breath. After that, just as they resumed breathing, they felt as if their skulls were being pounded on by arge hammer. The stench went straight into their nasal cavities, and everyone started seeing stars in front of them. They used both hands to cover their mouths, which made it hard for them to breathe.


    Tears started streaming down their cheeks uncontrobly. Nobody would ever have thought that a disgusting stench could actually make tears flow.


    However, one had to experience it for themselves before knowing how suffocating this was.


    Everyone was engulfed by the stench. Just now, when they were passing through the smoke, the smell got attached to their bodies. Furthermore, that foul stench was even wafting through the air at this moment.


    <em>Plop!</em>


    A few of them were so suffocated by the strong stench that they passed out.


    Even if it were poison, an Earth Wheel expert would have a pretty high resistance toward it. Even if it were sarin gas, the poison gas that Ren Baqian previously used, an Earth Wheel expert would be able to hold on longer and would even be able to escape.


    However, when this stench that nobody knew of went straight to their brains, they felt as if arge hammer was repeatedly pounding on their skulls. It also felt like someone was stuffing aged feces into their noses, mouths, and minds. Even with their physical attributes, these Earth Wheel experts couldn��t take it.


    ��Poison, it��s poison! Kill him and get the antidote! Retch�� Retch����


    Somebody started throwing up violently in the middle of yelling.


    <em>Retch!</em>


    <em>Retch!</em>


    Following his shouts, other people started to vomit violently as well. While throwing up, they subconsciously ran to the sides in search of fresh air.


    Not everybody could go through such a challenging experience that was akin to being in a pit of urine that had been preserved for decades.


    This was much worse than death.


    However, the stench followed them wherever they ran.


    One characteristic of this kind of stench was its natural adhesion!


    Even though the stench that followed them made them felt like vomiting, having fresh air made them feel a little better. Even though every breath felt as if they were chugging feces down their throats, at least they were able to breathe a little better than before. Furthermore, it wasn��t ordinary urine, it was concentrated and fortified feces.


    Still, there were a few stronger ones who violently charged toward Ren Baqian as they suppressed the desire to throw up. They had to make that b*stard hand over the antidote.


    ��Run quickly!�� Seeing that the fortified smoke grenades couldn��t hold these people back, he hurriedly ran down the mountain.


    However, there were eitherrge formations or Spirit Wheel experts fighting all over the ce. Where else could he run to?


    He stuffed the box into Qing Yuan��s hands, took out smoke grenades as they ran, and threw them over at the formations that the Earth Wheel experts had assembled.


    <em>Retch!</em>


    <em>Retch!</em>


    In total, he threw out over 10 smoke grenades. The tworge formations that were already set up immediately crumbled. As everyone started to escape, those who didn��t immediately manage to get away passed out in the smoke.


    A gentle breeze blew by, and Ren Baqian��s eyes opened wide as he almost tumbled to the ground.


    The smell was repulsive, it was tremendously awful, and the stench was indescribable. It was so suffocating that it was as if 1,000 rubber tires were burning around him, and it made himpletely unable to breathe.


    Even if he held his breath, the stench would still shoot up to his brain, causing uncontroble tears to flow.


    Canned herring? Ren Baqian felt that he would rather eat canned herring every single day than to smell such an awful stench.


    How could an edible, man-made food product bepared to such misery?


    There was absolutely nothingparable.


    <em>Retch! </em>Ren Baqian��s face turned green, and he vomited as he ran. He could smell the stench permeating from all over.


    ��Ah!��


    This blood-curdling screech came from a Spirit Wheel expert that Lin Qiaole was fighting. Lin Qiaole could be seen leaning on his back with one leg coiled into the shape of a fried dough twist. She had locked his arms tightly in ce with her arms and was firmly biting into his neck with her teeth.


    Following the struggle with this Spirit Wheel expert, Lin Qiaole ripped off a big piece of flesh from his neck.


    When a gentle breeze blew over, Lin Qiaole started screaming as if she was a cat that had its tail stepped on. With one leg on her victim��s back, she jumped 10 meters up into the air.


    ��Poison! Hold your breath.�� The two other Spirit Wheel experts, who had w marks on their faces, immediately cked out the moment the stench assailed their nostrils.


    If Lin Qiaole was able to seize this opportunity, it wouldn��t be a problem for her to kill at least one other opponent.


    However, at the moment, she was in a worse state than these two people. She screamed nonstop in the air, and her tears were practically enough to fill a river.


    Originally, she already had a much stronger sense of smellpared to other people. When this stench spread over, the damage inflicted on her was amplified, and she almost passed out.


    She transformed into a gust of wind the moment shended and frantically searched for a ce that wasn��t as smelly.


    Eventually, she rammed into Ren Baqian, which sent him flipping over. Both of them rolled down the mountain before they hit a rock and stopped.


    Lin Qiaole fell to the ground and wailed continuously.


    At the other side, the empress��s eyes were covered by a blood redyer. Even her pupils had contracted to the size of a needle tip.


    Thoughts of cruelty and massacre filled her mind, wanting to drown herst bit of consciousness.


    Then, a gentle breeze blew by. The empress��s pupils dted, and her body vanished from the encirclement in a sh.


    The smell was too terrible. It stank so much that both her eyes turned ck. Never in her entire life had she ever smelled anything like this. It was this supremely foul smell that awakened her in an instant. However, she would have preferred not waking up.


    It wasn��t only her. The others had never smelled anything like this before either. Each and every one of their faces turned green as they resisted breathing with great difficulty. However, they did not dare to vomit. This was because they knew that they would definitely inhale the moment they threw up��


    The entire scene quieted down in an instant.


    The empressnded beside Ren Baqian and wanted to speak, but she felt her stomach revolting just when she was about to say something. Immediately, she covered her mouth first.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian��s face was also green. It was simply too smelly, and he was about to suffocate. Even he didn��t expect the power of these fortified smoke grenades developed by those bastards to be so strong! He made a hand signal to the empress with one hand and dragged Lin Qiaole, who was lying on the ground, with his other hand.


    In turn, the empress dragged both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan along.


    After that, everyone quickly disappeared from the battlefield.


    The only thing remaining was the longsting and foul smell that made people unable to breathe.


    Everyone outside the battlefield noticed that Qi Zixiao and her people had suddenly disappeared. In astonishment, they sessively scattered to somewhere further away where the air flow was much better, but maintained their encirclement formation,.


    However, like maggots feeding on a corpse, that stench followed their bodies as if it was their shadow. They could smell that stench no matter where they went. Everyone could smell it from the bodies of the surrounding people and even from themselves.


    <em>Retch!</em>


    After half a day, everyone realized a frightening fact. The stench on their bodies simply couldn��t be washed away even after bathing��


    Regardless of whether they used flowers or oils, they were still unable to get rid of that stench!


    Raging curses resounded throughout all of Mount Wu.

 Chapter 447 - Your Majesty, I’ve Bled For the Nation...

    Chapter 447: Your Majesty, I��ve Bled For the Nation��


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Upon returning to Earth, the empress sprinted to her room and took a bath. That putrid smell was simply too much to bear.


    Ren Baqian, Lin Qiaole, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan vomited all over the floor.


    <em>Retch! </em>Disgusting sounds reverberated through the house.


    Lin Qiaole was crying as she puked. This was the first time she had been this seriously injured.


    This horrendous smell was far more lethal to her than a hole through her abdomen.


    ��This is��? Retch���� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan asked while they vomited.


    ��Follow me�� Retch���� Ren Baqian continued to vomit as he dragged Lin Qiaole over to the swimming pool and threw her in.


    As if she really didn��t like water, Lin Qiaole sprang out of the pool the moment she touched the water. However, catching a whiff of that awful stench made her immediately jump back in�� She grabbed the edge of the swimming pool with tears in her eyes.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan jumped right into the pool without needing Ren Baqian to say a thing. They were hell bent on using the pool��s water to remove the stench.


    Bringing them to the swimming pool rendered Ren Baqian breathless. He quickly made a dash for the toilet in his room.


    Sounds of anguish and the empress��s rage could be heard through the house half an hourter. There was simply no washing off the smell.


    While he racked his brains to find a solution, Ren Baqian noticed that the empress��s cries sounded as though they were filled with anger.


    <em>She wouldn��t take it out on me would she?</em>


    Then again, Ren Baqian deserved to take the me since he was the mastermind behind this��


    In his defense, there were several others who should be persecuted first, such as those who made the fortified smoke grenades and passed them to him.


    <em>Bang! </em>The sound of the empress��s rage scared Ren Baqian into running out butt naked to search for a solution on his phone.


    Before he could find anything, the empress stormed out draped only in a towel. She headed straight for his shower without stopping to look at him.


    Ren Baqian wrapped a towel around his waist and went into her room. Sounds of water spraying could be heard the moment he entered.


    Ren Baqian poked his head into the bathroom and saw that the entire shower system had been ripped apart by the empress. All that was left was a pile of spare parts on the floor, evidence of the empress��s anger.


    Ren Baqian frantically gave Yang Sen a call. This was the wretched guy who had procured the goods.


    What he wanted was a powerful weapon capable of turning around the tide of battle.


    The smoke grenades were indeed strong, much stronger than he had expected. Their side effects were also too strong, way beyond what he had imagined. They didn��t serve to turn the tide of battle. Instead, they ended the fight through mutual destruction.


    ��How do I get rid of the smell?�� Ren Baqian immediately spat through gritted teeth.


    ��You��ve got some on you?�� Yang Sen asked.


    ��How do I wash it off???�� Ren Baqian was getting agitated.


    ��Didn��t I tell you earlier that time will solve everything����


    ��I need it gone immediately! I��m about to die from suffocation!�� Ren Baqian hissed viciously. He truly believed that he might just suffocate and die since his nose had yet to adapt to the smell even after this much time. Each breath he took renewed the assault of the skunk spray.


    ��You can try using vinegar, detergent, or tomato,�� Yang Sen answered.


    Ren Baqian instantly hung up the call.


    Yang Senughed deeply. He finally saw Ren Baqian defeat himself.


    Just like he had said, time would solve everything.


    The other methods might be effective if they were dealing with normal skunk spray. The purified, concentrated form used in those smoke grenades was much harder to remove, so time was really the only effective way to get rid of it. Although there might be better solutions, theb wasn��t going to focus on finding them.


    Ren Baqian was calling Shen Feng when the empress appeared with her body covered in soap bubbles. She quickly retreated after getting too close to Ren Baqian. The smell on his body was simply too overwhelming.


    The thing was, she also smelled the same.


    Thebined smell from the two of them was much more significant.


    The empress spoke with bloodshot eyes and asked, ��How do we get rid of the smell? Retch����


    She hardly even felt the physical pains that gued her body after rebounding from her heightened state.


    ��Please wait, Your Majesty. I��ve already requested for a few items to be sent over,�� Ren Baqian replied, praying that they would be effective. He could feel that the empress was already teetering on the edge of sanity.


    ��Who is responsible for this?�� the empress demanded with murder in her eyes. She was determined to see this person suffer for a long, long time!


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say��


    ��Your Majesty, we��ll deal with that matter again once the smell has been removed. Maybe you would like to go for a longer soak? At least you��ll feel slightly better in the water.��


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief as he watched the empress leave.


    In her current mood, he would be in deep trouble if the empress found out that he was the culprit.


    Yet, who would have imagined that the contents of those smoke bombs would be so deadly. Ren Baqian had only heard of its effects and had no experience with it whatsoever prior to this.


    An hourter, Shen Feng arrived. The smell struck her like a bolt of lightning, forcing her to flee.


    She left the two boxes in front of Ren Baqian��s door and ran to her car as fast as she could. She dialed Ren Baqian��s number from the safety of her car.


    Ren Baqian split the items inside into three portions, one for the empress, one for himself, and one for Lin Qiaole.


    An hourter, Ren Baqian came to the sad conclusion that nothing was going to wash the stench off��


    <em>Boom! </em>Lin Qiaole burst through the wall in front of Ren Baqian, sending bricks flying in all directions. She lunged at Ren Baqian with bloodshot, tear-filled eyes and screamed, ��A**hole! I��m going to kill you!��


    Lin Qiaole finally figured out that Ren Baqian was the scoundrel behind all of this.


    <em>Boom! Boom! </em>Two explosions rang out as the empress knocked down the walls of Ren Baqian��s bathroom. She flew at Lin Qiaole and gave her a good punch.


    ��I��ll kill you if you so much as touch him!��


    ��I want to kill that b*stard! This is all his fault�� Retch����


    Hearing this, the empress turned to face Ren Baqian.


    ��You did this?��


    Cold sweat ran down his spine��


    ��Your Majesty, I did it for the sake of the nation�� I too have bled for the nation����


    Five minutester, Ren Baqian was dangling out of the window on a rope as the cool breeze blew on his almost naked body. d only in underpants, his face was full of scratch marks and his head had arge bump. He was considering whether to drag Yang Sen out to share in the me.


    He thought about the empress possibly ughtering the entire Messier 87 department and immediately pushed the idea aside��


    <em>Forget it, I guess I��ll have to face it alone.</em>


    There��s no other way to avoid causing more problems.


    <em>Thankfully, I have a cast-iron head!</em>


    ��Such is life!��


    After being literally hung out to dry for a day, Ren Baqian started to feel that the smell wasn��t all that bad. It was only as smelly as a pile of animal corpses rotting together by a public toilet on a hot summer��s day��


    Even though he didn��t know what a pile of animal corpses would smell like, it was the first thing that the stench brought to mind��


    Okay, maybe the smell was really that bad��


    <em>Retch��</em>


    He lost track of time hanging outside the window as he puked and reminisced about his youth. Then, someone opened the window above him.


    ��Your Majesty, I��ve sacrificed so much for the nation! Everything I��ve done was for Your Majesty!��


    ��Eh? Your Majesty? What��s that in your hand? Where��d you get that whip from? Ah! Oh! Eek!��


    ��


    Mount Wu. An old man was sitting on a rock by the stream.


    ��Master, we��ve brought you your medicine and a change of clothes,�� two young disciples shouted from a distance.


    ��Come over here and speak to me. Why are both of you standing so far away?�� As the old man opened his eyes, a spark dashed through them.


    ��Master, this is close enough.�� The two chuckled in embarrassment. They had almost fainted earlier when they got too close.


    Experiencing this once was more than enough.


    ��Societal morals are degenerating with each passing day!�� the old manmented.


    Isn��t it just a little smell? What kind of disciples are these?


    At this point, a breeze blew past and he almost puked!


    <em>Retch��</em>


    There were many others who were suffering the same fate.


    Those who were affected were at the Earth Wheel level and above. Most of them were elderly experts and high ranking leaders of their sects. When had theyst experienced something this devastating and so insufferable? This was way beyond what people could take!


    Being executed was less painful!


    This stench had effectively set up a 300 meter barrier around its source.


    Forget outsiders, even their own underlings refused to go near them.


    Even they felt sorry for themselves.


    In addition to Qi Zixiao, they now had a new mortal enemy. That scoundrel who had unleashed this living hell on them had to pay.

 Chapter 448 - Response

    Chapter 448: Response


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the vi, Ren Baqian, the empress, Lin Qiaole, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan were all wearing gas masks.


    This was the method which Ren Baqian came up with after suffering a goodshing.


    The gas masks had activated carbon on both sides, which could filter part of the odor. Although it couldn��tpletely eliminate the odor, it could at least reduce it by half.


    In addition, after a few days, the stench had decreased a little. The few of them were also somewhat ustomed to this stench, making them less sorrowful.


    Lin Qiaole, who was still crying from time to time, was the exception.


    It wasn��t that she wanted to cry, but this type of smell made her cry uncontrobly, as if hercrimal nds were being stimted.


    ��Your Majesty, we will go back in the afternoon. I wonder if they are still outside. How is the recovery of your body?�� Ren Baqian��s words seemed somewhat mncholic after disseminating from the gas mask.


    As a result, it was difficult to say if they would meet the experts of Tianjing Basin or Xi Wanya.


    ��Even if I��m left with half of my strength, they are still not my match,�� the empress casually retorted. Her words showed great confidence in herself.


    ��But Your Majesty, you don��t even have half of your strength now,�� Lin Qiaole said faintly as she wept. For those who didn��t know the situation, they would have thought that she was devastated.


    In fact, it was indeed devastating, so devastating that her tears could almost fill a river.


    Over the past fews days, she couldn��t even eat or sleep well, causing her already t-chested self to be even ter.


    After weeping for a few days, there were big patches of redness around her eyes. She looked very simr to a walnut.


    The empress gave her a death stare.


    ��Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian was rmed! He didn��t know that the empress��s strength had depleted this much.


    The empress��s wounds had more or less healed over the past few days. Even Lin Qiaole��s legs, which had been like fried dough twists, were almost healed due to her body��s speedy recovery rate. However, the ignition of the empress��s essence blood wasn��t something that couldpletely recover in a short span of time.


    ��It��s fine. I��ll be alright after a couple of days�� rest.�� The empress paid no attention to it.


    ��What if we return and they are still there?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but to feel worried. If the empress was in tip-top condition and with the addition of Lin Qiaole, facing 11 Spirit Wheel experts and numerous Earth Wheel experts would probably be a bitter struggle. However, if the empress��s strength was at half of her peak strength, then the situation would be kind of dangerous.


    ��How could any of you measure my strength!�� the empress asked coldly.


    This sentence included all the experts from Tianjing Basin, Ren Baqian, and Lin Qiaole.


    ��Even if everyone else doesn��t know, Your Majesty, you are only left with 30 percent of your strength!�� Lin Qiaole continued to yawn and weep as she exposed the empress.


    The empress��s face turned ck as she shot Lin Qiaole a death stare. She gritted her teeth, wanting to p her to death so badly.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry.


    <em>Why are you still so reluctant to admit it at such a time?</em>


    ��Your Majesty, I still have a few fortified smoke grenades���� Ren Baqian cautiously suggested.


    Due to these damn smoke grenades, the empress had been giving him the cold shoulder.


    If it were someone else, he or she would have been killed by the empress long ago.


    ��You dare!�� The empress��s eyes were full of murderous intent.


    ��Out of the question!�� Lin Qiaole immediately jumped up from the ground.


    ��Your Majesty, endure a little for your safety. Furthermore, you have this gas mask which can protect you from the poisonous gas!��


    ��I would rather die!�� Her murderous intent permeated the entire vi.


    ��Your Majesty, think about your children who have not been born yet����


    <em>p! Bang!</em>


    Ren Baqian spent a lot of effort getting down from the top of the wall. His gas mask was broken, and the shards pricked into his face��


    <em>Retch!</em>


    Without the gas mask, Ren Baqian felt that the smell in the room was getting stronger��


    Afterunching Ren Baqiain onto the wall six times, the empress finally became a little soft-hearted. She clenched her teeth and held back her tears, silently agreeing to Ren Baqian��s idea of bringing back the remaining fortified smoke grenades. However, he could only use them in a crisis.


    With her pride, she only agreed to Ren Baqian��s n because she became soft-hearted upon seeing his badly battered face trying to admonish strenuously.


    On the other hand, Lin Qiaole was grinding her teeth. She even had the thought of biting Ren Baqian to death.


    It wasforting, however, that they had the gas masks that could help to reduce the foul smell by at least half.


    Suchfort came from Ren Baqian��s words. He had said, ��When you and your opponent fall into a pit full of feces, but you have a gas mask and your opponent doesn��t have one, this is happiness! As a result, the disparity between the strength of both parties would widen. After all, the power of these fortified smoke grenades isn��t any weaker than that ofrge scale biological weapons.��


    Of course, the price to pay was that Ren Baqian wasunched onto the wall six times.


    There was of course a reason behind it��


    ��


    Early morning in Wu City.


    Since yesterday, there was an unbearable stench that appeared in Wu City.


    In particr, the smell had reach its peak during this morning. The entiremunity in the warlord��s residence continued to encircle the area under the circumstances where it smelled like a mix of feces and dposed bodies. In addition, these bodyguards and maids were on the verge of fainting.


    ��Damn it! I can��t stand it anymore!�� someone cursed in fury.


    ��If you ignore it, the stench wouldn��t be there anymore. The more you think about it, it naturally would still be there. Retch���� The identity of another elderly expertsted for only a short while.


    ��The stench is more bearable now, and it��ll be better in a few days�� time.��


    ��Why do I feel that the stench is stronger?��


    ��It��s because there are more people here����


    ��When we catch that bastard, I must skin him, hang him at the top of the city wall, and let him burn to death from the scorching sun!�� Someone was full of hatred.


    ��Is Qi Zixiao going toe back? How did they disappear?�� Everyone was confused, but couldn��t find the answer. Qi Zixiao had already disappeared for one day. Nobody knew where she went or when she would be back. Also, nobody knew how they managed to disappear just like that.


    ��First of all, let��s think of how to deal with Xi Wanya. If Qi Zixiao is dead and we kill Xi Wanya over here, the gates of Tianjing Basin would be able to open. However, now that Qi Zixiao has been missing for a day, we have to get Xi Wanya to retreat. After that, dispatch manpower to search all over Tianjing Basin without any restraint. I don��t believe that they have disappeared without a trace.��


    Naturally, the news of Xi Wanya��s 3,000-strong army couldn��t be concealed. It was just that everyone had previously focused their thoughts on Qi Zixiao as they wanted to encircle and kill her. Next, they would use Qi Zixiao��s head to create chaos among Xi Wanya��s army and seize the opportunity to strike them.


    With Qi Zixiao��s disappearance, Xi Wanya��s army had already broken through countless intercepting forces, arriving at Wu City at a speed that exceeded everyone��s expectations.


    They had no choice but to tackle this issue. This was also the reason why everyone was gathered over here.


    Subsequently, they spent an hour discussing before it finally came to an end. With so many people gathered, the stench was indeed overbearing.


    They had to find Qi Zixiao, station some experts on Mount Wu, and obstruct Xi Wanya.


    Their main priority was Xi Wanya and his army. They only stationed the fastest Spirit Wheel expert and 10 Earth Wheel experts that were equivalent to his standard to monitor Mount Wu and guard against Qi Zixiao if she turned up there.


    However, no one had much expectations for this. Perhaps Qi Zixiao was already thousands of kilometers away.


    At present, everyone was hoping for the disciples of the various sects to locate some trace of Qi Zixiao. Since the disappearance of Qi Zixiao yesterday, they had already ordered everyone from all the factions and sects to search for her. In particr, the region north of Wu City was a key area.

 Chapter 449 - Butcher

    Chapter 449: Butcher


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    This day definitely wouldn��t be a good memory for the citizens of Wu City.


    This was because since morning, a foul stench could be smelled in every part of the city. It caused everyone to feel like vomiting. Themoners in Wu City were all silently cursing in their hearts.


    Only a small number of people knew that this stench was from the experts who came from Mount Wu.


    However, no one dared to say anything.


    After all, those experts were well-known people in Tianjing Basin. The North Alliance, the Southern Metropolis, the Green Bell Flower, Lingshan Sect, the Golden Ring Residence�� These people epassed all the power of Tianjing Basin.


    Therefore, those who knew what was going on kept mum, while themoners didn��t know what had happened.


    Thissted all the way up until the afternoon, when everyone in Wu City felt that the ground was shaking.


    Standing on top of the city wall, one could see arge cavalry force making their way along the dirt road into the city.


    When vibrations from the ground were detected, many experts were seen suddenly appearing all over the city. Some were passing through the crowd while others were sprinting on rooftops to reach the top of the city wall.


    <em>Retch!</em>


    <em>Retch!</em>


    When this group of people was gathered together, that originally faint stench immediately became extremely heavy.


    ��The rest of you stay here. I��m already catching up with age, so I will go back and take a rest first.��


    ��We��ll take our leave.��


    Many people began to leave.


    Those who left were mostly experts who lived in seclusion, leaving behind people from the major factions.


    There were also the city guards, who almost fainted at the top of the city wall.


    They held their breath and only took a lungful of ��fresh air�� from time to time. At the same time, they were also surveying the area with a sulky face.


    After exactly half an hour, the tide finally subsided several kilometers away of Wu City. Everyone could almost see the faces of the cavalry clearly.


    They were all topless, revealing their well-built upper bodies. Even though the aboriginal soldiers were tall and ferocious, they weren��t able to conceal how exhausted they were. There were also many new wounds on their bodies.


    They had rushed from Gu City to Wu City in nine and a half days. During this period of time, they broke through five groups that tried to block them.


    Several gs embroidered with therge words ��Southern Protectorate�� and ��Xi�� fluttered among the troops.


    Just when the troops came to a halt, the cavalry spread out on both sides. Amander who was riding on a saber-toothed tiger went to the front of the formation and looked up at the crowd on top of the city wall.


    Just by sitting on the saber-toothed tiger��s back, thismander gave off a murderous aura that reeked of blood. Everyone felt as if they were on the battlefield, surrounded by a sea of blood, and facing this man who was like a death god.


    ��Xi Wanya!�� All of a sudden, everyone recognized who this person was.


    Even though many people had yet to meet him before, this powerful aura of his made it easy for them to identify him.


    In Ren Baqian��s eyes, Xi Wanya had a squarish face and was a pretty boy among the aboriginals.


    However, in the eyes of the people in Tianjing Basin, Xi Wanya was actually a ��butcher.��


    ��Where is Her Majesty?�� Xi Wanya��s voice was like a roaring thunder, epassing the distance of hundreds of kilometers (TLC. It said they were only several km away earlier.) and covering the entire northern part of Wu City.


    ��Qi Zixiao is already dead. Dayao will soon be defeated. Why don��t all of you hurry back to prepare for your funerals?�� Qingyun Sword responded in a bright voice.


    At present, since Qi Zixiao had already disappeared, he nned to first bring down the enemy��s morale and then to lure them into attacking the city. At the same time, he would exterminate Xi Wanya and his cavalry right outside Wu City. With one less crazy tiger from the Protectorate of the South and one less army of cavalry, it would be much easier to defeat the Protectorate of the South and rush out of Tianjing Basin.


    Afterward, when they left Tianjing Basin, half of the army of Dayao��s Protectorate of the South would be in disorder. By then, with the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation��s assistance, they would certainly be able to put those barbarians under severe pressure.


    Just as he finished speaking, Xi Wanya��s murderous intent exploded like a volcanic eruption. Murderous intent emanated from his body. With him as its core, it condensed to a point where it was practically tangible. The cavalry behind him hurriedly retreated as the mounts at the front tried to stabilize themselves.


    Even the people at the top of the city wall were secretly scared.


    ��Rest for 30 minutes. Break through the city and massacre every single living thing!�� Xi Wanya��s voice, which was as loud as thunder, resonated through the entire world.


    ��Kill!�� shouted all of the soldiers behind him as they emitted an aura of death. Then, they got off their mounts to make the most out of their rest time.


    ��Where is Her Majesty?�� Xi Wanya��s loud voice rang once again.


    ��Why would we leave behind the body of a highly-skilled expert like Qi Zixiao? Her body no longer exists!�� Qingyun Sword said.


    ��Hmph! Can this bunch of disreputable people and garbage actually kill Her Majesty? Still, since you dared to say that you have killed Her Majesty, none of you shall survive. The entire city shall pay the price for what you have just said.�� Xi Wanya��s tone was full of contempt.


    How could a person like Her Majesty be killed by them? Hepletely didn��t believe Qingyun Sword��s words.


    That these people dared to say such things was the greatest insult to Her Majesty.


    <em>Insulting Her Majesty in their speech��they shall die!</em>


    <em>I��ll exterminate the entire city as a warning to others. Kill them first before slowly searching for Her Majesty��s whereabouts.</em>


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian��s letter mentioned that all the experts from Tianjing Basin had gathered over here. After killing them, there wouldn��t be any rebels here anymore.


    <em>So long as I kill every expert over here, there will not be anyone else who could harm Her Majesty.</em>


    As amander, Xi Wanya wasn��t the type that was supremely clever in his schemes. Even though he was the Protector General of the South, he wasn��t one who could see through people��s minds. However, he had his own set of methods to control his enemies.


    Naturally, by killing all those who could pose a threat and those who had the ability to rebel, there wouldn��t be any errors or negligence anymore.


    Xi Wanya��s words conveyed how everyone in the city was feeling.


    All of Tianjing Basin��s experts were gathered in the city. There were 10 Spirit Wheel experts, 500 Earth Wheel experts, and over 1,000 Man Wheel experts from different sects.


    Whether it was defending their city or confronting Xi Wanya who came from afar, their current strength was sufficient to drain the blood of their enemy right at the city wall.


    Both parties had absolute confidence in their own strength. They had the mentality to kill each other.


    After 30 minutes, without waiting for Xi Wanya to give an order, the cavalry behind him hurriedly stood up and tightened their grips around their weapons. The whole battlefield was quiet except for the noises made from the collision of weapons.


    ��Kill everyone!�� Xi Wanya gestured with his hand.


    ��Kill!�� Numerous soldiers roared like tigers, grabbed their weapons, and dashed in the direction of the city wall.


    In addition to the weapon in their hands, each person also carried a bone spear. This was something that Ren Baqian had not seen in the previous battles in the north.


    ��Throw!��


    <em>Buzz! </em>More than 2,000 people flung their bone spears at the same time, producing an immense buzz.


    Under the sunlight, the bone spears reflected a pale radiance, making it look as if a piece of a cloud was covering the city wall.


    <em>Boom! </em>A giant umbre unfolded in front of the bone spears. All of a sudden, hundreds of bone spears collided with the umbre and fragmented into countless broken bone shards.


    As Qingyun Sword pointed his finger, the longsword on his back floated in midair, sprinkling countless sword rays on the shafts of the bone spears.


    Dozens of figures soared into the sky as countless sword gleams and rays intercepted the bone spears from the front.


    ��Continue to resist!�� Xi Wanya snorted as he took out a long saber from the back of the saber-toothed tiger. Immediately, he disappeared into thin air.


    After a few moves, Xi Wanya rose and jumped up all of a sudden. With an overbearing aura, the sword gleam from his longsword seemed as if it was going to split Heaven and Earth. Immediately, one of the figures that had just greeted the bone spears exploded into flesh and blood across the entire sky.


    At the same time, there were two people whose vigor was skyrocketing. They jumped up from the backs of their mounts and headed straight for the city wall.


    Three Cardinal Heaven experts from the Protectorate of the South also struck simultaneously.


    ��


    Mount Wu.


    With a fluctuation in the air, three people who were wearing odd masks appeared out of nowhere at the ce where the empress and her followers had disappeared. It was as if they had popped out of thin air.


    Despite wearing gas masks and changing their clothes, the people who remained on Mount Wu immediately found them and recognized the identities of these people. They were Qi Zixiao, that bast*rd who could set off a gust of smelly wind when he walked, and that youngdy who had bitten one of their Spirit Wheel experts to death.

 Chapter 450 - Black History

    Chapter 450: ck History


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    With a sh of his saber, the person in midair was turned into a bloody mist by Xi Wanya.


    The change in direction of Qingyun Sword��s sword seemed to span the space-time continuum and appeared in front of Xi Wanya within a fraction of a second.


    <em>ng!</em>


    Xi Wanya parried the longsword with his long saber, but it was like an invisible hand was controlling the longsword. The longsword simply twisted away to counter attack Xi Wanya and an array of silver flowers formed in midair.


    Xi Wanya held the handle of his saber. Once again, a brilliant ray of light shed across, and the silver flowers disappeared instantly.


    Only Xi Wanya, with his hand holding the saber behind him, descended from the top of the city wall.


    ��You are here at the right time! I don��t believe that you are better than Qi Zixiao.�� A voice rang out and a person wielding a spear sprang up like a long dragon into the sky.


    Sounds from a series of weapons shing into one another ensued in midair. A person was smashed down to the ground, causing a big hole to appear.


    Xi Wanya was impacted by the collision of the two, and the face of this renowned dictator turned as ck as charcoal.


    Although the strength of that person wasn��t bad, the main point wasn��t the strength, but�� he was simply too smelly.


    It was so smelly and unbearable that he felt like cursing out loud.


    He even wondered whether this person had spent a day in a cesspit just to disgust him.


    Was this a characteristic of the Spirit Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin?


    As he dropped to the ground, another two Spirit Wheel experts came up.


    Then, as the smell continued to assail his nose, Xi Wanya��s face turned as ck as the bottom of a pot. He could resist thinking about venting his frustrations out on someone.


    Meanwhile, the Assistant Protector General of the South and anothermander started to curse just when they began to fight against the enemy.


    ��Did you fall into a cesspit? Are you trying to kill me with the smell?��


    Upon hearing this, an idea shed in Xi Wanya��s head. Were these Spirit Wheel experts from Tianjing Basin using this as a way to get enough courage to fight with him? First of all, they made themselves smell bad. Thereafter, they would get ustomed to the stench and fight with their opponents, reducing the amount of effort they initially required.


    ��As despicable as vermin and rubbish. Do you think this will stop my army?�� Xi Wanya said with disdain.


    ��Even if you use such a despicable trick, my aboriginal army will despise you instead of flinching!�� Xi Wanya��s voice resonated in midair.


    ��The stench is killing us!�� another two people were loudly and continuously cursing.


    Everyone in Tianjing Basin was stamping their feet and feeling enraged by the loud scolding from Xi Wanya.


    <em>This was obviously the fault of that rascal on your side!</em>


    ��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were left behind on Earth because they would have to flee for their lives if things didn��t turn out well upon their return. Their absence would be one less burden.


    Ren Baqiannded on the hard ground and realized they were back in Tianjin Basin after seeing the change in scenery.


    There were about 10 plus people in the distant forest, which was much less than the few hundred that were gathered here before they left.


    ��Well, there are indeed still some people left. You will be my first target!�� The muffled voice of the empress came through her gas mask. Her eyes were fixed on a dwarf who was standing on a stone in the distance.


    Before her words faded away, the empress appeared in midair, and a resounding crack filled the air as sheunched a punch.


    The figure unexpectedly moved further away in a sh as he had no intention of engaging the empress in a fight.


    ��As timid as a mouse!�� the empress said coldly.


    The dwarf wasn��t angry, grinning at the empress before looking keenly at Ren Baqian and saying, ��I will skin you and soak it in the toilet.��


    ��Come over here!�� Ren Baqian waved the smoke grenade in defiance. It wasn��t any different from a suicidal terrorist holding a bag of grenades.


    At worst, they would perish together!


    Lin Qiaole looked at Ren Baqian with tears in her eyes. It was getting better and the smell was milder after five days on Earth. However, as soon as she returned, the strong stench made her ill again.


    The dwarf felt disgusted by that thing even though it was quite harmless.


    The empress moved quietly and got closer to the dwarf with a few steps. She was preparing tounch an attack


    That dwarf didn��t pick a fight, but kept on running away. Using just a few movements, he managed to flee to the forest. All of a sudden, crashing noises could be heard from within.


    Large tracts of trees came crashing down, and a few hapless Earth Wheel experts were like fish in a barrel. With each punch from the empress, their bones were crushed as they fell to the ground.


    After a moment, almost half the forest had been demolished, but she did not manage to catch up with the dwarf.


    After all, her present strength had decreased and that guy was very speedy. Even though her skills were originally superior to his, she was helpless now.


    Seeing no progress, the empress returned to Ren Baqian��s side and asked, ��Where should we go next?��


    ��There is nobody left. I don��t know if this is because Protector General Xi is already here,�� Ren Baqian said. While they were on Earth, he had already told the empress about sending a letter to Xi Wanya.


    ��We might as well take a look from above,�� Ren Baqian said. They were halfway up the mountain, and the forest below blocked the view of the path to Wu City.


    After speaking, Ren Baqian felt his cor being lifted and was unable to open his eyes due to the fierce wind blowing on his face.


    This was really a tragedy.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was definitely ck history and that whoever recorded it in the historical annals would not be spared even if the previous emperor were to be resurrected and tried to save this particr person.[ck history: a bad past that someone doesn��t want to talk about/recall anymore]


    Especially if they dared to write it into history as, ��On a certain day, the empress arrived at the peak of Mount Wu, watching the world like how she would examine her palm print. Her body odor spread with the wind and caused people to pinch their noses����


    The empress would incarcerate this historian in a toilet for 10 thousand years.


    When talking about a ruler, especially someone like the empress, they would always smell good, and their scent would be as refreshing as the spring breeze.


    Speaking of the empress, she usually did smell very good, her body exuding a light and pleasant scent��


    It was a pity to have to perish together with the enemy.


    The view from such a height in this world was unpolluted. Also, the visibility was very good and the view unobstructed.


    Ren Baqian saw a ck spot outside of Wu City with just a nce.


    It was a ck spot from where he was, but it should be a very big group of people when getting closer.


    ��That should be Protector General Xiing to attack Wu City,�� Ren Baqian said after pondering for a while.


    It was good that Xi Wanya came earlier than he expected. They must have put in extra effort to arrive here so quickly.


    After hearing that Xi Wanya was here, the empress nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement.


    At least they didn��t need to use that thing, which was a relief to her.


    It was fine if used against the enemy, but her own troops andmanders were there too.


    To the empress, there was almost nothing worse than that smell.


    Not even death.


    ��Your Majesty, let��s regroup with Protector General Xi and take this opportunity to capture all the experts here in one fell swoop. We will be able to bring stability to Tianjing Basin,�� Ren Baqian said. After speaking, he put a small bottle in his hand.


    ��Your Majesty, this thing is called a perfume. It would not have been of much use if used earlier, but after five days, the odor has diminished and using this aroma will at least cover the stench. I have spent heavily to get this made, and it will change the previous smell into another kind of fragrance.��


    Ren Baqian only learned about the interesting aspects of the sense of smell after this experience. He now knew that good and bad smells weren��t absolute. For example, the smell of sh*t after diluting it was actually a scent simr to jasmine flower��


    This bottle was blended based on this principle; the faint stench from one��s body would interact with this perfume to form a type of jasmine fragrance.


    Of course, to get this sort of thing in such a short amount of time, Ren Baqian was required to pay a hefty price.


    It took eight million, many top perfumers working around the clock, and countless attempts before they finally came up with the right form.


    The empress was overjoyed to hear this news because she had been hesitating and feeling very embarrassed to meet her soldiers andmanders due to this damn smell.


    Ren Baqian was really considerate.


    The empress then gave him an appreciative look.

 Chapter 451 - The Nameless Pike

    Chapter 451: The Nameless Pike


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress very happily sprayed some perfume on her body. She removed her gas mask and took a deep breath with her eyes closed. After that, she revealed a stunned look.


    With an unimpressed expression, she nced at Ren Baqian and asked, ��Why do I feel that my body smells like Red Braised Meat?��


    Ren Baqian was stupefied.


    <em>Sniff!</em>


    ��This obviously is tuberose����


    ��This is the smell of Red Braised Meat. I��ve eaten it before!�� The empress��s face was leaning toward turning into a sulky, ��Don��t-you-dare-say-that-I��ve-no-knowledge-about-this�� expression.


    ��But what I am smelling is a strong fragrance���� Ren Baqian felt that he was being wronged. Besides, the person who delivered the perfume clearly mentioned that it was a tuberose fragrance.


    ��Urgh. It��s getting worse!�� Lin Qiaole��s tear flowed incessantly.


    ��Maybe Your Majesty has a keener sense of smell than I do? After all, those perfumers are only ordinary people, so their sense of smell definitely can��t hold a candle to yours.�� Ren Baqian acted on his feet. If it was only a single scent, then most people should perceive it very simrly. However, with those two scents mixed together, people with a keener sense of smell might detect something entirely different from a normal person. This was perfectly possible.


    It was just that Red Braised Meat and tuberose were a little too different��


    The empress��s face remained sulky, and she finally heaved a sigh after a long while.


    Whatever it was, Red Braised Meat still smelled better than the previous stench, but it was making her feel a little hungry��


    ��


    <em>ng! </em>Xi Wanya��s long saber struck like a violent gale blowing through. His opponent was almost disarmed of his weapon the moment they exchanged blows, and his chest was revealed and unguarded.


    As Xi Wanya��s body spun, heunched three strikes. Utilizing the momentum of the spin, every strike of his long saber was faster and stronger than the previous one. The third strike was about one and a half times the speed and two times the strength of the first.


    The few Spirit Wheel experts fighting against him were immediately struck and sent flying toward the city.


    Just as Qingyun Sword was about to request for support, he knitted his brows as he suddenly felt a surge of energy rising up into the air in the distance.


    It was the aura of Qi Zixiao.


    She knew that Xi Wanya had arrived.


    Xi Wanya immediately withdrew his saber behind his body and looked into the distance before coldly saying, ��Let��s call it a day. Wait for me tomorrow after washing everything clean so as to avoid staining my sword.��


    ��Thinking of leaving? Not a chance!�� Qingyun Sword roared as his face turned red. For unknown reasons, his body grewrger and his longsword in the air suddenly transformed into a longsword that emitted thousands of light rays as well as a rain of swords that filled the whole sky and covered the entire city. The strength of every sword ray was equivalent to one of his ordinary attacks.


    The empress had not died. If she were to join forces with Xi Wanya, they wouldn��t stand any chance against the aboriginals anymore.


    After this move was executed, Qingyun Sword immediately became like a deted ball, and his entire body reeked of the scent of defeat. As if he had aged 20 more years, more wrinkles appeared on his face. He was almost on the verge of copsing.


    ��This is rather interesting!�� Xi Wanyaughed out loud with his long saber trailing by the side of his body. His vigor rose dramatically before he brandished his long saber ferociously toward the sky.


    As if his long saber had split the heavens open, a dazzling light immediately lit up the entire sky.


    People near the city wall could even hear the sound of textiles ripping apart. This was the sound of Xi Wanya��s saber splitting the air.


    The rain of swords shattered when they collided with the massive saber gleam in the air. Violent gales started brewing everywhere as if the saber gleam had met with obstructions. Those who were not stably standing on the ground were knocked back one by one.


    However, when hundreds of sword rays broke apart, they started losing their vibrance before suddenly and finally shattering just like ss.


    The remaining hundreds of sword rays rained down and headed straight for Xi Wanya.


    Following which, streaks of saber gleam faced off with the swords rays raining from the sky.


    After a loud bang, the entire city wall was forcibly smashed apart across a five meter wide gap.


    When all the dust had settled, only Xi Wanya was seen standing there with traces of bloodstains all over his body.


    ��Not too bad.�� Xi Wanya looked at Qingyun Sword in admiration. This was the greatestmendation that he had given to his opponent.


    However, when Qingyun Sword witnessed this, he threw up a mouthful of blood and looked even more defeated than before.


    This move of his couldn��t even deal with his opponent. Qi Zixiao was incredibly strong, and so was Xi Wanya. The innate skills of the aboriginals were indeed admirable, so much so that it led to his despair.


    ��Retreat! Come with me and wee the empress into the camp,�� Xi Wanya said with a booming voice.


    At this moment, Qingyun Sword felt a rm signal from the bottom of his heart. As he turned his head and looked over, he saw an elder holding a paper umbre standing there and looking at him. The aura of this elder was indistinct, but that paper umbre made Qingyun Sword feel a little frightened.


    Chang Tian looked at Xi Wanya, and with a smile, he said, ��All my life, it seemed as if I had learned a lot. In fact, I��ve only mastered one move. Come take a look.��


    ��Sure!�� Xi Wanya nodded. His long saber was no longer trailing by his side. He held it in front of his chest as a solemn look emerged on his face.


    ��I��m afraid that I won��t be able to fulfill my promise to you,�� Chang Tian said as he turned his head and looked at an olddy in the distance.


    <em>I remember that you liked pretty flowers, especially the yellow ones that are very fragrant, </em>Chang Tian thought to himself, but never said this out loud.


    ��Chang Tian!�� That olddy��s facial expression underwent a change.


    Chang Tian looked at her and smiled before turning his head back to look at Xi Wanya. His expression turned solemn as he stared at the paper umbre that he had raised up between his brows. His mind was tranquil and sincere as if he was praying. Engaging in a most serious and dignified act, he focused all his attention on that umbre before leaping a few hundred meters in a sh.


    What he was holding was still a paper umbre. However, it was a pike in the eyes of all the others. Everyone could only see this pike, and it was as if it was the one and only pike that existed in this world. It was like this pike had already existed since the beginning of time, but only revealed itself now.


    This was a pike that could create a link between Heaven and Earth.


    As fast as a shooting star?


    Even faster than a shooting star.


    It was so fast that when Xi Wanya saw the sh of Chang Tian��s figure, the tip of the pike was already in front of him, upying his entire range of vision. His heart was pounding rapidly as he was met with the ultimate crisis.


    All Xi Wanya could do to defend against this deadly blow was to block the pike.


    <em>Ding! </em>As if a nail had dropped on the floor, only a light ring resonated when both weapons came into contact.


    <em>Pffft!</em>


    Xi Wanya lowered his head and saw that the paper umbre had pierced through his de and his body. Fresh blood stained the white umbre red, resembling a painting of red plum flowers in the snow that he had seen before.


    ��Protector General!�� people shouted from afar. The two other Spirit Wheel experts immediately rushed over, but got held up by the others.


    ��Not bad! Unfortunately, however, it fell short just a little.�� Xi Wanya lifted his head and grinned at Chang Tian, his breath reeking of blood.


    ��What a pity.�� Chang Tian was a little regretful and disappointed.


    Previously, when Xi Wanya��s saber came in contact with the pike, he moved it slightly to the side, making Chang Tian��s attack deviate slightly.


    It was because of this minor deviation that he missed one of Xi Wanya��s vital points.


    ��What��s your name?�� Xi Wanya asked unflinchingly. This attack had indeed made Chang Tian��s name worthy of remembering.


    ��Chang Tian. The ��chang�� from ��wu chang�� and the ��tian�� from ��wu fa wu tian,''�� Chang Tian replied softly.


    [He��s exining which chinese characters form his name. ��Wu chang�� means impermanence and ��wu fa wu tian�� meanswless.]


    ��Got it.�� Xi Wanya nodded before asking, ��Does your pike have a name?��


    ��Nameless. This pike is called Nameless!��


    ��How splendid, Chang Tian and Nameless!�� Xi Wanyaughed heartily as he spat out fresh blood and began to retreat. When the umbre was pulled out of his body, blood gushed out from the wounds on his chest and back.


    ��Retreat!�� Xi Wanya shouted.


    The aboriginal army left behind some corpses and dispersed like the tide.


    ��Chang Tian!�� The olddy rushed toward Chang Tian, only to see him maintaining his previous posture. He was looking far ahead with a smile on his face as if this piece ofnd was where he was borned and raised.


    However, his eyes had already lost the ability to see joy.

 Chapter 452 - I Want to See A Meteor Shower

    Chapter 452: I Want to See A Meteor Shower


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The ttering of iron hooves resounded. A group of cavalry charged forward like a crawling ck dragon, growing in size as they stopped short of the empress.


    ��Your Majesty, we have arrivedte. Please forgive us.��


    Xi Wanya jumped down from the saber-toothed tiger to greet the empress. He vomited a mouthful of fresh blood just after he finished speaking.


    He had simply treated his wounds while he was traveling. However, even though he had prevented a mortal blow to a vital point, his internal organs were badly damaged. At this time, his ability to still greet the empress showed that his strength was astonishing.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!�� Over 2,000 soldiers got down from their mounts and saluted at practically the same time, shaking the entire ce.


    ��Why are you in such a tragic state?�� The empress looked at Xi Wanya��s miserable appearance and frowned.


    ��I experienced a set of amazing skills. A pity that I won��t be able to see it again,�� Xi Wanya answered while vomiting blood. That person had used all of his essence, qi, and spirit to exert that deadly technique. Whatever the case, after unleashing this technique, that person would die no matter what. As a result, those skills were now extinct.


    ��There was actually such a person?�� The empress was somewhat surprised. She wanted to meet an expert that could injure Xi Wanya so seriously with just one move.


    Ren Baqian actually discovered a few familiar figures at the back of the cavalry force. Most importantly, these people were all wearing ordinary clothes and were very different from the soldiers. Originally, it would have been difficult to find them in arge crowd, but due to the fact that they were jumping up and down nonstop, it was almost impossible not to spot them.


    Among them were Great Elder��s youngest son, Shi Gan and Xu Peng, the gluttonous student who used Kadsura Cinea to trade for candy with Ren Baqian. Du Laoliu and a few others were also there.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    ��Yagui! I knew that you would be able to see us.�� It was as if Du Laoliu had won the lottery.


    Ren Baqian squinted his eyes and looked over.


    These children were assigned too little homework!


    ��Teacher!�� Shi Gan hurriedly said.


    ��Why are you guys with the troops? Have you seen Tong Lan and the rest?��


    It was a coincidence that Shi Gan��s group had bumped into Xi Wanya. After all, when they saw huge numbers of troops arriving in Tianjing Basin, they knew that something was amiss and hurriedly joined the cavalry. Xi Wanyan also felt that it wasn��t safe for them to wander around outside and allowed them to follow behind.


    ��How��s the assignment so far?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��We have gained some insights,�� Shi Gan said.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Perhaps it was because of his upbringing, but even though Shi Gan wasn��t old, he had a lot of opinions. Compared to those boorish aboriginals soldiers, Ren Baqian��s expectations of Shi Gan were much higher.


    Momentster, someone pulled along a few empty mounts for them to ride on. Although Xi Wanya wanted to give his saber-toothed tiger to the empress, his mount only recognized its owner. After considering for a while, he gave up on the idea.


    The empress sat on the mount and inquired, ��What��s the casualty count?��


    ��873!�� Xi Wanya didn��t need to ask anyone. Throughout this entire journey, he was very clear about the number of deaths. Among them, about 400 of the deaths urred at the top of Wu City��s walls.


    ��Send their bodies back to the mountains,�� the empress said.


    ��Yes.��


    ��Protector General, are you fine?�� asked Ren Baqian. He couldn��t resist raising this question when he saw Xi Wanya vomiting blood.


    ��Just a minor injury. I��m fine.�� Xi Wanya grinned as a stream of blood flowed down.


    ��There��s something in the blood that you vomited���� Ren Baqian warned him. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like Xi Wanya had vomited pieces of his lungs out.


    ��I��ll be fine after a couple of months of cultivation,�� Xi Wanya casually said.


    Ren Baqian gave a thumbs up.


    ��Your Majesty, why didn��t you inform anyone before venturing out on your own?�� Xi Wanya couldn��t help but ask.


    ��I was bored stiff. Now that you havee, there��s nothing more to say.�� One sentence from the empress shut Xi Wanya up.


    As for the rich food aroma that drifted from the empress��s body, he didn��t even dare to mention it.


    Ren Baqian scanned the troops and estimated the number of people before asking, ��Protector General Xi, there are just the few of you?��


    ��We will be sufficient,�� Xi Wanya said resolutely and decisively,


    Ren Baqian touched his chin. If shooting one��s mouth off was useful, the experts in Tianjing Basin would begin to doubt their lives.


    First of all, the empress was only left with one third of her strength. Furthermore, Xi Wanya hadnded in such a miserable state.


    No matter how he looked at it, the probability of 2,000 Man Wheel soldiers winning a fight against 600 Earth Wheel experts, over 1,000 Man Wheel experts, and countless city guards was practically zero.


    In the past, it was always the aboriginals who would crush their enemies with their top-notch strength. Now, they were actually going to be crushed by their enemy.


    First of all, just based on the number of soldiers and experts they had, they didn��t have the upper hand. Additionally, the aboriginals were going to attack an enemy city. Ren Baqian didn��t hold high expectations regarding whether they would be able to sessfully attack Wu City.


    Unless��


    Ren Baqian still had dozens of smoke grenades. He wondered what the consequences would be if he threw them into the city.


    Were they here to fight with their lives or would they escape after catching wind of the circumstances here?


    That very evening, everyone decided to stay on Mount Wu for the night. Many soldiers who went to look for game animals inadvertently made their way to the location of the previous battle. Immediately, their bodies were polluted by the foul stench.


    In particr, there was a substance in the skunk musk that made it adhere extremely strongly to the human body.


    Moreover, this substance released thiol when it came into contact with moisture.


    Even if the original stench on one��s body faded, as long as this substance was still present, thiol would be released if there was rtively high humidity in the air. The lingering stench was the end result.


    Furthermore, the climate of Tianjing Basin was filled with moisture, particrly at night.


    ��What did you observe after staying here for some time?�� During dinner, the empress, who had finally gotten rid of the stench, was extremely delighted. She was finally concerned about another issue.


    Ren Baqian understood that the empress was talking about the people in Tianjing Basin and replied, ��There��s nothing much to take note of regarding themoners. They don��t n ahead and can��t be bothered with things. Plus, their current living conditions aren��t good at all. As long as public opinion is well controlled, I believe that they will stabilize and serve Your Majesty. Those sects and factions are the troublemakers. As long as we get rid of these troublemakers and use public opinion to stabilize themoners while utilizing our strong army to show deterrence, Tianjing Basin will be able to settle down.��


    The empress nodded. ��I��ll hand this issue over to you when we return to Gu City. You will be given up to half a year to resolve it. If they still have any resentment, you can��t me me for being harsh on you.��


    Initially, she only wanted to give him a time frame of three months because she didn��t want to wait too long. However, after thinking it through, he would be hard pressed to pacify such arge area in just three months. Therefore, she rxed her restrictions and extended the deadline to half a year.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. There were more than 10 million lives in his hands. This was a huge responsibility on his te.


    The systems in Tianjing Basin had to change.


    He wondered how much he could change Tianjing Basin in just half a year��s time.


    If he started from scratch, he would have to find a talented person who could take over and implement ideas of their own. Xi Wanya was a professional in the field of killing people. Due to this aspect, he wasn��t reliable at all.


    However, if they were able to subdue some of the experts in the city, it would make things much easier.


    ��Your Majesty, I��m afraid that the Chen Nation has already sent their troops out.�� Ren Baqian recalled the news that Su Qing had told him previously.


    ��Oh!�� the empress replied in an indifferent tone as if she didn��t care at all.


    As a matter of fact, everyone was present at this moment, but without the radio station, they weren��t able to aplish very many things.


    Still, the Protector General of the South was someone who always had tricks up his sleeves. As such, the empress was confident in him.


    ��Your Majesty, have you heard of this saying before?��


    ��What?��


    ��There are as many stars as humans in this world. Every time someone dies, a shooting star will fall from the sky. When someone is famous and powerful, the star that belongs to him or her is even more resplendent. I believe that the brightest star in the sky belongs to Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian ced his hands behind him, leaned back, and looked up at the stars in the sky.


    All of a sudden, the empress looked at the starry sky and said, ��I want to see a meteor shower!��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    This was something rather tricky.


    Xi Wanya, who was in the vicinity, heard the empress��s request and said firmly, ��Tomorrow, I��ll massacre everyone in Wu City and let you witness a meteor shower. ��


    Ren Baqian gave him the side eye.


    <em>Why are you everywhere? Can��t you differentiate between what is right and wrong? You are spouting things that are impossible!</em>


    <em>If the empress was Emperor Zhou, you would be Fei Zhong or You Hun, the kind who idles and does nothing but tter your higher-ups.</em>


    [Emperor Zhou: An emperor of the Shang Dynasty. Fei Zhong and You Hun: Emperor Zhou��s Chancellors]

 Chapter 453 - This Scene is Too Beautiful to Even Imagine

    Chapter 453: This Scene is Too Beautiful to Even Imagine


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next morning, everyone had their breakfast and then set off. They stopped a few kilometers outside the north gate of Wu City, and there were already many people at the top of the city wall.


    ��Your Majesty, please give the order so that I can send my troops to destroy Wu City. I will capture that bunch of troublemakers,�� Xi Wanya implored the empress for her permission.


    Ren Baqian nced at him before looking back at the city wall again. No matter how he looked at the military strengths of both parties, they were on the losing end!


    After the battle with the empress, the other party was only left with 11 experts. Among them, the strongest was Qingyun Sword, who was severely injured. Chang Tian, who had channelled all his strength into his pike, died after executing that technique. At present, they only had a strength of nine and a half experts since Qingyun Sword wasn��t at full strength.


    It wasn��t a big deal for Lin Qiaole and the other two aboriginal Spirit Wheel experts to each take on three enemy experts.


    If the empress were to personally undertake this task, even though she only had 30 percent of her strength left, she would still be able to suppress the higher level experts.


    However, among the lower level soldiers, even though there were over 2,000 Man Wheel aboriginal soldiers, each of the other party��s 500 Earth Wheel experts would be able to take on five aboriginals.


    Not to mention the others.


    ��I��ll be standing here to see how you guys destroy the city,�� the empress said indifferently. She then turned to the side and continued, ��All of you should go too!��


    Although these dozens of guards who came with Xi Wanya weren��t numerous, they could y arge role in the absence of a nucleus.


    Ren Baqian had already made up his mind to destroy the city. He didn��t say anything further and carefully observed the situation.


    Following Xi Wanya��smand, over 2,000 soldiers got down from their mounts and dashed toward Wu City.


    When they arrived at the city gate of Wu City, the soldiers in the front row stopped at a position three meters right below the wall. They turned around, ced their hands on their heads with their palms facing upward, and acted like a stedder. The people behind them soared into the air and stepped on their palms. Along with a push from the people below, they leaped to a height of about eight meters. Some of them instantly flipped over the wall while others used the top of the wall as a stepping stone to get over.


    They jumped over the city wall that was eight meters tall.


    After all, Wu City wasn��t a huge city, and its walls were only eight meters tall. It was generally sufficient to obstruct an ordinary person, but obstructing a Man Wheel expert was a fantasy.


    The aboriginals didn��t require any equipment to destroy a city. They could easily make their way over the eight meter city wall.


    If the city wall was too high, then they would have to rely on their experts to break down the city gates with brute force.


    If it were in the past, following the assault on the city wall, their next move would be to massacre everyone in the city.


    However, at this time, there was a group of Earth Wheel experts guarding the top of the city wall.


    Almost half of the first batch of aboriginal soldiers who jumped over the wall got their heads cut off as they crashed to the ground.


    Dozens of defenders jumped on top of the city wall and waved their knives. Immediately, miserable screams could be heard right before the aboriginal soldiers fell to the ground.


    Relying on these dozens of vanguard soldiers, a second group of aboriginal soldiers jumped on top of the city wall like grasshoppers. They stood firm even though there were many Earth Wheel experts defending.


    As the subsequent batches of soldiers jumped on top of the city wall, blood-curdling screams and war cries rang out. Blood was also seen spilling from the top of the city wall.


    Ren Baqian carefully observed the situation. The result was actually much better than what he had expected it to be.


    Although these aboriginal soldiers had attained the level of Four-way Heaven, which was equivalent to the Man Wheel level, they were much stronger than a Man Wheel expert. In addition, the top of the city wall was narrow, so the range of movement wasn��trge. In this aspect, the tactics used by the aboriginals were more advantageous.


    Some of the Earth Wheel experts at the top of the wall were either still in the initial stage or weren��t good at controlling their strength, but were nimble and agile. On the other hand, confronting five to six elite opponents who had great rapport with one another in such a confined area actually caused the aboriginals to be deadlocked, so much so that they were at a disadvantage.


    In particr, many aboriginal warriors were the type that would endure an attack in order to counter attack. Their style was simr to kamikaze tactics. The Earth Wheel experts who lived like princes didn��t possess this kind of bravery, and it was something uneptable to them.


    If those Earth Wheel experts were to fight against the empress, then they would naturally fight to the death. However, all of them would hesitate over dying while fighting against these ordinary soldiers. On the unforgiving battlefield where everyone was cruel, everything could change in just a split second.


    Of course, this was a rare urence on the battlefield. There were still many areas where the aboriginal soldiers were incapable of defeating a group of five to six Earth Wheel experts that had great rapport with one another. From time to time, an aboriginal crashed to the ground.


    Even if they were brave enough and had worked well with one another, they were only at the Man Wheel level. The differences between these Man Wheel experts and the Earth Wheel experts were too huge, so they could only fight with their lives on the line.


    Thankfully, dozens of bodyguards were present to forcibly brace the situation. The aboriginal army had roughly possessed 25 percent of the area. In this region, they managed to withstand thebined attack of the enemy experts and over 1,000 supporting disciples.


    At the base of the city wall, there were three different battle groups led by Lin Qiaole and the other two Spirit Wheel experts from the aboriginal army. The situation here was theplete opposite of the situation on top of the city wall.


    In the distance, Xi Wanya simply stood straight and looked at the battle on top of the city wall without saying a word.


    ��Your Majesty, what do you think?�� Ren Baqian turned and asked the empress after observing for a long time. The empress was frowning and kept silent.


    Both parties fought a tough battle and only withdrew their soldiers in the evening. Only half of their soldiers managed to withdraw.


    No less than 1,000 people had shed their blood in this small city.


    Out of the 40 bodyguards, only slightly more than ten of them returned. Furthermore, they were all injured because they had endured most of the pressure.


    The other party��s losses weren��t small either. More than half of the disciples from the different sects as well as the Earth Wheel experts had suffered casualties.


    Both sides could be considered losers.


    Afterward, the aboriginals returned to the bottom of Mount Wu. Ren Baqian, who had observed the battle for the entire day, then said to the empress, ��Your Majesty, even though we are good at one-on-one fights, our current opponents are practitioners who have traveled the world and certainly excel at this. Although we can restrict their movements at the top of the city wall, we are also restricting ourselves in a fixed area and using all our strength to risk our lives. This is actually very unfavorable for us.��


    ��Do you have any good ideas?�� The empress looked up at him, hoping that he would say, ��Yes, I have one.��


    ��Your Majesty, I have an idea,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Speak!�� The empress felt much better after hearing Ren Baqian say this.


    ��Throw hundreds of smoke grenades into the city and force them out. With our battle formation, the other party will not be our match at all,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Dozens of smoke grenades seemed insufficient for a city like Wu City. If he was able to obtain a few hundred grenades, however, he could probably cause the entire city to be infused with ��fragrance,�� refreshing people��s minds with keen interest and pleasure while leaving them with a memorable experience.


    The empress clenched her fist and was itching to approve his n.


    Even though this was a tactic, she actually didn��t want to employ it. Since the previous time, that stench had caused her to have a lingering fear. If hundreds of smoke grenades were thrown into Wu City, just the thought of it was sufficient to reveal how merciless it would be. Not to mention that Wu City would be uninhabitable, even the areas outside the city would be uninhabitable too.


    At that time, a group of experts with a suffocating stench would make their way out to kill them. This scene was too beautiful to even imagine, so much so that she could even smell the stench. To some degree, she didn��t dare to imagine anymore.


    The empress shouted for Xi Wanya and asked, ��Is it possible to destroy this city?��


    Xi Wanya nodded in response and said, ��I��ll definitely destroy this city, sever the heads of these rebels, and present them in front of Your Majesty.��


    Ren Baqian looked at Xi Wanya. Judging from today��s battle situation, Xi Wanya would only barely be able to end the battle in a mutual destruction at best. Furthermore, as time passed, the opponent��s strength remained. Where did he gain his confidence in destroying the city?


    ��Your Majesty, the winged cavalry is rushing here after reorganizing themselves and taking a good rest.�� Before Ren Baqian could even ask anything, Xi Wanya had already provided the answer.


    Only then was Ren Baqian reminded of the winged cavalry. Previously, before he set off for Tianjing Basin, the winged cavalry had already returned to Dayao.


    The winged cavalry warriors were the empress��s personal bodyguards. Wherever the empress went, they would be by her side. Now that she was in the south, the winged cavalry would naturally make their way here.


    ��How long will they take?�� Upon hearing that her elite subordinates were rushing over, she immediately put her worries aside.


    ��When I set off, the winged cavalry was about six days away from Gu City. By my estimate, it will take them another three days at most. The winged cavalry will definitely arrive by then,�� Xi Wanya replied.


    ��Let��s wait for another three days,�� the empress said. ��When the winged cavalry arrives in three days, we will destroy the city in one go.��

 Chapter 454 - Defeat

    Chapter 454: Defeat


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Even though they waited for three days before attacking again, this didn��t mean that they had done nothing in the meantime.


    Starting from the second day, the army would march in formation one time around outside Wu City every day. Although there were only 1,000 plus soldiers, other people didn��t dare to underestimate them.


    ��Your Majesty, please be seated!�� Ren Baqian brought in a wooden chair which was recently made by some soldiers. It still smelled of freshly cut wood.


    As there were no nails avable, the chair was constructed using mortise and tenon joints.


    After the empress was seated, Ren Baqian brought a person with a loud voice to stand beside him. He would say one sentence and that person would repeat loudly after him.


    Then, he sat down and started to recall the slogans that he had used before to persuade them to surrender.


    ��People in the city, please listen. You have been surrounded.��


    ��Deliver yourself from the endless sea of tribtions by repenting. Put down the butcher��s knife and instantly achieve Buddhahood. ��


    ��Tell the truth and you will receive a lighter sentence. Leniency to those who confess to their crimes so that they can go home to celebrate the New Year.��


    ��Surrender and you will have a chance to live. It��s a virtue to spare lives, so Her Majesty has decided to give you a chance and will not use the weapon of mass destruction. I hope that you realize resistance is the road to death and only surrender can bring you a bright future.��


    Everyone in Wu City was at a loss for words.


    Was this telling them to surrender or not to surrender?


    ��There are still the young and the old waiting for all of you. Don��t make your close rtives suffer because of your impulsiveness.��


    ��Rebellion is fun for a moment, but it will send your family to the crematorium.��


    ��If you die, other people will live in your house, spend your money, sleep with your wife, and beat your children! What a tragedy!��


    Within a few minutes, this one sentence reached the top of the city wall and offended everyone.


    ��Let me kill him!�� Someone angrily grasped the hilt of his weapon. When two sides were at war, any tactic could be employed, but broadcasting slogan after slogan was really annoying.


    In addition, everyone was still smelly and constantly reminded of the culprit.


    ��Do not get provoked by him. He is waiting for someone to go out.�� Someone immediately stopped him.


    ��Hmph!�� The person who was blocked was furious. He knew that if he were to go down, he wouldn��t be able toe back alive. It was just that he couldn��t take this lying down.


    The slogans from that guy were contemptible��they were very annoying like an insect buzzing around and made people feel like whacking it.


    ��It��s useless. They should be exterminated,�� Xi Wanya said when morning past.


    He was dismissive of the way Ren Baqian was trying to induce surrender.


    ��It may work.�� Ren Baqian didn��t argue, but just smiled. He rose up smugly and went to join the empress for a meal.


    Persuading the enemy to surrender wasn��t feasible at the moment.


    The aboriginals had always met violence with violence, killed until they were stopped, and never talked about surrender. The other side naturally wouldn��t surrender, and their mindset was to fight until the end.


    However, he had mentioned the idea of surrender and some people might harbor this thought.


    It wouldn��t work right now because Wu City hadn��t been breached, so even those who harbored such a thought wouldn��t disy it.


    However, they might surrender after the winged cavalry arrived and broke through their defenses.


    After all, with so many people, surely not all of them were the men of steel who were ��still heroes after 18 years?��


    As long as a small portion of them surrendered, they would be able to y a big role in stabilizing Tianjing Basin in the future.


    In particr, the Earth Wheel experts of the various big sects were well-known in Tianjing Basin and had great influence. With their cooperation, many things could be easily aplished.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian got someone to repeat the broadcasting of the slogans. However, there weren��t many people at the top of the city wall this time around. They seemed to know that the aboriginals wouldn��t attack today. As such, only a few top experts were at the top of the city wall watching the other side with their disciples following them.


    ��If we were to attack now, we can certainly take down the city in one fell swoop.�� Xi Wanya looked at the city entrance.


    ��They are also thinking that way.�� Ren Baqian poured cold water on his idea.


    On the surface, it appeared that the other experts weren��t present, but in actual fact, they were extremely fast, were probably resting in the city, and could rush to the city wall shortly if an attack happened.


    Besides, they might be recuperating and waiting for an attack to happen.


    In the evening, when the aboriginals returned to the base of Mount Wu, Qingyun Sword looked at the information he had just received and didn��t say anything.


    Dozens of people were below him, looking on and waiting for him to speak. Many of them had bloodstains on their bodies.


    A few days ago, numerous experts from Tianjing Basin had been gathered here, and everyone was full of pride and enthusiasm for killing Qi Zixiao. This was supposed to let the people of Tianjing Basin break out of their cage. However, after a few battles, more than half of their people were gone, and everyone was mournful.


    Qingyun Sword pondered for the time it took to burn a stick of incense before sadly saying, ��We have been defeated.��


    His ashen expression became even grayer.


    ��The winner hasn��t been decided yet! How can you say such a discouraging thing as the person in charge!�� The person who rebuked him was an elder from a big sect. This sect��s top elder had been killed in battle with the empress while most of their experts had been killed in the battle yesterday. He was thirsty for revenge and didn��t want to hear such words.


    ��Elder Xu is correct��the winner hasn��t been decided yet. The other side doesn��t have more than 1,000 people, and we shouldn��t be afraid of them because we have so many experts,�� someone immediately said in agreement.


    ��If we simply admit defeat, isn��t that letting down those who died in the battle?��


    ��In these two bloody battles, which sects or forces didn��t have people who were killed?��


    It wasn��t easy for them to simply admit defeat. After all, they had close rtives and friends who died in battle as well as the ambition of breaking out of this cage for dozens of years.


    Qingyun Sword closed his eyes and silently ced the note on the table beside him. Someone picked it up and read it right away. That person��s face immediately turned ghastly, and he passed the note to another person.��The winged cavalry�� are here���� A voice filled with despair brought silence to the hall.


    There were two types of troops in this world, the aboriginals and everyone else.


    The aboriginals had two groups of soldiers, the winged cavalry and those aside from the winged cavalry.


    One group had soldiers that were all at the Kismet Heaven level. As for the other group, their soldiers were all minimally at the Earth Wheel level.


    An army of slightly more than 1,000 soldiers was equivalent in strength to one protectorate.


    ��I thought they were still in Great Xia���� someone said as his voice trailed off.


    ��They are already here and within 100 kilometers!��


    ��Why did we only receive the news now?�� someone asked harshly.


    ��The entire household of Longshou City��s warlord was ughtered, and all of Longshou City is controlled by the Protectorate of the South�� This news is from Pingling City����


    ��They should be about 75 kilometers away and will probably reach here by tomorrow.�� Qingyun Sword kept his eyes closed while speaking.


    ��Withdraw from Wu City, return to the individual sects, and get the North Alliance, the Southern Metropolis, and the Green Bell Flower to immediately deploy their horses and troops. All the sects will get their disciples to join the army as well,�� someone immediately said.


    Previously, the original n was to besiege and kill Qi Zixiao. After she died, Dayao wouldn��t have a leader and would have to face other strong enemies on their own. Although the aboriginals would take revenge on Tianjing Basin, but they only had the Protectorate of the South. Even if Dayao tried to mobilize more forces, it would be impossible to do so.


    With so many powers fighting with Dayao, it might lose focus and copse.


    It was obvious that their original n had already failed. In that case, they could only mobilize their warriors to fight against the aboriginals.


    As soon as this was said, the hall became abuzz with noise as everyone instantly responded.


    After all, with the winged cavalry was on the way, everyone defending Wu City was seeking death. The final oue would merely be dying together with the city.


    By mobilizing the army immediately, they might still have a chance.


    ��Let��s do it!�� Qingyun Sword said with his eyes closed.


    ��


    ��Principal Ren, your old friend is here. Pleasee out for a chat,�� a clear voice said from a distance.Currently, Ren Baqian had been hung from a tree branch by the empress and was fluttering in the wind.


    Earlier on, the both of them were ying cards. The empress had gained tons of confidence from winning against Qing Yuan and Hong Luan. However, she lost to Ren Baqian and had pieces of paper pasted on her until she looked like a mummy��


    ��


    Although Ren Baqian was hanging from a tree, when he deliberately ignored the angry look of the empress just now, he felt pretty good. He then began to hum a tune and sang, ��The vast horizon is my love����


    Upon hearing this voice, Ren Baqian jolted and said, ��Quickly, let me down.��


    ��You have so many old friends.�� The empress was below the tree with her whole face covered in pieces of paper.


    As an empress, she still had to adhere to basic ethics. Although she hung Ren Baqian from the tree, she didn��t remove the slips of paper from her face.


    ��It��s the envoy that Great Xia sent to contact the people of Tianjing Basin about mobilizing their forces.��


    ��Oh? Then execute him! Soldiers����


    ��Your Majesty, please wait. I have an agreement with him, so he must havee because of urgent matters!�� Ren Baqian hurriedly shouted.


    After a while, Ren Baqian, with Lin Qiaole by his side, saw Su Qing standing on a piece of rock.


    ��Sir Ren, you deceived me badly����


    ��I have just saved your life!��


    The two spoke simultaneously.

 Chapter 455 - Almost There

    Chapter 455: Almost There


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Just like what Su Qing had mentioned, he didn��t wish to see Dayao get stuck in Tianjing Basin��s quagmire. Under the attacks from different directions, Dayao might possibly copse just like that.


    Only Great Xia suffering a huge defeat would benefit him.


    As a result, after everyone left the city, he found an opportunity to meet Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian gave him a thumbs up after listening to what he had to say. Even though the spy had left, there was still a renegade nted among them. The people in Tianjing Basin died an unjust death.


    Su Qing smiled modestly at the hand gesture made by Ren Baqian.


    ��You mustn��t forget the agreement with me.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands and hurriedly left to find the empress.


    However, in no time, the Protectorate of the South waspletely ready and waiting to set off.


    Ren Baqian muttered under his breath, ��If any of you can capture them alive, please do so. They are somewhat useful. Of course, the safety of all of you is the top priority.��


    When Xi Wanya looked at the empress, she nodded and said, ��Act in ordance to what he said.��


    ��Order epted!�� Xi Wanya cupped one fist in the other hand and led everyone to mount up and set off in the night. The sound of thunderous hooves rmed the birds and beasts in the distance. For a moment, the roaring noises of the beasts lingered on.


    Currently, the winged cavalry were rushing from the north. To the east, there was Mount Wu. Most of the rebels had dispersed to the southeast before returning to their own sects along other routes.


    Xi Wanya��s cavalry, numbering 1,000 or so, was headed straight toward the south.


    As for how many rebels they could capture, it all depended on luck.


    After all, those Earth Wheel experts weren��t weaklings. From afar, they could already hear the noises made by the aboriginals�� mounts and had already found ces to hide.


    Therefore, Xi Wanya and his entourage went all the way to the south this time. When the sky was turning bright, they began to cast a and searched backward to see how many fish they could actually catch.


    After everyone left, the empress finally asked Ren Baqian, ��What is the agreement between you and him?��


    Ren Baqian then told the empress about the agreement with Su Qing. It was necessary to make sure that the armed rebellion in the south remained unsettled to the point where they appeared to be bogged down. Also, the army of the Protectorate of the South couldn��t be mobilized unless it was theirst resort. Furthermore, they had to summon the recruits to head south.


    After all, this wasn��t a trivial matter. These moves would cause Great Xia to grow restless again. At that time, Dayao would really face the attack of three countries all at once.


    Therefore, he wasn��t confident that the empress would agree.


    It was just that under the previous situation, he couldn��t care about anything else.


    As a result, after he finished speaking, he was wondering how the empress would look at this issue.


    ��Tell me, if Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation attack us at the same time, can we win?�� the empress asked.


    ��Will Your Majesty be defeated?�� Ren Baqian questioned her back.


    The empress��s pupils immediately lit up as a smile appeared on her face.


    She replied, ��Naturally, I won��t be defeated.��


    Following which, he said, ��However, these are two separate issues. Your forces will have to face enemies from the other three nations. A war thatsts many years will also exert great pressure on all aspects of a nation. We will win. It��s natural that we will win. As long as we can stabilize Tianjing Basin, there will not be any future consequences. There won��t be much pressure from the Yun Nation or the Chen Nation. By then, we will only need to be wary of Great Xia.��


    ��However, we won��t need to face the full strength of Great Xia, just one army from them. As long as we umte our strength, wait for Great Xia to stretch out their ws again, and quickly cut them off, they would fall into disorder at that time,�� Ren Baqian continued.


    ��We have radio stations, walkie-talkies, and can contact the rest of the battlefield at any time to keep abreast of the situation regardless of whether it��s for mobilizing the various military units or conveying an order from themanders to their subordinates.


    Also, we have binocrs and drones. We will be able to find out the other party��s every move in advance. Furthermore, with the walkie-talkies, we can easily find and attack their weaknesses.


    Most importantly, we have the winged cavalry warriors who can each handle up to ten enemies.


    As long as the logistics team can withstand this, we have no reason to lose,�� Ren Baqian said resolutely and decisively.


    ��Well said.�� The empress nodded.


    ��If it was before, 100 million taels of silver was enough for me to make up my mind. Yet, I always feel that with you, 100 million taels of silver isn��t a figure that is difficult to attain. Am I right?�� It was rare that the empress smiled, but she was actually smiling very brightly.


    ��Your Majesty is right.�� Ren Baqian grinned widely too. The amount of trust that the empress had ced in him actually made him feel a warm fuzzy sensation in his heart.


    The both of them looked at each other and smiled. Under this tranquil moonlight, the duo were very rxed.


    Ren Baqian shifted his body and sat himself next to the empress with his shoulders gently touching hers. As he smelled the strong tuberose scenting from the empress, he used his fingers to pick up a loose strand of her hair.


    The empress no longer took offense from such intimate actions.


    A warm fuzzy feeling arose in their hearts as if they were the only people in the world. Even the birds and beasts in the distance seemed to have disappeared.


    In the vicinity, several guards ced their attentions on the couple before looking at the sky. The moonlight tonight was beautiful.


    ��Your body smells like Red Braised Meat. I��m hungry���� All of a sudden, the empress used her shoulder to nudge him.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    <em>Your Majesty, you are being a wet nket don��t you know?</em>


    <em>Give me back that gentle and charming version of yourself!!!</em>


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress for a long time, but she didn��t feel guilty at all. Instead, she looked at him confidently and on her face was written, ��I-am-hungry-so-go-and-cook-now!��


    After looking at each other for a long time, Ren Baqian couldn��t help but admit defeat. He then took a huge sigh, instructed the soldiers to bring out the leftover meat from dinner, and roasted it for the empress.


    The empress looked at him from behind and began to smile. Her smile was rather sweet.


    This was a smile that Ren Baqian had yet to see. It was such a pity that his back was facing the empress, and hepletely couldn��t catch that moment.


    ��I��m also hungry���� Lin Qiaole said. She was squatting beside a tree because both the empress and Ren Baqian were too smelly, but the both of them didn��t think so. As a result, she had no choice but to hide far away.


    After consuming supper, the empressy on a wooden couch that emitted a wood scent and rested. On the other hand, Ren Baqiany on the grass and watched the night sky until he dozed off.


    He dreamed about his wedding with the empress�� Dreamed about them consummating their marriage�� Ren Baqian was exceptionally excited. The empress was blushing and ying hard to get while revealing half of her chest��


    Just then, a sharp and clear birdsong woke him up.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes forcefully as the skies were beginning to brighten up. Although he wanted to close his eyes and resume the dream, he realized it was impossible to resume the dream. Furthermore, the dream was progressively bing blurry!


    ��Damn, almost there.�� Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. He was almost there, almost about to take off herstyer of clothes��


    Ren Baqian inadvertently turned to look at the empress and realized that she was looking at him with clear, bright eyes. He wondered if she hadn��t slept the entire night or if she had just woken up.


    ��I feel that you are having disrespectful thoughts,�� the empress said.


    ��Your Majesty, I��m even more wronged than Dou E Yuan.�� Ren Baqian was full of grievance. He casually shifted through a few positions, bent over, and tried to conceal something.


    [Dou E Yuan,monly tranted as The Injustice to Dou E and also known as Snow in Midsummer, is a Chinese y written by Guan Hanqing during the Yuan dynasty.]


    If the empress found out about his dream, he would definitely be hung up until he died.


    The empress bit her lower lip and ignored him.


    ��It��s daybreak. Time to check our harvest,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The harvest depended on this.


    Still, it was better to capture individuals from the Southern Metropolis and the Green Bell Flower.


    ��


    ��40 teams will go and each team will have 20 soldiers. Disperse and search for the enemy. Once any of you discover anything, shout to get in touch,�� Xi Wanya ordered while sitting on his saber-toothed tiger.


    ��Yes sir!��


    Following this response, hundreds of people immediately dispersed and began to search the fields that lined both sides of the road.


    The rest of the soldiers followed behind Xi Wanya and slowly headed toward Wu City.


    Not long after, Ren Baqian looked over in the distance. An evil smile formed on his face as he said, ��Our prey are here.��


    Although he hadn��t seen the other party, he actually heard the clip clop of hooves. There were actually quite a number of them.

 Chapter 456 - Persuasion to Surrender

    Chapter 456: Persuasion to Surrender


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Early in the morning, Ren Baqian sat in front of the bonfire and fully utilized his prowess by roasting twombs at the same time. Thesembs were of fairly small build, but they had very nimble movements. They were considered pretty rare game animals because they were able to crush the skulls of ferocious beasts with just their hooves.


    The ordinary soldiers had been eating babeasts over thest two days. Those beasts could be found in packs everywhere. They had the appearance of rabbits, but the behavior of wolves. Their meat was a little rough, and they didn��t exactly taste good.


    In the olden days, there were some generals who loved their soldiers so much that they ate and lived together. However, both Ren Baqian and the empress weren��t generals, so they naturally wouldn��tpromise themselves.


    A thin and slightly hunchbacked elder who wore a green top was walking over unhurriedly from afar.


    This elder had a head of white hair while his body emitted an air of defeat. His movements were slow as well, seemingly like a log.


    When they noticed that someone was approaching, both the students, who were in the midst of preparing breakfast, and a few soldiers immediately went on the alert.


    ��An enemy!��


    All of the soldiers sessively drew out their weapons.


    ��I��m not here to pick a fight. I just want to have a few words with you,�� this elder said.


    ��Shi Gan!�� Ren Baqian called out to Shi Gan to take over the breakfast roasting. After he cleaned off the soot from his hands and nodded at the empress, he walked toward the elder.


    Qingyun Sword. Ren Baqian had never expected him to actually arrive just to have a few words. Furthermore, he was alone.


    However, Ren Baqian could somehow guess what he wanted to ask.


    Ren Baqian stopped several meters in front of Qingyun Sword and looked at him. His current outlook was entirely different from when they had first met.


    Even though his hair had still been white and his age was roughly evident back then, he looked as if he was in the pink of health. After all, even if a Spirit Wheel expert was 100 years old, it shouldn��t be a problem for him to live for another 40 years or so. In addition, his condition would only begin to rapidly deteriorate about a year before his time was up.


    However, looking at him now, his entire body seemed defeated and appeared about 20 years older than it was before.


    ��You didn��t expect this, did you?�� Qingyun Sword questioned.


    Ren Baqian nodded very honestly. He had indeed never expected for this to happen.


    ��Neither did I,�� Qingyun Sword replied drearily.


    Everything was indeed beyond expectation. Qingyun Sword had neither expected that Ren Baqian was an undercover agent nor that the envoy from Great Xia was actually in cahoots with Ren Baqian and had revealed information to him.


    When he came to know of this piece of news, he was at a loss for quite some time. He didn��t know what was wrong with this world.


    All that talk about providing support and starting a revolt; it all seemed like a joke.


    Issues between nations and what happened at the imperial ancestral temple, all of it didn��t seem to be something that people of the society couldprehend.


    All they had were bodies full of hot blood, but they were acting like fools. They did things that many people thought were foolish.


    ��I want to ask you something, and I want you to speak the truth.�� Qingyun Sword spoke after standing there for some time.


    ��They all call me the cute and honest husband!�� Ren Baqian replied very genuinely.


    Qingyun Sword looked at him profoundly.


    Cute and honest�� Cute and honest�� He had been deceived by this man!


    ��If we were defeated, how would you treat all the living beings in thisnd?�� Qingyun Sword asked unhurriedly. This was his purpose for visiting. Assassinating the empress was a very grave matter indeed.


    If it were to seed, they would be able tounch a counterattack if they could withstand the retaliation from the Protectorate of the South.


    However, if they were to fail, rolling heads would likely be the oue of what the aboriginals would do since this had been their habit all the while.


    All living beings in Tianjing Basin would be likembs waiting to be ughtered.


    As a result, Qingyun Sword��s purpose foring was to try to persuade Ren Baqian to let the innocent civilians off. This was the only thing he could do at the moment��to n for everything after their defeat due to their blindness and impulse.


    He used to harbor thoughts about victory, but all of that was already gone.


    Even Great Xia��s envoy was in cahoots with the aboriginals. Were all those things that he and his men had done a farce in the eyes of the others? Qingyun Sword didn��t know.


    Su Qing��s betrayal had dealt a huge blow to him.


    ��I��ve said it before, but all of you were actually too rushed���� Ren Baqian said as his eyes darted around before he found a rock and sat down.


    ��This is my purpose foring. Actually, you all and the aboriginals aren��t coexisting in a state of irreconcble adversaries. It��s not that thisnd can��t amodate both ethnic groups living together.


    Of course, the aboriginals don��t have enough mental capacity, and this resulted in your people not having a good means of settlement over the years. As for you all, those who have survived from 70 years ago can��t live in peace either. As such, the rtionship between both parties became worse over thest few decades.


    In fact, precisely because the aboriginals don��t have as much mental capacity, you all could do better.


    In my opinion, you guys are more useful toward aspects such as the economy, culture, scientific research, etc.


    Both parties actuallyplement one another.


    The aboriginals have military strength, but no brains. You guys have no military strength and no brains�� but, have a little more brain powerpared to the aboriginals.��


    From afar, the empress picked up a piece of rock, and it screeched through the air as she sent it flying toward them.


    Qingyun Sword stretched out his hand and grabbed ahold of it. He nced toward the empress and said to Ren Baqian, ��Your standing among the aboriginals is much higher than what I had expected.��


    If he were to be blunt andment about the aboriginals not having enough mental capacity in front of Qi Zixiao, he reckoned that he would probably be buried by now.


    However, Qi Zixiao couldn��t even bear to throw the rock at Ren Baqian to warn him, but instead threw it at Qingyun Sword. Even though such an action felt a bit like a girl throwing a tantrum, he could tell where Ren Baqian stood in the heart of Qi Zixiao.


    ��Please continue, I��m all ears,�� Qingyun Sword added. Previously, when he first saw the empress, Ren Baqian seemed to have said something simr. However, everyone was unwilling and nobody could ept what he said back then. Even if they listened, they still wouldn��t have believed him.


    Currently, Qingyun Sword already knew the what the oue would be. With an open mind, he was able to calm down and listen properly.


    This matter was itself a verymentable thing.


    ��My purpose foring is to resolve this issue and let you guys walk away.


    First, let out a small group of steady minded people to run businesses or do other tasks. Allow them to interact with the aboriginals while allowing the aboriginals to get to know you all better. This will also allow all of you to get to know the aboriginals better. Through such interactions, both parties can understand each other better and treat each other rtively fairly instead of beingpletely prejudicial.


    Once this first step is aplished, more of your people will be let out progressively.


    Of course, this will require some time. However, as time passes, all of you will be able to coexist with the aboriginals under the same sky.


    When that happens, my objective will be met and so will yours.��


    ��Are you serious?�� Qingyun Sword��s voice shuddered slightly.


    This was something that many people had been looking forward to over thest few decades. Could it really be aplished so easily now?


    ��There isn��t a need for me to lie. Your vision is too limited��it��s as if you��re looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.


    What I see is far greater than what your see. I also know about the needs of various types of talents far better than you.


    The future Dayao won��t be a good-for-nothing nation that only knows fighting. It will be the center of this world. A nation that far exceeds all others of this era in aspects like economy, culture, education, etc.


    I need talents, arge quantity of talents from all aspects like education, economics, research, project nning, and manufacturing. Only with arge amount of talented individuals will we be able to achieve what Her Majesty and I have envisioned.


    Even in Tianjing Basin, I will spread education extensively and allow every child to be able to attend sses. This is so that they will grow to be the talents that I need before allocating them to positions that can bring out their expertise.


    This way, after 10, 20, or 30 years, there may even be officials from Tianjing Basin entering the imperial court.��


    Qingyun Sword remained silent for a good while after listening to what Ren Baqian said.


    He was in slight disbelief.


    If the aboriginals were to coexist peacefully with everyone from Tianjing Basin like what Ren Baqian mentioned, it was something that would probably take decades to achieve.


    The sole fact that children from Tianjing Basin could go to school and attain knowledge was already enough to make it hard for Qingyun Sword to believe. This was something that the past generations were unable to achieve. It was impossible even for the populous and affluent Great Xia.


    As for the other things that Ren Baqian said, theypletely made no sense to him.


    From the looks of it, it seemed that Qi Zixiao and the person in front of him had a majestic n that embodied many elements. However, he didn��t know what the n was nor could he imagine what it would be like.


    Let Dayao be the center of this world?


    It sounded like the words of sheer fantasy.


    However, looking at how Ren Baqian was glowing with vigor, it seemed as if that was what he nned to do.


    Most importantly, seeing that the other party indeed had no intentions of exterminating his people, Qingyun Sword had attained peace of mind.


    Since that was the case, there was no need to say everything that he had nned before.


    ��Just surrender! Given your status, strength, and position in Tianjing Basin, you can shorten the process of pacifying Tianjing Basin by so much more. The more time saved, the less blood shed. Also, you too could live on to witness if this world will evolve to what I said it will,�� Ren Baqian persuaded.

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457: Having Nothing Better to Do in the Middle of the Night than to Name This


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was still hoping for Qingyun Sword to surrender.


    As the head of the hidden vige and the leader, it would y a big role in calming down Tianjing Basin if he surrendered.


    Furthermore, Qingyun Sword wasn��t an ambitious person. His greatest wish was for the people of Tianjing Basin to be free.


    With regard to the various sects, Ren Baqian actually didn��t desire to exterminate them.


    The people that he had yet to decide about were from the three major factions.


    This was because the members of the sects were dispersed all over the basin, didn��t have political power, couldn��t influence themoners, and had no links to their ancestral temples. Even if they were left behind, they wouldn��t cause much upheaval.


    The people from the three major factions were a different kettle of fish. They were the people controlling Tianjin Basin, which was a state within a state. They were more sophisticated and knowledgeable too. This was why Ren Baqian was still considering whether they could be spared or not.Qingyun Sword didn��t give Ren Baqian a reply after hearing him out. He cupped his hands to bid farewell and turned to leave.


    He came with the intention of hearing the truth from Ren Baqian and would then decide whether to die or survive together with Wu City.


    Still, he was shaken by the words of Ren Baqian.


    As a matter of fact, it sounded simple to surrender.


    However, he had convened so many people together and so many people had been killed. Was it really that simple to surrender?


    How was he going to face the rest of his people?


    At this point in time, surrendering was a more difficult choice than death.


    Dying was easy. Once he died, his good reputation in Tianjin Basin would be handed down through the generations and recorded in its history.


    However, surrendering meant that he had to suffer name-calling, and it would destroy his lifelong reputation. He would have no face to meet his people after he died, just because of a vision painted by Ren Baqian.


    He couldn��t decide between these two choices.


    Ren Baqian shook his head after Qingyin Sword was quite a distance away and then took over roasting themb meat from Shi Gan.


    After breakfast, Ren Baqian thought about letting Shi Gan and Lin Qiaole wait at a ce near Wu City in case the winged cavalry arrived ahead of schedule, disagreed with the n, and destroyed Wu City.


    Shi Gan was quite talented. He was endowed with the power equivalent to an Earth Wheel expert at a very young age and was very quick-witted. It would be an injustice if he were to be killed by enemy Spirit Wheel experts in Wu City.


    If he were to send Lin Qiaole alone, he guessed that by the time she woke up, the space rocket that Dayao had developed would already be in outer space.


    Upon sending these two people out, Ren Baqian turned to ask the empress about his previous question, ��Your Majesty, what is the name of this?��


    The empress looked at him nkly��


    ��You see, my country and my world are on a called Earth. What about this?��


    The empress pondered for a moment and dered,  Dayao!��


    Ren Baqian gave her a quizzical look.


    Couldn��t the empress be more serious?


    ��How about calling it Baqian?�� Ren Baqian noticed the empress��s expression after saying this, instantly changed his tune, and suggested,  Ba Zi? Oh, Your Majesty, the most suitable name should be Zixiao Star!��


    The empress��s mood changed from gloomy to sunny instantly and she eximed, ��This is it!��


    It was a nice feeling to have a named after her.


    ��What if the is square?�� The empress raised a serious question.


    Ren Baqian pondered whether it was possible for a to be square. In that case, it shouldn��t be a and should be the world of ��Minecraft.��


    [1.Minecraft: A 2011 sandbox video game created by Swedish game developer Markus Persson andter developed by Mojang]


    This was a difficult question for an underachiever like him to answer.


    ��Furthermore, there��s already a star that belongs to me, so don��t they have the same name?�� The empress remembered that everyone had a star. Although it was just a beautiful myth, she believed it to be true.


    Zixiao and Zixiao Star!��


    <em>p!</em>


    ��Heavenly Zixiao Star and Land Zixiao!��


    ��Very appropriate!�� The empress became happy again.


    ��Your Majesty, do you think there are other continents aside from this one? After conquering the Yun Nation, we can build ships, send people to explore, and discover how big this world is!�� Ren Baqian calmly said despite his swollen hand.


    ��Great!��


    The two spected about the original shape of this world. During the afternoon, they heard the sound of hoofbeats in the distance and saw the dust cloud generated by it.


    Close to 1,000 soldiers were rushing over from afar beforeing to a neat stop. They dismounted, cupped their fists in greeting, and saluted, ��We are here to pay our respects to Your Majesty!��


    Although there were only about 1,000 of them, the impression they projected was equivalent to arge army. Every soldier exuded power and courage from head to toe and had a bloody aura around them.


    The empress stood up and looked at these warriors with all kinds of battle scars on their armor. It was these people who had prated into Great Xia when she was heading for Great Xia. They were the frontline force during the war with Great Xia, had raided Great Xia after the war, and still immediately rushed all the way here after returning to Dayao.


    From the original 1,500 warriors, there were over 900 left.


    The eyes of the empress brushed over each and every face. Then, she said softly, ��Take a rest first!��


    ��Yes, Your Majesty.��


    The empress asked the captain of the winged cavalry to tell her about the situation in Great Xia.


    The captain of the winged cavalry was a strong man with a beard, and his name was Gong Zheng. She was familiar with him as they had met in the northern region before.


    Ren Baqian heard an interesting story about how Li Qianqiu kidnapped a few schrs in Great Xia, and even brought their families along after they begged him.


    ��Captain Gong, where are those people?�� Ren Baqian was very interested in these schrs. He wasn��t biased against people from the other countries like the aboriginals were.


    After all, Earth was a global vige with all kinds of people.


    ��Sir Ren, I don��t know about this matter.��


    ��Oh.�� Ren Baqian nodded. It looked like he would have to ask Li Qianqiu upon returning.


    Fortunately, he had sent Shi Gan in advance or else the heads would now be rolling in Wu City.


    It wasn��t untilte at night that Xi Wanya brought his army back. Among them were dozens of half-dead captives that were riddled with bloodstains.


    As these captives were thrown down from the mounts, they discovered to their despair that besides the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South, the winged cavalry was also here.


    The winged cavalry had indeed arrived.


    Xi Wanya took some big strides and said in front of the empress, ��Your Majesty, the other party had some Spirit Wheel experts, so we only managed to capture 23 people.��


    This was slightly less than what Ren Baqian had expected, but still eptable.


    Carrying a torch to look at the captives who were confined in the center, Ren Baqian saw twodies from the Manxing Pavilion, a few from the Green Bell Flower, and an old man he had met in the hidden vige. Everyone else belonged to the various sects. There was no one from the Golden Ring Residence, and the girl who took erhu lessons from him for half a month was also not present.


    All the captives had bloodstained wounds on their bodies. Some had twisted limbs, some were missing limbs, and it looked they were captured after a bloody battle.


    When they saw Ren Baqian under the torchlight, everyone red at him.


    <em>Ptui! </em>Ady from the Manxing Pavilion spat bloody saliva in front of Ren Baqian��s shoes. Instantly, a soldier kicked her bloodstained, but still recognizable delicate face. Her whole body flew backward as she spurted fresh blood in midair�� as well as her teeth!


    ��I want them alive.�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��Watch them separately. Break the legs of those who try to run away, but keep them breathing.�� Ren Baqian warned.


    All the captives looked at him with murderous eyes. If looks could kill, Ren Baqian would have been left with no bones a long time ago.


    One night passed by.


    After eating breakfast the next morning, Ren Baqian got people to carry the captives, and the whole group arrived at Wu City again. They threw the captives on the ground in front of the city wall so that they could be clearly seen.


    Then, Ren Baqian announced, ��People in the city, listen. You have been surrounded. Surrendering is the only way to save your lives!��


    The people on top of the city wall were green with fear as they looked at the more than 20 people on the ground below as well as the winged cavalry behind them!

 Chapter 458 - Surrender

    Chapter 458: Surrender


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��You guys have already won. Release them. Use my life in exchange for all of theirs.�� Qingyun Sword appeared at the top of the city wall.


    ��Vige chief!��


    ��Senior!��


    Regardless of where the people were, they were all grieving and extremely moved by the vige chief��s action.


    Qingyun Sword was a Spirit Wheel expert, yet he actually sacrificed his own life for those Earth Wheel and Man Wheel experts. This made everyone almost burst into tears.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while.


    Is this old man unable to put down his pride and surrender? Does he want me to give him another way out?


    Of course, having such thoughts made him seem as if he wasn��t a gentleman�� After all, these people came here with the mindset that they would die for anything.


    However, this old man��s lifelong wish was for the people of Tianjing Basin to leave this ce. Since Ren Baqian had already told him of his future ns, didn��t he want to see if Ren Baqian could fulfill his promise?


    At the end of the day, this was Qingyun Sword��s lifelong wish, and it was very close to being fulfilled. If it were Ren Baqian, he would definitely want to see it happen.


    Furthermore, what was the purpose of releasing the more than 20 captives? Wasn��t Qingyun Sword afraid that Ren Baqian would still massacre everyone in Wu City? Even if he didn��t do it, Xi Wanya was definitely capable of doing such a thing.


    The fact that they tried to assassinate the empress was by itself sufficient for Dayao to exterminate the entire city.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while. Regardless of whether Qingyun Sword��s words had this intention or not, Ren Baqian decided to give him a way out.


    He walked forward and said, ��Can you see the 1,000 anikis behind me? There��s still another 1,000 super anikis that are waiting for all of you in high-spirits!��


    The 2,000 burly chaps behind him immediately pounded on their exposed muscles as if they were annotating the words of Ren Baqian.


    Of course, if they knew what aniki meant, they wouldn��t have acted in this way.


    <sup>1</sup>


    ��Surrender! If you open the city gate and surrender now, we will not massacre the entire city. This is your only way to survive. Otherwise�� these people as well as everyone in Wu City will die. You are included as well. All of you can only die if I allow you to do so. If anyone dies when I have yet to give my permission�� a massacre will be awaiting all of you!


    Oh, my mistake. All of you can only die if Her Majesty allows it����


    Qingyun Sword stood at the top of the city wall and remained silent for a long while. He looked at the sky and let out a deep sigh that was filled with heroic spirit, gravity, and destion��


    He was acting as if it was real��


    The more Ren Baqian looked at Qingyun Sword, the more he felt that Qingyun Sword was just putting up a front��


    ��Open the city gate!�� Qingyun Sword said in a deep voice.


    ��Vige chief?��


    ��Open it!�� Qingyun Sword yelled.


    Momentster, the city gate slowly opened. A group of people stood at the entrance, and their gazes were filled with anger.


    Even though they knew that they had already lost this war two days ago, threatening to massacre the entire city was extremely despicable!


    ��Go and tie everyone up.�� Ren Baqian instructed his underlings.


    Immediately, someone shouted furiously, ��Don��t go too far!��


    ��Let them! Defeated�� we are defeated! There is no need to involve the innocentmoners���� Qingyun Sword said calmly. His voice was emotionless; only people who were familiar with him could hear the sorrow in it.


    Whatever the case, he had already surrendered.


    Even if he had more excuses, he was unable to get over the barrier in his heart because he had let down those who had died.


    Although everyone was furious, they also knew that any form of resistance was futile at this point. Since the winged cavalry had arrived here, even if they resisted, they would still face death. It might even infuriate the other party and cause them to massacre the entire city. Immediately, they made a firm resolution and stopped resisting.


    The ropes used to tie them were made of vines that were soaked in animal fat. They were extremely tough and durable. The more they struggled, the tighter the ropes got, so much so that it would sink into their flesh. It was even difficult for an Earth Wheel expert to escape from these ropes.


    However, using such a rope on a Spirit Wheel expert wasn��t sufficient. This was because a Spirit Wheel expert was able to use their soul to the extent that they could form their own Heaven-grade weapon. As such, they had many methods of breaking the ropes apart.


    After everyone was tied up, Ren Baqian covered his nose and walked in front of everyone to look at their faces. There weren��t many people left, only a dozen of them that were all from the hidden vige. Out of all the Spirit Wheel experts, Qingyun Sword was the only one here.


    ��Where are the rest?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I thought you already knew.�� Qingyun Sword was the only person who wasn��t tied up. He looked at the captives that were caughtst night and sighed.


    ��Don��t y any dirty tricks on me. Otherwise, even immortals will not be able to save all of you,�� Ren Baqian warned.


    ��There is no need to do so,�� Qingyun Sword said faintly. The other party had 1,000 Earth Wheel experts, four Spirit Wheel experts, and Qi Zixiao herself was a top-notch expert. At present, even if he gathered all the Tianjing Basin experts who were at their peak, they still wouldn��t be Dayao��s match.


    Moreover, half of the Tianjing Basin experts had already died.


    Ren Baqian returned to the front of the empress��s seat and said, ��Your Majesty, please enter the city!��


    ��Enter the city!�� The empress waved her hand before lowering her voice to ask Ren Baqian, ��Does that stench still linger?��


    Ren Baqian gritted his teeth. He deserved it!


    ��Your Majesty, bear with it. As a matter of fact, only this group of people have the stench on their bodies,�� Ren Baqian replied softly.


    The empress also gritted her teeth upon hearing what he said.


    Even though this was the case, she still had to enter the city.


    The winged cavalry was divided into two groups. One group was in front of the empress while the other group was behind her. When she passed by the city gate, she didn��t look at the people that were being tied up. To her, she had never considered these people as her opponents, but as a bunch of unsettled rebels. Now that Ren Baqian was dealing with them, she couldn��t even be bothered to look at them.


    This had in fact left an indescribable feeling in those that were tied up. The empress actually couldn��t even be bothered to take a nce at them.


    The people from the Protectorate of the South were following behind. After entering the city, they immediately dispersed to look after the original guards of the city. In addition, they also sent out another unit of soldiers to guard the city gate.


    Although the streets were very quiet, the sound of children crying from the houses on both sides of the street could asionally be heard. However, someone would immediately cover their mouths to shut them up.


    When the winged cavalry entered the city, everyone ran back into their homes and prayed for their fate that was toe. After that, they peered through the crevices of their windows and looked at these world renowned troops as well as the ruler of Dayao.


    After passing through half of the city, everyone arrived at the warlord��s residence. Ren Baqian went inside to check first beforeing out with his hand covering his nose.


    Previously, this ce was the headquarters of the Tianjing Basin experts. As such, the stench inside the residence was extremely heavy.


    He instructed someone to find another huge residence without any stench, drove away the family living inside, and made it the empress��s temporary residence.


    ��I want to take a bath. All the other tasks will be handed to you, so go settle them. Qing Yuan���� The empress entered the residence and continued to talk. After shouting midway, she suddenly recalled that Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had been left behind on Earth.


    ��Bring the both of them back tonight.��


    Ren Baqian went closer to her and asked, ��Your Majesty, since there��s no one to serve you now, why don��t I help to heat up the water and prepare the bath for you?��


    Just as he finished his sentence, the empress stomped on his foot. He felt as if his big toe had fractured��


    ��Ssst!�� Ren Baqian exhaled cold air as he held onto his foot and realized that Gong Zheng and a few of the bodyguards were looking at him. As he red back at them, everyone immediately gave him a silent thumbs up.


    ��Find a room. I want to take a rest as I haven��t been sleeping well for the past two days.��


    ��Yes! I have already instructed someone to tidy up a room for you.�� Ren Baqian was limping and grimacing in pain as he followed behind the empress.


    ��Take your leave and settle the tasks that you need to do.�� The empress waved him off when they arrived at her room.


    After seeing the empress enter her room, Ren Baqian turned around, entered the hall, and instructed people to bring in Qingyun Sword as well as those captives from the night before.


    Sitting upon the wooden chair in the hall, the backrest of the chair turned out to be curved and incorporated the slightest hint of human engineering. Furthermore, there was actually a pillow behind the waist area that made him feelfortable when he sat down. This actually increased the value of the people of Tianjing Basin in his eyes.


    ��Go and find the original family that was living here. Ask them who made this chair, then bring that craftsman here,�� Ren Baqian instructed the bodyguard next to him. It just so happened that he wascking a carpenter who could make chairs and sofas.


    Thereafter, Ren Baqian fell into deep thought since it seemed as if there was something that was missing. When Qingyun Sword and the captives were brought into the hall after some time and saw the pensive look on Ren Baqian��s face, they began to guess that he was thinking of how to deal with them.


    Ren Baqian thought for a long time. All of a sudden, he finally realized why he felt that something was missing!


    It seemed like there was someone missing?


    Where did that littledy, Lin Qiaole, run to?


    Did anyone wake her up when they left this morning?


    ��


    Lin Qiaole was squatting on some branches as she looked at her surroundings. Everything was inplete disorder. She was dumbfounded��


    <em>???</em>


    <em>Where is everyone?</em>

 Chapter 459 - Eating Too Much Kimchi

    Chapter 459: Eating Too Much Kimchi


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��In the future, all of you can go out and take a look to see if it is like what I said it would be. There��s no need for me to lie to you. I��m an official, all of you are bandits, and cheating you doesn��t do me any good. If you guys revolt again, I will have to bear the responsibility as well. After all, Tianjing Basin is under my care now.


    Beheading all of you would actually resolve all the problems.


    The winged cavalry could spend a few months traveling from the north to the south and destroy the sects one by one. However, I��m sure all of you can imagine that kind of scene. Heads would naturally be rolling everywhere.


    However, from what I see, there is no need to do that.


    In fact, in the beginning, I wanted to kill each and every single one of you here. Tianjing Basin would be stabilized this way. With no one to take the lead, the remaining people wouldn��t have the means of creating any waves. After interacting with you guys for a period of time, however, it actually made me gain new insights.


    All of you are just people who operate independently from society. You guys neither have any big ambitions nor wish to be a ruler. All of you just wish to walk out of this ce, set up a sect, teach some disciples whenever there��s nothing to do, and asionally fight from time to time. All of these are small issues that don��t matter at all.


    No matter how well all of you can fight, can any of you defeat the empress or the big shots in the Dayao imperial court?


    As long as all of you remain content, sparring your lives isn��t impossible.


    Sparring your lives will also make it easier to stabilize the situation in Tianjing Basin. Everyone here is also one of Her Majesty��s people. In the future, all of you will be able to serve Her Majesty. There is no need for us to kill excessively and increase the hatred that you people have for the aboriginals.


    In addition, I get lightheaded upon seeing blood. I��m afraid of seeing heads roll on the ground. It isn��t a pretty sight.


    Therefore, we are giving you guys a chance to live! At the same time, it��s also an opportunity for others to survive!


    Go back and think about it.


    Guards, bring them back and give them some time to think about it.�� First of all, Ren Baqian repeated exactly what Qingyun Sword had said to them. Then, he continued to talk endlessly without getting to his main point for half the day. Atst, he finally stopped talking and ordered the guards to bring the captives back to let them think through what he had just said.


    ��Principal Ren, why go through this hassle?! Just like what you said, kill each and every single one of them and this ce will be peaceful,�� remarked Gong Zheng who stood by the sidelines.


    ��That would be the easy way, but if we want to stabilize the situation in Tianjing Basin, we will have to put in a lot of effort.�� Ren Baqian gestured with his hands. ��In the future, the system inside Tianjing Basin has to be changed. With these captives stepping up, things will be much easier for us too.��


    In addition, if Ren Baqian hadn��t met them, these captives would just be numbers to him. Killing them wouldn��t mean anything, but he had interacted with many of them, so in his mind, they were all flesh-and-blood people that had be a part of his memories. In this case, he didn��t find that it was necessary to kill them and decided to spare their lives.


    In just the short span of one year, Ren Baqian rose from being merely amoner to having a high official position and attaining the Man Wheel level. These sudden changes made it so his mentality was easily influenced by others.


    Previously, he had experienced the fine line between life and death, got poisoned, headed to an underground organization to grab biological weapons, went onto the battlefield, witnessed dead bodies everywhere with heads rolling on the ground, personally killed several people, and fled abroad to escape�� Everything that he had experienced over the past year practically reeked of blood.


    The empress and the other aboriginals that he often came into contact with treated ughtering people as something as simple as eating and drinking.


    These experiences had made his killing intent very strong.


    Even if an ordinary person got rich overnight, their mentality would change, let alone mention the things that Ren Baqian had experienced.


    As time psed, however, his temperament had gradually calm down.


    The inhabitants of Tianjing Basin should actually be grateful toward that little girl.


    Over the past few weeks, Ren Baqian had interacted a lot with that sweet and naive Zhan Caixian. This actually made him calm down quite a bit.


    In any case, she was his favorite erhu disciple and was innocent to the point of being pitiful. Ultimately, he didn��t want to see her being disced and living the life of a vagrant while being hated by her nation. Moreover, if this sweet and naive girl were to wander outside, he was afraid that she would be sold to a brothel in no time.


    After another two hours passed, Ren Baqian finally saw Lin Qiaole entering from outside.


    Ren Baqian thought that she would scratch him since he had left her behind on Mount Wu, but contrary to what he expected, she yawned, headed to the courtyard, found an empty room, and continued sleeping.


    It seemed that nothing was more important than sleeping in Lin Qiaole��s heart.


    After standing for a while, Ren Baqian went to find Xi Wanya and wanted to find out if he could mobilize another 5,000 soldiers to Tianjing Basin. At the same time, Ren Baqian contacted Li Qianqiu to send the three schrs he had kidnapped over to Tianjing Basin.


    Since they had even begged Li Qianqiu to kidnap their entire families back to Dayao, this meant that they had given up all hope of returning to Great Xia.


    These three people would actually be useful.


    At the very least, he could mix these intellectuals with theborers in Tianjing Basin.


    ��


    Even after tossing over 40 people inside a house that looked like a warehouse, there was still arge amount of open area. Although slightly chilly, there were still lots of empty space remaining.


    ��Do all of you think that his words are credible?�� One of the women shifted her body to lean against the wall because this position was a lot morefortable.


    Right after the aboriginal soldiers left, she couldn��t help but to speak up.


    ��I don��t believe a single word that a bandit says.��


    ��Just like what he said, how does he benefit from lying to us?��


    ��Who knows? He might be plotting something.��


    ��I actually feel that he isn��t lying!�� one person said. ��First of all, we are already in his hands. Whether we live or not isn��t up to us anymore. It isn��t necessary for him to lie to us about this aspect. Secondly, he��s also an outsider to the aboriginals.��


    Everyone looked over at this person after he spoke.


    ��He is an outsider. Although Qi Zixiao chose him to be her husband, everything he owns is based on Qi Zixiao��s feelings. He doesn��t have any foundations in Dayao��s imperial court and will not be epted by any of the other officials in the court either. Just a thought from Qi Zixiao and he would be reduced to nothing.��


    ��What are you trying to imply?��


    ��He has to cultivate his own power, a power that doesn��t belong to the aboriginals, in order to stabilize his own position. Nobody in their right mind would hand over everything they have to another person.�� The person speaking was a woman who wore a brocade top. One of her legs had been broken by someone and was dragging on the floor in a distorted shape. However, she ignored the pain in her leg and analyzed Ren Baqian��s situation for everyone instead.


    She continued, ��Regardless of whether it is to allow the people of Tianjing Basin to walk out of here or to urge us to surrender, it was necessary to disrupt the internal situation of Dayao. If we want to stand firm, we have to rely on him. Simrly, if he wants to stabilize his position, he has to garner support too. Will the aboriginals support him? Only our people have the possibility of doing so.��


    After hearing what the woman said, everyone fell into deep thought. The likelihood of what she said was pretty high.


    ��In any case, we aren��t willing to take things lying down. My master and junior died at their hands. If I can��t avenge them, am I still considered a human being?�� asked a man with one arm missing as hey on the floor. His eyes were filled with resentment.


    ��


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian returned to Earth. Just when he arrived in the living room, he heard soundsing from the television only to see both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan sitting on the sofa, holding a bag of chips, and wiping their tears while they watched a television series�� Moreover, it was a Korean television series�� At this moment, the scene on the television was showing a couple as they parted forever!


    ��Principal Ren, why do they always have terminal illnesses? Why can��t they be cured by a doctor? Why can��t couples be together? The terminal illnesses here are very cruel!�� Listening to what the both of them had to say, he knew that they had watched more than one television series over the past few days.


    Most of the deaths suffered by the aboriginals were due to old age or from fighting a war. It was rare to see an aboriginal dying on their sickbed.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and replied, ��It is because they ate too much kimchi! That thing causes cancer!��


    Once Ren Baqian finished speaking, he turned his head and looked, only to see a badly battered Shen Feng who stood in a corner in a well-behaved manner. She was looking at Ren Baqian with her eyes full of tears.


    ��What happened to you?�� Ren Baqian got the shock of his life.


    Shen Feng didn��t only seem like she had been wronged, she was practically depressed��


    Those twodiespletely ignored what she said and insisted that the vi was the empress��s temporary residence. To her dismay, she couldn��t defeat the two of them��

 Chapter 460 - KFC Bucket Meal

    Chapter 460: KFC Bucket Meal


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian knew with one look that Shen Feng had been beaten up by Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    He only managed to pry the details out after multiple rounds of questioning.


    As the house was empty most of the time, Shen Feng would drop by every now and then to ensure that it was well maintained. It was the same this time, except that she was knocked down by two people the moment she stepped in.


    Ren Baqian had always assumed that Shen Feng was a decently skilled expert, but even so, she was quickly beaten up by those two before she could even see their faces.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan saw the vi as a temporary imperial residence, so anyone entering without the empress��s permission wasmitting a capital offense. Shen Feng had brought up Ren Baqian��s name, but the two of them wouldn��t budge. Instead, they insisted that her punishment would be meted out when Ren Baqian returned.


    No matter what she said, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan simply wouldn��t listen.


    Shen Feng was trapped here and forced to order KFC Bucket Meals for them over the past two days�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan would beat her up if she didn��tply with their demands.


    It had been two days since Shen Feng was first given a good beating and forced to order KFC for the pair. She was about to go crazy with anger.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t sure if he shouldugh or cry. He looked at the two who only returned his gaze with remorseless expressions��


    ��Go back and tend to your injuries. I��ll double your sry for this month!�� Ren Baqian asked Shen Feng to leave before turning his attention to Qing Yuan and Hong Luan. ��Please don��t tell me that the two of you did this for the KFC Bucket Meals.��


    ��How could that be?�� the two replied guiltily. ��That thing on the television doesn��t even look appetizing!��


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words��


    The people of Dayao were all too simr.


    They wouldn��t use their brains if they could settle the matter with their fists.


    Always taking things one step at a time.


    Anyone prying their skulls open would probably find muscles inside instead of grey and white matter. What a biological miracle.


    ��When are we going back?�� the two asked. Listening to Shen Feng��s report, Ren Baqian had almost forgotten that the two of them were a long way from home.


    They didn��t ask if the empress had won. To them, the empress was the most formidable being, and Ren Baqian��s return was evidence of that.


    ��I��ll take both of you back in a few days,�� Ren Baqian replied before he walked to his room to get changed.


    A short while after, he said, ��I��ll bring the two of you out for some food.��


    He realized it wasn��t nice to keep them cooped up in this cold, empty house.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan rejoiced upon hearing his words. The two of them had developed an interest in the world they saw on television. This house, with its deste woods and few neighbors, was a far cry from all of that.


    Ren Baqian picked up his cell phone to call Shen Feng, but decided otherwise. He thought of going online to find a local clothing brand and having theme over to do a private fitting for the twodies.


    Two hourster, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan lookedpletely different from before. Qing Yuan had on a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans while Hong Luan wore a blue mid-length dress. Their hair was still way too long when let down, but at least they were much less conspicuous now.


    The two of them behaved like curious babies on the journey to the city center. Their faces were practically stered to the car windows as they stared at everything that they passed.


    Qing Yuan was especially chatty.


    Ren Baqian flippantly answered their questions while he drove.


    Night had begun to fall when they reached the city center. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan looked in amazement as the streets lit up against the darkening sky.


    The splendor of this scene alone made them wonder if they had arrived in the celestial realm.


    Compared to the empty world they came from, this was no different from the celestial realm.


    However, the people here were really weak�� just like Principal Ren.


    Principal Ren was much stronger now, almost as strong as the average person. He was previously like a paper person who would get blown away with the breeze.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan only quieted down when they entered a rather upscale eating establishment.


    After filling their bellies with food and licking the tes clean, Qing Yuan faintly muttered, ��It��s not as good as the KFC Bucket Meal.��


    She cautiously continued and asked, ��Is the KFC Bucket Meal expensive?��


    Ren Baqian almost vomited blood when he heard this. Were they seriously thinking that he brought them here because a KFC Bucket Meal was much more expensive?


    ��I��m going to bury the two of you in KFC fried chicken when we get back,�� Ren Baqian replied spitefully.


    After the meal, Ren Baqian took them around the city center to show them the sights.


    The two of them were marveling at every single thing they saw. Passers-by couldn��t help but steal a few nces at them. After all, it was quite strange for these two beautiful city girls to behave as though they had juste in from the boonies.


    Ren Baqian had always felt that Dayao was much poorer and more deste than the rural areas on Earth. At least the people in the rural areas had televisions and cell phones.


    Over the next few days, Ren Baqian brought them out for a spin every now and then.


    Aside from this, he would read up on Buddhist teachings. Ren Baqian nned to introduce parts of these teachings to the people of Tianjing Basin.


    The first thing that came to mind when Buddhism was brought up was its emphasis on renouncing material ties, cleansing of the mind and body, taking the path of peace, and karma. Ren Baqian felt that these principles would do well to appease the people of Tianjing Basin.


    There wasn��t a way to keep them under control indefinitely, and no one could promise that they would put away thoughts of rebellion for good. Among those experts, there were some that were as pure as Qingyun Sword, but also others who definitely had other intentions. It was only a matter of how many of them were there and whether they would stir up another rebellion. Killing all the experts wasn��t going to solve the problem since their disciples would one day rise to the asion. Even killing everyst disciple wouldn��t nip the problem in the bud because their skills could be passed on in secret.


    Religion should work well to control them.


    If all of them chose to renounce desire and walk a virtuous path, then things would be good.


    After flipping through several books, however, he found that it wasn��t quite what he had thought.


    Buddhism was pretty much a form of training that practiced asceticism to achieve nirvana.


    Its main purpose was to hone one��s current life to achieve reincarnation. Why did people have the belief that it was to cultivate the next life? This was probably because most people were ordinary citizens with average willpower and a lower capacity for understanding the true meaning behind its lessons. Furthermore, being able to hope for a better future was in line with most people��s goals in life.


    Reading up made him slightly interested and increased his inclination toward introducing this peaceful religion.


    What he was unsure of was whether to bring over the raw religion as it was or to make some of his own modifications first.


    At its root, Buddhism was about practice. Ren Baqian would include the part about cultivating one��s next life to control them better.


    The more details there were, the more loopholes there would be.


    After a few days, Ren Baqian brought the two of them back. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan missed this ce a little.


    Here, there were KFC Bucket Meals to eat and television shows to watch. It was much more fun than the pce was, and they loved it here.

 Chapter 461 - Three Columns of Troops

    Chapter 461: Three Columns of Troops


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The three had just returned to Dayao. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan then left to find the empress.


    However, after the guards saw Qing Yuan and Hong Luaning out of Ren Baqian��s room, they looked at him as if they were looking at an animal.


    Ren Baqian carried a pot of porridge to the rear courtyard and waited for a long time. He ate breakfast with the empress and had Qingyun Sword brought to the hall.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian saw Qingyin Sword in the hall. He looked much older and more haggard, and Ren Baqian became worried because he looked like he could die at anytime.


    ��Well, have you decided yet?�� asked Ren Baqian, who was sitting above him.


    ��What do you want me to do?�� Qingyin Sword asked.


    Ren Baqian crossed his legs and leisurely said, ��The Lingshan Sect isn��t too far from here. Go there and persuade them to surrender. Of course, someone will apany you. It will be best if they surrender. Otherwise, I can��t spare them if they are dissidents who stir up trouble in Tianjing Basin. I will seal the mountain, and not even the chickens and dogs in the Lingshan Sect will be spared. Their lives depend on you.��


    Qingyun Sword looked even more miserable.


    His lifelong reputation was at stake.


    If he didn��t go, Ren Baqian would certainly dispatch other people to make the trip there. However, it would not be hard to make the Lingshan Sect surrender. He might as well make the trip there, warn them of the consequences, and maybe convince them. It seemed like he wouldn��t be able to keep his lifelong reputation after all.


    ��I promise you.�� Qingyun Sword sighed.


    ��Those who act ording to the circumstances are wise. A person of your status will presumably not renege on your words, so I will not y any tricks and will make the necessary arrangements for your journey.��


    ��I have one more question!�� Qingyun Sword raised his head to stare at Ren Baqian.


    ��Speak up!��


    ��What��s the background of the woman who apanied you?�� Qingyun Sword stared intently at Ren Baqian. The death of his master had been a thorn in his heart. His master had reached the legendary realm and broken through the Spirit Wheel level, but had still died at that ce. Qingyun Sword had not progressed for many years and a stab wound from a sword a few days ago had injured him to the core. He might not be able to reach that level anymore and had no way to personally travel to see what was there was at that ce.


    To obtain news about that region deep inside the Sixty Thousand Mountains, he could only depend on the Spirit Wheel expert who had apanied Ren Baqian


    ��Are you referring to Lin Qiaole? She was adopted by someone when she was a baby. What else do you know?�� Ren Baqian��s curiosity was piqued. When Qingyun Sword previously mentioned that she wasn��t a human, he reckoned that Qingyun Sword knew something.


    ��She was adopted? Are you lying to me?�� Qingyun Sword red at him coldly and asked in a loud voice.


    After all, he was a Spirit Wheel, and his angry outburst gave Ren Baqian a shock. Gong Zheng, who was beside him, took a step forward and stared coldly at Qingyun Sword.


    ��She was truly adopted from outside the pce by the pce librarian. I don��t have many concrete details about her background, and she doesn��t know about it either. What is it that you know?��


    Qingyun Sword cooled down after hearing Ren Baqian��s exnation and didn��t say another word.


    He only told Ren Baqian about his master��s misadventure after he was asked repeatedly, and this made Ren Baqian curious.


    This was the second time he had heard about the level beyond the Spirit Wheel level.


    The previous time, he heard about the founding emperor, who had attained Longevity Heaven. As for an expert who had attained Cardinal Heaven, he or she was as good as a Spirit Wheel expert. An expert who attained Longevity Heaven was equivalent to the level attained by Qingyun Sword��s master. However, the fighting prowess of a Longevity Heaven expert would be slightly greater. The founding emperor and many people who went with him were missing too.


    This time, it was about Qingyun Sword��s master.


    Ren Baqian kept this matter under wraps for now and would send people to investigate when the opportunity arose.


    He interrogated the people that were brought in once more. Most of the 40 odd people surrendered as expected, but those few unyielding ones were executed on the spot by Ren Baqian��s order. Not long after, someone brought in the decapitated heads.


    Ren Baqian waved them away and said, ��Do not show me again. Find a ce to bury them. I believe in Buddhism now and cannot see killing taking ce.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian requested that the empress issue the order. A Spirit Wheel expert from the Protectorate of the South led 200 winged cavalry warriors and 200 ordinary soldiers to apany Qingyun Sword to Mount Lingshan.


    If they surrendered, they were be taken back as captives. At the same time, all valuables would be plundered to supplement the state treasury as wars were still being waged to the northeast and the southeast.


    If they didn��t yield, the Lingshan Sect would be wiped out immediately and then the valuable items would be taken back to Dayao.


    The biggest sects in Tianjing Basin should have families with a vast amount of umted wealth.


    Subsequently, he sent out another 200 winged cavalry warriors, 200 ordinary soldiers, and the disciples of some of the small sects that were located along the way. They went door to door to check. If the sect surrendered, the aboriginals would do some plundering. If not, the sect would be totally exterminated.


    200 Earth Wheel experts would almost be able to walk all over Tianjing Basin if they didn��t encounter any Spirit Wheel experts with their Heaven-grade weapons.


    After arranging for the departure of these two groups, Ren Baqian attended to other matters. The next day, he personally led Lin Qiaole and 200 winged cavalry warriors to the Golden Ring Residence.


    ��


    While Ren Baqian was still on the road, Qingyun Sword and the rest of his group had already reached the base of Mount Lingshan.


    The Lingshan Sect was named after this ce and its gate, which was a lofty stone gate. It was located at the base of the mountain. The characters ��ling shan�� were carved at the top and would instantly elicit admiration from a first time viewer.


    It was said that these two characters contained a set of sword techniques. Previously, an expert who came to challenge the Lingshan Sect saw these characters at the gate and stood there for three daysprehending the characters before bowing and leaving.


    Later on, when the Lingshan Sect encountered a great enemy, this person even showed up to help repel the enemy.


    The descendants of that person remained in Tianjing Basin and still lived there, but they had already declined a long time ago.


    This matter was recorded in the ancient records of the Lingshan Sect.


    From the gate to halfway up the mountain, there were steps made of white stones that were shiny like jade and undamaged over hundreds of years. Probably a few thousands steps long, the staircase wound up the mountain like a white snake.


    To build such a mountainous road in this world, the resources and human effort needed was hard to imagine. Every step was made of this valuable stone, and this made it even more precious.


    The steps were an eye-popping sight for the winged cavalry. They were told by Ren Baqian to take back valuable things and these steps looked expensive.


    The winged cavalry interacted with Ren Baqian quite frequently and knew his ce in the empress��s heart. Thus, they paid close attention to Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��Wait for me here. Let me go up to persuade them.�� Qingyun Sword turned to speak to the other Spirit Wheel expert.


    The Spirit Wheel expert leading the group was named Qing Ping. As the Vanguard Captain of the Protectorate of the South, a Standard ss Rank 4 official, he was the very first person ranked below Xi Wanya and the Assistant Protector General.


    ��Two hours!�� Qing Ping said in a deep voice. ��After two hours, whether you are sessful or not, I will lead my people to give Mount Lingshan a bloodbath.��


    Qingyun Sword cupped his hands, made a slight move to disappear from their view, and reappeared on the steps. After a few lightning moves, he was nowhere to be seen.


    Less than one hour after Qingyun Sword went up, Qing Ping felt the collision of two forces which was caused by two Spirit Wheel experts fighting.


    ��Sir, do we need to go up?�� the captain of the winged cavalry asked.


    ��Wait!�� Qing Ping said sternly.


    The battle ended in less time than it took to burn a stick of incense.


    After another hour, Qingyun Sword came down from the mountain.


    His face was pale, his clothes had wet stains, and it looked like a lot of saliva had been spat on him.


    ��General, they have surrendered!��


    Following his words, more than 300 people came down from the mountain. Everyone wore green tops, including the men, the women, and even the babies in swaddle wraps!


    Leading them was an old man who kept his eyes on Qing Ping ever sinceing down.


    He had fought with Qing Ping before, but he needed thebined power of three people to fight to a draw with him.


    ��We have surrendered!�� this old man said with anguish.


    ��There are a lot of people! Tie them up,��Qing Ping said sternly.


    These few hundred people instantly became agitated.


    ��Her Majesty has given the order to exterminate everyone if anyone rebels. Even chickens and dogs will not be spared!�� Qing Ping said in a murderous tone.


    ��Keep quiet!�� shouted the old man who led them.


    Qing Ping ensured that every captive had both hands tied before waving his hand andmanding, ��Go up the mountain!��

 Chapter 462 - Forced to Surrender

    Chapter 462: Forced to Surrender


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��What are you sniffing at?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but ask as he looked at the rarely awake Lin Qiaole who was sniffing at his body.


    In fact, he had realized that over thest few days, Lin Qiaole was exceptionally fond of snuggling beside him while she slept. She would also sniff around his body everyday whenever she woke up.


    If it were someone else and not Lin Qiaole, Ren Baqian would have suspected that his charisma had surmounted the horizon.


    ��Oh, it smell very nice! Very fragrant!�� Lin Qiaole appeared to be a little bewitched.


    Ren Baqian suspiciously took a whiff of his own body. He had already given the perfume to the empress, and what remained on his body was simply a diluted and mild odor. However, he had also realized that the winged cavalry had been distancing themselves from him intentionally over thest few days. To his surprise, Lin Qiaole actually said that he was fragrant?


    Could it be that Lin Qiaole actually liked the smell of stinky tofu?


    A peculiar indulgence indeed��


    He wasn��t sure if she liked the smell of stinky socks and feet that hadn��t been washed for a month. If she liked it, he might actually be able to satisfy her.


    Everyone rested for about an hour before continuing on their journey. After half a day, they had finally arrived at the Golden Ring Residence. Their main gate could already be seen from afar.


    ��


    In the Golden Ring Residence, a group of people was currently busy packing things. They weren��t even able to deal with some bits and pieces that had dropped to the floor. The entire scene was rushed and muddled as if they were running for their lives.


    Zhan Changkong looked around at everything in the residence and felt a little reluctant to part with this ce.


    However, it was very clear to him that they couldn��t stay in the northern area of Tianjing Basin any longer. The army of the Protectorate of the South was already marching south and making their way over. It would only be a matter of days before the army reached them, and they wouldn��t be able to defend this ce by then. Zhan Changkong and his people would only be able to stand a chance against the army after assembling all the various sects, recruiting more soldiers, and relying on the undting terrain further south.


    Still, he didn��t have high expectations about withstanding the winged cavalry.


    ��Like I said, we might as well cross Mount Wangduan and go to the Chen Nation before making a detour to the Yun Nation,�� the Painting Fairy said from the side.


    ��I can walk, you can walk, but they can��t walk anymore,�� Zhan Changkong replied in a deep voice.


    Even though the Earth Wheel experts had the ability to make it, they could each only bring along one person.


    At most, only a handful of them had the possibility of escaping. What about the rest of their people?


    Some of those in the residence were disciples of the Golden Ring Residence, fathers and grandfathers who had served the residence for many generations.


    How could he possibly leave those people behind and depart on his own?


    ��Father, are we really going to leave?�� Zhan Caixian walked over from the courtyard, hugging her beloved flower vase. She was feeling a little reluctant to leave.


    ��We wille back.�� It was not that Zhan Changkong was willing to leave or that he was willing to give up his sect��s heritage, but not only did the Golden Ring Residence have no ability to resist the aboriginal army, they had no advantageous terrain either.


    It wasn��t possible for them to defend theirnd.


    ��Master, bad news! Master!��


    ��What has caused you to be so rmed?�� Zhan Changkong asked.


    ��The aboriginals are here! They are already near the main gate!��


    ��So fast? Hurry! Take Caixian and leave! I will lead our men and face the enemies!�� Zhan Changkong was shocked. The aboriginals had actually arrived earlier than he had expected. He had only been back for two days, yet the aboriginals had actually caught up.


    Now wasn��t the time to hesitate. He briefed the Painting Fairy, strode forward a few steps before stopping, and said, ��If I die, take Caixian and leave. The further the better. Go to the Yun Nation or Great Xia. Don��t think about taking revenge!��


    ��Father?�� Zhan Caixian cried out in rm.


    The Painting Fairy had a miserable look on her face. However, since she had once roamed around in society, she decided that she shouldn��t be effeminate about it. She held onto Zhan Caixian and wanted to leave through the mountains.


    During the founding era of the Golden Ring Residence, they had considered the possibility of an enemy invasion. As a result, they built arrow towers in the residence as well as hidden alleys for people to hide in. Despite not knowing how effective these were, Zhan Changkong still arranged his men ordingly while leading a few attendants to the main gate.


    All he could see in the horizon, was a group of cavalry heading in his direction. Even though their movements weren��t hasty, everyone still felt a little tensed up.


    Regardless of which sect it was, anyone would be frightened when they were faced with the approaching aboriginal cavalry. What they were afraid of wasn��t the group of cavalry, but the intentions that these riders came with.


    ��Master, it��s the winged cavalry���� One of the attendants turned pale after looking around for some time.


    After hearing what he said, everyone was terrified.


    ��Have the sect��s younger disciples leave�� Attendant Chu, you leave as well,�� Zhan Changkong said. Since the enemy sent the winged cavalry, those younger disciples would not be of much help anymore. Even those who stood beside him were no match for the winged cavalry. This being the case, he might as well allow the younger disciples to leave. At the very least, they could still continue the sect��s legacy.


    Even though Attendant Chu��s skills weren��t the greatest, he was a jack of all trades and was capable enough to pass down the residence��s martial arts to the subsequent generations.


    ��As for the rest���� Zhan Changkong turned around and looked at the people behind him. His gaze was slightly apologetic. There had to be people who stayed behind to stall and buy time for the rest.


    ��Advance or retreat, we��ll stay with master!�� one of the attendants shouted.


    ��After spending a few decades in the residence, I��m old now and can��t walk. I don��t want to leave either!�� Another attendant smiled.


    ��After staying here for decades, let��s thrash them up for thest time! Damn them!�� said another pale and schrly attendant in a hoarse voice. This attendant was originally a bandit from the mountains. He tried to rob the Golden Ring Residence, but ended up having his own stronghold destroyed before finally managing to escape death with great difficulty.


    Eventually, he decided to pick himself up from where he fell and actually joined the Golden Ring Residence. His staysted several decades, and he even became an attendant.


    As Zhan Changkong looked at everyone, his eyes welled up with tears. He pursed his lips and said, ��I��m not alone in this life! Not alone!��


    One by one, everyone began tough. Even the powerful enemy wasn��t that frightening anymore. The worst that could happen was merely death.


    Zhan Changkong wasn��t alone in this life and would even havepanions on his journey to hell.


    As the cavalry drew closer, Zhan Changkong could already see the people at the front, and managed to spot Ren Baqian among the crowd at a nce.


    ��We were tricked by him!�� Zhan Changkong wasn��t resigned to fate. If it wasn��t for Ren Baqian, they probably wouldn��t havended in this state and the elder he respected the most wouldn��t have died in battle. It was that girl beside Ren Baqian who had bitten the great elder to death. Zhan Changkong��s heart filled with remorse every time he thought about this.


    He had never expected Ren Baqian to actually be the one who would eliminate the Golden Ring Residence. The thought of almost handing over his daughter to Ren Baqian simply made Zhan Changkong feel likeughing. Thisughter was filled with sorrow and unwillingness.


    When they were about 100 meters away from the main gate, Ren Baqian instructed the troops toe to a halt.


    Presently, there were over 30 people standing outside the main gate. Other than the eight people in front, who were Spirit Wheel experts, the others behind them were all at the Man Wheel level.


    Using such a force to obstruct the winged cavalry was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.


    Ren Baqian applied some pressure to the abdomen of his fork-horned cow, and it began to move forward slowly beforeing to a halt in front of the troops.


    ��You still have the cheek to stand here! I was indeed blind back then!�� Zhan Changkong scolded.


    ��I intentionally rushed here to propose a path of escape for you. Otherwise, why would my presence even be required for the Golden Ring Residence to surrender?�� Ren Baqian shook his head and continued, ��Just surrender! You guys simply wanted to walk out of here. In fact, that��s what I want as well. It��s really wasteful to have so many people in Tianjing Basin without being able to utilize them. My purpose foring this time was to allow the people of Tianjing Basin to gradually walk out of here and coexist with the aboriginals. Isn��t that the future you guys wanted to see as well?��


    ��Enough of your flowery speech! I��d rather die than surrender. If you have what it takes,e and take my head!�� a pale-faced attendant cursed in rage.


    Ren Baqian had some impression of this man. He was one of the internal attendants of the Golden Ring Residence.


    He had the looks of a pretty boy, but his character was in fact very boorish.


    However, it was indeed quite admirable to have the face of a pretty boy at the age of about 60.


    ��A monk does not tell lies. I��m the Principal of the ck Bamboo Academy and a Secondary ss Rank 4 official. Why would I lie to uncultivated people in society like you guys? Besides, I believe that the Golden Ring Residence would be trampled in a matter of minutes. Under such circumstances, why would I waste time and try to cheat you guys? This is your only way to survive! I suppose you��ve already arranged for your people to leave via the mountains, haven��t you?�� Ren Baqian asked faintly. Since the other party was already expecting them at the gate, the other party definitely would not have left people in the residence to wait for death.


    ��Send 100 men to the mountains, capture their people, and bring them back here,�� Ren Baqian turned around and said. ��Keep them alive. If they retaliate, break their limbs, but keep them alive!��


    ��You��ll die a tragic death, you traitor!�� someone from the crowd immediately cursed. Those from the residence had only left a short while ago. How were they going to escape the pursuit of 100 Earth Wheel experts?


    Ren Baqian tilted his head and realized that he had be a monster that everyone detested.


    It was said that his purpose was to bring warmth to themunity.


    These people were really�� He had instead been bitten for his good intentions��


    ��Do all of you surrender? If yes, as long as all of you know your ce and do not oppose the imperial court, everybody will naturally be safe and sound. Everyone can walk out of Tianjing Basin as well. As long as you apply for a temporary identity card and a residential permit, anybody can go to Lan City and live below the empress.


    If you don��t surrender, I will also be kind hearted and allow your entire family to beplete. Even if they escape to Great Xia, I will still find and let them reunite with everyone else.


    Why do I say this? Aplete family is the most important!


    It would be too cruel if a few of them were missing!��


    Dear benefactors, there is a shore when you turn back from the boundless bitter ocean, and you can be absolved of your crimes if you repent!


    Now, do all of you surrender? Or are all of you going to wait until we disy your people��s heads here before feeling regret?�� Ren Baqian spoke softly at the beginning, but he became so stern by the time he said thest two sentences that even his eyebrows were knitted.


    ��Do you surrender?!��


    ��Do you surrender?!��


    ��Do you surrender?!�� 100 winged cavalry warriors shouted loudly behind Ren Baqian with thunderous voices.


    With the support of 100 winged cavalry warriors, Ren Baqian seemed like a devil king.


    Everyone at the main gate had already had the mindset that their deaths were inevitable and felt that there was nothing to fear. However, they were all so emotionally moved by this influence and pressure that they subconsciously took a step back.


    ��Surrender! We surrender!��

 Chapter 463 - Several Issues, Several People

    Chapter 463: Several Issues, Several People


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��We surrender!�� Zhan Chankong��s face was as pale as death when he said these words.


    The lips of the people behind Zhan Chankong moved, but ultimately, nothing came out of their mouths.


    Ren Baqian��s persuasion had caused their fighting spirit to crumble in several ways.


    First of all, the aboriginals had never had the custom of forcing the other party to surrender. They would only go all out and risk their lives.


    Second, the goal of the majority of the people in the Golden Ring Residence was to get out of Tianjing Basin or to simply follow in the footsteps of their great elder.


    For the former, Ren Baqian��s words had already included this point and managed to reduce the number of rebels. As for thetter, since the great elder of their residence was already dead, did they still need to court death?


    Third, if they were really going to die, that wouldn��t be an issue, but it would be too vicious if their families were killed as well. Either everyone lives or everyone dies��there wasn��t a best of both worlds option. Thus, this caused them to cower once again.


    ��Not bad! A wise man submits to the circumstances!�� Ren Baqin nodded. That little girl wouldn��t have to lead a solitary and impoverished life or end up getting sold to a brothel.


    If he imparted his erhu skills to his only disciple and she ended up in a brothel, that would be something that he could never endure.


    However, at this moment, someone walked out of the crowd. Everyone was rmed when they saw his movements.


    ��Attendant Peng? What are you doing?��


    ��I won��t me all of you for surrendering. Also, I won��t implicate any of you. Great Elder was my benefactor. Since I��m ipetent and can��t take revenge for him, I��m too embarrassed to live on. In this case, I might as well join him in the underworld and wait upon him!�� One person stood apart from the crowd and stared intensely at Ren Baqian. He was that extremely pale-looking attendant from before.


    After hearing what Attendant Peng said, everyone felt ashamed of themselves. Even Zhan Chankong was emotionally moved by what was said.


    Several of the people behind him shifted their positions slightly to the side. After that, a man walked out of the crowd, stood beside Attendant Peng, and said, ��I��m all alone without any family. I have already lived enough. I will apany you on your final journey.��


    ��Me too! Great Elder treated me pretty well. I��ll go down and apany him.��


    ��Me too!��


    Five or six people consecutively walked to Attendant Peng��s side. Among them, there was even an internal attendant.


    At this instant, more people began wavering. Even Zhan Chankong was struggling with his decision.


    In fact, Ren Baqian actually admired these people. Just relying on their loyalty, they could actually sacrifice their precious lives. However, this could also be seen as a weakness because they were too rash.


    As a sect leader, Zhan Changkong was actually influenced by others and disregarded his wife and children for a moment. He was practically garbage.


    Initially, Ren Baqian��s impression of Zhan Changkong was pretty good since he had gifted his daughter to him. Those were brownie points.


    However, after witnessing this, his impression of Zhan Changkong plummeted.


    Sitting on the back of a fork-horned cow, Ren Baqian said in a cold voice, ��So many of you are actually influenced by others when it��s your own lives. One moment, you guys decide to surrender. The next moment, you decide not to. The bunch of you don��t even have your own views. If I were to put it nicely, you guys are a bunch of loyal and affectionate fellows. If I were to say it bluntly, you guys are just a bunch of brainless cowards.��


    When Ren Baqian said these words, apart from those who had already stood out from the crowd, everyone else bowed their heads.


    Zhan Changkong also sighed. He looked at Attendant Peng and the others with a guilty expression on his face.


    On the other hand, Attendant Peng said carefreely, ��Chief, you don��t have to feel guilty. This is my choice. Everyone, we��ll make our move first. In the future, if we ever meet in the underworld, let��s drink and chat merrily together.��


    Ren Baqian revealed a look of admiration for Attendant Peng. This guy was pretty good.


    Such a pity.


    It wasn��t only him, even the winged cavalry behind him were also full of admiration for Attendant Peng.


    After all, they were all brave men who fought on the bloody battlefield, and their favorite kind of people were vehement and heroic; the type who could joke about death.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands andmanded, ��Send them to hell!��


    ��Sir Ren, let me do the honors.�� One of the winged cavalry warriors cupped his hands at Ren Baqian, leaped high in the air, unsheathed his saber in midair, and shed it at Attendant Peng.


    A few saber gleams shed past. Each and every severed head soared into the sky.


    ��Dig a hole and bury them! Tie the others up and inform the yourrades that the people here have surrendered. Go easy on them,�� Ren Baqian instructed the winged cavalry.


    After tying up Zhan Changkong and the rest, Ren Baqian rode on his mount and headed toward the Golden Ring Residence.


    Before he arrived, there were ten subordinates that went inside to scout ahead in case there were any assassins or ambushes.


    When he entered the residence, he only saw a chaotic scene. There were even a few servants who hadn��t escaped in time and were shivering while kneeling on the ground.


    He could still remember the location of the Golden Ring Residence��s hall and didn��t need anyone to lead the way. Upon arriving in the hall, he looked up at the ceiling and realized that the 17 pearls were already missing.


    The captain of the winged cavalry came in and inquired, ��Sir, what should we do next?��


    ��Look at what other valuable things are around and wrap them up. Then, ask those people outside. I��m sure they know best regarding where the valuables are kept. Also, get them to hand over the 17 pearls.�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself after he spoke. Then, he continued, ��Check with them and determine if they have any libraries and get them to surrender any secret martial arts manuals to us. They can duplicate a copy and leave it as an inheritance, but the original copy has to be taken away.��


    He came up with the idea of taking away these secret martial arts manuals on the spot. After all, he might be able to gain something good from these big sects. Even if he couldn��t use it, it would be good to enrich the stash in Qingxin Pce Hall. Furthermore, he could also bring them back to Earth and hand them over to the nation. The more manuals he had, the better the effect of using supeputers to analyze these manuals. After all, supeputers weren��t gods, and they also required sufficient information to perform better analyses.


    Take AlphaGo for example. Without thousands of states of y stored inside its database, AlphaGo wouldn��t have been able to achieve such a level.


    [AlphaGo:puter program that ys the board game Go. It was developed by Alphabet Inc.��s Google DeepMind in London.]


    When night fell, those people who tried to escape into the mountains had been caught.


    From the beginning, Zhan Changkong had been locked in a room. He could onlyugh bitterly when he saw Painting Fairy, who had a swollen patch on her face as well as two broken arms, and Zhan Caixian being thrown into the same room while tied up securely.


    Upon seeing Zhan Changkong in the room, Painting Fairy��s panic-stricken eyes immediately settled down. She then smiled and asked, ��Do I look ugly now?��


    ��No! You are as beautiful as ever!�� Zhan Changkong shook his head and replied.


    ��When I went up the mountain, it seemed like I had forgotten something. Later on, I recalled that I once said I was going to apany you when you died. However, I was also worried about Xian��er, worried that she wouldn��t be able to survive on her own.


    [Xian��er: Zhan Caixian��s nickname]


    Presently, everything is well, and we don��t have to think so much. Our family is together now. Death is nothing. �� Painting Fairy��s eyes were filled with affection.


    ��I have let the both of you down,�� Zhan Changkong said in a gloomy voice.


    ��You did nothing to let us down. Whether we live or die, that will be our fate.�� Painting Fairy smiled. ��It��s just that we brought suffering to our Xian��er.��


    ��I��m not suffering. So long as I��m with both Father and Mother, I am content.��


    Seeing that both his wife and daughter had the same thoughts, he felt devastated. Soon after, he pulled himself together and said, ��However, it seems like we won��t die anytime soon.��


    He then repeated Ren Baqian��s words to the both of them.


    ��Because of what he said, I surrendered.��


    Painting Fairy smiled and said, ��I knew that my husband wasn��t a craven and cowardly person. Seeing that you are fine, I immediately understood that there must be a reason behind this.��


    Zhan Chankong felt even guiltier after hearing what she said.


    ��


    For the entire night, Ren Baqian checked over the treasures and secret manuals that they had plundered.


    There were a lot of valuable things. After all, these things had all been stockpiled by the Golden Ring Residence over an unknown number of years. It was already difficult to put a price tag on the value of just those 17 pearls.


    As for the secret martial arts manuals, he flipped through them casually before putting them down. He couldn��t distinguish which manuals were good or bad. As such, he instructed someone to bring these secret martial arts manuals and documents to Zhan Chankong so that he could brief someone, have them copy everything, and keep the new copies as the inheritance of Golden Ring Residence.


    Such an action also calmed the hearts of all the people in the Golden Ring Residence as they understood that Ren Baqian really wasn��t going to kill them.


    The next day, Ren Baqian got Zhan Changkong to arrange for someone to contact the disciples in the surrounding cities and have them surrender.


    After all, the Golden Ring Residence had been here for many years. It didn��t only include the people in the residence, but also many other disciples in the surrounding cities who had be officials. This greatwork of rtionships also had manyplications.


    When the second batch of 5,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the South arrived in Tianjing Basin, three of the five cities would definitely open their gates and surrender.


    This was also a verification of Ren Baqian��s initiative to get these people to surrender.

 Chapter 464 - Proof of Allegiance

    Chapter 464: Proof of Allegiance


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Early in the morning, hundreds of disciples from the Golden Ring Residence were standing together with both hands tied.


    These ropes were to remind them of their status, rather than to confine them.


    In front of these hundreds of people were 200 winged cavalry warriors. With just one charge, the scene would turn into a bloodbath. Earlier, Ren Baqian had let the Golden Ring Residence make a copy of their secret martial arts manuals for them to pass on. This was a relief to them, and they naturally wouldn��t do anything rash.


    Zhan Caixian was one of those among this group of people. A few days ago, she was still the daughter of the chief of the Golden Ring Residence and was doted on by everyone. However, she was a prisoner now. This sudden change in status and the experience of fleeing and being captured made her grow up overnight.


    She asionally turned to look at the disciples and noted that most of them looked gloomy.


    The hundreds of people just stood there quietly and barely made any noise.


    There was a flurry of footsteps, and Zhan Caixian saw Ren Baqian at the entrance of the courtyard.


    Thest time she met him, he was still the envoy of the Yun Nation, could cook delicious food, and taught her how to y the erhu. She never had contact day and night with a man before and even began to like him.


    However, upon seeing him this time around, he was a Dayao official and the husband of the Dayao��s empress, Qi Zixiao.


    Her family had descended into this situation because of him. It was also due to him that she and her parents had just been reunited and that they didn��t have to worry about the likelihood of losing their lives.


    This gave her an inexplicable feeling.


    This type of feeling wasplicated, and she didn��t know how to describe it. She didn��t know whether or not it was hate because she had never hated anyone before and didn��t know what it felt like.


    <em>Did he see me? </em>Zhan Caixian seemed to feel the gaze of Ren Baqian lingering on her face for a moment. She was jolted and lowered her head slightly.


    <em>Why did hee to the Golden Ring Residence? From Wu City the closest force is Lingshan Sect, the biggest sect in Tianjing Basin. The Golden Ring Residence isn��t only the weakest of the eight big sects, but also the furthest away. Why did hee here?�� </em>Zhan Caixian lowered her head and started to specte wildly.


    As Ren Baqian��s eyes swept over this group of people, he indeed spotted her. His gaze, however, didn��t linger on her at all.


    To him, this little girl was rather interesting, was innocent to the point of being pitiful, was his only erhu disciple, and at least had good ears to appreciate his music. He thought about the harsh reality of talented people rarely meeting others who could appreciate them, like Bo Ya meeting Zhong Ziqi!


    [A model example- Bo Ya��s story exemplifies the Chinese ideal of friendship]


    He personally came to the Golden Ring Residence just because of her. This was to prevent others from simply wiping out the whole Golden Ring Residence at the slightest provocation.


    Therefore, it wasn��t incorrect to say that he came here because of her.


    He had no romantic feelings for her, and knowing that she was still alive was enough to pacify him.


    The development of a bright future for the erhu world depended on her.


    ��We will go back first while you bring them back to Wu City. Please note that the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South should be here within these next two days. If there is any resistance or the Protectorate of the South has any problems with their forays, you can send soldiers to help them as required,�� Ren Baqian said as he walked.


    200 people didn��t look like a big number, but 200 winged cavalry warriors at the Earth Wheel level could aplish many tasks.


    If they were sent to Wu City as an escort, 50 of them would be enough.


    In Tianjing Basin, 50 of them were enough to breach a small city.


    ��We willply!�� a captain from the winged cavalry replied with cupped hands.


    ��As for the rations along the way, you can let Zhan Changkong arrange it. I believe he will ensure the delivery.��


    ��One other thing. Since they have surrendered, we may use them in the future. As long as they don��t make trouble, just let them be. For those who rebel, kill each and every rebel. If more than half rebel, kill all of them and then report only to me. However, I don��t think this will happen.�� Ren Baqian turned his head to look at the group in the courtyard as he spoke.


    ��Go back and make arrangements.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand after talking, and the captain immediately departed.


    Ren Baqian led a portion of the troops and rushed to Wu City. There were still many other matters which he needed to attend to.


    Setting out at the same time, 50 winged cavalry warriors escorted the captives and the looted items. Their traveling speed was much slower, and they had to split into two columns.


    Currently, there were only 100 winged cavalry warriors left in the residence. The others had been sent out two days ago to mop up the smaller sects like the Nine de Sects.


    ��


    One weekter, Ren Baqian returned to Wu City again. From a distance, he could see the original guards of Wu City manning the top of the city wall. He was surprised and wondered whether something had happened.


    When he arrived at the city gate, he discovered that the guards examining the travelers who were arriving and departing were also the original Wu City guards. A few winged cavalry warriors were standing at the top of the city wall with folded arms and hurried to report the arrival of Ren Baqian and the people that he had brought along.


    After half a month, the atmosphere in the city had recovered a little. At the very least, a few people could be seen walking around. However, they walked with their heads bowed and with quick steps, as if they were afraid of attracting attention.


    The shops in the city were open, and asionally, one or two people went in to buy items before leaving hurriedly.


    Ren Baqian went to the residence to visit the empress and saw her talking to Xi Wanya. He knocked on the doorsill, strode in, and said, ��Your Majesty, your subject has returned.��


    The empress nced at him and told Xi Wanya, ��You can take your leave now.��


    Once Xi Wanya had left, Ren Baqian smiled and dered, ��Your Majesty, I missed you very much!��


    The empress picked up a fruit and asked casually, ��How are things going?��


    ��Everything is going smoothly.��


    ��There isn��t any candy left.��


    ��I know. I will go back tonight. Does Your Majesty want to go there to rx?�� After speaking, Ren Baqian went closer to the empress and sniffed.


    The empress pressed her palm against his nose and asked, ��What are you doing?��


    ��That stench is finally gone.�� Ren Baqianughed. The empress��s body had regained its original fragrance.


    It was fine if Ren Baqian didn��t mention it, but the empress grew angry the moment he said it.


    If it wasn��t for him, would things turn out like that? Every time she thought about it, she felt like stuffing Ren Baqian in a wall with only his head hanging out so that she could give him two smacks at anytime to vent her anger.


    ��There are many people who were sent here over thest two days, and you can decide what to do with them. Kill those that deserve to be killed,�� the empress said coldly. She didn��t care about the lives of these people, but she could tell from Ren Baqian��s behavior that he had some ns for them.


    ��Let me handle that. I still have some hot pot base ingredients. How about having hot pot for dinner tonight?��


    ��Great!��


    Ren Baqian bade farewell to the empress and went out to gather news about recent incidents.


    Indeed, things were happening. The three major factions were rebelling with many sects joining them. This greatly increased the number of Earth Wheel experts that the three factions had avable, and some of them were under the charge of the few Spirit Wheel experts.


    It was fortunate that Ren Baqian had arranged for people to persuade the Lingshan Sect and some of the other sects to surrender. The areas where these sects were located were calm and peaceful.


    Right now, only a small number of cities in the north were rebelling, so this rebellion wouldn��t grow too big.


    On the contrary, the area south of Wu City was linked together in unity. Some sects understood that rebellion in the northern region wouldn��t be sustainable and would only lead to a dead end if they stayed put. After returning from Wu City, they brought their entire sects to the south and joined in to further strengthen the three factions.


    After hearing this news, Ren Baqian stood for a long time before asking Qingyun Sword, ��Did you know that the three factions are rebelling?��


    Qingyun Sword nodded silently.


    Ren Baqian continued, ��Please arrange contact with those sects. If one person participates in the rebellion, execute their family line. If more than one third of a sect rebels, wipe out their entire sect and their families. Give them one month toe to Wu City to report. Those who exceed the time limit will not be forgiven. By next month, those who arete by one day will be dead!


    This one third measurement is calcted among both the Man Wheel and Earth Wheel experts. As long as a third of either group rebels, the whole sect and their families will be exterminated. If a sect only has three Earth Wheel experts and one of them revolts, the whole sect will be reduced to ashes regardless of whether the other Earth Wheel or Man Wheel experts are involved.��


    If you want to save your lives, kill the insurgents ande to Wu City to report. I will guarantee your safety and security.��


    Qingyun Sword raised his head and replied, ��This is too harsh and tyrannical! Many sects have people serving in the military, and you are forcing them to die!��


    ��That��s their problem. Otherwise, how am I to know whether they are nasty people who are taking advantage of the situation? Furthermore, I don��t want to spend too much time on them because I have to consider all the people of Tianjing Basin. As for these experts, I have given them a lifeline. Whether they grasp this opportunity or not, it��s their problem.


    Also, if an entire sect joins the rebel army, but one of their members refuses to be associated with them and is willing to correct himself, he will also be given a chance. He just needs to bring along the head of another person from the same sect who is at the same level as him. Remember, it must be from the same sect and not from killing any random person.


    This is called proof of allegiance!��


    Ren Baqian words made Qingyun Sword speechless as he stared at him with hatred and misery.


    It was vicious, simply too vicious.


    Within a sect, there were bound to be people who wanted to live, whereas others wanted to rebel. It was impossible for everyone to be of one mind. Once this news was released, he could envision the sects splitting up and fellow disciples murdering each other. This would pit masters and their students against each other, rtives against rtives, and friends against friends.

 Chapter 465 - The Little Monk from the North

    Chapter 465: The Little Monk from the North


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At night, Ren Baqian soaked in his bathtub and sighed with satisfaction in the warm water.


    The return trip from the Golden Ring Residence took more than half a month. Wearily, he rushed to take a good bath upon returning to Earth.


    As a northerner, he loved to soak in warm baths. Taking these baths helped him to rx quite a bit.


    He switched on the television as he enjoyed the water. The first thing that came on was the news.


    First up was a report about new air traffic regtions. Flying motorcycles were more frequently seen on the news, and several affluent people had already brought over their own from abroad. This time around, the country had reacted swiftly, implementing a new set of air traffic regtions that required all new flying equipment to be inspected and licensed by the relevant authorities first. Of course, anyone with half a brain knew that these licenses would be obtainable.


    The next piece of news was slightly rted to him, it was about ��Golden Medical.�� This was the pharmaceuticalpany that Ren Baqian had coborated with the Chen family to establish.


    Theb was an independent entity andpletely separate from thepany.


    Ren Baqian watched the news for a while, noting that they were talking about the new leukemia drug. At this point, the drug was still undergoing clinical testing and wasn��t ready formercial production. From the looks of it, things were going well as it had already made its way to the news.


    Since Ren Baqian was in a special position, his coboration with the Chen family was going extremely smoothly. There were always people of power who opened paths and provided assistance to ensure that things went well.


    After watching the news, Ren Baqian switched the television off. He changed into a new set of clothes and headed down to where the empress was eating ice cream while watching a television series.


    Ren Baqian felt a sense of deja vu. It seemed as though the empress would always be in this exact same position every time she came to Earth.


    Ren Baqian slowly walked over and sat beside the empress. He picked up the empress��s ice cream in passing, but realized his hand was empty just as he was about to take a bite. The empress was holding a Magnum ice cream bar in her left hand and a little snowman in her right.


    It was indeed difficult to snatch food from right under her nose.


    Ren Baqian craned his neck upward to stretch.


    ��Someone��s outside,�� the empress said after tossing the Magnum ice cream stick into the trash.


    ��Who?��


    ��No idea.�� The doorbell rang just as the empress replied.


    Ren Baqian dragged his slippers and opened the door to find a small, bald boy in dirty gray robes staring up at him. Ren Baqian estimated the boy to be about eight or nine and noted that he had a pleasant look with healthy cheeks and nice white teeth. The only thing that was off about him were the tears in his eyes.


    ��Arhat, I have finally found you,�� the little monk said through pursed lips, almost bursting into tears.


    ��You have got the wrong person.��


    <em>Thump! </em>Ren Baqian immediately shut the door.


    ��Ridiculous!�� Ren Baqian mumbled as he walked away. The doorbell rang again.


    Ren Baqian opened the door and stated seriously, ��Wrong person!��


    ��My master asked me to find you!�� cried the sad little monk.


    ��You have really got the wrong person�� I��m no arhat, and I don��t know who your master is���� If it had been someone else, Ren Baqian would have beat him until he ran. It would be terribly wrong to assault a little monk though.


    Ren Baqian had a moment of inspiration. He finally understood why he couldn��t defeat Tong Lan. She was too young to hit!


    Ren Baqian sighed. He was still too kind and should probably get the empress to change his opponent.


    ��My master is Abbot Su Wen of Jingxin Temple! He told me that fate allowed him to meet you!�� the little monk spat out rapidly and hastily grabbed his yellow cloth bundle. Opening it, he revealed four peaches that smelled heavenly. Their delicious scent spread throughout the house, upying every possible inch of space.


    Ren Baqian was momentarily stunned. Images of that refined monk surfaced in his consciousness.


    He had met him once.


    <em>But why is this little monk here? How did he even manage to find me? What is he here for?</em>


    ��These are spiritual peaches from our temple. Master told me to present them to you, Arhat.�� The little monk exined and wiped his saliva.


    The amazing scent of the peaches was truly tantalizing. Even Ren Baqian found it hard to keep his hands away.


    This was the first time Ren Baqian had experienced anything like this. Never in his life had he seen a peach that smelled so good that it made him salivate.


    ��What a pleasant smell.�� The empress��s voice came from right behind Ren Baqian.


    ��Xing Ruo pays respect to you, mydy! I was tasked by my master to bring these!�� The little monk raised the yellow cloth bundle. As a pair of lily-white hands shot out from behind Ren Baqian, two peaches immediately went missing.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say��


    Now that the empress had grabbed two of those extraordinary peaches, Ren Baqian didn��t have much choice but to let the little monk in.


    Ren Baqian felt that Abbott Su Wen was a little odd.


    Were these four peaches a part of some grand scheme of his?


    Ren Baqian had dismissed his previous words as a mere coincidence.


    This little monk finding him couldn��t possibly be a coincidence could it?


    Ren Baqian��s image of that pretty-boy of a monk, Su Wen, was now shrouded in profound mystery.


    ��Come in!�� Ren Baqian stepped aside to make way.


    ��Thank you!�� the little monk greeted Ren Baqian with his palms sped together and entered the house.


    ��Sit!�� Ren Baqian brought the little monk into the house and pointed at the sofa.


    ��Why has your master sent you to find me?�� Ren Baqian questioned.


    Crunching sounds could be heard while Ren Baqian spoke. An entire peach had made its way into the empress��s stomach. A stronger scent now filled the air, making Ren Baqian salivate like crazy.


    ��Master said that my destiny lies with you, Arhat,�� the little monk answered with his palms sped together and used all of his willpower to avoid looking at the empress and her peach.


    ��What destiny?��


    ��Achieving Buddhahood.��


    ��Who am I? How do you know that I��m the one Su Wen is talking about? Why do you call me Arhat?��


    ��You are a bodhisattva, an arhat. Because you are on the bodhisattva path,�� Xing Ruo exined.


    ��Bodhisattva path? Ren Baqian furrowed his brows.


    ��A wish to attain enlightenment and deliver all sentient beings from suffering,�� the little monk answered. ��Walking this path is a deed of greatpassion and is a goal that we can all hope to emte.��


    Ren Baqian sat as still as a rock. A deep crease formed between his brows as he thought, <em>Just how magical is this Su Wen?</em>


    He had recently conceived of the idea of introducing Buddhism to Tianjing Basin to give those people something positive to focus their time and energy on. Before he knew it, Su Wen had named him an arhat and sent him a monk.


    Enlightenment? He was nning to merge Earth��s technology with their martial prowess using religion as a conduit. He wasn��t spreading Buddhism for its own sake.


    Deliver all sentient beings from suffering�� Was bringing technology over to improve production and raise the standard of living sufficient to be considered as delivering them from suffering?


    Or was this simply referring to his act of introducing Buddhism?


    No matter what it was, this was too much of a coincidence. Ren Baqian had chills running down his spine just thinking about it.


    Thosest words he spoke, perhaps they were for real.


    Could it be that Su Wen really knew what he was going to do?


    Was there really someone like that in this world? How was this possible?


    ��What did your master tell you before he sent you here?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Master said that I was a big boy already and that it was time to snatch others�� men as well as women���� the little monk replied innocently.


    Ren Baqian stared at Xing Ruo intently. Was this really what Su Wen said? That mysterious pretty boy of a monk?


    <em>Su Wen, you are pretty mischievous!</em>


    Looking past the surface, however, Ren Baqian found that there was deeper meaning to his words!


    ��This fruit���� The empress hadn��t spoken a word since she ate one of the peaches.


    ��Is something wrong?�� Ren Baqian stood up.


    ��It��s really good����


    Ren Baqian thought, <em>Your Majesty�� You are really mischievous too��</em>

 Chapter 466 - Blind Man

    Chapter 466: Blind Man


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This fruit is beneficial for your training,�� the empress told Ren Baqian. ��It��s effective for helping to heal my wounds as well. I would have originally needed another 10 days to recover fully, but a good half of my injuries have healed after I ate the fruit. If not for those injuries, this fruit would probably have helped me to advance in my training. It��s a rare treasure indeed.��


    ��That effective?�� Ren Baqian raised an eyebrow.


    Even though its smell had given away the fact that it wasn��t an ordinary peach, Ren Baqian didn��t expect it to possess such power. Something like this could be considered as an artifact or a national treasure here on Earth. Even in the other world, these peaches would have considerable value.


    Furthermore, it wasn��t easy to enable the empress to significantly progress in her training. After all, she was one of the most powerful people in that world and capable of unleashing immense power.


    To think there could be something this precious on Earth. To think that Su Wen would even send four of them.


    Ren Baqian would die before believing that Su Wen was unaware of anything.


    The thing that made Ren Baqian uneasy was not knowing just how much Su Wen knew.


    Could there really be a Buddha up in the heavens watching over all life?


    Was Ren Baqian��s ability to traverse between the two worlds rted to them?


    Theories shed across his mind as he paid lip service to the empress and said, ��Since they are beneficial to Your Majesty, Your Majesty can have them all.��


    ��They might be beneficial, but only slightly so. These peaches would be of much greater use to you since their impressive nutritional value and medicinal effectiveness doesn��te with any potentially damaging energy. They won��t hurt you in any way and will only serve to mend your body and improve your aptitude for training. Your progress is too slow, so you��ll need to eat the peaches to catch up.��


    Finished with what she had to say, the empress pushed the three peaches in front of Ren Baqian. Perhaps from remembering her agreement with Ren Baqian, the tips of her ears reddened a little.


    Ren Baqian would be able to marry her after attaining the Earth Wheel level.


    Her giving him these peaches sent signals that she might be getting tired of waiting.


    These peaches were indeed extremely useful to Ren Baqian, able to increase his power and mend his body. A good amount of training injuries could be healed just by consuming them.


    ��These peaches�� Are they considered precious to the temple?�� Ren Baqian asked the little monk. He was getting some ideas about them.


    ��There is only one tree that yields the best peaches, only eight fruits are harvested every year, and four of those eight are here in front of you,�� the little monk exined.


    Ren Baqian raised an eyebrow. Sending half of the year��s harvest was a huge gift.


    ��Master even said that he was going to give four to you each year for the next five years. After that, you will no longer require them.��


    The empress was surprised by his generosity.


    Ren Baqian fell silent after hearing the little monk��s words.


    He picked up a peach and gave it a bite. A fragrant and sweet vor flooded his mouth and overloaded his taste buds. The peach��s flesh was soft, yet exquisite, and he found himself quickly devouring the entire fruit. A warm gush flowed from his stomach to his four limbs, washing over every body part it passed. It was as though he was immersed in a hot tub, and his body felt as light as a feather.


    His body quickly heated up as waves of heat surged through his blood. The intense feeling left Ren Baqian unable to move at all.


    The empress lightly patted him on the back.


    The heat waves momentarily dissipated and became easily absorbed by his body.


    Ren Baqian felt an intense thirst once he regained his ability to move. At this point, thest two peaches on the table were practically calling out to him, begging to be eaten. Ren Baqian gobbled up one more and experienced the whole warming process again.


    When the empress dispersed the heat waves within his body this time, Ren Baqian��s muscles began to palpitate. He felt as high as a kite, as if he was floating up into the sky. After regaining consciousness, Ren Baqian found himself entering the [Visualization of Wood]. He saw the metal lock spinning on top of a tree branch.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian roused from the [Visualization of Wood]. The bones in his body were creaking and cracking, making him feel utterly rxed. It was as though he was finally released from his fetters.


    He was much stronger now.


    Ren Baqian knew that this wasn��t an illusion. He had just broke through the [Visualization of Wood].


    He was previously only able to climb halfway up the giant tree. At his pace, Ren Baqian would probably have required at least three more months to get to the top.


    These two peaches right here had saved him three months of effort, allowing him to leapfrog to the next level in an instant.


    Such effectiveness was truly unbelievable.


    Even in the other world, there were few such objects. On Earth, this was practically a miracle.


    Su Wen had be much more mysterious in Ren Baqian��s eyes.


    He knew from his coboration with the country that there was nothing supernatural on Earth. There was no way the country would have treated him like this if they had prior contact with celestials or other beings. Working together with Messier 87 allowed him to confirm this.


    Su Wen��s actions and words shook his firm belief in this. There was something fishy about this ��Su Wen�� character.


    Ren Baqian guessed he would just have to go and meet him.


    Ren Baqian gave it some thought. He looked at Xing Ruo, the little monk, and felt that there was no reason he should reject bringing him into the other world to preach in exchange for those peaches. He had already eaten most of them anyway.


    The little monk crossing over wouldn��t affect him either.


    Xing Ruo��s age and identity meant that he knew little outside of Buddhism. He was effectively unable to cause much disruption in that world, and even if he did, Ren Baqian was in a position where he didn��t need to worry.


    To y it safe, Ren Baqian conversed with the little monk for a while to confirm his impression.


    The little monk was brought up in a monastery and knew practically nothing about the world beyond those walls. This was actually the first time he had left the mountain.


    ��You won��t be able to see your master anymore if you follow me,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��My destiny lies with you. Master told me to follow you wherever you go.��


    ��You aren��t afraid that I��ll sell or kill you?��


    The little monk was clearly frightened by what Ren Baqian said, but clenched his teeth and replied, ��Even if I��m killed or sold, it��s my destiny.��


    Ren Baqian had nothing more to say.


    Looking at thest lone peach, Ren Baqian no longer felt a strong urge to eat it. He understood that this wasn��t meant for him��two was more than sufficient.


    ��Your Majesty, please eat thisst one. The two I ate were enough,�� Ren Baqian said to the empress without noticing the little monk��s eager expression.


    The empress promptly finished the peach in three bites. A powerful st emitted from her body, sending Ren Baqian, the little monk, the tea set, and the nearby sofas flying. Only the empress and the sofa she sat on remained in ce.


    ��Not bad. It looks like I have finally fully recovered.�� The empress smiled. Even though she had a high tolerance for pain, the frequent and seemingly random bouts of pain were of great annoyance to her. Now that her injuries were healed, she was happy and back in top form.


    ��


    Wu City. A seemingly blind old man strolled through the city center, lightly tapping the ground with his bamboo cane as he walked.


    The old man was wearing a long, ck gown and had a cloth sash covering his eyes. His hair was neatlybed to the back of his head.


    His gait was rather odd. If one observed carefully, one would find that each and every one of the old man��s steps were equidistant. Even the way the bamboo cane touched the floor was always the same. The precision andpleteck of hesitation gave his movements a mechanical feeling.


    The old man walked to the empress��s Wu City residence and stopped short of where the guards were barkingmands. He sensed the presences within the residence and mumbled, ��She��s not here?.��


    He continued, ��Where did Qi Zixiao go?��


    ��Preposterous! Who are you to address the empress by name?�� The two door guards drew their swords and charged at him in anger.


    Barely a few steps into their attack, and about 10 meters away from their target, the blind old man raised his cane and tapped the air in front of him twice. The two guards stopped in their tracks, copsing onto the ground like two ragdolls.


    Fresh blood was flowing out from the small hole in each of their torsos.


    The residence fell into a state of chaos.


    Brooding figures brandishing sparkling, sharp des sprang out from within the residence and shed away at the blind man.


    With each prod into the space in front of him, the blind old man sent his opponents dropping one by one.


    They all died from the same cause, a cleanly bored hole right through the center of their hearts.


    A dozen bodies littered the ground after a short span of time. Upon getting wind of what was happening, the winged cavalry burst forth from all sides. They pressed on with sabers in hand despite seeing the fallen guards.


    Xi Wanya rushed out of the residence to see themotion, but all he saw was the movement of the bamboo cane and the bodies of the winged cavalry warriors crashing to the ground.


    Xi Wanya shouted in anger, ��Identify yourself, you treacherous scum. How dare you!��


    ��Where is Qi Zixiao?�� the blind man asked tly, his cane tapping the air unceasingly as it imed life after life.


    The blind old man was mowing the fearsome winged cavalry down like grass!

 Chapter 467 - He Used to Be a King

    Chapter 467: He Used to Be a King


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Everyone move back!�� Xi Wanya shouted angrily. Swinging his long saber at the ground, the tiles cracked as a gully appeared like an earth dragon and coursed toward the blind man.


    The blind man touched the ground with the tip of his bamboo cane, causing the ground to instantly explode. Debris consisting of mud and stone fragments began to fly everywhere.


    This blind man proceeded to give the bamboo cane in his hand a twist and blocked the mud and stone fragments from his body. He then thrust the cane obliquely at the chest of Xi Wanya as he jumped over.


    Xi Wanya blocked the cane in front of his chest with his saber. There was a loud ng as Xi Wanya was sent flying backward three meters. He dropped to the ground with both feet, causing the ground to crack before he was able to stabilize himself.


    Lowering his head to look at his saber, he saw a thumb-sized notch on it.


    ��Ptui, are you the Spirit Spear?�� Xi Wanya spat on the floor before asking in a deep voice.


    ��Hey, the Protector General of the South is certainly capable.�� The blind manughed.


    Xi Wanya grimaced. It was really him. ��His spear is the Spirit Spear, and he is a viin�� was the best description of this expert.


    Of the top 10 experts, there were two that people wished to meet the least; one was Hua Sanliu, and the other was the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue.


    These two people were utterly low-down characters and unfortunately possessed great strength. One was ranked the fifth most powerful expert in the world, the other was ranked fourth, and most people simply couldn��t deal with them.


    Hua Sanliu had been killed by the empress, and the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue, unexpectedly appeared here.


    ��What are you doing here?�� Xi Wanya looked cold and murderous.


    ��Oh, the emperor of Great Xia had initially offered me a big gift to deal with Qi Zixiao. I had thought of slightly injuring her in order to incapacitate her for a few days and would then consider my job done. However, I have heard interesting news here that Qi Zixiao hasn��t recovered from her injuries. This is what made me change my mind.


    Although I am blind, I have heard of her beauty. I intend to propose to her because we are a perfect match andplement each other.


    With her abilities, only a few are worthy of her. The rest aren��t interested, but I am very interested.


    Where is Qi Zixiao now. I want to seek her consent. The dowry will be your lives!��


    Here was the type of person who would hit a person when he��s down and subsequently add a ton of salt to the wound. The disgusting things he said sounded perfectlyfortableing out of his mouth. There was no need to mention the first sentence, which no one knew about, but he deliberately said it in a matter-of-fact manner. It seemed that he was purposely letting people know that he didn��t care about his status as the fourth most powerful expert in the world.


    Everybody immediately red at him and clenched their teeth.


    This person in front of them had a pockmarked face and a mouthful of yellow teeth, which made their stomachs turn.


    ��You are a disgrace to your status as the fourth most powerful expert in the world!�� Xi Wanya scolded him and was so angry that his hair almost stood upright.


    ��Haha, what have I got to do with the ranking?�� Teng Yueughed derisively.


    Xi Wanya was tongue tied. Teng Yue was ranked fourth for his fighting abilities and definitely not with regards to his moral character.


    In terms of moral character, Xi Wanya would at least be ranked among the top three in the world.


    The empress would be ranked first, whereas he would be third.


    ��Winged cavalry, attack the enemy!�� Xi Wanya roared.


    He was aware of the empress��s condition. No matter what, they had to seriously injure this person even if it cost all of them their lives.


    When Her Majesty had recovered, it would be time for this person to die.


    ��Soldiers in the courtyard, form up!�� shouted Gong Zheng, who was standing on top of the wall.


    <em>Boom, bang! </em>The walls and buildings in the courtyard copsed. After the dust had settled, exactly 800 burly men d in leather armor that covered half of their bodies could be seen standing in the ruined courtyard. They each carried a long shiny saber, and a murderous spirit filled the air.


    The umtion of this murderous spirit caused the clouds to dissipate and made the people of Wu City feeling inexplicably cold and fearful.


    Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, and Qing Ping positioned themselves to the right, to the left, and behind Teng Yue in a triangr formation.


    ��Blood battle!��


    ��Cry!�� (TLC. Not sure about this part. It sounds weird for them to yell stuff like ��cry.��)


    With a blood-curdling roar, 800 winged cavalry warriors clenched their teeth and charged toward Teng Yue. Even the fourth most powerful expert in the world was unable to make them retreat half a step.


    A hand emerged from the ruins, pushing away the tiles and logs. Finally, a person with a gray and muddy face appeared.


    Lin Qiaole looked nkly in all directions and wondered, <em>Where��s the house? Where��s the house? Where��s the house?</em>


    She had been sleeping soundly, yet the house was somehow demolished now.


    ��Librarian Lin, there��s a formidable enemy here. Please tackle him!�� Xi Wanya, who was engaged in battle with Teng Yue a distance away, saw the charging winged cavalry warriors copsing one by one around Teng Yue. He was bleeding in his heart and looked furious. At this time, he saw Lin Qiaole in the courtyard and shouted for her help.


    On a distant roof, Qingyun Sword looked at the battle before him with an inscrutable face. Finally, he gritted his teeth and grasped his sword as his de flew out from his back.


    Although Xi Wanya was surprised to see Qingyun Sword joining the action, he was jolted awake.


    From nearby, an old man wearing a Kudzu top looked at Qingyun Sword with disdain for joining the fray. He then gloated as he looked ahead.


    Qingyun Sword took the opportunity to turn his head and shout, ��Icing on the cake isn��t as good as timely assistance. Old Demon Zuo, you have already surrendered��how can you be two-faced? Is there still any way out for the Lingshan Sect?��


    That old man was gloomy and uncertain after hearing these words, and he heaved a deep sigh. As he flipped his palm, a Hydro-fire Rod gradually solidified from nothing.


    In the future, it would be either the aboriginals or the three factions who took charge of Tianjing Basin.


    ording to Qingyun Sword, since the Lingshan Sect had already surrendered, there was no way out. If he took action now, the future of the Lingshan Sect would be better.


    Although he had no choice but to participate, he only applied one third of his power to harass the other side while protecting himself.


    With the addition of these three Spirit Wheel experts, Teng Yue was under even greater pressure.


    <em>Boom! </em>The bamboo cane in Teng Yue��s hand exploded, and countless bamboo fragments flew off into the surrounding area.


    As he twisted his body, a two meter long spear with fine golden engravings appeared in his hand.


    ��


    Ren Baqian was busy in the kitchen and poked his head out to ask teasingly, ��Little monk, do you eat meat? There is only meat in this house.��


    ��Yes.�� Xing Ruo��s eyes brightened as he almost began drooling at the mention of meat.


    ��You actually are not pretentious!�� Ren Baqian couldn��t helpughing because he had thought that the other party would refuse.


    ��In order to attain Buddhahood, one must not starve to death!�� Xing Ruo was unperturbed.


    ��That makes sense!�� Ren Baqian was amused by him.


    After preparing for a long time, he put breakfast on the table and asked the other two to eat.


    After taking just two mouthfuls, Ren Baqian heard the doorbell ring.


    ��Who will it be this time?�� Ren Baqian was slightly impatient. Normally, nobody else woulde except for the housekeeper and Shen Feng. The night before, it was the little monk, and now, someone else was ringing the doorbell.


    Ren Baqian impatiently pushed the door open and froze.


    ��Mother and father? Why are the both of you here?��


    He saw his two parents standing there in casual clothes, each carrying a suitcase while wearing hats and sunsses. It was as if they were going on a vacation.


    ��If we did note, we would forget that we have this son.�� His mother raised her eyebrows the moment she saw him and reached out to tug his ears. ��Have you grown up? Are you trying to spread your wings? Not only did you not bring your girlfriend back, but now, you are noting home either. You have not been home for a long time. You even made us look for you. Do you think you can run away from home?��


    Ren Baqian was aggrieved. The day before, the fate of countless people was in his hands, and he felt all powerful. One dayter, he had be a nobody�� and unfortunately, he couldn��t resist.


    His mother persistently poked his head with her finger��


    Ren Baqian felt that an ancient saying portrayed his predicament quite well��


    He used to be king until his mother arrived��

 Chapter 468 - Meeting the Parents

    Chapter 468: Meeting the Parents


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After poking his head with her finger for a long time and causing a piece of Ren Baqian��s scalp to ke away, Mama Ren finally red at him and asked, ��Why are you blocking the door and not letting us enter?��


    Ren Baqian really didn��t want to let his parents in. Neither he nor the empress had made any preparations to meet his parents yet!


    However, how was he supposed to say ��no�� under these circumstances?


    ��My girlfriend is inside. Pay attention when you speakter. Don��t act like you know her very well! However, don��t be too restrained either!�� Ren Baqian whispered. The empress��s identity was special, and her temperament was cold. He was afraid that his parents would say something that shouldn��t be said. At the same time, he was afraid that they would be ufortable around her.


    ��You actually haven��t brought her back to meet us even though the two of you are cohabitating! I��m your mother, so what��s wrong with checking out my future daughter-inw?�� Mama Ren spoke softly with her eyes wide open.


    ��It isn��t what you think.�� Ren Baqian waved her off.


    Cohabitation meant sharing a bed. Living in the same house was also cohabitation. Since both of them were living in the same pce, this could also be considered cohabitation�� but, their situation was totally different.


    Ren Baqian reached out and dragged his father��s luggage over. After that, he finally brought the both of them into his vi.


    ��Did your vi get robbed?�� Ren Baqian��s parents were at a loss for words when they entered his house. This vi was indeed stylish and luxurious. Although it was a huge surprise for Ren Baqian��s parents because they came from humble backgrounds, they didn��t say much since they were already taken aback aftering in. On the contrary, it was the scene in the living room that startled the both of them.


    They saw a huge mess in the living room. Two small sofas that had fallen apart were left in one corner while the coffee table had also been smashed to pieces. Also, there was a huge hole in the wall.


    ��Nothing major happened.�� Ren Baqian tried to cover it up. He then ced their luggage aside and asked, ��Have the both of you eaten breakfast?��


    ��We had our breakfast long ago.��


    ��Take a seat first.�� Ren Baqian immediately got the both of them to sit down.


    ��Why have you gained so much weight?�� Papa Ren questioned him.


    ��It��s robustness! I��m robust!�� Ren Baqian flexed his muscles and replied.


    <em>How could this be called gaining weight? I��m 1.75 meters tall and only 90 kilograms!</em>


    ��Where��s my daughter-inw?�� Mama Ren sat down and looked all over the ce with her hands pressed on her head.


    ��I��ll go take a look!�� Ren Baqian hurriedly escaped to the dining room. The empress was having her breakfast, which consisted of a pot of porridge and meat.


    He reckoned that if his parents saw the empress��s appetite, they would get a shock.


    Anyway, the little monk across from her was already taken aback. From time to time, he timidly sneaked nces at the empress out of fear that she would swallow him up too.


    The empress looked up, took a nce at Ren Baqian, and continued to eat.


    ��My parents are here,�� Ren Baqian whispered to her. ��They don��t know your identity, so if they provoke you in some way, please don��t take it to heart.��


    ��Oh!�� The empress lowered her head and continued to eat the porridge.


    Seeing that the empress��s reaction was normal, Ren Baqian could finally be at ease. However, he still couldn��t rxpletely because he was unsure if Dayao had the same tradition of meeting a partner��s parents.


    Though after seeing the empress��s reaction, it seemed like there was no such tradition.


    Even if it existed, she didn��t know about it.


    ��Do I have to meet them?�� the empress asked indifferently after finishing her breakfast. ording to her thoughts, since they had yet to make any ns for marriage, she decided to return to her room.


    ��I think it��s better to meet them and spend some time with them.�� Ren Baqian sighed because he had been suffocated by the actions of his parents. At this stage, if they still didn��t get to meet her, it wouldn��t be justified anymore.


    ��Oh!��


    ��Keep eating!�� Ren Baqian said to the little monk as he left with the empress.


    Stunning!


    This was the first impression Ren Baqian��s parents had of the empress.


    As the both of them saw a woman in red walking into the room, they didn��t have many adjectives to use to describe her. They only felt that she was much better looking than the celebrities they saw on television.


    She was tall and slim and had fair skin, a refined appearance, and fiery red lips.


    Also, a pair of peaking brows made her look extremely heroic.


    In addition, she exuded a slightly cool and indifferent aura. Regardless of where she was, one could never forget her even if they just took a nce.


    She also exuded a dignified aura. Even though the both of them had never seen any big shots before and didn��t know anything about aura and what not, they knew that she wasn��t anyone ordinary upon meeting her.


    The empress gave off the feeling that she was a character who came out of a fantasy movie instead of a living person in the real world.


    ��Hello, I��m Baqian��s father.��


    ��Hello, I��m Baqian��s mother.��


    Both of them stood up and spoke at the same time. They finally understood why Ren Baqian told them not to be restrained. When they saw this fair maiden, they subconsciously got so tense that they couldn��t face her like how ordinary parents would after meeting their future daughter-inw. Instead, it was as if they had met a big shot from the tension in the the atmosphere.


    Even though they saw her once before in Ren Baqian��s selfie, she lookedpletely different in person.


    ��I <sup>1 </sup>����


    ��It��s her pleasure to meet the both of you!�� Ren Baqian supplemented her words.


    The empress got interrupted by Ren Baqian��s words. She turned and gave him a death stare before turning back, cooly nodding her head at his parents, and saying, ��I��m so d to meet the both of you!��


    ��This is my father and my mother. This is Qi Zixiao,�� Ren Baqian introduced both parties.


    ��Nice name��it has an imposing manner,�� Papa Ren immediately praised.


    ��Sit, everyone sit. Don��t talk while standing!�� Ren Baqian quickly called out.


    The empress turned to look at him. With her gaze, she inquired, <em>Sit where?</em>


    Apart from the sofa in the middle, everything else in the living room had been destroyed.


    ��I��ll go get two more chairs!�� Ren Baqian dered before hastily running to the dining room and moving some chairs from there.


    When he returned, he saw the three of them engaged in a ��staring match.��


    ��Everyone, take a seat.�� After Ren Baqian ced the two chairs down, everyone was finally seated.


    ��Thank you for taking care of Baqian all this time.�� Mama Ren felt that she should say something after sitting down. Initially, she didn��t know what to say, but after recalling that she was his superior, she went ahead and thanked the empress.


    ��He has also helped me out�� a lot,�� the empress said calmly. With Ren Baqian, her life had changed from ck-and-white to color. Her daily life became more enriching and exciting.


    ��Why are you talking about taking care of and what not���� Ren Baqian forced augh. ��Why did the both of you suddenly show up? Without even a call!��


    ��Even if we call, we still can��t locate you. You only return our calls every half a month. Since the both of us have nothing to do, we were wondering if we shoulde see your new house and conveniently visit you,�� Mama Ren said. When talking to Ren Baqian, her intonation immediately reverted to her original state.


    ��Ain��t I busy now!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��We are also unsure what you are busy with. That ��Golden Medical�� is your brainchild? It seems like it is doing very well now. Something about a new treatment for leukemia?�� Mama Ren asked. Before she arrived, she was afraid that he get cheated again and thought that she needed to thoroughly check his girlfriend��s background.


    In the end, when she came and saw the empress, she felt that a woman like the empress was too good for the average person. As such, she hurriedly talked about the pharmaceuticalpany to boost her son��s confidence.


    These were an ordinary person��s careful thoughts. Previously, they were afraid that she wouldn��t be able to match up to their son. At the moment, they were worried that their son would be rejected by her.


    Even though a son is always the best in his parents�� mind, the both of them searched their hearts. Regardless of whether it was his looks or his other characteristics, Ren Baqian was just an ordinary man. Although he had aplished something over the past two years, he was only slightly richer and a far cry from those people who had real authority.


    Ren Baqian and the empress apanied the both of them for a while. During this period of time, it was mostly Ren Baqian and his parents doing the talking. The empress rarely spoke.


    The little monk Xing Ruo also came out from the dining room, which actually astonished Ren Baqian��s parents. They were wondering why a little monk would be in his vi.


    ��He was dispatched by his master to apany us to settle some issues,�� Ren Baqian casually exined.


    Although his parents did doubt what a little monk like him could do, after recalling that Ren Baqian was working for the nation, they didn��t pursue the matter any further.


    After a long time, Ren Baqian finally sent his parents upstairs. When the both of them entered their room, they heaved a huge sigh of relief.


    ��Ah, why is meeting a daughter-inw so tiring?�� Mama Ren immediatelyy down on the bed right after closing the door. ��If I had known, I wouldn��t havee.��


    ��The average daughter-inw is definitely different,�� Papa Ren said. ��This girl isn��t an ordinary person.��


    ��However, this youngdy is gorgeous. She��s practically like a character from the movies,�� Mama Ren sat up and said.


    Papa Ren was greatly affected. Soon after, he replied, ��She��s just a little aloof. In the past, I��ve always heard people talking about a big shot��s authority. Today, I��ve finally witnessed it for myself. Just by standing there, she has an authority that prevents anyone from shooting their mouths off.��


    Outside, both the empress and Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief.


    The empress returned to the sofa, hugged both of her knees, and said to Ren Baqian, who was going downstairs, ��I feel like eating ice cream!��


    The ice cream was for calming her nerves!


    She had also been very ufortable when talking to Ren Baqian��s parents.


    She couldn��t reveal her identity or speak in the manner that she was used to. In addition, she also had to restrain her temper and couldn��t attack them��


    Since childhood, this was the first time the empress felt so troubled when talking to someone. She had never been this exhausted before.


    She might as well say, ��Your son has been chosen to be my husband. In the future, the both of you will be part of the imperial family and receive a first-rate sry!��

 Chapter 469 - Fury!

    Chapter 469: Fury!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian��s parents stayed in the vi for three days. They felt a little uneasy at first, mainly because of the empress��s presence.


    After three days, the two of them were finally slightly more familiar with her, and they could exchange a few sentences.


    Ren Baqian brought them around Shanghai and even made a special trip to Disnend. While his parents didn��t indulge, the empress and the little monk Xing Ruo had a great time.


    Ren Baqian��s parents noticed that the empress��s face only showed expression when she was engaging with their son. Other than that. she looked cold and aloof, as thoughcking human emotion.


    Seeing her emote made them feel at ease. It would be difficult if their daughter-inw was going to be icy all the time.


    ��You��re old enough to make your own decisions, so we won��t interfere with this. When will you bring her home? We have met her, but your rtives haven��t. You��ll have to introduce her back home!�� Ren Baqian��s mother said. She couldn��t wait to see the looks on their rtives�� faces when Ren Baqian brought this beautiful girl home.


    She was already nning to host 30 tables to amodate everyone they knew.


    ��I��m sure there will be ample chances to do so.�� Ren Baqian brushed the matter off and watched them walk through immigration security (TLC. Are they traveling by airne? Maybe use ��airport security?�� Immigration makes it sound like they are leaving the country). He heaved a long sigh of relief.


    Now that his parents had departed, he could assume his role as king once again!


    He had read a review about a manga titled ��One Man Above All�� a few days back and liked the title a lot.


    The next time he returned, he would read the chapters to see what qualities such a person would possess. He would work hard on enriching himself to be a king that reigned above all others.


    After sending his parents off, Ren Baqian took the empress and Xing Ruo to a shopping mall. The three of them made an odd-looking family, drawing looks from curious people.


    However, the empress alone was already capable of catching the attention of others.


    Completing another round of shopping, the three of them returned to the vi. Ren Baqian put all the sweets, alcohol, and hotpot soup bases into a bag that already contained the empress��s clothes. He turned to the little monk and said, ��Hold on to me. I��m going to transform you into the magical little monk Xiao Yuan!��


    ��Will it hurt? Also, my name is Xing Ruo, not Xiao Yuan,�� the little monk replied shyly.


    The air shuddered, then the three of them vanished with bags in hand.


    Ren Baqian was so ustomed to teleporting between the two worlds that it no longer felt strange to him. He would sometimes even forget that this ability of his was gainedter in life and not something present from birth.


    They were greeted by a downpour upon arrival. Ren Baqian waspletely drenched in a matter of seconds by the seemingly endless rain.


    In the pouring rain, the little monk looked around at the pitch ck surroundings. A second ago he was still in that vi in Shanghai. His lips pale, the little monk asked, ��This�� Where is this?��


    Ren Baqian was too shocked to attend to the little monk. He had been in a house when he teleported back to Earth, so where was the house now? Where did that house disappear to? Could this be due his posture during the teleport?


    The empress was in a terrible mood. She couldn��t fathom how this ce had been reduced to a pile of rubble within a day.


    The empress��s presence surged, creating a loud boom that shook the entire city. The next moment, several figures appeared among the rubble.


    ��Your Majesty!��


    ��Your Majesty!��


    ��We apologize for the dy. Please forgive us!��


    A row of burly men were kneeling down before the empress in an instant, causing the little monk to hide behind Ren Baqian in terror.


    They were all members of the winged cavalry and must have rushed here upon sensing the empress��s presence.


    ��What��s the meaning of this?�� the empress inquired coldly.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Xi Wanya greeted as he made his way in. Sensing her impressive demeanor, he asked, ��Your Majesty has fully recovered?��


    ording to his calctions, the empress would require at least 10 more days to fully recover. He wasn��t expecting her to be at full strength after only one day and one night. Who knew where she had gone!


    The empress frowned when she noticed that Xi Wanya was much weaker than when she had left. He must have fought against someone.


    Furthermore, his body was stered with eight freshly bandaged wounds.


    ��What happened here?��


    ��It��s pouring right now, Your Majesty. Let��s discuss this further in a sheltered location,�� Xi Wanya replied.


    ��Lead the way!��


    The relentless rain continued to fall as they left the ruins. Ren Baqian and the empress realized that the destroyed area was bigger than they thought.


    It wasn��t only their residence that had been destroyed. Quite a few other official residences in the area were reduced to broken pirs and copsed roofs as well.


    They soon arrived at anotherrge official residence. Hundreds of winged cavalry warriors stood at attention in the rain.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan scrambled out to shelter the empress with an umbre.


    By this point, however, the empress was already soaked and had no need for it.


    ��I��m going to change into a fresh set of clothes. We��ll talk about what happened in a while.�� The empress had regained herposure. She walked to the rear of the residence with Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    Ren Baqian asked Xi Wanya for directions to his room, then promptly went to change.


    ��Where are we?�� The little monk had been in a state of shock ever since theynded here.


    This ce looked nothing like Earth!


    All the huge, burly men made him want to run away and hide.


    The little monk only knew of a sheltered life of meditation and scriptures, so the concept of traveling between worlds waspletely foreign to him.


    ��This is where you��ll be living for the rest of your life,�� Ren Baqian answered while he put on dry clothes. ��You��ll get used to it eventually! Wait here, I��m going out to take a look.��


    Ren Baqian exited the room in a hurry, leaving the little monk in the room


    Ren Baqian hoped that the little monk would calm down significantly by the time he returned.


    Back in the main hall, Xi Wanya, Qing Ping, Zong Shen, and Gong Zheng were waiting.


    Qing Ping��s body was also filled with fresh wounds. The bandages on his body had tinges of red, and one of his ears was missing.


    Zong Shen looked fine on the outside, but he was coughing up blood.


    ��What happened to you guys?�� Ren Baqian was shocked.


    The three of them were powerful experts, capable of handling three spirits wheel experts each. Something was very wrong if the three of them were injured like this. Who was strong enough to injure them like this?


    ��I��ll exin when Her Majesty is here,�� Xi Wanya replied.


    He didn��t mind that Ren Baqian and the empress had gone missing for a day.


    He couldn��t possibly be watching Her Majesty every second of the day could he? They had left at the right time, allowing the empress to avoid engaging the Spirit Spear. In addition, the empress had fully recovered from her injuries.


    The empress slowly walked in a quarter of an hourter. Her expression was ice cold, and her eyes were filled with murderous intent.


    It looked like she had found out about what happened from Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    ��Give me the details,�� the empress ordered coldly.


    ��Of course!�� Xi Wanya proceeded to recount everything that had happened while the empress wasn��t around.


    What had happened was actually quite straightforward. The Spirit Spear, Teng Yue, had appeared and spat out some nasty lines. A big fight had urred immediately after that.


    Xi Wanya took the time to painstakingly outline every small detail of what had happened, down to the very tactics and fighting style that Teng Yue had employed.


    The empress��s expression hardened when she heard the name Teng Yue. She was intent on killing him. That was the only way his transgressions could be disregarded.


    Xi Wanya ended his speech by saying, ��I can rest easy now that Your Majesty has recovered.��


    ��How many casualties did we suffer?�� the empress asked.


    ��We are to me. We could not match up to the Spirit Spear. As a result, we suffered significant losses. If he were to return, however, I assure you that we will join the fight again.


    The winged cavalry took the brunt of it, losing 157 warriors. Another 74 of them were severely injured, but among these, 30 have recovered enough to fight again!��


    <em>Bang! </em>The empress smashed the table by her side to smithereens. The air around her was dense with the smell of bloodlust.


    Only 30 out of 200 or so people had recovered. That meant that the casualties numbered at around 200.


    The winged cavalry had started with 1,500 warriors. After fighting several wars, this number dropped to barely 1,000, but now, they were left with 800. The size of the unit had practically diminished by half.


    The empress was reeling from such heavy losses.


    Ren Baqian sighed quietly, his face an expressionless mask. It was through a stroke of luck that he and the empress managed to avoid the engagement.


    Everything was fine as long as the empress was fine.


    Ren Baqian suddenly had a shocking realization. Those four peaches that the monk had sent seemed oddly well calcted. Had he given two of those peaches to heal the empress because he knew of this situation?


    The thought of this frightened Ren Baqian.


    How on Earth could such a person exist?


    He must be more than just a mere human. He must be some kind of god or buddha!


    ��Where is Teng Yue? I��m going to kill him and imprison his remains under the pce for all eternity!�� The empress spat out each word with malice.


    As somber as the current situation was, the empress��s words made Ren Baqian think about his poor erhu!

 Chapter 470 - Reward

    Chapter 470: Reward


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Where is Teng Yue?�� the empress asked impatiently. It was obvious that she couldn��t wait to end his life.


    ��No idea��he was too fast and we were injured, so he got away. I��m pretty sure he��ll be back in a few days since he thought that Your Majesty��s injuries would need at least 10 days to fully recover. He��ll most likely return within that time frame if he has not given up.��


    ��That Teng Yue, was he injured?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Teng Yue truly lives up to his name as the Spirit Spear. Despite our group attacks, he managed to kill such arge number of winged cavalry warriors and sustained much lighter injuries than we did. With the right medicine, he could easily heal 60 to 70 percent of his light injuries by his next attempt, although he would have no chance of winning since Your Majesty has fully recovered,�� Xi Wanya analyzed out loud.


    Teng Yue must die for disrespecting the empress and murdering this many winged cavalry warriors. Yet, as despicable as he might be, Teng Yue was still a powerful opponent.


    ��Hng!�� The empress exhaled coldly. It was difficult for the empress to admit, but based on reports, she knew in her heart that Teng Yue was a little bit stronger than her.


    The most pertinent issue was that of stamina. The empress could achieve extreme power levels through the rapid burning of essence and blood, but such a fighting style wasn��t meant for drawn out battles.


    The empress would automatically lose if the battle against Teng Yue dragged out.


    She was able to swiftly kill Hua Sanliu in that heightened state, but killing Teng Yue quickly might prove to be a problem. Thinking about this, the empress realized that while the two were supposedly only one rank apart, Teng Yue was much more powerful than Hua Sanliu.


    In the battle on Mount Wu, the empress had sustained some injuries after killing several Spirit Wheel experts and injuring many others. Comparatively, Teng Yue was able to leave rtively unscathed after gravely injuring Xi Wanya and the others.


    This highlighted the differences between their fighting styles and reflected Teng Yue��s advantage in longer battles. The empress knew her weakness, which was why she sometimes risked injury to eliminate her opponents rapidly.


    Also, the empress would typically only be left with about 30 percent of her strength after a major battle and would take at least a month to fully recover.


    This was also another big weakness.


    ��Is he really blind? How does he locate his opponent? Smell or hearing?�� Ren Baqian found it incredible that a blind man could be this powerful.


    Ren Baqian had good news if Teng Yue reliedrgely on his sense of smell. A single fortified smoke bomb would definitely make his life a living hell.


    As for hearing, a sonic weapon would easily take care of him.


    ��Neither. It would be too easy to muddle his perception if it was any of those two. It��s not possible for the fourth strongest expert in the world to have such a huge weakness.�� The empress swiftly rejected Ren Baqian��s theories.


    ��Your Majesty is right,�� Xi Wanya agreed.


    ��Perhaps he senses changes in airflow using his skin? Or he has greatly enhanced senses of smell and hearing that allow him to minimize his weak spots,�� Gong Zhen suggested.


    ��Those are easily countered as well. Creating artificial airflow around him would render him blind again,�� Ren Baqian responded. Coming up with a fanrge enough to do this would be pretty difficult, but creating a bomb that could momentarily influence his perception was possible.


    ��There is no need for this. I��ll see for myself what he is capable of,�� said the empress, interrupting Ren Baqian��s train of thought.


    She continued and exined, ��I believe he is using some sort of sixth sense of the mind. He probably sees even better than normal people.��


    Ren Baqian promptly cast aside all of his bomb ideas.


    ��We are done here.�� The empress waved them away and took her leave. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan rushed over with an umbre.


    ��How��s Lin Qiaole?�� Ren Baqian asked after the empress left.


    ��Some light injuries, but nothing serious,�� Xi Wanya replied. ��Those people that you kept around actually came in handy. I previously felt that your ideas would nevere to fruition and that it would be simpler to just kill them. Seeing things now, they were indeed useful to keep around.��


    ��It worked out better than I expected.�� Ren Baqian chuckled. Even he had not expected Qingyun Sword and the Spirit Wheel expert from the Lingshan Sect to lend a hand.


    Since they had helped out, Ren Baqian decided to treat them less severely.


    Ren Baqian went to visit Lin Qiaole. She was sprawled out on her bed and sleeping soundly in her undergarments. She looked perfectly fine except for a slightly swollen face that looked as if it had taken a hit from a pole.


    Ren Baqian rubbed the swollen area with his fingers. Lin Qiaole wailed in pain and wed at Ren Baqian��s face.


    ��Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!�� Lin Qiaole red angrily at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian hissed in pain with a string of swear words hanging on the tip of his tongue.


    ��Rest well!�� Ren Baqian shouted as he flung a small bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candy at Lin Qiaole. It was a reward of sorts. Feeling the pain from the scratches on his face, Ren Baqian was slightly pissed that his kindness had been met with cruelty.


    Ren Baqian touched his face and realized that he was bleeding. Lin Qiaole had disfigured him!


    After that, he went to meet with Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng of the Lingshan Sect.


    The two of them had approached Teng Yue with the main aim of restricting him, so they didn��t suffer any serious injuries. Qingyun Sword was only slightly more injured than Zuo Cheng.


    ��Please take a seat. I thank you for your efforts.�� Ren Baqian smiled at the two of them.


    They kept quiet.


    ��I am very happy with the choices that the both of you made. I��m not an unkind individual either, so I��m sure we can work something out.�� Ren Baqian took a sip of tea.


    ��I have mentioned before that I hope to see the people of Tianjing Basin work with the aboriginals to serve the empress. It would be great if the both of you could nominate a few talented people. I would like for them to work under me for a while, and when the timees, I��ll see that they get a suitable assignment,�� Ren Baqian continued.


    Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword appeared to have been moved by his words.


    Ren Baqian��s words carried a lot of weight. His request was a lot more beneficial to both sides than merely giving them rewards.


    He was Qi Zixiao��s husband, and his words held considerable sway over the empress��s decisions. Working under him meant that they had a powerful backer among the aboriginals.


    In a future where Tianjing Basin had been stabilized, the other party would hold them in higher standing.


    Working under him was also the first step toward walking out of Tianjing Basin for the natives.


    Nevermind any official titles, working for Ren Baqian had more benefits than being some low-ranking official.


    With Ren Baqian��s support, the people of Tianjing Basin would have no need to defer to the aboriginals after they were eventually set free.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t just giving them a one-time reward, but was sending them a message. He was offering them a new way of life.


    ��Thank you, sir!�� Zuo Cheng cupped his hands in respect.


    Qingyun Sword remembered a conversation he had in the past. Someone had told him that this man, the one now sitting in front of him, was recruiting them to help him achieve his goal of consolidating power and getting a seat at the governing table.


    The way things looked, he was very likely to seed.


    If they agreed to work with him, then their fate would be inextricably tied to his. His sess would be their sess, and his failures would be theirs to bear as well.


    But they had no other choice.


    This man was the only person who could give them a fighting chance and give them some hope.

 Chapter 471 - Good Neighbors Both Give and Receive

    Chapter 471: Good Neighbors Both Give and Receive


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was deep into the night when Ren Baqian returned to his room. The little monk had fallen asleep, his eyes a little red and puffy from crying.


    There was nothing abnormal about this. Any young child would cry from shock if they were brought to a foreign world with huge, burly people everywhere.


    In addition, the aboriginals also gave off scary vibes. Ren Baqian frequently had a hallucination that he was living in a den of thieves when he first arrived as well.


    He was now much more ustomed to their appearance,rgely because he had attained the Man Wheel level. With an increase in size and strength, Ren Baqian could identify better with the aboriginals. Even though he was still rtively small in stature, this wasrgely a gic issue. In terms of presence, Ren Baqian was closing the gap he had with them. He would sometimes look into the mirror and think fondly of the delicate features he once had.


    Besides his parents, few others would be able to recognize him now.


    Unlike other men, he wasn��t losing hair. He was getting stronger and heavier.


    He understood the importance of weight sses in boxing.


    ��Wake up. Go over to the other house to sleep.�� Ren Baqian nudged the little monk.


    The little monk opened his eyes and asked, ��Where am I?��


    ��Dayao, Tianjing Basin. You��ll live here for the rest of your life.��


    ��Will I be able to see my master again?��


    ��Nope, not unless you really attain buddhahood.��


    The little monk started bawling.


    ��This is the destiny that your master has urged you to follow,�� said Ren Baqian as he tried to console him. The little monk took a long time to fully calm down.


    ��Sleep first. We��ll discuss other issuester.�� Ren Baqian brought him over to the house next door. Back in his room, hey down on the bed and entered the [Visualization of Fire]. He was looking at a volcano that had streaks of red running down its ck, sooty sides from its peak to its base.


    These snaking red marks were rivers ofva. These rivers were much denser toward the peak where the temperature was much higher as well.


    The metal chain was upright by one of theva rivers. It dipped one of its ends into theva and shivered in contentment before lying down on theva bank. Every once in a while, it would dip that same end into theva before quickly taking it out.


    Ren Baqian wondered if the metal chain was having a foot soak. It looked quite lifelike.


    After water and wood came fire, just like in the five element sequence. Next in line would be earth, followed finally by metal.


    His strength had increased afterpleting the [Visualization of Wood], allowing him to exert 2,000 more newtons of force to reach 9,000 newtons. His speed, muscr and bone structure, and defensive capabilities had all gone up a bit as well.


    Afterpleting the [Visualization of Water], Ren Baqian��s kidneys became much stronger. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered a person��s store of essence. Essence can be divided into two different types, that which one is born with and that which one umtes through growth. With no end in sight, Ren Baqian��s increase in weight from 60 to 100 kilograms might have been the result of this growing essence. He tired much less easily and felt an abundance of vitality within his body.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied with this result. Strong, healthy kidneys were the base for most other things.


    Completing the [Visualization of Wood] seemed to have improved the function of his liver. Ren Baqian had yet to do any tests and could only specte. The liver was a store of blood, regting the body��s volume of it and refining it to provide qi essence. Now that Ren Baqian had ovee the [Visualization of Wood], a sliver of qi was constantly circting throughout his body. The side effect appeared to be increased appetite, which was likely brought on by his body��s continuous conversion of blood into qi essence and ultimately refining it into pure qi.


    The liver��s ability to regte blood flow meant that it could stem it as well. Ren Baqian had tried this ability before when he got pped on the nose by the empress. In the past, he would have to pinch his nose for about two minutes before the blood would stop flowing. Now, he could stem the bleeding in an instant without even having to touch his nose.


    He had to admit that this ability was pretty useful!


    Ren Baqian expected to gain a lot after breaking through the [Visualization of Fire]. The internal organ that corresponds with fire is the heart. The heart is the source of movement and is said to harbor the soul.


    Ren Baqian guessed thatpleting the [Visualization of Fire] would lead to arge jump in his power. It should also nourish his mind and set up the foundation for his progress toward the Earth Wheel level.


    ��


    Over the next two days, the pressure built up inside Wu City


    Ren Baqian and the empress quietly sat in the courtyard. The empress shut her eyes and focused on getting into the right state of mind. She was determined to kill Teng Yue on the spot when he returned.


    Honing the mind was essential before every major battle.


    After all, her opponent was the fourth most powerful expert in the world. The empress wasn��t going to underestimate him even if his power was not at its peak.


    Fighting with such an expert was a good training experience in itself.


    Going head to head with a powerful opponent meant having to utilize essence, qi, and spirit as one. It was through harmonizing the mind and spirit during a death battle that one��s potential could be awakened. As such, every major battle led to some improvement.


    The empress was at a point where it was difficult to improve. Her status also made it difficult to find suitable opponents.


    This was why the empress had actually been delighted to be able to fight Hua Sanliu and the Spirit Wheel experts from Tianjing Basin.


    This battle with Teng Yue was highly important to her.


    Ren Baqian sat beside the empress in silence. All he did was stare at her face and admire her beautiful, glorious features.


    Especially those red lips, which tempted him deeply.


    Ren Baqian��s gaze made the empress feel a slight itch on her face. She tolerated it for quite a while before opening her eyes and ring at him.


    ��Are you done staring?��


    ��I don��t think I��ll ever be done. I��m always wondering how there can be someone so perfect. It��s practically going against thews of nature.�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    The empress wrinkled her nose and was about tough, but quickly changed her expression and said, ��I need to beposed. Go do your own things.��


    Ren Baqian was chased out of the courtyard by the empress. He looked up to the sky, thinking of ways to exact revenge on that old coot, Xia Baichong. (TLC. Check spelling here.)


    They had hardly had any time for respite due to that old coot��s advances. First, there were the Zhu Mu Elders, then Lu Qi, and now Teng Yue, each one stronger than thest. Ren Baqian wondered just how much that old coot had spent to get these people moving.


    Plus, there was Su Qing. He might have been a renegade to begin with, but Xia Baichong (TLC. Check spelling.) had definitely sent him to cause trouble in Dayao.


    The Yun Nation and the Chen Nation were also goaded into action by his people.


    Because of him, Ren Baqian had to leave hisfortable life in Lan City and was constantly on the move. The one behind all of this nonsense was that stupid old coot. Surely Ren Baqian couldn��t just let that old coot enjoy his time in the pce while Ren Baqian was out here fighting for his life.


    Good neighbors must both give and receive.


    Maybe Ren Baqian shouldunch 1,000 skunk bombs at his pce? There would be no need for smoke this time, just pure and concentrated skunk musk. The people of Great Xia would be able to bask in the pce��s scent for months. It would be a moment to remember.


    Ren Baqian had experienced the power of concentrated skunk musk himself. Its destructiveness was shocking and no less than any other weapon of mass destruction. The fortified stink grenades used previously had contained a rtively small amount of concentrated skunk musk, yet they were able to induce thoughts of death in the empress and the experts from Tianjing Basin. It would be impossible for them to survive unscathed if he were to use a bomb that purely contained this substance.


    He would announce Dayao��s responsibility after the fact and goad Xia Baichong into taking action. How else could Xia Baichong preserve the dignity of Great Xia��s royals?


    Su Qing��s chance woulde once Great Xia assembled an army to march on them.


    When Great Xia finally fell into chaos, Ren Baqian would find a way to corner Xia Baichong, give him two nice stabs in the abdomen, and watch as he saw his own country copse into ruins. Now this was revenge.


    No matter how Ren Baqian saw it, Su Qing would stand to gain from this n. Ren Baqian guessed he would just have to extort some of his gainster on.


    As for how he was going to lob the bombs into Great Xia��s pce, it was up to Su Qing to devise a n. Ren Baqian believed that Su Qing would have his ways. Since Su Qing had been sent to Tianjing Basin, he was no ordinary character. Perhaps he would know someone inside the pce.

 Chapter 472 - Hurling Abuse At Each Other

    Chapter 472: Hurling Abuse At Each Other


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As time went by, the atmosphere in the city became more and more depressed.


    Everyone knew that Teng Yue would return.


    Other experts would have waited for the empress to recover before sparring with her, but Teng Yue wouldn��t do so.


    Therefore, there was only one possibility��Teng Yue was recuperating from his injuries. Theter he returned, the better his recovery would be.


    It wasn��t until the early morning of the eighth day that people started to sell breakfast on the streets. Although it wasn��t as busy as before, at least there was some life. As time went by, themoners of Wu City found that the aboriginals didn��t harass them and felt more at ease.


    At an unknown time, a man appeared in the city. The tip of his bamboo cane touched the stone te and generated a rumbling sound that traveled very far.


    ��The Spirit Spear, Teng Yue!�� He was discovered by the winged cavalry not long after entering the city.


    As the news spread, many people went to the rooftops to stare coldly at the only man walking on the streets.


    As for the rest of the people, they had hidden in their houses earlier on.


    Manymoners heard people walking on the rooftops of their homes and would asionally see a foot crash through their ceilings. They locked themselves in their houses with trepidation and didn��t know what was happening.


    A guard rushed into the garden and reported, ��Your Majesty, Teng Yue has appeared.��


    ��I know,�� the empress said with her eyes closed.


    ��Report again when he is about to arrive,�� Ren Baqian said after hearing about the appearance of this person. He had been uptight for the past two days, but now felt relieved.


    Many matters were like this; before the event, there would be all kind of conjectures, yet once it happened, it was useless to continue specting.


    Right now, everything depended on the battle between the empress and her opponent.


    After a short while, someone came to report and stated, ��Your Majesty, Teng Yue is about 400 steps away from the entrance.��


    As the empress opened her eyes, a ray of snow-white light dazzled Ren Baqian.


    The empress got up to go outside, and Ren Baqian whispered to a guard, ��Get someone to bring out the box in my room.��


    Inside this box were the concentrated skunk stink bombs and sonic bombs that he had brought from Earth.


    Even though these weapons wouldn��t specifically attack one��s target, the empress had experienced the stench once before and should be able to resist the smell better than her opponent.


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian reckoned that since the opponent was blind, his sense of smell and hearing should be more sensitive than that of an ordinary person. Thus, the effect on him would be greater.


    This was the battle line for two experts in contention.


    If the situation didn��t turn out well, he would throw these two things at them, which might work.


    ��There is no need to.�� The empress��s voice drifted over from the front.


    ��Since he��s here alone, I will not employ any underhanded tactics,�� the empress dered without turning her head. When she heard Ren Baqian, she knew what he was going to do.


    ��But he��s very unscrupulous. There is no need to be fair to him,�� Ren Baqian whispered.


    ��Do you think we are simr in that sense?�� the empress retorted.


    ��Your Majesty��s wisdom and strength are unparalleled! Your Majesty will also unite the world for thousands of generations!�� Ren Baqian immediately changed his tune.


    ��Then just stay back and watch.��


    When everyone came out of the mansion, they saw an old man who was wearing a ck shirt and holding a cane. He was walking down the street from the other end. The sound generated as he tapped his cane on the stone street entered everyone��s ears.


    Ren Baqian looked at him carefully. So this was the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue. He looked about 50 or 60 years old, sported a goatee, and had a face full of wrinkles. His very ordinary facial features were crammed on his face and looked disgusting.


    Teng Yue stopped 50 meters in front of the crowd and announced loudly, ��Qi Zixiao, thest time I visited, I left empty handed. At longst, it��s good that I am meeting you personally.


    With your skills, only a handful of people in this world can beat you and only a few people are worthy of you. Why don��t you marry me since we are well-matched? Although I am not rich, I can still give you a dowry.��


    Teng Yueughed until his face looked like a dried chrysanthemum and even exposed his mouthful of rotten teeth. Ren Baqian felt his anger rising and wanted to bury this old b*stard in a cesspit.


    ��You said the same thing twice. Have you nothing more to say? I let you offst time. This time, you are presenting your head, so I will keep it,�� the empress said casually.


    ��You have already recovered. No wonder you are confident. The number of people who want my head should be uncountable. If you, Qi Zixiao, want my head, I am afraid that you will have to wait for another 100 years,�� Teng Yue carefully replied beforeughing.


    ��Did Xiao Baichong send you here alone?�� Ren Baqian interjected. He wanted to know whether only Teng Yue had been sent here or if other people had infiltrated Tianjing Basin as well.


    ��Xia Baichong? Haha, you are wrong. I was not sent by him. His job for me was only a one time transaction. Are you Qi Zixiao��s boy toy? A small little worm��kill yourself!�� Teng Yue chuckled. Hisst two words were like demonic sounds that entered Ren Baqian��s ears.


    These two words were spoken using a special method and could only be used against people who were much weaker than him. His voice could be used to influence the moods of others and make them feel that what he said was right.


    As these two words entered the mind of Ren Baqian, he felt that they were correct. His life seemed meaningless, his eyes clouded over, and he felt that he might as well die.


    All of a sudden, the metal chain in his mind suddenly sprang up. The several meter long chain extended into the sky, beyond the volcano, and even beyond the sky. In his mind, it was as if the chain was standing between heaven and earth while connected to the field.


    After a moment, the metal chain retracted as one end turned into a spherical cage. Within this cage, a worm-like thing was dashing about.


    The metal chain shook the cage from side to side as if it had found a toy and couldn��t bear to let it go.


    Ren Baqian woke up from his hallucination and realized that he had almost been tricked. Since the others weren��t affected, he was obviously the one being targeted.


    He immediately started cursing, ��It must have taken a lot of courage to grow up like this and still live in this world. You are a waste of food that pollutes the environment. If you die, you will be making a small contribution toward making this world better. Why don��t youmit suicide? Even if you don��t do it for the sake of others, do it for the sake of your mother who once lived in this world. You are polluting the world she once existed in and are unworthy of being her son. Remember to drown yourself in a toilet so as to prevent the soil from being contaminated.��


    Teng Yue was stunned that Ren Baqian not only didn��t sumb to his influence, but turned around to scold him. The words Ren Baqian used were awful, and Teng Yue wondered where he got those words from.


    Teng Yue grinned and said, ��Little fellow with a sharp tongue, I will tear your mouth in a moment and see whether you can still scold me.��


    ��You won��t have the chance to do so. Your head will be disyed at the front of the pce za,�� the empress said coldly.


    ��A public toilet will be built above to soak your head in. Only one coin will be needed to take a dump on the fourth most powerful expert��s head, and I surmise that many people will be interested. They can reserve it for one month by paying 20 coins, two years for two taels of silver, or get a VIP package with privileged ess that skips the line andes withplimentary toilet paper,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��I��m very interested. Haha.�� Xi Wanya startedughing.


    ��I��m also interested!�� Zong Shen and Qing Pingughed heartily too.


    ��You are seeking death!�� Teng Yue��s face darkened with fury. The bamboo cane in his hand disintegrated as a long spear appeared in his hand and pointed at the crowd.


    No matter how bad his character was, he was still the fourth most powerful expert in the world. Normally, nobody would dare to insult him this badly. Furthermore, the words of Ren Baqian were so offensive that he couldn��t take it. When it came to scolding people, he was no match for this little fellow.


    Teng Yue didn��t get any undue advantages from his speech and was already hopping mad. They wanted to soak his head in a toilet and collect fees. They were simply asking for death.


    Although his character wasn��t worth mentioning, he was still a highly ranked expert in the world who had spear skills that terrified others.


    The turbulence caused by the motion of his spear seemed to stir up the air in Wu City, and the crowd felt the wind spinning furiously.


    Although Teng Yue was still standing in his original position, his spear came across and tore through the sky. The tip of his spear upied their entire field of view.


    Even an iron man would be shredded by this spear.


    This was the terror generated by the fourth most powerful expert in the world.


    The empress made a slight move and mmed her palm across.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The shock waves generated forced the crowd to retreat continuously. If Xi Wanya and others weren��t there to block, Ren Baqian would have be a kite flying in the air.


    The walls surrounding the twobatants copsed, followed by the the house in the courtyard.


    The tiles on the ground between them turned to powder, and a gully one foot wide and half a foot deep was created by the spear.


    <em>Boom! </em>The houses on both sides came crashing down one by one.


    <em>Crash! </em>A gray head with a muddy face appeared from among the broken tiles.


    Lin Qiaole was at a loss and wondered what had happened to the building, where it went, and why it had disappeared again.

 Chapter 473 - Where Is My Spear?

    Chapter 473: Where Is My Spear?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    Along with the battle between these two, the buildings on the street began to copse.


    A figure in red and a figure in ck continuously shuttled through the unceasing dust.


    Teng Yue flicked the spear in his hand, and a piece of te flew toward the empress. However, it turned to dust when it came into contact with her lily-white palms.


    ��Purple lightning!�� Teng Yue shouted at the top of his lungs. At this moment, the spear in his hand turned into a Z-shaped lightning bolt and struck the empress.


    Simrly, the empress used her lily-white palms to block the attack, and a visible shockwave was created, sweeping across the entire area. Just then, another building copsed.


    Ren Baqian was dazzled and stunned by this sight. The purple pattern on the empress��s face was just so beautiful that it caused his heart to skip a beat. He also wanted to loudly sing a song, but was missing an erhu.


    ��Has Teng Yue regained his strength?�� Ren Baqian asked Xi Wanya because he didn��t have the ability to make discerning judgements, so much so that he couldn��t even clearly see their silhouettes.


    From time to time, he saw the empress whenever shended on the ground. With her red outfit fluttering in the wind and the purple pattern covering her skin, the empress looked extremely mysterious and beautiful.


    ��I can��t tell, but at least 80 percent or even 90 percent!�� Xi Wanya said in a deep voice.


    ��What are Her Majesty��s odds of winning?��


    ��Swallowing the mountain!�� Teng Yue yelled once again. The spear in his hand turned into a golden python that revealed its snow-white fangs and opened its mouth to swallow the empress.


    The empress did not seem to know how to dodge. From the beginning of the battle up until now, she had not retreated half a step and never dodged a single time. Ren Baqian thought about it and realized that during the battle with the Tianjing Basin experts, the empress had also never tried to dodge. Instead, she fought head-on with her invincible lily-white palms.


    At this moment, the empress��s slender waist twisted in midair, and she turned halfway around. Her five fingers formed a hook, and she waved her arm up and down as if she was tearing something. Before the golden python could evene in contact with the empress, it was torn apart from its mouth and turned into a golden ray of light.


    A spear flew back to Teng Yue��s hand.


    ��Confine in prison!�� Teng Yue single-handedly caught the spear and spun 180 degrees in midair. The spear sprang into the shape of a bow, headed straight for the empress, and struck at her. Before it evennded, the air below the spear had all been squeezed toward both sides to the extent that even a crevice appeared on the ground.


    In Ren Baqian��s eyes, it wasn��t just the strike of a spear. Instead, he saw a huge ck mountain on the tip of the spear that pressed down in the direction of the empress.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Once again, both parties collided into each other. The empress fell from the sky, crashed to the ground, and created a huge crater.


    Then, the huge ck mountain in the air disappeared. Teng Yue��s spear jumped high, drew arge circle in the air, andunched at the empress who was below.


    Ren Baqian��s heart tightened.


    However, the empress was currently buried in a big crater, so he couldn��t see anything.


    Teng Yue went down fast and came up even faster. He flew upward while somersaulting and finally stabilized himself afterpleting 3,600 rotations in the air while wisps of blood flowed down from the corner of his mouth.


    A red silhouette skyrocketed and collided into Teng Yue once again.


    Ren Baqian broke out in cold sweat as he watched on.


    In theory, the empress shouldn��t be weaker than Teng Yue. After all, Teng Yue was injured and had yet to fully recover. This was all in theory, however, and no one knew if Teng Yue had any hidden trump cards with him.


    Additionally, when expertspete, the oue of a battle would be separated by just a fine line. It wasn��t like in theory, where the weaker one would certainly lose.


    Fortunately, they were both equally strong. Even if the oue of the battle was separated by just a fine line, there wouldn��t be any danger to their lives.


    Ren Baqian��s side still had Xi Wanya and the rest. Even though many of them were severely injured, there shouldn��t be any problem controlling Teng Yue. Even if the empress were to suffer a defeat, her life still wouldn��t be in danger.


    ��Stop tugging! Ren Baqian patted the hand that was tugging his clothes. It was actually a tender and smooth little hand.


    Ren Baqian turned to look and saw Lin Qiaole sitting behind him. With a face filthy with grime, she was staring at the bag of candy hanging from his waist and drooling at the same time.


    He grabbed a bunch of candies and passed them to Lin Qiaole. Ren Baqian turned his head to look and just happened to see a red silhouette crashing into the ground.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ��Sky gauze!�� Teng Yue let out a lengthy sigh, and there seemed to be countless meteors smashing toward the empress.


    In fact, there were countless spear silhouettes that radiated golden light.


    <em>ng, ng, ng, ng��! </em>From the pit, sounds of shing metal could be heard continuously.


    ��Earth Net!�� When Teng Yue spoke, a golden ray of light overtook the other spear silhouettes and plunged vertically into the ground.


    Ren Baqian immediately felt violent shakinging from the bottom of his feet.


    ��Oh no!�� Xi Wanya��s expression changed drastically. Without thinking, he grabbed Ren Baqian by the front of his shirt and jumped away.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were also brought along by Zong Sheng and Qing Ping to escape.


    Just when everybody left the ground, the ground was suddenly covered with countless cracks. Soon after, each and every spear silhouette soared into the sky.


    All of a sudden, there were many spears moving freely in this area.


    <em>Bang! </em>Like a lightning bolt, Teng Yue collided with the empress who had leaped into the sky.


    ��Where are you escaping to?�� Xi Wanya shouted out loud as he unsheathed the long saber on his back. Like a magnificent radiance, a snow-white sword gleam rolled out from the bottom to the top.


    Before he could take any action, Ren Baqian was thrown toward Qing Ping.


    However, just at this moment, the spear in Teng Yue��s hand connected with the saber gleam, but the spear actually turned a corner and passed by Teng Yue. (TLC. I��m not sure why the spear passes by Teng Yue when he is the one wielding it. Should it be Xi Wanya here? Or did the saber pass by?)


    ��Not good!�� Qing Ping shouted with ring eyes. However, it was already toote.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian was already used to being thrown in the air. As such, he didn��t panic at all. Just as he was deep in thought, a big hand grabbed his cor and caught ahold of him. However, why was the distance increasing between him and everyone else?


    ��Teng Yue! As one of the top-ranked experts in the world, you actually did something like that? Aren��t you going to quickly release Principal Ren?�� Qing Ping yelled at the top of his lungs as he and Hong Luannded on the ground.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words.


    <em>Crap. I was caught by that old bast*rd Teng Yue?</em>


    <em>The person behind me is Teng Yue?</em>


    Immediately, Ren Baqian��s forehead was drenched in perspiration. It was as if his heart had been tightly grasped by a huge hand too.


    ��Release him!�� Just when the empressnded on the ground, she jumped up once again and chased after Teng Yue and Ren Baqian.


    ��Qi Zixiao, it��s better that you stop now. Otherwise, I��ll strangle him to death instantly.�� Teng Yue��s gloomy voice sounded from behind Ren Baqian��s back.


    <em>I��m dead! </em>Ren Baqian felt that he wanted to curse and say the word ��F*ck�� 10,000 times.


    After Teng Yue finished speaking, Ren Baqian could finally step on the ground. However, he felt that his legs were still a little soft.


    The empressnded at a position 50 meters in front of the both of them and asked in an icy-cold tone, ��Teng Yue, what do you n to do?��


    The empress��s current condition wasn��t that good as she had many fresh, bloody wounds on her body as well.


    ��You actually stopped. It seems like you really care about this little fellow!�� Teng Yueughed mischievously.


    ��If you dare to hurt him, even if you are at the ends of the world, I��ll definitely kill you and dismember your body.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what to say.


    <em>Your Majesty, aren��t you telling him that I��m the best thing he could use against you?</em>


    <em>Right now, should I shout, ��Your Majesty, ignore me and help me take revenge!�� or ��Your Majesty, you musn��t be impulsive!��</em>


    ��Haha!�� Behind Ren Baqian��s back, Teng Yueughed mischievously. Even if Ren Baqian didn��t turn around, he was able to deduce the meaning of thisughter.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian felt himself being thrown backward and felt a sharp pain in his body. At this moment, a spear had nailed him onto a wall.


    He was pinned to the wall by a spear. Ren Baqian only knew that his surroundings were turning ck, and he nearly passed out from the excruciating pain. Even though the spear didn��t pierce any of his vital points, it still passed through the area under his shoulder de. Each and every wave of pain stimted his brain.


    Teng Yue stood two meters in front of Ren Baqian and asked leisurely, ��Qi Zixiao, what are you going to do now?��


    ��I must kill you!�� The empress��s voice was filled with murderous intent.


    ��Since you already want to kill me, this fellow��s life doesn��t matter anymore. I detest that mouth of his anyway, so why don��t I just rip it away!�� Teng Yue burst into loudughter.


    ��You dare?�� The empress��s eyes widened as she red at him. She subconsciously took a step forward.


    ��Don��t move!�� Teng Yue easily pped the spear. Immediately, the spear was nailed in further, causing an intense pain that made Ren Baqian shut his eyes.


    ��Teng Yue, you are practically courting death.�� Xi Wanya, Qing Ping, and the rest finally caught up, and they all glowered at him.


    ��Why don��t you p yourself once and reduce your strength by 30 percent before we resume our fight again? With so many people on your side, this is the only way I can be at ease.�� Teng Yue looked at the empress and sneered.


    The empress stared at him silently.


    ��Your Majesty, you must not do that!�� Xi Wanya hastily cried out.


    ��Sure!�� The empress raised her palm.


    ��Your Majesty!�� everyone called out in a sudden outburst of emotion.


    The empress was staring intently at Teng Yue as well as at Ren Baqian who was behind him.


    ��Attract his attention!�� Ren Baqian mouthed out these words. Even though he was suffering very badly, he still didn��t let out a single sound.


    ��Your Majesty!�� everyone cried out.


    ��Noisy!�� The empress pped to the side, and a gust of wind lifted Xi Wanya into the air.


    ��Great, great, great! Not bad. As expected, you are a loyal and passionate person!�� Teng Yue had a goodugh upon seeing this scene.


    ��Eh?�� Just when Teng Yue was in the middle ofughing, he suddenly felt that something was amiss and used his palm.


    Immediately, he mmed his body backward and directly smashed the wall into smithereens.


    Ren Baqian was gone�� So was his spear��


    Teng Yue was speechless.


    Like a cuckoo bird, a scream that was filled with anger, destion, misery, and confusion resounded across the top half of Wu City.


    ��Where is my spear?��


    His spear was right behind him, no further than two meters away, but it suddenly disappeared just like that? How could this be?


    Even though he was a blind man, his eyeballs were on the verge of bursting from opening too wide underneath the cloth.


    Everyone was speechless.


    Apart from Teng Yue, everybody else clearly witnessed Ren Baqian disappear together with Teng Yue��s spear while he was pinned to the wall��


    With her killing intent overflowing, the empress sneered and ordered, ��Don��t let him escape. Today, I��ll definitely tear him apart!��

 Chapter 474 - Kidney Stones and Gallstones

    Chapter 474: Kidney Stones and Gallstones


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian copsed to his knees the moment he returned to Earth. The spear touched the floor, sending an intense pain throughout his body that almost made him pass out. He didn��t dare to remove the spear because doing so would result in huge blood loss. His house was quite a distance from the city center, and he wasn��t about to test the extent of the ability granted by the [Visualization of Wood] to stop the bleeding. If anything went wrong, the ambnce would arrive to find a corpse that was ready for cremation.


    Gasping for breath, Ren Baqian unsteadily forced himself up to the second floor to make a call.


    ��Shen Feng, send an ambnce to my ce immediately. Any dy and you��ll be out of a job!��


    Ren Baqian��s voice was weak, but still steady.


    The most dangerous part of teleporting back to Earth was the dy. Anything could happen during the one second before he disappeared. Previously, the empress had blinked over to him within this small window of time and grabbed him. Ren Baqian would have met a tragic end if Teng Yue had noticed this and came back to Earth with him.


    Luckily for him, Teng Yue��s attention was drawn to the empress. By the time he noticed Ren Baqian, it was toote.


    For a moment, Ren Baqian had believed that he was really going to die. After all, Teng Yue was the fourth most powerful expert in the world and a despicable one at that. The empress didn��t have any opportunity to save Ren Baqian once he got caught.


    Fortunately, Teng Yue became overconfident. He had pinned Ren Baqian to the wall using a spear to provoke the empress, but this gave Ren Baqian a chance to escape.


    If not for that, Ren Baqian would have ended up six feet under.


    Ren Baqian leaned against his bed and gently bnced the tip of the spear on top. This reduced the downward pressure that the spear was cing on his body, slightly alleviating the pain.


    It wasn��t much, but was still better than nothing.


    Feeling slightly morefortable, Ren Baqianughed. He had cheated death, and it was now that bastard Teng Yue��s time to die!


    So what if he was the fourth most powerful expert in the world? Ren Baqian wondered what Teng Yue would do now that his Heaven-grade weapon, which he had spent his whole life forming, had disappeared. Ren Baqian thought of how exciting his reaction must have been and badly wanted to see the despair on his face.


    However, he probably wouldn��t get the chance to do so.


    If a group of experts couldn��t stop a spearless Teng Yue, then he wouldn��t just be the fourth most powerful expert in the world, he would be the most powerful of them all.


    While his thoughts ran wild, Ren Baqian traced the flow of blood from his wound to the puddle on the floor. Streaks of bright red blood flowed along the golden traces found on Teng Yue��s spear. Ren Baqian began to panic when he realized he had yet to hear the sound of the ambnce siren. It wasn��t until after he called Shen Feng to confirm his location that he regained someposure.


    The gold traces on the spear looked as though they were carved into its body. Feeling them, Ren Baqian found that the traces were indeed slightly indented, which was why his blood seemed to follow their curvature.


    Even though they were shallow, there appeared to be too many traces for all of them to be physically present on the spear!


    Every minute that passed was torture. Ren Baqian felt his strength slowly ebb away as his body became weaker and weaker. His consciousness was starting to fade.


    The metal chain made its way out of the top of Ren Baqian��s head and coiled itself around the shaft of the spear. It seemed as though the metal chain was trying to remove the spear.


    The metal chain had detected a crisis. It would have no ce to exist if Ren Baqian died.


    Ren Baqian was abruptly roused by the metal chain��s movement and quickly attempted to stop it.


    Right at that moment, he heard a siren that was growing louder.


    The next thing he heard was the sound of people mming on the vi��s door. Ren Baqian could hear them, but he was too weak to call out to them through the window. An instantter, someone, most likely Shen Feng, opened the door with a key. She had arrived right after the ambnce did.


    A group of people followed the trail of blood up to the second floor, where they found Ren Baqian sitting against his bed with a spear through his body. All of them were bbergasted by what they saw.


    They were shocked by the spear and also by the clothes that Ren Baqian was wearing.


    He was still wearing Dayao official robes after all.


    ��Boss, how are you feeling?�� Shen Feng hurriedly asked, her face still full of surprise.


    ��I��m still alive, but I won��t be if we continue to hang around,�� Ren Baqian feebly replied.


    No one dared to touch the spear, so they carried him sideways out to the ambnce. The spear was two meters long and got caught on things every now and then, causing Ren Baqian to grimace in pain. The hatred he had for Teng Yue would never go away.


    Ren Baqian rxed a little once they made it into the ambnce. On the way out, he had also noticed some people, who were probably from Messier 87, observing from a distance. There was no way they wouldn��t know that something this big had happened, and they wouldn��t let him die so easily once they knew.


    Compared to the hospital, Ren Baqian had much more faith in Messier 87.


    Ren Baqian slowly slipped into unconsciousness as the ambnce drove off.


    ��Eh? The spear is gone!�� Ren Baqian heard someone exim just as he cked out. The inside of the ambnce descended into chaos as the paramedics pressed down on his wound and scrambled to stanch the bleeding.


    Upon reaching the hospital, arge group of people rushed into the emergency operating room to save Ren Baqian.


    As a matter of fact, his condition wasn��t particrlyplicated. What was most critical was to stop the bleeding, and his ability to do this was much betterpared to ordinary people.


    The biggest issue was his body��s oddly vehement rejection of donor blood, even if the blood was of the same,mon type.


    ��It looks like one��s physiology may change drastically after achieving a certain power level. This even includes the blood.�� A couple of doctors who had never set foot in this hospital before shed looks of agreement at one another while someone at the side recorded these findings.


    ��


    Ren Baqian woke up two dayster, roused by his own growling stomach. He felt as if his innards were rebelling.


    Although Teng Yue hadn��t hit any vital points and Ren Baqian��s wound wasn��t particrly serious, he had still lost quite a bit of blood. He was greatly weakened because blood transfusions were out of the question.


    ��Boss, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?�� Shen Feng asked upon seeing Ren Baqian wake up. Shen Feng was ying games on her cell phone by the bedside.


    ��Give me the bad news first,�� Ren Baqian replied weakly as he wondered if there was something wrong with his body.


    ��You have kidney stones and gallstones. Would you like them removed?�� Shen Feng asked.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned pale when he heard this. The [Visualization of Water] and the [Visualization of Wood] corresponded with the kidneys and the liver. He strongly believed that these stones were linked to hispletion of these techniques and wouldn��t believe anyone who told him otherwise.


    Ren Baqian dered through clenched teeth, ��I��ll break the skull of anyone who removes those stones!��


    ��Boss, are you sure you don��t want to take more time to consider this? Kidney stones will cause urinary tract issues and impair kidney function���� Shen Feng responded.


    Ren Baqian gave Shen Feng a death re that sent shivers down her spine. She swallowed the rest of her words.


    ��And the good news?�� Ren Baqian pressed.


    ��There are no major issues. All you need to do is rest for a while. That��s good news, right?�� Shen Feng smiled.


    Her smile brought a hint of femininity to her usually neutral and expressionless demeanor.


    Ren Baqian heaved a long sigh of relief when he heard the good news and said, ��Bring me some food, enough food to feed ten people!��


    20 minutester, Ren Baqian asked while eating porridge, ��What happened to that spear?��


    ��It disappeared shortly after you were brought into the ambnce.�� Shen Feng had a surprised look on her face when she recounted the incident. ��Boss, what was that thing?��


    ��I��ll let you know when it��s time for you to know.�� Ren Baqian waved her question off. Such a time would likely be a long way off and would be after Spirit Wheel experts had appeared on Earth and forged their own Heaven-grade weapons.


    The spear��s disappearance reminded him of the metal chain��s assimtion into his mind. As for Teng Yue, his body should be cold by now.


    After finishing an entire pot of porridge, Ren Baqian felt some vitality flow back into his body. Even though he was still weak, he knew that it was only a matter of time before he fully recovered.


    After his meal, Ren Baqian shut his eyes and entered the [Visualization of Fire]. He noticed that a spear adorned with golden traces was hanging out with the metal chain by one of theva rivers. They were�� having a foot soak?


    The spear swayed a little when Ren Baqian entered, but soon stopped.


    The metal chain didn��t give two hoots about him entering. It minded its own business and enjoyed its foot soak.


    Ren Baqian��s first encounter with the metal chain in a visualization technique had made him unsurprised by this behavior. Seeing the two of them here did make him feel slightly annoyed, however.


    <em>So now, in addition to the metal chain, I have a spear living in my mind too?</em>


    <em>Am I supposed to collect all the different types of weapons?</em>


    Ren Baqian would be able to subdue these Heaven-grade weapons once he attained the Spirit Wheel level. By then, even if he couldn��t defeat his opponent, shing his collection as a disy of power could serve as a potent deterrent!


    Thinking carefully, Ren Baqian felt that this was a pretty decent idea!

 Chapter 475 - Corpse

    Chapter 475: Corpse


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    All of a sudden, Ren Baqian returned to a street in Dayao from his room on Earth. The ring hot sun made him unable to open his eyes for a while. Suddenly, he heard Gong Zheng��s voice.


    ��Principal Ren, Her Majesty is waiting for you.��


    Ren Baqian squinted his eyes, began to size up the surroundings, and realized that everything was in ruins. He could no longer see the original state of the street.


    Dozens of winged cavalry warriors were standing around, and Captain Gong Zheng was by his side.


    ��Is Teng Yue dead?�� Ren Baqian turned to ask.


    ��We have kept his head for Principal Ren!�� Gong Zheng grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.


    ��Was the scene exciting when his spear suddenly disappeared?�� Ren Baqian was only concerned about this point. This person was the fourth most powerful expert in the world, and he was slightly stronger than the empress. Ren Baqian really wanted to see the expression on his face after he lost his Heaven-grade weapon that he had been forming over the past ten years.


    After hearing Ren Baqian��s words, Gong Zheng��s expression immediately became weird. One had to know that even though a Heaven-grade weapon was formed by one��s soul and could be smashed, it could never be stolen. This was a fact that everyone knew.


    However, this notion was shattered by the person in front of him.


    Right under everyone��s eyes, Ren Baqian actually disappeared together with Teng Yue��s spear.


    Gong Zheng would never forget Teng Yue��s sorrowful cry for the rest of his life.


    Even if Teng Yue was on his deathbed, he would still be trying to summon his Heaven-grade weapon.


    Ren Baqian burst intoughter after listening to Gong Zheng��s exnation.


    ��Since you struck your spear at me once, I will kidnap your spear once as well.��


    Regardless of everything else, he felt that he had sessfully taken revenge.


    Throughout the entire journey, Ren Baqian was truly made aware of the destructive power of this battle while being escorted by the protection of many winged cavalry warriors.


    He estimated that at least ten percent of the city had turned into ruins. As he passed through the streets, he spotted wreckage everywhere. The original teid on the ground was also gone. Instead,rge holes could be seen everywhere.


    Looking into the distance, even a huge piece of the city wall had copsed.


    Teng Yue wanted to escape, but unfortunately, he didn��t seed. On a scale of ten points, the importance of his spear was ten points, while his boxing skills were only five points.


    When his Heaven-grade weapon disappeared, his ending was very predictable.


    As for Teng Yue stealing two bamboo spears in Wu City�� Ordinary weaponspletely failed to withstand the strength of a Spirit Wheel expert.


    ��How many casualties did we suffer?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This time, we hid further away, so there were no casualties.��


    ��What about themoners?�� Ren Baqian pointed at the surroundings.


    ��A few hundred casualties among themoners. They were all affected by the aftermath. I saw that they dug out a lot of survivors from the ruins.�� Gong Zheng scratched his head. He didn��t pay much attention to this matter at all.


    The biggest residences in Wu City were practically all on that piece ofnd. Now, the area had practically turned into ruins.


    This time, they upied severalrge courtyard, and the empress upied the one with the best scenery.


    At first, the courtyard looked ordinary, but after the original owner meticulously decorated it, fresh flowers filled the entire home. Furthermore, it wasn��t like a normal courtyard where the flowers grew neatly and in an orderly manner. Instead, many different types of flowers were grown together, creating an exquisite effect and giving off a unique kind of aesthetics.


    In addition, the aromas of these flowersbined to form a very nice fragrance. Ren Baqian instantly felt refreshed just as he walked into the courtyard.


    ��Your Majesty, I have missed you to death,�� Ren Baqian called out once he entered the room.


    The empress rolled her eyes at him and replied, ��There are no more candies!��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    <em>Your Majesty, I have just escaped death!!!</em>


    <em>Can��t you show me more warmth?</em>


    Ren Baqian sighed. If she was more warm hearted, she wouldn��t be the empress anymore.


    With each of them minding their own business, Ren Baqian walked to the empress��s side and asked gently, ��How are your injuries, Your Majesty?��


    ��Nothing much.��


    ��Don��t tell me it��ll take a month to heal again?�� Ren Baqian subconsciously asked. After that, he saw the empress lift the corners of her eyebrows and knew that he was spot on.


    Fortunately, the empress didn��t hit Ren Baqian. An attack from her would definitely leave him with multiple injuries!


    He would definitely be hurt!


    At the thought of it, as the fifth most powerful expert in the world�� Wait, she was now the fourth most powerful expert in the world. If he was the opponent, that would be a tragic story.


    Which expert in the movies or novels didn��t suavely flick his or her glorious robe with a glinting sword in hand while floating around like an immortal?!


    Each one of them was more despicable than the other.


    For example, ��The Return of Luk Xiu Fung.��


    <sup>1</sup>


    Is there anyone who gets seriously injured every time he or she attacks?


    In any case, whether it was a victory of defeat, the empress would always get seriously injured. Actually, she had yet to suffer a defeat, but would be seriously injured every time she fought.


    ��You haveints?�� Seeing Ren Baqian��s odd expression, she gave him the side eye, which was full of murderous intent. Her pair of gorgeous eyes instantly narrowed.


    ��Your Majesty��s wisdom and strength are unparalleled! Your Majesty will also unite the world for thousands of generations!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    The empress ignored him.


    ��Does Your Majesty like this courtyard? I��ve noticed that the flowers outside are rather unique.�� Ren Baqian changed the topic.


    As usual, the empress said indifferently, ��Not bad! There��s a variety of them!��


    ��There is a shortage of gardeners in the pce. Would it be better to send him and his family to the pce to manage the imperial garden?��


    ��My sentiments exactly!�� The empress nodded.


    ��Furthermore, I met a good carpenter previously and instructed someone to send him to the pce. It can be said that there are still some talents in Tianjing Basin. The people in the pce are all too rough and can��t handle jobs that requires delicate actions.��


    Ren Baqian��s words gave the empress a second thought. Getting the aboriginals to do such delicate tasks was indeed putting them on the spot.


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress for a chat which was followed by lunch. Only then did he tell the empress, ��I��ll go take a look at how the little monk, Qingyun Sword, and the rest are settling down.��


    ��Go ahead!�� The empress waved him off.


    Ren Baqian walked to the door and then turned his head before saying, ��Your Majesty, if such an incident happens again, just help me to take revenge.��


    <em>Bang! </em>The empress threw her wine cup at his head. Ren Baqian was drenched and smelled like sorghum wine from head to toe.


    Thereafter, another cup was sent flying�� Then, a table flew toward him too��


    Drenched in sorghum wine, Ren Baqian hurriedly took off and let out a huge sigh. It was rare for him to be so magnificent, but she didn��t even give him a chance to show off.


    ��Sigh, such is life!�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    However, the empress��s behavior actually made him ecstatic.


    ��Where��s Teng Yue��s corpse?�� Ren Baqian ran out of the courtyard and asked a bodyguard.


    ��Hanging at the top of the city wall!��


    After hearing that, Ren Baqian hurriedly asked someone to pull his fork-horned cow over to the city wall. Upon arrival, he saw a head hanging up high with its neck mangled up badly. It seemed that someone had twisted and broke his neck while he was still alive.


    As for the head, it had been so badly battered that no one could tell that it was a human being anymore.


    ��Anything else?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��There are still some other things. Her Majesty has already instructed people to soak them in ashes. After disying this head for a period of time, it will be taken back to Lan City and showcased in the za of the pce.


    ��Take me there.��


    Since there were still other things, Ren Baqian was prepared to bring them back to Earth for the Messier 87 department to study them.


    As for this head, it was still better to leave it here. After all, there were souls in this world, and Teng Yue��s Heaven-grade weapon was soaking itself in Ren Baqian��s Sea of Knowledge.


    He wondered if there was any residue left over from this head.


    In the past, Ren Baqian felt that the suppression of the bodies of their enemies was just a superstition from an uncivilized nation.


    After interacting with the aboriginals for a long time, his thoughts actually became aligned with theirs.


    As Ren Baqian was always by the empress��s side, he had yet to travel to many ces or see many things. Perhaps there might be demons and monsters deep in the mountains and woods.


    Previously, Ning Caichen did mention such a thing to Ren Baqian. However, he thought that Ning Caichen was just talking big.


    Now that he thought about it, there might be such things that exist in this world.


    If they existed, then the biggest possibility would be in one��s head.


    After all, the Sea of Knowledge was in one��s head, and the aboriginals also had a tradition of bringing the heads of their soldiers who died in battle back to the Sixty Thousand Mountains for burial.

 Chapter 476 - Your Karmic Hindrance is Far Too Great

    Chapter 476: Your Karmic Hindrance is Far Too Great


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��How was it thesest few days?�� Ren Baqian asked as he watched the little monk approach from the front. After all, he had been brought over from Earth and could be said to be Ren Baqian��s only fellow viger in this world. Moreover, he was still so young.


    It was inevitable for Ren Baqian to show him some concern.


    The moment he heard Ren Baqian��s words, the little monk almost cried and stuttered, ��This ce�� is so scary�� The people here are very scary too����


    The most fearsome person he��d ever seen in the monastery was the chief of monastic discipline, who always had a very stern look on his face. However, he was considered pretty amiable lookingpared to the people here. If he had a choice, he would rather face the chief every day.


    Not only was everyone here two timesrger than ordinary people, their looks were very fiendish as well. Many of them had scars on their faces and bodies. One would still feel frightened even when they smiled at you.


    Needless to say, there had been a world-shaking battle going on and even a big residence was razed to the ground. When had he ever seen such fearsome men and beasts?


    All of this made the little monk live in fear over the past two days.


    ��It��s fake, it��s all fake,�� Ren Baqian replied on the spot. ��Your karmic hindrance is too great. This is why everything seems so frightening to you, as if this ce is an Asura hell. In fact, it��s karmic hindrances that have obscured your vision. As a result, everything you��ve seen is fake. Everyone here is actually amiable looking, kind, and charitable��you��ve just been deceived.


    After he was done talking, Ren Baqian first praised himself as he felt that he was pretty intelligent. Being able to achieve such attainments just by looking at some Buddhist scriptures, such innate skills were extremely rare.


    ��But, they��ve torn down the residences����


    ��Those ces were about to be demolished so that the people can build new houses.��


    ��You��re lying to me���� The little monk cried out, ��I saw a person��s head! It was so scary!��


    ��That was a fiendish person who needed to be dealt with through terrifying means. There are also terrifying temple guardian deities in Buddhism, let alone the profane world. The fiendish people that you see are mostly kind and charitable. On the other hand, many of the ordinary looking folks are actually fiendish. This is why your master allowed you to follow me here to spread the Dharma��to educate and guide those who haven��tmitted grave sins.��


    ��Is it like that?�� The little monk sobbed.


    ��Would your master push you into a pit of fire?��


    After giving it some thought, the little monk cried out again with a wail, ��Master must have known that I stole his tea, tore his undergarment while washing it, peed on his bed, roasted the rabbit from the mountain, stewed the fish from the lotus pond, killed many mosquitoes, overturned the Buddha statue��s altarmp, pilfered fruits from the tree, and that I told Lin Guo��er that I would leave the monastic order and marry her when I grow older����


    <em>Pffft! </em>Ren Baqian almost spat his tea out. He looked at the pitiful little monk and thought to himself that there would be no injustice even if the little monk died!


    <em>If I were your master, you would have died long ago!</em>


    <em>You��ve basically done everything that a monk shouldn��t do.</em>


    <em>You��re actually quite a talent to have done so many things at such a young age.</em>


    Ren Baqian consoled the little monk again, and after a long time, the little monk Xing Ruo, finally stopped his sobbing.


    ��In the future, this ce will depend on you to spread the Dharma. However, this ce is different from Jingxin Monastery. Those people that you came across at Jingxin Monastery were those who had some form of understanding of the Dharma or those who identify themselves with it to a certain extent. In other words, in the ce that you used to live, even the most ignorant person would have heard of the phrase ��Amitabha.��


    However, none of the people here know of the Buddha, none of them know about Buddhism, and none of them know what you are doing.


    As for the future, it will have to depend on you and whether you can stand firm in this ce and make them believe you.


    If there��s one day when you can really perfect the practice of Buddhism, there may be a chance for you to see your master again.��


    ��I understand now,�� Xing Ruo replied as his eyes reddened.


    ��I can��t teach you these things, so in the future, you��ll have to count on yourself. Think about it properly!��


    After the little monk left, Ren Baqian shook his head. Xing Ruo was really too young. Hopefully by sending him over, Su Wen wasn��t simply firing blindly.


    Ren Baqian hoped that Xing Ruo could achieve the things that he hoped to see.


    Not too long after the little monk left, Qingyun Sword and hispatriot came to pay a visit even before Ren Baqian could send people to look for them.


    When they saw Ren Baqian, they first sized him up for a long time.


    To them, Ren Baqian taking away Teng Yue��s Heaven-grade weapon was much more impactful than the attacking aboriginals.


    After all, the aboriginals didn��t cultivate their state of mind and concentrated on honing their physical bodies. Even though they were really amazed by this fact, it wasn��t too shocking either.


    They were so very different from the aboriginals. At the thought of losing the godly soldiers that they had spent a whole life��s effort to cultivate, they were almost on the verge of killing themselves.


    Both of them really wanted to know how Ren Baqian actually achieved this.


    ��Have you all made any arrangements yet? Are there any problems?�� asked Ren Baqian, paying no attention to how they looked at him.


    ��It has all been arranged,�� the both of them replied. ��They are simply suffering from some of the aftermath at the borders, but there aren��t any adverse effects.��


    ��That��s good.�� Ren Baqian nodded. ��You guys specially rushed over. Is there anything important?��


    ��Sir, we��ve already selected the candidates, but we aren��t sure when we should send them to you?�� Zuo Cheng asked in reply.


    ��Send them over tomorrow morning to find Gong Zheng, then get Gong Zheng to notify me,�� Ren Baqian answered.


    After that, he inquired about something that struck his mind, ��Those people that we sent out should be arriving soon, right? Is there any news?��


    ��It should almost be time. There is still no news as of now, so I��m afraid that we will have to wait a few more days,�� responded Qingyun Sword.


    ��Let me know once there is an update. For the rest of your people, there��s no need to lock them up anymore. You can let them out daily to take a stroll, but if any of them escape, I��ll kill two people for every person that escapes, starting with their closest rtions. If the son escapes, I��ll kill his parents. If a disciple escapes, I��ll kill their master. If the fugitive has no kin, then I��ll draw straws, and those that get selected will be the unlucky ones.


    My preferential treatment of you is my benevolence. I��m giving you an opportunity to live. I hope that you will bear this in mind and won��t make any mistakes that end up ruining this opportunity. If your people don��t know their ce, it��s best that you settle it yourselves so as to avoid implicating the others,�� Ren Baqian said faintly.


    The two of them tensed up after hearing what Ren Baqian said. Even though the man in front of them wasn��t very strong, his mind was like a devil��s.


    If everybody were to be imprisoned here, nothing would probably happen. However, now that Ren Baqian had allowed them to roam around freely in the city, he had also allowed them to use their own hands to settle those who didn��t know their ce!


    Plus, there was also the information that he had previously sent south.


    After Qingyun Sword and his men had surrendered, within a brief period of time, they had been forced into the abyss step by step through a few of Ren Baqian��s tricks and were unable to break free.


    Ren Baqian��s mind was indeed as vicious as a devil��s.


    There was really no telling as to how much more hatred had been birthed in Tianjing Basin or how much confidence was left in Ren Baqian.


    ��You may take your leave.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand and went to find the empress after they had left. He apanied the empress to admire the flowers in the courtyard while casually reporting this matter to her.


    ��Oh!�� the empress answered inattentively. These crafty plots and machinations had never been her cup of tea. She still preferred being straightforward.


    ��Your Majesty, allow me to read your palm?�� Seeing that ashe was uninterested, Ren Baqian stopped mentioning this matter. He stretched out his hand and grabbed the empress��s finger.


    ��You��ve used this movest time.�� The empress rolled her eyes.


    Have some sincerity at least?


    ��That time was physiognomy!�� Ren Baqian immediately analyzed the empress facial expressions. ��I��ve recently been trying to perfect the Dharma and have benefitted quite a bit.��


    ��Why not have a look at it yourself and see if you will take a beating today?�� The empress nced at him and grinned. With a flick of her hand, a mirror appeared on the table.


    Ren Baqian carefully analyzed the person in the mirror for a long while before sighing and saying, ��A thousand words which transform into one word: ��handsome.''��

 Chapter 477 - Fake

    Chapter 477: Fake


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Xing Ruo opened the door, he immediately got a cramp in his calf. He saw a bodyguard standing outside who was full of murderous intent. He was 1.9 meters tall, weighed over 150 kilograms, and had leather armor draped over half his heavily scarred body.


    ��It��s fake, it��s fake!�� Xing Ruo said to himself twice as he calmed down his nerves forcibly. He first turned around and gently shut the door, then walked outside softly and quietly.


    As his behavior and cowardice had always been simr to that of an ordinary child, Ren Baqian was always skeptical as to whether he could perform well.


    However, since Xing Ruo was taught by Su Wen, he naturally wasn��t a slow-witted person. After thinking it through in his room for two days, he prepared himself to take the first step by leaving the house and exploring outside.


    The bodyguard turned his head and looked Xing Ruo. The look in his eyes was as if he was examining his prey, and Xing Ruo��s entire body immediately trembled. He hurriedly lowered his head and hastily walked out.


    ��It��s fake, it��s fake, it��s fake. They are all amiable-looking and good people. Karmic hindrances are obscuring my eyes���� Xing Ruo kept repeating that to himself before bumping head on into a person who was entering the courtyard and tumbling away immediately.


    ��Hey, little fellow, watch your step while you walk.�� Xing Ruo bumped into Gong Zheng, who knew that Ren Baqian and this little baldy had some sort of rtion. He lowered his head and picked Xing Ruo up. The entire process was no different from picking up a doll from the ground.


    ��Where are you headed to?��


    When Gong Zheng stood there, he was like a b of wall that blocked off all the sunlight and enveloped Xing Ruo in shadow.


    Adding on his sinister smile, Xing Ruo shriveled his lips while his eyes looked as if he was about to cry.


    ��It��s fake, it��s all fake!�� Xing Ruo shut his eyes and shouted out loud.


    ��What��s fake?�� Gong Zheng scratched his head.


    Was this little baldy really a fool?


    Xing Ruo opened his eyes and trembled as he replied, ��You��re a good person!��


    ��Of course! Whoever dares to say that I��m not a good person, I��ll tear him apart, pull out his intestines, wrap them around his neck, and strangle him to death before chopping him up into minced meat to feed the babeasts!�� Gong Zheng sneered with a sinister look.


    Xing Ruo was so astonished by Gong Zheng��s malevolence that he almost turned around and ran back to his room.


    However, after thinking that he only had himself to rely on now, Xing Ruo stood there trembling as he resisted his fear and said, ��It��s fake. You��re actually amiable looking, kind, and charitable. It��s just that the karmic hindrances are obscuring my eyes.��


    Gong Zheng was speechless.


    <em>Amiable looking? Kind and charitable? Is he referring to me? Seems like it.</em>


    ��Amitabha, I��m leaving!�� Xing Ruo replied appropriately while shivering.


    ��Oh, be careful.�� Gong Zheng scratched his head.


    After hearing this burly, ferocious, and baleful-looking man tell him to be careful, Xing Ruo suddenly felt that it was like what Arhat had said, that all the ferocious looking things were fake, and that this was just the exterior surface.


    Xing Ruo faced Gong Zheng and put his palms together. He then carefully moved a few steps to the side before dashing through the door.


    Gong Zheng turned around and looked at the back of Xing Ruo, who seemed like he was running for his life. He then said to the courtyard��s bodyguard, ��You heard that just now, right? He said that I��m amiable looking, kind, and charitable. Kids don��t lie, so this must be true.��


    That bodyguard shriveled his lips.


    <em>Don��t you have an idea of what kind of a person you are?</em>


    ��You don��t agree?�� Looking at the guard��s shriveled mouth, Gong Zheng was immediately enraged. He raised up his fist, which as big as a casserole, and sent the bodyguard flying away.


    After leaving the courtyard, Xing Ruo felt that he had be much bolder.


    A group of winged cavalry warriors walked toward him. He immediately stepped to the side and said to himself that it was all fake. He put his hands together and chanted, ��Amitabha.��


    After that, he saw another two bodyguards. Again, he stepped aside saying to himself that it was fake, put his hands together, and chanted, ��Amitabha!.��


    Ren Baqian��s location was either surrounded by the winged cavalry or by people from the Protectorate of the South.


    During the third encounter with someone, Xing Ruo subconsciously stepped to the side and said, ��It��s fake, Amitabha.��


    ��It��s fake, Amitabha!�� Xing Ruo stood by the side of the street and put his hands together, looking on as a few aboriginal soldiers walked past him.


    ��It��s fake, Amitabha!�� Xing Ruo realized that these people didn��t seem to be so scary after all. Indeed it was like what Arhat said, and he had grown a little more courageous.


    The winged cavalry warriors and bodyguards all looked puzzled.


    What fake Amitabha? Could it be an aboriginal dialect from somewhere? Was it a greeting?


    The little monk took an hour to walk out of a street. He could finally see some ordinary people in the surroundings, which made him a lot more rxed.


    Along the way, he saw some unadorned architecture at the sides as well as some ordinary pedestrians. Whenever he bumped into someone, he would chant, ��Amitabha!.��


    After walking for the entire morning, Xing Ruo felt a little hungry. He found a store by the roadside and went in with his palms put together, ��Amitabha. Benefactor, are you able to give me a bowl of water and rice?��


    The shopkeeper��s face immediately turned ck when he heard this.


    <em>You little beggar. If you just wanted some water and food, I��d probably give it to you, but you actually asked for rice? That stuff is imported from Great Xia, and I can��t even afford to eat it myself!</em>


    ��No, get lost!��


    The little monk didn��t feel disheartened after being chased out and continued asking for alms at the next store.


    ��Get lost, get lost!�� After listening to Xing Ruo, the second shopkeeper had the exact same reaction as the first.


    ��Amitabha. Benefactor, can you spare me a bowl of water and a bun? A pancake will suffice!�� The little monk went on to a third store and lowered his request.


    ��No, go away. I��ll hit you if you don��t!�� After hearing what the little monk said, the boss of the store immediately picked up a broom.


    <em>What Arhat said was right. The people here don��t revere Buddha, don��t know about genuine virtue, and don��t have merciful hearts. Those who look fiendish were actually kind and charitable. Those who look easy to talk to were in fact fiendish,</em>Xing Ruo thought to himself.


    Eventually, a few of the winged cavalry warriors who saw him earlier walked past. They saw that he was hungry and gave him a piece of jerky and a pot of water. This made Xing Ruo feel extremely grateful.


    He had affirmed his thoughts even more.


    ��


    A bodyguard entered the room and spoke to Ren Baqian, saying, ��Jia de ah mi to fu! Principal Ren, our brothers who previously went north will be returning back to the city in two hours. It was said that they brought back many people. How are we going to settle them down?��


    ��What jia de ah mi to fu?�� Ren Baqian was stupefied for a moment.


    ��It��s an aboriginal dialect from the south of Tianjing Basin which means hello,�� the bodyguard properly exined. This phrase appeared to be trending these days. In any case, he had already seen a few bodyguards from the outside who used this greeting.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian felt a little suspicious, but didn��t give it much thought either. He then sent the bodyguard out of the city.


    Currently, other than Ren Baqian��s original aboriginal bodyguards, there were six others following behind him.


    Four of them hailed from Lingshan Sect and were in their thirties. Among them, two used swords, one used a spear, and the other one used a pair of steel des. Thest two people were slightly older and were Qingyun Sword��s underlings. One of them was like a farmer because the weapon he used was a pitchfork. The other one had white hair and a white beard, but his figure was robust and healthy, just slightly shy of an aboriginal��s. He used a broadsword with a long handle.


    All six of them were Earth Wheel experts, and they were all considered pretty strong.


    They all used to be experts in their own regions, but had now be Ren Baqian��s bodyguards.


    However, even though the weakest members of the winged cavalry were also at the Earth Wheel level, these bodyguards weren��t affected at all.


    If they were troubled, it would be due to the fact that they had fought the aboriginals in the past and felt a little awkward now that they were bodyguards among the aboriginal ranks.


    A party of men left the city. Not too long after, they saw another group approaching from afar.


    At the front were people from the Golden Ring Residence. Hundreds of people followed behind with both of their hands tied up. One could tell how gorgeous their clothes used to be, but now, they were all dirty.


    Aside from this party of people, there were dozens of winged cavalry warriors riding on regr mounts and moving forward slowly.


    Furthermore, behind all of these people wererge numbers of horse carriages. However, these carriage weren��t carrying people. Instead, they were filled with goods that had been plundered.


    ��Sir!�� The winged cavalry stepped forth in greeting when the party arrived at the city gate.


    ��Was everything alright throughout the journey?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Sir, they know their ce very well.��


    ��Not bad. Have you met the army of the Protectorate of the South?��


    ��Sir, there were a few cities along the way that haven��t been tidied up yet. They will need a few more days beforeing back.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. Seeing that the people at the back were getting restless, he ordered, ��Release them.��


    He then raised his voice and said, ��You came here not to be prisoners under the stairs, but to exhibit the amicable coexistence between the people of Tianjing Basin and the aboriginals. The people of Tianjing Basin have a lot of misunderstandings toward the aboriginals and the imperial court. I hope that when you leave in the future, you can dispel these misunderstandings that you previously had.��


    Awkward silence!


    Misunderstandings? There were no misunderstandings at all.


    Ren Baqian paid no attention to this and continued talking, ��I��m giving you a chance and am lenient toward all of you, but that doesn��t mean that I��ll always be lenient. After you enter the city, all of you must know your ce and be well-behaved unless you are stronger than this thing that is hanging from the top of the city wall!��


    ��Sir Ren, what��s that on top of the wall?�� From the very start, Zhan Changkong had kept his eyes fixed upon those few people behind Ren Baqian. He had seen them before. Those four from Lingshan Sect were all reputable experts, and he hadn��t expected for them to actually follow behind Ren Baqian.


    The other two were experts from the hidden vige.


    It seemed like Lingshan Sect and Qingyun Sword had both fallen��


    Who was that hanging from the top of the city walls? Sensing Ren Baqian��s intentions, this person must be someone extremely important.


    ��The Spirit Spear, Teng Yue. Surely you have heard of him before!�� Ren Baqian sneered


    ��The fourth most powerful expert in the world, the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue?�� Everyone was astonished. Why would Teng Yue appear here? How did he die here?


    ��All of you can find out the specifics from those who have arrived earlier. Enter the city!��

 Chapter 478 - Senior, Lend Me Your Head

    Chapter 478: Senior, Lend Me Your Head


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The Three River Delta was thergest in as well as the granary of Tianjing Basin. It was fertile and the most densely popted.


    It upied ten percent of thend area of Tianjing Basin, but fed one third of the poption.


    In this area, a total of seven cities dotted the in like seven pearls. These seven pearls were under the control of the three major factions.


    Recently, the three major factions were converging their forces on this area. This made themoners living near the Three River Delta jittery as they wondered if there was going to be war again.


    A few dayster, the news gradually spread among themoners of the Three River Delta that there was really going to be a war. It wasn��t between the three factions, but was them against the aboriginals.


    ��They are recruiting new soldiers in the area south of the city. I heard that the sry is quite high and that you can get two taels of silver per month. Fat Head, you are idling around doing nothing, so you might as well go and take a look! With your physical build, you may be able to make a name for yourself in the army.��


    ��Ptui, even if you want to earn money, you must be alive to spend it. You would be fighting against the barbarians. How many people can survive? Those barbarians are eight feet tall and bloodthirsty like wild animals from the mountain, so you and I can imagine the result.��


    ��Just call yourself a coward. I heard that if those barbarianse and invade, they are going to massacre everyone in the city. Many in the northern region have already been ughtered, and people are running away to the mountains in order to survive. As I see it, we will die anyway, so we might as well fight it out with them and maybe get recognized for our contributions and be officials in the future����


    ��Massacre the whole city? Is that true?��


    ��It should be true. Don��t you know what those barbarians are like? Anyway, many people have said so. Everyone is jittery and thinking of how to escape if the barbarians were to invade.��


    ��If that��s the case, there is no choice but to fight with all our might.��


    A middle-aged man who was walking by overheard the conversations in the alley and paused for a moment before moving on.


    No one knew who had spread this rumor about massacring everyone in the city. Although it made people panicky, it also provoked them, and as a result, the three major factions were able to recruit many new soldiers in just half a month.


    However, these untrained recruits would find their legs bing soft like jelly if they encountered the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South.


    The middle-aged man went to a mansion in the city to announce his arrival, and a momentter, a middle-aged man of about the same age came to wee him andughed heartily.


    ��Junior, why are you here? We, fellow apprentices, haven��t met for a long time!��


    ��No one can escape such a big storm. Whether you are a big fish or a shrimp at the bottom of the ocean, you will be carried along by the waves. In this case, it��s better to see the spectacr scenery from the surface of the water!�� the first middle-aged man said with a smile.


    ��Come in and take a seat before we continue with our conversation.�� The senior apprentice roared withughter.


    After tea was served, the senior apprentice asked, ��How is our master? Is the sect doing well?��


    ��Our master is slightly injured and still recuperating. As for the sect�� there is no point in mentioning it!�� The junior apprentice sighed.


    ��Did our master go to Wu City? What happened to the sect?��


    ��The aboriginals asked for our surrender! After they came to the sect, the disciples started quarrelling all the time. I heard that both the hidden vige and the Lingshan Sect have surrendered!��


    The senior apprentice was surprised to hear that the aboriginals had asked for their surrender. The aboriginals had always exterminated their enemies and left no one alive.


    Was it possible that the hidden vige and the Lingshan Sect had surrendered? Qingyun Sword of the hidden vige and Zuo Cheng of the Lingshan Sect had been famous in the martial arts world for decades. Not too long ago, Qingyun Sword even gathered people to try to besiege and assassinate Qi Zixiao. How could such a person surrender? The news about them was too shocking and even made him forget about the injury suffered by his master.


    ��Are you serious?��


    The junior apprentice nodded and continued, ��I heard that the leader of the aboriginals isn��t Qi Zixiao nor is he the butcher, Xi Wanya!��


    ��Who else can it be?��


    ��Do you remember the news about Qi Zixiao having found a husband who isn��t an aboriginal��?��


    ��It��s him?��


    ��That��s right, his name is Ren Baqian. He��s the one behind this matter of persuading the enemy to surrender. It is said�� that he promised to let bygones be bygones for those who surrender. He also promised to let the people of Tianjing Basin walk free and live together with the aboriginals.��


    The face of the senior apprentice changed drastically. These words could influence many people to ept the proposal.


    ��What other news does Junior know?


    ��This time, it was the disciples of the hidden vige and the Lingshan Sect who went to our sects and caused them to quarrel internally. Many people think that Qi Zixiao and the winged cavalry are already in Wu City and that the three major factions are no match for them. With the promise of forgiveness and freedom of movement, they were thinking of imitating the Linshan Sect and preserving the heritage of the ancestors. Otherwise, when the aboriginal soldiers arrive, their sects might be exterminated.��


    The senior apprentice became uncertain after hearing this and asked, ��What did our master say?��


    ��Our master didn��t say anything, but I can see that he disagrees with this. Therefore, I wanted your opinion on this matter. Regardless, Senior has better foresight than all of us.��


    The senior apprentice clenched his teeth and said, ��No matter what, I will not surrender!��


    ��I know. Your parents died at the hands of the butcher, Xi Wanya. You can��t share the same sky with the killer of your parents.�� The junior apprentice nodded.


    ��For those who want to surrender, let them go. This will let the sect preserve its heritage no matter what happens. For the disciples of the sect to bicker, it must be due to the conditions imposed for the surrender. Is it because the disciples aren��t allowed to join the three major factions?�� the senior apprentice raised his head to ask.


    ��Senior is correct.�� The junior apprentice smiled slightly and nodded his head.


    ��What about removing our names from the sect? Can��t we do that?�� the senior apprentice asked again.


    ��They are arguing over this matter now.�� The junior apprentice sighed.


    ��What��s there to consider? Just expel from the sect people like us who want to fight, and the rest can go north to surrender. If the rebels win, the sect will not be affected with us around, and we can rejoin the sect againter. If the aboriginals win�� then the heritage of the sect can still be preserved!�� the senior apprentice from the sect said disapprovingly.


    ��Does senior think that this strategy will work?�� the junior apprentice asked in response.


    ��Even if the odds are slim, I��m still willing to risk my life to fight.�� The senior apprentice raised his voice, cupped his fists, and said, ��Junior, this is a serious matter. I need to consult with the governor and thene back to have a long discussion with you.��


    ��Senior, wait a moment.��


    ��Does Junior still have any other issues?��


    ��Our master has always been concerned about Senior. He said it��s easy to lose one��s life due to the present situation, and I have brought along something to help protect you,�� the junior apprentice said.


    ��Our master misses this unfilial disciple and worries about me all the time. I��m thankful to Junior for traveling so far just to bring me such important news and convey the concerns of our master to me.�� The senior apprentice was warmed by the words of his junior and stood to one side as he looked at the junior apprentice untie a cylinder from his waist.


    ��This was passed down from our ancestors and is said to be from Great Xia��s Baiji Pavilion. It can shoot three rounds of piercing bone nails, so if Senior is in danger, you can just press the button here.��


    Following this action, the cylinder was pointed at his senior as if by ident and then�� and then the button was pressed��


    Three piercing bone nails shot out from the cylinder.


    ��Junior, you���� The senior apprentice didn��t react in time. He was hit by three piercing bone nails, and fresh blood spurted out from his chest.


    ��Senior, that Ren Baqian is more treacherous than you think�� If a sect has three Earth Wheel experts and one joins the rebels, the whole sect will be exterminated. If two out of six Man Wheel experts were to join the rebels, the same thing would happen.��


    ��Although our sect doesn��t have many members, many have joined the army these past few years. Unless all of you are killed, the sect can��t preserve its heritage.�� The junior apprentice sighed in agony.


    The senior apprentice shivered at the words of his junior. Heid on the ground with blood flowing from his mouth and asked weakly, ��Did our master send you here?��


    ��Our master refuses to surrender. The chief of our sect also refuses�� So it isn��t possible to preserve the sect��s heritage�� Unless something unexpected happens, everyone will die.�� The junior continued sighing.


    ��Then why did you����


    ��Fortunately, that Sir Ren gave us an alternative way to survive�� Just kill someone of the same level from the same sect, present their head as proof of allegiance, and one can live. I still want to live. Senior wants to seek revenge, but so do I. However, our enemies aren��t the same person. My enemy is the Southern Metropolis��s governor. You didn��t know this. Even our master doesn��t know because I��m tight-lipped about it. By surrendering, I can save myself and take revenge at the same time. Is there any reason not to do this? As a result, I need to borrow a head as proof of allegiance. We all live together in the sect, so if I got discovered there, I would have no chance to escape. It��s too risky to kill anyone there. After thinking about it, I decided it would be easiest to kill you.��


    The junior apprentice squatted in front of his senior and continued softly, ��There is no chance of winning the fight against these barbarians! Not to mention Qi Zixiao or Xi Wanya, how do you intend to withstand the 1,500-strong winged cavalry who are all at the Earth Wheel level? Since Senior will die anyway, you might as well fulfill my wish. This way, someone will pay respects at your grave during the annual festivals.��


    <em>Gasp�� gasp�� </em>The senior apprentice was lying on the floor heaving and vomiting bloody foam. Since the piercing bone nails had prated his lungs, it made him unable to speak. His eyes were gradually growing lifeless.


    Then, the junior apprentice said softly, ��Senior, lend me your head. I will pay respects at your grave next year!��

 Chapter 479 - How Do I Make a Bun With Her Hair?

    Chapter 479: How Do I Make a Bun With Her Hair?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Governor, Liu City��s Yun Jiwei was murdered, and his head was taken away. Even though a search of the city was conducted to find the killer, nobody was caught. It is said that the killer was his junior apprentice.��


    In the mansion of the warlord of Xueyang City, a middle-aged man was sitting above and listening to the report being announced below.


    This person was Xie Kun, the governor of the Southern Metropolis and its leader.


    Among the three major factions of Tianjing Basin, the highest ranking person in the North Alliance was the alliance chief. On the other hand, in the Southern Metropolis it was the governor, while in the Green Bell Flower, the person in charge was ady called the Flower Queen.


    ��Again, this was caused by the news they spread! These people deserve to die!�� Xie Kun banged on the table angrily. ��Inform everybody to be vignt when they meet anyone, whether it��s their old friends, good buddies, people from their own sect who came from far away to visit, or even close rtives.��


    ��Governor! This is causing everyone to be nervous. Although the previous rumor about exterminating the whole city caused people to panic, it only affected themoners. It even provoked many of them and made it much easier for us to recruit them�� However, this recent news is making the officials insecure! They are wary of each other all the time! How do you expect them to work together?�� someone came up and asked.


    ��What suggestions do you have? After a few more days, there may be more deaths and injuries. Anyway, there is no way to hide this matter. I��m worried that many people may have learned about this before you and I�� Instead of trying to hide, it��s better to tell everyone and prevent people from being killed by their own sect members, rtives, and friends before even the barbarians can kill them�� I��m heartbroken! Just pass down the order,�� Xie Kun said solemnly.


    ��Furthermore, offer a heavy reward for people who capture those that sneaked in. Notify all the sects that it��s clearly stated that they will be totally eradicatedter on if they don��t surrender now. Either they surrender or they join the volunteer army��there is no other choice,�� Xie Kun added.


    ��Finally, send more top experts to guard the Wang Estuary and kill those that are going north to surrender.��


    The situations in the North Alliance, the Green Bell Flower and the Southern Metropolis were about the same. This strategy of Ren Baqian��s caused major internal upheavals in the three major factions. From time to time, there was news about top experts who had already joined the army being assassinated by their fellow sect members. There were even reports of cases in which a whole sect had disciples fighting among themselves.


    This caused everybody to be anxious, and their morale dropped drastically in a short time.


    ��


    Ren Baqian was seated in the main hall in Wu City. Below him, there were six people standing in two rows.


    Jing Yu, Jiang Boting, Zuo Leng, and Zhong Hesheng were from the Lingshan Sect, and Zuo Leng was the nephew of Zuo Cheng.


    The other two were Zhu Nong and Xie Yunbing, who were from the hidden vige and had even fought against Ren Baqian in more than one encounter.


    The six people looked at Ren Baqian whose head had a sharp spear tiping out of the top and exuded charisma.


    This sharp spear tip that appeared on his head from time to time was a feat that was rarely seen.


    ��How are those people now?�� Ren Baqian crossed his legs, one hand fanning a fan while drinking ice-cold c from the cup in his other hand.


    The c bottle was ced beside him. It was warm these past two days, and drinking ice-cold c made the heat more bearable. As for the ice, it was easy to produce because saltpeter could be found everywhere.


    ��Sir, the majority of the people have wholeheartedly surrendered to you,�� Zuo Cheng cupped his hands and said.


    ��The majority of them. That means a minority are unwilling and insincere.�� As Ren Baqian raised his head slightly, the group of them were taken aback.


    ��However, this is quite normal. It��s hard to know what others are thinking, but as long as one is formidable, he or she will seed at anything. With so many people, there are bound to be some who can��t understand the situation clearly and are undecided. Notify the two gentlemen to take action as required and not to be soft-hearted. If I need to arrange for people to take action, they would rather kill innocents than let a single guilty person escape.��


    ��Yes!�� Zuo Cheng answered.


    ��In addition, do you know the little baldy? Get two people to follow him, but not too closely. Make sure he doesn��t meet with any mishaps. Other than that, let him be,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Yes!��


    ��Is there anything else?��


    ��Sir, there��s news that the entire Xiaoshan Sect has surrendered and is rushing toward Wu City.��


    ��Not bad! Bring them to meet me when they arrive. After all, we are on a fervent quest to search for talent and must disy the right attitude.�� Ren Baqian nodded his head and then waved his hands to dismiss them.


    When everybody had left, Ren Baqian pulled off his cor band andined, ��This weather is warm and irritating.��


    He headed for the door, turned into a courtyard, and entered the empress��s room


    ��I��m here to pay my respects to Your Majesty.��


    ��Oh!�� The empress raised her head to look at Ren Baqian and then lowered it to look at her book again. She was quite free these past few days, had selected some manuals that were confiscated from the various sects, and was flipping through them.


    Ren Baqian took out an antique wooden box which had a unique fragrance, put it on the table, and said, ��Your Majesty, I discovered this thing in the warehouse this morning. It would be a waste if it was given to anybody else. Although it��s just barely worthy of Your Majesty because there aren��t many things that are up to your standard, this item should be considered passable.��


    The empress raised her head to look at the box that Ren Baqian had opened and saw what was inside.


    It was a golden hair clip. The tail portion was made out of a ruby the size of a bird egg and carved into the shape of a phoenix about to take flight. This carving not only looked extremely lifelike, it also seemed to have a me enclosed inside the ruby. Any light that shone on it would be reflected as a very magnificent array of brilliance.


    The empress was delighted to see it and put it in her hands to examine carefully.


    ��This thing also has a special property.�� Ren Baqianughed as he took it from her hand and gave it a shake. The air was immediately filled with a resonant chirping sound, somewhat simr to a bird warble and also simr to a bamboo musical instrument.


    ��It is said that the cry of a phoenix sounds like this,�� Ren Baqian said as he put the hair clip back in her hand.


    The empress was even happier and put down her book to y with the hair clip.


    When the interest of the empress had waned a little, Ren Baqian asked, ��How about letting me put the hair clip on for you?��


    The empress spread out her hands. Ren Baqian took the hair clip, walked behind the empress, and gently touched the silky hair of the empress. As he took out the original hair clip, her hair fell down like a waterfall.


    Ren Baqian took the two hair clips and was confounded�� Her hair had spread out with one tug.


    <em>How do I make a bun with her hair?</em>


    The empress was getting impatient because Ren Baqian hadn��t done anything after a long time. She began tapping her finger lightly on the table.


    ��After thinking it over, I think Your Majesty is already devastatingly beautiful without any makeup or ornaments, so I see no need for this thing to embellish your beauty,�� said Ren Baqian earnestly as he walked in front of her and put the hair clip back into its box. ��Your subject feels that you are already perfectly graceful and don��t need it.��


    The empress wasn��t impressed by his rhetoric and asked with a frown, ��You dispersed my hair and then say there is no need to use the hair clip?��


    ��I feel that you are already the most exceptionally beautiful to look at and that adding or subtracting a little bit will destroy this perfection����


    ��You were standing behind me just now and could only see my hair!��


    <em>Boom! </em>��Ouch!��


    A whileter, Ren Baqian sat in a chair with a bloody nose and a swollen face. The area near the empress was cooler. Not only was there a fan blowing over some ice, there was also the empress��s icy and murderous anger that she expressed from time to time, causing people to feel cold from head to toe.


    ��


    The next day, Zuo Cheng carried a bag and strode into the same room as yesterday. As he threw the bag on the floor, five or six heads rolled out.


    ��Sir Ren, these people weren��tw-abiding,�� Zuo Cheng said calmly.


    The fate and the future of the Lingshan Sect rested in the hands of the person in front of him. Zuo Cheng had to be ruthless even if the person involved was his fellow disciple.


    He had already given them a chance, but the news that Zuo Leng brought back yesterday had made him realize that he could wait no longer.


    ��Mister Zuo is a smart person who knows what is important, what should be done, and what shouldn��t be done. I feel more at ease with him around.�� Ren Baqian continued as he looked at the heads on the floor, ��There will always be people who aren��t so smart. Not only are they courting death, but they are causing others to die too. Such a person is like a rat dropping that spoils a bowl of soup. Mister Zuo knows what to do, and in the future, we will need you to continue to pay attention to this matter.��


    Ren Baqian was now more assured of Zuo Cheng since Zuo Cheng waspletely aligned with him and had no way to back out.


    With such a person handling these matters, it saved him a lot of trouble.


    At least he wouldn��t show his emotions even when feeling discontent. This way, the winged cavalry wouldn��t be able to notice. On the contrary, the Lingshan Sect found it easier to perceive this aspect.


    ��I want to ask Sir Ren for a favor. One of them was my fellow disciple, so I hope you can let me give him a proper burial,�� Zuo Cheng added.


    ��That��s fine. Since he��s already dead, I do not mind. Mister Zuo, do as you please.�� Ren Baqian smiled kindly with eyes that looked like a panda��s.

 Chapter 480 - Heading South

    Chapter 480: Heading South


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day, Wu City began to bustle with noise and excitement.


    First of all, the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South had finally arrived.


    These 5,000 soldiers had practically wiped out half of the north region. Before they arrived in Tianjing Basin, they divided themselves into five battalions and attacked simultaneously.


    Thanks to the arrangements made by Ren Baqian, many cities directly opened their gates and surrendered, reducing the number of casualties and the amount of time spent. The reinforcements didn��t stay in these cities for long, leaving only a dozen of their soldiers behind to upy these cities.


    After all, the strength of these Man Wheel experts was already considered powerful in ordinary cities.


    Even Great Xia��s elite soldiers required a 10:1 ratio to contend against the aboriginals, let alone the original guards of these city garrisons who were wielding bone knives. If something were to happen, as long as there weren��t any Earth Wheel level or higher experts, only a minority of these native city guards would be able to escape.


    As for those experts above the Earth Wheel level, when Ren Baqian returned from the Golden Ring Residence, he had dispatched the winged cavalry to wipe them out. Even if the aboriginals did miss any of these experts, now that they had gone into hiding, they wouldn��t easily appear in public any more


    There were only a few cities that had been resolutely resisting. The separated battalions subsequently reformed and attacked together. After these cities were sacked, they killed every single official. The air in these cities was filled with the stench of blood.


    As for the chaos that urred in a rebellious city after the aboriginals left, they didn��t pay any attention to it. Stabilizing such a city was a problem that others needed to consider. Killing all the people who resisted was what aboriginal soldiers should do.


    Under such circumstances, the reinforcements took 40 days before they arrived in Wu City when they originally would only need 15 days to arrive. They also wiped out the scattered rebels that were in the north.


    In addition, the person leading these troops was someone familiar. He was none other than Hong Cheng.


    He was Hong Wu��s son and Hong Xian��s father.


    Previously, when Dayao was fighting a war against Great Xia in the north, at the time when their forces were encircled, it was Hong Cheng who led the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South to the north. Ren Baqian had met him once at that time. Now, this would be considered his second time meeting him.


    Wu City was only a small city. After the 5,000 reinforcements arrived, they practically filled up the entire city.


    At the same time, a problem that arose was the shortage of food in Wu City. Previously, the 1,000 soldiers and 800 winged cavalry warriors practically consumed all the rations in Wu City. They even snatched the rations of the city garrison.


    Now that the reinforcements had arrived, there was almost no more food left in Wu City.


    ��Your Majesty, there isn��t enough food left in the city. At most, it can onlyst us for another three days,�� Xi Wanya informed the empress. ��From my point of view, themoners can keep up to five days�� worth of rations for themselves at most. They must give up the rest of their food. This method should be able to replenish one month��s worth of army rations.��


    ��By solely relying on Wu City, we would be forcing themoners to the edge of death. Even if they tightened their stomachs, five day��s worth of rations would only be able tost them slightly over ten days. Looking at the crops outside the city, it��ll take at least another month before harvest.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    ��Does Sir Ren have any other methods?��


    ��Wu City definitely has to sacrifice some of its grains, but our supply can��t being just from Wu City. In the north, every city has to contribute 2,000 dan of grain, which also means 100 carts�� worth. They will solely be responsible for the necessary manpower and losses. This way, 60 cities will be able to contribute 60 days�� worth of rations. 60 days is sufficient to deal with the rebel troops in the south. Even if it isn��t sufficient, it doesn��t matter,�� Ren Baqian said. As long as they took down the Three River region, there would be a huge amount of food for them there.


    In this world, one ��dan�� was equivalent to about 50 kilograms. 2,000 dan was about 100,000 kilograms, which was slightly more than enough to feed the 6,000 soldiers and 800 winged cavalry warriors.


    There was a lot of grain in Tianjing Basin, but very few livestock animals. An ordinary soldier would need to consume about six kilograms every day of such ordinary grain, while the winged cavalry would need around 12 kilograms.


    These days, the smoke from kitchen chimneys never ceased.


    One couldn��t deny that the formidable strength of the aboriginals was supported by a huge food intake.


    Previously, when they waged war against Great Xia, they had a pretty abundant supply of meat due to the north having more livestock, and it hadn��t been a noticeable problem. After all, ordinary meat could provide five times the energy of grain rations. Now that they had arrived in Tianjing Basin, this problem had been fully revealed.


    Ren Baqian really wanted to say that the aboriginals were good-for-nothings.


    ��From the nearest cities like Si Feng and Chen Di, it will only take two days to travel to Wu City, but from further cities such as Ming City and Xin Yu, it will take three days at most. The total amount of rations from these four cities can support our army for another eight days. With these supplies, the grain from cities even further away would be able to reach us by then, so we don��t even need to worry about this issue at all.�� The empress nodded after Ren Baqian finished his exnation.


    ��Act ording to what Principal Ren said. In addition, transfer over a batch of livestock from Gu City. Before a battle, our soldiers have to eat enough or else they will not have any strength,�� the empress said faintly.


    ��Yes!�� Xi Wanya answered.


    ��In addition, we have been staying here for too long and should start to head south. Those rebel troops are currently gathered in the Three River region. I believe that they want to rely on two strategic locations, the Wang Estuary and Mount Dulong, and are hoping that they can confront our army at these two ces.


    Furthermore, the six cities between the Three River region and Wu City, consisting of Lingdong, Jiangbei, Liugou, Jinsha, Pingjiang, and Han��an, have already been given up by the rebels. Just the day before, the troops defending these six cities retreated. I��m sure that the abandonedmoners of these six cities are in the midst of suffering, are anticipating our army��s arrival, and are hoping that Your Majesty will rescue them.


    Now that the time is almost ripe, I feel that we should seize these six cities first and make them face the rebel troops in the Three River region. This will also increase the pressure on them,�� Ren Baqian said after he heard news from the experts that came with him to Wu City that the rebel soldiers had withdrawn from these six cities.


    He couldn��t help but to say that these practitioners from around the world were pretty useful. Ren Baqian was even considering forming a mounted scout unit and utilizing them this way.


    Regardless of whether it was within Tianjing Basin or confronting other nations, they would definitelye in handy.


    Xi Wanya scratched his head and was full of anticipation.


    <em>Principal Ren, how can you tell that?</em>


    <em>Why is it that all I can see is that they are afraid of death?</em>


    Xi Wanya pointed at the spear tip and the metal chain at the top of Ren Baqian��s head and said subconsciously, ��Sir Ren, they have emerged again!��


    ��It��s nothing. They are kids and find everything to be a novelty. It��s normal that they can��t stay still. They will be better after some time.�� Ren Baqian didn��t mind at all.


    A Heaven-grade weapon would only gain consciousness after its owner died. This new consciousness was like a baby, finding everything it saw as a fresh experience while also behaving energetically. This was very normal, just as kittens and puppies would go around sniffing everywhere as well.


    All they needed was time. Didn��t the metal chain appear less frequently now?


    Xi Wanya stared firmly at the metal chain that wrapped around the spear tip on Ren Baqian��s head. It looked like a whip��


    After a discussion, Xi Wanya sent people to inform every city to get their rations ready. Meanwhile, Ren Baqian informed Zuo Cheng to set off with 2,000 soldiers first in order to suppress the officers and defenders who had lost everything and were creating a disturbance. At the same time, they had to pacify them.


    After all, the Lingshan Sect��s name was still pretty useful in this region.

 Chapter 481 - I Am Doing This For You With the Best of Intentions

    Chapter 481: I Am Doing This For You With the Best of Intentions


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A few dayster, the imperial chariot carrying the empress reached Jiangbei City, which was thest city before entering the Three River region. 130 kilometers south of the city was the Wang Estuary, and south of the Wang Estuary was the Three River region.


    The winged cavalry arrived in the city first, gradually followed by the imperial chariot of the empress.


    There were traces left behind by the riots, and in one area not too far away, there were torched buildings and even unwashed bloodstains.


    When all the soldiers and officers left, it was normal to for riots to break out because the ignorantmoners were fearful. A single spark could cause a prairie fire. This situation showed the evil nature of humans, which was hard to avoid in both ancient and modern times since it was a part of human nature.


    After the Xiaoshan Sect arrived in Jiangbei City, the city began to show signs of chaos.


    The people sent by Ren Baqian werete by four days.


    It was said that when the army and the Lingshan Sect arrived, this ce was already in chaos. The shops were destroyed and looted clean, especially those that sold daily necessities like salt and grain.


    Furthermore, manymoners were killed or injured due to the turmoil.


    Although a group of civilians fled the city beforehand, the army ruthlessly killed this group to suppress the riots. The city, which originally had 100,000 people, only had 60,000 remaining when the empress arrived.


    ��What are they doing? Who allowed them to be here?�� The empress sat in her carriage and looked at the shiveringmoners that were standing on the sides of the street with their heads bowed.


    ��This is the same as what you saw in Lan City��they are here to wee you,�� Ren Baqian said as he held a cup of wine in his hand. As for this arrangement, it should have been the disciples of the Lingshan Sect who organized it.


    ��The people of Lan City are my people, and they truly support and wee me. These people���� the empress said softly.


    ��These people are also your people,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the frightenedmoners. ��Your Majesty, if you treat them like your kinsmen, they will be your loyal subordinates, if you treat them like your dogs and horses, they will be your countrymen, and if you treat them like weeds, they will be your enemies. These people are frightened now, but as long as they can live and work in peace, they will one day support you as sincerely as the people of Lan City.��


    ��Who said these words? They are very logical,�� the empress said with appreciation.


    ��An ancient sageposed them, and he has many wise sayings,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Tell me more about himter. Anyone who can spout such wise sayings mustn��t be an ordinary man,�� the empress said as she looked at themoners. ��I don��t really like them.��


    ��Whether you like them or not, they are a part of Dayao. The reason why you don��t like them is because they are unruly, but this was caused by people continuously inculcating them with ideas. In fact, if you pacify and indoctrinate them, they can be very useful. Decadester, when the next generation has grown up, they will be true subjects of Your Majesty.


    Moreover, these people aren��t living good lives and are struggling to survive. They just need to be able to live peacefully and work cheerfully. After that, I think most of them will no longer have any wild thoughts.


    The people lining the two sides of the street have just experienced chaos and suffering, but now that the army has stabilized the city, they can return to their peaceful lives. They seem to look fearful, but that��s because they are unfamiliar with the empress. How do you know that some of them aren��t actually rejoicing?��


    Then, Ren Baqian gulped down the cup of wine, held the empty cup, and praised, ��This wine is really good. Though it burns you like fire, it has a sweet glutinous rice vor and floral fragrance.��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan red at him before reluctantly pouring more wine for him.


    The two of them had worked very hard and picked many types of flowers to make this wine, yet this rascal had drank so much of it over these past two days.


    ��You need to consider what to do with these people,�� the empress said. Since she wasn��t good at dealing with such matters and Ren Baqian could handle them well, it would be good to shift these tasks over to him.


    He also needed to prove himself to justify his position in the imperial court.


    Although he had made many contributions before, no achievements were more dazzling than bringing peace to Tianjing Basin.


    If things didn��t turn out well, she would just kill all of these people.


    The empress was staying in the mansion of Jiangbei City��s warlord, but the residence looked ransacked with burn marks in many ces. The whole ce had been swept clean of everything.


    Even though the Lingshan Sect had sent people to repair the mansion before her arrival and added some decorations, it was done in a patchwork manner and made the residence look even shabbier.


    It gave the impression that everything was out of ce.


    For example, the flowers that were relocated there looked like weeds.


    Among the tables and chairs in the main hall, some chairs were in different colors or styles and were obviously pieced together haphazardly.


    As for the rooms, they were even worse. The nkets had gaudy colors and made Ren Baqian wonder whether these people had unusual tastes.


    ��Your Majesty, please take a rest here first. I will get someone to bring you a quiltter.�� Ren Baqian made a sweep of the room before emerging from it. He bid the empress farewell and then summoned the people from the Lingshan Sect.


    ��Are there any people from the south who came to the city these past few days? How is the situation in the south?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Sir, dozens of people came these past few days, and they are waiting to see you. As for the south, the revolutionary troops are assembling many elite experts in the vicinity of the Wang Estuary to intercept and kill those who are seeking your safe harbor. The situation at Mount Dulong is also said to be the same, and many people were killed.��


    ��Revolutionary troops?�� Ren Baqian squinted at him and said, ��Your way of thinking is dangerous!��


    ��Sir, I was wrong! It should be rebel troops. They call themselves revolutionary troops. It was a slip of the tongue, and I hope you will not me me,�� that person said as he broke into a cold sweat.


    ��Remember, we are court officials, they are bandits. You are working for me and Her Majesty. Always remember your identity and status,�� Ren Baqian repeated, drumming it in.


    ��Yes!��


    ��How many people did the they send to intercept? What��s their military strength?�� Ren Baqian asked slowly.


    ��There are more than 100 practitioners at the Wang Estuary. The main forces are from the Zhushan Sect, Xiaoqingguan, and the Yueyang Sect. The people guarding Mount Dulong are from the Manxing Pavilion and the Yujiang n. In addition, there are thousands of soldiers at each location. However, this news was reported three days ago. They should have heard the news of the imperial army arriving here, and I think that the situation should have changed somewhat.��


    ��I get it. You are free to go.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand and pondered for a long time after they left. If he were to send the winged cavalry to attack and there was something about the other side that he didn��t know, they might incur casualties.


    The casualties suffered by the winged cavalry didn��t only affected the empress��even he felt heartache for them.Moreover, he knew that the revolutionary troops in the south had more than 200,000 soldiers, while the aboriginals only had 6,000 here at the moment in addition to the 800 winged cavalry warriors.


    Even if the other side were all huskies, 200,000 huskies weren��t easy to deal with.


    Ren Baqian summoned Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword after some deliberations.


    ��Gentlemen, I have an opportunity here for you to obtain merit. Are the both of you interested?��


    ��Sir, please proceed.��


    Ren Baqian continued, ��Currently, the Wang Estuary and Mount Dulong are being held by elite rebel troops. Those seeking the bright path to join me are being trapped in the Three River region and risk being wiped out by the rebels. ording to the instructions of the empress, the army should directly attack and tear these vermin into bits and pieces. However, this will cause many casualties and both of you will have nothing to do.Your group was the first to surrender and will naturally be given important posts in the future, but if you gentlemen don��t achieve merits, people will gossip, and even if I want to promote someone, I will not be able to rmend you. I have been striving hard to get the people in your group the task of gathering information.��


    ��Then, I thought of the both of you and would like to know whether you would like to select some experts from the city to go with you to scout out these two locations?�� Ren Baqian asked. ��Anyway, there is no such thing as achieving merit by lying in bed, and no merits means less respect. I��m doing this for you with the best of intentions.��


    ��Sir Ren, you are right!�� No matter what the two of them thought, they had to ept his proposal.

 Chapter 482 - Knocked Out Once Again

    Chapter 482: Knocked Out Once Again


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I��m leaving!�� Zhan Changkong waved goodbye to Painting Fairy and Zhan Caixian, who were in the courtyard. At the moment, there the Nine Rings Sword was on his back. His four other subordinates��external attendant Ling Zekuan, internal attendant Xu Qiang, vice custodian Liu Jing, and quartermaster Zhan Chiyang��all had weapons at an equivalent standard on their backs too.


    ��My lord, let me apany you,�� Painting Fairy said.


    ��Stay behind and take care of Caixian. I��m just going out to scout this time, so there isn��t much danger. Caixian, I��ll bring back some meat for you.�� Zhan Changkong waved.


    After saying this, Zhan Changkong felt that he was somewhat miserable. He actually wanted to bring back some meat for his daughter after he returned from his mission. In any case, he was the chief of Golden Ring Residence, but had nownded in this state.


    Still, even the winged cavalry were eating rice stubble six times a day just to replenish their energy. These people naturally wouldn��t have anything fancy to consume. It was already considered pretty good that they were able to fill their stomachs.


    Rice stubble was a type of foodmonly found in Tianjing Basin. It was somewhat simr to millet, which could be found on Earth. Although it wasn��t tasty at all, there was an abundance of it.


    ��Madam, don��t worry. We will bring the chief back in one piece.�� Ling Zekuan and four others stuck their thumbs up, followed by their index fingers, and finally, their pinkies. These hand gestures represented the promises of these four people.


    ��Thank you for going through the trouble.�� Painting Fairy bowed and returned their kind gesture.


    ��Set off.��


    The five men got on their mounts and headed south as they went along the lengthy street. When they arrived at the city gate, they threw a token at the soldiers to examine. After exiting the city, they went south for two kilometers, only to see over 20 people standing or sitting in groups.


    ��Greetings, everyone. I have arrivedte.�� Zhan Changkong swept his gaze across the crowd and saw people from the Lingshan Sect, the Nine des Sect, the Xiaoshan Sect, and the Jiangliu Sect as well as a few from other small sects.


    Apart from the Lingshan Sect and the Golden Ring Residence, the other sects were all small sects that at most had one or two Earth Wheel experts holding the fort. If it were before, the status of a big sect would naturally be significantly different.


    Now, however, apart from the Lingshan Sect that managed to bootlick Ren Baqian, there weren��t any differences between a big and a small sect.


    Along with the arrival of Zhan Changkong and his four subordinates, everyone got up from the ground. It seemed like they were thest to arrive.


    The one leading these people was the chief of the Lingshan Sect, Su Xing. He was wearing a brocade robe and instructed, ��Everybody is present. Set off.��


    ��Isn��t Senior Zuoing?�� someone asked. If there was a Spirit Wheel expert to keep watch, even if there were any ambushes, no one would be too worried.


    Su Xing looked around and sternly warned, ��Senior Zuo wille as well, but he will not show himself. The investigation mainly depends on everyone here. After arriving, please be careful and don��t be careless.��


    ��It��s said that there are more than 10 Earth Wheel experts over there and that their skills aren��t lower than that of our people over here. This was the news we obtained a few days ago. Currently, there might be even more experts that have joined them. In addition, there are 5,000 soldiers on the mountain. If surrounded, it would be difficult even for Spirit Wheel experts to escape.��


    ��The goal of trip is to investigate. Don��t fight with others if there��s no need to. If there are any unforeseen events, evacuate immediately.��


    ��Chief Su, don��t worry. We aren��t rude and impetuous people,�� everyone chimed in. In reality, no one wanted want to fight either. It wasn��t that they were afraid of fighting, but not too long ago, they were just having a meal with those people at the same table and discussing how to kill Qi Zixiao together.


    Now, however, they were all relying on Dayao��s imperial court for survival. When facing the other party, they somehow felt that they were doing something wrong.


    ��


    While these people were heading toward the Wang Estuary, Ren Baqian was writing on a piece of paper.


    ��What are you writing?�� The empress extended her head and saw him writing simplified Chinese characters. At the top part, the three words: ��Embroidered Uniform Guards�� were written.


    ��I��ve always felt that it is a pity that we aren��t utilizing these people. In the past, the imperial court knew nothing about matters outside of Dayao because the aboriginals were suited for killing people on the battlefield and were not good at infiltration or investigation. Besides, aboriginals are too easy to identify. With this kind of build and demeanor, even a blind person could tell if a person was from Dayao.


    Now that we have these people, we can at least cast ours. At the very least, we can understand more about the trends in the other nations. Furthermore, we can also make use of these people to control Tianjing Basin as well as the Yun Nation Province,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Yun Nation Province?��


    ��Or maybe we can call it the Protectorate of the East Cloud? When we conquer the Yun Nation, Your Majesty can name it whatever you want,�� Ren Baqian said.


    At the moment, Dayao was still fighting against the Yun Nation. In the future, this wouldn��t be the case anymore.


    Neither he nor the empress had doubts about whether or not Dayao could conquer the Yun Nation.


    A few decades ago, if the first emperor hadn��t only thought about conquering the Yun Nation before departing right after, then the Yun Nation wouldn��t have this enmity.


    ��Why Embroidered Uniform Guards?�� the empress asked curiously.


    ��As a matter of fact, from the perspective of their duties, it��s somewhat simr to the Department of Inspection. However, this unit will beprised of the sect experts who have surrendered, which is somewhat different from the departments in the imperial court. As such, I have given them another name. Currently, this is just a concept. If Your Majesty doesn��t like it, we can call them the Eastern Depot, the Western Depot, or even the Department of Security.�� Ren Baqian gave a simple exnation.


    ��Embroidered Uniform Guards. This name sounds pretty good.�� The empress gently nodded and then followed up by asking, ��Do you think these people are trustworthy?��


    In the end, despite Ren Baqian��s efforts to get these people to surrender and him allowing them to take part in missions, the empress still didn��t like them.


    Ren Baqian was very clear about this. Even the empress was acting like this, let alone the other aboriginals.


    However, this was also normal. After all, decades of notions, likes, and dislikes couldn��t be changed over a few days.


    There was still a long way to go if they wanted these people to live in harmony with the aboriginals.


    ��I��ll give it a shot. As for whether it��s credible, we must always utilize them first before we can tell,�� replied Ren Baqian.


    ��I��m a little bored. Let��s go to Earth and relieve some boredom.�� This was the first time the empress had initiated going back to Earth, and it could clearly be seen that she was bored out of her mind.


    Outside of Tianjing Basin, they were still able to use the radio station to at least find out news from other regions. Over here, however, apart from the daily letters sent from Gu City, there was nothing much they could do.


    It had been a month, and her patience was wearing out.


    ��Great! I reckon that those people will return tomorrow,�� Ren Baqian responded. ��Your Majesty, do you want to meet Su Wen?��


    The empress��s eyes lit up after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    She was very interested to find out more about this person.


    One had to know that the peaches sent by Su Wen were well timed. It was just after the empress had sustained serious injuries and right when the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue, showed up. If it weren��t for the two peaches, they would have only driven Teng Yue away at best with thebined might of the allied experts and the empress��s 30 percent strength.


    The both of them went back to Earth and returned to their own rooms to change into new sets of clothes.


    Ren Baqian, who had just put on his pants, wriggled his ears as if he had heard some noise.


    ��Ah! Save me!��


    <em>Is the sounding from outside? And getting closer?</em>


    With this thought circling in his head, Ren Baqian put on his clothes as he walked toward the window. However, before he could even see the other party, he heard the thunderous noise of ss shatteringing from the next room as well as a ��boom�� that was caused by a heavy collision.


    ��Oh no!�� Immediately, Ren Baqian quivered. The room next to his was the empress��s room.


    Ren Baqian zipped up his pants, hastily ran to her room, and kicked open the door, only to see a palm expanding right before his face. After that, it pped him on the face��


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Ren Baqian was instantly smashed into the wall.


    Before he fell unconscious, he seemed to see two hills pressed together by a fair and delicate arm��

 Chapter 483 - Reluctant to Leave Because of Such Tenderness

    Chapter 483: Reluctant to Leave Because of Such Tenderness


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress smashed Ren Baqian into the wall with one p. Ashamed and annoyed, she put down her arms, which were covering her breasts, and put on her clothes.


    There was a big mess near the window. A grotesque-looking object had been thrown on the bed, but only half of it was left because the other half had been kicked into fragments by the empress when she bumped into it.


    What was left behind was half of a grotesque-looking object and a tightly wrappedpartment. Inside thepartment was a 16 or 17 year old girl who was oozing fresh blood after being thrown on the bed.


    If the empress had not known that it was impossible for her to meet an assassin in this world, this girl would be dead by now.


    In any case, this girl was hit by the fragments generated by the empress��s kick and had suffered many cuts on her body.


    ��Miss? Miss?�� It was only at this time that anxious voices came from outside the window.


    The empress frowned slightly, put one leg under the girl��s body to lift it, and kicked her out through the window.


    A few people who were rushing in from the distance had looked on helplessly as the girl crashed in through the window. Subsequently, she was sent flying out again andnded on thewn.


    ��Scoundrel!�� The people below were shocked. Although it was the girl��s fault for losing control of her flying motorbike and crashing into the vi, throwing her down from the second floor was extremely cruel. There weren��t many vis in this area, and they ranged from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of yuan. Only the rich and powerful could afford to live here.


    Some people went to check on the girl. They saw that she had injuries all over her body and that her arm was twisted at an angle. It had fractured due to the fall, and the expressions of these people changed greatly when they saw the serious injuries.


    One person quickly made a phone call, one went to start the car, and another stood below while scolding angrily, ��Who was that? Get down here! Are you human? You actually threw a girl from the second floor! You will definitely regret not leaving a lifeline for other people!��


    Inside the room, the empress, who had just changed her clothes, was scowling and looking displeased.


    She was changing her clothes when that girl crashed into the vi and had already generously spared the girl��s life. What were these people moring about below?


    If the empress were in her own world, the entire family of that young girl would already have been buried underground.


    To the empress, sparing the life of that girl should already be considered as very merciful.


    These people saw a young woman in red appear at the window. She coldly retorted, ��Get lost! Don��t let me see any of you again.��


    The young man below who had scolded her earlier heard her words and looked murderous.


    Another person gave the girl a full-body examination, confirmed that she was not in any danger of dying, and raised his head to say, ��Don��t pay any attention to her. Report to the master. Then, let��s see her regret.��


    The young man choked down his words and fiercely stared at that window on the second story.


    It wasn��t too long before the sounds of carsing into the courtyard and then driving away were heard. During this time someone said, ��Be gentle, don��t touch the young mistress��s wounds, and be careful of the car door.��


    The empress wasn��t very happy. She couldn��t be bothered with the people below and turned to look at Ren Baqian��s wounds.


    There were no walls around the courtyard of this vi. Outside the vi, there was arge garden andwn. Further outside the vi was a cement road.


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian regained consciousness. His face and nose hurt. There was a big bump on the back of his head, and his whole body felt like it was disintegrating.


    The first thing he saw after waking up was the mess in the next room, and he was shocked.


    ��Your Majesty?!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��Why are you shouting?�� The empress��s cold voice came from beside him.


    Ren Baqian then discovered that the empress was leaning against the wall beside him and eating ice-cream.


    ��What��s going on?�� Ren Baqian asked. His head was whirling with all kind of thoughts�� Why was he attacked the moment he came back? All things considered, there was no reason for anyone to attack him unless there were foreigners who had discovered the situation between him and his country. Had foreign forces sent people to covertly attack him?


    Ren Baqian could only think of this possibility. His rtionship with his country was still in the honeymoon period, and this time around, he had brought back one hand, one leg, and some organs that belonged to Teng Yue. As such, it wasn��t possible for his country to take action against him.


    He had not expected that there woulde a day when enemy agents would keep an eye on him.


    Still, who was he? He was a Man Wheel expert! Most importantly, he had the empress beside him. These people were simply courting death!


    ��I don��t know!�� the empress answered coldly. ��Just now, someone rode some contraption and crashed in through the window.��


    ��Damn!�� Ren Baqian was feeling murderous. The empress was changing her clothes and he had not seen anything because he had been smashed into the wall by a p from the empress. The person who crashed in at that moment deserved to die!


    ��Where is that person?�� Ren Baqian gritted his teeth, and his voice was full of anger.


    ��That person didn��t die. I kicked her out of the window,�� the empress said calmly.


    ��Why didn��t that person die?�� Ren Baqian was surprised.


    ��You told me I should try not to kill anyone here if possible. Those people are nobodies, and I am not interested in them,�� the empress said calmly. ��Earlier, the people below were threatening to make me regret! I want to see how they are going to make me regret!��


    ��Oh, they are dooming themselves to death! If they dare to appear again, I will let them regret living in this world.�� Ren Baqian was ranting furiously. Not only did they dare to attack the empress, they also used malicious words.


    Wait? Malicious words? If it was an assault by enemy agents, would they be so retarded?


    Ren Baqian rubbed his nose and the back of his head, got up from the floor, and went to inspect the room. He discovered the debris left behind by the other party.


    ��What is this?�� Ren Baqian looked at it for a long time. The front half of the object was missing, the back half had a seatpartment, and there was a round disk on the bottom. He couldn��t figure out what it was.


    He carefully re-enacted the events: the empress changing clothes, the assant crashing in�� Damn, the assant deserved to be cut into 10,000 pieces.


    Ren Baqian spent a long time gnashing his teeth in anger. This was the second floor, and the assant came in from the sky. There a seatpartment and a disk�� Was this a flying motorbike?


    ��Your Majesty, who was the person that crashed?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��It should be a girl who is less than 20 years old,�� the empress casually replied.


    ��A girl less than 20 years old?�� Ren Baqian started to feel that something was not right.��What did the people outside look like? What did they say?��


    The empress was rather impatient, but she still briefly repeated the whole story.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words.


    He finally understood that this wasn��t an attack and that the probability of it being a vehicle ident was about 80 percent��


    However, this ident happened on the second floor of his vi and coincidentally when the empress was changing her clothes.


    Previously, the unconscious girl had been kicked out by the empress from the second story and had fallen onto the ground below.


    Ren Baqian thought about it.


    The empress was always right. There were no exceptions.


    If there were, then everyone would have to refer to the first sentence: the empress was always right.


    After learning that it was not an enemy agent targeting him, Ren Baqian couldn��t tell whether he was relieved or disappointed. After his cultivation had reached the Man Wheel level, with the exception of being hung up and beaten by the little lolita, he had not had any chances to show off his prowess.


    As for retaliation by these people, he would hand it over to the Messier 87 department. Although those living in the vicinity were rich, they were by no means more powerful than the Ministry of State Security.


    Ren Baqian put this matter aside and thought about the scene he saw before he was knocked out.


    Although the empress used her arm to cover herself, it seemed like a little bit had been exposed.


    He seemed to have seen a touch of pink and wondered whether it was an illusion.


    Ren Baqian tried hard to recall it since such an important scene couldn��t be missed simply because he was unconscious at the time.


    ��Are you imagining disrespectful thoughts about me?�� the empress asked in an ice-cold tone.


    ��How can that be possible?�� Ren Baqian chuckled. ��I am going to give the Messier 87 a call.��


    Ren Baqian walked back to his own room and leaned against the wall as he recalled the details. Did he really see it?


    At that time, the empress was wearing T-shaped ckce panties�� All of her underwear was bought by him�� On top of the empress��s T-shaped panties were figure hugging short pants from the other world. These were simr to safety shorts from Earth.


    Half of her enchanting and supple body was covered by her T-shape panties��


    Ren Baqian wiped his nose. Recently, he had been really thirsty and feeling hot��


    ��If you still have undesirable thoughts, I will kill you!�� The empress��s voice was transmitted through the wall to his ears.


    Ren Baqian smiled. The empress wouldn��t kill him, but if she was annoyed, he would be given a beating.


    Except for a big improvement in his fighting ability, there was not much improvement in the other aspects of his martial arts skills.


    He would havended in the hospital if the beating he received just now was administered before he had attained the Man Wheel level.


    Ren Baqian gave Yang Sen a call and told him about the incident.


    ��Mister, can you stop making trouble?�� Yang Sen continued resignedly, ��I will send someone to investigate.��


    ��The person is still alive, so you should be satisfied.�� Ren Baqian grinned. The victim should consider herself lucky not to have been killed by the empress in such a situation.


    After putting down the phone, Ren Baqian saw the empress standing at the window where the mess was.


    ��There are still some people staring�� They really don��t know what is good for themselves.�� The empress raised her eyebrows.


    At first, she didn��t notice, but then, she discovered that someone was watching them from under some trees in the distance.


    ��Your Majesty, don��t bother with them,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the empress��s back. His gaze slowly traveled down from her hair to her smooth shoulders and then continued downward��


    Ren Baqian��s gaze stopped there. The empress felt goosebumps on her skin, and it made her uneasy��


    ��Have you seen enough?�� the empress turned and asked him angrily.


    ��Your Majesty, do you want to dance?�� Ren Baqian asked on a whim. He held her hand and pulled her downstairs.


    The empress was led along and followed him.


    A momentter, the sound of the ssic piece, ��Canon in D,�� filled the room. Ren Baqian put the empress��s hands on his shoulder and held her by the waist.


    The heat of their bodies prated through their thin clothes and into their palms.


    ��I can��t imagine how terrible it would have been if I had never met you.�� Ren Baqian gently moved his feet and looked straight into her eyes.


    The empress stepped on his toes after he said those words.


    <em>It��s nothing. It doesn��t hurt��</em>


    Ren Baqian ignored the pain in his toes and said brightly, ��Fortunately, that kind of incident will never happen!��


    The sight of Ren Baqian��s smiling face sent her heart pounding. Her fingers gripped him harder, and her steps slowed down.


    Even after such a long time, she still got flustered every time they were in close contact.


    At first, such a hard to control feeling made her homicidal, but she was beginning to enjoy this feeling�� This feeling�� was not bad!


    His feet were being stepped on again��


    <em>It��s nothing. It doesn��t hurt�� </em>Ren Baqian wiggled his toes as he thought to himself��


    The two experienced the warmth of each other as they danced to the music. Ren Baqian moved his face forward to gently kiss the empress on the lips and felt loving tenderness.


    As the empress looked into his eyes, her eyes were full of tenderness�� Her ears and cheeks were bing flushed��


    He was stepped on again��


    Ren Baqian thought, <em>It��s not painful. It��s really not painful at all��</em>


    As they danced gently to the music, Ren Baqian whispered sweet nothings into the ears of the empress and moved his hand from her waist to her back. One hand was feeling an amazing sticity while the other was still wrapped around the empress��s back.The empress��s hands involuntarily went to his neck�� Her face was filled with bashfulness��


    ��


    Although he was fond of this tender loving feeling and reluctant to let go, it seemed like his feet were swollen? Ouch, he was stepped on once again��

 Chapter 484 - Indulging in Pleasure and Can’t Be Bothered With Anything Else

    Chapter 484: Indulging in Pleasure and Can��t Be Bothered With Anything Else


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqiany by the side of the swimming pool as he sipped on a ss of iced fruit juice while rubbing his feet. To put it another way, he was massaging three of his swollen toes that looked like carrots except that they were much shorter.


    He was looking forward to the entrance of the empress. Just now, he took advantage of the romantic atmosphere and finally persuaded her to change into a swimsuit that he had prepared.


    Ren Baqian was full of anticipation for what the empress would look like when she wore a swimsuit.


    As the saying goes: unattainable things are always the best and most intriguing, just like the ticklish sensation when a cat scratches someone.


    This was particrly the case for a person like the empress.


    Usually, she was cold and aloof. Ren Baqian was already satisfied that he got to witness the empress��s rarely seen affectionate eyes, let alone her agreement to change into a swimsuit.


    Capability and power are the best packaging for a man.


    Sometimes, this also applied to women.


    For example, even if they were ordinary instead of indescribably beautiful, any man would be emotionally aroused by women such as Li Yuanzhu and the empress.


    On top of that, if they had an exceptionally graceful bearing, then only a few men would be able to resist such a temptation.


    If there was really a man like that, he had to either be gay or be a eunuch.


    While Ren Baqian was massaging his toes, he heard the sound of the door opening and immediately turned his head to look.


    First, he saw a beautiful leg stepping forward. In his mind, he was already imagining what the empress would look like in a bikini. At this moment, his heartbeat began to elerate.


    He felt so hot that he might be suffering from heat stroke��


    He then took a mouthful of fruit juice to calm his nerves!


    However, Ren Baqian soon opened his eyes wide, only to see the empress walk in with just a white bath towel wrapped around her.


    The white bath towel just managed to cover the area below her butt, revealing a pair of spotlessly white legs, smooth shoulders, and seductive corbones��


    He was definitely going to suffer from heat stroke��


    <em>Slurp, slurp�� </em>Ren Baqian finished half a ss of fruit juice in one breath. He finally felt cooler and more refreshed.


    The empress shot a nce at Ren Baqian, walked over in his direction, and sat beside him.


    ��Your Majesty, do you want to taste this drink?�� Ren Baqian handed the other ss of fruit juice over to her.


    ��Not interested,�� the empress replied indifferently. Like before, she returned to her cold and aloof self. However, her voice was now much more gentle and that aloofness was like ayer of shell.


    ��Two people at an indoor swimming pool�� but not swimming and not enjoying the sun�� It seems a bit silly,�� Ren Baqian said after pondering for a while.


    After that, he flew into the sky and danced in the air before mming into the water.


    It didn��t look silly anymore.


    The empress grinned.


    Upon entering the water, he felt that his strength, bnce, and ability to remain cool-headed had disappeared. A fear of being surrounded by water emerged in his mind. After struggling in the water for a long time, he finally managed to stand up in the pool and spat out a stream of water.


    If he were to drown in a pool that was 1.4 meters deep, that would really be miserable.


    Ren Baqiany beside the pool and raised his head to look at the empress. This angle�� Unfortunately, her legs were crossed, and he wasn��t able to see anything.


    He looked around, raised his hands, scooped some water, and sshed it at the empress.


    Afterward�� Just like how the water was sshed at the empress, it came sshing back on Ren Baqian��s face.


    Seeing that the ice on the empress��s face had melted, his broke into a wide smile.


    ��Your Majesty,e in for a dip? It��s sofortable to take a dip in this weather���� Ren Baqian said with afortable expression on his face.


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress was tempted. She got up from the deck chair, jumped into the center of the pool, extended her hand, and pped downward��


    Ren Baqian swore that he really saw a tsunami��


    It was as if a tsunami urred in the swimming pool. All the water in the swimming pool soared into the sky and struck the roof and walls around the pool.


    Numerous sshes of water made Ren Baqian unable to open his eyes, and the sound of water rushing against the walls could be heard.


    When Ren Baqian opened his eyes, he was stunned at the amount of water left in the pool. Only half the amount of water remained. The empress was currently wrapped in the bath towel and sitting against the edge of the pool�� She was actually immersing herself in a bath?


    He turned and look in all directions, only to see water everywhere outside the pool. The deck chairs were gone, the fruit juice was gone, the tables were gone�� He reckoned that the speakers installed at the corners of the walls were probably destroyed too��


    ��Your Majesty���� Ren Baqian didn��t know whether to cry orugh.


    The empress was basically teasing him.


    <em>I know everything that��s in your mind, and I won��t show you what you want!</em>


    However, the pool was only half-filled at this moment. Ren Baqian could finally dog-paddle in the pool�� If he still drowned in such a situation, he might as well drown to death since it would be too shameful.


    He dog-paddled all the way to the empress��s side. As the water outside the pool flowed back into the pool, the water level in the pool began to rise, and Ren Baqian had no other choice but to stand up.


    However, the empress actually maintained her sitting posture and remained floating on water. If he looked closely, he could see that the empress��s fingers were constantly pushing against the water. This was the reason why she could still float on the water.


    ��Your Majesty, you can��t swim?�� Ren Baqian suddenly thought of something. Back then at the Bailong Stream, he saw the empress jump down into the sea from a 100-meter tall cliff and still manage to survive. Thus, he had never once considered that the empress didn��t know how to swim.


    However, at this instant, he felt that it might be possible.


    The empress rolled her eyes at him and waved her hands in the water. The next instant, Ren Baqian felt that he saw a tsunami and was pushed by a surge of water to the other end of the pool.


    ��Alright, I can��t offend her even if she doesn��t know how to swim!��


    The two stayed in the pool for more than an hour before they came out. The empress got out of the pool while dripping water. When she walked to the door, the towel on her body fell to the ground. Ren Baqian opened his eyes wide as he looked at the empress��s bright and delicate back as well as at the outline of the bikini on her body.


    The next moment, a door blocked the silhouette of the empress.


    ��This is a bonus, right?�� Ren Baqian��s heart was throbbing. ��I��m indulging in pleasure now and can��t be bothered with anything else.��


    <em>Su Wen and what not, to hell with them!</em>


    <em>It seems like Her Majesty��s mood is pretty good this time.</em>


    <em>We��ll talk about other stuff after enjoying the next two days.</em>


    ��


    In arge office, an old man with white hair and a white beard was sitting on a sofa.


    ��Boss, I found something.�� A young man wearing sses walked to the old man and ced a stack of paper next to him.


    ��The owner of the vi is Ren Baqian. That woman is called Qi Zixiao. Ren Baqian��s parents are ordinary people. He graduated from SY University three years ago, was an average joe, and worked for a smallpany. I��m unsure of how, butter on, he got to coborate with a businessman by the surname of Chen. That ��Golden Medical�� was set up by them.


    Another point to note is that he was previously a wanted criminal along with that Qi Zixao. The reason he was wanted was because he killed over ten people who were directly rted to a businessman by the surname of Jin. After that, he and Qi Zixiao escaped from the country and then came back somehow. Their wanted orders were also revoked.


    Combined with the information you received from the phone call just now, I suspect that he has backing from the nation. At present, however, I have yet to find out who is backing him.


    Judging from this information, the other party is a vicious and merciless person. Even though that businessman surnamed Jin had a gang-rted background, Ren Baqian actually killed his entire family. This is an extremely reckless move in our nation.


    As for that Qi Zixiao, there��s very little information about her. There��s no other news except that she was wanted by the nation before. ��


    While reading the information at hand, the old man listened to the young man��s remarks, and a ice-cold gaze emerged from his eyes.


    After crashing into their house, his granddaughter had already passed out, but they actually dared to throw her out from the second floor. This created huge animosity toward them.


    If he didn��t take revenge, others would treat him as a weak and easy target.


    Although the other party managed to find a ministry official to give him a call, the other party didn��t even reveal his face. Did the other party really think that this phone call could restrain his anger and that he would give up on this matter?


    The other party was underestimating him.


    Even if the other party had someone to back them up, so what?


    After achieving his current status, the old man no longer cared about many things.


    He didn��t believe that the other party��s backing would be someone from the top of the hierarchy. Even though that ��Golden Medical�� was somewhat interesting, it was far from being noticeable.


    With his own capacity, regardless of what kind of background the other party came from, he didn��t need to care at all.


    What he thought was actually logical!


    ��We don��t need to care about his background anymore.�� The old man mmed the pieces of paper onto the table.

 Chapter 485 - Accident

    Chapter 485: ident


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The young man with sses bowed slightly and asked the old man, ��Boss, do you really want to do this?��


    ��Go and make the arrangements. Naturally, in a business, there business methods will be used. Outside of business, there other sets of methods will be used,�� the old man said. ��Since the other party is vicious and merciless, you can��t give him a chance to retaliate.��


    ��Yes.��


    ��I need it to be an ident!��


    ��Understood.��


    The old man nodded slightly. Since the other party was vicious and merciless, they shouldn��t me him for acting the same way.


    To be able to attain his current status, how could it be possible for him to remain as pure and clean as a white lotus?


    It was just that in general, regardless of what everyone did, they still yed within the rules.


    However, at this point in time, rules weren��t needed anymore.


    ��


    ��What��s happening? Did something happen?��


    Ren Baqian returned to his room, saw five missed calls from Yang Sen, and thought to himself, <em>Could there be some turn of events?</em>


    ��Indeed, every time you take action, you cause big trouble.�� Yang Sen sighed from the other end of the phone call.


    ��Is that person a big shot?�� Ren Baqian wondered out loud. Could there be anyone who was more important than Ren Baqian? Currently, he was the ambassador who connected the two worlds and was also a Man Wheel expert! Furthermore, he also had a bunch of Earth Wheel experts as his subordinates.


    ��He��s quite a big shot, and his background isn��t simple at all. Most importantly, what he has in his hands.�� After that, Yang Sen told Ren Baqian about that person��s identity.


    ��Wang Zhi? Top 100 wealthiest?�� Ren Baqian was astonished.


    Ren Baqian had really never heard of this name before. Even though the other party��s reputation wasn��t as eye-catching as the inte giants like Uncle Ma, Wang Zhi was still pretty influential in reality.


    Wang Zhi not only owned thergest oilpany in China, but also undertook several oil and gas projects in the nation. More importantly, he also owned something very significant: 40% of the shares of an American shale oilpany.


    Under thatpany��snd, arge oil field had just been discovered. ording to the market price, it was now worth 900 billion US dors.


    Even if this oil field didn��tpletely belong to the shale oilpany, Wang Zhi would definitely receive part of the profits.


    Although this news had yet to be announced, in this era where energy was most crucial, Wang Zhi��s importance was definitely not low when he had this trump card. Moreover, he had a privately-owned oilpany as well, which further indicated his importance.


    As a result, although Yang Sen had already contacted Wang Zhi through intermediaries, it was hard to say how effective this would be. In particr, Wang Zhi didn��t say anything and didn��t do anything. Yang Sen couldn��t have directly revealed the importance of Ren Baqian, right?


    ��Oh, I got it.�� Ren Baqian was indifferent.


    ��If the two of you can apologize���� Yang Sen said after some hesitation. If Ren Baqian offered an apology and expressed his sincerity, it wasn��t impossible to resolve this issue.


    ��This is my house. She barged into my house, yet I have to give in?�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    ��She is just a young girl. Furthermore, her flying motorbike lost control,�� Yang Sen said.


    ��Don��t bother!�� Ren Baqian immediately replied without thinking. He was determined to protect and support the empress regardless of what she did. The empress was always right.


    He continued, ��They are the ones who owe us an apology. They should really offer incense and thank the gods that we spared their lives.��


    On the other end of the call, Yang Sen was sulking. This Wang Zhi wasn��t someone ordinary, but these two people were also not to be trifled with.


    If he had to choose, the other world was definitely much more important than a piece of an oil field in America. Basically, these two issues weren��t evenparable.


    Currently, regardless of whether the other party took out the secret manuals, the Elongation Saber, that pair of double swords that was of an unknown quality, or other stuff, they were all considered priceless treasures. These items were indeed very valuable.


    In addition, it was impossible to obtain such items from anyone else other than Ren Baqian.


    ��I will think of another way out. First of all, don��t confront the other party. Inform me if anythinges up.�� As Yang Sen thought about it, it seemed like he would need tomunicate with the higher-ups. If that particr person stepped in, he probably might be able to restrain Wang Zhi.


    ��As long as he doesn��t provoke me. Can I still crash a flying motorbike into his house?�� Ren Baqian grinned and hung up the call.


    Frankly, it was really unfortunate. He had just returned to Earth and such a thing happened.


    By the time Ren Baqian ended the call, the empress had already changed into a red dress.


    ��Let��s go out for dinner and then go to the Shanghai Bund to look at the scenery?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Hmm, I want to watch a movie!�� the empress dered, sounding very excited.


    Even though the empress hade to Earth so many times, she hadn��t watched a movie in a movie theater yet. She had only seen such scenes in the television shows that she watched and was rather curious.


    ��That��s fine too!�� Seeing that the empress suggested catching a movie, he felt that it was a pretty good idea for a normal couple to watch a movie and eat popcorn in the dark.


    When they were having dinner, Ren Baqian checked the moving listings and realized that a very interesting horror film was showing�� The New Mutants!


    Ren Baqian was interested because even the X-Men series could be turned into a horror film.


    The empress and Ren Baqian ate enough portions to feed 30 people. Her chopsticks were moving so furiously that they were like the des of a fan and were almost impossible to spot with the naked eye. All that was visible was a chain of shadows. Even though they were in a private room and didn��t frighten any customers, the people serving them got a huge shock.


    He couldn��t deny that after getting stronger, everything else was fine with the exception of his appetite. It was destined that the both of them wouldn��t be able to have a meal in the main dining area of a restaurant.


    There weren��t many people in the cinema. Ren Baqian and the empress carried a big bucket of popcorn and a huge drink cup as they entered the theater.


    ��What��s this?�� the empress asked while looking at the pair of sses in her hands.


    ��Put it on, and you��ll know the effect in a while.�� Ren Baqian demonstrated how to wear the 3D sses.


    Ren Baqian felt relieved when he took a whiff of the empress��s body scent. He reached out, grabbed one of the empress��s hands, and quietly waited for the movie to start.


    At the beginning of the movie, the leaves floating from the screen surprised the empress.


    ��It seems like the leaves are in midair.�� The empress reached out and wanted to touch them.


    ��3D movies, a new technology that utilizes the difference in vision fields between the two eyes to produce an optical illusion simr to real life objects,�� Ren Baqian exined simply from the knowledge he had on the subject.


    ��Very interesting!�� The empress was interested in 3D movies.


    As the film progressed, the plot of the movie began to attract the empress.


    The two no longer spoke anymore and quietly watched the movie while feeling the warmth of the other��s hand.


    The atmosphere of the movie was a bit strange and was indeed like a horror movie.


    Ren Baqian was afraid that the empress would be frightened by the movie��s jump scares and overreact, but fortunately, such a situation didn��t happen.


    That is, until one of the characters approached a washing machine that was spinning. Suddenly, a palm and a burst of me emerged. At the split second that the palm emerged, the empress subconsciously flicked her fingers��


    Following a slight pop, a huge hole appeared on the screen at the position of the palm.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian forced a smile and held the empress��s palm.


    A big hole appeared on the screen, so they naturally couldn��t continue watching the movie. Even though the staff working at the movie theater immediately arranged another theater for them, the two of them had already lost interest.


    ��Let��s go back.�� The empress was somewhat disappointed. However, as she was the one who had ruined it, she didn��t know what to say either.


    When the two of them were on their way back and just after they passed an intersection, they heard the sound of tires screeching. There was a truck heading straight toward Ren Baqian��s vehicle.


    ��F*ck!�� Just as Ren Baqian cursed, he stepped on the gas pedal and felt the entire car shaking violently. After that, their car was rammed into, and he felt the world spinning. The car was sent flying and consecutively flipped over twice beforending on the ground.


    Instead of slowing down, the truck elerated and rammed over.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    <h3 ss="g_h2 mb16">Comment (<span>0)COMMENT FIRST<span>Rate this chapter<span>Vote with Power Stone<span>Send GiftsChapter 486: Revenge Must Not Be Left Overnight!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��The other party is approaching. They are four minutes and ten seconds away from intersection A, where there��ll be a red light for 30 seconds. Failure isn��t an option.��


    After listening to the voice from the walkie-talkie, the man in the truck smiled with glowing eyes. ��I��m a professional!��


    Throwing the walkie-talkie onto the front passenger seat, the man in the truck lit up a cigarette in his mouth. He then looked at the time before stepping on the gas pedal.


    There were three more minutes to go, and he was traveling at 35 kilometers an hour�� When there were two more minutes to go, he drove at a speed of 50 kilometers an hour�� When there was just 30 seconds left, he sped up to 80 kilometers an hour�� To arrive within the forecasted time, the man was counting in his heart.


    10, 9, 8�� The driver could already see the traffic light at the intersection changing. Then, a ck sedan drove past unhurriedly.


    Just the right time.


    For this specific moment, he had already taken this route five timesst night before being able to urately calcte the starting point as well as the speeds at various intervals. This was to ensure that he would arrive at the destination no more than three seconds past the stipted time.


    ��That��s the target.�� After confirming that there weren��t any other vehicles following behind the other party��s car, he drove his truck into the target without slowing down��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Following the impact of the collision, the other party��s car flung out as expected.


    Furthermore, their positions were just right.


    In order to guard against the unexpected, a frame was installed at the back of his vehicle with the sole purpose of shifting the center of gravity to the top of the frame. If the position of the collision wasn��t right, he would have to immediately change directions, overturn the truck by relying on the center of gravity of the frame, and crush the other party��s car into a discus.


    At present, however, that wasn��t required anymore. The driver had a smile on his face as he firmly stepped on the gas pedal and continued to ram into the other party. The direction was shifted a little, but the other party would definitely die as long as he crashed into the wall by the side of the road.


    <em>The five million yuan is mine, </em>that man thought to himself.


    At this moment, he stared at the car as it flipped through the air. The deformed car door suddenly flew open. Next, a demon-like red shadow appeared outside the car. The car seemed to freeze in time. It stopped flipping and floated in the air just like that.


    After careful examination, thatdy who was dressed in red had grabbed ahold of the car in the air with one hand and lifted the two ton Audi A6 several meters high as if it was a toy.


    ��Impossible!�� That man��s pupils shrank into pinpoints


    What was happening in front of him was basically impossible! Absolutely impossible!


    Even seeing a UFO would be more believable than what was going on now.


    Not only was he shocked, even a few cars that just happened to pass by the intersection stopped at the roadside one after another. In their cars, everyone had their eyes wide open as they continued looking at someone lift that car about seven meters into the air beforending on the ground.


    ��God!��


    ��I have faith in martial arts again!��


    ��Is this a superhuman ability?��


    Everyone was dumbstruck in their cars and had absolutely no idea how toprehend what they just saw.


    Below Ren Baqian and the empress, the truck directly passed through. The driver was practically unable to reflect upon what had happened because that incident had severely impacted his awareness. When he saw that there was a building drawing closer and closer, he suddenly regained his awareness and rapidly turned the steering wheel. However, it was already toote.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ��What should we do?�� A car stopped by the roadside. The two people in that car, who had just witnessed this incident, were both trembling. They had previously followed behind Ren Baqian��s car by around 100 meters and had clearly witnessed the entire incident. At this moment, both of them werepletely spooked.


    ��Go back and inform our boss!�� The both of them didn��t dare to stay another second longer and drove their car away at lightning speed. At the same time, they had also gotten through on the phone and exined everything that had just happened.


    ��


    ��Cough, cough!�� Ren Baqian crawled out of the car, still feeling guilty about a terrible crime.


    Nothing had actually happened to the empress. Unless it was a nuclear explosion, a truck would definitely not be able to do anything to her.


    Still, Ren Baqian didn��t have that kind of strength.


    Of course, with the empress around, nothing would happen to him. However, the scene of the truck crashing into them still left him with chills in his chest.


    How hateful was the other party?! Wanting to take a life with the first strike.


    It was almost instantly that Ren Baqian grew suspicious of that Wang Zhi.


    The incident at the vi had just urred in the afternoon, and he immediately got into a car ident on the same night. Besides, that truck didn��t honk its horn or reduce its speed. From all perspectives, it appeared to have wanted to take Ren Baqian��s life.


    Ren Baqian touched his forehead. His hand was stained with blood.


    Just now, the truck had crashed directly into where the empress was sitting. She was pretty much fine, but Ren Baqian had sustained some injuries.


    ��Bast*rd!�� Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth as he turned around to look at that truck��s condition, only to see that the truck had overturned. It left a long trail on the ground, and half of the vehicle had rammed into the building in front of them. The insides of the truck werepletely obscured by dust, and nothing could be seen.


    The empress simply stood beside the truck. Ren Baqian didn��t know what she was thinking about.


    ��It��s too heavy, so I can��t drag it.�� In a sh, the empress returned to Ren Baqian.


    The truck itself weighed around 15,000 kilograms. After factoring in the cargo onboard, it weighed nearly 30,000 kilograms.


    Even if the empress could lift a car that weighed 2,000 kilograms and leap into the air, it was hard for her to drag out a heavy truck that already had half of its body rammed into a building.


    ��I reckon he��s probably dead,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the intact half of the truck. ��However, I can roughly guess who is responsible for this.��


    ��The people from this afternoon?�� the empress asked in a cold voice.


    ��Yes, 80 percent.��


    Ren Baqian took off his shirt and wrapped it around his head, making him look like a mummy.


    ��Find out their location!�� the empress replied with a murderous look. She was already a little disappointed that she had missed the rest of the movie. In spite of that, someone actually had the guts to attack her. That person must be tired of living.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Not avenging a grievance wasn��t his style of doing things. A nobleman would seek revenge regardless of how long it would take.


    He felt for his mobile phone and discovered it was still on him. He held it in his hand and hesitated for a moment, but didn��t dial any numbers. At the moment, Ren Baqian felt that it was rather troublesome because he didn��t know where the other party stayed.


    Yang Sen could probably find out his address, but he definitely wouldn��t let Ren Baqian get ahold of it.


    It would only be possible if Ren Baqian could threaten Yang Sen by having a conflict with the nation. However, the gains wouldn��t make up for the losses. After all, threatening the nation wasn��t that good of an idea.


    If he were to bear with it now and take revenge after he found out the other party��s location, that would be much easier.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian never liked to procrastinate when taking revenge since the day��s vengeance needed to be avenged on that very same day!


    Thankfully, there was still another solution that didn��t require him to fall out with the nation.


    Didn��t the other party have a wounded member?


    They would talk about it again after she was captured.


    There were nearly 40 AAA ss hospitals in Shanghai. Such people would definitely go to the best hospitals.


    As such, there would be an 80 percent chance of finding the other party by going to the top three hospitals.


    Ren Baqian switched on his mobile phone and searched for the top three hospitals in Shanghai. He memorized them and immediately switched his phone off.


    ��Your Majesty, let��s go to Zhongshan Hospital and have a look first. Do you still remember what that person from this afternoon looked like?��


    ��I have a highly retentive memory!�� The empress was slightly prideful, but lowered her voiceter. ��However, such tiny individuals aren��t fit for my eyes����


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    <em>That means you didn��t actually look at them�� That��s why you don��t remember, right? </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    Exactly the empress��s style!


    ��Let��s wait for a few minutes first and see if anybodyes to investigate.�� As Ren Baqian looked at the surroundings, he found that there were indeed a few cars parked along the roadside.


    ��Your Majesty, are there any problems with those people?��


    The empress scanned in that direction and replied faintly, ��They��re all ordinary people.��


    ��In that case, let��s wait. Maybe the other party will send someone to investigate.�� After Ren Baqian finished talking, the both of them hid in the shadows near the roadside.


    A whileter, someone did indeede to investigate, but they were all ordinary people. One by one, they carefully stepped closer and made phone calls at the same time.


    Soon after, police cars and ambnces rushed down to the scene.


    ��Let��s go,�� Ren Baqian said. It seemed like they would have to try their luck at the hospitals.


    Just as Ren Baqian finished his sentence, the empress lifted his cor, and he felt like he was riding on a cloud. Harsh winds blew across his face as everything around him moved rapidly in reverse. After that, the empress jumped on top of a tall building and headed in the direction that he indicated.


    Not long after Ren Baqian left, a few other people arrived at the scene. After assessing the situation, they hurriedly gave Yang Sen a call.


    ��ident? A truck rammed straight into their car and sent it flying? Are they alright? Qi Zixiao lifted the car and leaped seven meters into the air? Both of them fled the scene after that, and their locations are unknown?�� Once Yang Sen heard the details from the phone call, he quickly hung up the phone and called Ren Baqian, but he discovered that Ren Baqian��s phone was turned off.


    ��Oh no, something big is about to happen!��


    An hourter, Ren Baqian and the empress arrived at Zhongshan Hospital. After finding out the location of the special ward, they walked toward that building.


    Just as they reached the lobby, they saw a few people supporting ady dressed in a hospital gown and walking out rapidly.


    After one of them saw Ren Baqian and the empress, his facial expression changed as he repeatedly urged, ��Hurry!��


    At the same time, he and another person assumed an alert stance.


    Ren Baqian squinted his eyes as a cold intent permeated from his gaze. They managed to locate her so quickly. It really must be fate!

 Chapter 486 - Revenge Must Not Be Left Overnight!

    Chapter 486: Revenge Must Not Be Left Overnight!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��The other party is approaching. They are four minutes and ten seconds away from intersection A, where there��ll be a red light for 30 seconds. Failure isn��t an option.��


    After listening to the voice from the walkie-talkie, the man in the truck smiled with glowing eyes. ��I��m a professional!��


    Throwing the walkie-talkie onto the front passenger seat, the man in the truck lit up a cigarette in his mouth. He then looked at the time before stepping on the gas pedal.


    There were three more minutes to go, and he was traveling at 35 kilometers an hour�� When there were two more minutes to go, he drove at a speed of 50 kilometers an hour�� When there was just 30 seconds left, he sped up to 80 kilometers an hour�� To arrive within the forecasted time, the man was counting in his heart.


    10, 9, 8�� The driver could already see the traffic light at the intersection changing. Then, a ck sedan drove past unhurriedly.


    Just the right time.


    For this specific moment, he had already taken this route five timesst night before being able to urately calcte the starting point as well as the speeds at various intervals. This was to ensure that he would arrive at the destination no more than three seconds past the stipted time.


    ��That��s the target.�� After confirming that there weren��t any other vehicles following behind the other party��s car, he drove his truck into the target without slowing down��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Following the impact of the collision, the other party��s car flung out as expected.


    Furthermore, their positions were just right.


    In order to guard against the unexpected, a frame was installed at the back of his vehicle with the sole purpose of shifting the center of gravity to the top of the frame. If the position of the collision wasn��t right, he would have to immediately change directions, overturn the truck by relying on the center of gravity of the frame, and crush the other party��s car into a discus.


    At present, however, that wasn��t required anymore. The driver had a smile on his face as he firmly stepped on the gas pedal and continued to ram into the other party. The direction was shifted a little, but the other party would definitely die as long as he crashed into the wall by the side of the road.


    <em>The five million yuan is mine, </em>that man thought to himself.


    At this moment, he stared at the car as it flipped through the air. The deformed car door suddenly flew open. Next, a demon-like red shadow appeared outside the car. The car seemed to freeze in time. It stopped flipping and floated in the air just like that.


    After careful examination, thatdy who was dressed in red had grabbed ahold of the car in the air with one hand and lifted the two ton Audi A6 several meters high as if it was a toy.


    ��Impossible!�� That man��s pupils shrank into pinpoints


    What was happening in front of him was basically impossible! Absolutely impossible!


    Even seeing a UFO would be more believable than what was going on now.


    Not only was he shocked, even a few cars that just happened to pass by the intersection stopped at the roadside one after another. In their cars, everyone had their eyes wide open as they continued looking at someone lift that car about seven meters into the air beforending on the ground.


    ��God!��


    ��I have faith in martial arts again!��


    ��Is this a superhuman ability?��


    Everyone was dumbstruck in their cars and had absolutely no idea how toprehend what they just saw.


    Below Ren Baqian and the empress, the truck directly passed through. The driver was practically unable to reflect upon what had happened because that incident had severely impacted his awareness. When he saw that there was a building drawing closer and closer, he suddenly regained his awareness and rapidly turned the steering wheel. However, it was already toote.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ��What should we do?�� A car stopped by the roadside. The two people in that car, who had just witnessed this incident, were both trembling. They had previously followed behind Ren Baqian��s car by around 100 meters and had clearly witnessed the entire incident. At this moment, both of them werepletely spooked.


    ��Go back and inform our boss!�� The both of them didn��t dare to stay another second longer and drove their car away at lightning speed. At the same time, they had also gotten through on the phone and exined everything that had just happened.


    ��


    ��Cough, cough!�� Ren Baqian crawled out of the car, still feeling guilty about a terrible crime.


    Nothing had actually happened to the empress. Unless it was a nuclear explosion, a truck would definitely not be able to do anything to her.


    Still, Ren Baqian didn��t have that kind of strength.


    Of course, with the empress around, nothing would happen to him. However, the scene of the truck crashing into them still left him with chills in his chest.


    How hateful was the other party?! Wanting to take a life with the first strike.


    It was almost instantly that Ren Baqian grew suspicious of that Wang Zhi.


    The incident at the vi had just urred in the afternoon, and he immediately got into a car ident on the same night. Besides, that truck didn��t honk its horn or reduce its speed. From all perspectives, it appeared to have wanted to take Ren Baqian��s life.


    Ren Baqian touched his forehead. His hand was stained with blood.


    Just now, the truck had crashed directly into where the empress was sitting. She was pretty much fine, but Ren Baqian had sustained some injuries.


    ��Bast*rd!�� Ren Baqian gnashed his teeth as he turned around to look at that truck��s condition, only to see that the truck had overturned. It left a long trail on the ground, and half of the vehicle had rammed into the building in front of them. The insides of the truck werepletely obscured by dust, and nothing could be seen.


    The empress simply stood beside the truck. Ren Baqian didn��t know what she was thinking about.


    ��It��s too heavy, so I can��t drag it.�� In a sh, the empress returned to Ren Baqian.


    The truck itself weighed around 15,000 kilograms. After factoring in the cargo onboard, it weighed nearly 30,000 kilograms.


    Even if the empress could lift a car that weighed 2,000 kilograms and leap into the air, it was hard for her to drag out a heavy truck that already had half of its body rammed into a building.


    ��I reckon he��s probably dead,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the intact half of the truck. ��However, I can roughly guess who is responsible for this.��


    ��The people from this afternoon?�� the empress asked in a cold voice.


    ��Yes, 80 percent.��


    Ren Baqian took off his shirt and wrapped it around his head, making him look like a mummy.


    ��Find out their location!�� the empress replied with a murderous look. She was already a little disappointed that she had missed the rest of the movie. In spite of that, someone actually had the guts to attack her. That person must be tired of living.


    Ren Baqian nodded. Not avenging a grievance wasn��t his style of doing things. A nobleman would seek revenge regardless of how long it would take.


    He felt for his mobile phone and discovered it was still on him. He held it in his hand and hesitated for a moment, but didn��t dial any numbers. At the moment, Ren Baqian felt that it was rather troublesome because he didn��t know where the other party stayed.


    Yang Sen could probably find out his address, but he definitely wouldn��t let Ren Baqian get ahold of it.


    It would only be possible if Ren Baqian could threaten Yang Sen by having a conflict with the nation. However, the gains wouldn��t make up for the losses. After all, threatening the nation wasn��t that good of an idea.


    If he were to bear with it now and take revenge after he found out the other party��s location, that would be much easier.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian never liked to procrastinate when taking revenge since the day��s vengeance needed to be avenged on that very same day!


    Thankfully, there was still another solution that didn��t require him to fall out with the nation.


    Didn��t the other party have a wounded member?


    They would talk about it again after she was captured.


    There were nearly 40 AAA ss hospitals in Shanghai. Such people would definitely go to the best hospitals.


    As such, there would be an 80 percent chance of finding the other party by going to the top three hospitals.


    Ren Baqian switched on his mobile phone and searched for the top three hospitals in Shanghai. He memorized them and immediately switched his phone off.


    ��Your Majesty, let��s go to Zhongshan Hospital and have a look first. Do you still remember what that person from this afternoon looked like?��


    ��I have a highly retentive memory!�� The empress was slightly prideful, but lowered her voiceter. ��However, such tiny individuals aren��t fit for my eyes����


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    <em>That means you didn��t actually look at them�� That��s why you don��t remember, right? </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    Exactly the empress��s style!


    ��Let��s wait for a few minutes first and see if anybodyes to investigate.�� As Ren Baqian looked at the surroundings, he found that there were indeed a few cars parked along the roadside.


    ��Your Majesty, are there any problems with those people?��


    The empress scanned in that direction and replied faintly, ��They��re all ordinary people.��


    ��In that case, let��s wait. Maybe the other party will send someone to investigate.�� After Ren Baqian finished talking, the both of them hid in the shadows near the roadside.


    A whileter, someone did indeede to investigate, but they were all ordinary people. One by one, they carefully stepped closer and made phone calls at the same time.


    Soon after, police cars and ambnces rushed down to the scene.


    ��Let��s go,�� Ren Baqian said. It seemed like they would have to try their luck at the hospitals.


    Just as Ren Baqian finished his sentence, the empress lifted his cor, and he felt like he was riding on a cloud. Harsh winds blew across his face as everything around him moved rapidly in reverse. After that, the empress jumped on top of a tall building and headed in the direction that he indicated.


    Not long after Ren Baqian left, a few other people arrived at the scene. After assessing the situation, they hurriedly gave Yang Sen a call.


    ��ident? A truck rammed straight into their car and sent it flying? Are they alright? Qi Zixiao lifted the car and leaped seven meters into the air? Both of them fled the scene after that, and their locations are unknown?�� Once Yang Sen heard the details from the phone call, he quickly hung up the phone and called Ren Baqian, but he discovered that Ren Baqian��s phone was turned off.


    ��Oh no, something big is about to happen!��


    An hourter, Ren Baqian and the empress arrived at Zhongshan Hospital. After finding out the location of the special ward, they walked toward that building.


    Just as they reached the lobby, they saw a few people supporting ady dressed in a hospital gown and walking out rapidly.


    After one of them saw Ren Baqian and the empress, his facial expression changed as he repeatedly urged, ��Hurry!��


    At the same time, he and another person assumed an alert stance.


    Ren Baqian squinted his eyes as a cold intent permeated from his gaze. They managed to locate her so quickly. It really must be fate!

 Chapter 487 - Failed to Negotiate

    Chapter 487: Failed to Negotiate


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Simply by looking at the other party��s alert stance, Ren Baqian knew that they must be the people that he was looking for.


    He also knew that they must be the people behind the ident that happened earlier.


    Otherwise, why would they be leaving the hospital in a rush at this time and have such a big change in their facial expressions when they saw him and the empress?


    There wasn��t even a need to question.


    Ren Baqian walked toward them calmly and smiled. ��You guys are so kind. You must be worried that I might not be able to find her and specially sent her down.��


    The facial expressions of the people opposite them underwent a big change when they heard what Ren Baqian said. They quickly pushed thedy into the car and closed the door. The car immediately drove off, but the rest of the people didn��t board the car.


    ��Simply leaving like this without an old hand like me. What happens if you lose your way?�� With a shuffle of his feet, Ren Baqian immediately leaped several meters ahead andnded beside the car.


    ��Stop him.�� A few people outside quickly rushed toward Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian grinned joyfully, thinking that a magnificent Man Wheel expert like him finally had the opportunity to strike.


    After that, a red phantom shed across the scene. Immediately, a few of those people flew away.


    ��Your Majesty, don��t lose the car. Please be lenient! We want her alive!�� Ren Baqian eximed with a hint of anger.


    It seemed like it still wasn��t time for him to strike.


    The empress vanished in an instant. Shended on the car that had already driven a few meters away and mmed her palm downward.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Ren Baqian could even feel the tremors from beneath his feet.


    All of the windows of the Mercedes-Benz nanny van shattered. The car��s chassis immediately smashed into the ground, and the cement fragments beneath the car wereunched all over the ce.


    Looking at it from the side, the van certainly took a beating. All four of its tires were popped and mmed into the ground.


    However, other than all the ss being broken, there actually wasn��t much damage to the main body of the car.


    A few of those lying on the ground who were still conscious werepletely stupefied when they witnessed what happened.


    Needless to say, it was the same for the people in the surroundings as well.


    Being the best hospital in Shanghai, even if it was in the middle of the night, there were still many people going in and out. This move by the empress had left everyone that witnessed itpletely astonished.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and looked around. There weren��t many people, but there were at least ten of them. The state of the situation had a rather bad influence, but all of this was out of his control.


    Who had he offended by simply driving home?


    Ren Baqian stepped forward and open the car door. There were only three people inside; the driver, thedy who had been escorted, and another female bodyguard. All of them had their eyes wide open and looked at him in fear.


    After carefully sizing thedy up, she was a 16 year old girl. She was wearing an oversized hospital gown and had a ster cast on one arm. She looked quite pitiful especially with her frightened expression, which was pretty interesting.


    ��Come out on your own?�� Ren Baqian was all smiles.


    The girl shook her head at once and asked, ��Who are you guys? What do you all want?��


    Ren Baqian leaned forward, grabbed her arm, and immediately dragged her out. The girl fell onto the ground. Her face was filled with fear, and her tears welled up.


    ��Let go of the youngdy!�� the driver yelled as the female bodyguard pounced toward Ren Baqian.


    ��Get back.�� Ren Baqian gently ced his palm on the bodyguard��s face. ��I don��t wish to hit anyone.��


    The female bodyguard��s neck got twisted by almost 90 degrees, and Ren Baqian even suspected that he heard a crack.


    Ren Baqian turned around again and dug out a mobile phone from one of the bodyguards lying on the ground. He rushed toward the others and said, ��Get your boss to call me as quickly as possible or else I��ll sink her in the Heilongjiang River. My patience is limited.��


    ��What are you doing? There��re so many people here watching. Aren��t you afraid of the police?�� The youngdy on the ground trembled.


    ��I am!�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    Before the youngdy could even reply, Ren Baqian continued, ��I can��t sleep without taking revenge! Insomnia is very painful. Did you know that? Huh?��


    ��Let��s go.�� Ren Baqian rushed toward the empress and nodded.


    Looking at the girl on the ground, the empress grabbed her leg with one hand and Ren Baqian��s cor with the other. The three of them instantly vanished into the night.


    ��Ah!�� Just when the girl cried out, the empress shook her hand a little. Suddenly, all of the joints in the girl��s body seemed to have been immobilized. All that remained was a faint hum from her mouth.


    ��Let��s find a rooftop.�� Shortly after Ren Baqian finished talking, the trionded on the roof of a building over ten stories tall.


    ��What��s that smell?�� Ren Baqian smelled something foul the moment theynded. Then, he nced over at that girl who was lying paralyzed on the ground.


    The girl on the ground couldn��t be bothered with the smell at this moment. First, she had been forcefully taken away from the van. Next, she was grabbed by the leg, left hanging upside down as they leaped through the sky, and watched as the ground and buildings below her head passed by. She was already lucky enough not to have fainted.


    She began to cry as soon as the empress released her onto the roof.


    Ren Baqian stood by the edge of the building and embraced the oing wind. Looking at the night scene of the city below, he instantly felt like taking a selfie.


    ��Come, smile.�� Ren Baqian held that bodyguard��s phone and took a photo of himself and the red figure behind him before sending it in a message to his own phone.


    Just as he finished with this, the phone lit up while the sound of Gokuraku Jodo


    <sup>1 </sup>rang out.


    The screen disyed the word ��BOSS�� in upper case. Ren Baqianughed and answered the call.


    Only a faint breathing sound could be heard from the other end of the line, and no one said anything. Ren Baqian was patient and waited slowly.


    ��Who are you? Why did you capture my granddaughter?�� After half a minute, the other party couldn��t hold it in any longer, and an old man��s voice sounded.


    ��I��m Ultraman Tiga, and I��m about to return to Neb Messier 78. Seeing that your granddaughter has an amazing physique, I want to take her as my disciple and pass down my skill, ��Buddha��s Palm,�� to her.�� Ren Baqian sat at the edge of the building and smiled mischievously.


    ��What do you want? Say it. Don��t go overboard with your conditions!�� the old man answered.


    ��It��s very simple. You and your wife will sit in a car while I��ll drive a truck at 130 kilometers per hour and ram it into your car. As long as you die, then, everything will be history.�� Ren Baqian squinted his eyes andughed.


    Following Ren Baqian��s voice, a coarse breathing sound could be heard from the other end of the line.


    ��Be realistic! What exactly do you want?�� the elder questioned as he repressed the anger in his heart.


    ��Alternatively, tell me your location, and as long as you don��t die tonight, this will be considered settled.��


    ��Wen Hua Hotel in Hong Kong. I��ll wait for you here.�� The elderly voice sounded a little more carefree.


    <em>F*ck! You actually aren��t in Shanghai? </em>Ren Baqian thought.


    ��There��s something regretful that I wish to tell you. There will be one more person missing from this world.�� Ren Baqian felt a toothache after he snapped out of his daze.


    The old bastard wasn��t actually in Shanghai? It would be troublesome to capture him in that case.


    ��Do you really think that you can bewless?�� The elder raged.


    ��I can��t bear that responsibility. Thewless one is you, isn��t it? Since you refuse to show up, your granddaughter will have to tide through this cmity for you. Everyone says that keeping a jade would prevent cmity, but for you, you keep a granddaughter to prevent cmity. I��m not sure how many granddaughters you have? Or how many cmities you can prevent?�� Ren Baqianughed grimly.


    ��One doesn��t take grudges out upon the family of the culprit. If you don��t abide by the rules, aren��t you afraid that something might happen to your family?�� the elder replied in anger.


    Ren Baqian even heard something breaking from the other end of the call.


    Ren Baqian sneered. If the nation allowed his family to get harmed, it wouldn��t simply be one or two people who ended up dying.


    Regardless of how things concluded between Ren Baqian and the elder, the nation would ensure that nothing happened to his family, and he held great faith in this.


    ��Come and bid farewell to your granddaughter. It��s such a beautiful world, but unfortunately, she won��t be able to see it anymore.�� Ren Baqian ced the phone at the girl��s ear.


    ��Grandpa save me!�� the girl yelled as she cried.


    Ren Baqian immediately hung up the phone, not bothering to hear what Wang Zhi had to say from the other end of the call.


    ��Do you still want to live?�� Ren Baqian squatted beside the girl and smiled. ��Where do you live?��


    In the eyes of the girl, Ren Baqian��s smile seemed like the devil��s. She shouted herself hoarse and screamed, ��If you kill me, Grandpa will take revenge.��


    ��You really think that your grandpa can avenge you? In other words, does he have the ability to?�� Ren Baqian smiled in response.


    ��Definitely, yes.�� The girl was terrified, but her voice was resolute.


    ��How regretful. Dreams are beautiful, but reality is cruel,�� Ren Baqian mumbled as he stood up.


    After this incident, Ren Baqian realized that it was simply too troublesome to rely on the nation for everything. Even when he didn��t provoke anyone, there would always be problems like this that fell upon him. It seemed like he still needed to create his own influence here on Earth. This way, he wouldn��t be helpless when he got into trouble.


    <em>Hmm�� First, I shall get 100 burly Earth Wheel experts with extremely thick arms and bring them over to Earth.</em>


    ��Kill her?�� the empress asked faintly from the side.


    The girl became even more frightened, and her entire body began to shiver. In her eyes, the both of them were devils.


    ��Anyst words? This world is beautiful, and it��s such a pity that you won��t be able to see it anymore.�� Ren Baqian turned his head and looked at her.


    ��My grandpa will definitely seek vengeance for me. The police will definitely catch you!�� the girl answered in despair.


    Ren Baqian felt it was rather vapid. Such conversations made it feel as if he were the boss of the viins in a soap opera.


    He, however, was the victim! Who had he provoked! He couldn��t even return to his own home in the middle of the night. Furthermore, he had to withstand the wrath of the cold wind on the rooftop of a tall building while still bearing the hatred of someone else.


    Looking at the little girl there, who was curled up like a little puppy that was waiting to receive its death sentence, Ren Baqian faintly replied, ��Take her with us for now. She might still be of use to us.��

 Chapter 488 - The Dilemma of Yang Sen

    Chapter 488: The Dilemma of Yang Sen


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Let me negotiate with them to release his granddaughter?�� Yang Sen raised his voice in anger. ��What did you do? There is no way to negotiate! Let him prepare for her funeral.��


    ��It��s only a slight misunderstanding. This is a civilized society. Who can defy thew?�� The voice of an elderly man with a maic personality was heard on the other end of the line. ��A man of Mister Wang��s status shouldn��t be subjected to intimidation. Moreover, his granddaughter has also been kidnapped. This is too much. Arrange for someone to have her released no matter what. You must look at the big picture.


    Additionally, things like kidnapping and murder should be forgotten after casually talking about them. We are representing the nation. Are there people who want to challenge the national authority? Who exactly are these people? They are too daring! If anything happens to Elder Wang��s granddaughter, the consequences will be disastrous! Even if they think they are like the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, they can��t escape the palm of the Buddha. Furthermore, they are human.��


    ��It��s toote to talk about it now. I can��t even find them.�� Yang Sen, who was having a headache, continued, ��Convince Wang Zhi to live in seclusion for now. Never ever divulge his whereabouts.��


    ��Is it that serious?�� The other person was surprised by Yang Sen��s reply after his long exnation. In that case, the other party was certainly not someone to be trifled with.


    ��It��s very serious. The consequences are dire, and Wang Zhi will be ruined. There are many things I can��t tell you. You will get the chance to know in the future,�� Yang Sen said. After all, only a limited number of people knew about what Ren Baqian was doing, so Yang Sen couldn��t reveal the details of the situation.


    Wang Zhi was really in serious trouble this time.


    He was among the top 100 wealthiest, possibly even at the top of the list. He was really extraordinary.


    Still, he should have realized who he had provoked this time around.


    The person on the other end of the call still suspected that Ren Baqian would break thew. There was no reason to doubt it��he would really break thew.


    As a section chief of the department that was dedicated to studying both Ren Baqian and the empress, Yang Sen knew a bit about Ren Baqian��s personality.


    Retaliation was certain, and it would be unthinkable for him not to take revenge. To say that he was very vindictive would not be an exaggeration.


    Normally, Ren Baqian wouldn��t disturb others and seldom showed his face in public. However, if someone provoked him, he would show no mercy. The Jin family in S City was a good example. The whole family was wiped out regardless of whether they were involved. Male or female, young or old, nobody was spared.


    His methods made Yang Sen feel chills down his spine.


    Aside from Ren Baqian, nobody couldmunicate with Qi Zixiao, who treated living things like ants.


    These two weren��t only important, their powers were no different from that of Superman in the movies.


    The scene of the ident today was one example. The car was tumbling in the air when they jumped out of it and lifted it up six or seven meters high. That car weighed nearly 2,000 kilograms. Was a human capable of doing this?


    Even though he already knew of Qi Zixiao��s power, he was still shocked by this feat.


    He saw the footage from a surveince camera, and even though he was aware of her power, he was still taken aback. He could feel the inhuman power, speed, and physical strength.


    Wang Zhi must have grown tired of living to dare use such an extreme method to attack these two individuals.


    On the other hand, if something were to happen to them, the nation wouldn��t let Wang Zhi off.


    It was a ridiculous situation. No matter who wanted to attack these two, the nation wouldn��t let them off. However, these two people wanted to take revenge, and he had to stop them. Yang Sen was in a dilemma.


    ��No matter what happens to Wang Zhi this time, break off the rtionship if possible,�� Yang Sen kindly reminded the person on the other end of the call.


    Immediately, the other person became serious.


    For Yang Sen to say such words, it meant that the main threat wasn��t due to the person who had conflict with Wang Zhi, but that it concerned some fundamental issues in the system. That was why he was told to break off his rtionship with Wang Zhi after this affair was over. Yet, how was this possible? Just the rights to the oil fields in the USA were enough to be his protective amulet.


    ��So be it. I don��t want to talk anymore.�� Yang Sen had a headache after hanging up the phone.


    His team had arrived toote to both the ident scene and the hospital. Now that both Ren Baqian and the empress didn��t want to meet with him, it was extremely difficult to find them because their skills were superior to his.


    Fortunately, there was still a chance. As long as they couldn��t find Wang Zhi, they would expose themselves while looking for him.


    He would go to where they were residing and see if he could find them.


    If they were ordinary people, it would naturally be impossible for them to return.


    However, these two people might defymon sense and return home to rest. They couldn��t be stealthily hopping into hotels like they had when they were on the run in a foreign country the previous time.


    This time, they had to bring along one extra person, and the most suitable ce to stay was at their house.


    When he thought of this, Yang Sen hurried to the door.


    Hopefully, the captive was still alive.


    ��


    Yang Sen guessed correctly. Ren Baqian and the empress had really returned home.


    The girl was tied up like a mummy. Her mouth was stuffed with something, and she was thrown onto the ground. Ren Baqian was lyingfortably on his bed. After all, the bed at home was morefortable.


    Up until now, he had not asked the girl her name.


    It didn��t matter whether she was innocent or had a bright future, the present situation couldn��t be changed, and her fate was sealed.


    One would lead a good life if one was born into a rich family. After enjoying the riches brought by Wang Zhi, she naturally had to bear the enmity and hatred as well.


    In the eyes of Ren Baqian, there were no innocent people.


    It was just like the case of the people in the Jin family.


    After Ren Baqianzed around for more than an hour, the empress walked into his room and said, ��Someone is here.��


    Ren Baqian woke up with a start. At this time, the doorbell rang.


    ��I am not going to see you. It would not be good if this breaks up our friendship.��


    There were only two groups of people who could be here at this time, people from the Messier 87 or people affiliated with Wang Zhi.


    If they were from the former, Ren Baqian didn��t want to meet with them.


    Yang Sen rang the doorbell downstairs for a long time without getting any response and signalled the young man beside him. The young man took out a tablet, and after pressing some keys, the smart lock on the door opened with a slight click.


    Yang Sen pushed the door open and saw a deserted vi.


    ��Mr. Ren! Can we please have a quick chat?�� Yang Sen shouted loudly. ��No matter what, the nation has itsws. I know that you are angry at this moment, but this matter can be resolved in other ways rather than simply relying on force! Brute force can��t solve every problem! As for this matter, the nation will certainly ount for it����


    Ren Baqian, who was on the rooftop, curled his lips after hearing these words. Force certainly couldn��t solve every problem, but it was the most convenient and satisfying to use.If force could be used to solve a problem, there was no reason to do otherwise.


    It was only time to show his wisdom when force couldn��t solve a problem.


    It was a pity that this wasn��t the case now.


    ��Let��s go.�� Ren Baqian pointed at the forest behind them and gestured to the empress.


    The three disappeared from the rooftop.


    ��


    After shouting for a long time and not getting any response, Yang Sen went upstairs.


    ��Chief, there were some people here who have just left,�� someone said after checking the bedroom.


    ��Spread out and search. Pay special attention to the rooftop,�� Yang Sen ordered. However, he knew in his heart that the chances of finding them were minimal.


    Their speed was too fast and their skills too superior. If they didn��t want to meet him, even digging down three feet underground to find them would be useless.


    Nothing was found after searching for some time. Yang Sen was psychologically prepared not to find anyone and said, ��Let��s go around and see whether there is anything valuable around. Remember not to mess up. Put everything back in its original location after moving it.��


    ��Do you want to set up two surveince devices and electronic bugs so that we will know instantly when they are back?��


    ��There is no need.�� Yang Sen waved his hands.


    If they discovered these surveince devices and bugs, he would be in serious trouble.


    ��Chief, we have discovered some human limbs and body parts in the freezer located in the kitchen.��


    Yang Sen was shocked to hear this and was hoping that it wasn��t true. Did those two really kill the hostage and ced her in the freezer? Would they only stop when the hostage (TLC. I think it should be something along the lines of ��perpetrator�� here.) was dead?


    When he rushed to the fridge and saw the things inside, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    What he saw in the fridge wasn��t the horror he had anticipated.


    Inside the fridge was an arm, leg, liver, stomach, kidney, and spleen that were all packed separately.


    It could be seen from the arm and the leg that the body parts were from a man.


    ��Bring them back for investigation and establish the identity.�� Yang Sen ordered. It was impossible for him to turn a blind eye and pretend not to see such things.


    However, he guessed that these body parts weren��t from a human body from Earth.


    There was no need to pack a body from Earth in such a manner.


    Moreover, Ren Baqian had brought an Earth Wheel expert��s corpse from the other world to theboratory before.


    These body parts were probably from the other world. He had a feeling that the owner of these parts had been someone extraordinary.


    Otherwise, the body wouldn��t be packed like this.


    If he wasn��t wrong, this corpse was supposed to be given to him by Ren Baqian, and it was a pity that this had been messed up due to the problem with Wang Zhi.


    ��Damn Wang Zhi,�� Yang Sen cursed him under his breath.

 Chapter 489 - Fight to the Last Gasp

    Chapter 489: Fight to the Last Gasp


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After Yang Sen and the rest left, Ren Baqian returned to the vi.


    ��Returning to my own home, but I have to behave like a thief.�� Ren Baqian was perplexed. After that, he set his gaze on the girl who had given up on struggling long ago.


    <em>If it wasn��t for the fact that you and your grandfather caused trouble, you wouldn��t have ended up in such a state.</em>


    After walking around for a while, Ren Baqian actually discovered that Teng Yue��s limbs and internal organs had disappeared, but he didn��t care about this. After all, Ren Baqian had been preparing to bring them to theboratory.


    However, in spite of his intentions, he still had to inform Yang Sen not to act this way.


    Taking things whenever you want, are you treating this as your house?


    When he went upstairs again, Ren Baqian realized that the empress was throwing out many things from her cab. Among them, there were lipstick and makeup products that he bought.


    ��What��s going on?�� Ren Baqian was bbergasted.


    ��I can sense that someone went through my things.�� From her expression, Ren Baqian could tell that she was feeling down.


    Although it didn��t seem like a big deal and her things were merely touched by someone else, she was still the ruler of a nation. How could she not care when a stranger touched her things.


    ��I��ll create trouble for Yang Sen when we return,�� Ren Baqian consoled the empress while leaning against the doorway and looking at her.


    ��What are you looking at?�� the empress looked up and asked in dissatisfaction.


    ��Good night, Your Majesty!�� With one hand in front of his chest, Ren Baqian took a bow.


    After sleeping for an unknown number of hours, he realized that the sky was already bright.


    He was bombarded with a series of text messages and missed calls just after he turned on that bodyguard��s mobile phone.


    Not long after, the phone rang again. Ren Baqian picked up the phone and found that the name on the screen was Chairman Wang.


    Yesterday, he took some time to research a little on Wang Zhi and hispany. He somewhat understood more about Wang Zhi and his son.


    If he didn��t guess incorrectly, this Chairman Wang was Wang Zhi��s son, Wang Xunli, who was also the father of the girl.


    ��Mr. Ren? I think we can have a discussion. �� Just when Ren Baqian picked up the call, he heard a voiceing from the other end of the line. ��In fact, we only have a little misunderstanding between ourselves. There isn��t much conflict, so I think that it��s possible to resolve this misunderstanding. First, let me apologize for the ident. I will alsopensate Mr. Ren ordingly.��


    ��There isn��t any misunderstanding. As long as your father sits in a car and lets me crash a truck into it, this issue will be considered resolved,�� Ren Baqian said faintly.


    ��Mr. Ren, I canpensate you. In fact, both parties hold some responsibility regarding this issue,�� Wang Xun replied.


    All of a sudden, Ren Baqian asked, ��Where are you now?��


    Wang Xun paused for a while before answering, ��Mr. Ren? If you wish to talk to me in person, you cane to Tan Zhou.��


    ��Too far.�� Ren Baqian was considering if he should make the trip or not.


    ��Even though I really want to meet Mr. Ren and settle this issue, I��m currently tied up. If the there is a suitable opportunity after a period of time, I am still willing to be friends with Mr. Ren. Before that, I wonder if Mr. Ren can release the little girl?��


    ��I actually don��t mind if you are still willing to be my friend after I kill your father���� Ren Baqian was toozy to pay any attention to him. He immediately hung up the call after saying that sentence. After that, he sent Chen Qing a text message that said, ��Can you find a hacker who can find the location of two people?��


    Chen Qing replied to his text message by calling and asking, ��Who??? Ren Baqian! What happened?��


    ��I��m trying to locate each of these people. Wang Zhi, the founder of Huaneng Energy. Yesterday, he was probably at the Wen Hua Hotel in Hong Kong. There is also his son, Wang Xunli. I want their specific locations now.��


    Wang Zhi had only one descendant. Or at the very least, there was only one in the public eye.


    As for whether he had any illegitimate children or if there would be any story unfolding, Ren Baqian was not interested at all.


    ording to Ren Baqian��s thoughts, as long as the other party revealed himself in public, it wouldn��t be difficult for a high-level hacker to find his location through various means. Although it wasn��t easy to find highly-skilled hackers, they were still much easier to findpared to Wang Zhi.


    ��Someone wants me to ry a message to you: ��Leave others with a lifeline. I will definitely give you an exnation for this matter.''��


    ��I want to know where they are.�� Ren Baqian��s mouth twitched.


    Why didn��t the other party think of letting him live before? Was the other party regretting it now? Toote.


    If it wasn��t for the empress, even though he was a Man Wheel expert, he wouldn��t have been able to survive that car ident.


    ��Alright, I��ll give it a try. Wait for my update.��


    After hanging up the call, Ren Baqiany on the bed and continued to sleep.


    Three hourster, Chen Qing sent a text over that said, ��I found a hacker who is said to be highly-skilled. He said that he will give you the information you want in an hour.��


    In less than 20 minutes, Chen Qing sent another message. ��Wang Zhi is at the Wen Hua Hotel in Hong Kong and has not left since he arrived. As for Wang Xunli, he��s in Tan Zhou.��


    Ren Baqian read the text message and didn��t expect Wang Zhi to still be in the Wen Hua Hotel, which was in Hong Kong.


    <em>Did he think that it was impossible for me to locate him? </em>Wang Xunli was really in Tan Zhou.


    Ren Baqian replied to Chen Qing��s text and sent, ��Get the hacker to pay attention to the other party��s information. Notify me if there are any changes.��


    Then, he shouted, ��Your Majesty! I have found the other party. He��s in Hong Kong. If we drive there, it will take 18 hours. In addition, we will definitely be discovered. As for the high-speed rail, it takes eight hours, but we��ll definitely be discovered.��


    In any case, no matter how they traveled, they would definitely be discovered if they wanted to arrive in Hong Kong in the shortest possible time unless the empress brought him along to ��ride in the clouds.��


    However, the empress might not be able to tolerate a distance of 1,500 kilometers.


    ��Let��s go. We��ll kill him and then go back,�� the empress said as she appeared at the doorway.


    ��He still has a son. If we don��t handle this properly, I��m afraid that there will be trouble in the future,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��We��ll kill them one by one!�� The empress��s answer was very simple and corresponded with her usual style. No matter what the other party��s n was or how many people they had, all she and Ren Baqian needed to do was kill them.


    ��This is what I like about Your Majesty��killing decisively!�� Ren Baqian tilted his head and smiled at the empress.


    The empress wrinkled her nose, snorted softly, and went to change her clothes.


    ��Boohoo���� After listening to their conversation, the girl on the floor bawled her eyes out as she struggled.


    ��Be good and listen to me. At that time, I��ll reunite your family, and you won��t go down alone,�� Ren Baqian said in a gentle voice.


    As the girl struggled even harder, her tears could not stop flowing.


    A momentter, the empress and Ren Baqian obstructed a car when they reached the bottom of the mountain. The empress appeared right in front of the car, so the other party had no choice but to stop.


    ��How much? I want this car,�� Ren Baqian said as he knocked on the window.


    ��You��re crazy!�� the driver yelled. The next second, Ren Baqian grabbed the driver��s cor and pulled him out.


    ��How much did you buy this car for?�� Ren Baqian continued to ask.


    ��23,000 yuan���� The driver��s face turned ghastly pale.


    ��I��ll give you 25,000 yuan for it.�� When Ren Baqian took out his phone, the first thing he saw was a chain of text messages.


    Ren Baqian ignored these messages and transferred 25,000 yuan to the driver. After that, he turned his phone off again.


    ��Leave.�� Ren Baqian sent the driver away. The driver didn��t know whether he should be ecstatic or sullen. Ren Baqian drove back 200 meters, arrived at the uphill portion of the road, and threw the girl who was in the bushes into the back of the car. After that, he continued to drive south.


    In order to prevent themselves from being discovered too early, Ren Baqian also found a small shop and bought two masks for them to wear on their faces.


    The empress wore a Tang Sanzhang mask.


    ��Nobody said that Zhu Baijie didn��t yearn for Tang Sanzhang��s <sup>1</sup> meat!�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    Although it wasn��t illegal to wear a mask while driving, wearing a pig��s head while driving was definitely asking for a beating�� Furthermore, it was a little stuffy��


    In less than an hour after Ren Baqian left, the people from the Messier 87 department found the driver who had been abandoned on the road.


    After all, the information pertaining to Ren Baqian��s bank transfer was easily obtained.


    Soon after, they checked the direction that the car was heading. Yang Sen��s face turned green.


    This damn basta*d was really fighting to thest gasp! He was actually driving to Hong Kong just to get revenge!

 Chapter 490 - Capture

    Chapter 490: Capture


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��It looks like he will not put this matter to rest until he��s dead.�� On one end of the line was Wang Zhi, while his son, Wang Xunli, was on the other end.At this point, both of them were frowning.


    ��This person is a bit mysterious. On the surface, he appears to have made a fortune by chance. However, he managed to swagger back after killing the whole Jin family. He seems to be fearless this time, so there must be some exnation behind this. After all, our Wang family isn��t like the Jin family that held power in a small ce.


    Even though he has something more important than oil, it��s impossible for the authorities to be so tolerant of him. He isn��t a fool��he dares to act this way because he��s very confident that the nation will not do anything to him. If you find out what he��s relying on, you will understand,�� Wang Xunli said solemnly.


    This was also what he found the hardest to understand.


    Where did the other party get his courage from? What was he relying on? Why did he dare to take on a plutocrat that was among the top 100 richest in the nation?


    ��No matter what, you must remember one point: only a living person has value,�� Wang Zhi said calmly.


    No matter what the other party relied on, once they were dead, they were no longer of value. Once they were of no value, no one would care how they died.


    ��What about Baobao���� Wang Xunli spoke with some hesitation.


    ��It depends on her destiny. If the other party wants to talk terms, that��s fine. However, they don��t want to negotiate at all, so the fate of Baobao depends on her own luck,�� Wang Zhi said resolutely.


    ��I have contacted the police, but this matter was suppressed. Hmph! Do not concern yourself with this matter anymore,�� Wang Xunli said with exasperation.


    Wan Xunli hesitated and then finally sighed. ��Baobao is my daughter!��


    With the Wang family��s status, let alone undergoing a situation like a kidnapping, no police force would be negligent.


    However, this matter was forcefully suppressed, and evidently, somebody was meddling with it.


    ��Baobao is my granddaughter! However, the other party is obviously not prepared to talk and even the police are covering up for them. We can��t use ordinary methods to solve this problem,�� Wang Zhi said solemnly.


    There was something in his heart that Wang Xunli didn��t mention.


    <em>Father, you have chosen the wrong approach from the beginning!</em>


    After hanging up the phone and pondering for a while, Wang Zhi made another call. His attitude was respectful, ��Elder Xu, what��s the oue?��


    ��I can��t help you with this case. Be prepared to fend for yourself,�� the old man on the other end said.


    Wang Zhi shuddered. If a person of Elder Xu��s status could say such words, the other party must have people with great clout backing him.


    ��Find a ce to hide and see whether things will turn for the better,�� Elder Xu added before hanging up the phone.


    Wang Zhi ��s expressions changed as held the phone. He was really regretting his actions now.


    He initially thought that it was just a rabid dog which he could just kill, but it unexpectedly turned out to be Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.


    However, he was gritting his teeth in no time. Since he had no other ways, he might as well go down this road.


    <em>To be able to live until now, I didn��t do it just by eating in rice.</em>


    Following his gentle call, a young man came in through the door.


    ��Boss.��


    ��Have you made contact?�� Wang Zhi asked.


    ��I have made contact with a Vietnamese expert who is said to be quite powerful. However, his price is very high, two times above the regr rate. The main reason is the high risk involved in entering our nation,�� the young man whispered.


    ��Give the money to them,�� Wang Zhi said while seated. ��Give them three days.��


    ��I will contact them again.��


    ��If they can save Baobao, give them double the price.��


    ��Understood.��


    ��Pour me another cup of tea.�� Wang Zhi slouched in the chair after speaking.


    The other party was very powerful, but even the most powerful person feared the bullet.


    As for what happens to the other party after his death, that was in the future. Instead of him, it was better for the other party to die.


    In his mind, since he was already using outside forces, the matter should be resolved this way. Professional matters were handed to professionals, and naturally, there were professional killers to kill people.


    However, he was feeling a bit uneasy because of what he heard that day from the bodyguard of the other party. He felt that the content of his description was incredible.


    In the evening, his n was suddenly disrupted.


    ��Mr. Wang, we need your help in our investigation. Pleasee with us.��


    ��Why can��t you do it here?�� Wang Zhi asked the few policemen who had suddenly appeared. He wondered whether someone was going to take action against him.


    ��Although you are a person with special status, regardless of your identity, you still need toe to the police station and help us with our investigation.��


    ��


    ��Wang Zhi and Wang Xunli are being detained for financial crimes?�� Ren Baqian was stunned to see the text messages on his phone when he reached Shenzhen. It was no wonder that he didn��t encounter any interference along the way, which he had already prepared for.


    He didn��t expect Yang Sen toe up with this n.


    Ren Baqian pondered. The problem from before was different from this. Previously, he was dealing with nobodies, and there was no need to be concerned about them.


    This time, however, this Wang Zhi was courting his own death.


    Ren Baqian sent out a message, switched off his phone, and turned to say to the empress, ��Let��s cross the sea.��


    ��Do we bring her along?�� The empress glimpsed at the girl who was tied to the backseat.


    ��Let me handle this.�� Ren Baqian drove to the suburbs, took out a spade, dug a hole, and dragged out the struggling girl who was fearful and knew what was happening.


    ��Don��t be afraid. There��s no suffering in heaven, and you will not be lonely,�� Ren Baqian said gently. He didn��t want to snuff out the life of such a fresh and delicate flower, but at the same time, he didn��t want to leave an enemy behind.


    Ren Baqian raised his hand and pped the girl on the back of her head.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian filled in the hole with soil and patted it down.


    ��I feel like a viin! I��m feeling guilty.�� Ren Baqian was regretful as he had just snuffed out the life of a little girl.


    The empress gave him an angry stare and wasn��t impressed with him making such a fuss over nothing.


    Killing people was like drinking and eating to her.


    The empress carried Ren Baqian, and with a few taps on the river surface that was more than 100 meters wide, they reached the other side. The impacts on the river surface that were left behind by her were like exploding water spouts and attracted the attention of many people, but few people could see the figure of the empress.


    Only a pair of lovers on the riverbank saw the two suddenly appear in front of them and were seemingly stupefied.


    ��Good evening!�� Ren Baqian chuckled despite being carried by the empress. He didn��t care that it looked weird to be carried by a woman.


    The next second, the two disappeared from the couple��s view.


    After a long while, the couple finally managed to let out a yell and screamed, ��Ghosts!��


    They instantly scrambled to run away.


    ��


    At the Hong Kong police headquarters, Yang Sen was standing in a room. In front of him was a one-way mirror panel that he could see through.


    Wang Zhi was sitting inside there, and nobody was taking notes. He was alone in the interrogation room and looked calm. His eyes were closed in repose.


    Meanwhile, Yang Sen was thinking about the contents of the call that he had just received.


    ��This is the corpse of a god!�� The first sentence frightened him so much that he almost couldn��t breathe.


    ��Of course, it��s definitely not what you think. Compared to human beings, this person��s condition can be considered godlike��


    The corpse should be about half a month old, but there are no signs of decay. A special substance is protecting the body. However, this substance is decreasing over time and is expected to fully disappear in about a year.��


    The main reason I��m saying this is the corpse of a god is due to the contents found in it��


    His DNA is different from humans. In general, the moreplex a creature is, the more junk DNA it carries. It��s precisely these uncoded and ��useless�� DNA that help higher order organisms evolveplex bodies. The amount of junk DNA in this corpse is much less, which is different from the current research conclusions.


    Based on my conjecture, this corpse evolved in another direction during its lifetime, and this evolutionary direction is more ��pure���� ��


    Yang Sen couldn��t forget his mood when he received the call. Even now, he was still trembling.


    <em>Boom. </em>Just as he was in the middle of recollecting, the wall next to Wang Zhi exploded. The room was instantly filled with dust, and only two figures were visible.


    When the dust dissipated, Wang Zhi had already disappeared from the room.

 Chapter 491 - Fool

    Chapter 491: Fool


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Wang Zhi woke up, he realized that someone was holding him by the cor and rapidly passing through all the high-rise buildings. Seeing all the buildings below zoom past his feet, he was scared to death. His face was ghastly pale.


    Were these the two people that he wanted to deal with? Were they really humans?


    Could humans jump andnd tens of meters away? Could humans run up a vertical wall?


    Could humans appear tens of meters away in a sh like in fantasy novels that talked about ��reducing one��s distance to an inch?��


    From his point of view, he could see a red dress when he turned his head and also see Ren Baqian, who was being lifted by the empress��s other hand.


    He wanted to struggle, but didn��t even have the strength to move his fingers.


    The size of this ind was very small, only about 80 square kilometers. It was only ten kilometers from one end to the other, not to mention the distance from the police headquarters. For the empress, this distance was considered nothing to her.


    Within ten minutes, however, the three of them returned to their original position.


    After Ren Baqiannded, he moved around to rx his bones and muscles. After all, the frigid winds that blew past while being lifted in midair weren��t afortable thing.


    Then, he turned and looked at Wang Zhi, who was kneeling on the ground. ��Surprised? Very surprised?��


    ��Who are you guys? Are the both of you really humans?�� Wang Zhi was pale and sweaty. He didn��t know the identity of the two people in front of him, but he really couldn��t believe what he had just witnessed and that these two people were the ones he had to deal with.


    ��I thought you already knew?�� Ren Baqian moved his neck and said, ��It��s been a long time since I met someone as bold as you.��


    ��The fact that you have captured me can��t be concealed. I can guarantee that I will not seek revenge on the both of you. If you have any other requests, I can definitely meet your demands,�� Wang Zhi said in a trembling voice.


    Ren Baqian squatted in front of him, smiled, and answered him with another question, ��Do you think that I came all the way from Shanghai to Hong Kong just to rob you?��


    ��You can��t conceal this matter. Even if I die, the both of you will still be in huge trouble,�� Wang Zhi begged in a low voice.


    ��I don��t need to conceal this matter. There��ll be people helping us. As for the huge trouble you were mentioning, don��t overestimate yourself,�� Ren Baqian replied. ��Be a good person in your next life. Good-heartedness often meets with rpense. For example, whenever I��m free, I always help olddies cross the road. As such, I have never encountered any bad things.��


    After Ren Baqian finished talking, he ignored the other party��s reaction and swatted Wang Zhi��s head.


    Upon receiving a p that was exerted with a few hundred kilograms of strength, blood immediately spouted out from Wang Zhi��s mouth and nose.


    After that, Ren Baqian continued to dig another pit. This was followed by burying Wang Zhi.


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian��s shovel struck an object. All of a sudden, he realized that the object was moving.


    It was that girl from before.


    Was it an illusion? Such a thought emerged in Ren Baqian��s head. ording to reason, that swat from him should have swatted her to death. In any case, he was still confident in the strength exerted by his hands. Even if that swat didn��t kill her, she would probably be dead after being buried for more than an hour, right?


    However, just when Ren Baqian was thinking of all sorts of scenarios, that girl��s body moved again.


    ��She��s really not dead?�� Ren Baqian was astonished.


    <em>Not only did she survive after getting swatted by me, she��s actually still alive after being buried for more than an hour? </em>Ren Baqian thought. He then jumped into the pit and used his hands to remove the soil on her face before reaching out to her nostrils. Sure enough, she was still breathing.


    ��Or was this girl destined to live?��


    Ren Baqian squatted on the ground and removed the dirt on his chin.


    ��Your Majesty, that girl from before didn��t die.��


    ��Oh.�� The empress didn��t really care about what Ren Baqian said.


    ��Should I kill her again?�� Ren Baqian was slightly hesitant. He couldn��t really take action as this would be his second time killing that girl.


    After all, she was just a teenage girl. Previously, he felt a little guilty when killing her. If he had to kill her again, it wouldn��t be justifiable anymore.


    Moreover, he had recently been exposed to the monk who was so devout. As a result, he had begun to pay attention to these metaphysical things. This matter made him ponder longer than usual.


    At this moment, the guilt sprouted in his heart and restrained his intention to kill.


    ��Let her live. We��ll bring her back to Dayao and let her fend for herself,�� Ren Baqian muttered. He pulled the girl out of the pit and threw Wang Zhi in.


    ��One pit can only hold one radish. One radish enters and the other exits.�� Ren Baqian kept going on while he was filling the pit with soil.


    After carrying the girl by her legs and trembling for a long time, he finally threw her into the backseat of his car.


    Ren Baqian threw the shovel back into the trunk, dusted his hands, and asked, ��Your Majesty, are you tired?��


    The empress couldn��t be bothered with him.


    ��It��s really inappropriate for Your Majesty to follow me everywhere to settle minor issues. When we return, I��ll arrange for some people to be stationed here on Earth. In the future, it will also be more convenient when dealing with any issues,�� said Ren Baqian as he sat next to the empress.


    ��Alright.�� The empress nodded.


    ��Your Majesty, you shall select the candidates. They should be prudent in speech, loyal, and strong. In addition, they must be receptive toward learning new things. At the very least, they should learn and understand the weapons on Earth so as to prevent themselves from getting shot by a machine gun. That would be a joke.�� Ren Baqian leaned backward and used both of his hands to support his waist.


    ��When we return, I��ll pick out a few candidates. You��ll select the ones you want among them.�� the empress said indifferently.


    ��Great.�� Ren Baqian nodded. This was followed by hisughter. ��Actually, it��s still more rxed on Earth. We don��t have to consider too many problems and even have to ponder for a long time before killing someone. This is unlike Tianjing Basin, where heads roll everyday.��


    ��You are too soft-hearted,�� the empress said coldly.


    Ren Baqian tilted his head and thought, <em>I��m soft-hearted? Not that bad, right?</em>


    Then, the empress ignored him.


    In her opinion, he was still considered soft-hearted. Although he was able toe up with various excuses that sounded reasonable, he still couldn��t hide the fact that he was somewhat soft-hearted and wanted to kill fewer people.


    However, that wasn��t too bad. Therefore, she decided to listen to his words.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t like Li Yuanzhu, who had never killed anyone before. That was the epitome ofpassion and soft-heartedness.


    Ren Baqian didn��t possess the power of overlooking all living things.


    As such, after killing some people, it made it easier for him to kill more people. By disying a ferocious look, he could actually save himself a lot of trouble. Many times, trouble and dead people were equivalent to each other.


    Although it wasn��t a very smart approach, it wasn��tcking.


    ��Boohoo!�� There was a soft voice in the car, and Ren Baqian turned to look. The girl was actually awake and sat up.


    She neither tried to escape nor shouted. Instead, she continued sitting there and stared into space.


    Ren Baqian was actually very curious. Why was the girl acting like that after being revived?


    He got up and opened the back door of the car to take a look, only to see the girl sitting there nkly. She wasn��t talking or moving at all.


    Ren Baqian extended one of his palms and waved it in front of her eyes. The girl��s eyes followed the movement, turned to look at him, and looked down at her muddy palms again.


    <em>Became a fool? </em>A series of questions popped up in Ren Baqian��s head. Was it due to him swatting her? Was it due to theck of oxygen when she was buried in the pit? Or could it be both?


    However, he was toozy to think anymore. He then shouted at the empress, ��Your Majesty, let��s go. There��s still one more to go.��


    Throughout the journey to Tan Zhou, Ren Baqian used the rearview mirror to observe the girl in the backseat from time to time. She was still the same, either staring nkly and asionally looking at the empress and Ren Baqian or looking down at her palms and using them to remove the dirt on her face.


    ��Do you hate me?�� Ren Baqian casually asked when he started the car engine.


    ��Hate�� me�� ?�� That girl dragged her words and spoke in a suspicious tone.


    ��Your name?��


    ��Na�� me�� ?


    ��It seems like she has really be a fool.�� Ren Baqian used the rearview mirror and observed for a long time. He felt that she wasn��t pretending. At the very least, it seemed like the sluggishness in her gaze wasn��t something she could act out.


    If such a pampered 16 year old girl could even deceive him, he could only agree that women were all drama queens.


    ��That��s better. It��s better for her to be a fool. Fools live a much better life than ordinary people. Especially this kind.�� Ren Baqian smiled faintly.


    In addition to the journey to Hong Kong, Ren Baqian was practically on the move for an entire day after driving for another eight hours. Thankfully, it was also due to his strength that he managed to hold on for the entire day. Atst, Ren Baqian was stopped at the junction of the expressway near Tan Zhou.


    To put it simply, the other party had already been waiting over here for a long time.


    ��Mr. Ren, please return to Shanghai. If you continue with what you are doing, it��ll be too excessive. I can guarantee that he will not find trouble with you again,�� said Yang Sen when he knocked on the car window. After that, he saw a girl sitting in the backseat and an astonished look shed across his eyes. He also felt somewhat gratified.


    In the end, this person didn��t kill the girl. If only Wang Zhi died, that was still justifiable. After all, it was Wang Zhi who went out of bounds. Even if Ren Baqian left him alone, the nation would still punish him. Ren Baqian, however, was someone who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance.


    Yang Sen appreciated Ren Baqian even more when he realized that Wang Baobao wasn��t dead. At the very least, Ren Baqian still had some conscience.


    Even though Wang Baobao was filthy-looking and seemed like she had suffered a lot, these were all minor issues.

 Chapter 492 - Detector

    Chapter 492: Detector


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the end, Ren Baqian failed to kill Wang Xunli.


    Due to obstructions by Yang Sen and his promise that Wang Xunli would have no chance to take revenge, Ren Baqian relented after burying the chief culprit, Wang Zhi.


    It must be mentioned that it was impossible for his earlier trip to Hong Kong to not have been found out.


    However, he wasn��t obstructed, and it was obvious that they had let him off once before.


    After all, Wang Zhi had used means that were beyond the rules and deserved to die.


    There was no point in killing Wang Xunli at the expense of offending Yang Sen. This was especially the case because Wang Xunli was under Yang Sen��s control and Yang Sen had promised that Wang Xunli wouldn��t have the chance to take revenge.


    The words ��no chance to take revenge�� were rather interesting. If it were ��will not take revenge,�� then it meant that there was someone holding him back. On the other hand, ��no chance to take revenge�� had some implications.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian relented and decided to return to Shanghai. After all, he had been traveling for more than 20 hours and was tired.


    There was still a fool to be handed over.


    Ren Baqian had confirmed that the girl had really be a fool. The words spoken by Yang Sen at that time were rather simple to understand, but she didn��t respond at all.


    ording to Ren Baqian, this was a good thing.


    At least she could survive. A fool could live an easier life than most people. Ren Baqian also didn��t need to kill the same person twice.


    After returning to the vi, Ren Baqian surfed the inte to get some information on Wang Xunli, and as expected, he was being detained due tomitting white-cor crimes. This was in ordance to what Yang Sen had said about not having a chance to get out.


    Out of the two in the Wang family, one was dead and one wounded. As a result, Huaneng Energy would experience some shocks, but wouldn��t copse. The impact wouldn��t be too big either.


    However, Wang Zhi and Wang Xunli were arrested in session, and Wang Zhi was inexplicably killed. This would cause a shock in society. At the same time, many plutocrats would be on guard and try to find out what had really happened.


    After all, a fellow plutocrat had fallen, so they mourned the death of one of theirpatriots. They were also concerned that they might face the same plight one day.


    Very soon, someone discovered a character who shouldn��t have been noticed: Ren Baqian.


    Although the witnesses at the ident scene, at the hospital, and at the Hong Kong police department were served with a seal order, some news somehow reached the ears of these people.


    This made many people take note of Ren Baqian and harbor suspicions toward him. Just who was he and how much of what they heard about him was true? How much was false?


    Very soon, a video of the car ident scenended in the hands of some people.


    Everyone was shocked after seeing the video. Did this actually happen in reality?


    ��


    Ren Baqian woke up after a refreshing sleep, took a look at the girl in the empty room, and found her to still be in a daze.


    After having a meal, someone was heard ringing the doorbell.


    Upon opening the door, Ren Baqian saw Yang Sen, raised his eyebrows, and asked, �� Are there still some problems?��


    ��A few. Can Ie in?�� Yang Sen pointed inside.


    Yang Sen saw the empress sitting on the sofa as he came in, and he greeted her warily. After all, the skill of the empress was very intimidating to others, especially when seeing her face to face.


    It was just like being in a cage with a tiger.


    ��Take a seat. What are the problems?�� Ren Baqian pointed to the side and asked.


    Yang Sen sat down before saying, ��It��s about those body parts from the freezer����


    ��I haven��t settled this matter with you yet.�� Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows after saying this. ��Private rights are sacred and invible! How can you rob me with the backing of the nation?��


    ��Wang Zhi��s body has been found,�� Yang Sen said. The reason was very obvious, this matter was already suppressed for his benefit.


    ��These are two different matters.�� Ren Baqianughed coldly. ��What does his body have to do with me? I was almost killed by a truck driven by a hired killer the other day.��


    ��Speak. What do you want?�� Yang Sen asked helplessly.


    ��I want 1,000 of those skunk bombs you gave me the previous time,�� Ren Baqian stated.


    The empress, who was listening from the side, started feeling ufortable.


    She had experienced the power of those things. Just thinking about 1,000 of them was scary.


    ��Fine,�� Yang Sen readily agreed.


    As a result, Ren Baqian��s expression softened a little. On Earth, 1,000 skunk bombs, which were more for deterrence, weren��tparable to the corpse of a Spirit Wheel expert


    A nuclear warhead was more like it.


    However, the country wouldn��t give such a powerful weapon to him, and he didn��t want any other things. He also didn��t want to give others the misconception that they could get something without paying any price for it.


    ��What��s the matter now? Spit it out.�� Ren Baqian leaned back on the sofa.


    ��That corpse, is it the Spirit Wheel expert that you mentioned before?�� Yang Sen took out a pen recorder as he spoke. In fact, he didn��t have to take it out, but this action made Ren Baqian feel morefortable. Whatever it was, it was better to do things openly than covertly.


    ��Not bad.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��ording to our tests, he has reached the age of 130, but the efficiency of the cells in his body are like that of a person who is about 30 to 40. How was this achieved?��


    ��130 years old?�� The empress was surprised.


    ��This is ording to our tests.��


    ��Is this urate?��


    ��This should be urate. After all, the tests can determine the age of things that are hundreds of millions of years old,�� Ren Baqian said from the side. ��What��s the matter?��


    ��Hey, Teng Yue became famous 40 years ago and was considered a genius. Everyone thought that he was merely over 30 years old, so many expected him to reach a higher level. I didn��t know that he was already 90 years old back then,�� the empress sneered. ��Everyone was fooled by him.��


    Ren Baqian had a strange look because he had never heard of this before.


    A 90 year old man posing as a young genius. Teng Yue was really thick skinned. For a powerful Spirit Wheel expert who was respected everywhere to do such a thing, it showed his obsession to deceive.


    Of course, in the eyes of many people, a 90 year old Spirit Wheel experts and a 30 year old Spirit Wheel were certainly different since thetter had more potential.


    Despite this, this person was already a pain in the a**.


    ��We have detected a substance in his body that can maintain cell activity and dy cell death. We specte that this substance should have the function of scavenging free radicals and providing energy. If we can make progress in this area, its importance will need no further exnation. Mr. Ren should be able to understand this,�� Yang Sen said. This was the reason why he was here.


    When the test results on this corpse were released, even the top brass began to pay attention.


    Ren Baqian was very interested after hearing this as no one could be indifferent about the prolonging of one��s life.


    ��It should be the spirit,�� said Ren Baqian after pondering. ording to what he knew, the spirit was the biggest difference between a Spirit Wheel expert and an Earth Wheel expert.


    If the only reason why the lifespan of an Earth Wheel expert was longer than an ordinary man was due to the physical constitution, then in that way, the lifespan of a Spirit Wheel expert was much longer than that of an Earth Wheel expert. In fact, it was almost double, and this should be due to the spirit.


    ��It should be something simr to the spirit, but there are some differences. It��s closer to the primordial spirit found in novels, it canmunicate with Heaven and Earth, and it can also form Heaven-grade weapons���� Ren Baqian exined to Yang Sen who couldn��tprehend.


    ��Heaven-grade weapon?��


    ��The spiritbines with the primordial qi and forms a type of weapon. However, this is beyond yourprehension,�� Ren Baqian said coolly.


    Following Ren Baqian��s word, Yang Sen saw a portion of a metal chaine out of Ren Baqian��s head. It twisted a few times like a snake, forming an S-shape and then an M-shape��


    Yang Sen opened his eyes wide and looked at Ren Baqian��s head, ��This is�� ?��


    ��Well?�� Ren Baqian raised his hand to his head and the metal chain recoiled, but the empress moved faster than the chain and pulled it out to coil around her hand.


    Thereafter, a long spear with fine golden engravings appeared from Ren Baqian��s temple and stabbed across at the empress.


    The empress stretched her hand to block. The spear then emitted a clear sound and retracted into Ren Baqian��s head.


    Yang Sen��s eyes were transfixed. He looked at the metal chain coiled around the empress��s hand and hesitated before asking, ��Can I touch it?��


    ��No,�� Ren Baqian promptly refused. This wasn��t a dog leash that anyone could touch at anytime they liked.


    ��This is a Heaven-grade weapon. It��s there when the person exists and disappears when the person is dead,�� Ren Baqian said inly with an imposing manner.


    Yang Sen was somewhat surprised. ording to his understanding, Ren Baqian��s skill was at about the same level as those masters that were selected, which was at the Man Wheel level. At most, he would only be slightly stronger. Yet, ording to what he was saying, this Heaven-grade weapon could only be formed by the spirit, right?


    How did Ren Baqian improve so fast? Those selected masters found it difficult to improve further after breaking through.


    With this thought in mind, Yang Sen took out a square te with a handle underneath it from his bag. In the middle of this te was a screen.


    He fiddled with the te and aimed the back of the te at Ren Baqian. The screen immediately disyed the number 158.


    He then aimed at the empress.


    This item immediately emitted green smoke.


    ��What��s this?�� Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows and asked.


    ��This gadget was just produced by theboratory. I thought of demonstrating it to the both of you, but it unexpectedly broke down.�� Yang Sen gave a hollowugh.


    ��It can measure the energy of a person. An ordinary man ranges from ten to 15 points, elite soldiers from 20 to 30, and a person who has just broken through to be a Man Wheel expert measures between 70 to 100 points. Mr. Ren was recorded to be 158. This gadget has an upper limit of 1,500, and as you can see, Miss Qi has exceeded the limit.�� As Yang Sen exined this, his heart was filled with turmoil.


    This gadget used a special method of calction which he didn��t understand. However, he understood what 1,500 points meant.


    It was very close to a humanoid nuclear bomb! This was not a metaphor, but equivalent to a real humanoid nuclear bomb.


    ��A very interesting gadget.�� Ren Baqian��s eyes sparkled. This gadget was really interesting as it could directly measure the amount of energy contained in a person.

 Chapter 493 - Escape

    Chapter 493: Escape


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The detector was only a small interlude. Ren Baqian and Yang Sen continued discussing Teng Yue��s torn limbs.


    Despite the short time that they had spent studying the remains, there was one single discovery that was clearly apparent.


    Since ancient times, no human had ever been so close to attaining immortality.


    There were a good number of people out there who would throw away their entire fortune for a shot at doubling their lifespan.


    The implications that this discovery might bring to society were enormous.


    A typical person would take around 17 years of education to get from primary school to graduating from university. That left about 36 good working years.


    If he or she continued to pursue a Master��s Degree or PhD, then that left only 30-odd years. After reaching a brief career peak, a person following this path would continue down a road of decline.


    Considering the level of theoretical advancement humans had achieved, 17 to 23 years of education was truly insufficient. It was difficult to grasp all the requisite knowledge required to reach the peak of a particr field in such a short span of time.


    If one were to double their lifespan, however, then he or she could easily study for 40 years, reach the apex of their academic study, and go on to subsequently work for another 50 years or more. In such a case, a person would be able to maintain their peak status for 20 or 30 years longer than before.


    If such a day were toe, then society would be filled with elites and talents that stretched across multiple disciplines.


    A long, drawn out life would enable people to spend more time on the things they love and worry less about short term gains and losses.


    The rate at which technology could improve would likely increase by five times, maybe even 10 times or more.


    A level of technological advancement that previously required 1,000 years to achieve could be attained in only 100. Society would change rapidly.


    Humans would be able to create a utopia, a world where people would be free to chase their aspirations and ambitions instead of worrying about money.


    Today��s society imposed a lot of stress on its people. Most people needed to rack their brains at a pretty young age to earn money and support their families. Longer lives would mean more free time in the future to pursue the things they aspired toward.


    Thinking about the creation of a modern utopia was unbelievably exciting.


    The empress was clueless about the implications of a longer life, but Ren Baqian could imagine the amazing things toe. He fully understood the look of excitement that was stered all over Yang Sen��s face.


    ��Let��s not keep our hopes too high. After all, such things aren��t that easy to uncover,�� Ren Baqian said. He wasn��t trying to be a wet nket, but was merely trying to manage expectations. None of them knew just how much they could discover using Earth��s current technology.


    ��We have reached the start of a straight road that will bring us where we need to go. All we need to do from now on is to press onward and take things step by step,�� Yang Sen proimed. Their heading was set, and the necessary items were already in ce. They would reach their goal as long as they continued down this path and kept their eyes on the prize.


    He believed that even if he couldn��t live to see it, his next generation would.


    Ren Baqian exined everything he knew about Spirit Wheel experts to Yang Sen and the empress would cut in every now and then to supplement his exnation. Yang Sen hadn��t made this trip in vain.


    Yang Sen made a request for several materials from the other world before he left.


    There were many things that might not seem relevant on the surface, but could provide him with a much better understanding of that world. A deeper understanding might help him to ovee the obstacles that he was sure to encounter in his research.


    The things that Ren Baqian had been bringing them were too few.


    Yang Sen hadn��t been in much of a hurry previously, but theboratory was currently buzzing with excitement now that they had this corpse on hand. Both the Messier 87 department and theboratory could take the opportunity to expand further and bring in even more experts.


    Ren Baqian maintained the same mercantile attitude. Even though he didn��t mind helping out with this research, Ren Baqian didn��t want to ede to this request only to have his contributions go unrecognized in the future. Maintaining the current give and take rtionship he had with them was a better option.


    He didn��t mind even if all they could offer were lower value items like the skunk bombs.


    ��


    After spending another day on Earth, Ren Baqian brought the empress and the idiot girl back to Dayao.


    ��Please take a rest, Your Majesty. I��ll go check if they have returned,�� Ren Baqian said after they had returned to the room that they left from. He turned to look at the dull girl who was now staring around curiously and said, ��I��ll take this girl with me too.��


    Ren Baqian handed her over to one of the guards upon leaving the room and asked him to find a ce for her to settle in.


    Ren Baqian had decided to take care of her for now. He nned on eventually bringing her back to Lan City to handle odd jobs.


    She wasn��t going to be capable of causing trouble even if her memory were to return. What could a spoiled girl of only 16 be capable of? Furthermore, this ce was filled with dangers. She would probably get caught and sold off to a brothel if she even tried to leave Tianjing Basin by herself.


    However, he wasn��t willing to take any risks. It would be much safer to keep her close by.


    Ren Baqian continued looking for Gong Zheng after the guard took Wang Baobao away.


    ��Are they back yet?�� he asked Gong Zheng, referring to the experts that had gone out to scout.


    ��Not yet. It��s been more than a day. Barring any incidents, they should be back soon,�� Gong Zheng said after checking the moon��s position.


    ��Let me know when they are back,�� Ren Baqian requested.


    ��


    Beneath the moonlight, Zhan Changkong sprinted with a 30-something year old man in one hand and a longsword in the other. His exquisitely embroidered gown was tattered, and his hair was all over the ce. With bloodstains on his face, the man had lost his elegance.


    A few hundred meters behind him were two shadowy figures that haunted him like demons.


    ��Chief, please put me down. You can easily escape from Green Ghost and White Ghost without me,�� the severely-wounded man in his arm cried out. Two long arrows stuck out of his body. One had pierced through his abdomen, while the other was lodged deep in his chest.


    This was the Golden Ring Residence��s quartermaster, Zhan Chiyang. None of the others could be found.


    ��Shut up. I��m definitely able to bring you back,�� Zhan Changkong hissed through clenched teeth.


    ��Chief, it��s fine if I die. The Golden Ring Residence needs you,�� Zhan Chiyang muttered weakly.


    ��How can I face our people if I��m the only one who returns?�� Zhan Changkong chuckled gravely.


    Remembering how the scouting mission had yed out gave him the chills.


    He still couldn��t believe that there had been a mole within their ranks. All the experts who came up from the south had done so with a proof of allegiance.


    This person was no different.


    Nobody would have expected a mole.


    Using the head of a fellow sect member to join as a mole was an incredibly high price to pay! Zhan Changkong shuddered at the thought of such an act.


    Because of this mole, the entire group had fallen right into the enemy��s trap. Half of the experts had perished on the spot while some of the others had managed to scatter and escape. Of those who fled, quite a number had been chased down and killed.


    Out of the five who hailed from the Golden Ring Residence, internal attendant Xu Qiang and vice custodian Liu Jing died on the spot, while attendant Ling Zekuan had fallen back after initially escaping to buy time for Zhan Changkong. Seeing the two Ghosts continue to give chase likely meant that Ling Zekuan had met his end.


    Themander of this expedition, Spirit Wheel expert Zuo Cheng, had been restrained before he could even react. The other party hadn��t just one, but two Spirit Wheel experts in charge.


    All Zhan Changkong could think about now was getting back and plotting his revenge! His eyes were burning with anger!

 Chapter 494 - Acting Like a Tiger to Kill a Pig

    Chapter 494: Acting Like a Tiger to Kill a Pig


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Under the night sky, two bloodied figures hurriedly ran toward Jiangbei City. With a twitch of their bodies, theynded on top of the city wall. They turned around and looked at the darkness behind them before powerlessly sitting down and panting heavily.


    Now that they arrived here, they were finally safe.


    ��Who are you?�� The guards at the top of the city wall and the winged cavalry warriors on patrol were rmed when this pair jumped up the wall.


    ��I��m Shan Yu from Qingjiang Sect. I was originally sent to investigate the Wang Estuary under the orders of Sir Ren. Hurry and inform Sir Ren that we got ambushed and have suffered severe casualties. Only the two of us made it back! Previously, there were still people chasing us from behind, and they only retreated when we got close to Jiangbei City.��


    The soldiers on the wall dared not neglect what Shan Yu said and promptly sent people to deliver the message. Three winged cavalry warriors that were on patrol immediately jumped to the base of the wall and dashed into the darkness. After a while, they returned without any news.


    ��Ambushed? Only two managed to make it back?�� Ren Baqian was already lying down in his room and getting ready to take a rest. When he suddenly heard the news delivered by the guard, he immediately put on his clothes and left the house.


    ��Where are they?��


    ��On top of the south city wall. I��ve already sent someone to fetch them,�� Gong Zheng answered as he stood beside Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian became gloomy looking. With over 30 Earth Wheel experts and Zuo Cheng to oversee the operation, how could they be ambushed? Furthermore, only two of them managed to make it back?


    Did they simply stand there and let people attack them?


    What about Zuo Cheng?


    After walking a fewps around the courtyard, Ren Baqian��s gloomy expression gradually faded.


    It seemed like the enemies had been prepared for a long time. When Ren Baqian and his men arrived in Jiangbei City, the enemies were ready and had already deployed their traps, waiting for his forces to fall into them.


    Luckily, these people had been sent out to investigate. If the winged cavalry had been mobilized, even if they were to win, the casualties would still have been quite severe.


    However, although it didn��t turn out to be that bad, Ren Baqian still felt the pain. Those people were still a great help to him. Not to mention the n about making them the Embroidered Uniform Guards, he was still counting on them to cate the region.


    After all, they were the tyrants of Tianjing Basin. It would be much easier if they could step forth to cate the civilians.


    Yet, there were actually so many casualties now. How could he not feel the pain?


    After waiting a while longer, someone notified him and said, ��Sir, they have arrived.��


    ��Bring them to the front hall,�� Ren Baqian replied as he walked toward the front hall.


    When he arrived, he saw two bloodied and battered men standing there.


    ��Sir Ren, we have been ambushed. The casualties are severe, and only the two of us managed to escape.�� Seeing Ren Baqian enter the front hall, one of the survivors stepped forward and reported. His tone was filled with grief and fury. ��Sir Ren, please avenge our people!��


    Ren Baqian took a nce at them. He had a slight impression of the person who just spoke. The speaker was an expert from the south. He had a pair of eyes that resembled peach blossoms, which was why Ren Baqian had a slightly deeper impression of him.


    After all, it was still weird to see a grown man with an unkempt beard who also had a pair of watery peach blossom eyes.


    ��What��s your name?�� Ren Baqian asked with a cold look.


    ��Sir Ren, I��m Shan Yu from Qingjiang Sect,�� that man replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded and asked, ��What exactly happened? How did you get ambushed? How many people did they have? What happened to Zuo Cheng?��


    ��There was a traitor among us who lured us into the ambush,�� Shan Yu replied with a fierce and ferocious expression while clenching his teeth. His facial expression became a little warped.


    ��Who?�� Ren Baqian asked with a stern voice as the murderous spirit from his body permeated the entire ce.


    The sinister look on Shan Yu��s face faded, and he began to smile instead. In a sh, he swatted his palm at Ren Baqian��s forehead.


    ��Me!��


    Ren Baqian��s face turned pale. A moment ago, Shan Yu was standing around three meters away from him. For an Earth Wheel expert, this was actually a very short distance. In an instant, he appeared right before Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian continued watching as that hand came closer and closer to him. He could even feel the wind from this palm directly on his face. In his mind, he thought about what would happen to him if that palm actually hit him.


    He would definitely not be any better looking than a piece of sachima.


    His brain was sending warning signals to his entire body, but he couldn��t move his body at all.


    Ren Baqian finally realized that a human��s brain reacted much faster than the body, especially in such a life threatening crisis.


    However, this was of no help at all. Even if his brain could process countless thoughts, his body totally couldn��t keep up and failed to react in time.


    <em>F*ck! Too careless! </em>Ren Baqian clenched his teeth as he wondered, <em>Who did I offend? Why am I always the target?</em>


    This thought circled in his head. From the corner of his eye, he saw the other bloodied man take off from somewhere nearby, moving at almost the same time as Shan Yu. Both of this man��s hands were raised up, and there were six short des in his hands. He attempted to obstruct Gong Zheng, who was rushing over.


    ��Courting death!�� Gong Zheng bellowed. He was feeling extremely anxious. If Ren Baqian was killed, he would be done for.


    Mustering the strength of his entire body, he fired a punch at Shan Yu whilepletely ignoring these des.


    However, since Shan Yuunched his attack first, his palm had almost reached Ren Baqian��s head, and the most Gong Zheng could do was avenge Ren Baqian.


    Shan Yu sensed a fist approaching from behind, but he actually began to smile.


    He came here with no intentions of leaving the ce alive.


    Shan Yu��s senior didn��t fear death and had exchanged his own head to obtain this opportunity. Why should he have anything to fear then?


    He only had to kill the person in front of him��


    At this moment, Shan Yu felt a little regretful.


    The ambush in the mountains was originally intended for the winged cavalry, but Ren Baqian suddenly sent this group of people to scout and disrupted their ns. As the investigations progressed, all of the arrangements were exposed.


    Having no other alternatives, they had no choice but to change targets. Besides, with such things happening, Shan Yu was also exposed. Before the rest of the ambush survivors could escape and return to the city, he came back first to kill Ren Baqian.


    In the eyes of the southern revolutionary army, Ren Baqian was Qi Zixiao��s number one evil dog who was almost as dangerous as Xi Wanya. In particr, the proof of alliance which he suggested had caused unrest among all the sects and made everyone anxious as well.


    Unfortunately for him, his personal strength was pathetically weak, which made him the easiest to assassinate.


    Without Ren Baqian, the proof of alliance tactic naturally couldn��t proceed. Then, the aboriginals�� habit of exterminating every single foe would surely provoke the rebels of Tianjing Basin to attack.


    Even those who surrendered before would probably rebel again. At that time, the odds of winning for the southern revolutionary army would increase greatly too.


    The thoughts in Shan Yu��s head were all very short-lived. With a smile on his face, his palm was on the verge of smacking against Ren Baqian��s head. He could already visualize the sight of Ren Baqian dying under his palm. Wouldn��t Qi Zixiao probably go crazy?


    All of a sudden, he felt likeughing out loud and even opened his mouth. However, the immense pain he felt in his hand the next second made his eyes open wide, and hisughter got stuck in his throat.


    He saw the tip of a spear poking out from the top of Ren Baqian��s head, which happened to pierce through his palm and directly impale it.


    After that, a metal chain trailing behind the spear twined around his hand and neck before looping around his body. It was like a huge python that was firmly constricting him.


    <em>Heaven-grade weapon? Spirit Wheel? How is this possible?</em>


    Shan Yu opened his mouth, wanting to shout out loud. However, before he could even make a sound, Gong Zheng��s fist struck his body.


    The sound of bones fracturing could be heard as Shan Yu crashed through the wall like an artillery shell.


    At the same time, six wounds appeared on Gong Zheng��s body with blood spewing out.


    The Earth Wheel expert who had just injured Gong Zheng looked at the spear with a golden veined pattern as well as the metal chain that was twined around it. They both had emerged from the top of Ren Baqian��s head. He had the same astonished face as he yelled out what Shan Yu had wanted to say previously, ��Heaven-grade weapon? Spirit Wheel? How is this possible?��


    Back then, when they tried to kill the empress on Mount Wu, almost everyone had met Ren Baqian before. However, none of them knew that he was actually a Spirit Wheel expert or that he actually had a Heaven-grade weapon!


    One had to know that he could deceive people with other things, but not with a Heaven-grade weapon!


    ��Die!�� Gong Zheng was ecstatic. With his enormous body, he waved his arms and swept them at that person.


    Completely appalled, that person dodged and escaped into the courtyard without demur before running outside.


    In his unsettled and panicked state, Ren Baqian subconsciously shouted, ��Kill him!��


    After that, he shouted again and ordered, ��Let him go.��


    Just now, he had almost been swatted and nearly ended up destroyed. That caused his heart to practically stop beating for a moment. At the instant that the metal chain and spear appeared, his heart started beating again at an explosive rate.


    After he shouted, ��Kill him,�� he suddenly realized that letting this person escape was a good opportunity.


    There were killings every month and every day. How many times had other parties tried to assassinate him already? Did they all see him as an easy to bully target?


    The Spirit Wheel level was practically the pinnacle of this world. Aside from a few of the world��s finest experts, it was almost impossible to kill a Spirit Wheel expert. If word spread out from this expert that Ren Baqian was at the Spirit Wheel level, who else would dare try to assassinate him again?


    Others acted like a pig to kill a tiger <sup>1</sup> . He couldn��t act like a pig because his strength proved that he actually was a pig��


    As long as his strength hadn��t reached a certain level, there would always be all sorts of people who tried to harbor intentions toward him. There was no telling if there were any of their aplices among the surrendered experts in the city! In order not to have such incidents ur, it would be better off to act like a tiger to kill a pig��


    ��Chase as if you are pursuing for real, but don��t catch up to him and let him escape.�� After thinking for some time, Ren Baqian said this to Gong Zheng, who had just stopped in his tracks.


    ��Apart from that, send 300 winged cavalry warriors toward the Wang Estuary to conduct a search and see if any of our men were able to escape.��

 Chapter 495 - On the Chase

    Chapter 495: On the Chase


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Chief, please put me down.�� Zhan Chiyang said with tears in his eyes, ��The way you have treated me, I��m ready to die without regrets.��


    ��So much nonsensical talk!�� Zhan Changkong spat out a mouthful of extravasated blood. He had suffered a blow from Green Ghost earlier and put a little more distance between them.


    Right now, they were 20 kilometers away from Jiangbei City.


    In the past, this distance would have been covered in an instant.


    However, after being surrounded and escaping from a long hard battle while carrying a man and running madly for dozens of kilometers, he felt that his speed was slowing down. He had exhausted most of his energy and was only able to continue moving forward by squeezing out his energy reserves.


    Nevertheless, every cell in his body was groaning in agony.


    That blow delivered by Green Ghost had inflicted serious internal injuries to him.


    They were like maggots clinging to his tarsal bones that refused to let go. The 20 kilometers that used to be easily traversed were now like a huge chasm.


    ��Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk! Chief Zhan, the chief of the Golden Ring Residence is like a bereaved dog. Don��t tell me that this generation of the Golden Ring Residence is so cowardly. No wonder you guys surrendered�� If your ancestors got ahold of this piece of news, they would definitely vomit blood,�� said a fluttering voice that came from behind them.


    ��Not only a bereaved dog, but also a gutless little mouse�� You actually didn��t flee slowly, but your strength iscking.�� Another voice seemed toe from several ces, and its exact location couldn��t be identified.


    Zhan Changkong vomited blood as he scolded, ��Green Ghost and White Ghost, I will take revenge another day!��


    ��Why wait for another day, isn��t today the most opportune time?�� The previously heard voice continued sneering.


    Zhan Changkong gritted his teeth and stopped speaking.


    ��It��s about time, and I suppose Chief Zhan doesn��t have much strength now. Why don��t we brothers stop and send this famous, but cowardly rat, the chief of the Golden Ring Residence, on his way?�� Following these words, the two increased their speed. Within a short time, they reduced the gap between themselves and Zhan Changkong from 50 or 60 meters to a closer distance.


    ��Chief of the Golden Ring Residence, you can��t run away. Why don��t you meekly offer your neck to be cut? Tsk, tsk!��


    The two figures were like two wisps of green smoke as they gradually got closer to Zhan Changkong. Then, they appeared on his left and his right while running parallel to him.


    ��Stay behind!�� A figure leaped up and dropped behind Zhan Changkong.


    The aquamarine and green short knife in his hand was propelled toward the back of Zhan Changkong��s heart.


    ��Get lost.�� Zhan Changkong mustered all of his strength as he parried the knife behind him. The nine golden rings of his weapon gave off a metallic shing sound.


    ��This devilish sound confuses the enemy. Your ancestors secretly learned it from our Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect. Do you think it will affect us?�� The figure behind Zhan Changkong floated up, evaded this strike, and elerated to stab his back again.


    ��Tsk, tsk, don��t struggle anymore. Let the chief of the Golden Ring Residence go in peace!�� The other figure butted in front of Zhan Changkong with a gray short knife.


    Zhan Changkong said nothing and rushed forward fiercely. He felt something cold on his back and then the pain. As blood spurted out, he tried to tighten his muscles to stop the bleeding, but was unable to do so.


    ��Chief!�� Zhan Chiyang, who was being carried by Zhan Changkong, stretched out his arm to block the short knife that was going toward Zhan Changkong.


    Zhan Chiyang��s hand was cut off and flew toward the sky. He held the stump of his arm with a sorrowful face, but didn��t even let out a sound.


    ��Ah!�� roared Zhan Changkong as his eyes grew bloodshot. He controlled his muscles and mustered all of his strength to rush forward wildly.


    ��Tsk, tsk!�� They smirked. The two continued to follow Zhan Changkong on both sides, looking for an opportunity to strike. They were like wolves that waited to bite off a mouthful of meat each time while still ensuring their own safety.


    Otherwise, if one happened to sustain serious injuries, they might be killed by their fellow disciples. Even though both Green Ghost and White Ghost had worked together for many years, they still maintained this habit.


    By paying the lowest cost to kill the enemy, they had to give up some opportunities at times.


    If not for this special characteristic of the Ten Thousand Ghosts Sect��s disciples, Zhan Changkong wouldn��t have survived until now.


    Both of them clearly knew that Zhan Changkong couldn��t hold on and wouldn��t survive to reach Jiangbei City.


    Even Zhan Changkong knew that he was using all of his energy to sustain his ability to continue running.


    Seeing the torches on Jiangbei City��s walls more than 20 kilometers away, where both Painting Fairy and Caixian were located, he was filled with despair because he was afraid that he wouldn��t make it back.


    He hoped that Ren Baqian, the principal of ck Bamboo Academy, would treat his Golden Ring Residence disciples well�� Zhan Changkong miserably harbored some hope.


    Right at this point in time, a dark shadow came rushing in from the front and raised a glimmer of hope in his heart.


    That was from the direction of Jiangbei City. Someone from that direction�� His own people!


    ��Brother, please help me. I��m from the Golden Ring Residence!�� Zhan Changkong shouted with all his might. After this exertion, he wasn��t able to hold on and fell to the ground.


    ��Tsk, tsk!�� The two Ghosts following him saw their opportunity andughed with glee as they pounced on Zhan Changkong.


    ��Ah!�� At this moment, the seriously injured Zhan Chiyang, who also had his hand cut off, broke away from Zhan Changkong��s grasp and blocked his back.Two short knives pierced through him at almost the same time.


    Zhan Chiyang spouted fresh blood and disyed a hideous expression. ��Come and die! Let��s die!��


    Using his remaining hand, heshed out his fist at one figure.


    That figure became a puff of smoke and then disappeared.


    The other person plunged their knife downward and almost ripped open his stomach. Immediately thereafter, he floated far away.


    The two Ghosts positioned themselves, one on the left and the other on the right. They cautiously observed the oing figure.


    ��Chiyang!�� Zhan Changkong shouted as he struggled to get up.


    At this moment, that figure ran in front of Zhan Changkong, kicked him away with one foot, and continued rushing away wildly.


    The two Ghosts saw this scene and paused for a moment, but they didn��t know what was happening at all.


    Wasn��t this person who came running from Jiangbei City a reinforcement from the enemy side?


    From the look of it�� this seemed unlikely��


    At this point in time, four or five figures were seen rushing in their direction.


    Heavy steps hit the ground, and every step generated a deafening noise. The momentum generated gave the impression that even a city wall wouldn��t be able to stop them.


    The pupils of the two Ghosts shrank. They couldn��t identify the person that they saw earlier, but they could instantly identify these people.


    The winged cavalry!


    Only the aboriginals could charge in such a wild manner with such barbaric and imposing momentum.


    ��Run!��


    Instantly, the two transformed into green smoke and disappeared into the night sky.


    More than ten secondster, those figures arrived. They saw the dead body of Zhan Chiyang and immediately got someone to check on Zhan Changkong, who had been kicked away.


    ��He��s still alive!��


    ��Send him to the city!��


    One man carried Zhan Changkong under his arm and also carried the corpse of Zhan Chiyang as he ran toward the city.


    As soon as they reached the city gate, they heard the tumultuous sound of hoofbeats. After that, they saw hundreds of winged cavalry warriors filing out of the gate and heading south.

 Chapter 496 - A Night Has Passed

    Chapter 496: A Night Has Passed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>YHHH, AsStudios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>AsStudios


    To the south of Jiangbei City, hundreds of winged cavalry warriors were riding on their mounts and searching for people who had yet to return.


    At every section, there was a person wearing a night vision device.


    With this thing, as long as something emitted heat, it would be unable to escape their eyes.


    After experiencing the invasion of Great Xia as well as the war between the north of Great Xia and the winged cavalry, the winged cavalry was already ustomed to some of the convenient and practical modern gadgets.


    For example, the radio stations, walkie-talkies, night vision devices, binocrs�� At the moment, the walkie-talkies couldn��t be used, so it wasn��t possible to contact other teams at any time. This caused the winged cavalry to feel somewhat inconvenienced. After all, it was easy to turn thrift into extravagance, but difficult to turn extravagance into thrift.


    Fortunately, the night vision devices and binocrs could still be used. This meant they didn��t immediately revert to their original state.


    ��There are people 500 meters to the southwest. One person just escaped while the other one is lying on the ground.��


    Immediately, someone went to check out what was going on.


    ��The fallen person has stopped breathing. He just died, but the body is still warm.��


    A momentter, that winged cavalry spoke again and stated, ��There are five people fighting two kilometers away. Surround them! Don��t let them escape!��


    ��Su Xing, it seems that your reinforcements are arriving. Today, I��ll spare your life. I��ll retrieve your head another time!�� said one of the five people who was struggling in the distance. Although the winged cavalry hadn��t arrived yet, the sound of hooves could already be heard.


    Among the five people in the field, one of them was the chief of the Lingshan Sect, Su Xing. There was also another person who was wearing clothes that belonged to the Lingshan Sect.


    Both of them had injuries on their bodies, butpared to Zhan Changkong, they were in much better states.


    ��Want to escape? Where are you escaping to?�� Su Xing, who was at a disadvantage,ughed grimly. [Hoisting Sword] was the most formidable move that those from the Lingshan Sect could use to trap an enemy. A gust of sword wind surrounded and trapped the two in their current locations.


    ��The winged cavalry stopped a distance away? If that��s the case, we shall kill you first!�� An ominous glint was seen in both of their eyes when they realized that the winged cavalry didn��t approach them.


    However, when they took action, the both of them refrained from colliding with Su Xing��s sword.


    Seeing that the winged cavalry didn��t make their way over, Su Xing panicked. Immediately, he yelled at the top of his lungs, ��The Lingshan Sect is here!��


    Fortunately, another person whistled loudly at this time and alerted Su Xing.


    This time around, the two trapped people became anxious and immediately attacked violently.


    ��Let��s give it our all! You obstruct him,�� one of them shouted. Soon after, his momentum continued to rise. Then, he yelled, ��[Fragmented Stars]!��


    After that, an icy-cold light ray rose from his hand. In the darkness, this light ray caused all of them to be unable to open their eyes.


    Su Xing��s expression changed drastically, and he rapidly retreated.The sword in his hand was practically invisible��only his arms could be seen waving incessantly as he shed with that icy-cold light ray that separated the darkness.


    When that icy-cold light ray disappeared, Su Xing stood rooted to the ground and gasped for air. Visibly deep wounds could also clearly be seen on his body.


    ��Leave! Retreat now!�� The man who had just attacked was ghastly pale.


    Another person supported him and said, ��Chief Su, I��m sure we��ll meet again someday!��


    As they spoke, the two retreated into the darkness.


    Countless sword gleams caused the two of them to retreat at a faster speed, and they looked at the darkness in shock.


    ��Leaving? Where are you leaving to? There��s no need to meet again someday. Just stay here.�� Along with the voice of a rough man, silhouettes that were much wider than ordinary people appeared out of the darkness.


    Dozens of silhouettes surrounded the five of them.


    Su Xing was ted and slightly suspicious. How did they arrive so quickly?!


    ��Winged cavalry���� one of them said while trembling. He was in agony.


    The winged cavalry warrior at the front, who was wearing a night vision device, sneered and asked, ��Do all of you want to die now or after hanging from the top of the city wall for a few days?��


    In any case, no matter what they chose, they would still die.


    The winged cavalry didn��t want any captives!


    ��Let��s fight until we die!�� The three men looked at one another and dashed toward the surrounding silhouettes.


    Immediately, three winged cavalry warriors weed them.


    After a while, there were only severed limbs on the ground as well as several broken des.


    ��Are there any more who escaped?�� a winged cavalry warrior asked Su Xing.


    ��We all escaped separately, so I don��t know everyone else��s situations.��


    ��Can you lead the way?��


    ��Sure!��


    Thereafter, Su Xing traveled together with the winged cavalry. Throughout the entire journey, there was something which made him extremely astonished. It was the fact that these winged cavalry warriors were actually able to discover living things that were a distance away in the darkness, regardless of whether they were humans or animals. This made their entire journey even smoother.


    The source of this was probably the strange thing that was worn over several of the winged cavalry warriors�� eyes.


    ��


    Along with the bodyguards, Ren Baqian arrived at a vacant courtyard. Two doctors from Wu City as well as those who were skilled in Traditional Chinese Medicine were all gathered here.


    ��Can you save him?�� Ren Baqian asked while looking at Zhan Changkong, whose chest was caved in. His body was seriously wounded.


    ��Even though he��s severely injured, this person is very strong. There isn��t any danger to his life,�� one of the doctors said.


    ��Alright, as long as he can survive.�� Ren Baqian nodded and said to a few people from the Lingshan Sect, ��Get someone to inform the Golden Ring Residence��s Painting Fairy.��


    ��The few of you, do your jobs well and you��ll be rewarded.�� Ren Baqian nodded at the doctors in the courtyard. He then brought his bodyguards along with him back to his residence and waited for further news.


    ��Sir, how should we deal with this corpse?�� someone asked as he dragged Shan Yu��s corpse. This was the person who had tried to assassinate Ren Baqian just now.


    Ren Baqian gestured with his hands as he ordered, ��Hang it at the top of the city wall and let the birds have their fill. In addition, arrange for a few people to hide near the corpse. Someone maye to snatch the corpse. Kill on sight.��


    Just as he entered the hall, he saw the empress sitting in the middle while sipping on wine.


    Meanwhile, the winged cavalry��s captain, Gong Zheng, was actually stered onto the wall!


    ��Your Majesty, why aren��t you sleeping yet?��


    ��I��m feeling bored and want to go out for a stroll.�� The empress sized him up, saw that nothing was wrong with him, and felt at ease. Thereafter, she got up from her seat and left.


    ��The night is still long, and I don��t intend to sleep yet. Why not let your subject apany you?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��I��m feeling sleepy now!�� the empress casually said.


    ��Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian said while facing the empress��s back.


    Just as the empress stepped out, her heel gently kicked the threshold of the door. Next, a chunk of wood immediately brushed past Ren Baqian��s arm�� smashing into Gong Zheng��s forehead.


    ��I can��t sleep.�� the empress said faintly.


    Ren Baqian smiled, sat in a chair, and replied, ��Captain Gong, Her Majesty is leaving.��


    ��Oh.�� After Gong Zheng jumped down from the wall, he realized that his forehead was still swollen. While rubbing his head, he eximed, ��I almost got buried by Her Majesty! It��s fortunate that you are fine. Otherwise, I would have been buried together with you.��


    A night passed. Ren Baqian waited until dawn before he began to receive news. At the same time, a few people were also sent back.


    After a couple of hours, the winged cavalry warriors that rode out had all returned.


    Counting Zhan Changkong, a total of eight people eventually returned alive from the scouting expedition this time around.


    Excluding Zuo Cheng, only seven Earth Wheel experts made it back.


    Out of the three people from the Lingshan Sect, two of them made it back. Two out of five people from the Golden Ring Residence made it back as well. The external caretaker, Ling Zekuan, who Zhan Changkong had thought dead, had actually survived.


    However, Ren Baqian reckoned that he would be dead if he had been foundter.


    From the remaining sects, only three out of the 20 people sent out came back!


    Ren Baqianforted everyone for a short while and recorded their achievements before instructing everyone to tend to their wounds.


    Although the number of casualties was high this time, it actually exposed some of the other party��s arrangements. Furthermore, a spy like Shan Yu was also exposed.


    Otherwise, if they thoughtlessly stepped into the other party��s trap when they attacked, the winged cavalry would probably have suffered an even heavier casualty count.


    There was actually a blessing in this misfortune.


    At the same time, as these people returned, some information from the Wang Estuary was actually brought back as well.


    In addition, they also brought back a few severed heads of the other party��s Earth Wheel experts. These severed heads were then hung at the top of the city wall by Ren Baqian. He wanted to see if he was able to catch a few prey.

 Chapter 497 - Can You Sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?

    Chapter 497: Can You Sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Dear seniors, my master and teacher put their lives at stake just to enter Jiangbei City for information. As we speak, my master��s corpse is hanging on disy in Jiangbei City. I beg you, my seniors, to help me retrieve his body.��


    A young man no older than 16 stood on a small hill, pitifully asking those around for help.


    The faces of those around him lost their color upon hearing his words.


    After a while, someonemented, ��Stop thinking about it already. The aboriginals are powerful, and Jiangbei City has hundreds of winged cavalry warriors. Furthermore, Qi Zixiao, Xi Wanya, and many other experts are keeping watch there. No matter how many people we send, they will ughter us all.��


    ��Are we really going to leave my master��s corpse there for the beasts to feed on?�� The young man��s face turned pale when he recalled the scene from Jiangbei City.


    ��What about the other people��s bodies? Are we leaving them there as well?��


    Two people lowered their heads. Some of their sect members were among the corpses that were put on disy.


    ��I��m sure they wouldn��t want us to throw our lives away like that,�� a man answered solemnly. ��They are more powerful to begin with. If we were to lose even more people attempting to retrieve their bodies, then this war might as well be over.��


    The crowd nodded. The young man��s intentions were admirable, but simply not practical at this point in time.


    ��Tsk, tsk. Young fellow, why don��t you go beg the aboriginals yourself! You might evene back in one piece if you��re lucky!�� An eerie cackling could be heard throughout the forest.


    ��Stop with your tricks!�� someone shouted in disdain.


    ��You might as well be feeding him to the wolves,�� someone else said. ��Even though this young man��s strength and status aren��t worth mentioning, his master has indeed sacrificed a lot for the greater good. Nobody here wants him to have died for nothing.��


    ��Tsk, tsk�� And the lot of you here aren��t just waiting to die?�� The voice slowly faded away.


    The young man looked at the crowd onest time before making his way down the hill.


    ��


    ��Why are you all here?�� Ren Baqian asked the crowd in front of him. Du Laoliu, the little lolita Tong Lan, and all the other students were present.


    Previously, only Shi Gan��s group had followed Xi Wanya over. Ren Baqian didn��t bother them much, letting them move about the city as they pleased.


    He didn��t expect the others toe as well.


    Having not met each other in almost two months, the group of them started to catch up.


    The noise gave Ren Baqian a sense of familiarity.


    Yes, it was just like a food market!


    Shi Gan and friends were animatedly recounting stories as if they themselves had seen the empress battle Tianjing Basin��s experts. They only showed some restraint when Ren Baqian walked over.


    ��I heard that Her Majesty battled the enemy here. How could we have been relegated to the back seat!�� Du Laoliu looked up and dered heroically.


    ��Traveling from miles away just to gift your heads?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��It��s not like we have anything better to do in Gu City. Surely we can��t just be waiting there forever? Since Her Majesty, teacher, General Xi, and the winged cavalry are all here, isn��t it much safer for us to be here?�� another student spontaneously asked. This student was a girl with above average looks. Aboriginal females were usually good looking, and Ren Baqian hadn��t yet seen an ugly one.


    The girl��s name was Shi Yu, and she had no rtion to Shi Gan. Shi was merely the mostmon surname in Dayao.


    Shi Yu was born in an ordinary family. She had started off fairly average, but now looked much stronger than before.


    ��This way we can follow teacher around and attend lessons. It��s been a while since we had your lessons!�� another student eximed.


    Ren Baqian smiled. He liked good children who were always eager to learn.


    ��Alright then. We��ll find some amodations tonight so that all of you can prepare for an examination in three days! Let��s see if you guys still remember what I have taught!��


    ��Ahhh!�� The students were dumbfounded when they heard the word ��examination.��


    ��Rest for now. I��ll bring some review exercises tonight!�� Ren Baqian continued.


    The students were even more dazed.


    All they wanted was to tour the front lines. They were expecting Ren Baqian to be too busy to attend to them, not give them examinations and exercises!


    The entire group stared angrily at the student who had just spoken. All of them wanted to give him a good beating!


    ��We heard that teacher has a lot of important things to handle to here in Tianjing Basin. We think you should attend to therger matters at hand instead of wasting your precious time on us. We��ll be fine just sitting around.��


    Ren Baqian pondered over these words. Were these rascals praising him or secretly dissing him? Where did they learn to say such sneaky things?


    ��Cut the crap! Where��s the previous assignment that I gave out? Turn it in and you can go take a rest. Shi Gan and your group, hand in all of yours as well. I��ll give all of you another assignmentter in the afternoon. You guys have too little to do!�� Ren Baqian said tly.


    The students wanted to faint.


    Ren Baqian sat in the main hall and flipped through the students�� homework. All of them had done the assignment, but the standard of the contents within these exercise books varied greatly.


    Their knowledge regarding Tianjing Basin was limited to the armed rebellion, the many different sects involved, and how these sects were organized.


    Only a handful of the students mentioned the ordinary citizens and the day to day lives of themoners.


    Even fewer went in-depth in their discussion. Ren Baqian thought that these were the ones who had actually used their brains.


    The best answer was Shi Gan��s. After all, he was Great Elder��s son and was probably more exposed to national matters. Shi Gan had analyzed the situation of the ordinary citizens and even provided suggestions as to how they could be better managed. He outlined a policy of suppression and segregation, using both force and softer incentives.


    Shi Yu��s came next. She had also written quite a bit about the ordinary citizens.


    A few others, who were also ofmon birth, wrote from the perspective of the ordinary citizens as well. However, their views weren��t as well borated as Shi Yu��s.


    All the other students had submitted assignments that barely scratched the surface of the topic.


    The worst script, unsurprisingly, was Tong Lan��s.


    Her answer was filled with things like ��kill,�� ��massacre,�� and ��ughter them all.�� Ren Baqian wondered just how distorted her worldview was.


    Tong Lan belonged to an upper-ss family and was a talented individual. She hadn��t encountered many setbacks throughout her life. Because of this, she split the world into three distinct categories. Talented individuals belonged to the top rung of society, while those who weren��t particrly gifted were somewhere in the middle. Anyone outside of the aboriginal tribes was banished to the bottom.


    The upper ss would govern the middle ss, the middle would rule over the lower ss, and those in the bottom rung of society deserved to die. Such partisan thinking wasn��t surprising considering her perspective.


    The only reason why Ren Baqian wasn��t relegated to the bottom of her list was because Tong Zhenye respected him. Furthermore, he was the empress��s chosen husband.


    Later in the afternoon, after the students had rested, Ren Baqian called them back.


    ��This piece! This is the best piece from the assignments.�� Ren Baqian flung one of the exercise books out.


    The students stared at the exercise book before staring at one another. Shi Gan was extremely pleased with himself, but held it in and adopted a look of false humility.


    ��These next few are passable! Shi Yu, Xu Jianshan, Ge Lie�� You guys have passed.�� Ren Baqian threw a few more books onto the table. Some of the students became visibly more rxed.


    ��Everyone else failed!��


    ��Shi Gan wrote 813 words for his assignment, so we��ll use his as a reference. Shi Gan will write five copies, whereas those who passed will write ten. The rest of you who failed, write up 50 copies!�� Ren Baqian announced. Shi Gan��s smug expression had melted into one of despair.


    The rest of the students red at him. Who the heck asked you to write so many words?


    ��As for Tong Lan���� Ren Baqian paused to look for her in the crowd. ��100 times!��


    ��Why?!�� Tong Lan snapped like a cat that had its tail stepped on. Why were the others only punished with 50 copies?


    She had a fearsome scowl on her face as though she was ready to tear someone apart.


    ��Can you sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��What��s that? Nope!��


    ��That��s why you need to copy it 100 times!��


    ��


    Half an hourter, a fuming Tong Lan rushed into a house. She stared at the two students inside and asked, ��Do the two of you know how to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?��


    ��No����


    <em>Thump!</em>


    ��Ouch!��


    Tworge holes appeared in the wall.


    In another house next door, Tong Lan grabbed two students and asked, ��Do the two of you know how to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?��


    ���� Yes!�� these students, who had heard the nasty sounds from next door, hurriedly replied.


    ��How does it go?��


    ������


    ��How dare you lie to me!��


    <em>Thump!</em>


    ��Ouch!��

 Chapter 498 - Rearguard Commandery

    Chapter 498: Rearguard Commandery


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After sending the students off to do their homework, Ren Baqian continued working on some of the issues in the city which he had been busy with on a daily basis.


    All in all, almost 30 people had set out to investigate, but only eight of them returned. Many of those who had died were the masters and pirs of some of the small sects. Their demises had led to some disturbances among many of the sects in the city.


    Ren Baqian had to put in quite a bit of effort to appease them.


    Even though it was said that swords had no eyes and that death was ordinary in this world, everyone still made mental preparation for it. However, those people were working for him, and furthermore, they had been scouting and collecting military intelligence.


    Right now, the hearts of the people were still unable to be subdued. Everyone was only forced to surrender due to the constraints of the current situation. Even though there were almost 100 Earth Wheel experts, only about 30 of them participated in the investigation of the Wang Estuary. Based on this, it could be seen that the majority of the Earth Wheel experts only surrendered to stay alive and that they didn��t wish to put in their utmost effort.


    After arranging a task for them, there were immediately such heavy casualties. If this matter wasn��t handled properly, Ren Baqian was afraid that the will of these people would shatter, making it even trickier to pacify Tianjing Basin after the war.


    Fortunately, the other team that was headed toward Mount Gui didn��t meet with any mishaps. That team wasprised entirely of people from the hidden vige and was led by Qingyun Sword. Although they were discovered and had to fight their enemies, the people from the hidden vige were all experts of the previous generation. Not only were their strengths considered the cream of the crop among the Earth Wheel experts, they also understood each other very thoroughly. At the same time, they were very well coordinated too.


    After negotiation with the empress, Ren Baqian nned to preliminarily establish the Embroidered Uniform Guards. This was to give these people an identity and allow their feelings to stabilize.


    Of course, even after its establishment, they would still be considered as outsiders. In other words, dayborers. They had to wait until the empress returned to the imperial court and passed down the edict before they would officially be an authorized department.


    Likewise, from the period of establishment topletion, it would be an opportunity for Ren Baqian to observe the internal details and filter out those who were unqualified.


    Ren Baqian nned to spur them on by giving them status as dayborers. At the same time, he would observe and make adjustments to this organization. After all, he was also very foreign to such matters. Even though there were predecessors with some experience, the difference between this world and Earth was too great. As such, he wanted to observe and correct it bit by bit.


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian gathered the higher-ups from various sects to sit down face to face with him. With a total of less than 100 people, majority of them were Earth Wheel experts and a few of them were Man Wheel experts. Among them, some of the Earth Wheel experts were d to be there. However, the Man Wheel experts were pretty sorrowful. They came as representatives because there were no other high level experts in their sects due to the demise of their pirs.


    A few of them still had bandages and injuries on them; for instance, Zhan Changkong, Su Qing, etc. Even though Zhan Changkong had suffered severe injuries, thanks to the extremely high medical standards of this world, he could actually walk now with the assistance of Painting Fairy.


    Ren Baqian looked at everyone��s expressions first before slowly starting to speak.


    ��Ladies and gentleman, everyone has already found out about what happened a few days ago. There were actually spies who had sneaked in, which led to such results.


    This is very heartbreaking to me! Those who have died were all outstanding people and pirs of Dayao. For this incident, I��ll definitely make the rebels pay the price!


    Also, I would like to say something. The deaths of the elders from some of the sects has resulted in a huge decline in the strength of those sects. This might be slightly worrying in the future. However, I can guarantee to each and every one of you here, that I��ll treat everyone equally favorably.


    All the merits achieved by those who have sacrificed for the nation will be recorded down. Also, theirter generations will receive grace from the empress.��


    After hearing Ren Baqian��s speech, a more rxed look could be seen on the Man Wheel experts�� faces. They were really worried that after making use of them, Ren Baqian would dispose of them. This promise had somewhat made them feel a little better.


    ��The reason for gathering everyone here today is to inform you that the empress is worried about all of you. Despite serving the nation, you all do not have status. A new department has been established that will be called the Rearguard Commandery!


    Do you remember what I said before about all of you being able to walk out of Tianjing Basin freely under the sky and even having the possibility of joining the imperial court as an official?


    This is a leap from ordinary citizens to high officials in the imperial court. Your chance is here and much earlier than expected!


    The Rearguard Commandery will be of equal grade to all departments in the imperial court. A Rearguard marshal will be equivalent to a <em>Standard ss, Rank 3 </em>official, a rank higher than my own. Those who join the Rearguard Commandery shall work for the imperial court and the empress in the future,�� Ren Baqian exined. He was currently a <em>Secondary ss, Rank 3 </em>official, but of course, no one regarded him simply by that rank.


    ��The Rearguard Commandery will appoint one marshal as a Standard ss, Rank 3 official; two chiefmanders as Standard ss, Rank 4 officials; fourmanders as Secondary ss, Rank 4 officials; eight captains as Standard ss, Rank 5 officials; four officers as Secondary ss, Rank 5 officials; and ten<em>qianhu </em>as Standard ss, Rank 6 officials. There will also be other positions such as <em>assistant qianhu </em>, <em>baihu </em>, <em>cong baihu </em>, <em>zongqi </em>and <em>xiaoqi </em>.


    <sup>1</sup>


    Out of these positions, each <em>qianhu </em>will be in charge of 1,000 people. As such, an<em>assistant qianhu </em>will be in charge of 500 people, a <em>baihu </em>in charge of 100 people, a <em>zongqi </em>is in charge of 50 people, and a <em>xiaoqi </em>is in charge of ten people,�� Ren Baqian briefly exined the positions. In fact, he had divided this Rearguard Commandery into two sections to guard and oversee two locations, namely Tianjing Basin and the Yun Nation.


    In his mind, the Yun Nation was already considered as part of Dayao.


    Many of them were bedazzled. ording to what Ren Baqian said, ten <em>qianhu</em>and their subordinates would already equate to 10,000 men. This meant that the Rearguard Commandery would almost be equivalent in grade to the five protectorates in Dayao.


    Ren Baqian��s n was actually sorge scale? Would the imperial court agree? Besides, with so many people, would Dayao��s financial resources be able to manage?


    Using their own lives to fight for the future, nobody felt that this was in any way inappropriate. If it could really turn out to be like what Ren Baqian had described, many people were in fact interested. People in the society weren��t all about cing themselves above themon popce, but if there was a chance to join the imperial court as an official, not many people would actually refuse.


    However, this Rearguard Commandery that Ren Baqian spoke of was a future too radiant for many of the people. This had actually made them skeptical.


    Would the imperial court really approve of a department like this? Would the remnant citizens of Tianjing Basin really be up for it? Would the imperial court really treat them like that?


    Many of them had their doubts.


    Ren Baqian didn��t mind at all when he saw the skepticism in the eyes of the people. He then continued by saying, ��What is the purpose of people who live in this world? Power? Wealth? Status? Strength? After you join the Rearguard Commandery, I will not say that all of these would be easily obtainable, but at least the opportunity would be presented to you, especially when pertaining to strength.


    To the best of my knowledge, Tianjing Basin hasn��t managed to obtain the medicinal herbs from the Sixty Thousand Mountains over thest 70 years, right?�� Ren Baqian tossed another heavyweight bomb toward the people.


    These days, a topic had been brought up when Ren Baqian was chatting with Gong Zheng about the practitioners in Tianjing Basin. Ren Baqian came to know of the importance of the medicinal herbs from the Sixty Thousand Mountains, regardless of whether it was for the aboriginals or the remnant citizens of Tianjing Basin. However, due to the difficulty of safekeeping these herbs, only a small amount could be shipped to Lan City, and it was difficult even for the winged cavalry to purchase them.


    As for Tianjing Basin, theycked these herbs even more. It could be said that not even one piece of it would be found in Tianjing Basin over thest 70 years.


    Out of all the practitioners in Tianjing Basin, the 18 Spirit Wheel experts could already be considered as illustrious heroes of this ce. After all, among the volunteer army from back then who had survived before retreating to this ce, many of them were experts. Theirter generations were pretty gifted as well. Tianjing Basin had a mere poption of over 10 million, but their proportion of gifted experts was much higher than that of Great Xia or the Yun Nation.


    Thanks to that, it was much easier to clean up Tianjing Basin this time around.


    This speech had made Ren Baqian realize something��that these people could be firmly tied together on Dayao��s war chariot.


    As for the Rearguard Commandery, most of the Earth Wheel experts only showed a little interest toward it and were full of skepticism at first.


    Only tens of people participated in the scouting mission previously. Even though most of these people had surrendered, they didn��t wish to sacrifice their lives.


    However, after hearing Ren Baqian��s speech, it could immediately be seen that they were emotionally moved.


    ��Sir Ren, what do you mean?��


    ��The medicinal herbs of the Sixty Thousand Mountains will be undergoing supervision when distributed in the future. People of the Rearguard Commandery can report their requests and purchase them based on their official positions. The higher your rank is, the higher the quantity you can purchase.�� Ren Baqian smiled as he looked at these people��s expressions. Apart from the regions where the aboriginals lived, these people were much more useful.


    In the future, along with the provision of medicinal herbs, the strength of the Rearguard Commandery officials would naturally increase. The original state of Tianjing Basin would also be preserved. Thus, if one were to be in control of the Rearguard Commandery, one would be in control of Tianjing Basin and even the Yun Nation.


    As for the transportation of the medicinal herbs, with the avability of ss, vacuum packs, and ice boxes, there had to be a way to go about doing it.


    ��Sir Ren, I��m not sure how one would be eligible to join the Rearguard Commandery? What would the position be for an Earth Wheel expert at the Intermediate Stage?��


    For some of the practitioners who were already interested from the start, there was no hesitation.

 Chapter 499 - Taking the Winged Cavalry Back to Earth

    Chapter 499: Taking the Winged Cavalry Back to Earth


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian gave them three days to consider joining the Rearguard Commandery. Spirit Wheel experts would begin their appointment as a Qianhu, Earth Wheel experts would start below them as a Baihu, and Man Wheel experts would start as a Zongqi.


    For the small sects that had lost their leaders, Ren Baqian appointed some of their remaining members as Baihu.


    He had given them an excellent opportunity, and their future was now out of his hands. If they failed to attain the Earth Wheel level, then this rank would be their upper limit.


    The upper limit of an Earth Wheel level expert would be the Qianhu rank.


    Ren Baqian felt satisfied after settling the appointments. He went to look for the empress to request for a few loyal winged cavalry warriors. The incident had reminded him that things wouldn��t go as smoothly if one didn��t possess sufficient power. Furthermore, Earth was his headquarters. He couldn��t dy consolidating his power there any longer.


    Out of a few dozen terrifying winged cavalry warriors, Ren Baqian picked out the three fiercest-looking ones.


    The men from the aboriginal tribes typically had ferocious looks, but the winged cavalry was on an entirely different level. This was in part due to their fearsome presence and in part due to the scars that lined their bodies. The three that Ren Baqian picked had looks that would scare off anyone standing within 100 meters.


    With their fear-inducing faces, terrifying scarred wounds, and shiny bald heads, these men stood tall at 180 centimeters and weighted more than 300 pounds. They looked like overly jacked up Tarzans.


    Ren Baqian imagined that the old him would have fled from them on sight.


    Arge red stamp on top of their heads would make it difficult to differentiate them from livestock.


    Ren Baqian presented the three of them to the empress and sent them away. Heter called them back after the empress had finished her dinner.


    ��Stand over there and grab one another��s�� arms. Staypletely still,�� Ren Baqian ordered. The three of them obeyed hismands with puzzled looks.


    Ren Baqian stood there and watched as the three scary-looking brothers held onto each other�� What a beautiful sight.


    ��Stand still and don��t move,�� Ren Baqian reminded. He walked up and ced a hand on one of their shoulders.


    The air around them seemed to whirl as they suddenly found themselves in apletely different environment.


    The three burly men were dazzled by their new surroundings.


    The moon, the courtyard, and the building they were in, all it had disappeared. The three of them were shocked to find themselves in a house that was luxurious beyond their wildest imagination. The floor was as smooth as jade, and the walls were made of an unknown material. Strange items could be seen in almost every corner of this ce.


    ��Principal Ren�� This is?�� The three of them looked around, clearly confused.


    ��The celestial realm!�� Ren Baqian teased.


    ��Where is the celestial realm?��


    ��The realm of the gods!�� Ren Baqian snapped in annoyance. The people of Dayao had a concept of the gods, but not of other celestial beings.


    ��Sir Ren�� What are you scolding me for?�� one of the winged cavalry warriors asked indignantly.


    ��Scram!�� Ren Baqian shouted, unable to tolerate hispleteck of wit.


    ��This is another country, one that is far away from Dayao. This ce can only be reached by using the Hearthstone,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Oh!�� The three of them nodded while taking in their surroundings. They had an implicit understanding that Ren Baqian would bring them back to Dayao since he was the one who had brought them here.


    Going abroad was a rare opportunity for them, so they definitely had to take a good look. Only then would they have the right to brag when they returned to the other world.


    ��Sir Ren, what��s this?��


    ��A television!��


    ��And this?��


    ��Air conditioning!��


    ��What about this?��


    ��All of you, go sit down in that corner. I��lle back down after changing my clothes,�� Ren Baqian snapped impatiently. He left the three winged cavalry warriors in the living room area and went upstairs to change.


    The sound of ss shattering rang out through the house before he could even put on new clothes.


    Putting on fresh clothes, Ren Baqian headed down to see the mess that they had created.


    ��Who smashed my ssware?�� Ren Baqian red at the three of them.


    ��What��s ss? I couldn��t even tell that there was something there���� a winged cavalry warrior mumbled while scratching his head.


    The other two nodded vehemently in agreement and said, ��It really looked as if there was nothing there.��


    He knew that attempting to teach this bunch of knuckleheads everything about Earth would be a waste of his time and effort. Ren Baqian shook his head and decided on the spot that he would hire a home tutor instead.


    ��Sit down! I��ll brief you guys on what��s happening!�� Ren Baqian said as he pointed to the sofa.


    <em>Creak�� </em>The sofa groaned under the weight of the three men��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The three of them had lightning fast reflexes. They stood up right as the sofa copsed.


    ��Sit on the floor!�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    ��Her Majesty told you to listen and take orders from me, right?�� Ren Baqian asked tly from the couch.


    ��Yes! We��ll listen and obey Principal Ren��smands.�� The three of them immediately stood up and bowed.


    ��Sit. This ce is different from Dayao.�� Ren Baqian waved. ��We are very far away from Dayao, so far away that without the Hearthstone, you could travel a lifetime and still not return. I��ve told you guys this before. However, there is one more thing: the three of you will be living here from now on.��


    ��Oh? What about the military? What about Her Majesty?�� The three of them jumped up in shock.


    ��Sit down. This is one of Her Majesty��s external imperial residences, and we need guards here as well.�� Ren Baqian pointed to the floor.


    ��Ah!�� With that, the three of them sat down.


    ��It won��t just be the three of you. There��ll be others as well. Eventually, we will implement shift changes so that you can return back to Dayao,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    Ren Baqian had intentionally chosen those without families of their own.


    Aboriginals had particrly long lives. Ten years was nothing inparison to their entire lifespan.


    Furthermore, ten years here was only three years back in Dayao.


    The three of them rxed after hearing Ren Baqian��s words.


    Wasn��t this simply performing guard duty? Although it was a step down from their killing duties, Her Majesty��s words were final, so they would obey Principal Ren��s orders.


    ��This ce is extremely important, 10,000 times more important than Great Xia, the Yun Nation, or any of the other nations that you know of. The three of you will slowly understand why. By sending the three of you here, Her Majesty is cing her absolute trust in you. I hope that you will not disappoint her,�� Ren Baqian said in a severe manner.


    ��Don��t worry Sir Ren, we will not let a single enemy escape alive. Anyone who dares to trespass on thisnd shall die!�� the three of them swore, looking thoroughly moved by his words.


    ��There will be no killing! I��ll address this issue in a while and teach you who to kill and who you absolutely can��t kill.�� Ren Baqian felt a headacheing.


    He spent the entire afternoon exining Earth��s situation to them. How much of it they could retain was beyond his knowledge.


    ��I��ll be finding a teacher for you guys. Remember, all you have to do is listen to his exnations about this ce. Do not answer if anyone asks anything regarding Dayao, Great Xia, the Yun Nation, or the Chen Nation. Let me know immediately if there��s someone probing for information,�� Ren Baqian warned them repeatedly.


    ��Understood! Our lips are sealed!�� they dered with a smile.


    Ren Baqian nodded his head. He had absolute faith in this regard.


    After that, he ordered 60 servings of food through the phone. Ren Baqian was well aware of their nutritional requirements.


    He then called Shen Feng and requested several sets of extrarge oversized clothes as well as a tailor.


    The three winged cavalry warriors sat in front of the television with trepidation while watching an atomic bomb��s devastating explosion.


    <em>It looks like the atomic bomb is indeed the one true ruler of Dayao. </em>Ren Baqian thought back to the first time the empress had watched the same scene and chuckled.


    Ren Baqian cherished these memories of her first visit.


    It was a pity that the empress was bing more and more of a homebody.


    Just as Ren Baqian had imagined, the three winged cavalry warriors had devoured everyst bit of food that was delivered, yet they didn��t look fully satisfied.


    The next morning Ren Baqian found the three of them excitedly watching the fifth movie of the ��Transformers�� series.


    He had shown them how to operate the remote control to watch movies and picked out the first ��Transformers�� movie before he went to bed.


    To think the three of them had also continuously watched all the sequels through the night. ��Transformers�� are to men what romance movies are to women.


    Still, Ren Baqian knew that they probably would have watched anything for the entire night as well.


    He proceeded to order 70 servings of breakfast. Ren Baqian felt that he needed a chef.

 Chapter 500 - Lady, Please Behave Yourself

    Chapter 500: Lady, Please Behave Yourself


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Shen Feng entered the vi, she was frightened by the sight of three burly men sitting on the floor with bare upper bodies. They wore tattered leather shorts on their lower halves and had scars that criss-crossed their bodies. She made the most feminine gesture Ren Baqian had yet to see from her by retreating backward and crossing her arms.


    Although she was ady, she looked like a man.


    Ren Baqian scrutinized her from head to toe and asked, ��You are t-chested��what��s there to cover?��


    ��Boss, you are too mean.�� Shen Feng red at him fiercely.


    ��Honest advice grates on the ears, good medicine is bitter, and the truth may not be pleasant. Please do not take it to heart.��


    Shen Feng red at Ren Baqian again before asking, ��Who are they�� ?��


    ��Your colleagues, my bodyguards. Recently, I have found that Earth is very unsafe,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Bodyguards?�� Shen Feng nced at the three men who were fierce looking, broad-shouldered, had rippling muscles and tendons, and bore various kinds of scars.


    They would give you the creeps, especially when they asionally turned to look at you coldly.


    With this type of person around, nobody would try to be funny.


    ��Did you bring extrarge clothes? Where��s the tailor?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Shen Feng carried in some bags from the ground outside the door and brought in ady who looked like a young married woman. She wasn��t that pretty, but she looked magnanimous and disyed two dimples when greeting others.


    ��Hello, I��m Jin He from Jin He Tailor,�� the youngdy introduced herself.


    ��Well, please make some clothes for these three men.�� Ren Baqian gestured at the three men behind him. ��Come over and let her take your measurements.��


    ��Ah!�� At that moment, Jin He saw the three bear-like men behind Ren Baqian. She had a fright and then her eyes lit up.


    When the three got up, dragons seemed to be slithering under their skin as their muscles rippled nonstop. In addition, the scars on their bodies made them even more intimidating.


    ��Sir Ren!��


    ��Change the way you address me!�� Ren Baqian turned his head to nce at three of them. ��It sounds rather strange.��


    ��Why don��t you call me���� Ren Baqian pondered. The empress was the boss, so who was he? The boss��s wife?


    ��Address me as Second Boss.��


    ��Second Boss!�� Although the three of them didn��t know what this term meant, they were able to adapt.


    ��Who is the Big Boss?�� Shen Feng purposely asked.


    ��The wife of the second boss,�� Ren Baqian said without thinking.


    ��You really beat around the bush!�� Shen Feng smiled.


    Ren Baqiain also felt that he was being roundabout, but he had no choice. Shen Feng could call him boss directly, but if these three called him boss, what would they call the empress in the future? The boss��s wife? This way of addressing him wasn��t bad, and Ren Baqian very much liked to hear it.


    However, it was easy to get beaten up.


    ��Stand properly and let her take your measurements.�� Ren Baqian pointed to the spot where the three men were supposed to stand. Next, Jin He took out various kinds of tools from the bag she had with her and prepared to measure them.


    Ren Baqian flipped through the clothes brought by Shen Feng. There were oversized jeans, extrarge jackets, and giant T-shirts with various patterns. He could instantly transform them into hip hop singers by giving each of them a metal chain to wear around their neck.


    ��The clothes that fit this type of physique are usually made to order, and it is already quite good that these could be bought.�� Shen Feng hid beside Ren Baqian as she spoke. She watched the three burly men warily because they intimidated her with their presence.


    Moreover, she knew something that ordinary people didn��t know, and this made her very vignt toward them.


    However, she still asked, ��Where did you find these people?��


    ��Well, a few days ago, I was traveling in a valley and discovered a vige. The people there are so poor that they don��t have enough food to eat and have to depend on the primitive method of hunting for food. Our nation said that those who get rich first should pull others along to prosperity. The ancients said that the sessful should help others seed.


    Seeing that they are living such a hard life, I recruited them as bodyguards since their appearance is suitable. Even if they can��t fight, their appearance is good enough to frighten people off,�� said Ren Baqian as he rattled like a train.


    Shen Feng was rather skeptical of what she heard. Were there viges where food was scarce? If he could pick any viges for her, she was certain they would have enough food. Those who got rich first should pull others along to prosperity? This wasn��t wrong, but it sounded strangeing from his mouth!


    How was it possible that these three weren��t capable of fighting? She estimated that even an elite military force wouldn��t be a match for these three.


    Their murderous looks were enough to let one know who they were.


    An unhappy guard raised his fist and shouted, ��Hey, don��t touch me! It��s itchy! Do you see my fist which is as big as a bowl? Do you want to try it?��


    ��The measurements must be meticulous and done properly. If done poorly, the reputation of my shop would be damaged. How did you develop such muscles? They are really strong!�� Thest two sentences were spoken in a coquettish tone.


    It was Ren Baqian��s turn to feel awkward.


    He saw Jin He touching the bodyguard all over.


    Why are you touching his chest and abdominal muscles when you are just taking his measurements?


    The guard��s face turned red with fury.


    Both of them were trembling.


    That guard wanted to beat her up, but was under orders by Ren Baqian not to move. As a result, he trembled.


    Jin He, why are you trembling?


    ��Where did you find her?�� Ren Baqian looked angrily at Shen Feng.


    ��Jin He Tailor is famous. I thought you wanted custom-made clothes, so I specially found a famous tailor for you.�� Shen Feng coughed twice after saying this.


    ��Cough, cough! How much longer will it take?��


    ��I haven��t finished measuring this guy. What��s the hurry?�� Jin He asked as she pinched the guard on his back.


    ��Very solid and firm!�� Jin He gasped in admiration.


    ��Just stand straight!�� Ren Baqian spoke hurriedly when he saw that the guard had a murderous look.


    ��We aren��t selling our bodies or performing. Lady, please behave yourself,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Touching is unavoidable when making measurements. I have never met people who are so fussy before. There are a few men here, yet you are afraid that I will take advantage of you!�� Jin He retorted.


    <em>We aren��t afraid, but we are being taken advantage of, </em>Ren Baqian said in his heart. He had just seen with his own eyes that a man couldn��t do anything once a woman became flirtatious.


    However, she was very bold. She was a tiny person standing in front of three winged cavalry warriors. This was like a teddy bear wanting to molest a Tibetan Mastiff.


    Was this Jin He really a tailor? Ren Baqian nced at Shen Feng again.


    Fortunately, after Ren Baqian had spoken, Jin He at least showed some restraint, but she continued to conveniently take advantage of the three of them. After more than ten minutes, she finallypleted their measurements.


    Even the data on the thickness of their thighs and ankles were recorded.


    The more Ren Baqian thought about it, the more he felt that she wasn��t a tailor, but more like a body inspector.


    ��Mr. Ren, do you want me to make you a suit? Many wealthy businessmen get their clothes from my shop, and the craftsmanship isn��t inferior to those made abroad.��Jin He��s eyes sparkled as she looked at Ren Baqian again.


    ��Forget it!�� Ren Baqian waved his hands. ��Make three suits and three sets of sportswear for each person. Then, make another 30 sets with the same measurements!�� In the future, Ren Baqian intended to bring along a few more winged cavalry warriors who had simr physiques. There shouldn��t be too many problems fitting them, and it would also prevent some trouble this way.


    Shen Feng opened her mouth wide and thought, <em>What? Another 30 sets for ten more people?</em>


    ��In addition, find me a few cooks. They must knowrge scale cooking and will be eptable as long as their cooking skills are passable. Let��s start with ten people!�� Ren Baqian continued, ��You should contact the real estate developer to find out whether there are nearby houses for sale. I remember that Wang Zhi, who was jailed for financial crimes, had a vi nearby. What��s the situation now?


    After adding ten more winged cavalry warriors, this house would obviously not be big enough for them to live in, so Ren Baqian was preparing to find another vi nearby to use as a dormitory.


    As for the money�� he could always get a loan! He didn��t feel any heartache as he wasn��t using his own money.


    Shen Feng was still a bit muddled. Why did he need ten cooks who could dorge scale cooking, how many people wereing, and was this an alien invasion of Earth?

 Chapter 501 - Someone Named Teacher!

    Chapter 501: Someone Named Teacher!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Two days after the three winged cavalry warriors had arrived on Earth, Shen Feng left early in the morning. Ren Baqian received a phone call from Yang Sen regarding the winged cavalry.


    The news had somehow been passed up to the upper echelons of the country.


    Everyone wanted to know what Ren Baqian was up to.


    ��Earth is too dangerous. Having them around will prevent incidents like thest one from happening,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��That was just an ident,�� Yang Sen replied. ��We have examined the flying motorcycle wreckage and determined that the most likely cause was a vehicle malfunction.��


    ��Yeah and that car crash was also an ident!�� Ren Baqian said sarcastically.


    ��Don��t worry, I won��t bring too many people,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��So it��s not just the three of them?�� asked Yang Sen when he noticed Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��Just a few more, not too many. There are so many people on Earth already, what��s a few dozen more?��


    ��They are different!��


    ��Don��t worry, we are really all the same. I��ll control them and ensure that we operate under thew. I��ve always been aw-abiding citizen, and I��ll make sure that my subordinates are as well!��


    Regardless, Ren Baqian had already decided to bring more people over. Doing so had rmed the bureaucrats while inspiring thoughts in others.


    On the one hand, they were ufortable with the idea that Ren Baqian could simply bring experts over like that. These experts were extremely powerful, and regr firearms wouldn��t be sufficient to deal with them.


    A single expert��s destructive power could easily match that of a small military division.


    On the other hand, if Ren Baqian was able to bring people over to Earth, surely the reverse was possible as well? Ren Baqian had previously mentioned that it was difficult, but that most certainly didn��t appear to be the case. Perhaps there were limitations, which exined why he only brought three.


    This meant that it was possible if they stayed within the limit.


    But what was the actual limit?


    Were there other methods besides going through Ren Baqian?


    Many people were dying to uncover the secret, but none dared to risk offending Ren Baqian. After all, they still had to rely on him for a lot of things. Furthermore, having those burly men around made it even harder to approach him.


    ��They must be screened for infectious diseases! You know the drill. People from different environments can carry vastly different bacteria. Their presence might already be endangering us all!��


    ��Have there been any new diseases that are linked to me?�� Ren Baqian casually asked. He had traveled between the two worlds so many times, but hadn��t caused any outbreaks.


    After discussing with Yang Sen, Ren Baqian agreed to let the three winged cavalry warriors be screened.


    It was sort of like putting pets from overseas in quarantine.


    However, Ren Baqian was very sure that Yang Sen��s true motive was to study their physical makeup.


    The location of the checkup was a dead giveaway.


    They were to be screened within Messier 87��sb. Ren Baqian brought the three wide-eyed warriors to theboratory for five hours of testing.


    The day passed without much incident, save for a small mishap. The three men had injured more than ten of the so-called ��screening officers�� when Ren Baqian and Yang Sen walked off for a chat. Despite the winged cavalry warriors holding back, the most severely injured individual had a rib fracture.


    The winged cavalry warriors had attacked because their balls were touched!


    ��


    Two men were sitting on top of a ck off-road vehicle with binocrs in hand. Parked several hundred meters away from a vi, they were surveying the three impossibly burly man-bears wearing oversized sweatpants in front of the vi.


    One of them was doing shoulder presses with a ck sedan above his head while the other two were sparring. As if a bulldozer had made its way through, all the ground around them had been dug out.


    The things they were seeing made them question reality.


    ��Is everyone from the other world like this?�� one of the observers asked.


    ��I don��t think so. I heard that there are ordinary citizens,�� the other answered.


    ��The scene here reminds me of an alien invasion����


    ���� That��s actually quite true! I suppose anyone from somewhere beyond Earth can be considered an alien?��


    The two men had a good chat as they continued their surveince.


    ��Do you think it��s another? I believe it might exist on the other side of the Earth!��


    ��The United States of America is what��s on the other side����


    ��


    Ren Baqian stayed on Earth for four days to make arrangements for the three winged cavalry warriors.


    He had at least managed to teach them some importantws to abide by.


    For instance�� no killing. He taught them to check the identity of anyone who came knocking. They were instructed not to beat Shen Feng, the cooks, the cleaner, the food delivery man, the police��


    It was no mean feat getting them to learn who they should attack and who they shouldn��t.


    Ren Baqian had also hired five well-built cooks. Cooks who could handlerge woks with ease were typically quite fit. Even though they looked pretty hardy, they were still rather small whenpared to the three experts.


    Ren Baqian felt that the food served up by these cooks was barely satisfactory.


    The most important thing was that they could maintain this standard even when cookingrge batches.


    Even though the food was barely passable, it was sufficient for the winged cavalry.


    Ren Baqian had yet to settle their amodations, so they slept on mattresses on the living room floor.


    The three of them had noints whatsoever. They were used to camping out in the open, so the mattresses were already an upgrade.


    They strongly believed that they were sleeping on jade and precious stones.


    ��I��m going to warn you guys one more time. This ce ispletely different from Dayao, so no killing is allowed. Do not beat anyone up unless they are enemies. Do not, I repeat, absolutely do not beat up the cooks or use them as exercise equipment!�� Ren Baqian said sternly. ��Also,ter in the afternoon, a teacher will drop by. Do not fight! Do not attack! Do not beat up! Do not threaten! Listen attentively to what he has to say. If he asks anything, simply answer that the three of you are from way up in the mountains and do not know anything at all.��


    ��Don��t worry Second Boss!�� The three of them beat their chests to show respect.


    Ren Baqian was momentarily worried that they would knock their hearts straight out of their backs.


    ��That��s all! I��m going back to apany Her Majesty!��


    ��Sir, could you ask Captain Li to tell Xiang Yu from the Jinyu Courtyard that it��ll be a few years before I see her again?�� asked Li Ze, one of the winged cavalry warriors, as he scratched his head. Li was an umon surname in Dayao. Besides Li Ze, the only other Li that Ren Baqian knew was Li Tanhua, the Captain Li that was mentioned.


    ��Okay, I��ll find someone good for her to marry!�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    ��Ah, that��s great too!�� Li Ze replied. ��If she gets married, I��ll find someone else when I get back!��


    Ren Baqian sighed. Sometimes, it was really frustrating to talk to these blockheads.


    The next instant, Ren Baqian vanished into thin air. He brought with him bags filled with skunk bombs, exam scripts, binocrs, and infrared detectors.


    Additionally, he requested for some of those power scanners, the kind that Yang Sen had shown him, but they would only be avable the next time he came back.


    ��Is he really gone?�� The trio of winged cavalry warriors stared at the spot where Ren Baqian had stood just moments ago. They even reached out to confirm.


    ��How magical. That Hearthstone is truly something.��


    ��Oh wait, Sir Ren forgot to allocate guard duty shifts!��


    ��Let��s settle it with a duel! Loser gets the graveyard shift!��


    ��I��m hungry! Let��s ask the cook for food! We��ll fight it out after lunch!��


    ��Yesterday��s red braised meat was pretty good!��


    ��I feel like I can eat a horse after this morning��s training. Let��s ask for more food.��


    The food was served up soon after.


    ��Didn��t Sir Ren mention that someone named Teacher wasing? What does he look like?��


    ��We��ll ask when someonees. If he��s Teacher, then we��ll let him stay. Otherwise, we��ll just kick him out.��


    Later in the afternoon, the three of them had just finished a three hour lunch when the doorbell rang.


    ��Who��s it?�� One of them opened the door and fiercely stared at the person outside.


    ��I, I, I��m sorry�� My name is An Ran! I have previously spoken to the owner of this house�� He was looking for a home tutor���� Standing in front of the doorway was a bespectacled young man who quivered at the sight of therge burly man in front of him.


    ��Scram!��

 Chapter 502 - Dangling Carrots

    Chapter 502: Dangling Carrots


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The first thing Ren Baqian did after returning to Dayao was put up a reward notice.


    ��Su Qing, male, identity unclear, was in high spirits after drinking wine in the suburbs. He had sex with a cow and fled in panic after he was discovered. This guy is wretched, immoral, and guilty of the most heinous crimes. Anyone with information that leads to his arrest will be rewarded with 100 taels of silver.��


    The attached picture of Su Qing didn��t really look like him, but it was good enough to use.


    Ren Baqian gave the notice to Zuo Leng, who was the nephew of Zuo Cheng from the Lingshan Sect.


    Although he didn��t give them that many tasks to do these days, Ren Baqian felt that this guy was rather smart and did his work properly.


    ��Get someone to make a few copies and paste them on the city gates of each city,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Yes!�� Zuo Cheng gave it a sweeping look and left without any questions.


    He knew of Su Qing��s identity, but he didn��t know of the collusion between Ren Baqian and Su Ching. It was normal for Ren Baqian to issue arrest warrants for the capture of envoys from Great Xia.


    Still, this usation�� was really chilling. If he was used of such crimes, he would rather die.


    Half a dayter, the important ces inside Jiangbei City were the first to put up the arrest warrants.


    This was followed by Wu City. Next, this fanciful arrest warrant was quickly posted to the surrounding cities.


    The notice attracted many onlookers once it was posted in many cities.


    After all, these cities were in the hands of the aboriginals, and although there were people who appeased them, they were still anxious. No one knew what would happen in the future.


    Therefore, once the notice was posted, it was immediately surrounded by people who wanted to know what was written on it.


    ��What��s written on it?��


    ��I don��t know! There��s a face on it. It looks like a wanted order!��


    No matter where in this world, the majority were illiterate.


    ��Cough, cough!�� A middle-aged man wearing a mended robe, but who was cleaner than most, walked in coughing, and the crowd opened a path for him.


    There was no imperial examination in Tianjing Basin. Since they had no chance of promotion, the schrs weren��t respected. Many people even frowned at them for studying at home.


    However, during such a situation, it was time for them to show their talent.


    Many people behind him asked, ��Mister Jing, what��s written there?��


    Mister Jing was feeling very satisfied. Every time such an event urred, it would be his most glorious moment.


    After seeing the contents, his mouth twitched as he burst into a rage and eximed, ��Unbelievably, there��s such a person! A heinous criminal! This type of people deserves to die!��


    ��What are they talking about?�� Everybody was getting curious.


    ��Well�� well�� deserve to die���� Mister Jing scolded again before he read the contents of the notice out loud. The surroundings quickly became noisy.


    ��How can that be? Was there really such an incident?��


    ��I have heard of it before. It happened in Jiaozi Vige to a young man�� he was discovered by others����


    ��What happenedter on?�� someone asked curiously.


    ��He disappearedter�� I��m not sure where he is now.��


    With this start, the people became more enthusiastic. Everyone forgot about the aboriginals and what would happen in the future. Instead, they discussed this matter animatedly.


    ��


    Two days after Ren Baqian handed over the notice to Zuo Leng, he convened a meeting among the different sects.


    ��Everybody, what��s the oue of your decision?�� Ren Baqian sat at the head of the table and leisurely looked at everyone while sipping on ice-cold c.


    Someone immediately stood up and said, ��Sir Ren, I��m willing to join!��


    ��I��m willing too.��


    ��I��m willing to render service to Dayao.��


    Ren Baqian let his eyes linger on the person who said he would render his service to Dayao. This person was sort of smart, but only superficially.


    However, it wasn��t possible for everyone in the world to be smart.


    If everyone was like an old monster, he wouldn��t be able to make a living anymore.


    Ren Baqian counted about 40 Earth Wheel experts that were willing to join. Without counting the people from the hidden vige, more than half of the remaining 63 Earth Wheel experts had joined in with every sect contributing some members.


    However, Ren Baqian noted a problem, which was that most of the sects had one member that didn��t join.


    After some reflection, Ren Baqian was able to understand. They didn��t want their sect to be a vassal of the court, so they left one person behind to ensure that someone was around to shoulder the sect.


    The Lingshan Sect also acted this way.


    As for the Golden Ring Residence, the remaining four Spirit Wheel experts aside from Painting Fairy had unexpectedly spoken out. Even Zhang Changkong was with them, and it looked like the Golden Ring Residence had made up their mind.


    As for the Earth Wheel experts from the other sects who had lost their elders, they naturally wouldn��t let this opportunity slip.


    Ren Baqian rested his gaze on Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng, but they closed their eyes and kept quiet.


    ��That will be all. Those who have joined can stay. The rest can leave,�� Ren Baqian said calmly.


    A momentter, half of the courtyard was empty and only the 60 plus people were left.


    Ren Baqian put his c on the table and said with a booming voice, ��Congrattions, you have made a wise choice!��


    ��You guys are the first batch, which is the easiest way to join and also the one with the most opportunities.


    In the future, you will all serve the court and Her Majesty. Therefore, no matter what happens, as long as you obey thews and regtions of the Rearguard Commandery and Dayao, you will have the backing of the court and Her Majesty. Furthermore, you will also have me to support you.


    I don��t know what you want. It may be money, power, women, or treasures���� Ren Baqian looked around and then said forcefully, ��But it can be done as long as you do what you are supposed to do!


    I don��t want to say anything else. If you need any medicinal herbs, as long as you can find it in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, you will have a chance to get it. In a few more years, you will be able to bid your current self goodbye.


    We will implement two types of distribution, one of which is sry based and easy to understand. At the same time, each person is allowed to buy a certain amount of medicinal herbs.��


    What Ren Baqian had mentioned was what everyone wanted to hear. Power and women were of limited significance to most Earth Wheel experts, but the allocation to purchase medicinal herbs was what they needed most.


    ��Sir Ren, what is the amount allocated for buying medicine?��


    ��You can request for what you need, and the allocation will be based on the function, rarity, and price of the specific medicinal herb. At the same time, I have an important announcement to make. I mentioned two distribution methods just now. The second one is the most important and is based on a point system. Whatever tasks youplete will earn you points. The more dangerous the task, the more points you will get forpleting it. These points can be exchanged for things that money can��t buy. For example, Heaven-grade weapons! I believe that everybody wants them, right?�� Ren Baqian smiled at the crowd.


    Everyone was instantly stirred up.


    ��For example, secret martial arts manuals! It doesn��t matter whether they are handed down from the Hao Nation, Great Xia, the Yun Nation, or even the various sects.�� When Ren Baqian said this, everyone changed their expressions. Some were ecstatic, but some were gloomy.


    ��Sir, you definitely can��t do this!�� someone immediately objected and didn��t care whether Ren Baqian would be offended.


    These martial arts manuals were the basis of a sect. How could they be circted?


    Ren Baqian had already anticipated this reaction and prepared countermeasures.


    ��Don��t worry! Each sect can give me the names of three core manuals. These will be kept in the imperial library and will not to be included in the list of items that can be redeemed for points. The skills that are exchanged for points aren��t transferable. Otherwise, whoever shares or learns from them will be punished.��


    Those people rxed after Ren Baqian said these words.


    ��In addition to Heaven-grade weapons, secret manuals, and treasures, there are also some rare items that will be on the redemption list. For example, kirin blood! Real dragon blood!�� Ren Baqian remembered there was a husky in the pce pool and that the Seventh Prince of Great Xia traded real dragon blood for its essence and blood. Although it was of no use to him, it was very useful to some people.


    Moreover, this was just an example.


    If someone really needed its blood, he would just release some blood for them. After all, it was big in size and asionally taking blood from it would benefit its health as well.


    ��Sir Ren, is this for real?�� After hearing this, many people could no longer sit anymore and stood up.


    Regardless of whether there were Heaven-grade weapons or secret manuals, they had a chance of obtaining them if they put in more effort. However, for some treasures, there was no other way to obtain them.


    Many people were willing to go all out just to obtain the two things mentioned by Ren Baqian.


    ��Of course!�� Ren Baqian started tough.


    Then, he continued, ��There are seven drops of real dragon essence blood in the pce. These drops came from the bone of an ancient dragon corpse and not from the little worm in Great Xia. Aside from these, there are also Cloud Crystals! Other exotic treasures will also be added to the list gradually.��


    The remaining seated people could no longer sit down. If real dragon blood and kirin blood were said to be desired by a portion of the people, then there was nobody who didn��t want Cloud Crystals.


    This precious mineral had been obtained from the stomach of that flower hawk when he was returning from the iron ore mine. When a tiny amount was added to any weapon during forging, it could infuse the weapon with spiritual power, and everyone was said to be dreaming of obtaining it.


    The most important issue was that it yed a huge role when a Spirit Wheel expert formed their Heaven-grade weapon.


    Even if the Cloud Crystals couldn��t motivate them, as mentioned by Ren Baqian, there were still other exotic treasures that would be added to the list gradually. There would always be one thing that someone was willing to die for.


    After Ren Baqian exined this redemption system for the points, nobody could sit still because everyone was excited.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied with the response from the people.


    The rewards offered by him were tempting enough for them to die for.


    As for the points required to exchange�� Well, it was better not to expect too much. Although it wasn��t beyond reach, even a Spirit Wheel expert would have difficulty obtaining enough. If only ordinary tasks were performed, it would be impossible to get the required points in their lifetime.


    It would only be possible if a person aplished many extremely difficult tasks.


    If someone could really achieve this, then that person should be worthy of the exotic treasures that were used to lure him or her over.


    Now that the carrots were dangling, the next step was for these people to work themselves to the bone!

 Chapter 503 - Skunk Bombs

    Chapter 503: Skunk Bombs


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The final tally by Ren Baqian was 47 Earth Wheel experts and 11 Man Wheel experts who joined as members of the Rearguard Commandery.


    58 Baihu.


    The sect chiefs or elders of those 11 Man Wheel experts had died during the reconnaissance mission at the Wang Estuary. Therefore, Ren Baqian gave some privileges to their sessors as a reward.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian gave each of them 22 people under two Xiaoqi and two Tiqi. As the Zongqi position was vacant, it was left as something to aspire for.


    In general, the positions of Xiaoqi and Zongqi needed a person at the Man Wheel level, and the highest position a Man Wheel expert could reach was Zongqi.


    Below Xiaoqi was Tiqi, the foundation of the Rearguard Commandery. Below Tiqi was a group of unofficial workers called the Lishi.


    After all, the purpose of the Rearguard Commandery wasn��t only to fight, but more to supervise.


    ��The Rearguard Commandery has just been established, and all unnecessary formalities should be dispensed with. I have given you a quota of people, so choose them properly and don��t just let anyone in. After all, these people will be under your control and work for you. Their abilities will determine the quality of the work you undertake and control your prospects.


    In addition, you can recruit a few Lishi to help the Tiqi act as informers or do other chores.


    Those above the rank of Tiqi are considered as officials, so the court will pay them a sry.


    As for the Lishi, you need to use your own resources to pay them.


    Go back now to prepare ande here three dayster to receive your official badges from me.�� Ren Baqian let them leave after his exnation.


    After the crowd left, Gong Zheng scratched his head and asked, ��Sir, does the imperial court have money?��


    ��Didn��t you just plunder a great sum from Great Xia?��


    ��On the way here, I heard that Great Xia and the Yun Nation have cut off our salt supply. The court officials have used that money to buy salt,�� Gong Zheng said.


    Ren Baqian nodded as he had also heard about it. After all, the empress would receive news from Gu City every two or three days and would update him from time to time.


    ��The difficulty is only temporary. Once we have taken over the Yun Nation, you can even have a salt bath if you want.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��I really want to see the sea. I heard that there��s a giant fish in the sea that you can eat for a lifetime and that it looks like a piece ofnd when it swims on the surface of the sea.�� Gong Zheng grinned.


    ��I want to see it too.�� Ren Baqian thought that Gong Zheng was talking about a whale, but it was hard to say.


    The creatures in this world were bigger and fiercer than those on Earth. For example, the pandas on Earth ate bamboo due to environmental reasons. Over here, they ate bamboo because they were at the bottom of the food chain, and aside from eating bamboos�� they couldn��t even ovee a rabbit.


    This was true onnd, but the creatures of the sea in this world should be even more spectacr.


    That night, Ren Baqian was rxing in a cool ce within the courtyard with the empress when a guard reported that an old friend of his was seeking an audience with him. Immediately, he knew it was the person he was waiting for.


    As expected, the person brought into the hall was Su Qing.


    Su Qing looked disgruntled when he saw Ren Baqian. Then, he became gloomy and pale. It was as if he had consumed a mouthful of piping hot feces.


    When he saw the arrest warrant, he almost vomited blood and felt like killing Ren Baqian. If this news were to spread to Great Xia, he would really be aughingstock.


    He was a famous and handsome man in Great Xia, and many prostitutes were fighting for his favor. Now, he had be a pervert who had sex with a cow in a drunken stupor in Dayao. Even those who didn��t believe this would make fun of him.


    It was simply too vicious to destroy a person��s reputation.


    After staring at Ren Baqian for a long time and seeing him drinking and acting nonchntly, heined like a sorrowfuldy, ��Sir Ren, why did you do it this way?��


    ��You forgot to tell me how to contact you previously,�� Ren Baqian said in a leisurely way. ��Look, you appeared in front of me so quickly. The results show that this is a good method.��


    Talking about this matter made Su Qing even gloomier.


    After a long while, he sighed and said, ��You have found me now. Please take down those arrest warrants.��


    Subsequently he asked, ��Why are you looking for me?��


    ��I want you to send some things to the Great Xia pce,�� Ren Baqian said calmly.


    Su Qing instantly turned serious and replied, ��I have some people in the pce, but they can��t do much besides gathering information. The security in the pce of Great Xia is much stronger than you think.��


    ��It isn��t that serious. Just help me put some small gadgets in the Great Xia pce. Put them anywhere you like��gardens orwns are also suitable.


    ��What are you trying to do?��


    ��Come, take a look at this thing,�� said Ren Baqian as he took a cylinder from the table. The thing was green in color, had a camouge pattern, and there was a safety catch on top. Since it didn��t have to explode, the casing was made of ordinary aluminium.


    ��Is this the same as the one you used in the north before? I mentioned that it was useless. It��s alright when used against ordinary people, but useless against the experts,�� Su Qing said immediately after one look.


    ��This thing isn��t what you imagine it to be.�� Ren Baqian knew that Su Qing had misunderstood and assumed that the item in his hand was a grenade.


    ��It��s not easy to ce people in the pce, and I won��t put them at risk.��


    ��Let��s go out of town and I will show you.�� Ren Baqian called for Shi Hu, who was outside. He went to the courtyard to get Lin Qiaole, who had been sleeping from dawn to dusk, and was bitten in response.


    ��Take this, pull this partter on, then throw it as far as possible,�� Ren Baqian instructed Shi Hu.


    ��Well, I��m familiar with this thing!�� Shi Hu was happy to see the item in Ren Baqian��s hand. He had used it many times although this one was slightly different.


    ��Withdraw!�� Ren Baqian handed it over to Shi Hu and turned back to run.


    Su Qing was suspicious. As far as he knew, this thing wasn��t powerful, but he followed Ren Baqian and ran away swiftly.


    Lin Qiaole was initially sitting there and yawning, but she looked around and appeared next to Ren Baqian in a sh.


    The only one left behind was Shi Hu, who was still standing in his original ce. He had a silly grin on his face as he turned to look at Ren Baqian. He rubbed his head, pulled out the safety ring, and weighed it. Based on his experience, this thing would only explode after a few seconds, so he couldn��t understand why Ren Baqian ran away so quickly.


    The next second, his face started to turn green as a pungent smell entered his nostrils and left him breathless! His chest and forehead seemed to be struck by a sledgehammer, his two eyes saw stars, and he couldn��t even breathe because his lungs seemed to be tightly gripped by someone.


    He didn��t care where he threw the skunk bomb. He simply threw it on the ground and ran in the same direction as Ren Baqian. If he were to run too slowly, he feared that the smoke would choke him to death.

 Chapter 504 - Despised

    Chapter 504: Despised


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Don��te over!�� Ren Baqian��s expression changed. He shouted and pointed toward another direction when saw Shi Hu running toward his location.


    He had already had a very memorable experience with the adherence of this stench. Shi Hu had just gotten himself covered in it, so if he were toe closer to Ren Baqian, the stench would adhere to his body as well.


    The previous experience had already been eternally unforgettable. As a result, he immediately shouted when he saw Shi Hu running toward him.


    However, it was already toote when his voice sounded.


    He didn��t have the ability to match up to an Earth Wheel expert��s speed even if he had a 100 meter head start.


    Shi Hu flitted past Ren Baqian��s body like a gust of wind. When he waved his sleeves, it didn��t take the clouds away from the sky, but left behind a stench that would make people faint��


    Ren Baqian��s face immediately turned green.The stench was deadly, and it stuck to Ren Baqian��s entire body.


    <em>Retch! Retch! </em>Ren Baqian immediately ran to the side and began vomiting. Seeing that things weren��t looking good, Lin Qiaole had long since ran far away. It was as if she had seen a ghost.


    All of a sudden, Su Qing unknowingly smelled a stench that was simr to feces that had been stored for 100 years and were mixed with something else. His chest felt stuffy, his vision went ck, and his legs immediately stumbled. He almost fell to the ground.


    <em>Retch!</em>


    <em>Retch!</em>


    Ren Baqian and Su Qing were both retching in their own corners.


    ��You want me to bring this thing to the pce? Puke!��


    ��This is just the secondary effect, which isn��t even ten percent of its real strength. Go and smell it from the source. Retch!��


    ��You are crazy! You just want to make Xia Bailong disgusted! Do you have to do this? Retch!��


    ��I��ve prepared exactly 1,000 pieces for Xia Baichong. As long as you ce them all in the pce, I guarantee that he will immediately move the capital! Retch!��


    After retching for quite some time, Ren Baqian and Su Qing managed to recover a little and collectively had a conversation.


    In the end, just as the both of them stood together, a look of disgust could be seen on their faces.


    When the two of them stood together, the stench amplified.


    ��Your request is impossible. If this thing were to be brought into the pce, even if only one was used, it would immediately be discovered.�� Su Qing pinched his nose and looked at Ren Baqian with an ashen gaze as if Ren Baqian was Ultraman.


    Previously, in the war against Great Xia, those explosive things came from Ren Baqian, not to mention the poison gas as well. This time around, he brought out this thing too. This guy sure was out of the ordinary!


    Thanks to Ren Baqian, Su Qing suddenly realized that smell was more deadly that poison at times.


    ��I have an idea about how to let this thing self-detonate at a prearranged time.�� Ren Baqian��s face turned green as he stood there and pinched his nose�� He constantly used his hand to fan the air, even though it waspletely useless.


    ��Is it trustworthy?�� Su Qing knitted his brows and asked after hearing that. If that was the case, the n would be quite feasible.


    ��At most, we can extend the detonation to 24 hourster. However, it might be too difficult. Two hours would be the most apt duration.��


    ��What��s your purpose for doing this?��


    ��With 1,000 of these things releasing their foul stench at once, don��t you think Xia Baichong will look pretty awesome at that time? He has given me so many problems that this little revenge can be considered reciprocity.


    Plus, after this happens, I��ll tell him that it was my doing.


    He definitely won��t take this lying down and will deploy his soldiers. That��s when your opportunity wille,�� Ren Baqian exined. Even though Dayao was currently at war on two fronts, he wasn��t worried at all.


    Those in Great Xia who could fight were already dead. At the moment, there were merely a small number of defenders garrisoned in the city as well as those at the border with the Yun Nation.


    This situation didn��t give Hong Wu too much pressure.


    If one were to wait for Great Xia to recruit and train new soldiers, the Yun Nation would have probably be Dayao��s Protectorate of the Yun.


    As for the aboriginals�� brains and brawn, Ren Baqian was pretty confident.


    Both sides wereplete opposites.


    The only thing he had to worry about was rations.


    Su Qing pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, ��Give then to me. I can��t promise that all of them will be put to use since 1,000 is too great a number. It will be difficult to bring all of them into Great Xia��s pce, but I should be able to sneak in a portion of them.��


    ��Come and retrieve them in three days�� time. These things only have a shelf life of six months and will start to leak after that period. I hope that you can use them as soon as possible,�� Ren Baqian said.


    He reached a consensus with Su Qing after just a short time.


    Ren Baqian could seek revenge, while Su Qing could get the opportunity he wanted. There was no reason for him to refuse.


    ��Oh right. Just now, you said that the forces in Great Xia��s pce were strong. As far as I know, there are only a few Spirit Wheel experts in the pce, right?��


    ��It isn��t as simple as it seems. One Spirit Wheel expert can live up to 200 years. The imperial family of Great Xia has always been on the lookout for the most gifted youths, and over thest few centuries, they have umted a lot of strength. To the best of my knowledge, there are at least eight Spirit Wheel experts in the pce. Among them, at least three have formed Heaven-grade weapons.��


    Ren Baqian nodded while looking pensive. Eight Spirit Wheel experts didn��t sound impressive whenpared to the situation at Tianjing Basin. However, this was only the number of Spirit Wheel experts in the pce. If all of Great Xia was included, there would be many more Spirit Wheel experts, at least hundreds of them.


    With more people, there would naturally be more experts.


    Luckily, most of the Spirit Wheel experts ruled their own territories and paid no attention to Xia Baichong.


    ��Come and find me three dayster.�� Ren Baqian nodded at Su Qing, turned around, and walked toward Jiangbei City.


    ��Stay further away from me! Go take two weeks off, and don��t let me see you during these two weeks.�� Ren Baqian��s face turned green when he saw Shi Hu approaching him.


    Shi Hu felt wronged.


    <em>I��m the victim okay?</em>


    <em>Why didn��t you exin clearly?</em>


    <em>I still thought that it was the same stuff that was used back in Liao City.</em>


    On the journey back to the residence, all the animals and people dispersed whenever he walked past, including the chickens and dogs��


    Zuo Leng and a few others gathered to greet Ren Baqian when they saw himing back, but their faces immediately turned pale, and they took a few steps back.


    They were very familiar with this smell. They simply wished they were dead back in those days.


    ��Greetings, Sir Ren!�� As all six of them were reminded of the tragic memories from those days, their expressions became extremely odd.


    ��It��s fine. Take your leave.�� Ren Baqian waved them off and walked through the courtyard toward the empress��s room, only to see that she was still watching a television series��


    ��Your Majesty, I just met Su Qing, and he has already agreed. Xia Baichong has given us so many problems, but we can finally reciprocate now.�� Standing at the empress��s door, Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress turned her head, looked at him, and rolled her eyes. Her gaze was so charming and moving that Ren Baqian felt an endless disturbance in his mind.


    ��Why are you standing so far away?��


    ��I��m afraid that Your Majesty will despise me!��


    ��Why are you acting so weird today? Come over here.�� The empress was unconcerned.


    ��I��lle over then!�� Nasty, but appearing genuine, Ren Baqian strode into the room.


    However, after taking just two steps in, the empress knitted her brow as she went pale. She swatted her palm, immediately sending Ren Baqian flying outward uncontrobly.


    ��Your Majesty, you said you wouldn��t despise me����


    ��You didn��t mention the stench on your body!�� the empress replied with a icy stare. ��How did you get into this mess again?��


    Ren Baqian also felt that he was pretty unlucky and started exining what had happened from outside the door.


    ��Oh, seeing that you have been excessively hard working these days, I shall grant you a few days off. Go back to Earth and rest for a few days,�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    Karma struck pretty quickly indeed!


    He had just granted Shi Hu time off and was immediately granted his own time off by the empress.


    ��Have a good rest, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian looked at the empress intively before stepping out and summoning three winged cavalry warriors. He ordered them not to move and took all three of them back to Earth with their noses pinched.


    ��I��m a little bee, flying among the flowers.��


    <em>Bang! Boom!</em>


    Just when Ren Baqian arrived back on Earth, he heard noisesing from somewhere not too far away.


    He turned his head and saw the three winged cavalry warriors ying the finger-guessing game while hugging sorghum liquor. When one of them swat his palm over, another guy was quickly stuck to the wall.


    ��What are you guys doing?�� Ren Baqian didn��t look very happy.


    The three of them suddenly stood up and greeted, ��Hi,dy boss!��


    Ren Baqian��s face immediately turned ck. Which bastard taught them this? Also, who taught them how to y the finger-guessing game?

 Chapter 505 - Children From the Mountains

    Chapter 505: Children From the Mountains


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Shen Feng?�� Ren Baqian heard the name of the culprit from the three people and suddenly gnashed his teeth.


    This scoundrel.


    She actually taught them the termdy boss!


    She even taught them how to y the finger-guessing game!


    Although she was well aware of her identity, she still had the nerve to do this.


    Of course, there were plenty of reasons for Ren Baqian to believe that if he fired her and found another assistant, this new person would still be someone who worked for the nation.


    Perhaps he should go abroad and find a non-Chinese citizen of Chinese descent.


    This thought shed in Ren Baqian��s head. Then, he asked, ��Did you guys say anything that you weren��t supposed to say?��


    ��No!�� the three of them replied at the same time.


    Ren Baqian was rather suspicious as to whether they knew what they were saying. However, seeing that they all said the same thing, he didn��t pursue the matter any further.


    He went upstairs, changed into a new set of clothes, called Shen Feng, and asked, ��Where are you? Make a trip here.��


    Ren Baqian��s voice was very calm, so Shen Feng couldn��t tell how he was feeling. However, he was somewhat dissatisfied with Shen Feng. Even though she had been working rather well throughout this period of time, he was still somewhat dissatisfied with her.


    ��I want to resign!�� Shen Feng shouted as soon as she answered the call. She immediately hung up the call after she spoke.


    ��Eh?�� Ren Baqian was at a loss for words. Why was Shen Feng acting like a nutcase today? He didn��t even find any trouble with her, yet she dared to talk about resigning? She even hung up his call?


    Before he couldprehend what was going on, he received three photos consecutively and they were all Shen Feng��s selfies.


    All Ren Baqian could see was a angsty bald-headed man who was wearing a hospital gown. Was that a pig��s head?


    Her eyes were now just slits, while half of her face was swollen. She was barely recognizable. There was also some kind of medicine smeared all over her face. All of her hair had been shaved, and there were only bandages left on her head. From the photographs, the background seemed like a hospital ward.


    Another photo showed an image of her arm in a cast.


    Then, Shen Feng called again, ��See that? See what your bast*rds have done? I��m quitting! Boohoo!��


    It was unknown if Shen Feng was really having shbacks of her own tragic experience when she actually started sobbing. This was rather unusual.


    After all, she had always adopted a very indifferent and neutral image; it was rare to see her emotional side.


    After all, she was still a woman.


    Ren Baqian was a little puzzled. Was she beaten up by those three blockheads?


    ��Take a good rest. I��ll give you a month off.��


    After hanging up the call, Ren Baqian ran downstairs with the phone in his hand, only to see the three winged cavalry warriors who arrived first unting their knowledge about the things in the vi to the other three.


    Ren Baqian��s face was ck as he asked, ��Did you guys beat Shen Feng up? How many times did I actually remind you guys?��


    ��No!�� The three of them shook their heads in unison.


    ��Are you guys sure?�� Ren Baqian showed the selfies that Shen Feng had sent over. ��How did she be like that?��


    ��We yed little bee! She suggested the idea, so don��t me us,�� the three of them immediately replied.


    All of a sudden, Ren Baqian recalled the scene he saw just after returning to Earth��


    ��Show me how the game go����


    ��Little bee, little bee, flying among the flowers.�� At the same time, the three of them yed ��rock, paper, scissors.�� Then, a loud ��pow�� could be heard.


    As the other two swung their palms, the third winged cavalry warrior was instantly sent flying into the wall.


    ��Just like that. She suggested the idea, and we didn��t expect that she was that weak!��


    As expected��


    Ren Baqian was somewhat speechless��


    Shen Feng really deserved it, right?


    Disasters that have been lowered by Heaven can still be escaped, but the sins caused by people can never be escaped!


    ��Don��t neglect patrolling this ce. If there��s something wrong with Her Majesty��s temporary residence, no one can protect any of you,�� Ren Baqian warned.


    Since this ce wasn��t Dayao, he wasn��t going to treat them like they were in the army.


    It was said that as long as it wasn��t during wartime, the morality and conduct of the aboriginal soldiers would be just like this.


    ��Understood!�� Initially, the three of them were still worried about being lectured by Ren Baqian. However, after listening to what he said, they rejoiced.


    ��How was the progress of your education these days?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Those cooks are really nice people, and we learned quite a bit from them,�� the three of them said.


    ��Eh? Cooks? What about the teacher I hired?�� Ren Baqian was suspicious.


    ��We didn��t meet any teacher!��


    ��He didn��te?�� Ren Baqian fished out his phone and checked. Sure enough, there were two missed calls from the home tutor that he had previously found. Straightaway, he called back.


    The other party rejected his call��


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. What was going on?


    He called back again.


    This time, the call was answered. The other party��s tone was indifferent, ��Mister, what��s the problem?��


    ��I have already made an appointment with you, why didn��t you turn up?��


    ��Are you kidding me? I showed up, but was chased away. Even though I��m not as rich as you, there isn��t a need to y a prank on me, right? I��m just a student and am not used to all of this.�� Afterpleting his sentence, he hung up the call.


    ��After I left, who else came?�� Ren Baqian turned around and questioned the few winged cavalry warriors sternly.


    ��A tiny boy, thin and weak, who said that he��s called An Ran. Sir Ren instructed us to drive everyone else away apart from the designated person named Teacher. As such, we chased him away.��


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    ��I��m not angry�� I��m not angry�� I��m not angry���� Ren Baqian kept repeating as he held his head.


    If he was serious with these idiots, then he would be the real loser.


    ��The three of you, tell the rest about what they need to know.�� Ren Baqian waved and drove to the gate of a university. He pasted a sheet of paper on his car window, ��Looking for a home tutor. Sry is 200 yuan per hour! Requirement: Honest!��


    Many people saw this scene and grew interested.


    An hourly sry of 200 yuan was considered pretty good for part-time workers. Generally, the sry of a one on one tutor was only about 100 yuan per hour, not to mention that Ren Baqian was searching for a home tutor at a mid-tier university.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t write down the level of the student who was to be tutored or the topics required to be taught. This actually made many people uncertain about whether they should take up the job.


    This uncertainty was to the degree that some people suspected that he was a swindler. After all, it seemed that this was too good to be true and was most likely deceptive.


    After a long time, a feeble-looking boy who had sses and was dressed in simple clothes came over to knock on Ren Baqian��s car window.


    ��Excuse me, what kind of tutor do you want to hire?�� the boy asked. ��I��m a freshman here and have just passed the college entrance examination.��


    ��I��ll hire you. Hop in!�� As Ren Baqian sized him up, Ren Baqian concluded that he indeed seemed honest.


    ��Ah?��


    ��Rest assured, your level is good enough to teach. As long as he or she is honest, I don��t need a tutor with standards that are too high.��


    The boy hesitated. The sry was rather attractive. Plus, it shouldn��t be a problem if he got in the car at the school gate where the surveince camera could capture it. As soon as he reassured himself, he got in the car.


    Ren Baqian spoke as he drove and exined, ��I only need you to teach how to write chinese characters. The simpler the better��as long as they learn how to read and write. Also, you��ll just have to teach them some general knowledge.��


    ��Ah?�� The boy was slightly taken aback.


    ��There are some children who have been living in the mountains who don��t know anything about the outside world. I need someone to help them understand the outside world,�� Ren Baqian said. He had better bring the tutor over before revealing too much. If he showed anyone photos of the aboriginals, he reckoned that no one would dare toe.


    In fact, after interacting with those winged cavalry warriors, one would know that even though they looked intimidating, they weren��t evil people.


    After hearing these words, the boy could finally rxed a little. He felt that these students should be children from impoverished areas. Although he couldn��t understand why the person in front of him was doing this, perhaps he was just a good samaritan? Adopting kids from rural areas?


    At the thought of this, the boy suddenly felt deep veneration.


    He was born in a vige. If not for the assistance of a kind soul, he would have probably ended up the same as the other kids in the vige, dropping out of school before evenpleting elementary school in order to work. Therefore, from the bottom of his heart, he felt respect and admiration for such kind people.


    ��It��s not in the city?�� the boy asked as he looked at Ren Baqian, who was driving out of the city.


    ��Don��t worry, your transport fees will be reimbursed. You will also be paid the same rate for your time on the road as the teaching rate.��


    ��No need, no need. The wages are already very high.�� The boy was a little embarrassed.


    ��No worries. Those kids have a weaker foundation, so you may have to put in more effort,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I��ll do my best!�� the boy dered in response. He swore in his mind that he would definitely help and impart all of his knowledge to them.


    The reason wasn��t only due to his sry, but also because of the fact that they had simr family backgrounds.


    The boy��s notion remained until Ren Baqian opened the door of his vi��


    ��Okay, these are the six students that you will be teaching.�� Ren Baqian shed a good-natured smile at the tutor.


    The boy stared at the six bald, fierce-looking men in the living room whose bodies were filled with scars. Their gazes were simr to that of a bear who wanted to gobble up humans. Immediately, he felt sluggish��

 Chapter 506 - Ding Jie

    Chapter 506: Ding Jie


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The boy looked at the six burly men and said in a trembling voice, ��Sir, I��m afraid I can��t tutor them!��


    At 1.8 meters, they were taller than him by half a head, had more than double his body width, and were standing there in front of him like a wall. Furthermore, they were bald, fierce-looking, had cold eyes, and didn��t look like decent people regardless of what angle was used to view them.


    The most important point was the scars that crisscrossed their bodies��


    <em>Were these the children from the mountains that you had mentioned?</em>


    <em>How do they resemble children from the mountains?</em>


    They didn��t look like they were from the mountains and didn��t look like children.


    Even the legendary gangsters weren��t so scary. Were these people bandits?


    ��How should I address you?�� Ren Baqian asked while smiling widely.


    ��Ding Jie�� Mister, I don��t have money, my family lives in a vige, and our annual ie is less than 10,000 yuan���� Ding Jie was stammering and almost in tears.


    ��Don��t be afraid, they are good children and very candid. Their appearance isn��t their fault, but that of their parents. Don��t judge a person by his appearance. Don��t you agree?�� Ren Baqian asked kindly.


    ��But, they really don��t look like children����


    ��It will be fine if you treat them like children!�� Ren Baqian stated resolutely.


    ��I�� can��t do it�� I think I��m the child���� Ding Jie trembled as he clung to the door like a quail being targeted by wolves, but Ren Baqian had already preempted him by closing it.


    He felt that it wasn��t his day today. Earlier, he had thought that the smiling young man beside him was worthy of his respect, but he now felt like telling the young man to return the respect that had been given.


    The young man was simply hoping to be let off!


    ��300 yuan per hour! Rest assured, we are decent people. I work for the government and have documents to prove it. Previously, these people lived in the mountains and hunted for a living. The scars are due to hunting, and they would have starved to death if they didn��t hunt.��


    They know very little of the outside world, and I don��t have much time to teach them, so that is why I��m getting them a teacher.


    The nation said that those who get rich first should help others prosper. You are at least wealthy in a cognitive aspect and should help others,�� Ren Baqian continued to smile and offered a 100 yuan note upfront.


    Ding Jie was feeling conflicted over the ��high sry�� of 300 yuan per hour and the threat posed by these bandits.


    300 yuan per hour, once every three day, and three hours per lesson. This totaled to about 10,000 yuan per month and was close to what his whole family earned in a year.


    This sum of money was enough to change the fate of his family.


    ��I will not do anything illegal���� Ding Jie said cautiously.


    ��Don��t worry! We are decent people. Plus, I work for the government. Do you want to see my documents?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Yes����


    Ren Baqian��s mouth twitched.


    This child really had no EQ.


    However, seeing that this kid was honest and not scheming, it was much better to let him teach the winged cavalry warriors than have someone else do it.


    ��Please take a seat.�� Ren Baqian pointed to the sofa. Then, he went upstairs to get his documents. Aftering back down, he saw Ding Jie with both hands on hisp and his head so low that it was almost on his crotch.


    On the opposite side, the six burly men were staring at him.


    ��Well, don��t worry, they only look scary. Don��t be so affected.�� Ren Baqian threw the documents on the table.


    Ding Jie read the contents of the documents, looked at Ren Baqian again, then re-examined the documents. In the end, he still couldn��t tell whether they were authentic. Anyway, he felt more reassured, but only a tiny bit.


    ��In the future, he will be your teacher. He will be responsible for teaching you some basic knowledge, and you can ask him when you don��t understand something. Remember to respect your teacher. You can��t scold, beat, or threaten him and mustn��t treat him like exercise equipment!�� Ren Baqian told the six winged cavalry warriors.


    However, Ding Jie shivered every time Ren Baqian said a sentence and was wondering whether he had made the right decision.


    ��We understand,dy boss!��


    ��We understand, Sir Ren!��


    The six people addressed him in two different ways.


    ��Call me Second Boss!�� Ren Baqian said angrily. ��Whoever calls medy boss, I will strip him and hang him on the g pole.��


    ��You can start now ande whenever you are free,�� Ren Baqian said to Ding Jie. ��As for the money, I will give you 35,000 yuan in advance. 30,000 yuan is the pay for 100 hours of lessons, and the 5,000 yuan is for your travel expenses during this period.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t have the slightest worry that Ding Jie would abscond with the money.


    Ding Jie didn��t have the guts.


    Even if he did, it still didn��t matter.


    He would tell him what was meant by governing the country ording to thew!


    Ren Baqian asked for Ding Jie��s WeChat ount to transfer the money and then went upstairs.


    A whileter, he came down again and found that Ding Jie��s mood had changed. Ding Jie was strongly resisting his fear and asking the winged cavalry warriors some questions to find out their level of knowledge.


    His conclusion was that this group of people really didn��t know anything.


    This group of people from the mountains had really been isted from the outside world and really hunted for a living.


    Whether it was real or not, he could only convince himself that it was true.


    After spending three hours in the vi, Ding Jie got up to take his leave when it was getting dark.


    Ren Baqian had already transferred him the money, and it wasn��t difficult to book a car, but he would rather walk down the hill to take public transport so as to save every penny.


    ��Ding Jie, have you got the part-time home tutor job? 200 yuan per hour? How is it? Is it reliable? Is it a scam?��


    When Ding Jie reached the dormitory, he was questioned by his roommates. 200 yuan per hour was certainly not a small sum to these students.


    At that time, many people saw the post and most thought it was a scam. As a result, Ding Jie was the first to apply and was sessful.


    After Ding Jie left for the interview, many were convinced it was a scam to con the ignorant students from the countryside.


    Therefore, they were eager to ask him about it the moment he came back.


    Some had kind intentions, but some were waiting to mock him.


    Ding Jie didn��t mention that the sry was raised to 300 yuan per hour, but forced a smile and said, ��It��s quite reliable.��


    He was thinking that it would have been better if his students looked more normal.


    He was unsure whether he had really struck it rich this time because those people really scared him.


    ��Really? Is it weekly or monthly sry? Be careful,�� his roommates warned him.


    ��I have already received a sum of money that is enough tost me for quite a few days,�� Ding Jie said softly. He was very grateful to Ren Baqian for the advance payment. It was important��in fact, it was very important to him.


    ��How much is it?�� someone curiously asked.


    Ding Jie didn��t socialize much and didn��t know the viciousness of people. He raised three fingers.


    ��3,000 yuan? That guy is generous. You have met a good guy.�� Someoneughed.


    ��How do you know it isn��t 300 yuan?�� another person said.


    ��Ding Jie spent a few hours for the first lesson there, so 300 yuan isn��t enough to pay for today��s work. He mentioned that he was paid a sum of money in advance, so it should be at least 3,000 yuan. Ding Jie, am I right?�� The person who spoke earlier was confident in his judgement.


    Ding Jie opened his mouth wide and nodded. He didn��t mention the 30,000 yuan he received in advance, yet many of his roommates already envied him. After all, very few of them were rich. When they initially entered the university, many students wanted to work as home tutors to make some money for their expenses, but due to various reasons, it didn��t work out.


    No one expected the inconspicuous Ding Jie to be the first to find such a good part-time job.


    Since the next two days were weekend days, Ding Jie left the school very early. He took the subway and public transportation to the base of the hill before walking to the vi and tutoring a lesson. Although Ren Baqian told him to include the travel time as part of his teaching hours, he didn��t want to do so and also didn��t dare to do so.


    After two days, he was finally able to look at these six people more calmly.


    Although they looked like bandits, they were very forthright and not as fierce as he thought. However, there were still some certain behaviors that he couldn��t ept calmly.


    For example, lifting cars to exercise their bodies�� Sparring in the courtyard that looked like fight scenes depicted in television shows�� Making a hole in the ground with one punch�� Saying they would kill people, shut them up, and exterminate the whole n�� And eating meals that were enough for 120 people��


    <em>Can someone tell me which mountain these children came from? Or am I approaching this problem from the wrong direction?</em>


    Even if he was foolish, he still knew that something wasn��t right with these people.


    However, he didn��t dare to ask and pretended not to see anything.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied with his performance.


    ��Do well! There are other jobs waiting for you, but you must remember that I��m the one paying your sry. Unless aw is vited, you aren��t supposed to disclose anything that happens here to anyone, including government agencies. If you have any problems, ask them to find me!


    Remember, my name is Ren Baqian and you can tell them you are working for me. If they don��t know me, ask them to refer to the Messier 87 department.


    If I find out that any information from here was leaked out by you�� The Huangpu River will be waiting to embrace you!��


    Ren Baqian disyed an imposing aura when he talked. After all, he dealt with tens of thousands of people under the empress. Aside from the empress, the people he interacted with were army generals or the top experts from all over. The aura he developed under this environment was hard for ordinary people to resist.


    The words of Ren Baqian and his aura made Ding Jie sweat profusely, and he nodded his head like a chicken pecking rice.


    He was supposed to be a home tutor, but it seemed like he was on a pirate ship that was embarking on a path of no return��


    ��Well, I��m going out on a mission. If you have any problems, tell me when I return.�� Ren Baqian nodded with satisfaction. He liked this boy who didn��t mix with others and was a little clumsy. Ren Baqian also found him more reassuringpared to Shen Feng.


    After he finished speaking, he returned to his room to pack a batch of skunk bombs, drones, gas masks and other equipment for his return to Dayao.

 Chapter 507 - Killing People After Drinking Alcohol

    Chapter 507: Killing People After Drinking Alcohol


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��No more alcohol!�� One of the winged cavalry warrior was deep in thought.


    ��No more alcohol!�� As another guy tilted the bottle, only a drop of alcohol dripped out.


    ��It should havested us a few days.�� Three of the winged cavalry warriors looked at the other three people in front of them.


    The alcohol was originally enough tost a couple of days for three people, but it was immediately finished now that there were six of them.


    ��Did you bring money?��


    The three of them searched their pockets and fished out a bunch of silver.


    ��Can these be used?��


    ��People here seem to be using another type of currency. I have seen them take it out before.��


    ��What should we do?��


    ��Go do some hunting in the mountains behind us to trade for alcohol?��


    ��There isn��t any big things in the mountains here. I have already taken a walk.�� One of the winged cavalry warrior who had arrived earlier was looking pretty gloomy.


    All six of them looked at one other helplessly for a long while.


    ��Let��s find someone to borrow money from and pay them back when our sries are paid.��


    The next day was a Wednesday. Ding Jie didn��t have sses in the afternoon, so he went to the vi again. He was surrounded by the six of them as soon as he entered the house.


    ��What are you guys up to?�� asked a trembling Ding Jie as he looked upon the six bear-men who were surrounding him with ominous glints in their eyes.


    ��There��s no more alcohol����


    ��I don��t have any alcohol either���� Just as Ding Jie finished speaking, he felt the surrounding atmosphere grow a little colder.


    ��I��ll go buy some��!�� Ding Jie replied sullenly.


    ��We��ll pay you back when our sries are paid out,�� the six men replied. After all, it wasn��t nice of them to rob this bean sprout of his money. Doing so would give off the feeling that they were stealing candy from a baby.


    After some time��


    ��Let��s drink!��


    ��I can��t drink�� Okay, I��ll drink��!�� Scowling miserably, Ding Jie drank one third of a cup in one go. He suddenly felt as if a knife was cutting through his throat. After that, his entire stomach was ame as his face immediately became flushed.


    ��Little bee!��


    ��How does the game go?��


    ��Like this���� The six men whispered among one another for some time before shifting their attention back to Ding Jie.


    ��I don��t know how to y�� You guys go ahead. I really don��t know how to y�� Okay, my bad, I��ll y����


    Still scowling miserably, Ding Jie wondered what sin he hadmitted?


    <em>I��m a private tutor, I��m a private tutor, I��m a private tutor! I��m not here to buy alcohol and drink with you guys! Didn��t we agree not to threaten the tutor?</em>


    ��Two little bees�� Flying among the flowers�� Fly! Fly! Fly! Pow!��


    A person suddenly flew away, smashing violently into the wall.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    The entire house shook.


    Ding Jie��s face immediately turned pale at this sight. He was already beginning to sober up from the dizziness in his head. Trembling, he asked, ��Can I stop ying��?��


    One of the winged cavalry warriorforted him and said, ��Don��t worry! You are so fragile that we will be much gentler!��


    <em>What��s the difference between an intact corpse and dying without an intact corpse? Are you guys simply trying to kill me? </em>Ding Jie thought to himself.


    ��You are a man! Why are you so timid?!�� Another one of the winged cavalry warrior grinned widely. The scar on his face looked even more sinister.


    ��But I��m really afraid�� I��m not like you guys����


    ��Two little bees�� Flying in the flowers�� Fly�� Fly�� Fly�� Pow!��


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Ding Jie��s entire body shook uncontrobly like a quail.


    By the time the sky was turning dark, all six of the winged cavalry warriors had faces that were swollen like pig heads. Meanwhile, Ding Jie was miraculously untouched!


    ��Awesome, kid!�� One of the winged cavalry warriors burst intoughter as he tapped on Ding Jie��s shoulders and almost smacked him into the ground.


    ��Not bad, not bad. Since we drank your alcohol today, we are not going to take advantage of you. Tomorrow, I will teach you a set of fighting techniques that are used to defend our vige. It��s the best technique within a 3,000 steps of our vige.��


    Ding Jie was still a little dizzy when he left the vi. He got even dizzier when the wind blew past. However, he still felt extremely d, and it was as if he had been given a new lease on life.


    <em>Okay, someone is teaching me how to fight?</em>


    He was looking forward to it greatly and was unsure of whether he could be as powerful as those people.


    Still stumbling along the way, Ding Jie arrived at the bottom of the hill. Two people came out of a ck off-road vehicle by the roadside and kidnapped him into their car. He then fell into a deep sleep.


    When he woke up, he found himself in a room, and the decor were considered pretty good by his standards�� even though it was simply a guesthouse with basic room furnishing in the eyes of others.


    Ding Jie turned his head and saw a man and a woman, both in their forties, sitting to the side.


    ��Awake?��


    ��You guys are?��


    ��We are from the Ministry of State Security. Please assist us with our investigation.��


    Hearing that they were from the Ministry of State Security Department, Ding Jie felt as if he had been struck by lightning. A sense of fear gripped his heart, rendering him almost unable to think.


    When the duo saw his expression, they were very certain that this kid would be easy to deal with.


    ��I have never done anything against thew���� Ding Jie replied with some difficulty.


    ��Whether or not you��vemitted a crime, we can only find out after interrogating you. First, let me ask you. Why were you in the vi at the top of the hill?��


    After hearing this, Ding Jie was on the verge of tears. Indeed, it was because of that group of people on the hill.


    <em>That person with the surname Ren, wasn��t he working for the nation? He probably didn��t trick me with a fake identity, did he?</em>


    ��Give me a ss of water first���� Ding Jie spoke softly. He felt a little better after drinking half a ss of water and went on to exin that he was a home tutor.


    ��What have they been telling you these days? Tell us what you know.��


    ��Will you arrest them after I tell you?�� Ding Jie asked cautiously.


    ��No, we won��t, but we need to know the situation,�� the man replied.


    ��In that case, I can��t say���� Ding Jie immediately shook his head.


    His reaction left the duo looking stunned.


    ��Did he threaten you?��


    Ding Jie nodded vigorously.


    ��We work for the nation��we can protect you.��


    He then shook his head.


    ��You think that the nation is incapable of protecting you?��


    Ding Jie shook his head.


    ��Then what are you afraid of? You think that we can��t protect you?��


    Ding Jie nodded repeatedly.


    The both of them were speechless.


    Since you are so honest, are your parents aware of this?


    ��If you don��t tell us, we can arrest you.�� The man gave a stern look. If he had a choice, he wouldn��t want to do that. After all, he was hoping that Ding Jie could assist them. However, this fellow was too amusing��


    Deep down, Ding Jie was shivering inside. However, after thinking about what that man said previously, he mustered up his courage and said, ��He said his name is Ren Baqian. You can look for him if there��s anything����


    He regretted it the moment he finished speaking. Growing up to such a ripe age, he had never expected himself to speak to the Ministry of State Security Department in this manner, let alone think that he woulde into contact with them.


    ��


    ��Miss Qing Yuan, where is Her Majesty?�� Ren Baqian went to the empress��s room to greet her as soon as he returned to Dayao, but realized that she wasn��t inside.


    ��The empress had a few drinks a while ago and said that she was bored, so she went out for a stroll,�� Qing Yuan replied while wiping the table in the room.


    ��How long has she been gone for?�� Ren Baqian nodded and handed Qing Yuan a bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candy.


    ��Less than four hours.�� Qing Yuan grinned from ear to ear.


    ��Get someone to notify me once the empress is back.�� Ren Baqian smiled and left.


    In the past, there were always television programs that broadcasted all kinds of emperors who wanted to leave their pces along with many chancellors who tried to advise against this decision.


    That didn��t exist here in the empress��s world.


    It was all fine as long as she didn��t run off to Great Xia��s pce for a stroll.


    Given the empress��s strength, as long as she didn��t run into enemies and get heavily surrounded, there was no one in Tianjing Basin who could deal with her.


    In the minds of everyone else, the empress was simply bored and went for a stroll in the city or somewhere not too far away from the city.


    However, the empress was currently standing beneath a range of hills in the distance and holding a bottle of alcohol. Ahead of her, there was a winding mountain road that wasn��t precipitous. The road was paved over many years and was about three meters wide. After passing through this winding mountain road, it suddenly opened up to a wide panorama of spaciousnd. There were three streams ofrge turbulent rivers that resembled threerge dragons sleeping soundly on the ground.


    This was the origin of the name of the Wang Estuary.


    Back then, when the Hao Nation was rich and powerful, there was no telling how many schrs and literati penned their works here.


    The empress looked at the tall mountain ahead and took of gulp of alcohol. Her body fluttered in the wind like a deity.


    Ren Baqian��s actions were too slow. After staying in Tianjing Basin for quite some time, the empress felt like returning to the imperial pce.


    She had heard that there were a couple of experts in the vicinity. If she were to go forth and kill them, then her forces would be able to advance much faster.


    The empress��s face was slightly flushed, and one could tell from her eyes that she was a little tipsy. She swirled the bottle around and found that it was still about half full. With a slight touch from her feet, the scenery on both sides shifted rapidly behind her.


    There were a few sentries in the distant forest. They originally saw ady in red standing quite a ways away and hesitated over whether or not to warn the others. After all, she was there alone, and they were afraid that they would make a big fuss over something minor.


    In the blink of an eye, thatdy disappeared.


    Subsequently, a gust of wind flitted across the sentries.


    An astonishing aura rose from within the woods.


    An elder sitting atop the mountain opened his eyes in an instant as a chilling glow shed from his eyes.


    ��This aura�� Is this a challenge? Hmm? This seems kind of familiar�� Is it Qi Zixiao?�� The elder��s face turned pale. Sitting with the same posture, his body turned into a blur and reappeared on top of a huge rock that looked down upon the foot of the mountain.


    ��It��s Qi Zixiao!�� A shadow appeared beside him. ��What should we do?��


    ��Retreat! The two of us aren��t her match, but she won��t do anything to those ordinary soldiers.��


    ��Still, our sect disciples are there.��


    ��She won��t do anything to them either. Leave before it��s toote.��


    Following their conversation, many people started lifting their heads and looking over from the mountains, only to see a red shadow in the forest that had an astonishing aura. It leaped up and dashed toward the mountain peak.


    ��I��m a little fed up, so all of you better hurry down here to receive your death sentence!�� Feeling a little tipsy, the empress blew a long whistle which jolted the surroundings. Immediately, all of the birds and animals on the mountains submitted to her.


    With a light tap of her feet against a piece of rock at the peak, she weed the mountain wind and raised her eyes to look at the surroundings. Very quickly, she managed to locate the two small dots in the distance. First, she took a sip of alcohol. Next, she moved out and began to give chase.

 Chapter 508 - Returning With Two Heads

    Chapter 508: Returning With Two Heads


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sat in a chair, opened the box beside him, and saw the ck tokens inside. The edge of the tokens were carved with images of an ichthyosaurus. On the front were three blood-red characters: ��Rearguard Commandery.�� On the reverse side, there were two red characters: ��Baihu.��


    Each token was no bigger than a palm, weighed about 100 grams, and was made entirely out of an alloy.


    ��The token given to each of you is your identity. When meeting people from the court or anyone from the Rearguard Commandery, present your token to identify yourself first.�� Ren Baqian gave out the tokens as he spoke.


    After receiving the tokens, the recipients found them to be meticulously crafted. The lines were fine, had no traces of hammering or carving, and were impossible to copy.


    After seeing them collect their tokens properly, Ren Baqian calmly said, ��I have two tasks for all of you toplete.��


    ��Please speak,�� the crowd below him immediately said.


    They had received these tokens as a confirmation of their identity and would have to obey whatever orders Ren Baqian gave them.


    Ren Baqian never said that the Rearguard Commandery would be like a city gate that anyone could enter and exit at will.


    From his past record, everyone could guess what would happen if they thought of quitting.


    Ren Baqian stood up to open the box on the floor, took out a few binocrs, and distributed them to the crowd.


    ��Try them out,�� hemanded.


    Everyone took the strange items handed out by Ren Baqian. After a while, someone asked, ��Sir, how do I use this?��


    Ren Baqian picked one up, put it in front of his eyes, and looked outside. The crowd immediately understood.


    One person ced the binocrs in front of his eyes and looked out from the courtyard, then eximed in surprise as his expression changed.


    This didn��t only happen to one person, but also to a few after him.


    Through this handheld device, the wall in the distance appeared as though it was in front of them. Small damaged areas and weeds growing on the wall could be seen clearly.


    ��Senior Qi, what happened?�� someone asked softly.


    As everyone knew, these were Earth Wheel experts who weren��t easily surprised. Their amazement when they used these devices caused the people beside them to feel bewildered.


    ��Take a look for yourself!�� Senior Qi handed over the binocrs to him.


    Some of the other used it to look at faraway things, but some guys used it to look at the people across from them and received a fright.


    One viewer saw two ck holes full of weeds and only realized that he was looking at someone��s nostrils after retreating a few steps.


    Everyone passed the binocrs around so that they all had a chance to look. The crowd was full of amazement.


    Even though this device couldn��t improve their strength, it was certainly very useful.


    ��This is a pair of binocrs. Everything within sight will be magnified to be ten timesrger or nearly ten timesrger. Even faraway objects the size of an insect can be clearly seen.


    Another item, called the night vision device, can spot human bodies in the distance at night. No matter how well hidden the person is, they will be discovered instantly.��


    I need a few people to observe the enemy movements at the Wang Estuary. There is no need to get close, and you only need to monitor their setup. With these two items, all of you can maximize your safety.��


    ��Sir Ren, I��m willing to go,�� someone immediately said. Everyone clearly knew that they certainly couldn��t choose to work whenever they wanted. Even back in the days when they were in their sects, they couldn��t act this way.


    This was the first task given by Ren Baqian. As such, he let them sign up voluntarily, but those who showed initiative were certain to be favored by him.


    The binocrs and the addition of the so-called night vision devices had enhanced safety to the maximum. Those present were all Earth Wheel experts and as long as they weren��t surrounded, they would have no difficulty escaping if required.


    If one didn��t strive for such an opportunity, then what was the point of working under Ren Baqian.


    ��Sir, your subordinate is willing.��


    Everyone began to speak. Some addressed themselves as ��I,�� some as ��subordinate,�� and some used their names. It was quite confusing.


    A total of over 20 people volunteered.


    ��That��s it then. You guys go to the vicinity of the Wang Estuary and Ghost Ridge to check the situation. It would be best to rify theposition of their forces as well as their activities.�� Ren Baqian disyed a smile.


    Knowing that these people were previously martial artists and not conversant with military matters, he added, ��Count the number of people there by observing the smoke from the kitchens. After all, they can��t be eating cold food outside every day and will surely need to cook����


    Ren Baqian told them briefly what to look for based on his previous experiences. They were quite surprised that this fellow knew such things.


    Everyone was suddenly uplifted. They wouldn��t forget the events of these past few days.


    ��As for the rest, I have another task for you guys. Have you recruited any Tiqi like I told you to?��


    ��They have been recruited.��


    ��Good. Send them to the 37 cities in the north with at least ten people in each city to monitor the situations there. If there are problems, report back immediately. If rebellious groups try to form within the cities, kill without mercy.


    At the same time, we need to recruit manualborers from the cities. Go undercover in each city and gather information. We need to be fully aware of the slightest sign of trouble, not only now, but even in the future. You will be given jurisdiction over certain areas, and if these areas have problems, I will hold you responsible!�� Ren Baqian threatened.


    ��Yes!�� Everyone became solemn.Ren Baqian sat leisurely in his chair after speaking and was prepared to dismiss everyone because he had nothing more to say.


    Right at that moment, a red silhouette appeared at the doorway.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian stood up and cupped his hands to greet her. Her silk dress seemed to have two holes, and Ren Baqian was about to ask her what had happened when she coldly threw two heads on the floor.


    Ren Baqian was taken aback and asked softly, ��Your Majesty, these are�� ?��


    The empress ignored him and simply departed from the doorway.


    ��Qing Xuanjun! Fox Rouge!�� The people beside him were shocked when they found out who the heads belonged to.


    ��Well?�� Ren Baqian recalled hearing these names before. They were two of the 18 Spirit Wheel experts from Tianjing Basin. Most people thought that Fox Rouge was a woman when they heard his name, but he was actually a man. He was called Master Fox when he was young and liked to use makeup even when he grew old. As such, he was secretly called Fox Rouge by many.


    If he remembered correctly, Zuo Cheng had been injured by these two a few days ago.


    ��Sure enough, they are the two people mentioned,�� everyone whispered.


    ��Aren��t they supposed to be at the Wang Estuary?��


    ��Qi Zixiao went to the Wang Estuary?��


    Everyone disyed shock. Did the empress go to the Wang Estuary to kill these two Spirit Wheel experts? Even though they already knew that the empress was very strong as was proven previously in the battle at Mount Wu, they were still shocked.


    To be able to go to the Wang Estuary, kill two people, ande back without any injuries was a feat that terrified them.


    With such a top master like the empress and also the winged cavalry, the revolutionary troops in the south wouldn��t be able to resist. They had made the right choice to surrender or else they would have ended up like these two.


    When Ren Baqian snorted, the person who spoke earlier knew that he had made a mistake, so he lowered his head and apologized, ��It was a slip of the tongue. Please forgive me, Sir.��


    Ren Baqian squinted at him, took note of his face, and said, ��Since the two Spirit Wheel experts in the Wang Estuary are dead, you guys can go there without worry.��


    ��Yes!�� Those heading to the Wang Estuary had their morale boosted.


    With the strongest enemy experts dead, the remaining forces would be no threat at all.

 Chapter 509 - Your Majesty, You Have Changed

    Chapter 509: Your Majesty, You Have Changed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian distributed the binocrs, night vision devices, and another type of token that was to be given to the Tiqi. These tokens were for the rest of them to distribute to their subordinates. These tokens were also ck and were filled with animal patterns on both sides. There weren��t any words written on them.


    After everyone left, Ren Baqian instructed Zuo Leng and six others,


    ��Look for a temporary residence for the Rearguard Commandery to handle their affairs from. After gathering the information, get someone to sort it all out before delivering it to me.


    In addition, check out what��s going on in the Wang Estuary and Ghost Ridge. You guys follow and see if anyone is guilty of any misconduct or suspected of disclosing any information. It��s better to kill the innocent than to let anyone who is guilty slip by!��


    Everyone��s hearts tightened. Even now, Ren Baqian still had yet topletely trust them.


    However, that was very normal. After all, there was a spy among them previously who even tried to assassinate Ren Baqian. As such, among the remaining people, it was improbable that they all thought alike.


    After Ren Baqian finished speaking and saw that everyone understood, he instructed, ��Everyone, take your leave.��


    Ren Baqian then adjusted his clothes and strolled toward the courtyard. All of a sudden, he stopped in his tracks. He saw a youngdy sitting in the courtyard and staring into space.


    It was the fool he brought back from Earth.


    These days, the guards didn��t have anything to report about her. Their concern was limited to feeding her so that she didn��t starve. Apart from this, they nearly forgot the existence of such a person.


    Currently, Wang Baobao had already changed into a new set of clothes. She wasn��t wearing that set of soiled clothes previously. Instead, she was wearing a top and a pleated skirt that wasmonly worn among the female in Tianjing Basin.


    She was sitting quietly and her eyes were focused on the ground. It was unknown to what she was looking at.


    Ren Baqian walked over and nced in the direction that she was staring at. He then discovered that two insects, which resembled the rhinoceros beetle, were dueling with each other.


    ��Have you recalled anything?�� Ren Baqian stood in front of her and asked faintly.


    There wasn��t any reaction from her.


    ��Who changed your clothes for you?�� Ren Baqian asked again.


    Wang Baobao looked up and stared at him. Her eyes were lifeless. Soon after, she lowered her head again and looked at a couple of insects.


    ��Guards!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��Sir Ren!��


    ��Who changed her clothes?�� This was the main issue Ren Baqian wanted to know.


    ��Miss Qing Yuan! She felt that what the girl was wearing previously didn��t look good and got a new set of clothes for her to change into.��


    ��Oh, that��s fine then.�� Ren Baqian waved him off and took a quick look at Wang Baobao before turning to leave.


    From beginning to end, Wang Baobao didn��t respond to him at all.


    Upon arriving at the empress��s room, Ren Baqian saw that the empress was resting on the bed. The door was open and both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were nowhere to be seen.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian didn��t bother her. He waited in the courtyard for a long time before she got finally got out of bed.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian stood at the door and cupped his hands in obeisance. The empress was seated on the bed and slightly groggy, but soon enough, she was fully awake.


    ��Is everything fine?�� the empress asked gently as she walked outside to experience the weather.


    ��I��m here to see Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian smiled. He then continued, ��Has Your Majesty visited the Wang Estuary yet?��


    ��I went out of the city to relieve some boredom and saw two people behaving furtively. As a result, I casually killed them.�� The empress down yed the situation.


    ��Your Majesty, you have changed!�� Ren Baqianmented.


    <em>Your Majesty, you have learned how to lie and have be so prideful! You weren��t like this in the past.</em>


    <em>How could those two punks arrive outside the city together? Plus, behaving furtively? Who would believe those words?</em>


    The empress��s beautiful almond-shaped eyes immediately narrowed, giving off the vibe that she would nail him to the wall if he didn��t exin himself.


    Ren Baqian broke out in cold sweat, immediately changed his tone, and exined ��Your Majesty, your presence is bing more and more astonishing. Under Your Majesty��s hands, even a Spirit Wheel expert is akin to a mere de of grass. Naturally, you can regard them as grass with your strength. It��s such an achievement to be able to attain your level at such a young age. Thus, I wonder how much more you will achieve in the future. With such a thought, I��m already anticipating it.��


    The empress raised her head and pondered. She also didn��t know what else would she achieve.


    ��Your Majesty, are you injured?�� Ren Baqian was deeply concerned.


    ��Those two people were easy targets for me,�� the empress said indifferently.


    ��That��s even better. In the future, if there is no need, you don��t have to worry about these kinds of people. If you take action every single time, then what is the use of having imperial officials and soldiers?��


    ��You guys are too slow!�� The empress was enthusiastic about his reply. ��I feel like returning to the pce.��


    ��If you are feeling bored, perhaps you can return to Lan City first? Both General Xi and the winged cavalry are here, so I reckon that there will not be any problems,�� Ren Baqian said softly.


    ��We��ll talk about itter,�� the empress replied in a cool manner. She continued walking in the courtyard and arrived in front of a bunch of flowers that she didn��t recognize. The flowers were pink, very fine, and looked absolutely beautiful.


    ��I feel that this is more suitable for Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian picked the biggest flower in the courtyard, one that was much bigger than his palm.


    ��It��s too big!�� The empress somewhat despised that flower.


    ��It��s better for a guy to be more romantic!�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    The empress didn��t catch his hint, however, and continued to stare at the flowers in front of her. After a while, she lifted her feet and walked outside.


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress and walked around the city. During this period, they ran into many people from the Rearguard Commandery. Some were heading toward the south, while others were traveling north.


    Upon seeing both Ren Baqian and the empress, everyone hurriedly got off their mounts and greeted them. They only continued with their journey after the duo left.


    It was many people��s first time meeting the empress, and her appearance took their breaths away.


    ��


    Another day passed. A flock of sheep and a herd of cows were sent to Jiangbei City. This situation actually helped the generals and made the soldiers feel rejuvenated. At longst, they wouldn��t have to rely on eating vegetables anymore.


    Although it wasn��t bad to consume vegetables asionally, it was really unbearable to eat them every single day.


    Apanied by the reinforcements from the Protectorate of the South, practically all the avable soldiers had been sent out.


    There were already 9,000 soldiers from the Protectorate of the South and 700 winged cavalry warriors in Jiangbei City. These soldiers would be facing off against more than 250,000 to 300,000 enemiesing from the south.


    Even though more than half of them were recruits, the pressure on them wasn��t small at all.


    Not only must they win, but the aboriginals also need to eliminate the rebels while simultaneously minimizing casualties.


    Their only advantage was that they could outss the enemy forces with their high-end strength.


    After their opponents lost two of their Spirit Wheel experts, the rebels were only left with seven of them.


    In addition to this, there was also a group of people, namely Li Mengyuan, Xu Pingzhi, Yao Zhengyan, and their family, which totaled to to 67 people.


    Previously, in Great Xia, the three of them had been captured by Li Qianqiu and forced to lead the way. In order to survive, they simply relied on Li Qianqiu for help. Later on, they even pleaded with Li Qianqiu to capture their families and bring them along. After returning to Dayao, they were left behind in a small city along the way.


    If they were in Lan City, where thews were stricter, the lives of these foreigners would definitely be better. In particr, the foreigners in Lan City were the ones dispatched by the influential families that controlled businesses.


    Conversely, in the small cities, apart from a few unscrupulous businessmen, there were almost no foreigners present. The inhabitants of the smaller cities were extremely repulsed by foreigners.


    As such, the lives of those Great Xia expatriates could be imagined, and they must have been mistreated everywhere. Moreover, they had to endure in silence because they would only suffer a beating if the Dayao aboriginals were lenient. In the worst case scenario, these disced Great Xia people would even lose their lives.


    They practically didn��t dare to step outside of their doors at all.


    Since they were captured and moved over here, how many valuables could they have actually brought with them? In no time, they used up whatever they had. Not only did they not have anynd, but they also didn��t know how to graze livestock and were shunned at the same time.


    If this continued, these Great Xia people would probably have starved to death in less than two months.


    The three schrs were also med by their families in private. Back then, the three of them should have sacrificed their own lives instead of dragging all of their families with them.


    Such condemnation made it very difficult for the three of them to even say anything.


    Just when they were discussing whether they should escape back to Great Xia and find a small vige where they could conceal their identities, the order from Ren Baqian gave everyone a glimpse of hope.


    Previously, Ren Baqian saw the three of them at the Rearguard Commandery.


    He saw that they were suntanned, emaciated, and wearing patchwork clothes.


    ��The three of you look miserable!�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but toment. With regard to their situation, he had actually heard bits and pieces from various people. However, never did he expect them to be in such a miserable state.


    ��Sir, if you have anymands, we will not hesitate to go through water or tread on fire for you. We only request a ce for our families to settle down,�� the three men promptly dered in loud voices with their gazes filled with hope and respect.


    These were gazes that saw hope again after hope had been wiped out by reality.


    ��You guys were schrs in Great Xia?�� First of all, Ren Baqian had to rify this.


    ��Yes! Originally, we came out to travel before the imperial examination, but various things happened after.�� As the three men recollected their memories, they looked as if they couldn��t bear to recall them.


    ��What are you guys well-versed in?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��The ssics, history, mathematics, and so on, �� the three of them responded.


    ��What is 156 + 611 �C 203 �C 204?�� Ren Baqian casually asked.


    Among them, a small and thin guy answered, ��Sir, the answer is 360.


    ��What��s your name?�� Since his arrival in this world, this was the first time he finally met someone who could add and subtract. He felt that he had discovered talented individuals.


    ��Sir, I��m Yao Zhengyan.��


    ��And the two of you?�� Ren Baqian asked as he looked at the other two guys.


    ��We are Li Mengyuan and Xu Pingzhi!�� the two of them anxiously answered. The three of them were speaking very humbly. In Great Xia, their knowledge was considered to be superior among the young people. Thus, they were naturally a little arrogant. However, after going through this series of events, that arrogance had been worn away long ago.


    ��For now, the three of you shall work in the Rearguard Commandery and are responsible for sorting out all kinds of collected information. Anyone that does his job well will be promoted. As for your families, I��ll appoint someone to make arrangements for you guys,�� Ren Baqian said with a straight face.


    Deep inside, he knew that these three people were useful. After all, the three of them could no longer return to Great Xia and were at their wit��s end. In this aspect, they were actually more reliable than the people in Tianjing Basin.


    ��Many thanks, Sir!�� The trio immediately bowed deeply to express their gratefulness.


    The three men almost burst into tears. Finally, they were able to find a ce to take shelter.

 Chapter 510 - Cutting Off The Claws

    Chapter 510: Cutting Off The ws


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, there are still two days before the 30 day deadline, and I��m nning to go back to Earth. Does Your Majesty want to go there to rx?�� asked Ren Baqian, who was standing beside the empress.


    The big war wouldmence in two days.


    Xi Wanya had started preparing intensively. All the soldiers in Jiangbei City were making final preparations, and the whole city was full of oppressive feelings because of theing war.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian was only in charge of the Rearguard Commandery, but he had to monitor every move in the northern region of Tianjing Basin.


    Once the war started, he wouldn��t be as rxed as he was currently.


    The empress was in the same position.


    ��Okay!�� The empress nodded.


    A whileter, both Ren Baqian and the empress appeared in Ren Baqian��s room on Earth.


    As the empress returned to her room to change, Ren Baqian turned to look at the gloomy sky outside. A thought suddenly came into his mind��it seemed that another year was about to pass by again.


    He looked at the date shown on his cell phone and was surprised that it was already the 31st of December, thest day of 2019. After today, it would be 2020.


    The first time he went to Dayao was in the summer of 2017.


    Two years on Earth had passed by so quickly that he felt like he was getting out of sync with the time on Earth.


    Besides watching the news to catch up with the current situation every time he was back on Earth, almost all of his attention was focused on the other world.


    After going into a daze for a while, he was awakened from his musings by loud voices that came from outside the window.


    Walking to the window and looking down, he saw a winged cavalry warrior practicing boxing below.


    What was originally awn had be a muddy plot that had been ploughed more than 100 times and was ready for nting vegetables just by sprinkling some seeds.


    Two deep depressions appeared wherever the winged cavalry warrior stepped with his feet. With every step, the mud underneath rushed out like water breaking through a liquid surface.


    ��Hmm?�� Ren Baqian looked at a man who wasn��t far away and was clumsily copying the movements of the winged cavalry warrior.


    ��Is that the home tutor? His name is�� What��s his name?�� Ren Baqian just couldn��t remember who this person was.


    He went to the window to look again, but heard footsteps going downstairs. He turned to open the door and walked out.


    ��Your Majesty!��


    Ren Baqian was walking downstairs when he heard voicesing from below. He mumbled as he walked, ��Call her Big Boss here.��


    Then, he asked, ��What��s the name of your teacher?��


    ��Beansprout!��


    Ren Baqian was baffled.


    Was that his name?


    ��I saw him practicing boxing outside?�� Ren Baqian asked casually.


    ��We ran out of wine that day and drank his wine, so Yan Yong said to teach him boxing. This boxing style is from his stronghold and not from the army. If Sir Ren thinks that this isn��t appropriate���� The winged cavalry warrior scratched his head awkwardly and didn��t continue.


    After all, what was said couldn��t be retracted.


    ��It has already been taught, so let it be. Just remember what can be said and what can��t be said.�� As he spoke, Ren Baqian walked away, sat down beside the empress, and switched on the television to watch the news.


    When the television was turned on, the empress immediately grabbed the remote control and changed the channel to a television series.


    ��Ordinary people who learn our stronghold��s martial arts will not be able to replenish their blood, qi, and essence. The faster they learn, the faster they die!�� the empress said coldly.


    As for martial arts and the physical condition of the people on Earth, she was much more knowledgeable than these ordinary winged cavalry warriors.


    ��Oh?�� The few of them were shocked. ��Sir Ren, I will tell them to stop.��


    Their impression of this Beansprout wasn��t bad.


    ��No rush.�� Ren Baqian held him back. He asked them what they had learned these past few days.


    He was quite satisfied after hearing what they said. This home tutor mainly exined the daily news and then answered their questions.


    This method was better than spoon-feeding them information. These winged cavalry warriors would at least learn a lot of general knowledge.


    Later, one of them went out to call the two people outside to get them toe back.


    ��Your Majesty!�� The winged cavalry warrior in front cupped his hands to greet the empress on arrival.


    ��It should be Big Boss!�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Go and attend to your own matters,�� the empress said coldly. Having so many people around was a bit of an eyesore, especially the idiot who was blocking the television.


    Initially, Ding Jie didn��t see Ren Baqian when entering. He saw thedy in red lying on the sofa first, which caused his heart rate to elerate. He hadn��t imagined that there was such a beautifuldy in this world who was even more beautiful than the celebrities. He couldn��t even hear what the rest were saying.


    ��Mr. Ren.�� Luckily, Ding Jie sobered up quickly. After all, the empress gave off the impression of being very cold, and her majestic presence instilled fear.


    ��Your performance over the past few days had been pretty good,�� Ren Baqian praised.


    ��I have to justify my pay.�� Ding Jie gave a bashful smile. Such appreciation was an important affirmation for him.


    Sometimes, praise from a big shot could make an ordinary person happy for a few days.


    To him, Ren Baqian was a big shot.


    ��Yan Yong said that he taught you martial arts. Actually, I didn��t want to interfere, but you should stop learning it.�� As Ren Baqian spoke, he watched Ding Jie.


    Ding Jie expressed disappointment upon hearing this. After all, he was the same as these people; every man��s dream was to be a hero. These words from Ren Baqian had dashed his dream.


    However, he knew he was being paid a premium sry and was at ease after the disappointment had passed.


    Ren Baqian was satisfied when he saw Ding Jie��sposure. All of a sudden, a thought came into his mind, and he asked. ��Do you want to work for me?��


    Hecked personnel who could take care of things on Earth. He didn��t attach too much importance to ability because he could find all kinds of capable people.


    All he need to do was to express his needs. The nation would certainly find ways to satisfy these needs for him. There were capable people, but they weren��t his people.


    What he required were some people who would obey him, people who had nothing to do with the nation.


    This little guy in front of him was simple and could be used by him.


    ��Aren��t I working for you now?�� Ding Jie couldn��t really understand what Ren Baqian was saying.


    ��Continue working for me in the future, including while you are in university, after you graduate, and until you die,�� Ren Baqian said calmly.


    ��Oh?�� Ding Jie opened his eyes wide and couldn��t believe what he heard.


    ��My identity is a bit special, so if you join me, you can��t resign. If you want to withdraw, you have to die. However, if you work for me, you can get whatever you want. Money, status��how much you can earn depends on your ability and how loyal you are,�� Ren Baqian said softly.


    Ding Jie was rather muddled because Ren Baqian��s words were rather farfetched.


    Prior to today, he didn��t think he would encounter such a scenario.


    ��Mr. Ren���� Ding Jie said with uncertainty. He didn��t know what else to say.


    ��You can go to the side and consider my offer,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Subsequently, Ding Jie really went to the side to contemte.


    Ren Baqianughed after seeing that the little guy was being so honest.


    The empress took a look at Ding Jie, but she couldn��t see the value in him that Ren Baqian had seen. Instead, she continued to watch the television.


    ��Mr. Ren, why me?�� Ding Jie ran to ask Ren Baqian after a while. He felt that he wasn��t outstanding in any way. Plus, he had onlye here a few times as a tutor.


    Although he didn��t understand the other party, he could see that the other party was very rich.


    Shouldn��t such a rich person be able to find anybody he wanted?


    ��It��s because your background is clean.�� Ren Baqian looked at him and said, ��A clean identity is the most important to me.��


    Ding Jie didn��t understand what Ren Baqian meant by a clean identity and asked cautiously, ��Will we do illegal things?��


    ��No! Don��t forget my identity. I never do illegal things.�� Ren Baqian thought carefully. Anyway, he was aw-abiding gentleman. If everybody was like him, the world would be peaceful.


    ��But someone came to see me the other day,�� Ding Jie whispered.


    Ren Baqian was rather concerned to hear this and questioned, ��Who was it? What was said?��


    Next, Ding Jie told him about the incident from that day. He had been stubborn and refused to say anything. The other party didn��t harass him much, but they gave him a phone number to contact them with, promised him some benefits, and also threatened him as expected.


    After all, the other party was from the Ministry of State Security Department, whereas Ding Jie was just an ordinary student from a vige. They were confident that Ding Jie wouldn��t speak out even if he didn��t agree to help them since he was just a tutor in the end. Unexpectedly, he actually turned around and betrayed them.


    Ren Baqian picked up the phone to make a call to Yang Sen after hearing this.


    ��Your people have crossed the line, and my tolerance is limited.��


    Yang Sen was rather confused and asked, ��What happened?��


    Ren Baqian used a very cold tone to narrate the incident and finally remarked, ��Don��t tell me that you don��t know about this matter because it was done by a part time worker.��


    In his transactions with the nation, he had given the country a lot, but received very little. The benefits weren��t reciprocal. He didn��t care about this since he had other requests.


    Moreover, he considered their cooperation as his duty. Aside from Wang Zhi seeking his own death, Ren Baqian didn��t cause any other trouble.


    However, someone doing this kind of thing was simply challenging the level of his tolerance.


    ��Mr. Ren, please calm down. I��m not very clear about this situation. What do those two look like? What are their names and phone numbers?�� Yang Sen��s head was beading with sweat as he could sense the anger from Ren Baqian��s cold tone.


    He didn��t want to annoy this guy.


    Although Yang Sen had the backing of the nation, the other party had things coveted by the nation and had the backing of the other world.


    Apart from everything else, they could simply cause havoc in Shanghai by deploying a bunch of top experts here.


    Even if the nation could handle them, an unknown number of people could lose their lives and ess to the knowledge of these otherworldly experts would be cut.


    No one could bear the consequences of such an oue.


    After finding out from Ding Jie and telling Yang Sen, Ren Baqian said coldly, ��You have to ount for this matter.��


    He hung up the phone, sat there without saying anything, and wondered whether Yang Sen was really in the dark about this matter or if he was pretending. Ren Baqian was waiting for his exnation for this matter.


    Ding Jie was crouching by the side like a quail.


    The cold demeanor of the person in front of him was making him fearful.


    After an hour, Yang Sen finally called back and exined, ��Mr. Ren, we have found out that they weren��t our people. They were instigated by other people.��


    ��Who?�� Ren Baqian asked coldly.


    ��Mr. Ren, at this point in time, we can��t tell you who the people are who were behind this. You can figure out for yourself that there are people who have their own agendas that will do things to hurt our rtionship. I will report this matter and ount for it. Also, I can guarantee that I will never do such a thing.��


    Ren Baqian softened his expression and said, ��I want to see this ounted for, want to at least see some sincerity, and want to be given the assurance that this will not happen again. Otherwise, I do not want to say more. The cooperation between us will be suspended during this period.��


    Ren Baqian threw down the phone after he finished speaking.


    Some people in this world would only repent when faced with death.


    If their ws weren��t cut off, other ws would spread very soon.


    A whileter, Ren Baqian looked at Ding Jie and said, ��You did well. I can tell you that as long as you can concentrate on your work, nobody can do anything to you. What��s your decision?��


    Although Ding Jie didn��t know what was said on the other side, he could figure out one or two things from Ren Baqian��s words. In addition, the power that Ren Baqian radiated when speaking had inspired him.


    If at any point in time Ding Jie could be like the person in front of him, it would be worth dying for.

 Chapter 511 - Going To See The Giraffes

    Chapter 511: Going To See The Giraffes


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Mr. Ren, what are you nning to do?�� At this moment, Yang Sen was under immense pressure.


    The previous issue wasn��t even solved yet. Although the big shots above him were very annoyed after hearing his report, some people truly disregarded the overall situation.


    Yet, after finding out who the responsible party was, they realized that he was a big shot. Furthermore, this person wasn��t working alone, he was backed up by an organization. As such, he wasn��t someone who could be dealt with easily.


    At the same time, there was another piece of news, which was that Ren Baqian had booked ne tickets to Africa.


    Yang Sen heard this news and was dumbstruck.


    What was he nning to do? What was he travelling to Africa for?


    Instead of continuing to guess, it was better for Yang Sen to call Ren Baqian and get an answer from him.


    ��Travel. Recently, I became very interested in how giraffes mate. Don��t tell me that you are going to stop me? Or do you think that I will run away? Rest assured, I will wait until you guys give me an exnation.�� Ren Baqian smiled and put his phone back into his pocket.


    On the other end of the call, Yang Sen nearly spat out blood.


    <em>You are interested in how giraffes mate? You can watch documentaries!</em>


    Furthermore, who would believe such nonsensical words?


    This was putting pressure on the higher-ups, but it was an undeniable fact that the higher-ups actually conceded to him. After all, his identity was too special, and no one wanted him to run around, lest he fooled around. It was best for him to stay in Shanghai in a well-behaved manner.


    Currently, Ren Baqian and the empress had arrived at the Pudong Airport.


    The empress was dressed in red and was wearing a pair of sunsses.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian was wearing an ordinary jacket and a pair of jeans while holding a small bag.


    When they were in the crowd, nobody paid any attention to them. However, there was a vacant space around the two of them. One could see it if he or she looked over from a distance.


    As the both of them walked forward, every single person subconsciously stepped aside and distanced themselves from the duo.


    The empress was an expert at ying such tricks.


    After over 20 hours, the both of them appeared in a blistering hot country.


    The Congo.


    Ren Baqian��s target, however, wasn��t this country. Instead, it was the nation next to the Congo, the Central African Republic, which was one of the most chaotic nations in the world.


    It was also one of the nations with the most weapons and ammunition.


    Reportedly, a grenade was only a dor, which was much cheaper than a can of Coke.


    Originally, when Ren Baqian returned this time around, he nned on bringing back a bunch of grenades. Even though their destructive power was so-so, they were pretty effective in breaking up the battle formations of the enemy.


    Besides, the sound of a grenade explosion would cause the enemies to panic very easily, especially when the majority of the other party were recruits. Under the circumstances of poor adaptability to change, the effects of a weapon that was totally unknown to them would be pretty good.


    Unfortunately, since the harsh words of temporarily suspending their cooperation had already been said, it must never be broken. Otherwise, the nation would take Ren Baqian lightly.


    After searching on the inte, Ren Baqian set this country to be his target.


    It wasn��t just for this batch of grenades, but also to find some ways to reach out to a few arms dealers.


    After all, due to the apprehension of the nation, they never capitted to Ren Baqian��s request for more formidable equipment.


    If they were only looking for weapons, there was actually a better ce: the southern part of Turkey, which was home to a certain organization.


    After all, he and the other party were old friends. Even if they weren��t previously, they definitely would be this time around. Unfamiliar at first, but well ustomed soon enough.


    However, the empress wanted to see giraffes�� She became interested in this long-necked animal after watching a documentary.


    For the above reasons, the two eventually appeared here.


    Things were much better than what Ren Baqian had expected. By using his gun and fist tomunicate, he only used half a day to locate the person he was looking for in the Congo, a small weapon and ammunition smuggler.


    The course of the story went like this: he used a gun and pointed it at the gangster��s head, the other members�� heads, the boss of the gang��s head, and the smuggler��s head�� That was the gist of the story.


    One and a half dayster, Ren Baqian parked his car on the savanna. In the distance, several giraffes were pacing slowly and asionally approached one another with tender feelings.


    However, somethings took him by surprise. For example, one of the giraffes was standing up like a human, riding on another giraffe��s back, and doing something that was inappropriate to describe.


    ��Hehe!�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously and swiftly took out his cell phone to capture this moment. This was an urrence that was hard toe by.


    One had to know that the giraffe was well-known for suffering from premature ejaction. A ��battle�� would end after no longer than 60 seconds.


    He only casually talked about wanting to see them mate and had never expected that it woulde true.


    Recently, this mouth of his was rather urate!


    The empress blushed slightly and flew into a rage after hearing Ren Baqian��s mischievousughter. She reached out and threw Ren Baqian out of the car. Hended near the giraffes, which scared them and caused them to flee.


    ��Ah!�� Ren Baqian let out a blood-curdling screech. Rather than sounding rmed, Ren Baqian sounded like he was teasing the empress, which made her even more furious.


    The empress looked at the giraffes that had run away in all four directions. Then, in an instant, shended on the back of one of them.


    There were no animals that innately liked having riders. Even an animal as docile as the giraffe was the same.


    After experiencing a bloody battle, that giraffe finally sumbed and became perfectly content with taking the empress on a ride.


    Ren Baqian learned something from this situation.


    Money isn��t universal. At the very least, giraffes don��t acknowledge money.


    Force, however, is universal! It wasmonly used regardless of when and regardless of whether the target was a chihuahua or a human.


    Ren Baqian drove his car and followed that giraffe. He was uploading the photo he took to his Moments while conveniently looking at the empress as shemunicated with the giraffe.


    Whenever the empress wanted to go left, she would say, ��Left.��


    Subsequently, she would p the right side of the giraffe��s neck. As a result, the giraffe would turn its entire body and head toward its left.


    Vice versa for when the empress wanted to go right.


    Even after such a long time, this giraffe was miraculously full of spirit. Whenever the empress pointed to the east, it would never go to the west.


    Ren Baqian took out his phone and captured this scene in a timely manner. Carrying thedy in red, the giraffe dashed wildly around the savanna. This moment was filled with harmony between humans and nature as well as warmth between humans and animals.


    The empress lost interest in the giraffe and after ying for about half a day. She returned to the car and said faintly, ��Let��s go back.��


    Just after she had left, that giraffe who had previously been ��happy�� with her escaped like it was fleeing for its life.


    Ren Baqian smirked and showed the empress a photo of her riding the giraffe just now. He then praised her, ��Very beautiful! As beautiful as a fairy!


    The empress was also in a pretty good mood.


    She would only reveal her girlish expressions in front of Ren Baqian whenever she was happy.


    After that, her face turned ck, ��Who��s fairy?��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    Half a dayter, the two returned to Dayao with 1,500 Type 82 grenades that were ��Made in China.��


    The sky was already dark with two gxies hanging above the heavens like a cross.


    The empress raised her head, took a glimpse, and said, ��I still feel that Dayao��s sky is prettier.��


    ��It��s the same logic as saying that your son is the best,�� Ren Baqian said analogously.


    <em>Pow! </em>The empress pped Ren Baqian hard enough that he was glued to the wall. She then returned into the house with a ghastly expression.


    This damn bastard had recently be more and more impudent. At times, the words he said were extremely touching, but at other times, they were very annoying. Sooner orter, he would be hung on top of the city wall.


    Ren Baqian fell from the wall, rotated his waist, and also headed into the house while saying, ��Your Majesty, take an early rest.��


    Next, he got the guards to move the grenades into an empty room. With his hands sped behind his back, he walked back to his own room afterward with a smile on his face.


    It was pretty good to tease the empress once in a while.


    The precondition was that he must be able to endure the beating.

 Chapter 512 - The Final Day of the Agreed 30 Day Period Has Arrived

    Chapter 512: The Final Day of the Agreed 30 Day Period Has Arrived


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes, looked outside the window at the dazzling white sky for a moment, and muttered, ��The time hase.��


    The final day of the 30 day period had arrived.


    There were no more practitionersing from the south thesest few days.


    Either they were hell-bent on rebelling or they were blocked at the Wang Estuary and Ghost Ridge and were unable to make it over.


    Whatever the reason, their fate had been decided.


    No one would be spared.


    The practitioners from the south that were Man Wheel level and above would be decimated.


    All the sects and their members would be annihted.


    ��I really do not want to kill so many people. The blood will flow like rivers while the river water will be dyed red right in front of me. However, this is karma. You reap what you sow, you have chosen the road, and it has ended. What I can do is send you on your way,�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself.


    Ren Baqian was in his official uniform as he walked out of his house in a serious mood and the humid morning air hit him in the face.


    The air in Jiangbei City today was quite damp. In the past, it was quite noisy at this time, but it was quiet this time around.


    The ambience in the whole of Jiangbei City was full of murderous spirit.


    Even the mosquitoes seemed to feel this murderous spirit.


    When Ren Baqian arrived in front of the empress��s room. Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Gong Zheng, and others were already standing there.


    Ren Baqian greeted them with cupped hands and stood across from Xi Wanya.


    Some soft voices came from her room, but the empress didn��te out even after a long time.


    ��All women in the world, even the empress with her peerless beauty, will dress up before going out. Regardless of whether one is beautiful or ugly, it��s their nature.�� Ren Baqian smiled at Xi Wanya.


    Xi Wanya��s face turned ck immediately.


    He dared to say these words that they didn��t dare to hear!


    <em>Thump! </em>An object flew out of the window andnded on top of Xi Wanya��s head.


    Xi Wanya could have dodged, but he let it hit him and adopted the expression of an injured innocent bystander.


    Zong Shen and Gong Zheng didn��t even flinch and pretended not to see anything.


    Ren Baqian grinned, stopped talking, and felt the empress��s feelings for him as she has never thrown anything at him before. Although there was no need to doubt her feelings, he still felt warm and fuzzy. It was especially nice to experience the warmth flowing through his heart just before a great war.


    After a moment, the door was opened from inside and revealed the empress, who stood there with her red dress swaying in the wind.


    ��Your Majesty, the agreed upon 30 day period has arrived,�� announced Ren Baqian as he cupped his hands.


    Xi Wanya cupped his hands and said, ��Your Majesty, the Protectorate of the South is ready to suppress the rebellion.��


    ��Your Majesty, the winged cavalry is ready to follow your vision and wipe out anyone who dares to oppose you,�� Gong Zheng added.


    ��Army, set out!�� the empress ordered coldly.


    ��Yes!��


    A momentter, the mournful sound of an animal horn sounded three times in the city.


    Following this, the two barracks in the north and south of the city opened their doors. Many soldiers filed out of the barracks, crossed the main city road, and exited through the southern city gate.


    On this morning, only heavy footsteps that seemed to pierce the hearts of everyone in Jiangbei City, as well as the shes of nging weapons, were heard.


    Throughout Jiangbei City, everyone was behind their windows and stared through the gaps to see the army that was leaving the city.


    ��Take her with you.�� Ren Baqian passed by the courtyard where Wang Baobao was staying and pointed it out to a guard.


    ��Get someone to find Xing Ruo. Also, wake Lin Qiaole up. She will have grey hair if she continues to sleep,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    Not a momentter, the little monk, Xing Ruo, appeared in front of Ren Baqian.


    ��Arhat!�� Xing Ruo looked serene and put his palms together.


    Ren Baqian sized him up and noticed that after less than half a month, Xing Ruo looked more mature.


    He had previously received some news from the people that secretly protected Xing Ruo.


    Initially, he thought that it would be difficult for Xing Ruo to convince people because of his age. Furthermore, Buddhism had never appeared in this ce, so the people here had no knowledge of Buddhism.


    Due to the recently experienced chaos and the conquest of the city by the aboriginals, the citizens were full of fear and uncertain about the future. Under such circumstances, Xing Ruo managed to attract some citizens.


    It was a small number, only about a few dozen.


    However, it was a big step forward for Xing Ruo.


    Considering his age, it was a big achievement for him to attract a few dozen people to learn about Buddhism.


    ��We are going to set out soon. Do you want to follow us?�� Ren Baqian asked casually.


    Xing Ruo shook his head said softly, ��No, the citizens here also need the blessing of the dharma.��


    ��You will have to depend on yourself in the future,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Xing Ruo nodded slightly. Then, he raised his head with a pitiful look and asked, ��Can Arhat offer alms?��


    ��What does a little monk need money for?�� Ren Baqian was angered by this change. He previously saw Xing Ruo as a role model, but now, he had be a shifty-eyed thief. Had he learned the art of changing faces?


    ��We have to find people to carve a statue of Buddha. Otherwise, these people will neither know what Buddha looks like nor who they are worshipping!�� Xing Ruo said frankly. ��I have even painted a portrait of Buddha!��


    He took out a piece of paper from his bosom while he was speaking.


    Ren Baqian nced at the painting and thought to himself, <em>Not bad. If they carve the statue ording to this painting, they would have an even harder time knowing who they are worshipping.��</em>


    After he got someone to give the money to Xing Ruo, Xing Ruo happily went to find someone to carve the statue of Buddha.


    After Ren Baqian left, Xing Ruo was truly left alone to promote Buddhism here, but he never seemed to think about it. Ren Baqian didn��t see any trace of worry on his face.


    Ren Baqian called for the two guards who had been following and protecting Xing Ruo the whole time.


    ��There is no need to protect him covertly in the future��just shave your head and convert to Buddhism,�� Ren Baqian told the two of them.


    ��Huh?�� The two were stunned.


    ��If people find trouble with Xing Ruo or the other way round, the two of you will have to handle it in the future. I will inform your sect about this mission. You can go back after Xing Ruo has settled down here for a few years. You can join the Rearguard Commandery at that time. Just inform me and I will arrange some duties for you,�� Ren Baqian said without giving them a chance to refuse.


    After that, he picked up a knife from the side and personally shaved their heads bald.


    The heads of the two newly minted monks were dripping with blood.


    They gritted their teeth due to the pain but didn��t dare to resist.


    ��Go,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The two lowered their heads and withdrew. Fortunately, Ren Baqian had promised to arrange some positions in the Rearguard Commandery for them after their mission, so they felt some hope.


    After making these arrangements, Ren Baqian walked out of the door and saw Lin Qiaole leaning against the wall. She was yawning, and her body was reeking of the smell of mildew.


    The guard in the house had already packed her things.


    ��Where��s Her Majesty?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��She has already left.��


    ��Set off!�� Ren Baqianmanded.


    There were a few people waiting for him by the roadside when he came out of the residence.


    The 200 plus members of the Rearguard Commandery that had been staying in the city followed Ren Baqian willingly and also set out.


    Not far away, Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword were standing on a rooftop with people from the hidden vige. They signalled Ren Baqian by nodding their heads and then a few dozen people departed by jumping from roof to roof.


    These people didn��t belong to the Rearguard Commandery, yet they wouldn��t be far from Ren Baqian. In some cases, they would even follow his orders. They were considered as a special group of people.


    The remaining sect practitioners heaved a sigh of relief after Ren Baqian left. During these past few days, they didn��t even dare to breathe too deeply.


    The aboriginals had finally left and seemed to have forgotten about them.


    They were hoping that Ren Baqian would forget about them forever.


    Just as they were feeling relieved, an order arrived.


    ��All the practitioners from the different sects are to follow the army and set out. You must all arrive before the evening. Those who disobey will be beheaded! The families of members of the Rearguard Commandery can remain here.��

 Chapter 513 - Are All of You Here to Gift Your Heads?

    Chapter 513: Are All of You Here to Gift Your Heads?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The aboriginal army used a day to set up their tents five kilometers north of Wang Estuary.


    The ce where everyone stopped at was a hill and ahead of the hill, was a dense forest. On both sides were very tall trees, that had a width of one arm��s length. There was only a four meters wide dirt road which passed by the forest and at the far end were two mountains in a distance.


    Soon after Ren Baqian arrived, he met Zuo Chen and the rest.


    ��How are things? Was this trip sessful? Where are the rest?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Thanks to Sir for these items, we were able to find out the intelligence of the other party from afar. We mainly investigate at night and with those night vision devices, we easily discovered the other party��s secret sentries. Although we were detected by the other party twice, but we managed to withdraw ahead of them. We didn��t even bump into each other.�� Zuo Cheng exined from what he heard. These binocrs and night vision devices were really useful.


    In particr, the infrared night vision devices yed an important role in the forest at night. Furthermore, they were also able to easily determine the approximate number of people when they got slightly nearer, which in turn reduced the danger of this investigation by a lot.


    Coupled with the killing of the two Spirit Wheel experts by the empress, it could be said that practically no one met with any danger.


    ��As for the rest of the people, they are still over there keeping a watch on the other party��s movements. We came back first to report to Sir.��


    ��It��s good that everything went without a hitch.�� Ren Baqian nodded, ��What��s going on in front?��


    Zuo Cheng took out a hand-painted map with an abstract forest and tworge mountains, and indicated the roads everywhere.


    And on top of the mountains, there were dots marked out.


    Zuo Cheng exined to Ren Baqian while holding the map,


    ��Sir, the other party didn��t set up an ambush in the forest. They are at the top of the mountain ahead. To get around the mountain and reach Wang Estuary, we have to go through a mountainous road. This mountainous road is about six steps wide and there��s also a steep incline on both sides. It will take a total of about 2600 steps for this road. After this section of road, we will pass through an interval between the two mountains. On the right is a steep slope and on the left is a cliff. The height is about three hundred meters and we will die horribly if we fall.


    Also, along the entire road, the other party has piled up a lot of huge rocks and broken woods above the steep slopes. When our army passes by, they would then push these huge rocks and broken woods down.


    In addition, there were also eight thousand soldiers on the mountain and among them, many are archers.


    There are more than 70 Earth Wheel and nearly one thousand Wheel practitioners from the different sects. As for the Spirit Wheel experts, we didn��t see any of them.


    If we take them by storm, I��m afraid that we will sustain a high number of casualties.��


    Ren Baqian muttered to himself as this was what he kind of expected. Such a method of using rolling logs and rocks could be thought by anyone as long they weren��t brainless.


    Mainly because facing south from the two mountains were gentle slopes, whereas facing the direction of everyone were steep slopes.


    It was easy for the other party to go up the mountain from the other end and it was a hassle for everyone here to go up the mountain from this direction. Only the winged cavalry would be able to seed. However, using majority of their energy to get up, the winged cavalry would probably face countless of Earth Wheel and Man Wheel practitioners as well as thousands of soldiers.


    He was afraid that after fighting this battle, the winged cavalry would cease to exist except in name.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while and took the piece of map to look for the empress.


    A momentter, Xi Wanya, Zong Shen,manders from the Protectorate of the South as well as Gong Zheng received news and rushed to the vicinity of the empress.


    Ren Baqian drew the details of the map he brought along on the ground. He then marked on all the significant positions and exined everything that he knew. Only then did the empress said, ��Everyone, what are your thoughts?��


    One great merit of the empress was that she always hand over the professional issues to others.


    ��Your loyal subject will take the experts among the army and go up the mountain to upy a vacant space first. The winged cavalry can then go up from there. Of course, with us to open up a path, we will only be able to hold up the other party. When the winged cavalry and other soldiers go up the mountain, they will then be able to drive the other party away.�� Xi Wanya spoke first.


    Ren Baqian nodded slightly.


    If this was the case on Earth, it would indeed be more difficult to handle. But at this time, it was in Dayao, and the biggest feature of this world was that the people here have superb martial arts skills. Although the aboriginals didn��t have an advantage in military strength, but, they had an absolute advantage in the skills of the experts.


    With Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Qing Ping and other Cardinal Heaven experts going up the mountain first, they would be able to withstand the attack of the other party and clear up a piece of vacantnd. After which, the winged cavalry and other soldiers from Protectorate of the South would then go up the mountain.


    Even though Ren Baqian felt that the other party wouldn��t have thought of this point, but, this was the most simple and practical method to use. Regardless of the other party��s intention, they could only use their absolute power to crush them.


    ��We��ll do it this way.�� The empress nodded her head.


    That very night, just when Ren Baqian entered the tent to rest, someone came to report that movements were detected on the mountain.


    Momentster, someone came to report that many practitioners from the other party��s army had already left the mountain and were heading towards them.


    ��Only the practitioners from the sects?�� Ren Baqian questioned. After getting a confirmation, he instructed a guard to inform Xi Wanya.


    If his conjecture wasn��t wrong, since there were only those practitioners from the sects, then it might not be a real night attack.


    After thinking for awhile, Ren Baqian said to the guard, ��If they really fought their way here, remember to take me to find Her Majesty. As long as you don��t see the other party, you don��t have to worry about me.��


    After finishing the conversation, he found two pieces of rags and plugged them into his ears before he fell asleep.


    Right after Ren Baqian fell asleep, yells could be heard from the forest when it was around midnight. There was an unknown number of figures dashing out of the forest and throwing all sorts of concealed weapons at their barracks. There were darts, flying knives, as well as gold and silver beads.


    Before these people could even reach the front of the barracks, a few hundred burly men jumped out from behind the fence and gave them a good beating.


    ��Withdraw!�� Seeing this situation, the other party immediately shouted, leaving hundreds of corpses outside the barracks while the others were retreated into the forest.


    ��Stop the chase.�� Gong Zheng stopped the winged cavalry.


    After a while, peace resumed in their barracks.


    In the forest, dozens of people gathered together, ��They have already made preparations! It seems like their secret sentries are in the forest. What should we do now?��


    ��Let��s go back. Since they have made preparations, we will lose many lives if we continue to fight.�� Someone said.


    ��No, we should attack again. They only know of our attack the previous time as there must be a secret sentry that provided them with news. If we attack again, I��m certain that it will take them by surprise.


    ��Yes, even if we can��t hurt them, we will prevent them from resting so that they can��t attack us tomorrow. For every day they dy, the greater the pressure on the amount of rations they have.�� Someone echoed from the side.


    Thereafter, everyone��s gazended on one person.


    ��Rest for two hours before we go back to disturb them.��


    Ren Baqian was sleeping very soundly when someone woke him up. In his dreams, he was whispering sweet nothings to the empress and was in a perturbed state of mind. However, he was woken up by someone at this point of time and was furious, ��Have they fought over?��


    ��No. But there��s news that they are currently resting in the forest.�� The guard said quickly.


    ��Inform General Xi. I��m afraid that there will still be another round of night attack.�� Ren Baqian mumbled,entered his dreams once again, and continued his lovey-dovey actions with the empress.


    In this hour, the forest was silent, even the birds and beasts were quiet.


    ��It��s time, set off. Remember, disturb but don��t get close to them.�� Someone in the forest gave an order.


    Soon after, a group of people dashed out of the forest and a burst of killing noises prated the barracks.


    Hundreds of sleep deprived burly men jumped out from behind the fence and gave them a good wallop.


    Once again, that group of people retreated into the forest with resentment and left around two hundred bodies behind.


    ��It��s obvious that they are already prepared. There��s no other opportunity tonight, let��s go back.��


    ��ording to people from ancient times, that is, everything can only be done twice, but not for the third time. I presume that the other party thinks so too.��


    ��I��m certain that the other party has nted secret sentries in the forest. If we continue to stay here, our each and every move will be detected by them.��


    ��We can get some people to leave first and deliberately make it noisy, creating a facade that all of us have left. Since it��s pitch dark in the forest, I don��t believe that they will know if there are people over here.��


    A whileter, around four hundred men noisily left the forest.


    ��Inform Sir Ren that there are still roughly about half of them in the forest. It seems that they are still harbouring evil intentions.�� Standing atop a tree branch faraway, a man said to his counterpart below while looking at a red spot in the distance with a night vision device.


    ��


    Two hourster, hundreds of men rushed out of the forest. Darts, throwing knives, gold bullets, silver bullets and many concealed weapons were dished out towards the barracks ahead, as if they were in abundance.


    Blood-curdling screeches were extremely loud. Also, fighting in the darkness of the night, there was no telling to how many people had actually invaded.


    At this moment, hundreds of burly men leapt out from behind the fence andughed heartily, ��You bunch of bandits, have youe all the way to have gift your heads?��

 Chapter 514 - Unusual Creatures

    Chapter 514: Unusual Creatures


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Despite having done his preparations the night before, Ren Baqian didn��t have a good sleep and woke up annoyed.


    Anyone who was woken up every two hours would definitely not sleep well.


    Ren Baqian came yawning out of the tent and asked the guard, ��How was itst night?��


    ��The enemy harassed us three times and left behind 400 dead bodies. The people from the Rearguard Commandery have checked the corpses. 11 of the dead are Earth Wheel experts and the rest are Man Wheel experts,�� the guard answered loudly.


    Ren Baqian didn��t expect the other party to present them with so many heads before the aboriginals even started the attack.


    Initially, he was worried that the other party had too many practitioners, but almost half of their 1,000 Man Wheel experts were lost as a result of the raids fromst night.


    Did they have any insiders nted among the top levels of the rebel forces?


    Ren Baqian called for Zuo Cheng and asked doubtfully, ��Among those sects that were sent to the south to persuade the rebels to surrender, did some of them manage to infiltrate the rebel forces?��


    Zuo Cheng didn��t know why Ren Baqian asked such a question and replied truthfully, ��Sir, I��m not clear about this. No one left behind any written notes, so there is no way to know the internal situation over there.��


    ��Oh, in that case, you can leave.�� Ren Baqian went to see the empress after Zuo Cheng had left.


    After breakfast. Xi Wanya dispatched soldiers from the Protectorate of the South to the dense forest to clear it up. The aim was to at least double the width of the mountain path and also to create an empty area.


    Throughout the day, the crashing sounds of giant trees falling could be heard. Rolls of vines were brought back to be woven into ropes.


    This vine-woven rope was as thick as an arm, very tough, and could sustain a load of 500 kilograms without breaking. The only problem was that it was too heavy.


    All in all, these weren��t dried straw, but vines full of water. As a result, 100 meters of rope weighed at least 150 kilograms. After clearing more than 100 meters of gentle slope, they were faced with a mountain wall that was at least 300 meters high and hard to climb. A sufficiently long rope would weigh more than 500 kilograms.


    The winged cavalry could carry this rope while running as fast as they could sprint.


    However, only Cardinal experts like Xi Wanya and Zong Shen could carry this rope up the sheer face of the mountain wall without hampering their movements.


    Early on the third morning, the army set out again and went through the forest until they reached the base of the two peaks.


    With his binocrs, Ren Baqian looked up at the mountainside of the 400 to 500 meter tall mountain and noted that it was full of stones and logs. Some other people were viewing thendscape below.


    ��Your Majesty, your subject is asking for permission to drive away the enemies.�� Xi Wanya cupped his hands as he addressed the empress.


    ��Permission granted!�� the empress replied.


    ��General Xi, please wait a moment.�� Ren Baqian spoke out to stop him.


    ��Sir Ren, do you have any more requests?�� Xi Wanya turned to look at him.


    ��I have some things to distribute to the winged cavalry.�� Ren Baqian got someone to pull out the grenades as he spoke and also told Gong Zheng to allocate them.


    Gong Zheng saw the familiar objects and said happily. ��Sir Ren, these things are very useful. This battle will make those bandits on the mountain wish that they each had two more legs.��


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while before giving more than ten skunk bombs to Gong Zheng.


    Ren Baqian exined, ��This weapon is very powerful and harmful to both sides, so try not to use it if possible. Only use it when the situation is unfavorable.��


    Gong Zheng looked at the skunk bombs in his hands. They didn��t look like the hand grenades, and he didn��t know how much power there was in such a small gadget.


    ��Let��s set out!�� Xi Wanya saw Ren Baqian giving some stuff to Gong Zheng, but didn��t ask further and subsequently gave the order to set out.


    Ren Baqian ordered someone to get Lin Qiaole to join him and followed Xi Wanya in moving forward.


    Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, and Qing Ping were in front, followed by some elite soldiers. Next, came the winged cavalry with the ordinary soldiers far behind to the rear.


    As everyone was moving forward, the three of them had to watch every step they took.


    ��Shoot!�� Just when everyone had reached the gentle slope, a dark cloud appeared in midair as countless arrows rained directly on the people below.


    ��Give me the rope! All of you retreat!�� Xi Wanya shouted as he lifted the coiled rope that was as big as a house.


    ��Lin Qiaole! Time to take action.�� Ren Baqian reached out with his hand and poked Lin Qiaole on the waist.


    Lin Qiaole jumped a few times before arriving at the steep slope. Her body started to transform, and in a few shes, she was halfway up the mountain.


    ��Drop!�� Rocks bigger than the size of a human as well as rolling logs careened down toward Lin Qiaole.


    Rocks bigger than a person were pushed from a few hundred meters high. The weightbined with the eleration due to gravity generated great force as these stones hurtled toward the climbing aboriginals. The noises caused by this tremendous force sounded like andslide and could be heard from far away.


    However, Lin Qiaole was more agile than a monkey. She was able to effortlessly move up the mountain wall and passed through the gaps of the falling rocks and logs.


    The huge rocks that were tumbling down gave Xi Wanya and the others some problems.


    The three men dodged the big rocks, put the rope on the ground, and leaped high with one hand holding one end of the rope as theynded on the footholds they had found earlier. They then jumped in another direction and repeated this time after time.


    If Lin Qiaole was considered as agile as a cat, then these three men were like goris. Every time theynded, the rock would crack at their footholds, but they would continue bouncing up with bountiful energy.


    Lin Qiaolended on a mountainside tform and immediately created a bloody shower among the ordinary soldiers.


    A throat was shed almost every second, and the spurting blood was apanied by the sound of air leaking out from the windpipe.


    A loud whistle was heard at this moment, followed by the sound of heavy objects rubbing together behind the mountain tform.


    Lin Qiaole wed the head of one man, turned in midair to momentarilynd on the back of another man, then jumped high with both legs to aim at yet a third man. Her whole body was perspiring, and her body hair stood on end as she hovered in midair.


    This was because she saw an unusuallyrge animal.


    It was a huge python!


    It was as thick as two water barrels and ck and yellow in color. When it slithered on the ground, the soldiers were knocked down on both sides with the sounds of fractured bones ringing out.


    ��Yikes!�� Lin Qiaole��s pupils dted as she crouched on the ground. She totally ignored the soldiers who were running away and directed her full attention at the huge python on the ground in front of her.


    At the sight of this huge snake, she felt as if she was seeing the thing she hated the most.


    The giant snake stopped in front of Lin Qiaole and raised its head. Its pair of yellow eyes disyed coldness and cruelty.


    As Xi Wanya and the other two took this opportunity to arrive at the mountainside tform, the first thing they saw was this huge snake.


    The three of them ignored it and split up to look for ces to tie their ropes.


    However, a reddish-brown figure shed toward Xi Wanya like a lightning bolt. It waved its hand and struck out at Xi Wanya.


    <em>Boom. </em>As Xi Wanya traded a punch with the other side, both were instantly forced to retreat a few steps.


    Upon looking closely, Xi Wanya saw a monkey grinning at him that was about the size of a man and covered with reddish brown fur.


    Xi Wanya could exert more than 25,000 newtons of force, and it was shocking that this monkey could match his strength. Furthermore, the monkey was very fast and actually faster than Xi Wanya.


    He had been stationed in the south for more than 20 years and didn��t know that there was such an unusual creature in Tianjing Basin.


    At this very moment, Zong Shen and Qing Ping were surrounded by six Spirit Wheel experts that they had met before on Mount Wu.


    At the foot of the mountain, the empress suddenly raised her head and said coldly, ��They have encountered some experts!��


    Before her voice had faded, the empress was already 100 meters away.


    Ren Baqian saw a red shadow shing in the distance. Then, it disappeared.


    Soon after, there was a loud growling sound apanied by a roar as well as the hissing of a giant snake.


    Ren Baqian sighed. No matter how well he had prepared, it wasn��t as good as the empress taking matters into her own hands.


    In such a world, there were times when he felt helpless.


    After exactly two hours, the empress came back from the mountain top.


    ��Your Majesty is invincible and will rule the world soon!�� Ren Baqian shouted loudly. However, when he noticed that the empress��s expression wasn��t quite right, he asked,��Your Majesty? What did you encounter up on the mountain?��


    ��A few unusual creatures that ran away!�� The empress was somewhat unhappy and resentful about the enemy escaping and slipping through her own hands.


    ��Unusual creatures?�� Ren Baqian was surprised. They were called unusual creatures and were even able to escape from the empress. Were they like the kirin in the pce?


    ��One monkey, one snake, and also a crow general!��


    Following these words, Lin Qiaole appeared nearby and threw two pieces of stuff at Ren Baqian. She said in a hateful tone,��I want to roast and eat them!��


    Ren Baqian stretched out his hands and caught something that felt smooth. He lowered his head and saw two strips of tender white meat with scales on top that were the size of two palms.


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.

 Chapter 515 - Six Doors

    Chapter 515: Six Doors


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In actual fact, a crow general was a type of bird.


    It was arge bird, entirely ck in color, and had a crown of long feathers.


    This kind of bird was generally between three to four meters tall, as fast as lightning, extremely powerful, had feathers like steel, and its two ws could rip metal apart.


    Its weakness was its inability to fly due to its weight; it could only run and jump on the ground like a mountain-gazing bird.


    It was said that there weren��t many of these strange beasts and that they were generally as powerful as an Earth Wheel expert. Only a handful of them were able to reach the level of a Spirit Wheel expert.


    However, the bird that the empress encountered up in the mountain was stronger than a normal Spirit Wheel expert and rtively rare. It was especially fast, so fast that even the empress couldn��t catch up when it carried the huge snake away.


    Ren Baqian listened with amazement as the empress briefly narrated the incident above and imagined the crow general as a jet-ck mountain-gazing bird.


    Where did these strange animalse from? When he was at Mount Wu previously, all the experts of Tianjing Basin seemed to have already appeared. Never had he expected to see three creatures at this time that weren��t human.


    Lin Qiaole vehemently corrected the empress, ��That wasn��t a huge snake, it was a Mangshang.�� [1. Mangshan: a venomous pit viper species endemic to the provinces of Hunan and Guangdong in China]


    ��You know this?�� Ren Baqian was even more amazed.


    It was no exaggeration to say that Lin Qiaole would sleep after eating and eat after waking up.


    After being picked up, she had stayed in the pce. Aside from following him on some trips, she had basically no contact with the outside world. It was really surprising for her to know about such a strange creature.


    ��Why is it called Mangshan? Is it because its head is as hard as iron <sup>1</sup> ?�� Ren Baqian felt that the name was rather interesting.


    ��Regardless, that is what it is called. The head is also hard and looks disgusting,�� Lin Qiaole muttered. She didn��t know much more than this.


    After seeing this huge snake, its name just popped into her mind.


    ��Roast it for a slightly longer period of time and add some wine or it will taste sour,�� Lin Qiaole added.


    Ren Baqian put the snake meat aside and called for Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword.


    ��At your service, Your Majesty!�� The two cupped their hands to greet the empress and then nodded at Ren Baqian. ��Sir Ren, what can we do for you?��


    ��Do the both of you know what happened on the mountainside a moment ago?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Some experts were fighting.�� The two turned their eyes back to the empress.


    ��Do the two of you know of the crow general, the Mangshan, and the monkey with long reddish brown hair?�� Ren Baqian asked. ��General Xi and others encountered three strange creatures on the mountainside just now. They are stronger than ordinary Spirit Wheel experts and they shouldn��t be unheard of in Tianjing Basin.��


    ��Are there such things?�� The two were surprised to learn that there were such strange creatures in Tianjing Basin.


    ��Sir Ren, please give us the details!��


    As Ren Baqian described what the empress had told him about the three strange creatures, the two fell into deep thought.


    ��Have you two thought of anything?�� Ren Baqian asked after seeing their expressions.


    ��That huge snake����


    ��It isn��t a huge snake, it is a Mangshan!�� Lin Qiaole groaned.


    ��Oh, that Mangshan should be a strange creature that they worship at the Six Doors. As for the other two creatures, I have never heard of them, but they should be rted to the Six Doors too,�� Qingyun Sword said calmly.


    ��What��s the background of the Six Doors?�� This was the first time Ren Baqian had heard of this sect.


    ��With regard to its experts and martial arts, this sect isn��t exceptional��it has existed in the remote south all this time and seldomly interacts with outsiders. It��s rumored that the founder of the Six Doors received an unusual snake that has since been kept there after the founder died.��


    ��Although the Six Doors isn��t exceptional, they are very good atmunicating with animals. It��s known as the Six Doors, but it should really be called the Six Beasts instead.


    What people are concerned about are the elephant, monkey, and insect soldiers. Though they aren��t very powerful, they are hard to deal with, especially the poisonous insect soldiers which can kill their victims instantly.


    The Protectorate of the South did try to absorb them initially, but was rejected.��


    ��Did the empress see anyone wearing clothes with a colorful crest?�� Zuo Cheng asked.


    The empress kept silent and acted as if she hadn��t heard anything.


    When Ren Baqian saw her reaction, he knew that she had definitely been distracted at the time and hadn��t noticed such a person.


    Otherwise, with her super retentive memory�� well, he couldn��t specte any further.


    ��Did you see such a person?�� Ren Baqian asked Lin Qiaole.


    ��I only saw the Mangshan.�� Lin Qiaole mumbled and then yawned, ��I will get some sleep first. Call for me when the meat is cooked.��


    She found a tent after she finished speaking and went inside to sleep.


    Although Lin Qiaole and the empress didn��t see a person with a colorful crest as described by Zuo Cheng, Ren Baqian still believed that these creatures were rted to the Six Doors.


    There should be no other exnation for the monkey soldier with long, reddish brown hair and the Mangshan.


    ��Where is this sect located? What��s the estimated number of disciples and what else do you two know?��


    ��The sect is in the southwest, close to a steep mountain cliff. Little else is known because this sect is very low key and never interacts with outsiders. However, ording to what I heard, they offer living people as sacred sacrifices. I once thought of getting rid of these evildoers for the sake of the people, butter gave up because of various reasons.


    Living people are fed to the animals as sacrifice, especially to the huge snake! It must have eaten an innumerable amount of people after so many years,�� Qingyun Sword said.


    Ren Baqian was thinking that it was fortunate that Qingyun Sword hadn��t gone. Otherwise, he would have ended up in the stomach of the snake! It could be concluded from the ounts of the empress and Lin Qiaole that these strange creatures were pretty powerful and that Qingyun Sword was no match for any of them.


    With bleary eyes, Lin Qiaole looked out from the tent and shouted, ��It��s not a huge snake, it��s a Mangshan!��


    ��We know!�� Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    ��Many thanks to the two of you for the information.�� Ren Baqian gestured to convey his gratitude.


    ��No problem. We will take our leave.�� The two cupped their hands and left.


    After the two had left, the empress said, ��These people that you retained are rather useful.��


    Although she said it indifferently, Ren Baqian could hear a trace of approval in her words.


    Even though it was just a glimmer of approval, it was already considered a significant improvement.


    After the fight between the empress and many experts, the practitioners and soldiers had fled to another part of the mountainside. There was no one obstructing the winged cavalry warriors as they climbed up and threw away the pre-arranged rocks and logs of the other party.


    The road was only four meters wide, and they could directly throw these things down by using slightly more strength without worrying about destroying the road.


    Ren Baqian also sent a few baihu from the Rearguard Commandery to the mountainside to investigate.


    In the evening, most of the winged cavalry warriors returned, while only a small portion of the baihu were left to guard the mountainside.


    Over there, they had a clear view of the entire area, so there was no need to worry about a sneak attack.

 Chapter 516 - Number One Expert in the World?

    Chapter 516: Number One Expert in the World?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In Xueyang City, dozens of people were seated in the main hall of the warlord��s mansion.


    At the head of the table were three individuals. One of them was a valiant looking young man of about 20 years old. He was the newly appointed leader of the North Alliance, Tie Zihe.


    Beside him was the head of the Southern Metropolis, Xie Kun, and nex to Xie Kun was the Flower Queen, Rao Yu, from Green Bell Flower.


    However, anyone who saw Rao Yu, who weighed around 150 kilograms, would feel that her name didn��t match her image.


    When the older generation of experts saw her, they were especially reminded of the previous Flower Queen, who was talented and ravishing.


    Seated further down from these three was a young man seated on the left. He was wearing a cape made of colorful bird feathers, his chest was bronze in color, and he had a bright feather crest on his head. Below him were a few people who were dressed like him.


    Across from him there were six Spirit Wheel experts. Three of them looked rather pale because they had sustained serious injuries during the short-lived encounter just now.


    ��Qi Zixiao is really formidable, and Xi Wanya is also not easy to deal with. The innate talent of those barbarians is awesome and terrifying!�� a pale looking Spirit Wheel expert said. He had to admit that the other party was very strong after recalling the brief and recent confrontation.


    ��We have to thank Mister Bu andpany for their help as we wouldn��t have been able to resist them on our own.�� Another man saluted those people across from him who were each wearing a cape made of colorful feathers and had a crest of feathers on their heads.


    The rest also followed him in expressing their gratitude.


    Although Mister Bu and his people weren��t powerful or even at the Earth Wheel level, what mattered to the others was their strange creatures which were even more powerful than Spirit Wheel experts.


    With the help of a few of these strange creatures, even though they still couldn��t match the barbarians, they were capable of defending themselves.


    If Qi Zixiao didn��t intervene, the rest of the barbarians wouldn��t have been their match.


    Before Xie Kun invited these people, no one could have imagined that the Six Doors would be such a powerful sect. They were regarded as a small sect that was only proficient inmunicating with and domesticating wild animals and insects. These notions were correct in certain aspects, but the power of some of these animals went beyond expectations.


    They found it hard to understand why the Six Doors didn��t reveal their power and why they remained in a corner instead.


    The man wearing the cape and crest of feathers, who was sitting below the three main faction leaders, said, ��Qi Zixiao is really powerful. Tie Shengjun is seriously injured and needs some time to recover.��


    Xie Kun took the hint and responded, ��I can assure you that we will provide some criminals to Mister Bu so that Tie Shengjun can recover quickly from his injuries.��


    Mister Bu shed a smile on his bronze-colored face.


    The self-healing ability of Tie Shengjun was pretty good, but eating some more people would make him recover faster.


    Everyone else acted as if they didn��t hear what Xie Kun said.


    ��Those barbarians think they have won this battle, but they don��t know that they are just falling into our trap. We want them to believe that those rolling logs and rocks were our main tactic so that they would rx their vignce. If we seed this time, Mister Ning will be the one who contributed the most.�� Someoneughed.


    ��If Mister Bu didn��t join in, this n couldn��t be implemented even if I thought of it.�� The young man who was about 25 or 26 years old was seated below the Spirit Wheel experts and smiling bashfully. He wasn��t highly skilled, yet he sat below the Spirit Wheel experts and was sitting among the leaders of the major forces. This was an indication of the position and status of Mister Ning.


    ��Speaking of which, I think I have to apologize to Mister Ning!�� Tie Zihe said with a smile.


    ��Even though this was unexpected, no harm was done. I didn��t expect that that gigolo would actually impersonated me, a person from the Yun Nation, in order to mingle among you. Fortunately, it didn��t cause that much trouble.�� Mister Ningughed.


    When he mentioned this, everyone began to look ufortable.


    Not only was there trouble, it was really problematic. Thinking of those suffocating days caused everyone to feel overwhelmed.


    ��The mountainside near the mountain road has been hollowed out. When the other party passes by, the sacrificial soldiers will cut the support, causing half of the mountain to copse. Even the winged cavalry will find it difficult to escape such andslide.


    Even if Qi Zixiao is unharmed, would it still be possible for her to conquer the Three River Delta?�� Mister Ning smiledcently.


    ��Mister Ning is totally right. Mister Ning and Mister Bu deserve the most credit for this battle.�� The whole hall was filled withughter after Xie Kun had spoken.


    ��When the timees, we will humiliate those traitors. It was unexpected that the eminent Qingyun Sword was the first one to surrender to the barbarians!�� someone said with resentment as many murmured their agreement.


    ��See if they can survive thendslide before we proceed!�� Someoneughed.


    ��These words are very appropriate!��


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, the meat has been roasted. It��s time for dinner.�� Ren Baqian was roasting meat in front of a bonfire and called out to the carriage parked behind him a short distance away.


    Seasonings were added to the several pieces of mutton that were being roasted, and the aroma made many people in the surrounding area swallow their saliva secretly.


    ��My skills as a cook should be about the same as that of an imperial chef,�� Ren Baqian said smugly as he smelled the aroma.


    Subsequently, the empress seated herself beside him with a wine bottle in her bosom.


    ��Your Majesty, eat it while it��s hot!�� Ren Baqian handed over a te with a perforated piece of mutton to the empress.


    The empress was about to put out her hands when she felt something and turned to look behind her.


    ��What a nice smell!�� a voice said from far away.


    ��Who are you?�� The surrounding guards immediately pointed their sabers in the direction of the voice.


    However, Ren Baqian was surprised to find two extra people beside him.


    One was an old man, or rather, an old beggar. His hair was a mess, his beard was tangled, and a few rags hung from his body. Also, his trousers were more intact at his thighs and had a few holes, but there was nothing below the knees.


    Beside him was a ravishingly beautiful woman who wore a brocade dress decorated with beautiful flowers and had a flower pinned in her hair.


    This woman looked kind of familiar.


    ��Sir Ren, sorry to impose on you,�� the woman said to Ren Baqian daintily. Her eyes sparkled like a pool of water.


    ��Ning Caichen <sup>1</sup> ?�� Ren Baqian asked in surprise.


    ��It��s me! But I have changed my name,�� he said charmingly.


    <sup>2</sup>


    ��And who��s this?�� Ren Baqian looked at the old beggar. This guy had rudely taken a piece of mutton and wolfed it down without regard for the cold stare of the empress.


    Could this person be Hong Qi?


    ��Who are you guys?�� Many guards pointed their sabers and crowded around the bonfire.


    ��All of you, withdraw.�� The empress stared at the old beggar and waved the guards away.


    ��Please have some wine!�� The empress threw the wine bottle to the old beggar.


    The old beggar unabashedly gulp down a mouthful and shouted, ��Good wine!��


    Ren Baqian felt that the empress��s reaction was unusual. She was normally aggressive, and it was simply unheard of for her to offer wine to someone who had eaten her roasted meat.


    ��After eating my dinner and drinking my wine, show me your skills in a moment as the number one expert in the world.�� The empress saw him gulping down half a bottle of wine before speaking.


    ��Number one expert in the world?�� Ren Baqian asked incredulously. The extent of his astonishment could tantly be seen.


    One had to know that the third most powerful expert in the world was Li Yuanzhu and that the fourth was originally Teng Yue, but he had now been reced by the empress. These experts were frequently mentioned, but the top two experts in the world were exceptions.


    It was said that these two hadn��t been seen for decades, and if not for their names appearing on the list of top experts, many people would have long ago assumed them to be dead.


    Ren Baqian didn��t expect this old beggar to be the top expert in this world.


    He didn��t think that the empress would recognize the wrong person, especially the world��s number one expert. However, how did Ning Caichen and Hong Qi get together?


    Ren Baqian looked at Ning Caichen suspiciously.


    ��I came here to exchange <em>xueke </em>for Sir Ren��s stun baton!�� Ning Caichen said with high spirits.


    After that, his mood copsed as he continued, ��Along the way, I met up with this guy. He wanted my Green Pearl to bring him up into the sky.��


    ��In that case, bring him along!�� Ren Baqian didn��t understand Ning Caichen��s expression.


    ��It��s impossible for a Spirit Sword to bring people up into the sky��even a sword master like me can��t do it. The important point is that my Green Pearl has a fear of heights after my previous trip to Dayao!��


    ��Ptui!�� Ren Baqian spat as he almost vomited blood.


    He had never heard of a flying sword that had a fear of heights!


    <em>Your Green Pearl must be considered as a genius de among all the Spirit Swords!</em>

 Chapter 517 - Great Enmity and Deep Hostility

    Chapter 517: Great Enmity and Deep Hostility


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress, Ning Caichen, and Ren Baqian stopped talking after a while and sat at the fireside, watching the number one expert in the world as he ate. He was feasting as if he hadn��t eaten for a few months as he stuffed a huge piece of mutton into his stomach.


    He finished a big piece of mutton in a few minutes and immediately reached for a second piece.


    The empress was protective of her food, so it was uncharacteristic of her to keep quiet in such a situation, but she constantly flexed her body excitedly in anticipation.


    Ren Baqian had been with her for quite a long time and had very rarely seen her showing this kind of expression.


    Although the number one expert in the world had been missing for a long time, seeing him in front of her was making the empress��s enthusiasm for fighting soar.


    After half an hour, the old man had devoured the mutton that Ren Baqian had prepared for the empress and said, ��I haven��t eaten such delicious food in a long time. Little guy, from your features, you look like a talented person. Do you want to follow me and find thedder to ascend the sky?��


    ��Are you looking for a cook?�� Ren Bianughed. This top expert didn��t look like an enemy to him.


    The empress stood up and said impatiently, ��Li Fu, you have eaten the food and drank the wine! Let me have a look at your skills as the number one expert in the world!��


    Ren Baqianughed again because he didn��t expect the name of this person to be so ordinary.


    However, his name did match the way he dressed.


    Whether it was the empress, Hong Wu, Tengyue, or even Zuo Cheng, they still had the air of an expert.


    Yet, no one would believe that this guy in front of him was the number one expert in the world if others didn��t say so.


    ��I don��t know martial arts, so don��t look for me when you want to fight. I��m a cksmith and have not practiced the craft for many years!�� Li Fu gestured with his hands.


    ��I only had a whiff today and couldn��t resist this craving of mine. This doll is so petty and expects some favors just because I have taken one meal.��


    The empress red up and sent a punch at Li Fu. The surrounding air reverberated from the force of this punch, and the area within a 100-meter radius was like a whirlpool with the empress at the center of the vortex.


    ��Goodbye, little doll!�� Li Fu fluttered away from the punch and disappeared into the darkness.


    Ren Baqian only realized at this time that Li Fu had a ck iron rod, but at 70 or 80 centimeters, it was shorter than a normal iron rod and also had a turtle head on one end.


    The empress was angry to find that Li Fu had departed.


    It was a rare opportunity to meet the number one expert in the world, and she was hoping to test how powerful he was. However, the other party didn��t even parry her punch��he ran away and left her bewildered.


    She then yelled at the top of her lungs, ��Li Fu, I thought you wanted to find out how you can ascend to the sky?��


    Her voice was resonant and extended into the center of the forest before them.


    The next moment, Li Fu appeared in front of the bonfire and asked seriously, ��Little doll, do you know?��


    ��I don��t know, but I know how to go up into the sky!�� the empress dered with a strange expression.


    ��Is this true? Don��t bluff!�� Li Fu was pleasantly surprised, but he was worried that the other party was tricking him due to her hesitant look.


    ��You tell him!�� The empress nced at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words.


    ��Is Your Majesty referring to the airne or the rocket?�� Ren Baqian felt that the question was too sudden and could only think of these two modes of flying.


    ��Is there really a way to bring me up to the sky?�� Li Fu heard Ren Baqian��s tone and could hardly believe his ears.


    ��Tell me what you want to do first as these two modes of transportation are different. Do you want to go up just to have a look? If you want to go up into the sky to take a look, a paraglider should solve the problem,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��I��m looking for the deities in heaven!�� Li Fu originally looked like a beggar, but when this was mentioned, he was filled with murderous fervor and made people feel chills.


    ��Are there really deities?�� Ren Baqian asked. Although this world had many strange things, he still had doubts about the existence of deities. After all, there wasn��t much information about deities in Dayao, so he naturally didn��t have much experience with such matters.


    He had heard that Great Xia had various stories about deities.


    Why did the number one expert in the world have this murderous expression? Why was there so much enmity? Or was he trying to achieve a breakthrough and uncover his eyes? At this age, he should have already gone through his teenage crisis.


    ��Of course there are!�� Li Fu said vehemently. However, with his torn clothes and bedraggled appearance, he came across as a madman.


    ��Can you tell me what you know about the deities?�� asked Ren Baqian curiously. He was interested in this topic��everyone, no matter who, would be interested in this topic.


    Especially since he was the number one expert in the world, he should know more than a multitude of ordinary people. He had been searching all this time for adder to ascend into the sky in order to look for deities,


    ��Do you really know how to go up into the sky?�� Li Fu fixed his wide-open eyes at Ren Baqian.


    ��If you want to go into the sky, I certainly know how, but it will take a long time to make that flying machine, at least 30 to 50 years,�� Ren Baqian answered.


    30 to 50 years was already the fastest they could go, and he would need to bring over the mature technologies directly from Earth. With elerated development here, they could then make a rocket.


    Of course, after 30 to 50 years had passed, it would be more than 100 yearster on Earth. There might already be small vehicles that could ferry people to outer space by then.


    It didn��t matter if Li Fu couldn��t find any deities after going into outer space because Ren Baqian had no intention of letting hime back.


    There was another reason for Ren Baqian to say all of this. It was to keep the number one expert in the world within Dayao as one of their fighters�� Although it wasn��t probable, there might be a chance since Li Fu was so keen on flying.


    Even though he would only asionally be activated, this would be good enough.


    ��How do you do it?�� Li Fu was beside Ren Baqian in a sh and grabbed his shoulder.


    Ren Baqian only felt a powerful hand gripping him and immediately couldn��t exert any strength.


    ��Let go of him!�� The empress was full of anger. Although there was no wind blowing, her red dress fluttered and her hair stood up.


    It didn��t matter whether he was the number one expert in the world or anyone else, no one could touch her subjects.


    ��Let go!�� The empress punched at Li Fu without saying anything more. To avoid injuring Ren Baqian, she concentrated her strength at one point.


    ��There is no way you can beat me with this punch. It doesn��t matter to me, but this guy will certainly die!�� Li Fu shouted in haste and disappeared into the darkness with Ren Baqian.


    ��Li Fu!�� The empress was furious and instantly chased after him.


    Ren Baqian felt the wild wind blowing on his body and couldn��t even keep his eyes open. This speed was faster than when the empress had carried him along.


    However, in the next moment, both of themnded in an unknown ce.


    ��Li Fu! I��m going to kill you!�� The empress��s shrill voice was heard from far away.


    ��Young man, speak!�� Li Fu pushed Ren Baqian to the ground.


    Ren Baqian was horrified that the empress couldn��t even catch up to this ordinary looking guy who had carried him along. In an instant, he had taken Ren Baqian to a ce where the empress couldn��t find them. This kind of ability was really terrifying.


    Fortunately, the other party didn��t want to take his life. Otherwise, if he wanted to attack Ren Baqian, the empress would definitely not be able to protect him.


    After calming down, Ren Baqianughed bitterly and quipped, ��You ate the empress��s roasted meat, drank her wine, and took away her man. Even though you are the number one expert in the world and revered by many people, this isn��t a good way to do things.��


    Li Fu was a little embarrassed and said, ��That youngdy isn��t easy to deal with, and I don��t want to argue with her. I will send you back and also give you a benefit.��


    Ren Baqian rxed after seeing his expression. This man was like what Ren Baqian had thought he was and wasn��t secretly a ruthless man.


    ��It��s useless to tell you because this equipment can��t be manufactured even if everyone in the country works on it,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Li Fu stood up as straight as a ramrod and said firmly, ��Not many people can stop me from doing what I want.��


    Although this sounded boastful, it didn��t seem soing from a person with such a status.


    However, with regards to manufacturing rockets, even adding 100 of him would be useless.


    ��A rocket can easily send you beyond heaven,�� Ren Baqian said coolly.


    ��What kind of thing is it?�� Li Fu immediately asked.


    ��You tell me what you know about the deities first!�� Ren Baqian responded.


    Li Fu hesitated, then sighed and said, ��200 years ago, I had a fiancee who was virtuous and beautiful����


    Upon hearing this, Ren Baqian immediately associated it with a 3,000,000 word novel about love, hate, and revenge.


    His fiancee was snatched away by deities. How could that be? Or his fianc��e was the daughter of a deity and that deity took her away after finding out about their rtionship. From that day on, they existed in two different ces between the heavens and the earth and could only meet once a year by crossing a bridge formed by magpies.


    ��However, my fianc��e suddenly got pregnant half a year before our marriage����


    Ren Baqian responded, ��Huh?��


    ��However, my fianc��e was still a virgin. People said that this was done in a dream with a deity and that the baby was the child of a deity����


    ��I couldn��t ept it and spent half a year making this Dragon Turtle Rod. Then, I vowed to find this deity who had insulted my fianc��e and swore to let him have a taste of the humiliation I had suffered!�� Li Fu said furiously. His beard hairs standing up like steel needles, and his heart was pounding.


    ��Hey�� Are you thinking of blowing up a deity��s buttocks?�� Ren Baqian was astonished. With just this aspiration, Li Fu was motivated to be the number one expert in the world.


    ��The buttocks? You are absolutely right!�� Li Fu said fiercely. ��I have searched for 200 years, from the desert to the eastern shore and from the north to the south. I transformed from a cksmith to the top expert. However, thedder to the sky remains a mirage!��


    ��I have researched all the information regarding the deities and stopped here on my way to the interior of the Sixty Thousand Mountains to see whether I can find what I��m looking for in its endless expanse!��


    He turned to stare at Ren Baqian and said fiercely, ��Young man, if you can help me, you will be handsomely rewarded. If you lie to me, no one in this whole world can protect you!��


    Ren Baqian��s jaw dropped in astonishment because he had never expected things to turn out this way. Furthermore, the information content was too much, and he didn��t know where to start.


    After pondering for some time, Ren Baqian decided not to tell Li Fu about his conjecture regarding the fianc��e being identally impregnated by someone who had masturbated when she had fallen into a pool or while she was swimming.


    Ren Baqian feared that this blow would be too much for Li Fu to bear.


    Li Fu had spent 200 years and, ording to him, transformed from a cksmith to the number one expert in the world. He gave up everything��fame, fortune, wealth, women, and pleasure��just for the sake of taking revenge.


    These 200 years of hatred couldn��t be washed away even with all the water in the entire world.

 Chapter 518 - Particularly Attentive When There’s Nothing to Do

    Chapter 518: Particrly Attentive When There��s Nothing to Do


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was trying to figure out what he wanted to know most. Was it how Li Fu had transformed from a cksmith to the number one expert in the world or how the other party had searched for the gods?


    What would those people, who were anxious to spend every minute practicing martial arts and who wanted to improve further, think?


    What would people like him, who diligently practice martial arts, think?


    As he already had a fianc��e 200 years ago, he should be at least 220 years old now, right?


    The lifespan of a Spirit Wheel expert was generally 180 to 200 years. Even if Li Fu had a longer lifespan than others, he should be approaching the end of his life at 220 years old. It was said that there was another realm above the Spirit Wheel level, but it wasn��t known whether Li Fu had reached this level.


    Was it possible for him to wait for the rocket to be produced in the next few decades? If not, a hot-air balloon could be made to fool him, but Ren Baqian��s hope to use the number one expert in the world as his hatchet man would be shattered��


    At this point, Ren Baqian asked softly, ��Senior, please answer truthfully. Can you wait 30 to 50 years for a rocket to be made?��


    ��Are you worried that my lifespan isn��t long enough?�� Li Fuughed. ��I can still wait for another 30 to 50 years. Although this is possible, I don��t wish to wait that long. For these 200 years, I have been waiting every day to kill the deities somewhere in the sky. Hurry up and tell me the method!��


    ��Use a rocket.�� Ren Baqian used a stone to draw a rough diagram on the floor. ��Use the thrust generated by the burning fuel to propel the rocket into the sky.��


    ��I had thought of pping through the air with my palms to fly up. It��s a different method with a simr result. However, I can��t go more than a few hundred meters by pping my palms, and your method seems to be more feasible.�� Li Fu was quite delighted.


    ��As mentioned before, the amount of time it will take to make rockets will not be short. The whole industry must improve; the manufacturing technology, the alloy issues, and the fuel problem����


    Ren Baqian told Li Fu the details about rockets and carefully scrutinized Li Fu��s expressions as he talked.


    In actual fact, just making a rocket to send someone into the sky wasn��t an easy task even if one didn��t consider the problem of sealing and other such matters. Without alloys, how heavy would a rocket made out of steel be and how much fuel would be needed to propel it into the sky?


    It would take a long time just to solve this problem, not to mention other aspects of the task.


    Following the exnation from Ren Baqian, Li Fu became more serious.


    Although there were many things he didn��t understand, he did understand a certain portion of it because he was a cksmith. Being the foremost master, he could infer many things through analogy.


    Based on what Ren Baqian told him, it was really not as simple as he had thought.


    ��Therefore, the technological standard of the whole country must reach a certain level before rockets can be made. A timeframe of at least 30 to 50 years is expected and will require the effort of the whole country,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Li Fu folded his arms, closed his eyes, and became engrossed in thought. ording to Ren Baqian, this thing called a rocket was feasible, but it simply took too much time for him to wait.


    Ren Baqian looked appraisingly at Li Fu and found it hard to admire him since he looked like a country bumpkin.


    Although he was the number one expert in the world, after hearing his stories, Ren Baqian felt that he was no different from a country bumpkin.


    Such a man could actually be the number one expert in the world. Ren Baqian wondered how much psychological impact had been cast over this world��s heroes during these 200 years.


    ��Senior, why don��t you stay in Dayao for a while? I may need your skills as a cksmith since I��m making a steam engine and there are some difficult problems to fix. If senior can help out with this, things might progress at a faster speed,�� Ren Baqian said earnestly.


    With regards to the steam engine, it had to wait until after the problems in Tianjing Basin were solved. If this top expert couldn��t wait and rushed to capture the leader of the rebel soldiers, it would be a big bonus.


    ��I have to consider this,�� Li Fu said hesitantly.


    ��Senior, what��s there to consider? You want to go up into the sky, whereas I want to build the thing that will bring you up. This will represent Dayao��s technological achievement, and our goals are the same. Furthermore, I��m very interested to see what is up there.��


    ��It��s too much time!�� Li Fu shook his head. ��It��s better for me to go to the end of the Sixty Thousand Mountains to search for thedder to ascend into the sky.��


    ��Senior, this is Dayao and the Sixty Thousand Mountains are part of Dayao too. With one order from Her Majesty, countless people will help search for you. Senior can wait for the good news before proceeding.��


    ��That youngdy will find trouble with me.�� Li Fu shook his head.


    ��If it��s because senior brought me here, Her Majesty will not pursue this matter any further after I go back. Her Majesty just wanted to see how powerful the number one expert in the world is. If senior has nothing to do, you might as well put on a disy for her. Then, she will not pester you again. After all, senior also needs Her Majesty��s help in order to search the Sixty Thousand Mountains for thedder to ascend into the sky. I don��t think it��s too much to perform for her.�� Since Ren Baqian felt that he could sweet-talk this bumpkin into going back, his tone became kinder and his attitude grew more solicitous.


    Li Fu thought for a long time before saying, ��I will bring you back.��


    After speaking, he carried Ren Baqian with one hand and a gusty wind blew across his face again.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian squinted his eyes due to the gusty wind. He could see firelight in the far distance, and the wind also carried along some noise.


    The empress was the first to spot the two of them and shouted as she came rushing over, ��Li Fu!��


    ��Youngdy, I��m not here to fight with you.�� Carrying Ren Baqian, Li Fu turned in midair to evade the empress, conveniently put Ren Baqian on the ground, and retreated far away.


    When the empress observed that Ren Baqian wasn��t hurt, her face softened a little.


    However, her expression quickly became frigid again as Li Fu had easily evaded her attacks twice. This was hard for her to ept.


    ��Your Majesty, please refrain from attacking!�� Ren Baqian called out hastily when he saw that the empress was preparing to strike again.


    ��Your Majesty, both of you are acimed masters, so there are bound to be injuries if fighting ensues. Putting down the rebellion is the most important issue now! Please think twice! Furthermore, this senior has already agreed to disy his eye-opening skills. Your Majesty, why don��t you take a look from the side?��


    The empress frowned because Ren Baqian was already speaking up for Li Fu after disappearing for a short time.


    However, she saw Ren Baqian winking at her and kept quiet after snorting because she guessed that there must be a reason behind this.


    ��Senior, we have known of your fame for a long time, and it��s a pity we haven��t seen you disying your skills! Why don��t you disy three moves and broaden our horizons?�� Ren Baqian turned around and winked at Li Fu.


    ��Whatever. Although I��m not good at fighting, I still know a little bit.�� The two sides exchanged positions, with Li Fu bing the requesting party, so he didn��t object.


    ��This ce is small and narrow. Plus, there are many people. How about going to the mountainside? There��s a big empty ce where senior can give an unfettered disy!�� Ren Baiqian spoke again.

 Chapter 519 - Using One Strike to Shake the Mountain

    Chapter 519: Using One Strike to Shake the Mountain


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On the west side of the Wang Estuary, it was unknown when, but dozens of caves appeared on the side of the mountain. Each hole was four meters deep and four meters wide.


    From Jiangbei City to the Wang Estuary, one had to bypass Shandong City. As a result, it was difficult for people to discover these caves.


    Presently, the caves that were originally several meters deep had basically been filled up, and soldiers had been been climbing out incessantly.


    Within these caves, there was a thick wooden pole erected every 10 meters to provide support. After walking forward a few hundred meters, what appeared in front of their eyes was a huge space that was illuminated by a torch. This ce was over 10 meters tall, had a radius of several hundred meters, and had tall stone pirs that towered aloft. If anyone were to observe carefully, he or she would realize that there were also many tiny holes in these huge pirs that had countless tiny bugs climbing up and down while releasing a dense sound.


    If a person with trypophobia <sup>1</sup> witnessed this scene, he or she would perhaps suffer a heart attack.


    Furthermore, in this space, there were countless shelves made of wood, soldiersing and going, and many creatures that were covered with hard armored shells. These weird creatures also looked somewhat like a mouse and had very long tails.


    Some of these creatures surrounded the pirs and licked them from time to time, consuming the bulk of the bugs into their stomachs. Additionally, some of these creatures were excavating outward from the edge of the cavern as well as from the shelves. Regardless of whether it was mud or rocks, under the menace of their sharp ws, everything seemed like tofu.


    Next to thergest pir in the middle of this area, there was a wooden tform. An elder wearing a brocade robe sat cross-legged on the tform as he watched all of this happen. Seated next to him was a man wearing a feathered crest on his head and a pinion cape.


    ��Mister Qiu, it should more or less be done, right?�� The man wearing the brocade robe calcted the amount of space within the cavern and asked this question to the man beside him, who was wearing a feathered crest on his head.


    ��That��s right.�� The man wearing a feathered crest on his head, known as Mister Qiu, made several weird tones from his mouth. At the same time, a dozen people who were dressed exactly like him started shouting and hitting the gongs in their hands.


    With each sound made by the gongs, those unusual creatures stopped in their tracks, began to gather near the stone pirs in the open space, and licked the bugs that were on the pirs.


    ��This world is really intriguing.�� The man wearing the brocade robe sighed while looking at the unusual creatures and the huge pirs.


    These creatures were called qiuyu and were experts at digging holes. They were one of the many different soldiers in the Six Doors. As for those bugs, they were able to consume mud and regurgitate rocks, forming these pirs. Thebination of the two could be awesome in many cases.


    However, the qiuyu could only live by feeding on this type of bug.


    As such, it made him feel intrigued.


    Upon hearing the other man exim in admiration, Mister Qiu felt content and smiled.


    It was indeed worthy for him to be proud since a Spirit Wheel expert actually admired him. Over the past few centuries, his family had raised and trained countless qiuyu in the Six Doors. It could be said that these qiuyu were also part of his family. As such, praising qiuyu was equivalent to praising him.


    ��When the timees for us to break the pirs, we are going to start from the six pirs in the north and then work toward the east and west, right?�� the man in the brocade robe asked.


    ��That��s right. As long as you follow the sequence and break the center pir as well as the 12 northern pirs, the northern part of the cavern will gradually copse. At the same time, this will initiate the copse of the cliff above and sever their escape route. After that, proceed to break the Heavenly Pir in the middle, and the entire cave will crumble. Even part of the highest peak will copse, and those people will naturally have no means of escape,�� Mister Qiu exined.


    ��This Heavenly Pir is the most important. It doesn��t matter if they break the pirs in the northern area, but the sacrificial warriors must only destroy this Heavenly Pir after everyone leaves. Otherwise, all of you will be buried here.��


    ��Understood.�� The man wearing a brocade robe kept this in mind. After all, this was a matter regarding his own life, so he couldn��t neglect it.


    He raised his head and looked over, only to see the peak of the pir in the middle. Countless numbers of bugs crawled along this path to the top of the holes, gathered stones at the top, and piled them into a ��stone�� that connected all of the pirs together. At the same time, it strengthened the structural integrity of the cave.


    ��My job is done. We should head back.�� Mister Qiu stood up from the wooden tform as he finished speaking. He then shouted a couple of times.


    Immediately, his sect members opened some boxes one by one and hand-cranked the bells.


    The bugs on the stone pirs climbed down and made their way into the boxes.


    Yet, only half of those bugs entered the boxes before the boxes were already full.


    During these days, the number of those bugs had doubled.


    The qiuyu took this opportunity to eat heartily. As their extremely long tongues rolled on the ground, those bugs immediately entered their mouths.


    ��


    At this time on the mountainside, not only were the empress, Ren Baqian, and Li Fu present, even Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Qing Ping, Gong Zheng, Qingyun Sword, Zuo Cheng, some winged cavalry warriors, and some experts from the Rearguard Commandery were gathered there as well.


    Nobody wanted to miss the opportunity to see the world��s most powerful expert disy his skills.


    At this moment, Li Fu spoke sternly and exined, ��I came from a background of forging iron. I��m really not good at fighting, but I do have something to talk about.��


    When everyone heard what the other party said, they suddenly became more and more aware. Even the empress wouldn��t disregard the advice of the world��s most powerful expert.


    ��All things in the world are spiritual. People have spirits, swords have spirits, mountains and rivers have spirits. Since there are spirits, there will be life and death. Just as human beings have hearts and brains as vital organs, all things have vital points. Finding these vital points can cut off one��s opportunity to leave. I call it the fatal point.


    Although the vital points of people and animals are known to everyone, it��s difficult to discover the vital points of other living things.


    Like what I said before, the mountains and rivers are also spiritual. This mountain has a spirit, so it naturally has a fatal point.��


    Just as Li Fu finished his sentence, his vigor began to increase. Even though there wasn��t much improvementpared to before, it still made people feel like he was someone different.


    His body pretty much seemed to straighten up. The vigor of an expert was radiating from his body as well.


    Previously, he was just a normal-looking elderly man. However, everyone could feel it now��that the person standing in front of them was the world��s most powerful expert.


    ��As long as we find it��s weakness, we can cause more damage and reduce the amount of effort needed to destroy it.�� After Li Fu finished this sentence, he rapidly struck with the turtle head on the tip of his staff and impacted the ground.


    Following this strike, everyone became more alert. Thereafter, a muffled rumbling noise could be heard from the mountainside.


    Everyone felt the ground start to shake as enormous fissures branched out on the surface of the mountainside!


    However, they weren��t taken aback by this. Li Fu was indeed worthy of being called the number one expert in the world. This strike could actually shake up the mountains in this area, which was practically an impossible feat for any other person.


    Everyone looked at Li Fu with a look of admiration.


    Suddenly, the ground swayed even more vigorously, and everyone felt as if they were falling down.


    Their admiration toward Li Fu increased.

 Chapter 520 - Coach, I Want to Learn This

    Chapter 520: Coach, I Want to Learn This


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Indeed, he deserves to be called the world��s most powerful expert!��


    ��This strike is extremely powerful and can be deemed as world-shaking!��


    ��In this world, I doubt anyone can withstand this strike!��


    Everyone let out a gasp of surprise.


    ��Something is amiss��retreat!�� As Li Fu��s face suddenly changed, he appeared by Ren Baqian��s side at lightning speed. He grabbed Ren Baqian with one hand and dashed down the mountain.


    At the same time, a slender and lily-white hand grabbed Ren Baqian��s other arm.


    The empress stared intently at Li Fu. Her gaze was extremely cold.


    <em>Are you snatching my man from me?</em>


    ��Stop staring and run quickly! The mountain will copse soon!�� Li Fu shouted. He then released his grip and jumped downward.


    At this moment, the mountain was shaking even more vigorously.


    Everyone was shocked when they heard what Li Fu said. They couldn��t even be bothered with the others and continuously jumped down the mountain.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The left portion of the entire mountain copsed down from the mountainside.


    Rocks, which were the size of humans, started flying about. Large pieces of broken rocks and mud smashed to the ground. This disastrous sight made everyone feel extremely astonished.


    Everyone fled from this ce as quickly as possible.


    However, by the next moment, the empress had carried Ren Baqian and returned to their camp. Explosions continued to ur and grew even louder.


    Everyone turned their heads to look, and before they knew it, the most frightening scene urred. The right half of the mountain copsed toward the left.


    Broken rocks and mud gushed into the forest and began tondslide in the direction of the camp.


    ��Evacuate quickly!�� The cold voice of the empress spread throughout the entire area. However, there was a slight difference in her voice. Even someone like her was stunned by the power of this strike.


    The surrounding soldiers had been rmed by thendslides in the distance for a while. Upon hearing what the empress said, they fled for their lives.


    As for Ren Baqian, he was staring with his eyes wide open and looked lifeless.


    That idiot actually smashed an entire mountain with one strike?


    He actually destroyed an entire mountain that was a distance away?


    The copse of the mountain peak took no less than four hours before it finally came to a halt.


    The mud and broken rocks didn��t reach their camp, but ttened the forest under the mountain.


    Everyone stood there and looked at the scene in front of them with astonishment. Originally, there were two mountain peaks, but at present, more than half of the mountain peak on the right was gone.


    That location became a hill that was piled up with broken rocks and mud.


    Just like this, the Wang Estuary was gone.


    Everyone turned their heads to look at Li Fu, who was at a total loss, and then turned back to look at the ��hill�� in the distance. They were extremely appalled.


    This was the strength of the most powerful expert in the world?


    He shouldn��t be considered a human, but a god!


    Ren Baqian was stunned. The scene in front of him had already exceeded his cognitive limits.


    Was this feat even achievable by mankind?


    Even the empress��s eyes showed fear. After examining the gap between her and Li Fu��s skills, she realized that she wasn��t even his match. This one strike from Li Fu had dispelled her thoughts about wanting to challenge him.


    After a long pause, Ren Baqian finally came back to reality and said in a sincere tone, ��Indeed, senior is worthy of being the world��s most powerful expert!��


    A person like Li Fu was entirely worthy of the title ��Walking Nuclear Warhead.��


    This level of strength hadpletely broken his previous understanding of this world.


    Following what Ren Baqian said, everyone shot their gazes over to Li Fu.


    ��The world��s most powerful expert! Well-deserved! Even in the next two millennia, we might not find another person like you.�� Xi Wanya sighed.


    It was such a pity that an expert like this wasn��t an aboriginal.


    ��Indeed, well-deserved!�� Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng were full of admiration for Li Fu. The two of them were different from the rest. Everyone else was an aboriginal and cultivated simr martial arts skills. However, the cultivation methods of these two were more simr to Li Fu��s.


    Naturally, Li Fu was simr to a beacon of light that aided them in pressing on. Even though they were far away from Li Fu, they actually saw a glimpse of hope.


    Just from looking at the both of their faces, which were filled with adoration, Ren Baqian felt that they had already be Li Fu��s fanboys.


    Even the empress chimed in gently, ��Smashing a mountain in one strike, that��s formidable and terrifying!��


    Li Fu looked around at everyone��s faces with a nk expression. After that, he looked at the Dragon Turtle Rod he was wielding and both of his hands. Could it be that he had attained this level of strength unconsciously?


    Although all things have a fatal point, this fatal point could only entuate the intensity of a strike. If it were a small item, it would have been tolerable, but that was a mountain! Destroying things that were within a radius of one kilometer with a strike was already considered the pinnacle level of this world.


    Now, however, it wasn��t just about destroying things within the radius of one kilometer. An entire mountain had been smashed into smithereens.


    Unexpectedly, he had already attained such a level without even realizing it. Although he had never once thought about cultivation and only wanted to seek out the deities in the sky, his strength was constantly increasing. He wasn��t even anywhere near his goal.


    Li Fu was somewhat disappointed and frustrated.


    Even if he had such strength, he ultimately still couldn��t find the stairway to Heaven.


    Fortunately, there was currently a glimmer of hope.


    Ren Baqian noticed that Li Fu was looking at him, and Ren Baqian willingly said, ��Coach, I want to learn this. You must teach me!��


    ��


    One after another, the experts in Xueyang Citynded at the top of the city wall and threw a look at the Wang Estuary, which was a distance away.


    Previously, when the ground shook and the mountains trembled, everyone was startled.


    Some people were bewildered. What exactly happened there? Even though they couldn��t see anything, for the noise and the vibration to be transmitted over here, it was sufficient to prove the power of the disturbance.


    Some of the observers actually understood what was going on.


    ��Perhaps those barbarians wanted to take advantage of the night and march across the Wang Estuary. As a result, Mister Yu Yang destroyed the cave pirs and something dramatic happened?�� Xie Kun asked.


    ��This seems to be the case. Those barbarians must never have expected that we prepared such a big gift for them. I really want to see Qi Zixiao��s expression at this time.�� Rao Yu burst outughing.


    ��ording to this power, even if Qi Zixiao was there, she wouldn��t have survived!��


    ��Senior Su and Senior Zhi Shui have already went to investigate. We��ll find out more when they return.�� Mister Ning, who was from the Yun Nation, grinned.


    <em>So what if you are Qi Zixiao?</em>


    After an hour, two figures appeared from the darkness and were in deep shock.


    ��How��s the situation?�� asked the head of the three factions, who was at the top of the city wall.


    From the entrance of the city gate, the two Spirit Wheel experts who went to investigate replied, ��The Wang Estuary is gone! The entire mountain has copsed!��


    ��Mister Yu Yang��?�� Xie Kun spoke in a husky voice.


    The two Spirit Wheel experts said sullenly, ��The entrances of the caves have been sealed. Nobody came out. I��m afraid����


    ��How could this be?�� Xie Kun was shocked. ording to the n, as long as a few sacrificial warriors remained behind, how could Mister Yu Yang fail to escape?


    ��What about Mister Qiu and his people?�� Mister Bu anxiously asked.


    ��We didn��t see Mister Qiu or his people. Also, we didn��t see any of those unusual creatures,�� the two Spirit Wheel experts answered.


    ��How could this be?�� Everyone was taken aback.


    ording to the n, Mister Qiu and the others would leave first, whereas Mister Yu Yang would continue to wait until thest moment. Both parties were supposed to be able to escape, so why did they both disappear?


    Xie Kun was expressionless. A whileter, he finally responded, ��I��m afraid that an unforeseen event has urred. Perhaps Mister Yu Yang and Mister Qiu discovered that the barbarians were going to pass through during the night, so they decided to destroy the Heavenly Pir. As a result, it was toote for them to evacuate.��


    ��I��m afraid that��s the case. Mister Yu Yang, Mister Qiu, and his sect members are all heroes!�� Tie Zihe dered. At the same time, he deeply respected the people from the Six Doors. He never expected that such heroes could actually be found in the Six Doors.


    Even though those who knew Mister Yu Yang felt that he wasn��t someone who would act like this, the evidence was present in front of them, causing everyone to change their opinions of him.


    ��What about the number of casualties among the barbarians?�� the crowd asked. Even a Spirit Wheel expert like Mister Yu Yang couldn��t escape, let alone those barbarians.


    At the thought of this, many people could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    As long as this batch of aboriginal elites died, Dayao would no longer be able to care about Tianjing Basin or even defend Gu City.


    ��The current situation looked just like andslide. The two of us weren��t even able to get close. At the moment, it��s also veryte at night, so it��s difficult to see. We��ll take another look tomorrow morning.��


    ��I thank the both of for taking the trouble,�� the head of the three factions said.


    At this moment, the haze in everyone��s minds dissipated. All that was left for them was to check on the number of aboriginal casualties at the Wang Estuary tomorrow.


    If it wasn��t for Mister Bu, the Six Doors would have suffered arger number of casualties. People even wanted to celebrate with a feast.

 Chapter 521 - A Contingency Plan

    Chapter 521: A Contingency n


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Early in the morning, a fine mist filled the earth and the sky.


    Two figures left the city and entered the mist in the distance.


    Not long after, these two reached the vicinity of a muddy hill. It was hard to believe that one day ago, this ce was a mountain that was a few hundred meters high.


    However, at this moment, everything had disappeared.


    Seeing the current situation reminded them of seeing the mountain copsest night.


    The two people searched the west side thoroughly. Then, one of them sighed and said, ��There are no people and no traces left behind. It looks like Yu Yang and the rest are really buried underneath.��


    ��Previously, I despised Yu Yang. I never would have expected him to have so much integrity,�� the other person said.


    ��Although Yu Yang has fused together with the world, he did a very great thing for the people of Tianjing Basin. In the future, they should honor and record his deed for posterity.��


    ��I wonder what the casualty count among the barbarians is like?��


    ��The impact of the copse was bigger than expected. With the exception of a few experts like Qi Zixiao and Xi Wanya, the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South and those winged cavalry had no way to escape. Even if they had wings, it would have been difficult to escape this situation.��


    ��We better be careful. Let��s go up to the hilltop and take a look.��


    The two hiked their way up the hilltop, and the devastation here was more serious than at the other site.


    This was because the mountain had copsed toward this area.


    The valley between the two mountains waspletely filled.


    As for the forest to the south of the mountain, more than half of it was buried by the mud.


    Further south, there was arge campsite where it seemed as if nothing had happened. It was a peaceful scene as the soldiers came out early to patrol. Smoke could be seen rising from the kitchen chimneys. There were also soldiers that went around performing their military duties.


    Before the copse of the mountain, the two areas on both sides were close by, but they belonged to two different worlds now and were separated by the buried forest.


    While one world was totally ruined, the other seemed totally untouched.


    Suddenly, their eyes widened in amazement.


    Why was the enemy camp still intact?


    Plus, why did it seem as if nothing had happened to it?


    Why was this so? What exactly was happening?


    No matter how they tried, the two really couldn��t figure it out.


    ��Perhaps it was the winged cavalry who passed byst night? The winged cavalry is our greatest enemy after all. It isn��t possible to depend only on the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South to defend against our 300,000 volunteer soldiers,�� one of them said hesitantly.


    They were hoping that the barbarians had suffered serious losses due to thisndslide, but from the movements in the camp and the smoke from the cooking activity, this didn��t seem like the case.


    There must have been an important reason why Yu Yang suddenly cut the supporting pirs to bring down the mountain. In his case, he must have had no other choice but to take down a handful of those famous winged cavalry warriors.


    ��If the winged cavalry warriors passed byst night, they should have been wiped out. It��s very strange that these barbarians show no reaction at all.��


    ��I heard that these barbarians believe that their souls will return to the mountains after death and that they will protect their descendants together with their ancestors. Therefore, they regard life and death as normal and do not fear death. This incident confirms this belief.��


    ��They are only barbarians.�� The other guy grunted


    ��Just in case, it��s best to check one more time.��


    ��Qi Zixiao is definitely still around, and there is also Xi Wanya. The both of us might not be able to get any benefit by going there.��


    Full of uncertainty, the pair looked at the camp.


    At this moment, a few people from the Rearguard Commandery spotted the duo with their binocrs. A group of burly men wearing leather armor over half of their body jumped out from the camp and rushed toward those two men.


    Seeing this group of people, the two observed with surprise that these were the winged cavalry warriors that were supposed to be buried under thendslide caused by Yu Yang.


    ��What�� What��s going on?��


    ��I��m afraid something unforeseen has happened. Let��s go back quickly.��


    As the two looked at each other, their eyes were full of doubt. Why did Yu Yang destroy the supporting pirs yesterday?


    A whileter, a group of people were gathered in Xueyang City.


    ��Do the both of you mean to say that those barbarians didn��t suffer any losses at all?�� Three of the people, including Xie Kun, looked very upset. Their faces warped into ghastly expressions.


    They were jumping for joy the night before and never expected to hear such bad news after the night had passed.


    ��Even if there was damage, the losses are slight,�� the two of them replied. ��We were rather suspicious when we saw that the camp was very peaceful, but after seeing the winged cavalry warriors, we weren��t skeptical anymore.��


    ��That Mister Yu Yang����


    ��I��m afraid something unforeseen happened.��


    ��I think I know what happened.�� Mister Ning from the Yun Nation looked aghast, but gradually calmed down.


    ��Mister Ning?�� Xie Kun looked at him inquiringly.


    ��Although I don��t know the reason, Yu Yang��s position must have been discovered. That��s why the supporting pirs were suddenly destroyed, but the barbarians didn��t suffer any casualties.��


    ��The sounds from within the caves can��t be heard from the outside at all, unless someone discovered that the mountain was hollow inside and then realized the problem. I have underestimated them. It looks like the barbarians have some talented people. Anyway, this matter is over, and there isn��t a need to think so much anymore.��


    ��Fortunately, I have prepared for this mishap. We can certainly make sure that they do note out alive this time.�� Mister Ning had a well-thought-out n in mind.


    ��Now that the Wang Estuary has fallen, the previous mountain path is totally buried. If the other party wants to pass through, I��m afraid that they��ll need another two days. Generals, I��m inviting each of you to lead a detachment to go north to this hilltop. Then, pitch camp and feign a move to meet the barbarians head-on at the river bank.


    Upon seeing your soldiers, they will not think that anything is amiss. With their temperament, seeing a blockade from an army of about the same size as them and a river that isn��t wide, the barbarians will certainly cut down trees to make boats and cross the river to attack.


    When the timees, we will release the flood water from the dam. Besides the hills, the other ces will be engulfed by the water. The majority of the barbarians will be food for the fish and prawns in the river.��


    Everyone quieted down on hearing the words of Mister Ning.


    Someone raised the question and asked, ��What if they discover that the water level has dropped and be suspicious?��


    ��If those barbarians can think that cleverly, then they aren��t barbarians anymore. Regardless, they have to cross the river. Even if they discover this ploy, we can release the water in advance.�� Someoneughed as everyone nodded in agreement.


    Indeed, even if the n failed, they wouldn��t suffer any loss. If this scheme seeded, the reward would be great.


    Talking about loss, it would only affect the crops in the north, but nobody cared about that at this point in time.


    ��Thanks to the plot devised by Mister Ning, those barbarians certainly will not be able to escape this time even though they managed to escape the previous time.�� Xie Kun smirked and rubbed his beard.


    ��A just cause enjoys abundant support while an unjust cause finds little support! Those barbarians are enemies of yours, mine, the Yun Nation��s, the Chen Nation��s, and Great Xia��s,�� Mister Ning said with a smile.


    ��Your words are very appropriate, Mister Ning.�� Xie Kunughed.


    Subsequently, the city mobilized a force of about 15,000 soldiers. This army headed north of the city toward the top of a hill, set up camp there, and waited for the aboriginal soldiers.


    At the top of the city wall, the young Mister Ning muttered to himself, ��The previous n was thwarted by them and caused Senior Yu Yang to die. This time, I want to see whether the barbarians have any talented people who can discover the plot involving this river.��

 Chapter 522 - A Hero Wandering Around with Three Sticks

    Chapter 522: A Hero Wandering Around with Three Sticks


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Unlike those people in the south who were full of funny ideas, it was calm and peaceful in the aboriginal camp.


    The empress sent the winged cavalry to open up a path on the hill formed by the copsed mountain so that their soldiers could march through.


    As long as there weren��t too many rocks blocking the road, there was no need for the road to be that smooth.


    This kind of job was easily handled by the winged cavalry.


    A few baihu from the Rearguard Commandery were also dispatched to investigate.


    Plus, there was an additional man in the camp who could smash a mountain with just a strike.


    Even the ordinary soldiers heard about this man who had such an ability.


    Li Fu��s ability to smash a mountain with one strike was vividly described by some people, and the scene of thendslide was witnessed by many people. As a result, the fame of Li Fu spread throughout the camp.


    Furthermore, this was powerful proof of his status as the most powerful expert in the world and cemented his legendary aura.


    In the camp, Ren Baqian was sitting in front of the empress��s tent looking gloomy.


    If only he could master Li Fu��s skills, then his days of being beaten up by the little lolita would be over.


    ��Sir Ren, where is my stun baton?�� Ning Caichen was sitting nearby and looked very beautiful and charming.


    ��Please wait. I will give it to you in a few days.�� Ren Baqian waved him away as if he was waving away a fly. He then continued to imagine the carnage he would inflict once he had mastered Li Fu��s ��Godly Strike.��


    Indeed, ��Godly Strike�� was the name given by Ren Baqian.


    In certain aspects, it was simr to ��Godly Finger.��


    One was directed against the fatal spot, while the other was directed against the G spot.


    Having driven Ning Caichen away, Ren Baqian turned to look at the empress, who was sitting inside the tent. She appeared as if her soul was wandering around.


    The empress seldom looked like this. It seemed like the power of Li Fu��s strike had given her a big blow.


    One was the fourth most powerful expert in the world, whereas the other was the most powerful expert in the world. The empress was shocked by the huge gap between her and Li Fu. How could a proud person like the empress ept this?


    ��Your Majesty, how about going back to rx?�� asked Ren Baqian as he went into the tent. ��The path will take at least two days to clear.��


    ��You can go back. I have some matters to consider.�� The empress waved her hand.


    ��Alright.�� Ren Baqian nced at the empress. It looked like the empress was thinking of changing her homebody lifestyle in order to catch up with her rival.


    Seeing that the empress was no longer paying any attention to him, Ren Baqian immediately disappeared from the tent.


    That evening, a refreshed looking Ren Baqian appeared in the empress��s tent with two big bags.


    Although the empress wasn��t by his side, he was able to go rampaging in many ces due to his capabilities as a Man Wheel expert.


    He did many interesting things during these three days.


    For example, he dumped the heads of some stubborn fools into a toilet and used his gun to blow apart some people��s buttocks��


    He was beginning to like thiswless country. In this chaos, he could do whatever he liked based on his power, and he relished it.


    This was unlike his nation, where he had to abide by thew and stay disciplined all the time.


    In the darkness of the tent, the radiant looking Ren Baqian was immediately kicked out after reappearing inside.


    ��Put your things outside.�� The empress immediately felt better after kicking him out. Shortly after, she put aside the matter that was bothering her for the time being.


    Aggrieved, Ren Baqianid on the ground. Who did he offend? He was instantly kicked aftering back.


    The empress should have been in bed by this time��


    He carried his things back to his tent.


    After dawn, Ren Baqian came out of the tent and saw Ning Caichen looking at him from a short distance away. He was smiling charmingly and made Ren Baqian feel disgusted.


    ��Where��s the xueke?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Ning Caichen took out a palm-sized jade box from his bosom and waved it at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian rummaged in his tent for a while and brought out the stun batons, umtors, and sr energy battery chargers.


    The two crouched beside the tent as if they were doing some illicit transaction.


    ��In any case, we have braved storms together. I will not cheat you. Two stun batons, one sr energy battery charger, and one sr panel. You can wander around the world with just these three sticks!��


    One by one, Ren Baqian took the things out from the bag and gave them to Ning Caichen.


    ��Sir Ren, it��s obvious that there are only two sticks!�� Ning Caichen winked at him.


    ��Cough!�� Ning Caichen looked at Ren Baqian with d eyes that set Ren Baqian��s heart pounding. Ren Baqian quickly recited Amitabha in his heart.


    Ning Caichen was getting more and more bewitching after his sex change and was even more attractive than a real woman.


    Someone who didn��t know his origins would easily be enchanted by him.


    Ren Baqian told Ning Caichen in detail how to use the sr panel to charge the battery. After all, one had to be honest, and if he just gave him one stun baton, it would run out of electricity after one day.


    Furthermore, he was somewhat responsible for Ning Caichen bing this way.


    Ren Baqian hoped that these two stun batons would apany Ning Caichen for the rest of his life.


    After exining everything, Ren Baqian said earnestly, ��Recement is guaranteed, but there is no refund. If there are any problems,e and find me. I will rece the two stun batons for you.��


    Ning Caichen was almost tearing up. ��If I didn��t know how fierce your wife is, I would definitely pledge to marry you.��


    ��Forget about pledging to marry.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    Ren Baqian was halfway through waving his hands when he felt a gust of wind blowing. There was a ��pow�� sound and then Ning Caichen retreated further and further away.


    After the empress blew Ning Caichen away, she gave a snort and turned to leave.


    A long timeter, Ning Caichen came back with half of his face swollen. He looked subdued and didn��t try to flirt anymore.


    Sure enough, one couldn��t afford to seduce a married man.


    Ning Caichen threw the jade box at Ren Baqian and poked his own hand with the stun baton. As his whole body trembled, he looked ecstatic.


    Then, he jubntly brought his things back to do his electrotherapy.


    After opening the box, Ren Baqian saw a type of blood-red rhizome. It looked simr to ginseng, the stem was slender, and the top part was covered with fine roots.


    A fragrant herbal smell came from the box when it was opened and uplifted his spirits.


    ��Fortunately, the smell isn��t weird.�� Ren Baqian went to look for the empress.


    ��Your Majesty, how do I use this thing?��


    ��The best way is to decoct it. However, it��s toote to do that now, so just eat it directly. The efficacy should be about 60 to 70 percent,�� the empress said after taking a nce.


    ��Oh.�� Ren Baqian didn��t say anymore and opened his mouth to stuff the xueke in.


    ��It tastes like radish,�� Ren Baqian said vaguely as he chewed it.


    In less than two minutes, Ren Baqian felt heat coursing turbulently through his body�� It was more like a me than a heat flow.


    He felt his body temperature rising continuously, and it felt simr to being soaked in a tub of hot water.


    Every inch of his skin was red and fire seemed to being out of his eyes.


    <em>Sh*t, I��m being cooked! Cooked! </em>Ren Baqian was screaming inside, but nothing came out from his mouth.


    The high temperature was making him delirious. Sweat was pouring out from his body like a shower and drenched his clothes in the blink of an eye.


    At this time, the empress moved to his back and patted his body more than ten times in order to disperse the me to other parts his body.


    The empress walked toward Ren Baqian to observe him and coolly said, ��Throw him into the water.��


    While lowering her head, she saw a ��tent�� that was raised very high.


    The empress ground her teeth and felt the impulse to kick him.

 Chapter 523 - Breakthrough

    Chapter 523: Breakthrough


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian felt countless small mes all over his body that were burning every piece of his flesh. It was like tempering steel and ridding the impurities from his body.


    A ck discharge oozed out from his body and was flushed away by the river water.


    However, other people couldn��t see this clearly since Ren Baqian was generating steam from his body and it looked like there was a fog around him.


    There was also an earth-shattering change in his brain.


    The fiery world in his body began to subside. Like a volcano crumbling, theva flew in all directions and the winds howled. A portion of the metal chain and spear that werefortably soaking their legs in theva, suddenly emerged out of Ren Baqian��s head.


    The metal chain tied Ren Baqian up tightly.


    The spear didn��t have as many requirements as the metal chain and seemed to be weightless as it stayed suspended in the air beside him. The river water that hit the spear directly separated into two streams.


    The empress stood at the riverbank, looked at the mist surrounding the figure in the river, and kept silent.


    Although the effect of the <em>xueke </em>was pretty good, it only targeted Ren Baqian.


    She could easily disperse the effects of this type of medicine, so there wasn��t any need to worry.


    Even though this was the case, she still stood by and watched quietly from the side.


    ��Actual Heaven-grade weapons?�� Li Fu suddenly appeared beside the empress. He looked surprised.


    Li Fu was still dressed like a beggar; his clothes were tattered, and his hair messy. Although Ren Baqian had sent him some new clothes, he simply didn��t care.


    To him, there was no difference between new clothes and torn clothes.


    He had already lived for 200 years, and material things didn��t matter to him anymore.


    When Ren Baqian was being hastily put in the river, Li Fu had noticed. Subsequently, he discovered the tiny fluctuations emitted by a Heaven-grade weapon. He didn��t expect to see such a scene here.


    He could clearly feel the imprint of Ren Baqian on these two Heaven-grade weapons.


    Ordinary people judged others by their outlook or smell. At his level, he could differentiate a person based on their spirit. The look and smell could change, but not one��s spirit.


    ��This is strange! This fellow is obviously a Man Wheel expert��why would he have a Heaven-grade weapon? Let alone two?!�� Li Fu was surprised.


    The empress took two steps to the side to move further away from Li Fu.


    She felt that Li Fu had body odor�� She could treat him with respect due to the fact that he was the world��s most powerful expert, but this didn��t mean that she could endure his smell.


    She was totally not interested in answering his question.


    Li Fu thought for a long time, but failed to understand the key points. He finally gave up and decided to ask the young man when he woke up.


    After a long time, Ren Baqian felt himself regaining control of his body.


    The first thing he had to face was being tied up by the metal chain.


    Fortunately, when he recovered, both the metal chain and the spear immediately moved back inside his head and became dumbfounded. What happened to the volcano and theva? Why was there only a desert left now?


    How would they soak their legs? How would they soak in a warm bath?


    They were deprived even of their only pleasures.


    The two objects were stunned and tried to get out after a while to confront Ren Baqian, but they were suppressed by the empress with one finger.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was unharmed, the empress sent the two objects flying by flicking her finger. Thereafter, she went back to continue thinking about what she needed to do in order to achieve the level of Li Fu.


    ��Why do you have Heaven-grade weapons? How is this possible?�� Li Fu couldn��t wait to ask when Ren Baqian reached the shore. ��Furthermore, you have two! Even I only have one!��


    ��Maybe it��s because I��m a genius! That��s why you are doing the right thing by teaching me your skills because I��m the only one who can develop these skills further. Indigo bluees from the indigo nt, but is bluer.�� Ren Baqian couldn��t resist throwing a few punches. His speed was much faster, and the punches carried the sound of blowing winds.


    His body moved more than ten meters with his feet slightly touching the ground.


    The heart is associated with fire, houses the spirit, and governs the whole body. Afterpleting the [Visualization of Fire], the coordination of his whole body had improved. His strength and speed were enhanced quite a bit. Although he hadn��t tested himself out yet, he could feel the harmony in his body and a sense of control over it.


    This was the first time he had felt this way, and he was one step closer to the Earth Wheel level. The next two stages to aim for were the [Visualization of Earth] and the [Visualization of Water].


    Within one year, he not only reached the Man Wheel level, but also attained its intermediate level by breaking through three visualization concepts. Ren Baqian felt that he should consider himself a genius!


    ��Something isn��t right. Your spear belonged to Teng Yue. I have seen him once before. Why is his Spirit Spear with you? Furthermore, it��s integrated inside your Spirit Depository and waiting for you to be a Spirit Wheel expert so that it can be used without restriction. How is this possible?�� Li Fu kept on questioning him.


    Apart from the deities and the heavens, only matters that were never seen or heard of before, like what was happening with Ren Baqian, could attract Li Fu��s attention.


    ��Regarding the metal chain, I have never seen it before, but it doesn��t belong to you either! How could they be in your body?��


    ��This is because they came to realize that they had no future with their original masters and have forsaken darkness for light! Instead of having no future with their original owners, who only knew how to fight every day, they can eat well, drink well, and soak their legs by following me,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Impossible! Although Heaven-grade weapons are formed out of spirits, they do not have their own consciousness!�� Li Fu said seriously.


    ��Ask them if you don��t believe me!�� Ren Baqian said as he spread out his arms.


    ��That��s not right��something is definitely wrong!�� Li Fu��s eyebrows were furrowed like a Shar-Pei dog. His messy hair was swaying nonstop as he just couldn��t understand the possibility of such a thing.


    He wished he had read more. He had been searching for the deities all these years and didn��t know much about many secrets. Otherwise, he would certainly be able to figure out this secret.


    Ren Baqian practiced some killer punches. Each punch was apanied by the sound of whistling wind, and every step created a deep imprint on the ground.


    He looked at the imprints he left behind and felt satisfied because they were now deeper by about half.


    He looked up at Li Fu and saw that he was still frowning and thinking hard. Ren Baqian said, ��Senior, since you can��t understand, then����


    ��No need to say anymore. I will surely find out the reason!�� Li Fu raised his hand to stop Ren Baqian from speaking.


    He was the world��s most powerful expert and knew more about this topic than most people. If other people could conceive of it, it was impossible for him to fail to figure it out.


    Was there something he didn��t understand?


    <em>Did you misunderstand anything?</em>


    <em>There��s nothing that I n to tell you?</em>


    <em>My meaning is, since you can��t figure it out, stop thinking then!</em>


    ��Well, that��s fine. Senior, when can you teach me your ��Godly Strike?''�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��In a few days. Wait until I understand this problem and then I will teach you!�� Li Fu put his hands behind his back and bowed his head while meditating and thinking. He mumbled as he walked, ��Why? Why��s it like this? How��s it done? Why?��


    Ren Baqian felt faint when he heard this. If Li Fu couldn��t find out the reason during his lifetime, his skills would be buried with him!


    The problem was that the probability of Li Fu figuring things out during his lifetime was extremely low.

 Chapter 524 - Using Water to Attack

    Chapter 524: Using Water to Attack


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Another day had passed, and the road to the Three Rivers region was finally opened.


    The soldiers packed up their tents and set off. Initially, Ren Baqian was still thinking over how he should persuade Ning Caichen to stay behind. After all, the situation in Tianjing Basin should be kept a secret during this short period of time. Ren Baqian wasn��t going to ce any hope on the other party keeping this situation confidential.


    It turned out that not only did Ning Caichen not leave after taking the stun batons, he also did not have the intention of leaving.


    ��You are preparing to stay here?�� Ren Baqian casually asked.


    Ning Caichen swayed his body and asked flirtatiously, ��Where else can I go when I��m in such a state? Why doesn��t Sir Ren take care of me?��


    Not to mention, his small buttocks were so coquettish that even Ren Baqian had the urge to pinch them.


    ��Amitabha!�� Ren Baqian��s expression was solemn.


    However, it was a fact that Ning Caichen wouldn��t be able to return to his family.


    Ren Baqian felt that if his son became like this�� He would kill him with his own hands.


    Although the situation of gender identity disorder actually existed and a modern person like Ren Baqian would be able to understand, he could only be understanding if it happened to the son of another family. It would be absolutely iprehensible if it happened to his own son, let alone such a thing happening in this other world.


    Furthermore, although the both of them had friendly rtions with each other, Ren Baqian didn��t think that Ning Caichen would help him to keep his secret. It was the optimal scenario for Ning Caichen to stay behind on his own ord.


    ��If there isn��t a ce for you to go, it just so happens that I stillck the manpower to do things. Brother Ning, what do you think?�� Ren Baqian pondered for a while before speaking. This Ning Caichen knew a lot about Great Xia and was well informed as well. A person like him would be beneficial.


    ��In that case, I will belong to Sir Ren, right?�� Ning Caichen smiled provocatively.


    <em>Pow!</em>


    Ning Caichen flew away.


    The empress��s gaze was fixed on Ning Caichen as she left Ren Baqian��s side without even taking a nce at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian grimaced. He felt that there was something weird about the empress��s whereabouts. It seemed as if she was everywhere and had countless of clones.


    Moreover, the empress��s overprotectiveness was growing more serious.


    Even so, he still felt a tinge of sweetness in his heart. After all, she only behaved like this because he had a considerably important position in her heart.


    ��My teenage heart�� is going to be melted by Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian clutched his chest and eximed.


    After that, he was kicked by the empress from behind and fell to the ground.


    They rode on fork-horned cows and climbed over the rocky kills. A few miles ahead, farnd weed them. There was also a river that was more than 100 meters wide right behind that stretch of farnd.


    After crossing the river, they would arrive at arge in with neat farnd everywhere. It was a sight that was full of vitality.


    Under the sun, it was just like a beautiful pastoral scene.


    A few kilometers past the river, there was a hill that wasn��t considered big and troops that were getting into formation. Countless gs were also waving in the wind.


    Ren Baqian already knew about these enemy forces. After all, they had been entrenched here for two days and were even in an attacking stance.


    ��They want to obstruct us with just these few people?�� Xi Wanya spoke in a tone that despised the other party.


    ��Your Majesty, the winged cavalry requests for your permission to attack so as to destroy those rebels and bring glory to Dayao��s army,�� Gong Zheng said, asking for the empress��s permission.


    ��Permission granted! Xi Wanya, dispatch someone to attack in concert with the winged cavalry,�� the empress said cooly.


    ��Yes!�� The two of them went to prepare in high spirits.


    Just when Ren Baqian arrived at the in at the bottom of the mountain, a baihu came forward and reported, ��Sir, the current water level has decreased significantlypared to thest time I was here.��


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian nced at this baihu who had fled from the south. His surname should be Qiao. If it was only the water level that had dropped, he wouldn��t havee all the way to report this. Perhaps he had discovered something fishy about this matter.


    ��How much has it decreased by?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��At least a meter! Even some shallow parts of the river bed on both sides of the river have been exposed,�� he said in a deep voice.


    Immediately, Ren Baqian went into deep thought.


    Although he didn��t know much, he knew that the water level had fallen by one meter within a month. He was afraid that something was amiss.


    If this was a small river, it would be easy to deal with. However, this river was at least 100 meters wide. A river with such a wide surface would certainly contain arge amount of water. For the water level to decrease by about one meter, this meant that a significant amount of water had disappeared.


    ��Sir, your subordinate has also previously thought about this. My guess is that since it rained so rarely over the past few days, perhaps this is the cause of the drop in the water level,�� another baihu chimed in with a smile on his face. This baihu��s surname was Xu, and he was also from the south.


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian responded faintly, then asked the first baihu who had reported, ��What do you think the reason is?��


    ��I don��t know. What Baihu Xu said is possible, but the water level has decreased so much, and it��s a little strange,�� the other baihu said softly. ��Maybe Sir Ren can send someone upstream to have a look?��


    ��Not bad!�� Ren Baqian nodded and then casually shouted, ��Guards!��


    ��Sir!�� There were two guards by his side, and in no time, they took two steps forward.


    ��Arrest him!�� Ren Baqian pointed to the baihu, whose surname was Xu.


    ��Sir!�� That baihu��s face turned pale.


    ��If I said something that shouldn��t be said, please forgive me, Sir!�� The baihu didn��t dare to resist and was arrested by those two guards. They brought him to right in front of Ren Baqian. He was in extreme distress.


    ��I heard that when we go out to the sea, we have to worship the Sea God. Likewise, we have to worship the River God too. If nothing bad happens, you will be fine. If something unfortunate happens, chop him up, and worship the River God!�� Ren Baqian said bluntly.


    That baihu��s face instantly turned ck.


    ��Sir, those were unintentional words!��


    ��Don��t be nervous. If nothing happens, you will naturally be fine.�� Ren Baqian shed his good-natured smile. ��Unless you think that there will be an ident?��


    A few of the other baihu in the surroundings heard what Ren Baqian said and became startled.


    ��Take him down and watch over him. If he escapes, we��ll use the two of you to worship the River God!�� Ren Baqian instructed the guards to take that baihu away and went to meet the empress.


    ��Your Majesty, get General Xi and Captain Gong to hold their horses. Let��s go up front to take a look first.��


    ��What did you discover?��


    ��A little conjecture! I will still need to see it with my own eyes.��


    ��Alright!�� For Ren Baqian to say such words, the empress was certain that Ren Baqian had discovered something.


    A short whileter, she called for Xi Wanya, Zong Sheng, and Gong Zheng before heading to the riverbank.


    Ren Baqian stood at the bank of the river and immediately saw what he wanted to see.


    ��Your Majesty, Protector General Xi, Assistant Protector General Zong, and Captain Gong, take a look. The riverbank was originally in the vicinity here, and there are traces of it now. Moreover, it��s only here, which indicates that the water level of this river has always been very stable.


    Yet, at this time, the water level has fallen to there, which is less than one meter.��


    ��What did you discover?�� The empress instantly shot him a question.


    Ren Baqian pointed at the remains of a bridge on the opposite bank of the river, ��Originally, there was a bridge there. The purpose of the other party destroying that bridge wasn��t because they wanted to stop us from crossing the river. Instead, they want us to build wooden boats and sail over.


    If the other party built a dam to hold back the water in advance, then when we cross the river, they will break the dam, let the water flood out, and our troops will naturally suffer heavy losses. Your Majesty, send someone upstream to scout, and we��ll find out.��


    ��What Sir Ren said makes sense,�� Gong Zheng replied on the spot. After that, he smiled and continued, ��Still, that mastermind actually underestimates my winged cavalry. Do we even need to build wooden boats to cross this river? As long as we throw tree trunks into the river, our winged cavalry would be able to cross it.��


    ��After that, would the winged cavalry attack the enemy on their own? There are now only about 700 winged cavalry warriors left, and it would be disastrous if they continue to suffer losses,�� Ren Baqian responded. Presently, the remaining number of winged cavalry warriors had reached an rming figure. If they were to lose another portion of them, it was as good as losing the next half of the war.


    ��Gong Zheng, send someone upstream immediately to check!�� the empress ordered.


    ��


    At this time, on the hill across the river, a young man was looking at the troops that were already prepared to attack at any time. However, the young man actually stopped them. Subsequently, he divided dozens of mounted soldiers into different squads and instructed them to dash upstream.


    ��Those barbarians found out? It seems like they are much smarter than what I had expected! Yet, that��s all there is to it.��


    The barbarians all thought that the other party wanted to break the dam while they were crossing the river.


    In fact, ording to the rebel��s ns, even the two sides of the river would be swept away, including the current position of the aboriginals.


    <em>Unless all of you return to the mountain now, you guys will not be able to escape when you discover the raging river!</em>


    <em>Even if I can��tpletely get rid of your soldiers, at the very least, I must make you lose half of them!</em>


    <em>After destroying half of your troops as well as your army provisions, I shall see how all of you continue to fight this battle!</em>


    With a faint smile on his face, the young man gestured. The person next to him opened a bag, and a multi-colored bird that was around the length of a finger flew in a circle before heading upstream.

 Chapter 525 - Trying Hard to Prevent a Desperate Crisis

    Chapter 525: Trying Hard to Prevent a Desperate Crisis


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    While some of the soldiers went to hew some timber, Ren Baqian and his people waited by the river shore


    Regardless of whether the wood would be used to craft rafts or pitch camp, this was a necessary preparation.


    By the shore, Ren Baqian used binocrs and observed the other side of the river. He detected something quietly waiting there, but it didn��t have much movement.


    Someone must have seen it just now when they went upstream to check? It didn��t really matter even if the n had failed, did it?


    Could it be that the other party still had reinforcements? What could it be?


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and dropped the thought temporarily when he failed to grasp the gist of the issue.


    He wasn��t well versed in such strategies and couldn��t figure out what the other party was thinking.


    In any case, his army wouldpletely triumph over them. The only thing that they could do was toe up with something that would cripple Ren Baqian��s military strength.


    Otherwise, they would have to use new recruits and garrisons to face the winged cavalry and the Protectorate of the South, who were all at least Man Wheel experts. That would be no different from courting death.


    The other party couldn��t possibly be thinking that a bunch of new recruits would defeat the aboriginal army, right? Even if their numbers were 20 or even 30 times greater.


    If war was simply a game of umting men, then Dayao would have already been destroyed over 100 times.


    Therefore, as long as the aboriginals remained as cautious as possible, avoided falling into traps, and prevented excessive damage to their military strength, putting down this revolt would be a guaranteed sess.


    All the aboriginals could do was to counter every move of the other party.


    Recalling what someone had mentioned before, every outstandingmander was a coward, which was why they would ponder so much. They would consider every aspect and would never miss a single detail.


    Ren Baqian felt that this exnation somehow made sense.


    He wasn��t timid at all. Thus, he wasn��t destined to be an outstandingmander.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and looked around for Li Fu, but quickly spotted Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng. Presently, both of them looked like guardian deities.


    Li Fu paid no attention to the both of them. He continued wondering, <em>Why? Why were there Heaven-grade weapons? Why were there two of them?</em>


    ��Senior, there��s an army obstructing the road ahead. It would be better if you could capture theirmander and destroy those soldiers. This way, we can return earlier to conduct research on the rocket,�� Ren Baqian said as he rode his horse beside Li Fu.


    Without even lifting his head, Li Fu left looking weary and continued to rack his brains.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t the slightest bit concerned. He also didn��t think that Li Fu would be a hired thug for him because of this one sentence.


    Even though Li Fu had a distracted look on his face, as distracted as he could be, he was still the world��s most powerful expert.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian suddenly heard thunder-like sounds from afar.


    ��Is it going to rain?�� Ren Baqian lifted his head and looked up toward the sky in the distance. If it were to rain, the river would swell and the current would be faster. If that happened, it would be much more troublesome to cross the river.


    However, as far as his eyes could see, the sky was clear and sunny. There were no signs of impending rain.


    Suddenly, the situation ahead turned chaotic.


    ��Flood! Flood! Hurry and report to the Protector General and Her Majesty! Tell them to quickly retreat!�� many of the soldiers shouted.


    Ren Baqian��s eyebrows twitched as he leaped up from his mount and was finally able to extend his line of sight beyond the crowd to look at the situation in the distance.


    All he could see was a white line rushing toward his direction! In front of that white line, there were numerous little dots that seemed like out of control huskies that were rampaging toward his direction.


    ��F*ck!�� Ren Baqian felt like spouting profanities. So this was what the other party was nning!


    They had never intended to copse the dam while Ren Baqian and his people were crossing. The force of the water that they had amassed was sufficient to flood both sides of the river.


    No wonder the other party was calm andposed. They didn��t even have the slightest reaction after learning that Ren Baqian had sent his men upstream to investigate.


    The empress and Xi Wanya reacted even quicker than Ren Baqian. Both of them had leaped up into the air, witnessed everything, and immediately shouted out, ��Everyone, move back up the mountain. Leave everything behind! All personnel, quickly retreat!��


    ��Don��t be disordered. Follow the sequence of distance and quickly move back up the mountain,�� Xi Wanya shouted loudly as well.


    Ren Baqiannded on the back of his horned cow and looked at the hill beside them. The rearguard of their forces was actually pretty close to the hill. However, some of them in vanguard were already nearing the river and were at least 1,500 meters away from the hill.


    With the speed of a Man Wheel expert, it would take three minutes to travel this distance.


    As for the white line that Ren Baqian had seen just now, it would take at least three minutes for it to reach the hill as well.


    It seemed like the army had enough time to make it. However, with thousands of people concentrated in the area, the problem was that there was no room to run!


    Presently, this problem was evident. Ren Baqian looked around him and saw that the soldiers near the hill had already quickly made it to the top. However, those around him were still in chaos.


    Even though Xi Wanya had repeatedly shouted out not to panic, disorder was inevitable. It would be possible if there was sufficient time, but there just wasn��t enough time now.


    Regardless of whether it was water or fire, they both wait for no man!


    ��Kill!�� Just at this moment, a battle cry sounded from the hill.


    An army of around 1,000 soldiers charged toward the aboriginals and fired a flurry of arrows before they even got close.


    ��They aren��t the rebel army, they are practitioners from the different sects!�� Even though Ren Baqian was far away, he immediately determined their identities the moment he saw their movements.


    It was almost impossible to ambush the nearby army, yet a group of 1,000 practitioners actually managed to get so close without being detected!


    ��Damn it! Are you people from the protectorate good-for-nothings?�� Ren Baqian was pissed off!


    The situation here was originally already chaotic. Now, another group of enemies had appeared at the hill to obstruct the escape route, slowing down the speed of the retreat. At this rate, there was no telling how many people would perish in this flood.


    ��Go!�� The empressnded beside Ren Baqian. She groaned as she carried him with one hand and charged toward the enemies that had just appeared at the hill.


    ��Senior Li Fu!�� At that moment, Ren Baqian shouted down, ��Look for Li Fu, Your Majesty. Otherwise, even if all the enemies on the hill were killed, with the current speed of the retreat, there is no telling how many people will be washed away by the flood!��


    The empress heeded Ren Baqian��s words and began looking for Li Fu while in midair. She took a turn andnded beside him.


    ��I urge you to take action, senior!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands toward Li Fu.


    ��I��ll not meddle with such trivial stuff!�� Li Fu nced at him and shook his head.


    ��If we were to lose this battle, the south, the Chen Nation, and the Yun Nation will be in a mess. With Great Xia eyeing us covetously and our internal affairs in chaos, how would it be possible to develop the science and technology necessary to build a rocket? We plead for your assistance, senior. We don��t need you to attack the rebels, we just hope you can save those soldiers! When we return, I��ll make you a hang glider and let you have a ride in the sky!�� Ren Baqian said hastily.


    Previously, the rod strike from Li Fu had startled Ren Baqian. Currently, if there was someone who had the ability to stop the violent flooding water, it could only be him.


    Li Fu hesitated for a while before nodding and saying, ��Fine, I��ll help you. Get your people to hide behind me!��


    Ren Baqian was ted after hearing this and hurriedly said to the empress, ��Your Majesty, get those who can��t make it up the hill in time to hide behind Li Fu.��


    The empress had no objections and cupped her hands toward Li Fu as an expression of gratitude. After that, she got everyone to gather together behind him


    When everyone had assembled, the empress lifted Ren Baqian andnded on top of a tree before watching Li Fu��s every action very closely.


    At that instant, the rebels threw down a few corpses from the hill. As they exchanged a few blows with the aboriginals, a few of them ran back.


    Their motive was to dy the aboriginal army, and they had achieved their purpose.


    Ren Baqian fixed his gaze at the front. The line of water that was rushing forth was only about 100 meters away from their people. Huge waves of around two meters tall swelled up toward the crowd along with a loud rumble.


    Li Fu was facing this huge wave with just his rod and standing behind him were thousands of soldiers tightly assembled.


    Within a matter of only a few breaths, the wave had swelled up in front of everyone.


    Looking solemn, Li Fu stared closely at the wave. The Dragon Turtle Rod in his hands suddenly grew two meters long and stretched ahead.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    An approximately ten meter radius of water in front of Li Fu immediately burst apart. He looked very pleased with the usefulness of just this one strike. ording to his estimation, just one strike with his rod should be able to split apart the water with a range of about 100 meters.


    However, the water began crashing down on his head the very next second.


    Li Fu was shocked. How could the power of his strike be so weak? He then used his rod to create countless shadows in front of him.


    The waves now parted from where Li Fu was standing and merged back together behind the soldiers.


    The surrounding soldiers could very clearly see a countless amount of marine life in that water.


    Ren Baqian and the empress could see everything clearly from the top of the tree. Li Fu didn��t only strike once with his rod, but countless times in fact. Countless shadows created by his rod filled up the space in front of him.


    The flood was simply split apart in front of Li Fu and pushed outward to both sides by his rod. Colliding with the water on the outside, the water pressure built up andbined together.


    Yet, it was just enough to avoid the numerous soldiers behind Li Fu.


    Observing the situation from afar, the aboriginals looked as if they were a piece of reef in the water, brushing against the flow of the current.


    Having previously even destroyed a mountain in one move, Li Fu splitting the water 100 meters apart wasn��t exactly breathtaking.


    After all, he merely used one strike to destroy a mountain, yet he had to unleash countless moves at present. The area in front of Li Fu waspletely filled with shes of his rod��s shadows.


    However, Li Fu��s control of his strength could be said to have reached great heights! To be able to allow the water to avoid everyone and join back together a meter behind them, such control of his strength made him worthy of being called the world��s most powerful expert.


    All the baihu standing on the hill were bedazzled, as were Qingyun Sword and the others standing behind him.


    However, even though Li Fu had currently received the admiration of everyone, he wanted to swear so badly in his heart!


    <em>Damn it! Has my strength deteriorated so much? It��s so shocking! I originally thought that I would be able to split apart the water with just one move, but in the end, it took me a few hundred moves just to do that. I had to expend all my energy just to be able to barely save these people. At this rate, I won��t be able to hold on for much longer!</em>


    <em>Since I already agreed to it, I have to keep these people safe no matter what. Otherwise, I will have nowhere else to put my face.</em>

 Chapter 526 - Come, Let’s Injure Each Other!

    Chapter 526: Come, Let��s Injure Each Other!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When it began to flood, the young man on the hill across the riverughed.


    Although he couldn��t see clearly because he was a distance away, at least half of the aboriginals hadn��t managed to climb up the hill. The situation was more or less what he had expected it to be.


    With less than half of their military power, it would be very difficult for Dayao to beat the rebels in Tianjing Basin, unless they mobilized their other soldiers from elsewhere.


    To begin with, they didn��t even have that many soldiers situated at the Chen Nation. Also, they weren��t able to mobilize the soldiers under Hong Wu because Great Xia was like a tiger watching its prey.


    Under these circumstances, they could only mobilize their soldiers that were in the Yun Nation.


    Zhu Wuzhen could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    However, it was a little weird. Back then, those aboriginals didn��t flee for their lives. On the contrary, they gathered together?


    Soon enough, he couldn��t smile anymore as there was a spot in the middle of the flooding river that had big waves sshing, which obstructed his vision. This scene was simr to that of boundless sea waves pounding against reefs. From a young age, he had been exposed to such sights, and they had been deeply etched in his mind.


    Could it be possible that there was someone who could obstruct a flood, just like the reefs in the sea?


    Soon after, he began tough. Even if Qi Zixiao came, she would only be able to save a few people from this flood at best. Just now, there were at least a few thousand soldiers gathered, so even if the world��s most powerful expert was present, there was nothing he could do.


    Nevertheless, the waves were slowly getting bigger�� making him unable to rx in the end.


    ��


    At this time, Li Fu separated the flooding river into two sections. The people below were temporarily safe, and at longst, Ren Baqian had spare energy to look around.


    He looked ahead and only saw a vast body of water.


    The entire riverbank on this side was flooded. As for the other side of the riverbank, a huge portion was also flooded.


    For example, the vicinity of that hill had beenpletely flooded.


    A distance away, nothing serious had happened because the elevation of the terrain was slightly higher.


    After looking around, Ren Baqian began to feel that the enemy party at the top of that hill were turning into eyesores.


    All of a sudden, Ren Baqian came up with an idea.


    First, he turned to look at the empress, who had her gaze fixated on Li Fu��s rod. He wasn��t sure if she was trying to achieve enlightenment from Li Fu��s skills.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian called out to the empress softly.


    He was afraid that there were cases of sudden insight in this world and was afraid of disturbing others. As such, he spoke softly. If the empress was trying to achieve enlightenment from Li Fu��s ��Godly strike,�� his soft voice shouldn��t disturb her, right?


    ��What��s the matter?�� He didn��t expect the empress to reply to him instantly.


    ��Your Majesty, can you send me up to the hill? I have an idea.�� The empress nced over and carried Ren Baqian in the direction of the hill on their side of the river. Whenever they were about to fall into the water, the empress would use her palm to swat the surface of the water, and they would bounce high up again.


    On the surface of the river behind the two, geysers of water erupted as they passed by.


    Ren Baqian searched for quite some time before finally finding his bundle. These things were held for safekeeping by the guards and were fortunately brought up to the hill.


    Thereafter, he took out a few skunk bombs.


    Ren Baqian found Zong Shen, pointed at the other side, and asked, ��Zong Shen, is it possible to shoot these things over to the other hill?��


    ��What are these, Sir Ren?�� Zong Shen was stunned as he didn��t know what Ren Baqian was up to.


    ��Zong Shen, I wonder if it��s possible?��


    ��It��s possible�� As long as the item is tied to an arrow, I can shoot it over after I arrive in the middle of the river by treading on the water,�� Zong Shen muttered to himself.


    ��That��s great.�� Ren Baqianughed grimly and thought, <em>Come, let��s injure each other!</em>


    ��Tie this thing to the arrow. When you want to shoot, pull out this ring first. Then, shoot it immediately. You must be fast! By no means can you dy. After pulling out the ring, this thing can��t stay in your hands for more than two breaths.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t want to see Zong Shen end up in the same plight as Shi Hu.


    Zhong Shen had toplete this task with all his might.


    ��Alright, leave this task to me.�� Zong Shen took the skunk bombs from Ren Baqian. After that, he instructed his subordinates to bring his bow and arrows over.


    Zong Shen��s bow was made entirely of metal. It was about half the height of an average person, and the bowstring had about the same thickness as a thumb.


    An ordinary practitioner wouldn��t be able to pull the bowstring.


    Zong Shen tied the skunk bombs onto the arrow, changed his position, and adjusted the center of gravity. After that, he put these few arrows behind him, instructed his subordinates to retrieve tree trunks that were as thick as an aboriginal arm, and cut these logs into six segments. He then wedged them under his arms.


    Soon after, he jumped tens of meters into the air from the hill. When he was about to fall, he would throw a log segment at the ce where he was going tond.


    Momentster, Zong Shen arrived at the heart of the river. He leaped into the sky, loaded his bow, and shot at the opposite side.


    He consecutively fired three arrows.


    After hended at ground level, he leaped up and shot another three arrows.


    However, when hended for the second time, he lost his footing and fell into the water.


    However, the current of the river didn��t pose any threat to him. In the blink of an eye, he jumped out of the water with tworge fish in his hand. Just when he was about to fall into the water, he threw the fish back to the river again.


    The two fish had long since been killed by him and were just perfect to be used as stepping stones.


    After jumping past the two fish, Zong Shen fell into the water. Once again, he grabbed another two fish and used them as stepping stones. Atst, he had finally returned to the top of the hill.


    At this time, Ren Baqian was looking at the chaos on the opposite hill with a pair of binocrs. He was practically grinning from ear to ear.


    Sure enough, the pain of others is the basis of one��s own happiness.


    ��


    Two minutes ago, when Zong Shen jumped up, he had already attracted the enemy��s attention.


    Looking at Zong Shen as he threw down the log segments and jumped toward their direction, that young man muttered to himself, ��What is he nning to do?��


    The two elders beside the young man, who were looking forward, said, ��That is the Assistant Protector General of the Protectorate of the South, Zong Shen. Regardless of what he ns to do, he��s alone. Rest assured, both of us are certain that we can protect Mister Ning.��


    Even though the both of them might not be able to defeat Zong Shen, they were still able to take Mister Ning along with them and flee. This person��s identity was important, and his military strategies and tactics were marvelled by everyone else. In order to defeat the aboriginals, they still had to borrow his strength. Whatever the case, they wouldn��t let him die over here.


    ��Thank you for the trouble, seniors. However, I don��t think that he��s here to kill us, right?�� Mister Ning revealed a gentle smile.


    Just when he finished speaking, Zong Shen was already at the middle of the river. He then jumped about ten meters into the air and loaded his bow.


    ��Mister Ning, be careful.�� The two elders pulled Mister Ning behind them and stared attentively at Zong Shen, who was in midair.


    Then, three arrows were fired over.


    It didn��t seem like Zong Shen had a target. One of the arrowsnded somewhere near Mister Ning, but it wasn��t directed at him. Mister Ning also felt that he wasn��t the other party��s target as his current clothing was no different from that of a normal soldier.


    Also, there weren��t any important people at the locations that the other two arrows were shot at.


    <em>What exactly is he up to? </em>Mister Ning had this question on his mind.


    Afterward, a scent assailed his nostrils that smelled like aged feces mixed with other things that weren��t identifiable.


    Immediately, it was as if someone was hammering his forehead. He could only see stars.


    Shortly after, his chest felt like it got punched, causing his lungs to fully contract. Not a single bit of air could enter.


    ��Poison���� Mister Ning mouthed this word before vomiting due to the poison. Soon after, he proceeded to violently vomit out all the food he just ate, so much so that he was itching to vomit all his internal organs out. The next moment, everything turned pitch dark as he passed out.


    The faces of the two elders beside him turned pale!


    Upon smelling this stench, the two elders suddenly recalled the tragic encounter they experienced previously.


    Now, this stench was much stronger than it was at the beginning, and it was even more ��formidable.��


    ��Something��s amiss��retreat quickly!�� The two of them carried Mister Ning, who had fainted, and fled without looking back. Halfway through, they fell into the water.


    Mister Ning woke up just after falling into the water. He choked on a huge mouthful of water, was lifted out of the river, and smelled that pungent stench once more. Immediately, he passed out again.


    As for the others, they were on the verge of giving up their lives.


    On the one hand, they were seeing stars. On the other hand, they were looking at the flood.


    Jump or don��t jump?


    Originally, they were supposed to use this water to attack their enemy. However, at this moment, they were all trapped over here.


    More than 10,000 soldiers on the entirety of the hill were internally intoxicated with ��poison�� and externally affected by the flood. The entire ce fell into chaos.

 Chapter 527 - Attacking the City That Very Night

    Chapter 527: Attacking the City That Very Night


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The floodsted for almost one hour before it gradually abated.


    When the water level dropped to about waist level, Li Fu could no longer take it.


    Fortunately, the ordinary soldiers were able to withstand the flow of the floodwater by this point.


    Ren Baqian was shocked at Li Fu��s appearance. His hair and beard stuck to his face, he was pale, and his eyes were dull. It was as if he had been bled dry for three days and three nights of battle. He no longer looked like the peerless warrior he was.


    ��Senior�� Are you alright?�� Ren Baqian asked with great concern.


    ��Young man, you havended me in a miserable state! You better stay far away and not talk to me!�� Li Fu said weakly.


    ��Oh���� Ren Baqian realized that the number one expert in the world was a human after all.


    Initially, Li Fu looked like a god due to his ability to smash a mountain with one strike. Looking at Li Fu��s miserable appearance now, Ren Baqian didn��t know why he wasughing behind his sleeve.


    There was no apparent reason for feeling this way as this guy had helped to save thousands of soldiers.


    However, seeing that a deity was just a mere mortal made Ren Baqian feel more at ease.


    After all, Li Fu was so powerful that everyone was in awe of him.


    Even the empress was far behind him inparison.


    ��Senior, have a good rest first. I will prepare some items to replenish your energy, items like phallus of a saber-toothed tiger, phallus of a panda, mer, epimedium, and cistanche���� Ren Baqian smiled solicitously.


    ��So many crappy things!�� Li Fu was fuming with his eyes wide open. He might not know about the rest, but he definitely knew what a tiger phallus was.


    He hadn��t been near a woman for over 200 years, so if he took the tiger phallus, how was he going to sleep?


    After Li Fu found a resting spot, Ren Baqian went to the empress and reported, ��Your Majesty, although the soldiers are alright, the military supplies are all gone.��


    All that was left were the goats and cows sent from Gu City and the mounts of the winged cavalry. These goats and cows were positioned at the rear and were rushed to the hill in time. However, at present, the meat was mixed with grain to be eaten during this war campaign. Their current supplies would onlyst for one meal if the army was to eat until they were full.


    ��There is food in the city,�� the empress said casually before summoning Xi Wanya. ��Get the soldiers to cut down trees and build rafts to cross the river.��


    She then summoned Gong Zheng, ��Get the winged cavalry ready to cross the river once the water has receded. The requirement for you is to stand firm and not engage the other side. If they do not attack, don��t take the initiative to attack them.��


    ��Understood!��


    After two hours, the water began to recede, revealing that the previous farnd was now covered with sediment. Fish were flopping on both riverbanks, and a few big ones were three or four meters long and had sharp teeth.


    Ren Baqian ordered his people to quickly gather the fish. At the very least, there would be grilled fish tonight. If the military supplies hadn��t been lost, they could even have had fish soup to drink.


    It was a pity that those practitioners who had attacked them just now were all dead or had escaped. Otherwise, he could use one of them to test the fish for poison.


    However, most of the fish should be alright, and they only needed to pay attention to those that looked weird.


    By the time the riverbank on their side was exposed, the water level of the opposite riverbank was under about one meter of water. However, the rebels on the other hill could no longer wait. They, sessively jumped into the water and ran through the river into the distance.


    Nevertheless, the water couldn��t get rid of the smell on their bodies, and they avoided each other in the river. Finally, the whole army became scattered troops that ran wildly toward the distant city.


    The winged cavalry waited for the opposite riverbank to reappear before they started crossing.


    As the flow of the water began to weaken, the winged cavalry followed Zong Shen and threw some logs into the river. Dozens of them worked together to ce a floating log every five or six meters. The end result looked like three floating bridges.


    Following this, they crossed one by one to the other side.


    asionally, some fools stepped on both ends of a log, fell into the water, and were stepped on by thoseing from behind by the time they got back on the logs. After getting stepped on by countless of people, they finally arrived at the other side with their noses bruised and faces swollen.


    They subsequently tied seven or eight logs to form a raft and linked them together to form a floating bridge.


    When the sky turned dark, everyone was already on the other riverbank.


    During this period, some baihu reported that the rebels who had escaped and went back weren��t permitted to enter through the front gate. Instead, they had to bypass it and went to the rear of the city.


    Otherwise, their smell alone could reduce the fighting prowess of the city defenders by about 30 percent.


    At the same time, even the fighting capacity of the soldiers attacking the city would be affected.


    Not everyone could be unfazed by such a disgusting smell.


    After thest person had reached the other side, a full meal was provided to everyone using the fish gathered from both riverbanks as well as one-third of the goats and cows. The soldiers then took the opportunity to march forward at night. By the time the moon was in the middle of the sky, they reached the vicinity of the city that they saw earlier.


    With the empress beside him, Ren Baqian pointed to the city in front of them and said, ��Your Majesty, this is Xueyang City. It is within the borders of the Southern Metropolis, and it is said that Xie Kun is in this city. Xueyang City has a force that��s at least 100,000 strong.��


    The top of the city walls was brightly lit by torches and was full of archers armed with bows and arrows as well as infantry with sabers andnces. They were all full of murderous spirit.


    On top of the city gate were a few generals looking at the advancing soldiers. They were fully aware that the aboriginal soldiers were already here. Even with the moonlight, they couldn��t see very far. They could only vaguely see the outlines and hear some sounds carried by the wind.


    They could hear and know where the aboriginals were, but they couldn��t really see anything, and those manning the city walls were apprehensive.


    On the other hand, the aboriginals could see everything at the top of the city wall clearly.


    ��Pass down the order to rest for half an hour and attack the city tonight,�� the empress ordered Xi Wanya.


    Ren Baqian distributed the grenades that he had brought back on this trip and was ultimately left with 60 or 70 gadgets that looked like fortified smoke bombs.


    Ren Baqian looked at these gadgets and startedughing heartily.


    When he was buying grenades, he thought that he might have a use for these things, but he didn��t expect to use them so soon.


    He instructed Gong Zheng on the method to use them and then got him to distribute them down the line.


    After half an hour, Xi Wanya began to organize the army. Loud cries pierced the night sky as the people at the top of the city wall became agitated.


    ��They are going to attack! Prepare the archers, and be ready to use the boiling oil!�� a general ordered from the top of the city wall.


    Pot by pot, the oil that was being heated earlier was taken up to the city wall.


    All eyes were fixed on the darkness below the city wall. Faint outlines could be seen moving, footsteps were heard approaching, and loud cries were continuously heard.


    Each and every city defender clenched the weapons in their hands, but even this didn��t make them feel secure.


    Based on the propaganda they heard, everyone knew who the people in the darkness were.


    These were the savage and cruel barbarians.


    Everyone believed that they would inevitably be ughtered once the city was conquered.


    Whether it was for their own sake or their family members, they would fight with all their might and bite off a piece of flesh from the barbarians even if they were to die.


    The general at the top of the city wall threw down a torch in front of him, instantly illuminating the advancing figures that were big and tall.


    ��Fire!��


    Everyone shot their arrows in the direction of the area they had just seen. A group of archers fired their arrows, immediately changed positions with the archers behind them, and another shower of arrows rained down into the darkness.


    shes of sparks from sabers came from the darkness, forming a mass of lights and shadows as the arrows were parried by the sabers.


    At lightning speed, hundreds of people rushed toward the base of the city wall. At the same time, dozens of cylindrical objects were thrown toward the top of the city wall.


    ��Lower your heads!�� Gong Zheng shouted. All the winged cavalry warriors immediately tucked their heads.


    <em>Bang! </em>Unlike a grenade explosion, this st was followed by a bright and intense light.


    With a blinding range of up to 30 meters and due to the fact that the defenders were staring into the darkness of the night, these sudden shes were even more effective.


    Most of the people at the top of the city wall, who were straining their eyes to see the enemies below, saw a sh of white and then couldn��t see anymore.


    This included some of the practitioners who were at the top of the city wall. Everyone was covering their eyes and howling hoarsely, ��I can��t see anything at all!��


    Furthermore, not only were many people unable to see anything, they were also unable to hear anything.


    In addition to a luminosity of up to one million cands, a noise of about 170-180 decibels was unleashed at close range and temporarily deafened those exposed to the loud sound.


    This sudden loss of sight and hearing caused a huge panic at the top of the city wall. Many people collided into each other in the panic. One by one, the boiling pots of oil were knocked over, causing even more chaos. As a result, many people even fell straight off of the city wall.


    At this moment, hundreds of small melons were thrown toward the top of the city wall.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    A series of explosions and mes were heard and seen.


    Only after this did the 700 winged cavalry warriors jumped to the top of the wall. Blood rained all over as their sabers shed.


    Previously, the rebels had made all kinds of preparations and ns, and they were still confident even when thendslide and flood strategies had failed. This was because they had enough military strength to defend the city.


    However, they didn��t expect the city to fall so quickly.

 Chapter 528 - Capturing the City

    Chapter 528: Capturing the City


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The residence of the warlord was aze with light when the winged cavalry attacked the city.


    Xie Kun was sitting at the head of the table with a cup of wine in his hand. He was deep in thought.


    Earlier in the afternoon, he had received the news from his scouts that, contrary to expectations, the aboriginals didn��t suffer losses of more than half of their forces due to the flood. In fact, they seemed to suffer almost no losses, and he was unable to understand how they managed to do it.


    He guessed that they would most likely attack the city that very night. After all, their provisions and equipment were washed away, so they would have to withdraw to Jiangbei City if they didn��t attack.


    It could be deduced from their act of crossing the river that the aboriginals certainly didn��t intend to retreat.


    In that case, the supplies in the city were what the aboriginals were after, and the probability of the aboriginals attacking this very night was about 80 percent.


    As a result, he was already well prepared.


    Although the aboriginals were very powerful, their numbers were too small and their total forces were less than 10,000.


    There were already 100,000 soldiers in the city, and in the afternoon, Rao Yu and Tie Zihe went separately to two other cities to prepare for battle. As long as he could hold out for one day, 200,000 more soldiers would being.


    With 300,000 soldiers, he would like to see how the 10,00 aboriginals could win the battle.


    Even if it were 300,000 sheep or cattle, the aboriginals would have to keep ughtering until their arms were sore, let alone 300,000 soldiers.


    After thinking of this, Xie Kun gulped down the cup of wine and asked, ��Is Mister Ning still in his room?��


    ��Yes.�� Although Mister Ning had bathed for the whole afternoon, the guard was trying his best to smile because the smell had only slightly diminished.


    He had soaked in the tub and changed the water every half hour in order to make himself feel that he was not so smelly.


    ��Do not take things for granted,�� Xie Kun said coolly. Although the two schemes didn��t cause much harm to the aboriginals, he attributed these results to the will of Heaven. If he was looking from the point of view of the aboriginals, casualties would finally result fromndslides or floods. (TLC. Not sure about this part.)


    In particr, the strategy of thendslide had used rolling rocks, logs, troops, and strange animals to distract the aboriginals from the hollowing out of the mountain. This was a testament of Mister Ning��s talent.


    Not to mention Mister Ning��s special status and that he also had the backing of the Yun Nation. Therefore, they needed him in order to walk out of Tianjing Basin after their victory.


    While Xie Kun was pondering, a guard entered through the door and announced, ��Governor, the aboriginals are attacking.��


    ��I got it.�� Xie Kun nodded.


    The attack by the aboriginals was inevitable.


    His forces only needed to hold out for one day to win.


    At this moment, a series of explosions were hearding from the city walls.


    Xie Kun listened to the explosions without changing his expression and continued to wait for more news.


    In less time than it took to drink a cup of tea, a series of explosions were heard again, and someone quickly came to report, ��Governor, the walls have fallen! The whole eastern wall has been upied by the barbarians, and the generals in charge have died in battle!��


    ��What?�� Xie Kun was extremely shocked and his favorite tea cup shattered as it fell to the ground, but he couldn��t even care. Not much time had passed, yet the aboriginals had upied the whole eastern wall!


    How could they be so fast?


    What was Xue Li doing?


    However, before he could recover, another urgent report came in.


    ��Reporting! Governor, the eastern city gate has broken, the aboriginals are swarming in, and the generals in charge of attacking the north are bringing their forces to block them.��


    ��Reporting! Those generals have been captured!��


    ��Reporting! The chief of the Yedao Sect and his disciples are all dead!��


    ��Reporting! Everyone in the Liangshan Sect has died!��


    ��Reporting! The aboriginal soldiers areing to attack the warlord��s residence!��


    A session of urgent reports made Xie Kun pale as bean-sized drops of sweat trickled down his spine.


    How was this possible? How could they be so fast?


    ��Pass the order for the north and south barracks to intercept the enemy soldiers!�� Xie Kun shouted loudly.


    Xie Kun gnashed his teeth as he said, ��Send people to the granary in the western sector of the city and await mymand. If it can��t be defended, burn the grain.��


    ��Send the young masters and mistresses out of the city. Gather all thedies to the main hall.��


    ��


    Ren Baqian rode a t goat as he entered through the city gate. The animal was an enormous mountain goat which the winged cavalry used as their mount.


    In front of him were the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South, who were charging at the enemy troops like a tidal wave.


    shbangs and hand grenades were used to swiftly disable most of the enemy troops on the eastern wall. After quickly upying the wall, they opened the city gate to let the forces from the Protectorate of the Southe in and join the assault. The defenders were taken by surprise, the wall was quickly cleared, and the aboriginals subsequently made rapid progress into the city.


    After being taken by surprise at the very beginning, the defenders started to retaliate, tremendously slowing down the forward progress of the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South.


    In particr, when all the soldiers were crowded into the three streets, the advancement was even slower.


    Fortunately, the weakest of the aboriginals was at the Man Wheel level. Ordinary houses couldn��t stop many of them from jumping onto the roofs to move forward at high speed. They then jumped down from the rooftops on both sides of the street tond among the enemy soldiers, ughtering them.


    asionally, there would be some idents.


    Ren Baqian saw with his own eyes as a group of soldiers jumped onto the houses at the side and then disappeared.


    This group of soldiers only emerged muchter from the houses with dusty faces.


    ��Attention,�� Ren Baqian called out.


    ��Sir.��


    ��Send out soldiers from the Rearguard Commandery in separate groups to look for the granaries. Do not let the other side burn or poison the food supply out of desperation,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    After the order was passed down, many baihu behind Ren Baqian rushed to the nearby houses and asked about the location of the granaries before heading west in the city.


    Ren Baqian gradually led the troops forward. The corpses on the ground were getting more and more numerous, fresh blood stained the whole street red, and the smell of blood was everywhere. There were also severed limbs all over, and the walls were sshed with blood


    ��Amitabha!�� Ren Baqian sat on his mount and sincerely chanted a Buddhist mantra. He didn��t even refrain from killing a chicken and wondered whether he would go to hell when he died.


    At this moment, the door of a house by the side suddenly opened, and a few people who looked likemoners charged at Ren Baqian with kitchen knives that were made out of bone.


    ��Viins, go to hell!�� These few malemoners looked extremely frightened, but this didn��t stop them from charging at him.


    Xie Kun had repeatedly instilled the message that the barbarians would not leave anyone alive after taking the city.


    In this era, besides hearing from people around them or seeing news posted on the bulletin boards in the city, there were almost no other channels to receive outside information. In addition, the repeated indoctrination by Xie Kun had made them believe him firmly.


    Therefore, when they saw a person like Ren Baqian, who looked like a ��big official,�� they couldn��t resist the urge toe out and attack him.


    Following them were some young men who came charging from another direction.


    ��Kill all of them!�� Ren Baqian said calmly, but he frowned as it could be clearly seen with just one nce that these weremoners.


    As the guards shed their sabers, the more than 10moners were instantly shed and fell to the ground bleeding.


    ��Fools!�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself. It was unclear whether his tone waspassionate or not.


    Ren Baqian turned around and dismounted. Next, he walked into the house with the open door, kicked the door of a room to open it, and said after looking around, ��Search and see whether anyone alive is around. Also, search the other houses where those people came out of.��


    After a moment, more than 10 people��some male, some female, some young, and some old��were put in front of Ren Baqian. Two of them had their hands cut off.


    Everyone looked at this man in front of them with fear and hatred.


    ��Why did you guys attack us?�� Ren Baqian asked calmly.


    It was obvious that the fighting was between soldiers and didn��t involve the civilians. Why did they resist? Why did theyunch an attack?


    One man, who had lost a hand and was expecting to be killed, ranted, ��You are a bunch of animals! If you don��t die, we will die!��


    ��Why do you say that?�� Ren Baqian squatted in front of him and asked calmly.


    ��You will die a horrible death���� this man continued to curse.


    ��Wrong answer!�� Ren Baqian stood up to kick him and then stepped on his neck.


    The sound of bones breaking could be heard by everyone.


    ��Next�� Who can tell me why?�� Ren Baqian asked the crowd.


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian got the information he wanted and turned to slowly walk down the long street. These rebels really dragged everyone into trouble.


    He had to admit that Xie Kun was sessful in brainwashing these foolish people!


    ��Sir, what about these people�� ?��


    ��Kill them!��


    ��Get two people to announce this loudly along the streets: ��Commoners who stay behind closed door and don��t rebel will not die. Those who dare to attack us will have their whole family exterminated!''�� Ren Baqian ordered.

 Chapter 529 - Chaotic War

    Chapter 529: Chaotic War


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Sir Ren, it is time to leave. Soldiers areing from behind to surround us.��


    While walking on the street, endless cries calling for hostilities were heard as Ren Baqian moved along. A bodyguard suddenly ran beside him and lifted him onto his mount.


    Besides this guy, there were 18 other bodyguards around him.


    Originally, there were supposed to be 20 bodyguards, but Shi Hu was on leave and had remained in Jiangbei City.


    ��We aremoners, but evenmoners are being killed�� Your parents and rtives are in the city. If Xueyang City is captured, each and every one of them will be killed. Wipe out these barbarians even if it means risking your lives! Even if you have no weapons, bite off a chunk of flesh from their body!��


    It was hard to tell whether the voicesing from behind Ren Baqian were filled with anger or other emotions.


    However, these hostile words and the corpses were effective in boosting morale.


    While riding, Ren Baqian took out his bag and checked again. There was a pistol, an AK rifle, more than 100 bullets, some hand grenades, and a few skunk bombs.


    It was a pity that his mortar guns were in Gu City and that he didn��t have enough ammunition. Otherwise, he would have been able to stage a ��one versus 10,000�� drama.


    Looking back, he could see the soldiersing like a wave toward him. Ren Baqian removed the safety pin from a skunk bomb and threw it behind him.


    ��Oh no, it��s poisonous!�� The soldiers that wereing like a wave panicked.


    Someone from one of the roofs on both sides of the street instantly shouted, ��Do not panic! This isn��t poison, it��s only smelly!��


    It looked like this practitioner had experienced this thing before.


    Although this was said, those who smelled it felt suffocated. It was like a boulder had been ced on their chest, making it so hard to breathe that they almost fainted. Those right at the front were pushed into the area of the detonated skunk bomb by the people behind. Every person was clutching their chest and rushing forward while vomiting and crying at the same time


    When they managed with great difficulty to run out of the smelly area and breathe fresh air, they were greeted by another skunk bomb��


    ��Be careful, Sir.�� The guards brandished their sabers to knock away the concealed weapons that wereing from the roofs on both sides.


    ��Send six people to the rooftops to kill the pursuing soldiers. Send another man to tell those in front to go faster�� Retch�� Get some men to block the enemy soldiers�� Retch���� A gust of odorous wind hit Ren Baqian as he was speaking.


    Although there were enemy soldiers blocking them ahead, their speed was actually not considered slow. The powerful aboriginals had more of an advantage at night. Looking down from the sky, the three divided forces on the three streets looked like three greedy snakes swallowing beans nonstop.


    However, the smelling from behind them was traveling even faster��


    <em>This thing is like a double-edged sword that hurts both sides�� It would be better to use stun bombs, shbangs, or simr things. </em>Ren Baqian couldn��t help thinking this way. Nevertheless, skunk bombs were very useful sometimes, and at this time, he had no choice but to use them.


    For example, the soldiers currently pursuing them were crying and vomiting. Their fighting power was approximately cut in half.


    Ren Baqian pulled a piece of cloth across his face, and although it didn��t help much, it was better than nothing.


    ��Cut it off here! Let the pirs fall toward the houses on both sides.�� Ren Baqian had just covered his face when his eyes suddenly brightened. He and the others had just passed what looked like a memorial archway. There were two thick wooden pirs, one on each side, as well as a signboard on top.


    The name ��Pinxing Street�� was written on the signboard.


    One guard jumped up and smashed the signboard while another cut the pirs and gave them a push. The pirs crashed down immediately onto the houses on both sides.


    With a bang, the two pirs formed an X shape in the middle of the street.


    Although the enemy soldiers could squeeze through, they had no choice but to slow down.


    ��Stop and intercept the enemy here.�� Ren Baqian stopped and the rest of the guards positioned themselves behind the fallen pirs. In any case, it would prevent the aboriginal soldiers in front from being sandwiched by the enemy soldiers if the enemies were obstructed for a little while.


    Shortly after they had stopped, the enemy soldiers caught up with them. Their eyes were red and brimming with tears, their bodies emitted a pungent smell, and many of the guards began to turn green with nausea.


    ��Kill!�� Following the cries of those soldiers, they went through the X-shaped gap formed by the fallen pirs in groups of six or seven. The well-prepared guards brandished their sabers and instantly sttered blood all over.


    Ren Baqian then threw a skunk bomb into the middle of the street where many enemy soldiers were congested together.


    Launching this skunk bomb was really too wicked!


    The enemy soldiers were already squeezed together on the street that was around seven meters wide. With the front blocked, hemmed in by their own soldiers behind, and buildings on both sides, the whole street was filled with the suffocating odor. Those soldiers could only vomit and shed tears while pressing forward.


    By the time they managed to reach the front after a hard struggle, they were already half dead and were greeted by the raised sabers of a dozen Earth Wheel experts.


    Many people chopped at the pirs blocking the street, but ordinary soldiers using bone knives could only leave small marks on them.


    ��Get lost. Let me do it.�� A burly man came out from the crowd to lift up a pir. Others tried to follow his example to remove the two pirs.


    However, the two pirs were stuck in walls on both sides of the street. Plus, the rebels were met with raised sabers as they struggled to lift up the pirs.


    Ren Baqian raised his head to look at the rooftops on both sides of the street and saw figures moving rapidly.


    Fortunately, those top experts were on the rooftops and didn��t take the normal route. This was why they could hold back the enemy soldiers on the street for such a long time.


    Following the sound of heavy footsteps, Ren Baqian turned and saw a few hundred soldiers rushing over.


    ��Sir Ren!�� They greeted him with cupped fists.


    ��I will hand this area over to you. Obstruct them,�� Ren Baqian ordered. His guards swiftly retreated as the reinforcements immediately sent out some groups of people to rece them.


    Ren Baqian jumped down from his mount, jumped up onto the roof in two or three bounds, and looked at both sides of the street below. As expected, the soldiers were swarming in from behind. Furthermore, dense clusters of soldiers bearing torches could be seen in the distance and were rushing over in their direction.


    If the whole city was viewed as a pie, then the aboriginal soldiers were equivalent to a steel knife directly cutting into it.


    However, after pulling out the knife, the pastry closed back again and only left a small gap behind.


    Seeing Ren Baqian on the roof, a few rebel officers jumped onto the roof.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! </em>Ren Baqian shot those people who jumped onto the roof, threw down two skunk bombs, and hurriedly jumped down when he saw people aiming their bows at him.


    ��Let��s go!�� Ren Baqian ordered as he jumped onto his mount.


    By the time Ren Baqian had led his guards to the very front, Qing Ping had already upied the warlord��s residence.


    When Ren Baqian strode into the residence, he saw more than ten people lying in a pool of blood in the hall.


    Ren Baqian frowned when he observed that the oldest of them was about 40 and the youngest was slightly older than 10 years old.


    The wound on each body was caused by a sword.


    <em>This wasn��t the work of soldiers! </em>This thought immediately came to Ren Baqian��s mind. The aboriginals normally used sabers to sh and left the body with stumps. Some generals also usedrge sabers or heavy weapons like hammers or maces.


    Since this wasn��t done by aboriginal soldiers, then it must have been done by their own people.


    ording to the information he received, this was Xie Kun��s residence. In that case, these people were probably killed by Xie Kun.


    From the look, age, and clothing, these women should be the wives and daughters of Xie Kun. This guy was so vicious that he didn��t forget to kill his own wives and daughter before he fled so as to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy.


    Unfortunately, if they let this person run away, they would have to waste time and effort again.

 Chapter 530 - The Sight of Your Majesty Arouses Me

    Chapter 530: The Sight of Your Majesty Arouses Me


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    By the time the sky was getting bright, the battle was drawing to a close.


    After all, the other side wasn��t like the aboriginals. They were unable to withstand the heavy casualties and fell apart.


    The brainwashing done by Xie Kun could already be considered a sess for them since they were able to hold out for one night. In fact, it was close to the level of MLM. (TLC. Maybe add a footnote for this term?)


    ording to the report from the Rearguard Commandery, the high end estimate for the number of people that withdrew from the city overnight was about half.


    In other words, about half of them died in the chaotic battlest night.


    In ancient times, an army could be considered as among the strongest if it didn��t copse after suffering a 30 percent casualty rate.


    In a confrontation with the aboriginals, there was basically only fatalities and no injured.


    To go so far as to retreat only when the casualty rate reached 50 percent, it could be deduced that this mixed force of city defenders and new recruits really believed that the aboriginals would decimate their city. Therefore, they fought desperately before retreating.


    However, a mixed force was ultimately still a mixed force.


    After suffering such a big loss and finding out that their adversaries were unshakable, they finally retreated.


    Early in the morning, the whole of Xueyang City was filled with a bloody atmosphere. The streets where the fighting took ce were full of mutted bodies and stained with blood.


    After a fearsome night, all the people in Xueyang City realized that the worst had happened as the aboriginals had upied their city.


    A woman looked at her child, whose face was still stained with tears while asleep in her arms. With her bone knife aimed at the back of her child, she was feeling conflicted��


    ��To die at the hands of the barbarians��I might as well let my child die this way! At least there��s no suffering and no fear!�� the woman mumbled to herself as her tears dripped down.


    ��Submit and prosper, resist and die! The obedient ones will live, those who resist will die! Ordinary citizens, keep the peace and everything will be alright. It��s strictly forbidden to harbor rebels and weapons. If anyone dares to harbor the rebels or intends to rebel, there will be no mercy! If anyone finds such rebels, they can report to the Rearguard Commandery and will be rewarded with 100 taels of silver.��


    At this moment, a loud voice announced this from the street.


    ��What?�� The woman was stunned, and the hand holding the bone knife shook, cutting the back of the child. The pain woke it up, and the child started crying.


    ��Submit and prosper, resist and die. The obedient ones will live, those who resist will die! Ordinary citizens who abide by thew will be safe����


    <em>ng!</em>


    As the bone knife dropped to the floor, the woman rushed out of the house with the child in her arms. She saw two bloodstained men who were carrying long sabers and shouting as they walked along the street.


    They were indeed barbarians�� .


    The woman immediately sat on the ground while hugging her child and cried nonstop.


    After a long time, the woman inspected her child��s back, saw a shallow wound, and was relieved. If the announcement hadeter, the consequences would have been inconceivable.


    She hoped that what had been said was the truth�� It was the only hope that could give her the courage to live��


    It wasn��t only her, the othermoners in the city also raised their hopes after hearing this.


    After being indoctrinated by Xie Kun for one month that the barbarians would exterminate everyone once they upied Xueyang City, everyone felt desperate. However, when everyone was feeling desperate, they suddenly received a message that gave them a glimmer of hope.


    Everyone was like a drowning man clutching at a straw as they put all their hope in it.


    ��


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian was at the entrance of the warlord��s residence to greet the empress.


    ��Hmph!�� The empress sighed coldly and left with a disgusted look, leaving him stunned.


    ��Hmph!�� Qing Yun and Hong Luan also sighed coldly and left with the empress.


    One of the guards had a strange expression as he told Ren Baqian, ��Sir, the street we came from was very smelly�� We made a big detour toe here.��


    Everyone knew the culprit who had caused this stench.


    That ce had be a ghost town now. Even the original residents there had taken refuge elsewhere.


    Ren Baqian gave a bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies to the bewildered guard.


    The previous night was too chaotic. He was too preupied and forgot about the skunk bombs that he threw.


    ��Your Majesty has had a tiring journey. Do you want to rest for a while in a room or do you want to hear about the battle fromst night?�� Ren Baqian asked as he eagerly followed the empress. ��Is Your Majesty hungry? Do you want me to cook you some porridge? How about century egg and lean meat porridge?��


    ��Do you have century eggs?�� The empress looked at him coldly.


    ��I don��t have century eggs, but I have eggs�� Do you want egg and lean meat porridge?��


    Ren Baqian chuckled and then the empress kicked him to the wall.


    In an instant, the crowd witnessed Ren Baqian turning into a dog, and naturally, they turned their heads away.


    After a short while, the empress decided to put aside the matter of being exposed to the skunk bombs and asked, ��On the way here, I heard people shouting about followers being forgiven for submitting�� What are you trying to do?��


    Ren Baqian answered solemnly, ��Xie Kun has been infusing the citizens with rumors about the brutality of the aboriginals. He imed we would not leave anyone alive and would exterminate the city. After the fall of Xueyang City, its citizens were anxious, but this announcement helped to alleviate their fears.��


    ��I don��t intend to leave any survivors,�� the empress said coolly.


    ��But these people are your subjects. You rule the aboriginals as well as these people.�� Ren Baqian rolled up his sleeves as he tried to change the opinion of the empress.


    ��Are you trying to challenge me?�� The empress squinted at him. He had the nerve to roll up his sleeves!


    ��The sight of Your Majesty arouses me and raises the temperature of my blood and body!��


    ��Let it be. I know that thesemoners are also my people, and I am tired of hearing this from you. I will give them a chance, but you better keep them well-behaved. As for the rebels, none must be spared.�� The empress gestured with her hands.


    ��Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not make any mistakes.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Upon hearing of the arrival of the empress, Xi Wanya rushed over to report on the battle casualties.


    The number of casualties they suffered the previous night was considered low. The Protectorate of the South had about 1,000 casualties, whereas the winged cavalry did not suffer more than 20.


    About half of these casualties could recover from their injuries and return to serve again.


    The casualties suffered by the other side was estimated to be more than 50,000.


    After all, it was night in the streets and the great personal strength of the aboriginals was a huge advantage. The soldiers they were facing had been a mixed batch of troops who had practically nothing besides an imposing manner.


    After reporting on the situation, Xi Wanya said to Ren Baqian, ��Sir Ren, I have already sent someone to transport the grain from the granaries.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. The granaries were currently upied by the Rearguard Commandery, and these people wouldn��t dare to stop the aboriginals from transporting the grain.


    Just in case something unforeseen happened, he thought it would be better to get his guards to inform them first.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian summoned the people from the Rearguard Commandery and ordered them to deploy some lishi in the city.


    The lowest rank in the Rearguard Commandery was tiqi, and the lishi were at an even lower rank. They were just temporary or reserve workers.


    Nevertheless, in the mind of Ren Baqian, these lishi were needed inrge quantities and were extremely important.


    By distributing them in every city and spreading their tentacles into every corner, the Rearguard Commandery would then be able to monitor for any signs of disturbance using these lishi.


    They were the eyes and ears of the Rearguard Commandery


    Anything they saw or heard would be transmitted to the Rearguard Commandery and given to Ren Baqian after some vetting.


    This was what Ren Baqian considered the most important.

 Chapter 531 - The Latest Discovery In the Laboratory

    Chapter 531: The Latest Discovery In the Laboratory


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��He was the one who was sent to the rebels before he was persuaded to surrender. At the beginning, the situation was fine. Later, as the news of the persuasion spread, the rebels began to hunt and arrest them without any restraint. Among them, some were beheaded while others managed to escape. This person was one of the rebels who managed to escape in time. We just managed to contact him,�� Zuo Leng said in a serious tone.


    ��Where is he now?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This person didn��te back. He��s now a captain under Tie Zihe. This time around, when the other party��s soldiers crossed the river, many people who were lying low actually came to Xueyang City over the past two days. This time around, he actually got someone else to pass the message.��


    ��What about those people that he persuaded to surrender? Did they recognize him? What method did he use to conceal his identity?�� Initially, Ren Baqian was doubtful. However, momentster, he suddenly understood what was going on.


    ��Yes, he had been appearing in front of people while wearing a mask for the past few decades. This time, while persuading others, he wore the same mask. When I noticed that something wasn��t right, I immediately changed my identity. I only learned about this moments ago,�� Zuo Leng replied. His words were rather unbelievable. Previously, this certain person had an identity. However, he could actually survive for several decades without anyone finding out. If it wasn��t for this incident, perhaps nobody would ever find out. This was indeed something shocking.


    ��He��s a talent! What��s his name?�� Ren Baqian was slightly delighted as such a person would be very useful. Immediately, Ren Baqian thought about letting this person train a group of spies and so on.


    ��Sir, he��s called Hu Cheng! Phoenix Knife��s Hu Cheng, who is at the advanced stage of the Man Wheel level,�� Zuo Leng answered.


    ��Is there any other way to contact him?�� Ren Baqian inquired. This person wasn��t that strong, but fighting wasn��t his forte.


    ��He left a way to contact him. As long as we send a message on time, he would naturally send someone to retrieve it,�� Zuo Leng replied.


    ��Well, let him send back the important news from Tie Zihe. Don��t expose his identity due to some insignificant news. If you sense that there��s something weird about the situation, escape without any dy and dispatch someone to rescue him if necessary,�� Ren Baqian instructed. ��As for those who have returned, let me meet them in the afternoon. Have you found a location for the Rearguard Commandery to be situated at?��


    ��Sir, I found a suitable residence. The owner of this residence has already moved elsewhere.��


    ��Alright.�� Ren Baqian nodded and then asked again, ��How are the three schrs from Great Xia doing?��


    ��Pretty good. They are able to deduce useful information from the the intelligence we collect.��


    After understanding part of the situation, Ren Baqian instructed Zuo Leng to take his leave.


    In the afternoon, Ren Baqian met with those practitioners who had sessfully escaped from the south and recruited them into the Rearguard Commandery.


    After all, for those who had managed to survive under this sort of situation, it implied that they either had the ability to hide their identity and escape or that they were meticulous and prudent. Regardless of whether they were the former or thetter, they were all people he was looking for.


    When night fell, Ren Baqian returned to Earth. After being busy with all sorts of issues in Dayao over the past few days, he could finally take a rest upon returning to Earth.


    It was such a pity that in the Congo, with dark-skinned men everywhere, he didn��t even have the guts to look for entertainment.


    Just as he turned his phone on, he saw a series of messages sent by Yang Sen. ording to what Yang Sen said, Ren Baqian learned that many high-ranking government officials from his nation had been sacked.


    This was Yang Sen��s main point.


    It seemed like Yang Sen had finally given him an exnation.


    Seeing that there were some familiar names and identities among the messages, Ren Baqian could finally heave a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Yang Sen didn��t target a few small fries to try to deceive him.


    Regardless of whether there were more officials to be sacked, he was satisfied with the numbers at present.


    This was also sufficient to intimidate others.


    He presumed that he would be undisturbed for a period of time.


    Having stayed in the Congo for two days, Ren Baqian was introduced to a bigger arms dealer. It was said that this dealer had the right social connections and that as long as a hefty sum was paid, this dealer was able to get his hands on equipment that was hard toe by. For example, a 2,000-ton tactical nuclear bomb.


    Back then, the US military caused 200,000 casualties with a 14,000-ton atomic bomb. On that very day, the number of fatalities was 80,000.


    A 2,000-ton tactical nuclear bomb was good enough to destroy tens of thousands of soldiers.


    With suchrge scale power, it could already be considered a military treasure.


    The deterrence provided by such weapons was even more valuable.


    As long as it was used once, everyone would definitely fall down on their knees.


    Unfortunately, this was just hearsay. In the case that neither side was familiar with the other, the other party would naturally deny this tly.


    Ren Baqian left with the contact information of the arms dealer and was prepared to fish for more information in the future. If he was able to get one or two of these nuclear weapons from this arms dealer, Ren Baqian would definitely send one to Xia Baichong.


    After settling this matter, Ren Baqian took a ne back.


    The moment he set foot on the ne, many people could finally heave a sigh of relief.


    Many people were afraid that he would hook up with the pretty and flirtatious sl*ts out there. Such a situation would spell trouble.


    Once he got off the ne, Ren Baqian darted toward the Messier 87 department. A text message sent by Yang Sen, which pertained to one of the research results, made him feel very interested.


    Upon meeting, the two parties pretended as if nothing had happened over the past month.


    First of all, Ren Baqian asked as he entered, ��You said that you guys have discovered the meridian system <sup>1</sup> ?��


    The progress in this research made him extremely concerned.


    ��That��s right. Take a seat first before we continue.�� Yang Sen then asked, ��Do you want a cup of tea?��


    After preparing two cups of tea, Yang Sen finally exined, ��Indeed, we found it. It��s called ��mesenchyme.�� In fact, this was first discovered abroad. It��s a channelwork that��s extremely tiny, full of liquid, and prates connective tissues. It exists under the human epidermis and is responsible for the ��flowing liquid highway�� in the human body.


    The mesenchyme is also known as an organ. Even though it was first discovered abroad, due to time, there hasn��t been much research done on it.


    Recently, our researchers have made a new discovery through some of the experts who have attained the Man Wheel level as well as from the corpses you provided.


    After attaining the Man Wheel level, the essence blood in an expert��s body will be transformed into qi. This qi continues to flow in their body all the time, and the passage through which it flows is the ��mesenchyme�� I have just mentioned. This is the so-called meridian system.��


    As Yang Sen spoke unhurriedly, Ren Baqian gave him a thumbs up and said, ��Great discovery.��


    ��And with this discovery, we have optimized the previous martial arts manuals. Now, they are even more suitable for the experts on Earth.��


    ��I want a copy.�� Ren Baqianughed. The research had finally yielded results, and it was indeed something joyous. Atst, he managed to see some returns.


    After optimization, these martial arts manuals could subsequently be safely handed over to his parents as well as Ren Wannian.


    ��We need more martial arts manuals. The moreprehensive the information base, the more we can reap out of our research,�� Yang Sen said.


    ��Very well. I just received a new batch recently. This collection is much better than what you have received before,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Yang Sen couldn��t help but retort, ��You truly don��t act without any incentives!��


    ��Don��t put it that way. Nevertheless, I have to reap some benefits in return. After all,pared to what I have provided, the investment from you all is considered insignificant. Furthermore, this is a fresh batch of items. Recently, we have been at war and managed to copy arge number of martial arts manuals from different sects.�� Ren Baqianughed heartily.


    ��Oh?�� Immediately, Yang Sen revealed an expression that showed his interest.


    ��Enough talking. Anyway, I have a batch of martial arts manuals with me. I will pick out a portion for you.�� Ren Baqian gestured with his hands. He didn��t want to reveal too much about what was going on in Dayao.


    ��As for those experts�� corpses, we also need more of them. The current number of specimens is too few,�� Yang Sen immediately replied.


    ��If there are suitable ones.�� Ren Baqian nodded. He could actually bring back the corpses of those rebel experts who were at the Spirit Wheel level.

 Chapter 532 - Father, You Are Very Mischievous!

    Chapter 532: Father, You Are Very Mischievous!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Sir, you are back.�� The six aboriginals in the vi were a little surprised to see Ren Baqian. ��Where is Her Majesty?��


    ��It should be big boss and second boss. Her Majesty has conquered Xueyang City and is busy putting down a revolt,�� Ren Baqian corrected them.


    ��Unfortunately, we couldn��t apany Her Majesty on her expeditions���� The group of them felt that this was a pity since drinking wine here wasn��t as fun as cutting off heads.


    ��Your teacher has gone home to celebrate the Chinese New Year, so you guys are on your own during this period. Two of you will follow me out,�� Ren Baqian ordered before going to change his clothes. Since he didn��te back to celebrate Chinese New Year the previous year, he ought to go back this year. The important thing was to pass down the updated version of the martial arts manual that he had just obtained.


    He phoned Ren Wannian to confirm that he woulde home during these few days and then brought the two winged cavalry warriors along with him.


    Although it wasn��t really necessary, these people ought to see the outside world because they weren��t only here to be security guards.


    Furthermore, by bringing these two winged cavalry warriors out, their ability to turn heads on the street was about the same as the empress��s. In addition, the degree of deterrence greater.


    When they were on the ne, the two of them were constantly looking out of the windows with wide open eyes and muttering, ��Oh, oh, wow, wow!��


    The expression shown by the air stewardess was one of being sexually harassed. It made Ren Baqian feel like throwing these two disgraceful fellows out of the ne.


    After traveling for some time to reach the small district, Ren Baqian spent a long time downstairs sighing. When he went upstairs to open the door, he was shocked to see a family of people that werepletely unknown to him.


    Those people were equally shocked to see Ren Baqian, who was apanied by two winged cavalry warriors that looked like bouncers.


    After a phone call, Ren Baqian found out that his family had moved and rented out their former residence. Yet, he had been left in the dark about this matter.


    ��Father, tell me frankly, am I your biological son?�� Ren Baqian enquired.


    ��You finally asked this question���� His father sighed from the other end of the call. ��The little baby that was sent by mail-order has grown up in the blink of an eye.��


    ��You are so mischievous. Does my mother know about this?�� Ren Baqian grinned.


    After getting ahold of the new address, Ren Baqian finally managed to get home after half an hour.


    ��You still remembered toe back! Where��s your girlfriend? Is she here?�� His mother opened the door and immediately pulled his ear upon seeing him. She craned her neck to look for thedy in red that she previously met, but was shocked to see two bear-like men instead.


    ��Ha? Who are these two?��


    ��They are my bodyguards, kind of,�� Ren Baqian replied casually and then turned to call them in.


    ��The both of you,e in.��


    His mother whispered to Ren Baqian in his room, ��Where did you find these two people? Can��t you find two people who look normal? These two don��t look like decent people!��


    ��Don��t worry! They appear fierce, but are good people. They used to be soldiers.��


    ��Oh!�� His mother then rxed somewhat.


    Ren Baqian pacified his mother, went to greet his father and younger brother, got the two burly men who were feeling uneasy to sit at one side, and went to look around the home.


    This home was a big apartment on the fifth level of a new building. There were four bedrooms, two halls, two bathrooms, and the apartment was about 200 square meters. The furnishings were simple, of dark color, and slightly old-fashioned. However, it was fine as long as it suited his parents.


    ��Mum, Dad, Wannian, I want to tell you something,�� Ren Baqian said after the inspection.


    ��What? Are you getting married?�� His father asked in astonishment, ��Is your father thest to know?��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    ��Be serious.��


    ��Talking about when you are going to get married is a serious matter,�� his mother blurted out.


    ��In two or three years,�� Ren Baqian said reluctantly.


    ��In two or three years, the children of your schoolmates will be in primary school! Both of us won��t be able to help look after your kids then,�� his mother said sourly.


    Ren Baqian paused. He actually had a schoolmate who had a shotgun marriage after graduation, and his kid should be about seven or eight now�� As for Ren Baqian��s kid, even if he became an Earth Wheel expert in Dayao after one year and married the empress, adding the time for his child��s birth, it would take at least two years, which was six years on Earth.


    ��Let��s talk about proper business!�� Ren Baqian put aside these thoughts in his mind.


    His parents finally sat down on the sofa to listen to him conscientiously.


    ��Our nation has sorted out the ancient records and developed a cultivation method. Although we can��t live forever, strengthening our bodies and extending our lifespans is certainly achievable.��


    ��I practice Taiji and your mother does dancing in the square.�� His father��s expression was one of anticlimax.


    ��It isn��t the same.�� Ren Baqian shook his head. He raised his hand to hit the solid wood table in front of him and shattered it.


    Wannian and his parents were shocked. This table was made of solid wood and six centimeters thick. Even if a hammer was used, it needed to be a big hammer, yet Ren Baqian was able to smash it with his bare palm.


    ��Basically, you can strengthen your body and prolong your life. Cultivate to a certain level and a life span of 150 to 200 years is entirely possible,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Are you bluffing?�� The three of them found this hard to believe. They clearly knew what Ren Baqian was originally like, but in some ways, he had changed unrecognizably during these past few years. Having money was another matter and still eptable, but this scene right before their eyes was terrifying.


    If a strike such as the one used to destroy the table were tond on a human body�� Even thinking about it was horrifying.


    ��If this skill is spread, it will have a great impact on society. Therefore, it can��t be made public for the time being. However, some people are starting to practice it, especially in the military and in some special departments.��


    ��In that case, what you are trying to say����


    ��I brought these manuals back, so naturally, it��s for the three of you to cultivate!��


    ��Don��t you have any secrecy regtions? What if someone finds out��?��


    ��You don��t have to worry about this. However, the three of you can only practice it and can��t teach others. You also can��t leak this news to anyone, including any of our close rtives. If this leaks out, I will be in trouble,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The nation wasn��t ready to make this public for the time being. Even if Yang Sen didn��t warn him, Ren Baqian still wouldn��t do so. The more people who knew about this, the higher the chances of a leak. If trouble happened in due course, it wouldn��t be good.


    After a long time, the three of them managed to digest the information given by Ren Baqian. Then, he put a disk in the video yer to show them.


    At the same time, he exined the important points to take note of.


    Besides this, he would regrly send them some foodter on.


    After all, cultivation required not only practice, but also supplementary nutrition. Without proper supplementary nutrition, it was easy to cause irreparable damage to the body


    Fortunately, this could easily be handled by him as he just needed to regrly bring meat and herbs from Dayao.


    After staying home for two days, Ren Baqian gave the two winged cavalry warriors two ne tickets and some money to find their own way back.


    Whether they traveled by air or chartered a car, he couldn��t care less.


    He wasn��t a nanny, and it was high time for them to be independent in this world.


    As for himself, he went to the city to procure 1,500 grenades, 300 stun grenades, and a batch of monocr sunsses (TLC. Not sure about this term.) to bring back to Dayao.


    After he left, the two winged cavalry warriors also started their adventure in this other world!

 Chapter 533 - Prying Open One’s Heart

    Chapter 533: Prying Open One��s Heart


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Along with the aboriginals upying Xueyang City and themoners experiencing desperation right from the start, everything was gradually calming down after Ren Baqian sent people to convey his message.


    Although the people were still fearful and felt like their future was bleak, the aboriginals weren��t as brutal and ruthless as they had expected.


    Although there were people who had been taken from their homes and beheaded from time to time, they were people who had hidden ��rebel soldiers�� in their homes. The lives of themoners were hardly affected at all.


    This made many people feel relieved. They continued their daily prayers that life would continue this way and that those barbarians wouldn��t harm any innocentmoners.


    If it wasn��t for the fact that they were trapped in the city, many people would have wanted to leave the city to take shelter. Three or five monthster, they would be able to see the true colors of these aboriginals.


    ��Sir, there are a total of 73 households which harbored rebel soldiers. Among them, six households are wealthy households.�� Zuo Leng handed over a list of names to Ren Baqian.


    Upon receiving the details, Ren Baqian took a quick nce before looking up and asking, ��Why do you think they did this?��


    ��Sir, I don��t understand.�� Zuo Leng spoke with his head lowered.


    ��Tell me, why do you think these people risked losing their heads just to hide those rebels? Unless they are closely rted, it would be very rare for someone to do such a thing, right? However, if they are closely rted, those rebels would know that they would definitely implicate those who shelter them. In that case, why did they still remain there?


    Among these people, some would risk losing their heads just to save the lives of others, while others would rather assist their own people in losing their heads rather than give up their own lives.


    From this point, it can be seen that both parties have a unanimous goal.


    Still, I��m very curious as to how these two types of people think,�� Ren Baqian said faintly.


    Zuo Leng opened his mouth. Originally, he thought that it would be an easy question to answer. Since they were closely rted, those people took the rebels in as a result!


    On the other hand, when Ren Baqian exined to the end, Zuo Leng started to get confused again.


    <em>That��s right��why did those people risk the lives of their close rtives rather than give up their own lives?</em>


    ��Sir, I��m starting to get confused about the situation,�� Zuo Leng said.


    ��Is that so? Between these two types of people, one party thinks for others while the other party only thinks for themselves.�� Ren Baqian began tough.


    Ren Baqian got up and said, ��Let��s go and take a look.��


    Momentster, Ren Baqian brought 20 bodyguards with him and left the residence.


    In front of them were several hundred baihu as well as 70 tiqi who were going to lead the way. Among them was a soldier who was very familiar with this ce.


    ��Zuo Leng!�� Ren Baqian said loudly. Immediately, Zuo Leng directed his mount and arrived somewhere behind Ren Baqian.


    ��Has everything been arranged? Arrest them one family at a time, and don��t let the news spread,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��Sir, everything has been arranged. They won��t be able to escape,�� Zuo Leng promptly assured him.


    ��Lead the way!��


    As their mounts galloped on the streetid with gstones, the crisp sound of their hooves rang out. Several people couldn��t help but to step out of their houses and shiver as they looked in the distance.


    Sitting on his mount, Ren Baqian swept his gaze over both sides, and asionally, he would see figures appearing by the windows or doors. Each of their faces were fear-stricken as they looked on at this group of people.


    The feeling of people being afraid of someone was a pretty neutral feeling.


    If there weren��t any aplishments, people wouldn��t looked at someone with disgust either.


    After traveling for an hour in the city, they arrived at a region where manymoners stayed. They then came to a stop in front of an alley.


    The team of baihu led the many tiqi and dashed into the alley. Atst, they smashed opened each and every door. This mor and the blood-curdling screeches could be heard even from a distance away.


    A momentter, four people were brought in front of Ren Baqian. Several tiqi remained to keep watch while the others continued with the arrests.


    Among the four, there was one man and one woman dressed in shabby clothes who seemed to be in their forties. Generally, these people seemed to be much older than they actually were because they had been defeated by life long ago.


    There were also two young people, who were around 16 or 17 years old. They were brimming with youthful energy.


    At this moment, they looked up at Ren Baqian with fear as a saber was held to each of their necks.


    In the surrounding houses, many people stealthily looked on. Just like mice in the sewers, they didn��t dare to show their heads.


    ��Sir, spare our lives. Sir����


    Ren Baqian ignore their cries and turned to ask Zuo Leng, ��Which ones are the rebels?��


    Zuo Leng turned around and asked a few questions before answering, ��The two young ones.��


    From his mount, Ren Baqian looked down at these few people and asked without any emotions, ��A few days ago, I sent someone to convey a message, and I��m sure all of you have heard it, right? Why do the two of you want to harbor the rebels?��


    ��Sir, please spare our lives, Xiaosi isn��t sensible, but he hasn��t done anything bad.�� The middle-aged man and woman pair immediately begged for mercy.


    ��I asked you why did you both want to harbor the rebels?�� Ren Baqian repeated his question once again.


    Immediately, the both of them fell to the ground and cried out loud, ��He is our child!��


    ��Xiaosi is your kid? What about the other one?�� Ren Baqian asked softly. It was natural for parents to protect their children. Unfortunately, this child didn��t reciprocate his parents�� love.


    The two parents were consumed by fear and could hardly make any sound. Only after the guards moved the sabers that were pressed against the parents�� necks did the parents subsequently cry out, ��He��s the one who brought the other person back����


    ��Who��s Xiaosi?�� Ren Baqian looked down at the two youngsters.


    ��I�� I��m����


    ��When I sent people to shout out my message, did you hear it or not?�� Ren Baqian asked faintly.


    The youth was filled with fear, and his body was trembling from head to toe. He was unable to speak even a word.


    ��Tell him that he has to answer any questions that I ask!�� Ren Baqian said indifferently.


    Straightaway, one of the tiqi kicked Xiaosi on the leg, and a stream of blood spurted out.


    ��Did you hear him or not?��


    ��I�� heard him����


    ��Why didn��t youe out? When you joined the rebel army, you must have been prepared to die. Why would you rather drag your family into this and cause them to lose their heads instead ofing out? Speak!��


    Following Ren Baqian��s yell, the youth was smashed by the hilt of a saber. After his head was struck, blood was seen gushing out.


    ��I was�� afraid����


    ��This is a so-called rebel soldier?�� Although Ren Baqian smiled gently, his voice was full of mockery. ��When you were brainwashed, your only goal was to sacrifice yourself for all the people in the world. Now that the situation became critical, however, you would rather drag down your entire family and die together. Furthermore, you have also dragged along anotherrade? It seems like you are quite loyal. Still, the price to pay will be your parents�� lives.��


    ��If you want to kill, then kill me!�� the other youth said with a voice full of indignance.


    ��Good, very strong-willed. If you are this strong-willed, you should have died in battle ormited suicide in their house. At that time, all they would have to do is drag your body out and say that a rebel ran into their house. As a result, they had to kill you. If they exined it this way, perhaps they could have even kept their own lives, but you didn��t handle the situation like this. Instead, you retreated at a critical time and enjoyed the sanctification that others have given you at the expense of their lives.�� Ren Baqian��s words were full of sarcasm.


    ��This evil spirit! Evil spirit!�� The young man couldn��t take what was said and frantically wanted to throw himself at Ren Baqain. However, someone kicked him to the ground.


    ��Take a look at what kind of people they are! Do you see?�� Ren Baqian looked up and asked.


    ��I��ve seen it with my own eyes, Sir.��


    ��Selfish, weak, timid, and ignorant. Such are the characteristics of a rebel soldier.�� Ren Baqian smirked.


    Just like the devil, his words, which were filled with maliciousness and sarcasm, spread throughout the ears of the people who were peeping from the surroundings.


    ��Kill them!�� Ren Baqian said in a cold voice.


    Immediately, several weapons were stabbed into the bodies of these few people.


    ��Let��s go to the next household,�� Ren Baqian said.


    This group of people left on their mounts. After a long while, themoners finally saw a few corpses that were lying in a pool of blood. Their expressions turned dark.


    After spending half the day, Ren Baqian watched the same kind of scenario y out around eight times. The reasons varied, but the final result was the same. Ren Baqian finally lost his interest and returned with the guards, leaving the people from the Rearguard Commandery to continue with the arrests.


    On the journey back, one of the guards scratched his head and said, ��Sir, I still don��t understand why you are doing it this way.��


    ��Eh, you actually know how to use your brain to think?�� Ren Baqian turned over and looked at this guard in astonishment.


    ��I always feel that whenever you do something, a majority of the people can��t understand. It��s the same this time around. I have pondered for quite some time, but sure enough, I can��tprehend what��s going on,�� this guard continued.


    ��Pretty good! At least you know how to rack your brains. This is the first step in your evolution from a monkey to an adult!�� Ren Baqianplimented him.


    ��Monkey?�� This guard scratched his head because he didn��t understand what his connection was with a monkey.


    ��Of course!�� Then, Ren Baqian slowly said, ��On the one hand, I��m really curious. On the other hand, I��m also punishing those people as an example to others. At the same time, I will pry open the hearts of thesemoners to show the others and so that some of them will think twice before doing anything stupid. I��m teaching them what is known as a conscience as well as how to be smart!��

 Chapter 534 - Insect Soldiers and Elephant Soldiers

    Chapter 534: Insect Soldiers and Elephant Soldiers


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��You two gentlemen, I will still need to inconvenience the both of you to watch over Xueyang City.�� Ren Baqian cupped his fist in obeisance as he said this to Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword.


    ��The two of us can��t resist their army!�� they both replied in unison.


    ��No problem. Her Majesty will leave 1,000 soldiers here to defend. The two of you only need to ensure that no enemies make their way in,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Currently, the three cities within the Three Rivers Delta were the most important. The first one was Xueyang City, whereas the second and third were Youxin City and Chun City, where Tie Zihe and Rao Yu were respectively located.


    Among these three cities, Xueyang City bordered the Wang Estuary, Youxin City bordered Ghost Ridge, and Chun City was located to the south. These three cities provided support for one another.


    In particr, Xueyang City was between the other two cities and was the most important city as a result.


    Originally, the rebels were prepared to hold off the aboriginal soldiers at Xueyang City so that by the time the armies of the other two cities arrived, it would be just in time to defeat the aboriginals.


    Yet, never did they expect that Xueyang City would be conquered in just one night. Xie Kun was defeated and had escaped with tens of thousands of the remaining rebel soldiers.


    At this time, the empress was preparing to lead her soldiers to attack Youxin City, which was located to the northwest. This was because the only way the rebels could disrupt the supply line of the aboriginals�� rations was by passing through Youxin city. However, as she was afraid that Rao Yu would take this opportunity to attack, she left 1,000 soldiers behind to defend Xueyang City, while Ren Baqian sought out Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword to stand guard as well.


    It was impossible to send the two of them to attack Youxin City, but it was fine to deploy them to watch over Xueyang City.


    1,000 aboriginal soldiers was equivalent to about 10,000 ordinary soldiers. Furthermore, they were defending a city. Even if the city was directly assaulted, they could withstand it for at least two days.


    Instead, they had to be wary of any surprise attacks from the other party.


    To a Spirit Wheel expert, there wasn��t much of a difference between killing a Man Wheel expert or killing an ordinary person. Of course, killing 1,000 of them was definitely much easier than killing 10,000.


    ��I��ll leave behind that fellow who can never stay awake. If there are any experts from the other side who are difficult to handle, wake her up.�� Ren Baqian fished out a bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candies and handed it to Zuo Cheng. ��When the timees, just pass this to her.��


    On the contrary, Ren Baqian now had more trust in Zuo Cheng than in Qingyun Sword.


    Zuo Cheng wasn��t like Qingyun Sword, who was ambitious. The Lingshan Sect was all he had.


    Now, apart from Zuo Cheng and Su Xing, who was the chief, there were only a few cats and kittens left. The rest of their people had joined the Rearguard Commandery.


    Introspectively, even though Qingyun Sword was the first to surrender, he had too many thoughts and worries that constrained him quite a bit. Even though Ren Baqian had forced him to do a couple of tasks, Qingyun Sword had never been able to break free of this, which made Ren Baqian a little dissatisfied.


    As the two of them walked out alongside each other, Zuo Cheng asked emotionlessly, ��Why are you still hesitating? If you are too cautious, you won��t be able toplete your task.��


    After he finished speaking, Zuo Cheng didn��t look at Qingyun Sword��s reaction. He followed the paved streetid with gstones and disappeared into the crowd after merely a few steps.


    On the other hand, Qingyun Sword stood there nkly for quite some time before heading in another direction.


    Not long after the two left, Ren Baqian joined the empress in her carriage. Under the escort of the soldiers, they left from the west gate and headed northwest.


    ��How long do you think it will take for Rao Yu to arrive?�� the empress asked as she ate fruits while lying on a piece of animal hide.


    ��The moment we arrive at the city! Hong Cheng is the one watching over the city. With a distinguished father like Hong Wu, we believe he can definitely guard the city. Furthermore, Your Majesty��s sharpest swords were given to them. This is already enough to deal with the majority of the possible situations.�� Ren Baqianughed. Besides, he still had a huge number of skunk bombs.


    As he spoke, Ren Baqian conveniently swept his gaze over the empress��s exquisite body that was covered by a red muslin cloth.


    The empress then said with a threatening tone, ��I��ll gouge your eyes out if you continue to look.��


    She licked her lips as she spoke, and it made her even more charming. The tone she was using waspletely differentpared to when she had dunked people��s heads into water.


    ��Your Majesty��s elegant appearance has already been etched in my heart. Unless my heart is to be ripped out,�� said Ren Baqian as he clutched his chest.


    Both Qing Yuan and Hong Luan stuck their tongues out. Sir Ren had the nerve to say such things!


    The empress red at him intensely. With regard to someone shameless like Ren Baqian, she loathed him at times, but adored him at times too.


    ��Damned thing!�� the empress cursed with a gentle tone and looked upon him with a docile gaze. Even though she swore, that suddenly soft and gentle voice made his heart melt.


    ��Your Majesty, where did you learn this from? If you let the imperial officials hear this, they��ll definitely swallow me alive,�� Ren Baqian continued with a smile as he looked at the empress��s expressions that had suddenly turned gentle. Just like how one would dance, his fingers swiftly jumped onto the back of the empress��s hand.


    Shortly after, the guards at the side saw a person flying out of the empress��s carriage.


    ��F*ck!�� Ren Baqian muttered as soon as he got onto the back of his fork-horned cow.


    <em>It was clear that you seduced me, yet you kicked me out!</em>


    <em>Your tactics are getting out of hand!</em>


    After marching for half a day, they finally stopped to take a rest at noon. For lunch, each of them had four buns that were the size of four fists and some meat soup on top of tht.


    Not long after they finished their lunch, the situation in the surroundings began to grow chaotic.


    Seated in her carriage, the empress was frowning as she asked, ��What��s happening?��


    ��Sir Ren! What��s happening?�� Hong Luan extended her head out of the empress��s carriage and called out to Ren Baqian.


    ��Let me go and take a look.�� With a barbecued meat bun in his mouth, Ren Baqian was about to take a step forward


    ��What��s happening?��


    ��It should be the insect soldiers from the Six Doors!��


    ��Since it��s the insect soldiers, that implies there��s someone controlling them. Find and kill the person!�� Ren Baqian instructed coldly. As he had heard such news before, he was able to calm down almost immediately.


    While talking and moving forward, he noticed a lofty figure outside of the crowd. It was Qing Ping.


    He saw a long saber in Qing Ping��s hand, and the ground in front of him looked as if it had been ploughed; all the soil had been turned over. At the same time, lumps of yellowish and greenish liquid appeared on the soil.


    Ren Baqian looked over carefully and could see everything clearly this time.


    The ground in front of him was filled withrge and small insects wriggling around as well as snakes. This included spiders, serpents, centipedes, and other unknown bugs. The scene was brightly colored and densely packed with these creatures, which made it extremely revolting.


    In particr, the sound produced when those creatures crawled around gave people goosebumps.


    ��Captain Qing, I��m sure someone is controlling them! Do you hear any strange noises?�� Ren Baqian asked as he stood behind Qing Ping. After speaking, Ren Baqian pricked up his ears, but didn��t hear any strange noises at all. He only heard the noises made by the movements those creatures.


    Qing Ping struck once more with his long saber and listened attentively. Shortly after, he frowned.


    It was evident that he didn��t hear anything.


    ��Guards, I will handsomely reward anyone who can find the person controlling these insects and snakes!�� Ren Baqian shouted to the back.


    ��Sir, perhaps there isn��t anyone controlling them!�� One of the baihu stepped forward and said, ��I have discovered this thing!��


    He revealed a stalk of a yellow flower as he spoke.


    ��What��s this?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This is a Hedychium Coronarium <sup>1</sup> . It isn��t special, but if you sprinkle a type of special powder on it, it will emit a smell that attracts poisonous insects. When we were resting, we found that this flower stalk had been sprinkled with the special powder. In other words, these snakes and insects weren��t manipted to attack us, but rather, we are blocking their way! ��


    ��How do you know this?�� Ren Baqian was curious.


    ��Back in the day, I learned an assortment of tricks in the south by coincidence,�� the baihu said.


    ��How did they know that we would be resting here? Who found this ce?�� Ren Baqian asked as he red around.


    ��Sir, they didn��t necessarily know where we would be resting at. This type of flower is verymon. As long as someone sprinkles the special powder on these flowers in locations that are spacious and suitable for camping, then when the soldiers are resting, all the person has to do is release the snakes and insects from afar. Naturally, they will make their way over. If we didn��t know better, it would be easy to think that these snakes and insects were being manipted to charge at us.��


    ��Good job!�� Ren Baqian patted his shoulders andplimented him. ��That means if we retreat, nothing will happen, right?��


    ��That��s right!��


    Xi Wanya, who had just arrived, shouted upon hearing the prior conversation, ��Everyone, retreat onto the road! Check carefully if there are any small yellow flower petals.��


    Momentster, the crowd returned back to the road and realized there really were such flowers along the paved path. Moreover, some petals were even littered on the road itself.


    It wasn��t easy for such a matter to attract anyone��s attention. If it wasn��t for that baihu, perhaps they might have suffered a huge loss.


    After burying those flowers, sure enough, those snakes and insects stopped moving forward.


    ��What��s your name? Ren Baqian shouted for that baihu.


    ��Sir, I��m Yue Kaiyang!��


    ��Previously, I said that I will handsomely reward anyone who catches the person who was controlling the snakes and insects. Even though you didn��t capture anyone, you have a made a great contribution. Note down that Yue Kaiyang has been promoted two grades higher to qianhu!


    ��Thank you, Sir!�� Yue Kaiyang was ted.


    ��Do your job well!�� Ren Baqian was very pleased.


    ��You did well!�� From the side, a husky voice sounded.


    Ren Baqian turned his head to look and saw Xi Wanya nodding his head at him.


    ��Thank you for thepliment, Sirs!�� Yue Kaiyang responded almost immediately.


    ��Take your leave! I��ll get someone to send a token over to you. As for the documentation, I��ll send it to you on ater day,�� Ren Baqian continued.


    After Yue Kaiyang took his leave, Ren Baqian turned and said to Xi Wanya, ��It seems like we have to be extra cautious. I heard that apart from insect soldiers, the Six Doors still have monkey and elephant soldiers that are very hard to deal with!��


    Just when Ren Baqian finished his words, he felt the ground shaking violently.


    The source of the vibration was the ground in front of everyone.


    <em>From this scale of vibration, it��s as if arge number of mounted soldiers are heading in our direction. I��m sure that the rebels don��t dare to meet us head on. Since it isn��t them, I believe that it must be the elephant soldiers! </em>Immediately, a thought like this emerged in Ren Baqian��s head after already witnessing the insect soldiers.


    Since the insect soldiers had already shown up, it was logical for the elephant soldiers to appear now.


    For the first wave of attack, the other party had sent out their insect soldiers. If Ren Baqian��s subordinate didn��t detect any issues, perhaps they would have incurred a substantial number of casualties. Ultimately, they would have discovered that they were attacked less on the roads, and retreated here as well.


    Then, the elephant soldiers would charge over! If everyone was in the way of the elephants, then they would inevitably sustain serious injuries or even die.


    If they were to enter the underbrush on either side of the road, they would end up as food for the snakes and insects.


    The opponent��s n was pretty well thought out!


    Ren Baqian looked over as he continued to ponder in his head.


    Then, he saw a few huge animals rampaging toward their direction that were about six meters talls and had two long tusks that were almost three meters long.


    The road, which was seven or eight meters wide, was just enough to amodate two of these giants running side by side!

 Chapter 535 - Monkey Soldiers

    Chapter 535: Monkey Soldiers


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This huge elephant�� is really big!�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself when he saw the huge elephant rushing wildly at him from a distance.


    At six meters tall, the height of this elephant was equivalent to the height of a two-story building.


    With two such elephants running side by side, it was as if a building was being pushed at them, let alone the elephants�� three meters tusks, which made them all the more menacing.


    In addition, the elephants�� bodies were covered with rattan armor from the knees up��even the trunks were covered with rattan rings.


    Sitting on each elephant was a person, male or female, wearing a colorful cloak adorned with feathers.


    From a distance, it was easy to be mistaken and think that there were only two elephants that wereing at them like a wall. In reality, however, there were also two identical elephants behind the first pair.


    Ren Baqian took out two shbangs from his bag, weighed them in his hands, calcted the distance, pulled the safety rings, and threw them forward.


    Although it was daytime, the brightness generated was still very intense and the noise was deafening.


    The rattan armor on the elephant soldiers could withstand swords, but was useless against the shbangs that blinded and deafened them.


    Even if a human was suddenly attacked, he or she would panic and run amok, not to mention an animal. As long as the elephant soldiers couldn��t figure out the right direction and just charged blindly, it would be enough.


    ��Lower your heads and close your eyes!�� Ren Baqian shouted as he threw the shbangs.


    ��Sir, be careful!�� Ren Baqian heard this warning from behind just as he lowered his head. He couldn��t react in time and fell backward as an arrow flew over his head apanied by a gust of wind.


    Then, he saw a man standing atop one of the elephants, holding a bow and arrow, and preparing to shoot.


    The next moment, he saw a sh and then darkness.


    The loud noise made him giddy as he lost all of his senses. He was shocked and didn��t know what had happened.


    Simrly, the two elephants and their riders were blinded by the explosions of the two shbangs.


    The huge elephants were frightened, let out long roars, immediately mmed on the brakes, and ran toward both sides of the road in a panic.


    The two other huge elephants emerged from behind with a reddish brown long-haired monkey and some Spirit Wheel experts sitting on top.


    The monkey bared its teeth, scratched its ears and cheeks, and gave a strange cry. Following this, the few practitioners jumped up very high into the air toward the crowd.


    ��I admire your bravery for having the nerve toe here and intercept us. Since you are here, you might as well stay. Sooner orter, you will be dead, and this is a nice ce to be buried since the scenery is beautiful with mountains and water around.�� Xi Wanyaughed heartily and blocked the monkey with a big saber. Qing Ping and Zong Shen blocked the other few Spirit Wheel experts.


    The monkey and those few Spirit Wheel experts led the three aboriginals into the distance as they fought. Xi Wanya andpany willingly followed along.


    Ren Baqian grabbed two shbangs in his hands as he shouted, ��Be careful! Watch out for monkeys in the forest!��


    Since the insect and elephant soldiers had appeared, the monkey soldiers shouldn��t be far away.


    Ren Baqian had already figured out their n.


    The n was to deploy the insect soldiers first to force the soldiers onto the road and leave them with no way to flee into the forest and no way to escape through either side. Then, the elephant soldiers would charge at them like a wall while some of the rebel experts would simultaneously tie down Xi Wanya andpany.


    Even if the elephant soldiers did inflict some casualties and chaos, the damage wouldn��t be too high as there were very few elephants.


    The road was very narrow and only able to amodate two elephants at the front. If they died, they would block the path of the elephants behind them.


    Therefore, only four elephants were used to create chaos and divert attention.


    Now was the time to reveal their real weapon that could cause serious damage to the aboriginal army and achieve their purpose.


    ��There are many monkeys on the trees on both sides!��


    ��Be careful!��


    Ren Baqian heard a thunderous sound splitting the sky, felt goose bumps on his body, and somersaulted to the ground from his fork-horned cow. A few sounds rang out, causing the fork-horned cow to bellow and fall to the ground.


    Ren Baqian nced around and saw bone spear after bone spear shooting out from the forest.


    Looking toward the forest, he saw brown short-haired monkeys about half the height of a human that seemed to appear on the trees from nowhere. Each of them had a bundle of bone spears tied to their back, which they threw downward as they jumped around on the trees.


    He didn��t know the species of these monkeys. They were so strong that the bone spears could prate the fork-horned cattle from tens of meters away. The spears that missed andnded on the ground ended up with one-third of their length buried into the dirt.


    ��Sure enough!�� Ren Baqian understood clearly. He threw two shbangs at the elephants in front. Then, he took a bunch of shbangs from the bag on his fork-horned cow, threw them to his guards, and shouted, ��Throw these into the forest!��


    More than 20 shbangs were thrown, blinding arge number of the monkeys that were in the forest. While some of them shrieked and fell down from the trees after losing their bnce, the rest of the monkeys were shocked and quickly fled as they screamed in terror.


    ��Captain Gong, don��t let the winged cavalry go inside the forest. Use the bone spears!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    The bone spears thrown across by the monkeys were hurled back at their original owners, and one by one, the blinded monkeys fell to the ground.


    Ren Baqian strode to the carriage of the empress and saw shattered bone spears in the vicinity. These spears had been smashed by the guards.


    Ren Baqian asked vibrantly, ��Your Majesty, were you disturbed?��


    The curtain was parted by Hong Luan. Inside, the empress was lying on her side and holding a cup of wine. The sun shone on the cup, and a lifelike phoenix was seen on the engraved cup.


    The empress nced at Ren Baqian, ��Will this type of battle give me any problem? Go and handle your own affairs.��


    Her eyes showed some appreciation and joy.


    Ren Baqian was no longer a weakling that needed to be protected like before.


    He was starting to be capable of taking charge now.


    ��Yes!�� Ren Baqian replied. He knew that the empress would be fine, but he still needed to show his concern.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian checked with his people and found the casualties to be minimal.


    Although these monkeys were strong and much stronger than ordinary people, they were far from the level of a Human Wheel expert.


    These monkeys might have had a chance to win if they were facing an army in disarray, but the insect soldiers didn��t have much of an effect because their secret was uncovered. Moreover, the huge elephants were also routed by a few shbangs. Due to the fact that Ren Baqian correctly anticipated these attacks, the monkeys were facing an almost intact army.


    The shbangs blinded many of them, and the rest fled. Many bone spears were hurled, but only ten or so unlucky soldiers were hit by them. A few received some scratches, but the overall damage was small.


    After taking stock of the situation, Xi Wanya and the others came back.


    ��Those as*holes ran away rather quickly!�� Qing Ping scolded.


    ��Not even one is left?�� Ren Baqian asked casually. He observed that the three of them were unharmed.


    Upon learning about the incidents that urred after they left, they asked about the casualty numbers and looked at Ren Baqian approvingly. In times of need, this fellow was indeed reliable! No wonder the empress was so enamored with him. However, they still felt that the most beautiful flower in Dayao was nted on a pile of cow dung.


    ��The snake that I sawst time was also around. I was almost bitten by it this time!�� Zong Shen said.


    ��It is a Mangshan!�� Lin Qiaole wasn��t around, so Ren Baqian corrected him on her behalf.


    ��Haha, that girl!�� Hearing this, they were reminded of Lin Qiaole andughed in session.


    Hong Luan appeared beside them in a few moves and said in a clear and melodious voice, ��Protector General Xi, the empress said that it is time to set out!��


    After traveling for more than two hours, they came to a ce near a hill.


    ��Sir, there are marks left behind by the elephant soldiers��at least one or two hundred of them!�� a baihu reported.


    Ren Baqian followed the baihu behind the hill and saw many messy footprints. It looked like they had stopped here not too long ago and were getting ready tounch a sudden attack once the aboriginal army arrived.


    The elephant soldiers might have been forced to retreat because the aboriginals had suffered almost no losses in the forest. The other possibility was that they had discovered that Ren Baqian had a weapon that countered the elephant soldiers.


    Ren Baqian saw these marks and pondered deeply.


    These huge elephant soldiers were enormously big and strong. If one or two hundred of them were to charge at their army, it would be like a mountain falling on them.


    If they were to confront each other with the elephant soldiers in front of their army, the aboriginals would suffer great losses even if they won the battle.


    Fortunately, he had enough shbangs to restrain these huge elephants.


    However, after wiping out the Six Doors, he desired to obtain the method of training these elephant soldiers.


    These animals were equivalent to this world��s tanks!

 Chapter 536 - Deadly Trap

    Chapter 536: Deadly Trap


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The aboriginal soldiers travelled at a much faster speed than normal soldiers.


    After all, the lowest level of an aboriginal soldier was the Man Wheel level. The physical strength and speed of ordinary soldiers couldn��t bepared to the aboriginal soldiers.


    Everyone had finally arrived at a location that was around 15 kilometers away from Youxin City.


    After that, they searched for a suitable location to pitch camp.


    Due to the fact that the other party had elephant and insect soldiers, the aboriginals were even more cautious this time around. Upon finding high ground that was close to a water source, they chopped down all the sparse trees surrounding them. In the vicinity of two to three kilometers, their view was unobstructed.


    After pitching camp, everyone grabbed the opportunity to take a rest. Two hourster, the sky was beginning to brighten.


    More than 10 kilometers away from where they pitched camp, there stood an small and inconspicuous city.


    ��They only got to rest when it was dawn. We ought to leave the city and challenge them to a battle!�� a young and chiselled-looking man said as he looked into the distance. This person was the North Alliance��s Tie Zihe. He was currently frowning and holding his breath.


    ��Mister Bu, I hope that you can dispatch your elephant soldiers to assist us!��


    ��Chief Tie, I��m not sure what they used to blind our people. If the other party has other items, our elephant soldiers won��t be useful anymore,�� said Mister Bu, who had a colorful feather shawl draped over his shoulders. His expression was simr to Tie Zihe��s.


    ��If we are fighting a battle at night or defending the city, the elephant soldiers won��t be useful at all. What the other party has is more powerful at night!�� eximed Xie Kun, who was rather distraught. His expression wasn��t much different from the two people in front of him.


    ��I believe that Xie Kun has updated you on situation during the battle at Xueyang City. Xueyang City��s huge defeat was due to the unknown items brought by the other party. We almost lost the entire city in a sh. In my opinion, I believe that they pitched camp at dawn so that they have enough time to rest before attacking us at night!��


    ��What you just said is highly possible!�� Tie Zihe nodded his head in agreement.


    Otherwise, an ordinary army would pitch camp to rest in the evening.


    Currently, however, the other party had actually continued their march untilte at night and only took a break when it was close to dawn. With the aboriginals�� speed, they would take less than four hours to travel a distance of over 10 kilometers. All they needed was a short break before they would be able to attack the city.


    It could be assumed that the other party had made such ns.


    ��However, if you were to challenge them to a battle during the day, let��s not talk about whether they would take up the challenge or not. As long as you return to the city at night, they would send their soldiers to pursue and kill. Undoubtedly, you will be defeated,�� Mister Ning said as he fanned himself.


    At present, he could only continue to fan himself so that he wouldn��t feel like he was giving off a repulsive stench.


    However, that suffocating smell ultimately assailed the nostrils of the few others around him. If they weren��t his own people, they probably would have killed him and buried him five meters deep into the soil.


    ��Mister Ning, what are your thoughts on this?�� Tie Zihe couldn��t help but to cover his nose as he spoke. However, there wasn��t any significant difference in the smell.


    ��We��ll wait for them in the city tonight and ce items everywhere that can easily be set on fire. Thereafter, we will set fire to the city after they are led deep inside!�� Mister Ning answered.


    The jaws of the other three dropped.


    ��What about themoners��?��


    ��At that time, themoners would be fleeing in all directions and obstructing the aboriginals�� as well. The best result is for all themoners to drag the barbarians down and die together. As far as I know, this city originally had 120,000moners. However, at present, there are only 100,000 left. It��s up to all of you to determine if it��s worth it to sacrifice 100,000moners for 10,000 barbarians. In a normal battle, even 100,000 ordinary soldiers can��t match up to 10,000 barbarians.��


    Mister Ning��s words caused Tie Zihe to have goosebumps all over his body. ording to the person in front of him, allowing themoners to leave the city in advance had not been considered. Instead, he wanted themoners to fight over escaping the city and jam-pack the streets so as to obstruct the aboriginals from retreating.


    Everyone was silent for a while. Xie Kun was the first to speak.


    ��I actually think it��s feasible.��


    ��Governor Xie��!�� Xie Kun��s words stunned Tie Zihe.


    ��Chief Tie, I know that you are righteous, but the lives of themoners are also important. The same goes for your soldiers. Weren��t they raised by their parents too? If we want to kill those barbarians, I wonder how many innocent lives are required to be sacrificed. Furthermore, the purpose of what we are doing is for all living things in Tianjing Basin.


    In addition, the former chief died at the hands of Qi Zixiao. We can��t live under the same sky as the person who killed our former chief. Don��t you want to take revenge too?�� Xie Kun continued.


    ��I want to take revenge and I want to defeat those barbarians, but I can��t do it this way!�� Tie Zihe yelled.


    ��What other methods do you have then? They have so many highly skilled experts among them��Qi Zixiao, Xi Wanya, Zong Sheng, Qing Ping as well as that unknown girl. Even if we do all we can, we are still incapable of contending against them. Furthermore, they still have the winged cavalry.


    Do you know what will happen if we lose? Everyone in Tianjing Basin will be ves of the aboriginals. Our lives and deaths will be decided by them. As for you, me, the North Alliance, the Southern Metropolis, and Green Bell Flower, we will all die tragic deaths. Do you wish to see the bodies of your entire Tie family hanging at the top of the city wall as all sorts of birds are allowed to feed on them?��


    ��Mister Ning, is there any other way? Can��t we defeat them on the battlefield?�� Tie Zihe looked over in Mister Ning��s direction.


    ��Steel leader (TLC. Is this referring to Tie Zihe?), regarding whether or not we can defeat our opponent on the battlefield, what are you still unclear about? Given the Gu tribe��s (TLC. Not sure what this is referring to.) sub-optimal nning, production, andck of equipment, they still managed to restrict Great Xia chu yun chen guo (TLC.) with barely 100,000 soldiers. This just goes to show how fearsome they are.


    Half a year ago, Great Xia had an elite army of 500,000 soldiers that possessed advanced equipment. In the end, how many of them actually returned alive? Even Lu Ping Hai was killed by Qi Zixiao. Do you think that your North Alliance is stronger than Great Xia?


    Unless the number one expert in the world takes action, do you have what it takes to defeat Qi Zixiao?�� Mister Ning asked coldly.


    ��Still, there are only 10,000 aboriginals!�� Tie Zihe��s expression was malevolent.


    ��Indeed, so there��s still a glimmer of hope. If all the aboriginal soldiers had been deployed here, I wouldn��t even havee. After the demise of Xueyang City, you guys have already lost your advantage. Combining both Governor Xie and the North Alliance��s soldiers, there is a total of 150,000 soldiers hiding in this tiny Youxin City. If defeated again, all of you will lose your only remaining chance.�� Mister Ningughed.


    ��


    ��The rebels are just like the setting sun. They reveal whatever cards they have before the sky turns dark,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the sunset.


    ��Previously, we witnessed the Six Doors luring animal soldiers out to attack. Even though they had to retreat, that was due to the disparity between the strength of the two parties. I even thought that the rebels would attack first. Never had I expected that they would hide in Youxin City.�� Ren Baqian snickered as he turned his head and nced at the empress.


    ��Why are you speaking so weirdly today.�� The empress raised her head and looked at him.


    ��It��s nothing. I just felt poetic vibes.�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    ��Where��s the poem? I��m still waiting!�� The empress stared at Ren Baqian as sheyfortably while running a finger across her cheeks.


    ��Rebels are just like the setting sun. They reveal whatever cards they have before the sky turns dark! This is a modern poem! It��s very trendy on Earth!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily.


    The empress��s mouth twitched. She then turned around and said, ��Qing Yuan, inform Xi Wanya to rush all the soldiers into eating their meals quickly. When the sun sets, we will set off.��


    The moon was shining brightly above everyone.


    At the top of Youxin City��s walls, it was brightly lit. Every now and then, shadows were seen.


    Countless people held their long bows and stared at the lone army that gradually emerged from the dark.


    All of a sudden, cylinders the size of a fist were tossed into the air.


    ��Be careful!��


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Beams of white light suddenly burst out in front of everyone. Immediately, everyone at the top of the city wall went into a frenzy. It was unknown how many people actually went blind.


    ��Everyone, don��t panic. Take seven steps back. Back row, move forward!��


    Following thesemands, those who were blinded by the re took seven steps backward in fear. They were practically glued to the wall.


    A group of people behind them immediately pulled their bows back and shot downward.


    However, another batch of shbangs exploded in the air.


    Shortly after, hundreds of grenades were thrown to the top of the city wall.


    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>


    ��Sir Ren, the items that you provided are really useful,�� Xi Wanya praised him.


    Whether it was a shbang or a grenade, it was easy for the aboriginals to split up the other party��s battle formations.


    ��If I can get ahold of nuclear weapons one day, then there would be world peace in this world.�� Ren Baqian grinned.


    ��What��s that?�� Xi Wanya asked.


    ��They have upied the top of the city wall. Protector General, it��s time to get ready to enter the city.�� Ren Baqian looked afar and smiled.


    ��Everyone, set off. Kill every single rebel!�� Xi Wanya yelled at the top of his lungs.


    ��Kill!��

 Chapter 537 - Setting the City on Fire (Part 1)

    Chapter 537: Setting the City on Fire (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At night, Youxin City was filled with the cries of soldiers engaging in closebat.


    Blood was spurting, limbs were flying, and the sound of steel sabers cutting through human bodies was blood curdling. The heart rending screams of the dying pierced the ears and traumatized the mind.


    Those miserable screams could even be clearly heard outside the city.


    Ren Baqian was sitting next to the empress outside the carriage and enjoying the night wind as well as the distant whiff of blood.


    ��Sing a song for me!�� the empress suddenly said.


    ��I know how to sing ��Twinkle, twinkle, little star!''�� Ren Baqian��s spirit was uplifted.


    The ears of the little lolita, Tong Lan, pricked up as soon as she heard this phrase.


    Twinkle, twinkle, little star��


    Tong Lan gnashed her teeth. She had beaten up her schoolmates before because no one knew this song.


    ��You sing, I will listen!�� The empress raised her head to look at the night sky.


    ��Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high. Like a diamond in the sky���� Ren Baqian sang softly.


    The empress didn��t feel that the song was childish. In fact, she felt a warmth that was simr to when she was in her mother��s arms listening to her bads. It was so long ago that she couldn��t recall it, but hearing this song brought back the memories from deep inside her.


    ��When the war is settled, I will go to the mountains to take a look,�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian stopped singing and asked, ��The Sixty Thousand Mountains?��


    The empress nodded her head.


    ��Why do you suddenly have this idea?��


    ��I have heard that my mother��s tomb is in the mountains. She does not know what I look like now.�� The empress was rarely so emotional.


    ��I will apany you when the timees. However, if we want the war to end, we need to defeat Great Xia,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Didn��t you plot something with that man from Great Xia?�� the empress asked.


    ��I have told you before, once Great Xia is in turmoil, we will be stable and secure. Furthermore, we can do a lot of things with 100 million taels of silver,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress nodded and didn��t say anything.


    ��Actually, we do not need to wait until the war has ended. As long as we have radio stations, we can govern from anywhere.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��We can��t use them here!�� the empress said.


    ��Uh���� Ren Baqian opened his mouth wide. It was unexpected that an area asrge as Tianjing Basin was so strange that radio waves couldn��t propagate.


    At this time, a few figures crossed the city and flew quickly to the ce where Ren Baqian and the empress were located.


    Zuo Lengnded in front of Ren Baqian and the empress, then reported loudly, ��Sir Ren, I have urgent news!��


    ��Speak!��


    ��Sir, this news is from Phoenix Knife��s Hu Cheng.��


    Ren Baqian immediately remembered this person who was mentioned by Zuo Leng two days ago and recalled that he was an officer who worked under Tie Zihe. Ren Baqian wondered what the news was about.


    ��The rebels want to set the city on fire!�� Zuo Leng eximed in an ice-cold tone. He was initially shocked when he received this news, but then became very angry because he had been born and bred in Tianjing Basin. Although neither parties could be med for using any means in battle, he didn��t expect the rebels to be so ruthless.


    ��What are they going to do?�� Ren Baqian became serious.


    ��ording to the message left by Hu Cheng, the rebels have ced fuel in many locations and are waiting for our army to advance deep into the city before setting the fuel on fire. I have already checked and found oil cans as well as firewood in many ces. They are mostly ced in some corners or in courtyards and are hard to detect if one didn��t know beforehand.��


    ��Sir, the houses in Youxin City are mostly made of wood. Once the fire is started, it will be hard to control. Not only will our soldiers suffer serious casualties, but even themoners in Youxin City will find it hard to escape.��


    The oil cans here were filled with animal fat.


    ��Didn��t themoners evacuate earlier?�� Ren Baqian was rather surprised.


    ��No. Otherwise, I would have instantly noticed that something was wrong when entering the city.��


    ��They are really ruthless and cruel!�� Ren Baqian suddenlyughed gloomily. ��Desperate dogs will jump over a wall, whereas these rebels are going to sacrifice more than 100,000moners. They have really gone crazy.��


    ��Sir, what should we do?�� Zhou Leng asked.


    ��Order the men from the Rearguard Commandery to remove the oil cans from both sides of the main road and to pile the firewood in one ce with someone guarding it to ensure the safety of the army when they leave. After that, treat the main road as an axis and look for oil cans on both sides,�� Ren Baqian ordered firmly.


    During such a fire, most people would not be burned to death, but would die from suffocation due to smoke inhtion.


    Those that weren��t burned could also die from inhaling carbon monoxide or from theck of oxygen.


    Without oil, it would be very difficult to quickly start a big fire with firewood alone. Therefore, the rebels�� n could be considered a failure.


    ��Understood!��


    ��Your Majesty, what do you think?�� Ren Baqian turned his head to ask.


    ��Notify the winged cavalry to block the other three city gates to keep the rebels inside the city,�� the empress said coldly. The original n was to reduce their own casualty rate by leaving two gates for the rebels to escape through. Then, they would chase after the fleeing rebels.


    The empress had changed her mind now.


    ��Your Majesty, I am afraid they will not burn down the city in this case, but will fight to the death, causing our casualty rate to be higher in the end. It might be better to wait for them to start the fire before blocking the three gates,�� Ren Baqian said gloomily. ��You reap what you sow. Initially, I didn��t n on taking this step, but since they want to set fire to the city, they cannot me anyone else. I will let them be destroyed along with Youxin City.��


    ��Sir, themoners of the city���� Although the name, Zuo Leng, meant coldness, he was actually a kind soul. Immediately, he was inspired by Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��Inform Protector General Xi to reduce the intensity of the attack and to dy while waiting for the majority of the oil cans in the southern part of the city to be removed before escting the assault. As for themoners, get people to lead them from the other three city gates and let them flee south. As for the number ofmoners that are able to escape, it will depend on their own fate.��


    Zuo Leng was grateful when he heard of this arrangement.


    He didn��t expect the three major factions, who were born and bred here, toe up with this n of burning the city and letting themoners die in a sea of fire in order to prevent the aboriginals from discovering the plot. Ren Baqian had always given him the impression of being a ruthless superior, but had given themoners a lifeline.


    Although there would inevitably be many casualties, numerous people would also survive.


    ��Tell Protector General Xi about what I have said and monitor the movements of the rebels from a vantage point. If they start the fire and discover that the three other gates are blocked, most of them may think of breaking through the south gate and should be immediately intercepted. As for you people, after leading the citizens to the south gate to escape, go around and ughter the small groups of rebels in the city.��


    ��Understood, Sir,�� Zuo Leng said. He expressed regret over the matter.


    ��Go. Think of a way to contact Hu Cheng and tell him to leave.�� Ren Baqian turned to the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, although we can let the rebels stay, it��s a pity that we cannot keep their leaders.��

 Chapter 538 - Setting The City on Fire (Part 2)

    Chapter 538: Setting The City on Fire (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Following the orders of Ren Baqian, the soldiers from the Rearguard Commandery went into action. One after another, they jumped onto the roofs and asionally fetched a couple cans before heading in another direction.


    As the rebels were nning to draw the aboriginals to the city center by retreating while fighting, there weren��t many soldiers in the south part of the city. Therefore, the soldiers from the Rearguard Commandery didn��t face any major resistance.


    ��There��s one here and two to the northwest!�� One old man on the roof pointed out. Three younger people, of both sexes, immediately jumped to the locations indicated and departed with the oil cans.


    The old man��s ears pricked up and noticed that the battle cries from the front seemed to lessen.


    ��I cannot believe that they cane up with such a diabolical n,�� the old man muttered to himself.


    As his voice faded, the old man jumped onto a few roofs and subsequently spotted an oilcan underneath a pile of firewood in a courtyard. He put the oil can on a roof and then headed in another direction to search.


    In the house below, a woman who was huddled in a man��s arms asked fearfully, ��What was that noise on the roof just now?��


    ��Don��t think too much.�� The man tried his best to calm himself and said, ��Even if the outside world is overturned, we will be fine as long as we hide inside.��


    Although he said these words, he still looked very pale.


    The minutes passed by as Xi Wanya stood on a roof looking at the slow advance ahead. His eyes were like that of a hawk as they swept the horizon from time to time and seemed to be able to prate the darkness to see those people moving forward.


    ��ording to Protector General Xi, most of the oil cans in the southern part of the city have been found,�� Zuo Leng announced politely as hended not far from Xi Wanya.


    Xi Wanya nodded and then said loudly, ��Hurry up! I hope the only rebels left by dawn are corpses.��


    ��Kill them!��


    Xi Wanya��s voice rang out in the night and was followed by loud cries as the attack wasunched.


    ��


    In an inconspicuous house at the western part of the city, the windows were wide open and not even a glimmer of light could be seening from the room.


    It was only possible with the aid of the moonlight to see that a few people were sitting in the room.


    Mister Ning cupped his ears to listen to the faraway sounds and said, ��They are increasing the intensity of the attack.��


    Tie Zihe looked ghastly pale and remained silent.


    ��Based on the intensity of the attack, it will take about one hour for them to reach the warlord��s residence. Let��s start the fire at his residence and let it spread like a prairie fire to engulf the whole city.�� Mister Ning disyed a smile. Destroying the aboriginals along with the whole city and all its citizens was a rarely seen scene.


    This caused his heart to beat faster.


    ��Wait for them to reach the warlord��s residence before we disperse,�� Xie Kun said.


    ��It��s a pity we cannot stay in the city to watch such a scene,�� Mister Ning said with a tinge of regret.


    ��Mister Ning!�� Tie Zihe suddenly opened his mouth.


    ��Chief Tie, what��s the matter?�� Mister Ning turned his head to ask.


    His pupils dted as he saw a radiant sh in the darkness.


    <em>ng!</em>


    The sound of a sword striking metal rang out.


    ��Are you crazy?�� Xie Kun used his long saber to ward off Tie Zihe��s sword. His face expressed incredulity.


    ��You are actually going to kill me?�� Mister Ning was caught off guard.


    ��Whether the battle is won or lost, he��s no longer useful. If we win, the aboriginals will be defeated and no longer able to stop us, making him useless. If we lose, even if we escape, we will no longer be able to contend with the aboriginals, and keeping him will be useless.�� Tie Zihe growled with a crazy look and shouted, ��Let him die together with themoners of this city!��


    ��Hahahahaha!�� Mister Ning convulsed withughter. ��I am only the nner. The one who implemented the n is you! Are you trying to put the me on me because you cannot bear the responsibility? Are you deceiving yourself to such an extent that you will not even take any responsibility at all? What credibility do you have to lead the North Alliance?��


    ��That��s right��you are deceiving yourself!�� Xie Kun growled angrily and continued, ��Do you think everything will be over once this battle ends? What should we do in the future? How do we deal with the strength of the aboriginals and where do we get weapons?��


    ��We can send someone to the Yun Nation again or even to Great Xia. Nobody will know how he died. Even if they know, they won��t care as long as we are still of value,�� Tie Zihe said. ��In order to destroy the aboriginals, we have to burn all themoners. After the war, I will not have the face tomand the North Alliance.��


    ��What do you mean?�� Xie Kun was surprised again.


    ��Tianjing Basin doesn��t need the three major factions! As long as you can convince Green Bell Flower, you can be the chief of Tianjing Basin. The three major factions have been fighting for decades, and it��s high time to end the alliance,�� Tie Zihe said coldly.


    ��Myst request is to kill him!�� Tie Zihe red at Mister Ning.


    Mister Ning��s expression changed as he said, ��Don��t forget that you were the one who gave the orders.��


    ��You have a point. It��s no loss to trade the lives of themoners for 10,000 aboriginals, but for their lives, these people have been ruled by my North Alliance. Therefore, you, me, and the citizens of Youxin City will die together.�� Tie Zihe had a crazy look in his eyes.


    ��You are crazy! You are actually crazy!�� Mister Ning shouted.


    ��You are crazy!�� Xie Kun continued, ��Although he��s the one who suggested it, you are the one who implemented it, but now, you want to kill him? I don��t know what has gotten into you, yet I do not want to stop you.��


    Xie Kun suddenly loosened his grip while talking, and the long sword of Tie Zihe slithered like a snake to pierce the chest of Mister Ning.


    ��Ah, ah�� ah���� Mister Ning clutched his chest, smiled grimly, and jeered, ��The most pitiful man!��


    Then, he fell to the floor.


    ��Did you know that I have thought about dying together with you��? However, Tianjing Basin needs a leader and that woman, Rao Yu, can��t do it.�� Tie Zihe sneered at Xie Kun, pulled out his long sword, and strode out of the room.


    ��Mister Ning, you know that I can��t refuse him.�� Xie Kun sheathed his long knife and bowed.


    Blood was foaming from Mister Ning��s mouth as he muttered to himself, ��Ah, ah�� A bunch of delusional people����


    ��Delusional? Maybe! How will you know if you do not try?�� Xie Kunughed.


    In the courtyard, Tie Zihe stared silently at the bloodstained long sword in his hand.


    A man in cknded beside him and reported, ��Sir, there are many warriors running around on the roofs, and they seem to be looking for something.��


    ��It looks like they have discovered our n. In that case, send the order to begin!�� Tie Zihe walked out of the courtyard after giving the order.


    The direction he was heading in was where the fighting was the most intense.


    One by one, the guards in the courtyard followed behind him.


    ��All of you withdraw and leave! They are fighting and need a leader,�� Tie Zihe said without turning his head.


    ��However, if there are no guards beside the leader, it will seem too shabby,�� said one of the guards behind him.


    ��


    After Tie Zihe had departed, 500 men wearing ck clothes scattered to various parts of the city. They took out oil cans from under the firewood piled in the corners and poured the oil on the firewood or simply on the houses.


    When the warlord��s residence, which was right in the center of the city, was lit up by a huge fire, little sparks of fire started everywhere in the city and began to spread.


    However, when viewed from high above, these sparks were seen mainly in the east, west, and north of the city.


    In the southern part of the city, when a man in ck went to the ce where he had stored his oil can and firewood, he was shocked to find that the oil can and firewood was gone.


    Thereafter, he set out toward another location and was impaled to the ground by a long sword that descended from above.


    In another ce, a man in ck went to three locations and found all the oil cans missing�� In one instance, even the firewood was missing as well.


    Finally, he had no choice but to crouch down and try to light up the firewood with his matchsticks.


    When a figure suddenly plummeted down behind him, blood spurted from his mouth after he was smacked on the head.


    While another man in ck was looking for his stored oil can, Ren Baqian sat on a tree behind him. Ren Baqian slowly pulled out his gun, turned the safety catch, and aimed at the target below��


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang��!</em>


    He fired six shots in session and saw blood spurting from the body. Ren Baqian wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, ��It��s not easy to aim at night!��

 Chapter 539 - Foregone Conclusion

    Chapter 539: Foregone Conclusion


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The east, west, and north gates of Youxin City copsed with a loud crash. Huge stones were smashed into the original locations of the gates as the rebels, who were just about to retreat, looked on in despair. The city gates were nowpletely blocked.


    Someone, who seemed like amander, shouted at the top of his lungs, ��Move the stones! If we can��t escape, all of us will die here!��


    However, he was greeted by a series of grenades that were thrown from the top of the city wall.


    At this time, blood and fire intersected each other in Youxin City while endless, blood-curdling screams could be heard. The majority of the city was in mes.


    Countless people who were hiding in the houses were either driven out by the huge inferno or engulfed by the mes. The thick smoke caused people to cover their mouths, crouch their bodies, and flee in disarray.


    Thesemoners were akin to fish in a. As far as they could see, there were mes almost everywhere. It was as if the entire city was caught up in a sea of fire. This made them even more distressed as arge portion of themoners subconsciously fled toward the nearest city gate.


    ��Run toward the south! There��s no fire over there!�� It was unknown as to where this voice came from, but it caused many people to panic and subconsciously run toward the south.


    This stream of people spurred even more people to run.


    Humans were known to conform, particrly during a disaster like this.


    A few silhouettes appeared on top of a roof that was away from the disaster zone. These people looked over themoners as they fled for their lives. From time to time, brilliant rays could be seen emanating from weapons. The screams of people facing death could also be heard.


    One after another, the rebels who were squeezed within the crowd spat out blood and fell to the ground.


    The empress stood at the top of the city wall and looked down at the city that had been set aze. Ren Baqian was standing slightly behind her.


    ��Your Majesty, Sir, the refugees are running over,�� Zuo Leng said as hended somewhere 10 meters away from both the empress and Ren Baqian.


    ��Open the city gates! Let them exit the city freely. ce a noisy fellow outside the gates to spread news about who caused the fire,�� Ren Baqian said. At this point, he could already see the crowd below that was rushing toward the gates.


    Even though heading to the south seemed like a safe option and the majority of themoners were rushing over in this direction, the south was already overcrowded. Themoners were pushing their way toward the south, using violence, and even trampling on one another. Practically all sorts of things were happening constantly.


    ��Your Majesty, the head of the rebels,Tie Zihe, has been killed!�� Qing Pingnded in front of the empress with Tie Zihe��s head in his hand.


    ��Got it!�� the empress replied without even looking at Qing Ping. Then, she turned to Ren Baqian and said, ��Even if they manage to flee with their lives today, they won��t be able to survive without any food.��


    Ren Baqian thought for some time before speaking up. ��I implore Your Majesty to make an imperial decree to transfer rations over from cities like Xueyang City for assistance. When we grant them with the rations, we must let them know who provided food for them. The people who fled for their lives will certainly remember Your Majesty��s graciousness!��


    ��There��s practically no more rations left in Jiangbei City. Previously, when the army left, they took most of the rations away,�� the empress responded. Even though it seemed as if she allowed Ren Baqian to be in charge, this didn��t imply that she was clueless about what was going on. ��The rations in Xueyang City can definitely sustain these refugees for a few days, but the army has to return before they can transfer the rations over. The earliest would be in three days�� time. However, I��m unsure how many things will happen within these three days.


    ��What��s Your Majesty��s n?��


    ��Get themoners in the south to give up the surplus food in their houses. Distribute this excess food ording to the number of people so that we can hold on for at least another few days. Afterward, when the rations are transferred over, we can guarantee that the refugees will not starve to death.��


    As for whether thosemoners in the south were willing or not, it waspletely outside of her consideration.


    Such an arrangement could already be considered an act of benevolence from her.


    ��Your Majesty��s actions are definitely that of a wise ruler!�� Ren Baqian went along with the empress��s words.


    ��Are you trying to imply that I was an incapable ruler in the past?�� The empress swept her gaze across him.


    ��How��s that possible? It��s just that previously, Your Majesty��s brilliance was shown toward the aboriginalmoners,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Seeing that you have spent a lot of effort on these people, I can��t just let them starve to death,�� the empress said in an indifferent tone.


    At this time, chaos ensued below the two of them. Countless people were squeezing together while wailing noises and sounds of grief echoed in the air.


    The empress emitted a majestic aura, suppressing the minds of everyone like a huge mountain. Immediately, the crowd calmed down. It was as if something invisible was clutching their necks, making it hard to even breathe.


    She didn��t even need to speak a single word, yet the refugees below were already covering their mouths.


    ��Indeed, you are worthy to be the ruler of Dayao! Just from the aura you released, these panic-strickenmoners actually calmed down!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    ��The fire is spreading!�� The empress ignored him and looked into the distance.


    ��Guards!�� Ren Baqian raised his head to take a nce, shouted for somebody toe, and gave instructions. ��Start from the location closest to the fire and inform themoners in the south to flee the city with their food immediately!


    ��In addition, get Protector General Xi to send some soldiers to maintain order.��


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress stood at the top of the city wall until they saw the marble white sky of the dawn. At the same time, the yelling and fighting noises had also been growing softer.


    This very night, Xi Wanya and the Protectorate of the South had gradually retreated with the intensity of the fire. All along, their objective was to trap the rebel soldiers, who were trying to dash out of the city, within the fire.


    As for the winged cavalry, their task was to obstruct any rebel soldiers who wanted to escape by going over the city wall.


    In the end, only a handful of the 150,000 rebel soldiers managed to escape.


    Apart from dying under the aboriginals�� swords, these rebel soldiers mostly died due tock of oxygen.


    ��Your Majesty, it has ended,�� Ren Baqian said as he stood behind the empress.


    The empress��s red silhouette shed across the wall before disappearing. The next moment, she was already in the imperial chariot.


    Ren Baqian extended his hand just as the empress left, but it was all in vain.


    He ced both of his hands behind him, unhurriedly walked down, and could hear the voices of people far away.


    ��Don��t you guys know who the people were that set the city on fire? It��s Her Majesty who saved all of your lives and gave you guys a way to live�� All the rations will be distributed ordingly. As long as we persist for a few more days, the rations arriving from Xueyang City will be sufficient to keep everyone alive����


    ��Zuo Leng!��


    ��Sir Ren!��


    ��Organize these people and find a few strong ones among them. Search for valuables in the city and food that has not been destroyed,�� Ren Baqian instructed. At present, themoners mostly used stone jars to store food. Although some houses were burned, the food in the stone jars could still be eaten.


    ��In addition, dig a pit outside the city and bury the corpses so as to avoid any diseases from emerging.Then, arrange the men to do a search of the surroundings. Determine how many rebels have escaped and in which direction they escaped to.��


    After giving out instructions, Ren Baqian stood near the city gate and looked at the frightened and sorrowful expressions of themoners. After that, he made his way to the side of the empress��s imperial chariot,y on the ground, and closed his eyes to rest.


    Not long after, two pieces of animal hide were thrown out from the imperial chariot,nding on his face.


    ��Many thanks, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian happily covered the bottom half of the body with the animal hide . He fell into a deep slumber in no time.


    After a long while, apart from leaving a few soldiers to maintain order, the army that had rested for half a day returned to Xueyang City once again.


    They took a day and a half to return to Xueyang City, but before they even entered, the stench of blood permeated the air.


    Upon entering the city, the soldiers found out that Rao Yu had led an army and attacked as expected after most of the aboriginals left.


    1,000 aboriginal soldiers firmly obstructed 50,000 rebel soldiers outside of the city.


    With the help of a few strong people, Hong Cheng managed to chase away many of the rebel soldiers, causing their morale to drop so rapidly that Rao Yu had no choice but to retreat.


    This, however, caused themoners in Xueyang City to panic as well.


    Fortunately, the current situation was set. There was only Rao Yu left, and she couldn��t create too big of amotion. As for the hearts of the refugees, time could slowly be taken to gain their eptance.

 Chapter 540 - Robots

    Chapter 540: Robots


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Those two have yet to return?�� On returning to Earth, Ren Baqian and the empress took a ne to Shanghai and were surprised to find only four other people in the vi.


    Half a month had passed, and even if they crawled from the northeast, they should have arrived in Shanghai by now.


    Not only did he buy ne tickets for them, but he also gave them 50,000 yuan. The most simple and effortless method was for them to take a car ride back to Shanghai.


    Furthermore, the Messier 87 was watching over them�� It was unlikely that something could have happened to them.


    ��Did something happen?�� The empress turned to look at him.


    When Ren Baqian exined this matter to the empress, she shook her head and said, ��Each and every member of the winged cavalry is a specially selected elite. They will not die even if thrown into dangerous ces. Furthermore, this is Earth!��


    <em>Although you are very confident, Your Majesty, your winged cavalry has already been whittled down from 1500 to 700��</em>


    This was the opinion of Ren Baqian, but he didn��t dare to voice it out loud.


    ��I am not worried that something happened to them, I am worried about what happened to other people,�� Ren Baqian said. What he was most worried about was whether those three people were locked up in some secret ce.


    Even though an intelligent Earth Wheel expert wasn��t invincible in the city, they still could make other people tremble.


    The key to the problem was the word, ��intelligent.��


    The aboriginals weren��t stupid, but their brain structure was very simple.


    Compared to the people on Earth, they were like innocentmbs, except when it came to killing people. They werex and being conned was amon thing.


    The empress snapped her fingers. Like sword fingers, she rubbed her middle and index fingers with her thumb and produced an audible sound of swords swishing.


    Ren Baqian looked in the direction that these fingers pointed and saw a hole appearing on the wall. Even a snap of her fingers was so awesome��the empress certainly lived up to her name��


    ��I will call the Messier 87 to see whether they know about their whereabouts?�� Ren Baqian took out his phone to call Yang Sen.


    ��Mister Ren���� Yang Sen sighed when he received the call. Ever since he became the chief of the Messier 87, he had been sighing more often than before.


    ��What is it?�� Ren Baqian felt that Yang Sen��s tone was different and wondered whether those two rascals were in some big trouble.


    ��Nothing much. Mister Ren, go ahead and speak,�� Yang Sen said.


    ��It��s about my two subordinates that I left in the northeast. Do you know where they are?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Mister Ren, they are your subordinates. Why are you asking me? Can your tone be less harsh?�� Yang Sen replied in relief. He wasn��t the one who suggested the actions of those three people.


    Although he had already guessed from their irregr actions and the routes they took, he was certain after hearing from Ren Baqian and no longer needed to figure out whether there was something else behind their actions��


    ��In this territory, Chief Yang definitely knows more than me.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��I certainly know where they are. They are the distinguished guests of the three fatties from the neighbouring country!�� Yang Sen said.


    ��Pfft!�� Ren Baqian blurted out! His voice became shriller as he asked, ��What? Those three fatties?��


    Three fatties? The northeast region wasn��t too far from it, but how did those aboriginals end up there? How did they be their guests of honor?


    What the hell happened during these six months when he was absent?


    ��How did they get there?�� Ren Baqian asked in amazement.


    ��You��ll need to ask them. This is all we know. However, I need to tell you this, your two subordinates�� During this period, they smashed up a bathhouse and a teahouse, destroyed a drug trafficking den and two prostitution dens, and ran through 13 red lights on horseback! They also injured seven policemen, six city officials, and two traffic police. Fortunately, no one died���� Yang Sen said softly.


    Ren Baqian��s face darkened with each sentence from Yang Sen.


    When Yang Sen finished speaking, Ren Baqian was speechless. As for running 13 traffic lights, where did they get the horses from?


    As for destroying a drug den and two prostitution dens, what were they doing there? Ren Baqian had been living on Earth for so long and hadn��t even gone near such ces.


    ��Well, can you help me to send a message? Tell them toe back here by hook or by crook!�� Ren Baqian said sulkily. He wasn��t prepared to go to the northeast to get those two back. This matter could be handled more reliably by the Messier 87.


    ��I��ll do my best.��


    ��You must bring those two back and tell them that the big boss will skin them alive!�� Ren Baqian continued.


    ��I didn��t say that! That��s not what I said!�� the empress said indifferently.


    ��They have gone over the limit!�� Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or to cry.


    ��Oh! If they are too much, just give them a few strokes of the cane!�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian grinned. Did the empress know the word, w�� and what it meant?


    Ren Baqian pondered and sighed.


    <em>Well, whatever you say is thew.</em>


    Ren Baqian sat on the sofa and stopped thinking about the problem concerning those two guys. Together with the empress, he joined in to y an online game, ��King of Glory,�� which they hadn��t yed for some time.


    However, half an hourter, a fellow yer startedining, ��You two elder brothers, do I have enmity with you? Why do you keep contending against me? Why am I always on your team?��


    Ren Baqian replied after a pause, ��This is love! Love! Love!��


    ��Big brother, I am still a child! Your love is too heavy. It��s better spread your love equally to other yers!�� that guy wailed.


    After tricking a few fellow yers, the two were satisfied and signed off.


    As the two watched television shows for a while, Ren Baqian saw an advertisement for an educational robot that caught his attention.


    It reminded him that he had no time to teach those students of his. Letting them wander with the army for a few months wasn��t a solution. Giving them a robot and then answering their questions when he had the time would speed up their education.


    After thinking about this, Ren Baqian took out his phone to search for information about robots and realized that Earth had made great progress in robotics over thest three years.


    Modern human beings were bingzier andzier, their expectations were getting higher and higher, and the huge demand had promoted the rapid development of robotics.


    The robot shown in the advertisement was produced by apany that he had never heard of before.


    He continued to search further and was surprised to find out that thispany used to produce intable dolls.


    This caused his eyes to almost pop out.


    Initially, thispany made intable dolls. Next, it produced ��adult�� robots. At present, even some overseas brothels were using these robots to satisfy some people, and the evaluation wasn��t bad.


    Sincest year, they formed a newpany called Linkage Intelligence to produce educational robots, and their main product now was a home educational robot that was well received.


    Whether it was speech recognition or verbalmunication, it was rather logical.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian became interested in thispany.


    However, the products were just home educational robots and were far from what he wanted. Furthermore, they needed to connect to the inte.


    The most basic requirement that Ren Baqian needed was a robot with its own databank.


    This wasn��t really a problem because a product eptable to society needed to be mass produced at a reasonable price with functions that suited the users.


    It would certainly not be the most high-end product.


    He needed to know whether thispany had the capability to meet his requirements.


    At this point, he made a phone call to thatpany.


    Ren Baqian felt that being rich was a happy thing and that this was especially so on Earth. As long as the technology was avable, money could solve most of the problems.


    This was also the aim of the other party, and they were very interested to hear about his requirements.


    Both sides talked for more than half an hour before finally arranging a personal appointment for Ren Baqian to visit theirboratory the next day.

 Chapter 541 - Placing an Order

    Chapter 541: cing an Order


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Theboratory of Linkage Intelligence was in Hangzhou and not too far away from Shanghai. This area had lots of recognition and was known as ��the fertile region,�� ��the home of silk,�� and ��heaven on earth.��


    Of course, the thing that Hangzhou was mostmended for was a romantic love that originated from here.


    The main characters were a man and a snake.


    Ren Baqian had never been able to understand how they were able to conceive a child.


    He then exined the itinerary to the empress, and she was very interested in these so-called ��robots.��


    After all, they were entirely made up of machines. They could talk,municate, and do many things that humans could, so this was a novelty to her.


    The next afternoon, the two of them arrived at Hangzhou��s science and technology park. After they located the address of the ce given by the other party and called them from downstairs, someone hurriedly came over after just a short while.


    He was a man in his forties, and his eyes glowed when he saw the empress. After that, he collected himself and said to the both of them, ��Are you the Mr. Ren whom I was speaking to over the phone? Hi, I��m Jiao Han, the sales manager of Linkage Intelligence!��


    Ren Baqianughed as he ruminated. Typically, people introduced themselves by saying their surname was Li or Zhang, but this person couldn��t bring himself to say that his surname was Jiao. <sup>1</sup>


    ��You��reughing!�� Jiao Han knew what Ren Baqian was thinking about the moment he saw his expression. Heughed generously, which showed that he didn��t mind.


    ��Pleasee with me.�� Jiao Han led the way as heughed.


    The three of them went up to the 15th story before arriving at a mid-sizedboratory.


    Inside,puters took up almost half the space.


    The remaining half of the space was full of all sorts of robots. Half of them were either in a human form or a half-human form. Some of them had ayer of silicone rubber as their skin and looked very simr to real humans. Just by looking at the top half of their bodies from afar, it would be difficult to tell whether they were real or fake people.


    After all, this was Jiao Han��s area of specialization.


    As Ren Baqian looked at these robots that were even more beautiful and delicate than humans, he felt that it was no wonder theirpany��s products were selling pretty well overseas.


    One subject that he had to mention was that this thing would indeed be a material benefit for a geek!


    With such emted robots, given a certain level of intelligence, the human poption in the future would probably be worried.


    However, this would be the government��s problem and was none of his concern.


    On the contrary, the empress didn��t think about it as much as Ren Baqian or perhaps didn��t even contemte it in the slightest. She was engrossed in observing the robots in front of her and even stretched out her hand to pinch the face of one of them.


    The robot that the empress pinched suddenly opened its eyes and said, ��You��ve hurt me!��


    Its digital voice sounded a little weird, and its speech was very slow. However, what it said had indeed shocked Ren Baqian and the empress.


    ��Just joking!�� The robot grinned. Its expressions looked very stiff, but they could still make out that it was a smile.


    ��Do you know what you��re talking about?�� Ren Baqian took a few steps forward and carefully observed. This robot was covered in silicone skin all the way from its head to below its neck. It had a little body warmth and refined features, which fulfilled the aesthetic conceptions of East Asians.


    ��An appropriate joke can bring two people closer and that includes robots!�� the robot answered.


    ��Do you have a name?��


    ��You Ya is my name. I would be extremely pleased if you can remember it.��


    ��Can you think?��


    ��As far as thinking is concerned, that is a very difficult question. Also, it��s a characteristic that I wish to possess. However, based on the present circumstances, there��s still a long way to go.


    ��How is this achieved?�� Ren Baqian turned his head and asked Jiao Han.


    ��Database. She will make different responses under different situations. When thisdy pinched You Ya��s face just now, it woke her up from her standby mode. In this aspect, even if we��re not the best, we also aren��t too far offpared to other countries.�� Jiao Hanughed. He was very happy with their reactions


    ��You Ting, You Yu, we have visitors!��


    The two half-bodied robots beside You Ya opened their eyes upon hearing Jiao Han��s voice and spoke with slow digital voices, ��Hello, visitor. Hello, manager Jiao.��


    ��See, you can wake them up from their standby mode by simply calling their names.�� Jiao Han smiled.


    ��I��m beginning to have faith in yourpany��s potential!�� Ren Baqian eximed in admiration. Needless to say, these artificial intelligence robots that nobody knew of were incredibly amazing to Ren Baqian, whose understanding of technology was still three years behind.


    Next, Jiao Han demonstrated some of the robots�� capabilities.


    As Ren Baqian observed, he noticed that the robots�� performance was actually not as outstanding as he thought it was. However, it had already met the majority of his expectations.


    The only problem was that these robots essed their database via the inte.


    He wasn��t sure to what extent these robots could perform after cutting off the inte connection.


    ��It seems like I haven��t seen anyone else in theboratory?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This is the exhibition area. Besides, today is a weekend, so most of the people aren��t working,�� Jiao Han answered. ��Pleasee with me into the office so we can have a discussion.��


    After that, Jiao Han led the both of them to an office. Ady with sses then entered the room and was introduced as an employee working in theboratory.


    ��What requirements do you have for the robot?�� Jiao Hao asked as he poured some tea for them.


    ��I hope for the robot to be able to aplish teaching tasks at a university level. Instead of the monotonous teaching methods of a typical household robot, I want one that can spontaneously perform interactive teaching to the best of its ability, like a real teacher.��


    Jiao Han nodded his head. Using a robot as a teacher was what many people wanted. Reaching the stage of interactive teaching was in fact quite difficult, but not impossible. It could be achieved by another method, which required an enormous database.


    ��Without the inte, the database can be stored within the robot itself.��


    Jiao Han looked at thedy with the sses, and she pondered for a moment before saying, ��This depends on what sort of data you wish to store. The data cannot be toorge or else we have to reduce other aspects of the robot��s function.��


    Thedy��s voice was a little hoarse


    ��Math, physics, chemistry, and biology,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��If they are within a university��s curriculum, it��s achievable.�� Thedy nodded.


    Jiao Han smiled as well after hearing that.


    ��It has to be able to project images, including mathematical forms and derivations, behavior of physics, and the procedures of chemistry experiments. It has to project these out in a clear and simple fashion.��


    ��Additionally, I also wish for its appearance to be more of a mechanical style, like a Transformer or a Gundam!����


    ��Can it move about on its own? It would be best if it could walk on its own and recharge by itself.��


    ��In addition, its battery capacity must be high. I don��t want a toy that has its battery depleted after just a couple of minutes.��


    Ren Baqian stated the requirements that he could think of.


    Eventually, the quoted price that Jiao Han gave him was 16 million yuan for a teaching robot with a battery life that wouldst half a day, recharge on its own, be able to do projections, and interact with others.


    Ren Baqian immediately ordered two sets.


    As for the delivery date, that would be in three months.


    After both parties signed the contract, Jiao Han was curious and asked, ��I��m now a little interested in what you do for a living, Mr. Ren. After all, using such expensive robots with these specifications is a little�� forgive me, a little wasted.��


    Currently, custom made robots like these were toys for the rich. He could understand any weird requests they had.


    The strangest thing was that the person in front of him had simply requested for teaching capabilities.


    16 million yuan would be enough to hire two teachers for 1,600 months, which was equivalent to 133 years.


    Alternatively, this amount could mean hiring 266 teachers for a year or 26 teacher for 10 years.


    ��I��m a vige teacher! These robots are intended for the children in the vige!�� Jiao Han was immediately stunned by Ren Baqian��s response, and soon after, he began to smile.


    A vige teacher?


    This was a joke of the nouveau riche. One would be a fool to believe it.


    However, at the thought of Ren Baqian only requesting for teaching capabilities for those two robots, Jiao Han felt that this might actually be possible.


    He took a nce at the empress. A story immediately formed in his mind, one of a rich heir going to a vige for volunteer teaching just to impress the person he loved and eventually getting her.


    After leaving the building, the empress leaned in toward Ren Baqian, exhaled, and asked ��You are saying that my Dayao is a vige?��


    Ren Baqian tilted his head, and the empress��s red soft lips brushed across his face gently.


    Ren Baqian felt that what he said was the truth�� but, the empress��s expression was rather dangerous�� Her gaze was filled with a teasing look?


    ��It��s paradise! Even if the entire ce is burning down, as long as it��s the ce where Your Majesty lives, it��s the most beautiful paradise!�� Ren Baqian said with full sincerity.

 Chapter 542 - The Strong Doesn’t Need Fairness

    Chapter 542: The Strong Doesn��t Need Fairness


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian and the empress didn��t wait for the two idiots toe back before returning to Dayao.


    On returning to Dayao, Ren Baqian was still thinking about how the two idiots managed to be the honoured guests of the three fatties. In addition, the horses running through traffic lights, beating up the traffic police and those they weren��t supposed to beat, smashing up the bathhouse and prostitution dens, etc��


    The experience of these two fools was really rich and colourful.


    He had prepared some good wine to drink while waiting for the story to unfold.


    ��Don��t think about it, go back and calm the rebels down. I am returning to Lan City as I miss it.�� The empress said.


    Ren Baqian grabbed the empress��s palm with one hand and held the boxes which were tied together with the other. These boxes contained the sh bombs and grenades.


    The sh bombs were much more effective than the grenades when used appropriately.


    The scene in front of the two transformed instantaneously and they appeared in a bedroom in Dayao.


    The sound of impending rain reached their ears.


    Ren Baqian walked to the window and opened it to take a look. The whole sky was overcast and raindrops, the size of beans, fell down.


    ��I wonder whether it��s raining in Youxin City. The citizens there may not be able to stand such heavy rain and we should mobilize the physicians and also send medical herbs over.�� Ren Baqian said. Encountering a catastrophe, escaping from the city and being exposed to the elements were already frightening.The addition of such a heavy rain would cause many to fall sick.


    ��You go ahead and make the necessary arrangements.�� The empress was holding a robot dog which was sent by Jiao Han on the second day. It didn��t have many functions, but it was much better than the products that cost a few hundred or a few thousand yuan that were avable in the market.


    Such a robot dog would cost at least tens of thousands.


    It could wander among the family members and feel the touch of the empress and growl happily. It could also lick the furniture, eat the shoes and bite the curtain��.


    Ren Baqian felt that the functions of this robot dog were confusing�� Was it a gift to be given to someone you dislike?


    This was the Husky version of the robot!


    However, the empress liked it very much. Seeing the robot dog biting the legs of a chair, she would put her fingers into its mouth and the robot dog would growl happily, turn around a few times on the same spot and somersault on the floor.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and concluded that maybe the empress liked this breed of dog?


    He could give her a whole bunch of Huskies, then the pce wouldn��t be peaceful anymore. At the thought of a herd of Huskies running wild around the pce��


    ��It doesn��t even know to send an umbre over.�� Ren Baqia muttered in his room.


    ��Please wait!�� The empress gave the robot dog a kick, got behind Ren Baqian, put her chin on his shoulder and stared out of the window.


    Ren Baqian felt two soft tips touching his back and moved his hands backwards to hold the waist of the empress, but, she grabbed his two hands and lifted them up to the sides like a cross.


    In another word, it was like what happened to Jack and Rose on the Titanic.


    There was a drain outside the window and if a person were to jump, he could onlynd in the drain.


    ��Your Majesty, it isn��t fair!�� Ren Baqian turned his head and the skin at the corner of his eye touched her forehead.


    ��When did you know how to say the word ��fairness��?�� The empress pressed her nose close to his ear and exhaled hot breath on his earlobe.


    ��You must remember that the strong do not need fairness!��


    Ren Baqian was deeply impressed by her words.


    From a personal point of view, the weak will use the word ��fairness�� when they seek to change their situation. The strong do not need fairness.


    ��However, from the perspective of a country, the people need to see fairness being practiced or else the country will fall into chaos. Based on this, the rule will face the same punishment as themon people if he break thew.��


    ��Who will administer the punishment for me?�� The empress asked in a clear voice.


    ��Your Majesty is always right! If there��s any doubt, refer to the previous sentence.�� Ren Baqian said with a smile.


    The empress put her head on his shoulder and disyed a slight smile.


    The two stood quietly at the window for a long time before they saw Qing Yuaning with an umbre to check whether the two were back. The rain was heavy and the wax-paper umbre was only meant for one person. Half of Qing Yuan��s body was soaking wet and the clothes stuck to her body.


    The empress disengaged from Ren Baqian, retreated a few steps and used her toes to flip the robot dog into her arms.


    ��Thank you very much, Miss Qing Yuan!�� Ren Baqian opened the door and smilingly took the umbre from Qing Yuan. He waved at the empress, ��Your Majesty, I will get someone to bring another umbre over. This umbre cannot withstand such a heavy rain and your clothes will get wet.��


    After a few steps outside, he felt the wind and the rain pelting him.


    Ren Baqian found a guard outside the courtyard and told him to send an umbre to the empress. He went to the courtyard where Wang Baobao was kept and saw the fool under the eaves looking at ants moving about. She didn��t care about being wet, the thin clothes clung to her body and showed an outline simr to a flower bud.


    To put it simply, she was like Lin Qiaole with no chest, no buttocks and nothing worth seeing.


    On walking back to his courtyard, he saw Zuo Leng holding an umbre in one hand and waving his long sword continuously with the other to block the rain froming in with the wind.


    ��Sir!�� Zuo Leng immediately sheathed his sword on seeing Ren Baqian and his body started to get wet from the raindrops.


    ��What��s the matter?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��There is news from Hu Cheng.�� Zuo Leng said.


    ��Go in and tell me about it.�� Ren Baqian led Zuo Leng into the house and asked Zuo Leng to wait while he changed his clothes in the rear hall.


    ��How��s the situation?�� Ren Baqian asked. He specifically asked for news from Hu Cheng when he was in Youxin City, but didn��t receive any news all along and he assumed that Xie Kun died with the rebels or perished in the fire.


    After all, Hu Cheng wasn��t that strong. He was only a Man Wheel expert. Such warriors were considered good during peacetime, but weren��t able to defend themselves during wartime.


    He didn��t expect Xie Kun to be still alive.


    ��I received this secret letter one day ago. Xie Kun and Rao Yu have joined together and nning to escape.�� Zuo Leng took the secret letter from his bosom and presented it with both hands.


    Ren Baqian took the letter and read it through carefully.


    ording to the content, on the day Xie Kun fled outside the city, he met with rebel soldiers hiding there and led them through the mountains and forests. They finally arrived at Chun City after a few days and joined forces with Rao Yu.


    This army was the defeated army that Xie Kun originally took with him during the retreat and was fifty thousand in number. In addition, there were the elephant, monkey and insect soldiers from Six Doors.


    This time, Ren Baqian knew how many elephant soldiers there were and it was close to 300. It must be mentioned that this was quite a considerable fighting force.


    However, the soldiers were jittery and there were many deserters, but there were still about 45,000 of them.


    The number of soldiers was 150,000 after thebination with Rao Yu.


    But both sides didn��t dare to confront the aboriginals in Chun City and were preparing to withdraw to the south.


    There were three reasons for doing this. One was hoping that the aboriginals would distribute their soldiers to the various cities, but this possibility was low as the aboriginals wouldn��t distribute their soldiers unless the situation was stable as a fragmentation of forces now might give the rebel forces an opportunity.


    The second reason was to stretch the supply line of the aboriginals.


    After all, the appetite of the aboriginals was voracious and even if the cities were to supply them, the supply line would be stretched and this was the aim of the rebel forces.


    The possibility of this happening was there, but not likely as the aboriginals would take all the food supply from the cities that they pass by if pressed and leave the citizen with nothing so that the troops could be sustained for a period of time.


    This would cause some people to oppose, but it would be toote. It would take time for these people to act and by then Xie Kun and Rao Yu would have been already exterminated.


    Thest possibility was that somewhere in the south, there was an area with topological advantage and they were waiting to engage the aboriginals in a final battle.


    ��What do you think?�� Ren Baqian looked up and asked.


    ��Their goal should be Da Yunze!�� Zuo Leng immediately shared his thought.


    ��What ce is that?��


    ��The den of Six Doors is nearby and Da Yunze is a swamp! It��s said to be very dangerous. Most of the people who go in die there and less than 30 percent can get out alive!��


    ��It looks like this is the ce!�� Ren Baqian knew he had guessed correctly after hearing this.


    The Six Doors should be very familiar with this ce and knew which ces were dangerous and which were safe.


    If the aboriginals were to go in hastily, the casualties would be very high�� But they couldn��t just wait outside and wait until they die of hunger.


    At this point, Ren Baqian stood up and walked out to look for the empress to tell her about the secret letter and his conjectures.


    ��Your Majesty, I propose that Captain Gong immediately lead the winged cavalry to intercept and prevent them from entering Da Yunze. At the same time, Protector General Xi, Assistant Protector General Zong, Commander Qing and Lin Qiaole will set forth together. The other side has three unusual creatures and also six Spirit Wheel experts. Protector General Xi andpany will not be able to handle them and the presence of Your Majesty is needed.��


    ��This battle is the decisive battle!��

 Chapter 543 - Awaiting

    Chapter 543: Awaiting


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ten dayster, the sun rays shone across thend. People had their clothes fully drenched in sweat after simply being out in the sun for just a while.


    The empress, Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Qing Ping, Gong Zheng, Ren Baqian and many of the winged cavalry warriors were waiting in the forest at the hillside.


    ��It��s too hot! It��s always either pouring or scorching!�� Ren Baqian groaned while enjoying the coolness of the forest shade. They had finally made in ahead of the rebel forces after ten days of hustle.


    Even though Ren Baqian had returned to Earth twice during these ten days, the sun had almost made him shed ayer of skin! Just after entering the forest, he crashed onto the ground and didn��t get up no matter what the others said.


    ��You��ve got to train up your body, Sir Ren!�� Xi Wanya said faintly.


    Besides Xi Wanya, nobody else was affected by it.


    ��I haven��t been training you for some time and you��ve ckened. We shall begin once we return, double the training everyday!�� The empress said, looking pensive.


    Ren Baqian looked at Xi Wanya with his eyes wide open, before shifting his gaze to the empress. Who did he offend this time?


    <em>You people are a bunch of respectable elders, and ordinary spirit wheels can��t even hold a candle to you.</em>


    <em>I��m just a Man wheel expert! Man wheel expert!</em>


    <em>How can I bepared to you?</em>


    ��Your Majesty, let��s start training after I��ve master Li Fu��s [Godly Strike]!�� Ren Baqian replied with an innocent look.


    ��Without attaining the Spirit Wheel level, there��s no way you can use your spirit. You��ll never master it!�� The empress replied indistinctly.


    ��Your Majesty, with the incredibly amazing built and innate skill that I have, I definitely can!�� Ren Baqian rolled into a sitting position and made a solemn promise.


    The empress groaned lightly and couldn��t be bothered to pay him any attention. She ced the robot husky beside her feet and stroked its head. In just a few steps, that husky tripped and rolled down hill.


    In a sh, Qing Ping grabbed the robot husky and ced it back beside the empress. In admiration, he eximed, ��This thing is pretty interesting. The person who made this is impressive. A non-living thing could actually be made to act like it��s alive.��


    All of a suddenly, the empress sent Qing Ping flying towards a tree, which had a trunk girth of a man��s hug. The tree trunk immediately snapped and fell towards the opposite direction.


    Before everyone could react, Ren Baqian took a look at that robot husky. After being grabbed by Qing Ping��srge hands, its entire head became deformed..


    The empress liked it pretty much, and took it along with her wherever she went.


    Now that Qing Ping broke the husky, it was already quite lenient on him that the empress only sent him flying towards a tree!


    ��Captain Qing, your arm is too strong!�� Ren Baqianughed as he pointed at the robotic dog.


    Qing Ping stood up, took a look at the dog and profusely apologized.


    The empress picked up the robot dog and kneaded it a couple of times. That robotic dog was like sticine in her hands. The dented parts immediately bulged back out, but the originally unaffected parts had instead dented in.


    After kneading it a few more times, the robot husky��s head had changed beyond recognition and waspletely ruined..


    ��Your Majesty, I��ll go back and get you two more better ones!�� Ren Baqian forced a smile.


    The empress finally stopped flogging the corpse after hearing that. Reluctant to part, she mmed her palm on the ground, created a pit and buried the robotic dog inside. That was so as to prevent its corpse from being exposed to the wilderness.


    ��Remember, I want two!�� The empress lifted her head and said to Ren Baqian after she was done with the burial.


    After everyone had waited in the forest for about half a day, the <em>baihu </em>, who were despatched out to scout earlier, returned to report. ��Your Majesty and all superiors, the front line of the rebels are two hours away!��


    ��Continue scouting.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    ��I��ll go take a look too!�� Qing Ping stood up and said.


    There were still plenty of experts among the rebels. If the aboriginals were to be discovered, they would be dead meat.


    With an expert overseeing, the people would feel more at ease.


    ��Thank you!�� Ren Baqian cupped his fists.


    He turned his head and looked at Lin Qiaole, who was soundly sleeping on top of a rock nearby. The lights rays peered through the branches and leaves and the light fragments scattered over her body.


    ��150,000 people. Everyone simply has to kill 200 of them, chicken feat!�� Gong Zheng counted with his fingers, and surprisingly, he actually got the numbers right. Ren Baqian wanted tomend Gong Zheng on his mathematical ability.


    ��Those aren��t 200 ck pimps!�� Ren Baqian casually replied. The wild boars in this world were called ck pimps.


    One winged cavalry warrior against 200 ordinary soldiers could be considered a simple task.


    However, if 700 winged cavalry warriors were to face a 150,000 man army, there would definitely be casualties.


    A quantitative change could give rise to a qualitative change.


    ��200 ck pimps are really not to be trifled with!�� Gong Zhengughed. Those creatures were around four meters tall and weighed a few tons. Along with their coarse skin, thick flesh and rampaging nature, they really weren��t push-arounds when they came in numbers.


    ��Those elephant soldiers of the rebels stand no nonsense as well!�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��With those things that you have, Sir Ren, it��s no problem at all!�� Gong Zhengughed as he pped his thighs. He then turned his head towards the people below and shouted, ��Do another round of inspection and utilize thesest moments of rest time.��


    Ren Baqian gave it some thought. With every soldier equipped with eight grenades and two sh bombs, there shouldn��t be any problem with their enemies.


    ��Spread out the grenades when you throw them, and you must not throw them like a swarm of bees. It��s too wasteful.�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but said.


    ��Understood!��


    ��Later on, the winged cavalry will split into seven groups of 100. They will then attack simultaneously from seven different positions and sever the enemy��s marching array!


    The main objective is the leader of the rebels. Once they are located, Xi Wanya and Zong Shen will be responsible for taking his head.


    If any experts appear, I will naturally take action. After that, the enemies will be routed. You will then clear up the enemies in the surrounding. Take their flesh and blood slowly, there��s no need to stake it all. Especially when you meet withrge groups of defeated soldiers, you must immediately fall back afterunching a strike and continue wandering around the perimeter. When you see a window of opportunity,unch a death blow.


    Ultimately, try to herd them towards the same direction. If they were to escape in multiple directions, it would be troublesome to find them.��


    The empress gave her orders. This was the tactic that they had looked into throughout the journey.


    Of course, such wolfpack tactics weren��t in line with the fighting habits that the aboriginals were used to. However, thinking about the pathetic number of winged cavalry warriors left at present, everyone felt that this method was worth a try.


    Another hour had passed, the winged cavalry had split up into groups and hid on top of trees or ces with cover.


    Every group of winged cavalry was 200 meters apart.


    The rebels�� mounted scouts then arrived. However, they didn��t expect that the aboriginals had actually received intelligence and got ahead of them. What they were worried about were their soldiers behind and not the blockade ahead. As such, the mounted scouts simply checked out the situation a little and returned to report.


    The empress sat on a branch around seven meters high with both legs dangling in the air, feeling a little bored. Ren Baqian held onto her ankles and fluttered in the wind like a hanged person.


    ��Are youing up or not?�� The empress lowered her head and looked at Ren Baqian.


    ��The field of vision here is great!�� Ren Baqian drew an arc in the air with his body as the empress dangled her legs. He suddenly thought of a song, ��Let us Paddle our Oars!��


    However, the field of vision there was indeed very good. It just happened that he was able to peek through the gaps between the branches and leaves and see the path below clearly, while the empress couldn��t see anything from her position. From Ren Baqian��s position, the empress��s legs was pressed against the branch and he didn��t have any view looking up.


    Presently beneath them, an army was advancing forward under the hot sun with heavy footsteps.


    The rebels�� morale had hit rock bottom, after suffering defeat and being on the move for many days consecutively.


    An army of 150,000 soldiers lined up unbroken for several kilometers. Only the front of the army could been seen, the rear end was out of sight.


    The aboriginals stayed in wait till dusk, and only half of the rebels had passed. They were all exactly at theteral side of the rebel army��s mid section.


    However, the leader of the rebels was still nowhere in sight.


    Ren Baqian swung his body upwards from beneath the branch and released his grip from the empress��s legs. She got hold of his arm in mid air and pulled him in to sit down beside her.


    ��Your Majesty, do we continue to wait, or adopt another set tactics?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    They had previously anticipated two scenarios. In the first scenario, the rebels�� leader couldn��t be located. The aboriginals would then rush in for a round of killing and retreat, and not continue fighting zealously! That was to prevent any unnecessary casualties!


    It was just like hunting a powerful beast from the mountains, deplete their blood and energy bit by bit. It would take another five days of journey by foot to reach Da Yun Ze, which would be sufficient to bleed them dry!


    Everyone hoped that the second scenario would happen. As previously mentioned, locate the rebels�� leader and take his head. Thereafter, attack the remaining rebels in waves, before eventually chasing for kills.


    ��I��m hungry!�� The empress looked at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian handily reached into his waist pouch, took out a Snickers bar and ced it in her hands.


    ��Your Majesty, first have some sweets as appetizer!��


    On the next tree, Lin Qiaole was immediately alerted. In one step, she leapt onto the tree where Ren Baqian and the empress were. She hugged the tree trunk, and looked at Ren Baqian��s waist pouch with bright eyes.


    ��Inform Gong Zheng not to act blindly. Do some investigation when night falls.�� The empress instructed after taking the Snickers bar.


    Ren Baqian grabbed a bunch of sweets and handed them to Lin Qiaole, ��Heard that?��


    Lin Qiaole first put a piece of sweet into her mouth, before stuffing the rest into her chest, which had indeed boosted her t chest quite a bit.

 Chapter 544 - Time for Leisure

    Chapter 544: Time for Leisure


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian had seen the barracks of Great Xia before and found them to be well organized and systematically run.


    During their daily reconnaissance trips, the scouts would give reports on suitable camping sites. After themander had selected a site, a defensive fence made of tree trunks and tough branches would be built around it to act as a barrier against the enemy.


    Sometimes, two trenches would be dug outside of the camp or spiked iron caltrops would be scattered around as another line of defense.


    Everything in the camp would be arranged properly withrge pits dug at certain intervals to serve astrines.


    If the Great Xia soldiers were considered as a regr army, these rebel soldiers seemed to look like refugees to Ren Baqian.


    Barracks? None!


    Commontrines? Also non-existent!


    Dozens of rebel soldiers were lying haphazardly on the ground around the bonfires to rest.


    Anyone who wanted to answer the call of nature would simply go to the field nearby.


    From the treetop, Ren Baqian stroked his chin and concluded that given the quality and morale of these rebels, they would be defeated with one assault if the soldiers from Protectorate of the South were here.


    After pondering for a while, Ren Baqian turned his attention back to the empress.


    They were sitting side by side on the branch. It was dark all around them, and some noises came from the rebels on the hill below. Uphill, it was quiet, though the cries of wild animals could be heard asionally.


    Ren Baqian leaned to one side and pressed his shoulder against the empress.


    ��What��s the matter?�� The empress opened her eyes to look at him.


    ��Nothing.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    After a short while, Ren Baqian pressed his shoulder against the empress again.


    The empress looked at him sideways with eyes that were so clear that it seemed like you could see right into her soul. She didn��t say anything, but lifted him up by his cor and shook him. She shook him until his whole body went soft and then put him back on the branch by using two fingers to gently hold his clothes so as to prevent him from falling down.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t say that he was just idling around. He subsequently leaned his sore and numb body on her shoulder and said with augh, ��I feel that it is very nice to sit quietly here with Your Majesty.��


    ��Hmm!�� The empress exhaled.


    ��The night scenery is beautiful!��


    The empress looked up, but the trees were blocking most of the sky while the moon was nowhere in sight.


    She took her two fingers from his jacket cor and pulled at his face with them.


    ��Where��s the moon?��


    ��In my heart! Ouch���� Ren Baqian felt that her finger pressure was getting stronger and stronger even before he could finish speaking.


    Four hourster, it waste at night when a message was finally received from the north. With his binocrs, he saw more carriages near a campfire in one area to the north. In particr, he saw a person who looked like Rao Yu.


    After all, women with that shape were rare and even rarer in an army.


    ��That��s it,�� the empress said decisively.


    ��Your Majesty, why don��t you let Protector General Xi and his team tackle them first and see whether other hidden forces will join in?��


    ��Alright!�� The empress carried Ren Baqian with her to the ground below. Next, someone led them to look for Xi Wanya and his team, who were more than five kilometers away to the north.


    Ren Baqian used the binocrs to look in the indicated direction. There was a big open space with a bonfire in the center and many carriages around it. There were many female guards near the bonfire, and the vignce was higher here as the guards were patrolling the surrounding area.


    ��Rao Yu should be there.�� Ren Baqian nodded. Among the three forces, Green Bell Flower had the most women.


    ��Please give the order to fight!�� Qing Ping cupped his fists and requested.


    ��Is the winged cavalry ready?�� The empress asked.


    ��Your Majesty, it has been arranged!�� said Gong Cheng, who had arrived in haste.


    ��Permission granted!�� As the empress brushed her skirt, everyone around seemed to receive a signal that aroused their fighting spirit.


    Qing Ping cupped his fists to bid farewell to the empress, took a 1.2 meter long mace that was 30 centimeters in diameter, and jumped below to approach the carriages of the other party. From a treetop, he then leaped dozens of meters up into the air and swooped down with great momentum like a crashing meteorite.


    Following this vigorous assault, the carriages below exploded one by one, and the upants scurried out. One of these tall and fatdies was Rao Yu, who was carrying a pair of golden scissors as she escaped nimbly. This was totally inconsistent with her physique.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A loud noise erupted in the night.


    The ce where Qing Pingnded and tens of meters of the surrounding area became a big pit where both horses and humans were sted to pieces.


    When Rao Yu was fleeing for her life earlier, she caught a glimpse of him clearly and hastily shouted, ��It��s Qing Ping! Be careful!��


    ��You have caught up with us!�� she told Qing Ping with a wince.


    ��Hahaha, I��m especially here to collect your head!�� Qing Ping stoodughing in the pit and then jumped out. He swung his mace and blew away the guards in front of him like discarded dolls.


    After this sweep, Qing Ping jumped toward Rao Yu again.


    Ren Baqian observed the jumping figure from the hilltop and felt that Qing Ping was like a barbarian full of hopping spirit.


    Rao Yu again managed to sneak away with great dexterity by retreating to the back as two old men blocked Qing Ping from the front.


    ��Where are Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, and Qi Zixiao?��


    Everyone turned to look around to find the locations of the others.


    They knew that Qing Ping couldn��t be here alone.


    Subsequently, Xi Wanya and Zong Shen, as if imbued with the spirit of the mountain, stepped out of the forest.


    ��We are under Her Majesty��s orders to get rid of traitors such as you. Do you want to give up?��


    Despite knowing that Qing Ping wouldn��te alone, their expressions still changed when they saw the other two appear.


    Three Cardinal Heaven experts. Furthermore, they were right in front of them.


    Previously in Wu City, nine people were barely enough to counter them. Now, however, two of those experts, Qingyun Sword and Zuo Leng, had surrendered to the other side, and the rebels were left with six Spirit Wheel experts whosebined power was no match for these three.


    If not for the three unusual creatures, these people would only be able to think about escaping.


    ��Get the rest of the people toe out! Where��s Qi Zixiao?�� Another four people appeared beside the two old Spirit Wheel experts. All six were together now.


    ��You are just some small fries. Is there a need for Her Majesty to be here?�� Xi Wanyaughed. ��There��s not much to say to you. I��m here to take off your heads.�� Holding his long saber sideways, he stamped his leg as his saber shed across the necks of the six people. A faint white line could only be seen in the dark.


    These people didn��t even hear the movement of the air, but instantly retreated with fright when they saw the saber shing at them.


    A booming sound rang out after the saber passed by. It was as if the air was cut apart and then mmed together.


    Zong Shen attacked at the same time. As he sprang up fiercely, the onlookers felt that he wasn��t a person, but a huge saber-toothed tigering at them. The knife was like a sharp tooth and if anyone was a little bit too slow, he would end up in the tiger��s mouth.


    ��Traitors, go and die.�� Qing Ping passed by two people as he rushed toward Rao Yu, but she had already retreated 100 meters, and up to 100 guards were blocking the way. However, after Qing Ping wielded his mace in the air, each and every one of them was blown away to either side like rag dolls.


    ��Tsk tsk!�� Ren Baqian was on the hilltop clicking his tongue. The guards of Rao Yu were women with pretty faces and good figures, but under Qing Ping��s boorish hands, they were smashed beyond recognition.


    ��Why are those three unusual creatures still not out yet? Could they have taken the opportunity to run away in the night?�� Ren Baqian muttered as he looked on. With the conspicuous appearances of those three creatures, their side would be able to discover them as long as the distance wasn��t too great.


    With the speed of these experts, their arrival should only take a bit of time.


    Now that Qing Ping was about to kill Rao Yu, why hadn��t the three unusual creatures appeared?

 Chapter 545 - Are You a News Broadcast?

    Chapter 545: Are You a News Broadcast?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Half of the bodyguards are gone, and both parties are 50 meters apart. Qing Pingunched yet another powerful sweep across, and a bunch of people got thrown away like rag dolls!��


    ��There are six more bodyguards left. In one, two, three, four, five�� five strikes of the mace by Qing Ping, all of the bodyguards were sent flying away. Out of the five strikes, two of them struck two people each, while one of the strikes twisted their torsos?��


    ��Qing Ping used the [Unparalleled Vanguard] and was blown about by the wind as they advanced. Qing Ping approached Rao Yu. Rao Yu had nowhere to hide and was extremely frightened. Rao Yu drew her sword to meet the enemy head-on, but was sent flying away instead.��


    ��If those three unusual creatures were going to appear, this would be theirst chance! Theirst chance! Last�� that chance is gone. Rao Yu has been smashed into a pie by Qing Ping with one swat of his mace�� Like what a rolling pin would do to a dumpling, all of its filling spurted out!��


    The empress thought about how Ren Baqian depicted the scene and immediately felt that her appetite was affected. Discontent, she pped Ren Baqian on the back of his head and said, ��Are you a news broadcast?��


    The empress watched quite a few news broadcasts when she was on Earth. The news broadcasts helped her to understand everything about Earth, which was why she had a very deep impression of them.


    Ren Baqian smacked his lips, ��Rao Yu is dead, but those three beasts didn��t appear. They seem to have fled. Xie Kun didn��t appear either!��


    At this moment, there was some shouting at the bottom of the hill.


    ��The chief viin is dead! Are you still not going to take your own lives?��


    The empress faintly ordered, ��Kill!��


    After she was done talking, she sat on a piece of rock. It was evident that there wasn��t any opportunity for her to take action anymore.


    Gong Zheng was shouting out orders loudly, and many of the winged cavalry warriors charged toward the frightened rebels below.


    Even before the rebels coulde close, the battlefield below had already turned into a lightbulb as shbangs exploded in the crowd one after another, blinding the entire scene.


    The aboriginal soldiers wore protective monocles over one eye. As long as they stood a certain distance away from the st, they only needed to close one eye to avoid being blinded. After all, a shbang would only be most effective at a range of around ten meters. Beyond that range, its effects would be reduced to a certain extent, and even at night, it would be bearable by simply wearing sunsses.


    It was like how one wouldn��t be able to look at the sun with the naked eye, yet was able to look at the stars that were thousands of lightyears away.


    At the same time, wearing protective monocles over one eye when the shbangs explode wouldn��t hinder their operations.


    ��Ah! I��m blind! I��m blind!�� Tens of blockheads covered one of their eyes and almost fell down.


    ��Serves you right!�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but scold them when he heard the shoutsing from below.


    He had already told those idiots many times, but in spite of everything, there were still people who fell for it.


    ��Zuo Leng!�� Ren Baqian called out.


    ��Sir Ren!��


    ��Take some people to the north and find the trail of Xie Kun, the three unusual creatures, and also the elephant, monkey, and insect soldiers. They should be among the rebels. Report immediately if you find them. However, there��s no need to stop them!��


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment after he finished talking, then took out around 16 shbangs and tossed them to Zuo Leng.


    ��Take these for protection. Pull out the safety tabs before using them, then throw them in front of the enemies.��


    ��Thank you, Sir.�� Zuo Leng cupped his fists and blew a whistle, gathering all the baihu in the forest over. He separated everyone into eight groups and handed two shbangs to each group. All eight groups then vanished into the night and headed north to investigate.


    After they had dispersed, Ren Baqian looked toward the foot of the hill again, only to see that the winged cavalry had almost destroyed the rebel army. A small portion of the rebels couldn��t evenst two rounds of fighting against the winged cavalry before they fell into the pool of blood.


    After that, the winged cavalry continued killing toward their surroundings. The first thing they did when they met withrge groups of rebels was to throw a couple of grenades to disperse them before charging forward to eliminate them.


    As Rao Yu was already dead, the rebels at the foot of the hill were harvested like rice straws over an extremely short period of time. The rebels that were nearby had either escaped or were dead, whereas those who were further away had begun to flee for their lives after the uproar. There was chaos everywhere.


    The situation seemed pretty positive for the aboriginals.


    However, Ren Baqian knew what was happening. Even if he sent the winged cavalry on a killing spree, how many could they kill?


    It would still be fine if both Rao Yu and Xie Kun were dead. However, now that Xie Kun was still alive, it seemed like this war wasn��t yet over.


    The most important thing now wasn��t to chase and kill the rebels, but to find Xie Kun.


    And of course, those few Spirit Wheel experts below as well as.


    Ren Baqian took a nce downward. Ever since Qing Ping joined the fight after killing Rao Yu, those Spirit Wheel experts were fending for their lives.


    Turning his head and looking around, he finally spotted Lin Qiaole sitting under a tree and taking a nap.


    ��Time to wake up and get to work!�� Ren Baqian pinched Lin Qiaole on her face, which was so soft that water was almost oozing out.


    Then, water indeed oozed out��


    Ren Baqian had gotten his fingers covered in saliva, which made him want to curse very badly. He then casually rubbed the saliva off on Lin Qiaole��s body.


    ��There are six Spirit Wheel experts down there. 500 grams of candy for each one killed, and 250 grams deducted for each one that escapes,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Lin Qiaole opened her eyes and twitched her ears. Then, she stared nkly at Ren Baqian, and it took a while before she understood what he had just said. After that, she vanished from sight.


    Ren Baqian held up the binocrs and looked into the distance. Someone had extinguished the bonfire, and now, he could only see the silhouettes of a few people downhill with the aid of the moonlight. Along with the wind, he could hear bellowing and the sounds of weapons shing below as well as the sounds of explosions that were suppressed by the air and weapons dropping to the ground.


    Ren Baqian ced the binocrs down and sat beside the empress.


    ��Just a little bit more. We��re left with Xie Kun and the Six Doors.��


    The empress showed no expression on her face, but was in fact feeling extremely fed up with Tianjing Basin. They had wasted too much time here, and it seemed like it still wasn��t possible to leave yet.


    The duo simply sat there in silence. The killing was still continuing at the foot of the hill, but the sounds of killing began to move further away.


    The empress��s ears twitched. She heard something.


    Not long after, Ren Baqian heard it too. Apanied by sounds of heavy breathing, it was the sound of people running in the forest. There weren��t many people, just around four of them. It seemed that a handful of the ��smarter�� and ��luckier�� rebels had managed to flee from the clutches of the winged cavalry. They thought that the winged cavalry had taken this route down, which meant that this should be a safer location.


    After all, there was a saying on Earth that the most dangerous ce was the safest ce.


    Even though there wasn��t such a saying in this world, there were other sayings that had simr meanings.


    Running toward this ce had indeed allowed them to escape from the winged cavalry, which made them extremely delighted.


    However, there was still the empress at the top of this hill, who was more terrifying than everyone else below. There were also more than ten guards, any of which would be capable of tearing them apart.


    Their luck ended here.


    Two of the bodyguards silently walked in the direction of the sounds. Shortly after, what followed were blood-curdling screeches at the point of demise.


    Yet another night of killing. At the break of dawn, all that remained at the foot of the hill was fresh blood and corpses.


    Both the rebels and the winged cavalry had ran far away after a night of killing and fighting.


    As the sun rose, the baihu of the protectorate began to return one after another.


    ��Sir, we have located the elephant soldiers. However, only the elephants remained, and the people were gone. We didn��t manage to find the others. We suspect that they might have escaped to the west,�� Zuo Leng reported after gathering all the information.


    Ren Baqian contemted and felt that the rebels had probably abandoned the elephant soldiers out of fear that they would be too easily spotted.


    ��Where are the elephants?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��They ran toward the east!��


    ��Send some people after them��don��t let them get away. Try to bring these elephants back. After all, they were trained, so there should be a way. If not, simply follow them and mark your tracks along the way,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    These elephants were good stuff. If the aboriginals could handle them and sent them to the Protectorates of the East and North, they would be perfect for the invasion of the Yun Nation.


    These elephant soldiers had a slightly lower destructive power than the aboriginal soldiers, but would be pretty effective against the Yun Nation��s battle formations. Compared to these huge elephants, ordinary people were as powerless as ants.


    After a few more hours had passed, Xi Wanya and his men returned in session. Several of them had a few wounds on their bodies. Given their regenerative powers, these could be considered minor injuries.


    ��Where��s Lin Qiaole?�� Ren Baqian looked behind the three men, but couldn��t spot Lin Qiaole.


    ��One of the rebels escaped, so she went after him,�� Qing Ping replied.


    Ren Baqianughed. This girl could be quite adorable at times.

 Chapter 546 - Blood and Qi of Experts! The New Generation Detector Type II

    Chapter 546: Blood and Qi of Experts! The New Generation Detector Type II


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Lin Qiaole threw a head that was scratched beyond recognition at Ren Baqian��s feet. She gave him an embarrassed look, and the word ��candy�� was written all over her face.


    Ren Baqian threw Lin Qiaole a bag of candy and said, ��I will give you some more another day.��


    When Lin Qiaole contentedly stuffed the candy in her bosom, the ��airport�� on both sides became ��steamed buns.��


    Otherwise, it would look awkward if one side was big while the other was t.


    Thereafter, shey down to sleep and began drooling. Ren Baqian didn��t know whether she was tired, but he felt that she might be greedy because she was smacking her lips while sleeping.


    One after another, the winged cavalry only returned in the evening after they finished chasing and killing.


    Starting from the location where everybody was, tens of thousands of corpses wereid out in the shape of a fan. Especially in the northern and southern areas, the corpses were piled up and resembled a mass grave.


    After resting for a night, they separated into two groups and continued heading south. Qing Ping and the winged cavalry were responsible for clearing away the remnant rebels that were fleeing south. Meanwhile, to the rear, the soldiers from the Protectorate of the South were responsible for those fleeing north.


    As for the empress, Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Lin Qiaole, and Ren Baqian, they led a portion of the Rearguard Commandery soldiers straight to the Six Doors in the south.


    If they didn��t guess incorrectly, the people from the Six Doors were very likely preparing to run back to their old roost.


    Additionally, there was an 80 percent chance that Xie Kun was with them.


    After rushing for three days in a row, they finally arrived at a location outside the territory of the Six Doors. Regardless of whether they were heading for Da Yunze or the Six Doors, they still had to pass through here.


    Many soldiers of the Six Doors were Man Wheel level experts or even lower ranking, so they would take at least five days to traverse this road. If a detour was taken, it would be even slower.


    As they were in no hurry, Ren Baqian distributed the soldiers from the Rearguard Commandery so that at least two baihu were stationed at all the areas where people could pass through.


    He then went back to Earth, but the other party was still not here yet when he returned from Earth.


    However, Ren Baqian had brought back another gadget, a box the size of two palms that had a disy and a detector lens. This was the upgraded version of the detector that Yang Sen had previously shown him. The upper limit had been raised from 1500 to 4000. It didn��t assessbat power, but measured blood and qi.


    However, the blood and qi was equivalent tobat power to a certain extent.


    Ren Baqian nced at Zuo Leng, and the number disy below the lens increased crazily before stopping at 960.


    Ren Baqian was shocked to learn that Zuo Leng��s score was so high.


    As a matter of fact, Ren Baqian hadpleted the [Visualization of Fire] after consuming the xueke. He had attained three out of the five visualization techniques and progressed from a score of 158 to 201, which was equivalent to 40 ordinary people or ten elite soldiers. Even if he reached the Earth Embryo Realm, his score would only reach around 400. He had eaten two rare treasures consisting of a peach from Su Wen and a xueke from Ning Caichen. There were also many herbal medicines inside his body, which made his score much higher than that of an ordinary Man Wheel expert.


    Yet, the score for Zuo Leng��s blood and qi was more than 900, which was four and a half times as high as his, and this amazed Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian estimated that Zuo Leng was an advanced stage Earth Wheel expert, or what was known as the Earth Embryo Realm, and that he only needed to cultivate fervently to ultimately break through to the realm of Spirit Wheel.


    In addition, he was born in the Lingshan Sect, which was the biggest sect in Tianjing Basin, so other experts were no better than him.


    That meant that the strength limit of the Earth Embryo Realm was about 1,000 to 1,200.


    Ren Baqian also measured the guards of the empress. Their scores were around 1,000 to 1,300. These were ordinary guards from the pce��the true experts, such as Gong Zheng, were in charge of various ministries.


    No wonder it was said that the practitioners of Great Xia were far inferior to aboriginals at the same rank. The practitioners who reached the upper limit of the Earth Embryo Realm were only equivalent to ordinary pce guards, not to mention the ordinary Earth Wheel experts.


    For the aboriginals, the rank of Four-way Heaven corresponded to the Man Wheel level. Kismet Heaven was equivalent to the Earth Wheel level, whereas Cardinal Heaven was akin to the Spirit Wheel level.


    Gong Zheng and those other guards were at the Kismet Heaven level, but were much stronger than the ordinary pce guards. Otherwise, they wouldn��t have be captains in the winged cavalry. Five or six soldiers of the same rank joining hands together wouldn��t be his match.


    Ren Baqian guessed that Gong Zheng was almost at the highest level of Kismet Heaven, was pretty close to the Cardinal Heaven level, and that his fighting ability would score at about 1,600 to 1,800.


    It was a pity Gong Zheng wasn��t in front of him at the moment, so there was no way to verify his conjectures.


    When Ren Baqian aimed the detector at Qing Ping, the number on the disy jumped crazily again. He had a suspicion that the detector might explode again.


    When the disy stopped changing, Ren Baqian swallowed his saliva when he saw the figure.


    Withoutparison, there would be no harm.


    He was ustomed to meeting many Spirit Wheel experts and eminent aboriginals, so he didn��t feel any misgivings.


    After using the detector, he finally realized how big the gap was.


    The reading on the disy was 3,115.


    It was more than 15 times his own score.


    As a matter of fact, a 50 percent difference in blood and qi values didn��t mean a 50 percent gap in fighting ability. Instead, it meant the difference between the king of boxing��Mike Tyson��and an average person. After cultivating to reach a certain realm, the blood and qi score was only one of the values. Strength, speed, the ability to withstand attacks, reflexes, and the five senses were also different.


    A difference of more than 15 times�� This was probably the difference between a weak chicken and a huge elephant.


    Ren Baqian measured Zong Shen, and the score was 3,669��


    When measuring Xi Wanya, Ren Baqian was afraid that the detector would explode, so he kept his face far away from the device to avoid being disfigured. Based on his personal blood and qi score, Ren Baqian could only depend on his looks to make a living.


    3,927!


    Xi Wanya��s score was close to the limit of the detector.


    As for the empress, there was no need to measure. Based on Ren Baqian��s estimate, her score should be at least 5,000 or higher.


    The people on Earth had set the limit of the detector at 4,000 because they probably thought that it would be enough.


    This proved that the scientists on Earth underestimated the power of these super experts.


    Their imaginations were most likely hampered by theirck of exposure.


    After all, those masters on Earth that they interacted with and considered as being very strong only had blood and qi scores of around 100.


    ��What are you doing with that thing? You have spent almost half a day!�� the empressmented from the side.


    ��Your Majesty, do you remember the previous detector? This is a new model that can measure a person��s blood and qi value and estimate their strength via the score.�� Ren Baqian carried the detector and ced it beside the empress. Then, he aimed the lens at the people one at a time and showed the scores to the empress.


    Among them, Lin Qiaole was measured at 2,299, which was unexpectedly low.


    Although Lin Qiaole��s strength was known to be lower than Qing Ping��s, Ren Baqian believed that her score should be around 2,600 and was surprised that it was only 2,299.


    ��This is kind of fun. What about me?��


    The empress and Ren Baqian huddled together to look at the disy eagerly.


    ��It��s not possible for such an instrument to measure your power,�� Ren Baqian said. This sentence conveyed the message that the empress was at a different levelpared to the others.


    Although this was the truth, it sounded more pleasant when presented this way.


    The empress was deeply impressed and looked very happy, yet tried to feign indifference.


    Xi Wanya and a few others also came over and saw that the detector revealed the individual scores of those that it measured. They gaped in wonder and felt amused. It wasn��t that urate when used to measure Spirit Wheel experts because their blood and qi values weren��t high, but they possessed their spirit as well as a Heaven-grade weapon.


    This was the case with Lin Qiaole��her blood and qi value wasn��t high, but her specialties were her speed, the strange skills that resided in her memory, and her hunting expertise. This meant that her fighting ability wasn��t that much different from Qing Ping��s, unlike what was indicated by the blood and qi score.


    Prior to this, Ren Baqian only knew that the experts in this world were very powerful, but there was no measurable data to determine how strong they were.


    Now, he finally had a concept in mind.


    The following two days, Ren Baqian would measure the baihu with the detector when they returned. After gathering this data, he was fully aware of the strength of these Earth Wheel experts.


    Among these baihu, the one with the lowest score of just over 500 was a guard who had just entered the Earth Wheel level. The rest ranged from 600 to 900, and two of them scored even higher than Zuo Leng. Both Zhu Nong and Xie Yunbing were from the hidden vige.


    Xie Yunbing, an old man with white hair, was the strongest. He looked like an angry lion and had a score of 1,245. He wasn��t weaker than the ordinary guards. In addition, these martial arts experts tweaked their skills, possessed unique abilities, and could be slightly better.


    After waiting for a few days, everyone was starting to get impatient. They mobilized so many soldiers just because of a few people on the other side. Even the empress was waiting here.


    They had waited for so long, but they didn��t even see the shadows of the other party.


    The empress lost her temper three times in one day�� Qing Ping and Xi Wanya were tossed up into the trees, whereas Ren Baqian was tied and hung from the branches.


    As for the thing used to tie Ren Baqian�� It was the metal chain rascal that was eating and drinking in his mind.


    Ren Baqian was thinking about using the metal chain to tie up other people in some sort of a game�� but it turned out that the metal chain was more afraid of the empress!


    Fortunately, traces of the people from the Six Doors were found at this time. As a result, Ren Baqian was released from the tree.

 Chapter 547 - The End (Oh Yeah!)

    Chapter 547: The End (Oh Yeah!)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    70 or 80 anxious people were hurrying along the road on the hill and asionally looking backward as if there were some fierce beasts chasing after them.


    ��Governor Xie, Da Yunze is just 15 kilometers ahead! We will be safe once we enter. Even if Qi Zixiao were toe personally, it would be hard for her to find us.�� Still wearing a colorful feather cape, Mister Bu pointed forward as he spoke.


    Everyone finally felt quite relieved as 15 kilometers could be covered in half a day.


    ��Better be careful,�� Xie Kun warned. ��Hopefully nothing will happen again during this final stretch.��


    Even though he said so, his expression was much more rxed.


    He turned back to look and saw two teenagers and a young girl being carried on the backs of three guards.


    If they weren��t piggybacked by the guards, these three youngsters wouldn��t have had the energy to reach this far.


    Half of the 70 or 80 people were wearing colorful feather capes with patches of bronze skin exposed. Among the aristocratic looking people from the Six Doors, there were the elephant trainers who wore a white feather cape, the insect keepers whose clothes were full of pockets, and the monkey trainers with a red feather cape.


    The other half consisted of Xie Kun��s guards. A starving camel is still bigger than a horse, and even though Xie Kun was fleeing for his life, a few dozen guards still followed him.


    In addition to these people, there was a huge ck bird, a giant python, and a bunch of noisy monkeys running and jumping all over the ce.


    Ren Baqian and others were standing in a far away forest. He saw the expressions of those people with his binocrs andughed.


    ��They seem to be rxed because Da Yunze isn��t far away. Are they feeling safe? Will they despair if they see us?��


    ��They will be very desperate!�� Zuo Leng replied.


    As for Xi Wanya andpany, those who needed to sharpen their knives did so and those who needed to rest, rested.


    ��I assume they will suffer psychological scarring when they see Protector General Xi appear.�� Ren gave Zuo Leng an admiring look.


    It was really good to have someone beside him who was supportive. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing to have to answer his own questions.


    ��Sir, what is psychological scarring?�� Zuo Leng was diligent and eager to learn.


    Ren Baqian folded his arms and pondered for a long time over how he should exin. He finally gave Zuo Leng a disgusted look and said, ��You will not understand even if I tell you.��


    ��Principal Ren, get the firewood and water ready to feast on the huge snake and bird in the evening!�� Xi Wanya propped up the long-handled saber that was on his knees, rose to his feet, andughed.


    ��It��s not a huge snake, it��s a Mangshan!��


    <em>Slurp! </em>Lin Qiaole, who was on the treetop above Ren Baqian, didn��t forget to correct the name even in her dreams.


    She drooled profusely.


    And Ren Baqian had almost mistaken it for rain.


    ��Your Majesty, we are leaving. The earlier we settle this, the earlier we go back.��


    The three, consisting of Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, and Qing Ping, cupped their fists to bid the empress farewell.


    ��I am also going!�� Lin Qiaole tumbled down from the tree. It was rare to see her so active, and this made one wonder about the depth of the enmity between the Mangshan and her.


    ��During the uing battle, dispose of the other people and do not let anyone escape,�� Ren Baqian ordered to those from the Rearguard Commandery.


    More than 20 baihu at the Earth Wheel level from the Rearguard Commandery were with him, so wiping out 70 or 80 soldiers was considered a done deal.


    Xi Wanya��s team of threended in front of Xie Kun and the troops from the Six Doors.


    ��Where do you think you are going? Let��s stay here today. You should be honored that I am here to take your lives.�� Xi Wanyaughed.


    Several Cardinal Heaven experts killing a group of Earth Wheel and Man Wheel experts, with some not even at the Man Wheel level, was considered a blessing for these victims.


    ��Xi Wanya!�� Xie Kun andpany were stunned by the appearance of the three men in front of them. They didn��t expect to be intercepted after taking such a circuitous route.


    ��Die!�� Xi Wanya stabbed out with his saber. The air in front of him exploded, and a trench appeared in the ground.


    The body of someone behind Xie Kun suddenly exploded as if there was a bomb inside them as blood and flesh sttered everywhere.


    ��Whoop!�� Not far away, a long-haired reddish-brown monkey puffed his fur and rushed toward Xi Wanya.


    The crow general also rushed across at the three men, striking with its iron wings. A loud bang was heard when it collided with Qing Ping��s mace.


    As a result, Qing Ping was repelled by more than four meters.


    Following this, the crow general jumped up again, pped itsrge wings, and aimed it iron talons at Zong Shen. After a miss, it adjusted its center of gravity, lowered its head, and pecked down.


    Ren Baqian watched the huge bird jump, w, and peck through his binocrs�� He felt it to be inexplicably familiar.


    The old mother hen at his grandfather��s house used to peck at him in the same way when he was young.


    The Mangshan, which was coiled up, raised half of its body up and kept hissing. The figure of Lin Qiaole was revolving around it so rapidly that it was impossible to see her clearly.


    ��They are moving to the side,�� Ren Baqian reminded them after watching for a while.


    Seeing Xi Wanya and the others move to one side, Zuo Leng andpany rushed over rapidly and surrounded the remaining soldiers without further orders from Ren Baqian.


    After some whistles were heard, a bunch of nearby monkeys charged toward Zuo Leng and his group. The insect keepers detached the bags from their bodies and let the poisonous insects crawl out to surround them tightly.


    Nevertheless, they still couldn��t withstand the assault of the troops from the protectorate.


    Most of the monkeys weren��t even at the Man Wheel level; only a few of the stronger ones were about Man Wheel level, and their speed was faster. However, no matter how fast they were, they weren��t as fast as the Earth Wheel experts, and with each saber strike, a monkey would be dismembered.


    Within a short time period, the surrounding area was filled with the corpses of monkeys.


    In the distance, the reddish brown long-haired monkey who was fighting with Xi Wanya gave a shrill cry, abandoned Xi Wanya, and rushed over. However, it had to avoid a strike from behind that Xi Wanya delivered with his saber. It gave a shrill cry every time it responded to the saber attacks from Xi Wanya. The area surrounding their battleground was like a ploughed field with trenches covering the surface.


    ��It has finally ended.�� Ren Baqian sighed when he saw a baihu cutting off Xie Kun��s head with one sh of the saber.


    ��Your Majesty, why does every thrust of Xi Wanya��s saber generate a saber force that leaves a mark on the ground? This situation isn��t seen when you strike. Is it because Your Majesty concentrates your energy on one point, which is a manifestation of your perfect control?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    The empress looked at him contemptuously and said, ��What nonsense are you saying? I��ve already told you to read more. This is the form of Xi Wanya��s skills. Aside from the saber in his hand, there is a saber force that enters the ground and explodes under the enemy��s feet. The marks are due to the vigorous saber force!��


    ��What about Captain Qing��s mace? Normally, it isn��t seen by his side, but every time there��s a battle, he takes it out. Don��t tell me it is a type of Heaven-grade weapon?��


    This time, the empress said without disdain, ��That mace is mixed with cloud crystals and thus has some special features. It��s like your Elongation Saber, but your saber is too brittle and breaks at a touch.��


    The two chatted while watching the battle in the distance.


    I n a surprisingly short time, the first unusual creature to die was the reddish brown long-haired monkey.


    After the group of monkeys died, it went berserk.


    Xi Wanya took the opportunity to absorb a punch from the monkey and disabled one of its legs with a counter sh of his saber. It was supposed to be a cut, but it was more like a fracture. The monkey seemed to have copper skin and iron bones. The bone was broken, but the skin was still intact.


    Not long after, the monkey died at the hands of Xi Wanya. Xi Wanya stabbed the top of its head three times before he managed to split it apart.


    Following this, the battlefield was totally cleared with no rebels managing to escape.


    The Mangshan was finally killed after the crow general ran away. He was first chopped into two portions by Zong Shen and then was bashed on the head more than 10 times by Qing Ping��s mace before it died. It really had an iron head.


    ��They are finally exterminated!�� The empress wrinkled her nose and smiled cheerfully.


    The rebel leaders were already exterminated. The next step was to get rid of all the rebels that ran away and then return to Lan City.

 Chapter 548 - Return Trip

    Chapter 548: Return Trip


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At dusk, a team of around 2,000 men and hundreds of chariots (TLC. Maybe wagons or carts fits better?) were on the move in Gu City and heading toward Tianjing Basin.


    There was a never-ending flow of all sorts of caravans between Tianjing Basin and Gu City. Even though caravans of more than a thousand people weren��t exactly a rare sight, one could bump into them asionally.


    Especially when many of the caravans traveled together, it was almost impossible to tell if all of them were from the same group. Furthermore, their numbers were far greater.


    It was only during recent months that the number of caravans between Tianjing Basin and Gu City had drastically reduced.


    The war in Tianjing Basin had stopped the tracks of many of the caravans.


    Moreover, the custom checks before entering Tianjing Basin had be more strict at Gu City. Many of therge caravans in the past weren��t able to pass through. Some of the caravans, who had the backing of the three major factions, even had their entire group wiped out. Subsequently, some of the smaller caravans, who were unheard of in the past, expanded very quickly over thest two months and had monopolized the majority of Tianjing Basin��s supplies.


    These small caravans were under the influence of one or more sects.


    And an organization called the Rearguard Commandery was backing those sects.


    At present, however, these troops were different from the caravans.


    This was an army, an army that people would lower their heads and be afraid to offend when sighted from afar.


    The winged cavalry!


    After the three month long journey in Tianjing Basin, the strongest military power in Dayao had finally returned.


    Alongside the winged cavalry in the imperial chariot was the fifth strongest expert in the world and the empress of Dayao, Qi Zixiao.


    Outside Tianjing Basin, almost nobody knew about the death of Teng Yue. If news got out that Qi Zixiao had killed Teng Yue, it would probably shake up the entire world.


    Besides the winged cavalry and the empress��s imperial chariot, the most surprising thing was that many of Tianjing Basin��s people were following behind the aboriginal troops.


    This sparked the astonishment of many.


    ��So this is Gu City!�� Qingyun Sword mumbled to himself among the troops.


    ��First time here?�� Ren Baqian turned around and asked when he heard him muttering from the front.


    ��No, but thest I came here was 70 years ago, so far back that I can��t recall clearly anymore.�� Qingyun Sword shook his head. His eyes darted around, appearing very disturbed.


    Everyone that was following behind Ren Baqian had a very disturbed look.


    After 70 years, they had finally walked out.


    This journey to Gu City was no longer the same as back in the day when they followed the caravans and bought all sorts of supplies. They used to feel inferior wherever they went.


    This time they felt like they belonged here.


    ��This is actually my first time here. Previously, Inded here when I leaped down from the mountains.�� Li Fu smiled as he stroked his beard.


    Li Fu, Qingyun Sword, Zuo Cheng, Zuo Leng, and the bodyguards were among the troops. Alongside them were two new qianhu, a few baihu, and the three schrs from Great Xia.


    The death of Xie Kun took ce a month ago, and the only unusual creature that got away was the crow general. No matter how strong they were, nobody was bothered by it.


    After that incident, Xi Wanya was primarily in charge of rounding up the rebels who had escaped. On the other hand, Ren Baqian made arrangements along the way to purge many of the sects in the south. He also handled matters pertaining to the Rearguard Commandery and drew up new systems for Tianjing Basin.


    First of all, Tianjing Basin had been divided into sixrge districts called the Six Prefectures. In the north and south, there would be three prefectures each.


    Every prefecture would have a group of 1,000 aboriginal soldiers as well as a newly established prefecture garrison.


    Anyone from Tianjing Basin would require a guide in order to travel from one prefecture to another.


    The cities in the Six Prefectures wouldn��t have military rights. They would only be responsible for establishing the cityws, disseminating the government decrees, and handling official affairs.


    As such, the imperial court would have full control over the Six Prefectures, and it would be very difficult for them to revolt.


    Apart from this, Ren Baqian scattered the Rearguard Commandery members among the Six Prefectures and wantonly recruited more strong men. He made sure that every three cities had one baihu. Other than the city that the baihu was residing in, the two other cities had to have at least one zongqi, two xiaoqi, 20 tiqi, and hundreds of strong men of all professions hidden among themoners.


    To those sects that had given their all to the Rearguard Commandery, this wasn��t exactly a difficult task.


    This way, Ren Baqian would be notified of everything that happened in the Six Prefectures through the Rearguard Commandery.


    Also, the headquarters of the Rearguard Commandery in Tianjing Basin would be located in Gu City and was called the Tiannan Defense.


    Besides, one would only be able tomunicate with Ren Baqian via radio outside of Tianjing Basin, thus Gu City.


    In this team, other than the 300 plus soldiers from the Protectorate of the South and the winged cavalry, everyone else was from Tianjing Basin.


    Most of them were artisans andmoners brought from the north. In the north, there were very few casualties this time from putting down the revolt. Most of the rebels came from the south. As a result, stricter control was exercised over the south aspared to the north, and the selection of candidates this time were all from the north.


    The artisans were out of the question. Themoners would require some training and would stay in Lan City as small traders or take up odd jobs. This was to let the aboriginals get used to seeing people from Tianjing Basin so as to be able to live together harmoniously.


    Ren Baqian was slowly working hard toward what he had promised Qingyun Sword before.


    It wasn��t only for the people of Tianjing Basin, but for Dayao as well.


    It would be unstable to walk on one leg, which was exactly what Dayao was doing at present. Ren Baqian had high expectations toward making the remnant citizens of Tianjing Basin useful.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment while sitting on his horned cow before turning around and saying to the people, ��From now on, don��t call yourselves remnant citizens anymore. That would only remind you of the past. Set your mind at ease to be an ethnic group of Dayao and integrate with us.��


    ��We shall be called the Jing Tribe then.�� Qingyun Sword looked at Zuo Cheng briefly before replying. He understood what Ren Baqian meant.


    ��The Jing Tribe of Tianjing Basin. It is decided then.�� Ren Baqian nodded. It seemed that besides the aboriginals, even the people of Tianjing Basin wouldn��t be able to let go of the past that easily.


    Following the troops into Gu City, the people behind Ren Baqian all looked at the city entrance and simultaneously felt both apprehension as well as hope.


    Themoners of Gu City also began sizing them up with an inquisitive look.


    In the few days toe, the empress would be in Gu City, linking up with Lan City and a few other protectorates to settle all sorts of affairs. Even though there had been daily reports sent back, it wasn��t as convenient as being able to chat over wireless radio.


    Ren Baqian would be settling the people of the Rearguard Commandery and would let Gong Zheng dispatch some people to escort the artisans andmoners to Lan City at the same time.


    Of course, there were still those few hundred carts of goods. This was thergest harvest of goods from this rebellion.


    Other than those sects in the south who had surrendered previously, all of the rest had been exterminated. The goods and gold that they owned were naturally taken to support the state treasury as well as the empress��s little treasure-house. Then, the secret manuals were all taken by Ren Baqian, who intended to construct arge library in Lan City!


    All the secret manuals from all the sects would be ced there.


    After that, he would gather all of the aboriginals�� manuals and ce them there as well.


    He strongly believed that only a library like this would be fit to be the nation��s national monument, which was also the nation��s immense wealth.

 Chapter 549 - Salt

    Chapter 549: Salt


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The ce was an insignificant small town in Dayao with no special products, wasn��t on the main road, and had a poption in the tens of thousands.


    ��The salt team is here! The salt team is here!�� The city instantly came alive with the arrival of the salt fleet.


    Many people ran toward one corner of the town with their bags, but it was already crowded with people by the time they reached the ce.


    A young man with bushy eyebrows and big eyes felt the crowd pushing from behind, so he turned his head and shouted, ��What are you pushing for? The supply is only slightlyrger this time, and it would be considered not bad if one out of 10 could buy the salt. Those at the back might as well go out of town and pick up stones to lick. If you goter, you might not even find any stones!��


    These so-called ��licking stones�� were a type of marble that was bitter, salty, and slightly poisonous. However, there was ack of salt recently, and many people without salt had to go out of town to bring back stones of this type to lick with each bite of meat.


    If Ren Baqian was here, he would have known that this was a type of carbonate rock.


    Following the young man��s words, amotion broke out at the back that soon escted into fights. An old man of about 80 years old jumped two or three meters into the air, and his kick was apanied by the sound of strong winds�� A middle ageddy caused many to suffer ck eyes with her punches, while a 10 year old boy in the crowd even used his legs to kick at the crotches of other people from time to time.


    Even among themoners of a seemingly simple town, fighting was in the blood of the aboriginals.


    Therefore, fighting over small matters was asmon as eating a simple meal.


    The general approach was, ��What are you looking at?�� and ��I will whack you!��


    After that, there would be a fight. As for a massive melee like today, they only happened each time the salt fleet came.


    Due to theck of salt, many people felt that they had less and less energy.


    By the time the newly formed militia had stopped the fights, many people were already suffering from injuries and ring at each other, but would beughing again shortly.


    Not long after, the militia moved several wagons filled with bags of salt to an open space in front of the crowd and sold the salt at a low price under the auspices of the warlord. Everyone was limited to purchasing three taels worth.


    ��The price is so low, yet it��s a pity the amount is so small! Otherwise, I would buy more to keep at home and save it since there��s always no salt,�� someone at the front whispered.


    ��Dream on! Fortunately, you came early. Otherwise, you wouldn��t even be able to buy it.��


    The people behind them were disappointed after seeing the amount of salt avable. As mentioned by the fellow earlier, it wasn��t bad if one in 10 people could buy it.


    ��When will there be salt again?��


    ��Yeah! We have no energy without eating salt!��


    ��Everyone, the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation, and Great Xia have cut off our salt supply. Not even one bag of salt hase in during thest two and a half months!��


    ��Kill them! Bring back the salt!��


    ��Kill them! Go over and kill them!��


    ��Kill! Kill! Kill!��


    The people below began shouting, and the originally simplemoners became murderous and fierce looking.


    If people from other countries saw this scene, they would understand why the aboriginals, with so few people, couldpete with other countries regardless of poption, financial resources, or equipment and could even win the war.


    Even though they had lived in the ins for 70 years, thesemoners were still full of wild spirit.


    Even the children, who didn��t grow up hunting fierce beasts in the mountains, were still full of fighting desire.


    ��Everyone, our Dayao no longer needs to bring in salt from outside. We have our own salt fields,�� the warlord said.


    Everyone below was stunned when they heard this.


    Even the children knew that Dayao depended on other countries for their salt. Since when did Dayao have salt mines?


    ��First of all, I would like to thank the principal of ck Bamboo Academy, Sir Ren. It was him that discovered a way to extract salt from the brine water in the mountains.��


    Everyone in the crowd was left wondering, <em>Where was this ck Bamboo Academy? Who was Sir Ren?</em>


    They didn��t remember that there was such a person in the court.


    Someone managed to figure out after a long time that it might be the gigolo that the empress found.


    ��Warlord, is Sir Ren the gigolo of the empress?�� someone asked.


    ��Rude!�� The warlord became serious and then pondered. These words were somewhat disrespectful to the empress, but there seemed to be nothing wrong with them. He knew slightly more than themoners and had heard the news about the war with Great Xia in the north. In his heart, however, even he still regarded Ren Baqian as a gigolo at times, let alone other people.


    ��It��s because his face is fair!�� the warlord added.


    ��I didn��t say anything else!�� The voice from the crowd made everyoneugh. The warlord might as well have not said the previous sentence.


    ��No matter what, thanks to Sir Ren, we have salt to eat. The salt has been produced for only a few months and has been distributed to the various cities, but right now, there��s a slight shortage. However, more and more salt will be produced in the future, and there��s no need to worry because everybody will have it.��


    The crowdughed boisterously as the tension caused by theck of salt had eased greatly, and their impression of Ren Baqian was enhanced.


    The reputation of Ren Baqian had risen tremendously.


    ��


    Ren Baqian and the empress had stayed in Tianjing Basin for three months, and during this period, many things had happened in the world outside.


    There were three things that drew the attention of everyone. First, there was the battle between the Protectorate of the Northeast and the Yun Nation.


    Before the empress entered Tianjing Basin, Zhu Wuzhen had diverted some troops from the city alliance to invade Dayao with the purpose of destroying the strongholds. This tactic was the same as the one used by Great Xia.


    In the beginning, some viges on the border were devastated, but those vigers also taught the allied army from the Yun Nation a lesson.


    These soldiers, numbering less than 2,000, were humbled by the viges that had about a 100 people each and made the city coalition forces lose face.


    The reason was that the unprepared viges had no time to run and nowhere to retreat. As a result, they fought to thest man.


    Yet, the allied army of coddled soldiers would retreat when their losses crossed 15 percent and would copse when it exceeded 20 percent.


    In addition, the adult aboriginals were mostly equivalent to Man Wheel level experts.


    As a result, the progress made by the Yun Nation in the early stage was extremely slow.


    By the time they painfully managed to form a big army, the newly trained aboriginal recruits arrived.


    The oue could be imagined��


    By the time Ren Baqian returned to Gu City, Zi Doni had already defeated the soldiers of four cities from the Yun Nation.


    The second matter, which had already been expected earlier, was the deration of war by the Chen Nation.


    The battles in the southeast regions weren��t intense, and Zhuo Yue and the Chen Nation seemed to be uninterested in fighting. Both sides red at each other and asionally engaged in skirmishes that were more like shows than battles.


    Dayao was delighted with this situation, but didn��t know how long it wouldst.


    The third matter, which was the most important of all, was the cutting off of the salt supply routes from Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation. After the Chen Nation entered the war, not even a grain of salt was brought into Dayao, and this made many people very nervous


    Fortunately, the imperial court recently released a batch of salt consisting of around 1.2 million catties. This was enough for over three million people to use for one month, and with some restrictions, it was barely enough for seven million people.


    Plus, the court was still vigorously promoting Ren Baqian��s effort to produce salt in the mountains.


    The people of Dayao highly trusted the court and, like what happened in that small town, publicized the production of salt to alleviate the tension everywhere.


    However, what was known to only a few people was that this amount of salt would take exactly half a year to scrape up.


    Although the salt production rate was higher than in the past three months due to more salt mines and salt farms being built, the monthly output was only 360,000 catties, which was barely enough for one million people.


    The important step to take next was to depend on Zi Doni to rob from the Yun Nation.


    Therefore, the empress��s first order was to summon Zi Doni to upy the Yun Nation as soon as possible and bring back to Dayao all the salt found in every city.


    Following the order from the empress, Zi Doni was freed from all inhibitions and went full swing with his attacks.


    After six more months, Ren Baqian and the empress finally returned to Lan City.

 Chapter 550 - Is My Saber Sharp?

    Chapter 550: Is My Saber Sharp?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian badly wanted to have a good sleep in his own courtyard once he returned to the pce, but the moment he entered the pce, he was summoned by the empress to attend a court meeting.


    For a solid four hour period, Ren Baqian exined the events that had happened as well as the future arrangements for Tianjing Basin. He almost dozed off while listening to the reports of his subordinates before dragging his tired body to his courtyard.


    Upon entering, he saw two huge hunks with ck rings around their eyes charging at him with their mouths wide open.


    ��Hey, you guys still remember me!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily as he lifted up Gun Gun over his head. He rubbed his face on its furry body, leaving a stench on his face.


    Although these two little chaps wouldn��t go hungry, there was no one to give them a bath every day.


    He put Gun Gun aside, patted Tian Tian on the head, and thought about going back to his room, but four paws clung onto his legs. It seemed like the two little chaps also missed him very much.


    After managing to shake them off with great difficulty, Ren Baqian went to his room to take a look. It was very clean as it was well taken care of after he left, and he was in dreand the moment his head hit the pillow.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Lian Liang from the Department of the Army casually brought along some subordinates and went to the area where the people from Tianjing Basin had just settled down.


    Qin Chuan saw him socializing when he stepped out of the pce and just smiled at him. It was inconvenient to reveal his identity. Plus, Lian Liang��s n was in line with his intentions.


    To put it bluntly, Tianjing Basin had been in upheaval for many years. Although it was defeated now, the army was most disapproving of them and would be sure to deal them some sticks first.


    Before his return, Ren Baqian had conveyed a message via the radio station to build several small brick houses near the city wall for the Tianjing Basin people to stay in.


    It was more like a street that was totally enclosed. There were high walls surrounding it, it had one entry and exit point, and it was guarded by soldiers.


    This was because other people would find trouble with them since the people of Tianjing Basin had been discontent for many years. The empress had to make a special trip here, and even though these people followed the empress back, many other people would still create trouble for them.


    For this reason, security guards were arranged to patrol nearby every day to prevent trouble from erupting.


    However, the security guards could stop ordinary people, but couldn��t halt people like Lian Liang. Not only did they not stop him, they stood far away and just watched with interest.


    When Lian Liang and his followers reached the entrance to the street, he took out a broad saber that was identical to the one used by Qin Chuan and nted it in the ground.


    He shouted, ��All of youe out!��


    After hearing this roar, thosemoners who had traveled thousands of kilometers and just settled down here started trembling with fear.


    A startled Qingyun Sword jumped out from a courtyard,nded at the street entrance, and greeted Lian Liang.


    ��Sir�� What��s going on?��


    Even though he expected trouble, this came faster than imagined. Although he didn��t know who this guy in front of him was, seeing that the security guards were looking on expectantly, he felt rather wary.


    ��Stop talking nonsense! I��m here to fight. You have caused so much trouble all these years, and now, you havee to Lan City, which is my territory. I would like to know where your courage came from.��


    ��Sir!�� Qingyun Sword was desperately trying to think of a solution.


    One way was to suffer the humiliation in silence, but they had juste here and were already being harassed. He would be looked down upon and have a harder time in the future if he were to do so.


    If he fought with him, he was afraid he would anger the other party as well as other aboriginals. This would also be troublesome in the future.


    ��Come on! Let me have a fight first and sample the sharpness of my saber!�� Lian Liang didn��t care about what Qingyun Sword was thinking and stabbed his saber at him.


    ��Sir, you are so heroic!�� The followers behind himughed loudly to egg him on.


    If Ren Baqian or Tong Zhenye were to hear this, they would be overwhelmed with joy. ��If a leader sets a bad example, it will be followed by his subordinates.�� The words of Qin Chuan, the Minister of War, were being used by Lian Liang.


    In a panic, Qingyun Sword pointed his sword. The sword on his back emitted a loud ng, followed by a sh of white light directed at Lian Liang.


    Stroke by stroke, Lian Liang swept away the sword with his saber and shed his way across energetically and rapidly. After six or seven strikes, there were crashing sounds as the pirs on both sides of the street were cut down, causing the signboards to fall to the ground.


    Qingyun Sword was forced to retreat repeatedly under the fierce onught.


    His swordy changed as his sword divided into seven parts and swam like fish toward Lian Liang.


    ��Just these tricks? They are only so-so!�� Lian Liang said contemptuously. He swept his saber around his body as the wind blew heavily down the whole street.


    <em>ng, ng, ng�� </em>A series of loud shes was heard as six long swords were cut to pieces in midair and one other sword tumbled in midair before moving back and dropping toward the head of Qingyun Sword.


    Lian Liang took a deep breath and roared like a wild beast as his muscles bulged. He jumped more than ten meters high and aimed his saber at the head of Qingyun Sword. It looked like a tiger pouncing on a goat, and the attack seemed unstoppable.


    Air turbulence apanied each thrust of his long saber.


    <em>ng! </em>The sword flew off after blocking the saber for a short moment. Sweating profusely, Qingyun Sword kept retreating and was forced from the entrance to the middle of the street.


    This aboriginal official of unknown origin was terribly strong and not much weaker than the king of ughter, Xi Wanya.


    Qingyun Sword was seriously injured in his previous sh with Xi Wanya and couldn��t execute some of his sword repertoire. However, the other party had no intention of stopping until he was cut down.


    ��Noisy!�� A voice was hearding from a courtyard nearby. A short ck rod flew out from the courtyard and mmed against Lian Liang��s saber. His sense of superiority was instantly deted.


    Instead of panicking, Lian Liangughed.


    ��There��s actually an expert here? Who cares which expert you aree and receive some punishment from my saber!��


    The long saber then flew like a dragon toward the courtyard.


    A white-haired old man who looked like a beggar appeared outside the courtyard andined, ��My sleep was disturbed by yourmotion!��


    His short rod touched the powerful saber of Lian Liang.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The long saber of Lian Liang waspletely smashed. The short baton then hit his chest, which sent him flying and crashing into a courtyard.


    ��You can fight among yourselves, but don��t make so much noise that it disturbs my sleep.�� Li Fu returned to his courtyard after smashing Lian Liang��s long saber with his baton and sending him flying.


    ��Senior, thank you for your help.�� Qingyun Sword cupped his hands to express his thanks.


    ��What has it got to do with me? It was because his voice was too loud and disrupted my sleep.�� The voice of Li Fu came from the courtyard.


    ��Sir!�� Lian Liang��s guards hurriedly ran across and found him lying in a pile of rubble. He was spitting out blood and looked broken-hearted as he held the handle of his saber.


    ��My saber! Aaaaah!��


    ��If you make noise again, I will not hit your saber, but I will hit your egg!�� The voice of Li Fu came from far away, and Lian Liang was hopping mad.


    If other people came to make trouble and hit an iron wall, they would be ashamed and resentful. However, Lian Liang was indifferent and ustomed to being beaten by Qin Chuan. The problem was the loss of his precious saber.


    All of his property was donated to House Yunyan, so his most valuable possession was this saber! He was bankrupt after this fight!


    ��


    Not long after, Qin Chuan received the news that Lian Liang was injured. He was surprised and thenughed.


    ��It looks like there��s an expert in this trashy ce. I��ll let him see whether my saber is sharp or not!��

 Chapter 551 - The Testicle Kicking Maniac

    Chapter 551: The Testicle Kicking Maniac


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Ren Baqian arrived punctually for the pce banquet that night, many people were already there.


    As usual, those who held lower positions tended toe earlier, and it was the same in this world.


    ��Principal Ren!�� Many court officials greeted him. In the eyes of the public, he was previously regarded as someone who had struck the lottery by gaining the attention of the empress, but that wasn��t the case now.


    Apart from his performance in the war with Great Xia, the instantmunication enabled by radio yed a very big role in this technologically backward world.


    Daily and timely contacts between the imperial court and the frontiers provided a great advantage as it enabled Dayao to respond quickly and send reinforcements or allocate troops precisely.


    Of course, in the eyes of the ordinary officials, the most important things were the salt farms in the mountains. In the past, when the salt supply was cut, everyone in Dayao would get anxious and rushed into battles or ambushes. The existence of the salt farms gave Dayao more flexibility in nning battle strategies.


    Although they didn��t understand the concept, this didn��t mean that they didn��t understand the end result.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian was considered a strange and very capable person in the minds of many officials.


    He was strange in the sense of being different from the aboriginals as he was aplete weakling when it came to physical fighting.


    His ability was due to his products and processes that were useful and effective.


    Ren Baqian found his seat and was seated with officials from the Ministry of Works.


    ��How are the recently nted crops doing?�� Ren Baqian asked Ge Yihong, who was seated beside him. In fact, on the way back, he had seen the sweet potato vines and pumpkins growing in areas far away from Lan City and felt they should be doing well.


    ��Very good, extremely good!�� Ge Yihong smiled after hearing this question. Those pumpkins and sweet potatoes had been harvested twice and were being used as seed stock throughout Dayao.


    These crops grew quickly, had high yields, and tasted good. Although they weren��t as easy to exchange for meat or sell in the market aspared to vegetables, their production volume wasrge, they filled the stomach easily, and as a result, they were easy to promote.


    ��Does Sir Ren have any new crops to introduce?�� Ge Yihong seldom had the chance to meet Ren Baqian and only knew about his profession, so the topic immediately turned to new crops.


    ��I will send them to Sir Ge if there are suitable types.�� Ren Baqian thought of the many crops on Earth that weren��t avable here, but what was needed presently in Dayao were high yielding crops that could fill the stomach. Furthermore, they must fit in with the tropical climate of Dayao��s mountainous regions, so the choices were rather limited.


    Ren Baqian was talking with Feng Hou when he heard loud crazyughtering from the pce gate. It sounded like the voice of that old geezer, Tong Zhenye.


    This was followed by the exasperated voice of Qin Chuan, ��Old fellow, if you don��t shut up, I will let you test the sharpness of my saber.��


    ��Hahahaha! Old ignoramus, why don��t you pull out your saber? Even if I stretch out my neck for you to cut, you wouldn��t be able to cut it!�� Tong Zhenye retorted andughed like crazy again.


    Subsequently, the sound of shing fists and legs was heard as the two fought. Many who were near the scene ran out to see the scuffle.


    They were just a bunch of onlookers who had nothing better to do!


    These two were Standard ss, Rank 3 officials, and nobody wanted to stop them from fighting. The surrounding onlookers ate their peanuts and melon seeds while cheering them on.


    Feng Hou and Ge Yihong, who were sitting beside Ren Baqian, dragged him out excitedly to watch the action.


    ��What��s happening?�� Ren Baqian could see it from the expressions of these two and knew the problem.


    Feng Hou remembered that Ren Baqian knew these people very well and asked hastily, ��Is there a super expert among these abandoned people?��


    ��Who provoked them?�� Ren Baqian was suddenly alert. There really was a super expert whose skill level was at least 30 stories high inparison.


    ��Yesterday, Lian Liang wanted to deal a killing blow to them, but his weapon was smashed and he was slightly injured. Sir Qin then shouted, ��I��ll let you see the sharpness of my saber�� to challenge that person. As a result, his weapon was also smashed and his testicles were hit���� Feng Houughed heartily.


    Ren Baqian looked as if he had been kicked in the testicles. Qin Chuan was simply asking for trouble by banging against an iron te��he should have found out the background of his opponent beforehand since the identity of Li Fu wasn��t a secret.


    The aboriginals were simply too tyrannical.


    After all, the big shots in the court were at the Cardinal Heaven level. They didn��t even consider who their opponents were, but only asked where they were.


    When they reached the gate, cheering was hearding from both sides.


    Ren Baqian took a look and saw Tong Zhenye disying his 13 continuous [Darkness Lifting Kicks], step after step, with his leg not touching the ground�� It must be mentioned that Tong Zhenye used to be known for his 13 consecutive [ck Tiger Steals Heart] skillset.


    Qin Chuan was jumping like a little girl with his legs pressed together in order to avoid the kicks to his crotch. He was hopping mad after receiving a few kicks.


    Feng Hou asked with a smile, ��Sir Ren, who was that person they met yesterday? It looks like Sir Qin is in pain.��


    He was curious because Lian Liang and Qin Chuan weren��t weak, yet they were shockingly defeated with just a few moves from the other party.


    ��Li Fu!��


    ��I haven��t heard of him���� Feng Hou shook his head.


    ��Li Fu, the world��s number one expert!�� Ren Baqian drawled. Li Fu was preupied with looking for the stairway to heaven and rarely appeared. Most people knew that there was a top expert in the world, but very few people knew his name. In addition, this name was very ordinary and sounded like the name of a remote viger. Thus, those who heard it were unlikely to remember it.


    ��Huh?�� Feng Hou was shocked and turned his head.


    Why was Li Fu here?


    Those who were nearby and could hear well were also shocked.


    ��He isn��t from Tianjing Basin. I met him along the way, and he��s staying in Lan City for a while to settle some matters. Do not provoke him unnecessarily.��


    ��Huh?�� Feng Hou continued to look frightened.


    ��Anyway, that��s it.�� Ren Baqian gestured with his hands. After fighting for half a day, Qin Chuan was at a big disadvantage because his legs were pressed together to avoid the kicks. His eyes were smoldering with fury.


    On the other hand, Tong Zhenye wasughing nonstop because it was rare to be in such an advantageous position.


    The two only stopped fighting when Elder Shi Qing came.


    The evening banquet started with the arrival of the empress.


    This banquet was slightly different from previous events. In the middle of the program, there was a dance performed by more than ten youngdies from Tianjing Basin. This was simr to the dancing that Ren Baqian saw at the Golden Ring Residence. These beautifuldies were specially selected, and although they weren��t celestial beauties, they were rather charming.


    It was the debut performance of the people from Tianjing Basin.


    The next day, Ren Baqian heard the news that Tong Zhenye had gone to challenge Li Fu, got his weapon smashed, and had his testicles kicked��


    Ren Baqian was stunned to hear the news as he had already revealed Li Fu��s identity, so Feng Hou must have told him. Did he still go to take revenge for Qin Chuan? Did these two have some kind of gay rtionship?


    Feng Hou was the next to have his balls kicked by Li Fu. This was followed by Shu Shijia of the Ministry of Justice, Bai Shiying from the Public Order Bureau, and Tie Yan from the Department of Inspection.


    Ren Baqian was downright confused until he finally realized that these people just wanted to find out for themselves the level of the world��s number one expert.


    Anyway, Li Fu was never heavy handed.


    To these boors, there was little difference between the attractiveness of the world��s number one expert and the most beautifuldy in the world.


    After more than a dozen challenges, Li Fu also earned himself the title of ��testicle kicking maniac.��


    ��Those inside,e out and try the sharpness of my saber!��


    Ren Baqian heard the harsh voice of Qin Chuan when he was at the corner of Jing Street.


    He saw Qin Chuan carrying a steel saber of unknown origin and making a din outside the courtyard of Li Fu.


    Within minutes, Li Fu angrily came out of his courtyard, smashed the steel saber with a touch of his baton, gave Qin Chuan��s testicles a kick, and subsequently went back without saying a word.


    After a while, a satisfied Qin Chuan, supported by his attendants, muttered as he walked, ��Today, he took one more step, and it seems like I have made great progress����

 Chapter 552 - Seeking an Opportunity

    Chapter 552: Seeking an Opportunity


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Young fellow, is this bunch of barbarians sick?�� Li Fu was fretting and showing uncontroble anger when he met Ren Baqian.


    He had been made to suffer miserably during these two days.


    No matter what, these were a bunch of Cardinal Heaven experts. It looked like he could easily dispatch them with two or three moves, but it was mentally distressing.


    Furthermore, Li Fu didn��t like to fight at all. His brain was preupied with finding the stairway to heaven, and fighting was only ast resort to him.


    Unexpectedly, he was faced with endless challenges after the first confrontation. Every day, they were challenging him all day long and even at night��


    Whether it was day or night, this bunch of idiots would challenge him at their whim and fancy.


    If he didn��tply, they would harass him to no end.


    The aboriginals were loud and made him nervous for a few days.


    If not for the promise of Ren Baqian to provide the hot-air balloon and rocket, he would have routed them.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss for words. Although he knew that Li Fu was a good person, he didn��t expect him to be at such a level! Ren Baqian wondered how he managed to attain the position of number one in the world.


    It seemed more like he was being bullied by these old boors.


    Although he was the one kicking the testicles of others, in actual fact, it seemed like he was the one being kicked.


    ��Don��t forget that you are the world��s number one expert! It��s very fortunate for these people to see you alive. Furthermore, who doesn��t worship their idols? Despite their high status, they are as excited as young people when they see their idols. The other reason is to get pointers from you!�� Ren Baqian spouted some half-truths rapidly.


    Before he came, he was worried that Li Fu would go crazy and therefore rushed over to take a look. Yet, from what he had seen, there was no harm even if they disturbed him some more.


    To be able to see Li Fu making a few moves was very beneficial.


    Most importantly, many people came. Standard ss, rank 3 and higher level visitors from different ces had challenged him once and were nning to challenge him for the second time. It was rumored that even the high ranking official, Tu Wan, was also interested.


    Li Fu was bing like a tourist attraction. Many important people from different ces could be seen, and the people that just came from the Jing Tribe were dumbstruck.


    ��ck Bamboo Academy will start sses the day after tomorrow. If Senior is free, you can attend sses and also hide there to get some peace,�� Ren Baqian said after a long consideration.


    ��I have no interest! You better fulfill your promises as soon as possible.�� Li Fu waved his hands. He didn��t care, but was a bit vexed about those rascals harassing him.


    Ren Baqian didn��t want to say anymore. He bid goodbye with augh and was osted as he was leaving the courtyard.


    ��Sir Ren, what kind of arrangement are you making for me? Surely, you can��t let me stay here without any identity or position.�� Ning Caichen looked sorrowful. Onlookers would assume that Ren Baqian had done something to him.


    Ren Baqian looked at the expression of the gossipy guards who had just been posted here and knew what they were thinking without having to ask.


    Then, he red at Ning Caichen with a piercing look. Ren Baqian was thinking that if Ning Caichen had the guts to approach the empress personally, he would admit defeat if the empress didn��t m Ning Caichen against the wall.


    Ren Baqian managed to pacify with a few words. There was no suitable post for him recently, his identity wasn��t confirmed, and many jobs couldn��t be given to him.


    Those jobs that were suitable for him were already done by others.


    It wasn��t possible to abandon a sword master and ignore him. Ning Caichen certainly wouldn��t be able to take it after a few days.


    Ren Baqian contemted on where to send Ning Caichen as he walked home and was blocked again when he was halfway home.


    ��Sir Ren, let��s have a few words!�� A middle-aged man and two young men came down from a carriage by the roadside and shouted to stop him.


    Ren Baqian gave them a thorough nce and guessed, ��Are you from the Yun Nation?��


    People from the Yun Nation and Great Xia looked quite alike, but the Yun Nation people were known for their luxurious and exquisite clothing, so Ren Baqian was able to guess the identity of these three well-dressed men immediately.


    ��Sir, my surname is Zhang. I have had the pleasure of meeting you before and am here to consult you on an important matter. Please step aside and have a few words with me. Your humble servant has already prepared good food and wine at the restaurant by the side.��


    Ren Baqian looked carefully at the man and the two young men behind him, but didn��t have any impression of them. However, he really wanted to know what they intended to say.


    When Ren Baqian nodded to the side, Zuo Leng and a few others immediately went to check the restaurant thoroughly. After confirming that there were no problems, they reported to Ren Baqian.


    He wasn��t being overly careful. Anyone who had experienced several assassination attempts within a year would definitely be careful.


    The two young men lowered their heads. They had strange expressions, maybe scornful or something else, and were trying not to let others see it.


    Ren Baqian was sandwiched in between the guards as he went upstairs to find a window seat. The three men from the other side then carefully sat across from him under the hostile res of the guards.


    ��Sir Ren, I saw you a year ago. I think Sir Ren doesn��t remember us.��


    Ren Baqian recollected that he had juste to Dayao a year ago and was appointed as the Honglu Deputy to receive the visitors from various countries.


    ��Did the few of you participate in Her Majesty��s birthday celebration?�� Ren Baqian asked. All he could remember was a select few of the people he had met at that time��Ning Caichen, the Seventh Prince from Great Xia, and that kidney-impaired gentleman who spat out blood with every cough.


    He couldn��t even remember the name or the appearance of the Lian Family��s young master that he killed at that time, not to mention other people.


    ��Exactly.�� The middle-aged man nodded with augh and said, ��Your humble servant��s surname is Zhang, Zhang Junzheng. These are my two nephews, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju. We convey our respects to Sir Ren. We are from the Yun Nation as you have already guessed.��


    The middle-aged man carefully observed Ren Baqian as he talked and sighed deeply in his heart. This timest year, the guy in front of him was a Honglu Deputy in name only. Not long after, he became the husband of Qi Zixiao.


    At that time, he didn��t take Ren Baqian seriously.


    After all, he didn��t show any outstanding traits, so everyone thought he was just fortunate to be favored by the empress. Yet, this luck could change any time Qi Zixiao changed her mind and then he would directly reach rock bottom.


    In many people��s eyes, this thinking was normal. After all, what kind of person was Qi Zixiao? How long could a lucky and ordinary manst even though she loved to be ttered?


    Therefore, he himself didn��t take the man in front of him into consideration even after repeatedly failing to build a rtionship with Dayao during this year.


    But a yearter, this man��s status and position surprisingly became more and more stable.


    This change could be seen just by observing the attitude with which the court officials regarded him.


    Moreover, there were rumors regarding the big role he yed in the war with Great Xia in the north, his production of salt in the mountains, and his recent trip with the empress to Tianjing Basin. Although he didn��t know what happened, 2,000 people from Tianjing Basin came to Lan City, and Ren Baqian had some extra bodyguards that were top experts among the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation.


    Now, he actually had to lower himself and ask Ren Baqian for favors.


    Even though he had always prided himself for being superior in judging the character of people, he had to admit that he was wrong this time.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while and finally found the three men in front of him to be vaguely familiar. He waited for them to speak so he could see what they had to say.


    Were they thinking of using him to persuade the empress to give the Yun Nation a lifeline? Historically, there was nock of such transactions where senior officials were bribed to let the opponent set fire to their own backyard.


    However, if they were to make such a proposal, he wouldn��t hesitate to cut off their heads.


    ��We are here to make a petition to settle down here.��


    Ren Baqian was extremely surprised by Zhang Junzheng��s request.

 Chapter 553 - You Think You’re a Deity?

    Chapter 553: You Think You��re a Deity?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Upon listening to what the other party said, Ren Baqian didn��t rush to respond. Instead, he held up his tea cup and sniffed it before cing it back on the table. He looked carefully at the three men before asking with slight curiosity, ��You guys aren��t ordinary people in the Yun Nation, I suppose?��


    ��Although the Zhang family isn��t somerge and influential family, we do have some reputation,�� Zhang Junzheng boasted a little.


    Not only did the Zhang family have some reputation, they were in fact pretty well known.


    Many people assumed that in the Yun Nation, controlling a city was how a family would be able to settle down and progress. However, over thest few centuries, the families in control of the cities had been reced many times. Even though the Zhang family didn��t control any cities, they had always remained stable and had talents in every generation of the family.


    It wasn��t that they didn��t have the opportunity to take control of the cities, but that they had abandoned the thought every single time.


    Like what an elder in the Zhang family once said, water is formless, and nothing can change that.


    From the Zhang family��s perspective, even though establishing the family in a city would give them status on the surface, they would in fact be restricted by it as well. As such, apart from being a family that stayed out of the spotlight, their people were scattered and ventured into different trades and professions.


    The Zhang family had always only been a general name. On the surface, they seemed like a group of people who weren��t tight knit and were scattered among different trades.


    Even though they might seem unrted to each other, if one were to trace back the roots of their bloodline, they all hailed from the Zhang family.


    Even enemies who wanted to give them problems would find it difficult to do so.


    Both of Zhang Junzheng��s nephews encountered problems in Lan City several times a year. At the same time, the war between Dayao and the Yun Nation spread like wildfire. Zhang Junzheng felt that the Yun Nation had no chance of winning the war and hence time was running out. In order to get in Ren Baqian��s good books, Zhang Junzheng divulged some information that very few people knew about.


    Simply hearing all of this had already greatly surprised Ren Baqian. He had never thought that there were actually such aristocratic families in this world.


    ording to Ren Baqian��s understanding of Earth��s history, the Zhang family were something like the Huizhou merchants. They shared a general name, but all hailed from the same ancestry.


    ��Why have you thought of seeking help from Dayao?�� Ren Baqian asked with great interest. Everyone else shunned the aboriginals at all costs, but this Zhang family had instead called on them voluntarily. This made Ren Baqian feel extremely interested.


    ��The monarch of the Yun Nation is young and frivolous, and all important matters of the imperial court are controlled by Prime Minister Zheng Hangmian. Zheng Hangmian is obstinate, self-opinionated, and wildly ambitious. Currently, people in the imperial court have either stuck to him, been banished to prison, or have resigned and returned home. In a few more years, I��m afraid that even the monarch will probably have to change his name.


    It would be fine if that was all of it, but unfortunately, Zheng Hangmian is lecherous and greedy for wealth. He is ambitious, but hecks the capabilities.


    Not to hide from you, Sir Ren, but even though the Yun Nation is currently at war with your distinguished nation, the imperial court is still trying to eliminate dissidents. However, it��s simply a small matter in the middle of this war.��


    ��What has that got to do with you? Why don��t you seek help from him?�� Ren Baqian questioned. Regardless of whatever the imperial court was like, a family like the Zhang family should at least have the right to speak out.


    Ren Baqian wouldn��t buy their story if they came to seek asylum simply because they disapproved of their imperial court��s monstrosity.


    ��It��s a long story. Zheng Hangmian is ambitious, but incapable, and really isn��t a good person. There has always been a feud between him and the Zhang family, and also, he knows a lot about us. Even though everything is fine at present, we can��t put the safety of thousands of our family members at stake�� As a result, we have no other choice.��


    Ren Baqian understood most of it after hearing this. The Zhang family was afraid that Zheng Hangmian would create trouble for them,and decided to find an alternative way out.


    An ordinary person might not have much understanding of the Zhang family, but the Zhang family had already existed in the Yun Nation for a few hundred years, even before the nation was founded. There were still people who knew of their background. Therger and more influential families definitely knew about the Zhang family, but they probably did not know it entirely.


    Yet, this Zheng Hangmian probably knew too much about them. There is a saying that your enemy is the person who knows you best.


    However, the Zhang family seemed to be overthinking it.


    Regardless of whether it was the Yun Nation or Zheng Hangmian, they would probably be disappearing soon.


    ��What can you provide?�� Ren Baqian asked unhurriedly.


    ��The Zhang family has dipped into all trades and professions, and this is exactly what your distinguished countrycks the most. We will probably be of some use to you, Sir.�� Zhang Junzheng smiled. He was very confident in the Zhang family��s capabilities.


    ��We know everything that you know. We know things that you don��t as well!�� Ren Baqianughed casually, while his words carried some rumination.


    ��Sir, nobody is omnipotent.�� Zhang Junzhengughed. He suddenly felt a little odd. Based on Ren Baqian��s aplishments after merely a year and also on the establishment of the ck Bamboo Academy, he shouldn��t be an ignorant person. How daring was he to say such a thing?


    The deep pration into all trades and professions was the root of how the Zhang family seeded in making a living. This was where their confidencey.


    As long as someone from the Zhang family was still alive, he would be able to carve out a path for himself no matter where he went.


    ��Indeed, nobody is omnipotent, but in your eyes, I should probably be close.�� Ren Baqian was rather blunt with his words. The abilities of the Zhang family were considered pretty important to others and especially so to the present Dayao. However, with Ren Baqian around, they didn��t really seem like much.


    Ren Baqian was capable of achieving more advanced and scientific manufacturing methods, possessed superior business management, and knew of all sorts of administrative methods. Even though they might not be well suited for the situation of this world, with simply more time, Ren Baqian believed that he could bring about a thorough transformation to Dayao.


    Naturally, this Zhang family did have their usefulness, but it wasn��t as great as they thought it was. From Ren Baqian��s perspective, their greatest use would be to save on time.


    As such, this group of people could still be useful, but they still had to be beaten down a little first.


    After listening to Ren Baqian��s words, Zhang Junzheng seemed to be a little unhappy. The two young men behind him seemed to despise Ren Baqian a little.


    Whoever it was, no one would be able to stay calm if the fundamentals of what he did for a living were questioned, let alone a family like the Zhang family.


    Ren Baqian was immediatelybeled by them as careless, superficial, and someone who had an exaggerated opinion of his own abilities.


    The Zhang family was indeed looking for an alternative way out, but Dayao wasn��t the only option. There was also Great Xia as well��it was just that their establishments were already very deeply rooted in all aspects. If the Zhang family were to move everyone there, they would easily attract negative repercussions from the local powers.


    As such, Zhang Junzheng, the man with the best foresight in the family, was inclined toward relocating part of their group to Dayao.


    However, they had already been consistently facing obstacles here in Dayao. If Ren Baqian was really such a shallow person, then there probably wasn��t a need toe here and relocate anymore.


    Upon seeing the trio��s expressions, Ren Baqian knew that it was all ying out as he had predicted.


    Ren Baqian let out a slightugh before replying faintly. His words were full of confidence.


    ��Salt, I have already created. ss cups and mirrors��not sure if you have ever heard of them? I have also produced them as well. I can also produce that soap of yours, maybe even better than you. I call it perfumed soap. Wine, I know how to brew, probably nicer and stronger than yours. voring? Soy sauce? Bean paste? I know all of these too. Essences as well. Wrought iron? Manufacturing weapons? Same goes for these, and they are even more advanced than yours. Agricultural equipment, I know a little about that too, even to the extent of how to farm. Clothes? Weaving? Not a problem for me. Besides history, I know everything else, like mathematics, principle studies, the art of war, poetic verses, and governance.


    You see, what else do you know? Tell me about it? I��ll see if there��s anything that I do not know!��


    A few people beside him, including Zuo Leng, were raising their eyebrows incessantly and left speechless because they didn��t know what was real or fake. After all, the amount of time that they had followed Ren Baqian around was pretty short. As Ren Baqian had always been in Tianjing Basin, they would believe it if he imed that he knew about the art of war and governance.


    After all, they could see a slight hint of the art of war in some of the things that Ren Baqian did. The Rearguard Commandery was also established by him; everything from recruitment to promotion, secrecy, rewards, and penalties. The regtion of all aspects was done up ratherprehensively, which wasn��t something that an ordinary person would be able to aplish. Zuo Leng and the others also truly believed that Ren Baqian was well-versed in this regard.


    As for the other things, they weren��t exactly sure. Just based on his words, they felt that it was a little too exaggerated.


    Needless to say, from the start, the trio from the Zhang family already didn��t believe what Ren Baqian was saying. Toward the end of the speech, their expressions became rather odd, as if they were looking at a lunatic talking in his sleep.


    Regardless of whatever trade or profession, one might not be able to reach the pinnacle even if he had invested the effort of his entire life.


    You can do all of that alone?


    You think you��re a deity?

 Chapter 554 - The Bet

    Chapter 554: The Bet


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��In that case, Dayao isn��t the ce for the Zhang family to settle in. We have troubled you today and will bid you farewell now,�� Zhang Junzheng said calmly as he suppressed his anger.


    He had assumed that the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy would be a wise man because he had set up the school and established his position in such a short time.


    His current perception was that Ren Baqian was a presumptuous person.


    Obviously, he wasn��t an aboriginal. He might have learned some stuff from somewhere else and developed an arrogant attitude due to his interactions with the stupid aboriginals.


    Such a presumptuous person wasn��t a good choice for a friend.


    ��Hold it!�� Ren Baqian gestured with his hands as the three prepared to stand up, and a few guards immediately pushed them back to their chairs.


    Of these three men, only Zhang Junzheng was at the Earth Wheel level. The other two were Man Wheel experts, so the three were simply unable to resist the pce guards.


    Zhang Junzheng grew even angrier when he was not allowed to leave even after he was told of their unworthiness.


    ��At this point, what else does Sir Ren want? Since we are of no use to Dayao and Sir Ren, why don��t you let us leave?�� Zhang Junzheng asked coldly.


    ��It isn��t that the Zhang family can��t settle in Dayao, but your expectations are too high. Brass can be sold as gold to those who have not seen it before, but if I do that here, I will be made into aughing stock.��


    ��If the Zhang family wants a peaceful life in Dayao, this isn��t a problem��you can even live like how you used to in the Yun Nation,�� Ren Baqian said with a smile as he already knew what they had in mind when they started talking. He needed some manpower, but he didn��t want these people to think too highly of themselves.


    ��Since Dayao has Sir Ren, why do you still need us?��


    ��Well, although I can do it, I am only one person with limited energy, and I need some assistants. You can learn something here to serve as a foundation for the Zhang family,�� Ren Baqian said bluntly.


    Zhang Junzheng didn��t know whether tough or cry when he heard this.


    ��I wonder what Sir Ren can teach the Zhang family?��


    Zhang Junzheng emphasized the word ��teach�� very strongly.


    The other two men, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju, weren��t as well-bred as Zhang Junzheng and would have jumped up if the guards weren��t holding them. Even so, ayer of ice could seemingly be scraped off their faces.


    ��How about making a bet? I will let you choose three, five, or seven types of industries or manufacturing processes topete in. If I lose one round, I will concede defeat, introduce you to Her Majesty, and guarantee that she will not chop your heads off. What do you think?��


    Zhang Junzheng wasn��t happy to hear this. He was angry that this guy was extremely conceited.


    He was allowed to choose the industries for thepetition, and Ren Baqian would concede defeat if he lost even one round. A lot of confidence was needed to say this. Was Ren Baqian regarding the Zhang family as nobodies?


    As one should know, the background of the Zhang family wasn��t linked to the court or to a particr industry. Most of the hundreds of industries and core businesses in the Yun Nation were influenced by the Zhang family. It could be said that apart from a few industries controlled by some other families, there were none that didn��t involve the Zhang family.


    The Zhang family wasn��t well known to the outside world as they had continued with this tradition of passing their knowhow through each generation. Even if they were to meet a catastrophe, they would always rise again.


    However, this didn��t mean that the Zhang family had no power.


    ��Sir Ren, since you have said so, I would be guilty of being diffident if I declined. There isn��t a need for quantity, and three should be enough for thispetition.�� Zhang Junzhengughed coldly. He didn��t even bother to find out the conditions he would have toply with in case he lost.


    ��Why not challenge in a few more? Is three enough?�� It didn��t matter to Ren Baqian as there was no difference between three or 30 types.


    ��Three types are enough,�� Zhang Junzheng said smugly. If he couldn��t beat this man in front of him, then the Zhang family would be considered ipetent. Furthermore, he was certain of victory.


    ��It is fine if you think this is enough. If you lose, bring the Zhang family to Dayao to work for us and learn. If you are thinking of escaping, you should have heard of the Nine Pavilions,�� Ren Baqian said slowly.


    ��The Zhang family definitely won��t do such a thing because honoring our word is fundamental to the Zhang family,�� Zhang Junzheng said.


    ��Anyway, we will not lose!�� Zhang Junzheng continued resolutely.


    ��It��s best to be confident.�� Ren Baqianughed. He was thinking that ignorance limited their imagination, but didn��t say so.


    ��The date will be set for one monthter! As for what we will bet on, I will tell Sir Ren when the time is up,�� Zhang Junzheng said. He was cautious as he was afraid that the aboriginals would capture craftsmen from the Yun Nation if he mentioned the industries he was going to bet on.


    As long as he didn��t reveal them, the aboriginals couldn��t possibly catch craftsmen from all the various industries.


    Furthermore, for many products, a single craftsman wouldn��t know everything about making the product.


    For example, in the dyeing of cloth, the process of making the various colors of red, orange, green, blue, and purple might not be known by one single craftsman.


    Therefore, as long as he informed the other side just before thepetition, the possibility of cheating would be eliminated.


    In that case, the Zhang family certainly would not lose.


    ��Let me be notified when you are ready,�� Ren Baqian said coolly. He stood up, nodded at the other party, and walked out of the restaurant.


    The food and wine were just for show, and he wasn��t in the mood to eat anyway.


    On the contrary, he was somewhat happy to meet such a fool. If everything went smoothly, he would gain a group of skilled workers.


    If they broke their promise, they would all be executed after the conquest of the Yun Nation.


    After Ren Baqian had left, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju said angrily, ��This guy is too arrogant. Fifth Uncle, do you really want topete with him?��


    Zhang Junzheng snorted.


    ��A contest is just a contest and can also show them our abilities. As for what will happen next, it will depend on Qi Zixiao. As the ruler of the country, she has her own opinions. Whatever excuses he can give in victory or defeat will not deceive her easily. Anyway, Dayao isn��t really a good ce. We shall take two roads when the timees. One will lead to Dayao and one to Great Xia,�� Zhang Junzheng said while thinking.


    ��


    After returning to the pce, Ren Baqian sat in the garden with the empress and jokingly referred to the recent incident.


    ��I met some people who unexpectedly want to bet with me. It��s rather interesting.�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    The empress looked at him seductively and said, ��You went to see Li Fu and encountered this incident.��


    ��Li Fu isn��t a problem because he is good-tempered. As for this Zhang family, they are skilled workers and can easily do many thingspetently due to their knowledge.�� Ren Baqian directly conveyed the identity of the other party.


    ��Aren��t you afraid of others learning from you?�� the empress asked in response.


    When Dayao wanted to learn from the other countries, the other countries blocked the transfer of technology and knowledge. This had been deeply ingrained in the memories of three generations of rulers.


    In this respect, it was very difficult for the empress to let go.


    ��It doesn��t matter if we let them learn a bit. At any rate, what they learn will be past knowledge and will be rted to the people��s livelihood. The real core lies in science and technology. Furthermore, it��s easier to upy the Yun Nation with their help,�� Ren Baqian said.


    There was so much knowledge on Earth that he could afford to spread it freely and without worry.


    Furthermore, the energy of a person was limited. Even with more knowledge, it was useless without the energy to harness it.


    Plus, the other party also had another use after the conquest of the Yun Nation. They could y a very big role in appeasing the people by bing role models.


    ��I promised to send the Messier 87 some secret documents, but I have been too busy to take care of it,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Although he was back in Lan City, he was still remotely controlling the Rearguard Commandery and couldn��t let go in the short term. Even the time spent with the empress watching the flowers was much less.


    ��Go and get it,�� the empress said.


    These secret documents were stored in a room in the Qingxin Pce Hall, and the room was packed to the brim.

 Chapter 555 - The Disciples Will Handle the Problems That Arise

    Chapter 555: The Disciples Will Handle the Problems That Arise


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    There seemed to be no change at the Qingxin Pce Hall.


    There were only two people in the huge building, Librarian Lin, whose coughs weren��t known to be real or fake, and Lin Qiaole, who was always sleeping and dreaming.


    When Ren Baqian walked into the courtyard, he saw Lin Qiaole sprawled on the ground soundly asleep and conveniently basking in the sunlight.


    She seemed to be more daring than before. Previously, she would sleep inside the Qingxin Pce Hall and would wake up in shock when others came in.


    However, she slept openly in the courtyard now, and even thunder wouldn��t rouse her.


    Ren Baqian walked past her, opened the main door, and walked a dozen steps before opening the door to a room on the left. He saw piles and piles of secret manuals.


    As a matter of fact, the loot taken from Tianjing Basin was bountiful.


    The treasure taken from the various rebellious sects and residences of the city lords was finally tallied. The inventory of gold, silver, and jewelry was worth at least 100,000 taels of gold, which was equivalent to millions of taels of silver. The empress��s annual ie from the gold mines was around 120,000 or 130,000 taels of silver. These millions of taels of silver were considered a very huge amount for Dayao.


    However, all of this ie ended up in the state treasury.


    Just over 13,000 secret manuals, piled up in this hall, belonged to the empress. After taking into ount the duplicated copies, there were more than 6,000 manuals at the very least.


    People weren��t the only ones ranked ording to their rtive level, the manuals were also ranked ording to their rtive value. Based on ranking, 80 percent of the books were of superficial value, 18 percent were of medium value, and two percent of the secret documents were highly valuable.


    Only less than 0.1 percent of the manuals were super top grade. One example was the treasure from the top eight sects.


    There was also some misceneous stuff, such as materials used for disguise. Ren Baqian was initially interested, but after further observation, they were found to be simr to modern cosmetics, though theysted longer due to the materials used. They weren��t like the human skin masks mentioned in stories that could change the identity of a person immediately.


    Some manuals were about methods of making medicine, a few were about the domestication of snakes, insects, war elephants, monkeys, and birds in the Six Doors, whereas others were about trivial stuff.


    Among them was an interesting recipe from a small sect about how to make a ��Bataan Death March�� pill. If made ording to the recipe, a pill as big as a nail would be enough to satisfy the stomach of an ordinary person for one meal.


    Even for an aboriginal soldier, a pill about half the size of a fist would be enough.


    With this product, a soldier could carry half a month��s or up to one month��s supply of rations by himself and do away with the onerous logistics needed for a long-range raid.


    The only problem was that many of the ingredients were from the Sixty Thousand Mountains. These ingredients were scarce and expensive, so supplying the whole army would be difficult unless substitute ingredients could be found by the physicians.


    Ren Baqian selected more than 500 basic level, 50 intermediate level, and three advanced level secret manuals.


    The next step was to trante these secret manuals to simplified Chinese characters.


    The ancient people said, ��When something happens, the disciples will handle it. When there are food and wine, the senior will eat first. Is this considered filial piety?��


    The ancient people also said, ��A son with deep filial piety will be gentle. A gentle person will look happy. A happy person will look pleasant. The most difficult part of filial piety is your appearance. Just taking care of your parents isn��t enough.��


    This meant that the disciples worked and the teacher ate.


    Moreover, the disciples ought to be happy and cheerful. If they didn��t work happily, then that wasn��t filial piety.


    The next day, Ren Baqian smiled as he handed out the homework.


    ��From today, everyone has to take 12 secret manuals and trante them into simplified Chinese at home. Hand them in one at a time. If there are mistakes or omissions, you will flutter in the wind from themp post outside! If you can��t finish it, not only will you flutter in the wind for a day, you will also receive the gift of a bullet!��


    Most of the students in ck Bamboo Academy turned pale after hearing this and seeing the stacks of secret manuals that were brought in by Ren Baqian.


    Everyone was responsible for 12 secret manuals and given seven days toplete the trantions. They still had to attend sses in the morning, and as a result, the light in their rooms remained bright well into the night this whole week.


    Seven dayster, 49 students with panda eyes and gnashing teeth ced those secret manuals in the ssroom. They had slept for no more than four hours every night during these seven days!


    Over the past seven days, they were beginning to have doubts about the meaning of life.


    One benefit of this project was their improvement in writing simplified Chinese, and they became better than Ren Baqian. After all, he could hardly write after using theputer for so long.


    ��Take three days off. Use the knowledge that you have learned in physics ss to start building a steam engine after three days!�� Ren Baqian smiled gleefully as he gave everyone three days off after collecting the more than 500 secret manuals.


    It was high time to make a steam engine because it would usher in an industrial revolution. Although the technology in this world hadn��t reached this point, it would improve very quickly with him driving it.


    With the production of the steam engine and his involvement in pushing it, technology would take a quantum leap in a short time.


    Everyone leaned their heads on the table after hearing this and didn��t even have the energy to cheer. They were burned out, and the steam engine wasn��t something they wished to think about.


    Ren Baqian brought the secret manuals to Earth that night. The tutor, Ding Jie, was drinking with the six winged cavalry warriors. In principle, six people were drinking, whereas Ding Jie was slurping his water from a cup.


    Two of them were bragging about their adventures while the other four were envious.


    Ren Baqian grinned at the thought that these two rascals went to find youngdies and ended up wrecking the ce! Then, they smashed up a drug den!


    Since the physical constitution of these winged cavalry warriors was very strong, things like ecstasy pills, ketamine, and soft drugs basically had little effect on them.


    They smashed up the drug den because they felt cheated when the ecstasy pills and ketamine had no effect on them. The two didn��t know what these things were and only heard that these substances would give them a flying sensation��


    ��The boss��s wife!�� The six burly winged cavalry warriors stood up to greet him. Ren Baqian immediately picked up a decorative ornament beside him and threw it across.


    ��Boss!�� Only Ding Jie sincerely greeted him as the boss. Only honest people deserved his love.


    ��It��s Second Boss!�� Ren Baqian groaned. He went upstairs to change and gave Yang Sen a call. He got people to move the secret manuals to a car and then asked a winged cavalry warrior to escort him out.


    By the time he reached the Messier 87��s underground garage, Yang Sen and others were already waiting for him there.


    Yang Sen was shocked to see the backseat and trunk filled with manuals! The Messier 87 staff behind him inhaled sharply.


    Although Ren Baqian had promised and called him beforehand, Yang Sen didn��t expect to receive so much.


    These were secret manuals on cultivation techniques, not cabbages!


    The previous batch of secret manuals, in their original version, were usually packed in safes when they were delivered by Ren Baqian.


    Although he knew that these items weren��t that big of a deal to Ren Baqian, bringing them in a car like a load of cabbages was rather shocking.


    Ren Baqian really made a big contribution this time! With these secret manuals, the development would be faster and more methods could be developed to cater to different people. Through these secret texts, cultivation methods and their special characteristics could be better understood.


    When Ren Baqian went home, he gave Ding Jie a secret book that had been edited by the nation. This was simr to the one he gave to his parents.


    ��This is for you. It��s easier to learn and less problematic, but remember not to pass it on to others. The end result, as you know, will hurt others as well as yourself.��


    Previously, Ding Jie was stopped by Ren Baqian from learning martial arts from the winged cavalry warriors. Din Jie regretted this and would sometimes feel disappointed while lying in bed. Therefore, he was very happy to receive this secret manual from Ren Baqian.


    He kept on saying, ��Boss, I will certainly do my work well!��


    ��Ask me if you do not understand something. Don��t ask these idiots or else you may die without knowing why.��

 Chapter 556 - Glass

    Chapter 556: ss


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The name, aboriginal barbarians, had a real impact on the people.


    However, this was only because the aboriginals had never understood the concept of science and technology. Besides, they had a very strong military force, which enabled them to deal with almost anything in this world.


    As such, they rarely ced their thoughts anywhere else.


    Azy man drives the development of technology. Even though this saying wasn��t entirely true, it illustrated a great deal of the problem.


    Due toziness, men wanted shortcuts, which gave rise to all sorts ofbor-saving methods, such as the fledgeling stage of machinery.


    However, after the students at the ck Bamboo Academy studied ��Foundations of Science and Technology �C Physics�� for some time, they were finally no longer the traditional aboriginals who only thought about muscles and nothing else.


    They had yet to be able to produce a steam engine just based on the little amount of knowledge that they had picked up from learning physics. However, through their experience and scope of vision, they managed to produce a pressure cooker!


    <em>Da, da, da!</em>


    In front of a few rows of students, mud sshed about on the ground!


    ��What I asked for was a steam engine�� and what you have produced after 12 days is a pressure cooker? Huh?��


    Facing the ashen-faced Ren Baqian, who was holding a Type 81 assault rifle, the students standing at the front smiled mischievously.


    ��Teacher, we have already seeded halfway�� With a few more things like an air intake pipe, a valve, an engine casing, a crankshaft, and gears, it will be a simple steam engine!�� Shi Gan promised.


    ��Like I would believe your bullsh*t!�� Ren Baqian almost blew his top.


    ��Someone hang them up on the gpole! Let them flutter in the wind and reflect upon themselves!�� Ren Baqian ordered in anger.


    ��Who dares to hang me up?�� Tong Lan, the lolita, was immediately furious and leaped ten meters into the air.


    ��Sir, there aren��t enough poles!�� The bodyguards found it difficult to carry out this task as they looked at the trio of six-meter high wooden pirs that were erected in the courtyard.


    ��Hang the rest of them from the wall!�� Ren Baqian was furious.


    In less than two hours, the ck-eyed Tong Lan and a bunch of mischievous students were hung up in a row from the top of the school��s wall.


    There were six students hanging from each of the three pirs in the courtyard!


    The imperial guards that walked past immediately burst out intoughter after seeing the students being hung up on the pirs and the wall.


    Ren Baqian walked back to the pce. The empress had just ended her morning assembly. She casually asked him about what had happened after seeing his angry face.


    After Ren Baqian finished talking, the empress gentlyughed as she said, ��You definitely need to put your mind into teaching students. The teacher who taught me back then also used to get furiously mad. He smashed a table almost every day!��


    Ren Baqian��s spirit was immediately lifted after listening to this. He had never expected the empress to actually have such a dark past!


    Ren Baqian continued to probe, but the empress merely smiled and didn��t reply.


    ��We should rece the paper windows in this hall with ss to make it look brighter,�� the empress said as she pointed at the row of wooden doorframes in her living quarters.


    After all, paper windows were less translucent and tore very easily. If they were reced with ss, her living quarters wouldn��t be so dark anymore.


    The empress had never liked these cold and empty living quarters and preferred somewhere brighter.


    ��I��ve already sent people to do it. It will be done in another two more days.��


    The empress had sessfully changed the topic.


    The pair of them walked around in the garden. Ren Baqian plucked a small white flower and inserted it into her hair bun.


    The empress smiled as she asked, ��Excellent and unrivaled?��


    Ren Baqian looked at that small white flower andughed immediately. Indeed, it was that same excellent and unrivaled flower from before.


    After strolling in the garden with the empress, Ren Baqian��s mood immediately got better.


    If he were to face that bunch of blockheads everyday, he would one day suffer from a heart attack.


    Two dayster, the ss that Ren Baqian had ordered to be manufactured waspleted, and the recement of the paper windows in the living quarters had begun. Thankfully, the original window frames were thick enough that six-millimeter thick ss was able to fit in it. After that, strips of wood were used to secure the border behind the window. The empress��s living quarters immediately became brighter, and anyone who was in there wouldn��t feel down anymore.


    However, along with this came another problem. After changing to ss windows, the temperature inside the living quarters began to rise sharply�� Luckily, the hall was big and spacious enough. With a fan and some ice cubes, the empress wasn��t affected much by the heat.


    Over the next few days, the empress��s mood was pretty good, especially at night when both of them were having dinner in the pce under the brightness of lit up light strips. This made the empress extremely happy, and she was always full of smiles, unlike that cold self that she usually portrayed in front of others. Deep in the hall, Ren Baqian sat facing the empress as they spoke softly over wine, which was extremelyforting.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan both felt very deeply for this moment.


    No matter what the asion was, the empress was always cold and cheerless, which made people afraid of approaching her. The current empress was almost an entirely different person from who she was a year ago.


    Even though she might still appear a little cold at times, it was already much better than before, and she wouldn��t get angry that easily anymore.


    At the times when Principal Ren was by her side, the empress actually smiled a lot more. Even if she didn��t smile, she wouldn��t act like her cold self either. Others could feel more warmth in her and found her more easily approachable.


    After recing the windows in the empress��s living quarters with ss, the next project was set for the throne room.


    A few dayster, Tong Zhenye saw many people whispering in front of the throne room while he was attending court. In his head, he was wondering if some unfortunate person had provoked the empress and had gottenshed. Eventually, he stepped forward and was stunned when he saw what everyone was looking at.


    The throne room had a total of 12 doors. Usually, only six of the doors were open, and this was something that everyone was extremely familiar with.


    However, the paper windows on all 12 doorframes had currently disappeared.


    ��What��s happening?�� Tong Zhenye was a little suspicious.


    ��Why did the empress tear down the paper windows? Could it be that it would be more cooling this way?�� Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye both stepped forward, not stopping even when everyone else stood frozen where they were. Instead, they walked ahead, stretched out their hands, and swatted at the empty space where the paper windows used to be.


    <em>Crash��!</em>


    Embedded in the main door was a piece of ss, which had now turned into countless of ss shards on the ground.


    Qin Chuan was stupefied�� He looked at his own hand, then back at the door.


    This time, everyone finally discovered the problem.


    ��There��s something on it!��


    ��Is it crystal?��


    ��It should be pretty expensive!��


    ��I��m afraid Sir Qin is bound to get a beating!��


    ��Where did so manyrge pieces of crystale from? Besides, they are molded so thinly that they are almost invisible if one isn��t attentive.��


    ��This is the thing called ss that Principal Ren created, right?�� Tong Zhenye immediately recalled the ss factory outside the city. It belonged to the royal family, and he was only responsible for bringing some ss smiths over. He wasn��t sure what exactly happened afterward, but he knew that the ce was manufacturing something transparent that was crystal-like.


    After some pondering, Tong Zhenye took a sneaky look at Qin Chuan andughed grimly.


    Qin Chuan��s face turned ck after hearing the others whispering and rejoicing at his misfortune.


    ��How amazing, Minister!�� Lian Liang from the Department of the Army gave a thumbs-up.


    The ck-faced Qin Chuan sent Lian Liang flying with a kick.


    After a short while, the empress entered and discovered that the ss, which had just been installed for a day, had been shattered. Her brows were raised immediately, and her murderous spirit permeated the air.


    After that, Qin Chuan, the main culprit, was sent flying out of the throne room with a kick from the empress.


    A few dayster, a new ss shop, which belonged to the royal family, opened in Lan City, and it was immediately packed with people.

 Chapter 557 - Coughing Up What One Has Taken

    Chapter 557: Coughing Up What One Has Taken


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The formerly bustling Jinyang Street went into recession after six months of war and especially suffered after Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation cut off the trade routes to Dayao. Most of the shops selling salt, wine, and cloth, which used to be the most patronized in the past, were closed. Most of the passersby came and departed in a hurry or went into shops and inns opened by a few aboriginals.


    The only times that the street came alive were when the government was selling salt.


    Yet, during thesest few days, the street was filled with people. Not only were high ranking officials out in force, but even many passersby would also make a stop.


    From a distance, you could spot the sign that said, ��Royal ss�� hanging in the middle of the area.


    Zhang Junzheng and his nephews, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju, were looking from afar and could not see the area properly because human heads blocked their view. Zhang Heqi pointed ahead and said, ��Fifth Uncle, it��s over there.��


    ��You said that there are transparent utensils that look like crystal in there. I remember there were some aboriginals peddling such goods half a year ago and that they were robbed by Qingfeng City��s warlord, Ye Ke. Ye Ke and his n were exterminated a monthter, and the goods were snatched back. If, ording to you, the prices of these utensils are so low, I can��t understand why they travelled thousands of miles to snatch them back,�� Zhang Junzheng said doubtfully.


    He could never imagine that Ren Baqian felt like 10,000 jumping alpacas when Hong Bao snatched these things back!


    At that moment, Ren Baqian felt like killing Hong Bao with a kick.


    Hong Bao should have snatched some silver when raiding the treasury of the other party.


    He expended so much effort just to grab back the sses and mirrors that were stolen!


    Ren Baqian only stopped being resentful afterparing his fighting ability with Hong Bao��s. However, he felt even more depressed after seeing Hong Bao express unwarranted pride.


    Zhang Junzheng and his nephews squeezed through the crowd. If they didn��t possess some martial arts skills, they wouldn��t even have been able to squeeze past the people at the periphery of the crowd.


    Despite Zhang Junzheng being an Earth Wheel expert, he was almost pushed to the other side of the street by the crowd.


    The three didn��t dare to be angry as there were a fewmoners among the aboriginals here who were at about the Earth Wheel level. In the Yun Nation, Zhang Junzheng, as an Earth Wheel expert, was considered a somebody. He was sad that amoner here might even be more than a match for him.


    The martial talent of the aboriginals was the envy of others.


    Fortunately, they weren��t so smart.


    It was fair that an advantage was apanied by a disadvantage!


    The three managed with great difficulty to get to the front before they saw the guards at the entrance of the shop. They were mainly there to prevent the ss windows from being broken by these people.


    If there was nobody guarding the store, Qin Chuan would be the first to strike, but he would certainly not be thest one to do so.


    The three stood at the front of the crowd to look at the shop and clucked in amazement.


    The wooden boards on both sides of the shop were reced with eight panels. Each panel was divided into sixttices that were transparent in the center. The crystal-like panel on top wasn��t visible unless a careful observation was made. The light that passed through the ssyer lit up the whole shop.


    There were only a few dozen people in the shop, and the whole shop was visible from the front door. The shelves on the walls were filled with products made of ss, such as cups, dishes, bowls, and containers. More than ten night pearls on the walls illuminated the products dazzlingly.


    ��Are these the sswares sold by this shop?�� Zhang Junzheng asked.


    Zhang Heqi, who had been here once before, said incredulously, ��These are marvellous creations, and I don��t know how they are made. Furthermore, they are so cheap. One ss cup only costs ten taels of silver even when it can be sold for 100 taels.��


    This was the first time he saw someone cheaply selling something that could fetch a high price.


    ��They sold them at an expensive price of 500 taels of silver for a crystal cup in the Yun Nation. It seems like the cost of this type of ss is very low and that Sir Ren is rather capable,�� Zhang Junzheng said tly.


    ��Fifth Uncle, about the bet���� Zhang Heju asked softly.


    ��There is no need to worry as the best craftsmen from the Zhang family are already being dispatched.�� As Zhang Junzheng twitched his lips, a soft voice was transmitted to their ears.


    A momentter, some of the customers came out of the shop. Subsequently, the three were allowed to enter.


    Upon entering the shop, they felt cool and refreshed. At the corners of the shop were ice tubs filled with ice-cubes.


    Recently in Lan city, ice was no longer a rarity and there were dozens of shaved-ice shops. The three men didn��t pay much attention to this and focused their attention on the ss utensils on the shelves.


    ��How much does this cost?�� Zhang Junzheng saw a transparent teapot set with teacups that he liked very much and asked the salesperson in the shop.


    A young Jing Tribedy in the store looked at him and said, ��800 taels!��


    ��Is it that expensive?�� Zhang Junzheng was stunned.


    One transparent cup cost ten taels. How could one tea set cost 800 taels?


    ��How much is this cup?�� Zhang Junzheng pointed at a cup and asked.


    ��150 taels!�� thedy said. The rest of the customers in the shop turned to look at the cup in surprise. They then looked at Zhang Junzheng, thought about the price they were quoted earlier, and wondered whether they had heard incorrectly.


    However, they heartily burst intoughter after someone whispered in their ears.


    Zhang Junzheng nced at Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heqi in shock and asked, ��Isn��t this ten taels?��


    Thedy simply smiled diplomatically and didn��t reply.


    Zhang Junzheng thought for a while and said sternly, ��Let��s go.��


    ��Fifth Uncle, I definitely saw them selling it for ten taels thest time I was here.�� Zhang Heqi was still seething at the injustice after getting out of the crowd.


    ��They sell to the aboriginals at ten taels!�� Zhang Junzheng said sullenly.


    He was filled with uncontroble anger.


    Previously, it had always been the foreigners who sold to the aboriginals at a higher price. He never expected this situation to now be reversed by the barbarians.


    It really caused him to be furious.


    ��


    ��Tong Zhenye just mentioned that the things in the ss shop are priced cheaply,�� the empress told Ren Baqian while they were sitting in the garden.


    ��They aren��t cheap.�� Ren Baqian shook his head. ��I will be in trouble if the prices are raised.��


    The cost of ss was very low. Selling a ss cup at ten taels was already a sky-high price.


    In the case of the ordinary officials in Dayao, the sry of an animal caretaker was about six taels of silver per month. Two months of sry could only be exchanged for one ss cup.


    Those who could afford such items were the big shots from the imperial court.


    Sooner orter, ss would be a cheap item that the ordinarymoners would be able to afford.


    By that time, those big shots who bought these ss products would discover that they had been cheated.


    He could imagine the response of this group of senior officials when they found out. They would look for him every day forpensation. Thinking of these consequences, Ren Baqian didn��t feel like bearing the responsibility.


    ��As long as the sales volume of the ss products rises up, the profit will not be low. For those custom-made ss products, a window requires at least six pieces and costs 60 taels of silver, so an ordinary house with two windows would have to spend 120 taels. Including the door, the cost would be about 200 taels. The houses of the important people have eight to 10 rooms. Furthermore, ssware is fragile, so product consumption will be high.��


    At this point, Ren Baqian said with some regret, ��My original intention was to use the ss to make a fortune from the Yun Nation and Great Xia, but it��s a pity that this n was destroyed by the sudden war. Fortunately, these goods can be sold to them at high prices as long as they don��t know how to make ss��even if they feel the pinch. Of course, we can��t sell a cup at the exorbitant price of 500 taels anymore.��


    ��We have been taken advantage of before��now is the time to get back some.�� The empress thought about those hateful foreign merchants having to buy at a high price in the future and immediately felt better.


    ��Right, sooner orter, they have to return the favor.�� Ren Baqian started tough. ��Even if they don��t use ss, there are still mirrors, soaps, clocks�� They will have to cough up the money they have taken.��


    The empress thought that these words sounded rather disgusting and twisted his ear with one hand.

 Chapter 558 - The Zhang Family is Ready

    Chapter 558: The Zhang Family is Ready


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Jing Street, a brand new area, was inhabited by the people of the Jing Tribe from Tianjing Basin


    Except for a few who were sent by Ren Baqian to the ss factory or to the empress��s garden, everyone else was resettled here.


    The one who attracted the most attention on Jing Street was Li Fu, the world��s number one expert.


    Before they arrived, very few people knew of him, but once they were here, they couldn��t fail to notice him because senior officials were challenging him to fight every day.


    However, these Jing Tribe people had the highest esteem for Qingyun Sword and not Li Fu.


    After all, Li Fu was not from the Jing Tribe, so nationality and race were of no significance to him. He would only retaliate when someone disturbed him. If he was annoyed, he would ost Ren Baqian at the ck Bamboo Academy and find trouble with him.


    As time went by, he grew ustomed to the peaceful environment there and would spend most of his free time sleeping near ck Bamboo Academy instead of staying at Jing Street. Otherwise, he would sit outside the ssroom in a daze and listen to the lessons on topics that he could not understand.


    On the other hand, Qingyun Sword waspletely different from him.


    He was purely a Jing Tribe member and was one of the experts from the insurrection army 70 years ago. Even though he lived in seclusion for many years, he didn��t give up.


    Zuo Cheng stayed in Gu City as amander, while Qingyun Sword, as one of the two Spirit Wheel experts in Tianjing Basin, became the guardian of all the Jing Tribe people here.


    During this month in Lan City, everybody knew the name of Qingyun Sword and respected him from the bottom of their hearts.


    ��Today, three more people were injured outside the street by a barbarianmoner. As usual, the security forces werete,�� said an elderly man with some dissatisfaction as he sat in front of Qingyun Sword.


    ��Did the Public Order Bureau catch the culprit?�� Qingyun Sword wasn��t very surprised as this wasn��t the first time such an incident had happened this month.


    ��He was captured, given three cane strokes, and released,�� the elderly man said.


    Qingyun Sword nodded to acknowledge that the Public Order Bureau certainly favored the aboriginals. It had been like this before and would get slightly better after Ren Baqian��s personal intervention. However, it didn��t get much better as Ren Baqian couldn��t always be there.


    The situation of the aboriginals favoring their own people was something that even Qingyun Sword could understand.


    ��Ren Baqian did fulfill some of his promises, but to really fulfill them will take some time,�� Qingyun Sword consoled.


    ��I understand, but in just one month, hundreds have been beaten and injured, more than 10 were seriously injured, and one person even died. I am invariably angry every time an incident happens.��


    ��We need to tolerate them for the sake of the more than 10 million people in Tianjing Basin,�� Qingyun Sword said. ��Tell them not to sh with the aboriginals under any circumstances, whether abusive or provocative. The aboriginals are straightforward, impetuous, and do not think of the consequences.��


    Qingyun Sword couldn��t do much in this situation as they were in aboriginal territory and his power as a Spirit Wheel expert wasn��t a big deal here. If there were problems, he could only seek the help of Ren Baqian.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian had severely punished some aboriginals for provoking and injuring people, so the provocations were less frequent recently.


    The most important point was to avoid shing with the aboriginals no matter what happened. If there were any shes, these aboriginals, who spoke with their fists, wouldn��t care about rules and regtions. This was the case even with their own people. They would fight first and then be caught by the security forces and whipped.


    In fact, many Jing Tribe people were beaten up in this type of situation.


    In general, the aboriginals were Man Wheel experts or higher in strength and tough, whereas the Jing Tribe were ordinary and easily injured by them.


    If it weren��t for the fact that the aboriginalmoners knew that the Jing Tribe people were bad fighters who would fall to the ground with one punch and be unable to get up, the number of seriously injured would have been more than 10 people.


    In general, everything was changing for the better.


    This was just the beginning, and as time passed by, Qingyun Sword believed that the Jing Tribe people would be able to live freely outside Tianjing Basin.


    At this time, on the way back from the Great Hunt, Ren Baqian was sitting in the carriage ying a card game with the empress.


    At this timest year, Ren Baqian was a participant in the Great Hunt and had personally killed a person for the very first time in his life. This time, when he revisited the ce, the situation was totally different.


    Except for a few who joined the army this year, the young people who participated in the hunting contest weren��t much different from those who had participatedst year.


    For example, there was Hong Xian, Du Changkong, and also Liu Ruoyao, who had shed with Ren Baqian before.


    However, Ren Baqian, as a Rank 4 official, was only apanying the empress to the bountiful Great Hunt this time, and many people were secretly envious and jealous of him.


    Ren Baqian, who was sitting across from the empress, said while drawing his card, ��The number of peopleing to the birthday celebration of the empress is much fewer this year.��


    Last year, he was the Honglu Deputy. All the participants from the foreign countries were vetted by him, so he was very clear about this matter.


    However, this year, half a month before her birthday, he paid some attention to it. Not only were there much fewer participants, there were practically none.


    He actually wanted to see whether some gigolos would dare to woo the empress.


    This proved that those fellows at least knew that the empress was taken, and it gave him a sense of achievement.


    The empress said without raising her head, ��This year, after attacking Great Xia, we attacked the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation. Who would dare toe?��


    Anyway, her wish was to obtain many valuable gifts in order to exchange for weapons.


    She didn��t care about those people at all.


    ��What present does Your Majesty want?�� Ren Baqian asked with augh.


    ��Are you asking me?�� The empress raised her head and gave him a sideways nce.


    ��Even if it��s the moon�� Although it can��t be plucked, I can give Your Majesty a picture of it!�� Ren Baqian was kicked out by the empress just when he had finished speaking.


    A little whileter, Ren Baqian was back in the carriage sitting in front of the empress with a serious look as they continued ying cards.


    However, he still had to prepare for her birthday carefully.


    Hong Wu gave the gift of a Jade Embryost year. Ren Baqian couldn��t obtain such a treasure, but he needed a gift that would move the empress.


    After the group returned to Lan City, Ren Baqian continued to teach about making the steam engine.


    During this period, Li Fu was spending more and more time at the ck Bamboo Academy. Ren Baqian started pondering over how to make Li Fu the academy��s sweeping monk.


    With his power, it was a waste not to make him the academy��s sweeping monk.


    One had to know the three most legendary professions were the gatekeeper, the sweeping monk, and the librarian.


    Ren Baqian aimed to make ck Bamboo Academy the best institution in the world. Having the world��s number one expert as a sweeper would give his academy a first ss image.


    Unfortunately, Li Fu wasn��t deceived by Ren Baqian. Although he had a good character, he wasn��t a fool.


    He was watching Ren Baqian and trying to get him to make the hot-air balloon and rocket sooner.


    Then, one week before the empress��s birthday, Zhang Junzheng came to look for Ren Baqian and informed him that the Zhang family was ready.

 Chapter 559 - Jumping into a Pit

    Chapter 559: Jumping into a Pit


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    This time, they were at a restaurant on Jingyang Street.


    ��Sir Ren, we, the Zhang family, have arrived. The contest can start at anytime.�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands.


    ��In two days then. What do you want topete in?�� Ren Baqian was fiddling with a small box. He inhaled from it with his mouth and blew out a mist that had a fruity fragrance that actually covered his face. It was as if a mythical creature was swallowing clouds and blowing out fog.


    This made Zhang Junzheng and the others affix their eyes on the box that Ren Baqian was holding.


    ��Sir Ren, may I ask what this is?�� Zhang Junzheng couldn��t hold in his curiosity and asked.


    ��Just a small thing. We call this an electronic cigarette.�� Ren Baqian fiddled with the box in his hands and ced it on the table. In fact, this thing had been avable for a long time back on Earth. It was just that he simply wasn��t interested in it. On one particr trip back to Earth, a passerby was smoking one of these. Ren Baqian felt that it smelled pretty nice, so he took a trip to an electronic cigarette store.


    After that, he felt that the cooling and fruity juice in this electronic cigarette was simply too refreshing.


    Especially in such a hot ce like Dayao, a whiff of this would make his entire throat and lungs feel a cooling sensation as his mouth filled with sweet and fruity vors.


    Over the next few days, Ren Baqian loved it so much that he simply couldn��t part with it.


    Zhang Junzheng didn��t know what it was even after Ren Baqian introduced it. He looked at the electronic cigarette for a while longer before shifting his attention back to Ren Baqian and saying, ��Sir Ren, is the bet still ording to what we had discussed before?��


    ��Naturally. If I lose, I will rmend you guys to the empress, and this I guarantee. If you lose, the entire Zhang family has to move to Dayao to work. At the same time, you can learn from us as well. To sum it up, you guys have a lot to gain,�� said Ren Baqian as he emphasized this to the Zhang family.


    Regardless of which perspective one looked at it from, the Zhang family indeed had much to gain. The boat that was the Yun Nation was about to capsize. If they hadn��t met Ren Baqian now, they probably wouldn��t receive such treatment if they were to seek asylum after the demise of the Yun Nation.


    Needless to say, they could also learn new things here from Ren Baqian.


    Even if it were simply some manufacturing techniques, this would be sufficient enough for the Zhang family to reap the benefits.


    Zhang Junzheng was nomittal after listening to this and said, ��There must always be a witness for any contest!��


    ��The empress shall be the witness!�� Ren Baqianughed. By arranging the contest during this period, which was when the empress would celebrate her birthday and when many high officials would be present, wasn��t the Zhang family intending to gain fame?


    Zhang Junzheng smiled. As long as the empress would be witnessing it, this contest would be the best opportunity for the Zhang family to disy their strength.


    ��There will be three tasks in this contest, and they��re notplex. However, they are not going to be easy to do well. The first task is to dye cloth with seven colors, namely red, orange, yellow, light green, dark green, blue, and purple. What we arepeting in is for the colors to be longsting and not to fade easily!�� Zhang Junzheng said. One had to know that it wasn��t an easy task to dye cloth with colors that would be longsting and that would not fade easily. Even though every dye shop had their own methods, their effects were very different.


    This was also one of the methods that could easily differentiate whether one won or lost simply by direct observation.


    Zhang Junzheng didn��t suggestpeting on the purity of the colors because color purity didn��t have a general standard and was entirely subjective based on a person��s preference. The results of a color puritypetition could be falsified, whereas a color fading test could not.


    The fading of colors could easily be distinguished once the cloth was washed with soap and water.


    Another reason was that the process of dyeing cloth would require at least 15 days. The Zhang family had a special method that could dye cloth in a shorter period of time, but the colors wouldn��t be as vibrant as those that were dyed over the normal 15 day period.


    As such, Zhang Junzheng was very confident about this contest. It was considered pretty good for him to be able to apply the dye in such a short period of time.


    After Zhang Junzheng was done talking, he looked carefully at Ren Baqian��s expression. He felt a little disappointed when he saw that Ren Baqian didn��t have much of a reaction. He didn��t know whether the other party possessed strong confidence or just didn��t understand the difficulty of the task.


    Zhang Junzheng paused for a bit before continuing, ��The second task will be to manufacture springs.��


    ��Springs?�� Ren Baqian pondered over this word. This was a surprise because he had never expected the Zhang family to actually know how to make springs. It would take a huge amount of strength to be able to move a piece of metal spring around with the hands.


    Ren Baqian had always thought that Great Xia��s crossbow battalions were using springs. Eventually, he realized that they were using multiple bowstrings to fire an array of arrows everytime.


    As such, he had never had much expectations for the technology of springs in this world.


    One had to know that the biggest problem in making springs was the material. This was the most difficult problem that would limit how well a spring functioned.


    Since the Zhang family had brought this up, they must possess a certain level of achievement in this aspect and possibly had ess to a special type of material.


    Zhang Junzheng ced a torsion spring, which was the size of a fist, on the table as he answered will full confidence, ��Yes! This is a spring. As for what this thing does, please forgive me for keeping you in suspense for the moment, Sir Ren. We shallpete in the tensile strength and sticity of our springs.��


    This was the Yun Nation��stest technology. At present, the ballistas that the Yun Nation used for war were made with torsion springs like this.


    Even though Zhang Junzheng knew that Ren Baqian possessed something small that was capable of exploding, he believed that ballistas, which could fire 100 bolts at a range of 200 steps, would definitely pique Qi Zixiao��s interest.


    Ren Baqian looked at the torsion spring on the table. Although he had known for a long time that these could be made using apact roller with the aid of technology, he was betweenughter and tears when he saw Zhang Junzheng��s extremely confident look.


    <em>Competing with modern technology in alloys and springs�� Who gave you this confidence?</em>


    However, Ren Baqian grew to hold the Zhang family in higher regard.


    Being able to make a spring that was at a quality standard was sufficient to prove the value of Zhang family��s craftsmen.


    Ren Baqian ced the spring on the table and asked faintly, ��What��s the third task?��


    ��Brewing wine! Previously, Sir Ren, you had mentioned that you knew how to brew wine. We, the Zhang family, have some knowledge and experience with this as well. Using the same type of wine as the base ingredient, we will process the wine andpete to see who makes the more intense product,�� Zhang Junzheng said. In fact, the most important task of this contest was actually the spring. He very clearly knew the difficulty of making such springs.


    He had even gotten people to bring the materials over from the Yun Nation.


    Zhang Junzheng firmly believed that Ren Baqian could never aplish this.


    The other tasks were simply just extras to him, but at the same time, they were not meaningless.


    Take for example, wine brewing. Qi Zixiao had always loved the strong alcohol of the Yun Nation. Everytime the caravan from Dayao arrived at the Yun Nation, they would buy and bring back plenty of good wine. The best wines in the Yun Nation were all brewed by the craftsmen of the Zhang family.


    Zhang Junzheng believed that it would be sufficient to make Qi Zixiao happy with just the task of brewing wine.


    On the other hand, the torsion spring and ballista served as a great incentive for the whole of Dayao.


    By fulfilling both official and personal tasks, the items that he had prepared topete with this time would be enough to let the Zhang family stand firm in Dayao.


    Not only that, in order to prevent Dayao from harboring any ideas against the Zhang family, the craftsmen that they had sent were all prepared to die and had consumed poison before thepetition.


    This had also removed the possibility of Dayao extorting the manufacturing methods from them.


    The Zhang family would never allow the techniques that they possessed to be leaked out because these would be the roots for their establishment in Dayao in the days ahead.


    ��It shall be these! We will begin the contest in two days. Do you have any more requests?��


    ��We need a courtyard that is segregated into two parts to be able to transport the materials in. Both parties will not be allowed to look at each other��s manufacturing method and will onlypete based on the end product. Do you agree, Sir Ren?��


    Even though such skills weren��t something that someone could replicate with one look, there were many unique techniques and forms. Zhang Junzheng still remained vignt, afraid of the possibility that his techniques would leak out.


    Ren Baqian gave it some thought and felt that there was nothing more that could be said. Putting them at a disadvantage was his original intention. Now that the other party had already plunged in with so much confidence, what else could he say?


    He took a deep puff of the electronic cigarette, lifted his head, and blew out a huge cloud of vapor.


    <em>Sigh, such is life!</em>

 Chapter 560 - The Competition Begins

    Chapter 560: The Competition Begins


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At thepetition with the Zhang family, Ren Baqian greeted the empress and promptly settled down.


    All along, the empress had never intervened in such matters as she was ignorant regarding craftsmanship and things rted to it.


    In her opinion, it was more than enough to have Ren Baqian there.


    It was adequate for Dayao to apply the technology avable from Earth.


    Although the empress wished to see such a grand asion happen soon, she knew it had to be done step by step. As a result, Ren Baqian was put in charge.


    After Ren Baqian greeted the empress, he exchanged greetings with Tong Zhenye.


    From the beginning to the end, Tong Zhenye only paid attention to the vapor clouds blown out by Ren Baqian.


    After waiting for Ren Baqian to finish talking, Tong Zhenye snatched the vapor generating device with his hands and asked about its function. He didn��t even avoid the saliva of Ren Baqian as he took a big gulp and started to cough violently.


    A lot of vapor rushed into his lungs and the impact was rather ufortable for Tong Zhenye, but he refused to let go as he liked to show off.


    Ren Baqian was forced to release his grip. He wasn��t prepared to take it back anyway after Tong Zhenye had sucked on the mouthpiece.


    On the way to court early the next morning, Tong Zhenye was waiting outside the pce as expected. He was holding the vapor generating device and effortlessly blowing out mist from it. The fog, which was generated in a short period, made it hard to see him clearly.


    The day after that, early in the morning, Zhang Junzheng and Ren Baqian met outside a house in the eastern part of the city. Both were smiling because they harbored simr thoughts.


    Ren Baqian and the empress had walked out of the pce together with Ren Baqian one step ahead.


    A whileter, the imperial chariot, apanied by guards and attendants, arrived outside the house. Behind them were Tong Zhenye, Shi Qing, and others.


    ��Your humble servant is honored to meet Your Majesty.��


    ��Commoner Zhang Junzheng (Zhang Heqi, Zhang Heju) is honored to meet the Empress of Dayao.��


    The empress nced at Zhang Junzheng and his nephews from her carriage before nodding slightly and saying somewhat coldly, ��Are the three of you from the Zhang family?��


    They had given her avish giftst year, but she had totally forgotten all about it.


    ��That��s right!��


    ��Well, work conscientiously and when Dayao transforms, you will be of use here,�� the empress said with a nod. Ever since going to Earth, she had be more and more concerned about craftsmen.


    The development on Earth had proven the value of the craftsman.


    ��We will certainly work hard!�� Zhang Junzheng replied cheerfully. It seemed like Qi Zixiao attached great importance to the Zhang family or else she wouldn��t have made such ament given her character.


    Plus, what was meant by the transformation of Dayao?


    The empress simply said a few words, came down from her carriage, and was apanied into the residence with the crowd for a quick look around. This house had originally belonged to a merchant from Great Xia, but it was unupied now because he had been beheaded.


    This residence met the requirements of the other party. It had two courtyards, one in the east and one in the west, and everything had been cleared out. Only the empty courtyards and a few bedrooms remained.


    ��Since everyone has already taken a look, we can start now,�� the empress said after walking around the mansion. ��I will be a witness and the Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye, will also be one.��


    ��Alright!�� Zhang Junzheng immediately said, ��The technology of the Zhang family has never been disseminated to outsiders. Therefore, Minister Tong Zhenye can��t keep watching and only he alone will be allowed toe in.�� (TLC. This seems contradictory)


    Although he didn��t want to offend the empress, it was more important that their technology didn��t leak out.


    As long as the technology was preserved, the Zhang family wouldn��t decline.


    Additionally, as long as the empress wanted the products made by the Zhang family, she wouldn��t do anything to them.


    ��You are rather cautious. Permission granted! You can begin now. I will be back to see the results of thepetition,�� the empress said bluntly. She nced at Ren Baqian and headed out without looking back.


    After the departure of the empress, Ren Baqian turned to Zhang Junzheng andughingly said, ��Let��s begin now! I think you should be ready after one month of preparation.��


    ��Of course!�� Zhang Junzheng nodded and whispered some instructions to Zhang Heqi, who then departed.


    It wasn��t long before horse drawn carriages, each covered in ck cloth, came from the side of the road. They went directly to the east courtyard, but only one stopped and revealed 10 jars of wine. All of them were opened for Ren Baqian to smell. Then, half of them were taken back to the courtyard.


    Zhang Junzheng cupped his fist and said, ��Sir Ren, the wine will be brewed for a second time. As for the other processes, I will not let Sir Ren see.��


    ��Do as you please,�� Ren Baqian casually said.


    It was obvious that those carriages were carrying things rted to the three parts of thepetition. In order to prevent him from stealing their secrets, they had so much security.


    This Zhang Junzheng was discreet, but he was mistaken from the start.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t interested in those technologies. Had anyone seen a billionaire stealing from the bowl of a beggar?


    In this regard, Ren Baqian was confident that the technology from Earth was adequate.


    Not only did Zhang Junzheng overestimate the importance of these technologies, he also overrated the Zhang family. He even dared to say such words in front of the empress and Tong Zhenye despite the risk of Tong Zhenye making life difficult for the Zhang family in the future.


    Even with the Zhang family in such a precarious situation, he was so daring. Did he really think that Dayao couldn��t do without the Zhang family and that he could therefore act without fear?


    ��Sir Ren, the time limit is five days. Minister Tong, I bid you farewell.�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his fists and then walked to the east courtyard, closing the door tightly.


    ��Hmph!�� Tong Zhenye sneered. The Zhang family only respected Her Majesty! If Qin Chuan was here, he would chop their heads off.


    ��Sir Tong, it��s time to send the craftsmen and materials that I asked for.�� Ren Baqian turned his head to Tong Zhenye, who was still standing there.


    ��It will be sent immediately. Sir Ren, there are only five days. The other party has obviously prepared all the tools, but Sir Ren has just started preparing. Won��t you lose?�� Tong Zhenye asked.


    ��Sir Tong, why don��t you guess? Shall we make a bet?�� Ren Baqian countered.


    ��Since you look very confident, I will not bet with you. Casually speaking, if Sir Ren loses, the empress will be unhappy.�� Tong Zhenye tried to evade the topic. He wasn��t a fool, and more than anybody else, he knew about the various items produced by Ren Baqian.


    Besides the empress and Ren Baqian, he was the one that was considered to have the most confidence in Ren Baqian.


    A momentter, carriage after carriage of materials and craftsmen entered the west courtyard. Zhang Heqi looked over the top of the wall, saw Ren Baqian smiling cheerfully at him, and retracted his head.


    Ren Baqian strolled into the courtyard and gathered the craftsmen. Taking out piece after piece of drawings, he started delegating tasks to them.


    These drawings were sketched by professionals ording to the limitations of this era and the time constraints. The production n chosen was the best it could be at present.


    That afternoon, the sounds of people working in the Zhang family courtyard stopped as thick smoke rose from the courtyard. The next day, the fragrance of wine wafted out from the courtyard, and the sound of striking iron was also heard.


    At this time, however, the sounds of banging and sawing of wood were hearding from Ren Baqian��s west courtyard because his tools were not even ready yet.


    The brothers, Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju, listened carefully to the soundsing from the other courtyard and couldn��t help saying, ��Fifth Uncle, we will win for sure!��


    Both courtyards were bustling with activity, and although the east courtyard was busy, everything was orderly. The craftsmen from the Zhang family did their assigned work and didn��t interfere with each other.


    On the other hand, the west courtyard was a mess. Each craftsman was trying to figure out the drawing given by Ren Baqian while they worked. asionally, they had to consult Ren Baqian. Meanwhile, the wasted materials were piling up almost to the top of the wall.


    Even Tong Zhenye, who came over to take a look, was getting doubtful and asked, ��Sir Ren, how about betting on whether you will win or lose?��


    Ren Baqian��s eyes sparkled upon hearing this.

 Chapter 561 - Distilling Alcohol

    Chapter 561: Distilling Alcohol


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��What are the stakes?�� asked Ren Baqian while looking worried. He was trying to project great anxiety due to his progress.


    ��Seeing your expression, I know you already have a n in mind and want to con me.�� Tong Zhenye was sharp enough not to take the bait as he instantly smelled something fishy after observing Ren Baqian��s expression.


    Ren Baqian looked at Tong Zhenye with some exasperation. Who said that the aboriginal were naive?


    It seemed like this old fool only appeared to be candid.


    ��Do you want me to go and scout the enemy��s situation?�� Tong Zhenye chuckled.


    ��If Sir Tong has nothing to do, go ahead.�� Ren Baqian��s answer was neutral.


    ��Haha, I am just kidding. I have confidence in Sir Ren. If I were to go, they will look down on you,�� Tong Zhenye said evasively.


    Ren Baqian was really annoyed this time. Was this old fool trying to joke with him?


    Seeing Tong Zhenye putting his hands behind his back while ambling and humming a mountain ditty, Ren Baqian was even more convinced of this.


    After pondering for a long time, he couldn��t figure out how he had offended him recently and decided to ignore it. Ren Baqian strolled back to the house, took out steel wires of different thicknesses and threw them to the cksmiths.


    After testing them, several cksmiths were amazed by the steel springs brought by Ren Baqian. They hadn��t been exposed to advanced alloys and found the steel wires to be totally different from what they had ever seen.


    After coiling the steel wires on their arms and then letting go, the steel wires would straighten again instead of bending out of shape like ordinary steel.


    Furthermore, there were no irregrities at all as the wires were uniform in thickness throughout. Plus, there weren��t any traces of hammering. This made the cksmiths think that these wires were naturally formed and not man made.


    Not long after, the sound of hammering metal was hearding from the courtyard.


    However, a new problem soon emerged. The steel wires became brittle after heating and hammering or other problems might arise.


    Although they might find the solutions to these problems if given the time, time was unfortunately what theycked most at this moment.


    ��No problem. I was letting you give it a try.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands and answered the cksmiths with augh.


    He already knew about these types of problems. This was a special carbon steel spring and not easy to deal with at present. Any extra treatment would change theposition of free gas and the carbon content in the steel wire, which would affect the performance in various ways.


    His reason for bringing these wires was to mislead the people.


    The cksmiths would then happily bring these steel wires home to experiment with and quickly discover new uses for them. For example, making a whip that would deliver an almost lethalsh��


    In this aspect, Ren Baqian could only say that he underestimated the degree of affinity for weapons that the aboriginals had.


    The aboriginals would find a way to use whatever materials they obtained to make offensive weapons.


    Even steel wires could be used to whip people.


    Dyeing was one of the tasks in the bet, and it progressed very smoothly.


    Dayao had no spinning and weaving technology to speak of, and this was the same case for the cloth dyeing industry. Therefore, he could only choose some dexterous and smart craftsmen from the Ministry of Works.


    The assorted dyes brought back by Ren Baqian came from pure materials. Not only was there aplete range of colors that consisted of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, every color came with three variations.


    For example, yellow came in light yellow, lemon yellow, and golden yellow. There was dark red, bright red, and peach red��


    If he wasn��t limited by the amount he could carry, he would have brought 30 hues for each color ande out with 210 colors. It would certainly make the Zhang family lose faith in themselves.


    Each piece of cloth that he brought from Earth was three meters wide, about 10 meters long, and made of cotton.


    The final material was the color fixing chemical.


    The only drawback to this type of bright dye was its tendency to fade after being exposed to water, and most dyes were the same. Although Ren Baqian didn��t know what measures the other party would take to reduce this fading, they were most likely some indigenous methods and would only reduce the fading slightly.


    However, the fixing agent was totally different. The covalent bond between the epoxy in the fixing agent and the molecules in the dye made the dye stable.


    First, the cotton cloth was immersed in the dye, dried, and, if required, dyed again. After this, it was immersed in the fixing agent at a certain temperature for 15 minutes and then dried. The work needed to be done by the craftsmen was very simple and waspleted in three days.


    In fact, Ren Baqian was most busy in the courtyard brewing the distilled liquor that Zhang Junzheng was most indifferent about.


    Ren Baqian had long wanted to brew wine here. Whether it was due to the special environment or different materials found in this world, not only were the meats delicious and nourishing, the fruits and grains were fragrant and sweet. If the same method was used to brew wines here, the wines produced would be much better than those on Earth.


    If the skills to make wine weren��t somewhat backward in this world, the empress wouldn��t need to bring sorghum wine with her every day.


    After three days, Ren Baqian finally produced a pot distiller.


    At this time, the smell of wine in the neighboring courtyard had dissipated and it looked like their wine was ready. However, the sound of hammering metal continued.


    On the fourth day, the strong aroma of wine wafted out from the courtyard of Ren Baqian andpany. A whiff of the rich fragrance was enough to make those outside salivate.


    The first to discover it was Zhang Heqi and others in the other courtyard, followed by a bleary-eyed Zhang Junzheng who had received an urgent report.


    As soon as he smelled the aroma, his face changed as he eximed, ��What a rich fragrance!��


    The progress of the wine made by Ren Baqian could be determined just by using the nose. This was only the first brewing, but it was already so strong that it seemed as good as the wine that had gone through three rounds of brewing by the Zhang family.


    Although it still couldn��tpare with the hard liquor made by the Zhang family, it already made Zhang Junzheng worry.


    Zhang Junzheng stood in the courtyard for a moment, cast a nce at the others, and said solemnly, ��Carry on with your work. This wine is still inferior to ours. Anyway, even if we lose that round, it won��t affect the overall situation. Just carry on with what you were doing.��


    The people who were attracted by the fragrance of the wine dispersed after these words from Zhang Junzheng.


    Zhang Junzheng wasn��t surprised by the vor of the wine. In order to impress the empress, the wine he would use for thepetition was definitely the best.


    What was surprising to him was the ability of Ren Baqian to brew such a strong and fragrant wine with merely one or two brewing cycles.

 Chapter 562 - Alcohol So Strong That One Can’t Stop Drinking

    Chapter 562: Alcohol So Strong That One Can��t Stop Drinking


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the courtyard, Ren Baqian was a little surprised. This wine had a rich and drawn-out fragrance as well as a bit of a fruity aroma. The base alcohol was supplied by Zhang Junzheng himself and should have been produced by the Zhang family. Ren Baqian had always focused on increasing the intensity of the wine, but didn��t care much about the original base alcohol.


    However, this fragrance had made him realize that the Zhang family was indeed skilled in wine brewing.


    If they were topete in wine brewing, Ren Baqian wouldn��t necessarily be able to produce wine in a short period of time that would surpass theirs. After all, there were many factors that would affect the taste of a wine, just like how the 1982 Lafite was so famous. It was because the ripeness of the grapes in that year was almost perfect. As such, the ingredients that were used in wine brewing here were different from those on Earth. Ren Baqian definitely had to do more taste testing to be able to brew a better tasting wine.


    Unfortunately, they werepeting in the intensity of the wine!


    ��Sigh. Such is life!�� Ren Baqian thought about the Zhang family and felt that they were indeed a little out of luck.


    If they hadn��t met Ren Baqian, they would most likely have had an opportunity to showcase their talents properly.


    However, this was fine as well. They would only be able to exhibit their utmost value in this state of suppression by Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was impressed with himself for being so outstanding and brilliant. While he was at it, he took a small cup, scooped up some wine from the container that collected the liquiding out of the still, and drank it. It was sweet and fragrant, rich and gentle. It felt silky in the mouth and had a lingering aftertaste. It was indeed good wine, better than any other wine that he had tasted before. As for the alcohol content, it was roughly at the 35 percent mark.


    After distilling five jars of wine, the end product was about two and a half jars of wine at 35 percent alcohol by volume.


    After that, Ren Baqian distilled the wine again and obtained one and a half jars of wine that was 50 percent alcohol. At present, the wine felt like a raging inferno as it glided down to the stomach, and its fragrance had gotten richer and more alluring.


    By the fourth distition, the fragrance of the wine had changed entirely. Even though the original smell was still there after careful analysis, the feel that it gave off waspletely different. There were a few new and different scents, almost as if it had be a totally different type of wine.


    At present, the fragrance of the wine had filled the entire courtyard, and almost half the street was able to smell it. Furthermore, one would feel slightly intoxicated simply by inhaling this fragrance. Although it was unknown when it started, a group of people gathered outside the courtyard and smelled the fragrance of the wine while looking as if their mouths were watering.


    Even Zhang Junzheng, who was in the next courtyard, was astonished when he smelled the fragrance. This scent should undoubtedly be very familiar to him, but instead, felt very foreign. It was as if the wine was a different one from what he had smelled previously; the difference was like heaven and earth. How did Ren Baqian do this? What did he add to the wine?


    In fact, the only thing Ren Baqian did was distition. It was just that by the time the wine had achieved the 65 percent alcohol level after the fourth distition, the fragrance of the wine had increased tremendously without him knowing what had actually happened. A few of the scents, which were typically not very noticeable, grew very prominent. The aroma eventually became very infatuating.


    ��What fragrant wine!�� A loud and deep voice sounded in the courtyard. Qin Chuan unknowingly followed the smell and arrived here, then immediately grabbed the wine jar.


    ��This wine belongs to Her Majesty!�� Ren Baqian was shocked.


    This was to be used for the contest. Anything could be discussed after the contest, but it was definitely impossible to let someone drink it now.


    ��Let me have some, and I won��t hesitate to do anything for you in the future! You said previously that you wanted to teach Tong Zhenye a lesson��I��ll do that without even thinking twice!�� Qin Chuan held the wine jar and had his eyes affixed to it.


    ��You old and ignorant fellow, who are you talking about?�� Tong Zhenye��s shady voice immediately rang out in the courtyard. At the same time, heunched a [ck Tiger Steals Heart] toward Qin Chuan��s back. Tong Zhenye reached his hand out to grab the wine jar just as Qin Chuan turned his body around.


    ��The old and ignorant fellow we are talking about is you!�� Qin Chuan was immediately enraged.


    Tong Zhenye let out a grimugh. Although his [ck Tiger Steals Heart] was blocked by Qin Chuan, heunched a lightning fast [Darkness Lifting Kick] in that window of opportunity.


    ��Get lost, the both of you!�� The empress��s slightly angry voice resounded in the air. After that, a person dressed in red descended from the sky. She grabbed the wine jar with one hand and gave both of them a kick at the same time that sent them flying. The wall of the courtyard immediately had two human-shaped holes.


    ��Your Majesty, why have youe too?�� Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry.


    ��This smell is too strong. These two bast*rds have already been wandering around here for quite some time.�� Ren Baqian understood what the empress meant as soon as she finished talking.


    The people outside must have smelled the fragrance of the wine when it spread out during the distition process. Not to mention the others, even Ren Baqian himself was amazed by the fragrance. The two of them must have then heard about it from someone else before they made their way over to get their hands on the prize! These two old bastards were even willing to tarnish their reputations just for a sip of wine.


    Perhaps, it wasn��t only the two of them. The others probably knew that they weren��t capable of getting it, so they didn��t show their faces after seeing the both of them appear.


    Unfortunately, the empress came out of nowhere and conveniently gave each of those two fellows a kick.


    The empress held the jar in one hand, raised her head, and poured it into her mouth. The wine was fragrant and alluring at first. Then, a ball of fire started churning in her belly, and her face began to turn red.


    ��What a fragrant wine! What a strong wine!�� the empress eximed in admiration and was pleasantly surprised. She raised her head and took another gulp, finishing almost half the jar of wine in just two swigs.


    ��Please slow down, Your Majesty. This wine is strong, and we still need to save some of it for the contest,�� Ren Baqian hurriedly replied.


    ��Ha! I know that, but this wine is just too fragrant!�� As the empress let out augh, the rich and fragrant smell puffed out from her mouth and onto Ren Baqian��s face. After downing half a jar of that wine, the empress��s face turned red all the way to her ears, and her voice sounded indolently captivating.


    The empress lowered her head and looked at the wine jar, then looked back at Ren Baqian. Sheughed gently and took another gulp. Both her eyes became hazy.


    ��Your Majesty����


    ��Let me have another sip!�� The empress felt the richness and the aroma of the wine in her mouth. She liked it a lot and took yet another gulp. This time, she took a slightly smaller gulp as her eyes grew even hazier.


    ��Your Majesty, you really can��t have any more of it.�� Ren Baqian was betweenughter and tears. He knew that the empress could hold her liquor well, but little did he expect this wine to be so enticing that the empress couldn��t keep her hands off of it.


    It seemed like Ren Baqian had managed to acquire the Zhang family��s wine brewing technique.


    ��I know. Let me have another sip���� The empress took yet another gulp. In the blink of an eye, the wine was almost finished.


    It grew more evident that the empress was drunk.


    Even though the empress had a pretty good alcohol tolerance, out of around ten kilograms of wine in that jar, she drank more than half of it in just a few mouthfuls. It became very obvious that she was getting intoxicated.


    ��You really can��t have any more, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian was helpless. The empress was already getting drunk. He was afraid that if he allowed her to continue drinking, the jar would really be empty soon. The only option left was to snatch the wine jar away from her.


    When the empress saw Ren Baqian��s hand reaching over, she raised the jar, causing him to throw himself at nothing as he ended up right in front of her. The distance between them was only one foot apart.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress who was right in front of him. Her pinkish face, hazy eyes, and the way she held the wine jar made her look extremely adorable. He couldn��t control the passion in his heart and leaned forward to give her a kiss.


    The empress then bit him on the lips��


    ��Pain, pain, pain, pain���� Ren Baqian was in so much pain that he almost cried.


    ��Grow up!�� The empress flirtatiously rolled her eyes at him and stepped back. She took another sip of wine before finally throwing the jar back to Ren Baqian. It now had less than 500 grams of wine left. She let out a few captivating and gentleughs before leaping into the air. Then, she almost stumbled and fell down.


    She was gone in a few shes. After the empress left, both Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan, whoy hidden the entire time, appeared in front of Ren Baqian.


    ��This is all that��s left for thepetition. Both of you sirs can stop thinking about it.�� Ren Baqian felt helpless as he hugged the wine jar. In fact, after distition, this wine was just a little stronger than the Zhang family��s, but everyone was acting like a lecher that saw an exceptionally beautiful woman.


    ��Tong Zhenye, Qin Chuan,e to the pce, the both of you!�� Not knowing from where the empress shouted from, her voice travelled and reached those in the courtyard. The two of them subsequently grimaced and gave an unwilling look at the jar in Ren Baqian��s hands, which was still emitting that rich fragrance, before disappearing in a sh.


    After the both of them left, Ren Baqian carefully took a sip. He first tasted the fragrance and sweetness in his mouth before feeling like someone lit a fire down his throat to his belly. After reaching the pinnacle of that heat, it diminished into a hint of freshness, soothing his throat that felt like it was just on fire.


    It was a peculiar sense of rejuvenation, and he couldn��t help but let out a moan.


    It was no wonder that the empress refused to let go of the jar.


    It was good wine indeed!


    Even for someone like him, who rarely drank, one sip was enough to make him feel bewitched.

 Chapter 563 - Competition (Part 1)

    Chapter 563: Competition (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    These days, besides going back to the pce at night, Ren Baqian spent most of his time in the courtyard�� in a daze��


    He was staring nkly into space most of the time since he was only giving instructions on how to make a distiller, which wasn��t aplicated process.


    After months of hectic activities in Tianjing Basin, he was really enjoying his time idling these days.


    Due to his special status, Ren Baqian didn��t mix much with other court officials, so he wasn��t aware of the discussions about him outside the courtyard.


    The main points of discussion were rted to the guards from the Rearguard Commandery in Tianjing Basin that he had founded and to the presence of the Zhang family.


    Although the guards from the Rearguard Commandery weren��t currently an authorized force, they would be an official department in Dayao once the empress gave her approval.


    The Zhang family, regardless of loss or victory, would serve Dayao in the future. If they won, they would take the opportunity to obtain official positions.


    Ren Baqian was used to the idea of multinational states on Earth and letting capable people solve problems. However, what appeared to be mundane problems to him weren��t considered small problems to many people.


    This was because in the past decades, no one from another race had entered the aboriginal imperial court as an official.


    Ren Baqian was considered an exception because of his special status.


    Following their observations and evaluations of his projects and contributions, they were starting to ept his status as the future husband of the empress.


    However, the addition of a force that consisted entirely of the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation plus the addition of the Zhang family made many people in the imperial court apprehensive.


    The empress had already given her approval for these two issues, and given her temperament, nobody could stop her.


    This kind of talk couldn��t be suppressed; it was just that it didn��t reach the ears of Ren Baqian.


    The empress only responded with a smile, put it aside, and ignored such news when she heard it. She knew and had seen much more than the others at court. The progress shown in Tianjing Basin so far had given her more confidence in Ren Baqian. As for whether the results would be as Ren Baqian had envisaged, only time would tell.


    Uneventfully, five days went by.


    After these five days, a neatly dressed Zhang Junzheng stood at the open doors of the east courtyard and looked at the doors of the west courtyard that had been opened much earlier. Ren Baqian was seen dozing in a rocking chair in front of the doors.


    ��Sir Ren, thank you for waiting,�� Zhang Junzheng said with augh. He was wondering whether Ren Baqian had finished his work or had given up due to failure.


    From his experience, thetter was more likely, but he was still concerned and more anxious than before. After all, this concerned the future of half the members of the Zhang family. Its impact was of great importance, and he couldn��t avoid being anxious.


    Although he was neatly dressed and looked in high spirits, his bloodshot eyes said it all.


    ��Have you finished your work?�� Ren Baqian raised his head to look at Zhang Junzheng and his nephews as well as at the well-covered carriages behind the door.


    ��I will get someone to inform the empress toe and witness this,�� Ren Baqian said with augh. As he gave the order, a guard quickly departed.


    ��I apologize for troubling Sir Ren.�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands. Then, he sat down and closed his eyes in repose.


    After two hours, everyone heard the sound of galloping horses outside the courtyard that announced the arrival of many people.


    Ren Baqianposed himself and went out to receive the empress.


    Outside the entrance was a column of troops. Besides the guards and the imperial chariot, there were many court officials like Shi Qing, Tong Zhenye, and Tu Wan who were following behind. Each of them wore sunsses and walked about like blind bears.


    The aboriginal males were sturdy, whereas the females were charming. Tu Wan and a few of the female officials had nice figures and were outstanding.


    ��I am honored to meet Your Majesty,�� Ren Baqian paid his respects to the empress and then smiled at the officials. While ncing around, he saw Li Qianqiu, Xi Wanya, and Hong Wu. It seemed like they were here to celebrate the empress��s birthday.


    Li Qianqiu and Xi Wanya nodded their heads at Ren Baqian as a form of greeting.


    Hong Wu was angry at him. When Ren Baqian intentionally kissed the empress below the city gate, Hong Wu was resentful for half a year. Now, he was meeting Ren Baqian again.


    If looks could kill, Ren Baqian would have suffered a thousand cuts.


    ��There happened to be a meeting, so I asked them toe along to take a look,�� the empress said casually.


    Ren Baqian was indifferent because he often saw them, but Zhang Junzheng was excited and felt that the bigger the asion was, the better.


    Moreover, the empress had brought along so many senior officials, which made him feel that the empress regarded this matter as important.


    ��Both of you, get ready. Let��s begin.�� The empress, dressed in red, came out of the carriage and strolled regally forward.


    When everybody was in position, Ren Baqian asked with a smile, ��What��s the first item for thepetition?��


    ��Let��s start with the dye,�� Zhang Junzheng said. He knew in his heart that he would lose the distilled liquorpetition and would be belittled if he lost in the first round. So, he chose dyeing cloth as the firstpetition event.


    ��So be it.�� Ren Baqianughed and instructed some people to take out the dyed fabrics.


    The fabrics from the Zhang family were taken out first. There were seven rolls of silk in pure colors; red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and purple. Due to the rush, the colors were rather light and didn��t look right at first nce.


    Zhang Junzheng quickly exined, ��Dyeing takes a long time and five days isn��t enough, so the dyeing is inadequate. Therefore, thismoner willpete with Sir Ren on how easily the colors fade.��


    ��Oh, I��m hearing this for the first time. Where are yours?�� the empressmented and then asked Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian heard the footsteps in the courtyard and replied with a smile, ��They will be here momentarily.��


    Three guards were seen holding numerous rolls of fabrics. Each guard was holding seven rolls while each roll had a different color, including red, orange, yellow, turquoise, green, blue, and purple. Furthermore, the colors carried by each guard had a different shade.


    Surprisingly, each color came in three hues.


    In addition, the colors were dazzling, bright, and deeper than those sold on the streets. As long as one wasn��t blind, the disparity was easily discernible.


    The eyes of Tu Wan and a few of the female officials lit up when they saw these fabrics.


    Even those officials who weren��t interested in thepetitionughed when they saw the difference between the seven rolls of silks from Zhang Junzheng and the 21 rolls of cotton from Ren Baqian.


    It would have been better if Zhang Junzheng had not made his earlier statements as theparison between the dyed fabrics from each party made his statementughable.


    Didn��t he say that five days wasn��t enough? Not only was the dyed fabric produced by Principal Ren better than those on the market, they came in three different hues each. What could he say?


    Zhang Junzheng was astonished by the fabrics disyed by Ren Baqian, and he expressed incredulity.


    <em>How did the other party do this in five day? How was the color so vibrant? In five days, how many times did they dye the cloth to get this result?</em>


    <em>What kind of dye did they use?</em>


    Then, he discovered the problem; he had never seen the material of this type of cloth before.


    ��Sir Ren, can I feel the cloth?�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands and asked.


    ��Of course.��


    Zhang Junzheng rubbed the cloth with his fingers and confirmed that the material was unfamiliar to him.


    It looked like the problem was rted to the material. Was it possible that this material was easy to dye?


    ��Sir Ren, thank you very much. If we werepeting on color, I would lose this round, but this time we arepeting on the degree that the color fades,�� Zhang Junzheng said. Although the Zhang family would have lost based on the vibrancy of the color, he regretted not stating beforehand that both sides should use the same cloth material.


    However, the most important thing was the degree of fading after washing, which was the theme of thepetition.


    ��Of course.��


    When two pieces of cloth, each about the same size, were immersed in hot water, one tub of water instantly turned red.


    The other tub of water only had a slight change in color.


    Zhang Junzheng��s face also became ghastly when the tub of water that turned red came from the cloth dyed by the Zhang family.


    There was no need to take out the two pieces of cloth andpare them because he knew that the Zhang family had lost the first round of thepetition.


    The Zhang family had always been the best in the cloth dyeing business, but lost to this guy before them. They lost not only in terms of color vibrancy, but also in how much the color would fade.


    This hit Zhang Junzheng harder than just losing the first round.


    With a loss expected in the distilled liquor part of thepetition, the Zhang family would lose two rounds, which meant that they were inferior in these two processes. Furthermore, these two items were selected by him, and the other partypeted without knowing in advance.


    The other party had not had much of a chance to cheat. Furthermore, finding people in Dayao who were better than the Zhang family in making these two items was impossible, especially not in such a short amount of time.


    Was it possible for a young man in this world to be proficient in all professions and trades? Was such knowledge inherent ever since they were born?

 Chapter 564 - Competition (Part 2)

    Chapter 564: Competition (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Someone, bring the wine out,�� Ren Baqian shouted to the guards behind him.


    At present, the results of the cloth dyeing contest were very visually evident, and the event had naturally progressed to the second task.


    The empress was roused after hearing Ren Baqian��s words. After that day, she hadn��t been able to take that wine off her mind. Unfortunately, there was only a little that remained, and she was left with no choice but to not think about it. If she hadn��t let it go back then and finished all of it, Ren Baqian would certainly lose the contest.


    Soon after, a guard brought out three 500 gram ss bottles, and everyone could see the amber wine swaying within them.


    The empress nced at Ren Baqian. There apparently wasn��t that much wine left after that day.


    In fact, the jar back then had contained around five kilograms of wine. Around 500 grams of it was left after the empress stopped drinking. Fortunately, there was still some of it left in the still, which produced another kilogram of the final product.


    ��Sir Ren, can usmoners give it a try?�� Zhang Junzheng asked as he looked at the wine bottles that Ren Baqian had ordered to be brought out. Zhang Junzheng had already given up on this task. Now, all he wanted to know was what Ren Baqian��s wine actually tasted like and how much stronger it waspared to the Zhang family��s.


    Ren Baqian had someone pour Zhang Junzheng a bowl of around 100 grams. The amber fluid gave off a strong fragrance as it was being poured out of the bottle. Even the people behind the empress could smell it, and the sound of swallowing saliva could immediately be heard.


    Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan couldn��t take their eyes off it.


    After Zhang Junzheng took the bowl, he closed his eyes first, then took a deep breath before taking a small sip with pursed lips. There was a pleasant aroma as it entered the mouth and a touch of sweetness that ignited the taste buds from the tip of the tongue. He then started to feel as if his throat and stomach were on fire. This me subsequently began to subside after some time, and a hint of freshness soothed the parts of his throat that were burning, immediately rejuvenating them.


    ��I gracefully ept defeat. We have lost the second round!�� said Zhang Junzheng as he opened his eyes after having enjoyed the aftertaste for quite some time with his eyes closed. Just based on this wine, he felt that there was no need topete any further.


    Even though he was very surprised to have lost two events in a row, the challenge that he cared about the most was actually the third event.


    He was confident that he would definitely win the third event.


    The torsion springs used in the Yun Nation��s ballistas were all made by the Zhang family. He believed that even if someone got their hands on one of these springs, they still wouldn��t be able to produce it.


    The steel used in making these springs had numerous unknown materials added to it. Even if someone knew all the materials and possessed all of them, theposition ratio wasn��t something that could be researched in a short period of time. Needless to say, there was also the tempering method that was a top secret.


    ��Heqi, Heju, bring out the item.��


    Following Zhang Junzheng��s words, Zhang Heqi brought out a tray from the courtyard. On top of it were two torsion springs that had the same measurements. Each was roughly the size of a fist.


    Besides that, there was also a rack that was made of wood and metal.


    ��Your Majesty, the empress of Dayao, Sir Ren, and all the distinguished guests, this is a spring, the biggest aplishment of the Zhang family. The repeating ballistas made from these springs are 100 times better than Great Xia��s crossbow battalion. The spring is the core of this. If it doesn��t meet the requirement, the power of the repeating ballista will be greatly reduced.��


    Zhang Junzheng introduced the product with full confidence. It was as if he wasn��t affected by the defeats from thest two events.


    He trusted that this would definitely move the empress.


    ��Sir Ren, I wonder if you have already manufactured a spring?�� Zhang Junzhengughed as he cupped his fists.


    ��Yes, I have,�� Ren Baqian answered. However, there were some differences in size between Zhang Junzheng��s spring and his. It was obvious that the rack that Zhang Junzheng had brought out was a simple ballista used to test the tension and sticity of the torsion spring. However, the measurements of Ren Baqian��s spring weren��t right, and this was something that he had previously overlooked.


    ��There��s no problem. This ballista is adjustable. Regardless of whatever size Sir Ren��s spring is, the Zhang family has a solution for it.�� Zhang Junzheng immediatelyughed after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    ��That��s good.�� As Ren Baqian pped his hands, a guard who was on standby immediately brought out a sack. A clunking sound was heard when the opening of the sack dropped to the ground, causing a pile of springs to spill out�� There were some that were the size of a thumb, some that were the size of a human fist, and some that were as big as an aboriginal��s fist. There were all sorts of sizes, and there were at least a few hundred of these springs.


    Not only were there single torsion springs in the sack, there were also double torsion springs as well as many other types of torsion springs��


    This pile of springs was scattered over the floor like a pile of rubbish, and everyone from the Zhang family was immediately stunned.


    ��Impossible���� With his mouth wide open, Zhang Junzheng stared at that pile of springs and nearly screamed out loud. He suddenly had an instinctive feeling that the spring, a top secret product of the Zhang family, had already been readily avable on the street and that only they themselves had been kept in the dark.


    Aside from him, even the craftsmen who extended their heads over from the east courtyard cried out in surprise. After that, a few dark skinned craftsmen in their forties rushed over from the courtyard to examine the springs.


    ��This is impossible. How could there be so many of them? How could they be made so small, yet so stic?�� asked the craftsmen as they cried out in rm while examining the springs.


    ��You see, this is a double torsion spring, and as it turns out, they can be made this way as well. Originally, if they were made too thin, there wouldn��t be enough tension or sticity. However, this can be resolved by making it a double or adding more strands!��


    ��Making it with multiple strands like this will allow the size of the spring to be smaller.��


    After the craftsmen got over their rm, they very quickly sat down on the ground and began a discussion.


    After seeing the craftsmen��s behavior, Zhang Junzheng��s mind became flurried.


    Ren Baqian was beaming as he looked at Zhang Junzheng. From Ren Baqian��s perspective, this product had indeed been all over the streets. They could be found almost anywhere, from clocks to cars to doors to locks. Only the Zhang family treated it like a treasure.


    ��Shall we still proceed with the contest?�� Ren Baqian appeared good-natured.


    ��Yes.�� Zhang Junzheng forced this word through his teeth.


    Thereafter, a craftsman first ced the Zhang family��s spring into the ballista before loading a ballista bolt. Bodyguards then came to smash the wall apart, creating an open space between the two courtyards. The ballista was then ced on one end, whereas threeyers of wooden targets were set up 100 steps away on the other end.


    Next was the test. At the side of the ballista was a rocker arm that could be used to wind up the springs.


    The test would include firing bolts with six and nine turns of the rocker arm. At six turns, the bolt fired and prated one wooden target, whereas the bolt fired with nine turns prated two targets and pierced deeply into the third.


    Nine turns was the limit that the Zhang family could achieve. On the ground, the bolts could pierce through someone who was wearing leather armor and standing 200 steps away. Its range was two times as long as Great Xia��s crossbow battalion. As of now, this could definitely be considered a fine piece of weaponry.


    Even the officials of the imperial court looked surprised when they saw the test results.


    Hong Wu, Xi Wanya, and a few of them looked dignified. They had previously heard from the Protector of the Northeast that in the Yun Nation, there was a type of ballista that could fire hundreds of bolts at once and had a range of over 200 steps.


    Never had they expected that this ballista was made by the Zhang family.


    However, the people of the Zhang family said that the core of those ballistas was actually these springs. As for the springs, everyone looked at Ren Baqian��s springs, which were piled up on the ground. For no apparent reason, they simply felt likeughing. It was as if there was something very funny.

 Chapter 565 - Competition (Part 3)

    Chapter 565: Competition (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Many people present at this event felt likeughing as they were inexplicably delighted.


    Not too long ago, Dayao wanted to send people to learn some skills from other nations, but were met with failure�� Now, however, besides being strong in martial power and inferior in other aspects, Dayao didn��t see those previously treasured items from other nations as being so precious anymore.


    In particr, the springs which were regarded as treasures by the Zhang family were definitely not that special whenpared to the springs which Ren Baqian poured out like rubbish.


    Although the Zhang family was only one n in the Yun Nation, based on what Zhang Junzheng said, the Zhang family was deeply involved in all aspects of society in the Yun Nation.


    Defeating the Zhang family in terms of skills was as good as defeating the Yun Nation skill-wise.


    ��Sir Ren, please proceed,�� Zhang Junzheng addressed Ren Baqian. He had ced all his hopes on thispetition, and there was no other way out.


    Next, two springs, about the same size as those from the Zhang family, were selected from the pile poured out by Ren Baqian. After adjusting the ballista from the Zhang family that was about the length of an arm and two palms wide, the springs were installed.


    <em>Zoom! </em>After the first attempt, Zhang Junzheng received a shock when the rocker arm, which was turned six times, shook after releasing the bolt. Although it also went through the wooden target, the sound of the flying bolt was louder and it prated deeper than that of the Zhang family.


    This proved that under the same conditions, the springs from Ren Baqian were more stic.


    Zhang Junzheng started to panic as the fate of half the Zhang family was at stake; he had already brought their best technology.


    He dared not think of the consequences of losing��


    Other people didn��t care about what he was thinking and proceeded to test the force of the ballista springs after nine turns. The bolt went through three wooden boards and pierced the wall behind.


    The result was very obvious.


    ��We�� have lost!�� Zhang Junzheng��s eyes were somewhat vacant.


    Was there really someone in this world who was all-knowing? Were the things regarded by the Zhang family as treasures really just ordinary in other ces?


    All along, even though they weren��t well known to the outside world due to their low profile, he knew that the Zhang family made the best products. Whether they were advanced ballistae or consumer goods, the Zhang family��s stamp was printed on it. It could be said that it was impossible for a person who lived a lifetime in the Yun Nation not to touch a product made by the Zhang family.


    This feeling of influence over the lifestyle of everyone was like controlling the lives of others, and the Zhang family took great pride in this.


    What gave them greater pride was that everyone couldn��t do without them because the Zhang family had always produced the best products.


    However, these three rounds of thepetition made him realize that their most prized products looked like toys to others��


    The faces of everyone in the Zhang family turned ashen.


    Ren Baqian smiled and said a few words to a guard. That guard took the ballista and followed the method used by the Zhang family to insert the bolt. He turned the rocker arm 12 times while the Zhang family watched in trepidation.


    It was well known that the springs from the Zhang family could only be turned nine times and that they would break beyond that.


    On the other hand, the springs from the other party could be turned 12 times.


    <em>Zoom!! </em>A whizzing sound was heard, and the arrow not only went through three wooden targets, but also sted a hole in the wall behind the targets.


    Hong Wu and others could hardly believe their eyes. Such force could propel a bolt 300 steps.


    Prior to this, the crossbow battalion of Great Xia had caused a lot of blood to flow in Dayao.


    Imagine if the enemy were to possess handheld ballistae such as these that could be fired from 300 steps away. Countless aboriginals would have suffered grievous injuries.


    Fortunately, this thing was made by Sir Ren.


    Everyone had to admit that besides his fighting prowess, nothing seemed to be able to stop Ren Baqian. Various strange and mysterious gadgets hade from his hands.


    To the Zhang family, this loss made them look ghastly.


    Those springs were wound 12 times.


    To catch up with Ren Baqian would take an unknown number of years, maybe a few years if their luck was good. It might take more than ten years, half a lifetime, or even a whole lifetime if they were unlucky. This was because coincidences and inspirations were needed for advancements.


    The advancement of torsion spring technology required improvements in all aspects. Just a breakthrough in materials or manufacturing alone would require many years.


    The improvement might result in half a turn, one turn, or even two turns.


    The difference of three turns in torsional force was like the difference between Heaven and Earth. Huge breakthroughs were needed in various fields to bridge the gap.


    If the difference was slight, they could still have some hope.


    However, the disparity was obviously too big��the other party was obviously better by arge margin.


    ��That��s it for thepetition.�� The empress didn��t see the need to say anything more and turned to walk out.


    The show that they hade to watch had ended, so it was time for many of the court officials to leave.


    After all, it wasn��t sword fighting, and this type ofpetition wasn��t very attractive to them. It definitely couldn��tpare with that ultimate fight between Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan at the top of the brothel.


    Still, it wasn��t as boring as they imagined. Tu Wan and others remembered the colorful fabrics dyed by Ren Baqian, Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan kept thinking about the wine, and Hong Wu, Xi Wanya, Li Qianqiu, and the military personnel were fascinated by the ballista powered by the metal springs made by Ren Baqian.


    Zhang Junzheng saw the crowd dispersing and tried to say something. His throat felt dry, and no words came out.


    Only one thing was on his mind, <em>Half of the Zhang family, half of the Zhang family��</em>


    ��Mister Zhang, do you have anything to say now?�� Ren Baqian asked kindly.


    Zhang Junzheng didn��t react for a long time. His face twitched a few times before he finally said with his head bowed, ��I concede defeat.��


    He couldn��t refuse to concede defeat.


    If he went back on his word, not only would his head roll, it would tarnish the name of the Zhang family and would implicate many people.


    The extermination of Ye Ke and his n in Qingfeng City was enough to let people know the means that Dayao used to ensurepliance.


    ��It��s good that you conceded defeat since conceding defeat will save me from a lot of problems.�� Ren Baqian chuckled. Zhang Junzheng shuddered at the connotations within the words that Ren Baqian said about having fewer problems.


    It reminded him of Ren Baqian��s cruel ways from the time when he was the Honglu Deputy.


    On the surface, he appeared to be harmless, but he was actually far from harmless.


    ��As a matter of fact, all of you have benefited, so don��t pull a long face. Come on, give me a smile.�� Ren Baqianughed. However, Zhang Junzheng and his people were unable to muster augh.


    ��Everyone, head back first and hang around for a few days. I will make arrangements for you guys after the empress��s birthday celebration. As for the rest of the Zhang family���� Ren Baqian stopped speaking midway and gave Zhang Junzheng a fright.


    ��Give me a list of names. In the future, those on the list will be considered part of the Zhang family. As for those not on the list, they may be mistakenly injured when the two armies battle each other,�� Ren Baqian said in a persuasive, yet threatening, way.


    ��Sir���� Zhang Junzheng looked distraught.


    ��I��m giving you the opportunity.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands to interrupt Zhang Junzheng.


    ��If you don��t give me a list, how am I to know who belongs to the Zhang family? You are the one who chose the products and tasks for the bet. If you win, you will be rmended to the empress, but if you lose, you will still be able to settle down safely in Dayao and consult me. Don��t you think you have been given a privilege? If you still do not show your sincerity, what is the use in keeping you?�� Ren Baqian asked. Without looking at Zhang Junzheng again, he yawned and sauntered out of the courtyard.


    Zhang Junzheng looked at the receding figure of Ren Baqian. He also saw Zuo Leng and others following behind Ren Baqian with a few guards and felt uncertain about what to do next.

 Chapter 566 - Birthday Celebration (Part 1)

    Chapter 566: Birthday Celebration (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    This gamble, which had decided the fate of many in the Zhang family, had started amotion even thousands of kilometers away, but on the contrary, there wasn��t much of an uproar in Dayao where it all happened.


    Even those court officials who witnessed it for themselves felt that the contest simply created a deeper impression on others. Besides military skills, Ren Baqian was very proficient in other aspects.


    At present, it was only three days away from the empress��s birthday celebration, and Lan City started bustling with noise and excitement.


    Even though there weren��t any diplomatic envoys that visited this year and both the southeast and northeast were in fact still at war, these circumstances hadn��t affected the moods of Lan City��smoners.


    This wasn��t due to the fact that they didn��t understand the hardships at the front line. Instead, it was because since decades ago, the aboriginals had been fighting against beasts and all sorts of things for their survival since birth. War had already be a part of them, and this wasn��t something that a few short decades could erase.


    Another reason was that carts and carts of edible salt were transported back to Dayao after the aboriginals had sacked three cities in the Yun Nation some time ago. This replenished the salt supply that Dayao��s market had beencking. Taking this opportunity due to the salt abundance and the empress��s birthday celebration,rge groups of mountain civilians came down. Many others also journeyed by foot for a few days toe to Lan City just to let the ce rustle in the air before all the supplies were wiped out.


    Additionally, Hong Wu and the others had also sessively returned over the past few days, and many people conveniently took a look outside his residence as they passed by.


    Ren Baqian had witnessed such situations many times. The few times that he had passed by the area, he had seen people from afar who were looking over at Hong Wu��s residence and talking about stuff.


    He supposed that these people were most likely saying, ��I can rece him!��


    They might also be telling their children, ��Others can rece him!��


    Stuff like that.


    Ren Baqian imagined these conversations and made himselfugh for a long time. If someone was actually thinking of this, he would definitely and greatly support the cause.


    This would save Hong Wu from being ufortable when he looked at himself.


    Over the next three days, the pce made preparations. Ren Baqian had someone decorate the trees by coiling pieces of red muslin tied together with knots. From afar, the imperial pce turned into a sea of red flowers.


    As for Ren Baqian��s actions, the empressmented faintly when she saw him, ��It��s a little wasteful.��


    Even though she rarely paid any attention to this kind of stuff, the arrangement by Ren Baqian made her feel a little distressed.


    Dayao didn��t have the expertise to weave cloth. All of it had been transported over from the other three countries previously, and their prices weren��t cheap.


    The imperial pce was such a huge ce, and it was too extravagant to have those red flowers everywhere.


    ��You like it?�� Ren Baqian replied with high spirits. The empress was never one to do such things. Other than attending court to handle official matters, drinking, being dazed, and also hertest interest in watching soap operas, she rarely cared about other matters.


    There weren��t many imperial guards in the pce, and there were even fewer pce maids. The pce had always been a rather cold and cheerless ce.


    With Ren Baqian going crazy over this stuff, the ce had livened up quite a bit.


    The empress thought about it and felt that she actually liked it. She slightly shifted her gaze to the side and said, ��It seems like you��re going to empty out the imperial pce��s warehouse.��


    ��Only like this can it be worthy enough for Your Majesty! Besides, after using it this year, we can save it for next year as well as the year after that. With this in mind, it won��t be considered extravagant anymore.�� Ren Baqianughed. ��We have made some profit these days by selling ssware and drinking sses. Those funds are enough to sustain all of this.��


    Before the ss store was opened for business, the ss factory had already stocked up quite a number of drinking sses. When the store started its operation, it sparked a buying craze. Such clear, translucent, and crystal-like cups and bowls were priced at only 15 taels each. Which imperial big shot wouldn��t grab dozens of these?


    In just over a short span of two weeks, the ss store had sold over 30,000 taels worth of ssware, which was then used by Ren Baqian to buy the red muslin that now decorated the pce.


    Hearing that, the empress didn��t speak further.


    In fact, the empress rarely bothered with most of the things that Ren Baqian did. She would just watch from the side and wait silently for the oue.


    She might portray herself as a little cold at times, but more often than not, it was something that she indulged in.


    Even after watching so much television, the empress didn��t know how to express her feelings. Or rather, if she expressed her emotions to others, it might make her feel shy.


    As a result, such indulgence was essentially how she expressed herself.


    Ren Baqian was also well aware of this, which was why he would sometimes intentionally tease the empress. Of course, he would usually end up receiving a kick from her.


    Three days passed by in a sh. Over these three days, all the pce maids and bodyguards had been endlessly ordered to run errands by Ren Baqian. The oue was an entirely new color for the whole pce.


    Even Xin Zhe would frequently lift her head while patrolling around the pce to look at the treetops that were filled with red flowers.


    Even though she might look like a man most of the time, she had a meticulous mind at times as well.


    Ren Baqian only managed to finish decorating the entire pce on the afternoon of the empress��s birthday celebration. He went back to change into a set of blue ceremonial robes; this was the color of robes for Rank 4 officials.


    This timest year, he was dressed like a patch of grasnd.


    Thinking back, everything must have started on this day a year ago.


    Exactly one year.


    It was still the empress��s birthday celebration.


    In fact, this might be a good thing because almost everything had happened on the same day, which saved him from needing to remember all sorts of asions.


    If possible, it would be best to have their future wedding on this day as well.


    Ren Baqian rushed to the empress��s bedroom as his thoughts fluttered.


    Dressed in a red gown, the empress sat on a stool. In front of her was that mirror with the words ��Without the birth of Your Majesty, there would have been an eternity of darkness�� carved into the sides, and to her side was the dressing table.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were currently both grooming her.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes glowed when he saw the empress sitting there. Her red gown had a print of a golden phoenix spreading its wings. He had that gown custom-made at a cosy store back when he was returning from Great Xia. The empress had actually chosen to wear it on this day.


    Furthermore, Ren Baqian looked at the profile of that exceptional and slightly cold face. The sight of a beauty being groomed would definitely be an heirloom treasure if it was painted as a work of art.


    It was unfortunate that such a painting didn��t exist since Ren Baqian had a lot of faith in his artistic skills.


    If he were to paint a painting today of the empress being groomed, he was afraid that he would be beaten to death on such an asion.


    If Jack from the movie Titanic had Ren Baqian��s painting skills, then there wouldn��t be that much of a story left anymore.


    Ren Baqian took out his camera and captured this beautiful moment before walking up behind the empress to take a close look at how Qing Yuan and Hong Luan bunned up her hair.


    To groom a beauty was a joyous thing, and Ren Baqian was actually rather keen on learning.


    ��You��re done with all those things?�� Through the mirror, the empress looked at Ren Baqian standing behind her. Three and a half days of effort for just half a day of celebration. Even though it was very beautiful and she liked it a lot, she still felt that Ren Baqian might be a little too free.


    She should probably get him to brush up on his martial arts skills starting from tomorrow.


    ��Your Majesty��s beauty today is like Mother Nature being blessed by Heaven and Earth!�� Ren Baqianplimented the person in the mirror.


    He wasn��t sure if beauty did indeed lie in the eyes of the beholder, but he felt that the empress was bing prettier!


    ��If Your Majesty��s beauty was previously 9.8 points out of ten, you would be a 9.9 today. I have deducted 0.1 points in case you be proud!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan both smiled with pursed lips when Ren Baqian finished talking.


    The empress twitched her fingers under her sleeves and felt more strongly that Ren Baqian had indeed had too much free timetely.

 Chapter 567 - Birthday Celebration (Part 2)

    Chapter 567: Birthday Celebration (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After the empress was done with her grooming, the two of them sat face to face in the bedroom as they smoked electronic cigarettes. Huge clouds of vapor that were exhaled from their mouths engulfed the both of them.


    The empress enjoyed smoking the electronic cigarette because this thing was sweet of course!


    It was cooling as well.


    They acted as if they were eating snacks. Mouthful after mouthful, the entire hall was filled with a fruity and milky smell.


    The empress frequently lifted her head, looked outside through the ss, and was a little tempted to go out for a stroll. However, she dropped that idea when she thought about the zing hot weather and decided to wait patiently in her bedroom.


    When Xin Zhe arrived, Ren Baqian couldn��t even clearly see either of their silhouettes. This wasn��t the first time this happened, which was why he wasn��t surprised.


    After estimating that it was almost time, Ren Baqian bade farewell and left to check on other arrangements. It took him all the way until the evening to be able to stroll back to Xingqing Pce Hall with his hands behind his back. Basically every event was held here, regardless of whether it was the empress��s birthday celebration or the year-end banquet.


    It was called a hall, but it was, in fact, a very huge pce with only its main hall utilized for entertaining guests. The other halls there hady wasted for quite some time. Even though there were people cleaning up the ce quite often, it was still a little old.


    When Ren Baqian entered the hall, many of the people were looking up and examining the light strips above their heads.


    At present, Ren Baqian could bring over 600 kilograms worth of items in one trip, which made it much easier to transport things. Over this period of time, he brought over quite a lot of light strips to decorate the main hall. At this moment, the sky was shimmering with different colored lights that turned the entire hall into a fairy tale world.


    Ren Baqian��s entrance had attracted the attention of a few people. He nodded in acknowledgement and began to locate his seat. He then waited for the event tomence while asionally chatting with Feng Hou.


    Feng Hou was actually very interested in Ren Baqian��s bet against the Zhang family with regard to the wine and the springs, especially since the springs could be used in a strong weapon like the ballista. It was a pity that this world still wasn��t capable of making such springs at present.


    Both the materials and the crafting processes weren��t attainable.


    As for the wine brewing, Ren Baqian had prepared for the royal family to build their own wine brewery. After all, there was a huge market for strong wine in this world, and the profits were great. Also, the conditions weren��t suitable for the wine to be distributed over a short period of time. Especially in Dayao, the output of grains wasn��t enough forrge scale wine brewing.


    Ren Baqian was actually prepared to introduce the craft of weaving and cotton production to this world. He had a few words with Feng Hou, and after hearing snippets of their conversation, Ge Yihong joined in as well. Ren Baqian and a few ministers from the Ministry of Works were gathered in a small circle whispering, which attracted many sidelong nces from the others.


    They weren��t sure when Tong Zhenye appeared behind them. He listened to their conversation for some time before he couldn��t help it and asked, ��Principal Ren, would you like to hold a position in the Ministry of Works? Given your talent, it��s such a pity that you aren��t here.��


    ��Sir Tong!�� Ren Baqian turned over and greeted him. As for going to the Ministry of Works, he should just let it pass.


    15 minutester, after Shi Qing, Hong Wu, Xi Wanya, and the others sessively took their seats, the words ��Hail the empress�� resounded in the hall. Decked in that bright red traditional Han Chinese dress, the empress slowly walked into the hall apanied by Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    After everyone paid their respects, the empress slowly sat down at the seat of honor.


    The maids then began to bring the dishes into the hall one by one, and everyone��s attention was focused on Ren Baqian��s face.


    The dishes fromst year��s birthday celebration left a deep impression on everyone. Many of them didn��t really eat much.


    At present, just as the dishes were served, everyone immediately thought of Ren Baqian. They hoped to get some insights from his expression in order to be mentally prepared for what wasing.


    Ren Baqian looked all smiley and good-natured, which made many of the guests feel more relieved. All of this year��s guests were their own people, so everything should be the same as in previous years, shouldn��t it?


    As the first dish was served, everyone��s faces immediately turned ck.


    The whole te was filled with an entire coiled up blood sausage. Of course, Ren Baqian knew what it was, but the rest didn��t. Simply looking at it made them lose their appetite to eat.


    When the second dish was served, people even started having thoughts of drawing out their des to cut Ren Baqian.


    A roasted goat��s penis and two goat testicles were ced neatly on the te.


    <em>How is this even edible?</em>


    Does he want us to chew on it?


    <em>This thing just wouldn��t taste right!</em>


    The image of an entire hall of people seated properly and chewing on a goat��s penis just wouldn��t seem too morous.


    Many people extended their heads and looked over at the empress, only to realize that the dishes she had been served were entirely different from theirs. Their expressions immediately turned murderous as they stared at Ren Baqian.


    The third dish was a soup. It came in a copper pot, and inside, there was a bat the size of two palms that was doing a backstroke in the soup.


    This bat soup immediately made everyone lose their appetites.


    The fourth dish looked pretty good and smelled very fragrant. There were mixed expressions when everyone looked at the thing inside the bowl.


    <em>This thing in the bowl, it looks edible, right?</em>


    This dish was actually a specialty��a burning stew. Ren Baqian couldn��t see himself eating it the first time he saw this dish, but after that, he ate it under the influence of others and realized that it was actually pretty tasty.


    The fifth dish. A bowl of raw beef minced into meat sauce.


    The sixth dish. A wound up and roasted water snake.


    By the looks of the sixth dish, everyone felt that there was finally one edible dish this year. They then continued to stare at Ren Baqian with murderous looks.


    <em>Are you trying to take us on?</em>


    <em>Still not done with it, are you?</em>


    Ren Baqian was put on the spot as well. Out of this year��s menu, he only provided three of the dishes. These were the burning stew, the roasted goat penis, and the blood sausage.


    The other dishes like the bat soup, the raw minced beef meat sauce, and the roasted water snake were all creations of the imperial kitchen.


    He wasn��t sure if the imperial kitchen had enlightened the wrong part of their innate skill to have actually created such dark cuisine.


    The dishes that the imperial kitchen made were usually for Ren Baqian and the empress. They had no one to share their creations with. Since there were so many officials present today at the empress��s birthday celebration, they brought out everything that they had.


    Ren Baqian didn��t really have anything to do with this situation��well, just half of it at most.


    Looking at everyone��s expressions and the food on the table, then back at her own food, the empress stopped paying any attention to anyone else. In any case, there didn��t seem to be any problems with the food that she was eating.


    Next in line was a dedication speech; just a normal routine with nothing special about it.


    Ren Baqian took this opportunity to look around the hall and realized that Li Fu, as expected, didn��t attend. In any case, Li Fu was the world��s number one expert, so Ren Baqian had to invite him out of courtesy. He wasn��t sure if Li Fu declined the invitation because he really didn��t like such asions or if he didn��t want to see Qin Chuan, Tong Zhenye, Tu Wan, and the rest. Just now, Ren Baqian had sent someone to invite him again, but at present, it seemed like he really didn��t intend toe.


    As the empress drank her first cup of wine, a group of young girls from the Jing Tribe entered the hall and performed a dance. These girls each had a silver bell attached to their waists. The bells chimed nonstop as the girls danced, and it sounded extremely pleasing. This dance was also different from the wild nature of the dances performed by the aboriginal girls. It was full of gentleness and beauty, imparting a different type of feel.


    At the very least, Ren Baqian rather enjoyed such performances. They were great regardless of whether they had their clothes on or not.


    After the girls from the Jing Tribe took their leave, a few musicians began to perform a tune that brimmed with passion. There were officials from the Imperial Duty Residence that started singing, and the ambience of the hall started growing ardent.

 Chapter 568 - Birthday Celebration (Part 3)

    Chapter 568: Birthday Celebration (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The jade egg that Hong Wu gifted the empressst year was one of the rare treasures of the world. The ��100 Beauties�� painting was also a pretty good gift, and naturally, so was the mirror that Ren Baqian had gifted. There was no telling if the empress would receive such gifts like she hadst year.


    Many people looked toward Hong Wu first. Following the usual practice, Hong Wu would present the first gift.


    Some looked at Ren Baqian as well. He had more weird stuff, and they weren��t sure what he would bring out.


    ��Hong Wu, General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation, presents 100 armor tes and 2,000 des!��


    His current gifts weren��t as precious as the previous year��s, but they weren��t irreverent either. 100 armor tes were worth a great sum, and 2,000 des were as well. This gift was deserving of Hong Wu��s status.


    The gift that Hong Wu presentedst year had shocked everyone, which made it inevitable for everyone to have such expectations of him. However, Hong Wu had been stationed at the border for the entire year with all his focus ced on Great Xia. How would he still have the energy to go search for rare treasures for the empress?


    ��Shi Qing, the Great Elder, presents three pieces of the Meng beast��s skin and two stalks of Qingyang Flowers!��


    ��She Kouhai, the Junior Elder, presents 150 grams of cloud crystal!��


    Everyone turned their heads. These 150 grams of cloud crystal were extremely expensive. No one had expected She Kouhai��s gift this year to be so much more valuable than Hong Wu��s or Shi Qing��s.


    However, She Kouhai was expressionless, so nobody could make out what he was thinking from his face.


    Next were the gifts from the generals of the six protectorates such as Xi Wanya, Li Qianqiu, etc. Their gifts were basically different sorts of rare treasures that were of simr value to Shi Qing��s gift.


    For all the gifts that were presented, those in huge quantities would immediately be sent to the warehouse, keeping just a few pieces disyed in the hall. The rare treasures were also specially transported to the warehouse after being disyed.


    ��Ren Baqian, Principal of ck Bamboo Academy, presents the [Painting of the Delicate Beauty].�� Following that voice, two men appeared in front of the hall holding a long pole with a six meter tall and three-meter wide painting hanging from it.


    The painting depicted ady dressed in red that stood on a peak. She had both hands behind her back and faintly overlooked everything that was below. Everyone could tell the cold and pressing vigor of thedy in the painting.


    Naturally, thatdy was the empress. The delicate beauty referred to her as well and was pretty deserving.


    However, what surprised everyone the most was that the painting of the empress was so lifelike that onepletely couldn��t tell that it was actually painted. People always described things as vivid and lifelike, but now that they had seen this painting, they truly knew what that description meant.


    This absolutely wasn��t painted, but was printed instead.


    Everyone gasped in surprise, not knowing how Ren Baqian had actually done this.


    The empress could tell with one look that this was a photograph�� and this made her a little disappointed. She had originally wanted to see if Ren Baqian could give her something that she would like better��never had she expected her gift to merely be a blown-up photograph.


    The angle of the photo was taken very nicely, and she looked very beautiful in it. However, as much as he could deceive the others with it, she had seen too many of these on Earth. It was to the extent that she even knew how to use a mobile phone to snap pictures on her own.


    However, considering that Ren Baqian had been busy preparing for the bet with the Zhang family, oversaw the decoration of the pce, and was also dealing with many other things, the empress decided to let the matter rest.


    ��Your Majesty, this painting isn��t as simple as it looks.�� Ren Baqianughed as he stood up.


    ��Oh?�� The empress��s eyes glowed. Everyone else began to closely examine the painting with great interest, trying to figure out what mysteryid within it.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands toward the outside, signalling them to bring the painting in.


    The six-meter tall picture frame was even taller than the doors of the hall. They had to lift up the bottom half of it to be able to bring it through the door.


    As the distance grew closer, everyone started to realize that there were fine lines on the painting that formedttices. This was a painting formed by putting together thosettices.


    When the men carrying the painting walked past the officials, everyone started gasping in surprise again after seeing the back of the picture frame, and this piqued the curiosity of those in front. What did they actually see?


    Ren Baqian had the two men hold the painting about four meters in front of the empress and then slowly had them turn it around. Even the empress looked amazed when she saw the back of it. Her eyes looked like ake when wind breezed through, glistening with crystalline brilliance.


    The back of the painting was filled with palm-sized photographs of the empress. They were all photos of her, with every frown and smile captured within the countless palm-sized photos.


    Ren Baqian chuckled. The back of the painting was put together with 1,200 photographs of the empress, whereas the front was a jigsaw puzzle of her portraitposed of 1,200 pieces. Behind every photograph was a piece of the puzzle.


    The important thing to note was that all 1,200 photos were arranged in chronological order. Almost the entire year��s worth of the empress��s transformation was catalogued within. Even a blind person would be able to tell that toward the bottom, the empress��s expressions grew more lukewarm and that cold demeanor of hers had decreased.


    Even a blind person would be able to perceive these changes.


    In the eyes of the others, this painting could already be considered to be worth a ton.


    Even though the empress knew that these were photographs, she felt that Ren Baqian had indeed put in effort. Almost her entire year had been recorded in those pictures as if this was actually the past year of her life.


    This feeling was amazing.


    ��Besides that, this painting still conceals a secret,�� Ren Baqian added.


    Everyone got curious after hearing that. The effort put into this painting had already been extremely borate, and they weren��t sure what else it was still hiding.


    ��I have hidden everything I have learned in this painting. In order to let everyone be able to see Your Majesty��s beauty, I will split this painting into 1,200 pieces in the future and scatter them throughout the entire country of Dayao and maybe even the Yun Nation. If someone manages to collect all 1,200 of these, they will then discover the ce where I have hidden everything that I have learned in my entire life and obtain that knowledge!��


    The empress squinted her eyes toward the end of Ren Baqian��s speech, and she felt stuck between crying andughing. That bit of emotional feeling she had felt from before had entirely disappeared.


    <em>Have you hidden a set of math, physics, and chemistry textbooks somewhere for the entire world to look for?</em>


    First, let��s not talk about the possibility of someone being capable of collecting all 1,200 photos. If indeed someone actually managed to do this and discovered the textbooks that Ren Baqian had hidden, she reckoned that this person would probably have the intention of killing Ren Baqian.


    However, except for the empress, everyone else felt that it was rather interesting.


    Even though Ren Baqian wasn��t good at martial arts, everyone could see what he was capable of in other aspects, and they acknowledged his ability.


    If someone were to really learn all of Ren Baqian��s knowledge, it might be possible for that person to be able to make a career out of it!


    It would then be a pity for this exceptionally borate piece of art.


    ��I��ve also prepared a few other things that I believe Your Majesty will like. After the singing performance, Your Majesty and all the distinguished guests are wee to join me to see what I��ve prepared.��


    No one was in the mood for the rest of the scheduled celebration anymore. All of them wanted to see what else Ren Baqian had prepared.


    Everyone was left with no choice but to admit that Ren Baqian��s efforts were indeed ingenious. At least for the painting, nobody had thought that it was even possible for it to be put together that way.


    After the singing performance had ended, everyone followed Ren Baqian to an open space behind Xingqing Pce Hall, only to see all sorts of things spread over the ground.


    At first sight, the empress knew what Ren Baqian had prepared.


    ��Your Majesty! Please do the honors and light it up.�� Ren Baqian took a torch from a bodyguard and handed it to Her Majesty while pointing to a cord on the ground.


    The empress lit the fuse, and the me rapidly moved across the ground before splitting toward dozens of fireworks.


    <em>Bang! </em>The fireworks shot into the air, blossoming into colorful rays of light in the sky.


    All of Lan City was shaken by the fireworks. Many of the people were startled when the explosions in the sky blossomed into colorful flowers.


    ��Look, they are flowers!:


    ��What beautiful flowers!��


    ��Above the pce!��


    One after another, people started to walk out of their houses and looked at the first-ever fireworks that decorated Dayao��s sky. Over and over, the people��s faces were lit up and darkened by the light of the fireworks.


    Everyone eximed in admiration of these beautiful fireworks!


    Balls of light rocketed into the air from the pce before blossoming in the sky!


    Besides those fireworks that soared into the sky, there were manynterns on disy in the pce as well. They looked magnificent, and everyone stared in awe.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan stood behind the empress with tearful eyes, watching the fireworks in the sky and thenterns in the court without even blinking.


    The empress was totally immersed in the fireworks disy as well.


    Even though she was the noble empress, this disy of fireworks hadpleted captured her heart.

 Chapter 569 - Flying is Dangerous

    Chapter 569: Flying is Dangerous


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress��s birthday celebration this time was a sensation.


    The citizens didn��t know much about the pce, but the disy of fireworks in the sky was beautiful and experienced by them for the first time.


    Many people gathered in the city to watch the glowing flowers in the night sky while appreciating their beauty.


    Even the next day, many people were still discussing what these flowers that came from the pce were made of.


    However, another piece of explosive news immediately followed.


    ck Bamboo Academy��s Ren Baqian hid his lifelong knowledge in painting, cut it into 1,200 pieces, and sent them out of the city.


    As long as one could find these 1,200 pieces of the painting, he or she could find the piece among them that contained all the knowledge umted by Principal Ren.


    ��Do you want fame, wealth, and status? Do you want to know the profound mysteries of this world? If you want it, it will be given to you��just go and find it! I have put everything over there!��


    These words were spread to the ears of many people.


    The thing that interested people the most was the phrase ��mysteries of this world,�� and it let many people fantasize about it endlessly.


    However, the most interested people weren��t the aboriginals, but the people from the Zhang family. When this news came out, Zhang Junzheng immediately sent people to inquire about where these paintings had gone.


    Unfortunately, this was Dayao, not the Yun Nation, so the Zhang family had the will to get things done, but not the means.


    The people of the Jing Tribe were the next most interested, and they identified more with Ren Baqian. They had heard many rumors about Ren Baqian since they came out and were interested in everything he said, but their influence was only within Tianjing Basin.


    As for the aboriginals, their focus was on their fists.


    However, every piece of the 1,200 pieces of the painting bore the portrait of the empress, and many people were attracted.


    It was the wish of every aboriginal to keep a portrait of the empress as a treasured possession.


    In this way, this prank by Ren Baqian created quite a storm.


    The next day in ss, three idiots asked for leave, saying they wanted to find the picture with the hidden treasure when they actually just wanted to see this big world.


    They were hung from the gpole by Ren Baqian.


    ��Teacher, what was in the night sky yesterday?�� Many students looked at Ren Baqian in wonder, especially the female students, Tong Lan included.


    Females were more attracted to beautiful things.


    ��Fireworks, pyrotechnics�� You will learn about itter.�� Ren Baqian stood at the podium smiling.


    Many students became excited after hearing this. This was much more interesting than mechanical engineering and optics.


    Even the boys were thinking of setting off fireworks in front of their dream girl without the risk of getting rejected.


    ��By the way, I will bring a new teacher tomorrow, so be mentally prepared,�� Ren Baqian said just before ending ss.


    ��A new teacher?�� Everyone was surprised.


    ��Yes, a new teacher. You guys will like it. Okay, ss dismissed.�� Ren Baqian ambled his way home.


    That robotpany had originally promised to deliver the product in three months, but only delivered it after eight months when he returned to Earth the previous time.


    If they still couldn��t deliver, Ren Baqian was prepared to let them know the meaning of ��why the flowers are so red.��


    However, after receiving the product, Ren Baqian felt that it was worth the eight-month wait, but he had to bring back a lot of fireworks, and as a result, the robot was temporarily kept in his bedroom.


    The next morning, when Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, not only was there a robot by his side, there was also a flying motorcycle.


    The technology on Earth had advanced rapidly during these two years.


    In other words, after the industrial revolution, the progress of science and technology was bing faster and faster. It had recently made such rapid progress that a person who returned to society after leaving it for a few years would find himself out of date and unable to understand many things around him.


    Two years ago, autonomous buses were still in the trial phase, yet this year, they could be seen in many ces.


    Identity cards became embedded in cell phones.


    Banks had be self-service and totally intelligent.


    The speed of change was so fast that even Ren Baqian felt a little unfamiliar with some of the developments.


    The same was true for flying motorcycles. The earliest model could only fly for 40 minutes at an altitude of four or five meters. Thetest model acquired by Ren Baqian could fly for two hours at a height of eight meters.


    Ren Baqian was unable to resist getting one to y with.


    When Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, he rode the flying motorcycle above the pce and headed for empress��s bedroom.


    When the motorcycle rose into the air, the guards at Pingle Park were shocked, but they didn��t overreact because they knew it was Ren Baqian riding it. They looked on in bewilderment as Ren Baqian flew away into the sky.


    However, Ren Baqian heard a shout after flying a short distance.


    ��Who��s that? Come down now!��


    After that, a figure with a shiny saber came charging at him.


    This almost frightened him to death, and he promptly shouted to let the other party know his identity.


    However, it was easy to draw a saber, but hard to withdraw it. The other party had a hard time putting their saber back into the sheath and was unable to prevent themselves from crashing into Ren Baqian.


    After all thismotion, the flying motorcycle fell to the ground. Ren Baqian and Xin Zhe were stuck together as they hit the ground andid there in a daze.


    Xin Zhe hastily extricated herself from the tangle, calmed down, and red at Ren Baqian.


    ��Sir Ren, please notify us in advance the next time you do these strange stunts. I managed to withdraw my saber this time, but I may not be able to do so every time.��


    Ren Baqiany on the ground and felt pain all over his body. It seemed like his body was falling apart. The euphoric feeling of intimacy he felt earlier was no longer there, and he felt like crying, but there were no tears. He was enjoying himself while riding a flying motorcycle, but was almost knocked out of the sky.


    He finally understood how Green Pearl felt when it was shot down by an arrow from the empress.


    There was danger in flying, and caution was needed when taking off.


    ��Can you look properly before attacking somebody? It was only a few meters off the ground and travelling slowly. How can you miss it?�� Ren Baqian grumbled.


    Xin Zhe stood in front of Ren Baqian, changed her expression, and said softly, ��I can��t see clearly beyond ten steps! Therefore, Sir Ren better be careful in future.��


    ��Are you nearsighted?�� Ren Baqian asked in surprise. He didn��t expect to find people with myopia in this world! Although he didn��t interact much with Xin Zhe before, they were both in the same pce and met quite often. Yet, he had only now discovered that the other party had a vision problem.


    What was more surprising was the fact that a person with a vision problem was amander of the guards in the pce.


    ��Hey!�� Xin Zhe snorted. She looked disgusted, ignored him, and walked off. Although she didn��t understand what Ren Baqian was saying, she was aware that Ren Baqian was talking about her vision problem.


    After all, Ren Baqian mentioned sight.


    Ren Baqiany on the ground and was reminded of Teng Yue who was blind, yet was the third most powerful expert in the world. Therefore, it shouldn��t be surprising for Xin Zhe to be amander of the guards.


    After Xin Zhe left, a dazed Ren Baqian was sent back by the guards to Pingle Park.


    Soon, the empress came to take a look at him after receiving the news. She felt likeughing after seeing his bandaged head and said, ��Xin Zhe��s vision isn��t so good. Next time, notify her in advance about everything and such idents will not happen.��


    ��Is it alright to make sses for her?�� Ren Baqian asked thoughtfully.


    ��I don��t quite understand. Nearsightedness is unknown in Dayao, but you can bring her over to see what can be done.��


    The empress was very concerned about this loyalmander of hers, and it would be great if Xin Zhe could have her vision restored to normal.


    It was difficult to get this done in Dayao, but there were many remedies on Earth that could restore her eyesight to normal.

 Chapter 570 - The Steam Engine Has Finally Been Completed

    Chapter 570: The Steam Engine Has Finally Been Completed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After Ren Baqian had taken his medication, he could finally remove the bandage from his head, but he still had to wear a splint on his arm. Even after using the ointment from this world, recovering from a bone fracture would still require a few days.


    A whileter, he had someone carry the box with the robot in it and had them follow him to the school. Even though his current image was a little damaging to his prestige as a great teacher, this was something that couldn��t be helped.


    When Ren Baqian arrived, all of the students were already present. The students were discussing the new teacher who would be here today as well as why Yagui waste.


    Since this academy had been founded, this was the first time he waste.


    Many of them guessed that it probably had something to do with the new teacher.


    When Ren Baqian arrived at the academy with a splint on his arm, all the students looked at him a little strangely.


    Ren Baqian spent every day in the pce, and nobody dared to offend someone with his status. Why would his arm be broken? Needless to say, he had most likely been hit by the empress��


    The student��s image of Ren Baqian immediately turned into that of a victim of domestic violence�� Yeah, everyone loved what they saw and was delighted.


    ��Open up the box.�� Ren Baqian had the bodyguards open the box, revealing a white and blue armored body, a Gundam! <sup>1</sup>


    It was around two meters tall and weighed around 80 kilograms, which was roughly the same as that of a normal human. The weight came mostly from its core, whereas the exterior was made up of ayer of steel frames and galvanized iron sheets.


    When Ren Baqian pressed a button at the back of the robot��s head. It produced a sound simr to that of aputer as its eyes glowed blue.


    ��This will be your teacher in the future. Get to know it,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��My name is Gundam,�� the robot said in a digital voice as it stood up slowly from its original knee-hugging position.


    ��What beautiful armor!�� many students immediately eximed in admiration.


    ��Teacher, is he a human?�� Some of them grew puzzled because Gundam��s movements were weird and rigid. No matter which angle one looked at it from, this wasn��t merely an issue of the armor ting.


    Even though these students had no idea what a robot was, it was easy for them to realize that this thing didn��t have the slightest bit of vitality.


    ��Regardless of whether it is human or not, it��s still your teacher, and it can answer your questions. As such, you are required to respect it as your teacher,�� Ren Baqian addressed everyone from the podium.


    ��Now, you may ask some questions that you faced during your learning process and allow it to answer.��


    As Ren Baqian said that, everyone had a sudden realization. It seemed like this thing indeed wasn��t human.


    Yet, with a body full of armor ting, what exactly was it?


    Half a day had passed without any lectures in order to allow these students to ask Gundam any questions they had, and it utilized the information stored in its database to answer them.


    After Ren Baqian observed for quite some time, he knew what was going on.


    Due to the circumstances of not having inte connectivity, Gundam had lost a huge part of its ability to learn. It answered questions in a very rigid manner, and these answers were all based on the information that was stored beforehand in its database, which consisted of textbooks and some articles from various sources. However, the good thing about it was that it was able to list out examples to exin the questions.


    As such, even though it wasn��t lively enough, it was sufficient for present usage.


    Gundam didn��t move an inch the entire morning. It wouldn��t exhaust too much power just by answering questions and still had 30 percent of its battery life left when school ended.


    During this morning, many students were excited, but puzzled at the same time.


    Such a novelty teacher would naturally excite the students. As for their puzzlement, they realized the interactions between them and Gundam felt totally unintellectual and stiff. However, it was still able to answer so many of their questions that it made them feel very perplexed. Even after school had ended, they still continued to circle around it, touching its outer shell.


    ��Leave, all of you. This is your teacher, and you must show it the respect that it deserves as your teacher. Is it proper for everyone to be touching it? Do you think that you��re at a brothel?�� Ren Baqian chased them back with an angry face.


    Ren Baqian had someone move Gundam into another house. Just as he entered, Li Fu followed behind in a sh.


    He sized Gundam up with a curious look and asked, ��What��s this?��


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and answered, ��It can be considered a supplementary instrument.��


    ��It��s rather interesting that this thing can actually speak and respond. If not for itsck of vitality, I would have really wondered what kind of species it was. However, it is indeed pretty amazing to have been able to build such a thing!�� Li Fu eximed in admiration. Needless to say, this thing wasn��t able to trick the students, let alone the world��s number one expert, Li Fu.


    ��I��m curious about how this thing actually speaks and answers questions?�� Li Fu walked a few circles around the robot, reached out his big and dirty hands, and touched it all over.


    ��If senior were to stay in Dayao throughout, you will be able to find out in the future how this is possible.�� Ren Baqianughed. ��When will you teach me the [Godly Strike], senior?��


    <em>Ptui! </em>Li Fu spat out immediately and asked, ��Where��s the Heaven that you promised me? None of what you said was real, you youngster!��


    ��I can��t possibly produce that thing as and when I like, right? Preparation is already underway, and it shall bepleted in a few more months,�� Ren Baqian exined again and again.


    ��I shall wait then. If you still continue to create a mess every day, I will create trouble for you.�� After Li Fu was done talking, he pondered for a little before touching the robot for thest time and leaving the house while looking impressed.


    Ren Baqian mulled over it for a while after Li Fu left. With Ren Baqian��s current strength, it should be sufficient enough for him to bring a hot air balloon back to this world. However, it wasn��t entirely impossible to make one over here as well. If the possibility existed, he hoped to produce things here in this world. After all, technology would only gradually improve if things worked in this manner. If Ren Baqian even needed to bring back something like a hot air balloon, then it would defeat the purpose of advancing this world technologically.


    With regard to the materials, this aspect would be rather simple��any fabric that was sturdy enough would do. In any case, he wasn��t going to build a hot air balloon that would travel to space. It would suffice if it could take Li Fu up for a spin in the sky.


    The main problemy in how air-tight the hot air balloon would be. In order to achieve this effect, Ren Baqian would be required to search for a rubber-like substance here in this world and apply ayer of such a substance over the fabric.


    Going at it as soon as he got the idea, Ren Baqian immediately went to the Ministry of Works to look for Tong Zhenye��s help to find a material simr to rubber.


    Over the next few days, even though there hadn��t been much progress in terms of the rubber issue, that bunch of blockhead students had finally managed to produce a decent steam engine at school. Although it was a primitive type of steam engine that was used to fetch water, this was already considered groundbreaking progress.


    At the very least, it was a reciprocating force machine that was able to convert the heat energy from steam into mechanical energy. That this had happened in this world was already considered a very important first step.


    Ren Baqian immediately got the empress and the imperial officials toe to the ck Bamboo Academy to look at the achievement of these students.


    Upon hearing that the court officials and the empress would being, many of the students were so excited that their faces flushed.


    Besides Tong Lan and Shi Gan, the other students were eithermoners or people with low standing in their families. They were considered forsaken people before they entered the school.


    When else had they been regarded with such importance? Not only the empress, but even all the officials of the imperial court would being.


    Not to me them for cing the empress behind the officials, but it was simply too easy a task for Ren Baqian to invite the empress over. In fact, they felt more highly regarded because all the officials would be there.


    ��Alright, don��t be looking all sick here and acting as if you��ve just taken medication. They will be here in a moment, and you guys shall put on a good show. If you screw this up�� You know the consequences!�� Ren Baqian swept his gaze across the gpoles outside. ��You��ll be hung up there and shot at for five minutes.��

 Chapter 571 - Demonstration

    Chapter 571: Demonstration


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Be confident. Even though you are just students of this school and do not hold any official positions, you are already the pioneers of this world. Currently, you guys still aren��t able to visualize what this steam engine will bring in the future. However, when you all look back a decadeter, your names will be engraved in the history of this world. Every one of you will be recorded in the history books by your sessors. Your nobility will only be second to mine and my greatness second only to the empress!��


    Ren Baqian gave a pep talk to the students. The carriages of the empress and the officials were only a cup of tea��s time away from the school. However, he noticed that the students became very nervous after all the excitement and were unsure if those big shots would appreciate this steam engine.


    After all, this steam engine��s function was only to fetch water. Tong Lan would be able to fetch water much faster than this steam engine could.


    However, Ren Baqian understood the significance and value of the steam engine much better than anyone else.


    The industrial revolution happened on Earth only after the invention of the steam engine.


    Even though the technologies of this world hadn��t reached that state yet and the steam engine was simply just a toy for those people at the school, the industrial revolution would certainly arrive one day due to his impetus.


    Many students subconsciously stood up straight with confidence after hearing what Ren Baqian was saying, only to burst intoughter when he finished hisst sentence.


    ��Even though you guys aren��t innately talented in the traditional sense of the aboriginals, so much that you have been categorized as trash, you must remember this: ypot-sized fists are in abundance and can be found anywhere, but there aren��t many who can use their brains. One who thinks with the mind will control people, whereas one who works with force will be controlled by people,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Teacher, do you work with brains or force?�� Shi Gan asked.


    ��What do you think? Brains, of course!�� Ren Baqian gave him the side-eye before noticing the grin on his face.


    ��What about the empress?��


    ��Brains as well!��


    ��Then why are you the one being controlled?�� Tong Lan asked with her eyes wide open. By the looks of the situation, if Ren Baqian were to give a bad answer, the students would begin to create a disturbance.


    ��Of course, it��s because the empress is�� Both brave and wise!�� Ren Baqian whimpered. He couldn��t possibly say that the crucial point was that the empress hadrger fists. Regardless of location, brute force would definitely be useful.


    The bunch of students started tough out loud after hearing this.


    ��How do wepare to the officials of Great Xia then?�� one of the students asked. ��What you taught us was different from them.��


    Ren Baqian stroked his chin and answered as he thought about the officials of ancient China, ��There are many different types of officials in Great Xia. Some are driven by lust, whereas others control theirmoners and want to rule the world. However, you are the ones who will propel this world forward and make everyone��s eyes pop because they will see a different world every day when they wake up.��


    Politics was one factor, and technology was another. Regardless of which angle one looked, Ren Baqian felt that the impact of technology was always slightly greater. Especially with a focus on the entire world, only technology could invoke changes.


    ��Sir Ren is so ambitious! I would really want to wake up every day and see what the new world looks like.�� Tong Zhenye��s voice spread over the walls from far away.


    He must have some special type of ears to be able to hear from so far away.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands at the students as he walked over to the main door to wee the visitors.


    As he stood there, he only saw Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan riding on their mounts and staring at each other with rather displeased looks. He didn��t understand what made these two, the Minister of Works and the Minister of War, detest each other so much. It was as if one had stolen the wife of the other.


    Behind them was the empress��s imperial carriage, and the rest of the court officials were further behind. Xin Zhe and the bodyguards then followed far behind the others.


    Thinking it over, why would these people require protection from others?


    It would already be good if they didn��t go around collecting protection fees from others.


    Apart from Li Fu, anyone would feel their scalps turn numb if they were to see such a group of paramount experts.


    ��What good stuff do you have to show us today?�� Tong Zhenye winked at Ren Baqian from afar.


    As a form of greeting, Qin Chuan nodded as well.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty, and greetings to all officials.��


    In a twitch of her body, the empress appeared in front of the steps of the school. She looked up at the school��s signboard and the surrounding walls as she very seldom came here. Thest time she was here, the walls were still ayer of red bricks. At present, many green vines had crept up the walls, and the coupling of these two together made it quite pleasant looking.


    ��Let me see what you have achieved.�� The empress walked hastily toward Ren Baqian. Even though she didn��t really understand the steam engine, she remembered Ren Baqian highlighting the importance of it during their normal chats and that it was said to be the start of Earth��s modern day industries.


    As such, she was rather looking forward to this steam engine.


    ��This way please, Your Majesty, and all officials!�� Ren Baqian nced across the crowd and saw Shi Qing and the others. Many of the visitors had lowly regarded members of their families in the school, and they were looking forward to see what their younger generation had learned over these nine months in school.


    This so-called school had always been a courtyard with a couple of houses, and this remained the same into the present.


    Even though theyer of vines made the school look less crude and simple than before, it still looked like an elementary school in the mountains to Ren Baqian, which was the most crude and simple school that ever existed.


    At this moment, the students in the school had vanished from sight. Ren Baqian led the crowd to a small pond in the backyard as more than 10 students stood next to a weird looking object.


    The object was mainly made up of a huge metal barrel, a wooden barrel, a wooden box, a messywork of pipes and wooden poles, and a huge wheel.


    ��So, this is what you have produced after more than a month?�� Tong Zhenye spoke softly as he inched closer to Ren Baqian. However, there wasn��t much difference between his soft voice and his yells, so everyone on the ground heard it.


    Tong Lan��s face immediately turned ck.


    In any case, this was their entire month��s efforts, which unexpectedly got ridiculed by her old man.


    ��Not me, but them,�� responded Ren Baqian, which turned everyone��s face even darker. Just a while ago, he said that the students were pioneers and would be recorded in history. Had he just discarded them aside so quickly?


    He called them sweeties when everything was good just a moment ago, but now, they became madame cows? (TLC. Not sure about this term.)


    ��However, don��t belittle this steam engine. The existence of this steam engine here represents the start of a new age,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Demonstrate it!�� the empress said faintly.


    ��Let them experience it for themselves.�� Ren Baqian looked over at Tong Lan and the rest.


    The students had already got it prepared earlier and filled the metal barrel with water. When Ren Baqian gave the cue to begin, they started a fire beneath the barrel to boil the water, and the entire courtyard was immediately filled with smoke.


    ��Is this preparing for a bath?�� Tong Zhenye grinned.


    ��I suggest you observe quietly first.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    The crowd also waited to see what sort of tricks the students could produce.


    When the temperature of the water rose to a certain level, steam began to pass through the pipes to the gas cylinders and engine case. The pistons in the case started to actuate the tuning fork (TLC. Maybe something like crankshaft or connecting rod? A tuning fork is usually for stuff like musical instruments.) and linkage on the outside, which in turn rotated the flywheel at the front.

 Chapter 572 - Despised

    Chapter 572: Despised


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Oh, its moving!�� Many people started making noises when they saw the flywheel move. It was obvious that no one was moving the wooden shafts or the wheel and that they had actually started moving on their own.


    As the water temperature began reaching its boiling point, the linkage and the flywheel began to rotate faster and faster. Lots of steam also started toe out through the exhaust pipe of the cylinder. The flywheel wound up the rope, which raised the water bucket from the pond. Once the bucket reached a certain height, a student emptied it before throwing it back into the pond, repeating the cycle.


    ��This thing is actually moving on its own.�� Many of the officials walked over to observe and felt that it was rather interesting.


    It was a real novelty to them because the steam engine could move on its own without the need for human force. However, everyone started losing interest in it after 10 minutes when its freshness had subsided.


    Someone started voicing his doubts and asked, ��Still, what can this do?��


    Tong Zhenye immediately raised his voice and said, ��After more than a month, is this toy all you got? Even though it looks rather fresh and interesting, with regard to fetching water, the kids can do it much faster! Even that water cart that you invented previously was more useful than this.��


    ��Precisely! It does seem pretty interesting, but it doesn��t serve much purpose.�� Everyone started to criticize. They were astonished that Ren Baqian had built such a thing that didn��t correspond with his status.


    The things that Ren Baqian produced in the past had been pretty amazing. With such great fanfare this time around, they couldn��t understand why he built this toy, yet still gathered up so many people to see it.


    ��You ignorant old man. This was why I said that you have a long beard, but you are a baldy who is short on knowledge. Do you really think this is a toy?�� Qin Chuan immediately mocked Tong Zhenye. However, Qin Chuan��s words had also ridiculed a bunch of people, and many of the officials here looked at him with ring eyes. There were quite a few imperial officials present who were also bald and had a beard.


    ��And what do you know?�� Tong Zhenye grumbled.


    Qin Chuan��s attitude was simply to oppose whatever Tong Zhenye agreed with and vice versa.


    ��This toy is pretty interesting. The most important thing is�� Umm�� The most important thing is that this is the product of so many people��s collective effort. In the past, these children had always been wasting their lives by ying around and drinking the days away. Now that they can actually build something like this, it��s not bad! Not bad!��


    As Qin Chuan finished speaking, Tong Zhenye almost spat whileughing.


    Ren Baqian��s face immediately turned ck. This ignorant old man might as well have kept his mouth shut.


    He turned to look at the students and saw that many of them looked sad. It was evident that the words of these two ignorant old men, Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye, had heavily impact the students that spent more than a month to finally build the first steam engine in this world.


    As for the other officials, their opinions were simr to those of the two old men.


    Initially, when the students had first joined the school, they said that Ren Baqian wanted to teach everyone the principles regarding all matter in this world, and everyone was rather looking forward to it.


    However, judging from the current situation, it was only this much.


    Ren Baqian didn��t feel good when he saw everyone��s reaction. He thought about it a little and understood the mistake he made this time.


    The steam engine��s function was immensely important and it had great significance as well, but these peoplepletely did not understand it. Without the knowledge of someone from the future like himself, how would they be able to understand what the steam engine represented?


    ��You have seen that this thing is only capable of fetching water, but this is simply a newly made prototype. In reality, this thing can do a lot more. For instance, a wagon full of goods would be able to move without the use of a fork-horned cow.��


    ��Isn��t this still a toy then? We have countless fork-horned cows here in Dayao. If we can use them to pull carts, why do we need this?�� Tong Zhenye simply didn��t understand what Ren Baqian was driving at. Ren Baqian previously built that sr powered furnace that served a great purpose by being able to smelt iron ores directly.


    Then, there was also the salt well that allowed Dayao to deal with a portion of their salt needs.


    The cement and the red bricks had both served a great purpose as well. Currently, the st furnace outside the city that was under construction was being made with cement and red bricks. These building materials could also be used to bolster the city wall and build houses, which saved a great deal ofborpared to cutting rocks like they had previously needed to do.


    At present, however, he really couldn��t see what this thing could achieve.


    It wasn��t only him who felt this way, the others strongly agreed with what he said as well. Shi Qing, the old fox, was the only one who looked at Ren Baqian persistently with an enigmatic smile.


    ��The steam engine��s greatest use isn��t limited to just one sole function, but instead represents a brand new source of power��one that can rece human and animalbor!


    Regardless of whether it is smelting metal, mining, or transporting goods, all of these processes require a great deal of human and animalbor to achieve. The steam engine can reduce the use of both human and physical resources to a minimum while increasing productivity to a maximum. This is the true significance of the steam engine.


    For example, we can look into building a train once we have a steam engine. This thing can transport people and goods at speeds that are multiple times faster than the fork-horned cows. Its load capacity is also something that the fork-horned cows will find impossible to match. Just one of these trains will be able to transport the equivalent capacity of thousands of horned cows.


    How much manpower would also be required for thousands of fork-horned cows to transport goods? What about the cost and consumption of resources during the journey? How long will it take to travel to the Protectorate of the Northeast from here?


    With an improvement to the steam engine and after the construction of the train, it can travel nonstop and will only take three days to reach a destination that would normally take two weeks. Even just for the transfer of rations and soldiers during wartime, can you imagine what sort of advantage this will bring?�� Ren Baqian exined with ck face.


    He had actually been looked down on by this old fellow.


    He had actually been despised by a bunch of primitive people.


    Absolutely intolerable!


    ��Just like what you have mentioned previously?�� Tong Zhenye was a little skeptical.


    Ren Baqian felt like giving this old fellow a kick and rebuked, ��Have I lied about anything previously?��


    ��Very frequently!�� Tong Zhenye reacted instantly.


    ��When have I lied? The sr-powered furnace and all the other things��were there any that didn��t achieve the oue that I said they would?�� He stared at Tong Zhenye. Right at this moment, Ren Baqian really felt like giving him a kick to the groin.


    <em>Did you know that this is called nder, you ignorant old man?</em>


    ��What aboutst time when you said that you would treat me at House Yanyun!�� Tong Zhenye touched his beard, looking adamant that Ren Baqian had lied to him.


    The empress��s face turned pale. In a sh, she sent Tong Zhenye flying off with a kick and directed a stern look at Ren Baqian.


    Qin Chuan, who was grinning at the side, burst into heartyughter. Seeing that ignorant old man getting into trouble simply made him happy.


    ��I really dislike going to a brothel��it was him who insisted on bringing me there. I had no choice but to do it half-heartedly. This is called a white lie.�� Ren Baqian felt wronged.


    The empress stared at him for a while longer before asking, ��When will you be able to achieve all the things that you said? After all, I really can��t see anythinging out of this now.��


    She had some understanding of the train that Ren Baqian talked about, but the otherspletely couldn��t visualize it. The only way to change their opinion was to make it for them to see.


    ��The earliest would be around two months for a small scale steam engine lotive. We will scale it up if we seed with this and then build a real train.�� Ren Baqian pondered over this matter. It wouldn��t be hard to make a small scale steam engine lotive. Their current steam engine simply needed to be modified a bit, and the flywheel, that was actuated by the linkage, needed to be reced with a train wheel.


    This would be considered an easy task for him to do, but it would take some time for the students to do it. However, such tasks had to be done by the students themselves in order for them to grow.


    As such, Ren Baqian��s current objective was to turn the steam engine into a small scale steam lotive that would suffice as long as it could move. He would then size it up to scale in the future.


    After building the steam engine and the lotive, these students would have a much better understanding of the engine and also of physics. Afterward, it would be much easier for them to learn or do other things in the future.


    ��I shall wait to see the thing that you just described.�� The empress nodded. She then shifted her attention to those sad looking students and said, ��Do it well. Dayao��s future depends on you.��


    Many officials were astonished to hear the empress say this. What she said wasn��t something casual.


    They had never expected Her Majesty to regard such stuff as important or to actually use words like ��Dayao��s future depends on you.��


    In their minds, Dayao��s future still depended on those gifted kids from their various families.


    However, the empress��s words had indeed gotten the students extremely excited. It seemed like they wouldn��t even hesitate to step on the battlefield now.

 Chapter 573 - Framing and Making Bogus Accusations

    Chapter 573: Framing and Making Bogus usations


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I heard that you have something that is made out of galvanized iron sheet, can speak, and looks like a person. Where��s it? Let me have a look,�� asked Tong Zhenye in a low voice after staying behind. He wasn��t interested in the steam engine, but he was very interested in the robot because Tong Lan had raved about it very often.


    ��That��s the academy��s teacher named Gundam.�� Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. In any case, the steam engine made by his students was of great significance. However, other people couldn��t see its value, and he felt like they didn��t give him any respect. In particr, he couldn��t stand either of the two old chaps, Tong Zhenye or Qin Chuan.


    ��Where is it? Even if it��s a teacher, I would like to take a look.�� Tong Zhenyeughed mischievously.


    ��He��s currently in seclusion and doesn��t want to meet anyone,�� Ren Baqian rejected him decisively.


    ��Just let me have a look. Apart from the steam engine just now, you have a lot of good items.��


    Upon thinking of what Tong Lan had mentioned to him, he had the urge to find out more. However, hisst sentence made Ren Baqian��s expression turn even darker.


    ��I have said that he doesn��t want to meet anyone. Come at another time.�� Ren Baqian snorted and chased Tong Zhenye away.


    He then turned around and went back to one of the houses, only to see Li Fu caressing Gundam. It was as if a lecher had seen a beautifuldy.


    These days, Li Fu had beening over every day to touch Gundam, which made Ren Baqian extremely disgusted.


    He subsequently turned to leave for the courtyard and saw that many students were cooling the steam engine while inspecting it.


    ��Put aside whatever you guys are doing for now!�� Ren Baqian said from a distance away. Immediately, everyone stopped whatever they were doing and waited for him to speak.


    ��You guys heard everything just now, right?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Her Majesty said that Dayao��s future depends on us.�� Du Laoliu couldn��t stop giggling as he spoke.


    ��Her Majesty was just being courteous. You guys really believed that?�� Ren Baqian scoffed at his students.


    Du Laoliao rolled his eyes and said, ��Her Majesty isn��t someone like that!��


    ��How useful can this thing be? Useful for fetching water?�� Ren Baqian sneered. ��Didn��t you guys hear what the other officials said?��


    Upon hearing Ren Baqian��s harsh words, everyone��s faces turned ck, including Tong Lan��s. After studying and spending such a long time on this steam engine, they were actually being ridiculed that it was just a toy. Nobody could ept such treatment.


    ��Not content? Do you guys want to be praised and admired? Do you guys want to show them your capabilities? Do you guys want to show them that what you have done is extraordinary?�� Ren Baqian looked at everyone.


    ��Yes!�� A few answers were heard.


    ��The same goes for me. After all, you guys are my students. What all of you have learned is the knowledge that I taught. If anyone despises you guys, that means that they are also looking down on me,�� Ren Baqian calmly exined. ��The knowledge of the steam engine is only the beginning. It represents a new source of power. Our next step is to convert the steam engine into something else. For example, the train that I mentioned earlier! A train can pull hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo. In addition, its speed is definitely three or more times faster than a carriage��s speed. As long as we can manufacture it, nobody will look down on you guys anymore.��


    After Ren Baqian finished talking, everyone started to bend their fingers, counting the number that he had just mentioned. Thanks to the mathematics ss taught by Ren Baqian, these students could finally understand the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the end, they got a huge shock when they finally managed to calcte the figure.


    One ton of cargo weighs 1,000 kilograms, 1,000 tons of cargo weighs 1 million kilograms.


    The load of a carriage pulled by a fork-horned cow was around 1,500 to 2,500 kilograms. In other words, the train Ren Baqian mentioned could at least carry hundreds of these carriages. More importantly, the amount of rations consumed by the fork-horned cows was quite significant. This was because the grass in some ces was not suitable for livestock.


    Ordinary grass would only help the livestock to survive, but the cows wouldn��t have enough energy to work, and they needed to eat other sources of food.


    Otherwise, the fork-horned cows wouldn��t have the stamina to transport goods over a long distance.


    An example would be the babeast. Whenever the aboriginals herded their livestock, they would grind up some babeast meat, mixed it into the premium fodder, and feed this to the fork-horned cows.


    As a result, there would be at least dozens of carts carrying fodder and other items that followed behind the hundreds of fork-horned cows pulling the cargo.


    The train could prevent this sort of trouble. Furthermore, the students were able to learn even more through the manufacturing of the steam engine this time around.


    If what they showed off today was the fully built train, the officials would definitely have a different opinion of them.


    After all, these students were still children, and after being incited by Ren Baqian, they decided to work together and show Tong Zhenye what were they capable of. Even Tong Lan was included.


    ��Go back and have a brainstorming session about how you guys can improve this steam engine. Here��s a tip: connect the poles and change the direction of the force as well as the flywheel,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��You guys can go back and ask Teacher Gundam too! It should know.��


    After he finished his sentence, Ren Baqian left leisurely. Everyone else immediately ran toward Teacher Gundam to inquire about the train.


    Half a day passed when all of a sudden, someone eximed out loud, ��Tong Lan, you broke Teacher Gundam.��


    ��I was just taking a look! Who knew it would break so easily. What��s inside? Stop pulling me��I��ll fix it back to how it was in a while!��


    ��There��s really no one inside. I have been thinking about whether there are individuals or other things hidden in it!�� Du Laoliu��s exmation was also heard.


    ��Are you stupid? It��s obviously lifeless. However, it��s amazing that it can actually speak!��


    ��Ah, Shi Gan, you broke another piece of it!��


    ��It��s Tong Lan who broke it. Since it��s already broken, why not do some research on it?��


    ��Yagui will definitely kill both of you tomorrow.��


    ��I��ll fix itter. In any case, he won��t know who did it. All of you better keep your mouths shut. If anyone dares to divulge anything�� I��ll let you guys have a taste of my huge fist!�� Tong Lan said in a menacing tone as she waved her tiny fist.


    ��We should enjoy blessings and endure misfortunes together. I��m certain that all of you know what type of person Yagui is. If this is leaked, each and every one of you won��t be able to escape it either! Everyone will be in deep sh*t!��


    In the end, Shi Gan was still smarter than Tong Lan. He managed to get everyone else to support them.


    The next day, when Ren Baqian stepped into the ssroom, his face turned dark. He noticed that Gundam��s outer shell was hammered by someone and then forced back into ce again. Just by touching it gently, a few pieces of the outer shell fell to the ground.


    The mechanical parts inside were all exposed. A few of the wires were broken and randomly tied back together by someone.


    <em>Crash! </em>Ren Baqian wanted to see how much damage they had inflicted on Gundam. Ultimately, with only one touch, Gundam��s arm immediately fell off, nearly smashing Ren Baqian��s legs.


    ��Teacher has destroyed Teacher Gundam!�� An exmation could be heard from the little lolita.


    As if she were astonished, Tong Lan stood at the door with her mouth slightly open. She was also pointing her finger at Ren Baqian.


    ��What��s happening?�� A bunch of people gasped in astonishment and rushed toward the door.


    ��Hmph! Itching for a beating?�� Ren Baqian put on a fake smile.


    <em>These chaps actually learned how to frame others and make bogus usations, huh?</em>


    ��Speak, who did it?��


    <em>Swish!</em>


    The group of students extend their fingers and pointed at Ren Baqian in unison.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck as he said, ��Seems like the bunch of you will not repent until you are faced with death. Guards, hang them from the gpoles. I will shoot them for 50 minutes today!��


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

 Chapter 574 - An Odor Pervades the Great Xia Palace

    Chapter 574: Really Brave Warriors


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Great Xia.


    Since the defeat from six months ago, all of Great Xia was in a state of unceasing turmoil.


    Even though they knew that the aboriginals were good fighters and they had prepared several hundreds of thousands of soldiers over a long period of time, their forces were unexpectedly defeated by just 50,000 aboriginals. Great Xia was left with less than 200,000 soldiers, and it was their first major defeat in decades.


    Needless to say, the winged cavalry led by Li Qianqiu was going to leave Great Xia. They had looted several cities and caused the people in a big portion of the southern region to be jittery.


    After the winged cavalry left, people from all walks of life in Great Xia were unspeakably angry.


    In many parts of the nation, public sentiment, especially among the schrs, surged. However, there was no movement in Great Xia for half a year, and this greatly disappointed many people, so they began to vent their frustrations on the imperial court.


    It wasn''t that the people didn''t know the difficult position that the court was in, but many people still focused their resentment on the court. After all, being raided by the aboriginals in thend of Great Xia was something that had never happened before.


    First, there was the huge defeat and the inability to prevent the aboriginals from running wild in their territory. To the people of Great Xia, who held their country in high regard, it was like rubbing their faces into the dirt.


    "It''s never the right time! You can''t share my burden and don''t have any ideas at all! What''s the point of having you?!" The roar of the emperor of Great Xia rang out in the Discussion Hall, and the necks of the guards outside the hall subconsciously shrank.


    In the past six months, the emperor of Great Xia was often extremely angry, and it had be a habit. Almost every few days, someone would be beaten to death because they infuriated him.


    At the same time, since he vomited blood and fainted twice, his physical health had be worse. Previously, he had few white hairs, but almost half of his hair had turned white now. He looked haggard with sunken eyes.


    "Your Majesty, the tax imposed by the court is very heavy! Comints areing from many ces, and we can''t increase it anymore! However, if we don''t increase the tax, it will be hard to procure grain and armaments. Furthermore, the recruitment and training of new soldiers will take quite a long time, and it will be at least two years before they can march down south."


    "Right now, for the barbarians, their external threats are two nations, the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation. Internally, Tianjing Basin is in turmoil, and peace will not be restored in the short term. This is the best time for us to recuperate. In two years, we can take the opportunity to eliminate them in one fell swoop," an elderly man said calmly. He was used to the emperor exploding into a tantrum every two or three days, so he wasn''t afraid.


    He felt sad at the sight of the once heroic emperor inevitably deteriorating to such a stage as he aged. Although others didn''t know, the changes he had seen during the past half year made him feel that the emperor was getting muddle headed even though it was disrespectful to say so.


    Fortunately, the crown prince was a valiant man and could take over when the emperor passed away.


    Looking at the emperor''s physical condition, it was only a matter of a few years."Wait, wait, and wait��I''m always told to wait. How can I keep on waiting? Do you think I don''t know what the citizens are saying about me? And you there, the cowardly Prime Minister!" Xia Bailong snorted loudly. His face was red and his eyes bloodshot. Thinking of the news that reached him almost made him mad with rage.


    "Your Majesty, please calm down. Getting angry is bad for your health," another elderly man quickly added. After vomiting blood and fainting twice, Xia Bailong fainted several times during the past six months and no one could afford not to take care of his health. Many issues were hidden from him, but was it possible to keep the lid on them?


    In particr, the idea of taking revenge against Dayao was like a thorn in his heart.


    "Your Majesty, these are deliberate provocations, and if you get angry, you will be falling into their trap," Qi Mingtang, who wasbeled as the cowardly Prime Minister, said calmly.


    "Hmph!" Xia Bailong snorted loudly again and said, "We only lost a battle, yet all kinds of disastrous news has spread. Do they really think my Great Xia is doomed? Did you manage to find any clues?"


    "Their organization is very well coordinated. Although we caught a few people, they killed themselves by taking poison. However, we recently found some leads and should be able to find the people behind all these rumors soon," a middle-aged man said. He sported a long white beard and looked valiant and dignified.


    "I will give you one more month! No matter what, you must find the people who are instigating all this trouble!" Xia Bailong dered. Then, he covered his face due to the splitting headache that his rage had induced.


    At this time in the pce, a eunuch was walking around somewhere. Seeing nobody in the vicinity, he quickly entered a forest and found a small cylinder in a secret ce with a square box tied to it. After tapping on the box a few times, its screen showed a countdownmencing.


    After finishing his task, he put the cylinder and box back into the original location, walked away from the secret ce, and headed to the next area.


    It took him two months to move these things into the pce in batches and then hide them everywhere. Now was the time to use them.


    He didn''t know what these strange things were used for, but he knew that in eight hours, a world-shattering event would happen.


    His mission was to carry out this event.


    His eyes seemed to sparkle when thinking about this.


    There were five other people doing the same thing as him. Some of them were eunuchs, whereas others were pce maids.


    Four hourster, two of the conspirators changed their clothes, took a prearranged route, and hid under a wagon filled with meat to leave the pce.


    An hourter, three other people used a different way to leave the pce.


    The only person left was a maid who didn''t stand out, but had very bright eyes that were unforgettable after just one look. She sat quietly in the courtyard and waited to see what was going to happen.


    "Qing Lian, you will be scolded by the empress if she sees you here," a maid who was passing by reminded her.


    Many people didn''t want to see this pce maid, who never fought for anything and only minded her own business, get punished in this cruel pce.


    "Let her scold as much as she wants!" Qing Lian smiled. She arranged her hair with an exceptionally bright smile.


    "You��" The other maid couldn''t understand what Qing Lian was doing and asked, "Are you out of your mind? You better move fast and if you aren''t feeling well��go back to your room and rest. If they call for you, I will help to excuse you."


    "Thank you, Sister Ling Yue." Qing Lian smiled again and said, "I will leave in a while. Please don''t get implicated by me, so if someone asks, you can tell them directly."


    "Go? Where can you go? Are you thinking of suicide? Are you crazy? The empress doesn''t treat you badly, and although there isn''t any freedom in the pce, you are well fed, well clothed, and the workload is also not heavy. Is there something causing you to despair?" The other maid was shocked.


    Qing Lian''s smile suddenly froze.


    Did I mention anything aboutmitting suicide? Aren''t you being oversensitive?


    Nevertheless, she continued smiling and kindly warned her in advance, "Something big may happen in the pce soon. Sister, please protect yourself well."


    Subsequently, there were explosions all over the pce as the cylinders that were hidden in those secret ces exploded.


    Boom! The explosions rang out one after another.


    "What''s that noise? Go and take a look!"


    At the same time, numerous guards and pce maids headed to the spots where the explosions came from.


    Before they could take a few steps, they encountered a suffocating smell that hit them like a sledgehammer, causing them to freeze in ce and vomit violently.


    Some pce maids copsed to the floor and fainted on the spot.


    The emperor of Great Xia, who had just taken some medicine and looked slightly better, was in his bedroom when he heard the uproar. Before he could berate anyone, the stench came in from the window and entered his nose.


    The emperor felt spasm after spasm as the suffocating smell hit him and fainted before even taking a breath.

 Chapter 575 - You Have Become Famous!

    Chapter 575: You Have Be Famous!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Ah, ah, ah, ah!�� Qing Lian screamed a few times as if she was being molested, but she felt worse than if she was being molested.


    At the same time, she was rubbing her skin so hard and wishing she could rub it off.


    Thinking about her experience in the Great Xia pce this very day, she felt her whole life was a tragedy.


    She initially wanted to see what would happen and what kind of havoc would be wrought in the pce, but after the event happened, she wished that she had never been there.


    At this moment, she wondered whether she would die from the odor.


    Fortunately, she managed to escape from the pce due to the chaos. However, she discovered to her dismay that the stench on her body couldn��t be washed away at all. The stench was there all the time and made her scratch herself like crazy.


    ��Haha! I never expect Xia Bailong��s life to end this way. Fancy being killed by the stench. This way of dying is sensational�� The only emperor of Great Xia to go down this way in history.��


    The voice of a delighted man was suddenly heard from far away but wasing closer.


    Her ears pricked up while her face turned ghastly after she heard this voice.


    ��Sword!�� Qing Lian used one hand to put on anotheryer of clothes and raised the other, causing a bolt of white light to prate the roof and fall into her hand.


    It was a meter long sword with a dense scale-like pattern on its body and a red ribbon hanging from the hilt.


    She sent a bolt of white light through the building the very next second and shouted in midair, ��Su Qing, you bastard! I want to take your life!��


    Su Qing was shocked by this thrust of the sword and hastily dodged it. Everything in the surrounding area in front of him was cut into two parts.


    An old man next to him blocked her and shouted angrily, ��What do you want?��


    Qing Lian��s clothes were drenched by water droplets from her body and her hair was wet, making her look like a beauty that wasing out of a bath.


    Although Qing Lian wasn��t very beautiful, her bright eyes were full of spirit and her disposition was outstanding. Even though she was angry, she still looked attractive.


    However, the old man and Su Qing smelled the odor emitting from her body and turned nauseous.


    ��Don��t stop me! I want to kill this bastard, Su Qing! Why didn��t you tell me?�� Qing Lian clenched her teeth, pulled out her sword, and started shing.


    ��You can��t me me��who would have thought that you would still stay there?�� Su Qing turned to run. He wasn��t afraid of Qing Lian, but the smell was really bad.


    Even the old man retreated three steps subconsciously.


    Qing Lian was even angrier after seeing the reactions of the two men. Clenching her teeth, she chased after Su Qing in a frenzy.


    Half a dayter, Su Qing mentioned something and Qing Lian started wailing bitterly in the courtyard, ��Ren Baqian, I will never let you off!��


    ��


    Of course, Ren Baqian didn��t know he was being condemned by someone.


    At this moment, he was looking kindly at Zhang Junzheng and asked, ��How is it? Is the name list ready?��


    ��Sir Ren, it��s done.�� Zhang Junzheng was calm and beaming slightly because he had straightened out his thoughts. He used both hands to reverently hand over a stack of papers filled with writings.


    In fact, he had epted the reality that since they were going to settle in Dayao, it wasn��t a bad idea for the Zhang family to cling to Ren Baqian. Since the Zhang family had lost to the other party in terms of their specialities, the other party deserved some credit and the Zhang family was also not short-changed.


    In addition, Ren Baqian��s victory in all three rounds of thepetition had shocked the Zhang family and had caused endless arguments among many of them.


    In particr, it was inconceivable to many veteran craftsmen in the family, and at the same time, they wanted to know how skilled Ren Baqian really was.


    For these veteran craftsmen, nothing could attract their attention more than technology, especially technology that was superior to the best they possessed. They were even more eager to see what kind of a person he was.


    Even Zhang Junzheng had to address the craftsman with the highest status as uncle due to his higher position in the family.


    Because of this, he relented and handed in the name list. As for the proportion of the Zhang family that was represented by the names given, this was only known by a few members of the Zhang family.


    Ren Baqian epted the papers and took a look. He saw that the pages were densely filled with small characters, which added up to quite a lot.


    ��How many people are there?�� Ren Baqian raised his head to ask.


    ��Sir Ren, there are more than 5,900 people in the Zhang family, and their names are listed on the papers.�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands while replying.


    ��How many are craftsmen?��


    ��There are more than 3,400 craftsmen and 2,000 other professionals. Not only that, many elders in the family have disciples that aren��t rted to them by blood. Although their names aren��t on the list, they can still serve Dayao if opportunities are avable. The number of disciples isn��t lower than that of the craftsmen,�� Zhang Junzheng answered.


    Ren Baqian lowered his head to look at the thick stack of papers. 3,400 craftsmen plus those disciples were at least seven or eight thousand people. To an impoverished country like Dayao, seven or eight thousand craftsmen was an immense resource.


    If he could get seven or eight thousand more craftsmen, many projects could be easily finished.


    ��Sir, we are a big household, so it will not be an easy matter to leave the Yun Nation,�� Zhang Junzheng added.


    Ren Baqian nodded in agreement. With so many people, many of which were famous craftsmen, it wasn��t easy for all of them to leave in a rush. However, this didn��t matter because there would be no Yun Nation in the future.


    Due to theck of talent in Dayao, theck of foresight, and the habit of raiding without upying, the Yun Nation didn��t realize that the aboriginals intended to swallow them up this time instead of just plundering them.


    ��Do you have any more requests?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I hope you can ensure the future of the Zhang family,�� Zhang Junzheng said solemnly. This was the most important condition.


    ��Rest assured.�� Ren Baqian continued, ��As long as your Zhang family does a good job, I can guarantee them a ce here.��


    ��In that case, thank you very much, Sir.�� Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands to show his appreciation.


    ��There is no hurry for members of the Zhang family to move out. Those living in conquered cities cane here first. I will give you a token, and with this token, they can move around unimpeded. General Zi from the Protectorate of the Northeast will arrange for guards to escort them. As for the rest, they can stay where they are and wait for my orders,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��It��s inevitable that there will be casualties due to the fighting and confusion.��


    ��I will settle this problem, so be at ease.��


    After sending off Zhang Junzheng, Ren Baqian called for Zuo Leng and gave him that stack of paper. His task was to duplicate the name list and then arrange for people to go there and investigate.


    With the Jing Tribe people around, it was much easier to conduct investigations in the Yun Nation.


    After that, Ren Baqian met the empress and proposed for Zi Doni to send more prisoners of war to dig in the mines and build the roads.


    Ren Baqian had mentioned this matter before, but the battle at the frontline was urgent, so Zi Doni didn��t have time to consider it.


    Now that Zi Doni had conquered close to ten cities in the Yun Nation, it was time to raise this topic again.


    The saying ��get rich by building the road first�� was always true.


    In addition, the Yun Nation had many materials that Dayaocked. This included, but wasn��t limited to various metals such as aluminium and iron.


    Ren Baqian also proposed the mobilization of militias from various cities to the Yun Nation in order to bring back the various looted materials to replenish Dayao.


    After their discussion, the empress consulted with the court officials at a meeting the next day and then issued an order to Zi Doni.


    Subsequently, the aboriginals began to change the way they conducted the offensives. Previously, the priority was to kill, but now, some were kept alive. Although they often couldn��t control it and only left a few alive, the signal was sent.


    At the same time, messages were delivered to various cities in Dayao. Afterward, militias equipped with weapons marched out of the cities and gathered in the Northeast region.


    During this period, he also received the incredible news that the emperor of Great Xia, ��Xia Baichong,�� had suffocated to death after inhaling the odor��


    This news was delivered by Su Qing, and Ren Baqian had a strange expression on his face after reading the secret letter.


    Next, he sent this secret letter to the empress. The empress was stunned after reading it, which gave Ren Baqian the chance to observe such a rarely seen expression from the empress.


    A momentter, the empress looked pensive before turning to Ren Baqian and saying, ��From now on, your reputation will spread all over the world.��

 Chapter 576 - You Can’t Escape From Your Own Sins

    Chapter 576: You Can��t Escape From Your Own Sins


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A Daoist nun, who was around 17 years old, ran into a Daoist temple screaming, ��Sister! Sister, the emperor is dead����


    In a room in the temple, there was another spiritual looking girl who was dressed in Daoist clothes and looked like a fairy banished to Earth. She was practicing calligraphy, and her eyes froze the moment she heard the other nun scream.


    ��Such a great matter has unexpectedly urred���� the girl in the room muttered softly to herself before lightly cing her brush to the side.


    ��Make a guess on how he died?�� The young girl winked at her.


    ��Since you asked the question in this manner, something definitely must have happened. Tell me��I won��t be able to guess it.�� When the spiritual girl smiled briefly, and the room was suddenly filled with warmth.


    ��You��re so boring!�� The young girl pouted before shouting out an unimaginable answer, ��He was suffocated to death by an odor!��


    ��Suffocated to death by an odor���� The spiritual girl was immediately startled when she heard that answer. Such a cause of death was considered rather universally shocking.


    ��Make a guess who did it?�� the young girl mischievously asked again.


    ��I can��t guess it.�� The spiritual girl smiled and shook her head again.


    ��You��ve seen this person before!��


    The spiritual girl looked at her gently without speaking a word. After just a couple of minutes, the young girl couldn��t hold it in any longer, and looking decrepit, she said, ��Forget it, I��ll tell you. It��s Qi Zixiao��s gigolo!��


    ��Ah!�� The spiritual girl opened her small mouth slightly and put on a surprised look. Her train of thought immediately drifted to the asion where she had run into that couple in the mountains some timest year. The time of day had beenterpared to the present time.


    Naturally, the spiritual girl was Li Yuanzhu, whereas the younger girl was Ning Qing.


    Ning Qing had grown slightly taller over thest year, and the baby fat on her face had reduced significantly. She looked much more maturepared to a year ago.


    ��I knew that he wasn��t a good man when I saw himst year, but I��ve never expected him to actually do such an evil thing! He won��t have it easy the next time I see him.�� Ning Qing got extremely angry the moment she thought about Ren Baqian. She looked down and felt that her chest had grown quite a bit over the past year.


    Li Yuanzhu couldn��t help butugh when she saw Ning Qing acting like that. However, that man�� He really made Ning Qing feel speechless. No one had even spoken to her like that in her entire life��


    Both of them had a vivid memory of Ren Baqian saying, ��Her boobs are bigger than yours!�� back then.


    ��What exactly happened?�� Li Yuanzhu pondered and asked.


    ��I heard that the pce was suddenly shrouded in a stench and that the emperor subsequently died from the odor. I really have no idea what kind of odor could actually stink the old emperor to death���� Ning Qing looked curious.


    Like what the empress said, Ren Baqian had indeed became famous.


    Incredibly famous, in fact.


    When hundreds of stink bombs exploded in the pce that day, almost the entire pce was covered by the smell. Immediately, the emperor of Great Xia was suffocated to death by the stench.


    The pce became absolutely uninhabitable. Practically all of the imperial concubines moved out as if they were fleeing from cmity.


    Only a few of the pce eunuchs and bodyguards continued to man their posts and clean up the pce, though they felt like they were going to die at any moment.


    It wasn��t until seven dayster that the odor in the pce finally began to subside.


    The health of the emperor of Great Xia hadn��t been good over thest six months, and coupled with this odor, he passed away in less than two days.


    It was naturally impossible to write in the obituary, which was distributed out, that the emperor of Great Xia had suffocated to death due to the odor. If that happened, it would practically make everyone in the worldugh their teeth off. The obituary couldn��t say that he had died from a serious illness either because this would be a big issue that was impossible for the pce to hide.


    Eventually, all themoners and officials in the court came to a consensus and announced that the emperor of Great Xia had been secretly poisoned to death.


    At the same time, Great Xia was also preparing to use this chance to push aside its internal conflicts by diverting the people��s attention to the murderer who had poisoned the emperor of Great Xia. They wanted to take this opportunity to catch a breather.


    The next morning, countless leaflets were posted throughout the imperial capital.


    ��Ren Baqian the murderer!��


    Naturally, these big words were the doing of Su Qing.


    ��Ren Baqian who detonated the poison gas grenades�� and ��Ren Baqian who caused Great Xia��s death�� all sounded very awkward. Su Qing mulled over it for quite a long time. He was also afraid that Ren Baqian woulde and give him trouble.


    After what had happened, Su Qing was afraid that Ren Baqian would find an opportunity to seek revenge against him.


    Eventually, he decided to bluntly use the words: ��Ren Baqian the murderer.��


    At first, themoners of Great Xia were puzzled about who Ren Baqian was. Then, they recalled that he was Qi Zixiao��s gigolo. After that, they suddenly realized that it was him who had poisoned thousands of people to death in the past. Adding on that the aboriginals had previously swaggered around within the borders of Great Xia, the feelings of all the people immediately surged violently.


    Especially after the secretive urging of some people, the spearhead of themoners�� hatred was entirely directed toward Dayao.


    This was Great Xia��s emperor who had actually been poisoned to death! What kind of humiliation was this? If this wasn��t avenged, what face would the imperial family still have?


    This led the imperial family of Great Xia to scratch their heads.


    It was because they knew that this was the doing of Ren Baqian��even if Ren Baqian was in Dayao and even if the aboriginals didn��t have the ability to move so many things into the Great Xia pce.


    The remnant tubes left behind in the pce had clearly revealed the identity of the mastermind, and it was undoubtedly Ren Baqian.


    Even though these delicate devices looked different from those tiny muskmelons that exploded on the battlefield previously, they still had the same style.


    In addition, Great Xia��s imperial court wanted time to recuperate even more so at this point. They didn��t want to immediately roll up their sleeves, fight it out with the aboriginals, and spill their brains out.


    However, the focus of themoners�� hatred was currently pressuring them. At the same time, this issue also truly made the imperial court extremely furious. Likewise, the military leaders had adopted an attitude quite simr to that of themon folk.


    Another issue was Great Xia��s crown prince, who had a bunch of brothers watching him closely. If the first thing he did after ascending the throne wasn��t avenging Great Xia��ste emperor, then one could easily imagine what their reactions would be.


    As such, after a brief period of disorder and due to various reasons, Great Xia adopted a unified attitude. Whether or not they were willing to, revenge was a requirement.


    At the same time, the entirety of Great Xia began to ramp up their activities. Orders for army recruitment, tax increases, and ration stockpiling were rapidly passed down.


    Since too many people knew about this matter, the real cause of the death of Great Xia��s emperor had been spread around, especially by those who were well-informed. After all, there were too many people in the pce and a poption of nearly a million in the imperial capital.


    Some of them had also given Ren Baqian a new nickname, the Stinky Emperor.


    On one hand, it was because Ren Baqian had indeed killed an emperor with a stench. On the other hand, it referred to the intensity of the odor at the pce.


    Su Qing had also very happily sent Ren Baqian a secret message that told him about his new nickname.


    When Ren Baqian received the letter, his face waspletely ck. This stink bomb still couldn��t hold a candle to the Poison Warrior from before.


    The empress had insteadughed freely and heartily for a long time. She felt that this matter was indeed funny. Besides, the fact was that Xia Baichong had suffocated to death from the odor. It was worthy of making her happy. At once, she passed down an order to inform all court officials to attend a banquet at the pce that night for a celebration.


    After that, the news of Xia Baichong��s death was passed down and circted. Countless peopleughed until they couldn��t breathe.


    The emperor of Great Xia dying due to the stench was indeed an enormous joke.


    ��Stinky Emperor, how did you actually do it?�� During the banquet, Tong Zhenye moved close to Ren Baqian to gossip.


    ��You wish to know?�� Ren Baqian��s face was ck. Soon after, he looked over while harboring evil designs.


    ��I kind of want to know���� Tong Zhenye touched his beard, but still wasn��t able to drop that exuberant curiosity of his.


    Ren Baqian saw that the others were giving him gossipy looks as well. He felt the urge to just throw a stink bomb here at the banquet. However, he would definitely be beaten to death by the empress if he did that.


    After a while, Ren Baqian sinisterly replied, ��Wait for me outside the city tomorrow. Other interested parties can alsoe along. I will demonstrate it to you!��


    Tong Zhenye looked at Ren Baqian for a while before replying, ��You��re thinking of tricking me!��


    Ren Baqian cursed in his mind. This old fox totally didn��t resemble an aboriginal at all.


    Tong Zhenye hesitated for a while before giving a firm reply, ��Still, I can��t control my curiosity. I shall await the Stinky Emperor outside the city tomorrow.��


    <em>If he really wants to know more about the smell that killed the Great Xia emperor, I can simply just let him experience it right?</em>


    <em>And I probably might just suffocate this egotistical guy to death as well?</em>


    It was just like a tin of canned herring. Everyone knew how smelly it was, but they still wanted to challenge themselves and take a whiff of it. Especially when this stench had already be a legend after the death of the Great Xia emperor, even more people wanted to know what it actually smelled like.


    There were even people from the Great Xia imperial capital who intentionally went over to the pce for a walk. They ended up puking on their way back andmenting that the reputation of the stink bomb was indeed well deserved.


    Ren Baqian felt that Tong Zhenye deserved praise for his courage, so he couldn��t help it and eximed to himself, ��Disasters that have been lowered by Heaven can still be escaped, but the sins caused by a person can never be escaped!��

 Chapter 577 - Really Brave Warriors

    Chapter 577: Really Brave Warriors


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day after school, Ren Baqian, who had two stink bombs in his waist pocket, rushed out of the city with some guards.


    When he finally reached the outskirts of the city, he saw many people here.


    Dozens of burly men were standing there. Some were bald, some had braided hair, and all of them had arms that could racehorses. It must be mentioned that the officials of Dayao did not have much of anything to do.


    The two ministers, Tong Zhenye and Qing Chuan, were ring at each other while surrounded by officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War. The group of people wereughing boisterously.


    Standing nearby was the reclusive Xuan Hua from the Ministry of Rites, Minister Zhuo Yan from the Ministry of Criminal Justice, and Minister Xiong Yaohe from the Ministry of Appointments. Additionally, there were officials from the Ministry of Ceremonies, the Honglu Bureau, the Public Order Bureau, the Department of Inspection, the Department of Law, the Secretary of Schrs, the Secretary of Examinations, and other ministers.


    Apart from the Great Elder, the Junior Elder, and members of the Ministry of Revenue, it seemed like everyone was gathered here.


    Ren Baqian guessed that if a stink bomb was thrown at them, all the high-level officials in Dayao would be wiped out.


    He had assumed that Tong Zhenye would bring along some small fries, but he didn��t imagine that so many woulde.


    He could understand why Qin Chuan was here.


    However, weren��t the others overly exuberant in their curiosity?


    It could only be said that only a few aboriginals weren��t unreasonable!


    ��Sir Ren is here!�� Feng Houughed loudly when he saw Ren Baqian from afar and arrived in front of him after a few quick dashes.


    ��Why are there so many people?�� Ren Baqian felt giddy at the thought of blowing away all the senior personnel of Dayao with a stink bomb. How would these people face him in the future?


    ��Sir Tong and Sir Qin bet on who can withstand the foul smell of Sir Ren. After the news spread, others were also curious to know how Sir Ren killed ��Xia Baichong�� with the odor!�� Feng Houughed heartily, causing the flesh on his ugly face to ripple.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while and felt that it didn��t sound right. What did ��the foul smell of Sir Ren�� mean? It seemed to imply that he was smelly.


    His eyes swept over Feng Hou with disgust and then the crowd.


    ��How do Minister Tong and Minister Qin want to wager?��


    ��Whoever can��t bear the smell must give a wide berth when meeting the other party for one month!�� Feng Hou said.


    Ren Baqian looked amused. These two were real warriors!


    Anyone who got a whiff of this smell would certainly turn and run.


    For this bet, whoever ran away first was the loser�� The consequences would be unbearable and not worth the stakes!


    ��Sir Ren, I have waited for a long time! Let me experience the odor!�� Ton Zhenye turned his head toward Ren Baqian as heughed.


    ��Principal Ren, we have also waited for a very long time.�� Everyone cupped their hands.


    ��The opportunity is finally in my hands! When you see me next time, just give me a wide berth!�� Qin Chuan sneered.


    ��Who is this old dude shouting at?�� Tong Zhenye looked at Qin Chuan scornfully.


    ��I��m shouting at you!�� Qin Chuan was about to fall into the same pit that he had fallen into many times before.


    Ren Baqian smiled courteously as he walked through the crowd, took out two stink bombs from his waist, gesticted, and said, ��Pull this out and throw it under your feet.��


    ��Won��t it explode?�� Tong Zhenye asked doubtfully. This thing looked like it was going to explode!


    ��This isn��t a bomb, so how is that possible? Moreover, even if it explodes, it��s nothing to you seniors.��


    He gave the two gadgets to the two elders, one in each hand, then cupped his hands toward the crowd and said, ��Carry on with what you were doing. I have urgent things to do and need to see the empress!��


    After he finished speaking, he turned around and ran as if a dog was chasing him.


    He was afraid of the remote possibility of someone throwing the stink bombs at him in retaliation. Having smelled the odor once before, he didn��t want to experience it a second time.


    ��It turned out to be like this. Do I pull this ring out?�� Tong Zhenye fiddled with the stink bomb and threw it at his feet after pulling out the ring.


    After Qin Chuan did likewise, they red at each other.


    In less than five seconds, a strong, suffocating, and tear-inducing smell pervaded the air.


    The people around them screamed and scrambled away.


    The scene was simr to that of an explosion with people seen speeding away in all directions.


    They vomited as they ran and looked as though they had eaten sh*t. Sure enough, the odor was bad enough to kill ��Xia Baichong,�� which was extraordinary.


    Only Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye were left behind, standing and ring at each other as their faces turned green. The smell was suffocating them, and it felt like countless hammers were whacking their heads at the same time. Their eyes were seeing stars, their noses were running, and their tears were flowing uncontrobly.


    ��This odor can certainly kill ��Xia Baichong���� Retch���� Tong Zhengye looked like he had been kicked in the crotch dozens of times. His face alternated between turning green and blue, but he adamantly refused to run despite the agony.


    He almost ran off, but subconsciously pulled back after being reminded of the bet and steadfastly stayed put.


    He wasn��t afraid of losing, but losing to this old adversary was worse than death.


    ��Argh, you can��t hold it, can you? Get lost if you can��t bear it! Retch�� Just retreat far away when you see me next time!�� Qin Chuan��s face was in a simr condition to Tong Zhengye��s as he gritted his teeth to hold on despite the anguish.


    ��I��m obviously fine, but if your old bones can��t withstand the torment, then don��t end up like ��Xia Baichong!���� Tong Zhenye widened his eyes and squeezed out these words from his gritted teeth.


    ��The stench of Sir Ren is extraordinary. If you can��t take it, just admit defeat and I will not make you give me a wide berth!�� Qin Chuan also widened his eyes and stared fiercely at Tong Zhenye.


    ��Haha, old timer, how could it be possible that I, Tong Zhenye wouldn��t be able to withstand this foul smell? On the contrary, you can leave if you can��t bear it. I will let you off this once and not make you give me a wide berth!�� Tong Zhenye thought aboutughing but almost vomited as a result. In the end, he managed a dry smile.


    Both were unable to convince the other and endured the stench that was really over the limit while staring at each other.


    <em>Old b*stard, you want to drag me along even when dying. I will never let you off!</em>Tong Zhenye cursed Qin Chuan silently and continuously felt his tears flowing.


    <em>This old fogey is still not giving up, but I don��t believe you can hold on! </em>Qin Chuan also had this thought in mind.


    Their eyes were like copper bells staring at each other. Meanwhile, the two iron cylinders at their feet were still emitting that smell and making the stench more intense in the surrounding area.


    ��Hahaha! Do you dare to take a deep breath?�� Tong Zhenye noticed that Qin Chuan��s chest was hardly moving, so heughed.


    ��Is there any reason not to dare?�� Qin Chuan took a deep breath. His stomach turned, and he almost vomited his breakfast�� but he forced it back! His teeth still tasted of gastric acid, and he slyly said, ��Old fogey, do you dare to take a deep breath?��


    ��


    The rest of the people had escaped far away, but even though they were out of range, they could still smell the stench on their bodies that smelled like rotten corpses filled with maggots.


    Turning their heads to look at Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye, who were still standing in their original positions, the crowd couldn��t help but admire them.


    ��Those two are extraordinary!��


    After saying this, they quickly ran home to take a bath.


    Ren Baqian ran all the way back to the city wall before looking into the distance and seeing the two standing there without moving at all.


    Ren Baqian admired them in his heart and thought, <em>Those two are really brave warriors!</em>


    Taking a bath in a so-called hot feces pit wasn��t necessarilyparable to the courage of the two men out there. At the very least, Ren Baqian couldn��t do it.


    He didn��t know how many days it would take to wash off the smell from their bodies due to the fact that they were standing there in that manner. It was better to inform the empress and put them on leave!


    Otherwise, nobody would be able to stay in court the next morning.

 Chapter 579 - The Street Lamps Gave Rise to Criticism

    Chapter 579: The Street Lamps Gave Rise to Criticism


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the following days, Ren Baqian��s students encountered a problem, which was that the lotive carriage was too heavy. The mechanical energy produced by the steam engine was insufficient to move the lotive carriage. The steam engine was also too big for its frame to withstand. They had been coping with these two problems from the start, which caused the size of the lotive to begin growing bigger and bigger.


    After two weeks, it was clear that the lotive carriage was almost half the size of the courtyard.


    Ren Baqian eventually couldn��t hold it in any longer and asked, ��You bunch of blockheads! Why don��t you just rece the frames with metal?��


    ��Metal is too expensive! We can��t afford it!�� Tong Lan put herself forward and replied with the courage of her convictions. Everyone else nodded as well.


    Ren Baqian was enraged to the point that he almostughed. A bunch of officials�� offspring�� Fine, even though they were the good-for-nothings among the descendants of the officials, they must have quite a bit of pocket money? If so many of them pooled together a sum of money, they should be able to afford metal right?


    Considering that the kids didn��t seem to be faking their expressions, Ren Baqian actually thought about how he didn��t really care about the current metal production situation in Dayao, so he decided not to say anything further.


    However, he had recently discovered an interesting phenomenon. It was alright in the past, but ever since the students started building the steam engine, they had gradually divided themselves into threeyers of operation.


    The firstyerprised of Tong Lan and Shi Gan, the two strongest ones. At present, it was also evident from their bodies that only these two looked slightly cleaner, whereas the rest were a little dirtier.


    Even this duo had different levels of cleanliness. Tong Lan��s entire body was fresh and clean. Wearing a white shirt, her clothespletely didn��t fit in with the messy environment that she was in.


    As for Shi Gan, even though there was a little bit of dirt on his chest and sleeves, Ren Baqian could tell with one look at Shi Gan��s hands that they were clean and showed no signs of manualbor.


    However, Shi Gan did intentionally dirty his clothes a little just so he didn��t look that special.


    One could only say that he was worthy of being the Great Elder��s son. He was on a different level than Tong Lan, who was a foolish girl that only thought about muscles.


    These two were mainly responsible for giving out orders and putting forth ns and ideas. Among them, Shi Gan had proposed quite a number of useful suggestions, while Tong Lan��s only function was to move her mouth and be a mascot.


    Even though Tong Lan looked like she had contributed quite a fair bittely, all she did was fight with Shi Gan and suggest rotten ideas because she had entirely conflicting opinions with him.


    The secondyer included the slightly stronger students. They did less of the manualbor, and their main roles consisted of doing odd jobs and contributing ideas. Unexpectedly, the majority of this group of people were children of themoners.


    This group of people were slightly more hardworking and were pretty strong as well. After entering Ren Baqian��s school due to a freakbination of factors, their performances had generally been pretty good.


    Thestyer was headed by Du Laoliu and the others, the good-for-nothings from the families of various officials. Each of them sank down into the hard toil and were very dirty.


    The aboriginals�� principles of honoring the strong and their predatory behavior had presented itself at its best.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that such differentiation wasn��t too bad either. At least the arrangement was much better than having all themoner children do the hardbor. After all, the prevalent practices in Dayao were still rather unsophisticated.


    After ss, Ren Baqian went to inquire at the Ministry of Works.


    After asking, he found out that those students really couldn��t afford it�� Their assertions were real and not bogus.


    Even though the ore extraction from Dayao��s iron mine in Damo had been pretty sessful over thest six months and rapidly grew Dayao��s metal production, the prices hadn��t decreased much.


    The demand for metal in Dayao was indeed too high.


    Although the amount of ore extracted from the iron mine at Mount Damo had been pretty high, the top priority was to satisfy the needs of the army. During a war, the demand for weapons would always be very high.


    In addition, the people��s militia also required quite arge amount of weapons.


    After satisfying these two needs, the amount of metal left for themoners was quite small.


    All in all, the iron mine at Mount Damo had only been using the sr-powered furnace to extract ore for slightly more than six months. Taking everything into ount, there were only about 500 tons of metal produced, which was about 50,000 weapons forged. Even though this was already about 100 times faster than before, the time that had psed was too short to produce enough metal.


    There were indeed more weapons among the peoplepared to before, but they were mostly gathered in the north with the main source of supplying from the weapons that Great Xia had previously left behind. These were melted down and reforged into new ones.


    As such, the price of metal was still on the high side and only slightly lower than it was before.


    It would still be possible for the students to pool together some pocket money to buy a couple of weapons, but anything more than that would be impossible.


    500 grams of metal would cost around four taels of silver. The various frames of the steam engine, linkages, and wheels would require at least 500 kilograms of metal, which would cost 4,000 taels of silver.


    The lowest ranking official only earned around six taels of silver per month. Even though most of these students came from rather well-off families, aboriginal officials weren��t wealthy enough. Also, the majority of these students were good-for-nothings that weren��t well liked in their families, so they didn��t have much pocket money. As such, they really couldn��t afford to pay 4,000 taels of silver.


    Seeing this, Ren Baqian went back to the pce and requested for the empress to specially transfer 1,500 kilograms of metal to the school as well as order the Ministry of Works to send a few cksmiths over. A courtyard had been partitioned out of a corner of the schoolpound. Every day, all the students nged and banged over there after school. Eventually, the production of the lotive carriage once again got back on the right track.


    In fact, as long as they had a clear objective and also settled the problem of the motive force, it wouldn��t be too difficult toplete the task. It was only a matter of how much time would be needed to design a suitable frame and to build the lotive carriage.


    Even though Ren Baqian was holding on to aplete preliminary blueprint of a 20th-century lotive, he didn��t intend to take it out. He wanted to let the students experience the challenge and improve bit by bit because that would be worth much more than a train.


    Ren Baqian had always been quietly observing their changes, awaiting the day that they finally transformed.


    Ren Baqian��s daily life had also transformed into what he was looking forward to; he was busy running between two ces: the pce and the school.


    Apart from teaching sses every day, he would meditate in the pce as well as get himself walloped by the little lolita once every few days. In his free time, he would apany the empress in the pce, just sit there, and get lost in thought. Otherwise, he would be walking around in the pce and observing the minute changes around him.


    For instance, the streetmps that could be spotted everywhere.


    In the few months after returning to Lan City, Ren Baqian had begun to carry out his ��Pce Illumination Project.�� Whenever he was free, he would bring back some streetmp equipment and batteries.


    After a few months, there were now streetmps set up within the pce at 20-meter intervals that brightly lit up the pce throughout the night like a city that never slept.


    The empress was very happy with such changes. When she had free time at night, she would sit on the rooftop of her room and drink while overlooking the brightly lit pce.


    At the same time, such changes made the bodyguards and pce maids rather unused to it. They no longer needed to hold torches andnterns at night anymore. In just over a few months, the pce suddenly turned into a city that never seemed to sleep. Regardless of whether it was night or day, there wasn��t a single ce that was dark.


    Even in other parts of Lan City, one could see the exceptionally bright pce at night.


    The greatest impact on them�� Was that they couldn��t simply pee anywhere they wanted to anymore�� It was too bright��


    After all, one would need a lot of courage to pee anywhere they wanted to if the area was brightly lit and under the ring eyes of so many others.


    All the ministers in the imperial court were also amazed by the big changes in the pce. They had already discovered the streetmps in the pce much earlier on. After all, withmpposts andmpposts of street lights lined up along the paths, it would be hard for anyone to miss them.


    However, there weren��t many of those at that time. In addition, the war with Great Xia and the pacification of Tianjing Basin came one after the other. Both Ren Baqian and the empress weren��t at the pce during those events, leaving those in Lan City to make wild guesses.


    However, no matter what they guessed, there was one point that everyone was certain about��that the streetmps were definitely expensive treasures that would absorb light in the daytime and release it at night.


    They didn��t expect that the pce would be filled with these treasures within just a few months after Ren Baqian and the empress returned. The lighting left no areas in the pce neglected. It was true that they were extremely beautiful, but that actually made many people even more worried. With so many treasures lying about, they had no idea where those things came from or how much they had cost.


    With the northeast and southeast still at war, such sudden changes in the pce had invited quite a fair bit of criticism.


    In fact, this wasn��t the only thing that changed. Many of windows in the pce halls had been changed to ss. However, everyone knew that ss was produced by the royal family. As such, even though it was expensive, it didn��t give rise to much controversy.


    On the contrary, it was these streetmps that were regarded as treasures more precious than night pearls. After all, how bright were night pearls? How could theypare to the streetmps in the pce?


    This led to a private discussion between many of the ministers that concluded that the empress had changed and was bing more extravagant!


    Plus, the cause of this change was none other than the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy.

 Chapter 580 - An Adventurous Empress

    Chapter 580: An Adventurous Empress


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Earlier, those fellows were talking about the street lights in the pce again,�� the empress said unhappily while sitting at her desk.


    On the table between Ren Baqian and the empress was a hotpot exuding a nice aroma. Nearby, there was an ice box with a fan blowing cold air in their direction.


    ��Your Majesty is angry again?�� Ren Baqian filled the wine cup for the empress and asked with a smile.


    The empress grunted softly. Anyway, Dayao��s imperial court was filled with tough and thick-skinned officials, so giving them two kicks or a few ps wasn��t a big deal.


    The empress downed a cup of wine before grumbling, ��I have exined it to them before, but they can��t understand and always think of me as being too extravagant. Anyway, it isn��t up to them to question what I do!��


    In fact, thest sentence was she wanted to say.


    Other people would answer any questions a few times and would be able to clear the doubts.


    Given the character of the empress, how would it be possible for her to exin in a calm way so many times? It was hard for the senior officials of Dayao to understand that the street lights weren��t expensive.


    In this world, a street light was actually a treasured object. It didn��t produce oily smoke and stayed bright for a long time. If it was sold outside, many people would rush to buy it.


    Furthermore, Dayao had never been a rich nation. The pce��s small treasury was totally dependent on the gold mines to fund its expenditures, and everyone was used to it.


    Now that the pce had suddenly be like this, they didn��t feelfortable.


    The empress was haughty by nature and not talkative. If others asked, she wasn��t inclined to exin, which led many people to misunderstand her actions.


    ��Maybe I can exin it to them,�� Ren Baqian suggested. In fact, he had heard about this issue before, but the empress didn��t open her mouth and nobody had asked him. He couldn��t be expected to run around trying to exin that this thing wasn��t expensive.


    ��You don��t have to concern yourself with this problem,�� the empress coldly said.


    ��Pour the wine for me!��


    Ren Baqian filled her cup with wine before they toasted each other.


    After drinking his wine, he changed the topic and asked, ��How are the situations in the northeast and southeast regions?��


    ��There are 573 cities of various sizes in the Yun Nation. Zi Doni has captured 33 cities near the border. As for the southeast region, the battles are small scale without much movement.�� Speaking of this, the empress regained her spirit.


    Attacking cities and capturing territories was always a major event for every monarch.


    It was the same for the empress.


    ��Are there enough soldiers at the frontline?�� Ren Baqian asked. 15,000 soldiers and 40,000 recruits from the Protectorate of the Northeast were deployed in batches, for a total of 55,000. Before the war with Great Xia started, the aboriginals had a total of less than 100,000 soldiers.


    This 55,000 was already more than half of the original figure.


    ��I��m preparing to recruit 40,000 more recruits and will send out the conscription orders after this year,�� the empress said.


    ��Has the food problem been resolved?��


    ��Your sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and peanuts have yed a big role, and under Ge Yihong��s promotion efforts, the production volume is good. Prepare to introduce these crops to more areas next year. In addition, your cannery provides food to about 10,000 soldiers, but many people are scolding you!�� The empress grinned after saying this and felt that Ren Baqian was unfairly med.


    ��I don��t deserve to be scolded! It��s possible to exchange the canned food for livestock in the cities and then send that to the soldiers.�� Ren Baqian smiled. Not going hungry was already pretty good, yet they were still picky.


    ��For the time being, that won��t be necessary. The canned food can provide rations for 10,000 soldiers, and the main reason is that the distance is too far. Next year, after the conscription of the recruits, the canned food, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and peanuts will form the military rations and will not need to be transported to the Yun Nation,�� the empress said casually.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and concluded that he needed to bear with the scolding for some time.


    The two drank four bottles of sorghum wine and felt slightly drunk.


    ��Your wine is still nicer to drink. I��m not sure whether there��s still anymore.�� The empress��s beautiful eyes rolled about.


    ��I have told the Zhang family that this type of wine takes ten years of brewing and distition to be highly purified. The Zhang family still has one batch in the Yun Nation, but there is no way to bring it here at this time. We need to wait until half of the Yun Nation has been captured by General Zi.�� Ren Baqian saw the empress rise up to walk out and followed behind her.


    When they came out of the hall, the empress pulled Ren Baqian along and jumped up to the rooftop.


    The whole pce was seen to be well illuminated.


    The empress sat on the rooftop, supported her chin with her hand, and said joyously, ��I like the pce this way.��


    Then, her mood changed.


    ��It��s just that those people are so annoying.��


    Ren Baqian gave a wry smile as the empress grumbled about those people being verbose and annoying, yet she was reluctant to exin the situation to them.


    He stretched out his hands to hold the empress��s palm and caressed it gently. Her palm was delicate, soft, and full of warmth.


    ��What do you think the future Dayao will look like?�� The empress let him hold her hand, looked straight ahead, and was suddenly lost in thought. The two of them had already discussed this topic many times before, but it needed a long time to achieve. She would asionally use this as a way to visualize the future.


    She was like a young girl who loved to dream.


    ��Standing together with the empress is the world I hope for,�� Ren Baqian said softly.


    The empress looked at him, turned her head, and said, ��That��s an evasive answer. I want to know what Dayao will look like.��


    ��Flying cars will be everywhere�� Robots will be doing most of the jobs. After embracingmunism, the citizens will have nothing to do except look around on the street to have some fun. Then, two of them will face each other and one of them will ask, ��What are you staring at?�� The other will reply, ��Am I looking at you?�� Ultimately, they will get into a fight on the street, get caught, be put in jail by security personnel, and get whipped.��


    Ren Baqian was kicked away by the empress after saying this.


    This rascal��s words�� were like throwing a wet nket on the discussion.


    Ren Baqian got up from the ground, vaulted on top of the wall, and jumped to the rooftop of the hall to sit beside the empress. He saw the empress preparing to kick him and hastily waved his hand.


    ��Although I was joking, it isn��t totally false. Such things happen when the speed of spiritual progressgs behind that of material progress. However, I don��t think I will have the chance to see this scene, but the empress may be able to see it.��


    Even if Ren Baqian were of the same rank as the empress, his life expectancy was much lower than the empress��s. Furthermore, Ren Baqian had to shuttle between two worlds and used up a big portion of his life expectancy on Earth.


    ��I will not let you die too early, but you only move whenpelled to. Tomorrow, I will prepare a whip. If you do not cultivate diligently, I will use the whip to force you!�� said the empress as she looked at him sideways. Her tone was full of implications.


    Ren Baqian instantly sobered up.

 Chapter 581 - I Am Dou Dou

    Chapter 581: I Am Dou Dou


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At present, it was already the third week of December in this world, but the sun still shone brightly in the sky like a furnace.


    Four seasons of blistering hot weather in a year, or rather, two seasons in a year.


    One rainy season and one dry season.


    Even during the rainy season, the weather was incessantly hot and stuffy. As for the dry season, everyone would be drenched in perspiration when out in the sun.


    ��Ah�� Ah�� Ah����


    The sound of a man groaning came through from the training ground in the pce.


    Ren Baqian was currently doing a front split movement on top of a burning hot te. In addition, he was also exerting all his strength to try to bring the leg behind him to bend forward and stretch toward his neck.


    For one, he felt that his leg hurt like it was being torn apart.


    Secondly, he felt that his balls were in distress.


    Distressed balls indeed.


    Ren Baqian��s balls were pressed against the burning hot te, and out of the blue, he suddenly thought about the legend of frying an egg on a te!


    Asking a 1.75 meter tall man who weighed 110 kilograms to do such a movement.


    What the f*ck!


    ��Your body is too stiff. Hold it for another five minutes. If you do this every day, your body will be more flexible and learning the [Hunter Techniques] will be faster and easier.��


    The empress sat in a chair with a whip in one hand and a wine ss in the other while consoling Ren Baqian from time to time.


    Behind her were the pce maids, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were both smiling happily.


    Ren Baqian scowled miserably��who had he offended? It was merely those words he had said that day on the rooftop of the pce hall. The next day, the empress actually did what she said she would and changed to using a whip��


    Each time he felt like cing his rear leg down, the empress��s whip would screech through the air andsh the te beside him. Strips of stone would break apart, forming cracks�� This was actually a two-inch thick te!


    ��Your Majesty�� It��s almost cooked���� Ren Baqian replied in anguish.


    ��Pass down the order to apply thefrey ointment for him before practice tomorrow,�� the empress told Hong Luan.


    ��Yes, Your Majesty.�� Hong Luan pursed up her lips and smiled.


    ��I think we can forget about it��I can still endure a little more!�� Ren Baqian��s facial expression suddenly began to change irregrly.


    Comfrey ointment was something like the essential balm of this world and also had a few other effects. However, applying essential balm to his balls wasn��t something that he wanted to experience for a second time.


    With great difficulty, Ren Baqian managed to endure for another five minutes. Without dy, Ren Baqian leaped up, ran toward the empress, andid down on the chair beside her. He then took a big gulp of iced fruit juice before finally feeling alive again.


    The imperial canopy that Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were holding was also conveniently shielding him with the shade.


    ��I felt like I almost died.�� Ren Baqian let out a long exhale.


    ��It��s not that I want to monitor you, but you have been too idle.��


    The empress felt a little helpless. Ren Baqian was doing fine in other aspects, but he had been toozy in practicing his martial arts. It had been slightly better when he was practicing the [Ruyi Visualization] because that was the fundamentals after all. As for the other types of punching and kicking martial arts, he didn��t take them seriously.


    After exactly one year, the only move that he was confident in using would probably be the [Boxing of Death].


    Ren Baqian had been slow in his progress of learning the [Hunter Techniques], which were the moves that the empress regarded as the most important. When he was practicing alone, he would immediately give up whenever he reached a certain level of pain.


    As such, the empress had no choice but to watch him as he trained and even had to resort to using a whip.


    However, the empress felt that using the whip was actually a pretty fun thing to do.


    ��However, I saw that Your Majesty seemed pretty happy when you wereshing that whip!�� Ren Baqian had a hidden bitterness on his face.


    ��Her Majesty��s treatment of Sir Ren is unrivalled��she doesn��t care this much for anyone else.�� Qing Yuan pursed her lips and smiled.


    Ren Baqian sighed indistinctly.


    <em>Such is life.</em>


    The hardest thing to bear was a beauty��s grace. Was that how the saying went? Indeed, such grace granted by a beauty like the empress was extremely difficult to bear!


    When he was dining with the empress in the evening, Ren Baqian asked, ��Your Majesty, do you want to experience the New Year atmosphere on Earth? It��spletely different from Dayao. The atmosphere there is much more normal without a rack of bones on the wall that makes noises when the wind blows.��


    The empress muttered irresolutely, ��Has ��Where the Legend Begins�� <sup>1</sup> finished airing?��


    ��Thest two episodes should already be out!�� Ren Baqian��s face suddenly turned ck.


    <em>Are you still thinking about binge-watching television series, Your Majesty?</em>


    ��Let��s go then,�� the empress replied after pondering for a bit. Otherwise, she would have to wait for Ren Baqian to download and bring it back before she could watch it.


    Ren Baqian��s jaw dropped. Where did that highly reserved empress go to? Why had she be a binge-watching monster?


    ��Your Majesty, we have to spend the New Year at my house, and we��ll be meeting my parents!�� Ren Baqian still took a preventive measure in case of any unexpected circumstances that might arise when they went back.


    ��I��ve met them previously. Even though they were rather reserved, they were pretty good-natured.��


    The empress thought about it for a moment and still remembered what Ren Baqian��s parents were like.


    <em>They were only reserved in your presence. They are usually very talkative, especially my father! </em>Ren Baqian thought about this in his mind but didn��t say it out loud.


    It was all good that the empress didn��t have any reaction.


    He could finally take the empress back home to celebrate the New Year this year, which was actually great. It would be good if his parents weren��t as nervous and awkward as the previous time.


    The duo arrived back on Earth in Ren Baqian��s room. With the house bing crowded with more people, he would arrive back in his room instead of the living area every time he shuttled to and fro.


    The environment changed with a warp of the surrounding. The next moment, all they heard was the mor from downstairs. It was almost like a market!


    They could hear indistinct voices saying ��Four twos!�� and ��Small ace!��


    After they changed out of their clothes, the empress��s image immediately turned from a monarch to a city beauty who wore a red dress��alright, it had always been red. She then put on a pair of cloth ts. Simply wearing a pair of old-fashioned Beijing cloth ts, the empress made them look like a top-notch international luxury brand.


    She casually let her hair down and it looked like a waterfall falling behind her back.


    ��Hi boss, hidy boss!�� Those kids from the mountainous regions weren��t just six muscr and beefy men anymore, they had multiplied to 16 now�� Seeing the two of them walk down the stairs, sounds of the sofa ruffling and items crashing began to ring out. Wine bottles smashed against the floor, drenching two sets of poker cards.


    Imagine what the scene would look like with 16 burly men who weighed 150 kilograms and had been drinking. Standing among them, Ding Jie��s small build looked like a bean sprout. He stood there and greeted Ren Baqian and the empress while looking aggrieved. The word ��b*stard�� was written all over his face.


    The faces of all the other 16 men were clean��only Ding Jie��s face was full of the word ��b*stard���� He almost didn��t look like a human anymore.


    Ren Baqian suspected that they were ying some sort of game where the winners could write the word ��b*stard�� on his face.


    Ren Baqian really couldn��t bear to ask why Ding Jie was the only one with words written all over his face. Ren Baqian couldn��t help but wonder if he should give Ding Jie a sry raise. However, Ren Baqian recalled that Ding Jie seemed to have greeted the empress as dy boss�� just now and decided that he should drop the idea of giving him a raise.


    ��The New Year is in two days��aren��t you going back?�� Ren Baqian looked at Ding Jie and asked.


    ��My flight is tomorrow morning,�� Ding Jie immediately responded.


    Ren Baqian nodded and called Shen Feng, getting her to buy two round trip tickets.


    When the call ended, those 16 winged cavalry warriors had tidied up the area around the sofa.


    Ren Baqian then sprawled out on the sofa and said, ��You guys can��t just spend every day here eating, sleeping, and hitting Dou Dou. You��ve got to do something else.��


    ��Lady boss, who is Dou Dou?�� the 16 winged cavalry warriors asked curiously.


    With the word ��b*stard�� written all over his face, Ding Jie answered with a faceful of grief and indignation, ��I��m Dou Dou!��


    The thought of this made Ding Jie look like a woman full ofints, which was practically a tragedy. What happened to the impoverished vige kids that they talked about initially�� Why did it be like this?


    ��Cough, cough!�� Ren Baqian cleared his throat. ��I had originally nned to set up a securitypany. However, after some thought, I feel that we should build a few martial arts centers! This would be more suitable for you and would allow you to bring out your innate qualities!��


    Ren Baqian��s initial objective wasn��t to bring over ten winged cavalry warriors just to guard the house. He wanted to build up his influence, which would prevent him from being helpless when running errands.


    At present, the winged cavalry warriors who had stayed here the longest had already been here for over a year, and they were very familiar with the basic situation here on Earth.


    It was time to let them out.


    ��Where can I watch ��Where the Legend Begins?�� Find it for me.�� The empress poked Ren Baqian, causing half of his body to immediately go numb.


    Ren Baqian found the show for her before continuing to talk to the rest with a calm look, ��I guess you guys have an idea of what I��m talking about. As for Ding Jie, you won��t have to idle around anymore. I will make arrangements for you����


    ��Why am I only able to watch for six minutes?�� The empress poked Ren Baqian again.


    Half of Ren Baqian��s body went numb again��


    He nced at the empress with a trace of hidden bitterness. He then took his phone from her and checked before saying, ��The subscription has ended. Let me renew it now!��


    After he was done with that, Ren Baqian raised his head and looked at everyone in front of him. He opened his mouth and suddenly forgot what he had wanted to say just now.


    ��Forget it. Let��s talk about it after the New Year.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand.

 Chapter 582 - The Compliments of Others are Just Stating the Facts!

    Chapter 582: The Compliments of Others are Just Stating the Facts!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Early the next day, Ren Baqian and the empress went downstairs and saw the 16 winged cavalry warriors standing orderly as if they were looking forward to something.


    This was especially true for Shi Yang and Ge Lu as they almost yelled out, ��Me, me, pick me!��


    Ren Baqian was full of emotion. During the New Yearst year, he brought the two of them back home as bodyguards, but they ended up acting out their own rendition of ��Escape to Victory.�� They created trouble the entire way and even ended up entering Kim Jong Un��s territory.


    There was also no telling how those two actually moved the man that the whole world considered to be the strongest; the post-80 who withstood pressure from the entire world.


    ��Xiong Bing, Xu Wei, the two of you. The others shall stay here well-behaved. Someone will send over the meat and wine.�� Ren Baqian nced over all of the winged cavalry and picked two of them to be his bodyguards. They also happened to be the earliest to arrive this morning and were immediately overjoyed at this unexpected good news.


    For the entire year, they had been hearing the other two winged cavalry brag about their experiences outside, which made the rest feel extremely envious.


    After the four of them left the house, Ren Baqian turned to look at the empress from time to time while he was driving.


    ��What are you looking at? Look again and I��ll dig your eyeballs out!�� the empress said with a cold look on her face. She felt uneasy because she was constantly being looked at.


    Ren Baqianughed when he heard this and said, ��I actually rarely see Your Majesty doll up and put on makeup. You look even prettier now.��


    The empress wore a red dress with a ck coat over it. She actually put on lipstick as well, which was a very rare sight. Even though she didn��t put on any other makeup, her fiery red lips were enough to make her look even more gorgeous.


    The two in the backseat didn��t dare to join the conversation and pretended as if they hadn��t heard anything.


    The empress groaned softly before turning away to look outside the window.


    Even though she had never spent the New Year in this world before, she had seen it several times in the soap operas and at least knew that it was also a rather important event. She was especially looking forward to the fireworks disy all over the city during the New Year.


    ��Eh, Gang Beng!�� the empress said suddenly. Ren Baqian turned his head and looked over, only to see a mother and her son by the road. The child was about six years old, whereas the mother was in her early thirties. There was also a robotic dog on the ground that was going through a tough time.


    The name ��Gang Beng�� that the empress called out was in reference to that robotic dog.


    The empress��s first robotic dog was damaged by Qing Ping. Ren Baqian then got her a few more that she named Gang Beng, Gang Ya, Gang Gu, Gang Jin, Gang Pi, and Gang Zhua. She was fond of them for quite some time.


    Lately, however, the empress very seldom recharged their batteries and didn��t expect to be reminded of them after seeing someone else��s robotic dog here.


    In fact, simply because the empress saw that robotic dog on the street, she recalled the days when she was fond of those little things and felt a little sentimental. After all, those dogs were part of her fond memories, and she didn��t have many memories like those.


    The current date was the 11th of February, 2021. Yet another year had passed by so quickly. Even though there hadn��t been much change in Shanghai, there were still slight differences.


    Ren Baqian saw advertisements for automated cars many times and had even seen a few of them along the road. This made him decide to get one for himself so that he can rest his hands. This way, he could also stop thinking about how to make those idiots get driver��s licenses. He believed that they would definitely drive a car like a tank.


    Apart from this, there were now many automated banks and supermarkets that he could asionally see along the streets. They had only been testing those out in certain areas a few years ago.


    Advertisements for household educational robots were widespread as well and could often be seen on automated public transportation. Even small hospitals that relied mainly on medical robots had started to appear as well. It was said that the robots in those hospitals could diagnose normal ailments via the inte, prescribe medications, and even hook someone up to an intravenous drip.


    In addition, these hospitals with medical robots could extend to everymunity and street in the future. Like household educational robots, these medical robots could even be a part of many families.


    Flying motorcycles hadn��t been released due to the air traffic regtions. However, Ren Baqian had already seen footage of flying motorcycles gliding around in videos from some oil-rich countries. Some countries had already been working on legiting new air traffic regtions, and this was also an inevitable future for China.


    Everything was developing and evolving at lightning speed.


    Even Ren Baqian was beginning to feel more and more uncertain of what the future of Earth would be like. The passage of time was too fast, and this was even more so for him. It somehow made him feel like he would be abandoned by the new age at any moment, so he would make the most of his time whenever he returned to understand the changes on Earth.


    It was snowing when they arrived at S City, which made Xiong Bing and Xu Wei a little excited. It was very rare for them to see snow back in Dayao.


    Even the empress stretched out her hand to touch the dancing snowkes in the air.


    From the way they acted, everyone around them knew at first sight that they were from the south. However, with those two burly and fearsome looking men around, nobody was going to start a conversation about them.


    After crashing into two cars and driving off right away, Ren Baqian still answered Mama Ren��s call while he was driving. They arrived back home before the sky turned dark.


    When they arrived, Papa Ren was still carrying some things in the corridor while smoking and chatting with a neighbor. He immediately beamed with joy when he saw theming home.


    ��You are back!�� Papa Ren��s face grew serious, disying the imposing presence of the head of the household in front of his neighbor. Then, he suddenly asked the empress enthusiastically, ��You are back too? Zixiao, why are you wearing so little? And these two are?��


    The empress was dressed in a red dress and a ck fur coat; her attire did indeed look rather thin.


    ��Your eldest son is back?�� The neighbor was also a man in his fifties who had heard that the Ren family��s eldest son was very rich and resided overseas. This was the first time they had ever met.


    After looking at them, he immediately felt apprehensive. Thedy was incredibly beautiful and didn��t look like an ordinary person.


    The other three didn��t look like ordinary people either, but they also didn��t seem like good people.


    This was especially so for those two fearsome looking men who made one tremble simply by looking at them.


    There was also a tall and strong looking man. He should be the eldest son of the Ren family? Since they are from the same family�� Why were they so different?


    Both the youngest son, who rarely returned, and the old folks of the Ren family looked like good-natured and ordinary people.


    However, this�� and those two behind�� They were clearly not the same kind of people!


    This subconsciously made him feel like he should keep a further distance away from this Ren family.


    ��Let��s chat again another day. We��ll go up first!�� Papa Ren called out to his neighbor before enthusiastically calling out to the others,�� It��s cold outside��hurry ande in.��


    After entering the elevator, Ren Baqian looked at the empress and realized that her body was a little stiff. Her gaze had also drifted away a little as she constantly looked at the ceiling.


    Ren Baqian grabbed ahold of the empress��s hand. Then, she firmly gripped it.


    ��Ah!�� Ren Baqian��s turned pale as he took in some fresh air. It felt like his bones were on the brink of breaking!


    ��What��s wrong?�� Papa Ren hurriedly looked over, didn��t see anything, and raised his head again to look at the ceiling,


    ��It��s nothing!�� Ren Baqian inhaled cool air as he turned and looked at the empress while feeling wronged. She gave him a resolute stare, which made him feel a little baffled. He hadn��t even provoked her at all!


    After entering the house, Papa Ren called out to Mama Ren, ��Look who��s here!��


    ��Brother!�� Ren Wannian came out from the room to greet his older brother before looking surprised and saying, ��Sister-inw! This is the first time I��m seeing you in person��you are much prettier than you look in pictures! Prettier than a celebrity!��


    The empress nodded gently as a form of greeting.


    Staying very calm and collected, she epted Ren Wannian��s praise.


    Before knowing Ren Baqian, the empress would have still felt very happy to receive suchpliments. However, after an extended period of ��baptism,�� aside from Ren Baqian��spliments, she felt that other people were merely stating ordinary facts that there were no doubts about. Did she have to mind it when others were stating facts? Absolutely not!


    As a result, suchpliments naturally wouldn��t make her feel as if something was amiss.


    However, she saw that Ren Wannian��s eyes looked much gentler and felt that he was a much nicer person.


    After leaving them to Mama Ren, Papa Ren went back into his room and took a few deep breaths. This Zixiao��s imposing manner was so strong that he had to watch his words when talking to her. Except for the fact that she was too cold toward others and her aura was too strong, everything else about this daughter-inw was good. A small and simple family definitely wouldn��t be able to handle this.


    ��Does sister-inw have a younger sister?��

 Chapter 583 - Battle of Wits and Courage

    Chapter 583: Battle of Wits and Courage


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    For the rest of the evening, Papa Ren, Mama Ren, and Ren Wannian were basically just wandering around the empress. All they did was simply meander around her. They didn��t talk much because it took some courage to continuously hold a conversation with her.


    They didn��t know what she liked or what else to talk about either. With the empress��s aura, they couldn��t simply chatter like a family as they usually did and say whatever they wanted.


    All they did was repeatedly wander around her. asionally, Ren Baqian would hear Mama Ren answer a phone call and go on bbering stuff like, ��My son��s girlfriend is here, so I won��t be there!��


    Almost all parents in the world had the same urge to show off. From showing off that their children were obedient in at an early age to their studies, work, and ie to their daughters-inw and grandchildren��


    Money wasn��t something to unt anymore. In order to prevent things from bing troublesome, Papa Ren and Mama Ren had already begun to avoid doing that. After all, they were people from the older generation and were pretty prudent about such matters.


    Their son had been out and about for many years and seldom showed his face. Even though he had always said that he had a girlfriend, she had never appeared before, which made many people feel apprehensive.


    Mama Ren then shed out the selfie that Ren Baqian took back when he was fleeing from the nation.


    ��Look, this is my daughter-inw!��


    Many gasps of surprise could be heard following that.


    This was also the topic that Mama Ren loved to talk abouttely.


    Now that her son and daughter-inw were back at home, she wished she could tell this to the entire world.


    Who else had such a beautiful daughter-inw? With such a temperament as well? And she also held a high position as an official! She was as good as perfect.


    The entire night had also made the empress extremely tired. Even though she just sat there in the same position throughout, it was ufortable to have people simply walking around her repeatedly!


    When it waste, the empress eventually found an opportunity to whisper to Ren Baqian, ��What time are the fireworks?��


    ��What about fireworks? What fireworks? They have been prohibited for a long time. What fireworks are you talking about?��


    The empress��s face turned ck on the spot. She had hoped toe over and see the fireworks disy all over the city, but ended up hearing that there weren��t any?


    <em>Are you asking for ash of the whip?</em>


    Looking at the empress��s expression, Ren Baqian immediately came to his senses. Would the empress be so delighted toe over simply to watch the fireworks? Why else would she be asking this question now?


    He immediately changed his tune and said, ��However, who would refuse if Qi Zixiao wishes to see fireworks? Even if it��s prohibited, it isn��t impossible. However, everyone is in the prohibited zone, so we can only do it ourselves.��


    After giving it some thought, the empress now wanted to watch the scene of the entire city setting off fireworks even more. If that wasn��t possible, then doing it herself would also be an option.


    Even though she had imagined the idea of having fireworks in the entire city from television shows, her mind had selectively chosen to forget this fact.


    There were four rooms in this house, so there happened to be a vacant guest room for the empress.


    The two winged cavalry warriors then had to share a room with Ren Baqian, who eventually chased them out to sleep in the living room.


    The two of them actually didn��t mind. What living conditions hadn��t they encountered before as a winged cavalry warrior? Deste countrysides were numerous, and it would already be considered pretty good to have a roof above their heads.


    It was just that Ren Baqian was almost scared out of his skin when he went to the toilet in the middle of the night. From the lights in his room, all he saw was two people sitting on the sofa with bright and shiny eyes. They were almost like lightbulbs in the dark.


    It was indeed frightening to see two silhouettes in the darkness, especially in the middle of the night.


    ��Why aren��t you sleeping yet?�� Ren Baqian sighed and asked. Neither of them had any response.


    As Ren Baqian frowned, his heart immediately skipped a beat. They didn��t respond. Did something happen? What happened?


    ��Xiong Bing, Xu Wei!�� Ren Baqian called out their names softly, but they still didn��t have any reaction.


    Ren Baqian suddenly tensed up. Had something gone wrong?


    After thinking carefully, there shouldn��t be anything on Earth that would affect them. Even if there was, it wouldn��t elude the empress, who was sound asleep in the room next door.


    After standing still for two minutes, Ren Baqian turned on the lights out of worry. He then saw the two of them sitting on the sofa with ring eyes that were looking ahead. It was as if they were staring at something.


    Ren Baqian looked at where they were staring. Other than the television set that was mounted on the wall, there was only air.


    ��What��s going on?�� Ren Baqian stood still and observed for some time, but he couldn��t make anything of it. Then, he stepped forward, took a closer look at them, and realized that their gazes were ck and had absolutely no focus.


    He stretched out his arm and waved it in front of them, but there still wasn��t any reaction from them. Their chests continued moving up and down, which meant that they were still alive.


    Ren Baqian started worrying again. Could something have happened to them? They were from the winged cavalry��what could have happened? Could it be that someone was in control of them? How could someone gain control of them without even rming the empress?


    Could there be someone capable of that on Earth? Could that mysterious monk even be capable of that?


    It couldn��t be that mysterious monk, could it? It shouldn��t be since there was no conflict between the monk and himself. He had received the second batch of peaches from the monk just two months ago.


    Could it be that there was someone else like the monk in this world?


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian��s gaze immediately sharpened.


    In a low voice, he eximed, ��Who?!��


    There was only silence.


    Ren Baqian looked around the entire room, only to see that there wasn��t anything wrong with the surroundings. There were no other people in the room. All the doors and windows were sealed shut.


    ��Don��t me me if you still don��t show yourself!��


    Still, there was only silence!


    Really no one? Then what exactly happened? Could it be something supernatural that he didn��t know about?


    Ren Baqian raised his alertness and ensured that there wasn��t any danger before gently tapping their shoulders.


    Their originally ck vision suddenly became focused. They looked at Ren Baqian, as if they had just woken up from a dream and asked, ��Lady boss? What��s wrong?��


    ��What��s wrong with the two of you?�� Ren Baqian scanned the surroundings with heightened alertness.


    ��Resting!��


    ��That��s right, we were resting!��


    Upon hearing this, Ren Baqian��s face immediately turned ck. Considering that he had been puzzling over this the entire time, the two of them had simply been sound asleep?


    <em>You guys sleep with your eyes open? Both of you do that together? With your eyes ring like bronze bells? And to still be able to sleep so soundly? Huh? Huh? Huh?</em>


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what else to say and ignored them as he walked to the toilet with a ck face. After he was done peeing, he brought out two towels and tied them around the wing cavalry warriors�� heads, covering their faces.


    ��Sir Ren?��


    ��Cover your faces in case you scare people!��


    Still looking unhappy, Ren Baqian turned the lights off. With the aid of the lights from his room, he turned around, looked at them, and ineffably felt that they looked like the vampires from the [1.Lam Ching Ying �C a Hong Kong actor] vampire shows.


    He then returned to his room. After sleeping for just a while, he heard the sound of another room door opening, followed by Ren Wannian��s frightened scream.


    After that, Papa Ren and Mama Ren both came out to check. After some ruckus, the house finally became silent again.


    The next day, Ren Wannian got out of bed with dark circles around both eyes and looked at Ren Baqian with hidden bitterness.


    ��Brother, I was scared to deathst night.��


    ��How old are you already? You aren��t a kid anymore. As a man, you must remainposed even if Mount Tai copses in front of you. Isn��t it embarrassing to be frightened so easily?�� Ren Baqian grumbled.


    ��Got it, brother.�� Ren Wannian lowered his head and listened to Ren Baqian��s advice. After some thought, he felt a little embarrassed.


    Not long after, Papa Ren and Mama Ren both came out as well, followed by the empress.


    Among all of them, the only person who wasn��t affected that much was the empress.


    In reality, she also wasn��t able to sleep wellst night. Living in an unfamiliar environment with a few unfamiliar people who were important, the empress actually couldn��t sleep well. This was something that rarely happened.


    Naturally, she could also hear what went on outside very clearly.


    She had even heard Ren Baqian very clearly when he was having a battle of wits and courage against the air.


    Even though she didn��t see what happened, she could fully imagine it. However, she totally didn��t have the intention of warning Ren Baqian about it. She stayed in her room and felt delighted as she listened to Ren Baqian entertain himself outside for a long time.


    As such, she came out of her room in the morning with a smile on her face, which made Papa Ren, Mama Ren, and Ren Wannian feel that her austerity had worn off quite a bit.

 Chapter 584 - Various Ways to Supplement the Brain

    Chapter 584: Various Ways to Supplement the Brain


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    From early morning onward, Ren Baqian directed the two winged cavalry warriors to paste Spring Festival couplets and the character for ��good fortune.�� Meanwhile, the empress looked on animatedly from behind.


    ��Move a bit to the left�� to the left�� Do you know which way is left��?��


    ��Zixiao, what do you think?�� Ren Baqian turned to the empress.


    ��Heaven adds another year of time, and people add another year of life. Springes to the world, bringing best wishes to the family�� A very good poem! What are the following two lines?�� The empress recited the couplets on both sides of the door and gasped in admiration.


    ��There��s nothing that follows.��


    ��Oh, eunuch!�� the empress said with a tinge of regret.


    Ren Baqian felt likeughing, but refrained from doing so because there was an 80 percent chance of getting whacked.


    ��The way the words are written isn��t bad, but it��s inferior due to theck of spirit! It isn��t even as good as your writing!�� the empressmented.


    ��I thank Your Majesty for the appreciation!�� Ren Baqian looked at the two guys and said, ��Put down your hands. Why are the two of you still holding it?��


    ��Oh!�� The two men lowered their hands and saw two pairs of palm prints that were one centimeter deep and clearly imprinted above and below the couplets on the door frame��


    Ren Baqian��s mouth twitched before he chased the two fellows into the house. After he went inside, his father came out to verify that the couplets weren��t pasted crookedly. He came back with a puzzled look.


    He looked at the two winged cavalry warriors as if they were animals.


    Ren Baqian��s parents and Ren Wannian received meat that Ren Baqian brought back from the other world every month. Their cultivation rate was rtively fastpared to the effort they put in. Even whenpared to those military personnel with martial skills, they weren��t slow.


    After one year, their strength had increased tremendously.


    Mama Ren carried a 25 kilogram bag of rice upstairs without gasping for air.


    However, the deeply imprinted palm prints made her feel there was something savage going on.


    In particr, this wasn��t done with a strike and no sound was heard. The imprint was simply from being pressed on, which made it even more monstrous.


    Even Ren��s father felt that if humans became this dreadful, the world could really change dramatically in the future.


    During the day, Ren Baqian managed to find time to chat with his father for a while, and the pair had the same opinion. With the rapid advancement of science, technology, and martial arts, nobody knew what this world would be like in the future.


    His father didn��t worry too much about himself as these changes would not happen overnight and he was already old.


    He was just worried about the future for Ren Baqian and Ren Wannian.


    ��Don��t worry about me! I have money and power, so I will not suffer regardless of the changes!�� Ren Baqian, perceiving his father��s thoughts, gesticted at him andughed.


    ��Rich and powerful?�� His father scoffed. ��Can your pittance make you rich and powerful? In the eyes of themoners, it��s good enough, but to those who are really rich and influential, it counts for nothing. In the past, we were at most considered as a humble family.��


    ��Dad, do you understand what a humble family is?��


    ��Do you think the ordinary citizens are poor and humble? They are even worse than that. The humble and poor also have another name: themoner, which corresponds to the gentry. Only those with a prefecture level of reputation can be part of the gentry, whereas those with a county level of reputation are squires andmoners. In the past, a prefecture was equivalent to a modern day province, while a county was simr to an ordinary district. With enough power and considerable say in an ordinary district, it would almost be as good as being the richest.


    How much money do the richest in a district possess? Not to mention others, do you know the Xiu family here? At least 10 billion yuan. There should be many others with a few hundred million as well. The bosses of those restaurant and pharmaceuticalpanies, how many aren��t worth hundreds of millions? What are you worth? Plus, your wealth hasn��t even crossed three generations��saying that youe from a humble background is already giving you face.��


    This lecture from his father made Ren Baqian angry. He then asked with a puzzled look, ��Is this the meaning of a humble family?��


    As for the Xiu family, he already knew about them, but it was too much to include them as they also owned a famous pharmaceuticalpany. Although this district wasn��t big, there were at least 180 distilleries and pharmaceuticalpanies. When he had returned some time ago, he counted over 40 pharmaceuticalpanies on that road alone.


    If it was calcted this way, many people worth hundreds of millions were no big deal.


    ��Being ignorant and ipetent, you think being humble means not having enough to wear during winter to stay warm,�� Papa Ren lectured Ren Baqian. He felt great because he hadn��t had the chance to exert his authority for a long time.


    ��Don��t show off the little knowledge that you have. Since your father learned about those things you brought, he became addicted to ssical culture and studied them all day long.�� Mama Ren came out of the kitchen to reveal the situation.


    ��It��s never too old to learn.�� Papa Ren was indifferent since he could still lecture his son.


    ��Lady boss is a future member of the imperial family, so how can he be from a humble family?�� The two winged cavalry warriors grinned.


    ��Lady boss? Imperial family?�� Ren��s father gaped in surprise and subconsciously looked at the empress. Seeing that she kept a calm face and did not refute it, he didn��t know whether he had heard it or not.


    However, as for the imperial family�� Was this daughter-inw rted to the one at the top?


    As the mind of Ren��s father whirled, he was jolted.


    He nced at the empress again and found it more and more likely. Her imposing manner couldn��t havee from being raised by an ordinary family�� Furthermore, the two underlings of Ren Baqian were obviously not ordinary people. This could be deduced from the way they directly left four palm imprints on the doorframe.


    Where did he get these assistants from? Could he afford to employ them with his pitiful resources? Who was he bluffing?


    Where did his employeese from? He was terrified after thinking about it.


    His face turned pale, then green, and finally ck. He jumped up and headed into the house.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ren Baqian saw the changing expressions on his father��s face before his father subsequently returned to the house without saying a word. Ren Baqian was also startled and wondered what his father��s brain was processing.


    ��I am going to eat the Six vor Rehmanni pills[1.Six vor Rehmanni pills: a prescription in traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacy to treat yin deficiency] to suppress my shock!�� Papa Ren said without even turning his head.


    ��Ptui!�� Ren Baqian spat right away.


    Papa Ren didn��t mention anything about a humble family when he returned and acted as if nothing had happened. He kept on saying that he regarded the leader as wise, that the present development was very good, and that all of this depended on the leadership of the party. It left Ren Baqian confused.


    Still, those two winged cavalry warriors weren��t wrong��she was indeed part of the imperial lineage, but not what his father imagined��


    Ren Baqian pulled his father to one side and exined, ��The status of Zixiao is rather special, but it is not what you imagine.��


    ��Special? Understand, I understand that it can��t be mentioned. Don��t worry, your father has eaten more salt than you have eaten rice. How would it be possible for me not to understand?�� Papa Ren seemed to indicate that he understood and then fell into deep thought again.


    If Zixiao was capable herself and her family also capable in their own right, it would be fine.


    However, if she had a connection to the top echelon, it would be troublesome. Could he still regard her as his daughter-inw? Was it possible for his son to be together with her?


    Ren Baqian saw his expression and was lost for words. Finally, he said, ��You really don��t understand��she has no connection to the topmost one.��


    Papa Ren immediately assumed that there was no connection to the topmost one, but could there be a rtion to the next in line? Was the next in line already confirmed?


    ��Well, your father understands. It��s just that you�� I can��t take care of your business anyway, so you better pay more attention.�� Papa Ren shook his head.


    Ren Baqian realized that if he didn��t exin clearly, his father simply wouldn��t understand.


    But could he exin the status of the empress? How would he exin? An empress from another world?


    <em>Let it be��</em>


    After some consideration, Ren Baqian decided not to exin because the more he exined, the worse it would get.


    From afternoon until evening, Papa Ren didn��t exhibit any unusual behavior and didn��t even talk to Mama Ren. Instead, he sat there looking worried from time to time.


    At about seven plus at night (TLC. Not sure what ��seven plus�� refers to.), Ren Baqian dragged the empress and the two winged cavalry warriors downstairs, followed by Ren Wannian.


    Two SUVs and a pickup truck were already waiting below. The cargo bed of the pickup was tightly wrapped in canvas.


    ��Elder brother, why be so secretive?�� Ren Wannian looked at his brother, then at the two human bears, andstly at his sister-inw. All of them were wearing a singleyer of clothing and didn��t seem to feel cold in this -20 degree Celsius weather.


    He was the only one who was all bundled up.


    He unzipped his parka and felt the cold wind hitting him. He shivered and hastily zipped it back up.


    ��Let��s start the fireworks!�� Ren Baqian greeted and got on board.


    The group drove 20 minutes to the suburbs, found an empty area, and pulled open the canvas. On the cargo bed of the pickup, there were all kinds of fireworks.


    Not long after, the first burst of fireworks was seen in the sky, followed by many more starbursts.


    The empress looked at the glowing blossoms in the sky that reflected on her face as flickering lights and was filled with tranquillity and peace.


    Ren Baqian fittingly stretched out his hand to hold the empress��s hand as they stood there side by side.


    ��Are you feeling cold?�� Ren Baqian asked softly as he looked at Ren Wannian and the two winged cavalry warriors happily setting off fireworks in the distance.


    As long as she said it was cold, it would be right and proper to hug her.


    ��I��m not cold!��


    ��Oh, but I feel so cold. Your Majesty, I request a hug!�� Ren Baqian dered happily as he prepared for her kick. He was anticipating an intimate encounter with the snow.


    However, the empress softly embraced him from behind, rested her chin on his shoulder, and said tenderly, ��Are you warm now?��


    ��Very warm!�� Ren Baqian smiled and held her hands in front of him.


    When the two winged cavalry warriors in the distance happened to see the empress together with Ren Baqian, they turned away with satisfied smiles and jubntly continued to set off the fireworks.


    To be able to see Her Majesty together with the person she loved and to see her smiling gently was a form of bliss for these guards whose very purpose of existence was to serve the empress.

 Chapter 585 - The Sick Chrysanthemum

    Chapter 585: The Sick Chrysanthemum


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Coming back during the New Year this time around, Ren Baqian and the empress thought that they could enjoy the atmosphere of the celebration and also rx for a couple of days.


    However, the truth was that they had absolutely expected too much.


    Everyone had only heard of the empress��s name, but had never seen her over thest few years. Mama Ren had also boasted about her so much. The empress had finally shown herself and was no longer just a stunning photograph anymore.


    Since the first day of the Lunar New Year, Ren Baqian��s seventh paternal aunt, eighth maternal aunt, fifth paternal uncle, third maternal uncle, and second paternal uncle had all visited the Ren family��s house. There were so many people walking in and out that it was as if it was Lan City��s city gate.


    Nominally, they were of course here to visit.


    In reality, they actually came over to look at the empress.


    In previous years, they would definitely visit their maternal uncle��s house on the first day of the New Year before visiting both maternal aunts�� homes on the fourth and fifth day, but currently this had all changed.


    After two days, Ren Baqian couldn��t bear it any longer, so he dragged the empress along and fled.


    As for the two winged cavalry warriors, Ren Baqian bought them ne tickets and gave them a bank card with 10,000 yuan deposited in the ount. Before letting them embark on a whole new winged cavalry adventure, he gave them stern warnings first.


    Both of them were naturally overjoyed at the unexpected news. It had been a year since they initially heard those two idiots bragging, and now, it was finally their turn.


    They felt that they would practically be letting themselves down if they did not experience anything wonderful.


    Differing from thest two guys, their motive from the start was to not return to Shanghai��


    Naturally, Ren Baqian didn��t know what kind of mischief those two would get into.


    At present, he simply wanted to clear his bowels. After finding a suitable ce to take a dump, he would return to Dayao with the empress. They had stayed on Earth for five days this time around, so time was also running out as well.


    After Ren Baqian had relieved himself, his facial expression immediately changed when he was wiping his a** with paper.


    His fingers actually felt a lump of flesh through the paper�� and it was painful. Could this be one of those hemorrhoids that he had always heard of? Could he himself also conqueror it in the future?


    Ren Baqian immediately shuddered at the thought of this.


    Even though it was said that 9 out of 10 males and 10 out of 10 females would get hemorrhoids, Ren Baqian had alwaysughed and thought that it wouldn��t happen to him. He had always smiled with ��kindness�� back then when his college roommate had to use potassium permanganate to wash his a** every night.


    Now that this was happening to him, he waspletely stupefied.


    How could he have contracted such an excruciating ailment that would make him unable to sit properly and even made him question his own existence?


    Had anyone seen an expert with hemorrhoids?


    The thought of Qiao Feng <sup>1</sup> suddenly having a hemorrhoid break out at Ju Xian vige��


    The thought of countless experts wedging their anuses, wriggling their way up to the peak of Mount Hua for a contest of martial arts�� battling it out atop the peak of Mount Hua�� and then each finding a ce to apply their hemorrhoid cream?


    The thought of Xiao Yan holding his butt and saying with a contorted expression, ��Don��t bully the youth for being poor����


    The thought of Han Paopao battling the evil dragon alongside Nan Gongwan in the cave back then�� and screaming out, ��Help me hold it off for five minutes!�� before running behind Nan Gongwan and finding a ce to remove his pants to apply the hemorrhoid cream?


    For instance, during the final battle between Wang Chao and GOD, when he was all covered in blood. He struck one blow after another. Then, blood started spurting out from below?


    How could someone possibly continue watching this?


    Why did this happen to him?


    Ren Baqian��s world fell apart.


    Ever since he put his pants back on, the pain in his anus came wave after wave.


    The empress was waiting for him somewhere in the distance when he started spreading his legs and taking small steps out of the toilet with a deathly pale look on his face.


    The two of them were currently at a restaurant. They had originally nned to grab some food, go to the bathroom, and find a ce where they could immediately go back to Dayao.


    Little did Ren Baqian expect that such an unforeseen event would actually happen! It was simply an end-of-the-world level disaster!


    ��What happened?�� the empress faintly asked when she saw that he didn��t look well.


    ��Nothing much!�� Ren Baqian faked it, but he was trembling. He couldn��t possibly tell the empress that his anus had burst open right? He simply couldn��t say it!


    ��Go back?�� She didn��t ask further after seeing that he refused to tell her.


    ��Can��t go back yet�� I need to check something.�� Looking like he was about to cry, Ren Baqian quickly checked the map. He kept his legs spread the whole time and shuffled forward very quickly, each step traveling no further than three centimeters.


    He didn��t dare to take a full stride��it was painful!!!


    ��Pharmacy, Ma Ying Long[2.Ma Ying Long: a pharmaceuticalpany that is known for hemorrhoid cream]�� Pharmacy�� Ma Ying Long���� Ren Baqian was tensed up as he looked at the map on his phone and searched for a pharmacy that wasn��t too far away.


    He had never ever felt that time was so important.


    In the past, he always got various matters settled a few hours in advance before waiting to travel to the other world. Now, there was the possibility of him going back at any moment. It could be in one minute, in 10 minutes, or even in 30 minutes. This was because he had never calcted the departure time so precisely before.


    At present, Ren Baqian needed to make every second count as he headed to the pharmacy to buy hemorrhoid cream. He didn��t even have enough time to find out more information on the inte about how to deal with hemorrhoids!


    Once the pharmacy he was looking for appeared in sight around 10 meters away on the side of the road, he finally looked excited. He turned around, took a quick nce at the empress, and saw that she was quietly following behind him.


    Seeing Ren Baqian turn his head around, she looked at him in puzzlement and asked, ��Why is your walking motion so weird? Are you injured? How did it happen?��


    Ren Baqian forced a dull smile and replied, ��It��s nothing major. I can resolve it very quickly.��


    Following Ren Baqian��s voice, a rhythmic wave began to appear in the surrounding air and the empress immediately grabbed hold of his arm.


    Once he realized that the scene in front of him was starting to change, his facial expression suddenly underwent a drastic change.


    He actually didn��t make it in time to buy the hemorrhoid cream!


    ��What exactly happened?�� the empress squinted her eyes and asked.


    ��Nothing major, really. Your Majesty need not worry!�� Ren Baqian replied while looking pale.


    ��Why are you suddenly acting so weird!�� The empress looked puzzled. Everything was still fine just a while ago, yet it became like this after he went to the toilet.


    After he managed to fool her with great difficulty, he bade farewell and began to limp back. He wondered if there was an ailment like hemorrhoids over here and whether the doctors would know how to deal with it.


    He kept thinking about it in his mind endlessly.


    Looking at the bodyguards behind him, Ren Baqian clenched his teeth and asked, ��Shi Hu�� Let me ask you something!��


    ��What is it, Principal?�� Shi Hu stepped forward and replied.


    ��Do you know what a hemorrhoid is?�� Ren Baqian looked embarrassed as he brought it up.


    ��I only know what a de sore is!�� Shi Hu replied with a profound look.


    ��Then do you know about the sick chrysanthemum?��[3.sick chrysanthemum: euphemism for anus because people im that it looks like one!]


    ��What kind of flower is a chrysanthemum?��


    ��Forget it�� It��s fine!�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    When he got back to his room, hey in bed and began to toss and turn restlessly. It was painful!


    On this night, he discovered many problems that he had never minded in the past.


    For instance, people usually said that the anus would tense up. When would the anus tense up? Ren Baqian had never noticed it in the past, but now he understood what this meant. It would tense up when it came in contact with water! Not just once, but twice and thrice!


    Everytime his anus tensed up, that feeling, that bitter pleasure�� It put him in so much pain that he simply wished that he was dead.


    Another example would be coughing. Baqian had never thought that his anus would actually tense up when he coughed!


    Another one would be standing up. Did anyone know that the anus would tense up when they stood up?


    On this night, Ren Baqian experienced all of that.


    He was half asleep throughout the entire night and woke upte the next morning, which was a rare sight. He immediately had the bodyguards go to the school to give those students the day off.


    Ren Baqian felt that it was necessary for him to go to the clinic now.


    Otherwise, he had no idea how he would get through the ensuing days!

 Chapter 586 - Embarrassing and Coincidental Encounter that Fortunately Didn’t End Badly!

    Chapter 586: Embarrassing and Coincidental Encounter that Fortunately Didn��t End Badly!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian hesitated for some time after looking at the fork-horned cow that the bodyguard had brought over. Ultimately, he didn��t have the courage to get on it.


    ��Get me a carriage!��


    Eventually, they brought him a spacious four-wheeled carriage before setting off majestically from the pce to the clinic.


    Ren Baqian sat restlessly in the carriage. After a long and bumpy ride, they arrived somewhere near the clinic, but the bodyguard in front suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    ��Give way! Please stop staring, Principal Ren��s driver. Give way!��


    ��What��s going on?�� Ren Baqian lifted open the curtains and asked.


    ��Sir Tong and Sir Qin��s personal bodyguards are here at the entrance of the clinic!��


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian didn��t expect Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan to actually be at the clinic.


    Fortunately, the carriage managed to continue forward shortly after. Ren Baqian looked out to the sides and saw a handful of burly chaps staring with ring eyes while radiating murderous auras all over.


    It was obvious that these murderous auras weren��t focused on him. Instead, they were targeting the people on the other side of the carriage.


    The heads of their households weren��t on good terms, so naturally, their respective bodyguards also made every effort to kill the other party with their gaze.


    Ignore them��there were more urgent matters to attend to.


    The carriage stopped again after moving forward for a bit. Then, Ren Baqian carefully got off and tried his best to spread his legs open before limping into the clinic.


    ��Sir, which doctor do you wish to consult?�� Shi Hu asked.


    Ren Baqian stood there in contemtion. How would he know which doctor to consult? He didn��t even know whether they could treat this ailment. How should he properly express the question that he wanted to ask in a way that the other party could understand, but without invoking too great of a response at the same time?


    Ren Baqian then heard Qin Chuan��s crazyughter from the courtyard beside them.


    ��Ignorant old man, let us see you take a few steps if you think you��re alright!��


    ��Of course I��m alright!�� Tong Zhenye groaned.


    ��That stride of yours resembled that of thedies in Great Xia! Minister Tong of the Ministry of Works. Hahaha!�� Qin Chuan suddenly burst outughing.


    ��Humph. If you��re alright, why don��t you show us how you walk?�� Tong Zhenye immediately rebutted.


    ��Of course I��m alright!��


    ��Take a few steps! You aren��t afraid, are you?��


    ��Walk it shall be. Why would I be afraid of this ignorant man!��


    Following this, Tong Zhenye howled withughter and roared, ��Ignorant old man! You even wet your pants, yet you say you��re alright? Hahaha, Minister Qin from the Ministry of War is actually bleeding?��


    ��I have only been hit by one arrow!�� Qin Chuan groaned.


    ��One arrow in the butt?�� Tong Zhenye��s burst ofughter could even be heard from outside the courtyard.


    ��Ptui! Are you any better off? If you��re unconvinced, let��s have a contest!�� Qin Chuan responded in fury.


    ��In that state of yours, what can youpete in?�� Tong Zhenye continued to burst out inughter.


    ��Let��s run from here to the city gate and back! Are you up for it?��


    Tong Zhenye was speechless. He pondered for a bit and asked, ��Why should Ipete with an ignorant man who has blood all over his pants? I��m ashamed to be associated with you.��


    Qin Chuan immediately flew into a rage.


    After that, Ren Baqian could hear the sounds of fighting from the next courtyard.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes brightened and became full of expression. The conversation between the two men had sparked a possibility�� Could it be that those two old men both had an outbreak of hemorrhoids at the same time?


    He rushed toward a bodyguard and gestured by waving before slowly and quietly walking over to the gate of the courtyard to take a look. Even though those two men were hurling kicks and punches at each other, their movements were very strange. It was evident that they didn��t dare to use too much force or even use techniques that involved too much movement. They grimaced whenever they moved too much.


    Ren Baqian had an even stronger feeling that there was a high possibility of it. Simply by watching their movements, he was able to imagine the kind of pain both of them were enduring. It was a very familiar feeling.


    ��Cut it out!��


    There was a house within the courtyard. An elder with white hair and a white beard opened the door, glowering at the two of them.


    ��You guys better stay there and be well behaved!��


    This elder didn��t seem to care much about the status of those two men. There weren��t many in the imperial court who were ranked higher than the pair of them.


    Seemingly obedient, Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan immediately stood still and looked at each other helplessly.


    ��Principal Ren, you have already been watching for some time. What are you here for?�� Ren Baqian suddenly heard Qin Chuan��s voice, which sounded like it harbored evil designs.


    ��Haha, I��m just strolling around aimlessly!�� Ren Baqianughed and walked into sight.


    Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye��s eyes were immediately affixed to Ren Baqian��s movements.


    ��It��s been quite a while since I have visited this clinic. The air here is pretty fresh.�� Ren Baqianughed. He turned around and nned to leave because he was afraid that those two bastards would find out what was wrong with him.


    Knowing which courtyard it was, things would be much easier now.


    He simply had toe back at ater time.


    ��Since you��re already here, just wait quietly. I have no ns to treat the same condition repeatedly.�� The elder from the courtyard extended his head, nced at Ren Baqian, and told this to him unenthusiastically after seeing what his gait looked like.


    ��I��m really fine!�� Ren Baqian turned around and smiled. ��It��s a misunderstanding!��


    ��Then don��t look for meter because I��m going out to collect some herbs,�� the elder immediately responded.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment over whether getting himself treated was more important than his face�� Whatever the case was, he still felt that his face was more important. However, he simply couldn��t make the move and leave��


    Looking at the elder��s attitude toward Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan as well as the reaction of the two officials, Ren Baqian believed that the elder would really do what he said and wouldn��t bother to see himter on.


    Ren Baqian then became part of the situation. With the two officials in the courtyard and Ren Baqian at the doorway, the three men began looking at each other helplessly.


    ��I didn��t expect to see both of you here at the same time.�� Ren Baqianughed in an attempt to dissolve the awkwardness of the situation.


    ��I didn��t expect to see you here as well, Sir Ren.�� Qin Chuan looked at Ren Baqian and let out a mischievousugh with his eyes ring like bronze bells. Qin Chuan still remembered what had happened previously when Ren Baqian brought out that thing that made him feel like he was in seventh heaven for quite some time.


    ��It seems like Principal Ren and I have always been brought together by fate. Let��s go to House Yunyan tonight for drinks.�� Tong Zhenye immediately tried to rope in arade.


    ��I��ve already reserved all of House Yunyan tonight. I suggest that you can probablye and finish the leftovers after I��m done!�� Qin Chuan turned his head around and sneered.


    ��Ignorant old man, your butt is still bleeding. Are you thinking of staining House Yunyan with your blood? From today on and for an entire year, I��m afraid that all the brothels in Lan City will be circting the deeds of the Minister of War.�� Like a de, Tong Zhenye��s eyes were affixed to Qin Chuan��s crotch the whole time.


    ��It��s merely a small arrow wound!�� Qin Chuan appeared undisturbed by what Tong Zhenye had just said.


    ��I��m not sure which expert managed to burst your butt open in one shot. I should actually treat him to a drink.�� Tong Zhenye ridiculed him in response.


    ��Why don��t you take a few steps and show us if you��re alright?�� Qin Chuan��s words didn��t spare him either.


    Ren Baqian sighed as he watched the duo bicker, feeling that he was unlucky to have contracted this ailment and also to have bumped into these two fellows here.


    After two cups of tea, the door of that house opened once again, only to reveal Shi Qing walking out while looking fresh and happy.


    ��I see that the three of you Sirs are here. I��ll take my leave first.�� Shi Qing nced at them with a strange look, cupped his fists, and walked away with a lofty gait.


    ��Come in, the three of you.�� That elder extended his head and called out for them toe in.


    He first stretched out his arm and pressed on their shoulders before smacking their butts. Upon seeing their eyebrows twitch, he knew immediately that his assumptions just now were right.


    ��Take off your clothes,�� the elder ordered.


    ��Huh?�� Ren Baqian looked at the two old fellows. Even though he had been to public bathhouses many times, how could he show his face if news got out that he had been naked in the same room as these two?


    ��You guys get in there.�� The elder pointed to the back of the house. Ren Baqian then realized that there were actually partitions separated by cloth.


    The three of them each found a ce before they started ruffling and removing their clothes.


    The elder called out from the outside, ��Zhong Qing, bring me three basins of ice water.��


    He then extended his head, saw that they had stripped naked, and said, ��Do a handstand with your arms on the ground.��


    At present, Ren Baqian had allowed himself to get trampled in the past. While doing a handstand with his arms on the ground, he felt apprehensive about whether or not this elder was reliable.


    Not long after, someone came into the room.


    Then, with a ssh, a basin of ice water was poured over Ren Baqian, and his entire body quivered immediately.


    It was indeed ice water. He could feel the ice shards hitting against his body.


    It definitely felt like it was below ten degrees Celsius.


    Immediately, he let out an odd yelp, flipped his body around, andnded on the ground.


    After that, his mind became all tensed up.


    Ren Baqian subsequently realized that the pain he had anticipated didn��te. There was just a light soreness that wasn��t much of a hindrance.


    He stretched his arm to his back and touched�� It had surprisingly disappeared? Was it alright already?


    It had shrunk back in after being excited by the ice water just now��


    Momentster, all three of them cupped their fists in gratitude, lookingpletely happy and refreshed.


    Before Ren Baqian left the house, he nced over at the floor and saw that there were four empty basins��


    After leaving the courtyard, Tong Zhenye waved at Ren Baqian while looking refreshed and said, ��Sir Ren, seeing how pitiful that ignorant old man was, I won��t fight with him today. Let��s go to House Yunyan tomorrow��it��s my treat.��


    ��Hmph!�� In great spirits, Qin Chuan walked past Tong Zhenye, called out to his attendant, and left on his mount. The others could still hear him howling withughter from far away.


    Ren Baqian and Tong Zhenye both gave each other a ��take-care-of-yourself�� nce before parting ways and heading back to the pce and the Tong residence, respectively.

 Chapter 587 - Her Majesty is Going to the Brothel Again

    Chapter 587: Her Majesty is Going to the Brothel Again


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Where��s Ren Baqian?�� The empress was getting bored in the pce and came out to get some fresh air. The sky outside was just getting dark, but the pce was brightly lit.


    Hong Yuan, who was carrying the empress��s wine pot and following her every step of the way, said softly, ��He was invited by Minister Tong to House Yunyan and came just now to inform Your Majesty.��


    ��Oh?�� The empress recalled that Ren Baqian dide over, but she was watching a television show at a critical point in the plot and didn��t pay much attention to him.


    She thought about it and cried out, ��That old b*stard! He is dragging him to House Yunyan again!��


    ��Ren Baqian knows how to behave with propriety,�� Hong Yuan said with a grin.


    The empress thought of a phrasemonly said in television shows and blurted out, ��All men are cats and cannot resist stealing fish!��


    ��Well�� Do you want to take a look?�� Qing Luan instigated. She liked to watch Principal Ren get tormented by the empress.


    The empress paused midway and looked anxious.


    However, a phrase from another television show came to mind: ��Men can��t be pushed too hard and must be given some space.��


    Then, a different phrase popped up in her mind: ��You can��t give them the chance to fool around.��


    She struggled to decide and thenughed freely. Why bother to think of these things and behave like thedies in the market?


    Anyone in this world who did Qi Zixiao wrong would be hung from the rampart to air-dry before being buried in the pce square to apany that erhu.


    ��I don��t think he has the guts,�� the empress said coldly. He couldn��t be expected to hang around her in the pce every day, and it wasn��t a bad idea to let him mingle with the people from the Ministry of Works.


    She still trusted Ren Baqian.


    After speaking, the empress turned around, headed back to her bedroom, and said, ��I��m bored. Dress me in a man��s outfit, and let��s go to the brothel to have some fun.��


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was looking strange in House Yunyan, and it was unknown whether he was enjoying himself, feelingpassionate, or something else.


    The big hall was filled with officials from the Ministry of Works, such as Feng Hou and Ge Yihong. Although they didn��t go wild, they were dancing like demons.


    There was nobody to either side of Ren Baqian��he was only having a drink and chatting with others about recent developments.


    He discussed topics such as the st furnaces and hydraulic forge workshops at the Neen Streams. He also mentioned the promotion of peanuts and pumpkins in theing year.


    He needed a better vantage point to see the situation of the farmers and workers of Dayao in order to n for them.


    However, he was surprised to see someone familiar among the group ofdies who had just entered.


    She had beautiful features, fair skin, a slightly wide forehead, and a heroic disposition. A touch of makeup made her look more gentle. She was dressed in an aqua-blue traditional Jing costume with flowers embroidered on it and wore a few silver bracelets.


    This group ofdies came from Tianjing Basin. After Xi Wanya had stabilized Tianjing Basin, he selected some youngdies from the rtives of the prisoners and sent them to this brothel in Lan City.


    In House Yunyan, this batch was the best, they had just finished training, and today was the first time they were sent out to receive the guests. He had heard Feng Hou telling him about this the moment he entered House Yunyan, but he hadn��t paid much attention.


    He was stunned to see thisdy among the group that came in and initially suspected that it was someone else who resembled her.


    It wasn��t until he saw the shock, shyness, and hatred in her eyes that he confirmed it was her.


    He had forgotten her name, but definitely not the person. At that time in the hidden vige, there was a group of old experts and some of their disciples.


    Thisdy was one of the disciples. If he wasn��t mistaken, her teacher was an olddy whoter invited a Spirit Wheel expert that used an umbre as a weapon to strike others. Ren Baqian still remembered the name of the master who was called Chang Tian.


    After Chang Tian��s death, that olddy took his corpse and disappeared, so Ren Baqian forgot about this matter.


    After all, an Earth Wheel expert wasn��t worthy of his attention in that type of situation.


    He didn��t expect to see her disciple here.


    ��Where��s your master?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    The girl hesitated, then sighed and said, ��She��s dead.��


    ��Why are you here?�� Actually, Ren Baqian wanted to ask why she was still alive. His impression of the people from the hidden vige was good because they were people who were willing to shed blood for their ideals.


    Rather than having to see such a youngdy falling into a ce like a brothel and serving as a toy doll, he would rather see the people of the hidden vige surrender or perish


    He was about to say this, but felt that he shouldn��t be so mean since not everyone had the opportunity to choose.


    Anyway, it wasn��t wrong to want to live.


    ��You actually have an acquaintance here!�� Feng Houughed heartily. As he patted Ren Baqian on the shoulders, Ren Baqian heard the chair under him creaking


    ��Are you thinking of asking me why I didn��t die together with my mentor?�� That girl seemed to know what Ren Baqian was implying and raised her eyebrows when replying. In a voice filled with hatred, she said, ��That was my initial thought, but now, I want to continue living so I can see how those traitors die and how all of you perish!��


    As soon as the words were spoken, there was silence around her as all the people in the room looked at her with spurious smiles. In Lan City, even Spirit Wheel experts coulde in, but they weren��t able to get out.


    Moreover, a Man Wheel expert and an ordinary man were no different. Nobody took any notice of her, but her thoughts determined her fate.


    Others with the same status as her hastily kept their distance from her and lowered their heads in silence.


    ��I will take you with me in a moment and let you continue living in limbo.�� Feng Houughed and the fate of the girl was decided.


    ��If you want to live, you shouldn��t say such things. Do you want to die? Are you still vaciting between living in humiliation and ending it all in death? You have been training for three months in House Yunyan, but you still don��t understand? You survived through three months of training and still haven��t figured it out.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    The girl bit her lip and obstinately stared at Ren Baqian.


    ��Don��t take her with you. I will handle it,�� Ren Baqian turned and said to Feng Hou. If Feng Hou were to take her, although he wouldn��t let her die, he wouldn��t give her an easy time as she was even less than a toy doll to these people.


    If she were to have both legs cut off and be locked up in a courtyard, then it was better to kill her and be done with.


    ��If Her Majesty learns about this, you will be in trouble,�� Feng Hou said beforeughing.


    ��Her Majesty will not care about a small matter like this.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands and got his bodyguard to bring that girl to another room.


    ��


    Xing Rong, with one eye and one arm missing, was sitting in a room.


    ��Principal Ren Baqian is here and wants to take away one of the trained personnel whom he seems to know,�� a disabled man said.


    ��He��s here again?�� Xing Rong frowned. Thest time Ren Baqian was here, half of House Yunyan had almost been destroyed.


    ��Is it Minister Tong again?�� After thinking about it, only Tong Zhenye would dare to invite Ren Baqian to the brothel.


    ��He has to pay if he wants to take someone. Get someone to inform him that 500 taels of silver will be required,�� Xing Rong said after some consideration.


    A momentter, someone came in to report and said, ��Three women that are dressed as men have just arrived, and one of them looks like Her Majesty����


    Xing Rong��s face turned ck upon hearing this.


    <em>Why is Her Majesty here again��</em>


    Right from the start, he shouldn��t have let Ren Baqian in.

 Chapter 588 - Gathered Together

    Chapter 588: Gathered Together


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Regardless of whether she��s Her Majesty, treat her like a normal customer, as if you don��t know her identity.�� Xing Rong pondered. He felt almost certain that the other party was Her Majesty.


    The previous time Ren Baqian came to House Yunyan, it was Her Majesty who came and created a mess.


    This time, Ren Baqian led the way in, followed by ady dressed as a man. Furthermore, she looked very much like Her Majesty, and there weren��t any qualms about it anymore.


    ��They want to go to House Yunyan.��


    ��Let them be. Let them go wherever they want.��


    A momentter, Xing Rong��s subordinate came back and reported, ��They have chosen the upper hall next to Minister Tong! And they asked fordies as well����


    Xing Rong used the only hand he had left, scratched his head, and said, ��Serve them good food and wine. Bring them somedies with etiquette and propriety.��


    He heaved a sigh after his subordinate left. So mentally draining!


    He wasn��t originally exhausted�� but now he was!


    ��Sir, Minister Qin and his guests are here to visit House Yunyan, and they want the Yun Hall next to Minister Tong,�� someone came reported not too long after.


    Xing Rong rubbed his nose. On other days, he definitely wouldn��t agree to this because it was almost certain that Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye would end up fighting if they saw each other.


    However, today was an exception.


    This was because there was someone stronger up there. As long as he didn��t enrage her, the others could do as they wished.


    He no longer minded that Ren Baqian got someone to take that girl away.


    Regardless of whether she would live or die, she would be better off than staying here. Even if she were to be killed, at least it would be a clean cut.


    After all, despite not even remembering her name, Xing Rong didn��t wish to see her depraving herself here given her status and what her mentor had been working hard on.


    This was simply a brief interlude, and everyone on site naturally wouldn��t take it seriously.


    ��Sir Ren, drink, drink. It seems like we��re pretty fated to have bumped into each other at the clinic while even having the same ailment.�� Tong Zhenye burst outughing as he forced Ren Baqian to drink.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. Could he not bring up this matter? The thought of it made him feel terrible.


    With ady in his embrace, Feng Hou smiled and asked, ��Sir Tong and Sir Ren were sick?��


    ��Nothing much, just a small problem,�� Ren Baqian hurriedly answered. Since this matter was too embarrassing for others to know, he was afraid of others investigating in detail.


    Thankfully, Tong Zhenye didn��t seem to want to make this matter publicly known either and hence didn��t mention it any further.


    ��Drink, drink!��


    After three rounds, Ge Yihong pushed Feng Hou aside, moved close to Ren Baqian, and asked, ��Sir Ren, regarding the cotton that you talked about previously, when are you going to bring it out?��


    ��Dayao isn��tcking in cloth to keep warm. Even though cotton can be used to weave cloth, it isn��t as important as keeping us full. We shall talk about this cotton again when Dayao at least has no problems with food.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    ��I understand the logic behind that, but don��t you forget that even though we don��t have to keep warm, wearing leather clothes can be extremely hot. Many of themoners are suffering from heat rash, especially the indigenous people. It will be good to have cheap fabric, and the civilians will greatly benefit from it.


    A few days ago, they harvested all the potatoes, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. This is the third harvest, and they have collected 50 million kilograms of crops in total. At present, the crops are being transported to various ces. I have already passed down the orders that every city must nt those crops ording to my requirements and that their rewards will be a thousand fold during the next harvest.


    Crops like these can be nted three times in a year. Even if a portion of the harvest is used for consumption with the rest being nted again, it will multiply each time, and they wouldn��t have to worry about ack of food in a year��s time. If Sir Ren can give us the cotton, we can first do some breeding and cultivation work.��


    Ge Yihong exined everything clearly to Ren Baqian. These were his heartfelt words, and he had finally managed to get ahold of Ren Baqian now.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and answered, ��If that��s the case, wait a few days and I��ll bring back the cotton seeds as well as the method of nting.��


    ��What about the wine brewing method?�� Tong Zhenye immediately grabbed Ren Baqian��s shoulders as soon as he was done talking, almost pulling him into his embrace. Ren Baqian broke loose at once and stepped away.


    ��Put that aside for now. It won��t be toote to talk about it after the imperial treasury is up and running and we have ample provisions for winemaking,�� Ren Baqian responded promptly.


    ��That ballista back then, which was powered by springs, it was pretty good as well.�� Feng Hou looked over.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. It wasn��t easy having a drink with these guys.


    ��Don��t even think about it. You won��t be able to make them even if I told you how. Plus, even if you could, they wouldn��t be usable. Besides, things at the frontline are going pretty well at the moment. By following orders through the walkie talkies, the power of the army is fluid like water and has the ability to aggregate and dissipate at will. Be it long range harassment or sudden attacks, we can easily catch our enemies off guard.


    Furthermore, the strength of the aboriginals far exceeds that of the soldiers of the Yun Nation, granting us superiority over them. On the contrary, a bunch of ballistas may in fact encumber the speed of the army.��


    ��If Sir Ren could bring us the production method of that small little ball, we would not have to worry about this anymore.�� Feng Houughed mischievously. The Ministry of Works had been coveting the production method of the grenade for a long time.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian had already mentioned a long time ago that grenades couldn��t be manufactured.


    With regard to this, they actually believed Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��What about the rubber that I requested. Have you found it?�� Ren Baqian turned his head and asked.


    ��We have news that there��s something simr to what you mentioned near the borders of the Chen Nation. I have already sent people to fetch it. However, even with Her Majesty��s orders, you can��t simply keep all the benefits for yourself,�� Tong Zhenye responded.


    ��This thing has tremendous use. Let��s see whether it fulfills my requirements before we discuss further. If it��s indeed what I want, we can actually use it to make quite a lot of useful stuff,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Rubber had a wide range of applications and wasn��t only used to make hot air balloons. It could also be used for sealing, shock absorption, and the manufacture of many other things.


    No matter what it would be used for, its value was immense.


    By then, giving some incentives to the Ministry of Works would be a trifle. For instance, things like rubber tires and shock absorption for horse carriages. Even though they were money-making tools, they weren��t exactly important to Ren Baqian. They were things that could definitely be given away and would be very useful to the Ministry of Works.


    He could also make use of rubber to provide instion for electrical wires. With these wires, many aspects of life could be improved.


    ��Sure, sure, sure. Sure enough, Principal Ren isn��t a stingy person.�� Tong Zhenye immediately burst outughing. Anything taken from Ren Baqian would definitely be useful.


    ��Well done Sir Qin, another jar!�� A burst ofughter and jeering suddenly sounded from the hall next door.


    Tong Zhenye��sughter ceased on the spot, and he began to frown.


    ��It��s Lian Liang, an official from the Department of the Army,�� Feng Hou said after his ears twitched.


    ��Let��s ignore them and drink.�� Tong Zhenye became slightly more rxed. He could naturally hear that they were people from the Department of the Army.


    However, he had important things to discuss today and was in no mood to care about them.


    In fact, Tong Zhenye intended to ask Ren Baqian about those streetmps in the pce. From the start, Her Majesty wouldn��t exin, so the lower ranking officials kept making guesses nonstop. Somebody needed to give them some answers.


    Although the curiosity could be suppressed, it couldn��t stay this way forever.


    In other words, considering their past friendly rtions, he wanted to warn Ren Baqian.


    Whatever the case was, he should allow Her Majesty to be extravagant.


    Ren Baqian��s position would then be more stable that way. Otherwise, if the criticism toward him became too much, he would get into trouble sooner orter, no matter how fond Her Majesty was of him.


    How did the Hao Nation perish back then? Why did the aboriginals rebel? If the emperor of the Hao Nation wasn��t decadent, how would things have turned out this way? Those people didn��t forget about this.


    This was Tong Zhenye��s main objective for today.


    <em>Bang, bang, bang! </em>Along with theughter came the sounds of the wall being pounded as well. Tong Zhenye��s eyes red like bronze bells as a murderous spirit permeated throughout.


    <em>You bunch of wretched fellows! Do you think I will lose to you in a contest of volume?</em>

 Chapter 589 - The House has Collapsed

    Chapter 589: The House has Copsed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Haha! Haha, it seems like a good de always remains sharp, Sir Qin!��


    ��Let me show you whether my de is still sharp or not!��


    A howl ofughter burst out next door, seemingly making the entire House Yunyan tremble.


    They didn��t know which b*stard wasughing his head off and pounding on the wall. Ren Baqian watched as the dust scattered from a roof beam and fell into his ss.


    First, Tong Zhenye��s face turned ck. Next, he restrained himself and said loudly, ��Let��s drink, cut people with big swords, drink a big mouthful, and sing with loud voices! This is how an aboriginal male should be!��


    ��Sir Tong is right!�� Feng Hou was the first to agree. He was practically tearing his windpipe apart as he shouted.


    Thereafter, the volume of all sorts of noises in the hall suddenly grew very loud. Ge Yihong kept pounding on the table, and Ren Baqian saw that the te beneath the table had already cracked!


    The entire house was filled with fools wailing like ghosts and howling like wolves. They were so loud that thedies�� voices couldn��t even be heard.


    The noise from next door ceased before abruptly heating up again and suppressing the voices of Tong Zhenye and his people.


    How could Tong Zhenye possibly tolerate this? His expression remained unchanged, but he increased his volume even louder!


    ��Hahahahaha���� The volume of everyone from the Ministry of Works increased by five folds��


    ��Hahahahaha���� The volume of everyone from the Ministry of the Army increased by another five folds��


    ��Hahahahahaha���� The volume of everyone in the Ministry of Works increased again.


    ��Hahahahaha���� The Ministry of the Army��


    After less than two minutes, it was just the people from these two halls in House Yunyanpeting over how loud they could be.


    With a dumbfounded look, Ren Baqian covered his ears and watched Tong Zhenye as he howled withughter at the top of his lungs with his face entirely flushed�� Even the veins on his neck had bulged out!


    There was also Ge Yihong, who had already lost his voice! He sounded like a damaged gong! By the look of him, he was already having difficulty catching his breath��how could he stillugh? Ren Baqian was worried that he would fall dead the next moment!


    <em>Can you stop pounding on the wall, Feng Hou?</em>


    Can��t you see that the wall has already cracked?


    If you continue pounding, I��m afraid that House Yunyan will literally turn into smoke��


    <em>At that point, House Yunyan will not only be in name <sup>1</sup> , but in reality as well.</em>


    Everyone on the entire street outside looked toward House Yunyan with a dumbfounded look. The noiseing out of House Yunyan had almost covered half the street. Everyone had to shout at the top of their lungs tomunicate. Otherwise, people wouldn��t even be able to hear each other in the same room.


    After asking around, they found out that both Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye were inside. Everyone had a look of helplessness on their face. When these two sirs meet, there was no telling when it would end.


    Xing Rong got up and opened up the window, and the moonlight beamed into his room that was usually murky. Along with this came the noises from within House Yunyan.


    ��Sir, those two have started fighting again,�� someone from behind him said.


    ��Let them be.�� Xing Rong didn��t mind it. On normal days, he would naturally have to do something about it, but not today.


    In the room next to Ren Baqian, dressed in ck attire for men with her hair bunned like a Great Xia schr, the empress��s face turned ck. Coming to a brothel was originally a rather fresh experience for her. However, she heard the ruckusing from next door not long after being seated. The noises grew louder and louder as those two old menpeted over who had the loudest voice, and they were simply devil��s music to the ears. Her eyebrows kept twitching, and she subconsciously scratched the table with her fingers, reducing it to sawdust that swirled in the air.


    She was itching to jump over there and teach those two a lesson.


    However, the empress felt that she was here simply to seek pleasure and mingle with the people incognito, so she decided to bear with it even though she looked very displeased.


    She was apanied by twodies with smiles on their faces who had outstanding temperaments. However, they almost failed to maintain their smiles for any longer. They wanted to cover their ears on several asions, yet they didn��t dare to.


    Seated near the empress were Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, who were both dressed up as charming and intelligent young men. They had been full of zest ever since they entered the room, flirting and teasing thedy beside them. Thatdy didn��t actually mind it and was in fact pretty amused.


    They didn��t need to be perspicacious people to be able to tell that these three charming and intelligent looking young men were actually women dressed like men.


    If you looked out of a window in Lan City, all you could see were big burly men. Where did these three charming and intelligent looking young mene from?


    Especially for these two as their whole bodies reeked of the smell of cosmetics.


    At present, Qing Yuan had stopped feeling refreshed. She turned around and said to the empress, ��Sir, it��s too noisy!��


    The empress knitted her eyebrows and used her facial expression to ask, ��What are you saying?��


    ��Too noisy!�� Qing Yuan repeated herself.


    ��Can��t hear you!�� the empress replied.


    Hong Luan looked at both of them and asked, ��What are you guys talking about?��


    Both Qing Yuan and the empress direct the same expression toward Hong Luan that conveyed, ��What did you say?��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The wall that Feng Hou kept pounding on finally broke into pieces.


    People at both tables of the two halls nced at each other.


    ��I see that the ignorant old man is here,�� Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan said in unison.


    ��Who are you calling an ignorant old man?�� Tong Zhenye resorted to his old ways.


    ��I��m calling you!�� Qin Chuan stepped into the trap as always.


    ��Why does it smell so bad here today?! Have youe to taint House Yunyan with blood?�� Tong Zhenyeughed out loud.


    One should aim at the other��s face when fighting, and one should expose the other��s shorings when arguing!


    ��Better than you, who was walking like a girl with a wedged butt!�� Qin Chuan stood up and looked at Tong Zhenye.


    ��Get over here! Let me show you who the real girl is!��


    ��Why? Do you wish to have a taste of my de again?��


    ��Fine, fine, I��ve recently made some gains, and it��s just in time to see if you��ve made any progress!�� Tong Zhenye mmed the table, immediately shattering it.


    Before Tong Zhenye raised his hand, Ren Baqian had snatched away a te of dried fruits that were simr to peanuts. He then snuck into a corner, eating the snack while waiting for the show to start.


    The rest of the people subsequently stared at each other with death res.


    Like a cockfight, it would end up like this whenever Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan ran into each other. In addition, even the rtionship between their two ministries wasn��t that good.


    ��Come! I��m afraid that we may break something if we fight here. Let��s take it to the rooftop!�� Tong Zhenye ignored the wall and table that were already destroyed, forgot about what he wanted to say to Ren Baqian, and went straight to the rooftop to fight with Qin Chuan.


    After they had made their moves, the others sessively followed them up to the rooftop as well.


    Ren Baqian looked left and right, then looked out of the window. The rooftop was about three stories up. There wasn��t any footing for him to step on, so he couldn��t get up!


    Even onlookers who were interested in the spectacle had to have skills to get up there or else they wouldn��t even have the chance to participate!


    ��Shi Hu!�� Ren Baqian shouted. Shi Hu, who was waiting outside, came in immediately. He then carried Ren Baqian up to the rooftop before putting him down.


    The wind blew and due to Ren Baqian��s tipsiness�� he became more dizzy��


    It was utter nonsense what other people said about bing more sober when getting some wind. There was another saying: fall with the wind.


    Ren Baqian shook his head. Just as heposed himself and located the two of them in the crowd, he heard a boom. They had broken the roof and continued fighting downstairs.


    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>


    A bunch of silhouettes shed past.


    The only people remaining on the roof were Shi Hu and Ren Baqian, who was still holding his te of snacks, as they felt the cold wind against their faces.


    Awkward.


    The others went down the moment he came up. How awkward was that?!


    Sprawled out on his back, Ren Baqiany on the rooftop, enjoyed the night breeze, and gazed at the moon above.


    ��Na�� Shi Hu, look above the big moon. Don��t you think they look like eyes?�� Intoxicated, Ren Baqian asked this after looking at the sky for a long time.


    At present, high up in the sky there was a cycle of blood moons as well as a cycle of much smaller moons.


    In the middle of the blood moons, there was something that looked like eyes. It was as if they were watching everyone who was looking at the sky.


    However, this wasn��t something that was always visible. It was quite long ago from when Ren Baqianst saw it, and he had forgotten about it after not seeing it since then. Now, on this night, he suddenly saw it again.


    <em>Boom! Boom! </em>Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan abruptly flew out of House Yunyan, disappearing into the night.


    All of House Yunyan was swaying with a creaking sound. It seemed as if it was going to topple over.


    ��Be careful everyone.�� Shi Hu��s expression suddenly underwent a change. He grabbed Ren Baqian and prepared to run.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    <em>Crash!</em>


    After a creaking groan that made people��s gums sore, House Yunyan suddenly copsed.


    After the dust storm settled, everyone from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of the Armynded properly in the courtyard.


    ��Your Majesty!��


    When Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan were fighting, they smashed a wall and broke into another hall. After taking a close look at the few people in that hall, everyone was stunned.


    Nobody expected the empress to actually be here.


    With a ck face, the empress sent both of them flying away with a kick.


    Looking at everyone now, the empress let out a cold groan and disappeared into the night in a sh.


    After the empress left, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    ��Why was Her Majesty here?�� Feng Hou sighed.


    ��Catching adultery in the act!�� Ge Yihong hit the nail on the head.


    ��Where��s Principal Ren?��


    ��I don��t see him�� Could it be that he ran away after seeing Her Majesty?��


    ��Ptui�� I��m here!�� Covered in dirt, Ren Baqian crawled out of the rubble.


    ��


    Back in that room.


    ��Sir, House Yunyan has copsed!��


    ��Send the bill to the Tong and Qin residences tomorrow.��


    ��It was Her Majesty who tore it down!��


    ��Send the bill to the Tong and Qin residences tomorrow.��


    ��Got it.��


    Mentally exhausted, Xing Rong heaved a sigh of relief after his subordinate left. He might as well be wielding a de and cutting people up in the Protectorate of the North.


    How unfortunate.


    Xing Rong touched the only eye he had left and looked at his one remaining arm, which was missing two fingers.


    Unfortunately, he couldn��t hold a de anymore!

 Chapter 590 - An Unreasonable Empress

    Chapter 590: An Unreasonable Empress


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I heard that you asked for a girl from the brothel. Are you following others and keeping a mistress in a splendid abode?�� the empress asked casually the next day.


    ��Your Majesty is very well-informed!.�� Ren Baqian eximed and gave her a thumbs-up.


    The empress nced at him. Was knowing about this matter considered being well-informed?


    ��Back then, the people from the hidden vige felt that they shouldn��t be scorned by working in a ce such as a brothel, so I sent her to Qingyun Sword.��


    ��This is why I said you are harboring a mistress! You deliberately chose a ce that isn��t too far, yet not too close, and it��s somewhere I can��t be bothered with,�� the empress grumbled.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry. Her Majesty must have watched too much television.


    ��She suffered several cuts on her face after being buried at House Yunyanst night. If she is disfigured, why would I still want to keep her?��


    ��You still can��t forget her despite her face being disfigured�� I didn��t misjudge you��you don��t only care about physical looks!�� the empress continued casually.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what to say. Was the empress praising him?


    Was she going to be unreasonable today?


    Ren Baqian felt that the ancient saying, ��It��s futile and stupid to reason with a woman�� was really appropriate.


    ��Why did Your Majesty go to House Yunyan?�� Ren Baqian didn��t remember being buried at House Yunyan the previous day. It happened because the empress kicked down a pir at House Yunyan after sending Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye flying with her kicks.


    ��I wanted to know what was so attractive there,�� the empress said nonchntly.


    ��What attractions are you talking about? I was there just to apany Minister Tong to chat and drink some wine. Still, I��m curious to know what conclusion you drew?��


    ��New people are more interesting, but old clothes are morefortable.�� The empress sighed sadly.


    Ren Baqian was flustered when he realized that the empress was here to pick on him.


    Furthermore, was it appropriate to say such things with an arrogant look? Her Majesty wasn��t convincing when pretending to act like an embittered woman!


    He said with utmost caution, ��Your Majesty, let��s watch less television in the future and deal more with affairs of state.��


    The empress raised her eyebrows, looked at him obliquely, and dered, ��You will be beaten severely!��


    ��Your Majesty, violence can��t solve any problems!�� Ren Baqian eximed righteously.


    ��But it can fix the person who created the problem!�� The empressughed coldly.


    Ren Baqian thought for a moment, sighed, and replied, ��Your Majesty, what you said is correct!��


    These words managed to pacify the empress. She darted a nce at him, then relented and said tenderly, ��If you are able to beat me, I will listen to you!��


    She hardened her stance as she continued, ��However, you will never beat me, therefore you must listen to everything I say.��


    What could Ren Baqian say?


    ��Your Majesty, you are far-sighted, wise, brilliant, and able to see through people. This is a skill that is beyond normal people!��


    ��Cut the crap!�� The empress groaned. It was still kind of fun to intimidate Ren Baqian.


    This was followed by official talk.


    ��Those auxiliary forces are just returning from the Yun Nation and are bringing back the loot they plundered from the various cities. There��s also a batch of prisoners, about 100,000 of them, and they should arrive in Lan City in one month��s time.��


    Ren Baqian��s spirit was lifted. Dayao wasn��t like other countries and also wasn��t like ancient China, which didn��t have auxiliary forces. The auxiliary forces mentioned by the empress were the militia.


    The militia drawn from various cities went to the Yun Nation to bring back the looted goods after their conquest and used these materials to replenish Dayao.


    This trip was to transport these materials.


    At the same time, the big batch of prisoners was important for the expansion of the cement and brick factories as well as for furthering the construction of roads.


    ��I will discuss this with Minister Tong.��


    ��Go visit Tu Wan. The army provisions needed for these people can be obtained from the Ministry of Revenue,�� the empress added.


    ��I understand.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    In the past, such matters were directed by the empress. Now, they were coordinated by Ren Baqian himself. Although it looked more troublesome, this was a kind of change that showed that Ren Baqian wasn��t totally dependent on the empress anymore.


    That day, Ren Baqian didn��t rush to finish his work but went back to Earth instead.


    Except for those two winged cavalry warriors, everyone else was in the vi.


    He calcted that 12 days had already passed and that the Lantern Festival was almost over. However, there was still no trace of those two guys.


    Ren Baqian gave Yang Sen a call and calmly asked, ��Minister Yang, two of my men are missing. Have you found them?��


    Yang Sen was expecting Ren Baqian to call, but when he heard the message, he almost vomited blood.


    <em>Your people are missing and have I found them?</em>


    <em>Who would dare to touch your group of human bears? Furthermore, why are we the first ones you look for when your people go missing? Why do they go missing every year?</em>


    ��Are you treating us like a kindergarten?�� Yang Sen gritted his teeth and asked.


    ��Hahaha, I don��t want to cause problems for you!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��If you don��t want to cause us trouble, then don��t let those people run all over the ce!�� At the other end, Yang Sen angrily drank his tea to quench his anger.


    After making the call, Ren Baqian was speechless.


    The previous time, two of the winged cavalry warriors ran over to North Korea.


    This time, he didn��t know whether they had nned their route in advance. They followed the previously taken route and ran all the way south, causing great havoc along the way.


    At that time, they destroyed some drug dens and bathhouses, causing the police to clear out all the ruffians in the city.


    Those who previously escaped by chance didn��t escape this time.


    After being torn apart by the duo and subsequently raided by the police, the route along the three cities became literally clean.


    At the time Ren Baqian made the call, Yang Sen was having a headache because the pair were on the police wanted list in the south and were on the run.


    Even if Ren Baqian didn��t make the call, Yang Sen still needed to find ways to get them back. The nation had to make sure that the duo didn��t fall into the hands of foreign countries since the consequences would be too great.


    Even some information leaking would be devastating.


    However, these two guys weren��t puppets and wouldn��t be easily fooled by others. Some outsiders had tried to get close to them, but couldn��t even touch their shadows.


    With the power of a winged cavalry warrior, plus their one year experience on Earth, they were like fish entering the ocean when they ventured into a city, and it was very difficult to catch them by their tails.


    As ast resort, Ren Baqian sent two people to help Yang Sen in the search for the two of them.


    Ren Baqian personally sent two winged cavalry warriors to the Messier 87 department and then reced the two. This way, he gave them the opportunity to go out and gain insight. He was trying his best to ensure that they got to know Earth better.


    If they were regarded as beginners previously, then they should start working outside to get beyond that stage now.


    ��Officer Yang, I will have to trouble you this time. With these two following you, you will most likely find those other two guys,�� said Ren Baqian when referring to the two men who went to the Messier 87 department with him.


    He was very confident that these winged cavalry warriors knew each other��s ways and habits very well after staying together for a long time.


    Furthermore, these two were good at tracking in the mountains.


    Although the side of a mountain was different from the inside of a city, there were certain simrities.


    ��Xiong Zhan! Xiong Ying!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Lady boss, please give your orders.�� The two were 1.8 meters tall, weighed over 150 kilograms, and looked scarily alike.


    The next moment, Ren Baqian kicked their legs.


    ��It��sdy boss! During this period, do what you are told, don��t get into trouble, and get those two rascals back!�� Although Ren Baqian knew these two to be dishonest, he still had to put on an appearance.


    ��We understand,dy boss!�� They patted their chests in confirmation. Their fists hit their chests like they were hitting drums, and it made people wonder whether their internal organs would pop out.

 Chapter 591 - Someone You Can’t Afford to Offend

    Chapter 591: Someone You Can��t Afford to Offend


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After Ren Baqian had left, Yang Sen said to the two burly men in front of him, ��The two of you will be leaving tomorrow morning. I will arrange rooms for you to rest in. Please keep me informed if you have any requests.��


    Even if it wasn��t the first time he had met them, Yang Sen could still feel the sense of oppression they projected.


    It wasn��t on ount of their identity, but due to their physical strength.


    Like ordinary people facing tigers or other wild animals at close range, the fear was always there.


    However, Yang Sen concealed it very well, so it was indiscernible to others.


    ��Can I make a request?�� Xiong Zhan nced at Yang Sen who was sitting behind a desk.


    ��Yes, as long as I can deliver.�� Yang Sen smiled. He hoped to build a good rtionship with them, and although it seemed very difficult now, where there was a will, there was a way.


    Xiong Zhan and Xiong Ying looked at each other,ughed, and dered ��You are a good man!��


    ��Of course,�� Yang Sen replied with a smile.


    ��Do you have women?�� Xiong Zhan asked.


    ��What?�� Yang Sen was momentarily stunned.


    ��Women! I haven��t seen one for more than a year!�� Xiong Zhan said earnestly.


    Yang Sen��s face ckened at his audacity.


    ��I really don��t have this!��


    ��You don��t even have this?!�� Xiong Zhan and Xiong Ying were disappointed.


    Yang Sen was disgusted. What did they take him for? A pimp? He was a public servant, no less!


    ��That white powder that makes you walk on air when you suck it in! Do you have it?�� They looked eagerly at Yang Sen. This was how the other two idiots were fooled, and it turned out to be totally useless. They heard about this thing from Ding Jie and thought that they could show off if they were to taste it.


    ��I don��t have that either!�� Yang Sen frowned. So far, they wanted women and drugs. What else did they want?


    ��You don��t have this either?�� The two didn��t attempt to conceal their disdain. ��You have neither this nor that��what else is there to request?��


    Yang Sen was seething. Did he ask them to make such requests? Why couldn��t they make requests that were more normal? For example, requesting for good wine and food!


    ��Are good wine and meat avable?�� Xiong Zhan reduced his demands. He was prepared to go back if this request wasn��t granted.


    ��This is avable.�� Yang Sen heaved a sigh of relief. He had intended to build a rtionship with these two and get some information from them in the future when it was opportune. He needed to shelve this idea for the time being.


    After the two were taken away, Yang Sen decided to make a call and then waited in the office.


    In the evening, a car stopped downstairs at the building of the Messier 87 department before three people, two male and a female, alighted.


    One of the men was heavily built and had a squarish face. He wore traditional Chinese clothes and looked dignified.


    The other man, on the contrary, was thin, had a wretched appearance, and looked more like a monkey than a human. However, he looked sharp and his eyes glittered.


    The female looked in, had a slightly raised chin, and was very haughty.


    These three people were apanied by a staffer to the office of Yang Sen.


    ��Minister Yang!�� The three people saluted him properly.


    ��Bai Yuhe, Lei Gong, and Zhao Yu!�� Yang Sen called out their names with a smile.


    He knew the three of them very well, especially Bai Yuhe, who had worked hard for many years and found ways to break through the limits to reach the level of those experts in history. Unfortunately, Ren Baqian had released the secret manuals to the nation, which allowed a batch of people to reach the Man Wheel level.


    This prodigy was almost like a Wang Zhongyang[1.Wang Zhongyang: a Chinese Daoist in the 12th century] who had juste out of seclusion and shouted, ��I��m the world��s number one!�� before immediately being crushed to death by a flying shoe.


    Although Bai Yuhe wasn��t crushed to death, he wasn��t much better off. After spending so much effort, he assumed that he was already number one in the world, but uponing out, he discovered that the streets were filled with people who were at the same level of power as him. This setback almost sent him back to farming.


    Later on, he was employed by the nation because he was regarded as a talent for being able to study the ssics on his own and deriving methods to break through the limits


    After reading the secret manuals, he didn��t disappoint them and managed to increase his power in a short time. In addition, he derived many things from these manuals.


    As of now, he was ranked as the best among that batch of martial artists.


    As for the other two, who were less than 30 years old, their skills were among the top few, and they were highly regarded.


    ��I don��t know whether those at the top have exined to you, so I will tell you again. Please sit down. Aren��t you hoping to meet experts that are better than you? You have the chance now.��


    The three people brightened up after hearing these words from Yang Sen.


    ��But don��t provoke them,�� Yang Sen hastily added.


    ��Why?�� Lin Yu asked with a smile. ��Who on Earth are they? Surprisingly, they are even better than Big-head Bai. I would like to take a look. ��Bai Yuhe didn��t get angry at being called Big-head Bai. Instead, he kept his cool and waited for Yang Sen to answer.


    ��These twoe from the same ce as your secret manuals.�� Yang Sen warned, ��Don��t provoke them as you aren��t on their level yet. Furthermore, their killing instinct is very strong, and they hold a special status. If you have any conflicts with them, it will be very hard for me to ensure your safety. It isn��t that I��m unable to protect you, but that I will not be in time to do so. Based on my observations, they are different from you. They arewless and act without restraint. You will be dead before I can take action to protect you.��


    ��Are they that powerful?�� Bai Yuhe asked in astonishment.


    ��They are more powerful than you think. Do you still remember how the different levels are ssified? Man Wheel, Earth Wheel, and Spirit Wheel are the various divisions. The secret manuals are also ssified this way. Under this ssification, you are at the Man Wheel level, but these two are at the Earth Wheel level.��


    ��Are there really Earth Wheel experts?�� Bai Yuhe asked solemnly.


    ��If not, where else would these secret manualse from?�� Yang Sen responded. Seeing their eagerness to ask more, he waved his hand and said, ��Don��t ask so much. There will be opportunities in the future, when appropriate, for you to know. Remember, everything that��s rted to them is kept a secret. Other than reporting to Superintendent Shen Ning and me, do not disclose this to others. Otherwise, you will be punished for the crime of divulging state secrets.��


    The three were pensive after hearing this.


    Yang Sen handed out three more books to them and said, ��The issues you need to pay attention to for this mission are in there. Read it when you are at home. I will introduce you to them now.��


    The three looked at each other with excitement.


    ��Remember not to provoke them, no matter what,�� Yang Sen warned again. Among the three, Bai Yuhe was more reasonable, whereas Lei Gong and Zhao Yu were troublemakers. If they stirred up trouble in their own base, it would still be tolerable. Over here, however, it might result in death.


    Yang Sen brought the three to a room somewhere in the building, opened the door, and discovered that the room was full of wine bottles. Inside, there was also a roast suckling pig that had been gnawed clean.


    Two ferocious looking hunks were sitting in the room ying a finger-guessing game.


    ��Little, little bee! Flying among the flowers! Flying! Flying�� Boom!��


    In a sh, one personshed out with his fist, causing the other to crash through a wall and into another room.


    Then, the other person ran back as if nothing had happened and shook away the dust on his body before the both of them continued reciting, ��Little, little bee! Flying among the flowers! Flying�� Boom!��


    This time, the other hunk was sent flying even further away.


    The sound of a fist hitting a face was simply sickening.


    The four people at the door stood shocked. On both sides of the room, the walls were long gone. Plus, the walls of the adjacent rooms were also cleanly demolished. They could see into three or four rooms.


    Lei Gong and Zhao Yu initially had some ideas, but they immediately cleared these from their minds and repeatedly reminded themselves, <em>Can��t afford to offend! Definitely not!</em>

 Chapter 592 - A Failed Robbery

    Chapter 592: A Failed Robbery


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The power of the two was evident with just one look. Although it wasn��t possible to gauge their real potential, it was understood that they surpassed the skills of the onlookers.


    In addition, the extent of the superiority of these two was a few levels higher.


    The striking speed of their hands was lightning quick, while their ability to defend was better than that of a tortoise.


    They could also smash a wall with one punch.


    Yet, these two were only ying a finger-guessing game! A punch thrown during a game, which was enough to send someone through a few walls, wasn��t within the ability of the


    Were they able to join in this game?


    A fist m would smash their brains.


    Lei Gong and Zhao Yu were enlightened after seeing the game that the two were ying and knew that they weren��t qualified to participate. Yang Sen greeted the two as a form of introduction before they went into their room for a long discussion.


    They understood that their mission was to observe and learn as much as possible from the other party.


    At the very least, they could avoid many detours in their cultivation journey.


    The next day, everyone set out to look for the two missing guys. They were dressed like ordinary people to avoid unwanted attention.


    However, with the presence of Xiong Zhan and Xiong Ying, it was hard not to attract attention.


    The two were like fireflies in the dark or a heap of dung on the road, and it was hard not to notice them.


    At the airport, a girl in her early twenties looked curiously at the duo and was startled by the stare of Xiong Zhan. She immediately grabbed the arm of her male partner and eximed, ��Oppa!��[1.Oppa: Brother in Korean]


    That man took a look at Xiong Zhan and Xiong Ying before quickly moving away with her.


    ��That sissy is her father!�� Xiong Zhan said.


    ��Well, I heard that, but it doesn��t look like that! Their ages are about the same,�� Xiong Ying said after giving them a nce.


    ��Maybe he has eaten something simr to the Jade Embryo,�� Xiong Zhan continued.


    ��What are we waiting for? Rob them! If we give it to the empress, we will be promoted by at least three ranks!�� Xiong Ying said eagerly.


    ��There isn��t any rush, and we don��t know whether there is any left. There are many people around, and furthermore, I have heard that the people here are taking the same flight as us. When we get to the destination, we can catch up with them and subject them to some interrogation,�� Xiong Zhan said.


    The two looked at each other and were in total agreement.


    If it was regarding other matters, the two would obey thedy boss and not cause trouble, but for a treasure such as the Jade Embryo, they had to take action.


    Presumably, the empress anddy boss wouldn��t me them. They were fixated on this idea and even forgot about the excitement of going on their first flight.


    Upon getting out of the airport, Bai Yuhe andpany��s attention slipped, and the two disappeared without a trace.


    They turned to find that the two guys behind them had gone missing and were nowhere to be seen. The three were totally confounded, as was the interpreter that came along with them.


    At this moment, four people appeared at a staircase in a secure area of the airport.


    Two of them were bear-like men, whereas the other two were a couple that had already fainted.


    Xiong Zhan pped the two people to wake them up. They saw the fierce and beast-like humans in front of them and started screaming.


    Xiong Zhan disyed his snow-white teeth with a smile and punched the wall. Cracks appeared where his fistnded and almost caused a hole to form. This almost made the two people urinate out of fear.


    ��Have you ever seen a fist as big as a casserole? You have seen it now! Do you believe that your head will be smashed by a punch from me? Shut up and hand over your treasure!��


    These two people knew a little Mandarin and at least knew what ��shut up�� meant.


    Thedy huddled behind the man and cried out softly, ��Oppa!��


    ��She��s addressing him as her father, so torture her father!�� Xiong Zhan dered to Xiong Ying. Then, his eyes narrowed as he said, ��Someone ising. Beat him until he is unconscious.��


    As soon as a man opened the security door, he saw a bear-like man raising his paw and fainted.


    Three minutester��


    Xiong Zhan asked, ��What are the two of them saying?��


    ��I will bring those guys over. They should be able to understand,�� Xiong Ying said.


    At this time, Bai Yuhe andpany were getting frantic. They hadn��t even gotten out of the airport, yet they had already lost those two!


    The moment Xiong Ying appeared, all three spotted him instantly.


    Five minutester, the four rified the situation and looked at the couple huddled in the corner. They didn��t know what expression was appropriate and felt like saying expletive words, but they didn��t dare to do so.


    Xiong Zhan felt awkward and asked, ��Is that so? I thought he was her father because she kept calling him ��Pa���� You can see that her father is so young����


    The four looked excited, but they were confounded.


    <em>Where do these guyse from? What��s this treasure they are talking about? A treasure that can impart evesting youth��Is there really such a thing?��</em>


    ��


    When Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, he watched the students working on the steam engine and train lotive every day. After more than one month, the train lotive was looking like a tractor.


    In addition, he went to the Ministry of Works to discuss with Tong Zhenye about the distribution of the prisoners.


    The first priority was to expand cement and brick production by operating 20 factories.


    Next in importance was the construction of a cement road from Lan City to the Protectorate of the Northeast.


    With a cement road and rubber tires, the speed of transportation could be greatly increased overnight. Compared to the mud roads that were full of pits after a rainstorm, the speed could be doubled or tripled.


    The cement road wasn��t only intended for the Protectorate of the Northeast. Ren Baqian��s aim was to link all four protectorates in the North, South, East, and West and to eventually connect the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    This n was christened by Ren Baqian as the ��Ten Year Highway n!��


    As for the rate of progress, it depended on the number of prisoners avable.


    If a million were avable and the production rate of the cement and brick factories could keep up, them the five protectorates could be connected within five years.


    For this project, even Tong Zhenye and Tu Wan knew it was one of the most important of the next few years, so they didn��t impede its progress.


    Even the Ministry of Revenue was hard pressed to provide the food for these people.


    As for provisions, although they were still worried, the people were getting more optimistic. In a year��s time, the yield of those crops brought by Ren Baqian would be able to support therge scale use of prisoners for the construction projects in Dayao.


    During this period, Ren Baqian returned to Earth once. He discovered that those winged cavalry warriors had returned safely and didn��t bother to find out more.


    He didn��t know how much trouble they had caused or that they had even tried to rob someone of a treasure�� If he had known, he would certainly have told them about the importance of learning a foreignnguage.


    Anyway, Yang Sen now had more white hairs. He was an Atheist, but prayed to Buddha for the safe return of these four people.


    The two were jubnt when they returned, but Yang Sen was concerned when he saw the haggard faces of Bai Yuhe, Lei Gong, and Zhao Yu.


    In Dayao, the New Year was approaching while Lan City was bustling again after the empress��s birthday celebration.


    The residences of the important officials were also being decorated.


    The skeletons they treasured were hung on the walls, and every house had many rows of eerie-looking white bones on their walls. Some were animal bones and some were human bones, which they considered as worthy trophies.


    Every time the wind blew, the skeletons would rattle creepily throughout the whole Beihong District.


    Especially in the streets at night, the rattling of bones in the wind gave people a ghostly sensation.


    Even the empress was eager to decorate the pce. The head of Teng Yue was dug up and hung above the pce gate. An erhu was hung beside the head as well.

 Chapter 593 - Success of the Steam Car Prototype

    Chapter 593: Sess of the Steam Car Prototype


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Five days before the New Year.


    ��Teacher, teacher, we have seeded. It��s moving! It��s moving!�� Ren Baqian was sitting in the ssroom when he heard the students shouting from outside the window.


    Ren Baqian closed the book in his hand. He had always been monitoring the students�� progress and had originally thought that they would be able to achieve results sooner.


    They merely had to adjust the linkages of the steam engine and fix them to the wheels. Little did he expect them to onlyplete these tasks after close to two months.


    Strength grew in numbers. On the contrary, even though the aboriginals were indeed very strong, they were very slow inpleting these tasks.


    However, among so many students, there were indeed some who were hindrances to the rest. For instance, people like Tong Lan. If they were to be weeded out, the tasks could probably have beenpleted two weeks earlier.


    In the room, Ren Baqian could hear the cheers of the studentsing from the backyard. He strolled over with his hands behind his back, only to see dozens of people surrounding an enormous tractor��


    Yes, a tractor indeed. Its entire outlook exceedingly resembled a tractor that Ren Baqian had seen when he was young. However, the thing before him looked a little more crude and simplified.


    A cylindrical steam engine was mounted at the front with an exhaust pipe on top of it��


    Behind that was a metal te filled with coal. One of the students stood on top and constantly added coal into the furnace. As the burning coal in the furnace heated up the water tank, a steady flow of steam was transported to the engine cylinder in front through a pipe on top.


    At the same time, these students also made use of the characteristics of the state changes between water and steam. They installed a diversion canal at the bottom of the engine cylinder that was able to direct the cooled water back into the water tank.


    Below the cylinder were tworge flywheels and six that gradually shrank in size. They were no longer linked together by animal tendons, which were used in the early stages, and were now connected by metal linkages.


    When Ren Baqian arrived, Du Laoliu was covered in dirt. Baring his upper arms, he added coal to the furnace while standing on the vehicle.


    ��It��s moving! It��s moving!�� Many of the students cheered.


    ��After so long, we have finally seeded in making a steam car that doesn��t require manualbor!��


    Regardless of whether it was Shi Gan with the best grades or the worst students, regardless of whether they were the younger generation from the families of the officials or ordinarymoners, every one of them looked very excited at the moment.


    Even the cksmiths and carpenters that Tong Zhenye had sent to help out at the school were folding their arms and admiring their masterpiece! After all, they had also contributed their efforts to make this steam car.


    ��Everyone move aside and give way��the car is elerating!�� Du Laoliu shouted toward the crowd in front. His hands were constantly adding coal to the furnace, and at the same time, he was howling withughter and had a faceful of excitement.


    ��This is actually the first steam car since the creation of this world, so of course, I must be the one to operate it! Hahahaha!��


    ��Idiot!�� While sitting on top of a rock away from the crowd, Tong Lan��s mouth immediately twitched when she heard Du Laoliu��sughter. ��This thing can��t turn!��


    Upon hearing Tong Lan��s muttering, Ren Baqian, who had just arrived, looked at Du Laoliu again, who was standing on top of the steam car in high spirits. Ren Baqian immediately looked sympathetic.


    <em>The first traffic ident of the first steam car since the creation of this world will be caused by you!</em>


    As the students gave way to the vehicle, its speed began picking up. As the steam car moved forward, dust began rising from the back.


    The wheels of the steam car created two grooves on the ground as it moved.


    The steam car moved faster and faster, elerating from the walking speed of a person to a jogging speed, and crashed directly into the wall of the courtyard on the opposite side!


    ��Hey, hey, hey? How do I steer this thing?�� Du Laoliu suddenly thought about this when he was about to crash into the wall. He tried to tug on the reins, but he couldn��t find any and began to shout frantically. He was so anxious that he even shouted ��Jia!��[1.��Jia��: sound made when getting a horse to stop]


    Still, the steam car didn��t react and crashed into the wall. ( Boxno vel. co m )


    After the peal of falling bricks, the steam car crashed through the wall and continued moving forward.


    The school was located to the east of the pce and north of the Beihong district. There were actually very few people moving about in this area. Only a few imperial bodyguards stopped in their tracks in surprise and stared as that odd looking thing drove out from the school, crossed the pavement, and barged through the courtyard wall of the residence of the Great Elder, Shi Qing!


    The courtyard wall of Shi Qing��s residence was made entirely out of rocks, which was much sturdierpared to the school��s wall. There was the loud sound of a collision when the steam car, which was filled with the efforts of so many students from the school, crashed into the Shi residence��s wall. It actually only made a gap and didn��t destroy the entire wall.


    As if they had provoked a ho��s nest, over ten burly men jumped on top of the wall and stared at the culprit who had the audacity to attack the Shi residence.


    All of a sudden, the dirt-covered Du Laoliu was marked by dozens of beast-like men, and his entire head was covered in cold sweat. He smiled at the crowd with a guilty look and said, ��It was Shi Gan who did it.��


    He pointed behind him as he spoke.


    At that moment, a bunch of students ran through the gap in the wall.


    ��Older brothers, this was an ident!�� Shi Gan promptly stepped forward and exined, ��We made this steam car, but there has been a slight mishap.��


    With Shi Gan��s exnation, the guards�� gazes finally became less tense.


    ��Come over here.�� They weren��t sure when he had arrived, but Shi Qing waved his hands from outside the wall.


    He then looked curiously at the steam car that had smashed through his courtyard wall and asked, ��Is this what you have been busy with these days?��


    ��Dad!�� Shi Gan first greeted sincerely before saying a little excitedly, ��This is a steam car that is propelled by a steam engine. It can move without manualbor, and it doesn��t get tired.��


    ��How much metal was used for this?!�� The thing that Shi Qing was most concerned about was how much metal was used to make this weird metal object. How many weapons could it have made, and how many soldiers could it have equipped?


    Even though the output of the iron ore mine at Mount Damo had already increased by a hundred fold and the price of iron ore would decrease after two more years, Shi Qing was still unable to erase the notion he had held for the past few decades.


    ��Around 1,000 kilograms,�� Shi Gan answered softly.


    Shi Qing remained silent for a moment after hearing this and said, ��You guys are indeed big spenders!��


    ��Sir Shi, metal will no longer be a restriction for Dayao anymore. Not to mention one ton of metal, even using ten tons to build this thing will be worth it. It��s just like the initial stages of the sr powered furnace��if you don��t know how to utilize it, it won��t be notable at all. However, if it��s properly utilized, you won��t even sell it for ten or even 100 times its value.�� Ren Baqian stepped forward and smiled.


    ��Principal Ren!�� Shi Qing nodded his head toward him. ��I know that. It��s just an old notion of mine that I simply can��t overlook in a short period of time. I still remember those words that Principal Ren said previously. However, can this thing really perform like what you described?��


    ��This is just a prototype. There are still more modifications to be made,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��I have no understanding of these things, so I shall wait and see Principal Ren��s performance then.�� Shi Qing smiled at Ren Baqian and returned back to the Shi residence in a sh.


    After that, everyone carried the steam car back for an inspection. As a result, they found out that the crash had created a hole in the engine cylinder. Du Laoliu had to take a beating for that.


    ��Teacher, how can we change the direction of this thing?�� someone promptly asked Ren Baqian.


    ��We don��t need to change its direction. It will suffice as long as it can run along the steel rails.��


    When Ren Baqian then brought out a few wooden sticks to demonstrate to everyone, Shi Gan immediately understood and said, ��If that��s the case, there will be fewer adverse effects to the pavement, and the speed of the car can be increased by quite a bit.��


    ��Yet, how much metal will that require?�� Shi Gan became speechless.


    ��You don��t have to worry about this. You simply have to know how useful this thing can be. If you can travel from Lan City to the Yun Nation in three days, it will be worth it, no matter how much metal is used.��


    ��Understood!�� Everyone immediately became excited and left after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    After the students had built this steam car with their own hands, they had all be more enthusiastic. They felt that they definitely need to build the train that Yagui talked about.


    Ren Baqian let out a gentle smile after seeing them leave.


    Aside from himself, there was probably nobody who knew how much steel would be required to build a steel railroad.


    If they were to learn about it, they would be extremely astonished and would go all out to prevent Ren Baqian from building the railroad.


    One meter of steel railroad track would require 100 kilograms of steel, and in turn, one kilometer would require 100 tons of steel.


    The current output of Mount Damo��s iron ore mine was one million kilograms per year. It was sufficient to produce weapons and was enough to make 100,000 steel des a year. This could immediately increase Dayao��s soldiers by double.


    With 200,000 warriors, it would be possible to take down Great Xia.


    However, if they were to build the steel railroad, then this would be out of the question.


    It was at least 1,000 kilometers from Lan City to the Yun Nation border. Based on the output of the iron ore mine at Mount Damo, they could onlyy ten kilometers of railroad track per year, and it would take over 100 years to be able to finishying such a railroad.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian��s objective had never been based on the metal output from Mount Damo��s iron ore mine.


    There were also iron ore mines in the Yun Nation.

 Chapter 594 - Spices

    Chapter 594: Spices


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A group of six riders were stopped outside the gate of Lan City upon arrival.


    The two leading riders were tall and well-built people from the mountains that were about 40 or 50 years old. Two young men over 20 years old and two teenagers followed behind them. All of them were wearing animal hides.


    As for their mounts, there were two mountain-gazing birds, three jumping sheep, and one beast that was covered in ck scales.


    ��Take these. If your mounts take a dump, you have to clean it up. Otherwise, you will be given 10shes of the whip by the Public Order Bureau,�� a guard instructed as he threw six straw bags at them.


    ��When was this rule implemented?�� one of the well-built middle-aged riders asked as he was not totally convinced.


    ��It��s by order of the empress, and it will be this way in the future,�� the guard replied impatiently. He was tired of exining the same thing every day for the past few days.


    However, he was kind enough to point out a few riding paths nearby and said, ��You can learn from them and save yourself some trouble.��


    These people looked in the direction pointed out by the guard and saw some people trying to fix a straw bag behind the buttocks of a mount�� This was to prevent the fork-horned cow from taking a dump all over the road and also to avoid the need to monitor it.


    After all, they couldn��t be expected to monitor whether their mounts were taking dumps all along the way.


    ��Thanks for the reminder!�� The leading middle-aged man cupped his hands to show his appreciation and smiled sincerely.


    ��One more thing���� The guard observed the strange animals for a while and warned, ��Do not dig holes in the city!��


    A momentter, the group set out again. Their strange animals looked aggrieved. After a life of running around, they found it very ufortable to move with a bag hanging behind their buttocks.


    Upon entering the city, the pair of teenagers at the back eximed after seeing the pedestrians on the streets, ��Third Uncle, this is Lan City and there are so many people!��


    The leading middle-aged man who was addressed as Third Uncle said with a smile, ��After all, this is Lan City! It��s under the jurisdiction of the empress!��


    ��What beautiful clothes they wear!�� The young girl had her eyes set on the clothes of a few pedestrians. Although they looked ordinary to most people, they were very attractive to someone who had juste out of the mountains.


    ��Let��s buy half a bolt of cloth after selling our things!�� the leading middle-aged man said dotingly after calcting his cost.


    The teenage boy and girl were the most talented youths in the vige, had attained the Earth Wheel level before they were 16, and were more promising than their older generation. He brought them here not only to buy goods for the New Year, but also to look for two old friends to see whether they could help to get both youngsters into this year��sntern-grabbing contest.


    As they walked forward for a stretch, the leading middle-aged man was puzzled by the closure of the shops that previously sold clothes.


    He dismounted to ask some people and discovered that the shops were closed because of the war. The merchant caravans were gone, so the shops were closed down as a result.


    The young girl felt that it was a pity.


    However, the children from the mountains weren��t pampered and soon focused their attention on other matters.


    ��What a nice smell!�� the girl said in surprise. ��It smells better than roasted rock worms!��


    Not only did she smell it, the rest smelled it too. The aroma alone was enough to whet their appetite.


    ��The aroma ising from the front.��


    Soon, they found a store that was surrounded by many people. Riding on top of their mounts, they could see a shelf in front of the store. A jumping sheep leg was being roasted on top as two skinny people who didn��t look like aboriginals asionally sprinkled some powder on the roast, making it even more enticing.


    ��What are they doing? Didn��t they say the merchant caravans were gone?�� The leading middle-aged man went forward to ask a man.


    ��These are not merchant caravans!�� That man turned to look at him, pointed at the signboard above the store, and asked, ��Can��t you see the words up there?��


    ��What does it say?�� the middle-aged leader asked respectfully. Although Dayao was a country where strength was revered, literate people were also respected.


    That man pulled another man who was beside him and asked softly, ��What��s written up there?��


    ��From what I heard yesterday, it seems to be the imperial family��s spice shop,�� the other man answered with uncertainty.


    ��Imperial Family Spice Shop. Her Majesty��s Spice Shop!�� The man in front turned to confirm.


    ��What is spice?�� the middle�Caged leader continued asking.


    That man eagerly expounded on this topic and exined, ��Take a look at the roast meat. Is the meat that you roast this fragrant?��


    ��No!�� the middle-aged leader said frankly.


    ��This is what spices are for. Just sprinkle some on the roast meat and the fragrance will hit you! It��s so good that you can almost swallow your tongue.�� He looked intoxicated and seemed to be savoring the smell.


    ��How is this spice sold?�� the middle-aged leader asked with interest.


    ��I��m not sure, but regardless, it isn��t cheap.�� That passerby looked at him and said, ��If it is for your stronghold, you might as well buy some salt.��


    ��Then why are there so many people?�� The middle-aged leader found it strange since these people couldn��t be gathering here just to smell the roast meat.


    ��After roasting, the leg ofmb will be cut into thin slices and distributed to everybody. It��s called�� a food sample, yes a food sample. All these people here are waiting for a taste of it.�� The passerby felt that the words ��food sample�� were not easy to remember.


    This spice shop was, as expected, the idea of Ren Baqian.


    Of the spices originally nted, the sesame had been harvested twice and the cumin once, whereas the pepper had only recently ripened.


    As for the Sichuan pepper and star anise, it would take another two years before they could be harvested.


    However, when the sesame and cumin ripened, Ren Baqian and the empress were in Tianjing Basin. These spices were sold together with the pepper after the pepper had ripened. Besides the initial agreement to sell a portion to Tong Zhenye and after ounting for the imperial pce, the remainder was used to open the first store while preparations were made to sell the spices to various areas in Dayao.


    Pepper and cumin were as valuable as silver by weight. In other words, one tael of silver could only buy one tael of pepper or cumin. This was slightly more expensive than salt, but this was much cheaper whenpared to the time that the price of spices on Earth was as expensive as gold.


    Moreover, the spices couldn��t be exported and the officials of Dayao did not have the opportunity to make money from trading.


    If the spices were priced ording to the weight of gold like what had happened during ancient times on Earth, then they would have rotted in the warehouse.


    Ren Baqian had acquired about 1,000 mu of fields, which included 200 mu of sesame and 200 mu each of pepper and cumin. The rest was nted with anise and prickly ash. This year, about 25,000 kilograms of sesame, 50,000 kilograms of pepper, 40,000 kilograms of cumin, and over 500,000 kilograms of various spices were produced. They were worth more than 1 million taels of silver, which was an astronomical figure.


    To be able to produce such a harvest from 600 mu ofnd was considered a huge windfall. At this price point, Ren Baqian was wondering whether part of the crop would be left to rot in the warehouse. After all, the annual national ie of Dayao was less than 10 million taels of silver.


    It must be mentioned that this world was indeed a fertile ce. Even without fertilizer or advanced agricultural methods, thend was able to produce results that were impossible to achieve on Earth.


    Half a dayter, these mountain folk tasted the roast mutton and almost swallowed their tongues. They summoned up the courage to ask about the price of cumin and Sichuan pepper and subsequently left the shop while drooling.


    Although the price wasn��t low, the leader calcted that it was within their means if he bought one tael of each type of spice for the vigers back home to try.


    ��I��m getting hungrier!�� the girlined. Eating a slice of this kind of roasted mutton made the stomach growl for more.


    ��Try to bear with it. Let��s meet up with an old friend first to ask about some matters that concern you,�� the middle-aged leader said. They crossed Jingyang Street, made some inquiries, and knocked on the door of a mansion they arrived at.


    A momentter, they were ushered in.


    ��You want to participate in thentern-grabbing contest? This isn��t impossible. You are quite talented, but there are many young talents in Lan City and you may not be outstanding enough. In terms of skill, the members of the elite families are stronger than you. If you are looking for a way out, I can offer you the chance here.��


    A middle-aged man in the hall was enthusiastically talking with the leader, but became hesitant after learning what they were here for.


    ��What do you mean?�� the leader asked. He did not want the boy and the girl to stagnate in the vige.


    ��ck Bamboo Academy is recruiting a batch of students.��

 Chapter 595 - Narrate

    Chapter 595: Narrate


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��ck Bamboo Academy? What does that mean?�� The leader thought for a moment. He seemed to have heard of this name before from somewhere.


    ��Ren Baqian. I��m sure you have heard of this person!�� The middle-aged manughed.


    ��The husband that Her Majesty has chosen?�� It suddenly came to light for the leader��no wonder he felt that he had heard of ck Bamboo Academy before. Now, he finally knew where he had heard about it.


    ��I heard that he��s a gigolo!�� The young girl behind the leader opened her small mouth and spoke out of curiosity. Since the empress was like the prettiest star in the sky to her, she was really curious what the husband that the empress had chosen would be like.


    ��Zhu Hua!�� The leader turned his head and stared at her, causing the young girl to immediately tuck her head down.


    ��His face is indeed a little whiter!�� The middle-aged man strongly agreed as well. ��However, don��t say such stuff in the open or else it will invite trouble if others hear it. Also, don��t belittle him.��


    ��Zhu Zhuo, let us talk about it. You were the smartest in the stronghold back in the day and then you went to the Yun Nation as well. Currently, you are also the one with the most reliable information in Lan City. What we know is iparable to your knowledge,�� the middle-aged leader said.


    Zhu Zhuo left his home stronghold around 20 years ago. He was young, extremely intelligent, and even smarter than the chief in the stronghold. However, his aptitude toward martial arts was not exactly outstanding. Plus, he also had a weaker physique. As such, before he decided to travel to the Yun Nation, he had found it hard to receive recognition in Lan City.


    Precisely, because he was thinner and weaker, he looked very much like a very strong man from the Yun Nation. He actually spent quite a lot of time travelling around the Yun Nation before returning to hold a position in the Ministry of Works. At present, he was already a Secondary ss, Rank 5 undersecretary in the Ministry of Works.


    The middle-aged leader looked at him with utmost confidence.


    ��It��s hard to get news in the stronghold, and there are indeed some things that you don��t really know. However, what kind of person is Her Majesty and why would she choose a good-for-nothing husband?�� Zhu Zhuo asked faintly.


    Everyone felt strongly about this.


    <em>Doubting Her Majesty��s foresight?</em>


    What kind of person is she?


    <em>Why is her foresight being questioned by people like us?</em>


    ��Ren Baqian isn��t very good at martial arts, and as far as I know, he had never originally learned martial arts before. However, he has extremely high levels of attainment in all other aspects. Did you see the imperial family��s spice shop when you arrived? Currently, the Ministry of Works is still nting pumpkins, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other crops. One mu ofnd can produce several tons of food, and all of it came from him.��


    A few of them lowered their heads expressionlessly and counted with their fingers. Several tons of crops from one mu ofnd��exactly how much was that? The number was too huge, and they didn��t know how much it was. After using up their fingers, they used their toes as well.


    Some timeter, the middle-aged leader took a deep breath and asked, ��So much?��


    After seeing their reactions, Zhu Zhuoughed and answered, ��Yes, indeed. I was shocked when I heard it for the first time. Besides that, there was also the salt pan, and you probably should have heard about this. Dayao now has a salt pan, which was also introduced by Principal Ren. Solely based on these two achievements, Ren Baqian wouldn��t be that highly regarded since much of the effort was provided by Dayao. However, he also introduced methods ofmunicating over long distances, extracting iron ore, forging steel, and provided a weird mechanical weapon that was used during the war with Great Xia. He recently pacified Tianjing Basin as well.��


    Zhu Zhuo continued, ��He is so heavily involved that the shaved ice, sswares, and mirrors that you can find in the city today were all introduced by him. Also, he triumphed over the Zhang family, who came over from the Yun Nation some time ago, in a contest that included cloth dying, wine brewing, and weapon forging. You guys might not have heard of the Zhang family, but I actually know quite a bit about them and their capabilities. It was very astonishing for Ren Baqian to win in all three events of the contest.��


    The rest of them were all ears. Even though they couldn��t feel it from inside their stronghold, after hearing what Zhu Zhuo said, Ren Baqian seemed to have aplished many great things.


    ��This man can be considered a genius,�� Zhu Zhuo said reverently.


    He had seen many things while travelling. Thus, he understood Ren Baqian��s value better than the others and thought even more highly of him than Tong Zhenye did.


    ��This ck Bamboo Academy was founded by him, and it��s the ce where he imparts his knowledge. Even though martial arts isn��t part of the curriculum, he teaches mathematics and geography, which is indeed impressive!�� Zhu Zhuo eximed in admiration


    ��Simply looking at how much he has aplished and the changes he has made over a short period of less than two years, you would know how amazing his teachings are. Even though you can��t practice martial arts there, it��s an excellent opportunity for advancement. Even though it may seem a little wasteful for the innate skills of these two kids, martial arts isn��t everything, much less so from today onward. There haven��t been any changes during the 70 written records since Dayao was founded. However, for the next ten records or so, as long as Ren Baqian is still alive, there will definitely be changes in Dayao.��


    The middle-aged leader kept quiet after listening. Zhu Zhuo��s words had emotionally affected him.


    However, given the talent of the two kids, he was very unwilling to let them give up learning martial arts because it would be too wasteful.


    ��


    At present, Ren Baqian was taking a stroll in the marketce. Lately, there had been many aboriginals who came to Lan City to buy things. At the same time, they had also brought alongrge quantities of precious goods like rare medicinal herbs and fruits as well as other rare treasures.


    For instance, just the day before, Ren Baqian found a leather sack at a aboriginal man��s stall. When shrank down, it was only the size of a fist, but when expanded, it could contain an entire man.


    It was said to be the stomach of some strange beast.


    Ren Baqian tried it out and found that it was very sturdy. At the very least, he couldn��t tear it apart. His current strength could generate a force of 6,500 newtons, which was sufficient to test the durability of the sack.


    A sack like this only cost 30 taels of silver.


    Just a while ago, he saw someone purchase a type of baby monkey called a ��ting ling.�� When fully grown, it would be around 40 centimeters tall with its entire body covered in short golden fur. It had lightning fast speed, tremendous strength, and was at roughly the level of a Man Wheel expert. If it was destined, it could even reach the level of an Earth Wheel expert.


    Also, it was highly intelligent and could understand the humannguage. Most importantly, it had superb hearing abilities, so when properly trained, it could be used to aid a hunter.


    At only 500 taels of silver, its price wasn��t too steep either.


    After strolling around the marketce and buying a few interesting things, Ren Baqian returned to that stall, took a few ingots of gold from his bodyguard, and ced them on the table.


    There weren��t any banknotes in Dayao, so people had to carryrge sacks of silver around in order to buy expensive things. Gold ingots proved to be useful in such cases.


    This baby ting ling was about the size of a palm and had short brown hair covering its body. It had a pair of cartoonish eyes that were very odd looking as well as very big ears.


    Ren Baqian took the baby��s leash from the hands of the aboriginal man. The nimble ting ling leaped onto his arm and looked at him impatiently with a slight grin while making chirping sounds.


    ��Little thing! Maybe Her Majesty will like you.�� Ren Baqian stretched his finger out and rubbed the baby��s head. Then, it jumped onto his shoulders.


    ��Let��s go! Back to the pce.�� Ren Baqian held the leash with one hand and allowed the little thing to stay on his shoulders as he called out to his bodyguard to return to the pce.


    When he got back to the pce, he first went to Pingle Park for a stroll. Two pretty deft pce maids were currently making skynterns and had alreadypleted a few that they ced to the side. These were prepared for Ren Baqian to release tomorrow night.


    There were a total of 666nterns, and he felt that this number was pretty auspicious!


    Ren Baqian immediately became emotional after he saw two ck and white fatties rolling around on the ground.


    Time was indeed a killer. The originally clumsy and adorable Gungun and Tiantian had now turned into these two lumps. Their cuteness was gone, which only left them with their clumsiness now.

 Chapter 596 - Have a Lovely Baby Soon

    Chapter 596: Have a Lovely Baby Soon


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress reclined on the couch with a ss of wine in one hand and watched Ren Baqian busily moving in and out. That baby Ting Ling, which Ren Baqian had just bought, was at her side, clutching the wine bottle with both paws and resting the bottle on its head. With its eyes continuously rolling around, it looked pitiful.


    Ren Baqian not only brought indles, pots, and pans from the imperial kitchen, but also mutton, beef, two fish, and some fruits.


    The empress didn��t like to eat fish since she couldn��t handle the bones and also because she preferred big chunks of meat.


    However, Ren Baqian liked to eat fish and would eat braised fish every three to five days. The imperial kitchen prepared it rather well.


    ( Boxno vel. co m ) ording to Ren Baqian, the chef deserved a rating of five stars.


    After all, the chefs in the imperial kitchen were quite talented, skilled, and knew how to control the fire when cooking. After getting some pointers from Ren Baqian, they improved even faster.


    Ren Baqian put a cutting board on a stool, ced a piece of beef on the board, and cut it into thin slices. He turned to the empress and asked, ��Your Majesty, do you know how to make meat filling?��


    ��Me?�� The empress pointed at herself. She felt that it was ridiculous to expect her to make meat filling.


    ��Your exquisite hands shouldn��t touch oily stuff, but it��s fun to do it asionally. We will have dumplings tonight!�� Ren Baqian dered as he wiped his hands with a cloth.


    ��Does the empress prefer to mince the meat or knead the dumplings?��


    The empress didn��t like either of these chores, but seeing his high spirits, she didn��t want to dampen them. She walked slowly across and took the knife from Ren Baqian. Soon, the hall was filled with the sounds of a knife chopping continuously on the board without almost any pause.


    Ren Baqian looked on with admiration and said, ��Your Majesty��s chopping method not only keeps out the water, but even the light can��t shine through.��


    30 secondster, the empress handed the knife back to Ren Baqian, and the cutting board was full of minced meat.


    Ren Baqian studied the cutting board and couldn��t help saying, ��The cutting board seems to be one-inch thinner.��


    ��It��s only a cutting board!�� the empress objected.


    ��In other words, Your Majesty has mixed the sawdust generated from the topyer of the cutting board with the beef.�� Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry. ��Under these circumstances, we don��t need to add vegetables.��


    The empress paused, looked around, closed her eyes, and reclined on the couch as if she hadn��t heard anything.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress who was pretending to be dead. It was better for him to do it himself as the empress wasn��t really suited to do normal household chores.


    He got the cutting board reced, minced some more meat, and asked the empress when it was time to wrap the dumplings, ��Your Majesty, do you want to try your hand at wrapping the dumplings?��


    ��I don��t want to try��just use pure meat for the filling!�� The empress took the wine bottle from the Ting Ling to pour herself a cup of wine and then put the wine bottle back on its head. Ting Ling stood there frozen and looked even more aggrieved.


    How could he be treated as a wine rack?


    ��Are you sure it can be eaten that way?�� Ren Baqian looked at her sideways.


    ��I mean what I say!�� The empress red at him.


    Ren Baqian spent four hours wrapping dumplings, and his whole body was covered with white flour. The empress reclined on the couch, patiently watched him bustling about and curled her lips from time to time.


    The empress liked to see this kind of scene.


    After a long time, Ren Baqian brought out more than ten tes of dumplings.


    ��Why does it look different?�� the empress asked. The different fillings inside the dumplings made the color of the dumpling wrappers look different.


    ��This has the pure meat that you want, and there aren��t any vegetables at all.�� Ren Baqian pushed half of the dumplings to her.


    Ren Baqian had six or seven tes in front of him.


    They sat across from each other and set Ting Ling free, but it didn��t dare to run away. It stood like a human and looked at Ren Baqian expectantly, hoping that he would save it from its misery.


    After adding two spoonfuls of sorghum wine, the taste of the nd dumplings was blended with the wine.


    ��In Dayao, do you greet each other by saying ��Happy New Year?���� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��We do not.��


    ��Happy New Year then!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    The empress gave him a sidelong nce and thought about saying ��Happy New Year,�� but didn��t do so.


    She lowered her head and ate three dumplings before starting to frown. The dumplings weren��t bad and the meat also wasn��t bad, but the pure meat dumplings were only so-so�� they were too boring.


    She pushed half of her tes across and said, ��Swap for yours.��


    Ren Baqianughed sneakily.


    It was because he had suffered this before.


    ��What��s inside? Pineapple?�� As the empress ate Ren Baqian��s dumplings, her eyes brightened.


    ��Well, these have pineapple, green Mongolian grass, and stonefish!�� Ren Baqian was proud of his own innovative ability.


    ��These have passion fruit and barbed turtle meat����


    Ren Baqian pointed at the various tes and eagerly exined to the empress. With his skill and innovativeness, he felt that he could easily enter somepetitions and win some des. Bybining the sweet fragrance of fruits with the savory taste of fish and turtle meat, he had created exotic dishes.


    Although the vor was a bit strange, one would get used to it after eating it once.


    The empress tasted every type of dumpling, silently took back her tes, and returned Ren Baqian��s tes to him.


    Fortunately, there were fruits at the side, so she barely managed to eat the dumplings by eating fruit in between eating the dumplings.


    After a tortuous dumpling meal, Ren Baqian dragged the empress out to fly the Kongmingnterns. <sup>1</sup>


    666 Kongmingnterns, each about half the height of a human, were ced all over the courtyard.


    ��Can this fly up to the sky?�� the empress asked doubtfully. The frames were made of bamboo strips and covered with ayer of white cloth. There was also a small oilmp inside.


    ��Of course. Does the empress have any wishes? Write it on the surface, and it will be taken to a ce near Heaven where your wishes may be fulfilled.�� Ren Baqian took out a stack of cloth strips and a pen.


    ��I can achieve what I want to do. It��s useless to write down what I cannot do. You might as well send Li Fu up to the sky to stop him from brooding about it every day.��


    ��Even writing the phrase ��May the country be prosperous and the people at peace�� will be good! Anyway, it gives you hope.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress proceeded to write the phrase ��May the country be prosperous and the people at peace�� on a cloth strip before tying to the bottom of a Kongmingntern.


    Ren Baqian wrote the words: ��A bumper harvest.��


    The empress then added, ��Good weather for the crops.��


    Ren Baqian: ��National fortune and prosperity.��


    The empress: ��Strong and prosperous country.��


    The empress looked at him and finally thought of another phrase, ��Always in my heart.��


    Ren Baqian took a pen and wrote: ��Have a lovely baby soon.��


    The empress blushed and sent Ren Baqian tumbling and flying with a kick to his leg.


    Ren Baqian took a long time to hobble back and got someone to light the Kongmingnterns in order to send them soaring into the sky.


    One by one, the Kongmingnterns rose gradually into the air and appeared like an ascendingdder to the sky as hundreds of them were at different heights. The scene at night was as beautiful as a painting.


    The background was the stars of the Milky Way, and it was a study in contrast.


    ��Won��t they drop down?�� This thought suddenly urred to the empress. She was worried that they would cause a fire if they were to drop down.


    ��Your Majesty, even if they were to fall in midair, the oil would be dispersed by the wind. Therefore, nothing will happen.


    The empress was relieved to hear this and looked up to enjoy the scenery.


    As the night wind blew, the Kongmingnterns, starting from the top, began to drift south of the city.


    The lights in the night sky were seen by numerous people, causing many ces began to liven up as many people came out of their rooms to watch the night sky after hearing about it.


    Like the fireworks disy from before, this beautiful scene was also breathtaking.


    ��It��sing from the pce. Yagui must be the one responsible for this.�� Tong Lan stood and pouted in the courtyard, but conceded and said, ��It��s very beautiful. I wonder how it��s done? I will seek him out and learn from him.��


    ��The mind is really ingenious!�� Tong Zhenye said.


    Looking at the night sky from their windows, many youngdies in House Yunyan were filled with envy and imagined the freedom they would have if they were thenterns in the sky.


    ��


    At an inn somewhere.


    ��Zhuo Hua,e out and see.�� A teenager kicked open the door of Zhao Hua��s room.


    ��Xiong Baobao, don��t you know how to knock on a door?�� Zhuo Hua scolded.


    ��Don��t be so pretentious!�� the teenager said scornfully. He dragged Zhuo Hua into the courtyard by her hand and pointed at the sky, ��Look!��


    ��How beautiful!�� When Zhuo Hua saw the scene in the sky, her eyes sparkled.


    ��ording to the rumors, the fireworks disy on Her Majesty��s birthday was even more beautiful, and it��s a pity that I didn��t get to see it,�� the teenager said somewhat regretfully.


    On Jing Street, Li Fu reclined on a roof and looked at the night sky. He left his wine cup on the roof and disappeared in a sh. He then reappeared in midair, caught the lowestntern, and dropped to the ground with it. After seeing how it was constructed, he became contemtive.


    In the Qin Residence, Qin Chuan bellowed, ��Fetch my bow! I would like to see what these are.��


    ��Father, they areing from the pce.�� A young man with features simr to Qin Chuan pointed this out.


    Qin Chuan looked at the Kongmingnterns, felt very curious, and was dying to find out. At most, he reckoned that the empress would kick him, so he boldly said, ��There isn��t any harm. Just give me my bow.��


    Soon after, Qin Chuanunched an arrow. The light of onentern was extinguished, causing it to fall to the ground.


    ��Sir, I have picked it up, and there are words written on it.�� Soon, two guards came rushing back with a Kongmingntern in their arms.


    ��What��s written on it?��


    ��The two of us are illiterate!�� the two guards said sheepishly.


    ��Useless things.�� Qin Chuan took the cloth strip and saw the words: ��Have a lovely baby soon.��


    He immediately perked up.


    It was better not to think about the words written on this thing that flew out from the pce.


    ��Father, what is written on it?�� The young man came over to take a look. He was unresponsive for a long time, then said, ��I don��t know anything.��


    Qin Chuan immediately scolded, ��Nonsense, I just found out now.��


    He decided that it was better not to let others know. Otherwise, the empress would be embarrassed and angry.


    The next day at the Shi Residence, Shi Qing was shocked and asked, ��What? Have a lovely baby soon? The empress and that little ra�� Sir Qin, is this real?��


    ��Why would I lie to you?�� Qin Chuan looked at him with disgust.


    <em>Why is he suspecting me?</em>


    <em>When have I ever lied to anyone?</em>


    When Qin Chuan came out of Shi Qing��s house humming a little tune, he suddenly realized something and pped his own face. He clearly intended not to tell anyone else, but he couldn��t control himself!

 Chapter 597 - Taking Out Her Anger

    Chapter 597: Taking Out Her Anger


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At court two dayster, everyone��s faces were full of emotions.


    They exchanged nces with one another.


    ��Have you heard?��


    ��I have!��


    ��Is it real?��


    ��It shouldn��t be fake.��


    ��Who would dare to spout nonsense about this matter? Besides, Sir Qin was the one who said it.��


    Everyone��s attention subsequently turned to Qin Chuan.


    ��What are you looking at?�� Qin Chuan��s face immediately turned ck when everyone looked at him.


    He cursed to himself, <em>How did this news get out so quickly?</em>


    ( Boxno vel. co m ) Her Majesty must never know that he was the one who had spread this news.


    Tong Zhenye of the Ministry of Works asked, ��Do you have aint, you ignorant old man?��


    Tu Wan of the Ministry of Revenue sneered, ��Sir Qin!��


    The Minister of Justice looked over, gave the side-eye, and asked, ��What do you want to say?��


    With his nostrils pointing toward Qin Chuan, the Minister of Rites raised his head.


    Officials of the other departments nced over at Qin Chuan for a brief moment before raising their heads and looking at the sky.


    Even though Qin Chuan was the Minister of War and was also strong, everyone present here was an honorable expert as well. If they were to fight, other than the empress, Hong Wu, and Xi Wanya, they wouldn��t be afraid of anyone else.


    Qin Chuan silently cursed, <em>F*ck!</em>


    What he said had already provoked a ho��s nest. If he were to say more, he would probably get surrounded and kicked. He then turned his head around and faced away from the crowd.


    A wise man knew better than to fight when the odds were against him, and he still knew what this meant.


    ��Hehe!�� He heard a grimugh. Without even looking, Qin Chuan knew that it was Tong Zhenye, the ignorant old man, so he endured it.


    When the empress arrived, everyone asionally gave her a strange look.


    ��What? What happened?�� the empress asked coldly. She somehow sensed that the atmosphere in the court was a little strange today.


    ��Nothing! There��s peace and prosperity. Everything is well,�� Shi Qing answered.


    ��Nobody has anything to report?�� the empress asked again.


    ��No!��


    ��Then why��s everyone looking at me?��


    Everyone lowered their heads and started looking for ants on the ground.


    ��Lift your heads!�� the empress ordered crisply. ��What exactly happened? Or is it something that I shouldn��t know about?��


    ��There��s really nothing, Your Majesty,�� everyone replied sessively.


    What else could it be? These days, rumors had been actively spreading, and everyone had been gossiping.


    Yet, could they share the content of this gossip with the empress? How were they going to tell her?


    ��Since there��s nothing, you may all take your leave,�� the empress said.


    ��Your Majesty!�� She Kouhai said.


    When the Junior Elder, who had been honest and sincere for the past year, opened his mouth and spoke, everyone looked over at him. Qin Chuan��s heart was in his throat.


    ��Speak, Junior Elder.�� Seeing that She Kouhai was willing to talk, the empress became less tense.


    ��Since Principal Ren and Your Majesty aren��t officially married yet, I feel that it��s a little inappropriate for him to be living in the pce at the moment. It would be better to bestow an official residence for him to temporarily stay in,�� She Kouhai said.


    ��Inappropriate in what manner?�� the empress countered.


    ��It doesn��t conform with the rites!�� She Kouhai lowered his head.


    ��What rites? We aboriginals have never had such rites. Could it be that you are putting up this request based on Great Xia��s rites?�� the empress asked coldly.


    ��I wouldn��t dare.�� She Kouhai broke into a cold sweat when he heard this.


    Indeed, there weren��t any such rites that forbade living together before marriage. However, Her Majesty was the reigning empress, so she was always very easily talked about among the people. Upon seeing the empress��s attitude, everyone swallowed down their words.


    ��How are you allowed to question my personal life? If there��s nothing else, you may take your leave,�� the empress replied impatiently.


    After everyone left, the empress returned to her quarters and said to Xin Zhe, ��Go check it out. Find out if they are hiding anything from me. They were acting odd during court today.��


    ��Yes.�� Xin Zhe immediately epted the order and left.


    When Xin Zhe returned four hourster, the empress��s face turned ck immediately after hearing what Xin Zhe reported. No wonder everybody had acted so bizarrely today. No wonder She Kouhai had said such things.


    That wretched Qin Chuan!


    At that moment, after a few shes, she appeared in the air above the Ministry of War. Her thunderous voice, cold yet full of fury, resounded throughout half of Lan City as she roared, ��Qin Chuan, you ignorant old man! Come out now!��


    When Qin Chuan came out, the empress smacked him without demur. As ripples appeared in the air, it looked like the appearance of an enormous and transparent palm print.


    Seeing that things weren��t going well, Qin Chuan was ready to break into a run.


    ��Your Majesty, what wrong have Imitted?��


    ��How dare you run away!�� With her palm, the empress responded in a rage and hammered Qin Chuan through the ground like a nail. She then grabbed him by his hair, dragged him out, and whipped a kick across his body, sending him smashing through about seven buildings and copsing them.


    ��Someone, tie him up!�� raged the empress.


    A high ranking official in the Ministry of War quickly asked, ��Your Majesty, what has Sir Qin done?��


    ��Spread baseless rumors!�� The empress looked extremely angry.


    After everyone heard this, they all gave Qin Chuan a look of condolence. He had iting this time.


    Tong Zhenye hurried over from the nearby Ministry of Works and asked softly, ��How do you wish to punish Sir Qin, Your Majesty?��


    ��Hang him up from the gates of the pce!�� the empress replied ruthlessly.


    If the punishment was too heavy, Tong Zhenye might just have restrained her a little. However, after hearing this punishment, he immediately rejoiced in Qin Chuan��s misfortune and personally tied him up.


    As he tied Qin Chuan up, he said, ��Sir Qin, that mouth of yours! You deserve it! What strong nerve you have to actually make such absurdments about Her Majesty��s personal matters without filtering your words! Go hang there from the gates for a few days or weeks and reflect upon yourself.��


    Badly battered, Qin Chuan shot an angry look at Tong Zhenye.


    The empress still looked very angry. Just now, she had said that Qin Chuan had spread baseless rumors. From Tong Zhenye��s mouth, it suddenly became that Qin Chuan hadmented about the empress��s personal matters. She flew into a rage out of humiliation because those who didn��t know what had actually happened would think that what Qin Chuan had said was real.


    With a kick, she sent Qin Chuan flying into a wall before ruthlessly saying, ��Someone, hang Qin Chuan up from the pce gates. No one is to let him down without my permission.��


    After she was done speaking, she vanished with a stomp of her foot and returned back to the pce with her anger still unquenched.


    Anyone who had rumors fabricated about them when they were innocent would definitely not feel good. Moreover, this bbermouth Qin Chuan had spread the rumors everywhere.


    A short timeter, after Ren Baqian had ended ss, he returned back to the pce and saw Qin Chuan hanging from the pce gates. Tong Zhenye had even brought along a few people from the Ministry of Works to stand around and watch him.


    Ren Baqian immediatelyughed and asked, ��What has Sir Qin done this time to provoke Her Majesty?��


    Tong Zhenye gave him a weird look and answered, ��Sir Qin ended up in this state because of something rted to you, Sir Ren.��


    Ren Baqian was instantly baffled.


    ��What does this have to do with me?��


    Tong Zhenye let out a rather dubiousugh and exined, ��Sir Qin spread news about you and Her Majesty everywhere, which enraged her. After all, it��s a private matter between you and Her Majesty, so don��t you think it concerns you?��


    Ren Baqian felt even more baffled. News about him and the empress had already been spreading for a year��what else could there be?


    Then, Tong Zhenye promptly made a hand gesture and eximed, ��Having a child soon!��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian let out a mischievousugh beforeing to his senses and feeling that something wasn��t right. How did Qin Chuan know about this? What rumors had he been spreading to others?


    After he thought it through, Ren Baqian immediately spat and said, ��Serves him right.��


    Tong Zhenye strongly agreed with that.


    Without even casting a nce at Qin Chuan, Ren Baqian entered the pce. When he got back, he acted as if he was unaware of everything that had happened when he saw the empress. This was to avoid her anger being taken out on him.


    Seeing Ren Baqian act as if nothing had happened, the empress got even angrier, but she didn��t actually show this on her face.


    After the two of them finished their lunch, the empress said, ��Take an hour to rest. Then, we shall double your training today!��


    ��Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    <em>It was Sir Qin who offended you, so why am I implicated as well?</em>

 Chapter 598 - The arrival of the Zhang family

    Chapter 598: The arrival of the Zhang family


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A few days after the New Year, hundreds of people and carriages escorted by soldiers arrived at Lan City. Zhang Junzheng could be seen from a distance waiting at the city gate.


    Most of the people in this group hadrge hands and feet, were between 17 and 70 years old, and looked tired. Although they had arrived at their destination, they weren��t excited. Instead, they seemed uneasy.


    ��Second Uncle, you must be tired after a long journey.��


    Zhang Junzheng, followed by Zhang Heqi and Zhang Heju, said this to an exhausted elderly man who wasing out of his carriage.


    This group of people were the craftsmen from the Zhang family. Many of them were respected professionals in the manufacturing industry. After Zhang Junzheng lost the bet, they received a letter and headed for Lan City after some discussion. They passed through many ces and took one month to reach their destination.


    The elderly man didn��t reply, but raised his head to look at Lan City and said, ��Let��s talk after entering the city.��


    He turned to a big fellow who was riding a fork-horned cow and said, ��Captain, thank you for yourpany along the way. Bring those things to me.��


    Following hismand, someone brought him a te of silver ingots.


    ��All of you have worked hard during this period, and this is a small token for you to buy some wine to drink.�� The elderly manughed. ( B oxnovel.c om )


    That big fellow looked at the te of silver ingots, gestured for someone to take it away, and said, ��I was ordered by the governor to escort you to Lan City. Otherwise, you wouldn��t have been able to make it here.


    Without any further ado, he and his men simply departed.


    Soon after, Zhang Junzheng brought everyone to the houses that were arranged for them in advance. The elderly man then brought another six or seven men and Zhang Junzheng to a building.


    ��I have seen the letter. Can you borate?�� the elderly man asked.


    Zhang Junzheng exined the nature of the bet in detail, carefully took out a heavy box from a cab, and put it on the table. He opened it to disy torsion springs of various sizes.


    ��Second Uncle, take a look. These were made by him.��


    A few people beside the elderly man didn��t wait for him to speak and immediately took out the springs to examine carefully.


    After a long examination of the springs, the elderly man sighed and said, ��Great. I never expected anyone to do better than the thousands of craftsmen in the Zhang family. Since we lost the bet, we will ept defeat willingly and serve this guy. However, this matter involves the safety of thousands of our members. What��s your opinion of this person?��


    Zhang Junzheng pondered before saying slowly, ��Although he looks ordinary, he has revolutionary ideas.��


    ��This is quite apliment.��


    ��He looks ordinary and doesn��t seem outstanding, but he is very ruthless.��


    ��His nickname, Poison Warrior, was attained at the cost of countless people dying.��


    ��Furthermore, he��s proficient in manufacturing weapons. If not for those powerful weapons, Great Xia wouldn��t have been defeated so quickly afterunching a surprise attackst year. Coupled with the attack by the Yun Nation, the situation could have beenpletely reversed.��


    ��His knowledge of forging, dyeing, and brewing have already been made known to you. He also set up ck Bamboo Academy to impart knowledge of mathematics and other subjects.��


    ��I already know about these. He��s for sure an extraordinary person.�� The elderly man nodded and continued, ��You know what I want to know. The lives of so many people from the Zhang family depend on him, so I can��t afford to be careless.��


    ��There��s one matter which Second Uncle probably doesn��t know. He went to Tianjing Basinst year and returned with thousands of remnant citizens from the Hao Nation. Some of them are working in the imperial family��s ss and spice shops. There are also a few in the imperial zoo and the pce.��


    ��I have tried to fish for information from the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation before, but didn��t get much information from them. From his actions, it seems like he wants them to live together with the aboriginals.��


    ��It looks like he prefers to use people who aren��t aboriginals. After all, he isn��t an aboriginal,�� remarked the elderly man.


    ��By nature, he isn��t a callous person, but the most important thing is our value. It��s better that Second Uncle sees him personally,�� Zhang Junzheng said.


    ��Might as well see him since I��m here. Please make the arrangements,�� the elderly man said.


    In fact, prior to their entry into the city, Ren Baqian had known about their impending arrival. He received the invitation the next day and met them at the teahouse after that.


    Besides Zhang Junzheng, there was his Second Uncle, Zhang Zishan, as well as a number of old craftsmen from the Zhang family. They were still surprised by his youthful look even though they already knew his age. In their hearts, they were wondering how someone this young could know so many things.


    ��Sir Ren, I��m Zhang Zishan. This is our first meeting, and I��m here to discuss matters concerning the Zhang family.�� Zhang Zishan rose up to greet Ren Baqian upon seeing him.


    Ren Baqian nodded and sat across from this group of people.


    ��I��m an unrefined man, I don��t know much, and I don��t know how to speak eloquently. I only want to know how the Zhang family will be resettled and what you can give us,�� Zhang Zishan cut straight to the point in a self-deprecating manner.


    Ren Baqianughed as his eyes nced around at the few people.


    Then, he asked, ��You are only asking about the betting stakes now? Isn��t it toote?��


    The expressions of these few people immediately changed.


    Zhang Zishan��s face changed momentarily before saying, ��Sir Ren misunderstood. We are not here to bargain. We want to know how we will be resettled since it involves the livelihoods of thousands of people in our family and we have many voices internally. So, we hope Sir Ren can rify and let us know what to expect.��


    ��Senior isn��t a boor!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��Dayaocks everything, including talent and basic skills. All of you will definitely be useful here. Bring all of your knowledge and technology to set up industries here. However, things in Dayao aren��t the same as in the Yun Nation. You can��t just bring in your technology and follow the same old ways because the best ideas are in my brain.


    The operating n is this: the aboriginals must participate in every industry with both sides contributing money and effort. The aboriginals will ount for 70 to 90 percent of the share, which doesn��t look like much, but you would be envious if the aboriginals were given even more. This is for the whole country and only two parties are involved, so what does that mean? This is a monopoly, a monopoly of all the industries in the country. Of course, this will be slowly liberalized, but that will happen in the future.��


    ��If it��s done this way, the Zhang family will be swallowed up in a few years,�� Zhang Zishan said gravely. The rest of the people were also displeased.


    Based on this n, the Zhang family had to transfer all of their technology and would only own a small portion of each industry. After a few years of development in Dayao, the aboriginals would have mastered these technologies, leaving the Zhang family without any clout.


    ��I have mentioned this before��the best ideas are in my brain and not with you, so don��t overrate yourselves.��


    This Zhang family needed to be made aware of their present position, and Ren Baqian needed to ram it into their heads. They had upied a ce of pride for over a hundred years and forgot that the best ideas were with Ren Baqian. Reminders were constantly needed.

 Chapter 599 - Accepting the Zhang Family

    Chapter 599: epting the Zhang Family


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Spinning and weaving? Irrigation? nting? Processing? Regardless of whether it��s farming equipment or something else, what can you provide?�� Ren Baqian thought about it and said to Shi Hu, ��Go to my room and bring me the brown wooden box.��


    Shi Hu left hurriedly to fetch the item.


    The room then plunged into silence. Ren Baqian stayed calm amid the chaos and waited. Saying anything now would be needless time wasting. These people simply refused to be convinced until they were faced with the grim reality.


    Meanwhile, the people from the Zhang family were wondering what it was that Ren Baqian had ordered his bodyguard to retrieve.


    Shi Hu returned hurriedly an hourter and was holding a wooden box that was about 60 by 30 by 15 centimeters. ��Sir, here it is.��


    Ren Baqian took the box and opened it up before rummaging through it for a bit. Then, he took out some blueprints.


    ��Hydraulic weaving machine, using hydraulic power to drive the weaving of cloth. Have a look and see if you can understand it? This is the hydraulic forging machine, driven by hydraulic power as well. It��s used for forging metals, and it can save a lot of manualbor. This is the pulleyposite bow! A powerful bow that can generate 50 kilograms of power output with just 20 kilograms of force input. I don��t have to say more about its function.��


    Just as Ren Baqian finished speaking, one of the people who was still studying the previous blueprints immediately snatched away the blueprint for theposite bow.


    After looking at it for some time, everyone was amazed.


    ��So it works like this! We can reduce the physical effort by cing a pulley here!��


    In fact, this world had discovered the functions of pulleys long ago. Such simple physics was something that everyone knew about, regardless of the world they existed in. The problem existed in the understanding of the object.


    ��See, I��m not afraid of showing you these things or even letting you study them. This is because my knowledge exceeds way past what you think. Things that you deem important, only seem important to you. These few things that I have shown you are already more advanced than what you know, and furthermore, this is just the simper stuff. In fact, I can actually do much better��it��s just that more effort will be needed. I enlisted you guys, not because of the things that you can bring over, but because you can help me save time. I have too many things to do and don��t have the energy to spread my focus everywhere. That��s why I need a group of more intelligent people to help me handle some tasks. In my eyes, you are the more intelligent people,�� Ren Baqian said slowly.


    After a good while, Zhang Zishan put down the blueprints, raised his head, and looked at Ren Baqian with aplex express. Taking into ount the wine brewing, spring construction, and cloth dyeing contest from before, Ren Baqian had indeed performed remarkably better than the Zhang family in many aspects. Zhang Zishan had no choice but to admit that there were indeed people in this world who were naturally gifted.


    When he was Ren Baqian��s age, he already had earned some reputation in the Zhang family. However, he was still only more gifted in a single aspect.


    A sense of helplessness gushed into his mind. Sure enough, he couldn��t hold a candle to Ren Baqian. Compared to him, Zhang Zishan was only as good as a dog for the past few decades of his life.


    ��Sir Ren, you��re indeed remarkable. Just you alone are already better than the thousands of us in the Zhang family. However, you still haven��t told me anything that makes me trust that you won��t abandon us after achieving your goals.��


    ��What good would I get from doing that?�� Ren Baqian burst out inughter. ��I��m neither interested in your skills nor am I interested in money, let alone the other things. If not for the war, just solely based on the sale of mirrors in the Yun Nation and Great Xia, I would have earned an insurmountable sum of money.��


    Ren Baqian took out a palm-sized object and ced it on the table. It was made up of two ss bulbs with sand flowing nonstop from the top to the bottom.


    ��This is an hourss, which is used to measure time. It will take exactly two hours for the sand to flow from one bulb to the other. How much do you think this thing is worth?��


    ��600 taels of silver.�� Zhang Zishan and the others made a guess after carefully examining the transparent hourss that Ren Baqian took out. Even though the quality of this hourss looked pretty crude to Ren Baqian, the Zhang family felt that it was extremely delicate.


    They believed that the rich would definitely be willing to spend a few hundred taels just to buy this little thing.


    ��People will even buy it for 1,000 taels of silver. The reason for showing you this is to exin to you that even a small object that I casually bring out has greatmercial value. If I was after money, I can get it easily. With you guys around, you can help me save some time. If I kill you, how will that benefit me? I have even epted the Jing Tribe, so why wouldn��t I ept you guys? Naturally, as long as you know your ce, no one will ever create trouble for you. I can also rmend you for an official post in the Ministry of Works. You should know those people from the Jing Tribe, right?��


    Ren Baqian looked at Zhang Junzheng and continued, ��I want the people of the Jing Tribe and the aboriginals to coexist under the same sky. As such, I will gradually promote the status of the Jing Tribe. You guys can enjoy the same treatment as them.��


    ��Is Sir Ren from the Jing Tribe?�� Zhang Zishan questioned closely.


    ��There is no need for you to make conjectures about my way of thinking.�� Ren Baqian shook his head, and his words were filled with disdain. ��What I see is the future of this world!��


    Everyone in the Zhang family was indeed unclear about Ren Baqian��s way of thinking. However, Ren Baqian��s tone really made them feel as if he was standing on the clouds and looking down on them�� Simply an arrogant lunatic.


    <em>You think you are God?</em>


    ��You have already submitted the name list for the Zhang family, yet you are asking these questions now. You fear to advance or retreat and feel at a loss. This isn��t the demeanor of a family with centuries of history.�� Ren Baqian smiled as his tone shifted.


    Even though what Ren Baqian said was true, Zhang Zishan didn��t look pleased.


    It was just that he was really ced in a tight spot. After all, this was a matter that involved thousands of people in the Zhang family, so there was no room for carelessness. Even now, there were still endless disputes within the Zhang family.


    ��I shall make another promise to you. You may choose to retain one core trade or skill and can use that to establish yourselves here.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Indeed, after this was said, everyone in the Zhang family looked a little happier.


    Ren Baqian sighed to himself. Regardless of which family they came from, the thoughts of the people in this age were very limited. They didn��t consider that if they were to obtain more advanced techniques in the trade that they chose, it could copse their entire family at anytime.


    In fact, the Zhang family might not necessarily misunderstand this possibility. They simply stuck to this decision because they needed something important to keep ahold of. This would make them feel as if they were still in control of their own lives.


    ��Sir Ren, that will be unnecessary,�� Zhang Junzheng suddenly replied.


    Everyone in the Zhang family immediately turned their heads and glowered while looking extremely puzzled.


    ��Junzheng, since when are you able to call the shots for the Zhang family?�� Zhang Zishan shouted.


    ��Second Uncle, I will exin to youter.�� Zhang Junzheng gently shook his head and cupped his hands toward Ren Baqian. ��Sir Ren, this was all part of our lowly expectations. We, the Zhang family, are willing to ept Sir Ren��s sincerity. Given your status, you naturally wouldn��t deceive us. We only wish that in the future, you won��t hold back your guidance for us!��


    Ren Baqian smiled. Finally, there was someone in the Zhang family who understood.


    ��Think it through before looking for me again.�� Seeing that the rest of the people were still confused, Ren Baqian stood up and left with his bodyguards.


    After Ren Baqian left, a dispute among the Zhang family broke out in the restaurant.


    Eventually, Zhang Junzheng managed to convince everyone. The Zhang family went to look for Ren Baqian the next day andpletely submitted to him. Of course, they submitted to the empress nominally.


    Henceforth, there was the addition of arge group of experienced craftsmen under Ren Baqian��s control. After the Zhang family submitted to him, the first thing Ren Baqian did was summon a portion of the baihu in Tianjing Basin to escort them from Tianjing Basin to the Yun Nation.


    With the internal support of the influence of the Zhang family that had spent centuries in the Yun Nation, the baihu were easily able to conceal themselves among the Zhang family within variousrge cities inside the Yun Nation.


    At the same time, arge group of aboriginals from the Sixty Thousand Mountains left the mountains during the night and entered the training camp for recruits. They embarked on a life of eating so much fish that they began to question their own existence. As they trained every day, they cursed the fellow who hade up with this rotten idea.

 Chapter 600 - Clock Tower Blueprint

    Chapter 600: Clock Tower Blueprint


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Everyone in the Zhang family served under Ren Baqian with the intention of learning something from him.


    After all, he had proven his superiority in many fields and shown that the knowledge of the Zhang family was insignificant to him.


    Despite such intentions, they were shocked by the blueprints given to them by Ren Baqian and felt indifferent about whether or not it was a good idea to link their destinies to Ren Baqian.


    ��This is a blueprint for a clock tower. There are three pointers of different lengths: the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand.��


    ��This type of dial divides a day into 12 double hour intervals. Every double hour is divided into two one-hour intervals. When the minute handpletes a cycle, the hour hand advances by one. Advancing twice means a double hour has psed. When the second handpletes one cycle, the minute hand advances by one increment.��


    About a dozen people from the Zhang family gathered around the centermost blueprint and made a guess.


    ��It has the same function as a sundial.��


    The sundial was the main device used for timekeeping in this world. It used the shadow projected by the sun to measure time, but it was affected by day and night as well as by the weather. Another problem was the variations due to seasonal changes. As a result, it wasn��t urate.


    ��It��s entirely mechanical and is more urate than a sundial. The error is less than five minutes a day, and in theory, it can be even more urate.�� Ren Baqian sat in his school office with both his feet on the table.


    ��Most importantly, it isn��t dependent on the weather or the time of day and is visible all the time. It��s simple and straightforward to use for chronological purposes,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��In that case, it��s more convenient to use than a sundial, but the structure is a hundred or a thousand times moreplicated.��


    ��How��s this part made?�� ( B oxnovel.c om )


    ��What��s this mechanism used for? Is there a catch here?�� The group of people were soon oblivious of the presence of Ren Baqian as they discussed in low voices.


    ��This is the escapement mechanism, which catches and releases the gear by a fixed amount and needs to be made for further observation.��


    ��I have never heard of this! What is this below?��


    Most of the people who came were craftsmen and were extremely enthusiastic about this new thing.


    ��This part is the most importantponent of the clock tower. The blueprint isplete��if you do not understand, it shouldn��t be difficult to use inference to figure out the concepts. I hope you can figure out this thing quickly. This clock tower will be 60 meters tall and will be thendmark of Lan City. The first thing everyone will see upon arriving at Lan City will be this tower, and the name of the Zhang family will be known and remembered by everyone.��


    These words made them even more enthusiastic. Most people couldn��t resist the lure of fame and being remembered by posterity.


    ��You need to think of how to reduce it to the size of a human head or even smaller,�� Ren Baqian continued.


    Zhang Junzheng cupped his hands and said, ��We will try our best.��


    ��All along, I thought that your family had the best craftsmen����


    ��As long as it��s humanly possible, we can certainly do it!�� Zhang Zishan dered resolutely.


    ��I like your self-confidence. If youck any type of resources, just let me know. I can only hope for you people to produce the results as soon as possible,�� Ren Baqian said with a smile. Zhang Zishan��s words gave him a more favorable impression of the Zhang family.


    ��Sir Ren, please find us a residence that is quiet. With a few hundred people in this courtyard, we can��t even sleep properly,�� Zhang Zishan responded.


    ��This is due to my oversight. I will arrange for amodations soon on Jing Street, next to the Jing Tribe people. You will live morefortably there,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I appreciate your effort.�� The Zhang family had no problem staying on Jing Street. After all, they would be staying with the simr looking Jing Tribe people, which was much better than staying with the big-bellied and fierce looking aboriginals. Furthermore, they would encounter less trouble.


    After the Zhang family members had departed, Ren Baqian went to the pce to see the empress. As he opened his mouth to greet her, she flicked a grape-sized fruit straight into his mouth with her fingers.


    ��The ziqing fruits that were recently delivered are rather sweet,�� the empress said with satisfaction.


    ��Cough�� cough�� cough!�� Ren Baqian struggled to breathe because that grape-sized fruit had gotten stuck in his windpipe.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was struggling, the empress instantly patted him on the back. That grape-sized fruit was still in its original state as it dislodged from his throat. It bounced off the ground and hit Qing Yuan��s eye.


    ��Ouch!�� Qing Yuan was also shocked.


    ��Cough, Your Majesty, this ziqing fruit isn��t something that ordinary people can enjoy!�� Ren Baqian��s face was still flushed because he was having a hard time recovering from this incident. He looked with lingering fear at the baby ting ling monkey that was holding the te of fruit. He was almost choked to death by this insignificant looking fruit.


    A few days ago, the empress gave the ting ling a few names: Dave, Ferrero, and Sorghum Wine. Ren Baqian had suggested King Kong, but they finally settled on the name Golden Hair��


    ��You fail to see my good intentions,�� the empressined before wandering off to her couch and ignoring him.


    Ren Baqian stood still and touched his throat, then moved forward and said, ��Your Majesty, I have just given the clock tower blueprints to the Zhang family. When thendmark tower ispleted in Lan City, it will be visible to everyone when they raise their heads.��


    All along, the empress was interested in a topic like this, so she soon forgot about how she had almost choked Ren Baqian to death. She began to eagerly discuss which location was the ideal site for thendmark tower.


    The opinion of the empress was to put it in the square in front of the pce, but Ren Baqian felt that this wasn��t suitable because the tower was about 200 feet high. From the top, the whole pce would be within view. Therefore, it shouldn��t be so close to the pce.


    On second thought, the empress agreed with Ren Baqian.


    The two took out a map of Lan City and spent the whole afternoon nning. Initially, they thought of demolishing a row of shops on Jingyang Street, building a square with the clock tower in the center, and making this the heart of the city,


    Taking into ount that the mobilization of the winged cavalry or the hunting expeditions always started at the front of the pce, this square would block the route, so it was decided to move it to an adjacent location that was between the Beihong and Zhulian districts.


    After confirming the site, Ren Baqian began to think about property spection in the nearby areas.


    As an Earthling, he was subconsciously thinking about the certainty of risingnd prices here.


    However, he gave up on this idea after some reflection. He was representing the empress most of the time, so it wasn��t a good idea topete with the public for profit.


    Furthermore, he and the empress had a long term n to build a modern new city next to Lan City after conquering the Yun Nation. It would have proper drainage, pipes, electric wires, and public facilities that included toilets. It would be a perfect new city in every way.


    Although Lan City was the imperial capital, it had too many drawbacks as a city of this era.


    The habit of urinating and defecating anywhere was a real headache. From the senior officials such as Shi Qing to the lowly peddlers, no one ever cared about this matter.


    Although they had started to control this aspect, especially with regard to the decree that banned indiscriminate defecation by domesticated animals, the habit was difficult to stop despite repeated prohibitions.


    On the one hand, nobody from top to bottom cared, so it was hard to carry out this policy. On the other hand, it was hard to find a public toilet on almost any street in Lan City. Was it possible to hold it in until one was almost dead?


    Subsequently, the Yun Nation was very valuable to Dayao. Ren Baqian and the empress were looking forward to getting many things from it.


    The poption of the Yun Nation, their craftsmen, their mines, and their wealth were all coveted by these two.

 Chapter 601 - Qing Lian

    Chapter 601: Qing Lian


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Qing Lian satnguidly on a branch as she opened the letter and read the headline written on it.


    ��Do you want fame, wealth, and status? Do you want to understand the mysteries of this world? It can be given to you! Go find it! I have put everything there!��


    ��Oh, what a load of hot air.�� Qing Lian snorted derisively. She read the full contents below the headline while gently swinging and dangling from the branch. She folded the paper into a paper airne andunched it into the distance.


    A man jumped up from below the tree to catch the paper airne and said, ��Your habit of throwing things haphazardly isn��t good. Well, what do you think?��


    ��Either he is an egomaniac or a big con man!�� Qing Lian said disdainfully.


    ��I know you have suffered somewhat, but don��t ever let it obscure your view,�� Su Qing said with a smile.


    Upon hearing this, Qing Lian turned ghastly pale. At that time, she had just wanted to watch a good show and hadn��t expected such a disastrous encounter. If she were granted the chance to relive the experience, her choice would be to depart far, far away from the imperial capital and not even stay for a moment.


    ��Sword,e here!�� Qing Lian ordered softly. A sh of green light came out of nowhere and she dived like a fairy at Su Qing.


    ��This has nothing to do with me�� That��s enough��I will not mention it in the future.�� Su Qing scrambled aside in a hurry and saw a deep pit at his original position.


    ��If you mention it again, don��t me me for opening holes at the top and bottom parts of you.�� Qing Lianughed coldly.


    Su Qing said seriously, ��I think you always seem to be saying something extraordinary!��


    ��Get lost!��


    ��However, don��t underestimate him. He isn��t simple, and I can��t figure him out.�� Su Qing got back on track again.


    ��This was dered during the empress��s birthday celebration. It has been three months since, yet this was suddenly shown to me. What��s he trying to do?��


    ��Aren��t you interested?�� Su Qing, who was holding the letter, asked in surprise. Qing Lian undoubtedly liked to join in on the fun.


    ording to a legend, there was a master who left behind a treasure map, and she spent two years chasing after it. After numerous bloody battles, she managed to snatch the underwear that had the martial arts skills written on it.


    ��1,200 pieces��do you think I��m stupid?�� Only a fool would search for them because it��s impossible to gather them all together,�� Qing Lian said contemptuously.


    ��Cough!�� Su Qing coughed awkwardly.


    ��Did you send someone to look for them?�� Qing Lian looked at Su Qing again in a new light. How did she not know that he was this stupid before?


    ��It isn��t necessary to find all 1,200 pieces in order to find the location,�� Su Qing answered.


    ��What in the world do you want me to do? Don��t dawdle like a constipated guy.�� Qing Lian frowned.


    ��I want you to go to Lan City and find someone,�� Su Qing finally said.


    ��Who?�� Qing Lian asked.


    ��Ning Caichen. He��s a sword master like you, he possesses a sword called Green Pearl, and his level is very close to the Earth Embryo Realm. He and Ren Baqian are old friends and will most likely be in Lan City. He has certain things that we musty our hands on.�� From his bosom, Su Qing took out a portrait that depicted a delicate and pretty schr.


    ��In addition, inform Dayao that the new emperor has ascended the throne and recruited 400,000 new soldiers to deploy all over the country. Furthermore, all the veteran soldiers have been regrouped and transferred to the border. Meanwhile, a new army has been dispatched to rece the soldiers stationed at the border with the Yun Nation. Including the remaining 180,000 soldiers from Tiesuo Pass, they have gathered another 500,000 soldiers. This is also Great Xia��sst remaining force. This is the final light of Great Xia!�� Su Qing said as he looked up at the sky.


    ��That is to say, your n is about to start?�� Qing Lian asked eagerly.


    ��It��s sooner than I estimated!�� Qing Lian stretched her body. Her white dress clung to her body, outlining her curves.


    ��It��s sooner than I expected as well! Thanks to the fact that I was sent to Tianjing Basin and happened to meet Ren Baqian, the Great Xia emperor died so early, causing progress to speed up as a result,�� Su Qing said.


    ��Ren Baqian���� Qing Lian��s eyes flickered.


    ��You better not entertain any ideas andmit a serious mistake. Qi Zixiao isn��t someone to be trifled with��even the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue, was killed by her,�� Su Qing warned Qing Lian.


    ��Teng Yue wasn��t Qi Zixiao��s match. He overestimated himself.�� Qing Lian hissed softly. Although she wasn��t at the scene, she could imagine what had probably happened.


    ��Teng Yue was a treacherous and unscrupulous man. Logically speaking, he wasn��t easy to deal with. It��s rather surprising to me that he didn��t inflict much harm to the aboriginals before dying.��


    Of course, she didn��t know that Teng Yue was still trying to figure out the whereabouts of his spear before he died. Otherwise, he might have caused some trouble.


    ��In that case, I will pack up and set out tomorrow,�� Qing Lian said before turning around. Her eyes were filled with some inexplicable lights.


    Ren Baqian�� It was better to offend a viin than to offend a woman.


    ��


    Ren Baqian wasing out of Jing Street when he heard a suggestive call.


    ��Sir Ren, would you like to pay us a visit?��


    This voice conveyed a message that asked him to have fun!


    This seductive voice sounded charming and promised romance. It was hard for most people to resist.


    Ren Baqian turned and saw a charmingdy leaning against the door of a shop while smiling at him.


    Thisdy was dressed in purple with part of her hair tied high at the back and the rest falling down on both sides of her face, causing half of her face to be covered. The area around her eyes was painted pink to give the eyes a long, narrow, and flirtatious look.


    A little red lip could be like a raging fire that caused an internal inferno.


    ��Ning Caichen!�� Ren Baqian saw him rarely over thest two months, and he was even more enchanting now.


    Written on the signboard were the words, ��Coming Home�� and beside it was another signboard with the big word, ��Wine.��


    Ning Caichen established this wine shop after living in seclusion on Jing Street for two months.


    With his fighting skills, those who could beat him wouldn��t disturb him, whereas ordinary people wouldn��t cause trouble because they were no match for him. In addition, with his enchanting looks, most people wouldn��t create problems for him.


    Not only that, his business was doing well, and recently, many children of the officials were seening here frequently.


    For example, the sons of Xi Wanya and Du Changkong.


    The actions of these people were self-evident.


    It wasn��t known how these people would react once they found out his real identity.


    Ren Baqian changed his mind, dismounted, and went in with his guards.


    ��Such a visit from Sir Ren is hard toe by. Therefore, you should spend more time here. Please wait shortly for me while I prepare some dishes!�� Ning Caichen said gently. He looked seductive with eyes that seemed to be brimming with tears.


    Shi Hu and others, who were standing behind Ren Baqian, certainly knew his identity, but could hardly restrain themselves.


    ��To pounce despite knowing he is a man�� or not to pounce��?�� Shi Hu and others were conflicted and stared fixedly at Ning Caichen.


    ��Cough. Don��t trouble yourself as I will only stay here for a short time.�� Ren Baqian��s cough effectively woke them up.


    If he didn��t wake them up, Shi Hu would have started drooling.


    Even after being awakened, Shi Hu andpany were still shaken by their thoughts as they swayed back and forth while turning their heads away in regret.


    If he was a woman, they would have snatched her even if one were to break their legs.


    Unfortunately, she was still a man�� In spite of this, what were they to do if they still fell for him?


    ��Your situation seems to look good!�� Ren Baqian said after looking around. The wine shop that had six tables downstairs wasn��t big, and there were fresh flowers everywhere.


    ��To be alone like a drifting duckweed, what can I do even if I were to be very attractive ?�� Ning Caichen asked gloomily.


    Ren Baqian didn��t dare to respond and simply pretended not to hear this.


    ��If Sir Ren is free, there is no harm in visiting me more often. As old friends, we can converse with each other,�� Ning Caichen added.


    ��I��m very busy!�� Ren Baqian shook his head. ��I��m up to my neck in work every day, and it has been a long time since I have had any free time.��


    ��If Sir Ren has any troubles, you might as well tell me since I may be able to help,�� Ning Caichen said tenderly. Ren Baqian could sense the hidden power in her lilting voice. Very few people would be able to withstand it if they didn��t know of her original identity.


    After changing his gender, Ning Caichen had be even more feminine than a woman.


    Ren Baqian subsequently departed with his guards after spending a short time in the shop.


    ��Oh my gosh. I felt like abducting and marrying her.�� Shi Hu was smacking his lips as he came out.


    Ren Baqian turned to look at Shi Hu in disgust and said sadly, ��I didn��t know that you were such a person. Keep your distance from me!��


    ��He is more seductive than the women in the strongholds,�� Shi Hu tried to exin.


    A few guards around him immediately kept their distance from him to indicate that they weren��t the same as him.

 Chapter 602 - Viciousness in the Blood

    Chapter 602: Viciousness in the Blood


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Just after the New Year, a couple of big events that were very important to themoners of Lan City happened prior to the Lantern Festival.


    First, hundreds of giant, six meter tall elephants travelled from Tianjing Basin to the north, arriving at the southern gates of Lan City.


    After obtaining the secret manuals of the Six Doors after confiscating their possessions, Xi Wanya had finally managed to subdue the elephant soldiers after a few months.


    The elephants were six meters tall, 11 meters long, and weighed around 13 tons. When these enormous beasts walked, they looked like small moving buildings. It made people feel as if they had returned to the early prehistoric times when countless giant wild creatures ran amuck.


    Along the journey, the aboriginals who were faced with these elephants had no choice but to scurry away.


    No matter what obstacles stood before them, they would be ttened and trampled into the mud.


    The ground trembled as they moved forward, and the tremors could even be felt from more than five kilometers away. Many people had even thought that it was an earthquake before finding out that the tremors were in fact caused by the movements of these gigantic creatures.


    Many people in Lan City were scouting to find out what had happened. When they eventually received news from the city gates, many of them immediately ran over to observe what was happening.


    When the empress received the news, she brought the court officials out of the city to have a look.


    In reality, they had already received the news the night before, which had prompted a discussion the moment they received the news.


    ��Your Majesty, the elephant soldiers will arrive in Lan City tomorrow.�� When Ren Baqian received the news, he went back to the pce in high spirits and reported this to the empress.


    ��Oh!�� The empress acknowledged the news with this sound.


    ��There are actually hundreds of those elephant soldiers, and their presence on the battlefield is like a tank. Xi Wanya put in a lot of effort before finally subduing them, and they can serve a great role in the war against the Yun Nation. Can��t Your Majesty at least have a slightly better reaction?�� Ren Baqian was immediately speechless when he heard the empress��s response.


    ��Oh!�� the empress responded again before lifting her head after some time and asking, ��Regarding those things�� How else do you expect me to react?��


    Her eyes were filled with doubt.


    It was as if they were a bunch of pigs and not a group of elephant soldiers.


    <em>They are just a bunch of pigs��how else do you want me to react? </em>This was the only thought that shed across Ren Baqian��s mind at that moment.


    ��Your Majesty, you may think that those elephant soldiers aren��t that strong and that Your Majesty alone would be able to take them out in just a short period of time. Actually, even the winged cavalry would be capable of killing all of them in a short while! However, on the battlefield against the Yun Nation, these elephant soldiers will be extremely useful in breaking through the enemy lines or even in besieging the opposing cities. These enormous elephants have very tough and durable hides. Their gigantic build and strength will be very devastating to the ordinary soldiers. They will also be a very strong deterrence, and it will be very hard for the ordinary soldiers to stay indifferent when facing such huge monsters.


    As such, this is a chance to disy it to themoners of Lan City, to let them know that our army is formidable and that we have strong faith and confidence in winning the war before us. Just like on Earth, many countries will asionally disy a portion of their weapons to themoners to increase their confidence and pride toward their country as well as to serve as a deterrent to enemy countries.


    We don��t need to show deterrence at the moment. Simply increasing themoners�� confidence will be good enough, letting them feel like, ��Wow, we actually have such strong weapons!�� As such, Your Majesty has to appear in public and let them think that this is something that you regard highly,�� Ren Baqian exined to the empress, exaggerating his tone especially for thest few sentences.


    ��Have you found anyone who doubts the oue of the war?�� the empress countered.


    ��No,�� Ren Baqian answered truthfully. Not even a year had passed since the war started. Even though themoners�� lives had already been affected, there hadn��t been anyone who doubted the oue of the war or even questioned the purpose of this war.


    ��That��s why it��s already enough just to have my presence there. As long as I stay in a position where themoners can see me, there won��t be any concerns! It would be sufficient simply to let them know that I��m there.�� The empress��s tone wasn��t lofty, but her words were filled with strong confidence and aggression.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t help but exim to himself in admiration. Sure enough, the empress ought to act like this.


    This was how an emperor should be.


    ��Okay, Your Majesty is right. However, I still hope that you can show your presence and lead everyone to see these rare elephants. Most people probably haven��t seen them before right? Even though you��ll just be going to see something umon, this will still give themoners of Lan City an asion to cheer about.�� Ren Baqian still hoped that the empress would turn up outside the city the next day and show her presence.


    It wasn��t much, but somehow Ren Baqian still felt that if the empress didn��t show her presence, it would seem as if the elephants were insignificant. How could he to endure that? He had always cared a lot about these giant elephants.


    The empress eventually nodded, which consequently led to the moment where the empress graced the asion outside the city at the head of many officials.


    As everyone was leaving the city, there were people cheering the whole way along the streets and in the shops. This was a result of the empress��s influence in Dayao.


    Was it because the empress was number four or five among the world��s top experts? To everyone, there wasn��t any difference because she was the strongest in Dayao. This was something that everyone knew.


    When they arrived at the city gates, they could see a horde of gigantic creatures standing in the distance and revealing their three meter long tusks. Rattan armor that had been soaked in a special type of nt juice was draped over their bodies.


    Even though they were far away, one could still feel their enormous presence as well as the intense and imposing manner of a horde of hundreds of giant elephants.


    Standing behind the empress, Shi Qing recalled an experience he had back then andmented after seeing the elephants soldiers, ��So they are giant elephants! It��s rare to see such arge group of them. Previously, I had only seen a group of about ten of them in the south. Even though they aren��t exactly that strong physically, they aren��t to be trifled with when they are charging.��


    ��These are giant elephants? I��ve actually never seen them before!�� Tong Zhenye added. He would only refer to himself humbly in front of Shi Qing or the empress.


    The empress always kicked him around like a ball.


    As for Shi Qing, it was because of the very rare respect that Tong Zhenye had for the wise elder. After so many years, he had already gotten used to it.


    Everyone halted outside the gates.


    Ren Baqian held a walkie-talkie and ordered, ��Advance!��


    After that, the elephant horde cried out in the distance and released an extremely deep and resounding noise.


    The hundreds of giant elephants then began to advance, causing the ground to start trembling.


    Under themand of the soldiers on the elephants�� backs, they began to pick up speed, and the ground rumbled incessantly. The giant elephants raised their long trunks and trumpeted as they charged toward the city gates with the attitude of pulverizing everything in their way.


    This stance and attitude made many people astonished. It was indeed impressive when these gigantic beasts were charging.


    Gathered near the city gates, many of the ordinary aboriginalmoners felt a tinge of fear as they witnessed such a cataclysmic scene. This made them feel very dissatisfied. Many of them clenched their fists, tensed their necks, and gritted their teeth as they watched the elephant horde charge over. They neither made any sounds of rm nor did they fall back a single step.


    Everyone chanted in their minds. If they took a single step back, cried out in rm, or exposed any signs of cowardice, it would be extremely humiliating.


    <em>F*ck! Do I still want to save face? Furthermore, it��s in front of the empress!</em>


    <em>Plus, we aboriginals have relied on hunting since ancient times, so we can��t simply be frightened upon seeing these creatures in our generation.</em>


    <em>If we fall back now, we will be too ashamed to return to the Sixty Thousand Mountains even after death.</em>


    Such uncultivated, barbaric, and titanic creatures had greatly evoked the valor and desire to fight in the blood of the aboriginals. It was as if they had returned to the era when their ancestors had to vie against various behemoth creatures in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    For a moment, other than the sounds of the giant elephants running and their trumpeting, all the gesticting noises around the city gates hadpletely faded away. In fact, it was rather quiet.


    Slightly surprised, Ren Baqian turned around and took a nce, only to see themoners clenching their fists with bulging veins on their necks as they looked forward with bloodshot eyes. He was first astonished, then relieved and felt somewhat happy. After all, upon seeing themoners being intimidated by the gigantic weapons that he regarded highly, he was pretty satisfied with the oue.


    Yet, weren��t themoners�� reactions a little too violent? Why did they have to adopt such oppressive and tyrannical looks?


    ��Haha, these things are pretty good indeed. Not only can they can be used to fight battles, but if the frontlines run out of supplies, their meat can be eaten as well! With such arge head, it can probably feed quite a lot of people.�� Qin Chuan suddenly burst outughing.


    Following Qin Chuan��sughter, everyone from the Ministry of War startedughing. Tong Zhenye, Shi Qing, and Tu Wan beganughing as well. Soon after, themoners�� ferocious expressions also loosened up, and they all startedughing.


    ��Do you understand now?�� The empress tilted her head to the side and looked at Ren Baqian.


    ��No, I don��t,�� Ren Baqian replied truthfully. Unaware of what was happening, he felt a little stupid.


    ��This is courage and valor! To you, these giant elephants are weapons of war, but to the others, they are simply just food. It��s not a matter of who is respected and honorable, it has always been like this since ancient times!��


    As the empress spoke, her face glowed with vigor as her heroism emanated. It was clear that she was very satisfied by the behavior of all the people andmoners behind her.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress, nced back at those people behind him, and began to smile lightly.


    It seemed like he still didn��t really understand these aboriginals! He didn��t expect the effect of simply watching the horde of charging giant elephants to actually stimte the viciousness of the aboriginalmoners.

 Chapter 603 - Spoils of War

    Chapter 603: Spoils of War


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After persuading the empress to leave the city to look at a bunch of elephants, Ren Baqian ended up being taught a lesson. This actually made him understand that the people in this world were different from those on Earth. They responded to things differently as well.


    Soon after, the elephant soldiers were sent toward the Yun Nation to test their might on the battlefield.


    Thentern-grabbing contest began after the elephant soldiers left. Duringst year��s event, Ren Baqian was threatened by the empress and forced to participate as one of the contestants, which earned him a bunch of shoes thanks to his quick-wittedness.


    This time, he spectated the entire contest with the empress. Disying their affection publicly, both of them whispered to each other throughout almost the entire contest.


    Two days after thentern-grabbing contest, there was another very important event.


    The troops who transported the captives and spoils of war back from the Yun Nation had finally arrived.


    There were almost 100,000 people held captive as well as 300 wagons filled with the spoils of war like gold, silver, and precious stones. There were also nearly 1,000 wagons filled with edible salt.


    There were originally over 100,000 captives, but a few thousand of them had died during the month-long journey. They were either publicly beheaded for trying to escape or had died due to injuries, illnesses, or other causes. When they eventually arrived in Dayao, there were only 906,400 people left.


    A round figure of 906,400 names was reported, but in fact, there should be slightly more. The people��s militia of the aboriginals were originallymoners, so one shouldn��t have too high of expectations regarding their ability to count. As such, the militiamen in charge of the transportation took it less seriously and omitted the numbers after the hundreds ce.


    As for the dozens of people who weren��t ounted for, at such magnitudes, the soldiers didn��t really know how to count properly anymore.


    The entire group,prising of the people��s militia, spoils of war, and captives, stretched and snaked for more than 100 kilometers. While the front end of the group, consisting of the wagons that contained the spoils of war, arrived outside of Lan City at noon, the tail end would only arrive at noon on the third day.


    It was naturally impossible to send all 100,000 people into Lan City for the officials, themoners, and the empress to see. By right, they should have selected a few of the captives with the highest statuses and paraded them through the streets, which was the so-called ��presentation of captives.��


    For instance, the dozens of warlords who had their cities sacked or the high-ranking military officers who had been captured.


    Unfortunately, Zi Doni never bore such intentions from the start. He killed to his heart��s content back then and wiped out almost all of the warlords and top officials. The lower level officials who wanted to rebel were all killed as well, leaving behind only thepliant ones who maintained order in the cities together with a few of the minor officials.


    After picking and choosing from the horde of captives, what remained of the highest ranking people were only a few officers of the warlords�� soldiers, the sectmaster of a small sect, and a few rich merchants. They were selected as the representatives of the captives to be sent into the city, but they truly weren��t exactly worthy of being shown off.


    The militia stood tall and they were in great spirits, but one could tell from their eyes that they were tired. When they escorted the hundreds of wagons that contained the spoils of war into the city, the entirety of Lan City red up.


    All of Jingyang Street was filled with people who had received the news and came to watch. Even the shops along the street and the second floor windows were filled with people. They immediately began to cheer when they saw the soldiers approaching.


    Seeing the crowd along the streets and hearing their cheers, the militia grew excited. After a long and arduous journey, they felt that it was all worth it when they saw this.


    They knew in their hearts that all the cheers that they received were originally meant for the soldiers from the Protectorate of the Northeast.


    The wagon at the forefront carried stacks of boxes that produced creaking noises as the heavy wagon rolled along the road that wasid with gstones.


    Even though the boxes were closed, the surroundingmoners could make out what was contained inside them. The image of the boxes being filled with treasures and gold arose in their imaginations.


    The truth was in fact what they had imagined it to be.


    Around 100 of the wagons at the vanguard were filled with gold and silver. Aside from the weight of the boxes, each wagon carried 300 kilograms of gold and silver, which equated to 30 tons of gold and silver in these 100 wagons. Among this treasure, most of it was silver, though there was a small amount of gold. In total, it was valued at around 1 million taels of silver.


    There were also some precious stones and jewelry worth twice the value of silver.


    Behind these 100 wagons were exactly 200 wagons filled with gold and silver household utensils and things like calligraphy equipment, which seemed like valuable items. Lifting the curtains of the wagons revealed a bright and dazzling golden color underneath. Many different things were jumbled up together, making one feel that they were extremely valuable.


    These 200 wagons took exactly two hours to roll past the crowd. The cheers during this period were much louder than they had been earlier on.


    After the wagons passed by the crowd, trailing behind were ten haggard-looking captives with ragged clothing and their hands tied up.


    They all lowered their heads and staggered forward, dragging along their weak bodies. Compared to the tall, strong, and fearsome looking aboriginal civilians that lined the sides of the road, the captives looked like shivering quails.


    ��Who are they?�� At this moment, themoners stopped cheering and began asking around as they stared at the captives.


    ��I think they are captives!��


    ��Beat them to death!�� someone immediately shouted loudly.


    ��My a**. They are to be presented to Her Majesty. If they die, are they going to present you to Her Majesty?�� someone cursed in a rage.


    ��Er, that��s fine as well!�� that man instantly replied in high spirits. It was very worth it to make use of this opportunity to see Her Majesty!


    A staff member of the Public Order Bureau, who was safeguarding the procession, responded sinisterly, ��Not in this lifetime! It��s impossible to present you to Her Majesty. You��ll probably be taken away to enjoy 30shes of the whip! Rest assured, we will be very gentle!��


    At the thought of the barbed whip at the Public Order Bureau, everyone shriveled up at once.


    It was a popr custom for the aboriginals to be as tough as nails, and there weren��t manymoners in Lan City who hadn��t endured the whip before. Many of them had even been punished for their second, third, or further offences! One would have to lie down and rest for a few days after enduring just threeshes. A person would probably die after 30shes.


    At present, Ren Baqian was wearing his official robes as he stood atop the gates of the imperial pce with the empress and the others.


    The za in front of the pce beneath them was filled with wagons that were consecutively moving in.


    ��Greetings to Your Majesty! Your Majesty is mighty and formidable!�� Standing below, the militia cheered immediately when the empress appeared atop the walls.


    These militiamen couldn��t think of words like, ��Your Majesty is well versed in literature and martial arts, and your grace extends to all life. Your name will go down in history, and you will rule the world!��


    Eventually, after racking their brains, they merely shouted, ��Your Majesty is mighty and formidable!��


    However, the atmosphere in the air was extremely warm and enthusiastic.


    All these militiamen came from other cities, and 99 percent of them had never seen the empress before. Now that they had seen her, every one of them was very excited and felt that this long journey had really been worth it.


    ��Well done!�� the empress said faintly as she stood atop the pce walls. Her voice was t and resonated throughout the entire area.


    ��Thank you, Your Majesty!�� These ordinary words from the empress made the militia feel as if they had received the biggestpliment ever.


    ��Present the gifts!�� After someone shouted, everyone opened up the boxes on the wagons, and the dazzling radiance of the gold and silver immediately sparkled.


    Tu Wan and the people from the Ministry of Revenue looked very happy. 300 wagons of gold and silver were worth at least a million taels of silver. With this supplement to the imperial treasury, the financial situation of the empire, which was currently very poor, would finally be slightly better.


    Tong Zhenye, Qin Chuan, and the rest also looked very happy. They touched the pieces of paper in their breast pockets where they had written down all the details regarding the areas where money was needed in their departments.


    This money hadn��t even gone through the Ministry of Revenue, yet these officials had already nned out how to spend it.

 Chapter 604 - What comes after being well-fed and well-dressed?

    Chapter 604: Whates after being well-fed and well-dressed?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After looking at the spoils of war, the empress ordered them to be sent to the Ministry of Revenue for inventory and storage.


    After that, more than ten of those ��captive representatives�� were sent to the pce.


    Under the watchful eyes of the Cardinal Heaven experts, these shabbily dressed captives were led trembling and shivering into the pce.


    They weren��t made to kneel down because this wasn��t the custom in Dayao. However, they were made to stand under the scrutiny of the crowd.


    Still, being watched by the crowd was torture to them. Just imagine more than ten rabbits being watched by dozens of lions that had prepared sesame, cumin, salt, pots, pans, and barbeque racks. This was probably how they felt at the moment.


    From above, the empress sat listlessly with her chin resting on her palm.


    Captives like these didn��t interest her at all.


    ��What kind of work did you do in the Yun Nation?�� the empress asked after some time.


    Silence followed.


    ��Are all of you dumb? You have the audacity not to answer her question? Are you tired of living?�� Lian Liang from the Ministry of the Army widened his eyes as a bone-piercing spiritual force emanated from his body.


    ��Spare our lives! Your Majesty, please spare our lives!�� Those ten plus people were instantly paralyzed with fear. They were exhausted after suffering hardships en route, felt apprehensive when entering the pce, and became paralyzed after being frightened by Lian Liang.


    Someone peed in his pants right away and made everyone frown.


    ��Forget it. Take them away.�� The empress gestured with her hands for them to be taken away. Viewing these captives was considered as havingpleted the ritual.


    ��The ways of Great Xia are not interesting,�� the empress said after the prisoners had departed.


    This ritual must havee from Great Xia, and this was the first time the empress had experienced it. She was disappointed to see these nonentities trembling in front of her. It was boring and uninteresting.


    ��Your Majesty, these prisoners are certainly of little value. In the future, if we capture the emperor and prime minister of the Yun Nation, we can ask them for their opinion,�� said Ren Baqian, who stood among the court officials.


    ��Indeed, that is also my thought.�� The empress nodded. If the senior officials of the Yun Nation were presented, she wouldn��t mind seeing them.


    ��There is no need for such a ritual. I wonder who was the brainless bastard that arranged for such a disgusting show for Your Majesty?�� Tong Zhenye asked disdainfully.


    Qin Chuan shot an angry look across.


    The rest of the people waited gleefully to watch the show.


    Anyway, these two people had been fighting for years, so everyone was used to it.


    ��That is all. Everyone fall back,�� the empress said coldly.


    ��Your Majesty, I have one more thing to say.�� Tong Zhenye quickly went to the front and said, ��Your Majesty, the monthly production of Mount Damo is 100,000 kilograms of iron ore, but the transportation capacity is inadequate, causing the iron ore to pile up there. At the same time, the capacity of the furnaces and forging workshops need to be expanded. The salt wells also require more workers and expansion. In addition, the walls and government offices in various cities need to be repaired in certain ces.��


    While speaking, he pulled out a stack of papers from his bosom that was filled with writing. A guard immediately took the papers and ced them on the desk in front of the empress.


    ��Your Majesty, the sries owed to the frontline troops are two months behind. The war has been going on for a few months, causing some of the weapons to have deteriorated so badly that many soldiers are using their des as iron tes. Moreover, the sries of these auxiliary soldiers hasn��t been determined. Even if you don��t consider the monthly allowance, Your Majesty should reward them!�� Qin Chuan added.


    For once, these two individuals were surprisingly in step with each other.


    ��Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue only paid out 50 percent of the sry to officialsst year. If they continue not to pay, many officials will not be able to afford meat!�� added Xiong Yaohe from the Ministry of Rites.


    It was a typical case of ��why don��t they eat meat����[1.��why don��t they eat meat�� �C said by Emperor Hui of Jin when told that his people didn��t have enough rice to eat]


    ��Your Majesty, regarding the Public Order Bureau����


    Zhuo Yan, the Minister of Justice, immediately joined in after the minister from the Ministry of Rites had spoken.


    The hall became like a marketce as a bunch of people jostled to be heard. They were requesting money, materials, and manpower!


    ��Your Majesty mustn��t allow this. Most of the northern cities were damagedst year, and arge part of the imperial treasury was used to allocate food and money to them. After that, many viges in the northeast were attacked by the Yun Nation, and they also require food to help the people ovee their difficulties.��


    ��The transfer of all this money could barely tide those viges over until the spring harvest! There is barely any room to spare!�� Tu Wan went to the front with a devastated look and a voice that overwhelmed everyone.


    Ren Baqian thought about saying something, but was reminded of the fact that he still owed a few months of provisions and funds to the Rearguard Commandery! The empress couldn��t let her soldiers go hungry!


    However, seeing that Tu Wan��s agitated expression had pushed the others to the side, Ren Baqian logically didn��t say anything.


    His body wasn��t like that of Tong Zhenye and the others.


    It was no problem for them to get hit, but if Ren Baqian was hit, it would cause him to end up half dead.


    Still, those baihu in the Rearguard Commandery were rich and shouldn��t die of hunger for the time being even without this little allowance. It was better to discuss this with the empresster.


    ��Shut up!�� The empress��s face turned green, her hair fluttered, and her demeanor became like a towering mountain that suppressed everyone.


    ��Fall back. We will discuss these matters after further consideration!�� the empress dered coldly.


    ��Your Majesty���� Tong Zhenye was reluctant and still wanted to talk.


    ��Fall back!�� A piece of red bricknded on the forehead of Tong Zhenye and was instantly smashed to pieces.


    This was a nice thing to throw, and the empress always threw it urately.


    However, the significance of the brick was greater than its lethality. To Tong Zhenye, it was no different from a piece of tofunding on his forehead. Actually, it was even less damaging than a piece of tofunding on the forehead of an ordinary person.


    This action told everyone that the empress was in a bad mood and didn��t feel like talking to them. They were to get out of the way quickly, otherwise, they would face her fury.


    Everyone saw that the empress was angry and about to throw a temper tantrum. They had to temporarily stop talking and beat a retreat.


    Ren Baqian was thest to leave and followed half a step behind the empress as she left.


    ��Your Majesty, this matter isn��t worth getting angry about,�� Ren Baqian consoled the empress from behind.


    ��Did I get angry?�� The empress, who was furious just now, turned to look at him calmly.


    ��It has been like this for so many years that I��m used to it,�� the empress said to him.


    ��It��s just that they are too noisy.��


    Ren Baqian was nonplussed because he was surprised that the empress could also put on an act at times.


    ��Anyway, theyin when they are rich as well as when they are penniless. When they are rich after conquering the Yun Nation, I guess they should have noints,�� the empress said.


    ��When that timees, they will have other problems to b*tch about,�� Ren Baqian said. ��When you are hungry, you think of filling your stomach. After filling your stomach, you think of wearing warmer clothes. When you are well-fed and well-dressed, you will long for other things. The ancient people said ��You be lustful after being well-fed and well-dressed.����


    The empress kicked Ren Baqian on his calf, and he seemed to hear the sound of a bone breaking.


    The empress looked at him coldly and asked, ��Whates after being well-fed and well-dressed?��


    ��This is what the ancients said and not what I said! Ouch��!�� Ren Baqian grabbed his leg and hopped around.


    He didn��t need to be kicked! He seemed to be innocent!


    ��Hmph!�� the empress eximed softly.


    ��In fact, this is false. Everything is just a representation and not real. If I feel pain, then it will hurt, but if I see through the illusion, I will not feel the pain. Amitabha!�� Ren Baqian took a long while before putting his leg down and tried hard to look as calm as a decent monk.


    He had made great progress in understanding the Buddhist sutras and felt it was great to learn about dharma.


    It was very useful at times to keep calm in order to cool down��very useful!


    The empress kicked him in the other leg and then asked tenderly, ��Is it painful?��


    Ren Baqian��s face wrinkled in agony��


    ��Painful!��

 Chapter 605 - Captive Camp

    Chapter 605: Captive Camp


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Three dayster, Ren Baqian took his men out of the city and headed toward the captive camp to have a look. However, after seeing the situation at the site, he couldn��t help but frowned.


    It was dirty, chaotic, and the atmosphere was heavily morbid.


    Almost 100,000 people were locked up in three captive camps with over 30,000 people in each camp. Furthermore, they had to sleep directly on the ground. Ren Baqian had no idea what happened to the ns that Tong Zhenye made some time ago. In these three captive camps, other than a fence around the perimeter, there was basically nothing else./updated by ReadNovelFull


    Every person in the captive camps was so filthy that he couldn��t even see their faces clearly. They looked as if they had rolled in mud, and there was no telling how long it had been since theyst showered.


    At the thought of it, they probably hadn��t showered after being taken captive.


    When they raised their heads asionally, Ren Baqian could tell from their eyes that they were still terrified.


    ��Is this how you settled these people?�� Ren Baqian knitted his eyebrows. Everyone was piled together all over the ce with their bodies curled up. It was very disorderly and aplete mess. The most inappropriate thing was that there were actually twodies among these people. ( .c om )


    One could easily imagine how terrible things were with twodies and a bunch of men all crammed together.


    The captives urinated and defecated everywhere as well. As soon as Ren Baqian entered the camp, he could smell abination of that irremovable stench and that rancid smell on the captives�� bodies, which was almost enough to make someone faint.


    Heaps of housefly-like bugs flew about in the camp, making people fed up.


    However, even when the bugsnded on many of the captives�� bodies, they couldn��t be bothered to chase them away.


    ��Are there any problems, Sir?�� Alongside Ren Baqian was a captain and a few of his officers. They were all transferred over from the Protectorate of the Center to serve as the backbone of these auxiliary soldiers. They were astonished when they heard Ren Baqian��s words. The captives looked very well behaved because they had already killed the troublemakers.


    ��Do you know the purpose of these people?�� Ren Baqian countered with a question.


    ��No idea, Sir,�� the captain answered earnestly.


    ��We need them to mend the roads, repair the bridges, restore the cities, mine the ores, and many other things. In order to make them do these things, we first have to keep them alive and well. Only living people are able to work. You guys didn��t painstakingly escort them here from the Yun Nation just to let them die, bury their bodies in the soil, and have them be fertilizer.��


    ��Oh, I really thought that we were going to bury them! It��s said that crops grow exceptionally well when nted on soil with corpses buried underneath!�� That captain had a simple and honest look. They had buried hundreds of thousands of corpses in the northst year, and the crops there grew extremely well.


    ��If they die, shall I use you to dig the ores and mend the roads?�� Ren Baqian really wanted someone to dig a hole and bury him.


    ��Sir, how do we go about doing that?�� That captain scratched his head and looked at the camp. Even though it was slightly dirtier, it was still a pretty stable ce. These captives wouldn��t die as long as they were given food to eat.


    ��Continue to observe!�� Ren Baqian answered with a stiff face. He continued walking around the captive camp and discovered more problems.


    There were many captives who were injured andy there groaning. Yet, they had no one to attend to them and no doctors to treat them. Many of their wounds had rotted and be repulsive. It was already considered lucky to still be alive. Ren Baqian supposed that there were many wounded people like these who had died along the journey


    Furthermore, the majority of the wounds that these people had were inflicted during the journey.


    One would know how they got these wounds without even asking.


    During this period of time, Ren Baqian actually saw them having a meal and discovered that their food was surprisingly good. They had meat broth that was filled with fragrant fatty meat and spare pieces. Mealtime was another round of chaos. People were pushing, trampling, and even fighting with each other.


    Those militiamen were still seemingly calm in the face of the unexpected. When themotion got out of hand, they simply went in with truncheons, smashed a few dozen heads, and broke the limbs of two men. This was just to make the captives tone down and behave themselves��the militiamen didn��t care about anything else.


    After roughly looking around the three captive camps, Ren Baqian gave an order to build some public baths to allow the captives to wash. He then went back to the pce with a frown on his face and began to write very quickly.


    The situation in the captive camps had to improve. The captives couldn��t be allowed to lie on the ground. There was a need to build simple housing for them and improve their living conditions.


    Otherwise, apart from being exposed to the dew every day and night, one round of heavy rain would make many of them ill. If those who were weak still didn��t receive treatment without dy, their lives would be a ticking time bomb.


    Ren Baqian then allocated some ordinary doctors and apprentices to attend to the captives so that at the very least, they wouldn��t die from minor illnesses that could be cured simply by taking pills. ( .c om )


    The most important issue would be the various systems. These systems needed to be implemented in the captive camps first.


    There wouldn��t be structure without regtions Once there were regtions, there would be order. Once there was order, those captives would then be able to live orderly lives.


    The first regtion that Ren Baqian wrote was the organization of the captives into groups. The captives were to be divided into ten big groups of around 10,000 people.


    Each big group would then be subdivided into ten medium groups that each had around 1,000 people. Medium groups would then be further subdivided into ten small groups with around 100 individuals per group. These would again be further subdivided into even smaller teams of around ten people per team.


    At the same time, certain captives would be selected to be team leaders for the smallest team subdivision, whereas the aboriginal militiamen would be small group leaders. Captives with high aspirations wouldter be appointed as assistant group leaders.


    For all future activities, these captives would operate as a single unit in their small teams. Regardless of work or dwelling, the small teams would still operate as one.


    Also, males and females weren��t allowed to be in the same small team. They were to be separated even if they were family members.


    The most important thing would be to practice a system of guilt by association.


    If someone from a small team escaped, the entire team would treated as guilty. If an entire small team escaped, the entire small group would be treated as guilty and so on and so forth.


    At the same time, if someone from a small team caused trouble, everyone in the team would be punished. If work done by the small team had been overlooked and negligent, the entire team would be punished as well.


    Next, Ren Baqian flowingly wrote down dozens of further regtions, noting down everything that he had seen or could think of.


    Rules and regtions were set in ce for the daily activities of the captives, such as leaving for work in the morning, mealtimes, leaving from work, bedtime, and hygiene. The rules were multi-faceted and covered all aspects. With these systems in ce, the captive camps would be more decent looking.


    When additional problems arose in the future, Ren Baqian could simply add more rules to the list.


    However, there was a very important rule that he noted on another piece of paper. As a modern person, he wasn��t very used to using a group of people as ves for the rest of their lives. He also understood that humans needed to have hope to be able to continue living. Furthermore, he realized the significance of what a tiny bit of hope would mean to these captives.


    They would struggle to grab ahold of that small, firefly-sized brilliance in the darkness.


    Ren Baqian needed to give them hope so that they would constantly work toward that glimmer of hope and hold it closely.


    It was actually very easy to give them this hope, which would be to give them back their freedom after a fixed number of years. As long as they could live to that age, they would be able to reunite with their families and live like a normal person in this world.


    In order to reach this goal, these captives would strive to stay alive and would simultaneously feel that their lives were more stable.


    If they didn��t have any hope to hold on to, then these people would either always be thinking of escaping or would act like walking corpses. It was obvious what their work efficiency would be like then.


    The efficiency of doing something while bearing hope and doing something while living one moment at a time waspletely different.


    Even though road mending wasn��t a very delicate job, it wasn��t an easy job either, especially when they needed to cross mountains and rivers.


    When working without a glimmer of hope, if anything happened at work, these people definitely wouldn��t report it because it had nothing to do with them.


    However, coupled with a system of rewards and penalties, if the captives could be a little more subjective and show more initiative, then they would point out the problem areas of their own ord.


    Even thinking with their toes, one would be able to tell what the work efficiency of the captives would be like when provided with hopepared to without it.

 Chapter 606 - At Fault for Fighting Incorrectly!

    Chapter 606: At Fault for Fighting Incorrectly!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ording to Ren Baqian��s n, it would be best for the captives to do obligatorybor for three years, followed by five years ofpulsory paidbor. They could be given slight freedom and a certain amount of rewards during this five year period, which would gradually increase as time passed.


    In this manner, after eight years, the captives would be restored to their status asmoners


    Of course, the Yun Nation would have already ceased to exist by then, and their homes would be gone as well. Some of them would leave, but there would also be some who would remain at ease and join another ��construction team�� as craftsmen. Alternatively, they could take up anotherbor job with wages.


    After Ren Baqian was done writing all of this, he opened up the window. It was already veryte at night, and the moon was already high up in the sky.


    He turned around and saw food on the table, but he had no idea when it had been sent over. Even though it was already cold, he didn��t mind it at all because his stomach was already rumbling with hunger. He quickly gobbled the food down,y down on his bed, and started cultivating the [Ruyi Visualization].


    Early the next morning, after Ren Baqian was done teaching at school, he went back to the pce to look for the empress and showed her what he had written the night before.


    The empress didn��t show much expression when she looked at the front page since it was natural to draw up regtions and systems. Even the aboriginals had their own systems that they followed. As an empress, she definitely knew about the effects of having order.


    However, when she looked at the notes on another piece of paper, she asked in astonishment, ��Pay them wages?��


    <em>All of Dayao is impoverished, and even a mouse would starve in the imperial treasury. After transporting back the spoils of war with great difficulty, the loot was almost robbed before it was even handed over to the Ministry of Revenue. Under such circumstances, you actually still want to pay wages to these captives?</em>


    ��Even though I know that you think differently from the others, the world youe from is totally different from here. Are you ill to bring up such suggestions?�� The empress put down the papers and looked at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was betweenughter and tears. However, he had already anticipated the empress��s answer. Even if she didn��t bring this up, someone else would. As such, he had already prepared a countermeasure. His n was to first give her a detailed exnation of how giving the captives hope could increase their work efficiency and reduce their mistakes. He would then end it with, ��If their hearts are dead, how are we going to make them work?��


    He then proceeded to address her concerns and exined, ��Your Majesty, those wages are simply going through their hands, but will eventuallye back to us. Those captives will toil hard every day. They will either mend roads or dig mines, and they have absolutely nothing to look forward to. After a hard day of work, there are no opportunities for them to unwind. Under such circumstances, what can they achieve?


    Nothing besides eating, drinking, prostitution, and gambling!


    Eating is the most basic. If they want to eat something that they like, they will spend money. If they want to drink, they will spend money as well. This is how their money will return to us.


    For men, other than food, there is also alcohol. How many people can resist alcohol when they see it? Even if they could, when a few of them gather in the camp during their free time, have a casual drink, and exim in admiration, how could the others resist?


    Besides, we can��t possibly sell wine in the captive camps at the same price as outside them, right? A jar of wine costs a tael of silver outside, but it will cost three taels of silver in the camps. Their monthly wages won��t even reach three taels of silver. After saving up for a few months, they can only purchase one jar of wine to satisfy their cravings.


    Next will be prostitution. If we send a bunch of girls from the brothels every few days, we can probably earn back half the money we pay them.


    Lastly, there is gambling. I don��t need to say any more about this. In gambling, the house is the only one that earns steadily and doesn��t lose, and we are the house.


    All of these are things that no man can escape from, especially in ces like the captive camps.


    As a result, these wages will only be going through their hands before eventuallying back to us. At the same time, we can make them feel like Your Majesty is kindhearted and also allow them to work at ease. What objections can you have against this?��


    ��So, do you enjoy eating, drinking, prostitution, and gambling?�� the empress asked as she looked at him with a half smile.


    ��Er, from seeing how fat I am, you should know that I definitely love to eat and drink. I��m the epitome of the so-called wine sack and food bag. Besides, with thepany of Your Majesty, the almighty, why would I be interested in other things? If one were to have any other worldly desires even with thepany of ady like Your Majesty, then that person must either be blind or dumb. I��m obviously neither of those. Look how clever and quick-witted I am!�� Ren Baqian winked and boasted.


    ��Someone once said that the flowers at home aren��t as sweet-smelling as the flowers outside! Otherwise, why do so many people visit the brothel!�� the empress replied faintly.


    ��Who is this ��someone?�� I��ll beat him to death!�� Ren Baqian��s face immediately turned ck.


    ��Hmph!�� The empress rolled her eyes at him flirtatiously before skipping the topic.


    She then took a close look at the regtions that Ren Baqian wrote, especially the notes.


    The empress said, ��These are feasible. As for those things written in the notes, if they will work as you say, then it��s worth a try. However�� You can bring up your suggestions at the imperial court session tomorrow morning. You��ll know then.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t attend ss the next day. He waited outside the pce early in the morning, which actually attracted quite a few people��s attention.


    This was mainly because Ren Baqian very rarely attended court from the start. Furthermore, he was waiting outside before the session evenmenced. It was obvious that something was going on.


    Ren Baqian greeted Tong Zhenye and the people from the Ministry of Works before looking amiably at the great elder, Shi Qing, and the minister of the Board of Rites, Xuan Hua, when they saw him. After all, he had previously stayed at the Ministry of Rites for a month.


    The rest of the officials merely nced over from afar without even greeting him.


    When the court session began, Ren Baqian took a few steps forward and publicly exined the regtions that he had written. The words that the empress left him withst night had made him a little vignt. A such, he went back and thought it over carefully once more.


    The oue was exactly how he and the empress had imagined it to be. Everyone was indifferent about the regtions, but as soon as they heard about giving wages to the captives, they flew into a rage.


    Paying wages to captives was something that had never happened before, and it was practically like Arabian Nights[1.The Arabian Nights �C A collection of Middle Eastern folk talespiled in Arabic during the Imic Golden Age].


    This was especially so for the officials from the Ministry of Revenue. Tu Wan, the Minister of Revenue, was so incensed that even her long and shapely eyebrows had turned upside down. If she didn��t respect Ren Baqian��s status, she would have smashed him into a wall.


    Anyone who asked for money from her now would be akin to someone drawing her very life out of her.


    ording to what Ren Baqian said, this was called the economy. When money began circting, it would create much more value. Besides, the money would always be circting and would eventually return to the hands of the imperial court.


    ��However, we will still lose some silver in the middle of this.�� Tu Wan sharply grasped the problem with his theory. No matter whether it was eating, drinking, or prostitution, gambling was the only activity that didn��t require capital.


    ��The lost money is negligiblepared to the amount of value it will generate. Regardless of whether it��s eating, drinking, or prostitution, the people who worked for this money will still spend away their silver. This will make the whole market prosperous! The market will begin to circte!�� Ren Baqian answered patiently.


    ��Still, these funds will be taken from the imperial treasury,�� Tu Wan replied while not looking too happy. She kept harping on this point and continued, ��These funds originally belonged to the imperial treasury and were to be allocated for other purposes. If we don��t pay wages to the captives, we can use these funds for the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Appointments, the Ministry of Justice, and many other departments.��


    No matter how Ren Baqian exined, Tu Wan remained unmoved.


    Paying wages to captives was something that had never been done before! It hadn��t happened in the past and wouldn��t happen in the future either!


    In addition, Tu Wan��s words made Qin Chuan and the others feel more apprehensive as well. What she said was right. After taking a portion of the funds from the imperial treasury to pay the captives, even if a portion of it came back, some would eventually be lost. In the end, the people who would suffer were the various departments!


    Ren Baqian was preparing to make another exnation about what was meant by economy, cirction and the possession of wealth among the people, but ended up getting interrupted by a loud voice.


    ��Principal Ren, I feel that you have to reconsider this matter.�� Tong Zhenye, who was originally simply watching the show, had now changed his standpoint and began trying to persuade Ren Baqian.


    A loud voice sounded as soon as he opened his mouth, which forced Ren Baqian to swallow all his words.


    ��That��s right, this is too absurd!�� Everyone sessively voiced out theirints and acted as if they were already giving him face by simply persuading him instead of immediately throwing him out if he had been someone else.


    The only person who supported Ren Baqian��s idea was Qin Chuan, but this was on the basis that he must object to whatever Tong Zhenye agreed with and agree with whatever Tong Zhenye objected to. He immediately took Ren Baqian��s side as soon as Tong Zhenye began talking.


    However, everyone began speaking up and giving out looks that spelled ��Are you asking for a duel or a group fight? You will be up against all of us in a duel, and all of us will be giving you a beating in a group fight!��


    Qin Chuan subsequently went with the flow of the crowd and felt that what they were saying was absolutely correct.


    The imperial court became like a food market as a bunch of loud voices condemned Ren Baqian. All the things he said after that had been drowned out.


    They made Ren Baqian so angry that his teeth ached, and he was so annoyed by their loud voices that his head hurt. He simply wanted to shout out, ��You idiots aren��t fit to discuss such matters!��


    He lifted his head and looked at the empress, only to see her sitting above them unperturbed and enjoying the show.


    ��As for what Principal Ren said about making them work properly, this will be easy. We will do as you said and restore theirmoner status after eight years. If they don��t work diligently, we will kill them. With a de against their necks, I��m certain that they will make the right decision!�� Tong Zhenye dered.


    His methods had been simple and crude all along!


    Everyone continued nodding their heads.


    They all seemed to think that this was already sufficient and that there was absolutely no need for the wages that Ren Baqian talked about.


    This debate ended in andslide victory for all the aboriginals in the hall of the court.


    Ren Baqian��s words had totally been drowned under the saliva of the crowd. Nobody could hear him talk other than himself. How was he supposed to debate like this?


    ��How was it?�� After the imperial court session, the empress smiled when Ren Baqian apanied her back to their quarters.


    ��Their voices were too loud��they were at fault for fighting incorrectly!�� Ren Baqian refused to ept what had happened! He had originally nned to talk some reason into those people, but little did he expect to bepletely overpowered by their loud voices!


    How could he endure this?


    At the same time, he was determined to bring along a loudspeaker the next time he attended court! He wanted to let them know what it felt like to be overpowered by voice!


    The empressughed gently when she heard Ren Baqian��s response. This wasn��t the first time she experienced the raucous behavior of these officials. It would end in chaotic fighting, which happened pretty frequently.


    Even though she could use brute force to suppress them, she couldn��t possibly do that every time, could she? She still had to give them the opportunity to talk.


    As for Ren Baqian wanting to regain the speaking ground, the empress wasn��t optimistic about this.


    <em>You speak reason with them, theypare voices with you. Youpare voices with them, theypare fists with you.</em>


    <em>There is no doubt that this is definitely the case!</em>

 Chapter 607 - The Martial Arts Center

    Chapter 607: The Martial Arts Center


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sat in the garden pondering for a long time. It was as if he was recalling his lost youth and the many beautiful sunsets that had gone past.


    ��You aren��t in a good mood because you didn��t out-talk them?�� The empress, who rarely showed concern for him, spoke in a gentle tone. Usually, Ren Baqian would have taken advantage of this situation. However, he was preupied with problems and did not take notice of it.


    ��I��m not in a bad mood.�� Ren Baqian tried to collect himself and sat up straight before continuing, ��Actually, they were right in some ways when they suggested the idea of letting those captives work without pay because giving them freedom should be enough.��


    ��Oh,�� the empress uttered. Then, she continued to look at him as though she was trying to find out what he was really thinking.


    Was he giving up this quickly? If that was the case, she would be disappointed.


    Whether it was right or wrong, one must persevere on their own path. When the result was out, one would know whether it was bitter or sweet.


    It was just like when she chose Ren Baqian as her husband. Even if those events didn��t take ce, she wouldn��t have easily conceded.


    ording to the words on Earth, she would follow the road she had chosen to the end even if she had to kneel down.


    ��However, they missed out on one factor.�� Ren Baqian emphasized. ��After working for eight years, the captives will be experts in building construction and road repair. In theing decades, Dayao will need a huge number of various types of craftsmen. It will be especially hard to quickly find craftsmen who are skilled in cement construction.


    Letting these people go would be a pity. If they aren��t given hope, they won��t put their hearts into their work��they willck initiative and may even be walking corpses. Regardless, we can��t do this forever because the Yun Nation will be a part of Dayao after being conquered, so their people will be the subjects of Your Majesty. The blind use of force isn��t a good choice. To control such a big area with different races, it��s more appropriate to rule with benevolence than to be a tyrant.


    If, as previously discussed, they bemoners after eight years, they certainly won��t stay. Even if they have nowhere to go, they will choose to go back to their hometowns, and their stay in the captive camps will be the worst memories of their lives.


    I suggest paying them wages and treating them as craftsmen rather than using them as forcedbor. Don��t let them harbor too much resentment, let them feel gratitude for Your Majesty��s kindness so that they view their work as a form of livelihood. By the time they earn their freedom, some of them may change their minds and decide to stay. As for those who decide to leave and have nothing else to do, they may opt to go back to this profession and will not feel as hostile.��


    ��Oh.�� The empress nodded thoughtfully.


    ��There��s one more point��the number of captives Dayao needs isn��t only 100,000, but a few hundred thousand or even a million. If so many people were to go back at the same time, it will have a big impact on the Yun Nation regions that have just settled down. If these people, who have nothing, go back to their hometowns and find no prospects there, some of them will take risks, which will not be conducive tow and order. A few years after settling down, the Yun Nation would erupt into chaos again. Therefore, if you can get these people to stay, not only can you acquire a big pool of workers, but you can also distribute them and decrease the disruption.��


    ��Oh!�� The empress continued to look thoughtful while nodding.


    What Ren Baqian had mentioned was something she hadn��t considered before. After all, it was very easy to raid an area, but she had no experience in administering and full of foreigners.


    It couldn��t be said that they were totally inexperienced, but the only experience the aboriginals had in this regard was driving all the remnant citizens of the Hao Nation into Tianjing Basin, sealing the exit, and letting them fend for themselves.


    ��When the timees, it will not be easy to get them to stay if force was used!�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    The empress continued to nod thoughtfully.


    Although putting a knife to their throat was the easiest way to get things done, the final oue wasn��t the best.


    ��I will go back on a trip soon and find a loudspeaker that��s louder than the vocal cords here,��ined Ren Baqian. It would be so loud that it would be unbelievable.


    The voices of the court officials weren��t soft; a person��s voice was as loud as the horn of a truck, which was an inborn feature of the aboriginals. Ren Baqian estimated that Tong Zhenye��s voice was about 100 decibels.


    However, this didn��t matter because Ren Baqian would get a loudspeaker that could produce 130 decibels, which was about as loud as a ne taking off. It would blow their minds.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian��s fighting spirit and wondered whether she should tell him that the one with the bigger fist was the boss.


    She would tell them that the one with the biggest fist was the boss.


    That afternoon, Ren Baqian hurried back to Earth.


    ��Thepany license is ready, thepany has been set up, and the location has been selected. It��s all here. In addition, you suddenly gave me so much work, so will you give me raise?�� Shen Feng threw a stack of documents on the table in front of Ren Baqian.


    Sitting there watching Ren Baqian study the documents, she noticed that his appearance was getting more and more oppressive and bing more like those barbarians whose brains were filled with muscles.


    Thinking about those rascals made Shen Feng angry. She was stunned by the punch they had hit her with, but what made her most upset was the fact that she had taken the initiative to teach them that finger-guessing game! The end result was a bloody nose and some tears.


    Ren Baqian held the ns for the martial arts center in his hand. It had been fast-tracked and should bepleted in about one month��s time, which was three months of Earth time.


    Ren Baqian had high hopes for this n, and it was more important than the pharmaceutical factory. In fact, they weren��tparable at all.


    Although martial arts were declining in importance, cultivation methods would be publicized sooner orter, leading the world to undergo tremendous changes and causing the value of top martial arts masters to peak.


    Cultivation could direct human evolution and prolong people��s lifespan. For the rich, this was more valuable than material things. Once the cultivation methods were publicized, the perception of the whole world would change. Every top-rated martial artist would be like a ��fragrant bun�� courted by the rich Plus, the demand for personal trainers would be very high.


    With the appearance of many high-level martial artists, ordinary people with guns would have a hard time fighting them, so the rich and powerful would need to recruit high caliber martial artists for the sake of protection.


    The time required to develop these high caliber martial artists was long, it couldn��t be achieved overnight, and these experts couldn��t be developed using ordinary means.


    If one third or half of the top martial artists were to open their own martial arts centers, the value of thiswork alone would be incalcble, not to mention the reputation and the potential power.


    Although these students were only disciples, it mustn��t be forgotten that they were developed by these centers, regardless of their rtionships or status. Ren Baqian possessed the secret manuals for Earth Wheel and Spirit Wheel cultivation. Therefore, he controlled the next step required for advancement. No matter what, they couldn��t abandon their rtionship with the martial arts centers.

 Chapter 608 - The Value of the Martial Arts Center

    Chapter 608: The Value of the Martial Arts Center


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It could even spur them on like how the Rearguard Commandery was motivated by using a system of umted points to exchange for rare manuals. They had to aplish their missions in order to umte points. The rare manuals would act as bait suspended in front of everyone, and they would definitely want to get ahold of them by any means.


    Once they got ahold of power, they would surely want to seek progression and obtain even more strength.


    Getting ahold of such power would enable them to possess substantial strength in one leap. Even though they wouldn��t be experts of weapons, these highly-skilled martial artists were already weapons themselves. Such power would be sufficient to raise anyone��s eyebrows.


    As for the amount of time to get there, Ren Baqian believed that it wouldn��t take long.


    After all, paper couldn��t contain fire; this would be discovered by others sooner orter. On one hand, the nation would allow more people to train sooner orter. This was something that was impossible to hide forever because that would defeat its purpose of existence. It would most likely begin with a small group of troops, extending to training of the special forces for instance. Once the number of people grewrger, news would very easily leak out.


    ( B oxnovel.c om ) On the other hand, it was impossible for the experts nurtured by the nation to stay in the military bases and live incognito forever. After obtaining strength, people would be unwilling to be indifferent. Think about it��would you be willing to conceal your identity after attaining strength that surpassed ordinary people? What if your family ran into problems? What if your family was humiliated? Once these experts did something, they would very easily be detected.


    Most importantly, after the martial arts center was set up and when experts nurtured in the center became stronger, it would force the nation to reveal this matter even earlier.


    Therefore, regardless of what the trigger was, this matter wouldn��t stay a secret for too long. Ren Baqian originally guessed that it wouldst ten to 15 years at most. However, with the addition of his own martial arts center, the timeline would be elerated, and the reveal could happen in just seven to ten years.


    Plus, what could he gain from the pharmaceutical factory in 15 years? Even if he could earn up to several billion or even ten billion in profits per year, he would only gain over 100 billion yuan in 15 years. Even though this might seem like arge sum, 100 billion yuan in 15 years�� time would probably be equivalent to just ten billion yuan at present.


    Even though he would still be a very wealthy person, it was definitely iparable to the things that setting up a martial arts center could bring him.


    The martial arts center wouldn��t only bring him money, but also power as well as argework that would extend over the entire world.


    As such, Ren Baqian had a lot of expectations for this n of setting up a martial arts center. He already foresaw that changes would ur in the future, which was why he had to obtain as much strength as he possibly could before that happened. This way, he could then leap to the pinnacle of this world before the changes began and watch as things happened.


    His time on Earth was limited to only ten days per month, leaving him with no time and energy to get involved in technology or other businesses. Besides, even if he wanted to do such things, he didn��t have the knowledge for it. After getting slightly more than a billion yuan in bonus from the pharmaceutical factory and adding the tens of millions that he originally had, he would only have a little more than two billion yuan in total. This might be an astronomical sum to ordinary people, but this amount wouldn��t be enough to bring about any major changes to this world.


    However, on the contrary, he had the expertise regarding everything the martial arts center needed. The number of experts and rare manuals that he possessed were his greatest resources. Also, he would be able to ride on the wave of the major changes that were about to happen. Only a fool would fail to take full advantage of these factors.


    ��


    Ren Baqian looked through everything that Shen Feng had prepared for him before making some arrangements and allowing her to take her leave.


    Ren Baqian then gave Ren Wannian a call. ( B oxnovel.c om )


    ��Hey brother, it��s already been a few years, and you��ve finally remembered that you have a younger brother!�� Ren Wannian sounded very surprised when he answered the call. He had been attending university for a couple of years, and this was the first time that he had received a call from his elder brother, who had been appearing and disappearing unpredictably over thest few years.


    Not to mention himself, even Papa and Mama Ren had constantly been grumbling about how their chick had grown up. Back when Ren Baqian graduated from university and first started working, they would usually receive a call from him every two to three days. Unknowingly, this now extended to ten days or even two weeks before they would receive a call from him.


    The brothers chatted a little about their family matters before Ren Baqian asked, ��You have to find a ce to do an internship at the end of the year right? Do you have any ns yet?��


    ��It��s rare for elder brother to be thinking about me��could it be that you have a good rmendation that you have arranged for me?�� Ren Wannianughed.


    ��Indeed, there are some matters that I won��t feel assured about unless they are handled by my own family,�� Ren Baqian answered.


    Besides, he was rarely on Earth, so he still needed someone to be in charge of the general situation. Even though Shen Feng did things very properly, she had recently been less capable than desired. After all, the things on her te had been increasing and many issues had started to exceed her capabilities. Her background was another huge problem as well.


    As for Ding Jie, even though that kid was hard-working enough and was willing to use his brain, he was a little timid due to his background. He had improved slightly after learning martial arts, yet it was still too early for him to take up such responsibilities.


    Since Ren Baqian would require more manpower in the future, it would be better to rope Ren Wannian in as early as possible.


    ��Brother, that notion of yours is already outdated. I��m already a professional manager now. Even though owners can rest assured regarding their family businesses, there are many troublesome things that need to be handled given the growing pains thate with expansion. I��m already wanted!�� Ren Wannian burst outughing.


    ��Oh? What are you doing that can be better than the opportunity I have for you?�� Ren Baqianughed. He couldn��t help butment to himself��even though it didn��t feel like a long time had passed, his younger brother had already grown up.


    ��The same position as you!�� Ren Wannian replied softly and secretively. Even though there were people who wanted him to keep it confidential, as a student who hadn��t gone through professional training, he didn��t have a strong concept of confidentiality. He had a hard time keeping it from his ssmates, friends, and even his parents. Finally, he couldn��t help but let the cat out of the bag when Ren Baqian asked about it now.


    Despite the fact that Ren Baqian had very rarely returned or called home over thest few years, they had been together since they were young, so Ren Wannian still maintained a very close rtionship with this elder brother of his.


    Besides, Ren Wannian always felt that he wasn��t on the same level as his brother. He shared this secret with his elder brother because Ren Baqian knew more things and more people than he did and could probably give him some ideas.


    ��My position?�� Ren Baqian asked as he very quickly thought of a possibility. ��A government organization?��


    Even though he very rarely assumed this identity, his family only came to know that he held this position because he made it up back when they went to Lu Province to help Ren Wannian settle his problems.


    ��Correct!�� Ren Wannian said.


    Ren Baqian knitted his eyebrows. As an ordinary third year university student, how did Ren Wannian get into a government organization? This was entering a government organization, not just any ordinary office job. Even if it was just an office job, he hadn��t even taken his examinations.


    The only remaining possibility was through Ren Baqian himself.


    The nation definitely wouldn��t allow Ren Baqian to fly on his own so easily and would surely try any means possible to tie him down to the nation.


    Ren Wannian was one of their means.


    ��Was it the research institute or the special affairs agency? Or was it the operations base?�� Ren Baqian asked in a deep voice.


    ��Brother, you know about it?�� Ren Wannian was a little surprised. There were many government organizations and many remote departments that people had never heard of. On the contrary, Ren Baqian guessed it, and this made Ren Wannian feel very surprised.


    ��Forget it! Don��t go��they are using you as leverage!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��What do you mean? Brother, what do you know about this?�� Ren Wannian raised his voice and asked.


    ��If you join me, you will know in the future. I will pay them a visit, and they won��t look for you ever again,�� Ren Baqian answered faintly.


    ��Brother, you have that big of an influence?�� Ren Wannian was stunned.


    ��A little greater than you imagined. You will know when youe and work with me in the future. You have to be extremely deferential to your bosses when you join certain departments, but if you join me, you can do as you wish and won��t have to bother with things that you don��t wish to.��


    Ren Baqian��s words were very ordinary, but somehow, Ren Wannian felt that his elder brother really acted a bit differently.


    From Ren Baqian��s words, he felt that his elder brother��s position definitely wasn��t what he and his parents assumed it was. It wasn��t as simple as being a manager of a drug factory or a pharmaceutical factory and was definitely not an internal position in the organization that Ren Baqian had previously revealed.


    <h3 ss="g_h2 mb16">Comment (<span>0)COMMENT FIRST<span>Rate this chapter<span>Vote with Power Stone<span>Send GiftsChapter 609: Blueprint


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day, a pair of brothers in their forties arrived at the vi. They looked almost identical. They both wore a Tang suit, were very skinny, had a small beard, and had really thick fingers.


    They were both people from the world of martial arts that Ren Baqian had hired to provide training for the winged cavalry.


    This training wasn��t in the department of skills, but to teach some of the etiquette and ways of traditional martial arts.


    After all, the winged cavalry were too crude and barbaric.


    Modern society was a civilized one. Regardless of the asion, people had to put on civilized clothing to be more readily epted by others and also to look ssier.


    Theirpany name, The Martial Arts Culture Company, was written on their business permit as well and included the word ��culture�� in it.


    After opening the martial arts center, there might be people who woulde to challenge them and force them to close down. Ren Baqian was afraid that the winged cavalry would heavily injure or even kill such challengers. This was another reason why he wanted to engage someone to educate them. Eventually, through the rmendation of someone, he hired these two from the martial arts world.


    They weren��t exactly highly skilled, but it would be useless even if they were because they could never attain the Man Wheel level. At present, all Man Wheel experts were deployed at various military bases all over the country.


    Even if they were to attain the Man Wheel level,pared to the winged cavalry, they would only be at the level of getting swatted into a wall after one p.


    As such, Ren Baqian managed to find these two to provide training for the winged cavalry. However, the pair were bbergasted the moment they arrived outside the vi.


    They saw around eight burly men in the courtyard who were using huge barbells as dumbbells.


    These barbells weighed at least 100 kilograms and had thick weighted tes on the ends. Furthermore, the burly men held one in each hand and lifted them one after another.


    The duo almost thought that these weights were made of wood. However, when someone threw a set barbells aside, it immediately created a deep hole in the ground.


    At the sight of this, they both were bewildered. The winged cavalry were already at such a level, so why were they still required here?


    Were those people in the courtyard actually monsters?


    The two of them even felt like returning home at that moment.


    However, after some thought, they decided to give Ren Baqian a call.


    After all, it wasn��t easy to earn money in the traditional martial arts industry, especially when they had no sect backing them and neither of them had much of a reputation. They didn��t possess the brains for making money either.


    Ren Baqian was willing to pay them quite a hefty sum of money as well. With this money, they wouldn��t have to worry for a few years.


    Ren Baqian greeted them from the window after receiving the call. After that, one of the winged cavalry warriors walked toward the main door.


    The two men suddenly felt a great deal of psychological pressure when they saw him approaching.


    When enemies met face to face, the bigger one would win. This was rather practical in the world of martial arts. All martial artspetitions had different weight sses. Regardless of whether it was strength or the toughness, the heavyweight ss would definitely have a strong advantage.


    The person in front of them clearly belonged to the heavyweight ss.


    The aura of the winged cavalry warrior also made the two of them feel extremely uneasy.


    It was as if they were facing a fierce tiger that was about to devour them.


    The two of them had still felt pretty confident before they arrived. After seeing these people, however, they immediately lost all confidence.


    There were many times when one could feel the disparity even without the need forpetition. This was especially the case for people like them who were well-travelled; they were very skilled at judging people and sensing danger.


    That winged cavalry warrior stepped forward, sized them up, and said, ��Follow me. Lady boss is expecting you.��


    The two men gave their thanks after hearing this and followed him across the courtyard. When they walked past the other winged cavalry, they felt goosebumps on their skin like they had just walked past a group of tigers.


    Before they entered the house, they still thought that they would be meeting someone young and beautiful. However, all they saw when they entered the house was a young man watching the news while sitting on the sofa. He nodded in greeting after seeing the two of them.


    While they were still wondering who this person was, they heard the burly man who brought them in say, ��Lady boss, they are here.��


    ��Scram!�� Ren Baqian immediately raised his eyebrows, grabbed a fruit knife, and threw it over.


    Thedy boss�� was actually a man�� The thoughts of the two brothers immediately went askew�� After taking into ount those burly men outside who had oppressive auras, they immediately thought of Dongfang Bubai[1.Dongfang Bubai: literally ��Invincible East,�� is a fictional character in the wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer by Jin Yong] and Yang Lianting. In the blink of an eye, the vi turned into the society��s legendary ck Wood Cliff.


    Ren Baqian actually didn��t sense their thoughts. After exchanging a few words, he called for the winged cavalry and dered, ��These two men shall be your etiquette teachers in the future. The rules are the same: no beating, no scolding, no threatening, and no ying finger-guessing games while drinking with the teachers!��


    When Ren Baqian started speaking, the duo started breaking into a sweat. When he was done talking, they were both drenched.


    The winged cavalry then answered, ��Understood,dy boss.��


    Ren Baqian stared at them and narrowed his eyes. He couldn��t seem to get rid of this title anymore. This bunch of idiots, they were getting naughtier!


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian brought an extremelyrge loudspeaker back to Dayao.


    The next day, Ren Baqian appeared outside the pce early in the morning and waited together with everyone. He held a loudspeaker that was about half the size of a person in one hand and carried a box in the other. Once again, this attracted quite a bit of attention.


    Seeing Ren Baqian��s appearance, Shi Qing stepped forward and asked, ��Sir Ren, you still haven��t given up yet?��


    ��There are some things that need to be said. The behavior fromst time is already outdated.�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��I��m looking forward to Sir Ren��s ideas, but don��t be too eager and impatient.�� Shi Qingughed.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands in gratitude.


    After a while, everyone entered the main hall. The empress nced across everyone��s faces after she took her seat at the top and said, ��File your reports!��


    ��Your Majesty, I have something to say.�� Ren Baqian stepped forward before waiting for anyone else to speak. In fact, the others were also waiting for him to speak. Besides, looking at his attitude, they knew that he was here to say something.


    ��Speak.��


    ��Dear Sirs, do you still remember our objective for dering war on the Yun Nation this time around? We didn��t do it for leisure or to simply rob them and leave. We wanted to take possession of the entire Yun Nation and incorporate them into our empire.


    Dayao even had to request for Her Majesty to utilize the imperial treasury in order to restock on weapons. What was this for? It was because even though Dayao��snds are vast, we don��t have an abundance of natural resources. As such, we need to incorporate the Yun Nation into our territory to make use of their mineral reserves and skilled workers so that we can develop Dayao. Their resources will be used to supplement us.��


    Everyone understood Ren Baqian��s speech and had no objection.


    ��However, governing an area isn��t as simple as drawing a circle around it on a map. Like what happened to Tianjing Basin previously, would there be a difference even if we didn��t conquer them? The Yun Nation is of higher importance than Tianjing Basin and steadier governing will be required. Only then will we be able to make use of their skills and resources to develop Dayao. Therefore, we can��t act like we did previously and treat their civilians as ves. Tyranny may work temporarily, but not forever. Do you still remember how the Hao Nation perished back then?��


    ��Sir Ren, how can wepare the Hao Nation to our dynasty?! Let alone the Yun Nation? Hmph, hmph!�� Qin Chuan responded with a look of disdain when he mentioned the Yun Nation.


    ��The Hao Nation naturally can��t bepared to our dynasty, and the Jing Tribe can��t bepared to the aboriginals either. However, if we rule the people through tyranny, then the way they view Her Majesty will be simr to how ourte emperor saw the Hao Nation��s emperor. Water can float a boat and also capsize it. The rise and fall of every generation of the previous dynasties has proven this point,�� Ren Baqian replied with power and resonance.


    ��So what if they are unsettled? We have thousands of aboriginal youths!�� Qin Chuan still rebutted even though he understood Ren Baqian��s words.


    <em>You hater! </em>These words suddenly sprouted in Ren Baqian��s mind.


    ��Military force can��t represent everything. Development is still the key task of the future. Future developments will greatly surpass your imagination. Everything in the future will bepletely different from the past! In order to build the blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind, everything has to evolve and pave the road to peace!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands at the empress who sat above them.


    ��Isn��t the world simply like this? What are these changes that will surpass imagination?�� Qin Chuan sneered.


    ��The blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind is to let everyone lead a liberal life free from the upheaval of injuries, illnesses, and theck of food and clothing. She wants every child to go to school and learn knowledge that they are interested in. She wants everyone to have food to eat and books to read. She wants everyone to be able to reflect upon themselves. She wants everyone to have a goal to strive for. She wants everyone to live, not just for the sake of living, but for their own self-regard! The blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind is to let everyone in this world progress and prosper!�� Ren Baqian exined as he began to paint the big picture. This was what the empress envied about Earth when she first went there. This was also what she had never been able to forget.


    Of course, to the present Dayao, this would be like achievingmunism.


    However, there wouldn��t be any problems with this if that was the blueprint in the empress��s mind.


    After hearing Ren Baqian��s words and recalling what she had seen, heard, and felt when she first went to Earth, the empress remembered the envy that she had felt at that time.


    Even though she was straight-faced, she was actually overwhelmed with emotions!


    Indeed, Ren Baqian knew her thoughts the best.


    As for the rest, they simply looked at Ren Baqian like he was a fool, but they didn��t dare to direct that same look at the empress. How could what he said be possible?

 Chapter 609 - Blueprint

    Chapter 609: Blueprint


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day, a pair of brothers in their forties arrived at the vi. They looked almost identical. They both wore a Tang suit, were very skinny, had a small beard, and had really thick fingers.


    They were both people from the world of martial arts that Ren Baqian had hired to provide training for the winged cavalry.


    This training wasn��t in the department of skills, but to teach some of the etiquette and ways of traditional martial arts.


    After all, the winged cavalry were too crude and barbaric.


    Modern society was a civilized one. Regardless of the asion, people had to put on civilized clothing to be more readily epted by others and also to look ssier.


    Theirpany name, The Martial Arts Culture Company, was written on their business permit as well and included the word ��culture�� in it.


    After opening the martial arts center, there might be people who woulde to challenge them and force them to close down. Ren Baqian was afraid that the winged cavalry would heavily injure or even kill such challengers. This was another reason why he wanted to engage someone to educate them. Eventually, through the rmendation of someone, he hired these two from the martial arts world.


    They weren��t exactly highly skilled, but it would be useless even if they were because they could never attain the Man Wheel level. At present, all Man Wheel experts were deployed at various military bases all over the country.


    Even if they were to attain the Man Wheel level,pared to the winged cavalry, they would only be at the level of getting swatted into a wall after one p.


    As such, Ren Baqian managed to find these two to provide training for the winged cavalry. However, the pair were bbergasted the moment they arrived outside the vi.


    They saw around eight burly men in the courtyard who were using huge barbells as dumbbells.


    These barbells weighed at least 100 kilograms and had thick weighted tes on the ends. Furthermore, the burly men held one in each hand and lifted them one after another.


    The duo almost thought that these weights were made of wood. However, when someone threw a set barbells aside, it immediately created a deep hole in the ground.


    At the sight of this, they both were bewildered. The winged cavalry were already at such a level, so why were they still required here?


    Were those people in the courtyard actually monsters?


    The two of them even felt like returning home at that moment.


    However, after some thought, they decided to give Ren Baqian a call.


    After all, it wasn��t easy to earn money in the traditional martial arts industry, especially when they had no sect backing them and neither of them had much of a reputation. They didn��t possess the brains for making money either.


    Ren Baqian was willing to pay them quite a hefty sum of money as well. With this money, they wouldn��t have to worry for a few years.


    Ren Baqian greeted them from the window after receiving the call. After that, one of the winged cavalry warriors walked toward the main door.


    The two men suddenly felt a great deal of psychological pressure when they saw him approaching.


    When enemies met face to face, the bigger one would win. This was rather practical in the world of martial arts. All martial artspetitions had different weight sses. Regardless of whether it was strength or the toughness, the heavyweight ss would definitely have a strong advantage.


    The person in front of them clearly belonged to the heavyweight ss.


    The aura of the winged cavalry warrior also made the two of them feel extremely uneasy.


    It was as if they were facing a fierce tiger that was about to devour them.


    The two of them had still felt pretty confident before they arrived. After seeing these people, however, they immediately lost all confidence.


    There were many times when one could feel the disparity even without the need forpetition. This was especially the case for people like them who were well-travelled; they were very skilled at judging people and sensing danger.


    That winged cavalry warrior stepped forward, sized them up, and said, ��Follow me. Lady boss is expecting you.��


    The two men gave their thanks after hearing this and followed him across the courtyard. When they walked past the other winged cavalry, they felt goosebumps on their skin like they had just walked past a group of tigers.


    Before they entered the house, they still thought that they would be meeting someone young and beautiful. However, all they saw when they entered the house was a young man watching the news while sitting on the sofa. He nodded in greeting after seeing the two of them.


    While they were still wondering who this person was, they heard the burly man who brought them in say, ��Lady boss, they are here.��


    ��Scram!�� Ren Baqian immediately raised his eyebrows, grabbed a fruit knife, and threw it over.


    Thedy boss�� was actually a man�� The thoughts of the two brothers immediately went askew�� After taking into ount those burly men outside who had oppressive auras, they immediately thought of Dongfang Bubai[1.Dongfang Bubai: literally ��Invincible East,�� is a fictional character in the wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer by Jin Yong] and Yang Lianting. In the blink of an eye, the vi turned into the society��s legendary ck Wood Cliff.


    Ren Baqian actually didn��t sense their thoughts. After exchanging a few words, he called for the winged cavalry and dered, ��These two men shall be your etiquette teachers in the future. The rules are the same: no beating, no scolding, no threatening, and no ying finger-guessing games while drinking with the teachers!��


    When Ren Baqian started speaking, the duo started breaking into a sweat. When he was done talking, they were both drenched.


    The winged cavalry then answered, ��Understood,dy boss.��


    Ren Baqian stared at them and narrowed his eyes. He couldn��t seem to get rid of this title anymore. This bunch of idiots, they were getting naughtier!


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian brought an extremelyrge loudspeaker back to Dayao.


    The next day, Ren Baqian appeared outside the pce early in the morning and waited together with everyone. He held a loudspeaker that was about half the size of a person in one hand and carried a box in the other. Once again, this attracted quite a bit of attention.


    Seeing Ren Baqian��s appearance, Shi Qing stepped forward and asked, ��Sir Ren, you still haven��t given up yet?��


    ��There are some things that need to be said. The behavior fromst time is already outdated.�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��I��m looking forward to Sir Ren��s ideas, but don��t be too eager and impatient.�� Shi Qingughed.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands in gratitude.


    After a while, everyone entered the main hall. The empress nced across everyone��s faces after she took her seat at the top and said, ��File your reports!��


    ��Your Majesty, I have something to say.�� Ren Baqian stepped forward before waiting for anyone else to speak. In fact, the others were also waiting for him to speak. Besides, looking at his attitude, they knew that he was here to say something.


    ��Speak.��


    ��Dear Sirs, do you still remember our objective for dering war on the Yun Nation this time around? We didn��t do it for leisure or to simply rob them and leave. We wanted to take possession of the entire Yun Nation and incorporate them into our empire.


    Dayao even had to request for Her Majesty to utilize the imperial treasury in order to restock on weapons. What was this for? It was because even though Dayao��snds are vast, we don��t have an abundance of natural resources. As such, we need to incorporate the Yun Nation into our territory to make use of their mineral reserves and skilled workers so that we can develop Dayao. Their resources will be used to supplement us.��


    Everyone understood Ren Baqian��s speech and had no objection.


    ��However, governing an area isn��t as simple as drawing a circle around it on a map. Like what happened to Tianjing Basin previously, would there be a difference even if we didn��t conquer them? The Yun Nation is of higher importance than Tianjing Basin and steadier governing will be required. Only then will we be able to make use of their skills and resources to develop Dayao. Therefore, we can��t act like we did previously and treat their civilians as ves. Tyranny may work temporarily, but not forever. Do you still remember how the Hao Nation perished back then?��


    ��Sir Ren, how can wepare the Hao Nation to our dynasty?! Let alone the Yun Nation? Hmph, hmph!�� Qin Chuan responded with a look of disdain when he mentioned the Yun Nation.


    ��The Hao Nation naturally can��t bepared to our dynasty, and the Jing Tribe can��t bepared to the aboriginals either. However, if we rule the people through tyranny, then the way they view Her Majesty will be simr to how ourte emperor saw the Hao Nation��s emperor. Water can float a boat and also capsize it. The rise and fall of every generation of the previous dynasties has proven this point,�� Ren Baqian replied with power and resonance.


    ��So what if they are unsettled? We have thousands of aboriginal youths!�� Qin Chuan still rebutted even though he understood Ren Baqian��s words.


    <em>You hater! </em>These words suddenly sprouted in Ren Baqian��s mind.


    ��Military force can��t represent everything. Development is still the key task of the future. Future developments will greatly surpass your imagination. Everything in the future will bepletely different from the past! In order to build the blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind, everything has to evolve and pave the road to peace!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands at the empress who sat above them.


    ��Isn��t the world simply like this? What are these changes that will surpass imagination?�� Qin Chuan sneered.


    ��The blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind is to let everyone lead a liberal life free from the upheaval of injuries, illnesses, and theck of food and clothing. She wants every child to go to school and learn knowledge that they are interested in. She wants everyone to have food to eat and books to read. She wants everyone to be able to reflect upon themselves. She wants everyone to have a goal to strive for. She wants everyone to live, not just for the sake of living, but for their own self-regard! The blueprint that Her Majesty has in mind is to let everyone in this world progress and prosper!�� Ren Baqian exined as he began to paint the big picture. This was what the empress envied about Earth when she first went there. This was also what she had never been able to forget.


    Of course, to the present Dayao, this would be like achievingmunism.


    However, there wouldn��t be any problems with this if that was the blueprint in the empress��s mind.


    After hearing Ren Baqian��s words and recalling what she had seen, heard, and felt when she first went to Earth, the empress remembered the envy that she had felt at that time.


    Even though she was straight-faced, she was actually overwhelmed with emotions!


    Indeed, Ren Baqian knew her thoughts the best.


    As for the rest, they simply looked at Ren Baqian like he was a fool, but they didn��t dare to direct that same look at the empress. How could what he said be possible?

 Chapter 610 - Do You Believe that Her Majesty can be Deceived by Others?

    Chapter 610: Do You Believe that Her Majesty can be Deceived by Others?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    His words didn��t carry weight with anyone except for the empress. He was treated like someone who was sleep talking, and his goals were considered impossible to achieve.


    It was like someone saying that every family would have an endless amount of gold to spend in the future. Such talk was therefore treated as sleep talking.


    Many people felt that this idea was too far fetched and spected that the empress had changed due to her implicit trust in Ren Baqian.


    Was the empress being deceived by the words of Ren Baqian?


    A world where everyone was a dragon might interest the empress, but it wasn��t possible.


    The empress couldn��t be allowed to indulge in such unrealistic ideas.


    ��A load of rubbish!�� Tu Wan raised her eyebrows and reprimanded him.


    ��Are you questioning Her Majesty��s grand n?�� Ren Baqian sneered in response.


    ��I��m not questioning Her Majesty! Your Majesty, forgive me, but I have something to say.�� Tu Wan cupped her hands toward the empress, walked forward one step, and said coldly to Ren Baqian, ��Why is Sir Ren using such words to deceive the empress? What exactly is your motive?��


    ��What I have in mind is to aplish the goals of Her Majesty. What she wants is what I��m going to do. Her vision of the future is where I��m headed!�� Ren Baqian looked at Tu Wan as he replied.


    The empress nodded slightly from above. She was pleased with Ren Baqian��s reply.


    ��Sir Ren, do you think those things that you mentioned can be realized?�� Qin Chuan asked.


    ��Certainly. At the most it will only take decades to make it happen,�� Ren Baqian said confidently. ��With science and technology speeding up development, even without enough talented workers, the key points will be self-evident and reaching that stage isn��t impossible. Even if we can��t reach it, it will not be difficult to provide everyone with enough food and education.��


    China at the founding stage looked very differentpared to decadester.


    At the founding stage, who would have expected China to reach that stage of development 60 or 70 yearster.


    ��Furthermore, Dayao is a powerful country. Even if the productivity is worse than expected, as long as it doesn��t deviate from its objectives and fixes the problems that arise, the goal that everyone dreams of can definitely be attained.��


    ��It will take decades?�� Tu Wan sneered. Who would know what could happen in decades? Was it up to him to decide? If what he said turned out to be wrong, could they still kill the empress��s husband at that time as a sacrifice to Heaven?


    ��A few decades is too far away for me to see!�� Tu Wan asserted.


    Tu Wan turned and said to the empress, ��Sir Ren paints a very nice picture, but in my opinion, it��s impossible to achieve.��


    Kou Zhehai, Qin Chuan, Tong Zhenye, Xuan Hua, and others also supported her.


    Although Tong Zhenye and Ren Baqian were on good terms, this was quite another matter, and Tong Zhenye didn��t wish for Dayao to take an imusible path to the future due to Ren Baqian��s influence on the empress.


    The voices of the crowd drowned out the voice of Ren Baqian.


    If the voices of the crowd were like a rough sea, then the voice of Ren Baqian was like a small lonesome boat in that choppy sea. A wave would submerge it without leaving a trace.


    The voices of a dozen people expressing their opinions reached up to 100 decibels and turned the court into a vegetable market.


    Today, nobody talked about the captives because everyone was criticizing Ren Baqian��s n.


    They seemed intent on waking up the empress who had been bewitched by Ren Baqian and were looking distressed.


    Ren Baqian sneered, picked up the megaphone that was about half the size of a person, and roared, ��Hey, hey, hey?! Silence!��


    As the jarring voice of Ren Baqian drowned out all the other voices. everyone distinctly heard the word ��silence.�� Even the guards at the city walls turned their heads curiously to find out who was speaking so loudly.


    At 130 decibels, the voice of Ren Baqian was like a lion roaring, and it left everyone shaken.


    This was a case of one-upping, where a loud voice encountered a louder voice. Everyone was shocked and looked in bewilderment at the huge megaphone in his hand.


    They knew that Ren Baqian brought this strange object for a purpose, but they didn��t expect it to be used this way.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied with this loudspeaker. It was ineffective to attend court with a voice that wasn��t loud enough; a loud voice was needed to give him the right to speak!


    Next time around, he was looking forward to using a 300-decibel loudspeaker that was used on ships. They would perish together if necessary.


    Even if the pce hall of the aboriginals was bigger, it was still an enclosed space. 180 decibels was equivalent to one ton of TNT exploding at a distance of 70 meters. If a 300-decibel loudspeaker was used in the hall, it would be so deafening that everyone in the hall would have to live with a hearing aid from that point on.


    Ren Baqian hardened his resolve.


    In fact, Ren Baqian had already expected this reaction because the officialscked vision and ideas.


    He knew in his heart that if he had continued as before without involving the court and did things slowly, then this uproar wouldn��t have happened.


    If this situation continued, it could easily cause a bacsh.


    How many reformers in ancient times were rewarded with a good end?


    Although Dayao didn��t have many traditional power bases, it would inevitably lead to hostilities between some people because of their different interests, viewpoints, and ideals.


    For example, on the day before, he didn��t intend to affect the interests of others. However, a slight change would affect everything else. If he touched the purse of the Ministry of Revenue, it would affect the rest of the departments.


    In addition, if he was indifferent when swallowing the Yun Nation, then he would have to make many unnecessary detours before finally cleaning up the mess after a long time.


    Regarding the ability of the aboriginals to govern, Ren Baqian was very confident that they would certainly mess up.


    Therefore, if he wanted to take the path that he and the empress had decided on, he would need to make a stand and speak out.


    ��Sirs, please listen to me,�� Ren Baqian used the megaphone to address the whole hall.


    ��This thing is very interesting���� Tong Zhenye stroked his chin. He was thinking that if even a soft-spoken person like Ren Baqian could talk so loudly with this thing, then if he were to use it�� the whole city would be able to hear him. Imagining that he could shake the whole capital with his voice, he very much wanted to grab the device from Ren Baqian.


    However, the thought of the empress sitting there deterred him from doing so.


    ��Everybody, do you think that it��s possible for the empress to be deceived to set her mind on an impossible goal?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Tong Zhenye, Qin Chuan, and the rest of the officials were astonished.


    Nobody opened their mouths. They looked directly at Ren Baqian and diverted their gazes away from the empress. On their faces were written the words, ��That��s it.��


    Despite her power, the empress was only over 20 years old. Even though she was the most powerful aboriginal, everyone really believed that she had been deluded by Ren Baqian. Looking at thend where Great Xia was located, many wise monarchs throughout history had been entrapped by it, not to mention the empress!


    ��Damn,�� Ren Baqian cursed. What did they mean with those expressions? Could it be any more obvious? Was the empress that silly?


    ��Turn your heads to face me!�� The empress saw the crowd turning in unison and read the expression on Ren Baqian��s face. Her face turned ck as her hair stood on end.


    ��Of course Her Majesty can��t be deceived.�� The crowd changed its expression instantly like those Sichuan face-changing performers.


    <em>All of you have a strong desire to survive! </em>Reb Baqian felt like saying this out loud.


    The empress swept her eyes across the crowd, and her chilly gaze was like a knife that touched every face.


    ��Carry on speaking!�� the empress said.


    ��Do you believe that Her Majesty is so stupid that she was deceived by me?�� Ren Baqian asked craftily.


    The crowd eximed.


    The empress disappeared from her seat, a red streak shed across the hall, and more than 20 people were sent flying out of the hall by the empress.


    More than ten people were stuck in the wall when the empress returned to her seat with a murderous look.


    <h3 ss="g_h2 mb16">Comment (<span>0)COMMENT FIRST<span>Rate this chapter<span>Vote with Power Stone<span>Send GiftsChapter 611: Persuasion


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Everyone managed to get themselves off the wall but all the bones in their bodies appeared as if they were shattered. Although they felt a lot of hatred toward him, they seemed pretty sincere on the outside.


    They naturally knew that they had been set up by him, but they really couldn��t control their facial expressions.


    If they could, they wouldn��t be aboriginals anymore.


    In fact, at that moment, most of the officials had a peculiar look on their faces. Many of them had this expression on their faces, but at the same time, they tried hard to remain calm and collected. As a result, their faces looked rather distorted.


    ��You guys think that I��m ignorant and can be bullied?!�� the empress replied ferociously. She narrowed her eyes and nced across the people below.


    ��Your subordinate wouldn��t dare!��


    Everyone responded quickly, but the looks on their faces had given them away.


    The empress got even madder when she saw this. They saw her upper body sh before a series of bricks starting raining on their heads like a deity scattering flowers. In that instant, there were fragments of bricks flying all over the main hall.


    ��Since you don��t dare, then shut up.�� The empress gave them the side eye imperiously.


    After that, Ren Baqian continued speaking, ��Let��s first address everyone��s apprehensions regarding the empty imperial treasury. Given the current circumstances, it��s already pretty good that we are still able to sustain the current situation. If we use the funds for other things, it will create a shortage in some areas.


    Ren Baqian finally said something that people were willing to hear.


    ��However, everything is developing and changing. The Yun Nation is smaller than Dayao, but their imperial treasury��s annual revenue from taxation is 7.5 times that of Dayao��s. At exactly 50 million taels, this is half the amountpared to Great Xia. Furthermore, this was still possible even when the warlords consolidated the troops. Why? Under such circumstances, why did the revenue of the Yun Nation��s imperial treasury surpass Dayao��s by so much?�� Ren Baqian countered.


    Everyone kept silent. These words struck some of them.


    Ren Baqian continued, ��The Yun Nation is rich in minerals. However, ording to what I know, arge portion of their mineral mining was controlled by the warlords, leaving only gold and silver mining under the grasp of the dynasty. In reality, everyone knows about how the Yun Nation flourished and about the prevalence of theirmerce.The majority of the revenue generated by the Yun Nation��s imperial treasury came from taxation. Only half of theirmoners paid taxes each year, yet they already collected 30 million taels. If the entire Yun Nation paid taxes, they would be able to collect around 60 million taels of silver.


    In fact, Dayao also followed the system of the Hao Nation and formted taxation. We collect about 5 million taels in taxes every year, which is slightly more than half of the imperial treasury��s revenue. Arge portion of these taxes were paid by merchants from various nations, and only a small amount came from ourmoners. It��s true that thete emperor empathized with themoners and waived or reduced taxes for them, but on the other hand, Dayao has nomerce! We alsock the grounds formerce as well. The fundamental reason for this is that the aborignal civilians have no money and are in a situation of having to barter for essential goods. Naturally, they don��t have the grounds formerce and aren��t taxed. Only by allowing the civilians to prosper can the grounds ofmerce take shape. We can then collect more taxes and grow the imperial treasury. This is a virtuous cycle. A nation can only prosper if their civilians prosper. If themoners are impoverished, the nation can never prosper!��


    Ren Baqian gave everyone a lesson.


    Tu Wan and people from the Ministry of Revenue looked pensive after hearing what he said because they had also thought of many of the things he mentioned. After all, it was unlikely that they hadn��t previously thought of these issues due to being in office for so many years. However, this was their first time hearing that the nation would only prosper when theirmoners did. After some serious thought, they felt that this kind of made sense.


    However, even the cleverest housewife wouldn��t be able to cook without rice. Even though they knew this fact, it wasn��t possible for them to change the current situation in just a short period of time.


    Or rather, they didn��t have the ability to do so.


    ��In order to let all themoners prosper, the nation has to develop. This gives rise to a paradox. The civilians will only prosper when the nation develops. The nation will only be able to collect more taxes when the civilians prosper. Dayao will only be able to develop when the imperial treasury has more wealth. If we were to advance step by step, there��s no telling how long it would take. However, we now have a shortcut, which is the Yun Nation. The Yun Nation��s resources and wealth are what we need. As long as we incorporate them into Dayao, the imperial treasury will abundant for once. Next, we can make use of this wealth to elerate Dayao��s development. Yet, are we going to snatch their wealth from them? It would be just like themercial sale of a bamboo pole if we were simply to snatch without governing them. We would only drag them into the trenches and cause them to be in a situation simr to what Dayao is going through right now.��


    Ren Baqian stopped talking about the blueprint, approached the topic from another angle, and talked about how to develop the nation and the nation��s revenue sources.


    He paused for a moment after talking and waited for the crowd to digest his words.


    The things that he talked about were very simple, and even an ordinary junior high student would be able to understand. However, these Dayao officials were all deep in contemtion and needed a lot of time to digest these concepts.


    It wasn��t that the junior high students from Earth were smarter than these Dayao officials, but that the two groups had different information channels. What they learned and what they knew werepletely different as well.


    Ren Baqian still had more to say, but decided to hold back instead. A backward civilization governing an advanced one would cause a cultural and financial regression in its initial stages. This had been proven multiple times.


    In Dayao, such situations would be more severe since the aboriginals ced too much faith in military force and had a lower level of understanding for everything else.


    For instance, the original the Hao Nation had been governed by the aboriginals for 70 years. One would be able to see a clear picture of the entire situation by simply looking at life in Tianjing Basin.


    ��Principal Ren, continue speaking your thoughts.�� After some time, Shi Qing raised his head and gave Ren Baqian a smile.


    Ren Baqian promptly said, ��As a result, we can��t destroy the Yun Nation. Instead, we should peacefully develop it and maintain its prosperity. Subsequently, there will be at least tens of millions in revenueing in annually, which will be sufficient to make the imperial treasury abundant. With Her Majesty��s ability to govern, she definitely won��t allow the Yun Nation to fall back into a state where the warlords exalted themselves and took in at least 50 million taels of silver for themselves. We will then make use of their talents and riches to spur them on and develop Dayao.��


    Ren Baqian��s thoughts were part of the national policy of China; on one side, making use of the nation��s support to develop technology while on the flip side, using the wealthy to encourage the rest.


    ��What I mentioned previously about treating the captives well and also paying them wages was exactly for this goal.��


    ��Everything else is feasible, but not this!�� Tu Wan immediately raged when Ren Baqian mentioned the money.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. Even though Tu Wan was a woman, if he had a choice, he would really want to kick her out.


    Before he could even speak up, the empress immediately shouted coldly, ��Tu Wan, shut up!��


    Her aura was also released, which pressed down on Tu Wan like a huge mountain.


    ��Currently, the most urgent thing to do is to build three cement roads in order to strengthen transportation and ensure that there are no obstructions during the process. The first road stretches out to the Yun Nation and is the most important one. The second road leads to Ping City, whereas the third one leads to the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Other than these three roads, there��s also arge amount of foundation construction that needs to be done. As such, the amount of manpower we require isn��t small��it numbers in the millions. In addition, during the incorporation of the Yun Nation into Her Majesty��s governance, we can��t oppress them like we did previously.


    On one hand, we need to consider the public opinion of the Yun Nation. On the other, we need to give those captives some hope. They can only disy their greatest efficiency when they have the hope to survive. Consequently, we have to set them free sooner orter. However, those captives will already be experienced craftsmen by that time, and we will need to think of another n to make them stay����


    Ren Baqian repeated to the crowd what he had previously said to the empress.


    The importance of making the captives stay was justified by their value as craftsmen and by the impact that it would have on Dayao if the millions of them returned to the former Yun Nation��s territory.


    After this speech, the time was already close to noon. Ren Baqian��s mouth and tongue were already dry from all the talking.


    He looked at Tu Wan, whose entire body was drenched in sweat. The empress��s aura froze her in ce. It was as if Tu Wan was carrying a mountain, and she couldn��t even open her mouth.


    Ren Baqian turned around and said to the empress, ��Your Majesty, release Minister Tu!��


    Tu Wan then stumbled and almost fell to the ground.


    ��After we upy the Yun Nation, things may not necessarily go ording to what Principal Ren said. As for paying them wages, I will never agree to it. If you insist, you can only find someone else to take my position.�� Tu Wan remained stubborn after she managed to stand firm.


    Fortunately, other than Tu Wan, everyone else was already thinking deeper thoughts about Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��As a matter of fact, the situation at the Ministry of Revenue will already be much improved by then. However, if everyone is concerned about the bareness in the imperial treasury, we don��t have to pay the captives with actual gold and silver. First, we can give them cash vouchers in ce of silver. Then, we can exchange these vouchers with the merchants for silver.��


    When Ren Baqian was done talking, someone immediately inquired about the cash vouchers.


    Ren Baqian then went on to exin about the vouchers. In reality, they were just ordinary paper vouchers. They could be exchanged for silver, which meant that the imperial treasury didn��t have to immediately hand out the silver.


    Taking this opportunity, Ren Baqian further nned to set up banks and introduce bank notes. The captives would be the first to use those bank notes. Once they were released, they would easily be able to ept them.


    Ren Baqian had been fed up for a while with the situation of having someone else hold a sack of gold for him whenever he went shopping on the street.


    ��At that time, if the imperial treasury still doesn��t have aparativelyrge improvement in terms of taxation, I��ll be responsible for this sum of money,�� Ren Baqian eventually said. ��With the ss factory and the spices, I believe that no one will have any qualms about my ability to pay?��


    ��Principal Ren makes sense.�� After Shi Qing nodded first, everyone followed in session.


    Ren Baqian��s words had indeed persuaded them.


    Not only did the officials not have any qualms about Ren Baqian��s ability to pay, but the revenue generated by the spices had already made them envious. Everyone was aware of the harvested quantity of this batch of spice. Besides, all of them were already paying close attention to this matter.


    Once Ren Baqian managed to sell off this batch of spices, the imperial family would make ten years�� worth of ie.


    As such, nobody had a single qualm, so the only remaining issue was Her Majesty��s approval.


    After all, these things belonged to Her Majesty.


    As for the empress, she naturally wouldn��t object at this point in time.


    By now, even Tu Wan didn��t object. She was fine with it as long as Ren Baqian wasn��t divvying out funds from the imperial treasury. If it really turned out like what he said with tens of millions of taels of silver being generated in revenue every year, then she wouldn��t object to using funds from the imperial treasury.


    Since there wasn��t any objection from Tu Wan, the others followed suit as well.


    None of the people present ever considered the Yun Nation��s opinion of these ns. Even though Zi Doni had only conquered 50 plus cities and upied about ten percent of the Yun Nation, everyone had already regarded the Yun Nation as meat on the cutting board.


    Ren Baqian talked so much that the first thing he did was gulp down a fewrge bowls of water after he returned to the empress��s quarters.


    No matter what, he had finally managed to persuade the aboriginals and was able to carry out his ns.


    He also managed to announce the policies for the Yun Nation and obtained initial approval from the court. With this approval, it would be much easier for him to implement ns in the future.

 Chapter 611 - Persuasion

    Chapter 611: Persuasion


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Everyone managed to get themselves off the wall but all the bones in their bodies appeared as if they were shattered. Although they felt a lot of hatred toward him, they seemed pretty sincere on the outside.


    They naturally knew that they had been set up by him, but they really couldn��t control their facial expressions.


    If they could, they wouldn��t be aboriginals anymore.


    In fact, at that moment, most of the officials had a peculiar look on their faces. Many of them had this expression on their faces, but at the same time, they tried hard to remain calm and collected. As a result, their faces looked rather distorted.


    ��You guys think that I��m ignorant and can be bullied?!�� the empress replied ferociously. She narrowed her eyes and nced across the people below.


    ��Your subordinate wouldn��t dare!��


    Everyone responded quickly, but the looks on their faces had given them away.


    The empress got even madder when she saw this. They saw her upper body sh before a series of bricks starting raining on their heads like a deity scattering flowers. In that instant, there were fragments of bricks flying all over the main hall.


    ��Since you don��t dare, then shut up.�� The empress gave them the side eye imperiously.


    After that, Ren Baqian continued speaking, ��Let��s first address everyone��s apprehensions regarding the empty imperial treasury. Given the current circumstances, it��s already pretty good that we are still able to sustain the current situation. If we use the funds for other things, it will create a shortage in some areas.


    Ren Baqian finally said something that people were willing to hear.


    ��However, everything is developing and changing. The Yun Nation is smaller than Dayao, but their imperial treasury��s annual revenue from taxation is 7.5 times that of Dayao��s. At exactly 50 million taels, this is half the amountpared to Great Xia. Furthermore, this was still possible even when the warlords consolidated the troops. Why? Under such circumstances, why did the revenue of the Yun Nation��s imperial treasury surpass Dayao��s by so much?�� Ren Baqian countered.


    Everyone kept silent. These words struck some of them.


    Ren Baqian continued, ��The Yun Nation is rich in minerals. However, ording to what I know, arge portion of their mineral mining was controlled by the warlords, leaving only gold and silver mining under the grasp of the dynasty. In reality, everyone knows about how the Yun Nation flourished and about the prevalence of theirmerce.The majority of the revenue generated by the Yun Nation��s imperial treasury came from taxation. Only half of theirmoners paid taxes each year, yet they already collected 30 million taels. If the entire Yun Nation paid taxes, they would be able to collect around 60 million taels of silver.


    In fact, Dayao also followed the system of the Hao Nation and formted taxation. We collect about 5 million taels in taxes every year, which is slightly more than half of the imperial treasury��s revenue. Arge portion of these taxes were paid by merchants from various nations, and only a small amount came from ourmoners. It��s true that thete emperor empathized with themoners and waived or reduced taxes for them, but on the other hand, Dayao has nomerce! We alsock the grounds formerce as well. The fundamental reason for this is that the aborignal civilians have no money and are in a situation of having to barter for essential goods. Naturally, they don��t have the grounds formerce and aren��t taxed. Only by allowing the civilians to prosper can the grounds ofmerce take shape. We can then collect more taxes and grow the imperial treasury. This is a virtuous cycle. A nation can only prosper if their civilians prosper. If themoners are impoverished, the nation can never prosper!��


    Ren Baqian gave everyone a lesson.


    Tu Wan and people from the Ministry of Revenue looked pensive after hearing what he said because they had also thought of many of the things he mentioned. After all, it was unlikely that they hadn��t previously thought of these issues due to being in office for so many years. However, this was their first time hearing that the nation would only prosper when theirmoners did. After some serious thought, they felt that this kind of made sense.


    However, even the cleverest housewife wouldn��t be able to cook without rice. Even though they knew this fact, it wasn��t possible for them to change the current situation in just a short period of time.


    Or rather, they didn��t have the ability to do so.


    ��In order to let all themoners prosper, the nation has to develop. This gives rise to a paradox. The civilians will only prosper when the nation develops. The nation will only be able to collect more taxes when the civilians prosper. Dayao will only be able to develop when the imperial treasury has more wealth. If we were to advance step by step, there��s no telling how long it would take. However, we now have a shortcut, which is the Yun Nation. The Yun Nation��s resources and wealth are what we need. As long as we incorporate them into Dayao, the imperial treasury will abundant for once. Next, we can make use of this wealth to elerate Dayao��s development. Yet, are we going to snatch their wealth from them? It would be just like themercial sale of a bamboo pole if we were simply to snatch without governing them. We would only drag them into the trenches and cause them to be in a situation simr to what Dayao is going through right now.��


    Ren Baqian stopped talking about the blueprint, approached the topic from another angle, and talked about how to develop the nation and the nation��s revenue sources.


    He paused for a moment after talking and waited for the crowd to digest his words.


    The things that he talked about were very simple, and even an ordinary junior high student would be able to understand. However, these Dayao officials were all deep in contemtion and needed a lot of time to digest these concepts.


    It wasn��t that the junior high students from Earth were smarter than these Dayao officials, but that the two groups had different information channels. What they learned and what they knew werepletely different as well.


    Ren Baqian still had more to say, but decided to hold back instead. A backward civilization governing an advanced one would cause a cultural and financial regression in its initial stages. This had been proven multiple times.


    In Dayao, such situations would be more severe since the aboriginals ced too much faith in military force and had a lower level of understanding for everything else.


    For instance, the original the Hao Nation had been governed by the aboriginals for 70 years. One would be able to see a clear picture of the entire situation by simply looking at life in Tianjing Basin.


    ��Principal Ren, continue speaking your thoughts.�� After some time, Shi Qing raised his head and gave Ren Baqian a smile.


    Ren Baqian promptly said, ��As a result, we can��t destroy the Yun Nation. Instead, we should peacefully develop it and maintain its prosperity. Subsequently, there will be at least tens of millions in revenueing in annually, which will be sufficient to make the imperial treasury abundant. With Her Majesty��s ability to govern, she definitely won��t allow the Yun Nation to fall back into a state where the warlords exalted themselves and took in at least 50 million taels of silver for themselves. We will then make use of their talents and riches to spur them on and develop Dayao.��


    Ren Baqian��s thoughts were part of the national policy of China; on one side, making use of the nation��s support to develop technology while on the flip side, using the wealthy to encourage the rest.


    ��What I mentioned previously about treating the captives well and also paying them wages was exactly for this goal.��


    ��Everything else is feasible, but not this!�� Tu Wan immediately raged when Ren Baqian mentioned the money.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. Even though Tu Wan was a woman, if he had a choice, he would really want to kick her out.


    Before he could even speak up, the empress immediately shouted coldly, ��Tu Wan, shut up!��


    Her aura was also released, which pressed down on Tu Wan like a huge mountain.


    ��Currently, the most urgent thing to do is to build three cement roads in order to strengthen transportation and ensure that there are no obstructions during the process. The first road stretches out to the Yun Nation and is the most important one. The second road leads to Ping City, whereas the third one leads to the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Other than these three roads, there��s also arge amount of foundation construction that needs to be done. As such, the amount of manpower we require isn��t small��it numbers in the millions. In addition, during the incorporation of the Yun Nation into Her Majesty��s governance, we can��t oppress them like we did previously.


    On one hand, we need to consider the public opinion of the Yun Nation. On the other, we need to give those captives some hope. They can only disy their greatest efficiency when they have the hope to survive. Consequently, we have to set them free sooner orter. However, those captives will already be experienced craftsmen by that time, and we will need to think of another n to make them stay����


    Ren Baqian repeated to the crowd what he had previously said to the empress.


    The importance of making the captives stay was justified by their value as craftsmen and by the impact that it would have on Dayao if the millions of them returned to the former Yun Nation��s territory.


    After this speech, the time was already close to noon. Ren Baqian��s mouth and tongue were already dry from all the talking.


    He looked at Tu Wan, whose entire body was drenched in sweat. The empress��s aura froze her in ce. It was as if Tu Wan was carrying a mountain, and she couldn��t even open her mouth.


    Ren Baqian turned around and said to the empress, ��Your Majesty, release Minister Tu!��


    Tu Wan then stumbled and almost fell to the ground.


    ��After we upy the Yun Nation, things may not necessarily go ording to what Principal Ren said. As for paying them wages, I will never agree to it. If you insist, you can only find someone else to take my position.�� Tu Wan remained stubborn after she managed to stand firm.


    Fortunately, other than Tu Wan, everyone else was already thinking deeper thoughts about Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��As a matter of fact, the situation at the Ministry of Revenue will already be much improved by then. However, if everyone is concerned about the bareness in the imperial treasury, we don��t have to pay the captives with actual gold and silver. First, we can give them cash vouchers in ce of silver. Then, we can exchange these vouchers with the merchants for silver.��


    When Ren Baqian was done talking, someone immediately inquired about the cash vouchers.


    Ren Baqian then went on to exin about the vouchers. In reality, they were just ordinary paper vouchers. They could be exchanged for silver, which meant that the imperial treasury didn��t have to immediately hand out the silver.


    Taking this opportunity, Ren Baqian further nned to set up banks and introduce bank notes. The captives would be the first to use those bank notes. Once they were released, they would easily be able to ept them.


    Ren Baqian had been fed up for a while with the situation of having someone else hold a sack of gold for him whenever he went shopping on the street.


    ��At that time, if the imperial treasury still doesn��t have aparativelyrge improvement in terms of taxation, I��ll be responsible for this sum of money,�� Ren Baqian eventually said. ��With the ss factory and the spices, I believe that no one will have any qualms about my ability to pay?��


    ��Principal Ren makes sense.�� After Shi Qing nodded first, everyone followed in session.


    Ren Baqian��s words had indeed persuaded them.


    Not only did the officials not have any qualms about Ren Baqian��s ability to pay, but the revenue generated by the spices had already made them envious. Everyone was aware of the harvested quantity of this batch of spice. Besides, all of them were already paying close attention to this matter.


    Once Ren Baqian managed to sell off this batch of spices, the imperial family would make ten years�� worth of ie.


    As such, nobody had a single qualm, so the only remaining issue was Her Majesty��s approval.


    After all, these things belonged to Her Majesty.


    As for the empress, she naturally wouldn��t object at this point in time.


    By now, even Tu Wan didn��t object. She was fine with it as long as Ren Baqian wasn��t divvying out funds from the imperial treasury. If it really turned out like what he said with tens of millions of taels of silver being generated in revenue every year, then she wouldn��t object to using funds from the imperial treasury.


    Since there wasn��t any objection from Tu Wan, the others followed suit as well.


    None of the people present ever considered the Yun Nation��s opinion of these ns. Even though Zi Doni had only conquered 50 plus cities and upied about ten percent of the Yun Nation, everyone had already regarded the Yun Nation as meat on the cutting board.


    Ren Baqian talked so much that the first thing he did was gulp down a fewrge bowls of water after he returned to the empress��s quarters.


    No matter what, he had finally managed to persuade the aboriginals and was able to carry out his ns.


    He also managed to announce the policies for the Yun Nation and obtained initial approval from the court. With this approval, it would be much easier for him to implement ns in the future.

 Chapter 612 - A Breakthrough as well as New Students Entering the School

    Chapter 612: A Breakthrough as well as New Students Entering the School


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian closed his eyes. Ayer of yellow light swept across his body before it gradually shrank and concentrated on his chest. It then slowly disappeared, leaving his body drenched in sweat.


    A whileter, Ren Baqian opened his eyes and woke up. His entire body didn��t feel exhausted as if he had just undergone training, but was full of energy instead.


    He clenched his fists and felt that his strength had increased by quite a bit. After he struck out with his fists, he realized that he had also gained some speed.


    It had been six months since hisst breakthrough, and now, he had finally achieved another one.


    After breaking through the [Visualization of Earth], besides having increased speed and strength, his internal organs were also strengthened. This was the most unique aspect of the [Ruyi Visualization]. At least other martial arts didn��t have such effects.


    All martial arts aided in strengthening the inner body through physical training. Only the [Ruyi Visualization], which had an unknown origin, trained both the inner and outer body at the same time. After practicing every segment of the five Visualizations, each segment would strengthen its corresponding organs.


    Ren Baqian��s spleen was strengthened this time after he achieved a breakthrough in the [Visualization of Earth]. The spleen represented ��thinking�� and affected the liveliness of a person��s thought process.


    Ren Baqian somehow felt that after achieving this breakthrough, he would probably be a little smarter and more quick-witted.


    However, he still couldn��t verify this for the time being.


    It had only been a year since Ren Baqian started practicing the [Ruyi Visualization], yet he had alreadypleted four of the segments, namely the [Visualization of Water], [Visualization of Wood], [Visualization of Fire] and [Visualization of Earth]. He was only left with the [Visualization of Metal] before he would break through to the Earth Wheel level. When that happened, he would be considered an Earth Wheel expert.


    Of course, it wasn��t just a year. Adding the time that he spent on Earth, it had been exactly two years, and he had consumed some rare supplements. For instance, he had eaten four of Su Wen��s peaches. He had also eaten the Spirit Yuan Pill, which he obtained after killing Lu Pinghai, and the xueke, which he got from Ning Caichen in exchange for the stun batons. Ren Baqian was only able to quickly reach this level after consuming these.


    However, afterpleting this step, a huge portion of the supplements�� power stored within his body had already been used up. It would take a much longer time for him to break through to the next level.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t help but admit that his innate talent wasn��t great. It was only due to therge amount of herbs and rare supplements that he was able to reach this level.


    Once he reached the Earth Wheel level, he would be able to get married to the empress.


    Once he got married to the empress, he would be able to hold thatdy, who stood at the pinnacle of the world, in his embrace. The thought of asking for her hand in marriage made him very excited, and he looked forward to it.


    When that happened, would she be shy and bashful?


    It would definitely be impossible for her to act like an ordinary girl�� If she was really shy and bashful, would she fly into a rage out of humiliation?


    Ren Baqian somehow felt like he needed to learn some martial arts like the [Golden Shield and Iron Cloth] and that this was more important than the [Boxing of Death] or the [Hunter Techniques].


    Afterying for quite some time on the bed, Ren Baqian finally managed to fall asleep.


    He woke up early the next day, dressed up neatly, and headed to the ck Bamboo Academy.


    It had been a week since the dispute at the imperial court, and today was a slightly special day at the ck Bamboo Academy. It was the start of the term for the second batch of new students.


    There were about 80 students in the first batch due to the officials sending almost all of their families�� good-for-nothings to join the school. This time around, there were much fewer students that were from the next generation of the families of the officials. Kids withmoner backgrounds made up most of the new batch, and there were exactly 76 students in total.


    Early in the morning, Ren Baqian stood outside the school with his hands behind his back. A few students were giggling in the distance and waiting to see what their juniors looked like.


    ��Greetings, Principal!�� Soon after, two youngsters approached and respectfully greeted Ren Baqian when they saw him standing there.


    Next, they signed their names at the table, followed Ren Baqian��s directions, and went toward the second row of newly constructed ssrooms.


    After the arrival of these two, other students arrived in session as well. The first batch of students was gesticting from afar as they watched the new studentse in.


    Those students from the first batch weren��t intelligent during normal times, but at the moment, had taught themselves to put on airs and act like seniors.


    When everyone had arrived, Ren Baqian immediately shut the door and brought the robot to the ssroom to teach the first batch of students. This robot was custom-made once again after the previous one was destroyed by Tong Lan. This one was able to store more content than the previous one and disyed better artificial intelligence as well.


    Ren Baqian moved the robot into the ssroom and removed the cloth that was covering it. Instantly, all the students present were dumbstruck.


    ��This is����


    ��This can��t be?��


    ��How can this be?��


    Everyone then turned their heads and looked toward Tong Lan with their faces full of emotion.


    This time around, the appearance of the robot wasn��t Gundam anymore��it was Tong Zhenye! It was vivid and lifelike. Well, at least the head was.


    The upper half of its body resembled a real human and was also specially built full of muscles to look like Tong Zhenye. It also wore the same set of clothes that Tong Zhenye always wore.


    As for its lower body, it had four legs��


    Ren Baqian nced at Tong Lan and saw that she was indeed sitting there with a dull look. She pointed her finger at the robot with her mouth wide open and asked, ��Grandpa?��


    Ren Baqianughed mischievously to himself.


    <em>Destroy it again this time! Do it! If you dare to do it, I will tell that old man Tong Zhenye that his granddaughter tore him apart!</em>


    As for the others, if anyone dared to destroy it, Tong Lan would fight it out with them!


    ��Grandpa!�� Tong Lan returned to her senses after some time and shrieked, ��Impossible! I just saw him this morning! This isn��t real!��


    ��Nonsense! This is your teacher, not Minister Tong. They merely look alike!�� Ren Baqian said with his eyes wide open. No qualms about it, this was obviously fake. If this was the Tong Zhenye that Tong Lan saw in the morning, how could she have thought that Ren Baqian transformed her grandpa into this?


    Everyone looked like they were full of emotion. Not only did the robot and Tong Zhenye look simr, they were simply identical aside from the four legs that the robot had.


    ��Why does it look exactly like my grandpa then?�� Tong Lan mmed the table, immediately shattering it. All of her hair was standing on end.


    ��How would I know that they look exactly the same? This thing is like a human��each one has different looks. There��s also a small chance that it may look simr to someone else. This is called a splitting image!�� Ren Baqian replied confidently.


    Everyone felt suspicious. Was he for real?


    ��No matter what, this will be your teacher from now on! When I��m not around, ask him any questions that you have. As for how to do so, it��s the same as before,�� Ren Baqian instructed.


    After he was done speaking, he stopped paying attention to them and left to go talk to the group of new students.


    Fortunately, most of the students in the new batch weremoners that were more obedientpared to Tong Lan and the rest. They didn��t make Ren Baqian talk that much. He then picked one of the students from the previous batch to lead the new students in learning the Three Character ssic[1.Three Character ssic: one of the ssic Chinese texts] and simplified Chinese characters.


    In the past, there was only one batch of students, yet he was still barely able to teach them. Now, with a novice second batch, he had no choice but to pick a few of themoners with better results from the first batch to assist in teaching. They would take turns every day.


    Li Fu grabbed Ren Baqian by the cor the moment he stepped out of the ssroom and asked, ��Kid, when are you going to give me the thing that I asked for?��


    ��An anxious person can��t get the good stuff. Sir Tong already sent people to the south to search for rubber a while ago. They have already found it and are bringing it back. If it��s the thing that I��m looking for, then we will be able to start production very soon,�� Ren Baqian replied unhurriedly.


    ��Step on it, kid! I can��t wait any longer!�� Li Fu let go of Ren Baqian, and hopped to the rooftop.


    Li Fu hadn��t been this anxious in the past. However, when he saw Ren Baqian release the skynterns during the New Year, he felt his heart itch and couldn��t wait to fly up into the sky.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands at Li Fu. Then, they both left to handle their own business.


    Even if Li Fu couldn��t wait, he still had to wait.

 Chapter 613 - A Shameless Old Pervert

    Chapter 613: A Shameless Old Pervert


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Although the New Year and thentern-grabbing contest happened during this period, the students didn��t slow down their pace in developing the steam-powered train.


    Even during the holidays, the students would be at school every day for the whole day.


    On the first day after the school holiday had started, he observed that the steam lotive was taking shape.


    However, the problem of an inadequate supply of steel was looming.


    Although the steam engine train was smaller and simpler than what he had seen before, the amount of steel they needed was about twice as much as they currently had.


    Ren Baqian got the empress to supply the school with 4,000 kilograms of steel. Including the steel, they were given earlier to make the steam engine and the addition of the railway track in the school��s backyard, the total amount was 5,000 kilograms.


    After that, he went to the captive camp.


    At present, there were 80,000 captives in the camp because more than 10,000 had already been sent to the mines. He would arrange for some to be sent to the cement factories, while the rest would be sent to build roads.


    Ren Baqian took a tour of the camp, and although it was still not up to his requirements, it was a big improvement from before.


    There was a constant supply of timbering in for the construction of triangr wooden houses that would shelter the captives.


    The captives in the camp were looking livelier and not as listless as before.


    With the implementation of the regtions, especially the division of the captives into small, medium, and big groups, the work was distributed to each section in an orderly manner.


    The environment in the camp was also much cleaner because everyone was forced to take a bath and because there was a public toilet every 100 meters. The risk of disease spreading was contained.


    After the inspection, Ren Baqian noted two things that weren��t done properly and summoned some supervisors and team leaders from the captive camp for an inquiry.


    The four men were cautious and looked terrified when they met Ren Baqian.


    ��How��s the situation in the camp now?�� Ren Baqian was sitting in a recently constructed wooden building that still had green shoots on the wooden beams.


    To avoid offending him, the people replied in a hurry, ��Pretty good. We have meat every day.��


    ��Oh? If you have any problems, you better say them now. After this, there will be no more opportunities,�� Ren Baqian said nonchntly.


    ��No problem, but Sir, will we really be set free?�� someone asked cautiously. When he heard this news, he didn��t dare to believe it. Not only did he not dare to believe it, but many people in the camp were also skeptical of such good news.


    However, they also didn��t dare to disbelieve because having this hope was better than dying here.


    ��Eight years. After eight years, all of you can go. Whether it��s real or not, you will know when the timees. However, before that, all of you better work hard and live well,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Sir, thanks for telling us. Thank you, Sir.��


    ��If there are no further questions, you can leave,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Sir����


    ��Speak!��


    They noticed that Ren Baqian didn��t look fierce and that he didn��t talk harshly, so they summoned the courage to ask cautiously, ��Can you give us some grass to eat?��


    ��What?�� This was the first time he had heard such a request, and he was stunned for a moment.


    ��Sir, it��s very wonderful here. We have meat every day, but we can��t digest it! Many people have been having diarrhea during this time. If this continues, we will not be able to endure it anymore.�� These few people were almost crying.


    Ren Baqian was able to understand after further questioning.


    Nobody in the Yun Nation ate meat every day even if they could afford it. It was too greasy and hard for them to digest.


    The captives were served meat soup, fatty meat, and offal every day. Initially, many of them thought that it wasn��t bad to have meat, but after more than ten days, these people finally realized that eating meat was such a painful experience.


    It was known that average aboriginals were Man Wheel experts that needed to eat a lot to nourish their blood. As a result, they had strong digestive power.


    These captives didn��t have the strong stomachs and intestines of the aboriginals and weren��t given wild vegetables and tea leaves to cleanse their digestive tracts. After ten days, everything looked green in their eyes as they walked with their heads down and hoped to find some green stuff.


    However, even the wild grass in the captive camp had all been plucked clean.


    Almost half of the people in the camp were having diarrhea every day.


    Ren Baqian touched his nose. He didn��t expect such a request and didn��t anticipate it at all.


    Presumably, most people wouldn��t have anticipated this.


    ��


    Meanwhile, a youngdy arrived at the city gate.


    She was about 20 years old and considered quite pretty, but her wide forehead affected her appearance. Her piercing bright eyes were unforgettable and distracted people from her appearance.


    She was dressed in a white dress and her clothing style was obviously from Great Xia. She wore a pair of embroidered cloth shoes and had a long green sword on her back.


    ��Where are you from?�� Her appearance and clothing style elicited a fierce reaction from the guards as they drew their sabers.


    ��I��m a messenger from the north, and I have a token.�� Thedy flipped her hand and disyed a token.


    The guards inspected her token before letting her in.


    Thisdy who rushed over from Great Xia was none other than Qing Lian.


    ��So, this is Lan City.�� Qing Lian observed the ce as she walked.


    <em>As I expected, this is a deste ce, </em>Qing Lian thought. From what she saw, the streets were cold and deserted with dpidated buildings on both sides. It was more than ten times worse than the prosperous capital of Great Xia.


    Furthermore, you could see many pedestrians who only wore a piece of animal skin around their waist. This kind of scene was certainly never seen in Great Xia.


    However, the pedestrians she sawter on were the aboriginals that she admired for their talent. Any randomly selected citizen on the street was equivalent to a Man Wheel expert in Great Xia. Their blood and vital qi was even more vigorous.


    Although Earth Wheel experts weren��t everywhere, she had noticed many along the way.


    After a short walk, Qing Lian inquired about the location of ck Bamboo Academy. She enjoyed watching two street fights before arriving at the academy.


    ��Is it closed?�� Qing Lian walked around outside and saw the closed doors. From the breathing of the people inside, she sensed that they were Man Wheel and Earth Wheel experts.


    She looked around and decided that she might as well see whether there were any interesting things in this Dayao academy. Even if she got caught, she could say she was here to deliver a letter and couldn��t be med for her ignorance.


    Furthermore, the people inside the courtyard were unaware of her presence. There were only a few people in Dayao that she was afraid of, and in Lan City, there was only Qi Zixiao. Although she couldn��t beat the other Cardinal Heaven experts of Dayao, she was able to run away from them.


    She made up her mind and jumped over the courtyard wall. The scene was rather disappointing as it was a simple and crude courtyard. Not to mention the supreme courtyard in Great Xia, any small academy courtyard would be a hundred times better.


    Anyway, since she was here, she might as well take a look around.


    After checking the positions of the few people in the courtyard, Qing Lian went into a room filled with tables and chairs.


    Then, she went into another room. As she entered, she was shocked when she saw a man standing in a corner.


    ��Who are you?�� she asked.


    After a few moments, she saw no response from that man and felt strange. More importantly, that man didn��t seem to be breathing at all. She went forward to examine him and immediately sucked in a breath of cold air.


    She saw a man who was about 50 or 60 years old that looked rather strong and healthy.


    However, his lower body had four legs�� which startled her.


    Furthermore, these four legs were fixed to his body. Her mind spun for a while, but she couldn��t figure out a reason to put four legs on a dead body.


    She still couldn��t see the point after examining it carefully and didn��t know what creature she had encountered. The four-legged corpse made a noise and suddenly opened its eyes.


    Qing Lian was shocked and leaped to the door in a sh while focusing her gaze on the corpse.


    ��Little girl, you better not make a move. If you damage anything, that fellow will be angry.�� The voice of an old man came from behind Qing Lian, and she felt as if her hair was standing on end.


    How was it possible for her not to notice when someone was so close?


    Was this a man or a ghost?


    Qing Lian drew her sword, turned fluidly, and stabbed the sword behind her.


    Subsequently, the old man behind her kicked her in the crotch.


    ��Shameless!�� Qing Lian shouted furiously. Her blushing face was so red that it seemed to be bleeding.


    How could there be such a shameless person in this world?


    Of course, a man would employ people who were simr to him. That Ren Baqian was a mean person, so likewise, the people in the academy were shameless and despicable.


    Qing Lian shed her lightning-sword three times, didn��t feel like fighting, and disappeared out of the courtyard.


    After leaving, Qing Lian still felt resentful for a long time. She had never met such a shameless guy before. He was so utterly despicable that she would never let him go!


    And that Ren Baqian!


    The person who had appeared behind Qing Lian was none other than Li Fu. After she departed, he looked embarrassed because he had recently been kicking others out of habit and hadn��t even thought before kicking out this time.

 Chapter 614 - Not Knowing Him Even When In His Presence

    Chapter 614: Not Knowing Him Even When In His Presence


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Qing Lian left ck Bamboo Academy and didn��t know where to go at that moment.


    She wanted to find Ning Caichen, but was entirely clueless about his whereabouts. She had no other choice but to stroll around Lan City.


    Secondster, she arrived outside the imperial family��s ss store. Looking at that clean and glittering ss store, which looked as if it had been decorated with ayer of crystals, she suddenly felt curious and walked in with long strides.


    The store had been open for three months, so the fervor from the crowd at the start had already died down quite a bit. However, there were still people who woulde in to look at the delicate ssware, though there were also fewer people in the store at any one time and the amount of things they bought had also decreased.


    Regardless, the store was still able to generate thousands of silver taels for Ren Baqian every month.


    At present, he had already prepared to open a ss store in Tianjing Basin. Even though themoners there were impoverished, there were more rich peoplepared to Lan City. Once they conquered the Yun Nation, he would also open another store there, which would definitely make him a teful.


    Instead of looking at the ssware, Qing Lian��s attention was focused on the store attendant when she entered the store. He had arge forehead, deep eye sockets, and clearly didn��t look like an aboriginal.


    <em>I��m not sure if these people have seen Ning Caichen, </em>Qing Lian thought to herself before shifting her attention to the ssware disyed on the shelves.


    ��Beautiful!�� Qing Lian looked at the ssware disyed on the shelves and immediately became enamored with them. She saw a tea set that she was rather fond of and inquired about the price. It only cost 800 taels of silver, and she felt that it was very cheap.


    A tea set made out of ss�� This was something that she hadn��t seen before.


    Even though she didn��t know what ss was exactly, all that mattered was that it looked good.


    She then inquired about a few ss cups and learned that they only cost 150 taels of silver each, which made her feel like buying a truckload to bring back. The only problem was that she merely had 200 taels of gold on her at the moment. Even though she also had some silver notes, there weren��t any ces in Dayao where she could exchange them for silver taels.


    It seemed like she had to get Su Qing to send some money over.


    If Zhang Junzheng was present, he would tell her that the ss cups only cost ten taels of silver each and that the ss tea set only cost 50 taels for the aboriginals.


    When it came to foreigners, the price immediately skyrocketed 15 times.


    However, Qing Lian already sincerely felt that these sswares were a cheap buy.


    If these things existed in Great Xia, they would cost at least a few times more. There were also no ces that sold these products yet.


    After spending quite some time in the ss store, Qing Lian left full of satisfaction. At the very least, she found a good deal during this trip to Dayao.


    Not long after walking on the streets, she found an even better deal��spices.


    After eating two pieces of roastedmb meat, Qing Lian��s eyes glowed as she reached out for her bag. She made up her mind that she would send a messageter to get Su Qing to send money over.


    She wanted all of these, the sswares and the spices.


    After that, Qing Lian found a restaurant, sat there, and waited until the ss and spice stores closed. She subsequently tailed the store attendants all the way to Jing Street, where she found out that this was where the Jing Tribe lived.


    ��If Ning Caichen is in Lan City, he will very likely be here.��


    Qing Lian strolled around Jing Street and found a small wine shop right across from the entrance of the street.


    <em>Since this is the entrance, I shall go in and ask around, </em>Qing Lian thought to herself before going straight into that wine shop. Standing outside the wine shop, she could hear the moring from inside.


    The doors and windows of the wine shop were open, allowing her to see the interior of the small wine shop from outside. There were many people inside and almost all the seats were taken.


    The people inside were mostly aboriginals with very few Jing Tribe people present. A youngdy was busy working inside and asionally poked fun at her customers, giving rise to bursts ofughter.


    ��I haven��t seen such a pleasant person like you before. If I were a few years younger, I might just take you home.�� A burly man with a big beardughed his head off.


    ��For that, you must first ask Sir Ren. I��m his woman now!�� thedy replied gently with an extremely charming voice that made people��s hearts palpitate.


    Qing Lian entered the wine shop to take a clearer look at that burly man and immediately got a shock. She fell back a couple of steps and was dumbstruck as she looked at him.


    The corpse that she saw in the afternoon was actually alive! His entire body was emitting the aura of a supreme expert.


    Her eyes subconsciously drifted to the lower part of his body and saw that he actually had two legs! Where did the other two legs go?


    The corpse in the academy suddenly opening his eyes, those four legs, and this man at present�� Strange! This was indeed very strange!


    Qing Lian��s appearance at the door as well as her falling back with an astonished look had attracted the attention of quite a few people in the wine shop. Many of them looked at her face before looking at the sword on her back.


    Since when was this person from Great Xia in Lan City? She looked pretty good though.


    They then turned their heads back and continued drinking. Not long after, people started leaving the wine shop.


    All of them came here for the wine shop��sdy boss. Now that Tong Zhenye was here, they were no match for him, especially not the younger generation of the officials. One by one, they finished their drinks and left without even daring to heave a sigh.


    Once there were fewer people, Qing Lian went in and sat down at an empty table.


    ��Lady, do youe from afar?�� Ning Caichen��s [1.Ning Caichen: In Chinese characters, this is a female name, even though it��s pronounced the same as the male sword master Ning Caichen] eyes wandered as he sat across from her.


    ��You are really beautiful, sister!�� Qing Lian first eximed in admiration. She couldn��t help but admit that thedy in front of her was the most feminine and seductive woman she had ever seen. Even if she just simply sat there and didn��t speak, her gaze alone would be alluring enough.


    When she spoke, her voice was even more seductive.


    If Qing Lian was a man, she would definitely take thisdy home.


    It was unfortunate that she was ady��


    <em>This wretched vixen! I hate the charm of these vixens! Always seducing men��aren��t you ashamed?</em>


    There were no reasons needed for a woman to detest another woman.


    ��I came from Great Xia and just arrived today,�� Qing Lian answered after her exmation.


    ��It��s rare to see people from Great Xia!�� Ning Caichenughed.


    ��You haven��t seen people from Great Xia before, sister?��


    ��Not for the past six months. What would you like to drink,dy?��


    ��A pot of your best wine!��


    Ning Caichen served up a pot of fruit wine. It tasted sweet and sour and was a little astringent. To Qing Lian, this was an inferior pot of wine.


    However, this was already considered good wine in Dayao.


    Ning Caichen sat down across from Qing Lian. He felt very warm and cordial meeting someone from Great Xia. On the other side, Qing Lian was also looking forward for this to happen because she was originally here to scout for information.


    ��Where are you from, sister?�� Qing Lian asked.


    ��Great Xia as well!�� Ning Caichen smiled with pursed lips.


    ��A person from the same nation even when away from home! What are you doing here, sister? This ce isn��t fit for a long stay.�� Qing Lian smiled. It was clearly difficult for such a lovelydy to be here alone in a ce where boors and aboriginals were everywhere.


    Furthermore, she wasn��t trained in martial arts.


    Qing Lian could at least detect from her qi and blood that she was an ordinary person or at most, slightly stronger.


    In fact, there wouldn��t be much difference even if she was someone who left her sword. It was just that sword masters were already rare to begin with. Plus, many of them resided in deste areas away from the cities or deep in the mountains. Little did Qing Lian expect this lovelydy, who ran a wine shop here and poked fun at the aboriginals, to be a sword master at the same time.


    ��I can��t return home, and I have no ce to go. Like a piece of drifting duckweed, I can only lead a wandering existence out here.�� As Ning Caichen smiled, her expression didn��t show much disappointment.


    ��I heard someone call for you just now, sister. Is your family name Ning? Do you know Principal Ren Baqian of the ck Bamboo Academy?�� Qing Lian questioned, pretending as if she was indifferent. In her heart, she was dying to hear Ning Caichen��s response.


    <em>Could it be that Qi Zixiao��s gigolo actually has a mistress outside?</em>


    <em>Does Qi Zixiao know about this? This is Lan City��how could he possibly hide this from Qi Zixiao?</em>


    If Qi Zixiao knew, how could she tolerate this?


    Qing Lian was a little curious about the situation. If presented the chance, she definitely wouldn��t mind opposing Ren Baqian and taking revenge.


    ��My family name is Ning. As for Sir Ren, we can be considered old friends.��


    Qing Lian noted this in her mind and thought to herself that she would slowly find out more about thister. She reached into her sack, took out a portrait, and asked, ��Sister, have you seen this person before?��


    Ning Caichen looked at the portrait, stared nkly for a moment, and began to smile.


    ��Yes, I have. Why are you looking for him? Did he offend you in any way? Is that why you came all the way from Great Xia in search of him?��


    Qing Lian was exultant when she heard that. She thought to herself that she was indeed clever and quick-witted to have already gotten news on her first day here.


    ��He owes me a debt. Do you know where he is now?��


    After Qing Lian finished her sentence, Ning Caichen��s emotions stirred. He shook his head and said, ��Then he must have owed you a lot of money. I haven��t seen this man since the middle ofst year, and I don��t know where he is now. Maybe he has already left Lan City?��


    Qing Lian felt a little disappointed. It seemed like she had to stay in Lan City longer because she didn��t know where she could find that guy.


    She then asked about another matter, but even at the end, Ning Caichen didn��t reveal that he was the Ning Caichen that Qing Lian was looking for.


    Qing Lian didn��t know his identity, but he could sense that she was a sword master. After all, she carried her sword with her. Given his familiarity with spirit swords, he was able to sense this easily.


    To Ning Caichen, Qing Lian��s spirit sword felt a notch stronger than his own, but only a fool would expose that in this situation. He had to think of ways to find out why Qing Lian was looking for him.


    ��What��s your name, sister?�� Qing Lian asked eventually.


    ��Ning Caichen!��


    ��Great name��it��s simr to the name of the person that I��m looking for.�� Qing Lian was astonished, but she still couldn��t figure out how this lovelydy in front of her was associated with the schr that she was looking for.


    ��Sister, do you know if there are any ces around here where I can stay?�� Qing Lian asked again.


    ��If you don��t mind, I actually have a vacant room here,�� Ning Caichen responded.


    Qing Lian was delighted when she heard that. This would be convenient since she would be able to find another opportunity to inquire about how Ning Caichen was rted to that Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 615 - Traveling from Miles Away to Deliver a Precious Gift

    Chapter 615: Traveling from Miles Away to Deliver a Precious Gift


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian met Qing Lian the next day.


    He was giving the new students a lesson when Shi Hu came in to report, ��Sir, someone is looking for you. She��s ady from Great Xia and is quite pretty.��


    ��Someone from Great Xia is looking for me?�� Ren Baqian asked. ��Did she give a reason foring?��


    ��She said she has some information for you,�� Shi Hu replied.


    Ren Baqian looked at the time and discovered that the next lesson wasing up, so he said, ��Find her a ce to wait for me.��


    A momentter, Shi Hu led Qing Lian to the courtyard, pointed at a spot, and said, ��Please wait here.��


    Then, he stood to the side as his eyes roamed all over Qing Lian��s body.


    Qing Lian��s eyes twitched. They should have given her a proper room to wait in. Why was she made to stand and wait in the courtyard?


    In addition, this damn rascal at the side was practically stripping her bare with his roving eyes.


    Including the shameless old man that she met the day before, she confirmed that all the people in the academy were indecent.


    Overall, she met two people, but since both were like this, it was a reflection of the general trend in this academy. As the saying goes, ��The servants imitate their masters.�� Therefore, how good could Ren Baqian be?


    Furthermore, making her stand under the hot sun in the courtyard while waiting for him made her even more dissatisfied. The passage of time further aggravated the situation.


    However, she was soon fascinated by a vibrant voiceing from one of the ssrooms.


    ��Energy can��t be created or destroyed, nor can it be created out of thin air. It can only be transformed from one form into another or transferred from one object to another. In the process of the transformation or transfer, the total amount remains unchanged. The simplest example is eating, where we absorb energy from food and transform it into blood. Fighting will consume the energy in the blood, so food must be consumed after fighting to replenish the energy.��


    ��Teacher, the energy gained by eating food is less than the food itself. A saber-toothed tiger can attain the strength of a Kismet Heaven expert, but a Four-way Heaven expert that eats an animal at the Kismet Heaven level won��t be able to attain the Kismet Heaven level.��


    Qing Lian found the dialogue in the ssroom to be very interesting and subconsciously moved forward a few steps to hear more clearly.


    ��That is because the energy will dissipate. When the animal dies, the body loses control and the energy stored in the body will dissipate quickly, especially the energy contained in the blood. This energy will return to this world, get transferred to the air, or be absorbed by the people, animals, or nts. For example, if a corpse is buried underground, the crops above it grow exceptionally well. Energy dissipation in cells is slower. This is because cells don��t die immediately, but in batches over time. Therefore, these energies don��t dissipate immediately while the cells are still alive. However, there��s one point to note��for the cells to survive, they need energy for maintenance. As time goes by, the energy in the cells will gradually decrease. Everything in this world is made up of energy. The cells of a dead body consist of energy, which is why we can replenish our energy by eating dead animals.��


    ��Teacher, your exnation is disgusting,�� Tong Lan protested. Although it wasn��t wrong to say that eating meat was eating dead animals, it still sounded strange.


    The energy dissipation that Ren Baqian was talking about was based on research from the Messier 87 department. After getting the cadaver of an expert from Ren Baqian, the progress of theboratory research on the energy content in the human body was very rapid. The results of the research were just perfect for his lessons.


    ��Another point to note is the constant consumption of energy that enables us to live. Every movement needs energy��even the simple act of breathing requires energy����


    Following this, Ren Baqian cited the examples of the steam engine and the swing to illustrate the concepts of the transformation of energy, the transfer of energy, and their impact.


    Qing Lian, who was outside the ssroom, was somewhat disoriented and astonished by what she heard.


    The contents of his words reminded her of the rtionship between the sword master and the spirit sword. The sword master used his lifespan to support the spirit sword, and the stronger the spirit sword, the faster the depletion of the sword master��s lifespan.


    By using precious herbs and minerals to maintain the sword, the rate of lifespan reduction could be decreased.


    As a matter of fact, this had something inmon with the energy conservation theory that Ren Baqian had exined.


    Although these things were already recorded by various ancestors, nobody had ever exined it like this before.


    His academy wasn��t teaching the ssics, astrology, government administration, or military strategies that were being taught in the institutions in Great Xia, but the fundamentals of this world! Whether it was correct or not, what he lectured about was astounding.


    <em>Disregarding his character, he has real abilities that Su Qing correctly mentioned before. </em>This thought ran through her mind as she continued to pay close attention to his lessons.


    While Ren Baqian continued teaching, Qing Lian tried her best to remember the content despite not understanding it.


    Ren Baqian was only avable to see her after all the morning lessons were over.


    However, she wasn��t as anxious as she had been initially. On the contrary, she wanted to hear as much of the lessons as possible.


    Aftering out of the ssroom, Ren Baqian saw ady in white standing in the courtyard. Standing at the side was Shi Qing, who was watching her as if she was a criminal.


    He waved at the two before turning to enter an office. Within two minutes, Qing Lian was brought in to see him.


    Qing Lian carefully observed the man sitting in the room. This was the famous gigolo and the lover of Qi Zixiao, the Poison Warrior who killed tens of thousands in Great Xia, and the destroyer of the entire Nine Pavilions, which had been a faction of master poison users. He was also the person who had just given a lecture on some amazing stuff.


    Compared to the aboriginals, he was skinny, butpared to the people of Great Xia, he was heftier. His features were sharp, and he wore a silvery blue robe with a moire pattern. His image wasn��t the same as the gigolo that she initially imagined.


    Her eyes then darted to the corner of the room, and as expected, the body she saw yesterday was no longer there.


    Thinking about what she saw in the wine shop the night before, she felt that there was something wrong with this ce. However, she was more interested in Ren Baqian now.


    While Qing Lian was observing Ren Baqian, he was also observing her. Her appearance wasn��t important��what was important were her attractive eyes, which were unforgettable.


    ��Please take a seat. How should I address you?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Qing Lian,�� Qing Lian said casually.


    ��What message have you brought?��


    Qing Lian retracted her gaze from the corner, took out a letter from her bosom, and put it on the table.


    ��The prince of Great Xia has been enthroned and is transferring internal soldiers to Tiesuo Pass. Su Qing hopes that you can defeat this Great Xia army as soon as possible because if given too much time, the recruits will cause changes once they havepleted training.��


    Ren Baqian opened the letter. After reading it carefully, he said, ��I appreciate the effort it took to deliver this letter. If you aren��t in a hurry, you can tour Lan City for a few days.��


    Qing Lian considered her options and said, ��I identally overheard your lessons just now. Please forgive me.��


    ��No problem. The lectures are meant to be heard,�� Ren Baqian said nonchntly.


    Qing Lian said eagerly, ��I have a blunt request. Since I will be in Lan City for a few days, can I listen to your lessons at the academy? I��m willing to offer some treasures in exchange.��


    Before she came, she was hoping to get some information about Ning Caichen, but now, she was more interested in the things that Ren Baqian was teaching. As for Ning Caichen�� it was best to meet him, but it was also alright if she didn��t because the things taught by Ren Baqian were more important.


    She felt that her request was too abrupt since even an ordinary private institution in Great Xia wouldn��t allow people to listen in at will. Furthermore, what the other party talked about was obviously very important and far better than the stuff those private institutions and colleges taught. It was unlikely that he would offer to teach her.


    More importantly, Ren Baqian was a man of status��he wasn��t an ordinary man or a typical official, so ordinary things wouldn��t move him.


    Despite all of this, she still wanted to give it a try.


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian remarked with a spurious smile. He had no issues with it if she wanted to listen for a few days.


    He was lecturing about a whole system. Using only part of this system could be useful, but it wasn��t that useful.


    Unexpectedly, the other party eagerly offered treasures in exchange, so he had no reason to reject the offer.


    Traveling from miles away to deliver a precious gift, where else could he find such a good deal?

 Chapter 616 - Unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region

    Chapter 616: Unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sported a faint smile because he was pleasantly surprised by the unsolicited gift.


    However, this smile was interpreted differently by Qing Lian, who thought that given his status, he must be thinking that such a gift was of no interest to him.


    At first, Qing Lian was only thinking of giving him some precious herbs since every sword master kept some precious herbs that they happened to find but didn��t need in order to trade with others.


    However, considering his status and the fact that the Sixty Thousand Mountains were in Dayao, these herbs weren��t presentable.


    If her offer was rejected, it would be troublesome to ask again.


    Although she only heard a few sentences from outside, she felt that hearing that section of the lecture, ��Energy can��t be created or destroyed. It can only be transformed from one state to another or transferred from one object to another. The total amount of energy remains unchanged in the process of transformation and transfer�� was already enough to make her trip worthwhile.


    There were various types of cultivation methods in this world, but few of them were useful to a sword master. Plus, his remarks pointed directly to the fundamentals, which made her understand many things as a result and got her interested in the other things that Ren Baqian mentioned.


    After considering the pros and cons, she gritted her teeth and said, ��I have ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods!�� Its origins are unclear, and I only know that it��s from a past era. There are three scrolls in total. The first one is about cultivation techniques, the second one is about nourishing the spirit, and thest one is about martial arts techniques. The basics of cultivation are in the first scroll, the method of nourishing the spirit so as to strengthen the mind is exined in the second scroll, and unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region can only be achieved with a mind that is strong enough.��


    ��Unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region?�� Ren Baqian tried to search his memory, but he had never heard of this before.


    ��You don��t know? How do you not know?�� Unexpectedly, she was more surprised by Ren Baqian��s reaction than her own reaction to his lesson from earlier.


    How was it possible for a person who knew the fundamental principles not to know about unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region?


    Ren Baqian was of the opinion that it wasn��t imperative to know about this.


    Qing Lian looked at Ren Baqian as if he was a strange animal for quite a while, rolled her eyes many times, and almost opened her mouth a few times to say that she wanted to change her gift to one stalk of xueke for the school fee. However, she had already offered ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods.�� If she changed her offer now, it would look insincere.


    She sighed silently and didn��t know whether this was a worthwhile exchange.


    Luckily for her, although this scroll had great value, it wasn��t of much use to her. Furthermore, she had read it many times, so giving it away was no big deal. Experts would find it useful, but what she wanted was something that no ordinary experts could give her.


    Hence, she could just keep it as a potential bargaining chip or maybe hold on to it for life.


    In the current situation, she might as well make an exchange with it.


    As long as the stuff offered by the other side was of value to her, it would be considered worthwhile.


    Seeing it this way, she felt morefortable.


    ��The cultivation of an expert is actually the process of perfecting oneself. Man Wheel is the foundation, whereas Earth Wheel is to develop the whole body thoroughly. By oveing all hindrances, the body can be used to eventually interact with the entire world. As for Spirit Wheel, it��s used to cultivate the mind, to quench it, and to interact with the entire world. However, right now, the mind is the mind and the body is the body. The ��Heaven�� in the Heaven and Earth Region points to the mind, whereas the ��Earth�� points to the body. Unlocking the Heaven and Earth Region is to break through the barrier between the body and the mind, fusing the body and mind together and eventually letting one reach the state of unlocking the region,�� Qing Lian exined.


    She continued, ����The Ancient Scroll of Methods�� teaches the cultivation of the mind in order to condense the mind and strengthen it. It��s a pity that the first scroll is missing, otherwise, an Earth Wheel expert could use it for cultivation. When they reach the Earth Embryo Realm, they could directly cross over to the Celestial Path and achieve the Spirit Wheel level without putting in extra effort. Even so, ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods�� has a more enhanced method of nourishing the mindpared to most other methods.��


    Qing Lian felt a little regretful. If she had the first scroll, ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods�� would be 10 or 100 times more valuable.


    Ren Baqian looked as if he was lost in thought. If this Heaven and Earth Region was the region above the mind, it was something he never knew about before. As for ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods,�� he could use it for referenceter on.


    As for whether the ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods�� could be used directly, it was a moot point. However, there were only two books in Qingxin Pce Hall that pertained to mental training methods. This showed the rarity of such training methods.


    Furthermore, these two books were used to cultivate Heaven-grade weapons.


    Apart from cultivating Heaven-grade weapons, ��The Ancient Scroll of Methods�� also described how to strengthen the mind effectively. As such, its value was definitely not low.


    ��This scroll is kept in Great Xia and will take about half a month to be delivered here,�� Qing Lian added.


    ��The scroll doesn��t really matter. It��s gratifying to see your devotion to learning. You cane tomorrow to attend ss.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    Then, he said in a solemn manner, ��Knowledge knows no boundary.��


    This provincial counterpart assumed that he was letting her attend his lessons because of the ancient scroll. As a volunteer teacher in a rural area, how was it possible for him to be so business-minded?


    However, he felt a little curious��a person who possessed such an ancient scroll was definitely not an ordinary person or simply a messenger. Thisdy should be someone exceptional, and he wondered why she hade to Lan City as well as what her motive was.


    Qing Lian was taken aback by Ren Baqian��s words that ��knowledge knows no boundary.�� To be able to say such words, he was more farsighted and open-minded than those Confucian schrs she had met.


    <em>I have misunderstood him all this time, and he isn��t as bad as I thought. </em>As Qing Lian reflected, her impression of this gigolo improved greatly.


    Qing Lian cupped her hands and said, ��Thank you, Principal Ren. I will take my leave now.��


    After Qing Lian left, Ren Baqian sat down for a while before heading to the pce. Upon arrival, he saw the empress using a pair of shears to cut some candies from the tree.


    Of the candy that he had put up the day before, one-fifth of it was gone. The floor was littered with candy, but the empress didn��t show any intention to stop cutting.


    ��Where is the wine pool that you promised me?�� the empress turned and asked Ren Baqian after hearing his footsteps.


    ��I was criticized by those senior ministers for installing themp posts. If I install a wine pool, I will be impeached by them!�� Ren Baqian raised his hand in protest.


    ��Impeach? What impeachment? Who dares to do that?�� The empress raised her eyebrows and sneered.


    ��Tomorrow, I will find out what fruits are in season and brew some wine for Your Majesty,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Oh!�� The empress immediately changed her expression for the better, rxed her eyebrows, and looked appreciative.


    Ren Baqian updated the empress about the recent incident, but the empress was indifferent.


    ��I can��t be bothered with these problems. If you can��t find the required manuals, I will snatch them for you.�� To the empress, any problem that could be solved with force wasn��t a problem.


    ��Your Majesty, as the head of an empire, you can��t always rob from others! It��s detrimental to your reputation!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��You don��t appreciate my good intentions,�� the empress muttered softly. Since, her good intentions were not appreciated by this ungrateful guy, she became unhappy.


    ��I should use the word borrow instead of rob?�� Ren Baqian tried to rephrase it.


    Then, he imitated the voice of the empress and said coldly, ��The empress is here to rob. Give me all your gold, jewelry, and secret manuals!��


    After that, he changed his tune and said, ��Give me all your gold, jewelry, and secret manuals for me to borrow. I will take back and appreciate everything.��


    ��Your Majesty, which one do you feel is more suitable?�� Ren Baqan asked.


    The guards in the vicinity instantly looked at Ren Baqian and held him in high regard. He was indeed worthy of his position.


    ��Don��t talk about which is more suitable! Your voice is very irritating!�� The empress lifted Ren Baqian up with one hand and prepared to throw him.


    ��Your Majesty, these are all minor details! That��s not the main point!�� Ren Baqian sensed danger and hastily tried to justify his words.


    ��What I care about are the minor details.�� The empress didn��t listen to his exnation and threw him on top of the candy tree like a sandbag. A bunch of candy fell down, causing the empress to beam with delight.


    This was much easier than using shears to cut the candy down.

 Chapter 617 - I Will Let you Sustain a Serious Injury!

    Chapter 617: I Will Let you Sustain a Serious Injury!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    That afternoon, Ren Baqian finally received great news. The rubber that Tong Zhenye had sent people to look for had arrived.


    After receiving this news, he immediately brought his men along and left the pce for the Ministry of Works.


    Arriving at the Ministry of Works, Ren Baqian saw the rubber chunks that were stored in sacks and aggregated together like kernels. They came in various colors, like white, pale yellow, and brown.


    He stretched out his hands and touched them. The sticity was pretty good.


    However, he still had to bring them back to Earth for testing to see whether they met his criteria.


    Ren Baqian then gave the Ministry of Works a list of materials that they needed to source for, which included stuff such as sulfur, petroleum, permanent mas, alnico, samarium-cobalt, neodymium iron boron, tungsten, tin, and aluminium. The list had an extensive number of items, and the characteristics and the ces where they could be found were written on the back of each item. All the materials on this list could be said to be resources that were required for the development of technology.


    As long as all these materials were found, the majority of the problems that might be encountered during the development process would be resolved.


    For instance, sulfur could be simultaneously used to produce gunpowder and sulphuric acid. There was no need to exin the function of gunpowder, whereas sulphuric acid could be used to make explosives, dyes, fertilizers, batteries, etc.


    Nothing more had to be said about the uses of petroleum either. On Earth, even a kid would know about its applications.


    Permanent mas could be used to make electric generators.


    Tungsten could be used to make fments, high-speed steel, etc.


    Ren Baqian could only hope that they would find more varieties of materials so that the impediments in the future could be reduced.


    If a certain material wascking, he could only bring some of it back from Earth. Once the chemistry in this world was more developed, they could then slowly source for recement materials.


    Ren Baqian listed out the materials to his heart��s content, but Tong Zhenye was shocked after seeing it and asked, ��So many? How are we supposed to find them?��


    ��Try your best. In the future, if you find anything that has special characteristics, bring it back and show it to me regardless of whether it��s useful or not. They might be things that I need. Remember to indicate the source of every item that you find. First, look for the items on this list which I have underlined. Currently, they are the most important.


    There might be permanent mas in Tianjing Basin. You will know when you take your swords and sabers to see which areas have the strongest maic attraction. As for sulfur, it should be easily found in ces with volcanoes. You can probably find additional materials in those areas as well.��


    ��This isn��t a good assignment.�� Tong Zhenye smacked his lips. How much manpower would he need to find so many things? Besides, many of the items�� descriptions were simr, and there was basically no way to locate them.


    ��These are things that are essential. You must find them. If youck funds or manpower, you can report to Her Majesty, and she will agree to supply it,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Tong Zhenye nced at Ren Baqian and said, ��That means Her Majesty supports you! Even though you have produced some pretty useful stuff, there are simply too many items on this list.��


    ��Remember the streetmps in the pce, the ones that we have an abundance of? As long as you find the tungsten and sulfur on this list as well as arge amount of copper ore and rubber, we can make thesemps in bulk. It will be just like what we did with ss at the ss store. At that time, all of Lan City can be filled with streetmps, transforming the city into a ce that never sleeps. If we manage to manufacture these streetmps and sell them, would the Ministry of Works stillck funds?�� Ren Baqian questioned. ��As long as we find these materials, you will have performed a great service for Dayao!��


    ��Leave this to me. I will find them for you even if it takes my life.�� Tong Zhenye patted his chest and guaranteed it when he heard Ren Baqian. His casserole-sized fists pounded on his chest like a drum.


    ��Thank you for your trouble, Sir Tong.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands and smiled before leaving with the sacks of rubber chunks.


    At night, Ren Baqian and the empress appeared in his bedroom on Earth.


    The empress swept her eyes around and saw theyer of dust on the floor as well as rows of footprints imprinted in the dust. She believed that as soon as she took a step, there would definitely be another such imprint beneath her feet.


    In other words, there were already two more footprints beneath her feet where she currently stood.


    The empress was a bit speechless. Why was it so dusty?


    Most importantly, she came here barefoot! Ahhhh!


    ��What are you doing, Your Majesty? Hey, hey, hey?�� Ren Baqian cried out in surprise.


    ��Behave yourself, and lie down.�� The empress poked Ren Baqian at the waist, causing one side of his body to immediately go numb. She then ced him on the floor and turned him into a human carpet.


    She then gently stepped on his belly.


    ��Ouch! Ouch!�� Ren Baqian immediately screamed.


    The empress took two steps on his belly before asking, ��Why is it so dirty?��


    ��Thest time I returned, the cleaners quit their job and went home to recuperate from their injuries�� After all, every time Ie back here, I see those blockheads ying with those barbells that are at least 100 kilograms. They drink alcohol, y the finger-guessing and pping games, and send each other flying into the walls at the drop of a hat. I feel extremely stressed every time I see such a scene!


    The cleaners wanted to resign a few times before, but I already gave them several pay raises. Eventually, when they came overst time, they saw people flying across the room and mming into the walls when they were cleaning. They were so shocked that one of them fell from the stairs, broke their arm, and had no choice but to go home and recuperate.��


    Ren Baqian had also been speechless when he received this news. Unfortunately, he was in a rush to leave at that time and couldn��t find another cleaner fast enough.


    At the same time, he couldn��t let the winged cavalry warriors do the cleaning.


    If they were left with this task, his bedroom would be reduced to ruins.


    As such, the conditions were like this when they arrived back here.


    The empress pondered for a bit before shemented, ��Weak humans.��


    ��Your Majesty, you are also human!�� Ren Baqian reminded her.


    ��I��m an aboriginal!�� The empress didn��t seem concerned at all.


    ��Your Majesty, my stomach hurts!�� Ren Baqian groaned with his mouth wide open. The empress only weighed about 50 kilograms, so why did it hurt so much when she stepped on him?


    ��You are too weak. Go back and train harder.�� The empress moved her feet, stepped on his chest, reached out with her hand, and opened the door.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian hastily moved his hand and lightly scratched her sole.


    ��Ah!�� The empress felt the tickle go straight to her heart and cried out in surprise. She applied force to her feet andnded outside the room in a sh before turning around and shooting an angry look at him.


    ��Ugh���� Ren Baqian spat out a mouthful of blood�� The pressure from her feet just now made him feel like his organs were going to explode��


    ��Your Majesty, I��m afraid that I��m not going to make it���� Ren Baqian looked as if he was about to cry, but there were no tears. ��My organs have been crushed����


    The empress was doubtful.


    <em>Did I exert too much force with my feet?</em>


    However, Ren Baqian still continued spitting out blood repeatedly.


    ��I know it was unintentional, Zixiao, and I will not me you. However, before I die, can you fulfill a wish of mine���� Ren Baqian��s expression turned gentle. Blood continued trickling down the side of his mouth, and it looked exactly like a scene from a Korean drama.


    The empress��s heart skipped a beat as a scene from one of the dramas that she had previously watch shed across her mind. She felt an indescribable feeling��it was as if something had been torn up inside her.


    She then carefully felt Ren Baqian��s aura��


    With one leg, she sent him smashing through the window��


    ��No!�� The empress looked extremely resentful.


    <em>This wretched guy actually dared to fool me again! Faking a serious injury in front of me?! I will let you sustain a truly serious injury!</em>


    ��Your Majesty, this isn��t how it��s supposed to go!�� Ren Baqian shouted from the other side of the window as he experienced the sensation of free-falling.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    ��Lady boss? What happened to you?��


    ��Quick�� call�� the ambnce����

 Chapter 618 - Let Me Take My T-Shirt Off First

    Chapter 618: Let Me Take My T-Shirt Off First


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty!�� With a cast on his leg and a walking stick in one hand, Ren Baqian tried to weep but could shed no tears.


    This time, Her Majesty was really cruel!


    When Ren Baqian fell and his leg crashed into the barbells that those idiots used for working out�� the bones in his leg fractured.


    It was practically a tragedy.


    Yet, it just so happened that his leg had to smash into those barbells��


    Ren Baqian was really taken away by an ambnce��


    Upon seeing how miserable Ren Baqian was, her heart slightly softened. However, her pride was still more important.


    As a result, she didn��t reveal her tenderness at all.


    ��Hmph! You deserve it!��


    ��Your Majesty, doesn��t your heart ache a little?��


    The empress thought about it carefully and replied, ��It��s aching slightly more than when I step on ants!��


    Ren Baqian cried out, ��Your Majesty, it��s better that you not say anything. My heart is very cold now!��


    The empress rolled her eyes at him. She then ced one palm against his chest, let her gaze roam all around him, and said in a gentle voice, ��Can you feel the warmth from my palm?��


    Her palm was ced directly on the area where his heart was, causing Ren Baqian to feel a warm fuzzy sensation. It was as if he could feel the empress��s heartbeat through her palm.


    ��My t-shirt is too thick. I can��t really feel the warmth. Let me take it off first!�� Ren Baqian began to use one hand to lift his T-shirt upward!


    The empress raised her eyebrows, retracted her hand, and kicked Ren Baqian��s other leg, the on that was perfectly fine.


    Ren Baqian nearly knelt on the floor. Sure enough, teasing someone like the empress, who was equivalent to a real-life Transformer, was certainly putting his life at risk.


    However, he was deriving pleasure from this.


    Ren Baqian originally wanted to make a trip to theboratory. Unfortunately, one of his legs was injured, so he could only let Shen Feng retrieve the rubber samples and send them over. After that, Shen Feng would then send the results back.


    Over time, the progress of theboratory had seen a huge leap.


    At the very least, the Messier 87 Department could use their supeputers to test out countless possibilities for martial arts techniques that were below the Man Wheel level. The final ��Ninth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation�� even achieved a top-notch standard for martial arts.


    However, due to theck of samples, progress was slowed after the Man Wheel level.


    He believed that it was just a matter of time.


    Another important achievement was that theboratory had made great progress regarding the reception of brain waves by studying the Elongation Saber, which could grow and shrink on its own.


    With the development of this technology, perhaps humans would one day really have the possibility of doing all their work by ��thinking;�� things such as smart homes, weapon controls, and all devices with receivers installed that used just your ��thoughts�� to take action. As long as you had such thoughts in your mind, you would be able toplete the tasks that originally required your fingers or your voice.


    Even though this goal was still very far away, Ren Baqian was still looking forward to it.


    After staying on Earth for two and a half days, Ren Baqian and the empress brought along the rubber that had passed inspection back with them to Dayao. The first thing he did was smash his cast. After that, he applied ayer of ointment to his leg, grabbed his walking stick, and headed to the school.


    When he entered the ck Bamboo Academy, he saw a woman standing in the courtyard who looked as if she was bored to death. Upon seeing Ren Baqian, she was initially dissatisfied about the fact that he had allowed her to attend ss, but yet he didn��t appear.


    Then, she shifted her gaze to Ren Baqian��s leg. With pursed lips and a pair of glittering eyes, she rejoiced at his misfortune and asked, ��Domestic violence?��


    ��You actually know this term?�� Ren Baqian was slightly taken aback. Never had he expected that a modern term like this woulde out of the other party��s mouth.


    ��Hmph! Stop looking down on others. I have actually gone to an all-female school before.�� Qing Lian��s expression immediately turned serious.


    ��Great Xia actually has the term ��domestic violence!���� Ren Baqian immediately tweaked the way he spoke.


    ��If you know about it, why can��t others know about it as well?�� Qing Lian asked.


    Ren Baqian spread his arms out and shrugged his shoulders. Then, he took his crutch, headed toward the ssroom, and said, ��Follow me.��


    Qing Lian recalled something and instantly asked, ��Oh, that��s right, you guys have a rather dirty and old fellow here, right? What does he do? He doesn��t seem like an ordinary person.��


    How could she not find out the background of the person who had bullied her?


    Ren Baqian snickered after hearing what Qing Lian said. It had been a long time since he duped Li Fu intoing to Lan City with him. Now, he finally had the opportunity to show him off.


    Ren Baqian then casually replied to her, ��How did you meet him? He��s in charge of sweeping the grounds!��


    Apart from his ck Bamboo Academy, which other schools out there had the world��s number one expert sweeping their grounds for them? At the thought of this, he felt that he was extremely outstanding!


    If word got out, it would probably scare half of the experts in the world.


    ��Sweeper? Impossible?�� Qing Lian��s reaction was exactly what Ren Baqian had anticipated.


    ��There are many impossible things in this world!�� Ren Baqian continued to speak with a carefree tone, acting as if he didn��t care much about it.


    Qing Lian was extremely suspicious. Could it be that she was so concentrated on snooping around that she didn��t notice the old man��s arrival that day? Perhaps he wasn��t an exceptional expert like she thought?


    Yet, the speed and strength of that old man couldn��t be faked!


    How could a person like that be a sweeper at a school?


    Qing Lian��s footsteps began to slow down due to her deep thoughts.


    Ren Baqian entered the ssroom and coughed loudly. The originally noisy ssroom immediately fell silent.


    ��From today onward, there will be someone sitting in and learning together with the rest of you!�� Ren Baqian announced before calling out to Qing Lian, ��Come in!��


    ��Someone from Great Xia?�� The moment Qing Lian stepped in, everyone went ballistic.


    With one flip, Tong Lannded on the table as if she was going to pounce on Qing Lian the next second.


    ��Quiet! Everyone take your seats, especially you. Look at how you are behaving? Are you a mother monkey?�� Ren Baqian reprimanded Tong Lan.


    ��She��s from Great Xia!�� Tong Lan yelled at the top of her lungs while pointing at Qing Lian.


    ��In the future, many of you will go on to be court officials. Don��t limit your thinking to only two options when you are faced with a problem��only a child would do that. Look at Great Xia. Even though they are currently our enemy, they aren��t a united entity. There��s still a portion of them that aren��t our enemy. What we have to do is turn the enemies into dead people. Then, turn those who aren��t the enemy into an enemy. We shouldn��t be indiscriminately killing everyone,�� Ren Baqian calmly preached to the students.


    Tong Lan was speechless.


    Shi Gan and Qing Lian had nothing to say either.


    Everyone was dumbfounded after listening to what Ren Baqian said!


    First, turn those who aren��t the enemy into an enemy. Then, turn them into dead people? In that case, it wouldn��t be killing everyone indiscriminately, right?


    ��Introduce yourself!�� Ren Baqian noticed that everyone was quiet and immediately felt satisfied.


    ��Ahem���� Qing Lian wanted to verify if Ren Baqian meant what he said. However, she instead let out a soft cough and then said, ��I��m Qing Lian, and I��m not your enemy.��


    ��Sit over there!�� Ren Baqian pointed at a corner of the ssroom. After Qing Lian took her seat, he began to teach.

 Chapter 619 - Drawing A Circle

    Chapter 619: Drawing A Circle


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On the first day of ss, Qing Lian discovered a serious problem. She waspletely unable to understand what Ren Baqian was teaching.


    When Ren Baqian said that the topic of the day was electricity, she was still very much looking forward to it and even a bit pleasantly surprised.


    No matter which era it was, thunder and lightning were the most powerful and most difficult power that people had to deal with. Most importantly, the name of her sword was Sudden Thunder!


    This name didn��t imply that it was as swift as lightning, but the sword had some rtion to it.


    As such, Qing Lian was pleasantly surprised when she heard that Ren Baqian was going to lecture about electricity. She didn��t expect to hear about such an interesting topic on the first day.


    Afterward, her gaze, which was full of expectation, gradually began to stagnate. Shepletely didn��t understand these electrons, atoms, molecules, and electric charges that he was talking about.


    Ren Baqian gave everyone a piece of silk cloth and a ss rod to perform an experiment, but she didn��t know what to do at all. She simply stood back and watched as the other students did their work.


    Perhaps her pride wouldn��t allow her to do those childish looking things that the kids were doing.


    Despite this, Qian Lian still felt very curious about the things that Ren Baqian talked about.


    She was rather depressed when he gave her a book. Shepletely didn��t understand what was written in it, which made her a little frantic.


    The words in it looked like an imperial edict. She could only distinguish a few characters after taking a long time and a lot of effort. Furthermore, she didn��t know if these characters had the same meaning as they did in Great Xia.


    During the second lesson, Qing Lian��s attention shifted to the four-legged man in the room.


    It was because she had seen this man outside before. He was strong and had two legs.


    However, the man in the ssroom was like a corpse and didn��t have any vitality.


    Even though he could move his lips and speak, his voice felt very rigid and seemed extremely weird. It was as if someone had programmed and prepared the things that he said.


    ��They aren��t the same person, right?�� Qing Lian very quickly realized this problem. No matter how she thought about it, they couldn��t be the same person.


    After school, she couldn��t help it and went to find Ren Baqian, ��Principal Ren, I don��t understand these words!��


    Qing Lian was very unwilling to put it this way because it made her look like she was illiterate. However, that was the reality.


    ��Oh, you should read it with the new students. Their sses will teach you the characters.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Qing Lian��s face immediately changed. The new students were much younger. If she were to learn from scratch with them, aside from her unwillingness, how long would she have to stay in Lan City?


    ��Are there any other ways?��


    ��Let me give this to you.�� Ren Baqian took a stack of papers from the table. Recorded on these sheets were the characters used in this world, which he had written out previously. It was equivalent to a dictionary.


    ��Remember to return it to me after you are done with it.��


    ��Many thanks!�� Qing Lian took a closer look at the contents on the first page and felt delighted. Things would be much easier with this.


    ��You can ask if there are things that you don��t understand,�� Ren Baqian added.


    Qing Lian nodded her head. Her current problem was that she didn��t understand anything. It seemed like she should go back first and figure out the characters, then see how it went from there.


    She left the school after bidding farewell to Ren Baqian. Qing Lian took a good look at the pce when she walked past it. Qi Zixiao, the fifth most powerful expert in the world was in there. Qing Lian didn��t know what kind of ady the empress was like.


    In fact, Qi Zixiao was the fourth most powerful expert in the world at the moment. Not many people knew about Teng Yue��s death, so most people thought that she was still the fifth most powerful expert in the world.


    As such, Li Yuanzhu and Qi Zixiao were promoted to the third and fourth positions, respectively. Both of them were about the same age, with Li Yuanzhu being a few years older. However, both of them could be considered extremely brilliant.


    Comparing strengths, Qi Zixiao should be a little weaker than Li Yuanzhu. However, in just a few more years, she probably wouldn��t be any weaker than Li Yuanzhu��s current state.


    Qing Lian was indeed envious of them for having such great innate talent. Even though she was a sword master herself, she didn��t have the opportunity to cultivate and would have a much shorter lifespanpared to them.


    10 to 20 yearster, she would probably age like ordinary people, whereas Qi Zixiao and Li Yuanzhu would still be able to maintain their current looks.


    Qing Lian felt a little sad and regretful at the thought of this. She had the dream of bing the world��s greatest expert when she was young. Even though she wasn��t exactly considered weak now, it was a pity that she was a sword master.


    Just when her emotions began to stir up, a screeching sound suddenly approached from the side. Her Sudden Thunder on her back also started shuddering as if it was giving her a warning.


    In a sh, Qing Lian dodged to safety as a piece of rock smashed into the gstone beside her, shattering it into pieces.


    A young girl stood at the top of the wall. She was around ten years old, wore a white silk gown, and had fair and delicate skin. She was trying hard to put on a fearsome expression as she stared at Qing Lian.


    ��Hey, Great Xia person!�� Tong Lan shouted from atop the wall, her voice crisp like a bell.


    ��Hmph! Haven��t the adults in your family taught you manners?�� Qing Lian replied, looking unhappy.


    ��Grandpa has always told me to kill any Great Xia person I see before talking! A Great Xia person will only be good when dead!�� Tong Lan leaped down from the walls and ran toward Qing Lian.


    ��Draw a circle!�� Tong Lan leaned forward with her nose almost poking Qing Lian��s breasts. Looking at her huge bosom, Tong Lan loathed this woman even more.


    ��If you win this circle fight, I won��t find trouble with you again. If you lose, don��t ever let me see you in the future!�� Tong Lan stared at Qing Lian��s bosom and articted every word clearly.


    ��You are bing cross-eyed!�� Qing Lian suddenly said.


    Tong Lan��s face began to blush before she jumped several meters away in a sh.


    ��Stop talking rubbish. If you lose, don��t ever show your face in front of me again!�� Tong Lan stared at Qing Lian with a red face and put her hands on her hips.


    ��You were really cross-eyed just now! Besides, I have already said that we aren��t enemies!�� Qing Lian replied.


    ��Hmph, hmph! In any case, a Great Xia person will only be good when dead! Plus, this time, it shall be a Great Xia person who is out of sight!�� Tong Lan answered with her small head tilted slightly upward.


    ��What exactly do you want?��


    ��I said it already. Let��s draw a circle andpete��whoever gets knocked out of the circle loses!��


    Qing Lian looked at this tiny thing in front of her and felt a little helpless. These aboriginals�� Every one of them had a temperament like a bull. She wasn��t actually afraid of Tong Lan. No matter how Qing Lian looked at her, she was ten years old at most. She could also sense that Tong Lan��s strength was weaker than her own.


    However, why did she have to participate in this fight? Every time a sword master used their spirit sword, it would consume part of their life! Yet, if she didn��t agree, Tong Lan would probably keep finding trouble with her, which would be a headache!


    ��This wager is too unfair for me! I would need to pay a muchrger stake!�� Qing Lian said.


    ��This is Dayao, not Great Xia! What kind of fairness do you want? Then again, I will not bully you. Say it!�� With her hands on her hips, Tong Lan informed Qing Lian that this was her territory before changing the tone of her voice.


    ��If I lose, I will not show my face in front of you again. However, if you lose�� you have to reverently and respectfully greet me as ��Sister�� whenever you see me. If anyone finds trouble with me, you will be responsible for handling it!��


    ��Do you take me for a fool? If you return to Great Xia, am I supposed to go there to protect you?�� Tong Lan replied with disdain.


    ��It will only be limited to Lan City. We can even reduce the proximity to be just within the school. As long as if anybody in the school finds trouble with me, you will be responsible for dealing with it,�� Qing Lian responded.


    Even though she had only spent one day at the school, she could tell that this girl was different from the rest. Not only was she the youngest, but many people also seemed to fear her a lot.


    With this, as long as she beat this little girl, she didn��t have to worry about anyone finding trouble with her anymore. She would also be able to prevent incidents like the current one from happening again!


    ��


    ��Shi Gan, do you think Tong Lan can win?��


    A few young boys and girls squatted in the corner and watched.


    Tong Lan used her toes and drew arge circle. There were only a few people in the vicinity watching the show.


    Thankfully, they were in Beihong District, which was near the pce. If such entertainment, which the masses enjoyed, urred in crowded ces, they would probably be surrounded by people holding nuts and shaved ice who were waiting to watch the show.


    ��Not sure. Normally, ording to little Tong Lan��s strength, not many people from Great Xia would be able to defeat her. I can��t sense much dangering from thisdy either. However, I somehow feel that thisdy has some sort of weird aura,�� Shi Ganmented.


    ��Shi Gan, will anyone find trouble with us for squatting over here?�� One of the youngsters smiled mischievously.


    They were squatting atop the walls of the Shi residence and hadn��t forgotten about the previous incident where they smashed through the Shi residence��s walls.


    ��You may choose to go down. No one will find trouble with you.�� Shi Gan rolled his eyes at him.


    ��There��s a better view here!�� That youngster looked around and felt that this spot was still the best.


    ��Should we go inform Yagui?�� someone else asked.


    ��By the time Yagui arrives, the fight will be over. Furthermore, she��s just a Great Xia person!�� another person immediately replied disdainfully.


    ��Forget it! Let��s just stay here and watch!�� The person who gave that suggestion decided to drop the idea.


    While those people were busy chit-chatting, more and more students starteding around. There was Shi Gan��s group of senior students as well as the new students who had just joined today. Seeing the duo at the scene, they immediately stopped in their tracks and began to join in the excitement.

 Chapter 620 - The Evil Girl

    Chapter 620: The Evil Girl


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Whoever goes out of the circle first is the loser! The bet is based on what was just mentioned��if you lose, you will not be allowed to appear in front of me anymore!�� Tong Lan drew a circle on the floor with the tip of her foot and marked a thick, palm-sized impression in the tile. She then stood in the center of the circle and looked up at Qing Lian who was across from her.


    ��Do you think you will win? If you lose, you will have to respectfully address me as your sister every time you see me.�� Qing Lian smiled as she looked at the small kid.


    In Great Xia, achieving the Man Wheel level at this age was considered good. To be an Earth Wheel expert by the age of 20 was exceptionally rare.


    However, this girl in front of her was about ten years old and her strength was equivalent to an intermediate stage Earth Wheel expert.


    Naturally endowed talent like this was really scary.


    What was scarier was that it wasn��t only her that had this power.


    Around her, many of those that were slightly older than her were Earth Wheel experts. For example, the few 15 or 16 year old teenagers in the ssroom as well as the teenage couple who were standing nearby.


    The aboriginals were really a formidable race.


    Even though Qing Lian was absolutely confident in her strength and could even escape from Cardinal Heaven experts, she was still shocked by the cultivation potential of the aboriginals.


    The other three nations had imposed a technological blockade on the aboriginals. Under the conditions of being poor,cking food, andcking weapons, they were still able to defeat Great Xia a year ago with 100,000 aboriginal soldiers and put pressure on both the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation.


    If the aboriginals didn��tck food and weapons, their army of 100,000 would be really formidable.


    She was still uncertain whether Su Qing had made the right decision.


    However, she soonughed at herself. She wasn��t a sage��what did this have to do with her?


    She only had to finish this transaction with Su Qing to realize his wishes. After that, Su Qing would use the whole country��s resources to fulfil her requirements. This was eptable to her. What did other matters have to do with her?


    She was only a small woman after all!


    Tong Lan, who had been waiting in the circle for a long time for Qing Lian to make a move, raised her eyebrows and shouted, ��Hey, can you be faster?��


    Qing Lian smiled, walked a few steps to the circle, unsheathed her sword with the tip pointed down at the ground, and said, ��Let��s start.�� You��re reading on B oxnovel.c om .Tks!


    Tong Lan didn��t say anything as she nted her foot on the tile. Like a bullet, she pounced on Qing Lian and incessantly rained 13 blows at her from midair. As if Tong Lan was taking revenge on it, every blow was aimed at Qing Lian��s chest.


    Apanied by explosive sounds, the high-speed punches were almost invisible. No one doubted that the person in front would be smashed if even one punchnded,.


    ��You evil girl!�� As Qing Lian looked at Tong Lan��s moves, her eyes twitched a few times before a sword curtain appeared in front of her to block the 13 punches.


    ��Your strength is tremendous!�� The two had just traded blows, and Qing Lian was stunned because the strength of this girl was much stronger than expected.


    <em>ng, ng, ng�� </em>As the sword and the fist shed 13 times, Qing Lian retreated three steps in session and stopped just inside the circle.


    ��Get out!�� Tong Lan jumped up and kicked continuously with both legs at Qing Lian.


    Qing Lian leaped at the same time, but ascended higher than Tong Lan and flipped over her head. At the same time, a sh of white light sped like a thunderbolt at Tong Lan.


    ��Oh no!�� the surrounding people eximed. They didn��t expect the battle to reach a conclusion so fast.


    Tong Lan instantly twisted her body in midair a few times and pped her right palm several times against the body of the sword to move it aside.


    ��What a clever girl��it seems I need to disy some more moves.�� Qing Lian was surprised as she didn��t expect a girl at this age to have enough experience to counter her strike or for Tong Lan��s reaction to be so fast.


    Tong Lan changed her expression as shended on the ground, looked behind Qing Lian, and asked, ��Your Majesty?��


    Everyone else was shocked by these words and wondered what the empress was doing here.


    All of them turned their heads to look.


    Qing Lian initially wanted to turn her head to look, but then, she restrained her neck from turning. From the corner of her eye, she saw the girl charging at her.


    <em>This girl is evil! </em>Qing Lian muttered silently to herself, <em>I almost fell for it!</em>


    Tong Lan came close to her body and charged at her with her shoulder. Blocking her sword with one hand, Tong Lan proceeded to kick at Qing Lian��s crotch area.


    After forcing Qing Lian to retreat, she continued to talk as she attacked Qing Lian and asked, ��Why must youe to the ck Bamboo Academy? Why don��t you leave? Youe here, yet you don��t understand anything. You must be a so-called big-breasted bimbo as your bust is so big that your brain must surely be full of mush����


    ��Don��t tell me you are interested in the gigolo? This isn��t allowed��Her Majesty will kill you! She will skin you even if she doesn��t kill you!�� Tong said seriously after suddenly realizing something.


    ��You deserve to be pped!�� The more Qing Lian listened to Tong Lan, the angrier she got. This girl was rather pretty, but she was really annoying and her tricks kept oning, one after another. She also uttered nonsense to upset others.


    ��


    ��Who did Tong Lan learn this from?�� From the top of the wall, Shi Gang and the others were looking at the scene and feeling puzzled. The Tong Lan they knew wasn��t like this. She had be so crafty and spouted so much rubbish��


    ��It��s definitely not Minister Tong who taught her!�� Shi Gang affirmed. Although Minister Tong liked to argue with Minister Qin, the two would fight after a few arguments. It wasn��t like Tong Lan, who talked while fighting.


    ��Don��t you think she is simr to a certain person?�� another student suggested.


    ��She is simr to Yagui!�� the people beside him responded.


    ��I heard that Tong Lan often goes to the pce to train with Yagui!��


    After some discussion, they discovered where Tong Lan had learned these bad habits.


    Sure enough, no one else except for Yagui behaved this way.


    ��


    ��Where did you buy your shoes from? I saw grandpa bringing one back the other day. He said that it was a gift from ady in the brothel. Were you there too? What were you doing there and did you see my grandpa?��


    ��Aaaaaaaaaaah!�� Qing Lian freaked out. Why was this little girl so wicked? Her brain was full of nonsense, and although she didn��t use vulgar words, she might as well directly use vulgar words!


    Originally, she didn��t want to attract attention, but now, Qing Lian was prepared to fix Tong Lan with all her might!


    ��Nine Clouds!�� Qing Lian thrust her sword repeatedly to force Tong Lan to retreat. Then, as she pointed her sword at the sky, everything in the surroundings seemed to gather around her sword.


    In the distance, the expression on Shi Gang��s face changed as he eximed, ��It��s getting worse!��


    Tong Lan��s face also changed. She kicked her legs continuously, causing her two shoes to fly off her feet and head toward Qing Lian��s face.


    She stamped her spotlessly white feet on the ground, causing the tiles to disintegrate into pieces that flew toward Qing Lian. Tong Lan retreated as she shouted, ��Your pants have fallen down! It isn��t honorable for me to win because you can��t fight at the moment. I will let you pull up your pants before fighting again.��

 Chapter 621 - A Moment of Enlightenment?

    Chapter 621: A Moment of Enlightenment?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A greenish-blue light shone from Qing Lian��s sword as an electric arc seemed to form around it.


    ��Move!�� Qing Lian simply ignored the nonsense spouted by Tong Lan and thrust the sword at her.


    Before the sword descended, the surrounding people felt a wild wind blowing. What they saw in her hand wasn��t a sword, but something like a luminescent dragon with teeth and ws.


    Tong Lan gritted her teeth and pulled out a dagger from her waist. The de was as wide as her palm and engraved with lines that looked like blood vessels.


    With one hand, she used the dagger to protect her body.


    This strike from Qing Lian caused an explosion as all the tiles in the vicinity blew up. Tong Lan was blown away by the explosion and thrown 70 or 80 meters away beforending heavily on the ground.


    ��Tong Lan?��


    A few students immediately ran as fast as they could toward Tong Lan.


    A few figures surrounded Qing Lian.


    Four teenagers were facing her from four directions.


    ��Youe to Lan City to unt your power��do you think Dayao has nobody that can handle you? Sixth Uncle, bring me my baton!�� Shi Gang sneered and then shouted from outside the courtyard.


    Next, he said to the other three, ��Are you new students who enrolled this year? I can handle this on my own.��


    ��Very impressive, but I want to experience a fight with a master from Great Xia!�� A girl smiled as she brought out a dagger.


    ��Four against one is shameful. You guys fight. I will go off.�� The other two looked at each other, took the initiative to retreat, and went to where Tong Lan was.


    From a nearby courtyard, an iron baton that was as thick as a wrist came flying in with a roar andnded at an angle on the ground.


    ��Thank you, Sixth Uncle!�� Shi Gang went forward to pull up the baton.


    ��If you lose, don��t address me as your uncle.�� A row of heads that was looking at them was suddenly seen poking up from the top of the courtyard wall.


    ��Come on! You are the worst in the Shi family!�� One of the guysughed heartily and then the rest followed.


    Shi Gang��s face immediately turned ck with fury.


    Following that strike from the sword, the street began to fill up with more people. 40 or 50 people jumped out from their courtyards and headed toward the scene.


    From their breathing, Qing Lian was rmed as she could sense that they were at least Earth Wheel level and that there were three Spirit Wheel experts among them.


    ��Who caused that resounding explosion? It��s interesting!�� A resonant voice came from far away, and by the time thest word was spoken, he was already right at the front.


    When the crowd turned to look, there was Tong Zhenye!


    ��Hey, this is rather interesting! Is this the sword?�� Tong Zhenye stroked his chin and looked firmly at the sword Qing Lian was holding. The power of that sword strike was normally not enough to entice him to take a look, but his interest was aroused because it sounded like thunder.


    ��Are you the one from Great Xia who��s staying atdy boss��s house?�� Tong Zhenye was only able to identify Qing Lian upon arrival, and thedy boss he referred to was obviously Ning Caichen.


    His activities had recently shifted from the brothel to the homely wine shop.


    ��You are indeed courageous to fight in front of the pce.�� Tong Zhenye looked at Qing Lian, then looked at Shi Gang who was armed with a baton and the girl who was wielding a dagger.


    ��You two aren��t the ones that were fighting. Who are the people that were fighting?�� Tong Zhenye discovered that these two didn��t show any signs of having fought. He looked at the people around and immediately sensed that something was wrong.


    ��Grandpa!�� Tong Lan, who was being supported by some people in the distance, looked gloomy. She had never expected this person to be so powerful and had totally not sensed Qing Lian��s power earlier.


    Qing Lian was startled when she realized that the old man woulde after her for beating his little granddaughter. The situation was gettingplicated.


    ��My little Lan Lan�� Tong Zhenye looked at the bloodstains on Tong Lan��s mouth andpel and at the numerous scratches on her body. The blood rushed to his brain�� He was bald, so the hairs of his beard stood up.


    When he stared with dagger-like ferocity at Qing Lian, she subconsciously held her sword in front of her chest.


    The students around him were forced back by his powerful aura��even Shi Gang and that girl were unable to stand their ground. They ended up being forced into a corner against the wall.


    However, Shi Gang��s view was suddenly cut off as if a wall had been put up in front of him. Six big hunks with their arms akimbo stood in front of him to see the action.


    ��Youe to Lan City and beat up my granddaughter?! Hehe!�� Tong Zhenye sneered. ��Do you prefer to be hung from the wall to dry in the wind or to be dried before being hung up?��


    Qing Lian frowned, looked at the surroundings from the corner of her eye, and fretted to herself, <em>Ren Baqian, why are you still not here yet?</em>


    She could only exin herself if Ren Baqian was around.


    ��Sir Tong, Her Majesty wants to seek an audience with you!�� At that moment, ady d in iron armor came and made this announcement.


    ��Xin Zhe, let me hang up this woman on the wall first before I see Her Majesty,�� Tong Zhenye said.


    ��Her Majesty wants all of you to present yourselves in court!�� Xin Zhe emphasized again.


    ��Grandpa, it was me who challenged her. This is none of your business!�� Tong Lan was physically supported as she came over to exin.


    ��You are my granddaughter!�� Tong Zhenye red at her.


    ��Why should you be involved in women��s affairs?�� Tong Lan retorted.


    Tong Zhenye was speechless.


    ��Forget it! Let��s go to see Her Majesty!�� Tong Zhenye calmed down and relented.


    Qing Lian was relieved to see this, but she became anxious again since she hadn��t expected to get to see Qi Zixiao under such circumstances.


    She had heard that the empress was another unreasonable person and wondered how she would be treated.


    Running away was considered the best option. Although there were many top-notch experts around, she could still escape if she wanted to.


    Xin Zhe walked in front of Qing Lian and ordered, ��Sheathe your sword and follow me to the pce to meet Her Majesty!��


    ��Okay!�� Qing Lian gritted her teeth as she sheathed her sword.


    After contemting for a long time, she still regarded the things taught by Ren Baqian to be hard toe by. Therefore, she shouldn��t leave yet.


    Once Ren Baqian made an appearance, nothing should happen to her.


    After all, Ren Baqian and Su Qing were still cooperating with each other.


    She felt that the cooperation between Ren Baqian and Su Qing was the correct choice and had almost forgotten that she wouldn��t be here if not for Su Qing.


    A momentter, she, Tong Lan, Tong Zhenye, and the others were brought to a big hall.


    ��Wait here. Her Majesty will grant you an audience soon.�� Xin Zhe left promptly after saying this.


    Tong Zhenye stroked his chin and said, ��It seems that today��s incident has nothing to do with me. What am I doing here?��


    ��Getting involved in women��s affairs that don��t concern you��even Her Majesty can��t take it!�� Tong Lanmented.


    Shi Gang and the others grinned as they tried to prevent themselves fromughing out loud.


    Tong Zhenye furiously red at Tong Lan.


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, they are waiting in Hanyuan Pce Hall for you.�� Xin Zhe cupped her hands as she reported to the empress in her bedroom.


    ��Well, let them wait a bit longer.�� She was absorbed in ying herputer game as she continued, ��Wait for Ren Baqian toe back first.��


    ��Your Majesty, move this across!�� Hong Luan whispered to the empress from behind.


    ��I know!�� The empress quickly made a move with her mouse.


    After some time, Ren Baqian returned to the pce bedroom.


    Hong Luan and Qing Yuan made way for Ren Baqian when they saw himing in.


    Ren Baqian sniffed the empress��s hair before saying, ��Your Majesty bathed with purple orchid essence today.��


    The empress corrected him and said, ��It was yesterday!��


    ��For me, Your Majesty will always stay in the present!�� Ren Baqian whispered into her ears.


    ��Get away! It tickles!�� The empress shrank away and struck out with her hand, leaving Ren Baqian with a bump on his head.


    ��However, what you said just now is quite meaningful.�� The empress put the mouse down and murmured, ��Everyone will always stay in the present.��


    Then, the empress recalled something and was soon lost in her thoughts!


    ��Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian whispered.


    ��Sir Ren, do not disturb Her Majesty. She may have had a sudden insight!�� Hong Luan patted him lightly.


    ��What insight?�� Ren Baqian asked doubtfully.


    ��Look at her fingers and eyes! She often disys this type of behavior and suddenly goes into a transcendental state. If sessful, her power will advance a level. Therefore, do not disturb her,�� Hong Luan exined.


    Ren Baqian moved to face the empress and saw that her fingers were curled strangely. Her eyes were narrowed, and a red light seemed to be moving inside.


    Ren Baqian��s jaw dropped in wonder. Was this the enlightenment that was mentioned in legends? Was the empress often in this state?


    If the aboriginals were an incredible race, then the empress was the VIP of this incredible race!

 Chapter 622 - Punishment

    Chapter 622: Punishment


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��When will she wake up?�� Ren Baqian walked around the empress and looked at her face, which was very different from how it usually was. It wascking the vigor and the narrowed eyes that she typically had, which always made him feel like pinching her cheeks.


    At present, the empress had no reaction to the outside world. This opportunity would only knock once!


    Ultimately, the will to survive prevailed��it was better for him to forego this idea. Otherwise, the empress would hang him from the gpole once again.


    ��No idea. Sometimes two to four hours or even eight to ten hours. The longest it took was three days,�� Hong Luan answered. The two of them weren��t afraid to tell Ren Baqian about this.


    ��During this period, will Her Majesty wake up when she senses danger?�� Ren Baqian suddenly recalled.


    ��Of course!�� the two of them responded.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian stood in front of the empress and looked at her as she sat there quietly. He felt that she seemed to be in a pretty fun state and wanted to pinch her cheeks.


    Ren Baqian sat there in admiration for a while before asking, ��Her Majesty previously summoned Minister Tong and a few students to the pce, right?��


    He heard about this news before he came back to the pce, but he didn��t expect the empress to suddenly fall into this moment of enlightenment.


    ��Yes, but only after Her Majesty wakes up,�� Qing Yuan replied.


    ��I��ll go take a look.�� Ren Baqian stood up and left the main hall. After asking a bodyguard in the pce and Xin Zhe, he found out which hall those people were in.


    After asking around, Ren Baqian didn��t leave in a hurry. He stood five meters away from Xin Zhe, stretched out two fingers, and asked, ��How many fingers?��


    Xin Zhe looked expressionlessly at Ren Baqian, shook her head, and walked away.


    ��There��s no rush. We will first have a look at your condition. Maybe there��s something that can be done about your eyes,�� Ren Baqian said.


    After hearing his words, Xin Zhe immediately stopped in her tracks, turned around, and asked, ��What can be done?��


    ��We first need to have a look at the condition of your eyes and determine if it��s inborn amblyopia, astigmatism, or a,�� Ren Baqian exined. ��Her Majesty told me previously, but we first have to find out the problem with your eyes before we can do anything about it.��


    Upon hearing this, Xin Zhe replied expressionlessly, ��I don��t know either.��


    ��Next time, I will bring an eye chart for you to measure your visual acuity. Then, we can figure out what your condition is,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Thank you for your trouble!�� Xin Zhe still remained expressionless.


    As if she didn��t wish to speak another word, she nodded her head and left.


    Even though Ren Baqian very rarely spoke with Xin Zhe, she was themander of the imperial bodyguards. He was able to see her quite frequently, but they didn��t have many opportunities to converse.


    To be honest, Xin Zhe looked pretty good as well. Even though she wasn��t as heroic as the empress, just judging by her face, she looked more delicate. However, her expressions were even colder than the empress��s.


    Ren Baqian actually heard Qing Yuan mention before that Xin Zhe wasn��t originally that cold. She only gradually became like that after bing the empress��smander of the imperial bodyguards.


    Ren Baqian guessed that it would be beneficial to make herself look more dignified when inmand of those burly bodyguards. On the other hand, maybe she learned it from the empress. After looking cold over a long period of time, she naturally became like that.


    After all, the empress was the idol of many in Dayao. For ady like Xin Zhe, it was perfectly normal to imitate the empress��s expressions.


    Ren Baqian arrived at Hanyuan Pce Hall as he mulled over the issue of Xin Zhe��s eyes. He saw Tong Zhenye casually strolling around in the hall. Tong Lan stood there with blood stains on her body and rested with her eyes closed. The others were well-behaved and stood still in their spots.


    ��Eh? Where is Her Majesty, Principal Ren?�� Tong Zhenye turned his head when he heard footsteps and saw that Ren Baqian was the only one who walked in. He stretched his neck to have a look and was puzzled when he realized that the empress wasn��t following behind.


    ��Her Majesty seems to have had a sudden enlightenment and isn��t able to meet with you for the time being,�� Ren Baqian said. After carefully looking at Qing Lian and Tong Lan, Tong Lan had indeed taken a beating, which was exactly like what he had heard previously.


    ��Do I have to keep waiting here?�� Tong Zhenye questioned with his eyes wide open.


    ��You may leave first, Sir Tong,�� Ren Baqian answered after pondering for a bit. Tong Zhenye��s status was higher than the rest, and there were other things that needed to be done at the Ministry of Works. It wasn��t appropriate to make him wait here as well. It would still be fine if it was only for a short period of time, but nobody knew when the empress would wake up from her enlightenment. She presumably wouldn��t me Tong Zhenye if he took his leave first.


    ��In that case, if Her Majesty asks about me, remember to help me put in a good word.�� Tong Zhenye grinned.


    ��Certainly. Please go ahead, Sir Tong,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Tong Zhenye didn��t stay any longer after hearing this. He took a good look at Qing Lian before walking out of Hanyuan Pce Hall with big strides.


    Only the students from the academy remained: Qing Lian, Tong Lan, Shi Gan, and another girl. Ren Baqian remembered that she was named Zhu Hua and that she was a new student.


    ��Do you guys have nothing better to do? Fighting right after school ends? It seems that you have too little homework!�� Ren Baqian sneered after pacing around in front of them.


    ��This has nothing to do with me��I was forced to fight. I can��t possibly refuse to fight back when someone��s fists have alreadynded on my face, right?�� Qing Lianined lightly.


    ��She��s a Great Xia person!�� Tong Lan mumbled to herself while staring at Qing Lian sternly.


    Qing Lian nced over at her and said, ��I visited the school with Principal Ren��s permission. Besides, you lost to me just now, so you need to respectfully greet me as sister when you see me in the future. Let me hear it from you now.��


    Tong Lan opened her mouth and attempted to refute this, but was left speechless. No matter what, it was a fact that she had lost.


    If she were to abide by the wager, it would pain her more than death to have to greet this wretched Great Xia person as sister whenever she saw her.


    However, if she refused toply, she would definitely be embarrassed of herself.


    Even though Qing Lian used unscrupulous methods to win, Tong Lan knew that she had to ept her loss if she agreed to bet.


    In any case, it was very difficult for her to choose either decision. The more she thought about it, the more dejected she felt. Eventually, she let out a scream, tilted her head, andshed out directly at Shi Gan!


    ��What did you hit me for?!�� Shi Gan dodged in a sh and questioned her angrily.


    ��My head is feeling itchy!�� Tong Lan became frantic.


    Looking at Tong Lan��s behavior, Ren Baqian was disinclined to reprimand her. It would also be good to let her learn a lesson. This would save the 10 year old girl from thinking about using her fists to talk all the time.


    ��What about you two? What happened?�� Ren Baqian cast his nce over at Shi Gan and Zhu Hua.


    Shi Gan immediately sounded his grievance and protested, ��I didn��t do anything. Since Tong Lan was injured, I was afraid that Qing Lian would strike at her again, so I obstructed her.��


    ��Ah! Ah! Ah!�� Tong Lan grew frantic once more after hearing Shi Gan talk about her getting wounded. ��Haven��t you heard about not revealing other��s shorings?��


    ��I actually stuck up for you. Don��t bite the hand that feeds you.�� Shi Gan rolled his eyes at her before saying to Ren Baqian, ��Teacher, you mentioned before that students should help each other. Did I do anything wrong?��


    ��Don��t try to be smart!�� Ren Baqian red at him because he had already heard about the course of events when he arrived. This chap Shi Gan was clearly not speaking the truth.


    ��What about you?�� Ren Baqian asked Zhu Hua.


    ��I���� Zhu Hua looked to the side as her gaze wandered.


    ��Getting into a fight just days after starting school? How capable you are!��


    ��I didn��t fight!�� Zhu Hua immediately defended herself.


    ��You didn��t fight with your hands, but with a de��isn��t that right?�� Ren Baqian sneered. This group of students was indeed capable. They came to school with des, daggers, and swords. There was no telling if they would even bring a mace in the future!


    ��I merely took out a de, but I didn��t fight.�� Zhu Hua exined.


    ��Hmph!��


    ��ording to thew, anyone who fights privately in Lan City without dering it to the Public Order Bureau will receive threeshes of the whip. Having escted this issue to Her Majesty, you will receive ten times the punishment, which raises it to 30shes per person. Now that Her Majesty is busy and has no time for you, I will give you another chance. Everyone will copy the ��Three Character ssic�� 100 times, and you will only return home after you finish copying it. Starting from tomorrow, you will also clean the toilets for a week!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Upon hearing this, everyone��s expressions immediately turned bitter.


    Regardless of whether it was copying the ��Three Character ssic�� 100 times or cleaning the toilets, this was like torture to them and wasn��t any better than enduring the whip.


    Furthermore, it had always been double the punishment, where did the ten timese from?


    ��I refuse to ept this!�� Qing Lian��s eyes snapped wide open. She, a magnificent expert, actually had to copy books and clean toilets here in Lan City?


    This was intolerable!


    ��If you wish to continue visiting the school, you have to abide by its rules,�� Ren Baqian responded coldly. ��This matter has escted to Her Majesty! Do you think you can get away with this?��


    ��Teacher, I��m hungry!�� Shi Gan licked his lips.


    ��You guys have so much energy that skipping a meal or two won��t pose a problem.�� Ren Baqian left them in the hall after he was done talking and went to get someone to send over brushes and paper.


    These students didn��t have enough homework, which made them too idle. By the look of it, it seemed like they needed to be given additional homework in the future!

 Chapter 623 - The Empress is Awake

    Chapter 623: The Empress is Awake


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Wow, you are a fast writer!�� Ren Baqian said as Shi Gan handed over a stack of papers.


    Shi Gan knew very well the meaning of living under the auspices of others and knowing when the situation was beyond his control. He immediately responded, ��It��s due to your teaching and guidance.��


    ��If your father wasn��t the Great Elder, I would have suspected that you wear an aboriginal skin to look like them.�� Ren Baqian sighed. Shi Qing and Shi Gan were a special species among the aboriginals.


    He continued, ��You better go back. If you are caught again, it will not be so simple. You will be tasked to spend the whole afternoon on Jingyang Street shouting, ��I��m really my father��s biological son!����


    Shi Gan was upset after hearing this. Yagui��s words were very mean��even shouting this sentence one time was enough to make him suicidal, not to mention shouting it for a whole afternoon.


    Ren Baqian sat at the front of Hanyuan Pce Hall with his legs crossed and gestured with his hands for Shi Gan to leave


    He turned to look inside the hall and saw that Tong Lan had almost finished writing.


    The first batch of students, including Shi Gan, had been punished more than once and had learned from the writing experiences.


    As for the other two students who were scratching their ears and cheeks like two female monkeys, they probably wouldn��t be able to leave the hall tonight.


    After a while, Tong Lan put down her pen and seemed to grunt on purpose before ncing at Qing Lian.


    Noticing that Qing Lian was ignoring her, Tong Lan stood up sulkily, walked to stand beside Zhu Hua, and asked, ��Hi, what��s your name?��


    ��Zhu Hua!�� Zhu Hua, who was pulling at her hair in despair, nced up with sorrowful looking eyes. If she had known earlier, it would have been better for her to join the army!


    ��You are invited to my house after you get out of here!�� Tong Lan said.


    ��If you help me to write this, not going to your house is also fine!�� Zhu Hua mumbled.


    Tong Lan was rattled after hearing this and quickly departed from the hall.


    ��If you are caught again, besides writing multiple copies, you will be sent to Jingyang Street to shout, ��My father is really the biological son of my grandfather�� for a whole afternoon,�� Ren Baqian said with bad intentions. At the same time, he nced at Tong Lan��s writing.


    ��My grandpa will have a duel with you!�� Tong Lan said bluntly.


    ��Her Majesty will duel with your grandpa!�� Ren Baqian retorted. His backer was much bigger than hers.


    ��Well, do you really know what happens in a brothel?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��It��s a ce to indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun!�� Tong Lan said scornfully. ��My mother said that thedies inside there are bad. If my father goes there again, she will break his legs!��


    ��If your father knew that you had betrayed him, he would break your legs!�� Ren Baqian said before gesturing and driving Tong Lan away.


    Tong Lan shouted in frustration after leaving the hall, ��Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!��


    In order to vent the frustration in her heart and the turmoil in her stomach, she ran straight home.


    After Tong Lan left, Ren Baqian returned to the hall to see the progress of the two remaining people inside.


    With only about five pages, Qing Lian had copied the least, but one copy was tranted with the help of the dictionary of thenguage used in this world that had been provided by Ren Baqian. She was indeed a smart person.


    Although she suffered some hardship, she learned many words as a result.


    He looked at Zhuo Hua again. She had written about the same amount as Qing Lian, but her scribbled words looked like they were written in chicken scratch.


    Ren Baqian shook his head, sighed, and asked, ��You are such a pretty little girl, but why��s your handwriting so ugly?��


    Zhuo Hua threw her pen on the table andmented, ��I wasn��t educated! You might as well whip me 30 times!��


    ��You need to practice because you weren��t taught before. If you can��t even read a newspaper in the future, what jobs can you do?�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I��m going to go crazy!�� Zhuo Hua held her head in both hands and pulled at her hair.


    ��Put in more effort since you are the weakest!�� Ren Baqian encouraged her.


    ��Are you encouraging me, Sir?�� Zhuo Hua stared at Ren Baqian.


    ��Of course! Still, encouragement must be relevant to reality!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily. ��Come on! I hope to see you at the academy tomorrow.��


    ��Can I go to the toilet?�� Zhuo Hua asked pitifully.


    ��Go ahead. The guard outside will bring you there.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    After Zhuo Hua left, Qing Lian raised her head and asked, ��The aboriginals are quite xenophobic, so how did you manage to stay here?��


    Ren Baqian stroke his chin and replied, ��It��s not that bad.��


    ��Ugh!�� Qing Lian felt like it was a wasted effort to sympathize with him since nobody would do anything to this gigolo.


    ��Who��s Mencius��s mother? Who��s Dou Yanshan? Who wrote the ��Analects?�� Where are the books written by Mencius? In addition, `Xia has Yu, Shang has Tang, and Zhou Wenwu; they are called the Three Kings.�� What does this mean��?�� The questions poured out of Qing Lian��s mouth.


    ��If you want to know, go to ss with the new students. I can��t answer your questions in such a short time here,�� Ren Baqian said. He waved his hands as he walked out of Hanyuan Pce Hall and headed to the empress��s bedroom.


    The pce bedroom was brightly lit with the fans blowing on the ice basins.


    However, the empress was still sitting in the same position on the couch and was still not awake.


    Ren Baqian sat beside the empress for two hours and observed her resting peacefully under themplight before leaving for Pingle Park to take a rest.


    Ren Baqian initially assumed that the empress would wake up soon, but after three days, she still had yet to wake up.


    Every time Ren Baqian visited the bedroom, he found the inanimate empress in the same posture.


    Although he found it interesting in the beginning, he felt like he was facing a puppet after some time and felt as if something was missing.


    Even when the empress was throwing her temper around, she was more lovable than she was now.


    Although the empress��s trance state was longer than before, he wasn��t worried as it wasn��t a problem for the empress to be without food or water for a few days. The most important factor was that her breathing was smooth and that the red light in her slightly narrowed eyes didn��t diminish.


    It was just that Ren Baqian missed the lively empress.


    On the morning of the fifth day, he went to the empress��s bedroom to find out whether she was awake and saw Qing Luan running out from far away.


    Ren Baqian stopped Qing Luan and asked, ��What��s going on? Is the empress awake?��


    ��She just woke up, and I��m going to prepare some food for her.�� Qing Luan hastily greeted Ren Baqian and rushed away.


    Ren Baqian was relieved to hear that the empress was finally awake.


    He rushed to the empress��s bedroom and saw that she was motionless and sitting in a daze. If not for her clear, bright eyes, he would have assumed that the empress was still in a trance.


    ��Your Majesty, how are you feeling?�� Ren Baqian walked over and asked her gently.


    ��You are here!�� The empress turned her head to look at him, smiled, and said, ��It��s quite beneficial this time around as I��m going to break through again!��


    ��The word ��again�� is well said!�� Ren Baqian eximed. The super VIP was certainly different from an ordinary yer!


    Suddenly, he thought of an important issue and said, ��Your Majesty�� If you break through again, you will not be able to bear a child in the short term!��


    ��Bah! Crap!�� the empress cursed at him and blushed.


    Subsequently, she said softly, ��There��s still some time.��


    If not for Ren Baqian, the empress would have broken through this time, but how could she say this out loud?


    During breakfast, the empress showed Ren Baqian what a ��godlike�� appetite looked like.


    It seemed like the empress needed a huge amount of food to nourish her blood after she had greatly improved her cultivation level. She ate a fork-horned cow and two sheep for breakfast, yet she was barely 70 percent full.


    Looking at her body, it was hard to tell where all the food went.

 Chapter 624 - Another Punishment

    Chapter 624: Another Punishment


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��ss is dismissed!�� As soon as Ren Baqian said those words, the entire ssroom of students dashed toward the backyard.


    There was one little shadow that moved the fastest. In a few shes, shended in front of the bathrooms in the backyard. With her hands behind her back, she stood with a determined look and watched as the students rushed over.


    ��No one is allowed to use the toilets!�� Tong Lan said to the crowd.


    ��Why?�� Everyone immediately looked at her with ring eyes, appearing extremely displeased.


    ��No one is allowed to use the toilets and that is it! Why the question?�� Tong Lan��s eyes gave off an ominous glint. Whoever dared to use the bathroom, she would teach that person a lesson.


    ��What do we do then? We can��t possibly pee in our pants right? There will be a foul smell in the sster on. Even if you can tolerate it, we can��t!�� Du Laoliuined.


    ��In three days�� time, you can use the toilets however you want! The ck Bamboo Forest behind us is so vast��isn��t it enough for you?�� Tong Lan nced across everyone��s faces with a fierce look and stared back at all of them.


    Upon hearing this, no one wanted to get beaten by Tong Lan over this issue. They had no choice but to leap over the wall and run straight for the ck Bamboo Forest.


    The girls felt a little helpless. The ck Bamboo Forest was huge, and if they went deep inside, they would probably not be able toe back in time for ss. The closer areas were all upied by the boys��


    ��You girls can just use the toilets!�� Tong Lan said. The girls were always give some preferential treatment.


    Tong Lan thought to herself that it would be advantageous for her not to have to clean the male toilets as she was in charge of them. Shi Gan, Zhuo Hua, and that Great Xia girl were in charge of cleaning the female toilets. Even if she allowed the girls to use the toilets, the three of them couldn��tin, right?


    She hated herself for onlying up with this idea after a long time��she had already cleaned the toilets for so many days.


    Later on, when the new students approached the bathrooms, Tong Lan did the same thing again.


    ��Little girl, why must we listen to you?�� A few of the boysughed.


    Without demur, Tong Lan suddenly vanished before reappearing in front of the boys and kicking four of them away. When she arrived in front of thest boy, she was knocked back by a fist.


    Tong Lan looked up and saw a boy who was around 16 years old. He looked very ordinary, but had fast reflexes and was quite strong.


    ��Girl, be reasonable!�� That boy was a little indignant.


    ��I will talk reason with you if you beat me!�� Tong Lan vanished again after finishing her sentence and reemerged above that boy��s head, stomping down on him with one foot.


    The surrounding people were stunned when they heard what Tong Lan said. How could she be like that? Only willing to talk reason if he beat her?


    After exchanging a few blows with that boy, she had a whole new level of respect for him. She didn��t expect to find such experts among this new batch of students.


    She felt like defeating him even more!


    At the thought of this, Tong Lan��s speed and strength increased several folds. Move after move, every time their fists and legs came into contact, it would produce a loud rumble!


    Following these loud noises, that young man fell back incessantly. His arms began to shiver and his face turned red, but he still bit the bullet and didn��t even say a word!


    Still, he didn��t seem to be able to withstand it any longer.


    Tong Lan turned her body in midair and sent her fist smashing down toward his chest. The young man couldn��t hold on any longer and flew off like an artillery shell.


    ��Hmph!�� With an extremely fierce expression on her face, Tong Lan stopped immediately and asked, ��Is there anyone else who isn��t convinced?��


    Before she even finished her sentence, a silhouette dashed over from the distance, flipped a few times in the air, and ferociously used her leg to strike down like a giant axe.


    Tong Lan faced this with her fist, and with a bang, the aggressor flew off. Like a nail, Tong Lan was pounded about 30 centimeters into the ground.


    ��Zhuo Hua?�� The young girl who just attacked Tong Lan was wearing a short skirt and a tube top made of animal skin. Tong Lan looked at her and suddenly flew into a rage. She wasn��t allowing anyone to use the male toilets and nned for the three of them to simply clean up the female toilets. Why did Zhuo Hua attack her even after she did such a good deed?


    ��Why did you attack my younger brother!�� Zhuo Hua was enraged as well.


    ��Your younger brother?�� Tong Lan stared nkly and saw that young man running back from where she sent him flying to previously. She couldn��t see any resemnce between Zhuo Hua and her brother, regardless of whether it was his facial shape or his eyes. There weren��t any simr features at all.


    ��He��s my younger brother from my third uncle��s family!�� Zhuo Hua replied angrily.


    ��How would I know?!�� Tong Lan mumbled softly to herself before lifting her head and saying, ��I��m doing this to help you guys reduce the burden of having to clean the toilets. It��s your brother who is at fault!��


    ��What exactly happened?�� Zhuo Hua asked as she looked back and forth between Tong Lan and at that young man.


    He murmured and exined what had happened to Zhuo Hua.


    ��You are too overbearing!�� Zhuo Hua stared at Tong Lan.


    ��You aren��t appreciating my good intentions! In any case, the men��s bathroom is out of bounds!�� Tong Lan gritted her teeth.


    ��No big deal!�� Zhuo Hua replied coldly. She turned around and said to her brother, ��The huge ck Bamboo Forest is just behind us. You can go there and pee since guys aren��t afraid of being seen!��


    A whileter, many of the new students appeared in the ck Bamboo Forest and somehow felt that something was amiss!


    Why did they end up having to pee in the forest?


    Wasn��t something amiss?


    ��


    Ren Baqian sat in his office, looked at the few people in front of him, and asked, ��Okay, I have finally managed to make these students get used to the habit of using the toilet, but you broke the rules for your own benefit because of not wanting to do the cleaning? Also, you fought in school again after just a few days?��


    Tong Lan looked hesitant and didn��t know whether to lower her head in remorse or to lift her head and show her arrogance.


    She was Tong Lan, a genius!


    Of course she couldn��t lower her head like those idiots!


    At the thought of this, she lifted her head and disyed her arrogance.


    ��Zhuo Wei is a first time offender. He will copy the ��Three Character ssic�� 100 times and clean the toilets for a week, starting from next week.


    As for you two, this is your second offense in less than a week. Copy the ��Three Character ssic�� 200 times! Plus, your toilet cleaning duty shall be extended for another two weeks!��


    Zhuo Hua and Tong Lan��s faces turned pale upon hearing this.


    The fear of being controlled by the ��Three Character ssic�� seeped into their minds once again. After they finished copying the previous time, the ssic even appeared in their dreams over the past few days. Now, they had to do it again and even more this time around!


    ��Principal, just give meshes with the whip!�� Zhuo Hua said with a bitter face.


    ��60shes?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Zhuo Hua nodded bitterly as she would rather endure theshes than copy the ��Three Character ssic�� again.


    ��The whip from the Public Order Bureau is made out of the skin of the Spiked Dragon��s tail, which is full of barbed tips. It rips away ayer of your skin with everysh. I reckon you would probably be disfigured after enduring 60shes!�� Ren Baqian replied faintly.


    ��Are there any other punishments then? Don��t make me copy the ��Three Character ssic�� anymore!�� Zhuo Hua was on the verge of crying.


    ��How else can I make you guys learn your lesson? You kids are all brawn and no brain��you use your fists more than you use your heads! You may go back home and copy it this time. Turn it in to me in two days�� time!��


    ��It��s not right!�� Tong Lan suddenly said.


    ��What do you want to say?�� Ren Baqian looked at her.


    ��The punishment for fighting in Lan City is only threeshes of the whip. Previously, you said that the punishment would be ten times heavier for escting the matter to Her Majesty. Since this isn��t the case now, why is the punishment so heavy!�� Tong Lan lifted her small face and refused to ept it.


    Ren Baqian sneered, ��I��m the Principal, so I have the final say! The punishment will be 20 times heavier for fighting at school!��


    Tong Lan was so fuming mad that her face turned red. She stared fiercely at Ren Baqian as if she was about to pounce and bite him.


    After holding it in for some time, she suddenly spouted some idioms and dered, ��You are abusing your power! You do not make clear the rewards and penalties and are misusing your power!��


    ��Yeah, that��s right? What else?�� Ren Baqian folded his arms and stared at Tong Lan with a look of ridicule.


    Zhuo Hua and her brother looked listless.


    <em>Have you conceded?</em>


    <em>Have you actually conceded so mindlessly?</em>


    ��I�� I�� I will not yield! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!�� Tong Lan said ��I�� many times, but still couldn��t think of what she could do to Ren Baqian. Her face turned from red to ck. Then, she screamed and ran out of the office.


    ��Anything else that you want to say? If there isn��t, go back to ss!�� Ren Baqian looked at the siblings.


    ��We��ll return to ss!�� they answered.


    After they left the office, Zhuo Hua recalled that she had to copy the ��Three Character ssic�� 200 times. Sadness suddenly overwhelmed her as she became frantic and shouted, ��Ah! Ah! Ah!�� toward the sky before running back to the ssroom.

 Chapter 625 - The Dispute

    Chapter 625: The Dispute


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress woke up from her transcendental state and pondered deeply for two days before returning to her normal self.


    ��Let��s go out of the pce for a walk.��


    Ren Baqian had just reached the pce when he heard the empress say, ��We aren��t having lunch in the pce.��


    ��The empress is in a good mood today.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Not really. I��m just feeling a bit bored!�� the empress said.


    ��Your Majesty should go out more often. Traveling 10,000 miles is better than reading 10,000 books!�� Ren Baqian added. The ancient emperors in China faced many restrictions when traveling. Preparations had to be made two months in advance while secrecy was needed due to fear of assassination and other dangers.


    However, traveling wasn��t a problem for the empress because she didn��t face restrictions in traveling. Furthermore, she herself was a top-ranked expert.


    It was just that most of the time, the empress preferred to hang around in the pce.


    In modern pance, she was a homebody who seldom talked about going out, so Ren Baqian was more than happy to apany her.


    Ren Baqian went back to Pingle Park to change into ordinary clothes and discovered that the empress was still wearing the same red dress as before.


    ��Your Majesty, you will be easily recognized this way. Do you wish to be easily recognized?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Why is that so? There shouldn��t be arge number of people who can recognize me,�� the empress retorted.


    ��Not to mention your looks, just your disposition is beyondparison to ordinary people��even those that have never met you before can feel it. Furthermore, many people in the city have seen you before and will certainly find it hard to forget you once they have taken a look. In addition, I will be by your side�� They can also infer who you are when they see the two of us walking together,�� Ren Baqian exined with a smile.


    The empress frowned and agreed with the fact that it was easy for people to recognize her with Ren Baqian beside her. She looked up and said, ��This is all your fault!��


    Ren Baqian spread out his arms and shrugged his shoulders.


    ��I don��t want to change my clothes!�� The empress was defiant. In his eyes, her tantrum made her look rather cute.


    ��Your Majesty���� Ren Baqian pondered and remembered a phrase from the ancients that was very relevant to this situation.


    The phrase went, ��When you are running around naked, do you cover the top or bottom parts?��


    The answer was, ��Cover the face.��


    ��In that case, cover your face!�� Ren Baqian��s arms were still spread out.


    The empress expected Ren Baqian toe up with a good suggestion, but unexpectedly he produced such an unconstructive idea.


    ��I��m serious!�� the empress said seriously.


    ��I��m also serious!�� Ren Baqian asked, ��Is there a better solution?��


    The empress thought about it and couldn��te up with a better idea��


    .


    A momentter the empress wore a red dress with white underclothes and used a red scarf to cover her face.


    Ren Baqian wore a green robe and had a ck mask on his face.


    The two of them then swaggered out of the pce.


    The imperial guards following them felt likeughing but didn��t dare to show it.


    ��This is silly!�� The empress couldn��t help but say, ��I must be a dolt to listen to your stupid ideas!��


    ��Custom-make two sets of clothester. For one set, write the word ��female�� on the front and the word ��big�� on the back. For the other set, write the word ��male�� on the front and the word ��robber�� on the back. The wordsbined will be ��male and female thieves.����


    <em>Ptui! </em>The empress spat.


    The two of them strolled through Beihong District and attracted a lot of attention.


    The way they were dressed, it was hard not to attract attention.


    As the empress and Ren Baqian walked past a restaurant, the empress looked at the signboard and said, ��I remembering here for a meal when I was young and the taste was good!��


    ��Do you want to give it a try? We haven��t eaten lunch yet!�� Ren Baqian stopped to look up and saw the words ��Shanhuai Restaurant�� written on the signboard.


    This restaurant looked like a ce that the descendants of the court officials preferred to frequent.


    He wondered whether the empress would cause a furor with her entrance.


    The empress was of the same mind and nodded before saying, ��Good idea.��


    As soon as the empress nodded, Ren Baqian became excited. As he pulled the empress along to the second floor, he was eagerly waiting to see who the unlucky fellow they encountered would be.


    ��Guests!�� A fat waiter with a face that looked more like a thug than a waiter attempted to block them.


    ��Why can��t we go to the second story?�� Ren Baqian asked, thinking that show time was imminent.


    The thuggish looking waiter kept on waving his hands and said earnestly, ��Of course you can, but there are many people there and it��s noisy. If you want to go up, it isn��t a problem.��


    In Lan City, those that could afford woven clothing weren��t ordinary people. People who could work as waiters were certainly smart and discerning.


    ��No problem��we prefer crowded ces as they are livelier!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Ren Baqian led the empress straight up to the second story, saw many people, and recognized quite a few of them.


    There was Hong Xian, the daughter of Hong Wu. In addition to Liu Ruoyao, the two cousins of Du Changkong were also present.


    Ren Baqian even saw two students from his academy, Du Laoliu and Xu Peng. Both were the children of court officials, but in terms of talent, they were right at the bottom inparison.


    The empress and Ren Baqian did attract some attention, or rather they drew some suspicion. Why were the two wearing masks when it was such a hot day? However, the crowd sensed that these two were Man Wheel experts and focused their attention on others instead.


    Ren Baqian led the empress to a corner seat and discovered that the group at the table of Du Laoliu were debating some matters.


    ��How can it be! We are envious as out of so many people, a few of you were selected to enter the ck Bamboo Academy. It can be seen that you are different from us! You guys are schrs, and I also want to study badly!�� A 16 or 17 year old teenager named Tu Yu spoke in a strange tone.


    Laughter erupted before he finished speaking.


    Everyone knew that those who were selected were the useless ones.


    ��Stop talking nonsense in that weird voice!�� Xu Peng pounded on the table in anger.


    ��Why are you so worked up? I just said it casually. However, you have been there for a year. Don��t tell me you haven��t learned anything at all! Why don��t you tell us something eye-opening?��


    ��If you want to learn, go to school yourself and listen. However, with your brain, you will need to use your fingers to do basic addition and subtraction. You will not understand even if you attend ss.�� Du Laoliu couldn��t help sneering.


    ��That��s why I asked you to tell us about it.�� Tu Yu didn��t take it seriously andughed at them instead.


    ��What��s there to talk to you about? Do you know chemistry? Do you know physics? Do you know what a lever is? How about an internalbustion engine? You don��t even know what I��m talking about, so what��s the point of talking to you? Have you heard of ��preaching to deaf ears?���� Du Laoliu sneered.


    ��What use are those things that you mentioned if nobody understands?�� Tu Yu was sted by Du Laoliu and became rather upset.

 Chapter 626 - Sense of Urgency

    Chapter 626: Sense of Urgency


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��What��s the point of talking about those things that nobody knows about?�� Tu Yu immediately felt a little indignant after Du Laoliu��s sarcasm was thrown at him.


    ��You won��t understand even if I exin it, hence there isn��t a need to waste my breath!�� Du Laoliu stretched his arms and lifted his head as if he was despising the other party.


    Ren Baqian was very familiar with this expression since Tong Lan always had this look on her face.


    ��What can you guys produce, you bunch of trash?�� Tu Yu raised his voice, infuriated by Du Laoliu��s expression.


    The people in the surroundings didn��t stop their argument, but were instead excited to watch the show.


    Du Laoliu and Xu Peng had gradually drifted apart from them after attending the school and were currently not in the same boat anymore.


    ��At least the salt you��re eating now was produced by Yagui in the mountains!�� Du Laoliuughed.


    ��That has nothing to do with you either. I can only say that the gigolo indeed has some capabilities.�� After Du Laoliu pressured him with this matter, Tu Yu��s imposing manner immediately decreased by a fair bit. However, he still gritted his teeth and said, ��But that��s all that he can do! He can��t even beat a normal person in a fight, not to mention you bunch of trash.��


    Du Laoliu got annoyed after being called trash a couple of times and said with an ashen face, ��Whether or not we are trash, you are in no position to judge. It takes someone with brains to govern Great Xia (TLC. Dayao?) and not someone with brawn. Yagui is indeed not very strong in his martial arts, but he can achieve much more than you people. At present, even though we haven��t achieved much, the things that our teacher has created are far more useful than 100 of you!��


    After Du Laoliu was done talking, he stood up proudly from his chair and said, ��We are leaving!��


    Xu Peng sneered as he stood up and swaggered off with Du Laoliu.


    However, after just taking a couple of steps, they heard a bang from the table behind them as it came flying toward them. They weren��t able to defend against it in time as it smashed into their backs. The dishes were scattered all over and much of the food stained their bodies.


    ��Ha! What can trash like the two of you do?�� Tu Yu sneered.


    ��You��!�� Xu Peng got up from the ground and glowered at him.


    ��What? The one with the bigger fists is the boss! This is how it was in the past and how it still is now!�� Tu Yu burst outughing. ��You guys are simply trash that has been abandoned. Do you really think that you can learn something from that gigolo?��


    ��Xu Peng, let��s go!�� Du Laoliu repressed his rage and shot a re at Tu Yu before dragging Xu Peng along to leave.


    ��Oh yes, you fancy Shi Jiyue right? My father went over on my behalf to ask for her hand in marriage, and her father has agreed!�� Tu Yu burst out inughter again.


    Du Laoliu immediately stopped in his tracks upon hearing this and clenched his fists firmly.


    ��ording to the customs in Dayao, our families are well-matched in terms of social status. How could a piece of trash like you deserve her?�� Tu Yu added.


    ��Tu Yu!�� Hong Xian shouted coldly.


    ��Hong Xian, this doesn��t concern you! This is between me and him! Correction, I��m just informing him about my business with Shi Jiyue. He cane over and attend the ceremonyter!�� Tu Yu nced over at Hong Xian, seemingly unafraid of her, and continued, ��Besides, I don��t think you are rted to this piece of trash in any way, right?��


    ��Hmph!�� Hong Xian simply scoffed coldly and stopped talking.


    ��Laoliu, let��s go! I��ll go find out more with you!�� Xu Peng tugged on Du Laoliu.


    ��What are you going to ask about at my wife��s house?�� Tu Yu ridiculed.


    Du Laoliu pursed his lips tightly and walked down the stairs without looking back.


    Xu Peng followed along and check on him worriedly.


    ��You picked on Du Laoliu today because of Shi Jiyue, right? I knew that you fancied her from the start. It doesn��t matter that you picked on him, but if those things you said about the Principal of the ck Bamboo Academy reach his ears, you will only stand to lose,�� someonemented.


    ��Hmph! They are merely the facts. What can he do to me?�� Tu Yu knitted his eyebrows and remained unyielding.


    ��Let��s go.�� As Hong Xian stood up and left, a few others followed her.


    ��I kind of liked what you said.�� Liu Ruoyao patted Tu Yu on the shoulder before quickly catching up with the others.


    After that, Du Changkong��s two cousins got up and left as well.


    One after another, more than 10 people left. The second floor was immediately half empty.


    The remaining people felt no interest in staying after seeing this, so they stood up and left sessively.


    When the dishes were served, the only people left in the building were Ren Baqian and the empress.


    They subsequently removed their disguises after seeing that there was nobody else around.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian and asked, ��Are you angry?��


    ��Not worth it!�� Ren Baqian shook his head. Actually, after seeing his students being treated like this, it was impossible for him to not be angry.


    On the contrary, hepletely didn��t mind the things that Tu Yu said about him.


    However, after some careful thought, the opinions of those youngsters probably reflected the thoughts of most of the officials in the imperial court.


    After all, it wasn��t easy to change a perception that was decades, centuries, or even millennia old. Their eyes and their thoughts had been deceived for a long time. Unless they were like the empress, who had experienced and seen the impact of modern technology for herself and explored the world of the future, how many of them could actually understand?


    Even when new products entered and changed their lives, many people would still continue their existences while staying close to the perceptions they had always had. They would eventually be reduced to being obsolete.


    Needless to say, at the present, only the empress and a few people understood the many things that Ren Baqian did. The majority of the aboriginals were clueless.


    A heavy burden and a long journey!


    What Ren Baqian needed to do was change this world, step by step. He had to change the people��s lives and make them embrace the changes to this world. Then, they would choose to get with the times or face elimination.


    ��I know and understand many things, but since the officials of the imperial court don��t even understand these things, it��s pointless to even talk about the rest of the people,�� the empress said as she lifted Ren Baqian��s hand from the table. Her voice sounded consoling.


    ��I know.�� Ren Baqian smiled. ��Actually, the impression that Du Laoliu gave me in the past was that he was energetic and lively, yet impulsive. I didn��t have great expectations for him. Today, he made me gain a whole new level of respect for him. He actually knew how to use his brain and was also a glib talker.��


    ��I thought that you might still be moody. After all, you have done a lot of things.�� The empress looked closely at Ren Baqian��s face. He was smiling as if he really wasn��t angry at all.


    ��I��m not so childish that I would squabble with a kid!�� Ren Baqian turned his wrist around and held the empress��s hand. He used his fingertips to draw circles on her palm. ��Naturally, they will know in a few years�� time.��


    ��Your Majesty, those students of mine are much more precious than these people��


    ��I have high hopes for them too!�� The empress nodded.


    ��So, is Your Majesty going to bestow him with a marriage or something?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Didn��t you just say that you wouldn��t squabble with a kid?!�� The empress immediately withdrew her hand and looked at him with disdain.


    ��Just casually asking!�� Ren Baqianughed out loud. ��In order for them to grow up, they have to experience all sorts of things and gain all sorts of understanding. Just like this incident, they must know that time and tide wait for no man. Also, they have to work hard for themselves! Actually, looking at it from another perspective, I actually have to thank that Tu Yu. Oh by the way, how is he rted to Minister Tu?��


    ��How would I know about such things?�� the empress replied casually.


    Ren Baqian nodded and ced this matter to rest. He originally wanted to let the empress mingle with the people while incognito and anger the younger generation from the officials�� families. In the end, what he saw was an argument. His two students�� encounter made him understand the opinions of many people and even gave him a sense of urgency that time and tide waited for no man.


    How could he possibly allow his students to put up with this? It would prove the ipetence of their principal.


    After the duo finished their meal, they put their disguises back on, left the restaurant, and snuck into the crowd once again. Not long after, they heard Tong Zhenye��s thunderous voice ask, ��Your Majesty? Why are you out of the pce today. Furthermore, why are you in that attire?��


    They saw Tong Zhenye sitting on a fork-horned cow while looking surprised as he stared in their direction.


    The crowd first went quiet before they followed Tong Zhenye��s gaze. The bystanders looked at them and kicked up amotion.


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress were shocked that they had actually bumped into this fellow when they were out for some fun!


    ��You didn��t bring any bodyguards along with you, Your Majesty?�� Tong Zhenye leaped down from his mount and walked toward them, shouting as he made his way.


    ��The empress is here?��


    ��We actually saw the empress!��


    The empress frowned and looked murderous. She finally had the chance toe out for some fun, yet this wretched man had to ruin it!


    ��I remember asking you to wait for me at the Hanyuan Pce Hall a few days ago. Why didn��t I see you when I woke up?�� the empress asked coldly as she removed her scarf.


    ��It indeed is the empress!�� The people nearby suddenly crowded around and filled up the entire street, looking at the empress with zealotry and adoration. The news of the empress appearing on the street was still spreading into the distance.


    ��Huh?�� Tong Zhenye was puzzled by her question.

 Chapter 627 - Chatting on the Street

    Chapter 627: Chatting on the Street


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress finally grabbed Ren Baqian and quickly flew off from a beam. An empress, who was traveling incognito, had to ultimately flee for her life.


    Of course, she didn��t let Tong Zhenye off cheaply and kicked him out of the street.


    Tong Zhenye smashed through a house andnded on another street. Hey on the ground for a long time before realizing what the empress was referring to.


    ��Ren Baqian�� you tricked me!��


    The empress heard Tong Zhenye��s words from a distance and asked Ren Baqian, ��What did you trick him with?��


    ��I have forgotten!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Oh!�� The empress nodded and didn��t pursue the matter.


    The two spent some more time in Baishi District and found out that while other districts in Lan City were generally in a slump, the areas that sold weapons, farming implements, and hardware were busier.


    Thanks to the weapons left behind by the Great Xia army and the iron ore brought back by the auxiliary army from the Yun Nation, the price of iron in Lan City had fallen, which created a more prosperous market for iron than before.


    Ren Baqian also saw an imitation of his hand-cranked fan being sold here! It was based on his earliest model that was operated by pulling a rope and spinning it for a period.


    The des of this fan were made of wood, and at the price of one tael of silver each, it was selling quite well.


    The two of them subsequently went to Shihu District to take a look. This was originally thergest trading area for animal hides, but all the shops seemed to be closed.


    As she moved along, the empress asked, ��Have you thought about introducing something new? The imperial treasury has very little ie, and Tu Wan hasined many times.��


    ��Although the salt mines operated by the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Revenue contributed substantially to the treasury, this money is used to pay off the previous deficit. Furthermore, the price of salt is too high in Dayao and too big of a burden on the citizens. As you mentioned just now, the animal hides collected by the aboriginals are rotting away. As a result, they have no ie. I��m thinking of decreasing the price of salt by about half so that the citizens can afford it. Did anyone tell Your Majesty about this?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��I know what they are thinking, but they are also not wrong. Since this is my empire, you should also bear some of the burden with me. This is why I am asking for your opinion. Others can have their own agendas and benefit themselves, but I can��t because I am the empress. As you are the husband that I have selected, you can��t either,�� the empress said solemnly.


    ��Of course! What the empress wants to do is what I ought to do!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    After some time, they sat down at the side of the street.


    ��We should collect some fur!�� Ren Baqian said after pondering for a while.


    ��Why?�� The empress was puzzled.


    ��Since the beginning of the war, the trade merchants of the three nations have disappeared, so the furs from the aboriginals can��t be sold and are rotting. As a result, these folks have no ie and therefore no spending power. On the one hand, by collecting fur, we can give these folks some ie that they can spend in the city to buy their daily necessities. On the other hand, fur production requires workers and increases the ie of these people, which can also improve their situation. The money in the imperial treasury is just a number, but it can be circted to stimte the market and change the livelihood of many people. Lastly, the price of fur is currently very low. As long as we can market it to Great Xia, we can make a big profit instead.��


    The empress didn��t fully understand his words. Dayao��s business model was rather primitive and there were few taxes, so she didn��t pay much attention to business.


    As Ren Baqian spoke, she simply listened since he was much better in this aspect than she was.


    However, she was happy to find a method to keep those furs from rotting away. As Ren Baqian said, this could at least solve some problems.


    ��Only you can do this. Tu Wan will get mad if anybody else takes money from the imperial treasury,�� the empress said.


    ��Of course.�� Ren Baqian nodded. If he wanted to marry the empress, he had to take responsibility for cleaning up the mess in Dayao. He didn��t feel any contradiction at all.


    ��Are spices what they want?�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself. ��These things belong to the empress, and no one dares to touch then. If the spices are given to them, every household will nt spices. With the current price of spices, those with ess will not let them go. The officials in thebor departments will have easy ess to the seeds. In due time, the most likely oue will be the nting of spices in all the fields in Lan City��the price will drop sharply and the nting of grain crops will be affected. We might as well wait for a few years for things to stabilize before releasing the spices to them. I can introduce some items like soap for daily use as well as cotton and textile technology.��


    ��If you say so, then it��s alright.�� The empress put one hand on Ren Baqian��s shoulder, rested her chin on the back of her hand, and mischievously breathed into his ear.


    She still remembered that every time Ren Baqian came close to her ears to talk, she would feel a sensation. Now, she wanted to see his reaction.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian let out an exaggerated cry and his head moved sideways, hitting the empress on the forehead.


    ��Ow!�� The empress groaned and sat up straight. Ren Baqian��s cry was too exaggerated, poorly acted, and wasn��t sincere at all.


    ��Let��s go back!�� the empress said.


    ��


    The next day, Ren Baqian went to the Ministry of Works to hand over the method of making soap to Tong Zhenye and also helped him n for the construction of the first soap production factory in Dayao.


    After that, he started to recruit workers, opened shops, and built a leather processing nt on a piece of barrennd outside the city.


    After a period of time, a shop disying a sign board to buy fur and leather was opened on Jingyang Street in Lan City.


    After opening for only a few days, the shop was crowded with aboriginals who came after hearing about it.


    Their furs, which had been piling up for a long time and were starting to deteriorate, were sent inrge quantities to Lan City and delivered to the courtyard behind the shop for weighing.


    Indeed , they were weighed.


    Ordinary animal hide was sold by weight, just like scrap paper.


    The price was slightly lower than the price they previously fetched from the other three nations, but it was enough to make the aboriginals extremely happy.


    Knowing that this shop had the support of the imperial family, many people looked at the situation as the empress doing good and showing sympathy for her citizens. After all, Dayao didn��t have the means to treat animal skins with nitrates. Plus, the war was still ongoing and all trade was cut off.


    The sole reason for the empress to do this was to show sympathy for her citizens.


    The poprity of the empress immediately rose by one level.


    A monarch who showedpassion and kindness to her citizens would be loved by the people in return.


    Moreover, the empress was the strongest aboriginal, could win wars, and showedpassion to her people. To them, she was the best ruler.


    During this period, there were changes in the war with the Yun Nation.


    First of all, the elephant soldiers appeared on the battlefield. Right from the beginning, these thick-skinned animals produced good results.


    Zi Doni used the elephant soldiers to attack the frontlines of the enemy and annihted nearly 100,000 of the Yun Nation��s soldiers in one battle.


    As expected, more than half of these elephant soldiers perished in the battle. They were considered expendable units that were disabled after one battle.


    However, Zi Doni had achieved his goal since this battle had eliminated half of the fighting force of the Yun Nation.


    After that, baihu and tiqi from Tianjing Basin moved into various cities in the Yun Nation with the help of the Zhang family. Information was continuously fed to Zi Doni by these spies.

 Chapter 628 - You Lose the Entire Game with One Wrong Move

    Chapter 628: You Lose the Entire Game with One Wrong Move


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Shuoyang City, the Yun Nation. In the backyard of an unremarkable grocery store.


    This was originally a secret business belonging to the Zhang family. However, ever since a few people arrived two weeks ago, all of the people from the Zhang family had vacated.


    At present, a man stood there with his hands behind his back, looking at a map.


    Dayao��s vanguards were still several hundred kilometers away from Shuoyang City. In the middle was Suyang City.


    ��Chief, Yang Jiu has disappeared,�� another man walked over and reported.


    ��Oh?�� The first man turned around upon hearing this news. ��What happened? When did he disappear?��


    He was about 60 years old, dressed in green, and looked very dignified.


    He was Zhan Changkong, an old acquaintance of Ren Baqian and the Chief of the Golden Ring Residence.


    He was one of the baihu that had been mobilized from Tianjing Basin and deployed to the Yun Nation.


    ��Yang Jiu was said to have gone to scout out the army campst night, but he hasn��t returned since. I have gone to search for him, but couldn��t find any traces,�� the other man exined.


    ��Was he captured?�� Zhan Changkong frowned.


    ��I think�� it��s possible���� the other man mumbled as if he didn��t dare to speak.


    ��What��s possible?�� Zhan Changkong��s expression immediately turned serious.


    ��He could have deserted! I felt that something was amiss with him thesest few days��it was as if he was preparing for something. Even though he isn��t very highly skilled, he is agile and an expert in concealment. Also, since nobody has information about us, it��s very unlikely for someone to have captured him. Combined with his recent behavior, I feel that there��s a higher chance that he deserted.��


    ��I have always found that Yang Jiu to be cold and indifferent, and indeed, he isn��t trustworthy!�� Another burly middle-aged man raised his voice upon hearing that.


    ��Do we still stand a chance to capture him?�� Zhan Changkong didn��t look very happy.


    ��If he left the city at midnight, then we can��t catch up to him anymore. After all, we are also limited in manpower,�� that man answered.


    ��Chief, there��s no harm in him deserting��I��m just afraid of him informing on us. We can��t stay here any longer.��


    ��If he did inform on us, the enemy soldiers would have already been here by now. However, for safety purposes, we truly can��t stay here any longer. Liu Dong, go inform the previous agent and get him to arrange another location for us to stay. Xu Yi, go notify the others to pack their things and evacuate. And you�� Go look for Yang Jiu again. Perhaps he really got into an ident.�� Zhan Changkong gave out his orders.


    After he had made the necessary arrangements, Zhan Changkong turned around to thest man standing there. This man had a cloth covering his face that only revealed one eye. He said, ��Tell me, Ling Zekuan, if Yang Jiu really escaped, would he inform on us and sell us out?��


    ��Chief, only you, myself, and Liu Dong know about the agent. Even if he informed on us, the Yun Nation will merely be aware of our existence and will act more cautiously in the future,�� answered Ling Zekuan, the external attendant. During the initial scouting mission when he was guarding Zhan Changkong��s back, half of his face and one of his eyes got shed. However, he managed to stay alive.


    Zhan Changkong and his people moved their dwelling ce and monitored the situation for a few days before finally being at ease after they didn��t detect any signs of activity. Even though this Yang Jiu had deserted, he still upheld their camaraderie and didn��t sell them out.


    At the moment, they were staying in the capital city of the Yun Nation.


    ��


    Wearing a long gown and a schr hat, a schr with a long beard reported to the prime minister of the Yun Nation, ��Prime Minister, the city guards of Xuan City captured someone during their patrol who is said to hail from Dayao. They transported him here through the night.��


    ��Oh? From Dayao? An aboriginal?�� A 16 year old boy whose body was shaped like a ball, or rather like two balls joined together, was being addressed as prime minister. On his ball-shaped face, he had a pair of small eyes that were bright and shiny.


    He was the Yun Nation��s prime minister and was currently being coined by the city officials as a traitor. He was the traitor who controlled the power of the dynasty, used the emperor as a puppet, and ganged up on him for his own personal interest. He blocked the channels of speech and demoted those who had a different political view. Even now, he was still only interested in the internal strife. His name was Zheng Chengmian.


    ��No, he was said to havee from Tianjing Basin. He said some other stuff as well,�� the schr said.


    ��What?��


    ��Tianjing Basin was pacified by the aboriginals about six months ago.��


    ��What?�� Zheng Chengmian was rmed when he heard this. ��The aboriginals had already pacified Tianjing Basin six months ago?��


    ��Yes, Sir.��


    ��Those barbarians had already pacified them for six months, but continued acting as if they were still in chaos�� What do you think their reason is for doing that?�� Zheng Chengmian stood up and paced around his room. Almost every inch of his body jiggled with every step he took.


    His entire body could be considered to be made out of an umtion of fat.


    ��If the news of the pacification of Tianjing Basin gets out, Great Xia will definitely not deploy their troops readily. Then, the aboriginals only need to deal with us and the Chen Nation. However, they kept this a secret and acted as if the Protectorate of the South was implicated. Now that Great Xia reced all of their forces with recruits once again and gathered 530,000 soldiers, Dayao still kept this a secret. My guess is that Dayao��s target is Great Xia��s army. In other words, their target is Great Xia!��


    ��You are correct. These are my exact sentiments as well. There is no reason for them to keep this secret so firmly unless their target is Great Xia!�� Zheng Chengmian burst outughing before smiling at the middle-aged schr and saying, ��In that case, the reason for attacking us this time is����


    ��The same as before! To plunder! The barbarians don��t know how to build, they only know how to destroy. They don��t know how to conquer, they only know how to plunder,�� the middle-aged schr replied without hesitation.


    ��Hmph! That��s what I thought. In that case, we can��t divulge the news that Tianjing Basin has already been pacified. We have to involve Great Xia as well. Kill that man!��


    ��Understood!��


    Yet, the two of them didn��t know that the captive had another piece of news that he didn��t tell them.


    This piece of news was that the Rear Guard Commandery had deployed over 400 men into the Yun Nation to scout out the situation in every city.


    The reason he didn��t divulge this information wasn��t because of camaraderie��it was because he wanted to tell this news to the ministers when he met them in order to save his own life. He might have even asked for a reward.


    Even though these were just his thoughts, he never had the opportunity to speak ever again.


    The two ministers never got to hear this information. Otherwise, they would definitely have reconsidered Dayao��s motives for attacking the Yun Nation this time around.


    However, the piece of news that they had just received actually caused them to make yet another wrong judgement about Dayao��s motives. They continued getting absorbed in their own internal strife and worked hard toward achieving a more important goal.


    To them, it might be a good thing to have a few of their cities get sacked.


    Those warlords were so imperious and domineering that it was hard for the imperial court to have any jurisdiction over them. The situation had been shaped like this ever since the establishment of the Yun Nation.


    There was originally a chance to break out of this situation several decades ago, but the emperor and prime minister at that timecked the vision and lost this golden opportunity.


    This time, however, they would definitely not let go of the opportunity.


    At present, after the cities had been sacked, those warlords had either died or escaped. Even after the barbarians vacated the ce, the warlords�� foundations would all be swept away. The imperial court could then seize all of the cities and greatly strengthen its power and control.


    It could even create an imperial household with centralized state power like Great Xia.


    To the Yun Nation, this would be more beneficial than detrimental and could even be considered an extremely meritorious deed!


    Lately, many schrs and officials in the city had been making a lot of noise and were listing all the crimes and charges against Zheng Chengmian and the ruling dynasty. What did they even know?

 Chapter 629 - Playing Chess

    Chapter 629: ying Chess


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The backyard of the ck Bamboo Academy was busy every day. The students attended ss in the morning and transformed the backyard into their workshop in the afternoon. Nonstop quarrelling and metal nking sounds rang out.


    It started with only the senior students working there. Later on, the new students were attracted and watched from the side as their seniors argued over a piece of the blueprints or had discussions with the cksmith.


    However, whenever the new students wanted to ask what this whole thing was about, the seniors would always mysteriously say, ��You will know in time. It will definitely shock you!��


    Qing Lian was naturally drawn over as well. She would sit by the corner every afternoon and watch as they got busy.


    Even though she didn��t know what they were doing, her guts told her that they were making something interesting.


    Consequently, she watched as an enormous thing gradually formed amid their bickering.


    It was a metal bucket with wheels fitted underneath, something that she had never seen before.


    At present, Qing Lian was sitting on the wall and watching them work. She would asionally look down at where Ren Baqian and a young girl were sitting and facing each other.


    The girl looked as if she was around 16 years old and her hair was bundled up simply. Unfortunately, it made her look as if she had a bird��s nest on top of her head.


    She wore a tube top and a short skirt made out of animal hide, revealing her bronze-colored skin that was full of wild nature and health.


    The girl was Zhuo Hua, and she was looking confused at the moment.


    ��The horse moves like this. Only the elephant can move that way!�� Ren Baqian said as he moved her chess piece back to its previous position.


    ��But why, teacher?�� At a loss, Zhuo Hua lifted her head.


    ��These are the rules. Everything in this world is governed by rules. Heaven and Earth have their own rules, society has its own rules, and chess has its own rules as well! Everything you do must abide by the rules as we are all a part of it. The clever way of doing things is to understand the rules before acting and then take advantage of the rules. The stupid way is toin about wanting to defy and break the rules.


    ��What if I overturn this chessboard?�� Zhuo Hua��s eyes gleamed when she asked, looking eager to give it a try.


    ��Then I will not y with you anymore! We are all ying on the chessboard. If you overturn it, how are others going to y with you? They will stay far away from you in the future!�� Ren Baqian burst intoughter.


    Looking pensive, Qing Lian felt that his response was a little childish.


    What Ren Baqian said was correct. Everyone was governed by rules and everyone was also a part of them. They had to follow the rules, regardless of what they wanted to do.


    Even though it appeared as if the rules were broken during the transition of a dynasty, it actually still followed the rules and regtions.


    In the past, during every dynastic transition, the people had no way to make a living, so they had a lot ofints. There were conflicts and wars everywhere, which eventually led to the demise of the dynasty.


    These were all rules.


    If you proposed a change of dynasty when the current dynasty was still flourishing, no one would support you and you were bound to fail.


    Zhuo Hua curbed her temper to y chess with Ren Baqian. Whenever Ren Baqian made a move, she would follow up very hastily and move her piece.


    ��Chess is simr to life, you need to look ten steps ahead before making a move. Once you make a wrong move, you can��t take it back. The only difference is that you can reset a game of chess, but you can��t do the same in life��there��s no way to reset it,�� Ren Baqian said after eliminating her chariot.


    ��Oh!�� Zhuo Hua scratched her head and immediately took out his cannon.


    <em>Pfff! </em>Sitting on the wall, Qing Lian almostughed out loud.


    ��Checkmate!�� Ren Baqian pped the chessboard.


    ��You will definitelye across all sorts of things during your lifetime. Many times, you will be deceived by the things in front of you. You won��t be able to see the dangers behind you and will forget about your objectives. Thus, you must always remind yourself. You must keep reflecting upon yourself!�� Ren Baqian threw the pieces on the board, stood up, and left.


    Both Zhuo Hua and Zhuo Wei looked at Ren Baqian��s back in adoration. Even though they totally didn��t know what he was talking about, they felt that his words were very profound.


    After Ren Baqian left, Zhuo Hua turned her head and asked Zhuo Wei, ��Why did Teacher say all of that?��


    ��He probably thinks you are stupid!�� Before Zhuo Wei could answer, they heard Qing Lian giggling from the top of the wall.


    Zhuo Hua immediately looked up as her hands reached for the dagger at her waist.


    ��Look, your muscles have grown into your brain. Besides fighting, all you think about is food, right? What he meant was a request for you to use your brain more! There��s no turning back in life. By using more of your brain, you will take fewer wrong paths. Then again, I think that he was just preaching to deaf ears. You won��t remember anything he said anyway.�� Qing Lian giggled as she used her finger to gently brush her lips.


    As Zhuo Hua��s hand slowly left her dagger, she wasn��t angry. Instead, she lifted her head and asked, ��Are schrs like Principal Ren? Does Great Xia have many such schrs?��


    ��Indeed, there are many schrs, but not many are like Principal Ren,�� Qing Lian answered earnestly after pondering for a bit. ��There are many kinds of people, and the same goes for schrs as well. Many people shamelessly seek personal gains and strive for either favor or fame. There aren��t many who are truly broad-minded.��


    Up until now, Qing Lian still remembered what Ren Baqian had said to her previously, ��Knowledge has no boundaries!��


    It was this exact phrase that hadpletely reversed her impression of Ren Baqian.


    ��So that��s why you came here to learn?�� Zhuo Hua stood up and asked.


    ��I would say that it is a coincidental opportunity!�� Qing Lianughed. ��I originally came here for other matters, but I��m very interested in the things that are taught here.��


    ��Will you apply the things that you have learned here back in Great Xia and then use it to attack us?�� Zhuo Hua looked at her with burning eyes. With her lips tightly pursed, she looked extremely serious and solemn. It was as if she would charge over with her dagger if Qing Lian said yes.


    ��No!�� Qing Lian shook her head. ��We only have a short 100 years in our entire lifespan, and it��s even shorter in my case. With this thought in mind, I might as well figure out how to be able to live longer.��


    ��In that case, I won��t beat you again in the future.�� Zhuo Hua waved her hands and gave a bright smile before turning around and skipping away.


    Qing Lian heaved a sigh. From the way Zhuo Hua spoke, it was as if she could defeat Qing Lian.


    However, this girl was indeed unsophisticated.


    Qing Lian counted the time and figured that the book probably should have arrived. She hoped that there wouldn��t be any problems popping up during this period. The feeling of owing school debts was hard to endure.


    She then continued swinging her legs from the top of the wall and got lost in her thoughts before going back to the wine shop in the evening.


    ��Have you located the person that you��re looking for?�� Ning Caichen smiled and asked after seeing her.


    ��I have long since stopped searching for him. Anyway, we aren��t very well acquainted.�� Qing Lian put her hands behind her head and looked up at the ceiling.


    ��Someone came looking for you in the afternoon. I told him you weren��t around and asked him toe back at night,�� Ning Caichen said.


    ��Oh? What kind of a person was he?�� Qing Lian became more energetic after hearing this.


    ��He��s someone from Great Xia, and he seemed to have sustained some injuries. Will you help me peel the potatoes? I see that you carry a sword around every day, so your skills should be pretty good. You just have to help me peel the skin off these potatoes.�� Ning Caichen brought over six potatoes and ced them on the table.


    ��Are they delicious?��


    ��I have asked around. These can be made into fried potato strips or mashed potatoes and can also be added to stewed meat. That��s what we are doing tonight.��


    ��Oh!�� Qing Lian held a potato in her hand and looked at it. It was a little bigger than a fist. She then drew out the sword from her back. Light rays reflected off the de as the skin of the potato fell off in circles.


    ��What great skills!�� Ning Caichen giggled.


    ��It��s alright.�� Qing Lian peeled all six potatoes and threw them to Ning Caichen before taking out and reading the dictionary that Ren Baqian gave her.


    An hourter, the wine shop was filled with the dense fragrance of stewed meat. It was slightly more aromaticpared to previous times.


    ��Oh, you used spices, sister?��


    A whileter, both of them sat at the table. In front of them was a pot of meat and potato stew. There was also a te of appetizers and a pot of fruit wine.


    At that moment, Qing Lian felt that it was rather pleasant to be spending life like this. She would learn about things that were unheard of during the day and return back home to enjoy Sister Ning��s incredible cooking!

 Chapter 630 - The Ancient Scroll of Methods

    Chapter 630: The Ancient Scroll of Methods


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Checkmate!�� Zhuo Hua excitedly mmed the chessboard. It immediately shattered as wood shavings were scattered all over.


    Ren Baqian��s general and Zhuo Hua��s horse were reduced to dust. Part of the chessboard was also destroyed.


    ��See? I won, right? Teacher, you said before that you would pay for a month��s worth of meat if I won, right?�� Looking full of emotion, Zhuo Hua held the chessboard with both hands and stared at Ren Baqian.


    ��Where are the chess pieces?�� Ren Baqian remained calm in the middle of her excitement.


    ��Even though the pieces are gone, I checkmated you!��


    ��If we don��t even have the pieces, how are we to judge whether you have won or lost?�� Ren Baqianughed as he swept the pieces on the board to one side.


    ��Ah? Teacher, you are refusing to acknowledge that you lost!�� Zhuo Hua��s eyes were wide open, and she looked infuriated.


    ��Remember, the closer you are to sess, the more you have to keep yourposure. Otherwise, you will very easily fail due to theck of final effort!�� Ren Baqian smiled charitably at Zhuo Hua, stood up, and left.


    Ren Baqian stretched as he walked away and thought to himself that he had to find someone else to y chess with next time.


    After having only yed two matches with him, Zhuo Hua won a match just like that. She didn��t think during the match and made all her moves based only on intuition��


    He hated ying against yers like this the most.


    ��Principal!�� Qing Lian caught up to him.


    ��What?�� Ren Baqian turned around and questioned.


    Qing Lian threw an object at him that was wrapped in silk and said, ��As promised!��


    Ren Baqian stretched out his arm and knew that it was an animal hide scroll as soon as he caught it. He stuffed it into his coat, turned around, and waved his hand as he left.


    Back at Pingle Park, he saw Tiantian and Gungun lying on the ground in a deep sleep. The ling ting monkey was lying on top of Gungun��s head and was seemingly digging something out from its fur.


    Ren Baqian originally thought that it was picking lice. However, he didn��t expect that it actually dug out a few dried fruits and stuffed them into its mouth. It even tossed one over to Ren Baqian and winked at him.


    ��So the witness has a share?�� Ren Baqian took a whiff of that fruit as he held it in his fist. He thought that it would be best if he didn��t eat since he saw hair growing on it.


    Ren Baqian casually tapped the ling ting��s head and went back to his room. He took out the scroll and unwrapped the silk packaging, revealing an unadorned book. It was made out of animal hide, but he didn��t know which animal it came from.


    The animal hide book gave him a very familiar feeling. It was simply too familiar��


    This was because he had already been reading an identical animal hide book for a year��


    He could remember every word, picture, and detail in that book. He was quite familiar with the feel of the animal hide, and it was to the extent that he could recognize it the moment he touched it.


    Regardless of whoever it was, a person would definitely be familiar with the feel of it if he had been in contact with it for the past year.


    ��This can��t be?�� Ren Baqian��s heart skipped a beat.


    The [Ruyi Visualization] that he possessed only entailed the practice methods up to the Earth Embryo Realm. There wasn��t any information about the transition from the Earth Embryo Realm to the Spirit Wheel level, let alone information about levels above that.


    It was because of this that he ced his hopes on Earth. He wanted to first impart to them the basic martial arts manuals before giving them the intermediate ones. Under the circumstances of having enough test specimens, he hoped that he could one day deduce theter portions of the [Ruyi Visualization] with the help of supeputers.


    Qing Lian previously mentioned that this animal hide book was the second volume of the [Ancient Scroll of Methods] <em>. </em>It contained the methods of mental cultivation, which was also extremely useful in attaining the Spirit Wheel level through the Celestial Path.


    This book couldn��t be part of an integral whole with his [Ruyi Visualization] and have the same fundamentals, origin, and sets of martial arts, could it?


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian immediately opened up the animal hide book. The first thing he saw was a sentence that said, ��The existence or destruction of this book can make a tremendous difference in this world.��


    The characters were very imposing and full of the vor of perfection. Ren Baqian had his eyes glued to those words for a long time and couldn��t return to his senses. The characters kept breaking apart as new characters were constantly born from the ashes. This creation and destruction went on an endless loop.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes were attracted to that page. Over and over again, he watched as the countless imposing characters were obliterated and recreated. Not knowing how long it had been, Ren Baqian felt lethargic and dived straight into his bed.


    At that moment, the metal chain and golden spear sprang out from his mind. The metal chain crawled along his body like a snake, coiling around him and tying him up tightly. It was as if it was taking revenge on him for having emerged out of his consciousness.


    Exactly four hourster, Ren Baqian slowly opened his eyes and felt dizzy.


    ��What happened?��


    Ren Baqian wanted to get up, but found that he had been tied up tightly and that he wasn��t able to move at all.


    He lowered his head to take a closer look and realized that it was actually the metal chain that had wrapped him up like a dumpling.


    ��Let go!�� When Ren Baqianshed out, the metal chain reluctantly loosened up. As if his head was hollow, the chain dived straight back in and vanishedpletely,


    Ren Baqian sat up and touched the animal hide book that he had been holding the whole time. If he guessed correctly, he had probably over exhausted himself just now?


    This book was indeed a little scary. He was already immersed in it after only looking at the first page. He waspletely unable to break free from it and eventually even ended up passing out.


    One wouldn��t even be able to read it if he or she wasn��t strong enough.


    It seemed like he had to attain the Earth Wheel level before he could start reading this book.


    One thing that he was very mindful about were the characters written on the first page of the book. The handwriting was very simr to that of the [Ruyi Visualization], and they both probably originated from the same author.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian had seen too little of its contents and wasn��t sure if it was what he imagined. The [Ruyi Visualization] contained the methods of cultivating the fundamentals, whereas this book contained more advanced methods.


    As for the name [Ancient Scroll of Methods], it probably originated from the sentence in the book.


    ��Sir Ren, Her Majesty is calling for you.�� Qing Yuan knocked on his door.


    ��Got it. Give me a moment,�� Ren Baqian yelled back in response as he dug out the [Ruyi Visualization] from his room. He held both books and was prepared to show them to the empress.


    After Ren Baqian stepped out of his room, Qing Yuan asked when she saw his face, ��Are you okay? You don��t look so good, Sir Ren.��


    ��It��s nothing much.�� Ren Baqian smiled. At the moment, he still felt a little tired, but he was already feeling much better after sleeping.


    ��Her Majesty asked about you twice this afternoon!�� Qing Yuanughed as she covered her mouth.


    Ren Baqian followed Qing Yuan to the empress��s quarters and saw her sitting there in a state of boredom as soon as he entered the room. In front of her was a table that was upied by a boiling hot pot as well as meat, vegetables, and fruits that were all already cut up.


    ��Your Majesty,�� Ren Baqian stepped forward and greeted.


    ��What are you holding? I heard that you went straight into your room after you returned and haven��t stepped out. Why do you look so tired?�� The empress felt a little suspicious when she looked at his face.


    ��Look, Your Majesty��is this book the second volume of the [Ruyi Visualization]? I took a peak at it and ended up passing out.�� Ren Baqian forced out a smile after handing over both books to her.


    As the empress flipped through the books, she asked, ��Oh? Where did you get this?��


    Ren Baqian exined its origins to her.


    The empress first flipped through the [Ruyi Visualization] before opening the other animal hide book. As soon as she saw the first page, she said, ��The author of this book must be extremely incredible. Even though I don��t know much about calligraphy, I have seen some people infusing their writing with the thoughts of their weapon. Those people can��t hold a candle to this author.��


    After that, the empress stopped talking and concentrated on reading the contents of the book. After some time, she put it down, looked up, and said, ��You are indeed lucky to have gotten this book so easily. You are correct. This book and the [Ruyi Visualization] are an integral whole. One contains methods of physical cultivation, whereas the other involves spiritual cultivation. This set of martial arts is far more superior than I thought it was. After you have mastered the [Ruyi Visualization] and have attained the Earth Wheel level, you can try to practice ording to this book. Eventually, you will be able to transcend to the Celestial Path and enter into the Spirit Wheel level. When the conditions are right, sess will follow naturally without obstacles. Furthermore, the power of this set of martial arts will only emerge after attaining the Spirit Wheel level. It��s extremely superior.��


    When speaking of this, the empress began to smile.


    Since Ren Baqian had obtained this set of manuals, she wouldn��t have to worry about his future cultivation anymore.


    ��How superior is it?�� Ren Baqian was immediately in good spirits.


    The empress��s words made him feel like the concerns he had always had were nowpletely gone.


    ��Extremely superior��like a tall building!�� The empress winked at Ren Baqian and actually revealed a mischievous look.


    Ren Baqian was stunned. ��Your Majesty, there��s something on your eyshes����


    ��What?�� The empress touched her eyshes, lifted her head, and asked, ��Are you lying to me?��


    ��Let me do it.�� Ren Baqian extended his finger toward the empress��s eyes.


    Her eyshes shook slightly as she allowed his fingers to touch them.


    ��When you winked just now, my heart got stuck in your eyes!�� Ren Baqian said as he quickly touched her eyelids.

 Chapter 631 - Soap Production and the Establishment of the Department of Commerce.

    Chapter 631: Soap Production and the Establishment of the Department of Commerce.


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Sir Tong, is the rubber here?�� Ren Baqian had just heard that over ten cattle carts filled with wooden barrels had arrived at the workshop. He rushed over and saw Tong Zhenye in a courtyard filled with cattle carts.


    ��Sir Ren hase at the right time.�� Tong Zhenye smiled. ��See if this is what you want? I will show you some good stuffter.��


    Ren Baqian rubbed his palms and went forward to open the lid of a wooden barrel. Inside was a milky white resin that was different from the dried-up rubber samples they had received previously. This time, thetex collected was sealed in a wooden barrel and sent on a long trip to Lan City.


    ��This is it!�� Ren Baqian smelled thetex andughed. After so long, he had finally gotten what he was waiting for.


    With this batch of rubber, a lot of projects couldmence.


    ��Send one cartload of this rubber to the ck Bamboo Academy and the rest to the beast park.�� After making the arrangements, Ren Baqian asked Tong Zhenye, ��Is the soap ready?��


    ��I have produced one batch based on your instructions. Since you are here, let��s go and take a look,�� Tong Zhenye said with a smile.


    The price of soap wasn��t cheap in the Yun Nation, let alone in Dayao. Very few people could afford it.


    Surprisingly, this thing was very easy to make, and once you knew the method, all it took was a few people to make usable soap.


    Moreover, ording to Ren Baqian, adding ground flower petals to the soap gave the soap different colors and fragrances. Compared to the soap from the Yun Nation, it looked much better.


    Tong Zhenye felt self-satisfied.


    Although this type of soap was produced ording to Ren Baqian��s instructions, the Ministry of Works still got the credit.


    It must be mentioned that Dayao had very few products. Therefore, every time a new product wasunched, it made him feel excited.


    Ren Baqian followed Tong Zhenye out of town to a newly built courtyard. The walls and buildings were all constructed with red bricks.


    Someone saw theming with their guards and immediately ushered them inside.


    In a slightly bigger warehouse, Ren Baqian saw the soap that had just been made. ording to Ren Baqian, they were perfumed soaps.


    This type of soap was made by mixing ground-up jumping sheep pancreas with ashes and animal fats. Thisbination was stirred to make a thick paste. After adding floral powder, the mixture was pressed into blocks and cut into pieces after being left to dry in the shade.


    Ren Baqian arrived at the warehouse and saw big blocks of soap put to the side. Under the shelves, there was a basin that channeled the dripping liquid into a barrel.


    This liquid was glycerin, a byproduct of making soap that was even more important than the soap itself.


    Glycerin could be made into nitroglycerin as well as diatomic manganese explosives, colloidal explosives, and even smokeless gunpowder.


    However, Ren Baqian wasn��t prepared to use this highly unstable explosive on the battlefield. There was no secret in the world that could be kept forever. The aboriginals were individually strong, but their poption was small and explosives and gunpowder were a big threat to them.


    If explosives and gunpowder were developed, the advantages of the aboriginals would greatly decrease while the disadvantage of having a small poption would be obvious.


    As a result, Ren Baqian intended to keep this thing under his tight control.


    If explosives and gunpowder weren��t an inevitable part of the development of science and technology, Ren Baqian wouldn��t want to make them.


    Ren Baqian walked around the warehouse and took a few pieces of soap that were already cut. They consisted of three different fragrances, one of which was highly favored by the empress. Even though the finished products were rough, it was considered not bad for a start.


    Ren Baqian procured a basin of water and washed his hands with soap to test the results. After confirming that there was no problem with it, he asked Tong Zhenye, ��Sir Tong, how do you intend to sell this soap?��


    ��I don��t know���� Tong Zhenye shook his head, ��Before the salt mines were opened, the imperial court didn��t sell anything at all. After making this product, the empress has to decide how to sell it.��


    Ren Baqian nodded his head slightly and threw the few pieces of soap to the guards behind him.


    ��Sir Tong, I will handle the glycerinter,�� Ren Baqian said. The production of soap would produce a huge amount of glycerine, some of which could be used as solvents. The remainder needed to be processed somewhere else.


    He didn��t intend to hand over this type of material to other people.


    ��Does this material have other uses?�� Tong Zheng had wanted to ask this question for a long time.


    ��There are some uses, but it��s better not to use it.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    From there, they went to a few other warehouses, each of which was respectively used for drying the ground pancreas, grinding the flower petals, and heating the animal fat to make the soap. A big empty plot ofnd was reserved for burning grass and wood to produce ashes.


    Although the area used wasn��t small, the number of workers was only about a few dozen.


    ��Decorative patterns can be printed on the soap by getting carpenters to carve molds and then imprinting these patterns when the soap is pressed into the molds. This makes it look more refined. Moreover, the factory can be expanded since there are too few workers and the production volume is too low. These are consumer goods, so even if the volume is increased by ten times, they will still sell. If they really can��t be sold, we can find a way to sell them in Great Xia.��


    ��Does Sir Ren have themercial means to sell in Great Xia?�� Tong Zhenye asked.


    ��We are establishing the contacts now.�� Ren Baqian had already contacted Su Qing through Qing Lian. After that, he could open another route by sending a caravanposed of Jing Tribe people to Great Xia.


    However, Great Xia would encounter internal turmoil during the first one or two years, so it was hard to say what the conditions would be like.


    In such troubled times, nonessential goods like soap, ss, and silver mirrors would have limited demand.


    However, once the Yun Nation was defeated, it would be a good dumping ce for consumer goods.


    After finishing his inspection of the soap factory, Ren Baqian returned to the pce with a few pieces of soap for the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, these were made by the Ministry of Works.��


    ��Soap?�� The empress picked up a piece to inspect. It had straight edges and right angles, leaving behind the marks made during the cutting.


    ��It��s not bad. I have tried it, it��s within my expectations, and it��s better than the soap from the Yun Nation.��


    ��That��s good!�� The empress smiled. The days when all themodities were brought in by foreign caravans were beginning to fade away.


    Ren Baqian then discussed the manufacture and sale of the soap with the empress.


    ��What��s your opinion?�� Regarding such issues, the empress��s first thought was always to consult Ren Baqian.


    ��Form a Department of Commerce that is responsible for the management of factories and channels of sales. At the end of each year, a certain proportion will be given to the court and another portion will be used for the expansion of the factories,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��Aside from you, I can��t think of anyone else who can manage this,�� the empress said.


    ��I don��t have the time, but I have an idea. Your Majesty, select a department head first. Then, appoint the two former managers of the merchant caravans, Tang Feng and Gu Ziheng, as his deputies. Tang Feng and Gi Ziheng are veteran caravan merchants and are capable of being deputies because they have a good understanding of business. There��s only one soap factory at the moment, and this can be used as a training ground. When they are familiar with the setup, they can start setting up other factories.


    In the past, the things needed by the various ministries were allocated internally. In the future,mercial products will be ced under the control of the Department of Commerce. The Ministry of Revenue will allocate the funds to the various other ministries while these ministries will buy from the Department of Commerce. After the Department of Commerce has deducted the cost of the goods, the money will be paid to the Ministry of Revenue proportionally. In this way, everything will be on track,�� Ren Baqian said.


    In fact, Ren Baqian wished that these factories would operate as state-owned enterprises and eventually be independent entities. However, Dayaocked talented people and still needed a government department to manage trade and industry.


    ��Is this the business model on Earth? However, in doing so, the Department of Commerce will have too much power in the future,�� said the empress as she rested her chin on her palm.


    Although the Department of Commerce currently had little, the empress knew that it would be the most powerful ministry in Dayao if it developed like Ren Baqian anticipated.


    By that time, it would be a separate ministry from Dayao��s other six ministries.


    ��Therefore, Your Majesty must choose the right candidate for this position. Capability and loyalty are both mandatory,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian and said, ��You will take charge of this position for the time being. After you set up the organization and everything is on track, I will assign someone to take over.��

 Chapter 632 - Hot Air Balloon

    Chapter 632: Hot Air Balloon


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After Ren Baqian and the empress finished their conversation, the imperial court discussed the issue of the Department of Commerce over the next few days.


    On one hand, many people felt that there was no need for the Department of Commerce.


    On the other hand, the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Revenue both hoped to incorporate the role of the Department of Commerce into their domain.


    Over a few consecutive days, there were daily arguments at the imperial court. It was said that countless bricks were cleared out of the main hall every day.


    Eventually, Ren Baqian even brought along his loudspeaker to talk reason to the officials by overpowering their voices. The empress used force to ensure that those people stayed well-behaved and listened to Ren Baqian talk.


    After five days of debate, it was volume and force that triumphed. Ren Baqian and the empress had seeded and finally settled the issue of the Department of Commerce. The department would be directly under the empress��s control while Ren Baqian will be its first department head.


    Another side effect of all the debating was that many of the officials had symptoms of different degrees of tinnitus.


    The first thing Ren Baqian did was find a courtyard in the city to headquarter the Department of Commerce. Before he even asked for Tang Feng and Gu Ziheng, they surprisingly came to look for him instead.


    This was indeed unexpected.


    When he left for the ck Bamboo Academy, he saw a man standing outside and was astonished when he heard of this man��s purpose foring.


    Standing outside the door was a middle-aged man who wore a long gown. He had a ��thin build�� and weighed roughly 100 kilograms. The moment he saw Ren Baqiane out from the school, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, ��Principal Ren, my name is Zhu Zhuo and I havee to rmend myself for a job.��


    ��Self rmendation?�� Ren Baqian repeated.


    ��Shall we walk, Principal Ren?�� Zhu Zhuo asked.


    ��Come in and talk.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand and let Zhu Zhuo follow him into the school. He was rather curious about what this man would say.


    After all, it was quite rare to have someone rmend himself to be Ren Baqian��s subordinate.


    Ren Baqian had just received this appointment, yet someone had alreadye looking for him. He was indeed quite well-informed.


    He wasn��t sure if this man had any of the qualities that he was looking for.


    Ren Baqian sat in a chair, folded his arms, and took a good look at him. This man seemed to havee from either the Yun Nation or Great Xia and somehow had the likeness of a schr. He wasn��t like a typical aboriginal that waspletely full of unruliness.


    ��Speak.��


    ��Sir Ren, to be quite honest, I��m currently an undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and it��s truly impudent for me to be rmending myself here. However, I have always looked forward to the things that Principal Ren has been doing. Regardless of whether it was the iron ore mine at Mount Damo or various other projects, I have heard of them all. Currently, I hear that Sir Ren is setting up the Department of Commerce. I feel that I��m of some use to you and that��s why I have taken the liberty of rmending myself. I have traveled around the Yun Nation for many years����


    Thisst sentence moved Ren Baqian.


    Little did he expect that Zhu Zhuo was indeed a haigui.[1.Haigui: Chinese ng term for Chinese people who have returned to maind China after having studied abroad for several years]


    He must be rather capable to hold the position of an undersecretary. Having spent many years in the Yun Nation, he must have some experience as well.


    After that, Ren Baqian asked Zhu Zhuo a few questions. Even though Zhu Zhuo��s replies weren��t exactly satisfactory to Ren Baqian, it was a problem of Ren Baqian having seen too many business models on Earth and having too much insight. Regarding the field ofmerce, it was impossible to find anyone in this world that Ren Baqian would be satisfied with.


    In fact, this Zhu Zhuo��s knowledge and opinions were far greater than that of a typical aboriginal.


    ��You may take your leave first. Let me consider.�� At the moment, Ren Baqian was rather emotionally affected, yet he didn��t show much on his face. He merely gave a dull response and asked him to leave.


    ��Yes, Sir Ren, I shall take my leave.�� Zhu Zhuo immediately cupped his fists and left without the slightest bit of sloppiness. This impressed Ren Baqian a little more.


    ��I never expected the Ministry of Works to have such a talent. It��s indeed a waste to leave him in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.�� Ren Baqian shook his head after Zhu Zhuo left.


    That same afternoon, Ren Baqian got someone to check on this Zhu Zhuo. Next, he asked the empress to issue a letter of appointment that transferred him over from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Zhu Zhuo was also promoted to the rank of overseer in the Department of Commerce and would serve as Ren Baqian��s assistant.


    Ren Baqian then roped in Tang Feng and Gu Ziheng, the original imperial merchant caravan managers, and appointed them as the undersecretaries.


    The statuses of the duo instantly jumped to Rank 5 undersecretary. This was an immediate sess for them, so both of them were naturally extremely grateful to Ren Baqian for it.


    After that, Ren Baqian transferred over some people from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, forming the core of the Department of Commerce. He then ordered the Rear Guard Commandery to search for experienced merchants who ran family businesses in Tianjing Basin and bring them to Lan City.


    In some aspects, these merchants who chased profits for a living were much more useful than the officials from those two ministries.


    Ren Baqian divided the Department of Commerce into three sections that were in charge of factories, trade routes, and financial nning. These three sections were independent of one another so that when the department grew into a ministry, these could be three separate departments. With this, the framework of the department had been decided.


    Thereafter, Ren Baqian would be the boss who set the direction while leaving the rest of the work to the others.


    He was preparing another project in school, which was the hot air balloon.


    Li Fu was counting on it to fly up into the sky.


    In the end, the materials of this world weren��tparable to those on Earth. Goods such as nylon didn��t exist. Ren Baqian decided to simply use two pieces of durable and thick cloth while applying ayer of rubber between them. This was to increase its density and reduce its venttion.


    As for the fuel, Ren Baqian decided to use coal and a type of wood that could burn for a very long period of time.


    He reckoned that a hot air balloon like this would be able to carry Li Fu about 10,000 to 15,000 meters up in the sky.


    There weren��t any valves that allowed him to control the heat.


    Ren Baqianpletely didn��t think about how to get Li Fu back down after reaching the top. At worst, Ren Baqian would just give him a batch of cloth and let him jump down while holding the four corners.


    In any case, given his strength, he probably wouldn��t fall to his death.


    Even if he did, the empress would then naturally be the third most powerful expert in the world.


    Ever since Li Fu saw Ren Baqian releasing skynterns during the New Year, he had been constantly researching how they were able to fly and if they could take him up into the sky.


    Due to this, he had approached Ren Baqian a number of times, but had always been brushed off with the excuse ofcking materials.


    Now, upon hearing Ren Baqian say that he wanted to make a hot air balloon and send Li Fu up into the sky, Li Fu was immediately exhrated.


    He had been searching for a way to reach Heaven for exactly 200 years. He had already discovered ces that were rumored to have the appearance of deities and the supernatural. Thus, the hot air balloon became his greatest wish.


    Even though Ren Baqian repeated told Li Fu that the current hot air balloon could only reach a certain altitude, Li Fu was still very excited about it. This feeling was the same sensation he felt when he had first met his fiancee back when he was young.


    To him, as long as he got close to Heaven, it was good enough. Even if he couldn��t touch it, it still gave him a glimmer of hope.


    Perhaps he could see where the deities were in the sky.


    The world��s most powerful expert, who always kicked people in the crotch for fun, stayed at the school ever since the materials were delivered.


    After understanding how this hot air balloon was made, he became the foreman. He oversaw the workers as they applied ayer of rubber paste over the fabric before pressing two pieces of fabric together.


    Every day, he inspected thepleted fabric for problems. If he discovered any errors of negligence, he would fly into a terrible rage.


    He would take the blueprint, bring Ren Baqian around, andpare repeatedly. When he asked about various problems, Ren Baqian was very patient with him.


    The balloon was stitched together using cloth and animal tendons. When the size of the stitched fabric gotrger, the balloon gradually took shape. Li Fu eventually quieted down as well.


    Six monthster, the hot air balloon was finallypleted!


    ��Look, you are going to rise into the sky tomorrow. Isn��t it almost time for you to impart your [Godly Strike] to me? If you fall to your death, it��s going to follow you to your grave.��


    Ren Baqian stood in the courtyard.


    ��One world, one dream.����There will be dreams if there is hope!����I want to soar up into the sky and be side by side with the sun!��


    He looked at these slogans that were written on the balloon and gave Li Fu a pat.


    ��There aren��t any fixed ways of imparting this move. When you reach this stage, you will naturally achieve it. If you don��t reach this stage, then there��s no point in learning it. However, I have already written down some of my knowledge and ced it under my pillow. Go get it when you return and see if you can learn anything from it,�� Li Fu said without even turning his head as he stared at the hot air balloon with a fervent expression in his face.


    ��What��s this hideous mess that you have written on the balloon?�� As Li Fu looked at those words, even the hairs of his beard stood on end.


    ��By being the first person to soar into the sky, what you represent isn��t just yourself. Instead, you represent the millions of people in this world and their dreams of flying! How could we not write these slogans for such an important asion? Don��t worry! You will go down in history!��

 Chapter 633 - Ascending into the Sky

    Chapter 633: Ascending into the Sky


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On Earth, one year has 365 days, but in this world, every month has exactly 30 days, so a year has 360 days.


    ��Based on Dayao��s calendar, in Year 72, 2nd Month, 30th Day, the first hot air balloon of this world is going to carry an angry hulk to conquer the sky.�� A deep voice resonated from the edge of a field.


    ��Sir, what��s a hulk?�� The official recording the statement was puzzled.


    ��Don��t worry about what it is, just write ording to what I say,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��In addition to carrying the angry hulk, the hot air balloon also carries the hopes of people who have been dreaming of flying for thousands of years and opens the exploration of the sky,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��What exactly is a hulk?�� This time, it was the empress who asked from behind Ren Baqian.


    ��The hulk represents great power,�� Ren Baqian replied. ��It��s just a figure of speech.��


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian suspiciously and felt that he was trying to hoodwink everyone again.


    ��Speak. How much of what you told me is real, and how much is false?�� the empress asked suddenly.


    ��With your quick wit and intelligence, how would it be possible for me to hide anything from Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress snorted and let the sudden thought pass.


    At this time, the crowd was seated in the square in front of the pce.


    Besides the empress, there were many big shots from the imperial court as well as students from the ck Bamboo Academy. Various officials and their families were also watching the event from further away.


    The hot air balloon was being set up in the middle of the square.


    There was no thermal control equipment and no safety devices. It was just the balloon portion of the hot air balloon, a bamboo basket underneath, and arge stove mounted above the basket.


    As the coal and firewood in the stove burned, the hot air balloon gradually expanded and the bamboo basket underneath began to rise off the ground.


    ��One world, one dream���� One by one, Tu Wan read the words out loud as the balloon expanded and disyed the slogans.


    Someone immediately ran to another side to see the words disyed from another direction.


    ��There will be dreams if there is hope����


    ��I want to soar up into the sky and be side by side with the sun�� This statement is very profound to me.�� Qin Chuanughed loudly.


    Although these people were jointly suppressed by Ren Baqian using the loudspeaker and the empress exerting force, they didn��t bear any grudges.


    The aboriginals were straightforward! Unless the hatred was very deep like in the case when Ren Baqian had offended that Yao Zi, minor disputes meant nothing to them.


    Qin Chuan went close to Ren Baqian and asked, ��Can this thing really fly?��


    ��Of course it can. You will see it very soon.��


    ��If this thing can really fly, can it be used to bring soldiers into enemy territory?�� Qin Chuan inquired.


    ��It can be shot down by an arrow, causing everyone to fall to their deaths���� Before Ren Baqian could reply, Tong Zhenye had already answered and sneered at Qin Chuan.


    ��Keep quiet!�� the empress said coldly.


    The two immediately shut their mouths and red at each other before moving apart.


    ��Senior, it��s almost ready. If it drops down, remember to spread open that cloth as soon as possible to increase the resistance and slow down the speed.�� Ren Baqian went to the front and patted Li Fu on the back.


    As a matter of fact, he shouldn��t have said ��if�� and should have said ��when.��


    ��ording to you, this thing can��t continue going up into the sky forever, but to get closer to Heaven is good enough. I want to see it with my own eyes.�� Li Fu had calmed down and wasn��t as frenzied as he had been a few days ago.


    ��Well, the materials are still not up to my standards. In the future, it will be better.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    Nevertheless, it was clear to Ren Baqian that even making the most modern hot air balloon was meaningless because it would be subjected to air buoyancy when the air became thinner at higher altitudes. Even the best technology was unable to make a hot air balloonparable to a rocket.


    ��That��s good enough��I will go up and take a look first!�� Li Fu said as he saw the hot air balloon starting to float up little by little.


    ��First use coal and then use some firewood when you reach a certain height. The fire produced by the wood is hotter and will enable you to fly higher,�� Ren Baqian reminded him again.


    ��I know. Okay, I want to go up now.�� Li Fu waved his hands and appeared inside the basket in a sh.


    Subsequently, Li Fu cut the securing rope, allowing the hot air balloon to gradually rise into the sky.


    A cry of rm immediately rang out from the square.


    Most of the spectators were astonished that this thing could actually fly.


    On the other hand, the students from the ck Bamboo Academy felt honored because they knew the principles and methods of making this thing. Seeing the looks of amazement on the faces of the others made them extremely happy.


    The craftsmen from the Zhang family looked bbergasted because they had no idea how this was done.


    As the hot air balloon flew higher and higher, this giant monster could be seen from all over the city.


    ��Quick, take a look! There��s something flying up!�� someone pointed at the sky and shouted.


    Within a short time, a group of people were beside him and looking up at the sky.


    ��What��s that? It looks strange!��


    ��There are words written on it!��


    ��What��s written on it?��


    ��I want to soar up into the sky and be side by side with the sun!�� someone with good vision read the words out loud.


    ��Wow! This thing is going to fly up to the sun!�� the crowd eximed rapturously.


    Soon, the hot air balloon could be seen flying higher and higher until it became a dot. Then, a strong gale came blowing��


    They watched as the hot air balloon was blown away��


    The crowd looked at the disappearing hot air balloon and simultaneously looked at Ren Baqian.


    ��The sky is like the sea��it��s where people seldom set foot. It��s full of opportunities and dangers!�� Ren Baqian stroke his chin and said solemnly.


    ��Can he return?��


    ��The fuel can onlyst for less than two hours, so it shouldn��t fly too far away.�� Ren Baqian shielded his eyes from the sun and looked into the distance.


    ��Your Majesty, let��s go back.�� Ren Baqian turned to speak to the empress.


    After the two went back to the pce, the rest dispersed. Some went back to do their official duties, some went back to work on constructing the clock tower, and those that needed to build the steam engine went back to build it.


    However, to the officials, their children, and the ordinary citizens, such a big thing flying in the sky was something that would be discussed for a long time.


    Whatever world they were in, people were fervent about the dream of flying.


    ��I heard that there was a big thing that flew up from the area in front of the pce?�� Qing Lian was interrogated by Ning Caichen the moment she came back to the wine shop.


    ��Yes!�� Qing Lian nodded.


    She was still amazed by that thing and found it very fascinating. If given the chance, she would like to sit in that thing and see what the sky really looked like.


    ��What was it? How did they aplish that?��


    ��It��s called a hot air balloon and I saw how they made it, but gathering the materials is rather difficult,�� Qing Lian said.


    ��If I could go up into the sky and take a look, it would be splendid,�� Ning Caichen said yearningly.


    ��I heard that thing can fly to the sun. Since the sun is so hot, won��t that thing catch on fire?�� Ning Caichen asked again.


    ��Oh���� Qing Lian was stumped as she hadn��t considered this point.


    This type of discussion was going on in many ces throughout the city.


    In Ren Baqian��s opinion, the hot air balloon didn��t contain much technology, but it greatly impressed many people.


    To be able to bring people up into the sky was simply a great achievement!


    The reputation of the ck Bamboo Academy became even more established in Lan City due to this publicity.


    For the next few days, the hottest topic of discussion in Lan City was: ��Will the hot air balloon catch on fire when it reaches the sun��

 Chapter 634 - Night Attack

    Chapter 634: Night Attack


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Shanghai.


    Inside a bar at a street corner, there were bottles of alcohol, beverages, food, and pizza. It looked no different from an ordinary bar except for its tightly shut door.


    There were dozens of people in the bar who were either standing or sitting. Among them, there were Chinese people as well as fair-haired and blue-eyed foreigners. There were people serving sses of wine as well as people ying handheld game consoles. There were also people fiddling with daggers while looking calm and rxed. There were practically no signs of them throwing a party.


    One of the western-looking men lowered the volume of the speakers, pped a few times to attract everyone��s attention, and began speaking.


    ��Everyone, as a result of our investigation during this period of time, the thing that we are looking for is in that room.��


    ��Steve, have you seen those people in the courtyard? They are actually using cars as weightlifting equipment! They can snap a big tree with one punch! My god��are they really humans? I��m beginning to suspect if the superheroes from the movies havee to reality!�� another man eximed exaggeratedly.


    All of the surrounding people ignored him since this wasn��t the first time he had said this.


    ��Andy, that��s the reason we are here. Our superior��s order is to obtain the thing we want no matter what it takes,�� Steve replied.


    ��Indeed, strength isn��t everything. Skill and agility are still essential. There��s a saying in China that all martial arts in the world are second to speed! I really like this saying. Guns are the fastest!�� A bronze-skinneddy took the dagger in her hands and stuck it on the table.


    ��This isn��t a good assignment. Those people aren��t only strong��you can tell from the way they move. Also, there are more than ten of them. The most important thing is that we aren��t in some small country. This is China, one of the more dangerous countries in the world. I hate carrying out assignments in this country,�� a bald man added.


    ��This is our assignment. Please remember who we are,�� Steve raised his voice and reminded everyone.


    ��They do indeed look a little odd, which is exactly why we came here. ording to the information from the CIA, the owner of this house has aboratory under his name. On the surface, it conducts pharmaceutical research, but in reality, they perform biochemical research on human bodies and have produced fairly good results. China has obtained this thing and is already creating biochemical soldiers. It��s obvious that we can��t take it away from the hands of China, so this man is the best way for us to break through. Our mission is to obtain information from the owner of this house and capture him if possible,�� Steve exined as he took some photographs and blueprints from a file before throwing them on the table.


    The picture on top depicted a sturdy-looking man in his twenties while the second picture depicted a cold-looking woman in red.


    ��This man is our target, codenamed ��Mole.�� Thedy is his girlfriend, and we are unsure about her identity. It has been a long time since they left the house, and we believe that there��s a basement in there. It��s highly possible that our target and the things we are after are in that basement! This is theyout of the house. The basement may very likely be in either this or that location�� Another thing to note is that food is delivered to them daily. It��s sufficient to feed 200 people. As such, we have reason to believe that there��s anotherboratory underground where there are many other people or even additional research materials!�� Steve pointed at two spots on the blueprint.


    ��Any other questions?�� Steve looked at everyone and answered a few of their questions.


    After, seeing that there were no further questions, he added, ��Now, let me make the arrangements. This is point 1, where there are surveince personnel on watch during the day. They are very likely to be China��s secret agents. They will leave at 10 PM in the evening. However, you must also be mindful of this location. If we get discovered, Kobe and Robin will settle the situation. This is point 2, which is the target��s main door. The entire courtyard has no surveince instations or guard dogs. As such, we can infiltrate directly. These two locations are points 3 and 4. Groups 1 and 2 will infiltrate these locations, respectively. ording to our observations, most of those men will start drinking after 8 PM every evening and finish by 10 PM. By this time, they will not be as alert anymore. We will move in at 12 midnight, which is after the shift change of the secret agents. We will first deal with those two people before we attack.��


    ��This is their electrical power system. Negan, you will be in charge of cutting off the electricity before Sarah jams the signal reception. After cutting off the electricity, group 1 will advance from the front while group 2 breaks in from the back. Group 3 will prevent anyone from escaping. Before we evacuate, we must settle all of this in five minutes and obtain all the information we need in an hour. This is each group��s route of advancement��everyone take a look. This assignment is very important. We must seed, and there is no room for failure! Also, this is the route of retreat, which everyone needs to keep in mind. After we seed, a speed boat wille pick us up and we will reach the high seas in four hours. If everything goes smoothly, we will disappear from everyone��s sight before they can even react,�� Steve said as he gave out various orders.


    Everyone at the table held up a piece of paper that contained the vi��s blueprint as well as their individual tasks.


    ��Steve, where are the weapons? Are they here yet?��


    ��They have arrived.��


    ��The codename of this operation is ��Mole Hunt!����


    ��


    ��Boss, their tendencies don��t look quite right. It��s possible that they are taking action soon. Shall we take action?�� From a restaurant not too far away, a man spoke into a walkie-talkie.


    ��No, there��s no need to. We can take this opportunity to see how they respond to firearms,�� a middle-aged man quickly replied from the other end of the walkie-talkie.


    ��


    At night, the fully equipped people split up into their teams and made their way up Sheshan from the trail.


    Soon after, a voice sounded from the walkie-talkie, ��Thunder God, there��s nobody at point 1.��


    Immediately after hearing this, Steve replied, ��Check the surroundings. Dash straight to point 3 if there are no problems.��


    Very quickly, a group of people smoothly arrived at points 3 and 4.


    Suddenly, the lights within the vi were switched off, and it became pitch ck.


    Steve looked at his watch and confirmed that it was almost time. When he put on an infrared night vision device, everything in the darkness immediately became clear.


    ��Thunder God, Thunder God, this is President. My task isplete,�� Negan��s voice came through the earpiece.


    ��Perfect timing!�� Steve thought to himself as he looked at the time on his watch. He hoped that everything would go smoothly. Once this operation ended, he would be able to return to the headquarters.


    ��Group 1, at the main door!��


    ��Group 2, at the back door!��


    When Group 1 broke down the front door, they smelled a very strong odor of alcohol. They rushed in and saw people lying in disorder on the sofa and the floor. Without hesitation, they immediately raised their rifles.


    <em>Bang, bang, bang, bang!</em>


    However, the moment that their rifles shed and spat fire, those burly men that were lying down suddenly leaped up so deftly that itpletely didn��t match their physiques.


    ��Enemy attack! Kill!�� Xiong Zhan shouted violently. His eyes shone brightly like copper bells as he leaped more than eight meters at lightning speed. His fist whizzed through the air and smashed against the head of one of the enemies, causing it to immediately explode like a smashed watermelon.


    At the same time, his feet kicked straight toward another man��s chest, which ended up with this man stered to the wall. His entire chest was dented inward as if a car had crashed into him.


    While he was settling these two men, the other winged cavalry warriors took care of the other two men who rushed in.


    This all happened within a very short period of time. The winged cavalry jumped up from the floor and killed all the intruders almost as soon as the first gunshot was fired.


    All four members of group 1 were smashed into four pieces of bloody tofu without even making a noise.


    The four men from group 2 had just entered the house from a rear window and were greeted by more than ten bewildered and bearish men who were tipsy, yet murderous-looking.


    ��Group 1, what��s the situation? Group 1? Group 1, reply!��


    ��Group 2? Group 2? What exactly happened?�� Steve was still outside the house radioing the two groups. Through his earpiece just now, he had heard gunshots from the rifles that were fitted with silencers and banging noises. Complete silence followed.


    At this moment, around six men walked out from the main door that had been knocked down. They lifted their heads, looked around, and leaped away at astounding speeds. One of them went straight for Steve while the others went in various directions where they detected people.


    These burly men were like superheroes from the movies. They could jump more than several meters in one leap and almostnded on top of Steve��s head. Such a scene made him stare in disbelief.


    ��No, this can��t be����


    Steve rolled around violently on the ground while simultaneously firing an entire magazine of bullets. However, that burly man simply crossed his arms and protected the vital parts of his body.


    As bloody flower petals spurted out from his body, one of his feet stomped on Steve��s chest.


    ��Damn it! It��s pretty painful!��


    Xiong Ying killed Steve with one stomp. He looked at the blood gushing out of the gunshot wounds on his arms and cursed in anger.

 Chapter 635 - Who Dares to Steal Our Things?

    Chapter 635: Who Dares to Steal Our Things?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Ha! You actually got injured? Idiot!�� With bullet holes all over his body, Xiong Ying was ridiculed as he dragged a dismembered body along.


    ��That��s because I wanted to see how amazing this thing is!�� Xiong Ying retorted.


    ��Then why didn��t you let them injure your head?�� Xu Wei sneered.


    ��Why are you spouting so much nonsense!�� Xiong Ying stared at Xu Wei and saw a few other people dragging dead bodies back as well.


    In addition, Xiong Ying wasn��t the only one who was injured.


    ��You have seen this thing before, right?�� After Xiong Zhan figured things out, he looked at Xiong Ying suspiciously.


    ��I have seen it before, but never tried it. Nevertheless, I must find out how good this thing is in order to know what��s going on. Its speed is rather quick, but there��s nothing special about its power,�� Xiong Ying said as he smacked his lips.


    ��Who else wants to test it out?�� Xu Wei raised the MP5K[1.MP5K �Cpact submachine gun developed by the Germanpany Heckler-Koch for various counter-terror and security units that needed a short-range weapon with serious firepower.] and gestured.


    ��Me, me!�� Immediately, someone was in high spirits.


    Xu Wei raised his hand and pulled the trigger, precisely aiming at the volunteer��s body��


    ��There are no more bullets. How do I change the bullets for this thing?�� Xu Wei looked down and fiddled around for a long time, but to no avail.


    ��That little fellow should know, right? Give him a call.��


    ��That little fellow�� referred to Ding Jie, who was frail and thin. Even though he often practiced martial arts and hung out with these burly men of Dayao, he was only slightly more robust.


    ��Let me call him!�� Another winged cavalry warrior got extremely excited because he loved to make phone calls. What he did the most was call various service hotlines every day and then talked about everything under the sun with the female phone operators.


    ��These should have bullets.�� Someone kicked over a few weapons. Just a while ago, many people lost their lives without even shooting a single bullet.


    Even if an ordinary person underwent special training to be a secret agent, the gap was still extremely hugepared to an Earth Wheel expert.


    Moreover, a winged cavalry warrior��s strength was much stronger than that of an ordinary Earth Wheel expert.


    Xu Wei lowered his head, picked up a gun, and fired in a direction at random. Immediately, two winged cavalry warriors dashed over to grab the bullets in the air.


    Right after that, two holes appeared in the palms of the two winged cavalry warriors. The bullets were lodged in their bones.


    ��It��s faster than the bolts of Great Xia��s crossbow battalion!��


    Subsequently, gunshots fired off consecutively. A bunch of people were ying with these inexplicable guns. There was also a group of people who looked into the gun barrel to see what was inside. Fortunately, there wasn��t any fire. Otherwise, people wouldugh their heads off if they were to die in such a way.


    After they were done fiddling with the guns, the walls and furniture in the room were filled with bullet holes��


    Just when they began to study the stun bombs and grenades, the people from the Messier 87 department finally arrived.


    The person leading the team was Yang Sen. Eight cars pulled up at the door, and they discovered that the door was wide open when they arrived.


    ��I��m from the Messier 87 department. Your boss knows me, and I have met some of you before,�� Yang Sen shouted.


    The winged cavalry warriors, who were right in the middle of studying the grenades, nced at one another. Their gazes were filled with confusion.


    ��Boss doesn��t know them, butdy boss is rather familiar with them. Ask them about their purpose foring,�� Xiong Ying said while tossing a grenade up and down.


    ��Come in!��


    The moment the Messier 87 department stepped into the house, they saw bodies piled up, bullet holes everywhere, and wounded people all around�� These people were indifferent about the situation and were fiddling with the stun bombs and hand grenades.


    This scene gave Yang Sen a huge shock.


    ording to the data obtained before, the attackers shouldn��t pose too much of a threat even if they mounted a sneak attack in the middle of the night against the winged cavalry. After all, the physical state of these human monsters was too terrifying.


    Yet, when the team arrived, they found that 11 out of the 16 people present were actually injured. Furthermore, it was strange that apart from two people who had injured arms, the others were injured in their hands.


    ��Where��s your boss?�� Yang Sen asked.


    ��Not around.��


    ��I immediately rushed over when I learned that a group of people were going to attack you guys. However, I was still one stepte. Thank goodness nothing major happened. Do I need to get a doctor to treat all of your injuries?��


    ��Injuries? What injuries?�� Full of confusion, everyone looked at Yang Sen. What kind of injuries was he talking about?


    ��Your arm is still bleeding��do you want to bandage it��?�� Yang Sen pointed at Xiong Ying and asked.


    Xiong Ying looked down and then the muscles in his arms bulged. One of the bullets that he had overlooked just now was squeezed out by him. A ��pop�� sound was heard as the bullet fell to the ground. The bleeding instantly stopped without him even treating the wound.


    This scene cause Yang Sen and his team to be extremely baffled!


    ��These bodies are foreign secret agents. We have to bring their bodies back and check their origins,�� Yang Sen instructed as he pointed at the bodies.


    ��The bodies belong to us!�� The winged cavalry warriors stared ferociously at him.


    <em>There��s actually someone in this world who dares to steal our things?</em>


    Even though they didn��t deliberately give off an imposing manner, it still made Yang Sen and his team feel as if they were confronting more than a dozen human beasts in front of them. It seemed like they could be food for these beasts at any time. It gave them chills even though it was the middle of summer.


    ��Corpses���� Yang Sen exined.


    ��They still belong to us����


    Xiong Ying reached out to the bodies, firearms, and ammunition that were on the ground and dered, ��Everything is ours! Since young, my father has taught me to kill anyone who wants to steal my things! If I want to steal someone��s things, I must kill him or her first!��


    Although his voice was calm, it still emitted a certain ferocity. In addition, that ferocious and deathly stare of his gave off a bone-chilling aura.


    Yang Sen didn��t doubt the authenticity of his words at all.


    Although Yang Sen had never dealt with them directly before, from the data he had obtained, these people behaved exactly the way he expected them to.


    Tyrannical, ferocious, and barbaric.


    Yang Sen didn��t want to start any conflict with this group of guys, so he changed the topic and asked, ��When��s your bossing back?��


    ��Not sure.��


    ��It��s summer��if you guys don��t deal with these bodies, they will rot.��


    ��We��ll dig holes to bury them!��


    ��In that case, will it be fine if we stay here and look? After all, we have to find out the identities of the people who attacked all of you. Let us see if there are any clues. After that, I��ll get someone to deliver freezers so that you guys can store the bodies inside.�� Yang Sen was at his wit��s end.


    In the end, it seemed like it was still easier tomunicate with Ren Baqian.


    ��Alright! Might as well send us some alcohol too!�� This time around, the winged cavalry delightfully agreed.


    ��Send some pig heads too! One pig head for each of us!��


    ��Don��t forget the shoulder meat and trotters!��


    ��I want barbecued pork!��


    The inner corners of Yang Sen��s eyes trembled. What did these people take him as? A deliveryman?


    Not long after, a group of people were busy arranging these bodies in 360 different poses and taking pictures of them. Those bodies suffered injuries simr to those from the scene of a car ident. All of them had been hit by a huge force, causing every single bone and internal organ to shatter. Moreover, they were all killed in one blow. Some of these bodies were even headless.


    The Messier 87 department knew that it was this bunch of human monsters who were responsible and also knew that they were as powerful as Ultraman[1.Ultraman �C a Japanese tokusatsu science fiction television series created by Eiji Tsuburaya], but they were still speechless.


    More than a dozen elite secret agents who were armed with weapons hadunched a sneak attack on their target in the middle of the night, but were wiped out after a short period of time. The thought of this already sent chills down their spines.


    Soon after, the alcohol was delivered and those winged cavalry warriors began to pull their sleeves up and y the ��little bee�� game.


    ��I��m a little bee����


    <em>Bam! Boom!</em>


    The way the winged cavalry yed this game made everyone in the Messier 87 department break out in a cold sweat.


    When Ding Jie finally arrived, he saw many unknown people checking him out from head to toe. At the same time, a dozen burly men were drinking and ying the finger-guessing game. It was unknown exactly when someone would fly out and smash into the walls.


    ��Little fellow,e and drink!�� Ding Jie heard this familiar voice before he even settled down. Immediately, from his face to his teeth to his testicles�� he felt excruciating pain all over his body.

 Chapter 636 - The View Here is Extremely Good!

    Chapter 636: The View Here is Extremely Good!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As for whether the balloon would catch on fire when it flew up to the sun, this question inexplicably engulfed half of Lan City. Even Feng Hou specifically came to ask Ren Baqian if it would really catch on fire.


    ��It won��t reach the sun.��


    ��Why not? If it does, will it catch on fire?��


    ��Yes, it will.��


    ��Why will it catch on fire?��


    ��The sun is a huge ball of fire��it��s like a torch. You asked if it will catch on fire? Why don��t you put your finger into a fire and give it a try?��


    ��Fingers can��t catch on fire. Instead, they will get roasted. The sun is a huge ball of fire�� So what��s the sun burning?��


    ��What is the sun burning��? Are you filming ��100,000 Whys?��[1.100,000 Whys �C a Chinese educational show for children] Ren Baqian realized that he would never be able to make it clear to Feng Hou.


    ��You don��t know?�� Feng Hou looked at him in disdain.


    <em>Admit it if you don��t know. Why raise your voice?</em>


    Ren Baqian almost spat out blood.


    ��The sun is made up of basic elements like hydrogen, helium, etc. They convert the pressure of the sun��s maic field into light and heat.��


    ��What��s hydrogen? What��s helium? What��s a maic field? What��s conversion? Why doesn��t the sun extinguish? Do you know? Do you really know? Just admit it if you don��t know and I��ll ask somebody else.��


    Ren Baqian immediately flew into a rage. Why didn��t he previously realize how nasty Feng Hou��s mouth was?


    Such a blockhead actually questioned Ren Baqian? If he didn��t know, who else did? This was utterly intolerable!


    Ren Baqian spent the entire afternoon educating Feng Hou about science. The sun converted hydrogen and helium into light and heat. The light and heat, in the form of a maic field, was then transformed into pressure. Hydrogen and helium would then convert the pressure into light and heat again. This way, the energy repeatedly transformed from one form into another, maintaining a constant amount of total energy. This was also the conservation of energy studied in physics.


    ��Do you understand?�� Ren Baqian had already finished threerge cups of tea, and a bunch of students had gathered outside the house to listen to Ren Baqian��s lecture.


    ��I don��t understand. It��s tooplicated. Forget it! I��ll just leave it as it is.�� Feng Hou shook his head and left, looking rxed.


    Ren Baqian almost spat out blood again.


    <em>Why did I waste the entire afternoon on you then? Huh?</em>


    <em>I drank three cups of tea and talked nonstop for the entire afternoon, yet you just walk out as if nothing happened?</em>


    At the moment, Ren Baqian was feeling extremely pissed off!


    Very soon, the court officials had also stopped mulling over the problem of how to find the sun.


    Less than two dayster, another new thing attracted their attention.


    It was a freestanding clock that was two meters tall and half a meter wide. A quarter of it was the face of the clock, whereas the lower portion housed a pendulum.


    The outer surface waspletely made out of wood, except for the clock face and pendulum case that had ss in the front.


    When the clock was ced at the imperial court, it immediately attracted everyone��s attention.


    The purpose of this thing was to keep track of time. It was much more urate than a sundial and didn��t have all the restrictions of a sundial. After everyone came to realize all of this, they all admired the precise time-keeping device so much that all of them went forward to take a closer look.


    ��Do the 12 numbers on it represent the 12 double hour periods in a day?�� Tu Wan asked as she gently caressed the ss that covered the clock face. She was standing so close that her eyes almost stuck to the ss.


    ��How was this thing made to move on its own?�� Zhuo Yan was very curious.


    ��With this, we can keep track of time more urately in the future.�� Shi Qing nodded as he stroked his beard.


    The empress sat on her throne looking delighted as the rest of the officials examined the clock.


    She liked this clock a lot. Since it was the first clock in this world, it would be ideal to keep it as part of her own collection.


    Besides, this was also made by Ren Baqian. She now enjoyed watching everyone��s astonished looks whenever Ren Baqian created something new.


    However, at that moment, she suddenly heard a cracking sound from the crowd��


    Her originally cheerful expression immediately froze.


    <em>Crack�� Crack�� Crack��</em>


    The crowd moved away, leaving a stupefied secretary of the Ministry of War, Lian Liang, standing there alone with the broken clock.


    ��Take him out and hang him on the wall!�� the empress ordered.


    ��I�� It wasn��t�� It wasn��t me���� Lian Liang looked extremely anxious. He turned his head to look at his superior Qin Chuan, but Qin Chuan simply lifted his head and looked away.


    Lian Liang then looked at Shi Qing, but Shi QIng simply looked down nkly.


    He then turned to look at Zhuo Yan, the Minister of Justice, but Zhuo Yan simply looked down at his palm.


    ��If not you, then who?�� The empress��s deathly cold gaze swept across everyone in the room.


    Everyone looked at Lian Liang with very explicit gazes��it was him.


    ��Sir Lian, admit it!�� Tie Yan said unhurriedly.


    Lian Liang remained dumbstruck for some time and was extremely angry with all these people.


    He didn��t even exert any force at all just now! So many people were touching! Why did it be like this?


    The moment Ren Baqian returned to the pce, he saw Lian Liang hanging from the pce walls and fluttering in the wind. He stood outside the pce and stared at Lian Liang for a while and wondered who hung him up there. The method used to tie someone up there was indeed sorrowful��


    They actually tied a tortoise shell to Lian Liang, and the result was simr to the Chanel logo.


    He wasn��t sure why, but after looking at the tied up Lian Liang who was hanging from the top of the wall, Ren Baqian suddenly thought of the mitten crabs of Yangcheng Lake and had a craving for crab.


    Upon careful reflection, he hadn��t seen any crabs in Dayao before and wasn��t sure if any existed here.


    The quality of food here was a few grades better than food on Earth. It seemed like other than searching for all sorts of natural resources here, he had to look for ingredients as well.


    Ren Baqian thought about this as he walked back to the pce.


    ��Sir Ren!�� Lian Liang��s face changed as he shouted at Ren Baqian, who had sized him up for some time before looking down. He didn��t know what Ren Baqian was thinking about.


    ��Secretary Lian, what��s the matter?�� Ren Baqian stopped in his tracks, looked up, and smiled.


    Lian Liang pondered for some time as to whether he should ask Ren Baqian to put in a few words for him or to endure it up there.


    After careful thought, Her Majesty couldn��t possibly keep him up here for too long. There also wasn��t much need for Ren Baqian to help plead for him since Lian Liang would then owe him a favor.


    ��Umm�� Umm�� What I want to say is that the view here is extremely good!�� Lian Liang tried his best to lift his head and act as if the view up top was indeed very good. His bald head glistened in the sun.


    Ren Baqian originally thought that Lian Liang would ask him to put in a few good words in front of the empress so she would let him down. However, Ren Baqian was stunned when Lian Liang said such a thing.


    ��If that��s the case, I shall not bother you anymore.�� Ren Baqian cupped his fists at him.


    ��Noting your kindness, I��ll continue enjoying this view for a while longer! ��Lian Liang nodded his head.


    Ren Baqian felt likeughing out loud, but still remained calm and collected.


    ��Your Majesty, what did Sir Lian do wrong?�� Ren Baqian asked as he entered her quarters.


    ��Look!�� The empress sat cross-legged on her couch,pletely disregarding her own image. In front of her was aptop with the music of the Anipop game ying.


    After hearing what Ren Baqian asked, she lifted her head and tilted her jaw.


    Ren Baqian then saw the fragmented clock sitting at the side. It only took a day, or half a day to be more precise, for it to be reduced to this.


    The aboriginals were indeed great destroyers!


    ��The speed of destruction is indeed very fast! Sir Lian did that?�� Ren Baqian was taken aback. Then, he casually remarked, ��I saw him just now, and he said that the view up there is great.��


    ��I shall let him continue hanging there then.�� The empress raised her eyebrows.


    ��Does Your Majesty want to go back to Earth with me to relieve your boredom?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Great! I want to eat some pot stew!��

 Chapter 637 - How Can You Still Be So Proud?

    Chapter 637: How Can You Still Be So Proud?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    There were three people going to Earth this time instead of the usual two.


    Besides Ren Baqian and the empress, there was also a cold-lookingdy, Xin Zhe, who was wearing full body armor.


    Originally, Ren Baqian intended to directly get a pair of spectacles for thisdy with poor vision if she was short-sighted.


    However, with the information that Ren Baqian found online, he discovered that she had congenital amblyopia and slight astigmatism. She had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.


    The change in space-time from the pce in Dayao to the vi on Earth only surprised Xin Zhe momentarily before she quickly calmed down to observe the environment with squinting eyes.


    In fact, the asional disappearances of the empress and those strange gadgets in her possession had Xin Zhe making all kinds of spections.


    Now, she finally knew where the empress went to during her disappearances.


    ��There��s someone downstairs!�� Xin Zhe squinted her eyes as she said, ��Winged cavalry warriors, 16 of them. Also some others.��


    ��You can sense them?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    Xin Zhe nced at Ren Baqian and turned her head to one side to signify that she could ��sense a little.��


    The breathing pattern of a winged cavalry warrior was very special. Besides having the strength of a Kismet Heaven expert, this breathing pattern also possessed a very strong murderous vibe as well as a violent undertone.


    In addition, there were 11 other people who were weak and small. They were like children that were about four or five years old.


    ��Oh, in a while, I will get you some clothes for you to change into.�� Ren Baqian wasn��t concerned about the people downstairs as it was something normal.


    ��Get her some clothes!�� The empress left this instruction and went to her room to change.


    ��Why do I have to change my clothes?�� Xin Zhe asked coldly after the empress had left.


    ��You can��t meet people with the clothes you are wearing. Just do as you are told and you will understand when you go out and see for yourself. �� Ren Baqian didn��t have women��s clothes, but seeing that Xin Zhe was only slightly shorter than him, he opened his wardrobe and retrieved a white shirt that he hadn��t worn before.


    He also managed to find a pair of jeans.


    ��This is the way to wear it.�� Ren Baqian demonstrated for Xin Zhe.


    Xin Zhe��s riveted armor ran all the way from her stomach to her shoulder and went around her neck. Only her two arms and the area above her neck were exposed.


    Below the waist, she wore an iron skirt made of iron leaves that stretched above the knees and nked noisily as she walked.


    After seeing the demonstration by Ren Baqian, Xin Zhe, without any change in expression, took off her body armor. She was only seen raising both hands and twisting her body before the body armor fell to the ground.


    The upper half of her body was exposed.


    Her skin was as smooth as jade and, due to ack of exposure to sunlight, was almost white in color.


    Her full breasts stood upright and inviting.


    With her cold but beautiful face, it was hard for most men to resist.


    Ren Baqian took a nce and gasped in admiration. Her figure was breath-taking and wasn��t noticeable when hidden beneath the armor. Whenpared to Lin Qiaole��s t chest, Xin Zhe was much better.


    He didn��t expect her not to wear anything underneath. Furthermore, she wasn��t shy about this.


    Before Ren Baqian could say anything, Xin Zhe took off her skirt. Fortunately, she was wearing short pants underneath.


    Since female aboriginals mostly wore short skirts to climb high and low, it was the norm to wear short pants underneath. They weren��t like the ancient people in China who wore nothing beneath their skirts.


    Ren Baqian threw the clothes to Xin Zhe, then decided to give her a T-shirt and said, ��Wear it underneath.��


    After that, he changed into his own clothes.


    After all, if she wasn��t shy, then what was he supposed to be afraid of?


    After changing his clothes, he turned to see Xin Zhe buttoning up her shirt.


    The shirt and trousers were a little too big, but Xin Zhe didn��t mind. From this, it seemed like she didn��t understand the concepts of beauty or ugliness.


    ��Follow me downstairs. Say less and observe more,�� Ren Baqian instructed.


    ��I understand.�� Xin Zhe nodded. She was naturally not talkative. This was even more so the case aftering to an unfamiliar ce.


    ��Let your hair down!�� Ren Baqian walked toward Xin Zhe and pulled out a hairpin from her hair when he was beside her. Xin Zhe moved her fingers, but didn��t stop him from pulling out the hairpin.


    Her hair instantly fell down and spread out like Sadako��


    Ren Baqian nodded since she didn��t look as out of ce this way.


    He felt that something was wrong as Xin Zhe. When he reached the top of the staircase, he saw that the railings were scratched in several ces. When he looked down, he noticed that there were a lot of bloodstains on the floor,


    ��Did something happen?�� Ren Baqian jolted. What could have happened inside the vi?


    The nation couldn��t be the one involved, and there was someone watching at all times. It also couldn��t be some petty thieves like what had happened with the Jin Family back then.


    In that case, what could have happened? Were those fools tired of ying the little bee game? Had they started ying other games?


    Ren Baqian quickly went downstairs, looked across the hall, and was stunned.


    The hall was a mess, the floor was covered in blood, and there was a row of freezers that he hadn��t seen before in the corner.


    As for the winged cavalry warriors, they were either lying on the sofa or snoring on the floor.


    ��What happened?�� Ren Baqian rushed into the hall, nced throughout all four corners, and discovered that the walls and furniture were riddled with holes.


    These were bullet holes, something he was very familiar with.


    ��Boss���� Ding Jie, who was sleeping in a corner, stood up. He managed to avoid blurting out dy boss.��


    ��What happened?�� Ren Baqian asked with a frown.


    ��Last night, it seems as if someoneunched a�� sneak attack���� Ding Jie took a long time to say ��sneak attack.�� Although it was true, it sounded rather strange.


    The scene fromst night, when Ding Jie saw weapons all over the floor, was like watching a scene from a movie.


    However, considering that these kids from the mountain could use cars as barbells, Ding Jie felt that what could be seen in the cinema was low-grade content.


    ��Sneak attack? Who were they?�� Ren Baqian was even more worried when he found guns, grenades, and stun bombs.


    Was there a war going on?


    Who could deploy so much firepower locally?


    ��It��s said to be the work of foreign secret agents! The corpses are in the freezers,�� Ding Jie said. ��Boss, you seem to be watched by someone. A few people who said they were from the Messier 87 department came herest night. They are outside now.��


    Ding Jie then gazed with admiration at the beautifuldy who had followed Ren Baqian down and didn��t utter a word at all. The marvelousdy boss was indeed thedy boss�� but that previousdy was the boss, so who was thisdy?


    At the same time, he was puzzled that the boss came down from upstairs, yet didn��t know anything about what had happenedst night.


    However, Din Jie restrained himself from saying anything.


    A frowning Ren Baqian gave a kick to one of the heavily intoxicated winged cavalry warriors lying on the sofa. He went to open one of the freezers and saw the corpses inside.


    Each freezer could hold two corpses, and the eight freezers there contained 16 corpses in total.


    Half the corpses were Caucasians, some were ck-skinned, some were South American, and there were three more who looked Chinese.


    ��Our situation has been exposed���� Ren Baqian instantly realized the problem.


    These were 16 fully armed secret agents��besides an information leak, there was no other exnation.


    ��Lady boss!��


    ��Eh? General Xin Zhe? I almost couldn��t recognize you without your armor.��


    More than ten winged cavalry warriors crawled up from the floor in surprise. It was the first time they had seen Xin Zhe dressed like this. It would be wonderful if they could snatch her as their wife, but it was a pity that they were no match for her!��


    ��Tell me about the situationst night!�� Ren Baqian demanded.


    ��Oh, we were sleeping when those little bugs came in. Then, we swatted them to death.��


    ��A few bugs? They messed up the whole house!�� Ren Baqian looked around. More than ten winged cavalry warriors, yet they let people wreck the house. The enemy ratio was 1:1��were they just watching as those people fired indiscriminately?


    ��How would that be possible? This was done by Xu Wei!��


    This group of people immediately betrayed Xu Wei.


    Unexpectedly, Xu Wei looked rather smug and said, ��These idiots are ignorant, so I let them experience the power of a gun! However, this thing is fun!��


    Ren Baqian grimaced at the sight of the ruined living room.


    <em>There are bullet holes everywhere! The television, air conditioners, and decorations were all destroyed by you?!</em>


    How could he still be proud of his actions?

 Chapter 638 - Raise a Flag?

    Chapter 638: Raise a g?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Oh? Ren Baqian appeared? With an unknowndy beside him? There are people leaving the mountain? How many of them? What��s their purpose? I got it. Keep an eye on them. I��m heading over now.�� Yang Sen hung up the call and rushed toward Sheshan.


    Just as he reached the foot of Sheshan, he nced toward the side and suddenly shouted, ��Stop the car!.��


    The chauffeur immediately stopped the car. Yang Sen rolled down the window and looked outside only to see two bear-like and sturdy looking men who were around 1.8 meters tall. They strutted into the entrance of a restaurant.


    Even though Yang Sen wasn��t familiar with these two men, he had seen their photos numerous times. As a matter of fact, most of the people in the mountains were of this size. Additionally, with the rays of sunlight reflecting off their bald heads, one could even recognize them from behind.


    <em>What are they doing here? </em>Yang Sen wondered to himself as he saw them strutting over to the gpoles near the entrance of the restaurant. They pushed and pulled on it using their bare hands, causing the steel gpoles that were several centimeters thick to snap.


    The duo��s appearance was already quite terrifying to begin with. Naturally, they attracted quite a bit of attention when they approached the restaurant.


    A security guard, who originally wanted to step forward and question them, stopped in his tracks out of fright after seeing this.


    The two men then took off, each holding a gpole, but they didn��t leave from the main entrance. Instead, they leaped over the wall with the gpole that was over ten meters long. Soon, they were gone with the wind��


    Everyone at the restaurant was dumbstruck at what had just happened.


    One group of tourists, who had just alighted from their tour bus, had their eyes almost pop out of their sockets after witnessing this.


    ��Oh my god!�� Gasping sounds repeated continuously.


    That spot, which originally had three gpoles, was only left with one standing. A person who couldn��t believe what he just saw stepped forward and tried to push against the gpole. It was definitely made out of metal and not wheat!


    Soon after, Yang Sen��s phone rang.


    ��I saw it. Go handle this matter. I��ll go up the mountain.�� He answered the call as he watched the duo disappear into the horizon.


    ��Such speed! It��s at least 60 kilometers per hour!�� The driver couldn��t help but exim as he stepped on it and chased after them.


    They weren��t driving, they were actually running!


    Traveling 60 kilometers in one hour was equivalent to one kilometer in a minute and 100 meters in six seconds. Even Olympic sprinters weren��t that fast. Furthermore, they continued running at that speed for more than a kilometer.


    ��Stay on their tail,�� Yang Sen said.


    Even though it already broke the world record, it was still eptable if they ran at this speed for 100 meters or slightly further.


    However, it was truly scary that they were able to maintain this speed all the way to the vi, which was a distance of several kilometers.


    This proved that they would definitely be able to sprint much faster and would be able to travel 100 meters in three, two, or even one second.


    This kind of speed was truly terrifying.


    Was this the strength of the soldiers from that ce? Even if they were elite soldiers, such strength was too terrifying.


    Yang Sen knew from the start that they were soldiers. After all, with that imposing manner from having experienced countless wars, he could tell with one look. What he didn��t know was the level those soldiers were at.


    He had already examined those people with a probe, and the strength they had in their bodies was equivalent to 34 local special forces soldiers. Their scores were between 1,000 to 1,300, which was almost like a miniature Hulk.


    By the look of it, they also didn��t have any shorings regarding their speed at the moment.


    Crossing paths with enemies who possessed such terrifying speeds in suchplicated terrain would be simply disastrous.


    They would appear right beside you from 100 meters away in just a second or two. Unless it was on t terrain at an extended distance, their enemies would definitely not be able to react in time. Inplicated terrain like cities, the distance between them and their enemies would usually only be around several meters.


    Before their enemies could even react in time, these men would already have appeared beside them and killed them with one blow. They didn��t even need weapons since just their bodies were already extremely strong weapons.


    Eventually, it was still the two of them who followed their tracks that discovered them.


    It was also no wonder that those secret agents died in just a short period of time.


    Then came the question�� How were those gunshot wounds on their bodies inflicted? Even if they came fully equipped, Yang Sen didn��t think that those secret agents could have injured so many people at such close proximity.


    Yang Sen sat in the car and followed far behind those two men. There were cars that asionally passed by, and the drivers were dumbstruck to see those men carrying steel gpoles and running faster than cars!


    When Yang Sen arrived at the vi, the gpoles had already been erected inside.


    In the middle of the vi, the two men stuck the gpoles more than two meters deep into the ground.


    From the restaurant to where they currently were, Yang Sen was certain that these men had indeed arrived after running at such speeds over a long distance of around six kilometers. They ran at a constant speed, and it seemed like they still had energy left in them.


    However, he didn��t have time to think about such things at the moment. He was drawn to the situation in the courtyard.


    Ren Baqian stood there with more than ten men. One burly man, whose body had been bound, was being tied to the rope of the gpole.


    Dressed in red, Qi Zixiao stood behind all of them with a cold look and had her arms crossed.


    Surrounding them and watching were members of the Messier 87 department.


    Standing in front of those men, Ren Baqian ordered, ��Raise the g!��


    Soon after, some very familiar music was yed.


    ��Stand up, all victims of oppression, for the tyrants fear your might


    Don��t cling so hard to your possessions


    For you have nothing if you have no rights


    Let racist ignorance be ended, for respect makes the empires fall


    Freedom is merely privilege extended, unless enjoyed by one and all����


    ��F*ck!�� The people of the Messier 87 department were stunned when they heard this music.


    <em>What are they doing?</em>


    The Internationale? Furthermore, it was the rendition by the Tang Dynasty?


    ��Raise the g! What are you waiting for? Raise it slowly with a ceremonial feel��it must be dignified!�� Ren Baqian said to thedy standing at the bottom of the gpole who was wearing an oversized pair of jeans and a white t-shirt.


    ��Follow me. Salute.��


    <em>Swoosh!</em>


    The men followed Ren Baqian and lifted their arms with their fingers pointed toward their temples. They felt joy from other people��s misfortune and watched as that burly man, who was tied up and had a cricket ball stuffed in his mouth, rose up on the gpole along with the music�� Swaying in the air�� Fluttering in the wind��


    ��F*ck!�� The people from the Messier 87 department were even more startled. They actually treated him like that?


    From afar, Yang Sen almost spat. What were they doing?


    Running downhill to the restaurant to get two gpoles and frightening a bunch of people just to raise a g�� and then to raise a person instead��


    ��End of the ceremony.�� Ren Baqian lowered his hand.


    Subsequently, the people behind him slowly put their hands down. Many of them felt that it was pretty fun, so they put their hands up and down, then up and down again.


    ��Mr. Ren, what are you��?�� Yang Sen rushed forward and asked.


    ��g raising! Can��t you see? I feel that they arecking in patriotic education from the official moral guidelines!�� Ren Baqian turned his head and looked at thepletely tied up Xu Wei as he hung from gpole.


    Next, Ren Baqian stretched out his hand and said, ��Pleasee in so that we can discuss further.��

 Chapter 639 - How Do You Know the Size of Her Underwear?

    Chapter 639: How Do You Know the Size of Her Underwear?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian entered the room, opened one of the freezers, pointed at the corpses inside, and asked, ��What��s going on?��


    ��Some of these people have stayed concealed in the country for a long time, possibly for even more than ten years. If not for this incident, they probably wouldn��t have revealed any clues. A few of them only entered the country very recently by using the identities of other people. Even though their identities might seem pretty normal, this was merely on the surface. We already have ideas regarding their actual identities. They must be from the CIA,�� Yang Sen replied.


    ��Why are they watching me?�� Ren Baqian continued asking.


    Yang Sen muttered to himself irresolutely and exined, ��Your information might have been exposed. They probably know that you are linked to some things, but they aren��t very sure about it. That��s why they carried out such a high-intensity operation, though it probably doesn��t seem like much to you. This is also rted to our country being afraid of the consequences. If more people know about it, things will definitely be exposed. Of course, if they knew about everything, they would definitely achieve their objective, no matter how high of a price they need to pay. Hence, I��m guessing that they only know a part of it and that it��s linked to you, but they aren��t very sure of the entire picture.��


    ��This also means that there��s a traitor among your people?��


    ��We are also currently looking for the reason that the information was leaked. I suggest that you strengthen your defenses with stuff such as surveince equipment. I see that you have none of that here. If you need it, I can arrange it for you. Apart from that, we��ll also pay more attention to this location in the future.�� Yang Sen didn��t mention anything about letting his men be in charge of guarding this ce. Even though he very much wanted to do so, he knew that Ren Baqian wouldn��t require that at all.


    Simply with those burly men around, even if the other party attacked this ce with their military, they wouldn��t necessarily be able to win.


    This was especially since the other party had already been defeated at closebat.


    It wasn��t possible for them to mobilize their military either. This was China, not the United States of America.


    ��Will they target my family?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I will increase the protection around your family,�� Yang Sen replied.


    ��Many thanks.�� Ren Baqian cupped his fists in gratitude. In reality, this matter didn��t really make him too worried.


    He knew the destructive power of the winged cavalry better than anyone else.


    What those winged cavalry warriorscked was an understanding of firearms. As long as they familiarized themselves with guns, no one would be their match in suchplex terrain like Sheshan.


    Furthermore, if 16 of them weren��t enough, he would increase their numbers to 32. At worst, he would bring more experts back.


    As long as they weren��t usingrge-scale weapons, the threat wouldn��t be very high.


    Ren Baqian invited Yang Sen to sit down for a chat before seeing him off. Yang Sen brought along those freezers that were full of corpses when he left.


    Ren Baqian didn��t really care about who leaked the information out. The nation was more worried about this than he was.


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat on the sofa in silence. Every time they came back to Earth, they would first watch the news. This time around, they didn��t even have a television.


    <em>Let that idiot hang on the gpole for three days to boost his memory a little.</em>


    ��Shen Feng will be here in a while. We shall then decide on what things to buy. I suppose we can only roughly refurbish the house to what it was like by this evening. Shall we go out for a stroll? We can also get a pair of sses for Xin Zhe.��


    ��Ok.�� The empress nodded.


    However, Xin Zhe��s face remained undisturbed. It was as if she wasn��t involved in their conversation. She didn��t even know what sses were.


    The empress sat in the front passenger seat and Xin Zhe sat in the back. The moment that the car started, Xin Zhe��s face, which always looked like an old well, finally had some changes.


    ��Is this actually a living thing?��


    ��You��re right!�� Ren Baqian answered as he let go of the steering wheel. ��Furthermore, it��s a female.��


    ��Are we in her stomach then?�� Xin Zhe was a little stunned.


    When Ren Baqian honked the horn, it was as if this metal beast was crying out in response to Xin Zhe��s question.


    ��Don��t you still need to steer the car?�� The empress felt a little puzzled after looking at Ren Baqian lift his hands off the steering wheel. Meanwhile, the car continued maneuvering itself on the road.


    ��I bought this recently. It has an intelligent driving feature that finally allows me to free my hands.�� Ren Baqian smiled as he stretched his hand out. Xin Zhe��s face was still as motionless as an old well, but her eyes followed him as he moved his hand��


    <em>Pow! </em>He retracted his hand after getting pped by the empress.


    Ren Baqian took in some cool air as his hand swelled up again after some time.


    Xin Zhe was very tranquil throughout the journey even though it was her first time on Earth. Thissted until they arrived in the city, when she said, ��This looks like a jungle.��


    ��A steel jungle!�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��A steel jungle?�� Hearing these words, Xin Zhe became energized. She squinted her eyes and looked outside, but unfortunately, she couldn��t see anything clearly. She could only make out that there were many huge pirs erected in the surroundings.


    Besides that, she also saw some people speeding down the road while riding in weird beasts like the one she was in.


    ��This is much smootherpared to riding on a mountain-gazing bird,�� Xin Zhemended. She then thought of an extremely important question and asked, ��Where is this?��


    ��You have a rather slow reaction time�� I actually thought that you weren��t bothered. This is China, a ce that is very far away from Dayao,�� Ren Baqian joked as he continued to exin.


    ��Oh!�� Xin Zhe responded before returning to that expressionless state.


    Xin Zhe had apletely different reactionpared to the empress when she first came to Earth.


    ��When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Follow the rules of the ce where you are at! This is Earth, and you must follow the rules of Earth. Firstly, you can��t kill people. Secondly, the people here are weak, so you must never exert force if you do hit someone. I only have these two rules in mind at the moment, but I��ll tell you again when I think of more.�� Every time Ren Baqian brought someone back, he had to exin the rules first.


    The three major values of the aboriginals were indeed a little inappropriate when applied on Earth.


    Some of the things that the aboriginals found very normal were illegal on Earth!


    After that, Ren Baqian bought Xin Zhe a set of clothes before bringing her to get her sses. Two hourster, standing beside Ren Baqian was an intelligent looking and beautiful woman with long wavy hair who was wearing a blouse, a short skirt, and a pair of sses. Besides her expression, which was a little cold, there was almost nothing else that could be improved about her.


    After putting on the sses, Xin Zhe��s eyesight finally became clearer. The things that she saw were no longer silhouettes and vague images.


    She didn��t have to depend on her other senses to detect things anymore.


    Now, she could really see everything very clearly in the surroundings.


    After this sudden change in visual resolution, Xin Zhe couldn��t help it and kept taking her sses off to look at the surrounding before putting them back on again. She repeated this a few times before finally stopping. She then turned to investigate the things around her.


    ��What is that?�� The austerity on Xin Zhe��s face finally dissolved. Full of zest, she pointed at a store with a pink signboard and asked about it. The signboard had a picture of a girl wearing lingerie.


    ��A lingerie shop! Interested?�� Ren Baqian then turned his head and asked the empress, ��Zixiao, do you want to buy lingerie?��


    ��Fine with me,�� the empress casually replied.


    Xin Zhe took a nce at the empress in astonishment. She didn��t expect Ren Baqian to actually call the empress by her name.


    She then pointed at another store, ��What about that?��


    ��That��s a clothing store! Didn��t we go there just now?��


    ��What��s that whole thing?��


    ��Apartments! Or you can call it a tall building. This building is divided into many homes.��


    ��There are actually so many people here! Are the roads here paved with stones? Why don��t I see any junctures?��


    Before Ren Baqian could answer, Xin Zhe looked at the sky and asked, ��Where��s the sun? I have been wanting to see it since a while ago. Why don��t I see any birds?��


    ��You can continue lookingter�� Go in!�� Ren Baqian opened the door of the lingerie shop.


    While the empress easily picked out more than ten pieces of lingerie, Xin Zhe stood at the side feeling curious about everything she saw.


    Ren Baqian said, ��Go pick a few pieces for yourself as well.��


    ��What are they for?��


    ��For wearing underneath!�� Ren Baqian gestured to her.


    ��Oh? Then what should I pick?�� Xin Zhe looked at the dazzling lineup in the store and was at a loss.


    Ren Baqian enjoyed her nk and helpless look for a moment before he calmly picked out a few sets of white bras and panties. He then told the shop assistant, ��D-cup for the bra, and 65 for the waist.��


    ��How do you know her measurements? Have you seen her naked before?��


    Out of nowhere, the empress appeared beside him with a suspicious expression.


    ��Intuition! My intuition has always been urate!�� Ren Baqian answered calmly. Such matters were child��s y and weren��t challenging for him at all.


    The empress gritted her teeth and felt as if he was toying with her.


    ��


    The shop assistant had a weird look on her face. Having seen that Ren Baqian picked out lingerie for that beautiful woman wearing sses, the shop assistant thought that she was his girlfriend. Little did she expect that this other woman was actually his girlfriend��


    Rich people indeed hadplicated social circles!


    ��I have never seen you naked before either, yet I also bought lingerie for you a while ago. I haven��t heard that the measurements were wrong.�� Ren Baqian was all smiles.


    Sure enough, there was something in him that was good in one way or another! It was important for a man to have some innate talents!


    The empress��s face immediately blushed all the way to her ears.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    With the shop assistant looking on in terror, Ren Baqian was sent flying and ended up stered to the wall after knocking down two shelves!

 Chapter 640 - Trembling with Fear

    Chapter 640: Trembling with Fear


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As the three people wandered on the streets, Ren Baqian and the empress walked side by side while Xin Zhe followed silently behind.


    After the excitement of receiving her sses, Xin Zhe reverted to her normal quiet self, but continued observing everything around her. The blue sky, white clouds, birds, people, cars�� etc. Everything looked refreshing and wonderful to her.


    With the pedestrians looking at the two peerless beauties apanying him, Ren Baqian was bursting with pride.


    This type of behavior wasn��t present in Dayao, but would appear when he was on Earth.


    Not returning to the homnd after striking it rich was like wearing fine clothes in the dark.


    Regardless of material knowledge, the three viewpoints, and the thought processes, this was the homnd. Everyone had simr growth experiences, and everything indicated that this was the homnd.


    That was why this happened here, and it ounted for his eagerness to let the world know that the person by his side was his fianc��e.


    ��Hey! Over there!�� The empress suddenly stopped and stared fixedly at a spot.


    The fragranceing from that direction was especially alluring and stopped her in her tracks.


    Ren Baqian took a sniff and didn��t even have to look to know what the empress had seen.


    It was a cake shop!


    A short timeter, they came out from the cake shop. The empress was carrying various types of desserts in her hands and throwing them into her mouth as she walked.


    Behind her, Xin Zhe was taking small bites from her cake. While walking, she used her finger to measure how much was left. It was as if she was afraid of finishing the cake in two or three bites.


    However, the shop behind them was busy with half of the shop staff packing cakes for delivery to the vi.


    One aboriginal could support a restaurant; one empress could support one restaurant and two dessert shops.


    ��Why can��t you do it?�� The empress threw a piece of cake into her mouth with one hand and poked his arm with the other.


    She felt it was a pity that she could only eat this type of delicious food when she was on Earth, and it would be wonderful if it was avable in Dayao.


    ��Except for bearing children, I can do anything!�� Ren Baqianughed. Learning to make cakes wasn��t hard, it was just that he hadn��t thought of it before.


    However, being the husband of the empress was something an ordinary person couldn��t do. He had to understand physics and chemistry, know about industry andmerce, and cultivate his skills to the Earth Wheel level. Plus, he had to cook food, roast meat, and bake cakes��


    What a versatile guy he was! Howe he didn��t realize he was so talented before?


    The empress looked for a ce on Ren Baqian��s body to strike. After a long while, she jabbed directly at his waist with her finger. Ren Baqian was instantly paralyzed and fell forward like a log, but was caught by the neck after falling halfway and carried along with her.


    From behind, Xin Zhe watched these frivolous actions between the two of them, lowered her head to look at the empress��s heels, and followed her step by step.


    One day passed by and just after putting breakfast on the table the next morning, Ren Baqian rushed out excitedly to his car upon receiving a phone call.


    ��Big brother! I��m here to join you.�� At the high-speed rail station, Ren Wannian put aside the package he was carrying and gave Ren Baqian a hug.


    ��You havee at the right time since we are short on people.�� Ren Baqianughed as he patted his brother��s shoulder. ��You have grown taller! You are in the fourth year of university already��have you found a girlfriend yet?��


    ��Yes���� Ren Wannianughed in delight.


    ��Did you bring her along? Let me take a look!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily.


    ��Coming!�� Ren Wannian retreated one step and called loudly, ��Qingyun, this is my older brother!��


    Ren Baqian turned to look and saw a gracefuldy with long hair. She was about 1.65 meters tall, wore a light blue dress, was gentle-looking, and smiled demurely when she greeted him, ��How do you do?��


    ��This is Zhou Qingyun, my girlfriend!�� Ren Wannian held her proudly by the shoulders.


    ��Great, let��s get into the car,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Is this a self-driving car?�� Ren Wannian was visibly excited when he saw the dashboard.


    ��Do you like it? You can drive it since I seldom use it,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��Come on, I��m just a student and not fit to drive such a good car.�� Ren Wannian shook his head.


    ��In the future, don��t think of yourself as a student. You are working here and will need to give that impression. The people you will meet in the future will be different from those you have met as a student, so you must look the part. I do not need to care about stuff like this, but you need to care because the clothes make the man!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I know! I will learn properly!�� Ren Wannian nodded.


    ��I��m not going to let you learn��I want you to start working now, but I have someone who will help you.��


    While Ren Baqian was talking with Ren Wannian, Zhou Qingyun was looking curiously at Ren Baqian from behind.


    Looking at his demeanor, he didn��t look like an average person.


    Hisments about not needing to care about his appearance wasn��t something an average person could say. Only a person of rather high standing could say this.


    On the way back to the vi, Ren Baqian and his brother chatted in the car. Zhou Qingyun managed to understand that the older brother of her boyfriend wanted to set up a martial artspany. Although she didn��t know much about this, she knew that taekwondo, MMA, and karate were more popr than other martial arts at the moment.


    She wondered whether there was a future for this business.


    However, to a fourth-year university student, it was a good internship program.


    When she looked out of the car window after entering the vi, she was stunned.


    There were two gpoles in the courtyard with a man tightly bound to a gpole�� What was this situation?


    In the courtyard, there were giant men exercising with giant barbells. They were vicious looking and exuded a murderous air from head to toe.


    She had the feeling that she was entering a forbidden ce.


    Although Ren Wannian��s older brother looked very valiant and she wasn��t on her guard, the sight of those vicious looking men with the murderous air made her imagination run wild.


    She felt like amb in a wolf��s den.


    Was Ren Wannian��s older brother part of the underworld? Wasn��t it said that there were no gangsters in China?


    Perhaps they were businessmen who did illegal deals.


    Were all these people hatchet men?


    Ren Wannian had seen the man hanging on the gpole even earlier than Zhou Qingyun and couldn��t help but ask, ��Big brother, what��s that?��


    ��Just teaching him a small lesson! Some people need it to reinforce their memory!�� Ren Baqian��s in words jolted Zhou Qingyun. Was this the lynching mentioned in legends?


    His brother didn��t look like a good person! He looked more like a terrorist! This won��t do! Tonight, Ren Wannian must be persuaded not to follow in his older brother��s footsteps.


    ��Familiarize yourself with this ce because you will being here quite often in the future. At night, I will get someone to send you back to the hotel,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Sure!�� Ren Wannian nodded. Regardless, he would listen to whatever his brother said and woulde to no harm.


    Ren Baqian got out of the car and shouted at the winged cavalry warriors, ��Let him down.��


    Although Ren Baqian had intended to let him hang until they had left the ce, it wasn��t nice to hang him up there as his brother and his brother��s girlfriend were around. This was considered sparing the guy.


    A winged cavalry warrior went to cut the rope. Then, Xu Wei, who was hanging there, dropped into a freefall.


    The ground shook as his body, which weighed over 150 kilograms, crashed down from a height of more than ten meters.


    Zhou Qingyun turned even paler. Wouldn��t this guy die from the fall?

 Chapter 641 - As if Sitting on Pins and Needles

    Chapter 641: <em>As if Sitting on Pins and Needles</em>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    For an ordinary man who was tightly bound and freefalling from more than ten meters, he would either be dead or badly injured.


    However, to a winged cavalry warrior, this was equivalent to tripping when walking.


    The very next second, Xu Wei jumped up from the ground as the ropes binding him were broken and fell to the ground. He could easily break these ropes anytime he wished.


    However, if he broke them without permission, he knew he would be hung on the gpole to dry in the air again.


    Xu Wei took out a wooden ball from his mouth, spat a few times, and told Ren Baqian ruefully, ��Lady boss, I��m hungry.��


    He had been up there for one day and one night while hearing people drinking wine and eating meat inside. The cold wind blew across him and the hot sun scorched him, making him even more miserable.


    ��Get lost and find your own food,�� Ren Baqianughingly scolded him.


    Like a rabbit, Xu Wei appeared at the entrance of the vi in a sh, opened the door, and dashed through.


    Three secondster, he was sent crashing through a ss window with a big shoe imprint on his face.


    ��Call for food delivery!�� Ren Baqian threw a phone to him. Then, he turned to Ren Wannian and Zhou Qingyun and said, ��Let��s go.��


    Zhou Qingyun watched with eyes wide open when that guy jumped up from the ground and couldn��t close her mouth when he appeared magically at the door. She trembled when he crashed through the ss window with a shoe print on his face�� What in the world was happening?


    Ren Wannian nudged her a few times before she responded.


    ��Let��s go. Why are you in a daze?��


    ��Oh, okay.�� Zhou Qingyun felt that she must have been distracted when that guy appeared at the entrance in almost no time. As for the rest, such as falling from more than ten meters without injury and how the ropes could just snap apart, she didn��t want to think about it anymore.


    With a zed expression, she followed Ren Wannian into the house.


    ��Sister-inw!.�� Ren Wannian cried out affectionately upon entering the living room.


    The empress looked away from the television and nodded her head slightly as a form of greeting.


    Although she seemed cold, Ren Wannian had grown ustomed to her cold personality during her New Year��s visit and didn��t take it seriously. However, he felt somewhat inhibited when seeing the empress. Let alone him, very few people could act freely in front of the empress.


    Zhou Qingyun was surprised by the beauty of thedy in red sitting on the sofa. Like the snowy peaks of Kunlun[1.Kunlun �C a mountain range in Xinjiang], her temperament was very arrogant and out of this world.


    Was she Ren Wannian��s sister-inw?


    Behind thedy in red was ady wearing a white dress. She wasn��t as pretty or impressive as thedy in red but was still better than the celebrities seen on TV. Zhou Qingyun had no idea who she was.


    ��Please be seated!�� Ren Baqian pointed to the sofa.


    ��In a moment, I will introduce a few people to you who you can look for if you need help in the future.�� Ren Baqian sat beside the empress and casually took some popcorn to pop into his mouth.


    .


    ��Alright!�� Ren Wannian nodded conscientiously. Then, he looked at Xin Zhe and asked, ��Who is she?��


    ��A colleague. You don��t have to worry about her.�� Ren Baqian waved his hands.


    ��Big brother, what are these? Are they real?�� Ren Wannian suddenly noticed the pile of guns behind the sofa. They ranged from pistols to submachine guns and were also apanied by grenades, which gave him a shock.


    ��They are fakes,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    Neither of them believed this. The magazines that were scattered on the floor were full of bullets�� Not even a fool would think that they were fake!


    Zhou Qingyun started to tremble with fear again�� She was convinced that she had fallen into a wolf��s den. This was even more dangerous than a wolf��s den, and she wondered whether they would silence her for seeing all these things. At this point, she turned pale and didn��t dare to breathe loud�� To avoid being noticed��


    Ren Baqian noticed her paleness and knew the reason instantly. These weapons could really frighten ordinary people.


    ��Do not overthink. You may not know and I will not disclose which department, but I��m a member of a government agency. You wouldn��t find it strange for the police to have guns, and it��s the same case here.�� Ren Baqian smiled gently.


    Zhou Qingyun finally felt somewhat relieved and managed to force out a smile.


    However, the sight of the walls that were riddled with bullet holes and the dried bloodstains that hadn��t been cleaned made her anxious again.


    Other people��s moods were like a roller coaster that went up and down. Her mood was like a crashing stock market that plummeted down and then plummeted again with no end in sight.


    After that, Ren Baqian called for the winged cavalry warriors toe in. More than ten big hunks stood there with their upper bodies covered in scars, causing Ren Wannian and his girlfriend to feel even more pressure.


    Ren Baqian read out the names of the people in the group. Ren Wannian had met some of them before, but he didn��t expect so many of them to be in the vi.


    Ren Baqian then told them fiercely, ��This is my younger brother, and I will kill anyone who makes him drink wine!��


    All the big hunksughed merrily as they answered, ��Yes,dy boss!��


    ��Get lost!�� Ren Baqian ordered with a smile.


    In the end, he simply couldn��t stop them from addressing him as dy boss.��


    He had gotten used to it after so many times! He might as well take it as a nickname!


    Ren Wannian toured the vi while Ren Baqian was preparing lunch. Except for the supermarket room, everything else was normal. The two were quite surprised��there were many rich people with vis, but this must be the only vi with a supermarket in it.


    Zhou Qingyun could only attribute it to the strange habits of rich people.


    At noon, the two saw for themselves the horrifying appetite of Ren Baqian, the empress, and Xin Zhe. In the afternoon, Shen Feng, Ding Jie, and two hired martial artist brothers arrived.


    Among this pair of martial artist brothers, the older brother was named Liu Chengwen and the younger brother was named Liu Chengwu. They came from the birthce of martial arts. They had acquired some fame in the martial arts world, but weren��t that outstanding. Ren Baqian considered them to be rather useful and appointed them as nominal consultants after they trained the winged cavalry warriors.


    During this period in the vi, although these two were badly frightened by the winged cavalry warriors, they benefited in a huge way. They didn��t need to worry about food and clothing in the future and could also learn some things from the winged cavalry. As a result, they were naturally very happy.


    Ren Baqian introduced these people to Ren Wannian to get them acquainted and then made arrangements for the uing events.


    There was some drama when Ren Wannian mistook Shen Feng for a man and even called her Brother Shen, which upset her. Although she always wore neutral clothing, she disliked being mistaken for a man, especially after she had been mmed against the wall by a winged cavalry warrior and realized that being female had its advantages.


    ��Lady boss, why don��t you deal with these guns? Leaving them here is a waste and could easily cause trouble,�� Shen Fengmented before leaving.


    ��Look for a room and chuck all these things inside. I don��t think anybody wille and check,�� Ren Baqian said nonchntly.


    Not to mention that he and the nation were currently in the honeymoon period, it was impossible for the nation to take action here even if they turned hostile. The firepower provided by the Messier 87 department was enough to blow up a small city.


    ��Get people to check whether there are any broken skulls around. If the housekeepers were to find these things, they will be frightened. You are too cruel! I heard that the heads of some of the deceased have injuries simr to car ident victims.�� Looking disgusted, Shen Feng bent down and put her fingers between the cracks in the cabs to retrieve a fingernail-sized piece of bone that still had flesh and hair attached.


    Ren Wannian and Zhou Qingyun stiffened with fear and started sweating profusely while trembling��


    ��Boss, I will take my leave!�� Shen Feng threw the skull shard on the shoe rack at the side and walked out of the door with a smile.


    Frightening these two was a form of revenge that made her happier.


    It made Shen Feng happier, but those two became more miserable. They didn��t want to believe it, but with thebination of guns, walls full of bullet holes, and bloodstains, it was impossible to convince themselves that these weren��t real.


    ��Big brother���� Ren Wannian was in a cold sweat.


    ��She��s teasing you. This is from the skull of a cow!�� Ren Baqian didn��t change his expression despite the piece of flesh having blonde hair on it.


    As long as he believed, it didn��t matter whether those two believed.


    Over the next two days, Ren Baqian was busy with matters regarding the martial arts center and didn��t know that Ren Wannian had an argument with his girlfriend that very day.


    The main reason for their dispute was regarding whether Ren Wannian should continue working here.


    Even though Ren Baqian imed to be working for a government agency, the sight of those brawny men that looked like thugs, the weapons in the house, and that piece of skull with attached hair caused Zhou Qingyun to be deeply disturbed.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know this, but even if he did, he wouldn��t have bothered. After dealing with issues regarding the martial arts center, he returned to Dayao and immersed himself in affairs that concerned the school and the Department of Commerce.

 Chapter 642 - Do You Guys Have a Hatred for My House’s Walls?

    Chapter 642: Do You Guys Have a Hatred for My House��s Walls?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A few days after Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, he finally saw Li Fu, the testicles-kicking monster, when he came back totally wobbly.


    Li Fu still looked like how he had looked previously. He wasn��t very depressed and wasn��t missing a limb either. It seemed like his first attempt at parachuting was sessful and that the empress had to continue deferring her advancement to the rank of third most powerful expert in the world.


    Li Fu was still riding a ck-faced guy, which was a wild boar. It was over three meters tall, covered in short ash-brown hair, and emitted an aura that was no weaker than that of an Earth Wheel expert. Such a powerful ck-faced guy could be said to be an overlord in the forest. No other beasts dared to provoke it, whereas even other fearsome beasts at the same caliber had to avoid it.


    However, this boar was a little wretched at the moment because its tusk was broken in half and one of its eyes was big while the other was small. It was carrying loads of bags on its head, it seemed like quite a bit of the hair behind its neck had been plucked out, and it looked pretty miserable.


    However, its ferocity hadn��t decreased one bit as it directed an ominous glint at whoever it looked at. It then gave off a miserable squeal when Li Fu gave its head a knock.


    ��This is for you!�� Li Fu jumped down from the ck-faced guy as soon as he saw Ren Baqian.


    Just as he jumped off, the beast turned around and wanted to take off. However, a few of Ren Baqian��s bodyguards immediately surrounded it.


    This ck-faced guy was big and strong. If it wantonly barged around in the city, it would probably hurt quite a number of people.


    Shi Hunded a punch to its head, but he ended up being bumped away and smashed the walls of Shi Qing��s residence into shambles.


    Ren Baqian made a squishing sound with his mouth. Ever since the school had been established, Shi Qing��s walls seemed to have been destroyed a number of times��


    As expected, a few burly men leaped out of the Shi Residence again to reason with Shi Hu. Just as Shi Hu was about to stand up from the rubble, he was pinned down by them and he immediately flew into a rage, almost getting into a fight with them. Thankfully, he had the testicle-kicking monster and the ck-faced guy to put the me on, which got him off the hook.


    The man versus swine situation was still ongoing. Even though that ck-faced guy was only at the Earth Wheel level, its strength was greater than that of a human��s. With its coarse hide and thick flesh, it took about seven bodyguards to finally break all of its limbs and pin it down to the ground after much effort.


    Covered in dirt, Shi Hu pounded on his own head and vented his anger before looking up and asking Ren Baqian, ��Sir, how do we settle this?��


    ��Take it back to the pce, ughter it, and cook its meat!�� Ren Baqian answered casually. Domesticated animals of such caliber were few and far between, and the essence blood umted in their bodies was plentiful. It would be wonderful to consume such meat as a tonic.


    As if the ck-faced guy could understand Ren Baqian��s words, it started struggling violently again. Unfortunately, all of its limbs were broken, so it wasn��t able to do much even while struggling. It eventually got beaten up by the bodyguards again before being brought back to the pce.


    ��What did it feel like in the sky?�� Ren Baqian turned around, smiled at Li Fu, and carefully sized him up. He seemed to be in a pleasant mental state since his entire face was blushing.


    ��Even though I went higher than the tallest peak, it was still too low. There was also too little time to see anything. If I were able to go a little higher with a little more time, maybe I would have been able to discover something,�� Li Fu replied bluntly.


    ��However, it was a rather good feeling. It was the first time that I felt so close to the heavens. Since you said that you could make a better one, I will wait for you. However, you need to hurry up a little. I have waited for so many years and can��t wait any longer. When I was up in the sky, I felt an excitement that I haven��t felt in a very long time. Even my heart felt much younger with that surging vitality. I have always thought to myself how great it would be if I could fly!�� Li Fu said with a yearning look.


    <em>In reality, even if you fly higher, you probably won��t be able to see much, unless you fly out on a rocket. Then, you would be able to see a huge ball! Next, your head will start to tremble as you ponder about why you are floating above the ball and not falling. If you have a high power of understanding, you might still be able to discover gravity�� After that, you will think about something more serious, which is that you will never being back again�� </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself, but he didn��t say it out loud before turning around and smiling.


    ��In that case, you probably have to wait. It��s mainly due to various restrictions, but it��s very hard to make a big improvement in a short period of time. If you are willing to help destroy the Yun Nation, we might be able to hasten the process a little. Dayao is severelycking in resources.��


    Li Fu immediately rejected this without hesitation and said, ��I can��t do that. If you are willing, I can bring you to Great Xia. I have a long acquaintance with Xia Bailong��s grandfather, so Xia Bailong will probably amodate my requests.��


    ��The grass on Xia Bailong��s grave has already grown 15 meters tall!�� Ren Baqian was dumbfounded. This piece of news had set Lan City abuzz some time ago.


    Aren��t you a little too much of a recluse?


    ��That kid��s dead? It��s ok as long as his blood runs in the sessor��the new emperor will still have to oblige me.�� Li Fu stroked his beard.


    ��The problem is that I don��t want them to oblige!�� Ren Baqian rolled his eyes, turned around, and walked toward the school.


    Li Fuughed mischievously and seemed to appear unconcerned before disappearing in a sh.


    There was something important going on in the afternoon at the school. After more than two months, all the hard work provided by around five students and the seven cksmiths that were transferred over had finally led to thepletion of the lotive.


    ording to Ren Baqian��s request, 50 meters of track had beenid out in the backyard of the school. Perhaps, light railroad track would be a better description of it.


    Each meter of rail weighed 25 kilograms, equating to 50 kilograms for the two rails of the track. This was well below the standard of normal rails. These light rails were already forged out of all the metal rods in the school.


    In the afternoon, all the new and old students waited in the backyard. Since it wasn��t exactly crowded, they were scattered all over the courtyard.


    In front of everyone was a 50-meter long rail that had a slight curve. The steam lotive was mounted on the rail and looked a bit like a tractor.


    The steam lotive still had a cylindrical shape with metal wheels and rods of varying sizes fitted beneath it. Behind the engine, there was only a furnace that was used to increase the heat, and there weren��t any carriages.


    Just this thing alone took them more than two months toplete, and most of the time was spent on the metal rods that were attached to the wheels. This was moreplicated than the previous one because it was almost entirely a new design.


    ��Let��s begin,�� Ren Baqian said.


    After that, the procedure was the same as before: start the fire, add coal, and add water. Soon after, the chimney at the top of the steam engine began to emit clouds of ck smoke as the train gradually moved forward.


    ��We have seeded!�� Many of the students pped and cheered in excitement.


    Even though they had also seeded previously, it was moving on a rail this time around. Furthermore, all of the parts were reced with metal. Before starting the trial, the students were still rather apprehensive and worried that something might go wrong.


    Thankfully, everything was going smoothly for now. There were no problems that arose, so everyone felt at ease.


    The steam engine picked up speed and followed the curvature of the rail, drawing an arc in the courtyard. The smiles on their faces grew bigger when they saw this, and they felt extremely content.


    ��Are there brakes this time?�� Ren Baqian suddenly asked.


    ��What are brakes?�� Shi Gan asked.


    ��How is it going to slow down?�� Ren Baqian pointed at the steam engine.


    Shi Gan was speechless.


    Everyone else was dumbstruck as well.


    The steam engine subsequently derailed and smashed through the walls of the courtyard. It then barreled across the street before smashing into the walls of Shi Qing��s residence again. Eventually, it toppled to the ground with a loud bang.


    The students in the school rushed over like a swarm of bees before hearing an angry voiceing from Shi Qing��s courtyard.


    ��You guys again?!��


    ��Sixth uncle, listen to me���� Shi Gan tugged on a burly man��s arm as he shouted, ��Hurry, bring it back.��


    ��What��s there to exin? Just wait for a beating!�� The burly man lifted Shi Gan up as if he was holding a baby chick and shook him in the air. At that moment, things like a small round mirror, two short metal rods, a handkerchief, and a purse started falling from his body��


    When Ren Baqian arrived, Shi Qing had his hands on his waist. He stood there, looked at Ren Baqian with a friendly smile, and asked, ��Do you guys have a hatred for my house��s walls? You destroyed it in the morning and wrecked it again now����


    ��Perhaps the feng shui of your courtyard isn��t that good!�� Ren Baqian responded with a serious look.


    ��My guess is that being your neighbor is the thing that isn��t good���� Shi Qing sighed.

 Chapter 643 - The Library

    Chapter 643: The Library


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After the sessful development of the steam engine, Ren Baqian directed the students to work on the deceleration and braking systems. He went to the empress to ask for steel.


    The next goal was to build a circr railroad track with a diameter of 400 meters outside Lan City.


    Just building a train that could run wasn��t enough because the load factor, speed, and other aspects needed to be tested.


    It wasn��t currently possible to build a long railroad track since Dayao wasn��t rich in iron resources. Thus, a circr track was the best choice in this situation.


    However, what Ren Baqian wanted was a rail that required 50 kilograms of metal per meter, which was equivalent to 100 kilograms for the two rails of the track. The circumference was 1,300 meters for a railroad track that was 400 meters in diameter. Therefore, 130,000 kilograms was required.


    This was an astronomical figure and was equivalent to Dayao��s total mining output for thest three years. Such a figure was expected to cause intense reactions, and there would inevitably be some arguments that red up in the imperial court over the next few days.


    Although the output of the iron mine at Damo Mountain was 900,000 kilograms and this level of production was only possible due to Ren Baqian��s efforts, the shortage of iron in Dayao was too great. The aboriginals were also skeptical of the contraption being made at the school. If it was 10,000 or 20,000 kilograms, everyone could close one eye, but for 130,000 kilograms, they would argue and debate for a long time before deciding on this matter.


    In other words, it could be said that a lot of bricks were wasted while deciding on this issue.


    The empress was growing to like bricks more and more. Ever since she found this magical weapon, she had never missed her target and enjoyed using it very much.


    These days, the empress used about one cartload of bricks every week, and the consumption rate was still rising.


    Besides iron ore, manpower was also needed. Ren Baqian instructed Tong Zhenye to make abrasive tools to grind the rails into shape and requisitioned 1,000 people from the captive camp toy the trackbed with gravel, put the, andy the rails.


    It took 20 full days to put the railroad ties in ce. After that, they proceeded toy the rails.


    Ren Baqian hardly had any time to rest during this period. On one hand, he was nning to expand the academy, while on the other hand, he was building a library for the ck Bamboo Academy. The library was the first in Dayao and was called the Cangshu Pavilion.


    After all, Ren Baqian still had many secret books, and it would be a waste to let them get moldy. Plus, there was no harm in letting these students read them.


    The library was constructed over more than 20 days. It was an ordinary brick building with three levels and was about 400 square meters in size. Inside were wooden shelves, tables, and chairs. As there were no other decorations, it looked simple and crude from the outside.


    However, this library was priceless to Dayao.


    Many senior court officials owned around ten books. At most, they owned hundreds of books. As for the ordinary citizens, they were even worse off.


    Ren Baqian put tens of thousands of books in this library that covered all kinds of topics. This was beyondparison to others and impressed everyone.


    The third level contained various secret manuals taken from Tianjing Basin as well as some less important texts about martial arts that belonged to the empress.


    Although these books weren��t that important, they were considered good books to the ordinary citizens.


    Although the aboriginals had very great potential, they had the same problem as the ancient people of China��they found it difficult to acquire knowledge, especially knowledge about secret martial arts.


    On the one hand, these secret books in the library could serve as a reference for the students, whereas on the other hand, they could benefit many ordinary citizens.


    On the second level, there were professional books that Ren Baqian brought back from Earth, including physics, chemistry, manufacturing, Western medicine,merce, and even the Analects of Confucius and the Book of Dao by Lao Zi.


    As for the first level, it contained some misceneous books, but it was these books that kept the students stuck here.


    The books in the library could only be read in the library by the students and couldn��t be taken out.


    This, however, didn��t curb their enthusiasm. When the news came out that a library was being built, many students came to Ren Baqian and inquired about it since they were looking forward to its opening.


    The news spread outside the school and reached the ears of some of the court officials.


    The had students waited for more than 20 days and rushed in on opening day.


    Many students, especially those from amoner background, rushed to the third level to read the secret manuals because they found them to be useful.


    Soon, someone on the first level found the keys to a new world.


    ��One�� Piece?��[1.One Piece �C a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda]


    ��Why��s it full of drawings? The drawings of this man are very strange����


    Half an hourter.


    ��This thing is interesting����


    One dayter, a short student from the new ss told Ren Baqian, ��Teacher, I want to quit school.��


    ��What happened?�� Ren Baqian was surprised. ��Tell me about it anyway. I��m your teacher, and I may be able to solve your problems.��


    What Ren Baqian meant was that there weren��t many matters that he couldn��t fix in Dayao.


    This youth was not outstanding in any regard, but Ren Baqian didn��t wish to see his students dropping out for frivolous reasons.


    ��I want to pursue my dreams!��


    ������ Ren Baqian was puzzled. He wondered why the word ��dreams�� sounded so unusual when uttered by an aboriginal.


    ��I want to travel to the Yun Nation, go to the sea, and raid ships. I want to live like they do in ��One Piece!''�� the young man solemnly dered as he clenched his fist.


    As Ren Baqian looked at his solemn face, his eyes twitched. Then, Ren Baqian silently took out a gun from the table, pointed it at the young student, and said, ��I will give you another chance to rephrase your words!��


    ��I����


    <em>Bang, bang, bang!</em>


    Sometimes life was interesting, especially when looking back at it after a period of time.


    Many yearster, this young man would be the admiral of Dayao��s navy. Ren Baqian found it interesting whenever he would recall the events of that day. Sometimes, the future of a man was decided by a small thought in his childhood.


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian felt that this young man was interesting.


    However, when he met another person the next day, he began to think thatics were highly impactful to students in this era whocked entertainment. This influence was even greater than he had imagined.


    When Ren Baqian arrived in ss the next day, he felt that something was wrong. After searching for half a day, he finally found out what was wrong; several shiny bald heads.


    It wasn��t umon to see bald heads in Dayao since the weather was hot and many people shaved their heads to save time.


    However, there were significantly more bald heads in ss today, and one of them greatly surprised him.


    Below the bald head was a very beautiful face.


    ��Zhuo Hua, what happened to your hair?�� Ren Baqian asked as he rested both hands on the table. The female aboriginals either tied their hair into buns or braided it, but she looked rather striking with her bald head.


    ��I suddenly felt like shaving it���� Zhuo Hua blushed and stammered.


    ��What in the world was your reason?�� Ren Baqian felt uneasy and pulled a long face.


    ��It��s said that this will make a person strong���� someone beside her whispered.


    Many students snickered.


    Ren Baqian was dumbstruck.


    ��Please sit down. Do you think the stories in theics are true?�� Ren Baqian didn��t rebuke them but asked with concern.


    ��I believe they are! Such things must have happened in some corner of the world��otherwise, where did those stories in theicse from?�� someone said after standing up. He looked serious and was the same student from the day before who had said he wanted to live like they did in One Piece.


    ��I feel that it��s possible or even real. What if it��s real?�� another person asked.


    ��Whether it��s real or not, it��s interesting either way, though I hope it��s real.��


    Ren Baqian thought about the answers given by the students.


    The impact of thoseics was greater than he had expected.


    These students had not been exposed to many things, did not have much entertainment, and had also never seenics in this world before.


    His original intention was for theics to provide some entertainment for these students while also expanding their imagination. He never expected so many students to treat them as real.


    People on Earth were exposed to various kinds of information from a young age and were able to distinguish between stories and reality.


    Children on Earth might fantasize about being Ultraman, a Super Saiyan, a Monkey God, or one of the Cbash Brothers.


    Ren Baqian himself had wanted to be the sixth brother of the Cbash Brothers when he was young.


    These students had just been exposed to something new, and it wasn��t iprehensible to him.


    It looked like he needed to expose them to more information in order to hone their ability to distinguish fact from fantasy.


    He might have to go and make a newspaper or something simr, for example, a Lan City Daily. It would train the students, entertain the residents of Lan City, and serve as his mouthpiece.


    He used to focus on science and technology, but it was apparent that other topics aside from science and technology were still relevant.

 Chapter 644 - Two-Faced

    Chapter 644: Two-Faced


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Renren Martial Arts Center, Jingan, Shanghai


    Inside the center, two students were sparring on a stage with more than ten people watching. Slightly further away, seven or eight people were hitting punching bags.


    ��Coach, I heard that a new martial arts center is opening nearby today.�� The person talking was a young man with a bare upper body who wore shorts.


    Another man, refined, physically strong, and in his mid-thirties, sat in a chair and looked at the two trainees asionally.


    ��Oh.�� The refined man nodded casually. ��They will teach their skills, and we will teach ours.��


    There were 80 to 100 reputable martial arts centers in Shanghai. The total was even higher if the karate and taekwondo centers were added, not to mention those small centers that opened one day and closed the next.


    There were many reputable martial arts centers in the vicinity, and they didn��t interfere with each other.


    It wasn��t like before when the people from established centers woulde to the newly opened centers to challenge them.


    Nheless, in this business, breaking the signboard of someone else would cut off their ie and create grudges. Generally, there was no enmity because nobody would do such things anymore.


    At most, there were asional challenges between trainees at the same level.


    ��Still, this martial arts center is rather strange. Most centers will do some advertising before opening, but this one didn��t do any publicity. It upies three floors, so the rent is about two to three million yuan a year. I wonder how they are going to make money,�� the young man said casually.


    ��That��s their business. What is your reason for telling me this?�� The refined-looking man turned to look at him. As he blinked his eyes, a brilliant ray was emitted, which made the young man nervous.


    ��Coach, it seems that Xue Yi and some others have gone there to make trouble,�� the young man mumbled.


    The refined-looking man frowned. Xue Yi��s group consisted of five people between the age of 17 and 20 who came from good family backgrounds.


    Xue Yi had been practicing here for five years and had been here the longest. He liked to show off his bravery and had exchanged views with various taekwondo and karate coaches. However, those that he interacted with were disciples that came from big centers who were opening their own smaller branch centers to teach small kids. The strength of these coaches was therefore limited.


    He was growing overly bold to challenge others on their home turf just because he had won a few times in the past.


    A center that could afford a rent of a few million yuan wasn��t the same as those small taekwondo centers that were tens of square meters in size. One or two randomly selected instructors should be more than a match for him.


    ��Coach, do you want to take a look? He��s from our center and would disgrace us if he loses,�� the young man said.


    ��What��s there to see? If he loses, it means he loses face because he isn��t good enough,�� he refined-looking man said. He didn��t feel that even a talented member who had been training here for a few years could beat a coach from a big martial arts center.


    It wasn��t an equal ying field to begin with.


    ��


    Two blocks away from Renren Martial Arts Center, there was an ancient-looking martial arts center with an external wooden fence.


    There were small words that said ��martial arts�� on the bottom of the signboard, but the word on top was unrecognizable. It was probably written in a calligraphy style used during the Qin Dynasty, but the busybodies staying nearby who studied it for a long time couldn��t decipher it.


    It was discovered that the word was ��Yao�� after someone asked the people in the center.


    However, nobody knew which dynasty or era this word came from, so they assumed it to be self-created, which wasughable.


    At this moment, a few refined-looking youths wereughing boisterously as they walked into the center. Surprisingly, in addition to a hall on the first floor that was decorated luxuriously, there was a front stage, some rooms, and even a dining room.


    ��Is this a martial arts center or a restaurant?�� the young man in front asked insolently.


    ��Of course it��s a martial arts center. The other area is a ce for members to eat their meals.�� Two pretty girls that were about 20 years old were graceful and polite in answering them.


    ��What does your center teach?�� the young man asked again beforeughing derisively.


    ��Right now, we are only teaching [Boxing of Death],�� the two girls answered.


    ��[Boxing of Death]? The name is scary. Will it kill people?�� The young men beside himughed. ��However, we haven��t heard of it before. Can we experience it?��


    ��Are the few of you intending to register?�� the two girls asked.


    ��Let��s see your capability before we decide to sign up. Sister, get your instructors toe out and spar with us. If they win, we��ll sign up. How about it?�� asked another young man. He was tan, big in stature, and fierce-looking.


    ��


    On the third floor, Ren Baqian was sitting and listening to reports from Ren Wannian and Ding Jie when he heard with surprise that visitors were here.


    ��Some people are here to cause trouble.��


    Ren Baqian, Ren Wannian and Ding Jie were surprised and puzzled. Coming here to challenge�� Why were these people so narrow-minded.


    ��Yes, they said they are here to exchange views, but it��s more like a challenge,�� the receptionist reported. She was quite nervous as it was her first time meeting the big boss.


    The main reason for her anxiety was that the big boss didn��t look like a good person. She felt that he was as intimidating as the two senior instructors.


    ��Does this kind of thing still happen?�� Ren Baqian found it ridiculous.


    ��Based on my inquiries, this type of incident is rare now. Furthermore, we have just opened and didn��t advertise. It��s impossible to affect others or attract hostilities,�� Ding Jie said. After more than half a year of hard work, Ding Jie had matured a lot.


    With martial arts training, he was getting stronger, looked like a promising young man in his twenties, and no longer looked like a bean sprout.


    This change was clearly visible to him. As he wasn��t superior to others in any way, Ren Baqian could pick people who were better than him off the street. Although he didn��t know why the boss chose him and gave him such an opportunity, he made a resolution to redouble his efforts.


    Consequently, Ding Jie strived to do everything to the best of his abilities.


    ��Bring them to the second floor and call for some instructors to go there.�� Ren Baqianughed, stood up, and walked out of the door. He wasn��t busy, and it would be fun to watch this show.


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian and the others saw the five youths that were brought up.


    They were about 17 to 18 years old and looking for trouble.


    Ren Baqian almost lost his interest when he saw these people.


    The five young men saw seven or eight men standing there when they came up, and the presence of two bear-like humans was especially frightening. These youths might not be able to move that bear-like pair even if they were allowed to hit those two as they stood there.


    However, since the youths were already here, they couldn��t just admit defeat.


    To a person who was 17 or 18 years old, pride was more important than anything. To maintain their pride, they would even stab their own gang members. Moreover, a few of their good friends were also witnessing this incident now.


    A young man came forward and proimed loudly, ��Who��s the coach here? We are from Renren Martial Arts Center and would like to exchange views with you.��


    ��Boss, let me handle this,�� said Liu Chengwu, the younger of the Liu brothers.


    The sries of the two brothers were rather high, but they didn��t do much despite having the title of consultant. They had always wanted to show their value and immediately volunteered upon seeing this situation.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Are you here to exchange views?�� Liu Chengwu asked.


    The other party was relieved to see Liu Chengwuing forward. It was fine as long as it wasn��t those two guys.


    Liu Chengwu was about 40 and didn��t look strong or vigorous, so the chances of winning had greatly increased.


    ��Yes, we are from Renren Martial Arts Center,�� the group of young men replied loudly.


    Liu Chengwu nodded and silently walked to a row of punching bags. He casually punched a bag in the middle, pointed with his finger, and asked, ��The punching bags here range from light to heavy��which type can you punch?��


    ��Hitting punching bags?�� Those guysughed contemptuously because they felt that the people here were kind of low level.


    The young man in front, looking rxed and confident, went toward the heaviest punching bag, inhaled, and raised his leg to kick it.


    <em>Bang! </em>The punching bag only shook slightly.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The sound of a bone fracturing was heard. Next, that young man clutched his leg as he fell to the floor wailing. The rest of them were shocked as they didn��t expect to see this happen at all.


    ��What��s inside that punching bag?�� Ren Baqian turned his head to ask.


    ��Steel ingots���� Liu Chengwu move forward to tell him.


    ������ Ren Baqian was speechless.


    He hadn��t expected the Liu brothers to be so devious!


    This was how Liu Chengwu goaded a hot-blooded young man to use all his strength to kick a bag filled with steel ingots! This kick might make the young man wonder what life was all about.


    What a talent!


    Ren Baqian looked at the two brothers with apletely new perspective. He liked such talents!


    He immediately turned to pat the older brother, Liu Chengwen, on the shoulder and said, ��Not bad. I like it very much.��

 Chapter 645 - Scared

    Chapter 645: Scared


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The old were indeed wiser. It wasn��t easy making a name in the martial arts world nowadays.


    The Liu brothers looked taciturn, but with no difficulty, they managed to show Ren Baqian what the word awesome meant.


    That young man would definitely have a phobia of hitting punching bags for the rest of his life.


    Ren Baqian was in good spirits and was slightly more impressed with the Liu brothers. They had achieved their objective.


    In all honesty, the Liu brothers were aware that they wouldn��t be able to impress the boss, no matter how well they could fight. There were too many that could fight. Those men in the vi could poke them to death with just a finger and send them stered to the wall with just one p.


    Such experience was what Ren Baqian cared about, and his reaction had proved this point.


    Both parties forgot about one thing. Ren Baqian��s reason for asking the brothers toe over was to teach the winged cavalry warriors about the virtue of martial arts�� It was about teaching the virtue of martial arts��


    The rest of the youths rushed over to their leader. After clearing up the whole situation, they immediately jumped up and started cursing in rage.


    ��B*stard! Aren��t you embarrassed of yourself?��


    ��How are you fit to open a martial arts center?��


    ��F*ck!��


    Ren Baqian tilted his head when one of the winged cavalry warriors suddenly made a smart move and walked over as though he had everything under control. Tremors could be felt with every step that he took.


    His huge body made those youngsters cower in fear. Their voices paused for a moment before shouting frantically, ��You didn��t dare to fight and yed dirty. What do you want now?��


    They refused to believe that Ren Baqian and his people could do anything to them now.


    If Ren Baqian were to do anything to them, they would simply call the police. Then, Ren Baqian would have to bear the consequences.


    That winged cavalry warrior walked over beside them with a look of disdain. Keeping silent, he turned his body and swept his leg across. Before those people could even react, his leg swept across the punching bag as a gust of wind swept across their faces.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The punching bag which left that young man in pain immediately exploded. The metal ingots shot out like shrapnel from artillery shells. The visual impact made everyone feel the tremendous strength of this winged cavalry warrior.


    <em>Ta! Ta! Ta! </em>After a series of sounds, several of them regained their senses. Their faces turned pale when they looked at the wall.


    The wall was densely embedded with metal ingots that were three fingers wide and two fingers thick. All of the ingots were deeply embedded in the wall with none of them jutting out on the outside.


    That kick didn��t seem like it was executed by a human, but by a Gundam. Otherwise, how was such force created?


    Everyone��s eyes and mouths were wide open. They were like fish onnd and couldn��t even speak a word.


    As beads of sweat rolled down their heads, their faces were deathly pale.


    They looked at that winged cavalry warrior and then back at the wall. They unanimously took a few steps back, picked that young man up, and left without a word.


    They didn��t even dare to speak a single word.


    If that kicknded on their bodies, it probably wouldn��t be any better than getting hit by a truck going at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour.


    The only difference was whether they would die in one piece.


    They weren��t the only ones frightened. Even Ren Wannian and the Liu brothers were startled.


    After those youngsters took off, the trio looked at those two winged cavalry warriors with high respect for their virtue.


    ��Boss, shall we do some publicity or something?�� Ding Jie asked. With the strength of these ��mountain kids,�� a little bit of publicity would immediately create a stir. For instance, filming that kick and uploading it on the inte.


    In his mind, this martial arts culturepany would then be able to expand all over the country. Like the Shaolin Monastery, their center would have a huge reputation and be the Ma of martial arts in the minds of ordinary people.


    The only way they differed from other martial arts centers was that they requiredrge amounts of money and energy to promote themselves. Other people might not even buy into their idea.


    For their own sake, he simply needed to give them a slight push in the back.


    Everyone was suddenly all ears after hearing this.


    ��No hurry��it��s not time yet. Let��s chill and get new students first. Fate will bring everything together.�� Ren Baqian shook his head. Given the strength of the winged cavalry, once someone witnessed it, people would naturally starting in.


    The winged cavalry were simply too strong, so Ren Baqian was confident that they wouldn��tck students even if they didn��t do any publicity. Like what happened today, news would definitely spread.


    If those people lost in a normal fight, there naturally wouldn��t be anything to talk about. They might even begin to nder their opponents after they left.


    However, that winged cavalry warrior��s kick had far exceeded mankind��s capability. It would only be more likely for an ordinary person to exaggerate after seeing this, which would only make the martial arts center more famous.


    If they did more publicity, the martial arts center would probably be overflowing with people.


    The martial arts center had also only just been established, so various systems weren��t exactly refined yet. They didn��t have sufficient experience either and weren��t ready with their preparations.


    It was better to take it slow. After all, Ren Baqian��s martial arts center was entirely different from taekwondo gyms, karate clubs, or other existing centers. It involved too many things, and many of them needed to undergo careful consideration.


    Ding Jie and Ren Wannian didn��t seem to understand and felt that this was such a pity. Other martial arts centers wished they could be famous, whereas Ren Baqian seemed to be afraid of people knowing their name.


    However, they would listen to whatever Ren Baqian said.


    ��In the future, we shall categorize our disciples into three groups. The first group shallprise of ordinary external disciples. Those with higher potential shall be internal disciples and form the second group. Thest group shall be the core disciples,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��What will the difference in treatment be?�� Ding Jie asked.


    ��For the ordinary students, it will be as we nned. They will pay 50,000 yuan per year, and we will only impart fighting techniques and train their bodies. For the internal disciples, they will pay 20,000 yuan a year, and we will impart basic fighting techniques. As for the core disciples, their membership will be free of charge. However, they will be required to carry out missions to umte credits that they can exchange for techniques,�� Ren Baqian exined simply.


    Ding Jie and Ren Wannian both found it a little strange. They didn��t understand the purpose of the system that Ren Baqian created. The core disciples actually didn��t have to pay for their membership, but had to carry out missions instead? What kind of missions?


    The Liu brothers subsequently focused their attention on the ��techniques�� that Ren Baqian mentioned.


    ��That��s all for now. Certain things will be clearer to you in the future.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    Ren Baqian left soon after and visited another one of his martial arts centers in Pudong. Same as the previous ce, there were two winged cavalry warriors overseeing its operations as well.


    This center was a little different from the previous one because it actually had a few students.


    Ren Baqian knew without thinking that these students definitely had some sort of connection to certain departments. However, it didn��t matter to him��it was impossible to clean out sand. Let them be if they wanted to send their men over.


    This time in Shanghai, Ren Baqian opened two martial arts centers, one in Jingan and another in Pudong. Both had a floor area of roughly 1,000 square meters and were established in superb locations.


    Other than the training area, every martial arts center had its own dining area and herbal unit. The ingredients used were natural herbs and meat to aid training. These items were brought back from Dayao.


    Of course, these privileges weren��t made avable to the external disciples. Simply based on these two extra facilities, other martial arts centers couldn��t match up to them. These were things that money couldn��t buy. Plus, Ren Baqian had no ns to sell them either.


    Ren Baqian originally intended to open two more martial arts centers in Beijing and Guangzhou, respectively. However, after careful consideration, he wasn��t confident in dispatching the winged cavalry warriors and worried about them getting into trouble.


    After settling the issues of the martial arts centers, Ren Baqian left all the subsequent work to other people, leaving both centers to Ding Jie and Ren Wannian to slowly develop. In any case, his request was to let nature take its course. He didn��t want to do publicity or any such activities because it didn��t matter to him whether there was business or not!


    He then went back to Dayao and set out to build the paper mill.


    On top of that, theying of the track bed and railroad ties for the ring-shaped railroad had already beenpleted. Now, Ren Baqian needed to arrange for theying of the railroad tracks.


    130,000 kilograms of steel was used in this railroad project, which was equivalent to Dayao��s total steel production for thest three years. This was thergest amount of resources ever utilized since the empire had been founded, so he had to show results to the officials of the imperial court as soon as possible.


    Besides that, there was something else that was even more important. He still had to apany the empress to watch soap operas, eat meals,ze in the garden, and y cards. He would also asionally get a little cheeky with her and get punched in the chest with her nuclear-powered fists��

 Chapter 646 - The Lan City Newspaper (Part 1)

    Chapter 646: The Lan City Newspaper (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Selling newspapers, newspapers, the Lan City Newspaper. One copper each! Lan City newspapers, hot off the press!��


    Early in the morning, these words sounded all over Lan City. Groups of children wearing animal-skin skirts shouted nonstop as they ran around the city holding thick stacks of newspapers.


    ��Lan City Newspaper? What��s that?�� Passersby were puzzled. What was this?


    ��It��s a newly released newspaper published by the ck Bamboo Academy. It contains everything about Lan City and all thetest news, such as the Minister of Revenue and Minister of War fighting at the imperial court, the Minister of Rites getting kicked into the drain by his wife after returning home drunk from the brothel, a secretary from the Ministry of the Army challenging an unknown expertst night and falling to the ground after getting kicked in the crotch, how Zi Doni quickly took down seven cities in the war at the Yun Nation����


    ��Come over here kid��are those things you said real?�� a burly man asked.


    ��Of course! It��s all written inside.�� Having been called out to, the seven year old boy raised his head, looked at that man, and asked, ��Do you want one? Just one copper.��


    ��I can��t read!�� The burly man burst outughing.


    The kid��s face immediately turned ck, ��Why ask if you can��t read?��


    ��I merely asked if it was real.�� The man couldn��t care less.


    At that moment, another girl ran over and shouted, ��Buy the newspaper��there��s a half-length portrait of the empress! And also all sorts of news about Lan City!��


    ��Give me one!�� The burly man threw a copper over without hesitation, took the newspaper, and left happily.


    Even though he didn��t understand what was written in it, being able to see the empress��s half-length portrait was good enough!


    This newly released Lan City Newspaper had a half-length portrait of the empress on its first page. Even though it was monochrome, all of its readers could visualize her wearing bright red clothes. Her eyes were narrowed, and it looked as if the tip of a de was shing across her eyes.


    Those who bought the newspapers could even feel the empress��s aura through that portrait.


    They didn��t know who drew the portrait of her, but it was extremely life-like.


    The man went back home, disyed her portrait, and offered flowers and tributes day and night. He wasn��t the only person who thought like this. Some people even made wooden frames to encased that piece of newspaper.


    This way, it was easier for them to disy it.


    ��Sir, the newspaper is selling pretty well. However, most of the people bought it for Her Majesty��s portrait because very few of them know how to read. I��m afraid that we will not be able to sell that much from tomorrow onward.��


    In the afternoon, more than half of the newspapers had already been sold. Zhu Zhuo, an official from the Department of Commerce, reported this to Ren Baqian.


    ��There��s no harm in that. Put up the leftover papers on the streets and get people to read them out loud,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Newspapers could broaden the knowledge of the civilians and also induce discussions among them. It didn��t matter even if they had to spend money on it.


    Besides, this venture wasn��t even able to generate revenue.


    However, it was indeed Ren Baqian��s good foresight to have ced the empress��s half-length portrait in the paper. At the very least, the Lan City Newspaper��s reputation shot up instantly.


    It had been a month in Dayao since the martial arts center opened for business. He constructed the paper mill during this period of time with the main focus of producing two types of paper. One was newspaper�� The other was toilet paper! After the mill was set up, he left the rest of the tasks to the Ministry of Works.


    If it wasn��t an expensive item or luxury items that were required for a short period of time, such as mirrors or ss, Ren Baqian practically had no intention of getting involved. This was to avoid having a reputation among themoners of fighting for benefits. It actually wouldn��t bother him, but for the empress, he had to give it some consideration.


    By doing so, the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Revenue were also able to obtain some benefits.


    As for the contents of the newspaper, they were basically provided by the students of the school.


    The students were very interested in such novel things and revealed many of their house secrets after school. For instance, Tong Lan revealed the entire dark past of her grandfather, Tong Zhenye, without hesitation. This information alone was sufficient to publish a few issues under the Tong Residence��s special column in the paper.


    Ren Baqian left the Department of Commerce��s office and took a walk in the districts of Beihong and Zhulian. A few houses on a plot ofnd had been cleared up, creating a circr za. Countless sacks of cement, bricks, and tree trunks were piled up in the middle of the za as many of the aboriginals came and went.


    What they were intending to build at this location was a clock tower.


    Currently, the 66 meter clock tower was already half finished. It would take roughly another month before the tower wasplete.


    Also, the Zhang family was busy making the clock that would sit atop this gigantic tower.


    If it was sessful, the entire clock tower would bepleted in under two months. This could then be considered as andmark building of Lan City.


    Ren Baqian returned to the pce after spending some time looking at the clock tower from the surroundings. He saw the empress standing in front of a table where a set of writing stationery wasid out. While standing there, she held the brush for a long time before wielding it intensely.


    He walked over, saw her drawing something, and immediately smiled before saying, ��Your Majesty, you are actually painting today. What put you in such a good mood?��


    ��Indeed�� I need to calm myself down. It��s said that painting has such an effect.�� The empress finished her painting very quickly and tossed the brush aside promptly. She stretched her body and held her waist, revealing the curves of her upper body to Ren Baqian.


    The empress felt that her level of cultivation was still increasing, which made her a little vexed.


    She basically didn��t have to do much training. Regardless of whether she was happy or angry, her level of cultivation would randomly increase.


    She would asionally be faced with a sh of insight, causing her level of cultivation to increase substantially.


    If she hadn��t forcefully suppressed herself the previous time, she probably would have made a breakthrough to the Cardinal Heaven stage that the previous emperor had attained.


    However, no matter how much she suppressed herself, her strength kept on gradually increasing, and this made her a little annoyed.


    Recently, she had been worried about her strength increasing too quickly.


    If other people came to know about the empress��s worries, they would probably throw up three liters of blood before hanging themselves on a tree. There were so many people who got stuck at a bottleneck and were never able to advance as well as many who worked tirelessly just for a little bit of improvement.


    On the other hand, the empress was worrying about not being able to control the rate of her increase in strength!


    ��Your Majesty, the thing you are drawing is�� aic?�� Ren Baqian was surprised when he looked at the thing on the paper. There was a ball with two crescent eyes and an arc at the bottom. If it wasn��t aic, what was it?


    ��What��s aic?�� The empress was a little puzzled. She stretched out her finger and pointed at her painting, then said, ��The sun, the red moon, and the yellow moon! Doesn��t it look like that?��


    Ren Baqian kept silent for some time.


    Yes, there were indeed two lunar cycles in this world; a cycle of red and a cycle of yellow. The red moon could be seen every night, whereas the yellow moon only appeared once every three days.


    Even though the painting lookedical no matter how he looked at it, it was at a kindergarten standard!


    However, she was the empress, so it was what she said it was.


    ��Yes it does! I was too slow-witted and actually didn��t think of it at that moment. After listening to your description, it indeed looks like that. If colors were added to it, I would definitely have recognized it at first nce. Your Majesty actually painted something so incredible that no one is capable of matching it.��


    ��Do you take me for an idiot? Trying to fool me again?!�� The empress rolled her eyes at him, swung her sleeves, and walked back to the couch.


    ��How so? For instance, nobody who has practiced for less than ten years would be capable of drawing a sun so round! There was once a great artist who drew eggs for many years, but still wasn��t able to draw two identical ones. Heter went on to be one of the most famous artists in the world. Looking at Your Majesty��s painting, it looks almost simr to a circle drawn by apass. If you were to draw another one, it would surely still be at that standard. As for the two moons, both their angles and sizes are exactly the same. Such precise control makes you far superior to others and naturally allows you to do half the work and produce twice the effect when you draw!�� Ren Baqian eximed earnestly.


    He continued, ��Regardless of whether it��s training or painting, you are much better than anyone else the moment you try your hand at it.��


    ��Did this great artist that you mentioned really exist? What was his name?�� the empress turned her head and asked.


    ��Da Vinci!��

 Chapter 647 - The Lan City Newspaper (Part 2)

    Chapter 647: The Lan City Newspaper (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I have already seen this thing of yours. Why are the contents a hideous mess?�� The empress held up a page of the newspaper from the couch, fiddled with it, and folded it into a paper airne. She had learned how to do this from Ren Baqian.


    She then flung her hand, causing the paper airne to fly up high before dropping down. Ren Baqian stretched out his hand, caught it, held it to his nose, and sniffed it. Aside from the smell of ink, there was also the empress��s fragrance on it.


    ��It��s the Lan City Newspaper that��s written by the students from the school after all��it isn��t the Dayao Newspaper. By including some sensational news, we can pique the interests of the civilians. Unfortunately, there are too many people who are illiterate. I n on posting up the newspapers on the streets and finding some people to read them. This way, even if themoners don��t know how to read, they will still be able to know what��s written in the paper.


    Ren Baqian walked to the side of the couch and ced the paper down. He picked up a fruit and a small knife from the side table, twirled it around his hand quickly, and the fruit peel fell off in circles.


    Ren Baqian looked at it from various angles and nodded in satisfaction. He had peeled it just right, not too much and not too little. If he cut off too much, he would have taken too much off the fruit. If he peeled off too little, the fruit wouldn��t be peeled clean. He peeled the entire fruit perfectly, and his knife skills had improved.


    He could give himself a nickname in the future like the Number One Storm de. At least it sounded more pleasingpared to the Stinky Emperor.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian handed the fruit over to the empress.


    The empress praised him as well and said, ��Your strength control has improved.��


    Ren Baqian was extremely happy and he hurriedly responded, ��I��m ttered. I��m still far from the level of Your Majesty. The amount of control you exhibited while drawing circles makes others feel far inferior. Even though it was merely drawing a circle, one can tell your capabilities simply by judging this.��


    Mutualpliments would only work if it went both ways. Otherwise, who would entertain you if you didn��t reciprocate?


    He then looked forward for her to continue giving praise.


    As she held the fruit, the empressmended after taking a closer look at it, ��It��s indeed pretty good! That��s how I fared when I was five!��


    Ren Baqian murmured, ��Hmmm.��


    The empress watched Ren Baqian��s defeated look from the corner of her eye. Her gaze was filled with joy, and her eyes looked as if they were smiling. As she tapped her finger on the fruit, it immediately split into eight small pieces. She then flicked one piece into Ren Baqian��s mouth.


    ��Sit down,�� she said casually.


    He brought a chair over and sat beside the couch. He pulled her hand over, held it in his palm, and they transmitted their warmth to each other via their palms.


    Even though it wasn��t the first time Ren Baqian held the empress��s hands, he felt that her hands were very soft and exquisite every time he held then. It was as if her touch could reach inside his chest.


    If he was attentive, he could even feel her strong pulse through her palms.


    ��I can feel Your Majesty��s heartbeat and you can feel mine too. This is what a kindred spirit is!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    After that, both of them calmed down and tried to feel each other��s heartbeat. The rate of their heartbeats rose by a bit and so did the temperature of the surroundings.


    ��I want to experience the taste of your lipstick!�� Ren Baqian leaned forward and brought his face closer to the empress��s.


    The next moment, a cylindrical shaped object went straight into his mouth.


    ��My lipstick is in your mouth��you can eat the whole thing!�� She grinned.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes were wide open as he took the lipstick out of his mouth. He took a bite of it, followed by another bite, and eventually ate all of it.


    ��It tastes good!�� Ren Baqian eximed. ��I feel like having some more. One isn��t enough.��


    Soon after, another tube of lipstick went into his mouth.


    The empress stretched out her hand, revealing that she was holding ten tubes those lipsticks.


    ��Previously, you bought me 50 of these!��


    ��Forget it! I��m almost full!�� Ren Baqian sat back down resentfully.


    She looked at him with eyes that seemed to contain something. She then stretched out her head very quickly and gave him a light peck on the lips. This soft and gentle tactile sensation dissipated as soon as it happened.


    ��The lipstick on Your Majesty��s lips is much sweeter than this,�� Ren Baqian said as he held the empty tube of lipstick.


    ��Howe I was unaware?�� The empress looked at him with a smile.


    ��I��m nicknamed the honest and adorable husband, and I have never spoken a lie. Now that my lips are also covered with lipstick, you can have a taste and see if it really is���� Ren Baqian moved closer to her, lowered his head, and gave her a kiss. Their lips touched, and their warm breath brushed against each other��s faces.


    Several secondster, Ren Baqian hastily licked her lips and retracted his tongue. He burst outughing and dered, ��Very sweet indeed!��


    The empress let out a gentle ��hmph.�� Her face was blushing, but she didn��t look angry at all. She put on a nonchnt look and moved to another topic.


    ��The candies on the tree have been finished!��


    He turned his head and looked at that tree. Not only were the candies finished, but the branches were gone as well�� The only thing left standing there was a bald tree trunk.


    ��


    ��Lan City Newspaper, the new and fresh Lan City Newspaper. A startling secret is about to be uncovered��the love-hate rtionship between the Minister of Works and the Minister of War!��


    ��Lan City Newspaper, why do the Minister of Works and the Minister of War oppose each other like fire and water? This issue of the Lan City Newspaper will officially reveal it to everyone!��


    After hearing advertisements for the newspapering from beyond the wall, Zhang Junzheng sent his men to buy a few copies.


    Newspapers weren��t something new to Zhang Junzheng since the Yun Nation already had them.


    However, the difference was that the newspapers in the Yun Nation were printed by the imperial court and sent to the residences of the warlords in all cities. All of the news pertained to the transfer of court officials and the major happenings in the Yun Nation. The ordinary people didn��t even know those things happened.


    The Lan City Newspaper waspletely different since it was targeted at themoners. Besides major news, much of it detailed sensational stories about the court officials.


    Zhang Junzheng felt that these newly introduced papers had both pros and cons.


    Its merit was that it allowed themoners to feel more cordial with the court officials and let them know that the officials actually did such things as well.


    At the same time, it also brought many officials into the limelight that themoners hadn��t really been familiar with.


    Its drawback was that it made the officials lose quite a bit of their dignity.


    There was no telling what the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy was aiming for when creating such a thing.


    Some timeter, Zhang Junzheng held the newspaper and studied it attentively. The first page was a report about the war with the Yun Nation. This issue of the Lan City Newspaper was printed three days after the previous one. During this period of time, the Yun Nation had lost another four cities.


    Zhang Junzheng reckoned that this piece of news was in fact already three to six days old. From the Yun Nation to Lan City, even if they used birds to transmit the news, it would take at least three days.


    However, after reading that the Yun Nation had been sessively losing possession of theirnd as if they didn��t have the ability to retaliate, he felt a sense of tion.


    Zhang Junzheng had recently pondered about it. This time, Dayao��s objective didn��t seem to be like what everyone imagined, which was to plunder and leave like they had before.


    If they simply wanted to plunder and leave, Dayao should already have achieved their objective after having conquered a quarter of the Yun Nation��s cities. These cities definitely had more than enough for them to plunder.


    Furthermore, there was no need to send scouts into all the cities just to spy on the situation.


    Zhang Junzheng somehow felt that Dayao��s objective this time was probably to conquer the entire the Yun Nation.


    Would this be the demise of the Yun Nation?


    Even though the Zhang family could almost be considered as exiled, the thought of their homnd sinking into ruins still made Zhang Junzheng feel a little mournful.


    Also, did Dayao have enough officials to send to the Yun Nation territory?


    If not handled properly, the territory of the former nation might turn into a quagmire that endlessly swallowed the efforts and military strength of Dayao.


    Zhang Junzheng was lost in thought for a moment, and he flipped to the next page a whileter. The longest article at the back was about the love-hate rtionship between Tong Zhenye, the Minister of Works, and Qin Chuan, the Minister of War.


    After reading it, Zhang Junzheng almost spat out blood.


    He wasn��t the only one who felt like this. Everyone who finished reading the newspaper felt the same way too.


    Everyone knew that Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan opposed each other like fire and water. Fighting at the brothel and the imperial court were frequent urrences as well.


    Even though they would eventually get beaten up by the empress, they would rather get beaten than let each other off. They would much rather take the other one down with them.


    Many people were curious about what made them hate each other so much, but nobody had ever expected it to actually be such a disturbing reason!

 Chapter 648 - Reliving the Past

    Chapter 648: Reliving the Past


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After reading the newspaper, Tong Zhenye burst into heartyughter.


    The article in the newspaper was giving him what he considered to be the proudest moment in his life.


    He never imagined that anyone would remember, let alone publish it.


    He really cherished this memory.


    He recalled that it was during the year 360 of Dayao��s calendar and that the rainy season wasing soon.


    A year earlier, Dayao��s first emperor had taken the brave veterans who fought 36 years ago as well as many top experts from the imperial court and journeyed deep into the Sixty Thousand Mountains. From that point on, all contact was lost.


    The new emperor had just been enthroned, and Great Xia was eyeing the northern region of Dayao like a tiger waiting to pounce.


    The weapons that Dayao had acquired after conquering the Hao Nation were all taken away by the previous emperor. The important officials and experienced soldiers were all gone. What was left were young officials that were promoted ad hoc. Other factors were also grim, and the situation was precarious.


    Tens of thousands of able young people came out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains to join the army and the imperial court.


    Tong Zhenye was one of them. Relying on the power of his Kismet Heaven level cultivation, he often fought with others, making some enemies along the way, but also some friends. Qin Chuan was one of them.


    Their friendship was formed as a result of these two fighting with each other.


    By the time they arrived in Lan City together, the quota for conscription had already been filled. They were destitute, lived in abandoned houses, and didn��t have enough to eat. They thought of the idea of eating without paying at the risk of being beaten up.


    In the end, most of them didn��t want to do such a shameful thing, so they went hunting and collected fruits before going to the Yun Nation to raid and make a fortune. These peopleter became officials in the Protectorate of the Northeast. One of them was its Assistant Protector General, Zhi Sheng.


    Only Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan went to eat without intending to pay, but the expected beating didn��t happen.


    ��Looks like you are here to join the army, right? The quota is already full. If you have nowhere to go, you cane in the evening to eat, but I can��t provide you with a full meal.�� The person talking to them was a youngdy who was about 17 or 18 years old. She had a slightly unrefined appearance, but was energetic and cheerful.


    ��Why��?�� Tong Zhenye asked in surprise. This shop looked like it wasn��t making money and was only getting by.


    ��You came here to join the army in order to protect our Dayao! Although you didn��t seed, you have the right intention, so getting a few meals from me is no big deal. I don��t think the two of you will be eating here for life.�� Thedyughed cheerfully.


    At that moment, the two young men were moved by her cheerful personality.


    ��I want to marry her,�� Qin Chuan said aftering out of the shop.


    Tong Zhenye didn��t say anything because he didn��t know what to say.


    The two of them spent some time mucking around in Lan City, got to know thatdy better, and found out that her name was Tie Muxin.


    Recognizing their abilities, the two were asked to join the Ministry of Works.


    After gaining some status, the two went to her shop more frequently.


    Both of them were interested in Tie Muxin, but Qin Chuan was more expressive and obvious, so Tie Muxin was gradually moved by him.


    Tong Zhenye tried to express his feelings too, but was one step slower than Qin Chuan in the end.


    As time went by, Qin Chuan and Tie Muxin started making eyes at each other.


    Because of this matter, Tong Zhenye was very vexed for a period of time by thismon problem for young men.


    One day, Tong Zhenye told Qin Chuan that there was a young master in the city who was stronger than him. Subsequently, Qin Chuan went to challenge him and was badly defeated.


    After that, Tong Zhenye gave Qin Chuan a martial arts manual that he happened to obtain and said to him, ��You aren��t strong enough��how can you marry and protect the one you love?��


    Although Qin Chuan was already outstanding among his peers, he agreed with this statement since he had just been badly defeated. He took the secret manual and plunged into the world of martial arts.


    From then on, the number of times he visited Tie Muxin gradually decreased because he was unable to extricate himself from his obsession with martial arts.


    On the other hand, Tong Zhenye took great pains to find secret manuals to give to Qin Chuan. Every time Qin Chuan mastered one manual, Tong Zhenye would find another one for him. Over a period of three and a half years, he had given Qin Chuan seven different manuals.


    If everything had ended here, they would still be good friends as Qin Chuan was extremely grateful to Tong Zhenye for all the things he had done for him.


    It wasn��t until three and a half yearster that Qin Chuan was reborn and came out of his martial arts craze�� Tie Muxin was already betrothed to Tong Zhenye by then��


    Qin Chuan��s mood at that time was abysmal.


    However, because he was too naive, Qin Chuan still didn��t suspect Tong Zhenye.


    Furthermore, although his rtionship with Tie Muxin was about to blossom into romance at that time, his plunge into martial arts fanaticism for more than three years had resulted in everything changing.


    Not long after that, Qin Chuan was drinking alone in a restaurant. Tong Zhenye and that young guy who had defeated Qin Chuan all those years ago happened to be drinking at the next room.


    That guy was Hong Wu��


    Even at this juncture, Qin Chuan still didn��t suspect anything�� Seeing Tong Zhenye enjoy himself, Qin Chuan wasn��t in the mood to join Tong Zhenye for a drink.


    This continued until Tong Zhenye and Hong Wu spilled the beans while drinking.


    Qin Chuan finally realized that he had been betrayed! These two guys were in cahoots with each other! Those secret manuals given by Tong Zhenye were meant to keep him absorbed in the world of martial arts!


    From that point on, Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye changed from being good friends to enemies.


    When Tie Muxin died a few yearster due to postpartum blood loss, they became archenemies.


    Qin Chuan remained unmarried for his entire life, Tong Zhenye didn��t remarry either, and both of them frequented the brothel. They seemed to fight every time they met��sometimes they didn��t even remember why they were fighting.


    ��


    Tong Zhenye relived these past events and smiled at the vicissitudes of life.


    Although he betrayed Qin Chuan at that time, he didn��t regret it at all!


    The proudest thing that he had done in his life was to trick Qin Chuan in order to marry Tie Muxin.


    Every time he thought about this matter, he would happily drink a jar of wine.


    ��Old Tong Zhenye,e and fight 300 rounds with me!�� A roar rang out from outside the Ministry of Works.


    ��Minister Qin hase knocking on the door!��


    ��He must have read the newspaper,�� people inside the ministry whispered.


    ��Old Tong was purported to be so treacherous at that time!��


    ��It��s obvious that Minister Qin was too stupid. He indulged in martial arts and lost his wife!��


    ��If Sir Qin hears this, he will not let you off!��


    ��Haha! You dare to stir up trouble in my ministry?! I must capture and send you to see the empress today!�� Tong Zhenyeughed nonstop after hearing the challenge from Qin Chuan and came out with a hammer that weighed 150 kilograms.


    ��


    ��I only learned about the matter between Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye today. What happened back then is rather unexpected.�� The empress sighed as she put the newspaper aside.


    She had no idea why she felt kind of strange after reading the article. It seemed like she sympathized with Qin Chuan.


    ��You can��t me Sir Tong since love is like a battlefield and defeating the enemy is the first priority. Sir Tong only used a small trick to get Sir Qin to be addicted to martial arts. In the final analysis, martial arts was still the most important to Sir Qin.��


    Ren Baqianughed as he put a fruit into the mouth of the empress and casually brushed her lips with his fingers, making her feel like she experienced an electric shock.


    ��Your Majesty, Minister Tong and Minister Qin are fighting outside the Ministry of Works.�� Xin Zhe came in to report.


    ��This trouble was caused by your newspaper!�� The empress red at Ren Baqian.


    ��Forget it. Based on what happened between them in the past, I will let them be and ignore them.�� It was rare to see the empress being so soft-hearted.


    ��The Ministry of Works has been half-demolished, and they are in the Ministry of Culture now�� The Ministry of Revenue is next to the Ministry of Culture���� Xin Zhe reported, causing the empress to immediately turn cold.


    She had originally intended to forgive them this time, but she couldn��t do so now!


    Ren Baqian saw the change in her expression, sighed in his heart, and thought,<em>Are you two behaving like huskies? Don��t take off the roof!</em>

 Chapter 649 - Play Something That’s More Fun

    Chapter 649: y Something That��s More Fun


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Shall we find something else to y? We can��t possibly y the little bee game every day��we need to change to a new game.��


    In the vi on top of Sheshan in Shanghai, 12 winged cavalry warriors sat in the living room looking bored. They only trained or drank in this ce, and it had indeed be a little dull for them after all this time.


    ��Tiny thing, is there anything fun to do?��


    ��Pao Yao[1.Pao Yao �C A poker card game that is popr in Northeast China]? Fight the Landlord?�� proposed Ding Jie when he looked away from hisptop.


    ��yed before! Not fun!�� The winged cavalry warriors shook their heads.


    ��Mahjong?�� Ding Jie suggested again.


    ��Too troublesome. My brain feels as if it��s exploding when I y,�� one of them replied as the rest nodded in session.


    ��What do you want to y then?�� Ding Jie asked helplessly. He had long since understood the character of these winged cavalry warriors during these two years. They were straightforward people, but to put it bluntly, their brains were useless.


    ��I feel like chopping people!�� One of the winged cavalry warriors heaved a sigh.


    ��Me too! My hand is itching��I haven��t chopped anyone in ages.�� His words evoked the thoughts of another one of them.


    ��Chopping people in half with one swing of our des��those were the days!�� Another one of them burst outughing.


    Everyone started reminiscing about the days back then when they fought in the war. Regardless of whether they had been cutting or getting cut by someone, it had still felt equally rejuvenating.


    Even though they were currently eating meat and drinking wine every day, it was extremely dull and boring here.


    Ding Jie��s face turned pale upon hearing that. What sort of experiences did this group of mountain kids have previously?


    Scared witless while listening to their discussion, he shifted from the sofa to the floor and then shriveled up behind the sofa. He was afraid that this bunch of man bears would draw their sabers the next second and cut him up.


    ��Hey, I thought of something fun.�� While everyone was having a discussion, one of them spoke up and pped his thigh.


    ��What is it?�� Everyone else looked over.


    ��Don��t we have a lot of guns here? There��s a game in this world called Battle Royale[1.Battle Royale �C A Japanese dystopian thriller film directed by Kinji Fukasaku and written by Kenta Fukasaku]. Everyone will be given a gun and anyone that gets shot will be considered dead. Thest man standing without getting shot will be the winner. How about that?�� the man suggested.


    ��Sounds like a great idea!�� One of them nodded.


    When all of the winged cavalry warriors heard this, they became increasingly excited. Someone immediately went to fetch a box of firearms and bullets.


    ��How do we use this thing?�� one of them asked as he lifted Ding Jie up like a little chick from behind the sofa.


    Ding Jie looked astonished.


    <em>What are you trying to do?</em>


    Using real guns to y Battle Royale?


    <em>Why don��t you fly instead?</em>


    If he were to teach them, wouldn��t thedy boss kill him when he came back? Thedy boss probably would! He definitely musn��t teach them!


    ��I don��t know how to use them either����


    ��You are lying!�� The man bears gathered over. ��How can you not know?��


    ��Only military personnel know how to use these things�� How would a student like me know?�� Ding Jie denied as he scowled miserably.


    ��You are really useless!�� Everyone looked at him with disdain.


    Ding Jie looked bitter, but in fact felt relieved. No matter what, it was better not to let them y with those.


    ��I know how to use this!�� One of the winged cavalry warriors picked up a shbang from the box.


    ��I know how to use that too! We used it to capture a city previously, and it was indeed pretty useful.��


    ��Shall we y with this?�� one of them suggested.


    ��How do we y?�� the others immediately asked.


    ��This thing takes some time before it explodes. We shall sit in a circle in the living room and then pass it along. When it explodes, the person holding it in his hands will be the unlucky one!�� that warrior exined.


    ��Hey, it sounds interesting. This is what it shall be!�� The others immediately burst intoughter and agreed to this idea.


    Just when Ding Jie managed to heave a sigh of relief, his heart suddenly jumped in his throat. Apart from being stunned, his face looked deathly pale.


    <em>Dear Sirs, does it work if I call you sir?</em>


    <em>Can you y with something more ordinary?</em>


    Looking a little contorted, Ding Jie immediately leaped up from the floor and shouted, ��This is a grenade! You can��t y with that!��


    ��This is a shbang. We know that.�� The winged cavalry warriors looked at him with disdain. ��It seems like you really don��t know about such things at all.��


    ��shbang?�� Ding Jie looked carefully at that thing, and it indeed looked a little different from the grenades that he saw on television.


    <em>If it��s just a shbang, will it be alright if I just close my eyes?</em>


    At the thought of this, it seemed okay.


    The 12 winged cavalry warriors excitedly yed the finger-guessing game for quite some time before spreading out and sitting ordingly in a circle around the living room.


    ��We will start when you give the cue to begin.��


    ��Umm�� Umm���� Ding Jie hesitated for a moment. If possible, he still didn��t want to let them y with this. Unfortunately, he was no match for them. They could crush ten of him with one hand.


    That being the case, ying with a shbang would be much better than ying with guns.


    Ding Jie subsequently agreed��


    However, there was something that he didn��t know�� There was something called a stun grenade that had effects which were simr to a shbang!


    One of the winged cavalry warriors held the grenade, pulled off the safety tab, and gripped the handle tightly.


    ��Give the cue to begin!��


    Ding Jie looked at the 12 pairs of eyes staring at him and unwillingly said, ��Begin!��


    He then hastily shut his eyes.


    As soon as his voice sounded, the first person immediately threw the grenade over to the second person before it ended up with the third person. All 12 of them moved their hands extremely fast, causing the grenade to move around so quickly that it formed a dotted line around the room. In a short five seconds of time, the grenade went around the room once.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    An intense sh immediately spilled throughout the entire vi.


    At the moment that the grenade exploded, the 12 warriors immediately shut their eyes.


    However, it was already night time, so the effect of the explosion was like countless shbulbs going off wildly in front of them. They couldn��t see anything except for a sheet of white.


    Following the intense sh, there was a deafening mor that was 170 decibels.


    In just a split second, everyone felt as if they had been attacked by something. They felt as if their heads were repeatedly smashed with a rock and became extremely dizzy.


    <em>Boom! </em>All the ss products in the vi were shattered, including the new television set that Ren Baqian bought�� Everything was destroyed by the explosion of the grenade.


    As for Ding Jie, he felt as if a hammer struck his head when that st was set off. He only managed to curse to himself before passing out.


    Outside the vi, a surveince team from the Messier 87 department were startled when the intense sh and deafening roar urred inside the house.


    In their attempt to make the enemy agents lower their guard during this period of time, there wasn��t any surveince going on at night. Otherwise, there would always be someone standing guard outside around the clock.


    ��What��s the situation?��


    ��It seemed like a stun grenade!��


    ��Enemy attack? Monkey, contact the headquarters to request for backup. Noodles, follow me to check out the situation!��


    When they rushed into the vi, they saw the 12 winged cavalry warriors looking stupefied with their eyes wide open. Even though the effects of the grenade would blind people for a period of time, their physiques were much better than that of an ordinary human. As a result, their vision had already recovered by the time the Messier 87 team rushed in.


    However, everyone was facing the same problem now. Everyone felt a little dizzy and heard a buzzing in their ears.


    ��What happened? Where��s the enemy?�� The leader of the surveince team rushed in with a drawn gun, scanned around, and couldn��t spot anyone other than the winged cavalry warriors.


    ��What did you say?�� All of the winged cavalry warriors red at him with fierce looks after they regained their senses.


    ��Where��s the enemy?�� the leader asked nervously.


    ��What did you say?�� Those men continued giving that fierce look.


    ��My ears are buzzing��I can��t hear anything,�� one of them replied.


    ��What did you say?�� another one of them asked.


    ��What are you guys saying?�� a third person asked��


    The people of the Messier 87 department looked at those man bears dejectedly. Other than the questions that the leader asked, nobody paid any attention to them. Everyone was asking questions.


    The entire room was repeatedly filled with the words, ��What did you say?��


    There was no enemy. There were only the 12 of them sitting in a circle when the stun grenade exploded in their faces.


    What exactly happened?


    Could it be that these people yed with a stun grenade and sted themselves into looking like huskies?

 Chapter 650 - Buried Alive

    Chapter 650: Buried Alive


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��The wind is really noisy today!�� Ren Baqian pushed opened the window and weed the howling wind.


    This was because there was no difference whether the window was open or not since the ss was already broken. However, due to his mood, Ren Baqian simply felt like doing it.


    The empress sat angrily on the sofa while a row of winged cavalry warriors stood in front of her with their heads bowed. In front of the empress, this bunch of human bears acted like cats, but from the condition of the house, it could be deduced that they acted like wild huskies when she wasn��t around.


    In Dayao, Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye had damaged half of the Ministry of Works, half of the Ministry of Culture, and one-third of the Ministry of Revenue. At this moment, both parties had already cooled down.


    When Ren Baqian went back to Earth, he discovered the damage done over here�� Wherever the ce was, tt didn��t stop�� This bunch of idiots caused trouble all the time by destroying things everywhere they went. When would they do something that would make him happy?


    ��Just bury all of them!�� the empress dered coldly. Her bodynguage felt very oppressive to the people in front of her, and they didn��t even dare to move.


    Whether it was Ding Jie or the winged cavalry warriors, they felt as if a mountain was pressing down on them, so they didn��t even risk moving a finger.


    Only the winged cavalry warriors knew what was happening. Ding Jie was still in a daze and didn��t know where this type of feeling came from.


    ��Perhaps this is a suitable day for burying people!�� Ren Baqian sighed as he looked at the gloomy sky outside.


    ��There are shovels in the barn. Take them and dig 13 pits in the courtyard. It will be one pit per person so as to prevent crowding when you are down below,�� Ren Baqian turned and said.


    ��Boss, I��m innocent! I wasn��t able to stop them!�� Ding Jie��s face turned green after hearing this. Hemented loudly and almost cried.


    He wanted to stop them, but was unable to! Lady boss should know what these mountain kids were like.


    That day he fainted, woke up, fainted again, woke up, fainted once more, then woke up again. If the people from the Messier 87 department didn��t send him to the hospital, he would have been deaf by now�� Currently, his ears weren��t even working properly��


    That group of idiots used up all eight stun grenades, shocking even the people from the Messier 87 department.


    In fact, quite a number of people from the Messier 87 department had also been sent to the hospital.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while. It was no problem for those winged cavalry warriors to be buried, but it would be disastrous for Ding Jie.


    ��Forget it��this has nothing to do with Ding Jie. He should be let off.��


    ��Why are you not digging your own pits yet?�� Ren Baqian leaned on the windowsill and stared at those winged cavalry warriors who looked like docile kittens.


    When the empress cooled down, these hunks acted like pardoned criminals as they rushed to the barn to get the shovels to dig their pits.


    ��Boss, I really tried to stop them. They were going to use guns to y Battle Royale�� After stopping them, they used the�� I didn��t expect the shbangs to be so powerful!�� Ding Jie said dejectedly.


    ��Forget about it!�� Ren Baqian waved his hands. He knew that Ding Jie wouldn��t be able to stop these guys.


    Turning around and looking out of the window, he saw more than 10 winged cavalry warriors bringing shovels to the courtyard. Within a short period of time, 13 pits were excavated that measured one meter by one meter and were two meters deep.


    ��They have even dug a pit for you. It seems that they identify with you!�� Ren Baqian said to Ding Jie.


    ��I don��t need them to identify with me at this moment!�� Ding Jie was turning green with fright. These people didn��t include him during normal times, so why did they think of sharing the me with him?


    ��Let them jump in. Then, you will bury them with their heads above the ground.�� Ren Baqian said.


    Ding Jie looked troubled. He didn��t dare to do this. If he were to do it, these people would hammer him to deathter. Wouldn��t burying them with only their heads above ground kill them?


    ��Go!�� Ren Baqian said softly. However, it sounded like a p of thunder to Ding Jie.


    Normally, Ren Baqian was rather easy-going, but his manner was still imposing when he got serious. An ordinary person like Ding Jie would be frightened. He quickly bolted out of the house.


    ��What did thedy boss say?�� they asked him after he had run out.


    ��Er���� Ding Jie didn��t know what to say. He was digging a hole for himself and had to bury them�� What would they think of him?


    ��Speak up!�� Many of them were pressing him to talk.


    ��Lady boss told me to bury all of you�� and leave your heads unburied.�� Ding Jie fretted and was prepared for these people to feel resentful.


    ��Oh! Our heads will not be covered!��


    To his surprise, these people weren��t resentful at all and happily jumped into the pits.


    Ding Jie was stunned and couldn��t understand how these people��s brains worked.


    Sure enough, he was simply too young!


    From the way this bunch of people y the ��beat the drum, pass the flower�� game with the stun grenades, it could be seen that these people��s brains were different from ordinary people.


    ��Tiny thing, that pit is reserved for you!�� Someone kindly pointed to the empty pit andughed.


    ��I don��t need it���� Ding Jie didn��t know what else to say and continued, ��Lady boss asked me to take charge of the burying.��


    ��Then you carry on with the burying.��


    ��Wait, this pit is too small. I will change to another!��


    ��This one isn��t sofortable. Give me the shovel to dig some more!��


    Ding Jie stared at this bunch of people with his eyes wide open as they changed pits or continued to dig�� Were they ying around?


    Seeing their response, Ding Jie didn��t know whether tough or cry. Just now, he had been overthinking.


    It was time to bury them.


    After a short while, Ding Jie filled up the pits, leaving 12 heads exposed like turnips above the ground.


    ��There��s a stone near my crotch��wait for me to shake it off.�� Ding Jie had just finished burying thest person. That guyined, smashed the ground with both palms, and sent Ding Jie flying along with the mud.


    ��B*stard, you messed up my face!�� The surrounding people scolded him.


    ��Wait and it will be alright soon.�� That winged cavalry warrior reached near his crotch and took out a fist-sized rock. He threw it to one side and boisterously jumped back into the pit.


    ��Bury me!��


    Ding Jie silently buried him as he had no more energy to talk nonsense with them.


    These kids from the mountains could do as they please.


    ��


    Ren Baqian picked up the phone and heard Yang Sen��s voice say, ��You are finally back!��


    ��Indeed, I have just returned,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I heard that you are burying people alive,�� Yang Sen remarked.


    ��It won��t kill anyone.�� Ren Baqian heaved a sigh. These people were really tough.


    ��That��s good. You better control them or they will climb over your head,�� Yang Sen said bitterly.


    Knowing what these people had done in the vi, what was left to be said?


    ying the ��beating the drum, passing the flower�� game with stun grenades��what were they thinking?


    The people that he had sent were tricked�� They couldn��t even escape and were dazed by the huge explosions from the stun grenades.


    These people were resting at home now to recover their hearing.

 Chapter 651 - Human Heads are Everywhere on the Ground

    Chapter 651: Human Heads are Everywhere on the Ground


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Big brother, you are back. Dinner tonight? Alright.�� Ren Wannian was pleasantly surprised to receive the call. During this period, his brother disappeared without any notice and reappeared once every ten days to half a month. Ren Baqian didn��t answer his phone and also disregarded the affairs of the martial arts centers.


    At longst, he was finally avable.


    As Ren Wannian put the phone down, he thought about his girlfriend who seemed to have a big misunderstanding about his older brother.


    However, things couldn��t continue this way! After all, one was his girlfriend and the other was his dear brother! He needed to think of a way to resolve this misunderstanding.


    Both were in Shanghai now, so they couldn��t keep avoiding each other.


    He wondered whether he should bring his girlfriend tonight so as to allow her to have more contact with his brother and get to know him better.


    At this point, he decided to give Zhou Qingyun a call and asked, ��Qingyun, I��m having dinner at my brother��s ce tonight. Do you want toe along?��


    ��I don��t want to go!�� Zhou Qingyun didn��t even hesitate to reject. Having been there once was enough as that location was like a gathering ce for a gang.


    Although she didn��t know who was backing them, it wasn��t beneficial to get too close to them in this type of society.


    ��Qingyun, you have misunderstood���� Ren Wannian exined for a long time before he managed to convince her.


    ��Alright.�� Zhou Qingyun yielded to the persuasion of Ren Wannian. Although she wouldn��t change her point of view, she would make the trip there since Ren Wannian was her boyfriend after all.


    ��I will inform my brother and apany you to go clothes shopping in a while.�� Ren Wannian was happy to see her relent.


    ��I can��t go now because I��m still at work. I��m not as free as you are and am still at my internship. Come and pick me up tonight.�� Zhou Qingyun said.


    ��Okay.��


    ��It��s your boyfriend again?�� A little girl behind Zhou Qingyunughed.


    ��Yeah, I��m going to his brother��s ce for dinner tonight,�� Zhou Qingyun said casually.


    ��Your boyfriend��s family is very rich. What does his brother do? Does he have a girlfriend?�� The girl immediately started probing.


    ��Not bad�� His brother�� I��m not sure what he does, but he has a girlfriend who is prettier than any movie star,�� Zhou Qingyun said. The image of thatdy in red floated into her mind��she even looked stunning to a woman.


    Zhou Qingyun soon started to think about that brother of Ren Wannian��s and reacted by shaking her head.


    ��She��s teasing the two of you. This is bone from a cow!�� Weighing more than 150 kilograms and possessing a face that asionally emitted murderous intent, Ren Baqian had used two fingers to hold that piece of bone while saying these words casually. This was what she still remembered even now.


    She had checked the inte many times after that and confirmed that it was definitely a bone from a human skull.


    However, that ce seemed to possess great influence. It was obvious that lives had been lost in the vi and that it was full of weapons, yet nobody cared.


    Zhou Qingyun firmly believed that even if he really was part of a government organization, such words and deeds weren��t morally right and it was better not to interact with him.


    Ren Wannian put the phone down, happily spun around twice, and called Ren Baqian.


    It wasn��t a problem for Ren Baqian as he didn��t have much of an impression of her. He had met her only once, didn��t pay her much attention, and had almost forgotten about her.


    He just knew her to be his brother��s girlfriend, so bringing her to dinner was fine.


    ��Wannian will be here for dinner tonight,�� Ren Baqian told the empress after hanging up the phone.


    ��Oh.�� The empress was lounging on the sofa and threw the phone to Ren Baqian. ��I want to see ��A Record of Han Paopao��s Journey to Immortality.�� I have seen six episodes and like it very much.��


    Ren Baqian sat beside the empress and said, ��The actress ying the role of Nangong Wan is too ugly. Those who don��t have your features can��t be considered as outstanding beauties.��


    ��Am I very beautiful?�� The empress tilted her head to look at Ren Baqian and fluttered her eyes.


    ��The most beautiful in the world!�� Ren Baqian affirmed. ��Besides the empress, no one else deserves this title.��


    The empress purred with delight.


    ��Cultivating to be an immortal is interesting. Is there anyone on Earth doing this?�� the empress asked curiously.


    Initially, Ren Baqian didn��t think so, but he suddenly thought of a monk in the northern region and changed his reply, saying, ��Probably, but it��s definitely not like the stuff that is depicted in the TV shows.��


    ��Do you think these immortals can defeat me?�� the empress asked enthusiastically.


    ��With your strength, you should at least be at the Jindan ss even when ssified in the fictional categories. One step above that is the Yuanying level. Even in the immortal realm, you would be an outstanding superhero!�� Ren Baqian said carefully.


    ��However, the cultivation world isn��t the same as what is shown on television. Otherwise, Earth would have been finished. Therefore, Your Majesty is at the level of an outstanding hero in the immortal realm, admired by hundreds of millions.��


    ��I would like to experience it.�� The empress threw herself on the sofa again. She yearned for the magnificent cultivation environment shown on television.


    A short whileter, he found the television series for the empress and went up to the second floor to get some ice cream and snacks before bringing them downstairs.


    ��Your Majesty, open your mouth!�� Ren Baqian held an ice cream bar by the stick and dangled it above her forehead.


    ��Ahh.��


    <em>Gulp.</em>


    The empress opened her mouth, swallowed the ice cream bar, and spat out the stick.


    ��Eating it too fast will chill the stomach,�� Ren Baqian said out of concern.


    ��I��m not scared!�� The empress kept her eyes on the cell phone, then suddenly sat up, pulled Ren Baqian by the cor, and said, ��Watch the show with me.��


    ��Sure!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Oh, this sofa could only hold one person. If it were to seat two people�� it would be a bit tight, but it would be wonderful.


    ��I will lie on the sofa and you lie on the ground. This way both of us can watch.�� The empress dragged Ren Baqian to the ground, fell on the sofa, and held the cell phone with one hand.


    Ren Baqian put one hand behind his head and leaned against the sofa. He nced at the cell phone and then directed his gaze at one side of her face.


    Time passed and Ren Baqian murmured, ��Seeing it for a lifetime isn��t enough!��


    ��What?�� The empress tilted her head and looked at him from the corner of her eye.


    ��Seeing your profile for a lifetime isn��t enough.�� Ren Baqian touched the corner of her eye with his finger and drew an arch to her chin.


    The feeling was the same as touching jade.


    ��If you one day no longer feel like looking at me, I will bury you under the pce.�� The voice of the empress was filled with inexplicable feelings.


    ��I want to look at you for 10,000 years!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Very well. I will let you,�� the empress said tenderly.


    ��


    ��My brother is a very good guy, so don��t specte too much. He��s opening proper martial arts centers, and you have been to one.�� Ren Wannian was in the car with Zhou Qingyun and trying to put in some good words for his brother.


    ��Okay, I see. No need to say anymore.�� Zhou Qingyun covered her head. The martial arts centers were proper, but the people there aren��t decent!


    The two of them drove up to Sheshan and saw more than ten round balls on the courtyard grounds when they went through the gate.


    ��What are these? Flower pots?�� Ren Wannian asked casually beforeughing. Then, his voice cut off, his eyes widened, and he was frightened as he stepped on the brakes.


    Those things on the ground weren��t flower pots, they were human heads��


    Those heads turned to look at him fiercely and said, ��Kid, be careful!��


    In the dark, the courtyard was filled with more than 10 heads on the ground that could even turn and speak�� This scene caused Ren Wannian to shiver from the base of his spine to the back of his head.


    ��Heads�� Heads���� Zhou Qingyun opened her mouth, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

 Chapter 652 - Now Comes the Problem...

    Chapter 652: Now Comes the Problem��


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Brother, save her!�� Ren Wannian carried Zhou Qingyun as he dashed in from the outside in panic.


    Ren Baqian and the empress were sitting shoulder to shoulder on the sofa ying Mobile Legends[1.Mobile Legends �C a mobile MOBA game]. The dark wind double team struck back, wreaking carnage in Mobile Legends once again.


    ��Hold on��I��m almost done,�� Ren Baqian replied without even lifting his head. ��Our base is getting demolished�� I need to seize the moment andunch another big attack.��


    ��Alright, we did it!�� Looking perfectly satisfied, the empress finally took her eyes off her cell phone. She handily reached out for the cushion that Ren Baqian was leaning against and hugged it.


    ��Yes, finally! We lost again!�� Ren Baqian was content as well.


    At the moment, their gaming record was one win and 67 losses. The only time they won was when all five yers on the enemy team disconnected��


    In disarray, Ren Wannian stood there carrying Zhou Qingyun. Looking at those two on the sofa, he started to wonder ifing over tonight was aplete mistake.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ren Baqian asked. He ced his phone aside, adjusted his posture, and looked up.


    ��She seems to have passed out.�� Ren Wannian lowered his head and looked at Zhou Qingyun. Anyone could tell from his face that he was very worried.


    ��Put her down somewhere. She��ll be fine after a while. Why did she pass out?�� Ren Baqian casually asked.


    Ren Wannian looked at Ren Baqian in shock. He still had the cheek to ask?


    Who wouldn��t be frightened if they saw so many heads buried in the courtyard in the middle of the night? At the moment, even his own shirt was drenched.


    If he hadn��t realized that there were so many people buried alive there when he alighted from the car, he would have passed out as well.


    As Ren Wannian carefully ced Zhou Qingyun on the sofa, he heard Ren Baqian say, ��If you don��t feel assured, pour a ss of water on her face and she��ll wake up.��


    ��Brother, you��re indeed my dear brother. You think I don��t have the capability of bing single?�� Ren Wannianined.


    ��In any case, she��ll wake up after a while.�� Ren Baqian didn��t seem bothered.


    ��Hmm���� While they were talking, Zhou Qingyun let out a soft groan from the sofa, slowly opening her eyes.


    ��Qingyun, are you ok?�� Ren Wannian was deeply concerned.


    When Zhou Qingyun saw the person in front of her and the two people on the other sofa, her face immediately turned pale. She pushed Ren Wannian aside and ran out.


    ��Qingyun?�� Ren Wannian was shocked, and he immediately chased after her.


    Eventually, she screamed when she reached the courtyard and turned around, running into Ren Wannian. She hugged his waist as her body trembled and her eyes teared up.


    ��Heads�� Heads����


    ��Calm down! Don��t be afraid. Those aren��t just heads, but people buried in the ground���� Ren Wannian patted her back and consoled her.


    However, it would be better if he didn��t exin. After hearing what he said, Zhou Qingyun��s entire body trembled as she almost passed out again.


    ��Those people have been buried alive���� Ren Wannian attempted to lock the stable after the horse had already bolted.


    Zhou Qingyun was on the verge of crying.


    ��People buried alive����


    Her tears started rolling down her cheeks��


    Ren Wannian felt his lips quivering uncontrobly and felt like giving himself two tight ps.


    ��Those people buried there are still alive�� They aren��t dead���� Ren Wannian finally said it correctly.


    ��Alive?�� Zhou Qingyun asked as she lifted her head and wiped away her tears.


    ��Yes! Alive, not dead!�� Ren Wannian said firmly, wanting to calm her down.


    However, Zhou Qingyun perceived these words differently. There weren��t dead�� That meant that they were dying?


    She pushed Ren Wannian aside and suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity toward her boyfriend. It was as if he was an entirely different person aftering to Shanghai.


    She then turned her head around and dashed out.


    Ren Wannian naturally ran after her.


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat on the sofa and found it amusing as they watched the farce.


    ��What��s she afraid of?�� The empress felt a little puzzled. Even if there were 12 human heads disyed there, what was there to be afraid of? Whenever the aboriginals killed their prey or their enemies, they would always keep the skeletons of the strongest as their trophies of war. They would then celebrate by hanging these bones on their doors during the New Year.


    As such, she found it hard to understand why Zhou Qingyun felt this way because it seemed very strange to the empress.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian understood why she was frightened. However, he didn��t feel the need to exin this to the empress.


    ��It seems that they won��t be able to have dinner here anymore. It��s just right that those idiots are buried outside. Now, the two of us can enjoy a candlelight dinner.�� Ren Baqianughed as he stood up from the sofa. He then went into the kitchen to prepare their dinner.


    The meat that they brought back from Dayao had already been stewing in the pressure cooker for a long time. It was meat from that Earth Wheel level ck-faced guy.


    The main course for the night was a famous dish, stewed pork with pickled vegetables!


    By itself, the name of the dishpletely didn��t resonate with candlelight dinner at all. Whatever!


    To them, stewed pork with pickled vegetables was like what steaks were to Westerners.


    Besides, there wasn��t any difference between stewed pork with pickled vegetables and steak.


    The pork had already been stewing for almost three hours. That ck-faced guy��s meat was very tough. After all, it was an Earth Wheel level boar, so it wouldn��t cook that easily. However, the smell was indeed very fragrant. Also, one piece of its meat would provide the same amount of nutrition as five kilograms of ordinary beef ormb.


    One pot of this would almost be sufficient to fulfill the empress��s nobat dietary requirements.


    Naturally, she would still be very far from full.


    While Ren Baqian was preparing dinner, three police vehicles drove hastily up the mountain without turning on their sirens.


    ��Boss, there��s police! What happened?�� Someone sitting in a car parked outside the vi felt a little puzzled.


    ��Let��s wait and see����


    ��Did they stop outside the target vi?��


    ��Let��s get closer��we can reveal our identities if something happens.��


    ��


    ��Captain, there are indeed people buried in the courtyard with their heads sticking above the ground.�� When the police cars stopped outside the courtyard, the lead car immediately reported back after shining its headlights inside.


    ��Rescue them immediately and call for ambnces! Control the people living in the vi at the same time. Go!�� Orders were immediately given out through the walkie-talkies.


    When buried to chest level, ordinary people wouldn��t be able to breathe due to the gradual pressure from the soil! As such, there was a saying that went, ��When the soil reaches the neck, death is imminent.��


    When a body was buried underground, blood would rush up to the head because of the pressure. This was extremely dangerous, which resulted in the police being quite tense.


    After receiving orders, over ten policemen stepped out from those three police vehicles and rushed into the vi.


    ��Group three will take care of the people in the vi. The rest will follow me to save the buried people!�� one of them shouted.


    With frightening looks on their faces, the winged cavalry warriors turned their heads uniformly and looked as the policemen rushed into the courtyard holding shlights.


    These policemen were shocked at the sight of this, and all of their hair stood on end.


    They stopped in their tracks, almost falling over.


    After all, this scene was indeed pretty frightening.


    The policeman at the front was a little distracted. He immediately heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that the buried people were still conscious.


    ��Rescue them��get them out.��


    ��Kid, what are you doing?��


    ��Helping you out!��


    At the start, the winged cavalry warriors didn��t show any reaction. After the policemen picked up the shovels on the ground and were about to start digging, the winged cavalry immediately became enraged.


    <em>Boss buried me here, and you guys are digging me out?</em>


    <em>What if the boss beats me up?</em>


    <em>Boss is such a fierce person��if I get kicked by her, I probably won��t be able to get out of bed for a few days!</em>


    <em>Are you guys trying to create trouble for me?</em>


    ��Who dares?�� a few of the winged cavalry warriors shouted. Their shoulders shook and the soil around them scattered all over. When they pulled out their arms and mmed against the ground, they immediately shot out like artillery shells.


    The sight of a few burly men that weighed more than 150 kilograms leaping out of the ground immediately stunned the policemen. The visual impact was too great. It felt as if they had just seen monsters, and suddenly, the policemen didn��t feel too good.


    ��Who dares to dig me out!�� The warriors nced over the policemen with eyes like copper bells and looked extremely fearsome.


    ��You are already out�� There��s no need to dig anymore!�� The policemen were still a little stunned.


    <em>What kind of people are these?</em>


    <em>They actually managed to leap out on their own after being buried so deep?</em>


    The warriors looked at each other and silently leaped back into the holes again.


    ��We have received a report which stated that more than ten people were buried here�� What are you guys doing?�� The policemen were a little puzzled.


    ��What does that have to do with you? Hurry up and leave!�� The winged cavalry warriors grew impatient.


    At this moment, the people from the Messier 87 department entered the vi. They took the leader of the policemen aside and spoke softly to him before taking out and showing their identification cards to him. The police leader then waved at his men with an inexplicable expression on his face and said, ��False rm. Fall back.��


    ��Xu Wei, bury me and don��t let the boss see.��


    ��Help me as well.��


    ��Me too!��


    Sticking by hisrades, Xu Wei leaped up without demur and used a shovel to bury the others before jumping back into his hole and pondering.


    There was another problem now. How was he going to bury himself?

 Chapter 653 - Trial Match

    Chapter 653: Trial Match


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Do you want to go up and take a look?�� Ren Baqian parked his car in front of the entrance to the martial arts center. He turned around to press the remote key fob with one hand and picked up a strand of green silk from the back of the empress��s head with the other hand before twirling it around his finger.


    The empress swatted away his hand, making it swell. She said coldly, ��I��m not interested.��


    ��I will go up and take a look.�� Ren Baqian moved his hand back and smelled the fragrance between his fingers.


    Although he had learned about the progress of the center from the reports, he still wanted to see it with his own eyes.


    Ren Baqian took out a pair of sunsses from the glovepartment for the empress to wear, adjusted them, and said, ��This way, other people can��t see your face clearly. It should prevent a big crowd from gathering here to look at you by the time Ie back. I��ll be back very soon.��


    As Ren Baqian went into the center, the two receptionists recognized him and quickly greeted him, ��Boss.��


    ��I just want to go up and take a look.�� Ren Baqian gestured for them to move aside and went up to the second floor alone.


    Before going up, he could already hear shoutinging from the second floor. Upon arriving, he saw more than 20 people in the big open space practicing boxing. There were also a dozen people drinking at one side.


    The person leading the group in the boxing practice wasn��t a winged cavalry warrior, but was a refined-looking man in his thirties.


    This man was mentioned in the report by Ding Jie and was the coach from Renren Martial Arts Center.


    When those youngsters came to challenge the martial arts center, they were outwitted by Liu Chengwu and that kick a winged cavalry warrior delivered to the punching bag almost frightened them to death. As a result, they quietly slipped away from the center.


    Since these people had been practicing at Renren Martial Arts Center, they were naturally interested in martial arts. Although they were initially frightened by the prowess of the winged cavalry warriors, they came back to join Ren Baqian��s martial arts center after returning and pondering for a few days.


    Not only that, they alsovished praise on this martial arts center to their fellow trainees.


    The people at Renren Martial Arts Center couldn��t endure it since these trainees were leaving, yet came back to brag about the superiority of another center. They were switching instructors and still wanted to break their rice bowls.


    Subsequently, the coach of Renren Martial Arts Center came over to ��exchange views.��


    The result was obvious��that coach became a disciple of the new center.


    Most of the members of Renren Martial Arts Center followed him as well.


    ��Boss!�� Ren Baqian had been standing there for a short while when he saw Liu Chengwen and Liu Chengwu run over.


    The people who were practicing boxing took notice of this hefty fellow due to this greeting.


    ��Boss, why are you here?�� Liu Chengwen asked eagerly.


    ��I��m just taking a look. Not bad��it��s quite lively here.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Most of these people were brought by Peng Kaihuai. These few only cameter. After all, Boss didn��t want to advertise. There were only a few people who saw our center and came in. The fees are high, so only a few people registered,�� Liu Chengwen exined.


    Peng Kaihuai was the name of that gentleman. It was said that he was a top provincial Sanda exponent who opened Renren Martial Arts Center after retiring frompetition. He was also quite well known in Shanghai.


    ��Well, this is fine. For those who are gifted and can��t afford to pay, you can first take them in and let them pay in installments when they are working. As for the ordinary students, no matter how many you have, it��s pointless,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��I understand,�� Liu Chengwen replied. It seemed like the boss didn��t open this center for the sake of making money. Liu Chengwen didn��t know exactly what Ren Baqian meant by gifted people, but Liu Chengwen thought he should pay more attention and look out for such people in the future.


    Logically, he should be able to find the students that his boss wanted in those big martial arts centers and in some of the ns of the martial arts world.


    ��Stop for a while. Kaihuai,e here.�� Liu Chengwen asked the group to stop training.


    ��Remember, this is the boss,�� Liu Chengwen said.


    ��Boss, nice to meet you.�� Peng Kaihuai curiously looked at this valiant young man. He was in his twenties, he looked like a person of high status, and his imposing manner was rather intimidating.


    However, he didn��t appear to be a martial arts exponent as his bodycked the physical signature of a martial arts practitioner.


    ��Come, spar with me for a while.�� Ren Baqianughed. He was itching for a fight. In Dayao, whether it was Tong Lan or his guards, he couldn��t even beat one of them. He had been working hard, but had never won��


    On Earth, most of his interactions were with ordinary people, and it was no fun to bully them.


    This guy in front of him was a top provincial Sanda practitioner who had trained in the center for two months. Ren Baqian could gauge his own level through Peng Kaihuai.


    Peng Kaihual was somewhat surprised because it wasn��t normal for a person with such a lofty status to personally enter the ring.


    ��It��s a rare asion for the boss to be interested. Why don��t you practice with him?�� Liu Chengwen added.


    ��Fine�� Peng Kaihuai nodded. He was thinking of secretly giving Ren Baqian some ck if necessary, but not too much since it was also bad to look weak.


    When both of them walked to the stage, the students immediately gathered around them and started whispering to each other in hushed tones.


    ��Is he the owner of this center? He looks tough, but I wonder whether he��s a match for the coach.��


    ��If having a good physique was good enough, what would be the point of practicing boxing?��


    ��In the end, he��s the owner of a martial arts center. It��s unlikely that he doesn��t know any martial arts at all.��


    ��Coach is a top athlete and few are better than him.��


    Ren Baqian took the boxing gloves, threw them back, and said, ��I don��t need these or protective gear��let him wear protective gear.��


    Peng Kaihuai was in a dilemma. In his opinion, it was better for the boss to wear protective gear.


    It wasn��t a problem if the boss knocked him down, but it would be troublesome if he knocked the boss down. However, since he would be cutting the boss some ck, he would just y along and make the boss happy.


    A momentter, both of them stood in the middle of the stage. Liu Chengwen stood on the stage, put his hand down, and said, ��Start.��


    Peng Kaihuai focused his attention on Ren Baqian, waiting for him to make the first move.


    Ren Baqian considered the fact that he was a Man Wheel expert and that this guy was an unqualified trainer, so he decided it wasn��t fair for him to start first. He stood there and waited for the other party to attack.


    The two of them stared at each other.


    Upon seeing that his opponent wasn��t moving, Ren Baqian beckoned with his fingers and said, ��Come on!��


    ��Boss, be careful.�� Peng Kaihuai pivoted on his heel and rushed toward Ren Baqian.


    Even though he had been learning [Boxing of Death] for two months, he still couldn��t change the Sanda habits that he had practiced for many years. The aboriginals executed [Boxing of Death] with steady steps and vigorous movements.


    Peng Kaihuai��s movements, however, were nimble as he jabbed at Ren Baqian after closing within striking distance.


    This was followed by another jab.


    Ren Baqian saw the jabsing, averted his head slightly to dodge, and drawled, ��Too slow.��


    Peng Kaihuai focused his eyes and sent a thunderous sounding punch toward the chest of Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian leisurely turned his body and appeared behind Peng Kaihuai almost instantly.


    Too slow. This speed was much slower than Tong Lan��s��it was likeparing a horse carriage to a Ferrari.


    This wasn��t noticeable in his daily life, but here on the stage, he discovered that his opponent was too slow and seemed to be moving in slow motion.


    Every move could be clearly seen and every detail was registered in his mind.


    He could even predict the next move from the subtle movements of the opponent.


    <em>The body is twisting slightly, the waist is primed, and the shoulder is dropping a bit��the next move should be a whip-leg kick.</em>


    Ren Baqian looked at the opponent��s leg and nimbly retreated two steps to evade the kick.


    <em>He��s pulling back his left hand��a straight punch ising again.</em>


    Ren Baqian turned around leisurely while the opponent��s punch passed by his chest.


    <em>This is the difference between a Man Wheel expert and a person who isn��t one.</em>


    Ren Baqian even had spare time to think.

 Chapter 654 - Let Go of My Ear First

    Chapter 654: Let Go of My Ear First


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    People around the stage were dumbstruck when they looked at the two people up there. Peng Kaihuai��s movements already seemed extremely fast to them, so fast that they definitely wouldn��t be able to react in time if they fought him.


    However, his opponent merely walked around on the stage and dodged all of his attacks. Peng Kaihuai wasn��t even able to get close.


    It was almost like an act where they had already rehearsed everything!


    Peng Kaihuai was even more astonished than the audience below the stage.


    Even if his opponent was a top ss national level mixed martial artist who would have no difficulty taking him down, such an opponent couldn��t just idle around on the stage like what Ren Baqian was doing right now.


    Peng Kaihuai felt as if he was ying with his baby nephew, but had switched roles and suddenly be the baby. His opponent was totally just ying with him.


    At the start, he still thought of cutting his opponent some ck. However, even after giving it his best, he couldn��t even get close to the opponent�� Were their differences that big?


    Ren Baqian stopped moving and said faintly, ��Let��s stop.��


    Peng Kaihuai stood on the stage breathing heavily. It was clear from the look in his eyes that he couldn��t believe what had just happened. Boss was actually a super expert!


    ��Currently, you��re our only internal disciple, which proves that you have talent. However, you are still too slow. Train well.�� Ren Baqian nodded at Peng Kaihuai in encouragement.


    He originally thought that he would be very happy to be able to oppress someone after being oppressed for so long. Normally, he should be happy, right?


    However, he didn��t feel a single bit of happiness at this moment. It was dull and ordinary��it felt a little meaningless.


    Of course, there wasn��t any meaning in oppressing the weak. It wasn��t as exciting as fighting against Tong Lan.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt distracted.


    <em>Damn it! Could I suddenly have started taking pleasure in something weird?</em>


    ��Ha, how could that be?�� Ren Baqian immediately shook his head.


    It seemed that he would only feel that kind of excitement when hepeted with someone equivalent to himself. Unfortunately�� He couldn��t find someone like that�� It was so lonely being unrivalled��


    With a tap of his feet, he leaped to the bottom of the stage and walked toward the stairs with his hands in his pockets.


    ��Boss�� The third floor is that way.�� The brothers Liu Chengwen and Liu Chengwu hastily ran after Ren Baqian.


    ��I��m not going up anymore. My purpose foring here was just to take a look. I��m leaving now that I��m done. You guys better be more attentive and better not let those two idiots cause trouble. Have they been causing troubletely?�� Ren Baqian casually asked.


    ��No,�� the Liu brothers immediately replied.


    ��You should also visit the other martial arts center more often. Even though Wannian is often there, he isn��t experienced enough.��


    ��Yes.��


    When the Liu brothers followed Ren Baqian downstairs, the other students on the second floor couldn��t help but exim immediately.


    ��I didn��t expect the boss of this martial arts center to be an expert! What level do you think he��s at?��


    ��A top ss national level mixed martial artist?��


    ��Seeing how idle he was on the stage, I believe that even a top ss national level mixed martial artist couldn��t do that. Did anyone record it?��


    Someone holding his cell phone immediately shouted out, ��I did!��


    ��Send the video clip to me. In the future, if anyone says that martial arts are useless, I will show the video to them and give them a p to the face.��


    ��Send it to me too.��


    ��I have sent it to the group chat. Download it yourselvester.��


    ��


    ��Go back and don��t worry about me.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand when he reached the exit.


    ��Take care, Boss.�� The duo earnestly bade him farewell.


    Ren Baqian opened the door and saw the empress leaning against the other side of the car with her fine ck hair drifting in the wind.


    Sure enough, there were many people in the surroundings that were looking at her.


    <em>So many people?</em>


    Huh?


    Even taking photographs with their phones?


    <em>Aren��t they ashamed?</em>


    With an imposing manner, Ren Baqian took big strides over. He immediately knew why so many people were looking at the empress when he walked to the car.


    She was indeed leaning on the car and fiddling with her phone, but there was someone under her feet. It was a man in a suit with his face stered to the ground. However, Ren Baqian could still tell that he was quite young.


    Dressed in red, the empress was stepping on the back of his head with one foot. She didn��t really exert much force, but that man couldn��t seem to move at all.


    ��A senseless person?�� Ren Baqian opened the car door and asked casually. It was almost pointless for him to ask about such situations. Even when the empress wore sunsses, the exposed parts of her face and her imposing manner were enough to arouse someone.


    ��A weakling!�� she replied faintly. When she exerted a little bit of force in her foot, the man passed out. Her main intention was that she didn��t want to hear this weakling shouting after she lifted her foot. She was afraid that she wouldn��t be able to take it and would p him to death.


    Soon after, the empress boarded the car from the other side before both of them swaggered off.


    ��They have left. Send the police over.�� In a car not too far away, someone spoke into a walkie-talkie.


    ��Understood.�� On the other side of the road, two men put their phones down and said to the policemen in front of them, ��Sorry to trouble you. Also, tell that man to shut up and not to look for trouble.��


    ��Understood!�� The two policemen had no doubts about this. After all, the other party��s credentials had already exined everything.


    ��


    ��Brother, I apologize to you on behalf of Qingyun.��


    Halfway on the road, Ren Baqian received a call from Ren Wannian. This caused a slight smile to appear on his face.


    While keeping one hand on the steering wheel, he replied by asking, ��Why are you apologizing? Because she called the police?��


    ��Yeah���� Ren Wannian answered softly before adding, ��And also for running away that day at the vi.��


    Ren Baqian replied unhurriedly, ��You don��t actually have to apologize. I could tell that her family raised her well since her first response when encountering problems was to call the police. I could tell that she knows how to protect herself�� However, this also shows that she would easily sell out anyone aside from you and that she might even do so to you if she had to����


    ��Brother!�� Ren Wannian tensed up and shouted hastily, wanting to put in a good word for her.


    Ren Baqian interrupted him and said, ��Listen to me��do you know why I said that? It��s because her values are normal, values that belong to ordinary people. This could be seen when she called the police the moment she left the vi. She has experienced too much reverence and apprehension while growing up. There are too many people and methods that can make her submit. In fact, I have no objections about you being together with her. However, you must know that you will have to keep many things from her. When that happens, when she knows that you are keeping many things from her, it will all be up to you as to how long the rtionship willst.��


    ��Do we have that many things that we need to hide from her? What are you talking about, Brother?�� Ren Wannian grew even more puzzled after listening.


    ��There are many things that have to be kept from her. Even though they are things that people might know about, there are many things that I control that other people are spying on. For instance, the ninth set of guiding techniques that I taught you and our parents. Those techniques are the simplest things, but are also among the most important secrets of the nation. As such, you have to be well aware of the situation. Recognize what you can tell her and what you can��t��


    ��I understand,�� Ren Wannian replied.


    ��If you one day find her probing into things that you never told her about, that means there��s someone controlling her. Do you understand this?��


    ��Will it really be like that?�� Ren Wannian found it a little hard to ept.


    ��Do you know why I don��t object to your rtionship? If you break up with her, the subsequent women in your life may very possibly have all sorts of backgrounds and motives. There will definitely be people who will try all kinds of means to send all sorts of women to you. As for her, I can tell that she��s clean from her current actions. As such, I don��t mind that she called the police��I just wish for you to keep some things from her. Still, even though she��s clean now, there��s no guarantee that she will be clean in the future,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Isn��t this too exaggerated?�� Ren Wannian felt that his brother was exaggerating a little. It was as if he was being overly paranoid.


    Ren Baqian sighed and felt that he should tell Ren Wannian more, so he continued, ��It��s far more exaggerated than you think it is. Remember the cow bone that you saw at the vi previously? I can instead tell you that it was actually a human bone that belonged to a secret agent of a foreign country. I possess a lot of things that many people are after. If they can��t get stuff from me, then you be a good target for them. You are my brother, and you will graduallye into contact with some things that many of the foreign nations want to obtain. Even people in our own nation desire to acquire these things. As such, you are a very good point of attack for them.��


    ��Sss���� Ren Wannian took a deep breath and started to regret making this call. Due to these few sentences that Ren Baqian had said, Ren Wannian felt as if he had fallen into a gigantic spider web.


    ��I currently have cooperation from the nation, so you don��t need to overthink it. The reason I��m telling you this is to let you know about part of the situation. You actually still have another way out and that would be to leave the martial arts center. Do whatever you like and no one will bother you. You won��t have any more worries in the future and will be able to lead a life like an ordinary rich man,�� Ren Baqian said unhurriedly.


    ��We are blood brothers, aren��t we?�� Ren Wannian replied from the other end of the call.


    ��That��s right.�� Ren Baqian smiled. ��I��m telling you all this so that you can be mentally prepared. As for the rest, you can think about it yourself.��


    Heter joked about something that sounded pretty real and said, ��In fact, I would be more at ease if you went to nightclubs to look for women. I know about one that��s pretty good�� Sss�� Ouch!��


    ��How do you know?�� Unruffled, the empress turned around and looked at him, giving him a half smile.


    Ren Baqian looked straight at the empress and replied nonchntly, ��Of course I was just teasing him! How would I know about such stuff?��


    Then, he asked, ��Who did you learn this move from?��


    ��Television!�� she replied confidently.


    ��Television has misguided many people! Ever since the invention of the television, society no longer understands harmony!�� Ren Baqianmented before saying in a serious tone, ��It��s a misunderstanding��let go of my ear first!��


    ��Say it. How do you know about that ce?��


    ���� Injustice�� Even more than Dou E[1.The Injustice to Dou E �C A popr drama in China]�� Even more than Chang��e[2.Chang��e �C Goddess of the moon from Chinese mythology]����

 Chapter 655 - The Clock Tower (Part 1)

    Chapter 655: The Clock Tower (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    With one hand, Ren Baqian held the hand of the empress. With the other hand, he carried a stack of boxes that were tied together. Arge number of cakes, candies, and wine were packed inside.


    As the light began to warp, the view of the pce bedroom in front of them became dim.


    Subsequently, they saw a bespectacleddy in armor standing a short distance in front of them. She cupped her fists and greeted, ��Your Majesty.��


    The pair of red alloy framed sses enhanced the femininity of Xin Zhe.


    ��Why are you waiting here?�� the empress asked, set her hand free from Ren Baqian, cut the string that tied the boxes together, and opened the box at the top, which was full of candy.


    ��Your Majesty, Great Xia has invaded again!�� Xin Zhe said solemnly.


    Great Xia had been preparing for a few months, and the empress had known about it. Even Hong Wu had started preparing, so the empress wasn��t surprised to hear this news.


    The empress, who was about to grab a bunch of candy, paused and took a piece of Dove chocte. She slowly unwrapped it, popped it into her mouth, and turned to ask, ��When did it happen and how��s the situation?��


    ��The Great Xia army left Tiesuo Passst night and crossed the border. They fiercely attacked Ping City, Shun City, and Ziyue City this morning,�� Xin Zhe reported.


    ��Tell the General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation to be more careful,�� the empress said.


    At this time the previous year, they had no idea how Great Xia managed to persuade Lu Pinghai to attack Hong Wu. This time, Hong Wu was still their main target.


    As long as Hong Wu was alright, the Protectorate of the North wouldn��t fall into chaos.


    The 20,000 aboriginal soldiers defending the cities were enough to take on the attacking army of 500,000.


    ��Furthermore, the Chen Nation also intensified their attack this morning,�� Xin Zhe added.


    ��Can��t they sit still? The Chen Nation is only a small country that��s better at naval warfare thannd warfare. What can they do?�� The empressughed coldly and ordered, ��Xin Zhe, go and set Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan free. Then, proceed to get all the senior officials toe to court to discuss state affairs in two hours.��


    ��Your Majesty, Great Xia is primarily seeking revenge this time and is also trying to save the Yun Nation byying siege to Dayao,�� Ren Baqian said from the side.


    ��Our aim is to annihte their 500,000 strong army and cause Great Xia to encounter internal strife. No matter who wins or who loses, they will have no spare energy to disturb us for the next ten years.��


    ��I know.�� The empress nodded.


    ��I will bring these things back since the empress still needs to change clothes,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��These are all mine!�� The empress pointed at the boxes as she slightly lifted her chin.


    ��There��s one box of light bulbs for themp posts,�� Ren Baqian protested.


    ��You can take the light bulbs and leave the rest to me.�� The empress continued to im ownership.


    Ren Baqian pointed to the boxes, ��The alcohol����


    Actually, he wanted to take some wine since he asionally felt like having a drink in the middle of the night. This was a habit he had picked up out of nowhere.


    It might be due to him wanting to celebrate his arrival to this world every night.


    ��They all belong to me.�� The empress refused to give even an inch.


    Ren Baqian was obliged to take one box of light bulbs away. After arriving in his courtyard, he could see that the two rascals, Tiantian and Gungun, had grown bigger. They were slightly taller than him now and reminded him that pandas weren��t cats, but were more like bears.


    Although these two were getting bigger and sillier, they were still of good character. Upon seeing Ren Baqian, they bared their teeth and bit his arms, but were pped by Ren Baqian to push them away.


    Well, they loved to bite him for fun when they were young, but a bite now would take away a chunk of skin for an ordinary man.


    ��The two of you are getting uglier and uglier!�� Ren Baqian looked at the rascals rolling around on the floor. The two were so cute when they were young, but it was a pity they had grown old and ragged. Having kept them for so long, he was unwilling to send them to the beast park.


    The ting ling monkey quickly pulled out two moldy dried fruits from the back of Tiantian��s neck,pared the size of the fruits in its hands, and put the bigger one back. The monkey hopped toward Ren Baqian and handed the smaller fruit to him.


    ��You rascal!�� Ren Baqian stroked its head and then pointed sadly at the two pandas rolling on the ground before saying, ��Don��t grow ugly like those two.��


    ��Ah!�� the Ting Ling made a sound and handed the smaller dried fruit to him again.


    ��Forget it��keep it for yourself.�� It immediately jumped away to hide the dried fruit in Tiantian��s neck fur.


    ��As expected, these are insincere gestures!�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help shaking his head. He opened the box and got two guards to follow him and change the light bulbs for themp posts.


    The following afternoon, there was a huge crowd around the square between Beihong District and Zhulian District. The hot sun didn��t lessen the enthusiasm of the crowd, and the security personnel were out in full force to keep the crowd outside the square.


    ��What are so many people doing here?�� A passerby who was ferrying goods was puzzled by this gathering.


    ��I��m not sure, but I heard that Her Majesty ising soon,�� someone replied.


    ��About what time?��


    ��I don��t know specifically, but I guess it should be soon!��


    The passerby hesitated after hearing this as he struggled to decide whether it was more important to deliver his goods or watch the empress�� The two ideas battled in his mind for two seconds before the idea to stay and watch won.


    At this moment, cheer after cheer erupted from the crowd in the distance.


    ��Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!�� The cheers rumbled around the square.


    Everyone knew that the empress had arrived when hearing the cheers.


    Consequently, the crowd started to part and moved like two streams as they followed the two rows of guards behind the empress��s carriage and gradually entered the square.


    Following the empress were senior officials from the court.


    ��Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!�� As the curtains of the carriage lifted, the crowd saw the empress and cheers erupted again.


    ��The empress is well-loved and respected!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��It��s because Her Majesty is the most beautiful treasure in Dayao,�� Tong Zhenye said as he looked at Ren Baqian. His face disyed his thought that this fellow was receiving the biggest bargain in his life to be blessed with the attention of the empress.


    ��This is because the empress has issued many decrees to lighten the burden on the citizens. Furthermore, she is the empress of the aboriginals and is naturally liked by them,�� Tu Wan added.


    Everyone dismounted and lifted their heads to look at the 67-meter tall cement building.


    The building was rough and didn��t have much decoration, but to the aboriginals, it was beautiful as long as it was big enough.


    At 67 meters, it was the tallest man-made building in this world and was a masterpiece to the aboriginals.


    Due to the insistent request of Ren Baqian,yers of colored stone of various sizes were eventually added to give the clock tower a dreamy and vibrant appearance.


    Currently, the clock face at the top of the tower was fully covered by a red cloth because red was the empress��s favorite color.


    Ever since the clock was installed, no one had seen what the clock looked like.


    The true face of the clock would finally be revealed.

 Chapter 656 - The Clock Tower (Part 2)

    Chapter 656: The Clock Tower (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The wooden door of the clock tower was open and a few men in coarse clothing came out of the tower. The person leading the way was someone Ren Baqian had met before, a senior of Zhang Junzheng and the current leader of the Zhang family in Lan City.


    He cupped his hands to greet the crowd and said, ��My respects to Your Majesty and my respects to all the officials.��


    ��Have the adjustments beenpleted?�� Ren Baqian went forward and asked.


    The elderly man and the people who were suppressing their excitement behind him opened up as their faces flushed with excitement.


    ��Sir Ren, everything is ready. In a quarter of an hour, the clock will chime for the first time.��


    Although the blueprint was provided by Ren Baqian, the dial above and the mechanism inside werepletely constructed by the Zhang family.


    The appearance of this clock tower in this world had earned great glory for the Zhang family.


    As long as this clock tower remained, people would remember the name of the Zhang family.


    Even with the demise of this clock tower, the history books wouldn��t fail to mention the name of the Zhang family whenever clock towers or clocks were mentioned.


    Having stamped their name in history with this deed, how would it be possible not to be excited?


    By now, the Zhang family was absolutely convinced by Ren Baqian. Everything that Ren Baqian introduced could benefit the Zhang family and could allow them to gain greater fame.


    To work for such a person was a sure bet.


    ��Make sure that nothing goes wrong,�� Ren Baqian reminded.


    ��Sir Ren can rest easy because we have tested it many times. The clock tower has been monitored since yesterday and was found to be faultless. I can vouch for it with my head,�� the elderly man said.


    ��You can keep your head since this lifeless tower isn��tparable to your head.�� Ren Baqain shook his head.


    The master craftsmen in this world were hard to find.


    ��Thank you, Sir. I��m simply confident.�� The elderly man smiled. He was warmed by Ren Baqian��s words and gratified by Ren Baqian��s appreciation of his work, especially since it was from a master in this field.


    It seemed like the step they took to bring the whole family to Dayao was a good decision.


    ��Count the time and remind me in a few minutes,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Sir, you can rest assured.�� The elderly man raised his head to look at the sun, then took out an hourss and held it in his palm.


    During this period, others were observing the colorful clock tower that was decorated withyers of colorful stone. This was quite different in appearance and style from the rough buildings previously seen in Dayao. Under the sunlight, the building reflected various colors that were mesmerizing.


    ��Does Your Majesty like it?�� Ren Baqian whispered into the ear of the empress.


    ��It��s pretty good.�� The empress nodded slightly. ��I want to build one in the pce.��


    ��Might as well add an observatory at the top of the clock tower so that I can apany Your Majesty to watch the stars.��


    ��Observatory?�� The empress turned to ask.


    ��It��s a ce used to observe the night sky.��


    ��A roof will do.��


    ��An astronomy telescope can be put in the observatory to make the viewing of the stars more beautiful. Your Majesty hasn��t used an astronomy telescope before!�� Ren Baqianughed and continued, ��When the timees, we can drink heartily under the stars and appreciate the night view. Wouldn��t that be nice?��


    The empress was impressed and said, ��In that case, I want to look at it, and it must be more beautiful than this one!��


    Ren Baqian felt innumerable murderous stares directed at him from all over the ce and whispered in her ear, ��Sure!��


    The stares of these people were like needles, and Ren Baqian felt like his back was going to be punctured with holes.


    <em>The empress is my wife. What can any of you do?</em>


    He was purposely going to whisper in her ear in front of them.


    Ren Baqian refused to retract his head, putting his lips next to the empress��s ear instead. Since it looked like he was putting his head on her shoulder, this caused many people to fume with jealousy.


    Although they already knew he had been chosen as her husband and had seen him many times before, they were still furious when they saw such a scene.


    The empress noticed his strange behavior and asked him with a frown, ��What are you doing?��


    ��Many people are envying me, are jealous of me�� I want to give them a chance to envy and be jealous of me!�� Ren Baqianughed mirthfully.


    ��That��s ridiculous!��


    ��Sir, it��s almost time. In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, it will be the noon hour.��


    ��Your Majesty, you will unveil the red cloth in a short while,�� Ren Baqian said. ��The best way is to unveil it just before the clock chimes.��


    ��Okay.��


    ��Just pull this string down.�� Ren Baqian pointed at a string that was beside him.


    ��That isn��t necessary.�� The empress didn��t even look at the string. She estimated the time, lightly pressed her leg against the floor, and propelled herself like a red cloud into the sky. As she passed by the clock face, she took the red cloth along with her.


    The solid bronze dials, golden in color, were exposed to the public and gave off a golden brilliance in the sunlight.


    <em>Bong! </em>The clock bell sounded clearly at the correct time as if it was synchronized to the empress removing the cloth.


    It tolled 12 times in a row, melodiously chiming in the city like it wasing from the sky. With the addition of the golden glow from the dials, it evoked a sacred feeling and amazed everyone.


    Whether it was a security officer, an ordinary citizen, or the people in all corners of Lan City, everyone raised their heads to look at the chiming clock with wonder in their eyes.


    Even the red figure of the empress, who was standing at the top of the clock tower, was outshined by something else for the first time.


    ��This is the so-called clock tower that is used for telling time, isn��t it? It��s marvellous.�� Tong Zhenye sighed from below.


    ��In the future, there is no need to use the sundials anymore. In Lan City, you just have to raise your head to look at the clock tower to check the time. It can be seen day or night regardless of rain or wind. In all directions, there are two fire pans on each side of the clock face to illuminate it at night,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I wish to let the people of Great Xia and the Yun Natione here to have a look before asking them whether they can make this thing.�� Tong Zhenye roared withughter. He was looking forward to see the reactions of people when they came and saw the clock tower in Lan City.


    ��Great Xia and the Yun Nation don��t have this because this is the only one in this world,�� the leader of the Zhang family said as he stroked his beard.


    ��However, after seeing this thing, they may be able to make their own after spending more than 10 years of effort.��


    ��It doesn��t matter because we will have better things by the time they manage to make their own,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��That��s up to Sir Ren.�� Tong Zhenye said with some regret, ��In fact, the Ministry of Works is the most suitable for Sir Ren, so it��s a pity that you are reluctant to join.��


    ��


    For the rest of the afternoon, many people gathered below the clock tower to try to figure out how the dials turned and cheered every time the clock chimed.


    Most of the spectators felt that there had to be some people inside continuously moving the dials.


    The crowd only started to disperse when it was night time.


    After nightfall, mes rose from the firepans and illuminated the faces of the clock.


    The people in the city, who were already amazed by the clock tower during the day, were again amazed by it at night.


    Many people who had left came back again to the base of the clock tower and looked at the lights in the night.


    For a continuous half a month in Lan City, those people who normally went back home at night to discipline their children and be intimate with their spouse switched to sitting in their courtyards to chat and look at the clock tower from afar. At the same time, they disciplined their children and then went inside to be intimate with their spouse.


    While the people of Lan City were absorbed in this new thing, the students at the school were preparing to bring the steam lotive to the circr track outside the city for a trial run.

 Chapter 657 - The Students Have Eloped

    Chapter 657: The Students Have Eloped


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian walked up to the lecture stage and ced a book on the table. He nced down and saw an empty space in the middle. Feeling a little puzzled, he asked, ��Xu Peng, where��s Du Laoliu? Why isn��t he here?��


    Xu Peng was already looking a little worried, and he didn��t get any better when Ren Baqian questioned him. He stood up and replied, ��Teacher, he can��t make it today.��


    ��Why?�� Seeing Xu Peng��s expression, Ren Baqian��s heart suddenly tensed up.


    Xu Peng pondered for a bit. Since the Du family and Tu family already knew about the situation, there was no need to hide it anymore.


    ��Du Laoliu eloped����


    Ren Baqian was shocked when he heard this.


    The other students became tumultuous as well and looked at Xu Peng with a stunned look.


    Du Laoliu actually eloped?


    Ren Baqian immediately recalled the incident that he had witnessed at the pub. Both he and the empress saw everything very clearly.


    He originally thought that it was part of the growth process for students to experience such things. However, he didn��t expect Du Laoliu to act like this and actually elope��


    ��When did this happen?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��It would have been yesterday after school,�� Xu Peng replied.


    Ren Baqian frowned and pondered for a little bit. Later on, he went to ask about Tu Yu��s family background. Her father was Tu Hong, an assistant of the prosecutor of the Ministry of Justice and a Secondary ss Rank 4 official. Tu Hong and Tu Wan, the Minister of Revenue, were close rtives as well.


    As for Du Laoliu, his family background was simr to Tu Yu��s. However, he was the third son and also the most disappointing one.


    As for the girl with the family name ��Shi,�� Ren Baqian didn��t ask about her.


    By simply eloping with the girl, Du Laoliu had immediately tarnished the reputations of both families, and they both definitely wouldn��t let him off.


    There was no telling whether they would seed in running away.


    If they didn��t seed, the consequences for Du Laoliu would be worrying.


    If they seeded, he would have abandoned his studies, wasted his talents, and be an ordinary person, which was truly a pity.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian felt a little regretful. He originally thought that Du Laoliu had made some progress and could have good prospects in the future. Ren Baqian had never expected such an unforeseen event to happen.


    ��Alright, let��s continue with ss.�� Ren Baqian knocked on the table after he collected his thoughts.


    However, the students below weren��t really in the mood to listen to the lecture anymore. All of them were whispering and making eyes at each other. If it were how it used to be, Ren Baqian would use a gun and bullets to teach them what ssroom discipline was. However, he wasn��t really in the mood either.


    When he was halfway through the lesson, he heard an angrydy��s voiceing from outside.


    ��Principal Ren, is Du Changkong��s kid here with you?��


    Needless to say, people had found their way over.


    Ren Baqian ced the book down and said in a deep voice, ��Read the book yourselves first.��


    As soon as he stepped out, the ss immediately became chaotic as all of the students gathered at the door and the windows to look outside.


    ��Who are you? What��s the matter?�� When he arrived at the school entrance, Ren Baqian saw ady in her fifties standing there while wearing a broad gown withrge sleeves. Following behind her were six tall, strong, and aggressive looking men


    Fortunately, these people knew that they weren��t allowed to barge into the school.


    ��Principal Ren, my daughter Shi Jiyue was taken away yesterday by Du Laoliu. Up until now, we still have found no trace of her. I want to ask him where my daughter went!�� thedy dered with an angry look on her face.


    Unruffled, Ren Baqian replied calmly, ��Coincidentally, Du Laoliu has been taken away as well, and I have no idea where he is. If you see him, please remember to inform me. School regtions must be upheld, and students will be punished for being truant without excuse.��


    <em>You are asking me about him? I have no idea where to find him either.</em>


    ��Du Laoliu isn��t here?�� thedy asked with an overbearing tone.


    Ren Baqian stood at the entrance and replied sourly, ��If you can get Her Majesty to grant you a warrant, you cane in and search.��


    Thedy took a close look at the expression on his face, which looked extremely gloomy. Full of hate, she eventually said, ��What a good student you have taught! Let��s go!��


    Ren Baqian cursed to himself.


    <em>Do you think I��m the one who takes the me?</em>


    <em>Why are you putting the me on me?</em>


    <em>You are only looking for your daughter now?</em>


    <em>Do you really not have any idea why she disappeared?</em>


    <em>I have lost a student as well!</em>


    <em>In any case, after teaching them for one year, he��s one of the talented students who understands the rules of arithmetic.</em>


    ��Hmph!�� Ren Baqian looked at her back. He brushed his sleeves, turned around, and walked back into the courtyard before ordering, ��Shut the doors.��


    Seeing that Ren Baqian looked unhappy, the students who were standing at the door quickly scuttled back to their seats.


    After ss, Xu Peng went to speak with Ren Baqian and asked, ��Teacher, can you help Du Laoliu? He and Shi Jiyue are fond of each other. He even said that after he bes more aplished, he will seek out the Shi family and ask for her hand in marriage. However, he ended up getting kicked by Tu Yu.��


    ��How can I help?�� Ren Baqian asked him in return. If Xu Peng had sought him for help before this happened, Ren Baqian would have been able to think of something.


    Now that Du Laoliu was already gone, how was he supposed to help?


    These were Xu Peng��s exact sentiments as well. Feeling deeply worried, he cupped his fists and bowed to Ren Baqian before leaving.


    After Xu Peng left, Ren Baqian shook his head. He wasn��t too worried since aboriginal youths weren��t as useless as those on Earth. Even though he was only at the most basic Four-way Heaven level, he was much stronger than any ordinary Man Wheel expert. Furthermore, Shi Jiyue was probably at the Kismet Heaven level. As long as the two of them didn��t provoke the beasts in the forest, there shouldn��t be too much danger.


    All he could do now was to wait and see when they would be brought back.


    Many of the aboriginals were originally hunters in the mountains. There were many who were good at tracking.


    Ren Baqian didn��t think that the two of them would be inseparable after they eloped. It was just a matter of time before they were caught.


    After returning to the pce, he asked about the empress��s whereabouts. She was still at court with the officials discussing Great Xia��s trends.


    For the past two weeks, Great Xia��s attacks were very aggressive with endless daily attacks on Dayao��s cities. People were growing puzzled since Great Xia didn��t make much progress despite attacking three cities for the past two weeks with a 500,000 strong army.


    During the previous war, Ziyue City was captured in just one night. The Assistant Protector General was surrounded by many experts and died in battle.


    After making thisparison, the problem could be seen.


    Ren Baqian took a stroll to Pingle Park and gave both Tiantian and Gungun a p yet again for trying to pounce on him. He then leisurely walked to ake within the pce.


    With a diameter of around three kilometers, theke wasn��t exactly big. There weren��t any pavilions on the water either; it was just surrounded by a circle of trees.


    Peering through the clearke water, Ren Baqian could see a fellow with jade scales lying there at the bottom of theke.


    Ren Baqian first went to look for afortable ce to sit down. He found a rock that protruded out of the shore and sat there to enjoy the refreshing feel of the surroundings.


    He then raised his voice and shouted, ��Qishui!��


    At the bottom of theke was the kirin that he once rode. However, it had dived into thiske and stayed there ever since it returned to Dayao. He would asionallye and visit it when he was free, but he had never seen ite out of the water.


    Ren Baqian sat by the shore and talked to himself.


    ��All humans have aspirations or in other words, dreams. The dreams of youth be desires when they grow up, and there will definitely be some things that they very much desire to do. Humans are like that. Is it the same for you, kirin? Even if it was pulling carriages or being a mount, there must be something that you wish to do, right? For instance, being the Mr. Perfect at pulling carriages or the heavenly king of mounts�� Look at you now��all you do is stay at the bottom of thiske. You don��t evene up to the surface once a year, and there��s probably moss growing on your body already. Fortunately, you are in the water or else your body would definitely stink��


    Did you know that humans who stay home every day are called geeks? What should a kirin who stays underwater every day be called? A geek beast? Speaking of which, I still don��t know whether you��re a male or a female�� You didn��t allow me to see it back then��


    Is there anything you feel like eating? Sashimi or something? I would rmend that you eat it with wasabi. Horseradish is pretty good too��I like that sort of pungent taste! How about this: you give me one of your scales and I��ll treat you to sashimi?��


    After talking to himself for about an hour, Ren Baqian felt a little bored, so he stood up and said, ��I��lle back and visit you in a few days. Do consider my proposal!��


    Qishui only opened its eyes in the water after Ren Baqian left. Its eyes shone like light bulbs in theke, yet these eyes seemed to be filled with distress��


    That man was indeed too talkative. Every time he came, he would chatter on for a long while. Even when underwater, Qishui could hear him clearly, so it couldn��t even sleep properly��

 Chapter 658 - Challenging Me to a Fight? Accepted!

    Chapter 658: Challenging Me to a Fight? epted!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On a vast and boundless grasnd, countless fork-horned cows and jumping sheep were scattered all over with their heads lowered as they nibbled on the vegetation.


    A series of hoofbeats could be heard as a line of mounted figures riding on fork-horned cows appeared at the fringe of the grasnd. The leader, a bald and burly man, was sitting on his mount. His gaze was like a falcon��s as it scanned the entire grasnd, pausing briefly at certain ces.


    ��Have you found their trail?�� ady behind him asked.


    ��No,�� the man replied with a deep voice before lowering his head to analyze the tracks on the ground. He then pointed in a direction and said, ��They have gone in that direction. Pursue them!��


    After that, the mounted party rode off with the wind like a bunch of dark clouds.


    A long whileter, a few of the fork-horned cows that were gathered together began to disperse in all directions. This subsequently revealed the two teenagers who were hiding among them.


    ��Let��s go!�� The boy held the girl and quickly ran off in another direction. They eventually stopped after a while and immediately fell in the grass.


    ��I thought that we had been discovered just now.�� The girl was around 18 years old and wore a shirt made out of soft fabric. Her clothes weren��t exactly eye-catching in Lan City, but they had attracted many people in other ces. Clothes made from such fabric weren��t something that ordinary people could afford.


    The girl didn��t look extremely beautiful, but she had a wild nature and a heroic spirit that was exclusive to aboriginal females. She looked a little terrified at the moment.


    The boy had very short hair, a square face, thick eyebrows, and big eyes. He was wearing a set of dark colored clothes. He originally looked young and inexperienced, but after a few days of running away, he began to have a firm and persistent look on his face.


    He didn��t reply after listening to what the girl said because he felt that they probably had already been discovered just now. The leader of the search team was one of the imperial bodyguards and was named Du Yong. He had always been privately keeping an eye on the boy and had probably pretended that he didn��t see him.


    ��I have let you down.�� Du Laoliu sighed. The search team had already gotten close to them, and there was a very low chance that they could get away. At the moment, he felt that he wasn��t just resigned to fear, but also guilt for his partner.


    If not for him, she wouldn��t have had to leave thefortable life she had at home and wouldn��t have ended up running for her life now.


    ��I��m most willing to do this!�� Shi Jiyue held his hand tightly and consoled him. The frightened look on her face immediately vanished; recing it was determination.


    Du Laoliu held her hands tightly and replied, ��We will definitely escape.��


    Regardless of whether it was for her or for himself, he definitely had to escape.


    ��Yes!�� Shi Jiyue nodded. ��How good it would be if we were just ordinary people. You wouldn��t be criticized due to your talent and I wouldn��t have to be forced into an arranged married. Leading an ordinary life like an ordinary person is something that people like us yearn for.��


    Du Laoliu felt an ache in his heart when he heard this and held Shi Jiyue��s hand even tighter.


    ��Let��s go! We will reach the Neen Streams after one more day of traveling south. It will be hard for them to track us down once we get there.�� After taking a short rest, Du Laoliu held her and stood up.


    ��Let��s go!��


    After an entire day and night, both of them were drenched in sweat. They originally estimated they would reach the Neen Streams in 24 hours. However, after running into the search team, they had to change their route and were unable to reach their destination by the estimated time.


    ��Keep going! We are almost there.�� Shi Jiyue dragged Du Laoliu as they climbed up a hill.


    Du Laoliu was already exhausted by now and could only rely on Shi Jiyue, whose strength far exceeded his own, to drag him along.


    ��We are there�� We are almost there���� Shi Jiyue gritted her teeth as she climbed up the hill. At this time, her body also started to tremble as she almost reached the state of burning out.


    It had been exactly four days. They had been running for four days with practically no food over thest two days. They could only rely on eating the wild fruits along the way to ay their hunger, but this was far from meeting the needs of their bodies.


    If not for the support given to her by the thought that they would be able to escape as long as they reached the not too distant Neen Streams, she also wouldn��t have been able to hold on any longer.


    The duo��s clothes were torn, tattered, stained with mud, and looked sorrierpared to the day before.


    After dragging Du Laoliu up to the peak of the hill, he immediately sprawled on the ground and breathed heavily. Shi Jiyue was barely standing and looked into the distance.


    ��Listen! There��s the sound of flowing water. We aren��t too far away from the Neen Streams��it��s just across this forest!�� Shi Jiyue said joyously as she sat on the ground.


    ��I hear�� I hear it�� Our escape is about to seed���� Du Laoliu was barely able to choke out these words amid his heavy panting.


    ��Unfortunately, you won��t be able to cross this forest���� A man walked out from the trees.


    The couple��s facial expressions immediately changed.


    After Du Laoliu struggled to stand up and looked at the person walking out of the forest, his face turned deathly pale.


    ��Father!��


    ��Hmph! Very well done!�� that man said angrily.


    ��Father, let us go!�� Du Laoliu struggled to kneel on the ground.


    ��Go? Go where? Where else can you go? If you could escape despite so many people tracking you down, I would respect you for that. However, how are you intending to hide this n of yours? Currently, the Shi family has already prepared a trap at the river and are waiting for you to arrive. I havee to take you back and to at least save you from some embarrassment.�� The man��s voice sounded rather resentful toward his son for failing to meet expectations.


    ��


    Three dayster, the haggard-looking Du Laoliu and Shi Jiyue were tied up and escorted back to Lan City on mounts.


    The closer they got to Lan City, the more nervous the both of them felt.


    When they arrived at the city gates of Lan City, Du Laoliu looked at the people standing outside the gates. He saw his mother, his good friend Xu Peng, a few students from the school, and the person that he hated the most, Tu Yu.


    Tu Yu walked in front of Du Laoliu and Shi Jiyue. Initially, he looked deeply at her with a gaze that wasplicated and hard to understand. There was admiration and also hatred.


    ��I used to like you a lot.�� Tu Yu��s voice sounded very empty.


    ��I, however, have never liked you,�� Shi Jiyue replied with a look of austerity.


    An odd smile suddenly appeared on Tu Yu��s face as he said, ��The marriage has already been decided. Even after such things happened, I will still marry you! Haha! Hahahahaha!��


    Hisughter was filled with frost.


    He then turned to Du Laoliu and said softly, ��Did you think that you could escape? Did you think that you coulde out unscathed after trampling on the reputations of the Shi family and the Tu family? Do you know that I enjoy watching the way you guys struggle so hard? You are like bugs with their tails stepped on��so powerless. You worked so hard for nothing.��


    ��I want to challenge you to a duel! The winner can marry Shi Jiyue!�� Du Laoliu suddenly roared at the top of his lungs. He was very clear that if nothing were to change, Shi Jiyue would definitely be forced to marry Tu Yu. However, even though Tu Yu used to adore Shi Jiyue, from his words just now, he would definitely take revenge on her.


    Even if Du Laoliu had to die, he couldn��t allow Shi Jiyue to marry Tu Yu.


    ��You trash! What a disgrace!�� the man sitting on his mount immediately scolded him with an angry look on his face after he heard Du Laoliu��s voice. However, he didn��t stop Du Laoliu.


    ��Our marriage has already been set���� Tu Yu let out a smile. ��Regardless of whether I ept the duel, Shi Jiyue is bound to marry me! What right do you have to challenge me to a duel? Do you have what it takes? You are just a useless person. Even the person you like has already been betrothed to me. You have nothing!��


    Soon after, Tu Yu��s tone started to change as he continued, ��Merely a useless Four-way Heaven person, yet you want to challenge me, a Kismet Heaven warrior�� I have no reason not to ept! I will be kind enough to give you a chance, and at the same time, I can witness how you try to struggle and fail after being trampled in the mud��how you can only detest yourself for being so helpless. This will make me very happy! Haha! Hahahaha!��

 Chapter 659 - Duplicity

    Chapter 659: Duplicity


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This duel is your idea, and the Tu family has epted it. It is scheduled for next week. You are to stay home and are not allowed to go out before then.��


    Du Laoliu��s father threw him inside a room after telling him this.


    As he was leaving, he thought of something and paused. He turned, looked at Du Laoliu, and said, ��You are a real loser. I sent you to the academy hoping that you could one day be better than others��not for you to keep on losing!��


    After he finished speaking, he turned to m the door as he walked away.


    ��Send three meals to the room daily and don��t let him out.��


    ��Sir, someone from the Xu family is here to see him.��


    ��Ask him toe in.��


    Soon after, Xu Peng rushed into Du Laoliu��s room with a roar and yelled, ��Are you crazy? Tu Yu is at the Kismet Heaven level! Even though he only attained this recently, you are still no match for him.��


    Du Laoliu said expressionlessly, ��I know I am crazy��really crazy. I was insane to elope with Jiyue, but I have to be crazy at this time because if Jiyue marries Tu Yu, Tu Yu will never let her off.��


    ��What are you going to do now? The fight is next week! Not to mention that it��s such a short time, even a year would not be enough for you to prepare.�� Xu Peng paced to and fro out of extreme worry.


    ��I have a request for you!�� Du Laoliu sat there holding his head in his hands.


    Xu Peng stopped pacing and said, ��Speak up! I will help if I can.��


    Du Laoliu looked up and said seriously, ��I should be going there personally, but I can��t go out. Help me to beg Yagui for help since he can certainlye up with some ideas.��


    Xu Peng knocked on his bald head and decided that this was feasible. Without question, the physical strength of Yagui was very low since he couldn��t even beat a small boy the year before.


    However, Yagui had various unusual and useful gadgets at his disposal.


    Assuming Du Laoliu were to get some of these gadgets from Yagui, Du Laoliu might be able to win.


    ��Fine!�� Xu Peng nodded and said, ��I will go and beg Yagui tomorrow.��


    ��


    Early the next morning, Xu Peng was surrounded by many students when he arrived at the academy.


    ��Has Du Laoliu been caught? Although he was arrested, he acted like a man!��


    ��He challenged Tu Yu to a fight, but he is definitely no match for Tu Yu. What is he thinking?��


    ��What is on his mind? A person will fight to the death in a situation like this! He eloped with Shi Jiyue and got caught. Tu Yu also hates Shi Jiyue now, so if Du Laoliu is terrified, I will despise him!��


    ��Enough! Stop quarrelling!�� Xu Peng was forced to shout. ��Whatever you say, he��s my brother and I must help him this time. Everyone, help think of a way to enable him to beat Tu Yu.��


    After that, everyone quieted down and appeared to fall into deep thought.


    ��A Four-way Heaven against a Kismet Heaven��it��s impossible to win.�� Tong Lan snorted.


    ��It��s impossible to win the normal way, but if you want to use an unorthodox way, you have to ask Yagui.�� Shi Ganughed softly.


    ��My sentiments exactly. I will ask Yagui for help soon.�� Xu Peng nodded.


    Shi Gan pondered, then said, ��I will apany you! It is best to have more people. Tong Lan, are youing?��


    ��I��m noting! Although Shi Jiyue is pitiful, I do not want to beg Yagui,�� Tong Lan said with a sneer.


    ��Should we ask Yagui for help when he arrivester?�� Xu Peng asked.


    ��Wait until after school is over.��


    ��


    Immediately after school ended, Ren Baqian was sitting in his office when he saw a few people rushing in. It was Xu Peng, Shi Gan, and two female students.


    ��Teacher, Du Laoliu was caught yesterday and is currently imprisoned in his home,�� Shi Gan said.


    ��I have known this since yesterday.�� Ren Baqian looked at them. ��Did youe here to tell me this?��


    Xu Peng hastily stepped up and said, ��Teacher, please help Du Laoliu. Since he ran away with Shi Jiyue, this made Tu Yu hate him and Jiyue will not have a good time if she marries him. Du Laoliu has no choice but to duel Tu Yu in one week. If it is a normal fight, Du Laoliu is definitely no match for Tu Yu. Only teacher can help him!��


    ��I can��t help you with this matter.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    ��Teacher!�� Xu Peng was shocked because he was harboring great hope and didn��t expect Ren Baqian to reject him.


    ��Teacher, no matter what, Du Laoliu has been a student of this academy for a year. If he can��t even beat Tu Yu, it won��t make you look good either,�� Shi Gan said with a smile.


    ��That��s right! Teacher, please help them. If Shi Jiyue gets married to Tu Yu, it will be terrible.��


    ��Does teacher have the heart to see your own student getting beaten up like this.��


    ��It��s not that I don��t want to help��I��m unable to help.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    He exined, ��The marriage was arranged between the Tu and the Shi families. By eloping, Du Laoliu and Shi Jiyue abandoned their families and brought this upon themselves.


    I��m your teacher. What I do is teach you the values and exin them. When you make a mistake, I have to punish you in order to correct you.


    What has Tu Yu done wrong in this matter? Nothing. These two have to face the consequences for what they did.��


    Therefore, knowing that you are in the wrong, how can I help you achieve your goal of defeating a person who did nothing wrong?��


    Ren Baqian��s words made everyone stiffen.


    ��Thus, I can��t help you guys.�� Ren Baqian put down the thing he was holding and walked across in front of them. ��I have some things in my office. If they go missing, the four of you will be punished with cleaning the toilets for one month.��


    After he finished speaking, Ren Baqian did not care about their reactions and went back to the pce with his guards. Tu Yu did nothing wrong, but he was foul-mouthed! This would cause bad luck.


    ��What did Yagui mean?�� Xu Peng was dazed.


    ��Stupid! He told you the things are in his office! However, the four of us have to clean the toilets for a month!�� The smile that was on Shi Gan��s face finally disappeared.


    When was thest time they had to clean the toilets? It seemed to be two months ago and was no different from what happened yesterday.


    ��Wasn��t he against this idea? Why did he leave those things here?�� Xu Peng was still somewhat confused.


    ��If he agrees, he has to intervene, but he obviously does not want to get involved. If we steal those things, we can��t me him. Plus, we will also be punished!�� Shi Gan said disgustedly. ��He has nned it all out. It was enough for you toe alone��there was no need for me toe along!��


    The two female students simply kept quiet.


    ��If we have to, then we��ll clean!�� Xu Peng grinned. ��Let��s quickly look for the stuff. Where are those things?��


    ��They must be in an obvious ce, such as this box!�� Shi Gan opened a box in the corner and discovered that it was filled with strange things.


    ��What are these? Who among you knows?��


    Shi Gan took some out andmented, ��These are shbangs that were used in the attacks in Tianjing Basin!��


    ��Wrong! This box isbeled ��stun grenades�� and this box says ��sonic bombs.''��


    Next, he took out something quite different and said with uncertainty, ��I don��t know what this is����


    Qing Lian, who was passing by the door, saw the thing in Shi Gan��s hand and immediately changed her expression.


    Other people might not recognize that thing, but she could recognize it even if it was reduced to ashes! If possible, she didn��t wish to see this thing again.


    Qing Lian leaned against the window and hastily shouted, ��Don��t touch that thing recklessly! Where are you from?��


    ��Do you know what it is?�� Shi Gan asked.


    ��Skunk bombs! The emperor of Great Xia died from the stench!�� Qing Lian said disgustedly.


    ��Wow!�� These students were stunned. Upon hearing this from Qing Lian, they learned what this thing was and that it was a real killer.


    The problem was that when this thing was used, everyone perished together.


    ��There��s also this thing that many of the senior officials wear.��


    ��These are sunsses. They are used to shield against bright lights.��


    ��Let��s search some more. Maybe we can find some other useful things. Regardless, we are being punished and will increase our gains if we take more����


    ��There are two stun batons here. Thebel says so!��


    ��This shoe is full of spikes on the bottom and can eject a de.��


    ��Keep it properly and take it backter.��


    ��Yagui said no, but he meant yes. He prepared all these things, yet said that he didn��t want to get involved! Let me just say that Du Laoliu is also his student and that he doesn��t want to see his student lose.��


    ��Where is Yagui��s gun? Go look for it.��


    ��I can��t find the big one, but here��s a small one!��

 Chapter 660 - A Super Duel Propped Up by Gadgets (Part 1)

    Chapter 660: A Super Duel Propped Up by Gadgets (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The scheduled fight between Du Laoliu and Tu Yu was between the younger generation of the three families.


    The huge disparity in strength between the twobatants made the three families treat it as just a formality. As a result, nobody greatly promoted the fight and nobody paid attention to it.


    Even Tu Yu��s aunt, Tu Wan, didn��t care about it because it was just a fight between children. If it wasn��t for the elopement of Du Laoliu and Shi Jiyue, which led to the three families searching everywhere for them, this matter wouldn��t have reached her ears.


    Nevertheless, the day before the duel, the empress suddenly mentioned her intention to watch it, catching many people by surprise and causing many people to take notice of this matter.


    The venue of the duel was almost changed from a small courtyard to the square in front of the pce. When Ren Baqian heard of this news, he felt as if he was lying in bed after taking an arrow to the knee.


    If the duel was really held in the pce square, he would be the scapegoat.


    And the empress wouldn��t forgive him!


    All the senior court officials would not let him off either.


    Thinking of having to stand among these smelly people in court every day for half a day and then going to court with a stinky body for the next 10 days or half a month�� was unimaginable.


    ����Why can��t it be held at the square in front of the pce?�� Seeing the strong response from Ren Baqian, the empress became suspicious.


    ��Whatever the reason, it can��t be held there! It will be likemitting suicide!�� Ren Baqian said seriously.


    ��Did you intervene? What have you given them?�� the empress asked.


    ��No, absolutely not!�� Ren Baqian vehemently denied. ��He was the person in the wrong, so how could I intervene?��


    ��Although it doesn��t matter to me, these two were the cause of the trouble and should be punished,�� the empress said.


    ��Does the empress still want to go and personally watch?��


    ��Didn��t you intentionally say this to make me go? Since you have this idea, I will take a look. Anyway, the students in your academy are as weak as you!�� the empress said provocatively.


    Ren Baqian felt that he couldn��t tolerate this rebuke and needed to prove himself, so he retorted, ��The brain is ultimately the greatest weapon! If wepete in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, nobody in Dayao canpete with us!��


    ��Oh, I know,�� the empress said perfunctorily. ��So why can��t it be held in front of the pce?��


    ��I lost some things�� Among them is a skunk bomb���� Ren Baqian hemmed and hawed.


    ��What?�� The empress stared at him fiercely and asked with a sneer, ��Lost?��


    Ren Baqian said seriously, ��It was stolen! Nowadays, students even dare to steal the things I keep in my office. I definitely need to punish them!��


    The empress nodded and said, ��Forget it. I don��t want to see it. Let them choose a ce further away.��


    ��Your Majesty just said you wanted to take a look��how can you go back on your word? I think the ce where thentern-grabbing contest is held is not bad as it��s big enough and well- ventted. The wind blows from the southeast during this period, and if you sit in the right direction, it shouldn��t be a problem.��


    ��


    Just after noon on the next day, Ren Baqian apanied the empress in her carriage as it left from the west gate.


    In the vast emptynd far ahead, people were already waiting. The majority of the 50 students from the academy were there too.


    Members of the three families, Du, Tu and Shi, had arrived and were sitting apart from each other.


    Tu Wan, Tong Zhenye, and Shi Qing also came. Tu Wan was here because of her nephew and also because the empress wasing.


    Tong Zhenye and Shi Qing were here because Tong Lan and Shi Gan were students of the academy. They were naturally interested to see a fellow student battling against someone who was one level higher and were hoping for a good show.


    There were also some middle and low ranking officials looking for ces to sit on the left side. Most were from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of War, and other ministries. They had old ties with the three families and also wanted to know why the empress was interested in this matter.


    Upon arrival, she parted the curtains and casually said, ��I��m just here to take a look. You don��t have to mind me.��


    She proceeded to take a card from Ren Baqian and frowned when she saw herself holding a card with the letter A and a card with the number 2.


    Ren Baqian looked at the A card in his hand,ughed, and moved his finger toward the A card in her hand, but before he could touch it, the empress��s face ckened as she stared coldly at him.


    Ren Baqian smiled at the empress and asked, ��Am I the type of person who gives up because of a threat?��


    ��Am I that kind of person?��


    ��Of course he will take back the card with the number 2!��


    The empress didn��t wait for Ren Baqian to retract his hand. Instead, she quickly took the A card from him, threw it in front of him, and dered, ��I win!��


    ��As expected, Your Majesty can��t be tricked in such a game.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress then used a calligraphy brush to draw a moustache on his face and said, ��This looks more pleasing.��


    Ren Baqian pinched his chin and eximed, ��I look more manly with a moustache!��


    The empress looked at the empty stage and rolled her eyes before asking, ��Why hasn��t the duel started?��


    ��Don��t be anxious��it will start soon!��


    Tong Zhenye, who was sitting nearby, stroked his full beard and looked at the empress with a ��isn��t my beard looking great?�� kind of smile.


    The corner of his eye kept twitching.


    ��They are on the stage,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��In which direction is the wind blowing?�� the empress asked.


    ��Why is Your Majesty asking about the direction of the wind?�� Tong Zhenye asked suspiciously.


    ��No reason. Just casually asking,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Tong Zhenye put on an unconvinced look and turned to look at the two people on the stage.


    The two were both about 17 or 18 years old, but Tu Yu was slightly taller and looked much stronger. Du Laoliu appeared to weigh about 100 kilograms, whereas Tu Yu was at least 150 kilograms. From their appearances, it was clear that they weren��t at the same level.


    For aboriginal men who were below the Cardinal Heaven level, those who were stronger had better physiques and those who were weaker were thinner. This made it easy to distinguish their strength.


    Tu Yu carried an iron baton that weighed more than 50 kilograms. He looked at the tightly wrapped Du Laoliu and sneered, ��I didn��t expect the empress to be here. Anyway, victory and defeat have already been decided. This is yourst chance, but unfortunately, you didn��t take it, so you will have to struggle in vain. You can only me yourself for being useless.��


    Du Laoliu was tightly wrapped in a cloak of unknown origin and only had one arm exposed that was wielding a mace.


    He didn��t respond to Tu Yu and turned to look at the crowd around the stage, which included the students from the academy and also the red-eyed and worried looking Shi Jiyue who was wedged in the middle of the Shi family.


    Then, he turned to look at Tu Yu and said, ��For the sake of Jiyue, I must win even if my life is at stake.��


    ��If wepete verbally, maybe you can win,�� Tu Yu said sarcastically. ��However, words aren��t as useful as physical strength.��


    A guard from the Tu family came to the stage, raised his hand above his head, and swung it downward. A faint line seemed to appear out of nowhere. It looked as if someone used something to trace it.


    ��Begin!��

 Chapter 661 - A Super Duel Propped Up by Gadgets (Part 2)

    Chapter 661: A Super Duel Propped Up by Gadgets (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Following themand to start, Tu Yu didn��t rush to make a move, but put his hands behind his back and curled a corner of his mouth as he looked at Du Laoliu and said leisurely, ��Do you want me to let you make a few moves first?��


    ��Sure,�� Du Laoliu said expressionlessly.


    Tu Yu was momentarily stunned and then couldn��t helpughing.


    ��Haha, well, hahaha, you are honest this time! It is useless since no matter how much you struggle, the end result will still be the same!��


    Tu Yu wiped the corners of his eyes as if he wasughing until tears came out.


    While Tu Yu roared withughter, the expression on Du Laoliu��s face remained unchanged. Shi Gan and the others wereughing at the side of the stage.


    ��Let himugh for a while since he will not have the chance toughter!�� Xu Peng sneered from ringside as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    Shi Gan wasughing, but stopped halfway when he thought of the punishment and muttered, ��To clean the toilets in exchange for this�� It doesn��t seem worthwhile!��


    Tong Lan somehow managed to put a log on the ground that was more than a meter in height. She sat there by herself with both legs swinging and said after hearing him, ��You are a fool!��


    The corner of Shi Gan��s mouth twitched, but he didn��t reply.


    One minuteter, after Du Laoliu didn��t make any moves, Tu Yu said impatiently, ��Get a move on! What are you waiting for? Don��t tell me you are prepared to stand there forever.��


    ��Oh? You are too impatient. Are you anxious to lose?�� Du Laoliu sneered. One hand was holding a cylinder under the cloak with one fingertched to the ring.


    ��Me lose?�� Tu Yu startedughing. ��Are you kidding me?��


    <em>Is this the correct way to pull this? </em>Du Laoliu wondered silently before exerting his strength.


    The ring came off with a slight clicking sound.


    After that, he raised his hand, parted his cloak, and took it off backward. The crowd saw what was underneath the cloak: a magnificent leather skirt, some ropes with cylinders on them, and other unusual stuff.


    Tong Zhenye and Tu Wan immediately turned and stared at Ren Baqian.


    ��Sir Ren!�� Tu Wan couldn��t resist saying.


    ��This has nothing to do with me! They must have stolen stuff from my office! I will punish these thieves when I get back!�� He looked and sounded so serious that it appeared as if this had nothing to do with him.


    Since Ren Baqian said so, Tu Wan couldn��t say anything else and just said resignedly, ��I hope so.��


    Du Laoliu threw the cylinder in his hand at his opponent, grabbed a pair of sunsses hanging on the rope, and put them on.


    Tu Yu saw that object flying toward him and said, ��Child y!��


    However, he retreated a few steps since he was somewhat wary of this unknown thing.


    Yet, this cautiousness did not prepare him for the uing experience.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    That thing exploded in midair.


    There was a blinding sh. Next, it was as if another sun had appeared.


    At that moment, everything in front of their eyes became white. Aside from this white re, nothing could be seen. The apanying st startled the crowd, and they didn��t know what had hit them.


    After more than 10 seconds, the crowd gradually recovered their sight and were able to see the stage clearly,


    The people at ringside were badly affected, so naturally, Tu Yu was even worse off.


    Since he was staring at the cylinder the whole time, the blinding sh hit his eyes directly. In addition, the loud explosion erupted near him, causing him to feel like his head had been smashed by a hammer while also deafening him.


    Losing his sight and hearing sent him into a momentarily frenzy.


    However, aboriginal youths weren��t rookies when ites to fighting. Even the children of the court officials sparred with the guards frequently and fought with each other quite often��


    It wasn��t too much to say that every young aboriginal was an experienced fighter!


    After panicking, Tu Yu instantly retreated madly and then circled the stage repeatedly based on his memory of theyout of the stage.


    <em>Damn it! Once my vision is restored, I can easily defeat him!</em>


    Tu Yu cursed in his mind, closed his eyes, and continued to adjust his position. Although he couldn��t see, he was faster than Du Laoliu. Plus, the stage was big, forcing Du Laoliu to keep on changing his position in order to intercept Tu Yu.


    The sudden loss of his sight caused him to stagger.


    This was what the crowd saw when they recovered their sight.


    <em>This is the appropriate move! </em>Many people nodded secretly in their hearts. Subsequently, they began to wonder what had caused that bright sh and loud explosion.


    As the crowd discussed this on the sidelines, they quickly started looking at the carriage of the empress from time to time.


    After all, it was obvious who the source of this never-seen-before object was, and it wasn��t wrong to suspect Ren Baqian.


    ��It really has nothing to do with me.�� Ren Baqian noticed that the crowd was looking at him asionally, so he disyed an innocent look.


    ��Who do you think believes you?�� the empress asked. ��Still, that thing is really useful, especially at night.��


    ��I have recently brought some back. Your Majesty can send them to Zi Doni to use in night attacks,�� Ren Baqian said. Lately, he had brought over a huge amount of the stun grenades during his free time and stored more than 10,000 of them in Pingle Park, filling a whole room.


    ��Fine!��


    The two exchanged some small talk, looked at the stage again, and saw that Du Changkong was finally getting close to Tu Yu. As he flexed his bulging muscles, a thunderous sound was heard as he swung his mace at Tu Yu.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Although Tu Yu couldn��t see or hear, he could feel the thunderous wave of the mace. In a sh, he blocked it with his iron baton and then wielded his heavy baton to generate a wave that filled the air with baton afterimages. They were like raindrops directed at Du Laoliu. Every strike could form a basin-sized pit in the ground, and mud was seen sshing in the surrounding area.


    Tu Yu haphazardly wielded his baton at Du Laoliu to force him away and turned to retreat without any hesitation.


    The scene of Tu Yu retreating with Du Laoliu chasing after him was repeated again and again.


    ��In the long run, Tu Yu will recover his sight, so it��s time to use the gun!�� Du Laoliu said to himself.


    He took out the pistol without hesitation as he chased Tu Yu and pulled the trigger.


    <em>Ta.</em>


    The expected crisp sounds of gunshots didn��t materialize, and no bullets flew out. Instead, a small me was seen at the muzzle, but it fizzled out soon.


    Du Laoliu was dumbfounded.


    Looking incredulous, he repeatedly pulled the trigger and caused small mes to erupt from the muzzle.


    Over and over again, he pulled the trigger and the me red.


    ��Sh*t!�� Du Laoliu finally realized that this thing looked like a gun, but wasn��t one.


    Not only was Du Laoliu dumbfounded, but even Xu Peng, Shi Gan, and the others were astounded by this situation. That was a gun! There was no doubt about it! They had often seen Yagui using it.


    Yagui didn��t carry the big one every day, but he often had a small gun at his waist and had used it to shoot people more than once or twice. Howe it wasn��t working now?


    The empress looked quizzically at Ren Baqian and asked, ��What is that?��


    Ren Baqian looked at the stage and said with anguish, ��It��s a lighter! They stole the wrong thing! I hid a P22[1.P22 �C A semi-automatic pistol chambered for .22 LR rimfire ammunition] in my office!��


    The empress fell silent.

 Chapter 662 - A Super Duel Propped up by Gadgets (Part 3)

    Chapter 662: A Super Duel Propped up by Gadgets (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian looked in distress as Du Laoliu chased Tu Yu on the stage and fired his lighter.


    Ren Baqian had definitely hid a P22 pistol in his office. It wasn��t powerful and was used to punish the students without killing them.


    Furthermore, he purposely put it at an obvious ce��the flower pot.


    However, they found the lighter that he had put in a corner after ying with it for a while and failed to find the P22. What else could he say?


    ��Pig teammates!�� Ren Baqianmented. Du Laoliu had really found a bunch of idiotic friends.


    Du Laoliu was also bewildered. He didn��t dare to test this thing since he was only given one. He had seen Yagui using it more than once and decided to simply use it when needed. Nobody expected it to be lighter.


    Why did Yagui hide this thing in his office? It was good as getting him killed.


    Du Laoliu resentfully threw the lighter away and resolved to fight all out. He pulled off the ring of the skunk bomb he had taken out and threw it at Tu Yu.


    As the skunk bomb started spewing white smoke while in midair, a disgustingly pungent stench pervaded the surroundings.


    Tu Yu was madly gasping for fresh air. The smell was like a hundred burning tires mixed with feces that were marinated for ages. The stench was like a several hundred kilogram hammer that struck his head and chest, suffocated him, and made him see stars around his head.


    In that instant, Tu Yu��s mind went nk, he fell head first to the ground, rolled 360 degrees, covered his nose, and retched violently.


    Even Du Laoliu, who was mentally prepared and chasing Tu Yu, felt the same. When he smelled the stench, it was as if a hammer was pounding his head, and it left him wondering about the meaning of life.


    Seeing the white smoke on the stage, Tong Zhenye��s expression changed drastically before he disappeared into the distance in a sh.


    He knew that thing too well�� He and Qin Chuan threw that thing at their feet and stood there for two hours�� The final result was that they both almost perished together!


    Tu Hong suddenly jumped up from his spot and stared fiercely at Ren Baqian before asking, ��Did you resort to using poison?��


    ��You can rest assured that there is no poison!�� Ren Baqian said indifferently as he used his finger to see whether the direction of the wind had changed.


    ��Fortunately, the wind hasn��t changed directions!�� Ren Baqian reported.


    ��No poison? Then what��s happening on the stage?�� Tu Hong pointed to the stage and queried.


    ��As I said, no poison at all. If you don��t believe me, you can go and try!�� Ren Baqian said.


    The crowd was confused. They believed that Ren Baqian was telling the truth because he couldn��t be telling a lie at this time. Yet, how else could they exin the situation on the stage?


    ��I have a squirrel here that has the most sensitive sense of smell. No poison can escape its detection!�� As Du Laoliu��s father waved his hand behind him, someone unrolled a cloth bag from his waist to reveal a palm-sized golden squirrel.


    That man took out a ball, shook it in front of the animal, and made it start to drool.


    He proceeded to throw the ball in the direction of the two youths, and the squirrel dashed forward in that direction.


    It fell head first to the ground before it was even halfway there.


    ��What a powerful poison!�� the crowd cried in rm as everyone turned to look at Ren Baqian.


    This squirrel not only knew how to differentiate between various poisons, but it was also highly resistant to them; ordinary poisons had no effect on it. Nevertheless, it was knocked out over there, which proved that there wasn��t only poison on the stage, but a very powerful poison.


    ��Ren Baqian! You still dare to say there is no poison?�� Tu Hong shouted out his name. If he wasn��t in the empress��s carriage, she would have battled it out with him.


    Even Du Laoliu��s father was shocked.


    ��Definitely no poison!�� Ren Baqian was a little speechless. ��Madam Tu, exin it to them.��


    ��It shouldn��t be poisonous,�� Tu Wan said. She roughly guessed what was going on.


    ��It is definitely not poisonous.�� Tong Zhenye hade back without being noticed and looked distressed.


    ��The squirrel is moving!�� someone shouted.


    The squirrel was seen lying on the ground for a period of time. Then, it started twitching and suddenly rushed toward the crowd with its small round eyes brimming with tears.


    When the squirrel returned to the Du family, their faces began to darken.


    Meanwhile, the two people on the stage started moving again.


    ��Du Laoliu! How dare you use such a dirty trick! I��m going to kill you! Ahhh!�� Tu Yu had regained his sight. He stood up, screamed wildly, and charged at Du Laoliu.


    Du Laoliu pulled a long face, took out another stun grenade, and asked, ��Tu Yu, do you know what this is?��


    ��Do you think I will fall for the same trick twice? I��m going to kill you!�� Tu Yu covered his eyes with one hand as he stood there. He waited for a long time, but didn��t hear an explosion. He put down his hand to take a look and saw Du Laoliu holding a mace in one hand and a ck baton in the other. The cylinder was nowhere to be seen.


    ��Are you trying to trick me?�� Tu Yu turned green with anger. The stench was affecting his brain and making him irascible. He took big steps and rushed at Du Laoliu.


    Du Laoliu suddenly stepped back.


    <em>Boom! </em>An explosion rocked the spot where Du Laoliu had just been standing, and a blinding sh that was just as strong as the previous one dazzled Tu Yu again. Everything in front was a vast expanse of white where nothing could be seen.


    ��This time, he showed that he has some brains,�� Ren Baqianmended.


    When Tu Yu covered his eyes, everyone clearly saw Du Laoliu put the stun grenade under his foot before stepping on the safety lever. When he retreated one step, the stun grenade exploded.


    <em>Don��t worry and don��t panic. Although I can��t see, I can feel the wave generated by the mace. My speed is faster��as long as he attacks again, I can finish him off with one strike! Even if we exchange blows, he will be seriously injured by my baton! </em>Tu Yu restrained his growing anger and barely managed to calm down.


    He made up his mind to finish off his opponent even if they were to trade strikes.


    However, unlike before, Du Laoliu didn��t rush at Tu Yu and attack. Instead, he circled around Tu Yu twice while a few meters away from him. Then, he stealthily moved like a thief to get closer to Tu Yu.


    ��It won��t work��once he moves his weapon, Tu Yu will sense the waves. Tu Yu is presumably thinking this as well.�� The surrounding people discussed the situation.


    Against everyone��s expectations, Du Laoliu didn��t intend to strike with his mace. Instead, he stretched the short ck baton in his left hand and slowly moved it toward the iron baton of Tu Yu.


    ��What��s he doing?�� The onlookers were puzzled.


    <em>Something is touching my iron baton! On the right side! </em>Tu Yu suddenly noticed something strange, and a grim smile appeared on his face.


    He must not let Du Laoliu escape this time.


    <em>Zap!</em>


    The baton in Du Laoliu��s left hand emitted a blue light as the current was conducted through the iron baton and into Tu Yu��s body.


    Tu Yu seemed to experience an epileptic seizure as his entire body twitched.


    ��Idiot! I knew you were waiting for me!�� Du Laoliuughed coldly. ��But the iron baton isn��t part of you, so the feeling through it is slower! Furthermore, an iron baton will conduct electricity.��


    Seeing Tu Yu fall to the ground, Du Laoliu was still uneasy and prodded him two more times.


    <em>ng! </em>Du Laoliu threw his mace on the ground, faced the crowd with a look of ecstasy on his face, and dered, ��I win! I win! I win!��


    Most of the spectators were in disbelief. They didn��t know what was happening and found it hard to believe that the duel had ended this way.


    The duel today was rather baffling from beginning to end. The kid from the Du family was at the Four-way Heaven level, so how in the world was he able to defeat Tu Yu, who was one level higher?


    Why did the two of them stop for a period of time? If it wasn��t poison, then what was it?


    What kind of thing was that ck baton? Why did Tu Yu copse to the ground after the ck baton touched the iron baton?


    What exactly happened and who could exin it?


    Du Laoliu madly rushed toward Shi Jiyue and dered, ��Jiyue, I won!��


    Shi Jiyue was unbelievably happy and just wanted to jump into Du Laoliu��s arms. Suddenly, she froze and everybody saw her making a U-turn before running away��


    Ren Baqian stood up inside the carriage and walked to the side to look at the crowd. He coughed to attract their attention and said, ��Some people went into my office and stole some things for Du Laoliu of use in this duel. I will investigate and punish the culprits severely.��


    ��Principal Ren, what exactly happened?�� Most people weren��t concerned with his exnation of items being taken, but were concerned with a different issue.


    How was a Four-way Heaven expert able to defeat a Kismet Heaven expert?


    The disparity between them was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    Yet, this duel had been unfathomable from beginning to end and resulted in a Four-way Heaven level individual defeating a higher level opponent under baffling circumstances.


    The crowd very badly wanted to know the reason for this.

 Chapter 663 - Personally Taking Part

    Chapter 663: Personally Taking Part


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��At this point, I want to ask all of you a question. What��s the biggest difference between humans and beasts?��


    To answer the people��s doubts, Ren Baqian raised his voice and asked this as he jumped out of the empress��s imperial carriage.


    ��Language? Emotions? Or writing?��


    Everyone simply stared nkly when that heard this. Even though they didn��t know how these things that Ren Baqian brought up were rted to the duel, they started to ponder about the differences between humans and beasts without any self-restraint.


    Apparently, very few people had thought about this extremely simple question. The things that Ren Baqian mentioned, likenguage, emotions, and writing, were all just a subset of the differences, right?


    ��No, but let me tell you that the biggest difference between humans and beasts is that people can use their brains and work with tools instead of simply relying on primitive instincts or their fangs and ws! Since the time that our ancestors first learned how to use fire, mankind has already embarked on a separate path from beasts. When our ancestors first learned how to break away from the boundary of the olden days and began keeping a record of events, they started passing on their knowledge from generation to generation, building a foundation for us to continue progressing. This is how they passed on their knowledge and wisdom! And this contest has proven the value of tools. A Four-way Heaven expert was able to defeat a Kismet Heaven expert by simply using a few little gadgets. Even though this wasn��t absolute, it bears a rather important significance.��


    ��What exactly were those things?�� someone asked.


    ��Tools!�� Ren Baqian replied without hesitation. ��A few extremely low-cost items.��


    He walked toward Du Laoliu before stopping a short distance away from him and saying, ��I��ll deal with youter. Give me those things you have on you.��


    After catching the two smelly stun grenades that Du Laoliu threw over, Ren Baqian knitted his eyebrows, held a grenade in his fingers, and showed it to everyone.


    Then, he exined, ��This is a stun grenade! A very simple little thing made using ammonium and magnesium. These two elements can be found in nts or soil. To exin further, after nts and soil undergo some processing and manufacturing, they can be turned into this��something which is extremely cheap. How cheap? With the presence of well-developed technology, it only costs a few coppers to produce one of these. As for its effects, I believe you have already seen them. Even a Kismet Heaven expert will lose his vision and hearing for a short period of time if it explodes within close proximity.


    A person is considered to have pretty good innate talent upon reaching the Kismet Heaven level by the age of 20. However, any ordinary person can manufacture 10 to 100 of these grenades in one day, make 10 to 100 experts lose their senses of sight and hearing, and trample on them. If an ordinary person doesn��t make use of weapons or tools, how many of them would it take to defeat a Kismet Heaven expert? 100 of them? 1,000 of them? This disparity of 100, 1,000, or 10,000 men is eliminated when using tools.


    Apart from using this stun grenade, one of the key factors to Du Laoliu��s victory was the stun baton, which is an instrument that stores electricity. That��s right, it��s the same lightning that splits open the sky which you have seen and dread! With the appropriate methods, it can be used as a tool. It can also be used in other applications, not just as a weapon. I don��t need to exin too much about this because you will probably be able to see it for yourselves in theing days.


    What I want to say is that knowledge and culture are all it takes to manufacture tools. This is my intention for setting up the academy��to allow the descendants of the aboriginals to learn this knowledge. My intention has never been to take in useless people! The school isn��t a garbage chute, but the starting point that will change everything!��


    ��Perhaps to all of you, Du Laoliu is a useless person with regard to martial arts, so you might despise him and see no value in him.�� Ren Baqian turned around and looked at the Du, Shi, and Tu families before continuing, ��But to me, Du Laoliu and the students of the school are the future of Dayao. They represent the sess of Dayao��s future. This is the reason why I am standing here and exining all of this to you!��


    Ren Baqian��s voice wasn��t loud at all, yet everyone in the vicinity remained in absolute silence and had perplexed looks on their faces. Ren Baqian��s words had too great of an impact on them and had practically shattered the notions and values that they had always had.


    ��Yagui seems so manly today!�� The students in the surroundings clenched their fists tightly after hearing what Ren Baqian said. There had never been a single person who made them feel valued and never a single person who valued them this much before.


    He said that they were the future of Dayao in front of so many people, and this made the students feel overwhelmed with emotion.


    Even Du Laoliu, who was standing among the crowd, was emotionally moved.


    Everyone��s faces kept constantly changing. The notions that they had always had made them want to deny Ren Baqian��s�� words, but they didn��t know how to refute him. What had just happened proved the power of his words and persuaded them.


    These two notions continued to fight nonstop in their minds!


    However, at this moment, someone��s voice immediately rang out and dered, ��I don��t believe this!��


    Everyone turned their heads, only to see a tall and husky man walking out of the crowd with a gloomy face. It was Tu Yu��s father, Tu Hong.


    ��In this world, strength is the only principle. Our ancestors used their strength to make a living from the jaws of fearsome beasts, and we will use our strength to conquer Dayao.(TLC. Great Xia or one of the other nearby empires?) I only believe in my own strength!�� Tu Hong articted every word clearly.


    At this moment, many people felt the same way as him. Nobody was willing to let someone immediately deny the principles of the aboriginal way of life, principles they had relied upon for so many years. It was just that nobody directly voiced this out loud.


    After Tu Hong articted his thoughts, there were many people who agreed with him.


    ��Strength? That��s right, force is a part of strength. However, brains and tools are also a part of strength. What you see is only the physical strength of a person and not his other attributes,�� Ren Baqian responded unhurriedly.


    ��Those are unorthodox! Take the Yun Nation for instance��how can unorthodox methods thrive? Under the des of Dayao��s ferocious warriors, they weren��t even able to withstand a single blow!��


    ��A very narrow-minded way of thinking, but I can understand this. If that��s the case, do you want to have a fight with me? Shall we see if these unorthodox methods are truly incapable of withstanding a single blow like you said? Shall we see if the strength that you have so much faith in is actually that mighty?�� Ren Baqian tilted his head and smiled.


    Regardless of whether Tu Hong was angry about Tu Yu��s loss just now or whether he had a different opinion, Ren Baqian felt that it was time to show everyone the power of technology.


    It had been so long since he first arrived in this world, and he had seen many experts. He also had considerable knowledge about the strengths of a Cardinal Heaven expert. Even after witnessing the duel between Tu Yu and Du Laoliu, there were still people who voiced their objections. Ren Baqian decided to take this opportunity topletely turn around their way of thinking.


    A Man Wheel expert defeating a Cardinal Heaven expert should probably be shocking enough! It should be able to let them understand that real strength didn��t onlye from their muscles.


    Everyone immediately took a deep breath when they heard Ren Baqian��s words.


    Ren Baqian was only at the Man Wheel level, which was equivalent to the Four-way Heaven level of the aboriginal system. Even though Tu Hong had just made a breakthrough to the Cardinal Heaven level, he still possessed the strength of a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    There was a disparity of two levels between the two of them.


    Even aparison between a muscr man and an infant wasn��t sufficient to describe this disparity.


    Ren Baqian was simply crazy!


    Tu Hong was a Cardinal Heaven expert, not a Kismet Heaven expert. The fight would be over before Ren Baqian could take out his tools or even react in time.


    ��Are you for real?�� There was an ominous glint in Tu Hong��s eyes.

 Chapter 664 - Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe... (Part 1)

    Chapter 664: Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe�� (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Are you for real?�� There was an ominous glint in Tu Hong��s eyes.


    <em>You are challenging me to a fight? Are you looking down on me?</em>


    <em>An ordinary person challenging a Cardinal Heaven expert like me? Do you really think that I have no substance?</em>


    Tong Zhenye and Tu Wan��s faces changed slightly. Ren Baqian was indeed too audacious! By actually challenging a Cardinal Heaven expert to a fight, did he really have that much confidence in his tools?


    ��Yes, but there will be no fighting or killing because it doesn��t suit me. We��ll make it simple��you win if you can catch me. How about that? However, you must first put a piece of metal on your body.�� Ren Baqianughed after giving a profound exnation.


    ��How heavy can a piece of metal be? You think you can slow me down with it?�� Tu Hong scoffed.


    ��Just a piece of metal. You win if you can catch me. Otherwise, you lose!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��I ept your conditions! What��s our wager?�� Tu Hong took a quick nce at the empress, but she didn��t show any reaction.


    Since the empress wasn��t going to interfere, Tu Hong would be showing Ren Baqian the meaning of Cardinal Heaven.


    Those little things that he relied on would bepletely unable to withstand a single blow when facing real strength.


    ��No wager, just the oue of the battle,�� Ren Baqian responded faintly.


    ��Scared of losing?�� Tu Hong sneered.


    ��I��m afraid that your family will be destitute after you lose!�� Ren Baqianughed quietly. Other than thend, gold, and silver plundered from the Hao Nation and the Yun Nation in the past, the family of an aboriginal official didn��t have much.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t looking down on them as they were indeed extremely poor.


    Not to mention the officials from the aristocratic families of Great Xia or the Yun Nation, the aboriginals couldn��t even bepared to rich merchants.


    ��You think that I will lose?�� Tu Hong looked at himself before lifting his head and staring at Ren Baqian.


    ��In any case, I don��t think that you will win.�� Ren Baqian spread out his arms, looked at his palms, and said, ��I predict that it will be an auspicious day in three days. As for the venue, we shall hold it here. The duration of the contest willst the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. If you can��t even touch my clothes throughout this entire area before a stick of incense burns out, then there will be no value in continuing,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��I don��t need a stick of incense, a 10 count will do!�� Tu Hong raised up both hands and spread open his 10 fingers before clenching them tightly. At that moment, Ren Baqian heard a bursting sound in the air.


    ��A 10 count will suffice!�� Tu Hong ferociously repeated himself.


    ��We shall wait and see. See you in three days!�� Ren Baqian smiled. He raised his hand to his temple and flung it forward, performing a Chinese military salute that was atypical. Even though the people in the surroundings didn��t know what this gesture meant, the students ineffably felt that it was very dashing!


    He then returned to the city with the empress in her imperial carriage. During the journey, the empress suddenly said, ��Even though the technology in your world is very advanced, I still believe that a person��s strength is the most important.��


    ��They should both be very important. How would I not understand the value of a person��s strength? Those people ce all of their emphasis on this single aspect and assume that a person��s strength is everything. I just want to tell them that there are other things that can be very formidable as well.��


    ��What are your ns?�� the empress asked. She knew that Ren Baqian wasn��t prepared to lose to Tu Hong.


    ��You aren��t using poison or the skunk bomb, right? Leaving poison aside, even though the skunk bomb is really disgusting, its effects are really unimpressive. If you use it unexpectedly against someone of the same level, it will really interfere with your opponent and make him panic. You can then take advantage of the situation and seize victory. If your opponent��s level is way higher, it no longer serves any purpose,�� the empress said.


    ��How so? It��s not that I��m unaware of the strengths of a Cardinal Heaven expert. Even though I��m not exactly sure, I still roughly know what his abilities are. The strength of a Spirit Wheel expert is at least 1,500 kilograms and the strength of an aboriginal Cardinal Heaven expert should be at least 2,000 kilograms. Of course, the bigger problem here is the speed. At full speed, a Cardinal Heaven expert will be able to cover a distance of 100 meters in less than one second. An ordinary person is practically unable to react in time to this speed. I��m very clear about all of this.�� Ren Baqian smiled as he looked at the empress.


    ��So are you intending to use poison?�� she asked.


    ��Of course not. That would destroy all the fun.�� Ren Baqianughed after seeing the empress��s confused look and continued, ��I think that it will definitely be very interesting when the timees. Does Your Majesty want to make a bet with me?��


    The empress leaned her body on the animal skin and adjusted her posture to make herself feel morefortable. She then adopted an indolent look on her face and asked, ��What do you want to bet?��


    ��How about Your Majesty wears a bikini?�� Just as Ren Baqian��s wordsnded, he felt a sense of chill emitting from her body.


    ��Since it��s a bet, it��s better to have arger wager, isn��t it? Besides, a bikini is considered a perfectly normal piece of clothing to wear on Earth. Haven��t you seen it as well, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian didn��t seem the slightest bit concerned.


    The empress answered, ��It��s normal for them, but I don��t like it. If you win, I will give you a kiss. If you lose����


    ��Then I will give Your Majesty a kiss!�� Ren Baqian responded immediately.


    ��Pfft.�� The empress rolled her eyes.


    The empress pondered for a bit before replying, ��If you lose�� I really need to think about this. There doesn��t seem to be anything that I want from you. Forget it. If you lose, you have to agree to something that I ask of you. As for what that is, I will tell you when I think of something.��


    ��It shall be like this then.�� Ren Baqianughed. Lose? This word didn��t exist in his dictionary.


    ��


    After Ren Baqian and the empress left, many people stayed behind and whispered to each other.


    The students were the most excited as they gathered together and celebrated with Du Laoliu. However, they all cautiously stood at the winning position and maintained a 20 meter distance.


    ��Alright, I finally have a whole new level of respect for you today!��


    ��I never thought that you would actually win. This really gave me a shock.��


    ��Outstanding, really outstanding. You actually beat Tu Yu? Haha!��


    Du Laoliu winning this duel wasn��t just restricted to the oue of the fight.


    It actually stirred up hope in a bunch of the academy��s students. These were the ones who were considered to be useless people by others.


    Unlike how they used topletelyck direction in life, they now saw their future value through this duel.


    Even though Yagui had said it many times, none of it had been as straightforward toprehend as this fight was.


    ��Pah! If therees another chance, I will kill you!�� Apanied by a strong foul odor, a voice suddenly spoke up. Everyone scattered all at once.


    There was no telling when Tu Yu came over, but they could tell that he still couldn��t move at this moment and had to rely on the support of others.


    Now, he stared viciously at Du Laoliu with bloodshot eyes.


    The extraordinary shame and humiliation of losing to a Four-way Heaven piece of trash was something that he had never expected to happen in his entire life.


    He could even imagine how much of aughingstock he would be when he returned home.


    ��Do you dare to fight another round?�� Tu Yu asked with blood red eyes.


    ��There��s nothing else that you can lose at this moment.�� Du Laoliu stared back at him unwaveringly. ��Besides, the next duel will be between Yagui and your father. We will wait and see how the Tu family will react when you lose again.��


    ��Dream on! That man? Don��t you know what Cardinal Heaven means? My father will destroy all of that rubbish that you are relying on,�� Tu Yu replied with an ashen face.


    ��We shall wait and see!�� Du Laoliuughed. ��Even though a Cardinal Heaven expert is indeed very strong, I have also just beat someone at the Kismet Heaven level. It seems like you aren��t as strong as I expected you to be.��


    ��You��!�� Tu Yu snarled. ��If given another chance, I will definitely kill you!��


    Du Laoliu couldn��t be bothered to pay any attention to him, so he turned around and ran toward his fellow students.


    ��Hey, wait for me. Hey, don��t run so fast! Why are you guys hiding so far away?��


    ��You are too smelly, smellier than the toilets! Don��t let us see you for the next few days.�� The students burst outughing.

 Chapter 665 - Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe... (Part 2)

    Chapter 665: Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe�� (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After everybody returned to the city, news about the Four-way Heaven Du Laoliu��s victory over Tu Yu and the duel between Tu Hong and Ren Baqian reached the ears of the court officials in Lan City.


    Like a pebble dropping into a still pond, the ripples spread.


    A Four-way Heaven expert beating a Kismet Heaven expert was something that had never been seen in all these years and was a surprising matter.


    Plus, a duel between a Four-way Heaven expert and Cardinal Heaven expert had never urred before.


    No matter which aspect you looked at, there was no way topare them.


    A Cardinal Heaven expert could kill a bunch of ordinary Four-way Haven experts with his fingers, let alone in a duel.


    Even though Ren Baqian had socialized with numerous winged cavalry warriors and people from the Ministry of Works, many of these people didn��t believe it when they heard the news. It was too absurd. When did Ren Baqian be so presumptuous?


    This was the case even if they were justpeting based on speed.


    If they werepeting in mathematics or with those unusual gadgets, most people believed Ren Baqian could win.


    However, topete in strength and speed, 100 Ren Baqians couldn��t even bepared to just one hand of a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    On the contrary, the people who believed in Ren Baqian were the majority of the students in the academy. After all, they had learned many things in the academy and knew that Ren Baqian had various unusual gadgets. Therefore, they had confidence in him.


    This was because Ren Baqian was representing their future!


    ��Do you think Yagui can win?�� Many students were discussing this event after school.


    ��Even Du Laoliu won��Yagui shouldn��t lose, right?��


    ��However, the opponent is still a Cardinal Heaven expert after all!��


    ��Yagui has more ideas than anybody else��if he dares to bet, then he certainly won��t lose.��


    ��I initially thought so, but after hearing the opinions of other people, most of them aren��t optimistic about Yagui��s chances��


    ��Why bother with them? We don��t even know what capabilities Yagui has, let alone them. What do they know?��


    ��If Yagui wins, they will be greatly surprised and I can��t wait to see their expressions.��


    ��Someone is taking bets and giving ten to one odds for Yagui to win. I��m going to bet all my family assets on him to win.��


    ��Who organized it?��


    ��Hong Xian, Bai Shihu, and Liu Ruoyao.��


    ��Hey, that group of idiots isn��t with us, so I want to see their expressions when they lose their pants. I still have 22 taels that I��ll give you to ce my bet.��


    ��


    Three days passed by in a sh.


    At the same time on the fourth day, Ren Baqian and the empress again went to the location where the duel from three days ago had been held.


    Many people came to see the duel three days ago, but because the venue was so big, the crowd had seemed sparse and scattered.


    This time, however, all the court officials in Lan City who were free hade here with their families.


    Everyone wanted to see what gave Ren Baqian the guts to challenge a Cardinal Heaven level expert like Tu Hong.


    Tu Yu��s loss was a disgrace to his elders. Not only was his betrothal dissolved, he became aughingstock in Lan City due to his defeat at the hands of a Four-way Heaven expert.


    This time, the face of Tu Hong was at stake on the gambling table. If he were to lose, the whole Tu family would be aughingstock and even Tu Wan would look bad.


    No matter what, he must go all out.


    Therefore, the crowd assembled here to witness thispetition.


    Officials from the six ministries, secretaries, the Great Elder, and the Junior Elder were present.


    ��Yaozi, you put in all your wealth. Besides being the banker, you even bet 300 taels on that guy to lose.�� In one corner of the venue, a bunch of male and female youths were joking with each other.


    ��This is such a good opportunity to make money, so how can I let it go?�� Liu Ruoyao asked cheerfully.


    There was no happier asion than to see an enemy lose and make money from it at the same time.


    ��It has been so long, yet you still haven��t found out? That guy isn��t a fool. He��s much smarter than most of us,�� Hong Xian remarked casually. ��Otherwise, he wouldn��t have been able to sit in his current position given his low strength.��


    ��Indeed, but the important thing is that I don��t know what the empress sees in him,�� Liu Ruoyao said unwillingly.


    ��You underestimate Her Majesty. Although I��m not intelligent, I know not to underestimate her ability to judge people,�� another big guy said in a low and muffled voice.


    ��Yaozi, although my grandfather didn��t say it, I can see that he thinks highly of that man. You are blinded by your hatred.�� Hong Xian��s words about his grandfather��s opinion of Ren Baqian caused many people to be disheartened.


    Tu Yu stood a short distance away with no one beside him. He looked upset when he heard the words spoken by Hong Xian and muttered, ��You can wait and see. We will not lose this time around.��


    ��


    ��Your Majesty.�� The crowd stood up to greet the empress.


    ��Be seated.�� From the carriage, the empress made a slight movement and appeared at the seat reserved for her, resting her head on her elbow as she waited for the duel to begin.


    When Ren Baqian passed through the crowd, many people eximed in surprise.


    Many of the spectators felt a pulling force that made their weapons rattle.


    ��What��s happening?�� The pulling force was fleeting, but many people traced the force to a box that was being carried on the back of a guard who was following behind Ren Baqian.


    At two meters in height, this box was huge, and even two people weren��t enough to hug it all the way around. The outside was made of wood, whereas what was inside remained unknown. It seemed like this was what Ren Baqian had prepared for the match.


    The pulling force only disappeared when the guard arrived at the stage.


    Those who were observant would have noticed that the guard didn��t wear anything metallic and that even the weapons that never left his waist were now absent.


    Tu Hong was already waiting on the stage, and Ren Baqian only started to speak when he was facing him from ten meters away.


    ��As mentioned before, you have to put a piece of metal on your body. I also have to do as we agreed. If you can catch me within the time it takes to burn through an incense stick, then you will be considered the winner.��


    Tu Hong looked at the box behind Ren Baqian and asked, ��Is it in the box behind you? Give it to me. I will let you learn that your little tricks are useless against real power.��


    The box could easily be carried by an Earth Wheel expert, so it shouldn��t be a problem for him. Furthermore, from the stance of his legs, the box didn��t seem to be heavy.


    ��Just wait and see.�� Ren Baqian only said these same four words. He turned to take out a small box from the top of the box. His expression began to be strange as both his hands started shaking.


    ��Take the box away,�� Ren Baqian whispered.


    The guard quickly took the box away. Ren Baqian gradually rxed and wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    After putting the small box on the ground, Ren Baqian took out an iron hoop that was slightly bigger than a human waist and as thick as a human arm. It appeared to only weigh about ten kilograms


    ��This is the thing. Put it around your waist.�� With the box in hand, Ren Baqian slowly walked toward Tu Hong.


    Tu Hong was suspicious since this thing was too small.


    He had assumed that Ren Baqian was going to put some heavy stuff on him to slow him down, but this thing was small and only over ten kilograms. After taking it, he found it to be even lighter than expected since it weighed no more than ten kilograms.


    ��If this leaves your body, you will be considered the loser,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Hmph.�� Tu Hong snorted coldly and took the hoop. He put it over his legs to his waist and found that it was slightly too big, but the hoop was equipped with some intable bags. Ren Baqian stretched his hand out and pulled on the bags to inte them. The hoop now sat around his waist like a belt.


    ��It��s ready. Before you lose, do you have anything to say?�� Ren Baqian smiled and asked after seeing him put on the hoop.


    ��Me? Lose? Haha! Hahahaha!�� Tu Hong started tough upon hearing this. ��Did you say that I will lose? I can��t wait to start!��


    After he finishedughing, Tu Hong lowered his head, stared fiercely at Ren Baqian, and bared his snow-white teeth like an animal at Ren Baqian.


    ��I can��t wait to break your inexplicable self-confidence and let you see that the stuff you rely on won��t be able to withstand a single blow! I will teach you what real power is!��


    ��Rest assured��I will try to catch you as gently as possible.��

 Chapter 666 - Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe... (Part 3)

    Chapter 666: Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe�� (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian took out another small box from the bottom of the big box. Inside, there were two dark-colored belts as well as an electrical umtor.


    Each belt was an electroma.


    For the sake of safety, Tu Hong wore a hoop made from a strong ma while Ren Baqian wore two electromaic belts.


    When energized, one belt would repel the maic hoop on Tu Hong because the two maic poles on both sides were the same. The other belt, when energized, would attract Tu Hong��s maic hoop because the two maic poles were opposite.


    For this match, the most frightening thing was that the difference in height between the two would cause mutual repelling and mutual attractive fields to change. For example, if Tu Hong jumped above Ren Baqian��s head, Ren Baqian could adjust his posture and switch the position of the belts.


    At the same time, there were two wires connected to two remote controls; one in the left hand and one in the right hand to open and close the circuit.


    Afterpleting all these preparations, Ren Baqiain activated the current for the repelling belt and turned to face the empress. He raised the clenched fist of his right hand and gave a thumbs-up sign.


    ��Begin!�� Xin Zhe stepped forward, her cold voice filling the whole venue.


    Tu Hong leisurely took three steps forward and on his third step, Ren Baqian felt a force pushing him backward by one step.


    At this time, they were both ten meters apart as this the strongest repulsive force generated with the current at the maximum level.


    However, to the audience, it looked like Ren Baqian had felt the oppressive force of Tu Hong and subconsciously took a step back.


    Tu Hong stopped moving, gave Ren Baqian a grim smile, and asked, ��Are you not retreating to escape? As I mentioned before, I only need a ten count to catch you. If you don��t run away, then even a ten count won��t be needed. At this distance, I can just stretch out my hand to catch you.��


    Ren Baqian put one hand behind his back and kept his waist ramrod straight, making an effort to pose like a martial arts master. He used the other hand to beckon Tu Hong with a finger and said, ��Come on!��


    Tu Hong had some doubts and wondered what kind of trump card the opponent was holding. Standing so close together, wearing only two belts, and making no other preparations, what was he banking on?


    Although he had his doubts, they didn��t affect his movements. A pit the size of a fist appeared as he took a step, and in a sh, he moved out at high speed. To a person with a low level of martial arts attainment, he seemed to disappear on the spot.


    However, he wasn��t the only one who disappeared as Ren Baqian also disappeared at the same time.


    As Tu Hong rushed forward, Ren Baqian flew straight back like a baseball that had been hit by a bat.


    ��Oh!��


    Tu Hong reappeared at the spot where Ren Baqian had previously been standing while Ren Baqian was thrown more than 30 meters away. He retreated a few more steps before barely stabilizing.


    The crowd in the distance eximed loudly.


    ��How is this possible?��


    ��How can he move at such a high speed?��


    ��Surprisingly, his speed is almost as fast as Sir Tu!��


    Tu Hong looked at the distant figure of Ren Baqian steadying himself and gasped before saying, ��I never expected you to be so fast! Still, it will end here because how many times can you move at such a speed?��


    As for the repulsive force that he encountered, which sent Ren Baqian flying, he didn��t seem to feel it at all.


    ��That was so risky that I almost fell down. In any case, I��m a Man Wheel expert. To suddenly be sent flying so far, but I still managed to stabilize myself or it would have been disgraceful,�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself. He stood up straight, put one hand behind his back, posed like a great master, and circled Tu Hong for a few steps before beckoning to him and saying, ��Come on!��


    ��I will see how many times you can escape!�� Tu Hong shouted. The mud below his feet exploded again, and in a sh, he traveled more than 30 meters to appear at the spot where Ren Baqian had been standing.


    To everyone��s eyes, the speed of Ren Baqian didn��t decrease. Instead, he seemed to move at the same speed as Tu Hong as he was repelled a few dozen meters. However, it was more embarrassing this time as he almost fell to the ground. He tumbled backward and staggered several times before stabilizing himself.


    ��Oh, I want to see whether it��s you who retreated fast or me who chased you fast!�� Tu Hong roared loudly and started chasing him again.


    Nevertheless, Ren Baqian again appeared ten meters away from him.


    Tu Hong didn��t pause and rushed after him again.


    Ren Baqian was sent flying backward again.


    Of the two people on the stage, one was chasing while one was retreating. Before long they had moved 200 meters away.


    Tu Hong stood on the ground with ferocious-looking eyes. The opponent was in such a sorry state that he could hardly stabilize himself, but every time Tu Hong chased Ren Baqian down, Ren Baqian would retreat without seeming to be affected at all.


    During thest two attempts, Tu Hong chased him before hended, but he unexpectedly moved a dozen meters away in midair. How was this possible?


    ��I��m beginning to look at Yagui in a different light.�� Tong Lan put a lollipop in her mouth and gasped in admiration. This candy was given to her as a reward by the empress, but she previously couldn��t bear to eat it. With so many people around today, it was a good time to eat it.


    ��He��s really formidable, especially as he was able to retreat in midair when he was off bnce. It��s impossible to see how he did that. Even a Cardinal Heaven expert can��t do such a thing.�� Shi Gan also gasped in admiration.


    They weren��t the only ones, the people around them were also gasping in admiration.


    Under such conditions, even the Cardinal Heaven experts who had the same strength couldn��t do better than Ren Baqian.


    In that type of situation where a person lost their bnce in midair, even a Cardinal Heaven expert would find it hard to exert the necessary force to stabilize their body. However, Ren Baqian was tumbling in midair when he suddenly moved back�� It was a revtion to them.


    Most important of all, from the beginning to the end, Ren Baqian had been retreating backward while facing Tu Hong.


    ��I don��t believe it��I don��t believe that I can��t catch you!�� Tu Hong growled in a low voice.


    Ren Baqian felt like he was floating on water when hended on his butt and bounced up again. He could still stand steadily and didn��t let others see that he was in bad shape. He had been panicking like crazy when he was flying aloft just now.


    After steadying himself, Ren Baqian saw Tu Hong getting ready to charge at him again and proceeded to stop him.


    ��Wait.��


    ��What��s it?�� Tu Hong asked coldly.


    ��From this angle, it��s ring due to the sunlight!�� Ren Baqian put a hand to his forehead and looked up at the sky.


    Tu Hong��s face immediately turned ck.


    ��Let me change my orientation.�� Ren Baqian circled around Tu Hong to get to the other side and was satisfied that the sun was now shining behind him.


    He was more satisfied with the fact that this change in location meant that he wouldn��t be getting thrown against the wall.


    In fact, the maic field was curved, so as long as you could adjust the angle in time, you could be squeezed like a ball instead of being repelled away.


    However, the speed of his opponent was too fast. Ren Baqian only managed to change his direction at the start. He wouldn��t have any more chances to change his angle.


    ��I��m ready! Come on!�� Ren Baqian straightened his body and beckoned with his hand.


    ��Damn!�� Tu Hong didn��t talk about the ten count timeframe anymore. Including the time taken by Ren Baqian to move halfway around, more than 90 seconds or about a 90 count had already psed. Furthermore, Tu Hong didn��t even catch a corner of Ren Baqian��s sleeve��even the distance between them didn��t shorten. The shortest distance between them was 40 steps, which was the distance between them at the start. This was simply uneptable to Tu Hong.


    The very next moment, he jumped up above the top of Ren Baqian��s head.


    Ren Baqian felt a repulsive force bending him backward as he almost fell. The repulsive force became an attractive force, causing the airborne Tu Hong above and the grounded Ren Baqian below to get pulled toward each other.


    The airborne Tu Hong stretched his palm to grab Ren Baqian, and Ren Baqian was pulled toward Tu Hong by the maic force, making him totally unable to react. It seemed as if he was being pulled in by the palm of Tu Hong.


    ��What kind of skill is that?��


    The audience in the distance had been looking at Tu Hong as he tried to get closer to Ren Baqian without sess. They were startled to see this shift.


    Was there such a skill that used the palm to pull somebody in?


    The airborne Tu Hong saw Ren Baqian flying toward him and suddenly had the strange idea that Ren Baqian was being pulled in by him.

 Chapter 667 - Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe... (Part 4)

    Chapter 667: Catch Me if You Can! If You Can Catch Me, I Will Let You Hehehe�� (Part 4)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The moment Ren Baqian was pulled toward Tu Hong, the entire audience shouted in rm.


    The very next moment, these exmations became gasps of surprise.


    They were holding their breaths.


    Even Hong Xian, Bai Shihu, Liu Ruoyao, and the others were stunned.


    When the two were about three meters apart, they suddenly bounced away from each in opposite directions.


    It was as if they had traded an unseen blow in midair.


    Ren Baqian was mmed into the ground and Tu Hong was propelled upward.


    Then, both were pulled toward the center until they were close together before being bounced away again��


    The two seemed to be fighting in midair without the audience being able to see any visible contact.


    The various cycles of change in a short period of time caused confusion in the audience, making them unsure whether they should breathe in or breathe out. Everyone sat there with their mouths open, unable to utter any words.


    <em>Bang! </em>Ren Baqian lost control of his body again, fell to the ground tumbling, then stood up firmly. Upon raising his head, he saw Tu Hong dropping to the ground.


    At this moment, Tu Hong was also bewildered. He knew better than anyone else that there had been no contact between the two the entire time��that it seemed as if he was being bounced around by the air.


    Or it could be said that he was being moved around by the maic hoop on his waist.


    ��Did you meddle with this thing?�� Tu Hong asked dubiously.


    ��I didn��t meddle with it, I only used the properties of the material. Of course, you will not understand even if I exin, and even if you understand, I��m not prepared to tell you!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��You are a Cardinal Heaven expert��topete against you, I naturally need to use some tools. These are the small gadgets that you despised�� Do you want to carry on fighting?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��The difference between a Cardinal Heaven expert and an ordinary person isn��t only limited to strength and speed, it��s also about reaction time. No matter what tricks you have, you have to react fast enough to use those tricks. When I jumped above your head, you didn��t expect me to do that, right? As a result, you almost didn��t react in time. That��s why I was almost able to catch you just now. I just have to increase my speed until you can��t react in time. Then, I will certainly be able to catch you,�� Tu Hong said seriously before grinning. ��You will lose for sure!��


    What could Ren Baqian say? Tu Hong should carry on fighting hard!


    Maintaining his posture, Ren Baqian beckoned with his hand and said, ��Come on!��


    As Tu Hong stood there tensing his body, his muscles bulged and his clothes clung tightly to his body. With a shout, the clothes on his body exploded to shreds, leaving him with only a pair of shorts on his body.


    At the same time, blue veins started to appear all over his body, twisting and squirming as if they were alive.


    ��Is his blood essence igniting?�� The audience was shocked.


    ��Is he crazy?��


    Even in battle, igniting one��s blood essence was only used when facing a strong enemy. Furthermore, in this match, the opponent was the fianc�� of the empress and an ordinary man, yet Tu Hong was using it.


    ��Is that fellow so good that he forced Sir Tu to resort to such a move?�� Liu Ruoyao asked in astonishment.


    ��Sir Tu can��t afford to lose!�� Hong Xian sighed.


    If Tu Hong were to lose, the face of the Tu family would be wiped out.


    ��Your Majesty, I will restrain him,�� Tu Wan stood up and said.


    ��Not necessary!�� The empress waved her hands. ��There is no need to intervene as this is a part of his skills.��


    Tu Wan observed the empress and saw that she was quite calm and cold, giving others the impression of an ice mountain. Tu Wan was unable to decipher what she was thinking.


    Ren Baqian was shocked to see Tu Hong explosively shredding his clothes. If Tu Hong broke the maic hoop, Ren Baqian would be in trouble.


    Fortunately, the muscles around the waist weren��t like the muscles of other parts of the body, so the maic hoop wasn��t damaged.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Tu Hong disappeared on the spot, leaving behind a hole that was a meter deep.


    Ren Baqian disappeared along with him.


    ��He still can react in time.�� Tu Hong, who was still in the air, looked at Ren Baqian, who was still maintaining his distance from her, and was shocked! As he stamped his leg fiercely, the air seemed to explode. When he increased his speed by one level, Ren Baqian retreated with no decrease in speed.


    ��I��m going to move even faster!�� Tu Hong cried out. The arteries and blue veins were wrapped around her legs like dragons as the veins on her body grew denser.


    ��Why can��t I catch up to him? He��s always facing me. Does it have something to do with that? If I get behind him, he will not be able to see me!�� Tu Hong tried to change his direction by going around Ren Baqian. In the process, Ren Baqian continuously retreated in the opposite direction from him.


    ��I��m going to move faster and faster!��


    The audience saw the two continue changing directions like the wind, sometimes facing east and sometimes facing west.


    Nevertheless, Ren Baqian maintained a fixed distance from Tu Hong, regardless of whether Tu Hong was in front or behind him. It seemed like Ren Baqian had eyes on the back of his head��no matter where the opponent was, he would move in the opposite direction from him.


    Although his movements were ungainly, the crowd couldn��t figure out how he managed to exert his force.


    Or it could be said that he didn��t exert any force at all. There seemed to be an air barrier between the two with Ren Baqian on one side and Tu Hong on the other. Tu Hong was moving that barrier the whole time, and no matter which direction he pushed, Ren Baqian was always on the other side of the barrier.


    ��I don��t believe. I don��t believe it.�� Tu Hong eyes were bloodshot while his face was grim. ��I��m a Cardinal Heaven expert! How is it possible for you to keep up with my speed?��


    Tu Hong jumped up at Ren Baqian again.


    The attractive force that they had encountered before came once more, but the very next second they flew apart as they repelled each other.


    As Ren Baqian somersaulted in midair, he felt dizzy due to the repeated changes between attraction and repulsion, but he still had to focus his attention on continuously changing the prity of the two belts.


    The crowd watched as the two were repeatedly separated further apart and brought closer. Sometimes, the pair went toward each other, whereas other times they bounced away from each other!


    The entire time, Tu Hong didn��t even manage to touch Ren Baqian��s sleeve.


    Ren Baqian didn��t remember how long he had been spinning around and suddenly fell to the ground. Thebined dizziness and nausea made him retch as he jumped up after tumbling around.


    As he vomited, he looked at the other side and saw someone else mysteriously appearing between them.


    Xin Zhe!


    ��Sir Tu, it��s over��you have lost!�� Xin Zhe said calmly.


    However, behind those spectacles, there was a strange twinkle in her eyes.


    ��Impossible, impossible, impossible���� Tu Hong stood frozen with eyes that were filled with a red glow.


    ��A loss is a loss! Don��t forget your status!�� The voice of Tu Wan came across from 100 meters away. This familiar voice sobered him up a little, but he continued mumbling, ��Impossible, impossible����


    Ren Baqian vomited for a long time, switched off the power to his belts, walked over to Tu Hong, and dered, ��The facts have proven everything!��


    ��Impossible�� Impossible���� Tu Hong was still mumbling.


    As a Cardinal Heaven expert, he couldn��t even catch an ordinary person in this empty area within the time it took to burn a stick of incense. This was totally uneptable to him.


    ��Since you can��t ept the result, how about having another match?�� Ren Baqian straightened his body, put his hands behind his back, and smirked.


    Tu Hong raised his head and responded fiercely, ��Compete! Let��spete again!��


    ��For the next match, it won��t be interesting to do the same thing. How about putting me in a cage? You just need to tear the cage apart and catch me to win. Rest assured, the cage is made of ordinary iron and even a child can open it empty-handed. You can test it first and let everyone take a look. You win if you can open the cage and catch me,�� Ren Baqian suggested.


    ��I willpete!�� Tu Hong said with bloodshot eyes.


    ��Hey, do you need a few days to recover? Is one week enough?�� Ren Baqian asked. ��Based on my calctions, seven days from now is an auspicious day!��

 Chapter 668 - Too Weak

    Chapter 668: Too Weak


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Upon reaching the pce, the empress casually asked Ren Baqian, ��That gadget of yours is pretty interesting! How did you use it to win?��


    ��The attraction of a ma and its maic force.�� Ren Baqian smiled as he exined it to the empress. He then asked, ��Do you want to try it out?��


    ��Sure!��


    Ren Baqian was taken aback by her answer. To his surprise, the ma actually piqued the empress��s curiosity.


    He subsequently ordered someone to get the strong maic hoop as well as the two electromaic belts. Ren Baqian then put the ma hoop around the empress, but due to the empress��s slender body, she had to use one of her hands to hold one side of the hoop.


    As for Ren Baqian, he put on the electromaic belts before smirking.


    In such cases, for the maic field to curve outward, it didn��t rely on one��s strength, but on one��s weight!


    He was at least twice as heavy as the empress!


    ��What are you trying to plot?�� The empress saw the smirk on his face and rolled her eyes.


    ��Nothing.�� Ren Baqian quickly offered a denial as he sized her up. Shortly after, he moved to an area behind the empress. This way, the empress would be repelled toward the door.


    Then, he pushed a button on one of the belts!


    In an instant, the empress felt the power of the belt, which was trying to restrict her and send her flying.


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Ren Baqian was sent flying into the wall with his hands and legs spread out. He was extremely perplexed.


    ��How can this be?! Your Majesty didn��t even exert any strength, so how��s it possible that I flew out?��


    ��Hmph, I knew you had a secret motive.�� The empress shot him a cold nce and spoke without any expression.


    Ren Baqian struggled but to no avail. The repulsive force had caused him to be glued against the wall, and he couldn��t even move his waist.


    ��Anyway, I still have another trick!�� Ren Baqian immediately switched to the other belt.


    Once again, the empress felt that the maic hoop at her waist was pulling her in one direction. Next, she stabilized herself and didn��t move a single bit.


    With a big smile on his face, Ren Baqian was currently in midair and pouncing toward the empress��s direction�� It was more like he was being pulled.


    The empress saw that Ren Baqian was approaching her and raised her right hand to push his right shoulder��


    <em>Snap!</em>


    Instantly, Ren Baqian somersaulted continuously in midair as the empress used one hand to grab ahold of his belt. She then spun on the ground as her red muslin dress swayed with every movement she made. As they continued to spin, everything in the pce hall gradually became fuzzy. With just the two of them looking at each other, it was as if they were the only ones in this world.


    After that, the empress flung outward, causing Ren Baqian to shoot out of the pce��s doorway like an artillery shell.


    The empress tossed an electrical umtor up and down. Sure enough, the problem was due to this thing. Once she took it out, the attractive force was gone.


    Not long after, Ren Baqian returned with his entire body covered in dirt. His right arm was dangling, his facial expression was extremely tragic, and he eximed, ��Your Majesty, my arm was broken by you!��


    The empress sighed and retorted, ��You are too weak! Somebody get the doctor toe over now!��


    Ren Baqian sighed as well and said, ��I��m sure most people are considered weak by you, right?��


    Thankfully, after being examined by the doctor, Ren Baqian had only dislocated his right shoulder. The doctor merely had to push the bone back in ce.


    ��


    WIth Ren Baqian��s victory this time around, a crisis sparked off among the court officials.


    Even though it seemed as if Ren Baqian was in a difficult situation during the fight, he was only a Four-way Heaven expert, whereas Tu Hong was a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    To the surprise of everyone, Tu Hong actually failed to catch him in the time it took to burn a stick of incense. Furthermore, Ren Baqian��s speed was almost on par with Tu Hong��s for the majority of the time. This fact alone was already sufficient to astound everyone present.


    First of all, Du Laoliu had won against Tu Yu. Now, Ren Baqian had won against Tu Hong. The results of these twopetitions had greatly affected the outlooks of the aboriginal court officials.


    In addition, what Ren Baqian had said after the duel between Du Liaoliu and Tu Yu was also spread to everyone along with the ending of thispetition.


    At the moment, everyone was just waiting for the nextpetition in seven days�� time.


    The court officials in Lan City were greatly affected, but the students of ck Bamboo Academy were greatly encouraged and had their confidence boosted.


    On the other hand, everyone in Tu Hong��s residence was disappointed.


    No matter what the reasons were, the results were that a Kismet Heaven expert and a Cardinal Heaven expert had lost to two Four-way Heaven experts. This made every single person in the Tu Residence unable to lift their heads up.


    They were all looking forward to the nextpetition.


    Since Ren Baqian dared to initiate anotherpetition, they were certain that there was a catch to a simplepetition like the one proposed.


    Yet, no matter how hard they racked their brains, they would never be able to figure it out.


    ��


    ��General Xin Zhe!�� With a wide smile on his face, Ren Baqian stopped Xin Zhe, who was walking in the pce.


    ��What��s the matter?�� Xin Zhe slid her sses down and revealed a sharp gaze.


    With sses, she could finally see everything in this world. As a result, her attitude toward Ren Baqian had greatly improved since he was the person who had gifted her these sses.


    At the very least, she wasn��t as intimidating as before.


    ��Can you help me with an experiment?�� Ren Baqian tried to make himself sound friendlier. At the beginning, when he first used a stun baton, he noticed that the aboriginals only had slightly better resistance to electricity than people on Earth.


    However, he was clueless as to whether a Cardinal Heaven expert could withstand it.


    It was necessary to make the other party lose strength without endangering their life.


    That��s why he needed a Cardinal Heaven expert as an experimental subject.


    Although there were many experts with such strength in the imperial court, it was difficult to find an experimental subject. It was only at that point that he decided to target Xin Zhe.


    ��Experiment?�� Xin Zhe was a little doubtful. ��What do you mean?��


    ��I just need you to test out the power of my equipment because I��m not sure what kind of effect it will have on a Cardinal Heaven expert.�� Ren Baqian decided not to beat around the bush.


    ��You will be using it for your nextpetition?�� Xin Zhe asked in a straightforward manner.


    ��Yes!��


    ��In that case, let me meet Her Majesty first!�� Xin Zhe readily agreed.


    ��Many thanks! I��ll treat you to a slice of cake!�� Ren Baqian extended his hand and somehow took out a slice of cake.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was almost like Doraemon[1.Doraemon: a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Fujiko F. Fujin]. However, Doraemon could fish out all sorts of items, such as sunsses and so on, whereas he could only fish out different types of dessert!


    This was all because the people in the pce loved sweet treats!


    At the very least, desserts could win over the empress, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Lin Qiaole, and even the person in front of him.


    Xin Zhe conveniently epted his gift and went to meet the empress.


    As for Ren Baqian, he returned to Pingle Park and yed with Tiantian and Gungun.


    The two pandas and Ren Baqian took turns pping one another, but each party had the chance to dodge. This game kept the pandas busy and excited for a while.


    After ying for some time, tears began to roll down Tiantian and Gungun��s tiny eyes�� Ren Baqian also wasn��t able to continue with the game.


    Fortunately, Xin Zhe came at the right time.


    ��What do you need me to do?�� Dressed in her armor, Xin Zhe stood at the entrance of Pingle Park and radiated a golden glow as the sunlight fell behind her.

 Chapter 669 - Pedophile

    Chapter 669: Pedophile


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Take a seat first.�� Ren Baqian brought Xin Zhe to one of the houses in Pingle Park. Followed by a row of wooden boxes in the corner, there was only one chair inside, making it seem like a warehouse.


    She could see that two of the uncovered wooden boxes were filled to the brim with stun grenades, which had been used in the firstpetition.


    While Xin Zhe was sizing up the room, Ren Baqian moved a few boxes from the side and took out a set of equipment from them.


    A total of five cylindrical lithium batteries that were 36-volt were connected in series to an electric current controller.


    To calcte the damage inflicted on a human body by the electric current, it was necessary to calcte the amount of voltage that passed through. This electric current controller, however, was already able to disy the numerical value of the electric current.


    ��I��m done.�� Ren Baqian looked up, saw that Xin Zhe was still standing over there, and asked, ��Can you take off your metal armor? Otherwise, the results of the experiment will not be urate.��


    ��What do I need to do?�� Xin Zhe asked.


    ��I want to test the resistance as well as the oue of a Cardinal Heaven expert when exposed to an electric shock,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Over here?�� Xin Zhe asked again.


    ��Yes��


    Xin Zhe didn��t say anything further and took off the armor on her body, revealing her smooth abdomen as well as a gorgeous body curve.


    Ren Baqian thought that Xin Zhe would be topless like the previous time and had even prepared a top for her. He didn��t expect that she would be wearing a sleeveless sports top underneath.


    ��This top is actually quitefortable,�� Xin Zhe said as she pulled on the hem of the sleeveless sport��s top. She then removed her skirt, revealing a pair of safety shorts underneath.


    Ren Baqian felt that she was somewhat simr to Lin Qiaole as they both weren��t wary of the opposite sex.


    Undoubtedly, they were all living in the same pce, but why was the empress��s reaction so different? Ren Baqian was rather curious. If the empress wasn��t so wary�� his eyes would have been in for a treat�� At present, however, the experiment was still more important.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was looking at a bespectacleddy who was wearing a sleeveless sports top and a pair of safety shorts. She was extremely gorgeous and had a ghastly cold gaze, but he didn��t feel anything special. He then handed an iron mp to her that was connected to the batteries via the electric current controller.


    ��Let��s try out 10 milliamperes first,�� Ren Baqian said while adjusting the electric current controller. The room was rather dry, and she also wasn��t wearing her metal armor. It would take at least 100 milliamperes to cause fatal damage to her. Furthermore, the aboriginals had a higher resistance toward most things, let alone an aboriginal Cardinal Heaven expert.


    Still, Ren Baqian wanted to conduct a detailed test right from the beginning.


    ��What kind of feeling do you feel?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I feel nothing!�� Xin Zhe was slightly curious about the thing that Ren Baqian was fiddling with.


    To her, these things were a novelty. If it were before, she would probably not care. However, after a trip to Earth and experiencing things that she had never experienced before, she began to take an interest in the things that Ren Baqian brought over.


    ��It takes 5 milliamperes for a normal person to feel something. Seems like your resistance level is indeed higher.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Now, let��s try 20 milliamperes. How does it feel?�� Ren Baqian asked after making some adjustments. Under this electric current, an ordinary man would feel numbness in his hand and wouldn��t be able to actively remove the mp.


    However, Xin Zhe��s reaction was, ��Only a little itchy��as if there are bugs crawling on me.��


    ��What about now?�� This time, Ren Baqian adjusted the electric current to 50 milliamperes. At this level, an ordinary person would have difficulty breathing.


    ��It still feels like there are bugs crawling on me, but they are also biting me now.�� The bespectacleddy curiously looked at the mp on her hand.


    Ren Baqian adjusted the electric current to 80 milliamperes.


    ��Slightly numb!��


    After adjusting to 100 milliamperes, Xin Zhe only felt slight numbness. She hadn��t reached the point that corresponded to 20 milliamperes for a normal man; where he couldn��t actively release the mp on his own.


    Just as Ren Baqian gradually increased the electric current to 150 milliamperes��


    All of a sudden, Xin Zhe let out a soft grunt!


    Or perhaps it was a moan.


    ��En!��


    This noise gave Ren Baqian a huge scare.


    ��It��s a very weird feeling���� Xin Zhe was in a daze. When the electric current passed through her body just now, she had an inexplicable feeling that was as if she was about to make an impetuous decision. This caused her to be rather taken aback.


    ��How does it feel?�� Ren Baqian calmed down and asked.


    ��Try again!�� Xin Zhe was unconvinced.


    ��En!�� Along with the flow of the current, Xin Zhe let out a soft moan once again.


    ��Limp and numb!�� Xin Zheposed herself and replied.


    Now, Ren Baqian adjusted the electric current to 250 milliamperes.


    This time around, there was a heart-rending moan from Xin Zhe��


    Xin Zhe waspletely unaware of what it meant to let out this type a moan.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    He raised his head, looked at Xin Zhe, then looked back at the electric current controller in his hand. Ren Baqian felt that this experiment couldn��t carry on��


    ��Wait here for me.�� Ren Baqian left Xin Zhe in the room to find something more suitable.


    If she were to let out that kind of moan again, he really wouldn��t be able to continue with the experiment anymore. Ren Baqian even had the thought of finding a guy to rece her, but at the thought of a man letting out the same noise, he decided that Xin Zhe was still a better option.


    Shortly after, Ren Baqian came back with two wooden sticks that were peeled and handed one to Xin Zhe.


    ��What do I have to do?��


    ��Bite on it,�� Ren Baqian answered. ��This way, your noises will be softer.��


    Xin Zhe looked at him in disbelief.


    ��How about you restrain your voice a little?�� Ren Baqian shed a good-natured smile.


    ��It��s a very weird feeling!�� Xin Zhe frowned. ��I��ll try my best to remain silent.��


    However, when the current reached 300 milliamperes, Xin Zhe began to convulse�� as if she were having an epileptic seizure�� This was followed by an ecstatic moan��


    ��F*ck!�� Ren Baqian red up after seeing her reaction. He was so freaked out that he turned the electric current off and ran outside.


    Even if Xin Zhe didn��t know what was going on, Ren Baqian couldn��t be more certain of it.


    He went outside, poured a basin of water over himself, and felt slightly better.


    ��F*ck! All I wanted to do was experiment on a Cardinal Heaven expert.�� Ren Baqian felt that he was an innocent party.


    When Ren Baqian calmed down and returned to the room, Xin Zhe was already fully dressed.


    ��The experiment isn��t over yet,�� Ren Baqian protested.


    ��I feel that something isn��t right. Let me go back and think about it,�� Xin Zhe said with a tinge of red on her cheeks. Even though she was trying to give off a cold vibe, her gaze was drifting away. This expressionpletely changed Xin Zhe��s image in Ren Baqian��s eyes.


    Without saying anything further, Ren Baqian took out another slice of cake. If Xin Zhe came to a realization by any chance, then things would turn chaotic!


    Although the possibility was low since she didn��t have any sources of information, if she were to go back, think through the night, and reject participating in his experiment, where would he find another Cardinal Heaven expert to take her ce?


    It seemed unscrupulous to tempt an ignorant girl with a piece of cake to get her to participate in such an inhumane experiment. It was as if he was a pedophile��

 Chapter 670 - Electric Cage

    Chapter 670: Electric Cage


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I feel that something is wrong with themander of the pce��s imperial guardstely. Do you know anything?�� the empress suddenly asked the afternoon before the second contest.


    Ren Baqian was shocked.


    ��I recruited General Xin Zhe to help me with an electric shock experiment a few days ago in order to test a Cardinal Heaven expert��s resistance toward electricity. After all, if I don��t understand it properly and make urate calctions, someone could easily die from it����


    ��Electric shock?�� The empress looked a little pensive. ��Is it like what happened to that person?��


    ��Ning Caichen?�� Ren Baqian didn��t expect the empress to still remember him.


    ��That name��perhaps you know who I��m referring to,�� the empress replied faintly. ��However, what are you going to do if something happens to my imperial guardmander after experimenting on her?��


    ��There won��t be any problem. What happened to Ning Caichen was simply an ident,�� Ren Baqian responded. ��If something really happens�� then I will take over for her.��


    ��Forget about it! I would still have to protect you then!�� The empress waved her hand and gave him the side eye. How could he possibly not know how weak he was?


    Ren Baqian then exined, ��The impact of the electric current could have affected General Xin Zhe a little, but she should be fine after a while.��


    ��I hope so.�� The empress nodded.


    ��I shall head back for preparations then.�� Ren Baqian stood up and bade farewell after seeing that the empress was fine.


    After leaving her quarters and walking quite a distance away, he finally heaved a sigh.


    He merely did an experiment��it was just science! So why did he feel so guilty?


    However, after recalling that scene, he simply couldn��t bring himself to muster enough self confidence and think that he was right. If another person had appeared there, he wouldn��t be able to clear his sins even after jumping into the Yellow River.


    It was the first time that Ren Baqian had seen that wild-natured and alluring look on Xin Zhe��s face. She looked slightly at a loss too. Eventually, she seemed to appear as if she was enjoying it.


    It was like a pulsing ze that was about to burn him and the surroundings into ashes.


    After all the experiments had beenpleted, even at the Cardinal Heaven level, Xin Zhe was drenched in sweat. With her two small pieces of clothing stuck tightly to her skin, it was as if she had just been lifted out of the water. The rays of sunlight reflected off her drenched body, giving out a sparkling radiance.


    Ren Baqian was drenched in sweat as well. Being able to control himself under such circumstances, he felt that his mind was even less corrupt than Liu Xiahui.


    Fortunately, he had gotten the data that he was after.


    Under normal physiological circumstances, Xin Zhe was able to withstand up to 550 milliamperes of electric current. Her essence blood only began tobust when the current reached 800 milliamperes.


    Ren Baqian assessed that the highest limit that she could reach while burning her essence blood was 1,000 milliamperes. When her essence blood had been exhausted, such high levels of electric current would make her entire body go numb and cause difficulty in breathing. Her life would be in danger after a prolonged period of time exceeding ten seconds.


    However, this amount of electric current was frightening enough.


    An electric current of over 100 milliamperes would already be life threatening to an ordinary person.


    The resistance of a Cardinal Heaven expert was about five to ten times higher. If a person was stronger, their resistance might go even higher.


    As Ren Baqian was pondering, the scene in the room and Xin Zhe��s nk and helpless look due to the changes in her body came to mind again


    He quickly shook his head to get rid of those thoughts. Upon thinking of the look on her face, it made him feel like he was responsible for something.


    Xin Zhe and Ning Caichen were different. Ning Caichen made that choice on his own, which didn��t impose any sense of responsibility on Ren Baqian. Xin Zhe��s expressions and gaze had indeed made it extremely difficult for him to forget. As such, he felt a little remorse for her.


    Ren Baqian very quickly walked past the pce. Ady in armor appeared around a corner behind him. She looked at his back and headed in another direction.


    Even though it was just an experiment and even though Xin Zhe knew what Ren Baqian was doing, she somehow felt that something didn��t feel right after it happened. However, she didn��t know what the problem was.


    This was especially the case for that sensation she felt in her body at that point in time. It made her very frightened every time she thought about it. She wanted to erase it from her mind, but was unable to. It was like a nightmare that she was entangled in.


    ��


    ��Hong Xian has started to collect bets again this time. The odds are 1:1 for Yagui. Are you guys betting?��


    ��You made a windfall the previous round.��


    ��I have ced my bets on him again. The payouts are lower than the previous round when I had bet 60 taels of silver at 1:10 odds. I will make 1,200 taels of silver if I win again this time. Besides, I will also be able to see the looks on their faces when they lose. Just the thought of this makes me happy.�� Xu Pengughed mischievously.


    ��You are pretty confident in Yagui.��


    ��Even Du Laoliu, that good-for-nothing, ended up winning, so how can Yagui lose? Besides, I roughly know what tricks he has up his sleeve.��


    One dayter, thepetition venue was again outside the city and was even more crowded.


    Besides the court officials who were present the previous time, there were also manymoners who rushed over to watch this contest between a Four-way Heaven and a Cardinal Heaven expert after hearing the news.


    These people included the Zhang family and the Jing Tribe, who came after hearing about the newster on. Together, they upied a small area in a corner of the arena.


    An average sized metal cage was transported and ced in the middle of the arena stage. All six faces of the cage were made of steel bars that were no thicker than the size of a pinky finger. This cage was made by the Ministry of Works with no other types of metal used in its construction. Any Four-way Heaven expert would easily be able to break it apart.


    Soon after, someone ced a wooden chair inside as well as a cushion made of an unknown material.


    Ren Baqian and Tu Hong exchanged nces for a brief period before walking into the arena. However, the expressions of the pair looked substantially different.


    Ren Baqian appeared pretty rxed while holding a box in his hands, whereas Tu Hong seemed extremely grim.


    After all, he had already lost the previous round. No matter what, he musn��t lose this round.


    Aside from the two of them, there was also an eight year old child who was constantly snivelling.


    This child was at the Four-way Heaven level, which was considered pretty goodpared to the rest of the ordinary children.


    Ren Baqian first entered the cage through a small door at the side and closed the door. He then sat on the chair unhurriedly and ced the box down on the cushion near his feet. He pulled out an electric cable from the side of the box and clipped the metal mp to the bottom of the steel cage.


    ��It��s ready. You cane and give it a try��do it like how I described just now.�� Ren Baqian smiled as he said this to the child.


    ��Ok.�� The child stepped forward, grabbed ahold of a metal bar, and tugged on it. Immediately, it bent without the child even exerting that much force.


    ��Go and find that man you saw before for your reward.�� As Ren Baqian smiled, the child immediately ran toward the crowd with a look of delight.


    ��This is made by the Ministry of Works, and it hasn��t been tampered with. The trick lies in the box at my feet. You win as long as you can break this cage apart and pull me out,�� Ren Baqian exined calmly.


    Tu Hong naturally knew that the steel cage was made by the Ministry of Works and also saw how easily the child bent the steel bar. With his strength, he would easily be able to tear this cage apart with a mere p.


    However, after having experienced failure once, his expression wasn��t able to loosen up at all. This time, if he were to lose again, the entire Tu family would be utterly embarrassed.


    Xin Zhe appeared in the arena and said to the both of them, ��Begin!��


    ��Is there anything that you wish to say?�� Ren Baqian smiled, but Tu Hong kept pretty quiet this time around.


    It seemed like he had gotten wiser after having stumbled once.


    Tu Hong nced over at him and took a big step forward, stretching out his hands to grab the steel cage in front of him.


    Given the thickness of the steel bars, he would easily be able to tear them apart like paper.


    He would win as soon as he was able to tear the cage apart.


    If he could do this, no matter how many tricks his opponent had, they would all be useless.


    However, the moment his fingers touched the cage, there seemed to be some sort of shock between his fingers as the steel bar made him fling his hand away subconsciously.


    ��What kind of a trick is this?�� Tu Hong felt rather delighted. Even though he didn��t know what this was, if that was all there was to it, he felt he was bound to win.


    After that, he used both his hands to grab ahold of the steel bars very quickly.


    Looking at Tu Hong��s movement, Ren Baqian began to smile. The entire cage was electrified. If Tu Hong were to kick the cage away, Ren Baqian would probably be in trouble. However, it was impossible for Tu Hong to do that.


    The request that Ren Baqian made at the start and the child��s actions werebined to lure Tu Hong into using his hands to tear the cage apart.


    If Tu Hong wasn��t able to get out of this, then Ren Baqian was bound to win.


    The audience watched as Tu Hong stopped moving after he grabbed the cage. He was immobilized from head to toe with even his beard hairs standing on end. He then tilted his head backward and fell to the ground.


    Everyone was shocked. What happened this time around?


    They clearly saw the child bending one of the steel cage��s bars just now. However, Tu Hong actually copsed after grabbing ahold of it. What exactly happened?


    Nobody had any idea what was going on.


    However, by the look of it, Tu Hong didn��t seem to be able to stand up? How could Tu Hong, a Cardinal Heaven expert, copse so ineffably and not be able to get up?


    Ren Baqian, the principal of the ck Bamboo Academy, had won again? Tu Hong couldn��t even break apart this cage?


    ��It seems like it was indeed just an experiment the other day.�� Xin Zhe, who was watching from the side, immediately heaved a sigh of relief. Even though she felt as if her reaction was a little odd, it still seemed pretty alright?


    It must be a normal reaction!

 Chapter 671 - Do You Still Want to Compete?

    Chapter 671: Do You Still Want to Compete?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As Tu Hong copsed to the ground, the other members of the Tu family rushed to examine his condition.


    Aside from being immobilized, he was fine.


    Tu Yu��s face twisted with anger as he roared, ��Did you meddle with this?��


    ��Meddle?�� Ren Baqianughed, touched the cage with his hand, and asked, ��Why don��t you touch it?��


    ��I will do it!�� A heroic and fearless looking guard moved forward to pull the steel bars of the cage and broke two of them instantly.


    ��Huh? I��m fine?�� The guard was prepared to be sent copsing to the ground and was slightly anxious. Contrary to his expectations, when nothing happened, he scratched his head in surprise.


    ��Did you apply poison earlier and remove it just now?�� Tu Yu suddenly thought of this idea and said firmly, ��You removed the poison from the steel bars when you touched them!��


    Ren Baqian was a man with some status after all. Although other people didn��t always remember his past, it was very easy for people to associate him with this since he was the one who had poisoned tens of thousands of people to death in Great Xia,


    ��Why don��t you touch it and see.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��Let me do it!�� Another guard came forward to touch the cage and nothing happened.


    Tu Yu acted as if he had discovered that Ren Baqian had used poison and roared loudly, ��It��s as expected! You really used poison! Naturally, it��s alright to touch after you have removed the poison! It was supposed to be a duel, but you actually used poison!��


    ��Poison?�� The audience became chaotic.


    If Ren Baqian used actually poison in thispetition, then he had gone too far.


    To prove that his conjecture wasn��t wrong, Tu Yu stretched his hand to touch the cage and nothing happened.


    ��You see? You were using poison!��


    Before his voice had faded, a strong electric current passed through his body, sending him into spasms. As smoke started toe out of his head, a burning smell was detected.


    <em>The current is slightly too strong, </em>Ren Baqian said to himself. He had tweaked the dial in his sleeve to adjust the current, but it was a little too high.


    Fortunately, it didn��t kill anyone.


    ��Tu Yu?�� The crowd became rowdy again after seeing Tu Yu��s reaction.


    ��You really used poison!��


    Ren Baqian pointed randomly at someone and asked, ��Do you want to touch it?��


    ��Touch it? No problem!�� Without another word, that fellow came forward to touch the steel bars without any adverse effects.


    ��Let me do it.�� Another person went to touch the steel bars and copsed after trembling for a while.


    ��My turn!�� Yet another guy came up without it affecting him at all.


    These people were confused. Why were they selectively affected?


    The crowd at ringside also couldn��t understand.


    If poison was applied and then removed, the process still needed to take some time. Out of two people who went up, one was fine and the other was knocked out. How was this done?


    One trembled instantly after touching the steel bars, but surprisingly, another person touching the cage on the other side didn��t feel anything. Based on their conjectures, it wasn��t possible for Ren Baqian to affect two people on two different sides at the same time.


    Subsequently, the two copsed to the ground while trembling.


    ��That��s why it��s said that having no education is dangerous!�� Ren Baqian casuallymented.


    ��What have you done to them?!�� someone protested loudly.


    ��It��s just an electric shock, and they should be fine soon.�� Ren Baqian turned to look at Xin Zhe, who was on the stage, and asked, ��Is it almost time?��


    ��ck Bamboo Academy��s principal wins again!�� Xin Zhe announced from the stage.


    A cheer erupted from a corner of the crowd where the students from the academy were gathered. They had guessed the trick used by Ren Baqian and roared withughter after seeing the bewildered expressions of members in the Tu family that Ren Baqian had yed this prank on.


    As for the rest of the crowd, they looked solemn as they still couldn��t figure out how Ren Baqian had done this.


    ��Sir Ren, did you use poison?�� Tong Zhenye stood up and asked a question which many people were harboring in their hearts.


    ��Of course not! Do you think I have the ability to poison a Cardinal Heaven expert?�� Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    Their faces were filled with doubt because it was a very difficult task to poison a Cardinal Heaven expert in such a short period of time. However, Ren Baqian was a Poison Warrior, so this made people suspicious of him.


    ��To ascertain whether they were poisoned, you can get a doctor to confirm it.�� Ren Baqian put the metal mp back into the box and came out of the cage with the box.


    ��What��s inside the box?�� someone asked immediately.


    ��What��s inside the box��? You will not understand even if I tell you. Surely you can��t expect a Man Wheel grand expert topete with a Cardinal Heaven expert while unarmed?�� Ren Baqian remarked as he walked.


    The crowd was silenced. What was a ��Man Wheel grand expert?�� Was he being shameless?


    A Man Wheel expert was equivalent to an aboriginal Four-way Heaven expert, but with less fighting ability. At most, this was the level of an ordinary aboriginal person.


    However, who would dere something so shameless that they would say an ordinary person wasn��t allowed to use other weapons whenpeting against a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    Furthermore, thepetition between these two was essentially external items versus innatebat ability. This was clear to everyone.


    The crowd didn��t know what to say as they watched Ren Baqian walk away leisurely while the Tu family became like a background scene.


    Most people were dumbstruck, and thispetition had a great impact on them.


    In the eyes of the aboriginals, a Cardinal Heaven expert was an apex master and reaching this level was the lifetime goal of every aboriginal, but the results of these contests were rather disappointing as they concluded with two sessive defeats handed out by a Man Wheel expert.


    Although these two contests weren��t representative of the whole situation, it was enough to illustrate some issues.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied because these two matches should be able to change the mindset of some of the people.


    With this change in mindset, it would be easier to get things done in the future.


    In addition, the students from the academy wouldn��t be treated with contempt in the future.


    As Ren Baqian approached the empress, the attention of the crowd was drawn toward the people on the stage,


    Emanating from the stage, a highly charged atmosphere was detected.


    Tu Hong was covered with dark blue veins all over his body as he stood up stiffly from the ground and roared, ��I refuse to ept this!��


    Ren Baqian immediately turned to look at Tu Hong with a mocking expression and asked, ��Do you still want topete?��


    ��Let��spete one more time! I do not believe that I can��t defeat you after spending so much effort to achieve the Cardinal Heaven level!�� Tu Hong roared angrily. He found it uneptable, he was full of grievances, and he felt enraged.


    ��How do you want topete?�� Ren Baqian felt that he should give his opponent a chance.


    ��Compete based on fist power!�� Tu Hong replied without hesitation.


    ��Your fists are bigger than mine, but if wepete based on destructive power, I can ept it. Just find an object and we willpare our destructive power on it. ording to my calctions, seven days from now should be an auspicious day,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Alright, we willpete this way!�� Tu Hong replied. After he closed his eyes, his skin burst open, blood sprayed out from the surface of his skin, and he copsed.


    ��He has expended too much blood essence, and his body can��t take it anymore. Your Majesty, I will send him to the clinic,�� Tu Wan said as she cupped her hands and requested permission from the empress. Then, she dropped down beside Tu Hong, lifted him up, and disappeared without a trace.

 Chapter 672 - Taking Bets

    Chapter 672: Taking Bets


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The second floor of House Shuanhuai had always been a ce where the descendants of many of the high ranking officials gathered in Lan City.


    If a piece of brick was thrown in and hit two people, one of them would definitely be a descendant of at least a Rank 5 official, whereas the other would be rted to at least a Rank 4 official.


    However, at present, the entire ce was very gloomy.


    ��I didn��t expect Sir Tu to actually lose two rounds in a row. I originally thought that a Cardinal Heaven expert would definitely win.�� One of them heaved deep sighs.


    ��How much did you lose?��


    The first man stretched out two fingers.


    ��200 taels of silver? Where did you get so much money from?��


    ��It��s 110 taels! Not only did I lose all my assets, I even lost the 100 taels that my friends pooled together.��


    ��Your total assets added up to ten taels?��


    ��Nonsense! At House Jingyu, you previously borrowed five taels from me. Otherwise, I would have 15 taels. Stop spouting nonsense and pay up!��


    The noble sons from Great Xia and the Yun Nation would dieughing if they heard these people��s conversation. Let alone the descendants of the aristocratic families, even the sons of merchants rarely spent so little.


    100 taels? This wasn��t even enough to pay for one of their drinking sessions at a brothel.


    However, this was already a huge sum to the noble sons of the aboriginals! Most of them only received around ten taels for their monthly allowance, though those who were wealthier would get slightly more.


    Even Tong Lan, a genius who attained the Kismet Heaven level before the age of ten and whose grandfather was a Rank 3 official, only received 30 taels of silver for her allowance.


    During thest two contests, many of them had lost so much that their pockets were cleaner than their faces. Not only did they lose their entire month��s allowance, they even lost the entire savings of their younger siblings as well. At present, these people were already on the brink of gathering at the top of the clock tower.


    Naturally, there were also people who weren��t affected by this.


    For instance, Hong Xian, Bai Shihu, and Xi Yueya.


    Although the students had won quite a bit, there were so many people who bet on Tu Hong that the bankers still made quite a windfall even after giving the students their winnings.


    Liu Ruoyao was the only banker who didn��t look happy. Even though she received payouts as a banker, she had ced her bets on Tu Hong for both rounds and still ended up losing quite a bit.


    Most importantly, Ren Baqian actually won both matches.


    On top of losing money, her enemy actually gained fame. There was nothing else in this world that was more miserable than this.


    <em>Thump, thump, thump. </em>A series of footsteps could be heard from the staircase, and it sounded like there were at least ten people.


    ��Hong Xian, we are here to collect our money.�� Xu Peng lead the group up the stairs. He felt extremely delighted and burst outughing after seeing how gloomy the entire second floor was.


    Everyone groaned when they looked at him and the people behind him, all of whom were students from the ck Bamboo Academy.


    ��What��s the hurry? Never seen money before? Do you think I will shortchange you?�� Liu Ruoyao lifted her head and made a harsh retort.


    In any case, Ren Baqian and everyone from the ck Bamboo Academy were eyesores to her.


    ��Of course, I��m still waiting to ce my bets for the next round. I��m not sure if you are still keen on taking bets!�� Xu Peng was all smiles. He definitely made a windfall this time.


    Plus, many of the students made huge sums of money from the 1:10 betting odds of the first round.


    Many of the students frommoner families had also pooled together a sum of money to ce their bets, which summed up to quite a sizeable amount.


    Needless to say, most of the students were the descendants of officials. They received a much smaller monthly allowancepared to the others due to theirck of talent. However, ever since they started attending school, they didn��t have much time to spend money on drinking and entertainment. This allowed them to save up quite a bit.


    Keeping aside a little each month, they managed to save up quite arge amount of money.


    Many of the people on the second floor of House Shuanhuai felt infuriated after hearing what Xu Peng said. Everyone here had lost money, but in spite of that, this bunch of students still came and asked for their winnings. Most of them had an angry look on their face and thought of giving these students a beating.


    However, more people came along to the second floor, which made those people exercise a little restraint, especially after seeing thest two people who appeared. Regardless, they still continued to glower at the students.


    ��Long time no see.�� Shi Gan cupped his fists at everyone when he came up.


    ��Hmph!�� Tong Lan lifted her head high and had no respect for anyone here.


    ��Little girl, what are you so arrogant about?�� someone voiced out his discontent.


    ��Who are you calling little girl?�� Tong Lan immediately gave him the side eye.


    ��This little girl definitely has a bad temper for someone her size,�� the man groaned.


    ��Still a little taller than you!�� Tong Lan��s voice could suddenly be heard from that person��s table. She dashed over to that table in a sh and stood on top of it before lifting her leg and stomping on his head.


    The man ced his fists above his head like a cow��s horns, used one hand to shield himself from her foot, and struck his other fist at Tong Lan��s lower abdomen.


    Tong Lan had quite a huge reputation, and everyone knew her as the genius of the Tong family. However, she was only 11 years old after all, and very few people had actually seen her fight. On the contrary, that man didn��t mind trying her out to see if she was indeed as strong as it was rumored.


    ��Stop!�� Hong Xian appeared beside the table and stopped both of them.


    Hong Xian��s palm intercepted Tong Lan��s foot. Tong Lan then did a backflip andnded on the floor as the table she stepped on earlier broke into pieces.


    Hong Xian then fell back a few steps.


    Tong Lan grinned the moment shended on the floor and revealed her two small canine teeth. Next, she pointed at Hong Xian and asked, ��What��s that on your head?��


    Hong Xian was stunned and stretched out her hand to touch her hair. However, Tong Lan suddenly burst out at this moment. She stretched out both her hands like a fearsome beast opening its jaws. With her fingers acting like its fangs, she chomped at Hong Xian��s body.


    ��Tsk���� Even though Hong Xian reacted quickly, she couldn��t dodge this attack in time. Tong Lan managed to tear off a piece of fabric from her shoulder.


    ��What are you doing?�� Hong Xian fell back a few steps and questioned in anger.


    ��I heard that you are pretty good, so I want to try you out!�� Tong Lan responded excitedly before charging toward her.


    ��Tong Lan, we are here to settle matters!�� Shi Gan appeared behind her and grabbed the back of her neck with one hand. Like a scorpion��s tail, she subsequently executed an overhead kick in the air and booted his hand away.


    While Tong Lan got into a tangle with Shi Gan, Hong Xian managed to get into her fighting stance and said, ��I have no intention of fighting with you. Don��t be overbearing.��


    ��Tong Lan!�� Shi Gan yelled grudgingly.


    ��Forget it. I��m here to collect my pocket money. I��ll give you trouble next time.�� Tong Lan pondered for a moment and gave Hong Xian an arrogant look.


    Hong Xian shook her head and said to the burly man sitting in the corner, ��Bai Shihu, get someone to settle it with them.��


    Even though they didn��t manage to fight it out, everyone got to know that this girl Tong Lan was indeed someone who was difficult to deal with. She outrageously attacked the highly reputable Hong Xian, who was almost twice her age, when Hong Xian didn��t even provoke her.


    It seemed like Lan City would probably have another prominent figure in the future.


    ��Are you guys still taking bets?�� Xu Peng asked as heughed.


    He excitedly thought to himself that bringing Tong Lan was indeed the right choice.


    Even though he was usually bullied by her, in front of people who weren��t from the school, the unreasonable girl Tong Lan still imposed more deterrence.


    ��Of course, 2 to 1 for Principal Ren, and 1 to 2 for Sir Tu,�� the burly man in the corner answered straightforwardly.


    ��So low?�� Xu Peng was surprised. It was 1 to 10 during the firstpetition and 1 to 1 during the second, but now it was only 2 to 1?


    ��Who doesn��t know about what happened in the north? Even though Sir Tu is a Cardinal Heaven expert, Principal Ren already won thest two rounds. Thus, the odds will naturally be lower,�� the burly man exined unhurriedly.


    ��Calcte our winnings and bet all of it on the principal,�� Xu Peng replied immediately.


    Even though the odds were lower, gains were still gains! Who wouldn��t want free money?


    ��All of it?�� Hong Xian asked.


    ��All of it!�� Xu Peng replied firmly.


    Looking pensive, Hong Xian eximed, ��You guys are very confident!��

 Chapter 673 - Mass Killing Weapon

    Chapter 673: Mass Killing Weapon


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Tie Tou, are you really going to bet on Sir Tu? Didn��t you bet on that guy previously? Now that Sir Tu has already lost two rounds, you still want to ce your bets on him?��


    ��From what I see, Sir Tu is in danger this time around. Have you heard of the news from the north? Previously, that man sent something to Great Xia��s camp and then themander of Great Xia��s army got eliminated����


    ��Hmph! I don��t care about that. I��ve never cared about any of this when I ce my bets. All I see are the odds! I bet on whatever gives me higher returns! It��s either I don��t bet or I bet big! All in! All in! I��ll reserve all the seats in the brothel if I win and go back to the mountains to continue hunting if I lose!��


    ��Your family��s pretty weird too. Big families definitely have some sort of monthly allowance, yet you still want to go hunt in the mountains!�� The youthughed.


    ��My father said that strength is gained through fighting and not training. It was the same for him as well, fighting from the mountains to Lan City. He always said that a person is useless if he can��t even defeat the beasts in the mountains!��


    ��


    Seven days passed by in a sh.


    During these seven days, two concrete cubes that were ten meters tall and ten meters wide were ced about 1.5 kilometers outside the city.


    These two cubes were made from pieces of rock that were half a meter thick in diameter and mixed with concrete. The extreme hardness and enormous volume of these cubes was sufficient for thepetition.


    After seven days had passed, everyone gathered outside the city once again. A group of people looked at some metal pipes that were ced to the side and whispered to each other while specting about their purpose.


    ��Are those weapons?��


    ��Swing them around to hit people?��


    ��No idea. Who do you think will win this time?��


    ��Normally, I think that Sir Tu would definitely win. However, after thest two events, I don��t know anymore.��


    Everyone nodded their heads.


    To the aboriginals, Cardinal Heaven was the highest level that only the strongest people could attain.


    Prior to these events, people wouldugh if someone said that he was able to defeat a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    However, after these two contests, everyone��s opinions began to change.


    The principal of the ck Bamboo Academy did indeed have a few methods.


    Of course, if both parties were to exchange blows, the Cardinal Heaven expert would definitely win without question. However, since they werepeting in other aspects, ck Bamboo Academy��s principal was very unpredictable due to the countless number of tricks he had up his sleeve.


    ��She��s here��Her Majesty is here.�� As the crowd was talking, a loud voice suddenly shouted out. Everyone immediately dispersed to make way for the empress��s imperial carriage.


    ��This shall be thest one, no matter what the result is.�� The empressy on a thickyer of animal fur in her carriage and held a One Piece[1.One Piece: Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda] book in her hands. She said this to Ren Baqian without even lifting her head.


    ��I know that you have to show what you are worth in order to make them change their way of thinking. However, you can��t possibly keep picking on them!��


    ��I understand.�� Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry.


    Yeah, it indeed wasn��t very nice to keep picking on them.


    They were at least at the Cardinal Heaven level, the strongest level of experts among the aboriginals. He reckoned that Tu Hong might even be questioning his own existence now.


    The imperial carriage came to a halt and Ren Baqian jumped out first. He then turned around and stretched out his hand to help the empress down. However, he realized that she was no longer in the carriage. He turned his head again and saw that she was already sitting in the chair above.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty,�� everyone greeted.


    ��Okay, get ready to begin,�� the empress responded faintly and shifted her attention toward the manga again.


    ��We don��t have to exin much about the rules anymore. In front of us are two concrete cubes, and the winner shall be determined by the level of destruction they inflict on these cubes,�� Xin Zhe stepped forward and exined. ��Sir Tu, Principal Ren, get ready.��


    ��You first, Sir Tu.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Tu Hong looked at him without speaking a word and took big strides toward those two gigantic blocks.


    These two blocks were the results of the captives��bor; the Ministry of Works had engaged them to work day and night on these cubes. They werepleted just yesterday. Ren Baqian had already inspected them and was very confident in them.


    As they drew closer, the concrete blocks grewrger andrger.


    Standing in front of the concrete blocks, Tu Hong��s body was very minute inparison, and the contrast was quite striking.


    This was especially the case when he stood two meters in front of the blocks. At this distance, they almost took up his entire field of view. All he could see was a wall, but they were much thicker than ordinary walls.


    Tu Hong��s clothes immediately ripped apart, revealing the blue veins that were creeping through his entire body. The fine vein lines then turned into an ash green color, creeping nonstop around his body. Even those in the distance could feel the intense vigor that he was emitting.


    The weaker ones could even feel a constriction in their chests.


    Tu Hong took a deep breath, lifted his arms up with a slight bend, and struck a stance with one fist above the other. With a stomp of his feet, he soared into the sky as countless shadows from his fists struck the middle of the concrete block.


    <em>Thump! </em>When his fists struck the block, fragments screeched through the air and scattered all over. A one meter deep hole appeared in the middle of the block as cracks spread throughout the block from the point of impact.


    <em>Ka�� Ka�� </em>The cracks crept along the concrete block, causing fragments to start falling off.


    At the moment when both of Tu Hong��s feetnded back on the ground��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The ten meter concrete cube exploded with a loud bang as it was reduced to countless rock fragments.


    Ren Baqian smacked his lips as he stood in the distance. Such a scene was truly astonishing in terms of both visual impact and destructive power.


    Tu Hong actually destroyed such arge cube with one strike.


    Furthermore, the concrete cube wasn��t hollow, it waspletely solid��1,000 cubic meters of solid concrete!


    This wasn��t a feat that could be aplished with a few thousand kilograms of strength.


    Thankfully, Ren Baqian had never belittled the skills of this world. Even though it was astonishing, it was still something that he found eptable.


    Li Fu could even destroy a mountain with one strike of his rod. If Ren Baqian were to look at everything in this world from the modern scientific point of view, he would have gone mad a long time ago. He had to ept that many facts in this world were impossible in the eyes of science.


    Tu Hong smiled after hearing the gasps of surprise from the people at the side and watching the cube crumble like andslide. His skin subsequently began to split open all over his body as fresh blood spurted out around three meters into the air. Then, he copsed backward.


    <em>I should be able to win this time around, right? </em>Tu Hong looked at the sky above him and thought to himself.


    After having ignited his essence blood the past two rounds, he wasn��t able to regain his full strength.


    He gave it his all just to win this round.


    Fortunately, he came prepared, with Tu Wan immediately bringing him to the side for the doctor to treat him.


    As Tu Wan looked over, she turned her head and said to Ren Baqian in a deep voice, ��Sir Ren, it��s your turn.��


    ��It��s already in the middle of the preparation.�� Ren Baqian nodded while assembling the mass killing weapon, a 300 mm mortar.


    Considering the amount of weight that he could carry while maximizing the power at the same time, this was the most suitable size that he could find. Its power would be too weak if it was smaller and too heavy for him to bring back if it was bigger. Hence, under the suggestion of Shen Feng, the Messier 87 department produced this custom-made mortar and mortar shell for him.


    He brought back the mortar barrel from Earth on his own. Other than being made from a suitable alloy, its precision and range was also reduced to shorten the mortar barrel by a fair bit, which lowered its weight to about 300 kilograms.


    The two-legged support bracket and chassis were all manufactured in a hurry by the Ministry of Works, and they weighed 850 kilograms and 1,900 kilograms, respectively. It only had one firing angle, giving it a range of 1.5 kilometers.


    As for the mortar shells, Ren Baqian only had one of them.


    It weighed 480 kilograms and wasposed of 225 kilograms of CL20 explosives, which is 16 times as powerful as the same amount of TNT.


    This also meant that this mortar shell had the same power as 3 tons of TNT.


    This was indeed a mass killing weapon, not just in name, but also in reality.

 Chapter 674 - Off Target!

    Chapter 674: Off Target!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian looked unhurriedly at the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works as they assembled the mortar.


    The base of the mortar weighed around two tons, yet it only took two people to carry it.


    One man was already able to carry the two-legged support bracket that weighed 850 kilograms.


    Ren Baqian sometimes felt that it was a waste of talent not sending these guys to build the pyramids.


    All of the mortar��sponents that were made by the Ministry of Works were produced with the aid of a blueprint. Even the slots of the connection points were made by hand. Although there were some minor issues with it, there weren��t any major problems after assembly. If any problems urred, for instance, the connection piece being slightly toorge, the craftsmen would simply be able to hammer and file it down to solve the problem.


    There was absolutely nothing wrong with the phrase ��force births miracles.��


    After 15 minutes, the mortar was fully assembled.


    ��Your Majesty, please get everyone to fall back,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress took her eyes off the manga and looked at him with narrowed eyes.


    The sun shining from behind Ren Baqian was a little ring.


    ��We are already so far away. Isn��t this enough?�� The empress pointed toward the concrete blocks in the distance.


    ��It��s too close, and I��m afraid that idents may happen. It��s best if we can fall back 2,000 steps,�� Ren Baqian said.


    For the convenience of spectating, everyone was merely 200 meters away from the concrete blocks. The crowd was really too close and could easily be injured identally.


    Besides, someponents of this mortar were fabricated in Dayao. If anything were to happen, for instance, if the mortar shellnded off target, at least half of the spectators there would be wiped out.


    Even if the Cardinal Heaven elders were to survive, the majority of the lower level officials would either be dead or severely injured.


    Even if no problems ured, the kill radius of the shrapnel was still prettyrge and definitely ovepped with the current location of the crowd.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian suspiciously and asked, ��You aren��t using a nuclear warhead, right?��


    She was very fearful of the effects of nuclear warheads. The impact of those things wasn��t something that men could withstand.


    If a nuclear warhead were to explode far enough away, she might still be able to escape in time.


    If it exploded too close, its effects would be devastating. She remembered it very clearly from thest time she watched a video and saw photos of its aftermath.


    ��It��s not a nuclear warhead. The government has very strict control over those things, and they will never let anyone get ahold of that stuff. However, the power of this weapon is pretty strong as well. Otherwise, how am I going to make them wholeheartedly ept?��


    Again, the empress looked suspiciously at Ren Baqian before asking for Xin Zhe and ordering, ��Make everyone fall back 1,500 steps.��


    ��Yes!�� Without question, Xin Zhe turned around and set forth to make arrangements.


    After that, the crowd behind them started getting chaotic. Even though they didn��t know why Her Majesty gave such an order, they gradually started moving further back.


    ��Could it be that Ren Baqian��s move is too powerful and that Her Majesty is afraid it would hurt us?�� Liu Ruoyao asked with an odd ent as she moved backward with her hands behind her back.


    ��Who knows!�� Hong Xian responded casually. ��There must be a reason for Her Majesty to make such arrangements! We will find out shortly.��


    She then added in a cold voice, ��Yaozi, you��re slightly overreacting��you are actually questioning Her Majesty now!��


    Liu Ruoyao stared nkly for a moment before replying softly, ��I��m sorry.��


    Hong Xian shook her head and warned her, ��It��s not a matter of being sorry, but acting like this is a little dangerous.��


    ��I will take note.��


    Once everyone fell back, Ren Baqian got the people around him to clear the area in front of and behind the mortar. He then opened up a box and carefully lifted out a mortar shell that was roughly the size of a human.


    Even though this thing wouldn��t explode that easily, the fact that he was hugging such arge bomb somehow made people feel ill at ease.


    With everyone watching, Ren Baqian carefully ced the mortar shell into the mortar barrel. Subsequently, he took a few steps back and shouted, ��Shi Hu!��


    ��Sir!�� Shi Hu stepped forward looking doubtful. Why did Ren Baqian call out for him?


    ��Pull this trigger when I give themandter on.�� Ren Baqian pointed to the trigger at the side of the rear section.


    ��Understood!�� Shi Hu nodded.


    ��Be careful,�� Ren Baqian reminded him.


    After hearing this, Shi Hu immediately attached importance to this task.


    Ren Baqian ran a few meters to the side, covered his ears with both hands, and said, ��Pull the trigger.��


    <em>BANG! </em>Apanied by a loud roar, everyone in the surroundings felt a tremor beneath their feet.


    The people with sharp eyes could see a ck object soaring into the sky amid the smoke.


    After all, the initial speed of this mortar shell wasn��t exactly that fast.


    The crowd looked anxiously at the sky and at the cube in front of them as they waited to see what exactly would happen.


    A few momentster, everyone could vaguely see a small object screech through the air as it fell from the sky.


    <em>BOOM!</em>


    The enormous explosion made the crowd lose their hearing for a brief period of time. Following the explosion, everyone felt the ground shake violently as if there was an earthquake. At the location where the two concrete cubes used to sit, a gigantic ball of fire and smoke was rising up into the air.


    The shock wave propelled the heated air in all directions like a seventh-grade gale, which made some of the weaker people lose their footing and fall on each other.


    Shrapnel flew out over 1,000 meters from the center of the explosion and smashed into people��s bodies, but they didn��t seem to feel a thing.


    Everyone was dumbstruck after witnessing this unexpected sight.


    Nobody was even paying attention to Ren Baqian as he squatted to the side while covering his ears.


    The sight was like doomsday��it was something that nobody had ever seen before.


    Not even the strongest person in the audience could strike a blow with such impact.


    Regardless of whether it was Tong Zhenye, Tu Wan, Qin Chuan, anyone from the Zhang family, Qingyun Sword who was watching this while leaning idly against the city walls, the students, or Hong Xian and her people, everyone was stupefied after seeing something that was so unexpected.


    Everyone was stunned, even those in Lan City.


    After all, the st urred at a close distance. The explosion took ce only 2,000 meters away from Lan City. One could even feel the violent tremors from the other end of the city.


    Needless to say, that deafening noise sounded as if the gods were in a rage.


    Once the smoke dissipated, the concrete cube in the distance had vanished. Even the remnants of the cube that Tu Hong had previously shattered were also gone.


    All that was left in that spot was a gaping hole with a ten meter radius.


    There was barely even any grass left on the ground within 100 meters of that hole. Even trees outside this range were damaged as well.


    There was absolute silence outside the city.


    Afterward, a series of gasps could be heard all around.


    ��Your Majesty, let me go have a look!�� Tong Zhenye��s eyes appeared to beam with radiance. He vanished in a sh and reappeared in the distance beforeing back again a few secondster with smoke rising from his beard.


    ��Hot, hot, it��s too hot!�� Tong Zhenye patted his beard as soon as hended, then asked Feng Hou miserably, ��How is my beard? I seem to smell something burning����


    Feng Hou collected himself from the shock and took a look at Tong Zhenye. Next, he said, ��Shave it! It��s hopeless!��


    Tong Zhenye��s entire beard had shrivelled up.


    At this moment, everybody collected themselves. Soon, the entire crowd outside the city became chaotic. Everyone was discussing what had just happened in shocked tones.


    Everyone knew that Ren Baqian definitely had a trump card, but little did they expect that this ace was so powerful. It left them all astonished.


    After two hours had passed, the temperature of the st area was beginning to cool, so people were able to get close.


    When they stepped forward to take a look, all they saw was an enormous hole that was more than 20 meters deep and had a radius of ten meters.


    Now, they could see that the power of this thing wasn��t just great, it was practically terrifying.


    After all the gasping about this frightening and destructive power, the crowd��s expressions began to look odd.


    The concrete cube was inside that hole in the ground.


    However, it wasn��t that big anymore. Aside from the fact that it was now about a quarter of its original size, it lookedpletely perfect


    Tu Hong��s cube had beenpletely shattered into fragments and appeared to have currently vanished. It seemed to have been sted away by the shock wave just now.


    The big piece of concrete inside the hole had to be Ren Baqian��s target.


    If the two of them werepeting to make holes in the ground, then the winner would undoubtedly be Ren Baqian. The might of that explosion just now was unquestionable. Its visual effects were already shocking enough, yet its might made the people feel even more astonished.


    However, their targets were in fact those tworge concrete cubes.


    In other words, even though Ren Baqian unleashed a frightening and destructive power that exceeded everyone��s imagination, he still lost��


    Ren Baqian was rather speechless when he looked at the concrete cube in the hole.


    He thenughed pretty awkwardly and said, ��It was off target�� It seems that Sir Tu has won this round!��


    By the look of it, the mortar shell had brushed past the concrete cube andnded on the ground before exploding. Since the explosion urred at the bottom, arge part of the cube was destroyed. The remains of the top part then got sted upward beforending in the hole��


    Everyone was speechless when they heard this. Xu Peng and the rest of the people at the side were astonished!


    They were even more astonished now than when they saw the explosion from before!


    <em>You built such a big weapon, created such a big hole, then said that you missed the target?</em>


    <em>Huh? Are you trying to be funny? Huh?</em>


    ��Ah! Ah! Ah! My pocket money!�� Tong Lan crumbled. If not for someone holding her back, she would have rushed forward to fight it out with Ren Baqian.


    ��Hahahaha. That��s what I said. Regardless of what you guys said, do it big if you want to gamble! Bet it all on whatever pays the best odds! I��ll reserve all the seats in the brothel if I win and go back to the mountains to continue hunting if I lose!�� A shrewd looking young man wasughing his head off. ��Dear sirs, it��s my treat tonight at House Jinyu!��


    This crazyughter immediately attracted countless hostile looks and a gigantic fist!

 Chapter 675 - She is Too Short

    Chapter 675: She is Too Short


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Although the contest between Ren Baqian and Tu Hong was finally over, some people were happy with the result and others weren��t.


    Every student from the ck Bamboo Academy looked gloomy. It was as if they had lost everything. All of them were gnashing their teeth and couldn��t wait to fight it out with Ren Baqian.


    Those who were happy included Hong Xian and a few buddies as well as the people of the Protectorate of the North and Protectorate of the South who were working in Lan City.


    They had made a small fortune from this asion. Although this amount wasn��t considered a lot by these two protectorates, it could still be put to many uses.


    In any case, these few contests had let many of them see the usefulness of these exotic products and made them realize that these things weren��t as undesirable as they thought.


    Especially in thest contest, even though Ren Baqian��s shot missed the target, there was still glory in defeat. The destructive power of the mortar was earth-shaking and added more significance to his reputation than his previous title of Poison Warrior.


    This was the case even though the number of people killed in a crowded ce by that explosion would only be a fraction of the people killed in that mass poisoning case.


    The destructive power to st a hole with a radius of 50 to 60 meters and a depth of 20 meters was something that even great experts like Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan would find difficult to deliver. However, an ordinary person like Ren Baqian could do it.


    Under certain circumstances or due to carelessness, a Cardinal Heaven expert would suffer serious injuries or even be killed by such power.


    If there were tens or hundreds of these things, even a Cardinal Heaven expert would have to take a detour to avoid them.


    The value of the ck Bamboo Academy and the reputation of Ren Baqian were so greatly enhanced that even the students were seen in a different light.


    After that explosion, the ck Bamboo Academy was confirmed as the premier academy in Dayao.


    Of course, Dayao didn��t have another academy�� and didn��t even have schools��


    Nevertheless, in the eyes of everyone, the academy��s status had risen greatly and the status of Principal Ren was elevated to the level of a Cardinal Heaven expert during this time.


    No one gossiped about the academy anymore; many people started to think of sending their disciples to the academy. Anyway, besides martial arts training, they spent their time fighting all over the ce. If they went to the academy, they could still train in martial arts and learn about those strange things from Ren Baqian.


    Over the next few days, the result of the contest between Ren Baqian and Tu Hong spread throughout Lan City. The sound of the explosion was so great that it shook the whole of Lan City. Even if the intention was there, there was no way of hiding this fact.


    For a few consecutive days, people in the streets and alleys were discussing this, and many people even undertook the hassle of going outside the city to see the big crater. When they found out that it was Ren Baqian who created it, they were amazed.


    The ordinary students in the academy became as famous as movie stars for a few days and were surrounded after school hours by people asking them questions. Some people were curious about Ren Baqian, some were interested in the things the students learned in the academy, and some wanted to know how to enter the academy.


    The students had experienced great wealth and then lost their fortunes, so this served tofort them.


    Since the school had be famous, they could bask in its glory and feel honored.


    Personally, they were treated differently in their neighborhoods, and everyone could feel this change.


    ��


    Ren Baqian put some books on the table and nced at the ssroom. Those bitter and vengeful looking faces were growing more amiable now.


    ��Time will erase everything�� after all.


    This included whittling away the wealth of families.


    This would serve as a long term reminder to them.


    They should keep their distance from things that were not controble, for example, gambling or cliff jumping.


    That afternoon, the students were focusing their attention on another matter, which was how to transport the steam lotive to the outskirts of the city.


    During these few days, work on the steam lotive was ongoing at the academy and at the site outside the city. The next step would be to perform a test run with the train.


    However, moving the steam engine to the site outside the city was a problem.


    One proposal was to push the steam engine there since it had wheels, but this was instantly met with objections from a group of people.


    The train was designed to run on rails, so there were rims fixed to the wheels. If the steam engine were to be pushed all the way to the test site, the rims would be damaged.


    Furthermore, the thickness of the rims and the weight of the train would pulverize all the gstones on the streets.


    Therefore, the best method was to dismantle the train and send it over separately or simply carry the pieces there.


    As for transportation by cow carriages, the same problem of the gstones being crushed was present, so this was no better than pushing the train. Furthermore, there were divided opinions about whether the wooden carriage wheels could bear the load.


    Themon consensus was that the weight of 4,000 kilograms didn��t pose a problem, and the final decision was to carry it over in pieces.


    For the selection of people who would carry the parts, Qing Lian was the first to be excluded because she was from Great Xia and didn��t get along well with everyone. She was nowhere to be found after school anyway.


    Furthermore, she didn��t have much strength.


    ��It is best to have some expertse along and share the burden,�� someone said.


    Shi Gan and Tong Lan were the indicated experts of the academy.


    Tong Lan sat on the steam lotive with her legs swinging and puffed out her chest when she heard these words. She disyed a proud look that said, ��I will not carry it even if you were to beg me.�� However, everyone knew about her character.


    If her help was needed, she would handle the matter with meticulous care.


    ��Forget about Tong Lan, she is too short�� Even if she raised her hands, it still wouldn��t be enough for her to reach.�� Shi Gan grinned like a Cheshire cat.


    Tong Lan stiffened angrily.


    She became absolutely stiff.


    Too short�� Too short�� Short��


    These words were like a lightning strike that left her feeling stunned.


    ��What did you say?�� Tong Lan asked Shi Gan fiercely.


    Shi Gan raised his bent arms and asked slowly, ��At about this height, can you reach it?��


    Seeing the height that Shi Gan indicated, she became upset as she really couldn��t reach it.


    Her height was about the level of Shi Gan��s chest. With her hands raised all the way, she could only reach slightly above his head��


    ��Well, it��s time to select the rest of the people!�� Shi Ganughed.


    Tong Lan ground her small canine teeth and looked like she wanted to kill someone.


    After Qing Lian and Tong Lan were left out of the final selection, three groups were formed. Each group consisted of 10 people, and at set intervals, they had to take turns to carry.


    When Tong Lan saw everyone breaking the courtyard wall to take the steam lotive out, she started shouting crazily, ��Ah! Ah! Ah! Is it my fault that I��m too short? Huh? Can you me me for being short?��


    As everyone brought the steam lotive out of the east gate, they congratted themselves for making the right choice and carrying the train parts.


    It was getting close to the rainy season. Out of three days, it rained for two, and even on the official roads outside the city, each step they took would sink in. The road leading to where the railroad was located was even more remote and hence in even worse condition.


    It took half a day to bring the steam lotive to the location. Here, there were rails inside, a wooden fence surrounded the area, and many soldiers were guarding it.


    Otherwise, with so much steel around, their stuff would have been stolen long ago.


    The next few days were spent fixing the train and inspecting the rails. A shed that protected the train from the rain was added to the back of the steam engine along with a coal-loading carriage.


    When everything was arranged properly, Ren Baqian proceeded to invite the empress and the court officials here.

 Chapter 676 - Passing a Resolution to Build the Railroad System

    Chapter 676: Passing a Resolution to Build the Railroad System


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The vibrations that apanied the chugging noise made Ren Baqian feel as if the train could break apart at any time.


    This empty plot ofnd outside Lan City was fenced up and contained a circr track measuring 400 meters in diameter. A lotive pulling two wooden rail cars was running on the track, continuously making loud noises all the time.


    Ren Baqian, the empress, and the others were sitting in the second carriage at the back while the smoke from the steam engine followed the airstream and blew at them.


    ��It��s much faster than a cow carriage,��mented Zhuo Yan, the Minister of Justice, as he felt the wind generated by the moving train.


    ��It��s also much smoother,�� everyone chorused.


    With the standard of roads in this world, plus the wooden wheels and shock absorbers, very strong buttocks were needed when riding in the city, not to mention riding on those roads outside the city.


    Outside of Lan City, it would be a disaster if the carriages were sped up just a little because it would cause the riders to vomit until it seemed like their organs were almosting out.


    Minister Yu Shang covered her nose and said, ��It��s just that the smell is horrible.��


    ��There are always pros and cons.�� Ren Baqian smiled. Then, he gave a presentation and said, ��This type of train can travel 35 kilometers in an hour or 70 kilometers in a double hour. At most, it can travel 840 kilometers in a day. From Lan City to the Protectorate of the North or the Protectorate of the Northeast, it would only take two days. Furthermore, we are only talking about the current speed, the speed can be increased or even doubled in the future!��


    ��So fast? Doesn��t this thing need to rest?�� someone asked in amazement.


    ��This isn��t a living thing and doesn��t need to rest like animals do. As long as there��s enough coal, it can maintain this speed,�� Ren Baqian exined to the gathering.


    He continued, ��This type of train can also carryrge amounts of goods. A rail car made of metal can carry a load equivalent to that of about 60 cow carriages. Dozens of rail cars can be pulled each trip, which is equivalent to the load of more than 4,000 cow carriages. Fewer people are needed, so there is no need to waste so much grain and grass. Not only can this type of train carryrge amounts of goods, it can also be used to transport soldiers. Tens of thousands of soldiers can be sent to the Protectorate of the North and the Protectorate of the Northeast in two days while saving a lot of time and grain, especially during wartime. Whether it��s load capacity or speed, the carriages pulled by animals simply can��tpare. More importantly, it will be easier to govern the Yun Nation when soldiers can be easily deployed to respond to any trouble. Large amounts of goods from the Yun Nation can also be brought here.��


    ��Ssst!�� Everyone sucked in their breaths.


    These people didn��t have a clear concept of speed and load capacity, but when Ren Baqian phrased it in terms of over 4,000 cow carriages and only needing two days to reach the protectorates, they immediately had a rtively clear idea.


    A cow carriage could only carry around 500 kilograms and traveled at a slow speed of slightly over 50 kilometers per day at the most.


    In other words, a trip taken by a train in one day was equivalent to a trip taken by more than 4,000 cow carriages in ten days.


    The cost of manpower, resources, and grain was an astronomical sum, not to mention the time saved. Even the aboriginals could understand the value of time.


    With this analogy, the people present became excited, delighted, and acted as if they could take the train to the Yun Nation tomorrow.


    ��What Principal Ren has mentioned is very interesting, and I��m very impressed. However, you must know that this railroad track alone ounts for more than 100,000 kilograms of steel, which is enough to arm 10,000 soldiers. From the ground under my feet to the Yun Nation, the distance is thousands of kilometers. How much steel is required? Is it more than 50 million kilograms? You might not get that much iron even if you hollowed out Mount Damo. Plus, the time needed would be decades or centuries.�� Tu Wan poured cold water on the idea.


    There was no need to break their fingers calcting this��just hearing that the rails below their feet used more than 100,000 kilograms of iron was frightening enough. What was more frightening were the expenses needed toy the railroad tracks from here to the Yun Nation. It was a figure that was beyond theirprehension.


    They felt that this figure was astronomical and beyond reach.


    Everyone looked dumbstruck at Tu Wan and then at Ren Baqian, not knowing what to say.


    ��Does that mean it can��t be built?�� Someone sighed.


    ��No, no, no, my n is toplete it within ten years��from Lan City to the Yun Nation and not to the northeast.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand and continued, ��Please listen to me. It��s actually not as difficult as it seems. Although Dayaocks iron, it��s abundant in the Yun Nation. From what I know, there are seven known mountains with iron and most likely some more that haven��t been explored. Based on a distance of 2,000 kilometers, at 100 kilograms of iron per kilometer of railroad, the required amount is 200,000 kilograms of iron. Even the smallest mine can produce 500,000 kilograms of iron ore. Assuming 50% purity, it can produce 250,000 kilograms of iron, which is enough to build the railroad. A mine bigger than this has enough iron to build ten such railroads and a medium-sized iron mine has enough iron to build 100 of them. Therefore, none of you need to worry about the amount of steel consumed as the Yun Nation has enough reserves. As for mining the iron ore, it isn��t a problem since a prisoner of war only needs to dig five kilograms every day to produce more than 1,500 kilograms in a year. The mines in the Yun Nation aren��t like Mount Damo. Do all of you think that they can��t even produce five kilograms per day? 100,000 prisoners of war can produce all we need in two years.��


    Ren Baqian put the other matters aside and showed them the calctions.


    To him, mining iron ore was definitely not a problem.


    The people in this world were physically stronger than those on Earth, and numerous Earth Wheel experts could be sent to resolve any problems that cropped up. If they couldn��t fix it, he could always send in the explosives. There were many more methods avable and fewer difficulties involvedpared to mining on Earth in the past.


    ��Furthermore, we can build a steel factory in the Protectorate of the Northeast. After smelting, we can start building the railroad from there and expand it into our country. Even if it fails, we can use the steel for other applications and will only need to expend some manpower and food. The wasted manpower will be from prisoners of war, but we can still get a lot of steel. If sessful, however, it will be a once in a century achievement and will ce the Yun Nation firmly under our control.��


    Following these words, everyone started to ponder.


    ��Although I don��t really understand how much is needed, Ren Baqian��s reasoning is correct.�� Qin Chuan scratched his head as he spoke. ��The knowledge of Sir Ren surpasses my own, and I think his n will work.��


    If this railroad could really be built, then the military would be the beneficiary and their forces could easily be deployed. This thought made him feel excited, so he spoke up.


    ��I think Sir Ren is right. If this project is sessful, the entire Yun Nation will be in the hands of Her Majesty. This price will be worth paying,�� Shi Qing said slowly.


    ��I support this proposal.�� Kou Zhehai nodded.


    ��I know Sir Ren��s knowledge and ability.�� Tong Zhenye smiled and then changed his tone as he continued, ��But is there really that much iron in the Yun Nation?��


    ��Definitely, it has been confirmed. Iron is one of the mostmon substances in nature, and as long as iron ore has formed, the quantity will not be too small. Furthermore, my projections are based on the most conservative estimates ording to the prospecting standards in the Yun Nation, and most of these are surface mines. The reserves and ore quality may be higher than what I have mentioned. In particr, three of the mines are very close together. It��s highly likely that there is a huge deposit of iron underground. Plus, these three mines are located near the area where the frontline forces of Zi Toni are deployed. By continuing to push the frontlines forward, these three mines will fall into our hands as a matter of course,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Even Tu Wan had nothing to say after these words were spoken.


    If the proposed railroad could really bring in the benefits projected by Ren Baqian, then its value would be tremendous and it would be worth the risk.


    Regardless, their investment was minimal.


    Whether it was the prisoners of war or the mines, these were all from the Yun Nation. The most significant problem of food supply could also be solved by nting high-yield crops like pumpkins and sweet potatoes that had been introduced by Ren Baqian.


    What they wanted was to conquer the Yun Nation, and this was already part of their original n.


    These people had been coveting the wealth of the Yun Nation for a long time.


    Even without a motive like this, no one would let go of this piece of ��fat meat,�� especially when it was already waiting on the cutting board.


    Currently, Dayao had sent 60,000 soldiers to reinforce the Protectorate of the Northeast. Including the local soldiers there, the total number was 75,000, which was almost the size of the original Dayao army. They were all advancing toward the Yun Nation.


    Additionally, the Yun Nation had already lost a quarter of its territory and was experiencing internal turmoil.


    Everyone jumped off the train and stayed for 12 hours to watch the train continue running. As Ren Baqian said, the train didn��t slow down. Satisfied, they went back to the city to follow up with the things that they needed to do next.


    The seizure of the iron mines and the construction of the railroad became one of the priorities.


    The ck Bamboo Academy had to improve the design of the lotive and ensure its quality. If the speed could be doubled as Ren Baqian had promised, then everyone would want to wake themselves up from their dreams tough.


    They didn��t question when they would be asked to conquer the Yun Nation and immediately prepared for war.

 Chapter 677 - On the Verge of a Breakthrough

    Chapter 677: On the Verge of a Breakthrough


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Zheng Chengmian is ambitious but ipetent. Currently, a quarter of the territory of the Yun Nation has been upied by the barbarians. Still, he remains in the court, eliminating the dissidents, slowing down the western troops and stopping their support troops. There aremoners in almost 100 cities that are currently under the iron hooves of the barbarians, and his ipetence is truly bringing misfortune to the nation!


    The barbarians are currently rushing in vigorously, which is very different from the past.


    Great Xia has long deployed 500,000 soldiers to the southern front to put up an endless fight with Hong Wu, the barbarian general. However, the 70,000 strong barbarian army still shows no signs of retreat at all. Can��t he tell their objective?


    The barbarians are out to destroy the Yun Nation!


    Meanwhile, Zheng Chengmian is actually steadfast in his wishful thinking and believes that they will retreat on their own!


    If the Yun Nation were to be destroyed, we would all be known as the generation that caused the downfall of the nation!


    Teacher will be setting out on a journey to Wang Jing to put it all on the line. He has already contacted a number of officials who have retired to join him on his journey. Even if they are to die, they must let Her Majesty know how bad the current situation has gotten!


    If we are to let Zheng Chengmian do it his way, then the fall of the Yun Nation will be right before our eyes!


    Even though I��m only a schr, I��m still willing to join teacher on this journey! I��m not sure what you guys have in mind?��


    In a pub, a schr sat in front of a table and spoke vehemently. He had a young and tender face that seemed hot-blooded and slightly flushed.


    ��I��m not talented, but I��m willing to join Mister Shan on this journey!�� Another schr sitting across from him immediately cupped his fists in response.


    ��Together, together! I would rather put my life on the line to get the message across than to stay here and wait to be trampled by the barbarians!�� A few others gradually got worked up.


    The mettle of these schrs was disyed in great detail over all of them.


    ��Great!�� A burly man mmed the table and cheered loudly. ��Guys, even though I can��t join you on this journey, I admire all of you! This jar of wine is for you.��


    After this was said, many other people spoke up as well. The first schr was immediately riled up and said, ��As long as the Yun Nation still has such hot-blooded men like you, we will be able to seed!��


    After finishing the drinks, the burly man asked about a few details, such as whether the bodyguards were safe and who the well known Mister Zhen Shan had invited, before rmending wantonly.


    A whileter, he took a stroll around the city and entered a remote courtyard. He then started narrating everything that had just happened at the pub in full detail before asking, ��Sir, what do you think?��


    In front of him was a middle-aged man in his forties. He had a wide forehead and looked like a typical man from the Jing Tribe. However, he didn��t look very different from a Yun Nation person, and nobody would be able to tell if he went out while wearing a bamboo hat.


    ��Even though the higher-ups didn��t mention it, judging from the current situation, I��m afraid that they are really going to destroy the Yun Nation. One of those bodyguards is an Earth Wheel expert, so it seems like I will have to personally take part. Take note of their departure time and route tomorrow. Then, intercept and kill them. We mustn��t allow them to go to Wang Jing.��


    After the burly man left, the middle-aged man wrote a letter and sent someone to quickly deliver it.


    The next day, a party of horse carriages and over 10 schrs left through the eastern gate.


    At noon, someone discovered their corpses 50 kilometers away.


    When this news got back, everyone in Jiang City turned pale with fright. There were actually so many people spying for Zheng Chengmian that this party of schrs actually got intercepted and massacred shortly after they set off.


    ��


    ��Well done!�� Ren Baqian felt rather delighted as he held the piece of news that he received from the northeast. He then returned to the pce and handed that piece of paper to the empress, who was in the middle of reading manga.


    ��Those people have done a pretty good job. Even though they acted on their own initiative, I still feel that I ought tomend them,�� Ren Baqian remarked.


    He continued, ��The value of incorporating those people is already being shown. With these people, many things can be done much easier. If those schrs were to stir up the Yun Nation, it would cause quite a bit of trouble. At the moment, we have only conquered a quarter of theirnd. If the Yun Nation mobilized their entire country, our casualty count would definitely increase. Even though this will happen sooner orter as more and more cities fall, it will be toote for them to react when they realize it. You can��t kill someone with just two fingers!��


    ��I think that it can be done!�� The empress stretched out two fingers and moved them around in front of her.


    ��Alright, Your Majesty is right. However, the strength of two fingers can never be greater than a fist.�� Ren Baqian stretched out his arms andughed.


    The empress retracted her fingers before faintly replying, ��I understand what you mean. Those people have done pretty well. I��m clear on giving out rewards and punishments, so I will give them the rewards that they deserve.��


    ��With Your Majesty��s words, they won��t be risking their lives for nothing,�� Ren Baqian answered indistinctly as he took a piece of fruit from beside the empress��s couch and put it in his mouth.


    It was already June now, and the rainy season was here. Not only did the torrential rain fail to reduce the heat in Lan City, it made the ce even more humid.


    After previously showcasing the train to the officials, everything was methodically arranged for the process.


    The students were improving the train as they attended their sses.


    Ren Baqian left this entirely to them. Even if their progress was very slow, the things that they would receive in return were huge.


    Apart from this, they were also required to do something else, which was to develop a thermal-powered dynamo that Ren Baqian frequently gave instructions for.


    In fact, the principles of this thermal-powered dynamo weren��tplicated at all, and the students very quickly achieved preliminary results. The more important issues were to achieve a higher conversion efficiency as well as improve its stability.


    With the train��s example, many students dived straight into doing the research work for the dynamo and took pleasure in it.


    This research also helped drive them to learn on their own initiative and flip through books in the library. Every bit of improvement was able to make them very happy.


    At present, the students at the school and the rest of the people out there formed two different groups of people, turning the school into a lone tower.


    The people outside the academypletely didn��t understand what the students were fiddling with.


    The students also no longer had any interest in the things that the people outside the academy were fiddling with.


    What they saw was a new world full of unknowns, and they were able to discover something new in this world every once in a while. As they began learning more, they bumped into more problems and solved more problems as well. Discovering and solving these new problems made them feel very happy and put them in high spirits to continue forging ahead.


    This sense of aplishment and excitement,bined with the acknowledgement that mutual cooperation brought, was something that nothing else was able to give them. Despite the fact that there was still an air of arrogance around her, even Tong Lan had unified with the rest of the students.


    However, there were still exceptions in the school, like Qing Lian. They didn��t know why she was so obsessed with mathematics that she couldn��t free herself from it. Without fail, she would be carrying textbooks every day about subjects like algebra and geometry.


    The various problems that Qing Lian faced daily had also forced Ren Baqian to relearn the knowledge that he had long forgotten.


    On the other hand, as the high yield crops that Ren Baqian had introduced began to ripen, they were able to harvest a few thousand kilograms of crops from every mu ofnd. This was sufficient to give Lan City and the surrounding cities an abundance of provisions. New crops such as pumpkins and potatoes appeared in the markets inrge amounts, and they were all readily epted by themoners.


    These high yield crops and canned fish, which had been increasing in production, had greatly alleviated the pressure that the recruitment of soldiers had brought to Dayao over the past year.


    The empress had also taken this opportunity to transfer soldiers from more cities toward the Yun Nation.


    They would be able to aid with the transportation of the plundered goods as well as manage the captives working at the three iron ore mines that the aboriginals had just acquired.


    At present, Zi Doni was plundering money, rations, and resources in the Yun Nation. There was arge volume of prisoners who weren��t able to be sent back to Dayao in time, which resulted in having to manage these prisoners in the captured territory or even killing them.


    As for the wars against the Chen Nation and Great Xia, due to the arrival of the rainy season and the moisture in the air, bowstrings and crossbow strings began losing their sticity. The offense of both parties had pretty much slowed down at this point.


    For this reason, Ren Baqian had no choice but to give Su Qing a bunch of skunk bombs to upy everyone��s attention in Great Xia.


    At present, there was only one thing that was important to him��he was getting closer and closer to breaking through the final visualization of [Ruyi Visualization], which was the [Visualization of Metal]


    Once he broke through the [Visualization of Metal], he wouldplete the first part of [Ruyi Visualization]. ording to the manual, theplete harmony of the five elements would allow him to immediately break through the Man Wheel level!

 Chapter 678 - [Visualization of Metal]

    Chapter 678: [Visualization of Metal]


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In and without any nts, the parched ground was filled with cracks and various long swords of different shapes that were inserted in the ground. A half inserted and primitive-looking sword could be found every few steps.


    In the background was a fiery red sunset.


    The zing red sky, together with the bleak scenery and those ownerless swords, brought a sense of destion.


    The name of this ce was the Jinrui Land.


    Ren Baqian slowly walked forward. Although he didn��t touch anything, bloody wounds would appear on his body asionally. It was as if there were invisible swords around him that wanted to cut him into pieces.


    This was the world of the [Visualization of Metal], and it was filled with a sharp golden force field that was invisible.


    Ren Baqian felt that it would be more appropriate to call it the Infinite Sword Field or the Sword Graveyard.


    ��Amitabha!�� In prayer mode, Ren Baqian ced a single hand on his chest and chanted a Buddhist prayer to empty his mind. This seemed to alleviate the pain in his body.


    This pain was caused by the open wounds inflicted by the sharp edges that were everywhere.


    Ren Baqian suddenly sensed a chill in his crotch, and his peace of mind was broken�� causing his face to distort.


    ��F*ck����


    Frightened, he pulled open his pants to check and was relieved that his string of treasure was still intact.


    However, two more small wounds had appeared��


    After experiencing this chill, he started to feel burning pain.


    Although he had needed to go through death when training the other visualizations��drowning during the [Visualization of Water], being blown away and falling to his death during the [Visualization of Wood], scorched to death during the [Visualization of Earth], and roasted or burned to death byva during the [Visualization of Fire]��the pain suffered while training the [Visualization of Metal] was the most terrifying.


    That sharp golden force field was everywhere, but it was imperceptible. Sometimes, it waited for him to collide with it. Other times, it was activated after he had passed a sword. He didn��t know when the next cut woulde. asionally, he would feel a chill in his crotch that made him tremble from head to toe.


    He could tolerate everything else, but this was simply unbearable!


    Every time he entered the [Visualization of Metal], those swords were in different locations and the sharp golden force field was also distributed differently. Ren Baqian couldn��t see any pattern in their cement and could only move along by relying on chance.


    Furthermore, death only arrived after an iparably long time. Before returning to reality, he had to walk with bloody wounds for an unknown duration, bleeding until he was exhausted.


    Ren Baqian tied up his pants and continued to walk forward for a long time. Almost no part of his body was undamaged, and half of his left palm was gone.


    As Ren Baqian hobbled along, the loss of blood was draining his energy and his vision was growing blurry.


    Holding the hilt of the sword by his side, he felt the suppleness of the leather. However, a sword force field shot out from the hilt and pierced his right hand.


    Nevertheless, he didn��t seem to notice it as he stared at an empty space 100 meters away. The empty space was densely surrounded by ancient swords, but there was only one sword in the center of the empty space. It was positioned there independently like the king of swords as it epted the worship of its subjects.


    Ren Baqian knew that all he had to do was pull this sword out in order toplete the [Visualization of Metal]


    Struggling desperately to move his feet, he advanced by more than 10 meters. A pain shot through the sole of his foot as half of his foot flew off. Ren Baqian couldn��t stand up anymore and fell head first to the ground. He crawled for another 10 plus meters before cking out. When he opened his eyes, he found himself back in his room at Pingle Park.


    Ren Baqian quickly pulled opened his pants to look. Then, he inspected it and was relieved that it still functioned properly.


    He was worried that he woulde out of the [Visualization of Metal] and be impotent one of these days.


    He had often heard of experiments where people were blindfolded, their wrists were cut, and their blood dripped out to the water tubes until they died.


    Fortunately, this worry of his didn��t turn into reality.


    However, Ren Baqian was very clear that he had developed a high tolerance for pain after practicing [Ruyi Visualization].


    For example, the pain of a bone fracture would have previously made him feel like he was on the verge of dying, but after cultivation, he treated it like it was nothing serious. Even if the empress identally broke one of his bones by pushing him, he would just look sad while feeling unperturbed.


    In addition, his fear of death was diminishing


    His perception of death began to change after practicing [Ruyi Visualization]. Although he clearly understood that death in the real world was different from dying in [Ruyi Visualization], in the realm of [Ruyi Visualization], death was an ending as well as another beginning.


    However, the incidents experienced while cultivating [Ruyi Visualization] were quite realistic. After undergoing death numerous times��whether by drowning, falling, burning, or bleeding out��it was very hard not to grow ustomed to it.


    Due to the countless fatal experiences in [Ruyi Visualization], he had encountered all kinds of death, no matter how miserable. The result was a loss of awe regarding death, both for himself and for others.


    He didn��t know whether these changes were good or bad.


    The cultivation of [Ruyi Visualization] wasn��t as painstaking as other methods. With the help of a huge amount of herbs, his cultivation speed was faster than those who were talented. Starting as an ordinary person, he had almost reached the Earth Wheel level after one and a half years, but it wasn��t known if there were hidden risks.


    It might be a long time before one could understand the impacts this had on oneself.


    Upon waking up, Ren Baqian went out and kicked Tiantian and Gungun as they rushed at him to get a hug. He also kicked the little Ting Ling monkey before starting to do his daily tasks as usual.


    In the [Visualization of Metal], the effects inflicted by death and other perceptions were reset after a nap and didn��t affect the practitioner in any way.


    After such a long period of cultivation, he already knew how to adjust to the situation.


    It must be mentioned that many things taught by those baldies were rather useful, although Ren Baqian only remembered the phrase ��Amitabha�� when he was killing someone or being killed while practicing [Ruyi Visualization].


    Ren Baqian seemed to remember that he was known as ��Buddha��s disciple�� and wondered how the little monk was faring.


    That very afternoon, he received a letter from the little monk asking for help. Ren Baqian wondered whether he was being prophetic or had a crow��s mouth.


    The note read: ��Buddha��s disciple, I have nothing to eat�� Xing Ruo is going to die of hunger soon�� but the dharma hasn��t been passed down��the female benefactor hasn��t understood the benefit of being converted. In order for Xing Ruo to carry on, please send some food! (Note: Food for 1,000 people!)��


    Ren Baqian scratched his head after reading this letter from Tianjing Basin that was rather short on details. Didn��t Xing Ruo��s master let him convert the male customers of the female benefactor? Why did it be a situation where he had to convert the benefactress.


    What had happened to the little monk?


    After some inquiries, Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or to cry��


    During this period, that little monk did quite well in spreading the dharma in Tianjing Basin. The number of believers rose from dozens of people to thousands, and for a monk who was less than 10 years old, this was remarkable.


    Of course, this was rted to the massacre in Tianjing Basin caused by Xi Wanya and the turmoil in Jiangbei City.


    Afterward, that little monk advocated for the believers to help each other and managed to survive through the hardest period. Although the present situation wasn��t that good, it was much better than the previous situation in Jiangbei City.


    Subsequently, he tried to convert the prostitutes��


    It should be noted that these weredies who had lost their families in the uprising and couldn��t make a living, so they roamed the streets and sold their bodies in exchange for food.


    They were a group of pitiful people.


    ��Contact Zuo Leng and have him send a cargo of grain to the little monk.��

 Chapter 679 - Breakthrough

    Chapter 679: Breakthrough


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Over the next few days, Ren Baqian kept trying nonstop. During thest attempt, he died due to excessive bleeding at the border of the Infinite Sword Field. The closest he got was about 200 meters away from the endpoint when a sword suddenly shot out and pierced through his throat.


    However, Ren Baqian knew that he was very close to breaking through. No matter how the metal dust and the sword formation changed in this Jinrui Land, his entire body had always been forging ahead. With a distance of a couple of hundred additional meters, he could probably break through if he was lucky the next time. Even ifdy luck wasn��t on his side, it should only take another ten to 20 tries.


    Another two weeks passed.


    He was missing three fingers on one hand, whereas the other arm had been severed at the elbow. He was also missing an ear and blinded in one eye. There wasn��t a single part of his body that was in aplete state, and he looked extremely miserable.


    However, all of this was incapable of stopping the fervor in his heart.


    He finally managed to walk across the sword formation.


    It had taken him more than seven months and over 200 deaths. There wasn��t one part of his body that hadn��t sustained any injuries.


    In any case, he finally managed to walk past it.


    ��Ah!�� Ren Baqian looked at the sky and bellowed. He mustered all his strength and strode forward. However, he felt a sharp pain in his knee before evenpleting half of the remaining journey. He also lost his sense of bnce and fell forward.


    At that moment, the metallic force field that was suspended in the air gushed down at his leg that was already riddled with injuries.


    <em>Thump! </em>Ren Baqian��s heart trembled as he mmed against the ground. The feeling arose of falling and bleeding to death time after time. He clenched his teeth and thought to himself, <em>Am I going to fail again this time?</em>


    However, even if he were to fail, he couldn��t simply stay here and wait to die. Even if he was able to get an inch closer to that sword, his hopes of seeding the next time would be slightly higher.


    Ren Baqian gritted his teeth and used his limbs to crawl forward. The wounds on his body were smeared with soil, and at the same time, he left a long trail of blood on the ground.


    His energy level grew lower and lower, and he started feeling colder as well. However, he was also getting closer to that sword.


    If others could see this scene within his consciousness, they would be able to feel the tenacity that was emitting from his body.


    If others were to repeatedly die so many times, the weak-mindednes would have already given up long ago. Even if an ordinary person didn��t crumble, there would still be a huge change in their temperament.


    This time around, Ren Baqian had persevered for so long and had never given up, so much so that he would simply cry andugh to himself just to keep himself going.


    Even he himself had never thought that he could have such strong tenacity.


    One and a half years in Dayao had tempered him into such a state.


    Even though every movement he made caused him excruciating pain, he was still able to crawl forward bit by bit with his arm that was severed at the elbow and his leg that was exposed at the knee cap. He had even lost his sense of time. No matter how weak his body became, he was still able to stay alive and crawl toward that sword with everyst breath.


    That sword��s handle was red, but he wasn��t sure what it was made of.


    It was different from the other masterless swords. The entire sword was dazzling and appeared as if its master had been meticulously polishing it every day.


    There weren��t any designs on it either. There was an inclined ne at the middle portion of the sword, which made it much thicker than both sides of the sword��s edge.


    ��Heh, heh, hehe�� hehehe���� Ren Baqianughed as hey on the ground. With that sword right in front of him, his fingertips could almost feel the chill that was emanating from it.


    He could finally touch it!


    ��Stand up, stand up���� Ren Baqian had enough ofughing. He mumbled to himself as he used his hand that was missing three fingers to slowly push himself up. He then realized that his missing leg and the stump of his left arm made it impossible for him to stand up from this position.


    He gritted his teeth and pressed his mangled arm on the ground. The pain he felt from the injuries all over his body and the agony when his flesh rubbed against the soil made him almost scream out.


    It took him a minute to do something as simple as standing up. Blood and sweat incessantly dripped from his body to the soil.


    If he had moved slower, he probably would have felt less pain, but it would also have taken a much longer time.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know how much longer his body would be able to hold out in its current state.


    With his exposed knee stump pressing into the soil, he struggled to kneel on the ground. Finally, he was able to stretch his arm out and reach for the sword.


    Reaching for it gave off a very mild and gentle feeling. It was as if he was touching skin.


    Regardless of whether Ren Baqian touched the hilt or the grooves in the de, he somehow felt that it was wrapped in human skin that was dyed red with blood.


    ��Haaaaa���� Ren Baqian let out a long breath that reeked of blood.


    All that was left for him to do was to pull this sword out.


    Ren Baqian tried very hard to raise his arm, but that sword simply wouldn��t budge.


    He tried three times in a row and exhausted a great deal of the tiny amount of energy he had remaining. Yet, that sword still didn��t even move an inch.


    ��I��m not using enough strength��I have to stand up,�� Ren Baqian mumbled to himself as he panted heavily.


    His anguish and the blood loss made it very difficult for him to even breathe.


    Ren Baqian used his two fingers and his palm to firmly grasp the hilt of the sword. He shifted his center of gravity forward and tried very hard to use his arm to prop himself up.


    <em>Zzz! </em>Unexpectedly, that sword sank downward due to his body weight. It let out a sound as if it had pierced through something beneath it.


    ��Hehe! Hehehehe!�� Ren Baqianughed ineffably. From the moment he saw this sword, he thought that he was supposed to pull it out, but he was actually supposed to push it down��


    If he arrived here in one piece, there was no telling how long it would take for him to realize this.


    He was truly lucky.


    As he thought this to himself, his body could no longer support itself, so he fell to the ground. His consciousness grew more and more indistinct, and he could return to reality any moment now.


    <em>Rumble!</em>


    The skies shook, and the ground rumbled. Everything in this world was swaying and crumbling.


    As cracks filled the sky, the ground began peeling off.


    ��


    This entire world felt as if it was suspended in the air. Now that theyer that was supporting this world had been punctured, the entire ce began to crumble and peel��


    As this world peeled away, it shattered into fragments toward the end, leaving behind a boundless void.


    All of Ren Baqian��s sensory organs had been stripped off, including his sight, hearing, smell, touch, strength, and even his sense of pain as well as his sense of time. Except for his ability to think, which was something he was still able to slowly carry out, he had been stripped of everything.


    He drifted in the darkness like this.


    In addition, Ren Baqian��s body was undergoing some changes in the outside world.


    The moment that he was about to break through, the metal that was counteracting his lungs suddenly brought about an indescribable change. The impurities that were originally in his lungs had been cleared out. Ren Baqian, who had lost all consciousness, began to cough up ck mucus from his mouth.


    These were impurities that had adhered to his lungs over many years. During this change, they were all peeled off and excreted.


    At the same time, his five viscera had also subsequently be one whole entity. The small amount of essence qi that had formed in his body in the past was scattered all over. At present, all of it started rushing toward his five viscera. Then, it began circting in a fixed sequence. From time to time, some of the essence qi vaporized into various parts of his body. Simultaneously, some of his blood also transformed into new essence qi that joined the cirction.

 Chapter 680 - Cooked by a Lightning Bolt

    Chapter 680: Cooked by a Lightning Bolt


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was awakened by a pang of hunger that roused his brain like a crashing tide.


    The surroundings were dark, but his familiar bed was underneath him.


    The sound of heavy rain was hearding from outside the window.


    However, Ren Baqian was in no mood to think of other things.


    Hungry, hungry, hungry��


    He felt that his eyes were turning green.


    He quickly took out a bag of candy near the bed, unwrapped the candy with trembling hands and swallowed them promptly.


    Piece by piece, about 1.5 kilograms of candy went into his stomach. The burning sensation in his stomach didn��t abate at all as his brain continued to signal the need for food.


    Ren Baqian tumbled from his bed to the ground, staggered, and stabilized himself with great difficulty before rushing out through the doors.


    When he saw Tiantian and Gungun taking shelter from the rain under the eaves, he seemed to see them as delicious food. As saliva flooded his mouth, he gulped it down.


    Although the 1.5 kilograms of candy didn��t alleviate his hunger, it let him retain the ability to think.


    Otherwise, if he had rushed out upon waking up, he would have seen a pile of bones on the ground the next day.


    Ren Baqian floated as he rushed through the rain, climbed over the wall, and headed for the imperial kitchen.


    Ever since he woke up, he kept on feeling that his body was very light. Previously, he could only jump around 10 meters, but now he could easily jump 20 to 30 meters and almost hit his head against a tree.


    He used one hand to slow down, jumped up tond on a branch, and moved toward the imperial kitchen again.


    ��Who��s there!�� A voice rang out from the darkness.


    Although Ren Baqian couldn��t see, he could distinctly sense the presence of two people there.


    Previously, he had difficulty sensing the presence of people, but now, he could easily sense where they were and even feel their approximate power.


    <em>Is this the Earth Wheel level? </em>Ren Baqian wondered. He said in a deep voice, ��It��s me, the principal of ck Bamboo Academy!��


    The voice that came out stunned him because it didn��t seem like his own voice. It was deeper and huskier.


    ��Sir Ren?�� the voices in the dark asked.


    ��It��s me!�� Ren Baqian jumped down from the tree and was gradually able to see the guards.


    ��Who are you?�� The two guards changed their expressions after seeing him and thrust their sabers at him.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    ��Can��t the two of you recognize me?�� Ren Baqian endured his constant hunger as he retreated. He dropped behind the wall with a light jump, but the sabers of the two guards cut through the rain and followed him like a shadow.


    ��Devil, where are you from? How dare you impersonate Sir Ren!��


    Ren Baqian jumped up as the two guards brought down the entire wall.


    If this were to happen before, his only option would have been to return to Earth. Although the two were fast with their sabers, Ren Baqian was able to sense the sabers and dodge them.


    ��I��m Ren Baqian. Why don��t you recognize me?�� Ren Baqian frowned again, wondering why the pce guards didn��t recognize him.


    ��You should try to look more like the person you are impersonating. You do not look like Sir Ren at all. Furthermore, if you were him, that thrust just now would have killed you,�� the two shouted as they chased him.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    Following their shouts, other people in the pce responded with loud roars.


    It was as if he had disturbed a ho nest. Groups of people appeared on the roofs and on top of the walls, rushing in Ren Baqian��s direction to surround him.


    These people didn��t waste time talking. Instead, they drew their sabers to join the attack on Ren Baqian.


    ��Bloody fools!�� Ren Baqian shouted in exasperation. He was already extremely hungry, yet still had to face their incessant assault.


    It would be the biggest joke if he was killed by these guards immediately after breaking through to be an Earth Wheel expert.


    However, he felt a great sense of danger from the sabers around him. All of his hair stood on end. He could definitely sense the gaps around him, but his body couldn��t keep up with his brain, and he watched helplessly through the falling rain as these precious exits were sealed.


    It was as if he would be cut in half the next second.


    <em>Metal chain! </em>Ren Baqian uttered a silent cry.


    If he didn��t manage to block these attacks, the empress would be collecting his corpse soon.


    Furthermore, the metal chain had appeared frequently before��even if they couldn��t recognize him, they should be able to recognize the metal chain.


    Following his desperate cry, a section of the metal chain appeared from his head, but the sight of the sabers around it caused it to stiffen like a frightened animal.


    <em>Boom! </em>As a lightning bolt streaked down, the metal chain became a lightning rod�� Ren Baqian, who was in midair with the metal chain protruding from the top of his head, was struck down directly.


    ��Bloody fools!�� Ren Baqian crashed to the ground while emitting smoke. He had never expected that he would ever have such rotten luck.


    After oveing great difficulties to be an Earth Wheel expert, he was attacked by imperial guards after waking up and then struck by a lightning bolt�� Ren Baqian didn��t know who was to me for these incidents.


    Only now did he understand the misery of those who spent many years training hard to be the world��s number one expert, merely to be killed by a flying shoe after they had just reemerged.


    Only those with the same misfortune would sympathize with each other.


    ��Has he been struck dead by lightning? It smells like he has been cooked!�� Many of the guards who had rushed overlooked each other in bewilderment.


    This guy was killed by lightning before they could eveny a hand on him. What an unfortunate guy! However, this guy was asking for trouble by intruding into the pce.


    ��Report to themander that there has been an intrusion.�� The two guards remembered the most important point and quickly reported, ��Furthermore, the intruder tried to impersonate Sir Ren. Check whether Sir Ren is okay.��


    ��This person is still alive!�� someone said after noting that Ren Baqian was still breathing.


    ��Watch him until themander is here.��


    After a short while, Xin Zhe arrived at the scene, her armor wet from the rain and her face upromisingly cold.


    ��There��s an intrusion in the pce? How many people are there?��


    ��We only found one! However, he tried to impersonate Sir Ren. I��m afraid Sir Ren may be in danger, so someone was sent to check on him.��


    ��Send an order to sweep through the whole pce and see whether there are any aplices.��


    ��Commander, Sir Ren is missing!�� someone reported.


    ��What?�� Xin Zhe was shocked. It would be a big problem if Ren Baqian was missing.


    ��But no one seems to have gone into his room since there are no wet marks on the floor. With such heavy rain, it would be impossible to enter his room without leaving any traces. It looks like he left his room of his own ord.��


    ��The tracks left by Ren Baqian after leaving his room were very few because of the heavy rain. However, based on the direction, they should lead here����


    Everyone was baffled when they heard this.


    The two guards that were the first to see him said in bewilderment, ��But his voice, physique, and face aren��t the same as Sir Ren��s!��


    The crowd carefully looked at the person on the ground. The lightning bolt had left only a few shreds of clothing on him, his whole body was ckened, and he exuded the smell of roast meat��


    A metal chain protruded from the top of his head��


    Upon seeing the metal chain, Xin Zhe��s cold look disappeared. Nobody else had such a dreadful-looking metal chain.


    ��Hurry up! Inform the clinic! I will inform Her Majesty!�� Xin Zhe dered anxiously.

 Chapter 681 - Recovery

    Chapter 681: Recovery


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Damn it�� Damn it�� Damn it���� Drifting in the boundless darkness, all that was left in Ren Baqian��s mind wereints about that group of dim-witted bodyguards and that streak of dazzling lightning��


    asionally, he would also curse at the metal chain when he thought of it before going back to cursing at those bodyguards and the lightning.


    He had just broken through to the Earth Wheel level and was immediately struck by lightning before he even had a good meal�� What could be more miserable than that?


    Without knowing how long he had been cursing in the darkness, Ren Baqian suddenly felt a change in the darkness around him.


    There was only a very slight difference. It was as if there was a streak of purple pulsing in the darkness, but it was very minute. Adding on that it was camouged in the dark, he wasn��t able to detect it.


    ��What��s that?�� This new discovery in the boundless darkness suddenly made Ren Baqian more alert to finding that pulsing streak of purple.


    For another unknown period of time, Ren Baqian tried hard to locate that streak of purple, but he only managed to see it again twice. He only managed to catch a glimpse of it before it disappeared, which made him feel even more curious.


    At this moment, he felt a tug. Huge changes started to happen. The feeling of pain all over his body and hunger began to pour into his mind again.


    <em>Have I returned to the outside world? </em>Ren Baqian suddenly had this thought.


    His eyelids twitched as he fought hard to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was the empress��s cold, yet deeply concerned, look. He then looked around and realized that he seemed to be in the empress��s quarters.


    ��You are finally awake!�� The empress heaved a sigh of relief before speaking softly, ��You are lucky. If someone else had been in your shoes, it would have been dangerous.��


    ��It was dangerous enough for me���� Ren Baqian muttered to himself.


    He was clear-headed and could even sense that there were three other people in the room. The two smaller sized sensations were Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, and there was another person at the Earth Wheel level, but he didn��t know who it was.


    ��Your Majesty, Sir Ren seems to be in good health, but he has exhausted himself. His energy needs to be replenished,�� an old voice said.


    ��I know,�� the empress replied.


    Soon after, the footsteps of that person leaving could be heard.


    ��Water, meat!�� Ren Baqian��s lips quivered and had almost gone crazy from hunger.


    ��Drink this first.�� The empress got Hong Luan to help him up and got Qing Yuan to feed him a bowl of ck juice. The moment it entered his stomach, it converted into a warmth that spread throughout his body. What he experienced afterward was an even more intense feeling of hunger.


    ��Meat�� Meat���� Ren Baqian felt like he could devour an entire fork-horned cow with his current level of hunger.


    Even though he used to think this way when he was hungry in the past, he was normally only able to finish a tail on his own. However, he felt like he could really finish an entire cow this time.


    ��Notify the imperial kitchen,�� the empress ordered. She then handled a fruit over to Ren Baqian and said, ��Take this first.��


    Ren Baqian lifted his hand to his mouth and gobbled up the fruit very quickly. He suddenly looked distracted when he was about to reach out for another piece.


    He used to always associate the hands of skinny people with chicken ws.


    Yet, he now felt that he was stretching out his own chicken ws and not his hands.


    He was thin to the bone with hardly any meat left on his arm. There were only blue veins moving up and down the back of his hand.


    It was also the same when he stretched out his other arm.


    Ren Baqian suddenly recalled the incident where the bodyguards couldn��t recognize him.


    ��What do I look like now?�� Ren Baqian asked with a strange look on his face.


    ��Hong Luan, bring the mirror,�� the empress ordered faintly.


    Ren Baqian then saw a skinny bag of bones in the mirror, a skeleton with hardly any meat under that skin! He originally weighed around 100 kilograms, but he looked like he was only around 40 kilograms currently�� The baggy clothes that hung from his body made him look as if he was wrapped in a cloth.


    His exposed skin was chapped, which made him look even more terrifying.


    Also, there was actually a streak of purple in his eyes.


    ��Is this me?��


    ��I never expected your breakthrough to be so dangerous. Arge amount of your flesh and blood was actually converted into essence qi that circted around your five viscera. You probably would have be a piece of jerky if it hadsted a while longer,�� the empress said softly with a bit of lingering fear in her voice.


    If not for the amount of tonics and top-level food that Ren Baqian had eaten in the past and also the high-quality herbs that he used during training, his body wouldn��t have been in its optimal state. He probably would have be a piece of jerky during his breakthrough.


    ��You will be able to recover after eating more,�� the empress added.


    Ren Baqian nodded and put a piece of fruit into his mouth.


    After finishing off all the fruit in the empress��s quarters, he felt that he had a little bit more energy in his body. However, he wasn��t sure if this was due to the fruits or if the thing that she made him drink was taking effect.


    ��I can��t wait for them to be ready��I��ll go to the kitchen.�� Ren Baqian braced himself and stood up.


    The empress grabbed him by his cor and arrived at the entrance of her quarters in a sh. Soon after, both of them were in the kitchen. She put him down on the ground and said, ��You are too light!��


    Ren Baqian didn��t respond to her and staggered into the kitchen. His eyes glowed when he smelled the food cooking. Startling the cook, Ren Baqian hugged a piece of meat and began biting into it.


    ��Carry on with your work! Faster!�� the empress said to everyone as she followed Ren Baqian.


    ��Yes, Your Majesty!�� Everyone went back to doing their own tasks.


    Ren Baqian acted like 1,000 year old hungry ghost. He swallowed the entire piece of meat after just a little bit of chewing and immediately reached out for another piece. After a short period of time, he devoured all the meat that the empress had ordered the kitchen to prepare.


    Even so, it didn��t alleviate his hunger a single bit.


    Ren Baqian shifted his attention to the vegetables. He couldn��t take it any longer after having a few bites. He picked up another piece of meat and started gnawing at it again.


    He finished a huge portion of the high quality goat and fork-horned cow meat in the imperial kitchen. After that, he continued stuffing all the freshly cooked food into his mouth as well.


    He ate nonstop from the time he woke up until dusk. All the cooks in the kitchen were so busy that they were drenched in sweat. He finished all the food in the kitchen as well as an additional batch of meat that was sent from another department before feeling satisfied.


    ��Phew!�� Ren Baqian let out a deep breath. His long lost energy had finally returned, and his energy level felt even greater than before. He felt like he could beat the hell out of Tong Lan, the little lolita!


    At the same time, simr to how a balloon was inted, his body had grownrger from being a bag of bones.


    Even though his body still hadn��t recovered to his original condition, he now looked more like a human instead of a skeleton draped with a piece of skin.


    Most importantly, he was finally rid of that intense hunger.


    ��I��m finally alive again!�� Ren Baqian eximed as he patted his tummy.


    He had spent the entire day eating, and the empress apanied him the whole time. While watching him eat, she still sent someone to go fetch her manga from her quarters.


    The empress lifted her head and asked, ��How do you feel now?��


    ��Very good! I feel like I can smash a mountain!�� Ren Baqian clenched his fists and cracked his knuckles. He felt extremely great to be full of energy.


    He lowered his head and looked at his arm. It was full of patches of dead skin that had torn apart, revealing the fresh skin beneath it.


    He peeled a few pieces of it off his arm and let therge patches of dead skin, which had been burned by lightning, fall to the ground. The new skin beneath it appeared more tender than his skin had looked before.


    ��It��s good that you are fine. I��m tired, so I��m going back to rest first.�� The empress closed her book, took a stride out, and vanished.


    Even though she didn��t do much, she had been very worried while she waited for Ren Baqian to wake up. Now that he was in better health, she could finally be at ease.


    Ren Baqian returned to Pingle Park and took a shower before peeling all the dead skin off his body. He felt much more rxed afterward and began to explore the changes in his body after his breakthrough.

 Chapter 682 - Changes

    Chapter 682: Changes


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was evident that Ren Baqian was much stronger than before.


    He tried it out on the heavy objects in the room and found that his strength had increased by about a quarter. At present, he could generate about 4,000 newtons of force with his hands.


    Adding on the strength from his thighs and waist, he felt that he could probably use a car as a training tool.


    Ren Baqian��s speed underwent the greatest improvement this time around. He somehow felt that his entire body was as light as a feather and that he could seemingly leap up by simply applying a little force.


    He stood outside his room and exerted some force through his feet. Then, he dashed out like an arrow shot from a bow.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    ��Sir Ren!�� The bodyguard outside the courtyard quickly came running in.


    ��I��m fine. No worries.�� Ren Baqian rubbed his nose. A few more cracks appeared on the wall after he crashed into in.


    Thinking about the day when he first broke through as he was about to ram into the tree, he simply pressed his hands lightly on the ground and flipped on top of a tree branch. His reaction then was so much faster than it was now.


    He had no choice but to admit that humans could only perform under pressure!


    One would truly be able to unleash his or her full potential when facing extreme hunger.


    Ren Baqian tapped his feet lightly andnded on top of the three-meter tall wall. With another leap, hended on the roof of the opposite building.


    He leaped across a distance of over ten meters in an instant. His felt his vision go blurry for a moment before hended on the rooftop and broke two tiles.


    Ren Baqian made an estimate ording to the distance travelled. It would now take him around two seconds to travel 100 meters, an improvement from the five seconds that it used to take him.


    This meant that he was now more than twice as fast as before.


    He was slightly fasterpared to the winged cavalry warriors. They had already attained the Kismet Heaven level for many years and didn��t just break through, yet he was still faster than them.


    Furthermore, he had just broken through to the Earth Wheel level and would probably be even faster in the future.


    In terms of strength, Ren Baqian was much weaker than a Kismet Heaven expert. An aboriginal Kismet Heaven expert could generate at least 5,000 newtons of force with their hands, whereas the winged cavalry warriors could exert around 6,500 newtons.


    An Earth Wheel expert could normally only generate around 7,500 newtons of total force.


    At 8,000 newtons of force, Ren Baqian was already slightly stronger than other Earth Wheel experts, but on the other hand, he was much weaker than his aboriginal counterparts who were at an equivalent level.


    Another important change was that Ren Baqian could now sense a more obvious flow of qi in his body. His qi used to be like small puddles that were scattered all over, which also required him to be more attentive to be able to sense it. In the blink of an eye, his qi would simply dissipate throughout his body.


    Now, it was like arge river, an unending flow that circted around his five viscera.


    asionally, essence blood would convert into essence qi and join in the cirction. Some of the essence qi would dissipate throughout his body as well.


    Even though the feeling wasn��t very distinct, Ren Baqian could feel it happening within his body.


    From the moment he set out to jump, he could feel the essence qi flowing into his legs.


    He roughly knew what sort of changes he had undergone after breaking through to the Earth Wheel level. Seeing that it was alreadyte at night, he went back to his room and fell into slumber.


    Ren Baqian woke up the next morning and headed to the empress��s quarters. He met two of the bodyguards on the way, and they cupped their hands as they approached from afar.


    ��Sir Ren, we were impudent that day when we failed to recognize you. Please forgive us.��


    ��It��s alright.�� He waved his hand. Not to mention these two people, given his condition at that point in time, even his own mother wouldn��t have recognized him.


    ��Both of you were simply carrying out your duties! The situation was unusual that day, and I don��t me you.��


    They immediately gave a very down-to-earth and brutish smile before saying, ��We knew that Sir Ren isn��t someone petty. We will buy you a drink next time.��


    After bidding farewell, Ren Baqian arrived at the empress��s quarters and saw her sitting in front of the mirror while Hong Luan groomed her.


    ��Are you well rested?�� the empress asked softly when she saw him entering.


    ��I��m fine already.�� Ren Baqian smiled. ��Sorry to have you worried.��


    ��Your training was a little odd. Such things don��t normally happen when a Man Wheel expert breaks through to the Earth Wheel leve, so I wasn��t expecting it. Thankfully, you are alright,�� the empress replied faintly.


    ��I previously checked with a few other experts regarding their experiences during their breakthroughs to the Earth Wheel level, and theirs were indeed different. However, all of them trained up slowly, and their bodies had an abundance of essence blood. Most of them trained for more than ten years, and naturally, a small portion of their essence blood was converted into essence qi during their training. It slowly changed their bodies, which resulted in not needing to expend so much essence qi during the breakthrough.


    In my case, I took a huge leap. I have taken medicinal herbs to nourish my body and practiced the five Visualizations to strengthen my viscera, supplementing my body from the outside. I have taken less than two years to achieve what others need more than ten years to attain. Naturally, the advancement process was much more treacherous,�� Ren Baqian exined. He had thought about itst night and was very clear about the situation within his body.


    ��Yeah, it��s good that you know. This set of techniques that you practiced was obtained from the treasury of the previous dynasty. There��s already no one who currently knows anything about its specific details. You have to be extra careful, especially when there are certain parts that aren��t stated clearly. You were fortunate to have inadvertently obtained another scroll belonging to this set of techniques. Make some conjectures to prevent such things from happening again. After all, you probably won��t be this lucky every time,�� the empress replied faintly.


    ��Yeah!�� Ren Baqian responded softly as he stood there and watched the empress getting groomed.


    The empress had previously already grown ustomed to his gaze, but she felt that the look on his face now was a little different. She blushed slightly andshed out at him softly, asking, ��What are you looking at?��


    Ren Baqian thought to himself, <em>ording to our usual talking habits, I should reply to her with ��So what if I��m looking at you?��</em>


    A wooden box on the dressing table immediately flew toward his head, and he watched as it flew over from two meters away��


    Ren Baqian took a step back, stretched out his arm, and grabbed ahold of that box. He opened it up and found that it contained lip rouge from the Yun Nation. Even though he bought quite a few lipsticks for the empress on Earth, she preferred the fragrance from this lip rouge.


    ��So fragrant!�� Ren Baqian took a whiff andughed.


    The empress knitted her brows and said, ��Growing audacious!��


    Ren Baqian smiled and looked at her. He had finally attained the Earth Wheel level��


    The empress rxed her eyebrows as her face started blushing again.


    ��Chase him out! He��s a disturbance standing there!�� The empress was shamed into anger.


    Qing Yuan was beaming from ear to ear when she saw Ren Baqian winking at the empress.


    ��I��m just waiting for Your Majesty to have breakfast together!�� Ren Baqianughed, turned his attention away, and stopped staring at her. If she were to feel overly humiliated, he would definitely get in trouble.


    After having breakfast with her, he quickly rushed to the school.


    He bumped into the people who were waiting outside for the morning court session when he left the pce.


    Morning court in Dayao started at 7 AM, unlike how it started at 5 AM in ancient China. Both the school day and the morning court session would start at around the same time, and there were already many people waiting outside the pce when he left.


    ��Eh!�� Many of them were stunned when they saw Ren Baqian.


    There were so many experts among the officials that it was impossible for them to fail to notice the changes in him.


    ��Sir Ren has actually progressed! This is such a rare asion! Let��s go to House Yunyan tonight, and I will throw a celebration for you!�� Tong Zhenye stepped forward andughed heartily when he saw Ren Baqian. This was followed by him patting Ren Baqian with his palm-leaf fan sized palm.


    To Tong Zhenye, there was no issue that couldn��t be settled with a visit to the brothel. Even if there was, it could be settled with two visits.


    When Ren Baqian saw Tong Zhenye��s hand approaching, even though he wanted to dodge it, he couldn��t find the energy to retaliate under this palm. Tong Zhenye��s palm-leaf sized palm was so huge that it seemed as if it could block out the entire sky and that it would surelynd right on his shoulder even if he tried to run.


    In two pats, Ren Baqian got drilled into the ground.


    ��Much sturdier than before!�� Tong Zhenye clicked his tongue.


    ��Sir Tong, you probably can��t get Sir Ren toe to House Yunyan this time.�� Shi Qingughed as he stepped forward.


    Tong Zhenye still somewhat showed Shi Qing a little respect and turned his body to fully face him before asking, ��Why not?��


    ��Now that Sir Ren has already attained the Earth Wheel level, it��s time for him to n his marriage with Her Majesty.�� Shi Qing smiled as he stroked his beard. Even though the empress was dogmatic at first, no one supported her idea. However, Ren Baqian had disyed his capabilities for the past year or so and had also attained the Earth Wheel level about six months sooner than expected. This proved that he was certainly gifted and still had room for more improvement.


    As a result, he gradually gained the favor of the people.


    Ren Baqian pulled himself out from the ground,nded behind Shi Qing in a sh, and said, ��I shall not impose on you any further. Farewell!��


    He ran off as his wordsnded before anyone else could pat him into the ground again.


    ��Shi Qing is indeed a goodrade!�� Ren Baqian felt deeply moved as he ran. It was still Shi Qing who was dependable at such a crucial moment!


    After he left, everyone started to whisper to each other.


    They didn��t expect Ren Baqian to attain the Earth Wheel level so soon, and it was much sooner than what everyone had projected.


    Most importantly, the empress��s marriage would seemingly be brought forward.


    She ascended the throne when she was in her teens. She had been just a young, tender, and lost little girl. It was about time for her to tie the knot�� Everyone suddenly felt extremelyplicated.

 Chapter 683 - Marriage Discussion Within the Imperial Court

    Chapter 683: Marriage Discussion Within the Imperial Court


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Her Majesty has arrived!��


    In reality, even if nobody made the announcement, everyone in the hall was able to sense her presence when she arrived.


    The empress walked across the hall with everyone watching her and sat down on her throne above. She then unhurriedly said, ��Report your matters!��


    There wasplete silence in the hall for a couple of seconds after she finished. Everyone nced at each other, but nobody spoke up.


    ��We shall end the court session if there��s nothing.�� The empress swept her gaze across the crowd.


    Tong Zhenye stepped forward and dered, ��I have something to report. Rainfall has been heavytely and dolomite mines have copsed in many areas, killing over 70 men.��


    ��Captives?�� The empress asked.


    ��Yes!�� Tong Zhenye responded.


    The empress felt a little baffled. Why did he bring up such matters in court? Even though Ren Baqian harped on the importance of the captives, in everyone��s minds, a couple of captives dying was as normal as the rain today.


    After all, there were so many captives that it was inevitable to have some die of injury or illness every day.


    ��Go back and handle it yourself,�� the empress replied casually.


    ��Is there anything else to report?�� The empress nced around once more, before saying, ��If there��s nothing else, then the court session will end!��


    ��Your Majesty, I also have something to report.�� Under the menacing re of Tong Zhenye, Ge Yihong had no choice but to step forward.


    The empress knitted her eyebrows. Nobody spoke up when she asked; people only stepped forward when she was about to end the session.


    ��Speak!��


    ��The sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes that Principal Ren supplied are all suitable for nting in Tianjing Basin. I suggest raising these crops in Tianjing Basin and recing the current paddy fields. After all, the paddy fields have low output and rice doesn��t fetch a high value either. Most of Tianjing Basin is nting such crops at the moment. If we rece them with sweet potatoes and those other types of crops, we can increase our crop yields by fivefold!�� Ge Yihong reported.


    ��Approved!�� The empress nodded.


    ��Is there anybody else?�� The empress nced around once again and immediately frowned when she saw everyone looking inattentive.


    Upon seeing that the empress was getting furious, Shi Qing, who was standing at the front, quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands before saying, ��Your Majesty, I have something to report!��


    ��Speak!��


    ��I saw Sir Ren just now, and he has broken through to the Earth Wheel level.�� Shi Qing reported.


    ��Indeed.�� The empress suddenly had a premonition that made her feel uneasy.


    ��Your Majesty��s conjugal matters with Sir Ren have been dyed for a long time because Sir Ren��s cultivation level was too low and he was unable to conceive a child with you. Since he has already attained the Earth Wheel level, we should probably start nning for your marriage!�� Shi Qing said unhurriedly.


    The empress felt as if she had been struck by lightning and wasn��t able to move.


    Even though she was already mentally prepared and she indeed fancied Ren Baqian a lot, the discussion about marriage made her feel a little startled.


    <em>I had nothing to do when I got out of bed this morning, and I casually came to attend the morning court session.</em>


    <em>Now, however, you want to discuss marital matters with me?</em>


    <em>I haven��t even brushed my teeth!</em>


    It was the kind of feeling where she couldn��t defend herself in time and got shot in the knee.


    As she nced across the people, everyone lifted their heads and stared at her.


    The empress felt that she hadn��t been this nervous in a long time. She felt as if a lively giant elephant was jumping around in her chest!


    Her body immediately blushed from her neck to her ears.


    ��This matter�� We shall discuss itter on!�� The empress forcefully repressed her thoughts and tried her best to speak slowly.


    She really wasn��t ready for this.


    ��Is there something that Your Majesty isn��t too satisfied with Sir Ren? Do you wish to pick another husband?�� A row of white teeth shed across Shi Qing��s wrinkled face.


    ��It��s not that!�� The empress waved her hand as her heart beat even faster.


    ��With your cultivation level growing with each passing day, nobody can match Your Majesty��s talent. However, it isn��t too difficult to find a man who can conceive a child with you.�� Shi Qing smiled.


    ��However, if Sir Ren were to be your partner and you achieved another breakthrough, he might not be able to keep up with your pace. Even if he could, there is no telling how long it would take.��


    ��If Your Majesty doesn��t find Sir Ren inappropriate in any manner, it��s better to settle the marriage matters earlier. We, the old men, can also be at ease earlier. Once Your Majesty gives birth to a child, there won��t be anything to worry about anymore.��


    Qin Chuan, Tu Wan and the others stepped forward and said, ��We urge Your Majesty to make arrangements as soon as possible.��


    The empress liked Ren Baqian a lot, which everyone could see. This being the case, setting the wedding date and allowing her to give birth to a child earlier would be a good thing as well.


    She originally felt a little humiliated, angry, and nervous, but after seeing that everyone had chimed in, she immediately grew enraged and asked, ��Are you forcing me?��


    Her eyebrows lifted as she spoke, and an ominous glint permeated the whole ce.


    ��We only wish for Your Majesty to settle your marriage matters as soon as possible so that we can put our minds at ease,�� everyone responded.


    The empress��s eyebrows twitched as she responded softly, ��Fine. I��ll leave it to you to make the arrangements. Just report the details to me afterward.��


    She then stood up and left the hall. Not long after, her entire face flushed as her head started to emit white steam that rose up to three meters high. She practically looked like a human chimney from afar.


    The thought of actually marrying that man-made empress felt like her brain had overloaded and was about to shut down.


    After she fled the hall, everyone looked at each other with smiles on their faces.


    Even Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan, who were always on bad terms, didn��t oppose each other.


    Almost all of them had watched as the empress grew up.


    Regardless of her status, matters like her marriage were very important to them as well.


    ��Ever since Dayao was founded, Her Majesty has been the only empress, and there truly aren��t any antecedents! Regarding the marriage arrangements, shall we follow Great Xia��s customs or the aboriginal way?�� Qin Chuan had an odd look on his face.


    ��Naturally, the aboriginal way!�� Zhuo Yan, the Minister of Justice, grinned.


    Next, everyone suddenly had weird looks on their faces.


    ording to the aboriginal wedding customs, both parties had to ask their partner��s parents for their partner��s hand in marriage. Nobody knew where the old emperor went, and nobody had ever heard of Ren Baqian��s parents either.


    The groom then had to present the prey that he had hunted, which would depend on his strength. The size of the prey would indicate how strong and honorable the groom was.


    After that, a problem arose��fetching the bride!


    Yes, fetching the bride!


    The bride��s side had to arrange for experts to obstruct the path and let the groom fight his way through�� He eventually had to defeat the bride herself��


    Of course, after asking for thedy��s hand in marriage, the bride��s family would normally send some people to do the obstructing. The main idea was to disy the strength of the groom. In other words, sh his muscles so that the couple wouldn��t get bullied in the future.


    It would be sufficient as long as the groom disyed reasonable strength. Depending on the situation, he would usually have to exchange three to ten blows with each person.


    As for thest obstacle, which was the bride, if the couple found each other congenial, she would usually go easy on him.


    However, even if his opponents went easy on him, who could Ren Baqian beat with his tiny physique? He wouldn��t be able to beat anyone!


    He would copse at simply one touch of the finger!


    After all, the aboriginals honor the strong, so very few women would ept a husband weaker than themselves. Even if he was weaker than her, the difference wouldn��t be that huge, and he would still be able to clear the obstructions and fetch the bride.


    However, the empress had found such a weak husband, which was something extremely umon among the aboriginals. It would still be hard for Ren Baqian even if she went easy on him. Needless to say, when it was time to fetch the bride, there definitely would be officials from the imperial court who would obstruct Ren Baqian��s path. Hong Wu would very likely be there as well!


    What next? Should Hong Wu simply fall over at the touch of Ren Baqian��s finger? Hong Wu was too strong, but Ren Baqian wouldn��t even be able to win against Tong Zhenye or the rest of them! Those officials had their reputations to uphold! They couldn��t simply act it out!


    Not to mention thest round, which would be fighting the empress.


    Ren Baqian wouldn��t be able to beat her even if she tied her limbs together.


    If they were to follow the aboriginal way, how was he going to fetch the bride?


    ��Shall we follow Great Xia��s customs then?�� Tu Wan suggested.


    ��I��m afraid that it��s inappropriate for the aboriginal empress to follow the wedding customs of Great Xia! It will be aughing stock if news gets out!�� Someone immediately rejected that suggestion.


    Everyone nodded.


    Great Xia��s customs were out of the question.


    Even though the empress had already given the green light, the wedding arrangements had really stumped everyone.


    After all, she didn��t have any antecedent for her to follow.


    Ren Baqian��s physique was also too weak.


    Xuan Hua, the Minister of Rites, frowned and suggested, ��Why don��t we discuss thister and decide on the wedding date first.��


    ��Should we inform the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation?�� someone asked. After all, Hong Wu and the empress were on great terms. Even though they weren��t rted by blood, it was almost the same.


    How could they not inform Hong Wu about this?


    ��We shall contact Hong Wu through the radio then! Everyone go back, think about how we should arrange their marriage, and see if you cane up with any good ideas!�� Shi Qing said.


    The empress��s marriage had immediately be everyone��s utmost priority! All other matters had been pushed unimaginably far away.

 Chapter 684 - Three Flowers and Five Elements (Taoist Cultivation)

    Chapter 684: Three Flowers and Five Elements (Taoist Cultivation)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��The marriage of Her Majesty���� Hong Wu heard the news on the radio and muttered, ��I will go back as soon as possible!��


    ��Sir Hong, this matter isn��t urgent, but the matter at the frontline is pressing. Great Xia is massing soldiers at the frontline. If Sir Honges back, what will happen to the 30,000 soldiers and hundreds of thousands ofmoners at the frontline? The marriage details can be arranged by me. Plus, the date of the wedding hasn��t been set yet!�� Shi Qing said.


    ��Of course, we have to kill off Great Xia first! The original n was to whittle them down as they fight outside the city�� Rest assured, I will act with discretion! As for the wedding�� I need to study it carefully.�� After speaking, Hong Wu strode out of the room.


    ��Bring me my saber!�� Hong Wu said loudly as he stepped out of the door.


    ��Sir?�� Someone said doubtfully, but a long saber was quickly brought to his side by another person.


    He raised the saber toward the sky and caused a wave to prate the clouds. Then, he swung his de downward and instantly bisected the house in front of him.


    Hong Wu threw the saber to a guard and said, ��Count the shbangs. Do not make any mistakes. In addition, get someone to monitor the weather and report to me regrly.


    ��Yes!��


    ��From today onward, the on-duty time for each roster will be shortened to six hours when guarding the city during the day. Rest and recuperate during the off duty time and prepare for my orders.��


    ��Sir, isn��t this too hasty?�� The deputymander beside him stepped forward to ask. A momentter, he understood the reason why Hong Wu gave these orders.


    ��Great Xia also thinks the same way as you and certainly doesn��t expect me to attack. Use the shbangs in a surprise night attack, then assault them to break them apart. The enemy will be surprised and the shbangs will blind them. In a panic-stricken state, they will be like meat on a cutting board.��


    ��Your subordinate doesn��t understand this sudden decision of yours. If the other side senses that something is wrong, they will retreat to Tiesuo Pass.�� The deputymander couldn��t understand.


    ��If we only had the original 20,000 soldiers, stalemating Great Xia wouldn��t be considered bad. Fortunately, weter mobilized 10,000 more soldiers. Although they are rookie soldiers, we aboriginals have considerable fighting ability. Additionally, these soldiers were recruited from viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. As a result, the Protectorate of the North has more counterattacking capabilities.��


    It wasn��t until the 20,000 so-called shbangs were delivered from the rear that Hong Wu was able to keep the Great Xia army engaged here.


    ��To keep the whole Great Xia army of 500,000 here, 30,000 soldiers isn��t enough. Ping City is too close to Tiesuo Pass and is less than one day away. Even if the surprise attack is sessful, the defeated enemy will retreat in disarray. Even if all 30,000 soldiers were to join in the surprise attack, at least half of the remaining 430,000 enemy soldiers can return to Tiesuo Pass. The original n was to cut down the enemy forces by a third while they fought below the city before breaking through to attack their main camp by surprise and to keep on killing until only about 50,000 to 80,000 of their soldiers can retreat to Tiesuo Pass.��


    Hong Wu frowned because he was unsettled. If the matters regarding the empress��s marriage hadn��t presented themselves, he would have followed the original n. Now, however, he couldn��t wait that long.


    Although he couldmunicate via the radio, he still wanted to take a trip to Lan City.


    He solemnly said, ��Go and make your arrangements. I will make my own arrangements.��


    After sending the deputymander away, Hong Wu went to the hall and looked silently at a map on the table. He then proceeded to circle Tiesuo Pass and two other passes in Great Xia.


    ��


    The breakthrough to attain the Earth Wheel level that Ren Baqian had achieved caused a stir in the academy. When Ren Baqian didn��te to ss for two days, the students were wondering what had happened to him and never expected him to secretly achieve a breakthrough.


    Although an Earth Wheel level expert wasn��t considered a top master, it only took Ren Baqian two years to progress from an ordinary man to the Earth Wheel level. This speed made the students green with envy!


    Of course, Tong Lan was the most unhappy of all. She felt that her chances of using those sparring sessions to exact revenge on Ren Baqian were decreasing.


    At the very least, it wouldn��t be as easy as before.


    Taking advantage of the fact that Ren Baqian had just broken through, she had better use more force during their next martial arts practice session.


    If Ren Baqian knew Tong Lan��s thoughts, he would certainly feel that he had given his students too little homework.


    They most likely didn��t know what a ��sea of homework�� and a ��sea of test papers�� meant!


    However, Ren Baqian was in a good mood. After the hardship of all these years, he was finally going to turn the tables.


    On the way to the pce, he saw someone who shouldn��t be seening out of the empress��s quarters, and it made him wonder whether he was seeing things.


    This person, who had delicate features and a pair of A cup boobs, was Lin Qiaole, the one that drooled while sleeping 24 hours a day!


    Ren Baqian had always equated her to a pig with the only difference being that she could fight better than pigs!


    Aftering back from Tianjing Basin, besides seeing her snoring away at Qingxin Pce Hall a few times, he had never seen her at any other ces.


    The sun must have risen from another direction for Lin Qiaole to being out of Qingxin Pce Hall.


    <em>Sniff. </em>When Lin Qiaole saw him, she jumped andnded beside Ren Baqian while sniffing. Then, she felt the back of his waist, moved downward to take out a bag of candy, and smiled in delight.


    ��Why did youe out?�� Ren Baqian didn��t mind giving her candy, but he was curious.


    ��Grandmother wanted to see Her Majesty, but she couldn��te here.�� Lin Qiaole happily took out a piece of chocte, peeled off the familiar wrapper, and popped it into her mouth. After that, her face began to change.


    ��Yuck! What vor is this? The taste is horrible.�� Lin Qiaole spat a few times and looked disgusted.


    After Ren Baqian took a nce, he confirmed that it was made of 90 percent cocoa.


    This thing was rather unptable and was equivalent to taking Chinese herbs without sugar.


    He identally mixed them into his bag of candy at the supermarket that day, and even the empress had unwittingly eaten one in the past.


    ��Why can��t Librarian Line out?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    ��My grandmother is afraid of light and neveres out in the day!�� Lin Qiaole said bitterly. Her tongue tasted bitter, but she felt better after eating some other candies.


    Lin Qiaole was an easily satisfied person.


    ��Is there such a thing?!�� Ren Baqian was a bit surprised as this was the first time he had heard of this.


    ��It has been many years! Anyway, I have never seen here out!�� Lin Qiaole muttered. Next, she pointed at Ren Baqian and said, ��My grandmother��s meeting with the empress has something to do with you! You will know when the timees! Bye!��


    ��It has something to do with me? Is it rted to my cultivation?�� Ren Baqian pondered and then went in to see the empress.


    The empress was sitting on the sofa in a daze; her eyes were unfocused as she thought about something.


    ��Your Majesty?��


    ��Oh?�� The empress seemed to be startled by his voice.


    ��What��s Your Majesty thinking about?�� Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    ��It��s a small matter!�� Her eyes were shifty, and it was obvious that she was lying.


    Subsequently, she calmed down and said seriously, ��I have something important to tell you!��


    ��Your Majesty, please tell me!�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress looked at him with a solemn face, then appeared agitated. Her head heated up�� It was as if steam was shooting out ten feet high.


    The empress looked away and said, ��Never mind!��


    ��This move by Your Majesty is the legendary [Three Flowers and Five Elements]! It��s really an eye-opener!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    The empress blushed until her neck and ears were red.


    ��Is Your Majesty really fine?�� Ren Baqian looked at her posture andughed.


    ��I��m fine!�� The empress tried hard to steady her voice.


    ��Are you sure you are alright?��


    ��I��m fine! You talk too much nonsense!�� The empress raised her eyebrows, but her voice was tender.

 Chapter 685 - The Yang Boosting Technique

    Chapter 685: The Yang Boosting Technique


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, you have been brushing your teeth for an hour�� Is it time to go to Qingxin Pce Hall? What exactly are we going to do there?�� Ren Baqian felt dumbfounded as he leaned against the door and looked at the empress inside the hall.


    During this one hour period, she broke six toothbrushes. Had the toothbrushes offended her?


    If someone else were to do this, their gums would have worn out.


    The empress paused for a moment before tossing the toothbrush over to Qing Yuan.


    ��Let��s go,�� she said as she walked out of the hall.


    ��What��s bothering you today, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian asked as he followed behind her.


    ��Nothing, I��m fine,�� the empress replied without even turning her head around.


    Ren Baqian smiled. He knew very well why the empress was acting abnormally, and he found it pretty amusing to see her behave like this.


    The two of them entered the courtyard of Qingxin Pce Hall and saw Lin Qiaole lying there sprawled out on her back and drooling as she slept. She didn��t even mind the intense rays of sunlight that shone on her as she tightly gripped a bag of candy.


    ��Ahem!�� As Ren Baqian cleared his throat, Lin Qiaole immediately quivered and got up.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Lin Qiaole wiped away her saliva. She looked down at the bag of candy in her hand, then looked back at the people in front of her. She hesitated for a moment and unwillingly handed the candy over.


    The empress took a nce at her and said, ��You keep it.��


    She couldn��t be any more familiar with that bag. She didn��t even need to take it from Lin Qiaole to know what was inside.


    Lin Qiaole was pleased and immediately stuffed it into her clothes before proceeding to lead the way.


    The empress turned her head and said to Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and the bodyguards who followed along, ��You guys wait outside.��


    ��Yes!��


    ��You, follow me in.�� She nced over at Ren Baqian.


    The trio entered Qingxin Pce Hall and dashed up to the second floor. At the foot of the staircase, they could hear a series of violent coughsing from the second floor.


    The second floor was still as dusky as ever.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty.�� Librarian Lin rushed forward to greet the empress.


    ��Spare the formalities, Librarian Lin!�� The empress waved her hand. ��Since you asked for a meeting, there must be something that you wish to say!��


    ��Please allow me to have a look at Principal Ren��s condition,�� Librarian Lin requested.


    The empress tilted her head slightly while Ren Baqian took a step toward Librarian Lin.


    Librarian Lin sized Ren Baqian up, stretched out her withered hand and pulled his shoulder over. He didn��t avoid it and allowed her to press on him.


    Unexpectedly, Librarian Lin exerted quite a bit of force when she grabbed Ren Baqian��s shoulder. Her fingers pressed down hard, causing him to feel a sharp pain.


    She then pressed on his backbone before taking a few steps back and saying, ��Theoretically, Sir Ren will be able to bear a child with Your Majesty!��


    ��However��:��


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress began to frown.


    Nobody liked hearing the words ��however�� or ��but�� because they implied the words that were to follow.


    ��However, Sir Ren��s body might not be able to withstand Your Majesty��s strength, and Your Majesty might hurt Sir Ren. I believe that both of you are aware of this,�� Librarian Lin continued.


    Ren Baqian immediately felt like cursing. Librarian Lin��s words sounded very unpleasant.


    After hearing these blunt words, the empress��s face turned red as steam started billowing from her head.


    ��This is exactly what I predicted and the reason why I asked both of you toe,�� Librarian Lin exined unhurriedly.


    ��Please get to the point, Librarian Lin.�� Ren Baqian took a step forward.


    Seeing how the empress was fuming with embarrassment at this moment, Ren Baqian assumed that she probably wouldn��t rebut. Besides, the things that Librarian Lin brought up were issues that he had always been thinking about. He originally thought this problem could be resolved by using the release posture, but it seemed like there was a better option now.


    ��There is a series called [The Yang Boosting Technique] in Qingxin Pce Hall. Once you practice it, your essence blood and qi will rise to the surface of your body and greatly increase your bodily strength. This is a secret manual from the Hao Nation��s royal family, and every sessive emperor practiced it since they were young.


    Previously, Sir Ren��s Yang qi wasn��t sufficient��if you forcefully practiced this technique, it would expend a lot of essence blood.


    Now that you have broken through to the Earth Wheel level, you can start to practice this technique,�� Librarian Lin said.


    ��How long do I need to practice this for?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    ��It will take at least three months to see results, but practicing this technique isn��t as easy as you think.


    This techniqueprises of the main andplementary types. When an adult male of the Hao Nation��s royal family practiced this technique, he would choose 18 gifted female virgins as supporting tools by using the Yin energy to boost the Yang. They were respectively divided into three groups of six to support the ordinary person level, the Man Wheel level, and the Earth Wheel level.


    Once the female virgins practiced theplementary technique to a certain level of proficiency, the weakest one would be used as a support tool as the others continued practicing. Whenever the practitioner of the main technique reached a new phase, he would need to use another female virgin who had practiced theplementary technique to a matching level and have her support him.


    Once the remaining 12 female virgins had attained the Man Wheel level, the weakest six would remain as support tools. Once the others had attained the Earth Wheel level, they would be support tools for when the main practitioner attained the Earth Wheel level.


    It��s said that once the main practitioner reached the Spirit Wheel level, he would still require support tools of the same level. However, who would dare to use a Spirit Wheel expert as a support tool?�� Librarian Lin exined slowly. What she said made the faces of both Ren Baqian and the empress change.


    However, both of them kept silent and allowed the old woman to continue speaking.


    ��The main point of this technique is to use the Yin energy to supplement the Yang and help it grow. There��s a slight modification of this technique that elerates the process, but it alsoes with a price. The practitioner would only be able toplete the initial levels of this technique and would strengthen their body to a certain extent, but wouldn��t be able to progress any further. The things you need will be the Yin essence of six Earth Wheel level females as well as the cultivation of their entire lives.��


    The corners of Ren Baqian��s mouth drew down after hearing this. This technique sounded lowly, sl*tty, and was truly very different from the proper techniques that he had been practicing! He had better forget about this technique. This old woman must be harboring malicious intentions by suggesting such things.


    The empress remained silent for a while before saying in a deep voice, ��I understand. I will get six people from the Yun Nation who fulfill the criteria. Can we still make it in time?��


    ��Yes, if it��s within three months!�� Librarian Lin replied.


    ��Your Majesty, I don��t need to practice such techniques. We can look for other methods.�� Ren Baqian was astonished.


    ��Shut up!��


    ��Don��t get anxious, both of you, I��m not done yet. Even though this technique has been modified, the main andplementary aspect of it still remains. The females must also practice theplementary technique. It��s useless if the person you find refuses to learn it.��


    ��I will look for those who are associated with sects. With des tied to their necks, they will naturally agree,�� the empress said with a cold look on her face.


    Ren Baqian felt a little touched. Even he felt that this technique was a little excessive, let alone the empress.


    Even though the veins on her neck were almost popping out, she still made this decision despite feeling unhappy about it. How could he not be moved after seeing someone of her status do this for him?


    ��Your Majesty, I will never practice this technique. We can look for other methods,�� Ren Baqian repeated himself in a deep voice.


    ��You don��t wish to?�� The empress nced over at him with a cold look.


    ��I spend all my time with you, so other women simply look like dried bones to me. Does Your Majesty think that I can use some dried bones as a support tool?�� Ren Baqian gave the empress a good-natured smile.


    ��Is this my fault then? Should I apologize?�� The empress was clearly overwhelmed with jealousy. Furthermore, out of all people, it involved Ren Baqian, yet she still had to put up a magnanimous front.


    She must be fuming mad.


    The empress wasn��t someone who would force a smile if she was fuming mad. Her face would immediately turn as cold as ice.


    From now on, she decided not to be pleased with Ren Baqian no matter what, even though she was actually pretty satisfied with how he responded just now

 Chapter 686 - Earth Yin Spring

    Chapter 686: Earth Yin Spring


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Don��t get anxious, Sir Ren and Your Majesty, I��m not done yet���� Librarian Lin continued speaking unhurriedly. ��I have actually modified this technique and gave it two practice methods. One method involves using support tools as I have previously mentioned�� There��s also the other method, which involves you drawing support from the Earth Yin Spring in the Sixty Thousand Mountains����


    Ren Baqian and the empress immediately stared at Librarian Lin with murderous looks. Why didn��t she say that there was another method? Was she deliberately toying with them?


    If Ren Baqian had impatiently agreed or if the empress had disagreed with the first method just now, problems would definitely arise between them.


    Thankfully, the empress was magnanimous enough and Ren Baqian��s reaction was appropriate, which touched both of their hearts a little. Furthermore, the empress was so overwhelmingly jealous.


    This olddy was up to no good! Ren Baqian immediately gave Librarian Lin this judgement.


    ��However, this method is extremely dangerous. The location of the Earth Yin Spring is very special. It��s said that this spring is a passageway between the realms of life and death, but I��m not sure if this is true. This spring is very dangerous because ordinary people will be affected by Yin hallucinations when theye into contact with it. Even with strong willpower, you might not be able toe back up if you can��t endure the disturbance of these Yin hallucinations, much less draw support for training.��


    Ren Baqian knitted his brow and asked, ��Librarian Lin, are there any other ways to strengthen the physical body?��


    ��This method is the fastest. Other methods require years of practice to see results, so I��m afraid that those might take a long time. This is the only quick fix to your problem and the only elerated process.��


    A smile arose on Librarian Lin��s wizened face.


    ��We shall use the second method then,�� Ren Baqian responded. After having practiced the [Ruyi Visualization], he was pretty confident in his willpower.


    What sort of Yin hallucination could match up to all the suffering of the Five Visualizations?


    Besides, he could also bring the spring water back to Earth for study! If he were to go ahead with the first method, he would need to risk having the empress settle the score with him one day. Wouldn��t he be digging his own grave then?


    ��Use the first method!�� the empress immediately interjected.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian tried to convince her.


    The empress very quickly interrupted him and said, ��I have the final say!��


    ��Your Majesty�� What if I can��t get it up when I see them?�� Ren Baqian spread his arms.


    Steam started to emit from her head and veins crept around her entire neck. She subsequently swung her palm at him.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Another hole was created in the wall.


    Only the empress, Librarian Lin, and Lin Qiaole were left in Qingxin Pce Hall.


    ��Now that it��s finally quiet, let��s go ahead with the first method,�� the empress said as she brushed ayer of ice off her face.


    She had made up her mind and was bent on finding sixdies who would make him wish he was dead upon first sight. She definitely wouldn��t let him get away with it that easily.


    ��


    Ren Baqian felt confused and disoriented since he flew for quite a distance before smashing into a rooftop and falling through.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    ��My back is breaking!�� Ren Baqian gasped for air with his mouth wide open before noticing that someone was watching him.


    That person was watching him from inside a tub.


    ��Taking a bath?�� Ren Baqian forced a good-natured smile.


    ��Yes!�� Xin Zhe sat in the tub with a cold look on her face. Her neck and shoulders were exposed outside the tub, and she had loosened her hair.


    ��Her Majesty threw me over!�� Ren Baqian pondered for a bit before responding on a serious note. He really couldn��t afford to take the me for this.


    ��I guessed as much!�� Xin Zhe continued staring at him with that cold look.


    ��You live in the pce? I never knew that.�� As Ren Baqiany on the ground, he took a look around. The entire ce was very simply decorated, and there was a de hung up on the wall. However, he saw a few cute little ornaments in the room. He felt that this might be where Xin Zhe lived.


    ��I have a residence in the city, but I spend most of my leisure time here. It��s a concession granted by Her Majesty.��


    ��Okay.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    After seeing that he wasn��t even trying to stand up, Xin Zhe continued to give him that cold look and asked, ��You aren��t leaving?��


    ��My back is injured��I need to recuperate for a moment!�� Ren Baqian replied, gasping for air.


    ��I��m done bathing! I��m leaving!�� Xin Zhe stood up from the tub and caused water to ssh all over. She took a step out, grabbed a towel, and wiped herself dry. She then put on her singlet and safety shorts followed by her armor.


    Ren Baqian didn��t even bat an eyelid as he watched that bouncing pair of double D��s ��


    And that perky *ss��


    And other things that he wasn��t supposed to see��


    After all, nobody wore clothes to bathe in their own house.


    Xin Zhe didn��t try to cover herself up either. She didn��t seem to find any problem with this.


    ��Don��t touch anything in the room,�� Xin Zhe turned her head and said to Ren Baqian after she put on her armor.


    ��I understand. Take care,�� Ren Baqian responded as he watched her leave the room.


    Hey on the floor and looked at thatrge hole in the ceiling. He took a whiff of the fragrance that still lingered in the room and heaved a sigh.


    ��Such is life!��


    Hey there for some time before holding his waist and standing up. He walked around the room and saw that it was decorated with mostly wood carved ornaments. There was a ck-faced guy and two monkeys that looked extremely lifelike. He didn��t expect Xin Zhe to actually like such things.


    He then slowly walked over to the empress��s quarters. She was already there waiting for him.


    ��Your Majesty, I remember you saying that you wanted to visit your mother��s grave,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��It��s about time that I pay her a visit.�� The empress had a cold look on her face and didn��t seem too happy.


    Or rather, it was very evident from her expression that she was unhappy.


    ��Let me apany you there. We can also take this opportunity to visit that Earth Yin Spring. If possible, I still really want to give it a shot. With Your Majesty by my side, if you realize that things aren��t going well, you can still make it in time to pull me out, right? If it doesn��t work, we can think of another method and prepare two safetys,�� Ren Baqian added. He really didn��t want the empress to make arrangements for the first method. It was clear that she wasn��t voicing out her unhappiness and that he wouldnd himself in a whole lot of trouble in the future.


    The empress was stunned for a moment because she didn��t expect Ren Baqian to bring this up again. However, his words did make some sense to her. She didn��t know anything about this Earth Yin Spring, so it was good to check it out as well.

 Chapter 687 - The Cause of the Problem

    Chapter 687: The Cause of the Problem


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    No matter what, it was a necessity to go to the Sixty Thousand Mountains and visit the Earth Yin Spring in order to make a decision.


    He would let the empress arrange whatever she wanted.


    Regardless, he was determined to spend his time cultivating in the Earth Yin Spring that was located in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    For the next few days, besides teaching at the academy, he devoted his time to cultivation.


    After breaking through, whether in terms of strength or speed, the improvement to his body was tremendous. If he didn��t spend time cultivating, he wouldn��t be able to control his body at all.


    It would be like a child holding a 50 kilogram saber.


    A saber with lethal power was useless if it couldn��t be handled properly and, on the contrary, was an encumbrance.


    This was the situation Ren Baqian was facing.


    After cultivating for three days, Ren Baqian felt he was getting better at controlling his body and asked the empress to arrange a practice with Tong Lan.


    The empress was surprised by this request because this was the first time Ren Baqian had sought out Tong Lan for practice without being forced by someone. Such a request was a remote urrence.


    ��What a rare asion! This is unlike you!�� the empress said frankly.


    ��Your Majesty is looking down on me!�� Ren Baqian said with a smile, ��One can only progress quickly bypeting with strong opponents. Furthermore, I can still remember the time when I woke up extremely hungry and was able to easily dodge the saber strikes from the two guards that I met on my way to the imperial kitchen. The next time I woke up, this feeling was gone and even controlling my body was tough.��


    The empress looked at him and asked, ��What do you think is the reason?��


    Ren Baqian thought for a moment and replied, ��It��s probably because I am the type who reacts ording to the level of the opponent. Only under pressure will I unleash the mini-universe within me. This potential was already inside me, but it took breaking through to the Earth Wheel level to awaken it.��


    The empress was shocked by his words and looked stunned.


    A momentter she said, ��I have a rough idea of your situation.��


    ��No wonder you are the empress��you can quickly figure out the things that I can��t even perceive!�� Ren Baqian said happily.


    The potential that was hidden inside him was finally going to be unleashed.


    ��I can feel it.�� The empress nodded.


    She could perceive it! He was realizing his potential and volunteering to practice with Tong Lan! And he was about to unleash his own mini-universe.


    That afternoon, Ren Baqian wore Li Ning branded shorts as he stood on the sparring stage. Facing him was Tong Lan, the little lolita, who was dressed in white and looking maliciously at him.


    The empress was sitting in a chair, eating fruit, and watching anime. Behind her, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were attending to her. One of them was holding a parasol, whereas the other was preparing an ice basin and using a fan to direct cold air toward the empress.


    Ren Baqian felt a little excited because he could finally show his strength after having been beaten up for so long.


    By virtue of his speed being much faster than that of an ordinary person, Ren Baqian felt that he had a good chance of winning this time! He would definitely give this little lolita a surprise and improve his own control of his body by sparring with her.


    It was a very profitable deal.


    ��I will put on some background music!�� Ren Baqian turned to select a tune from theptop and exciting music immediately filled the venue.


    He discovered that Tong Lan was even more excited to hear such music than he was. She was bobbing her head to the beat.


    ��You can rx a little! After all, I have never beaten you before!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Tong Lan gave him a sidelong nce and replied, ��I��m not nervous either!��


    Ren Baqian asked, ��Do you know what the biggest benefit of being an Earth Wheel expert is? I discovered it after making my breakthrough. It isn��t found only at the Earth Wheel level, but also at the Kismet Heaven level.


    ��What is it?�� His words attracted the attention of Tong Lan.


    Although she openly showed her dislike for Ren Baqian, she admired his wealth of knowledge.


    Even the empress raised her head.


    ��It is that�� it��s much stronger than Human Wheel!�� Ren Baqian suddenly burst out, traversed more than 10 meters in one move, and kicked at Tong Lan with one leg.


    As Tong Lan moved her hand to block, Ren Baqian somersaulted in midair. Next, he raised his other leg like a windmill and aimed at her jaw.


    The instep of Ren Baqian��s foot hit against Tong Lan��s palm, resulting in a loud bang.


    Tong Lan followed up with a kick that sent Ren Baqian flying away.


    Ren Baqian was sent tumbling and fell heavily on the ground. He got up with a flip and no longer looked as rxed as before.


    He could detect that kick from Tong Lan, but his body wasn��t able to match the speed of his brain.


    The same thing had happened when he met the guards on that rainy night as he was making his way to the imperial kitchen. The brain was responding much faster than the body. His brain could detect and knew what was needed in order to evade, but his body simply could not keep up and failed to dodge in time.


    This feeling made him terribly ufortable. It was as if his brain was dying the instructions to his body.


    This situation was hard to uncover during cultivation, but was very obvious during a fight.


    The next phases of the fight confirmed this point.


    He was able to anticipate the moves most of the time, but was unable to avoid them!


    Ren Baqian was sent flying by Tong Lan more than 10 times. He only stopped the spar when he felt that his body was about to fall apart.


    ��No matter what you say, I have improved a lot!�� Ren Baqiany on the floor panting.


    Tong Lan looked at him, then looked up at the sky and quipped, ��Improvement? You are being too imaginative! There��s none��it��s nonexistent!��


    Ren Baqian immediately resolved to train harder the next day!


    Listening to the background music, Ren Baqian sighed as he had never achieved victory with this!


    After Tong Lan had departed, he told the empress about the problem he had encountered earlier.


    The empress frowned and pondered for a long time before saying tentatively, ��Normally, this shouldn��t happen. After burning my essence blood, I found it hard to recover my strength within a month, and at that time, I was in the same situation as you.


    Normally, the physical level and spiritual level should correspond with each other, and this is the case in every cultivation method. The situation that you mentioned seems to imply that the spiritual attainment has exceeded the physical attainment. For example, when you were a Man Wheel expert, your physical level was 5 and your spiritual level was also 5. For an Earth Wheel expert, the normal physical and spiritual values would both be 20.


    However, in your case, your physical value is 20, but your spiritual value is 50. Since they don��t match, it caused this situation to arise.


    It��s simr to a car that��s designed to carry 6 people, but has 10 people inside.


    In my case, assuming both my spiritual and physical levels are at 100, my physical value drops to 30 while my spiritual value remains at 100 after burning my essence blood. This situation, where the body and spirit are out of sync, will ur as a result.��


    Ren Baqian frowned for a moment. He could easily understand what the empress was saying.


    Simply put, it was like cing a sports car engine in an Alto car.


    The sports car engine was powerful, but it could not be properly utilized when harnessed to an Alto car. It might even cause various problems.


    ��As for the reason, I��m guessing it might be due to the effects of [Ruyi Visualization]. ording to your descriptions, this cultivation method will affect the spiritual level.


    Do you still remember [The Ancient Scroll of Methods]? After cultivating [Ruyi Visualization] and attaining the Earth Wheel level, you can start to cultivate with it. If you didn��t train with [Ruyi Visualization], you would have to wait until you attained the Spirit Wheel level before you could start to cultivate [The Ancient Scrolls of Methods].


    I��m afraid that this is the exnation.��


    After listening to the empress, Ren Baqian felt that he agreed with 80 percent of her exnation.


    Ren Baqian suddenly thought of one thing. If this cultivation method caused the spiritual value to surpass the physical value, then the way to fight should be different from an ordinary cultivation method.


    There should be a special way to utilize the spiritual value.


    The profound truth might be found here.


    In that case, he had to find the next volume of the ancient manual.


    Otherwise, he would be a level 60 master who had yet to master any skills.


    Wasn��t he a master who whacked people with his stick?


    Fortunately, this master wasn��t as fragile since his body was stronger than ordinary Man (TLC. Earth?) Wheel experts!

 Chapter 688 - Let the Empress Marry Me!

    Chapter 688: Let the Empress Marry Me!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was returning to the pce from the school when he bumped into Shi Qing at the pce gates.


    Or rather, Shi Qing was specifically waiting for him there.


    ��Congrattions, Sir Ren?�� The wrinkles on Shi Qing��s face smoothed out as heughed and cupped his hands at Ren Baqian.


    ��What��s the asion?�� Ren Baqian frowned. His mind had been upied with many thingstely, and he had already been mulling over the issues regarding [Ruyi Visualization] for a few days now.


    The empress had made a conjecture a few days ago that the spiritual level of those who practiced this set of techniques would far exceed that of their peers. In fact, even their physical strength wasn��t any weaker than others. The origins of this manual were actually quite remarkable!


    Ren Baqian had been mulling over this matter for the past few days!


    There was another problem he was mulling over: how was he supposed to find the third volume of the manual?!


    The first volume was found in the Hao Nation, whereas the second volume was from Great Xia. What about the third volume?


    In reality, other than himself, the only people who could utilize the third manual were Spirit Wheel experts.


    Only a Spirit Wheel expert had a spiritual level that was strong enough to practice this set of techniques.


    Ren Baqian should probably try to find out more information about all the Spirit Wheel experts in this world, especially those with bizarre techniques. He would perhaps be able to get some clues from them.


    Were there any Spirit Wheel experts that didn��t have a reputation? As one could well imagine, it would be extremely difficult to find out more information about all the Spirit Wheel experts in this world.


    Besides this point, there was also another important reason why Ren Baqian was feeling vexed. He had been having nightmarestely!


    He had recently been having dreams about an older version of Sister Feng[1.Bully meme in China] and always woke up drenched in sweat.


    If this carried on, he was going to wither before he even got married!


    It was said that you dream at night what you think about during the day. However, Ren Baqian had been mulling over [The Ancient Scroll of Methods] these days, so why didn��t he dream of that instead?


    <em>What sort of hatred and animosity have I gotten myself into?</em>


    <em>I have been minding my own business! Can you stay further away from me?</em>


    ��Everyone in the imperial court has been discussing Her Majesty��s marriage ns. I��m not sure what Sir Ren is worried about? Could it be that you are unhappy with something?�� Shi Qing saw the worried look on Ren Baqian��s face and became a little gloomy.


    Seeing that Shi Qing didn��t look very happy, Ren Baqian immediately responded, ��You are mistaken, Great Elder!��


    Out of everyone in the imperial court, Tong Zhenye and Shi Qing had always been the friendliest toward him.


    However, that old pper Tong Zhenye was too strong and, quite like that Whack-A-Mole game, had frequently pped Ren Baqian into the ground.


    By the looks of it, Shi Qing was the only good person in the entire imperial court. Even though Ren Baqian had destroyed the walls of his residence a number of times, Shi Qing didn��t react very strongly.


    Regardless of whatever it was, Ren Baqian didn��t want to give Shi Qing any wrong impressions. If others were to mistakenly think that he was getting worried because he was about to marry the empress, they would probably stab him in the back.


    He knitted his brow and pondered for a bit before pouring out his woes to Shi Qing and exining mainly about his nightmares.


    ��Oh, I see.�� Shi Qing stroked his beard. ��However, it��s the greatest honor to be able to marry the empress. There are so many aboriginal men and all of them envy you. Just endure for a little and you will tide through this. You are such a fine man��how could you be terrified about matters rted to training? Besides, they are all going to look the same in pitch darkness.��


    Ren Baqian gave Shi Qing the side eye with a hidden bitterness on his face.


    The things that Shi Qing said were pretty much for his own interest.


    He definitely wouldn��t feel it if he wasn��t the one doing it! How about finding him six women and getting him to try it out in the darkness!


    However, after giving it some careful thought, Ren Baqian truly hadn��t seen any women who looked too hideous.


    In fact, aboriginal males weren��t bad looking either. They simply were very tough looking, which fulfilled the aesthetic conception of the aboriginals quite well.


    Aboriginaldies usually had extremely good figures with bodies that looked strong and healthy. Even if their looks were mediocre, their wild nature gave them very unique characteristics.


    Ren Baqian really hadn��t seen any aboriginaldies who were truly hideous.


    This was probably the gifted trait of their ethnicity.


    Like the Yaksha folklore, their males were extremely hideous, but their females were superbly gorgeous.


    Even though the aboriginals weren��t at that level, they bore the gist of that example.


    This was perhaps why Shi Qing didn��t really understand what hideousness looked like!


    Ren Baqian should probably stick a few photos of ugly women on Shi Qing��s wall and see if that old stabled steed was still able to dream of running 1,000 miles at night!


    ��You congratted me just now, Sir Shi?�� He immediately changed the topic as he sort of guessed what happened. Since Shi Qing specifically waited for him here and congratted him, the wedding date had most likely been set.


    These days, even though Ren Baqian had been mulling over [The Ancient Scroll of Methods], he was aware that the imperial court had been making ns about his marriage to the empress.


    It was probably because they were about to get married that the empress felt at a loss��she frequently threw tantrums and had a bit of a tempertely. Even though he found it amusing most of the time, it was also a little troublesome for him at times!


    After all, the empress wasn��t a typical woman.


    A typical woman wouldn��t be able to kill someone with her fists!


    ��Sir Ren, the date of your wedding with Her Majesty has already been set for March 3rd of next year. It��s nine months from now, and I��ll have to address you as prince after that.��


    It had been evident to Ren Baqian, and it indeed turned out to be what he had guessed. Nine months�� They had probably taken into consideration the amount of time that he and the empress would spend practicing [The Yang Boosting Technique] in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    ��Thank you for the information, Great Elder.�� Ren Baqian took a deep breath and put a smile on his face.


    ��No problem. I just wanted to tell you that Her Majesty is the empress of Dayao and the empress of the aboriginals. Don��t hurt her!�� Shi Qing warned.


    ��She��s my empress as well. Like what Great Elder said previously, all of the aboriginal men envy me, so how could I live in plenty and not appreciate it?��


    ��It better be that way. Actually, I also don��t have to be so worried��you aren��t Her Majesty��s match anyway.�� Shi Qingughed. ��However, I waited for you here, not just to inform you about the wedding ns. There��s actually something else that I want to tell you.��


    ��Please speak, Great Elder.��


    ��It��s about fetching the bride�� We are totally clueless and wanted to ask if you have any ideas. After all, you have great knowledge and are smarter as well,�� Shi Qing said before roughly exining to Ren Baqian how the aboriginal wedding customs usually went.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know that the aboriginals actually did it this way�� They actually fought their way through to fetch the bride.


    With a few big guys blocking the way, Ren Baqian would have to exchange a few blows with each one of them? Could he still make it to the pce alive? The empress could probably already send him to his grave.


    Even if he could actually make it to the pce alive, there was still one more big boss left: the empress. If she became bashful�� That would be so unfair to him!


    Ren Baqian immediately said with a serious look on his face, ��We can actually have Her Majesty marry me instead. I don��t mind it at all! When that happens, you can just put on a show and try to obstruct her! In any case, I definitely wouldn��t be able to fight my way through!��


    ��How can that do? We aboriginals have never had such a custom before!�� the Great Elder rejected resolutely.


    ��Rules are set by men. After it happens once, a second time will follow�� Besides, who do you think I��m able to beat?�� Ren Baqian stretched his arms.


    <em>If you��re capable, send some people that I can beat! Then, tie the empress up and wait for me to receive her!</em>


    Shi Qing knitted his eyebrows and sighed before continuing, ��I know that you are full of ideas and have all sorts of odd items��that��s why I asked you for your opinion. However, it��s too unconforming to our customs to let Her Majesty marry you!��


    ��If Her Majesty and I bear a child, what will his or her family name be? Ren or Qi?�� Ren Baqian countered with a question.


    ��Qi of course! Regardless of male or female, the child will be the sessor to the throne!�� Shi Qing answered without hesitation.


    It was just as Ren Baqian expected.


    No matter what, the child would be the sessor to the throne and could never take Ren as their family name. Even Ren Baqian himself was certain that it would turn out this way.


    Of course, he didn��t mind this at all.


    In any case, the child would still be the offspring of him and the empress.


    Plus, the child could surely take up the family name Ren on Earth and Qi in Dayao.


    Alternatively, they could have two children and choose one that would take Ren as their family name.


    However, Ren Baqian had some reservations about this. ording to his observations, the fertility rate of the aboriginals seemed very low, far lower than that of the people in Great Xia or the Yun Nation.


    For instance, many of the civilians in Great Xia or the Yun Nation would have around five children.


    After all, there wasn��t any sort of entertainment at night, so they would make love since there was nothing else to do!


    However, most aboriginal families only had one or two children with three being the maximum!


    One interesting fact about the experts in other nations was that they also didn��t have many children! For instance, the experts in Tianjing Basin had very few children. Unless they had around 18 other concubines, they could probably have around ten descendants during their entire lifespan of over 100 years if they tried very hard to reproduce.


    Such situations made Ren Baqian theorize that the stronger the person, the harder it was for them to bear a child! As such, he had zero confidence in bearing more than one child with the empress.


    ��Since it��s going to be like that, what else is there to consider? My suggestion is definitely viable!�� Ren Baqian replied confidently before leaving the angered Shi Qing and walking back to the pce.

 Chapter 689 - Luck is Very Important

    Chapter 689: Luck is Very Important


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Almost imperceptibly, a row of street lights was added to the ck Bamboo Academy. Electric lights also hung from the beams of the ssrooms and the library.


    The backyard of the academy was expanded again with an extra courtyard in the distance that emitted ck smoke all day long.


    Inside the courtyard was the most important facility in the academy at present, the thermal powered electric generator.


    Most importantly, energy was a huge driver of science and technology.


    One particr effect after itspletion was the emission of ck smoke 24 hours a day, which resulted in ayer of ash falling on the academy. Before this, there was hardly any dust on its floor.


    Fortunately, this thing was only temporarily being used for research and development purposes.


    Ren Baqian nned to build a power nt outside the city to supply electricity and power the lights in Lan City. Another n was to put some LED screens on the streets of Lan City and showcase some educational videos.


    He hoped to use this method to improve the literacy rate of the aboriginals.


    This way, at least some determined people could learn through this method.


    With more literate people around, there would be more demand for newspapers and magazines.


    He was still unable to achieve universal education in Dayao, but he hoped to produce some talent through this media.


    The prerequisite was to provide a stable power supply. After all, he couldn��t always be depending on the sr panels and batteries that he brought from Earth.


    Energy was the foundation of a modern society.


    This was the top priority for Ren Baqian, and he had made a lot of preparations for it.


    Due to the price of copper in this world, Ren Baqian was prepared to use steel-cored aluminium wires.


    Then, he discovered a serious problem up front�� No bauxite had been found in Dayao!


    He took out a map and browse it before finally fixing his eyes on a country situated to the east.


    Wealth, people, resources, salt, copper, iron, aluminium�� All hopes were pointing there.


    Sometimes, it was gratifying to have a good neighbor.


    Ren Baqian felt like he was busy preparing for his family, preparing fine vinegar and wine,ying out the fine dinnerware, and waiting for Zi Toni to borrow crabs from his neighbor beforeing back.


    Prior to this, he had more important matters to attend to.


    This was to follow up on the empress��s nned trip to the Sixty Thousand Mountains, the ce that existed only in the words described by others. It was of unknown size, had countless treasures, and was a ce where the aboriginals and wild beastspeted for survival.


    It was a ce whose name evoked a sense of savagery and remoteness.


    The pce had been busy these past few days due to preparing for this trip.


    It was a long distance away. Even if they were to travel as fast as they could, the return trip would take two months or more.


    If they were to enter into the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, it would take more time and certainly required more preparation.


    Their escorts were the winged cavalry warriors, and it was said that there were ns to bolster the number of winged cavalry warriors for this trip.


    Right now, only slightly more than 600 of them remained, which was less than half of their original number.


    Besides the empress and Ren Baqian, the rest of the group included Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Lin Qiaole, and almost the entire staff of the imperial kitchen.


    As for the students in the academy, most of them were left behind to continue development work on the train as well as the power nt.


    Ren Baqian decided to bring the five students who had the best test scores.


    Many studentsmented after hearing this news. After all, the Sixty Thousand Mountains was something that was only heard of in legends, they had never been there before, and it was a ce that greatly attracted them.


    Furthermore, following the empress to visit the Sixty Thousand Mountains was definitely more interesting than listening to the robot and doing experiments in ss.


    Only five students could go, and the selection was based on their test scores.


    Most of them knew that it had nothing to do with them personally and that only those with the best results would have the opportunity to go.


    The top student in the academy was a girl called Shi Yu. After her, it was Shi Gan, Xu Jianshan, and Ge Lie.


    These people were firmly among the top five.


    Behind them, Xu Peng, Tong Lan, and Xiong Zhi were fighting to be among the top five.


    The rest of them didn��t have much hope.


    ��Don��t worry too much. This examination is very simple, and there are only ten questions in total. Five are multiple-choice questions, while the other five are assessment questions! Everyone will have a chance.�� Ren Baqian saw the woeful expressions of many students andughed.


    Despite him saying this, most of them had no confidence at all and were resigned to their fate.


    Immediately after ss, Shi Yu, Shi Gan, and Xu Jianshan were surrounded by the others.


    The tone of the crowd was filled with envy and jealousy.


    ��You rascals can definitely go. Not only will you get to see the world, you can also reveal yourself to the empress.��


    ��You are being too imaginative. What��s there to reveal? We are just going to see the world!�� Shi Ganughed it off.


    ��If there were many questions, it would be hard to say, but there are only ten questions. You have a chance to go if you are lucky,�� Xu Jianshan said frankly.


    ��You are taking it very lightly!�� everyone muttered. Where could they get that much luck?


    The next day, everyone was dumbfounded when they saw the questions.


    A bunch of people turned to look at Xu Jianshan.


    This girl was absolutely correct!


    Even Xu Jianshan was stupefied.


    Although it was said that everyone had an opportunity, only those who were above average would not know the answers to one or two questions and could make a guess. However, for those who only knew the answers to one or two questions and chose blindly for the rest, how much luck would they need?


    However, the content of the examination was beyond their imagination.


    It really was dependent on luck.


    1) Who is the darkest among the people listed below?


    1: Andy Lau


    2: Sun Honglei


    3: Aaron Kwok


    4: Obama


    2) What was the weather like exactly one year ago?


    1: Cloudy


    2: Rainy


    3: Windy


    4: Rainy, windy, and cloudy


    3) Luck is very important!


    1: Tick here


    2: Tick here


    3: Tick here


    4: Tick here


    ��


    Everyone was confused by this test paper.


    The content of the questions asked was different from what they were taught in ss.


    Who were these four people?


    Who knew what the weather was like one year ago?


    The third question directly depended on luck! Even the answers were identical and relied on blind chance.


    The following questions were more or less the same.


    After going through the whole test, no one was able to take it anymore, so everyone stared at Ren Baqian quizzically.


    ��Don��t look at me. Answer the questions,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��What are these questions about?�� Everyone was confused.


    ��Use your wisdom and imagination! I believe in you!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Everyone looked helpless. Then, they closed their eyes, answered the questions, and handed in their test papers after less than ten minutes.


    ��I know you are very confused about why the test is like this and why it��s different from what I taught you!�� Ren Baqian said after all the papers were handed in.


    ��I want to exin to you what the third question is saying: luck is very important! In many cases, people can only depend on luck when they have no other choices! In order to prevent yourself from getting into such a situation, you must try to master as many things as possible so that you do not have to depend on luck. Eight of the questions have proper answers that can be found in the books at the library. Two of the questions are dependent on luck!


    For the same experiment, it takes some people 10,000 times to reach the result, while it takes other people just one time to do it. It can��t be denied that this is due to luck! Luck has many other functions, such as keeping you alive in all kinds of situations or letting you find the most important things! There are countless roles that luck ys.��


    Actually, Ren Baqian was conducting an experiment at this time.


    While thinking about how to find [The Ancient Scroll of Methods], he suddenly realized that after seeing that bichi on Mount Liucui, many things had happened to him and many people had died, but he was still safe and sound.


    He was convinced that luck, though invisible and intangible, existed.


    He wanted to see whether he could select people with good luck and whether they could use their luck in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    If this was practical, then he could select some lucky people to help him find the next volume of [The Ancient Scroll of Methods].


    Ren Baqian looked at the bewildered expressions on the faces of many of the students and smiled as he flipped through the test papers. When he came to one paper, the smile on his face gradually froze.


    All ten questions were answered correctly! There wasn��t even one wrong answer!


    The name on top was�� Du Laoliu!


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while. Was Du Laoliu��s wife bringing him good luck?


    Ren Baqian didn��t feel like Du Laoliu��s luck had been this good before!

 Chapter 690 - Hire a Bodyguard? I Refuse!

    Chapter 690: Hire a Bodyguard? I Refuse!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Dayao. July of Year 72.


    The empress��s imperial carriage left Lan City once again.


    There were almost 1,000 people and more than tenrge carriages in the convoy. The cargo consisted of mainly condiments, daily necessities, and some other things, but there wasn��t much food.


    Ren Baqian sat in front of the empress��s carriage. He held a bamboo stick in his hand with a summer radish attached to the front end of it. He held it about a meter in front of Qi Shui, the kirin that was pulling the carriage.


    ��Aren��t you tired?�� the empress asked in a dull tone as she sat in the carriage.


    Ren Baqian had already been toying with Qi Shui for two days. He started by using meat and fruits, but had now progressed to a summer radish that the cooks had brought along from the imperial kitchen!


    Even a docile beast like Qi Shui was starting to lift its hooves as it walked. It seemed like Ren Baqian was almost close to getting kicked by it.


    ��I noticed that it doesn��t really like meat, so I thought that it would prefer vegetables or something else.�� Ren Baqianughed and attached the bamboo stick to the side of the carriage, keeping the summer radish suspended in front of Qi Shui.


    Setting out on a journey this time, the empress finally managed to get Qi Shui, which had been lying at the bottom of ake for a year, toe out with them. Ren Baqian was finally able to satisfy his curiosity.


    He somehow felt that the kirin probably had gills; otherwise, it couldn��t possibly have stayed at the bottom of ake for so long. Even whales had toe up to the surface of the water to breathe.


    Qi Shui had been underwater for so long!


    Shortly after, Ren Baqian went back inside the carriage and began studying the second volume of [The Ancient Scroll of Methods].


    He had taken a look at it once when he first received it, but he got so exhausted from just reading the first page that he had almost passed out.


    It was much easier now that he had broken through.


    Even though it was still taxing on him, it was considered pretty manageable for him now.


    There were two parts that were written inside the second volume of [The Ancient Scroll of Methods], namely the [Recuperation Technique] and the [Mind Strengthening Technique]. One should start practicing the [Recuperation Technique] at the Earth Wheel level, and its main purpose was to cultivate and strengthen the spirit.


    The [Mind Strengthening Technique] was meant for those who were at or above the Spirit Wheel level. Ren Baqian wasn��t able to see the details that were written in the book.


    The writings seemed to have some sort of magic power. If the reader wasn��t strong enough, hepletely wouldn��t be able to read the more advanced parts. Even if he flipped to that page, he would feel as if all of his energy had been sucked out.


    He would only be able to break free of such situations when his spiritual level had reached a certain value.


    After reading the contents at the beginning of the second volume, Ren Baqian felt that it was indeed like what he expected. This set of techniques focused mainly on training the spiritual level.


    This also meant that his future endeavors might very possibly be that of a wizard.


    That would only be on the condition that he was able to find the third volume of [The Ancient Scroll of Methods].


    The [Recuperation Technique] made use of the perception of the five elemental attributes that was practiced during [Ruyi Visualization] to visualize and create a realm of the five elements.


    Afterward, this realm and the practitioner��s own mind would be strengthened bit by bit through daily visualization.


    It sounded rtively easy, like ying Minecraft.


    However, it was actually a very difficult thing to do.


    Over a few days, Ren Baqian had repeatedly tried many times to visualize the giant trees of the wood element, theke of the water element, and thend of the earth element. However, every time he rxed his concentration, the entire realm would crumble, and it became impossible to achieve the solidity and realism that was mentioned in the ancient scroll.


    This left him with no choice but to give up on the visualization and be more down-to-earth as he attentively studied and analyzed the hidden meaning behind every word in the scroll.


    ��


    The convoy travelled for seven days consecutively before stopping at a small city, Xuyang City, to rest and reorganize.


    When Ren Baqian broke through to the Man Wheel level, the time limit of his power to travel between worlds switched from a fixed period of three days to around two to five days.


    This time, after breaking through to the Earth Wheel level, the duration of his time limit indeed changed again.


    Currently, he could choose to travel within a range of two to seven days.


    Compared to before, this time extension allowed him to n his schedule much easier.


    Ren Baqian finally felt that he had more freedom and ease to n his time. He didn��t have to calcte when he needed to return to Earth all the time and didn��t feel as pressured anymore.


    He then returned to Earth with the empress. He had to make some arrangements for the martial arts center, while she wanted to download more television shows. Almost half a year had passed on Earth, and the progress of the two martial arts centers, which were overseen by the winged cavalry warriors, was much better than he had expected.


    Even though there wasn��t any advertising, after the videos that people took secretly got around, there had been an endless stream of applicants over the past few months.


    Over a period of around six months, the number of disciples in these two martial arts centers grew to over 400 people.


    Most of them were youths who came from well to do families.


    What surprised Ren Baqian was that there were actually people who contacted him through the martial arts centers that were looking to hire bodyguards.


    ��Look brother��I��m sure it��s him. He��s the one who wants to hire bodyguards from our martial arts centers!�� Ren Wannian immediately went to look for Ren Baqian the moment he arrived on Earth. Taking out his phone, he showed Ren Baqian a webpage.


    ��They wanted to contact you directly, but unfortunately, you weren��t around,�� Ren Wannian exined regretfully. However, he couldn��t hide the excitement in his eyes.


    Those who were capable of hiring bodyguards definitely weren��t ordinary people. However, this person had a much higher status. He was one of the famous wealthy people in the country, someone that Ren Baqian could only hear about in the news. Yet now, that man actually came looking for him!


    Their martial arts centers had only been established for less than a year, but there were already such people seeking them out.


    How could this not excite Ren Wannian?


    Ren Baqian muttered to himself for a while.


    urrences like this were one of his objectives for setting up the martial arts centers. He originally thought it would take a long time to have such things happen when there were changes in the world. He didn��t expect it to happen so soon.


    It could be said that Ren Baqian only needed to agree in order to be able to establish a certain rtionship with the other party through such a method.


    Also, after this happened for the first time, the reputation of his martial arts centers would spread very easily among certainworks and his business would be able to progress much more smoothly.


    Even though Ren Baqian always had confidence in his martial arts centers, there was still a high potential for growth in the future.


    He didn��t mind getting a better reputation as well.


    If the bodyguards of all the wealthy people in the world hailed from his martial arts centers, one would be able to imagine the amount of influence he would have.


    Putting it bluntly, with control over his disciples who progressed into this path, he would also indirectly gain ess to information and have control over their lives.


    Unfortunately, this opportunity came too early. If it had happened a few yearster, the martial arts centers would probably have nurtured a bunch of Man Wheel experts. At present, all Ren Baqian could offer was a bunch of mountain kids.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that if he really sent the winged cavalry warriors on this task, he would indeed be able to establish a connection with his clients. However, this connection would probably be an extreme hatred toward him!


    Except for the empress, he was the only person who could barely direct the winged cavalry. If it were someone else, then they could only wait for bad luck to start!


    Ren Baqian had great faith in the abilities of this group of sh*t-stirrers because there was nothing that they couldn��t mess up.


    After giving this thought a minute of consideration, he eventually had no choice but to regretfully reject the other party��s request. It hade too soon.


    ��Brother, you are crazy! You are actually rejecting this?�� Ren Wannian couldn��t conceive what he heard.


    ��They came looking for us because we naturally have this value. What kind of people are in our martial arts centers? How strong are they? Even after all this time, don��t you understand? We will have plenty of opportunities like this in the future, but just not now.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    <em>You are looking at the top two most powerful people in Dayao! Aren��t we wealthy people with nationwide reputations as well? Aren��t we the big shots in tech who are ranked at the top of the nation��s Forbes list?</em>


    <em>Compared to them, the two people in front of you have a much higher status!</em>


    Still, this piece of news was very unexpected to Ren Baqian.


    What he was interested in was how the other party managed to hear of his small martial arts centers.


    What he didn��t know was that others had already been eyeing him even without these martial arts centers.


    After all, the conflict with the Wang family created quite a stir back then. Some people began noticing Ren Baqian when they came to know about his mysterious information.


    Besides, even though the people that the nation gathered were rather secretive, many of those whom they attracted were martial arts experts from the outside world. Some were even experts who hailed from sects. They inevitably revealed some information over the years and started getting noticed by certain people.


    They were indeed wealthy people that the ordinary folks looked up to. The Wang family had been simrly wealthy and influential, but they abruptly and inexplicably fell from power back then and didn��t even have the ability to fight back.


    Other than the Chen family, another very powerful faction in the nation had also inexplicably fallen from power. These matters had certainly involved Ren Baqian as well.


    With these two incidents coupled together, it became more frightening.


    The ordinary people wouldn��t be able to sense it, but how many of those people were simple? Most of them were adept at trickery and toadying for personal gain. It would be inevitable for them toe across some information by means of some channels or secretworks and then learn about the existence of Ren Baqian.


    It could be said that some people already had their eyes on him.


    He didn��t have to worry about how to make connections with those people. Instead, many of those people wanted to make connections with him.


    However, Ren Baqian appeared very rarely. He had some connections with the nation as well as the Chen family and had always somewhat acted as if he was in hiding. Those people didn��t have any opportunity to get in touch with him.


    As such, the martial arts centers became the only channel in the outside world that they could use to reach him.


    This was a trial or perhaps a signal to Ren Baqian.


    After all, both parties weren��t ordinary people, so they couldn��t possiblye knocking and say, ��Brothers, let��s be friends! Let��s go for some drinks and we��ll be well acquainted soon enough!��


    It would simply be just a response from Ren Baqian if he merely sent a bunch of ordinary disciples over to them.


    Unfortunately, he wasn��t sure what they wanted from him and hence rejected the signal that the other party had sent him.


    They weren��t enraged when they came to know of his rejection. Instead, they became more sure of the things that they knew.


    How could an ordinary person reject them?


    Only with enough power could you have such confidence!

 Chapter 691 - Impending Trouble!

    Chapter 691: Impending Trouble!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Upon returning from Earth, Ren Baqian and the empress were in the mood to take a tour around the small city.


    Xuyang City was very small, had a poption of tens of thousands, and was the only city within 200 kilometers.


    Simr to other cities in Dayao, fights were seen everywhere. For example, some people were chased after breaking down the walls of other people��s houses and fights between two people sometimes escted to three people fighting.


    It was bustling! Messy might be a more appropriate description!


    The abusive phrase ��chou pi er�� could constantly be heard.


    It was said that this was derived from a local vige dialect.


    Ren Baqian and the empress went incognito to stroll around the city. They specifically went to a side street to see the Lan City Newspaper that was posted on a bulletin board just to check whether anyone was there to exin the contents of the newspaper to others.


    Although it was called the Lan City Newspaper, it was distributed to most parts of Dayao. Besides being sold in Lan City, the rest were distributed by caravans and pasted on bulletin boards.


    Ren Baqian considered this the most basic way to enlighten people by letting them know about the outside world.


    Therefore, he didn��t ck when it came to this matter even though he was losing money all the time.


    In addition, he also saw the familiar signboards of the Royal Shop and the Dayao Trading Company.


    The former mainly sold mirrors, ssware, and spices, whereas thetter was a shop under the Department of Commerce that sold soaps and seeds for pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. Wooden chess and Gobang sets were also sold there.


    He had to admit that the deputy who volunteered his services was very capable. Ren Baqian didn��t have to spend too much time in the Department of Commerce and only needed to set the general direction.


    The two spent half a day in the city and had a brief look at the living conditions before the convoy set off again.


    Five dayster.


    ��Your Majesty, that is Mount Liucui!�� Ren Baqian pointed at a faraway mountain in front of them.


    The empress put down her tablet and stretched her head to take a look.


    Mount Liucui looked like a bowl on the ground, and ording to legend, it had a very strong spiritual presence. The first emperor entered its depths after attaining the realm of Longevity Heaven and returned with serious injuries. After recovering from his injuries, he brought along many experts from his court and entered deep into the Sixty Thousand Mountains where they were never heard of again.


    Although so many years had already passed by and ordinary human skeletons would have gone cold, the empress knew that the spiritual presence inside the mountain was still alive. This was because it had already existed for thousands of years before the arrival of the first emperor, and it was unlikely to have died during these past few decades.


    The empress had always wanted to see what kind of spirit existed there and also wanted to know where the first emperor went.


    By knowing where the first emperor went, she would be able to know the whereabouts of the previous emperor.


    The empress gazed at the mountain in the distance with twinkling eyes. After a long time, she retracted her gaze and said, ��I will go there personally in the future, but now isn��t the time to do so.��


    ��Maybe we can arm a robot with a camera and send it in first,�� Ren Baqian suggested.


    ��There��s no entrance since the original one already copsed at that time. Therefore, we must dig an entrance. Digging this pathway will lead to a direct confrontation with the spirit.�� The empress shook her head.


    ��It isn��t necessary to use people to dig a hole. Maybe we can find a ce to drill a hole about the size of two fists and send a remote control robot inside that��s armed with a camera.��


    The empress was convinced that there could be a hope of seeing the mountain spirit this way.


    She considered this for a long time before saying, ��This sounds feasible, but we are in a hurry. We will talk about this on the way back.��


    ��Okay!�� Ren Baqian nodded joyfully.


    It was a location that appeared close, but was actually very far away.


    They saw Mount Liucui in the afternoon and arrived when the moon was almost visible.


    It was the same ce Ren Baqian had stopped at before entering the iron mine. There was a thin forest and a stream by the side.


    Ren Baqian jumped down from the imperial carriage to stretch, pointed to the darkness in the distance, and said to the empress, ��I saw the bichi there thest time I came here! It��s said that fortune and misfortune are interlinked, and I truly experienced these changing fortunes during this period. I was buried under the house during the earthquake, but didn��t suffer any injuries. I was also attacked by a lower hawk and found cloud crystals inside its stomach after killing it.


    After returning to Lan City, an assassination attempt was made on me and Your Majesty had to carry me for thousands of miles to snatch away the antidote. On the way back, we were chased by Great Xia soldiers and were surrounded! As they say, fortune and misfortune are interlinked. In the end, I was safe and sound!��


    Although he only came here once, his impression of this ce was very deep. It could be said that this was the starting point of the events that followed.


    Even on Earth, thieves broke into his house and he was harassed by the Jin family.


    During that period, many things happened and all the bad things seemed to happen together.


    Fortunately, after half a year in Dayao, he was safe and sound.


    The time that he had spent on Earth and Dayao added up to about a year.


    It was a year full of misfortunes after just one nce, and this thing was more powerful than a jinx.


    ��You also found a small and unique white flower here!�� the empress added.


    Ren Baqian was momentarily stunned andughed when he recalled the incident.


    Heughed for a long time before saying, ��That flower always reminded me of the empress because I feel both of you are very simr in certain ways.��


    After everyone had eaten dinner, Ren Baqian sat in front of the carriage talking with the empress about the things that happened when he was herest time. Inevitably, that bichi was brought up again.


    ��Last time, it was attracted by the milk candy. It shouldn��t show up this time since the distance is too far. Otherwise, I would like to show it to the empress because it��s actually quite cute.��


    On the contrary, the empress felt an urge to eat some candy after hearing this and popped a piece of chocte into her mouth.


    ��It may also be good not to see it since the goal is to see my mother. I do not want too many distractions,�� the empress said casually.


    Although she was very interested in such strange things, the cost was simply too high.


    Anyway, it wasn��t some kind of mascot.


    Seeing it wouldn��t bring one good luck and would instead bring bad luck.


    When the empress was unwrapping a second piece of chocte, her eyes were suddenly transfixed on something. Then, she flung her fist at Ren Baqian��s side.


    This sudden move gave Ren Baqian a shock.


    He saw a small object turn to evade this punch and fall to the ground. All the hair on its body was erect as it lowered its body, arched its back, and bared its teeth fiercely.


    ��Oh my gosh!�� Ren Baqian turned his head to look and was shocked.


    It looked like a fox, was red in color, and had a pair of fleshy wings on its back.


    The empress frowned and looked at the little animal with concern.


    ��Is this the bichi?��


    Ren Baqian nodded his head incredulously.


    Did this thing have a feud with him?


    Thest time he saw it, it was inside the mountain and he had nothing to say about it. This time, however, it appeared at the base of the mountain. When he mentioned the bichi, it actually appeared.


    This damn thing was even faster than the legendary Cao Cao![1.Cao Cao: a Chinese warlord and the penultimate Chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power in the final years of the dynasty]


    ��Why is it here?�� The empress frowned deeply.


    The two of them were chatting just now and didn��t expect this thing to appear.


    The consequences of seeing this animal were rather unsettling.


    This would herald more trouble!

 Chapter 692 - Strange Happenings

    Chapter 692: Strange Happenings


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The duo��s actions alerted the bodyguards in the surroundings. When they saw that there was a small thing in front of the carriage, everyone suddenly felt astonished and asked, ��What��s that?��


    ��Looks like a bichi!�� When someone closely identified it, his face turned unsightly.


    After all, the appearance of this thing was rather special and was easily distinguishable.


    ��It��s disaster and happiness, all in one!��


    The bodyguards immediately felt a little disturbed!


    The reputation of this thing definitely wasn��t small. Even in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, it was something that was extremely mysterious.


    Also, because of the meaning that this thing represented, everyone was starting to worry.


    However, that bichi didn��t have the slightest reaction to the people around it. It kept baring its teeth at the empress with the hair on its tail standing on end.


    Ren Baqian looked at that bichi, then at the empress, and felt a little headache.


    Why did this thing appear?


    They hadn��t even touched the White Rabbit Creamy Candy today�� The empress merely had a piece of chocte!


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian carefully looked in the direction that the bichi was looking at. He then looked inside the carriage, stretched out his hands, and opened the wrapper of a White Rabbit Creamy Candy. Indeed, that bichi��s attention immediately shifted to him.


    It was as if a me burrowed straight into his chest.


    He felt his vision turn blurry as something stepped on his face. Next, the candy disappeared from his hand.


    That me took the White Rabbit Creamy Candy and dived straight into the darkness.


    Even though Ren Baqian had already attained the Earth Wheel level, he waspletely unable to keep up with its speed.


    ��Seems like that thing was actually attracted by the candy!�� Ren Baqian was betweenughter and tears.


    How much did this creature enjoy having sweet stuff? It did before and was the same this time as well.


    ��Not the candy.�� The empress shook her head.


    ��No?�� Ren Baqian had a baffled look.


    ��From now on, everyone must stay on high alert,�� the empress ordered the guards. Then, she said to Ren Baqian, ��Why would it be after the candy when there��s honey in the mountains? Why would ite here? To the bichi, the vor of these candies is not necessarily tastier than honey. Besides, the smell of honey is stronger and travels much further. Also, the mountain people often collect honey, yet I have never heard of this thing being attracted to it.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. What the empress said truly made sense.


    ��However, it appeared on both asions after the candy was taken out! It was the same situation for both the first and second instances. It can��t simply be a coincidence, right?��


    Ren Baqian was puzzled.


    ��You were present on both asions!�� the empress suddenly mentioned.


    Ren Baqian was stunned and asked, ��What do you mean, Your Majesty?��


    ��It didn��t necessarilye for the candy. It probably might be slightly attracted to it, but just ever so slightly. It couldn��t have been attracted to the candy on both asions. Besides, the smell that was released when unwrapping the candy was very faint. Even though this creature might have an acute sense of smell, it couldn��t possibly be that keen.��


    ��I feel that it could possibly have something to do with you. In fact, it must have closely followed your tracks in the dark ever since you stepped into the vicinity, which resulted in its sudden appearance. It was probably the same way the previous time.��


    Ren Baqian thought about it and was a little skeptical about the empress��s words, so he asked, ��What do I have that could possibly attract it?��


    ��I don��t know, but it��s not difficult to find out if this is really the case. We can simply give some people candy, send them out, and have them unwrap the candy five kilometers away from us to see if it will appear or not.�� The empress immediately put her thoughts into action and ordered four people to take some candy before leaving from the front and back of the convoy.


    An hourter, the four people returned.


    ��Your Majesty, that thing didn��t appear,�� the four people reported.


    ��As expected.�� The empress nodded, turned toward two of them, and asked, ��What happened to your bodies?��


    Out of the four people, two of them had blood stains on their bodies. The other two had some dirt on them as well. It looked as if something had happened to them.


    ��We encountered a pack of wolves! It��s strange because the wolves normally me themselves for not being able to run fast enough when they see us! Yet, they actually surrounded us today!�� exined the two men who were dispatched to the rear. Those beasts were actually very smart creatures that were able to judge their own strength rtive to others.


    The murderous spirit exuding from these two men was already enough to dissuade those beasts froming near.


    However, it was different today.


    ��A rock rolled down from a hill up ahead. If we hadn��t dodged it in time, the two of us would have been crushed.�� The other two were surprised and found the situation strange as well.


    This bichi was indeed very odd and was exactly like what the legend described.


    The urrences were simply instantaneous.


    Since they set out, not much had happened during these 10 days, but peculiar events started happening immediately after they bumped into that bichi.


    Ren Baqian and the empress also shared the same thoughts. Even though Ren Baqian had experienced this before, he found it too coincidental.


    ��You may leave. Remind the others to also be on alert even during rest time.��


    After the two men left, the empress looked at Ren Baqian. She then took out a piece of chocte from a box, unwrapped it, and threw it out of the carriage.


    A trail of me shed across as that piece of chocte vanished before it evennded on the ground.


    ��Indeed, it came for you. It��s following in the dark,�� the empress finally affirmed.


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded when he saw this.


    Even though he wasn��t sure what the creature was after, it seemed like what the empress said was correct.


    However, there was another thing that he cared about.


    ��Your Majesty seems exceptionally brilliant and outstanding today!�� Ren Baqian gave the empress a strange look.


    ��Are you saying that I��m normally not smart?�� She sneered and gave him the side eye.


    ��How is that possible? With the ability to govern Dayao so neatly, Your Majesty��s level of wisdom is something that everyone is clear about. I simply felt that you rarely cared about such minor stuff in the past, but you are so meticulous today,�� Ren Baqian said.


    In reality�� The empress wasn��t typically considered to be highly intelligent.


    After all, what the empress��s forte was in her fighting skills, so this was also what she was best at.


    She definitely wouldn��t pay any attention to something that couldn��t be resolved with brute force.


    As for governing the nation, there were many officials in the imperial court assisting her as well.


    However, the empress��s behavior today made Ren Baqian feel that something was different.


    She seemed to have been possessed by a school kid!


    With just one look, she actually guessed that the bichi was after him.


    Hepletely failed to sense this.


    ��I simply gave it a little attention,�� the empress said.


    ��What should we do now?�� Ren Baqian asked as he looked out into the darkness. If it was like what the empress said, then that little creature should be watching him from somewhere in the darkness.


    This was actually a rather scary feeling.


    ��That thing moves too quickly��even I can��t catch up with it. We will get everyone to increase their vignce and then see how long that thing can follow us for! As for its motives, they will be revealed sooner orter,�� the empress exined.


    ��I��m afraid that there��s going to be more twists and turns along this journey.�� Ren Baqian felt a little troubled. Nobody liked facing disasters while traveling.


    Looking at how strange things had gotten after bumping into this bichi, this would probably be possible!


    Fortunately, if the sky fell, there would still be someone taller to hold it up.


    The empress could protect him, right?


    ��


    The next morning, the news of the bichi��s appearance had already gotten around. Almost all of the troops had already heard about it.


    Even the five students came running excitedly to verify with Ren Baqian.


    They wanted to know if that thing was indeed as strange as rumored.


    When they continued on their journey, everyone stayed on high alert, but thankfully, nothing happened.


    Half a dayter, they arrived at a river. A few of the leading winged cavalry warriors heard a snapping sound when they stepped onto the wooden bridge. It began to sway immediately after.


    ��Oh no! Run!�� The winged cavalry warriors on the bridge were startled, but it was already toote to get away.


    The bridge creaked as if it was dpidated and this noise resounded throughout its entire length. It then snapped in half at the middle as the entire bridge copsed.


    This leading group of winged cavalry warriors jumped into the air from their mounts as the others immediately reeled them in.


    However, they barely managed to make it out alive. They watched as their jumping goats plunged into the water while a huge wave surged up immediately.


    A crocodile that was more than 10 meters long lifted its head out of the water and caught a goat in its mouths.


    Soon after, a second crocodile appeared�� and then a third��

 Chapter 693 - Disorder Amid the Wind

    Chapter 693: Disorder Amid the Wind


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    There were two types of bichi.


    One was the winged bichi and the other was just a bichi.


    The former was gray in color and seeing it would give the viewer bad luck. Thetter was red in color and was called a mixture of fortune and misfortune, giving bad luck and also bestowing good luck.


    Ren Baqian was stunned to see a fewrge crocodiles that were over 10 meters long and then remembered the time when he obtained a cloud crystal after killing the flower hawk that attacked him.


    ��Pull them out and kill them!�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    He felt as if was some freaks were delivering equipment to him.


    ��What? They are just thunder bones!�� The empress looked at him strangely. This type of creature could be found in ces where there were big rivers.


    Since crocodiles could bite off the bones of their prey and roar like thunder, they were called thunder bones in Dayao.


    In the Chen Nation, crocodiles could be found in many ces as well, and their local name was quite simr: sudden thunder.


    In Great Xia, they were called earth dragons.


    ��Let��s check what we reaped.�� Ren Baqian turned and said, ��A mixture of fortune and misfortune��after misfortune, there should be fortune.��


    The empress immediately understood.


    A few winged cavalry warriors found two skull-sized stones and threw them at the crocodiles.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The stones heavily struck the crocodiles, but the crocodiles were very strong. They didn��t seem to be hurt by the stones, endured the pain, and dived down into the water.


    Now, they couldn��t hit the crocodiles even if they wanted to.


    If they were on the riverside, even eight to 10 crocodiles were no match for one winged cavalry warrior.


    However, in the water, the situation was reversed. The aboriginals wouldn��t drown when in the water, but became clumsy and could only use about 10 percent of their power.


    For a period of time, they didn��t know what to do.


    ��Step aside!�� The empress frowned at their ineptitude. ��Bring me ome arrows!��


    In a sh, the empress came out of the carriage holding a primitive bow made of beast horn that had been hanging in the carriage all this time.


    Hong Luan took out a quiver that contained more than 10 arrows made of bone.


    The empress took one out, put it on the bow, drew back the bowstring only two inches, looked at the river, and released her finger.


    The arrow gave a strange buzzing sound and entered the water.


    One by one, seven arrows were loosed.


    Following theunch of the seventh arrow, the river surface started to turn red. A crocodile floated upside down to the surface, then a second one followed by a third�� A bunch of dead crocodiles gathered there as blood flowed from their jaws.


    These seven crocodiles looked as though they had been hit by explosives and each head had a wound about the size of a bowl.


    ��Hurry! Pull them out!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    The winged cavalry warriors cut down two trees and used them to move the crocodiles to the shore before pulling them up.


    These crocodiles were each about 12 to 13 meters long, weighed about five to six tons, and needed two or three people to pull them from the river.


    After pulling all the crocodiles ashore, everyone followed the instructions of Ren Baqian and cut open the stomachs of the crocodiles.


    Ren Baqian was expecting some sort of harvest, but after searching thoroughly, there was nothing besides the corpses of some goats.


    ��Is there anything valuable in the stomachs that we didn��t notice?�� Ren Baqian pondered. There was bezoar in a cow��s stomach, cow��s treasure (TLC. Not sure about this term.) in a pig��s stomach�� What was inside a crocodile��s stomach?


    Ren Baqian refused to give up and searched through one more time, but nothing valuable could be found.


    ��Seems like the so-called mixture of fortune and misfortune does not live up to its name.�� Ren Baqian was disappointed.


    ��Don��t give up so soon,�� the empress suddenly called out.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and inquired, ��Don��t tell me Your Majesty has discovered something?��


    ��It seems like a big monster ising!�� The empress hooked her small finger on the bow, snapped it, and caused the bow to spin once in the air.


    ��Move back!�� the empress ordered.


    After they left the shore, the river water began to froth and a big tree trunk seemed to float up from the middle of the river.


    A giant crocodile floated up with a pair of yellow eyes that looked ferociously at the people on the shore.


    ��What a big crocodile!�� Ren Baqian eximed in shock.


    A 12 or 13 meter long crocodile was already considered a big animal and would be considered gigantic on Earth.


    However, the head of this crocodile was almost as big as a car.


    It was at least 20 meters long.


    Its jaw bulged, and without opening its mouth, it generated waves and waves of thunderous roars from its body.


    The sound caused the water to ripple out turbulently on the surface of the river.


    ��Killing the small ones attracted this big guy, probably because of the smell of blood,�� the empress said after ncing at it.


    ��It��s powerful, about Kismet Heaven level, and if it wasn��t discovered today, it would have be a powerful spirit since it has no natural enemies in the river,�� the empress said as she raised her bow again.


    When the empress shot those crocodiles earlier, she only pulled back the bowstring by two inches, but this time she pulled it half way.


    The giant crocodile seemed to feel that something was wrong and immediately dived down.


    Nevertheless, bying up to take a look, its fate was sealed.


    The arrow was seen leaving the bow without any sound and soared into the air.


    The crocodile didn��t seem to react as its eye was pierced through to the brain. Then, red and white liquid came out from the eye.


    The buzzing sound of the arrow was heard after.


    ��Pull it out,�� the empress ordered before handing the bow to Hong Luan.


    This time, it took a lot of effort to pull the crocodile out.


    It weighed at least 20 tons.


    It was big. Everyone felt that it was big, as big as a huge monster.


    Ren Baqian had estimated it to be more than 20 meters long when he saw it in the middle of the river.


    It was at least 24 meters long as measured by Ren Baqian��s footsteps or about thebined length of four or five cars. Lying on the ground, the body was almost as tall as a man.


    ��Cut it open. There should be some reward this time around,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    They turned the crocodile over and stabbed its white belly. It was as hard as a stone and required a lot of strength to slice open.


    Due to the size of this crocodile, everyone was ready to jump in and search.


    It took some time to get everything out of its underside. There was a giant heart, a giant phallus, giant organs, a giant skeleton, and tons of crocodile meat.


    However, the rare treasure anticipated by Ren Baqian wasn��t found.


    On the contrary, it was the crowd who found the skin to be practically imprable to knives and spears. Even when the winged cavalry warriors used a lot of strength, it was hard to cut.


    After being disappointed, Ren Baqian revised his thinking. The skin could be considered a good return as it could be used as armor.


    As for the rest of the stuff, they could be valuable, but since he didn��t know much about crocodiles, he could be mistakenly treating treasure as rubbish.


    As a result, dinner for the next few days had been supplied.


    Although the crocodile was killed by the empress after surfacing, the empress had mentioned that it was equivalent in strength to a Kismet Heaven expert. Such a powerful beast would be a great tonic if eaten as food.


    Although he consoled himself this way, he still instructed people to look for the crocodile��sir and hopefully find something.


    Unfortunately, after searching for half a day, it was of no avail.


    As it was getting dark, they needed to pitch the tents. Some people were sent to cut down trees to build a pontoon bridge.


    Ren Baqian took a little bit of every part of the crocodile, including the heart, internal organs, meat, tail, and phallus, and brought it back to Earth.


    Since there were no other gains, he could only let theboratory run tests to determine whether this crocodile had any value.


    After greeting the empress, Ren Baqian went to the carriage to prepare for his return to Earth. Previously, he would depart from a bedroom or a hidden ce, but he was outside the city now and had to do it in the carriage.


    Actually, Ren Baqian also wanted to test one thing. After his departure, if the carriage was moved to another ce, would he still appear in the carriage?


    After saying goodbye, Ren Baqian concentrated his mind, and the surrounding space began to warp.


    At that moment, the empress��s expression changed when she saw a ray of red light enter the body of Ren Baqian.


    In an instant, Ren Baqian disappeared without a trace.


    Disappearing along with him was�� the imperial carriage.


    The thick fur used as a bed by the empress, the table where the fruits and wine were ced, and the boxes where the clothes were stored all fell to the ground.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were caught off guard and almostnded face first on the ground.


    The empress fell to the ground and saw the empty surroundings and the many winged cavalry warriors gaping at her. Her face turned cold amid the disorder of this windy night.


    Right at this moment, a bolt of lightning split the night sky and then a p of thunder rumbled.


    ��Your Majesty���� Commander Gong Zhen came forward with a stunned expression. He very much wanted to ask the empress where the carriage was.


    ��Don��t say anything. I��m in a bad mood.�� As the empress looked around, her mouth twitched slightly. She raised her eyebrows and went to the back to look for a cart to rest in.

 Chapter 694 - Falling Into A Pit Together!

    Chapter 694: Falling Into A Pit Together!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ever since the first time Ren Baqian warped to Dayao, he had travelled back and forth around 150 times to this day.


    It was something that was already instinctive to him��something he didn��t have to give much thought about.


    Usually, the space around him would begin to distort and then he would arrive in the other world by the next moment.


    Even after he had broken through to the Earth Wheel level, he didn��t experience any change in this process.


    Only the empress, with her high level of strength, could detect that something was different.


    However, this time was indeed different from the past. Ren Baqian felt a sense of pressure from his surroundings. It was as if he was immersed in water.


    It was like the air was repelling him.


    This onlysted for a split second, but he felt it very thoroughly and distinctly. It was as if this moment was extended.


    After that, Ren Baqian felt as if he was pushed out by something in the surroundings which he couldn��t see or feel.


    Soon after, he found himself still in the imperial carriage.


    The empress had disappeared.


    So had Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    The bow on the wall had vanished as well.


    The boxes of goods in the carriage were also missing.


    Nothing was here except for Ren Baqian and a hairy thing on his chest.


    The sky outside had also transformed from night to day.


    <em>What happened? </em>This question arose in his mind before he could return to his senses.


    A short whileter, he felt the carriage leaning toward one side and wasn��t sure what had slipped.


    Ren Baqian��s heart tensed up. He had no idea what was happening and jumped out of the carriage in a sh.


    At the same time, a familiar voice started shouting from below, ��Don��t attack! It��s Her Majesty��s imperial carriage!��


    After Ren Baqian jumped out of the carriage, he identified his surroundings with one nce.


    He was really on Earth. He wasn��t in his room, but on the rooftop.


    There were a bunch of people below him who were carrying the empress��s carriage in a flurry.


    If it weren��t for their keen eyes, the carriage would probably have be a pile of scrap wood.


    That hairy thing on Ren Baqian��s chest started moving. It first sneezed a couple of times before it walked across his body and dived into the nearby woods as a streak of red light.


    ��F*ck!�� Ren Baqian waspletely dishevelled when he came to his senses.


    Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and the empress were all inside the carriage when the space around him started to warp, but he only brought back the carriage in the end? Where was the empress? What about Qing Yuan and Hong Luan?


    Besides, there was also another very serious problem��that bichi actually followed him to Earth!


    Ren Baqian rubbed his head and looked closely at the woods behind him. He definitely wouldn��t be able to find it in there. Even if he could, he wouldn��t be able to catch it.


    That thing really moved too fast! It was like lightning!


    And lightning wasn��t just a metaphor.


    Even the empress had no confidence that she could catch it. Otherwise, it wouldn��t have been able to suddenly sneak onto his chest when he was warping.


    ��Lady boss, what happened?�� Over ten of the winged cavalry warriors looked on from the rooftop and questioned Ren Baqian as they enjoyed the cool breeze.


    He leaped down from the rooftop, couldn��t be bothered to answer their question, and replied, ��Take good care of Her Majesty��s carriage! I will bury you in the ground if it��s the slightest bit damaged and see if ten more of you can grow out of the soil.��


    He went to his room when he finished speaking, sat down, and stared nkly for some time before trying to reason things out.


    He was too careless this time around.


    Ren Baqian had always travelled from a room or in the woods in the past. As a result, he actually overlooked this.


    He would bring back movable objects that he was in contact with.


    He had even brought back straw from the prison as well as soil from the woods.


    Even though the empress��s carriage weighed over 500 kilograms, it was well within Ren Baqian��s current carrying capacity, so he naturally brought it back with him.


    The empress, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and those things in the carriage that he wasn��t in contact with were all left behind in Dayao.


    The sense of pressure that he felt when he travelled between worlds had probably urred when the carriage and the roof of his house ovepped with each other, which resulted in an outward repulsion.


    This sent Ren Baqian a very important message. If there were things ced around him when he was about to warp, he wouldn��t travel along with those items, and they would immediately get excluded.


    This actually eliminated a huge risk.


    He then began to worry after he sorted out the problem with the carriage.


    That bichi had actually dashed to Ren Baqian��s shirt just as he was about to warp and had followed him back to Earth. Given its speed, it was impossible for him to have caught it.


    This was Shanghai and many people usually came up to this hill.


    If someone noticed the bichi, he could only wait and see it on the news.


    For instance, headlines like: ��Breaking news, unexpected appearance of a winged fox����


    Such news would be a mere trifle.


    It could also turn out to be: ��A startling encounter with the Final Destination. One witness made a narrow escape and came out unscathed, but casualties sustained in the surroundings were disastrous.��


    News like this would be possible as well.


    Ren Baqian felt an endless headache when he thought about all the trouble that the bichi might cause.


    After giving it some thought, he felt that he had to find a way to capture it.


    As he opened the window, a cold wind blew into the room.


    It was already early winter in Shanghai.


    Ren Baqian took a bunch of various sweets, unwrapped all of them, and piled them up on the bed like a small mountain.


    After waiting for a while, he still didn��t see that bichi appear. Besides, even if it showed itself, he couldn��t do anything about it.


    After thinking for a long time, he still couldn��te up with a good idea. He then turned on hisputer and went online to search for methods on how to wait idly for opportunities.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian found something good!


    Mousetrap!


    If he were to ce candy on the mousetrap, the bichi would definitely fall for it when it came.


    This method would still work no matter how fast it was! As long as it stepped on the trap, it would be impossible for it to escape!


    Of course, an ordinary mousetrap definitely wouldn��t cut it. Even though the bichi��s greatest strength was its speed, it surely wasn��t as weak as an ordinary mouse.


    The trap had to be specially made.


    For instance, applying ayer of extra strong adhesive to the metal te.


    Immediately putting his thoughts into action, Ren Baqian gave Shen Feng a call. He asked her to think of ways to make him a mousetrap that fulfilled his requirements and to send it over to him the next day.


    After that, Ren Baqian left the pile of sweets in the room, changed into a new set of clothes, and left.


    He felt that the bichi would probably fall for it more easily if he weren��t around.


    He would let it have those sweets today to lower its guard and then give it a surprise the next day!


    Ren Baqian kept the samples that he cut off from the crocodile safely with him and got two of the winged cavalry warriors to escort him to the Messier 87 department.


    However, just halfway through the journey, he suddenly felt a sense of weightlessness and fell into the ground together with his car��


    In the eyes of the bystanders, arge pit suddenly appeared where Ren Baqian was. Other than him, the two cars behind him were following too closely and fell into the pit as well.


    His car was at the lowest position.


    Ren Baqian finally experienced what it felt like to fall into a pit at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour.


    After experiencing the freefall, the car crashed into the walls of the pit. The car behind him smashed down directly above him.


    All of this happened sessively, and this abrupt series of events left Ren Baqian stunned.


    The airbag immediately inted from the front, pinning him firmly in his seat.


    He then managed to tear it apart, climbed out of his car, and saw around seven men and women climbing out of the two cars that had been behind him. These people gave off weird vibes.


    When things like this happened, a typical person would first check out the situation in the surroundings and think about how to get back up, right? These people were in a state of confusion and disorientation when they got out of their cars. However, they immediately locked their eyes on Ren Baqian the moment they saw him.


    One of the men held up his cor and said, ��We have fallen into the pit with our target! Please give instructions!��


    He spoke very softly, but Ren Baqian was able to hear everything very clearly due to his now exceptional auditory abilities. Even so, he didn��t understand what this guy meant.


    He understood one thing though��they wereing for him!


    After that, Ren Baqian collected himself and realized why he felt odd about them. It wasn��t only their reactions, but also their traits.


    Even though they showed some resemnce, they weren��t Chinese!


    ��Do it!�� one of them shouted out, but this wasn��t yelled in Mandarin.


    ��Do it! Keep them alive!�� Ren Baqian shouted in response.

 Chapter 695 - Falling Into a Trap

    Chapter 695: Falling Into a Trap


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Do it! Keep them alive!��


    A loud bang sounded following Ren Baqian��s voice.


    The doors of the crushed car at the bottom immediately flew away.


    Two burly men in sportswear made their way out of the car with evil grins on their faces.


    The few people facing them all looked very cautious. They drew out their palm sized daggers and pointed at the winged cavalry warriors.


    Looking at their reaction, Ren Baqian felt as if he was using an atomic bomb to kill mosquitoes.


    <em>After so much effort, this is all you have?</em>


    <em>Are you teasing me?</em>


    <em>Can you even kill a chicken with those daggers?</em>


    <em>You definitely can��t kill a chicken from Dayao with those!</em>


    Four of them pointed their daggers at the winged cavalry warriors and surrounded them while the other three closed in on Ren Baqian.


    ��Make sure you don��t kill them!�� Ren Baqian warned his men again.


    Looking at the small daggers in their hands, he started feeling like he was making a fuss about nothing.


    One thing for sure was that they wereing for him.


    What he didn��t understand was why they only had a few small daggers��did they really think he was an ordinary person?


    If Ren Baqian were an ordinary person, they wouldn��t have to use weapons against him, right?


    Ren Baqian was baffled and found it rather amusing.


    Even though these people were closing in on him, he wasn��t even tensed up at all.


    He could kill them with a swat. Not to mention daggers, it would be useless even if they were wielding 40 meter long swords.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian saw something spouting out of the tips of their daggers.


    It was very tiny, and most importantly, it was very close to him��only about two meters away.


    Ren Baqian didn��t give it any thought nor did he fall back. He immediately dashed between them, swept his leg across the abdomen of one of them and struck his fists against the chests of the other two.


    The distance was too close. Even though he couldn��tpletely dodge, he made them miss his vital parts.


    Before the three of them could even react, they leaned toward the wall in fright and fell to the ground while throwing up blood.


    Ren Baqian felt a sharp pain below his right chest and left shoulder as well.


    <em>It was actually a gun that looked like a dagger�� </em>Ren Baqian immediately denied it as soon as that thought came to his mind. <em>No, it��s not a gun��</em>


    He picked up one of the daggers on the ground and saw something beneath it that looked like a trigger. He didn��t notice it earlier because it was blocked by their fingers when they held it against him just now.


    There were also two small holes at the side of the dagger��s guard.


    ��What is that?�� Ren Baqian felt a little puzzled as he held the dagger, wondering what the purpose of the holes was.


    He lifted his head and looked to the sides. Those two winged cavalry warriors had also settled their opponents.


    Even though the other party wielded weapons, the destructive power of those things raised people��s hackles.


    This was especially when they were the ones using them.


    Ren Baqian felt that they were merely ying house with him.


    At this moment, he suddenly felt a spell of dizziness.


    ��Darn, it��s a sedative drug! No, it��s an anaesthesia shot!�� Ren Baqian immediately realized what had hit him just now.


    <em>Luckily, I brought the two of them with me. </em>As soon as he thought this, he heard voices from the side.


    ��That��s strange, why am I feeling dizzy?��


    ��What a coincidence? Me too!��


    ��Thest time I felt this sensation was when someone hit me on the head with a rod. I haven��t felt this for a long time.�� The two of them started chatting and exchanging their thoughts.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    ��This bunch of blockheads are unreliable.�� He felt so infuriated by the both of them and could only rely on himself from now on.


    ��Should I go up and wait for help or go back into the car? By right, the people of the Messier 87 department should be behind us, right?��


    It had already been a few minutes since the ident and the personnel of the Messier 87 department hadn��t shown up yet. Since these assants dared to act, they had probably stalled the Messier 87 department.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian immediately felt that it would be safer for him to return to the car.


    He would be safe once the people of the Messier 87 department arrived.


    Even though the dizzy spells hit him wave after wave, a lot of thoughts kept going through his mind.


    Before he could even return to the car, his body couldn��t hold on any longer. He only managed to get half of his body in the car before he passed out. The two winged cavalry warriors had already passed out before he did.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know that these tranquilizers could even put elephants to sleep for up to three hours.


    Nobody had eversted for more than five seconds, and they would normally pass out after about three seconds.


    He managed to withstand it for almost a minute.


    A car arrived at the scene two minutester, and three men jumped into the pit.


    There were already about five cars that had stopped near the pit and were calling for help.


    However, these three people didn��t seem to care. They were immediately astonished after seeing the situation in the pit, especially those seven people whoy limp on the ground with blood flowing from their mouths.


    ��What about them��?�� One of them was a little hesitant.


    Theypletely didn��t expect the situation to be like this when they rushed over.


    ��This is an important task. Our objective is more important,�� another man said. ��Take him away.��


    ��Go.��


    The three men pulled Ren Baqian out of the car and up to the surface. They pushed him into their car and drove off.


    The other five cars remained there and called the police. It wasn��t merely an ident anymore, it was now a case of kidnapping!


    ��No matter what, we have our target. As for the rest of them, we shall leave it to the higher ups to decide on how to retrieve them.�� One of them heaved a sigh after they got in the car.


    ��Our mission isn��tplete yet, so we mustn��t lower our guard. We must first deliver him to the destination. They can��t stall the Messier 87 department for long, and the Chinese wille after us very soon.��


    ��Preparations are alreadyplete. Turn right at the junction 600 meters ahead and there will be a car there. Switch cars once we enter the ce. There are no surveince cameras there, and we should be able to hold up some of their time. Hopefully, we will be able to dy them longer.�� After he was done giving instructions, he continued to curse, ��D*mn China! There are surveince cameras everywhere!��


    Soon after, he suddenly felt a sense of weightlessness. Before he could even react, he felt a violent collision.


    The three men climbed out of their car in confusion and realized that they were in a pit!


    ��D*mn the roads in China! Aren��t they construction freaks? Why is the quality of their roads so poor? This is actually their most flourishing city! Yet, there are pits everywhere!�� one of them cursed in rage.


    This mission had practically driven them insane.


    They fell into a pit while tailing their target, which changed their mission from tailing to kidnapping.


    When they thought that they had to pay attention to the authorities after they abducted their target, the authorities didn��te, but they fell into another pit instead!


    Furthermore, it was a random pit that suddenly appeared.


    ��Governor, go and obstruct the cars. Gatling, help me pull this guy up.�� One of them knitted his eyebrows and tried to get them out of this situation. Currently, their most important concern was still the authorities.


    China��s wretched road quality was none of their concern anymore.


    A whileter, the three men dragged Ren Baqian into a stolen car.


    ��Thank you China for having people and cars everywhere,�� rejoiced the sturdy man who was nicknamed Governor. ��If we were in another country, we probably wouldn��t even be able to see a passing car after over 30 minutes.��


    ��Alright, even though we got into a small ident, the exit is right ahead��I can see it. Hopefully, things will go smoothly from now on.��


    Before he finished his words, they felt that familiar sense of weightlessness again�� As well as that familiar impact��


    Badly injured, Gatling roared in anger, ��I will never use anything from China again!��


    It was still the familiar surroundings and still the same type of pit��


    ��It��s not too far away��carry him over!�� the leader ordered.


    The three men carried Ren Baqian and ran quickly toward the junction.


    ��Be careful!�� Gatling suddenly shouted and jumped to the side while holding on to Ren Baqian.


    They heard the sound of nearly blown out tires screeching against the ground. As a breeze swept across their faces, they also saw the flesh of an open wound.


    An erratic van that was out of control drove past them and smashed the sturdiest man away.

 Chapter 696 - In a Plight

    Chapter 696: In a Plight


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Governor!�� With wide eyes, Gatlin looked sorrowful.


    After so many missions, no matter how dangerous, he still managed to survive. He never imagined that he would die in China due to a runaway car crushing him to death��


    Upon running Governor over and killing him, the van crashed through a wall on the side and hit a building before stopping.


    This also confirmed the conclusion of the two people that the van was indeed out of control.


    The screeching sounds and the way the van careened along the road pointed to this fact.


    A sh of grief was revealed in the eyes of the other person.


    ��Let��s go!��


    ��Governor���� Gatlin looked grim.


    ��We can��t afford to care for him.�� The other person growled, ��Don��t forget what we are here for! The target is in our hands now, and we must deliver him in order to aplish our mission!��


    Gatlin gritted his teeth and calmed down quickly.


    The two men carried Ren Baqian and continued to rush toward the predetermined location.


    Fearing further problems, the two men summoned all their mental strength and nervously checked the surroundings.


    Too many things had happened during this short journey today that made them wonder if they had been abandoned by God.


    They fervently prayed for God to protect them from encountering any more problems during the rest of the journey.


    However, Gatlin suddenly fell to the ground when they were about 50 meters away from the designated location.


    Even Ren Baqian��s head slipped out of his hand and struck the ground.


    ��Gatlin!�� The other person was shocked.


    ��I sprained my ankle���� Gatlin crawled up from the ground with a miserable expression as he tried to test his injured leg on the ground. The pain caused him to break out into a cold sweat, but he managed to stand up steadily.


    ��Can you get there with one leg?�� the other person asked after putting Ren Baqian on the ground.


    Although he had also suffered some injuries when they fell into the pit earlier, they had carried Ren Baqian, who weighed over 100 kilograms, for such a long distance that they were soaked in their own sweat.


    He had no choice. Even at the cost of their lives, they had to deliver the target to the designated location.


    Fortunately, they didn��t encounter any problems during the final meters.


    A truck was parked there with nobody inside. The trailer that was originally meant to carry their car was now unnecessary.


    And right in front of the truck was a very ordinary Volkswagen Jetta.


    The two put Ren Baqian in the trunk of the car and drove toward the seaside.


    They were nervous in the car and afraid of falling into a pit again. Fortunately, it was a smooth journey. They soon got to the speed boat where two people were waiting. After handing over the target, the boat sped away.


    In 20 minutes, they would leave the territorial waters, and in three hours, they would be entering the open sea.


    After traveling for a dozen nautical miles, two navy boats were seening toward them from a distance while radioing for them to stop for an inspection.


    However, the navy boats were much slower than their speedboat and were soon outdistanced.


    They only rxed when the navy boats behind them became small dots on the horizon.


    They were also relieved that Ren Baqian was still unconscious andying at the back.


    ��Watch him carefully. This guy is an unarmed martial arts expert��seven people were seriously injured by him and three of them were beaten by him after they applied the anaesthetic to him. If he wakes up, we will be no match for him in such a confined space,�� said the person who carried Ren Baqian all this way.


    ��He��s very tightly bound��what can he do even when he wakes up? It��s time to give the emergency injection or else how are we going to answer for it if something happens? After all, we have spent a lot of effort to catch him.�� Another person took out a syringe from a box and gave Ren Baqian an injection.


    The type of anaesthetic used was very strong and had strong side effects. If this emergency medicine wasn��t administered to counteract the anaesthetic, then there was a high chance of death.


    ��Can you speak Mandarin? What��s that in your hand?�� At this moment, Ren Baqian, who was supposed to be in a deep and drug-induced sleep, suddenly opened his eyes and startled them.


    ��How is this possible? This dosage can even knock out an elephant for one hour and shouldst for at least six hours on a normal person!�� They were shocked.


    Only one and a half hours had passed, yet he was already awake.


    Ren Baqian, who was tightly bound, opened his eyes and looked at the surroundings. It felt very bumpy and knew he was at sea.


    He knew this before he opened his eyes.


    Nearby were four people; a white man with brown hair smoking a cigarette, another caucasian with blond hair, a man with brown skin who looked like a South American, and an East Asian.


    These people looked shocked.


    Being tightly bound inside a speed boat, Ren Baqian was aware that he was in a precarious situation,


    He would most likelynd in a prison or aboratory in a few hours.


    Sadly, he wasn��t considered normal by ordinary people.


    There were many ways to escape.


    At worst, he could go back directly to Dayao and then return with the empress.


    No matter where he was and no matter how many people were around, they were like raw pork on a cutting board when the empress was around.


    In this type of situation, he naturally wasn��t nervous at all.


    ��Who are you? Where are you taking me? What are you trying to do?�� Ren Baqian asked calmly.


    ��How are you, Mr. Ren? You will find out our identitiester. As for where we are taking you and what we want, you will know when we get there. I hope you will keep quiet for your own safety and that you will not struggle,�� the blond white man said in fluent Mandarin.


    Although they were surprised that the target was awake, given his circumstances, they weren��t worried. He was like a fish on a cutting board and unable to do anything.


    Surprisingly, they were looking at each other in the same way.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while and came up with two choices.


    One option was to get rid of these people and drive back in the speed boat.


    However, it was troublesome to be remembered this way.


    The second option was to follow them to their headquarters and destroy all of them in one go.


    He decided after considering for 30 seconds.


    Of course, he chose to take the first option!


    These people were the agents of that big western country, so what would he be able to do when he entered their headquarters? Could he get rid of their president? He might directly get locked up in aboratory.


    Many of the tricks on Earth were impossible to guard against. For example, those daggers wereced with an anaesthetic and he had carelessly let three people use those on him.


    So what if he could handle 100 of them in unarmedbat?


    The most important thing was his uing wedding. He didn��t have time to chat with them.


    Therefore, he made the most expedient choice.


    As for how they would think of him, he didn��t care�� At most, they would find trouble with him, but as long as they wanted what was in his brain, they wouldn��t kill him.


    After making up his mind, it was easy to proceed.


    ��Guys, this is China. I hope you will state your intentions or else you will be charged with espionage and kidnapping,�� Ren Baqian said sternly.


    ��Ha! Haha! You little jerk��if only you could do that!�� The East Asianughed loudly. Then, he moved to the side of Ren Baqian, looked at him with derision, and said, ��Maybe you should understand the situation you are currently in!��


    After speaking, he sent a punch toward the face of Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 697 - A Person Blessed by God

    Chapter 697: A Person Blessed by God


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t fainted, he would have known that the nickname of this East Asian man was ��Gatlin.��


    Gatlin didn��t have any special talents, but he was a glib talker like Ren Baqian and very few people could keep him quiet.


    However, it didn��t matter to Ren Baqian what his opponent��s name was.


    He wasn��t interested in remembering the names of dead people.


    Preparing for the punching at him, Ren Baqian tilted his head to counter it.


    <em>Crack! </em>It sounded like a bone broke.


    ��Ah!�� Gatlin screamed in pain.


    The other people trembled and took out their guns.


    Ren Baqian put on an innocent expression and said, ��He��s the culprit.��


    ��Damn it! His head is as hard as a stone.�� Gatlin cursed as he rubbed his hand. Then, he raised his leg to kick Ren Baqian.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    This time, Gatlin howled as he grabbed his hand and his leg.


    Ren Baqian wasughing inside. He couldn��t beat the empress, but he had 100 ways to handle this type of ordinary person and disable them for the rest of their life.


    He only discovered the great difference in power between an Earth Wheel expert and an ordinary person after his recent breakthrough.


    ��Damn it! You better behave yourself!�� The South American pointed a gun at Ren Baqian and asked, ��Do you want to die?��


    It was obvious that Ren Baqian was ying tricks.


    Ren Baqian continued to act innocent. How could he be in the wrong when he was the one being beaten?


    ��It can only be said that he��s too weak. His soft fluffy fist is like bean curd.��


    This was applicable not only to Gatlin, but to the others as well.


    ��How did you choose such a person? Do you want me to introduce you to some experts?��


    ��Shut up! You better behave yourself,�� the guy said fiercely.


    Ren Baqian was tightly bound, but he could still shrug his shoulders before he shut his mouth.


    ��You are also stupid.�� The guy scolded Gatlin and went back to his seat.


    Gatlin looked at Ren Baqian maliciously while moving his lips and cursing him silently. If the higher-ups didn��t want him alive, Gatlin would have killed this bastard right now.


    ��Do not be irritated by him. He��s the target of this mission, and our mission will bepleted once he is handed over,�� the blond man said.


    Suddenly, the bow of the boat collided with a dolphin, and the dolphin was sent flying away without even a whimper being heard.


    Due to the fact that many fishermen feed dolphins, they would often chase fishing boats for fun. As a result, collisions would happen asionally, but a sudden collision like this was still frightening.


    The boat shook violently, swayed from side to side, and almost capsized.


    Gatlin, who was holding one hand and one leg while sitting at the side, cried out as he was thrown off the boat.


    ��Bloody dolphin!�� The brown-haired man cursed and then turned the speed boat around to return to the spot where Gatlin could be seen struggling.


    ��Catch!�� The South American threw a lifebuoy attached to a rope to Gatlin��s side.


    Ren Baqian saw that the South American was facing away from him, the brown-haired man was steering the boat, and the blond man was the only one watching him. He knew that his opportunity hade.


    With four people around, at least three of them could shoot him.


    If he were to kill one of them with his Golden Spear, the rest would have riddled him with bullet holes.


    <em>Golden Spear! </em>Ren Baqian looked at the blond man and summoned the spear with his mind.


    Subsequently, a portion of the spearhead emerged from his head.


    Ren Baqian looked like a member of the Cbash Brothers.


    The blond man across from him was puzzled by this sight and asked incredulously, ��What��s that?��


    <em>Kill him! </em>Ren Baqian ordered silently. At the same time, he instructed, <em>Metal Chain, tie up the other guy.</em>


    Quietly, the Golden Spear retreated into his head.


    After the spear had retracted, the Metal Chain emerged from his head. With its first three sections curved, it looked around like a snake before also retreating.


    <em>Bloody fools! </em>Ren Baqian almost vomited blood. These two cowards actually abandoned him when he needed them! What a time to betray him! These two were really the pits! He hadboriously nurtured them for so many years, yet they turned their backs on him when he needed them.


    The blond man across from him looked at him incredulously after seeing the spear and the metal chain emerge from his head and stuttered loudly, ��Ruyi Jingu Bang[1.Ruyi Jingu Bang: a magical staff wielded by the immortal monkey Sun Wukong in the 16th-century ssic Chinese novel Journey to the West.]!��


    He could only recall tu9s weapon even though they weren��t that simr.


    ��What happened?�� The other two were rmed by his shouts and turned their heads to look.


    ��A baton and a metal chain emerged from his head!�� the blond man said.


    The two guys looked at Ren Baqian suspiciously and then looked at the blond man as if they were looking at a fool.


    Could a baton and a metal chain emerge from someone��s head?


    To y it safe, the South American went to inspect Ren Baqian and found no abnormalities. As for the baton and the metal chain, they were most likely hallucinated by the blond man.


    ��Dentist, go see a psychologist when you return,�� the brown-haired man said.


    ��I really saw them!�� the blond man hastily answered.


    ��You are probably under too much pressure. Since there have been more missions recently, you should take a vacation. He was carried aboard by us and had nothing on him. Furthermore, Capoeira just re-examined him,�� the brown-haired man said.


    ��Well, maybe you��re right,�� the blond man said distressfully.


    Even he didn��t believe what he saw.


    Perhaps it was his imagination going wild.


    Gatlin was dragged back to the speed boat and vomited some water as hey on the floor. He was exhausted after being tossed around by the waves and was also disabled now.


    ��It��s time to leave. Those navy boats could still be behind us. If we dy longer, they may catch up with us.�� The brown-haired man restarted the boat as he spoke and cast a look at the surface of the sea at the same time before saying, ��The blood from the dolphin has attracted the sharks. Please sit tight!��


    The speed boat raced forward.


    In fact, these people were worried. Although they were no longer in the territorial waters of China, they were in its maritime economic zone, so the navy could catch up with them at anytime.


    Now that the speed boat was moving again, they were relieved.


    After traveling less than three nautical miles, everyone felt the hull of the boat shaking again as the whole boat flew above the surface of the water. As everyone else gripped whatever fixtures they could grab, Ren Baqian happened to be wedged by the seats.


    The bottom of the boat had collided with the top half of a whale shark, gashing the whale shark on the head and sending the boat flying.


    ��Ah!�� The trilling voice of Gatlin was heard as he was thrown overboard again.


    Those on board had just settled down and were disappointed when they realized that Gatlin had been thrown off the boat again.


    Why was there another collision?


    The sea was so big, yet they encountered two collisions!


    Why was it him again?


    How did he fall overboard twice in such a short period of time?


    The brown-haired man had no choice but to turn the boat around once more to pick Gatlin up.


    ��God is very fond of you!�� said the blond man, who was also known as Dentist.


    ��What?�� Ren Baqian didn��t hear him clearly.


    Dentist looked bitter as he made the sign of the cross on his body.


    After capturing the target, this series of events had made him realize one thing.


    Some people in this world were simply blessed by God.


    One example was the person in front of him.


    Nothing had proceeded smoothly since the start.


    From beginning to end, they were impacted by various idents.


    Things that shouldn��t have happened in a lifetime had all happened within these two hours.

 Chapter 698 - Upheaval

    Chapter 698: Upheaval


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In this world, the hardest enemies to deal with were those who God sided with.


    A strong or a smart man could be defeated, but there was no way to defeat a lucky guy.


    Such people could always escape the jaws of danger and anything you did to them would end up benefiting them.


    It was simr to what would happen to the main character in those novels.


    Dentist felt that his luck had deserted him since the target had been captured and misfortunes urred one after the other.


    This made him afraid.


    He had undergone long and rigorous training, but this hadn��t made him capable of defeating someone who was protected by God.


    ��What nonsensical things are you saying?�� the brown-haired man scolded as he turned the boat around to pick up Gatlin.


    ��You haven��t seen what I have experienced�� You don��t know what it��s like to see holes suddenly appear in the road time after time as I was driving. You also don��t know how I felt when Governor was hit by a runaway van.��


    Dentist��s mouth twitched and then he shouted, ��Look, Gatlin fell into the sea twice��! Why? How can there be so many coincidences?��


    ��Yes, they are coincidences. We willplete the mission soon,�� the brown-haired man said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    ��Ha! These coincidences will happen again. Do you believe it?�� Dentist asked angrily.


    ��We will see when the timees.�� The brown-haired man didn��t take it seriously. Then, he looked at the sea, his face changed drastically, and he blurted, ��Sh*t.��


    Capoeira, the South American, had noticed it earlier than him and had an even worse looking expression.


    They saw Gatlin screaming in horror and struggling.


    The water around him seemed to be boiling as if it was violently agitated by something.


    The culprits only showed their dorsal fins asionally.


    They were sharks!


    ��Hurry up! Hurry!�� Capoeira kept on urging.


    The speed of the boat was 60 knots. Due to the high speed, they traveled arge distance past Gatlin after Gatlin fell overboard.


    To turn the boat back to its original spot would take at least three minutes.


    These three minutes decided the fate of Gatlin.


    As they rushed back, a few sharks took turns attacking Gatlin.


    They bore down on him repeatedly like charging cavalry.


    Fresh blood stained the sea red.


    The blood was from Gatlin as well as from the whale shark that was hit earlier.


    ��Catch it ande up!�� Capoeira threw a lifebuoy across.


    The lifebuoy fell in front of Gatlin. He stretched out his hand, but was too weak to hold on to it. Finally, he waved feebly and was dragged down by a shark.


    ��Damn, damn, damn bastards!�� With bloodshot eyes, Capoeira continuously fired his pistol into the sea.


    Although Gatlin wasn��t a likeable person, he didn��t deserve to die here at this time.


    ��Complete the mission? Can weplete the mission safely? Governor and Gatlin are gone���� Dentist was hysterical.


    ��What a load of crap! If you keep on jabbering, I will kill you first. Shut up and sit there quietly. You can resign when we get back!�� berated the brown-haired man.


    Ren Baqian looked at Dentist with amusement. This fellow was frightened by his own imagination.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian wasn��t blessed by God, but was more like a jinx.


    Furthermore, these people were afflicted with bad luck because of him.


    However, he was happy to see them in such a miserable state.


    His only hope was that the boat wouldn��t encounter a mishap.


    He had returned for a short time and needed to stay for at least one and a half days before going back.


    If this boat met with any mishaps, he would suffer too.


    The question now was how to untie himself. This group of people did a professional job of tying him. Both his hands were tied behind him, his thumbs were locked together, and he totally couldn��t exert any force.


    Furthermore, his arms and legs were tied tightly with nylon ropes that were as thick as a thumb.


    <em>Golden Spear, cut the rope behind me, </em>Ren Baqianmanded silently.


    Although he was pissed off at these two ingrates, he could only depend on them now.


    Soon after, he felt his thumbs loosen.


    Ren Baqian breathed a sigh of relief and secretly said, <em>Well done��you didn��t fail me this time.</em>


    <em>Also untie the ropes on my legs and arms.</em>


    Ren Baqian didn��t feel the ropes being cut, but they were loosened.


    Capoeira immediately detected this change, took out his gun, and aimed at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian propped his palms on the ground andunched a kick at Capoeira��s head.


    <em>Pow!</em>


    The whole boat sank downward as the neck of the South American sank into his chest, causing him to die instantly.


    This change was so sudden that the other two couldn��t respond. They saw Capoeira suddenly get shorter as a person seemed to get stacked on top of his head.


    The brown-haired man was about to pick up the gun beside him when Ren Baqian appeared next to him in a sh and stamped on his palm.


    ��Oww!�� the brown-haired man howled miserably.


    His entire palm was smashed by this action.


    Ren Baqian ced five fingers on the brown-haired man��s head, lifted him up, smiled kindly, and exined, ��Your head will crack like an egg if I exert a little more force, so you better keep quiet like him. Sound good?��


    Dentist reached for his gun when Ren Baqian burst into violent action, but quickly retracted his hand. His opponent was too fast. In fact, he was unbelievably fast for a human.


    Dentist didn��t even see Ren Baqian��s shadow when Ren Baqian was already on top of Capoeira��s head and wondered whether the other party was using magic.


    Dentist was quite sure that he couldn��t draw his gun faster than his opponent. Furthermore, the opponent was blessed by God. The fate of Gatlin clearly exined it; he was on the boat, yet died in such a strange way.


    This made him fear Ren Baqian from the bottom of his heart.


    Ren Baqian saw the fear in the eyes of the brown-haired man and gently put him back in his seat. He even patted him on the head as if he was pacifying a pet.


    ��Go to the appointed ce now. Where are you going to take me?�� Ren Baqian suddenly changed his mind when something popped up in his thoughts.


    This situation had exposed a big w regarding him and the winged cavalry.


    He was vulnerable to these types of concealed weapons whenever he was careless.


    If he were to go back and tell them that he overpowered his captors after waking up, they would know about his vulnerability and belittle him.


    He might as welle up with a story that he intentionally got captured in order to capture the people behind the scenes and take revenge on them.


    This was also in line with his self-created image of seeking revenge for the smallest grievances.


    The mind of the brown-haired man became locked in a mental struggle.


    If he were to reject Ren Baqian, he would certainly die and fail the mission. If he were to agree, he would be a traitor.


    However, there were many people at the rendezvous point, so they might be able to capture Ren Baqian again.


    In that case, he could atone for his mistakes.


    In China, this was known as beating someone at their own game.


    ��I see,�� the brown-haired man said while holding his right hand. ��A submarine is waiting for us. It will transport you to the base.��


    ��Great! I like obedient children.�� Ren Baqianughed. He threw all the weapons overboard and sat in the boat while enjoying the sea breeze. The base? Was this the base in Japan?


    ��


    At the Messier 87 department, the scene was chaotic.


    Even Yang Sen found it hard to believe that Ren Baqian had been abducted.


    Those fellows were so powerful, yet they were subdued after being hit with small anaesthetic pellets fired by a few people.


    This was very baffling.


    ��He must be saved at any cost!�� Yang Sen gritted his teeth. No matter what, he must not let Ren Baqian fall into the hands of the other party.


    When he called his superiors, they were on the same wavelength as him. After that, he quickly arranged the required manpower.


    The most important thing was to find out where Ren Baqian was headed.


    ��Contact Shen Feng to inform those cavemen at the vi. Although those people are like a bunch of crazy fellows from a primitive society, their martial arts prowess is useful at a time like this.


    In private, they were known as men from paradise, which was shortened to cavemen. Many people called them cavemen from the mountains.


    A momentter, turmoil erupted in the vi. Thedy boss had been captured. If the empress were to find out, it would be disastrous.


    They didn��t forget how the empress brought Ren Baqian along when they fought their way to Great Xia.


    They had to snatch thedy boss back.


    ��Who did this? Kill them!��


    ��Kill them!��


    ��Where��s my saber?��


    ��Bring out all the sabers!��


    ��Also bring out my leather armor!��

 Chapter 699 - Yet Another Mishap

    Chapter 699: Yet Another Mishap


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Where��s thedy boss?�� A bunch of men were d in leather armor and wielded des. Their murderous spirit was extremely intense.


    If anything happened to thedy boss, even if Her Majesty didn��t skin them alive, they would be too embarrassed to continue working for her.


    ��Let��s wait. That girl called just now to say that they are still trying to locate thedy boss and that she will inform us once they have found him.�� Xu Wei sat down on the sofa and put his de down. He caressed his scabbard and said, ��Thinking about it, it has been a long time since Ist spilled blood. My de is craving it so badly!��


    ��Killing generals, conquering nations, and exterminating people are our forte. We can��t rely on those people to savedy boss��they are too weak,�� Xiong Ying said.


    He had previously tagged along with the Messier 87 department to travel to Japan in search of the two missing people and was unimpressed by their fighting capabilities.


    ��By rights,dy boss��s strength is fairly eptable now! Even though he hasn��t measured it yet, there shouldn��t be anybody in this country who can defeat him, right? I have seen those wrestlingpetitions on the television and all of them look weak. It��s as if they weredies from Great Xia. How coulddy boss have gotten captured? Even if they had guns, they still shouldn��t be able to deal with him.��


    ��Shi Tong and Jiang Yuanshan were apanying him. Where are they?��


    ��They are currently with the Messier 87 department and seem fine. We can only find out more when we see them,�� Xu Wei answered.


    The winged cavalry warriors chatted for a bit and concluded that there wasn��t much they could do at the moment. They could only wait for an update. They closed their eyes to rest and prepare for the big fight that was toe.


    The winged cavalry warriors had seen many cases of life and death on the battlefield. They were also used to the practice of honing and preserving their strength before fights.


    Shen Feng didn��t notice anything amiss when she walked to the door. When she opened the door and stepped in, the ten idle man bears who sat there resting immediately opened their eyes. The room seemed to light up from the cold gleams emitting from their eyes.


    This made her feel as if ten ferocious beasts were about to pounce on their prey. Actually, they looked even scarier than beasts.


    Theypletely lost the indolent look that they used to have.


    Shen Feng subconsciously took a step back before she came to understand the situation. This was an unconditioned reflex and these people wouldn��t attack her anyway.


    ��Where isdy boss?�� Xu Wei asked Shen Feng as he watched her step out and back again.


    ��A department called Messier 87 notified me, but I��m not exactly sure either. However, I just had a conversation on the phone with them before I came here, and they are still trying to locatedy boss. They will inform me immediately when they have news, and that��s why I came here to wait as well.��


    Everyone heard what she said and shut their eyes again.


    ��What are you wearing this leather armor for? Performing opera? If you wear this on the streets, you are practically telling everyone that you are out to create trouble,�� Shen Feng said as she looked at them.


    The winged cavalry warriors pondered for a moment before realizing that this wasn��t Dayao and that they weren��t going to fight a war.


    Even though they had only been killing people and had never been on a rescue mission, they thought about it and felt that it was indeed inappropriate to be dressed like this on the streets.


    The winged cavalry warriors went to change back into their sports attire, but still kept their long des in hand. Everyone was silent. While a few of them continued resting, the rest simply sat there and caressed their scabbards.


    Shen Feng couldn��t stand it any longer after staying in the room for five minutes with this atmosphere. It was too suffocating.


    It wasn��t an emotion constraint caused by the silence.


    The air inside the room felt so dense and confined that it was difficult to breathe.


    She felt as if she were surrounded by a pack of wolves.


    Three hourster, they finally received the news that they were waiting for.


    A satellite had located the speedboat.


    It had also seen Ren Baqian getting brought inside a submarine.


    The other party was capable of deploying those covert agents for this task and even had a submarine. Although the Messier 87 department was unable to trace where the submarine was heading, they were still able to guess the destination.


    It was the only ce where a submarine could dock and was also that country��srgest naval base in the western Pacific Ocean.


    After obtaining the exact information, Yang Sen pondered for a moment because there were thousands of navy sailors there.


    However, Ren Baqian��s safety was more important and they couldn��t afford to fail.


    They would give it their all, even if that meant causing havoc.


    For this reason, the other party even deployed more than ten experts to defend the base who were all at the Man Wheel level and had been trained by the military. Even though they didn��t have the terrifying strength of those cavemen, when equipped with firearms, they were very suited for an infiltration operation like this.


    ��


    At present, even though he was locked up in the brig with the brown-haired guy and Dentist, Ren Baqian was going on the first submarine experience of his life.


    He was prepared to cause havoc once they arrived at the base before slipping back home.


    With his current strength, as long as he didn��t get surrounded in an open space, he would still be safe.


    At worst, he would just find somewhere to hide for a day and then travel back to Dayao.


    In any case, Ren Baqian would surely be able to give them hell.


    He had to make getting screwed over by the tranquilizer seem intentional. This way, he could at least save some face.


    The nation had always treated him and the empress with the proper respect, but wasn��t this all just because of her strength? If others knew that he got screwed over by an anesthesia shot, they would probably look down on him.


    Ren Baqian had always believed in one thing, which was to bare his fangs. He could save a lot of trouble this way.


    If he were to be belittled, many problems would arise in the future.


    If he were to y weak and try to take down such arge scale enemy like an entire nation, he might truly be very weak.


    While Ren Baqian was nning his moves, it was the same for the brown-haired guy.


    Once they arrived at the base, if they couldn��t even take down one person with their numbers, they would practically be aughingstock.


    The two of them were making their own ns, but had forgotten that things didn��t usually turn out as nned.


    Especially when Ren Baqian was being closely monitored by some sh*t stirrer.


    After the submarine traveled for less than two hours, it came to a halt.


    Dentist left the brig to ask around and learned that the propeller had gotten tangled with some fishings. They had to surface the submarine above the water and clear thoses away from the propeller.


    Upon hearing this, Dentist went back to the brig and gave Ren Baqian aplex look before he lowered his head and stayed silent.


    Sure enough, there was another mishap.


    What would the next ident be? When would it happen?


    Dentist drew the sign of the cross over his forehead and chest.


    The next mishap came very quickly.


    When the submarine was in the middle of the emergency surfacing, everyone suddenly felt an intense tremor. It was as if the submarine had collided into something.


    Ren Baqian��s heart immediately skipped a beat. Nothing better happened to this submarine. If it did, he would have to fight for all the remaining oxygen by killing everyone else onboard so that he could survive for another day and a half.


    Little did he know that the oxygen production facilities in the submarine, by means of electrolysis and liquified oxygen tanks, were sufficient to keep the entire crew alive for up to three months.


    If that really happened, all that could be said was that the people in the submarine were out of luck.


    Thankfully, none of this happened and the submarine safely ascended to the surface of the ocean.


    Dentist went out again to ask around and came back with a few pieces of news.


    First, there were some problems with the sonar system of the submarine, and they didn��t realize that there was a Japanese fishing boat above them when they ascended to the surface. They originally thought that it was an abandoned fishing that had entangled the propeller since such things would asionally happen. However, it seemed like this wasn��t the current case.


    Second, the fishing boat had capsized, causing over ten people to fall into the ocean. The sailors from the submarine were currently inspecting the submarine for damage and also assisting the victims of that fishing boat.


    Third, this submarine probably couldn��t dive anymore and was in the middle of contacting other ships to pick them up.


    As Dentist shared the news, he repeatedly looked over at Ren Baqian.


    Sure enough, there was another mishap.


    If he could, he would really want to abandon this mission, immediately leave this ce, and get as far away from Ren Baqian as possible.


    Even the brown-haired guy had an unfathomable gleam in his eyes.


    Another ident had actually happened.


    idents had happened while driving, while on the speedboat, and now in the submarine��


    Was God really that fond of Ren Baqian?


    After making enemies out people like him, what benefits could there be for Dentist?

 Chapter 700 - Unleashing His Wrath

    Chapter 700: Unleashing His Wrath


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian felt helpless as he sat in the submarine. Why was it so hard for him to do something about the current situation?


    With great difficulty, he had finally made up his mind to wreak havoc in the other party��s base, but unfortunately, the submarine ran into another problem.


    He really ought to dissect that bichi and see what it was made of. If the research turned out to be sessful, he reckoned that he could probably create a weapon that could manipte the future.


    This level of misfortune made it seem like those people were jinxed.


    Ren Baqian felt that the effects were much strongerpared to the previous time he saw it.


    After thest time he saw the bichi, he was caught in an earthquake, his house copsed, he got caught in an ambush, and someone tried to assassinate him�� However, those mishaps hadn��t happen with the frequency of the current idents.


    Those people fell into a pit while driving, their speed boat crashed into a shark, and now, the submarine collided into a fishing boat. Being gued with misfortune was an understatement when describing their journey so far.


    If Ren Baqian were to guilelessly stay in their base for a month, wouldn��t it turn to ruins?


    At present, Ren Baqian was full of resentment. He felt as if he was on a holiday that he had nned for a very long time and had been looking forward to, but had run into transportation problems.


    After waiting in the brig for two hours, the sky began to turn dark, and the waves grewrger.


    The waves crashed into the submarine repeatedly, which caused it to sway violently.


    Subsequently, raindrops the size of peas began to pour from the sky.


    Ren Baqian heard the rain pattering against the metal hull and thought that he was lucky to be on a submarine. If he were to be on other types of ships, he would indeed be worried about getting capsized by the waves.


    At present, the situation was only getting worse, but it still had yet to reach its worst.


    Dentist and the brown-haired guy were also deeply worried.


    At this moment, noise could be heard from the outside. Aftermunicating with the base, the sailors finally allowed those fishermen toe aboard the submarine, but confined them to a small area.


    The fishing boat had already sunk to the sea bed by now.


    Soon after, the submarine began to dive, avoiding the storm and the huge waves on the surface.


    The wind and rain didn��t usuallyst very long on the ocean.


    Two hourster, the sky cleared up after the rain, and a 30 meter long transport helicopter appeared above them.


    Ren Baqian and the other two guys were moved to this helicopter. Inside, there was already a team of armed soldiers.


    There were nine of them, the exact size of abat squad.


    Even though the helicopter cabin had nine people, the majority of the space was still empty.


    Seeing the soldiers in the helicopter, the brown-haired guy hesitated for a moment. He weighed the risks of them fighting with Ren Baqian while airborne, but eventually decided to drop the idea.


    He greeted them and exchanged a few words. The three of them sat in the middle of the cabin with Ren Baqian sandwiched in the center. It was as if they were real criminals.


    ��Hey, you haven��t told them anything weird that I don��t understand, right?�� Ren Baqian was beaming from ear to ear.


    ��I don��t have to,�� the brown-haired guy answered. ��I don��t intend to die here with you, and I��m not ready to sacrifice my life for the nation just yet.��


    ��Great.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    The soldiers around them looked at them suspiciously since they didn��t understand what they were talking about. However, their objective was to escort these three to the base, so they couldn��t be bothered with anything else.


    A whileter, Ren Baqian started to find it odd that the helicopter was actually flying toward the south instead of the east.


    If they flew east, they would be heading toward that country��srgest naval base in East Asia.


    That ce was their original destination.


    Since they were heading south, they were probably heading toward the Zhuo Shibao base, which was theirrgest helicopter and amphibious warship base. The Cong Shen base, where most of their ground forces were garrisoned, was nearby.


    During the flight, Ren Baqian managed to have a close up experience of aerial refueling. After another two hours, the helicopter slowly descended. Unfortunately, he could only see the ocean from where he was seated and didn��t manage to get a full view of the base.


    He clenched his fists and felt somewhat nervous.


    After all, an ordinary person wouldn��t even dare to think about wreaking havoc in a military base that had thousands of soldiers. This was especially the case for someone who grew up on Earth like Ren Baqian��the formidable force of a military base was deeply rooted in the back of his mind.


    Ren Baqian wondered if he was facing anxiety to actually have such crazy intentions.


    However, on second thought, he wondered to what extent he could actually wreak havoc.


    He could simply throw up the white g and surrender if he couldn��t beat them.


    The helicopter shook for a bit beforending steadily on the ground. The soldiers then stood up and said to the trio, ��You can get out now.��


    Once again, Dentist and the brown-haired guy sandwiched Ren Baqian from the front and back as they alighted from the helicopter.


    Before he got out, he could already see a squad of armed soldiers waiting below.


    In addition, there was one more squad of soldiers behind them. In total, there were fourbat squads and over 30 soldiers.


    For a normal person, it would already be sufficient if the number of soldiers was divided by 10.


    Most importantly, this was a spacious site that was surrounded bywns and barbed wire. The jetty wasn��t too far off to the side, and there were a few amphibious warships and a search vessel docked alongside.


    There were soldiers and sentry points all over the ce as well.


    There were also forklifts driving around andrge amounts of wooden crates piled up in a corner.


    In fact, there happened to be a fleet of warships participating in a training exercise at this location with this base serving to provide logistical aid for the exercise.


    It definitely wasn��t a coincidence that this exercise and the operation had happened at the same time.


    Ren Baqian was transported around very swiftly these days. If he had arrived a few dayster, this fleet of warships would have been sailing on its return journey and the size of their deterrent force would be greatly reduced.


    However, he happened to arrive at this time, so they were overjoyed by this unexpected piece of good news.


    ��I��m Major Mark Wace. Your ne will need another six hours before it can take off. Meanwhile, follow me,�� greeted a caucasian man.


    Without hesitation, the brown-haired guy started to run away while shouting, ��Be careful! Seize him!��


    All the soldiers were astonished. Weren��t all three of them already here? However, this onlysted for a split second before they collected themselves and sessively drew out their weapons.


    Ren Baqian had achieved his objective. He ignored the brown-haired guy and jumped straight at Major Mark Wace. The major immediately felt as if arge tiger with a savage aura was pouncing on him.


    When a tiger was hunting for prey, it could pounce a distance of about eight meters. If it ran up before leaping or jumped from higher ground, this distance would be even greater.


    Even though Ren Baqian was much smaller than a tiger, his pounce felt extremely vigorous and vicious. In a sh, he pounced over 10 meters. This was one of the moves from the [Boxing of Death] that was used by the Dayao soldiers. It was specifically used to jump into the enemy��s battle formation and split the target in half with one strike of the de before sweeping it across the people in the surroundings.


    This jump and sweep was powerful enough to clear up the entire area.


    Only the aboriginal army knew how to use such a vicious technique of mass ughter.


    Even though Ren Baqian didn��t have a de in his hand, he pounced over and hammered down with 10,000 newtons of force in his fist.


    <em>Plop. </em>Major Mark Wace was immediately smashed like a watermelon as red and white bits sttered all over.


    After that, Ren Baqian grabbed ahold of the corpse that had yet to copse and swung it across, sending the five armed soldiers around him flying. He then threw the corpse at the soldiers behind him and dashed straight toward the group of people in front of him without even turning his head around.


    These were all soldiers from the special forces and were highly reputable on Earth.


    However, when Ren Baqian suddenly unleashed his wrath upon them, they had practically no means of retaliating. In an instant, they were all kicked and sent flying away. Their blood and guts spurted out in the air before theynded on the ground with no hope of survival.


    The brown-haired guy and the squad of soldiers that had escorted Ren Baqian to the base were dumbfounded.


    Five seconds. It only took Ren Baqian five seconds to pounce on the major, sweep his body across, and unleash his wrath upon the group of soldiers at the front. All of these soldiers lost their ability to continue fighting.


    Half of the soldiers behind him were thrown off by that flying corpse. The remaining people unsafetied their weapons and took aim, but werepletely unable to follow Ren Baqian��s movements and get a clear shot at him. When he was attacking this group of soldiers, his speed made it impossible for them to even escape.


    The sight of this sent chills down the spines of everyone who witnessed it. Who were they really facing?


    If he had unleashed his wrath while they were in the air�� Just thinking of this alone made them tremble with fear.

 Chapter 701 - Skill Providence

    Chapter 701: Skill Providence


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    A Heaven-grade weapon was forged out of the mind and soul.


    Even though there were ways in the outside world that could create such a weapon, the essence of it was still the mind and soul. Like a person��s arms and legs, a Heaven-grade weapon had a connection to its owner.


    If the owner died, their mind and soul would wither away, and the Heaven-grade weapon would also naturally dissipate.


    It was simr to when a person lost his life and his flesh would also perish.


    However, there were some differences between the metal chain and the golden spear.


    These two Heaven-grade weapons were brought back to Earth when their owners were still alive, severing the connection between them.


    Since the owners hadn��t died at that point, the weapon didn��t perish either.


    The conclusion of this was that these two weapons were still around.


    A Heaven-grade weapon was forged out of the mind and soul. From another perspective, it could be said to be part of a person��s soul. After its connection was severed with its owner, the originally dead weapon actually gained its own ignorant level of awareness.


    To prevent itself from falling apart without the support of its owner��s mind, the two weapons followed their instincts and chose Ren Baqian. They lodged in his consciousness and relied on his mind and soul to stay alive.


    Even though these two Heaven-grade weapons already had their own awareness, much of it was only their instincts. They were like kids who were learning how to speak.


    Their strongest instinct was to continue living.


    As such, both weapons had always stayed within Ren Baqian��s consciousness and wouldn��t show themselves unless his life was threatened. Since they had resided in his body for a long time, they had absorbed part of his soul and mind as well. If he died, it was very likely that both of them would perish.


    Besides matters that would determine the life and death of these Heaven-grade weapons, they didn��t care about anything else.


    If anything happened to them outside of Ren Baqian��s body, his mind and soul simply wouldn��t be able to restore them.


    Hence, the two weapons were very terrified.


    At present, whenever Ren Baqian threatened them, they could naturally sense the determination in his heart.


    When a worried person was threatened, there would normally only be two oues.


    One would be an outburst, whereas the other would be to continue worrying.


    Both Heaven-grade weapons immediately chose the second option and continued worrying.


    A long spear that was about 2.4 meters long grew out of Ren Baqian��s right arm.


    It weighed roughly 50 kilograms, and its entire body was silver with gold veined patterns on it. When he spun the spear in his hands, the spearhead reflected a golden radiance.


    This was the Heaven-grade weapon of that world��s number four expert, the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue.


    Ren Baqian held the spear in his hand and felt that it actually had a bit of sticity, unlike most ice-cold metal weapons.


    He stretched out his arm and stabbed at the wall, piercing a hole through it while feeling almost no resistance. As he pulled it back, the sunlight peered through.


    ��Good spear!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    In reality, how would he know what a good spear was like?


    Thinking about it, the spear of that world��s number four expert definitely had to be good.


    Besides, just the sharpness of this spear was worthy of thepliment.


    After saying this, Ren Baqian��s eyebrows twitched as he concentrated his attention and stabbed forward again.


    This time, it wasn��t as ck as the previous strike, it was as fast as lightning. Even if an inexperienced onlooker saw it, he would still be able to realize the difference between those two strikes.


    The first strike seemed like it wasunched by ayman, whereas during the second strike, Ren Baqian exerted force with his legs and twisted his body, which made it look extremely pleasing.


    Ren Baqian stabbed and pulled back immediately. The vibration of the spear in his hands actually reflected a radiance all over the walls and caused an air piercing sound to whistle throughout the room.


    He consecutively disyed the moves of the spearmanship, namely the prick, tremble, brandish, pierce, and stab before he stopped with his eyes glowing ecstatically.


    This spear actually came with the skills to wield it.


    When he held this spear in his hands just now, he felt as if his brain was filled with additional knowledge.


    The fundamentals of spearmanship; prick, hold, and obstruct.


    After all of this entered his head, Ren Baqian immediately understood a lot more things. Other than the fundamentals of prick, hold, and obstruct, he also understood the evolved moves of pierce, flog, strike, wind, loop, flutter, point, push, brandish, etc.


    Immediately, the spear in his hands almost felt like it was an extended part of his body because he naturally knew how to execute a move at the first thought of it. It was as if he had been enlightened with wisdom.


    Even though he wasn��t considered proficient yet and still had to consciously control his body to execute a move, he had already far exceeded his previous casual poking around by 100 fold.


    If Ren Baqian guessed correctly, this must be something that the Spirit Spear, Teng Yue, left behind; his insights about spearmanship!


    A surprise, simply a pleasant surprise. Ren Baqian had never expected such good things to actuallye with a novice gift pack.


    At this point, the novice gift pack arrived at just the right time.


    If Ren Baqian��s original fighting power could be said to be at level 10, then it was at level 11 when he was simply swinging a rod around. Now, however, he took a great leap to level 15.


    These were the insights of spearmanship left behind by that world��s fourth strongest expert.


    Ren Baqian really got himself a steal.


    He walked around the room a few times and did a few moves with the spear before he could finally contain his excitement.


    Ren Baqian then nced at the metal chain around his arm that looked like a winding snake.


    He tugged on one end of the chain and it immediately coiled around his arm tightly, without the slightest possibility of loosening up.


    ��What other good stuff are you hiding?�� Ren Baqian let out a mischievousugh.


    The metal chain struggled to break free of his grip, wrapping itself along his arm and to his waist.


    ��Look at the time. Bring it out if you are still hiding any good stuff.��


    The metal chain still didn��t seem to have any reaction.


    ��Could it be that the metal chain doesn��t have stuff like that?�� Ren Baqian pondered for a moment. After all, there were only a golden spear and a metal chain. There were no other reference materials, so he didn��t know why the spear would impart such things, but not the chain.


    He felt that there could be two possibilities.


    The first was that Teng Yue was too powerful.


    After all, he was the fourth ranked expert from that world. His mental strength, his willpower, and all his other aspects far exceeded those of an ordinary Spirit Wheel expert.


    As such, he practiced every day, which resulted in leaving some of his insights within the Golden Spear. This left asting mark on it that could never be extinguished.


    The moment Ren Baqian held the Golden Spear, these insights were immediately passed on to him. After all, the essence of the spear was still the mind and soul. Part of Teng Yue��s was within him.


    Secondly, the metal chain had a different functionpared to the Golden Spear.


    The Golden Spear was Teng Yue��s weapon that never left his hand regardless of whether he was practicing or fighting. It bore the entire weight of Teng Yue��s willpower.


    The metal chain was different because it was actually a rope that could move.


    For instance, the Golden Spear was a primary weapon, whereas the metal chain was more like a magical item that could be tossed out to bind a person.


    As a result, it didn��t possess the same kind of insight that existed within the Golden Spear.


    Ren Baqian felt that both of these reasons were possible and that both made sense. Unfortunately, he only had these two Heaven-grade weapons without having any past cases that he could refer to. As such, he didn��t know whether his conjectures were urate.


    Whatever the reason was, he really got a steal.


    At this moment, an rm sounded in the base, which immediately disrupted his train of thought.


    ��It seems like the entire base is taking action. I should probably move to another ce.�� Ren Baqian crawled to the window and took a look outside.


    The most important thing now was to find food as well as take some time to familiarize himself with those insights that had just appeared in his mind.

 Chapter 702 - The Base (Part 1)

    Chapter 702: The Base (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian pounced on the group of people in a killing frenzy. After a moment, half of them were taken care of.


    Ren Baqian didn��t dy his attack since they were in arge space. He didn��t want them to have time to respond. With so many soldiers and so many guns, it would be hard for him to escape.


    In Great Xia, he used machine guns to deal with their experts, but the roles had now been reversed with him on the receiving end.


    After clearing half of the people, Ren Baqian quickly rushed toward some buildings in the distance as gunshots immediately rang out behind him.


    Before hearing the gunshots, Ren Baqian already felt a chill in his back when they were aiming at him. He continuously changed his position, using wooden nks and boxes to shield himself from the gunfire as he slithered around like a snake.


    Ren Baqian was moving exceedingly fast and was 200 to 300 meters away in the blink of an eye. After firing a few shots, the soldiers were unable to take aim at him. The ce where Ren Baqian had run to was full of people, and if they were to continue shooting, the probability of firing on their own people was higher than the probability of hitting Ren Baqian.


    The soldiers in the base were stunned by the gunshots and didn��t know what was happening.


    There was no way to make them believe that someone had killed people in the military base.


    Furthermore, there was only one person responsible for it.


    They only heard some gunshots and had no idea what was happening. Many of them stopped what they were doing and simply stood there waiting for instructions.


    Some of the people who were near the scene of the action looked in the direction of the gunshots.


    Only a small number became dumbstruck after witnessing the incident that hadsted only a few seconds.


    Ren Baqian only rxed after he was about 400 meters away.


    The maximum range of their rifles was about this distance.


    The distance to the interior of the base was about two kilometres. It would take him less than two minutes to cover the distance, and they shouldn��t be able to respond in time.


    After he entered the interior of the base, there would be nothing to be worried about since the situation would be veryplicated.


    The first time he killed a person was during the Great Hunt when he was facing an esteemed member of the Lian family. However, Ren Baqian had recently be an Earth Wheel expert and was able to block bullets with his saber.


    Furthermore, in Great Xia, theirmanders were able to block the bullets from Ren Baqian��s machine guns.


    They were able to block for about a dozen seconds before their sabers shattered and they got shot up into minced meat.


    Some of the Great Xia practitioners who had continuously used their daggers to block Ren Baqian��s mortar shells were eventually blown sky-high.


    From this, the power of an Earth Wheel expert could be deduced.


    Whether in terms of speed, reaction time, or dynamic vision, they were almost like supermen.


    Although he had just be an Earth Wheel expert, his speed was faster than the aboriginals of the same level and he was faster than most beginner Earth Wheel experts. This was his strongest point.


    Against these soldiers with loaded guns, speed was more important than power.


    Moreover, he could kill a person with one punch.


    This was why he made such a crazy decision.


    As long as he wasn��t surrounded by people shooting at him in an open space, he was under no threat.


    Along the way, countless people were stunned as they saw him moving past them at an incredible speed from the same direction where the gunshots originated.


    It was as if the distance was shortened by him.


    100 meters in two seconds.


    3,000 meters per minute.


    A speed of 180 kilometers per hour.


    Before they could react, the figure that was a distance away was beside them. Then, it vanished.


    It took Ren Baqian less than a minute to arrive at a building and entered it.


    ��Wow!�� Ren Baqian finally stopped and gasped as he entered the building. This kind of speed was also a type of burden.


    The two guards at the main gate had just reacted and looked at each other in disbelief before shouting in rm and rushing in with their guns.


    This was a very old building. Past entrance, there was a small hall with a corridor on each side.


    Directly facing the entrance was a staircase.


    A white man holding a towel was inside the hall and looking at Ren Baqian with a baffled expression.


    The white man seemed to feel a wind blowing by before another man appeared right in front of him.


    This other man was Asian and not that big, but looked physically strong.


    It was very rare to see an Asian man.


    Although this base was jointly used by the self-defense force of Japan, they upied about 20 percent of the area and were located elsewhere, so what was an Asian man doing here?


    ��Who are you? Why are you here? You shouldn��t be here.�� Since he was speaking in English, Ren Baqian could only understand the first question. However, the white man��s attitude was rather unpleasant.


    ��I��m your grandfather!�� Ren Baqian gasped for some air and wiped the sweat away from his head. He moved forward one step, punched the white man in the chest, and caused the internal organs of the other party to spill out as if he had been hit by a car.


    The two guards rushing in from the main entrance saw this scene as soon as they came in and silently aimed their guns at Ren Baqian.


    By the next instant, they discovered that the man in front of them had disappeared.


    ��Oh no!�� The two men realized their predicament, but it was toote.


    Ren Baqian grabbed the backs of their heads and pressed downward.


    Leaving the three bodies behind, Ren Baqian went up to the second floor before resting on the railings for half a minute while looking at the surroundings at the same time.


    There were rooms along both corridors, and he didn��t see anybody around.


    After opening a room, Ren Baqian saw a bed with some shoes underneath and a television mounted on the wall.


    It looked like a dormitory room.


    The few rooms that he pushed open were all the same.


    Ren Baqian heard noisesing from downstairs; it looked like other people wereing to investigate after hearing the shouts of those two guards earlier.


    Ren Baqian opened the window to jump down and saw a row of houses in the back.


    He entered one house where a middle-aged white man was sitting at a desk and reading. The man was momentarily stunned by themotion and was about to say something, but Ren Baqian didn��t wait for him to speak and dered, ��I��m your grandfather.��


    He jumped up to stomp the top of the man��s head andnded softly on the ground. The insignia on the dead man��s uniform identified him as a captain.


    He went up the staircase to the second floor and found a row of cabs filled with various types of medicine, two first aid kits next to a table and a chair, and two beds further in.


    It looked like the person that he saw just now was a medical officer.


    Ren Baqian opened the window to listen to the sounds outside, sat on one of the beds to rest, and nned his next moves.


    He was nning to create an uproar here and was certainly not here just to kill a few people.


    On the way, he saw some airport aprons and a runway. Behind the runway was a hangar that looked like a good target.


    There were also warships in the harbor.


    It would be even better if there were ammunition depots or simr things around.


    Before doing these things, he had two important matters to attend to.


    One issue was to procure some food.


    The cultivation system of the other world wasn��t like those in the legends where cultivators only needed fresh air and nothing else.


    Instead, the system was based on food intake.


    Every battle expended a huge amount of energy that needed to be replenished by a huge amount of food.


    A hungry man couldn��t fight a battle, and he was feeling hungry now.


    In addition, hecked a weapon.


    <em>Golden Spear. Metal Chain! </em>Ren Baqian silently called.


    The Metal Chain emerged from his head, then bent downward and positioned itself in front of his eyes.


    The Golden Spear didn��t respond at all.


    ��Both of you have stayed here for so long��it��s time to pay the rent. From now on, you must do my bidding. Don��t think that I can��t deal with you! Otherwise, once I be a Spirit Wheel expert, I will put you back in the furnace to erase your consciousness, and the two of you will not exist anymore,�� Ren Baqian threatened.


    He was really pissed off at them when they were on the speedboat.


    These two idiots had resided within him for so long, yet they were of no use. What was the point of keeping them?


    Following this threat from Ren Baqian, the Metal Chain trembled.


    Anything with a consciousness was most afraid of losing it as that would mean death.


    This survival instinct was innate in all living things.

 Chapter 703 - The Base (Part 2)

    Chapter 703: The Base (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In a room on the base.


    ��Why is there such a huge mobilization just because of one person?�� The elderly man who was rushing over was surprised to hear this because he thought that something serious had happened. He had scrambled out of the bed of a little temptress all because of one guy.


    The rm was sounded due to one man. If this news spread, the base would be aughingstock.


    ��This is a serious matter. Do not underestimate this guy as he has killed seven people and injured six within a few seconds while being surrounded by four elite military squads. This is beyond what a human being is capable of��just take a look at the photos taken from the scene.�� Another man showed them the photos on hisputer.


    The head of one of the most miserable victims was missing.


    ��This was done with bare hands. Plus, the killer was over ten meters away before moving in. He rushed at the squad members behind him and killed six of them before they could even react. Everyone died because of broken bones and internal injuries. It is as if they were hit by a truck.��


    ��This was done by one man?�� The elderly man was surprised by the photos he saw on theputer. One photo showed an open space at a helipad where there was no cover at all. How was it possible to kill seven people and injure six in such a situation?


    ��He��s very powerful and much stronger than a heavyweight boxer. More important than that is his agility as he managed to do so many things in just a few seconds and ran away at an incredible speed.��


    ��ording to thest shot taken by a surveince camera, he covered 100 meters in two seconds.��


    ��Are you kidding me?�� The elderly man was shocked.


    ��I also wish that this was a joke. Look at the video clip taken by that surveince camera.�� The guy opened a file named, ��In five seconds.��


    The elderly man watched the video intently and saw two soldiers looking in a certain direction. Five secondster, a figure suddenly appeared on the scene, but before they could respond, he had disappeared.


    The other man yed the video in slow motion and slowed it down further before he was able to see the scene of a man running.


    Because of the low resolution lens, the figure was blur and couldn��t be seen clearly.


    The edlerly man frowned because he already knew where the problemy.


    ��Who is this person?��


    ��He��s wanted by the higher-ups, and this should be rted to those biomedical experiments in China. I��m guessing he��s a sessful result.��


    ��His strength, explosive power, and speed are far superior to those of ordinary people. If this is how far the biomedical experiments in China have progressed, then it is indeed a serious matter.


    The CIA was formerly responsible for him, but now that he��s under our jurisdiction, he needs transportation from here to get home. I have contacted our counterparts in Washington by phone, and we must catch him alive.��


    After themunications equipment on the table lit up, he pressed a button to receive the call.


    ��Sir, there are new developments. Lieutenant Kent was killed behind Dormitory Building C. Something happened to the wall on the second floor, and the other party may have some weapons that we do not know about. The photos are on the way to you.��


    ��


    At this point in time, Ren Baqian was eating raw beef in the kitchen of a restaurant.


    He didn��t have much time as he had been seen by someone when he was outside. Although Ren Baqian had killed the observer, the corpse out there would quickly be discovered.


    He forced a kilogram of raw beef into his stomach to make his belly morefortable and found something to wrap another ten kilograms of raw beef before jumping out of the window.


    30 meters in front of them, three armed soldiers on patrol suddenly saw a person jump out of the back window of a restaurant. They immediately stopped, raised their guns, and reported, ��Seal Team 6, Group 3 has spotted the target. Coordinates are����


    <em>Da, da, da!</em>


    Ren Baqiannded on the ground and immediately pounced on them like a cheetah. Due to his speed, they didn��t have time to say anything more and had to immediately open fire.


    <em>Ting, ting, ting!</em>


    A silver and gold stick suddenly appeared in his hand to shield him, and the hail of bullets hit the Golden Spear.


    Ren Baqian twisted his body to dodge several of the bullets. As the spear was thrown out by him, it cut through one soldier like a silvery gold lightning bolt.


    The other two were sweating profusely and unable to worry about theirrade. Ren Baqian��s speed was too fast. He changed his position like phantom and got closer to them.


    ��Damn it! He isn��t human!�� One man was terrified when he saw Ren Baqian getting closer and closer.


    Fancy someone using a stick to block bullets, let alone dodging them!


    They must be seeing a ghost!


    And where did that sticke from?


    At this moment, a metal chain sprang out of Ren Baqian��s hand and explosively extended ten meters as it soared through the air and wrapped around the neck of one of the soldiers.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The neck of that man was instantly snapped.


    Ren Baqian jumped andnded behind the remaining soldier as the metal chain followed his movement and wound itself around the neck of this person.


    After killing all three, Ren Baqian proceeded to ransack their bodies.


    He was hoping to find some sh grenades, but they only had guns, ammunition, and army knives.


    In the past, he would have taken the guns without a second thought.


    With his current situation, taking such things would be a burden. Using them would expose his position, so he might as well use the Golden Spear and the Metal Chain as they were more convenient.


    When Ren Baqian turned to pick up the Golden Spear, it trembled ceaselessly in his hands. It seemed like it was very angry with Ren Baqian for throwing it earlier.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t care.


    When he reached a corner, he suddenly stopped after hearing footsteps. On the other side of the corner, six people could be heard running from about 11 or 12 meters away.


    ��One, two, three,�� Ren Baqian counted. When they were about to reach the corner, he suddenly stepped out and stabbed the first man in front with the Golden Spear.


    When the spear was pulled out, it sent out three cold stars from Ren Baqian��s hands as a hole appeared in the heads of each of the three closest men.


    Thest two terrified looking men were already taking aim at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian grabbed a dead body to block his front.


    <em>Bang, bang, bang!</em>


    Again, a silver snake came out of Ren Baqian��s hand and broke the neck of a man who was six meters away.


    Ren Baqian held a corpse as he rushed toward thest man and raised his spear.


    The gunfire stopped.


    The other party was a young man over the age of 20. He looked like an East Asian and had a childish appearance.


    The spear tip hovered near the young man��s neck. He broke out in a cold sweat and looked terrified.


    Ren Baqian stuck his head out from behind the corpse, looked at him, and asked ��Where is the Command Center?��


    ��DON��T KILL ME!�� the young man screamed desperately in English.


    When Ren Baqian applied a slight force, blood trickled from the neck of the young man.


    ��I thought you could speak Mandarin!�� Ren Baqian muttered. As he swept the spear tip downward, drops of blood sttered on the ground.

 Chapter 704 - The Base (Part 3)

    Chapter 704: The Base (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The naval base covered an area of 405 hectares or four million square meters and was 62 km long.


    86 percent of thend was used by that big western country, while the original owner of the area only used 14 percent of thend.


    In the past, the base was busy, but orderly.


    Today, it was very different.


    Groups and groups of soldiers with live ammunition were turning the ce upside down with their intensive search.


    This made the self-defense forces next door somewhat puzzled as they tried every method to figure out what was happening.


    However, they would never imagine that this carnage was caused by just one person.


    With a twist of his wrist, Ren Baqian pulled out the spear from the throat of his victim.


    In addition to the sound of blood spurting, there seemed to be the sound of leaking air.


    Ren Baqian inexplicably thought of the saying: ��If the strike is fast enough, there��s a pleasant sound like a blowing wind as the blood spurts out.��


    When he read this phrase at that time, he felt a little sad, yet he was impressed.


    Now that he had heard such a sound, he didn��t feel anything; it felt like killing a chicken.


    He had already died so many times from being drowned, being burned, dying of thirst, and bleeding to death that he wasn��t able to feel anything at all.


    Eight people were lying around haphazardly and no additional shots were fired.


    This was his 11th encounter. Ren Baqian was growing more familiar with the usage of his weapons and bing faster and faster at wielding his spear and killing people.


    His five senses were superior to that of a normal person, so he was always able to ambush others from a concealed position.


    At close range, these people were like grass growing by the roadside.


    Ren Baqian pushed the door open with his spear and took a look outside. More and more people were moving nearby, and it looked like they were closing in on him.


    Killing the two groups earlier had been like a walk in the park.


    However, as time went by, the number of teams hunting him was increasing, so he had to pay more attention to hiding ces and escape routes.


    What he didn��t understand was why they didn��t track him down right from the start, but chose to surround him instead.


    They were afraid of letting him escape, so they only started to search for him within this areater.


    The whole base had been mobilized, and in addition to the troops surrounding him, 2,000 soldiers were diverted here to help search for him.


    A man walked into a room in the building across from Ren Baiqan, spotted him standing at the window, and immediately reported, ��Over there!��


    Ren Baqian could hear the sound of running footstepsing from downstairs, but he was in no hurry to leave and instead waited at a corner of the staircase for them toe up.


    Although these soldiers began to lighten their steps, the sounds couldn��t escape his ears.


    Twobat squads gestured at each other and prepared to attack from two directions, one from upstairs and one from downstairs. Then, they slowly advanced.


    The corridor outside the room was filled with corpses. Ren Baqian opened the window and jumped out.


    Instead of jumping down, he jumped up six to seven meters and was almost level with the roof.


    With a swing of his palm, a silver-colored metal chain was thrown out and wrapped around the drainage pipe on the rooftop. Ren Baqian pulled himself toward the wall and used one of his legs to kick the wall to propel himself up to the rooftop.


    He had just figured out this new method.


    In theplex environment inside the base, the Metal Chain wasn��t only used to kill people.


    Instead, it could also let him mimic Peter Parker as Spiderman.


    ��He��s up there on the rooftop!��


    Afternding on the rooftop, Ren Baqian paused to survey the surroundings.


    There were many buildings in the vicinity. Some were the same height as the building he was on, and the gaps between then were under 20 meters.


    This distance was within his ability to jump across.


    17 meters was the furthest he could jump after a running start, but if the Metal Chain could wrap itself around something for leverage, he could gain another nine meters.


    The total distance he could cover was about 26 meters.


    Looking into the distance, he discovered some problems.


    Rows of soldiers could be seen in the surrounding area with their guns aimed at him.


    They were located in an open space that surrounded the building he was on.


    ��I have been surrounded!�� Ren Baqian did not panic after realizing the situation. Instead, he headed in another direction and jumped more than 10 meters away without using the Metal Chain.


    ��There are also soldiers in this direction.��


    Ren Baqian moved quickly around the rooftop and confirmed that he was surrounded.


    It looked like there were about 1,000 people in each direction. There were about three people every 10 meters, forming a that sealed up this area.


    It seemed like their intention was to confine him within these 10 plus buildings here.


    ��Too bad you won��t seed.�� Ren Baqian smiled. He looked in front and faced them. Below him, there was a twone road where the soldiers were gathered.


    On the other side of the road was a four story building that was less than 25 meters away, which was within his jumping range.


    Their blockade was sufficient for ordinary people, and if he did not use the Metal Chain, his movements would be limited. However, this blockade was of no threat to him now.


    More importantly, not far away from that small building was a row of warehouses.


    It was unknown whether these warehouses stored materials or ammunition.


    As Ren Baqian stood on the rooftop to look in front, his whole body suddenly felt a chill.


    ��Somebody is aiming at me!�� Ren Baqian realized. Subsequently, he positioned the spear to his right.


    <em>Ting! </em>There was a spark in the air.


    The sound of a gunshot followed.


    ��A sniper? He was aiming for my right leg.�� Ren Baqian looked in that direction and saw a lighthouse, but he was unable to clearly see the person there.


    Ren Baqian stood up with his spear in hand and smiled grimly in that direction. If the sniper was closer, he would have let him know what a flying spear looked like.


    Unfortunately, the sniper was too far away.


    Ren Baqian ran two steps forward, jumped hard, threw out the Metal Chain at the end of the jump, and pulled himself up to the rooftop.


    He jumped across majestically over everyone��s heads to the other side and disappeared from the sniper��s line of sight.


    In the lighthouse, a man lying prone behind a rifle was left gaping for a long time.


    What had he seen? He saw the target using a stick to block his bullet!


    Furthermore, the target blocked the shot after he had already fired.


    How could the target��s actions be faster than a bullet?


    ��He��s on the rooftop��he jumped across! God, is he Spiderman?�� The people below fell into chaos after Ren Baqian jumped across.


    He was too fast for them and shed across above their heads as they fixed their eyes on him. They could only see a faint image, and there was no way to stop him.


    He simply broke out of this encirclement of thousands of people with this jump.


    One reason was theplex environment of the base. Besides the harbor, the rest of the area had many tall buildings. This made it convenient for Ren Baqian to move freely, but hindered the movements of the rest.


    The other reason was that the people at the base were not ustomed to handling such an exceptional person.


    Even though they had raised their estimation of Ren Baqian, his power was not within the scope of their understanding of a biomedically enhanced man.


    For example, he was much stronger and much faster than they expected.


    His overall strength was abination of power, speed, the five senses, and coordination. Furthermore, he had two Heaven-grade weapons that possessed great abilities.

 Chapter 705 - Breaking Out (Part 1)

    Chapter 705: Breaking Out (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Damn it! He actually escaped! He could actually jump across a gap of over 20 meters even with his hands chained together? Like Spiderman? Does he even have a weakness? You aren��t sure? This is the answer I get from you after hundreds of people have died? Broaden the encirclement and get in touch with Okinawa Ind. We can��t deal with him anymore, so we have to mobilize the ground forces now. Otherwise, we won��t have enough manpower to cover arger area. Let me give headquarters a call first.��


    One of the men at themand center of the base flew into a rage. He originally didn��t n on mobilizing the ground forces. Besides, if even a few thousand people couldn��t capture Ren Baqian, then the entire navy would be aughingstock.


    Looking at the current circumstances, Ren Baqian was indeed a little thorny. He was like a monkey that practically couldn��t be caught. His moves were vicious, resulting in hundreds of lives lost after he simply came into brief contact with them. In addition, all of them died on the spot.


    At present, he had moved to another location. The surface area of that location was muchrger, and it would be much more difficult to surround him.


    Compared with such an important target running away, they couldn��t care less about their face at the moment.


    There were 28,000 men at the Okinawa Ind base.


    They would be able to form a strong enough encirclement just by mobilizing a portion of these men.


    After he made the call, he lifted his head and said, ��Deploy the snipers to all the high ground locations. Remember, I want him alive.��


    ��General, given the current circumstances, we will sustain more casualties if we want to capture him alive. Actually, we can also study his corpse.��


    ��The higher-ups will not agree. His existence proves that China��s research has already far exceeded ours.


    In order to obtain China��s research data, we need to get him to Washington alive, no matter howrge the sacrifice is. If China stayspletely ahead of us in this field, what we will lose in the future will be much greater than these people.


    However, if we don��t open fire, we definitely won��t be able to catch him with his agility��he still might be able to get away. Try your best to shoot at his nonvital parts.��


    ��Understood.�� Another man understood this thoroughly. Bullets were blind, and it couldn��t be helped if they hit Ren Baqian in a vital part. That would at least be better than letting him escape.


    ��


    Ren Baqian licked his finger tips. He had finished thest piece of beef just now.


    In just half a day, he had devoured all ten kilograms of the raw beef.


    Even though he didn��t like raw food and it tasted neither good nor bad, the hunger felt worse.


    At present, he had started to worry about what he would eatter on.


    The energy consumption from fighting was toorge. The calories of the food on Earth were too low, and it seemed like he had to find ways to look for food after sunset.


    After finishing thest piece of beef, Ren Baqian stood up and looked at the surroundings. He was standing in the depressed area between the rooftops of two warehouses. This location was very difficult to spot from other angles.


    As for the warehouse below, he had looked into one of them and saw all sorts of ship machinery that he had no interest in.


    ��There are footsteps below. One, two, three�� 16 people�� Twobat squad walking together!�� Ren Baqian slowly moved over to the side, extended his head, and took a peek.


    More than ten people advanced slowly in abat formation. Their line of sight covered almost all directions with one of them looking straight at where Ren Baqian was standing.


    ��Above.��


    Ren Baqian retracted his head and departed in another direction.


    Since they had detected his location, many people would soone to surround him.


    ��Okay, there are also people here? A total of eight small teams���� Ren Baqian nced in another direction and fell back. However, he had already been detected.


    The eight small teams split into four groups and came searching in his direction, each separated by around 50 meters.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian felt that he was being targeted by someone.


    Furthermore, he was being targeted by snipers; one on top of the lighthouse and another one on top of a building in the distance.


    Ren Baqian fled into the depressed area between the rooftops of the two warehouses and mumbled to himself, ��How troublesome.��


    As he looked at the two convex curved rooftops of the warehouses, an idea suddenly struck him.


    The roof was only covered with ayer of galvanized iron sheet metal, and it waspletely hollow underneath. Or rather, the entire warehouse was merely covered with ayer of galvanized iron sheet metal. This was a so-called iron sheet metal building that people talked about.


    Ren Baqian drew a circle at the side with the tip of his spear, leaving a small bit of material still connected. He then moved it with the spear tip, pushing it to the side.


    A round hole that was one meter in diameter appeared in front of him.


    He looked inside and immediately jumped down.


    The metal chain wrapped itself around the beam, suspending Ren Baqian in the air. When the chain subsequently let go of the beam, hended gently on the ground.


    He bypassed rows of wooden crates, walked over to the rear door of the warehouse, and attentively listened to the noises outside.


    There were 16 people in that direction just now.


    Ren Baqian heard sounds of repressed breathing along the metal sheet of the warehouse.


    <em>Two people, </em>he thought to himself. It seemed like those people had already split up.


    He took a step back and struck twice with the long spear in his hand. The two people outsidepletely didn��t expect danger to suddenly appear from the wall of the warehouse that they stuck so close to. They lowered their heads and took a nce when the spear tip pierced through their chests.


    In the distance, an rmed voice immediately cried out, ��Artillery! Alpha!��


    The two of them copsed to the ground. The other soldiers, who had split up previously, immediately fired their weapons at the warehouse without hesitation, creating countless bullet holes in the iron sheet metal.


    Ren Baqian had already shifted his position by then.


    He came to the side of the warehouse, shed the iron sheet metal and moved it apart, creating an exit for himself that led to an identical warehouse next door.


    In this row, there were 38 of these warehouses.


    Ren Baqian ran through these warehouses, When he shed apart the iron sheet metal of thest warehouse, what he saw wasn��t the interior of another warehouse full of equipment and wooden crates, but a patch of grass.


    On the other end of this patch of grass, there were hundreds of soldiers.


    All of them were aiming their weapons at him.


    ��You have been surrounded!�� one of them shouted at Ren Baqian in shoddy Mandarin.


    ��F*ck.�� Ren Baqian fell back into the warehouse in a sh. He then leaped into the air, whipped out the metal chain, and pulled himself up to the beam.


    <em>Bang, bang, bang��!</em>


    Countless bullet holes appeared in the walls of the warehouse below him.


    Rays of sunlight shone into the warehouse through those bullet holes, forming arrays out of beams of light.


    Ren Baqian squatted on a metal beam and no longer looked as rxed as before.


    It seemed like he couldn��t move in that direction anymore.


    In order to get past that patch of grass, he had to travel at least 50 meters.


    Besides, there were hundreds of armed soldiers out there. If Ren Baqian were to step out, he would have topete against the speed of their bullets.


    He had definitely already been surrounded from behind. There were already people rushing in through the openings that he made in the walls.


    Taking advantage of the shape of the warehouse, he should still be able to persist for a period of time if he stayed here.


    However, Ren Baqian was just getting himself trapped.


    It would be useless even if he persisted into the night. As soon as the enemy brought their searchlights over, they would be able to illuminate the entire area. Besides, as time passed, their encirclement preparations would be more refined, and it would be practically impossible for him to break through at night.


    If only he had a few smoke grenades! Things would be so much easier!


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and felt that the best way to proceed would be to go out there and ughter.

 Chapter 706 - Breaking Out (Part 2)

    Chapter 706: Breaking Out (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Nothing over here.��


    ��It��s the same over here.��


    ��There��s a hole in the north side of the wall, and it looks like he escaped from there.��


    In the warehouse where Ren Baqian had pierced through the wall and killed some people, two heavily armed teams were conducting a search.


    ��This is Group 3, Team 4. The target is no longer in Warehouse 6 and is heading north.��


    ��Roger��be more vignt.��


    A few minutester:


    ��Team 4, please reply immediately.��


    ��Team 4, roger. Please proceed.��


    ��The target has been spotted at Warehouse 38. Team 5 and 6 of Group 2 are already setting up interception points at Warehouse 25 to reduce his operational radius. Your task is to join Team 5 and hurry to Warehouse 25.��


    ��Roger.��


    ��Be careful��the opponent is very good at fighting in confined spaces. Don��t let him get close to you.��


    ��We know.��


    ��Did you all hear that? Let��s move to Warehouse 25. Go, go, go!��


    They had just arrived at Warehouse 9 when they heard the sound of gunfire, but it died off in less than a minute.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was in a warehouse turning over the dead bodies.


    He didn��t expect them to deploy their forces so quickly and had been ambushed the moment he came out.


    Although he could block bullets now, even if he were to grow two more hands, he wouldn��t be able to stop all the bullets if more than ten people simultaneously fired at him. Furthermore, these bullets were from automatic rifles.


    Fortunately, there were many different types of boxes and various equipment in the warehouse, which acted like obstacles to the soldiers.


    ��Tsk, tsk, this chest muscle! Oh, it��s a woman!�� Ren Baqian was surprised. It was a blond woman with hollow looking eyes who had failed to react in time when he stabbed her in the forehead earlier.


    It didn��t matter to him whether it was a male or female soldier as they were all dead people, but he was surprised that they were mixed together.


    There were two female soldiers, and the rest were male soldiers.


    The smoke grenades that he wanted weren��t found.


    Then again, smoke grenades weren��t useful to these soldiers and would instead affect their vision, so there was no reason to bring them along.


    They also didn��t wear bullet-proof vests.


    Wearing them would impede their movements, so it made sense not to wear them.


    Instead, he found two shbangs.


    Ren Baqian hung the shbangs on his body, carried his spear, and ran through the warehouses like a phantom.


    After crashing through a few warehouses, Ren Baqian suddenly stopped.


    He seemed to hear a sound.


    He quietly jumped up on top of a rack, stretched his neck to take a look, and saw some soldiers advancing slowly in a tactical formation. They were constantly looking around and alert to everything nearby.


    Ren Baqian dropped back to the ground, walked forward while holding the spear upside down, and looked for a suitable ambush location.


    After a while, he came to a shelf that was different from the other half empty shelves. It was full of things and could block him from their view. The soldiers would be facing him directly once they turned past the corner, so this was an excellent location for an ambush.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian waited quietly for the prey to fall into his paws and still had time to think about what to eat for dinner at night.


    He could only think about it and nothing more.


    At that moment, the encirclement was finallypleted with thousands of soldiers surrounding all 38 warehouses.


    There was a squeaking sound as the main doors of the warehouseplex were opened. Arge number of soldiers entered Warehouse 38 and Warehouse 15, which was where this group of soldiers had just passed by. After they finished searching, they went through the broken wall created by Ren Baqian and headed toward Warehouse 16 and 37.


    Ren Baqian was in Warehouse 17.


    Hearing the doors of Warehouse 16 being opened, Ren Baqian quickly realized that these people were ready, which was why they acted aggressively.


    Ren Baqian hesitated for a moment when he heard footsteps nearby. Then, he quietly retreated to Warehouse 18 and fled in another direction. Soon after, he heard the sound of search teamsing from another direction.


    Ren Baqian trembled, changed his position, and peeped through a gap in the doors. He could see soldiers with their guns pointed in this direction. Although he couldn��t see the full scene through the gap, he could see many soldiers within his restricted field of view. Furthermore, he saw machine guns, which posed a big threat to him.


    ��Have I be a sure catch?�� Ren Baqian pouted. It looked like he had made a mistake by choosing these warehouses. Even if he had the protection of his Heaven-grade weapons and spiritual soul, there were so many enemies that he would be riddled with gunshot wounds if he were to rush out.


    How had the practitioners of Great Xia died back then? Ren Baqian��s death wouldn��t look any better than theirs.


    The movements of the soldiers were faster than expected.


    Should he consider surrendering?


    He didn��t know whether the other side was prepared to offer him any incentives to surrender. This was an interesting option to consider.


    Would the empress beat him up?


    Anyway, he was forced by the circumstances!


    On second thought, surrendering didn��t seem to be a bad idea.


    They could never torture him since he didn��t fear pain!


    Although he was surrounded, he didn��t feel nervous and still had time to daydream.


    ��However, it looks as if there��s no need to surrender now.��


    His eyes brightened when he saw the rows of oil barrels lying in a corner of the warehouse.


    ��The person inside, listen up. You have already been surrounded and will be given ten minutes to consider whether to surrender or be sent to meet God!��


    Everybody stared at the row of warehouses in front. Since there was no way out, they all believed that even an army would surrender in this situation, let alone one person.


    In a building in the distance, themander of the base was standing in a room. He looked through the ss panels in that direction as he slowly chomped on his cigar.


    ��The oue is a foregone conclusion!�� The old man was smiling as he muttered, ��Those yellow-skinned monkeys are really capable and their biomedical technology is so advanced, but with the capture of this experimental subject, our country can soon catch up to their technology. Our country is truly the greatest.��


    Back in the warehouse, Ren Baqian recognized the voice of the person who was offering him the option to surrender. It belonged to the brown-haired man from the speedboat.


    However, Ren Baqian had no time to pay attention to him as he was busy looking for something.


    Once Ren Baqian was ready, he opened a few barrels of diesel to pour into other barrels and then kicked down more than 20 barrels of diesel. The diesel came out of the barrels and flowed all over the ground.


    He slowly wrapped some cotton cloth around a piece of wood to make a torch.


    Diesel is mmable, but hard to ignite. It��s difficult to ignite with a lighter or matches, but can be ignited with a torch.


    He also covered the floor with the cotton cloth he had found and soaked them with diesel to make mmable material.


    The important thing was that there were thousands of barrels of diesel that upied the majority of the area in a corner of the warehouse and could fill a few containers.


    By chance, cotton cloth was stored here and could be made into torches. The capiry action of the diesel soaked the cotton cloth while the cotton acted like a wick for easy ignition.


    A lighter, which he initially ignored, was taken from a corpse. He had to make an extra trip to retrieve it.


    He lit the torch, threw it on the ground and watched the diesel soaked cloth slowly catch on fire. He then ran through three warehouses, found a rtively safe looking corner to dig a hole, and jumped in.


    That brown-haired man was still using a megaphone to try to persuade him to surrender.


    Thousands of armed soldiers were outside the 38 warehouses and watched their assigned areas vigntly.


    Hundreds of soldiers were searching through the center from two opposing directions.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    <em>Boom! Boom! </em>A series of huge explosions erupted and blew up the warehouses.


    Some of the diesel barrels were like fireballs and flew for hundreds of meters before blowing up.


    Flying debris from the warehouses and metal fragments from the exploded barrels became powerful weapons that sted the soldiers gathered outside.


    The shock waves from the explosions mmed everyone to the ground.


    The whole ce was a mess!


    The sudden explosion caught everyone off guard.


    The ming diesel barrels that flew over and exploded at close range were like cannon balls. Their power was no different from cannon balls, causing utmost destruction wherever theynded.


    The two warehouses next to the warehouse that Ren Baqian had set fire to were engulfed in mes.


    At that moment, the main doors of another warehouse were kicked open from the inside. The crowd was still recovering from the shock caused by the explosions when a person pounced on them like a tiger attacking a flock of sheep.


    Three seconds.


    Without these explosions, Ren Baqian would have been riddled with bullets during these three seconds.


    He glided into the crowd, his right hand wielding a spear like a dragon. Sparks flew out with each spark from the spear piercing the throat of someone.


    The metal chain in his left hand was like a rope that coiled around the necks of several people. When Ren Baqian exerted his strength, these many people were used as weapons to crash into others.


    Many elite soldiers were terrified. This man was like a monster, and they couldn��t keep up with his speed. His strength seemed to be infinite, whereas humans were like straw in his hand.


    Everyone started to run away because it would be the end of their lives if they were too close to such a monster.


    Ren Baqian zigzagged through the crowd and left many corpses along the way as he advanced about ten meters. Then, he suddenly changed directions and crashed into some bushes 20 meters away.


    He covered this distance in less than one second.


    Meanwhile, the majority of the soldiers were still trying to establish his position.


    Ren Baqian rolled and crawled through the bushes as he moved hundreds of meters away. Abruptly, he rolled to one side to avoid some bullets, ran in a serpentine fashion for dozens of meters, and jumped through the window of a building.

 Chapter 707 - What a Huge Firecracker!

    Chapter 707: What a Huge Firecracker!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was night time, and the entire base was brightly lit.


    All of the lights had been turned on. Searchlights were shining all over the ce and surveilling. Vehicles drove around the base slowly with their headlights turned on.


    There were soldiers on sentry duty in all the dark areas.


    Yet, even with all these efforts, they still couldn��t capture that Chinese man.


    It had never crossed anyone��s mind that one man could actually stir up such a huge mess in a military base.


    Nobody had ever expected someone to actually be so strong as well as dangerous.


    After the nearby Okinawa base sent two batches of support troops, there was now a total of 17,000 people searching for Ren Baqian all over this base.


    However, he was like a monster.


    One would asionally hear a few rounds of gunshots whenever someone spotted him. When the people nearby rushed over, they would usually only find corpses scattered all around.


    It was either that or the soldiers were already long dead when they were discovered. They were either pierced to death by a spear or strangled by a metal chain.


    Yes, a metal chain as well as a spear.


    At present, the soldiers could only operate in teams of 50 to 100 people. However, the movement of such big groups looked like sieves all over the base.


    It had only been six hours from 3 PM until now, but more than 600 people were already dead.


    Close to 200 of them died in that explosion.


    The rest of them died by Ren Baqian��s hands.


    Everyone would grit their teeth whenever they thought about that b*stard.


    If they could catch him, they would skin him alive even if it meant risking their own lives.


    Behind all of this were everyone��s fears.


    When thest batch of reinforcement ground troops arrived and heard about what was happening, all of them were dumbstruck and felt chills down their spines.


    At present, there were also changes to the orders that the higher-ups had passed down.


    They initially wanted him alive. Later, they ordered the soldiers to try their best to catch him alive. As of now, the orders were to attack on first sight and bring back his corpse.


    ��


    ��So hungry!�� Ren Baqian rubbed his growling tummy.


    This was the fourth time he had stolen food since he arrived on this base. He had stolen at least 30 kilograms of beef, yet he was still famished.


    Once this food entered his stomach, it was converted into essence blood and then essence qi and was spread all throughout his body. This would then be consumed ording to his activities.


    At present, the cafeterias were packed with soldiers, so he definitely couldn��t enter them. If this dragged on, Ren Baqian would probably have to resort to eating soil.


    He wasn��t sure if his stomach could digest soil.


    As he sat in the darkness, he plucked grass from the ground and stuffed it into his mouth from time to time.


    It was even less ptable than raw beef.


    Ren Baqian cringed and was full of emotion.


    He was actually eating grass!


    He wasn��t even an alpaca! This stuff was unptable and not nutritious. It dissolved into air the moment it entered his stomach and didn��t fill him up a single bit even after he plucked the whole patch of grass bare.


    Ren Baqian heaved a faint sigh and looked very upset. Who had he even provoked? He merely sat in his car, yet trouble just came looking for him.


    If Ren Baqian wanted to leave now, he would still be able to find an opportunity.


    However, he wasn��t really in a hurry.


    In any case, the night was still young and he was bound to find an opportunity.


    He still intended to make a huge firecracker.


    After this half day long battle, Ren Baqian felt that he had gained a lot of experience as he was able to drift, hide, search, and kill in the dark like a shadow.


    This was even though the enemies he was facing were merely some elite soldiers from Earth.


    However, this was something that he couldn��t do in the past and never thought he would be able to do.


    Although this ordeal was rather aggrieving, its results were extremely precious.


    Ren Baqian began to have his own experience and way of thinking, especially in terms of understandingbat and killing.


    People would start to achieve things when they were forced out of theirfort zones.


    In his current situation, he couldn��t help but to think of how to stay concealed and how to fight.


    When a beam from a searchlight shed across where Ren Baqian had been, all that was left of that patch of grass was a bare piece ofnd.


    A team of soldiers rushed over to this ce with their tactical shlights, saw the bare soil among the grass, and immediately made a discovery.


    ��He was here.��


    At that moment, a metal chain sudden flew out from the darkness and wrapped around two of their necks.


    <em>Snap.</em>


    Following the sound of their bones cracking, two of the men copsed to the ground.


    The other soldiers were all terrified and immediately started firing in front of themselves while shouting, ��He��s here!��


    Ren Baqian dodged behind a tree and vanished into the darkness. He avoided the other soldiers, took a detour, and appeared near an aircraft hangar that wasn��t far from the wharf.


    Although there were also soldiers patrolling here, there were much fewerpared to other ces.


    He waited for about 10 minutes in the darkness and looked for an opportune moment before taking five seconds to dash across the 200 meters of open space in front of him. He stayed in the shadow of the hangar, slowed down his breathing, and continued to wait silently. When the timely moment came after the searchlight had passed and before the patrolling soldiers arrived, he jumped forward, whipped out the metal chain, and pulled himself on top of the hangar.


    After that, Ren Baqian kept following the beam of the searchlight until it moved in another direction. He then leaped toward the ground in front, rolled, and dashed straight at the sea while taking off his clothes.


    He didn��t even keep his underwear on. He held it all in his hand in case the water dripping off his clothes left a trace on the ship.


    His target was the ship by the coast.


    It was thergest naval military vessel and looked like an aircraft carrier.


    Ren Baqian naturally didn��t know that it was an amphibious assault ship. He just felt that it looked big and thought that there must berge and powerful weapons on board.


    He actually had another target, which was the area that looked like their headquarters. Unfortunately, there were too many soldiers around and he had almost no chance of sneaking in. Even if he did, it wouldn��t be easy for him to get out. As such, he settled for the next best thing, which was this valuable looking warship.


    He wondered if it would decrease their military strength if he blew up this vessel.


    ��


    ��The search is still ongoing onshore. A single man actually wreaked havoc in the entire base! Or should I say Superman? Or Batman? I can��t believe that an ordinary person could do such things,�� two soldiers said as they asionally lifted their heads and looked at the chaos in the distance. They were standing by the railing of the ship as they vigntly ran their eyes over the wharf.


    ��Maybe he��s Wonder Woman!�� the other person added.


    ��I like Wonder Woman��s face and ass!�� That man immediatelyughed.


    ��No matter what, we have to be careful as well. Watch the shore and prevent him from sneaking onboard.��


    ��Why not the sea?��


    ��The Goodman Richard��s deck is 18 meters above the water, which is equivalent to six stories high. Can he fly up? Even though it is said that he can jump very high, do you believe that he can jump that high from the water? If so, I��ll believe that he��s Wonder Woman.��


    ��A Chinese Wonder Woman? I won��t want to acknowledge that����


    ��


    In Zhuo Shibao.


    In the darkness, 24 scattered men watched as the cars quickly came and left.


    ��Lady boss is in there? What are we waiting for then? Let��s go in, kill them, and takedy boss back!�� one of the burly men said in a low and muffled voice. From a simple and honest looking face, a pair of small eyes radiated an ominous glint.


    Looking a little drawn, another man pacified him and said, ��Wait for a while. They are still searching for him and said that Mr. Ren isn��t in danger at the moment.��


    There were armed soldiers all over the ce, and there were over 10,000 of them ording to his information. How could they simply rush in like that?


    Pacifying these ��Sirs�� throughout the journey here had been extremely worrisome.


    If only he could defeat them�� Alright, there was no way he could defeat them.


    How could this group of people be so ferocious? When he saw them at the station, just a p from one of them was enough to send hisrade, who was the same size, flying away. It was just like swatting a fly, and the thought of this sent chills down his spine.


    However, they deeply admired Ren Baqian because he actually hadn��t been caught after such a long time even when more than 10,000 people were searching for him. They didn��t know how he managed to pull this off.


    ording to reliable information, he even killed quite a number of people.


    This made them admire him incessantly.


    It was simply ultra fierce for one person to kill so many people in the enemy base while being hunted down by over 10,000 people.


    However, even though he was ultra fierce, getting caught was inevitable under such circumstances. They had to find him before he got caught. At worst, they had rescue him after he got caught.


    If those men called such an ultra fierce person like Ren Baqian thedy boss, they wondered what kind of person the boss was.


    Could they be a pair of gay men?


    That would be such a pity.


    ��This has nothing to do with whether he is in danger or not. The important thing is that we have to get him back. If the boss finds out, we will be skinned alive,�� another burly man said.


    ��Indeed,�� echoed a few others.


    What did rescuing Ren Baqian have to with him being in danger? Wouldn��t they rescue him even if he wasn��t in danger?


    What they needed to do now was to get thedy boss back, not see if he was in danger.


    ��Even if you go in now, do you know where yourdy boss is? Besides, they have so many people that I��m afraid that they will beat you to a pulp before you can even find yourdy boss,�� another man remarked.


    ��Sheesh!�� A few of the burly men sneered.


    <em>You weren��t even born when I started killing people.</em>


    <em>I��ve even charged straight into an army of 100,000, let alone these few people.</em>


    Veins started popping out of their heads when the other people heard the winged cavalry sneer.


    At that moment, a gigantic ze suddenly erupted at the wharf in the distance.


    A ball of fire rose up into the air.


    Then, endless sounds of explosions followed along.


    This cacophony drew everyone��s attention in that direction.


    Soon after, all the soldiers received an order and started running toward the wharf like mad men.


    ��Lady boss is there!�� One of the burly men immediately stood up and burst intoughter.


    ��What a huge firecracker set off by thedy boss!��

 Chapter 708 - : Regretful Ending

    Chapter 708: Regretful Ending


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the headquarters, an old man stood at the window and watched the ze in the distance. His facial expressions changed endlessly as that radiance shone upon his face.


    A series of brief and hurried voices were transmitted from the walkie-talkie on his desk.


    ��Commander, it��s the Goodman Richard. We��re in trouble.�� There was another man who stood behind him whose face turned pale as he looked in the same direction as the old man.


    Putting aside the deaths of hundreds of soldiers, an assault groupprised of three aircraft carriers was conducting training exercises nearby. The gship of the Seventh Fleet, an amphibious assault ship with a 40 ton draft (TLC. A ship��s draft is the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull and should be in meters instead of tons. In using tons, maybe the author is talking about the ship��s discement? However, in that case it should be around 40,000 tons instead of 40 tons for an amphibious assault ship ording to Google), had actually been blown up.


    This incident would definitely stir up a sensation.


    Besides, there weren��t even any exnations for the cause of this situation. Could they possibly say that it was single-handedly caused by one person in the base? Before even considering the possibility of that, if this piece of news got out, would anyone even believe it?


    How would the outside world view the Seventh Fleet?


    ��Look, that��s the Seventh Fleet that had everything turned on its head by a single person. Not only were thousands of soldiers unable to catch a single person, he even blew up their gship!��


    The aftermath of this incident made him shiver in his thoughts.


    To salvage this situation, the best option was to find two scapegoats.


    Plus, due to such a major incident, the scapegoats also had to be high ranking. Otherwise, it wouldn��t be able to appease the anger of the citizens.


    At present, he wasn��t in the mood to worry about the old man in front of him and had started to worry about himself.


    To conclude this incident, the old man would have to ept responsibility and resign. However, the other man��s oue would definitely be far worse.


    ��There were a few scum in the military who felt resentful after getting punished by their superior. As a result, they colluded with terrorists and bombed the ammunition dump of the Goodman Richard as well as that warehouse,�� the old man said slowly.


    The other man was stunned momentarily and had to collect himself again. Collusion between military personnel and the outside world. If the story were to be crafted like this, the people would probably buy it.


    He probed and asked, ��Who are these scum?��


    ��Find a few Asian people among the dead,�� the old man said.


    ��Understood.�� The other man immediately nodded. Their Asian members seldom interacted with the others and problems didn��t arise very often. Furthermore, since the scapegoats were Asian, they could also probably push the me on that huge country.


    The other things didn��t matter anymore. All they needed now was to provide a convincing exnation for the people that would make them buy the story.


    As for how the family members of the deceased would react, that didn��t matter anymore.


    ��


    Ren Baqian paddled with one hand, grabbed his clothes with the other, and stealthily swam to the shore in the dark.


    His position was already very far away from where he first was��over 20 kilometers away. He was very close to the Japanese armed forces.


    Getting to where he assumed the headquarters were would take at least 20 kilometers. No ordinary person would still be able to fight after running 20 kilometers.


    The enemy didn��t expect him to run so far away either. As such, the security here was much more rxedpared to other areas.


    However, Ren Baqian was fast and strong enough that it would only take 15 minutes to cover a distance of 20 kilometers if he were to run freely.


    This showed that Ren Baqian��s operating limits had far exceeded their expectations. Besides, their military strength wasn��t enough to allow them to scour the entire base. As a result, he had been able to constantly lead them by the nose by staying concealed in the darkness.


    Even though they treated him like a superhuman, they had overlooked many areas due to their own negligence.


    At present, the military was conducting a search within 10 kilometers of that ship, but he had already avoided being locked down by the enemy armed forces.


    20 minutester, when Ren Baqian was about to arrive at the destination, he suddenly heard a series of chaotic gunfireing from the target area that was apanied by blood-curdling screeches.


    He was stunned for a moment. What was happening? Could the military be thinking of blowing up their own base?


    This indeed attracted some attention.


    However, the forthright voice he heard the next second almost made him crash into the ground while he was running at high speed.


    ��Hahahaha! Kids, daddy��s here!��


    ��F*ck!�� Ren Baqian immediately felt bewildered. Why was the winged cavalry here? Which b*stard had sent them over?


    Even though someone was here to save him, happiness wasn��t the first thing that he felt. Instead, he felt like scolding people.


    He could do whatever he wanted when he was alone. Now, with this group of b*stards, he had more things he needed to watch out for.


    Still, they should have been contacted by Yang Sen, who should have arranged for others toe to his rescue as well, right?


    Even so, this was actually the Seventh Fleet��s base. There were still 10,000 armed soldiers going crazy around here!


    Ren Baqian rushed toward the headquarters and dashed in through a window. He ran into the corridor and saw more than 10 soldiers frantically firing their guns at the air in front of them.


    A ck soldier detected something, turned his head, and saw a speck of a star growingrger andrger as it came toward him.


    <em>Plop!</em>


    All of their corpses fell to the ground.


    Someone then extended his head from around the corner and was stunned when he saw Ren Baqian. He then became extremely ted, stepped out from the corner, and asked, ��Mr. Ren?��


    ��You guys are?�� Ren Baqian guessed that this man was part of the rescue team that Yang Sen deployed.


    ��Lady boss?�� One after another, five burly men rushed out around the corner and grinned at him. ��They said you were here, and we have indeed found you! Otherwise, Her Majesty would definitely have skinned us alive!��


    ��Mr. Ren, we are acting on orders toe and rescue you.�� A tall man wearing ordinary camouged clothing stepped forward and spoke with a gun in his hand. His face was so well chiselled that it looked like it was carved out of rock.


    ��Hmm, why did you attack this ce?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This is their headquarters. We nned to capture two of their high ranking officers to force them to release you. Otherwise, in such arge base, we couldn��t possibly rescue you with just a few of us.��


    ��It��s good to hear that this is their headquarters.�� Ren Baqian felt at ease after getting the answer he was looking for and said, ��If I wanted to leave, I would have left a long time ago. In other words, I intentionally allowed them to bring me here. Originally, I could do whatever I wanted here, but now that you guys are around, there are more things that I have to look out for. What is the rescue n?��


    ��The rescue team is outside, so we have to charge out of this ce,�� the soldier immediately responded.


    ��You guys leave first��it��ll be just enough to attract their attention and will buy me some time. I��ll go up and take a look,�� Ren Baqian continued.


    ��We can��t leave if Mr. Ren doesn��t leave. Our orders are to take you with us,�� the soldier replied earnestly.


    ��You guys are of no use to me at the moment. Instead, you��re a burden to me.�� Ren Baqian��s face turned gloomy.


    From their Man Wheel level abilities, he could tell that these were probably the finest soldiers in the nation.


    They far exceeded ordinary people in terms of reaction time and speed.


    In addition to that, they were armed with guns. Just one of them might even be able to take down 10 enemies.


    The problem was that there were thousands of enemies out there.


    Plus, these enemies still had heavy guns.


    Even though Ren Baqian looked gloomy, he was still imposing, which made the other party feel as if he was their superior.


    However, the soldier still persisted and said, ��We will leave together with you, Mr. Ren. If we can��t make it out, we will draw their fire for you and let you leave while they are distracted.��


    Ren Baqian was so angry that he almostughed out loud.


    He was a little moved when he heard the soldier��s words. This was what a soldier was.


    He turned to look at that group of idiots who were smiling mischievously. How could two humans be so different?


    ��Do you have a n to escape the encirclement of a 10,000 strong army?�� Ren Baqian countered.


    ��No! However, since Mr. Ren was able to wreak havoc in this ce for so long without getting caught, you should be able to leave from here on your own. Also, these few strong men should be able to make their way out as well. As for us, you do not have to worry.�� The soldier spelled it out clearly.


    Ren Baqian seemingly saw some sort of radiant glow from that well chiselled face.


    The resolution of a soldier who was willing to sacrifice his own life to fulfill his orders had indeed softened up Ren Baqian.


    ��What��s your name?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��637 Base, Captain Shi Guanglong!�� The soldier saluted.


    ��What about you?��


    ��Zhang Zhihua!��


    ��Xue Ping!��


    ��Wang Gang!��


    ��Qin Ze!��


    ��11 of us came and we have a total of 23 men, including them. There are still some keeping watch outside, Mr. Ren!��


    Ren Baqian lifted his head and looked upstairs. It was so close, yet so far!


    He had already gotten so close.


    He just needed another 10 minutes.


    By then, he would be able to capture themander of this base and create a piece of breaking news.


    However, 10 minutes was more than enough for the enemy support troops to firmly secure the entire building.


    Ren Baqian looked at everyone and said in a deep voice, ��Let��s go! Rush out!��


    Even though he was growing more apathetic toward life, he didn��t want to see these people die here.


    All in all, he was still indescribably touched by that soldier��s words.


    Even though he had already smoked them through, (TLC. Not sure about this part. Maybe something like ��beaten them thoroughly�� ?) he still felt a little regretful to see it end this way.


    ��Thank you!�� Shi Guanglong saluted once again.


    After joining the group of soldiers outside, he had no time to exin the details to them, and all of them ran straight out from the route that they had entered from.


    It had been a rather smooth journey for them.


    After all, these soldiers were all at the Man Wheel level. With the winged cavalry warriors to pave the way, they charged, killed, and made their way through with only a few winged cavalry warriors sustaining injuries.


    The main difference was that when these soldiers encountered an obstacle, they would move tactically and find cover, whereas the winged cavalry warriors simply charged over it with their des.


    If the circumstances were different, the winged cavalry would probably have exercised some restraint. Currently, however, all of them looked at theirrades, and everyone was very heated up.


    Firearms? Weren��t those things simr to Great Xia��s heavenly crossbows?! They had even taken down the crossbow battalion whose numbers were so much greater than the current opposing force!


    In any case, they would just stake it all and die with dignity or win with glory!


    Ren Baqian moved in the shadows, using the metal chain and his honed killing techniques to hastily resolve many problems. Otherwise, those winged cavalry warriors might have lost a few members.


    At least a few of them were saved.

 Chapter 709 - Returning Home

    Chapter 709: Returning Home


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After leaving the Zuo Shibao Base, the journey home wasn��t easy.


    The U.S. military forces reacted with fury and sent helicopters circling around Nagasaki all night long.


    For some unknown reason, the self defense forces and police of Japan set up checkpoints all over the ce.


    Relying on his perception, which was superior to a normal person��s, Ren Baqian andpany went to a hiding ce that had been prepared beforehand.


    ��Wait here first. This ce is quite safe, and they can��t continue to intensively search like this. In two days, I will find an opportunity to send you away. I will deliver you some foodter, and you take a rest for the time being,�� said the person who had brought them here.


    Ren Baqian andpany didn��t ask about his identity and could only follow his instructions during this period. He only said, ��Do bring more food. It would be best if you can send food that is enough for 100 people.��


    After all, those present were big hunks whose appetites were presumably not small.


    Ren Baqian andpany were hiding in the basement of a building in an urban area with a wall separating them from a carpark.


    ording to his n, they could put up a good fight here if they were discovered and then he could bring a few people back with him to Dayao.


    After that, he would return with the empress and Lin Qiaole to take revenge.


    With the empress and Lin Qiaole around, no one would be able to escape.


    Everyone settled down after this person had left.


    More than 20 people were crammed inside a space of about 100 square meters. Even if the venttion wasn��t bad, it was still very stuffy.


    ��Please sit and wait.�� Ren Baqian found a ce for himself in a corner.


    He was tired after a long day.


    After the hectic excitement at the base, waves of fatigue coursed through him with this change in environment.


    Furthermore, he was starving.


    Thest meal he had eaten was some canned food and army rations he found on the ship.


    Although it wasn��t that long ago, he was very hungry and his stomach was rumbling.


    Whether he was running at high speed or fighting, his energy consumption was tremendous.


    Ren Baqian and the others sat down to rest. The winged cavalry warriors took out first-aid kits to dress the wounds of some unfortunate members who had been shot in the chest and abdomen. However, the bullets had been squeezed out after they flexed their muscles, the blood had stopped flowing, and the dressings didn��t really make sense.


    The soldiers looked at Ren Baqian asionally.


    He looked more than 20 years old, had a strong physique, and had a murderous appearance. Although he wasn��t very handsome, he looked elegant in a military way and had a dignified appearance.


    This was the man who had single-handedly thwarted a manhunt mounted by tens of thousands of people for an afternoon and evening. Not only did he killed many people, he also blew up a warship.


    He could be considered the most fearsome man in the world.


    The military men admired strong people. They usually felt good about themselves since even 100 ordinary people weren��t their match.


    If their country didn��t restrict them, they would break many records if they were to participate in the Olympics.


    However, they weren��t capable of doing the things that this man had done and didn��t even dare to imagine it.


    Except for the description of most fearsome man in the world, they couldn��t think of anything else that was more appropriate.


    As for that long spear, Ren Baqian��s spear handling skill was superior to any they had seen before in the army.


    They didn��t know where such an expert came from.


    Plus, those big hunks, who were probably his underlings, possessed admirable qualities.


    ording to the ssification of fighting ability, they were at least one level higher. Was the present cultivation method rted to them?


    Otherwise, there was no reason for their fighting ability to be so high.


    Soon after, two embarrassed looking burly men went up to Ren Baqian and said, ��Lady boss, it��s our fault. You can beat us or kill uster if you wish.��


    Because of their carelessness, Ren Baqian was abducted and lost face.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes and replied, ��Get lost! Do you think I��m as stupid as the two of you? I pretended to be drugged by them in order to teach them a lesson they will never forget, but then you idiots came and disrupted my n.��


    Relieved, the two eximed, ��Oh, you did it on purpose!��


    As he had said, with the skills of the boss��s wife, ordinary people shouldn��t be able to kidnap him.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes again. These two people had been hoodwinked by him. His skills were about the same as these two, and there was no reason why he couldn��t be abducted. However, it wasn��t the right time to teach them a lesson, so he waved them away as if they were flies.


    The soldiers looked at this so-called most fearsome man in the world with admiration. Even if they didn��te to his rescue, he probably could have escaped himself. As China had been growing increasingly stronger, those men bearing the banner of the stars and stripes began creating trouble. The mayhem Ren Baqian unleashed on them gave these soldiers somefort.


    Then, they lowered their voices as they prepared to rest.


    The winged cavalry warriors took off their clothes and slept shirtless. Someone woke up and spoke loudly. He was reprimanded by Ren Baqian and immediately fell silent.


    When Ren Baqian was initially weaker than them, everyone had also been more likely to disregard him. Although Ren Baqian was still not up to their standard yet, he wasn��t that far away. Along the way, he disyed his ruthlessness, revealed his speed, and showed that he was the type of opponent they didn��t want to face.


    Therefore, they were more respectful toward him.


    The next morning, when many cars were heard driving into the carpark, the guy who led them here supplied them with food and water.


    The rations weren��t enough for 100 people, but were sufficient for 50 and filled several boxes.


    ��Mr. Ren!�� Shi Guanglong gave him enough food to feed five normal people.


    They practiced cultivation themselves and understood that the higher the level of the practitioner, the more food he needed.


    Ren Baqian and the winged cavalry warriors ate the most. Everyone else was given one portion each with the rest given to Ren Baqian and his people.


    After waiting for three days and experiencing seven to eight small earthquakes, they were told to get ready for departure.


    Along the way, the person who helped themmented, ��The earthquakes these past two days were rather frequent.��


    This made Ren Baqian think that he would jinx the country and cause more problems if he were to stay here longer.


    A few hourster, Ren Baqian finallynded in China.


    ��I��m relieved that you are finally back,�� said a gushing Yang Sen. The anxiety had been quite unbearable these past few days.


    If anything had happened to Ren Baqian, not even the country could afford to bear the loss.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian was unhurt and recalling the news that he had received, he was shocked. This was a real expert who had single-handedly caused so much mayhem and came back unharmed�� He wondered when they would be able to produce such a specimen��


    By that time, let��s see which country would dare to find trouble with China. Although China had surpassed everyone as the number one economy in the world, its international status wasgging behind, especially in terms of military power. If not, why would others dare to conduct military exercises in the south?


    If he could produce a batch of masters like that, it would be wonderful.


    ��There��s nothing much to worry about. This incident didn��t faze me, and my intention was to teach them a lesson. I didn��t expect you to send so many people and mess up my n,�� Ren Baqian said airily.


    ��They have been taught a lesson and hate you to the core.�� Yang Sen gave a thumbs up as heughed. ��That was the gship of the Seventh Fleet, yet you bombed it. Even I was shocked.��


    ��If my rescuers arrived 10 minutester, I would have taken the head of the Seventh Fleet��smander!��


    ��Haha!�� Yang Senughed. In that case, the other party would have no choice but to retaliate. A four-star general being killed in their base would have been intolerable.


    This status quo was fine.


    They had been taught a lesson and were forced to swallow their pride.


    ��Mr. Ren, I��m afraid that you can��t travel abroad in the future and that it��s better for you to live in seclusion during this period,.�� Yang Sen said.


    ��I can understand why I shouldn��t leave the country, but why should I live in seclusion? Can they still influence matters here?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��They have issued a warrant for your arrest. They im that you recruited some disgruntled soldiers who had been reprimanded by their superiors. While some people staged a riot, others blew up a warehouse and the ammunition cache, causing the warship to blow up in the harbor.��


    ��How dare they say that!�� Ren Baqian said.


    As expected, they couldn��t say that the whole ce had been turned upside down by one person.


    ��Furthermore, the people listed as coborating with Ren Baqian were actually killed by Ren Baqian during the conflict. These 14 people were ethnically Chinese. They risked their lives for their country and were stigmatized unfairly.�� Yang Sen sighed.


    Although they were enemy troops, they were Chinese. He felt sorry for them because they hadn��t done anything wrong, yet they were med.


    When Ren Baqian killed those soldiers, he didn��t see whether they were Chinese or not and killed them because they were enemies.


    When he heard about this, he was filled with righteous indignation.


    At that time he was doing it willingly.


    After telling him this news, Yang Sen softened his tone and continued, ��The arrest warrant has already been issued. Although you will not be disturbed locally since the nation regtes the news, some information will still slip through and your identity can be easily exposed.��


    ��If Mr. Ren wants to undergo cosmetic surgery, a few minor changes will render you unrecognizable to others.��


    ��Our skills are very good.��


    ��Can you make me look like Daniel Wu <sup>1</sup> ?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I have to ask the experts, but I suppose it shouldn��t be a problem,�� Yang Sen said with a heartyugh.


    ��In that case, you should ask on my behalf,�� Ren Baqian jested.


    Of course, this was pure nonsense.


    If he were to look like Daniel Wu, the empress would beat him until he look like Guo Degang[2.Guo Degang �C a Chinese crosstalkedian and actor]


    The empress wouldn��t be able to ept this sudden change in his appearance.


    ��There��s something else. The old man you videotaped before wants to meet you,�� Yang Sen said.


    ��Fine! Set the appointment�� in half a month��s time!�� Ren Baqian nodded. Although he didn��t know the reason why the old man wanted to see him, he guessed that it had something to do with this incident.


    It was necessary to meet him.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know that the impact of this event was greater than what Yang Sen had told him.


    The gship of the Seventh Fleet had exploded while thousands of soldiers were killed. Furthermore, this happened inside their base, and the matter couldn��t be covered up.


    Tens of thousands of people protested in the cities, several congressional hearings were held, and even the autocratic president was severely questioned.


    The whole world was paying close attention to this matter.


    Numerous nations were investigating this matter thoroughly.


    Even though the base had banned allmunications rted to the incident, the mist shrouding the matter was gradually lifted as other countries put in extra effort to investigate.


    When they found out that it was the work of a single person, they were shocked and astonished.

 Chapter 710 - The Empress’s Wisdom (Part 1)

    Chapter 710: The Empress��s Wisdom (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In an empire on which the sun never sets.


    A man looked at the report on the Seventh Fleet and asked in disbelief, ��This was done by one person? Are you certain about this report?��


    The middle-aged man in front of him pushed the sses on the bridge of his nose and said in a serious tone, ��Yes, it��s indeed true from the information we have received. Although I��m very suspicious, after the impossible has been ruled out, there��s only one truth!��


    ��Leave this report here and continue with your investigation. I want to know everything about this person in detail.��


    A certain soldier in Russia.


    ��Although I��m very happy that our arch-enemy is under immense pressure, what I want to find out about is something realistic, not a report on an alien invasion.��


    It could be said that the unconventional president of their arch-enemy was currently under immense pressure.


    The congress needed an exnation from him while the people supporting him were also urging him to do so.


    The temptation of this biomedical technology was too enticing!


    However, due to this time��s failure, China would definitely be on their guard with their security would even stricter. If they wanted to strike again, the difficulty level would be sky-high.


    ��


    When Ren Baqian was bidding farewell to Yang Sen, he intentionally got Shi Guanglong and the rest toe over.


    ��In the future, if you guys were to be discharged from the military and have no ce to go, do not hesitate to contact me. I have a set of martial arts skills that will let all of you advance another step,�� Ren Baqian said to the group of them.


    ��If there is such a day.�� Shi Guanglong and the rest didn��t seem to be concerned as they knew that they would probably stay in the military for the rest of their lives.


    However, it was Ren Baqian��sst sentence that allowed them to verify their judgement. Those martial arts skills were certainly rted to him.


    Yang Sen��s face immediately changed. He didn��t expect that Ren Baqian would actually take a fancy to these people.


    He was even considering whether or not to send them to be under Ren Baqian��s guidance.


    Perhaps it would be a pretty good opportunity.


    Still, he was somewhat reluctant. Although these people weren��t born with innate talents, they were still the cream of the crop and selected from millions of soldiers.


    This wasn��t a pressing matter, and he would definitely need ample time to think it over.


    Although Yang Sen had confidence in these soldier��s loyalties, since the other party dared to make his proposal public, who knew if there were any tricks up his sleeves. The losses would be high if these people didn��t return back to Yang Sen.


    After speaking to them and bidding farewell to Yang Sen, Ren Baqian went back to his vi for a good feast before returning to Dayao.


    Just when he was about to leave with the empress��s imperial carriage, a silhouette suddenly dashed into Ren Baqian��s arms. As the surrounding environment changed, that silhouette turned into a ray of light and charged into the distance.


    During this period of time, a red silhouette appeared to obstruct it, but to no avail.


    The empress resentfullynded on the ground. The speed of that little thing was too fast.


    First of all, she looked at Ren Baqian with disdain. It was this fellow who had kidnapped her imperial carriage. However, after looking clearly and realizing it was Ren Baqian, she let out a soft gasp.


    ��Did anything happen?�� Straightaway, the empress discovered the changes in Ren Baqian.


    That bloody stench, as well as that icy-cold murderous aura, couldn��t escape her eyes.


    Ren Baqian had never had such a stench emitting from him before.


    The empress immediately knew that something must have happened.


    She was certain that he didn��t kill only one or two people.


    At the very least, it was over 100.


    ��People had their eyes on me.�� Ren Baqian casually smiled while casually sitting on the empress��s imperial carriage. He then asked, ��Have you eaten? I haven��t been eating well for the past few days!��


    Although he returned to Dayao after filling his stomach for half a day, he still felt that only the food here could make him feel satisfied.


    In the past, he used to think that being able to eat nonstop was a blessing.


    Only now did he realize that it wasn��t as good as he had thought.


    He would feel hungry even when he was having his meals.


    If there was anything in this world that was the most torturous, it would be hunger.


    The empress instructed one of her subordinates to prepare food for Ren Baqian. After that, she got Hong Luan to bring the wine out and ordered everyone else to stay away before sitting across from Ren Baqian and saying, ��Tell me about what happened.��


    Ren Baqian smiled and narrated everything that had happened. He highlighted his own heroism as he managed to maneuver under the eyes of over 10,000 soldiers, so much so that they were trembling with fear.


    At the end of the story, he extended his hand and a long spear appeared as he said, ��The Golden Spear and Metal Chain yed a huge role. I have gained a lot from the Golden Spear this time around.��


    ��It can be considered a blessing in disguise,�� the empress said unenthusiastically.


    Shortly after, she knitted her eyebrows and muttered in a faint voice, ��Although I hope that you can make some progress, it��s still better for you to avoid such things. Look at yourself now. Even though you still look sharp, I��m still a little said. You were the one who showed me the video of the atomic bomb. This time, they were unclear of your strength andcked preparation. Next time around, you may not have such good luck anymore. They don��t need an atomic bomb. So long as they make adequate preparations, it will be difficult for you to escape unscathed.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. The empress was speaking the truth. Deep down, he knew it too.


    No matter what, he was still alone.


    If the other party wanted to take him down, it would be dangerous if he dragged it out for two days.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian as his gaze flickered. She then continued, ��Previously, I thought that your nation would be able to protect you, but now, it seems like it isn��t as easy as I thought.


    Your world is very different from ours. It��s impossible for a nation to bepletely sealed off even if the inspections are very strict. There is always a loophole.


    Previously, it was still alright because someone would cover for you. However, with the things that you have exposed this time, I��m afraid that many other nations have their eyes on you. After all, what you have mastered is too valuable to them. If it were me, I would also be tempted.


    Even if your nation takes stricter precautions, it still has it��s limitations. You won��t be able to prevent many others from eyeing you. Furthermore, I��m not constantly by your side, so you will have to be prepared in the near future.��


    ��It was my mistake for being rash. I was only thinking about what I have mastered and that I was valued by the nation. Now that such a thing has happened, I know that trouble will arise in the near future.�� Ren Baqian finally came to a realization. Previously, with his nation shielding him, there was only one country that had their eyes on him.


    After this incident, however, it was almost impossible to conceal his identity any longer. In the future, there would definitely be more than one nation keeping tabs on him.


    The empress drank another ss of wine, slowly refilled it to the brim, and replied, ��Your concerns are also valid. It would be inappropriate if you did nothing as well. Even though I don��t really understand your nation, from the television shows that I watched, there��s always internal strife. It��s very different from Dayao.��


    When Ren Baqian heard this, he let go of his thoughts, smiled widely, and said, ��Basically, I can��t hide anymore.��


    ��So it��s not necessarily wrong to say that what you are doing at this moment is wrong. At least there��s still a ce where you can take shelter. In some aspects, both you and your nation have the same interests.


    Unfortunately, after this incident, your nation is more than willing to help, but they don��t have the power to help unless you go into hiding. Otherwise, they can only help you to get rid of the majority of your enemies. As for those who are thoroughly prepared, you would still have to rely on yourself.


    I learned a sentence from one of those television shows: ��You can never be too prepared in fending off a thief. No matter how prepared one is, you won��t be able to be 100 percent protected,���� the empress said.


    ��I understand that this is inevitable, but fortunately, I have some self-protection ability.�� Ren Baqian smiled. He was definitely unwilling to go into hiding.


    The empress paused for a moment and stared at Ren Baqian for a while before saying, ��There are some words that I have long wanted to say. It��s just that you grew up in the other world, so you definitely have sentimental feeling and I don��t want to make you unhappy.��


    ��Please speak, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian sat up straight.


    The empress poured herself a ss of wine, drank it in one shot, and then refilled her ss again. Next, she poured Ren Baqian another ss and toasted him.


    Only after this did she decide to say, ��What you are doing now makes you seem like you are narrow-minded.��

 Chapter 711 - : The Empress’s Wisdom (Part 2)

    Chapter 711: The Empress��s Wisdom (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Until now, the empress had never spent so much effort on a single person before.


    Nobody would believe it even if you told them that she actually put in this much effort for a man. She was Qi Zixiao, the noble empress of Dayao and the fifth ranked expert in the world (not many people knew about Teng Yue��s death).


    There were even certain things that she kept to herself for a long time before finally voicing them out now.


    This was simr to the actions of a small vige girl.


    ��Dayao��s time is different from Earth��s,�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqianughed and replied, ��Your Majesty has realized it! One day in Dayao is equivalent to three days on Earth. Even though the passing of time feels the same, the timeline in both worlds is different.��


    The empress raised her eyebrows and rebuked, ��Do you take me as a fool? Why would I not realize this? It��s just that I didn��t know what the concept of time in both worlds was like. It��s like what was written in ��Journey to the West,�� one day in Heaven is equivalent to one year on Earth. Who would actually know that? That��s the reason why I have always kept it to myself.��


    ��How could I? Your Majesty is wiser, mightier, and more quick-witted than anyone else. Whoever takes you as a fool would only be a fool himself.�� Ren Baqian immediately burst outughing when he saw the empress��s expression.


    ��You are indeed different now!�� She looked at him and said indistinctly. ��Even though you also used tough out loud in the past, there wasn��t this drive in you.��


    ��Do you find this good or bad, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian asked as he smiled.


    ��I have said it before. It seems like a good thing, but I still feel a little distressed about what just happened.�� The empress sighed.


    ��I feel extremely happy that Your Majesty is worrying so much about me. This is the happiest thing that has ever happened to me. Who else in this world canpare to me?�� Ren Baqianughed again.


    The empress replied faintly, ��Glib talking is what you do best.��


    Before Ren Baqian could reply, she added, ��I heaved more sighs today than I had cumtively over the past 20 years. Let��s continue our previous conversation. One day in Dayao is equal to three days on Earth. Do you know your life expectancy then? It must be at least 100 years at the moment. That number will be 150 if you attain the Spirit Wheel level, which is also equivalent to 450 years on Earth.��


    ��It��s 300 years to be exact,�� Ren Baqian corrected her. ��I have to spend some time on Earth as well. If my life expectancy was 150 years, that would only be 75 years in Dayao since I spend half my time here and the other half on Earth. In fact, I have more time to move around freely now and should be able to spend more time in Dayao. That way, I can also spend less time travelling between worlds. If I can spend 100 years in Dayao, that would equate to 300 years on Earth.��


    ��I don��t want to see you die so much earlier than me. We will figure out a way at that time. The General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation gifted me a Jade Embryo earlier that he obtained from the Sixty Thousand Mountains. This will lengthen your lifespan by at least 20 years.


    Besides, your cultivation journey won��t simplye to a halt once you attain the Spirit Wheel level. The martial arts that you are practicing is extraordinary. Even though the cultivation process might be a little treacherous, the benefits you will gain once you get through it are tremendous, especially after obtaining the second volume of the ancient scrolls. Although you have to consume quite a hefty amount of precious treasures, there are tons of them in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. I will do all it takes to help you get there. Your lifespan will be at least 220 years after you consume the Jade Embryo. After that, we will then think of other ways.��


    The empress then got a little angry and said, ��Don��t always butt in and interrupt what I want to say. At present, the ruler of a country on Earth doesn��t inherit their power from the previous generation, so another person will take over once every few years. Even though the ruler��s influence will continue, it will definitely decline. This is especially so after a few decades and after a few different people have taken up the position of leadership. As their power increases, they may overlook some matters and may not be able to fulfil their promises to their people anymore.


    From what I see, you definitely have to part ways with them sooner orter. You are clear of this as well, which is why you have already made the necessary arrangements. However, you still seem too narrow-minded to me. You probably value your rtionships and choose to stay passive while handing administrative rights to your friends and family on Earth and providing them with the opportunity to work.


    Martial arts isn��t something valuable here in Dayao, but it��s extremely precious in your world. If I were in your position, I would publicly announce everything. If there were things that they wanted from me, then they would have to make me happy.


    If anyone didn��t do what I asked and still plotted other schemes against me, I would naturally show them what regret feels like.


    No one can stop me if I want to kill someone.


    After that, I would disregard that nation. This way, they would feel intimidated and enticed, and no one would dare to have designs on me anymore.


    There are so many countries, and it��s impossible for them to work together as one. Someone would naturally draw close to us when that happens.


    In fact, you only need to announce your ns publicly. When that happens, once a few countries obtain the things that they wanted, the others would ce their focus on them. They could then perform an exchange of benefits or other things, but that wouldn��t matter to you at all.


    The important thing is to make a public announcement. That way, nobody will dare to take the huge risk of causing you trouble anymore.


    The situation at that point wouldn��t be like the current situation. Once a country has it, other countries will want to get their hands on it as well. Otherwise, they will fall behind in progress. This is something that no country will ept. In the end, everyone��s focus will be on you.��


    Ren Baqian forced a smile after hearing what the empress said. ��You are right, Your Majesty. I was born there and grew up there. It��s hard to part with rtionship ties. There are things that I can��t make myself do.��


    ��That��s why I said that you value your rtionships and dug yourself into this hole. Things will eventually turn out like I described. It��s just a matter of time.


    Even if it didn��t happen now, it might happen the next time or the following time.


    There��s a reason that I say you��re narrow-minded.


    Since things are inevitable, the arrangements you have made are too inadequate.


    What can 10 winged cavalry warriors do? Even though they act as a form of deterrence, it��s on too small of a scale and is far from adequate.


    If you were to request it, I would grant you 1,000 Kismet Heaven experts. You can split them into batches and take them back to Earth over a few trips. Even though this might take some time, it would only require 100 or so trips and would take less than a year.


    With these 1,000 Kismet Heaven experts around, you can then find someone to train them ording to your world��s military tactics. Who would dare to take action against you with these people guarding you? With them around, you can make use of them to attack and defend whenever it is needed.


    Now that your country requires you, they can��t do anything to you if you have 1,000 Kismet Heaven experts with you. All they can do is make an agreement with you eventually. When that happens, they will have a lot to think about if they were to plot other schemes against you. If anyone dared to do anything to you, my fearsome warriors would let them know the power of the aboriginals.��


    At this point, the empress looked extremely gorgeous and glowed with vigor as her entire body exuded a confident and assertive aura.


    Ren Baqian imagined a scene where the aboriginals held the leaders of various countries by their necks to teach them not to mess with the aboriginals. Such a sight seemed pretty satisfactory.


    He then forced out a smile.


    The empress was right.


    He was weighed by too many concerns.


    The empress seemed to have seen through his thoughts and added, ��It��s fine that you have considerations about this matter. These arrangements are only for deterrence and self-protection purposes. Everything will be fine if everybody chooses to mind their own business and if they don��t take action against you. If someone raised his sword at you, would you be able to avoid it? This arrangement will be your weapon of retaliation.��


    ��But we have less than 700 people in the winged cavalry now.�� Ren Baqian continued forcing out a smile.


    ��We had previously been unable to provide for too many of them. The imperial court wasn��t rich enough. After providing for a 90,000 man army, how could we afford to support so many Kismet Heaven experts?


    After we reach the Sixty Thousand Mountains, I��ll let you have a look at how my aboriginal men battle with the fearsome beasts in the wild. They are more than what you have seen so far.


    At present, our soldiers are recruited from the outskirts of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Their living environment isn��t as bad, but their strength is also slightly lower than the rest.


    The brave warriors from the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains are the true elites of the aboriginals with fierce natures and valiant strength.


    There are even some who match up to the standards of the officials of the imperial court.


    Back when thete emperor lead his army to invade the Hao Nation, many of the fearsome warriors from the depths of the mountains joined his ranks.


    Not to mention 1,000 men, I can give you 2,000 or even 3,000 men if you want.��


    ��Let me think it through,�� Ren Baqian replied. It wasn��t a problem bringing back 10 to 20 people to act as bodyguards since the nation wouldn��t mind it that much.


    Bringing another 1,000 fierce natured aboriginal elites would probably be a worry for many. However, this was the aim of the empress.


    Her words made him feel that even though she preferred using brawn instead of brain, she was still the empress of Dayao after all, and her perspective of the general situation surpassed ordinary people��s. Even though she didn��t understand much about Earth, she was very clear about this matter and he couldn��t refute what she said.


    Ren Baqian suppressed this thought, looked at the empress, and said, ��Your Majesty, your charm has indeed mesmerized me. I can��t wait for our wedding to happen.��


    The empress retracted her lofty vigor and leaned back against the side of the carriage. With an unnatural look on her face, she asked, ��Great Elder said that you asked me to marry you?��


    Ren Baqian then let go of his thoughts and smiled, saying, ��Your customary way of fetching the bride is to violent��I won��t be able to defeat them. I can only drug or poison them, but nobody will feel good when they get affected by it. If Your Majestyes to marry me, I definitely won��t resist.��


    ��The women here will receive a dowry when they get married. What dowry have you prepared for me?�� The empress was slightly bashful. Ren Baqianpletely couldn��t see the imperious side of her, and she had the expression of a dainty girl.


    Ren Baqian replied unhurriedly, ��I��ll grant you the world that you want. One that is flourishing and beautiful!��


    The empress mumbled to herself a little and looked emotionally moved.


    She felt that her efforts had paid off after hearing what he said.


    What he did wasn��t for this world, but was for her instead.


    It was already enough for her that someone was willing to go to such lengths for her.

 Chapter 712 - Good Cop, Bad Cop

    Chapter 712: Good Cop, Bad Cop


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian leaped from a tree branch andnded on another tree in an instant, a process that was almost silent.


    Holding his body firm and steady, he spread open his arms, did a backflip, and descended from the tree. A spear appeared in his hand in midair and immediately pierced into the gigantic single-horned leopard below.


    This leopard had been searching for Ren Baqian, but it seemed to have lost track of him. A crafty and ruthless look appeared in its eyes as it immediately turned around and climbed about six meters up a tree. It then leaped into the air and pounced toward Ren Baqian in midair.


    <em>Smack.</em>


    The leopard��s front paws swatted at Ren Baqian��s spear. It then stretched open its mouth full of sharp fangs and went straight for his throat.


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t avoided it in time, this strike would have ripped his entire head off.


    When Ren Baqian smelled the stench from that gigantic leopard��s mouth, it made him subconsciously want to cover his nose.


    At this point in time, a metal chain suddenly appeared above his head and attached itself to one of the leopard��s eye. This strike came too suddenly, and the leopard��s eye instantly got torn apart. It immediately let out a miserable shriek as its body twisted up andnded on the ground. Next, it went into a frenzy. It gave Ren Baqian a ruthless and resentful stare.


    An injured beast was even more dangerous.


    Ren Baqian��s hands periodically rxed and grabbed the handle of the spear. He lowered his body and felt that a beast was much harder to handle than a human.


    This beast was called a luoweng. Beasts like this weren��t easy to deal with because they had very high strength and alertness.


    The only valuable thing it had was the horn on its head. When one blew into it, the sound could travel several kilometers.


    Ren Baqian had seen the horn of a 100 year old luoweng before.


    The beast in front of him was only around 60 years old, yet it was already very difficult to deal with. There was no telling what it would be like with a 100 year old luoweng.


    <em>Roar! </em>The gigantic leopard let out a roar before slowly retreating.


    Ren Baqian had originally heightened his alertness, but began tough involuntarily after seeing its reaction. This was somewhat simr to how a human would react��asking him to watch out!


    Once the luoweng retreated into the darkness, he held the spear at his side and stood there for a few minutes before he turned around and left.


    However, after only taking a few steps away, a rustling sound was heard from the bushes beside him. An enormous leopard pounced over from the darkness with its mouth wide open.


    ��What a crafty beast! So spiteful!�� Ren Baqian cursed. With a shuffle of his feet, he appeared beside the luoweng. A spear suddenly appeared in his hands. He pierced its body and shed it across, leaving a trail of blood on the beast��s body.


    At the same time, the luoweng��s tail suddenly swung over like a whip with a wind-piercing sound.


    Ren Baqian whipped out his metal chain to deflect the tail of the beast, which ended up tangling them together.


    The luoweng had gotten itself into trouble. Its tail became like a string, and furthermore, it was in the hands of Ren Baqian.


    The beast turned around as itnded on the ground. Ren Baqian leaped into the air and made use of the momentum of the beast��s movement to pounce behind it. He struck his spear at it in midair. The luoweng tried to dodge the attack, but the spear shed across its body once again. It then pounced forward in an attempt to widen its distance from him.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian was still holding the metal chain. How fast could it move with such a burden tied to it? It was suffering excruciating pain from its tail, but it was undoubtedly still a beast and that pain made it run even faster.


    Ren Baqian quickly shuffled his feet and ran along with the beast like it was a kite. Seeing that it was about to leap into the shrubs, his spear shot out like lightning and immediately pierced through its anus.


    ��Raaawr!�� The luoweng let out a piercing shriek.


    Ren Baqian felt a little disgusted as he pulled his spear out. He cut off the beast��s horn, pinched his nose as he held the spear as far away from himself as he could, and looked for water to wash it clean.


    Throughout his journey, he would often enter the forest to hunt like this. His spearmanship as well as the assassination technique that he had learned earlier at the base had both greatly improved. His self-defense capability had also improved as well.


    If he continued like this with the empress��s support, he would definitely be a top-notch expert in the time toe.


    Over the next few days, his assassination technique leveled up again.


    It was only level one back on Earth and had now improved to level two.


    Ren Baqian felt that he could probably be nicknamed the King of Perpetual Darkness if he continued what he was doing.


    After all, fighting and killing were not things that he enjoyed doing.


    Now that he was able to defend himself, it was about sufficient.


    The spear returned to his consciousness after Ren Baqian washed it clean. Then, he ran out of the forest holding the luoweng��s horn.


    The other winged cavalry warriors had already returned with their prey. The light from the bonfire in the camp shone brightly in the distance, and he could already smell the fragrance of barbequed meat before even stepping close to the camp.


    The imperial kitchen��s chef had been incessantly experimenting with his cooking after obtaining seasonings, and at present, his barbequed meat tasted much better than Ren Baqian��s cooking.


    However, Ren Baqian would still cook the barbeque himself and eat it with the empress during his free time, so it didn��t really matter whether it tasted good or not.


    It was just like how receiving a handwritten letter always felt different in the era ofputers.


    Ren Baqian tossed the luoweng��s horn into the carriage and walked back toward the empress.


    ��Feeling bored?�� the empress casually asked upon seeing his expression.


    ��Yeah, it was a pretty fresh experience for a few days. The excitement has passed, and I don��t want to do this unnecessarily anymore.�� Ren Baqian burst intoughter.


    The empress served a te of the barbequed meat to Ren Baqian,bed her hair, and said, ��It��s good to do some hunting asionally. Besides, there are people watching over you, so nothing will happen to you. You can also take this opportunity to train. Progress will only be fast if you��re constantly fighting.��


    ��With Your Majesty around, is there a need for me to progress so quickly?�� Ren Baqian was evidently being shameless.


    In any case, he had always been shameless.


    His fiancee was already so powerful, so why did he have to train so hard?


    ��You!�� The empress stretched out her finger and pointed at him, feeling a little helpless.


    She had thought that Ren Baqian had changed after seeing him go hunting in the woods during his leisure time.


    She actually felt pretty happy about this.


    In the end, he managed to recover to his original state after just a few days.


    ��I��ll follow you and take a look when you return to Earthter.�� The empress stopped mentioning the previous matter and changed the subject. She had previously heard that Ren Baqian was going to see an old man who was one of his nation��s leaders.


    ��You said that you weren��t interested just two days ago, Your Majesty,�� Ren Baqian said with a smile on his face.


    ��I have changed my mind. You just got out of trouble and someone wants to see you immediately, so I��m afraid that something may happen.


    Besides, you were born and raised there. As a result, there are bound to be some sentiments and restrictions. If someone pressures you with righteousness and such, you��ll be at a disadvantage if you aren��t in the right state of mind at that time.


    I can follow you there and hear what they have to say.


    If they say things that I don��t agree with, I will have a falling out with them. If someone provokes me, I will kill them.


    You feel apprehension about those 1,000 warriors, but I don��t. I shall be frank and upright and will tell them about it. I have already made up my mind, and their objections are worthless.��


    Ren Baqian kept silent for a moment. The empress��s words were very overbearing, but that was only because she was afraid that he would run into danger over there.


    He thenughed and asked, ��Are you ying the role of bad cop, Your Majesty?��


    ��Good cop/bad cop is the Earth��s way of describing things. If things go well, I will simply y the role of good cop. If things don��t turn out well, I will put them through an experience,�� the empress replied faintly.


    An experience that would show what kind of person the fourth strongest expert Qi Zixiao was really like.


    ��Don��t feel that this is inappropriate. We leave them with a strong impression now and let them feel some unease. It��s better than having them fall out with us and be our enemies,�� the empress added.


    Ren Baqianughed freely and said, ��Is this considered teaming up as a couple? One ying the role of good cop while the other ys bad cop. This seems pretty dependable. Your Majesty is right. It��s better to make things clear now than to fall out in the future and be enemies.��


    ��It��s good that you can understand this. I was afraid that you would feel ufortable, so that��s why I didn��t get involved. However, you ran into such danger this time around and I��m afraid that you will again in the future. We can��t just let it be anymore.�� The empress smiled when she saw Ren Baqian smile. Her eyes were soft and glistening as her voice became more gentle.


    ��1,000 Kismet Heaven experts!�� Ren Baqian sighed. 1,000 Kismet Heaven experts could even take down a 100,000 man army.


    ��If you require, I can provide even more,�� the empress replied indistinctly. ��The only problem lies in the food. It��s fortunate that even though there��s only a very small amount in your foods that can be converted into essence qi, there arerge quantities of them in lots of varieties. They will be able to eat without restriction.��


    ��If not for their insatiable appetite, the winged cavalry wouldn��t only have 1,500 men.��

 Chapter 713 - A Trip to the North

    Chapter 713: A Trip to the North


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian reached out to hold the empress with his hand.


    After that, he lifted the cor of Lin Qiaole who snoring and drooling.


    Suddenly, an idea came into his mind. It would be interesting if Lin Qiaole��s clothes went over, but she was left naked in Dayao.


    However, it was only a thought.


    He clearly knew that Lin Qiaole would be transported over unless they exceeded the weight limit.


    This could only happen if the total maximum weight was exceeded and he held her cor without touching her body.


    The space around them began to warp.


    Right at this moment, a red streak appeared and rushed across at Ren Baqian.


    With the change in environment, they returned to the vi and the location where the imperial carriage had been ced.


    The temperature changed from extremely hot to harshly cold, and the cold air felt pleasant to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian used to dislike winter in the northeast because it was very cold. However, Dayao was ufortably hot all year round, which made him yearn for this type of cold weather.


    As Ren Baqian held the sleeping Lin Qiaole by the cor, she casually wiped away her saliva with her hand.


    The empress was carrying a small red object in her arms and smiling slightly with a spurious grin.


    It was about the size of a teddy bear, slightly smaller than a fox, and had a pair of fleshy wings, a red back, and a white abdomen. It grinned fiercely at the empress.


    ��This rascal��I have finally seen someone who voluntarily falls into a trap.�� Ren Baqian was surprised to see the little animal she was carrying.


    ��This thing seems to be interested in you.�� The empress looked favorably at it.


    The bichi was a rare animal mentioned in legends and was a bad omen.


    It was a very fast animal, and most people could asionally see no more than its back. Unless it was willing, it was difficult to touch it.


    Even the empress couldn��t catch up to it.


    Nobody expected it toe willingly at this point in time.


    ��Whether in Dayao or Earth, this thing is hiding somewhere and only appears during the period of transition. It seems to be attracted by something during the transition,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��That should be right.�� The empress nodded.


    ��It has happened so many times��have you discovered anything?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously.


    The empress shook her head and replied, ��No. I only discovered it right before this transition, but there��s some kind of warping in space. It is as if something has opened.��


    ��What is it?��


    ��The opening of a link between two worlds.��


    Ren Baqian nodded, but he was not sure whether the opening of this connection was attracting the animal.


    It might be something else that they hadn��t discovered yet.


    It was a pity that the bichi couldn��t speak.


    Ren Baqian went forward to scratch its exposed belly. The bichi struggled desperately,shed out with its paws, and scratched Ren Baqian��s hands, leaving him with some wounds.


    ��Behave yourself�� Is it male or female?�� Ren Baqian risked getting more bloodstains on his hands and parted its two legs to take a look.


    The bichi exploded with anger and kept roaring at Ren Baqian.


    If the empress hadn��t held it tightly, it would have fought desperately with Ren Baqian.


    ��Shall we prepare a cage for it?�� Ren Baqian considered putting this thing in a cage and sending it to the capital of Great Xia. After a few years, the capital would only have a few people left.


    The empress liked the big round eyes of the bichi, and her face was full of tenderness.


    ��Forget it. It��s just a small thing. Whether it��s good or bad, you shouldn��t bully this poor thing.�� The empress stroked its head with one hand and then released it.


    The bichi immediately streaked across and scratched Ren Baqian��s face.


    ��Ouch!�� Ren Baqian cried out as the little thing disappeared without a trace.


    ��You have severely offended it.�� The empress chuckled,


    Ren Baqianined, ��Please do notugh! I have been disfigured!��


    ��It will be fine after applying some medicine,�� the empress said casually. ��This small thing is very smart. Your face is bloodstained and scary looking, but no serious damage was done. With barbs in its ws, it could have taken out a chunk of flesh if it wanted to.��


    Ren Baqian sighed at this undeserved misfortune.


    He was just trying to check whether it was male or female.


    No matter how smart it was, it was still an animal. Did it care about moral concepts?


    There was no point in thinking about it.


    Ren Baqian turned and saw a row of winged cavalry warriors standing there respectfully.


    Then, they greeted, ��My respects to the boss! My respects tody boss!��


    ��Remember that everyone will be given ten shes each to ensure that you won��t forget to bring the whip along next time,�� the empress said.


    ��Yes!�� The crowd didn��t try to absolve themselves and epted the punishment.


    ��Wake up! We have arrived!�� Ren Baqian threw Lin Qiaole on the ground and kicked her butt lightly.


    ��Hey!�� Lin Qiaole rubbed her eyes and crawled up from the floor.


    ��This is�� that ce�� what��s it called?�� After Lin Qiaole saw the courtyard and vi, she realized that she was no longer in Dayao.


    ��Go in and change your clothes.�� Ren Baqian smacked the back of her head and threw her a piece of White Rabbit Creamy Candy.


    This fully showcased the so called ��carrot and stick�� approach.


    Many winged calvary warriors were relieved after these people went into the vi to change.


    It seemed like a heavy punishment, but to them, it was very light. They were happy that the empress didn��t skin them alive.


    Since the empress went to her room, the job of changing clothes for Lin Qiaole was left to Ren Baqian.


    It sounded like a benefit, but Lin Qiaole��s t figure didn��t interest Ren Baqian, and he could see it many times if he wanted to.


    When sleeping, she usually wore an undergarment that covered her chest and abdomen and a pair of shorts. idental exposure did ur�� but there was not much to expose, and it was no better than looking at himself.


    At least his chest muscles were bigger.


    He threw a T-shirt to her and instructed, ��Wear it the same way as before.��


    When the empress was besieged in Tianjin Basin, Ren Baqian brought Lin Qiaole, Hong Luan, and Qing Yuan over, so they knew how to wear clothes from Earth.


    Lin Qiaole grunted as she took off her clothes. She put the T-shirt over her undergarment and shorts like a gown. The T-shirt reached down to her knees and exposed half of her shoulders.


    Lin Qiaole was very skinny and her features were not simr to the wild appearance of the aboriginals. On the contrary, she was as delicate as a little white flower. Wearing a gown, she looked like the girl next door and exemplified pureness and refinement.


    After changing, she fought to keep her eyes open. She nted herself in thefortable bed and gave a groan of pleasure.


    Ren Baqian took a look at her after changing his clothes. The empress intended for Lin Qiaole to be his bodyguard during his trips to Earth.


    From her appearance, she didn��t look like a threat to anyone.


    In reality, she didn��t hold back when killing people, didn��t feel any guilt, and treated it like drinking water or like a predator hunting prey.


    Ren Baqian gave Yang Sen a call regarding his schedule. He went downstairs and saw the empress sitting on the sofa eating an ice-cream bar.


    ��It is nine in the morning now. We will set out in an hour��s time and reach the ce at night,�� Ren Baqian said to the empress sitting beside him.


    ��Hey, this is thest stick.�� The empress pointed to the ice-cream wrapper on the table.


    This was more important than the matter Ren Baqian was talking about.


    One hourter, three cars stopped in front of the vi.


    ��Your Majesty, let��s go!�� Ren Baqian pulled up the empress and went upstairs to carry Lin Qiaole down.


    He didn��t know what the reception in the north was about.


    In retrospect, Ren Baqian did harbor some expectations.

 Chapter 714 - Wuji City (Part 1)

    Chapter 714: Wuji City (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��It��s snowing!�� Ren Baqian walk out of the bus terminal and stretched out his hand to wee the falling snowkes. He had a very strong affection toward snow.


    It snowed five months a year in Northeast China.


    Many of the memories of his youth were rted to snow.


    That included building a snowman with Ren Wannian, though Ren Baqian eventually pushed him into the pile of snow that he gathered.


    That was how a snowman was made.


    However, he had very rarely seen snow during the past few years. He only saw it once when he returned home for the New Year two years ago and didn��t even see itst year.


    ��What��s this?�� Lin Qiaole finally woke up after sleeping the entire journey and felt curious after seeing countless snowkes scattering all over.


    However, the passersby got even more curious after seeing her.


    She was still wearing that short-sleeved T-shirt that Ren Baqian gave her.


    From below her knees, her skin waspletely exposed. On top, she was simply wearing a T-shirt.


    No matter how one looked at her, she didn��t seem like a normal person when wearing an outfit like this in this season.


    ��What is this? It looks like the ice in the pce!�� Lin Qiaole looked very pleased as the snowkes fell on her face.


    ��You are pretty innocent and naive, Miss Lin!�� Yang Senughed.


    Ren Baqian looked at her, nodded, and said, ��You can say that.��


    Both the empress and himself were wearing jackets that Yang Sen brought.


    Lin Qiaole had one too, but she didn��t really like it.


    Ren Baqian tossed a White Rabbit Creamy Candy to her, waved his hand, and said,�� Let��s go!��


    There were three cars with unique license tes waiting for them. There were two valiant looking men standing in front of the first and thest car while the trio boarded the middle one.


    As the trip progressed, night began to fall. Their destination was a courtyard in the capital city. Outside the ce was arge metal gate. Inside was a two-story building with bright lights shining from the first story.


    A young man brought the trio to the door before pressing the doorbell.


    An old man with jet-ck hair opened the door, smiled and said, ��Wee. It was inconvenient for me to fetch you personally��did you face any neglect during the journey?��


    ��You are too kind, boss,�� Ren Baqian immediately replied.


    ��Boss? Haha!�� The old man instantly burst outughing before putting his hand out toward Ren Baqian and saying, ��It has been a few years and I finally get to meet you in person!��


    It was a little inappropriate to say that the old man was giving respect for the wise, but it was indeed very cid topletely treat Ren Baqian as if he was someone of equal status.


    The old man��s hand was very steady and forceful, which was very unexpected to Ren Baqian.


    After all, it was indeed very unexpected for someone of the old man��s age to actually have such strong hands.


    ��Have you practiced the [Ninth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation], boss?�� Ren Baqian immediately realized that it was the basic set of martial arts derived during the earlier days that was suitable for ordinary people to practice.


    ��It��s already at the 11th set now! Let��s make some introductions before we chat further. Miss Qi, I��m not quite sure what your etiquette is like over there?��


    ��It doesn��t matter what our etiquette is like. I couldn��t care less about that,�� the empress replied casually.


    ��In the paradise, you hold an eminent status and indeed do not concede to men!�� The old manughed and added, ��I said it wrong��that should only be used to describe normal women. I definitely can��t say that about someone of your stature.��


    Even though the empress didn��t reveal her status, after hearing what Ren Baqian had said back then when he was holding a weapon and also receiving information from a few sources, he guessed that the empress held an important position in that paradise. He simply couldn��t deduce what her exact title was.


    ��And this is?�� the old man asked as he looked at Lin Qiaole who was battling very hard to keep her eyes open.


    He hadn��t heard any information about her before.


    ��Lin is her surname, but you can simply ignore her existence.��


    ��Pleasee in, my guests.��


    The ce was decorated with a Chinese style and most of the furniture was walnut and vermillion in color.


    Even though Ren Baqian couldn��t tell if they were made from real wood, such a high ranking leader shouldn��t be usingminated wood, right?


    ��This is my wife and this is Mr. Ren and Miss Qi, whom I��ve mentioned before, as well as Miss Lin,�� the old man introduced them to ady in the room.


    ��I have seen madam on television many times, but never did I expect to have this opportunity to see you in person.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    The old madam served them tea after they sat down. Afterward, the old man said, ��I have heard about you guys for a few years. You were always out and about back then, and you were only willing toe back after I contacted you.


    I have wanted to meet you for a long time, but I haven��t had the opportunity to do so. It was either I didn��t have the time or I couldn��t locate you! Meeting today is finally a wishe-true for me!��


    ��Opportunities are aplenty. You are in good health and practice that set of skills. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to meet in the future.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    After both of them exchanged a few words, Lin Qiaole couldn��t keep her eyes open anymore. Shey toward the side and immediately fell asleep.


    Ren Baqian noticed her and acted as if he didn��t see anything.


    After all, the old man was magnanimous and wouldn��t find fault with someone her age.


    He didn��t know who she was and acted as if he didn��t notice either.


    ��At this age, I have resigned myself to fate. Who knows what will happen in the future? Besides, I have already stepped down from my position and no longer hold any duties. There��s not much for me to worry about anymore!�� The old manughed.


    ��You have stepped down?�� Ren Baqian was stunned.


    The old man was stunned upon seeing his reaction. Then, he shook head and startedughing.


    Even though him stepping down wasn��t a major event, Ren Baqian actually knew nothing about it.


    ��I stepped downst year! At longst, I have handed over thest bit of responsibility. Now, I��m able to rx,�� the old man exined.


    Ren Baqian came back to his senses after hearing this.


    Last year was 2023 and he indeed should have stepped down.


    This also meant that there was a different person in charge now.


    Exactly like what the empress said, subordinates would change along with a different leader. Earth��s leaders changed once every eight to ten years, so there would definitely be a few cycles of change over the next few decades. By then, there was no telling how they would treat Ren Baqian.


    Only a few years had passed, but nobody had actually notified him of the change in leadership.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t trying to say that he was some kind of a bigshot.


    After all, he had an extraordinary identity and backing him was the entire paradise.


    He was a little shocked that nobody had actually informed him about the change to a new leader.


    ��However, you don��t have to worry. With your identity, you will not be affected no matter who the leader is. We actually wanted to inform you about this change long ago, it was just that there were still some matters that I hadn��t finished handing over yet. Besides fulfilling my personal wish, I��ve invited you guys over to refer you to someone.��


    The old man added this as he seemed to understand what Ren Baqian was thinking about.


    ��Could it be that since I��m no longer the leader, you guys aren��t willing to sit down with me for a chat?�� The old man chuckled.


    ��How could that be!�� Ren Baqianughed. ��Having a chat with the boss is something that many people can��t even dream of doing!��


    ��That��s great! Don��t call me boss anymore, just call me sir,�� the old man replied.


    ��Sir.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��I have long been curious about this paradise. I��m wondering if you can tell this old man more about it?


    Listening to your previous conversation, it somehow made me feel as if many aspects of the paradise are very simr to our world.


    Like how Miss Qi addressed herself imperiously, we also had such a way of addressing in our ancient past. During the Qin Dynasty, the emperor made that the official and unique way of addressing the ruler under the rmendation of Li Si. I wonder if it��s just a form of referring to oneself in that world or if it��s that same official and unique way?


    My wife is a professor of literature. After so many years, I have also be pretty interested in such stuff.��


    Ren Baqian vision flickered. Was he really just curious?


    Or was he trying to make a judgement out of this?


    Speaking with someone like the old man, Ren Baqian didn��t dare to overlook anything that he said. Furthermore, what he said was rted to the paradise.


    ��It��s a form of addressing oneself and not that unique and official way,�� Ren Baqian responded after pondering for a bit.


    The old man sensed something from Ren Baqian��s words. Heughed it off before shifting to another topic.

 Chapter 715 - Wuji City (Part 2)

    Chapter 715: Wuji City (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Facing someone like him, nobody could withstand his maniption, not even Ren Baqian, the empress, or anyone in the entire imperial court other than Shi Qing.


    This was regardless of whether it was his keen political acumen, emotional quotient, or foundation of culture.


    Even though Ren Baqian was already being very careful, the old man still managed to gather quite a few details simply by chitchatting.


    The old man might not even be intentionally using such means to worm facts out him. However, he was somehow able to get some indication from Ren Baqian��s responses.


    This should be considered his instinct.


    After chatting for three hours and having a very ordinary dinner, Ren Baqian made arrangements with the old man for the next day��s meeting before leaving with Lin Qiaole and the empress.


    ��I��m hungry. Let��s eat.�� The empress spoke as soon as they left the house.


    The food at the dinner table wasn��t enough for her.


    The food had been finished in an instant.


    They woke Lin Qiaole up and went to look for food together. They went to a hotpot restaurant and finished all their food. Yang Sen��s eyes almost popped out of their sockets.


    The lodging had been arranged at a pretty good hotel, though they had no idea how it was nned. There were only two suites booked.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment and thought about whether he or the empress should share a suite with Lin Qiaole.


    ��What are you thinking about?�� The empress nced over at him while taking the elevator.


    ��I��m thinking about whether Lin Qiaole should share a room with you,�� Ren Baqian answered bluntly.


    ��No,�� she immediately declined without hesitation.


    ��That leaves you with sharing a suite with me.�� Ren Baqian looked at Lin Qiaole with disdain. If she were Xin Zhe instead�� It could be said that Xin Zhe��s figure was more worthwhile to see than Lin Qiaole��s. Furthermore, Xin Zhe wore sses!


    From any angle that one looked at her, she definitely looked better than Lin Qiaole, who only knew how to eat and sleep!


    ��You will share a suite with me!�� The empress looked at him.


    ��That sounds good!�� Ren Baqian immediately smiled.


    He was fully supportive of this idea.


    However, since it was a suite, there was a living room and a bedroom. Ren Baqian naturally assumed that it was only right for him to upy the sofa.


    It was of his own ord!


    Really!


    As both of them sat on the sofa, Ren Baqian suddenly became full of emotion. He then raised a question and asked, ��What do you wear to bed, Your Majesty?��


    The empress blushed, rolled her eyes at him, and asked, ��Do you wish to see?��


    Ever since the wedding date had been set, she seemed to be trying to get used to certain topics and wasn��t as sensitive about them anymore.


    ��Of course!�� Ren Baqian immediately nodded. Subsequently, the empress sent him flying into the wall with a kick.


    ��I would be lying if I said that I didn��t want to see. Wouldn��t you be angry with me if I said that I didn��t want to?�� Ren Baqian asked as he rubbed his nose.


    She gave some serious thought to this question and replied, ��I��d kill you.��


    ��Then why did you still kick me for wanting to see?�� He felt wronged.


    ��Kick.�� The empress gave a sinct reply.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    He would still have taken a beating in either case, right?


    ��When can you start being a little more reasonable, Your Majesty?�� hemented.


    ��Now you are saying that I��m unreasonable?�� The empress looked at him and sneered.


    Ren Baqian could feel the difference between the dating and marriage phases after hearing what she said.


    If he continued reasoning out the principles with her, he reckoned that he wouldn��t end up in a good situation.


    The discussion of this matter was a mistake from the start, and a mistake had to be corrected.


    ��It��s my fault! Everything Your Majesty said is right! Anyone who dares to defy you shall die!��


    Ren Baqian immediately gave a solemn response.


    ��What are your thoughts after meeting that man today?�� He changed the topic.


    ��Too weak!�� The empress gave this response without any hesitation.


    As with other aspects, Ren Baqian and the empress had different areas of concern.


    Naturally, their conclusions were substantially different as well.


    They watched televisionte into the night before the empress swayed her body into the bedroom. Ren Baqian leaned against the sofa and watched as the door closed. He counted the time and realized that it was about eight months away from their wedding. It was still a long time away.


    The next morning, a car came to pick up the trio after breakfast and took them to the most mysterious ce in the entire capital.


    Ren Baqian was filled with curiosity during the journey and even felt a little nervous.


    However, after they arrived at their destination, he realized that it was rather different from what he had imagined.


    There were sentry posts everywhere, which was pretty simr to what he expected.


    The scenery was rather nice as well.


    As for the other parts of the ce, just like this house, many famous ces also looked like ordinary houses on the outside.


    This ce had some historical value and could probably be opened up for the public to visit if it were located elsewhere. Other than that, there wasn��t anything special about the house that would pique the interest of others.


    The only thing truly worth caring about was the person inside.


    In a reception pavilion, Ren Baqian finally saw the old man��s sessor. He researched that man on his phone the night before and hence knew a little about him.


    He was around 10 years younger than the old man, but he had a headful of white hair.


    When both of them stood together, it was really hard to tell who was the older one and who was the younger one.


    ��We have hosted presidents and VIPs from all over the world in this ce, but this is the first time we are hosting people like you. I have to record this in the annals!�� The other party immediatelyughed.


    Ren Baqian had never really thought about this before��whether he would be recorded in Earth��s annals.


    However, even if he was, it would probably be a piece of history that nobody knew about.


    It would be like those facts and people who passed into oblivion throughout history.


    The situation was a little different from the solemn conversation that Ren Baqian had expected. After the four of them met, they simply sat down in the room and chatted. It was as if they were meeting just to get acquainted with each other.


    The other party didn��t talk about work matters since it seemed like he had plenty of that to deal with every day.


    Ren Baqian didn��t believe that they were spending time here simply to get acquainted with each other.


    After a simple lunch, they finally got down to proper business.


    ��What happened this time was negligence on our part, and it got you into some trouble. Even though you weren��t harmed, it has affected you mentally. After this incident, we will tighten our security for this matter.��


    The empress immediately voiced out and said, ��I don��t need you. I will deploy 1,000 men from the paradise and keep them here.��


    Her words were very direct because she didn��t want to beat around the bush with him. That wasn��t her style of doing things.


    She didn��t test him out, didn��t give him any leeway for a response, and simply stated what she wanted to bring across.


    If they were ordinary people, 1,000 wouldn��t seem like much.


    However, 1,000 experts would be a big concern.


    They looked attentively at the empress and back at Ren Baqian without voicing a direct objection.


    That man pondered slightly and said, ��1,000 isn��t a small number. I��m afraid it��s going to be difficult to make this arrangement. After all, they aren��t ordinary people and will easily get into trouble with the civilians.��


    ��I��m not asking!�� the empress immediately replied.


    The other partyughed. If it wasn��t a request, then it must be a notification.


    However, even though the other party was a little surprised by what the empress said, he wasn��t surprised by her attitude. After all, given her power, he would only find it weird if she spoke to him like a politician.


    Letting 1,000 of these people into the nation would probably cause huge problems.


    ��


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian and the empress finally left the pavilion.


    The other party agreed to let the empress deploy 1,000 experts to the nation.


    In fact, he found it difficult to reject as well.


    However, toward the end of the meeting, they actually ended up discussing another matter: building another city within the nation.


    Wuji City!


    Or Wuji District!


    As the name implied, one could tell the usage and purpose of this city.


    It would be the location of peak martial arts.


    Not only could it be a temporary ce to house those 1,000 experts, the nation��s current base for practicing martial arts could also be relocated there.


    This would be a city of martial arts experts that wasn��t open to the public.


    Once the practice of martial arts had expanded, this ce would be the center of all martial arts experts in the world.


    Looking at it from another angle, Ren Baqian, the empress, and those 1,000 men would then support the reputation of that ce.


    With those 1,000 men, this ce would be the goal of all the martial arts experts in the nation or even the world.


    For the future of a world that was constantly changing, the value of this city could be said to be priceless.


    At the same time, the government could also make use of this ce to house people whom they had problems dealing with.


    Ren Baqian started to suspect that they had long been considering this matter.


    However, regardless of whatever it was, it seemed like he was setting out on a task to make arrangements for the future in concert with the government.


    The rewards would be huge.


    Of course, Ren Baqian also made a few other agreements with the other party.


    They had a lot to gain as well.

 Chapter 716 - Planning

    Chapter 716: nning


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The journey to the north had ended. Ren Baqian and the empress returned to their vi in Shanghai and immediately went back to Dayao to continue on their travels there.


    21 days had passed by the time he returned to Earth again, and he received a piece of news the moment he returned. The location of Wuji City had been decided.


    Initially, there were a few options for the location of Wuji City. One was the huge steppe in the north, while the other was the teau in the west. It was easier to prevent ordinary people from entering these locations.


    However, both locations were rejected by Ren Baqian.


    At such sparsely popted locations, a random nuclear warhead experiment could obliterate the entire city.


    Even though this was highly unlikely to happen, it had to be prevented.


    Under Ren Baqian��s strong request, they set the location of Wuji City near Jiang City in the densely popted Jiangnan region.


    With its rough location decided, it would be much easier to decide its exact location in the future. However, Ren Baqian was rather surprised that they were able to set the exact location so quickly and in just 21 days.


    After all, this was a new city! Besides, it was a special city that was meant to keep ordinary people out.


    There were many factors that need to be considered, such as the traffic, the environment, the surrounding cities, the impact toward civilians, etc.


    This made Ren Baqian certain about what he had felt initially, that they had already nned for this long ago and that it wasn��t something that was decided at thest moment.


    They had even sent him the blueprint of the city.


    Ren Baqian owned a plot ofnd in the proposed site of Wuji City. It was near the city center and was roughly one square kilometer in size.


    On the blueprint, Wuji City upied more than 300 square kilometers ofnd, it could amodate thousands of people, and it was intended to be the smallest super-city of the future.


    He could infer from this that the value of this one square kilometer ofnd would reach a monstrous amount in the future.


    Even though one square kilometer ofnd didn��t sound like much, it had a lease tenure of 300 years. Its length and width were exactly 1,000 meters, equivalent to 140 standard football fields. It was up to him to build mansions, skyscrapers, apartments, or shopping malls on this plot ofnd.


    There were alsorge amounts of infrastructure, such as roads, schools, parks, and hospitals in the 300 square kilometers ofnd allocated for Wuji City.


    Aside from this, there was also something special about Wuji City. There would be walls surrounding the entire city.


    The purpose of having walls in ancient times was to resist wild animal attacks and enemy invasions. Such asions were far and few between in modern peacetime society.


    However, for the ease of management and also to keep the ordinary people away, Wuji City was designed to be surrounded by city walls.


    There would be 20 meter tall walls surrounding all of Wuji City, isting the city from the outside world.


    Ren Baqian looked at the blueprint for more than two days before eventually choosing a plot ofnd and returning it to them.


    He reckoned that with the nation��s abilities, it would take at least three years for them to build this city from scratch andplete the majority of the facilities.


    This would trante to about a year in Dayao.


    Plus, it would fall just after his wedding with the empress.


    However, before the construction process began, he probably ought to start doing something with his plot ofnd.


    ording to his idea, he would use a portion of thend to build a mansion and another portion to build a martial arts center. The remainingnd would be used to build amercial and residential mixed-use project.


    When he called for Ren Wannian and Ding Jie, they felt likeughing out loud the moment they saw him.


    There were scratch marks all over Ren Baqian��s face.


    They weren��t sure if he was scratched by thedy who looked like a goddess, and they couldn��t figure out why she would scratch him.


    Only Ren Baqian knew that it was the bichi that had scratched him when he arrived.


    That bastard seemed to bear a grudge against him and scratched him the moment it saw him.


    He was simply trying to determine its gender!


    Sooner orter, Ren Baqian would find an opportunity to sort it out.


    He first asked them about their current situation. Ding Jie was already in his third year of university and had already grown pretty lofty. He had experienced more things over thest three years than in all his previous yearsbined. He had grown a lot more mature, capable, and experienced in the way he spoke and did things.


    It was the same for Ren Wannian.


    Ren Baqian projected a blueprint on the wall.


    ��Take a look at this blueprint!��


    ��What��s this? Boss, are you going into real estate? Which city is this?�� Ding Jie looked carefully at the blueprint on the wall and managed to derive some information. During these past few years, apart from his own academic discipline, he had also studied many other things.


    After all, unlike other students, he knew what the future would bring.


    Learning about more things was definitely beneficial for him as this would allow the boss to be more impressed with him.


    ��This is the blueprint of a new city,�� Ren Baqian exined unhurriedly as he sat on the sofa with a cup of tea.


    ��Both of you have practiced the [Ninth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation] and naturally know about the benefits of this style of martial arts.��


    The duo looked at each other and nodded.


    ��There will be changes in the future. A new branch will diverge for the future of mankind and new options will be avable. Not only will we be pursuing technological advancement, but there will also be a pursuit toward self-evolution and strengthening. The [Ninth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation] will be the first step!��


    The duo was shocked.


    New options for the future of mankind? The pursuit toward self-evolution and strengthening? This sounded pretty serious.


    ��Brother, to what limits can one reach from practicing this set of martial arts?�� Ren Wannian was puzzled.


    After practicing this set of martial arts, what he had achieved was greater strength and faster speed, so he indeed had faith in the [Ninth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation]. However, he waspletely unsure of how far this set of martial arts could take him.


    ording to his thoughts, would he at most attain the level of those people at the vi and be able to use cars as bodybuilding equipment?


    Even though this was already very shocking, it was too much of an exaggeration to talk about a new option for the future of mankind.


    ��To what limits���� Ren Baqian muttered to himself. ��It will be possible to catch bullets with bare hands. Like what you see in those superhero movies, a true expert can even smash a mountain with one fist. Even though you won��t be that strong, it will be sufficient to change the course of human development.��


    Of course, he was referring to Li Fu when he mentioned smashing a mountain with one fist.


    The pinnacle of martial arts should roughly be around Li Fu��s level.


    Both of them took a deep breath and mumbled, ��Incredible!��


    ��It��s indeed hard to believe. However, I have seen it with my own eyes, so you don��t have to be skeptical about it. I��m just telling you more about what��s in store for the future.


    Under such circumstances, making this set of martial arts public will definitely create an impact on the outlook of the entire world. The structure of the entire world will also change.��


    ��Boss, are you nning to open a martial arts center?�� Ding Jie immediately asked,


    Ren Baqian nodded and said, ��The nation is also involved. The development of this Wuji City will be an important step.


    Wuji means the pinnacle of martial arts. One can probably understand its meaning by simply hearing its name. In the future, this city shall be the hub of all the martial arts experts.��


    Ren Baqian suddenly paused at this moment. The idea of holding a martial artspetition in Wuji City struck him.


    If he could organize a martial artspetition in Wuji City every year, all the martial arts experts in the entire world would naturally gather there. This would transform his idea into reality. After all, he was the one who would eventually stand to profit.


    He could also get the nation to sponsor the event. With this, he could also make himself some money.


    Ren Baqian pushed the idea aside and continued, ��This city spans across more than 300 square kilometers ofnd. From this, one square kilometer ofnd belongs to me, and I have total control over it!��


    Ren Wannian and Ding Jie took another deep breath.


    Even though they were aware of Ren Baqian��s status and his rtionship with certain government agencies, they didn��t expect his power to actually reach such an extent.


    ording to what he said, this city would probably be the core of the nation in the future. They had actually given one square kilometer ofnd in such an important city to him?


    ��Brother, what have you done?�� Ren Wannian was startled.


    Ren Baqian had grown beyond theprehension of his own younger brother.


    ��You don��t have to worry about this. All you have to know is that I own one square kilometer of this piece ofnd. It��s now time for you guys to disy your abilities. Draw up a n regarding how we can best make use of this piece ofnd.


    My tentative idea is to build a tall building with its first three levels being the headquarters of our martial arts club. The fourth story and above can be used for other purposes while the top floor can be my personal residence.


    Apart from this, you guys can think about how to make use of the remainingnd. I need thend to have bothmercial and residential real estate and to be able to house a few thousand people.


    A hotel is a pretty good option!


    I��ll leave this to you guys. Remember to keep this confidential.


    Regardless of who it is, you mustn��t tell anyone about this,�� Ren Baqian said in a serious tone that immediately made them worried.


    Even though Ren Wannian was his brother, he still felt nervous whenever Ren Baqian spoke to him in such a tone.


    ��Boss, what about the size of the budget?�� Ding Jie asked.


    It would take a huge sum to develop one square kilometer ofnd. A few billion yuan wouldn��t necessarily be enough.


    Besides, Ren Baqian wasn��t as wealthy as those real estate developers who sold houses, so funding would be a huge problem.


    ��You don��t have to worry about that! Just focus on doing the nning!�� Ren Baqian casually replied. Once again, both of them were stunned when they heard this. There was no telling exactly how many assets he owned at the moment.


    In reality, Ren Baqian had a few hundred million yuan at present, which mainly came from the dividends of the pharmaceuticalpany.


    Even though this might seem like a lot of money, investing this amount into the project would simply be a drop in the ocean.


    However, the funds for building this project didn��t necessarily have toe from his own pocket.


    There were still banks!


    He could still take out loans!


    In any case, it definitely wouldn��t be a problem for Ren Baqian to take out a low-interest loan. Billions of yuan might seem like a lot to others, but it wasn��t thatrge of a sum for banks. If it was required, taking an evenrger loan wouldn��t be a problem either.


    As for the due date of the loan repayment, it would only be 300 yearster!


    Money could be considered as the least of his worries at the moment.


    After leaving this matter to the two of them, the only thing Ren Baqian had to do was wait for the results. Even if their ns didn��t fulfill his ideas, they would at least provide him with some food for thought.


    He then returned to Dayao and continued on his journey.


    Currently, he was about a week away from arriving at the entrance of the Sixty Thousand Mountains!

 Chapter 717 - Ya City

    Chapter 717: Ya City


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Dayao was vast, but sparsely popted.


    To what extent?


    Other than the Sixty Thousand Mountains, it was about a quarter of the size of China.


    Tianjing Basin upied one-sixth of that, which was around 400,000 square kilometers ofnd. This was equivalent to the size of two ordinary provinces, and it had a poption of around ten million.


    The remaining two million square kilometers ofnd, which was equivalent to the size of ten ordinary provinces, had a poption of less than 400,000 aboriginals.


    Out of more than ten million aboriginals, around ten million of them resided in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Only 400,000 people lived on the piece ofnd that was the size of ten provinces. This showed how sparsely popted Dayao was.


    It wasmonce to not see a vige over a period of two to three days of travel. The further it was from Lan City, the more deste it became. Other than the fearsome beasts that were living in the mountains and forests, there were also boundless pasturnds whererge groups of fork-horned cows and jumping goats were herded.


    It was a magnificent sight to see hundreds of thousands of fork-horned cows and jumping goats moving about in the fields.


    However, Ren Baqian was most troubled by the roads in this area.


    There were practically none.


    There was only a bumpy dirt road that was in much poorer condition than the roads in other areas. It would turn muddy after a rainfall, often causing the wheels of the carriages to get stuck in the mud.


    After a week of arduous travel, they finally arrived at theirst destination before entering the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    As the towering peaks in the distance grew visible, Ren Baqian and his party finally arrived at thest andrgest city outside the Sixty Thousand Mountains, Ya City. This city was the hub of interaction between the Sixty Thousand Mountains and the outside world.


    It was also known as Savage City.


    This city was a remnant of the Hao Nation��s previous dynasty. They referred to the aboriginals as barbarians, so the name also represented the uncivilized territory that was located in thend beyond.


    At present, the Hao Nation had already perished 70 years ago, but the name of this city still remained. Even the aboriginals themselves referred to this ce as Savage City most of the time.


    ��I��m Colonel Zhang Jushan of the Protectorate of the South. Greetings, Your Majesty!�� A group of 1,000 soldiers stepped forth to wee the empress. All of them were wearing leather armor and carried long des.


    However, Ren Baqian somehow felt that there was something different about them. They seemed slightly tougher and fiercer than the soldiers from other ces.


    The empress lifted the curtain and revealed herself to the soldiers outside before faintly saying, ��Let��s enter the city!��


    ��Yes!��


    After another half day of travel, they drew closer to Ya City, but what attracted Ren Baqian��s attention the most were the mountains in the distance.


    The mountain peaks were towering and looked as if they were pirs that supported the sky as they pierced through the clouds.


    By a rough estimate, there seemed to be at least a few hundred of these mountain peaks, and the view was magnificent.


    In between those peaks, there were also some winding mountain ranges that were much lower in elevation. Their boundaries stretched so far that it waspletely out of sight.


    From where Ren Baqian stood, he could see practically nothing but mountains.


    This was the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    After the party arrived at the walls of Ya City, Ren Baqian finally shifted his attention to this ce.


    The city walls were made fromrge gray rocks and looked very grave and stern. There were pieces of sharp objects, which looked like fangs of wild beasts, that lined the top of the entire wall.


    These fang-like protrusions at the top of the wall were installed in the past to prevent the aboriginals from attacking the city. There was no telling how much aboriginal and Jing Tribe blood had been spilled here.


    After entering the gates, they were greeted by rows of tall stone houses. Their doors were three meters tall and almost every house was about four meters tall. There weren��t any decorations, so they all looked very simple and unadorned.


    The aboriginalmoners that stopped by to watch were what caught Ren Baqian��s attention.


    Some wore cloth garments, some wore animal hides, some bared their skin and had a body full of tattoos, and some even wore clothes woven from straw.


    Some of them had bird feathers tied to their heads while others had animal tails draped over their shoulders. Some hung a luoweng��s horn from their necks, and many of them wore nes made out of animal fangs.


    There were many tamed beasts here as well. There were saber-toothed tigers that were entirely white, ck masters that had strong odors, giant snakes that had intertwining gold and silver patterns across their bodies, quick-witted monkeys that were roughly the same size as humans, and gigantic birds that were twice as tall as two men��


    It was diverse.


    Ren Baqian felt as if he had entered a different world.


    The one thing that everyone had inmon was the wild nature that emanated from their bodies.


    ��These people hail from different regions. People from every region have their own distinctive traits that indicate their identities. For instance, people from the ck Mountain have bird feathers on their heads. Those from the Chi Tu Peak have saber-toothed tiger tails draped over their shoulders, whereas those from the Stone Mountain have furry fox tails���� the empress exined as she looked at the people around her.


    Ren Baqian turned to her and asked, ��You have been here before, Your Majesty?��


    ��Once, when I was young,�� she replied faintly.


    ��You have an excellent memory, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian was speechless. It happened so many years ago, yet she could still remember it so clearly.


    She was undoubtedly an outstanding person.


    ��They are my people. Naturally, I have to remember.�� The empress lifted the curtain of her carriage as she spoke and stepped out to look at the people around her.


    ��It��s the little emperor!��


    ��Our little emperor has returned!��


    ��Her Majesty is back!��


    The situation suddenly became chaotic. Many people shouted that their little emperor had returned with their voices filled with joy.


    They seemed to feel very happy after seeing the empress.


    She had already been on the throne for nine years, but still remained the little emperor in the eyes of these aboriginals who lived so far from Lan City.


    ��Your Majesty, do you still remember the Moon Spring Vige on the Chi Tu Peak? You rested in our vige back then!��


    ��You had a meal there as well! You ate the golden-feathered eagle that my father hunted!�� someone immediately shouted.


    These people didn��t understand what etiquette was, but this was the simplicity of the mountains.


    Even though it was rather rowdy, the empress felt inner peace and tranquillity.


    ��Stop shouting! What are you doing shouting all over the ce in front of Her Majesty?�� The high-ranking official who greeted her earlier reprimanded themoners.


    ��It��s fine!�� The empress waved her hand, nced across the people around her, and said, ��I have returned to enter the mountains and to see if you��ve been living well.��


    ��We are fine, but salt is too expensive! There��s also nobody buying animal hides anymore!�� someone immediately yelled out.


    ��This is all temporary. The north is still at war now. Once we win, we will haverge amounts of saltpans, and the price of salt will fall. Keep your animal hides for the moment because there will be buyers in time toe.�� The empress looked undisturbed as she answered the people.


    ��That��s great! Let us know if you have a shortage of people and need more to fight in the war! My child was one step toote and didn��t manage to be a soldier back then!��


    ��Definitely!�� The empress smiled.


    ��Little emperor, are you getting married soon?�� An unknown voice suddenly shouted this question.


    The empress smiled and nodded, saying, ��Yes, there will soon be people delivering news about my wedding to you.��


    Ren Baqian stepped out of the carriage, cupped his hands toward the people around him, and said, ��Greetings, everyone.��

 Chapter 718 - Cross-eared Flower

    Chapter 718: Cross-eared Flower


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Boo!��


    Ren Baqian heard a series of jeers the moment he stepped out of the carriage. It suddenly made him feel as if he was in Deyunshe[1.Deyunshe: formally Beijing Deyunshe Culture Communication Company Ltd, a Chinese xiangsheng organization and folk art performance group based in Beijing] instead of Ya City.


    Ren Baqian��s body was already considered extremely robustpared to an ordinary person��s, but the aboriginals still felt that he looked pretty scrawny.


    ording to an aboriginal��s concept of aesthetics, his appearance was too feminine. Itcked that ferocity and, to put it inly, looked like a gigolo.


    Although there wasn��t a word like this in their vocabry, the meaning was pretty simr.


    Being judged like this, Ren Baqian felt pretty innocent. His appearance and physique were already considered to be that of a hunk on Earth. However, the aboriginals still looked at him as a gigolo, which could only be considered as a form of racial restriction.


    He and the empress showed their presence in the city and entered the general��s residence.


    Even though there were no generals in this city, there was a general��s residence that had at least a few hundred years of history. It had the same style as the city and was entirely built out of stone. It didn��t seem to have changed much even after a few hundred years of wind and frost.


    The only thing itcked was housekeeping. Even though it had already been tidied up once before the empress arrived, it still appeared a little old-fashioned.


    The group stayed in Ya City for three days.


    Ren Baqian first took a trip back to Earth and brought crocodile meat back as a gift.


    The crocodile corpse that was sent to the Messier 87 department had finally managed to generate results after various testing, one of which was therge amount of energy that the crocodile meat contained. It could also strengthen one��s bones and muscles, and this was extremely helpful for martial arts practitioners. Naturally, mentioning this was unnecessary since it was a beast at the Earth Wheel level after all.


    It promoted longevity as well. Even though it wasn��t as powerful as elixirs like the Jade Embryo, which was able to increase one��s lifespan by 20 years and maintain one��s youthful appearance, its effects were extremely strong as well. It was already considered a rare treasure in the eyes of the people on Earth.


    The crocodile��s liver could also aid in producing new blood, something that was very important for older practitioners.


    The crocodile��s heart could be used to strengthen the heart, calm the nerves, and cure some heart rted diseases as well.


    The crocodile��s tail worked best for longevity. It could supplement one��s vital energy and reduce the aging of cells.


    ording to spection, if an ordinary person consumed an entire crocodile, their lifespan could be increased by at least ten years.


    This showed how precious this gigantic Earth Wheel level crocodile was.


    The only downside was its effects on Earth Wheel experts that had lifespans which far exceeded ordinary people. For experts at this level, the crocodile could only providerge amounts of energy to satisfy their hunger and wouldn��t have any other pronounced effects.


    Ren Baqian had managed to obtain a piece ofnd within Wuji City that was in the midst of nning and hence decided to do a favor for those elders in the capital city by gifting parts of a crocodile to them.


    Apart from all these benefits, the crocodile��s kidneys had amazing effects in nourishing one��s kidney, and its penis had superb libido boosting properties. He wanted to keep these parts for himself and nned to grill the kidneys and infuse the penis in wine.


    Returning from Earth, Ren Baqian took a good walk around Ya City.


    In reality, this city was quite huge. After all, it was thergest city situated just outside the Sixty Thousand Mountains and could amodate 100,000 people.


    However, after merchants started leaving this city, it had be more quiet. Only a few thousand people lived here.


    As such, the city grew to be a little cold and cheerless.


    In spite of that, it was still an eye-opening experience for Ren Baqian as he walked around for three days.


    There were all sorts of rare herbs, beasts, animal hides, and ores, all of which could bemonly seen in stalls all over the city.


    Unfortunately, after those merchants left, there were only a very small number of aboriginal caravans that currently remained to gather those herbs.


    For instance, the empress��s caravan, the people of the clinic, and the people of a store that Ren Baqian had opened called the Thirty Percent Hall.


    It was needless to mention the clinic and the empress��s merchant caravan since their main purpose for gathering herbs was to supply the pce and Ren Baqian��s training use.


    The Thirty Percent Hall gathered herbs and provided them to the protectorates.


    The meaning behind the name of this store was that Ren Baqian purchased his goods at 30 percent of his selling price.


    One must know that in this world wheremunication was under-developed and transportation was challenging, merchants only purchased their goods at ten percent of their selling price.


    Even on Earth, the majority of the merchants would only purchase their goods at ten to 20 percent of their selling price.


    By paying the people 30 percent, it could be said that he was giving back to themoners.


    As such, even though the Thirty Percent Hall in Ya City had only been established for two months, it enjoyed a great reputation and was highlyplimented by everyone.


    Other than these rare goods, Ren Baqian saw a lot of weird objects in the city as well.


    For instance, there was a flower called the Fruit Man Flower that was shaped like a lifelike naked man.


    It was said that consuming this thing was beneficial for boosting one��s libido. Ren Baqian felt very skeptical after hearing this, but ended up buying a sack of them and got someone to load it up in the carriage.


    ��Hmm, what��s this?�� After walking a short distance away, Ren Baqian saw another pot of flowers on disy. There were two blue flowers that looked like Earth��s mandarin ducks with their necks intertwined with each other.


    ��Cross-eared Flower! We use these as gifts for lovers!�� The man who was setting up the store lifted his head and nced at Ren Baqian because he knew who Ren Baqian was.


    ��Are you the empress��s husband? Thin and weak��you seem like him!��


    Ren Baqianughed and asked, ��How much is this pot of flowers?��


    ��I��ll give it to you! It��s just a pot of flowers!�� the man replied generously.


    Ren Baqian then cupped his fists and said, ��Thank you very much!��


    The man waved his hand and replied, ��Just make the empress happier!��


    As Ren Baqian carried the pot of flowers and returned home, he saw a few students strolling around in the city. They immediately approached him when they saw him carrying the flowers and inquisitively asked, ��Teacher, what��s that?��


    ��One who envies the mandarin ducks doesn��t envy the deities! This is the Mandarin Duck Flower!�� Ren Baqian immediately changed its name.


    The flower immediately felt more elegant after changing its name!


    ��What��s a mandarin duck and what��s a deity?�� the students questioned again.


    He wasn��t in the mood to exin to them, so he waved his hand to drive them away and hastily returned to the general��s residence in a good mood.


    The empress was settling official matters via the radio. Ren Baqian waited for a while for her to finish her work. She immediately smiled when she saw the thing that he was carrying and asked, ��What other good stuff have you seen?��


    ��Dang, dang, dang! Do you recognize this?�� He walked in a circle and ced the flowers on the table as if he were presenting a treasure.


    ��Cross-eared Flowers?�� The empress smiled again.


    ��You actually know what these are!�� Ren Baqian was rather surprised.


    ��I also found this flower strange the first time I came here, so I asked about them. However, at that point in time, I didn��t understand some of the things that they said. Now, it��s slightly clearer to me.�� As the empress pursed her lips, her gaze was rather charming.


    Ren Baqian stepped forward and held her face in his hands. He gave her a serious look, gently knocked on her head, and smiled.


    The empress didn��t understand what love was back then.


    She understood it now.


    ��Get ready! We are setting off tomorrow,�� the empress said. ��You shall experience the ethos of the mountains!��


    ��You seem to love this ce, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqianughed. Judging from her expression ever since she arrived in Ya City, he somehow sensed that she felt exceptionally different about this ce.


    At the very least, her actions and words on the day of their arrival was something that he had nevere across in Lan City and the other cities along their journey.


    ��When I was young, I always felt that this was the most interesting ce in the entire world. There were so many strange things here, and there were always new discoveries every day. At that time, I thought to myself how great it would be if I could live here forever!�� The empress reminisced.


    ��However, the civilians here don��t really have good living conditions.


    The aboriginals seem very strong to others because they have to fight against beasts for survival and have gradually tempered themselves over hundreds and thousands of years.


    Even so, they still lead a pretty tough life here in the mountains.


    Back when the first emperor led his troops in rebellion, even though it was out of revenge, he still spared a thought for themoners and helped them fight for a piece ofnd.


    Unfortunately, the majority of themoners here refuse to leave and abandon the ce where they have lived for generations. Even though 70 years have passed, most of them still live here in the mountains.


    When I visited this ce back then, I had already noticed how difficult their lives were. Even though I was still young, I still remember all of this.


    After I ascended the throne, I nned to make their lives easier. Sadly, not much has been done for them even after so many years.


    I have felt guilty all this time!�� the empress said slowly as she reminisced. She rarely told anyone about her true feelings.


    She had kept many things to herself and worked hard to strive for them. However, she was confined by the limitations of the era and didn��t have the ability to fulfill her ns for many things.


    For someone who was always reserved to say such words, Ren Baqian felt extremely sorry for her and couldn��t help but walk forward to give her a hug.

 Chapter 719 - Forest Pillar Barriers

    Chapter 719: Forest Pir Barriers


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day, everyone set off to continue the journey once more, but they left the empress��s carriage and all the other carriages in Ya City.


    Their fork-horned cows stayed in Ya City as well.


    Other than the empress, who was riding on Qi Shui the kirin, the others were all riding on jumping goats.


    Many of the goats hadrge sacks tied across their bodies.


    In fact, these sacks were made from the stomachs of beasts. They were extremely tough and expandable. They were merely the size of a fist when shrunken and could contain a few people when expanded.


    Ren Baqian had seen these sacks before in Lan City, but they were very few in quantity.


    Sacks such as these had always been very weed by merchants. Now that all the merchants had already returned to their own nations, these sacks had grown in numbers in the markets of Lan City, and there were over 300 of them. Ren Baqian bought all of them for the winged cavalry to use to carry their supplies.


    It took them half a day to travel from Ya City to the entrance of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The hundreds of towering mountain peaks that they previously saw had finally been revealed in their entirety. These mountains stood erect like pirs and seemingly had no incline. They also looked as if they were nted into the ground.


    The mountains were entirely covered with trees and vegetation that grew from rock crevices. Birds flew and soared around the mountain peaks in circles, and the people could asionally hear the cries of apes from above.


    The ovepping mountain ranges that they previously saw between the mountain peaks were all located right behind.


    The mountain peaks stood in great numbers outside the Sixty Thousand Mountains and formed a circle around it, acting like a barrieryer.


    Ren Baqian had previously asked around in the city and learned that there were a total of 108 mountain peaks. They were known as the Forest Pir Barriers.


    He felt that this number was very meaningful.


    The number 108 represented many things in China.


    In Chinese culture, 108 represented perfection and many buildings were constructed around this number.


    For instance, the lowest level of the Temple of Heaven[1.Temple of Heaven: Imperialplex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing] had 108 pieces of gstone and the Qi Nian Dian[2.Qi Nian Dian: a structure in the Temple of Heaven] had 108 stone barriers on every level.


    In Buddhism, the number 108 represented the 108 different types of worries, which were known as the 108 worries.


    In Daoism, this number represented the Big Dipper and the evil stars.


    The 108 heroes in the Water Margin[1.Water Margin: one of the four ssic novels in Chinese Literature], who opposed the evil of Heaven and Earth, were one of the most famous references to this number.


    Coincidentally, there were 108 Forest Pir Barriers here as well.


    Ren Baqian found it hard to believe that these Forest Pir Barriers weren��t man-made. Otherwise, why were there exactly 108 mountain peaks? Why wasn��t it 107 or 118?


    However, how could these peaks that towered above the clouds be man-made?


    If anybody could create these, they had to be the gods in Heaven.


    If these peaks were the creation of nature, they must be the work of the gods and were extremely remarkable.


    Besides, there was also another strange thing about these Forest Pir Barriers.


    The Forest Pir Barriers upied an enormous amount ofnd that was at least several thousand mu. The entire ce was a jungle that was rich in flora and fauna. It was also situated quite close to the outside world and was a reasonably good ce for a mountain vige.


    On the contrary, there wasn��t a single vige among these Forest Pir Barriers.


    Reportedly, there used to be a vige that moved here, but it was destroyed after just three years due to various reasons. There were all sorts of cmities and thest group of people either fled or died. Since then, nobody dared to set up a vige here.


    This bizarre number and these rumors made Ren Baqian extremely curious, but he also revered the Forest Pir Barriers.


    Surrounding the Forest Pir Barriers was dense vegetation. There were trees that grew over ten meters tall and shrubs that covered the entire area. They couldn��t see anything more than five meters away.


    The only paths in the jungle were narrow trails.


    The vegetation here grew rapidly. A newly created trail would be covered in vegetation again after just a few days. Paths would only be gradually formed in ces where people frequently walked through.


    By the look of it, nts also knew how to reap benefits and avoid harm.


    If the branches and leaves in a particr area were chopped down repeatedly, they wouldn��t grow there anymore after some time.


    A party of people took a rest outside the jungle. Ren Baqian asionally tried to touch Qi Shui��s belly. It disliked this wretched act of his and immediatelyid down on its belly whenever it saw him.


    Yeah, he wouldn��t be able to touch it that way��


    Qi Shui was indeed good-tempered.


    If it were a cat, it would definitely have scratched him.


    After the break, the party went straight into the jungle and drew close to one of the peaks after a short while. Ren Baqian intentionally called out to the empress and leaped on a tree branch in an attempt to have a look at the peak.


    He identally stepped on a snake��s tail, and it immediately bit him!


    At that moment, Ren Baqian had a wretched look on his face. It was as if he were having sex with an animal.


    He flung that snake away, turned around with a helpless look on his face, and asked, ��What should I do? I got bitten by a snake.��


    ��Sir Ren, it��s a kingsnake��it��s not poisonous.�� The winged cavalry warriors that followed him burst out inughter.


    ��Its name sounds pretty impressive!�� Ren Baqian smacked his lips and felt at ease after hearing that the snake wasn��t poisonous.


    ��This species of snake preys on other snakes, no matter how poisonous they are. Snakes are their main source of food, which is why they are called kingsnakes.�� One of the winged cavalry warriorsughed.


    ��Do you want to have a look at the peak, Sir Ren? I��ll go pave the way for you.�� Another winged cavalry warrior drew his de and leaped toward the branch ahead. Streaks of light reflected off the face of the de in midair, and the branch immediately fell to the ground.


    Somehow, the branch wiggled in midair.


    ��This is a leaf-nosed snake, and it��s pretty poisonous. If bitten, you will have to immediately look for eagle ferns to detoxify. Otherwise, the wound will swell to the size of a balloon.�� Another one of the winged cavalry warriors voiced out.


    Ren Baqian nodded. It seemed that there were quite a number of poisonous snakes in this forest, and he felt that he should probably behave himself and follow the winged cavalry.


    Leaping around the forest along the path that the winged cavalry created, they arrived in front of a mountain peak 30 minutester, allowing Ren Baqian to take a close look at it.


    This pir mountain was mainlyposed of a type of gray rock. It had a very slight inclination with a rugged and undting surface. From afar, it looked just like a straight pir that towered into the sky.


    The interesting thing was that there was an oval-shaped terrace at the bottom of the pir that wasposed of the exact same material as the pir. There were all sorts of nts that grew on top of it.


    ��The Forest Pir Barriers are also known as the Forest Sword Barriers for this reason. The t terrace at the foot of the pir resembles the guard of a sword, and every pir mountain has it,�� one of the winged cavalry warriors exined to Ren Baqian.


    ��The aboriginals don��t use swords, right? How did this namee about?�� Ren Baqian asked. The more the winged cavalry shared about the peaks, the greater his interest grew.


    ��Indeed, we don��t use swords. This name was said to have been passed down a long time ago. There used to be people from various tribes who came to the Sixty Thousand Mountains to gather herbs. This name could have been passed down since then,�� surmised that winged cavalry warrior.


    ��Nobody elsees here nowadays?��


    ��There still are, but they have all been killed. We aboriginals ignored them back then, and they poisoned the salt mountains. If the nativese across outsiders now, all the viges will send experts to kill them!�� that winged cavalry warrior exined with resentment.


    This happened before the revolt of thete emperor. The Hao Nation��s emperor ordered people to poison the salt mountains, which killed many aboriginals from various viges. The majority of those viges died from this, and in their rage, the aboriginals eventually overthrew the Hao Nation.


    This was a typical case of reaping what you sow.


    Ren Baqian waved his hand and caused a golden spear to appear. He held it with one hand and swung it across the pir. He was eager to see whether this pir mountain contained any secrets within.


    ��Sir Ren, you can��t touch the pir!�� The two winged cavalry warriors were shocked by his actions and hurriedly stopped him.


    ��Sir, mishaps will happen if you touch the rock of this pir!�� one of them immediately said.


    ��What god is this?��


    ��It��s very powerful! In the past, someone took away part of the rock and died not long after. He even implicated his entire vige, and hundreds of people died within half a year. Many people were frightened. Afterward, someone found that piece of rock and brought it back, and the remaining people managed toe out unscathed,�� one of the winged cavalry warriors promptly exined. He was so worried that he was perspiring all over.


    One could tell from his expression that he had received a shock. Even though the aboriginals were boorish, they still strongly revered certain matters. This was especially so in the Sixty Thousand Mountains as their ancestors had lived here and they knew of many things that mustn��t be messed with.


    Ren Baqian was also shocked by his reaction. If it truly was this untouchable, then there would be more strange things in this world than it first seemed.


    Things such as the bichi.


    Things such as this pir mountain in front of him.


    He immediately retracted the spear, cupped his hands toward the pir, and said, ��If I have offended you, please pardon my ignorance as it��s my first time here!��


    After cupping his hands, Ren Baqian felt a gust of air above his head and immediately stepped back.


    A rock that was half the size of a man fell from the peak of the mountain and smashed against the ground.


    ��We are done for! The pir is enraged!�� The two winged cavalry warriors turned pale. It seemed like this pir indeed held a strong ce in their hearts.


    Looking helpless, Ren Baqian said, ��It made the first move�� This doesn��t concern me, right?��


    The winged cavalry warriors quickly responded, ��It��s best that we return and inform the empress.��


    Ren Baqian felt apprehensive after seeing their reaction. He stopped exploring the pir and followed them back to see the empress.


    What the trio didn��t see was that somewhere on the peak of the mountain, a red fox with wings was touching its chest.


    It was climbing up the pir when that piece of rock suddenly fell, giving it a shock as well.


    The trio returned to the empress and exined the situation.


    She immediately frowned when she heard the news. She pondered for a moment and said, ��You should probably be fine since you didn��t bring that rock back with you. For safety purposes, I wille with you to take a look. Someone hunt some animals as an offering for the pir.��


    Some timeter, the people brought along an eagle, a ck master, and an ape to the pir.


    The empress ordered them to offer the prey. After speaking to the winged cavalry, she said a few sincere words to the pir and left after seeing that nothing was happening.


    After this incident, Ren Baqian dropped the idea of going sightseeing and followed the empress wherever she went.


    Fortunately, nothing happened to them for the rest of the day, and everyone eventually put their worried minds at ease.


    During this journey, everyone had already been faced with many twists and turns because of the bichi. Problems like a broken carriage axle weren��t a big problem, but mishaps did happen quite frequently. Thankfully, everyone was strong, so there hadn��t been any major problems yet. However, there were still a few winged cavalry warriors who were recuperating at the moment due to injuries.


    At present, the party had arrived at their first rest stop, a in vige atop Mount Pingliang.


    At this moment, the bichi arched its body and bared its teeth as it stared at a golden-feathered eagle that was flying in circles above it.


    Over the past two days, this eagle had appeared whenever they were at high altitudes. The bichi was unable to put up with it any further and wished that it could kill and eat it.


    Even though the bichi had wings, it couldn��t fly. It was feeling rather helpless after being harassed by the eagle for multiple days.


    As such, it simply waited there for the eagle to descend so that it could pounce over and bite its neck.

 Chapter 720 - Crow General (Part 1)

    Chapter 720: Crow General (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The bichi arched its body and stared at the golden-feathered eagle as it simply flew in circles up above and asionally let out a distinct cry.


    The golden-feathered eagle wasn��t considered one of the top predators in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Even though eagles like this only had a wingspan of around eight meters, its metallic talons were able to rip apart a ck master of equivalent strength. To an ordinary aboriginal, the golden-feathered eagle was considered a very dangerous entity�� However, as there were too many ferocious beasts in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, there were many predators in the sky that were even stronger than these eagles.


    Besides, the eagle��s meat had a rather delicate taste.


    It would easily fall prey to other beasts if it wasn��t cautious.


    As such, golden-feathered eagled were normally very cautious and only preyed on weaker beasts in the forest like the ba beasts that always moved around in groups.


    There was no telling why, but this eagle had currently set its sights on the bichi. Even though the eagle knew that the little fellow wasn��t easy to deal with, it was still unwilling to leave.


    After some time, the bichi looked away and suddenly leaped to another tree without even looking back. It moved around from tree to tree, asionally revealing its back to the golden-feathered eagle.


    The eagle couldn��t stand it any longer and swooped down from the sky.


    It could reach speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour while diving to catch its prey, but it was still too slowpared to the bichi.


    This was especially the case when taking action in front of the speed devil.


    At the instant when the eagle almost caught the bichi, the bichi suddenly vanished from the tree branch. The eagle��s enormous body and talons immediately broke the branch that was as thick as a fist before crashing straight toward the dense forest below.


    The bichi transformed into a streak of red light and scurried over to another tree. Using its momentum, it leaped back, stretching its ws at the eagle��s neck.


    In the blink of an eye, the eagle��s neck was torn in half and fresh blood began spurting out, releasing an alluring smell of blood into the forest.


    The golden-feathered eagle intended to stake it all while it was falling to the ground and wanted to rip the bichi apart with its metallic talons, but this all came to naught.


    The eagle struggled as it fell, breaking a few branches along the way.


    It was almost dead when itnded on the ground.


    The bichi jumped on its body and bounced off it. It shook its tail lightly and looked extremely pleased with itself.


    However, not long after, its eyes opened wide as all of its fur stood on end.


    Several meters away, a ck animal was staring at it with a cold and cruel gaze.


    It was arge bird that stood four meters tall.


    The ck feathers on its body gave off a metallic sheen.


    A look of ridicule was emitted from its eyes.


    The bichi was shocked by this frightening beast that it hadn��t noticed before.


    However, this was just a slight scare.


    The bichi jumped off the golden-feathered eagle��s body and took a few steps toward that beast in an attempt to try it out. It then bounced around and jumped from side to side, periodically shifting its attention between that ck beast and the surroundings.


    That strange ck bird simply stood there and watched the bouncing bichi with eyes of ridicule.


    The bichi felt that this was bing a bit meaningless, so it leaped around ten meters away from that bird, raised up its head, and looked at it. It felt pretty ufortable doing this and jumped up on a tree branch. The bichi then looked down at that bird and finally felt content.


    <em>Bark! </em>The bichi cried out.


    Its voice conveyed a sense of provocation.


    The ck bird started moving after that.


    Its movements were like streaks of ck lightning.


    It mmed straight into the tree beneath the bichi.


    <em>Boom! </em>The tree immediately snapped in half and flew away.


    Even though the bichi managed to jump off in time, it was shocked by this bird��s frightening speed!


    It was fast!


    Very fast!


    This was the first time the bichi had encountered a living thing other than itself that was able to move so swiftly!


    The ck bird dashed toward the tree that the bichi was standing on. It waved its wings like metallic des and chopped down the tree.


    This was how these two beasts started fighting in the forest.


    The bichi ran while the ck bird chased and cleared out a path in the forest like a bulldozer.


    Trunks after trunk, the gigantic trees fell with loud rumbles.


    Soon after, the bichi started cursing.


    How could this fellow be so fast? Wasn��t it tired yet? The ck bird chased the bichi so closely, that it couldn��t seem to lose it no matter how fast it moved or where it hid. That bird was like a maggot stuck to its body that followed it wherever it went.


    It didn��t even have time to catch its breath!


    ��


    Shang Ping Vige atop Mount Ping Liang.


    When the empress and her party arrived, the entire vige naturally came out to greet and wee them.


    However, the empress noticed that many of them had wounds on their bodies.


    Ren Baqian nced across and saw that there were roughly 600 people. The men were wearing shorts made of animal hide, whereas thedies were wearing shorts and tube tops. There were only a few elders who were clothed in fabric.


    Many of them had wounds on their bodies.


    There were at least 20 of them that sported different wounds.


    These 20 peopleprised of both men and women. However, the one simrity they shared was that they were all at the Kismet Heaven level, which was equivalent to the Earth Wheel level.


    The other Four-way Heaven vigers were mostly fine.


    ��Shang Ping Vige wees Your Majesty��s arrival. This is your first time visiting our vige in over ten years and we hope that you will forgive us for our bted wee!�� A few elders dressed in fabric came forward and spoke to the empress. Even though they looked peaceful on the outside, she could sense that they were worried.


    ��What happened?�� the empress asked as she raised her eyebrows. Even though this Shang Ping Vige was merely a small vige, it was located pretty close to the Forest Pir Barriers and Ya City. It was a ce where the aboriginals would pass by whenever they went into the mountains, and as such, its condition had always been pretty well maintained. Many of the weaker vigers had even given up the tradition of being hunters and became middlemen instead.


    They worked as guides who earned a small fee by bringing aboriginals who came out of the mountains to Ya City. In Ya City, they could sell herbs and ores as well as buy salt and metals.


    Since this vige was located outside the mountains, it had always been very peaceful without the disturbance of ferocious beasts.


    However, they seemed to have faced problemstely, especially the Kismet Heaven experts who were wounded. If remembering correctly, Shang Ping Vige very rarely fought with people. After taking in some people from other viges, there were at least 60 Kismet Heaven experts in the vige.


    Currently, there were only about 20 of them who showed themselves. What had happened to the rest of them?


    ��You must be tired from the journey, Your Majesty. Please rest in our vige!�� The few elders ignored her question and invited the empress into the vige.


    Shang Ping Vige was a small vige, but they had quite a number of houses that were built out of stone. Many of them were vacant and were used to house traveling aboriginals, giving them a ce to rest.


    Furthermore, this housing was all free-of-charge.


    Due to this hospitality and its strategic location, Shang Ping Vige had a good reputation among the other viges.


    Ren Baqian smelled the lingering scent of blood the moment he stepped into the vige.


    Following this scent, he saw about eight corpses that were ced to the side and covered with straw.


    The empress asked, ��What exactly happened? I wish to know.��


    A few of the vigers pondered for a moment before answering, ��We didn��t want to impose on Your Majesty. A few months ago, an extremely strong crow general appeared out of nowhere and imed the territory nearby. We tried to chase it away initially, but many of our people ended up getting hurt. Now, whenever we go out to hunt, it will often attack us. If this goes on, we are afraid that we won��t be able to stay here any longer!��


    The empress raised her eyebrows and asked, ��A crow general at the Cardinal Heaven level?��


    ��Yes! It must be at the Cardinal Heaven level! During this period, there were exactly 31 of our vigers who were either wounded or killed by it!�� The elders nodded.


    Ren Baqian pensively looked at the empress and asked, ��Your Majesty, there aren��t many crow generals that are this powerful, right?��


    ��Very rarely heard of!�� Gong Zheng, themander of the winged cavalry, answered in a deep voice.


    Ren Baqian nodded. He saw a Cardinal Heaven level crow generalst year in Tianjing Basin that was one of the Six Door��s three strongest creatures. All of the people and other creatures were killed during thest battle, except for that crow general. It was the only one that got away!


    Could this be the same one?


    After all, such ferocious beasts normally had their own territory and wouldn��t easily move to an unfamiliar ce.


    Furthermore, Shang Ping Vige was located at the outskirts of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. There should be no reason for it to appear at such a ce.


    This was especially the case for a crow general because it was a very rare creature to begin with.


    It would still make sense if this was the same one that had appeared in Tianjing Basin, although he wasn��t sure how it ended up here all the way from Tianjing Basin.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian felt a fire burning within himself.


    He had highly coveted that crow general. Not only was it extremely strong and powerful, but its entire body was so tough that it was as if it was made out of metal. Most importantly, it could be used as a mount.


    Back then, he remembered seeing the mangshan riding on it and escaping with a monkey.


    It would be great if the empress could subdue this crow general! Even though it wasn��t as awe-inspiring as Qi Shui the kirin, it would still be a top-notch mount.


    One important thing was that they had obtained the records of this crow general back when the manuals of the Six Doors were handed over.


    Even though these records were currently at the school, Ren Baqian couldmunicate with people over the radio at anytime and could get someone to read the records to him.

 Chapter 721 - Crow General (Part 2)

    Chapter 721: Crow General (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian thought that the empress would immediately send someone to find the crow general, but she didn��t.


    Instead, the winged cavalry warriors were separately deployed outside as Ren Baqian and the empress rested in the biggest house in the vige. The environment was very crude, but there was nothing toin about.


    The empress wouldn��t normally neglect herself, but she wouldn��t nitpick when it concerned the good intentions of her people. She rested there for the night.


    The next day, the empress brought Ren Baqian, Gong Zheng, and some old vigers to the rear of the vige where stones were densely piled together.


    Seeing their shapes, Ren Baqian immediately guessed that these were tombs.


    The vige had only a few hundred people, but there were thousands of stone piles.


    Some of the piles were slightly bigger,prising of about ten percent. They were scattered among the tombs.


    Most of the stone piles were basically made by stacking up a dozen fist-sized stones together.


    First, someone brought over a basin of water.


    Then, the empress said solemnly in front of the graves, ��I��m the monarch of Dayao and the monarch of the aboriginals. I have a question for you today. Will the souls of our ancestors bless Dayao?��


    There was no ceremony, and the empress simply stood there to ask a question.


    Following these words, a gust of wind arrived.


    An old viger put a twig in the basin, and it stood firmly in the water as if it had taken root.


    The empress step forward, cupped her fists, and said, ��Well, thank you! As long as I��m the monarch, I will seek a better life for my people. Please bless Dayao and the aboriginals.��


    Gong Zheng and the old vigers also stepped forward and cupped their fists in appreciation.


    Seeing their actions, Ren Baqian also did likewise.


    Everyone then turned to leave.


    There was no offering of three animals or other sacrifices.


    There was simply a question asked, a twig taking root, and an answer given.


    After returning to the vige, Ren Baqian inquired, ��Your Majesty, what happened just now?��


    ��I haven��t been here before, so I have to pay my respects since I��m here now!�� the empress said casually.


    ��Are those souls still around?�� Ren Baqian asked softly.


    The empress gave him a strange look and countered, ��Why do you ask? Didn��t they reply?��


    ��It��s a bit hard to believe!�� Ren Baqian thought about the twig standing firmly in the water and felt that this was rather incredible.


    Although he knew that this world possessed many mysteries and had heard from many aboriginals that the souls of the soldiers who died in battle would follow their skulls to the Sixty Thousand Mountains to bless and protect the aboriginals, he was still amazed by what he saw.


    ��Is there a need to offer sacrifices to the souls?�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Of course! Gong Zheng and three of the vige elders will send some freshly killed animals.�� The empress nodded.


    ��It feels a little strange��people usually offer the sacrifice first when seeking a blessing, but with Your Majesty, this is reversed. You send the offerings after you have received the answer.�� Ren Baqian felt likeughing and asked, ��If they didn��t agree, would you go and tear down their houses?��


    ��How could that be? I��m not an imbecile country wrecker, so how can they refuse? Isn��t it natural for the ancestors to bless and protect their descendants?�� The empress felt that it was Ren Baqian��s thinking that was strange.


    ��Send the blood-offeringster. Even if I were to offer it personally, they aren��t fit to ept it!�� the empress dered.


    ��Aren��t the descendants expected to offer sacrifices to their ancestors? Why would it be inappropriate?�� Ren Baqian retorted.


    ��These are the words of thete emperor! He must have his reasons for saying this!�� the empress rebutted.


    Thete emperor that she mentioned was Dayao��s first emperor, not her father.


    As Ren Baqian turned to look at the mountain behind them, a thought shed into his mind. Would the soul of the empress remain here after a few centuries? What about himself?


    This matter was worthy of further consideration.


    When he arrived at this thought, he posed the question.


    The empress stopped in her tracks, pondered, and said with an unhappy look, ��You are married to me, so you are an aboriginal. If they do not ept you, I will beat them up until they agree!��


    There was nothing that couldn��t be resolved by thrashing them.


    If there were such a case, then thrash them once more.


    When they returned to the vige, someone whispered to Gong Zheng who then reported to the empress.


    At this point, Ren Baqian realized that although she didn��t say anything, she had arranged for the winged cavalry warriors to look for the crow general. The results were quickly ryed back.


    A few dozen miles away, there was a vast expanse of damaged trees. The crow general had gone berserk and wrecked the forest, creating a circr clearing over there.


    Someone spected that the giant bird was chasing after something.


    However, it was known for its speed and there were very few things in this world that a Cardinal Heaven level crow general couldn��t catch. After knowing its general location, the empress personally led a group to try and capture the giant bird.


    Her idea, however, was different from that of Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian wanted to use the crow general as a mount, but the empress had heard that the bird tasted good, especially its wings, which were tender and uniquely delicious.


    It was a pity that they were scarce and never heard of in the vicinity of Lan City. As a result, she had never had a chance to taste it. Furthermore, it was at the Cardinal Heaven level.


    It managed to escapest time and shouldn��t be allowed to escape this time.


    ��


    The bichi finally understood the meaning of being pissed off. It was in that situation now.


    When it saw the size of that creature, it knew that the other party was very strong, but it thought it could rely on its speed to frolic around the opponent.


    As a result, the bichi was chased by that creature for a full day. Its tongue was hanging out, but that creature didn��t rx and refused to let go until it had caught the bichi.


    Everyp was now a bigp because that creature had created a huge circr clearing by destroying the trees. If that creature wasn��t nearby, the bichi would have run deep into the forest much earlier.


    It wondered whether it should run into the forest first before finding an opportunity toe back.


    Just when its mind was whirling as it mulled over this decision, it discovered that the path in front was blocked.


    However, it was overjoyed by this better than expected oue as it rushed toward the red shadow in the crowd�� At the same time, it scratched the face of the b*stard beside her.


    The giant bird didn��t stop when it saw these people. Instead, its eyes were bloodshot as it charged at the empress who was dressed in red.


    The color red acted like a trigger for the giant bird,


    It made it excited as if it was injected with chicken blood!


    The impulse was to tear that damn thing apart!


    Halfway through charging, it recognized thedy in red.


    After all, it was a Cardinal Heaven level beast, so its intelligence wasn��t that lowpared to a human.


    Even a dog has the intelligence of an eight year old kid, not to mention a Cardinal Heaven level beast.


    At that time, the entire Six Doors had been exterminated by a group led by thatdy in red.


    The mangshan and red monkey, who were roughly at the crow general��s level, were killed in the battle.


    Only the crow general had been able to escape.


    Of course it remembered what had happened!


    ��Run!��


    The group saw the four meter tall bird charging at them as if it was on drugs. They thought that it recognized them and was going to take revenge, but it suddenly mmed on the brakes and turned to flee.


    They immediately realized that it was the same one that they saw in Tianjing Basin the year before.


    This was confirmed when everyone saw its body.


    As soon as it turned its head, a figure passed by and scratched at the bird��s neck feathers with sharp, two inch long nails protruding her fingers. Like metal scraping against metal, sparks flew and screeching sounds were heard. Lin Qiaole appeared!


    Like the wind, she flitted past the giant bird and felt her heartache as she looked at her fingernails. This creature was really hard.


    She went on the attack again and focused on the extraordinarilyrge eyes of the crow general.


    The crow general fought desperately as it tried to flee. It fanned its pair of metallic wings at Lin Qiaole, generating a strong gust of wind that lifted even the weeds off of the ground.


    It hopped up and snatched at Lin Qiaole with its metallic talons. If these talonsnded, a hole would appear even if her body was made of iron.


    ��Where do you want to run now?�� The empress sneered as she stepped forward and rushed with great vigor toward the crow general like a mountain.


    She took another step,nded behind the creature, andunched a punch at the crow general.


    The crow general turned and sent its metallic wing colliding with the empress. Even Ren Baqian and the rest, who were far away, could feel the shock waves. At the center of impact, the shock waves rippled in all directions like a stone being thrown into a pond.


    The upper body of the empress was swaying, but the crow general was staggering.


    The feathers of the crow general wereparable to steel. It was a fast and powerful beast that had few natural enemies. Furthermore, it was a Cardinal Heaven level beast.


    Yet, faced with the empress who didn��t even exert her full strength, it ended up the loser.


    Purple veins appeared on the face of the empress as her breathing rose!


    Ren Baqian seemed to be seeing a mountain that was steadily rising.

 Chapter 722 - Anger!

    Chapter 722: Anger!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    How would it feel to have a mountain crash into you?


    Earth-shattering!


    Catastrophic!


    Even though the empress��s punch wasn��t that powerful, it made one feel as if a mountain was crashing down on them.


    The empress��s fist was like a mountain.


    This was what the bystanders felt, let alone the crow general.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The four meter tall crow general vanished in an instant.


    Arge pit with a radius of around 100 meters appeared in the ground.


    The deepest part was about 30 meters deep.


    The empress��s fist sent the crow general smashing down to the bottom of the pit and caused it to throw up lots of blood.


    Even though the crow general had a body of metallic feathers and steel-like bones, it couldn��t withstand this blow. There was no telling how many bone fractures it had suffered.


    ��Bring it up!�� the empress ordered faintly as she stood beside therge pit with her hands behind her back. The purple veins on her face began to vanish, revealing the brightplexion that she originally had.


    ��If Teng Yue were to face off with you now, I��m afraid he wouldn��t be able to withstand your attack!�� Ren Baqian remarked.


    Even though the empress was already extremely strong in the past, it wasn��t as terrifying as it was at present.


    There was no telling what had happened during her sh of realizationst year that made her strength actually improve so much.


    However, she didn��t look happy at all. She turned to Ren Baqian and said, ��The reason why Teng Yue was the fourth most powerful expert in the world was because no one could match up to him with the spear he possessed! Even though I have improved a little, it would still take me quite a bit of effort to defeat him! Now that you have his Golden Spear and have inherited his insights, with enough practice, it isn��t impossible for you to attain his level!��


    The empress had truly put in a lot of effort for Ren Baqian!


    However, Ren Baqian simply replied shamelessly, ��Mastering [The Great World] itself would already be sufficient for me. Fighting doesn��t suit me!��


    He truly didn��t have much interest in fighting.


    However, he was still interested in learning martial arts because it would at least lengthen his lifespan!


    ��Your Majesty, what shall we do with this crow general?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I heard that its wings are pretty tasty!�� the empress said as she looked at the people lifting the bird up. Even an emperor wouldn��t necessarily have the opportunity to taste such a rare delicacy.


    One would require a lot of luck to even see a crow general.


    Lin Qiao squatted by the side and drooled as she stared at the bird��s neck��


    The battered crow general shrivelled when it heard what the empress said as it was being carried up. It was afraid that it might really get eaten up this time around!


    ��Your Majesty, in any case, it��s still a Cardinal Heaven beast. Wouldn��t it be a waste if we just eat it like that?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    If the crow general had the ability to nod its head, it would definitely be nodding as rapidly as a woodpecker. Unfortunately, the empress��s punch had fractured a countless number of its bones. At present, it was almost half-dead and didn��t even have the energy to keep its head up.


    ��What��s your opinion?�� The empress sensed that Ren Baqian was thinking of something.


    ��If we can subdue it, we will have one more beast at our disposal. It will be good to use it as a mount as well!�� Ren Baqian felt that it was truly a waste to devour it.


    He would have long since prepared the wok himself if eating this crow general could increase his strength or extend his lifespan.


    However, it merely contained a little more energy and a few extra benefitspared to other beasts. In fact, eating it would do nothing for someone powerful like the empress or even for Ren Baqian.


    It would be just like that giant crocodile.


    If this was the case, there was no harm in trying to subdue it.


    The empress looked a little regretful. She was looking forward to tasting its meat more than she desired to subdue it.


    She wanted to experience for herself if the crow general��s flesh was indeed a legendary delicacy.


    However, seeing that Ren Baqian was interested in it, she said, ��You go ask it then. If it��s willing to surrender, I will spare its life. Otherwise, I��ll kill it. It has prettyrge wings. We can grill one of them and steam the other!��


    The empress had even thought of how to go about cooking it.


    This crow general had originally been timid, which was why it behaved like such a tyrant. It wasn��t merely because of its incredible strength.


    If the empress was willing to spare its life, it would naturally agree.


    At present, after hearing about how the empress was nning to eat its wings, it was extremely frightened. It wanted to surrender, but it was too weak to do so. All it could do was helplessly throw up blood.


    Ren Baqian looked at the crow general. In any case, it was still a Cardinal Heaven beast. It would not necessarily surrender simply by talking with it.


    He had toe up with a n.


    After they carried it back to the vige, Ren Baqian got some people to catch and bring back some birds.


    The crow general created a stir when it was brought back to the vige. If not for the winged cavalry, the vigers would have clobbered it to death with stones. It was eventually ced in a corner of the vige. The people tied it up tightly in case it decided to go all out with its remaining energy.


    After some time, Ren Baqian approached the crow general as it anxiously awaited him.


    It thought, <em>If you were to ask me, I would definitely surrender. I��m still able to muster up enough energy to nod my head��</em>


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t even show any intention of asking it to surrender. He simply got someone from the imperial kitchen to bring over tworge birds and started a fire in front of the crow general. They first ced the birds on a rack and roasted them for a short while. They then proceeded to clear the burned feathers off the birds and prepare them for cooking.


    One pair of the bird wings were taken and roasted over the fire.


    The other pair of wings were ced in a pot to marinate in preparation for making honey wings.


    One of the bird necks would be cooked with spices, whereas the other would be smoked.


    Ren Baqian then got someone else to spread some stones over the fire to increase the temperature before frying the sliced-up breast meat.


    One pair of bird thighs was deep-fried in oil, while the other pair was stewed in herbs.


    The remaining parts, which included the head, liver, heart, and stomach were then chopped up and made into 16 dishes. He asionally instructed the people of the imperial kitchen on how to deal with those ingredients as well.


    Finally, even the bones of the birds were used to make a rack��


    The crow general trembled as it watched them cook the birds.


    It was trembling uncontrobly.


    <em>Why won��t you just ask me to surrender?!</em>


    <em>Simply ask me!</em>


    <em>Ask me!</em>


    The crow general��s eyes were almost spitting fire! If it could break free, it would definitely fight it out with Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian actually noticed its behavior as well.


    Even though it couldn��t move, he could see the anger in its eyes.


    He sighed to himself and mused that it indeed wasn��t easy to subdue a Cardinal Heaven level beast.


    Soon after, the fragrance of roasted meat began to permeate the air. Lin Qiaole suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started drooling as she squatted by the fire and looked at the roasted bird wings. She asionally nced over at the crow general��s neck and imagined what it would taste like.


    Ren Baqian ordered someone to take a roasted wing to the empress and threw the other one to Lin Qiaole. He then went to fry the breast meat.


    After an entire afternoon of effort, they managed to whip up more than ten dishes, and a portion of them were sent to the empress. Ren Baqian devoured the remaining food in front of the crow general.


    After all, no matter how strong it was, it was still considered a bird.


    It would definitely feel mournful after seeing how Ren Baqian treated the birds.


    Simply put, he was making an example out of the birds to frighten the crow general.


    After whipping up an entire feast made out of poultry, if the crow general still didn��t surrender, it would end up like these birds.


    However, after seeing how angry the crow general was, Ren Baqian felt that it had a pretty strong moral backbone!

 Chapter 723 - The Surrender

    Chapter 723: The Surrender


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��How was it?�� the empress asked Ren Baqian as soon as he came in.


    However, she could tell the result from the look on his face.


    ��That animal is rather unyielding. I spent the whole afternoon roasting a bird in front of it, but it ignored me!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Still, on second thought, Ren Baqian was responsible for the deaths of all the crow general��s owners and partners with the crow general being the only one to escape. Just now, it had been beaten half to death, and even though it was an animal, it still had pride!


    Furthermore, it was a Cardinal Heaven level animal!


    ��Might as well kill it!�� The empress didn��t care since having one more or one less Cardinal Heaven expert didn��t matter to her.


    Anyone who could hold a position in the imperial court was at least at the Cardinal Heaven level.


    She only relented because Ren Baqian wanted to subdue it.


    In fact, it was better not to subdue it as she could get a first-ss meal this way.


    ��I will try again tomorrow! Just before I left, I warned it that it would face the same fate as the other two birds if it didn��t yield. I will strip off its feathers, cut it into eight pieces, and each part will be separately barbequed, braised, steamed, or stewed����


    The empress couldn��t help but give him a spooky look. This matter wasn��t being handled incorrectly, but his words made her ufortable.


    Early the next morning, Ren Baqian arranged for two big birds to be brought along with him to the location where the crow general was kept.


    However, the crow general gave him a murderous look!


    He didn��t even ask it whether it wanted to surrender, so how was he going to know what its decision was?


    ��Don��t look at me that way. Heaven is virtuous, and all living things are equal. Although you are an animal, you are still a living thing, which was why I asked the empress to temporarily preserve your life. However, I can only do this for one day! If you do not surrender by today, you will end up like this unfortunate bird in my hand!�� Ren Baqian burned off the feathers of that bird as he tried to persuade the crow general with unconvincing words.


    The look of the crow general made Ren Baqian feel like he had underestimated the whole situation.


    This crow general wasn��t going to be easily persuaded.


    If it still didn��t relent at the end of the day after seeing other birds being ughtered, then it would be added to the empress��s meal.


    The empress had been eyeing this bird for a long time anyway.


    The prone crow general was so angry that the sac at its neck bulged out.


    This sac was in its gullet and used for storing food. When empty, it normally didn��t bulge, but when it was full of food, it became quite big. When expanded, the gaps between the feathers would be exposed.


    At present, the sac seemed to be filled with air and bulged out.


    Even the metallic feathers couldn��t cover the gaps as the red skin underneath was exposed.


    ��Look, this is the neck. It can be roasted, it can be smoked after marinating, or it can be chopped into pieces and stir-fried. Even stewing it will make a delicious dish. After all, the neck of a bird is flexible and the meat tender!�� Ren Baqian neatly cut off the neck as he spoke leisurely.


    He dealt with the neck, the head, the body, the wings, and the drumsticks as hemented.


    The crow general couldn��t move and could only listen to him while feeling angry and shivering.


    Would it also end up being chopped into pieces and eaten?


    <em>This damn b*stard��I��m thinking of surrendering, but why aren��t you asking me?</em>


    After being seriously injured by that punch yesterday, it had been thrown here. After one day, its injuries weren��t getting better, but were getting worse.


    It was wondering whether it would die in this grievous way.


    Ren Baqian spent the whole morning cooking more than ten dishes and sighed when it still looked at him with murderous eyes.


    Sitting cross-legged beside the bird, he asked, ��I��m asking you once again, do you want to surrender? If not, you will be dinner tonight. If you surrender, you will have a peaceful life serving as a mount����


    The crow general almost shed tears when it finally heard what it wanted to hear.


    He realized for the first time that surrendering wasn��t that easy!


    This b*stard cooked food in front of it for two days before finally asking the question!


    It was afraid of being misunderstood and wanted to nod its head wildly, but its strength was dissipating after one night, so it could only move its head slightly to signify a nod.


    ��Are you nodding or shaking your head?�� Ren Baqian was pleasantly surprised to see the giant immobile bird moving its head.


    It didn��t respond at all the previous day, but was finally willing to move a bit now.


    ��If you are surrendering, move your head once,�� Ren Baqian added.


    The giant bird moved again slightly.


    This made Ren Baqian happy as he hadn��t expected this defiant bird to surrender.


    Was this a ruse?


    It was unlikely for an animal to surrender first and then rebelter when it recovered.


    ��Do you really surrender?�� Ren Baqian inquired.


    It moved slightly a few times, seemed to bepletely exhausted, and didn��t even have the strength to be angry.


    It finally squeezed out some internal energy and nodded its head one more time.


    It had surrendered! Really surrendered! Could he stop asking and treat its injury?


    Ren Baqian observed it for half a day as if trying to figure out what it was nning.


    Although he couldn��t see whether it harbored any funny ideas, he finally discovered that its eyes were dim, its breathing was shallow, and it wasn��t far from death.


    He quickly got someone to treat the bird in order to prevent it from dying and rushed back excitedly to see the empress.


    All in all, the giant bird they captured was a good and capable fighter as well as a very good mount.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian saw a radio set in front of the empress, and the empress seemed to be in deep thought.


    ��Tell meter!�� The empress waved her hands and didn��t even turn to face him.


    She tapped the table twice with her finger and said through the radio set, ��Great Elder, what do you say?��


    ��The words of Lin Mengsheng should be true. The decision still depends on the empress. Based on my point of view, the Yun Nation will certainly perish, but Dayao doesn��t have that many officials. We will need to break the rules by promoting lower officials and can only proceed step by step.


    ording to him, these people can be called upon in the future. These people surrendered to Dayao voluntarily and are unlikely to rebel. Even if they were to rebel, they can��t cause much impact. Furthermore, they are warlords and are a good choice for controlling these people from the Yun Nation.


    With these people leading the way, Commander Zi can most likely bring the Yun Emperor under the subjugation of Your Majesty before your wedding and add extra joy to it.�� The voice of Great Elder Shi Qing was heard from the radio set.


    The empress nodded and gave amand, ��Zi Doni!��


    ��At yourmand!�� A cold voice was hearding from the radio.


    ��ede to their request! As long as they abide by thews of Dayao and obey my orders, they can continue in their positions. If they try to resort to any tricks, ask them whether they can withstand my fury.��

 Chapter 724 - The Incident that Happened in the Yun Nation

    Chapter 724: The Incident that Happened in the Yun Nation


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Although imperial power was paramount in Yun Nation, the position of warlord was inherited. It was passed down from generation to generation and power was consolidated in a region by the family.


    Over the centuries, these warlords became more like local tyrants.


    That so-called imperial power was only a nominal title.


    It was almost identical to Zhou Tianzi and the dukes as mentioned in the history of China.


    In the case here, the dukes were reced by the warlords.


    The warlords were divided into different factions, and the rtionships among them were extremelyplex. Even if the emperor of the Yun Nation had the intention of changing the structure, it was hard to intervene.


    However, the tyrannical days of these warlords were over, and they weren��t having a good time now.


    This was especially so for those cities facing the frontline of the Dayao army. Most of these city chiefs didn��t even know where their skeletons were thrown to.


    A minority of them, upon seeing the unfavorable situation, threw away everything and managed to escape in time.


    The deteriorating war situation terrified everyone.


    The court officials remaining in the cities were feeling jittery.


    It was particrly bad for the warlords who had faced the Dayao army directly. Two of them had fled early on, while the rest had sent their family members away.


    However, the warlords who abandoned their cities didn��t fare any better than a drowning dog. They ran to Wang Jing with a glimmer of hope, but were caught by the Prime Minister Zheng Chengmian and had their heads chopped off.


    Externally, there was a strong enemy army, and internally, there was a prime minister who was covetous of their wealth.


    Even Zheng Chengmian was finally convinced that Dayao was going to exterminate the Yun Nation and was prepared to fight to the end. However, this situation didn��t lead him to soften his stance on these warlords.


    They faced death if they ran away, but if they didn��t run, they would also die.


    Out of 200 cities, almost half were in the hands of Dayao.


    Even the most optimistic people were depressed by the war situation.


    This situation was particrly evident to the warlords who knew the military strength of both sides.


    Some warlords started to regale themselves with wine and revelry every day as they prepared to enjoy theirst days without restraint. Dark clouds seemed to hang over the cities with despair filling the air.


    At this critical juncture, a man appeared.


    This man was Lin Mengsheng, a schr who was about 30 years old.


    Many warlords were persuaded by his eloquence to surrender to Dayao.


    There were a total of 47 cities between the Dayao army and Wang Jing.


    Once these 47 cities were neutralized, only three forts stood as a barrier between the army of Dayao and Wang Jing.


    Comparing the forces of Dayao and the Yun Nation with the current situation, surrendering seemed to be the wiser choice, but in reality, it wasn��t as simple as that.


    It was unknown how many people thought about surrendering, but didn��t follow through with the action.


    First, the reputation of the aboriginals was bad in the Yun Nation.


    Second, surrendering to a foreign country was a blemish thatsted for a long time and their descendants wouldn��t be able to raise their heads.


    Third, some people wanted to surrender before the battle, but Zi Doni refused to ept this because his army was already at the city gates. Instead, he proceeded to ughter them.


    Fourth, even if they wanted to surrender, they had to consider the expert practitioners in the Yun Nation.


    During the war, those people were hiding in some unknown ces.


    If they surrendered and were castigated by the people, those practitioners might emerge to wipe them out and be the people��s heroes.


    Due to these reasons, surrendering was only a thought.


    However, this Lin Mengsheng had information about Dayao��s treatment of captives and was aware of the aboriginal��s change in attitude. He managed to persuade dozens of warlords and met with Zi Doni personally before the onset of the battles.


    After listening to the empress, Ren Baqian asked, ��What��s his motive?��


    The empress looked at him strangely after hearing this question and replied, ��It��s said that Zheng Chengmian��s people attempted to assassinate his mentor and some n members while en route to the capital.��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    If he wasn��t mistaken, that incident was the work of people from the protectorate.


    If this was really the case, then those people from the protectorate had made a huge contribution.


    Whether the words of this person were real or not, it was fine as long as their surrender was real.


    Even if this person intended to use this as a merit to gain eptance, it was fine because Dayaocked such talents.


    The empress was of a simr opinion and said, ��This person may have other motives. I dislike this type of a person.��


    Ren Baqian was familiar with her preferences and considered her opinion to be normal.


    Nobody liked a traitor.


    ��Between a loyal official who can��t bring benefits to the people and one who is working for his own interests, but is capable, who would you choose?�� Ren Baqian raised this question.


    In reality, this was a question that the empress had to face sooner orter.


    Previously, there were only aboriginals in the court because not many other people could be used, so the empress didn��t have to consider this question.


    The aboriginals were said to be simple, partly because they were upright and partly because they didn��t go through the trial of baptism by fire since Dayao was very poor.


    However, people could always change,


    Likewise, the aboriginals were the same.


    As Dayao changed, every aboriginal court official would be tested more vigorously.


    As for the people from the Yun Nation and the Jing Tribe people, the empress had to make use of their services sooner orter.


    It wasn��t a good idea to have the aboriginals dominate the rest.


    Ren Baqian simply took the opportunity to raise this issue.


    The empress considered his question carefully.


    ��Of course, I prefer loyal people. If both conditions can��t be met, I will consider using the second type. Is this what you mean?�� the empress asked.


    Ren Baqian apuded and said, ��No wonder you are the empress, you understand after just a hint.��


    The empress looked at him and dered, ��You seem to like using these people. It has been like this ever since the Jing Tribe people came!��


    ��Your Majesty, although the aboriginals are loyal, in many matters they have the will, but not the ability. Plus, we have more than enough of these loyal and inept officials. We can��t send ordinary people over as officials or else we will create a mess. We have to use these other people for the sake of Dayao and the citizens!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Frankly, he preferred to use non-aboriginals.


    Although the aboriginals were very strong, their power wasn��t constructive in nature, it was destructive


    What he wanted to do was to build. The Jing Tribe people and people from the Yun Nation who were intelligent, but weren��t physically strong, were more useful.


    Gradually, more non-aboriginals would enter the court and form a group to counter the powerful aboriginals.


    As a result, Ren Baqian would be easily misunderstood since he was the person behind this policy and wasn��t an aboriginal.


    He understood this very early on.


    ��I understand. I do not suspect you.�� The empress sighed.


    It wasn��t that she didn��t understand, but Dayao had always belonged to the aboriginals.


    The would be a change in eras.


    Ren Baqian held the palm of the empress and transmitted his warmth.


    The palm of the empress was small and warm. He feltfortable every time he held it.

 Chapter 725 - The Person Who Made the Empress Feel Uncomfortable

    Chapter 725: The Person Who Made the Empress Feel Ufortable


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian stayed in the vige for a day and a half. Besides spending a day subduing the crow general, he had also achieved other tasks such as teaching the vigers how to make ice and how to cure over fire.


    The reason he did this was because of the difficulty in preserving food and not because of the sweltering heat. It was difficult to preserve rations in the vige, and the entire vige would starve if they didn��t catch enough food while hunting.


    This wasn��t a lone example and wasn��t the situation of just one or two viges��this was a problem that many viges around the Sixty Thousand Mountains faced.


    However, as Shang Ping Vige was located pretty close the Forest Pir Barriers and Ya City, their situation wasn��t that bad.


    It was said that the viges situated deep within the mountains were coping rtively well. The viges there were big and their prey were stronger. The meat of stronger prey was able to keep them full for longer and could be preserved for longer periods of time as well.


    Only weaker viges that were situated further away from Ya City were having a hard time.


    Ren Baqian simply taught them how to make ice, where to find saltpeter, and how to build an icehouse. This way, they would be able to preserve what they caught no matter how much they caught. Plus, they could take out this stored food and eat it when they didn��t catch enough game.


    The vigers of Shang Ping Vige were astonished when they managed to make ice with the method that he taught them.


    They had only heard from passersby that there was a thing called ice that could be found in the tall mountains deep within the Sixty Thousand Mountains, but they had only thought of it as an interesting story.


    They didn��t expect that they could actually produce something that emitted cold air.


    They then felt exhrated.


    With this, they would be able to preserve their meats!


    Their attitude toward Ren Baqian hadpletely changed.


    They treated him with more kindness.


    These aboriginalmoners were very simple-minded people.


    The strongest would be respected.


    They respected people who made their lives easier.


    Besides, Ren Baqian wasn��t exactly considered weak anymore. Even though he was still a far cry from the empress, his strength was prettyparable to the ordinary aboriginal. After teaching them how to make ice, he was immediately treated kindly by many.


    Compared to the amount of time he spent in Lan City, imparting the method of simple ice making was already sufficient to make the entire vige treat him with such warmth.


    Even thedies in the vige started to throw flirtatious nces at him!


    Although this was just a vige, the aboriginaldies were strong, healthy and had skin as silky smooth as satin. Their looks were above average, and Ren Baqian really enjoyed this attention.


    Unfortunately, he was only able to enjoy this for a brief moment before the group continued on their journey again.


    Their party passed by more than ten viges after they resumed their journey. Besides staying a while longer in Shang Ping Vige, they only stayed for at most a night in the other viges. Sometimes, they would only stop by for a short while, visit the nearby graveyard, and also do and say the same things they did while they were in Shang Ping Vige.


    The oues turned out to be very simr.


    In every vige, the empress would look at those stone piles in the graveyards and speak the same words. She would stick a branch into the water as if she was sticking it into the dirt, and it wouldn��t move a single bit after she took her hands off of it.


    These were the acknowledgements and responses of the departed forebears of the empress.


    There weren��t any heart-rending promises made, only branches sticking upright in the water.


    In the meantime, the crow general had finally recovered from its injuries. It was very well-behaved and didn��t even attempt to escape at all.


    It only had a strange look on its face whenever it looked at Ren Baqian, aplex expression of hatred and mixed feelings. It seemed to dislike him a lot.


    This made him feel rather puzzled about why it felt that way.


    It was the empress who attacked it, while it was he who saved it. However, it remained well-behaved whenever it saw the empress, but it always gave him a look that was full of dislike.


    Could these ferocious beasts really only recognize power? Did this crow general have a masochistic tendency and enjoy getting beaten up by the empress?


    This got Ren Baqian thinking about whether the bird was a male or a female, and he started casting strange looks at it as well.


    Henceforth, the crow general grew to dislike him even more.


    However, under the orders of the empress, it had no choice but to carry Ren Baqian and be his mount.


    Ren Baqian��s Suzuki Alto had been exchanged for a Maserati, a Cardinal Heaven mount. This allowed him to experience an adrenaline rush wherever he went.


    Even though this crow general was no match for the empress, it could be considered a tyrant in the middle and outer portions of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    As such, the party advanced forward continuously for 20 days and covered a distance of a few thousand kilometers before finally making it past the outskirts of the mountains.


    Ren Baqian traveled behind the empress and asionally looked up to see her back as she rode on Qi Shui. She had been rather quiet over the past two days.


    Even though she had always been a person of few words, it felt a little different this time around.


    It was especially noticeable whenever he tried to tease her.


    The empress seemed to be acting rather strange these days. It was as if there was something on her mind.


    It was said that a traveler who had been away from home would experienceplex feelings when returning. This was a saying from the Chinese poet Song Zhiwen, who had managed to escape and return home after being sent away to serve a penal sentence in south China. He feltplicated and disturbed after being away from home for so long and was worried if he had brought any mishaps to his family.


    This saying had been passed on for generations since. It described theplex feelings that one might experience after being away from home for a long period of time and the fear of not knowing whether his home was still there or whether his loved ones were still alive.


    However, such situations weren��t applicable to the empress.


    Not to mention returning home in glory, it was very unlikely for her to experience suchplex feelings.


    Since this morning, she hadn��t even spoken a word.


    Ren Baqian spurred on his mount and tried to move forward to ride alongside the empress. However, no matter how hard he tried, the crow general that he was riding on didn��t dare to move forward and walk neck and neck with Qi Shui the kirin.


    It wasn��t the kirin that was putting any pressure on the crow general.


    It was because the crow general was slightly taller at about three meters off the ground, which was half a meter taller than the kirin. The empress would subsequently have to raise her head to speak to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian then gave it a kick!


    This kick sent it flying more than 70 meters away and almost caused it to sustain a heavy injury.


    The crow general almost broke into tears. Was it its fault for being born tall?


    Seeing how it was such a scaredy-cat, Ren Baqian leaped off its back andnded on Qi Shui.


    He sat behind the empress and ced his arms around her waist. He could almost immediately feel the tenderness of her waist beneath that light muslin.


    ��Too warm!�� The empress shoved his hands away.


    ��A calm heart keeps you cool. You��ll naturally feel warm if you aren��t feeling calm!�� Unyielding, Ren Baqian ced his arms back around her waist.


    He was already prepared to get knocked off the mount by her elbow at anytime.


    However, it was indeed rather warm. Sitting behind the empress, he could feel the heat radiating from her body.


    Huddling together on such a hot day, it would be a surprise if they weren��t feeling warm.


    On the contrary, the kirin beneath them was emitting a slight chill, which made them feel more rxed.


    ��Is there something on your mind, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian straightforwardly asked after seeing that she didn��t react to his action.


    ��Mount Yulong is just ahead, and the Ya Family vige is just above it!�� the empress said.


    Ya Peng was the first emperor, and the Ya Family vigers are the forefathers of the royal family.


    ��It has been a long time since you returned, and you should be feeling happy instead. Seeing as you are feeling a little moody, is it somewhat rted to the Ya Family vige?�� Ren Baqian tweaked his thoughts. The empress��s moodiness definitely had something to do with the people of the vige and not the vige itself.


    ��There��s someone who should be in the vige now, and I don��t know how I should face him,�� she replied faintly.


    Ren Baqian��s heart skipped a beat when he heard this. Could it be that the empress had some sort of a childhood sweetheart?


    By rights, this shouldn��t be possible�� She hadn��t been here in thest decade!


    Fortunately, he was already the victor who had managed to win the heart of the most beautiful and precious flower in all of Dayao.


    Otherwise, he would probably be overwhelmed with jealousy.


    ��What sort of person could actually make Your Majesty feel so ill at ease?�� Ren Baqian rxed his tone andughed.


    ��My elder brother!��


    ��Pffft!��

 Chapter 726 - Elder Brother-in-law

    Chapter 726: Elder Brother-inw


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Ren Baqian heard the empress say those words, he immediately felt that he was in deep sh*t!


    He still had an elder brother-inw?


    How did he not know about this?


    He hadn��t heard this before!


    This meant that thete emperor actually had an heir and furthermore, a son? How did the empress ascend the throne?


    Ren Baqian naturally didn��t know that the empress had once left a message back when she took him to Great Xia. She requested all the officials to bring that man back if she couldn��t make it back alive.


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t passed out at that time, he could have probably guessed it.


    However, he didn��t hear it then and nobody mentioned it afterward. As such, hepletely didn��t expect the existence of such a person.


    After all, this wasn��t a matriarchal society. As a woman, the empress became the monarch of Dayao. Ren Baqian then naturally assumed that thete emperor only had one heir, who was Qi Zixiao.


    Surprisingly, the empress suddenly mentioned that Ren Baqian had an elder brother-inw.


    Besides, he had never heard anyone mention this before. It was as if a monkey jumped out of the crevice of a rock. The situation made Ren Baqian extremely surprised.


    ��Your Majesty, is he your biological brother?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help but ask after he recovered from his shock.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Ren Baqian was sent flying more than ten meters by her swinging elbow. He stood up, rubbed his chest, leaped back onto Qi Shui��s back, and asked the empress, ��Do I address him as elder brother-inw then?��


    <em>Thump!</em>


    He was sent flying away by her elbow again.


    Determined, Ren Baqian made his way back on Qi Shui again.


    ��Your Majesty����


    She ignored him.


    ��Are you on bad terms with him?��


    ��It was fine when we were young,�� the empress finally replied.


    When Ren Baqian was all ears and prepared to listen to her response, she fell silent again. As she distractedly looked into the distance, there was no telling what was on her mind.


    Seeing that she refused to talk, Ren Baqian wondered to himself whether he should be friendly or cold when he met his elder brother-inw.


    After listening to what the empress said about their rtionship being fine when they were young, it seemed like they weren��t currently on good terms.


    If he acted friendly toward his brother-inw, she might be unhappy about it.


    However, if Ren Baqian acted cold toward him�� she probably still wouldn��t be too happy about it�� After all, she still had feelings for her brother. Ren Baqian could tell from the way she felt so uneasy during these past few days.


    Even though they were rted by blood, the fact that someone was able to make her feel uneasy only proved one thing.


    The empress��s brother probably wasn��t satisfied with anything she did?


    Ren Baqian would be seeking death if he were to ask this question!


    When they were taking a break at noon, he approached the winged cavalry warriors to find out more about this brother-inw of his.


    However, when they heard his question, their expressions immediately changed as they fell silent.


    This made Ren Baqian more curious as to what kind of a person his brother-inw was if he could actually make even this bunch of crude men shy away from the question.


    Eventually, he managed to find out some information from his students.


    The empress indeed had an elder brother.


    His name was Qi Ziting.


    Furthermore, they only knew two facts about him.


    Firstly, it was said that he was someone who extremely loved killing people. He was previously in charge of the Protectorate of the Northeast.


    Secondly, he had even murdered one of the past emperors.


    As for more specific information, Ren Baqian��s students weren��t very sure either.


    They merely happened to hear about these things by chance.


    After hearing all of this, Ren Baqian felt a little terrified of this brother-inw whom he had never seen before. This person didn��t seem to be someone who was easy to get along with.


    He had better y it by ear!


    However, the two pieces of information that he obtained from his students had indeed lifted his prior suspicions.


    Mount Yulong, which was also known as Mount Kunlong.


    If someone were to look at it from a high elevation, Mount Yulong would look like a crouching dragon with the surrounding mountains looking like a cage that entrapped that dragon.


    The dragon��s head pointed toward the outskirts of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and looked as if it was going to break free at any time.


    Nearing the evening, everyone finally arrived at the foot of Mount Yulong.


    However, just as they arrived, the leading winged cavalry warriors stopped in their tracks. There seemed to be some confusion among the leading soldiers, and amotion could be heard.


    Soon after, someone came to report to the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, there��s someone blocking the path ahead!��


    The empress was silent for a moment before slowly riding Qi Shui ahead.


    Ren Baqian followed behind on the crow general, moved past the troops, and saw the person who had stopped the troops.


    It was a burly man dressed in a green garment.


    He had a square face with scraggly facial hair. His hair was casually tied in a bun, simr to what an ordinary aboriginalmoner usually did. The green garment he wore was exceptionally clean. However, its color had faded quite a bit, and it seemed pretty old.


    Upon closer inspection, this burly man was in fact rather skinny. He had a huge skeletal frame, which made him look very strong.


    There was plenty of space between his body and his clothes, and it looked as if the garment he was wearing was one size too big.


    Most importantly, this man didn��t have legs. It waspletely empty inside his robe, and he was using two crutches to support himself.


    Even so, this man simply stood there calmly with an indomitable spirit that made the others fearful of offending him.


    It was no wonder that the winged cavalry didn��t dare to treat him irreverently just now and even reported the incident to the empress.


    It might also have something to do with this man��s identity.


    Ren Baqian guessed that this person was highly likely to be his elder brother-inw!


    The empress looked at that man as she sat on Qi Shui with aplex expression on her face. She then called out softly, ��Elder brother!��


    The burly man looked back at her as well. When he heard her voice, he immediately smiled and said, ��You are all grown up! Elder brother is what those northern dogs say, and it sounds estranged to me. Simply call me brother if you wish to!��


    The empress opened her mouth, but was unable to say that word out loud.


    The eagerness in Qi Ziting��s gaze also began to slowly fade away.


    ��It��s fine if you don��t wish to.�� Qi Ziting sighed. He then looked at Ren Baqian and frowned. ��Is this the husband that you have chosen? Why��s he a northern dog? Go pick another one. We can just bury him here.��


    Upon hearing this, Ren Baqian��s feet immediately turned cold as his chest began to fill with rage. He then sneered and was about to speak.


    Ren Baqian had never been the type who didn��t retaliate to insult.


    He had always believed in taking revenge!


    The empress stretched out her arm and held him back. Theplex look on her face was gone and had been reced by ayer of austerity. She said coldly, ��You don��t have to worry about my matters. I havee here just to visit our mother and speak to her about some things. Lastly, on ount of our past rtionship, I can tell you he��s not from Great Xia, the Yun Nation, or the Chen Nation. If you harm him, I will take your life!��


    Qi Ziting first felt curious. By the looks of Ren Baqian, Qi Ziting thought that he was either from Great Xia or the Yun Nation. Since Qi Zixiao said that he wasn��t from any of those nations, could there be other nations apart from Dayao, Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation?


    He then flew into a rage. He had lost both his legs and his body was also pretty skinny, but everyone immediately felt pressured and solemn. It was as if a thunderstorm was about to hit them.


    The anger on his face eventually faded away. He looked at Ren Baqian and back at the empress before saying, ��You are a pretty dignified emperor! However, you are still far from perfect! Since you are already here,e on up. Your amodations have already been prepared!��


    When he finished his words, he pressed against the crutches under his arms and leaped above the winged cavalry behind him. He was like arge bird spreading its wings. After a few leaps, hended at the top of the mountain.


    Seeing that her brother had left, the empress turned and said to Ren Baqian, ��Once we get up there, you shall stick with me. You aren��t allowed to wander off alone.��


    Ren Baqian agreed and smacked his lips. This elder brother-inw of his actually tried to intimidate him the moment they met!


    After listening to what the empress said, would that man really take action to hurt him?

 Chapter 727 - The Author Can’t Think of a Name for This Chapter

    Chapter 727: The Author Can��t Think of a Name for This Chapter


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On the way up the mountain, Ren Baqian didn��t pay attention to the surroundings. He sat quietly behind the empress, holding her waist with both hands and listening to her talk.


    After meeting Qi Ziting, the empress finally rified some information. Combining this with the information that Ren Baqian already knew, he was able to piece together the full picture of Dayao��s 72 years of history.


    In that year, Ya Peng changed the royal surname to Qi out of gratitude toward the man who had single handedly destroyed the Hao Nation before taking his own life.


    Of course, this matter wasn��t as simple as it seemed on the surface, and there were reasons that outsiders weren��t privy to.


    Despite this, Ya Peng was renamed Qi Peng.


    Earlier on, the Hao Nation had poisoned the salt mine in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, causing the Qi vige to suffer great casualties. Only a seven or eight year old kid from the family of Ya Peng survived while the rest were wiped out.


    This surviving kid was Qi Yinghao, the father of the empress.


    Qi Yinghao disappeared nine years ago, and the empress ascended to the throne when she was only 16.


    At that time, Qi Ziting was 41.


    However, something happened to Qi Ziting the year before.


    At that time, Qi Ziting was the Protector General of the Protectorate of the Northeast, was ranked the fifth most powerful expert in the world, and was known for being ruthless and brutal.


    Qi Ziting was so well known in the Yun Nation that his name was used to stop children from crying at night. He achieved great military honors in many battles.


    The reputation of Qi Ziting was high in Dayao because ��the enemy of my enemy is my hero.��


    However, sess or failure could be due to the same factor. He was homicidal by nature and was very prominent as a general that defended the empire. If he was elevated as the emperor, given his temper, it wouldn��t take very long forints to surface in Dayao.


    In fact, many soldiers and high ranking officers from the Protectorate of the Northeast were alreadyining about his high handed ways.


    However, he continued in his bigoted ways and still treated them harshly.


    Due to these circumstances, Qi Yinghao appointed the empress as the next monarch.


    The subsequent events were what Ren Baqian had heard about.


    Qi Ziting took the opportunity to return to the pce for Qi Yinghao��s birthday celebration. After dinner, he attempted to assassinate the emperor and had his legs chopped off on the spot.


    Qi Yinghao didn��t kill him and only exiled him to the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    One yearter, Qi Yinghao went missing and the empress seeded him due to her position as his daughter.


    ��As a matter of fact, my elder brother treated me well when I was young. He would bring me new gadgets whenever he came back,�� the empress said emotionally.


    Ren Baqian thought about Qi Ziting��s behavior just now and whispered to the empress from behind, ��I think that he still feels for Your Majesty.��


    He moved his hands from her waist to her abdomen and held her in his arms.


    The empress stiffened her body for a moment, sighed slightly, and didn��t say anything. It could be seen that although she spoke resolutely, her innermost feelings wereplex. She didn��t even respond strongly to this brazen act from Ren Baqian.


    After all, Qi Ziting was currently her only living rtive.


    However, in spite of her position, she still couldn��t let go of things that he had done in the past.


    With regard to these matters, Ren Baqian didn��t find it appropriate to intervene.


    When the empress was about to reach the vige, she saw a few thousand people, young and old, waiting outside.


    Three to four thousand people lived in this vige in front of Mount Yulong. Within a radius of a few hundred kilometers, it was the biggest vige in the area.


    After all, it was the ancestralnd of the royal family and was restored after being destroyed a few decades ago.


    ��Our respects to Your Majesty!�� The crowd greeted her with cupped fists.


    Even the ignorant children followed the actions of the adults and looked at the empress with curiosity.


    The empress looked at the crowd to search for familiar faces and found some that she had seen before when she was young.


    She could still remember many things even though a lot of time had passed by.


    She didn��t say anything, but looked at those people one by one. These people were excited even though the eyes of the empress lingered on them for only a moment.


    This showed that the empress still remembered them.


    The empress raised her head, recing theplex emotions she showed earlier with her usual coldness.


    Ren Baqian felt that this could be her habitual expression.


    She used this expression to keep a distance from other people and to hide her fears and insecurities.


    Plus, this expression had be second nature to her.


    The empress said, ��Please dispense with all this etiquette as there are too many people. Let��s go to the vige.��


    The crowd entered the vige with the winged cavalry following behind. The empress was in front riding Qi Shui. At the end of the vige, there were three ordinary stone houses with their doors wide open.


    The empress dismounted and entered the innermost building where several strange stones were disyed on the table.


    ��Is this the room where Your Majesty used to stay?�� Ren Baqian took a nce and noticed the very high ceiling that was about four meters in height. There was a bed, a table, a few chairs, and a cab. There was nothing else inside.


    The room didn��t seem to be lived in, but was very clean. Qi Ziting had most likely arranged for someone to tidy it.


    ��I lived here for half a year.�� The empress took a monkey-shaped stone from the table and yed with it. ��I found this on the mountain and took it back because it looked interesting. I didn��t expect it to still be here after all these years.��


    ��Your Majesty even picked up a heart-shaped stone!�� Ren Baqian picked it up andughed. In Dayao, this shape didn��t have the connotation it had on Earth, but unexpectedly, the empress had collected one.


    The empress looked a bit awkward and said embarrassingly after some hesitation, ��I was young then and felt that it looked like a butt!��


    ��Cough, cough!�� Ren Baqian almost choked on his saliva.


    Ren Baqian soon made other discoveries. He found a pair of small hammers in a corner. The heads were made of animal bone and the handles made of wood. They were designed for a child who was six or seven years old.


    This pair of hammers were blocked from view by the chairs.


    ��Do these hammers belong to you?��


    ��My elder brother used a pair of hammers as his weapons. I admired hammer-fighting techniques since I was young and pestered my brother to teach me,�� the empress said.


    ��Too bad I can��t use hammers anymore.�� A voice came from the doorway.


    The sound of crutches hitting the ground was heard.


    Qi Ziting was about to step inside, but was blocked by a winged cavalry warrior. His demeanor instantly changed as he roared, ��Gong Zheng, you are audacious enough to block me?!��


    ��Let him enter,�� the empress said.


    Since the empress said so, nobody dared to stop him anymore. Gong Zheng cupped his fists toward Qi Ziting and retreated.


    Qi Ziting entered the house and only looked at the empress as he said, ��This house has been looked after for all these years and I had it cleaned recently when I heard that you wereing. You arrived at the right time since they just hunted a flower camel a few days ago. You aren��t able to eat it in the pce, but tonight, you will get to enjoy it.��


    The empress turned and said to him, ��Elder brother, thank you for taking the trouble.��


    ��I will inform you in due course.�� Qi Ziting then took a nce at Ren Baqian and said, ��In deference to Xiao Ya, you cane along!��


    After Qi Ziting departed, Ren Baqian asked with augh,��Xiao Ya?��


    The empress was rather embarrassed. Nobody had mentioned this nickname for so many years, yet he had heard it now.


    ��Was this used to usher in prosperity? Thete emperor was quite a literary figure,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress gave a slight hum. She didn��t mention that she had been given this nickname because she had small teeth and the gaps between her incisors were big.


    If he were to find out about this, she didn��t know what kind ofments he would make.


    ��Are we going to see the Queen Mother tomorrow?�� Ren Baqian asked with some difficulty.


    After all, he was a millennial. He was used to addressing the empress as Her Majesty, but wasn��t used to addressing her mother as Queen Mother.


    ��Our marriage is already confirmed, so you can call her Queen Mother if you like,�� the empressmented when she saw him struggling with the term.


    Ren Baqian saw that there was only one bed in the room and said, ��The empress has said that I mustn��t leave your side while we are in this vige, but there��s only one bed here. Are we going to share a bed tonight?��


    The empress pointed at the floor and replied, ��I will give all the space on the floor to you.��

 Chapter 728 - Construction Is Way Stronger Than Destruction

    Chapter 728: Construction Is Way Stronger Than Destruction


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the evening, the vige hosted a bonfire party.


    However, this party was hosted for the other visitors in the vige.


    Qi Ziting called Ren Baqian and the empress to a house.


    Before Ren Baqian entered the house, he saw someone cooking the flower camel outside.


    It was a three meter long ck arthropod that resembled a scorpion. Ren Baqian was amazed at the bunch of red and white flowers that grew on its back.


    He asked about it casually and learned that these animals were extremely rare and weren��t very strong.


    It would normally dig a hole in the ground and hide there. The flowers on its back were able to create a hallucination to attract bugs and small animals that came to feast on those bugs. It would sometimes also attract the young ofrge animals that were merry-making nearby and prey on those young animals.


    They saw a small table after they entered the house. Qi Ziting sat in the main seat on the inside with his crutches ced to the side.


    Even though he was facing the empress of Dayao, he didn��t show the slightest bit of courtesy toward her.


    He merely smiled at her and said, ��I know that you don��t like noisy ces, so you can eat here. They can have their meal and we can have ours here.��


    Hepletely disregarded Ren Baqian��s presence.


    Ren Baqian originally thought that problems would arise during dinner. However, Qi Ziting simply chatted with the empress about her childhood andughed incessantly when they talked about happy moments.


    ��You were most afraid of the dark and of being alone when you were young. I never expected you to actually live alone in such a cold and empty pce, let alone for so many years.�� Qi Ziting burst intoughter.


    ��I have gotten used to it after living there for some time,�� the empress replied faintly. ��Besides, it hasn��t been cold and empty for a long time.��


    These words made Qi Ziting turn to Ren Baqian with aplex look.


    Soon after, the cooked flower camel was served. Like crab meat, its meat was as white as snow. The meat looked like silk threads when it was torn apart. It was fresh, fragrant, and tasted extremely good and tender.


    Immediately, Ren Baqian couldn��t help but to start digging in.


    Naturally, he didn��t want to stop either. While the other two were talking, he simply helped himself to the food.


    The alcohol that was served was a fruit wine brewed in the mountains. It had a muddy color and a poor presentation. Thankfully, the fruits from the mountains were sweet, so the taste of the wine was pretty good. Ren Baqian asionally filled the empress��s cup when he saw that it was empty before pouring and enjoying it for himself.


    ��Have you located our previous emperor?�� the empress asked after a few rounds of drinks.


    There hadn��t been many records regarding the previous emperor. The people who knew about him had left together with him. Up until now, the empress still didn��t understand why they had left so suddenly.


    Or rather, nobody knew what had happened, but all of them wanted to find out.


    In spite of Qi Ziting��s past and the loss of his legs, it was impossible that he didn��t search for the previous emperor after returning to the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    ��I have followed that path and searched for him for two years. I have been to the deepest viges, climbed the tallest mountains, and found some traces and corpses. After that, I came across some ferocious beasts that even a Cardinal Heaven expert would have problems dealing with. Even for me, I had to advance very carefully. It wasn��t until I saw those human-like things which weren��t human, that I had no choice but to return����


    ��Human-like things which weren��t human?�� Ren Baqian suddenly lifted his head.


    This was the second time he heard this. He first heard about it from Qingyun Sword.


    Or rather, it was Qingyun Sword��s master. He went into the Sixty Thousand Mountains back then and returned with severe injuries. Hisst words were to warn them about those things that looked like humans, but weren��t humans.


    Those words had captured Ren Baqian��s attention back then, and he remembered them ever since. Now, Qi Ziting��s words had reminded him once more


    Both of them looked at him in astonishment.


    The empress asked him softly, ��What do you know about this?��


    ��Lin Qiaole!�� Ren Baqian replied. The empress immediately understood what he meant.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian suddenly wondered if Lin Qiaole was sleeping as they spoke.


    ��Hey!�� Qi Ziting smacked his lips and gave an inexplicable smile. ��Is Lin Qiaole that kid whom Lin Yuhuan brought home? Nobody knows about her origin, and it seems like it struck a chord just now.��


    ��What is it?�� Ren Baqian and the empress looked over at him.


    ��It could be something known as a chinchi!��


    ��Pfff!�� Ren Baqian almost threw up.


    Chinchi? The animal which looked like a rabbit and was extremely chubby?


    Ha! No resemnce at all!


    He thought about bringing a cage full of chinchis back the next day to raise and y with.


    Both of them gave Ren Baqian a weird look. He then immediately waved his hand and said, ��I��m fine. We also have an animal called the chinchi back at home. I doubt they are the same thing.��


    He then thought to himself that Lin Yuhuan, or Librarian Lin, was a rather free-spirited name. She must have been a pretty charming person back then.


    Unfortunately, time was like a butcher��s knife. Librarian Lin was now an eerie-looking old woman.


    The empress pondered for some time and eventually asked a question that she had kept to herself for a long time. ��Did father try to follow their tracks back then?��


    ��Don��t think too much about this. Don��t ever try to follow in our grandfather��s footsteps either,�� Qi Ziting exhorted.


    Ren Baqian felt a little strange as he looked at them. Qi Ziting didn��t seem to hate Qi Yinghao at all.


    He wondered why those events had happened back then.


    The empress kept her thoughts to herself and stopped asking since it truly wasn��t the right time to delve into this at the moment.


    Based on her thinking, Ren Baqian��s life expectancy would definitely be lower than hers. She would probably only probe into these matters after his life came to an end and when she had less worries.


    This drinking session stretchedte into the night, and the trio finally put down their sses after the noise outside had dissipated.


    The empress was feeling slightly tipsy, and her face was blushing a little.


    The alcohol content of this fruit wine wasn��t high, but it got to her head very easily.


    ��I wonder when the next time will be that I get to drink like this again.�� Qi Ziting was also slightly flushed and felt a little sorrowful.


    ��Do you wish toe back and visit for my wedding?�� At this point, the empress stopped addressing herself in a formal manner, and her voice sounded gentler. Allowing Qi Ziting toe back to Lan City was an extremely rare invitation.


    ��Kou Zhehai has always been thinking of you after all these years. He continues to feel that you are the one worthy of my position.��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian finally understood why Kou Zhehai and the empress weren��t on good terms.


    ��Since I have already left, I won��t being back. However, I still don��t understand why he insisted on letting you take that position back then.�� The alcohol had gotten to Qi Ziting��s head.


    The empress fell silent again.


    After that, Ren Baqian butted in on their conversation and said, ��It was because you would only destroy everything! In order to bring about a better quality of life, a leader has to have a constructive and merciful mind.��


    Upon hearing this, Qi Ziting was originally going to rage, but eventually, he kept quiet.


    After some time, he eximed, ��That��s probably true. My little sister has a kind heart!��


    He looked at Ren Baqian with tipsy eyes and said, ��I��m only letting you sit here for my sister��s sake. I don��t like you! I utterly dislike you! Back in the day, I killed thousands of people like you!��


    Ren Baqian smiled and said, ��I brought Dayao a greater crop output, new seasonings, and resolved the ore mining problems at Mount Damo��s iron ore mine while boosting its production to more than 900 tons per year.


    I have improved the steel smelting and forging process to produce more weapons with less manpower.


    I have created cement, which takes away the need to chisel stones from mountains or to break rocks to repair walls.


    I have created ss and mirrors, and if not for the ongoing war, these two products would be traded for boundless gold and silver in Great Xia and the Yun Nation.


    I have achieved these things, but I can still do more. I have a bunch of students who were deemed as useless people in the eyes of the aboriginals, but who are now proficient in many fields.


    They can��t fight, but they can construct.


    They have improved a machine that can travel a few hundred kilometers in a day without the use of animals. Once the railroad isplete, it will only take three days to travel from Lan City to the Yun Nation.


    They are in the midst of creating an electric generator that can light up Lan City��s entire night sky as well as do many incredible things.


    I have brought all of these to Dayao.


    If you were the emperor, none of these could have been possible! That��s why I said that you would only destroy instead of construct!��


    Qi Ziting was astonished after hearing this as he hadn��t expected so many changes to ur in the outside world.


    This made him feel rather piqued, and he wanted to go out and see it for himself.


    ��Did you know that the world��s number one expert, Li Fu, is now in Lan City? He is waiting for me to build him a machine that can take him up to the heavens. He��s someone you can��t defeat!


    As such, the ability to construct is far greater than the ability to destroy,�� Ren Baqian said unhurriedly.


    ��Who says I can��t defeat him? If only I still had my legs���� Qi Ziting flew into a rage and smashed the table to pieces with a swat. He reached out for his missing legs with a disappointed look on his face.

 Chapter 729 - Tossing and Turning Restlessly

    Chapter 729: Tossing and Turning Restlessly


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Returning to the stone house, Ren Baqian heard the empress��s breathing from her bed, and it sounded overly active.


    Apart from when he got hurt back then and both of them were forced to sleep in the wild, he rarely had the opportunity to get so close to her when she slept. They even slept in separate rooms when sharing the same hotel suite.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian called out softly.


    ��What��s the matter?�� the empress asked.


    ��It��s something that just randomly popped up in my head. Since Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole resided in the pce for a long time, they don��t seem to have a good understanding of gender differences. You, however, are very well-versed and strict in this aspect. Who did you learn this from, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian had a curious look on his face and a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    ��Is this abnormal?�� the empress asked as shey in bed.


    Ren Baqian touched his chin and replied, ��It is, but I just feel that�� Could it be that you have read erotic novels before?��


    ��What are erotic novels?�� The empress was distracted for a moment.


    ��Erotic novels are books that depict men and women���� Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    ��Cough����


    Ren Baqian heard the sound of the bed frame breaking��


    <em>Thump! </em>The empress threw a wooden pillow at him as hey sprawled out on his back. It screeched through the air,nded between his legs, and bounced away.


    Ren Baqian broke out in cold sweat and said, ��Cool down, Your Majesty, cool down. I was just asking casually!��


    The empress immediately sat up in the bed. Her eyes emitted a radiance in the darkness as she asked in an angry tone, ��How did you know that Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole don��t have a good understanding about gender differences?��


    Ren Baqian was shocked and almost bit his tongue.


    He originally wanted to tease her, but he ended up setting off a bomb for himself. Andmine to be exact!


    Ren Baqian worked his mind very quickly and felt like his brain was working faster than an i9 processor.


    He thought about it for some time and realized that he couldn��t talk his way out. After all, there was no way for him to retract his words, so he could only avoid the significant and dwell on the trivial.


    ��It��s because they didn��t seem to care about privacy when changing clothes.��


    In any case, he couldn��t tell the empress about the electric shock incident! The shocks weren��t actually serious, but Xin Zhe��s reactions to them made him feel extremely guilty.


    ��You have seen this?�� the empress asked in an ice-cold tone.


    ��You left both of them with me when we visited Earth. When I handed fresh clothes to them, they immediately changed in front of me. It gave me a shock!�� Ren Baqian exined with a guileless look on his face. ��You really can��t me me for this! I was shocked at that moment too!��


    He didn��t actually lie about it�� Since the empress asked, all he could do was verify it. In any case, he didn��t do anything wrong.


    She groaned lightly,y down on the bed, and stared at the ceiling.


    Ren Baqian sat up and looked at her. He simply stayed silent and looked at her.


    After some time, the empress couldn��t take it any longer and looked at him from the corner of her eye before asking, ��What are you looking at?��


    ��I just feel like looking! I enjoy looking at you!�� Ren Baqian replied softly.


    ��I can��t sleep with you looking at me like that.�� The empress wasn��t sure if she was feeling happy or not to be looked at like that. She felt somewhat ufortable, but she didn��t express any dislike toward what he said.


    ��Since you can��t sleep�� Let��s talk!�� Ren Baqian almost spouted out his desires, but with great difficulty, he dispelled the thoughts that would bring about his own misfortune.


    ��Haven��t you talked enough during the day?�� the empress asked.


    ��We talk about day stuff in the daytime and night stuff at nighttime! It��s not the same!�� Ren Baqian replied. Of course it wasn��t the same. How could a single man and woman talk about things that could be said during the day when sharing the same room at night?


    After being looked at, the empress found it ufortable and responded helplessly, ��What do you want to talk about?��


    ��How many kids do you wish to have?�� Ren Baqian��s words almost embarrassed the empress into anger.


    ��Do you want to grant amnesty to the world during our wedding, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian immediately changed the topic after teasing her.


    The aboriginals were weird. For instance, forcefully taking away women from their homes was something verymon on Earth, but it was very rare in this world. By right, such cases should be widespread in this world where martial strength was highly regarded.


    In fact, these cases were quitemon in Great Xia and the Yun Nation.


    However, such incidents were extremely rare among the aboriginals.


    Even when someone was indulging in sensual pleasures at the brothel in Lan City, they were limited to merely touching and hugging thedies. There were very few cases where thedies actually spent the night with their customers and did those indescribable things.


    In this regard, it seemed that the aboriginals had a much lower level of desirepared to ordinary people.


    This was an important factor that led to low aboriginal birth rates, aside from the fact that being overly strong would create fertility problems.


    Also, there were almost no cases of theft in the aboriginalmunity.


    Severely injuring or killing someone in a brawl was the mostmon crime in theirmunity.


    The typical punishment for such a crime would be threeshes of the whip. The whips had barbed tips and ash from one of these whips would definitely render the person disfigured.


    However, if the brawl resulted in severe injuries or death to the other party, the used would be sentenced to jail for a period of six months to five years.


    If it was a deliberate murder, the severity of the case would be assessed, and the used would be sentenced to a minimum of ten years in jail or would be beheaded.


    However, such cases were very umon.


    The aboriginals were fiendish to outsiders, but were mostly pretty ethical when they interacted with their own people.


    The empress felt pretty strange after hearing Ren Baqian��s words and asked, ��Why?��


    ��Jubtion! On such a happy asion, we should probably allow everyone to celebrate it with us, right?��


    ��Wouldn��t the victims me me for being unjust then?�� The empress shook her head.


    Ren Baqian shrugged his shoulders after hearing this. He was merely making a casual remark.


    ��Will I be a prince after our wedding?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��The empress��s husband will naturally be a prince.�� The empress expressed that this was expected as a matter of course.


    ��What benefits are there to being a prince?��


    ��Getting married to me will be your greatest gain ever!�� The empress smiled when she recalled what Ren Baqian had said about her asking for his hand in marriage instead, which had made the Great Elder Shi Qing so angry.


    She had never seen such a shameless act before!


    Ren Baqianughed. This was indeed the greatest gain ever.


    ��Besides that, you will gain responsibility as well. The heavy burden of managing the aboriginals�� lives rests on my shoulders and yours too.��


    ��When you like a person, you have to like everything about her. That includes her strengths and weaknesses, her duties and her responsibilities! These were the words of a famous person,�� Ren Baqian answered softly.


    ��These words have touched me. What is his name? From his words, he sounds like he was a man with responsibilities.��


    ��Ren Baqian!��


    The empress was at the brim ofughter from him trying to be shameless again.


    ��It��s pretty cold in the mountains at night!�� Ren Baqian hugged his arms.


    The empress couldn��t be bothered with him. Even if it was freezing, with his level of strength, it wouldn��t affect him much.


    Seeing that the empress ignored him, hey down on the floor and looked at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He suddenly thought of something and said, ��Your Majesty, we still need to hold a wedding ceremony on Earth after our marriage here!��


    Ren Baqian had initially intended to host a reception on Earth. After giving it some thought, however, his family would probably ask him where his wedding had been held if he were to only hold a reception. They would also ask about where his wife��s family lived. How could he answer such questions? What would it be like if he didn��t even inform his family about his wedding?


    He couldn��t possibly tell them that his wife��s family was from another!


    ��Yeah!�� the empress answered softly. Even though she didn��t exactly enjoy such asions, she left it up to Ren Baqian to decide.


    Even though she was the honorable empress, she would often spare a thought for him as well.


    Ren Baqian had always felt that this trait of hers was hard toe by and extremely praiseworthy.


    ��You probably need to have some family members attend the wedding, right?�� Ren Baqian imagined having to invite dozens of fierce-looking winged cavalry warriors�� He reckoned that most of his guests wouldn��t dare to step through the door.


    It would also be too unpresentable if none of them were present and would generate gossip. It wouldn��t bother him, but his parents would very likely have to face the consequences.


    Should he get Yang Sen to pose as her family?


    This was a possibility that could be explored.


    Ren Baqian thought about his wedding on Earth and rolled around on the floor as he listened to the empress��s breathing�� He continued rolling around�� and rolling around��


    As shey in bed and listened to his breathing, she also thought about the wedding at the same time. Marriage was the most important event of ady��s life, regardless of what kind of person she was.


    He rolled around nonstop. She stretched out her hand and realized that she had already thrown her pillow at him just now. Since that was the only thing on the bed, she felt a little regretful for having thrown it at him too soon.


    ��What are you doing?�� The empress couldn��t tolerate it any longer.


    ��Tossing and turning restlessly!�� Ren Baqian replied forcefully. ��The thought of our wedding and eternal love is keeping me awake.��


    The empress��s built-up anger dissipated. She continued to lie down and stare nkly at the ceiling��


    Subsequently, she somehow felt ufortable lying down and felt like turning her body over�� She felt as if she had been infected by him��


    Not long after, both of them began tossing about�� One in bed and the other on the floor��

 Chapter 730 - In Front of The Tomb

    Chapter 730: In Front of The Tomb


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian left the house yawning the next morning.


    When he was ready to sleep, the empress unexpectedly started tossing and turning in her bed, making him unable to sleep.


    If it wasn��t for his level of strength, he probably would have woken up with dark circles around his eyes.


    He stepped out of the house yawning. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan saw him as they entered the house with a basin, and they secretly cast suspicious nces over at him.


    One would know without asking that both of them were overthinking things.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps into the vige and heard a series of shoutsing from the distance. He followed their voices and saw a few hundred young and robust vigers practicing martial arts on an open field. He felt that their movements looked pretty familiar��it was the [Boxing of Death].


    Qi Ziting held his crutches and shouted, ��Did you guys not have breakfast? All of you look so weak and bby. If you guys were my subordinates back then, I would have beheaded you long ago!��


    He shouted as he picked up stones from the ground with his crutches and hit their heads with them.


    ��If you continue being so dispirited, I will kill you so you won��t look so irksome!��


    Ren Baqian listened and felt that Qi Ziting was making oblique usations.


    Even the weakest few had done it better than himself.


    He decided to let it pass and refused to stoop to Qi Ziting��s level. He watched them from afar and strolled back to have breakfast.


    Breakfast was a meat and wild herb soup that had a very dense fragrance. Merely smelling it would increase one��s appetite.


    However, when they ate the wild herb, it tasted fresh with a hint of bitterness. It resembled a type of wild herb known as the Japanese angelica, which was eaten at the start of May in northeastern China!


    ��Next time, we can try using some egg sauce or coat it with a batter and fry it. It should taste pretty good,�� Ren Baqian said indistinctly while gulping down the soup.


    ��Do it if you want. The imperial kitchen doesn��t know how to,�� the empress replied as she held her bowl.


    She ate in a more refined fashion, but at a much faster speed than him. Her wood-carved bowl was filled to the brim. She lifted her head and gulped down all of it in one go. However, her movements seemed rather pleasing to the eye.


    Ren Baqian figured out the reason for this.


    A good-looking person would look good doing anything!


    Regardless of location, one��s appearance determined everything!


    For example, just take Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.


    Zhuge Liang was 2.4 meters tall and extremely good-looking. He wore a silk headdress, a crane overcoat, and had the presence of a deity.


    Pang Tong had thick eyebrows, big nostrils, a darkplexion, and a short beard. He looked weird.


    Both Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were on par regarding their academic achievements, but they receivedpletely different treatment.


    Rays of sunlight shone through the windows, filling the room with vitality.


    The stone house was tall, but it wasn��t very spacious since Ren Baqian and the empress could simply turn around and touch the bed already. However, they felt that the size of the house was just right for them. It was at least cozier than the cold and empty pce.


    After breakfast, a man stood outside the house and waited for them. He was a brilliant man in his thirties. He felt slightly apprehensive after seeing the empress and stuttered, ��Your Majesty, Commander Qi asked me to take both of you to the mountains. He said that it has been a long time since youst went and that you might lose your way easily.��


    ��Commander? My brother still holds a position in the vige?�� the empress asked in an amicable way.


    It had been pretty hostile when they met the day before, but the tension had pretty much been eased after having dinner together.


    ��Commander Qi is the leader of the hunting team!�� the man replied straightforwardly.


    ��He simply can��t stay idle.�� The empressughed while the man stared nkly after seeing her reaction.


    ��Let��s go.��


    The Qi Family vige��s graveyard wasn��t located behind the vige. Instead, it was on top of Mount Yulong where the head of the dragon was.


    Ren Baqian didn��t understand geomancy and didn��t know whether things would have been different if the graveyard wasn��t located at the head of Mount Kunlong. However, this ce had birthed generations of emperors, and it seemed like it had pretty good feng shui after all.


    Along the journey, Ren Baqian had gathered plenty of white flowers and began to weave a gand.


    ��What are you doing?�� The empress didn��t understand what he was doing as he weaved the flower gand.


    ��This is the first time I��m visiting my mother-inw. I definitely have to prepare some gifts for her, but I have no idea what she likes. I don��t think she dislikes flowers, right?�� Ren Baqian lifted his head and smiled as he continued weaving.


    He got careless for a moment and the needle pricked him in the finger, but it didn��t bother him much as his skin was coarse and his flesh was tough now.


    The empress looked at him gently and said, ��You are truly thoughtful.��


    ��I��m a courteous person!�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously.


    After ascending Mount Yulong, they followed a small path that led to the dragon��s head. There was a vast open space in front of them and the entire view was clear.


    The view was unbounded.


    As he nced across the field, there were countless tombs. The proof of a person��s existence resided beneath each tomb.


    Some of them looked like they had been visited often because their surroundings were clear of weeds.


    Those that weren��t taken care of had been covered in weeds, and one would have no idea where the tomb was until they stepped on it.


    The empress��s mother��s tomb was located at a corner. Even though she was the empress, her tomb was only slightlyrger than those of ordinary people. Its stone pile was made up of higher quality and hand-picked white stones.


    The area around her tomb was very clean and it looked as if it had been frequently maintained.


    ��You guys may step down.�� When the empress waved her hand at the people behind her, they withdrew a distance away. She then said to Ren Baqian, ��Come with me.��


    ��It appears that my mother-inw liked the color white,�� Ren Baqian said as he looked at the pile of white stones on her tomb.


    ��I have never seen it before, but the others said that my mother liked it.�� The empress nodded.


    ��If that��s the case, I have picked the right color of flowers.�� Holding a gand of white flowers, Ren Baqian smiled.


    The empress ignored him, stood in front of the tomb, and said softly, ��I havee to visit you again. I��m all grown up now!��


    After saying that, the empress paused for a moment before pulling Ren Baqian beside her. ��This is him. In a few months�� time, I will be marrying him. He��s not from Dayao, Great Xia, the Yun Nation, or the Chen Nation. I don��t think this will matter to you in any case.��


    ��Greetings, mother-inw!�� Ren Baqian addressed with respect and ced the flower gand on the stone pile.


    ��He��szy, a little crafty, afraid of bearing hardships, afraid of involvement, and has a glib tongue�� He has plenty of shorings. However, I still fancy him quite a bit. I don��t feel lonely with him around.��


    Ren Baqian couldn��t help but look over at the empress.


    <em>Is this really what you think of me?</em>


    ��I��m not sure if you feel lonely here�� This is a graveyard. With thepany of so many people here, it should be pretty lively!�� she said as she nced over at the other tombs.


    ��That elder brother of mine�� Forget it, I shall not talk about him�� You see him every day.


    After being the monarch for a few years, it was truly very boring. I would either stay cooped up in the pce, be mired in handling matters, or simply be lost in thought�� However, this was inevitable. Father had left, and I have no idea where he went. I suppose he must have set off to search for his father.


    With so many aboriginalmoners, there must be a leader and someone to bear this responsibility.


    If I have a kid after my marriage, I do feel like exploring the outside world after he��s grown up. I have previously heard that the world is a very interesting and vast ce, and I want to see it for myself someday.


    Do you think I should explore the world, mother?


    It was an ordinary person who said this. He could put everything down and do that, but as the monarch, I can��t do that!��


    The empress had many things to say. After speaking to her mother��s tomb for some time, she sat on the ground and asked, ��Do you drink alcohol? I heard that you enjoyed drinking alcohol, so I brought some along.��


    Ren Baqian immediately took the hint and went to grab a few bottles of wine from the winged cavalry. He opened one bottle and ced it in front of the tomb before handing another bottle to the empress.


    ��This wine is scorching like a hot, fiery de. You��ll get drunk if you drink too much. It��s fine for me, but you should drink it more slowly.��

 Chapter 731 - A Day of Leisure

    Chapter 731: A Day of Leisure


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress sat in front of the grave for the whole day. Wine bottles were thrown all over the graveyard from morning to night.


    ��He knows how to sing! It��s quite nice to listen to!�� The empress threw a wine bottle aside, suddenly thought of a funny matter, andughed.


    The empress seemed to have drunk too much. Drinking in front of the grave was more than enough, yet she still wanted to sing. How about doing some disco dancing?


    After a whole case of sorghum wine was emptied, even the empress couldn��t prevent herself from getting drunk.


    He said modestly, ��There is a song called ��Pomp and Circumstance�� that I can sing well! It��s even better if apanied by an erhu.��


    The empress stopped talking, sat there in a daze for a long time, and then said ndly, ��I have spoken for so long without getting a reply. It��s very boring to have only one person speaking, and I look like a fool talking to myself. That��s it��I��m leaving and wille back to visit you after some time.��


    A wind from the mountains immediately followed and rustled the nearby branches and weeds.


    ��What are you saying? I can��t understand. I don��t want to say anymore. I��m leaving and there is no need to send me off.�� The empress waved her hands and stood up unsteadily.


    When Ren Baqian held her waist, she didn��t object.


    ��Goodbye, mother-inw.�� Ren Baqian politely bowed as he bade farewell.


    After walking about 100 meters, they were met by some winged cavalry warriors.


    However, their faces were swollen beyond recognition.


    ��Did you disturb a beehive?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    They reluctantly pulled out two beehives and exined, ��Sir Ren, there were two Golden Ring beehives nearby. This honey isn��t only sweet, but also has hallucinogenic effects. It makes one feel like they are entering the clouds, forgetting all worries as well as time. Even a thousand taels of gold can��t buy it.��


    ��Is it that precious?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously. Seeing their reluctant faces, he knew it was definitely something good.


    ��The important point is its rarity. It��s seldom seen outside the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Two of them just happened to be found here,�� said a winged cavalry warrior with a swollen face.


    His face was full of fingertip-sized pustules. In order to inflict such damage to these winged cavalry warriors, those bees must have been powerful.


    ��This is a present for Your Majesty.�� The group brought the two beehives that were each the size of half a man.


    ��It isn��t nice to take your things. Alright, I will grant everyone some silver ingots���� The empress stopped hallway because she didn��t know how much was in the treasury.


    Ren Baqian immediately added, ��Everyone here will receive 300 taels of silver and everyone at the mountain base will get 100 taels.��


    ��Your Majesty, thank you very much!�� the group said delightedly.


    The sry of a winged cavalry warrior was only 15 taels of silver per month.


    300 taels��this was almost equivalent to two years of their sry.


    Inparison, the sry of an Earth Wheel expert in the Yun Nation was at least two to three thousand taels per year.


    The empress shot a nce at Ren Baqian. 300 taels for the 200 winged cavalry warriors up here plus 100 taels for the 400 of them in the vige. That meant a total of 100,000 taels.


    The annual expenses of the pce, including the sries of the pce guards and maids, totaled no more than 60,000 taels.


    100,000 thousand taels was close to two years of expenses for the pce!


    The empress only asked Ren Baqian when they were at the base of the mountain, ��How much silver does the imperial treasury have?��


    Ren Baqian was more well-versed in this matter than the empress, and the empress hadn��t concerned herself with it.


    ��Including the sales from spices and mirrors, there are 630,000 taels of silver in the imperial treasury. There are also some precious gifts that the delegates gave you at your birthday celebrationst year,�� Ren Baqian whispered.


    The empress blinked her eyes and asked in amazement, ��There��s so much?��


    Prior to this, there were usually tens of thousands taels in the imperial treasury and more than 100,000 during good times, so this figure was rather surprising.


    This was almost 10 percent of the annual revenue of the imperial treasury.


    ��One portion was already used to buy herbal medicine.�� Ren Baqian continued, ��At present, those officials in Lan City have had almost all of their money taken away, so revenue over the next half year will drop. However, Your Majesty used to spend money from the imperial treasury to buy weapons from the Yun Nation, but now, that money will be saved and there should be a surplus. At the end of the year, the gold mine will also contribute more than 100,000 taels of silver.��


    The empress nodded and said, ��This credit must go to you.��


    Knowing that the treasury had so much money, the empress still felt the pinch of Ren Baqian giving away 100,000 taels, but she didn��t say too much.


    In fact, Ren Baqian had other reasons for doing this. The sry of the winged cavalry warriors was too low and the fatality rate was high. In less than two years, about 600 people remained out of the original 1,500.


    This was one among many matters where Ren Baqian couldn��t shirk his responsibility.


    This time, they were escorting the empress to the Sixty Thousand Mountains and faced great difficulties on the road.


    This sum of money was used to buy goodwill in the name of the empress. Plus, there was no limit to the amount of silver that he could obtain in the future.


    By the time they descended the mountain, it was already dark. The vige was dark except for some torches at the gate and some rays of light from the stone houses at the back of the vige.


    Illuminating the vige had always been a difficult problem.


    The animal oil used to fuel the torches was precious to them.


    Qi Ziting had already prepared the meal. Ren Baqian and the empress put out the lights and rested in their room after the meal.


    One was still on the bed while the other was on the floor.


    After a short while, Ren Baqian heard the breathing of the empress be even.


    It looked like she was sleeping soundly.


    She didn��t sleep muchst night, but it didn��t seem to affect her.


    Still, spending the whole day talking in front of the tomb was rather draining for her, so she was somewhat tired.


    Ren Baqian was very sleepy, yet he couldn��t fall asleep as hey there. He crawled up from the floor and sat beside the table with his chin resting in his hand as he watched the silhouette of the empress in the darkness.


    Although there was only a little bit of moonlight shining in, he was able to see more clearly in dim conditions than ordinary people due to his improvement in power and could see the empress clearly as her chest moved up and down.


    As expected, a good looking person also looked good when sleeping.


    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder��


    He thought of climbing into bed�� but he was afraid of being kicked out��


    Ren Baqian let his thoughts run wild and felt likeughing when he recalled the empress talking about family matters in front of the grave.


    He felt that the empress had looked very lovable.


    On the bed, the empress felt ufortable from Ren Baqian staring at her.


    She woke up when he got up from the floor, but she wanted to see what he was doing and kept quiet.


    He just sat there looking at her and burst intoughter at times! She didn��t know what he wasughing about.


    The empress wanted to open her eyes, but decided that it was better to continue pretending to be asleep.


    She enjoyed the sweet feeling of being watched.


    After a while, she just let him watch and drifted into dreand.


    The next day, Ren Baqian was yawning again as he went outside.


    Seeing him appear like this, the empress felt that he deserved it.


    Fortunately, there was nothing nned for the day, and the empress spent her time chatting with Qi Ziting. Ren Baqian found himself a ce to catch up on sleep.


    He didn��t know how long he had been sleeping when he was awakened with a punch to the face and nose.


    He saw another person beside him.


    It was Lin Qiaole!


    She was always sleeping somewhere and had appeared out of nowhere, sprawling and salivating beside him. One hand was grabbing candy from a bag while the other hand had justnded a punch on him.


    Ren Baqian covered his face as he got up. Then, the stench of liquor and chocte from her breath hit him�� Candy wrappers were also thrown all over the floor.


    Her face had a reddish tinge, and Ren Baqian felt that she might have be too intoxicated.


    She had eaten too much liquorced chocte!


    This chick was unable to tolerate alcohol, not even a little bit.


    He opened the bag to check. As expected, all the liquorced choctes were gone.


    He threw the bag into her hand and felt like giving her a kick. However, she looked like a little girl, so he refrained from kicking her.


    Ren Baqian sighed since he felt very unlucky to have encountered unexpected trouble while sleeping.


    Stretching as he walked out, he saw the empress and Qi Ziting still sitting there.


    The sun was setting, yet those two were still there talking.


    Looking at this scene, it wasn��t easy to discern that one was currently the monarch and the other was known for his bloodthirsty ways and for attempting to assassinate thete emperor.


    This scene seemed to be uncharacteristically harmonious.


    They were close rtives and hadn��t met for 10 years. As a result, they had a lot to say to each other.


    Ren Baqian finally understood that the empress wasn��t really reticent and opened up more when he was with her. With Qi Ziting, her behavior was simr to what she had disyed at the tomb.


    The empress didn��t say much due to the fact that not many people talked to her.

 Chapter 732 - Fake Honey is Harmful

    Chapter 732: Fake Honey is Harmful


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the evening, ced in front of Ren Baqian was a small bowl of dense and amber colored liquid that gave off an alluring fragrance.


    The sweet and fragrant scent of flowers filled the entire house. One could even smell it outside the house, and it was truly mouth-watering. When the smell entered your nose, it felt as if it traveled to your brain, making your entire body feel as light as a feather and clearing away all the lethargy.


    The hives of the Golden Ring bees were about half the size of a man. After cutting the hives open, they filled an entire jar with honey.


    A bowl of Golden Ring bee honey could fetch 1,000 taels of gold from the Yun Nation. After some careful calction, the 100,000 taels of silver than Ren Baqian paid for this jar of honey was definitely a worthy investment. Many of the winged cavalry warriors had a favorable impression of the honey as well.


    The pair sat quietly in front of the table, each with a wooden bowl. They stared at the bowls as if they were performing some sort of pre-meal rite.


    Ren Baqian remembered someone once said that there must be various routines in life to make ordinary life feel more different.


    However, the difference here was that the empress had half a bowl of honey in front of her, whereas he had less than that.


    Even though this honey was very precious, someone at his level couldn��t consume too much.


    ��Can we start eating?�� the empress asked without even lifting her head. If Ren Baqian hadn��t stopped her, she would have long since devoured it��


    This was actually her favorite dessert.


    If she was made to choose between Ren Baqian and the dessert, she would probably ponder for a moment before choosing Ren Baqian.


    If she were to choose between Tong Zhenye or any of the elders in the imperial court and the dessert, she would definitely choose the dessert without hesitation.


    Being able to restrain herself for so long was the most that she had given in to Ren Baqian so far.


    ��Let��s dig in.�� As soon as his voice sounded, the empress grabbed a piece of finger-sized, chocte colored honeb, scooped up some honey, and put it into her mouth. This was followed by a crisp chewing sound, and she had an enchanted look on her face with her eyes closed.


    Even though Ren Baqian was also extremely gluttonous, desserts weren��t as attractive to him as they were to the empress.


    The honeb pieces were where the honey was extracted from. The people from the imperial kitchen had cut them into small pieces. Scooping up honey with these pieces and putting it into the mouth would release abination of rich floral sweetness of various flowers, covering all of the taste buds.


    Ren Baqian tasted it carefully and was actually able to pick out the fragrance of various flowers. The honey was sweet, yet not overbearing, and was extremely aromatic in the mouth. It made him feel as if he was experiencing the taste of spring.


    Like biscuits, the honeb was slightly crispy and was rather fragrant. It was simply a perfectbination when paired with honey.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t help but close his eyes as well, carefully experiencing the taste in his mouth. Even after swallowing it, the fragrance of the flowers and honey still lingered in the mouth. It felt as if the honey was still in the mouth, just missing the crispiness of the honeb, which he felt made the experience slightly iplete.


    When he took the second mouthful of honey, the feathery lightness that he felt when he smelled it earlier became more evident. He felt as if he was lighter by a fair bit.


    After consuming most of the honey in his bowl, he felt as if he had be a deity and as if he could fly at any time. There was an indescribable sense offort and excitement that pierced his brain in waves. His ears seemed to be hearing sounds of music as well. It sounded like heaven and was 1,000 times better than him ying the erhu.


    Ren Baqian shook his head to sober himself up. He looked at the empress, only to see that her bowl had been licked clean. Her face was flushed while her eyes looked a little hazy. It was as if she was drunk.


    ��Your Majesty has gotten drunk from drinking honey!�� he teased.


    <em>Burp! </em>For the first time ever, the empress belched, filling her entire mouth with the fragrance of flowers and honey. This made Ren Baqian feel like kissing her lips and finding out whether her red lips tasted as sweet as honey.


    ��This honey feels a little weird! It��s like drinking alcohol!�� The empress tried to sober herself up, but somehow wasn��t able to.


    Pulses of pleasurable sensations rushed to her head, and she left out a soft moan.


    This moan sounded extremely alluring to Ren Baqian.


    However, he still tried to focus his attention on the bowl in front of him.


    ��What a wonderful delicacy! If I were to bring this to Earth, countless people would be fighting over it!�� Ren Baqian gave a thumbs-up. Previously, he had eaten the legendary bear paw delicacy when he was young. It was the front right paw, and the meat was extremely plump. It was said that his father��s ssmates brought it back from Daxing��anling[1.Daxing��anling: a mountain range in northwestern Heilongjiang.]


    However, that was nothingpared to this honey.


    He took thest piece of honeb and carefully scooped up the remaining honey from the bowl without wasting a single bit. He then put it into his mouth, feeling perfectly satisfied.


    When Ren Baqian finished eating it, he still felt that it wasn��t enough. However, he was content knowing that there was still a jar of it left.


    He finally understood why the empress acted as if she was drunk.


    He started to experience dizzy spells as well as double vision.


    Not knowing whether it was an illusion, the bowl on the table suddenly moved toward the side. It was as if the bowl had legs and was trying to run away.


    ��You are trying to escape? Ha, let me see what exactly is trying to y tricks!�� Ren Baqian burst intoughter. Seeing that the bowl was about to fall off the table, he suddenly stretched out his hands. However, he didn��t feel the bowl that he trying to catch and tumbled to the ground.


    He froze for a while before taking a careful look at the table. That bowl was actually still at its original position, and it looked as if it hadn��t moved a single bit.


    Refusing to believe it, he lifted the bowl and realized that there was nothing underneath.


    ��That��s strange!�� Ren Baqian felt a little suspicious. When he lifted his head and looked at the empress, his gaze became transfixed on her.


    She simply sat there staring nkly at him. The makeup on her face was still intact, and her zing red lips were extremely alluring.


    This made his adrenal nds be hyperactive.


    Still hearing the sounds of heaven, Ren Baqian��s mood was brewing when an ineffable impulse suddenly overwhelmed him.


    ��Your Majesty����


    ��Yeah?�� The empress��s reaction sounded a little slow, but he disregarded it at this moment.


    Ren Baqian walked around the table, held her face, and said, ��You must taste very sweet now, Your Majesty.��


    Before she could even reply, he lowered his head.


    <em>Very sweet indeed! </em>This thought suddenly arose in his mind.


    Their kiss was heart-rending and felt never-ending. Ren Baqian was reluctant to part with the empress��s lips and her hands were also ced on his waist.


    This made it even harder for him to control himself.


    Soon after, he lost consciousness��


    Ren Baqian found himself on the bed when he woke up, and he was touching something soft.


    Squeeze!


    Squeeze!


    Squeeze again!


    The empress��s sweet-smelling breath brushed across his face.


    From the glimmer of light in the house, he saw her lying beside him.


    A red muslin cloth hung at the edge of the bed.


    Half of her white undergarment was undone, revealing her well-endowed bosom.


    Ren Baqian carefully moved his hand away as he nced over repeatedly�� It was as if he had just seen God��s greatest creation in this world, which made him cling onto this indulgence. He also felt as if a me was burning in his chest.


    ��Oh!�� The empress groaned softly and quickly turned around. After that, Ren Baqian immediately felt like he had been drenched in ice water! Frightened, the empress jumped off the bed,y down on the floor, and closed her eyes while pretending to sleep.


    <em>Are you feeling angry and humiliated now that you are awake, Your Majesty?</em>


    <em>I don��t know�� I don��t know anything�� What exactly happened? All I remember was giving you a kiss. What happened after that? Why can��t I recall?</em>


    <em>Fake alcohol is harmful and fake honey is deadly! Damn it! There are problems with this honey. Why didn��t I realize it before? Such intense reactions, such pleasure and excitement, such feathery feelings, and such heavenly sounds. How could this be honey?��</em>


    Thoughts filled Ren Baqian��s frantic mind. The effects of this honey somewhat made him feel like it was some sort of banned substance on Earth.


    He should have realized it earlier!


    However, the excitement he felt when he ate the honey made him forget about this matter entirely.


    The empress turned around. He immediately held his breath as his heart pounded nonstop.


    Ren Baqian got out of bed and saw that the skin beneath her half-undone undergarment was stained with a rose coloredyer. He didn��t notice that she was blushing from her neck to her ears.


    Even though her eyes were closed shut, she quietly covered herself up with her shirt.

 Chapter 733 - Pretending to be Ignorant

    Chapter 733: Pretending to be Ignorant


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was a torturous night for Ren Baqian. He couldn��t sleep, yet he dared not move and had to breathe softly to prevent the empress from being awakened.


    One moment, he was thinking of the scene he saw at that time, and another moment, he was remembering the touch that he felt and worrying whether the empress might get angry when she woke up.


    Although they were betrothed to each other and took their vows in front of the Queen Mother��s grave, the empress was very conservative in this aspect.


    It was hard to make any progress before their wedding.


    Ren Baqian was clear about this and was in no hurry since there were only a few months to go.


    He didn��t expect this situation to arise due to half a bowl of fake honey.


    On the contrary, he was rather perturbed.


    Although the reward was big enough, the danger outweighed the reward.


    Marx said that with a 300 percent profit, he would dare tomit any crime and even risked being hanged.


    If Ren Baqian grasped one, two, or three times�� and got buried by the angry empress, it would be unjustified.


    Therefore, the best choice was to y dead.


    Time passed and Ren Baqian kept his eyes tightly closed. He heard the slight sounds made by the empress upon waking up,


    The empress sat for awhile before getting dressed. The details from the sounds she made were making him specte.


    Then, the empress kicked Ren Baqian to wake him up.


    ��Hey? Ouch!�� Ren Baqian blinked sleepily.


    ��What happened yesterday?�� the empress asked.


    ��What happened? I don��t know!�� Ren Baqian stared nkly at her. The empress had put on her white underwear and red dress. She looked at him with flickering eyes.


    ��What happened?�� Ren Baqian asked again.


    ��It��s fine now!�� The empress looked away. In a sh, she was at the doorway and about to open the door.


    Her actions made Ren Baqian feel relieved. He was full of admiration for his own acting skills, which were worthy of a movie star.


    As the empress opened the door, her eyes shone. She felt her back sweating slightly, but with her power, this wasn��t supposed to happen.


    ��Your Majesty, why��s your face flushed?�� asked Qing Yuan, who was carrying a wooden basin.


    The empress looked at her fiercely. Without betraying any emotion, the empress asked, ��Is my face red?��


    Qing Yuan was given a kick by Hong Luan and bowed her head, saying, ��I was mistaken��it must be the morning sunlight shining on your face that is making it look red.��


    ��What��s the problem with Her Majesty?�� Ren Baqian asked as he came out of the room.


    ��I��m fine.�� The empress waved her hands and let the two attendant wash her.


    ��If Your Majesty��s face was redder, it would be even nicer,�� Ren Baqian said with augh.


    Although he had been suffering all night, he was in high spirits mainly because of the effect of the honey. Just a little was enough to boost his energy level tremendously.


    This honey had a strong stimnt effect.


    Just a little bit too much would cause a situation like the night before, inducing excitement, pleasant sensations, all kinds of hallucinations, and even ecstasy.


    After breakfast, their group of people prepared to leave.


    However, only 300 winged cavalry warriors followed the empress while the other 300 headed in other directions to the various viges.


    Including Gong Zheng, the empress assigned them with the task of reinforcing the winged cavalry.


    It wasn��t just to reinforce them as the empress was going to expand the winged cavalry to 4,000 people.


    Dayao��s grain production had increased dramatically, and the Yun Nation would be in their hands soon. Even if the winged cavalry warriors had big appetites, more could be fed now.


    The direction that the empress and Ren Baqian were headed was an area of remote and eerie forests, and there were hardly any viges around. After being divided into two groups, the group led by Ren Baqian and the empress traveled to the area mentioned by Librarian Lin, whereas the other 300 led by Gong Zheng ventured deep into the mountains to recruit Kismet Heaven experts.


    When the groups were packing for the journey, Ren Baqian saw an imperial cook storing that jar of honey on their mount and quickly said, ��It isn��t necessary to bring that.��


    ��Sir, this Golden Ring bee honey is very precious, and it would be a pity to throw it away,�� the imperial cook said.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while. This honey was really good, but he wondered whether he would get addicted. Otherwise, it would be useful to eat it during their wedding night.


    ��We are taking the mountain roads and it can easily break. Leave it here and take it on the way back.��


    He was grateful that he had concealed this from the empress as he didn��t know how she would react.


    As for its consumption on the wedding night, that wasn��t a problem.


    The empress had mentioned this trip to Qi Ziting, so he wasn��t surprised when he saw the group preparing to depart and even went to the vige gate to send them off personally. Beside him was a hefty fellow with a w wound on his neck. The skin was ripped open, and he was fortunate to still be alive.


    However, his breathing was abnormal as his windpipe must have been damaged when he was wed by an animal.


    He carried a bow made from horn that was about as tall as half a person and rode on a strange, odd-looking mount. It had the horns of a deer and the face of a dog, but had the body of a tiger, the tail of a dog, and was covered with stripes of camouge.


    ��His name is Ya Sheng. In this vige, aside from me, he has been to the most ces around. He has been to the ce you are going and can lead the way. I will not being along. Anyway, there isn��t much danger there, and you will be returning to this ce on your way back.��


    The empress, who was seated on the Qishui, turned and nodded, saying, ��It isn��t necessary to send us off. I will be back in a few days.��


    After that, she gave the order to set off.


    The group was already prepared and immediately moved forward.


    On the way to the destination, Ren Baqian spent less time with the empress and studied a book in his free time.


    On the one hand, he had a guilty conscience, and on the other hand, he wanted to read the cultivation manual for [The Yang Boosting Technique] one more time in order to remember it by heart and understand the details.


    ording to Librarian Lin , this method was simple and easy to understand. The most difficult part was cultivating it.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t take this lightly


    They headed southwest for seven days. This stretch of road was much harder to travel than the previous one. Strange-looking rocks abounded with remote mountains and wild rivers everywhere. The Sixty Thousand Mountains was a deste ce, but this area was even more deste and eerie. The forests were so densely covered that the sky could hardly be seen.


    Furthermore, there were no paths in many ces and wild grasses grew taller than a man. Theypletely relied on Ya Sheng to lead the way so as not to get lost.


    One day, while they were moving forward, they heard a roar. It sounded like a tiger or a lion and was so loud that it seemed like a huge drum was beating next to their ears.


    Even though it was hundreds of meters away, they could feel the unmatched ferocity of the animal.


    Ren Baqian subconsciously moved closer to the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, there seems to be a big beast in front.��


    After being in the Sixty Thousand Mountains for so long, he was gradually able to distinguish between a weak and a strong beast. Although they had never encountered it before, the one in front of them projected great power and wasn��t to be trifled with.


    Furthermore, after hearing that ear-splitting roar, even Ren Baqian��s mount, the crow general, started looking apprehensive.


    The crow general was a Cardinal Heaven level beast, was stronger than a normal Cardinal Heaven expert, and had only been subdued when the empress took action.


    For it to act this way after hearing the roar, it could be deduced that the beast in front was bound to be very powerful.


    Ya Sheng, who was leading the way at the front, was shocked and almost lost his voice, eximing, ��Xiong yan?! How could this beast be found here?!��

 Chapter 734 - Everything Depends on the Roar

    Chapter 734: Everything Depends on the Roar


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The words of Ya Sheng caused a stir.


    The winged cavalry warriors in the group were recruited from the Sixty Thousand Mountains, so many of them had heard of the xiong yan before.


    They heard of it through the legends passed down by aboriginals who passed through their viges.


    ording to these legends, 650 kilometers south of the Ya Family vige, there was a red mountain called Mount Tu.


    Some people said that a long, long time ago, there was a herd of beasts there. They were powerful, stronger than Cardinal Heaven experts, wreaked havoc in all directions, and destroyed umpteen viges.


    Subsequently, an aboriginal expert gathered many people from the viges to attack and destroy the whole herd.


    That expert perished there while many viges suffered great casualties.


    That mountain was stained with the blood of the beasts and the aboriginals.


    From then on, not even a de of grass grew on Mount Tu.


    Nearly 100 years ago, that mountain was upied by a fierce animal known as a xiong yan.


    Standing at 25 meters tall, it had a human-like face, short ck hair, a silver stripe on its back, was tailless, and could walk upright .


    As soon as that beast appeared, it destroyed a nearby vige, but it remained within 50 kilometers of Mount Tu and caused no further damage. Furthermore, it was powerful, so no one sent any forces to fight against it.


    However, this beast was said to be a killer. It didn��t only kill for food like other animals, but also killed for pleasure. As a result, it was called a xiong yan.


    ��Are you sure it��s a xiong yan?�� Gong Zheng frowned as he looked at the dense forest in front.


    ��It should be correct. I have been in the vicinity of Mount Tu and saw a xiong yan once. It was quite a distance away and was hunting for a murderer on the run who had entered its territory. I took advantage of the distraction to escape.�� Ya Sheng looked upset while speaking. The memory of seeing that animal was enough to make him perturbed.


    ��Are there any other roads?�� Gong Zheng asked.


    ��If we take a detour, it will take at least one more week and we will have to go through Bellyworm Valley.��


    After hearing this, Gong Zheng looked even gloomier..


    Bellyworms were palm-sized insects that weren��t powerful. The problem was that they came out en masse and even beasts avoided them out of fear.


    It was said that Bellyworm Valley was full of bellyworms, which was a greater threat to the group than the xiong yan.


    ��Come with me to see Her Majesty.��


    After listening to them, the empress pondered for a little while and asked, ��How powerful is a xiong yan?��


    ��Your Majesty, there was a Cardinal Heaven expert in the vige that it destroyed. He went missing after the vige was destroyed, so he must have perished!�� As Ya Sheng recalled the rumors at that time, his eyes betrayed some of his fear.


    Cardinal Heaven experts were regarded like immortals by the aboriginals and were considered the apex masters.


    The fact that such an expert was unexpectedly defeated by a xiong yan and couldn��t even escape showed how horrifying the xiong yan was.


    Ren Baqian thought of other possibilities as he listened. That Cardinal Heaven expert could have died trying to protect the vigers or trying to help the vigers stall for time.


    Although that beast was very powerful, it shouldn��t reach the point where even a Cardinal Heaven expert couldn��t escape.


    After all, this was the middle section of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and a long way off from the deepest areas.


    Beasts at the Cardinal Heaven level were rarely seen in this area, not to mention such an extremely powerful beast.


    Still, just in case, Ren Baqian said, ��Your Majesty, how about turning back and not going to the Earth Yin Spring. If we encounter danger and lose manpower due to this mission, it will not be worth it.��


    The empress shot him a nce and replied, ��I want to take a look. I want to see how awesome this xiong yan is!��


    ��Your Majesty!�� Gong Zheng spoke up hastily to stop her.


    ��Don��t try to persuade me. I��m just taking a look.�� The empress waved her hands.


    ��Your Majesty, in that case, I will follow you!�� Ren Baqian quickly added.


    Gong Zheng looked askance at him. Wouldn��t Ren Baqian be a burden instead?


    ��If the empress and I do note back in two hours, retreat to the ce we camped yesterday and wait for three days. We will certainlye back,�� Ren Baqian said to Gong Zheng.


    The empress immediately understood Ren Baqian��s idea.


    ��Your Majesty, please wait a moment.�� Ren Baqian decided that it was better to bring Lin Qiaole along.


    He might be able to use her as a human shield.


    From quite a distance away, the beast roared again, which made Gong Zheng feel even more worried.


    Beasts wouldn��t normally roar like this all the time.


    Beasts would only do so when faced with a formidable enemy that was stronger than them.


    Was there another animal that was as formidable as a xiong yan?


    When did the middle area of the Sixty Thousand Mountains be so dangerous?


    Ren Baqian searched through the group and found Lin Qiaole lying on the back of a jumping goat.


    He followed up with a kick to her buttocks!


    Lin Qiaole jumped up and responded by wing at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian felt that something was amiss and tried his best to avoid the strike by moving back, but he still felt a chill on his face, followed by a tingling sensation and warm liquid flowing down his face.


    He saw Lin Qiaole extending her nails by an inch and ring at him.


    ��I��m waking you up to eat candy!�� Ren Baqian said calmly.


    He was used to getting scratches on his face, and the wounds would be fine after putting some medicine on them.


    ��Oh!�� Lin Qiaole was furious one moment and serene the next.


    Although she didn��t know when she would get this good offer again, it was still a good thing to get candy. Even getting kicked during her sleep didn��t make her angry.


    Ren Baqian took some White Rabbit Creamy Candies from behind his waist and threw them to her.


    ��There��s work to be done. Follow me!��


    After he brought Lin Qiaole to see the empress, they left the group from the current location and entered the dense forest as a trio.


    The trees in the forest were tens of meters tall, and the undergrowth was as tall as a human. It was difficult for ordinary people to move even a single step, but it didn��t affect the three of them much.


    The empress and Lin Qiaole shed about on the branches.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian had to asionally use vines to aid his progress, and the other two had to slow down to allow him to keep up.


    A distance of a thousand meters wasn��t considered far for them, and they arrived after a few minutes. The deafening roar was even louder and was painful to the ears.


    Ren Baqian jumped toward a branch in front of him and grabbed at a hanging vine when he was three or four meters from reaching the branch. The instant he touched the vine, it didn��t feel like a vine. Instead, it felt slippery and followed him as he fell to the ground.


    Frightened, he spun to look at the vine, and it turned out to be a slender snake that was six or seven meters long. The snake was writhing and trying to bite him.


    A figure wed at the snake and instantly divided it into six parts.


    Lin Qiaole carried Ren Baqian, stamped against a tree trunk, andnded on a branch.


    ��That gave me a fright!�� Ren Baqian said as his heart palpitated in his chest.


    Mistaking a snake for a vine was terrifying.


    Many of the snakes here were poisonous, but luckily, he hadn��t been bitten.


    Ren Baqian tried to stay as quiet as possible because he was afraid of being detected by the beast. However, he also knew that it wasn��t possible to hide from it at such a close distance.


    In general, beasts were more sensitive than humans.


    Fortunately, the other party didn��t know what kind of opponent it was facing at the moment and didn��t have time to pay attention to them.


    He jumped over another two branches and felt strange.


    There was no open space around, just tall trees, various types of vines everywhere, and all kinds of vegetation on the ground.


    Based on the roar, the other party should be in front of them.


    It was said to be 25 meters tall�� How could such arge creature be crammed in a forest like this?


    Yet, the roar came from the grass below the slope! However, the three of them didn��t see the giant beast that was expected.


    Instead, they saw a familiar figure.


    The bichi stood on a branch and looked in a particr direction with uncertainty in its small eyes.


    Following the direction of its gaze, the three people finally saw the so-called ��xiong yan.��


    Standing at about one meter tall with a grey head and brown fur everywhere else, an animal was waving its pair of small ws and roaring at the bichi.


    As it opened its mouth, it unleashed a roar that was totally incongruous with its size. The sound was thunderous and full of ferocity, but it didn��t match the creature��s size and face at all.


    It was like a rabbit defiantly roaring like a T-Rex.


    Its funny looking face was filled with anger, and it looked puzzled.


    All along, it just needed to roar to make all the animals around it disappear!


    Why was this one not running away?


    It was getting tired of roaring!


    Meanwhile, the bichi was also confused. Why was this ything roaring? It didn��t fight or run, but just stood there and roared!


    Furthermore, how was it possible for such a small body to make such a loud noise?


    ��Is this a xiong yan?�� Ren Baqian pointed at the hamster-like thing in disbelief.


    It was totally unlike what the others had described.


    The empress also looked doubtful. In a sh, she was behind the roaring hamster and picked it up by the neck.


    The hamster was frightened initially, but turned to roar at the empress.


    The empress looked even more bewildered.


    This roar truly gave her the feeling of facing a powerful beast and subconsciously rmed her.


    Yet, this thing�� was only at the Man Wheel level at the most�� It wasn��t even able to struggle in her hands.


    It was effectively powerless.

 Chapter 735 - The Roaring Emperor

    Chapter 735: The Roaring Emperor


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The hamster in the empress��s hands started inhaling deeply to puff up like a balloon and roared even louder.


    ��Roar!��


    Her hair and red dress fluttered due to the movement of the sound waves.


    Ren Baqian, who was on top of a tree, covered his ears in rm.


    He had used a loudspeaker before to convince others and was more sensitive and knowledgeable about sound levels.


    The roar of this hamster-like animal was around 170 decibels.


    The buzz of a chainsaw is about 110 decibels and a jet ne is around 130.


    The noise produced byunching a rocket is only about 160 to 170 decibels


    Inparison, the roar of this hamster was louder than a rocket beingunched.


    170 decibels of noise could cause instant deafness and even death at close range.


    Although it could only kill ordinary people, this was enough to show how powerful it was.


    Even an Earth Wheel expert would be seriously harmed if this level of sound was heard at close range.


    For example, Ren Baqian��s ears were buzzing after this roar and all other sounds became muffled.


    He was more than 10 meters away and not in the path of the roar, yet he was still greatly affected.


    One could imagine the impact to the empress who was carrying it.


    Fortunately, the empress was iparable to ordinary people. Although she received the full impact of the roar, she didn��t suffer any harm. Seeing it try to inhale deeply, the empress shook her hand, causing the hamster to immediately be like a deted ball. Its partially inted body returned to the original shape.


    ��Woof! Woof, woof!!�� The bichi on the branch barked at the hamster. Presuming that everything had been settled, it entered the forest.


    Ren Baqian and Lin Qiaole jumped down from the branches andnded beside the empress. Ren Baqian circled around the empress twice to inspect the hamster thoroughly before saying, ��It��s male!��


    ��What��s male?�� the empress asked in surprise.


    ��This fellow is male.�� Ren Baqian pointed at the hamster in her hand.


    The empress showed her displeasure.


    <em>Did you go around me a few times just to find out whether this is male or female?</em>


    <em>You at (TLC. Not sure about this.) Qishui and the crow general every day, and the first thing you look for when seeing this animal was to find out its sex.</em>


    What kind of bizarre habit was this?


    ��This thing is really loud.�� Ren Baqian looked at the hamster. It was indeed a hamster and looked simr to those found on Earth. Its mouth was shorter, it had tworge incisors, and its cheeks were for storing food and quite droopy.


    The only differences were the color of its fur coat and it size, which was much bigger.


    At this moment, its eyes were spinning around as it tried to make sense of the situation.


    ��Let��s go back first,�� the empress said as she held the hamster by the neck. She had not expected this creature to cause everyone to be jittery.


    ��Your Majesty, if this thing makes noise, it��s quite deadly. Better to be careful and kill it in order to prevent trouble,�� Ren Baqian said. This animal was unlike other animals��even a whisper from it near your ears would be unbearable. It was simply too dangerous.


    ��Woof!��


    Ren Baqin was surprised to hear this bark and thought that the bichi was back.


    However, this sound wasing from that small thing before them.


    ��Woof, woof!!�� That hamster seemed to understand what Ren Baqian was saying. It not only changed its roar to sound like the bichi, but also lowered its volume. It looked at the empress with brimming eyes and furiously wagged its tail.


    In fact, its tail was very short and just a knob. It was more like it was shaking its butt than wagging its tail.


    Not to mention other characteristics of this thing, but it seemed to have an inborn ability to please humans.


    The empress instantly softened upon seeing this behavior.


    Ladies can never resist furry animals.


    It would have been a different matter if it had put up fierce resistance, but it looked pitiful and won the heart of the empress. She brought it in front of her face and said, ��You seem to understand what people say. If you roar indiscriminately, no one can save you.��


    The hamster shook its butt even faster.


    ��Let��s go back first,�� the empress said.


    On the way back to their original location, the three of them moved at a slower speed through the forest and saw many winged cavalry warriors waiting nervously for them.


    When they saw the empress, everyone instantly rejoiced.


    The xiong yan��s roaring had stopped, and they had not heard any sounds of fighting. They were making wild spections and were relieved once they saw the empress.


    The empress returned to her carriage and called for Gong Zheng and Ya Sheng. She let them see the hamster and asked, ��Is this a xiong yan?��


    ��No!�� Ya Sheng shook his head like a rattle.


    ��What is this then?��


    ��It looks like a male hamster!�� Ya Sheng said carefully.


    The empress was angry not because he said that it was a hamster, but because he said ��male hamster.��


    He was exactly the same as Ren Baqian.


    ��Why did Your Majesty bring back a hamster?�� The two of them were puzzled.


    ��The roaring wasing from it,�� Ren Baqian said casually from the side.


    ��That��s impossible!�� Their immediate response was disbelief. How was it possible for this thing to roar so fiercely?


    Having seen a xiong yan before, Ya Sheng was very sure that the roars they previously heard were definitely from a xiong yan.


    ��Are you doubting Her Majesty? Do you want to hear the roar?�� Ren Baqian gave a sly smile.


    ��We don��t dare!�� the two of them replied.


    The hamster seemed to understand Ren Baqian and turned to look at the empress who was behind it.


    ��Roar,�� the empressmanded coldly.


    ��Inhale!��


    ��Roar!��


    It sounded like a rumble of thunder on the ground.


    The roar of the hamster caused mayhem all around. The jumping goats galloped wildly all over the mountain with the winged cavalry warriors still mounted on them.


    The only people remaining were the empress, Ren Baqian, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Lin Qiaole, and the two people standing in front of them.


    Among them, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Gong Zheng, and Ya Sheng were the miserable looking ones.


    Qing Luan and Hong Yuan were standing behind the hamster, but their power was too weak.


    Gong Zheng and Ya Sheng were hit head on. It was as if they were struck by a hammer, forcing them to retreat a few steps as they staggered and lost control of their bodies.


    The loud noise had momentarily damaged their sense of bnce.


    The hamster showed a triumphant look after roaring.


    It had great confidence in its roar.


    Ren Baqian lowered his hands that had been covering his ears andughed at the two of them before asking, ��How does it feel?��


    ������ The two of them looked at Ren Baqian nkly. Their ears were buzzing, and they couldn��t hear what he was saying.


    ��Your noses are bleeding���� Ren Baqian pointed at them.


    ��Sh*t! Their eyes and ears are bleeding too.�� Even Ren Baqian was taken aback.


    Would the two of them suffer serious harm?


    After seven or eight minutes, the two of them gradually recovered, proving that Ren Baqian was overreacting.


    However, everyone still had to raise their voices while talking to them because these two couldn��t hear clearly otherwise.


    ��Tell me, how do I deal with you?�� the empress asked as she put down the hamster.


    From Ren Baqian��s point of view, the hamster was looking meek.


    ��Your Majesty, this hamster appears to be of some use. You might as well keep it,�� Ren Baqian said.


    In fact, it was far more than useful.


    Gong Zheng was a Kismet Heaven expert, but a hamster who could do nothing but roar had caused him to lose his bnce and bleed from his ears and nose.


    This was a testament to the power of its roar.


    It was practically a living acoustic weapon.


    The next day, Ren Baqian was still worried that the hamster would find a chance to run away, but he gradually came to realize that not only did the hamster not run away at night, it was getting closer to people.


    This included the empress, Ren Baqian, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and everyone else.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan happily yed with it and rubbed its belly incessantly.


    It also liked to turn over on its belly to be petted even though Ren Baqian hit his little birdie��


    This hamster seemed to have a natural tendency to ingratiate itself with people.


    Ren Baqian named it ��the roaring emperor!��


    Ren Baqian felt that no other name was more appropriate.


    Aside from this, he discovered that this hamster could imitate the calls of other animals.


    It not only imitated the bark of the bichi, it could also bleat like a jumping sheep.


    Its mimicry was so good that a person couldn��t differentiate it from a real jumping goat if they closed their eyes. Even the winged cavalry warriors couldn��t do so.


    This made Ren Baqian suspect that it was initially imitating the roar of the xiong yan to frighten other animals such as the bichi, which led to the events that happenedter.

 Chapter 736 - Odd Village

    Chapter 736: Odd Vige


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Even though there weren��t any major problems for the rest of the journey, minor hups were aplenty.


    After all, to the aboriginals who had lived in the Sixty Thousand Mountains for generations, it had never been afortable and safe ce to live in. There were countless strange bugs and creatures all over the ce.


    Ren Baqian saw arge group of bellyworms. They were a type of carnivorous bug whose belly gave off a dark green glow. They had translucent ck wings and were about the size of half a palm.


    These bugs were highly visible wherever they went. The entire peak of the mountain was covered in ck and dark green as countless beasts frantically fled for their lives. Some of them had bellyworms creeping over them and had copsed powerlessly without even getting far. The bugs then swarmed all over them, leaving behind only clean white bones afterward.


    Such a sight was extremely terrifying.


    A bellyworm was small and weak on its own and would easily be stomped to death. However, when thousands of them gathered together, all beasts would flee at the sight of them, no matter how strong they were.


    Ren Baqian and his party waited exactly two days for this swarm of bugs to pass.


    Another one of the more problematic animals was the unruly beast, the tyrant of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Its body was long and slender, it had a mouthful of fangs, and its fur was short and brown. It looked simr to a hamster.


    However, its ferocity was nothing like that of an ordinary, timid hamster.


    There was nothing that the unruly beast feared to offend and no foe that it was afraid to bite. It spent its entire life fighting or looking for fights.


    Regardless of whether its opponent was a fearsome beast, a venomous snake, hundreds of winged cavalry warriors, or the omnipresent belly bugs, it showed no fear and never backed down.


    There was nothing that it didn��t dare to attack.


    How violent could this animal be?


    Once it spotted you from another mountain, it would go through all the effort just to make its way over to either kill you or get killed by you.


    More importantly, not only did these animals appear inrge numbers, they were very vengeful as well. If you killed one of them, you would find yourself surrounded by many of them the next day.


    Unruly beasts were tough and were able to withstand the winged cavalry��s attack without dying. They were very smart as well. They were able to detect and target their enemy��s weaknesses within a short period of time.


    For instance, a man��s testicles��


    There were two unlucky men who each had one of their testicles bitten off by unruly beasts��


    Or the crow general��s anus��


    Adding together its various characteristics, this seemingly adorable, yet vile and terrifying, animal had be the tyrant of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. They would also be the most problematic animals that Ren Baqian and his party were going to face in the time toe.


    Even the empress��s aura was unable to intimidate them. Every morning, when she opened her eyes, she would find herself surrounded by thousands of unruly beasts that appeared out of nowhere. It was simply impossible to get rid of all of them, and they posed a huge problem for everyone.


    Eventually, the solution to the unruly beasts was the weak thunder emperor, whose only ability was its voice.


    Unruly beasts were tough, highly resistant to attacks, and very agile. However, they didn��t have any resistance against the thunderous roars of the thunder emperor.


    They would pass out for a moment when it roared.


    Even if they didn��t pass out, their sense of bnce was still greatly affected, which caused them to sessively die under the winged cavalry��s des.


    The price for this was that most of the winged cavalry warriors had lost almost all of their hearing for three days.


    They had to shout at one another even when conversing face to face.


    Through this ordeal, the aboriginals learned how to understand and use signnguage.


    Ren Baqian collected some of the rare herbs that he saw along the way as well as the leftover limbs of the beasts that they had been eating and brought them back to theboratory on Earth.


    It had been 21 days since they left the Ya Family vige. Now, everyone arrived at a piece of barrennd.


    The forest was gloomy, the ground was blood red, and the rocks were strange and craggy. There were also gusts of chilly wind that blew by.


    Ren Baqian felt that the sky here was rather gloomy, unlike other areas where it was bright and sunny.


    The number of fearsome beasts in the surroundings had begun to decrease..


    All of these were indicators that they were nearing the Earth Yin Spring.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s a vige ahead by the mountain.�� Gong Zheng sent a messenger back to report the situation.


    ��There are still viges here?�� Ren Baqian felt a little astonished.


    Not to mention other things, even wildlife was scarce here. Why would there be a vige established here?


    ��Your Majesty, if possible, it��s best that we take a detour,�� Ya Sheng said as he rode back on his mount. ��When I came to this area previously, I passed by that vige and discovered that the people there were really strange.��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian and the empress were baffled.


    Since there were many fearsome beasts in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, it was extremely dangerous to live here. The aboriginals relied on one another for survival. If there wasn��t any hatred between them, they normally wouldn��t walk past a vige without entering. After all, it was much safer to spend the night in a vige than to sleep in the wilderness.


    ��What do you think, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian turned to her and asked.


    ��The indigenous people of the Sixty Thousand Mountains are also my people. Why would I take a detour? In fact, I have to find out why they are acting strange,�� the empress replied.


    After hearing her response, Ya Sheng had no choice but to lead the way.


    Soon after, everyone arrived at the vige. Ren Baqian and the empress started to find that something was amiss.


    In such a deste ce, the vigers would normally step out to see who the visitors were. Moreover, they were such arge group.


    However, none of the vigers actually came out when they arrived at the vige.


    The gate of the vige was wide open with none of the vigers in sight.


    Everyone��s first response was that the vigers had left and abandoned the ce. This was verymon in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Take, for instance, the vige that a xiong yan had destroyed.


    There were no signs of damage around this vige and everyone started to feel strange.


    ��Gong Zheng, go check it out.�� The empress frowned as she gave the order.


    Gong Zheng led 10 winged cavalry warriors and entered the vige. Soon after, they returned with two men and threw them to the ground.


    ��Your Majesty, there are people in the vige. We have brought two of them over.��


    Ren Baqian nced over and saw that one of them was an old man while the other was a middle-ageddy. Both of them shared one simrity. They were both not wearing any clothes and were fully naked.


    However, this wasn��t the thing that caught his attention.


    They looked inarticte, apathetic, lifeless, and had no glint in their eyes. It was as if they were dead people. Even after the winged cavalry warriors threw them to the ground in front of so many people, they didn��t seem to have any change in expression.


    Another thing was their skin color.


    Most of the aboriginals had bronze skin. Only a few who rarely stepped out into the sun had a slightly fairer skin tone.


    These people��s skin looked deathly pale.


    Even a fool could tell that there was something wrong with these two.


    ��Who are you?�� the empress asked as she sat in her carriage. ��Don��t you know how to pay your respects after seeing me?��


    Both of them still remained inarticte, and it was as if they didn��t hear what she said.


    The empress knitted her brows.


    She felt that they weren��t disregarding her, but that they were truly acting very strange.


    ��Are you deaf?�� Gong Zheng shouted, ��You actually dare to act indifferent in front of Her Majesty?! I��ll kill you!��


    Ya Sheng voiced out and said, ��Sir, it��s useless.��


    ��What do you know about this?��


    ��I mentioned that the people in this vige are very strange. All of them are like this during the day, and nobody will react to anything you say. However, they be entirely different at night,�� Ya Sheng exined. After some thought, the most urate description he could give was that they would onlye back to life at nightfall.

 Chapter 737 - Strange

    Chapter 737: Strange


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian and his party entered the vige only to see more than 100 stone houses arranged in the shape of a ring. There was arge open space in the center of the vige with a firece and some scrap materials. This made the vige feel slightly livelier.


    Ren Baqian took a close look at the houses around him. Even though they were ordinary aboriginal stone houses that weremonly seen, the stones in this area had the same characteristics as the soil. As if they had been stained with blood, there were dark red spots and smears.


    He opened one of the doors and saw a wooden bed, a table, three stools, and a cab.


    There were also two people inside.


    They were in their thirties to forties and fully naked. Their bodies werepletely deathly pale, and they simply sat on the bed and nkly stared forward.


    Ren Baqian walked in front of them and noticed that they had the same gaze as the other two from before. There was no life in their gaze, and they looked as if they were dead.


    He touched their foreheads and felt that there was some warmth, albeit slightly colder than an ordinary person��s temperature.


    He reached under their noses and could feel that they were still breathing very lightly and slowly.


    Ren Baqian originally wanted to reach out his hand to feel for thedy��s heartbeat from her chest. However, he remembered that women generally had more fat on their chest, so it would be harder to feel their heartbeat. He then ced his hand on the man��s chest instead.


    The man��s heart rate was about 10 beats per minute.


    ��What are you doing?�� the empress asked as she walked into the room and saw Ren Baqian cing his hand on the man��s chest.


    He turned his head and said, ��Their hearts are beating very slowly��at around 10 beats per minute. A normal person has a heart rate of about 80 beats per minute.��


    An aboriginal��s heart rate was roughly 80 beats per minute. This was slightly faster than an ordinary person��s and was necessary to provide enough blood and energy to the rest of the aboriginal��s body.


    ��Oh!�� The empress nodded.


    ��Let��s check out the other houses.�� Ren Baqian held her hand and walked out of the door.


    They went into eight houses and found that the condition of every house was pretty simr. People in the houses simply sat there naked. Theirplexions were all deathly pale, and their gazes were like the eyes of dead people. The conditions of their bodies were all pretty simr as well.


    If not for their breathing and heartbeat, Ren Baqian would probably think that they were y figurines.


    When he entered another house, he suddenly raised a question and asked, ��Your Majesty, have you realized something?��


    ��What?��


    ��We haven��t seen any teenagers or children,�� Ren Baqian said as he touched his forehead.


    After hearing what he said, the empress seemed to realize this as well. The people inside the houses that they entered were all above the age of 30. Not only were there no children, but there weren��t even any teenagers around.


    It would still be pretty normal if they had only visited one or two houses, but it was rather abnormal to encounter this situation after visiting so many houses.


    Inparison, the poption of teenagers and children under the age of 30 shouldn��t be less than 30 percent.


    After all, the lifespan of an ordinary aboriginal wouldn��t exceed 100 years.


    ��Let��s find out more���� Ren Baqian seemed to have be a kid again. He hadn��t experienced such an odd incident in his entire life. This strange vige had truly piqued his curiosity.


    ��Gong Zheng!�� The empress stepped out of the house and called out for him. ��Get everyone to check the houses. See if there are any teenagers or children who are under the age of 30.��


    Ren Baqian ignored her arrangement and continued checking out the houses on his own. After he had covered about half of them, Gong Zheng��s men reported, ��There are no youngsters or children in any of the houses.��


    Ren Baqian, the empress, and the rest of the people subsequently found a corner in the vige and took a break as they waited for nightfall to reassess the situation.


    ording to Ya Sheng, these people woulde back to life at night.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a long time while he rested, but he didn��t manage to figure anything out. Instead, he thought of many unrealistic possibilities.


    For instance, he thought of these people as being possessed or that they had already been dead for many years.


    After all, this ce wasn��t far from the Earth Yin Spring, which was only a day��s journey ahead.


    Legend had it that the Earth Yin Spring was the passageway to the world of the dead.


    The strange happenings in this vige made Ren Baqian��s imagination roam.


    It was almost 3 PM in the afternoon when their party had arrived.


    After waiting for another four hours, night began to fall.


    When the sun hadpletely set, an odd smell began to permeate the air around the vige.


    It smelled like an earthy scent.


    Soon after, all sorts of sounds could be heard from the quiet vige.


    Sounds of people stretching, talking, and sighing could be heard from the stone houses.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes were affixed on the two people who had been left on the ground not too far away.


    As night fell, the old man and the middle-ageddy opened their eyes, looked around them and made their way back to their houses as if they hadn��t seen Ren Baqian and his group of people.


    The other vigers started to leave their houses naked and greeted their neighbors with rigid expressions.


    ��Mu Xu, have you handled the prey we caught today?��


    ��That was three days ago. Your memory is getting worse!��


    ��Xu Dalian, you came out of your house butt naked! The elder will kill you!��


    ��Xu Yier, aren��t you heading to Ya City? When are you leaving?��


    ��Has anybody seen my boy? He went missingst night, and I haven��t been able to find him the entire day.��


    ��Auntie, do you have any wild herbs? Please spare me some.��


    Ren Baqian, the empress, and the winged cavalry knitted their eyebrows as they watched the vige suddenlye to life.


    ��Your Majesty, that man, whom I suppose is known as Xu Dalian, asked another person when he was leaving for Ya City when someone asked him why he wasn��t wearing clothes�� Their conversations are mismatched and they aren��t even conversing. They are simply saying random empress��s hand. (TLC. Middle of the sentence seems to be missing.)


    She nodded her head. She could tell this even without him saying it.


    However, Ren Baqian was more familiar than the empress with such situations.


    This reminded him of the NPCs <sup>1</sup> in video games.


    They were simply saying things that had been pre-programmed in them.


    This was the impression that the vigers gave him.


    Gong Zheng crossed his arms and said, ��Something is amiss! We are such a big group of people, yet those vigers don��t even look over at us at all.��


    Soon after, an urrence attracted their attention.


    Around 40 vigers formed a team and left the vige.


    ��Let��s follow them and take a look.�� Ren Baqian immediately got up from the ground.


    Without any restraint, Ren Baqian and his party walked across the vige and followed the vigers.


    After walking for about an hour, the vigers stopped at a ce that was full of pits and began digging into the ground around them with their bare hands.


    Very quickly, Ren Baqian discovered what these people were digging for.


    They were digging for green worms that were about the length of a child��s arm.


    Each of the vigers caught about five wriggly worms and held them in their hands, before they formed up into their formation and walked back to the vige.


    During the process, they continued to say random things to each other.


    This strange situation made everyone��s hair stand on end.

 Chapter 738 - Autopsy

    Chapter 738: Autopsy


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Under the red moon, more than 100 of those rigid-looking aboriginals were eating their meals in the vige; the wriggly green worms that were the size of a child��s arm.


    A squishy sound could be heard every time someone bit down on a worm, a blue fluid would ooze out, and the worm would also make a creaking noise.


    Ren Baqian, the empress and the others felt their blood run cold when they witnessed this sight.


    ��They�� What exactly is going on?�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan asked softly as their faces turned pale.


    ��You should actually ask if they are still living people.�� Ren Baqian touched his forehead. ��Are there any legends about things like sorcery in the Sixty Thousand Mountains?��


    ��Not that I know of.�� The empress shook her head and got someone to bring Ya Sheng over.


    When Ren Baqian asked the question again, Ya Sheng shook his head as well.


    ��Did they behave like this thest time you came?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Ya Sheng shook his head and said, ��They weren��t like thisst time. I realized that they enjoyed the night and hated the day, but their rigid expressions and sluggish speech made me feel weird, so I left very quickly. I didn��t expect them to be like this now.��


    ��When was it that youst visited this ce?��


    ��16 years ago. Back then, I discovered the trace of a shansong. I followed it to this vige and found this ce very weird. Subsequently, that shansong disappeared, and I left after a few days of searching.��


    Ren Baqian naturally didn��t know what a shansong was. In reality, there were countless strange beasts in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. There were more uncharted territories than areas that had been discovered.


    As such, he had given up on asking about the beasts in the mountains. In any case, he would naturally learn when he saw them.


    Unexpectedly, Gong Zheng got curious and asked, ��There are still many of them around?��


    ��That��s right. I have heard from the vige elders that shansongs liked to grind their teeth on rocks and that they will leave all sorts of dirt behind on the rocks. I coincidentally discovered this back then and saw that not only was there dirt left behind, there were also marks that were formed as a result of the teeth grinding.


    Actually, I have heard that they can be found in the deeper regions. It��s just that they haven��t been spotted in this area for many years.��


    After hearing what they said, this beast sounded pretty special. Ren Baqian then became curious and asked, ��What��s a shansong?��


    ��It��s a type of beast that resembles a human. They are normally about three to seven meters tall with rather clumsy movements. However, they are very strong and like to feast on humans. They also have two long tusks in their mouths. There used to be a lot of these creatures in the past, but after the aboriginal viges started to hunt them, their numbers gradually reduced,�� Ya Sheng exined.


    ��That��s pretty strange,�� Ren Baqian casually replied. These creatures resembled humans and were at least three meters tall. He wondered if they were simr to goris.


    King Kong? They seemed to fit that description.


    He then began to talk about the issues of the vige and continued, ��ording to what Ya Sheng said, these people haven��t always been like this, but rather, they gradually became like this. They seem to have undergone some changes.


    I think that they have been affected by something, which resulted in them bing like this.��


    The empress looked at him and asked, ��What��s your opinion?��


    ��No idea. I don��t even know if they are currently dead or alive. Perhaps�� we can grab one of them, dissect them, and find out!��


    The empress red at Ren Baqian as soon as he finished talking.


    ��We have to first understand their situation before we can decide on our next move. In any case, they are currently acting as if they are dead people. In other words, they are simply a bunch of puppets with body warmth and beating hearts,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Your Majesty, I would rather die than live like that,�� Gong Zheng added. At the thought of it, it was rather terrifying to be living like a puppet.


    ��If you dissect them, will you be able to find out the reason that they are acting like this?�� the empress asked after pondering for some time.


    ��Of course�� not.�� Ren Baqian took a deep breath. The empress got so angry that she sent him flying away with a punch.


    Ren Baqian flew more than 20 meters away and even knocked down one of the nearest ��puppets.��


    As he got back to his feet, that puppet simply sat on the ground.


    At this moment, everyone in the vige had finished eating their worms. All of them sat there silently and even stopped saying those random things that seemed to have been pre-programmed.


    The entire vige fell silent.


    However, under the moonlight, the silhouettes of people sitting on the ground could be seen, and the atmosphere was very strange.


    Ren Baqian took another look at the ��puppet�� that he had knocked down before walking back and sitting down in front of the empress.


    ��Judging from the current situation, we can only slowly try to find out the cause. We have to make use of various methods, but even so, we still might not be able to find the cause. After all, it��s too strange for them to be behaving this way. This is not caused by something ordinary. Dissecting them is just one of the methods that we can use to see if they are any different from a normal person. We may be able to discover something. In our world, we call this autopsy.��


    At present, Ren Baqian was already treating them as corpses.


    Fortunately, these vigers didn��t bite. Otherwise, he would already be thinking that this was a biochemical crisis.


    ��Understood.�� The empress sighed.


    She knew that Ren Baqian was right.


    ��Just do as you said.��


    ��Go bring someone here and dissect him. I feel sick when I see blood.�� Ren Baqian gave Gong Zheng a kick.


    Actually, he didn��t have much hope for this.


    These people were too strange, especially when they repeatedly talked about random things that seemed to be pre-programmed. This wasn��t normal.


    There might not necessarily be a solution even if he took them back to Earth.


    Since they were already acting like this, might as well treat them as if they were dead people. There still might be a chance to discover something.


    Gong Zheng strolled around the vige and grabbed an old man. Then, he brought him back and threw him to the ground.


    The old many on the ground naked before standing up and walking back to where he had been sitting.


    ��Hold him!�� Gong Zheng shouted.


    Two men rushed forward and pinned him to the ground.


    Gong Zheng held his de and waved it around before turning to Ren Baqian and asking, ��Where do I cut?��


    He had only killed people before and had never dissected anything.


    Even though Ren Baqian had killed quite a number of people as well, he had never dissected a body before. Even though it was an autopsy, he still felt weird doing it.


    He looked at Gong Zheng and the ��puppet�� that was pinned down against the ground and said, ��We need to flip him over.��


    What could they do to him when his back was facing them?


    After they flipped the old man over, Ren Baqian said, ��Cut the skin on his arm to observe his blood.��


    As Gong Zheng wielded his de, a 10 centimeter long wound split open on the old man��s arm.


    Everyone then began to frown.


    Everyone had seen a fair share of bloodshed and knew what it looked like when a person��s skin was cut open.


    This ��puppet�� was totally different from a normal person.


    Dark red blood began to slowly seep out of the old man��s wound after exactly 10 seconds.


    Not only did he bleed a small amount of blood, his blood was also very viscous.


    ��Stomach,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Gong Zheng wielded his de around the old man��s stomach. The old man seemed to have detected danger, and his rigid face immediately turned frantic and hostile. He struggled hard with great strength, causing the two winged cavalry warriors to actually have to exert more force to keep him pinned down.


    ��Oh,�� one of the winged cavalry warriors groaned after the ��puppet�� suddenly twisted his head and bit him.


    At this moment, Gong Zheng��s de swung across.


    A wound split open on the old man��s chest.


    The two winged cavalry warriors were startled when countless vein-like tubes suddenly shot out of his chest and pricked both of them.

 Chapter 739 - Butterfly

    Chapter 739: Butterfly


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The vein-like tubes were extremely fast like sharp arrows. The two winged cavalry warriors were not on guard, and it was already toote when they recognized the threat. By that time, these tubes had already pierced into their bodies.


    ��Damn it!�� Gong Zheng flew into a rage when he saw this and immediately cut the old man in half with his de.


    The ��puppet�� startled everyone again after it was cut apart.


    The old man didn��t have any organs.


    There were countless vein-like tubes inside that old man��s body, and Gong Zheng��s de had cut them apart. Many of them spilled out of his body and wriggled constantly as if they were living things.


    All of his flesh was lumped together like a fist-sized meatball.


    That meatball and the vein-like tubes upied the inside of the man��s entire body.


    ��This���� Gong Zheng was stunned and tongue-tied when he saw this happen. It waspletely beyond his expectations.


    Many of the nearby winged cavalry warriors cried out in surprise as audible gasps rang out continuously.


    The empress walked over when she heard the sound of gasping, and her expression changed when she saw what had happened.


    Gong Zheng turned around, looked at her, and said, ��Sir Ren��s guess was right. Something is wrong.��


    Ren Baqian grinned. This was pure luck. He merely felt that they should try all methods of investigating the problem. He didn��t expect them to discover it with the first strike of a de.


    However, this sight was truly disgusting��


    He turned to the two winged cavalry warriors who got attacked and asked, ��How are the two of you feeling?��


    The two of them pulled out the tubes and threw them aside. They then drew out their des and chopped the tubes into pieces before angrily responding, ��We are fine. They missed any vital parts.��


    ��That��s good. Speak up if you feel anything wrong.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    He then looked at the tubes and the meatball that resided inside the old man��s corpse, frowned, and said, ��It seems like his organs were eaten up by these things and reced them to sustain his life.��


    ��What are these?�� The empress knitted her eyebrows.


    ��No idea.�� Ren Baqian spread out his arms while the others shook their heads as well.


    They had heard of other such things that happened before, but had never actually seen them. Nobody had ever expected this to happen.


    ��Lend me your de.�� Ren Baqian borrowed Gong Zheng��s de and flicked that meatball to the ground. It actually looked like it was still moving around. It was this meatball that made him sense the 10 beats per minute heart rate from the bodies of those people he checked.


    He cut open the meatball with the de and realized that there was ayer of fleshy membrane wrapped around something inside.


    It was a red worm.


    It was arva that hadn��t grown into a butterfly!


    It was only after taking a close look that Ren Baqian could see that its wings had already begun to form. These wings were tightly wrapped around its body. After the meatball was cut open, fluid seeped out while the wings began to slowly spread apart.


    It was evident that the worm��s body had already matured, but its wings were only partially developed.


    Most importantly, there was actually a very small and distorted face of a human on the body of the butterfly.


    After Ren Baqian looked carefully, he discovered that the face looked identical to the face of the host.


    That meatball was actually a cocoon.


    Those vein-like tubes were used to control the host��s body and absorb nutrients; they were the cocoon��s tentacles.


    Ren Baqian felt even more strange.


    Even if these people were possessed by spirits, he would still find it easy to ept.


    The empress had nted a part of her spirit in his body.


    Heaven-grade weapons were formed by one��s consciousness, and he currently had two of them in his mind.


    However, he didn��t expect that the thing possessing this old man was actually a butterfly or that it had the man��s face on its body.


    At this moment, changes started to ur in the vige.


    After this cocoon was cut open, the other ��puppets�� seemed to have received some sort of a signal. They stood up from the ground, let out an extremely deep and low sound, and dashed toward Ren Baqian and his party.


    Even though the sound wasn��t loud, when all of their voices converged, it made them feel sick and dizzy with distress in their chest.


    ��Kill them!�� the empress ordered when she saw the ��puppets�� charging over. After seeing the condition of the old man��s body, she made this decision without the slightest bit of hesitation.


    Those vigers could not even be ssified as humans anymore.


    There were less than 200 ��puppets�� in the vige, and the empress had 300 Kismet Heaven level winged cavalry warriors with her.


    When they shed, limbed started flying everywhere. The thing that caught them by surprise was that more than 10 of the winged cavalry warriors suffered injuries.


    These ��puppets�� could actually still move after they had been shed. The vein-like tubes pierced through the winged cavalry warriors�� bodies and came out from the other side. They were as fast as crossbows, and at such close distance, many of the winged cavalry were unable to dodge this attack.


    Ren Baqian reacted immediately and shouted at the top of his lungs, ��Don��t aim for their heads��split their bodies apart. They are controlled by that meatball in their bodies. Cut away all of that meatball��s tentacles.��


    Everyone realized this fact after hearing Ren Baqian��s advice and continuously hacked apart their enemies. The winged cavalry warriors cut apart the chests and abdomens of the vigers and chopped up the tentacles. They then discovered that the ��puppets�� would lose their energy after the tentacles were cut up and would stop shooting out those tubes.


    A short whileter, all of the ��puppets�� in the vige were killed and all of the meatballs were taken out of their bodies and chopped up.


    One of the winged cavalry warriors had actually died after the tentacles pierced through his heart.


    In addition, almost 20 people had sustained injuries.


    ��Remove those meatballs from their bodies, kill them, and bury them,�� the empress ordered.


    Even though all of the ��puppets�� had been killed, she still didn��t seem too happy.


    After all, these ��puppets�� were still aboriginals once.


    Ren Baqian stroked his beard and looked pensively at the butterflies on the ground that had human faces on their body.


    ��What are you thinking about?�� the empress asked.


    ��These butterflies aren��t fully developed yet,�� Ren Baqian replied. ��16 years��it��s been 16 years since Ya Sheng discovered them, and they had already been acting weirdly at that time. There��s no telling when these things actually entered their bodies.��


    ��It��s indeed been a long time.�� The empress nodded. The butterflies weren��t even fully developed after spending 16 years in their hosts, which was truly a long time.


    Then, Ren Baqian spoke about another problem and continued, ��That��s why there aren��t any children here. The youngest people in the vige seems to be in their thirties. They were in their teens when the parasites infected them 16 years ago. The younger ones might not have been suitable hosts. Also, they might not have been able to tolerate it and might have died before the parasites took control of their bodies.��


    They finally understood why there weren��t any teenagers or children in the vige.


    However, what these things were and where they came from had currently be the biggest questions.


    Ren Baqian also thought about another problem. What would these creatures look like after they hatched out of the host bodies? What would they do?


    Also�� why did the butterflies have the faces of their hosts on their bodies?


    Seeing that the winged cavalry were about to take the bodies away, Ren Baqian stopped them and walked over with a de. There were other parts that he wanted to examine.


    He cut open one of their heads and found that more than half of the brain was already gone. There were many thin tentaclestched onto the remaining parts of the brain.


    Ren Baqian asked a few of the winged cavalry to keep some of the corpses of those creatures inside the meatballs for him to take back to Earth for examination.


    The rest of them were burned.


    The party rested in the vige for the night. The empress wasn��t in the mood to talk, and Ren Baqian was also preupied with his own thoughts.


    They woke up the next morning and conducted a thorough search of the vige before leaving.


    After another day��s journey, the party finally arrived at their destination, the Earth Yin Spring.

 Chapter 740 - The World of a Glutton is Different

    Chapter 740: The World of a Glutton is Different


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The Earth Yin Spring was located in a valley surrounded by mountains, and there was only one small road leading to it. There wasn��t even a de of grass here, let alone animals. Various kinds of strange rocks and red mud were all around.


    This made the already gloomy valley even more deste.


    The empress led her party into the valley. After inspecting the ce for quite some time, Ren Baqian noticed a rotten smell.


    It seemed to be the smell of corpses.


    In this valley�� there were no birds, no animals, no nts, and not even insects�� It was simply lifeless.


    Deep in the valley was a pool surrounded by red mud. It was tens of square meters in size, and the yellow water was muddy.


    From the shore, it could be seen that the pool was darker in the middle. The water near the edges was light yellow, but it was almost ck in the center.


    Ren Baqian dismounted and stretched himself. They had finally arrived.


    The empress dismounted, took two steps around the spring, and said with a frown, ��This ce is rather strange.��


    ��There��s something rather strange here.�� Ren Baqian nodded in agreement. The vige that they came across the day before and this lifeless valley were definitely not normal.


    ��I have no enmity with Librarian Lin��I don��t think she would harm me, right? She seems to know this Earth Yin Spring quite well based on what she told me.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Likewise, the empress also thought this way.


    Although Librarian Lin looked somber, she had been in the pce for many years and her position confirmed that she wouldn��t do anything detrimental to the empress.


    Since she wouldn��t harm the empress, she wouldn��t harm Ren Baqian either.


    The empress stood at the side of the pool and looked at it. She seemed to see something and gazed at a certain spot in the water without moving. All of a sudden, sheughed grimly and said, ��If I can kill you once, I can kill you a second time! What can you do by appearing here?��


    Ren Baqian, who was beside her, was shocked and asked, ��Your Majesty?��


    The empress said calmly, ��I��m fine. I saw someone who I killed. You better be careful since this Earth Yin Spring is rather strange.��


    Ren Baqian was anxious and looked at the water attentively. He found the water muddy and was unable to see through to the bottom. He didn��t see any living things inside.


    ��Your Majesty, who did you see?�� Ren Baqian asked as he gazed at the water.


    ��I don��t know.��


    ��You don��t know?��


    ��I have killed many people��why would I remember a dead person? They looked sort of familiar��maybe someone I have seen before. They weren��t an aboriginal and may not have been killed by me, but were killed under my orders,�� the empress said casually.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what to say. The empress took the me and was still so confident and dignified. She was really outstanding.


    As he was about to raise his head, he suddenly saw a ck dot in the water.


    That ck dot gradually became bigger, and the contour of a face finally appeared.


    ��Yikes!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    This face�� He had some impression of it�� It was Lian Baocheng.


    That was from the first time he participated in the Great Hunt and killed the son of the Lian family. At this moment, his face was full of vicious hatred and he was yelling furiously at Ren Baqian.


    However, there was no sound.


    <em>Is this�� an illusion? </em>This thought immediately came to Ren Baqian��s mind.


    ��Are these the illusionary attacks mentioned by Librarian Lin?�� As he spoke, another face appeared in the water. This time, it was the chiefmander of Lin Baocheng who had been tricked by Ren Baqian into catching a grenade with his hands.


    The empress nodded, ��This should be the case.��


    ��Is this an illusion or something else? Is there something wrong with this valley?�� Ren Baqian pondered. If it was a hallucination, did it start when he arrived at the edge of the Earth Yin Spring? Or did it affect him once he entered the valley?


    ��Gong Zheng!�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��When you look at the water, can you see anything?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Gong Zheng looked attentively. A little whileter, he drew out his saber and said, ��Your Majesty, there��s something wrong here.��


    ��What do you see?��


    ��I see a few people who were killed by me,�� Gong Zheng said.


    Other people were asked to try it out, and as expected, they saw the people that they had killed personally.


    Ren Baqian pondered and discovered a problem. Then, he said, ��Your Majesty, everyone saw the people that they killed. What they saw was different from the others and couldn��t be seen by the others.��


    ��What do you mean?�� The empress looked at him and felt that he wanted to exin something.


    ��It��s an illusion! Definitely an illusion!�� Ren Baqian confirmed. ��Is it possible for all the people killed by us to be here? Even if this connects to the world of the afterlife, it��s strange. Furthermore, everyone can only see the people that they have killed and not those that others have killed�� Only a hallucination can exin this. Some substances have entered our brains and formed images on our retinas from our memories.


    ��What you have said makes sense.�� The empress nodded.


    If everyone could see the same things, then it would be more doubtful.


    Since everyone could only see the people that they had killed, an exnation existed.


    Hallucination was the most likely exnation.


    Ren Baqian stood there for a moment, then turned and brought Lin Qiaole over.


    ��What are you doing?�� Lin Qiaole didn��t struggle while being carried by the neck. She was nodding her head as if she couldn��t wake up and only muttered the question.


    ��Take a look. What do you see in the water?�� Ren Baqian asked as he gave her some White Rabbit Creamy Candies.


    With the candies, Lin Qiaole was more awake. She pried apart Ren Baqian��s hands that were holding her neck. She sat there holding her knees as she looked at the water.


    ��How dirty!�� Lin Qiaole said.


    The water of this spring were really quite dirty.


    However, everyone was startled by Lin Qiaole��s next reaction.


    They saw saliva starting to drip from her mouth.


    ��Oh dear, a mangshan!�� Lin Qiaole quickly wiped a corner of her mouth and was pleasantly surprised.


    Ren Baqian red at her. What? Was she still thinking about eating it one more time?


    The world of a glutton was different from that of a normal person!


    Her eyes suddenly widened as if she saw something that angered her, and she shouted, ��Don��t run! You aren��t allowed to leave!��


    Then, she dove head first into the water at a very fast speed and disappeared before their eyes.


    There was a ssh!


    Ren Baqian, the empress, and Gong Zheng were all dumbfounded.


    Everyone saw her jump in.


    Ren Baqian remarked thoughtfully, ��I don��t think she knows how to swim.��


    The empress��s eyebrows twitched as shemanded, ��Drag her out.��


    ��Your Majesty, it��s too dangerous for others to try to save her,�� Ren Baqian said. Whether it was a hallucination or something else, the effect was already so great from the shore that one could easily imagine what would happen after entering the water.


    The spring was dangerous to anyone who entered it.


    ��We can��t just let her die here,�� the empress replied.


    At this moment, the water started roiling as if someone was generating waves underwater.


    ��I will go in,�� Ren Baqian said. He was confident in his willpower.


    ��Sir Ren, let us go instead,�� the winged cavalry warriors quickly suggested. How could they let Ren Baqian take this risk? It was too risky! If anything happened��


    ��Regardless, I have to take a trip to the spring���� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress said seriously, ��You should remember one thing.��


    Ren Baqian looked at her with curiosity.


    The empress continued faintly, ��You can��t swim either.��


    Everyone looked awkwardly at Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian��s expression immediately froze. He had forgotten about this matter�� even though he shouldn��t have. How dare he try to save someone when he couldn��t swim?


    Was it because he had be too big-headed after the huge improvement to his skills?

 Chapter 741 - It’s Very Cold, I Need a Hug

    Chapter 741: It��s Very Cold, I Need a Hug


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while and finally understood why he forgot the fact that he didn��t know how to swim.


    The [Visualization of Water]!


    He had drowned so many times while practicing the [Visualization of Water] that he actually grew very familiar with the different dog paddle styles such as the husky, golden retriever,brador, and collie.


    However, even after practicing the [Visualization of Water], he immediately panicked when the empress threw him into the sea and into the swimming pool. This was how she knew that he didn��t know how to swim.


    Ever since then, he had never stepped into water again.


    On the contrary, constantly practicing the [Visualization of Water] gave him the misperception that he knew how to swim.


    ��Your Majesty, why don��t you allow me to give it a shot?�� Ren Baqian pondered for a while and thought that he would probably panic if the empress threw him into the water. There was a chance that he could really swim if he were to enter the water himself.


    After all, the motions of swimming were already deeply anchored within him from when he was practicing the [Visualization of Water] back then.


    She nced over at him. At present, Lin Qiaole was flopping around at the bottom of the spring, and the surface of the water was turbulent as if she was in a boiling pot.


    ��Where��s the rope?�� the empress asked. Gong Zheng immediately sent his men to fetch it over.


    ��It��s a good idea to tie it around my waist. Pull me up if I can��t make it.�� Ren Baqian nodded as she had indeed got him covered.


    ��Wouldn��t she just die in the water then?�� The empress pointed at the churning waters.


    At a loss, Ren Baqian heaved a deep sigh and said, ��I��ll do my best!��


    ��Even if a Spirit Wheel expert doesn��t know how to swim, holding her breath underwater for 15 minutes shouldn��t be a problem, right? She should probably be able to walk back to shore during this period of time,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��This water is strange.�� The empress shook her head. Ordinarly, as he had mentioned, there should be no problem for a Spirit Wheel expert to hold her breath for 15 minutes. However, this ce was strange, so there was no telling what the conditions underwater were like.


    The winged cavalry warriors brought the rope over, but surprisingly, the empress didn��t tie the rope around Ren Baqian��s body. She got someone to secure a piece of fist-sized rock to one end. She held the rope and jumped off the shore, gliding toward Lin Qiaole. She then pushed her palm downward. Immediately, as if a meteorite had struck, the entire surface of the water caved inward as the empress rebounded upward.


    At the moment when the surface of the water caved to its lowest point, the empress saw Lin Qiaole flopping around at the bottom and hastily threw the rock toward her.


    Ren Baqian immediately realized what the empress was doing. As long as Lin Qiaole caught the rope, the empress would be able to pull her out of the water.


    Under the circumstances that they were unclear about the underwater situation, this was a good n.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    The empress glided toward the water, pushed her palm downward, and rebounded upward once again.


    With an odd looking expression that was followed by a cold look, she subsequently tossed the rope over to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian hastily pulled the rope up and immediately felt that something was amiss. There was no weight to it.


    This meant that there wasn��t anyone on the other end of the rope.


    The sshes on the surface of the water were also reduced in number.


    ��Where��s Lin Qiaole?�� Ren Baqian was surprised.


    ��I threw the rock on her head and she fainted!�� The empress tried to stay calm.


    Everyone was speechless.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh before very quickly removing his clothes. He originally wanted to even remove his underpants, but after considering that he was surrounded by so many people, he decided to keep them on.


    ��Pull me up when I tug on the rope.�� He tied the rope around his waist and tossed the other end to Gong Zheng.


    He then put one leg into the water.


    ��So chilly.�� Ren Baqian shivered.


    The water was actually pretty cold.


    It reminded him of when he used to y at a frozen river when he was young and fell into the water.


    Now that Ren Baqian was already an Earth Wheel expert, he wouldn��t feel it much even if he were to fall into a frozen river again.


    However, this spring water was bone-chilling to him.


    What he felt wasn��t simply physical cold, but a chill that seemed to have frozen his soul.


    Ren Baqian took a deep breath and leaped above where Lin Qiaole was. He held his breath as he plunged into the water.


    The moment he entered the water, he felt the chill attacking his body from all directions, almost freezing him into a block of ice.


    The chill continuously entered his body through his skin.


    His limbs turned rigid almost instantaneously.


    However, after Ren Baqian had broken through to the Earth Wheel level, the cirction of energy that had formed around his viscera acted like ayer of cover, protecting his organs from the cold.


    This allowed his body to constantly produce heat tobat the chill that was entering his body.


    Arge amount of essence qi transformed into heat and fought against the chill for space within Ren Baqian��s body. This allowed him to experience what a heaven of ice and fire felt like.


    He felt like a fried dish that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside��


    However, what he was experiencing on his outer body was frostiness and not fried crispiness��


    Ren Baqian tried hard to ignore the chill of the spring water and focused on looking for Lin Qiaole.


    Even though he couldn��t swim very well, he was still able to make himself sink to the bottom of the spring. Since he entered the water just above where Lin Qiaole was, it should be pretty easy for him to find her.


    However, at this moment, he felt numerous people rushing toward him underwater and grabbing his limbs downward.


    <em>Hallucination! </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself. Even though his muscles subconsciously tensed up, this allowed him to sink faster.


    Warped faces started to float around him, snarling and shouting at him.


    Any ordinary person would have been scared to death. However, since he had already experienced life and death thousands of times during his training, it didn��t affect him much, though he was slightly frightened.


    He subconsciously dodged when the nearest floating head, which had eyeballs dangling out of the sockets, almost came into contact with his face. Even though he knew that it was just a hallucination, he wanted to avoid a romantic kiss with a dead-looking fellow.


    <em>Amitabha! </em>Ren Baqian chanted in his mind. Even though it wasn��t really useful, it allowed him to calm down. Many times when he felt anguish while practicing the five visualizations, he continuously chanted ��Amitabha�� to tide through the ordeal.


    He would feel peace in his mind every time he chanted, and it had be a physical and psychological instinct for him.


    He seemed to have agitated the head when he dodged it, and it grew even more frantic.


    Ren Baqian felt a twitch in his face, and his inner peace was disrupted. He wanted to ask it to scram as his face continued twitching.


    He felt as if something was touching his balls��


    He hastily reached his hands down and felt a cold and powerless hand��


    He subconsciously felt like striking out with his knee. However, he immediately realized that he shouldn��t be able to feel a hallucination and that this could only be Lin Qiaole.


    Ren Baqian quickly grabbed her arm and tugged the rope. After that, he could feel a pulling force almost immediately.


    Next, he was pulled out of the water like a shooting arrow.


    The instant he was pulled out of the water, he turned and looked to see that he was indeed holding onto Lin Qiaole. Her eyes were shut while her mouth was slightly open. On her head was a bump as big as a bowl��


    Her belly made her look as if she was about six months pregnant�� There was no telling how much of the spring water she had swallowed.


    Ren Baqian shivered after throwing Lin Qiaole to the ground and said, ��It��s very cold! I need a hug, Your Majesty!��


    The empress��s eyebrows twitched. However, after seeing his pale skin and shivering appearance, she spoke coldly to the others and ordered, ��Turn away.��


    She then opened her arms and held him in her embrace with the tenderness of ady. This immediately warmed Ren Baqian��s heart.


    He then rubbed his face against hers.


    How smooth!

 Chapter 742 - Hugging Tightly

    Chapter 742: Hugging Tightly


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian caressed the empress until he was satisfied and then reluctantly released her from his embrace.


    He was still feeling cold��


    However, Lin Qiaole might notst very long.


    Looking down at her lying on the floor, water could be seen flowing out of her mouth. When Ren Baqian pressed her stomach, yellow spring water spouted from her like a fountain.


    The rest of the winged cavalry warriors were gathered by the side of the spring and were looking at the faces that emerged from the water. They were expressing their thoughts with gusto.


    ��I remember this guy��he was a high ranking officer from Great Xia who wasn��t very powerful and was cut down by me with one strike! I didn��t expect to see him here!��


    ��I have no impression of this guy! I have killed too many and can��t remember those people.��


    ��I can see Jing Tribe people here! At that time, I was in that city����


    ��Do you think they can jump out?��


    ��They were cut down with one strike when they were alive��if they jump out after dying, they will still be cut down!��


    Just as Ren Baqian was considering whether she needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Gong Zheng shouted, ��She��s breathing! She seems to be fine!��


    Looking at her carefully, he saw her chest rising and falling.


    After all, she was a Spirit Wheel expert and highly resilient.


    Ren Baqian regretted not hugging the empress longer. If he had known earlier that Lin Qiaole was so tough, he would have prolonged his embrace.


    As he looked up at the empress, she gave him a cold stare. She was most likely telling him to know his own limits.


    ��Sir Gong Zheng, arrange for some logs to start a fire�� Prepare more as I may have to use them in the future,�� Ren Baqian said to Gong Zheng.


    He had tested the temperature of the water and knew that a person would freeze after diving in anding out of the spring. He deemed it prudent to prepare some firewood.


    There was no firewood in this valley, and sparsely scattered trees could only be found far away.


    Although he hoped to be embraced by the empress every time he came up, her body temperature wasn��tparable to a bonfire.


    If he had cultivated in the water for a while, he would be in no mood to ask for a hug.


    Soon after, Lin Qiaole gradually woke up and looked ruefully at the empress.


    ��It hurts!��


    ��You won��t feel the pain after getting some candy.�� Ren Baqian saw Lin Qiaole��s miserable condition and relented by giving her some White Rabbit Creamy Candy.


    ��Do you think I��m a fool?�� Lin Qiaole rubbed the big bump on her head while giving him a baleful re.


    She was bashed in the head by a big piece of stone and received arge bump. Was a bunch of candy enough to stop the pain?


    Ren Baqian gave her another bunch of candy.


    Lin Qiaole started to be hesitant.


    He gave her some more candy.


    ��The pain seems to be lessening!�� Lin Qiaole stood up gleefully with the candy in her hands.


    ��Do you still want to catch a mangshan?�� Ren Baqian thought of the earlier incident and felt that she was indeed a ��talent.��


    ��I will not let him go!�� Lin Qiaole said angrily as she unwrapped the candies.


    Although her expression was fierce, it wasn��t convincing.


    It was like a cat getting angry at someone, although her killing abilities were much more powerful than a cat.


    Ren Baqian stood by the side of the spring and pondered. He took out a ss jar and filled it with water. Then, he sent someone to fetch the demonic butterflies that had controlled the people in that vige and said to the empress, ��Before I start cultivating, I will send these back for testing.��


    ��I wille as well,�� the empress said as she held his hand immediately.


    The two of them found a corner and disappeared from sight.


    Just before they disappeared, that bichi rushed into Ren Baqian��s arms as usual.


    Most of the winged cavalry warriors were bing used to seeing this strange event, although they were asionally curious about how they made themselves disappear and where they went to.


    One dayter, they came back with plenty of snacks and wine.


    Although the spring water and demonic butterflies were sent to the Messier 87 department, it would take quite a long time to finish the analysis. Furthermore, these things weren��t ��Made in Earth�� and could contain many hidden ingredients that would take more than a day or two to verify.


    It was more important to practice cultivation now. Even though this was a sped up method, there wasn��t much time left.


    After resting for half a day by the side of the spring, Ren Baqian wore a pair of flowery Hawaiian shorts and prepared to dive.


    A gloomy valley, a weird spring, and a pair of mboyant Hawaiian shorts were a weirdbination.


    ��Fasten the rope and pull on it if you have any problems.�� The empress threw a roll of rope to him.


    Ren Baqian tied the rope to his waist, gave the empress an okay sign, and promptly walked toward the center of the spring.


    First step, second step, third step�� The water was up to his knees, and the bone-piercing chill radiated up from his legs.


    Ren Baqian shivered, jumped back to shore, and said, ��Your Majesty, it��s very cold��please give me a hug.��


    The empress immediately raised her eyebrows.


    She curled a corner of her mouth and looked threatening.


    ��I have to work harder!�� Ren Baqian turned and jumped back into the water, but after a few steps, his legs started to cramp.


    Fortunately, this level of pain was nothing to him. He stretched his legs and then jumped back to the shore, exining, ��Cramps. I have to do some warmup exercises before going in since it��s extremely cold.��


    In front of everyone, Ren Baqian brazenly did 13 sets of exercises meant for secondary students before nodding to the empress and saying, ��There should be no problem now.��


    The empress curled her lips. This type of action was useful for ordinary people, but it was useless for an Earth Wheel expert. It was better to practice the [Boxing of Death].


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t jump back to the shore this time. Step by step, he calmly walked into the water until it reached his neck.


    The faces in the water were rolling and roaring as they tried to rush up and tear his flesh. These were people that Ren Baqian had killed, so many of them were familiar faces, but Ren Baqian simply ignored them.


    The ice-cold water was making his skin turn blue, but Ren Baqian was unaffected.


    This type of cold and pain, whenpared to being roasted or dismembered to death, wasn��t so severe.


    While he recalled the cultivation method from memory, he put both hands across his lower abdomen and pressed seven times before stopping. This was to allow the essence qi to flow along his palm and abdomen,pleting its cycle via the internal body.


    The empress saw Ren Baqian remain motionless in the water and said to Gong Zheng, ��It isn��t necessary for so many people to stay here. The rest can journey further to search for food and explore the surrounding area. Group them by one to three days of traveling distance.��


    Leaving it to Gong Zheng to make the arrangements, the empress sat on a stone and held the rope while watching Ren Baqian inside the spring.


    After one hour, she saw Ren Baqian copse all of a sudden. She pulled on the rope and Ren Baqian came flying out.


    The empress reeled him in while he was still airborne and felt an incredible chill in his ice-cold body.


    Ren Baqian was blue from head to toe, his eyes were closed, and his teeth were chattering continuously.


    She touched his body and only found some warmth in his chest and abdomen.


    The empress was sad to see him in such a state. Without turning her head, she ordered, ��Start a fire.��


    Then, she hugged Ren Baqian very tightly.


    She didn��t care about the ice-cold chill or the wetness of his body.

 Chapter 743 - Scientifically Unachievable!

    Chapter 743: Scientifically Unachievable!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian only woke up four hourster.


    Before he opened his eyes, he could already feel himself in the embrace of a soft and gentle figure


    It was very soft.


    Bits of warmth radiated from this embrace and passed to him, dissolving the chill in his body.


    At the same time, everyone was also feeling the heat from the ze and sweating profusely.


    Ren Baqian adjusted his body and tried to find a morefortable position. Next, the empress casually put him down on the ground.


    When he opened his eyes, all he saw was the dusky sky.


    The sky here was always different from other ces.


    The sky elsewhere would make a person feel warm. It was clear, azure, and opened a person��s breadth of mind.


    It was theplete opposite over here.


    This made Ren Baqian surmise that the air in this valley was hovering over something. Simr to the haze on Earth, it made the sky look different


    This was probably one of the reasons that caused the hallucinations.


    ��Wipe off your mucus!�� The empress cast a nce at him.


    Ren Baqian sniffed and realized that his mucus was almost flowing into his mouth�� His nose was very clogged up, and he almost couldn��t smell anything.


    ��I seem to have caught a cold?�� Ren Baqian asked subconsciously with his head full of questions. He also couldn��t believe that he had actually fallen ill.


    He actually caught a cold after practicing this set of martial arts?


    Even though it was slightly colder, he was just practicing martial arts!


    He was simply practicing martial arts!


    He was simply practicing martial arts!


    The characters in novels always trained in icy caves and fiery mountains, yet it had never been said that they fell ill before.


    Imagine the old Yuan Ying freak sitting inside an icy cave, snivelling and trembling as he cultivated��


    This was scientifically unachievable!


    Ren Baqian stood up and walked around. His body felt very cold even though he was close to the fire.


    His head was hurting a bit.


    His body didn��t feel toofortable either.


    This made him more certain that he had indeed caught a cold.


    He then turned to the empress with a puzzled look.


    ��What happened? ��The empress got a little worried when she saw the look on his face and wondered if anything had happened to him.


    ��I actually caught a cold?�� Ren Baqian reiterated.


    ��I have seen it on television before. One will have a runny nose when he has a cold, and it��s just like what you are going through now. However, this doesn��t seem like a serious illness?�� The empress nodded with a serious look on her face.


    ��The problem doesn��t lie in the symptom�� Your Majesty, have you ever had a cold?�� Ren Baqian put on an exaggerated look.


    The empress looked at him coldly.


    Her answer was evident.


    Ren Baqian rolled around on the ground, and he was very surprised that he had caught a cold. This made him feel like he wasn��t that different from an ordinary person at times. Perhaps the Earth Yin Spring could be the cause of this?


    After pondering for some time, he decided to let this matter rest.


    Ren Baqian walked toward the crowd and tore two legs off of a three-horned lion looking beast that the others had prepared. He carved a few lines across the meat, sprinkled some seasoning on it, and grilled it over the fire.


    ��Was this beast cleaned with water from the spring?�� Ren Baqian asked as the thought suddenly struck him.


    ��It was cleaned outside the valley at a brook around half a day��s journey away,�� someone immediately replied.


    Ren Baqian nodded and looked at Lin Qiaole as she slept soundly on a piece of rock. It seemed like drowning in the Earth Yin Spring hadn��t affected her at all.


    This made him feel more at ease.


    However, he understood that Lin Qiaole was different from him. She was a Spirit Wheel expert with the form of a little girl.


    After the animal legs were grilled, they smelled a little sour and pungent and weren��t at all appetizing.


    After taking a bite of it, Ren Baqian��s eyes lit up. Although it didn��t smell nice, it tasted extremely delicious, fresh, and tender.


    It could be considered the animal version of durian or stinky tofu!


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian handed a leg to the empress.


    ��It��s okay, I��ll eat this.�� She looked at the thing in his hand with disdain and took out three slices of cake from the sack beside her.


    The cake slices were as big as a washbowl!


    Furthermore, there were three of them!


    In betweenughter and tears, Ren Baqian said, ��It doesn��t smell good, but it tastes fantastic.��


    The empress frowned and took the leg from him skeptically. Even though she didn��t smell it intentionally, the sour and pungent odor still hit her senses.


    She disliked it a lot.


    However, she still trusted that Ren Baqian wouldn��t lie to her about how it tasted. She knitted her eyebrows and took a bite of the meat. Next, she immediately rxed her eyebrows and said, ��Pretty good.��


    ��What beast is this?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��This is a mountain willow! It doesn��t smell nice, but it tastes pretty good,�� Ya Sheng exined before adding, ��Its strong smell lingers even after you finish eating it.��


    Ren Baqian felt indifferent about it. After having experienced the baptism of the stink bomb, this was child��s y.


    After he was done eating, he realized that the smell was exactly like what Ya Sheng had described. His entire body was engulfed in that sour and pungent scent. The empress frowned as she couldn��t avoid this either.


    Such smells had always been the natural enemy of women.


    After the meal, Ren Baqian felt slightly better and began to perform the 14th radio callisthenics.


    ��How about we just head back? Previously, I had already gotten Zi Doni to help you find a support tool,�� the empress said softly. One could tell from her words that she was concerned.


    ��You belittle me, Your Majesty! This Earth Yin Spring isn��t that big of a problem for me!�� Ren Baqian smiled very casually, which was a rare sight.


    The empress didn��t try further persuasion after seeing this and merely said, ��Be careful!��


    Ren Baqian entered the water once again and did the same action as well.


    In fact, this set of martial arts only had eight moves. He needed to master this move before he could proceed to the next one.


    The empress continued to stare nkly at him from the shore. Shadows circled around Ren Baqian��s body and yelled at him, but this didn��t seem to disturb him at all.


    This time around, hested about the same amount of time as the previous attempt. Seeing that he was on the verge of copse, she pulled him out of the water and hugged him to give him warmth, only cing him on the ground after he had awoken.


    He would then eat to replenish his energy before going into the water again. It was all rinse and repeat after that.


    The next day, Ren Baqian finally managed tost slightly longer in the water, enduring an extra quarter of an hour. He had also started to practice the second move. He had to hold his belly and move it forward, backward, left, and right before tapping twice on alternating sides of his belly.


    The empress was finally at ease now and took out aic book to read.


    One dayter, the empress received a piece of news that made her put heric book down.


    ��Your Majesty, we discovered another vige in the vicinity�� It looks exactly like the one from before���� Gong Zheng reported this information to the empress while looking solemn.


    The empress also became solemn after hearing this.


    A second vige.


    ��Have you verified it?�� the empress asked.


    ��Yes, the people there are exactly the same as those we saw in the other vige. Their expressions are rigid, they don��t show any reaction, and they are all in their thirties or older.�� Gong Zheng nodded.


    ��How many of them?��


    ��Slightly more than the previous vige��roughly over 200 people.��


    ��Kill them all! Broaden your search at the same time and see if there are any more of these viges!�� the empress replied in a deep voice.


    She thought that the previous vige was a rare case, but it now seemed otherwise��


    What worried her more was that this matter had never been heard of. Yet, they had alreadye across it twice in this region ofnd where the presence of people was sparse.


    Would there be even more of these cases in this region?


    Were those viges always here or had they moved from other ces?

 Chapter 744 - Pressed for Time

    Chapter 744: Pressed for Time


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Ren Baqian regained his consciousness this time around, the empress didn��t put him on the ground and was holding him in her embrace.


    Before he even turned to look, he sensed something amiss in the surrounding atmosphere.


    There were fewer winged cavalry warriors around him, and all of them had solemn looks on their faces.


    ��Your Majesty, what happened?�� Ren Baqian adjusted his position and felt morefortable.


    This was perfect for a state of reverie.


    The empress��s embrace was filled with charm.


    Soon after, she put Ren Baqian down on the ground.


    Hey on the ground and looked at her with his head tilted. She looked pretty gloomy.


    However, he wasn��t the cause of it.


    ��Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian asked again.


    ��Nothing much.�� The empress shook her head, evidently not wanting him to be distracted by other matters.


    ��Talk about it��maybe I cane up with some ideas!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��I��m the monarch of Dayao!�� The empress was annoyed. ��I can handle these small matters.��


    After hearing what the empress said, Ren Baqian kept quiet and simplyy on the ground to rest. However, he curled his body into a ball after a few minutes, allowing the essence qi to circte around every contact point in his body to recover from the onught of the chill.


    He finally uncurled his body an hourter as his belly rumbled nonstop.


    He had just started practicing this set of martial arts, but he had already had to use up arge amount of heat tobat the chill of the Earth Yin Spring.


    The heat that was produced by the essence qi was continuouslybating the chill of the Earth Yin Spring in his body and changing the state of his body.


    Nevertheless, this was still the beginning, a phase that allowed his body to limate to the conditions of the spring.


    When performing the third move, Ren Baqian had to open up his pores and let the chill scour his body repeatedly to take the state of his body to the next level.


    He would then have to let his essence qi flow through every inch of his body, allowing it to merge with every cell on the surface of his body and preventing it from circting back into his body.


    During this process, his skin would undergo some changes.


    It was simr to having a protectiveyer over his skin.


    ording to Ren Baqian��s understanding, this set of martial arts was simr to the legendary [Golden Shield, Iron Cloth Protection].


    However, the [Golden Shield, Iron Cloth Protection] only required its user to endure repeated beatings and apply medication on his skin to increase its toughness.


    Even though the chill of the Earth Yin Spring was simr to the repeated beatings of the[Golden Shield, Iron Cloth Protection], it was a never-ending stream of beatings that he had to endure.


    Next, the essence qi in his body had tobat against the chill and repeatedly heal the injuries that he sustained.


    Eventually, when all of the essence qi had merged with every cell in Ren Baqian��s body, even his face would be tougher than a wall!


    Or rather, every inch of his body would grow significantly tougher.


    Ren Baqian felt that there was a need for him to strengthen a certain part of his body.


    Even though it was already very tough and even though the fictional Superman wasn��t as tough as Ren Baqian currently was, there was no harm in further strengthening it.


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian and the empress took a trip back to Earth.


    The Messier 87 department��sboratory was extremely passionate and fullymitted to researching the water of the Earth Yin Spring and the corpse of the demonic butterfly that Ren Baqian brought back. Even though he had brought back quite a few things recently, he cared about these two items the most. This was also why the Messier 87 department regarded them as top-grade items, especially the demonic butterfly with a human face on its body.


    Everyone was looking forward to examining it after hearing that it lived in its host��s body for more than ten years and that the face on its body was exactly the same as its host��s.


    However, the research progress was slower than expected. After spending 21 Earth days, which was equivalent to seven days in the other world, and putting in their greatest effort, they discovered five newpunds from the water of the Earth Yin Spring.


    Even though they had previously also discovered two new elements from something that Ren Baqian brought back, this spring water alone contained five entirely new elements.


    Of these, two of the elements were particrly special. These two elements moved about in intertwined pairs as if they were reliant on each other for survival.


    ording to the researchers at theboratory, these elements from Dayao were ��seducing�� them. Many of the researchers were impacted because they had be so engrossed in their research that they even needed to postpone their weddings.


    The scientific names given to this pair of elements were different from the others that were made up of letters and numbers. The researchers gave them very meaningful names from the Butterfly Lovers[1.Butterfly Lovers: Chinese legend of a tragic love story of a pair of lovers] and called them Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.


    Apart from the discovery of these five new elements, there hadn��t been any other progress. Ren Baqian could only continue to wait.


    Besides the research that was going on at theboratory, something else had happened.


    Ren Baqian received an invitation letter.


    It was an invitation to a private salon, and the owner was the boss of the inte that he had met previously.


    There were a few other bosses that were invited as well.


    They were all ranked at the top among the richest and most powerful people.


    Even though Ren Baqian was rather interested in attending, he had to regretfully decline the invitation because he had too many pressing matters at the moment.


    ��This man is pretty arrogant to reject Boss Ma��s invitation!�� Shortly after Ren Baqian rejected the invitation, three holographic figures appeared in another room with one of themughing.


    This was thetest technology that Ren Baqian would definitely love if he hadn��t been so busytely that he didn��t have the time to pay any attention to it.


    What he loved the most was trying out all sorts of new technology.


    ��Not only did you not give me face, but I had also already ced your names on the invitation list.�� Boss Maughed.


    ��This is pretty interesting. I have previously tried to find out more about this person. However, I wasn��t able to because the higher-ups made most of his information confidential. This man is indeed mysterious!�� another man said.


    ��From thetest policies, we can tell what the government is currently up to! This man must y an important role in their ns. Have you guys heard about that new city?��


    Everyone nodded. Even though the nation had already tried its best to conceal its ns, these ns were so major that it was impossible to keep them hidden from these people.


    Furthermore, these people also sensed that the government was beginning to rx on the concealment of its ns.


    This represented one thing, which was that the ns that the government was trying to conceal were almostplete or perhaps that the ns had progressed to a point where it was okay to let people find out about them


    ��This city should be part of the project that the country is nning, and this man is involved with it. Both his assistant and his younger brother have been to that new city recently.��


    After hearing this, the other men started to ponder.


    Even though it was just a new city, they knew that it probably contained a lot of secrets.


    Even people of their status had to put in a lot of effort to obtain a tiny bit of information about this new city. It meant a lot that Ren Baqian could be a part of it.


    ��Boss Ma isn��t charming enough! This man is pretty young. Besides, even heroes have a weakness when ites to the charms of a beautiful woman. You can probably try a honey trap on him!�� One of them giggled.


    ��Haha! You must be joking!�� Boss Ma burst intoughter.


    Honey trap? Anyone who tried that would be in big trouble.


    However, Boss Ma knew that this man was merely joking. If someone of their status were to use a honey trap on a younger person, then their entire reputation would be tarnished.


    These men chatted for a bit and switched off their screens soon after.


    All of them were busy people with their own busy schedules. They had to intentionally make time just to chat for a bit.


    No one was actually mad at Ren Baqian for rejecting the invitation.


    For people of their status, they would naturally have a certain bearing and wouldn��t react like ordinary people.


    Ren Baqian made arrangements for some matters during the two days he spent on Earth and returned to Dayao immediately after.


    Now that he was cultivating, every second mattered.


    After all, there wasn��t much time left until the wedding. They had already spent two months to get to the Earth Yin Spring and still had a very long return journey to make.


    Needless to say, they also had to return earlier to make preparations.


    This meant that they could only stay here for a maximum of three months.


    For the three and a half months they would spend here, Ren Baqian had to make sure that he could produce results from practicing this set of martial arts.


    He was pressed for time.

 Chapter 745 - One and a Half Months

    Chapter 745: One and a Half Months


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    For the next month, Ren Baqian practiced in the Earth Yin Spring every day.


    After one month, he was able to face the icy chill of the Earth Yin Spring without any fear at all.


    However, during this one month, the empress was getting more and more disgruntled.


    Although the empress always regained her cold expression when Ren Baqian returned to shore, she continued flipping the pages of aic book absent-mindedly.


    Ren Baqian could feel that the empress was like a volcano waiting to erupt. Fury was umting in her body.


    Even when Great Xia invaded Dayao, the empress had not shown such a big change.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were also affected and smiled less often.


    Gong Zheng solemnly stepped forward and reported, ��Your Majesty, we have discovered yet another vige.��


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian, who was still inside the spring, and asked tly, ��How many have there been so far?��


    ��This is the 11th!�� Gong Zheng��s eyes were filled with anger.


    What exactly was transforming these people to be like that?


    There were 11 viges, the smallest with over 100 people and the biggest with over 300.


    2,000 people in 11 viges had been discovered so far. The number of people affected in the uncontacted viges was unknown.


    So many had be puppet-like for more than 10 years, yet why did nobody notice?


    Furthermore, why did they build their viges here? The surrounding area wasn��t suitable for establishing viges because these mountains were inhospitable. It was impossible for these viges to have existed for a long time.


    ording to investigations made by the winged cavalry warriors, these viges were built 20 to 30 years ago.


    Some kind of substance was nted in their bodies and manipted them to leave their original homes for this inhospitable ce.


    If no evil hands were behind this exodus, it would be hard to believe!


    Plus, nobody would dare to believe.


    <em>Snap. </em>The ck rock that the empress was sitting on split as a crack appeared from top to bottom.


    The empress floated to the bottom of the rock and asked, ��Did you deal with it cleanly?��


    ��It has been dealt with!�� Gong Zheng said with a heavy heart. It was easy to say, but it involved the lives of aboriginals.


    ��Continue to search! Send everyone out andb in all directions to see how many more of these viges there are! Find out what is causing this problem! If there��s any news, report to me at once!�� the empress said with cold eyes.


    ��Yes!��


    Gong Zheng then took his leave. The empress moved to another rock and sat there in a daze.


    She was going to get married soon and had been in a good mood, but encountered this unexpected event that might cause extreme turbulence.


    Seeing Lin Qiaole sleeping soundly on the floor, she felt a tinge of envy.


    Mentally disabled children are happier than normal people.


    They do not need to think about anything besides sleeping after eating and then eating again after waking up��


    ��


    Ren Baqian stood in the middle of the spring with the water up to his chin.


    An hourter, when Ren Baqian slowly opened his eyes, there was a trace of fatigue in his gaze.


    His stomach was growling again.


    The faces that had surrounded him since the first day were still there.


    Ren Baqian even saw a bird among them. It was the foul-mouthed bird that had been strangled by him.


    Upon thinking back, Ren Baqian was of the opinion that he had been quite irascible back then.


    The chill was having a calming effect on him.


    Ren Baqian smiled, nodded at the bird with the open mouth, and said, ��Amitabha! Early death means early reincarnation. You may be reincarnated as a human in your next life!��


    Following this, he waved wearily at the empress before she pulled him ashore.


    Aftering out, the tired Ren Baqiany on the ground and looked up at the sky.


    This position happened to be not far from the empress��s skirt.


    The empress was thinking about something and didn��t notice. In the past, she would have kicked him away.


    ��I dislike safety shorts,�� Ren Baqian said suddenly.


    Her eyes flickered, a legnded on his ribs, and Ren Baqian flew five to six meters away.


    Ren Baqian fell to the ground and turned to lie sideways on the ground. He propped up his head with one hand and said, ��Your Majesty has lost your temper again.��


    ��Nope!�� the empress said tly.


    ��The previous rock has cracked!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress simply stated, ��It was too brittle!��


    Ren Baqianughed again after hearing this.


    ��Mind your own business and do not interfere!�� the empress said as she sat on a rock and looked upward.


    This valley was surrounded by mountainous cliffs, and only a dim patch of sky could be seen.


    For over a month, this patch of sky had not changed much.


    It made people suspect that it was like a painting pasted above them.


    Ren Baqian looked at the empress and knew that she didn��t want to make him feel worried. He sighed,y down t, stretched out his limbs, and touched something soft with his fingers.


    It was the face of Lin Qiaole.


    Lin Qiaole sleepily turned her head to take a bite.


    Ren Baqian sucked in a breath in response to her savage mouth.


    Ren Baqian��s mentality was to give a tit-for-tat response.


    His eyes roamed over Lin Qiaole��s body, looking for a ce to nt his bite.


    A few positions were found to be suitable, but if he were to do so, he would be fighting with both her and the empress.


    Such an unfavorable situation was inconceivable.


    He simply had to bear with it!


    ��


    After another half a month passed, they had already stayed here for almost two months.


    Gong Zheng presented himself in front of the empress once more and reported, ��Your Majesty, we have discovered a 19th vige.��


    The empress touched her hair and said softly, ��I see! It��s fine as long as you have dealt with it cleanly.��


    Over time, that volcano seemed to have sunk into the sea, and no waves could be detected from the surface.


    Everyone knew that this volcano was merely being covered and that when it erupted again, the eruption would be more violent than before!


    ��There��s one more issue����


    ��Just say it. Don��t procrastinate!�� The empress wrapped her hair around her fingers and then straightened it.


    The past two months in this valley had been really boring.


    ��Two teams didn��te back as scheduled!�� Gong Zheng said softly.


    They went out in teams of five, so two teams meant 10 people.


    10 people missing wasn��t a small issue, especially when they were investigating this matter.


    The empress stopped fiddling with her hair, turned to re at Gong Zheng coldly, and asked, ��How long has it been?��


    ��They have been missing for three days, but we know their general location. They were the two teams among the group that covered the most distant area. Traveling southwest, it takes approximately six days.��


    ��They didn��te back three days ago as had been nned, so I thought they were dyed. However, they still have not returned yet, so I��m afraid they may have encountered some mishaps.��


    The empress made a move, then stopped and turned to look at Ren Baqian in the middle of the spring.


    ��Your Majesty, I will personally go and take a look!�� Gong Zheng knew that the empress didn��t want to leave right now even though Ren Baqian didn��t look like he was in any danger.


    The empress walked toward Lin Qiaole and ced a leg on her buttocks.


    Lin Qiaole flew up into the air, bared her teeth, and wed with her fingers in response to this shock. Shended on all fours like an animal and surveyed the surroundings fiercely, but there were no threats at all.


    ��Bring her along!�� the empressmanded.

 Chapter 746 - Good News!

    Chapter 746: Good News!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Lin Qiaole was obviously confused since she didn��t know what was happening!


    After checking that there were no enemies in the vicinity and confirming that it was the empress who had kicked her, Lin Qiaole cooled down.


    ��Go with him, listen to his instructions, and protect him. You aren��t allowed to sleep!�� the empress said as she pointed at Gong Zheng.


    Lin Qiaole didn��t understand other things, but was crestfallen when she heard that she wasn��t allowed to sleep.


    She didn��t want to sleep so much, but it was beyond her control.


    Seeing her expression, the empress added, ��You can sleep during the journey, but not when he asks you to wake up. Heighten your vignce ande back with the same number of people. Otherwise, I will skin you!��


    Lin Qiaole bowed her head to ponder for a while, kept twisting her two index fingers, and didn��t move for a long time.


    ��Select a few people, as few as possible, and get ready to move out,�� the empress said to Gong Zheng. She ignored Lin Qiaole, who was still twisting her fingers, and went back to sit on the rock before falling into a daze.


    Lin Qiaole only woke up when the empress pulled Ren Baqian out of the spring. She stretched out her hand after jumping in front of him.


    Ren Baqian could see that Lin Qiaole was asking for candy and threw her a small pack that he took from his bag. She then skipped away to find Gong Zheng.


    Since she was going to work, she might as well get paid first.


    ��You are spoiling her!�� the empress said faintly from the side.


    In the past, Lin Qiaole didn��t seek rewards.


    Now, she stood there for half a day just to wait to receive her reward.


    Moral values were declining!


    Public morals weren��t like in the past!


    ��What��s she going to do there?�� Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    ��It��s a small matter.�� The empress waved her hand and refused to say any more.


    Ren Baqian understood that it wasn��t a small matter since Gong Zheng couldn��t handle it alone and needed the assistance of Lin Qiaole.


    He could sense the situation the empress was in by looking at her eyes. It seemed like matters were thorny.


    Although he wanted to ask, she refused to tell him.


    Furthermore, the empress was the ruler of the country��if he probed further, it would appear like he didn��t have confidence in her, which would be inappropriate.


    The only thing that he could do was to speed up his cultivation and chat with the empress during his rest periods.


    Leaning against the side of the rock where the empress was seated, Ren Baqian held her bent leg in his hand and rested his head on the empress��s thigh.


    ��Congrattions, Your Majesty!�� Hong Luan entered the valley with a smile and hurried to the side of the empress.


    The signal wasn��t good in the valley, and the radio set worked slightly better on the slopes outside.


    Since there wasn��t much happening these days, Hong Luan became the person in charge of the radio set.


    Hearing her message, Ren Baqian guessed that this was most likely rted to the progress in the Yun Nation.


    Earlier, there was a schr who was persuading a group of warlords to surrender. Then, Zi Doni postured as if readying to attack while keeping in touch with that schr.


    This urred about three months ago.


    Now, it appeared to be time for the n to bear fruit.


    ��Speak!�� The empress turned to look at her and loosened up a little.


    The recent incidents in the mountains were causing her distress. Good news from the outside world would be dly weed.


    Hong Luan didn��t dare to pause for effect and immediately said, ��Your Majesty, Wangjing City has been captured.��


    The empress smiled upon hearing this.


    After more than a year, Zi Doni had finally delivered the result that she wanted.


    ��Good news! Very good news!�� Ren Baqian pped andughed heartily!


    ��I must congratte Your Majesty! Expanding the border is the first great achievement of a ruler! Many monarchs dreamed big, but couldn��t achieve this. Xia Baichong plotted for decades and died with deep regret after being killed by the smelly gas.


    Your Majesty has easily conquered the Yun Nation. Topare the two of you is likeparing clouds with mud.


    With the prosperity of the Yun Nation, it will be more convenient to get things done! With various types of resources, the future will thrive. Your Majesty��s achievements will surpass your father��s, and you will be ��The First Emperor Of All Times''[1.The First Emperor Of All Times: A Chinese novel]!�� Ren Baqain said whileughing.


    In his opinion, it was only right for the empress to be given this title. He had brought over so much technology and brought about so many changes to this world that his name would be revered through the generations and the empress would be exalted.


    ��It��s indeed good news!�� The empress nodded and smiled. This news had swept away the gloom clouding her mind.


    Hong Luan was relieved to see the empress smile and looked at Ren Baqian with admiration.


    Indeed, he was able to please Her Majesty with words that she could never ever think of.


    ��By the way, have the emperor of the Yun Nation and that Zheng Chengmian been captured?�� Ren Baqian suddenly asked when the thought surfaced.


    ��The outer city has been taken, but there is still resistance in the inner city. Commander Zi said that he will definitely deliver these two people to the empress.��


    ��Your Majesty, this good news calls for a celebration!�� Ren Baqian stood up to say. ��Bring out all the wine in the valley.��


    The empress nced at him and said, ��We can always celebrateter.��


    ��Your Majesty, my cultivation will not be affected and will reach the expected level during the allotted time if things go smoothly. Furthermore, I feel like having a drink!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    He had slept very little during the past few days because he was devoting most of his time to cultivation.


    The progress wasn��t slow.


    More importantly, the empress was in a bad mood during this period and everyone was looking solemn.


    Ren Baqian felt that the atmosphere was too heavy.


    He would take this opportunity to get everyone to lighten up.


    No matter what happened, there was no point in being tense all the time.


    With their limbs bound, many animals from outside the valley were thrown to one side.


    Ren Baqian gave instructions to keep only a small portion. The rest were butchered and cleaned.


    Furthermore, all of the wine was brought out.


    There was more than enough for the empress and Ren Baqian, but not enough to go around if there were too many people.


    Fortunately, there were only around 30 winged cavalry warriors left here. Each pair of them shared a jar, which was somewhat adequate.


    Nearing night time, everyone went to get firewood to light bonfires in the valley to roast the food.


    In less than an hour, the strong aroma of roasting meat filled the whole valley.


    The bonfire that the empress and Ren Baqian used was the centermost one. The two leaned against each other while sipping wine.


    Ren Baqian would put pieces of meat on her te from time to time.


    ��Ahhhh, open your mouth!�� Ren Baqian said to the empress as he cut a small piece of meat.


    The empress nced at him, opened her mouth slightly, and revealed her snowy white teeth.


    As Ren Baqian used the tip of his knife to pick up the meat, the lower end of the strip of meat dangled just beside her mouth.


    Ren Baqian moved the knife from side to side, up and down, and then up again.


    This strip of meat was always near her lips, but didn��t enter her mouth.


    The empress snapped up half of the strip of meat in a sh and sent him flying with a palm.


    The winged cavalry warriors that were watching from afar burst intoughter.


    These were the sounds ofughter that were rarely heard recently.


    After wining and dining, the empress said, ��Let��s get some fresh air.��


    They walked out of the valley with some wine jars in hand.


    The thought of those viges filled with zombies was always on her mind, weighing her down.


    With this good news and after rxing for a night, she decided not to continue staying in this lifeless valley any longer.


    Initially, the empress didn��t walk at a fast pace as she seemed to be waiting for Ren Baqian, but then, she started walking faster and faster.


    In the end, Ren Baqian had to exert all his effort just to keep up with her. They walked this way for two hours before reaching a hilltop.


    The sky here wasn��t like the unchanging one in the valley.


    Although the sky wasn��t as clear as it was in other ces, stars could be seen twinkling above.


    As Ren Baqian swept his eyes around, he suddenly looked at a spot and eximed, ��Your Majesty, look over there!��


    A glistening pale green light could be seen in the distance.


    ��Let��s take a look!��


    The empress took a step and was already tens of meters away.


    ��Your Majesty, wait for me!�� Ren Baqian said hastily.


    The empress stood there waiting for Ren Baqian to catch up. She deemed him slow and took him by the waist before moving along like the wind.


    After another two hours, they arrived at the ce that they saw from the hilltop.


    It was a forest of strangely shaped trees.


    In the middle of this forest, there seemed to be ayer of shing green lights that were fluorescent and pale.


    It was especially outstanding at night.


    ��It��s very beautiful! I didn��t expect to see such a beautiful ce here!�� Ren Baqian praised after the empress put him down.


    The two of them seemed to disturb something as they moved closer, and theyer of green light floated into the air as if blown by the wind.


    They took a closer look and discovered these so-called lights�� were ayer of butterflies��


    This swarm of butterflies had green fluorescent wings.


    When they were resting on the ground, they looked like ayer of shimmering lights.


    Now that they were airborne, the whole forest was filled with green lights, making the scene even more gorgeous.


    It was extremely beautiful.


    However, as they looked at this dreamlike scene, their expressions suddenly changed.


    On the heads of the butterflies closest to them, there were distorted human faces.

 Chapter 747 - Jade-waisted Slaves and the Herdsmen of Na Souls

    Chapter 747: Jade-waisted ves and the Herdsmen of Na Souls


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Therge, fluorescent wings of the butterflies shimmered as they fluttered in the forest, causing the green lights to fluctuate up and down.


    It was supposed to be a beautiful and romantic scene.


    However, the human faces on the heads of the butterflies sent a chill right through the bones of the empress.


    Ren Baqian also looked solemn.


    There could be thousands or tens of thousands of butterflies in the forest.


    This represented the lives of thousands or tens of thousands of people.


    Several thousand or up to tens of thousands of lives had disappeared silently in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    ��Your Majesty, they don��t just have human faces,�� Ren Baqian suddenly said as he looked at the swarm of butterflies. ��In that direction, the heads of the butterflies disy the faces of beasts such as saber-toothed tigers and apes.��


    This amount should be around one-third of the total.


    Nevertheless, most of the butterflies carried human faces.


    At this moment, the fluttering butterflies seemed to have startled something in the forest.


    A dreary melody filled with despair rang out, and the butterflies were instantly attracted by it.


    ��Let��s go and take a look.�� The empress suppressed her breath and moved tens of meters to follow the butterflies.


    Ren Baqian took a few steps to overtake the empress and reached out to catch a butterfly just so he could figure out what the butterfly carrying the human face was about.


    ��Don��t move!�� the empress blurted out as she grabbed his hand.


    ��Your Majesty?��


    ��Look at the ces where they have flown past!�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian put aside his suspicions, looked ahead, and discovered something.


    These butterflies seldom encountered nts, but when they ran into them, leaves and foliage would cascade down.


    Ren Baqian went forward to check and discovered that the fallen leaves looked like they had been cut.


    ��The wings of these demonic butterflies are like des,�� the empress said with a frown.


    Ren Baqian was bewildered by how different they were. They looked like normal butterflies, but were a bit bigger and about the size of two palms each.


    The other difference was the eerie faces that they carried.


    However, the wings of these butterflies, which didn��t look that special, were as sharp as des and indeed scary.


    Yet, thinking of the effort put in by the other party since each butterfly represented a life, it was normal to be different.


    He originally intended to see what abilities these strange butterflies had, but if the two of them charged in, these demonic butterflies could really pose a danger.


    Therefore, after the reminder from the empress, he abandoned the idea of catching a butterfly to avoid alerting the enemy.


    The two of them trailed after the butterflies through the forest beforeing to a mountainside. Here, they saw a tall, thin man standing in front of a cave. The sound of the music, which sounded like a flute, wasing from a white bone held in his hands.


    As he pointed with the white bone, those butterflies flew into the cave.


    ��No wonder the winged cavalry couldn��t find this location despite the distance being so close. There��s a hidden ce,�� Ren Baqian said from behind the empress.


    With steely resolve, the empress coldly and silently advanced toward that man.


    For nearly two months, anger had been brewing inside her. Her anger would rise especially when she received the news of yet another vige being discovered.


    Every time she issued a decree, lives would be extinguished, which was heart-rending for her. This pain became a raging inferno that was ready to engulf everything, not to mention that the demonic butterflies that she had just seen represented a few thousand lives.


    Unexpectedly, the perpetrator was found under such circumstances that gave her the chance to vent her anger. However, it was more important to catch him and get to the bottom of the whole story.


    The empress had already prepared 1,080 ways to kill himter on.


    Nevertheless, the two of them stopped 70 meters away from him and looked at him with shock.


    From this distance, they were able to see him clearly under the evening light.


    However, no matter how they looked at him, his appearance wasn��t like a human��s.


    His skin was green in color, his ears were nted, his round nose was abnormallyrge, four tusks protruded from his lips, and most importantly��his eyes.


    The eye sockets, the whites of the eyes, and the pupils weren��t like a human��s.


    Two things that looked like sunsses were fastened over his eyes. However, upon looking carefully, one could see that these were his eyes and that they were filled with indifference and ruthlessness.


    After further observation, it could be seen that the objects that resembled sunsses were made up of hexagonal tiles.


    When Ren Baqian saw the eyes of the other party, he instantly recognized them as thepound eyes of insects.


    This thin guy was more than two meters tall and had four long, slender limbs. It looked like a breeze would blow him away.


    Before the two could speak, the other party spoke in a surprisingly pleasant voice that was crisp, melodious, and sounded like a young girl speaking. He said, ��You have followed my jade-waisted ves here!��


    ��You call them jade-waisted ves? What are you?�� the empress asked coldly.


    ��You can call me Bor!�� the other person said.


    ��I noticed a group of aboriginals that came near here before. Originally, I already had sufficient jade-waisted ves, so even if you guys wanted to leave, I wouldn��t have stopped you. However, since you found your way here, I will not let you two go.��


    ��Are you alone or do you have other partners? Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I��m the only one here!�� The other person didn��t mind revealing this at all. ��This ce belongs to me and is used by my jade-waisted ves for grazing.��


    ��Very well!�� the empress said icily. It looked like the disasters in the viges around here were the result of his handiwork.


    ��What kind of thing are you?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I have already told you my name, so you should tell me your names. Isn��t that basic courtesy among humans?�� the other guy asked.


    Ren Baqian simply couldn��t see any expressions on this guy��s face.


    In particr, that pair of eyes constantly changed colors, which gave Ren Baqian goosebumps.


    ��I��m Chen Ergou and she is Chen Fugui!�� Ren Baqian subconsciously gave him two fictitious names.


    The empress felt that this name sounded horrible, but she couldn��t worry about it in this situation.


    ��What kind of thing are you?�� This time, it was the empress who asked.


    This was the third time this question had been asked.


    ��We are Na souls, and we specialize in putting living things to pasture.��


    ��Where are you from? How manypatriots do you have? Where are they?��


    ��We originate from very far away, and I don��t know exactly where. As for the number of mypatriots, there are 34 in this area, and their positions are like mine. Everyone has his own grazing area.�� Bor told them what he knew and didn��t attempt to hide anything.


    There was most likely one reason why he was acting this way: because he was very sure of the oue.


    To him, these two were as good as dead.


    ��Well, are you done asking questions?�� Bor asked.


    ��Onest question. What��s a jade-waisted ve?�� Ren Baqian inquired once more.


    ��As you can see, they are my possessions. They are beautiful and tasty!�� Bor was giving out praise, but there was no emotion in his voice.


    The empress couldn��t bear it any longer when she heard this and was like a volcano that was about to erupt. A huge mountain that was invisible to physical sight appeared in the twinkling of an eye.


    ��Impressive power,�� Bor praised before suddenly calling out, ��Chen Fugui!��


    The color of hispound eyes turned green like the wings of those jade-waisted ves. In the center of this green color, there was an infinite darkness that seemed to be trying to absorb their souls.


    Ren Baqian suddenly gasped and copsed to the ground.


    This change took the empress by surprise as she asked, ��What��s wrong with you?��


    Bor was also confused as the response wasn��t what should have happened.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t responding correctly and shouldn��t have fallen down. Bor felt that there was a problem somewhere. After a moment of confusion, he asked, ��You are actually Chen Fugui? So she should be Chen Ergou.��


    Subsequently, his eyes intensely emitted a green radiance as he looked at the empress and shouted, ��Chen Ergou!��


    ��You are Chen Ergou, not me!�� The empress saw Ren Baqian winking at her and knew that he was ying a trick. She turned to shout at Bor and leaped across at him.

 Chapter 748 - Swatted to Pieces

    Chapter 748: Swatted to Pieces


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When the empress lifted her hand and struck, everyone felt as if the mountains were splitting open.


    With an ordinary looking body, she was actually able to strike with such force and ferocity.


    If she were to hit someone with this might, that person would probably be scared sh*tless.


    However, that Bor didn��t seem to care much about this and instead asked, ��Aren��t you Chen Ergou?��


    He moved backward at an extremely fast speed. His body seemed as light as a feather as he moved to the stone wall at the entrance of the cave. He leaned against the stone wall and climbed up the wall like a lizard with a few steps.


    The empress followed with her fist striking the entrance of the cave.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Dust and debris flew all over.


    The entrance of the cave crumbled as the empress struck it from the side. She then used her fist to strike at the top of the entrance.


    The entrance to the cave waspletely blocked.


    Ren Baqian watched from afar and liked what he saw.


    This way, those jade-waisted ves wouldn��t being out anymore.


    It would be much easier to deal with just Bor alone.


    Bor noticed the empress��s actions, looked over, and said, ��You are neither Chen Fugui nor Chen Ergou. What��s your name?��


    She copsed the cave and continued tounch attack after attack at him.


    Bor simply moved about very quickly on the mountain cliffs. He leaned against the cliff face as if he was stuck to it. By the looks of it, he had climbed about 80 meters up the mountain with the empress closely following behind.


    The sounds of her fists smashing against the mountain rang incessantly in the ear.


    As her fists smashed into the mountain, many big and small holes appeared on the originally smooth mountain cliffs, creating manynding spots.


    The empress didn��t use any weapon because her precious hands could match up to any weapon.


    No matter what kind of enemies she faced, none of them could withstand the force of her seemingly weak and gentle hands.


    Since Bor was born in a different tribe and had been in hiding the entire time, he couldn��t tell the depth of this.


    However, his speed was extremely fast, probably even faster than the empress��s current state. No matter how hard she chased after him, she would still fall slightly behind him.


    Besides, he was still moving around with his back against the mountain cliffs, and this was evidence that he didn��t care much about the empress��s strength.


    ��Actually, her name is Zi Xia, and my name is Zhi Zunbao,�� Ren Baqian said as he stood up from the ground.


    Bor looked at him and flew into a rage, saying, ��You are lying!��


    Ren Baqian tilted his head. This man probably interacted with people rarely and didn��t know how to deal with them.


    However, on second thought, there were only slightly more than 30 people from his tribe in this area. Furthermore, each of them had their own territories, and it would be hard for them to even have the opportunity to interact with someone else!


    ��I��m not lying to you. We used to be called Chen Ergou and Cheng Fugui. However, we met a master afterward. He felt that our names didn��t sound nice and gave us other names instead. Now, I��m called Zhi Zunbao and she��s called Zi Xia!��


    ��Nonsense! Names are fixed and linked to our body��s mechanisms. Both of you showed no reactions when I called your names. You are lying to me!�� Bor raged.


    Ren Baqian actually didn��t know about this rtion. How could a person��s name be linked to their body��s mechanisms?


    After pondering for some time, he felt that this actually made some sense.


    For instance, when someone called out your name, you would naturally think that he was calling you, and there definitely would be some sort of reaction in your mind. In addition to some other things that he might not know about, these probably made up the mechanisms that Bor mentioned.


    ��Why did you ask for our names?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Zi Xia!�� Bor��spound eyes shone brightly as he shouted at the empress.


    She responded by throwing her fist at him.


    ��You lied to me again!�� Bor grew even more enraged.


    Ren Baqian grinned and asked, ��Why did you ask for our names? What kind of unorthodox method are you using?��


    ��Hmph, I�� I naturally won��t tell you,�� Bor replied as he dodged the empress��s attacks. He stuttered a little, swallowing back the words that he had almost spilled out.


    Seeing that he still had the energy to speak, the empress became even angrier as her entire face was covered with purple veins.


    In the blink of an eye, these veins extended from her face to the lower parts of her body. They covered her entire body and extended toward her limbs.


    In just a few seconds, the empress��s entire body was covered with purple veins while her eyes began to turn red as well. Her vigor was overpowering. Both her strength and speed had increased by more than one fold.


    Bor could no longer stay rxed at this moment. He didn��t expect the empress to power up so much and quickly blew into the piece of bone in his hands.


    After a few fleeting sounds, rustling noises started toe from the cave.


    It sounded like rocks rubbing against each other.


    Upon seeing this, Ren Baqian felt like reaching for his back. Unfortunately, as he was supposed to be out with the empress for a walk, he didn��t bring anything with him.


    Even if he had brought along some stink bombs, they wouldn��t necessarily have any effect on those jade-waisted ves.


    He pensively watched as the silhouettes of the two figures dashed around swiftly across the mountain cliffs and hoped that the empress would be a little faster now.


    The demonic butterflies had wings that were as sharp as des, and there was no telling if they had any other abilities. The obstructed cave entrance might not be able to contain them for long.


    Rumbling noises resonated nonstop across the mountain cliffs as these ces exploded after the duo flitted past. It was as if bombs had been set off.


    Around half of the mountain cliffs, the air was filled with dust. Watching from below, Ren Baqian had to constantly wave his hand to disperse the dust.


    He turned to look at Bor and suddenly shouted, ��Bor, let��s see whether your eyes or my sleeves are stronger. Let��s see if you dare to stop and respond when I call out your name!��


    ��I will respond to you even if I don��t stop!�� Bor was fleeing in disarray as the empress chased him around. Even so, he couldn��t help but respond to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian was at the edge ofughing. Even though this man was the enemy, he was still adorably foolish��


    ��If you don��t stop, I can��t disy the prowess of my sleeves!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    At present, he was wearing baggy, Hawaiian-style pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. The sleeves were short, so he intentionally withdrew his arms into his shirt to let the sleeves flutter in the wind.


    ��I��ll stop if you make her stop!�� Bor shouted, almost allowing the empress to catch up to him. Falling rocks struck his body as spots of purple appeared on his green skin.


    ��I will count to three and both of you will stop at the same time!�� Ren Baqian answered.


    ��Okay!�� Bor quickly replied.


    At present, the rustling noise within the cave grew louder.


    ��One����


    ��Two����


    Ren Baqian watched the two of them and wonder if Bor would be foolish enough to stop.


    If that were the case, things would be much easier.


    ��Three!��


    As soon as this was said��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Both of them stopped at almost the same time.


    Bor stuck to the mountain cliffs as he panted heavily. Meanwhile, the empress stood on one foot in one of thendings that she had created with her fists and stared viciously at him.


    Ren Baqian was instantly dumbstruck!


    Why did the empress stop?


    When she nced over at him, her eyes were blood-red. She looked as if she was suppressing her frenzy.


    Ren Baqian took a few nces at the empress before turning to look at Bor�� He was feeling a bit stunned.


    ��Be quick! I want topete and see whether my eyes or your sleeves are stronger!�� Bor shouted as he leaned against the side of the mountain. His voice sounded pretty rough.


    It seemed that other than speed, his tribe wasn��t too proficient in other aspects.


    Or at least not in terms of physical strength.


    Ren Baqian took another nce at the empress, throwing her a look that said, ��Your Majesty, why did you stop?��


    However, he didn��t voice out his intentions. If he said it out loud, Bor would probably start running again.


    All he could do was hope that the empress understood his intentions!


    Ren Baqian swung his sleeves about and said, ��Bor, I dare you to answer when I call your name!��


    ��Why wouldn��t I dare?�� Bor breathed heavily as he replied.


    ��Bor!�� Ren Baqian shouted loudly.


    ��That��s me!��


    ��Do it!��


    Ren Baqian and Bor shouted these words at the same time.


    The empress got Ren Baqian��s cue when he shouted and quickly pounced over.


    Bor��s wordsnded immediately after.


    Like swatting a fly, the empress��s palm swung and smacked Bor down from the mountain side.


    A mist of blood exploded in midair.


    Almost half of Bor��s body had been destroyed by the empress.


    Her hand was stained with blood, blood that was blue!


    The bloody mist in the air was blue as well!

 Chapter 749 - Please Hurry Up, I Am Waiting Impatiently!

    Chapter 749: Please Hurry Up, I Am Waiting Impatiently!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, be careful. Is his blood poisonous?�� Ren Baqian asked with concern as the empress descended from midair.


    The empress looked at her palm, shook her hand hard, and the blue blood staining her hand fell to the ground.


    Not even a trace was left.


    Then, she said coolly, ��I��m fine.��


    The empress looked at the cave that she had smashed. A rustling sound was continuously hearding from inside, and it seemed like only a thinyer of the cave wall was left.


    The empress rose up and swatted the cliff two more times with her palm, causing rocks to cascade down and block the cave.


    No matter what, she couldn��t allow these jade-waisted ves to cause any problems now.


    After doing all of this, Ren Baqian and the empress turned their attention to the fallen Bor.


    The lower half of his body had been smashed by the empress. Furthermore, he had fallen from a height of several hundred meters, causing blue blood to stter everywhere.


    Still alive, Bor was lying on the ground with his chest heaving slightly.


    From the fragments of his body, it could be seen that his physique was different from a human��s and that his bones were significantly thinner than a human��s. Ren Baqian picked up an appendage from the ground and found it to be extremely light. It was unexpectedly light with a much lower muscle density than that of humans.


    The weight of the bone was equally light and was probably the reason why the body was so thin. These bones simply couldn��t support a body that was too heavy.


    This body structure also gave them superior speed over humans and beasts.


    As Ren Baqian went forward to give him a light kick, Bor turned his head slightly. It was hard to tell whether hispound eyes, which consisted of numerous visual elements, were open or closed.


    However, this movement of his head showed that he was still conscious.


    ��Tell us what we want to know. Your injuries can still be healed!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��You deceived me!�� Bor mumbled through his lips.


    ��I apologize. After seeing you, I couldn��t help but deceive you!�� Ren Baqianughed and sat beside him.


    ��Why?��


    ��Because you are too stupid! I haven��t seen such a stupid person in a long time!��


    ��Stupid��??�� Bor muttered. This word was unfamiliar to him.


    However, he understood its meaning.


    ��You said that my injuries can be healed. Is that also a lie?�� Bor said.


    Ren Baqianughed again. Either this guy was getting smarter or he knew the condition of his body.


    Half of his body was gone and all the bones in his body were broken. If he could be saved, it would be a miracle!


    However, his voice was still clear, and it looked like he could still hold on for a period of time.


    ��Why do all of you want to do these things?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��What things?��


    ��These jade-waisted ves. How did you put them into the bodies of the aboriginals and why did you do it?��


    Bor looked at him strangely and replied, ��We are the herdsmen of the jade-waisted ves! Why do you ask why? Jade-waisted ves are our food and also our weapon. Aboriginals are the easiest petri dish to find, and the jade-waisted ves cultivated through aboriginals taste the best.��


    When she heard this, the empress said coldly, ��This is why you deserve to die!��


    ��To the aboriginals, perhaps it��s like this. To other living things, you also deserve death. Eating food in order to live, isn��t this natural? You think that those that harm your aboriginals deserve death because you have wisdom and other concepts like love and hate,�� Bor said softly.


    The empress and Ren Baqian didn��t know how to counter these words.


    ��Do you have love and hate?�� Ren Baqian was interested in this issue.


    This was the second time he had seen a human-like creature.


    The previous one only knew how to eat and sleep and didn��t have any redeeming values.


    ��We�� also have them! Only unlike you aboriginals, we�� when we grow up, we give up our childhood memories because we need to survive on our own and provide pastures for the jade-waisted ves. We only get together when mating.


    Childhood memories would make us more lonely while living alone for a long time period and would also make us weak.


    That��s why we forgo our childhood memories when we grow up and embark on a journey to find a habitat�� Letting go of our memories and also letting go of love and hate����


    After hearing him out, Ren Baqian looked up at the empress and said softly, ��To us, love and hate are the best things in our lives. If we were to give them up, we would be no different from beasts.��


    He lowered his head and said, ��You are going to be killed by us, yet you can still talk to us calmly. Is it because you have renounced love and hate? In my opinion, this is extremely sad!��


    ��To kill or be killed, eating other living things or being eaten by them, it��s part and parcel of life. Death is just a state. Although you are going to kill me, I will not hate anything�� Or it can be said that I let hatred be forgotten���� Bor muttered.


    ��Why did you want to kill us when we discovered you?�� Ren Baqian found this very strange. Based on Bor��s present attitude, why did he want to kill the two of them at that time?


    ��Because you will kill us. We used the aboriginals as cultivation material and expected you to take revenge. The aboriginals are a race like that or you could say that humans are like that.��


    ��How much do you know about humans?�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��I don��t know�� Every time I eat one, I understand a bit more�� Maybe when I eat enough humans, I willpletely understand���� Bor��s words sent a chill to Ren Baqian��s heart.


    This race could get information by eating jade-waisted ves cultivated from aboriginals.


    ��What do you mean?�� Ren Baqian asked hastily.


    ��I��m tired�� Although this is the first time I talked so much with humans, it will also be thest. However, I��m tired�� It seems like I��m dying���� Bor mumbled.


    ��How do you obtain information by eating jade-waisted ves? Where are yourpatriots?��


    Bor smiled in the form of a grin and then kept quiet. Ren Baqian had no idea where Bor��spound eyes were focused.


    ��Is he still alive?�� Ren Baqian felt Bor��s heart and discovered that it had stopped beating.


    ��He��s dead.�� Ren Baqian announced as he stood up. He regretted not finishing his questioning.


    However, Bor��spatriots were still around.


    ��Well, can you put my dead body in the river?�� Bor suddenly asked, giving Ren Baqian a fright.


    Ren Baqian thought that it was a corpseing back to life.


    ��Why?��


    ��Because our race believes that we belong to the water after our death,�� Bor said.


    ��Miserable!�� the empress said coldly.


    ��That��s really regretful!�� Bor muttered.


    Ren Baqian saw Bor��spound eyes lose their luster.


    ��So you know what regret is!�� Ren Baqian said softly.


    Subsequently, there was no further response.


    ��Are you really dead this time?�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    He didn��t expect to encounter so many incidents while trying to unwind during this walk.


    However, it was considered a good thing since they had found out who the enemy was.


    ��Your Majesty, let me take the head,�� Ren Baqian said when he saw the empress about to take action.


    The empress shouldn��t be doing such things.


    It was unsightly!


    ��Do not damage it!�� the empress said casually.


    ��I know!�� Ren Baqian squatted beside Bor and touched his neck. It was thin and should snap with a twist. However, it merely felt that way.


    Breaking his neck wasn��t that hard, but pulling his head off required more strength and technique.


    As Ren Baqian gave a silentmand, a silvery golden spear appeared in his hand.


    He pointed the spear at Bor��s neck, moved it sideways, and prepared to strike when the empress suddenly said, ��Wait!��


    ��What is it?��


    ��The blood will spurt out and spray on your body due to your position,�� the empress said.


    Surprised, Ren Baqian asked, ��Shouldn��t his blood be drained away by now?��


    The empress shook her head and replied, ��There��s still a lot of blood in his body, and it��s enough to spray out.��


    ��I will change my position.�� Ren Baqian moved to a different location, aimed again, and looked at the empress once more before asking, ��Is this position fine?��


    ��You cane in from another direction, move half way around, and cut the neck. This way, the artery will be cutst and you can pull out the spear before withdrawing,�� the empress exined.


    ��Got it,�� Ren Baqian affirmed.


    In this situation, where ady who was as beautiful as a fairy instructed a man on this type of procedure, it would always look strange to others.


    Ren Baqian changed his angle and was about to strike when he thought of something, saying, ��In fact, it would be feasible to send the whole body back and let the Messier 87 department examine everything.


    After all, know yourself and know the enemy.


    Anyway, I have no time to send the head back now. Let��s just put it in the fridge and then settle the matter when we are back in Lan City.��


    The empress thought about it and agreed with this idea.


    Just as she was about to nod in agreement, Bor, who was lying on the ground, started to sigh andined, ��Can you two hurry up? I have been waiting for half a day!��


    Ren Baqian moved his hand�� and plunged the spear into Bor��

 Chapter 750 - You Are Very Mischievous

    Chapter 750: You Are Very Mischievous


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian pierced Bor��s neck as soon as he struck with his spear. Even though this wasn��t the first time he had done this, it felt exceptionally weird this time.


    After he collected his thoughts, he swung the spear toward the side, and Bor��s head fell to the ground.


    Even though the empress had already reminded him, Bor��s blue blood still sprayed onto Ren Baqian��s leg.


    At this moment, Bor��s corpse suddenly sat up, making Ren Baqian think that Bor was going to transform again��


    However, his corpse merely sat there and twitched a little before falling back down again.


    ��He should probably be dead now���� Ren Baqian was speechless. This Bor had a pretty tenacious vitality.


    It was simr to certain types of insects.


    Hopefully, his body parts wouldn��t regenerate after getting severed like an earthworm.


    Ren Baqian lifted Bor��s head and examined it a little. Unfortunately, he wasn��t able to derive anything from thosepound eyes.


    Ren Baqian didn��t have to check for breathing this time around�� It would be ghastly if Bor��s head was still breathing after getting decapitated.


    Previously, Ren Baqian thought that Bor had hair on his head. After lifting Bor��s head up, he realized that the messy bush on Bor��s head actually had a skin-like texture to it. It was slightly stic and entirely different from the texture of hair.


    It was also slightly coarser than hair.


    However, at this moment, Bor��s face started moving again.


    Ren Baqian almost threw the head away.


    ��Can you hug me? I don��t feelfortable like that! You are tugging on my genitals!�� Bor��s chopped-off head suddenly spoke.


    <em>Pow! </em>Ren Baqian immediately threw the head to the ground.


    He flew into a rage.


    <em>When will this ever end? Huh? Over and over again? Why is your corpse still moving? You wear your genitals on your head every day? What are you wearing that animal hide coat for then?</em>


    There was practically too much that he couldin about.


    There was so much that Ren Baqian didn��t know how he should react anymore.


    ��Why aren��t you dead yet?��


    ��This is myst moment! Without my body, my head can��tst for too long!�� Bor replied faintly with half of his face in the mud.


    ��If I hadn��t cut off your head just now, would you have survived?�� Ren Baqian felt that he and the empress had been deceived by Bor.


    This guy still seemed to look pretty lively�� which wasn��t a good thing!


    ��I wouldn��t be able to. At most, I could live on for another two days.�� Bor replied.


    Ren Baqian looked at him suspiciously. Bor could actually still talk with his head cut off, but would only be able tost for another two days with his head still attached?


    ��I��m not human! I don��t lie!�� Bor added.


    <em>You probably�� Have some misunderstandings about humans! </em>Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    He cast a nce at the empress before using his spear to lift Bor��s head while using his other hand to lift up Bor��s body.


    The empress turned around and smashed the mountainside a little to ensure that those butterflies wouldn��t be able to escape any time soon. They then made their way back to the valley where the Earth Yin Spring was located.


    When they arrived at the valley, they saw a few of the winged cavalry warriors fiddling with a wooden tube.


    ��What are you guys doing?�� the empress asked in a low voice.


    ��Your Majesty!�� These men quickly stood up. Seeing Ren Baqian holding a head and a corpse, their faces immediately turned solemn before asking, ��Are there enemies?��


    Looking serious, the empress ordered, ��Gather everyone and follow me.��


    ��Yes!��


    Everyone got to their feet and hurried over.


    Ren Baqian threw Bor��s head and body aside. Bor hadn��t spoken throughout the entire return journey, so Ren Baqian wasn��t certain if Bor was dead or not.


    He stood by the side and watched as the soldiers walked past the body and asionally took a breath from that wooden tube. He had no idea what they were inhaling.


    He stopped and asked one of the winged cavalry warriors, ��What��s that? Let me have a look!��


    ��Yes, Sir. This is a scorpion tube!�� The man immediately handed the wooden tube over.


    Ren Baqian then realized that it was a slightlyrge wooden tube with something burning inside.


    There was also another thinner wooden tube that was inserted from the side.


    ��Sir, you simply have to inhale from here,�� the winged cavalry warrior exined as he pointed at that thinner tube before departing.


    Ren Baqian had no idea what this was and felt that it was rather simr to a smoking pipe from Earth. Could tobo leaves also exist in this world?


    After wiping the saliva off the tube, he lightly inhaled. A wonderfully fragrant taste gushed into his mouth. He then started to feel a little dizzy.


    He was shocked as this feeling reminded him of that bowl of Golden Ring honey!


    That thing had almost gotten him into deep trouble.


    However, this stuff wasn��t as strong as the Golden Ring honey.


    He merely felt a slight dizziness and recovered after a short while.


    When Ren Baqian tilted the wooden tube downward, what poured out were nts that had been burned into white ashes as well as a chunk of a reddish-ck substance.


    He moved it around a little and realized that it was actually a scorpion.


    These men were actually smoking scorpion!


    The scorpion was left to burn in the wooden tube while the smaller tube was inserted to allow for the fragrance inside to be inhaled. The dizziness he experienced made him suspect that the scorpion was probably poisonous and that the effect manifested when he inhaled the poisonous smoke that was created from the burning scorpion.


    ��You wait here while I lead them to deal with those jade-waisted ves.�� The empress came over to inform Ren Baqian.


    ��Be careful, Your Majesty,�� he responded.


    Of course, what he said was redundant.


    Both of them had traveled that route before and there wouldn��t be any danger along the way.


    However, the empress had always enjoyed hearing such redundant words.


    To everyone, she was always the strongest empress! As such, other than Ren Baqian, nobody would say such redundant stuff to her!


    She nodded and left with the winged cavalry, leaving Ren Baqian, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan behind.


    Together with them were the crow general that was sleeping while standing up as well as the roaring emperor that was having fun on its own after it was woken up by the mor.


    Ren Baqian threw the scorpion tube away and used the spear shaft to nudge Bor��s head.


    ��Principal Ren, what��s that?�� Qing Yuan leaped over and asked with a crisp voice.


    Bor hadpound eyes that were made up of countless visual units. This was entirely different from that of an ordinary human. These eyes looked simr to Ultraman��s, and Qing Yuan was very curious about it.


    ��Lift it up by its hair and see if it��s still alive!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��How can it still be alive! Its head has already been cut off! If it were still alive�� I would���� Qing Yuan replied casually and lifted Bor��s head by its genitals.


    Actually, Ren Baqian was rather looking forward to hearing what she would say.


    He would then want to see her reaction if Bor suddenly opened his mouth and spoke.


    However, Bor didn��t show any reaction this time and seemed as if he was truly dead.


    ��Principal Ren, you haven��t told me what this is! What has Her Majesty departed to do?�� Qing Yuan asked again in the same crisp voice.


    Hong Luan came over to join in as well.


    ��You can consider him to be the enemy of aboriginals!�� Ren Baqian replied after pondering for a while. Bor wasn��t exactly considered an enemy since he was factually just a predator.


    Ren Baqian took out some milk candies from his bag and gave it to them. The trio then sat there and ate the candies as if they were chit-chatting over melon seeds.


    Afterward, Ren Baqian briefly talked about what he and the empress had encountered.


    ��So they are the troublemakers! This bunch of animals!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan immediately cursed when they heard that Bor created those butterflies, but they didn��t know of any actual curse words to say.


    ��Her Majesty definitely won��t let them off!��


    Ren Baqian was certain of this.


    When the empress returned, she would probably gather all the winged cavalry warriors and wipe out all the herdsmen of Na souls in this area.

 Chapter 751 - The Wait

    Chapter 751: The Wait


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The team was expected to return before daybreak, but after cultivating in the spring anding out, the sky was already turning as white as a fish belly and there was still no trace of them.


    Ren Baqiany beside a bonfire and started to specte. Could they be in some trouble?


    The jade-waisted ves might not be easy to handle, but with the empress around, it shouldn��t be a problem.


    Ren Baqian had confidence in the empress��s capability.


    Furthermore, she knew the actual situation over there very well.


    He rested for a while, cooked a bowl of meat soup, and went into the water to cultivate after eating the soup.


    As for Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, they couldn��t restrain themselves and were already waiting anxiously at the entrance of the valley.


    After noon, Ren Baqian began to worry and was wondering whether he should search for them when he heard the voices of Qing Luan and Hong Yuaning from outside the valley.


    ��They are back! They are back!��


    Ren Baqian was relieved and sat there slowly cooking his meat soup in a deliberate manner.


    After some time, the team entered the valley and Ren Baqian observed them carefully. The empress, who was leading them, looked fine.


    Many of the winged cavalry warriors, who were behind her, bore some injuries.


    The most important thing was the headcount.


    Ren Baqian counted and found that eight people were missing.


    ��Your Majesty! Drink some soup first! Ren Baqian offered a bowl of soup to the empress. After she had taken a gulp, he asked, ��Did you encounter any trouble?��


    Her expression immediately turned chilly as she replied, ��These jade-waisted ves are really formidable! Fortunately, we sealed them inside the cave yesterday or else we might not have been able to take down that herdsman!��


    Ren Baqian was astounded.


    The jade-waisted ves weren��t guided by anyone. Despite being led by the empress, many winged cavalry warriors were wounded and eight had even been killed.


    In situations where these butterflies were guided, the cost of getting rid of more than 30 herdsmen would be high and hard to estimate.


    Obviously, the empress was also worried about this matter.


    The news of Zi Doni capturing the capital of the Yun Nation only made them happy for half a day. The appearance of these herdsmen and jade-waisted ves made everyone wary.


    After everyone had rested, the empress sent out a team. A few of them went to the Ya Family Vige to contact the winged cavalry warrior recruits.


    As for the 30 plus herdsmen, they couldn��t be dealt with by the present forces that the empress had at hand.


    The rest of the team was sent to look for the search party thatprised of Gong Zheng, Lin Qiaole, and theirplement of winged cavalry warriors.


    If the search party were to encounter those herdsmen, they might not be able to return!


    ��Your Majesty, did you bring back some corpses of those jade-waisted ves?�� Ren Baqian inquired. ��I will bring them back to see whether we can find their weaknesses.��


    As for the herdsmen, Ren Baqian knew of their superior speed and how they might trick people by calling out their names.


    As long as they took preventive measures, these herdsmen didn��t pose a great threat to them.


    No matter how fast these herdsmen were, they were physically weak.


    The biggest threats were the tens of thousands of jade-waisted butterflies.


    The end result was currently proof of this point.


    The empress frowned and shook her head.


    ��When those demonic butterflies die, they shrink into a lump and disintegrate into ashes.��


    At this point, the empress nced at Ren Baqian and refrained from saying any more.


    On the way back, she had already contemted for a long time. Whether each jade-waisted ve carried the face of its host or turned to ashes after death, the implication was that it couldn��t decouple from its own soul.


    If there was a special skill that could deal with the soul, it might have a great effect on these jade-waisted ves


    However, the aboriginals had no expertise in this area.


    The methods of Ren Baqian might work�� but in this case, he was far from having a solution.


    ��I will go back and see how the Messier 87 department is progressing on their research of the undeveloped jade-waisted ves!�� Ren Baqian said before going back to Earth.


    After 16 hours, Ren Baqian returned with two wooden boxes��


    ��What are these?�� the empress asked with some interest. ��What was the conclusion of the research?��


    ��There is no conclusion�� but I did bring some stuff back!�� Ren Baqian said with an air of mystery.


    The empress looked at him suspiciously and asked, ��Is it for dealing with the jade-waisted ves?��


    In this respect, she had the same idea as Ren Baqian.


    ��Yes!��


    ��How is the effectiveness?�� the empress asked again.


    ��I don��t know���� Ren Baqian said.


    He had rushed to the Messier 87 department and was given these things before he left, which made him curse and swear.


    He never expected the Messier 87 department to give him this type of stuff.


    It was pesticide!


    Of course, it was a special pesticide.


    Although the Messier 87 department didn��t make much headway in the research of the demonic butterfly corpses, they did make some discoveries and devised a special pesticide.


    As for its effectiveness, nobody knew.


    After all, there were no live specimens to test on.


    The Messier 87 department simply did some research and decided that some substances might work on the demonic butterflies.


    The empress wasn��t disappointed after hearing this since there was at least something to try.


    She said, ��Wait for them toe back! You shall carry on with your cultivation!��


    Ren Baqian nodded and took off his clothes before jumping into the water to continue his cultivation.


    After five days, some of the winged cavalry warriors had started toe back. However, they had to travel far away to hunt after resting for a short time.


    Over here, food was a big problem.


    With some peopleing back and some going hunting, the valley had about 70 to 80 people at any one time and was bustling.


    Ren Baqian found some time to go back to Earth and brought a second version of the insecticide.


    In addition to killing insects, it was vtile and mmable.


    After another half a month passed by, Ren Baqian had already cultivated in the spring for almost two and a half months.


    The opposing prity between hot and cold as well as the restoration of his internal essence had resulted in some unexpected changes to his physical appearance and muscles.


    His body grew by oneyer. As if he had been inted, he became brawnier in just ten days��


    At 1.75 meters tall, he weighed at least 150 kilograms, and his body was bulging with muscles.


    He was like a person that others wouldn��t dare to approach.


    If he were to stand among the aboriginals, he wouldn��t be distinguishable from them when viewed from afar.


    However, he could be recognized at close range because his face was fairer than theirs.


    Regarding this change, Ren Baqian understood that this was close to thepletion of the first step.


    The remaining step was to take a portion of the internal essence circting in the organs and distribute it to the body surface and the muscles.


    Afterpleting this step, there would be a great improvement in his defensive ability and a casual punch from the empress wouldn��t injure him badly.


    He could then enter the bridal chamber safely.


    The empress��s mood during this period was bad, which didn��t only affect her.


    All the winged cavalry warriors were gloomy.


    15 days had passed, but some people still hadn��te back. This included three teams and the people who were sent to find them. There was no news at all.


    The longest distance that the expedition had nned for required a six-day journey.


    One of these three teams was Gong Zheng and Lin Qiaole��s group!


    ��Your Majesty, with Lin Qiaole��s speed, there shouldn��t be a problem.�� Ren Baqian came out of the spring, wiped himself with a towel, and walked until he stood beside the empress.


    The empress was rather cold and reticent.


    Lin Qiaole��s speed was very fast, but the speed of those herdsmen wasn��t slow either.


    The most important thing was whether these two had been tricked by other means.


    For example, did they reveal their real names?


    If Ren Baqian didn��t give some random fictitious names that day, he and the empress would have been tricked without knowing it.


    It wasn��t possible to prevent themselves from falling into a trap when they weren��t aware of it!

 Chapter 752 - A Radiant Man

    Chapter 752: A Radiant Man


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After more than 15 days, each passing day made everyone feel even more worried.


    With each passing day, the chances of those missing peopleing back became lower.


    Every day, there was somebody guarding a mountain pass that was one day��s journey away. Thoseing back had to travel through this pass, but no news had been received.


    Gradually, even Ren Baqian was unable tough.


    Although Lin Qiaole only knew how to eat and sleep, she was still an interesting girl in her own way.


    She had apanied him up to the north and down to the south, escorting him to Zi City as well as to Tianjing Basin. She didn��t contribute much, but she had followed him for a long time. Besides the empress and a few of the guards by his side, Lin Qiaole was by his side the most.


    If her life ended here, even Ren Baqian, who had gone through life and death so many times that he was se about it, would feel regret.


    Feelings would always develop after people had been together for a long time.


    This was the case even though Lin Qiaole was always sleeping and her presence was not prominent.


    As everyone waited for news, Ren Baqian continued with his cultivation.


    Another five days passed by, and his internal essence started to enter his body surface and muscles.


    As a result, he required arge quantity of food to replenish his essence.


    Ren Baqian felt that a good description would be someone who was about to die and who was consuming deer antler, sea cucumber, and wolfberries to nourish himself.


    He needed to eat three Man Wheel level animals every day and transformed this nourishment into internal essence qi before distributing it to the body surface. After experiencing the feeling of starvation, he would climb ashore and continue eating.


    This feeling was really ufortable!


    However, as the essence qi gradually entered his body surface and muscles, his skin began to be very fine.


    His body hair, including the hair on his head and other parts, steadily fell off.


    This gave him a fright!


    His little birdie was bald!


    This was a big problem!


    Someone once said that nothing mattered except life and death. Nonsense!


    Ren Baqian felt that many things were more important than life and death!


    Apart from bing bald, Ren Baqian felt that his skin was bing as smooth as milk.


    His body was like metal and reflected light.


    It was always dim in the valley since there were no strong light sources, therefore it wasn��t obvious.


    However, this problem would surface once he returned to Earth.


    After staying in the other world for five days, Ren Baqian changed his clothes once he returned to Earth. As he stood in front of the mirror, he discovered that he couldn��t recognize the image in the mirror.


    The sunlight streaming in from the window revealed a shiny bald head that was beaming like a lightbulb in the mirror.


    There was also the glossy, shiny skin.


    It was as if ayer of oil had been applied to it.


    A big fat hunk weighing 150 kilograms with smooth skin that reflected light. Just thinking about it was mind-boggling.


    Ren Baqian observed himself in front of the mirror for half a day before finally bing resigned to this look. How could he go out looking like this?


    He sighed, opened the door, and went downstairs.


    It was autumn on Earth. The 12 winged cavalry warriors were in the yard using big stones as exercise equipment.


    They nced at the door as it opened and gasped in surprise.


    ��Lady boss, you are shiny!��


    Their ent made it sound like they had said, ��Lady boss, you are cold.��


    Ren Baqian raised his arm, and as expected, his whole arm reflected the sunlight that was shining directly on it.


    It looked like it was emitting light.


    If his arm looked this way to him, there was no need to think about how others would look at him.


    Although it was still not as shiny whenpared to metal, the luster of his body was very obvious.


    He was simply a man that radiated light.


    He had a body that was emanating light under the sunlight!


    Ren Baqian sighed and went back to his room.


    He gave Yang Sen a call to check on the progress of the jade-waisted ve research. After that, he soon came out of his room, called out the Golden Spear, and trained for half the day.


    He waited for two days before bringing back a third version of the pesticide to Dayao.


    Upon returning and opening his eyes, he saw everyone looking at him solemnly.


    ��Are they still not back yet?�� Ren Baqian almost blurted out.


    He could see it from their expressions.


    It had already been 21 days.


    It looked like the odds were stacked against the missing people.


    This included that delicate-looking girl who was always sleeping and drooling in Qingxin Pce Hall and had a pair of A��s!


    At this point, Ren Baqian felt even worse.


    He might as well continue with his training.


    After another five days, Ren Baqian felt that he had changed from low gloss to high gloss. His skin appeared to have a thin film covering it, and as long as some light hit him, he would radiate in all directions! He was like a superstar.


    At this time, they didn��t harbor any hope for Gong Zheng and Lin Qiaole anymore.


    Everyone was raging inside and preparing to take revenge for Gong Zheng.


    Now, what they were waiting for was the return of those who went to the Ya Family Vige.


    A few dayster, some more people were sent out. This time, the empress instructed them to look for the jade-waisted ves in the mountains at night and to leave without any hesitation once they spotted them. They weren��t allowed to go near these butterflies.


    Another five days went by. Ren Baqian felt that he could change his name to Golden Shine.


    ��Why do you look so gloomy?�� The empress saw that he looked upset. Even though she wasn��t in a good mood, she asked gently.


    ��I never thought that I would be so shiny after using this method to cultivate!�� Ren Baqian said with bewilderment.


    The empress gave him a once over and felt that anyone could see his situation provided they weren��t blind.


    Nothing was more appropriate than saying, ��Give him some sunshine, and he will shine brilliantly.��


    ��It��s fine! There isn��t that much of a change from before!�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian silently took out a torchlight and shone it on his face. His face was bright and shiny.


    ��Your Majesty, do you really mean it?��


    The empress pondered for a moment and thought about telling the truth. However, she couldn��t bring herself to say something against her principles.


    She said softly, ��It isn��t bad��my husband should be a radiant man!��


    Ren Baqian contemted and said with a glowing face, ��Does a radiant man refer to the type who radiates light in all directions?��


    ��It��s considered so!�� The empress sat on a stone and looked down at him. She used both hands to hold his neck, brought him closer, and kissed his forehead.


    She then pushed him back, carefully observed him, and smiled before saying, ��This is also not bad!��


    Ren Baqian sighed and replied, ��Indeed. The next time there is an assassination attempt, there won��t be a need to search for the target. Just head directly toward the brightest spot and you can��t go wrong!��


    Librarian Lin didn��t mention this before, so he hadn��t thought about it.


    Who would have expected that this method of cultivation would have these kinds of side effects.


    Presently, he could only hope this was a partial result of this cultivation method and that he would recover to his original state afterpleting the first stage.


    Apart from this, Ren Baqian had greatly increased his defensive capability.


    Previously, a knife cutting him would leave a hole. Now a knife cutting his skin was like cutting an iron te and would leave only a small mark.


    Ren Baqian punched himself hard and felt this punch being dispersed over arge area of his body surface.


    The essences that entered his body surface had fused with the cells and formed ayer together. When a cell was attacked, the surrounding cells would scatter the force.


    A blow that would previously cause him a slight injury would hardly be felt and would now feel more like a slight push.


    However, a blow that would cause him serious injury would still make him seriously injured.


    After all, the essence distributed to his body surface was limited. Thus, the level of attack that it could withstand was also limited.


    In other words, there was no difference for those who wanted to kill Ren Baqian if their skills were superior to his.


    The danger posed by warriors who were at the same level as Ren Baqian was greatly reduced.


    For those who were inferior to Ren Baqian in skill, they were previously able to injure him if they caught him by surprise.


    Now, it would feel more like a massage.


    However, fighting was not the most important benefit of this cultivation method.


    The main benefit was being able to enter the bridal chamber!

 Chapter 753 - The Reinforcements

    Chapter 753: The Reinforcements


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian felt that his marriage might be postponed if this wasn��t handled properly.


    The date of their wedding was getting closer and closer.


    Out of the nine month time period, seven months had already passed by.


    Based on the calendar of Dayao, it was Year 73 and. the second half of Month 1. The wedding date was one and a half months away.


    Ren Baqian hadpleted the first step of this cultivation method, and his body, including his forehead, was shiny and reflected light everywhere. His hope of restoring his body to a matte finish didn��t materialize. Instead, he was forced to apply oneyer of foundation, which was used by women, to his body.


    This made the situation slightly better.


    However, he couldn��t exercise too vigorously or else the foundation would fall off immediately.


    ording to Ren Baqian, it wasn��t an exaggeration to say that a mosquitonding on his forehead would fall down.


    ��Your Majesty, shouldn��t it be about time?�� Ren Baqian asked as he sat beside the empress.


    A big hunk who weighed 150 kilograms was holding a mirror with one hand and applying powder to his face with the other. The powder fell off as soon as he applied it because he was talking at the same time. After less than a few minutes of effort, Ren Baqian grew impatient and threw the mirror away.


    The empress gave a slight nod.


    The people traveling to the Ya Family Vige had already been away for two months and should being back soon.


    ��Have seven of them been located?�� Ren Baqian supported himself with two hands on the ground and rested his head on the thighs of the empress who was sitting on a rock.


    As the fine gauze parted, Ren Baqian��s head touched the skin of the empress.


    Ren Baqian felt that it was very smooth!


    It wasn��t the thighs of the empress that were smooth, but the back of his head��


    ��There are eight!�� the empress said.


    This month, the empress had sent everyone out to search. This included the area where the three missing teams had previously ventured. In the end, they only managed to find the locations of eight herdsmen.


    The Sixty Thousand Mountains was really huge.


    This valley was also huge.


    In the process, more than 20 winged cavalry warriors were killed or injured.


    Only a few of them died at the hands of the herdsmen.


    Most of them were killed by the beasts in the mountains.


    Even though they were Man Wheel level winged cavalry warriors, they were exposed to great risk when operating alone in an unfamiliar area.


    ��I hope they do not sense it and group together!�� Ren Baqian said with a frown. One herdsman was already hard to handle. If they congregated together, it would be a disaster.


    ��They should have sensed it! However, from what can be seen from the actions of the eight herdsmen we have located, they still haven��t gathered together.�� The empress stroked his head for a little while.


    She was melting him by stroking his head.


    Although it might look strange to other people, Ren Baqian felt wonderful.


    ��They are used to living alone and will note together unless they face strong opposition,�� Ren Baqian spected.


    He could perceive their characteristics based on what Bor had told him.


    They were natural, wild, cruel, indifferent, and lonely.


    Every one of them had to use some method to erase their childhood memories when they matured to prevent these memories from affecting their ongoing lonely lives.


    ��Has the emperor of the Yun Nation been sent to Lan City?�� Ren Baqian inquired.


    ��Well, he tried to escape, but was recaptured by Zi Doni and was delivered to Lan City a few days ago. That Zheng Chengmian immted himself and was heard cursing the city warlords for surrendering without resisting!�� The empress informed him of the news that Zi Doni had reported.


    ��A person who acts ording to the situation is wise!�� Ren Baqianughed. ��The surrender of those people was not unrted to his contribution. In fact, Zheng Chengmian contributed a lot.��


    If Zheng Chengmian didn��t persecute them and didn��t drag his feet at the beginning, the Yun Nation wouldn��t have fallen so fast.


    ��The people of the Yun Nation should consider themselves lucky!�� Ren Baqian added. ��In the future, when Dayao has developed, I want to implement the household registration system! This will prevent the people of Great Xia and the Chen Nation from running over! To be a citizen of Dayao, they will have to pay a hefty sum to buy their status. How much resistance did they put up in the Yun Nation?��


    ��Two of the warlords who had surrendered were killed! They were assassinated by practitioners,�� the empress said. ��Zi Doni wiped out seven or eight of the ns in the vicinity, and this should deter that group of people!��


    ��We need to employ the carrot and stick approach! Simply killing people isn��t enough!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��It��s fine to let him kill people. Let it be done this way first as it��s beyond our control now. We will settle the problems of the Yun Nation when we get back,�� the empress said inly.


    Although there had a radio, it could only be used to settle normal matters.


    The situation in the Yun Nation wasplicated and hard to settle by using radio alone. The empress��s n was to personally go to the Yun Nation after her wedding to look at the mines and also to solve the problems posed by the resistant ns in various areas.


    That night, the ring of a trumpet was heard. The sound was bleak, long, drawn out, and moving. It touched the heart as it entered the ears and seemed to make the soul follow it as it crossed the barren mountains.


    The spirits of those who still remained in the valley were lifted.


    Within a short while, another trumpet sounded from the entrance of the valley, but this sound was iner and didn��t have the emotional element. It wasn��tparable to the trumpet sound that came from far away.


    ��They are finally here!�� Ren Baqian stood up and stretched.


    ��This trumpet call�� is from my brother!�� The empress furrowed her eyebrows.


    This trumpet sound had not been heard for a long time, but not many trumpets sounded like it.


    This was the only one that the empress had heard of and was Qi Ziting��s most beloved possession.


    Ren Baqian weed the arrival of his brother-inw. Although both of Qi Ziting��s legs were gone, he was still a top expert. Ordinary people were notparable to this disabled man.


    An expert like this would be a great help in getting rid of the herdsmen.


    After another two hours, everyone heard shoutinging from the distance.


    ��Where��s Zixiao?�� A loud voice was heard from outside the valley.


    The empress rose up from the rock to tidy her clothes and sat down again.


    Tidying her clothes was just a gesture.


    She sat down again because she was the ruler.


    It was preposterous for a ruler to greet someone!


    Apanied by a whistling sound, a figurended beside them. Qi Ziting��s crutches pierced the mud, and he smiled after seeing that she looked the same as before. ��I heard that you have encountered some problems, so I have brought reinforcements!��


    The empress stood up and said, ��Thank you for taking the trouble!��


    ��Ha, I don��t want to hear this!�� Qi Zitingughed heartily.


    ��I have heard some details about this matter. Fill me in,�� Qi Ziting said attentively.


    ��How many people did you bring?�� the empress asked.


    ��We have recently recruited more than 2,000 winged cavalry warriors, but it isn��t easy to bring in food. As you know, it��s also difficult to get food here, so I selected the best 1,000 and mobilized the people from seven or eight viges to transport food.


    I have brought two Cardinal Heaven experts with me! Their vige isn��t far from the Ya Family Vige. If there was more time, I could have gotten more people,�� Qi Ziting said with some regret.


    During the period when he was exploring the route taken by the previous emperor, he got to know many masters in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    ��These are strong helpers indeed!�� The empress felt more assured with the addition of two Cardinal Heaven experts.


    In addition to her and Qi Ziting, there were four Cardinal Heaven experts.


    The number of Kismet Heaven experts was more than 1,200.


    This way, their military strength was sufficient.


    As they talked, arge number of people poured into the valley.


    Most of them bore a tattoo on their bodies, wore leather hides, and looked rugged. Some had feathers on their heads while others wore nes made of horns, tusks, and even the shrunken skulls of wild beasts. The mounts that they rode on consisted of all sorts of strange creatures.


    There were saber-toothed tigers that were ck, white, and even red in color.


    There were giant birds that were simr to the crow general, but their feathers were bright and their eyes glowed.


    Some of the mounts looked like leopards, but they were much bigger and had three horns on their heads.


    Plus, there was a two-headed snake.


    There were even giant spiders that were used as mounts.


    ��Ba Man and Xiong Yue offer our respects to Your Majesty!��


    The two leading men were about two meters tall, built like bears, and exuded powerful presences.


    They cupped their hands to greet the empress.


    ��Sheng Yong of Pingshan Vige greets Your Majesty����


    ��Sheng Tian of Pingshan Vige greets Your Majesty����


    ��Hu Dalin from Upper Kaiyang Mountain��s Third Vige����


    ��Xie Yang from Lower Kaiyan Mountain��s Third Vige����


    A thousand people dismounted and paid their respects to the empress at the same time. It was a mess.


    Ren Baqian could only hear the first few, and the rest were inaudible to him.

 Chapter 754 - Heroes of the Woods

    Chapter 754: Heroes of the Woods


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Even though these 1,000 men had just been recruited into the winged cavalry, they hadn��t really realized that they were bing soldiers. One after another, they started talking louder than each other. It was as if they were worried that the empress couldn��t hear them.


    Since they all hailed from different mountains and viges, Ren Baqian felt that it was as if people hade from the 36 caves and 72 inds to visit the Tianshan Elder in the novel <em>Demigods and Semidevils </em>.


    It was also pretty apt to describe them as the 108 heroes of Liangshan from the novel <em>Water Margin </em>.


    They truly felt like the heroes of the woods!


    ��Keep quiet!�� Qi Ziting��s voice overpowered everyone.


    They all immediately fell silent.


    Even after he had be crippled, Qi Ziting was still pretty reputable among these people.


    There were no Cardinal Heaven experts within a 500 kilometers radius who hadn��t been beaten up by him before!


    He built his reputation through his true prowess!


    ��What have I taught you all this time? Do you not know the punishment for disobedience?�� Qi Ziting scolded, looking extremely angry.


    Along the journey, he had already divided them into teams led by the senior winged cavalry officers. However, they became very disorderly after entering the valley.


    Seeing Qi Ziting��s angry expression, everyone broke into chaos again and quickly formed back into their teams.


    Ren Baqian watched from the side and couldn��t be bothered to interfere. Naturally, the discipline level of these aboriginals could never match up to a modern-day army.


    It was pointless to count on this group of simple-minded people to have a lot of discipline when they only knew how to use brute force.


    If the military was already full of such people, then it was needless to mention these aboriginals.


    ��Those from Mount Gongmu, get over here!��


    ��Yes,ing!��


    The name of this mountain was special and so were the voices of its people.


    They were actually the loud and clear voices of women.


    A few women, all roughly in their twenties, threaded their way out of the crowd. They had bronze skin, looked very healthy, and were full of wild nature. They were wearing clothes made of animal hide, which outlined their outstanding figures.


    They were also wearing tail feathers on their heads.


    These people were actually the riders of thoserge, multi-colored birds that Ren Baqian saw earlier!


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty. We are Gong Yang, Gong Yue, Gong Xing, and Gong Shan of the Shouquan Vige of Mount Gongmu!�� Thedies stepped forward and greeted the most respected woman in Dayao, before curiously sizing her up from the corners of their eyes.


    ��You, the one carrying the bird,e out!�� Qi Ziting shouted again.


    A man in his twenties made his way through the crowd while holding a chubby and adorable owl in his arms.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty. I��m Li Bai of Mount Ligang!��


    ��These people are adept at searching. I got people to bring them over after I heard about the situation,�� Qi Ziting told the empress.


    ��You are so thoughtful, brother!�� she replied before turning to look at the people and saying, ��Since all of you have donned feathers, I suppose you have a special set ofmunication methods? Demonstrate it for me.��


    Thesedies leaped off of their birds after hearing this. They then gave the birds a few pats on their wings and made crowing noises. Soon after, the birds pped their wings and began to take off.


    As the birds took off, thedies grabbed ahold of the birds�� feet and dangled beneath them as soared into the sky.


    They disappeared into the darkness very quickly.


    Li Bai started making crowing noises as well. He pushed his hands up and released that chubby owl into the air.


    This owl was so chubby that Ren Baqian was worried for it when it started to p its short wings. It swayed around in the air and seemed like it would fall at anytime.


    After exhausting its energy and fluttering for some time, the owl finally soared into the sky, only to fall back into Li Bai��s arms after less than a minute.


    As the owlnded with a loud flop, it sounded as if a meteorite had struck the ground.


    Ren Baqian even felt a slight tremor from the ground.


    Li Bai��s feet had almost pierced through the soil.


    ��Crow, crow!�� the owl cried out.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s arge hamster 100 meters away in that direction! You may want to send someone to check it out!��


    ��There��s no need to check!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Looking at the location that Li Bai pointed toward, Ren Baqian knew that it was the roaring emperor.


    However, Ren Baqian still asked pretty worriedly, ��How long can this bird fly for?��


    ��Exactly five minutes!�� Li Bai stuck out four fingers and seemed rather proud of it.


    The owl lifted its head as well, looking pretty arrogant.


    ��Crow, crow!��


    Ren Baqian cringed. After expending so much energy, it could only fly for five minutes? Why were they still so proud of this?


    He couldn��t even be bothered to ridicule Li Bai for showing four fingers after saying five minutes.


    In any case, the aboriginals�� mathematics were so bad that it seemed as if it was their physical education teacher who had taught them.


    The fewdies of Mount Gongmu returned after flying for a few minutes and said, ��Your Majesty, there��s arge hamster in that direction!��


    In the distance, the roaring emperor stuck its head out from the ground with a weird look on its face.


    ��How long can you guys stay and scout in the sky?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Thedies looked curiously at him and felt that he had an exquisite luster on him under the night sky. It was as if his body was capable of giving off a radiance that made an amorous feeling grow within them!


    ��He was the most eye-catching when we were up in the skies. I could see him no matter how far away I was, and he looked very attractive!�� Thedies�� eyes were twinkling.


    One of these extremely wild natureddies even sent a wink at him.


    ��Two hours!��


    ��15 minutes shorter than her!��


    ��15 minutes shorter than her!��


    ��30 minutes shorter than her!��


    When Ren Baqian nced across them, he knew that the duration they were able to stay airborne was directly rted to their body weight.


    The lighter they were, the less burden there was on the bird, and they could stay airborne longer.


    The lightest one could stay airborne for two hours.


    The heaviest one could stay airborne for 90 minutes.


    This was more reliable than that owl.


    ��How far can you see?��


    ��Sir, Her Majesty and you must know that we, thedies of Mount Gongmu, have the best eyesight. During the rule of the previous emperor, themander of the scouts in the military were the ancestors of Mount Gongmu! We can see as far as the multi-colored eagles can!�� One of thedies smiled with pursed lips.


    ��There is the male spring and the female spring atop Mount Gongmu. From a young age, thedies drink from the female spring and have excellent vision that is 10 times better than ordinary people!�� Qi Ziting added. He had a great understanding of the situations of the viges in this area.


    ��I see! Very useful indeed! In a few days�� time, after the main body of the army sets off, you will embark on your scouting. After the mission is over, rewards will be bestowed ording to your merits!�� the empress said to the fivedies.


    ��Your Majesty, my owl can only survive by eating crowing crested cobras. They are only native to this mountain, so it��s difficult for my owl to leave this ce,�� Li Bai said.


    ��If we leave the vige, the rest of our people will have to go hungry. We have stepped forward to assist Your Majesty due to the urgings of Senior Qi! We still have to return to our viges after this!�� A few of them shook their heads and didn��t seem willing to leave the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    The empress didn��t feel mad despite getting rejected by multiple people.


    She was exceptionally lenient toward these aboriginals.


    ��I will not force it upon you if you don��t wish to leave. After you fulfill your military task, I will reward you ordingly!�� the empress said.


    In fact, during a battle, they were able to scout using drones.


    These days, Ren Baqian��s drones were greatly aiding Hong Wu and Zi Doni.


    As such, the empress wasn��t too concerned about this.


    However, using these people in the mountains would be a more convenient option.


    After dismissing the people to let them rest, the empress told Qi Ziting about the events that had happened over thest few days.


    After hearing what she said, he muttered to himself irresolutely, ��Back when I was looking for our father, I actually discovered a few empty viges. Many of the goods and belongings were left behind, and I found it very strange. So they were the troublemakers! We must not spare these herdsmen!��


    He then turned to Ren Baqian and the empress and said, ��Your wedding is near, little sister. Leave all of this to me!��


    He then stared at Ren Baqian and said, ��It��s your greatest fortune to marry my little sister. If you were to let her down in the future�� I��ll let you experience how I deal with people!��


    Qi Ziting grinned after he was done talking, revealing his white teeth. Ren Baqian felt that he reeked of blood.


    It was like he was facing a fearsome beast that would devour him in one bite!


    ��I can��t leave!�� the empress interjected.


    ��Are you regarding me as a cripple now? You think that I can��t even deal with these trivial matters?�� Even quicker than turning the page of a book, Qi Ziting suddenly turned hostile.


    ��I��m a ruler of the empire and these herdsmen feed on the aboriginals. How can I leave so easily?�� The empress stood her ground and gave him a cold look.


    Qi Ziting stared fiercely at the empress before calming down a few minutester.


    Next, heughed and dered, ��Haha! My little sister has grown up and be responsible!��

 Chapter 755 - A Loose Tongue Causes Trouble

    Chapter 755: A Loose Tongue Causes Trouble


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At night, the empress got her men to draft a rough map of the area.


    It was truly just a rough sketch with points marked out at ces where people were located.


    They then pulled out a few strings to link the points, before marking five, six, eight, and 14 days at the side. These points were where they had discovered the herdsmen previously.


    The days referred to the duration of the journey to these locations.


    Mountains and rivers weren��t indicated on the map at all.


    It was more of a scribble than a map.


    With this, it was as good as not having a map.


    ��We��ll head here first!�� The empress held the map and analyzed it for 30 seconds before she pointed at a spot.


    Ren Baqian took a look at it and saw that the site was a five-day journey away from their current location.


    There was also another spot that wasn��t too far away from where they were heading.


    However, a two day journey from that location would take them to where Gong Zheng and the others had disappeared.


    It seemed that the empress held Lin Qiaole and those winged cavalry in high regard.


    After they had ascertained the direction, their remaining task was much simpler.


    With the 1,000 newly joined soldiers, in addition to the 600 winged cavalry warriors, there was currently a total of 1,600 Kismet Heaven experts.


    After the army set off the next day, the winged cavalry and the new soldiers were grouped together along the way. 300 winged cavalry warriors were made the vanguard while the other 300 led three new soldiers each.


    This way, they were able to quickly form up into teams and muster up their fighting strength.


    However, because of this, their journey had been held up.


    After all, these new soldiers were pretty strong, but they were very poor at following military orders and still had a lot to learn.


    After Gong Zheng disappeared, Qi Ziting undeservingly took over the position ofmander of the army. One could hear his angry shouts among the troops.


    There would asionally be people who got knocked out of their formation by his crutches, but they would quietly hurry back to their positions afterward.


    In less than two days, discontent started being openly voiced out among the troops.


    After all, the new soldiers were all aboriginals who were used to being undisciplined. Besides, these Kismet Heaven warriors were already considered the core strength of their viges. They were already the strongest among the majority of viges.


    As a result of joining the winged cavalry with mixed opinions, they grumbled nonstop.


    However, it was already toote for them to pull out now.


    Back when Qi Ziting was overseeing the Protectorate of the Northeast, he had experienced countless ordeals. How could he be unable to control these aboriginals?


    ��Elder brother-inw still enjoys leading the troops!�� Ren Baqian whispered into the empress��s ears as he sat behind her. ��These days, I see a difference in the expression in his eyes, he seems to be in high spirits!��


    He had already felt that Qi Ziting was a fierce and tough person since the first time they met.


    However, Qi Ziting treated the empress pretty well. As such, Ren Baqian had not seen much of Qi Ziting��s fierce side.


    Nowadays, Qi Ziting��s eyes were filled withpelling power and influence. Even when he simply stood there in silence, everyone��s heart still swelled with fear.


    He appeared even more fearsome whenever he spoke!


    Ren Baqian thought about the various officials in the imperial court and couldn��t think of anyone who could match up to Qi Ziting��s might.


    Not even Hong Wu!


    The empress felt his breath when he spoke into her ears. It felt extremely itchy all the way to her chest. She leaned back and knocked him away before asking, ��Elder brother-inw?��


    ��Your elder brother! On Earth, I have to greet him as elder brother-inw!��


    The empress turned around. Even though she couldn��t see Qi Ziting, she heard his voice shouting from behind, ��I��ll break your legs if you walk sideways again!��


    ��But I��m riding a giant tarant���� the man replied in an aggrieved tone.


    A giant tarant was about eight meters wide and two meters tall. It fed on small beasts and birds and walked sideways like a crab!


    ��Ah!��


    What followed was a blood-curdling screech.


    The troops took a week toplete the five-day journey before nearing their first destination.


    After all the drilling by Qi Ziting throughout the journey, the heroes of the woods seemed a little more disciplined.


    ��This bunch of trash. If this were back in the day, would I have allowed them to live until today? They are simply asking for a beating!�� Qi Ziting��s words were extremely apt and corresponded to the new soldiers behind him. The majority of them were badly battered.


    ��A sapling won��t grow straight if not corrected!�� Ren Baqian added.


    Qi Ziting smacked his lips and pondered over Ren Baqian��s words for some time before bursting intoughter and eximing, ��I like what you said! Even though you are as weak as an egg, your words are to my liking!��


    Ren Baqian grinned. Was this apliment?


    He would simply take this as apliment!


    As they approach their first destination, the vanguard of the army let out a cry that was simr to that of a cat. Soon after, a man emerged from the forest ahead.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!��


    ��Are there any changes to the situation?�� the empress asked.


    This wing cavalry warrior cupped his hands and reported, ��The demonic butterflies are still present, but I didn��t see a lot of them. An unforeseen event might have urred.��


    ��Where are they?��


    ��About three kilometers away from here. They appear at around 12 AM and leave at around 4 AM every night!��


    ��Pass down orders to rest here. I shall go and take a look!�� the empress ordered.


    Ren Baqian, Qi Ziting, Ba Man, and Xiong Yue followed behind.


    Not long after they entered the forest, they saw oddly-shaped trees that looked like monsters baring their teeth.


    The yin aura was very strong in this area and exceptionally so in this forest. It was so great that they could even feel an aura of death here.


    Ren Baqian had no idea why, but he somehow felt that these trees were struggling like a man before his death.


    After careful thought, the forest where he previously saw the jade-waisted ves also looked like this. He had simply focused all of his attention on the jade-waisted ves back then and didn��t pay much attention to the forest.


    ��I��m afraid that there��s something strange about this forest!�� Ren Baqian warned.


    The others looked at each other before turning to give him puzzled looks.


    ��These trees merely look a little weirder.��


    ��That��s the problem! Why do these trees look so strange when the rest are normal? Look at this tree��doesn��t it look like a human face?�� Ren Baqian pointed at a tree branch.


    ��I liked the things you said yesterday, but why do you sound like a wimp now?�� Qi Ziting grinned andughed.


    The empress then gave him a cold stare!


    If he wasn��t her elder brother, she would have taught him a lesson about how a loose tongue would cause trouble!


    ��The forest where we met Bor also looked like this. Along this journey, even though other forests looked half-dead, they could still be considered pretty normal. I feel that there are two possibilities for this. First, the herdsman may have chosen this ce because it was different from the other forests. Otherwise, this ce could have been turned into this state due to the presence of the herdsman!�� Ren Baqian said after pondering about it.


    ��It truly does seem pretty strange. However, we didn��t face any problems the previous time. The first possibility that you mentioned could be true!�� the empress replied faintly.


    ��We could not care less about this. We will n an ambush in this area and wipe out all the demonic butterflies at night! At that time, leave the herdsman to me, and I��ll show him the power of the aboriginals!�� Qi Ziting grinned with a murderous look on his face.


    ��One more thing!�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Why are you such a wimp! If not for my little sister, I would kill you in one swat!�� Qi Ziting frowned.


    The empress gave him another cold stare as she knitted her eyebrows.


    Even though both of them looked very different, their frowning expressions looked very simr.


    Ren Baqian ignored him and said, ��Thest time we met Bor, those demonic butterflies appeared at night. The demonic butterflies here are said to appear at night as well! It was also the same for those people in the viges back then.��


    ��Your meaning is?�� The empress seemed to have understood something after hearing what he said.


    ��I feel that they are probably affected by sunlight. We can follow them when they start to return to their hideout. Since it will be sunrise shortly after, we can probably save ourselves some effort!��


    ��We shall do as you say!�� the empress immediately agreed.


    There was no telling how many casualties they would suffer if they were to fight at night against thousands of jade-waisted ves under the control of a herdsman.


    If it turned out to be exactly like what Ren Baqian surmised, then the aboriginals would indeed save a lot of effort!


    ��A wimp will always be a wimp���� Before Qi Ziting could finish his sentence, the empress turned around and kicked him in the chest.


    Qi Ziting didn��t expect the empress to attack him and was sent flying almost 100 meters away!


    Ren Baqian let out a peal of mischievousughter.


    <em>I��ll let you have a taste of the trouble that your loose tongue has caused!</em>

 Chapter 756 - A Turkey Shoot

    Chapter 756: A Turkey Shoot


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At night, a blood moon and a yellow moon hung in two different ces in the sky.


    As the moonlight fell on the woods, fragmented lights formed on a patch there.


    Ren Baqian sat on a branch, looked into the distance through a pair of binocrs, and saw that this strange looking patch was shining with a green glow.


    Even though most of the view was blocked, this flickering green glow and the shadows on the treetops exined everything.


    ��They have appeared!�� Ren Baqian said.


    At this time, the group was about a few kilometers away from the woods that seemed weird.


    This was to prevent being discovered if they went too close.


    The small group ofdies from Mount Gongmu, who were already assigned, asked, ��Your Majesty, do we need to go up into the sky and investigate?��


    Without waiting for the empress, Ren Baqian, who was sitting on a branch, said, ��Wait for them to depart before going up into the sky to follow. We must find their location!��


    ��Sir Ren, rest assured!�� Several of them smiled at Ren Baqian, and one of them even winked at him.


    Thisdy was Gong Yue, the most elegant and the boldest among them. This wasn��t the first time she had fluttered her eyes at him.


    They were disappointed to learn that Ren Baqian was the husband of the empress.


    However, they always became excited whenever they saw his shiny body.


    To them, a man with a shiny body was very attractive.


    It was like a beacon in the dark.


    If he wasn��t the husband of the empress�� They would have thought about snatching him away to their vige.


    Ren Baqian lowered his head and said to Li Bai, ��Let your bird go and check it out.��


    ��Its name is Three Fat Men!�� Li Bai rified.


    Ren Baqian felt that he might as well call it a bird!


    After Li Bai hooted a few times, the owl reluctantly hooted. However, it was forced to take off and pped its wings clumsily to maintain its height when Li Bai raised both arms. It hooted a few times before flying forward.


    Ren Baqian saw it flying for a few minutes beforending on a tree to rest for a while. It then flew for another two minutes before resting again. It was as if the instinct for birds to fly was a great burden to it.


    After more than an hour, the owl flew back in a swaying manner andnded like a brick in Li Bai��s arms.


    ��Hoo, hoo!��


    ��Hoo, hoo, hoo!��


    ��Hoo, hoo!��


    ��It said that there are many fluorescent demonic butterflies in the forest and nobody else!�� Li Bai exined.


    Ren Baqian nodded in acknowledgement, hung the binocrs around his neck, and looked through them every few minutes.


    <em>Thud, thud, thud!</em>


    Qi Ziting aimlessly poked a stone with his clutches. After a few hits, he had formed a hole in the rock that was the size of half a man.


    A whileter, the stone was riddled with numerous holes.


    Qi Ziting raised his head to look at Ren Baqian on the branch and said, ��Get down!��


    Ren Baqian lowered his head and looked at him.


    ��I dislike people being situated at a higher position than me!�� Qi Ziting said with a dissatisfied look.


    <em>Bang! </em>After kicking him in the morning, the empress was getting ustomed to it. To Ren Baqian, this kick was executed like it was floating on a cloud or flowing in water. It was without violence, yet refreshing and delightful.


    ��Xiao Ya, you have changed!�� Qi Ziting came back to his original spot with a moody look.


    The empress simply ignored him.


    In her mind, the image of a majestic man was crumbling.


    When it was almost dawn, Ren Baqian saw through the binocrs that the green light was starting to fade.


    ��They are retreating��let��s move!�� Ren Baqian put down his binocrs.


    Thedies from Mount Gongmu cupped their hands at the empress, spread out from each other, and flew up into the sky by holding the legs of their gigantic birds.


    Qi Ziting stood up on his crutches and said to those behind him, ��Everybody get ready!��


    Each winged cavalry warrior and aboriginal recruit inspected their weapons onest time and stood or sat with a stern face.


    Silently, their murderous demeanor was building up.


    The whole forest was filled with a menacing air.


    Another hourter, the sky began to brighten.


    A giant bird dropped down from the sky apanied by a booming sound. When it was seven to eight meters from the ground, a person crashed down from the sky,nded on the ground, and rolled once before presenting herself in front of the empress and others.


    ��Your Majesty, I have found their location. It��s inside a mountain that is about a dozen kilometers away.��


    ��Lead the way! Let��s set off!�� The empress stood up from the rock and looked ready to kill.


    ��Let��s go!��


    Over 1,000 people abandoned their mounts and quickly marched across the woods toward the destination.


    When passing through the weird patch of woods, Ren Baqian inadvertently looked at something and immediately let out a gasp.


    ��What happened?�� The empress stopped and turned to look at him.


    The people behind them immediately halted.


    Ren Baqian pointed at a tree and said, ��The facial appearance of this tree seems to have changed from what I saw yesterday!��


    This was the tree that Ren Baqian had pointed out during the day and hence it had left a deep impression on him. When he glimpsed this tree, he found something amiss.


    ��Did you see wrongly?�� the empress asked as she frowned. She didn��t notice any difference.


    ��Perhaps!�� Ren Baqian said after some consideration. ��We better be more careful.��


    After giving the order, Ren Baqian warily crossed the woods, but nothing happened on the way out of the forest. This made him think he was overly imaginative.


    They walked for another two plus hours and the sky was quite bright, but for some unknown reason, the ground over here was much darker than outside.


    Thedy from Mount Gongmu, who was leading the way, pointed in front and said, ��Your Majesty, it��s the mountain over there.��


    After that, she put her fingers in her mouth and whistled.


    Arge bird immediately rose up in the distance. When it was overhead, a person dropped down from beneath the bird.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s a cave on the eastern side of the mountain. All of the demonic butterflies are inside as well as someone who looks like a human. We have been taking turns to watch them from above, and they are still inside.�� The person who dropped down was Gong Yue. As she greeted the empress, her sweeping eyes asionallynded on Ren Baqian as if by ident.


    However, the way she looked at Ren Baqian was different from the way she looked at others.


    This gaze seemed to carry some fire.


    ��Lead the way!�� the empress ordered.


    The mountain was not tall and the vegetation was not dense.


    This ce was like the other areas that they had passed by and possessed a unique type of eerie chill.


    As they got closer, they could see the cave that thedies of Mount Gongmu had mentioned.


    ��Everyone stay put in a position 100 meters away and get ready!�� Qi Ziting gave the order and then followed the empress toward the cave entrance.


    Traces could be seen outside the cave that indicated that people had been here.


    There were two footprints not far from the cave entrance. The imprints in the ground were deep, and it was as if a person had been standing there for a long time.


    Seeing these footprints, everyone could visualize those demonic butterflies flying three to four kilometers to reach that patch of forest every night. Meanwhile, a strange humanoid would stand here day after day.


    The entrance of the cave was four meters high and five to six meters wide. Only seven to eight meters of the cave could be seen from the outside because the view was blocked by a prominent rock.

 Chapter 757 - Knowing that it is a Trap and Still Stepping in is the Act of a Real Warrior

    Chapter 757: Knowing that it is a Trap and Still Stepping in is the Act of a Real Warrior


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Do they know we areing?�� Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows as he looked at the empress. ��That Bor who we encountered before discovered us quite early. Their senses are very keen.��


    Before the empress could reply, a voice was hearding from the cave that asked, ��So you know Bor! Is he dead?��


    This voice was gentler and sweeter than Bor��s!��


    It seemed like hearing the voice of a herdsman was a pleasure in itself.


    It was like enjoying some wonderful moments in this world.


    ��He��s dead and died a horrible death. Don��t you want toe out and avenge him?�� Ren Baqian inquired while looking into the cave.


    ��Avenge? No. Vengeance is a useless behavior that doesn��t help us survive! Only humans like you withplex feelings would indulge in such emotions!�� Following these words, a figure appeared out of the darkness.


    At about 2.3 meters tall, he was about the same height as Bor and stood there looking like a skeleton.


    ��Wrong! It isn��t only humans who like to take vengeance��even animals, whether a coyote or any other wild animal, know this. Maybe only an indifferent and selfish race like yours would consider it a useless behavior,�� Ren Baqian retorted.


    ��To us, the most important thing is survival, and other things are irrelevant. Youpare humans to coyotes and wild animals��doesn��t this prove that you are inferior creatures?�� this herdsman added.


    ��Bah! You lowly trash! Are you courting death?�� Qi Ziting snarled.


    ��Isn��t the level of a living creature based on its creativity? Those that do not create and only know how to kill and destroy are really lowly. From this point of view, humans are at the highest level. However, you only know how to kill and destroy. You have human level intelligence, butck creativity and cannot bring about any changes to this world! Tell me, who��s really the lowlife here?�� Ren Baqian spoke slowly and steadily.


    ��That makes sense!�� Qi Ziting nodded. He felt that these words were familiar and were simr to what Ren Baqian had said in their previous discussions.


    Qi Ziting was momentarily stunned before he looked fiercely at Ren Baqian and shouted, ��Are you scolding me?��


    ��This debate is about species. Don��t take it personally!�� Ren Baqian could not prevent himself fromughing.


    The herdsman didn��t argue with Ren Baqian anymore and continued, ��You have killed Bor and came here to find me. Are you here to kill me?��


    The empress nodded and said coldly, ��I��m here to kill you!��


    ��I still don��t know your names.��


    ��Remember, I am Qi����


    ��Ergou!�� Ren Baqian hastily interrupted Qi Ziting.


    ��He is Qi Ergou!�� Qi Ziting red at Ren Baqian after hearing this.


    Ren Baqian returned the re.


    <em>Are you a pig? Didn��t I tell you before? Are you that eager to have a taste of the other party��s trick?</em>


    ��Oh? It seems that you know something about the rtionship between a person��s name and their soul.�� The herdsman standing in the darkness was surprised. ��But then again, you could not have killed Bor otherwise!��


    ��Since you want to kill me,e in!��


    Ren Baqian blocked the empress and Qi Ziting and asked, ��Why don��t youe out instead?��


    ��You all cane in!��


    ��You cane out!��


    ��I don��t want toe out!��


    ��We don��t want to go in!��


    Ren Baqian confirmed that the other party would be affected by the sunlight and was unwilling to step out of the cave.


    ��The two of you guard this ce. I want to see what trick he has up his sleeves!�� Qi Ziting ced one crutch on the ground and pointed the other at the cave.


    ��I will also go in!�� the empress said coldly. Her voice was soft, but her determination was apparent.


    ��I didn��t expect to have the chance to fight alongside you, Xiao Ya! I want to see whether that guy can withstand us.�� Qi Zitingughed loudly.


    ��Your Majesty, there may be danger inside���� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Nobody in the world can get the better of me!�� The empress cut him off.


    ��I know.�� Ren Baqian sighed. They had waited so long for reinforcements before finally getting them, but these two wanted to barge into the territory of the other party.


    ��The other party is more suited to a dark environment. Plus, you have to be careful since the jade-waisted ves are also inside.�� Ren Baqian was rendered helpless by their cavalier attitude��they knew that there were traps, but still wanted to barge in. However, this was because they were very confident of their abilities.


    ��I know!�� The empress waved her hand.


    Qi Ziting tapped his crutches on the ground and flew like a bullet into the cave with both of his crutches wavering in the air. In a sh, the herdsman disappeared without a trace.


    As his crutches hit against the cave wall, the whole cave trembled.


    ��Be careful! This is a cave, and it will copse if there��s a misstep!�� Ren Baqian shouted hastily.


    However, Qi Ziting continued chasing and disappeared around a corner where there was a big boulder.


    The empress also joined in the chase.


    Ren Baqian sighed, turned around, and called out, ��Bring in those boxes!��


    Ren Baqian opened one box, took out some ss bottles filled with liquid, and put them under his armpits. He held a torch in one hand and said to Ba Man and Xiong Yue, ��Please take these things and follow me inside!��


    The three of them entered the cave and saw a long corridor as they turned the corner. The curses of Qi Ziting could be heard echoing around.


    Ren Baqian switched on his torchlight to shine in front. At the end of the corridor, which was 30 meters away, there was another corner.


    After this corner was an upward slope.


    The three of them followed the sloping path past six or seven corners. They were getting closer and closer to the location where the sounds wereing from.


    After passing a long path that was 100 meters, they discovered that the scenery was changing.


    Countless cyan lights were dancing in the air and presented a beautiful picture in the darkness.


    Behind this beautiful scene, however, was a murderous atmosphere.


    These jade-waisted ves were no longer harmless beauties.


    In front was arge cave of about 10,000 square feet. Numerous stctites hung down and reflected the cyan rays.


    The jade-waisted ves were concentrated in two ces in the cave. One cluster seemed to form into a ball and was where the loud voice of Qi Ziting could be hearding from.


    In the other area, they seemed to form a cyan ribbon that fluttered in the air. asionally, it would change shape and head in a certain direction.


    With the cyan light indistinctly illuminating a red streak, it could be seen moving at a high speed as if it was chasing something.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The route that was taken by the empress was filled with flying stone fragments.


    ��Grrr!�� Qi Ziting shouted. His waving crutches generated a wind that sent the demonic butterflies flying everywhere.


    With Qi Ziting positioned in the eye of the storm, his surrounding resembled a whirling hurricane.


    Even from Ren Baqian��s position, a strong wind could be felt blowing against his face.


    Large portions of the jade-waisted ves were spun around due to the wind generated by the crutches and fell to the ground. They gradually shrank before withering into grey ashes that were blown all over the cave by the wind.


    Ren Baqian could see the power of Qi Ziting��s move with one nce. In a blink, hundreds of the jade-waisted ves had fallen.


    However, the number of jade-waisted ves here was more than what Bor had. It was estimated to be at least 20,000.


    Ren Baqian quietly took out a ss bottle marked as Pesticide No. 1 and threw it at the area around Qi Ziting.

 Chapter 758 - Fireball Technique!

    Chapter 758: Fireball Technique!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As the bottle shattered to pieces, the liquid inside sshed all over.


    After the first bottle was thrown over, a second and third one followed. Once again, Ren Baqian opened the box that Ba Man and Xiong Yue brought and threw out a total of eight bottles filled with Pesticide No. 1.


    As the pesticide sshed all over, the liquid gradually turned into gas and circted around the cave. Ren Baqian anxiously observed the jade-waisted ves surrounding Qi Ziting to see if the pesticide would produce any results.


    After observing for some time, he still wasn��t able to notice any results. Most of the demonic butterflies continued to flutter in the air, while some were struck by Qi Ziting��s crutches.


    ��Sir Ren, let��s step forward and help.�� Ba Man and Xiong Yue couldn��t wait any longer. One of them dashed forward to help Qi Ziting while the other dashed toward the empress.


    However, even though they were both Cardinal Heaven experts, they were far weaker than Qi Ziting and the empress and could only revolve around the surroundings.


    Ba Man, who went to help Qi Ziting, was slightly more helpful as he was at least able to attract the attacks of some of the jade-waisted ves. Xiong Yue could barely keep up with the empress and only managed to squeeze in with the chain of jade-waisted ves.


    It looked like a race.


    Ren Baqian opened the second box and started throwing Pesticide No. 2 at Qi Ziting��s location.


    This time around, he smelled the scent of bitter almonds.


    It was the smell of cyanide.


    A poison such as this would cause tremendous harm to ordinary humans. However, after seeing how his elder brother-inw was still vigorous and lively, Ren Baqian felt that the poison probably didn��t affect Qi Ziting.


    Even an Earth Wheel expert had a higher resistance to poisonpared to ordinary humans, not to mention a Cardinal Heaven expert.


    After throwing over the bottles from the second box, Ren Baqian observed that their movement had grown slightly slower and that they also weren��t able to maintain their bnce properly in the air. Their graceful flutter had be a little sluggish as well, and it was as if they were in a drunken stupor!


    He was delighted to see that Pesticide No. 2 had some effects on them.


    At that moment, a gust of wind swept across Ren Baqian. He felt a slight sting in his eyes and immediately shut them while lowering his head. He then felt two sharp objects poking at his head.


    ��Courting death!�� The empress dashed toward him and threw her fist over. Like a drifting willow in the wind, the herdsman got blown away by the st of her fist!


    ��Be careful!�� the empress said before quickly chasing after that herdsman.


    Ren Baqian felt a liquid flowing down his forehead. When he stretched out his hand to wipe, his entire palm was stained with blood.


    ��Damn it!�� he cursed.


    He had been practicing the [The Yang Boosting Technique]tely, and the weakest part of his body was his head�� The purpose of this technique was to allow him to consummate. If he wanted his head to be as tough as his body, he would first have to submerge his head underwater before undergoing the ice and fire heaven baptism.


    Ren Baqian didn��t think that his head would be able to take the pressure.


    As such, he had basically given up on tempering his head.


    Even though the skin on his head had already toughened a bit from all the training, it was far weaker than the other parts of his body. As a result, he had suffered this injury!


    Fortunately, the herdsman wasn��t that strong. If he was slightly stronger, Ren Baqian��s head would have exploded!


    Seeing that the empress had given chase, he opened up the third box of pesticide and tossed all the bottles over.


    This box of pesticides had a very faint stench. It was like that of a stink bug, which wasmonly referred to as the smelly sister. However, whenbined with the lingering scent of the first and second boxes of pesticide, it immediately became a scent that would make someone feel like throwing up.


    Even before the jade-waisted ves reacted to the pesticide, Qi Ziting couldn��t take the stench any longer and shouted, ��What are you doing, kid?��


    He waspletely engulfed in the stench, it smelled as if he had fallen into atrine pit, and he almost fell to the ground. A few demonic butterflies seized this opportunity and pounced on him. The human faces on their bodies started to gnaw at his body, trying to tear his flesh off.


    The second person to react to it was Xiong Yue. Having been surrounded and attacked by hundreds of jade-waisted ves, he was already having a hard time fending against them. When the stench hit his nose, his guard immediately dropped, and he sustained a few more wounds.


    These jade-waisted ves appeared very beautiful and graceful, but when they surrounded their target, they would cut him or her everywhere. Their wings were like their weapons.


    More viciously, when they pounced on their targets and bit them, they would never let go no matter what. They looked extremely malevolent and vicious, theplete opposite of the beautiful radiance they had before.


    Qi Ziting and Xiong Yue cursed, but they soon came to realize that the pesticide very quickly took effect. One by one, the demonic butterflies seemed to fall into a drunken stupor and swayed around in midair. Soon after, hundreds of them began to fall to the ground andy there twitching.


    ��Done!�� Ren Baqian was ted. He then took out all of Pesticide No. 3 and tossed them at where the butterflies were. Not long after, the entire cave was filled with the pesticide��s stench, and almost half of the jade-waisted ves in the air fell to the ground.


    Most of them twitched on the ground after they fell. They struggled to get back up in the air, but their efforts were to no avail.


    ��Kid! What did you throw?�� Qi Ziting was astonished. After spending a long time fighting these butterflies, he had killed fewer of them than Ren Baqian had with this pesticide.


    So many fewer!


    After expending so much energy fighting for so long, he had merely killed about 1,000 of them. However, almost half of the jade-waisted ves had fallen to the ground by now, covering the entire floor!


    The remaining jade-waisted ves were also greatly affected and were swaying in the air.


    Even those that were chasing the empress had slowed down as well.


    Seeing the positive turn of events, Ren Baqian immediately shouted out to the others, ��Ignore the butterflies for now. Go get the main culprit��the herdsman!��


    The situation then began to undergo a change.


    Previously, the empress was chasing the herdsman while the butterflies were chasing the empress with Ba Man running alongside them.


    On the other hand, Qi Ziting and Xiong Yue were overwhelmingly surrounded by them.


    At present, half of the jade-waisted ves had fallen, whereas the remaining ones were swaying. The speed of their movements had slowed down tremendously, and they gradually dropped to the ground.


    Qi Ziting and Xiong Yue immediately joined forces with the empress. All four people surrounded the herdsman.


    No matter how big this cave was, it was still a confined space. The herdsman was immediately surrounded by peril when all four of them closed in on him. He subsequently had no choice but to dash toward Ren Baqian, seemingly trying to find a way to escape.


    ��Stop him!��


    ��Hide!��


    Qi Ziting��s voice and the empress��s voice rang out at the same time.


    However, the things that they said werepletely different.


    This herdsman looked simr to Bor, and he stared at Ren Baqian with his green eyes. Behind Ren Baqian was the exit of the cave.


    Even though the sunlight would cause the herdsman harm, his chances of escaping would greatly increase as long as he got out of this cave.


    Ren Baqian, who was standing in his way, was the weakest one of them all, and the herdsman didn��t even care about him.


    The herdsman could even kill him!


    It was he who tossed out all those bottles that affected the jade-waisted ves previously.


    He would pose a huge problem if he wasn��t taken care of!


    ��Protect yourself, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian shouted as he let out a grin. The pesticide wasn��t as simple as it seemed�� It would be highly mmable once it evaporated in the air. This was something that the Messier 87 department had warned repeatedly!


    Ren Baqian took out a lighter and stared at the herdsman with a look of ridicule as he charged over��


    ��Check out my fireball technique!��


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It seemed as if the entire cave had exploded.


    Arge ze engulfed the majority of the cave.


    The herdsman, who was currently in a position between Ren Baqian and the empress, was caught in the center of the ze. He was immediately engulfed by it.


    An hourter, the empress dragged the motionless Ren Baqian out of the cave. The red muslin that she was wearing had a few more holes in it while her face was covered in ck soot.


    Qi Ziting, Ba Man, and Xiong Yue came out looking like Africans.


    The trio felt wretched as they carried the charred herdsman who smelled like barbequed meat!

 Chapter 759 - Playing with the Fireball Technique!

    Chapter 759: ying with the Fireball Technique!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Fireball Technique?�� the empress asked angrily as she nced at Ren Baqian. He had his four limbs tied up and was hanging from one side of Qishui. He also had a stick stuck on his forehead.


    Ren Baqian, who was tied and hanging there, looked really wretched. His face was blotched while his clothing was torn.


    However, under his clothing, his body didn��t have many injuries and his skin was still shiny.


    ��I was wrong, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian said submissively.


    ��Huh? Wrong? Oh, Fireball Technique? Was it fun?�� The empress looked at the numerous holes in her red dress and pressed the stick down more angrily.


    ��It��s my fault! I didn��t know it would be so powerful!�� Ren Baqian said with an air of grievance.


    Although they mentioned that it was mmable, who would expect it to be so powerful? It wasn��t gasoline.


    ��Didn��t Imand you to stay out of trouble?�� The empress pressed the stick once more.


    ��I feel that�� I have the Fireball Technique up my sleeve���� Ren Baqian believed that he had done a good job. Wasn��t that herdsman cooked?


    ��I let you y with the Fireball Technique! Let you y with it!�� The empress raised her eyebrows and pressed the stick on Ren Baqian��s forehead each time she finished a sentence.


    She didn��t use a lot of force, but it was enough to fill his shiny forehead with bumps and make him look like Gautama Buddha.


    ��Ughh���� Ren Baqian groaned pathetically.


    The empress��s face turned even darker.


    ��Keke! Keke���� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were giggling away.


    The crow general, who was behind Qishui, was gloating.


    It was shown that such groaning did asionally prove useful because the empress didn��t poke him with the stick anymore.


    ��Xiao Ya!�� Qi Ziting, who was sitting on a big lizard, rushed forward.


    ��Although I also feel like killing him, those things of his were quite useful!�� Qi Ziting came to Ren Baqian��s defense.


    ��Hmph!�� The empress sniffed. She also knew how useful those things were.


    She was simply angry at him.


    She shouted at him to get away, but he wanted to y with the Fireball Technique. As a result, the herdsman was sted like a dead dog.


    ��What did you use?�� Qi Ziting looked at the tied up Ren Baqian and asked. He had been thinking over this question for a long time.


    ��It��s a kind of poison for dealing with insects. Ren Baqian gave Qi Ziting a bright smile.


    ��I didn��t expect you to be able to apply poison!�� Qi Ziting was surprised.


    The poisons that the aboriginals used came from snakes and insects and were smeared on arrow tips.


    However, they were seldom used.


    This was because only a few types of these poisons could be used to kill animals during a hunt without killing the people who ate what was hunted.


    The aboriginals weren��t weak and the prey that could easily be killed by these poisons were normally not that strong. Therefore, the aboriginals didn��t need to use this method.


    They did use poison on some difficult animals, but these animals were highly resistant to poison.


    Therefore, the aboriginals seldom used poison and didn��t do much research on it.


    The fact that Ren Baqian was an expert in poison was quite surprising to Qi Ziting.


    ��Even I��m afraid when I use poison!�� Ren Baqian grinned and showed a set of white teeth.


    They looked extraordinarily white on his ckened face.


    ��I underestimated you!�� Qi Ziting recalled the incident and realized that this guy was a real professional.


    If he were to ask Ren Baqian what he was afraid of, Ren Baqian would have told him that he was afraid of poisoning himself.


    ��I��ll let you y with the Fireball Technique again!�� Something had triggered the empress, so she angrily poked his forehead with the stick again.


    ��Ouch���� Ren Baqian groaned by exhaling through his nose.


    Qi Ziting gave Ren Baqian a strange look, then looked at the empress and sighed, ��Xiao Ya, you have changed! Forget it. You are an adult�� I do not want to nag any further����


    At first, the empress didn��t respond. Then, she saw Qi Ziting��s expression, suddenly understood, and her face reddened!


    Gnashing her teeth, she looked at Qi Ziting and then at Ren Baqian and felt like burying these two under the pce.


    Ren Baqian was released by the empress after hanging from Qishui��s side for a day. He dusted his face, put his mouth close to her ears, and said, ��Your Majesty, I discovered something very important just now!��


    ��What is it?�� The empress was still annoyed, but seeing that he was so serious, she immediately suppressed her thoughts.


    Ren Baqian nced at Qishui strangely and then said to the empress, ��Your Majesty, my head was level with Qishui��s abdomen when I was hanging from its side. I discovered that it is a female!��


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The furious empress kicked Ren Baqian up to a treetop.


    After jumping down, he was trampled on the ground by Qishui, whose scales were standing up.


    Steam was streaming out from Qishui��s nose!


    Ren Baqian stole a nce at Qishui��s lower body as he held his head in his hands. It was definitely a female, no doubt about it!


    ��


    After another two days had passed, more bags appeared on the back of the crow general. It was carrying many bottles of the third version of the pesticide.


    Everyone had finally reached the second destination, which was the ce where Gong Zheng and Lin Qiaole had disappeared.


    ording to the n, the group waited for the jade-waisted ves to depart before dawn and then followed them.


    Ren Baqian hated the herdsman here even more.


    After all, Lin Qiaole was stranded here.


    He felt sorry for that girl who had a pair of A��s every time he thought about the situation.


    Ren Baqian only realized that it was quite nice to have such a person around after she went missing,


    Besides eating and sleeping, she would asionally ask for some candy and normally wouldn��t pester him.


    It was like keeping a cat.


    Most important of all, although she had a pair of A��s, she was still a pretty half-beast.


    She was a living human.


    She had also apanied him in his ventures from the north to the south.


    This made Ren Baqian sad every time he thought of her.


    This was especially so as he got closer to the destination, and the feeling became even deeper.


    When he picked up his binocrs to look at the forest in the distance, his eyes suddenly froze.


    He saw a girl with a pair of A��s and dishevelled hair in the forest catching demonic butterflies��


    She would crouch, watch attentively, then jump at the jade-waisted ves there. From time to time, she would catch one and put it into her mouth with a satisfied look.


    This person�� could only be Lin Qiaole?


    This made Ren Baqian tremble.


    He wasn��t emotional, he was agitated!


    She was supposed to protect Gong Zheng, but now that Gong Zheng was missing, she was spending her time catching butterflies?


    Ren Baqian momentarily felt like burying this rascal.


    After his anger had subsided, he raised his eyebrows.


    If Lin Qiaole was seen by the empress�� What would the empress do?


    Would the empress let her go?


    With the empress��s character, the disappearance of Gong Zheng, and Lin Qiaole still catching butterflies here, the probability of the empress burying her was 90 percent.


    The other 10 percent chance was that she would be executed before being buried.


    Whatever the status of Lin Qiaole and her rtionship with the empress, it was impossible for the empress to treat this matter lightly.


    Otherwise, she wouldn��t be fair to Gong Zheng and the winged cavalry warriors who had lost their lives here.


    Even Ren Baqian felt that Lin Qiaole should not be forgiven.


    No matter how he viewed it, whether using thews of the country, rtionships, or family rules, there was no reason to forgive her.


    This left Ren Baqian with mixed feelings.


    He didn��t understand. Although Lin Qiaole was normally unreliable and had been with him for quite some time, how was it possible for her to behave like this in such a situation?


    This scene made him angry, and he found it hard to bear. Why couldn��t she live up to expectations?


    The empress, seeing that he did not look normal, asked him softly, ��What��s the situation in front? Are there any changes?��

 Chapter 760 - The Secret of the Woods

    Chapter 760: The Secret of the Woods


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian��s face changed a few times, but he knew that he couldn��t hide this matter.


    He said softly, ��Lin Qiaole is in the forest.��


    ��She is still alive? What about Gong Zheng?�� The empress was pleasantly surprised.


    ��I didn��t see him!�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    ��How��s Lin Qiaole?�� the empress continued.


    Ren Baqian hesitated before saying, ��I��m not sure!��


    The empress was beside him in a sh and took the binocrs from him, ��Where is she?��


    She didn��t need help from Ren Baqian to find Lin Qiaole.


    Ren Baqian only felt a wind blowing past him and saw a red figure shing by from the corner of his eye before the empress disappeared without a trace.


    ��Elder brother-inw! Her Majesty has rushed forward!�� Ren Baqian directed his shout at the ground below and followed suit.


    These woods were weird and eerie, and demons seemed to be dancing here.


    Swarms of jade-waisted ves were all over the forest, sprawling on tree trunks or on the ground. Cyan lights could be seen everywhere.


    asionally, the demonic butterflies would fly up and create an astoundingly beautiful scene.


    It was beautiful, but weird.


    A pretty girl wearing a dirty strapless top and shorts was among them. asionally, she would pounce on a bunch of jade-waisted ves and send them flying in panic. When she caught one, she would put it in her mouth and close her eyes momentarily as if she was savoring something delicious.


    Before long, whether from eating her fill or bing tired, the teenaged girl huddled down on the floor.


    Both her arms were wrapped around her knees, and her body was pulled in tightly like a baby inside a mother��s womb.


    At this time, a red figure dropped in front of the forest and stared at her.


    ��Lin Qiaole!�� Her voice was cold and intimidating.


    The rtionship between them was good with Lin Qiaole having stayed in the pce longer than the empress. Her image was that of a young girl while her mind didn��t develop much.


    When the empress was small, she treated Lin Qiaole like an elder sister.


    However, after she had grown up, Lin Qiaole became more like a younger sister.


    Although they didn��t interact much, they were still rather close to each other.


    Therefore, when Ren Baqian gave her those White Rabbit Creamy Candies for the first time, she immediately ran to offer the empress a share.


    Because of their rtionship, the disappearance of Gong Zheng, and the appearance of Lin Qiaole here, the degree of anger the empress felt could be imagined.


    The appearance of the empress caused the startled jade-waisted ves to fly up and hover in the air like bands of lights.


    Lin Qiaole��s curled up body straightened on the ground, but her four limbs were still bent as if she was preparing to jump out.


    Her small face stared at the empress expressionlessly.


    ��Do you want to fight with me?�� The empressughed when she saw this expression.


    However, Ren Baqian, who had caught up, felt that Lin Qiaole��s intent to kill was apparent.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqiannded behind the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, do not rush it. Lin Qiaole looks rather strange!��


    ��Did Lin Qiaole ever dare to crouch like an attacking animal in front of the empress? This behavior isn��t normal!�� Ren Baqian said in a hurry.


    The empress calmed down after hearing this.


    ��You are correct!��


    Ren Baqian looked at Lin Qiaole thoroughly and said, ��Look at her eyes��the pupils are vertical.��


    The empress seriously looked at her. Like Ren Baqian said, Lin Qiaole��s pupils were vertical and oval in shape. There was even a green light inside.


    ��Your Majesty, do you remember when Bor asked for our names? The second herdsman did as well. I was curious about what would happen if they knew our names.


    Seeing Lin Qiaole��s condition, I have some conjectures. If those herdsmen can control a person through their name, then it makes sense. It exins why those aboriginals quietly came here and died silently. It also exins why Lin Qiaole be like this,�� Ren Baqian said thoughtfully.


    The empress stayed silent after hearing this. His conjectures were most likely correct.


    A hope suddenly arose in the empress that things were as Ren Baqian said.


    If possible, she didn��t want to kill this 20-plus year old girl who hadn��t changed much.


    Qi Ziting, Ba Man, and the othersnded beside the empress in session. After that, the aboriginal soldiers, one by one, appeared in the darkness. They looked at the fluttering jade-waisted ves in the forest and, most importantly, at the girl lying prone on the ground.


    Qi Ziting frowned as he asked, ��Who is this?��


    ��Lin Qiaole!�� Ren Baqian suddenly shouted.


    The sprawling Lin Qiaole was suddenly aroused. Her pupils became narrower as if she was shocked by the voice of Ren Baqian.


    At that moment, a mournful melody was heard.


    The jade-waisted ves flew in the direction where the music came from.


    Lin Qiaole retreated a dozen steps, saw that no one had the intention of attacking her, and turned to run into the forest.


    ��Move!�� The empress only said one word before walking slowly into the depths of the forest.


    Right now, it was no longer important to hide.


    The important thing was to take down Lin Qiaole and this herdsman.


    After traveling a short distance into the woods, Ren Baqian suddenly halted and said emotionally, ��Your Majesty! I just saw Gong Zheng!��


    The empress turned her head sharply to look and saw Ren Baqian staring at a tree. On the bark of the tree was the image of a human face.


    This facial image jolted the empress.


    It was Gong Zheng!


    The face on the tree was twisted, full of pain, and its mouth was wide open.


    Although the image that emerged from the tree bark wasn��t identical to a real image, it was enough to identify it as Gong Zheng!


    ��Commander of the winged cavalry?�� Qi Ziting asked. Seeing the face on the tree, he swung his crutches at it and yelled, ��It��s better to die than to live like this!��


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The empress stretched her hand to push away the crutches.


    ��Why did you block me?�� Qi Ziting looked at the empress and said, ��This tree is him! It��s better to die outright than to live like this!��


    ��Catch Lin Qiaole and the herdsman first, thene back and settle thister. We may be able to learn something after capturing the herdsman,�� Ren Baqian said.


    He finally knew why he found this ce weird.


    This strange ce was formed by individuals.


    A fact like this was simply horrible to know.


    He was still clinging to hope. Since these herdsmen could transform humans this way, they might know of a way to reverse it.


    However, he knew that the chance of this was extremely slim.


    ��Get someone to guard here��Move!�� the empress ordered before turning her head away and walking solemnly into the forest.


    Her red dress floated without any wind blowing.


    Her hair trailed behind her.


    Her ice-cold demeanor spread around, making everyone feel cold.


    The footsteps of more than 1,000 people walking in the forest sounded like a drum dully beating against their hearts.


    Following a clear sound, five colorful birds soared into the air.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian whispered, ��Lin Qiaole should be under their control. Keep her alive. Do not kill her even if you have to break her arm or her leg!��


    These words were meant for the empress. In particr, Qi Ziting and the others. (TLC. Not sure about this part)

 Chapter 761 - From A to C

    Chapter 761: From A to C


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Even before leaving the woods, everyone could see a green radiance gushing toward them.


    ��Get into your formation! Get ready to kill!�� Qi Ziting shouted.


    ��Kill!�� Thousands of winged cavalry warriors shouted at the same time while tree branches and leaves were thrown into the sky, seemingly forming a green pir where everyone��s murderous spirit was concentrated.


    The trees and rocks ahead of them had all been ttened as they charged toward the iing butterflies.


    These jade-waisted ves fluttered in the air, asionally brushing past the soldiers.


    The winged cavalry wielded weapons such as maces, giant axes, des and truncheons. Some of them even used the thigh bones of beasts as weapons as well. These warriors wieldingrge weapons against the small enemies were like bears dancing with butterflies.


    The situation didn��t look very positive.


    To the strong and boorish winged cavalry warriors, they detested these small and nimble opponents the most.


    Besides, the jade-waisted ves greatly outnumbered them, and with one nce, a person could see at least several thousand of them.


    Fortunately, on average, they were only at the Man Wheel level or slightly below. Even though they were nimble, their eleration was much slowerpared to the winged cavalry warriors.


    Even though the situation wasn��t positive, the winged cavalry were still able to drop about 100 of the butterflies every minute.


    There were several thousand jade-waisted ves against 1,600 winged cavalry warriors. As such, their movements seemed pretty slow inparison.


    ��These demonic butterflies are in a formation!�� Ren Baqian realized this after taking a nce.


    Even though arge number of them had fallen, they still remained in good order.


    Besides, there was also a flute-like sounding from afar at the moment. This was probably how the herdsmanmanded the butterflies.


    ��That��s right!�� The empress nodded. After Bor died, the jade-waisted ves lost their direction and didn��t know what to do. They ended up circling around the mountain and were easily exterminated by the winged cavalry.


    The bodyguards behind Ren Baqian opened a box and tossed arge number of bottles over. As the pesticide filled the air, changes started to ur. The butterflies in the air started to slow down.


    Slowing down at this moment meant death.


    The butterflies started dropping to the ground like falling rain.


    The winged cavalry warriors on the battlefield began to burst intoughter. Even though these jade-waisted ves weren��t considered strong, they were hard to deal with. Once those clear bottles were thrown over, the butterflies started falling to the ground. The warriors could even hit several of them by simply swinging their maces around.


    At present, a dark figure suddenly entered the scene and dashed straight toward the boxes behind Ren Baqian.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    As the empress swung her palm across, the dark figure immediately got swatted away. The figure grabbed a tree trunk and shed her teeth at the empress, looking extremely fearsome.


    Even though Lin Qiaole looked pretty docile, with her five centimeter long nails and a pair of cat eyes, she looked pretty sinister.


    ��Hehehehe���� Sweet-soundingughter, which sounded like bells, came from the darkness.


    ��So many guests today! All top grade nourishment! Should I thank you for dropping by?��


    ��Stop toying around!�� The empress lifted a piece of rock with her foot and kicked it into the darkness. ��Come out!��


    A few secondster, the herdsman turned around and looked behind himself with a puzzled expression.


    Who was she trying to hit?


    Nobody?


    He quickly suppressed his suspicions and let out a burst of crispughter as he looked at the people. ��Is this half-human with the ancient blood on your side? I didn��t expect to meet one here. How lucky!


    Unfortunately, you came too early. If you came slightlyter and after I had finished training her, then I would be able to show you the true power of the ancient blood.��


    ��Are you referring to the blood of the chinchi?�� Ren Baqian raised his voice. He had heard Qi Ziting mention this before.


    ��You actually know about it?�� The herdsman was initially puzzled, but came to a realization soon after. ��She was only acting like that because you guys don��t know how to activate the blood of the chinchi. Sadly, you have been in possession of such a powerful weapon, yet you don��t know how to use it. Of course, you, who have abandoned us, should have long forgotten about all of this. I��m already pretty surprised that you actually knew that she has the blood of the chinchi!��


    ��Abandoned you? What do you mean?�� the empress coldly asked.


    ��Hehe. Of course you would have already forgotten about it. Since that��s the case, I won��t tell you!�� the herdsman replied from the shadows.


    ��You will die for leaving it hanging!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    ��Die? We shall see about that after you defeat this half-human with the chinchi blood!�� The herdsman burst intoughter.


    The sound of the flute rang out again.


    Lin Qiaole��s face looked extremely pained. Her teeth grew longer, and her body seemed to have grown one sizerger.


    Her clothes stuck to her body tightly.


    Her A cup bosom grew into C cups.


    This made Ren Baqian extremely surprised!


    At this moment, Lin Qiaole grewrger, more developed, and her curves had be more alluring.


    Her face looked even more seductive.


    After taking a closer look, Ren Baqian saw something that was even more shocking.


    ��A tail!��


    He immediately realized that a tail was growing out from under Lin Qiaole��s skirt!


    It was a very short tail with long gray hair.


    ��Elder brother-inw, stop him!�� Even though Lin Qiaole looked pretty attractive at the moment, Ren Baqian didn��t dare to let the herdsman continue manipting her and immediately shouted out for Qi Ziting to stop the herdsman.


    ��Hmph!�� Qi Ziting grunted. He pushed his crutches off the ground and immediately pounced toward the darkness like arge eagle.


    However, a dark figure dashed out of the shadows at this moment and intercepted Qi Ziting in midair.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The jade-waisted ves surrounding them were all blown away.


    Even the rocks on the ground were thinned out.


    Both of them flipped backward sessively.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes were sharp, and he saw a snake��s tail behind that dark figure.


    ��Haha, haha! How powerful!�� Qi Zitingnded and burst intoughter before heunched himself into the darkness once more.


    At this moment, Lin Qiaole started charging toward the soldiers. Her movements were much faster than before, and Ren Baqian couldn��t see her clearly.


    Purple veins immediately started to creep along the empress��s face as she charged forward to face off against Lin Qiaole.


    Both of them dashed around in midair before they came to a halt, and almost no sounds of conflict could be heard.


    Ren Baqian nced over and saw a pale red color on the empress��s abdomen between her snowy-white skin and purple veins. However, she simply gave it a wipe and the wound disappeared.


    However, she couldn��t remove that hole in her red muslin clothes.


    Ren Baqian took a deep breath.


    Lin Qiaole actually wounded the empress in their first sh!


    On the other hand, Lin Qiaole crouched with her limbs on the ground. She raised an arm and moved her fingers rapidly while a scratching noise could be heard at the same time.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know if this was an illusion, but it seemed to him that her nails were actually tearing the air apart.

 Chapter 762 - You Don’t Understand the World of Greedy People

    Chapter 762: You Don��t Understand the World of Greedy People


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The empress��s face was ice cold, and her eyes widened because she was incredulous that Lin Qiaole had hurt her.


    The very next second, the two were entangled in the air in a high-speed battle that was barely discernible.


    Their battle didn��t generate many impact noises, but many trees toppled over without being touched.


    The ground was continuously being scarred.


    ��Teehee! How is it? Didn��t I teach her well?�� The voice of the herdsman came again from the shadows.


    ��What��s that thing with the snake tail? Ren Baqian asked as he was thinking.


    ��That��s Liu Sheng. She has the blood of an ancient snake. How about that? It��s a pity that she doesn��t have much blood and that her upper limit is low. However, it��s enough to deal with you!


    Thank you very much for sending over a demihuman with chinchi blood.��


    The loudughter of the herdsman sounded very irritating to Ren Baqian.


    However, the situation was troubling. Qi Ziting was engaged in a fight with the demihuman, Liu Sheng, while the empress was entangled in a battle with Lin Qiaole, who had greatly improved her strength.


    ��The two of you, go and give that herdsman some trouble.�� Ren Baqian told Ba Man and Xiong Yue, who were looking anxiously at the scene.


    ��This���� The two of them hesitated.


    ��You are of no help here. Capture the king first in order to catch all his followers!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Although he sent them out, Ren Baqian didn��t harbor much hope.


    The two of them were much slower than the herdsman, not to mention this herdsman was obviously stronger than the two previous ones.


    Baqian frowned while thinking of a solution and rummaged through his bags to look for something that could be used.


    He wondered whether the Fireball Technique would be useful or not!


    It would most likely fail to cause much damage.


    Ren Baqian opened a bag, found that it was filled with candy, and had an idea.


    Regardless, he had to give it a try!


    ��Look at my Dove choctes!�� Ren Baqian unwrapped two pieces of Dove chocte and threw them onto the battlefield.


    ��Look at my Guylian choctes[1.Guylian choctes: Chocte from Belgium]! Look at my Ferrero Rochers! White Rabbit Creamy Candies!�� he called out in sequence.


    Lin Qiaole instantly appeared in midair and used her mouth to catch the White Rabbit Creamy Candies that were thrown by Ren Baqian.


    The empress followed closely behind and aimed her palm at Lin Qiaole, but Lin Qiaole evaded it.


    The strike from the empress caused a hole that was three meters in circumference to form in the ground where Lin Qiaole had originally been standing.


    Ren Baqian was very happy with this result. To deal with Lin Qiaole, White Rabbit Creamy Candies were needed!


    ��Look at my White Rabbit Creamy Candies!��


    Lin Qiaole responded, ��Got it!��


    ��White Rabbit Creamy Candies!��


    Lin Qiaole replied, ��Got it!��


    They were now in her mouth.


    <em>Bang! </em>Lin Qiaole, who was in midair snatching the White Rabbit Creamy Candies, was mmed to the ground by the empress.


    The empress, whose veins were purplish-red,nded and delivered punch after punch to Lin Qiaole.


    Ren Baqian could feel the ground shaking as if there was an earthquake.


    After several punches, there was another big crater in the ground. This one was more than 30 meters in circumference.


    Ren Baqian crouched at the side of the crater and saw the empress stand up from Lin Qiaole��s body. Then, her veins began to subside.


    ��She isn��t dead, right?�� Ren Baqian was a bit worried.


    ��She has fainted!�� the empress said before disappearing from the crater.


    From far away, a panicky voice asked, ��How is it possible for you to be here? How is it possible to defeat a demihuman with chinchi blood?��


    Ren Baqian felt this tone was much more pleasant than theughter that sounded like pealing bells.


    ��You don��t understand the world of greedy people!�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    Ren Baqian jumped into the hole to look at Lin Qiaole. After being pummeled by the empress, Lin Qiaole��s face looked partly like an animal��s, but her chest was still heaving regrly. She had passed out.


    The mud coating the side of her mouth was mixed with saliva and the White Rabbit Creamy Candies that had been expelled due to the punches from the empress.


    Ren Baqian wiped away the mud from the candy, put them back into her mouth, and stood there observing her. She had previously been about 1.5 meters tall, but now, she looked as tall as the empress. Her body was much fuller than before and that pair of C��s was rather obvious!


    Her pretty face�� was unbearable to look at because it had be monstrous.


    Subsequently, he went to look for some rope to tie her up with.


    Losing a pair of A��s and gaining a pair of C��s was a good bargain.


    His mood was good.


    He cut some strips from the leather hides given by a few winged cavalry warriors, fashioned these strips into ropes, and hummed a tune while tying her up.


    ��Don��t think I didn��t see you sneaking in to see her!


    Don��t ask me about my opinion on that fishy look!


    This is thest warning from me!


    You better know how to behave!


    Keep a distance from that fox spirit!��


    The winged cavalry warriors standing beside him asked, ��Sir, what��s a fox spirit!��


    As the battle raged on, some winged cavalry warriors threw pesticide at the demonic butterflies wherever they were seen. The situation was totally under control.


    ��The herdsman who abducted Lin Qiaole is a fox spirit!�� Ren Baqian casually replied as he conveniently turned her body.


    He didn��t want her to expose her body since she didn��t wear panties!


    Not wearing panties while being tied in the turtle-binding style was rather unsightly.


    Ren Baqian tore a piece of cloth from his body and used it to cover her. At the same time, he studied how her tail was formed and also gave her tail a pull.


    ��Did they call the herdsmen this way? I understand now. To the people of Dayao, you are also a fox spirit. How you define a fox spirit is rtive!�� a winged cavalry warrior said.


    Ren Baqian was stunned for a moment and turned to stare at this young looking winged cavalry warrior.


    ��I didn��t expect you to understand the theory of rtivity!�� Ren Baqian was surprised.


    This was the Einstein of Dayao!


    The theory of rtivity was postted by Einstein.


    ��Report to my school when we return home!�� Ren Baqian said immediately. ��It��s a waste to put you in the winged cavalry.��


    ��Sir, I enjoy being a winged cavalry warrior,�� the fellow said shyly.


    ��Don��t speak nonsense! What��s your name?�� Ren Baqian interrupted him.


    ��Xu Fu!��


    Ren Baqian looked at him again and said, ��I will inform the empress. Report to the school when we return! You aren��t allowed to refuse!��


    The young man looked dejected and continued, ��Sir, I��m illiterate!��


    ��You can always learn! It��s a gift to be able to understand rtivity!�� Ren Baqian lowered his head and continued to tie up Lin Qiaole. Soon, he was done.


    The few winged cavalry warriors that were around tried to avert their eyes.


    They looked elsewhere, but their eyes automatically came back.


    They couldn��t help it since Lin Qiaole looked very attractive now.


    Currently, Lin Qiaole already appeared curvy, but with Ren Baqian tying her up in the turtle-binding style, her attractive curves were highlighted.


    The people looking at her were left spellbound.


    An hourter, the battle came to an end, and the empress came back looking furious.


    Ren Baqian knew from her expression that the herdsmen had escaped. The jade-waisted ves were left here to hinder everyone and that Liu Sheng was still fighting with Qi Ziting. Even though the herdsman had escaped, he wouldn��t be able to stir up much trouble in the meantime.


    ��Did you tie her up?�� The empress looked at the tied up Lin Qiaole and grew even angrier.


    ��Lin Qiaole is difficult to handle at the moment. I needed to use all methods to restrain her, and this is the result!�� Ren Baqian looked at Lin Qiaole with uncertainty and then looked at his hands. It was as if he couldn��t believe that he was the one who had tied her up like that.


    The empressughed coldly and dered, ��Teach me! I want to learn this too!��

 Chapter 763 - Damn It

    Chapter 763: Damn It


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Liu Sheng still got away in the end.


    They originally wanted to keep her here since the herdsman wouldn��t be able to cause that much trouble on his own.


    However, she was very strong, so it was difficult to contain her.


    Besides, they were currently situated in an entirely unfamiliar forestte at night.


    Qi Ziting gave chase for about an hour and couldn��t spot anyone. He could only resentfully return.


    At the moment, all of the jade-waisted ves had already been killed.


    ��Check the number of casualties and report back to me,�� the empress ordered. Without Gong Zheng,manding the winged cavalry wasn��t as easy as it was before. Somehow, she found this rather inconvenient.


    After taking count, the casualty numbers totaled up to over ten deaths.


    There were over 100 soldiers who were lightly wounded, which meant that they still had their limbs intact.


    It was only with the usage of the pesticide that they were able to achieve a result like this.


    It was evident that the jade-waisted ves were pretty threatening when led by a herdsman.


    Even though they weren��t very strong, they could be pretty menacing when thousands of them were grouped together.


    After being beaten to a pulp by the empress, Lin Qiaole soon woke up. She was tied up tightly by Ren Baqian and was unable to exert any strength at all.


    Her fingernails extended to almost eight centimeters in length, but this still wasn��t long enough to reach the ropes.


    Ren Baqian had indeed put in quite a bit of effort to tie her up.


    No matter how Lin Qiaole struggled, she still couldn��t manage to break loose. Instead, this made some areas even tighter.


    ��Lin Qiaole?�� Ren Baqian looked down and watched as Lin Qiaole struggled. She still had cat-like pupils that concealed a dark green radiance. She had a fearsome look on her face as well.


    ��White Rabbit Creamy Candy!�� He quickly took out a piece of White Rabbit candy and tossed it into her mouth.


    Lin Qiaole swallowed it and calmed down for a few minutes before starting to struggle violently again.


    Ren Baqian tossed another piece of candy into her mouth and handed a bunch to the bodyguard beside him, telling the bodyguard to feed her a piece once every few minutes. He then left to find the empress.


    ��Lin Qiaole hasn��t recovered yet. She still seems to be under the control of the herdsman. We must catch him to find a remedy for this,�� Ren Baqian said as he held the empress��s hand. He found her sitting by a tree and went to sit down beside her.


    However, it wasn��t easy to catch that herdsman, especially now that all of his jade-waisted ves were dead. Only the herdsman and Liu Sheng, the half-snake demihuman, had survived, so it would be much harder to locate them.


    ��How did you manage to keep those two Heaven-grade weapons?�� the empress softly muttered.


    ��Do you mean that you want to take her to Earth?�� Ren Baqian immediately asked in response.


    ��The herdsman��s control over Lin Qiaole is definitely not stronger than Teng Yue��s control over his own Heaven-grade weapon,�� the empress exined.


    Ren Baqian had truly not thought about this, whereas this idea came up in the empress��s mind almost immediately. He must have been lost in his thoughts.


    ��I��ll try it tomorrow,�� he replied. This method would indeed have a high chance of sess.


    As long as the herdsman lost control over Lin Qiaole, she would most likely revert to her original condition.


    Soon after, everyone gathered at the tree that had Gong Zheng��s face on it.


    Looking at it, nobody had any idea what to do.


    ��Is he in the tree?�� Ren Baqian was a bit puzzled.


    Otherwise, why would his face be on the tree? However, the trunk of this tree was only slightly wider than a person��s head. It definitely wasn��t capable of containing a man inside.


    ��Tear away the tree bark oneyer at a time! I want to see what��s inside!�� the empress said calmly.


    Immediately, the winged cavalry started to strip the tree bark offyer byyer, but there weren��t any traces of Gong Zheng at all.


    ��The ground!�� Ren Baqian suggested.


    Since Gong Zheng wasn��t inside the tree, he must be underground.


    ��Dig it up!�� the empress ordered.


    Soon after they began digging in the ground, they started feeling chills.


    Indeed, they found Gong Zheng underground.


    He was tightly bound by roots, looked extremely thin, and looked no different from a dead person.


    The originally lofty and strong man currently looked very frail. If not for the tattoos and the missing finger on his body, they almost wouldn��t have recognized him.


    Everyone could see that the roots not only bound Gong Zheng, but also pierced into his body as well. They plundered all of him, including his energy, his essence qi, and even his soul.


    It was now evident why his face was on the tree trunk.


    This tree had actually plundered all of Gong Zheng.


    The empress clenched her fists tightly as her face turned a little pale. Ever since she was young, she had never before held so much hatred toward anybody or any tribe.


    Other than Gong Zheng��s body, there were still a few other skeletons that were tightly bound by the roots, roughly about eight of them. Of these, the majority belonged to aboriginals with around three of them belonging to animals.


    This was merely one tree.


    There was no telling how many aboriginal bodies were buried under this forest.


    Besides, there was more than one of these ces.


    This was already the third one that they had seen so far.


    ��Damn it!�� the empress spouted these bone-chilling words.


    ��I must catch them and rip off every single inch of their flesh,�� Qi Ziting swore.


    Ba Man, Xiong Yue, and the other aboriginals looked extremely angry as well.


    So many aboriginal bodies were buried here!


    Furthermore, they were used as nutrients for these trees.


    Even though they had previously heard that the jade-waisted ves used the bodies of aboriginals as their breeding ground, they didn��t expect the trees to do the same.


    How many aboriginal lives would it take to support these forests and demonic butterflies?


    The empress walked toward Gong Zheng and pressed on his forehead. Then, he immediately stopped breathing.


    ��Destroy this entire forest!�� the empress said coldly before turning around and walking the other way.


    Ren Baqian quickly followed her. The duo walked for several kilometers before she finally stopped and stood there in silence.


    He could tell that she was in a very bad mood.


    He kept quiet as well and sat down beside her to think about their current situation.


    A long whileter, the empress heaved a sigh so deep that it was almost as if a gust had swept by.


    After letting out this sigh, she felt slightly less depressed.


    ��They ought to die without mercy!�� the empress said with hatred


    ��They indeed ought to die. However, I have just thought of something,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Speak!��


    ��Out of the three herdsmen that we have seen so far, all of them had a simr ce around them. Besides, the jade-waisted ves would head to these woods every night. These forests must be somewhat relevant to the herdsmen for herding their demonic butterflies,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    The empress nodded.


    ��ording to what Bor said, there are over 30 such herdsmen. This means that there should be over 30 of these forests as well. Every herdsman controls at least a few thousand butterflies. Solely based on their numbers, they would have needed 30,000 lives to breed. In addition to these forests, I��m afraid that at least 60,000 lives have already been sacrificed.


    With the disappearance of so many people, why hasn��t anybody realized or suspected this?��


    The empress immediately frowned when Ren Baqian raised this question.

 Chapter 764 - Nibbling Away

    Chapter 764: Nibbling Away


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    How was it possible that nobody realized the disappearance of several thousand people?


    Where did these peoplee from?


    Why didn��t the neighboring viges realize that something was amiss?


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t brought this matter up, the empress wouldn��t even have thought of it. Upon mentioning it, the empress immediately realized the severity of this problem.


    ��What is your opinion?�� the empress asked while looking gloomy.


    ��First of all, we have to clear up certain things.�� Ren Baqian frowned and pondered before he started voicing out his conjecture.


    ��Firstly, what is the lifespan of these herdsmen? In those viges that we have been to, the jade-waisted ves had already entered the viger��s bodies for more than ten years, but they still hadn��t fully matured into their final forms yet. This means that they require at least 20 years of cultivation to fully developed


    If so, how long have these herdsmen been cultivating the jade-waisted ves and forests? 60,000 lives might seem like a lot, but if the cultivation process has already taken 100 years or more, then the number of people who have disappeared each year would be significantly reduced. Even so, the yearly disappearance of 6000 people on average isn��t a small number either.


    Secondly, these jade-waisted ves are food used for consumption. How fast are they being used up? The numbers that I have just mentioned are calcted based on the current total number.


    After factoring in more than 100 years of consumption, the numbers would be greater and would total around one million or even two million people.��


    At this point in time, the empress was already looking extremely unhappy.


    Ren Baqian��s words suddenly made her realize that the aboriginals were like livestock being raised here. Her people were like the fork-horned cows and jumping goats that were herded in the wild.


    ��Thirdly and most importantly, how many herdsmen are there exactly? There are about 30 of them in this group, but ording to what Bor said, they will lose their childhood memories when they be adults. This also means that the herdsmen have a ce where they congregate.


    There must be a group of them who live there and raise their youth. The others will then leave when they are grown up and search for suitable ces to live alone. Where is this ce of congregation? How many of them are there? What is their fertility rate and how long is their lifespan?��


    After hearing these three questions, the empress continued to stay silent while looking gloomy.


    There were too many things that could be derived from these three questions.


    With just these 30 herdsmen alone, millions of aboriginals had died at their hands.


    If there were more of them��


    ��However, I feel that there shouldn��t be too many of them,�� Ren Baqian said after pondering for a bit. ��If there were several hundred herdsmen, then the number of casualties suffered over these years would be at least ten times higher. This would already be close to the total poption of the aboriginals.��


    After all, the aboriginal poption only totaled about ten million people.


    ��Anything else?�� The empress waited for a while. After seeing that Ren Baqian had stopped talking, she looked over at him with a burning look that glowed in the dark.


    ��I have a thought. The aboriginals that the herdsmen targeted must have been living at the far borders, which was why they weren��t easily detected. However, it��s still impossible to have such a huge number of people disappear without detection.


    The only possibility is that all of the neighboring viges are also controlled by the herdsmen.


    They moved a portion of the vigers to their secret hideouts and turned them into jade-waisted ves while leaving the rest in the viges to act as a barrier. This way, even though their actions may seem weird and the other viges may have suspicions, the normal vigers won��t overthink things. Compared to immediately disappearing, this method has helped them to stay under the radar.


    After a certain period of time, this barrier will slowly move inward. The herdsmen reduced the number of vigers slowly, nibbling away at the aboriginals.�� Ren Baqian drew a circle on the ground and another slightly smaller one within it.


    After hearing this, the empress felt her blood run cold as her hair stood on end.


    ��However, these herdsmen are dangerous because they always stayed hidden with nobody knowing about them. Now that we are aware of their presence, it��ll be easier for us to deal with them.


    They aren��t that strong, and just a few of us have already killed three of them. What if we amassed all the aboriginals against them?


    It��s possible that they had been previously discovered by experts in the past ���� Ren Baqian consoled the empress.


    ��However, I��m afraid that all of them might have lost by telling the herdsmen their names.�� He started looking a little weird.


    After careful thought and given the aboriginals�� nature, they would definitely fall for it when the herdsmen asked for their names.


    The empress heaved a deep sigh after some time and said to Ren Baqian, ��You are pretty smart!��


    ��Definitely! No doubt about it!�� Ren Baqian gave her a thumbs up and a wide grin.


    However, his white teeth weren��t that eye-catching due to the radiance of his glowing skin.


    ��Let��s go back.�� The empress stood up.


    ��I can��t walk anymore��carry me!�� Ren Baqian said with his arms wide open.


    ��Pah!�� The empress dragged him back by his neck.


    ��Come over for a moment, brother,�� she called out for Qi Ziting and got Ren Baqian to exin the situation to him.


    His expression changed after hearing what Ren Baqian said.


    ��Is it really like this?��


    ��Just a conjecture, but it��s highly possible. In the past, haven��t you seen abandoned viges before, elder brother-inw?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    With a hazy look on his face, Qi Ziting swung one of his crutches across the tree beside him and caused the tree to immediately snap in half.


    He consecutively snapped about eight trees to vent his anger before slowly calming down.


    ��That��s right! It��s indeed possible!�� Qi Ziting replied. ��What do you intend to do, Xiao Ya?��


    ��You understand the Sixty Thousand Mountains better than me. Get some people and check the viges along the borders. Report immediately if they detect any problems and kill once verified!�� the empress replied coldly.


    ��I��m afraid that it��ll take more than a year to cover all the viges along the border,�� Qi Ziting responded. Besides, it wasn��t an easy task to transmit information in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The deeper the location was, the harder it would be.


    ��We need to exterminate these pests regardless of the amount of time it will take!�� The empress was firm.


    ��What about your wedding?�� Qi Ziting asked as he knitted his eyebrows.


    The empress fell silent.


    At this point, Ren Baqian spoke up and said, ��This problem is more important! I��m very thankful for your concern!��


    ��Pah!�� Qi Ziting spat.


    Regardless of what would happen, it seemed like their wedding would have to be postponed.


    ��Even though this matter is important, you don��t have to stay here the entire time, sister. There are still quite a few Cardinal Heaven experts residing in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, and I have seen over 30 of them. As long as we gather these people, we can easily terminate those pests.


    Besides, there are also other regions in Dayao apart from the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Ourte emperor and many of our ancestors fought hard for thesends. Plus, there are still other nations like Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation who are eyeing us covetously.


    ��The Yun Nation is gone!�� Ren Baqian suddenly mentioned.


    ��What?�� Qi Ziting was stunned.


    ��The Yun Nation has fallen. Their emperor is now a guest in Lan City! In the future, you can probably call it the Yun Province, or the Yun Protectorate?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��When did this happen? Why didn��t I know about it?�� This was unexpected news for Qi Ziting.


    The Yun Nation had fallen? After just a few years, so many things had happened in the outside world?


    ��It has been a few months�� Great Xia will be falling soon as well,�� Ren Baqian added.


    Great Xia had been in deep troubletely.


    After Xia Bailong died from the stinky odor, Great Xia��s royal family moved out of the pce for three months before moving back in. Afterward, their security naturally increased. For the second batch of stink bombs that Ren Baqian sent over, a very long time was needed before they found a way to get them into the pce.


    These bombs were detonated two months ago.


    This time around, the empress dowager died�� After Xia Baichong��s death, her health hadn��t been good.


    The second batch of stink bombs exploded just six months after returning to the pce�� She hadn��t been well and was forced to smell this familiar stench again��


    She fainted on the spot and died the very next day.


    The stink bombs had been detonated in Great Xia��s pce twice. The previous emperor was killed the first time and the empress dowager died the second time. Great Xia, the self-proimed number one nation in the world, had taken a p to the face. Their reputation had gone down thetrine pit.


    Like maggots that stuck to their bones, everyone seemed to be able to smell the stench lingering on their souls.


    In one go, Great Xia��s emperor gave seven orders to the border stations and urged them to elerate their offense. The imperial court and royal family wanted to see results in two weeks�� time!


    Two weekster, the empress received a report!


    The 20,000 reinforcement soldiers that Hong Wu and Zi Doni deployed had taken out Great Xia��s 400,000 strong army in one fell swoop, capturing Tiesuo Pass and three border stations.


    After that, Hong Wu led his soldiers into Great Xia and plundered over 30 cities before returning from this rewarding journey.


    At present, Dayao didn��t have any intention of taking out Great Xia. Conquering the Yun Nation was their priority at the moment.


    After capturing the three border stations, Great Xia��s defenses were wide open.


    A few days after the empress received the report, all of Great Xia was howling in grief. They subsequently started to increase taxes and levy soldiers again.


    However, they suddenly received another piece of news that made things worse in an already bad situation. This made the entire imperial court incessantly furious.


    An armed rebellion had concurrently started in Dingzhou, Qingzhou, and Pingzhou.

 Chapter 765 - Top Scholar

    Chapter 765: Top Schr


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In a government office in Qingzhou.


    The office was currently upied by a group of elite soldiers dressed in green cotton armor.


    The heads of the officials that were here originally were hanging in a row outside. At the same time, the dark red ice on the floor was gradually melting under the sunlight.


    Su Qing, who was wearing a singleyer of clothing, went outside and was awoken by a st of cold wind.


    After breakfast, Su Qing asked the guard casually, ��Is Qing Lian still in her room?��


    ��Yes! She hasn��t left in two days!��


    Su Qing raised his eyebrows. In ordance with their n, Dingzhou, Qingzhou, and Pingzhou were in the middle of rebelling.


    Although Great Xia was now at its weakest, it had been a dominant force for hundreds of years. This was something that was ingrained in the minds of its citizens.


    Although he had been nning for many years, most of the volunteer soldiers weremoners who found life unbearable.


    Those who were well trained were fewer than 10,000.


    There were many things to take care of, and they had to take each step carefully.


    However, sinceing back from Dayao, not only did Qing Lian not share the burden, but she stayed in her room for up to a month. She spent her time reading books that nobody else could understand as well as drawing and writing every day.


    Qing Lian seemed to have be a different person after her trip to Dayao.


    Did something happen to her there?


    After considering for a long time, Su Qing decided to talk to her.


    In terms of knowledge and ideas, Qing Lian was a great help. Her lifespan was shorter than an ordinary warrior��s, she was a woman, and she was unlikely to be a threat to him.


    He went to her room and knocked on the door.


    There was no response.


    However, he heard a slight knocking sound from inside.


    ��Qing Lian!�� Su Qing raised his voice.


    ��Come in!�� A pleasant female voice came from the room.


    Upon opening the door, Su Qing saw a dishevelled looking Qing Lian sitting at the table and holding a needle. She threw it on the table and then recorded something on a piece of paper.


    After that, she took the needle and threw it all over again.


    Su Qing felt that she had gone crazy. He had never seen her in such an untidy state with dishevelled hair and a dirty face. When she asionally turned her head, he could see her bloodshot eyes. It seemed like she hadn��t rested since the day before.


    ��What are you doing?�� Su Qing went forward and asked. He saw a piece of paper on the table that was filled with horizontal lines.


    Qing Lian was throwing a silver needle at it repeatedly.


    ��I��m researching a problem. These horizontal lines are two inches apart and the silver needle is one and a half inches long. What is the probability of the silver needlending on a line.��


    Qing Lian continued her throwing action as she spoke and soon gasped in wonder.


    ��After trying more than 3,000 times, the result is as mentioned in the book. It��s amazing!��


    Su Qing said in a serious tone, ��I have something to discuss with you.��


    ��Wait! I need to write down the remaining results first,�� Qing Lian said without raising her head.


    After a long while, Qing Lian put down her brush, stretched, leaned back against her chair, and saidnguidly, ��What is the matter?��


    ��What are you doing every day?�� Su Qing stood further away and looked at her.


    ��You will not understand even if I tell you!�� Qing Lian said indolently. She even yawned.


    Su Qing knitted his eyebrows even more tightly.


    He had already told her once before, but Qing Lian replied the same way, making him upset.


    ��Important events are starting to happen. Sinceing back from Dayao, you have been doing these things every day and totally stopped caring about other things. Qing Lian, don��t forget your agreement with me.�� Su Qing pointed at the things on the table with disapproval.


    This time, Qing Lian raised her head and looked at him attentively, ��Well, do you think what I��m doing is useless?��


    ��That��s right!�� Su Qing suppressed his anger and replied.


    Qing Lian stood up from her chair, walked to the window, and stretched out her hand. A cold blue light shed as a sword appeared in her hand.


    She turned to look at Su Qing and said, ��I know you have a technique set called [Opening the Rain Gates]. Why not use it against me and see whether I can block it? My back will be facing you!��


    ��Are you crazy?�� Su Qing turned green.


    ��Whether I��m crazy or not, try it and you will know. Aren��t you trying to find out what I��m doing every day?�� Qing Lian crinkled her eyes into crescents and smiled.


    Su Qing grew even angrier when he saw her smiling.


    How dare a sword ve like her, who depended on a sword and had no other ability, look down on him?


    ��Wait!�� Qing Lian suddenly shouted before continuing, ��We better go outside and fight. It would be a shame if these things got damaged.��


    This made Su Qing even angrier, but he still restrained himself and retorted, ��Fine!��


    Although he wasn��t as powerful as Qing Lian, he decided to teach her a lesson if she was going to try to block his move with her back facing him.


    The two of them left the room.


    Qing Lian stood in the middle of the courtyard, held her sword upside down while facing away from Su Qing, and said, ��Start your move.��


    ��Be careful!�� Su Qing warned her.


    [Opening the Rain Gates] was one of the three killing techniques from his n. As the name implied, it was like raining from heaven.


    Su Qing didn��t appear to carry any weapons, but suddenly, tens of thousands of silver bristles shot out from his hand. It was like a heavy rain heading for Qing Lian.


    Even an ant would have trouble finding shelter from this rain, let alone a human.


    Silver streaks came from the sword that was held upside down in her right hand. Sounds resembling pearls rattling in a basin and sounds resembling a plucked pipa were ringing out in midair.


    When Su Qing saw that Qing Lian wasn��t budging an inch, he turned pale and said with a startled look, ��Impossible. How did you do this?��


    This was one of the three killing techniques from his n, and it had defeated countless experts. How was it possible for Qing Lian to counter it when her back was facing him?


    With some perspiration on her forehead, Qing Lian sheathed her sword excitedly and said proudly, ��I calcted it. This mathematical method is really amazing! Your [Opening the Rain Gates] seems toe directly from the sky, but it follows a sequential path that obeys an underlying rule. As long as I can calcte the probability of the path of every drop, I can counter your move.��


    Su Qing listened with bewilderment.


    ��Obviously, it��s easy to say, but the calctions are troublesome. To calcte the path of the drops based on your angle of attack and your wrist movements is tedious. I know you very well, so I calcted your move beforehand and was able to block it. If other people were to use this move on me, I wouldn��t be able to do the calctions in such a short amount of time.��


    Qing Lian softened her tone in order to pacify Su Qing.


    Otherwise, the old geezer from his n would find every way to kill her.


    Su Qing��s face was green because he had almost been frightened to death. It was simply terrifying that his move had been blocked by a person facing away from him.


    He was dubious of the exnation given by Qing Lian.


    He finally let out a long breath after a long time.


    ��Even so, the most important thing now is the uprising. The previous generation has nned for many years and we have been preparing for so long, not to mention those who put their lives on the line. Do you know what is important?��


    In a blink, Qing Lian said cheerfully, ��This can easily be done. Send all the information to my room and I will give you a report in three days.��


    Three dayster, Su Qing received a stack of papers that was filled with data.


    The time required for the court to recruit soldiers, the amount of soldiers and rations, the response time of the court, and the dispatching ofmanders to various ces were reported in terms of percentages based on probability.


    Even the number of soldiers needed to attack a route, the time required, and the probability of sess were reported in percentages.


    Su Qing had only one question after reading everything. How was this possible?


    How did she do it?


    How realistic were these projections?


    At this time, Qing Lian was sleeping soundly in her room. She was rather tired.


    In her arms, she was tightly hugging a book titled <em>Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics </em>.


    ��Well, if he wasn��t imed by that woman, I would certainly snatch him! Then, all the books would be mine�� Hehe!��

 Chapter 766 - The Witch

    Chapter 766: The Witch


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian carried Lin Qiaole and carefully looked for a ce where no one was present before returning to Earth.


    Just before he disappeared, he saw a red streak in his line of sight.


    Ren Baqian left with a smile.


    He had managed to evade that rascal again.


    He still didn��t know why his trips between the two worlds were so attractive to the bichi that it was still hanging around him after all this time.


    Plus, it would appear every time.


    This made Ren Baqian suspect that it might be able to predict the future.


    Alternatively, it might be some kind of intuition that wild animals possessed.


    His trips wouldst between two and seven days.


    Traveling between worlds would take less than a second.


    It was amazing that the bichi would appear every time.


    Fortunately, it was greatly affected after entering the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Ren Baqian had a 50 percent chance of evading it and a 50 percent chance of it catching up with him.


    Ren Baqian returned to Earth with a smile and threw Lin Qiaole on the floor. He carefully observed her pupils and saw the green glow diminishing and copsing.


    It was as if there was a ck hole sucking in the green light.


    Lin Qiaole became momentarily confused as her eyes drifted without any focus.


    Subsequently, she managed to focus her gaze on Ren Baqian.


    She wanted to sit, but discovered that she was tied up tightly.


    As the rope passed between her legs, the rubbing made her whole body feel itchy as red welts appeared on her skin. Her tail moved up and down like a broom sweeping the floor.


    ��Who tied me? Why was I tied up?�� Lin Qiaole widened her eyes in confusion.


    ��Are you awake?�� Ren Baqian asked casually as he sat on the bed and looked at her.


    ��It seems�� like I was dreaming!�� Lin Qiaole said with uncertainty.


    ��What did you dream about?�� Ren Baqian asked eagerly.


    Lin Qiaole tried hard to recall and answered, ��I dreamed about having a lot of food to eat����


    ��As expected���� Ren Baqian rubbed his chin silently. Originally, there was some stubble there, but after cultivating, his body was hairless from top to bottom. He had be a slippery warrior.


    ��Who tied me and why?�� Lin Qiaole widened her eyes and asked again.


    ��It��s good that you are awake���� Ren Baqian found a knife and cut the rope. After that, Lin Qiaole broke free from the rest of the ropes and sat up.


    Her gray tail was still rubbing against the floor.


    Due to her movements, the cloth that Ren Baqian put on her fell off.


    ��Eh? Howe they are bigger?�� Lin Qiaole stroked her chest and looked confused. ��Why do I have a tail? I seem to have seen this tail in my dream����


    Ren Baqian saw her nk face and knew she didn��t know much. She was also dirty, so Ren Baqian simply said, ��Go and take a shower!��


    Lin Qiaole took off her clothes as she walked to the bathroom. She was butt-naked before going inside.


    Originally, she looked like a 17 or 18 year old girl who hadn��t grown up. Now, however, her curves were in the right ces and were appropriately convex or concave. Her whole body was exquisite and delicate, arousing anyone with a single look.


    Ren Baqian was totally unmoved,y down on the bed, and listened to the sound of water from the bathroom. Soon, Lin Qiaole came out of the bathroom.


    She had a special way of getting rid of the water on her; she spun her body like a gyro.


    It was hard to see clearly.


    The water flew all over the room.


    His face was sprayed with water, and his only impression was that a pink streak went across.


    He couldn��t help it; the eyes of humans would always see things that protruded.


    This was especially so when the thing also wobbled.


    ��Wear these!�� Ren Baqian threw Lin Qiaole a t-shirt and a set of his sportswear. Then, he took out his phone and went downstairs.


    He heard some noises from below, and those fellows were drinking again.


    When he came down, he saw Ren Wannian drinking with six winged cavalry warriors.


    A few years had gone by in the blink of an eye, and it was the autumn of 2025 on Earth. Ren Wannian had already known these winged cavalry warriors for a few years.


    During these two years, Ren Wannian and Ding Jie had been frequently bringing them to Wuji City, which was under construction.


    Over the past few years, Ren Wannian and Ding Jie had be much tougher while the winged cavalry warriors here had also changed drastically.


    ��Elder brother!��


    ��Lady boss!��


    Everyone stood up after seeing Ren Baqiane down.


    Ren Baqian, who hadn��t seen Ren Wannian in half a year, noticed that his brother had grown a moustache and was looking a bit older than him.


    ��Brother, why are you bald? What is on your body?�� Ren Wannian inquired. He had stayed in Wuji City for half a year and just returned recently, only to discover that his brother had gone bald and that his body was as shiny as metal!


    Ren Baqian was hurt as these words touched a sore spot.


    ��Take a seat. How are things over there?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Although he would get to hear of the status over there whenever he came back, it wasn��t as good as hearing it personally from Ren Wannian, who had just returned.


    ��Look at the real thing!�� Ren Wannian took out one small and one big box. The big box was filled with water, and the two boxes were joined together. Then, he pressed the top a few times and a white mist came out of the big box.


    With the mist acting as a screen, images appeared in midair.


    ��Switch off the lights!�� Ren Wannian ordered as he smiled at Ren Baqian. ��This fog projector is thetest. Its image is more stable than the previous one, but it still looks better in the dark.��


    Ren Baqian had seen this type of equipment before, but hadn��t paid much attention to it.


    Right now, he was only concentrating on the images floating in the mist while listening to Ren Wannian��s exnation.


    At this time, the construction of the central part of the 50 square kilometers of Wuji City had almost beenpleted. The only thingscking were some greenery and living facilities.


    These facilities were expected to be finished within half a year.


    The rest of the infrastructure would be built afterward.


    Furthermore, the first batch of residents had already moved in.


    This batch of residents consisted of military personnel who were selected to learn martial arts and top martial arts experts who were invited along with their families.


    This batch of people went through six years of selection and training, and there were 50,000 of them in total.


    Among them were about 5,000 Man Wheel experts.


    In terms of numbers, this was a very high proportion.


    Furthermore, these 50,000 people were carefully selected, were of above-average talent, and arge proportion of them were either elite soldiers or from the special forces.


    After looking at the situation in various parts of the city, Ren Wannian showed a picture of one of the buildings and said, ��This is our building that covers 160,000 square meters. The bottom five floors are shopping mall stores, the sixth to eighth floors are martial arts halls, the ninth and tenth floors are entertainment centers, the eleventh to fourteenth floors are restaurants, bars, and lodging areas, and the fifteenth to seventeenth floors are reserved areas. Elder brother, your vi is the eighteenth floor and is a garden in the sky.��


    ��However, this building hasn��t been named yet!��


    ��Just call it Qiren Building!�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��We will do as you say!�� Ren Wannian wrote down the name and smiled.


    Ady who came out of nowhere appeared in the hall and said in a whining tone, ��Hey, I��m hungry!��


    Ren Wannian turned his head sharply and was surprised to see a prettydy with seductive and sexy looks, but a face that appeared innocent.


    Furthermore, thisdy was talking to Ren Baqian.


    <em>What a witch! </em>This thought immediately popped into the mind of Ren Wannian. She wasn��t an outstanding beauty, but with her seductive and sexy ways as well as her innocent face, it was hard to find another woman who gave off two such conflicting feelings.


    This woman was really bewitching! She wasn��t that different from his sister-inw.


    Most important of all, by wearing Ren Baqian��s t-shirt and sportswear, she exposed her two long legs.


    It was hard for people not to fantasize about them.


    The six winged cavalry warriors looked at her and then at Ren Baqian before their faces changed.


    ��Who are you?�� they asked.


    Lin Qiaole wasn��t familiar with them and replied sweetly, ��None of your business!��


    Ren Wannian suddenly eximed, ��Oh, no!��


    Enraged, they roared, ��You dare to snatchdy boss from the boss? Kill her!��


    A momentter, a storm erupted in the room.

 Chapter 767 - A Great Era is About to Begin

    Chapter 767: A Great Era is About to Begin


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This is just a misunderstanding. Don��t hurt them.�� Ren Baqian simply sat there.


    One winged cavalry warrior jumped up and got dismissed very quickly.


    The rest of them couldn��t clearly see what was happening. After hearing a few banging sounds, Lin Qiaole pinned all of the winged cavalry warriors down with their faces on the ground.


    After she pinned them down, she immediately released her grip while looking very rxed.


    ��This is Librarian Lin! You guys have met her before!�� Ren Baqian introduced.


    These few winged cavalry warriors rubbed their noses as they stood up and looked at Lin Qiaole in astonishment before asking, ��You have grown so big in just a few years?��


    Since all Lin Qiaole knew was eating and sleeping, she had no recollection of these winged cavalry warriors.


    On the other hand, most of them knew her.


    ��Get the kitchen to prepare some food for her. Tell them to make more food because I��m a little hungry as well,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    At present, these winged cavalry warriors had gotten pretty good at ying mobile games.


    Although they didn��t know how to type, they knew how to y games with their phones.


    ��Sit here and behave yourself.�� Ren Baqian pointed at the sofa, and Lin Qiaole simply sat there quietly. No one would be able to tell from her looks that she could be as fierce as when she had pinned them down earlier.


    In less than three minutes, he could see that she was fighting to stay awake.


    She curled up on the sofa and immediately fell asleep.


    Ren Wannian nced across and couldn��t take his eyes off of her when he saw a tail beneath Lin Qiaole��s clothes. Could this girl be ying some secret game with his brother upstairs? Why did it seem to him like this tail was some sort of a plug?


    ��Continue!�� Ren Baqian gestured toward Ren Wannian and woke him up from his wild imagination, prompting him to continue with his exnation.


    Previously, Ren Baqian managed to obtain five square kilometers ofnd in Wuji City. Apart from three percent of thend, which would be used to construct this building, the remainingnd would be used to build a car-freemercial zone, arge arena that could amodate 30,000 people, a small hospital, eightmercial buildings, and a small neighborhood.


    The small neighborhood would have a total area of one square kilometer. It wouldprise of 30 apartment buildings that were each six stories tall. Every level would have ess to two elevators and would consist of four units, providing a total of 720 units.


    The apartment buildings would only take up 17 percent of the neighborhood��snd area.


    In front of every apartment building would be a small martial arts practice square. The small neighborhood would also include fourrge practice squares and a za.


    Ren Baqian intended to use this space like an army camp.


    The footprint of these construction projects would take up a total of 2.2 square kilometers.


    The remainingnd would be used to build a two square kilometer park.


    ��Well done.�� After understanding the entire picture, Ren Baqian praised Ren Wannian.


    ��Brother, you don��t know how afraid Ding Jie and I are these days. We are afraid that problems will arise,�� Ren Wannian said as he looked up at the ceiling. He had just graduated from university when he undertook this project and Ding Jie had still been a student. It was simply terrifying for them to handle such a big responsibility.


    ��It��s all thanks to Shen Feng. If not for her, we would definitely have been caught unprepared.�� Ren Wannian shook his head and shuddered, thinking back to the fear and helplessness they felt when they undertook this project.


    ��There were also many other people who helped a great deal, such as the designers, foremen, material procurers, etc����


    ��Don��t make it sound so terrifying. In reality, most of the work was done by professionals. The two of you were merely in charge of liaising and calling the shots when I wasn��t around.�� Ren Baqian burst outughing.


    It was very simply put, but it was extremely stifling for the two youngsters to oversee the development of such arge area as well as billions of dors in transactions.


    Even though they had the support of professionals and the nation, if someone else were to do the job, they probably would have copsed a long time ago.


    Ren Wannian then ced five pieces of paper on the table. Ren Baqian took a nce and saw that they were the curriculum vitae of five people. If his memory served him right, these people had been recruited over thest few years and were currently in charge of one of hispanies that was responsible for the development of Wuji City.


    ��What? Is there a problem?��


    ��These four people are corrupt. The smallest embezzlement among them was 2 million RMB, whereas this guy, who has the most guts, embezzled 17 million RMB. As for the other person, I��m guessing that he��s a spy.��


    Ren Wannian didn��t look too pleased about this. After all, it was he and Ding Jie who managed thepany these days and recruited those people. Out of seven managers, five of them were problematic. They weren��t simply daring, but they acted this way only because the two of them weren��t capable enough to keep them under control.


    ��Oh, very daring indeed.�� Ren Baqianughed. He didn��t seem bothered about such matters.


    He continued, ��We arew-abiding citizens. Just report these matters to the police. If we let the police handle the four of them, then surely nobody else will dare to y around with such matters again. As for the spy, leave it to the Messier 87 department. They are the professionals. Have there been any important issuestely?��


    ��There��s another thing. The country established a department called the Department of Physical Education Management. There is already definite news about it, and they will release the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Stage Cultivation] throughout society and all primary schools starting early next year,�� Ren Wannian answered.


    Ren Baqian��s rxed expression started to freeze up a little before he pensively said, ��It��s finally starting.��


    The name of the department sounded very mundane.


    However, its importance was sky-high.


    A great era was about to begin.


    There was no telling what impact it would bring.


    At the earliest, it would take a year. At thetest, it might take three to five years for changes to ur in this world.


    It seemed like the nation had already made preparations for it.


    Later on, Ren Baqian found out more about the martial arts center situation. Currently, there were already three centers and over 4,000 students. Out of these, over 200 of the brightest had attained the Man Wheel level. The strongest student had already attained the middle tier of the Man Wheel level. His talent was pretty outstanding, seemingly on par with those experts that the country had been cultivating.


    These people were the seeds of the future.


    ��


    ��Ah! Ah! Ah!�� Early next morning, the entire vi heard ady screaming on the second floor.


    With a toothbrush in his mouth, Ren Baqian arrived at the room that was full of snacks. Like a mouse in a granary, Lin Qiaole hadn��t stepped out of this room ever since she went in the day before.


    However, she wasn��t as excited now as she had beenst night. She looked pretty dull, and her hands were ced on her chest.


    ��They are gone�� They are gone�� They are gone!�� Lin Qiaole panicked when she saw Ren Baqian approaching.


    He fixed his gaze upon her and saw that her seductive looks had reverted back into her originally delicate and pretty face.


    Her C cup bosom had also shrunk back into an A cup.


    She grew shorter as well.


    She had entirely reverted to her original self.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his chin and was surprised that she had actually reverted to her original self. He was unsure if it was because of the jade-waisted ves that she had eaten or if it was rted to the herdsman.


    Regardless of what it was, she seemed to havepletely broken away from the herdsman��s influence, which was good news.


    ��What should I do? See, they are gone!�� Lin Qiaole panicked.


    ��They seem to have shrunk. There is still a chance for them to grow in the future,�� Ren Baqian consoled.


    Lin Qiaole sniffed when she heard this. Her pretty and delicate face looked as if she was about to cry.


    Little did he expect that this girl actually cared about the size of her bosom.

 Chapter 768 - The Author Can’t Make Up a Title Again

    Chapter 768: The Author Can��t Make Up a Title Again


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After seeing Lin Qiaole in her current state, the winged cavalry warriors became more friendly.


    ��So, you are Librarian Lin!��


    Even though Ren Baqian had already mentioned this before, after seeing this little girl with a pair of A��s, everyone felt more familiar with her.


    After all, the sight of her sleeping and drooling while being tied to a chair had already been etched into their minds long ago.


    The only thing that they were puzzled about was how she had reverted to her old self in just one night.


    Both her figure and her looks had regressed.


    Seeing that Lin Qiaole was in so much grief since her bosom shrank back to an A cup, Ren Baqian decided to take her out for a treat.


    He reserved an entire dessert stall.


    In reality, she didn��t need to turn her grief into appetite. She hesitated for three seconds after seeing the desserts before suddenly forgetting all about her C cup bosom.


    After wiping out all of the desserts, Lin Qiaole got back in the car with that sobbing look on her face again and asked, ��What should I do? They are gone����


    ��Are you nning to finish another dessert stall?�� Ren Baqian looked at her.


    After his wordsnded, her eyes immediately wandered around as she replied, ��I just feel very distressed!��


    ��Let me tell you, I used this trick when I was five!�� Ren Baqian grinned.


    When he was five, there was one time when his father forgot to pick him up from kindergarten. All the other kids had gone home, and he was the only one left, so he cried nonstop. It was a kindergarten of the armed forces. When a soldier working in the kitchen saw him crying terribly, he gave Ren Baqian a Chinese pear.


    Young Ren Baqian found it very delicious and wanted more of it. He didn��t know other methods of getting it and simply continued crying again.


    When his father came to pick him up, Ren Baqian hadn��t managed to get a second pear yet.


    This incident left him with an extremely strong sense of loss.


    When he saw Lin Qiaole acting like this, he immediately recalled that incident.


    She was using the same trick that he used back then!


    After spending two days on Earth, Ren Baqian finally returned to Dayao after stockpiling a lot of White Rabbit Creamy Candy and urging the winged cavalry warriors to take good care of Lin Qiaole.


    Lin Qiaole had already fallen once. Problems would definitely arise if she were toe in contact with that herdsman again. He could have met up with the other herdsmen after escaping, and it was better to leave her on Earth.


    Of course, asking the winged cavalry warriors to take care of her was simply a casual remark.


    If there was a ce for her to sleep and White Rabbit Creamy Candy to eat, Ren Baqian reckoned that Lin Qiaole would still be there as long as it wasn��t the end of the world.


    Upon returning to Dayao, he saw that the forest had already been cleared. All of the trees had been piled up together with the bodies that were exhumed. Everything was burned to ashes in a huge fire.


    Seeing that he had returned, the empress checked behind him and didn��t see Lin Qiaole.


    ��Where is she?��


    ��She stayed behind on Earth,�� Ren Baqian exined to her.


    ��So, she reverted to her original self. It seems like there was a time limit for her ��transformation.�� I feel that this could be rted to the jade-waisted ves that she ate.��


    Upon speaking of them, the empress didn��t seem too pleased about it. Each jade-waisted ve was a person��s life. At that point, what difference was there between eating a man and a demonic butterfly? Regardless, all of them had been her people.


    However, she wouldn��t me Lin Qiaole for this.


    The ze had burned half of the trees and corpses. A portion of the troops stayed behind to keep watch while the others headed to the next destination.


    Three dayster, the empress ordered Xi Wanya, the Protector General of the South, to immediately set off for the Sixty Thousand Mountains. He was tasked to lead the inspection of the conditions of the mountain viges.


    In addition, she transferred ten men over from the Ministry of Revenue and nned to give them two years to record the conditions of the viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    After this was settled, she wanted to establish an administrative system for the household registry. In the future, the establishment and migration of all viges in the mountains needed to be registered. This was to prevent such urrences from happening again, where millions of people had disappeared undetected.


    The empress had another n, which was to establish two new protectorates. One would be the Yun Protectorate and the other would be the Protectorate of the Ancient South.


    The first one would naturally be for governing the Yun Nation, while the second one would be responsible for the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    In the past, everyone thought that the dangers in the mountains revolved around cmities and fearsome beasts. After this incident, they realized that there were other enemies hidden within.


    Two dayster.


    They were nearing their destination.


    The leading troops hooted like an owl. It started off long and drawn-out and gradually became fleeting.


    After 30 minutes had passed, the winged cavalry came and reported, ��Your Majesty, the person who was deployed to scout this area hasn��t shown up.��


    ��Find him!�� The empress frowned. This wasn��t a good sign.


    After searching for the entire afternoon, they found an odd forest several kilometers away, but the person who was sent here for reconnaissance was nowhere in sight.


    This meant that the scouting winged cavalry warrior had probably already fallen into the hands of their enemy.


    At nightfall, they discovered something that gave everyone a bad premonition.


    The jade-waisted ves didn��t appear in that odd forest.


    ��Your Majesty, I reckon that the herdsman of this forest has already received news and escaped,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress stayed silent for some time before looking at Qi Ziting and saying, ��Brother, take your men and stay here for another day. I��ll head to another ce.��


    ��If the demonic butterflies still don��t appear tomorrow�� then destroy this forest,�� she added.


    Every herdsman had a forest like this, and the jade-waisted ves would appear there every night. Combining these two urrences, they started to suspect that the forests could be the butterflies�� source of food or a condition for their survival.


    Even though they weren��t sure of the actual situation, they were certain that these forests held a significance that was extremely important to the herdsmen and their jade-waisted ves.


    ��Understood!�� Qi Ziting nodded. ��You be careful as well. You are the empress. Others can afford to run into danger, but you can��t!��


    That same night, Ren Baqian and the empress took 600 men and proceeded to their next destination.


    A weekter, just as they were about to cross a mountain ridge, Ren Baqian suddenly saw that the sky ahead had cleared up.


    As if the sky had cleared up after a storm, the colors of a beautiful spring day had returned.


    ��Wait up!�� Ren Baqian was riding on the crow general��s back and looked down at the foot of the mountain behind him. It was gloomy everywhere and had ack of color.


    He then looked ahead at the scenery that was full of vitality.


    ��We are finally out!�� Ren Baqian burst out intoughter.


    ��I couldn��t even lift my mood in that wretched ce.��


    The others started looking more rxed as well.


    After they had stayed in that gloomy ce for so long, even their minds were getting hazy.


    It was just like how an ordinary person would feel better during good weather and have a stronger fighting spirit, but would feel inexplicably more downhearted during a rainy day. People would somehow be affected by the weather.


    ��Continue on our journey,�� the empress ordered. The party subsequently started urging their mounts to go down the mountain.


    <em>Thump, thump! </em>As they reached the foot of the mountain, they felt an abrupt tremor from the ground. The sound of a series of collisions suddenly burst out from the woods ahead, and the trees in the distance started to topple.


    ��Raise your guard!�� the soldiers ahead immediately shouted.


    As the trees fell, a huge monster charged out of the forest.


    It was a seven meter tall beast that looked like a rhinoceros with three horns on its head.


    Ren Baqian felt that it looked more like a dinosaur than a rhinoceros.


    This fearsome beast dashed out about 200 meters before turning back and bellowing at the forest.


    Soon after, an evenrger beast appeared.


    A ten meter tall silverback gori uprooted a huge tree and threw it at the rhinoceros.


    ��Sss�� It��s King Kong!�� Ren Baqian took a deep breath.


    He didn��t expect to run into a conflict between beasts just when they departed the mountain.


    However, the fight ended very quickly. With bystanders looking at them, these beasts didn��t fight to the death. The rhinoceros escaped with the silverback gori also choosing not to give chase. It merely roared a few times at them and mmed its gigantic fists on the ground, creating a pit with every strike.


    After this intimidation effort, the gori finally retreated into the forest.


    ��Your Majesty, how strong were those beasts?�� Ren Baqian asked after pondering for a bit. Judging by that gori��s might, he reckoned that its fists would crush him and that even mastering the [Yang Boosting Technique] would be useless.


    ��Visually, I would estimate it to be at the initial stage of the Cardinal Heaven level,�� the empress simply replied faintly and wasn��t too surprised.


    She then called one of the winged cavalry warriors over and asked, ��What is our location?��


    ��Your Majesty, it��ll take us slightly more than a day to reach the valley.��


    ��Lead the way!��

 Chapter 769 - Missing Their Target

    Chapter 769: Missing Their Target


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On the way to the destination, perhaps due to leaving that deste ce, the roaring emperor was obviously very excited, digging holes along the way and asionally roaring at the sky.


    This small body produced the roar of a big beast that resembled rumbling thunder. Leaves were sent flying into the air by the sound waves, leaving the birds and beasts in the forest shivering.


    The roars from other animals in the distance seemed to be some kind of warning.


    They were obviously Cardinal Heaven level animals and regarded the roaring emperor as being in the same ss as them.


    When the team was taking a break, Ren Baqian held it by the nape and knocked its testicles. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind, <em>Is this the deep part of the Sixty Thousand Mountains?</em>


    This ce was about one and a half month��s journey from the Ya Family vige.


    Although it was in the middle of the mountains, everyone was riding on a mount and traveling at a fast pace. They were crossing more than 30 kilometers per day, which equated to about 1,500 kilometers in one and a half months.


    In China, the distance from the capital to Shanghai was around 1,200 kilometers.


    ��This should already be deep inside. The depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains were just a description. Generally speaking, a journey of half a month inside is considered to be in the periphery, between half a month and two months is the middle region, and anything more than that is considered the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.��


    The empress saw Ren Baqian using his hand to knock the testicles of the roaring emperor and then reach out to her with the same hand. She immediately used her fingers to hold his wrist and caused Ren Baqian to spin around like a gyro a few times.


    ��Don��t use that hand to touch me!�� the empress said disgustedly.


    Ren Baqian conveniently threw the roaring emperor aside. It sat on the ground looking nkly at its testicles and then raised its head to roar at the sky.


    Halfway through its roar, the crow general stepped on the ground with its foot. However, when the crow general raised its foot, only a hole could be seen in the ground.


    Another hole suddenly appeared a dozen meters away as the roaring emperor poked its head out of this hole to roar again.


    The crow general was annoyed by this noisy chap and tried to stomp it with a foot.


    The roaring emperor poked his head out from five or six meters away again.


    Without much effort, the ground was filled with a dozen holes.


    Ren Baqian watched the two animals y Whack-A-Mole[1.Whack-A-Mole: A popr arcade redemption game invented in 1976 by Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering] while asking the empress, ��Could it be that there are countless Cardinal Heaven experts over here? And that the number of Kismet Heaven experts is as numerous as dogs on Earth?��


    Along this stretch alone, at least four Cardinal Heaven beasts had been rmed by the roars.


    Furthermore, the distance covered was less than one day of travel.


    ��Even in the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, Cardinal Heaven experts are scarce, but Cardinal Heaven level beasts are certainly a little moremon than elsewhere.��


    This ce was deste and uninhabited, so it was unsurprising to find a few more Cardinal Heaven level animals.


    In fact, most parts of the Sixty Thousand Mountains hadn��t been explored.


    The aboriginals only upied a small area, and those Cardinal Heaven experts faced all kinds of crises.


    As a result, nothing they encountered was surprising to them.


    ��


    It wasn��t until noon the next day that they reached the valley.


    ��Your Majesty, this is the ce,�� announced the winged cavalry warrior who was leading the way.


    The empress stood in front of the valley and remarked, ��These fellows always like this type of lifeless ce.��


    Even though they hadn��t stepped inside, everyone felt that this valley was different from others.


    There was a familiar air of lifelessness.


    There weren��t many trees in the valley and strange looking rocks were everywhere. Deep inside was a pool with an eerie forest around it.


    Standing at the entrance of the valley, a person could almost see the whole valley.


    When it was getting dark, everyone waited outside the valley for the jade-waisted ves to appear.


    They waited until the two moons intersected in the sky, but there was still no sign of them.


    ��It looks like the herdsman has left,�� Ren Baqian said calmly as he and the empress sat side by side on a stone.


    Their quarry had escaped, but this didn��t surprise them.


    In fact, they were already prepared for this oue.


    Although these herdsmen had isted themselves, they weren��t fools. They wouldn��t stay in their original ce and wait to be destroyed when they knew that people were looking for them.


    This confirmed that these herdsmen had left after receiving the news.


    What the herdsmen were most likely to do was to gather in unexplored ces and wait for these people to leave.


    Alternatively, they could prepare for a counter-attack, which was the worst case scenario.


    ��If they hide, it will be hard to find them again,�� the empress said with a worried look.


    Even if these herdsmen were to hide, their food source was still the aboriginals, which were the hosts for the jade-waisted ves.


    <em>If only we couldunch a satellite! </em>This wild thought popped into his mind.


    It was a pity that the ability tounch a satellite was too far in the future.


    30 or 50 years might be required for this wish toe true.


    After the two of them sat down for a while, the empress ordered twodies from Mount Gongmu to check what was going on from the sky.


    In less than a quarter of an hour, the two colorful birds were seen flying in a panic overhead.


    ��Help!�� The twodies from Mount Gongmu were yelling for help from the sky.


    The two colorful birds seemed to be free-falling from the sky as hundreds of palm-sized ck birds took turns pecking at the colorful birds.


    When the colorful birds hit the ground, there were 20 to 30 of these ck birds that refused to let go and still had their beaks embedded in the bodies of the colorful birds.


    In the darkness, everyone spent some time to repel these small birds and save the two colorful birds that were filled with cuts and bruises.


    Ren Baqian picked up the dead ck birds and found that they resembled bats and also somewhat looked like pterosaurs. Their beaks were short and full of small sharp teeth, they had a mammal-like tail, and their wings consisted of a thin membrane with small ws at the front.


    This was again a case of animals that weren��t strong, but were overpowering because of their quantity.


    They were especially hard to handle in the darkness of the night sky.


    With this type of animals lurking above, it was hard to survey from the sky.


    They stayed for three days and cleared the forest in hopes of finding any traces left behind by the herdsman, but nothing was found.


    Together with his subordinates, Qi Ziting also caught up from behind.


    When Ren Baqian saw him, he also saw a ferocious beast that looked like a rhinoceros.


    Ren Baqian spent a lot of effort to distinguish the original meat from the different types of meat brought by the winged cavalry.


    After hearing that the herdsman had disappeared, Qi Ziting couldn��t help but raise his eyebrows and say, ��It seems like they have all escaped. This time, it��s not going to be easy to find them! The area is so vast that it��ll take more than a year tob through the entire mountain. It��s practically impossible to find someone here!��


    ��No matter the situation, we��ll talk again after we head to the other two ces.�� The empress didn��t want to resign herself to fate.


    Previously, she had hoped that these herdsmen wouldn��t gather together, but now, she was hoping that they were gathered somewhere and waiting for the aboriginals to arrive.


    This would certainly be better than the herdsmen disappearing into the vast and remote woods.

 Chapter 770 - Kadsura Coccinea Forest

    Chapter 770: Kadsura Cinea Forest


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    They separated into two groups. A few dayster, Ren Baqian and the empress arrived at the final location. As expected, they didn��t find anything.


    The herdsman here was also missing.


    ��Spread out to search and see whether there are any traces. Watch out for those ferocious beasts and do not provoke them,�� the empress ordered.


    The feathers hadn��t regrown on the two miserable-looking colorful birds, but they were released into the sky again.


    Less than two hourster, one of the colorful birds returned with Gong Xing jumping down from the sky and reporting, ��Your Majesty, there��s a forest to the southeast that��s full of kadsura cinea trees.��


    ��Wow!�� Ren Baqian, who was sitting there massaging his legs, stood up instantly and asked, ��A grove of kadsura cinea trees?��


    ��Yes, at least hundreds of them!�� Gong Xing said.


    ��Good stuff!�� Ren Baqian pped excitedly.


    This fruit wasn��t only delicious, it also nourished the mind. When he was traveling to Tianjing Basinst year, he spent a lot of effort and only managed to find a few. He didn��t expect to find such a forest here.


    Now that the first part of the [Yang Boosting Technique] had beenpleted, his focus was on the second volume of the [Ancient Scroll of Methods]. However, his progress in the first step of the [Recuperation Technique], which was visualizing the five elements, had hit a wall. There had been no progress for months. No matter how he visualized, everything eventually copsed into nothingness.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was due to his mind being too weak.


    Following repeated visualizations, the visualized objects existed for a slightly longer period than before. He was getting more familiar with the visualization method, but to get the visualized objects to exist permanently was still a distant dream.


    He didn��t know when he would be able toplete this step.


    To find a forest such as this one was like finding charcoal in the snow.


    ��Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian turned to look at the empress and said, ��I will take a look.��


    ��I wille along!�� The empress gave the eerie forest in the distance a sweeping nce and decided that it was pointless to stay here. Even if she asked the winged cavalry to search, it still wouldn��t help.


    With Gong Xing leading the way, the two of them and their escorts took six hours to reach a hill.


    On the hillside was a patch of forest where the tree leaves were asrge as fans.


    asionally, one or two white fruits could be seen among the leaves.


    ��They are indeed kadsura cineas. Furthermore, they are also ripe!�� Ren Baqian was overjoyed. ��Haha! They are all mine! With these kadsura cineas, I can break through the first step.��


    He felt like someone who had won a 50 million dor grand prize.


    Afterughing, Ren Baqian looked at the empress beside him and held her hand, saying, ��Your Majesty, all of this is yours!��


    ��Fancy saying that now. Don��t try to fool me!�� the empress said.


    She was used to his sweet talk and was immune to it.


    ��These things will be really beneficial to your cultivation! However, we need to deal with something else in this forest.��


    The empress then took a step forward with great momentum. Rustling sounds were immediately heard in the forest.


    Thousands of snakes with kaleidoscopic colors reared up their heads in the trees and thrusted their tongues in the direction of the group.


    ��No wonder the kadsura cinea here haven��t been plucked and eaten!�� Ren Baqian was stunned. He had discovered the snakes before, but didn��t realize that there were so many.


    Although kadsura cineas weren��t considered a treasure, they were rare. They grew slowly, were scarce, and were loved by apes and other beasts.


    It was said that eating kadsura cineas opened up the minds of ferocious beasts.


    Earlier, he felt it strange that the ripe fruits hadn��t been plucked. Now, he knew it was due to these snakes.


    The empress strode into the forest, swept her fingers like swords in the air, and the snakes all around were cut apart, making it seem as if there was a bloody rain.


    ��Just waiting for you!�� the empress suddenly shouted. Then, she stretched out her right hand toward the sky at lightning speed and left the forest in a sh.


    Ren Baqian saw the empress pinching a small green snake with two fingers. It was as thick as a chopstick, one palm in length, and wriggled continuously between her fingers.


    It suddenly opened its mouth and mooed like a cow. The sound was quite loud, but was insignificant whenpared to the roar of the roaring emperor.


    ��Is this the leader of the snakes?�� Ren Baqian observed the small snake and was shocked when he saw two horns protruding from its head. ��Is this a dragon?��


    The empress looked at it carefully and replied, ��It has a dragon bloodline! However, it��s not as good as the one in Great Xia because its blood is too thin!��


    ��That��s a good thing too!�� Ren Baqian looked at the little snake between her fingers with curiosity. He was wondering what a dragon looked like and thought about seeing it in Great Xia when possible. He wondered whether he could trade a carbon-activated mask for their dragon.


    If not, he would throw 100 skunk bombs.


    Ren Baqian felt that this was a brilliant idea.


    ��It isn��t a big deal. The most you can extract is one drop of mixed dragon blood. In fact, the heart and galldder are more useful.�� The empress scratched the snake with her left hand and stuffed the two bean-sized objects that had appeared at her fingertip into his mouth.


    ��Ah!�� Ren Baqian��s eyes widened as he licked her finger which was inside his mouth. The empress retracted her hand as if she had received an electric shock and red at him.


    Gong Xing, who was standing at the side, looked at the empress enviously.


    The snake heart and galldder were too small for Ren Baqian to feel whether they had been swallowed, but very soon, a hot current spread to his whole body from his stomach.


    Those two bean-sized things turned into blood essence that prated his whole body, making his body turn red and his head spew hot air.


    Ren Baqian quickly sat on the floor to fervently convert the blood essence into qi essence and circte it through his five organs. After two hours, Ren Baqian considered itplete, and his qi essence had increased by 20 percent, which was a great advantage.


    When he opened his eyes, the empress had already cleared away the snakes in the forest and was sitting beside him in a daze.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian exhaled. He was tired after being force fed a snake heart and galldder and after roaming around for half a day.


    ��Hey, the forest is cleared, and it��s all yours.�� The empress nced at the forest.


    ��I will give you half!�� Ren Baqian said cheerfully.


    ��These things aren��t of much use to me!�� The empress waved her hands.


    ��It doesn��t need to be useful! Being delicious is enough!�� With augh, Ren Baqian jumped up a tree and picked four fruits. He threw two to Gong Xing, cleaned two on his body, and handed them to the empress. ��This fruit is delicious!��


    The empress nced at him and retorted, ��Your body is dirtier than the fruit�� Might as well not clean them!��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry and asked, ��My Majesty, can we talk?��


    The empress groaned two times, then took a bite of the fruit.


    A dayter, Ren Baqian started to feel upset.


    He could eat only four kadsura cineas a day and would feel full. There were over 110 trees in this forest and four fruits per tree. How long would it take him to eat all the fruit?


    Ten dayster, Qi Ziting brought another group of people to join them after receiving the news.


    All the herdsmen had disappeared, and it didn��t make sense for the empress to search around here.


    After a discussion, it was decided that Ren Baqian and the empress should stay for a while. They would only return to Lan City after Ren Baqian had eaten the kadsura cineas and enhanced his mind with the [Recuperation Technique].


    Xi Wanya was to take charge of nning for the viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains and studying the situation of the border viges.


    Qi Ziting��s duty was to organize a group of experts to find those herdsmen.

 Chapter 771 - Lin Qiaole Made a Friend!

    Chapter 771: Lin Qiaole Made a Friend!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After the arrangements wereplete, the kadsura cinea forest became quieter.


    The only people left were Ren Baqian, the empress, and 300 winged cavalry warriors.


    Ren Baqian still allowed the winged cavalry to chop some timber to build houses, and he wasn��t intending to leave until he finished eating the kadsura cineas.


    He would have a kadsura cinea once every day and night and would spend the rest of the time training or apanying the empress.


    This area was considered pretty scenic and exuberant. It was quite rxing for them to move here after staying in the valley of the Earth Yin Spring for three months.


    At night, Ren Baqian and the empress held hands as they sat on a rooftop and gazed at the stars above.


    He enjoyed holding her hand as it was very soft and tender.


    Her body also gave off a smell that he felt was very fragrant.


    With beasts howling the distance, they were surrounded by the wilderness. They felt betterying here and gazing at the stars than in the pce.


    ��Your Majesty, after I��m done with eating all the fruit, we should probably head back and get married, right?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Yeah!�� The empress hummed softly.


    She originally intended to simply sweep herte mother��s tomb and apany Ren Baqian to cultivate at the Earth Yin Spring. She didn��t expect so many things to happen that she had to dy her wedding.


    The next thing to do was to find those herdsmen, a task which she assigned to Xi Wanya and her brother.


    The herdsmen were very secretive and hard to locate, but they weren��t very strong. The only thing worrying about them was whether they still had any hidden trump cards. For instance, that Liu Sheng whom they had met earlier.


    In any case, both she and Ren Baqian ought to head back already. Even though she was able tomunicate with others through radio nowadays, she couldn��t possibly be absent at the imperial court all the time.


    ��Do I have to give you a betrothal gift then?�� Ren Baqian turned around and saw the empress��s glowing face.


    ��I don��t need anything,�� the empress replied casually, but she felt slightly angry. Did he have to ask about such matters? As an empress, what could she possiblyck? She would definitely ept anything that he was willing to give.


    Even if it was just a stalk of that beautiful little white flower.


    ��I know that Your Majesty doesn��tck anything! However, I��m just wondering whether you should give me a betrothal gift instead?�� Ren Baqian acted surprised.


    The empress turned to him and red.


    She was shocked by his shamelessness.


    ��Aren��t you marrying me? This is my first time getting married���� Before Ren Baqian could even finish his words, she angrily kicked him off the roof.


    Hey on the ground and burst outughing.


    The empress leaped off the roof andnded on his stomach, almost stomping him into the ground. She then walked back to her room without even looking back.


    Ren Baqian was left sprawled on the ground and groaning.


    Even though his defense had gotten stronger, her feet immediately shattered all the essence qi that covered his skin��


    Some timeter, he finally stood up and rubbed his stomach after seeing that the empress had already shut the door.


    Ren Baqian pushed the door and realized that she hadtched it from the inside.


    ��Your Majesty�� Let me in���� He had a hidden bitterness on his face.


    This wooden house was a suite. The empress stayed in the bedroom while Ren Baqian stayed in the living area.


    Now that she hadtched the door, he had no means of getting in! Smashing the door was the only thing he could do, but he reckoned that he would end up worse if he did that!


    ��


    At present, it was early 2026 and 9 PM in the evening.


    When Ren Baqian returned to Earth, the first thing he did was check out the room that was filled with snacks, and he actually didn��t see Lin Qiaole there.


    Normally, she would be entranced in that room every day.


    It was rare not to see her there today.


    He left her on Earth previously because he was afraid that the herdsman would stir up trouble.


    Lin Qiaole was a Spirit Wheel expert and unrivalled on Earth. If anything were to happen, even a nuclear warhead couldn��t stop her.


    It was impossible for an ordinary person to even follow her movements.


    Thankfully, she stayed well-behaved as expected. All she did was eat and sleep, turning that snack-filled room into her nest.


    Ren Baqian changed his clothes and went downstairs, only to see that the winged cavalry warriors were watching a romance film on television.


    They were sighing, sniffing, and just short of crying on each other��s shoulders.


    ��They have fallen from grace!�� Ren Baqianmented.


    He estimated that these winged cavalry had already been on Earth for about five years, and they had indeed changed a lot.


    They began to binge-watch, y mobile games, send text messages��


    Ren Baqian was even considering whether he should allow them to get married and have children on Earth.


    However, given their body size, it wouldn��t be easy for them to find suitable partners.


    For instance, Tong Zhenye and his group of people only visited Lan City��s brothel to have fun and wouldn��t normally spend the night with thedies there.


    The reason was that they would get into big trouble for doing that.


    However, it was said that there were a few new Earth Wheel leveldies at Qinghua Courtyard, which was one of the four big brothels in Lan City. Zi Doni kept them when he went to the Yun Nation to exterminate the sects. Because of this, Qinghua Courtyard had gained quite a fair bit of reputationtely. Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan had also faced off at Qinghua Courtyard a number of times.


    ��Where��s Librarian Lin?�� Looking at the winged cavalry warriors�� behavior, he felt like kicking them out of the house.


    ��Lady boss, you can check if she��s up on the roof! She made a new friend recently!�� One of them looked at him with tearful eyes.


    ��The roof? Lin Qiaole made a friend?�� Just as Ren Baqian started feeling puzzled, he heard a noise from the roof.


    ��Woof! Woof!��


    Without speaking another word, he walked out the door and hopped up on the roof. He saw Lin Qiaole squatting there in a singlet and shorts, howling into the distance.


    ��Woo! Woo!�� Her friend howled back in response.


    ��Woo!��


    ��Woof!��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian wondered whose husky it was��


    He was immediately shocked to see this!


    So, this was Lin Qiaole��s new friend? She made friends with a husky? The others fell from grace aftering to Earth and so have you!


    ��Look, he��s asking me to go y!�� Lin Qiaole lifted her hair and said to Ren Baqian. On her small and delicate face, her eyes were gleaming with joy.


    He was speechless and didn��t know how he should react. He had been through a lot of ordeals, but this�� He was at a loss.


    ��I��ll get going then!�� Before he could even respond, Lin Qiaole vanished into the night sky.


    How could Ren Baqian possibly allow her to roam around by herself? He leaped down from the roof and headed toward where the howling wasing from.


    There weren��t that many houses in this area and that howling sound came from around 200 meters away, so it shouldn��t be hard to locate.


    There was only one vi in between them.


    Currently, the few chefs that Ren Baqian had hired lived there.


    After all, the winged cavalry warriors had huge appetites that required quite a number of chefs. There were alsorge amounts of fruits, vegetables, and meat that were delivered to them every day.


    Outside the vi and where the howling wasing from, Ren Baqian heard amotion from within that house. It seemed like Lin Qiaole had rmed the people inside.


    After he leaped on top of the wall, he saw two men in suits staring at her cautiously while breaking into cold sweats. These men didn��t know when this girl had appeared in their house, and they acted as if they had seen a ghost.

 Chapter 772 - Shi San

    Chapter 772: Shi San


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Who are you?�� If these two bodyguards had guns, they would have taken them out now.


    However, these two didn��t have guns and were deciding whether they should take out the amulets given by their ancestors.


    The appearance of Lin Qiaole was rather shocking since she seemed to appear out of nowhere.


    Lin Qiaole simply ignored them and squatted in the courtyard, happily holding the front paws of a husky.


    A man from a window on the second level of the vi looked down at the courtyard and shouted, ��Do not panic!��


    Then, heughed and asked, ��Lady, who are you?��


    Seeing Lin Qiaole ignoring him, heughed at himself and continued, ��You seem to like it very much. Its name is Hu Dou!��


    ��Who are you?�� A man wearing a ck shirt raised his head in rm. A man with a shiny forehead had appeared out of nowhere and was crouching on top of the wall.


    The two bodyguards thought that they were seeing ghosts.


    ��Pardon me! Actually, we are neighbors!�� Ren Baqianughed and floated down into the courtyard. He raised his head and said to the man on the second floor, ��Don��t you think so?��


    Ren Baqian recognized the man as soon as he saw him.


    This man had been to the martial arts center looking for bodyguards and had even invited Ren Baqian three times during the past few years.


    However, Ren Baqian happened to be busy each time.


    He didn��t expect to see him in this situation, and it had to be mentioned that the other party was a powerful person.


    Other people used honey traps, but this person used a beautiful dog! It was a new way of thinking. One couldn��t be a big shot by being an ordinary person.


    ��I didn��t expect to meet you this way. We haven��t met before and I have been wanting to meet you. Pleasee in. Don��t make a fuss over nothing! Let him in because he is an honored guest!�� The man on the second floor was momentarily surprised to see Ren Baqian, but thenughed happily.


    A momentter, Ren Baqian was sitting on the sofa while facing this man.


    The other party was a fat, bespectacled man who was about 50 years old and who wore casual clothes.


    These things weren��t important because he was a famous big shot in the nation.


    He was Shi San.


    Ren Baqian had spent money ying video games made by hispany.


    The important thing was the roast pork on the table. There were also bowls and chopsticks as the other party had been preparing to eat a meal before Ren Baqian intruded.


    ��Try some! I was just about to eat when you happened to arrive! These pigs are raised by me and aren��t avable elsewhere. The vor is very good and loved by others.�� Shi San warmly offered a te and chopsticks to Ren Baqian, who was a bit taken aback.


    He had never known anyone who greeted a guest by offering roast pork when they met for the first time.


    On another side, there were some imported handmade choctes.


    Did the other party think that he was Lin Qiaole?


    However, choctes and candies were sent to his house every week, so it was normal for people to find this out.


    The other party had put forth a lot of effort, but misunderstood something.


    This thing was�� the biggest mistake of not having White Rabbit Creamy Candy!


    Didn��t he see Lin Qiaole rolling on the ground with the husky?


    Ren Baqian saw the other party finishing his food. Next, someone cleared the table.


    Shi San said, ��I was hungry because I hadn��t eaten yet today. I apologize for being rude.��


    ��It��s alright!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The guy in front of him was quite interesting.


    If Shi San were some other guy, Ren Baqian would have turned and walked away.


    Fancy him eating in front of Ren Baqian. Did he think Ren Baqian was his subordinate?


    However, this guy was very sincere in his mannerisms and speech. No wonder he was known as the most interesting one among the legendary bosses.


    While he was sizing up the other party, the other party was also observing Ren Baqian during the meal.


    Shi San hadn��t met this mysterious guy before today, and Ren Baqian had exceeded Shi San��s expectations.


    Furthermore, there was a great disparity between how this man looked in personpared to the photograph Shi San had seen.


    Ren Baqian looked strong in his photograph, but in person, he not only looked powerful, he was practically like a wall.


    Ren Baqian��s exposed skin reflected light like metal and amazed people.


    His demeanor, coupled with his shiny bald head andck of any eyebrows, made him look unkind.


    If Shi San didn��t have information about Ren Baqian and knew that he was a person who went about his own business, he wouldn��t be sitting here facing him.


    Ordinary people wouldn��t pose any threat to a big shot like Shi San, but this guy was different.


    Ren Baqian��s bearing was intimidating. Most people who faced him would feel like a man facing a tiger.


    ��Hu Dou is raised by my daughter. Yourdy friend cane here to y whenever you are free! You are about the same age as my daughter, and the two of you should be able to get along. I��m an old man, so there is a generational gap between me and my daughter!�� Shi San smiled.


    Ren Baqian grinned and revealed a set of white teeth.


    Lin Qiaole��s real age wasn��t that much younger than this guy��s.


    Looking at her having fun while rolling around with the husky, it was partly due to her nature and also because she treated the people in the room as if they were invisible.


    Shi San muttered some polite remarks and then leaned back.


    Ren Baqian knew that he was going to discuss serious matters.


    ��Mr. Ren, does the government��s recent implementation of the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Stage Cultivation] have anything to do with you?�� Shi San asked.


    His original intention was to get to know Ren Baqian first, but after several attempts, he discovered that Ren Baqian wasn��t easy to contact. Since he had the opportunity now, it was better to grab it. Furthermore, this matter had surfaced, so there was no reason to hide.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Although Mr. Ren isn��t famous, you are a great man!�� Shi San sighed before continuing, ��Does Mr. Ren have something better than that?��


    ��Actually, you shouldn��t be asking me about this. Not only does the nation have the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Stage Cultivation], but the nation also possesses hundreds and thousands of skills that it has developed in recent years. This technique is the most stable and suitable for ordinary people.


    The nation has many martial arts techniques that are better. With your status, it will not be hard to obtain them.


    Although I have some different skills, they may not beparable to what the nation has,�� Ren Baqian said frankly. There was no need to hide this matter from the other party.


    During these past few years, the nation had invested time and effort developing those skills and made tremendous progress.


    ��What if those skills aren��t suitable for me? Based on what I know, these skillse from Mr. Ren. If you could do me a favor, you will be rewarded.��


    Ren Baqian looked at him andughed.


    Shi San seemed to look rxed, but his eyes disyed anxiety and he was serious.


    Cultivation was also dependent on talent.


    Although the nation had pushed out many types of martial arts manuals, they were based on what Ren Baqian had provided. Certainly, some people were limited by their ��talent.��


    Even though he was a technology magnate and a top person in the eyes of ordinary people, Shi San was just another human. Would the nation show him all the avable manuals?


    However, it wasn��t a bad idea to have Shi San as a friend.


    ��I can��t guarantee you anything, but if can you be more specific, I will see if there are any ways to do what you want.��


    Shi San was ted to hear this and replied, ��Your effort will be appreciated, and you will be rewarded regardless of the result.��


    Ren Baqian nodded his head slightly.


    After airing his thoughts, Shi San was relieved.


    The two of them chatted before Shi San brought up the old subject of recruiting bodyguards.


    Besides the winged cavalry, the top experts were only found in the government and in Ren Baqian��s martial arts centers.


    During this era of great change, it was the dream of every rich man to hire some top experts as bodyguards.


    ��


    Two dayster, Ren Baqian went to Lin Qiaole��s snack filled room. She was sleeping soundly and hugging a pile of candy.


    Ren Baqian kicked her butt.


    Lin Qiaole yelped and jumped up.


    Next, she followed up by striking at Ren Baqian with two ws.


    This time, however, Ren Baqian protected his face and 99% of her strike left two rows of white marks on his arms.


    ��Do you want to continue staying here or do you want to go back with me?�� Ren Baqian asked. There was no trace of the herdsmen, so Lin Qiaole didn��t need to stay here.


    More importantly, she went to Shi San��s home to y with her ��friend�� every day.


    Ren Baqian was starting to worry about leaving her here.


    Besides worrying about people fishing out information from her, he was also worried that she might be on the wanted list by the time he returned.


    Upon final analysis, she was still just a ferocious beast.


    ��I��m not going back!�� Lin Qiaole shrank back as her ws brightened.


    With so much candy here, she wasn��t ready to forego the pleasure.


    Ren Baqian had to repeatedly urge her for two hours until she felt as if there was a bunch of flies buzzing around her.


    In the end, Ren Baqian returned to Dayao by himself.

 Chapter 773 - Failure

    Chapter 773: Failure


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Up in the mountains, a hamster stared nkly at the forest ahead and let out an rming roar. Ripples started to form in midair.


    It was as if the air had be liquid.


    A few of the winged cavalry warriors couldn��t tolerate it and covered up their ears.


    They were extremely affected by this noise!


    After getting beaten a few times, the roaring emperor understood that it shouldn��t roar at the winged cavalry.


    As it roared, a terrifying mor responded from the forest in the distance.


    However, after listening attentively, they could tell that the mor wasn��t simply one sound. It was a cacophony thatprised of more than ten sounds.


    These were the noises made by a bunch of howling monkeys.


    Ren Baqian and the empress stayed put and took out all the ferocious beasts in the surroundings before taking a few days of rest.


    Several days ago, a bunch of howling monkeys had migrated to this forest, and nobody had any idea where they came from.


    They were a type of slow-moving animal that had a very loud voice.


    Even though their voices were no match for the roaring emperor, a cry from one of them could be heard even 15 kilometers away.


    When a group of 30 monkeys howled at the same time, other animals would naturally withdraw.


    The roaring emperor had finally found its match.


    For three days in a row, the roaring emperorpeted with the monkeys from kilometers away in the forest to see who had the louder voice!


    Naturally, the oue was that the winged cavalry warriors couldn��t bear it any longer.


    All the birds in the forest had been scared off.


    At present, Ren Baqian was sitting under a tree with his eyes closed.


    In his sea of knowledge, the darkness was divided into five areas. Red, yellow, white, green, and blue clouds each upied an area that circted slowly in a very small region.


    Not knowing how long it took, the yellow clouds began to shrink toward the inside and condensed into a ball. When the yellow clouds spread again, they were much fewer in number, and an earthy yellow rock appeared amid the clouds..


    Next, the green clouds began to circte, and after a while, they condensed into several grass seeds.


    Soon after, mes, metal blocks, and water appeared from their corresponding colors when their clouds condensed.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian��s mind became more focused. All of his concentration was ced on the condensation of the five objects and on maintaining the stability of their structure.


    However, two hourster, he started to feel lethargic. His mind went nk, and the five objects suddenly dissolved into clouds before dispersing away.


    He opened his eyes and rubbed his head. As expected, he failed.


    The difficulty level of this [Recuperation Technique] was far harder than he had imagined.


    Ren Baqian was pretty astonished at how difficult it was.


    By right, after practicing the [Ruyi Visualization], he should have a pretty good understanding of the five objects. His mind had also been tempered to a certain level so that it shouldn��t be too difficult for him to practice the [Recuperation Technique].


    Even after eating more than 50 kadsura cineas, he still hadn��t managed to break through the initial stage of the [Recuperation Technique] and was still pretty far away from doing so.


    If this was true for Ren Baqian, then how did the others who practiced this technique do it?


    Could it be that everyone who practiced this technique had arge amount of precious treasures at their disposal?


    Alternatively, could there possibly be such a big gap between his abilities and the abilities of those who had cultivated this technique prior to him?


    Ren Baqian felt that both of these were possible.


    Even though practicing this technique required arge amount of herbs for the herbal bath, it seemed that anyone could practice it as long as they had the resources and a certain level of talent.


    Of course, with enough resources, ack of talent could definitely be covered up.


    For instance, this forest of kadsura cineas in front of him��


    If he had ess to another forest like this, he would probably be able to break through the initial stage of this technique.


    However, such forests were extremely rare toe by!


    ��Don��t worry. This technique has already been lost for a long time. There��s no one who can impart their experience or knowledge, so you can only rely on yourself to do it step by step,�� the empress said faintly from afar after seeing that Ren Baqian had failed again.


    He looked up, smiled, and nodded at the beautiful empress to show that he wasn��t feeling impatient.


    Even though he wasn��t impatient, he felt a little worried.


    If this forest of kadsura cineas still wasn��t able to get him through the initial stage of the [Recuperation Technique], then he didn��t know how much more time it would take for him to break through.


    Whenever Ren Baqian carefully thought through every detail of his practice, he always felt that something was wrong and that the structure wasn��t smooth. He was afraid that this was the reason why his progress had been so slow.


    After pondering for a few more days, he finally started to uncover a clue about it.


    The structure of his sea of knowledge seemed to be the problem.


    His visualization had to create a world with all five elements and not just one single object.


    For someone in this world, creating such a structure was a very natural thing to do. In their minds, Heaven and Earth were essentially made up of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. As such, they had no doubts about the structure of their visualization.


    For Ren Baqian, his problem resided here.


    In his mind, the world wasprised of the universe and then thes.


    He couldn��t build a universe out of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. As such, it had always been very difficult for him to progress!


    If he couldn��t resolve this problem, then he wouldn��t be able to progress even if he ate another forest of kadsura cineas.


    However, he tried to practice this visualization like those who had done so before him and realized that he still couldn��t do it. This was because, from childhood to university, the structure of the world that he learned about consisted of the universe, gxies, stars, ands.


    As a result, he had to dismiss all of these thoughts and reimagine the entire world from scratch. The first thing he felt during the visualization was that it was silted up everywhere!


    Unless he could forget about everything that he had ever learned��


    After some serious consideration, Ren Baqian felt that it would be better to let the empress beat him until he had amnesia if he wanted to forget what he had learned!


    He truly considered this option and contemted waiting for his cultivation to seed before restoring his memory!


    He even consulted the Messier 87 department about this issue.


    After hearing that some unpredictable seque might arise, he decisively gave up on the idea.


    Ren Baqian decided to y it big!


    Visualize a singrity!


    And then detonate it!


    Open up a new universe in his sea of knowledge!


    When that happened, his mind would have an entirely new universe and would be much stronger than the people who had practiced this technique before him!


    However, after the empress heard his thoughts, her face turned ghastly pale.


    ��Are you trying to turn into an idiot? Detonate a singrity in your sea of knowledge and use it to sweep away everything? If one mistake urs, you��ll be an idiot! Or in the worst case, your entire soul will be annihted, and there will be no more you in this world!�� the empress said coldly.


    ��If that��s what you want, why did we evene here? I could have swatted you to death back then, and at least your soul would remain!�� she eximed


    Afterward, she softened her tone and continued, ��You aren��t in a rush to master this technique right now. Take it slow and you��ll somehow find a way to do it. Even if you don��t practice this technique, I can still use precious treasures to push you to the Spirit Wheel level. You have only been cultivating for three years so far, and there will be a lot of opportunities for you to do so in the future. Why rush?��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian felt that he hadn��t thoroughly considered the issue yet. He immediately dropped the idea.


    He had an abundance of time, so there was no reason for him to rush.


    Even if this forest of kadsura cineas wasn��t enough, he would simply have to guard it for another ten years before another batch of fruits would be ready.


    He could do this three times if twice wasn��t enough or even repeat it four times.


    Besides, he could probablye up with an even better way of doing it.


    However, he still felt slightly unresigned and sighed before saying, ��To keep up with Your Majesty, I��m willing to take this risk. However, after considering that I might lose the chance to apany you, this would be the greatest regret of my life!��


    Seeing that he had given up on that idea, the empress heaved a sigh of relief. She was truly worried that he might fry his brains at anytime.


    After all, she had no means of stopping the cultivation of his sea of knowledge.


    Furthermore, she couldn��t possibly tie him to herself and watch him every minute!


    Even if that was a pretty attractive idea.

 Chapter 774 - Kill Them

    Chapter 774: Kill Them


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The Sixty Thousand Mountains was vast and boundless, and the aboriginals only upied a small portion of it. Vast areas of it were untouched by humans, with ferocious beasts and some unknown races living among the barren mountains.


    In the center, there was a dark swamp where the trees weren��t dense, but each tree had a girth that required six to seven people to surround it. The canopy of these trees blocked out almost all of the sunlight. When a person looked up, the canopy seemed to be pressing down, making it depressing and hard to breathe.


    The things mostmonly seen in this swamp were snakes and insects. asionally, there were some frogs and other amphibians of various sizes.


    More than 20 figures could be seen standing or sitting in an open area of the swamp.


    Each figure was separated from the others by a considerable distance. It was as if there were walls of air between them.


    Indifference emanated from each and every figure.


    ��They are looking for us!��


    ��It��s because Bor exposed himself and didn��t eliminate those people, thereby causing this situation.��


    ��Our pastures have been burned down, and we can��t control the jade-waisted ves if we do not have pastures for a long period of time.��


    ��We can��t afford to wait too long!��


    ��They are looking for us now, so if we take action, we will meet them directly.��


    ��Since they are aware of our existence, we will meet them sooner orter. Once we take action, they will spot us. Don��t tell me we have to eat ferocious beasts in the future?��


    ��They are looking for us everywhere and will break through the boundaries!��


    ��They are threatening our survival by doing so!��


    ��We must restrict their behavior!��


    ��Kill them! Kill their leader!��


    ��They have more than ten million people!��


    ��They are merely outcasts!��


    ��Kill their leader first and then kill those people who are looking for us. Those people aren��t weaklings, and we can use them to nt two pastures!��


    ��This will only provoke them and fan their fury!��


    ��The differences between us are conflicting and irreconcble! They are our prey, whereas we are the predators.��


    ��We shouldn��t let them discover us or our 10,000 years of existence will be destroyed.��


    ��It��s Bor��s fault!��


    ��He was too young and didn��t know enough!��


    ������


    These voices were transmitted among the figures.


    There was no excitement, no argument, no anger, no hesitation, and no contempt.


    Everyone maintained an indifferent attitude as they discussed this matter that affected them personally.


    ��Zaku, state your position! You are the leader here and also the oldest!��


    Following these words, most of the figures focused their attention on a normally reticent figure.


    ��It��s our duty to stop them!�� dered the usually umunicative figure.


    ��


    A yellow mist floated in the darkness. It wasn��t static, it was rotating like water being agitated.


    Inside this mist was an invisible whirlpool that was propelling and sucking in the mist.


    Gradually, the mist spiraled into a long yellow dragon that moved in a certain direction.


    When the mist reached a certain spot, its forward movement came to an abrupt halt as it condensed until it transformed into a yellow stone.


    This stone was also rotating about its axis.


    After some time, the stone gradually dissipated until there was nothing left as it transformed into yellow mist that disappeared into the darkness.


    Meanwhile, Ren Baqian opened his eyes.


    He turned to look at the empress, who was lying prone on a wooden tform in front of the house and staring at aptop.


    The tform was covered with umbres to block the sunlight.


    A 3D animation about the origin of the universe was ying on theptop and showed thes moving along their orbits. They looked like they were about to jump out of the screen, causing Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to scream in surprise.


    Ren Baqian drank a cup of water andy down beside the empress. In the sunlight, he read a book that described a brief history of the universe. All that wascking was a cup of tea.


    The water from the mountain spring tasted sweet, and the taste seemed to linger in the mouth.


    ��Was the world formed this way?�� The empress looked at Ren Baqian sideways.


    ��Nobody was there to see it, but this idea is based on conjectures derived from other observational evidence. It��s based on facts, but we can��t be absolutely certain,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��This is amazing! It would be wonderful if we could go to outer space and see it!��


    The empress sighed wistfully.


    ��I have heard about a moon tour being operated on Earth. If Your Majesty wants to participate, we can go to outer space to see the wonderful scenery!�� Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows and put his hand on her waist.


    The empress poked him on the waist with her finger, and his body immediately became numb.


    Even though his defensive power had increased tremendously, he couldn��t withstand this. There was hardly any defensive effect against her.


    The empress��s understanding of strength usage and of the body was beyond him.


    ��I��m only interested in this stretch of space!�� Although she said this, her eyes disyed her interest.


    She had learned from Ren Baqian that this world was a, and they had even given this a name.


    She was interested in seeing other nearbys from outer space.


    However, she didn��t like the idea of riding a rocket to outer space because she would be putting her life in the hands of others.


    Ren Baqian was numb for half a day before he could move a little. He groaned, sniffed the air, and noticed that the fragrance of the flowers was mixed with another scent.


    ��It will be good to see it when the opportunity arises! It won��t be too long before the technology matures. By that time, flying to the moon will be as easy as taking a flight!��


    The pace of technological improvement was getting faster and faster.


    It took humans thousands of years to enter the First Industrial Revolution, but only hundreds of years to enter the second one.


    The invention of the steam engine was the driving force for progress, and new technologies were driving progress even faster.


    The same was true for the aerospace industry.


    On Earth, it was now possible to transport people to tour the moon. Two groups had already been sent to the moon and sessfully came back.


    Colonization of the moon was the hottest topic in other countries.


    Manyizens had even mapped out a timetable for colonization.


    However, the nation��s domestic trend was different from other countries, with the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Cultivation] being the fad.


    It was as Ren Baqian had envisaged.


    This set of skills, even though it was modified, required a lot of food, so the practitioner would easily be noticed by others.


    Furthermore, those with talent could see results in the short span of a few months.


    Junior and senior high school students could gain the strength to lift hundreds of kilograms in a few months. How could such a situation go unnoticed?


    Even the other countries were paying close attention to this matter.

 Chapter 775 - Invasion of the Herdsmen

    Chapter 775: Invasion of the Herdsmen


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian and the empress wandered in a valley, and there were many fist-sized,ntern-like flowers that radiated the colors blue, red, and pink.


    The light wasn��t strong, but the countless flowers made it seem as if there weren��t any dark corners in this valley.


    The brilliance of countless colors shone brightly, forming an extremely resplendent picture.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s so beautiful here!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan followed behind, full of praise and happiness.


    These girls always sumbed to such beautiful scenery.


    ��This is simply a valley of resplendence!�� Ren Baqian eximed before casually taking a photo of the scene.


    This valley had been discovered by the winged cavalry and was described as strange, yet beautiful. In the evening, Ren Baqian and the empress specially came here for a visit.


    He felt as if he was looking at the world from Avatar.


    There were various types of brightly colored nts that grew in this valley.


    A lot of flying insects flew around and little beasts asionally popped up among the flowers.


    Ren Baqian watched as a fuchsia bloomed slowly before swallowing a flying insect that was attracted to it.


    Even though it was beautiful here, it was full of danger for those insects.


    As the empress strolled in the forest, there were flowers beside her feet that radiated in the dark. Her eyes reflected the various colors, and her face looked extremely delighted.


    ��This ce shall be called the Valley of Resplendence!�� The empress immediately decided on a name for the valley.


    Near them was a one meter long lizard with camouging colors on its body. It shot out its long tongue and pulled a flying bug into its mouth. It curiously looked at them before focusing on its targets again.


    ��It would be wonderful if we built a house here and enjoyed such beautiful scenery every night!�� Ren Baqian eximed.


    He was very moved by the scenery in this valley.


    Beauty would always be admired, and no one was indifferent.


    Taking an excursion in this valley was like going on an adventure in a beautiful painting. The one meter tall fuchsias shone brightly with little white flowers glowing as decorative shrubs. There were also trees with branches that hung down like willows.


    Filming this painting would produce a captivating movie.


    Even at midnight, all of them were reluctant to leave.


    ��If Your Majesty likes it, we cane back again tomorrow.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    This valley was about two hours away from the kadsura cinea forest. The entrance to the valley was small and blocked by trees, which was why no one had ever discovered it before.


    ��Okay!�� The empress nodded.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were very happy to hear that they would being back tomorrow.


    The next day, Ren Baqian and the empress brought along Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and a dozen bodyguards and headed to the valley again.


    However, after just an hour��s journey, they saw an unforgettable view.


    Numerous glowing green spots floated in the air like ayer of shining light muslin that covered the sky. They changed the color of the sky in the distance.


    ��Those are���� With a pretty doubtful expression, Ren Baqian carefully watched as the green muslin moved toward them.


    Subsequently, he seemed to realize something. His face immediately changed after he took the binocrs out of his bag and gazed ahead.


    ��Your Majesty, those are jade-waisted ves! They are everywhere! There are at least 100,000 of them, and they areing at us!��


    Ren Baqian refused to believe that these jade-waisted ves were merely passing by.


    ording to their direction of flight, these butterflies had to being for them.


    After hearing what he said, Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and the winged cavalry warriors�� faces immediately changed.


    ��Retreat!�� A chill emitted from the empress��s body.


    Everyone got on their mounts and hurried back to the kadsura cinea forest.


    ��Your Majesty, we will never be able to withstand the onught of so many of those demonic butterflies. Besides, they are moving faster than we are! We can��t outrun their pursuit!�� Ren Baqian shouted at the empress as the oing wind blew upon his face.


    ��We simply have to persevere until daylight!�� she replied.


    ��They are under the control of a herdsman. There is also the possibility of an expert like Liu Sheng. We must find a ce to hide, guard the passage, and persevere until day!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��Your mount moves faster��hurry back and tell everyone to evacuate,�� the empress responded.


    In fact, Qishui was pretty fast as well, but the empress naturally wouldn��t leave the others behind just to get ahead faster.


    ��Be careful, Your Majesty!�� Knowing that the situation was urgent, he shouted back at her and urged the crow general to speed up without further ado.


    A row of wooden houses had already been built not far away from the kadsura cinea forest.


    At present, there were quite a number of bonfires set up. Except for the winged cavalry warriors on night watch, the others were all sitting around the bonfires and passing around a wooden tube. Everyone took a few puffs, and they all looked intoxicated.


    Scorpion pipes!


    These aboriginals were really into drugs!


    In addition to the aroma of the scorpion smoldering in the tube, the scorpion��s venom emitted a gas that stimted the brain after it was heated by the fire. The greater the toxicity of these scorpions, the greater the effect of intoxication. After the winged cavalry warriors took a few puffs, even they felt as if their bodies were as light as feathers.


    This was a verymon form of recreation for them.


    After Ren Baqian found out that this thing wasn��t addictive and had almost no side effects, he didn��t mind it any longer and would also take a few puffs at times.


    At this moment, when he returned from afar and saw that everyone was indulging in such leisurely activities, he immediately let out a long whistle.


    Everyone quivered and stood up from the ground, looking into the darkness.


    ��Get ready to evacuate immediately!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    Everyone��s faces changed dramatically.


    There were 300 winged cavalry warriors under themand of the empress, yet they actually had to evacuate immediately? What kind of danger were they facing?


    ��Sir Ren, where��s Her Majesty?�� someone immediately shouted in response.


    ��Her Majesty is behind me and rushing over. I came back first to inform you. Leave everything behind, prepare your mounts, and get ready. We will leave once she arrives!��


    After Ren Baqian��s words, everyone broke into chaos as they picked up their weapons and rushed to their mounts.


    Ren Baqian asked, ��Does anyone know if there are any caves around the area that can fit all of us? It��ll be good if the entrance can only amodate one or two people entering at a time!��


    ��Sir Ren, there are two caves! Our brothers found them when they were searching for food!�� someone immediately shouted.


    ��Where are they and how far are they?��


    ��One of them is an hour��s journey to the east, whereas the other one is also an hour away, but to the northeast. Thetter is slightlyrger and has a spring inside, but its entrance is also wider.��


    ��How wide is it?��


    ��Three people can pass in one go and it��s about four meters tall!��


    ��The cave to the northeast it is. Lead the wayter! Bring along all the pesticide as well!�� Ren Baqian ordered as the aboriginals scrambled around.


    ��Sir Ren, what exactly happened?�� one of them asked after he was done preparing.


    ��The herdsmen are invading again, this time with more than 100,000 jade-waisted ves!�� Ren Baqian looked extremely displeased.


    Everyone reacted the same way when they heard what he said.


    They could barely withstand 10,000 jade-waisted ves.


    Factoring in Ren Baqian��s pesticide, they could barely handle 20,000 of them.


    However, it was impossible for them to withstand the onught of 100,000.


    When the number of jade-waisted ves reached a certain amount, there would be a qualitative change. Everything that stood before them would be flushed away.


    Like intestinal worms, one of them would be crushed easily. However, whenrge numbers of them came together, even the most fearsome beasts would have to run for their lives.


    Plus, these butterflies were countless times more dangerous than intestinal worms


    ��Sir Ren, you should leave with Her Majestyter. Your mounts are faster. We��ll obstruct them!�� one of the winged cavalry warriors shouted.


    ��That��s right!�� everyone immediately echoed.


    ��Stop that nonsense!�� Ren Baqian scolded.


    He and the empress would definitely be able to get away, but how would she possibly be able to do such a thing?


    If she could, she wouldn��t be the empress anymore.


    Shortly after, the empress and the others arrived.


    Subsequently, a green radiance followed them like rising waters.


    ��Your Majesty, there is a cave an hour��s journey to the northeast that can amodate everyone!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��Your Majesty, we will obstruct them. Leave with Sir Ren!��


    ��I��m the empress!�� she replied coldly. ��Everyone will listen to me! Head northeast!��


    The chaotic mor of hooves rang out as she led the 300 winged cavalry warriors and rode toward the northeast.


    ��If things don��t turn out well, head back to Earth and return after seven days! These jade-waisted ves aren��t enough to deal with me!�� the empress said to Ren Baqian as they rode.


    He immediatelyughed and shouted, ��I��ll naturally retreat together with you, Your Majesty! Without you, this world would lose all its meaning, and my days ahead would be torture!��


    After hearing what he said, she looked at him and spoke no further.


    This sentence was enough!

 Chapter 776 - Trapped

    Chapter 776: Trapped


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sat on the crow general and felt the oing wind beat against his face. He asionally turned back to see that green cloud drawing closer.


    Based on his current speed, the butterflies would catch up in another 15 minutes.


    ��How much longer?�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��The mountain ahead!�� the leading winged cavalry warrior said as he rode his jumping goat. All of the winged cavalry warriors here were from the earliest batch and were riding jumping goats.


    When Ren Baqian looked ahead, all he saw was a vague silhouette in the darkness.


    Hepletely couldn��t tell the distance.


    However, what he knew for sure was that the closer it seemed, the further it was.


    This was especially the case when they were being pursued.


    A sudden cry was heard from behind. A jumping goat got its hooves stuck inside the crevice of a rock and immediately fell over. The winged cavalry warrior that was riding it spun in the air and adjusted his posture beforending.


    Another warrior stretched out their arm, grabbed him, and swung him onto his mount


    Now with one more person, the jumping goat immediately slowed down.


    Upon seeing this, the warrior who had just fallen chose to jump back to the ground and continued running on his own.


    A winged cavalry warrior was very strong. As such, this guy managed to keep up with the troops and didn��t fall behind.


    ��Pass me your gear!�� another guy shouted at him.


    The runner took off his bag and his weapons and tossed them to arade, which helped him gain a little more speed.


    There were many rocks around the mountains here. By rushing in the dark, more than a dozen people wiped out after falling down or other reasons. Some were injured from getting thrown off their mounts while others that managed to continue running got their legs caught in the rocky crevices.


    In normal times, such injuries wouldn��t matter. However, those butterflies were catching up fast.


    ��Don��t worry about us. Your Majesty, brothers, we��ll go obstruct them!�� The people who fell simply stopped running, gathered together, and pulled out their des before turning toward the oing green cloud!


    The others turned their heads and looked back. There were more than a dozen figures in the dark wielding their des. Their eyes were filled with fury as they faced the oing butterflies.


    In a sh, some of the butterflies swooped downward. Those warriors simply screamed and disappeared.


    The empress didn��t look back, and her face was sullen. Ever since she ascended to the throne, she hadn��t suffered such humiliation.


    Worried about her, Ren Baqian turned to her and consoled, ��Your Majesty, we will avenge them.��


    15 minutester, the glowing green cloud was almost on their tail. Everyone could see the jade-waisted ves packed densely together when they turned back to look. The distorted faces on their bodies were bloodthirsty.


    A faintly discernible fluttering sound started to engulf the group like maggots feeding on corpses.


    They finally arrived in front of a mountain cliff. About eight meters above them was a cave with some vines hanging at the entrance.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s just ahead!�� the leading winged cavalry warrior shouted loudly.


    The empress raised her voice and yelled, ��Leave your mounts and go into the cave!��


    Even though many of the winged cavalry couldn��t bear it, they knew that they had no other choice. They leaped off their mounts, dashed forward, and made their way into the cave.


    The empress turned her head and saw that the jade-waisted ves had already plunged into the people at the tail end. A sh of green swept across her face as she dashed toward the green cloud.


    ��Your Majesty!�� When the winged cavalry warriors saw this, they stopped in their tracks, drew out their des, and were ready to rush to her aid.


    ��You guys, get in the cave!�� The empress��s voice sounded timely, but in the blink of an eye, she was surrounded by demonic butterflies. A huge swath of them immediately fell like raindrops.


    ��Pass me those two boxes. The rest of you, get into the cave and stop dying!�� Ren Baqian shouted at the top of his lungs.


    Two of the winged cavalry warriors carried the boxes to him, and the trio started to throw the pesticide-filled ss bottles at the butterflies.


    The liquid from the bottles spilled out and paved a trail between the trio and the empress.


    Ren Baqian held a lighter, and felt slightly relieved.


    ��Your Majesty, Fireball Technique! Withdraw!��


    At this moment, the empress had beenpletely surrounded by the jade-waisted ves and she couldn��t even see anything around her. The butterflies at the back were still rushing in the direction of the trio.


    ��Scram!�� The empress��s furious voice could be heard from within theyers of jade-waisted ves.


    She simply punched around with her fists.


    The jade-waisted ves around her got thrown out and vacated a space around her.


    The empress took this opportunity and retreated toward the trio in a sh.


    However, at this moment, a gap suddenly appeared among the jade-waisted ves behind her. Immediately after that, a long whip shot out and wrapped around her feet.


    Even before Ren Baqian could tell her to watch out, she groaned and shouted, ��Courting death!��


    In an instant, the empress��s face was covered with purple veins. She turned around, grabbed the whip, and tugged, only to see a 12 year old child being pulled out from the cloud of butterflies.


    The whip was actually the child��s left hand.


    This child had a sinister look on his face. His other hand transformed into an awl and stabbed toward her.


    The empress twisted her body and swept her palm over.


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Blood filled the sky.


    The entire upper body of that child disappeared into a bloody mist, and all that remained was the whip in the empress��s hands.


    Upon seeing this, Ren Baqian was finally relieved.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    When he ignited the lighter in his hand and tossed it forward, the air in front of them suddenly turned into a sea of fire.


    The jade-waisted ves that were chasing the empress were turned into coke.


    When the mes dissipated, Ren Baqian and the empress had already entered the cave.


    The entrance of the cave was three meters wide and four meters high, and everyone crowded around waiting for her.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Everyone bowed.


    They then opened up a path for her to enter.


    The empress turned her head and nced at the jade-waisted ves that rushed over. With a swat of her palm, a violent gust of wind swept across. Those that were approaching were thrown off bnce.


    ��Retreat a few meters back. Form into groups of five, with two groups per team. Everyone will take turns to block the enemy.�� She walked into the cave without turning back.


    After witnessing the vigor of the empress, the twodies from Mount Gongmu were almost seeing stars.


    The winged cavalry warriors immediately arranged themselves. After that, ten men went to block the entrance of the cave. Three men stood in front while the others supported them from behind. They obstructed the enemies as they alternated among themselves and slowly retreated a few times before they gained a firm foothold.


    The others were ready to take over in shifts. Most of them followed the empress into the cave.


    Ren Baqian order the winged cavalry to open the remaining two boxes that were filled with bottles of pesticide. They smashed a few bottles in the cave, causing the odor of bitter almonds to immediately pour into everyone��s noses.


    The jade-waisted ves that flew in slowed down tremendously after just a moment. The winged cavalry subsequently took them down as they swayed in the air.


    Ren Baqian ced one box a few meters behind the line of defense. He then informed the winged cavalry to toss out a few more bottles if the pesticide in the air started to weaken. This was to maintain the concentration level of the pesticide within the cave.


    After he was done briefing them, he looked up at the entrance of the cave and saw that it hadpletely turned green. Countless jade-waisted ves filled the entrance as dozens of them flooded into the cave every second.


    With this intensity, their defenses will crumble if they ran out of pesticide.


    Under circumstances where they still had enough pesticide, every set of three men could hold out for up to two minutes before retreating and swapping ces with those behind them.


    Ren Baqian ascertained that the line of defense was temporarily stable and walked into the cave.


    After walking more than 20 meters into the cave, he saw that it was extremely spacious and could easily amodate thousands of people.


    The cave was covered in moss and fungi that emitted a faint blue light, allowing enough light for people to see in the cave.


    There was a curved spring in the center of the cave, and the faint chill above the spring turned into a mist that was visible to the naked eye.


    Apart from the winged cavalry, Qishui, the crow general, and the two multicolored eagles were in the cave as well. The jumping goats had been left outside the cave and had probably been reduced to blood by now.


    ��Go guard the entrance!�� Ren Baqian patted the crow general��s head and pointed at the entrance of the cave.


    There were experts among the enemies, creatures just like that child, which appeared vulnerable, but actually had the strength of a Cardinal Heaven expert. If it wasn��t for the empress unleashing her power, it would have taken a lot of effort for the others to take that child down.


    Ren Baqian looked around before asking the winged cavalry warriors if they were certain that there were no other entrances to the cave. He then walked to the empress who was standing by the spring and thinking deeply.


    ��Your Majesty, with these people guarding the entrance, our only way out is to wait until daylight,�� he said.


    ��All of the winged cavalry warriors�� mounts have already been abandoned. Even if they retreat during the day, we can��t escape their pursuit. Rather than risk them catching up to us in the wilderness, it��s better to stay here where we have the advantage of the terrain,�� the empress replied faintly.


    Ren Baqian smiled. In their current situation, they seemed to be trapped like a turtle in a jar.


    The empress noticed the smile on his face and turned around to ask, ��Aren��t you nervous?��


    ��Not at all!�� Ren Baqian shook his head. ��Currently, they may not know what it means to hold the banner of harmony and build a harmonious environment, but they will definitely understand soon!��

 Chapter 777 - The Movie Mogul that was Thwarted

    Chapter 777: The Movie Mogul that was Thwarted


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was determined to get two big weapons of mass destruction when he returned.


    If he couldn��t get it locally, he would turn hostile and snatch it from India.


    However, that would be too risky.


    Even if he could get them, their firepower might not be suitable.


    He and his people inside the cave would be less than three kilometers away from the herdsmen.


    If the explosive power was too strong, then they would perish together.


    As they spoke, crashing sounds could be heard from the entrance of the cave. These extremely loud sounds echoed to the mountainside and then reverted to the noise of jade-waisted ves being killed. There were also sounds of people shouting and cursing.


    The empress sent people to search and quickly received news.


    ��Your Majesty, the other party has an expert who was repelled by Sir Ren��s winged mount! However, two of our people are dead!��


    ��What kind of expert? Is it the person with a snake tail?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��ording to them, it was a man with horns.��


    ��They have truly brought out all their resources,�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    ��I will take a look.�� The empress walked toward the cave entrance.


    Three Cardinal Heaven experts had already appeared. She had killed one and two remained. Some others could still be hidden.


    Under this type of situation, only the empress could control the situation.


    ��Go if you have to. Do not worry because they can��te in,�� the empress said to Ren Baqian. Outside, 300 winged cavalry warriors wouldn��t be able to hold out against tens of thousands of jade-waisted ves, but in a cave with only one exit, a strong winged cavalry warrior will be able to hold them off for a period of time.��


    ��Your Majesty, I will return as soon as possible.��


    ��


    Two kilometers away from the cave, over 20 figures were scattered around and watching the green light that filled the sky and covered the area surrounding the cave entrance.


    ��That cave has no other exits,�� someone pointed out.


    Hundreds of thousands of jade-waisted ves dropping down to the mountain couldpletely cover an area within five kilometers. Immediately, they knew that there was only one opening in that cave.


    ��Are they seeking death?�� one herdsman asked calmly.


    ��Attacking one opening is too slow. If they block it, an unknown number of jade-waisted ves will die if they continue resisting. We can dig two more holes in the mountain,�� another herdsman said.


    ��There��s no need to dig more holes. Their leader is very strong, and she smashed up the genius from the Qing Jiao race in one encounter. If we dig new holes, we can capture the rest, but we can��t capture her. Let her stay there and slowly deplete her strength. They are stuck there without food and water. After she is tired, we can kill all of them in one fell swoop.��


    ��With 400,000 jade-waisted ves, it��s impossible to escape! It��s only a matter of how much damage is inflicted.��


    ��They have used a form of poison that specifically targets the jade-waisted ves and doesn��t harm people. There��s a poison expert among them.��


    ��The aboriginals aren��t good at using poison. Beside that person with dragon-cat blood, is there a person from the Wanxie Pool inside the cave?


    ��The Wanxie Pool is extinct.��


    ��Maybe there��s a fish that slipped through the.��


    ��No way. I haven��t met those dirty people, but I could detect their stench from tens of kilometers away.��


    ��There��s no need to discuss these things since we just have to wait here. With 400,000 jade-waisted ves and experts from eight races, they can hold out for seven days at the most.��


    ��We have experts from seven races now. It��s a pity that the genius from the Qing Jiao race is gone. I spent a lot of effort coaching him. Given time, he might have be as good as Liu Sheng.��


    The number of jade-waisted ves was estimated to be more than 150,000, but it was actually more than 400,000. This was because arge part of the area in the back was hidden from the view of Ren Baqian and his people.


    400,000 jade-waisted ves were easily able to destroy a nation. Each was at or near the Man Wheel level of strength and possessed the ability to fly, which humans didn��t have.


    ��


    Upon returning to Earth, Ren Baqian saw Lin Qiaole sleeping soundly on his bed with her belly was exposed and drooling as usual.


    Candy wrappers were found all over the bed.


    During these past few days, she was no different from a rat in a granary.


    They were fighting for survival over there, but Lin Qiaole was sleeping and eating here. It made him feel like giving her a kick in the butt.


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian did kick her butt.


    Lin Qiaole jumped up and wed at him like usual.


    However, he was prepared for this and only two rows of white marks were seen on his arms.


    ��Why did you kick me?�� Lin Qiaole looked angrily at him, her small canine teeth gnashing and about to bite.


    ��Pack up and follow me to do some work.��


    Ren Baqian looked at the sky and saw that it was morning.


    After changing clothes, Ren Baqian brought Lin Qiaole to the Messier 87 department. On the way, he asionally saw some flying motorbikes.


    The flying motorbikes from ten years ago weren��tparable to those of today. In terms of speed, weight load, maneuverability, and other aspects, they had be a standard mode of transportation.


    Overseas, these new kinds of transportation were bingmon.


    Locally, however, the control of air space hadn��t been opened up, so flying motorbikes could only be used in the city by the police and some special departments.


    When he arrived at the ground floor of the Messier 87 department, he wiped his face. It was like changing his face, and his calm expression became solemn and filled with madness.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied with his reflection in the mirror.


    He looked like a movie mogul who was thwarted.


    He got out of his car and strode to the elevator. Every step was taken with extra force that made people feel the vibration.


    On the way up to the Messier 87 department, the staff he met would give way to him. They had no idea what was happening.


    ��I want to see Yang Sen now,�� Ren Baqian said coldly to the guard who had stopped him.


    Five minutester, he met Yang Sen.


    In fact, Yang Sen already knew when Ren Baqian had departed from his vi.


    Years had passed by. Yang Sen, who was in his mid-forties back then, was in his fifties now.


    He had dealt with Ren Baqian many times, but this was the first time he had seen Ren Baqian look like this.


    The moment he saw him, Yang Sen was startled and wondered what in the world had happened.


    Did anyone offend him?


    Otherwise, something must have happened in the other world.


    The first words from Ren Baqian confirmed Yang Sen��s conjecture.


    Ren Baqian sat on the sofa, making it sink and squeak.


    ��I want nuclear bombs!�� Ren Baqian dered.


    Yang Sen was shocked. Ren Baqian hadn��t mentioned this during thest few years, so why was he bringing it up again?


    ��I want a nuclear bomb, a small one. I must have it!�� Ren Baqian said word by word. ��You can look at my expression��I��m not joking! After all these years, you should know that I do not bother other people unless they bother me.


    Yang Sen was jolted again.


    From his expression, Yang Sen felt that Ren Baqain wouldn��t give up easily this time.


    In particr, the crazed look in Ren Baqian��s eyes made Yang Sen feel that Ren Baqian might do something stupid if he was rejected.


    ��Old friend, I will certainly help if I can, but I��m not in a position to decide this matter. As you know, a nuclear bomb involves many issues.�� Yang Sen sighed.


    ��Then get me somebody who can make the decision! I will give you ten minutes!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I can only help you make contact. I can��t guarantee when you will be able to meet them,�� Yang Sen said.


    ��Cooperation is something that requires mutual provision and an equal exchange of resources. I have done enough over the years. As for thepensation you have provided, you clearly know that it hasn��t been indispensable. This isn��t the way to work together if you give me evasive answers when I need help.�� Ren Baqian stared at Yang Sen and exuded the air of an Earth Wheel expert. It seemed like Ren Baqian was staring at his prey, and Yang Sen broke out in a cold sweat.


    ��Hold your horses! I will have a heart attack if you carry on like this!�� Yang Sen smiled bitterly. ��Why don��t you let me contact my bosses first? Then, you can talk to them. This is what I can do.��


    Ren Baqian nodded and withdrew his aggressive aura. Yang Sen felt as if a sharp knife pointed at his neck had been withdrawn and heaved a sigh.

 Chapter 778 - Nuclear Bomb

    Chapter 778: Nuclear Bomb


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian managed to obtain the desired result.


    The issue was resolved more easily than anticipated, and it put him in a good mood.


    What he didn��t know was that his reputation wasn��t very good before. He killed the whole Jin family in S City. Although he had been provoked, he killed the whole n, which was regarded as too excessive. For this, he wasbeled as a ruthless murderer.


    Furthermore, the things that he and the empress did when they were on the run and the many people that they killed had also marred his reputation.


    Moreover, the empress had the reputation of being able to kill anyone in a city.


    All these factorsbined to make the government wary of them.


    When he initially returned to the nation, he and the empress were given a ��SSS�� rating by the authorities.


    This was the highest security risk rating.


    Over thest eight to nine years, besides throwing his temper once when he was provoked by someone else, he wasw-abiding, minded his own business, and didn��t involve himself in affairs on Earth. During his asional appearances, he spent his time eating and shopping. It was a typical example of someone letting nature takes its course.


    His security rating was lowered to ��S�� from ��SSS�� as a result.


    His strength had increased, but his risk profile was lower.


    As a reward for his cooperation during all these years, they gave him a way out.


    Three small nuclear bombs with a TNT equivalent of 60, 100, and 200 tons.


    Their killing range was a radius of 800, 1,100, and 1,600 meters, respectively.


    Within the killing range, no animal or human could survive.


    Even the jade-waisted ves, who were at the Man Wheel level, wouldn��t be able to survive at these ranges.


    In fact, Ren Baqian could get more powerful bombs, but he was waving the nuclear banner to send the message of what was called, ��prosperity, power, democracy, civilization, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, rule ofw, patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendship.�� This was to show them the core values of socialism, not to perish with them.


    A more powerful nuclear bomb wouldn��t be more valuable to him and would instead be hard to store safely.


    Two dayster, a motorcade arrived at the vi with a group of people carefully unloading three silvery white metal boxes of different sizes.


    A man in in clothes saluted him and said, ��Mr. Ren, the things you wanted are here.��


    ��Bring them in and teach me how to use them!�� Ren Baqian said with augh.


    Although he was in in clothes, even the blind could see that he was somebody with status.


    ��This is my duty.�� He spoke in a straightforward manner, but looked at Ren Baqian suspiciously.


    He couldn��t understand why such things were handed to this man.


    Who exactly was this man?


    Within the vi, Ren Baqian opened the boxes to find three cylinders wrapped in metal foils. The insides couldn��t be seen.


    The smallest was about 30 kilograms and the biggest was only about 60 kilograms.


    Ren Baqian stroke the top part.


    He had yed with guns, grenades, and mortars many times, but this was the first time he was ying with such a high-tech weapon.


    In particr, what it represented was etched in the mind of humans.


    It was one of the most powerful weapons and the ultimate explosive.


    Because of their great power, humans were afraid of blowing up the world along with themselves and had no choice but to seal them up.


    This thing was easy to operate, didn��t need auncher, and could just be thrown by hand when needed.


    Subsequently, the buttons on the remote control could be pressed to activate the flow of neutrons and trigger the explosion.


    It was a foolproof device.


    After inspecting the remote control and gadgets, the other party saluted Ren Baqian again before departing.


    Ren Baqian took the boxes and bought some bacon before going back to Dayao.


    Switching from brightness to darkness, Ren Baqian couldn��t see anything for a moment, but could hear the soundsing from afar. His position was about the same as when he left.


    As he adapted to the light in the cave, Ren Baqian turned and saw that about 20 hours had passed. Many of the winged cavalry had bodily injuries, some had cuts on their faces, and some had grievous wounds on their chests and abdomens.


    Besides these, there was a row of corpses neatly arranged at the side. A nce indicated that there were about 40 to 50 of them.


    ��Where��s Her Majesty?�� Ren Baqian shouted at a winged cavalry warrior.


    ��At the entrance of the cave!��


    ��How is the situation?��


    ��We can still hold on!��


    Ren Baqian threw everything on the floor and walked quickly to the cave entrance. At the side of the cave entrance, he saw a ck object and only realized that it was the crow general after taking a second look.


    The crow general looked miserable. Many parts of its body that were originally covered neatly with iron feathers were damaged, and its red skin could be seen underneath.


    A patch of feathers on its neck was also missing.


    He didn��t know whether there were other injuries, but the crow general was just lying there listlessly.


    The crow general that always jumped away from the empress before was in a miserable state now. It could be deduced from this that the battle was intense.


    Upon nearing the cave entrance, he saw green lights at the entry, green sparks in the air, and wavy shadows apanied by shing knives in front. There was also the image of the back of a red figure standing there like a javelin thrower.


    Ren Baqian walked behind the empress and reported, ��Your Majesty, I��m back!��


    ��It��s good that you are back!�� The empress nodded.


    Ren Baqian carefully looked at the empress and noticed almost no change. Her red dress was as neat as ever.


    This made him feel relieved.


    ��The injuries that the crow general suffered aren��t light. Are their attacks very strong?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��A few foreigners are hiding among the jade-waisted ves, and theyunched sneak attacks. The crow general was injured by them. Most of the deceased winged cavalry were killed by them,�� the empress said through clenched teeth. She hated these foreign races deeply.


    ��Foreigners? How many?��


    ��There should be seven. After you left in the daytime, they were outside watching the cave. They aren��t afraid of sunlight and are at the Cardinal Heaven level. Although they aren��t very strong, they are hard to deal with because they have many strange tricks,�� the empress said.


    ��I have brought back the iron fist of socialism,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress turned her head and asked expectantly, ��Is that a nuclear bomb?��


    Although Ren Baqian didn��t mention what weapon he was bringing back, she knew that the most powerful weapon was the nuclear bomb.


    If it was a nuclear bomb, it would teach these people a lesson.


    Otherwise, this would drag on for a few days.


    ��Your Majesty is brilliant and can foresee the future! I really brought back nuclear bombs this time. Although they are small, they are sufficient to eliminate those suckers. The only problem is the whereabouts of all the herdsmen.��


    The empress was ted to hear this.


    It was the joy of being able to turn the situation around after being under pressure for one day and one night.


    ��This is simple! I will know when I go out and take a look!��

 Chapter 779 - Harmony

    Chapter 779: Harmony


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��It��s already been a day.��


    ��One-tenth of their soldiers have already lost their fighting capabilities.��


    ��Unexpectedly, they didn��t try to escape, but chose to stand guard here to their deaths.��


    ��They have no food and no water. The longer they stay there, the faster they will crumble. I don��t think they can evenst seven days. I��ll give them five days at most.��


    ��Don��t let their leader escape!��


    One kilometer from the cave, there was a location where more than 20 figures stood with at least ten meters of space between themselves.


    One of them would asionally say something without caring whether the others would reply.


    To them, speaking was merely for expressing their own ideas. They had no willingness tomunicate with others.


    Several figures raised their arms and yed deste music from the animal bones in their hands,manding the jade-waisted ves to attack.


    Hundreds of thousands of demonic butterflies surrounded the entire mountain, and from the outside, the whole mountain was green. It was like a treasure mountain that was glowing with green light.


    One would only discover the truth about the horror of this mountain when they got closer.


    The entire mountain was covered with ayer of butterflies that had the head of a human or a beast, but the wings and body of a butterfly.


    Some of them were blocking the entrance of the cave with more than a dozen of them constantly trying to break into the cave every second.


    There were seven different figures standing behind these jade-waisted ves. From time to time, they would rush into the cave and withdraw after striking a blow.


    Among the seven figures, one of them had a snake tail. This was Liu Sheng, whom Ren Baqian had seen before.


    There was also a strong man with two horns, a woman with four arms, and another ordinary looking woman with a white tail��


    Just after the woman with four arms rushed into the cave, a loud bang sounded as she immediately flew out. A red figure sent all the butterflies in the surroundings flying away and rushed out of the cave, throwing punch after punch at that four-armed woman.


    The woman with the white tail suddenly appeared behind the empress with her body spinning like a top. In the blink of an eye, the sky was filled with the traces from her finger. These traces shot through the air at the empress like spears.


    ��Scram!��


    Faced with this attack, the empress had to stop chasing. She turned around and unleashed punches to counter that woman��s attack.


    Liu Sheng��s fists also came smashing over.


    Then came the two-horned man with his white bone staff.


    In an instant, the empress was surrounded by three individuals from foreign races.


    The other four stood around, waiting for the opportunity to strike.


    The empress��s face was covered in purple veins. Her arms retracted back and struck forward like a cannon. The air in front of her fists rippled as if it had turned into a fluid, followed by a st.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Liu Sheng suffered a direct hit and was sent flying a few hundred meters away beforending and smashing a crater in the ground.


    The empress took a wind piercing strike from the horned man��s staff before retreating back into the cave.


    ��Your Majesty!�� After seeing that she flew back and mmed into the wall, Ren Baqian quickly stepped forward with a gold and silver spear suddenly appearing in his hand. After a few cold sts in the air, the jade-waisted ves that were charging toward her immediately got reduced to ashes.


    Seeing this, the winged cavalry warriors at the side started to praise loudly.


    Ren Baqian��s strikes were quick and urate, and he managed to kill about five jade-waisted ves in one sh.


    ��I��m fine!�� The empress fell from the cave wall and spat blood on the ground.


    That staff was pretty powerful, especially since she took the hit to her back. Everyone was appalled to see that she spat out blood.


    ��I have located them. Just a kilometer away,�� the empress said.


    ��Are you alright, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian was pretty worried.


    ��I simply didn��t want to get involved with them and deliberately took that hit!�� The empress apparently didn��t care about throwing up blood.


    Both of them entered the cave before Ren Baqian opened up a few boxes. He hesitated for a while before taking out a cylinder from the middle box and cing it on the ground. ��Your Majesty, this warhead has a killing range of 1,100 meters. If used against the herdsmen, it��ll have tond within 300 meters or less. Their speed is too fast, so if we exceed 300 meters, I��m afraid they will be able to escape.��


    ��And then?�� The empress looked at him. ��Just throw it at them?��


    ��Just throw it and then I��ll detonate the warhead. It��s presumably enough to deal with those herdsmen. Without them, no matter how many jade-waisted ves there are, they won��t pose a danger. It may also be possible to get rid of the control that the herdsmen have over the foreign races. The only problem is that they probably won��t allow you to do it so easily!�� Ren Baqian frowned, looking a little worried.


    Although the empress couldn��t see the situation outside, she flew back after just over ten seconds and spat out blood. It could be inferred from this that the enemies weren��t easy to deal with.


    ��No problem. They can��t stop me.�� The empress was always full of confidence. It was as if nothing in this world could stop her.


    ��Alternatively, we can use the smallest warhead first to open up a path and st all the butterflies and foreigners outside. However, if we do that, the herdsmen will put up their guards,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��No need! Just hand it to me. What can a few jumping clowns do to me?�� The empress raised her eyebrows. Even though she was wearing a bright red dress, she looked extremely heroic.


    A fondness grew in Ren Baqian��s heart when he saw her in this state.


    ��I just have to throw this within 300 meters of their location?�� The empress lifted the cylinder. It was about the height of half a person, was as thick as a bucket, and there were two handles at the side.


    ��Be careful, Your Majesty!��


    ��


    ��Their leader actually charged out and took a hit from the thunder ze.��


    ��She��s very strong��a strike from the thunder ze will probably only inflict a slight injury to her.��


    ��They are starting to get anxious.��


    ��Humans will always be humans. Their endurance is weaker than I thought.��


    ��Humans are too affected by water and food. Being at a dead end, they can��tst for long.��


    ��They will either die inside or end up the same outside.��


    Those 20 figures still stood in the distance. After witnessing the previous sh, they exchanged a few rare words.


    ��They are the forsaken and have an inferiority that they can��t get rid of. Their only advantage is that they reproduce much faster than us. However, this is also beneficial for us since we have an abundance of food due to this.��


    While the figures were conversing, the empress dashed out of the cave again.


    ��Out again? Is she courting death?��


    As that person spoke, a silver object flew out from the cave. It screeched through the air andnded where the herdsmen were.


    ��Are they trying to throw things over to hurt us? Unfortunately, I have already forgotten how tough,�� one of them said.


    Over 20 herdsmen stood still and watched as that silver object grazed past one of them.


    ��Maybe it��s poisonous!�� one of them spected faintly.


    ��There��s no smell! If it��s poisonous, it can��t possibly escape my nose.��


    The empress saw that the silver objectnded several meters behind the herdsmen and that they simply stood there without moving. A smile appeared on her face.


    She then took a few hundred hits from Liu Sheng and flew back into the cave.


    ��I did it!�� the empress said to Ren Baqian.


    ��Be careful!�� He pressed the detonation button before the winged cavalry warriors even understood what he was trying to say.


    Before the roar of the explosion, another sun rose up in the distance.


    A tremendous amount of heat and light struck the foreigners and the butterflies that surrounded the entire mountain.


    Then, there was a loud bang. It sounded as if the sky had crumbled, making everyone feel frightened.


    The huge shockwave caused the whole mountain to shake, and they wondered if it was going to copse.


    The winged cavalry warriors in the cave didn��t know what was happening. They immediately got pushed against the cave wall along with the jade-wasted ves as the shockwave poured in.

 Chapter 780 - Why a Rabbit is Called a Rabbit

    Chapter 780: Why a Rabbit is Called a Rabbit


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty!��


    ��Your Majesty!�� The winged cavalry crawled up from the floor to search for the empress. They saw the empress standing there motionlessly as the gale-force wind swept back her dress and hair.


    The heat waves continued to sweep into the cave.


    The area outside the cave resembled arge furnace.


    Seeing that the empress was fine, the winged cavalry looked around and saw the jade-waisted ves that were swept in by the heat waves.


    These lightweight insects were smashed against the wall by the shock waves. They seemed to be badly hurt and were struggling to fly.


    Hands were raised and sabers were wielded.


    The sabers shed and glittered in the cave.


    The winged cavalry warriors in the cave rushed out to find out what was happening.


    The ground and the mountains had been shaking just now, and they thought that it was an earthquake.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian walked to the side of the empress.


    ��All of you wait here. I want to take a look,�� the empress said.


    The empress felt that if even she was unable to survive this explosion, then those herdsmen would be much worse off.


    Although the herdsmen were very fast and full of tricks, their bodies were very weak. It was impossible for them to escape.


    However, there were still some foreigners and jade-waisted ves outside, and their statuses were unknown.


    The shock waves had sted some of the foreigners against the mountainside and left their animal hides in tatters.


    Due to their strong physiques and also because they were far away from the explosion, they weren��t badly hurt, though they looked ragged.


    Even the jade-waisted ves that were mmed against the mountainside started to fly after wavering for a while.


    The seven foreigners came down from the mountainside with their tattered hides hanging on them. This didn��t matter to them as they instead looked at the scene in the distance. They were shocked and confused.


    By the time they regained their senses, they were already pinned against the mountainside by the shock wavesing from the front.


    They saw the huge fireball and mushroom cloud with their own eyes.


    There was also the heat that seemed to be baking them like a giant furnace.


    A giant crater had appeared with the rim surrounded by a flowing dark red liquid that resembledva from a volcano.


    The trees in the distance had toppled, and the whole area was aze with fire.


    What had happened?


    Was this a natural disaster?


    Intuition told them it wasn��t.


    A natural disaster didn��t happen this way.


    If it wasn��t a natural disaster, then what was it?


    What about the butterflies with the green radiance that were lying all over the ground?


    Plus, where were they?


    After recovering from the shock, these several foreigners looked around.


    ��Thunder ze!�� The woman with four pairs of hands saw the man with two horns and immediately disyed a hateful look.


    ��Ba Pi race?�� The horned man obviously couldn��t remember her name, but he knew her species because of her four pairs of hands.


    ��You will pay with your life today for killing Kermin.�� Thedy with four pairs of hands raised her arms like spears and attacked.


    The rest of them silently kept their distance.


    In this group, the enmity wasn��t limited to just these two.


    However, the others felt that the situation was very strange and were wondering how they ended up here. Where was this ce? What had happened in front of them? Without rifying these doubts, they didn��t want to battle to the death here.


    The empress saw this scene unfold outside the cave and smirked.


    Had they awakened?


    She hadn��t got even with them for killing so many winged cavalry warriors!


    As for the surrounding jade-waisted ves, they were struggling to take to the air and fluttered around aimlessly without control. A few that were near the foreigners headed directly for them.


    The previous allies were killing each other after regaining their autonomy from the herdsmen.


    The empress ignored them and looked at the distant crater that had a circumference of a few hundreds of meters. Further away, ayer of the ground was missing.


    A portion of the surrounding forest was directly carbonized while another portion was in mes. The night sky was dyed red, and it looked like the end of the world.


    The power of the explosion shocked her.


    She heard the sound of footstepsing from behind her. They were from Ren Baqian.


    Although Ren Baqian��s physique was simr to the winged cavalry, his footsteps were lighter and more agile.


    ��You brought three nuclear bombs?�� the empress asked as she directed her gaze at the few people below.


    Ren Baqian followed her gaze and saw a few foreigners knocking jade-waisted ves to ground after being attacked by them.


    ��Internal conflicts? Have they regained their senses?�� Ren Baqian asked casually.


    ��Give me a nuclear bomb! I will throw and you will detonate it,�� the empress said again.


    Whether they were conscious or not, the debt still needed to be repaid! The empress had never let her enemies go, even if they were controlled by others.


    Ren Baqian was aghast.


    ��Your Majesty, you should know the power of this bomb. If it��s detonated at such close range, the cave will surely copse, causing everyone to perish together.��


    The empress frowned. She wasn��t afraid of these seven foreigners, but it wouldn��t be easy to subdue them.


    The foreigners had noticed the two of them and checked the surroundings before saying, ��Who are you? Eh? Abandoned people?��


    The empress was annoyed.


    She had heard the words ��abandoned people�� again.


    These words made her feel ufortable.


    Ren Baqian took a step forward, ��What do you mean by abandoned people?��


    A few of them looked at him and then at the empress again.


    This fellow was too weak and puny, but thatdy was terrifying and looked intimidating.


    Ren Baqian saw their contempt for him and felt like throwing the smallest nuclear bomb to show them what the iron fist of socialism looked like.


    However, the aftermath would be too drastic.


    ��Where is this ce and why are we here? Why are you here?�� The foreigners were in a confused state after being dazed.


    ��Answer our question first. What is the meaning of abandoned people? If we are satisfied, we will tell you what you want to know,�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Abandoned people are abandoned people! You are humans and also abandoned people!�� said a foreigner with cat-like whiskers and a round nose. It looked like Doreaemon


    ��Why do you call us abandoned people?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t figure out the reason.


    ��Why?�� They were put in a confused state again.


    ��She is a serpent, I��m a heaven seeker, you are humans and also abandoned people. Why do you ask why?�� that foreigner inquired.


    Ren Baqian observed them and felt that it wasn��t that they didn��t know how to answer, but was because they didn��t know why humans were called abandoned people.


    It was like asking why a rabbit was called a rabbit.


    He himself didn��t know why a rabbit was called a rabbit.


    Suddenly, everybody quieted down.


    Ren Baqian was thinking about why a rabbit was called a rabbit, the empress was thinking about how to kill these foreigners, and the foreigners were thinking about why abandoned people were called abandoned people. At the side, there were two rascals who would fight after they had recovered!


    From behind, the mor of chaotic footsteps sounded. Many winged cavalry warriors saw the empress and Ren Baqian standing at the cave entrance and talking to some unknown people outside. Seeing no danger, they came out one after another.


    The winged cavalry in front saw the doomsday scene in the distance, stopped to look at it, and fell into shock.


    While the people in front stopped, the people behind kept on moving forward.


    It was like watching dumplings fall out of the cave.


    ��Who pushed me?�� Ren Baqian shouted as he was pushed down.

 Chapter 781 - Foreign Races

    Chapter 781: Foreign Races


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the end, the empress didn��t fight those people from the foreign races at all.


    She was confident in defeating them, but had no confidence that she could keep her people alive


    Since Ren Baqian and many winged cavalry warriors were around, there was safety in numbers.


    However, it was because of them that the empress didn��t dare to attack those people from the foreign races.


    Besides, she had a lot of questions to ask them as well.


    As for the winged cavalry, they were more able to ept that their enemies had be bystanders than the empress was. Although they felt resentment, when these straightforward men learned that these foreigners had been controlled and had no will of their own, they put away their hatred because they didn��t know who to direct it toward.


    After all, the culprits were already dead.


    ��You mean that we were being controlled?�� One of them from the Ba Pi race couldn��t believe what he heard.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian and the empress stood across from the foreigners. However, the foreigners were very scattered, and not only were they unfamiliar with each other, they even felt hatred.


    These foreigners were fully naked by this time, so they used leaves to casually cover themselves up.


    ��Otherwise what? Did you intentionally kill about eight of us? Do you wish to have a taste of my iron fist of socialism?�� Ren Baqian sneered, pointing at the giant crater in the distance as well as at the burning forest. ��Can you survive this strike?��


    Upon witnessing the scene after the detonation of the nuclear bomb, the person from the Ba Pi race looked at Ren Baqian with a doubtful expression.


    After all, Ren Baqian��s Kismet Heaven level of strength was nothing to them.


    It would be a joke if he could wreak such havoc with his power.


    Ren Baqian looked at the skeptical expressions on their faces. Without a word or movement, a gold and silver spear appeared in his hand.


    ��Turning your spirit into a weapon?�� Several of the people from the foreign races were suspicious. The person in front of them was clearly a Kismet Heaven expert, so how was he able to own a Heaven-grade weapon? Even they couldn��t do this. Not even an ordinary Cardinal Heaven expert could do this, unless they were from a tribe with special traits.


    After thinking about the destruction that he had wrought just now, they suddenly thought of a possibility.


    <em>Could this man be a Cardinal Heaven expert who experienced a sudden dip in his strength after unleashing that blow, resulting in the Kismet Heaven aura that we feel now?</em>


    The power of that blow was something that even a Cardinal Heaven expert couldn��t achieve.


    Could he be a peak expert at the Longevity Heaven level?


    They suddenly felt a deep veneration for Ren Baqian.


    If he truly was a peak expert at the Longevity Heaven level, how would they have survived until now after being controlled to attack him?


    Ren Baqian kept silent, but a metal chain shot out from his palm and wrapped around his spear.


    Two Heaven-grade weapons!


    Immediately, the foreigners no longer dared to belittle Ren Baqian.


    Even though his strength had currently been reduced to the Kismet Heaven level, there was no telling if he wouldsh out and reduce them to ashes.


    Ren Baqian felt secretly happy when he saw that their faces were filled with doubt and reverence. This spear and this metal chain were indeed useful at times.


    It would be much easier for him to question them from now on.


    There were seven individuals from different foreign races in front of him. Liu Sheng came from to the Serpent race and snake blood ran in her veins. She had the upper body of a human, the lower body of a snake, and was a member of the Serpent race.


    People from the Serpent race typically had this form, but not all of them had snake blood.


    Liu Sheng��s blood was considered to be the best among the members of her race.


    The person with a round face, round nose, and cat whiskers was called Qiao Sen. He was a member of the Heaven Seeker race.


    The man with two horns on his head was called Thunder ze, and he was a member of the Thunder Barbarian race.


    The person with four pairs of arms was called Gu Ling, and she was a member of the Ba Pi race.


    The Thunder Barbarian race and the Ba Pi race had a feud with each other, and anyone could see this without it being said.


    The girl with the furry tail was called Xun You, and she was a member of the Passion Fruit race.


    The two remaining foreigners were men. One of them had hooves and was named Ta Lan. He was a member of the Wind Chasers race


    The other man��s body continuously secreted some sort of liquid, which made his body seem like it was covered in ayer of oil. Any physical attacks to his body would slip away. His name was Xu Heng, and he was a member of the Void race.


    After understanding all these foreign races, Ren Baqian felt very curious. How many races were there in the Sixty Thousand Mountains?


    Even these foreigners didn��t know the answer to this question. From what they knew, there were more than 30 races.


    However, the poption of each race was low, ranging from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand at most.


    When Ren Baqian asked about the locations of these races, they immediately fell into a confused state.


    They hadpletely no recollection of how they were controlled.


    They didn��t even know where they were now, let alone where their homes were.


    If they wanted to go back home, they had to rely on Qiao Sen of the Heaven Seeker race. The noses of people from his race were 100 times more sensitive than the noses of dogs, and they were pretty spiritual as well.


    Ren Baqian started feeling a little curious. For one, he wondered whether Qiao Sen would die from a skunk bomb.


    Second, he was curious about this spirituality that they mentioned.


    Qiao Sen did a demonstration on the spot. He found a tree branch and tossed it up into the air. He then pointed at where that branchnded and said, ��If we follow this direction, it should lead us home!��


    Ren Baqian was stunned.


    Was this the so-called spirituality?


    If this was it, then he had been very spiritual ever since he was a child.


    ��This is the spirituality that you speak of?�� Ren Baqian didn��t know what kind of expression to have.


    ��This is spirituality!�� The foreigners had heavy expressions on their faces. ��Others would simply throw the branch, but heaven seekers do so with spirituality. That is why they are heaven seekers. God is helping them with everything that they do!��


    After looking at their expressions, Ren Baqian felt a little more convinced.


    Even though it sounded ridiculous, there were too many unknowns in this world.


    Before arriving in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, he never knew that there were so many different races that lived alongside the aboriginals like these foreigners did.


    Even the aboriginals who had lived here for generations didn��t know either.


    Even if Ren Baqian were to see a ghost tomorrow, he wouldn��t be too surprised about it.


    After chatting with these foreigners until daybreak, he managed to learn some things from them.


    First, there were at least 30 different races in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. He also found out some basic information about these races.


    Second, although these people had been controlled and were stripped of their own consciousness, the foreigner from the Void race was able to tell from the growth ring on their genitals that 76 years had passed.


    When Ren Baqian heard about this method of measuring time, he was immediately full of expression.


    Third, apart from the areas where they lived, these foreigners didn��t know about anything else.


    Fourth, they didn��t know why they called humans the ��abandoned people.��


    They didn��t know much about the herdsmen either. If Ren Baqian hadn��t destroyed all the herdsmen, these foreigners probably wouldn��t even know about the existence of people who were capable of controlling others.


    Not only were they unclear about the herdsmen, they also weren��t sure about chinchis.


    This made Ren Baqian continue toy down the idea of exploring Lin Qiaole��s origins.


    At dawn, these foreigners were eager to return home as well. After all, they had been controlled for decades or even longer. They wanted to go back and check out the situations of their homnds.


    ��Take this thing with you. Open it if you encounter trouble on your journey. It might be useful.�� Ren Baqian opened a metal box and took out a silver cylinder.


    The empress��s eyes immediately lit up when she saw what he did.


    Qiao Sen immediately took a few steps back when he saw the cylindrical object. He was puzzled at first and then felt a trace of fear.


    ��Will we die if we take it?��


    Several of the other foreigners looked warily at Ren Baqian.


    ��How so?�� Ren Baqianughed out loud. ��Just be careful with it. It seems like your spirituality isn��t that urate!��


    Several of the foreigners were rmed and took a few steps back before vanishing into the forest.


    Ren Baqian started to mutter, ��It seems like this spirituality thing opens up quite a few paths.��


    The empress felt regret. In the end, she still didn��t feel too happy for not killing these foreigners.


    ��Your Majesty, we have no choice!�� Ren Baqian spread his arms and knew what she was thinking about. He would also be d to avenge the winged cavalry warriors who had died at the hands of these foreigners. Since she already intended to kill them, he tried to provide her with the means to do so.


    However, they actually recognized the danger of the nuclear bomb.


    ��Now that we know of their existence, there will always be opportunities in the future.��


    ��Yeah.�� The empress gently sighed and turned to look at the giant crater in the distance before saying, ��I��ll go take a look.��


    Even though they could already tell that the herdsmen were dead after losing control of the foreigners, she still couldn��t feel at ease if she didn��t see it for herself.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s poison there!�� Ren Baqian hurriedly responded. It was much easier to tell her that there was poison than to exin the effects of radiation to her.


    Since they were all pretty strong, they were still able to withstand the effects of the radiation from where they were. It would be quite dangerous if they were to move to the center of the explosion.


    ��Your Majesty, we are able to get married, so you have to prepare for pregnancy. It��s better to avoid such poison!�� Ren Baqian persuaded her patiently.


    The empress��s face flushed as steam rose from the top of her head.

 Chapter 782 - Falling Into a Trap

    Chapter 782: Falling Into a Trap


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Even though they couldn��t check out the center of the explosion, Ren Baqian still apanied the empress around the outer periphery of the area.


    Although there was radiation, with their physical qualities, they wouldn��t be easily affected by it.


    At a close distance, the scene of the giant crater wasn��t terrifying, but had a strange beauty to it instead.


    This beauty came from the sparse crystals in the pit that reflected the morning sun.


    ��Are there gems below?�� The empress saw the crystals and immediately thought of those sparkling things. Even though she wasn��t fond of them, it was said that no woman could resist the temptation of sparkling things, regardless of whether they were gold or gems.


    Picking up gems from the road was an unexpected surprise for any woman.


    Furthermore, the thought of chancing upon a gemstone mine had already risen in the empress��s mind.


    ��Your Majesty, there aren��t gems below. Those are crystals formed from some substances in the soil that have condensed after burning at high temperature. They are actually ss.�� Ren Baqian felt slightly regretful when telling her this.


    ��Oh! Red ss?�� The empress asked as she pointed in a certain direction.


    She had seen ss before, but not red ss.


    ��Perhaps there is a higher concentration of iron here?�� Ren Baqian guessed.


    Before he could even finish his sentence, the empress disappeared. When she appeared again, she had a red ��gem�� in her hand.


    ��Your Majesty, you shouldn��t touch that!�� Ren Baqian hurriedly warned.


    ��I��m just taking a look at it.��


    The empress didn��t care much about his warnings.


    ��It seems like there is blood in it.�� She held the ��ruby�� against the sun and squinted her eyes.


    Ren Baqian looked at it and realized that it was indeed very simr. There seemed to be a body of dark red fluid inside that reflected magnificent colors in the sunlight.


    ��There seems to be something inside?�� He felt that there was something thin moving inside the gem.


    At this moment, something abnormal started to happen.


    The ss enveloping the red liquid suddenly split open.


    The empress immediately threw it away, but at the same time, a thin blue line pierced out of it and went straight for Ren Baqian��s forehead.


    In the blink of an eye, the empress��s hand appeared in front of Ren Baqian��s face.


    However, the blue line was extremely agile and passed under her hand.


    The empress turned her hand around and grabbed it, but its front end, which was almost invisible to the naked eye, separated from the rest of the blue line and went straight for Ren Baqian��s forehead.


    He felt that something had hit into him. He suddenly felt dizzy and immediately fell backward.


    ��Ren Baqian?�� The empress held him with one arm. She carefully observed his forehead and saw that there was no wound. However, his eyes were shut and seemed to have lost consciousness.


    She then looked at the blue line in her hand, which had already turned into a liquid. She then threw it into the air where it instantly vaporized.


    Her face was gloomy, and she hadn��t expected to fall for this trap.


    She didn��t even think that the herdsmen had such means.


    They weren��t strong, but they had really strange methods.


    The empress carried Ren Baqian to the rest area. When few of the winged cavalry warriors came forth to report, she simply dismissed them to hunt for food.


    She was very upset at the moment.


    She ced him on the ground and put her hand on his shoulder. She carefully sensed the situation in his body and found that was no change.


    He had not suffered any injuries either.


    Based on that thing that was invisible to the naked eye and Ren Baqian��s currentatose state, she guessed that he very likely had a problem with his mind.


    However, the empress was helpless when it came to problems like these. Aboriginals had a weakness when it came to this matter.


    ��Your Majesty, what happened to Sir Ren?�� Hong Luan walked toward her and asked softly.


    He was still fine a while ago and became like this after apanying the empress to the explosion site.


    The empress frowned. Hong Luan��s voice made her even more annoyed.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian��s consciousness was in darkness.


    In front of him was the presence of a faint blue light.


    ��Is this my sea of knowledge?�� As Ren Baqian reached out his arm, a yellow cloud appeared in his palm. He was very familiar with this ce, but it was just that he always used to have direct control over it.


    At present, he was merely an entity here. He didn��t have the feeling of manipting everything like he used to have.


    ��Who are you?�� Ren Baqian looked up at the figure in front of him who was emitting a blue light. It was he who crashed into Ren Baqian��s sea of knowledge just now and brought about such changes.


    In his mind, he already knew who the other party was.


    ��I didn��t expect that we would die by your hands�� What was it? How did you do it?�� The blue figure spoke in a deep and maic voice.


    Ren Baqian felt likeughing, but he couldn��t do so given the current situation he was in. ��You actually struggled until now just to find out how you died?��


    ��No, of course not. I still have another chance. A chance for you to be me and for me to be you,�� the blue figure replied. ��If you satisfy my curiosity, I can help you fulfill your final wish.��


    Ren Baqian immediately knew the other party��s intentions. He didn��t expect that there was actually a way to upy other people��s bodies in this world.


    ording to fantasy novels, this was called possession?


    ��You don��t stand a chance. Let��s not even talk about whether you can upy my body. Even if you do so, Zixiao will kill you and this body in a sh.��


    ��Is Zixiao that abandoneddy? I will obtain your memory and upy your body. I just need to hide it from her for a short period of time before I will be able to escape,�� the blue figure said in a very in tone that made Ren Baqian feel cold all over his body.


    ��Will you tell me how you did it? I can fulfill yourst wish,�� the blue figure repeated himself.


    Ren Baqian��s face looked gloomy as he thought about countermeasures to deal with this situation. From the other party��s words, Ren Baqian could tell that the blue figure was full of confidence, so he must have the corresponding means to do what he said. Ren Baqian knew nothing about that, and there was no way that he could oppose the other party like this.


    Since the blue figure actually asked him about it, this meant that the other party couldn��t take away all of his memories. However, this in no way would help Ren Baqian in beating the other party. The only difference it would make would be how much of his memories the other party could obtain.


    If they were in the outside world, Ren Baqian could at least have a chance to escape. In the current situation, there weren��t any such chances.


    However, this was his own sea of knowledge. ording to the novels, he was the master of this world, and it should flow with his own thoughts.


    It was like how he had condensed the five elements before.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian felt that he wouldn��t necessarily lose.


    He suddenly looked up at the blue figure and asked, ��Do you think you have won?��


    ��Yes!�� The blue figure nodded honestly. He couldn��t think of any possibility where Ren Baqian could defeat him.


    Ren Baqian sneered and shouted loudly, ��Big! Big! Big!��


    Based on his own expectations, he should be able to control his body with his mind in his own sea of knowledge and turn into a giant that could swat the other party to death.


    It turned out like what he expected, and the blue figure started bing smaller and smaller until he was about the size of Ren Baqian��s pinky.


    Ren Baqian was delighted. He was indeed a genius, and those fantasy novels were truly useful.


    ��Now, I��m interested in answering your question, but you also have to answer my question.�� At this moment, Ren Baqian was filled with confidence, and he felt that he could crush the other party with just a finger.


    The blue figure watched as Ren Baqian became a giant and lightly praised, ��I didn��t expect you to realize this since most people don��t understand that they are the masters of their own sea of knowledge. So, you have the confidence to fight me now? Alright, if you answer my question, then I will also answer one of yours.��


    ��Why do you call us abandoned people!�� Ren Baqian asked the blue figure something he had wanted to know for a while.


    He hadn��t gotten any information from those foreigners before, but the herdsman in front of him should be able to answer his question.

 Chapter 783 - A Small Universe

    Chapter 783: A Small Universe


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Heavy rain fell on the roof, and the sound of the rain almost drowned out the sound of everything else.


    The wooden houses that were built outside the kadsura cinea forest weren��t destroyed when the jade-waisted ves passed by and were just nice to provide shelter for everyone.


    The empress sat on a coarse wooden bed with Ren Baqian lying on herp. His eyes were closed and asionally blood would flow out from his nose from time to time.


    The empress silently wiped. There was no one around, so her face didn��t maintain its iciness. Only a profound sadness remained.


    Ren Baqian had been in this state for five days and had been unresponsive for the first two days. However, after the second day, his condition deteriorated.


    After his condition had worsened, it was as if he had been seriously injured, and his breathing at one time was close to stopping.


    This made her tremble.


    Fear seized her heart.


    She never expected to face the fear of losing the man in front of her.


    Since a young age, this was the first time she didn��t reject someone and the first time someone made her so devoted, although he was annoying at times and made her feel like beating him. Even though he was very ugly now, with no hair, eyebrows, or moustache��in other words, totally hairless�� these things weren��t within her scope of consideration.


    When someone was in her heart, it didn��t matter how he looked.


    If Ren Baqian were to die, she wouldn��t be able to face it.


    She wasn��t able to do anything despite her rank as the fourth top expert in the world. She didn��t know what had happened to his sea of knowledge and could only wait.


    This made her feel powerless.


    The sound of footsteps interrupted the sound of the rain. Hong Luan rushed in with a pot of meat that was covered with a leaf to prevent the rain from leaking in.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s time to eat,�� Hong Luan said while holding a pot.


    ��Put it over there.�� The empress��s face became colder, but sadness and worry were hidden in her eyes.


    However, from the way she put Ren Baqian on herp, even without looking at her expression, they knew her feelings.


    ��Take your leave.�� The empress was a little agitated because she didn��t want anyone to disturb her now.


    This included even her two trusted attendants, Hong Luan and Qing Yuan.


    ��Your Majesty�� I will leave the food here.�� Hong Luan looked worried and put the pot at the head of the bed so that it was within the empress��s reach.


    Previously, she usually put the food on that coarse table. The empress didn��t move at all during these two days, and Hong Luan had taken away everything that she had ced there.


    Before leaving, she looked worriedly at the empress, then looked at Ren Baqian and prayed, ��Sir Ren, wake up quickly!��


    At this moment, she saw some movements from under his eyelids and froze.


    ��Get out!�� the empress ordered coldly.


    ��Your, Your Majesty, Ren, Sir Ren is moving!�� Hong Luan stuttered with joy.


    Then, she added, ��His eyes are moving! He should be waking up soon!��


    The empress had already lowered her head to look at Ren Baqian��s face when she heard Hong Luan��s first sentence and saw his eyes softly rolling under his eyelids.


    This was the first time in a few days that she saw a response.


    The empress kept her eyes fixed on Ren Baqian and didn��t even blink. She was worried that Ren Baqian would rpse to his former state in the blink of an eye and that she would be terribly disappointed.


    For a few minutes, the two of them in the room watched him closely for any signs that he was waking up.


    Meanwhile, the empress felt that Ren Baqian��s heart was beating fast. The blood was coursing through the blood vessels in his body, and she could even hear the blood rushing through his blood vessels like a flowing river.


    After a few minutes, Ren Baqian groaned, his eyelids slowly moved two times, and then his eyes opened.


    Ren Baqian��s first sight upon opening his eyes was the heroic face of the empress. Her mesmerizing face was full ofplex expressions ranging from joy to anger to tenderness, making Ren Baqian almost fall into a dreamy state just after waking up.


    Wave after wave of headaches hit him.


    ��Your Majesty, give me some water!�� Ren Baqian felt that his throat was dry and cracking.


    ��You are finally awake.�� Her expression changed a few times and finally turned joyful. ��Hong Luan, bring some water!��


    ��Okay! I��m going now.�� Hong Luan was overjoyed and rushed out of the house without caring about the heavy rain.


    From the room, Ren Baqian and the empress heard Hong Luan excitedly shouting, ��Sir Ren has awakened.��


    Everyone around was startled by this announcement.


    Last time, when Ren Baqian was hit by a poisoned arrow, the empress rushed to take him to Great Xia. This time, with Ren Baqian in aa, her behavior made them even more worried.


    Everyone was worried that the empress would be extremely sad if anything happened to Ren Baqian.


    Now that he had awakened, everyone was relieved.


    Ren Baqian enjoyed the benefit of being served water by the empress, but the empress obviously didn��t know how to serve others and almost choked him to death. He was already weak, so the coughing that ensued almost drained half of his life away.


    However, this gave him the opportunity to see the turmoil on her face.


    Ren Baqian had a hard time recovering and rested in bed for a while to regain some energy.


    While the bone broth was being prepared, the empress finally asked him, ��Is it resolved?��


    ��It��s resolved!�� Ren Baqianughed bitterly. Initially, he thought he could control his sea of knowledge and crush his opponent with one finger, but he didn��t realize that he was too inexperienced.


    Although he had mastered the sea of knowledge, the other party��s spiritual soul was of a much higher quality.


    The spiritual soul of the other party could reside in a piece of ss after death. How would this be easy to deal with?


    Ren Baqian was broken after just a short while.


    The other party followed up by crushing him.


    If not for his sea of knowledge, he wouldn��t have been able to repeatedly reunite his scattered spiritual soul. If the other party didn��t try as much as possible to preserve Ren Baqian��s memory, he wouldn��t have woken up.


    Even thebined power of two Heaven-grade weapons, the metal chain and the golden spear, were no match for the other party.


    After all, they were merely weapons.


    Fortunately, they were the condensed Heaven-grade weapons of two powerful Spirit Wheel experts. One was good at attacking, whereas the other was good at capturing and could somewhat hinder the other party. This gave him the opportunity to use the method that he had been considering earlier, but hadn��t dared to use.


    He created a singrity and detonated it.


    At that time, he had no other choice but to use this method or face death. The other party was taking over his body, so Ren Baqian had to take a risk.


    Fortunately, his bet was sessful in defying death.


    The other party died in the singrity.


    The other party died without knowing that someone could make such a thing in their mind. In other words, the other party had no idea what it was.


    In his sea of knowledge, Ren Baqian created a ck hole that sucked in everything, including his consciousness. Finally, even that ck hole copsed to a point that couldn��t be found and exploded.


    This confirmed that Ren Baqian��s original idea was correct.


    His sea of knowledge formed a universe.


    Although this universe was currently barren, innumerable materials were gathering in some directions. If no ident happened, would lead to the formation ofs.


    Ren Baqian felt that he had the ability to fire up a universe in the future


    After Ren Baqian roughly exined to the empress, she let out a long breath and said, ��You are lucky that this thing was sessfully executed.��


    The empress didn��t mention anything about him taking too much of a risk or anything like that.


    This was because Ren Baqian wouldn��t have survived if he didn��t do so.


    Although she didn��t say it, the thought of the risk involved made her tremble.


    She didn��t dare to think about what would have happened if something went wrong.


    ��Luckily, it was sessful.�� In hindsight, Ren Baqian was frightened. ��I will not do such a dangerous thing again.��


    Even though he said this, he still believed that when forced to the point of no return, he would take a risk to hang on to a feeble thread of life.


    However, he would stay away from danger in the future.


    He felt that he still had arge part of his life to enjoy.


    With ady like the empress by his side, his life wouldn��t be boring.

 Chapter 784 - A Buried History

    Chapter 784: A Buried History


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Why do they call us abandoned people?�� The empress and Ren Baqian were concerned by this question.


    Anyone who was called a name like this wouldn��t be able to ignore it.


    Furthermore, it wasn��t only the herdsmen who called them this, the members of those foreign races had done so as well.


    It was inevitably associated with negative connotations.


    Ren Baqian grunted softly without opening his mouth and tried to organize his thoughts. He put the empress��s hand on his chest to feel the touch of her palm and said slowly, ��That herdsman didn��t say much, but he pointed out that your people didn��t live here originally and were exiled.


    As soon as Ren Baqian said these words, the empress stiffened her body, her hand tightened, and a cold atmosphere enveloped her.


    He was recalling what that herdsman had said as he continued, ��Humans are a race that has deeply ingrained bad habits. They are greedy without limit, are ignorant and recalcitrant, repeat the same mistakes over and over again, always crave more material goods, are full of lies and hypocrisy, are treacherous, like to make promises and are good at betrayal, forget righteousness when seeking benefits, invoke wars without being able to ept the consequences, are a collection of people who behave badly, and are full of contradictions.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether this knowledge of the human race came from that herdsman or from the other races and didn��t say this out.


    Furthermore, he didn��t agree with it.


    It was indisputable that humans had many shorings.


    At the same time, humans had many virtues, such as feelings, creativity, and wisdom, which the ruthless herdsmen couldn��t understand.


    He didn��t know what had happened, but his opinion was that humans were driven here and that there were only two possibilities. One possibility was that they lost a war.


    This was in line with that phrase about invoking war and not being able to bear the consequences.


    The other possibility was that there waspetition for living space.


    After all, the ability of humans to reproduce and their learning capabilities were amazing.


    Besides these, Ren Baqian didn��t think it was possible for the entire race to be exiled.


    The empress tensed up and Ren Baqian could feel her anger, but she didn��t re up. After a while, she calmed down and asked, ��Who was responsible for exiling them?��


    ��The other party said that there are thousands of races. I wonder whether there are actually thousands of races, but I��m sure that there are many races. Although the other party didn��t say, if I��m not mistaken, there��s a vast world on the other side of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. These herdsmen were border guards that prevented humans from crossing the border. As for those foreigners, they may have had the same mission, but perhaps they were isted from their tribes for too long and forgot their responsibilities.


    This is ancient history and so old that even those races whose lifespans are much longer than humans have forgotten about their responsibilities and even about their countries.��


    At this point, Ren Baquan suddenlyughed and said, ��I know one more thing that you will find very unexpected.��


    The empress turned to look at him.


    ��The aboriginals, Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation are all humans that belong to the same race,�� Ren Baqian continued. The empress suddenly realized an issue.


    Previously, it was never doubted that the aboriginals, the citizens of Great Xia, and the inhabitants of the Yun Nation were totally different.


    They had always viewed each other as different races.


    However, ording to the information from that herdsman, the aboriginals and the people from the other countries actually belonged to the same race.


    The enemies had suddenly be her own people, and the empress found this to be hard to ept.


    ��The aboriginals were guards���� Ren Baqian��s words hit her like a stone to the head, and she felt a bit dizzy.


    Were her people, who were regarded as barbarians, previously guards?


    What Ren Baqian said made her feel likeughing.


    However, she couldn��tugh out loud.


    She was grieving.


    Based on what Ren Baqian said, if humans were driven here, the aboriginals, who were the strongest, used the Sixty Thousand Mountains as a barrier and stayed here generation after generation whilepeting with beasts for survival.


    The rest of the humans established their civilizations in the north and regarded the aboriginals as uncultured barbarians that were oppressed by the Hao Nation.


    This was so ridiculous that it made her feel like crying.


    The empress suppressed her emotions and asked dejectedly, ��Is this true?��


    Nobody who heard this could remain calm.


    ��Part of it is based on what he said, while part of it I surmised from what he said. The uracy should be pretty high,�� Ren Baqian replied. Even he felt that this fact was saddening.


    ��The humans at that time were most likely divided into two genotypes. One of them was the ancestor of the aboriginals and possessed a gically strong physical bloodline. The other was like those people who follow the spiritual path.�� Ren Baqian phrased it as physical and spiritual development.


    The empress raised her head, looked steadily at Ren Baqian, and asked again, ��In that case, howe nobody knows about this? Even after a long time, it��s impossible that no record was left behind.��


    She didn��t know whether or not to believe Ren Baqian.


    ��There was a contract. The various races didn��t exterminate the humans because the humans were able to fight to the death and could cause great damage to them. The various races didn��t want the humans to fight back repeatedly and therefore forced the remaining human experts to sign a contract.


    Humans would have to forget all the information rted to this and weren��t allowed to record anything.


    This contract was applicable to all human beings.


    In this way, the matter was buried in history after the first few generations had passed away.


    Of course, not everything was buried in history and some clues might have been left behind.


    ��Is this why the previous emperor suddenly disappeared with arge army in the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains?�� The empress thought of this as a possibility that offered an exnation. The previous emperor had found something, which was why he suddenly went on his expedition.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    This should be the reason.


    This was a big achievement.


    Ren Baqian was getting more interested in investigating what had happened then.


    Although a contract was signed, with human wisdom, there was a way to get around it.


    There were no written words or records, and the previous emperor suddenly disappeared after attaining the Longevity Heaven level. Therefore, the events could be deduced.


    This unknown history could only be probed when the realm of Longevity Heaven was achieved.


    This meant that those from the foreign races were extremely powerful.


    The Longevity Heaven realm had to be attained before humans could ess this history. This was also to prevent humans from hastily going back when they weren��t strong enough.


    The injuries suffered by the human experts at that time were very serious, and it was unknown how much time they spent recuperating here. Humans didn��t improve their strength, but in fact, they regressed. There were fewer and fewer Longevity Heaven level experts.


    Ren Baqian guessed that the conditions here were different from the original area, like the differences in spiritual energies that were mentioned in novels. Therefore, this region served as a ce for exile and was why human experts became less and less numerous.


    It was precisely for this reason that the previous emperor didn��t leave any records and took those fierce warriors to seek answers about this stretch of history.


    It was all due to the lucky coincidence that the herdsman thought he was definitely going to win. Otherwise, Ren Baqian didn��t know when they would have been able to ess this stretch of missing history.


    They might have had to wait until the empress made a breakthrough to the Longevity Heaven realm in order to find out.


    They might not have even discovered it when the empress achieved that realm.


    ��In the belly of the Sixty Thousand Mountains!�� The empress seemed to discover something.


    Ren Baqian nodded and said, ��I also think the same.��


    That year, the previous emperor entered the belly of Mount Liucui and fought with those living there. Aftering back, they disappeared after a short time.


    The most likely possibility was that the previous emperor had learned something there.


    ��Your Majesty, what do you intend to do after knowing all of this?�� Ren Baqian asked eagerly.


    If he didn��t know about this matter, it would be fine, but after knowing it, he was very eager to find out what the other side of the Sixty Thousand Mountains was really like.


    The empress was flustered, her chest heaved, and she took a long time before reluctantly saying, ��I don��t know!��


    ��Everything points to the fact that humans do not have the ability to go back now,�� Ren Baqian said slowly. Even getting out of this area in the Sixty Thousand Mountains might be a problem. Just getting logistical supplies was simply unachievable.


    He also didn��t know where the previous emperor went with those troops and whether they managed to get out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    So what if they got out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains? Outside were the various races who were hostile. What would their response be if they found out that these were the humans who were previously driven off.


    Ren Baqian didn��t think that the other side would forget this history.


    Then, his tone changed as he added, ��But in a few decades, perhaps we can fill the sky with satellites and fly back there in airnes! That would be bound to surprise those people from the foreign races.��


    Ren Baqian really wanted to see their expression when the sky was filled with fighter nes, bombers, helicopters, and reconnaissance nes operated by humans.


    The premise was that the other side didn��t have an expert who was as powerful as God.


    However, the other side was very powerful and managed to force humans to sign a contract that restricted them.


    At that time, only about 100,000 humans were left.


    However, this made 100,000 humans bury their history and leave no public record. Besides the willingness of these humans, there was also the power of the contract.


    The other side definitely possessed greater power than he imagined.


    He wondered whether Earth could develop a Star Destroyer in a century or two.

 Chapter 785 - Using a Nuclear Bomb to Make Fireworks

    Chapter 785: Using a Nuclear Bomb to Make Fireworks


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The heavy rain fell on the dense leaves, gliding along their surfaces. There wasn��t a single dry spot in the entire forest.


    Not only did the rain not cool down the air, it actually made everyone feel very hot and humid.


    This had already been going on for some time.


    It had never been easy to travel in the mountains during the rainy season.


    Ren Baqian and the empress huddled inside a teepee made out of branches.


    It was a temporary structure made just to shelter from the rain.


    Sitting on the animal hide that covered the ground, Ren Baqiancently said, ��My craft is still pretty good.��


    The empress nced at the small space. With both of them sitting inside the teepee, there was almost no space left. Such temporary shelters could easily be made, even by children, and she didn��t know what he was so pleased about.


    ��Although it looks very simple, it takes skill to make it so that no rain seeps through.�� As Ren Baqian spoke, he felt water droplets dripping on his neck.


    However, he couldn��t say this out loud.


    He couldn��t take the p to his face.


    The empress kept silent, (TLC. Not sure if this should be a period or if the rest of the sentence is missing.)


    She had already felt a few drops of rain falling on her back just now.


    It seemed that there wasn��t much difference between staying here and staying outside.


    Looking up into the distance, their vision was blocked by the dense forest. Even though they were at high ground, their vision was still obscured.


    Although they couldn��t see anything, they knew that the Ya family vige was just about a day away.


    It took less than two months to reach the Sixty Thousand Mountains back then. After they lost their mounts, it took everyone three and a half months of walking in the mountains to reach their current location.


    At present, it was already August. ording to their ns, their wedding was supposed to be held five months ago, yet everyone was still trekking in the mountains.


    However, now that the dynasty was making preparations for their already dyed wedding, it would be held four monthster.


    Two hourster, the sky cleared after the rain and everyone set off again.


    They saw the figures of people standing on top of the mountain ahead when they walked out of the forest. When those figures saw peopleing out of the forest, they immediately cheered.


    After an hour, everyone congregated at the foot of the mountain.


    ��Little sister, you are finally back.�� Qi Ziting said as he held his crutches. His loud voice could be heard from far away.


    ��Your Majesty!�� Beside him was Xi Wanya, who had been transferred over from the Protectorate of the South.


    There were about eight Cardinal Heaven experts behind them. Besides Ba Man and Xiong Yue, whom he had previously met, the rest were unfamiliar faces.


    As for the winged cavalry, all of them were unfamiliar to him. He thought that they probably came from the Ya family vige.


    Qi Ziting led many of the winged cavalry to search for those herdsman, but didn��t expect them to go around andunch a surprise attack on the empress before eventually being tamed by Ren Baqian��s nuclear bomb. Aftermunicating through the radio, Qi Ziting ascertained that the empress was fine and brought everyone back to the vige to await their return.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!�� Everyone cupped their fists.


    ��We are still a day��s journey away, yet you havee out here to greet me.�� The empress looked up into the distance.


    ��The sooner I get to see you, the sooner I can feel relieved.�� Qi Ziting looked at her before turning to look at the trailing winged cavalry warriors. There were still around 200 of them remaining.


    This was one third less than what they used to be.


    However, after experiencing the attack that they had been through, it was already a miracle that there were still so many of them remaining.


    ��I didn��t expect that they would actually mount a sneak attack on you. Previously, talking over that speaking device wasn��t very clear. I��ll exin to you their attack strategyter on.�� Qi Ziting had always been very excited whenever they talked about fighting.


    Even though the empress simply got attacked this time around.


    After hearing what Qi Ziting said, the winged cavalry warriors behind him uniformly shifted their attention to Ren Baqian.


    They couldn��t help but say that this Principal Ren was always giving others surprises or even frightening them.


    ��Your Majesty, I��m relieved to see you,�� Xi Wanya said after Qi Ziting was done talking. ��You have spent so much time in the mountains that even your wedding was dyed�� Please return to the imperial court as soon as possible.��


    ��I know! I��ll return after resting a few days at the Ya family vige.�� The empress waved her hand. Even without anyone telling her, she knew that she had been away for too long this time.


    As of now, it had already been 13 months.


    It would take around two months for them to return to Dayao.


    The next day, after Qi Ziting learned about the whole story, he tried to threaten Ren Baqian into throwing a nuclear bomb along the journey just for fun.


    Ren Baqian got so annoyed that he wanted to smash the iron fist of socialism on Qi Ziting��s head.


    Apart from Qi Ziting, Xi Wanya and the other Cardinal Heaven experts who came from far away were also anticipating seeing him do it.


    Fortunately, even though they were rude, they still understood the severity of things and didn��t dare to inappropriately make demands like Qi Ziting.


    Ren Baqian felt that he would be a fool if he were to detonate a nuclear bomb as if it were fireworks.


    ��I want to see it too.�� The empress looked at him with excitement. Previously, she was in the cave during the explosion, so she wanted to see for herself what it looked like.


    However, when he saw her eyes, Ren Baqian decided to be a fool without hesitation.


    ��Okay then! I shall disy the fireworks to Your Majesty!�� In the past, just to make Yang Guifei smile, Zhuge Liang set a bonfire to toy with the feudal princes. Why wouldn��t Ren Baqian do it to please the empress?


    <em>In any case, the nation had already given them to me. If there��s a first time, then there will be a second. Besides, I won��t have any use for them when we return and still need to find a ce to keep them, </em>Ren Baqianforted himself.


    The crowd stood on the mountain with their eyes fixed on Ren Baqian.


    He slowly opened the box and took out a cylinder.


    ��It��s this thing? I can��t see anything unusual about it.�� Qi Ziting looked at it carefully, grabbed it from Ren Baqian, and fiddled with it before tossing it back to him.


    Ren Baqian smiled and took it back. He then turned around and threw it into the distance. The cylinder descended in a parab and dropped to the bottom of the mountain.


    Everyone raised their spirits and waited, but there wasn��t any reaction from the cylinder. They doubtfully looked at Ren Baqian.


    He took out two pairs of sunsses from a bag and handed one of them to the empress before wearing the other pair himself.


    ��This thing is interesting.�� Qi Ziting suddenly grew curious.


    When Ren Baqian suddenly felt something vanish from his face, his sunsses were already in Qi Ziting��s hands.


    ��Is this guy a bandit?�� Ren Baqian groaned.


    If Qi Ziting were not his elder brother-inw�� he would have given him a taste of the empress��s holy warrior.


    Ren Baqian retracted his hand into his sleeve, which was holding the detonator, and did not dare to let Qi Ziting see it.


    ��It��s best not to look directly at the explosion,�� he warned. Everyone raised their spirits because they knew it was about to begin.


    Looking at this group of Cardinal Heaven experts that were staring with such focus at where the bombnded, Ren Baqian felt that it should not blind them from this distance. Without further ado, he pressed the detonator.


    As if the sun was growing from the ground, a spot of light began to swell. As it grewrger andrger, the re of the light brought sharp pain to everyone��s eyes.


    <em>Boom! </em>With a huge explosion, the whole mountain shook, making people wonder if it would copse.


    A huge gust of wind blew past.


    An enormous mushroom cloud rose into the sky.


    When everyone regained their vision, they saw a mushroom cloud in front of them that was slowly taking off.


    They looked down again, only to see that the st area no longer looked the same.


    The soil, trees, rocks, and everything else were gone.


    The only thing left was a huge crater. The mountain forest in the distance that was hit by the shockwave was also destroyed. There was a burning me at the edge of the crater as well.


    Without saying a word, everyone jumped down the mountain to observe. The air was full of heat coupled with an inexplicable smell.


    The closer they got, the more they felt the astonishing power of the explosion and the heat of the mes in front of them.


    Especially in the middle and the edge of the crater, theyer of soil had been scraped away. They couldn��t believe that this little thing did so much damage.


    Feeling a sense of horror, everyone looked at the pit and then back at Ren Baqian.


    It was no wonder that the empress chose him as her husband!

 Chapter 786 - Returning Home

    Chapter 786: Returning Home


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Learning is a form of vision.


    Many people cannot see the value of learning.


    The more ignorant the people, the more backward the ce, the more this is so.


    On Earth, there are families who let their children quit school to work. This happens mostly in remote areas due to financial difficulties or due to ack of vision.


    In Dayao, this was more like the case.


    They were ustomed to talking with their fists, so their concept of learning was to learn martial arts. Learning to read and write was only slightly beneficial.


    The things that Ren Baqian taught weren��t taken seriously before that publicpetition.


    However, a nuclear bomb let these musclehead aboriginals learn the value of education.


    That very night, Xi Wanya sought out Ren Baqain and wanted to enroll his son for the next batch of students.


    Ren Baqian epted this with great enthusiasm.


    The people of this world were different from the ancient people of Earth; the descendants of experts were more likely to be talented and therefore had a higher probability of bing senior officials. Letting them attend the academy was greatly beneficial for raising the standard of higher education in Dayao.


    With a government official like Xi Wanya sending his child to the academy, the status of the academy would naturally be elevated in the eyes of the other officials and citizens, and ��a rising tide lifts all boats.��


    ��If there are any outstanding people in your viges, you can send them to me. The next period of enrollment is at the beginning of next year, and it��s best to get to Lan City before the new year,�� Ren Baqian said to some of the other Cardinal Heaven expert.


    ��Sir Ren, thank you very much.�� They nodded as they considered which youngsters in their viges were the most suitable.


    Although Ren Baqian wasn��t very powerful, after seeing the power of the nuclear bomb, they didn��t dare to underestimate him.


    Not to mention that Ren Baqian had said modestly, ��This is only a small fellow, the real big fellow is 10,000 times more powerful. Just one is enough to make a whole city disappear.��


    The other bomb in his hands was twice as big as this one and a few times more powerful.


    ��I want people with intelligence and a good work ethic. These are the most important. As for martial arts skills, that��s the icing on the cake and good to have, but it doesn��t matter,�� Ren Baqian reminded.


    As they hesitated, one of them grinned and asked sincerely, ��What is the icing on the cake?��


    Ren Baqian��s mouth twitched. It was better to use innguage with them and not to use idioms if possible.


    ��You select the people and then look for Xi Wanya to send them to Lan City,�� Ren Baqian said after a pause.


    He didn��t doubt that they could find Xi Wanya.


    Anyway, they were all Cardinal Heaven experts.


    Furthermore, Xi Wanya needed their help for his next project. The empress was here, so they sincerely came from afar to greet her. If the empress wasn��t here, they might not havee here to give them face.


    Sending escorts to bring the vige youths was seen as granting a favor and made it easier for Xi Wanya to ask for help when needed. After all, those youths that came out first had some rtionship with him or were very promising.


    Sending them to Lan City was neither a small matter nor a big matter.


    ��Sir Xi, please arrange for guards to escort these buddies from the vige if they want to go to Lan City,�� Ren Baqian told Xi Wanya.


    Xi Wanya cupped his hands in acknowledgement.


    He was very experienced from being themander of a protectorate and much sharper than others.


    Looking at them, he said, ��Look for me when the timees.��


    The other experts nodded and said, ��We will rely on you when it is time.��


    ��


    Everyone stayed for three days when they reached the Ya family vige. The empress settled some matters and went to the graveyard again.


    As for that stretch of lost history, both Ren Baqian and the empress didn��t mention it again.


    They only handed over to Xi Wanya the information they knew about the herdsmen and some matters rted to the foregn races.


    His next mission was to build a new protectorate before delving deep into the Sixty Thousand Mountains to search for the herdsmen as well as any traces of the foreign races. Any discoveries needed to be reported immediately.


    In addition, the Ministry of Revenue sent staff to register all the viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Any viges that wanted to relocate or do any other things had to put it on record.


    This was also to bring these aboriginal viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains under the rule ofw.


    Although Dayao hadws, they had little binding force on those in the Sixty Thousand Mountains as the situation here wasplex and hard for the court to control.


    In fact, it was unknown how many viges there were in the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Although these viges knew of the existence of the court,munication was difficult and the influence of the court was tenuous since these viges were beyond the control of the imperial court.


    Not many people took it seriously.


    Only those near the periphery and the central region came under the influence of the court, and this influence gradually decreased in proportion to the distance from Ya City.


    The further away from the city, the lower the influence.


    In the future, this should not be the case.


    Not only should all the aboriginals be registered, but a garrison army also had to be formed and roads had to be built that connected the Sixty Thousand Mountains to the outside world.


    At the very least, roads should extend to the central regions of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    However, this was a huge and slow-moving project.


    Furthermore, the cost of infrastructure maintenance was much higher here than in the ins outside.


    Three dayster, Ren Baqian and the empress set out with 2,500 winged cavalry warriors to return to home.


    ��Elder Brother, I request that youe back to Lan City. After all, you are the only close rtive that I have.�� The empress, dressed in red, stood there talking to Qi Ziting.


    Qi Ziting had been driven out of Lan Cty previously.


    That was the reason she requested for him toe back.


    ��I��m not going. I��m very interested in the foreign races and wonder what kind of experts they have!�� Qi Ziting exposed his white teeth as he grinned happily.


    He looked at Ren Baqian and said to the empress, ��All men are bad. You better be careful with this fellow. Report to me if he misbehaves, and I will break his legs.��


    Ren Baqian felt like telling Qi Ziting that he was also scolding himself. Weren��t his two legs cut off previously?


    ��He doesn��t have the courage.�� The empress was very clear about Ren Baqian��he was just a cowardly thief.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that his self-esteem was hurt.


    Should he be more daring?


    He had heard that some of the neers at the brothels were Earth Wheel experts��


    ��Let��s go! Go back early since those people are getting impatient. I need to get in touch with those who areing with me to go deep in the mountains.�� Qi Ziting waved his hands cheerfully.


    ��This is the duty of Commander Xi now.��


    ��I know, and I will inform him of any incidents. I won��t be sending you off because I am leaving now.�� Qi Ziting waved his hands, pivoted on his crutches, and flew to the back like a big bird.


    Xi Wanya came forward and said, ��Your Majesty, I can��t escort you very far.��


    The empress became less cheerful after Qi Ziting left. She waved her hands and replied, ��This ce is different from Tianjing Basin, the environment isplex, and you will need to put in more effort in order to not let me down.��


    ��I will do my best!�� Xi Wanya replied loudly.


    ��Let��s go!�� The empress was on the back of Qishui in a sh.


    ��Sir Ren, I will have to trouble you to deliver this letter to my son.�� Xi Wanya handed a letter to Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian epted the letter without saying anything, took his leave, and jumped on the crow general to catch up with the empress.


    One monthter, everyone finally left Jianbing Forest, and Ya City could be seen in the distance.


    New mounts for the winged cavalry warriors were already prepared for them here.


    Besides the winged cavalry warriors without mounts, the newly recruited winged cavalry warriors needed to rece their mounts.


    After all, it was impossible for an army to have all kinds of assorted mounts.

 Chapter 787 - The Influence of Martial Arts on Earth

    Chapter 787: The Influence of Martial Arts on Earth


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Woof! Woof!��


    Ren Baqian heard this sound from the roof as soon as he returned to Earth.


    It was Lin Qiaole chatting with her good friend, the husky.


    After settling the problem of the herdsmen, he could bring her back. However, she would only sleep and eat after going back and wasn��t needed. Since she had a good friend here, he might as well let her stay here for the time being.


    Perhaps she might learn something more useful.


    For example, she could learn to sit, stand, shake hands, and wag her tail��


    He changed his clothes and sat there reading the news on aputer that was five or six years old.


    It was already the beginning of 2028.


    Due to his focus on Dayao, he recently only stayed on Earth for two days whenever he came back. Therefore, he felt that he was falling behind the times.


    Forputers, the trend was to use projectionputers, but he was still using the old type with a screen disy, keyboard, and mouse.


    The main difference was that themon LCD disy was upgraded to a 3D disy.


    Martial arts had been introduced for close to two years now, and the initial fervor had passed. However, on the inte, there was still enthusiastic research going on.


    Of course, it was called the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Stage Cultivation].


    A casual search would lead to a forum on this.


    Randomly opening a forum, one could see peoplemunicating even during the night.


    At the top, there was also a row of excellent posts regarding people��s experiences with martial arts and discussions about techniques.


    After browsing for a while, Ren Baqian began to search for other news.


    As predicted, the world began to change with the introduction of these martial arts.


    Initially, cases of violent incidents increased.


    A few people, who were formerly small, weak, but talented, progressed rapidly after cultivating. They became stronger than their schoolmates, became the aggressors, and took revenge on those who bullied them before.


    This type of incident happened all the time.


    This type of violence was the mostmonly seen and had the least impact on society.


    The influence of martial arts hadpletely affected the social order.


    Although many people could feel that they were stronger after training, this resulted in them not actually knowing their own strength. They tended to overestimate their own strength and would use their fists to settle even the smallest matters.


    As a result, it was easy to understand why there was an increase in cases of violence.


    This was especially true with regard to young people.


    Even the ordinary police would be assaulted when trying to arrest them. In the past, the trained police would surpass them in speed and strength, but now, the police would be injured and had to watch helplessly as the other party escaped. The deterrent force of the police was declining.


    For this reason, a special internal police force consisting of former military personnel was formed. Every one of them was very strong, and this new department was responsible for dealing with all kinds of violence that was beyond the capability of the ordinary policemen.


    Ren Baqian closed a webpage that was about a student stabbing a ssmate to death.


    It was a straightforward case. This student bullied other students in the past, but after the promotion of cultivation, he became the victim of bullying because he wasn��t talented.


    In the end, he stabbed the person who he had bullied in the past and who was now bullying him the most.


    This was minor news and wasn��t widely reported because it was just a small microcosm of society. Such cases were somon that the media had no time for these small cases.


    Ren Baqian turned off theputer and stretched. Lin Qiaole was still on the rooftop chatting with the dog. They were hundreds of meters apart and chatting enthusiastically.


    The next day, Ren Baqian brought Lin Qiaole to the Messier 87 department.


    Lin Qiaole, who was awake for half the night yesterday, returned to her former self of being unable to open her eyes and slumped in the back seat of the car while drooling.


    ��Here are some seeds.�� Ren Baqian threw a bag of seeds to Yang Sen.


    ��Thank you, Mr. Ren.�� Yang Sen was all smiles.


    Although Ren Baqian had recently sent many things, these things were dly epted, no matter the quantity.


    In particr, many of the things that he sent earlier were found to be useful.


    The two of them chatted for a while, with Ren Baqian asking about the present situation and learning from Yang Sen about a few things that he wasn��t aware of.


    In response to the present spate of violence in society, the nation was preparing a system of grading based on strength level.


    It wasn��t superficially ssified as Man Wheel, Earth Wheel, or Spirit Wheel.


    Instead, it ssified Man Wheel and Earth Wheel as between levels 1 and 9. This way, it was easy to differentiate between the strong and the weak, it would reduce the number of people who overestimated their strength, and violence would lessen as a result.


    Right now, the nation had only released two volumes of the initial cultivation set, number 15 and 16. Each systemprised of three sets of martial arts techniques for beginners.


    For some special forces, they could even learn up to five sets of martial arts techniques.


    Those in the military could learn even more if they were promoted.


    Presently, for these two systems, the maximum number of martial arts techniques was nine. The more advanced the technique was, the more powerful it was.


    For this reason, everyone was eager to join the army in order to learn these two systems.


    Especially for those who found that the present two martial arts techniques weren��t suitable for them, these other two systems became their hope.


    Ren Baqian didn��t show any response since events had happened as expected.


    The nation had been preparing for six to seven years, so the necessary measures were in ce.


    Besides this, Yang Sen also told Ren Baqian about the trend overseas.


    Following the poprity and effects of the two martial arts techniques released in the nation, their poprity was exploding overseas.


    These two martial arts techniques naturally spread to other countries and were enthusiastically epted. Although not everybody practiced cultivation, many people sought to learn it and their speed of cultivation wasn��t slow.


    After all, the two volumes of martial arts had been simplified many times. The influence of culture was minimized, whereas actions and diet had more impact.


    As for the other martial arts techniques, such as those used by the army and the police, a few countries tried to get them, but their progress was much slower than the nation��s advancement.


    The nation had already prepared for six to seven years, and this gap couldn��t be closed easily. Combined with cultural differences, China would lead the world for the next ten to 20 years.


    Plus, these were just basic martial arts techniques.


    As for those advanced martial arts techniques that were above Earth Wheel level, theck of cultural simrities would make other countries take an even longer period to catch up to the pace of China.


    ��How many years can China be in the lead?�� Ren Baqian asked curiously. In his opinion, other countries shouldn��t be able to catch up before his death because all the subsequent advanced martial arts skills were in his hands.


    ��It��s hard to say. Although the advanced skills are kept securely, they will inevitably leak out. You should understand that the nation isn��t made up of one person, and there are bound to be some scum,�� Yang Sen said frankly. The advanced skills that Ren Baqian brought were Man Wheel level skills as well as a few Earth Wheel level skills.


    However, the Man Wheel level skills were at different grades, and the nation retained the really good martial arts techniques.


    ��It��s a pity that there is no way to prevent those countries from obtaining martial arts skills,�� Ren Baqianmented. Those countries were getting a bargain.


    ��In fact, it may not be a bad thing to let them have it,�� Yan Sen said with a smile.


    ��What?�� Ren Baqian nodded. He understood that if only China had them, then China would be the object of ridicule.


    ��If they want to catch up to us, they have to learn our culture first. Otherwise, they can��t understand many of the concepts. Some things can��t be solved by modern science. For example, cultivating to be an immortal is a concept that they can��t understand no matter how much research they do. Unless they study our ways from a young age, flying on a sword is beyond theirprehension,�� Yang Sen said with augh.


    ��So it will easily be the trend to learn our culture, just like the Englishnguage now. Although other countries do not want to see this, it can��t be stopped. The more powerful the individual, the more this is the case. Every action and move from these people will be watched, and they will inevitably drive this movement. If all of their citizens learn our culture���� Ren Baqian stopped halfway and seemed to be absorbed in his thoughts.


    He was thinking about how China had assimted various ethnic groups back then��


    If this step was reached, then everyone in every nation would learn the culture of China. China would naturally be the center of the world��


    This would be the best case, unless there were only Chinese people in this world or a global state was formed by all the countries.

 Chapter 788 - The Scenery at the Huangpu River is Pretty Good

    Chapter 788: The Scenery at the Huangpu River is Pretty Good


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After chatting until the afternoon, Ren Baqian learned many interesting things from Yang Sen.


    When Yang Sen saw that it was about time, he invited Ren Baqian, ��Mr. Ren, it��s rare to have youe by. Will you stay for lunch?��


    ��There aren��t many opportunities to have a meal paid by the state, but I don��t know whether it��ll be delicious.�� Ren Baqian rubbed his nose andughed.


    ��It might not necessarily satisfy you, but it shouldn��t taste bad.�� Yang Sen smiled.


    ��What about Miss Lin?�� he asked after looking at Lin Qiaole, who had fallen asleep after she entered the room.


    ��Don��t worry about her. Just let her sleep here.�� Ren Baqian shook his head after turning to look at her.


    After having a special meal at the Messier 87 department��s cafeteria, he felt that the food didn��t taste as good as his own chef��s cooking, but it wasn��t too bad.


    The duo ate, chatted, and Ren Baqian learned more things from Yang Sen. He also casually agreed to bring back a few fork-horned cows and jumping goats to study and breed.


    After all, he often brought meat to the martial arts centers in the past and asionally brought some for the welfare of his disciples, depending on their level. These meats were excellent for essence qi supplementation and superior to any medicine.


    At the end of the day, Ren Baqian learned two important things from Yang Sen.


    First, several new elements were discovered from the items that he brought back, and they had made a major breakthrough in material science.


    Theboratory had developed a metal that could grow.


    In some respects, it could even be said that the metal was a living object. Even though it was still in the research stage, this metal could prove to have tremendous use.


    Second, there was also considerable progress in mind control technology.


    For example, like in previous online game novels, people could directly y games through the output and input of brainwave signals by simply lying in a gaming pod or wearing a helmet.


    This was the legendary second world.


    Another example would be people simply using their consciousness to control the movement of a vehicle, the flight of a ne, or even the firing of a weapon�� Everything could be manipted by the consciousness.


    These were just two simple uses.


    However, no matter which one of these two functions was put to use, it would bring a storm to the world.


    It could be said that this was a piece of technology that marked an epoch, something that all the countries in the world dreamed of.


    Here, they now had this technology.


    ��Are you interested in it? The nation can authorize you to own a mind control technologypany,�� Yang exined slowly.


    After hearing his words, Ren Baqian pondered for a little bit. Since Yang Sen said this, someone must have already exined it to him before.


    There was no doubt in the prospect of this technology. Ren Baqian could consider this as putting money directly into his hands.


    ��What are the conditions?��


    ��As you said, over the past few years, you have given the nation a lot of things. This can be considered a reward for you! After all, the nation will not mistreat people who have contributed greatly.�� Yang Sen smiled and lit a cigarette.


    ��However, these technologies can only be partially released and can only be used formoner purposes. At the same time, technicians must be provided by the nation, and all technical updates will be done by these people.��


    ��This isn��t a problem.�� Ren Baqian nodded. Even if the technology was avable to him, how would he be able to find suitable technicians for it?


    Such opportunities for easy money couldn��t be missed, but it wouldn��t be worth it if he had to invest too much energy in it.


    Even though it was pretty unreasonable of him, that was the reality.


    ��Give me one! Isn��t it normal to share cigarettes?�� Ren Baqian reached his hand out toward Yang Sen, who was shrouded in smoke.


    ��I thought you didn��t smoke?�� Yang Sen was stunned for a moment before he handed a cigarette to him.


    ��I want to find out what it tastes like. So many people in the world smoke, and I wonder if it��s truly that interesting. Otherwise, why are there so many people who are unable to kick the habit despite knowing that it��s harmful?�� Ren Baqian smiled. Now that he had already smoked scorpion poison, what were cigarettespared to that? Even though these substances were harmful, they wouldn��t do anything to his body.


    He mimicked what others did and lit up a cigarette in his mouth, almost coughing when he inhaled the smoke into his lungs. When he was finally able to control it, the taste of tobo spread in his mouth. At the same time, he also sensed some changes after the smoke entered his lungs.


    Ren Baqian spat out after he finished the cigarette. The substances that entered his lungs, such as tar, were all expelled.


    ��Nothing special! It tastes bad, and it��s not as good as scorpion poison.��


    Ren Baqian felt that smoking cigarettes was pretty boring.


    The scorpion tube was more fun than this thing, even though he was truly smoking poison.


    ��I��m leaving! I��ll get my brother, Ren Wannian, to look for you!�� Ren Baqian stood up. ��Bring me to pick up that girl first.��


    At this time, Lin Qiaole was almost like a piece of equipment that could be ced anywhere and could also be carried away.


    Returning to Yang Sen��s office, Lin Qiaole was sleeping there as usual. She curled up like a cat when Ren Baqian picked her up.


    ��Mr. Ren!�� Yang Sen called out to him. ��There��s still something that I have to remind you about. Pay attention to your brother��s girlfriend!��


    Ren Baqian��s eyes shed.


    ��Noted! Thank you for the reminder. Are you aware of the people that she��s met and the things that she��s done? Send the information to me.�� Both of them nodded. Then, Ren Baqian left, holding Lin Qiaole by her cor.


    A long time ago, he had already guessed that such a possibility existed.


    After five years had passed on Earth, there hadn��t been any traces of her misconduct, so he thought that he was overthinking things. He didn��t expect it to really happen.


    After leaving, Ren Baqian thought for a long time before he could recall her name: Zhou Qingyun.


    Unfortunately, she and Ren Wannian were already nning their marriage.


    They were merely waiting for him to return before proceeding.


    When Ren Baqian went back the next day, he received some things that Yang Sen had sent.


    This included information about the time and location of the people she had met and also their identities.


    From data to photos, everything he needed was present.


    The most important of these was a handsome man in his thirties who looked young and promising.


    His identity was that he was an intelligence officer from the USA Intelligence Service.


    The information that Yang Sen sent even included the detailed time that Zhou Qingyun and that man entered and departed from the hotel.


    After taking a look, it was evident to Ren Baqian that even though the state had announced the two initial cultivation manuals, it was easy for other countries to almost effortlessly obtain them. Even the techniques practiced by the military and the police could be obtained with just a little bit of effort.


    The countries that had always been plotting against China had never given up.


    Most of them should have been blocked by the Messier 87 department, but there would inevitably always be fish that escaped the. The promising young man that Ren Baqian was looking at was a good example. Even though Ren Baqian already knew this man��s identity and could eliminate him at any time, Zhou Qingyun had already fallen into it.


    The Messier 87 department didn��t disrupt their activities and had left this task for Ren Baqian to handle. After all, Zhou Qingyun was rted to Ren Wannian.


    Ren Baqian called his brother on his cell phone.


    ��Brother, you said you needed to see me?�� Two hourster, Ren Wannian took big strides into the room and sat in front of Ren Baqian.


    The current Ren Wannian no longer looked young and inexperienced. After cultivating, his strength was already close to the Man Wheel level. He wasn��t exactly talented, but he wasn��t too bad either. It was at least sufficient for him to protect himself.


    As for his figure, he wasn��t as broad as Ren Baqian, he appeared just slightly stronger than an ordinary person, and he looked like a man who worked out often.


    ��Look at this!�� Ren Baqian pushed those materials over to him.


    After taking a few nces, Ren Wannian��s face sank. His face was so ashen that by the time he finished looking through everything, he was at a loss for words.


    When he arrived, he originally wanted to crack a joke and ask his brother about his marriage ns. His older brother had to get married first before he could.


    However, after seeing all of this, he simply wanted to ask Zhou Qingyun in person what was going on.


    ��Brother���� Ren Wannian was at a loss.


    ��The scenery at the nearby Huangpu River is very vast and beautiful, yet not too cold or noisy. Do you wish to handle this on your own or do you want me to help you out?�� Ren Baqian deemphasized.


    ��Brother���� Ren Wannian didn��t know what to say.


    ��All of this was handed to me by the Messier 87 department. You should know what that department does. It��s only because of your rtionship that she��s still around now, and they handed this matter over to us to settle,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    Most of what he said was true, but a small part was fake.

 Chapter 789 - Zhou Qingyun

    Chapter 789: Zhou Qingyun


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��What��s the urgent matter? Why are you in the mood toe to the river today? This ce is too remote.�� Zhou Qingyun sat in the passenger seat and held her hair with one hand.


    She had already matured quite a bit by now.


    After all, both of them had graduated about six years ago. With some support, she was now in a middle management position at herpany. There was no way that she couldpare to Ren Wannian, but her progression was already considered pretty quickpared to her ssmates.


    Seeing that Ren Wannian had a very solemn look on his face, Zhou Qingyun started to feel a little uneasy.


    Before they set off, she had guessed that Ren Wannian called her out so hurriedly because he wanted to surprise her with something like a marriage proposal. As such, she felt slightly hesitant. However, after looking at his expression, this didn��t seem to be the case.


    Or could he be deliberately creating such a solemn ambience just to surprise her?


    Although this thought kept shing in her mind, Ren Wannian had never been that romantic of a person. Otherwise, she wouldn��t have��


    Ren Wannian didn��t speak a word. His hands were on the steering wheel, but this was just an act of habit as the vehicle waspletely operating on its own.


    He was just thinking his own thoughts in silence.


    When the car began to slow down, they saw two cars parked in front.


    Ren Wannian didn��t even turn his head. He simply asked Zhou Qingyun to get out as he got out of the car.


    As she looked at the burly men who stood next to the two cars in front, her heart began to sink. She then pressed themunicator on her wrist��


    Ren Wannian stood in front of the car and said to her through the ss, ��Stop with these little tricks. It has been so many years that you should understand.��


    Zhou Qingyun��s face was gloomy. After so many years, even though Ren Wannian rarely told her about stuff, she knew what he was capable of.


    He was neither working for the nation nor was he a rich entrepreneur, but he had an unpredictable influence.


    However, she still stubbornly pressed the rm call on themunicator.


    Nothing happened.


    This made her wonder if themunicator had failed. After looking at Ren Wannian, who simply stood there in silence after finishing his words, she finally understood that he had actually blocked the signal in this area.


    It was just for her�� Why did he have to do this?


    Zhou Qingyun had already guessed that Ren Wannian knew what she was hiding from him, but she didn��t understand why he would block the signal just for her.


    This made her start to panic. She sat still and motionless until he came over to open the door. Like a gentleman, he reached out his hand and said, ��Come out.��


    ��What exactly happened?�� Zhou Qingyun suppressed her panic and tried to act as if she didn��t know what was going on.


    Ren Wannian waited for her to get out of the car and retracted the hand that she had been holding tightly.


    He said faintly, ��I want to know why. It has been seven years since the beginning when we decided to get together. Back when we were students, up until now, I haven��t done anything to let you down. Why did you do this? Could this be the seven-year itch?��


    His tone was full of self-deprecation.


    ��What are you talking about? I don��t understand���� Zhou Qingyun was a little flustered.


    ��Bring it out,�� Ren Wannian called out to the two cars.


    Her heart suddenly sank to the bottom.


    There were a few people standing beside the two cars and one of them was Ding Jie.


    The current Ding Jie looked very strong and calm. He was no longer that weak and frail kid from back then.


    He wore a pair of half-rimmed, metal sses that blocked the intense re from his eyes.


    The moment Zhou Qingyun saw Ding Jie, she knew that things weren��t good.


    A winged cavalry warrior lifted someone up from the back seat. He was a blond man who had been tied up securely with his mouth gagged.


    ��This guy looks pretty good!�� Ding Jie looked at the blond man with a smile, touched his face, and added, ��Although he doesn��t look as good as me.��


    In the past, Ren Wannian would definitely ridicule Ding Jie for his narcissism, but now, he didn��t smile even a single bit.


    Looking at Zhou Qingyun, he asked, ��Do you understand now?��


    She bit her lip as her face went deathly pale.


    ��Since you already understand, this person is no longer useful. Throw him in the water. The scenery here is pretty good with water and mountains. It��s also very spacious and suitable for living,�� Ren Wannian said faintly.


    Zhou Qingyun was shocked by his in words and looked at him incredulously before asking, ��Are you crazy? Do you know what you are doing?��


    Ren Wannian stood in front of her and felt that she was extremely unfamiliar to him. It was as if another person had taken over her body and used her skin to share the same bed as him.


    ��You should probably be asking yourself what it��s that you have done.�� Ren Wannian felt so much pain in his heart that his eyebrows twitched unnaturally.


    ��What I have done? What��s wrong with a change in affections? What is society like now? Just take it as I no longer have feelings for you, and we��ll just break up! Let me tell you now, our rtionship is over! I will have nothing more to do with you! Don��t think that I can��t live without you!�� Zhou Qingyun seemed to have lost her mind as she snarled hysterically like an angered lioness.


    ��He��s more handsome, more eloquent, and more romantic than you. His d*ck is also bigger than yours! So what? I merely cheated!��


    Seeing that Zhou Qingyun was rambling on after getting agitated, Ren Wannian heaved a sigh and said, ��If things were as simple as that, we wouldn��t be meeting today. Are you totally unaware of his identity? Has he not investigated me? Has he not investigated my brother? Has he not investigated about things that you shouldn��t know about? I should have noticed it earlier. I should have already noticed it when you asked about things that you didn��t ask about before.��


    Ren Wannian looked coldly at Zhou Qingyun and continued, ��You are betraying more than just me. Do you know who told me about this piece of news? It was the nation! You betrayed your own nation for a person like this. Of course, making me a cuckold was just a byproduct of that.��


    After hearing what he said, her face immediately lost all color.


    ��Is there anything else you wish to say? On ount of our seven year rtionship, I will listen to you.�� Ren Wannian lit a cigarette in his mouth, took a deep drag, and blew outrge clouds of smoke.


    At the side, Ding Jie had already attached arge chain to that person��s body, which was enough to sink him in the river with no chance of floating up.


    That person struggled, but to no avail. He couldn��t move an inch with the winged cavalry warrior stepping on his body. If they hadn��t nned to keep him alive so they could drown him in the river, the winged cavalry warrior could have crushed him with one foot.


    ��Throw him in,�� Ding Jie said softly. His lips were a little pale, and it was obvious that he wasn��t as calm as he looked. Although he had done plenty of things over the years, this was a first for him.


    This time, however, he rushed back from Wuji City and dauntlessly came of his own ord.


    The winged cavalry warrior gave a kind smile as if he was looking at his neighbor��s children grow up. He grabbed the man like a toy and threw him into the river more than 100 meters away.


    <em>Plop.</em>


    From the beginning, that man didn��t shout at all. Maybe he prayed, but it was all sealed in his mouth.


    As the water sshed, all traces of that person disappeared just like that.


    Of course, if he was lucky enough, he could probably see the light again in a few days, weeks, months, or years.


    ��You bunch of lunatics!�� Zhou Qingyun shouted fearfully.


    ��I used to call you sister-inw. You must know that killing a spy is the right thing to do. It��s not only in our interests, but it��s also in the interests of the nation. Although it will not earn us a medal, some people will me us if we don��t do it.�� Ding Jie took out a cigar, lit it up with a lighter, and took a puff. He enjoyed the taste of the tobo in his mouth before exhaling. There was a lingering taste of tobo and cream, and this was the taste that he liked. It made him feel rxed.


    ��Yes, he is a spy from the USA. Still, what I don��t understand is, even if you wanted to make me a cuckold, why get involved with him?�� Ren Wannian looked painfully at Zhou Qingyun, who was kneeling on the ground.


    ��Why? Oh, why?�� Zhou Qingyun was no longer hysterical. She mumbled to herself and sneered. Her expression was full of ridicule, but there was no telling whether she was ridiculing herself or Ren Wannian.


    ��Why didn��t you tell me anything? Why did you hide everything from me? I don��t know what you are thinking about or what you are doing. You have known about those martial arts skills for a long time, right? That��s right, you knew about them long ago. Looking at your current condition, I know that you knew about them long ago.


    Even your parents knew as well! When you brought me to your home, I noticed that they were different from ordinary people.


    And then? I sleep with you in the same bed every night, but have you told me anything?


    You could even obtain the techniques of the military and the police, right? And then? I��m still an ordinary person! Have you thought about that?


    Why do you think I betrayed you? Do I need to tell you?�� Zhou Qingyun lifted her head and looked at Ren Wannian with an expression full of hatred.


    He had never expected her to ever have this expression on her face.


    Furthermore, she bore this hatred for him.


    ��My brother will be getting married within the next year,�� Ren Wannian said. ��After that, it would have been our turn. When that happens, I would have been able to tell you things that you are eligible to know. I also would have found a way to let you practice that set of martial arts�� There are some things that I simply couldn��t tell you yet����


    Looking at the sneer on Zhou Qingyun��s face, Ren Wannian heaved another sigh.


    ��The wind is blowing and the smell of my cigar has dissipated. There is no more lingering scent of smoke, and the enjoyment is now gone. I had better return to the car.�� Ding Jie got back in his car after he was done talking.


    Ren Wannian stood there with his head down. He was like a fossil in the wind.


    His face was gloomy and uncertain. He wanted to make up his mind several times, but simply couldn��t open his mouth as he looked at the person on the ground who was sneering at him.


    ��Go! Don��t evere back to Shanghai and don��t ever let me see you again. Also, don��t get involved with people that you shouldn��t. If this happens again, even if I let you go, the nation will not.��


    After Ren Wannian finished this sentence, he took a deep breath and returned to his car without looking back.


    When those cars drove past her, Zhou Qingyun seemed to lose all of her strength. She knelt on the ground, and after some time, she cried out bitterly.

 Chapter 790 - A Strange Sight

    Chapter 790: A Strange Sight


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian saw Ren Wannian as soon as he returned to Earth.


    After changing his clothes, he went downstairs and saw Ren Wannian sitting uneasily on the sofa beside the empress, who had just changed her clothes and was eating ice cream.


    Even though many years had passed�� Even though Ren Wannian had experienced many things and met many people, he was always very ufortable around his sister-inw.


    The more people he met, which included bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, and tycoons, the more he felt that the empress was different. Not everyone who had power or money was able to cultivate her bearing and dignity.


    Ren Baqian gave him a cursory look and noticed that his hair was still neat, stubble was growing on his previously clean shaven chin, and his eyes were a little bloodshot. He appeared to have gone through the vicissitudes of life.


    Of course, a man had to undergo a rtionship with a woman in order to grow up.


    However, Ren Baqian was feeling conflicted�� He was hairless and always felt like shaving other people��s beards whenever he saw them.


    ��Have you waited very long?�� Ren Baqian sat down on the sofa and asked.


    ��I expected you to be back these past two days.�� Even now, Ren Wannian still didn��t know where Ren Baqian would go. He didn��t know how those two had simply appeared upstairs, even when he had been here the whole time.


    Although he was curious, he didn��t voice it out.


    If they could tell him, they would do so in the future.


    ��You havee at the right time. We will have dinner together and I will cook,�� Ren Baqian said cheerfully.


    ��Okay, I will give you a helping hand,�� Ren Wannian said.


    The two of them discussed in the living room before going to cook in the kitchen while the empress slouched on the sofa and yed with her cell phone.


    Although the wristwatch phone had been around for quite a while and could project in any ne, many people still liked this type of rectangr cell phone.


    After all, it was only ten years after 2018.


    Just like ten years earlier, some people were still using old phones, and now, there were people using those low-cost brick-like old phones.


    Not everyone was able to ept new technology.


    The number of trips that the empress took to Earth wasn��t many, but she could already be considered pretty good at it.


    A momentter, the smile on Ren Wannian��s face faded, ��I let her go.��


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian quietly replied. In fact, he didn��t care since Zhou Qingyun was just a small fry. Although she was in a rtionship with Ren Wannian, she was an insignificant yer and didn��t merit his attention.


    It didn��t matter to Ren Baqian whether she was dead or alive.


    Last time, after Yang Sen finished talking, Ren Baqian took half a day to recall her name.


    He didn��t mind the choice that Ren Wannian made. After all, his life was peaceful and he hadn��t faced danger. Making this choice was quite reasonable.


    Ren Wannian lowered his head after speaking as he waited for the response that didn��te. He continued, ��I thought you would scold me.��


    After thinking carefully, Ren Baqian decided to use this small matter as a learning experience for his younger brother and replied, ��People who do big deals do not sweat the small stuff. They make the choice to give up things that they consider unimportant.


    Some people ce more importance on power and ambition, whereas others use kinship and morality as the baseline. They have their own preferences, and there is no right or wrong way.


    The only thing you need to consider is that everything you do has consequences. You must be able to bear these consequences. Do not let your family and friends bear the consequences just because you did the wrong thing.��


    ��Elder brother, thank you. I do understand. She�� didn��t get much information from me��maybe some unimportant stuff that shouldn��t have much impact. That��s why I let her go. I know I��m wrong, but she��s just an ordinary person. After this incident, she shouldn��t have any more opportunities to do these things.��


    ��Those countries and their spies will not waste time on a worthless person. Even if they spend time on her, it will not matter because what she does in the future will have nothing to do with me anymore.�� From Ren Wannian��s expression, it could be seen that after more than half a month, he still hadn��t gotten over Zhou Qingyun.


    After all, the rtionshipsted seven years.


    It wasn��t that easy to let go.


    Ren Baqian waved his hands and said, ��You do not need to exin to me as long as you know what you are doing.��


    Of course, he knew this. The situation had changed over the years. Even the martial arts skills had been publicized, and everyone was cultivating.


    As long as it wasn��t known that those martial arts skills came from him, other things didn��t really matter anymore. Ren Wannian didn��t even know this part


    ��Elder brother, can you let her go?�� Ren Wannian looked at him with a pleading expression.


    ��Haven��t you let her go?�� Ren Baqian said with augh.


    ��Elder brother, you won��t get someone to drown her, will you?�� Ren Wannian asked warily. The Ren Baqian from ten years ago wouldn��t do such a thing. However, the present one was unfathomable. Just like Zhou Qingyun had said about Ren Wannian, Ren Wannian didn��t know what Ren Baqian was doing or thinking.


    Ren Baqian inclined his head and said, ��Don��t worry, I��m a good guy.��


    Then, he emphasized, ��I��m a good man! No doubt about it!��


    Although he had killed many people and exterminated a whole n, this didn��t prevent him from being considered a good man.


    Ren Wannian viewed the shiny, bald-headed man who had a ferocious look and confirmed that he was a good man despite not looking like one.


    However, this matter had nothing to do with whether he was a good person.


    ��Will the nation take action against her?��


    Ren Baqian rested his chin on his hand and looked at Ren Wannian. He didn��t know his brother was such a sentimental person.


    He hadn��t considered what the nation would do, and he didn��t care.


    ��Elder brother, I know you have a lot of influence. Can you ask them to let her go?�� Ren Wannian pleaded.


    ��Do you think I can influence the nation? Where did you get this wrong idea from?�� Ren Baqian suddenly looked stern, which startled Ren Wannian.


    Ren Baqian could definitely influence people over some small matters, but he didn��t want Ren Wannian to have this idea.


    ��Elder brother, why then did they let us handle this matter?�� Ren Wannian again pleaded with him.


    ��Our family was merely given a favor. There arews of the nation and rules of the family. The nation will follow its system when dealing with this matter. Don��t think that I can influence the nation��s system andws,�� Ren Baqian said seriously.


    He was the typical example of someone who was strict on himself, but lenient toward others.


    Ren Wannian agonized over this issue for half a day before clenching his teeth and saying, ��Elder brother, I understand.��


    ��Good.�� Ren Baqian nodded and thenughed, saying, ��Don��t think too much. You are still quite young and should enjoy life. There are some nice clubs where you can go when you have free time. I will give you a member��s cardter.��


    The empress raised her head to look at Ren Baqian, then at Ren Wannian.


    She asked, ��What��s a club? What do they do? Bring me there to take a look!��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    The empress was surprisingly sharp in this regard.


    Was it due to women��s intuition?


    ��These are some so-called ces where the elites go to have fun,�� Ren Baqain said without changing his expression. ��I have been invited there by some sessful people, but I��m not interested. Seeing Wannian��s mood, he might as well go there and maybe run into ady from a respectable family.��


    Falling in love was hard to say, but having sex was definitely not a problem.


    There were things that one might not think of, but there was nothing you couldn��t y with.


    The clubs were more professional than they were ten years ago as each generation would improve.


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian suspiciously, confirmed that he wasn��t bluffing her, and carried on ying with her phone.


    Ren Baqian gave his dear younger brother a wink.


    His mood inexplicably became better. It wasn��t because of the clubs! It really wasn��t because of the clubs. He had to emphasize this important point.


    He was always ufortable around the empress, and now, his dear elder brother was having a hard time.


    He took out a cigarette and thought about smoking, but remembering that his sister-inw was beside him, he put it back in the box.


    ��Where��s Lin Qiaole?�� The empress suddenly remembered that she hadn��t seen Lin Qiaole even after being here for so long.


    ��She should be ying with her friends!�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    Her present friends included more than just the husky.


    All the canine species within two kilometers were her friends.


    Ren Baqian was curious to know why this so-called ��chinchi�� became the leader of the dogs here.


    However, with her skills, it wouldn��t be a surprise if she became the leader of the hyenas.


    He didn��t know why she liked to y with dogs, but not cats.


    Initially, he assumed that she would like cats.


    ��


    After settling Ren Wannian��s problem, Ren Baqian didn��t ask Yang Sen how he would deal with Zhou Qingyun.


    He guessed that Yang Sen would monitor her since he had handed her to Ren Baqian. If she lived a normal life, nothing would happen. If she did something again, her problems had nothing to do with him.


    The next day, Ren Baqian was in high spirits as he took the empress shopping for couple��s clothes, nes, rings, and underwear��


    To match the empress, he specially bought a full set of red clothing.


    Imagine a strong man, weighing 150 kilograms, bald-headed, hairless, fierce-looking, and wearing all red�� What a strange sight. People would make way for them without the empress needing to do anything.


    As the empress and Ren Baqian walked together, she was feeling dejected with chains on their necks and rings on their fingers. They looked like a pair of nouveau riche.


    Ren Baqian was considered as one, but not the empress. Counting from her grandfather��s generation, she was the third generation of the imperial family and had received an imperial education.


    This imperial education was basically ��the biggest fist is the truth.��


    On the road leading to Lan City, preparations were being made for the grand wedding to be held in two months.


    Along the way, Ren Baqian was in a good mood and wondered whether he should y some pranks on the wedding day.


    However, before that, he was wondering whether they should first take a wedding photograph.


    When it was time, he would then hang the photograph from the top of Lan City��s wall.


    It would also be fine if he could hang it at the entrance of the pce.

 Chapter 791 - Have You Done Your Homework?

    Chapter 791: Have You Done Your Homework?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Su Ye, it��s done. All the new parts have been installed,�� said a burly man in uniform who walked over to a teenager.


    Even though he had a young-looking face, the teenager had a very refined name and didn��t look weak at all.


    Instead, it should be said that there were no weak people among the aboriginals. Even if there were, they were still stronger than ordinary people and stronger than even some lower-ranking martial arts experts.


    Their only pitfall was that they had more brawn than brains.


    ��This is good news.�� Su Ye smiled and put aside the book in his hand before turning and entering the house behind him with the burly man.


    It was called a house, but its area was muchrger than one. It upied at least 2,000 square meters of space and was entirely made out of stone. Cement was also used to hold all the irregrly shaped stones together and piece them into a house.


    The house was supported by stone pirs that had many protruding areas on them. They clearly weren��t polished carefully, and the sharp edges were simply broken apart, leaving behind scar-like and jagged bumps.


    In addition, there was arge set of steel equipment in the house. Even though it looked crude, it had a unique aesthetic. There were huge rivets set in it along with rows of pipes that gave it a steampunk style.


    If Ren Baqian were to see it, he would never have thought that it was designed by him.


    Even though this set of equipment looked crude, it had a very sensational look as well.


    Apart from that, in this huge house, or rather this factory, there stood dozens ofrge men who all looked delighted.


    The teenager named Su Ye first checked the equipment carefully and then took a few steps back before saying, ��It looks like there are no problems. Let��s begin and see how it goes.��


    After an hour, thick ck smoke started rising from the chimney above the factory. This was followed by a rhythmic roar that sounded like the collision of metal.


    In the distance were captives who were thin and looked like they were suffering. They were using carrying poles that had both ends filled with heavy ores and transporting them to a ce where all the ores were piled up.


    They heard a loud roar and looked up at the ce that was strictly forbidden, wondering what was going on in there.


    After a while, Su Ye looked at the long de in his hand. There was no handle, and in its ce was an iron rod that had yet to be fitted with a real handle. There was no sharp edge, it wasn��t dangerous at all, and it alsocked theyered patterns of a handmade de. There were only shallow and unsightly pressure lines on it.


    However, the shape of the de waspletely formed by a grinding tool and was then forged by arge mechanical hammer after cooling.


    On average, an ordinary craftsman could make up to two or three des every day. With a machine like this, as long as it wasn��t problematic and the raw materials were sufficient, more than 3,000 such des could be produced.


    All that was left to be done was to install a wooden handle, wrap it with animal hide, and sharpen the de.


    This way, 100 apprentices would be able to achieve in one day what it took 1,000 craftsmen to do in the past.


    The apanying official from the Ministry of Works held one of the same des and kept rubbing it with his hands. His eyes were full of joy. It was as if what he was touching wasn��t a de, but a beauty.


    ��Su Ye, you have made a great contribution this time. I��ll report it when I return. With your ability, after you have finished studying, you can consider working at the Ministry of Works as you will definitely be given a good position,�� the official turned and said to Su Ye.


    Su Ye didn��t show any objections to joining the Ministry of Works. As amoner without any talents, this was a very good opportunity that he had never expected himself to have. However, even though he hadn��t graduated yet, this offer was already presented.


    He knew in his heart that he disyed his amazing ability when he built this de forging factory and that this was why the other party was so eager to invite him to join the Ministry of Works.


    However, most of the other students could achieve what he had done as well.


    It wasn��t the Ministry of Works that got him to do this job originally. It was Tong Lan.


    The little girl with the hard fists.


    If it wasn��t due to the fact that Su Ye couldn��t defeat her, he would have been studying how to improve the generator instead of building this set of equipment at the mines in the Yun Nation.


    He worked on constructing the steam engine, the steam-powered forging equipment, and also part of the st furnace.


    Even though he was forced by Tong Lan, he had gained quite a bit out of this. On the one hand, he managed to transform what he learned into real objects that were able to produce exciting results. On the other hand, he gained considerable awareness and confidence in what he could achieve.


    Su Ye believed that he could do better in the Ministry of Works than most people.


    However, it was still a little early for him.


    As for when he could graduate, he had no clue at all. Yagui never mentioned how long it would take. Even if it would take a few years before he could graduate, it would still have to depend on whether the unreliable principal would be around��


    ��I��ll wait here for three days and leave if nothing happens. I heard that Her Majesty and the principal are already on their way back to Lan City. I have to return before they do,�� Su Ye said to the official from the Ministry of Works.


    ��What if a problem arises?�� the official subconsciously asked. Although this machinery seemed very simple to Su Ye, the official knew nothing about it. In fact, it could even be considered the top secret of Dayao.


    With the st furnace and this machinery, the situation of Dayao��sck of craftsmen was finally alleviated.


    At the same time, the officials from the Ministry of Works were worried that something might go wrong with this set of ��high-tech�� equipment.


    ��From the beginning to the end, all of you know how these things were made. Simply rece the parts that are faulty and just don��t make a mistake about the size of the parts. I will also educate them about this over the next few days,�� Su Ye said.


    ��I hope that they will understand it,�� the official replied.


    Although he was an official from the Ministry of Works, he was pretty capable at fighting and also had full confidence that the others could do the same.


    However, regarding the matter of maintaining the equipment, he didn��t have much faith.


    ��It��s not that difficult.�� Su Ye copied Yagui and gave a faint smile.


    Even though they called their principal Yagui, in their minds, he was like a devil from the stories.


    Even so, they had to admit that he really was very knowledgeable.They had never seen anyone who knew more than him. Even though he was often unreliable, his mind was full of wisdom.


    Therefore, they often picked up some of his habits and copied them.


    They had to thank their ancestors that Yagui appeared in Dayao.


    A few dayster, Su Ye and a few other students happily embarked on their journey back to Lan City


    ��Su Ye, have you done your homework?�� One of the students suddenly remembered something as they traveled.


    Su Ye��s movements suddenly became stiff. He slowly turned his neck like a robot and looked at hispanions.


    As all of them looked at each other, they all had an expression of pain and despair on their faces. It was extremely saddening that they had suddenly recalled this matter, and a few of them were so anxious that that leaped up into the air.


    ��Let��s hurry back and finish our homework!��

 Chapter 792 - An Interesting Online Game

    Chapter 792: An Interesting Online Game


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was in a forest running and jumping. asionally, bricks could be seen floating in the air without any support.


    Wearing a safety helmet, he shattered the bricks with his head and could feel the impact of the heavy collisions.


    A crawling tortoise would appear on the ground after each brick was smashed. It was about the same size as him and seemed to be moving at the same speed as him.


    Ren Baqian dexterously flipped in midair,nded on the back of a tortoise,unched himself forward, and continued running. In front, as if he was encountering a tortoise army, he saw an endless number of tortoises.


    A long timeter, he took off his helmet and smacked his lips as he ate a mushroom after threading his way through the tortoises.


    ��Very interesting! I didn��t expect you toe out with such an interesting game.��


    ��This is only Super Mario.�� A researcher in a white coat beamed. He spoke evenly, but his expression told Ren Baqian that he was expecting morepliments!


    ��Amazing!�� Ren Baqian said sincerely. He didn��t expect this so-called immature brain controlled technology to have reached such a stage. Although the touch and feel weren��t that realistic, he could feel the impact of bodily contact in the game.


    ��This is an epoch-making technology!�� Ren Baqian reiterated.


    ��I have tried it before and was amazed as well,�� Ren Wannian said effusively from behind him.


    He then continued in an awestruck voice and asked, ��Will this technology be licensed to us?��


    It could be imagined that theunch a technology like this would reap huge profits.


    ��It��s licensed to us, but with some restrictions. Our scope is limited to the fields of gaming and smart home, including newmunication devices and vehicles. We will have nothing to do with mechanical control and devices like that. Furthermore, we have to pay them part of the profits.�� Although Ren Baqian said this, he was still very satisfied.


    Although the nation still held this technology, the coverage was too extensive; any small leakage was enough to make him one of the top tycoons in this world.


    Even though his focus was on Dayao, having assets in this world was still of great value.


    ��Recruit some people ande up with a good n to make an actual ��second world.�� With this technology, even a sh*tty game will still make people forget to go home. However, I don��t want to make a sh*tty game,�� Ren Baqian said. He had read many ReadNovelFulls before and used to wonder whether he could experience the worlds that were described in those novels.


    He never expected this technology to appear so quickly, let alonend in his hands.


    ��Got it. I will do my best,�� Ren Wannian said excitedly.


    ��It may be beneficial to read some old ReadNovelFulls.��


    Ren Baqian nodded and turned to look at Yang Sen, who wasughing to the point that his teeth were all exposed.


    It was quite obvious that he was very proud of this technology even though theboratory was managed by someone else. Regardless, this department was under him and therefore rted to him.


    Subsequently, he looked at some new research reports. For his cooperation with the nation, he was granted the right to see the research results that were based on the things he brought back.


    At this point in time, this right to know was showing its value.


    For example, the technology of growing metal had resulted in theboratory growing some rare metals, which was a groundbreaking technology.


    However, it was wed because the grown material would disintegrate after three days.


    Ren Baqian was about to leave after touring theboratories, but Yang Sen stepped forward to stop him, ��Mr. Ren, I need to discuss something with you.��


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian was a little suspicious and said to Ren Wannian, ��Wait for me outside.��


    ��Okay,�� Ren Wannian nodded.


    When Ren Baqian sat down on the sofa in Yang Sen��s office, the creaking noise from the sofa made Yang Sen winced. He wondered whether it was time to get a sturdier sofa.


    ��Speak up!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��It��s regarding that Zhou Qingyun.�� Yang Sen sat on another sofa and took out a cigarette.


    It took about three seconds for Ren Baqian to figure out who he was talking about,


    ��Are there any more incidents?��


    Yang Sen nodded and exined, ��Six months after the disappearance of thest spy, the people from the USA made contact with her.��


    Ren Baqian looked at Yang Sen and waited for him to carry on.


    ��They have obtained a hard drive from her and we do not know what��s on it, but it should have some value,�� Yang Sen said. He couldn��t figure out what information Zhou Qingyun had obtained from Ren Wannian, but whatever the information, it mustn��t be acquired by the other side.


    ��Did you simply watch them take the hard drive from her?�� Ren Baqian retorted. He was wondering why the information wasn��t transmitted through the inte, but through a hard drive.


    ��Herputer and cell phone are monitored by us, so if we discovered those things, she wouldn��t be able to send them out. Even if she considered using other devices, she had no opportunity. She may not know this, but she is very careful,�� Yang Sen said. As for why they witnessed the spy taking the hard drive from her, he didn��t answer.


    However, Ren Baqian guessed it in an instant and said, ��You used her as bait, but the fish escaped.��


    Although Yang Sen tried to cover it up, he was embarrassed.


    ��It didn��t escape. It��s in our hands, and we are just trying to probe deeper along this line.��


    ��Can you really get it back?�� Ren Baqian asked doubtfully.


    ��Don��t underestimate the power of our nation!�� Yang Sen said solemnly. The nation had made big strides in this direction and nurtured many experts. These experts were originally from the intelligence or security departments. If they were deployed, they would be more 007 than 007. They would be the holy warriors of 007, and those foreign intelligence agents wouldn��t beparable to them.


    Although they were a little negligent initially, the other side would have no more chances after these people were deployed.


    ��That Zhou Qingyun has vited thew,�� Yang Sen added.


    ��In that case, you can deal with it,�� Ren Baqian said nonchntly.


    ��Since Mr. Ren says so, it��s easy for us to handle.�� Yang Sen was worried that Ren Baqian had other ideas. Previously, this matter was handed over to Ren Baqian, but now, he had caught her again, which could be a source of dissatisfaction.


    Even though Ren Baqian didn��t care, Ren Wannian was his younger brother and close to him. Yang Sen didn��t want this issue to jeopardize the situation.


    ��What will you do after catching her?�� Ren Baqian asked on behalf of Ren Wannian.


    ��Article 110 of the criminalw states that anyone whomits one of the following acts of espionage, which endangers national security, shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of no less than ten years or life imprisonment; if the circumstances are rtively minor, they shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of no less than three years, but not more than ten years:


    (1) Taking part in espionage or epting tasks from espionage agencies and their agents;


    (2) Directing the enemy to bombard a target.


    In addition to the second paragraph of Article 103, Article 105, Article 107, and Article 109 of the above-mentioned crimes against state security in this chapter, Article 113 states that if the crimes are especially serious to the state and the people and the circumstances are especially serious, then the death penalty may be imposed,�� Yang Sen recited the legal provisions to Ren Baqian solemnly.


    ��Put it more inly,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��For her crime, she will get probably more than ten years in prison,�� Yang Sen dered.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian looked thoughtful.


    ��Mr. Ren, what do you think?�� Yang Sen saw his expression and asked directly. He discovered that it was better to ask him directly than to beat around the bush. Ren Baqian would often reply directly.


    ��It��s nothing,�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    He felt that the sentence was light and that the death penalty was more appropriate. However, this was Earth and not Dayao��the nation was governed ording to thews. Besides thews, Dayao was more dependent on the will of every individual to govern it.


    However, since this was just about a person of no importance, it didn��t matter how it was settled. It was fine to punish her or to sentence her to death, and even letting her go was alright. The other party was just an ant to him and couldn��t even bite him.


    Even if she thought that they were important, he didn��t think that she possessed any important things.


    It was easy for her to have this misconception since she wasn��t well-informed.


    ��So be it. You do it your way.�� Ren Baqian stood up. He knew the purpose of this conversation and had expressed his opinion. Anyway, it didn��t matter and leaving it to thew was better.


    ��Elder brother, what did Yang Sen need to talk to you about?�� Ren Wannian asked curiously in the car when they were on the way back.


    ��Just a small matter,�� Ren Baqian replied. He didn��t think it was necessary to tell Ren Wannian.


    However, Ren Wannian would know about it sooner orter.


    This was also part of the lesson.


    ��


    ��Lin Qiaole, our group is on their way to Lan City! Are youing back with me?�� Ren Baqian kicked her in the butt to wake her up and used his leg to receive her ws.


    ��I��m not going back!�� Lin Qiaole hid beside the window and seemed prepared to run away.


    She had been having so much fun on Earth that she had forgotten her home.


    After all, she would only sleep after going back, but she had many friends here.


    ��There��s no food here.�� Ren Baqian tried to frighten her.


    Lin Qiaole red at him.


    She seemed to be hiding food in her cheeks and said loudly, ��I will not go back even if I starve.��


    Ren Baqian took out a bag, pulled out a bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies, and then put them back in the bag.


    ��Do you want to go back? If you go back, the whole bag is yours.�� Ren Baqian felt like a devil tempting ordinary people; or in other words, a pedophile.


    ��Let��s go back!�� Lin Qiaole beamed happily.

 Chapter 793 - The Secret Report

    Chapter 793: The Secret Report


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Inside a detention center.


    Zhou Qingyun was sitting in a solitary ward, and her mind was filled with memories of the past.


    A month ago, she was stopped while attempting to leave the nation.


    At that time, she knew she was finished.


    During this past month, she felt fear and regret. In the end, the only thing that gave her inner strength was the thought of seeing the miserable faces of those people after the news was released.


    The footsteps of the wardens stopped in front of the iron gate.


    A woman looked inside her cell and announced, ��Zhou Qingyun, there is someone here to see you.��


    Zhou Qingyun was stunned. No one had visited her for a month. If her family members knew that she was here, there was no way that they wouldn��t visit her. There was only one possibility left, which was that her family had been prevented from seeing her.


    She knew what crime she hadmitted.


    The first time, she was lucky, but the second time�� She didn��t believe anyone would forgive her.


    It wasn��t until she saw the man in the conference room.


    He was thinner than before, his beard was a little longer, and he looked haggard��


    Thoughts like this raced through her mind. She suppressed these thoughts and hardened herself, asking, ��Are you here to see how I have fallen? Your wish has been fulfilled now!��


    Ren Wannian looked at Zhou Qingyun. Some time had passed, but he still couldn��t let go.


    ��Maybe I��m the type of person that can��t let go.�� Ren Wannian mocked himself. He knew that Zhou Qingyun was here a week ago, but he had numbed himself with work until today and somehow found himselfing here.


    He couldn��t bear to see the state that Zhou Qingyun was in, but he knew that he couldn��t do anything for her.


    Nobody could forgive her.


    ��Why did you do it? I already let you off before. If you abided by thew and lived like before, things would be fine.�� Ren Wannian softened his tone as he voiced his doubts.


    Was it possible that she hated him that much?


    However, Ren Wannian simply couldn��t think of a reason for her to hate him. Based on what Zhou Qingyun had told him before, it wasn��t possible for her to have such hatred.


    He wanted to know what the real reason was.


    Zhou Qingyun kept quiet and lowered her head.


    Why, oh why?


    Without Ren Wannian, she wouldn��t be able to ess the martial arts techniques of the military and the police.


    Furthermore, the blemish on her record limited her ess to those techniques, so she could only be an ordinary person in this life.


    Yet now, not much wisdom was needed because even ordinary people knew the significance of those techniques.


    Recently, a popr blogger who regrly shared his martial arts experiences on the inte had achieved a strength of around 2,500 newtons. Two years ago, his strength was that of an ordinary person, which was only 500 newtons.


    Although many people couldn��t reach his level, they still improved tremendously.


    This took only two years, but it was already like this. What would it be like in ten to 20 years?


    The world had changed.


    In an era like this, who would be willing to be an ordinary person?


    Furthermore, she guessed that Ren Baqian had to be the first to know about these martial arts techniques. This could be deduced by looking at the people around him.


    Under these circumstances, she wasn��t willing to be an ordinary person. However, she had a stain on her record and couldn��t make headway locally, forcing her to seek other directions.


    For example, the American spy who had obtained information from her.


    After all, since this information came from her, she might be able to join their intelligence agency. In that case, the opportunity to obtain those martial arts techniques was more likely.


    Although China was the secondrgest economy in the world, it always followed just behind the USA even though it was about to overtake the USA sometime soon. Still, in terms of technology, the USA was considerably more advanced.


    Zhou Qingyun believed that if they could obtain more information from her, they would certainly give her those martial arts techniques.


    Therefore, this was her only choice.


    She wasn��t wrong.


    After a long while, she raised her head and replied coldly, ��Why? Because I hate you. I want to see you in a miserable state. Once that happens, my goal will be achieved. It��s surprising that Ren Baqian is still on the USA��s wanted list! Your information and your secrets have been sent out, and I will see you suffer.��


    Ren Wannian looked at the woman behind the ss who was wearing prison clothes. She looked so malicious that it was hard to believe that this was the person who had been with him for seven years.


    With a sigh, he said, ��I do not know what secrets you have sent, but in reality, we don��t have secrets to hide.��


    ��Is that so?�� Zhou Qinyun smirked.


    Let alone anything else, being on the wanted list was already enough. A few years ago, Ren Baqian��s bodyguards were already trained in those martial arts skills. Plus, with that piece ofnd in Wuji City, it was a joke to say that there were no secrets.


    ��Theputer that you always carry with you and that you never let me see has an encrypted folder. Your secrets are there. I can��t crack it, but don��t you think the USA can crack it?�� At this point, Zhou Qingyun no longer concealed the facts. The information had been sent out anyway, and she had also fallen into this situation. There was no need to hide it anymore.


    She wished to see the other party look stunned, panicked, and angry.


    This would give her some satisfaction.


    ��300 GB of data��you have a huge amount of secrets.�� Zhou Qingyun sneered andughed with abandon.


    Zhou Qingyun observed his face. As expected, she saw the astonishment on his face.


    But there was only astonishment.


    The panic, hatred, and anger that she anticipated were missing.


    This made her feel difort and despair. It was as if she had thrown a punch in the air with all her might.


    Subsequently, she flew into a fury.


    ��How about that? I sold all your information just to see you get in trouble. You have deceived me for so long and finally reached this state. What now? Are you regretting that you let me offst time? If you had killed me then, maybe this matter would have ended forever.��


    Ren Wannian looked at Zhou Qingyun��s sudden explosion of fury and let out a long breath after hearing her provocative words.


    Whatever feelings he had retained for her, she had erased them.


    ��I do not regret it.�� Ren Wannian shook his head. His face was calm, but he also looked strange.


    Zhou Qingyun red up again upon hearing this, ��That��sughable! I have never seen such a ridiculous person before!��


    ��No regrets,�� Ren Wannian repeated.


    He leaned back in his chair and adopted a morefortable posture.


    ��I redeemed myself by letting you off. As for those secrets, I haven��t thought about them.�� Ren Wannian��s face became very confused.


    ��Did you expect the encrypted folder to be stolen from theputer that you carried with you daily and never let me touch?�� Zhou Qingyun acted as if she had sessfully taken revenge. Bursts of pleasures erupted in her heart.


    ��Indeed, you have stolen more than 300 GB that I had collected!�� Ren Wannian leaned against the chair and sighed.


    ��!?�� Zhou Qingyun was unable to respond.


    ��Even a man with a girlfriend will still watch adult movies,�� Ren Wannian exined sheepishly.


    ��That folder contains adult movies? How can that be? That��s impossible! You hid it so secretively�� You are lying! You are lying!�� Zhou Qingyun reacted like crazy.


    ��That��s the reason why it needed to be hidden. Just in case you discovered it�� where would I hide my face���� Ren Wannian murmured softly.


    He didn��t expect her to think that it was secret information. Not only did itnd her in prison, but it also duped a spy from the USA��


    He wondered how those clowns would feel when they realized that they were duped by 300 GB of adult movies.


    Would they feel like they were being screwed��?

 Chapter 794 - Antique

    Chapter 794: Antique


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    From the Yun Nation, Luoxia Vige spanned over 100 mu ofnd and was located beside Lake Luoxia at the foot of Mount Luoxia.


    Liu Rufeng, the chief of the vige, was generous to the needy and helped the distressed. He was also friends with everyone. With his Earth Wheel level strength, he was quite famous in the Yun Nation.


    At night, a storm hit, and the entire mountain vige was shrouded in the storm. The vige was dark, and the sound of the whistling wind could be heard from the outside. From time to time, trees uprooted from the ground and crashed into the vige.


    A few swords shed through the night sky, and the trees that were crashing into the vige were cut into more than a dozen sections before falling outside the vige.


    Several disciples sheathed their swords and moved back behind the walls of the courtyard as they braved the violent gale.


    The wind was slightly weaker here.


    Without shelter, this wind could blow people away.


    ��It has been many years since we have seen such strong winds,�� one of the disciples muttered.


    Another disciple was full of resentment and dered, ��Those barbarians have angered the gods! They will not have a good ending!��


    The disciple who spoke earlier stayed silent. There was no telling what this wind would do to the barbarians, but at present, their own farm crops had probably been destroyed. Plus, he had no idea how many people would be disced this year.


    Three men sat around a table in one of the houses in the vige. As the wind whistled outside, the candle in the room was dark. It was just like the current situation of the Yun Nation.


    One of the men was in his forties and had a clean face with a full-grown beard. He was Liu Rufeng, and his face was full of sorrow.


    Out of the other two, one of them was Xu Ping. He was a tall man in his forties.


    The other man was Gao Yishan. He was in his sixties and had outstanding vigor.


    ��Xu Hu and his group of cowards. His speech sounded better than anyone else��s at first, but he ended up getting scared stiff by the barbarians and ran away.�� Xu Ping mmed the table.


    Liu Rufeng sighed and shook his head before saying, ��These barbarians are too strong. Even the weakest one of them is at the Man Wheel level, which is considered the core strength of an ordinary sect. Only one out of 100 ordinary people can attain such a level. However, Man Wheel level soldiers are the mostmonly seen in the army of the barbarians. Why is God so unfair in loving them so much? There are only 500 of their soldiers in each of the four cities of Shanyin, Zebeii, Songyang, and Xuguan City. Yet, the volunteer army got suppressed the moment they were detected. Tens of thousands of people have died at their hands, and the number of civilians implicated is uncountable. Now that the Yun Nation is in turmoil, I��m not sure that we can make aeback!��


    Xu Ping looked extremely sad and asked, ��Does the Yun Nation still exist? Hundreds of cities have fallen and perished. Jin Shang has been captured and Zheng Chengmian burned himself to death. Many of the sects that assassinated the warlords that had already surrendered were eliminated as well! Some of the wealthy merchants, who have refused to submit to the barbarians, have all packed their belongings and left for Great Xia. We are the only mice left that are trying to survive in the gutters.��


    Liu Rufeng kept quiet. They knew that the Yun Nation had already fallen.


    They simply didn��t dare and didn��t wish to think about it.


    ��It��s impossible to fight those barbarians head-on. Our strength is far weaker than theirs,�� Gao Yishan said.


    ��Do you want to end up like those warlords who have surrendered? Let those barbarians tyrannically abuse us?�� Xu Ping red at Gao Yishan.


    ��Don��t worry. Listen to me.�� Gao Yishan didn��t care about his attitude and pondered as he said, ��There are now 100,000 barbarian soldiers in the Yun Nation. That Zi Doni has divided the nation into five regions with garrisons of 15,000 troops in each region. Among these, 500 soldiers are stationed in each city. There are also 10,000 soldiers that were divided into four groups and are responsible for annihting the volunteer army and the sects with rebellious intentions.


    In each of the barracks, there are about 100 Earth Wheel experts. The rest are all at the Man Wheel level, but they are much stronger than ordinary Man Wheel experts.


    Back when I was fighting these barbarians in the Yun Nation, we needed to outnumber them by at least ten times in order to be able to contend against them. Nowadays, these volunteer soldiers are ordinary people who haven��t been through much training. There are only a few experts among them. Under such circumstances, we have no chance of defeating any of the barbarian groups. No matter where the revolt urs, it will be extinguished in an instant.


    Needless to say, there are still soldiers of the warlords being held captive by the barbarians, and we have spies among them.��


    ��There are indeed spies!�� When it came to spies, Xu Ping was full of anger. ��It was the spies sent by those warlords that helped the barbarians discover the people of Shanyin City and other cities. That bunch of traitors. If it weren��t for them, how could the Yun Nation fall?��


    Gao Yishan shook his head. In fact, he had noticed something. Not only were the spies of the warlords still active, there seemed to be another group of people in the Yun Nation who were leaking news to the barbarians.


    However, there were many highly-skilled experts among them. There were a few asions where he lost them when scouting them out and almost got killed.


    ��So it��s impossible to fight them head-on. Back when general Zhu Wuchang was still alive, his troops suffered defeat after defeat against the barbarians, let alone us.��


    ��It��s only because that traitor Zheng Chengmian held them back in all aspects! He had it easy by burning himself to death. He should have been dismembered!�� Xu Ping shouted again.


    Liu Rufeng looked at Xu Ping helplessly. He was good in many aspects, but he was simply too violent and impulsive. ��First, let Brother Gao finish his words.��


    Liu Rufeng then looked at Gao Yishan and asked, ��What is your opinion, Brother Gao?��


    Gao Yishan caressed his beard and replied, ��If we can��t fight them head-on, then we have to use other means.��


    ��Please exin yourself!�� Liu Rufeng said.


    ��There is an antique in my sect that was left behind by a high official from Great Chen, the previous dynasty before Great Xia. There was a priest who gave it to the emperor of Great Chen, iming that it could stabilize the fate of the nation for a long time. After that, Great Chen was faced with cmities such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes for three years in a row. Its people had no way of getting by.��


    ��People started revolting everywhere, and the Great Chen dynasty fell after two years. When Great Xia was established, the original pce was razed to the ground and the capital was relocated.�� Liu Rufeng��s eyes lit up. ��Although this is a legend and a huge part of it may be untrue, there must be something about it that we are unsure of since Brother Gao mentioned it.��


    If he were to hear this story from other people, he would simply have regarded it as a joke. However, Gao Yishan was full of strange techniques. This was something that Liu Rufeng had seen many times. Since Gao Yishan mentioned this legend, there might be some truth to it.


    ��That priest is the founder of my sect!�� Gao Yishanughed.


    Liu Rufeng and Xu Ping were both surprised because they didn��t expect this to be the case.


    ��Toward the end of the Great Chen dynasty, the officials were corrupt and themoners had no food and no clothing. The founder of my sect became destitute and homeless due to this corruption and abuse. Later, when he incidentally obtained the antique, he came up with this idea and presented the antique to the emperor of Great Chen. The dynasty originally had more than ten years of prosperity, but after they received the antique, they fell after just a few years�� time.��


    ��Is the antique that powerful?�� Xu Ping found it hard to believe.


    ��There is indeed some ambiguity. I��m not sure why, but the history of this antique was lost during ancient times. Many strange techniques were lost and weren��t passed on to future generations. This antique was handed down from ancient times and has incredible uses.�� Gao Yishan paused for a while, before continuing, ��After the Great Chen dynasty fell, the master of my sect got a chance to take back the artifact and hid it somewhere.��

 Chapter 795 - Spirits in the Wind

    Chapter 795: Spirits in the Wind


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After hearing this, the other two people started muttering to themselves irresolutely. The history of the ancient times had indeed been forgotten. asionally, there would be Heaven-grade weapons or martial arts that got lost in time. This made everyone know that the current martial arts experts were no match for those from the past since there were countless treasures and powerful skills back then.


    In many of the novels, people made guesses about the history of the past.


    Unfortunately, there was no telling why there hadn��t been much information passed down from ancient times.


    People had only been able to asionally obtain useful information from ancient tombs or deste ces.


    However, from these martial arts, it was known that there had already been a tradition of writing in ancient times. As such, many people suspected that a big change must have happened, which resulted in this nk period of history.


    Sadly, people today could only guess what had happened in the past.


    It was a fact that ancient antiques often had extremely powerful effects.


    ��Who��s going to do this? There are hidden talents all over Lan City. In addition, Qi Zixiao is one of the strongest experts in the world. Not even a Spirit Wheel expert would be confident in sending something into Dayao��s pce. Besides, you can��t just put it anywhere, right?�� Liu Rufeng muttered.


    ��Qi Zixiao will be getting married in a few months. Even the surrendered warlords are taking this opportunity to go to the city to see her. I can use this opportunity to sneak it in and find a chance to present it to her.��


    ��If it��s exposed, the consequences will be the extermination of the entire n. Do you have the courage?�� Liu Rufeng asked.


    ��In the past, I did a huge favor for the warlord of Xinyang City without him knowing my background. If I were to propose to follow him, there should be no problem.�� Gao Yishan smiled as he stroked his beard.


    Liu Rufeng looked at Gao Yishan with admiration. No matter what, the risk of going into the lion��s den was pretty high. If even the slightest bit of this operation was detected, death would be inevitable.


    Just when he was about to speak, he suddenly heard cries amid the rustling of the wind.


    As the three men listened, their faces changed. ��It��s the barbarian army! Why have theye on such a stormy day?��


    Liu Rufeng got up and activated a switch at the corner of the room, revealing a dark passage.


    ��Hurry and leave from here!��


    ��Brother Liu���� Xu Ping��s face changed when he stood in front of the dark passage and saw that Liu Rufeng wasn��t leaving with them.


    ��My family is here, so I��m afraid that I can��te with you. I can��t just leave them to die alone.�� Liu Rufeng smiled and said, ��You can be mad at me for being selfish. Whether or not the Yun Nation can be rejuvenated, it will have to depend on you.��


    Xu Ping and Gao Yi Shan��s eyes turned red as their blood raged within their bodies.


    ��


    Ten minutes ago, a group of hundreds of people were crouching at the bottom of a hill. Everyone tried to stay as low as possible to stabilize themselves. If they were to stand up, they would probably be blown away by the wind.


    ��Damn it! The wind in the Yun Nation is really strong!��


    A burly man in leather armor was shouting because he had never seen such strong winds in Dayao.


    How did people live in this ce?


    However, just as he said those words, he got blown away by the wind.


    His voice was barely audible.


    ��Luoxia Vige is in front. I originally wanted to settle our task tonight, but I didn��t expect the wind to be so strong. Even the trees are being uprooted, and there��s no way for us to even walk. It seems that we can only take action after the wind stops,�� another burly man shouted at the top of his lungs.


    ��I feel that I��ll be blown away if I jump up!�� another man shouted.


    ��Pah, we won��t be looking for you after.�� Another manughed.


    ��Luoxia Vige is right in front of us, and the wind is blowing from behind us. If we were to jump, would we be blown right into the vige? If that happens, we��ll fall from the sky and definitely scare them.�� One of them was eager to try.


    ��Good idea! I��m just afraid that we��ll be blown to the edge ofnd.�� The othersughed.


    ��Let me try. If I get blown too far away, I��lle back and look for you guys.�� One man couldn��t resist the thought in his mind of how great it would be if he were blown by the wind and flew in the air.


    ��I��m just worried that you��ll get blown too high up and fall to your death,�� another man shouted.


    ��Look at those trees. They are all being blown away horizontally at a height that doesn��t exceed 30 meters. Even if I get blown about 50 meters high, falling from that height wouldn��t kill me.�� That burly man burst outughing, and it was evident that he was full of confidence.


    After hearing this, many people were tempted.


    Even though they were soldiers, they were still aboriginals. Each of them possessed incredible strength, and their level of discipline was much lower than those of other nations.


    Even though they were performing their tasks, everyone got tempted by his words and started to seriously explore the feasibility ofnding in Luoxia Vige after getting blown by the wind.


    ��I��ll try it first.�� The man who suggested this idea smiled at the crowd. Before the others could stop him, he immediately stood up. The strong winds made him very unsteady.


    However, he wasn��t worried at all. He let out augh and mmed his feet against the ground, leaping ahead. His body seemed to integrate with the wind and flew further and further. The others could still vaguely hear hisughter from afar.


    Everyone was itching to try this out.


    ��What if he reallynds in Luoxia Vige? He isn��t a match for them on his own. Let me go help him.�� Another man grabbed his de, stood up, and leaped forward.


    ��I��m going as well.��


    ��Me too!��


    Dozens of figures disappeared into the wind, and there was no telling if they had gone to find the first man or if they simply found it interesting to get blown away by the wind.


    Thetter was more likely.


    ��You guys wait here. I��ll go check it out as well. They can��t stop the chief of Luoxia Vige.�� An officer stood up and leaped away as well.


    He felt that his body was carried by the wind, and it was as if they were both integrated together. He burst intoughter and felt fortunate that he had followed along because this was much more interesting than waiting for the attack mission.


    Watching his figure disappear, more people were eager to move.


    Another officer shouted, ��All of you stay here! No one is to follow them.��


    Nobody knew if those guys would actuallynd in Luoxia vige, although it looked quite fun.


    However, if too many people were to follow them and got blown too far away, they would have to suffer a beating if the attack mission was dyed.


    ��


    Liu Rufeng sent the two men off into the dark passage before picking up his sword along the way that was hung up and waiting for the aboriginals toe.


    He stroked the scabbard and thought to himself, <em>Old friend, this is thest time.</em>


    However, after just 30 seconds, he seemed to hear the shouts of dozens of aboriginals.


    Liu Rufeng felt a little strange as their voices seemed to being from above him.


    With such strong winds, how could these people��s voices being from above him?


    A minute, five minutes, then ten minutes passed, but the aboriginals that he was anticipating still hadn��t arrived.


    Liu Rufeng��s face started to look gloomy.


    The disciples behind the courtyard walls and the other houses also started feeling suspicious.


    Who made that sound just now? Could it be the wind deities? This might be possible. Otherwise, why would there be human voicesing from above their heads?


    The more they thought about it, the more likely it seemed.


    Many people imagined that the wind deities would move around with the wind, feasting and exchanging toasts.


    They didn��t expect them to be a bunch of lunatics in the wind.


    Many people secretly prayed for a blessing.


    At dawn, the wind gradually stopped. An aboriginal army came charging from afar, and the whole vige was doused in blood.


    In the distance, the aboriginals who got blown away by the wind finallynded on the ground, smashing into bushes and piles of rocks. They shook their heads and looked around in a daze, thinking, <em>Damn it! Where has the wind taken us?</em>


    They were at a loss for some time before they startedughing out loud. The experience of getting blown away by the wind was really fun!

 Chapter 796 - Changes in the Sea of Knowledge

    Chapter 796: Changes in the Sea of Knowledge


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was a dark space where right or left as well as near or far couldn��t be distinguished. No boundaries existed, and time was non-existent.


    However, a fireball floated here and emitted light, which made the space more energetic.


    In addition, some pockets of gases were revolving around the fireball. These gases were changing and seemed to be retracting into the fireball.


    After observing this space for a while, Ren Baqian realized that it would take time for thes to form.


    This was the sea of knowledge inside Ren Baqian.


    When Ren Baqian condensed everything in his sea of knowledge into a singrity and exploded it, innumerable invisible cosmic dust particles were scattered all over his sea of knowledge.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether it was cosmic dust or something else in his sea of knowledge and didn��t even know whether it was physical matter or something spiritual.


    Since it was inside his sea of knowledge, Ren Baqian felt that it was more likely to be spiritual.


    Soon after, these invisible particles collided and fused to form interster clouds.


    After a few more days, the movements and collisions of the particles caused the neb to change. The gravitational forces coalesced the neb at different points with one of them bing this fireball, or rather, this star.


    Other gaseous bodies became massive and were formings ording to Ren Baqian.


    This filled Ren Baqian��s thoughts with wonder.


    After all, the experience of creating a universe in your own sea of knowledge and observing how it came into being was rather novel.


    He didn��t know whether the real universe was formed this way, but he felt that the probability was very high.


    At least the stage where the singrity exploded to form stars seemed to be correct.


    What he wanted to know was what the universe in his sea of knowledge could bring him. It couldn��t just be for the sake of bringing the universe into existence.


    It looked like he had to wait for the formation of thes before slowly exploring further.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes by taking his spiritual mind out of his sea of knowledge and saw the high walls on the horizon.


    Lan City!


    ��We are finally back.�� Ren Baqian sighed softly. He looked around and found that he had left with less than 1,000 soldiers and hade back with close to 3,000.


    More than 2,000 were newly recruited winged cavalry warriors.


    However, the original winged cavalry was reduced by 200 after going to the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    It must be mentioned that this was a very risky mission.


    Out of 1,500 people, only 400 or so were left after a short period of less than three years�� He didn��t know whether he had brought the bad luck or whether they were unlucky. Ever since he arrived, they seemed to die exceptionally fast.


    During the seven years after the empress ascended the throne and before he arrived, there were very few casualties.


    Then, it was downhill all the way. He couldn��t bear to recall the extraordinary past.


    At this point, Ren Baqian heaved a sigh. It seemed like these things had happened after he saw the bichi for the first time. It was all its fault.


    Sometimes, they were due to natural disasters, but even more were man-made. One disaster after another; it was diabolical.


    Fortunately, sinceing out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, the bichi hadn��t been seen and its whereabouts was unknown.


    If possible, it was best not to see it again.


    At this point, Ren Baqian shook his head, put the thought of that rascal out of his mind, and rode the crow general to follow the empress.


    He had brought back the crow general and the roaring emperor after this trip. Ren Baqian was preparing to bring the roaring emperor to court if people quarrelled with him and would let them be extremely surprised.


    After another two hours of travel, he could see Lan City clearly and also saw a crowd waiting outside.


    The crowd outside the city was relieved to see the return of the empress and her retinue. Her Majesty had been away for a long time! She had been gone for more than a year.


    However, when the empress��s party got closer, the crowd grew stern again.


    The retinue stopped and split into two rows as the imperial carriage moved to the front. The people surged forward to greet her and said, ��We are here to wee Your Majesty.��


    Hong Luan parted the curtain to reveal the empress, who wasying inside. She nced at them, sat up, and said, ��It has been a hard time for everyone. Let��s go back to the pce first.��


    ��Yes!��


    ��You should lower yourself when we enter the city in a while.�� Ren Baqian patted the crow general.


    The crow general was quite tall. The tip of its head was four meters high, its back was more than two meters high, and with him mounted, this was higher than the imperial carriage. It wasn��t a problem when they were outside because nobody took notice of it. However, Ren Baqian thought it was better to keep a low profile when entering the city.


    A low profile equated to a lower position.


    The crow general was confused.


    How was it supposed to be shorter?


    ��How about squatting while moving?�� Ren Baqian suggested.


    The crow general was upset after hearing this. It was already vexing enough to be his mount, but now he wanted it to squat while moving. Did he not know that it was very hard for a bird to squat?


    It was unable to do this!


    The process of entering the city attracted more citizens. The aboriginals had greater interest in watching processions than other people. This time, the empress had also been away for more than a year. She hadn��t been away for so long before. Previously, her longest absence was her trip to Tianjing Basin. Before that, it was to fight Great Xia in the north, and another time, she went to Great Xia because of Ren Baqian��


    It seemed that every trip had something to do with Ren Baqian.


    Somehow, many people thought of this idea and looked at Ren Baqian with suspicion.


    It was as if Ren Baqian was abducting the empress.


    Of course, the reality was like this.


    It wasn��t only Ren Baqian who attracted the crowd��s attention, but also the huge bird below his butt. Everyone could feel the oppressive power of this bird, and it felt like facing an official from the court.


    Their expressions changed when they realized that it was a Cardinal Heaven level beast.


    In Lan City, the only other beast at this level was Qishui, who was the empress��s mount.


    The main thing that puzzled the people was that the bird had hunched its neck and lowered its body. A Cardinal Heaven level beast was walking like an old mother hen.


    The crow general carried a backpack containing the roaring emperor, and the roaring emperor stretched out its head to look in all directions.


    The roaring emperor was familiar with people and full of curiosity. It was wondering whether it should let out a roar to announce its existence.


    Before it could decide, Ren Baqian��s big hands dropped down from above and pushed it back into the bag.


    Upon entering the pce, the empress gave the excuse that she was tired after a long journey and would attend to matters in court the next day. Since she directly entered her chamber, the rest of the people had to suppress their grievances and disperse.


    Ren Baqian went to Pingle Park to see Tiantian and Gungun. They were already as tall as a man. He rubbed their faces and then yed a game of pping each other.


    Tiantian gave Ren Baqian a p that he dodged before returning with his own the p.


    Gungun also did likewise.


    A momentter, the two rascals sat there looking at Ren Baqian with their eyes brimming with tears.


    The ling ting wasughing uncontrobly at one side. It jumped on Ren Baqian��s shoulder, handed a peach to him, and stared at him because it was afraid that Ren Baqian would really take this fruit that was covered in paw prints and saliva.


    ��Disgusting fellow!�� Ren Baqian shook him off. This rascal always joined in, but it was insincere and cunning.


    He locked these rascals outside, went back to his house to put his stuff down, andid down on his couch.


    He sighed happily and said, ��I��m finally home.��

 Chapter 797 - After All, I’m Not a Devil

    Chapter 797: After All, I��m Not a Devil


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next day, Ren Baqian went to the academy in the morning.


    After being away for so long, he somewhat missed those idiots.


    Having been away for a year, there were some changes to the school. After all, with the radio, many things could be remotely controlled. After his thoughts were transmitted back, the school would make changes ording to his n.


    The thing about spoken words was that their meaning would changepletely after the message was passed through two people. Ren Baqian knew that the changes were somewhat different from what he wanted them to be, but it was better than not having changed at all.


    When he entered the school, the first row was still the ssrooms and his office. The second row was a new row of buildings that included new ssrooms and chemicalboratories. At the back was the library in the corner, and none of it had changed much.


    Apart from this ce, the other changes were so huge that he almost didn��t recognize it.


    The first was that the ck bamboo forest surrounding the pond in the backyard had disappeared and was reced by arge piece of the concrete floor. It seemed that the Ministry of Works had nothing else important to do and had paved the ground for the school.


    There was a huge hot air balloon on the paved ground.


    It wasn��t made by the students, but by Li Fu, the testicle-kicking monster.


    Since that time he rode in the hot air balloon, Li Fu had great expectations for this thing. Unfortunately, Ren Baqian hadn��t been able to build another one for Li Fu because Ren Baqian had been away for a year. Li Fu simply grabbed a few students to be his assistants and started researching the hot air balloon on his own.


    The students were naturally afraid to reject the testicle-kicking monster. After all, no one could beat him. It would be useless to call their parents, and they could even get kicked in the balls for that.


    As for Li Fu��s heavenly kick, it was pretty well known throughout all of Lan City.


    The result of everyone��s production was right before Ren Baqian��s eyes. ��I��m a fool�� was written on it.


    These kids were bullying Li Fu for being illiterate.


    Ren Baqian had always encouraged such applications of using their brains to tackle their enemies.


    However, it was said that one of the kids got kicked in the balls and had to rest at home for a few days with his legs together.


    Apart from this, the courtyard walls had also disappeared. In their ce was a tall building just like the factory, but with a much smaller area. In fact, this was the artisan shop of the school.


    The cksmith shop, carpenter shop, st furnace, warehouse, and assembly room were all located here.


    From the very beginning, Ren Baqian hoped that the students would learn more through application, be able to grasp knowledge faster, and lessen his burden.


    As a result, after manufacturing the steam lotive back then, the craftsmen didn��t leave the school. The students did their research and provided ideas while the craftsmen helped turn these into reality.


    At the far end of the courtyard was a thermal power nt. The power it generated wasn��t huge, and it was only enough to supply the school and the pce.


    Ren Baqian went to the power nt to take a look and saw that there was coal everywhere. The equipment inside had been reced with something with a higher conversion efficiency. There were pipes, gears, and thick rivets everywhere, and it was full of steampunk style. It seemed that the aboriginals liked this simple and rough style that was full of power and beauty.


    The things inside were all made and tested by the students during their free time. Ren Baqian was very satisfied with their initiative.


    Although these guys were stupid, they had a lot of initiative, were hardworking, and were very motivated.


    In addition to these, they also made wires under the remote guidance of Ren Baqian��


    This was nothing too technical, and the important thing about making wires was theyer of rubber on the outside. The students designed a small factory that could produce thousands of wires per day. There was still the possibility of further increases in production, and the only limitation was the transportation of rubber.


    No matter what, the factory would serve a great purpose.


    This factory was built three months ago. At present, it had already produced 100 kilometers of wire. With more power nts, most areas in Lan City wouldn��t be dark at night anymore.


    This was also the task that Ren Baqian was preparing to tackle immediately after he returned, turning Lan City into a city that never sleeps before marrying the empress.


    After he was done touring the power nt, he went back to the front yard. There were already students streaming in. Their eyes were all brightly lit after seeing him, and they shouted, ��Principal is back!��


    In fact, they already knew this the day before. Besides, they had seen the bodyguards just now as well. However, after seeing him in person, their spirits were lifted.


    Even though the school could still continue teaching after Ren Baqian left, progress had been much slower. The main thing was that the students had to undergo robot lectures during their first year. In their second year, they learned from their seniors and the robot.


    ��Yeah.�� He nodded with a deep expression on his face. As the principal of the school, he had to disy the grandeur of one.


    ��Yagui is actually back!�� This voice made him open his eyes wide. He had long known that they were calling him names behind his back.


    However, they were asking for a beating by shouting it in his face, right?


    He looked up and saw that it was indeed Tong Lan, the little girl. She seemed to have grown a little taller, but was still the shortest bean among the students. She was dressed in white, had a small and delicate face with baby fat, and lifted her head so high that her nostrils were almost facing the sky.


    Ren Baqian smiled at her and revealed his white teeth. Now that he had been well-trained, it was time for her to take a beating!


    ��Have you finished your homework?��


    Tong Lan��s face immediately turned ck after hearing this.


    ��Ah! Ah! Ah!�� She shouted into the air with a posture like the roaring emperor��s.


    She then quickly ran back to the ssroom to continue working on her homework.


    More and more students gradually arrived.


    Not only were there a few familiar faces, but there were also some new ones who had been recruited this year.


    Although Ren Baqian followed the empress to the Sixty Thousand Mountains to roam around, the recruitment of students didn��t stop. These neers were led by the older students.


    After all, the things they learned in the first year were simple. There were the senior students, the robot, and teaching materials to guide them, so there wasn��t much of a problem teaching. Also, many of the older students were fond of teaching. Even Tong Lan, the small bean, would asionally make a guest appearance.


    Of course, the textbooks used by these first year students were all previously used by their seniors.


    However, now that Ren Baqian had returned, they could start to have new materials.


    The new students looked at him curiously. This was the empress��s husband, the principal of the school.


    This school was single-handedly established by him.


    They didn��t expect to see him for the first time after such a long period.


    <em>Wasn��t he a gigolo? </em>they wondered. Why did he look fiercer than the adults at home?


    However, his appearance fulfilled the aesthetics of the aboriginals. Whether it was someone who had a bald head andcked eyebrows and a beard or someone weighing above 150 kilograms, these features were still favorable.


    Ren Baqian could see the clock tower in the distance when he lifted his head, and when the time came, people closed the school gate. The students gathered in the ssroom of the third year students.


    Everyone looked at him, and they were all pretty excited. However, once he spoke, everyone crumbled.


    Ren Baqian stood behind the desk and knocked on it before asking, ��Have you finished your homework?��


    Everyone either had a sullen look on their face or had an expression of bitterness and hatred.


    He then replied delightedly, ��Don��t be so sad! It��s okay if you haven��t finished it.��


    All the students were shocked. When had Yagui ever been so nice?


    ��After all, I��m not a devil!�� Ren Baqian revealed a kind smile. ��If you haven��t finished it, you will be hung from the gpole for five minutes after ss. After that, you shall go home and finish your homework. At the same time,plete 10 test papers.��


    After hearing this, everyone��s excitement to see him was gone.


    They stared at him and thought, <em>Isn��t this a devil?</em>


    They wished to never see him again for the rest of their lives.

 Chapter 798 - Bizarre

    Chapter 798: Bizarre


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    While Ren Baqian was at the school, the empress was listening to the reports of the officials at the imperial court.


    Now that the Yun Nation had beenpletely upied, even though there were still some rebels and mice lurking in the shadows, the overall situation had stabilized with the assistance of the warlords.


    Zi Doni had indeed done a good job.


    Of course, all of this was in exchange for arge number of lives.


    From the very beginning, he had used brutal means and killed many people. He battled the warlords, officials, and sects. In the early stage, one would smell a strong stench of blood whenever he walked past a city. Toward the end, fewer people resisted and the Yun Nation very quickly came to its end, especially after the warlords surrendered.


    In the period after that, there were still people who wanted to resist after the nation had fallen. In the face of tremendous strength, they were powerless even when they had the intention.


    After killing a few batches of rebels, those who wanted to resist grew fewer.


    Besides, the empress had been remotely controlling the situation at the Protectorate of the Northeast, so the aboriginals did not perpetually plunder like how they usually did. Although there were still some offensesmitted against the civilians, the impact wasn��t too great. As long as they remained well-behaved and did not do anything dangerous, they would not have to worry about someone rushing into their houses with a de.


    In fact, they rarely saw the aboriginals.


    The cities were still managed by the people of the Yun Nation, but under the supervision of the aboriginals.


    Many cities and warlords did not even change. There were simply an additional 500 tall and strong aboriginal soldiers in every city, which the nation had branded as violent. However, this hadn��t affected the civilians much at all.


    Only those holding high positions were truly affected by this upation.


    As long as themoners could survive, there weren��t many who dared to fight these aboriginals that were muchrger and stronger than they were.


    Although there were still some ambitious people, after weighing the differences between the aboriginals and themselves, they could only secretly make some small moves behind the aboriginals�� backs. There were still spies deployed by the warlords and those highly skilled Rearguard Commandery soldiers lurking around. Once these ambitious people exposed themselves ever so slightly, they would be devastated.


    In this way, the aboriginals upied the entire Yun Nation surprisingly smoothly.


    Today, with the exception of a small number of people who had died, most of the people in the nation knew their ce.


    The ambitious warriors who still lurked around had to carefully conceal themselves from the search of dozens of aboriginals teams.


    Apart from things happening in the Yun Nation, there were many changes in Dayao as well.


    The first was the cement road that connected them to the Yun Nation. With the efforts of hundreds of thousands of captives, more than 500 kilometers of road had been built. The increased number of captives had made the progress of the project much faster than anticipated. It was expected to beplete after another one and a half years.


    Speaking of this matter, both the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue were all smiles. As soon as this road wasplete, the speed of transportation should be more than doubled at the least. It would then be more convenient to manage the Yun Nation and also transport materials.


    In addition, over the past few months, Dayao was no longercking salt due to the continuous supply of resources from the Yun Nation. There were now many spoils of war, such as cloth, avable on the market.


    Apart from that, there were lots of iron wares on the market as well, which were all produced from Mount Damo. After fulfilling the military��s needs, they finally began to invest in the private sector, causing the price of iron on the market to drop a lot.


    Next, high-yield crops such as potatoes and pumpkins had already been promoted throughout all of Dayao. These crops, which could be harvested after just about three months, had already made their way to the dining tables of the ordinary people. This greatly reduced the pressure regarding food in Dayao, and reserves were even starting to pile up.


    Although these food reserves only consisted of potatoes and pumpkins, whose energy levels were far lower than meats, the volume was huge. One mu ofnd could yield several thousand kilograms of these crops, the prices were cheap, and the quantity wasrge.


    Besides, one would also get sick of eating meat every day.


    At present, having potato or pumpkin stew was great as well. These dishes were delicious and were not as greasy as eating meat.


    ��


    There had been many changes over the past year in all aspects. Even if it was just a brief report, the empress spent a lot of time listening to all the updates while beaming with joy.


    Overall, everything was on the right track.


    Nothing could make her happier than seeing her people living good lives.


    Since she was in a good mood, she praised the officials, which was a rare sight.


    ��I saw my brother when I went back this time,�� the empress said casually aftermending the people.


    Everyone was stunned when they heard this, not knowing what she was driving at when she mentioned Qi Ziting. They looked at each other and didn��t know how to respond.


    ��He��s doing fine. I invited him back to Lan City, but he refused,�� she added.


    Everyone was even more afraid to speak after hearing this.


    ��You don��t have to be so cautious. My brother has found a new goal now.�� The empress smiled. She looked across the hall, taking a short nce at Zhe Kouhai.


    He was the Junior Elder who had always believed that Qi Ziting was more suited to ascend the throne. However, he had been well-behavedtely.


    Even though the empress didn��t really like him, she had always kept him in the imperial court because of his capabilities. However, after seeing her elder brother this time, she hade to ept many things and no longer bore any grudges against the Junior Elder.


    ��My brother is very interested in those foreign races from the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. He��s pursuing their whereabouts.��


    Upon hearing this, everyone immediately perked up, looked at her, and wanted to hear about the situation with the foreign races.


    When the empress ordered Xi Wanya to be transferred over, she briefly spoke about this topic. However, the officials didn��t know the specifics of the situation, and they all waited anxiously for her to exin.


    ��I didn��t expect there to be so many foreign races in the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. I didn��t expect that we actually ascended the mountains from the other side. At the same time, we can finally surmise where thete emperor went.��


    Everyone was perturbed after hearing this.


    ��Your Majesty, what did you discover in the mountains this time?��


    The empress looked at the crowd and grinned a little. She enjoyed seeing the rmed expressions on their faces.


    Before she and Ren Baqian returned, they had already discussed this.


    It was no longer the era when humans were being chased away. Even though the current strength of humans was weaker than before, they had already found another way out.


    Sooner orter, they would still have to return to the other side of the Sixty Thousand Mountains to see what it looked like exactly.


    Both Ren Baqian and the empress were very curious about this region ofnd.


    She told everyone this piece of news so that they could anticipate what the future would hold. This would let all of theme up with their own ideas and efforts that would contribute to the development of Dayao. It was also to let them know that whatever they did in the future, as long as it was beneficial for Dayao��s development, there would be less resistance.


    At the same time, she established the Protectorate of the Aboriginals. She would also require the support of the court officials to allow those aboriginal experts to explore and possibly expand into the depths of the Sixty Thousand Mountains in the future.


    Apart from that, there was another important point, which was the rtionship between the aboriginals and the other nations.


    This would make it easier for the members of the imperial court to ept people from other nations.


    If a leader treated his subjects like limbs, they would treat him like the heart. If a leader treated his subjects like dogs and horses, they would treat him likepatriots. If a leader treated his subjects like dirt, they would treat him like an enemy.


    The way that the imperial court treated another ��ethnic group�� would be the same treatment that they would receive in return.


    Ren Baqian hoped to subdue themoners apart from the aboriginals. After all, in terms of science and technology, the poption was a very important factor.


    ��


    After that, the empress talked about their encounter with the herdsmen and those foreigners as well as the information that Ren Baqian had obtained from them. Everyone in the hall was stunned. The entire imperial court was no longer noisy like how it usually was. Everyone was speechless with their jaws on the floor.


    In ancient times, humans were chased here by thousands of other races? Was this a ce of exile? The humans from ancient times were pressured to sign a contract with the foreign races?


    The aboriginals and the people from the other nations belonged to the same human race? The aboriginals were protectors that guarded against the foreign races on the other side of the Sixty Thousand Mountains?


    As time passed, this history, along with the pact that was made, got lost. When the human race multiplied, civilizations and nations were rebuilt with the protectors bing the so-called barbarians?


    The hundreds of millions of people spread over the four nations of today were the products of the remaining tens of thousands of people from back then?


    After listening to this, everyone felt as if they were listening to a story. If it wasn��t the empress who was saying these things, they really wouldn��t believe that this was true.


    It was just too bizarre��


    Qin Chuan couldn��t help but squint and ask, ��Are you speaking the truth, Your Majesty?��


    The next second, the empress��s body shed as he flew out of the hall.


    When she returned to her seat and looked at the crowd, her face turned gloomy. Then, she asked, ��Do you think that I��m telling a story?��


    Everyone looked down and replied, ��How would I dare!��


    However, the empress��s words were packed with too much information, making everyone feel overwhelmed. This was also the case for Qin Chuan, who had gotten kicked out of the hall.


    It wasn��t doubt, but the news was really too shocking.

 Chapter 799 - An Enthusiastic Reunion Between a Teacher and His Student

    Chapter 799: An Enthusiastic Reunion Between a Teacher and His Student


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On his way to the Ministry of Works, Ren Baqian suddenly heard a familiar sound. It was as if the air was being shed.


    Ren Baqian was very familiar with this sound.


    This applied to both the tune and the musical instrument.


    ��Pomp and Circumstance.��


    yed on an erhu.


    Ren Baqian was momentarily stunned as besides himself, there was only one other person in this world who knew how to y this kind of music.


    Looking in the direction that the music wasing from, he saw a restaurant with its second floor window open.


    Before he could get close, he heard catcallsing from that window.


    ��What kind of sound is that? It sounds very unpleasant!��


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck. This was a criticism of something he was passionate about.


    To be fair, the music was not bad. The jumping notes were like hopping elves, and the sound was only slightly worsepared to when he yed. The person who made thatment was either stupid or malicious.


    Ren Baqian didn��t go in through the front door. In a sh, he barged in from the window.


    <em>Dong!</em>


    The erhu was ying a stato when it suddenly stopped.


    This was because the musician had been knocked down by Ren Baqian��


    Ren Baqian felt his knees hitting something and looked down to see a girl lying on the floor.


    ��Even though it sounded bad, there was no need to hit her.�� The people who denounced the music earlier were now rebuking Ren Baqian. The little girl looked weak and puny, so this kick (it looked like a kick to the crowd) wasn��t well received.


    Although this girl wasn��t an aboriginal, there were many people from the Jing Tribe in Lan City and the aboriginals disyed a surprising sense of justice.


    ��This is too much!��


    ��Isn��t he the principal of ck Bamboo Academy?��


    ��The principal of the academy shouldn��t beat others up. Furthermore, she is a little girl.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or to cry. This was an ident. He identally kicked her as he jumped in.


    It was definitely not intentional.


    It was due to his efforts that the people of the Jing Tribe were able to live in Lan City.


    Then again, why was she ying the erhu on the other side of the window.


    On the ground was his only disciple, Zhan Caixian.


    One of her hands was holding her head while the other was holding the erhu. Her eyes were brimming with tears that were about to fall, but she held back for a long time before weakly calling out, ��Master!��


    She had been waiting for a very long time and had learned about Ren Baqian��s habits when in Lan City. After she found out that Ren Baqian wasing back, she came here specifically to wait for him.


    She wasn��t able to station herself near the academy, but Ren Baqian often visited the Ministry of Works, so she prepared to wait here for him for a few days. She didn��t expect to meet him on the first day or to receive such an enthusiastic wee from her master�� kneeing her in the body!


    ��It was an ident���� Ren Baqian was embarrassed. He pulled her up with his hands and rubbed her head a few times as if coaxing a child.


    ��Does it still hurt?��


    ��It hurts!�� Zhan Caixian couldn��t bear it anymore and let her tears fall.


    Ren Baqian was at a loss. Those who didn��t know the situation would think the worst.


    ��You are such a big girl, yet you are crying like a baby!�� Ren Baqian chastised her.


    Zhan Caixian hugged the erhu and said while sobbing, ��You kicked me!��


    Ren Baqian turned to look at the five or six hunks that sat there and watched this scene. This group of people understood the situation after hearing these words. After all, even the weakest among them was at the Man Wheel level, and their eyes and ears were sharp.


    The aboriginals were straightforward, but not deaf.


    ��This is a reunion of master and student and also an ident.�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands,


    ��Our respects to Principal Ren.�� When some people stood up and cupped their hands, the rest also stood up. After all, he was the husband of the empress and should be given some respect.


    Moreover, the reputation of ck Bamboo Academy was quite high now.


    They did not have much respect for schrs, but they were very respectful toward schrly warriors.


    Ren Baqian was victorious against a Cardinal Heaven expertst year and threw a big bomb at the end. This gained him much respect from the aboriginals.


    Ren Baqian was in no hurry to go to the ministry. He seated her on a chair and observed her while letting her cry. After two years, she had grown up.


    She was a little green before, but now, she was as bright as a polished gem.


    There were many beautiful women, but she had preserved her innocence. It was hard to find someone as pure and sincere as her.


    If there was another such person, it would be the third most powerful expert in the world, Li Yuanzhu, whom he had met before.


    That Daoist priestess gave him the impression of being pure, butpared to Zhan Caixian, she was steadier, more profound, and unfathomable.


    Besides looking pure, Zhan Caixian appeared as fragile as a flower that needed plenty of care.


    He carefully estimated her strength to be at the Man Wheel level, but this wasn��t enough for her to travel safely to Lan City. Some other people should have apanied her.


    After a quarter of an hour, she finally stopped sobbing, and her face was full of red patches.


    There was a big bump on her forehead.


    Ren Baqian got one of his guards to apply some ck mud cream to this contusion, and it should disappear shortly.


    However, putting this ck paste on ady like her was like putting on a piece of dog-skin ster.


    ��Does it still hurt?�� Ren Baqian asked Zhan Caixian casually after she had calmed down. She was a big girl now and should be about 18 years old. Fancy her crying and snivelling just because of bump on her forehead.


    Still, he weighed over 150 kilograms and the added force of his momentum from jumping up��


    Okay, she was forgiven.


    ��It hurts!�� Zhan Caixian said without hesitation.


    Ren Baqian felt like he was asking for it. Why did he mention this?


    ��Why did youe here?��


    This time, Zhan Caixian could reply normally and answered, ��Master is getting married! Many people wanted to send you gifts, so I followed them here����


    Ren Baqian was rather surprised to learn that there were people bearing gifts for him.


    However, he felt that it was only natural after thinking about it.


    After all, he was still remotely controlling the Rearguard Commandery. Plus, the survival of the Jing Tribe was mainly due to him.


    It was only right for them to send him gifts.


    Ren Baqian didn��t have the idea that he did his duties honorably and didn��t ept bribes.


    This was gratitude!


    However, he was surprised that his disciple wanted to see him.


    ��Did your mothere?�� Ren Baqian remembered that her father was still in the Yun Nation catching rebels, so she could only follow her mother here.


    Unexpectedly, Zhan Caixian shook her head and replied, ��Uncle Zhu apanied me here.��


    She exined, ��He is the uncle staying at our house. He��s an Earth Wheel expert now and can apany me. Although my mother wanted toe, she couldn��t make it. We came in a caravan with about 100 people and didn��t meet with any danger.��


    ��How long have you been here?�� Ren Baqian asked with augh. His wedding was supposed to take ce in the third month, but it was the end of the ninth month now.


    ��It has been half a year�� We heard that you and the empress went to the mountains and that the wedding was dyed, so we stayed here.��

 Chapter 800 - Name extend of

    Chapter 800: No Title


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Has anyone harassed you here?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    The bullying of the people from the Jing Tribe was lessening in Lan City, but it still happened asionally.


    ��Fortunately, we have been staying in Jing Street, which we heard that you had designated as a ce for us to live. The people around us are from Tianjing Basin, so nobody disturbs us,�� Zhan Caixian said.


    Ren Baqian nodded. It looked like these people immediately contacted Qingyun Sword aftering here.


    After all, Qingyun Sword was one of the two remaining Spirit Wheel experts from Tianjing Basin.


    The other was in Tianjing Basin on garrison duty, so it was only natural to visit Qingyun Sword first when they arrived here.


    Ren Baqian chatted with her for a while to find out the current situation in Tianjing Basin. Some of the information was already known from the secret reports from the protectorate, but some was only learned through her.


    In general, the current situation in Tianjing Basin wasn��t too bad. At least those few forces weren��t fighting anymore, the ns hadrgely disappeared, and themoners were enjoying a better life.


    Seeing that it was about time, Ren Baqian arranged for someone to send her back to Jing Street.


    ��Uncle Zhu is nearby and will go back with me,�� Zhan Caixian immediately said.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that her escort wouldn��t be too far away and asked a guard to check. Sure enough, a person had been stopped downstairs, but nothing had happened and nobody had reported it.


    ��In that case, pay more attention to your safety,�� Ren Baqian said casually. In fact, the security in Lan City wasn��t too bad even though it appeared to be barbaric to outsiders due to the fights that broke out all the time in the streets.


    However, it was usually, ��Who are you looking at?�� and ��I��m looking at you��so what?!��


    These matters then followed their natural paths.


    With the Jing Tribe people paving the way, there should be no problems as long as they kept a low profile.


    Ren Baqian hadn��t heard of people abducting women at least.


    ��Master, you kicked me after seeing me just now!�� Zhan Caixianined.


    Ren Baqian was annoyed that she had mentioned this again.


    ��I do not me you, but can you grant me a small favor?�� Zhan Caixian looked at him with blinking eyes.


    ��What is your request?�� Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows.


    ��They say that you are very capable, that you built a clock tower which shows the time at any time, that the pce has be a city without night, and that you also defeated a Spirit Wheel expert. They say that your academy produces very good students as well. Can I enroll and learn from you? Of course, I also want to learn new melodies from you!��


    Ren Baqianughed. This wasn��t a problem.


    He only had to restrain the brat, Tong Lan, and the second year beefcake student, Zhu Hua.


    ��Ask your mother first. You will need to stay here for a few years if you want to go to school.�� Ren Baqian stroked her head.


    ��Thank you, Master!�� Zhan Caixian beamed with joy.


    For a moment, the restaurant became much more vibrant.


    After Ren Baqian departed, a middle-aged man rushed up the stairs. He noticed the medicinal paste on Zhan Caixian��s forehead and sat down to pour himself a cup of water.


    Then, he asked, ��Does Principal Ren still remember you?��


    Zhan Caixian gushed, ��Of course! After all, I��m his only disciple!��


    ��This is wonderful.�� The middle-aged man was pleased. The little princess of their manor was the disciple of that man, and this was beneficial to both the Golden Ring Residence and Tianjing Basin.


    ��I want to stay here and study under my master, but my mother must agree first. Will Mother agree?�� Zhan Caixian looked at him expectantly.


    ��Has Principal Ren agreed?�� the man asked. After confirming, he said, ��Madam will probably agree, but I need to send her a letter first.��


    ��I was thinking the same!�� Zhan Caixian smiled until her eyes were almost closed.


    She knew that her master would still remember her.


    To see him again was simply wonderful.


    Furthermore, her master had agreed to ept her into his academy.


    This meeting with her master had diluted the unhappiness she felt when she heard about his marriage to the ruler of Dayao.


    This was despite the kick she received.


    ��


    When Ren Baqian arrived at the ministry, Tong Zhengye was waiting there for him.


    Ren Baqian had already sent someone earlier to inform Tong Zhengye of the dy due to visiting the restaurant.


    ��Sir Ren, you seldom arrive sote,�� Tong Zhengye said whileughing loudly.


    Ren Baqian was usually punctual, yet he waste by almost an hour this time.


    ��I met an old friend!�� Ren Baqianughed and didn��t feel like borating.


    ��I heard that it was a youngdy!�� Tong Zhengye was nosy, and his eyes were full of curiosity. ��Does Her Majesty know����


    ��Don��t specte.�� Ren Baqian felt like kicking him. ��That youngdy is my sole disciple.��


    ��Disciple? Aren��t all of them in the academy?�� Tong Zhengye asked suspiciously. In this era, teachers lectured and all the students in the academy could be considered his disciples.


    Whether it was in Great Xia, the Yun Nation, Dayao, or its ancestral country, the Hao Nation, this was the custom.


    ��What they learn is different!�� Ren Baqian waved his hands. To stop Tong Zhenye��s meddlesome ways, Ren Baqian added, ��I��m here to find out the progress made this year.��


    He spent an afternoon there to understand the status of the developments.


    The first priority was the road to the Yun Nation, and it was 40 percentplete, which was good news.


    Thepleted portion was already reducing travel time between the two ces.


    The second priority was the introduction of high yield crops that finally ended the food crisis.


    Next, they discussed the st furnaces being built in the Yun Nation.


    At this point, Tong Zhengye couldn��t control himself anymore and blurted out, ��When are your students graduating? Send them here in due course and I will arrange some good positions for them.��


    For the past half-year, many st furnaces had been built near the mines of the Yun Nation and in Dayao. Ren Baqian��s students proved to be very useful. In the fields of ssware, forging, canning, soap production, and salt wells, these students were able to repair the equipment.


    They could solve problems that many craftsmen couldn��t understand. The principles behind the equipment, which many craftsmen couldn��tprehend even after a long period of research, were understood by the students after a few days of research.


    There was also the train and what Tong Zhengye knew as an electricity generating nt.


    He watched this batch of students every day and was prepared to show the meaning of ��why the flowers are so red�� to any who would try to snatch these kids away from him.


    ��At least one more year,�� Ren Baqian said. His feelings wereplex when it came to talking about this topic. It was like cheaply selling cabbages that had been grown for a long time and had still not ripened.


    He was thinking of letting the first batch of students study for six years, but he couldn��t wait this long because Dayaocked talented people.


    A big ce like the Yun Nation could only be managed by the people of the Yun Nation since Dayao had no qualified officials.


    The Ministry of Works, Revenue, Rites, Defense, Law, and even the Commerce Departmentcked officials.


    Although this batch of studentscked experience, they were literate, knew mathematics and chemistry, and had gone through a period of nurturing. After working for a period of time, they would be able to form the new blood of any department.


    Ren Baqian felt that the Ministry of Works was more suitable for them, but not every student liked to deal with machines every day.


    At the same time, Ren Baqian had another position in mind for them that was even more suitable: bing teachers.


    This batch had more than 40 students. With each student leading a ss, over 40 sses could be formed. If each ss had 50 students, there would be at least 2,000 pupils.


    This was a huge figure.


    Furthermore, in the process of teaching, they could continue their own education.


    Of course, this also depended on their intentions and ambitions.

 Chapter 801 - A Hectic Period.

    Chapter 801: A Hectic Period.


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As soon as he returned to Dayao, Ren Baqian became very busy. He even relegated the wedding that was due in two months�� time to the back of his mind.


    After all, a lot of things could happen in a year.


    Not to mention, the development of Dayao was gradually evolving.


    The things that were happening: the situation in the Ministry of Works and the Department of Commerce, the gradual recovery of Tianjing Basin, the promotion of the Rearguardmandery members, the condition of the road building prisoners of war, and therge number of students in the academy. Even though there were robot teachers, they weregging in certain aspects. The first batch of students, who were supposed to graduate in three years, needed an extra half a year.


    This was without mentioning that the Yun Nation had just been swallowed and that the whole country had an area that was 60 percent of Dayao in size. There were more than 400 cities, countless viges, and seven to eight million people.


    At present, this nation was depending on the military power of Zi Doni to rule it, along with a few warlords who had surrendered and those who sought refuge in the Yun Nation.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what these people would do to shape the Yun Nation, but he was sure that it wouldn��t be what he wanted.


    Therefore, he needed to spend a lot of time to understand the various aspects of the Yun Nation before making suggestions to the empress.


    Although they were proposals, they were basically ready to be implemented.


    The empress had no experience in upying a nation, and this also applied to the senior court officials.


    Although Ren Baqian was also inexperienced, he had ��eaten pork even though he hadn��t seen pigs run.�� Besides his experience in Tianjing Basin, he had a few thousand years of history on Earth to use as a reference.


    At present, the national sentiments of the two countries weren��t important issues. Instead, the important thing was to stabilize the Yun Nation by issuingws and regtions and implementing a new system for it.


    For example, the Yun Nation was set up as a protectorate with a few prefectures under it. Each city was still managed by a warlords, and the instructions were given by the protectorate so that the people of the Yun Nation could manage themselves. However, the military and the government had to be separated. In addition to the 500 aboriginal soldiers stationed in each city, there were also city guards based on the number of people. These city guards were no longer the private armies of the warlords and were put into a separate department�� This was one of a series of new policies.


    As for the opinions of the warlords, they could say no, but then they would have to test whether the neck or the saber was harder.


    Although this would cause fear and chaos, the Yun Nation was too big, so this was the only way to quickly integrate the Yun Nation with Dayao.


    Ren Baqian expended a lot of effort on these projects during this period. Furthermore, he was also busy with new thermal power nts and light bulb factories.


    Neither were difficult to build.


    Ren Baqian was sometimes grateful to heaven for being able to travel between two worlds.


    With regard to the development of science and technology, no matter what the problem was, he could always go back to Earth to find the answer or the solution.


    The new power nts were located two kilometers west of Lan City and would supply enough electric power to Lan City after their construction.


    As for the light bulb factories, there wasn��t much of a problem. Although no tungsten ore had been found, carbonized bamboo wire could also be used. The only problem was the high power consumption and the short lifespan since these light bulb could only be used for four months.


    For others that could travel between worlds, this would be considered a good choice.


    However, Ren Baqian had a better idea, which was to bring the tungsten from Earth..


    The amount of tungsten used in a bulb was minimal, Ren Baqian could bring back one ton of tungsten in a trip, and this was enough to make more than 100,000 bulbs.


    Subsequently, they could slowly look for tungsten or its substitutes.


    ss wasn��t a problem. With tungsten, the next step was to fill the bulbs with nitrogen.


    Before the grand wedding, Ren Baqian was confident in changing all of Lan City into a city without night.


    During this period, he seldom had time to eat lunch with the empress. Every day, someone would send lunch from the imperial kitchen to the academy. After school, he would eat his meal before working on the next job.


    Fortunately, after half a month, Ren Baqian managed to deal with most of the problems that had piled up and had some free time.


    The first thing he did when he had time was visit the Zhang family, whose craftsmen had joined Dayao before the attack on the Yun Nation.


    ��Our respects to Principal Ren!��


    After hearing of Ren Baqian impending visit, all the elders were waiting at the door as they had the highest respect for Ren Baqian.


    At present, Ren Baqian held many positions. For example, he was the head of the Department of Commerce and themander of the Rearguard Commandery. However, his most well-known positions were as principal of ck Bamboo Academy and prince consort.


    To them, however, Ren Baqian held an even more important position.


    Whether it was the urate clock, the powerful bombs, the continuously running steam powered train, or the legendary power nt, these represented his almost infinite field of knowledge.


    Not to mention that he had scored victories over them in wine making, dying cloth, and forging steel.


    It could be said that Ren Baqian was far ahead of them in many fields. They were a family of craftsmen who controlled most of the 360 trades, whereas Ren Baqian was the supreme master above them.


    Moreover, it wasn��t only in one profession, but in many, many fields.


    In their eyes, these things interested them and mattered more than being a prince or whatever else.


    This was because these things were the foundation of their profession.


    ��We shall talk inside.�� As Ren Baqian and the crowd went inside the mansion, he could hear the sound of iron being forged.


    ��I heard that your recent achievement was pretty good.�� Ren Baqian sat down with a smile. Although he was here to learn more about the Zhang family��s situation, he was very concerned about their progress in making clocks.


    Every month, they would make some clocks, put them up for sale in the shop owned by the imperial family, and reaped a hefty profit.


    This type of urate time measuring instrument was very attractive to everyone, especially the senior officials of the imperial court.


    How could anyone show his status if he didn��t have ss windows, ss cups, a clock in the hall, and spices when cooking? It would be a joke.


    In a short span of over one year, these senior officials had be his loyal customers.


    The Zhang family didn��t only make clocks, they also did research and development to advance their technology.


    ��Bring it to me.��


    Soon after, a fist-sized clock was ced in front of Ren Baqian.


    Seven or eight old men sat there stroking their beards proudly. Although the clock mechanism wasn��t thatplicated, it wasn��t simple either. Limited by the current technology, it was due to the skills of these craftsmen that they were able to make such a small clock.


    It was definitely not possible for other people to do it.


    Ren Baqian held the clock in his hands. It was the size of a fist, two fingers thick, and had a metal frame. It was a table clock except that the ss face wasn��t installed yet.


    That��s right, the Zhang family considered this to be a pocket watch that could be carried around.


    Currently in Lan City, they could see the clock tower by lifting their heads, but outside of Lan City, they still had to look up at the sky to know the time.


    With this thing around, everyone could see the correct time.


    To Ren Baqian, however, it was only a table clock.


    If it was more durable, it would be fine to put it in the chest pouch to use as a shield��


    It was still too big though.


    ��It��s well made, but I hope you can make it even smaller.�� Ren Baqian fiddled with it for a while before handing the clock to a guard. He nned to show it to the empresster.


    In the past, the empress would have been amazed by this thing.


    However, the empress had seen many things and expanded her knowledge.


    It was no longer easy to surprise her.


    In a way, Ren Baqian felt some regret.


    A senior member of the Zhang family said, ��Sir, we are working hard to make it smaller, but it��s hard to achieve in a short time.��


    Ren Baqian nodded in agreement.


    They changed the conversation to other topics. Ren Baqiawn got to know their current situation and learned that there were more than 1,000 people from the Zhang family in Lan City, which wasn��t a small number.


    Although there were about six or seven thousand of them, many were in trading, chariot manufacturing, textiles, and other industries that weren��t useful in Lan City. As a result, they stayed put in the Yun Nation and serves the people there.


    The Zhang family resided next to Jing Street and didn��t encounter much trouble as a result.


    The only drawback was theck of materials in Lan City. It was iparable to the Yun Nation, where the market was more advanced.


    Yet, as the Yun Nation became more integrated with Dayao, this aspect would start to get better.


    ��Sir, we would like to make more contributions. Our expertise isn��t limited to making clocks and forging steel,�� the Zhang family members said in unison.


    ��Of course! I do not intend to leave so many of you idling here. In fact, many ces really need your people.�� Ren Baqianughed. This was also part of his n whening here.


    It was a waste for a family of craftsmen like them to do so little.


    Their morale was boosted by his words.


    They had been here for one and a half years, they were limited by their status as outsiders, and being confined to such a small area wasn��t what they wanted.


    In that case, they might as well go to Great Xia.


    Based on the words of Ren Baqian, they could finally involve themselves in more industries.


    ��


    ��Well, you can send a few smart members to enroll at the academy next year,�� Ren Baqian said after telling them about his arrangements for the Zhang family. ��No more than three can be selected.��


    The academy couldn��t only ept aboriginals.


    Since he was enrolling his disciple to the academy next year, he would simply start a ss for non-aboriginals.


    Besides the Zhang family, he could also enroll some from the Jing Tribe.


    ��Thank you very much, Sir.�� Everyone was overjoyed.


    Hearing this roused their spirits more than anything else.

 Chapter 802 - The Arena

    Chapter 802: The Arena


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This is a cotton seed that can be grown to weave clothes. It��s much morefortable and cheaper than leather. It��s a subtropical crop that can be nted in areas to the north, close to Great Xia.�� Ren Baqian ced a few bags in front of Ge Yihong.


    Nowadays, several kinds of high-yield crops had already been promoted throughout the entirety of Dayao. There were even traces of these crops in Tianjing Basin. The food shortage problem was starting to resolve, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock could now put more focus into other areas.


    Cotton was naturally the primary economic crop. The market was vast and closely rted to people��s livelihoods.


    After all, Dayao��s weather was very hot all year round. Clothes made of cotton would be much cooler than leather. They would be both more breathable and finer than coarse cloth. After mass nting, the price could even be cheaper than the coarse cloth that was currently being used in Dayao, and it would be attractive enough.


    Whether it was for personal use or for selling to the Yun Nation, it would create high value.


    Of course, although clothes made of animal hide were hot, they also had advantages: they were sturdier.


    The aboriginals fought with beasts all the time, so the sturdy animal hide clothes wouldn��t be reced in the near future.


    Cotton was of huge importance to Ren Baqian, but this wasn��t the case for Ge Yihong. After all,pared to clothes, he preferred crops such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins that could fill one��s stomach.


    Ren Baqian guessed this when he saw Ge Yihong��s expression, but there would be development if there was demand. Once cotton appeared on the market and the prices of some crops started to fall, Ge Yihong would then be able to realize its value.


    ��This is sugar cane. It��s sweet like honey. The most important thing is that it has a high yield. It��s a good nt and can also be used to make white sugar.��


    ��Sugar?�� Ge Yihong emphasized this word. ��The thing that merchants brought from the Yun Nation?��


    ��Yeah, that��s right. It��s even better than theirs.�� Ren Baqian was highly confident.


    In fact, he knew what kind of sugar it was that the merchants brought from the Yun Nation�� The pce had always used honey.


    However, limited to this era, Ren Baqian felt that the merchants�� sugar wouldn��t be at the same level as white sugar. As such, he was very confident in it.


    Sugar cane wasn��t merely a type of nt. The most important thing was to introduce a new type of seasoning to the market. After that, he could open a sugar factory.


    He had enough confidence in the prospects of a sugar factory.


    The empress alone could consume half of its production.


    He had even thought about the name of the factory since there wouldn��t be anyone who could sue him for infringement.


    After confirming that Ge Yihong was paying enough attention to the sugar cane, Ren Baqian took out thest item, the one that he valued the most.


    ��These are sunflowers and peanuts. Their fruit can be used as food, and 500 kilograms of it can be harvested from one mu ofnd. Its oil can also be extracted. They aren��t as greasy as animal fat and the price is very low. This is very important, so we must arrange it as soon as possible,�� Ren Baqian urged.


    With these seeds, he felt that in the future, it might be amon sight for people to fight on the streets with onlookers snacking on peanuts and sunflower seeds.


    However, he didn��t tell Ge Yihong his real intention since Ge Yihong wouldn��t understand it anyway.


    Ren Baqian��s real intention was biodiesel.


    Although the steam lotive was still being stored at the warehouse outside the city, he had already set his sights on another product that would change the times.


    It wasn��t a car, but a tractor!


    In all of Dayao, there were only three to four million aboriginals who resided outside the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The Yun Nation was only half the size of Dayao, but it had a poption of seven to eight million. This poption, scattered over such arge area ofnd, was equivalent to scattering beans in the desert.


    Not only did these three to four million people need to feed off of and cultivate thend, the various factories of today also requiredbor, regardless of whether it was a salt well, a steel factory, or a cannery.


    There was also the replenishment logistics of the army and the militia of the cities�� Three or four million people scattered over such arge region ofnd was also simr to scattering beans in the desert.


    In order to resolve this situation, part of the poption had to be transferred out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and part of them had to be liberated from the fields.


    The tractor would be an excellent solution.


    It was sturdy and easy to maintain. With its capabilities, it was able to do farm work and even transport goods. Although it was far worse than a car,pared to an oxcart, it was a turtle and snail race.


    Also,pared to oxcarts, tractors would be less affected by the terrible conditions of thend in Dayao.


    In Ren Baqian��s eyes, nothing was more suitable for Dayao��s current situation than the tractor.


    Even manufacturing tractors wasn��t considered too big of a problem.


    The only problem was energy.


    At present, there weren��t any traces of natural oil in this world, so biodiesel had be the only choice.


    As a result, these two crops were the most important to Ren Baqian.


    ��I got it. I��ll make arrangements, Ge Yihong promised after seeing how serious Ren Baqian was.


    Ren Baqian��s value had long since been established through the introduction of various new products. These included ss, high-yield crops, sr-powered furnaces, and steam engines. If there was something that he valued, it must be good.


    Although Ge Yihong didn��t know what Ren Baqian��s objective was, his thoughts were as simple as what he had voiced out.


    Anyway, in the worst-case scenario, it could still be used as food.


    There would never be a problem of having too many varieties of food.


    Afterward, Ren Baqian took out some soybeans, which were also a high value type of crop. They could be used to make oil, tofu, miso, and soy milk��


    Coupled with sugar cane, he was very much looking forward to the discussion that would arise in Dayao regarding whether soy milk and soft tofu should be sweet or savory.


    The war between the supporters of sweet and savory would then spread from Earth to this world.


    The only problem was that the empress would definitely be a supporter of the sweet side.


    After leaving the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Ren Baqian and his bodyguards witnessed a fight as they were returning to the pce.


    However, it was a little different from usual this time. Thebatants were fighting with des.


    After the upation of the Yun Nation, Dayao gained arge quantity of iron ore and no longer had to worry about a shortage of weapons The weapons recovered from the Yun Nation and Great Xia, coupled with the production of iron ore from Mount Damo, allowed steel products to appear on the market at a much lower price.


    Arge number of weapons appeared on the market, and the first problem had already arisen.


    The fights between aboriginals had evolved from using fists to wielding des.


    Ren Baqian sat on his mount and watched the brawl that was surrounded by a crowd. He frowned and yelled at his bodyguards, ��Take them to the Public Order Bureau.��


    ��Yes Sir.�� One of the bodyguards behind him jumped directly into the scene and pinned both fighters down without much effort.


    After seeing that the excitement was gone, all the enthusiastic people nearby started to scatter.


    Ren Baqian frowned, returned to the empress��s quarters, and saw several pce maids taking her measurements. She didn��t look too happy letting them circle around her with a ruler.


    After standing aside and waiting for a long time, the pce maids came over and took his measurements.


    ��Your Majesty, this is��?�� Ren Baqian felt a little lost.


    The empress rolled her eyes at him and picked up the tablet before preparing to watch a television series.


    Ren Baqian quickly came to a realization and understood that this was probably for the wedding outfit.


    After the pce maids left, he sat beside the empress and looked over. She seemed to be watching a fantasy-romance-magical-action-ethics-sci-fi drama?


    Ren Baqian cleared his throat and said, ��Your Majesty, I witnessed something on the way back and feel that it wasn��t a good phenomenon.��


    ��Oh?�� The empress didn��t intend to pay attention to him, but turned her head around after hearing what he said.


    After he exined what he saw, she looked at him in confusion and asked, ��What��s wrong?��


    ��They are fighting with des!�� Ren Baqian looked solemn.


    ��And then?�� The empress continued to look at him as if she was waiting for something to happen.


    ��


    Ren Baqian had to admit that fighting with des wasn��t as serious to her as it was to himself.


    This was an ideological difference between a world where martial arts were respected and the modern age of peace.


    ��Compared to fists, fighting with des is more likely to cause unnecessary casualties,�� Ren Baqian said in a serious tone. This was especially the case when the aboriginals were hot-headed.


    ��However, I can��t possibly ouw them from carrying weapons!�� the empress replied casually.


    In the hearts of the aboriginals, the importance of fighting against beasts with weapons wasn��t something that he could experience.


    Ren Baqian initially had the idea of imposing a ban on using des, even if it would only apply in the city.


    However, he had another idea, which he felt was more feasible.


    ��Your Majesty, we can��t possibly allow them to always fight on the street over small matters,�� Ren Baqian responded.


    The empress pondered for a bit and said, ��The imperial court doesn��t have a good way of dealing with this. Even if they were to be flogged with a whip and rendered unable to get out of their beds for three days, once they get hot-headed, they would simply leave it all behind. Furthermore, it isn��t appropriate to make the punishment too strict. After all, fighting and courage are fundamental to aboriginals.��


    One would have to suffer fromshes of a whip if he were to fight in Lan City. This whip was covered with barbs and threeshes of it could tear off pieces of flesh.


    However, this didn��t stop their enthusiasm for fighting.


    ��So, stopping them wouldn��t work as well as permitting them,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    Seeing that the empress was looking at him, he added, ��Build a fighting ground in the city or a wrestling ring or an arena. If there��s a conflict, they can only settle the score in the arena. Most importantly, they will have to pay money. If they privately fight in the city, the punishment will be more severe.��


    Since threeshes weren��t enough to make them clear-headed, it would be 30shes instead.


    They would be able to clearly judge whether taking 30shes or fighting it out in the arena was the better choice.


    Besides, making the trip down to the arena would be more than enough time for them to clear their minds.


    Even if they still had to fight, they wouldn��t easily suffer casualties under the constraints of the arena.


    With the number of fights in the city every day, as long as a small fee was collected each time, Ren Baqian felt hopeful that the arena would generate revenue!


    When he exined his thoughts, the empress��s eyes lit up.


    She replied, ��I actually hadn��t thought of this. I don��t need to beat anyone up, yet this also improves thew and order of thend. I will raise this topic at the morning court session. I don��t think there will be many objections to this.��

 Chapter 803 - Full of Poison Milk

    Chapter 803: Full of Poison Milk


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In one of the cities of Great Xia, every ce was full of scorched and blood-stained soil after the battle. Rotten smells came from every corner of the city, leaving the volunteer army in khaki clothes with no choice but to cover their noses and pass quickly.


    This was already the third day after the fall of the city.


    The originally strong Great Xia suddenly seemed to have copsed. The fire of war was raging everywhere.


    All of this happened swiftly.


    It happened so quickly that mostmoners didn��t know what was happening, but still got caught in the turbulence.


    At present, Qing Lian was sitting in the residence of one of the aristocratic families. She was reading a book attentively while asionally looking up at the people in front of her who were having a discussion.


    As themander-in-chief, Su Qing was currently filled with a murderous aura. After all, a person��s temperament was molded by their identity and experience.


    Next to him was Military Advisor Xu Yu. He was a fat and fair-skinned man who appeared very normal and looked more like a merchant than anything else.


    Apart from him, Shi Zhuowan, Lin Ping, Shao Xianyi, Zheng Huan the vanguard, General-in-Chief Chi Guo, General Bo Hai, and others were also present�� It could be said that half of the highest ranking members of the volunteer army were present.


    They were naturally having an important meeting about the future movements of the volunteer army, but Qing Lian had no interest at all. She simply sat there reading the book without showing the slightest interest in the conversation at all, and everyone was already used to this. Even Su Qing couldn��t do anything about it. Even if the others weren��t happy about it, they wouldn��t express it either.


    After all, everyone knew Qing Lian��s abilities, and no one present couldpare to her. Besides, she had no interest in power as well. Nobody would be easily offended by someone so capable and who held such a high rank in the volunteer army, yet wasn��t greedy for power.


    Needless to say, her strength was also equivalent to a Spirit Wheel expert, the strongest in the volunteer army.


    Although Qing Lian was reading a book during the discussion, she was thinking about the wedding of Qi Zixiao and the principal of ck Bamboo Academy that was going to take ce in a month��s time.


    She felt that her wedding gift was mediocre, and it seemed that she had to go to Su Qing to get some treasure.


    She had studied at the school for so long and took away some books about mathematics and probability when she left. These were considered pretty generous farewell gifts. She felt that her wedding gift was too mediocre inparison and that it was too shameful.


    Thinking of this, Qing Lian looked up at Su Qing and realized that the discussion seemed to be over.


    With a solemn look, Su Qing asked Military Advisor Xu Yu, ��Our next step would be to advance and make our way around the Raogu Pass. What do you think about our chances of winning, Advisor?��


    Xu Yu��s face was like a dumpling, and he was left with only slits for eyes. Without looking carefully, it was difficult to tell whether his eyes were open or closed.


    He whispered a few words, wrote a few characters on the table, made some hand gestures, and looked up at everyone before saying, ��Great Xia will definitely win this battle!��


    Although everyone here used to be from Great Xia, they were now the volunteer army. Everything they were doing now was to overthrow the nation. Of course, there was nock of people who were simply out to plunder money, food, andnd. However, in terms of general direction, everyone was consistent, and the imperial court of Great Xia was still the enemy.


    After Xu Yu said that Great Xia would win the battle, everyone looked extremely happy.


    To those who didn��t know, they might think that these people were the leaders of Great Xia.


    If outsiders were to hear this and see everyone��s expressions, they might even start to doubt their own existence.


    They would probably also suspect that the people in the tent were spies from Great Xia.


    ��That��s good.�� Su Qing was delighted.


    To say this, the military advisor was definitely confident about it.


    As long as he said that Great Xia would win, this meant that Great Xia would be defeated!


    At the beginning, the volunteer army consisted of elite soldiers, whereas Great Xia��s forces were full of the old and weak. Everyone thought that they would win, even Xu Yu.


    However, these battles had ended in utter defeat.


    Even the generals who led the soldiers had an inexplicable feeling, and they didn��t know why they failed. They only found out after some questioning that it was abination of many small factors that affected the result of the battle.


    Even so, everyone felt that defeat was too unexpected.


    There was a period of time when the entire army felt anxious. Many people thought that the gods had abandoned them and stood on the side of their opponent.


    Otherwise, there was no way to exin why a clear victory would end in an inexplicable defeat.


    After that, a turn of events suddenly urred and caught everyone off guard.


    Everyone was already prepared for defeat and merely fought to reduce casualties, but they inexplicably won.


    Then, after several defeats, they discovered that whichever party the military advisor said would win the battle would definitely lose.


    Even if they had more elite soldiers and even if they werepletely prepared, it always ended up this way.


    The exception was if one man faced off against 100 enemies in an unsalvageable situation.


    As long as there was still a possibility, even if 1,000 men were to fight 5,000 elite soldiers on the battlefield, the result of the battle would be theplete opposite of what Xu Yu had predicted.


    Even Qing Lian was curious about this magical phenomenon. She even tried to find out about his secrets, but to no avail.


    Of course, Xu Yu��s position as the military advisor became more stable over time.


    Everyone even suspected that he would be able to make them win against Dayao!


    However, Qing Lian didn��t understand how he did it.


    If Ren Baqian were to learn of this, he would definitely understand. Xu Yu was simply a living auspicious item and a nanny!


    Full of poison milk!


    What a talent!


    When the others left, Qing Lian said to Xu Yu, ��You should lose weight, otherwise you won��t find a horse that can carry you.��


    Looking helpless, he replied, ��I have only been eating one bowl of rice a day during thest month, and I only drank water at other times. However, I still gained about five kilograms.��


    Xu Yu��s face was full of doubt regarding his body.


    ��Perhaps I can help you? My sword is fast and can minimize the pain. Besides, there��s also the ck mud cream from Lan City,�� Qing Lian replied with her evil designs.


    ��Forget it. Being fat makes me look wealthy, My wife likes me fat.�� Xu Yu waved his hand and strode away.


    When it was only Qing Lian and Su Qing that remained, Su Qing rxed himself and said, ��You can speak now.��


    During normal times, Qing Lian would definitely be the first to leave.


    Since she had actually stayed until the end, she must have something to tell him.


    ��You must have already found the Yu family��s treasure trove! I want to take some things from there,�� Qing Lian said. At the same time, she knew that Su Qing would definitely agree. However, there was a 90 percent chance that he would ask her to promise him a condition and an 80 percent chance that he would want her to exercise restraint by not always reading a book during their meetings.


    ��What do you need?�� He was puzzled at first, but he knew that unlike others, she wasn��t the greedy type who went after things like property and jewelry.


    As such, he casually replied, ��Sure, but you have to promise me a condition. During the next military meeting, even if you don��t like it, I can allow you to fall into a daze, but don��t be reading a book. If everyone acted like you, how would I be able to manage them?��


    Su Qing was suffering a headache over this.


    As Qing Lian smiled, her eyes became like crescent moons.


    It turned out just like she expected.


    Currently, everything was like a river to her.


    There were tributaries branching out along the way, and all these tributaries had different probabilities.

 Chapter 804 - The Astonishment of the Yun Nation’s People

    Chapter 804: The Astonishment of the Yun Nation��s People


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Gao Yishan turned to look at the broken city behind him. It was Qingtang Pass, which was originally at the border of the Yun Nation and Dayao.


    One would enter thend of Dayao after crossing this pass.


    Of course, Qingtang Pass no longer yed a role in guarding the border at this time. The entire Yun Nation had fallen under Dayao��s shiny metal de.


    Gao Yishan took a few nces and slowly collected his gaze before focusing his attention on the caravan.


    This was a group of thousands of people from all over the hundreds of cities in the Yun Nation, and they wereden with gifts for Qi Zixiao, the empress of Dayao.


    Some of them were warlords, but some of them had just been put in that position by Zi Doni


    In ce of them were aristocratic families from different cities.


    These families switched their allegiances faster than ordinary people. After the fall of the Yun Nation, most of them surrendered to Dayao.


    Blending into this crowd and heading toward Dayao was far easier than they had expected.


    Zi Doni, who had killed countless people, only requested to see a name list before releasing them into Dayao. People originally thought that he would carefully check everyone��s identity, but he didn��t.


    It seemed that he didn��t expect the crowd heading for Dayao to have unexpected people blended within them.


    Perhaps it wasn��t that he hadn��t thought about it, but that he simply didn��t care.


    No one dared to do anything funny under the gaze of dozens of Spirit Wheel experts, not to mention Qi Zixiao, the fourth most powerful expert in the world.


    With the release of thetest list of the world��s top experts, news that the fourth most powerful expert in the world, Teng Yue, had died at the hands of Qi Zixiao was exposed.


    Today, the world��s first and second ranked experts still remained hidden, whereas the third and fourth, who were still active, were actually women. This was really amazing.


    Right now, countless people were specting who would win if Li Yuanzhu, the world��s third ranked expert, and Qi Zixiao, the world��s fourth ranked expert, were to fight.


    In just a few years, Qi Zixiao rose from the seventh ranked to the fourth ranked expert in the world. Those whom she overtook had all died at her hands, and her talent was truly frightening.


    She was merely 26 years old now.


    Gao Yishan touched his chest where he had ced the objective of this mission. As long as Qi Zixiao ced this thing in the pce hall, the Yun Nation would still stand a chance.


    ��


    After three days of travel, the surrounding scenery changed, and they would asionally see some people taking measurements along the road.


    Those people were aboriginals.


    This made the onlookers very curious as they didn��t know what these aboriginals were doing in the wilderness.


    The next day, Gao Yishan saw the prisoners that had been captured by Dayao. This horde of captives putyers of stones on the ground and paved the way with a mud-like substance. Some of them pushed huge concrete screeds along the path, ttening the mud on the road.


    Although they didn��t know what that mud was, Gao Yishan immediately understood that they were building a road.


    A road that linked Dayao to the Yun Nation.


    This made Gao Yishan feel anxious.


    He knew what a smooth road meant.


    If this road was constructed, it would be faster to travel to the Yun Nation from Dayao. The uing days of the volunteer army would be difficult, and it would be harder to overthrow Dayao.


    This wasn��t something that the barbarians would do. It was definitely someone else��s idea.


    Gao Yishan heard that Qi Zixiao��s husband wasn��t an aboriginal, so this might be his idea.


    As the convoy progressed, he saw more captives.


    All of them would stop and look at the convoy as it passed. It was as if they were trying to spot familiar faces, but all they saw were unfamiliar ones.


    However, what surprised everyone in the convoy was that these soldiers who had been captured by Dayao seemed a little odd.


    In their imagination, captives were likeborers in the mines who worked endlessly and would be greeted with the whips and fists of the aboriginals whenever they stopped toiling. They should look frail and apathetic with no glow in their eyes, should be wearing rags, and would only get to take a shower once a month.


    However, the captives that they saw didn��t look like that.


    Their clothes were really worn out and dirty, but when they stopped to look at the convoy, no oneshed them with a whip. After looking at the convoy for a while, they lowered their heads and got back to work.


    Their bodies weren��t frail either, and in fact, they looked pretty strong. It wasn��t just a few exceptions either��most of them looked like that.


    The most important thing was their gaze. They didn��t look apathetic nor did theyck the glow in their eyes.


    They looked simr to ordinary people, but with a slightly more fervent gaze.


    After all, they were looking at visitors who came from the Yun Nation, fellow people from their homnd. This gaze was easilyprehensible..


    However, this made the people in the convoy feel a little odd. It seemed that these captives were different from what they had expected.


    They had even thought that these captives would throw themselves over and ask the convoy to save them. When all hope was lost, such situations would happen easily when people saw others from their homnd. This made the folks in the convoy raise their guards as they drew close to the captives. If such situations were to happen, it would be best for them to act as if they hadn��t seen anything.


    In the end, none of that happened.


    It was unexpectedly calm.


    Perhaps these captives were stronger because most of them were from the army?


    Well, it would be a joke to say that the Yun Nation��s army was strong. Even itsmoners didn��t believe that.


    Apart from the West City Army, the other soldiers could be considered a bunch of bandits.


    Perhaps those people were from the West City Army? It was possible.


    At the thought of this, everyone saw some changes in the captives�� eyes. Even though the Yun Nation had fallen, the West City Army still held a considerable position in the minds of the people.


    After all, it was a real army.


    During a break, the people from the convoy realized that the aboriginal guards didn��t mind them interacting with the captives and both sides naturally chatted.


    What surprised the people from the convoy was that these prisoners weren��t part of the West City Army.


    Most of them were city guards, and some of them were ordinary people.


    This surprised everyone.


    After they chatted further, the convoy learned even more surprising things.


    The first was food. The captives were given unexpectedly good food�� They were eating meat or broth at almost every meal.


    ��Do you have vegetables? On ount of the fact that we are from the same homnd, can you give me some? Just a little will do. I��m eating so much broth that I feel like throwing up�� Although there are pumpkins and potatoes, stewing them with meat always produces the same taste����


    This made everyone��s faces turn ck. In their experience, many of them hadn��t had meat in every meal before.


    It would already be considered pretty good for amoner to eat meat once a year.


    Some of the lower-ranked officials could only afford to eat meat once a week or once a month.


    These captives actually felt like throwing up from eating too much meat? The civilians and lower-ranked officials of the Yun Nation weren��t even eating better than these prisoners?


    Afterward, the captives revealed some of the urrences that had happened in the prison camp.


    For instance, 10 captives formed a small team led by a person from the Yun Nation, while 100 captives formed a squadron led by an aboriginal. The deputy squadron leader was from the Yun Nation as well. This was as good as being managed by their own people as there wasn��t much supervision.


    For instance, if theypleted their work, they could rest for a while without getting punished. Of course, they could also take a break if they had not finished their work, but if they didn��t finish it by the evening, the whole team would get punished.


    For instance, they actually received a small wage every month. Even though it wasn��t much, they could either buy two sets of clothes and a piece of the cheapest soap or spend it on some grain to improve their meals. They could even afford to buy two bottles of alcohol.


    For instance, they would only be kept as captives for 10 years. From the third year onward, their wages would gradually increase, and they would be freed after 10 years. Many people in the convoy had heard of this news, but hearing it in person from these captives and seeing their anticipation truly gave the people from the convoy a very different feeling.


    Gao Yishan calmly listened and frowned when he returned to his carriage.


    What these captives said had made him understand one thing: the aboriginals had changed.


    Although he was aware of it when he was still in the Yun Nation, it wasn��t as clear to him as it was now.


    The aboriginals had changed from their previous style of operating and no longer only knew how to kill and plunder. Instead, they began trying to use softer means to conciliate.


    The conditions of these captives was even better than that of many poor people in the Yun Nation.


    It was a lot better than those who worked in the mines.


    Apart from Gao Yishan, many of the people in the convoy felt the same as well.


    However, these people reacted entirely different from him because they were all rejoicing. This change in the aboriginals was a good thing for them.


    ��


    Half a dayter, the convoy finally saw the road that had beenpleted by these captives. It was a straight and hard-surfaced road that was gray in color. It was as if it had been made with arge b of rock.


    After the carriages arrived on the solid road, their speed increased by more than double.


    Everyone could feel this increase in speed, and they were astonished by this road.


    It was difficult for even the Yun Nation to build such a road, but the aboriginals actually did it.


    The journey ahead involved traveling in the mud at times, but they asionally proceeded on thepleted road. ording to the captives, this was called a cement road.


    The aboriginals divided the road into several sections and worked on all of these sections at the same time.


    The closer the convoy got to Lan City, they more apprehensive they felt.


    ording to their calctions, more than 500 kilometers of the road had already been finished�� The entire length of this road would be more than 1,200 kilometers.


    What made them even more apprehensive was the kind of material used to build it. In less than two years, the aboriginals managed to build more than 500 kilometers of road. The official road of the Yun Nation was actually built over several hundred years.


    The quality of Great Xia��s roads couldn��t even bepared to how smooth the aboriginal��s road was.

 Chapter 805 - Staged Accident

    Chapter 805: Staged ident


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��We have arrived in Lan City!��


    ��We are finally here!��


    After hearing the discussion within the convoy, Gao Yishan stretched his head out of his carriage and saw a long ck line on the horizon ahead.


    This was a city wall.


    The former Hao Nation had invested immeasurable manpower in this imperial city.


    However, now that the Hao Nation had disappeared, what left was just Dayao.


    Gao Yishan suddenly thought of the Yun Nation and how it had now fallen into the same situation as the Hao Nation.


    If he failed this mission, he was afraid that the Yun Nation would only appear in poetry and history for people to reflect on after the next few decades.


    There might be future generations who stood outside Wangjing City and had the same feelings as himself.


    It didn��t take much effort to get into the city. The only thing that made the convoy unhappy was the look of contempt in the eyes of the aboriginals.


    However, they all had no choice but to bear with it. After all, they had lost the war and were in no position toin.


    The barbarians had looked down on them for a long time, and they despised the barbarians as well.


    The barbarians felt that they were weak and ipetent, whereas they felt that the barbarians only had brawn for brains.


    Many of the people in the convoyforted themselves and said, ��We don��t stoop to the same level as wild beasts.��


    Gao Yishan simply looked at all of this in silence. Suddenly, a feeling of sadness arose in his heart.


    These barbarian soldiers were actually more disciplined than the Yun Nation.


    They at least didn��t have that sort of pragmatic approach like the guards of the Yun Nation had.


    It wasn��t only for their convoy. When some of the aboriginalmoners passed by, the soldiers basically waved their hands and let them pass.


    Thinking of those fat warlords and city guards, even if one were to carry a bunch of soil over, they would definitely scrape ayer off to check if you were hiding any valuables��


    It took some time to pass through the gates, and everyone was attracted by the clock tower that stood in the center of the city.


    Before entering the city, everyone could already see the towering building, but now, they could finally see it clearly.


    ��Look! That thing is moving!�� someone eximed.


    ��It seems to be a tool for measuring time?�� Someone soon understood the function of the clock tower.


    They were a bit surprised by it.


    ��Is there someone inside who keeps turning those hands?��


    As soon as the words were spoken, the surrounding aboriginals looked at them as if they were fools.


    Apart from the clock tower in the distance, the next strangest thing was a pole erected on the side of the road that was a meter wide. There was one of them every 30 to 40 steps away, and there was a horizontal arm at the upper end. If they were to use their hands to cover the bottom half of it, they would find that the upper end looked like a cross.


    At the two ends of the horizontal arm, two circr and transparent covers were hung with something inside those covers.


    Even after looking at it for some time, everyone still did not know what it was.


    ��It looks�� a bit like Tintin[1.Tintin: a reporter, adventurer, traveler, and the protagonist of the popric book series ��The Adventures of Tintin��],�� someone whispered.


    This immediately attractedughter from the surroundings.


    Many people were beginning to wonder if it was a totem for worshipping reproduction.


    Although this world didn��t have this concept, it still didn��t prevent them from having simr ideas.


    ��


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was standing in Qingxin Pce Hall. In the past, he had resided in this ce for a while, so everything looked very familiar to him.


    Regardless of the changes on the outside, this hall always seemed to stay the same.


    There was only Lin Qiaole and an olddy here.


    Currently, whenever he went back to Earth and saw chinchis being sold in pet shops, he would subconsciously think that they were from the same race as Lin Qiaole.


    At least their short and hairy tails resembled hers.


    Lin Qiaole��s tail wasn��t slender like that of a mouse or a cat. It was somewhat bushy like that of a squirrel, but it was only long enough to touch her knees. This resembled the chinchis on Earth even more.


    Currently, Lin Qiaole was sleeping on the ground behind Ren Baqian. The sun seeped in from outside the door and warmed the ground, making it morefortable than the chair.


    He was called over by Supervisor Lin, that olddy who hid herself every day in the shadows of Qingxin Pce Hall��s second floor. In his mind, she was like a monk who swept the floors of the Shaolin Temple.


    Thest time he came here was to obtain the manual for the [Yang Boosting Technique]. After he returned to Dayao, he nned to practice further, but unfortunately, Supervisor Lin had only modified the first step, which was what he had already cultivated.


    The subsequent parts of this technique were more difficult. Since there were more aspects involved, they were very difficult to modify.


    If Ren Baqian had used the supporting tools from the beginning, he would be able to continue cultivating the rest of the technique. Unfortunately, he only practiced the modified version, which was a different path from the original.


    Recently, he heard Tong Zhenye brag about a few new Earth Wheel leveldies at the brothel, and this made Ren Baqian��s heart itch.


    Thesedies that the old pper praised nonstop were perhaps the supporting tools that had been prepared for Ren Baqian.


    However, when he thought about the empress��s jealousy level�� The higher the quality of the girls, the greater the danger he would face!


    If he were to cross that line��


    In fact, there was nothing bad about the revision of the technique.


    Ren Baqian stayed there and was lost in thought for a long time before Supervisor Lin walked out of a room with three books in hand. She gave these to him and let out a strangeugh. After that, she nced at him and returned to the second floor.


    Herughter sounded like that of a gang leader.


    If someone more imaginative were to see her, he would probably have imagined her as the chief of a gang who hid herself in the pce and pretended to be a librarian, but engaged in illegal activities in the dark.


    Ren Baqian opened the books and took a nce before almost throwing up blood.


    These three books turned out to be filled with erotic images!


    Why did Supervisor Lin give these to him? Could she possibly think that he didn��t know how to have sex?


    In any case, he had at least watched some adult videos before��


    ��Huh?�� Ren Baqian was stunned after he turned a few pages. Besides erotic pictures, there were also other contents within these three books.


    There was some text below each picture.


    It seemed to be�� like the Kama Sutra?


    This thing�� It could be.


    Supervisor Lin looked a little gloomy, but she was still a pretty nice person!


    After flipping through them a few times, Ren Baqian ced these books in his breast pocket. He prepared to leave, but he seemed to have stepped on something soft as he turned around.


    Unknowingly, Lin Qiaole had rolled over behind him.


    He subconsciously raised his hands to protect his face.


    He was going to get married in half a month and had to avoid getting disfigured by Lin Qiaole at all costs.


    However, Lin Qiaole didn��t scratch him with her ws like he anticipated.


    Instead, she quickly stood up and said, ��I��m not going to forgive you for stepping on me. Give me candy!��


    Ren Baqian almost threw up blood again.


    He stretched out his hand and poked her.


    She had stayed on Earth for a year and actually learned how to stage an ident?


    Who taught her this?


    Why didn��t she learn something better?


    ��Are you going to tell me that you don��t have candy and that your life is all you have?�� Lin Qiaole drew her face close with her eyes almost sticking to Ren Baqian��s nose. She squinted her eyes and emitted a dangerous aura around her.


    Ren Baqian continued poking her with his finger for some time and felt that this girl had not only learned how to stage an ident, but that she had also learned how to act?


    She wasn��t like this in the past!


    After leaving Qingxin Pce Hall, he felt like cursing out loud. He had never expected himself to fall for Lin Qiaole��s trap.


    This girl used to only know how to eat and sleep since her IQ level was only equivalent to that of an eight-year-old. How did she change so much suddenly?


    Could this be the effect of her previous transformation?


    After Lin Qiaole stopped eating the butterflies, her ears and eyebrows shrank back, and she seemed normal again.


    However, had there been changes in other areas? Had her IQ improved?


    Ren Baqian turned to look at Qingxin Pce Hall. Lin Qiaole was smiling happily as she unwrapped some candy. It seemed like her IQ had not improved after all.


    ��Driven to desperate action�� was a more suitable description for her.


    That was right!


    People were generally forced to do things! In order to eat candy, Lin Qiaole also gave it her all!

 Chapter 806 - Where is the Empress Being Locked Up?

    Chapter 806: Where is the Empress Being Locked Up?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sauntered to Pingle Park, flipped through the pages of the three erotic books, got an erection, and felt ashamed.


    These books were worthy of being in the royal collection. The pictures were lifelike, and the painter was as good as those famous artists.


    Take Van Gogh for example.


    The pictures in these three books were more realistic than his paintings.


    However, the main reason for Ren Baqian��s erection was because he had been practicing [Yang Boosting Technique] ever since he was chosen as the future husband of the empress.


    Anyone who practiced would know.


    He didn��t dare to sleep on his stomach anymore because there would be holes in the bed board in the morning.


    Putting the erotic book, <em>Double Cultivation Method </em>, on the table, he thought of another matter.


    The low fertility rate of the aboriginals was due to their penchant for violence. Also, their difficulty in childbearing was due to their strength being too strong.


    These two points were well understood.


    For example, insects are born in the thousands, reptiles and amphibians give birth to a few dozen, but cats and dogs reproduce in the single-digits per litter.


    The more advanced the living thing is, the lower the fertility rate.


    The aboriginals belonged to the human race, but were much stronger than ordinary people. As a result, their fertility rate was lower.


    In addition to these two reasons, there was one more important reason: their sexual activities were less frequent.


    Humans were sexually active during all four seasons. The aboriginals were the same, but they did so less often.


    Even in this era, everyone went home at night to sleep and produce children.


    However, the aboriginals went home at night to sleep and beat their children��


    Although the lifespan of the aboriginals was higher than other nations, their fertility rate was pitiful.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t do anything about the first two reasons, but for the third one, he might be able to find a way.


    However, it couldn��t be made known to others that he was the person behind it.


    The history a hundred yearster wouldn��t only say, ��Ren Baqian: the husband of the third ruler of Dayao, the prince of Dayao, the founder of ck Bamboo Academy, a leading thinker, a famous physicist and chemist, the father of modern science, and the technocrat responsible for the modernization of Dayao.��


    It would also include his achievement as the inventor and advocate of erotic picture books and adult films. He would be called an advanced educator for promoting erotic books and adult films.


    How was he going to face others?


    Of course, this wasn��t the most important point.


    The most important thing was what the empress would think if she knew��


    Ren Baqian felt that he should be a person who was dedicated to others and not to himself. He would devote himself to enrich the lives of the citizens and be a good person who did good deeds anonymously.


    After deciding to be a good person, Ren Baqian ced the three books at his bedside and headed for the pce.


    On the way, he saw a few female officers supervising some maids to clean up one more time before the impending grand wedding.


    After entering her room, he saw the empress sitting on the couch with aputer before her, cake in her left hand, wine in her right hand, and Xin Zhe standing nearby.


    ��Your Majesty, about 4,000 people from the Yun Nation have arrived,�� Xin Zhe announced.


    ��Let the Ministry of Rites handle this.�� The empress waved her hands.


    Ren Baqian knew what was happening and guessed that Xin Zhe had been entrusted by senior official Shi Qing to convey the message.


    He immediatelyughed and said, ��Your Majesty, you still do not want to see the previous emperor of the Yun Nation?��


    Xin Zhe turned and gave Ren Baqian a grateful look.


    By right, the ruler of a country that expanded their territory should be interested in the ruler of the nation that was defeated.


    In their position, it should be a pleasure to see someone of equal status pledging allegiance and cing his fate in her hands.


    However, the empress had been back for more than a month, she wasn��t interested in seeing the emperor of the Yun Nation, and she didn��t care whenever this was mentioned.


    Those from the Yun Nation who came bearing gifts were already here and that emperor was still in prison. It wasn��t only the emperor, but the empress, concubines, and several others.


    ��What��s there to see? I��m not interested in seeing a kid emperor.��


    Ren Baqian almostughed. Where did the empress hear this from?


    However, she was correct in calling him a kid emperor.


    At 23 years old, he wasn��t that young anymore, but he had been ced on the throne at the age of 11. Ever since then, almost all the power was in the hands of Zheng Chengmian.


    He was an emperor only in name.


    If the Yun Nation wasn��tpletely conquered, this emperor might wake up in ten or 20 years or be in a drunken state all his life, but at least there was some hope.


    However, Yun Nation didn��t exist anymore.


    ��You go and take a look. If he��sw-abiding, give him a house in the city to stay in for the rest of his life. If heins, cut off his head and hang it from the top of the city wall,�� the empress said.


    ��Don��t you think my position is inappropriate?�� Ren Baqianughed bitterly.


    Anyway, that guy was an emperor. How could Ren Baqian determine that guy��s fate? Furthermore, thousands of people from the Yun Nation hade here bearing gifts. How could she simply hang their former emperor from the top of the city wall?


    ��Just do as you are told. Why bother with appropriateness? You are my Dayao�� prince consort.�� The empress paused before saying thest two words.


    She continued, ��I��m not interested in wasting my time on a kid emperor.��


    Ren Baqian felt that the biggest reason for her behavior was her fascination with this television show that depicted romance, magic, and science fiction.


    ��How many episodes have you watched?�� Ren Baqian couldn��t help asking.


    ��I��m on Episode 382! I thought that you didn��t like to watch?��


    The empress casually replied and left Ren Baqian tongue-tied. If she didn��t remember wrongly, she was only halfway through the series.


    Ren Baqian sighed before cupping his hands and saying, ��Your Majesty, in that case, I��ll take my leave first.��


    ��Hang on!�� The empress suddenly recalled something and looked up.


    ��Your Majesty?��


    ��I heard that his empress looks rather refined. Don��t let me catch you looking at her!�� The empress frowned.


    ��No matter how beautiful she is, she can��t beat Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian answered as he took his leave. Still, he was rather curious about what she looked like since it was rare for the empress to bring up such a topic.


    ��Where are they being imprisoned?�� Ren Baqian asked Xin Zhe after leaving the pce.


    ��The prison in the Ministry of War.�� Xin Zhe was wearing a pair of red sses and metal armor, and she exuded that distinctive style of hers.


    However, one of the lenses was cracked so badly that these cracks covered half the lens. It was a miracle that it hadn��t been shattered into pieces.


    Upon noticing Ren Baqian��s gaze, Xin Zhen spoke calmly, ��I identally damaged it during practice.��


    ��I remember getting you ten pairs?��


    ��They are all broken. This is the most intact pair.��


    ��Noted. I��ll get you a few more.��


    ��Many thanks, Sir Ren.�� Xin Zhe��s ice cold face finally showed some expression. She seemed kind of happy now.


    She then brought the rest of them to the Ministry of War.


    ��Why is Principal Ren here today?�� Qin Chuan, who was Tong Zhenye��s arch-enemy and also extremely shameless, was rather curious.


    After all, it was moremon for Ren Baqian to head to the Ministry of Works.


    ��The Yun Nation��s empress, cough, cough, I mean the Yun Nation��s emperor. Where can I see him?�� Ren Baqian nearly choked to death.


    Qin Chuan was taken aback.


    After sizing up Ren Baqian for a while, Qin Chuan asked, ��Are you looking for the emperor or empress?��


    ��The emperor. Her Majesty doesn��t want to meet him. That��s why she ordered me to find out about his situation,�� Ren Baqian hurriedly replied.


    ��The ancient people say that the first sentence spoken is generally the truth!�� Qin Chuanughed extremely loudly. It was as if he had met someone of the same caliber as himself.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    You must be one of them, right?

 Chapter 807 - I’m Still Deep in Thought

    Chapter 807: I��m Still Deep in Thought


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    This prison in the Ministry of War was leftover from the Hao Nation and hadn��t been used for decades. It was specially renovated to receive the emperor of the Yun Nation and was given a new bed of straw.


    The cells were located underground, and when the doors were opened, there wasn��t only a musty smell, but also other strange smells.


    The original color of the iron doors was no longer discernible as they were all covered by a reddish-brown rust.


    The emperor of the Yun Nation and his concubines numbered more than ten and were housed separately in a few cells.


    In fact, it was enough to send only the emperor, but in a rare act of kindness, Zi Doni gave them a chance to stay together.


    Regardless, they were to be escorted, so he might as well send the emperor and his harem as a package.


    When the cell doors were opened, a ray of light broke through the darkness of the cells and woke the prisoners up.


    The eyes of a dusty and dirty young man brightened. It wasn��t mealtime yet, so who could it be? Could it be that the empress of Dayao wanted to see them?


    ��Your Majesty���� the woman at his side said softly. She looked perturbed, but she stood up and picked a piece of straw out of his hair.


    The woman tried to get some reassurance from him, but she was disappointed. The man didn��t pay any attention to her.


    The emperor and his harem had been here for half a year.


    Initially, they were expecting to see the empress of Dayao when they arrived and awaited for her to decide their fate.


    Contrary to expectations, she wasn��t in Lan City, and they were put into these dark cells.


    To these people who grew up in luxury, this was worse than death.


    If not for a glimmer of hope, many people would rather die than be locked up in such a ce.


    After waiting for a few months, the empress finally returned to Lan City, and they assumed that the empress would see them immediately.


    However, to their disappointment and iprehension, Qi Zixiao didn��t show any intention of seeing them after one and a half months.


    This made them feel bitter and angry. It was as if they had eaten Chinese Goldthread root.


    No matter what, they were the royal family from the Yun Nation. How could Qi Zixiao do this? How did she dare to do this? Was she really prepared not to see them?


    Not only did they not get to see Qi Zixiao, the officials who asionally visited them also disappeared. Only meals were being sent to them every day and it was as if they were forgotten.


    Expectations became disappointments and anger became despair.


    However, their hopes were raised when they heard the footsteps.


    When the doors were opened, the emperor of the Yun Nation saw a shiny body��


    Even in such a dark environment, the body of the visitor was still reflecting light.


    ��Is Qi Zixiao going to see me?�� The emperor of the Yun Nation tried to keep calm and preserve hisst shreds of dignity.


    If this had happened when he first arrived, he wouldn��t have been able to do it. However, after waiting for so long, he could at least control his feelings.


    Ren Baqian looked at the two people inside. Their inner clothes were gray in color, and he guessed that they were originally white.


    The clothes hadn��t turned ck, which meant that they were treated slightly better than him.


    The man was young and in his twenties, 23 ording to hearsay, but he looked older than Ren Baqian.


    In the face of such changes, he still could speak with such a dignified tone. It looked like he wasn��t as deplorable as they said.


    As Ren Baqian had this fleeting thought, he subconsciously looked at the person behind the emperor. If the empress hadn��t mentioned it, he wouldn��t have taken notice. However, she brought it up and made him curious.


    The other person��s face wasn��t neat and tidy, but it was still discernible.


    She was younger than the little emperor, about 20 ording to rumors, and was quite shapely. As she looked at him, she appeared worried.


    Ren Baqian was stunned just by ncing at her. Her appearance couldn��t be described as delicate, but it was unique!


    She had small eyes and a face like a big pancake with sesame seeds sprinkled on it.


    Was this the empress of the Yun Nation?


    Ren Baqian immediately had profound respect for the little emperor.


    She was aesthetically distorted.


    On the surface, this emperor seemed to be muddling along, but he might be ambitious and this queen probably had the talent of Zhong Wuyan[1.Zhong Wuyan: One of the four ugliest women in ancient China].


    Then, he focused his attention on the emperor again.


    The name ��Chen Dongsheng�� totally didn��t conform to the name of an emperor.


    For example, that guy who was killed by skunk bombs was called Xia Bailong and the new emperor was called Xia Yijiang. Their names were more ssy inparison.


    ��Her Majesty doesn��t intend to see you!�� Ren Baqian said frankly.


    Chen Dongsheng thought that Qi Zixiao was here to see him this time. He didn��t expect to hear this and got angry, asking, ��Why?��


    ��Why are there so many whys?�� Ren Baqian groaned. ��I��m here to see how you are doing!��


    ��When will Qi Zixiaoe and see me?�� Chen Dongsheng suppressed his anger and asked.


    ��She will see you when it��s time,�� Ren Baqian replied. ��Another thing, although you were previously the emperor of the Yun Nation, you are presently a prisoner. By repeatedly calling Her Majesty by name, it seems that you do not understand your present position.��


    Chen Dongsheng��s face changed a few times. Was he still going to be locked up like this? Finally, he couldn��t take it anymore.


    He bowed his head, closed his eyes, and said, ��I��m willing to surrender to the empress of Dayao and write a letter of surrender in the name of the emperor of the Yun Nation. I hope I can receive the treatment appropriate to my status.��


    After saying this, Chen Dongsheng��s body swayed. It was as if he had lost all his energy.


    Ren Baqian nced at him a few times before replying, ��I will report this matter to the empress.��


    As he closed the iron doors again, he heard Chen Dongsheng say loudly, ��With my written letter of surrender, many people in the Yun Nation will listen to you.��


    Ren Baqian shook his head slightly. Such a letter could actually reduce the amount of resistance.


    After all, if even the emperor had surrendered, what else could his people do? This letter could break the fighting will of many people.


    This should be hisst bargaining chip to exchange for some concessions. Ren Baqian didn��t expect him to hastily state his terms before even seeing the empress.


    They seemed to have broken down after being locked up for a few months.


    However, this was only normal. Not only was this emperor in such a situation, he had never even thought that this would happen to him.


    Even an ordinary guy would almost copse if he was locked up and isted for a few months. Furthermore, this was an emperor who grew up in the pce and had never faced any storms or big waves before.


    Out of curiosity, Ren Baqian didn��t leave immediately. He went to the other cells to see the miserable looking concubines. They looked more normal than the queen.


    After getting out of the dungeon, Ren Baqian loosened up. Being inside the dungeon was rather depressing and just taking a spin inside made him feel ufortable.


    The feeling outside was much better.


    It was close to the New Year. Many aboriginals traveled here just for the grand wedding and had brought many rare things from the mountains.


    There were also caravans from the Jing Tribe and the Yun Nation that brought gifts. Lan City was crowded with people.


    Such a busy scene was seldom seen during thesest two years,


    As the date of the wedding drew closer and closer, the atmosphere in the city became more and more cheerful. The number of fights increased in proportion to the number of people, and the Public Order Bureau was overworked.


    Upon returning to the pce, Ren Baqian reported the matter to the empress.


    The empress was watching theputer screen��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry.


    ��Your Majesty��!��


    ��Your Majesty!��


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian finally shouted in her ears.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Ren Baqian was smashed against the wall again.


    ��I heard you earlier, and I��m still deep in thought���� The empress pondered, pondered, and pondered�� She seemed to be pondering, but her eyes were fixed on the screen.

 Chapter 808 - The Palace is Like a Sieve

    Chapter 808: The Pce is Like a Sieve


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The news of Hong Wu��s return had finally taken the empress��s attention away from the television show.


    After all, he had once firmly supported her ascension to the throne, so she had very strong feelings for him.


    If he were to know that she had been watching television shows, he would definitely nag her.


    Although the empress had been stable in her position for a long time and Hong Wu was currently no match for her, many things couldn��t be measured simply like that.


    ��If General Hong Wues and seeks an audience, bring him here directly,�� the empress told Xin Zhe.


    Someone immediately reported the news once he entered the city.


    After Xin Zhe was dismissed, Ren Baqian asked, ��Your Majesty, how do you intend to deal with the Yun Nation��s former emperor?��


    ��What was the situation when you saw him today?�� the empress asked.


    With a hidden bitterness on his face, he recounted the situation, ��He seemed fine, but after being left there for so long, I estimate that he will copse at any time. Is there anything that we can obtain from him? For instance, his jade seal or any kind of treasure? I don��t think he would dare to reject us.��


    ��What do you want to do with that thing?�� the empress asked casually.


    The Yun Nation had already fallen, so what use was there for the jade seal?


    She would probably only be interested in that object if she nned to use it to rebel against him. However, she had no intentions of doing that.


    ��His letter of surrender is not essential. My army can suppress everything,�� the empress added.


    ��It could save us some trouble. After all, the Yun Nation has already existed for so many years that there are many people who are loyal to the royal family. If he were toe forward and willingly surrender, it would crumble some of their people��s fighting spirit. We could then save some effort while also disying Your Majesty��s generosity,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��If you put it that way, it sounds pretty reasonable. It��s also not impossible to allow him to live the rest of his life peacefully. Alright, get him to write a letter of surrender and have him surrender himself in front of the pce in the next few days. Let ourmoners and all those people from the Yun Nation witness it. After that, find him a ce to retire. Attach some experts to him and who knows, he might be able to catch fish on his own,�� the empress ordered after pondering for a while.


    ��Understood, I��ll arrange it tomorrow.��


    ��You can let someone else make this arrangement.�� She lifted her head and looked at Ren Baqian. This man would be her husband in two weeks�� time, someone whom she would spend a lifetime with.


    He kept quiet and let her look at him before reaching out and putting her hand in his hands.


    At present, Ren Baqian��s palms were twice the size of the empress��s. He could almost cover her hands entirely with his palms.


    He nced around and saw theputer at the side before truthfully saying, ��Your Majesty, you have changed����


    ��How?�� She looked at him and wondered if he had realized that she was being more gentle to him. After all, they were about to get married soon. She was pretty satisfied with this man��


    ��Geekier���� Ren Baqian sighed. ��If fortunate, you would be known as an otaku girl on Earth. Otherwise, you would be a useless person!��


    The empress groaned and withdrew her hand from his bear paws. She looked at him coldly and thought about whether to pin him to the wall or the ground.


    ��However, no matter how geeky you be, you��ll still be known by future generations as the greatest emperor ever! Who says the emperor can��t be geeky?�� Ren Baqian changed his tone. ��There are so many emperors who don��t even step out of the pce twice in their entire lives. So what if Your Majesty watches television shows? So what if you are geekier? Who doesn��t have a little hobby? Whoever dares to speak badly of you, I will be the first to deal with them.��


    ��I feel that you aren��t saying something positive!�� she muttered to herself.


    ��How could that be? Every word I said was from the bottom of my heart.�� Ren Baqian��s face was full of righteousness.


    ��In any case, I just don��t think so!�� The empress had always been an idealist. Everything she felt it was, it would be.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    When Hong Wu came in, Ren Baqian was still trying to pull himself out of the wall.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty.�� Hong Wu greeted as soon as he entered the hall. Then, his attention shifted to Ren Baqian, who was stuck in the wall.


    ��The great general has returned. It must be exhausting.�� The empressughed.


    Ren Baqian struggled in the wall for some time. He used his elbow to expand the hole a little and finally managed to break free.


    He looked around and saw that there were already several holes in the wall. Two of them had been created today, one the day before, and another one two days before. They were all sealed up with wooden boards.


    The empress��s control of her strength had reached greater heights.


    Even though Ren Baqian was mmed into the wall, he didn��t feel any pain.


    Of course, it could be that he was getting tougher.


    ��I��ll get the Ministry of Works to send someone to repair the wall.�� He said faintly, ��This pce looks like a sieve.��


    ��You asked for it, didn��t you?�� The empress stared at him.


    There wasn��t anger in her words, and both of them were already used to talking like this.


    Hong Wu was originally in a good mood when he came to see her. However, after hearing her tone of voice, he immediately became unhappy.


    After Ren Baqian left, Hong Wu said. ��You give in to him too much, Your Majesty.��


    The empress grinned as her attitude suddenly changed for the better.


    ��This isn��t really giving in to him. We are used to it,�� she replied.


    ��Your Majesty, you have changed���� Hong Wu couldn��t help himself. ��You are the emperor of the aboriginals.��


    She felt a little at a loss after hearing two people say that she had changed on the same day.


    However, Ren Baqian was deliberating teasing her, whereas Hong Wu was speaking the truth.


    ��Everything in this world is changing,�� the empress replied faintly. She used to have no interest in men. Even though she still didn��t, it was good to have apanion.


    She used to feel that the pce was cold, but she already hadn��t felt that for a long time.


    She began to change ever since she chose her husband.


    There were many more things in her life. One more person, a few more robotic dogs, more television dramas, moreics, more desserts, and more candy. She frequently travelled to the other world to relieve boredom as well, and she became more like an ordinary person walking on the street.


    She didn��t hate these changes at all.


    Those television dramas were so interesting!


    So were theics!


    After pondering for a bit, the empress startedughing.


    When Hong Wu saw herugh, he felt as if he hadn��t seen it before and thought that he ought to be happy.


    However, thinking about Ren Baqian, his mood turned sour again.


    ��How is the situation in the north now?�� The empress didn��t want to talk about about this matter and changed the topic. Even though they couldmunicate at any time through the radio, she still wanted to hear it from Hong Wu.


    ��There��s currently a chaotic war in Great Xia with rebel troops upying about 30 percent of the capital. Nowadays, Great Xia has been extremely busy dealing with the situation. With the impetus of these rebel troops, even if they could suppress these people, they wouldn��t be able to recover for at least the next 10 years. Needless to say, with the current situation, there��s no telling whether Great Xia can survive this ordeal. Currently, there are only 50,000 wounded soldiers in Yumen City. If Your Majesty wishes, I can deploy troops there at any time.��


    Great Xia had divided several regions and made them into residences, and there were more than 20 of these residences in the entire nation. The rebel troops had upied 30 percent of the city, which meant that they had already expanded their power to about eight of these residences.


    At this point, Hong Wu asked, ��Do you have any connections with those rebels, Your Majesty?��


    ��There are indeed. However, they aren��t mine, but Ren Baqian��s.�� The empress shook her head. ��These rebels still owe me 100 million taels of silver.��


    Hong Wu took a deep breath. 100 million taels of silver was equivalent to more than 10 years of revenue from Dayao��s national treasury.


    Afterward, the empress exined Ren Baqian and Su Qing��s deal to Hong Wu.


    ��In any case, we can also calm down Great Xia this way. As for the money they owe, they shouldn��t dare to renege on this debt,�� she said.


    Hearing this, things started making sense to Hong Wu. He thought to himself, <em>No wonder the news has not been announced regarding Tianjing Basin��s pacification.</em>


    After concealing this piece of news and setting off stink bombs in the pce of Great Xia, Great Xia was forced to have to send troops to the south again. This made them unable to make ends meets and left them with no choice but to increase taxes. When the rebel troops moved in, they left Great Xia unable to recover their vigor for at least the next 10 years, no matter the oue of the war. This strategy was extremely shocking.


    Not only was the north worry-free, but Dayao was also able to invest all of its energy into pacifying the Yun Nation.


    If these things hadn��t happened, Great Xia would naturally move their troops away from the south and secretly support the Yun Nation.


    At present, Great Xia was powerless.


    Even though Hong Wu didn��t like Ren Baqian, he had to admit that this strategy was truly remarkable.


    However, this didn��t mean that he would cut him some ck during the wedding!

 Chapter 809 - The End of the Show for the Yun Nation (Happy Mid Autumn Festival!)

    Chapter 809: The End of the Show for the Yun Nation (Happy Mid Autumn Festival!)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    It was still six days away from the New Year and seven from the big wedding. While all of Lan City was full of joy, everyone from the Yun Nation looked gloomy.


    They had been in Lan City for a week, but the empress hadn��t called for them yet.


    Dayao didn��t even take the living expenses of these thousands of people to mind. Even though they were spendingrge amounts of money to amodate and feed these people, to the people from the Yun Nation, it was a small sum of money. The implied meaning behind the empress not summoning them made everyone feel uneasy as they pondered day and night.


    If she refused to even see them, it meant that they wouldn��t be stable in the future when they returned to the Yun Nation.


    Even if they were put in charge of a city, under the iron hooves of the barbarians, there was no telling when their heads would be cut off.


    Perhaps the barbarians wouldn��t even have to do that. If this piece of news spread to the Yun Nation, the rebels would have their heads first.


    ��Mister Lin, what do you think of the situation now?�� Several people sat together and whispered. Most of the people in this caravan were the sons of warlords or aristocratic families. After all, the warlords themselves had to deal with political affairs. Without meeting the empress, they didn��t dare to leave the city.


    On the contrary, sending their sons was the right decision because their statuses were sufficient. In addition, their loyalty would be expressed.


    Beforeing, every family had informed their sons that the purpose of this trip wasn��t simply to present gifts, but that the more important task was to find a backer.


    When they arrived, they were all confident. What kind of good things could these barbarians have seen? Simply take out some precious treasures and they wouldn��t even be able to take their eyes off them. Even if it was a pinch, it would be worth it no matter how much they had to spend.


    However, they felt a chill in their hearts as the days passed.


    The empress didn��t summon them and many of the high officials refused to see them as well. The people of the Yun Nation brought gold and jewels, but they didn��t even have a way to offer them.


    At present, a few people got together and discussed countermeasures.


    The person known as Mister Lin was someone special, and his name was Lin Mengsheng. In the beginning, he gathered all the warlords to surrender together. Even the empress was aware of his existence. This time, he came to Dayao with everyone.


    ��How could Qi Zixiao possibly not see us at all? These barbarians are really arrogant!�� A young man frowned.


    Several other people frowned as well and moved a little further away from him.


    ��Address her as Her Majesty! Don��t say what you shouldn��t, otherwise disaster will fall upon your entire Chen family! If you are seeking death, don��t implicate us!�� several of the young men replied coldly.


    The young man from the Chen family was stunned. After seeing their expressions, he recalled the task that his family had entrusted him with. He then unwillingly said, ��It��s my fault, and I spoke irresponsibly. I spoke too casually since all of you are my own people.��


    ��Earth Wheel experts have exceptionally good hearingpared to ordinary people. They can even identify the sound of a fly from dozens of meters away. Do you know how many Earth Wheel and Spirit Wheel experts there are in Lan City?�� Lin Mengsheng asked faintly.


    He was being kind by saying this.


    All that stuff about them being his own people was utter nonsense.


    If they were given the choice to betray the Chen family in exchange for their own stability, they would tie up all of them and send them to the pce immediately.


    They wondered if the Chen family had no other descendants left and were forced to send this person here.


    Everyone had their own thoughts in their minds when one of them said, ��Not only did Her Majesty not see us, but the officials did as well. The dozens of business cards that I have sent have elicited no response.��


    Lin Mengsheng was naturally aware of what these people were doing and said, ��Since Her Majesty didn��t summon us, those officials probably don��t know her intentions and naturally wouldn��t want to see us either.��


    ��Do you have any good ideas, Mister Lin?�� Everyone looked at him. His abilities and wisdom were truly extraordinary. If he hadn��t gathered all those warlords back then, the Yun Nation��s fall would naturally have been slower, but all that would have remained of its people would be bones hanging on the city walls.


    Before they came to Dayao, many of their families had told them to seek Lin Mengsheng��s opinion.


    No matter how much merit he had gained from the aboriginals, he would definitely still stand on the Yun Nation��s side and not the aboriginals��.


    This was beyond doubt.


    It was just like how the people of Tianjing Basin thought of Ren Baqian back then. They believed that he would definitely draw everybody together to build his power.


    However, Lin Mengsheng��s starting point was far lower than Ren Baqian��s. This disparity was probably likeparing the eighteenth floor to the basement.


    Everyone thought that Lin Mengsheng would be granted preferential treatment, yet the empress hadn��t summoned him either and his treatment was no different from the rest.


    ��Wait!�� he said.


    In fact, he was also guessing the thoughts of the empress. He had some opinions, but he didn��t voice them out.


    Everyone had different looks on their faces after hearing that word.


    This Lin Mengsheng was no different.


    During the journey here, everyone agreed that his abilities and wisdom were great. However, nobody felt that they were any worse either, and it seemed even more so at present. Like everyone else, he had no feasible ideas.


    While everyone was thinking their own thoughts, they heard a series of hurried footsteps from the outside. A schrly-looking young man rushed over and said, ��Dear sirs and Mister Lin, the emperor has written a letter of surrender!��


    Everyone immediately understood that he was referring to the former emperor of the Yun Nation, their former leader.


    Lin Mengsheng��s eyes lit up as he asked, ��When did this happen?��


    ��Just now! He��s right in front of the pce, and news of this is spreading like wildfire! You can still make it if you go now.��


    ��Her Majesty is presumably going to summon us tomorrow.�� Lin Mengsheng smiled.


    ��How do you know that?�� someone immediately asked.


    Others had pensive looks on their faces.


    The Yun Nation��s emperor had been held captive for more than half a year, right? Everyone had been trying to find out more information these days, but they didn��t manage to find anything useful.


    Now that news of his surrender was spreading so suddenly, a good show wasing!


    They were putting on a show for the people of Dayao and the captives from the Yun Nation, but there was probably also an intention to show this to the people in the caravan.


    ��Mister Lin, do you want to go take a look?�� one of the young men asked.


    ��You guys go ahead. I won��t be going.�� Lin Mengsheng shook his head.


    This was the aboriginal��s celebration and would be the end of the show for the Yun Nation.


    From now on, the Yun Nation wouldpletely be history.


    No matter how much Lin Mengsheng hated Cheng Dongsheng and Zheng Chengmian, he was still a citizen of the Yun Nation.


    Afterward, everyone started to disperse. Some returned to their rooms with sad faces.


    There were also some who remained calm and headed to the pce.


    As Lin Mengsheng thought, this was a celebration for the aboriginals.


    They had already fully upied the Yun Nation more than half a year ago.


    The surrender of the Yun Nation��s emperor didn��t seem to be of any use at all. Regardless of whether he surrendered or not, the Yun Nation had already be history.


    In fact, the emperor actually represented the nation in the minds of many.


    The act of the emperor surrendering in front of the pce meant that the Yun Nation had acknowledged its allegiance to the aboriginals.


    ��


    Ren Baqian apanied the empress as she stood at the top of the pce tower. He lowered his head and looked at the man below.


    Currently, this man was wearing the attire of an emperor.


    After all, it would be rather humiliating for him to surrender while dressed in prison garb. Even though everyone knew that he was the emperor of the Yun Nation, without the emperor��s attire, it would feel as if something was missing.


    This was probably thest time that he would wear it.


    ��The great emperor of Dayao, the expert of the crusade, the godlike strategist, the power of a lifetime�� The emperor of Dayao is almighty and benevolent to the civilians, a person whom I dare notpare myself to����


    Cheng Dongsheng stood in the square in front of the pce with his voice spreading throughout the audience via a loudspeaker.


    From his attire to him surrendering with a loudspeaker in front of the pce as the empress received this surrender from the pce tower, all of this was naturally arranged by Ren Baqian.


    He had even polished up the script a bit.


    ��Now, Chen Dongsheng is grateful to be heard, and he begs for forgiveness.�� After he said these words, it marked a heavy curtain call for the Yun Nation.


    Meanwhile, Lan City was filled with wild cheers that rang through the sky.


    That same evening, a grand banquet was held in the pce. Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan were stripped almost naked, revealing their muscr bodies. A piece of animal hide was wrapped around each of their waists as they wrestled in the field.


    Hong Wu took off his shirt and held Ren Baqian by the neck, forcing five liters of sorghum wine down his throat.


    ��Gulp�� Gulp�� I��m�� Gulp�� Drowning�� Cough���� Before Ren Baqian passed out, he was certain that Hong Wu intentionally did this to him.


    Ren Baqian��s hazy eyes looked at the empress and asked for help, only to see her pouring and drinking on her own while asionally smiling at him.


    It seemed like it made her very happy to see her husband chugging alcohol with someone she highly respected.

 Chapter 810 - Harming People with Fake Wine

    Chapter 810: Harming People with Fake Wine


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Ow���� Ren Baqian felt like his head was going to burst.


    The only thing that he remembered was Hong Wu pinching his mouth and pouring in the wine. He didn��t remember anything after that.


    Actually, he couldn��t say he didn��t remember anything as he seemed to hazily remember some other things.


    It seemed like somebody had sent him back while he was in a stupor.


    He couldn��t remember who the person was that had sent him back.


    He only remembered that it was a woman and that her body exuded a fragrance��


    A fragrance aroused his desire��


    What happened after that?


    Was it a dream?


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes and was surrounded by darkness. His head was exploding with pain. He staggered to the table and saw a bowl of green vine soup.


    He gulped down the soup, and in less than ten minutes, he felt as if his head was being patched back together by using 1.502 glue[1.502 glue: Cyanoacrtes are a family of strong fast-acting adhesives with industrial, medical, and household uses].


    He let out a long breath and cursed, ��That bloody old b*stard.��


    Inadvertently, he smelled the fragrance in the room again.


    It reawakened some of his memories.


    At the cost of being unable to dream, the [Ruyi Visualization] had tremendously improved his memory, thinking ability, and will.


    Therefore, what he remembered when waking up was indistinct, but it was definitely not a dream.


    Ren Baqian sat on the bed and tried to carefully recall. Someone had definitely sent him back, and it was a woman with a light fragrance on her body��


    Did he hug her and kiss her? Both of his hands went under the iron armor and moved up�� That iron armor was flexible�� It was probably held together by some kind of animal tendon��


    <em>Poof�� </em>Ren Baqian��s eyes widened and he almost vomited blood.


    Iron armor???


    Iron armor!!!


    Xin Zhe!!!


    The only person in the pce who wore armor was Xin Zhe.


    ��I��m in deep sh*t!�� Ren Baqian was stunned.


    This fake wine was harming people! He would sue them until they went bankrupt when he returned!


    If he couldn��t win thewsuit, he would make it worse and destroy the brewery.


    What had he done?


    In an instant, his heartbeat went up to 202 and his blood pressure soared.


    He stepped on the brakes, but he couldn��t stop.


    He panicked as he tried to recall the incident fromst night, and it was just as he had remembered. He had grasped two soft and slimy blobs, and the person in the dark didn��t resist. After grasping these two blobs, the fragrance became stronger, and it was like adding fuel to the fire��


    Then�� there was no more if�� It should have reached that step��


    This was probably the only tender moment in this thriller.


    He fell directly into a deep sleep.


    It should be like this!


    It was definitely like this!


    His face puckered up since he was feeling vexed. How could this situation happen?


    He could only say that he had been holding back for too long and had been plied with too much wine by that old b*stard.


    Furthermore, that rascal, Xin Zhe,ckedmon sense and didn��t have any notion of decency��


    From the way she calmly came out of the bath, participated in the electric shock test before, and changed right in front of him��


    This attitude could be seen from these past events.


    In that case, she probably wouldn��t take this incident to heart.


    This matter shouldn��t have been noticed by others�� but who brought the soup? Based on what existed in his memory, it seemed like there was nobody else��


    Did Xin Zhe bring it overter?


    That was a possibility.


    This meant that the empress probably didn��t know about it�� As long as nobody else found out��


    Unless��


    Ren Baqian imagined what the empress would do if she found out. There was a 99% possibility that she would look at him coldly with her eyes filled with disappointment and hatred before saying coolly, ��Send them to be executed! Cut off both their heads at the same time! Bury him underneath the pce with his erhu forpanionship!��


    ��Hahaha, that can��t be!�� Ren Baqianughed dryly. The empress wouldn��t be able to find out.


    Furthermore, this was considered as despicable drunken behavior.


    He couldn��t be med as he didn��t know. Did he ever tell the empress this phrase?


    He considered himself as having been picked up by someone.


    Ren Baqian wrestled with this matter in his room for half the night. He waited until the sky brightened, pretended to be calm, and paid a visit to the empress to face the consequences.


    He looked as steady as an old dog, but was actually as anxious as a flustered horse.


    Any man who got drunk before his wedding night and rolled under the bedsheets with the best friend of his fianc��e would be in a panic.


    Although she wasn��t the empress��s best friend and they didn��t roll under the bedsheets, the empress was no ordinary woman!


    If the empress looked angry, his heart would immediately race like an F1 car.


    The empress had just gotten out of bed with her hair still ubed. She smiled and said, ��You had a good time drinking with the generalst night.��


    ��Your Majesty, it was the general who was happy, not me. He plied me with wine, and I was forced into drinking���� Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. He looked like someone who was screwed.


    In this situation, it was better to act as miserable as possible. If the incident was exposed, the empress wouldn��t me him as he was the victim.


    If circumstances permitted, he would like to curse 18 generations of Hong Wu��s ancestors.


    ��It doesn��t matter. I don��t know why, but he was holding on to some resentment. After drowning you with wine, these knots should be untied!�� the empress said with a smile.


    Hong Wu had untangled the knots in his heart, but Ren Baqian��s knots couldn��t be untangled��


    Moreover, the empress wasn��t his daughter, so what grievances did he have?


    Ren Baqian had breakfast with the empress and then went to the academy with his guards.


    After a short distance, he met Xin Zhe, who was patrolling the area.


    Ren Baqian��s heartbeat started elerating.


    ��General Xin Zhe!�� Ren Baqian greeted her casually.


    Xin Zhe pushed up her spectacles, nodded in greeting, and passed by him with her guards.


    Seeing that Xin Zhe was behaving normally, Ren Baqian was relieved.


    He conveniently sniffed the air and detected a light fragrance that had the same smell as the one fromst night.


    Sure enough, it was the scent from her body.


    Fortunately, it had been her!


    If it had been somebody else, he would be in the pits now!


    But why was it Xin Zhe who sent him backst night?


    Did Xin Zhe send the soup before those things happenedst night?


    Neither of these tasks was her job! She was themander of the imperial bodyguards and should not have been bringing him soup or sending him back.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t figure it out and didn��t want to think about it anymore since he was safe for now��


    Fortunately, his wedding would be in six days, so his days of practicing the [Yang Boosting Techniques] would end.


    In the future, he would go to health centers and clubs. Then, this type of thing wouldn��t happen again!


    After Ren Baqian left, Xin Zhe took a detour to the top of the pce wall and blushed when she saw the side of his face.


    Ren Baqian had guessed one point correctly: it was she who had sent the soup.


    She came across the pce maid who was bringing the soup, dismissed the maid, and delivered the soup to Ren Baqian instead.


    She wanted to ask whether the electric shock tests were going to continue��


    However, Ren Baqian was extremely drunk. She wanted to lift him up to feed him some soup, but she didn��t expect him to grope her with both hands. As if by magic, this made her feel hot all over.


    Especially when his hands spread open the gaps between her armor and moved up, the feeling was rather simr to the electric shocks she felt during the tests��


    This feeling was very strange to her!


    Obviously, there was no equipment this time��

 Chapter 811 - Sent For Execution

    Chapter 811: Sent For Execution


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The emperor of the Yun Nation was granted the title ��Duke of Anle�� <sup>1</sup> and was the only duke in Dayao.


    This was the title once held by Liu Chan. Needless to say, this was suggested by Ren Baqian.


    This title exined everything, he could have a peaceful and happy life for the rest of his days.


    To Chen Dongsheng, this was a good oue. It was definitely much better than the extermination of the whole imperial family after a dynastic change.


    The people of the Yun Nation had to admit that the empress was generous this time.


    This also made everyone believe that the aboriginals had changed their behavior.


    The turning point seemed to ur when the empress appointed her husband-to-be three years ago.


    Since then, Dayao had been gradually changing.


    Compared to the barbaric and ferocious aboriginals before, these changes were beneficial and made people feel at ease.


    Whether they went to watch or stayed in their houses and waited, everyone was relieved when Chen Dongsheng was conferred the title of Duke of Anle.


    Subsequently, it was circted that the empress would like to meet the caravan.


    It was exactly as Lin Mengsheng had said.


    This was another piece of good news


    Over 400 people out of four or five thousand finally went to the pce. All of them were sons of warlords, members of aristocratic families, and people like Lin Mengsheng, who were given special attention.


    There was also a guy called Gao Yishan. Everyone felt strange as no one knew where he was from. After some inquiries, they learned that he came with some people from Xinyang City.


    These several hundred people waited in front of the pce for the whole morning, and it was almost noon when they were brought inside.


    Upon entering the hall, they saw a heroic-looking woman in a red dress sitting above them with a golden crown ced on top of the table.


    Dozens of strong men and wild-looking women stood on both sides. They were looking at the crowd with scornful and intimidating looks.


    The crowd began to sweat.


    The dozens of people on both sides were all Spirit Wheel experts.


    The imperial court of Dayao was the most powerful in terms of martial arts prowess.


    If only these court officials were involved in a battle, Dayao dared to say, ��One can take on 10!��


    After all, other countries used knowledge and ability as benchmarks, but in the imperial court of Dayao, martial arts ability was the gold standard. Without sufficient martial arts ability, there wasn��t even a chance to speak in the imperial court.


    Presenting oneself before the empress was just to express loyalty.


    The empress cheerfully encouraged the people to act ording to the situation. As long as they didn��t destabilize the situation in the Yun Nation, acted loyal, and followed the instructions of the imperial court, they could live peacefully.


    These words were reiterated many times by Ren Baqian this morning.


    The empress didn��t bother to remember these words, but her memory was much better than an ordinary person��s, so she was able to roughly remember what he said.


    Following this formality, she announced, ��Lin Mengsheng,e forward!��


    ��Your Majesty, this humble man is Lin Mengsheng. My respects to Your Majesty!�� Lin Mengsheng came forward to report. Initially, he thought of saying something like ��centuries of unity to the martial arts world,�� but then decided that it was better not to say too much.


    After all, Dayao was different from the Yun Nation. It was better to shut up lest he said the wrong thing and gave people the wrong impression.


    ��Oh, so you are Lin Mengsheng.�� The empress scrutinized the young man who was about 30. He was fair, had a short beard, bright eyes, and was handsome.


    He was considered a good looking man in the Yun Nation.


    In Great Xia, he would also be considered attractive.


    However, the aesthetic standards in Dayao were different. To them, he was a gigolo and skinny like a chicken.


    ��You are a smart guy. You have done a good job and made a big contribution. Although you think that my people are barbaric, we aboriginals also reward contributions. What reward do you want? If it��s an official position, I can give you a Rank 6 post. If you want money, I will give you 100,000 taels of silver. If you want something else, I will give it to you as long as I have it.


    The empress spoke inly.


    The imperial treasury was loaded and the empress was rich enough, so giving away 100,000 taels wasn��t a problem.


    Furthermore, by persuading more than 10 warlords to surrender, Lin Mengsheng deserved a big reward. In other nations, he would be knighted and given a generous reward.


    However, the people from the Yun Nation were jealous when they heard this.


    After joining Dayao, the major warlords were given Rank 6 posts and the minor warlords were given Rank 7 posts.


    A Rank 6 post was equivalent to that of the major warlords. Was the empress offering him a city to take charge of?


    100,000 taels of silver was arge sum to the aboriginals, but it was nothing to the aristocratic families, let alone the warlords.


    ��This lowly citizen is thankful for your kindness. I��m not keen on position or wealth��I have been offered and have rejected such official posts before. I heard that Dayao has an academy, and I wonder if I can serve in the school? With my knowledge, I can be apetent teacher there.�� Lin Mengsheng sounded like a respected schr.


    ��Oh? Are you referring to ck Bamboo Academy?�� The empress was little surprised and raised her pitch.


    ��Aftering to Lan City, I have heard the academy being praised many times and hope to enter it. Can I swap the reward for a teaching position at the academy? I dare not say I��m very knowledgeable, but I have studied the books of the sages for 20 years. I should be able to handle a simple teaching job. Furthermore, I have wanted to be a teacher since I was young!��


    The empress knocked on the gold table in front of her and looked at Lin Mengsheng, who was standing below, as if she was trying to see into the bottom of his heart.


    Lin Mengsheng looked unfazed with his eyelids slightly drooping down.


    A momentter, she said with a smile, ��Since you have this wish, I will grant it!��


    ��Thank you, Your Majesty!�� Lin Mengsheng cupped his hands.


    Following this, the empress turned her attention to a sagely looking old man who was about 60.


    ��Are you Gao Yishan? You im to have a treasure that can control qi and fortune, which can allow my Dayao to prosper for centuries,�� the empress said.


    ��Yes, I am.�� Gao Yishan stepped forward.


    Fearing that the empress couldn��t understand qi and fortune, he exined again, ��This is an ancient treasure. When my ancestor obtained it, he kept it secret. I��m presenting it to Your Majesty to bless Dayao. I only hope that Your Majesty will be kind to my people in the Yun Nation.��


    Gao Yishan had considered it carefully before he came.


    Qi and fortune had been mentioned since ancient times. Any ruler would want to control the destiny of their country. When he asked the empress to be kind to his people, he was hoping to create apassionate image for himself.


    Whether the other party totally believed it or not, it was normally better to err on the side of caution.


    ��Ah, the Yun Nation is already gone, yet you are telling me about using qi and fortune to control the destiny of a country?�� The empressughed coldly. ��Send him for execution.��


    The guards outside were overjoyed to hear this.


    They hadn��t executed anyone in a long time.


    ��Your Majesty, please hear me out. My ancestor didn��t give it to the royal family of the Yun Nation because their foundation wasn��t stable enough to bear it. Dayao has now conquered the Yun Nation and has two ces as foundations. It needs this treasure to stabilize these foundations,�� Gao Yishan protested loudly.


    ��The human race was persecuted, and you are telling me about qi and fortune?�� The empress smirked. ��Execute him.��


    If this treasure was so useful, the human race wouldn��t have been reduced to 100,000 people and driven to this ce.


    These words could fool others and himself, but did he think that she was easy to deceive?


    ��


    Many people from the Yun Nation heaved a sigh of relief after leaving the pce. Although the empress looked gorgeous, she was terrifying since she killed people without blinking her eyes.


    Also, many people looked at Lin Mengsheng strangely as he walked out beside them.


    How could someone reject a Rank 6 post and opt to be a teacher at an academy?


    The principal of the academy wasn��t seen in court today. From this, it could be deduced that although he was the future husband of the empress, his position wasn��t high.


    Why did Lin Mengsheng still want to jump into a pit?


    A long timeter, after returning home, someone suddenly figured out the reason.


    ��This is a good move by Lin Mengsheng!��


    ��What do you mean?��


    ��Think about it. There��s only one academy in Dayao. Do you know what these students will end up as? Officials! Dayao isn��t like the Yun Nation and Great Xia, which have many academies. Since there��s only one academy in all of Dayao, those officials who graduate from it must call him teacher! His position will then naturally rise and isn��t limited to the academy!��


    ��Come on, I heard that only people without much talent were sent to that academy. There��s only one teacher who��s also the head of the academy. It��s just a ce for hanging around.��


    ��I think his motive is not to be a teacher, but is instead that person at the top���� Another young guy pointed to the top of his head.


    He continued, ��Think about it. The principal of that academy was chosen to be her husband, and it wasn��t because of his fighting ability. 80 percent of the reason for his selection was due to his knowledge. There are barbarians all over Dayao, so if you have a little literary knowledge, you are far ahead of the rest. Even in the Yun Nation, those famous schrs are favored by women.


    I heard that the principal of the academy isn��t that good looking, and it��s due to this spected reason that he is looked upon highly. As for Lin Mengsheng, this is 80 percent of his motive. Isn��t Lin Mengsheng better looking than Ren Baqian? Have you seen Ren Baqian during these past two days? His looks aren��t amazing, and he looks like a savage! Lin Mengsheng looks like a valiant hero, and his literary knowledge is also extraordinary. If he enters ck Bamboo Academy, where will Ren Baqian stand?��


    This young man was totally smiling vainly as he spoke. It was as if his words were the truth.


    However, the volume of his voice was kept very low.


    ��There are six more days before the grand wedding!�� someone reminded.


    ��What��s the big deal about a grand wedding? There are three pces and six courtyards. Which one isn��t full of concubines? Although she��s a woman, she may keep another man. Will that Ren Baqian dare to interfere? Or maybe Lin Mengsheng will rece him.��


    ��With that guy��s charm, status, and ability, even bing a kept man means that he isn��t living in vain!��


    As the crowd spected in private, the more they thought about it, the more likely this scenario seemed.


    Otherwise, why would Lin Mengsheng want to be a teacher instead of a Rank 6 official.


    If he wanted to be an official, he would most likely be sent to the Yun Nation.


    He would only have this opportunity by staying in Lan City.


    Plus, the easiest way to get close to the empress in Lan City, aside from being a senior court official, was to enter ck Bamboo Academy.

 Chapter 812 - The Entire City is Lit

    Chapter 812: The Entire City is Lit


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Check all the equipment again.�� Ren Baqian patrolled around a factory that was located outside and to the west of the city. There were several warehouses beside the factory that had a lot of coal and charcoal piled up.


    On the other side, there was a row of steel machinery.


    At present, hundreds of workers were busy in the factory and most of the third-year students were here to help check things.


    As time passed,mands started to be passed down.


    ��Ignite!��


    ��Pull the lever!��


    When thestmand sounded, everyone was nervous.


    This was Lan City��s power nt.


    After two months of preparation, this was the final moment.


    Without further ado, the lever to the electric switch was pulled. Then, all of the street lights in the courtyard lit up at almost the same time.


    Outward from the power nt, lights spread far away toward Lan City like a drop of dye in clear water.


    When the city lit up, there was a thunderous cheer in the power nt! Cheers filled with excitement!


    They had finally seeded.


    Although it had been tested before, it was only a small-scale test outside the city. This was the first full-power operation that involved lighting up all of Lan City.


    Looking at the distant city, it was brightly lit. Everyone felt a sense of aplishment and satisfaction in their hearts.


    It was currently about half-past seven in the evening, the sky wasn��tpletely dark yet, and there were still many people in the city who were on the streets. Themoners who had been busy the entire day had just finished their dinners and were moving on to their daily activities.


    All of a sudden, the entire city lit up.


    All of the dim areas were lit up. This included Beihong District, Zhulian District, Shuiboping District, Yingzuiyan District, Goujiazhai District, Wudaogou District, Baishi District, Shihu District, and Yiwulu District.


    Many people didn��t know what was happening, so they rushed out of their houses, only to find that the top of the poles, which had been erected over thest two months, were now lit up.


    The ss spheres were radiating light.


    When Tong Zhenye heard his guard shouting, he walked out of the yard and saw themppost outside his residence radiating light. He was immediately happy. They had finally seeded!


    ��Extinguish thenterns at the door!�� he shouted.


    ��Yes!��


    With thenterns in front of the residence extinguished, two streemps located about 40 steps away from each other were enough to illuminate the outside of the residence as well as arge area of the front yard.


    ��Good! Good! Good!�� Tong Zhenye touched his beard andughed.


    ��Is this what Tong Lan and the kids have been up to?�� A middle-aged couple walked out with surprised looks on their faces.


    ��Exactly! Follow me to check it out!�� Tong Zhenyeughed as he leaped up to a higher ce. He looked into the distance and saw that everything within his field of view was illuminated by the light.


    It looked as if the dazzling stars had been taken out of the sky and ced in the city.


    People from the surrounding houses jumped up to look at the magnificent scenery of the night.


    The high ground areas of the city were overpopted.


    All of the Yun Nation people walked out of their houses and were shocked to see the street lights that were lit up.


    They had always been curious about what these poles were and had frequently heard that ck Bamboo Academy made them. Back then, everyone was stillughing. They didn��t expect these things to light up. How many of these poles were there in the entire city? How did Ren Baqian aplish this?


    How could this brightly lit city be the dusty imperial capital of the barbarians?


    Most of the visitors from the Yun Nation had been trying to make connections and seek help, but none of them had included Ren Baqian in their ns. When nobody saw him at the morning court session, everyone thought that he had been excluded from the hall, even though he was the empress��s husband.


    After all, he wasn��t an aboriginal.


    However, when they witnessed this scene, many of them pondered whether they should visit ck Bamboo Academy. Even if they couldn��t rely on him as their backer, it would be good for them to understand how Ren Baqian had managed to achieve all of this.


    Everyone started moving to the streets. Even the residents joined the crowd while looking surprised.


    The city would have been dark by this time, but the lights were shining brightly.


    A burst of cheering sounded in the crowd.


    There were also people shouting other things like, ��Climbing thempposts is prohibited and offenders will get tenshes of the whip. Jumping on top of thempposts is prohibited and offenders will get tenshes of the whip. Damaging thempposts is prohibited����


    On this evening, the Public Order Bureau and the winged cavalry were deployed to announce the regtions that they had been forced to memorize.


    At the corner of a street, a group of Jing Tribe people stood there and watched with their eyes filled with eagerness.


    Suddenly, there was the sound of an erhu. A beautifuldy sat by the wall with a happy face and yed a cheerful tune. This was her adaptation of a Jing Tribe song yed on the erhu to bring out a different vor.


    The empress stood at the pce wall with her hands behind her back and looked down with a faint smile on her face.


    This was a big deal.


    It was a big deal for all of Dayao.


    It was an achievement that even made an emperor felt aplished.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s so beautiful!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan stood behind the empress, looking extremely fascinated.


    Xin Zhe stood in a shadowy area and looked at the lights in the distance. A thought ran through her mind, <em>I have heard that this is called electricity? Once electricity is connected, light will be produced�� Is that why Principal Ren��s body emits light as well? It��s no wonder that when he touched me, I felt an electric shock running through my body����</em>


    Ren Baqian didn��t know that he had been presumed to be a human generator.


    Witnessing the first time that they had sessfully supplied power to the entire city, he was extremely excited. Although he had long been used to seeing lights back on Earth, it had been tough trying to do the same in this world!


    He then hurried back to the pce, not knowing whether the empress had eaten.


    Along the way, he enjoyed the scenery of the city. He finally squeezed through the crowds in the streets and arrived at the pce. He went to the empress��s quarters and saw a hotpot apanied by a table full of meat and wine bottles.


    ��Your Majesty, we have seeded. We have taken down all the stars in the sky. Have you seen it?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��I saw it just now!�� The empress smiled.


    ��Give me a reward, Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously as he moved toward her.


    Seeing a bald man with this expression, she almostughed out loud, but she held it in. However, she couldn��t conceal the smile on her face.


    She allowed him to draw closer and kiss her on the lips.


    This soft touch made Ren Baqian��s heart race.


    The empress didn��t mind him kissing her asionally these days. After all, their wedding was just a few days away.


    However, it always made him feel as if he was kissing a rare jewel. No matter how many times he had done it, the rush of excitement never dipped.


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian was pushed away violently by the empress.


    The empress frowned and asked, ��Did you not brush your teeth today?��


    He pondered and analyzed carefully before realizing the problem.


    <em>Damn it! I forgot to brush my teeth today!</em>


    ��How could that be? It might be because I had eaten the stinky eggs that they brought to the power nt today!�� Ren Baqian looked as if he had been wronged.


    ��Stay further away from me! Or I��ll beat you!�� The empress felt even more disgusted.


    She forced him to move to the other end of the table.


    She then red at him for a bit before starting to eat��


    ��I have found a mister for your school,�� the empress casually said during dinner.


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian was slightly surprised. ��Are you referring to a teacher, Your Majesty?��


    ��Yeah, I wasn��t looking for him, but he asked for it. His name is Lin Mengsheng, and he is the man who gathered all the warlords and convinced them to surrender back then. Do you remember him? I promised to reward him with a Rank 6 official position or 100,000 taels of silver, but he said that he wanted to be a teacher at the school and I agreed.��


    ��Oh, it��s him? Why does he want to teach at the school?�� Ren Baqian was astonished. He then smiled and said, ��In any case, it��s fine with me. I��m too busy to do it alone, so it��ll be good to have another teacher as well. However, he has to learn how to read and write!��


    ��Yeah, I��ll leave the arrangement to you.�� The empress thought about it and, as a joke, told him about the piece of treasure that was meant to change the fate of a nation.


    Heughed out loud as well.


    If there truly was such a treasure, how had the human race been banished to such a deste ce?


    Ren Baqian became serious shortly after and asked, ��How was that person dealt with? He might have evil intentions. There are things like feng shui and luck on Earth as well. Luck can be gathered and can naturally be dissipated too.


    ��Killed him!�� the empress replied.


    Ren Baqian fell silent and smiled before replying, ��Truly your style of doing things, Your Majesty.��


    He then tried to imitate her voice and said, ��Take him away and kill him!��


    <em>Pow.</em>


    The empress flicked her chopsticks and sent arge piece of beef crashing into his face.


    The two chatted andughed. After the dinner was over, she poured him a ss of wine and said, ��This is to acknowledge your efforts in making Lan City no longer dark at night.��


    ��Thank you, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Do you want any other rewards?�� the empress asked again.


    ��Can I tell you again in a few days?�� he asked as he smiled.


    ��No! You have to tell me now!�� Looking at his expression, she subconsciously felt that she couldn��t agree to this.


    Ren Baqian pouted. He originally thought that he could bring up his request on the night of their wedding, but unfortunately, she didn��t agree.


    He pondered for a while and said, ��When we go back to Earth, we still have to hold another wedding. As the customs on Earth and Dayao are different, there are some things that you have to be patient about!��


    His hometown was pretty alright since they didn��t have any bad traditional customs. However, a wedding on Earth was still quite different from a wedding in this world. He didn��t want the empress to suddenly flip out when the time came.


    Even the simplest act of serving tea and changing the way she addressed his parents would be a problem.


    ��Do you think I��m that unreasonable? However, since you mentioned it, I shall promise you this!�� The empress smiled. Wasn��t it just etiquette? No big deal!

 Chapter 813 - Blind!

    Chapter 813: Blind!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian was still working five days before his wedding, and he felt that he deserved an industrious award of some sort.


    If he were this industrious back when he was working on Earth, he probably would have already been promoted, gotten a pay raise, and also married a perfect wife��


    Of course, he had gotten a promotion, received a pay raise, and was now about to marry a Miss Perfect as well. Furthermore, nothing else could bepared to what he had now.


    Other than Her Majesty herself, he reckoned that there was nobody else in the world who was worthy of being called the empress.


    On one hand, he did it for those students. After all, they had missed a lot of sses and Ren Baqian wouldn��t take a break as long as he could make it.


    This behavior wasmon among the aboriginals. They weren��t like most ordinary people who got wiped out by life. Because of their strength, the aboriginals had a very rich delving mentality and were extremely energetic.


    As a result, the aboriginals felt strongly about dying in a fancy way!


    For example�� thempposts!


    Even though the Public Order Bureau and winged cavalry had been deployed to everymppost the previous night to read out the various prohibitions, this didn��t deter the aboriginals.


    The Public Order Bureau had been whipping people all the way fromst night until this morning.


    It was said that 90 percent of these ��criminals�� wanted to climb up to see what was on top of the poles and why they glowed!


    The remaining ten percent of them wanted to see if it would still glow if they copsed the poles!


    Thankfully, Ren Baqian had long ago predicted that such situations would happen�� It wasn��t exactly a prediction, but there were too many Kismet Heaven and Cardinal Heaven experts in Lan City. These people could easily leap up and stand on top of thempposts!


    In order to prevent electric shocks, he deliberately buried all the wires underground. Otherwise, they would definitely be hearing news of hundreds of people being shocked by electricity, and the smell of charred meat would surely linger in the air for at least three days.


    Anyway, it was easy to dig holes and bury those wires. The aboriginals were strong and extremely efficient at digging holes, even without the use of excavators. An ordinary aboriginal would have no problems digging at least ten holes that were one meter wide and one meter deep. Within two months, they dug so many holes that all of Lan City looked like it was fighting a tunnel war.


    If not for theck of time, Ren Baqian would have wanted them to dig sewers!


    The aboriginals were full of curiosity and vigor, as were his students.


    Being curious about everything was an important factor for scientific exploration.


    Therefore, Ren Baqian still had considerable expectations for these students. Naturally, he would try his best to teach when he had the time to. This way, he would at least feel like he was a qualified teacher.


    Apart from the students, there was someone visiting the school today.


    Ren Baqian saw him as soon as he arrived at the entrance of the school. He was wearing a in brocade. He was fair-skinned, short-haired, looked charming and valiant, and was just a little short of what Ren Baqian had looked like back when he was much thinner.


    He stood there waiting early in the morning, and it seemed that he had asked around about what time Ren Baqian would normally arrive.


    ��Greetings, Principal. My name is Lin Mengsheng!�� Lin Mengsheng greeted Ren Baqian with an indifferent look on his face.


    Both of them looked at each other. Ren Baqian had arge, bald head and was built roughly the same as the aboriginals. He was fierce-looking, and his body was broad�� He actually looked a little more delicate than the aboriginals After all, his foundations were there.


    It was like how a fat husky wouldn��t look like a Tibetan mastiff.


    Ren Baqian looked at him and said, ��So, you are that Lin Mengsheng that I have heard about! Follow me in for a chat!��


    Lin Mengsheng followed him into his office. Ren Baqian then took out his gun and fiddled with it as he sat down. This wasn��t to threaten Lin Mengsheng since he didn��t even know what it was. Instead, it was just a little habit of Ren Baqian��s that he had relied on to keep himself safe when he first arrived. Even though he didn��t need it anymore, he would always fiddle with it every time he sat here.


    It was like how some people fiddled with walnuts when they had nothing to do.


    ��I have heard from Her Majesty that you want to be a teacher here. Before we discuss further, satisfy my curiosity first. Why do you want toe here?�� Ren Baqian casually asked.


    ��I��m not sure if you would believe it if I told you that I have always wanted to be an educator since I was young?�� Lin Mengsheng stood at the desk and smiled.


    ��What do you think?�� Ren Baqian looked at him and pondered. Was there any ce that an educator couldn��t teach? Why did he have toe all the way here?


    Lin Mengsheng changed his tone and said, ��The others have been guessing the various motives of themoners, and some guessed that the objective was Her Majesty����


    He paused for a little at this moment, seemingly trying to observe Ren Baqian��s reaction.


    He was pretty daring to pause his words here.


    If it were someone else other than Ren Baqian, they probably would have ordered Lin Mengsheng to be taken out and killed.


    Ren Baqian let out an unpredictableugh.


    Did these people really think that they could get the empress fall in love with them so easily? A lot of gigolos and schrs showed up during her birthday celebrations.


    Why then did she choose Ren Baqian?


    Of course, it was because he was flirty!


    Naturally, if someone else were to harbor any wild intentions, he would definitely arrange a tragic death for them.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian remained unmoved, Lin Mengsheng��s confidence in his decision grew stronger. He felt that Ren Baqian was indeed what he had expected. If Ren Baqian was fazed by such a sentence, Lin Mengsheng would definitely doubt his own decision.


    ��Those people��s thoughts were outright amusing! After prolonged periods of boredom and sitting there for too long, they were full of vile thoughts! In fact, themoners were after you!��


    Ren Baqian��s smile grew stiff, and he took a close look at Lin Mengsheng. Lin Mengsheng really looked like the Rabbit God[1.Rabbit God: the deity of Chinese folk religion unique to Beijing, where his sculptures are traditionally crafted]!


    <em>Kill him? </em>Ren Baqian contemted it. It wouldn��t be nice if he killed Lin Mengsheng on his first day at the academy�� Perhaps he could arrange a more suitable way of death for him, such as identally falling into the st furnace that was used for smelting steel?


    ��I have walked around the city over the past few days and saw all the ssware, mirrors, streetmps, soaps, newspapers, and cement roads that you have introduced!�� Lin Mengsheng continued.


    Ren Baqian felt that he could probably still spare this man��s life.


    ��The various regtions for the captives were also your idea! Whether it was the ten year period or other rules, they allowed the captives to not only have the will to survive, but to also have something to look forward to in the future. They won��t be reduced to the state of the walking dead, but they also won��t be corpses that nobody cares about. They are living an even better life than many of the Yun Nation��smoners! You have a strong righteousness in your heart, Principal, and I really admire it! Not to mention your other achievements, from the management of the captive camps alone, you have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands!


    There are also various policies that Dayao made after the upation of the Yun Nation, and I assume that all of them were your suggestions! No matter what the others think of you, you have reformed the barbarians to be more ethical and saved countless lives. There can never be anyone as humane, righteous, and wise as you.


    Now that the Yun Nation has fallen, if it wasn��t for you, countlessmoners would already have fallen into a bloody mess and would be in terrible situations. It was your effort that allowed them to lead safe lives now.


    At the beginning, I had heard from other sources about the regtions that were made for the captive camps. It was only after I had personally checked it out that I realized that Dayao had changed and was no longer how it used to be. Dayao��s forces were formidable, and the fall of the Yun Nation was a foregone conclusion. This was why I dared to voice out the pros and cons of surrendering and convinced many of the warlords to do so.


    You have made all kinds of strange things to benefit the people and even started a newspaper to convey their voice. You love the world, help countless people, and influence the barbarians with the way of saints. Unfortunately, your students are pretty weak, but even though they aren��t talented, they are willing to put in the effort!�� Lin Mengsheng concluded.


    Ren Baqian pondered for some time. Was this guy speaking the truth?


    Had he be a humane, righteous, wise, and brave saint to Lin Mengsheng after just the first meeting?


    Was Lin Mengsheng blind?


    However, from the fervor on his face, it didn��t look like he was faking it. Ren Baqian wouldn��t even feel the slightest pressure if he was presented with an award.


    Regardless of whether what Lin Mengsheng said was true or false, Ren Baqian felt that he should keep this person alive for now. Not to mention the rest, he felt that this man��s boot-licking skills were pretty exceptional. If Ren Baqian discovered something wrong with himter on, it wouldn��t be toote to deal with him then.


    If there really was no problem, a person like this would truly be useful!


    Ren Baqian drew back his lips and said, ��Alright, I��ll regard what you have said as true. Get ready to take up your position. However, in order to be a teacher, you have to start learning words first!��


    ��Every word I speak is the truth,�� Lin Mengsheng replied immediately. After that, he started to have some doubts. ��Learning words?��


    ��You wait here. I��ll go get you two textbooks.�� Ren Baqian left him in the office and went out for some fresh air.


    It was pretty stressful for him to deal with Lin Mengsheng.


    A figure appeared behind Ren Baqian like a ghost and said, ��I almost believed him after listening to all of that!��


    ��Who are you looking down on?�� Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. ��If the world��s most powerful expert can be a ball-kicking monster, why can��t I care for the world?��


    ��Hehe!�� Li Fu let out a burst of mischievousughter and disappeared.


    Ren Baqian looked around him and realized that Sir Li had disappeared. He always appeared and disappeared unpredictably, yet he showed up this time just to diss Ren Baqian?

 Chapter 814 - The Impact on the Worldview of Lin Mengsheng

    Chapter 814: The Impact on the Worldview of Lin Mengsheng


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Take this and learn the characters first.�� Ren Baqian threw a set of the <em>Three Character ssic </em>cross-reference manual to Lin Mengsheng.


    Lin Mengsheng took it, flipped through a few pages, and understood why Ren Baqian wanted him to learn the characters. One of the two types of characters wasmonly seen and used by Great Xia, the Yun Nation, and the Chen Nation.


    He hadn��t seen the other type of characters before.


    ��This type of characters is���� Lin Mengsheng was uncertain, but didn��t ask further and continued turning the pages.


    There was a total of more than 1,000 characters. By right, he should have been able to finish reading very quickly, but he read very slowly. The more he read, the more uncertain he became.


    After reading part of the contents, Lin Mengsheng eximed in admiration, ��As I thought, Principal Ren is aiming to transform the barbarians through the values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and filial piety! This is really the way of the sages.��


    Then, he asked, ��But why can��t I find the source of some of the content?��


    Lin Mengsheng highly appreciated the writing within the <em>Three Character ssic </em>. This book was even more brilliant than the enlightenment books of Great Xia. Moreover, the excellent moral, social, and value concepts flowed straight out of the text.


    The only thing that he didn��t understand was where this text came from.


    ��Oh, you assume that only Great Xia, the Yun Nation, the Chen Nation, and Dayao exist in this world. However, this is actually just a corner of the world!�� Ren Baqian chuckled. Since Lin Mengshen was entering the academy, he would certainly see those textbooks and robots, so it wasn��t necessary to hide anything. Ren Baqian might as well brag.


    Originally, it wasn��t easy to brag, but now they knew that humans were from the mountain and sea on the other side, he had a rough idea of what to say.


    ��On the mountain and sea on the other side, there��s a group of Smurfs who are lively and intelligent. They are also mischievous and agile��


    Cough! There��s another nation there! Their culture is different from the four nations here and is more developed. I��m a top talent from that country, which exins many things.��


    Anyway, no one could go there to prove this. By the time they were able to go there, he could say that they were in outer space!


    The origin of the human race was mentioned once in the imperial court by the empress, but there was a gag order to stop the spread of this news as it was too sensitive and there was no benefit if many people were to know.


    However, this didn��t prevent Ren Baqian from leaking the fact that the four nations were just one corner of the world.


    Ren Baqian��s exnation stunned Lin Mengsheng, and he found it to be incredible!


    ��Principal Ren means that�� You mean���� This intelligent guy was tongue-tied, and the impact on his worldview was great.


    Before this, many people believed that the center of the world was where they were located.


    They also thought that this was the only continent!


    This revtion from Ren Baqian shattered the worldview that Lin Mengsheng had always held.


    ��That is what it means! This is just a corner of the world! Whether you are aboriginals or hail from Great Xia or the Yun Nation, in my eyes, all of you are barbarians���� Ren Baqian pronounced profoundly.


    ��Are there really other nations in this world?�� Lin Mengsheng looked at the <em>Three Character ssic </em>and didn��t know whether to believe it or not.


    He didn��t expect to hear such frightening facts on his first day at the academy and was rather disorientated.


    ��The pavement outside, the ss, and the cement roads look amazing to you, but they are actually quitemon in my nation.�� Ren Baqian shrugged his shoulder.


    Lin Mengsheng thought about the things mentioned by Ren Baqian, looked at the <em>Three Character ssic </em>, and started to believe.


    Seeing that it was about time, Ren Baqian took the bemused looking Lin Mengsheng to ss.


    ��This is Lin Mengsheng, who willter be your assistant teacher.�� Ren Baqian pointed at the bewildered Lin Mengsheng who was standing at the door.


    ��Jing Tribe?�� someone asked.


    ��Are you stupid? Jing Tribe people have big foreheads! He should be from the Yun Nation.��


    ��I heard yesterday that someone rejected Her Majesty��s offer of a Rank 6 official post and wanted to be a teacher at our academy. I guess he should be that person.��


    The rest of the students immediately began discussing this.


    ��Since you have heard about it, I will not say more. Be more respectful in the future! You can��t beat, scold, or threaten the teacher! If I find out that you have done such things, you know the consequences!�� Ren Baqian said sternly.


    Ren Baqian knew that this Lin Mengsheng was only a Man Wheel expert. In the Yun Nation, this level was considered good and was sufficient to open a martial arts center to ept disciples. For a schr, this level of martial arts ability was considered exceptional.


    However, this was Dayao! The peddlers on the street were all Man Wheel experts and were embarrassed to say they practiced martial arts if they weren��t Earth Wheel experts.


    The unscrupulous merchants from the Yun Nation had offended the people of Dayao for all these years. Plus, Dayao had just fought a war with the Yun Nation for more than a year. If he didn��t exhort these students to behave, there would be posters the next day that read, ��Insult to the ssroom.��


    After Ren Baqian finished teaching the morning lessons, Lin Mengsheng was even more befuddled.


    Prior toing here, he was very confident in his literary level. To be a teacher or even to take the examination in Great Xia wasn��t a problem.


    He only discovered this morning that he totally couldn��t understand the things that Ren Baqian said��


    Square roots, cube roots, and thew of gravity were things that he had never heard of.


    Besides these, there was something even more earth-shaking. It was a puppet that could talk, emit lights, and project pictures on the wall!


    Previously, he thought that stories about moving wooden cows and horses were fascinating enough, but they were nothingpared to the things he saw today! If they said that the puppet he saw was made by the gods, he would believe it.


    At this juncture, hepletely believed Ren Baqian.


    It was impossible not to believe.


    To his dismay, he found that he not only needed to learn a new type of characters, but many other things as well�� Not to mention being a teacher, any student here could be his teacher��


    Ren Baqian ignored what was on Lin Mengsheng��s mind and waited in his office after ss.


    In addition to lecturing, Ren Baqian came to the academy to make arrangements for Lin Mengsheng and for one additional matter, which was waiting to receive his gifts!


    Although it wasn��t a big deal, so many people enthusiastically came here bearing gifts. Shouldn��t he give them the opportunity to do so?


    ��


    At this moment, a few people were walking on a street in the Beihong District while looking horrified.


    Yesterday, there was nothing unusual on this street, but today, all kinds of skeletons and bones were hung up on walls on either side. Animal heads, human heads, sternums, spines, thigh bones, feet, and so on. There were many corpses on the street, and when the wind blew, the noise it made as it passed through the cracks in these bones sounded like ghosts weeping and spirits howling. Even in the bright daylight, they felt cold and eerie.


    ��I heard that some new criminals entered the prison and that some will be severely dealt with by the new official as a show of power. Is this really the case?��


    ��Why are they doing this? We are here to make a courtesy call��is there a need to put on such a show of power?��


    ��I feel that today isn��t a good time to send the visiting card����


    ��Cough, stick out your neck! We are here to send gifts! No matter how barbaric they are, they surely wouldn��t cut off our heads.��


    ��Didn��t they execute one yesterday?!��

 Chapter 815 - Three More Days To Go

    Chapter 815: Three More Days To Go


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    For the next two days, many senior officials carried a sack when attending court.


    These sacks were made from animal guts, were about the size of a palm, could fit in two Altos [1. A kei car build by Suzuki] and wouldn��t shrink because they were made from a type of superstic material.


    Ren Baqian felt that they wouldn��t tear if they were made into stockings!


    He imagined two people rolling in the bedsheets, hot with desire, and about to go all the way, but then, he couldn��t tear the stockings even after using all his strength.


    The effort of the male was in vain, and he looked pale the next day as if suffering from kidney failure! Only heaven knew that he spent the whole night trying to tear the stockings and finally didn��t know why he was trying to tear the stockings.


    Trying to tear the stockings was more fun than making love!


    His imagination was getting too wild.


    Over the next two days, the senior officials would go to the hall and pour out the contents from the sack that each of them carried. Piles and piles of precious jewelry were shining in the hall with golden brilliance.


    Minister Tu Wan, a dignified and maturedy from the Ministry of Revenue, wasughing until her 16 teeth were showing.


    All of these things were going into the imperial treasury.


    70 percent of the gifts were meant for the treasury, while the other 30 percent were given to the officials as a bonus.


    Even the givers from the Yun Nation were surprised by the integrity of these officials who immediately handed over the required portion to the treasury.


    In fact, these people wouldn��t even have had the chance to send their gifts if Ren Baqian had not intentionally reframed the empress��s concept of taking bribes into one of epting contributions to the imperial treasury.


    It wasn��t that the aboriginals had high moral consciousness, but they didn��t have a habit of giving and receiving gifts.


    These aboriginals only knew one thing: the power of the fist.


    Furthermore, all of these officials hadnd and houses after plundering the Hao Nation and the Yun Nation. They weren��t filthy rich, but were reasonably wealthy and didn��t need more wealth.


    More important was the extreme poverty and theck of material goods in Dayao. There was nowhere to spend the money! From top to bottom, no one had the experience of being fascinated by wealth.


    Furthermore, these people from the Yun Nation were like miceing in the thousands to send gifts and establish connections. How was this fact supposed to be hidden?


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t anticipated this, they wouldn��t even have the chance to knock on the door!


    This was a happy situation for everyone. The imperial treasury had more ie, the senior officials felt justified in getting a bonus, and the people from the Yun Nation were relieved.


    If they couldn��t deliver these gifts, they would feel burdened when returning.


    The only one who didn��t feel good was the person who came up with this idea, Ren Baqian.


    Those d*mn idiots were either blind or stupid. Only a few people gave him, the great prince, some presents. When he checked, one of these people gave Tong Zhenye one third more than what he gave to Ren Baqian!


    It didn��t ur to Ren Baqian that not seeing him in court that day, plus the fact he wasn��t an aboriginal, had led those people to conclude that he wasn��t among the center of influence in court.


    ��Those Jing Tribe people are more likeable!�� Ren Baqian purred.


    The Jing Tribe people gave a generous gift to the empress. Plus, each n and sect sent gifts to him separately. In total, he received more gifts from them than the empress did! They were indeed very thoughtful!


    His kindness to them wasn��t in vain!


    Lin Mengsheng, who was sitting across from him, was studying 1,000 characters and the simplified characters. He raised his head to look at Ren Baqian strangely and wondered why Ren Baqian said this.


    Then, he thought of something and got lost in his musing!


    ��The holidays start tomorrow andst 16 days long. There is no need toe to school during this period,�� Ren Baqian said before going to the ssroom and assigning homework for the students.


    Although he was going to get married soon, he still didn��t forget the students. How dedicated could one be!


    ��Principal Ren, this is a big asion. Isn��t assigning homework rather depressing?�� Du Laoliu asked mischievously as a bunch of studentsughed heartily.


    Tong Lan smiled coldly. Knowing Ren Baqian, things weren��t as simple as they looked!


    Ren Baqian chuckled and replied, ��Because of this big asion, I��m giving you twice the amount of homework! There��s also a workbook. Are you happy and excited?��


    Everyone turned to re at Du Laoliu!


    Why couldn��t Ren Baqian umte some merit when he was going to get married soon?


    After Ren Baqian happily left the ssroom, a scuffle broke out. Or rather, a group of students went after Du Laoliu.


    It could also be construed as Du Laoliu challenging all the other students.


    Just as Ren Baqian was about to leave the academy, Li Fu appeared out of nowhere like a ghost and said, ��Little fellow!��


    ��Uncle Li! Has anyone told you that you are scary?�� Ren Baqian saw an old face full of wrinkles. Luckily, he was prepared for such a surprise. Anyone else would have suffered a heart attack.


    ��Cough, you talk too much!�� Li Fu looked strange. It was as if he was nostalgic and had some regrets.


    Based on his past, it was understandable.


    If the gods didn��t make him a cuckold, he wouldn��t be in such a state and would have lived a simple and good life with his wife and kids.


    As a result, he most likely wouldn��t have be the world��s most powerful expert.


    ��This is for you!�� Li Fu handed him a book.


    ��Bedroom techniques?�� Ren Baqian asked. He was wondering whether this had anything to do with the [Godly Finger]?


    <em>Ptooie! </em>Li Fu spat his saliva as if he was spitting nails, and it almost hit Ren Baqian��s foot.


    ��This is what I have learned over the years! Since I have nobody to pass it on to, I��m giving it to you!�� Li Fu dered casually.


    Another person might have regarded it as a treasure or buried it somewhere and said loudly, ��Do you want strength? My martial arts skills and everything I know are buried here! ONE PIECE!��


    Although Li Fu was the world��s most powerful expert, he didn��t take his martial arts skills seriously.


    Through Ren Baqian, he had the hope of going up into the sky. As he had nothing valuable to give Ren Baqian for his wedding, he might as well give this book which he might bury one day.


    Ren Baqian quickly put the book in his pocket. Even though Li Fu wasn��t very serious, he was the world��s most powerful expert. Plus, his skills were solid. Ren Baqian had always suspected that Li Fu��s skills were far above the Spirit Wheel level.


    This book of knowledge could be a family heirloom.


    After receiving this precious gift from Li Fu, Ren Baqian��s mood soared. He smiled at Li Fu and said, ��Thank you very much! I heard that you are selling iron crotch shields with a partner. How is business?��


    ��Cough, I used to lead a wandering life and needed nothing. There are no wild goats or cows around, so I have to make a living because money is needed for food! The people here do not know how to respect their elders. Previously, I was well fed everywhere I went and was even given money. This ce is much worse! Peoplee to challenge me every day, yet I��m not even paid a hardship allowance!�� Li Fuined.


    Ren Baqian felt that the world��s most powerful expert wasn��t having a good time in Lan City.


    However, who was the one who came up with this iron crotch shield? It was presumably not Li Fu!


    Well, these shields were sold in front of the tavern run by Ning Caichen on Jing Street. This guy must havee up with the idea after seeing peopleing in every day after receiving a kick.


    Then, they colluded and this shield became very popr!


    It was called an iron shield, but it was actually made from a type of iron-wood and coated in iron foil. To Li Fu, it was about the same since the shield would be crushed after one kick! However, his kicks were getting more urate, and the injuries were reduced by half. These shields naturally became a bestseller.


    ��It��s good to spend a night in the bridal chamber, but do not indulge in it every day!�� Li Fu advised before saying, ��I��m leaving!��


    He simply disappeared without a trace.


    Li Fu appeared out of nowhere like a ghost and departed without a trace.


    Ren Baqian went by the eerie streets as he hurried back to the pce. It was three days before the grand wedding.

 Chapter 816 - Zhao Prince Consort

    Chapter 816: Zhao Prince Consort


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, this is the route to fetch your groom. There will be people intercepting you at these three locations that you will have to defeat. Of course, this is all just for show!�� Great Elder Shi Qing held a piece of paper and showed it to the empress.


    Drawn on the paper was a big house. There were all kinds of crooked lines as well as various unknown squares.


    Ren Baqian took a close look at it for some time before asking with a deep look on his face, ��What is this drawing about? Some people may even mistake this for a talisman�� Where��s the endpoint?��


    ��This is the pce, this is my residence, this is Jingyang Street, this is Minister Tu��s residence, this is Minister Qin��s�� This is Minister Tong��s�� And this is the destination!��


    Ren Baqian drew back the corners of his mouth and wondered who drew such a fantastic drawing!


    He would be shocked if anyone understood it!


    ��So, Sir Tong��s residence is the endpoint?�� Ren Baqian raised his tone slightly.


    The wedding was arranged by all the high officials. Now that the event was nearing, Ren Baqian came to see how everything was arranged so that he knew what was going on.


    After all, it was his wedding��he ought to show some interest!


    However, Shi Qing could have just directly said that the Tong Residence was the destination without sketching a drawing like this. It would still be easily understandable even without looking at the drawing!


    Everything would be screwed up after looking at it!


    It was like abstract art!


    ��Naturally, we can��t just let Her Majesty bring you from Pingle Park to the pce.�� Shi Qing touched his beard with one hand and smiled at Ren Baqian.


    Later, Shi Qing briefed the empress on the things that would be happening on her wedding day.


    When it ended, Ren Baqian pondered for a bit and asked, ��What do I do?��


    Shi Qing looked at him and said, ��Just wait there for Her Majesty to fetch you!��


    Ren Baqian humphed, feeling like he wasn��t involved in his own wedding��


    ��If you wish to, you can doll yourself up�� Most of the aboriginaldies do so on their wedding day!�� Shi Qing��s old and wrinkled face looked like a chrysanthemum when he smiled.


    Ren Baqian stared at him for some time as the empress immediately startedughing. Her smile was truly beautiful, totally unlike Shi Qing��s!


    The empress held her chin and looked happily at his eyes.


    ��I��ll be wearing men��s clothing on that day, right?�� He suddenly thought of something and had an awkward look on his face.


    He didn��t want to put on the bride��s clothes on that day�� He still needed to preserve his reputation�� Of course, if it was required of him, he would still do it!


    Shi Qing looked at him entrically for a long time, wondering why this man was thinking about such matters? How absurd would he look like in women��s clothes?


    ��Of course you��ll be wearing men��s clothes!��


    ��Phew!�� Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief.


    As long as he would be wearing men��s wear, other things wouldn��t matter to him.


    Shi Qing continued to brief the empress, including on how the sequence would be, setting up the stage before moving off, and how to head back. After all, it was her wedding and must not be sloppy. An aboriginal��s wedding was originally a very simple procedure. The groom would usually just fight his way to the bride��s house and fetch her, but now, they had made it veryplicated.


    When Shi Qing was talking about the people who would be intercepting the empress, Ren Baqian overheard Hong Wu��s name.


    Hong Wu was supposed to be on the empress side.


    How did he be one of the interceptors!


    Ren Baqian originally thought that it would be Tong Zhenye and that there would only be two things that would happen. First, Tong Zhenye would disy the image of an expert blocking the way. Then, he would get kicked into the wall by the empress.


    He didn��t expect Hong Wu to be involved!


    ��Of course, Sir Hong will also just be putting on an act!�� Shi Qing��s face continued looking like a chrysanthemum.


    An hourter, after exining everything, Shi Qing said, ��Also, Sir Ren��s noble title has to be decided. We have to announce it in two days!��


    After hearing this, the empress pondered for some time and asked with a weird expression on her face, ��Why am I not getting one?��


    ��Your Majesty is the emperor of Dayao��why would you need another title? ording to the history of Great Xia and the Hao Nation, one would only be conferred a posthumous title after death. However, we currently don��t even know where our two former emperors are or whether they are still alive, especially the first emperor. With his level of strength, he may still be alive somewhere. As such, they didn��t receive any posthumous titles!�� Shi Qing exined.


    ��Oh!�� The empress nodded. After pondering for some time, her eyes drifted from Ren Baqian��s face, to the roof of the pce, and then back to his face again. She was racking her brains to think of a title to give him.


    The prince from Earth�� The Earth Prince for short?


    The prince from the other world�� The World Prince for short?


    Neither one sounded right��


    ��Given Sir Ren��s status, it��s best to give him the title of prince consort. In other words, we add a descriptor before the title of prince consort! I have a list of titles that the officials have prepared. You can pick one from the list, Your Majesty.�� Shi Qing took out a paper from his coat.


    ��Why didn��t you say this earlier!�� The empress sounded unhappy. She killed a lot of her brain cells just now, but to no avail.


    ��Glorious Prince Consort?�� The empress read out the first line on the list.


    ��The word ��glorious�� holds the meaning of magnificence and brilliance. Principal Ren introduced the street lights and expelled the darkness. It is quite appropriate to use this word,�� Shi Qing exined.


    ��Honest�� Jing�� Peng Prince Consort.�� The empress slid her finger down the list as Shi Qing exined.


    There wasn��t much to exin about Honest Prince Consort, whereas Jing referred to Tianjing Basin and Peng referred to a region in the Yun Nation that used to be called Peng Prefecture.


    The empress shook her head. Using names of ces as a prefix usually meant that the person was the ruler of that ce. The empress didn��t really care about these ces, but she simply didn��t like these names.


    Ren Baqian felt tired for them just from listening to their conversation. Given the educational levels of these elders, it was really difficult for them toe up with a list like this.


    It was probably equivalent in difficulty to making a mediocre student write an 800 wordposition about a husky.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort����


    ��The character ��zhao�� isprised of the characters ��ri�� and ��shao.��Ri�� means light and ��shao�� means guidance or summoning. So the character ��zhao�� can be inferred as leading the light or summoning the light. This word suits Sir Ren����


    ��This sounds pretty eptable!�� The empress pondered for some time. She liked this name a lot.


    She wasn��t sure about how others felt, but for her, ever since Ren Baqian arrived, he had pulled her out of the cold pce.


    ��This it shall be!�� The empress immediately decided.


    ��In that case, I shall proceed to arrange it.�� Shi Qing put away the paper and asked to be excused.


    Ren Baqian��s face went from cheerful to solemn and was now ck��


    Did Shi Qing really interpret it that way?


    Why did Ren Baqian somehow find it weird?


    ��Your Majesty, I feel that it��s better to change the title.�� Ren Baqian had an awkward look on his face.


    ��I feel that it��s pretty good. That word suits you�� What do you find inappropriate about it?�� The empress seemed quite happy.


    Looking awkward, he eventually didn��t tell her the meaning of that word.


    The aboriginals were simple-minded people. To them, the character ��ri�� simply meant the sun!


    At the very least, the aboriginals didn��t have any connotations to these words.

 Chapter 817 - One Day Before the Wedding!

    Chapter 817: One Day Before the Wedding!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The first day of the New Year was also the day before Ren Baqian and the empress��s grand wedding.


    The walls of the pce were decorated with aboriginal ornaments, just like the external walls of the senior officials�� residences.


    The head of Teng Yue was hung on the pce wall. His head had been buried under the pce for more than a year and surprisingly had not been eaten by worms and rats. It didn��t turn into a skull and was just very dried out. His face could still be vaguely seen.


    This gave Ren Baqian a clearer understanding of the body of a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Of course, Teng Yue used to be the world��s fourth most powerful expert and had been an expert in spear fighting. His body was definitely much stronger than an ordinary Spirit Wheel expert��s body!


    Hanging beside him was a row of skeletons that belonged to many Spirit Wheel experts from Tianjing Basin. The skeletons of the two Spirit Wheel experts who had tried to assassinate Ren Baqian were also there, and the rest belonged to some experts that were killed by the empress.


    However, there was one thing that was quite different from the rest and incongruous.


    It was an erhu that was eaten by the worms and chewed on by the rats!


    The bow was blown by the wind against the body of the erhu and sounded like monks striking wooden fish. The surrounding objects were eerie and forbidding, so this sounded warmer in contrast.


    He wondered which idiot had dug it out with the rest and hung it on the wall.


    However, Ren Baqian felt the eerie aboriginal decorations were even more of an eyesore.


    Of all the Chinese, English, and Mediterranean styles�� the aboriginal style rendered him speechless!


    The grand wedding was set for the following day!


    What did they mean by hanging a bunch of skeletons and bones on the pce walls?


    Ren Baqian looked at the things hanging on the walls and felt helpless. He and the empress each wore a Cbash Brothers[1.Cbash Brothers: A Chinese animation TV series produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio] mask and went out of the pce.


    Normally, fewer people would be seen in Lan City during the first day of the New Year, but because the grand wedding was being held tomorrow, there was an increase in the number of people. Furthermore, there were more goods avable in Lan City after the Yun Nation was defeated. Thus, the streets were filled with big hunks and enchantingdies.


    Among them, the two people who attracted the most attention were Ren Baqian and the empress, who were wearing the Cbash Brothers masks.


    These masks attracted even more attention than their original looks.


    Most of the shops on either side of Jingyang Street were open. Two shopkeepers from the Yun Nation had given gifts to the empress and took back their original shops. They were arrested the next day and had to pay a sum of money to get themselves released. This straightened them out.


    It seemed like the people from the Yun Nation didn��t know whether money or their lives were more important! The Yun Nation was gone, yet they still dared to sell at 10 times the price like they did before. Ren Baqian was willing to bet that these two shops wouldn��t evenst for half a year.


    Since few shops were taken back by their original owners, there were some shops that remained closed. The doorways of these shops became good ces for the aboriginals to set up their stalls.


    ��Paris polyphy![1.Paris polyphy: Asian species of flowering nt native to China, Taiwan, the Indian Subcontinent, and Indochina]. 10 year old paris polyphy! Good for muscle growth and staunching blood. Essential medicine for hunting or street fighting!��


    This advertisement reflected the valiant spirit of the aboriginals.


    ��Red flower from ck Mountain! If your opponent uses paris polyphy, you can use red flower. It��s guaranteed to heal your wounds faster than your opponent!��


    In less than a minute, the two families started fighting. They advertised their medicines as they fought. After fighting for a solid five minutes, they were fine and sold half of their medicines.


    ��Scorpion pipes at 30 taels of silver each! Top-grade poisonous scorpion. One will lie down for seven days after a sting�� and faint for half a day after one whiff����


    Well, poison was being sold on the street through use of exotic slogans.


    Plus, there were many people crowding around the stalls.


    ��Red scorpion ws from Mount Qingquan! They are sharper than iron. The price of seven of them is equivalent to the price of one iron saber of about the same size.��


    Ren Baqian nced at the scorpion w seller. These ws were disyed on the floor with big ones asrge as a short saber and small ones like daggers. If they were really simr to iron, they should be useful for themon people.


    ��The city is busier than usual!�� the empress said excitedly as she watched the people thronging on both sides of the street.


    ��Don��t be annoyed since it will be busy every day in the future!�� Ren Baqian said with a smile.


    With the goods and materials from the Yun Nation, the first one to prosper was Lan City.


    As the capital, its poption of less than 100,000, which included the farms on the outskirts, was too small.


    ��Why be annoyed? It will be good that way!�� the empress said. Although she was wearing a mask, he could guess that she was smiling.


    When the two of them arrived at the few royal shops, they saw the servants of the rich people from the Yun Nation standing outside. Inside, the shops were packed with their masters.


    Whether it was ss products, mirrors, or spices, these goods were attractive to the rich people from the Yun Nation who liked to show off.


    Of course, the price they paid was 10 times that of the aboriginals.


    After standing outside these shops for some time, the two of them went to other ces.


    Ren Baqian sighed as he walked andmented, ��Those people from the Yun Nation are really rich! Even after sending so many gifts, they still have money to buy things!��


    The first thought that came to the empress��s mind when she heard this was to plunder them again!


    Then, she realized that the Yun Nation was already part of her territory!


    This made her a little regretful!


    ��We will get money from them when we want to build new cities!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Great Xia also had many rich tyrants, but there was now unrest everywhere, so they had to wait for it to settle down before seizing this wealth!


    Of course, this would be done by selling them special products.


    This method of snatching money was no slower than robbing with a saber.


    The two of them moved around the city for half a day and somehow ended up on a very familiar street.


    Compared to the buildings in other ces, the buildings here were more exquisite. There weren��t any fruit trees nted in the courtyards, and they contained water fountains instead.


    Although it was afternoon, a group of beautifuldies were leaning against the windows,ughing, and ying.


    Then, they heard Tong Zhenyeughing loudly and saying, ��Come on! Let me touch your body to feel whether it is plump and smooth����


    ��That old thing!�� Ren Baqian cursed under his breath and whispered to the empress, ��Your Majesty, it is Sir Tong!��


    ��Hmm! I��m not deaf!�� the empress replied with a faint voice.


    Seeing that the empress didn��t respond at all, he picked up a stone and threw it at the window where theughter wasing from.


    The cry of a girl was heard.


    ��Who��s the lunatic who threw the stone? Are you seeking death?�� As the loud voice of Tong Zhenye rang out, his figure was already outside the window.


    The only person who dared to throw stones at his window was that old fool, Qing Chuan!


    ��Old bastard, today I will let you���� Before Tong Zhenyended on the ground and before he finished his sentence, he discovered a figure in front of him.


    The red dress was familiar!


    The style of movement was also familiar!


    Even the fragrance was familiar��


    Tong Zhenye was shocked and blurted out, ��Your Majesty?��


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Tong Zhenye flew back faster than he came out!


    Screams were hearding from the building.


    The empress fluttered down beside Ren Baqian and nced at him.


    ��Cough! I just wanted to greet Sir Tong, but he was so agitated!�� Ren Baqian coughed dryly and sounded surprised.


    The empress red at him, but didn��t try to guess his intentions and continued heading back.


    The couple finally ended up at the base of the clock tower. It had now be surrounded by a small za, and many stone chairs abounded. However, they were disappointed to find that all the seats were taken because they were hoping to sit here for a while.


    Themps on the streets were being switched on, and they walked back to the pce under the streetlights.


    ��Well, Your Majesty, the grand wedding is tomorrow!�� Ren Baqian suddenly said.


    Although tomorrow was the big day, they were wandering in the city today and were surprisingly unexcited and calm.


    It seemed like as long as he had this person beside him, he had everything in the world.


    The rest of his feelings seemed far away from his mind!


    ��Hmm!�� the empress responded softly.


    ��Aren��t you excited?�� Ren Baqianughed and bumped her with his shoulder.


    ��Hmmn���� the empress murmured very softly.


    ��This is so unlike you, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Why don��t you call me by my name? It seems like a long time���� The empress asked a question in return. This question had been on her mind for a long time, but she had never mentioned it before.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and replied sincerely, ��This is what I always remember. What I have is Your Majesty, the only woman in the world for me, irreceable, and unmatched by anyone!��


    ��Is that so?�� the empress asked softly. This answer was a bit unexpected. She wanted Ren Baqian to call her by her name since he was the only one who could do so now.


    However, his answer wasn��t annoying.


    Instead, she was delighted by it.


    Ren Baqian pulled her shoulder toward him and moved his face forward��


    Then��


    Their lips locked together��

 Chapter 818 - The Grand Wedding (Part 1)

    Chapter 818: The Grand Wedding (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian left the pce before midnight as he wasn��t supposed to be in the pce the day before the wedding.


    The clothes had already been sent in advance to the Tong Residence.


    Although it was midnight, very few areas of Lan City were dark due to the street lights.


    At this time, all the houses on Jingyang Street were brightly lit and people were busily decorating the walls.


    All kinds of flowers, which were brought into the city recently, were hung on the walls and made Beihong District look like a garden paradise.


    Two sunflowers were inserted into the eye sockets of a skull�� This was probably considered cute by the aboriginals!


    A gand was even hung on a thigh bone!


    The spines of fierce beasts were fully covered with flowers.


    Hand bones were mounted on the walls with a red flower on each palm.


    The bones danced with the flowers in the wind, and the fragrance wafted through the air.


    Ren Baqian felt even colder��


    The Great Elder, Shi Qing, got others to ce a rocking chair and a table in front of the door. He and the Junior Elder, Kou Zhehai, fanned themselves as they watched people busily working.


    Seeing Ren Baqian, the two nodded their heads and smiled.


    After the empress came back from the Sixty Thousand Mountains and exined the situation of Qi Ziting, Kou Zhehai became morew-abiding.


    Ren Baqian cupped his hands toward them and continued moving forward.


    The area in front wasn��t much different, and people were busy everywhere.


    The residences of Minister Tu Wan, Minister Xuan Hua, Minister Zhuo Yan, Minister Xiong Yaohe, General Hong Wu, and themanders of the five protectorates were all located in the Beihong District next to Jingyang Street. This was the core area of Lan City. At this time, almost all of them were busy with activities.


    In the areas further away, the residences of the junior officials were also aze with lights.


    When he arrived at the Tong Residence, they were doing cleaning preparations and sprinkling water on the flowers.


    A fierce looking middle-aged man stood outside the door and greeted him with a smile, ��My respects to Zhao Prince Consort!��


    The title of prince consort had been recorded in the register and posted on various bulletin boards. In other words, although the wedding was in half a day, Ren Baqian was officially a prince consort now.


    The memory of the person who gave him his name suddenly came up. That guy had said that Ren Baqian would live up to 8,000 years. He thought that it was bullshit, but it became true!


    As for Ren Wannian�� Oh, their father tried to match his name to Ren Baqian��s name and just named him simply.


    Ren Wannian had beenining about this for years! 1,000 year tortoise, 10,000 year turtle.


    ��Thanks for the hard work!�� Ren Baqian jumped down and cupped his hands.


    In front of him was Tong Shan, the son of Tong Zhenye, the father of Tong Lan, and a typical case of a man dominated by a wife who could outfight him.


    Tong Lan��s mother was called Tie Kuang, which didn��t sound like a woman��s name. Her father was called Tie Feng, nicknamed Mad Tie, and was themander of the Protectorate of the North.


    People are like their namesake. After being called Mad Tie for half of his life, he took it to the extreme and named his daughter Tie Kuang.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, you are wee! This is an honor for the Tong family!�� Tong Shanughed heartily. ��Pleasee in. My father is waiting for you.��


    Shortly after entering, Ren Baqian heard a clear voice yell, ��Yagui!��


    The little lolita, Tong Lan, was dressed in white as usual, but in addition, she wore a red belt on her waist and a red headband on her forehead.


    She had grown taller and was almost 1.4 meters tall now.


    ��Hey, this is for you!�� In a sh, the little girl was in front of him and handed him a box.


    Ren Baqian smiled as he took the gift and said, ��You are so kind.��


    Once in a while, the little lolita was rather cute.


    On the box was written three words: ��Healing Bone Cream!��


    Ren Baqian gave a crafty smile and asked, ��Have you done your homework?��


    They were challenging each other!


    Her face sank as she groaned andined with some grievance, ��I used half of my monthly allowance to buy it!��


    She rolled her eyes at Ren Baqian until her pupils couldn��t be seen and disappeared after jumping over the wall.


    Upon entering the main hall, he saw many tall hunks hanging up red banners.


    Tong Zhenye was sitting here drinking.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort is here!�� Tong Zhenye raised his head to smile at Ren Baqian craftily.


    ��Is Sir Tong having a toothache?�� His smile was almost a replica of Tong Zhenye��s smile.


    ��Did you throw that stone?��


    ��What stone?�� Ren Baqian didn��t understand.


    The two baldies looked at each other and then started tough loudly.


    ��I must be mistaken!��


    When Tong Zhenye pped Ren Baqian on the shoulder, it sounded like a wooden board being hit.


    ��I don��t know what you are talking about, and I think you are mistaken.��


    ��Father, I have other things to attend to,�� Tong Shan said from the side.


    Tong Zhenye waved his hands to shoo him away.


    ��Change your clothes first.�� Tong Zhenye brought Ren Baqian to a room in the back. ��Everything��s here. Do you need any help?��


    Ren Baqian nced at the two fierce-looking men behind Tong Zhenye who were trying to appear gentle, trembled, and replied, ��No thanks, I can do it myself.��


    After entering the room, he discovered some people inside. There were two youngdies wearing green dresses who didn��t look like aboriginals.


    The main thing was that their eyes were watery, their cheeks were red, and they looked shy. What was the meaning of this?


    ��I have arranged for them to help Zhao Prince Consort put on the new clothes!�� Tong Zhenyeughed loudly from outside the doorway.


    Ren Baqian suddenly shivered. Tong Zhenye had sent two youngdies from the brothel to help him change. What was he trying to do?


    Wasn��t it just throwing a stone? Did he have to be so mean?


    Believe it or not, the empress would beat the sh*t out of him!


    ��Hey, what are you doing? Don��t just touch anywhere�� What are you touching�� Oh��!�� Ren Baqian became nervous. These two girls were quite strong, and they actually had the strength of Earth Wheel experts!


    As he half-heartedly resisted, the two girls stripped him naked!


    They let out a gasp and blushed.


    This was the first time they saw one that was glowing.


    With their style, expressions, voices, and small hands, it was no wonder that Tong Zhenye indulged in pleasure every day.


    Fortunately, Tong Zhenye didn��t dare to overdo it. The twodies didn��t want to be buried under the pce tomorrow by the Empress. They carefully dressed him in red and prudently retreated to one side.


    This robe was quite simr to those worn in the imperial court, but was moreplicated. Without the help of these two girls, Ren Baqian would have had a hard time putting it on.


    Ren Baqian stood in front of the mirror and was satisfied with the reflected image. After all, a handsome man wearing anything would still look handsome.


    During happy events, people would be in high spirits. Even clothed in such a way, the light emitted from the forehead would still be red.


    With this new robe and a red flower on his chest, Ren Baqian felt that the robe was impeding his movements.


    Tong Zhenye grabbed him by the arm the moment he came out and brought him to a hall by the side.


    ��Dawn is still far away. It��s a long, long night, so why don��t we drink some wine?�� he asked.


    Ren Baqian panicked. He was going to get married, yet this joker wanted him to drink.


    ��Drinking messes things up. We will talk about it another day.�� Ren Baqian tried to slip away, but the hands of Tong Zhenye were like iron mps.


    ��Just drink less. What��s there to be afraid of?�� Tong Zhenyeughed loudly. ��Furthermore, there is green vine soup that I have prepared����


    ��Somebody threw a stone at me yesterday, and you seemed to be nearby. Did you see anything?��


    In Ren Baqian��s mind, there were only these words, <em>I have sinned!</em>


    ��You old geezer, I will not drink even if you beat me to death!��


    Three vats of wine were brought up to the room�� Tong Zhenye held a vat in one hand and a funnel in the other.


    Then, he asked, ��Sir Ren, do you want to do it yourself or do you want me to help you?��


    An hourter��


    ��Sir Ren, if this new robe is stained with wine, Her Majesty will be angry. You might as well take it off!�� Tong Zhenye��s voice was almost loud enough to lift the roof off.


    An hourter�� Ren Baqian was in his underpants with bleary eyes. Tong Zhenye was also in his underpants and showing off his muscr body as he danced on the table��


    ��Green vine�� soup�� Where is it?��


    ��Coming soon�� Coming. Hahahaha!��


    Another hourter����Hoo, hoo..��


    ��Hoo, hoo����

 Chapter 819 - The Grand Wedding (Part 2)

    Chapter 819: The Grand Wedding (Part 2)


    ��The firstb brushes to the end; the secondb symbolizes being a devoted couple to the end of their lives���� The empress��s mind seemed to be wandering as she listened to these words. She closed her eyes as if in repose.


    At this time, several female officials surrounded the empress and went around and around her. Even her two attendants, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan, were pushed to the side.


    A few others were decorating the interior of the pce.The nkets on the couch were changed to red, and the couch was surrounded with a red cloth. A curtain with images of a hundred kids was hung outside the red cloth while a nket with images of a hundred kids was put on the couch.


    Although the fertility rate of the aboriginals wasn��t high, people tended to be idealistic.


    Red candles with golden felicitous characters were put on the side table.


    The sky was starting to brighten, but the preparations had been going on all night, and the whole pce was decorated with lights.


    After a short while, the empress��s hair was twisted into numerous its with a golden bell ced on the end of each it. Any movement of the hair would cause the bells to tinkle clearly.


    The original n was to style her hair as a phoenix crown and to use golden phoenixes and jade as essories to adorn the bun.


    However, the empress chose the hairstyle favored by the aboriginal girls and added golden bells as ornaments.


    Because the phoenix crown was often used by thedies of Great Xia for formal asions and she was the ruler of Dayao, she chose not to use it at this time.


    As for the wedding hairstyle of the empress�� it had still not been designed yet!


    There were hundreds of its on her head, and a red band, iid with red gems, was used to tie her hair into the shape of a horsetail at the top of her head.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s done.��


    Hearing this, the empress opened her eyes and saw the exhrating beauty in the mirror.


    ��Whatever the hairstyle, Your Majesty always looks beautiful!�� a female official said with a grin.


    This was a heartfeltpliment as even women swooned over the empress��s beauty.


    ��Even I don��t feel like blinking my eyes when I look at Your Majesty. I really want to see the expression on Zhao Prince Consort��s face when he sees you.�� Qing Yuanughed happily.


    Hearing their praise for her beauty, the empress also wanted to know what Ren Baqian would look like when he saw her.


    As she got up from her chair, a group of people surrounded her to change her clothes.


    The main thematic color was red with a golden phoenix and flowers embroidered on the gorgeous robe that hadrge sleeves.


    This robe would look familiar to Ren Baqian.


    It was very simr to the robe that he gave her before.


    This change of clothing brought about another round of admiration.


    The crowd followed the empress to the main hall where the official documents were on disy. The imperial edict was on the table. A cow head, cow legs, and a cow tail were hung on top. Shi Qing, Kou Zhehai, and others were standing at one side, and everyone wore a red sash.


    The empress walked to the front of the desk and looked inquiringly at Shi Qing.


    They had gone through the procedures thoroughly before, but she suddenly couldn��t remember anything��


    ��Your Majesty, please wait for the official time.�� Shi Qing smiled at the empress.


    The empress raised her head in the direction of the clock tower which showed that it was three o��clock and seven quarters�� The clock was divided into twelve double hour periods with each period equal to eight quarters.


    After a quarter, Minister Xuanhua walked to the front of the crowd and announced, ��It��s time for Your Majesty to pray to heaven and to your ancestors!��


    The empress offered the joss sticks and read the imperial edict that married Ren Baqian to her. She conferred the title of prince consort to Ren Baqian and proimed this to heaven and to her ancestors.


    Xuan Hua stroked his beard. This ceremony didn��t lookplicated�� but they had spent a lot of effort doing the research. In the Ministry of Rites, the Honglu Deputy had the task of receiving envoys from other countries. The Taichang Bureau had never yed a role, but for the marriage of the empress, they had finally done something.


    In particr, the empress was a female. Even in Great Xia, there was no precedent. As a result, there were very few examples to refer to.


    ��The time hase. Your Majesty, please set out!��


    The empress was relieved to hear this because she had never had to behave so formally before. She steeled herself as she still had a lot to do today.


    She had to go to the Tong Residence to fetch the groom.


    100 guards were stationed in front of the pce. Qishui had a red cloth tied around its neck and was idly lying on the ground. It roused upon seeing the empress and shook its head.


    There were many onlookers further away. Many aboriginals had been waiting for several days, the citizens of Lan City were also present, and these areas were filled with people.


    When the empress saw this big crowd, she grew flustered.


    Previously, regardless of the situation or the number of people, she didn��t feel concerned at all.


    However, today was different!


    Other people looked radiant on their wedding day, but the empress was very anxious.


    In a sh, she was on the back of Qishui. She took a deep breath to calm herself and announced, ��Let��s go!��


    100 guards were in front to clear the way, followed by the empress and then the people from the Ministry of Rites.


    ��Your Majesty!��


    ��Her Majesty is here!��


    As the team moved forward, the voices from the crowd rang out.


    ��I wish you many offspring! 100 children and 1,000 grandchildren!��


    Some idiots uttered this phrase, and the rest followed.


    By right, this wasn��t wrong, but the problem here was that the empress was a female��


    100 children and 1,000 grandchildren? At one child every year, it would take 100 years!


    The guards paving the way had strange expressions.


    The mood of the empress was going from sunny to cloudy.


    As the group passed by the crowd for more than 100 meters, arge number of fresh flowers were thrown down by the people standing on the courtyard walls.


    Suddenly, a loud voice was hearding from the front that said, ��Hey! This road was built by me�� The trees were nted by me. If you want to marry the prince consort, you will have to defeat me first!��


    There was a burst ofughter all around. It was unknown whether this was due to the first half of the sentence or due to the reference about marrying the prince consort.


    Many people only now realized that it was a woman marrying a man, and they looked puzzled.


    The face of the empress turned ck with rage.


    This Qin Chuan was asking for a beating!


    Like a red cloud, the empress rose into the sky toward the cocky looking Qin Chuan.


    Bang! The punch sent Qin Chuan straight into the ground, leaving only his head unburied.


    ��Let��s go!��


    After moving for another 100 meters, someone blocked the road again and dered, ��Your Majesty, if you want to marry the prince, you have to pass this round!��


    Minister Zhuo Yan, who was wearing sunsses, crossed his arms and looked up.


    The empress was more lenient this time and used three moves to remove the obstacle before continuing forward.


    Not far from the Tong Residence, someone else blocked the road again.


    ��Your Majesty, you shouldn��t havee!�� Hong Wu stood there shaking his head.


    Not only was he there, but he was also carrying a long metal staff. Everyone felt it was strange that he carried a weapon. This kind of reception was just a formality, so there was no need for weapons.


    Did he really want to block Her Majesty?


    The empress became angrier.


    ��Must I retreat?��


    ��That would be for the best!�� Hong Wu affirmed.


    The empress was really angry this time, and her face turned red.


    He was the one who used to tell her to choose a husband and have children. Why was he here at this time to make trouble?


    ��I haven��t dueled with you for a long time,�� the empress said.


    Hong Wu flourished his staff a few times and said, ��As long as you defeat me, the prince consort is yours!��


    The empress suddenly felt that something wasn��t right. It seemed to appear that she was the one pursuing Ren Baqian to marry her.

 Chapter 820 - The Grand Wedding (Part 3)

    Chapter 820: The Grand Wedding (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the backyard of the Tong Residence, ady walked hurriedly into the side yard.


    She seemed to be in her thirties, and her hair was casually bunned up. She looked a little like Tong Lan, but her face was deathly pale.


    She was Tong Lan��s mother, Tie Kuang, and she handled practically everything in the house.


    When Tong Zhenye went drinking with Ren Baqianst night, she didn��t feel that anything was wrong with it. However, now that the empress was almost at the door and both of them still hadn��te out of the house, Tie Kuang knew that something was wrong.


    ��Madam!�� Two burly men were sitting in the yard in a daze and quickly got up when they saw her.


    Not only did thisdy keep everything in the house neat and tidy, but she was pretty strong as well. In another decade or so, she might be able to break through to the Cardinal Heaven level and be highly respected in the family.


    ��Are father and Zhao Prince Consort inside?�� Tie Kuang asked coldly.


    ��Yes!�� they replied honestly.


    Tie Kuang walked toward the room.


    The two quickly stopped her and said, ��Madam, Minister Tong ordered us not to let anyone step inside before Her Majesty arrives!��


    ��My father said that?�� Tie Kuang looked at them.


    ��Yes!��


    ��All the more reason I have to go in! My father acted wilfully and blindly followed his instructions?�� With a cold look on her face, she walked past the two of them.


    They tried to stop her again, but her tofu-like hands pressed against their chests, sending them flying into the wall.


    ��Humph!�� Tie Kuang scoffed. She opened the door and saw that the entire room was a mess. The whole room reeked of alcohol, and the two men inside were only wearing underpants.


    Zhao Prince Consorty on the floor, while Tong Zhenyey sideways on the table. Both of them were sound asleep.


    Tie Kuang was fuming with rage!


    Needless to say, if Her Majesty were to see this, she would definitely be furious!


    While Zhao Prince Consort would definitely be punished, Tong Zhenye wouldn��t be able to get away either!


    Tie Kuang simply couldn��t understand what Tong Zhenye was nning. Did he do this so that Zhao Prince Consort would get punished? To the extent of implicating himself?


    He was simply taking himself down with Ren Baqian!


    Tie Kuang turned around and called out, ��Get someone to prepare green vine soup immediately. Get two more people to help Zhao Prince Consort clean up and put on new clothes!��


    She listened carefully to the fighting noises in the distance and thought to herself, <em>General, you must hold Her Majesty back longer!</em>


    Ren Baqian came to a few minutester with a splitting headache and a messed up stomach.


    ��Tong Zhenye, you old pper. You set me up!�� he shouted.


    Even though he shouted, it wasn��t very loud. He didn��t even have the energy to shout anymore and felt like he would vomit as soon as he moved.


    Even after he had attained the Earth Wheel level, his body was definitely not the same as that of ordinary people. However, he would still feel a headache after drinking and would throw up if he drank too much. He had three vats of winest night. At the least, each vat was filled with more than ten kilograms of wine! Even though the alcohol content of the wine wasn��t high, he almost died drinking so much!


    Tong Zhenyey on the floor andughed, looking pretty happy.


    He replied, ��Since our age gap is so big, this is how we share life��s joys and sorrows! I��m apanying you through this ordeal as well! What else do you have to say, Zhao Prince Consort? Why hasn��t Her Majesty arrived yet?��


    Ren Baqian immediately gnashed his teeth and dered, ��You will die worse than me!��


    ��During normal times, that might be true, but today�� Hehe, what do you think?�� Tong Zhenye responded unhurriedly.


    ��Ah, ah, ah!�� Ren Baqian was so mad at Tong Zhenye that he felt like jumping up and hammering him.


    ��But why?�� Ren Baqian was fuming mad. Was it because of that stone? Tong Zhenye had already been kicked by the empress so many times.


    Tong Zhenye turned and looked to the sides before saying, ��Move away!��


    He then continued, ��That stone yesterday. I got shocked by Her Majesty the moment I jumped out and got kicked by her. I couldn��t get it to stand after I got home�� Who do you think should be held ountable for this?��


    ��You are already old and will be dying soon. You have no self-respect, you bastard!�� Ren Baqian felt surprised and angry.


    ��I��m still young. ording to the life expectancy of a Cardinal Heaven expert, I can live for at least another 100 years!��


    Ren Baqian was speechless. ording to their life expectancies, this was true. Tong Zhenye was only 60 years old and still had another 120 years to go. He was still considered young.


    Ren Baqian turned around and shouted, ��You are toying around at the brink of death and still expect to live for another 120 years? My a**! There will be a piece ofnd waiting for you tomorrow in the za in front of the pce!��


    Ren Baqian spat at Tong Zhenye��s head.


    ��Pah!�� Tong Zhenye spat in return.


    ��Pah, pah, pah!�� Ren Baqian spat three times consecutively.


    ��Is the green vine soup ready?�� Tie Kuang stood at the side and felt utterly speechless as she watched the two men spitting at each other.


    If not for their statuses, she would have sealed their mouths shut.


    ��Coming�� Coming����


    After a bowl of green vine soup was served, Ren Baqian immediately felt his stomach warm up. The difort in his belly slowly began to ease away.


    Someone rushed in and reported, ��General Hong has fallen. Her Majesty will be here soon!��


    At present, not too far away from the Tong Residence, Hong Wu��s staff was thrown to the side. The thick metal staff had be S-shaped.


    The walls of the surrounding courtyards had all copsed, and there were huge cracks in cement on the ground. If the fight wasn��t confined to this area, the entire street would probably be destroyed.


    The empress was fetching her groom. Ignorant people would have thought that they were demolishing buildings!


    There were bruises on Hong Wu��s face, and he looked pretty deste.


    ��Your Majesty has grown up. I��m getting old!�� hemented.


    Even though the empress��s strength was already above his a few years ago, he didn��t ignite his essence blood or use his bow, which he was an expert in. Even though he had already tried his best, he couldn��t seem to defeat her and felt that the strength gap between them was increasing!


    ��General, were you actually doing it for real?�� The empress was a little unhappy.


    Hong Wu shook his head and said, ��I��m just testing you out!��


    He then smiled and added, ��Your Majesty��s talent has surpassed even the two former emperors! You will definitely achieve what nobody has ever done before! You are truly the pride of the aboriginals and the pride of Dayao!��


    ��Pride of the aboriginals! Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!�� After hearing what Hong Wu said, themoners in the distance grew passionate.


    Everyone in the streets was chanting, ��Your Majesty!��


    Tong Lany on a wall that was intact and felt very excited as she watched the people in the street cheering for the empress.


    Her Majesty was her idol and had always been!


    As for Yagui�� Yagui�� Tong Lan thought about it and felt that Yagui was a pretty smart person. Even though he wasn��t worthy of the empress, it would probably be impossible to find someone worthy anyway.


    The empress picked the best out of the rest, and apart from being a little too weak, he was considered pretty eptable.


    She leaped back into the courtyard since she still had to wee Her Majesty into the Tong Residence.


    The empress looked deeply at Hong Wu, turned around, and mounted Qi Shui. The convoy continued their journey and arrived in front of the Tong Residence just several meters away.


    Someone stood in front of the gate and shouted, ��Zhao Prince Consort, receive the imperial decree.��


    ��Coming,ing���� The flustered voiceing from the Tong Residence made many people feel a little weird. Shouldn��t they have been waiting at the gate long ago?


    Ren Baqian quickly rushed to the front of the house while the people of the residence followed behind.


    He noticed the empress with one nce. She was riding on Qishui and wore a red dress. It was red silk with golden embroidery on it, different from her usual red muslin, and was extremely gorgeous��


    Her hair was ited up with a ponytail at the back. Her eyebrows were sharp, her eyes were crystal clear, and her lips were as red as a ball of mes.


    As they looked at each other, Ren Baqian��s heart pounded when he looked into her eyes.


    Fully dressed in red, the empress looked at him with her eyes glistening like water.


    However, Ren Baqian still needed to receive the imperial decree.


    This decree pertained to their wedding and exined the general idea of the asion. He was just reading it out of formality.


    Ren Baqian received the decree and looked up at the empress. Both of them were smiling.


    While he was grinning from ear to ear, she was looking a little bashful.


    No matter how heroic she was, she was still ady who experienced most of the emotions that a normaldy would.


    This was especially the case when there were so many onlookers around.


    However, the heroic empress had just scored a great victory against Hong Wu. Her bashfulness made everyone feel excited. They subconsciously looked at her in awe.


    She dismounted from Qishui and walked toward the Tong Residence. They had to spend the next half of the day here, and there was no banquet being held here. They had to wait until dusk to return to the pce where they would get married, celebrate, and feast.


    When the empress walked past Ren Baqian, she suddenly noticed an extremely dense smell of alcohol��


    Then, she thought about how he came out in a fluster��


    She was fighting so hard outside, yet he was here drinking alcohol?


    Seeing that her mood had changed, Ren Baqian immediately defended himself and exined, ��Your Majesty, Sir Tong set me up so badly!��


    <em>Swoosh!</em>


    Everyone turned to look at the smirking Tong Zhenye.

 Chapter 821 - The Grand Wedding (Part 4)

    Chapter 821: The Grand Wedding (Part 4)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Inside the Tong Residence, there was a row of tables in the courtyard that were covered with red cloth. Regardless of whether it was the walls or the trees, they were decorated withnterns and lights. The entire atmosphere was very festive.


    However, the current atmosphere in the courtyard wasn��t festive at all.


    The empress sat quietly on the chair and tapped her fingers.


    <em>Boom�� Boom�� Boom�� </em>Every time she tapped, the table would be shorter by one centimeter, and the ground would tremble as well.


    ��Tong Zhenye, what else do you have to say?�� the empress asked faintly.


    Her tone was t and her expression was calm, but no one was able to rx at all.


    Instantly, Tong Zhenye��s pupils rotated as quickly as a carousel.


    ��Hmm, it��s a bachelor��s party! After all, when the grand wedding is over, Zhao Prince Consort��s identity will be different. It will be almost impossible for him to drink and visit brothels as and when he likes. I also had to warn him about certain issues as Your Majesty is the ruler of the aboriginals. If Zhao Prince Consort were to womanize again, I definitely won��t let him off! Unfortunately, drinking alcohol was a big mistake, but thankfully, nothing big happened! Hehe����


    Initially, Tong Zhenye was speaking very slowly, but toward the end, he spoke quickly and evenughed.


    Ren Baqian, who was standing at the side, was dumbstruck. He knew he was in deep sh*t.


    This world��s bachelor��s party was invented by Tong Zhenye just like that?


    Furthermore, who was the one who dragged him to the brothel? This old b*stard, do you still have any conscience?


    Who said that the aboriginals were all pure?


    ��Is there such a thing as a bachelor��s party?�� The empress looked to the side


    If it were a normal day, regardless of the reason, Tong Zhenye would have been sent flying immediately, However, it was her big day after all, so she decided to give him a chance!


    ��No!�� Someone with a loud voice shouted from the crowd, ��Your Majesty, there��s no such thing!, Old Man Tong is lying to you!��


    Originally, everyone noticed that the empress��s tone was getting softer and heaved a sigh of relief. However, after hearing these words, they instantly swept their gazes across.


    Qin Chuan, who was covered in dirt, smiled until his gums were showing.


    ��Qin Chuan, you old b*stard, what are you doing here? I didn��t invite you to my Tong Residence, and it��s Her Majesty��s grand wedding. You actually came to make a scene?�� Tong Zhenye flew into a rage.


    ��I was just passing by���� Qin Chuanughed mischievously. ��I��ll take my leave!��


    ��Stop there!�� The empress��s face turned cold. All the events today were prearranged. They were supposed to set off in the morning and rest temporarily at the Tong Residence. During this period of time, it was natural for only the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the people from the Tong Residence to be present.


    Qin Chuan actually passed by here?


    Hah!


    ��Pass two of those pickaxes to both of them,�� the empress said without any expression.


    Everyone stared at one another.


    The empress continued, ��Still not moving?��


    ��Your Majesty, I have been maligned. If I were to be punished, shouldn��t Zhao Prince Consort be punished too?�� At this moment, Tong Zhenye still had evil thoughts. In any case, Her Majesty had changed long ago�� He simply wanted to drag Zhao Prince Consort along to be punished.


    After all, Tong Zhenye was a Cardinal Heaven expert, so getting buried was no big deal to him.


    Zhao Prince Consort, however, was only a Kismet Heaven expert!


    The empress red at him coldly.


    After pondering for some time, Ren Baqian curiously asked, ��Your Majesty, you actually know what a pickaxe is?��


    Instantly, the teacup in front of the empress flew out.


    It smashed into Tong Zhenye��s head.


    ��Bring three pickaxes!��


    ��Your majesty, I have been wronged!�� Ren Baqian immediately cried out his grievance.


    The te in front of the empress was sent flying as well.


    Simrly, it smashed into Tong Zhenye��s head.


    Tong Zhenye felt extremely wronged.


    Ten minutester, the empress pointed at a corner of the wall and ordered, ��Dig!��


    ��Your Majesty, it��s a joyous asion���� The Minister of Rites, Xuan Hua, spoke up out of loyalty.


    ��Add another pickaxe!�� the empress said without even looking up.


    ��It��s a joyous asion, yet they still made a scene. They should be punished!�� Xuan Hua actually tweaked his words so smoothly that there wasn��t even a pause.


    Ren Baqian calmed his mind and thought, <em>Bury me then. My head will still be above ground anyway.</em>


    The three of them began to dig three holes in a well-behaved manner!


    ��You and you, get in!�� The empress pointed at Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan.


    She then pointed at Ren Baqian and said, ��You are in charge of burying them!��


    On the day of his own grand wedding, Ren Baqian was wearing a new set of festive clothes and pilingyers of soil which needed to bepacted one after another. It took a lot of effort, and the two who were being buried sneered while looking at him.


    <em>In any case, after burying us, it��ll be your turn to be buried! So what if you are enjoying your time now? You��ll receive the same treatment as us in no time!</em>


    After Ren Baqian buried both of them, he noticed that the empress was silent and decided to stand to one side in a well-behaved manner.


    He wondered if he should take off his shirt or not when he jumped into the pitter on.


    Five minutes passed��


    15 minutes passed��


    Everyone was waiting for the next step, but the empress closed her eyes and rested.


    Only Tong Zhenye��s head was above the soil. First, he sneered. Then, he was full of anticipation. Soon after, he felt that something was amiss. Eventually, he was full of grievance.


    ��Your Majesty, Zhao Prince Consort is still standing there!�� heined


    ��Stand there in a well-behaved manner!�� the empressmanded in a cold voice.


    Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan��s faces turned ghastly pale as they thought, <em>Your Majesty, this is very unfair!</em>


    The people from the Ministry of Rites nearly burst out inughter.


    Ren Baqian looked down at both of them and was overjoyed. If only he could sing the Mandopop song, ��We Are Different!��


    Tong Zhenye��s goal was to drag him down, whereas Qin Chuan��s goal was to drag Tong Zhenye down. Both of them got their just desserts!


    At this time, the empress was also rather depressed. Originally, even though she was a bit nervous about the grand wedding, she was somewhat anticipating it.


    Yet, looking at the situation now, the grand wedding had been disrupted by these few people!


    The empress wondered, <em>Am I usually too benevolent? If it wasn��t for the wedding banquet tonight, I would definitely hang both of them from the top of the city wall!</em>


    On the contrary, those from the Ministry of Rites were well received. As for these two old good-for-nothings, they should have been taught a lesson long ago.


    The people of the Tong Residence were feeling helpless.


    Only the little lolita, Tong Lan, was in high spirits. In the future, she wanted to be as authoritative as the empress!


    They spent the entire afternoon at the Tong Residence with Ren Baqian standing while Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan remained buried and full of grievance.


    Xuan Hua moved toward the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, the time is almost ripe! Prepare to return!��


    Ren Baqian, who was originally looking down, subconsciously shifted his gaze over.


    The empress gave him a death stare, and the meaning was very clear: ��If you dare to create any more trouble, watch out!��


    In general, most males would be carrying the female in their arms after the ceremony. This was to show off their strength and to unt the fact that they had managed to snatch their brides.


    However, what should they do now?


    ��Your Majesty, why not let me carry you?�� Ren Baqian felt that it was time for him to perform! He felt that he had some skills at the princess carry!


    The empress ced one hand on his waist, used a fraction of her strength, and Ren Baqian immediately spun 90 degrees in midair. He was now in the empress��s arms��


    A woman of around 50 kilograms carried a burly man who was around 150 kilograms and walked out of the Tong Residence just like that.


    Many of the onlookers outside had gone home to eat, but they rushed back and cheered loudly when they saw the empress!


    The visitors from the Yun Nation were also observing from afar.


    ��He doesn��t have any shame!��


    ��Zhao Prince Consort? Hehe!��


    Everyone was looking down on him.


    ��I��m rather envious though!�� someone suddenly said.


    Everyone��s gazes shifted to his face before distancing themselves three meters away.


    Even though 99 percent of the guys were envious�� could these words be spoken?


    Many guys subconsciously ced themselves in Ren Baqian��s shoes. They then thought of the empress��s status, her power, and her gracefulness. How could they not be envious of him!

 Chapter 822 - The Grand Wedding (Part 5)

    Chapter 822: The Grand Wedding (Part 5)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    At nightfall, the lights in the entire pce were splendid.


    Other than the streemps that were shining, rednterns were hung all over the pce and on the trees. There was no telling how long thesenterns had been lying at the bottom of the storage boxes.


    Colorful silks were twined around the trees, making them look like beautiful flowers.


    There was a boiling cauldron of voices inside Zichen Pce Hall. Loudughter and shouting resounded throughout.


    Inside the hall were the aboriginal officials, and outside were the people of the Yun Nation and Tianjing Basin!


    Ren Baqian sat beside the empress. He grasped a piece of red silk in one hand and held his chin in the other as he watched Xuan Hua, the Minister of Rites, perform a striptease.


    The empress was holding the other end of that piece of red silk.


    Many burly men and beautiful women started to howl withughter when Xuan Hua was left with a piece of cloth to cover his body!


    ��I didn��t know that the Minister of Rites wasn��t an ordinary person!�� Ren Baqian said softly.


    This was the first time he sat up top and overlooked all the civil and military officials below. To be honest, he wasn��t feeling veryfortable. After all, when one was at the top, everybody would notice his every move, and there were many small things that he couldn��t do.


    At the beginning, he tried to sit still like the Buddha. As the atmosphere in the hall became more enthusiastic, Ren Baqian began to feel as if there were nails under his butt, and he almost couldn��t stay still anymore.


    The empress then pinched his arm, causing him to immediately sit upright again!


    ��Check out myst move and all of you shall witness my ultimate treasure!�� Xuan Hua was a little younger than Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan. He had big eyes, thick eyebrows, and looked like a serious man. However, at present, his entire face was flushed. The piece of cloth that he was wearing revealed his muscles, and he was almost taking it off as well!


    ��F*ck! Is no one stopping him?�� Ren Baqian looked extremely surprised. This guy was the Minister of Rites! He was usually a very quiet person. Had he finally revealed his true nature?


    ��Wonderful!�� Many people cheered and apuded.


    When Ren Baqian realized that nobody was stopping him, he immediately considered whether he should cover the empress��s eyes.


    ��Woo!�� Before he could even think it through, Xuan Hua made a weird sound and threw the only piece of clothing he was wearing into the air.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know whether tough or cry when he saw the empress lowering her head to drink and conceal her expression. Meanwhile, Tu Wan and many of the female officials were apuding and whistling!


    It seemed like it wasn��t the first time this had happened.


    After Ren Baqian arrived in this world, he had either been bustling about or fighting wars. He hadn��t seen many banquets, but the climax had always been Tong Zhenye fighting with Qin Chuan!


    This was the first time he witnessed such a grand finale!


    Correction, it wasn��t a finale. After Xuan Hua got off the stage, a few officials from the Ministry of Appointments went up��


    On the other side, Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye had been feeling a little gloomy the entire day after the empress treated them unfairly. They began to flex their muscles, preparing for the finale!


    ��They are indeed barbarians. They truly stand up to their name!�� A manughed to himself outside Zichen Pce Hall. Some of them could see the situation inside. His voice was very low, and apart from the people around him, nobody else heard him.


    ��They aren��t afraid of tainting their eyes either!�� one of hispanions added.


    Even though the Yun Nation had already fallen, most of the Yun Nation��s people still treated the aboriginals as barbarians and were feeling scornful.


    Especially after seeing the situation inside the hall, they couldn��t help but ridicule.


    Although they didn��t dare to let others hear it, they weren��t worried about sharing it among theirpanions.


    At a table not far away, a man with a wide forehead and deep eye sockets turned his head and tightly gripped his chopsticks.


    ��Ping Tang! What happened?�� Someone immediately discovered him reacting abnormally.


    Most of the people who attended the event were from the Embroidered Uniform Guards. Even though their positions weren��t that high, the organizers made an exception and let them participate in the wedding feast. It was the same for those from the Yun Nation.


    However, the people of the Jing Tribe weren��t as indignant as the Yun Nation��s people. On one hand, most of the Yun Nation��s experts had died, whereas those who survived were mostly members of the Embroidered Uniform Guards. On the other hand, the things that Ren Baqian promised them back then were slowly being realized. He didn��t deceive them, and this made them feel extremely grateful and willing to serve.


    The Jing Tribe had been tormented for so many years in Tianjing Basin. Wasn��t it just to make it out of that ce? The state of their nation didn��t really matter to them. The Hao Nation had already fallen more than 70 years ago, and nominally, they had been ruled by the aboriginals for that same period of time!


    Besides, these Embroidered Uniform Guards would umte points whenever they aplished a task. As long as they had umted enough to exchange for goods, they would be able to receive all the herbs and goods that they needed within three months.


    At present, umting points was even more valuable to them than gold and silver!


    The man known as Ping Tang groaned and repeated the words that he had just overheard.


    The faces of the others immediately changed!


    ��Did you hear it right?��


    ��My ears are highly-skilled, and I can even hear the fluttering of mosquitoes and flies from 100 meters away!�� Ping Tang said.


    Aposed old man immediately added, ��Oh, these Yun Nation people are so ignorant. They actually dare to speak such nonsense at this ce! Don��t voice it out first. After all, today is a big day. If something goes wrong, the officials will be mad! If that happens, we��ll be in hot soup! Let��s just follow themter, find out their identities, and report it to the officials. That will reap us some merit!��


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, the time hase.��


    At this time, the entire hall was filled with crazy people dancing. At least there was a responsible official from the Ministry of Rites.


    Upon hearing this, Ren Baqian and the empress stood up.


    ��Do as you wish!�� she said faintly before leaving through the side door. Naturally, he followed her as well.


    Outside the main hall, Ren Baqian called out to a bodyguard and said, ��Send in the water of life that I prepared!��


    ��Yes!��


    ��Tell them that this is the blood of courage!��


    ��What water of life? What blood of courage?�� the empress stopped in her tracks and asked. These names sounded formidable!


    ��Vodka with 96 percent alcohol!�� Ren Baqian said openly.


    If he had given it to them earlier, they might not drink it!


    Now, however, it was hard to say��


    Ren Baqian was already prepared from the start. He couldn��t let that old b*stard, Tong Zhenye, get away with it! However, Ren Baqian couldn��t possibly just give it to him, right? Everyone would realize that something was wrong with it, let alone Tong Zhenye, that wily old fox!


    Ren Baqian might as well serve it to everyone. In any case, all of them were good-for-nothings! It wasn��t as if he was forcing them to drink it! He simply told them that it was the blood of courage!


    ��96 percent? I remember hearing you say that the sorghum wine I drank was 38 or 40 percent. What��s the difference?�� the empress casually asked.


    ��It��s just slightly stronger!�� Ren Baqian replied honestly.


    ��Do you have a motive for this?�� She looked at him with bright eyes.


    He understood her well and so did she!


    Ren Baqian was alright normally. It was just that he woulde up with defective ideas asionally!


    ��You think too much, Your Majesty. It��s just a little stronger. If you normally drink a kilogram of sorghum wine, half a kilogram of this will suffice!�� He was broad and level and didn��t flinch at all when he said this.


    The empress stood there and pondered for a moment before immediately realizing it!


    She mused aloud, ��They were drinking fruit wine just now, and a kilogram of that is only equivalent to the strength of half a kilogram of sorghum wine! If they drink this vodka like how they did with the fruit wine����


    ��They aren��t fools���� Ren Baqian said this, but he didn��t think that way! Especially not now, when all the officials were getting drunk!


    ��The words you said���� The empress shook her head and red at him. ��You are so mean!��


    When Ren Baqian looked at her sweet and charming eyes, his heart immediately warmed up.


    Just at that moment, the official from the Ministry of Rites urged, ��Your Majesty, the time hase��we can��t dy any longer!��


    ording to the royal families of other nations, the emperor had his own quarters and so did the empress and the concubines.


    However, the aboriginals had low sex drives. Plus, the women were fierce. Ever since the nation had been founded, nobody had married more than one wife.


    As such, even the pce didn��t change.


    There was still that couch, two meters long and more than three meters wide!


    The surroundings were covered with red cloth and a translucent curtain.


    Not far from the couch was a table. A bottle gourd was cut into two halves and emptied out. These halves were connected together by a red string.


    In addition, there was also a pair of huge red candlesticks that had golden dragon and phoenix patterns.


    Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and several female officials waited for them at the side.


    The entire room had an ambiguous atmosphere!


    When the empress walked into her quarters, she slowed down her footsteps while her breathing grew indistinct. She seemed to be adjusting her mood!


    ��Nervous?�� Ren Baqian turned to look at her.


    ��A little!�� the empress replied to him honestly. It was rare for her to do this!


    ��Your Majesty and Zhao Prince Consort, please worship the heavens and ancestors!�� intoned an official from the Ministry of Rites.


    Both of them lit incense in the pce to worship the heavens and ancestors.


    ��Your Majesty and Zhao Prince Consort, please share the nuptial cup!��


    Ren Baqian and the empress each held one half of the bottle gourd as Qing Yuan and Hong Luan poured wine into them.


    Feeling extremely anxious, the empress held the bottle gourd in her hand and exchanged nces with Ren Baqian. After sharing this nuptial cup, they would officially be husband and wife!


    It seemed that the simplest rite had the most significance!


    She was willing to do it. Naturally, she was!


    There was just some emotional stirring in her heart!


    The man whom she saw along the road a few years ago was now bing her husband.


    The world was truly unpredictable!


    Ren Baqian was thinking about the same thing as well. He had almost lost his head a few years ago and then he saw this heroic woman in the imperial carriage. Now, she was bing his wife.


    ��Please drink up!�� Seeing that they weren��t moving, the official from the Ministry of Rites urged again.


    The empress ced the bottle gourd on her lips and gently closed her eyes. She lifted her head and poured the wine into her mouth.


    Bitter!


    Bottle gourd was originally bitter!


    This represented sharing each other��s hardships!


    After drinking, both of them opened their eyes and looked at each other. The empress��s eyes were soft and affectionate. When others saw this look in her eyes, they felt extremely touched.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian blinked a few times and said, ��Your Majesty, let��s drink it again tomorrow. I��ll add some sugar for you!��


    ��Nonsense!�� She smiled radiantly.


    After sharing the nuptial cup, that official cupped his hands and left. Anything that was going to happen next wouldn��t require his participation.

 Chapter 823 - The Wildest Horse

    Chapter 823: The Wildest Horse


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��This bottle is exquisite��is it made of ss? What is written on it?�� Tong Zhenye��s face was red, and he gasped in admiration at the bottle.


    When he hupped, his breath wasden with alcohol.


    ��The blood of courage? In that case, I must try it!��


    He took a gulp. The concentrated alcohol hit his mouth and cut his throat all the way to his stomach like a knife. Then, he felt the fire inside.


    ��Pah����


    ��What kind of a thing is this?��


    Tong Zhenye was startled. This couldn��t be considered as wine��it was like swallowing knives! This Zhao Prince Consort was really ruthless!


    The crowd didn��t know what was happening, so each person took a mouthful of wine.


    ��Pah����


    ��Pah����


    The sound of wine being spit from their mouths was endless!


    Although they were Cardinal Heaven experts and had strong bodies, this didn��t mean that they didn��t feel anything! Their internal organs were soft, and this mouthful of liquor felt like they were setting off a fire in their stomachs.


    The wine they normally drank was about 10 ABV. asionally, they drank the 38 to 40 ABV provided by the empress, which was considered fiery and akin to drinking red hot burning knives.


    At 96 ABV, this was the most concentrated alcohol possible.


    ��Hahahaha! This is really the blood of courage! How could sissies like you drink it?�� Qin Chuanughed provocatively after seeing Tong Zhenye��s expression.


    ��Old b*stard, do you want to challenge me?�� The blue veins on his forehead bulged! If not for Qin Chuan, Tong Zhenye would have dragged down Zhao Prince Consort this afternoon and got punished together! Furthermore, Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye��s previous enmities couldn��t be washed away by all the water in the rivers,kes, and seas.


    ��Oh? Is this sissy so courageous?�� Qin Chuan was shocked by Tong Zhenye.


    ��Come on!��


    ��Whoever spits it out first is the loser!��


    The onlookers quickly pushed the wine case toward them, apuded, and got ready to enjoy the drinkingpetition.


    After the two each gulped down a bottle, their faces immediately became distorted and changed colors!


    ��Since today is the big day for the empress, I will let you off if you admit defeat!�� Tong Zhenye��s face turned red, white, blue, and purple. Then, the same happened to his back and steam almost came out of his forehead. He red fiercely at Qin Chuan.


    ��Do you think I fear you?�� Qin Chuan returned the stare.


    ��How about drinking another bottle?��


    ��Do you still refuse to admit defeat?��


    ��You are talking nonsense!��


    These two had been archenemies for decades and would rather die than give way the other.


    After downing one case, both men were staggering around.


    After drinking two cases, Tong Zhenye staggered a few steps and burped a mouthful of alcohol vapor at amp in a corner of the pce hall.


    ��Poof!��


    There was a big fireball.


    Several elders were stunned by this fireball�� What was happening?


    Someone tried to spray a mouthful of wine at themp and caused a huge fireball to erupt.


    <em>Oh my gosh, this liquid was mmable! What was this crazy stuff?</em>


    Someone sprayed another mouthful and a fireball appeared again.


    Another fireball appeared!


    And another!


    ��It��s on fire���� With blurry eyes, Minister Tu Wan rubbed her forehead.


    ��It��s on fire!�� Minister Zhuo Yan didn��t take it seriously, knocking on his head from time to time while feeling dizzy.


    Xuan Huaughed, ��Hahahaha!��


    In a corner of the pce, the curtains burst into mes.


    Officer Lian Liang was momentarily stunned. Then, he shook his head, stepped forward, and dered, ��Gentlemen, I will handle this!��


    He moved several meters with one step and swung his palm across. A loud noise ensued with the mes seemingly subdued.


    ��Poof!��


    When the dust settled, the ming curtains and half of the wall had disappeared.


    ��I��m old and can��tpare with you youngsters. I will go back and rest!�� Shi Qing put his hands behind his back and ambled away.


    ��I��m also tired���� Tu Wan rubbed her head and walked out of the hall.


    A few people from the Ministry of Rites tied their loincloths and carried their other clothes as they departed.


    After a moment, only Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan were left lying on the ground and foaming at the mouth. Lian Liang was also there and continued to be in a daze��


    ��


    The empress��s bedroom and the big red curtains surrounded the area solidly except for one part that was open. Ren Baqian and the empress were sitting there dubiously.


    Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and the female court officials had been told to leave by the empress.


    Although there were still some procedures that weren��t done, the empress was tired of the tedious and useless rituals from the Ministry of Rites.


    Ren Baqian hugged the empress, putting his palms on her waist, his chin on her shoulder, and his nose on her cheek. He could smell a delicate fragrance from her.


    ��Your Majesty, your heart is pounding���� Ren Baqian sensed that there was a little elephant jumping happily in the chest of the empress.


    Ren Baqian felt that it was time to go to bed and take the next step. The empress was flustered, which was normal, but why was he also jittery?


    Although they had been together for such a long time, there seemed to be some obstacles that prevented them from taking the next step, and he needed to break through the barriers.


    ��Your Majesty, I have been learning a new type of martial arts in Qingxin Pce Hall. I haven��t told you before!�� Ren Baqian whispered to the empress tenderly.


    The empress was nervous and asked subconsciously, ��What?��


    After that, she felt a big hand in front of her chest and heard these words, ��The dragon hand grabbing the bosom!��


    The empress immediately tensed up.


    Ren Baqian hadn��t taken the next step, yet the empress was all tensed up like a cat with raised hackles.


    If his movements were too hasty, his face would be scratched.


    While whispering in her ears, his palm touched the softness, but didn��t move further. He only felt the softness and the strong heartbeats in her chest.


    After a while, he felt the empress rxing her body, and held her as sheid on his thighs with her head facing him sideways.


    With one hand stroking the other cheek, he pulled her head toward him as he kissed her.


    While immersed in kissing, Ren Baqian asionally parted her teeth to let his tongue prate further in.


    ��What is that sound?�� The empress raised her head to look out at the hall. The sound wasing from Zichen Pce Hall.


    ��Don��t worry about them�� What can 10 plus Cardinal Heaven experts do?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    He wasn��t going to let any outsiders affect his wedding night!


    Ren Baqian untied her red dress. As his fingers were dancing on her white underwear, she blocked him and asked shyly, ��What are you doing?��


    The steam shot up to his forehead!


    ��It isn��t what I want to do, it��s what Your Majesty wants to do! As the saying goes, drink the strongest wine and ride the wildest horse. Right now, I��m the wildest horse!�� Ren Baqian breathed in her ears.


    The empress subconsciously pulled back her neck and then looked at him.


    ��The wildest horse?�� she asked.


    ��That��s correct! I��m the wildest horse!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily and forced her back to the couch.

 Chapter 824 - A Memorable Wedding Night

    Chapter 824: A Memorable Wedding Night


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Red candles faintly glowed through the curtains as they rolled on the couch. Ren Baqian used his leg to unhook the outside curtain, which dropped down to separate the inside and outside into two separate worlds.


    Only a little bit of candlelight prated through the red curtains.


    The empress was dressed in a white undergarment, and her braids fell down her face.


    Ren Baqian raised the top half of his body to hug her and kiss her mouth.


    One hand was on her waist while the other hand was lightly stroking her back.


    The empress let out a slight moan, blushed, closed her eyes, and gave in to his demand.


    After a long kiss, Ren Baqian gently parted her cor to reveal the breathtaking scenery!


    Her shape was perfect, her corbone was sexy and provocative, and the arc below was attractive.


    Her skin was as smooth asnolin and had an enticing beauty.


    Her closed eyes, bashful expression, and the gaps between her undergarment made Ren Baqian go into a frenzy.


    ��This is the most beautiful masterpiece of the creator! Nothing else in the world isparable!�� Ren Baqian gushed. As he fondled her upper body, the empress moaned again. Her skin turned pink from the neck down as his fingers made her tremble.


    She opened her eyes slightly and gently bit her lip. Her half-closed eyes were misty andpletely sultry.


    Ren Baqian turned over and pressed the body of the empress below him. Her white upper undergarment was thrown to one side,pletely exposing her upper body. Although there was only a little lighting through the red curtain, Ren Baqian could see clearly.


    ��Tear it off����


    Ren Baqian felt that it was critical to have teeth that were strong enough.


    Seeing that half of the empress��s safety shorts were covering her thighs, he felt even more enthusiastic.


    If there was a god in this world, he believed that it was the person in front of him!


    Ren Baqian slowly took off his clothes and disyed�� a glowing body��


    The two naked bodies, one glowing and one pink, became entwined.


    The empress shut her eyes tightly and asionally moaned softly.


    More effort��


    ��


    The fire within Ren Baqian retreated like the waves, and he was left with one phrase, ��D*mn it!��


    ��Oh brother, don��t be timid!�� Ren Baqian pressed his body down as he kissed the empress.


    A momentter, the empress was aware even though she wasn��t familiar with human affairs. When she saw Ren Baqian gnashing his teeth, she bit her lip and suddenly smiled. Turning around, she pressed Ren Baqian down as they changed positions.


    ��You are that wildest horse!�� The empress blushed as she whispered softly and revealed an indescribable feeling.


    She took a deep breath, raised her head haughtily, looked at him, and dered, ��I��m the ruler!��


    Her cheeks were still flushed and the pink glow on her body still hadn��t faded, but her bearing disyed her temperament.


    Her exquisite body, which was sitting on him, was very apparent, and this stoked the fire within him.


    Ren Baqian was confident that besides a cement wall, he could break through anything!


    However, a cement wall was right in front of him!


    The empress bit her lip, put her hand underneath her body, touched his cannon, and looked at Ren Baqian seductively.


    Then, her body sank down slowly��


    As the empress controlled her body, Ren Baqian felt the door opening.


    Her body was taut, but then, she began to rx.


    Soft arousing moans were hearding from behind the red curtains.


    Gradually, the voices grew louder before merging into one.


    Next, the creaking sound of the couch grew even louder and almost drowned out their voices.


    <em>Squeak�� Creak��</em>


    ��Erm����


    <em>Creak��</em>


    The wooden couch shook violently.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Legends say that the couch, which was made of 1,000 year old ironwood that was as hard as steel, copsed.


    The red curtains dropped down and covered the shattered bed and the couple inside.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were outside the hall listening avidly. asionally, they would hear the soft and indescribable moans which turned their faces and ears red.


    Hearing the loud noise, they rushed into the bedroom and shouted, ��Your Majesty! Zhao Prince Consort! Are both of you alright?��


    Taking the ce of the couch was a sheet of red curtain. Human shapes could be seen underneath it.


    ��All of you�� Hey�� Get out�� Without my permission, all of you�� keep out! Stay more than 100 meters away!�� Her voice came out intermittently as if she was suppressing something!


    This voice made Qing Yuan and Hong Luan turned red from head to toe, and they ran out with their heads bowed.


    After leaving, they started shouting anxiously. ��This is an order from Her Majesty! Everyone is to retreat at least 100 meters away!��


    ��Why are the two of you so jittery?�� Xin Zhe asked coldly from the darkness.


    ��Her Majesty�� this�� Her Majesty���� Their faces were red, and they didn��t know how to say it!


    ��What has happened to Her Majesty?��


    ��Her Majesty is fine, but she wants everyone to stay at least 100 meters away!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan hastily replied.


    From their appearance and demeanor, Xin Zhe grew even more suspicious and dered, ��I will see Her Majesty!��


    ��You can��t go in!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan tried to block her, but it was futile.


    In a sh, Xin Zhe went passed them and headed straight for the bedroom, but before reaching the door, she heard a noiseing from the room that sounded like a cat meowing.


    The thing that puzzled her was that it sounded like the voice of the empress.


    When she reached the front of the room, she saw a red bundle rolling on the floor and meowing like a cat. A low roar could also be heard.


    By this time, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had caught up to Xin Zhe and said low voices, ��You can��t go in!��


    Their faces turned red when the two of them heard the soundsing from the room.


    ��How is Her Majesty?�� Xin Zhe also felt that something was wrong, but she still wasn��t clear about the situation.


    Inexplicably, she remembered that she seemed to make the same noises when she was receiving those electric shocks�� Strange��


    ��Today is Her Majesty��s grand wedding, and they are consummating their marriage!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were red in the face and felt like biting Xin Zhe. Did they have to spell it out so clearly?


    ��Oh, they are consummating their marriage!�� Xin Zhe nodded. She listened to the noises from the room�� Although they sounded strange, the noises seemed to be harmless.


    ��What about the order just now?��


    ��Of course, it��s from Her Majesty. You better not go in!�� the two of them said hastily.


    Xin Zhe was stunned for a moment and then looked like she was thinking about something. In a sh, she went back into the darkness and ordered, ��No one is allowed within 100 meters of the bedroom.��


    After seeing this, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan heaved sighs of relief and turned to look at the inside of the room. The red bundle was still there and asionally rolled a bit. Then, a figure would sit up and stoop down.


    The sounds in the room became louder.


    <em>ng!</em>


    The table was overturned.


    Qing Yuan stole a nce at the room and asked Hong Luan softly, ��Should we go in to save the mirror? It��s a favorite of Her Majesty��s.��


    ��You can go if you want!�� Hong Luan red at her. Didn��t she know what was more important?


    Shortly after that, the two of them moved away quietly and heard the sound of ss shattering from within the room.


    Qing Yuan stuck her tongue out.


    The mirror must have been broken.


    ��


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan huddled in the shade. The sun was already right above their heads, but the two people in the room still hadn��te out.


    As soon as a person got close to the empress��s private quarters, they would hear noises that made their face and ears blush!

 Chapter 825 - The Ruler Didn’t Attend Morning Court

    Chapter 825: The Ruler Didn��t Attend Morning Court


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Under the shade of a tree, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan looked at each other. All they saw in each other��s eyes was helplessness.


    Xin Zhended beside them with a soft thud and asked, ��Her Majesty hasn��te out yet?��


    They shook their heads.


    ��If Her Majestyes out, tell her that Great Elder is seeking an audience!�� Xin Zhe said faintly before turning her head toward the pce. At present, everyone was standing outside the courtyard. Only the upper half of the pce could be seen over the wall.


    If they listened carefully, they could hear soft voicesing from inside.


    It had been three days. Both of them had already stayed in these quarters for three days. They didn��t know that consummating their marriage would take so long!


    Xin Zhe began to grow curious about what they were doing inside.


    ��We delivered food to the room for thest two days, but none of it has been touched!�� Qing Yuan muttered.


    ��With the strength of Her Majesty, it wouldn��t affect her even if she didn��t eat for a few days,�� Xin Zhe replied. Without thinking further, she turned around and walked outside while saying, ��I��ll go inform Great Elder.��


    However, before she even walked 100 meters away, she heard a loud noise from behind her. She turned around and was immediately shocked.


    The roof of the empress��s quarters�� It was gone!


    The original location of the roof waspletely shrouded in dust that was rising into the sky!


    The loud noise created disorder in the entire pce!


    Xin Zhe dashed back to the quarters. It waspletely shrouded in dust, so she couldn��t see the situation inside clearly.


    ��Commander!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were stunned and at a loss. Seeing here over was like finding support for themselves.


    ��Hurry and save Her Majesty!��


    ��This won��t hurt her,�� Xin Zhe replied faintly without even looking at them.


    ��Everyone, don��t be rmed!�� she shouted.


    She first stabilized the situation before striking toward the front with her palm. With a wind piercing sound, a hole appeared in the dust in front, but it was quickly filled up by the dust in the surroundings.


    Seeing that this wasn��t working, she pondered for a little and dashed inside.


    ��Get out!�� Within the dust, the empress��s voice suddenly rang out and made Xin Zhe stop in her tracks.


    ��Get someone from the clinic toe!�� the empress added.


    ��Are you injured, Your Majesty?�� Xin Zhe was surprised.


    ��Not me! Hurry!�� The empress��s voice sounded a little lethargic, and it had an inexplicable feel to it.


    Knowing that it wasn��t the empress who was injured, Xin Zhe was relieved. She cupped her hands in the direction of where the empress��s voice came from and wasn��t bothered by whether the empress could see this or not. She had developed this habit a long time ago. After that, she left to send someone to call for the doctor.


    The moment Xin Zhe left, a streak of red shadow dashed through the dust and vanished into one of the halls at the side. At the same time, a voice sounded and ordered, ��No one else is toe close. Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, bring clothes for me and Zhao Prince Consort!��


    The duo were stunned momentarily. The empress��s favorite clothes were all buried inside her quarters��


    Fortunately, there were people who made clothes for her in the pce. The duo went separate ways to get the empress��s underwear and red muslin dress as well as Ren Baqian��s clothes from Pingle Park.


    At the same time, they ordered the imperial kitchen to cook some food, especially meat. Large amounts of meat!


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan thought that Ren Baqian and the empress would probably be hungry!


    Not just probably, but certainly! They hadn��t left the quarters in three days��


    Before the duo arrived at the side hall, they recalled the noises they heard and the things that happened at the main hall of the empress��s quarters over thest three days. Immediately, they blushed!


    Once they entered, they saw the empress sitting there while covered in red cloth. Her its had already loosened with several strands of hair covering her face. There seemed to be some water and dust on her head as well.


    The red cloth that she covered herself with wasn��t exactly clean either. It was also stained with water and dust.


    In this state, the empress looked quite badly beaten. When Qing Yuan and Hong Luan looked at her, she seemed a little different. Her skin seemed to have an additionalyer of radiance, and there was a pinkish hue on her fair skin.


    Zhao Prince Consortid beside her with only a piece of red cloth covering his lower body.


    The duo was shocked when they looked at him.


    He looked deathly pale and seemed to have lost quite some weight!


    ��What happened to Zhao Prince Consort���� they subconsciously mumbled.


    ��Nothing serious!�� the empress replied faintly as her face started to blush.


    Ren Baqian seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight, but his body still looked fine. In fact, it looked slightly better than before!


    It was just that�� the empress probably broke his pelvic bone just now?


    He passed out after that!


    It was unintentional�� Her mind was already nk at that point!


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan didn��t dare to probe further. They ced the clothes to one side and asked, ��Your Majesty, shall we prepare some food and a bath?��


    ��Get someone to prepare them and take your leave. Bring the doctor when he arrives!�� the empress replied without even looking up.


    After the duo left, she ced her hand on Ren Baqian��s face. She stroked her finger from his cheeks to his chin and then his chest. Thinking back to the madness over thest few days, she didn��t know how she should react.


    Many times, she didn��t even know what she was doing!


    ��It��s all your fault!�� the empress mumbled.


    That��s it!


    After a while, someone from the clinic arrived, and it was the chief of the clinic. Without saying a thing, he first checked Ren Baqian��s physical condition.


    He then lowered his head and reported, ��Firstly, Zhao Prince Consort��s body has bone fractures caused by external impacts. These are easy to deal with. Secondly, he��scking in essence blood. I heard that Zhao Prince Consort and Your Majesty haven��t left the pce in three days. You must take care of your body! However, the strange thing is that people who arecking essence blood are usually dispirited and listless. From what I see, Zhao Prince Consort is still full of vitality and stronger than before! This vitality seems to have been transferred to him from an external source.��


    The physician had a pensive look and asked, ��Could this be the legendary [Double Cultivation Method]? I have heard about the engendering of Yin and Yang back when I was touring the Yun Nation. The [Double Cultivation Method]plements both Yin and Yang, especially during the first time. With Your Majesty��s strength, your energy could have entered Zhao Prince Consort��s body����


    The empress��s face waspletely flushed. This man was full of nonsense. If he were Tong Zhenye or Qin Chuan, she would have already killed him by now!


    ��Treat him and wake him up!�� she said quickly.


    After finishing her sentence, she immediately bolted away and vanished in an instant.


    The empress had never felt so badly beaten in her entire life!


    After soaking in the tub for some time, the blush on her face still hadn��t dissipated. She was still full of vitality!


    ��Hong Luan, go watch over Zhao Prince Consort and inform me when he wakes up!��


    After Hong Luan left, the empress gently closed her eyes in the tub. The feeling she had experienced over thest few days was still lingering, and it made her feel a little confused.


    ��Your Majesty, Great Elder came to seek an audience in the afternoon!�� Qing Yuan knelt behind her and kneaded her shoulders.


    ��I got it! Since that night�� How long has it been?�� the empress asked with her eyes shut.


    ��Your Majesty, it��s already been three days!�� Qing Yuan replied softly. Then, she suddenly felt the empress��s body tense up.


    ��Three days?�� the empress opened her eyes and asked subconsciously. So much time had passed? Even though she could see light seeping into the hall, she hadpletely lost track of time!


    It was just that the empress was too focused on listening to other things and didn��t pay attention to that detail.


    ��Yes!��


    Thinking about how those old b*stards would secretly beughing at her for staying in the pce for three days with Ren Baqian without even stepping out, she immediately became vexed.


    ��Get Xin Zhe to spread the word. I will hold morning court tomorrow!��

 Chapter 826 - Weak Kidneys

    Chapter 826: Weak Kidneys


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    In the darkness, it was as if Ren Baqian was in space. In the distance was a star emitting heat and light.


    Even though he knew that he couldn��t look at the star directly, he didn��t experience any re when he looked at it directly. The light simply made him feel warm.


    At this time, he didn��t have a physical body. He didn��t even know which sensory organ he was using to look at the star.


    Ren Baqian was in his sea of knowledge. He was probably relying entirely on his own habits to see things��


    He was used to seeing things with his eyes, so even without a body, the angle of observation in his sea of knowledge still came from his pair of nonexistent eyes��


    Such thoughts emerged in his mind, and he began to wonder why they did. He then started to recall what happened before this!


    The empress, who was drenched in sweat!


    At first, Ren Baqian and the empress werepletely motivated by desire. However, they started to be more rational and began to use the [Double Cultivation Method] that Librarian Lin gave him!


    Their essence, qi, and spirit joined together and circted from his body to the empress��s and back again. Every time it happened, it would transfer something from his body to the empress and vice versa��


    Subsequently, not knowing how much time had passed, the entire cycle grew faster and faster��


    Afterward�� Ren Baqian broke his pelvic bone�� and passed out.


    He felt like doing a facepalm when he realized this problem!


    F*ck! What utter shame and humiliation!


    Breaking his pelvis on his wedding night�� How could he be considered a man?


    Ren Baqian was a man who weighed 160 kilograms!


    He had the strength and physique of a bear!


    Well, in front of the empress, this bear turned into a panda! A small panda in fact!


    After thinking about this for some time, Ren Baqian suddenly noticed a few more things around him.


    There were threes traveling on a fixed trajectory around him! One of them was khaki, another was red, and thest one was half aqua blue and a mix of white, green, and khaki for the other half. It was mottled as well.


    It��s finally formed. He immediately threw all those other thoughts aside and focused on these threes.


    Whenever Ren Baqian focused on a, it would draw nearer and berge in his field of view.


    It could also be that he was being drawn closer to the.


    Naturally, he was most attracted to the that was a mix of blue, white, green, and khaki.


    The khaki and reds were both missing something. The that was drawing nearer to him resembled Earth, and this made him subconsciously realize a problem.


    Will there be living things there?


    If living things appeared in Ren Baqian��s sea of knowledge, what would it mean?


    This thought emerged in his mind for a brief moment before he cast it aside.


    There could be a universe,s, stone, wood, fire, and oceans in his sea of knowledge, but it was impossible to have the existence of life.


    This was because there was one important thing missing�� Spirit!


    Of course, the stone, wood, and fire waspletely constructed from Ren Baqian��s sea of knowledge. They bore the same form as in the real world, but they weren��t of the same nature.


    Speaking of nature, these objects could be said to be born of his own knowledge!


    They weren��t made up of real molecules, atoms, and particles.


    However, he was only able to use his mind to construct these inanimate objects and was unable to produce living things!


    This thought revolved around Ren Baqian��s mind as he pulled that mixed-colored closer to him. It grewrger andrger in his field of view. He then felt as if he was falling toward that.


    Falling over the oceans and mountains, he eventuallynded in a field.


    He then saw another living thing!


    The metal chain sprawled itself on the ground, baskingzily in the sun and asionally twitching one of its ends. There was no telling whether this was its head or its tail as both ends looked the same!


    In fact, its entire body looked the same!


    Since the metal chain was here, what about the golden spear? As Ren Baqian was thinking about this, he saw a towering peak in the distance�� Since when did the golden spear grow several kilometers long!


    He looked at these two fellows before ncing around at the surroundings. It was mostly soil with huge trees nted all over. These were all constructed out of the wood element. As such, this newly formed had towering trees like those of the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    The elements of earth, wood, and water were disyed before his eyes.


    As for fire, Ren Baqian guessed that it should be underground and that it was the same case for metal.


    Apart from that, there was still wind, ice, and desert, variants of the five main elements.


    This already looked like what it was supposed to!


    Except for life!


    However, this alone was already a huge surprise! An expected surprise!


    Other people had springs and space in their sea of knowledge. Who would have swag like Ren Baqian and have an entire universe in their mind?


    He then began to try out what he could do on this.


    ��I say, there must be mountains here!�� His voice rumbled in the sky. The metal leaped up from the ground as if it were hot oil, and one of its ends circled 360 degrees, but failed to locate Ren Baqian��s position.


    In Ren Baqian��s field of view, the ground was shaking and splitting apart. The ground extruded upward as a mountain rose into the sky.


    ��I say, there must be rivers!��


    The ground shook once again. A huge stream of water jetted out from a crevice, gradually forming arge river!


    ��I say, there must bedies!��


    The metal chain scuttled near where Ren Baqian was and extended it body, trying to seek out his location.


    ��Indeed, it doesn��t work on living things!��


    Afterward, he tested all kinds of things. The surroundingndscape changed constantly, and the weather changed as well. There were thunderstorms one moment and strong winds the other, blowing away all the overcast clouds and revealing clear skies. It then started snowing a few minutester. He was able to achieve almost everything he asked for!


    Except for thedies!


    On the field stood arge stone tablet with the calligraphy, ��Nine Year Compulsory Education�� written on it��


    He was that talented, no qualms about it!


    More and more stone tablets were subsequently erected, and soon, it became a forest of tablets.


    Densely packed words could be found on every stone tablet. If someone were to look at these tablets from the front, he would see the titles at the top that read, ��Junior High School Physics Volume One,�� ��Junior High School Physics Volume Two,�� ��Junior High School Chemistry Volume One����


    The densely packed words were the contents of volumes and volumes of textbooks. There were texts and drawings as well. Ren Baqian had tapped into the first use of this world: a library!


    He could record everything that he remembered on these stone tablets.


    He wouldn��t have to worry about forgetting these things anymore!


    How did thatmercial go? ��Bubu Gao lighter[1.Bubu Gao lighter: Parody of amercial], light it wherever you don��t understand! Mama won��t have to worry about my exams anymore!��


    As long as Ren Baqian wished it, he could transfer all the books to this world to allow himself to read anytime he wanted to!


    After wasting half a day, lethargy began to overwhelm him like a rising tide, and he flew up into the sky. As he went further and further, his surroundings became dark again.


    ��Huh?�� He opened his eyes and felt that he had regained control of his body. He was back to reality and was no longer in his sea of knowledge.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort is awake!�� He heard the cheers of a girl.


    Ren Baqian turned around and saw Hong Luan.


    When she saw his eyes, she seemed to recall something. Her face blushed before she ran away!


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what was happening. What kind of reaction was that? He simply looked at her and she blushed?


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, it��s good that you��re awake. Are you experiencing soreness in your hips?�� an old man asked as he touched his beard.


    Ren Baqian tried to feel out his hips, and they indeed felt very sore.


    ��Yes, what happened?�� he asked.


    ��Are you experiencing tinnitus?��


    If this old man didn��t ask, Ren Baqian wouldn��t have realized it. Now that the old man reminded him of it, he realized that there was a buzzing noise in his ears!


    ��Do you feel dizzy? Does your body feel heavy?��


    ��How��s my current condition?��


    ��Your condition is very serious!�� The old man��s words shocked Ren Baqian!


    ��Your hips and knees are sore, legs are weak, head is dizzy, tinnitus in your ears, weight loss�� Zhao Prince Consort, your essence qi deficiency is very serious!��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    ��So?��


    ��Your have weak kidneys!��


    ��Sir Chen, why do you say that? I have trained for so many years. Why do I suddenly have weak kidneys after consummating my marriage?�� Ren Baqian was immediately unhappy.


    The old man sneered. He took out a small mirror and showed it to Ren Baqian.


    ��Take a look at yourself!��


    Ren Baqian looked at the face in the mirror and immediately got a shock. Was that him?


    He originally weighed over 150 kilograms. How did he end up like this?

 Chapter 827 - Can You Not Bring Up the Issue of My Weak Kidneys?

    Chapter 827: Can You Not Bring Up the Issue of My Weak Kidneys?


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    After the chief of the imperial medical center left, Ren Baqian felt the condition of his body, got back into bed, and stared at the ceiling.


    It was true that he was suffering from weak kidneys. It was also true that the [Double Cultivation Method] had benefited his inner body a lot. However, these didn��t interfere with each other.


    Even though it felt weird, nobody mentioned that practicing the [Double Cultivation Method] would improve the kidneys, right?


    Ren Baqian sighed and decided to cast this matter aside for the moment.


    Overall, his current physical condition wasn��t that bad.


    His bones had already fractured and his kidneys were already weak. There was nothing that he could do to reverse this��


    He cast the issue of his weak kidneys aside. He didn��t want to bring up this topic since he would feel sad about it!


    Just now, Ren Baqian heard from Chen Baokun, the chief of the clinic, that he hadn��t left the pce in three days and he must have benefited a lot.


    Firstly, threes had finally formed in his sea of knowledge, but he didn��t know whether the [Double Cultivation Method] had contributed to this.


    Secondly, he looked much thinner, and he estimated that he had lost at least 40 kilograms.


    However, this didn��t seem to be a bad thing. His body looked more solid now!


    In conclusion, Ren Baqian��s body seemed to have received a lot of benefits and vitality, all infused into his qi and blood. All of these benefits constantly nourished and changed his body while boosting his qi and blood at the same time. It felt as if he had consumed some sort of precious treasure.


    That was why, even though he lost nearly 50 kilograms, his physical condition wasn��t bad at all.


    He simply didn��t understand why consuming precious treasures would nourish his qi and blood, but not improve his kidneys!


    However, Ren Baqian felt this after his body had digested all the goodness and vitality!


    As he was pondering, the empress suddenly appeared in the room.


    It wasn��t until he put away the thoughts in his mind that he realized that she was looking at him from the side.


    ��Your Majesty? When did you arrive?��


    The empress��s gaze subconsciously drifted away. Now that Ren Baqian had woken up after three days of madness, she didn��t dare to look him in the eyes.


    Even though the two were already rightfully married, she still needed some time to adapt to these changes.


    ��You are awake? How are you feeling?��


    It would still be fine if the empress didn��t talk about this. The moment she spoke, Ren Baqian looked defeated and said, ��Your Majesty, you have to take responsibility for this!��


    She was speechless.


    ��My waist hurts�� My hips hurt�� Your Majesty, at that time����


    ��Shut up!�� The empress blushed. Her hands trembled as she almost threw a p across his face.


    ��It has been three days since our wedding, and there��s no telling what the others are thinking. How am I supposed to face everyone?�� She didn��t allow Ren Baqian to continue talking and couldn��t help but voice out how she felt. She sounded as if she was grumbling.


    ��Would you like me to testify for you, Your Majesty?�� He immediately suggested an idea.


    ��What is there to testify?�� the empress subconsciously replied. When she saw his mischievous look, she knew that he was teasing her and threw a p across his arm.


    Ka!


    Both of them went silent.


    ��Another broken bone���� Ren Baqian was speechless.


    This wife of his��


    He thought about the three days of madness and immediately felt that it was still worth it!


    ��Get the doctor toe���� The empress held her head as she called out to Hong Luan, who was standing outside.


    Even though Ren Baqian had a broken arm, he didn��t think that it was much of a problem. In fact, him being in aa didn��t have much to do with his broken pelvis. Instead, it was because of the substances that were full of vitality, which she had introduced into his body during their sexual intercourse.


    ��Oh yes, how��s your body, Your Majesty? There seem to be many more things in my body now.�� When he thought about the vitality that flowed to his body, he wondered if she was affected in any way.


    The empress immediately understood what Ren Baqian meant. She calmed her mood down and tried to soften her tone before replying, ��Don��t worry about me. The speed of my cultivation has been so fast that I find it hard to handle sometimes. It��s be much more stable now! This [Double Cultivation Method] is pretty useful to me!��


    ��When I recover, let��s go for another 300 rounds!�� He let out a burst of mischievousughter.


    She immediately blushed. Soon after, she seemingly figured out something and cast away her bashfulness. She nced at him cheekily and asked, ��Can you do it?��


    Ren Baqian immediately got agitated.


    Don��t belittle me for my weak kidneys��


    Forget it, I don��t want to bring this matter up again!


    ��


    The herbs in this world had miraculous effects. After recuperating for a night, even though he still couldn��t leap about, he was at least able to limp around with crutches. He got a shock when he walked past the empress��s quarters. Back then, did their intercourse really get so intense that the entire quarters copsed?


    Ren Baqian subsequently felt immeasurably self-satisfied. It seemed that he was still quite capable! Most ordinary people couldn��t achieve such results, could they?


    The empress was ck-faced when she came back from the court session. Many officials in the court had been arguing that an emperor must practice self-control and mustn��t be indulging in sexual pleasures. Just thinking about this made her fuming mad!


    At present, all of those people were out there hanging on the pce walls!


    From General Hong Wu to the ministers of the six departments, all of them were hung up in a row. The scene looked spectacr!


    It was clear how angry the empress was at that time!


    The Great Elder, Shi Qing, was all smiles. The empress could tell what he was thinking about from his expression. This made her even angrier!


    This made her seriously consider whether she should practice the [Double Cultivation Method] with Ren Baqian for another three days!


    The empress could be a little temperamental at times!


    After seeing Ren Baqian, who was staring nkly at the ruins of her quarters, she felt a little more at ease!


    She felt that no matter how angry she might get at times, her mood could change for the better after seeing him.


    However, the first words he said made her feel moody again!


    ��Your Majesty, were we that intense back then?�� Ren Baqian pointed at the ruins with a surprised look on his face. It was as if he was trying to sarcastically imply that the empress was formidable!


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan suddenly stared at him, not knowing whether to snicker or keep quiet!


    The empress immediately frowned.


    ��From what I can see, it isn��t that simple. This pce was left behind from the Hao Nation. Could there be some kind of hidden chamber or treasure trove underneath which resulted in an empty space below that caused it to suddenly copse?��


    Ren Baqian changed his tone, making her unable to unleash her temper!


    In fact, what he said was true. When he checked out the ruins, he felt that there were many areas that sunk in. Based on the situation when they were consummating their marriage, this was impossible!


    Unless part of thend below the pce was hollow!


    However, this pce had already fallen to the aboriginals for more than 70 years, yet they actually didn��t discover the secrets beneath. The Hao Nation had truly hidden their things very well!


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, the empress was astonished.


    She wanted to head to the main hall yesterday, but it had already been destroyed. Since she was in such a bad mood, how could she possibly have gone over to check?


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had always been apanying her, and the bodyguards were all situated far away from the ruins. Naturally, nobody had discovered this secret.


    After listening to Ren Baqian, the empress headed over to the ruins in a sh. Even though she didn��t understand civil engineering, with his indications, she immediately realized that something was wrong.


    ��Spread the word! Get people to excavate this area!�� she immediately ordered.


    Regardless of the things that they might find, this would at least divert the attention of the officials!

 Chapter 828 - Attending Court as a Prince Consort

    Chapter 828: Attending Court as a Prince Consort


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    The imperial guards were at the Kismet Heaven level and could carry more than 1,000 kilograms with both hands. They were like human excavators, and the debris of the pce was quickly cleaned up.


    The broken wooden pirs and the long stone blocks were lifted by two men standing on two sides and thrown to the side.


    The broken tiles on top were the most troublesome as cleaning them was time-consuming.


    When Ren Baqian went exuberantly to court the next morning, the debris was still notpletely cleared.


    Previously, he had to wait outside the pce together with the crowd before going in to attend the session.


    However, this time the empress asked him as she was leaving to attend the court session, ��The court session is starting soon. Where are you going?��


    ��Outside the pce!�� Ren Baqian was still not aware of the change.


    The empress put her hand under her chin andughed. Then, she exined, ��Your status is different now! You are already my prince consort. Let��s go together!��


    ��Is this the custom?�� No one seemed to have told him anything about this matter.


    Even in ancient China, the queens weren��t qualified to go to court.


    Regardless, it showed that his identity was quite different.


    ��What I say prevails!�� the empress dered. Anyway, there was no precedent, so whatever the empress said was valid!


    This was the first time Ren Baqian followed behind the empress to attend court. Walking half a step behind, he observed her face from the side and found it to be full of nonchnce as was befitting of a person who could move the world.


    As he walked, his mind began to wander.


    Dayao had a female ruler and might have a female ruler in the future since their fertility rate was low. He better remember to leave behind a male heir to take charge. As a prince, he couldn��t interfere in the affairs of the state.


    After all, not every prince consort was both literate and trained in martial arts like him while having no desire for power.


    ��What are you thinking?�� the empress asked without turning her head.


    Ren Baqian thought for a moment before saying, ��We are getting married on Earth in ten days. I hope there will be no trouble!��


    ��You still dare to mention it! Who dare to cause trouble again?�� the empress retorted coldly. A few of those rascals had messed up their wedding, and she still hadn��t settled with them yet.


    Ren Baqian smiled. On Earth, he had no fears except for the empress causing trouble.


    When they reached the outside of the pce hall, the ce was as noisy as a market.


    Asking these people to be quiet and solemn during the court session seemed almost impossible anyway!


    It was considered good if they didn��t fight before the empress arrived!


    An announcement was made that dered, ��The empress is here!��


    These people finally quieted down,


    The empress paused for a moment. If they saw Ren Baqian in such a state now, she wouldn��t be able to face them.


    But it wasn��t possible for him to keep avoiding others.


    Forget it�� She gnashed her teeth, strode into the hall while looking straight ahead, and headed for the seat at the top.


    Behind the empress was the sound of people gasping in surprise!


    A few days ago, Ren Baqian still looked normal, so how did he end up looking so thin after a few days?


    This made many people gasp out of extreme surprise.


    The empress��s eyebrows twitched a few times, but she suppressed it. Whatever the reason, Ren Baqian bing so thin wasn��t unrted to her.


    She didn��t bother to exin!


    Of course, she also wasn��t able to exin.


    As Ren Baqian followed behind the empress, the people along the way looked at him strangely and were winking at each other. When he paused at his previously allocated position, he saw Great Elder Su Qing pointing at the position beside him, which was closer to the empress.


    He was the person just below the empress!


    Hong Wu, the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation, was on the opposite side, and Ren Baqian looked at him with displeasure.


    In fact, he should be standing at Hong Wu��s position. Based on rank, Shi Qing was even higher ranking than Hong Wu.


    However, after seeing Hong Wu��s expression, Ren Baqian decided not to go near him. Fortunately, the rules in the imperial court of Dayao weren��t tthat strict.


    If the rules were strict, it wouldn��t sound like a market every day.


    Ren Baqian looked at the crowd and then meditated. He looked like an old monk sitting still. He stood up for a moment and let go of other thoughts to carefully reflect on his current situation.


    His body had recovered very quickly, and those vital substances only decreased a little bit after two days. The rest of them mixed with his essence qi like stardust that gradually dispersed.


    These substances seemed to be of a higher quality than his body essence! Not only could they change his body, but they could gradually change into essence qi at the rate of at least 1:10.


    For the entire court session that morning, Ren Baqian stood there thinking about his own body��s condition.


    In the afternoon, he went back to the pce bedroom to take a look and saw that most of the debris had been cleared. He could clearly see that the tiles had sunk down more than one meter and were all broken.


    After one more day, Ren Baqian felt fully recovered and wasn��t otherwise affected, except that he had lost close to 50 kilograms.


    In fact, he felt even better than before!


    This made Ren Baqian feel restless again.


    He used to think that the pleasure of making love was just an end in itself, but with the empress�� it was different in many ways! The soul and flesh blended as the essence flowed on both sides to be one. The ordinary way of making love wasn��tparable to their experience!


    It was an unforgettable experience.


    However, he had to drink the benkun tonic for half a month before he recovered.


    It was said that there was a guy called Li Xianyu who lived in debauchery every day with the help of this soup�� He then died of exhaustion.


    It couldn��t be helped as even an iron body couldn��t take it! He got this soup recipe when he was 20, and it was a miracle he could survive until 30 while living this way.


    The effect was much better than taking the Six vors Foxglove Pill!


    While Ren Baqian was preparing to recuperate in the pce for half a month, some imperial guards requested to see him.


    Ren Baqian met them in an abandoned pce building. In front of the building were two giant trees that blocked most of the windows, making it cold and gloomy. The empress disliked it here, but Ren Baqian felt that it was a suitable ce for the chief spy to meet his subordinates.


    ��Subordinates Xu Rong and Ping Tang. Our respects to Your Highness!�� The two men bowed their heads as they entered the hall and hardly dared to breathe. This big hall made them feel eerie and cold. They moved forward to steal a nce and saw a man sitting high up there in the shadows.


    Although the other party didn��t exert any pressure, this hall and its atmosphere made them feel wave after wave of pressure. They didn��t dare to take any risks.


    Ren Baqian sat up top and looked down. He had some impression of Xu Rong, who was a qianhu of the Rearguard Commandery.


    As for Ping Tang, he was a baihu*.*


    He didn��t know why they urgently wanted to see him. Was there some problem?


    ��Tell me, what��s the problem?�� Ren Baqian asked as he held a cup of tonic soup.


    After Xu Rong gave Ping Tang a wink, thetter narrated the things that he had heard at the wedding banquet that day and then shut up.


    Ren Baqian squinted slightly and wondered whether these people were bold or reckless.


    Not only did they keep a low profile, but they also dared to talk nonsense.


    ��Have you verified their identities?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Xu Rong said, ��We have checked. One of them is Jiang Biebu, the second son of Jiang Huan, the warlord of Yongjiang City. The other is Sun Qingwen, the eldest son of Sun Shi, the warlord of Hu City.��


    Next, he added, ��In addition to these two, there were a dozen people who said disrespectful things about you in private.��


    ��Well done! Give me the name list afterward!�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    After all, the Rearguard Commandery weren��t the imperial guards or spies from ancient China. At present, there were only a few thousand of them and most of them were in Tianjing Basin. It was a big achievement to be able to find out what those people from the Yun Nation were saying.


    ��There��s one more matter which involves you and Her Majesty. Although it��s disrespectful, Your Highness has to know!�� Xu Rong hesitated.


    ��Speak!�� Ren Baqian said coldly.


    ��This concerns Lin Mengsheng, who has made great contributions to the Yun Nation! There are rumors�� His motive is to get close to the empress! There��s no evidence, but this is what those people from the Yun Nation are saying in private. I feel that I should report this to Your Highness!�� Xu Rong said with his head bowed.


    He thought that this matter concerned Ren Baqian��s position and that Ren Baqian would definitely be furious!


    To his surprise, Ren Baqian was calm and said, ��I see. Give me the name listter and keep up your good work. I will get someone to record your contributions.��


    ��Yes! Thank you very much, Your Highness!��


    A momentter, Ren Baqian leaned against the couch with one hand lightly pressing his temple.


    Lin Mengsheng�� This guy was farsighted and took the initiative to show his mind clearly!


    He didn��t really know what this guy was thinking and needed to observe him further.


    Ren Baqian understood the thinking of the Jing Tribe people since they were dependent on him and were naturally concerned about matters like these. However, Ren Baqian never thought that he would be threatened by anyone in this regard.


    Ady like the empress would only love one person in her whole life. Once she was moved, she would never change her mind unless she was betrayed.


    Furthermore, he was so ��coquettish���� Rather, he was literate, trained in martial arts, and highly qualified.


    He lowered his head to look at the name list. Written down were the names of the people, their origins, and what they had said.


    Ren Baqian sneered. These idiots were really reckless!


    He put the paper in his breast pocket, sat for a while, and then walked out of the hall. Although, the sunlight made him squint, he still preferred the warmth of the sunlight.


    It felt much morefortable!


    Next time, he wouldn��t be pretentious and go to such a gloomy hall.

 Chapter 829 - Preparations for the Wedding on Earth

    Chapter 829: Preparations for the Wedding on Earth


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Ren Lijun was in a very good mood recently and would even hum some tunes while walking.


    At this age, he had passed the stage of worrying about his destiny and didn��t harbor many ideas about the future. He wanted nothing more than happiness and health during old age, his children to have sess, and finally, to have grandchildren to hug.


    He didn��t have to worry about his children��s prospects.


    Also, he didn��t know how to evaluate his eldest son. Initially, he was an ordinary person and no different from his friends and colleagues. He wasn��t out of the ordinary.


    But, all of a sudden, ten years ago, Ren Lijun didn��t understand his eldest son anymore.


    He wasn��t sure what Ren Baqian was doing or how much he had in assets. However, he knew that his eldest son owned five square kilometres ofnd in the famous Wuji City. Just this asset alone was enough tost a few generations.


    When anyone, be they rtives or friends, mentioned his eldest son, they would be full of admiration.


    As for his youngest son, who worked for his eldest son, he also didn��t have to worry.


    Since he didn��t have to worry about them, he just had to keep himself happy and healthy.


    Needless to say, family harmony was required for happiness and having money was a bonus.


    As for his health, since he started learning the [Fifteen Sets of Initial Stage Cultivation] six or seven years ago before anyone else, plus frequently taking herbs and following the special diet introduced by his eldest son, he hadn��t even contracted the flu once over all these years. His health was even better than it had been in his younger days.


    The only thing hecked was grandchildren.


    At this age, he should have had grandchildren long ago and to say that he wasn��t envious of others would be a lie.


    His two sons were promising enough, but there was no sign of grandchildren for him, and he was vexed by this.


    After waiting for so long, his eldest son was finally getting married!


    Since the time he heard of this news, he had been smiling nonstop.


    He had juste back from his son��s new house today. Although his son didn��t stay here, he had bought a house and renovated it for the big day.


    ��Old Ren, are you returning from the new house again?��


    Before entering the corridor, he met his neighbor from upstairs. They weren��t allowed to smoke in their houses and became close because they often smoked together in the corridor.


    ��Yes!�� Ren Lijun smiled until his eyes were almost closed.


    ��When��s the wedding?��


    ��Still one month to go!��


    ��It��s very soon! Tell me if you need any help!��


    ��Don��t forget to attend the banquet!��


    They were chatting when his neighbor suddenly looked forward and asked, ��No way to forget! Eh, those guys over there, is one of them your son?��


    Although he only saw him twice, it was impossible to forget him after one look.


    That physique, like a humanoid bear, was too oppressive!


    Ren Lijun turned to look and saw four peopleing from afar. Three of them were tall and looked like moving walls while thest person, although brawny, was much thinner. Wasn��t this person his son?


    ��Dad, you are gossiping.�� Ren Baqian nodded at the two and smiled.


    ��You are thinner. How did you lose so much weight?�� Ren Lijun was distressed. This son of his had always been thin and only managed to put on some weight over thest few years.


    The neighbor from upstairs almost choked. Was this considered thin? He was 1.75 meters tall, weighed at least 100 kilograms, had bulging muscles, and his T-shirt was almost about to explode.


    Are you misunderstanding the meaning of thin?


    However, Ren Baqian was much thinner than before! The city wall had be a cement block.


    ��I��m on a diet!�� Ren Baqian replied casually.


    He couldn��t say that he had been drained!


    There was simply no way to say it out aloud!


    ��Old Liu, we are going up!�� Ren Baqian��s father greeted his neighbor and the three winged cavalry warriors before leading them upstairs.


    ��How long will you be staying this time?��


    ��Five days. I need to attend to some matters beforeing back in 20 days�� time.��


    His father knew that his son had a lot on his te and didn��t mind.


    ��How about my daughter-inw?�� Ren Lijun asked.


    ��She��s currently too busy to get away and wille back with me then.��


    When they entered the house, they saw red objects everywhere, bedding for the wedding, double happiness characters, and other things piled up in the hall. Ren Baqian��s mother and two aunties were discussing what else they still needed to buy.


    Another round of greetings was exchanged.


    Ren Baqian hade back this time to look at the wedding ceremony n and to remove any unnecessary steps so as to prevent problems from arisingter.


    Although the empress said that she had a sense of propriety and understood the customs, he didn��t take her word for it.


    This wedding ceremony was for the sake of his parents and didn��t need much preparation, so he wanted to keep it as simple as possible. The guests were some rtives and friends of his parents.


    Almost all of the arrangements were done by his parents, including the choice to hire a well-known wedding nner.


    Ren Baqian went to the wedding nner the next day. He sat on the sofa and crossed out the items on the list one by one, saying, ��Change this three bow ceremony to a hand cupping salute!


    He removed the item of lighting cigarettes for the guests and also dispensed with the tea serving ceremony.


    The pledge for the couple to live harmoniously with the inws was removed.


    The item of giving dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds to the bride and then asking her whether she could give birth was deleted.


    Bowing to parents and guests was change to a hand cupping salute.


    The narration of their love story and the game of ��Truth or Dare�� were removed.


    The speech by the guest representative was also removed.


    Instead of the couple giving speeches, only the bridegroom would give a speech.


    The item of the bride pouring wine for the rtives was also deleted.


    There were too many mines, but Ren Baqian rejoiced as he cleared them.


    Letting the empress guarantee that she would live harmoniously with her inws was a joke!


    Putting a pile of dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds in front of her and asking her whether she would give birth was preposterous.


    Bowing 90 degrees to the inws and rtives wasn��t eptable to the empress.


    If the empress wanted to give face, bowing to his parents was fine, but she would flip the table if she had to bow to the others.


    What other games were there? The game of ��Truth or Dare?�� Each person would be given a piece of paper and write down their most romantic moment, their happiest event, their most unforgettable incident, their most touching time, their favorite ce, their first kiss, etc. Each of them would be temporarily separated when writing the answers and then each would be asked to guess what the other had written.


    Imagine asking the empress to y such a game in public. These people must be tired of living!


    However, ying this game in their own bedroom wasn��t a bad idea. He wondered what the empress would write�� Even he didn��t know what to write�� He would try it out when he got back as it seemed like it would be fun.


    If the empress gave a speech and said, ��I will bestow nobility to your family,�� it would be shocking.


    Asking the empress to pour wine for the rtives and lighting cigarettes for the guests was out of the question. The reaction would be unimaginable.


    There were too many mines. Stepping on one could be fatal.


    Ren Baqian thought about sending the wedding nner a int,�� but thesepanies were used to dealing with normal customers and he was abnormal. They couldn��t find another like him on Earth and weren��t to me.


    When he finished speaking, the boss of thepany was speechless. He had a good reputation and was very experienced. With other people, he could maintain his authority because the wedding customs here were like this.


    However, Ren Baqian��s physique and demeanor were so imposing that people couldn��t refuse him. Furthermore, there were three fierce looking giants behind him. In the end, the boss didn��t say anything!


    ��Do it this way! Settle the rest of the matters and don��te up with newfangled ideas. Just follow the instructions that I have given you.�� Ren Baqian threw the piece of paper on the tea table and heaved a sigh of relief.


    There should be no problem now.


    All that was left was to invite a few rtives from the bride��s family.


    It would be a bit out of line if the empress was the only one present.

 Chapter 830 - Arrest

    Chapter 830: Arrest


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Sun Qingwen fiddled with a ss teapot and clicked his tongue in wonder. He didn��t expect such a beautiful thing toe from this barbaric and backward country!


    The visitors from the Yun Nation had been staying in Lan City for over two weeks, and they were most interested in the mirrors, ssware, and spices that the royal family were selling. Even though the prices were quite hefty, it didn��t seem expensive to them.


    If the same products were sold in the Yun Nation, the prices would probably be higher.


    The only thing that made everyone unhappy was that there were two different price tags. The aboriginals only needed to pay one tenth of the price.


    Even though the people from the Yun Nation had to pay ten times the price, they still felt that the products were cheap. This indicated how much profit these products could make.


    These days, they had been trying to find aboriginals to help them buy things, but to no avail.


    These barbarians didn��t even want to make money from this. They were really hateful!


    ��Jiang Biebu wishes to see you!�� said a voice that came reporting from the outside.


    ��Quick, bring him in.�� Sun Qingwen was delighted.


    There was a rush of footsteps, and after a moment, a man who was almost the same age as him was brought in.


    Since Yongjiang City and Hu City were located not too far apart, they had already known each other before traveling here. Their rtionship had been pretty good during this period of time.


    ��Brother Sun, you really can sit still. I would be suffocated if I didn��t go out for two days!�� Jiang Biebuughed out loud the moment he saw Sun Qingwen.


    Sun Qingwen smiled and replied, ��Brother Jiang, you are naturally active, and I really envy you for that!��


    Soon after, his tone changed as he continued, ��This city is said to be the capital city, but it��s actually worse than a small city in the Yun Nation. There��s almost no entertainment in the city, and it��s very deste. The disciples of the barbarian officials can be seen everywhere. They are extremely uncivilized and are always picking fights. A few days ago, several people from the Qian family and Ai Wenfu from the Ai family were beaten up by a girl. It��s said that she is the granddaughter of Hong Wu�� On the same day, Ai Wenfu and the brothers of the Qian family still went to the Hong Residence to send them gifts. Thinking of that, it��s quite ridiculous!��


    ��Humph, these barbarians. If it wasn��t for their usefulness���� Jiang Biebu sighed with disdain and a little bit of anger.


    In any case, the Qian brothers and Ai Wenfu had the same status as him. When they got injured, he shared the pain that they felt. Back in the Yun Nation, did anyone have to endure such treatment?


    ��We have no power at the moment! Now that the Yun Nation has fallen�� Great Xia is also busy with their own problems. We can only submit to these barbarians for now!�� Sun Qingwen sighed.


    He then looked up and smiled, saying, ��Let��s not talk about these dreadful things, we will be returning home in two days. Once we return to the Yun Nation, we must gather for a few drinks! I have a sunshine girl at House Yihong in Hu City. She has a very seductive look and looks a little like that woman. She was originally my girl, but I had gotten tired of her. However, after seeing that woman, I��m suddenly craving her. I��ll definitely go back and have a good time with her!��


    As Sun Qingwen spoke, he pointed toward the pce.


    After listening to what he said, Jiang Biebu grew extremely interested and asked, ��Is this for real? How simr are they?��


    ��40 percent!�� Sun Qingwen pondered for a moment and put up four fingers.


    ��That��s a little low!�� Jiang Biebu was pretty disappointed. How could this girl resemble the empress when she only had 40 percent simrity!


    ��What kind of person is that woman? She��s a world-renowned expert, and also�� The empress! With her looks and personality, how could some ordinary girl bepared to her? It��s already pretty good to have 40 percent resemnce! The most important thing is that she can toyed around�� You just have to fantasize a little�� That feeling�� Hehe!�� Sun Qingwen shook his head and lowered his voice.


    Jiang Biebu thought for a moment and became fascinated by this. He thenughed softly and said, ��That Zhao Prince Consort has it easy!��


    The two whispered and talked for a while. Brothels and romance were verymon in the Yun Nation. Even if word got out and spread to others, it would simply be another romantic affair, and the two had been used to this for a long time.


    After a while, Jiang Biebu mysteriously said, ��I came to look for you today to tell you about a good ce that I found!��


    ��Oh? Tell me!�� Sun Qingwen was curious.


    ��There��s an alley in Lan City called the Four Courtyards, and there��s a ce there called the Jinyu Courtyard!��


    ��So it��s there! I knew it the first day we arrived!�� Sun Qingwen said.


    ��If it was just a normal brothel, there wouldn��t be anything to say about it, but there are some workingdies there who are Earth Wheel experts!�� Jiang Biebu waited for Sun Qingwen��s response after finishing his sentence, and as expected, Sun Qingwen was taken aback!


    ��Earth Wheel?��


    ��Isn��t it? It��s said that the elders of several sects in the Yun Nation aren��t very old, but they are all geniuses. If we were in the past, even though our statuses weren��t low, it would be impossible for us to get a share of the action! However, since they are reduced to this state, they may actually be happy to see us!�� Jiang Biebu smiled.


    Earth Wheel experts could be used as offerings to the warlords of any city, and a lot of money had to be spent to support them.


    Furthermore, these were just ordinary Earth Wheel experts.


    They were actually graded into three ranks, namely grade three, six, and nine!


    It was said that the Earth Wheeldies in the brothel were rather good-looking and weren��t old either. They would be considered talented if they were to belong to those sects, and it would be hard to even meet one of them. Now that they were at a Lan City brothel, this made Sun Qingwen feel excited.


    He would dly sleep with them once and shorten his lifespan by three years.


    ��We��ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. We have to go there, try out these ��talents�� before we leave, and fight it out with them. At least we will have something to brag about when we return!��


    As soon as Jiang Biebu finished his words, Sun Qingwen got very excited andughed out loud, dering, ��You can��t leave me out on this!��


    Just as the two were imagining going to the Jinyu Courtyard and picking up those ��talents�� who were too far out of their reach on normal days, more than a dozen aboriginals came into the courtyard.


    One of them was about two meters tall, and he stood there like a little giant with two pairs of huge axes slung behind his back. These were two handed axes to others, but had be single handed axes to him.


    This burly man stood at the door and grinned. An ominous glint radiated from his eyes as he kicked the door open and said, ��I��m Hong Bao from the Department of Inspection. I havee to take your heads under Her Majesty��s orders!��


    Someone immediately poked his waist and said, ��Sir, you said it wrong!��


    ��What?�� Hong Bao turned his head and stared!


    ��Sir, we are here to arrest someone this time, not to kill them!�� the other manughed.


    ��Damn it! We used to just kill people directly. I totally forgot about this!�� Hong Bao scratched his big bald head.


    He then shouted loudly as if andmine had just exploded, ��Arrest all of them! If anyone resists, kill them all!��


    All the other aboriginals charged into the courtyard except for one. He stood behind Hong Bao and reminded, ��Sir, only kill those that resist!��


    ��It sounds more vigorous this way!�� He was pleased with how he had said it. ��What did Zhao Prince Consort say previously? In society, vigor is most important!��


    After hearing what he said, everyone originally in the courtyard became so shocked that their legs turned to jelly!


    With a deathly pale face, the Earth Wheel leader of the group shouted, ��Sir, we are the envoys of Hu City and havee to celebrate Her Majesty��s wedding. What have we done wrong?��


    An aboriginal kicked him to the ground and retorted, ��Why all this nonsense?��

 Chapter 831 - The Cause of the Palace’s Collapse

    Chapter 831: The Cause of the Pce��s Copse


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Sun Qingwen and Jiang Biebu were carried out of the residence like chickens and thrown on the ground. They were both shivering.


    Jiang Biebu shouted repeatedly, ��Sir, this is a misunderstanding. I��m Jiang Biebu, the son of Jiang City��s warlord. I havee here to visit and I��m not with them!��


    ��Jiang Biebu? Let me think. Yeah, that��s right! There��s your name on it too!�� Hong Bao burst intoughter. ��You have saved me some effort!��


    He then took out a piece of paper, but didn��t understand a word of it.


    ��You read it!�� He threw the paper to the person behind him.


    ��You do it!�� The person behind him threw it to another person without even looking at it.


    ��Don��t you know that I can��t read?�� That man shouted fiercely. ��What about Little Fifteen?��


    ��Little Fifteen��s wife is giving birth today, and Sir gave him two weeks off!�� someone answered


    ��You read it yourself!�� They handed the paper to Jiang Biebu and Sun Qingwen.


    When they nced at the paper, their faces immediately went pale. Their sweat immediately soaked their clothes.


    ��Read it!�� The burly man beside them got impatient and kicked one of them.


    ��The two men, Sun Qingwen and Jiang Biebu����


    ��Louder, understand?��


    ���� are the envoys of Hu and Yongjiang City. However, during Her Majesty��s wedding banquet, they privately teased and made improperments about Her Majesty and the officials. Many of their words were disrespectful����


    ��Damn it! You actually made improperments about Her Majesty?�� As Hong Bao listened, his eyeballs almost popped out. He kicked Jiang Biebu, who was drenched in cold sweat, in the chest, causing him to throw up blood in the air. His entire chest caved in.


    ��Pah! You are pretty gutsy! Check if he��s dead. If he is, just say that he resisted! If not, just grant him an easy death!�� Hong Bao shouted.


    ��Sir, I��m afraid you��ll get punished for this!��


    ��What��s there to be afraid of! These people dared to privately make improperments about Her Majesty. I��ll take some men to their damned cities and start a massacre!�� Hong Bao shouted with ring eyes.


    At the side, Sun Qingwen shivered as a pool of yellow liquid flowed out.


    Originally, he was still a little hopeful. At that time, Jiang Biebu was the one who did most of the talking, whereas he had merely added a few sentences. He expected to receive some light punishment and would then think about how to remedy it on the way back. He didn��t expect these aboriginals to go directly for the kill!


    He felt so regretful now! If he had known earlier, he wouldn��t have spouted such nonsense! At that time, they were speaking very softly, so it was impossible for others to hear their conversation. How did this spread out?


    He wasn��t the only one regretting it. Fortunately, some of the warlords�� sons who were eavesdropping outside the wall had been cautious about what they said. However, there were also some who were scared sh*tless as they had also said disrespectful words during their stay in Lan City.


    At that moment, a man separated the crowd, walked into the courtyard, and said, ��Sir, this isn��t appropriate!��


    As the people outside the courtyard wondered who was ballsy enough to do this, they saw his figure and were shocked.


    ��Lin Mengsheng?��


    ��Why is he meddling in this mess?��


    ��Let��s see!��


    Hong Bao was furious when he heard Lin Mengsheng��s words. When he turned his head and saw that it was someone from the Yun Nation, he immediately sneered. A murderous aura permeated the whole area.


    ��Sir, my name is Lin Mengsheng. I��m currently working at ck Bamboo Academy. Like you, I��m serving as an official!�� He looked very calm and didn��t seem to fear Hong Bao��s murderous spirit.


    ��What did you say, kid?�� Hong Bao almost flew into a rage and started killing, but after hearing that this man was working at ck Bamboo Academy, he remembered that he had heard about such a thing. However, he didn��t restrain his murderous spirit at all and still looked extremely frightening.


    ��Sir, did Her Majesty order you to arrest or to kill? No matter what these two people have said or done, even if they are found guilty and convicted, Her Majesty will be the one making the judgement. There are regtions in the household andws in the nation. It��s all the same, regardless of whether you are in Dayao or the Yun Nation. It��s not appropriate for you to do as you wish without permission!��


    He then lowered his voice and said, ��Sir, since the Yun Nation has just surrendered, the people are feeling anxious. These two men have special identities as they are envoys of the warlords. Even though their statuses aren��t high, their significance is different. You represent the imperial court and Her Majesty. If you wound and kill ording to your own wishes, the people of the Yun Nation will definitely feel threatened and it will end up in chaos! Even though these two people are nothing, if you simply kill them at will, the impact will be great! I��m afraid that both Zhao Prince Consort and Her Majesty won��t want to see this happen.


    From the way that Zhao Prince Consort handles things, regardless of whether he was dealing with Tianjing Basin or the Yun Nation, he has always been powerful, yet gentle, in his approach to merge these two nations into Dayao��s territory. Even though you will feel delight when killing them, it will be harmful to the overall situation! I don��t know whether you think that your delight or Zhao Prince Consort��s n is more important?��


    Hong Bao stared at Lin Mengsheng with his eyes wide open. It was as if he was looking at something strange.


    He kept silent for some time before saying, ��F*ck you! What are you talking about?��


    ��You look very forthright, but I��m sure you understand what I��m talking about!�� Lin Mengsheng replied faintly.


    ��Even though I don��t quite understand you, you sounded impressive!�� Hong Bao suddenly burst out inughter.


    As heughed, he patted Lin Mengsheng��s shoulder a few times with his hand that was the size of a palm leaf, causing Lin Mengsheng��s face to twitch a little.


    If Lin Mengsheng didn��t apply medication to it afterward, he probably wouldn��t be able to lift his arm for more than a week.


    When Hong Bao finishedughing, he turned around and asked, ��Is he dead yet?��


    ��He��s still breathing!��


    ��Take him to the clinic, keep him alive, and throw him into prison! Arrest the rest of these people!��


    He then lowered his head, looked at Lin Mengsheng with a sinister smile, and said, ��Kid, what you said made a bit of sense! However, you suddenly don��t look very pleasing to me, and I feel like killing you!��


    Hong Bao continuedughing and took everyone away.


    When he and the people from the Department of Inspection left, everyone outside immediately rushed into the courtyard and surrounded Lin Mengsheng.


    Prior to this incident, nobody thought that he would ever stand up for those two people, let alone convince that aboriginal official! Everyone admired his actions, especially when he stood strong against that frightening man.


    Many people suddenly realized something. Since Lin Mengsheng, who was also a native of the Yun Nation, now held a position in Lan City and was willing to stand up for his own people, he became more valuable as an acquaintance than the others.


    Even if he wouldn��t be able to get promoted to a high rank, being acquainted with him would only bring them benefits and no harm.


    ��


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat across from each other. In front of them was a chessboard.


    He held a chess piece and thought about his next move for a long time before putting down a white piece!


    The empress ate a piece of fruit before quickly ying a red piece. It was red instead of ck because she liked this color!


    ��Five in a row, I win!��


    Ren Baqian looked at those five red pieces that were connected together on the board, threw his white pieces aside, and dered, ��I��m not ying anymore!��


    The empress twitched her nose and smiled. She was in a very pleasant mood.


    His flustered and exasperated look made her even happier than seeing him concede defeat.


    Soon after, Xin Zhe came over and reported, ��Your Majesty, we have arrested those people.��


    At the same time, she handed over a piece of paper and said, ��The Rearguard Commandery sent this.��


    The empress took a nce at it and threw it to Ren Baqian.


    He read it carefully and said, ��This Lin Mengsheng is pretty interesting!��


    ��That Hong Bao has got too much nerve. I ordered him to arrest those people, but he actually tried to kill them!�� She was concerned about a different issue.


    ��It��s also because of the great respect he has for you that he can��t tolerate others making such improperments!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��Even so, he can��t go unpunished for this!�� the empress replied.


    ��What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?�� He was slightly curious.


    She pondered for a moment and replied, ��Forfeit his sry for half a year!��


    Ren Baqian nodded. That was a rtively bnced punishment.


    ��And then reward him with 1,000 taels of silver! I do appreciate his thoughts at least!�� the empress added.


    ��This Hong Bao only earns an annual sry of 800 taels of silver. He actually still benefits from this punishment! Your Majesty, do you intend to punish or reward him?�� Ren Baqian burst out inughter.


    She blinked her eyes a few times and asked, ��Haven��t you been telling me to make a clear distinction between punishments and rewards?��


    Ren Baqian was stunned. Actually, he didn��t pay any attention to what she said, but was in fact attracted by her charm when she blinked. He leaned over and gently kissed her eyelids.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were already used to this, so it didn��t bother them at all.


    They had seen him do even more shameless things.


    It was actually Xin Zhe whose eyes were very expressive behind her pair of sses.


    ��Your Majesty, we have cleared out the ruins of your quarters and discovered the cause of its copse.��


    ��Oh? Let��s go take a look!��


    Ren Baqian and the empress rushed to the site and saw that they had already cleared up the debris from seven meters deep beneath the ground of the empress��s quarters. There was a 50 centimeter hole along the wall of soil, and it seemed like there were more than ten of these holes beneath the entire quarters.


    They were surprised at first, but then, they suddenly discovered something.


    These holes�� There was only one thing in the entire pce that liked to dig holes�� The roaring emperor!


    They didn��t know when that fellow actually dug so many tunnels below the quarters! Of course, these tunnels were all at least five meters below the ground. If nothing unexpected happened, the pce probably wouldn��t copse in the next few decades!


    It was a bit imusible to say that these tunnels were the cause of the copse. However, the empress insisted that this was the cause, regardless of whether it was imusible or not!


    ��Your Majesty, the quarters copsed because of these tunnels. However, I realized something just now. There��s ayer of rock below with signs of sculptures carved out by men. There might be a hidden chamber below!��


    ��Excavate!�� She immediately gave the order.


    A hidden chamber actually existed below the quarters. This made both Ren Baqian and the empress very curious as to whaty beneath.


    Ren Baqian then added, ��Capture the roaring emperor!��


    It was time to let that fellow understand the consequences of digging holes!

 Chapter 832 - The Passageway

    Chapter 832: The Passageway


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As a matter of fact, the roaring emperor wasn��t weak in power. Although it was around the Man Wheel level, its roar was enough to disorientate Earth Wheels experts for a long time.


    Ordinary people would be directly killed by the roar.


    However, like a pet dog, its natural disposition was to please people.


    ��Tie it up here!��


    Ren Baqian directed the group to tie the roaring emperor on top of a rockery that was as tall as a man.


    It stared at the two guards tying it to the rocks and tried to struggle a little, but it was like a squirming baby.


    It tried to look ingratiating and almost stuck out its tongue.


    ��Cover its mouth!�� Ren Baqian added. After the two guards had covered its mouth, he squatted in front of it and asked with a smile, ��Do you know what mistake you have made?��


    The roaring emperor looked at him nkly.


    ��Did you dig all those tunnels under the pce?�� Ren Baqian continued smiling.


    If these tunnels were only beneath the pce��s bedroom, it would still be fine, but the problem was that the roaring emperor and the crow general were housed more than a kilometer from the bedroom. This meant that it was unknown how many pce halls were affected.


    The excavation had also revealed dozens of holes in the original earthen wall surrounding the pce bedroom while the area below the pce was like a sieve.


    If this had been done by humans, even annihtion of the whole n wouldn��t be enough.


    The roaring emperor continued to look nkly.


    ��Not shaking your head is an admission of guilt! Give me the scissors.�� Ren Baqian took the scissors and gestured at its d*ck, asking, ��Do you know what will happen if I cut it?��


    The roaring emperor froze as its ingratiating look changed to terror.


    ��You will not be bothered by sexual activity anymore. Are you happy?��


    The roaring emperor was terrified and struggled desperately.


    Ren Baqian patted the scissors on its d*ck a dozen times and pointed at the holes in the earthen walls that were visible. Next, he asked, ��Do you still want to dig holes beneath the pce?��


    The roaring emperor frantically nodded its head.


    ��Oh, your d*ck is valuable, but digging holes is even more important?�� Ren Baqian chuckled and put the scissors directly on its d*ck.


    The roaring emperor froze and then frantically shook its head.


    Ren Baqian didn��t want to do anything to it, but tapped its d*ck dozens of times and threatened it before letting it go.


    Uponnding on the ground, the roaring emperor instinctively wanted to dig a hole to escape, but its tail was stepped on by someone.


    It turned to see Ren Baqian looking kindly at it.


    Subconsciously, it showed a fawning smile again.


    It was tapped dozens of times again and cried without tears as itnded once more. It looked at its little bird, made sure that it was only a bit swollen, and ran away without digging a hole.


    Ren Baqian shook his head. This joker could dig a hole so quickly. The hole it tried to dig in a short time just now was half a meter in diameter and depth.


    The empress was staring at the excavation site. One corner had been cleared up, and nine meters below the original bedroom was a stretch of greyish white rock. Its surface was t and was confirmed to be man made.


    There was most probably a secret space below the rock.


    Right now, they were trying to find the entrance by expanding the scope of the excavation.


    Ren Baqian got beside the empress and said, ��Your Majesty, you can construct a new pce����


    The empress nted her head to look at him.


    ��I don��t think Your Majesty wants the pce to copse,�� Ren Baqian said with a wry smile. Since the area below the pce was like a sieve, a heavy rain someday would cause it to copse.


    Ifrge parts of the pce were to copse, the impact would be very big. As the rumors spread, there would be extreme disorder.


    As for filling the holes beneath the pce, the whole pce had to be excavated, which was no easier than rebuilding the pce.


    The original n was to construct a modern capital after the roads had been built. Now, the n to rebuild the capital could be brought forward.


    After listening to Ren Baqian, the empress immediately blushed and thought of their licentious actions that had caused the bedroom to copse.


    She punched Ren Baqian��s chest.


    Ren Baqian was sent flying, broke a tree that was as thick as arge bowl, and caused the flowers to rain down.


    After another day of cleaning, they reached the edge of the earthen walls and discovered that the space below the stoneyer was bigger than the pce bedroom.


    Finally, the empress resorted to violence by punching out a skylight through the stoneyer.


    The hole was two meters in circumference and revealed a four to five meter high passageway that was paved with white jade, A very stale smell came out.


    ��Your Majesty, this ce has been sealed up for an unknown amount of time, so the air is too dense for people to go in. Several hours are needed for it to clear up,�� Ren Baqian said to stop the empress who was about to go in.


    Although they could put in candles to check the oxygen level, Ren Baqian felt that the smell would definitely be bad since this ce had been sealed up for an unknown period. Regardless, it was right there and would not run away.


    ��So be it,�� the empress said immediately.


    The next day, there were more than 20 people in thepound of the former bedroom. Besides the empress and Ren Baqian, Xin Zhe and even Tong Zhenye were here. The others were some officials from the Ministry of Works and some pce guards.


    ��Take a torch when you go down. If the fire goes out, withdraw immediately. In addition, be alert and watch out for traps,�� Ren Baqian instructed to some guards.


    ��I didn��t expect Zhao Prince Consort to know this,�� Tong Zhenye said in surprise. ��If not for the expert in my department, I would not have known about this. How did Zhao Prince Consort find this out?��


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. This wasmon sense that even a three year old would know.


    ��Your Majesty, Zhao Prince Consort, and Sir Tong, we will go down first.�� Two of the officials cupped their hands and jumped down.


    It was a jump of about six to seven meters, but it wasn��t a problem for them.


    They moved the broken rocks to one side, lit a torch, and headed forward in two directions, one going south and one going north.


    After that, the empress, Ren Baqian, and others jumped down to look around.


    The passageway was about four meters high. The walls on both sides were made of the same stone material as above, but they were better polished.


    Ren Baqian bent down to touch the ground. It was warm, delicate, and he could see the grain.


    He eximed, ��This is white jade! What an extravagant project! Was this built by the Hao Nation?��


    This passageway was about three meters wide and neither end could be seen in the darkness. The value of this white jade was extremely high, and it was real jade, not white marble.


    Even if it was an inferior jade, for such arge quantity, it would still be worth a lot. Although Ren Baqian didn��t know much about jade, the jade on the floor was white, wless, glossy, and delicate to the touch. This was definitely not inferior jade.


    He wondered how they managed to find so much white jade!


    ��I did not find any record of this.�� Tong Zhenye shook his head. Last night, he had sent someone to Qingxin Pce Hall to check the records left by the Hao Nation, but it was to no avail.


    ��Before the Hao Nation was established, there was a country called the Jiang Nation. This may have been built by the Jiang Nation,�� spected one of the officials from the Ministry of Works.


    Ren Baqian saw the empress looking thoughtful and asked, ��Your Majesty, do you know something?��


    ��Yesterday, you mentioned rebuilding the pce. I want to use this jade for the pce!��


    ��Rebuild the pce?�� Tong Zhenye was shocked. To build such a pce required plenty of manpower and resources. The total ie of the Dayao treasury for one year might not be enough.


    Even after the recent conquest of the Yun Nation, most of the aboriginal citizens were still living in poverty, yet they were talking about rebuilding the pce!


    ��We will talk about thister.�� From Tong Zhenye��s expression, Ren Baqian knew what he was concerned about and winked at him.


    Seeing Ren Baqian��s expression, Tong Zhenye knew that there was a reason for this. Furthermore, the empress wasn��t an extravagant person and this wasn��t the right ce or time to clear his doubts.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s a mural here!�� A voice was heard from the northern side.

 Chapter 833 - Winged Snake

    Chapter 833: Winged Snake


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Two guards and an official holding a torch were looking at a painting on the wall.


    When Ren Baqian, the empress, and others came over, the three of them moved aside and said, ��Your Majesty, it��s here.��


    Waving the torch forward, he said, ��It extends all the way to the front.��


    They looked up and saw that the picture on the wall was carved about half an inch deep and that the edges were smooth.


    Tong Zhenye used his finger to trace the carving and said, ��This was carved by fingers. It��s narrower than my finger by about 30 percent and was not carved by aboriginals.��


    This wasn��t surprising.


    Moreover, the aboriginals came out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains over 70 years ago.


    This ce was built at least in the middle era of the Hao Nation or might be even older than the Hao Nation, but there was no proof. This ce had been sealed up for so long that it couldn��t be ascertained whether it was 300, 500, or 1,000 years old.


    ��Continue to go forward and search!�� Ren Baqian instructed the official and those two guards before looking up at the mural.


    At a nce, the carvings appeared to be scribbling done by children. There were small holes poked by fingers, some arcs, and irregr patterns everywhere.


    Plus, a thin wavy imprint extended all the way from the start to the far side that wasn��t visible.


    Everything on the wall seemed to be messy and irregr. It shouldn��t be considered a mural and looked more like a madman had scrawled on the wall.


    However, it appeared to be different after he looked at it carefully.


    ��What does it look like?�� the empress asked softly after frowning for a long time.


    ��Breasts���� Two voices were heard at the same time.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The empress was beside Tong Zhenye in an instant. As she smashed his bald head downward, his head went into the ground, causing cracks to appear all over the floor.


    ��Your Majesty, this white jade is meant for building the pce.�� Ren Baqian was feeling heartache. What hurt more was that he was speaking the truth just now.


    The empress��s anger didn��t subside. She stepped on Tong Zhenye��s head and coldly said, ��If you don��t restrain yourself, I will�� hang your head on the rampart and let the citizens admire the Minister of Works.��


    She turned toward Ren Baqian and saw him looking at her chest from all angles. She blushed for a moment as her eyes shone with a dangerous light.


    Ren Baqian was considering whether he should voluntarily lower himself down to the ground. It wouldn��t be so painful that way.


    ��There��s a door here!��


    A voice rang out at just the right time.


    Ren Baqian felt that he should award these guys with the Dayao peace prize.


    The empress gave Ren Baqian a look that said, ��I will give you a lesson when we return�� and then moved forward.


    There was a loud sound behind him as Tong Zhenye pulled himself out of the ground. He dusted himself off and looked at Ren Baqian resentfully.


    Ren Baqian gave him a ��We are different�� smile.


    After walking along the passageway for more than 40 meters, everyone finally came to the so-called door.


    It was ck, made of some unknown metal, and the reflected light from the torch looked kind of ghastly.


    On the door was a winged snake with its tail on the ground and its head close to the top of the door. The snake was gray with its wings folded behind itself.


    Ren Baqian subconsciously found it to be familiar and asked, ��What kind of a beast is this?��


    Tong Zhenye shook his head to indicate that he didn��t know.


    The empress didn��t respond at all.


    It looked like the two of them didn��t know, but when Ren Baqian saw this picture, he thought of the legend of the winged snake.


    Ren Baqian felt that there was some kind of a link between this world and Earth. Although the characters were different, they also spoke Chinese. Furthermore, there were also dragons, phoenixes, and kirins in this world. In fact, there was a kirin in the pce.


    However, Qishui wasn��t as big and powerful as the mythical beast. It couldn��t fly or tunnel into the ground. At most, it was at the Cardinal Heaven level, which was far less powerful than the beast described in the legends.


    Still, Qishui was simr to the legendary kirins of Earth��even its name unquestionably sounded the same.


    With thesemonalities, it wasn��t surprising to find a legendary winged snake here.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t say these thoughts out loud.


    The empress stepped forward to open the door with her hand, but her face changed when she touched the winged snake. She retreated a few meters away to stand just in front of Ren Baqian.


    ��This thing is real!�� The words of the empress gave everyone a shock.


    Everyone had assumed that the snake on the door was a carving and was surprised to find that it was real.


    After being touched by the empress, cracks began to appear on the surface of the snake and pieces of it fell to the ground. Everyone then realized that it had turned into an empty shell long ago.


    Soon, it was just some fragments on the ground.


    The empress went forward to pick up a gray bead that was the size of a pigeon egg. After she wiped it, a green light glowed faintly.


    ��What is that?�� Everyone was eager to find out.


    Whether it was the beast or the bead, nobody had seen it before.


    Ren Baqian rubbed the bead that was in the empress��s palm and discovered that it was stic.


    Ren Baqian immediately spected that the beast had condensed all of its energy into a bead for its descendants before it died. This type of plot was often seen in martial arts novels.


    However, he needed to carefully study this bead to find out what it was.


    The empress fiddled with the bead for a while, didn��t see any use for it, and simply threw it to Ren Baqian, who kept it carefully.


    The others treated the snake as just a beast that they had never seen before. To Ren Baqian, he treated it as a mythical beast, so he regarded what it had left behind as something unique.


    ��Is this beast the guardian of this door?�� Ren Baqian guessed.


    ��It��s possible!�� The empress nodded. Before they came here, this passageway was undamaged, so either the dead snake was hung on the door or it had stayed there until it died.


    Everyone was more inclined to believe thetter hypothesis.


    ��This beast stayed here until its death. I wonder who the owner was,�� the empress murmured softly before going forward to push open the door.


    If they guessed correctly, then the guardian of this ce was that dried out snake and there shouldn��t be any traps at the door.


    Yet, to be safe, Tong Zhenye blocked the empress and dered, ��Your Majesty, let me do it!��


    Tong Zhenye put his hand on the door and slowly increased his strength until it was at 80 percent. His face was red before the door started to creak.


    ��Open!�� Tong Zhenye shouted. He used both hands to push with all his strength, and the door started to gradually open.


    Everyone was on guard, but no traps were found as the door opened.


    However, a gust of air caused the torch carried by the guard to sway and then snuffed it out.


    Everyone felt that it was difficult to breathe.


    ��People light candles, ghosts blow out the lights. Even this torch has been snuffed out. Scram!�� Ren Baqian pulled the empress, turned around, and ran.

 Chapter 834 - Route Map

    Chapter 834: Route Map


    ��What��s this thing about people lighting candles and ghosts blowing lights out? Sounds impressive!�� After being taken outside, the empress still didn��t really understand it.


    ��It��s a legend. It��s just ack of oxygen inside.�� Ren Baqianughed as he sat on the ground.


    ��Oxygen? I seem to have heard of this before!�� The empress looked pensive. She waved her hand and got Qing Yuan and Hong Luan to bring two chairs over.


    ��There are actually differentponents that make up air, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, ozone, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various inert gases. Among them, oxygen is needed for living things to survive. Without oxygen, they will suffocate and die.�� Ren Baqian put his arm on the chair and continued sitting on the ground as he felt toozy to get up.


    In fact, the ground beneath the shade was slightly more cooling.


    In addition, some of theponents of the air in this world were different from those on Earth. This was the conclusion that the research institute had obtained from some microorganisms. However, since Ren Baqian didn��t bring back a bottle of air for them to test, they naturally hadn��t been able to verify this.


    The empress sat on the chair, waved her hand, and ordered, ��Bring me some wine!��


    At the same time, she listened to him talking about science.


    ��There��s no telling how long that chamber has been sealed. Some of the microbes that are invisible to the naked eye will consume oxygen. After a long time, there will be ack of oxygen inside. An average person would die in a few minutes after they go in there! There may be other gases trapped inside as well, and they are probably harmful to the body. As such, it is necessary to ventte the ce before entering,�� Ren Baqian exined to the empress.


    Tong Zhenye and some of the officials from the Ministry of Works found this interesting and asked, ��Why was the torch extinguished?��


    They knew what happened, but simply didn��t understand why.


    ��This is also because of oxygen. Apart from living things, fire also needs oxygen to burn. If the oxygen isn��t sufficient, the me will go out,�� Ren Baqian said.


    They found this even more interesting after hearing what he said. This so-called oxygen seemed to y many roles.


    ��ording to normal conditions, it needs to be ventted for at least half a day before we can go in,�� said one of the officials from the Ministry of Works.


    ��It��s easy to speed up the process. Just get someone to strike forcefully toward the direction of the door. It will drive the air flow and speed up the exchange of air, shortening the amount of time.��


    ��Xin Zhe!�� the empress called out gently.


    ��I��ll see to it, Your Majesty!�� Xin Zhe had always been very responsive to matters of work and immediately understood what to do.


    Very soon, wind piercing sounds produced from striking the air could be heard from therge pit. It sounded a little like moving arge object, but slightly different.


    This was more efficient than using a fan!


    ��Sir Tong, when do you think this thing was left behind?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Tong Zhenye shook his head and responded, ��I don��t know much about this.��


    A thought arose in Ren Baqian��s mind. This tunnel could have been left behind by the humans when they were chased here in the past or probably around that period of time.


    The winged snake�� Even though it wasn��t as powerful as a kirin or dragon, it was still rtively strong. It was also one of the legendary creatures.


    It was most likely to have existed during that period of time.


    If that was the case, there must be something here that someone wanted to leave behind.


    If that was the case, Ren Baqian had an idea about the mural on the wall.


    ��Your Majesty, what do you think those drawings on the wall look like?�� He stretched his hand across the empress��s knee, and she put a piece of fruit in his hand.


    This action was very natural and flowing. There wasn��t the slightest hesitation at all. Tong Zhenye immediately raised his eyebrows when he saw this.


    He was suddenly reminded of that girl from back then.


    ��What do you think?�� the empress asked.


    ��Your Majesty, you must be guessing something, right?�� Ren Baqian devoured the entire fruit in a few mouthfuls.


    ��I feel that it might be a route map,�� he said bluntly.


    ��It��s a route map of the Sixty Thousand Mountains. The ce we saw at the beginning was the Forest Pir Barriers. When we reached the door, it was the depths of the mountains,�� the empress added.


    ��You can actually decipher drawings at this standard, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian was impressed.


    It was a type of strength to be able to decipher drawings that were at such a poor level.


    However, the empress��s words had confirmed his thoughts.


    ��Why would there be a route map of the Sixty Thousand Mountains here?�� Tong Zhenye was stunned.


    ��Have you forgotten what I said? Still, this is just my spection. We have to see aparison to confirm it.�� The empress turned to Hong Luan and said, ��Go to Qingxin Pce Hall. There is a map left behind by the Hao Nation that shows the area surrounding the Forest Pir Barriers. Go get it.��


    ��This map was painted back when the Hao Nation attacked the viges.�� She sighed lightly.


    After Hong Luan left, Tong Zhenye still had an uncertain look on his face. He recalled what the empress previously said.


    Humans were chased here from a distant ce. There were less than 100,000 of them, and those who stayed behind to defend in the Sixty Thousand Mountains became the aboriginals. The rest who came to the ins started to establish the nations.


    There were many races in the mountains. There were more than 10,000 other races that resided at the other end of the mountains.


    The entire imperial court had been shocked when the empress previously exined this to them.


    This matter was simply too unimaginable. Besides, there wasn��t any other news about it, so everyone gradually ced this information in the back of their minds.


    This underground tunnel wasn��t simple. The white jade floor alone wasn��t something that could be created by ordinary people. If the mural on the wall was really a route map of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, then together with the things that the empress mentioned, they could very likely have been left behind by people from that era.


    Ren Baqian took a look at the map when Hong Luan brought it over. It showed a greater resemnce to the actual site. He could at least tell that it was a map.


    After looking at it for some time, he couldn��t figure anything out and decided to give up.


    An hourter, they felt that it was about time and went down into the tunnel again. They moved slowly and stopped at the beginning of the mural topare it to the map. It was now much easier for them to spot the difference.


    ��It is the Forest Pir Barriers. Its location is roughly the same as that on the map. Yes, it��s indeed there.�� Ren Baqian pointed to the holes on the wall. Each hole represented one mountain peak.


    ��This is Mount Yushan, this is the ck Peak, this is Mount Pingliang���� Tong Zhenyepared them one by one.


    ��Your Majesty, that��s all that is shown on the map. It only shows the region that is within a two week journey of the Forest Pir Barriers.�� He pointed at the map as he exined.


    However, this only took up about one meter of the wall.


    There were more than 40 meters of mural on the wall��


    If what Tong Zhenye said was correct, it would take at least two years to cover the entire route as shown in the mural.


    ��This is Kunlong Cliff! They have been there before!�� The empress calcted as she walked along the wall before pointing at one spot.


    This spot was marked by a strange symbol. After hearing what the empress said, Tong Zhenye examined it carefully and was barely able to make out the shape of a dragon��s head.


    The drawing of this symbol was simply too quirky!


    Ren Baqian felt that it looked more like two rods stuck in a pile of sh*t��


    It would take at least six weeks bynd to travel from Ya City, cross through the Forest Pir Barriers, and arrive at Kunlong Cliff. Furthermore, this was the speed when riding on a mount.


    This was only three meters of the drawing on the wall.


    Everyone winced when they looked at the dozens of meters of mural behind them.


    At present, everyone finally had an idea of how big the Sixty Thousand Mountains were.


    By estimating the length of the journey on foot to the length of this drawing, it would take at least two years before one could walk out of the mountains.


    There was a line that snaked from the beginning to the end of the mural, which was probably the route that those people took back then.


    ��Get someone to copy down the entire drawing. This mural is extremely valuable, so nothing is allowed to go wrong. I��ll go and take a look inside. I��m getting more and more curious about what is in there,�� the empress ordered as soon as she confirmed that the drawing on the wall was what she expected it to be. She then turned around and started walking further inward.

 Chapter 835 - Go Home

    Chapter 835: Go Home


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Footsteps resounded through the passageway and nobody was paying any attention to the route map on the wall anymore.


    Everybody was in anticipation of the things that were inside the secret chamber.


    When they first discovered structures beneath the quarters, everyone thought that there would be some kind of treasure left behind by the Hao Nation. However, the evidence at this moment showed that the passageway and the chamber had been built a long time ago and were left behind when the humans retreated to this ce.


    Wealth and riches were nothing inparison to the things that could have been left behind from that era.


    Even if the aboriginals were very poor, even if Dayao had no money, even if�� In any case, they could still steal even if they had no money!


    Anyway, all three of the empress��s views had never been aligned before!


    To her and even to everybody in the imperial court, plundering other nations was simply as proper as eating or drinking.


    The guards held lit torches and stepped into the secret chamber, illuminating the room.


    However, the secret chamber was unexpectedlyrge, and the light from the torches wasn��t enough to illuminate the entire ce.


    After passing through the chamber door, the space expanded on both sides. The chamber was about 20 meters wide with its floorpletely made from white jade.


    There was a white jade bridge just a few steps ahead with a pond beneath it. This pond was filled with a brown liquid that had a cold and gloomy feel to it.


    Everyone stopped in their tracks and felt slightly stunned. It seemed as if they were looking at a world that they had never seen before.


    Countless armor wearing humans wielded swords against all sorts of foreigners. Some of these foreigners had human heads with beast bodies and vice versa. There were also the expressionless herders, butterflies that filled the entire sky, people of the eight-armed tribe who had four or even six arms, giant-like people who were about five meters tall, and even countless beings who were neither beasts nor members of the foreign races.


    All the races were being killed in this area. Apart from the human race, all other races were enemies.


    Streaks from des shed across as heads flew everywhere. An unarmed warrior tore his opponent into two halves.


    With such close quartersbat, the humans shed blood and felt indignant and unresigned as they fell to the ground.


    There were sounds of shouting, blood sttering, bodies falling to the ground, weapons colliding, and even wind piercing noises. All of these could be heard simultaneously.


    This assaulting desperation made everyone shudder. It was as if their chests were on fire, making them want to scream.


    As a figure stood up from the ground, a red sun rose behind him that gradually stopped about ten meters above his head. Even though the distance wasn��t clear, the pressure that he radiated gave everyone no choice but to retreat. Fear started to appear on the faces of countless members of the foreign races.


    The man then swung his hands down, and the red sun smashed downward.


    Boom!


    The entire ce was engulfed in mes.


    A few guards swayed as they awoke from this illusion drenched in sweat.


    This was then followed by the officials from the Ministry of Works and Ren Baqian.


    At the moment he woke up, he found his fists clenched and felt cold sweat on his back.


    As everyone nced at each other, they all looked surprised.


    What did they see just now? Who was that person? Was he really human?


    Tong Zhenye screamed all of a sudden. He took a step forward and struck out with his fist using all his might. This move whistled through the air, and it was as if he was trying to crush an enemy in front of him.


    However, at the moment he struck with his fist, he suddenly woke up. He retracted his fist and stumbled a little.


    Even though Tong Zhenye retracted his fist, half of the force had alreadyunched forward. There was a sudden explosion in the air that created a loud noise as the wind blew all over.


    Even the force from retracting his strike created a loud explosion in the air.


    Ren Baqian looked at Tong Zhenye. Although he was an old gangster and loved to court trouble, his strength was really unbelievable.


    He might not necessarily be weaker than Li Qianqiu or Xi Wanya.


    Back to the thought of that explosion just now��


    There were actually quite a number of people who witnessed it and whose strengths were on par with Tong Zhenye!


    As for the figure who smashed down that red sun, he was truly frightening. Even looking at him from afar sent chills down their spines.


    With a surprised look on his face, Tong Zhenye stabilized himself after punching the air.


    The empress also had cold sweat forming on her head.


    A whileter, she stumbled backward and leaped behind everybody.


    She then gradually regained her senses and looked around as her facial expressions continuously changed.


    ��What was that?�� one of the officials asked. His face was deathly pale, and his voice was full of fear.


    It was such a terrible battlefield. How horrifying!


    This illusion that everybody saw, was it something that had happened before?


    ��Was that the Wan Tribe?�� Tong Zhenye asked in a deep voice.


    ��Yes, that was the Wan Tribe!�� Ren Baqian replied with his voice sounding a little hoarse.


    ��Step back, all of you! Minister of Works, you stay behind,�� the empress ordered as she restored her expression.


    When everyone heard this, they didn��t dare to stay here any longer and retreated back through the door.


    At this time, she said in a deep voice, ��What we saw just now was a battle that happened in the past. People have managed to record it through some means.��


    ��It��s the water of the Earth Yin Spring!�� Ren Baqian pointed at the yellowish-brown liquid in the pool under the bridge. ��I can recognize this smell with my eyes closed. It��s the water of the Earth Yin Spring.��


    Both Tong Zhenye and the empress didn��t recognize a difference between smelling it with their eyes open or closed.


    ��The water of the Earth Yin Spring truly has a hallucinatory effect!�� She nodded. ��It seems that they have some way of recording it and allowed us to see it through the magical ability of the water.��


    ��It seems that the higher the strength of the person, the more they will see and the longer it takes for them to wake up�� That man, what happened to himter? Is he the master of this ce?�� Ren Baqian asked a question that was burning in his heart.


    ��He died!�� The empress remembered the scene she saw and was still rather emotional.


    ��He was surrounded and killed by several experts from the foreign races!��


    As expected.


    Only less than 100,000 humans got chased to this ce, so it was expected that such an expert had died.


    However, Ren Baqian still felt that it was a great pity.


    Plus, it was terrifying at the same time.


    Were those foreign races at that mountainside really that strong?


    The might of that red sun after it smashed down�� It was probablyparable to the power of a small nuclear warhead! Even though Ren Baqian couldn��t see the entire picture, he felt that the power of that strike might not necessarily be weaker than those two small warheads that he used before.


    Could people be strong to this extent?


    Everyone felt even more nervous after witnessing this scene just after they entered the chamber.


    This jade bridge was slightly more than ten meters long. There was a square tform at the other end of the bridge, and it was also surrounded by the water of the Earth Yin Spring.


    The area of the tform was about 40 square meters, and there was a thin figure sitting on it.


    His face wasn��t visible, but after witnessing that scene just now, everyone naturally felt a sense of respect for him.


    In any case, this person must be a martyr of the human race.


    Unfortunately, there was no telling how much time had already passed. This man��s corpse would probably be the same as that of the winged snake.


    In front of that figure was an open jade scroll.


    That person��s withered finger was pointing at the end of the scroll.


    With one nce, Ren Baqian recognized the two words that the figure was pointing at: ��Go home!��

 Chapter 836 - The Clothes Aren’t Packed

    Chapter 836: The Clothes Aren��t Packed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Seeing these two words, Ren Baqian felt a sense of misery pervading his heart.


    The material of the clothes covering the bleached bones of the figure in front of them wasn��t identifiable. The figure��s hair was scattered. The dried up skin adhered to the bones of the individual who was in a sitting posture.


    Although the identity of this skeleton was unknown, from this tomb in the passageway made of white jade and the winged snake guard, it could be deduced that his rank wasn��t low.


    In the war against the Wan Tribe, the human race was defeated. The remaining 100,000 people ended up being driven to this destend.


    The owner of this skeleton was one of them. After crossing the Sixty Thousand Mountains, he perished here and left these two words ��Go Home�� before he died.


    In an instant, more than three million words, which was enough for a long novel, flowed into his brain.


    This person might have been a leader or an outstanding warrior who was seriously injured in the war against the Wan Tribe and had dragged himself to lead the human race across the Sixty Thousand Mountains. He couldn��t hold on here and left this tomb and those two words to signify his intense desire to go home.


    Such a tragic tale might be made into a blockbuster movie.


    Subconsciously, Ren Baqian wouldbel this ce a tomb.


    Leaving such a structure deep underground and with two skeletons here, it could only be considered a tomb.


    ��Senior, excuse me!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands toward the skeleton. ��If there��s an opportunity, we will definitely return to that ce and send Senior home.��


    It was rare to see Ren Baqian behaving so respectfully.


    The empress and Tong Zhenye also felt the same and cupped their hands to pay their respects.


    Ren Baqian carefully tried to retrieve the jade scroll from under the skeleton. Although he was extremely careful, he touched a finger and like the winged snake, the bones fell to the ground as scattered dust.


    Until now, nobody knew when the human race had been exiled here.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that he should be able to get some information from this tomb.


    He wiped the dust off of the jade scroll and proceeded to read it.


    It was written from right to left, but Ren Baqian was used to reading from left to right. As a result, he read it this way until he reached the second tost sentence.


    ��The clothes aren��t packed, I have just remembered that����


    This change was too drastic and almost caused Ren Baqian to choke.


    Originally full of grief, it was all in vain.


    Thest two sentences were joined as: ��I have just remembered that the clothes aren��t packed. Go home����


    Ren Baqian felt like a bloody husky.


    This unknown top level expert was too down-to-earth!


    What was this? He was still thinking about going home to pack.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his head and read the scroll from beginning to end.


    ��It��smentable that our people have been decimated, driven like livestock thousands of miles away, shedding blood and tears�� Myrades are all buried elsewhere. Although I do not have long to live, I��m sad and hope my descendants will return to my homnd�� Sitting and reminiscing vividly, I have just remembered that I haven��t packed my clothes����


    There were about 300 words and the contents were about the same as what Ren Baqian had spected. The human race was driven here. This person was seriously injured and died soon after. He left a tomb behind and hoped his descendants would return to his homnd one day.


    In the end, he sat here waiting for his death, reminiscing and thinking about packing his clothes while wanting to go home�� Ren Baqian guessed that there should be some more words that followed.


    ��Go home�� but unable to.��


    This was the full script.


    It didn��t provide many useful facts. It talked about their arduous journey and didn��t mention anything about the Wan Tribe. The expert��s feelings were poured into this roughly 300 word text.


    When Ren Baqian scanned the surrounding area, there seemed to be something behind the skeleton. Unexpectedly, there were some books made of animal hide as well as another jade scroll.


    ��Your Majesty, there are some more things here.�� Ren Baqian picked up the books and the jade scroll.


    There were four books that were fragile, but they didn��t turn into dust after all these years and could still be salvaged.


    Upon opening the jade scroll, the empress found that it didn��t mention the Wan Tribe or thend that everyone wanted to know about. It basically recorded some personal narratives.


    This person was named Teng Jinzhi and was a member of the Qingyang Sect. There were some entries about his deeds written in the jade scroll, and it sounded more like a biography.


    From these sources, the circumstances of that era could be established.


    For example, it was documented that there were five emperors who coexisted at that time. He had met three of them and fought under themand of two of them.


    At that time, the human race upied ten regions, seven of which he had traveled to.


    It was reported that there were 3,000 ns at that time.


    Generally speaking, this jade scroll was a biography left as a chronicle of his life in this world.


    Although it wasn��t clearly stated, it could be inferred that he was somebody significant.


    At the end of the records, it said, ��There were 3,000 sects in the past, but now, not even one remains. I leave behind [Qingyang Execution]. Although I��m dead, the Qingyang Sect is eternal.��


    It seemed that the four books were manuals for the so-called [Qingyang Execution]. His sect was either called the Qingyang Sect or the Qingyang n.


    After storing the two jade scrolls and four books, the three of them looked at the tform, but didn��t see anything valuable. All that remained were the bones. There might be something on the skeleton, but they didn��t want to damage the bones.


    After being sealed up for so long and then being subjected to venttion, it was already a miracle that the skeleton hadn��tpletely disintegrated. If it was touched, it might instantly turn to dust.


    As he was about to leave, Ren Baqian coincidentally raised his head and suddenly stopped while crying out in surprise.


    ��What is it?�� The empress turned to look at him and followed his gaze to the ceiling. The light from the torch illuminated some carvings above them.


    ��This looks like a map,�� Ren Baqian said after careful examination. ��Your Majesty, could this be the map of thatnd?��


    If the map outside was that of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, then the possibility of the map inside being that of their homnd was high.


    ��We will get people to copy itter!�� the empress said softly.


    After seeing the two jade scrolls, the empress was feeling somber and wanted to leave.


    After they went out, Tong Zhenye asked, ��Your Majesty do you want to inform the rest of the officials?��


    ��Xin Zhe, notify the two elders, the six ministers, and the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation toe here.�� The empress then added, ��They need to be informed.��


    The two jade scrolls from the secret chamber which described the yearning to return to their homnd must be shown to the top officials. This was to let them know about the past and about what would happen in the future.


    In particr, the tragic war from that past era needed to be clearly understood by them.


    Sooner orter, the human race would return home!

 Chapter 837 - Hot Pot Round Table Conference

    Chapter 837: Hot Pot Round Table Conference


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The two elders, the ministers of the six departments, and Hong Wu, the General-in-Chief Who Supports the Nation wondered what had happened when they arrived.


    After all, the empress rarely convened everyone at this hour.


    When they realized that it was about the chamber found under the pce, everyone got even more confused.


    They knew that her quarters had copsed.


    They also knew that it had copsed when she was consummating her marriage��


    They knew that something had been discovered under the quarters as well.


    After all, the empress didn��t order anyone to keep their lips sealed about this. She wished to let everyone know that the pce had copsed because there was a structure below and that she had nothing to with it.


    What was this thing under the pce? What was it that made her mobilize so many people?


    Back when they walked out from the illusion, everyone seemed a little distracted.


    Its impact on them was too great.


    At this time, they no longer had any doubts about the things that the empress had told them previously.


    They were more worried about the hidden enemies of the human race.


    Nobody was saying things like, ��Since the human race has been thriving here for so many years, as long as we continue to stay this way, we will not attract bacsh from those unknown races.��


    The aboriginals had always been the type of people who were unshakeable.


    If they knew that there were enemies ahead, they would naturally charge forward to kill. This was their way of doing things.


    Besides, so many of them were at the Cardinal Heaven level. Was there any one of them who wasn��t talented? It was extremely shocking for them to discover a whole new world, whichter gave rise to their grand ambitions!


    There was nobody who didn��t yearn for such a magnificent world.


    The only thing that they were having doubts about was that their enemies were too strong this time around.


    In that illusion, the most ordinary soldiers were Kismet Heaven experts and Cardinal Heaven experts were as elite as the winged cavalry was to the current aboriginals.


    On that terrifying battlefield, there was no telling how many of their enemies were stronger than the Cardinal Heaven level.


    As for the expert who was able to conjure that huge fireball, they weren��t sure if he was at the pinnacle of the Longevity Heaven level or if he was even stronger than that.


    All in all, over thest 10,000 years, the current human race hadn��t gotten stronger due to their prosperity and had in fact gotten much weaker.


    ��Dear Sirs, Her Majesty invites you to Zichen Pce Hall for dinner,�� Xin Zhe said after waiting for everyone to arrive.


    ��Please lead the way, Commander.��


    Zichen Pce Hall didn��t have the usual single or double tables that were used to hold formal banquets. All they saw was a table fitted with arge pot of boiling water. There were some ingredients floating inside the pot.


    There were tes of meat, vegetables, and fruit ced around the pot. There was also a delicacy from Earth: pickled vegetables.


    ��Take a seat. Let��s have dinner first.�� The empress held a te and a pair of chopsticks in her hand.


    Everyone looked at each other.


    Even though Ren Baqian often ate hot pot with her, she basically wouldn��t let anyone else in the pce try it. Even the asional banquets were all held formally, so no one had ever eaten such things before.


    ��Have a seat. It��s easier to talk that way!�� the empress added when she noticed everyone staring nkly.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t bothered by them. He threw two tes of meat into the pot and kickstarted the meal.


    It was mainly due to the pressure of eating with a table of Cardinal Heaven experts. If he didn��t act first, he would probably have no food left to eat.


    Everyone sat down and followed what Ren Baqian and the empress did, fishing things out of the pot to eat. They were a little shy at first, but soon after, even the doddering Shi Qing was moving his hands as fast as a magician who had been practicing his craft for 60 years.


    He picked up a piece of rib and smiled at everyone, his face looking like a blossoming chrysanthemum.


    One could tell from his face that he was trying to say, ��I��m old and you have to give in to me. Don��t fight with me over food.��


    ��Great Elder, please help yourself.�� Everyone smiled back at him.


    Shi Qing then nodded in satisfaction. Just as he picked up that piece of rib with his chopsticks, another pair of chopsticks swooped in from the side and snatched it away from him.


    ��Thank you, Great Elder.�� Ren Baqian had a grateful expression on his face. He was thankful that Shi Qing was at the table. Although he was the Great Elder, he wasn��t that strong and was just about as strong as Ren Baqisn.


    This meant that Ren Baqian would still be able to snatch some food from him.


    Apart from this, he didn��t even have the opportunity to pick up any food from the table.


    Once everyone filled themselves up a little, the empress asked, ��After seeing that illusion, what thoughts do you have?��


    ��I have already heard it from you guys downstairs. This is what Her Majesty mentioned before, right? The human race got chased over here and there is a whole other world on the other side of the Sixty Thousand Mountains,�� Hong Wu said as he ced his chopsticks down.


    He then smiled and continued, ��I originally thought that I would be able to lead a more peaceful life now that we have conquered the Yun Nation and Great Xia can��t even handle themselves properly. Currently, with this new objective, I feel a fervor rising in my blood again.


    I propose to be transferred to the Sixty Thousand Mountains to stand guard at the border station and to pave a road there as well. At the same time, I can also try out those foreign races and see if they are truly that strong!��


    ��Without a doubt, the few that we met in the mountains were equivalent to Cardinal Heaven experts,�� Ren Baqian said as he ate. ��From the illusion that we saw, the foreign races are definitely stronger than we are.


    From what I gathered from that herder, this ce was considered the wilderness. There must be a reason why they chased the human race over here.


    For so many years, the Spirit Wheel and Cardinal Heaven levels have been the pinnacle. There��s practically nobody who exceeds these levels, and this exins it.��


    Tu Wan asked, ��What��s the reason? I find it surprising as well. In the illusion, the humans were obviously not weak. There were also plenty of Cardinal Heaven and Spirit Wheel experts.��


    ��Probably ack of something. It might be spiritual influence, vital energy of the world, or something else. Something must becking here. As such, after so many years, the human poption has been multiplying from tens of thousands to millions, yet the level of strength has only been declining and not advancing,�� Ren Baqian exined without hesitating.


    ��Also, don��t think that they have forgotten about us. They have deployed people in the Sixty Thousand Mountains to monitor us. Those herders are in charge of that.��


    Most of them put down their chopsticks after hearing what he said.


    ��After so many years, the human race has gotten weaker while the foreign races have been recuperating. They are getting stronger while we grow weaker. How are we going to match up to them?�� These aboriginal elders finally understood how it felt to be overpowered.


    In the past, they used to overpower other nations and crush them.


    At present, they were rendered powerless and were getting crushed.


    Talking about numbers, there was no telling how many foreign races there were in total.


    Talking about strength, the aboriginals were in no wayparable to them.


    As time passed, the difference in strength gradually widened.


    ��Did they also attack each other back then?�� Qin Chuan asked all of a sudden.


    ��It might be possible, but still, we can��t expect them to be weaker than us after so many years. It��s just like a war between two nations. We can��t possibly expect a sudden outbreak of civil strife in their country that results in them killing themselves, right?��


    ��It��s not impossible.�� Qin Chuanughed. ��Isn��t Great Xia almost killing itself?��


    ��As long as we don��t return to that world, we can��t return to how grand we were back then. However, if we go back there, the other races will still be watching us closely. We can��t even maintain our footing there. This situation is really difficult! Zhao Prince Consort, I��m afraid that we will need to rely on your strange tools again.�� Shi Qing smiled at Ren Baqian.


    ��We really need to develop technology. Weapons�� In fact, I actually don��t want to develop weapons as it will only increase the inferiority of the aboriginals. However, under such circumstances, we have to do it.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    He felt that no matter how strong the enemies were, as long as they were gathered together,unching ten nuclear warheads at them would definitely wipe them out.


    If ten wasn��t enough, he wouldunch ten more.


    There was nothing that nuclear warheads couldn��t destroy.


    If there was, then the warheads probably weren��t powerful enough or werecking in quantity.


    ��However, there are two problems. First, we have to develop science and technology. This requires an upgrade to the next level of all the technologies in society. Plus, themoners�� understanding of technology must be boosted. These are the fundamentals. It��s impossible for us to build a spaceship while the entire nation remains at a primitive stage.


    Every aspect of technology is interrted and mutually reinforcing.


    We must immediately start improving everyone��s educational level.


    Education for all is imperative.��


    Ren Baqian and the empress looked at each other because she didn��t expect this issue to be raised so quickly. In a world where productivity hadn��t satisfied all themoners�� needs, it would be extremely difficult and advanced to achieve that.


    There was another point that was even more difficult to achieve!


    ��Next would be having experts! Weapons might not be able to totally destroy our enemies. Especially when theyunch a surprise attack on us, we might not even have the opportunity to use our weapons. We must have the same level of strength to be able to control each other.


    This is probably more difficult than making the Big Ivan. After all, with the poprization of technology and culture, technology will always improve. Even if it takes decades or 100 years, we will be able to achieve our goal one day.


    As for experts�� We simply can��t nurture strong enough experts that are able to match up to our enemies over time, especially when we have been exiled to this ce. We may never be able to produce an expert who canpete with them!��


    As long as the empress wasn��t directly in the epicenter of a nuclear explosion, an expert like her would very likely be able to make it out alive. Needless to say, for experts who were even stronger than her, if the nuclear warhead didn��t drop directly on their heads, they would probably be able to run out of the st radius. Not to even mention transportation,unching, or even detonation, the enemy would have the ability to stop any operation.

 Chapter 838 - Hot Pot Round Table Conference (End)

    Chapter 838: Hot Pot Round Table Conference (End)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Not much was discussed over the hot pot dinner.


    Ren Baqian proposed education for all, but no one other than the empress understood its importance.


    Everyone��s thoughts still revolved around the idea of an individual leading the rest, whereas the development of all the technological stuff would be left to Ren Baqian and his students to handle. If manpower was insufficient, he could still recruit more students to help.


    Not only did they think this way, many of themoners refused to let their children learn something that they felt wasn��t of much use.


    To them, things like steam engines,bustion engines, the driving force of gunpowder, and nuclear fission were too far fetched.


    These things were so distant that they had no interest in understanding what these things were.


    To them, practicing martial arts was the right thing to do.


    Apart from being able to join the imperial court, mastering martial arts would also allow them to hunt and would at least ensure their own survival.


    For an individual, thinking this way was no problem.


    However, at the national level, it would be a huge problem if everyone felt this way.


    ording to the normal development of society�� There was no estimate of how long it would take. It took so many years before the productivity of this society reached this level. At most, they were on par with the level of the Song Dynasty, but they were probably even less prosperous than that era.


    Ren Baqian even wanted to give rewards to promote education. He wanted to reward students with money or food for every year of education theypleted. It was only with this method that he could allow themoners, who only saw the immediate effects of things, to be slightly more interested in education.


    They only believed in things that were seen before their very eyes. This wasn��t derogatory, but was due to the limitations of this era. Under the circumstances that ordinary people couldn��t even ensure their own survival, the tangible things in front of them mattered the most.


    Even though he wanted to give out rewards to promote interest in education, the biggest problem he faced wasn��t having enough money.


    Although Dayao had already conquered the Yun Nation, in order to govern them, the aboriginals hadn��t plundered them excessively.


    They managed to loot and bring back quite a bit of wealth, but this only managed to replenish the state treasury, which was previously empty. It wasn��t a small sum of moneypared to the treasury��s revenue in the past, but there were too many things that they had to do. The construction of roads alone had consumed a hefty amount of financial and physical resources. With the amount of money they had, it was impossible to support Ren Baqian��s ns.


    As such, his priority had shifted to making money.


    First, the prerequisite would be to stabilize the former Yun Nation.


    After making all these ns, they still had topletely stabilize the Yun Nation before vigorously developing its economy, education, and productivity as well as increasing the overall prosperity of the society. It was only after this that they would be able to move on to develop other ns.


    This time around, unlike the past, the six ministers and two elders understood the importance of the Yun Nation and its future direction. As such, they wouldn��t be hindering the implementation of various matters.


    ��And there is also thest thing that I mentioned earlier��experts! Under the circumstances that technology hasn��t reached a state where it canpletely suppress the strength of a person, highly skilled experts are indispensable and will y a very important role,�� Ren Baqian said, reiterating the final point that he mentioned earlier.


    ��The descendants of the aboriginals have got it covered.�� Qin Chuan patted his chest. ��When we have broken through the Sixty Thousand Mountains, we will try to find somewhere deste and send some experts there for cultivation. Since our forefathers have done it, we can certainly do it as well!��


    Everyone nodded and it was clear that they agreed with what he said.


    ��It��s undeniable that the aboriginals are powerful. However, can the aboriginals alone defeat the Wan Tribe? With a poption of more than ten million people whose strength falls way behind the enemy��s, will they be able to withstand the Wan Tribe��s onught? If they were so easy to deal with, the human race wouldn��t have been driven out to here. Besides Her Majesty, are any of you confident that you can reach the level of the man who conjured the fireball in the illusion?�� Ren Baqian patted the empress��s hand when he mentioned her.


    He continued, ��Her Majesty��s talents are unquestionable. Even in thisnd of exile, she can still break through at any time. With her age, it��s appropriate to say that she��s the most talented person in thest century or millenium. However, is the talent of Her Majesty alone sufficient? In the face of the Wan Tribe who haveplete heritage and have lived for god knows how long? Or do you want to see Her Majesty fight it out on her own?��


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, please share your thoughts.�� Shi Qing smiled because he had already guessed what Ren Baqian was going to say.


    ��Even though these ordinary humans aren��t strong, there are some who are exceedingly brilliant. Their poption isrger, and they have a huge number of highly talented people as well. From what I recall, out of the top ten experts in the world, Her Majesty and the Great General are the only aboriginals, right?��


    ��That��s because most of the aboriginal experts remain anonymous and reside in the mountains,�� Qin Chuan immediately retorted.


    ��There are certainly reasons for this, but how many such experts are there? Although the Sixty Thousand Mountains is vicious, it��s a treasure trove as well. Could there be more aboriginal experts in the mountainspared to the rest of the world?��


    ��As long as an aboriginal attains the Cardinal Heaven level, they will be on par with ordinary Spirit Wheel experts and might even be able to fight two of them at once!�� Qin Chuan seemed to think that Ren Baqian was belittling the aboriginals and felt quite angry.


    ��What about Li Yuanzhu? Besides Her Majesty, who else canpete with her? What about the testicle kicking monster? There is still the second ranked expert in the world who has been missing in action!��


    ��You want to convince all those experts?�� The empress frowned slightly. She wasn��t sure about the others, but she had seen Li Yuanzhu before and had quite a strong impression of her.


    ��It isn��t a definite no. Apart from these well-known experts, there are also young talents who are up-anding. They are pretty skilled as well. If given the chance, they might be able to grow to a very high level. Furthermore, there are some hidden talents who have been overlooked. Even if they end up unable to reach a high level, they can still be warriors,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Don��t forget, we are trying to reim that piece ofnd. If we fail, there may not be a chance for us toe back again. Back in that era, the Wan Tribe suffered major casualties. Plus, the human race still had experts who pressed on. This was the reason why humans were banished to this ce.


    Today, they have already recuperated while humans have gotten weak. If we go back there, they may not just chase us away. As such, this is something that involves all aboriginals as well as every member of the human race.


    As soon as we set foot on that path, there��s no room for retreat. We will need every ounce of strength that we can gather. The aboriginals are a part of the human race. I��m as well, and so are they.�� Even though Ren Baqian��s speech didn��t end up impassioned, it was resolute and got everybody thinking.


    ��You want to leak out information about the Wan Tribe?�� the empress asked.


    Ren Baqian shook his head and replied, ��Not for the time being. It��s not required yet, but we can spread the news to a few top experts such as the testicle kicking monster and Li Yuanzhu. Other than the testicle kicking monster (Li Fu haspletely be the testicle kicking monster), the other people might have doubts about this. After all, although martial arts have been passed down from ancient times, there are almost no historical records.


    If we can garner the support of these top experts, we will have a greater chance of convincing the others. Besides, not only do we have to convince these experts, we can also use other methods such as holding martial arts conferences to select young experts and youths from all over Dayao, the Jing Tribe, and the Yun Nation.


    We need to execute both tasks at the same time. On one hand, we can improve productivity, allow more people to break free from the most fundamental types of production, and make them the cornerstone of the technological breakthrough as the masters of the pen. On the other hand, we can select highly talented experts and youths and cultivate them to higher levels as masters of the sword.��


    ��What other opinions do you guys have?�� The empress looked at the others.


    ��I��m afraid that some of them are ill-conceived,�� Shi Qing voiced out. There were so many experts, and many of them had strange techniques, both orthodox and unorthodox. Let alone mentioning whether or not they could be convinced, he was afraid that some of them might harbor unfathomable intentions and cause a lot of trouble in the future.


    They might even cause considerable amounts of damage!


    ��Naturally, our primary targets are the experts who have a neutral standpoint. For those who are more questionable, we can get in touch with them and observe their behavior. As for the malicious ones, we can simply kill them.��


    Those with a neutral position might not necessarily be good either, and there might even be characters like Yue Buqun. However, these people were usually clearer about the bottom line and would be able to differentiate right from wrong. Even if they didn��t, there would be highly-skilled experts monitoring and guiding them.


    ��What about Great Xia and the Chen Nation?�� Hong Wu suddenly asked.


    In fact, these two nations were very important. Not only did they have vast territories, but they also had various minerals and arge poption base.


    However, before the Yun Nation was fully under control, it would clearly be unwise to target these two nations.


    Apart from upation, there were other methods of obtaining these nations�� minerals and manpower.


    For instance, economic plunder and talent drain.


    No matter which method was used, the main focus would be to develop Dayao first.

 Chapter 839 - Zhao Prince Consort Hindering the Nation’s Affairs

    Chapter 839: Zhao Prince Consort Hindering the Nation��s Affairs


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When the crowd dispersed, Ren Baqian held the empress��s hand and took a stroll within the pce.


    In Dayao, it was more rxing at nightpared to the day. After the sun fell beyond the horizon, the temperature started to drop. When the breeze blew, it gave people peace of mind.


    ��You have a lot of work to do!�� The empress spoke faintly, and she sounded a little regretful.


    ��The most capable people do the most work!�� Ren Baqianughed gently.


    ��But it seems that there is nothing for me to do����


    ��The brains govern theborers, whereas theborers work for the brains.�� He immediately tweaked his words.


    ��Are you aborer?�� The empress smiled.


    ��Definitely!��


    ��You just mentioned that the most capable people do the most work.��


    ��I��m the most capable among theborers!�� Ren Baqian burst out inughter. This wasn��t even a thing!


    However, he now indeed had a lot of things at hand.


    He couldn��t afford to hold up the school, and the onus was on him to select the subject of technological breakthrough. After all, ording to Dayao��s current standards, they were still a few decades short from having the ability to fully promote the progress of technology. As such, only human intervention was possible at the moment.


    In addition, he also had to pay attention to the situation in the Yun Nation, find ways to make money to fill the state treasury and the empress��s small treasury, prepare for the martial arts conference, n construction of a new city, and ce emphasis on the world��s experts in the future.


    In fact, if the individual tasks were listed out, there weren��t actually that numerous. Unfortunately, there simply wasn��t anyone else capable enough to do these jobs.


    The elders in the imperial court were only good at cutting people with axes.


    They hadn��t lost any fights before and also hadn��t failed at cutting people��


    If Ren Baqian were to let them handle these messy things, he would have to be prepared for them to mess it up.


    He first had to grasp things in his hands before slowly distributing the workload.


    The duo exchanged a few words and stopped talking after a while to enjoy the feeling of having apanion by their side. As newlyweds, both of them felt extra sensitive and emotional.


    After some time, the empress heaved a sigh and said, ��It��s been tough on you.��


    In the current situation, how would she not know this?


    However, there really wasn��t anybody who could take over his position.


    Ren Baqian squeezed her hand and said, ��There isn��t anything tough about this. I��m extremely curious about this world as well! Besides, my lifespan can be extended after breaking through to the next realm. With my innate skills, I��ll be considered lucky if I can attain the Spirit Wheel level, and it��s very difficult to reach anything higher than that.


    Once I get to that stage, it��ll be easier for me to break through. I will also have more time to spend with Your Majesty.��


    The duo strolled around the pce and went back to their temporary quarters.


    ��Take a rest, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian said as he held her waist.


    ��Are you not going to sleep in the outer house?�� The empress looked at him.


    ��My kidneys aren��t weak anymore�� I think we can continue attempting to reproduce.�� Ren Baqianughed mischievously. He had no choice as she was truly too alluring. If he were to share a bed with her, he was afraid that his waist wouldn��t be able to take the beating.


    ��I��m already pregnant.�� As the empress removed her red muslin, he hung it on the rack.


    ��Huh?�� Ren Baqian was shocked.


    It only happened once�� Alright, there were many small attempts during that major attempt, but even so, how could she have gotten pregnant so soon? How would she know after just a few days�� time?


    ��I��m naturally clear about my own body.�� The empress looked a little shy. ��I already understood it back when I was on Earth. In order to get pregnant, I have to control the ovtion. I was able to perform this small trick. Besides, I have also made use of the effects of the [Double Cultivation Technique].


    Ren Baqian was dumbstruck when he heard this. He never knew that a person was able to have such control after cultivation!


    There hadn��t been any such examples in those old fantasy novels!


    Besides, didn��t the aboriginals have fertility issues?


    ��Speaking of self-control, nobody in this world isparable to me.�� The empress emphasized when faced with Ren Baqian��s doubts.


    He felt that she was indeed a yer with all the cheat codes.


    Not to mention that she had a high speed of cultivation, besides watching television dramas and drinking every day, her self control still far exceed other people��s. Those who worked hard honing their abilities every day would be so devastated to hear this.


    Ren Baqian finally collected his thoughts after clearing all the confusion in his mind.


    <em>The empress is pregnant?</em>


    <em>Am I bing a father?</em>


    <em>Damn it��I��m not even mentally prepared yet!</em>


    <em>A father�� How am I supposed to do that?</em>


    <em>How can it happen so fast? I have just gotten married, and I haven��t even brushed my teeth tonight!</em>


    Ren Baqiany stupefied on the bed and slowly calmed himself down as he smelled the empress��s alluring fragrance.


    He had to ept that he was going to be a father�� An originally distant thought had turned into reality so quickly.


    As for how to raise a kid�� He shouldn��t have to worry about this.


    It should take about nine months before the baby was born. With this period of time, Ren Baqian should be able to sufficiently prepare for it.


    <em>Yeah, an aboriginal baby will take nine months to develop, right?</em>


    He would have to find out the answer to this tomorrow.


    Not long after, the empress grabbed his hand that was misbehaving and asked, ��What are you doing?��


    ��Just touching you����


    ��


    ��Aren��t you just touching?��


    ��I��m just rubbing you����


    ��


    <em>Creak, creak, creak.</em>


    Soon after, the wooden couch started making creaking noises as they got more intense.


    ��Softer, Your Majesty!��


    ��Why are you still calling me that?��


    ��I just like calling you that!�� Ren Baqian moaned gently. He preferred to address the empress as Her Majesty instead of by her name. The aplishment of embracing the ruler of a nation in his arms��


    ��Are you not the wildest horse?��


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The couch copsed again.


    The red veil was like a ball of mes as it rolled around in the room.


    The sound of objects colliding could be heard in the vicinity of the pce. It was as if the pce was being demolished.


    ��


    ��Is Her Majesty not going to attend court again?�� The officials whispered among themselves after they heard the news that Xin Zhe announced. They were waiting outside the pce for the morning court session tomence.


    Especially for those who entered the pce the day before, they hadn��t expected to hear this and had intended to bring up some matters in court.


    ��Where��s Her Majesty?�� Hong Wu frowned.


    ��Rolling around under a red veil!�� Xin Zhe��s response was full of realistic portrayal as it vividly described the scene. She then cupped her hands and returned to the pce.


    This left a bunch of people standing outside the pce looking lost.


    After all, nobody understood what rolling around under a red veil meant.


    That night, a rumble sounded in the pce.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan rushed over to take a look, and they were on the verge of crying. The empress��s temporary quarters had copsed�� Why was it faster than the previous time?


    ��Where��s Her Majesty?��


    ��She went to Changqing Pce Hall���� Xin Zhe suddenly appeared beside them.


    The next day, many officials stood outside the pce and waited for the news that the empress wouldn��t be attending court again.


    Shi Qing��s expression kept changing, and he eventually let out a bitter smile.


    A day had passed. Furthermore, this wasn��t the morning court session. Everyone roughly understood what was going on. This was the second time it had happened.


    ��Why do I somehow feel that�� Zhao Prince Consort is hindering the nation��s affairs!�� Tong Zhenye smacked his lips.


    Everyone immediately fled the scene.


    Even though he wasn��t the only one thinking this, it had already happened twice over a short period of time. Moreover, it spanned across a few days every time it happened.


    However, everyone immediately decided to draw a line between themselves and Tong Zhenye. After all, not everyone was as stubborn as him.


    That evening, a loud rumble sounded again. With sparkling eyes, Xin Zhe stood in front of the ruins of Changqing Pce Hall. She had a weird expression on her face as well.


    She seemed curious.


    A ball of red shadow plunged into the next empty pce and wriggled on the ground like a cocoon.


    Ren Baqian gasped with a hoarse voice and said, ��The imperial pce is no longer habitable. Three pces have already copsed. What shall we do?��


    ��Continue!�� A charming and alluring voice sounded, one that was able to make any man ignite with passion.

 Chapter 840 - Planning

    Chapter 840: nning


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Two dayster, a trembling Ren Baqian walked out of the pce with his hands on his waist.


    After seeing the sun, which he hadn��t viewed in a long while, the feeling of a new lease on life sprang up.


    Apart from that, he still felt a little terrified even though it was already over.


    ��I have already restrained myself!�� The empress walked out behind him dressed in red muslin. She sounded a little apologetic.


    She had indeed restrained herself. Otherwise, Ren Baqian��s hips would have already broken into countless pieces.


    However, that wasn��t the problem!


    He felt that he had lost almost half a kilogram of bone marrow and that he would fall over now when the wind blew.


    ��Your Majesty, Your Highness, lunch is ready. Do you want it served now?�� Qing Yuan asked.


    ��Send it over���� The empress looked at the surroundings and felt that she couldn��t stay here any longer. The interior seemed to have been run over by a road roller, and it looked as if it would copse at any time.


    ��Send it to Yaohua Pce Hall. Send people to clean that ce up. Hong Luan, go notify the clinic. We really need to build a new pce.�� The empress felt a little troubled.


    The roaring emperor dug so many holes underground that it looked like a sieve. It would be alright if they were to live normally in the pce, but if other circumstances arose, there was no telling when it would copse.


    They couldn��t allow buildings to simply copse once every few days, right?


    ��Let��s eat first.�� Currently, Ren Baqian was too exhausted to think about the new pce and city.


    When they arrived at Yaohua Pce Hall, he looked around and saw that most of the surroundings were decorated in pink. There were some small y figures as well.


    He couldn��t help but ask, ��Is there someone living here?��


    The two previous aboriginal emperors didn��t have any concubines and only had a few offspring as well. The majority of the pces, which had been seized from the Hao Nation, were left vacant.


    Even though the vacant pces were tidied up, they weren��t frequently cleaned, so dust would inevitably umte. Since they were left vacant for a long time, they felt very cold and gloomy. Some of them were already dpidated.


    However, this Yaohua Pce Hall looked quite different. It appeared as if it was cleaned every day.


    Ren Baqian turned around and saw a porcin vase on the table with a flower in it.


    The empress looked at the decorations around her. Her eyes glowed as she recollected, ��I lived here when I was a child. A few years ago, I used toe back here asionally, but over thest two years, I have visited less frequently. However, the decorations still look simr to what they looked like back then, even that flower in the vase.��


    ��Your Majesty, you used to like pink? I thought that you have always liked red!��


    ��Pink doesn��t suit me,�� the empress replied simply.


    Ren Baqian immediately understood what she meant.


    Pink was a color for a young girl. In her position, she naturally couldn��t act like she had before.


    Especially when she had been an ignorant young girl back then.


    ��Let��s make this the temporary quarters for now,�� she said.


    ��Thend below the pce that had copsed previously has been dug up, ttened, and rebuilt. You��ll be so sad if this ce were to get destroyed. Besides, it will take a long time to build a new pce,�� Ren Baqian said.


    The empress stared at him angrily after he finished talking. Wasn��t it his fault that it copsed?


    After eating breakfast and drinking a bowl of freshly brewed supplement soup, Ren Baqian finally felt alive again.


    He looked in the mirror and saw that he hadn��t lost that much weight this time around. He had probably lost about ten kilograms, butpared to the 90 kilograms that he lostst time, this would be considered�� basically nothing. He had never heard of people losing dozens of kilograms when having sex!


    As for his internal body, the vitality that was previously transferred from the empress to him hadn��t been fully digested yet. More had been transferred to him this time as well. He received a much lower amount of it this time, only ten percent of what he got back then.


    After lunch, she summoned all the officials to the pce to discuss some matters. On the other hand, Ren Baqian listed down the things that he needed to do on a piece of paper.


    First was the top priority of education.


    It would be very difficult to promote education by himself. Even with the help of his students, it would still be too slow.


    He recruited dozens of students each year, and the number increased year by year. Even if these students became junior teachers, it would take at least ten more years to have enough teachers to promote education extensively.


    However, the various departments of the imperial court alsocked manpower. How would it be possible for all the students to be teachers?


    Even so, the level of education that they could provide in a short period of time wouldn��t exceed the third grade of junior high school.


    It would take decades to nurture arge number of college graduates.


    Ren Baqian��s goal was to nurture arge number of junior high school and even high school students within ten years as well as some college-level talents.


    For this to happen, he needed to receive external help.


    There were only a few options for him if he wanted to spread basic education to the whole world in a short amount of time. One was through the robots. Now that it was already 2029 on Earth, educational robots had already be quite mature. Right now, they were being used as helpers most of the time, so it would be difficult to program them to provide college-level education.


    Besides, if they broke down, there was no way to repair them. It would be very difficult to use robots as teachers.


    The second option would be distance learning. However, the downsides were very simr to robots and even more troublesome.


    Even if all of these could be achieved, there was still another very important factor. Although Ren Baqian was able to record all the books that he had read using the in his sea of knowledge, this didn��t mean that he was capable of producing college-level students.


    After thinking about it, he ced this matter aside and wrote down another thing.


    Develop science and technology that bore the characteristics of this world.


    This wasn��t Earth. Theposition of the air and elements here was different from Earth��s. Currently, there were several more known elements in this worldpared to Earth. Plus, it was still unknown if anything wascking. Other than that, there were still no signs of petroleum, and situations like this were bound to happen again in the future.


    Therefore, it was impossible topletely imitate the technology of Earth, and it was necessary for them to develop something unique that conformed to the circumstances of this world.


    Ren Baqian pondered over this and wrote down the word ��kidnap.��


    Indeed, kidnap people from Earth to set up aboratory and study the differences between the two worlds. At the same time, they would also develop alternative or simr technologies.


    After all, it was impossible to rely entirely on the research institute on Earth.


    Furthermore, there was another advantage of doing this. The highly talented people that he kidnapped and brought over would be able to teach students at a college-level or even higher.


    If this was the case, Ren Baqian would have to have a capable assistant on Earth.


    Neither Ren Wannian nor Ding Jie could do this job.


    The winged cavalry couldn��t do it either.


    Firstly, this person couldn��t be too conspicuous. At first nce, they should at least not look like someone from outer space. Secondly, this person must have enough wisdom andpetence to do things well. Lastly, this person must be highly skilled in martial arts. The winged cavalry warriors couldn��t fulfill the first two criteria.


    Ren Baqian already had a candidate in mind, but needed to seek their opinion first. Once they were sent to Earth, they wouldn��t be able toe back to this world anymore. This was the only way he would be able to gain full control.


    The third thing that Ren Baqian wrote down on his list was to expand the scale of the Embroidered Uniform Guards of the Rearguard Commandery since they were currently facing a shortage of manpower. In addition, other than the market situation of the Yun Nation and Tianjing Basin, it was necessary to investigate the many sects and experts in this world as well as recruit highly talented youths.


    The fourth point was to earn money, which was much easier.


    The fifth was to find a ce to situate the new pce and capital before carrying out city nning. This would be considered extremely difficult for others, especially when a lot of considerations had to be made for the nning of the new pce and capital city. However, Ren Baqian felt that all of this was too simple for him.


    He simply needed to pick a site and visualize it on the in his mind. With this method, he could build the city and pce at will and see how it turned out.


    It was much easier than doing 3D rendering with aputer.


    The sixth point was to investigate all the mineral deposits in Dayao and the Yun Nation and to make arrangements to expand production capacity.


    The steam powered equipment for the mines had to be developed. After all, manpower was valuable, and there were too many areas where manpower was needed.


    The seventh point was to gradually immigrate the aboriginals out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and reduce the poption density of that region. On one hand, this would expand the hunting area of the original mountain viges and improve the living conditions of the aboriginals. On the other hand, it would be much easier to handle these immigrants. Besides, Dayao wascking manpower everywhere��

 Chapter 841 - Thunder Barbarians

    Chapter 841: Thunder Barbarians


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Several figures stood on top of a mountain and looked at a beast running below.


    The eight meter tall gigantic creature was at the pinnacle of the Earth Wheel level, and it was on the upper end of the food chain in most ces.


    After all, Spirit Wheel level beasts were considered the overlords of the Sixty Thousand Mountains and were rare.


    However, at this moment, the gigantic creature seemed to be frightened and trying to escape. It was as if it was being chased by something.


    Compared to the gigantic creature, a small figure leaped through the air andnded on its back. At the same time, his right hand hammered down on it. The beast suddenly wailed and crashed to the ground as its limbs could no longer support its body. It slid along the ground for dozens of meters beforeing to a halt.


    Several figures then leaped off the mountain and appeared beside the beast in a sh.


    A woman with a furry tail came forward to butcher the beast while the rest did their own things.


    These figures were the foreigners that Ren Baqian had previously encountered.


    There was Qiao Sen of the Heaven Seeker race who had cat-like whiskers and a round nose, Lei Huo (TLC. This was TL��ed as ��Thunder ze�� in previous chapters, so I��m not sure which version to use.) of the Thunder Barbarians who had arge build and two horns on his head, Gu Ling of the Ba Pi race who had four arms, Xun You of the Passion Fruit race who had a furry tail, Ta Lan of the Wind Chaser race who had twin hooves, Xu Heng of the Void race, and Liu Sheng of the Serpent race who had the body of a human and the tail of a snake.


    Lei Huo stood on the beast��s carcass and looked around.


    ��Did you discover anything?�� Qiao Sen asked.


    ��It is a little familiar. I have been here before! We shouldn��t be far from my vige.�� Lei Huo suddenly looked excited.


    Nearly a century had passed, but apart from the memories of thest six months, they only had memories from a century ago. To them, however, these old memories seemed to be from just a year ago.


    The four-armed Gu Ling was delighted. Since they were nearing the vige of the Thunder Barbarian race, they shouldn��t be too far away from the Ba Pi race��s vige.


    ��Congrattions to both of you.�� Qiao Sen smiled.


    ��Thank you very much.�� Both of them solemnly expressed their gratitude for him. If it wasn��t for him, there would be no telling how long it would take for them to locate their viges.


    Afterward, they started a fire and barbequed meat. Everyone kept silent while Lei Huo and Gu Ling looked restless.


    They were finally able to go home after 100 years.


    The two were so set on speeding home that they couldn��t wait to leave.


    At the same time, they felt a little apprehensive. They didn��t know what had changed over thesest 100 years.


    After they were done with the meal, Lei Huo stood up and said, ��Dear all, I will make a move first. If we have a chance to meet again in the future, I��ll treat you guys to proper drinks.��


    Everyone nodded and smiled.


    Gu Ling also stood up and cupped her hands before turning to Lei Huo and saying, ��If we ever meet again�� Let��s fight to ourst breath!��


    The hatred between their two races was indelible.


    ��Up to you!�� Lei Huo burst into heartyughter.


    The two ended their conversation and went their separate ways.


    Although everyone had gotten closer after being on the road together for over eight months, they had merely gotten more familiar with each other and weren��t actually that close.


    After all, these seven belonged to different races and were all experts. Those whom the herdsmen kept alongside for so long were all exceptionally talented. They were originally talented people in their viges as well. It was already pretty rare for them to travel together for such a long period, let alone warm up to each other.


    After the two left, the remaining people felt even more pressed.


    ording to their estimates of distance, they shouldn��t be too far away from their homes.


    Everyone looked at Qiao Sen as he picked up a tree branch and threw it into the air. When itnded on the ground, he pointed in one direction and said, ��Let��s head this way.��


    After Lei Huo walked across several mountains, the surrounding scenery became more and more familiar. His heart grew more urgent, and he felt as if something was about to jump out of it.


    ��Roar!�� He yelled.


    A whileter, a voice came from the top of the mountain, ��Who��s there?��


    Lei Huo felt his chest beating intensely. He was too impatient to respond and leaped up the mountain immediately. However, he was weed with the whistling sound of weapons.


    ��Stop! It��s me!�� Lei Huo shouted immediately.


    A bone rod stopped right in front of him. Several men and women looked at him from a close distance, and they all looked puzzled.


    ��Who are you?��


    There were only slightly more than 200 people in the Thunder Barbarian race, and it was impossible for them not to know everyone.


    Lei Huo stared at one of them and asked, ��Lei Lei?��


    The person in front seemed familiar to him, but looked older than he remembered.


    As for the others, he didn��t recognize any of them. They seemed to be from the new generation.


    100 years was the lifespan of an ordinary human and was a long time for the Thunder Barbarians as well.


    ��Who are you?�� a woman responded with a face that was full of doubt�� Her upper body wasn��t clothed, and she was only wearing a leather skirt around her lower body.


    ��I��m Lei Huo! I��m back!�� Lei Huo was exultant.


    ��Lei Huo?�� Lei Lei mumbled his name. ��Lei Huo?��


    She couldn��t believe who she was seeing.


    ��That��s right! It��s me!��


    ��Where have you been all these years?�� Her eyes were wide open as she looked at him carefully.


    ��Why did you suddenly leave 117 years ago?�� Her expression turned hateful.


    ��117 years?�� Lei Huo was stunned. He thought that it had only been slightly over 70 years and had not expected that so many years had passed.


    For the members of the foreign races that had been captured, it seemed like they were captured at varying times.


    A slight faintness appeared on his face as he said, ��It��s hard to exin in a few words. I was captured. I��ll exin more when we reach the vige.��


    After a while, Lei Huo arrived at a vige. Without waiting for the others, he rushed toward a certain direction inside the vige.


    The vige was filled steeples, a type of building that the aboriginals didn��t understand at all. They were sparsely located in the vige. In fact, the Thunder Barbarians didn��t feel threatened by fearsome beasts at all. This vige was simply a settlement and didn��t even have walls.


    He stopped in front of a house, the most familiar ce in his memory.


    However, when he rushed into the house, all he saw was the face of an unfamiliar youngster.


    Lei Huo��s face immediately changed.


    ��Where��s Lei Duo?�� he asked.


    The young man stared nkly at him and asked, ��Who��s Lei Duo?��


    Lei Huo��s body turned sluggish for a moment, and his skin suddenly turned green as a malevolent look appeared on his face.


    ��I��m asking you where Lei Duo is!�� he yelled.


    ��Lei Huo!�� Lei Lei rushed into the house. ��Your sister is dead. She died over 80 years ago!��


    ��What?�� Lei Huo was so stupefied that it was as if he had been struck by lightning.


    ��She thought that you were killed by the Ba Pi race. In order to avenge you, she fought them many times�� She eventually died in battle.�� Lei Lei grew sad.


    ��What did you say?�� Lei Huo was at a loss.


    His expression seemed to freeze on his face, but his vigor rose and the blue color of his skin turned darker. An electric current even appeared on the surface of his skin.


    ��Calm down. We��ll talk after we see the elders!�� Lei Lei replied, looking rather sad.


    Back then, she was very close to Lei Huo and Lei Duo.


    She was sad for quite some time after his disappearance. When Lei Duo died, she had also wanted to avenge her.


    However, she was simply too weak. Or rather, that Gu Zhen was too strong.


    Moreover, the most important thing at this moment was to calm Lei Huo down.


    ��Ba Pi race!�� he roared. The electric current on his skin struck a wooden board near his feet, causing smoke to begin rising.


    To others, Lei Duo was someone from more than 80 years ago, but to him, it seemed like he had only left for a year.


    After returning to the vige, he felt both surprised and sad. The pleasant surprise was that he actually unlocked the [Thunder Flow] skill, which meant that it might be possible for him to defeat Gu Zhen. Lei Huo was indeed the most talented among his race. If he had not left, they probably would not have been suppressed for so many years.


    Sadly, he returned toote. The dead couldn��t be resurrected.


    It wasn��t just Lei Duo who had died at the hands of Gu Zhen.

 Chapter 842 - Arranging a Three Day Tour in Thailand for Ning Caichen

    Chapter 842: Arranging a Three Day Tour in Thand for Ning Caichen


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Lei Huo didn��t have a chance to unleash his anger.


    Afterward, the elders had already received news of his return from the youngsters.


    Shortly after, he appeared in another house and was surrounded by several old men with wrinkled faces. Sitting up above was one of the Thunder Barbarians who looked extremely dignified.


    ��Lei Huo, I didn��t expect you to still be alive! You said that you were captured? What happened? Who did it?�� one of the elders asked in a deep voice.


    Although the elders had plenty of wrinkles on their faces, they still looked pretty fierce. Green veins were still bulging from exposed sections of their skin that weren��t covered by the animal hides that they were wearing.


    ��They are called the herdsmen!�� Lei Huo described his experiences throughout the entire journey to the elders.


    ��What are these herdsmen? I have heard of the Heaven Seekers, Wind Chasers, and the Void race, but where did these herdsmene from? Why have we never heard of them? What means did they use to capture you?��


    ��No matter where theye from, we must capture them and seek revenge!��


    ��That��s right! They actually dared to capture people from the Thunder Barbarians. If we find them, we must not let them go!��


    ��That Gu Ling also got captured by the herdsmen? She actually came back alive!��


    ��Human race? The abandoned race? I haven��t heard about the humans in a long time. They were said to be weak, treacherous, mean, and a race of betrayers.��


    ��With Gu Ling and Gu Zhen, the Ba Pi race now have two talented people.��


    ��So what if they have two talents? I see that Lei Huo has just unlocked the [Thunder Flow] technique, so his strength should beparable to Gu Zhen��s. As for Gu Ling, she has always been weaker than Lei Huo. Even though she��s still alive, her abilities must be far behind his.��


    The burly man sitting up above looked as if his soul had left his body and returned. After some time, he seemed to suddenly think of something and immediately pulled out a book made from animal hide from below a wooden nk.


    ��Indeed, there are really herdsmen in the mountains!�� He flipped through the book and suddenly burst outughing. ��I remember where I have seen them before.��


    He then frowned and added, ��Herdsmen�� Taking orders to monitor the abandoned people? Strange abilities�� Belonging to the Six Heavens?��


    ��Just these few words?��


    ��The abandoned people retreated into the barrennd and will not return for thousands of years����


    ��Is this the book handed down to chiefs from generation to generation? Who are the Six Heavens? Where are they returning to? What does it say?�� the elders asked immediately.


    ��I don��t know. The next page has been torn off���� The chief of the Thunder Barbarians rubbed his head and gave a bitter smile.


    ��Who has the audacity to tear something from our tribe��s treasure?��


    ��It was already missing when it was handed to me, so I��m not sure which chief tore it off! However, one thing is certain. These herdsmen were probably monitoring those abandoned people and those people seem to have something to do with us. I remember when I took over the position of chief that the old man briefed me about���� That burly man crossed his arms and racked his brains, but still couldn��t remember the details that he had been briefed about.


    ��Send down orders to report immediately if they see those herdsmen. Since they dared to provoke us, we must not let them off.��


    ��


    Inside thergest house of the Ba Pi race��s vige, a woman with six arms sat and listened to Gu Ling��s story.


    After listening, shemented softly,�� I didn��t expect you to encounter all of this and also meet those abandoned people�� You said that they have an extremely powerful weapon, right?��


    ��Even though I did not see it, I saw the state of the destroyednd after it was used. There was no grass within a radius of about one kilometer, and everything was reduced to ashes.��


    ��Those abandoned people have actually gotten ambitious again�� No matter what, they seem to havepletely forgotten about what happened back then�� This time, however, I��m afraid they might have discovered something����


    ��Back then?��


    ��You don��t need to know about it. You may leave���� The six-armed woman waved her hand.


    After Gu Ling left, the woman murmured softly, ��I don��t know if we will return to the legendary mothend one day! If those abandoned people have really returned, maybe we��ll have a chance to go there! In that case, I should hope that theye back.��


    ��


    Under the protection of the imperial bodyguards, Ren Baqian arrived at a location near Jing Street. He looked at the ��Homing Pub�� in front of him and waved his hand, saying, ��Wait for me outside.��


    There was a row of iron crotch guards outside the pub. He wondered how that testicle-kicking monster ended up in cahoots with the transvestite.


    One was responsible for kicking nuts, and the other was responsible for selling iron crotch guards��


    Ren Baqian felt that Li Fu was simply shameful for a top expert.


    ��Lady boss, there is a customer here! Come and serve him!�� Ren Baqian shouted as he entered the pub.


    ��Well! A distinguished guest today! Isn��t this Zhao Prince Consort? How am I supposed to receive you? Why have you lost so much weight though?�� Ning Caichen��s body swayed as she came out to receive her guest. She was dressed in a purple robe. Her hair was bunned up like a Great Xiady and adorned with a little pink flower. Her eyes were glistening and looked extremely flirtatious.


    It had been a long time since hest saw her, and she was still a transvestite who looked more feminine than a woman. Furthermore, she seemed to have improved since thest time.


    However, Ren Baqian��s face turned ck after hearing what she said. Why did he lose so much weight? It was hard for him to exin!


    He heaved a sigh and looked around. There was a wooden vase on every table with a bouquet of fresh flowers. The whole pub was filled with a floral scent.


    He had to admit that Ning Caichen had truly be more feminine.


    ��Your Highness, do you want to go inside and let me serve you?�� She sat across from Ren Baqian and flirted through her eyes, making him immediately shudder with disgust.


    ��That��s enough!�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. ��Looking at you, life seems pretty good, yeah?��


    ��What do you think?�� Ning Caichen��s eyes turned red. ��Now that I have hidden my identity, I can��t return home or acknowledge my family. Do you think that I��m leading a good life, Your Highness?��


    Ren Baqian was shocked and asked, ��You want to return to Great Xia?��


    After some thought, this actually seemed pretty normal. Even though she became like this, it was normal for her to want to go back and visit her family. Unfortunately, she couldn��t do so.


    Little did he expect that Ning Caichen would suddenly roll her eyes and say, ��What for? That group of old people is always criticizing and ordering me around. Now that I have the freedom of the whole wide world and the identity of a woman, I��m so much happier than before. Why do I have to go back and tolerate their nonsense? Furthermore, if I really do go back, those people would be fuming mad!��


    Ren Baqian didn��t understand the situation of the Ning family, but he believed herst sentence. If she really returned home with this demonic look, her ancestors would probably rise from their graves.


    ��Do you really have no intention of going back?�� he asked with a smile.


    ��I naturally won��t go back. Besides, even if I wanted to, I can��t. I��m nning to get married and raise a kid with my husband for the rest of my life, but who would dare marry me when I look like this?�� Ning Caichen felt aggrieved.


    ��Since this is the case, do you think you can help me with something? However, you will be situated far away from Great Xia and even Dayao. You won��t be able to return, and you will bepletely cut off from your past self. As for the benefits, I can make you a real woman����


    Before Ren Baqian could even finish his sentence, Ning Caichen mmed the table and stood up.


    ��Are you for real, Zhao Prince Consort?�� She couldn��t hold back her excitement and began rolling on the ground while mumbling to herself, ��How is this possible? How is this possible? How can this be done? Are you lying to me, Your Highness?��


    ��Listen to me!�� Ren Baqian gestured and asked her to calm down. ��It��s impossible for you to bear children, but it can turn every other aspect of you into a woman. You��ll be able to do whatever a woman does and enjoy whatever a woman enjoys! In a nutshell, you��ll be able to turn into a real woman, apart from being able to have children.��


    ��Are you really not lying to me, Your Highness?�� Ning Caichen��s face alternated between doubt and excitement. How could this be achieved?


    ��Why do I have to lie to you? Since I��m asking you for a favor, I��ll naturally be able to give you what you want. Otherwise, how would I have peace of mind about the things I expect you to do? However, there is a price you have to pay. You can no longer return to this world. Of course, if you perform well, I can help you collect some materials for the Sword Nurturing Pool and lengthen your lifespan to be simr to that of an ordinary person.��


    Before Ren Baqian could ask if she was willing to do it, she quickly responded, ��Yes, I agree. Naturally!��


    It was as if she was worried that he would go back on his word.


    ��Don��t regret itter,�� he replied faintly.


    ��Never! You don��t know what it feels like to have a body that is neither male nor female, Your Highness! As long as it can make me a true woman, I��ll never regret it, no matter what it is!��


    Ren Baqian looked at Ning Caichen and thought that Earth might be a better ce for her.


    Just so that he could gain full control, she wouldn��t be able to return to this world afterward. He had no other choice.


    As far as strength was concerned, she had a spirit sword, she wasn��t weak at all, and she was even stronger than ordinary Earth Wheel experts.


    Ning Caichen was a pretty wise person as well.


    All Ren Baqian had to do was simply take her to Thand.


    ��Prepare yourself. You��ll have no need for anything here. Come to the pce at night and I��ll arrange for someone to bring you in.��


    ��Your Highness, where will you be sending me? What do I have to do?�� Ning Caichen finally asked. She hadn��t even questioned him about her responsibilities and had immediately agreed to it. This showed how important the three day tour in Thand was to her.


    She continued, ��It��s far away from Great Xia and Dayao and doesn��t sound like the Chen Nation from your tone. What ce is it?��


    ��You don��t need to know too much at the moment. I can tell you that your task won��t be difficult. Besides, life there is so much morefortable than it is here.�� Ren Baqian smiled, stood up, and left. ��Bring along your spirit sword. It��s called Green Pearl, right?��


    ��I understand.��


    Now that he had chosen the right candidate, this matter was settled. Next would be to find a ��rtive�� for the empress. It would be a bit too ridiculous if none of her rtives turned up for the wedding.


    Ren Baqian could forget about those b*stards like Hong Wu and Tong Zhenye. They were all good-for-nothings. As long as one of them was present, the entire wedding would get screwed up.


    In fact, there were only a few suitable candidates like Xin Zhe, Lin Qiaole, Qing Yuan, and Hong Luan.


    Currently, there was also Ning Caichen.


    Even though the empress wouldn��t have an elder from her family present at the wedding, they would still be able to barely go through the motions.

 Chapter 843 (Again)

    Chapter 843: Untitled (Again)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have brought in your guest.�� Xin Zhe brought Ning Caichen into the pce hall. Ning Caichen was wearing purple clothes, had a long sword slung behind her back, and held a small bag in her hands.


    Seeing the empress sitting up above, she bowed gently and used Great Xia��s etiquette for women.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Highness!��


    The sword behind her back trembled slightly.


    The empress nced at her briefly before continuing to look at herptop.


    Speaking of which, thisptop was already pretty old.


    Ren Baqian was in the midst of examining the leather bag in his hands, which contained the herbs for making a nourishing and healthy soup.


    Supplementation must never stop!


    He lifted his head and looked at Ning Caichen before saying, ��I��m giving you onest chance to change your mind.��


    ��I��ll never regret this!��


    ��So it shall be. In fact, it��s pretty good over there. There are mobile phones,puters, mangas, television dramas, movies, and an abundance of supplies. You can lead a populous and affluent lifestyle with plenty of food, drinks, and fun,�� Ren Baqian said.


    This was indeed the case. This world wasn��tparable to Earth in terms of supplies and entertainment products.


    Of course, thisparison was made with regard to the current situation of this world.


    After listening to what Ren Baqian said, even though Ning Caichen didn��t know what he was talking about, she became more interested in finding out where she would be going.


    At the same time, she was also curious about their outfits.


    He was wearing a pair of Bermuda shorts and a t-shirt while the empress was wearing a long red dress. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were also wearing long skirts. The clothes that they were wearing were very different from Dayao��s style of clothes.


    ��Commander Xin Zhe, where are your casual clothes?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    During a previous trip to Earth, he had bought her some clothes.


    It was the same for Qing Yuan and Hong Luan as well. Knowing that they were going to Earth, they diligently had changed into their casual outfits.


    ��I have buried them!�� Xin Zhe replied as she adjusted her sses.


    Ren Baqian was dumbstruck.


    What did she do that for?


    ��Forget it. We��ll just make do with whatever you��re wearing. I��ll have to get someone to prepare some clothes for you there.�� Apart from Xin Zhe, Ning Caichen��s clothes were inappropriate as well.


    Lin Qiaole got excited after learning that she could go back to Earth and see her good friend, the husky. However, after just five minutes of excitement, she became sleepy. After 10 minutes, she was only half-conscious. Currently, she was sitting on the floor and bobbing her head.


    ��Hold on tight.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. He originally nned to get someone to cover Ning Caichen��s eyes, but after some thought, he figured that it was only going to take a split second. Once she arrived on Earth, she would be exposed to knowledge of that ce and would be able to guess everything, so there was no need to cover her eyes.


    He held the empress with one hand and Ning Caichen with the other.


    The surroundings started changing instantly.


    Everyone appeared in a hotel room.


    ��This�� This is?�� Ning Caichen looked around her with her eyes wide open. It was merely an instant, but everything around her changed.


    The room wasn��t big, but it was clean and tidy. The ss window was crystal clear, and sunlight shone into the room.


    She felt that the decor of the room was extremelyvish, especially the golden wallpaper behind the bed. Ren Baqian felt that it was hideous, but it was different for her.


    This, however, wasn��t the most important thing. It was clearly night time a minute ago, so why did it suddenly be day?


    Lin Qiao became energetic after arriving on Earth. She squatted on the floor, raised her head, and started making noises.


    ��Howl Woof!��


    ��Stop howling, your friend isn��t here!�� Ren Baqian pped her head.


    ��Where is this?�� Ning Caichen asked as she took a careful look around her.


    ��You will find out soon enough.�� He curiously looked at her. ��How��s your sword, Green Pearl? Can you stillmand it?��


    Ning Caichen was a bit unclear about what he meant. She moved her finger and Green Pearl sneakily flew out from its sheath. It twirled around her waist as if it was trying to escape from the empress��s sight.


    ��It doesn��t seem to be affected. �� Ren Baqian nodded as everything was good.


    This room was a suite that had a separate living area and bedroom. The empress took Qing Yuan, Hong Luan,and Xin Zhe to the living area to watch television. Ren Baqian left Ning Caichen in the bedroom and went out to buy two sets of clothes.


    He nned to buy a western-style outfit for Xin Zhe��a short skirt and a white T-shirt. He always felt that this outfit suited her with her sses.


    Putting this outfit on, she would simply be the best candidate for a secretary.


    As for Ning Caichen, it was a set of unisex clothes��trousers and a casual jacket. It gave her the look of a mature youngdy with her artificial looks. The only problem with it was her t chest. It was even tter than Lin Qiaole��s. However, this would no longer be the case after she returned from Thand.


    After she followed Ren Baqian��s instructions to put on her clothes, Ning Caichen asked, ��Your Highness, where exactly is this? I took a look outside just now, and it seems like I havee to a bizarre ce. It��s not a ce that I know of.��


    As for how they managed to teleport from Dayao��s pce to this ce in an instant, she suppressed that curiosity for the moment. However, she was feeling curious about everything that she saw, especially those moving metal boxes that she saw downstairs as well as the tall buildings here. What was that box with sound and moving pictures in the living area? Were there little people in there?


    If it wasn��t for the slight stench in the air, she would have suspected that this was where the gods lived.


    ��In the future, you will live here. After you are done with the tasks that I assign to you, you are free to do anything during other times. As for where this ce is�� You will find out soon enough.�� Ren Baqian smiled. Although this ce was very different from the other world, with Ning Caichen��s imagination, she would probably take some time before realizing that this was another world.


    He called in Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, Xin Zhe, and Lin Qiao before starting a briefing.


    ��There are some asions this time around that will require you to pass off as Her Majesty��s rtives.��


    ��This�� We dare not!�� Qing Yuan and Hong Yuan quickly responded. Impersonating the empress��s rtives meant that they were impersonating the royal family!


    ��There��s nothing to be afraid of. You must pretend to be Her Majesty��s rtives or else some issues will be troublesome. This is important. Xin Zhe will be her paternal cousin while the rest of you will be her maternal cousins. Remember this. And Ning Caichen�� You��ll be her good friend.��


    ��I��ll be iming connections with a higher social ss!�� Ning Caichen turned watery. She probably would not be able to change this artificial attitude of hers. After sending her on the three day tour in Thand, she would probably be a full-fledged monster when she returned.


    ��What does Your Highness want us to do?��


    ��Nothing much. I just want to attend a wedding ording to the tradition here, and that��s it. Alright, you simply have to remember your own identities. If others ask you, you just have to tell this to them. I can show you around today.�� Ren Baqian pped.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan suddenly grew excited. During the previous trip, they had only been out once. For the rest of the time, they stayed in the vi.


    Both of them were very curious about the outside world.


    Xin Zhe didn��t have much expression on her face, Lin Qiaole simply looked sleepy, and Ning Caichen looked pretty interested to see what kind of ce this was.


    When everyone went downstairs, the front desk got a shock. When had so many gorgeousdies gone up?


    The hotel staff didn��t think of them as social escorts, but one could immediately tell by looking at their eyes that the staff were simply curious about when so many gorgeousdies had arrived at the hotel. The staff only had to see them once to never forget their looks.


    The hotel was located in the center of the city, and Ren Baqian was ready to grab some food.


    However, they witnessed a brawl not long after walking out of the hotel.


    Both of thebatants dressed and looked like ordinary people who had collided into each other while walking. Then, they became aggressive.


    ��Are you blind?��


    ��What��s the matter?��


    ��F*ck! Still being so unreasonable after bumping into someone? F*ck you!��


    This was simr to the daily incidents in Lan City.


    The two instantly started fighting.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan had spent little time outside the pce and had not seen many brawls. They immediately became high-spirited and started cheering and apuding.


    This wasmonce in Dayao.


    However, this was China. The act of twodies cheering and apuding attracted strange stares.


    Ren Baqian wasn��t bothered by it and actually found it quite interesting. This wasn��t because of the strength of the fighters, but due to their attitude. He felt that both of them were eager to test each other out just now and immediately started fighting when they both refused to give in.


    They weren��t irascible, but it was more like they were simply searching for someone to test their levels.


    As Ren Baqian stood aside and watched, he realized that both of them were almost at the Earth Wheel level. Even though they didn��t really have the skills, their speed and strength were actually not bad.


    He was slightly surprised to see such strength on the street. It had already been four years since China had announced the [Fifteenth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation]. These guys were already considered pretty talented for achieving such strength after only four years of practice. They had already distanced themselves from ordinary people.


    However, after thinking about it, this seemed pretty normal. After all, China��s poption was four times greater than that of Great Xia. The people here led wealthy lives and were physically fit. Compared to malnourished people in feudal societies, talented people were naturally more likely to appear.


    ��This is an era of great change,�� Ren Baqian muttered to himself.


    It was still alright now. It hadn��t been too long and the influence wasn��t that great yet.


    Once more people attained the Man Wheel level and above, people would start to see the profound impact of the [Fifteenth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation].


    Because, in the city, if Man Wheel experts were more prudent, they would already be able to escape pursuits and even dodge bullets.

 Chapter 844 - Another Bachelor Party Again?

    Chapter 844: Another Bachelor Party Again?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    These two people were physically stronger than ordinary people, but not psychologically stronger.


    Soon, their faces were excited.


    Ren Baqian could clearly see that the two of them were about to start fighting.


    Ren Baqian folded his arms for a long time to see how this problem would be solved.


    Or it could be said that he was waiting to see how long it would take before someone came to fix the problem.


    Martial artists weren��t ordinary people, and their destructive power was much greater. At this early stage, it was fine, but as time went by, the strength of ordinary people would increase and their destructive power would increase dramatically.


    This society had been peaceful for too long of a period. This sudden gain in strength would change the mentality of many ordinary people, breaking the current bnce.


    Ren Baqian was waiting to see how long it would take for the relevant departments to appear because this represented how well the country had prepared.


    It took three minutes.


    Three minutes after they started to fight, a person arrived wearing a dark blue uniform with a ck iron badge bearing the words ��Martial Enforcer.��


    His strength was about the same as both of them.


    However, when he appeared, the two of them immediately slowed down and then retreated from each other.


    ��What are the two of you doing? Fighting in public is forbidden! What��s the problem? Follow me to the bureau!�� the officer shouted.


    ��He tried to find trouble with me!�� one of them vehemently dered as blood flowed profusely from his nose.


    ��It was you who provoked me first!�� the other guy retorted, his eyes looking like a panda��s.


    Although the officer was about the same strength as the two men, they had grown up in a peaceful society and were quickly taken away since they fearedw enforcement agencies.


    Ren Baqian estimated that taking three minutes to respond, although not considered very fast, wasn��t too bad. The city was so big and the number ofw enforcement officers was limited. This speed showed that the country had adequately prepared for the changes in this world.


    This was a newly established department that specialized in arresting errant martial artists and preventing them from causing trouble.


    Of course, the aforementioned martial artists were at the Man Wheel level.


    Currently, the military and Wuji City experts were all at the Man Wheel level. Therefore, thesew enforcing personnel were only involved in minor matters, simr to what the police were doing.


    After seeing this sudden fight, Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were excited, whereas Ning Caichen seemed to be thinking.


    It wasn��t until mealtime that Ning Caichen said, ��The people here are very different!��


    ��What are the differences?�� Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    ��The energy and attitudes are different.�� Ning Caichen scanned the surroundings while talking. ��I was born in Great Xia, have traveled to the Yun Nation, and have stayed in Dayao for a long time. The aboriginals, although poor, are different from the rest and have the highest strength. The citizens of the other nations, even those of Great Xia, are mostly living for the sake of living.


    The aboriginals, however, are different.��


    Hearing this, the empress showed interest.


    She liked to be ttered.


    Praising the aboriginal citizens was the same as praising her.


    ��But the people here that I have just seen have higher energy than the aboriginals. I have been observing them all this time and they seem to be ordinary citizens, but they aren��t like those in Great Xia or the Yun Nation. I can��t pinpoint it specifically, but they are very different.��


    ��Are you referring to mental outlook?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��They are definitely different. Almost everyone is educated to about the level of a xiu cai[1.xiu cai: A candidate who passed the imperial examination at the county level in the Ming and Qing dynasties]. 80 percent of the young and middle-aged people are equal or better qualified than a ju ren[2.ju ren: A candidate who passed the imperial examination at the provincial level]. They also know what��s happening around the entire world at any time. Let alone the citizens of Great Xia and the Yun Nation, the cognitive abilities of the people here are even better than a ju ren.��


    ��How is this possible?�� Ning Caichen looked incredulous.


    In Great Xia, there were examinations for both literary and martial arts, and of course, there were many xiu cais. Ning Caichen was born into a rich and influential family, had passed the imperial examination, and naturally knew the value of a xiu cai and ju ren.


    As for a xiu cai, he or she could directly be an imperial court official.


    The total poption of Great Xia was 300 million. Only two out of 10 were literate, and these two weren��t necessary tong shen[tong shen: A candidate who hasn��t passed the imperial examination at the county level]. Out of 100 tong shens, approximately one would qualify as a xiu cai. It could be said that at least 1,000 people were needed to produce one xiu cai.


    As for a ju ren, the rate was even lower.


    Yet, almost all the people here were at the level of a xiu cai and 80 percent of the young and middle-aged people had the knowledge of a ju ren?


    How could Ning Caichen believe this?


    Everyone could know what was happening around the world at any time? Was everyone a divine being who could see thousands of miles away?


    The empress nced at Ren Baqian. She knew that almost everyone here went to school, but she had never heard Ren Baqianpare it like this before.


    Ren Baqianughed because he knew the examination system of Great Xia very well.


    The xiu cais had high status, but their level was equivalent to the junior high school level. Most of their knowledge was derived from ancient texts.


    Their level of mathematics was simr to elementary school graduates, not to mention physics and chemistry.


    As for a ju ren, at best, they were at about a senior high school to university level. Simrly, this was with regard to knowledge of the ssic texts. Their mathematical knowledge was no better than a second year in junior high school, and their knowledge of physics and chemistry was practically zero.


    Of course, they weren��t totally useless. They were at least better at writing poems and having fun in the brothels. They had their own ideas about governing the country and being a ju ren��they were all outstanding people.


    However, overall, there was noparison at all.


    ��You will know after some time. You will be stationed here and can see for yourself,�� Ren Baqian said resignedly. No matter how he exined it, it was better for Ning Caichen to personally experience it.


    After the meal, he brought them to buy two suits and ordered two pairs of sses for Xin Zhe at the same time.


    Then, he went home and got busy again.


    His parents were particrly pleased to see their daughter-inw. They grinned from ear to ear.


    The next day, Ren Baqian brought the group to the city for a spin. After all, he didn��t have to prepare for the wedding as his family members had done all the preparations.


    Ren Wannian also brought along more than 20 winged cavalry warriors from Wuji City.


    The day before his wedding, a friend came over.


    It was Chen Qing.


    As a matter of fact, Ren Baqian had been on very good terms with him back when Ren Baqian was an ordinary man. Chen Qing and his father were worthy friends.


    However, Ren Baqian became very busyter, had his fingers in too many pies, and had less contact with Chen Qing as a result.


    But they still contacted each other asionally by phone.


    Therefore, besides his parents informing their friends and rtives, only Chen Qing knew about the wedding.


    ��Brother, I��m here. Do you want to go for a drink? Do you want me to hold a bachelor��s party for you?�� Chen Qing asked mischievously.


    Ren Baqian immediately became animated.


    The empress, who was ying with her phone nearby, pricked up her ears.


    Another bachelor��s party again?


    The empress looked at Ren Baqian with a crooked smile, and her eyes were threatening.


    On the previous asion, it was Tong Zhenye. Who was it now? Was he going to give her some trouble every time?

 Chapter 845 - Xin Zhe’s Wish

    Chapter 845: Xin Zhe��s Wish


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��I haven��t seen you in a long time. Seems like you lost some weight? You seem more energized now.�� Chen Qing weed Ren Baqian with a wide smile. Previously, the two of them video called each other asionally, so Chen Qing knew the kind of physique Ren Baqian had back then.


    ��And this is?�� Chen Qing looked slightly puzzled as he nced at the delicate-looking woman with sses behind Ren Baqian.


    This wasn��t the bride!


    ��My�� wife��s younger sister��!�� Ren Baqian hesitated for some time before replying. The empress was afraid that Ren Baqian was up to no good again and got him a personal bodyguard this time around.


    ��If I��m ever single, you must introduce your sister-inw to me!�� Chen Qingughed heartily. ��Such a pity that my son is already 10 years old.��


    ��Let��s sit down and have a chat.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    As both of them sat down, Ren Baiqan turned to look at Xin Zhe. He then pointed to the side and said, ��Don��t stand behind me. Rx.��


    This was a very quiet bar with only a few other people around. An old bad was ying in the bar, and it made everyone reminisce about the past.


    ��I dreamed of going to the end of the world with a sword, but I canceled my n because I was too fat����


    Listening to this sentence made them felt emotional.


    ��Get me a beer and get her a fruit juice.��


    It had been a long time since Ren Baqianst drank beer.


    Chen Qing took a closer look at Ren Baqian and sighed, saying, ��Time flies. My son is already 10 years old, but it seems like you are still the same.��


    ��This isn��t considered a big change?�� Ren Baqian touched his face as well as that shiny bald head of his. Looking back, he used to be a young and charming man!


    ��Time is really like a butcher��s knife!��


    ��Come on! You have changed a lot, but look at your face�� there isn��t any trace of aging. Look at all my wrinkles.�� Chen Qing scowled.


    12 years had passed on Earth, but Ren Baqian only experienced six years in Dayao.


    ��Where��s Jiang Nan?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��She��s at home with our son and can onlye over tomorrow morning.��


    ��This is too realistic���� Ren Baqian as somewhat speechless.


    The two then chatted for a long time andmented over the time that had passed. As a matter of fact, it was Chen Qing who wasmenting for the majority of the time. Ren Baqian didn��t feel much. After all, he only went through six years, and during this period, many things happened after one another; everything in Dayao, the war with Great Xia, pacifying the people from Tianjing Basin, and traveling into the Sixty Thousand Mountains. He didn��t even have time to think of aging.


    Most importantly, he only got married recently, unlike Chen Qing, who had a 10 year old son.


    After catching up with Chen Qing about his personal stuff, Chen Qing then went on to talk about the medicinal factory.


    The leukemia medicines had already been put on the market. Just like their hangover medicine, once they wereunched, they upied arge share of the market regardless of whether it was local or global.


    However, there were knockoffs of the hangover medicine that also used the green vine. This urrence was something that was unavoidable.


    In addition to this, the ck mud cream was undergoing clinical trials, and its name had been changed to ck jade intermittent cream. A huge sum of money had also been paid to secure this name.


    The next step was to expand the medicinal factory and theboratory.


    Today, their medicinal factory andboratory were well-known in the nation. The Chen Family also took advantage of this opportunity and made lots of money through social connections.


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while before saying, ��Next time around, I��ll pass you some other medicinal herbs and prescriptions. Do some research on them.��


    The medicinal factory andboratory could now provide dividends of 200 to 300 million yuan yearly, which was their biggest source of ie besides ��interest-free and non-term loans.�� There were still a lot of medicines with peculiar healing abilities back in Dayao, and if he took a few more back to Earth for manufacturing, it would take the medicinal factory to an even higher level.


    The two of them talked untilte into the night, and it was unknown when the fruit juice in Xin Zhe��s cup became beer.


    Her face was flushed, and her vision was getting blurry.


    Ren Baqian had no choice but to bring Xin Zhe back.


    If he were to stay out any longer, he would have to carry her back.


    Nothing happened along the way. However, when the both of them entered the elevator, Xin Zhe finally asked a question that she had been longing to ask.


    ��Yes?�� Ren Baqian turned to look at her.


    As if it were the work of demons and gods, Xin Zhe blurted out, ��Why��s your head so shiny?��


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    Looking at the perplexed gaze behind Xin Zhe��s sses, Ren Baqian uttered the sentence, ��Probably generated by the power of love!��


    Ren Baqian pondered for a while. If it wasn��t for Her Majesty, he wouldn��t have practiced those martial arts. Otherwise, why would his head be so shiny? It was all because of love!


    Xin Zhe blinked a few times, suppressed her mood, and asked softly, ��What about�� the experiment from before? Are we still continuing it?��


    Ren Baqian was startled when he heard Xin Zhe��s tone and words.


    Why did she bring this up?


    ��Of course���� Ren Baqian wanted to say that he wouldn��t do it, but after seeing Xin Zhe��s mesmerizing gaze, he couldn��t bring himself to say no.


    ��You enjoyed the electric shock experiment?�� Those memories appeared in Ren Baqian��s mind subconsciously. It was as if he was watching a movie in slow motion.


    Xin Zhe thought for a while before answering truthfully, ��I��m somewhat interested�� It was fascinating! That experiment made me feel something that I have never felt before.��


    Certainly, Ren Baqian knew that she had never felt it before. However, it was impossible for him to exin it to Xin Zhe.


    ��We��ll definitely proceed with the experiment. I��ll let you know when the timees,�� Ren Baqian answered.


    ��Alright!�� Xin Zhe responded.


    Ren Baqian then rubbed his temples.


    Xin Zhe was always calm and cool. Never did he expect that she was actually a masochist.


    Just like Ning Caichen.


    Forget it! He would regard it as helping others!


    There was no need to praise him at all.


    ��


    The next day was the wedding. Ren Baqian was manipted like a puppet for a long time before he went to fetch the bride.


    ��Nervous?�� Ren Wannian smiled just as he got out of the car.


    Ren Baqian casually gave him a light smack to the head.


    He wasn��t nervous. Instead, he felt that it was a rather fresh experience.


    Even though this was his second time getting married, he was the one who had been fetched the previous time.


    Ren Baqian turned around and saw Chen Qing, Ren Wannian, and Ding Jie as well as 10 winged cavalry warriors. He could finally nod his head in contentment.


    ��Let��s go upstairs!��


    When he reached the highest floor, Ren Baqian knocked on the door. However, he didn��t receive any response.


    Ren Baqian turned the door knob but the room was locked.


    ��Eh, do I have to break down the door?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Under normal circumstances, he should be using a red packet to knock on the door, right?


    However, a red packet wouldn��t work since Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were the ones inside.


    Ren Baqian immediately took out a bag from the back of his waist and shouted, ��Who wants White Rabbit Creamy Candies?��


    The photographers that were hired from the weddingpany trembled. It was the first time they had witnessed a groom hang a bag of White Rabbit Creamy Candies from his waist!

 Chapter 846 - A Difficult Wedding Process

    Chapter 846: A Difficult Wedding Process


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    After shouting, Ren Baqian heard Lin Qiaole uttering an ��Ah,�� then another ��Ah�� before the sound of bodies colliding together rang out. Following this, no sounds or movements were heard.


    Ren Baqian was surprised to find that even the White Rabbit Creamy Candies weren��t efficacious anymore.


    ��Anyone interested in liquor chocte?�� (TLC. Not sure if this is supposed to be liquid chocte like hot chocte or chocte liqueur as in chocte vored alcohol.)


    There was no sound.


    Ren Baqian finally realized that his normal tricks weren��t going to work today.


    ��What do you want?�� Ren Baqian shouted through the door.


    For a normal wedding, they would be seeking red packets, but that wasn��t the case here.


    ��Perform something interesting!��


    This voice was a little mature and sounded like Jiang Nan��s.


    It looked like Jiang Nan was inside.


    ��Perform what? Use my chest to break a rock?�� Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. He could do this with some effort. As a matter of fact, he could even perform by using an electric drill to drill his private part, but who would dare to watch.


    ��I want to see you drink 1,000 cups of the ��water of life�� and not get drunk.��


    Ren Baqian was stunned. Drinking ��1,000 cups of the water of life and not getting drunk?�� Which bastard suggested this? Not getting drunk after drinking 1,000 cups of 96 ABV vodka? Was it possible to survive after drinking this?


    Someone was deliberately disguising her voice. It was either Qing Yuan or Hong Luan and was most likely Qing Yuan.


    Ren Baqian retreated a few steps and signaled to the winged cavalry warriors behind him, then said, ��Break down the door.��


    The photographers were stunned. Break down the door? Breaking the door during a wedding? Did they hear wrongly?


    After thinking carefully about it, they still felt that they were mistaken.


    Whatever the situation, breaking down the door shouldn��t be done during a wedding. They at least hadn��t seen this done before.


    10 winged cavalry soldiers gathered noisily in the corridor, ��Gan,o, hei!��


    Actually, they were ying ��Rock, paper, scissors,�� but they were used to calling it ��Gan,o, hei.��


    ��Gan,o, hei!��


    ��Gan,o, hei!��


    ��Gan����


    Ren Baqian��s face twitched a few times as he wondered how long it would take for them to finish the game.


    At that moment, a miracle happened.


    With a loudugh, one winged cavalry warrior was pushed out from the group.


    ��Go!�� Ren Baqian pointed at the new security door.


    Since he was kicked out, the winged cavalry warrior epted the loss willingly and asked proudly, ��Tear it from the inside or outside?��


    ��From the outside!��


    ��Very well! Watch me!�� He balled up his fists, which made a sound simr to beans being fried, and then punched the door on both sides.


    Ren Baqian felt the whole building shake.


    ��Aiya!�� It sounded like Jiang Nan had cried out.


    Cracks could be seen on both sides of the wall. The parts that had been punched were broken through, revealing the human figures inside.


    The photographers in the back were stunned.


    Although many people were practicing the [Fifteenth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation] and had grown much stronger, breaking through the door with one punch was�� This not only needed great strength, but what about his hand?


    However, something unexpected happened.


    The door flew open and ady came forward to press down on the bald head of that winged cavalry warrior.


    Boom!


    The whole building shook again.


    The tiles of the corridor cracked as half of the warrior��s bald head was pushed into the floor.


    The door was mmed shut again with a loud bang.


    The group of people outside were left floundering.


    ��Do we need to call for an ambnce?�� The photographers were trembling because they had never seen such a wedding scene before. Why was there so much vengeance involved?


    ��Wow.��


    The guy on the ground pulled his head out with both hands and shook his head until the blood from his nose dripped all over the floor.


    Thoughts raced through Ren Baqian��s mind. The person who came out just now was Xin Zhe, and based on her character, she wouldn��t normally do such a thing in this situation. Obviously, it must be the empress��s idea.


    Ren Baqian looked at the two holes in the door and discovered that he could put his hand through one of them to open the door from inside.


    He assumed that they wouldn��t hit him.


    Ren Baqian smirked as he put his hand through the hole to open the door.


    Someone hit him on the back of the hand.


    There was a loud pping sound because that someone had hit him very hard.


    ��It��s swollen.�� Ren Baqian stood there looking rueful.


    ��It��s swollen,�� Xin Zhe said from inside.


    ��Aiya! It��s really swollen!�� This was the voice of Qing Yuan.


    Ren Baqian quietly pulled back his hand, which was swollen like a hoof.


    From the familiar form and the familiar smell, it was obviously the empress who had done this.


    ��Elder brother!�� Ren Wannian didn��t know whether tough or cry. He squeezed past Ren Baqian as he entered with a pile of red packets.


    From inside, a low voice was heard asking, ��Shall we open the door?��


    It was the voice of Jiang Nan. She wasn��t sure of the situation and didn��t want to go overboard.


    ��No!��


    This time, it was the voice of the empress, and she didn��t attempt to disguise it at all.


    It looked like using force wasn��t going to work. The red packets were also useless, and he had to outwit them.


    ��Tell me, what do you want? Give a reasonable demand. Don��t talk about the ��water of life.�� Even if I dared to drink, would you dare to let me drink it?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I dare!��


    ��Forget about the water of life. It isn��t easy to get married, and everyone suffers as well. Be more realistic.��


    ��This is the second time.��


    ��Cough! That was us and no one else. Furthermore, it was the first wedding. Can we have a nice chat?��


    Ren Baqian coughed and looked at Ren Wannian, Chen Qing, and the photographers who were looking embarrassed. Was the filming of today��s wedding suitable for others to see?


    The wedding nner was beginning to wonder whether these people were here to mess up the wedding.


    Ren Baqian red at Chen Qing. This idea of torturing people must havee from Jiang Nan, and the empress had been influenced by her.


    Otherwise, the empress wouldn��t know of such nonsensical stuff.


    ��How about I recite a good poem?�� Ren Baqian was thinking of one with low difficulty for this asion, such as ��The moonlight shines in front of the bed, two pairs of shoes on the floor.��


    ��How about matching our lines? If everyone is satisfied with your answers, we will open the door.�� Jiang Nan��s voice was heard.


    Ren Baqian red at Chen Qing again. Jian Nan was already in her mid-thirties, yet she was still so frivolous.


    ��Fine!��


    Ren Baqian focused and waited to see what wicked ideas these females had in store for him.


    ��Shall we start?�� Jiang Nan shouted from inside.


    ��Let��s start.��


    ��


    ��You havee.��


    What did these three words mean?


    Next, he answered, ��I am here.��


    ��You shouldn��t be here!��


    This was nonsense. If he wasn��t supposed to be here, where should he be?


    However, he was confident. This looked like the style of Gu Long[1.Gu Long: Taiwanese wuxia novelist] and was easy to rebut.


    ��But I came.��


    ��Since you are here, you have to leave the thing behind!��


    Ren Baqian turned to look at Chen Qing as if to ask him, ��What thing?��


    He casually answered, ��I can leave the thing behind, but I must bring the person along!��


    Chen Qing waved his hand to signal that he didn��t know.


    Ren Baqian��s gaze said, ��That��s your wife!��


    ��Bring the thing over first!�� Jiang Nan said.


    Ren Baqian thought for a while and threw a bunch of White Rabbit Creamy Candies inside.


    ��Wrong!��


    Ren Baqian took a pile of red packets from Ren Wannian and threw them inside.


    ��Still wrong!��


    Ren Baqian was getting frantic. Only heaven would know what they wanted.


    ��Leave behind the Six vors Foxglove Pill!��


    Ren Baqian almost vomited blood. Where was he supposed to get the Six vors Foxglove Pill!? Who would bring a Six vors Foxglove Pill?! When preparing for a wedding?


    Jiang Nanughed and said, ��Next! We��ll consider him to have passed!��


    This time, it was a disguised voice, ��Ying ying, yan yan, cui cui, hong hong, chu chu, rong rong, qia qia. 1 Your Highness, you can pass if you can answer this!��


    This sounded familiar to Ren Baqian.


    He turned to look at the few people behind him and noted their nk expressions.


    Ren Baqian hit his forehead to remind himself not to panic. He was a famous vige teacher and should not be stumped by this.


    He answered, ��Hua hua, ye ye, kai kai, luo luo, nian nian, zhao zhao, mu mu.[2.Hua hua, ye ye, kai kai, luo luo, nian nian, zhao zhao, mu mu: The flowers and leaves bloom and fall year after year, day after day.]


    Qing Yuan stuck out her tongue and said happily, ��You pass!��


    Even though she didn��t know any poems or couplets, she was happy to know that although Ren Baqian��s answer was slightly different, it still meant the same thing.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief because he had passed another round.


    The people behind him gave him the thumbs-up. He looked strong and fierce, giving them the impression that he was a bad guy. However, his knowledge exceeded their expectations.

 Chapter 847 - Mr. X’s Congratulatory Gift

    Chapter 847: Mr. X��s Congrattory Gift


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The next part was rtively simple. Hong Luan put together another rhyming couplet, and it was one with an excellent meaning.


    Xin Zhe, on the other hand, gave up. With her personality, she couldn��t think of anything.


    ��You give me a bag of candy and I��ll open the door for you now.��


    As soon as Lin Qiaole��s voice sounded, Ren Baqian heard the sound of a physical collision and Lin Qiaole went silent.


    ��It seems like I��m the only one left. Sorry forcking in manners.�� A flirtatious voice sounded. Even though thenguage she used made people feel a little weird, her voice was sufficient to make them forget what she said.


    Except for Ren Baqian.


    ��If I give a tough one, Her Majesty will definitely me me! I have heard people say that sometimes, ears are more important than eyes. Many things are better heard than seen, especially for things that aren��t visible. There��s something called the inner voice. What can you hear, Your Highness?��


    Even though people in the room were using words like ��Your Majesty�� and ��Your Highness,�� the others didn��t really think too much about it. Perhaps these were their nicknames?


    ��Someone��s going crazy for sugar.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Everybody in the house startedughing again.


    ��What a coincidence! Why don��t you try to guess what today��s most important person is thinking about, Your Highness?�� Ning Caichen��s flirtatious voice sounded again.


    ��Ahem.�� Ren Baqian imitated the empress��s voice and said softly, ��This person is so long-winded. Kill her when we get back!��


    ��His Highness is joking again. However, let��s still leave thisst question to today��s most important person.�� Ning Caichen chuckled.


    The most crucial moment had finally arrived.


    A faint female voice sounded from the room and said, ��There��s an expiration date for everything in this world. Sardines, canned meat, and even stic wrap will expire. Therefore, is there anything in the world that won��t expire?��


    After hearing this, Ren Baqian immediately thought about the empress��s calm expression as she sat in the room and as she said these words.


    He then frowned. That was why he hated Wang Jiawei.


    He always came up with these ridiculous words.


    However, he still had to deal with it.


    Ren Baqian lowered his voice and said gently, ��Everything will expire, but the memories in my mind will not. We have agreed to spend a lifetime together, not even one day, one minute, or one second less.��


    The entire room went quiet.


    ��Open the door!�� the empress said faintly.


    Ren Baqian heaved a sigh of relief. He turned around and saw Chen Qing and Ren Wannian with their thumbs up.


    The door finally opened.


    A row of 20 winged cavalry warriors stood smirking in the room.


    They were actually smiling, but to the others, they looked like they were smirking.


    Ren Baqian nced into the room and saw the little girl who craved candy, but didn��t manage to get any. She wasying on the ground like a corpse and had presumably been knocked out by someone.


    Ning Caichen and Jiang Nan sat on the sofa with smiles on their faces.


    He finally saw the empress when he entered the room. Dressed in a red and gold wedding gown that looked even more gorgeous than the one she wore in Dayao, she sat in front of the dressing table,.


    Her hair was bunned up and decorated with some gold ornaments.


    Her skin was fair, her lips were red, and her eyebrows were slightly curved, which looked much gentlerpared to the straight ones that she used to have.


    The empress simply sat there and looked at Ren Baqian with pursed lips. Her eyes were glistening like a crystal clearke. He was afraid�� that he was going to have weak kidneys again��


    Well, they were still pretty weak at the moment. It would probably take another 10 days for him to recover.


    ��What are you thinking about?�� she asked when she saw him standing at the door and staring at her.


    ��I��m thinking about�� striving to the utmost until my dying day!�� Ren Baqian looked and sounded very serious. However, the empress��s face blushed after hearing this, and she wanted to give him a kiss.


    Once he received the bride, things were much easier from then on.


    They waited in the room for the right time before leaving for their new house. After that, they went to the hotel.


    The photographers gazed at each other in speechless dismay. It was better when they were outside the door, but once they entered, the atmosphere immediately turned cold. The bride and groom kept quiet and whispered from time to time while the others were in a daze.


    How were they going to take pictures like this?


    They wanted to lift the atmosphere, but when they looked at the 20 fierce looking and burly men with scars on their faces, they were at a loss for words.


    This was their job! If they didn��t shoot some footage, how were they going to exin to their clients?


    Sweat started rolling down from their faces.


    ��Er, shouldn��t this be a little more lively?�� a man from the weddingpany suggested boldly.


    The 20 winged cavalry warriors immediately looked at him.


    ��We can��t shoot like this!��


    ��You didn��t prepare any alcohol for us to make it lively,�� one of the winged cavalry warriors replied.


    ��That��s right. Why didn��t you prepare alcohol?��


    ��I heard that it was prepared, but it isn��t here.��


    ��That��s right. Little bean, I haven��t had a drink with you in ages!�� One of the winged cavalry warriors looked at Ding Jie, who was smoking a cigar.


    ��Only a fool would drink with you guys!�� He looked at them with disdain. These mountain kids would start to y the finger guessing game once they began drinking. Was their version of the game even suitable for humans?


    ��Little bean, are you looking down on us?�� 20 pairs of eyes stared at him like 40 piercing des.


    Ding Jie��s face turned ck as he replied, ��I still have something to doter.��


    ��Hehe!�� The winged cavalry warriors sneered together, making him feel anything but reassured and giving him goosebumps.


    ��Let me tell you, you are looking down on us if you don��t drink with us. I��m guessing there is no need for us to tell you what happens to people who look down on us, right?��


    ��I��ll drink!�� Ding Jie��s face turned ashen.


    ��


    Once the time arrived, everyone set off for the new house and then to the hotel.


    With an entourage of 20 winged cavalry warriors, everyone had to think two or three times before saying something.


    Soon after arriving at the hotel, a middle-aged man in sses found Ren Baqian.


    ��Congrattions to Mr. Ren and Ms. Qi on your marriage. I��m Liu Changqing, and this is Mr. X��s congrattory gift.


    Even though this man didn��t mention the name of the person who sent the gift, Ren Baqian immediately knew who it was when he heard his surname. It was that man who had retired.


    The gift was a piece of mboyant calligraphy that read, ��Blessed unity and a match made in heaven.�� Ren Baqian felt that his own horrible handwriting looked slightly better than this.


    Of course, it was the thought that counts.


    Even though Mr. X had already retired, his status was out of the norm.


    The inscription at the bottom alone could make the city officials give Ren Baqian preferential treatment.


    He decided to ce this calligraphy outside his door to ward off evil.


    Of course, he couldn��t ce it in his house. Who would be able to see it? He had to hang it outside his door.


    If Mr. X read Ren Baqian��s current thoughts, he would probably throw up blood.


    ��There��s also this!�� The middle-aged man handed him a red packet with the words ��double happiness�� written on it.


    ��You are too kind!�� Ren Baqian immediately smiled, wondering if the red packet contained gift money.


    After epting it, he knew that it was exactly what he thought. As he poured out the contents,rge golden characters on the red surface reflected in his eyes.


    ��Marriage Certificate.��


    Ren Baqian almost spurted blood. This Mr. X actually got someone to send him this thing?


    ��Boss said that this is the certification of marriage that is protected byw.�� The middle-aged manughed when he remembered the expression that the old man gave him. It was like a kid ying a prank.


    Of course, not everybody had a chance to witness such childishness.

 Chapter 848 - Please Leave

    Chapter 848: Please Leave


    Following the departure of that middle-aged man, more than ten batches of gifts were received.


    Their senders were tycoons who were on the list of wealthiest people, but it wasn��t suitable for them to be present at such an asion. As a result, they sent their representatives instead.


    The first one was the representative of a pig farm owner. The boss was the father of the owner of Lin Qiaole��s good friend. He sent a pig�� A real pig. Fortunately, it wasn��t sent to the hotel, but was directly delivered to a house together with the house key.


    The next gift was from Mr. Ma of the tech world, who made money from people who paid a huge sum to acquire a strong avatar.


    As for the rest, some were from the tech world, the beverage trade, and the automotive industry. If the names of these ten plus people were leaked, it would cause a sensation in the economic and entertainment circles.


    Ren Baqian was aware of their motive.


    The effects of martial arts had gradually appeared, and many people, especially rich people, were feeling a sense of crisis. When a person��s strength reached a certain stage, especially when the number of individuals with superior strength increased, the sense of superiority would breed a different kind of desire. At such a time, wealth and status were no longer enough to protect them.


    Their own cultivation of martial arts was slow, so they needed a good martial arts manual and bodyguards.


    Both of these were in Ren Baqian��s hands.


    Not to mention the martial arts manuals, Ren Baqian had six branches of martial arts centers, two in the capital city, two in Shanghai, the biggest one in Wuji City, and one more in Yang City.


    These martial arts centers usually didn��t advertise or enter anypetitions, but were well known. Since they didn��t publicize themselves, they appeared to be more mysterious in the eyes of many people.


    Their fame mainly came from the secret videos that were asionally filmed and posted on the inte. This allowed people to have a glimpse of the ��Dayao�� martial arts centers, although what was seen was only the tip of the iceberg.


    Nevertheless, to those who were in the know, they knew that some of the real masters were a group in the government. The other masters were from these martial arts centers.


    There were currently more than 340 disciples in these centers and all were above the Man Wheel level.


    There were more than 20 core disciples who had hopes of bing Earth Wheel experts in five to ten years�� time.


    Earth didn��t have the special talents and treasures of the other world, so to be able to attain the Earth Wheel level in such a short time was astonishing.


    In the other world, they started cultivating from a young age. Anyone who became an Earth Wheel expert before reaching the age of 20 was considered to be a genius.


    For those on Earth who became an Earth Wheel expert within ten years, they would be considered a genius among geniuses if they brought their talent to the other world and had hopes of bing a Spirit Wheel expert in the future.


    If this was achieved within ten years, these core disciples would be the top experts of that world.


    In addition, the normal disciples would also be extremely powerful.


    Not to mention their future, their present strength was enough to make the rich covet them.


    Under such circumstances, Ren Baqian, as the founder of these centers, was more famous than he imagined.


    This was particrly the case after many people attempted to recruit these disciples and failed.


    All the disciples knew that the centers required points to exchange for resources and advanced martial arts skills. Aplishing their tasks was the best way to get points.


    Furthermore, they usually didn��t need to pay school fees, and the centers even paid them an allowance. Although the allowance wasn��t enough to make them rich, it was enough to feed and clothe them.


    Under such circumstances, these disciples couldn��t be recruited by others unless they faced exceptional conditions.


    During this period, dozens of self-taught Man Wheel experts appeared in China. As the poption wasrge enough, there was nock of geniuses in this world.


    However, when the elites wanted to recruit these martial artists, they would be rejected if these martial artists had been in contact with the ��Dayao�� martial arts centers.


    Even when they had negotiated with these martial artists, the martial arts centers would often intercept them.


    The reason was simple: resources. Although they had money, the martial arts centers had resources that they didn��t have. The most important resources were advanced martial arts skills, which they couldn��t offer no matter how much money they had.


    How many talented and brilliant people were willing to be mediocre and cut off their chance to improve?


    Therefore, during this period of transformation, the high-end forces were in the hands of the government and these ��Dayao�� martial arts centers.


    For a long time in the foreseeable future, this should remain the case.


    Under such circumstances, the name of Ren Baqian naturally spread.


    In particr, the boss from the pig farm had managed to hire two experts from Ren Baqian.


    If the wedding wasn��t so low key, more people would have heard about it, and the number of people who sent gifts would have been much higher.


    ��


    ��Mr. Ren, this is a gift card from my boss.�� A middle-aged man offered the card with both hands.


    Ren Baqian nced at the card that showed the name of the tech mogul, Li XX.


    He gestured to a winged cavalry warrior and said, ��Send this man out.��


    The middle-aged man��s face changed immediately as he asked, ��Mr. Ren?��


    ��I do not like your boss! I will not ept his gift,�� Ren Baqian said bluntly.


    ��Mr. Ren, our chairman has never offended you, and furthermore, his status����


    ��His status has nothing to do with me. Whether he has offended me or not is immaterial. I just do not like him!�� Ren Baqian gave a sardonic grin.


    The middle-aged man wanted to say something, but a winged cavalry warrior carried him by the neck like he was catching a little chick and dragged the man out.


    This unexpected oue made everyone feel odd.


    The man��s backer was among the top 20 richest tycoons, yet Ren Baqain unexpectedly rejected his gift and chased his representative out.


    This made people doubt what they were seeing.


    Perhaps that tycoon didn��t even know when he had offended this guy.


    However, Ren Baqian was too daring. Although everyone wanted to be on good terms with him, his status was iparable to Mr. Li XX��s.


    With this precedent, many people paid close attention to this attitude.


    The rest of the people changed their expressions a few times because they were afraid to be thrown out like the other guy.


    However, they still had toplete their task, and everyone had been forewarned.


    The earlier two gifts were received with a light smile, and Ren Baqian even said, ��Convey my thanks to your boss. I will certainly visit them in the future.��


    The third one was rejected outright.


    ��Show this one out too.��


    That guy immediately changed his expression.


    Those who had presented their gifts earlier showed expressions of schadenfreude.


    ��Mr. Ren, may I know the reason why?�� That guy wanted rification.


    ��Why? I don��t like your boss or yourpany either,�� Ren Baqian said these words calmly.


    ��Are you serious, Mr. Ren?�� the guy blurted out.


    Ren Baqian gave a ��kind�� smile, but it gave others the impression of a bear showing its fangs.


    The rest of the people thought that he was bluffing. After all, no one would offend two famous people in this nation and fall out with them when presented with a gift.


    Normal people wouldn��t do this.


    However, Ren Baqian was speaking the truth this time.


    One of them was a tech magnate while the other was a real estate tycoon. The family of thetter was among the ten richest in the nation.


    Their statuses were high and their influence great.


    Other people simply wouldn��t offend them.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t care as they wouldn��t be able to hurt him.


    He only remembered two things.


    When he wanted to have a circumcision, he was misled by the information provided by that techpany which advocated going to a certain private hospital. Not to mention the oue, it didn��t leave him with a good impression.


    As for the real estatepany, Ren Baqian couldn��t afford a house after they entered his area.


    Of course, these things happened more than ten years ago.


    Yet, Ren Baqian remembered them very clearly.


    Whether those issues were rted to these people, Ren Baqian didn��t know or care. He simply disliked them.


    As for the wedding ceremony�� A happy asion�� Too bad, this was the second time and was more for show.


    Even if it were the first ceremony, Ren Baqian would still do the same thing.

 Chapter 849 - Taking This Step

    Chapter 849: Taking This Step


    The sound of broken ss was apanied by an angry voice.


    ��He��s too much! I had the intention of bing friends, but he chased my people away.��


    An old man stood up from a chair and turned around two times, but was still not able to let go of his anger.


    From the sofa, a middle-aged man of about 40 asked him, ��Did you have any disputes with him?��


    ��What disputes can I have with him?��


    ��It��s strange, but this is rather overbearing behavior,�� the middle-aged manmented.


    No matter what, the old man was one of the richest people in China. He made overtures and ended up with his gift rejected and his people ejected. This was simply humiliating!


    ��What do you intend to do next?�� The middle-aged man added.


    The old man broke another piece of porcin before sitting at the table and thinking deeply.


    ��Block all the information from his martial arts centers!�� he dered.


    ��Is this appropriate?��


    ��Since the other side has already shown hostility, what is the use of my forbearance?��


    ��But this won��t impact him much.��


    The old man frowned. That man was well connected with the government, so he couldn��t afford to touch him.


    Furthermore, the other side had many experts under him


    Not to mention that he was also an expert himself and was still on the wanted list of the United States. The things that he had done at that time were enough to frighten those who knew about his exploits.


    ��Forget it. Do not block his informationwork or we may appear petty. Let him off for now.�� The old man waved his hands.


    ��No flowers can bloom for 100 days, and good times do notst forever.�� He would settle it with him when the opportunity arose.


    ��Put more effort in gathering experts from the ordinary folks.��


    ��We will get it done!��


    In another location, several men and women were using video to say simr words.


    ��


    The wedding ceremony was an event that happened yesterday.


    The wedding process had been changed by Ren Baqian to ensure that the empress wasn��t inconvenienced and that the events at the end proceeded smoothly.


    During the tea ceremony, the empress wasn��t like an ordinarydy who would be extremely humble. She nearly couldn��t restrain herself.


    This was beyond his control as ordinary people couldn��t endure the imposing manner of the empress.


    High caliber people wouldn��t look ordinary even when they wore ordinary clothes. Furthermore, the empress was a highly ranked expert.


    In Dayao, who would dare to be served by her in a tea ceremony?


    Fortunately, it was done smoothly and he was able to fulfill his duty to his parents.


    His parent basked in the gasps of admiration that were uttered by everyone present. Even the master of ceremonies and the people from the hotel were mesmerized.


    His parent��s greatest wish was to have grandchildren.


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was leaning against the fence on the second floor.


    This wasn��t a big duplex house and was more than 300 square meters overall. The six meter high hall inside had no columns and was very bright.


    One side of the hall was filled with full-length windows that allowed the bright sunlight in.


    The rooms were decorated in a minimalist European style, and many elderly people liked the white and warm color theme, which appeared clean and tidy.


    ��You need to get in touch with the best doctor in the hospitals of Thand for an operation,�� Ren Baqian said while leaning against the fence.


    ��What kind of operation?�� Ren Wannian was puzzled. In this respect, wasn��t this nation better than Thand?


    ��Sex change operation!��


    Ren Wannian looked at Ren Baqian in horror.


    Ren Wannian felt that his brother wouldn��t be the one to undergo the operation, but who did he want the operation for? This was simply disgusting. Was he the devil?


    ��He��s the one!�� Ren Baqian pointed with his chin. ��You have met him before, Ning Caichen!��


    ��Does she want to change to a male?�� Ren Wannian sounded strange and regretful.


    He had seen Ning Caichen a few times over these two days and was deeply impressed by this seductive woman.


    When he found out that she and his brother weren��t in a rtionship, he had some ns. Upon hearing these words, he regretted that such a beautiful and bewitching woman was actually not straight�� It was a really a pity.


    However, it wasn��t uneptable to him�� If he married her and she brought back a girlfriend, he would be angry, but after a long time�� both of them would bear his children�� This he could ept!


    ��He wants to be female!�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Huh?�� Ren Wannian was shocked and asked, ��Elder brother, what are you saying?��


    Ren Baqian held his arm and smiled, ��He wants to be a woman.��


    Ren Wannian pointed at Ning Caichen and looked doubtful.


    Ren Baqian nodded slightly and said, ��There��s no doubt��he��s a male.��


    In the future, Ning Caichen would be stationed on Earth, and Ren Wannian and Ding Jie would often interact with him. As for the seductive power of Ning Caichen, Ren Baqian was rather worried. As a man, Ning Caichen had already excited many. If he became a woman, it would be terrible to imagine.


    Just in case, Ren Baqian designated his brother to handle this matter.


    Knowing the real identity of Ning Caichen, Ren Wannian shouldn��t have any illusions.


    Ren Wannian opened his mouth and felt at a loss for words. The woman below who exuded charm was actually a man.


    It was almost impossible to believe.


    Ren Baqian asked Ning Caichen toe up and pointed at Ren Wannian, saying, ��He will get you the best doctor and help you be a real woman.��


    ��Thank you in advance.�� Ning Caichen chuckled and her eyes shone, raising Ren Wannian��s heart rate by 50 percent.


    However, when he remembered that this person was a man, he felt as if a pail of cold water was being poured over him.


    After Ren Wannian left, Ren Baqian said to Ning Caichen, ��After these few days of observation, you should realize that this ce and Dayao, Great Xia, and the Yun Nation are two different worlds.��


    ��I never imagined that such a magical thing existed!�� Ning Caichen eximed. If Ren Baqian didn��t bring him here, how would he know that there was such a world and that Ren Baqian had originated from here.


    He wouldn��t even have dreamed of it.


    ��It��s really mysterious,�� Ren Baqian said softly. Even now, he still didn��t know how he was able to travel to the other world.


    Even the empress couldn��t figure it out, she only knew that there was a fluctuation in the space around her before she got transported to the other world. At present, they were clueless about the cause and process of this phenomenon.


    ��Take a break after you be a woman. Wannian will arrange your amodations. You shall use this period to understand this world, and I will assign you a missionter.��


    ��Isn��t Your Highness worried that I may run away?�� Ning Caichen smiled.


    ��This world is only so big��where can you run to?�� Ren Baqian wasn��t concerned. As long as it was confined to this world, there was no one who couldn��t be killed. Not to mention the empress, Lin Qiaole alone was more than a match for anyone.


    Furthermore, no one could take out the materials for the Sword Nurturing Pool except for Ren Baqian.


    He wasn��t the least bit worried.


    ��The world is only so big���� Ning Caichen chewed on these words and then eximed, ��Your Highness has style!��


    Ren Baqian waved his hands, ��This world is very big, yet very small. After some time, you will understand this.��


    ��What does Your Highness want me to do?��


    ��There is no harm in telling you. I want you to investigate and capture some people for me,�� Ren Baqian said. ��It shouldn��t be difficult for you, but you should remember that this world is based on the rule ofw and that its regtion and enforcement is more stringent than in Great Xia. You will need to pay attention to this.��


    ��I understand.�� Ning Caichen nodded. He didn��t mind these things.


    Ren Baqian was kind of relieved that he had finally taken this step.


    Once Ning Caichen understood this world, he would set out to find suitable candidates to send to Dayao.


    On Earth, these people weren��t the top talents, but in the other world, it was a totally different matter.

 Chapter 850 - Zhu Hua with an IQ of 9 Points

    Chapter 850: Zhu Hua with an IQ of 9 Points


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Abducting the schrs was a long-term n. It was also a means of analyzing the world, and the academy was the root of it.


    The academy finally opened again on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar year after thentern-grabbing festival.


    ��You did a good job the previous time.�� Ren Baqian patted Lin Mengsheng on the shoulder and smiled.


    Today, there were aboriginals, Jing Tribe people, and Yun Nation people in Dayao. All parties were required to abide by thew, and this was what Ren Baqian had hoped to achieve.


    At the very least, he could neither allow the aboriginals to be the superior ss nor relegate the Jing Tribe and Yun Nation people to be the inferior ss.


    This had to be clear regardless of whether it was the enactment or enforcement of thew.


    However, Ren Baqian also knew that this would take time. After all, the aboriginals would always resort to violence. Furthermore, the entire imperial court was filled with their own people. It was impossible to have equality for everyone.


    Just like this time, even if Hong Bao killed that kid, he wouldn��t receive a punishment that was too heavy. He would only be punished because he didn��t act ording to the empress��s instructions, not because he killed the warlord��s son at will!


    If he could do this to a warlord��s son, then what about themoners?


    Therefore, not only must the people and officials be restrained by thew, everything must be done in ordance as well. In order to achieve a more bnced situation, the other two ethnic groups must be supported and given the power to speak up.


    Yes, bnce.


    ��Thank you for yourpliment, Your Highness,�� Lin Mengsheng replied with a smile.


    ��How is your progress in learning Chinese and mathematics?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I have already mastered the basics of thenguage. As for mathematics, I have studied the [Xia Court Calculus] before and many of its contents are simr. I have done aparison of both and have learned a lot from them.��


    ��You shall teach these two subjects to this group of freshmen,�� Ren Baqian added.


    It was yet another group of freshmen, and they were the fourth group of students. In fact, Ren Baqian only taught the first group of freshmen throughout their entire term. From the second half of the second group of students onward, almost all of the lectures were taught by robots and the senior students. He only managed to teach the third group for two months after he came back from the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Next up, he would be cing his focus on the second and third groups of students.


    There would be two sses and a total of 100 students in this new group. He had to rely on Lin Mengsheng, the senior students, and the robots to educate these neers.


    This group of students included his apprentice Zhan Caixian and 14 other youngsters from the Jing Tribe. The rest of the students wereprised of the children of the lower-ranked officials as well as somemoners.


    ��I��ll do my best!�� Lin Mengsheng immediately replied resolutely.


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    He exined some matters to Lin Mengsheng and left him there to wait for the freshmen while he went back to the office.


    There had been some changes in the school over thest two weeks.


    The most significant change was that all of the door sills had been removed and ttened with cement. This way, it was easier for the robots to move about.


    Ren Baqian brought back eight new robots this time. All of them had been fitted with new internal and external information sensors,puter chips, and programs that were more advancedpared to the older models.


    This set of robots could retain simple memories, such as remembering the faces and names of people. They were able to talk to people and show various emotions in different situations based on pre-programmed settings. They even had different personalities.


    Of course, the most important thing was their teaching ability, which had improved a lotpared to the older models.


    Moving forward, these eight robots would be crucial to the academy. Having different personalities made them behave like different people as they taught the students different subjects.


    ��


    After the students arrived, Ren Baqian ushered them into arge lecture hall that could amodate hundreds of people and then gave a speech. After that, the students from the second group entered the hall for a mock examination.


    Two dayster, his face was gloomy as he held a test paper.


    This was a single-digit paper. Even though this student only earned a score in the single-digits, Ren Baqian had to admit that they were very imaginative.


    Take a mathematical question for example. How would seven kids share three fruits?


    This student drew four knives and chopped four of the children to death, leaving only three children with three fruits�� What a genius.


    ��Perfect! Absolutely perfect!��


    Ren Baqian looked up at the girl in front of him. She was Zhu Hua, a beautiful, yet wild-natured, girl.


    He was very impressed with her. She had a fight with Qing Lian within two days of starting school and then with Tong Lan. She also participated in thentern-grabbing contest two days ago and had gotten quite a bit of limelight.


    She was a typical aboriginal girl with all brawn and no brains.


    Zhu Hua originally stood there feeling a little apprehensive. After hearing what Ren Baqian said, she was immediately exultant and asked, ��Is it really perfect? I didn��t expect this! I just casually wrote it.��


    He smiled and replied, ��It��s perfect, but I have a piece of unfortunate news to tell you. You will study with the new group of students this semester.�� (TLC. If she��s repeating a year, wouldn��t she be studying with the third group of students instead of the fourth group?)


    ��What do you mean? Why?��


    ��Simply put, you are repeating a year in school! As for why? Your highest score among the four subjects is nine marks, and you are asking me why? Is your IQ nine points?�� Ren Baqian groaned.


    He didn��t expect Zhu Hua to hesitantly ask,�� Is nine points for IQ high or low?��


    She made him so mad that he almostughed before answering, ��An ordinary person��s IQ is 90 to 100 points.��


    She scratched her head and messed up her tidy ponytail.


    ��Principal, I know I��m not smart, but I��m not that bad either, right? Also, can I not study with the juniors? My younger brother will then be at a higher grade than me����


    ��I��m formally informing you that you are repeating a year in school! Not to even mention that your younger brother will be at a higher grade, you won��t even be able to graduate at this rate! Go back! You will join the juniors starting tomorrow!�� Ren Baqian waved his hand and drove the gloomy Zhu Hua away.


    He then heaved a sigh.


    He had indeed given this group of students too little attention. Their grades were worse than the first group, and most of them failed.


    Of course, the most outstanding one was still this person who only scored nine points.


    However, this also had something to do with going to the Sixty Thousand Mountains for more than a year.


    It wasn��t only the second group. The third group was the same as well. Ren Baqian had to focus more effort on them in the future.


    A small tree wouldn��t grow straight if it wasn��t straightened up, and a person wouldn��t turn out proper if he wasn��t corrected.


    In the future, he would teach them what learning was all about.


    He would give them at least one set of test questions per day to let them understand what the Five Year Series was.


    ��


    It wasn��t hard to make paper, and Ren Baqian had already prepared it long ago. It was just that the demand was small, so he hadn��t increased its production. From that day onward, he ordered an increase in the production of the test papers.


    Simrly, a movable type of printing wasn��t something difficult to achieve. He managed to achieve it within one week. He even specifically built a small printing factory outside the city to print test papers and some books.


    A weekter, students would see stacks of test papers being sent to the school every day before being distributed out to them.


    The faces of the students from the second and third groups changed when they saw this.


    The freshmen shuddered after seeing this as well and worried about their future.


    While gloating, the first group of students started to revise their homework as well.


    This was because Ren Baqian had already set his sights on them.


    Writing test questions could be addictive.

 Chapter 851 - Duel, Your Majesty!

    Chapter 851: Duel, Your Majesty!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Your Majesty, you are expecting a child now. Drinking has little effect on you, but it will affect the child.�� Ren Baqian quickly returned to the pce, only to see that the empress was drinking again.


    ��Okay!�� she replied faintly, but she showed no intention of putting down the wine ss.


    He was angry since the child was his as well.


    Ren Baqian went forward.


    He took action, snatching the ss from the empress.


    He was done for.


    ��Ouch! Your Majesty, that hurts!�� Ren Baqian��s face twitched. ��Your Majesty, when did you start pulling on people��s ears?��


    ��Humph!�� the empress sneered.


    ��I want to challenge you to a duel.�� He was furious.


    ��Bring it on!�� She rolled her eyes and sneered again.


    Her voice was full of encouragement!


    ��Wait until my waist has recovered!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Humph!��


    ��Duel!�� Ren Baqian was angry again. This was something that a man couldn��t tolerate.


    Even if he had to put everything at stake, he would fight it out with the empress!


    ��Humph! That��s enough!�� She stretched her body and said faintly, ��Seeing that you have been pretty busytely, I��ll let you off!��


    Ren Baqian groaned. He truly had been rather busytely. The shortest stint would take three days, while the longest one took five days. It was really time consuming.


    Furthermore, his waist hurt��


    ��Plus, I��m also afraid that your waist will really break���� The empress provoked him slightly.


    ��Duel!�� His face turned ck.


    ��Bring it on!�� She wriggled her nose and looked at Ren Baqian as shey on the sofa, gesturing for him toe over with her finger.


    ��Forget it! I��m really busy these days! The bookstore and the department store will be opening for business tomorrow!�� He decided to give in to her and let her be��


    ��Humph!�� The empress winced.


    However, she also knew that Ren Baqian had been busy with various things during the past two months and had been on the ground every day. She subsequently decided to let him off.


    The next day, two new shops opened next to the royal spice shop and the royal ssware shop.


    One of them was the royal department store. It sold many types of goods, but it still felt pretty empty. Many of the same goods were being disyed on the shelves.


    The goods it sold included toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, clocks, needles, threads, perfumes, sunsses, uber��s salt, and flour. This flour was a kind of multigrain flour that was produced in Tianjing Basin. Even though it could be used for eating, it was more widely used together with uber��s salt to remove hair and fur.


    The toothbrushes were made from beast hair, whereas the toothpaste consisted of calcium carbonate and glycerin, which was a byproduct of soap.


    The other items, such as toilet paper, clocks, and needles, seemedmonce in the modern world, but were very valuable in this world.


    The price of iron needles was even simr to that of silver at the same weight. However, their prices were more than half as cheap as products from the Yun Nation and Great Xia.


    It was the same for toilet paper as well. Even though the price was already very low, they were still considered very luxurious to the ordinary people here.


    Although Ren Baqian had positioned the department store as a convenience store, only the officials could afford to buy the items.


    Next to the department store was the royal bookstore. Compared to the department store, which was crowded with people, therge bookstore only had a few customers inside.


    When Lin Mengsheng walked into the bookstore, he nced around him and realized it looked a little bit like the library in the school. One part of the store was filled with shelves, and the other part had chairs and tables where people could sit down and read.


    Next to the tables and chairs were French windows made of ss. Bright sunlight poured in from the outside. It would certainly feel pretty good to be sitting by the window and reading a book.


    Theyout of this store was a novelty to him.


    The shop assistant was from the Jing Tribe. He felt slightly at a loss when he saw Lin Mengsheng. Although he had already been trained for a few days, things like books were precious items that were out of reach for most people. Those who woulde and buy books to read had a different status.


    Even though Lin Mensheng was from the Yun Nation, there were very few of his people in Lan City, and the shop assistant immediately thought of the teacher from ck Bamboo Academy. This was because he had a neighbor who was a student there and had frequently heard about it from him.


    Even though his status wasn��t high, he always revered knowledgeable people. This was amon problem for ordinary people in this era.


    ��Don��t worry about me, I��m just looking around.�� Lin Mengsheng seemed to notice that the shop assistant felt a little ill at ease and smiled at him.


    He was truly very warm and approachable, and his smile alone made the other party feel more rxed.


    ��Can these tables and chairs be used for reading here?�� Lin Mengsheng asked as he pointed at the furniture beside the window. There were bookstores in the Yun Nation, but none like this.


    Furthermore, the owner of any bookstore wouldn��t be weing to those who read, but didn��t buy.


    ��Yes, as long as you don��t dirty or damage the book, all guests can sit here and read,�� the shop assistant replied nervously. ��If the sun is too bright, a bamboo curtain can be pulled down to block it.��


    Lin Mengsheng nodded before wandering in front of the shelves.


    [Bilingual Comparison Dictionary], [Bilingual Three Character ssic], [Bilingual Elementary Mathematics], [Bilingual Xia Court Calculus], [Three Year Series], [Learning Simplified Characters Through Pictures], [Bilingual Witch Hazel]��


    There were probably a few dozen books on the shelves. Some of them were bilingual books and some of them weren��tbeled. All of them were written in the simplified Chinese characters that he had learned.


    Lin Mengsheng randomly took out a copy of the [Six Secrets] and realized that the opening of the book introduced a sect called the [Six Gates]. Most of the contents of the book were about herbs and insects. At the end, there were also some methods of rearing and controlling.


    He was slightly surprised because he didn��t expect such books to appear in the bookstore.


    He took the [Six Secrets] and sat down on a bench to read. After some time, he closed the book and slowly pondered.


    Books weren��t cheap in the Yun Nation.


    Yet, one could simply browse through without buying them here.


    This bookstore also had quite a lot of books. The ones that appealed to him the most were those basic bilingual books. He believed that Ren Baqian felt the same as well.


    It could be seen from these simple books, which taught people how to learn Chinese characters, and from the existence of these tables and chairs in the store that Ren Baqian��s objective was to make these books essible for everyone to learn.


    Regardless of whether it was a noble official, a merchant hawker, or someone from the mountains, his goal was to widen their knowledge!


    Studying had always been something that only schrs would do, and themoners were only expected to follow orders. Ifmoners had their own opinions, they would create a lot of trouble. Many people thought this way.


    However, Ren Baqian wanted to break out of this.


    If all themoners were educated and had their own ideas, would that be a good or bad thing?


    ��


    Ren Baqian looked at the statistics report in his hands and rubbed his forehead.


    A few days after the department store opened, the fastest-selling products were sunsses and toothpaste.


    It was easy to understand why sunsses were such a big hit. After all, every minister had a pair of them and wore them around every day. The others had been envying them for a long time.


    However, toothpaste was selling even faster than sunsses�� The feedback was that it tasted good!


    Were those people eating toothpaste as a snack?


    Ren Baqian put down that report, picked up another one, and began to frown.


    Insufficient recruitment of manpower!


    He had built quite a number of factories over thest two months and had recruited many workers.


    However, Lan City had a small poption and few idle people. Thetest recruitment notice had already been sent out three days ago, yet only six people had been recruited.


    It seemed that it was about time for Ren Baqian to move more people over from other cities.

 Chapter 852 - [Life]

    Chapter 852: [Life]


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian��s vision blurred as he was instantly transported from the pce to the vi in Shanghai.


    The noises of the winged cavalry warriors downstairs never seemed to change at all.


    No matter when he came back, they were always in this state.


    Sometimes, Ren Baqian envied them very much. All they did was eat, sleep, eat again, beat someone up, eat again, drink alcohol, beat someone up again, and sleep��


    What a happy life.


    Eat, sleep, and fight. That was it.


    He rubbed his waist, took a shower, and gave Ren Wannian a call.


    ��How is Ning Caichen doing over there?��


    ��It��s going well. She��ll be back in a week or two. Details will have to wait until the final examination.��


    A sex-change operation wasn��t only a single operation, but a series of operations, adjustment, and recovery. It took much longer than Ren Baqian had expected.


    It had been six months since she went to Thand. Now, there was finally some good news.


    The old Ning Caichen was dead while the new Ning Caichen was given a fresh lease on life.


    ��Not bad.�� Ren Baqian nodded. ��What about that thing you mentioned previously? How is it?��


    Speaking of this matter, Ren Wannian got excited and replied, ��Great sess!��


    Even from the other end of the phone call, Ren Baqian could imagine how excited his brother must be.


    ��You can check online. We have shaken the entire world!�� Ren Wannian burst out inughter.


    Ren Baqian turned on his oldputer, opened a website and saw reports regarding that matter.


    [Epoch-making product!]


    At the thought of it, he had obtained the thought controlled technology from the government and handed it over to Ren Wannian more than three years ago.


    At first, Ren Baqian simply wanted to make the first epoch-making game, so Ren Wannian recruited various people to form the New World Software Company. However, as time progressed, their ideas grew and they became more ambitious. Not only did they want to create an epoch-making game, they also wanted to create a second world for humans.


    At a time when society had begun to change due to the emergence of martial arts, this product yed a significant role in alleviating the pressure on the government. It allowed many energetic people to direct their extra energy into the game, and as such, the government strongly supported it.


    Because of this, the original n ofunching the game in two years hadn��t yet beenpleted, even after more than three years.


    Even though this project was a money-burning bottomless pit, Ren Baqian didn��t mind. After all, he was different from everyone else because he was granted an interest-free loan with an unspecified tenure. Apart from this, it couldn��t be easier to get a loan for this world-changing project.


    However, this technology would be a waste if it wasn��t circted to everyone in the world.


    At the same time, some domestic and foreignpanies and the media happened to receive news about this project, which increased the pressure on the youngpany.


    When this happened, someone came up with a new idea to turn this technology into another game or a virtual experience.


    It would allow people to experience a variety of products through emerce without having to leave their homes. It would allow them to experience the good and the bad of a product before having to purchase it.


    The thought controlled technology included not only the transmission of brain waves, but also reception and feedback. A head-mounted device could allow people to directly and realistically experience a vast range of products on the inte.


    For example, the quality of clothes and shoes and whether or not they feltfortable. It could also simte the environment to allow consumers to experience the product in different situations. For instance, if the product was windproof, waterproof, or protected against the cold.


    Think about a northerner buying a pair of winter boots designed for southern weather and freezing up within minutes of wearing it outside. Such situations wouldn��t happen again.


    Some products used a variety of data to exin how good they were, but once the customers got their hands on these products, they found all aspects to be far below expectations. These situations wouldn��t happen again either.


    There were other cases as well, such as buying something a size too big or too small. Today, most people bought things online simply by looking at pictures and ended up experiencing a lot of unpleasant situations.


    However, this product from the New World Software Company would change the entire situation.


    In a year, Ren Wannian and thepany staff set their minds on it. They cooperated with emerce tforms and some online merchants and collected various data. Theunch of this product would affect the merchandise of hundreds of merchants.


    It was named [Life].


    Its name was pretty low-key, but it shook the whole world once it wasunched and received a lot of praise on the inte.


    It was conceivable that the sales of the merchants who had cooperated with them previously would be greatly improved. Those who had refused to cooperate were probably deeply regretting their decision.


    In the future, if someone wanted to buy something, most of them would use this simtion software to experience it before deciding whether or not to purchase it. Products without data in this simtion software would definitely have a cold reception in the market.


    It had gotten to the extent that merchants were requesting for the New World Software Company to insert data into their database pertaining to new products that would beunched in the future.


    This was where the huge profits of the futurey.


    Not to mention that this product had huge potential to be expanded in the future, such as house design, decoration design, clothing design, new product development and many other functions that could be explored.


    It could be said that with this product alone, the New World Software Company had be one of the most noticeablepanies in the world.


    What attracted even more attention was that through this [Life] simtion software and virtual control helmet, the entire world was guessing how far away virtual games and virtual reality products were from their grasp.


    Technically, all of that waspletely achievable.


    It could even be said that [Life] was a virtual world with limited functions.


    After reading the information on the inte, Ren Baqian felt satisfied. He couldn��t help but think that coborating with emerce was exactly the right thing to do.


    He heard from Ren Wannian that it was a female staff member who suggested this idea. The reason for this was that the clothes she had ordered came in the mail the day before and looked so ugly after she tried them on.


    Ren Baqian saw the photos that Ren Wannian sent on his cell phone, and he really felt like saying that this truly wasn��t the merchant��s fault.


    After thinking for a moment, Ren Baqian connected with Ren Wannian again and asked, ��Do you require a variety of mechanical principles and movement feedback to create games? Have you considered making a virtual arena?��


    ��There��s an arena in the game that we designed. We will be able tounch it after another year,�� Ren Wannian replied subconsciously.


    ��Not that type, but apletely virtual one. Creating characters based on everyone��s physical condition in the real world and fighting people in an arena.�� Ren Baqian shared his thoughts.


    ��With the promotion of the [Yang Shen Technique], more and more ordinary people have been getting into all kinds of conflicts because of their growing power. It��s partly because of the vigor they possess after being in control of such strength and also partly because they do not know where they stand. They do not understand the power that they possess.


    In order to ensure social order, the nation will definitely crackdown on violence. However, it��s better to regte them by allowing them rather than prohibiting. There has got to be an avenue that allows them to measure their own strength��a ce where no one gets hurt, but where they can simultaneouslypete with others, hone their skills, and vent their anger. It will definitely receive a good response in the market.


    Plus, through the changes in each person��s data, it will be easier for us to find talented people who are hidden for various reasons,�� he exined.


    ��But if that��s the case, what about the martial arts centers and Wuji City?�� Ren Baqian��s words stimted Ren Wannian��s train of thought, and the first thing he thought about was whether the martial arts centers and Wuji City would be affected.


    ��There��s only good and no harm in this n. After all, virtual is virtual, reality is reality,�� Ren Baqian replied faintly. ��Besides, it��s also possible to host fightingpetitions around the world through this tform and turn them into worldwide events.��


    ��I understand now! I��ll see to it and get someone to make preparations.�� Ren Wannian started to get excited.


    ��Yeah, you should also arrange the move to our new house. It��s about time that we moved to Wuji City,�� Ren Baqian added.


    Now that the construction of Wuji City had finished and it gradually began to flourish, it was a more suitable cepared to Shanghai.


    After all, it would be their base camp.


    He would be able to amodate arge number of experts there.


    After arranging everything, Ren Baqian got lost in thought for a while as he sat in his chair. Suddenly, he heard the mor of the winged cavalry warriors downstairs.


    They were usually noisy, but not tumultuous. He immediately knew that something was wrong.

 Chapter 853 - Kill Me or Have Me!

    Chapter 853: Kill Me or Have Me!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian hurried down the stairs with a frown and asked, ��What happened?��


    ��Your Highness�� A woman is looking for you!�� one of the winged cavalry warriors replied with a strange expression.


    The others stood around the door and seemed to be looking at something strange.


    ��Indeed, she really resembles her!��


    ��There is actually someone who looks so much like her!��


    ��No, I don��t think so. She doesn��t impose pressure on others like Her Majesty.��


    ��How could anyonepare to Her Majesty? Still, this person really looks like her.��


    After hearing all these scatteredments, Ren Baqian quickly gathered his thoughts to focus on the current situation.


    Someone who looked like the empress was looking for him?


    He immediately knew who it was.


    How did she find him here?


    ��All of you withdraw!�� Ren Baqian ordered in a deep voice.


    ��Oh, alright.�� At the door, the winged cavalry warriors stared nkly at each other before turning to him and asking, ��Where do we go?��


    ��Outside!��


    The winged cavalry warriors turned their heads back to look as they walked away. After they left, Ren Baqian walked to the door and saw ady in her twenties. She was wearing a white shirt, a long yellow skirt, and a round summer hat as she stood there and looked a little apprehensive.


    Apparently, those people had given her quite a bit of pressure earlier.


    Besides, she had mustered up all her courage just toe here.


    She looked a little bigger than the empress, but they looked very simr. With the passage of time and their difference in status and temperament, her resemnce to the empress became slightly less close than before.


    However, she was still a very attractive woman.


    ��Qi�� Jiayu?�� Ren Baqian pondered over thedy��s name. ��Are you looking for me?��


    A killing intent gradually arose in his mind.


    He carefully perceived this emotion that was triggered by a trace of the empress��s spirit that had been nted in his body.


    Its impact on him was much lower now.


    Qi Jiayu looked at him, and he had definitely changed a lot since eight years ago. The biggest change was his imposing manner. There was a sense of superiority that made people more wary when they were in front of him.


    Thinking about her experiences over the years and her purpose foring, Qi Jiayu��s heart was filled with hatred.


    She suppressed this feeling, took a deep breath, and asked, ��Can Ie in?��


    ��Sure.�� Ren Baqian turned around and walked into the house. She took off her shoes and followed behind him.


    ��Sit!��


    The two sat on the sofa.


    He pondered over her reason for visiting and said, ��I��m surprised. I didn��t expect you to look for me. What is it for?��


    ��Very unexpected?�� Qi Jiayu chuckled in a way that seemed ironic. She took off her hat, ced it aside and sorted out her hair before looking intently at Ren Baqian.


    With an unspeakable resentment on her face, she asked, ��What would it take for you to let me off?��


    ��Let you off? Are you leading a bad life now? I haven��t seen you in eight years, but instead of catching up, you suddenly say something like this�� I don��t know where to start.�� He smiled.


    ��Don��t you know how well I��m living? Do I have to tell you myself?�� Qi Jiayu originally wanted to have a proper talk with him even if it meant having to beg or pay a price. However, after seeing his face, the resentment in her heart rushed up uncontrobly.


    ��Your delicate face doesn��t look good with such an expression.�� Ren Baqian shook his head.


    He then said faintly, ��You got a good opportunity even before you graduated from university. Everything went smoothly after you joined thepany. You have risen to a high level management position before the age of 30, you have earned quite a reputation in the industry, and your looks are preeminent. You are Miss Perfect in every aspect. You don��t know how many people envy you!��


    ��And then? You are the driving force behind how many of these? You then limit all those who contact and woo me? I��m left to sit in this position and watch as people get into rtionships, while I grow old alone? What is this for? Just because I look like that person?


    What am I? A person living in Truman��s world? A toy exclusive to you? An alternative to someone else? Or your possession? Just because I look like her?�� Qi Jiayu��s voice exploded with grievance and fury from deep within, and her face was full of anger and unwillingness.


    ��You aren��t like her!�� Ren Baqian suppressed his killing intent and looked at her closely. ��She would never make such an expression.��


    ��Are you admitting it?�� she asked angrily.


    ��I have never denied it, but it��s undeniable that you are currently leading a pretty good life, isn��t it? If you stuck to the norm, you would probably take 20 to 30 years before you could climb to your current position. You might even experience some harassment, setbacks, and unfair treatment along the way�� You haven��t experienced any of these, and life has been pretty smooth sailing for you.��


    ��But I want the life of a normal woman that belongs to me! I don��t want to be your ridiculous possession! Are you treating me like a toy because you can��t have her?


    It��s undeniable that you are very powerful. I havee in contact with so many people over the years. There were many wealthy kids who tried to date me, but not many of them dared to appear before me twice. Even if they did, they weren��t interested in me anymore. I wanted to get myself drunk at a bar and throw myself out there, but I always end up safely in a hotel every time.


    I don��t know exactly who you are or how influential you are��I just know that you are powerful.


    But, even so, why won��t you let me go? If you want me, why don��t you ever show up in front of me?��


    ��No, you think too much.�� Ren Baqian shook his head. ��That person is my wife. You aren��t a substitute for her, and you can never rece her. No one in the world can rece her.��


    All of this had been arranged by Shen Feng, but it was indeed Ren Baqian who incited it. He didn��t know what he was thinking at that time, not even now.


    However, the one thing that he was clear about was that he didn��t want to let Qi Jiayu go.


    This was because of her identity. From Ren Baqian��s perspective, she was the empress of this world.


    He didn��t want to touch her and even felt like killing her whenever he saw her. At the same time, he didn��t want to see her marrying someone else. It was a very strange emotion.


    Of course, Qi Jiayu was right about one thing: his ridiculous possessiveness.


    However, he didn��t want to correct it.


    ��Why won��t you let me go then?�� she asked, feeling unreconciled.


    ��You probably owed me a lot of money in your previous life!�� Ren Baqian said faintly.


    ��What exactly do you want?�� Qi Jiayu asked coldly. She seemed to have cooled down a little after venting.


    He hesitated slightly. After all, he also felt that it wasn��t nice to bully a woman like this. It had nothing to do with his conscience. When he was cultivating the five visualizations, there was no telling how many times he had died. His mental strength was much stronger than ordinary people��s.


    Ren Baqian simply felt that it wasn��t very nice to bully the empress of this world like this.


    Indeed, no matter what, he still regarded Qi Jiayu as the empress of this world even though they were two different people.


    Seeing that he kept silent, resentment and despair shed across her face.


    ��If you don��t want to let me go�� then kill me! Or���� At that moment, she pulled down her outerwear, revealing her bra and her fair skin. ��Or have me!��


    ��I hate you, but I don��t want to continue like this and be alone until I die! Even if you treat me like a toy or something else, I want to lead a normal life and be a normal woman!�� Qi Jiayu��s voice was full of unwillingness, decisiveness, and many other emotions. She wanted to control herself, but tears fell unexpectedly.


    Ren Baqian looked at her and heaved a faint sigh.


    ��Put your clothes on and go back.��


    Qi Jiayu��s heart immediately sank.


    ��I��ll go look for you!��


    Hearing these words, she suddenly felt the urge to ignore everything and cry wantonly. She felt aggrieved and perplexed��


    Ren Baqian frowned. He said these words on impulse when he saw her cry, but his heart was still wavering.

 Chapter 854 - Moving to Wuji City (Part 1)

    Chapter 854: Moving to Wuji City (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Chao Rong jogged along the sidewalk in Wuji City, sweating while admiring the scenery on both sides of the road.


    Even if it had already been a week, his excitement hadn��t diminished at all.


    He was born in a small town in Northeast China and enlisted in the police academy. Due to his excellent physical fitness and extraordinary mind, he was among the best in the academy. After graduating, he was posted at the criminal police detachment of his hometown.


    If it wasn��t for a particr person, it wouldn��t have been impossible for Chao Rong to enter the Interpol Corps given his performance at that time.


    After returning to his hometown, everything was smooth-sailing for him in his police unit. He sessively cracked several major cases, was awarded two first-ss merits as well as three second-ss merits, and was promoted to vice captain at the age of 30.


    At the same time, his childhood sweetheart became his wife.


    Chao Rong was leading a pretty good life.


    If everything progressed smoothly, he should have been able to get promoted to captain within ten years. After that, he could only depend on luck and opportunity to progress further.


    Such aplishments were already considered outstanding for a person from an ordinary family.


    However, all of this changed four years ago when Chao Rong was drafted to undergo training in the province.


    He originally didn��t pay much attention to the training, but after attending, he realized that it was different from the past.


    [Martial Arts No. 327]. This was what he obtained during training.


    One yearter, the country began to implement the [Fifteenth Set of Initial Stage Cultivation].


    The era of nationwide cultivation was officially introduced.


    Thanks to Chao Rong��s excellent physical fitness and talent, he managed to break through the boundary which obstructed countless people and attained the level of ck ss, lower grade. It was only then that he discovered another name for this level, which was called the Man Wheel level.


    The current ssifications were Heaven, Earth, ck, and Yellow. A strong adult male would naturally belong to the Yellow ss.


    The next tier would be the ck ss.


    After reaching the ck ss, Chao Rong was very clear about his own strength. He could at least deal with four of his past selves with guns.


    He had even asked about how strong the Earth ss was, but had never heard about anyone attaining that level.


    He wondered if there were any Earth ss experts in this world.


    If he could already possess such strength at the ck ss level, wouldn��t an Earth ss expert be beyond human?


    After attaining the ck ss level, Chao Rong had two paths he could take.


    The first was to enter the Executive Armed Forces Bureau, which was still in the middle of being established, and directly take up the position of Deputy Bureau Chief.


    The other path was to join a new department called the Armed Forces Command and move to Wuji City.


    After brief consideration, Chao Rong chose thetter.


    Apart from being able to gain more exposure to more martial arts as a member of the Armed Forces Command, he would also be spending most of his time training and would rarely be sent on missions. This way, he would be able to progress faster.


    It was also because of the extremely mysterious Wuji City that ordinary people had been talking about.


    Chao Rong immediately knew that he had made the right decision when he arrived at the city a week ago with his wife and five-year-old son.


    Wuji City was an orderly, yet strange, city.


    The city was full of monks, priests, warriors wearing traditional Han Chinese clothing or ancient costumes, experts from the army, and members of the Armed Forces Command like him.


    At the same time, Chao Rong discovered another name for this city from those people: Central City.


    Like the political center of Beijing and the economic center of Shanghai, this city would be the future center of martial arts. Unlike the other two cities, this would be the center of the entire world��s martial arts experts.


    Only those who met a certain level of strength could move their families here, and they would be allocated a home that was 140 square meters.


    Other than the staff, who were ordinary people selected from the best, and members of government agencies, no matter how rich or powerful someone was, he or she could never be a member of this city.


    This alone made Chao Rong identify himself with the city.


    Even if he became the director of the Armed Forces Bureau, he would still be a human confined within a small city.


    However, it waspletely different here. Everyone around was like him; they were the most outstanding people in China.


    In the future, this would be the center of the entire world.


    Just from the people that Chao Rong knew, ranging all the way from elementary school ssmates to colleagues to other elites he met during training, he himself was the only one who made it here. He belonged to an entirely different world than them.


    Although there was currently only a poption of several thousands of people here and the entire city still looked pretty empty, the situation would change from year to year. After 10 years, it would bepletely different.


    Thoughts raced in Chao Rong��s head as he jogged. At the same time, he greeted those he met along the way.


    After turning a corner, he reached the main road. This was Area C, which was located very close to the center of Wuji City. ording to some people, this was within the premises of the second ring.


    From this point forward, there were almost no residences. There were only various government agencies, military departments, public squares, stadiums, hospitals, bustlingmercial areas, and hotels.


    The reason why the word ��almost�� was used was because there was a strange ce to his left across the road.


    Along the road was a row of high-rise buildings that hadn��t opened yet. They included hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, movie theaters, and a ��Dayao�� martial arts center.


    Behind these buildings was amercial street, a park, an arena, and also a vi area.


    The reason why Chao Rong found this ce strange was that even though there were very few people in Wuji City, almost all of thend in the third ring was already in use. The buildings that were located in Area C were the exception and had been unused the entire time. However, there were people cleaning up the ce asionally.


    He heard a rumor that this area was private.


    This piece of news made him speechless. Who could own such arge area in Wuji City? He ran around the city on purpose, and this section wasn��t small. It upied an area of five square kilometers ofnd.


    This was Wuji City, not some small deste city. How could anyone own such arge private area?


    Chao Rong also deliberately asked some colleagues in the Armed Forces Command and concluded that this area was indeed privately owned.


    Apart from him, almost everyone else was also curious about who could own such an area in the city. However, no one knew who it was.


    There were rumors that the owner of this area was the boss of the ��Dayao�� martial arts center.


    After cultivation was introduced nationwide, Chao Rong read about this martial arts center online and saw a few videos about it. What made him extremely surprised was that there were many Man Wheel experts in those videos. At that time, he simply felt that the strength they disyed was terrifying. After all, ayman would only see the thrill of something, whereas a professional would see the skill of it. Even though he wasn��t strong at the time, he found it extraordinary.


    It wasn��t until he attained the Man Wheel level two yearster that he understood what those things in the video meant.


    However, when he arrived in the city and asked more about Area C, he heard an even more shocking rumor: there were Earth Wheel experts in the Dayao martial arts center!


    Chao Rong was shocked by this piece of news. ording to his knowledge, the top expert in the Armed Forces Command was only at the ck ss, upper grade. It was said that he was previously a master of martial arts and had attained the ck ss seven years ago. Even so, he was only at the upper grade of the ck ss at the moment.


    (The upper, middle and lower grades of the Heaven, Earth and ck sses are equivalent to that of the Spirit Wheel, Earth Wheel and Man Wheel levels.)


    He didn��t know if this was true, but it would be too shocking if it was.


    The Armed Forces Command didn��t even have one Earth ss expert, yet a martial arts center actually had so many of them.


    This also made Chao Rong more curious about the identity of the boss of this martial arts center.


    Chao Rong, who was still running, suddenly felt a little strange. There seemed to be more people on this road today.


    Although this was within the second ring, there were usually less than 20 people within 100 meters, so it wasn��t normally crowded.


    There seemed to be twice as many people at the moment, and many of them were simply standing against the wall as if they were waiting for something.

 Chapter 855 - Moving to Wuji City (Part 2)

    Chapter 855: Moving to Wuji City (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Chao Rong then noticed thergest building across the road. There were some people standing under it whom he didn��t see at first because they were blocked by the trees along the road.


    ��There are VIPsing.�� He realized this immediately.


    ��Could it be the owner of this area? With so many people involved, he definitely isn��t an ordinary person. Even if he isn��t the owner of this area, he still must be someone high ranking. Could the people along the road be security guards?��


    Chao Rong immediately dispelled the thought after some careful observation.


    The people standing on his side of the street didn��t seem alert toward their surroundings and seemed to be observing the people in front of the building across the road.


    Those peopleprised of monks and priests. The police definitely wouldn��t choose to go undercover in such easily noticeable outfits.


    The monks and priests in Wuji City were different from other ces. Before the introduction of cultivation, most of these people were experts from various sects. After the introduction, they seized the opportunity and broke through to the Man Wheel level.


    Although they were at the Man Wheel level, Chao Rong was very clear that they were much stronger than he was.


    <em>��If I had a gun, they would be no match for me,�� </em>he thought to himself as he gradually stopped in his tracks.


    ��That is���� He stopped suddenly. A man in his forties stood in front of him with his hands in his pockets and stared across the road.


    If Chao Rong remembered correctly, he was one of the top experts in the Armed Forces Command. Even though Chao Rong hadn��t lived in this city for an extended time, he happened to bump into this man previously and had heard from others that this man was the strongest expert in the agency.


    Chao Rong didn��t expect him to be here.


    So many people were waiting here just to see who wasing?


    Who exactly was this person?


    ��Chao Rong, you are here too!�� A very thin young man walked over with a smile. ��I didn��t expect you to be so well-informed even though you have only arrived here recently!��


    ��Ding Hao!�� When Chao Rong saw him, he knew that his doubts would be cleared.


    Ding Hao was said to be a disciple of a sect, and it had already been two years since he came to Wuji City. He was talented, his performance was outstanding, his personality was well-rounded, and he was extremely well-informed as well. When Chao Rong first came to Wuji City and went to the Armed Forces Command to go through the formalities, he happened to meet Ding Hao there and obtained a lot of useful information from him.


    Today, there were three main groups of people in the Armed Forces Command. The first group had members like Chao Rong that originally served in criminal investigation and various agencies. The secondprised of idle members who originated from sects like Ding Hao. Thest group were people who left the military due to various reasons.


    Due to their close ancestry, these three groups of people grew more familiar with each other.


    Actually, the biggest power in Wuji City wasn��t the Armed Forces Command, but the military.


    There were only slightly more than 1,300 Man Wheel experts in themand, and it was said that there were more than 5,000 of them in the military. There were also some people who came from sects and didn��t join either of these two organizations. These people had a high degree of self-respect and strength, but there were very few of them at less than 200 people.


    ��You think too much. I just happened to pass by. This is my daily jogging route. What��s going on here today?�� Chao Rong smiled.


    ��Don��t you know? I actually thought you heard about it.�� Ding Hao gave him a weird look.


    ��It��s said that a bunch of Earth Wheel people areing today. The people on the streets are experts in the city who have heard about it and decided toe and see what those Earth Wheel experts actually look like.�� He tilted his head toward those people by the roadside.


    ��To be honest, I��m also very curious. You have to know that there isn��t even a single Earth Wheel expert in the Armed Forces Command or the military,�� he added.


    ��There��s no telling how talented those people are to reach the Earth Wheel level in just a few years!�� Chao Rong couldn��t help but feel envious.


    ��A few years? This may not necessarily be true.�� Ding Hao gave a mysterious smile.


    ��What do you mean?��


    ��Where did those martial arts manualse from? They couldn��t possibly have fallen from the sky, could they?��


    ��Weren��t they developed by scientists?�� Chao Rong was slightly surprised.


    ��Who knows!�� Ding Hao shrugged his shoulders.


    The two chatted for a while when Ding Hao��s eyes suddenly lit up.


    ��They are here!�� he eximed.


    A long row of new cars approached from the distance. Chao Rong nced across and estimated that there were around 50 to 60 of them.


    The convoy arrived after a few minutes. Ding Hao silently counted, and there were 56 cars in total.


    When the convoy stopped, everyone on this side of the road stared intently at the other side.


    Then came the sound of a series of car doors opening. Two to three people got out of each car, and they were mostly in their twenties and thirties.


    As for strength�� Chao Rong observed carefully and was surprised to find that they were all at the Man Wheel level.


    Others might not be able to easily tell whether they were Man Wheel experts or not, but he worked in criminal investigation for so many years that his observational abilities were unrivalled.


    Regardless of strength, speed, coordination, or self-control, ordinary people weren��tparable to Man Wheel experts. There was a smooth flowing feeling between movements that was pleasing to the eye. As long as one watched them closely, one would be able to tell whether they were Man Wheel experts just from their movements.


    When the dozens of cars in the middle of the convoy opened their doors, everyone was shocked.


    They saw a lot of burly men alighting from the cars. Even though they were separated by a road, the spectators could still feel the ferocity and murderous spirit of these men.


    They also noticed a faint sense of oppression!


    ��These people�� These people�� Are they Earth ss experts?�� Sweat started dripping from Chao Rong��s head even though the winged cavalry warriors didn��t notice him on the other side of the road.


    ��These people are�� terrifying!�� he whispered.


    It was his instinct, which he had obtained through near-death experiences, that told him that these people were extremely dangerous.


    As for their level of strength, Chao Rong wasn��t able to tell much because the difference was too big.


    However, he believed that there must be Earth ss experts among them. All of them might even be Earth ss experts.


    There were more than 20 of them! More than 20 Earth ss experts, was that possible?


    ��It��s truly very terrifying.�� The smile on Ding Hao��s face disappeared, and his face was solemn. ��One of them nced over just now, and it gave me a creepy feeling.��


    ��They must be the legendary Earth ss experts!��


    A bald man with no eyebrows alighted from a car. He was wearing simple sportswear and a white T-shirt. Although he didn��t look as strong as those before him, those who were watching him still felt a sense of oppression.


    Furthermore, he stood in the middle of everyone.


    One could tell his status by observing that everyone looked in his direction after alighting.


    He must be the most important person in this convoy.


    ��He looks a little familiar!�� Chao Rong muttered to himself after seeing this man��s face. He was confident in his own faculty of memory. He definitely wouldn��t forget anyone that he met, especially not someone with such characteristic features.


    Yet, where exactly had he seen this person before?


    He continued to ponder even after everyone across the road had entered the building.


    Spectators on Chao Rong��s side of the road also started to gradually disperse. Everyone came to watch with motives in their minds, but after seeing those people, none of them dared to step forward. They sensed extreme danger from the aura of those burly men.


    There was no first ce in literacy and no ce for second in martial arts. There might be people who wanted to see how strong the Earth ss experts were, but even with so many experts in the city, none dared to step forward just due to that menacing aura. This showed how powerful those burly men were!


    There was no telling how many people secretly swore to themselves that they would attain such a level!


    When Chao Rong awoke from his daze, there were very few people left on the road, and even Ding Hao had disappeared.


    He wasn��t in the mood to continue jogging anymore and pondered as he walked back home.


    He tried to recall everyone he could remember, starting from the most recent.


    Just as Chao Rong was about to reach his home, his entire body suddenly froze��


    An arrest warrant and a person��s figure gradually ovepped.


    Ren Baqian!


    His own high school ssmate!


    His appearance was slightly above average and so was his family background. He was pretty gentle and introverted, but not in a weird way. In short, he was just a very ordinary ssmate.


    After graduation, Ren Baqian had never attended any gatherings and no one bothered as well.


    After that, the next piece of news that Chao Rong received about him was an AAA level arrest warrant. This made him very surprised, and he even got in touch with all his contactable ssmates to find out everything about Ren Baqian.


    However, the warrant was inexplicably cancelledter on.


    There wasn��t even any information in the internal policework about Ren Baqian��s case. It seemed that his warrant was directly revoked, which was extremely rare.


    Because of these two things, Chao Rong had very vivid memories regarding this old ssmate of his.


    The person that Chao Rong saw just now didn��t have any hair or eyebrows and was a little bit fatter. Other than that, the man��s height, face, eyes, nose, and lips looked very simr or possibly even identical to his old ssmate��s.


    At the thought of this, he quickly rushed home, flipped through his graduation photos and found Ren Baqian. He thenpared him to the person he saw just now and discovered that they truly were the same person!


    Apart from having the same height and appearance, his movements, personality traits, and other aspects werepletely different.


    ��What are you doing? You have been in a fluster ever since you came back, just to look at your high school graduation photos?�� A woman in her thirties felt baffled.


    ��Do you remember a ssmate at our high school named Ren Baqian?�� Chao Rong asked after collecting his thoughts.


    ��Yes, I remember. He has a brother called Ren Wannian. You used to call them the thousand year tortoise and the 10,000 year turtle!�� The womanughed. ��I remember that you mentioned him a few years ago. He became a wanted criminal, right? I felt pretty surprised since I could not imagine him turning out to be one.��


    ��Don��t bring this up anymore. The arrest warrant has long since been revoked. He isn��t a wanted criminal either.�� Chao Rong shook his head.


    ��Why have you suddenly thought of him then?��


    ��I saw someone just now who looked just like him!��


    ��There are many people who look alike,�� the woman replied casually.


    Chao Rong packed his things and put them back in ce before sitting on the sofa and looking a little dazed.


    Indeed, there were many people who looked alike. He could be overthinking things.


    He must be thinking too much!


    How could those two be the same person?


    No matter how he thought about it, it couldn��t be possible.


    Even if Ren Baqian could enter Wuji City, he couldn��t possibly have been surrounded by more than 20 legendary Earth ss experts and more than 100 Man Wheel level experts.

 Chapter 856 - Does Your Majesty Remember That Doppelganger of Yours?

    Chapter 856: Does Your Majesty Remember That Doppelganger of Yours?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian finally returned to his old den in Wuji City.


    Over thest few years, he had obtained information via Ren Wannian and Ding Jie, but this was the first time he came here.


    This time, he not only brought along the winged cavalry warriors, but also more than 100 core disciples.


    Most of the remaining disciples would rush over after they had finished their existing tasks.


    In the future, this would be his den and also the headquarters of their martial arts centers.


    Ren Baqian went right to the top of the building as the top two floors were his residence.


    The 37th floor covered an area of more than 10,000 square meters. It included a swimming pool, a movie theater, a martial arts training ground, a small amusement park, a living room, a supermarket (this wasn��t optional), dozens of suites, several servant rooms, a kitchen, and most importantly, an open air garden covering thousands of square meters that was designed in the style of a Jiangnan waterside pavilion.


    The 38th floor was only 3,000 plus square meters, which included a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, nursery, swimming pool, and a home theater (about the size of a normal theater).


    Basically, it would take two hours to explore these two floors.


    Ren Baqian was very satisfied as his previous vi was much smaller even whenpared to the pce hall.


    It didn��t matter to him, but it didn��t befit the status of the empress.


    Plus, he was going to have a son! He was going to have a son! He was going to have a son!


    The son of the empress and him should be�� lively and energetic. Ren Baqian should prepare a bigger yground for him.


    (Ren Baqian only knew the meaning of lively and energetic after his child was born!)


    Thinking of the empress, Ren Baqian was eager to go back and called for Shen Feng to be brought to him.


    ��Boss, are you looking for me?��


    Nine years had passed and Shen Feng had changed quite a bit. Although her hair was still short and her clothing style was unisex, she became more feminine after getting married.


    ��Were you the one who told Qi Jiayu?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Aside from Shen Feng telling her, how would Qi Jiayu know that he was the one behind the incidents?


    ��Boss, you didn��t pay attention to her, but she��s actually very smart! It isn��t surprising that she figured it out for herself,�� Shen Feng replied solemnly.


    ��You say that she guessed it. If she can guess that it was done by someone she met twice eight years ago, then she must be a celestial being.��


    Shen Feng looked at Ren Baqian, hesitated, and said, ��If Boss wants to punish me, go ahead. I have been watching her, I know the way she thinks, and there ispassion between us as women.


    Ren Baqian looked at Shen Feng and sighed before saying, ��Take one million yuan as severance pay since you have performed well all these years!��


    Her face changed a little, but she knew that this was normal. She had already guessed that this was one of the most probable and favorable oues.


    She bowed to Ren Baqian and said, ��Boss, goodbye.��


    After Shen Feng had left, Ren Baqian sat on the sofa feeling agitated.


    He knew long ago that Shen Feng was working for the government, but he didn��t mind. She had done her work well, yet what she had done this time hadnded him in trouble.


    He sat there for a while before he recovered.


    This time, he returned to Pingle Park. The two pandas and the little ting ling monkey were still here. The roaring emperor would alsoe here frequently.


    After changing his clothes, he went to Yaohua Pce Hall. He saw the empress dressing up and hugged her from behind, putting his cheek next to hers. Suddenly, all the recent worries melted away.


    After enjoying a moment of tenderness, Ren Baqian took theb from Hong Luan to groom the empress. Whilebing her hair, he recited gently, ��The ink for drawing the eyebrow stained the hairband, and the sideburn touched the cheek like snow.��


    Soon after, the empress realized that Ren Baqian didn��t continue reciting and said, ��It seems like there is more that follows.��


    ��Reluctantly, she draws her eyebrows and takes her time to dress. The flowers in the vase and her image which is reflected in the mirrors in the front and back are equally beautiful. ��


    Ren Baqian didn��t say thest sentence. Hebed her hair and tied it into a bun. He admired it and found it to be rather artistic.


    ��It��s better to let Hong Luan do it!�� The empress looked in the mirror at the bird��s nest on her head and said, ��I can��t go to court looking like this.��


    Hong Luan fashioned a bun for the empress while Ren Baqian sat to one side and said, ��Does Your Majesty remember that doppelganger of yours? Didn��t you say that she might be needed for your breakthrough?��


    ��I have some notions,�� the empress said.


    ��Earth is not like Dayao, and it is impossible to control everything. No one can say what will happen. If she dies by ident, it may affect Your Majesty. We might as well kill her now!�� Ren Baqian said in a cold and murderous tone.


    ��Why did you mention this all of a sudden?�� The empress looked at him strangely from the mirror.


    Then, she said, ��If I have to die, I will die. Do I need the help of external forces to break through? If not for you, I would have broken through! I would have be the youngest Longevity Heaven expert in aboriginal history. This title isn��t bad, and I like it. As for her, at that point in time, I felt like she might be useful. If you didn��t mention her, I would have forgotten about her.��


    ��If Your Majesty had broken through to the Longevity Heaven realm, I may have had to do my utmost until the day I died,�� Ren Baqian said with a smile, causing the empress to re at him.


    He pondered and continued, ��It doesn��t really matter. I happened to see her on Earth this time and suddenly thought about it.��


    ��You are hiding something from me. Your tone was murderous just now, and it��s unlike you.�� The empress looked at him from the mirror.


    Then, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and waited for Ren Baqian to answer.


    ��Your Majesty nted a trace of your spirit in me, so every time I see her, I will have murderous thoughts. When I mentioned her just now, I felt those feelings.�� Ren Baqian smiled calmly as he spoke.


    The empress was relieved to hear this and said with a sweet smile, ��It hurt a lot to give that bit of spirit! That spirit will be entwined with your spirit for generations toe.��


    After that, her face changed, and she pretended to look fierce before continuing, ��If you betray me, I will put that spirit out.��


    ��That��s murdering your own spouse!�� Ren Baqian pretended to be frightened.


    The empress sighed as she thought about Qi Jiayu and said, ��The world is rather mysterious, and I felt like killing her when I saw her. As you said, she and I have some kind of connection. They are definitely two different worlds, yet we are somehow connected�� But I am heaven and she is earth. Even though we are rted, I do not mind.��


    Ren Baqian nodded and put this matter aside for the time being. While the empress was attending court, he continued with his busy schedule.


    Foremost was selecting the location of the new city.


    Two months earlier, Ren Baqian had sent people to survey the area surrounding Lan City to get a clearer picture.


    Southeast of Lan City, there was a suitable in about half a day��s journey away. Two rivers passed through it, and the currents were gentle. Even during the rainy season, when the water rose, there shouldn��t be a problem.


    It was a suitable ce to live. Plus, it was easy to get water and build roads. Furthermore, the scenery wasn��t bad.


    Ren Baqian decided to travel to the site and take a look.

 Chapter 857 - So Poor that Only Meat is Affordable

    Chapter 857: So Poor that Only Meat is Affordable


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In addition to going to the pce and school every day, the ordinary citizen had to do various things. After a long time, they would surely feel oppressed.


    This was why the ancient emperors would go and travel when they had nothing to do!


    Unfortunately, they had to do many things every day. Furthermore, since the status of the emperor was important, every trip was aplicated affair that was extremely expensive.


    This gave rise to a different kind of trip: private visits!


    They would disguise themselves and go to the brothels for entertainment.


    They would talk about the people who were there.


    Many of these favorite tales were repeated through the generations.


    For example, Zhao Feiyan[1.Zhao Feiyan: Empress during the Han Dynasty] and Li Shishi[2.Li Shishi: Courtesan during the Northern Song Dynasty.]


    However, there were misadventures. Emperor Tongzhi, for example, died from venereal disease��


    This matter exined��


    Cough, cough, straying too far��


    The topic should be about traveling.


    It was troublesome for ordinary emperors to travel, but in a world with high martial arts standards, a powerful emperor didn��t have to consider these problems.


    For example, when the empress embarked on a trip, she would be escorted by guards, but these guards were there to emphasize her status more than anything else.


    If something were to happen, it wasn��t certain who would be doing the protecting.


    Therefore, in their free time, they usually liked traveling light.


    For example, on this current trip, the empress rode on Qishui, Ren Baqian rode on the crow general, and they were followed by Tong Zhenye and officials from his ministry. In addition, there were 20 to 30 guards that were more for show than anything else.


    ��The crops nted here do not seem the same.�� The empress was riding on Qishui and looking at the lush fields.


    Although the empress didn��t know farming and didn��t know how to raise pigs, she had at least seen pigs running. The farms she had seen before were mainly ten to 100 mu and nted with the same crop.


    She saw a farm that nted two different crops and was curious to know why.


    ��They are sugarcane and sweet potato! The growth period for sugar cane is more than ten months long, so it��s a waste to leave most of thend empty during the seedling stage. Other crops can be nted during this period.�� Ren Baqian took a nce and knew the reason because it was he who had told the Ministry of Works to do it this way.


    He had nned to nt sugar cane a long time ago.


    In this world, sugar was mainly extracted from beets, which was inefficient and expensive. After swapping to sugarcane�� Ren Baqian felt that he was ready to build a sugar factory.


    This product could make money just as quickly as sswares and spices. At the very least, he could empty Lin Qiaole��s coffers.


    Lin Qiaole had stayed in Qingxin Pce Hall for so many years and hadn��t had many avenues to spend money. Hence, she should have umted some assets��


    ��Sugarcane. Is it the crop that you said can produce sugar?�� The empress was obviously very interested in the seedlings that looked like wild grass.


    In other words, she had a great interest in sugar.


    ��The value of this crop isn��t only in producing sugar.�� Ren Baqianughed. ��Your Majesty has seen the cars on Earth, but there isn��t crude oil here. As a result, we need to develop technologies to make alternative products such as biodiesel. There is another product that is easy to produce, which is ethanol. Both sugar cane and sweet potato can produce vast amount of ethanol.��


    Although Ren Baqian had decided to produce biodiesel, ethanol was equally important.


    The main thing was that each product had a different ignition temperature and density and that their development processes were different.


    It was like the difference between gasoline and diesel.


    Currently, Dayao was attempting a technological leap, yet even the steam engine wasn��t widely used. Although they were only seen in some factories, Ren Baqian already had ns to develop the internalbustion engine.


    With the internalbustion engine, transportation time and manpower would be reduced tremendously. Even the farms would need much less manpower. With the addition of the cement roads that were now under construction, Dayao would develop rapidly.


    ��Can ethanol be made into wine?�� the empress asked. Although she was ignorant�� rather�� not versed on the subject, she paid attention to things that interested her and knew that ethanol was alcohol.


    ��If the concentration is high enough, it can be used as fuel.�� Ren Baqian brought up the ��water of life�� as an example.


    The empress gave him a strange look and wondered whether he was trying to hint at something.


    During the wedding some time ago, when she and Ren Baqian weren��t around, those scoundrels almost burned down Zichen Pce Hall.


    Furthermore, half of the wall was demolished by Lian Liang.


    The empress started to get angry when she recalled this incident. These people had the gall to set fires and demolish the hall during her wedding.


    It was all because of the ��water of life.��


    And the culprit who brought this spirit was Ren Baqian.


    Ren Baqian didn��t realize that his words had reminded the empress of what he had done. He was enthusiastically expounding about the uses of sweet potato and sugarcane.


    Since the time that high-yield crops like sweet potatoes, yams, and pumpkins were nted three years ago, the price of food in Dayao hade down greatly.


    In other words, sweet potatoes, yams, and pumpkins were cheap.


    Themoners of Dayao earned about 1.5 to two taels of silver per month, the soldiers made three to four taels, the low-level officials were paid six taels, and the winged cavalry warriors received ten taels.


    One tael of silver was about 1,200 copper coins.


    However, due to the small amount of copper produced in Dayao, fragmented silver was more frequently traded.


    Themoners of Dayao weren��t like those in Great Xia or the Yun Nation who bought vegetables and meat in quantities of 250 to 500 grams.


    The people of the Yun Nation would say, ��Give me 500 grams of meat. Give me 1 kilogram of cabbage.��


    This would be paid for with a bunch of copper coins.


    The citizens of Dayao would say, ��Give me 15 kilograms of beef.��


    Then, they would go to another stall and say, ��I will exchange 1.5 kilograms of beef for 500 grams of beets.��


    In Dayao, beef was one of the cheapest foods, and the price was only ten copper coins for 500 grams.


    Amoner needed to eat 2 kilograms of meat per day, and an adult��s ie was just enough for them to fill their stomachs.


    Fortunately, males and females were treated equally in Dayao, and both men and women had to work. This way, they barely managed to feed their families.


    If not for their low fertility rate, a lot of aboriginals would have starved to death if a family consisted of seven or eight people.


    Bones cost three copper coins for 500 grams.


    Mutton was 12 copper coins per 500 grams.


    However, as humans, they couldn��t just eat meat. Grains and vegetables were much more expensive.


    Salt was 120 copper coins for 50 grams.


    Beets were usually sold at 25 to 30 copper coins for 500 grams.


    Edible wild vegetables cost about 20 copper coins for 500 grams.


    Hard brown rice, which was hard like stones, cost 25 copper coins for 500 grams, whereas ck flour that had a sour taste required 35 copper coins per 500 grams.


    As for the fragrant rice from Great Xia and the Yun Nation, even ordinary officials couldn��t afford it. It was 250 copper coins per 500 grams and two taels of silver for a bushel.


    Eating a kilogram of meat could fill the stomach. Two kilograms of grains and vegetables was needed to whet their appetite. Therefore, the citizens of Dayao were so poor that they could only afford to eat meat.


    Over the past three years, two or three harvests of high-yield crops like sweet potatoes and groundnuts had a great impact on their diet.


    For example, in the market of Lan City, sweet potatoes were three copper coins for 500 grams, while pumpkins and groundnuts required four copper coins.


    Unpolished rice had risen to 35 copper coins per 500 grams�� Upon discovering that sweet potato was easy to nt, everybody nted it with abandon, and conversely, the price of other food became more expensive!


    The emergence of these high-yield crops had enriched their choice of food. Plus, there was no need to worry about hunger.


    After all, the price of 1 kilogram of sweet potatoes was the same as the price of 250 grams of mutton.


    Their diet had changed from beef stew, roast beef, and boiled beef to beef stew with groundnuts, beef stew with sweet potatoes, beef stew with pumpkins��


    In this aspect, the contribution Ren Baqian made was enormous.


    Following the news spread by those from the Ministry of Works who promoted these high-yield crops, the poorer citizens were grateful to Ren Baqian for doing these things.

 Chapter 858 - Site Selection

    Chapter 858: Site Selection


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Not only was Dayao��s food expensive, but almost all of its goods were too.


    Before Ren Baqian arrived, a mere 50 grams of salt cost 120 copper coins.


    50 grams of honey cost 50 copper coins.


    500 grams of coarse fruit wine cost 100 copper coins.


    When Ren Baqian first arrived at the beast park, the caretaker offered him an inferior, yet strong, alcohol from the Yun Nation, which cost a tael of silver for 500 grams.


    As for the other goods, a batch of sackcloth cost around a tael of silver, a batch of hemp cloth cost three taels of silver, and a batch of silk cost 30 taels of silver.


    A batch of cloth in this world was roughly 13 meters long.


    An average person��s ie for a month was only enough to buy one and a half batches of sackcloth. In Dayao, ordinary people wore animal hides. Only those who were more well-off could afford to wear sackcloth. A low-level official could only afford to own two pieces of hemp clothes tost them through the entire year and would feel quite distressed if there was a hole in them.


    Ren Baqian and Lin Mengsheng chatted about the situation of the people in the Yun Nation.


    The schrs nowadays weren��tmoners, very few ordinary people were literate, and only the children of businessmen and officials had the opportunity to study.


    This was the case for Lin Mengsheng. Although his family wasn��t considered wealthy in the Yun Nation, they were a prettyrge and affluent family.


    Normally, these schrs tended to ce themselves above themon popce, but Lin Mengsheng knew the lives ofmoners very well and could be regarded as a different category of person.


    The ie of themoners in the Yun Nation was lower than that of themoners in Dayao.


    After all, Dayao was vast, but it was sparsely popted and had higher resources per capita. Ordinary aboriginals were strong, were at least at the Man Wheel level of strength, and were better at hunting and farming than the people in other nations.


    In the Yun Nation, a Man Wheel level expert earned at least ten taels of silver per month. An Earth Wheel expert could easily work for a warlord and earn a monthly sry of around 100 taels of silver.


    The winged cavalry warriors in Dayao only earned ten taels of silver per month.


    Themoners in the Yun Nation only earned an average of 800 to 1,000 copper coins per month.


    However, 500 grams of salt only cost 100 copper coins there.


    500 grams of brown rice cost eight copper coins, while various grain crops and flour only cost 11 copper coins per 500 grams, almost a third of the price in Dayao.


    On the other hand, 500 grams of beef could cost up to 50 copper coins.


    The main reason was that the people in the Yun Nation mostly grew crops and raised less livestock. Even though it wasn��t forbidden to kill cows like it was during the Tang Dynasty, cows were strong work animals. Thus, beef was very expensive.


    A rooster cost 20 copper coins and a hen cost 15.


    A batch of sackcloth cost 300 copper coins, hemp cloth cost 600, thin silk cost two taels of silver, and silk could cost up to 12 taels.


    The price of goods in the Yun Nation was about a third of the price in Dayao and was even up to a tenth for salt. Their sries were about half of the aboriginals��.


    More importantly, they ate less!


    Even if their fertility rate was higher, with three to four children in most families, they still led a better life overall than the aboriginals.


    Of course, it was only slightly better or even equivalent.


    This was because the aboriginals rarely got sick. If they were unwell, it was mostly due to injuries caused by hunting or fighting. Other than dying in the jaws of wild beasts or from infections caused by animal scratches or bites, the leading cause of idental death was childbirth.


    The Yun Nation��smoners werepletely ordinary people. When they were sick, they would seek medical help if they had the money or simply wait to die if they didn��t.


    All in all, the purpose of the people in this era was simply to live and survive.


    The only real difference was evident in those who were more well off than the ordinary people. There were many people in the Yun Nation who belonged to the middle ss.


    There were many merchants, but they weren��t as inferior as those in ancient China. Business flourished in the Yun Nation, and the merchants weren��t considered lower ss.


    Small merchants and hawkers usually had nothing to worry about. There were also a lot of squires, rich families, and wealthy merchants who could even employ Earth Wheel experts.


    The living conditions of these people were very good. The living standard of a moderately wealthy household was even higher than that of Tong Zhenye.


    Wealthy traders withrge businesses led extravagant lives.


    It was precisely the prevalence of the Yun Nation��s merchants that catalyzed all aspects of their technological progress. They were more advanced than Great Xia in processes such as smelting, spinning, and weaving.


    Like what Zi Doni had once reported to the empress, the Yun Nation��s crossbow cart was a very advanced weapon in this era.


    Judging from various aspects, the Yun Nation had seen the emergence of capitalism.


    As long as the nation wasn��t destroyed, sooner orter, things would still end up the same if they continued to do what they were doing.


    It was a pity that they encountered a socialist hammer like Ren Baqian!


    He felt that he had corrected their misappropriation of capital and led them into the big socialist family.


    What would happen to the empress in a socialist society?!


    This was a socialist feudal nation with Dayao��s characteristics!


    Should the nation award something to Ren Baqian for this? Perhaps let him join a political party or even a small society!


    Just not a FFF group. <sup>1</sup>


    He pondered over this. He seemed to have been a member of a FFF group when he first arrived in Dayao.


    Ren Baqian thenughed at the thought of his current situation.


    ��You look like a fool!�� The empress rolled her eyes at him as she hadn��t seen many people whoughed at their own thoughts. She didn��t bother to care about him and rode forward on Qishui.


    They arrived at their destination in less than half a day. Everyone stood on a hill and looked over the entire in with no obstructions in the way.


    There were two meandering rivers on the in that surrounded the grasnd which hadrge herds of cattle and sheep wandering around. There was a small section of forest in the corner, and most of the trees were a type of fruit tree. Ren Baqian had tasted the fruit when he came here previously. It was sweet and slightly sour, had juicy flesh, and tasted quite good.


    ��This is it?�� The empress stopped Qishui and looked down at the in. ��The scenery is pretty good.��


    ��Yes.�� Ren Baqian nodded. ��These two rivers are around ten to 20 meters deep and sufficient for boats to sail. They don��t flood during the rainy season either. Moreover, the two rivers converge downstream to form arge river that flows through the border of the Yun Nation and the Chen Nation.


    If the new city is located here, we can save a lot of energy on transportation. By relying on river transport, trade will be more prosperous. I envision the new city to have no walls. This is a vast in, and the city can be expanded in all directions.��


    Ren Baqian was determined. In his view, the new city would have a poption of tens of millions, so it would be extremely important to facilitate expansion.


    ��No walls? Isn��t there something wrong with that?�� Tong Zhenye asked subconsciously as soon as he came over and heard thest sentences.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ren Baqian countered.


    After being presented with this question, Tong Zhenye stumbled. What was wrong? In the cases of beasts hurting people and enemy attacks, walls could y a defensive role.


    This was the norm.


    However, this was a in without any ferocious beasts.


    As aboriginals, they never feared enemy attacks.


    They were always the ones attacking people!


    At that thought, it seemed as if nothing was wrong with not having walls.


    ��Sir Tong, your thoughts have been blinded by your understanding of the past. Others may need walls, but we don��t. Besides, in the past, have walls been used to defend against enemy countries? This is the capital, not the border. If the enemies can reach us here, it wouldn��t matter whether we have walls or not.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��If we want to reach the level of an industrialized society, arge poption is a must. We are different from other normal developing nations. We work based on sess statistics. We innovate technology in Lan City as the core and radiate it outward, using the fastest speed to bring technology to the next level. As such, building a super capital like this is the best choice.


    We only have a poption of tens of thousands of people in Lan City. This poption is too small. We have only built a few factories, yet we can��t even recruit enough manpower,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    Not only did a small poptionck in manpower, but thebor force was also smaller. Youths and students were less numerous as well.


    Simply put, there was little potential with a small poption.


    ��However, if there is arge poption, then there will be insufficient food and difficulties in transportation. We will not be able to support it!�� Tong Zhenye added.


    In this era, the grain in the city came mainly from the surrounding areas. There was low productivity and output on one hand and transportation difficulties on the other. Moreover, transportation costs were too high.


    In cities like Lan City, they would generally be able to support a poption of more than 100,000. The poption of a national capital could even reach the millions.


    It was a pity that the size of the aboriginal cities was determined by the amount of avable food, and the poption size was much smaller.

 Chapter 859 - Jerry-built Building Project!

    Chapter 859: Jerry-built Building Project!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Be careful, Your Majesty. There are strange fish in this water!�� Ren Baqian shouted to the empress who walked toward the river.


    It wasn��t just this river. There were many strange fish in Dayao��s rivers as well.


    There were also giant crocodiles, which were moremon, and an unknown number of other strange animals.


    Take this river for instance.


    As soon as Ren Baqian��s voice sounded, a dozen ck snake-like creatures leaped out of the water like crossbow bolts. These creatures were about the length of a forearm and the size of two fingers. Their front end had a mouth filled with fangs, which looked like a snake with its mouth open. Their upper and lower jaws could open up to 180 degrees.


    The empress didn��t even look at them. She simply swept her hand through the air and those creatures exploded, spilling red blood all over.


    The next scene would make those with an intense phobia pass out immediately.


    Hundreds of these same creatures leaped out of the water and fought over the flesh and blood that was still in the air.


    There was no telling how many more ck snakeheads gathered on the surface of the water. They were so densely packed that it gave everyone goosebumps.


    The empress��s face was cold as she swatted her palm through the air. Hundreds of these creatures turned into a rain of blood, and the surface of the water was pressed downward. The creatures on the water surface exploded one after another, and the entire river was stained red.


    The water went calm for a few minutes. Soon after, countless ck creatures appeared underwater and scrambled to devour the flesh and blood of their kind.


    ��Danger, Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian held the empress��s arm.


    ��What��s so dangerous?�� She frowned slightly and couldn��t be bothered. ��Why are there so many of these fish?��


    He tugged hard on her arm��


    He then pulled her by her waist��


    And then her thigh��


    Ren Baqian felt as if he was pulling on a metal post�� The empress didn��t move at all.


    ��What are you doing?�� She turned around and stuck her hands under his arms, lifting him up��


    High up into the air��


    A slender woman in red with her hands under his arms. He was a big man who weighed more than 100 kilograms, yet she simply lifted him up like this�� It was a sight that didn��t seem very abnormal to the rest.


    ��I��m trying to see if I can move you�� It��s really very dangerous here. I��m trying to pull you back a little.�� Ren Baqian spread his arms like that scene from the Titanic, and the empress immediately threw him to the ground.


    ��What��s so dangerous?�� She sniffled.


    ��It isn��t those fish that are dangerous�� It��s the parasites on them���� He drew close to her, put his hand into her clothes, and moved around��


    <em>Pow!</em>


    The empress pped him without any hesitation.


    ��Your Majesty, do you see anything on your body?�� Ren Baqian retracted his hand.


    She was slightly stunned.


    ��They are little things that are as thin as a cow��s hair, and they move extremely fast. These parasites usually stay on the bodies of those strange fish andunch themselves toward a target when the fish leaps out of the water. Unsuspecting victims will fall prey to them very easily.


    These things grow bigger after feeding on the blood of their targets. At the same time, they inject a trace of toxin into their prey, making them hallucinate. The prey will then fall into the river and get eaten by those strange fish,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    Next, he added, ��They can even bite a hole into ironware. Even though you have a tough body, you still must guard against them, Your Majesty.��


    After hearing what he said, the empress��s face changed slightly.


    Any woman would have an instinctive aversion to bugs, especially the blood-sucking kind that stuck to the body.


    She squinted her eyes slightly, felt carefully, and her face immediately turned gloomy.


    There really were parasites on her body��


    This made the empress feel extremely sick. It was as if she had just eaten a fly.


    These parasites actually managed to withstand the force of her palm andnd on her body without her even knowing�� If it wasn��t for Ren Baqian��s reminder and her careful sensing, she probably wouldn��t have noticed the subtle inconsistencies in certain parts of her body.


    The next second, she sted energy from her skin. She then manipted the energy in her body to the surface and zapped all those parasites.


    However, the empress could still feel their presence.


    Her face turned green, and a crackling sound could be heard all over her body. It wasn��t the cracking of her bones, but the sound of the air around the surface of her body. A strong gale twirled around her as the grass beneath her feet instantly turned into fragments before getting worn down into fine dust by the wind.


    However, the subtle inconsistencies on her skin still remained unchanged.


    She began to feel a little upset.


    ��Your Majesty, although these things are extremely small and can be crushed to death with one finger, they are resistant against force!�� Ren Baqian finally said this after all this time.


    The empress red at him.


    He spread his hands and expressed his helplessness. In fact, he had been watching for a while as she did all those things��


    However, the parasites weren��t very dangerous. It would be dangerous if the affected person was alone because they would easily fall into the water while hallucinating. If there was more than one person, as long as the others were clear-headed, there wouldn��t be any danger.


    After sucking enough blood, these parasites would grow to the size of a little finger and fall off the skin automatically.


    The empress grabbed Ren Baqian and ran off into the distance while saying, ��Everyone, stay here! If anyone dares to follow me�� I��ll kill without pardon!��


    After just a brief period of time, she ran more than 15 kilometers while grabbing ahold of him before finding a forest and stopping.


    She turned around and tossed her red muslin and white innerwear into the air.


    ��Pick them off for me���� All of the empress��s hair was standing on end.


    Nobody coulde to terms with having so many parasites stuck on their body for so long.


    Ren Baqian looked at her body, and it was perfect from top to bottom. It was extremely alluring, and a ze of passion subconsciously arose in him.


    He suppressed this inner passion and carefully searched the ces where the empress pointed her fingers at.


    The parasites hadn��t gotten bigger and were merely the size of a few thin strands of hair. This indicated that they hadn��t prated her skin.


    These parasites could even bite through iron.


    Ren Baqian stretched out his hand and crushed them. They then fell off with a flick of his finger.


    These things simply had tougher heads and weren��t affected by energy strikes, but their bodies were pretty fragile.


    There were a total of seven parasites, and he managed to get all of them off. The empress finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Ren Baqian hugged her afterward and said, ��I can��t seem to find them�� I need to look more closely����


    ��Oh, has your waist recovered?�� the empress asked provocatively.


    ��This is a rare opportunity���� Heughed mischievously. They usually did it in the pce�� This ce felt entirely different!


    An opportunity like this was too hard toe by!


    ��They are still waiting!��


    ��Let them keep waiting!��


    Soon after, both of them started rolling on the ground. Regardless of whether they rolled into rocks or branches, everything got crushed to bits. Marks were left on the ground as if it had been rolled over by a road roller.


    Half a dayter, Tong Zhenye looked in the direction where the empress had disappeared to. Gradually, his face turned ck.


    Even after this long, they still hadn��t returned��


    After some time, he finally realized something�� He shouldn��t be expecting them toe back today.


    ording to the norm�� Tong Zhenye probably wouldn��t expect to see them over the next day or two��


    The only thing left for him to do was to go back.


    One of the officials of the Ministry of Works came over and asked, ��What should we do, Sir Tong?��


    ��Wait here! I��ll go back to the city to settle something and return once I��m done!�� Tong Zhenye said.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian and the empress were rolling around in the wilderness with their limbs tightly intertwined and enjoying the thrill of blending into each other��s body and senses.


    A day and a halfter, the surroundings around them suddenly changed.


    She noticed the change in environment the moment it happened and felt relieved once she saw that there was nobody around.


    Two and a half dayster, the two finally let go of each other. The empress��s entire body was blushing in a rose color and radiating brightly!


    Next, she asked, ��Where is this?��


    ��The headquarters in Wuji City.�� Ren Baqian supported his waist with one hand and propped himself against the wall with the other. He lifted his head and saw arge hole in the ceiling!


    The duo had fallen through more than ten levels of floors!


    ��The quality of this building project is too poor���� He felt that he had to confront somebody!


    Because of the strength of the experts, Ren Baqian deliberately ordered that all the walls and ceilings be built with almost twice the thickness of ordinary walls.


    Which constructionpany was responsible for this? What was this quality?


    This was simply a jerry-built building project!

 Chapter 860 - Sexy Lingerie

    Chapter 860: Sexy Lingerie


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In fact, others had noticed Ren Baqian and the empress��s movements a while ago.


    This building, named the ��Ancient History,�� had already begun operation. Of course, most of the operation was in the lower levels, but the upper levels were also cleaned every day.


    The sound of floors breaking could even be heard downstairs.


    However, the crowd was stopped before they could go up and see.


    Ning Caichen!


    She had finally achieved her wish after several months of surgery and went directly to Wuji City.


    During the six months in Thand, she learned a lot, including how to use cell phones,puters, pinyin, and simplified Chinese characters. She also became fluent in the Thainguage and reached level 6 English.


    Geniuses, such as the empress and Ning Caichen, always existed.


    Ning Caichen was a sword ve who could never attain the sword master level.


    However, she had learning abilities that far exceeded ordinary people.


    When she arrived in Wuji City, she strolled for a few days and learned about its situation. After that, she had nothing else to do and ended up in a daze at the library.


    Ning Caichen noticed when Ren Baqian and the empress broke through a floor the other day.


    As she was approaching the level where they were at, Green Pearl immediately detected the aura above.


    After feeling tremors as if the building was being struck by a pile driver, she immediately understood what was happening and retreated. At the same time, she obstructed the winged cavalry warriors.


    Ning Caichen smiled as she asked, ��Do you want to go up and watch Her Majesty and Zhao Prince Consort consummate their marriage?��


    The winged cavalry warriors�� faces immediately turned ashen!


    ��


    Ren Baqian and the empress changed their clothes before they led Ning Caichen on a tour of the top two floors.


    The empress was clearly satisfied with this new home.


    This was especially due to the enormous supermarket, which was almost the size of a small mall. Half of it was filled with shelves of assorted goods


    ��All the clothes here�� are made to suit your body!�� Ren Baqian stood in the supermarket and spun around with the words, ��Isn��t that cool? Quick, praise me!�� written all over his face.


    The empress��s mouth twitched.


    She didn��t feel like this scene was exaggerated.


    In her opinion, everything was supposed to serve her needs.


    She just felt that the few pieces of underwear in front of her��


    The empress picked one that looked like two pieces of string and asked, ��You prepared this for me?��


    ��In fact, there are better ones!�� Ren Baqian hung the underwear back on the shelf and picked out a few sexy pieces of lingerie.


    There were translucent ones, ones that looked like fiss, ones with open seams, and also ones that covered the chest and abdomen��


    ��You want me to wear this?�� With her finger, the empress lifted the one with two strings and had a fake smile on her face.


    ��Life has to be full of surprises!�� Ren Baqian put on a serious face. ��Otherwise, it would be too boring.��


    ��You mean�� I make you bored?�� She lifted her head and red at him, her eyes filling with a dangerous glint.


    ��Although Your Majesty is already perfect enough, our married life can be a little more pleasant and a little more passionate.��


    ��How about you wear it for me to see!�� An inexplicable radiance shed across the empress��s eyes.


    ��Okay! I��ll wear it now? You aren��t allowed to get fresh with me, Your Majesty! My waist is about to break!�� Ren Baqian didn��t even ask for leniency and quickly undressed. He then put the two strings through his legs, but they snapped.


    ��It��s too small.�� He twerked his body, seemingly pleased with himself.


    The empress looked at him as he twerked his body shamelessly and felt distress in her chest. This person was getting more and more shameless!


    She rolled her eyes and said, ��I��m hungry. I heard that there��s a type of poached chicken? Bring me 20 of them.��


    Ren Baqian��s face froze as he looked down.


    ��Your Majesty, this is a personal attack!��


    The empress groaned and tried to hold in herughter!


    The two continued talking for some time before he finally put on his clothes and prepared to go down to find something to eat. Even though there was a kitchen on the top floor of the residence, they didn��t even have a servant at home. He felt that his waist couldn��t support him long enough to make lunch.


    In the past, people always described having sex as 300 rounds of battle. Ren Baqian reckoned that their 300 rounds of battlested less than four days!


    He felt that he was definitely better than them!


    After going downstairs, he saw Ning Caichen and a group of winged cavalry warriors guarding the elevator. Everyone lowered their heads as the two approached.


    ��Fall back, all of you. Get the cook to prepare a lot of food. First, bring me a few cows and goats. Do it fast!�� Ren Baqian ordered. ��Ning Caichen, you stay behind.��


    ��Oh, the boss of the martial arts center is here. Is that his wife? She��s even more beautiful than a celebrity! By the way, have you guys seen the boss fight before?�� A murmur came from the distance.


    Some people were curious about Ren Baqian��s strength.


    After all, they could sense his aura a little, and it felt simr to their coaches. No one knew how strong he was. Their coaches would often demonstrate their skills, but they didn��t see the boss very often, let alone his skills.


    ��He must be stronger than our coaches! Otherwise, how could he control them?��


    ��Are you spouting nonsense?��


    ��The coaches in our martial clubs are all at the Earth ss level. I heard that there aren��t even any Earth ss experts in the army. If the boss is stronger than the coaches, doesn��t that make him number one in the world?��


    ��You guys know about Peng Kaihuai, right? He��s one of the strongest among the core disciples, but he couldn��t even touch the boss��s clothes! The boss only showed his moves that one time, and nobody has ever gotten to see it again.��


    ��I knew the boss was an expert at first sight! Look at how shiny his head is. I��m not sure what strange technique that is.��


    ��Is that the boss��s wife? That imposing manner. She��s no ordinary person!��


    ��Why do I feel like his wife is stronger than him?��


    ��You can��t see sh*t! Although the boss��s wife is beautiful, the boss is definitely stronger than her!�� someone retorted.


    Ren Baqian looked over and saw a dozen disciples whispering in a small circle. If they continued to gossip, it probably would tarnish his reputation!


    He immediately put a fierce look on his face.


    ��Cough, cough, do you guys have nothing to do?��


    This group of disciples wasn��t young, and they were all at least at the Man Wheel level or above. They were already considered the strongest experts on Earth, but they were still so gossipy andcked the bearing of an expert!


    Couldn��t they learn to be calmer like him?

 Chapter 861 - Being Angry, But Still Having to Smile!

    Chapter 861: Being Angry, But Still Having to Smile!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��How do you feel?�� Ren Baqian asked Ning Caichen as they sat in a secluded corner.


    ��Never felt better!�� Ning Caichen��s eyes were bright and brilliant while talking.


    With that charming face, Ren Baqian felt that few people in this world could resist her appeal.


    Sometimes, it was really strange. Previously, Ning Caichen was just a delicate-looking man.


    However, after he became a woman, the change was dramatic. Every wink and smile would enchant the soul, and anyone would have a hard time associating her with her previous self.


    If members of the Ning family were to see her now, they wouldn��t be able to recognize her as the sword master from their family.


    Under such circumstances, Ren Baqian could only say that she was suitable to be a woman.


    ��How do you feel about this world?��


    ��It��s very interesting�� I like this ce very much�� As mentioned by Your Highness, almost everyone has the knowledge of an imperial schr or more, which is astounding. Furthermore, the cell phones andputers let everyone know what��s happening in every corner of the world. The information avable is endless and much, much more than what an ordinary official in Great Xia knows.�� Ning Caichen paused for a moment as if she were going to borate and Ren Baqian eagerly waited.


    Ning Caichen put her thoughts together and continued, ��Nevertheless, those talents from Great Xia or the Yun Nation, who are one in 10,000, are outstanding people. If you put them here, they would not be lost among the crowd.


    I can only say that the people here are richly endowed and envied by others.


    No matter how poor you are, you will not go hungry. If you have the will, you will have a chance to gain knowledge. This is simply not possible in Great Xia.��


    ��Of course people will only have the energy to pursue other things when the productive forces are liberated and there are abundant resources,�� Ren Baqian said. This was what he was hoping to achieve in Dayao��to let the citizens be liberated from the endless fight to survive.


    He also agreed with Ning Caichen��s opinion on those officials in Great Xia.


    To him, capable people would still stand out anywhere.


    ��Do you know how to use a cell phone?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I do. It��s very convenient and interesting. I have a TikTok[1.TikTok: video-sharing socialworking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-basedpany founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming] ount and made it out of curiosity, but I have�� about 18 million followers now.�� Ning Caichen chuckled.


    Ren Baqian was stunned.


    ��What?��


    TikTok�� Ren Baqian knew it as a social media tform that was used to make short videos more than ten years ago.


    There were manypeting products, which had lessened over the years, but the number of users on this video tform was still quiterge.


    However, with the advent of cultivation, this video tform became popr again.


    After all, many people wished to express themselves.


    Ordinary people could see other martial artists performing in videos and learn some cultivation methods as well.


    But what was Ning Caichen doing for the past six months? She had her operation, learned how to use a cell phone, created a TikTok ount, and became an online star with 18 million followers.


    ��Did you perform your flying sword repertoire?�� Ren Baqian subconsciously thought of this.


    ��Of course not! There are no sword ves in this world, though there are sword masters like me in novels and movies. However, they are more carefree!�� Ning Caichen pouted, ��I performed a sword dance and taught women how to do their makeup and be more attractive����


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what to say and just gave her a thumbs up.


    ��Keep a lower profile since you will have other missions. As an inte celebrity, it may affect your future missions negatively,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��I like this very much! It��s so wonderful that so many people pay attention to me and praise me!�� Ning Caichen��s eyes shone even more brilliantly.


    ��There is no need for Your Highness to worry because I can make sure that they don��t recognize me. Makeup can make me look like a different person. Does Your Highness want to see those so-called stars and have a good time with them?


    <em>Bang!</em>


    In a sh, Ning Caichen disappeared right in front of Ren Baqian.


    There was a hole at Ning Caichen��s original position. The empress, who was looking at him with a spurious smile, was next to this hole.


    Ren Baqian felt that the empress seemed to enjoy showing this expression more and more.


    What was the approximate meaning of this expression? Was it ��How do you want to die?��


    ��She is a man!�� Ren Baqian��s expression didn��t change. ��Your Majesty, how can you be jealous of a man?��


    ��Me? Jealous? Haha!�� The empress��s expression was getting worse.


    ��I will assume that you aren��t.�� Ren Baqian changed his tone quickly. ��Furthermore, I treat him like a man and as one who may be bigger than me.��


    ��Ptui!�� the empress eximed before walking to the window to take a look.


    She turned to speak to Ren Baqian after a pause and said, ��The new pce must have high windows for a good view!��


    Ren Baqian wanted to say�� that its copse would also be fast, especially with the empress��s impulsive ways. The demolition day might be the same day the ce waspleted.


    When he lowered his head to look at the hole, the reinforcing bars could be clearly seen.


    Ren Baqian started to get worried. Was it possible that Ning Caichen had been killed by this blow from the empress? Ning Caichen wasn��t in the same league as Tong Zhenye.


    Even a winged cavalry warrior at the Kismet Heaven level wouldn��t be able to withstand this blow, let alone a person who depended on a spirit sword for strength.


    Fortunately, a voice was soon heard from below. Ning Caichen pushed away a concrete block and climbed up the staircase with a dejected and dusty appearance.


    Ren Baqian was relieved. This wasn��t the first time that Ning Caichen had been beaten by the empress, so why didn��t she remember?


    Ning Caichen was crying as she came up and looked like a lovable weeping beauty.


    ��My face is bleeding.��


    Ren Baqian examined her face and found some cuts. Besides these, there were no fractures or other injuries. It seemed like the empress had shown her some mercy.


    It looked like a fierce strike, but the empress channelled her strength through Ning Caichen to hit the ground directly�� Ning Caichen only suffered some cuts on her face.


    The cuts on her face were definitely intentional!


    Ren Baqian felt that if the empress didn��t change her destructive habits, it would be of no use to construct more buildings.


    Seeing Ning Caichen looking carefully at her face in the mirror, Ren Baqian sighed and said, ��Stop looking. Your face can still be saved! I still have a box of ck mud cream!��


    ��Oh, then it��s fine!�� Ning Caichen was weeping just now, but she calmed down quickly.


    Ren Baqian felt like saying, ��Haha�� to her.


    Subsequently, he inquired about the things that Ning Caichen had learned so as to understand her situation better and decide whether there was a need to find her a home tutor.


    Then, his expression changed.


    She had learned Simplified Chinese and pinyin, could operate aputer, spoke fluent Thai, could pass grade 6 English, and was learning Japanese and even coding?


    Ren Baqian felt like he didn��t need to kidnap any experts or schrs; he just needed to keep her here for eight to ten years before bringing her back.


    Compared to her, he was living those 30 years in�� He had fared very well, so what was there topare?


    What was the point inparing?


    Was he the type of person who liked topare with others who were better than him?


    ��Continue learning the things you are interested in. Information will be collected about some people, and your mission is to catch these people and bring them here without arousing the attention of others. In terms of detection and counter-reconnaissance, there are modern technologies such as locators, cameras, and other things that may be useful for your mission. You should learn more about these things.�� Ren Baqian gave her a kind smile. Initially, he wanted others to do all these things and only have Ning Caichen be responsible for catching the targets and acting as an escort during their transportation.


    However, after discovering Ning Caichen��s learning ability, he wanted to see how far she could go.


    After exining the situation to Ning Caichen, Ren Baqian suddenly felt listless.


    He didn��t feel like talking to her anymore!


    He was emotionally tired!

 Chapter 862 - Someone Ren Baqian Can’t Afford to Provoke

    Chapter 862: Someone Ren Baqian Can��t Afford to Provoke


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    In Wuji City, Ren Baqian and the empress spent a few days going out and taking a look at what this developing city looked like.


    It had to be mentioned that this city was different from all the other cities in the nation.


    For example, flying single-seater motorcycles were hardly seen in other cities.


    After all, air traffic control wasn��t something trivial.


    Over here, however, personnel from the military patrolled the sky daily on these flying motorcycles.


    One could be seen every three to five minutes.


    Since there were many masters in Wuji City, the surveince had to be tighter.


    Furthermore, the nation was using this city as an experimental site.


    With every single citizen practicing cultivation here, there was no precedent since ancient times and the nation needed to let it evolve gradually.


    The flying motorbikes were a small issue. What really astonished him was that many people here sat on the roof of a public transportation vehicle instead of sitting inside like in other ces.


    People were frequently seen chasing after public vehicles that had passed by and then jumping onto the roof for a free ride.


    After seeing a bus with seven or eight people on top, Ren Baqian momentarily wondered whether he was in a developing country.


    Other than that, there were signs everywhere that Wuji City was different from other ces.


    For example, where else could you see a 36-way five-element saber skill being used to cut noodles?


    Had anyone seen people use their fingers to take dumplings out of a frying pan?


    What about people threading two skewers with mutton while performing swordy?


    His experiences here these past few days were really eye-opening.


    Over here, everyone was involved in practicing martial arts.


    Even the ordinary people that were selected toe here were high caliber and talented.


    Plus, the bosses of the small roadside stalls were likely to be Man Wheel experts!


    In other ces, when the usual customers and stall owners met, the conversation would be:


    ��The weather��s very good today! How��s business?��


    ��It��s passable��just making a living. What can I do for you?��


    ��Give me a bowl of knife-cut noodles and don��t add spring onion!��


    Over here, the conversation was:


    ��Hi Boss, your five-elements ringed saber skills are very good! Who��s your teacher?��


    ��Oh, I don��t want to disgrace my teacher by mentioning his name since my skills aren��t up to standard. What do you want to order today?��


    ��Come on, let��s do some sparring first.��


    ��If you lose and leave, I will take a loss.��


    ��If I lose, I will use all my money to order ten bowls of premium knife-cut seafood noodles. If I win, you will treat me to ten bowls!��


    ��It��s a deal!��


    The approach was totally different!


    However, Ren Baqian found this very interesting.


    He went forward with the empress and asked, ��Boss, can I spar with you? If I win, you will treat both of us to premium knife-cut seafood noodles until we are full.��


    The owner looked at him and said, ��Hey, you are an Earth Wheel expert. Don��t you feel bad bullying an old man?��


    Ren Baqian was surprised that this old man was rather observant.


    Heughed and dered, ��Give me two bowls of knife-cut seafood noodles!��


    ��8,800 a bowl, 17,600 for two people. My small business doesn��t give credit!�� the owner said cheerfully.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned ck as he replied, ��You know my level, yet you still dare to overcharge me��the previous one is still buried.��


    ��How can that be! What a joke! It��s sold at 8,800 yuan per bowl, but I will give the two of you a 50% discount!�� The old man ced a menu in front of Ren Baqian, and it showed that a bowl of premium knife-cut seafood noodles was 8,800 yuan.


    Ren Baqian thought that he was being overcharged, but it was the listed price, so he had nothing to say.


    To him, money was just a number, and he wanted to find out what noodles that cost 8,800 yuan tasted like.


    When the bowls of noodles were served, there was only one oyster inside and no other toppings.


    The smell was fragrant and fresh, and Ren Baqian could smell the vor of the sea��


    This smell gave him some confidence.


    When the first mouthful of noodles entered his mouth, there was a burst of vors: freshness, fragrance, tenderness, and smoothness��


    Ren Baqian��s eyes widened. He had unexpectedly met a master chef! It wasn��t that he had never eaten good food. In the other world, although the food was casually cooked, the ingredients were delicious. Adding some spices made them taste like gourmet food on Earth.


    However, this person was different. He was an absolute master who used ingredients on Earth to make food that was far better than food in the other world.


    On the other side of the table, the empress was pouring the noodles directly into her mouth.


    ��Boss, give me another 50 bowls!��


    After gobbling down 50 bowls of noodles, the empress felt her stomach and hesitated. She reckoned she could eat another 100 bowls, but it was fast to eat and slow to cook. If they were to carry on eating, they would have to stay here for the whole day.


    ��Thank you for your patronage, 456,000 yuan!�� The old man smiled as he presented the bill.


    ��Boss, Ick a cook at my ce. Are you interested?�� Ren Baqian grinned as he paid the bill. He had the idea of abducting this old guy, but he still had to pay the bill.


    ��Is your surname Ren?�� the old man asked with a wide smile.


    ��You are well informed.��


    ��This circle is so small that if I didn��t know anything, I wouldn��t be able to live until now. To be your cook isn��t an impossibility! Name me a price!��


    ��You can read all the Man Wheel manuals and some of the Earth Wheel manuals. Although you are unlikely to reach the Earth Wheel level due to your age, it isn��t impossible. The disciples in our martial arts centers have to obtain points in order to read these manuals. You won��t lose out if you be my cook, but you mustn��t leak information.��


    The old man smiled brightly and replied, ��It��s a bargain! However, I have to disappoint you as I��m too old and no longer ambitious. However, I can rmend another person whose cooking skills are no worse than mine! If you think this is eptable, I will ask him to look for you.��


    Ren Baqian concealed his smile. This old man was smart.


    He was trying to care for his children!


    ��One cook isn��t enough for me. If you have some people who are up to speed, you can ask them to look for me. If you are willing to join, you cane along!��


    ��In that case, you are my boss now!��


    ��How do I address you?��


    ��Surname Sun, Sun Zhongliang.��


    Ren Baqian left in a happy mood. He didn��t expect to gain a cook at almost no cost by giving him ess to the martial arts manuals.


    To others, this was a great benefit.


    To him, it was just some moldy manuals that were confiscated from Tianjing Basin, and there was also one set from the Yun Nation.


    Sun Zhongliang came the next day and also brought along his son and grandchild, which was almost his whole family.


    Ren Baqian decided that Sun Zhongliang might as well bring his whole family and live in the skyscraper.


    This way, Ren Baqian and the empress could eat at home anytime.


    The building had more than 30 floors, with the bottom two floors reserved for guests. Therefore, there was more than enough space.


    Two dayster, while the empress was watching television, she suddenly thought of something. She leaped downstairs to catch Ning Caichen and brought her into a room to check her thoroughly��


    ��Your Majesty, what are you doing?�� Ren Baqian looked quizzically in the direction of the room.


    He didn��t know what the empress was doing.


    ��Get out. If you dare to peep, I will dig out your eyeballs.��


    Soon, the empress came out of the room with a content look.


    After seeing his strange expression, she exined, ��I just wanted to see the difference between a woman who changed sex and one who is born that way.��


    ��What��s the difference?�� Ren Baqian was curious after hearing this.


    ��Do you want to know?��


    ��I��m a little curious!


    ��Do you want to see?��


    Noticing her threatening look, Ren Baqian wisely chose to ignore his curiosity and replied, ��There��s no point in thinking about it. Forget it! I don��t want to see.��


    The empress was forever the empress. Even as his wife, she was still the empress, and he couldn��t afford to provoke her!


    After staying for seven days, Ren Baqian and the empress went back to Dayao. They were surprised to find workers at the in that they had visited a few days ago.


    Even Tong Zhengye was there.


    One hand was on his waist and one hand was holding a tube of toothpaste which he asionally licked while fishing with his d*ck��


    There was a strange fish that looked like a snake with fangs on his d*ck�� When he saw them, he put the fish down, tidied his pants, and greeted them clearly.


    Ren Baqian was startled!


    This old fox was a genius!


    No wonder he was an elder Cardinal Heaven expert. Ren Baqian couldn��t afford to provoke this old fox.

 Chapter 863 - Regarding the Ability of the Sword Master (Part 1)

    Chapter 863: Regarding the Ability of the Sword Master (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian had always known that the old fox, Tong Zhenye, had a bad character, but he didn��t expect Tong Zhenye to be so bad that it was beyond his imagination.


    Ren Baqian looked disgusted.


    The empress also had a simr expression.


    Tong Zhenye was doing such a crass act that it caused the two observers to be embarrassed.


    Yet, Tong Zhenye acted as if nothing had happened.


    Ren Baqian hesitated and asked carefully, ��Sir Tong, what the hell are you doing?��


    ��The taste isn��t bad!�� Tong Zhenye waved the toothpaste in his hand. ��It can also produce bubbles, and I have a case of it at home!��


    ��I��m not talking about that. What were you doing just now?�� Ren Baqian pointed.


    ��I went to urinate this morning when it bit me without warning!�� Tong Zhenye cursed his rotten luck.


    Ren Baqian took a breath. In that case, it wasn��t so bad.


    On second thought, however, Ren Baqian discovered that this couldn��t be right. Tong Zhenye mentioned that it happened this morning, but the sun was currently overhead!


    The people in this world didn��t have the habit of going to bed in the morning and sleeping till the afternoon. They really got up early, often just after four, cleaned up, ate a little, went to the pce and attended court at seven in the morning.


    ��Sir Tong, it��s noon now!�� Ren Baqian pointed overhead.


    ��I was testing whether its teeth are harder or my ��golden spear�� is sharper! It was a kind ofpetition!�� Tong Zhenye said proudly.


    Ren Baqian finally knew who Tong Zhenye had learned this arrogant expression from.


    ��Why does it take the whole morning?��


    Tong Zhenye waved his hand at Ren Baqian and pulled him by the neck as he walked away.


    He whispered, ��Zhao Prince Consort, let me tell you, this thing looks scary with its mouth full of fangs, but not its throat. It keeps on sucking, and I guess it��s used to swallowing things whole into its stomach. It looks scary, but it feels very nice!��


    Even the deities couldn��t save Tong Zhenye.


    His so-called whispering was so loud that it sounded more like boasting.


    He could feel the typhoon arriving as the empressnded behind him��


    Ren Baqian felt the air pressure decreasing around him and instantly leaped ten meters away to distance himself from Tong Zhenye.


    He was surprised that the empress didn��t explode.


    She managed to restrain herself, ignored Tong Zhenye, and said calmly, ��I want to go fishing!��


    ��I will prepare a fishing rod for you!�� Ren Baqian had a premonition that something drastic was going to happen.


    ��That won��t be necessary.�� The empress smiled at Tong Zhenye and said, ��Minister of Works, I want to fish. Could I trouble you to be the bait?��


    ��Huh? Huh?�� There were two question marks, and his tone sounded like an exmation point.


    The empress kicked him upside down with one leg, then held him by one calf and immersed half of his body in the water. Seeing that he was trying to move, she kicked him again and Tong Zhenye was immobilized.


    Except for the one calf being held by the empress, his whole body was immersed in the water.


    After some time, the empress jerked Tong Zhenye out of the water. He weighed 200 kilograms when he went in, but was 300 kilograms when he came out with his body full of those strange snake-like fish.


    More than 2,000 kilograms of those strange fish were caught that afternoon, and one of them was six to seven meters long and thicker than a bucket. It could swallow Tong Zhenye whole, and if that were to happen, the consequence was obvious.


    That night, Ren Baqian and the empress��s meal was that strange fish!


    This type of fish didn��t look nice, but its flesh was delicate and it had few bones, so people praised it highly.


    In particr, this strange fish had worms that looked like hair growing on its body. They imparted a great taste, like chicken essence, to the soup.


    The empress and Ren Baqian cleaned their fish thoroughly and discovered that the fish cooked by Tong Zhenye tasted much better. They could smell the difference from a distance away.


    Initially, they thought that the difference in taste was due to their fish being too big, but after testing, they found that the cause was due to the worms on the body of the strange fish.


    Ren Baqian��s original n was to kill as many of these strange fish as possible, but he changed his mind.


    This type of fish tasted good, was nutritious, had few bones, and should be eptable to the aboriginals who didn��t like to eat fish.


    Furthermore, those worms were like premium chicken essence.


    These two living things were worth breeding.


    Ren Baqian��s goal wasn��t to make money, but to rely on these things to create an industry that supported the people.


    Although he had the means to create many industries, this type was more suitable for the aboriginals.


    Ren Baqian had always wanted to bring the mountain folks out of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, but they were different from the people who had been staying on the ins for decades. They were fiercer, violent, good hunters, and excellent fighters. If they weren��t so scattered, they could be directly utilized as elite soldiers.


    They were worse off in many ways, especially their violent nature.


    The citizens of Lan City were also fierce, but the aboriginals stirred up trouble easily and had the unhealthy habit of pulling out their sabers.


    To put these mountain folks to good use, he had to let them get used to life on the ins, which was totally different from being fierce and violent.


    In addition, aquaculture wasn��t bad as this river could easily support tens of thousands of people.


    Ren Baqian recorded this down and toured this remote area with the empress for a few days. He got the people from the Ministry of Works to survey the in between the two rivers and then went back.


    As soon as he got back to the pce, a convoy of a few hundred cattle carts arrived in Lan City. The rut left by every cart was deep, and anyone could see that these carts were heavilyden with goods.


    ��Adviser Qing, is this Lan City? Are weing to this ce where the birds do not sh*t to look for food?�� The curtain of a carriage was parted, and a man with a beard put his face in.


    Qing Lian was holding a book with one hand while writing on a ckboard and answered without even raising her head, ��This is Dayao, where Spirit Wheel experts are all over the ce and Earth Wheel experts are abundant. A person who passes by you may be an Earth Wheel expert, and if you let them hear you, I may not be able to save you! You do not need to add to the number of envoys who have died here all these years!


    ��Are you exaggerating?�� The big hunk gave a dry cough.


    He knew that there were many aboriginal experts. He had met many aboriginal citizens who were Man Wheel experts along the way, which was frightening, but Earth Wheel experts were seldom seen.


    Of course, the numbers were much higher whenpared to Great Xia.


    What Qing Lian had said seemed to be an exaggeration.


    ��Do you think this is Great Xia? Over here, you aren��t qualified to enter the imperial court if you aren��t a Spirit Wheel expert!�� Qing Lian��s mouth twitched.


    ��You didn��t see Earth Wheel experts in the cities we have passed through because most of them are in the army plundering the Yun Nation or are looking after the prisoners of war. However, this ce is the capital of Dayao! Remember to look more and say less. It doesn��t matter if you die, but if you dy this mission, I will get Kong Mingzi to bring back your spirit and torture you for 100 years!��


    Upon hearing the name ��Kong Mingzi,�� the man��s expression changed. He put down the curtain and turned away grumbling.


    ��Idiot!�� Qing Lian��s lips twitched.


    She wasn��t worried about the other party hearing her.


    General Huai Ji was really a fool.


    Did Su Qing send him here to be killed by Qi Zixiao as a means of getting rid of him?


    The probability was 79 percent.

 Chapter 864 - Regarding the Ability of the Sword Master (Part 2)

    Chapter 864: Regarding the Ability of the Sword Master (Part 2)


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Ren Baqian met Qing Lian on the second day.


    He already knew that this convoy had passed through Ping City 13 days ago, but only learned that Qing Lian was in the convoy yesterday.


    On the morning of the second day, Ren Baqian saw an elegantdy waiting at the entrance of the academy.


    The appointment was supposed to be in the afternoon, but seeing her at this time, Ren Baqian understood that she was here to familiarize herself. Since she was his student, he let her in and didn��t object.


    When they sat down, Ren Baqian looked at Qing Lian. She had been in the rebel army for more than a year, but hadn��t changed much. Her skin didn��t turn darker, she was still a determined person, and she was still like the refineddy she had been when she was here earlier.


    ��Principal! I��m here to return the books!��


    Qing Lian had a wide forehead and her mouth was a little big, but these features weren��t blemishes on her face, and she was beautiful when she smiled. Her most important attribute was her schrly temperament, which was rare in this world.


    Ren Baqian took the books. Three of them were mathematical tomes. Two were about probability theory while one of the books was about calculus.


    In this world, this was advanced knowledge.


    Well, they were also consideredplex subjects on Earth, and many people were attracted to them, yet confounded by them.


    Anyway, Ren Baqian knew that if she wanted to depend on him to pass the calculus examination, it would be as difficult as defeating the empress.


    ��Have you understood it?�� Ren Baqian asked genially even though he was full of malicious thoughts. He would let them see the power of calculus.


    He had thought that he would be able to lock his students in the ssroom for a few years as they pulled their hair in despair while studying calculus, but surprisingly, someone had knowledge of it in advance.


    ��I understand most of it, but there��s a little bit that I do not understand and I was about to consult you! As for the fixed point theorem, there��s one part that I can��t understand.��


    Qing Lian took out a wooden board and used a hairpin to engrave numbers on it.


    ��It��s this: if F is a continuous mapping function from sphere to sphere, then there must be a point c such that F(c) = c or �C c. That is, F either has a fixed point or has a point mapped to its diametrical point�� ��


    Ren Baqian��s smile was immediately frozen.


    The terrifying memories of calculus resurfaced. He felt a headache and had the urge to pull his hair.


    Well, there was no hair now.


    ��Stop!�� Ren Baqian interrupted and asked evasively, ��Are you here to test me today?��


    Qing Lian blinked and replied, ��How can that be? I��m your student and am here to consult you. As for this question, I do not think there is anyone else in this world besides you who can exin it to me!��


    She deduced the reason why Ren Baqian refused to answer her. Ren Baqian��s reason was probably only 30 percent true, there was a 50 percent probability he couldn��t answer, and the rest are probably 20 percent.


    In other words, there was a 50 percent chance that Ren Baqian could answer her question.


    Plus, the probability of meeting others who could answer this question within three years was one in a million. Within ten years, it was one in about 10,000 and in 20 years, one in a 100.


    The probability of sess improved with time. 20 yearster, she might meet the right person�� but this was too long.


    She still had to depend on Zhao Prince Consort.


    Ren Baqian inexplicably felt goosebumps all over his body. He suddenly had the impression that there was a demon underneath Qing Lian��s peaceful outlook.


    Ren Baqian would never touch calculus again!


    However, he couldn��t admit it now.


    ��The group of students you know are about to graduate in two months. After graduation, some of them will continue to learn more advanced knowledge. If you can give up everything and go back to school, then I will talk about calculus. I lent you my books because you are sincere in studying, but in what capacity are you asking me for my advice now?�� Ren Baqian thought that his excuse was good. She wasn��t his student now, but was an adviser of a rebel army in Great Xia.


    He continued, ��I will not answer your tough question as you currently aren��t my student.��


    Actually, this reason wasn��t that good, but Ren Baqian couldn��t give a better reason without exposing his ignorance.


    Qing Lian was taken aback andughed, saying, ��I was too rash.��


    She smiled brightly as she proposed a request with an 87 percent probability of sess, ��To ensure bettermunication with Dayao, Duke Su wants to send an envoy to Lan City. Afterpleting my affairs, I will be the ambassador. By then, Principal Ren shouldn��t refuse to ept me into the academy.


    Ren Baqian eximed, ��Send an envoy? In whose name?��


    Duke Su was Su Qing. He called himself Duke Su after the uprising. The rebel army had grown in scale to about a million people, but it was still a peasant army. It was normal to ask Dayao for help, but sending an envoy was another matter.


    ��In the name of Emperor Ping!�� Qing Lian said with a slight smile.


    Ren Baqian gently tapped the table with his fingers as he pondered.


    The battle between Dayao and Great Xia seemed to sap their vigor. In addition to the corrupt officials who imposed excessive taxes, there were spies dispatched by Su Qing to spread unrest, and many people were left destitute.


    The slogan used initially was ��Food for everyone!�� This slogan won over many citizens who were barely surviving. Coupled with the shortage of soldiers in Great Xia, the uprising became fervent.


    Although most of the elite soldiers in Great Xia had been wiped out, there were still many capable generals in the imperial court who were able to train a batch ofpetent soldiers after one to two years. Although half of their territory was gone, they managed to stabilize their position. This resulted in a stalemate that was unlikely to be broken in the short run.


    Su Qing wanted to proim himself as emperor due to this situation.


    In the short term, Ren Baqian thought that the situation was unlikely to progress and this wasn��t considered the best solution, but it would reassure the people.


    If he sent the envoy after proiming himself emperor, it would still be eptable.


    ��I will fill you in with more details when we meet this afternoon.�� Qing Lian gave a slight bow.


    Ren Baqian nodded. In the afternoon, she would be treated as an emissary in public.


    Right now, it was a private matter.


    It was a pity she had to bring up the topic of calculus.


    Qing Lian tucked her hair behind her ears and said, ��I want to borrow more books, and I don��t think you will reject me. You just said that I was sincere in studying����


    ��You may leave!�� Ren Baqian waved his hands. ��Take your wooden board away!��


    ��I will leave this here. When I return next time, I will ask Principal Ren to answer the question again if I still do not understand!�� Qing Lian bowed and then retreated.


    Ren Baqian sat in his chair, looked at the writing on the wooden board, and started to get a headache.


    A long time after Qing Lian departed, Ren Baqian went out to dig a hole and buried the wooden board. He felt relieved after doing this.


    Ren Baqian returned to his office and was soon deep in thought.


    Although Qing Lian had learned mathematics before, it was only up to a junior high school level. She came to the academy to learn modern elementary school and junior high school geometry and algebra. Unexpectedly, she picked up calculus by herself.


    Without any guidance, she taught herself high school and university level mathematics�� and her standard was high.


    This was something extraordinary!


    He had to admit that there were people favored by heaven.


    For example, the martial arts skill of the empress, Ning Caichen��s performance on Earth, and Qing Lian��


    Eh?


    Suddenly, Ren Baqian thought of something.


    Ning Caichen and Qing Lian?


    He only knew two sword masters. Was it a coincidence that both were so talented?


    Did he happen to meet all the geniuses?


    Ren Baqian recalled that he had read this before. A thousand years ago, there was a magnificent period where thousands of sword masters were born. They fought against each other and passed down their fame.


    However, it was too far in the past, so there weren��t many details and he didn��t think much about it.


    Furthermore, these sword masters were forbidden from bing court officials.


    The reason was very simple. Sword masters needed a lot of resources to build their sword incubating pool. Thus, the chances of corruption and bribery were very high.


    In addition, for the sake of their lives, these sword masters had to spend a lot of energy collecting strange treasures and even had to stay for long periods in the remote mountains and forests to search for these treasures.


    Gradually, people didn��t notice them anymore.


    However, Ren Baqian was doubtful. Suddenly, a question popped into his head.


    Of the Spirit Wheel experts from a thousand years ago, how many were recorded in the history books? Even their fellow disciples didn��t know.


    A thousand years, which was 10 generations, was really too long ago.


    Furthermore, the lifespan of a sword master was short and very few became Spirit Wheel experts. Therefore, their numbers were certainly lower than the number of martial artists.


    Under such circumstances, to be able to leave a great imprint on history wasn��t dependent on strength alone.


    Was it possible that the sword masters�� skill was diverted? Although they couldn��t practice martial arts, their talents in other aspects were much greater than that of ordinary people. If this was the case, it was rather scary!


    After seeing Ning Caichen and Qing Lian, Ren Baqian felt that this conjecture was not invalid and that the possibility was very high.

 Chapter 865 - Sales of Rations

    Chapter 865: Sales of Rations


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    That afternoon in the pce, Ren Baqian met Qing Lian again.


    She stepped forward and greeted, ��Greetings, Your Highness.��


    ��Well, since we are acquaintances, just talk about why we are here.�� He chuckled and nodded his head. ��I heard that you entered the city with hundreds of carts. Are you here to pay back the money?��


    ��You are right, Your Highness. We are here to pay back the money. Duke Su has never forgotten about the agreement that he made with you,�� Qing Lian replied. ��However, apart from money, we require your help for one more thing. It��s something very easy for you.��


    ��Let��s hear it first!�� Ren Baqian had already guessed it after he heard about her troops the night before.


    Although he wasn��t entirely sure of Su Qing��s situation in the north, he could somewhat guess it.


    During Su Qing��s uprising, themoners of many prefectures in Great Xia weren��t able to make a living. (Great Xia was differentiated into many prefectures)


    He roped in millions of refugees during the uprising. The tough fight between the two parties affected more than just millions of people.


    Much of the poption was disced, either trapped in chaos or busy fleeing. One could totally imagine the behavior of the peasants during the uprising. The areas that they passed became like ces with locust infestations.


    Who would be farming in this situation?


    If nobody was farming, they would definitely have to buy rations.


    ��Your Highness, in addition to the agreed remuneration, we also want to buy some rations,�� Qing Lian requested respectfully.


    ��Hehe, hehe, hehe!�� Ren Baqianughed, and his inexplicableughter echoed throughout the entire hall. ��Coming to Dayao to buy rations�� Didn��t expect you to think of that!��


    Dayao had been facing a huge food shortage, and the amount of food imported each year had been a significant amount.


    Of course, this was the situation two years ago.


    ��Your Highness, besides the fact that the Yun Nation is currently being upied by Dayao, Dayao itself isn��t facing any food shortage at the moment and is in fact pretty wealthy. We will be very grateful if you can help us out at this time. You also don��t really stand to gain if we fail. What Your Highness wishes to see is that we continue to be deadlocked with the imperial family of Great Xia!�� Qing Lian spoke confidently and unhurriedly as she stood up. She was confident in her understanding of the situation.


    She believed that she had said everything Ren Baqian was thinking about.


    ��Great Xia�� To be honest, Xia Baichong is dead, and I have no opinions about Great Xia. With that said, do you think I care about Great Xia?�� Ren Baqianughed. ��I don��t care if you win or lose or whether you end up upying your own territories.��


    ��I believe your words, Your Highness. You have obtained your lifeline after conquering the Yun Nation, and they have no means of withholding any resources from Dayao, regardless of whether it��s salt, rations, or weapons. Dayao��s strength is already in its fighting force itself. Coupled with Your Highness��s wisdom, Dayao has no shorings. Perhaps all this fighting was just to obtain sovereignty over thend for the next few decades,�� Qing Lian said softly as she lifted her head and looked at Ren Baqian.


    ��I have no interest in that piece ofnd!�� He shook his head. This was the truth. He really had no interest in thatnd. Winning a war, upying, conquering, and governing a nation was no easy feat.


    Those who had done it would know.


    If Ren Baqian weren��t bald, he felt that he would already have a headful of gray hair just from handling the Yun Nation.


    In fact, thend that Dayao owned at the moment was already sufficient for him to y around with.


    Dayao, coupled with the Yun Nation, was already equivalent to three-fifths of China��s territory. It would already be considered a superpower in Earth��s context.


    The endless treasures in the Sixty Thousand Mountains and the mineral resources in the Yun Nation were just waiting to be tapped into.


    There was no need to forcibly upy another piece ofnd, face a lot of hostility, and have a headache every other day in order to wipe out the rebels.


    In fact, Ren Baqian would like to see high-rise buildings, cars, trains, ships, and nes in Dayao while feudal societies existed outside the borders. This sharp contrast would be very exciting.


    Qing Lian could tell that his words were true, but she also understood that people would change. Even if he wasn��t interested now, this didn��t mean that he wouldn��t be interested in the future.


    ��In any case, there��s definitely no harm for a political power to have a friendly rtionship with Dayao. There will also be less trouble for you in the future, Your Highness.�� Qing Lian smiled, estimating that she was about 90 percent sessful in aplishing the objective of her trip.


    Therefore, she wasn��t worried no matter what Ren Baqian said.


    However, he didn��t intend to keep her in suspense and had already nned to give her an answer.


    The output of those high-yield crops was too high, jumping from a production of about 200 kilograms of crops per mu to about 2,000 or even 3,000 kilograms per mu with two seasons a year.


    It was estimated that the price of sweet potatoes would drop to ten copper coins per three kilograms two months after harvest.


    Ren Baqian was currently preparing to promote the use of cers and saltpeter ice to store these crops. At the same time, the processes of producing sweet potato wine, sweet potato starch, potato starch, and vermicelli were being sorted out as well.


    If a portion of these crops could be sold, it could relieve a lot of the pressure that was on Dayao.


    It would be the rainy reason after the harvest, and there would be slightly less than half a year to make preparations for the next season.


    ��Let��s talk proper business. How much money have you brought and how much rations do you n to buy?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Qing Lian wasn��t surprised to hear what he said and replied, ��Your Highness, we brought a total of 15 million taels worth of gold, silver, and jewels. From this, ten million is ten percent of the agreement between you and Duke Su. The remaining five million will be used to buy sweet potatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins.��


    ording to the current market price, sweet potatoes cost six copper coins per kilogram, 60 copper coins for ten kilograms, and 600 copper coins for 100 kilograms. However, they mustn��t be sold at this market price, firstly because the market price would be affected. Also, a lot of it had to be transported over from various ces. In addition to the transportation costs, they had to at least be sold at the price of 12 copper coins per kilogram.


    After they purchased these high-yield crops in bulk, they would be able to grow and harvest them in the area upied by Su Qing from the second half of this year until next year.


    Also, these crops were brought back from Earth and patent fees weren��t included yet.


    This was just for the sweet potatoes. Potatoes and pumpkins were more expensive.


    Ren Baqian quietly calcted before lifting his head and saying, ��I can sell you 100 million kilograms of sweet potatoes, 50 million kilograms of potatoes, 50 million kilograms of pumpkins, and 150,000 horned cows. Apart from that, I will also arrange for these rations to be delivered to Ping City over a period of five months. In return, you will have to pay an extra two million taels.��


    He couldn��t sell them the rations based on the current market price, and the amount he offered was marked up sevenfold. 200 million kilograms was equivalent to 100 tons. In this era, it would require an insane amount of transportation.


    Based on the current muddy roads, the load of a full cattle cart being about half a ton, and the estimate of about one month to make a round trip, it would require 40,000 cattle carts and 20,000 escorts for five round trips. The amount of grains used during the transportation also wouldn��t be a small figure.


    ��Thank you, Your Highness.�� Qing Lian smiled with no intention of bargaining.


    In fact, she had already considered it a sess to be able to buy so much rations from Dayao. Price was a thing that didn��t matter much.


    Many times, it wouldn��t be cheaper if they bought more��it would actually be more expensive the more they bought!


    Not to mention, apart from Dayao, they had nowhere else to buy these rations. By selling these rations to them at this price and delivering the rations to Ping City, Ren Baqian was already being very kind.


    Of course, the amount of profit that Dayao earned from this transaction wasn��t small either. Seven million taels was even higher than the state treasury��s revenue from the previous year.


    Apart from plundering, this was the first time arge amount of money hade in.


    Having settled this matter, Ren Baqian was finally able to ask Qing Lian what he wanted to ask.


    In his opinion, it was more important than these rations!

 Chapter 866 - Sword Masters

    Chapter 866: Sword Masters


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��You have said your piece! Let��s talk about something that interests me!�� Ren Baqian wiggled on the ufortable couch. The back of the couch was too far away to support his back.


    He should get someone to make a chair and carry it along wherever he goes.


    ��Your Highness, please go ahead!��


    ��In this world, how many sword masters are there now?��


    Sword masters seldom fought with others, were hard to identify, and were usually wandering in deserted ces. As for the number of sword masters in this world, besides them, most people had no idea at all.


    Ren Baqian suspected that even these sword masters didn��t know.


    ��Slightly more than 100!�� Qing Lian said uncertainly.


    Then, she added, ��Between 120 and 150 people.��


    ��How did you arrive at this number? How many have you met?�� Ren Baqian asked eagerly.


    ��In fact, there��s an organization where all the members are sword ves. There are also ordinary people and ordinary practitioners within this group who serve the members. This number is based on the figure of 110 members, which someone once mentioned in the organization.


    By adding some who haven��t been found yet and some who are new sword masters, there should be no more than 150 and no less than 120. It��s hard to deduce the numbers as there will sometimes be ten in one year and none for a few years. There is no pattern or maybe the period is too short to find a pattern.


    We may be able to find a pattern if the period is stretched to thousands of years or longer.


    As for those I have met, there have been eight,�� Qing Lian replied after thinking carefully.


    Ren Baqian immediately thought of the organization that Ning Caichen had mentioned.


    ��What��s the name of that organization? How do you contact them? What��s the main function of the organization? Did they look for you? How did they identify you?�� Ren Baqian thought for a while and asked these questions in session.


    ��The organization is known as Shadow Dream, and it was said that the spirit sword of every leader was a Shadow Dream! In fact, Shadow Dream has existed for a long time and was inherited from the most glorious period of the swordsmen a thousand years ago. Its main function is to facilitate the exchange of materials between sword masters and to broadcast tasks. Those who canplete these tasks are rewarded with the materials they need or are given the location of such materials.��


    Ren Baqian was surprised to hear this as Ning Caichen had mentioned that the organization was rather new, but Qing Lian said that it had existed for a very long time, maybe a thousand years.


    Thetter should be more credible.


    Ning Caichen could have just got in touch with the organization and might have limited knowledge.


    However, wasn��t it generally normal to tell potential members the history of the organization when trying to persuade them to join?


    This point was rather strange.


    Was it possible that there were two organizations?


    With 100 plus sword masters, what was the rationale behind having two organizations?


    ��The way to confirm a sword master has something to do with the Shadow Dream sword.��


    ��Is there only one sword master organization?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Since you ask this question, you must have encountered other sword masters. Is it the one called Ning Caichen?


    Originally, there was only one organization, but there was a difference in beliefs. One group adhered to the concept that they have always been outside this world, while the other group believed they should regain the glory days of the past or at least not live without recognition in the wild and far away from this prosperous world.


    More influence should be acquired, and others should be made to gather resources for them.


    These two viewpoints have existed for a long time, and four years ago, they finally split due to some issues. One of them is still called Shadow Dream, whereas the other organization is called Hidden Dream,�� Qing Lian exined.


    At this point, Ren Baqian finally understood. Ning Caichen was one of the few sword masters who hadn��t previously joined. She came into contact with Hidden Dream and not Shadow Dream. ording to the timing, she was found by Hidden Dream aftering to Dayao.


    ��Didn��t members of Hidden Dream want to iste themselves from this world? How many people do both sides have?�� Ren Baqian assessed that thetter should be easier to deal with.


    The former could also be approached. This group of people had actually divided into two portions. One portion had their desire entrenched in their hearts, and these people were unstable factors.


    The other portion wanted to get ordinary people to help them find materials and could rope in these people on their own.


    As long as they could fulfill his own wish, what was wrong with meeting their requirements?


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian learned about some matters from Qing Lian.


    Shadow Dream had the most members; about 80 people. Seven or eight of them were Spirit Wheels, and the rest were equivalent to Earth Wheel level.


    Among these people, only a few craved power. Even most of the Spirit Wheel experts only wished to find materials more quickly with the help of ordinary people. They were also reluctant to leave the prosperous world.


    After all, sword masters were also human, and most of them wanted to join the prosperous world. It was really hard to bear the loneliness of searching for materials in the wilderness.


    However, in order to control ordinary people or martial artists, they had to acquire authority.


    Hidden Dream only had about 20 plus members, and five or six of them were Spirit Wheel level sword masters.


    ��How do theymunicate with each other?��


    ��Is Your Highness very interested in them? They are actually a bunch of pitiful people!�� When it came to the second part of the sentence, Qing Lian sounded ironic as she was alsoughing at herself because she was one of them.


    ��Indeed! I have an idea that needs verification. Among those sword masters that you have met, are any of them gifted with special talents? For example, is there anyone like you?��


    ��Is Your Highness seeking their talent?�� Qing Lian smiled and rxed. After all, she and they were the same type of people.


    ��In that case, what��s your proposal for them?�� she asked.


    ��If they are what I expect, I can work with them. They can work for me in exchange for materials. They will not need to be far away from this prosperous world, wandering in the wilderness every day. I can mobilize people to search for the things they want. There are unlimited treasures in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, and only the aboriginals can obtain them.��


    ��What does Your Highness want them to do?�� Qing Lian disyed some interest.


    ��Maybe they can do some research about how this world works, just like you did in the academy. Maybe they can be teachers and be responsible for teaching students. It depends on how far they can go. This is a good opportunity for them. If they search for materials in remote areas or do some tasks, they will inevitably face dangers. If they use their spirit sword, they will shorten their lifespan. Over here, they do not need to worry at all!�� Ren Baqian said.


    Qing Lian became even more interested.


    The royal family of Great Xia was attracted to the prowess of the sword masters, but didn��t dare to use them because of the rules. Even if they bent the rules and employed a few of them privately, it was because of their fighting ability.


    Since sword masters looked like ordinary people, people wouldn��t be on guard and the sess rate would be very high if they were used for assassination.


    However, this was a problem since sword masters would shorten their lifespan after a fight.


    Moreover, Ren Baqian wasn��t seeking their fighting ability, but their talent for learning, which she found novel.


    If what Ren Baqian said was true, it would truly be an opportunity for many sword masters.


    ��I hope you can help me contact some sword masters. You can contact them using your own resources or set up tasks through those organizations. I want to test if they are what I think they are!�� Ren Baqian said.


    He continued, ��This test will take a few months at most, and there is no danger. If they do not pass the test, I can send ten winged cavalry warriors to escort them for half a year in the Sixty Thousand Mountains while searching for the materials they need. Anything they find will belong to them.


    If they pass the test, they can stay in Lan City, and I will let them choose some materials as a reward. The quantity of the material will depend on the value of the material. I will make sure they are satisfied.��


    ��I will go back and try to contact them! Is fighting ability a requirement?�� Qing Lian asked.


    ��No!�� Ren Baqian answered.


    ��Got it! I will inform Your Highness as soon as possible. If there is any problem, it would be that they don��t consider Lan City to be a prosperous city!��


    ��Very soon, Lan City will be more prosperous than any of the cities they have seen before!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��I believe what Your Highness has said!��

 Chapter 867 - Your Majesty, Why Can’t We Learn Something Beneficial?

    Chapter 867: Your Majesty, Why Can��t We Learn Something Beneficial?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Qing Lian left after staying for a week in Lan City as she had to help Ren Baqian contact a few sword masters.


    The rest had to stay in Lan City as they couldn��t leave after buying so many crops. Qing Lian left without having to care.


    This wasn��t only rted to the lives of millions of rebel soldiers, but also to the stability of the rebel support force.


    As long as the crops could be delivered and nted, there would be enough food in one year to pacify the citizens and the rebel army would be able to stabilize.


    In contrast, themoners in the areas controlled by Great Xia were still destitute.


    It could be said that these high-yield crops were the best weapon to use against the imperial court of Great Xia.


    Even if Great Xia could obtain these crops and nt them en masse, they needed two to three years and a lot of things could happen in the meantime.


    Therefore the rebels had to attach great importance to it, and it was even more important than their lives.


    Less than a week after Qing Lian��s departure, half of this contingent of more than 700 rebel soldiers were seriously injured and half of them were lightly injured.


    The general leading the contingent had half of his bones broken by someone.


    Ren Baqian scratched his head when he received this report.


    At the beginning, only a portion of the Great Xia people were beaten. However, they weren��t the ones who stirred up trouble since they weren��t fools.


    After all, there were few foreigners in Lan City.


    Was it the Jing Tribe?


    As soon as they heard that these people were from Great Xia and that they weren��t protected, some aboriginals immediately started disturbing them after remembering that they fought a battle with Great Xia two years ago.


    Some people rationalized along this line of thought, leading to dozens of Great Xia people getting seriously injured.


    The aboriginals fought all year round and were experienced. They knew how far to go and didn��t even kill one person.


    The most seriously injured just had more than 30 broken bones.


    As soon as General Huaji received the news, he became angry. Was there now? Although it was aboriginal territory, how could they simply bully anyone? He couldn��t hide his head like a turtle or he wouldn��t be able to face others when he went home.


    Subsequently, he brought people out with him.


    In the beginning, seven to eight people attacked 30 or 40 of them.


    Later, it became 70 or 80 people attacking 600 or 700 people.


    After reading the report, Ren Baqian felt that these aboriginals were too much. In particr, the security personnel just stood aside and watched the action. Where was thew and order?


    Dayao was a society governed byws�� Well, not yet!


    When Ren Baqian first came here, the aboriginals frequently bashed the foreign merchants until their brains came out. The punishment was only three to tenshes of the whip, and these aboriginals were up and running after eight to ten days in bed.


    Ren Baqian rubbed his forehead and then went to look for the empress.


    The empress was practicing prenatal care�� Her method was to watch television shows, eat candy and fruit, and drink wine��


    Ren Baqian wanted to change the empress��s habits during pregnancy�� but after four days of arguments, he gave in.


    If they carried on arguing, he would die beforepleting his mission.


    He could only hope that the empress stayed healthy and that their son in her womb could be big and strong��


    There was also the possibility of a baby girl!


    Whatever will be, will be! Even if it was a ball!


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian mmed the report on the table.


    The empress looked up, leaned back lethargically, put a hand on her stomach, and said, ��I have another in my stomach and can��t be angered or scared.��


    ��Your Majesty, why can��t we learn something beneficial? Don��t always learn from those crappy things in television shows. Anyway, who dares to provoke you when you can beat eight people with one hand?�� Ren Baqian felt that if there was anything worse than an indifferent empress, it was an empress who always learned from television shows.


    ��With your body condition, I can probably beat 800 of you!�� The empress gestured with her hand.


    ��At least 800!�� Ren Baqian added.


    ��Aren��t you busy now? What��s the problem?�� The empress raised a corner of her eye.


    ��Your Majesty, take a look.�� Ren Baqian sighed.


    The empress took a nce, leaned back, and asked, ��What do you think I should do?��


    ��A country has itsws!�� Ren Baqian exined the pros and cons of following rules. ��Your Majesty, things are no longer the same as they were in the past. We can��t look at it from the perspective of Great Xia alone, and actually, it doesn��t really matter how Great Xia people view it. The people of the Jing Tribe and the Yun Nation are watching how the empress will handle this. The aboriginal citizens and officials are also watching. If you let them off again, their courage will increase and they will continue to behave this way. They will not only attack the people from Great Xia, but also members of the Jing Tribe and people from the Yun Nation.��


    The empress put a finger under her chin and smiled at Ren Baqian before saying, ��You look pretty cute when you talk like this! Fine, I know what to do and willpensate them. Those who beat others will receive 30shes while those security people who were onsite, but didn��t do their jobs, will get 60shes. If it happens again, they will be sacked. As for the people from Great Xia, I will send physicians to treat them.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. A response like this would shock some people awake.


    The brains of the aboriginals were full of muscles, and their memories were short.


    However, the security department, from top to bottom, would definitely remember.


    ��Your Majesty, I will make a move first,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Keep mepany as I��m very bored,�� the empress said listlessly.


    Ren Baqian had to go to the Ministry of Works in the afternoon and then meet the newly appointedmander of the Rearguard Commandery. He was wavering between workmitments and the needs of the empress.


    Did he need to choose?


    ��I��m a person who works hard for the people!�� Ren Baqian said conscientiously.


    ��Oh? I��m only finding out today!�� the empress said with a spurious smile.


    ��Of course, whenpared to the people, Your Majesty is more important!�� Ren Baqian said without blinking.


    ��Forget it��you go ahead! If I continue to talk to you, I will feel like a fatuous ruler.�� The empress waved her hands to show her disappointment.


    ��How can I?�� Ren Baqian sat beside the empress andughed, then said, ��What��s the problem with staying for half a day?��


    ��Do you think you are a sycophant?�� The empress was amused.


    ��If Your Majesty is a fatuous ruler, I will be a sycophant. If Your Majesty is upright, I will be a capable official!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily.


    After keeping the empresspany for two hours, Ren Baqian departed in a hurry.


    He got someone to inform Tong Zhenye that he would go to the Ministry of Works the next day.


    He had to see the newly appointedmander of the Rearguard Commandery


    In recent months, the Rearguard Commandery had doubled in size. The number of tiqi had increased from 2,000 to 4,000 while the number of non-staff members, called lishi, had grown from 8,000 to 16,000 people.


    This meant that the Rearguard Commandery consisted of a total of four qianhu now.


    Of the original two qianhu, one of them was in Tianjing Basin and the other was in the Yun Nation.


    Two new qianhu were to be trained for three months before being dispatched to the Yun Nation and Great Xia.


    For those sent to Great Xia, their main activities were to gather information on the masters and their movements as well as to collect information on some ancient tombs.


    Deducing from the trails left by the human race after crossing the Sixty Thousand Mountains, besides the aboriginals left in the mountains, the rest of the survivors should have moved in two directions. One was toward the Chen Nation, but most of them went in the direction of Great Xia, where they thrived and reproduced.


    In other words, anything that was left by this group of humans would be in their graves in Great Xia.


    Moreover, ancient tombs were asionally discovered. They were all found in Great Xia and caused experts and court officials to fight over them every time.


    Ren Baqian was very interested in this matter!

 Chapter 868 - Attempting Suicide

    Chapter 868: Attempting Suicide


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After Qi Jiayu left the vi, she went home and cried bitterly.


    She used to think that the most fearful thing in life was to fail at everything, struggling to have the daily necessities and dealing with trivial matters.


    She had lost her glory before the age of 40 and didn��t even dare to show up at ssmate gatherings because she was scared of others asking about her status.


    After graduation, she felt very fortunate for a long time even though her sess was partly due to hard work and talent.


    However, those days seemed to have burst like a popped balloon.


    She didn��t know whether she should hate the person who had done this to her.


    She might have fared very well if she didn��t know anything.


    However, when she found out that she was living in an artificial world where she didn��t know how much of what she did, saw, or experienced was real and how much was fake, she almost went crazy.


    It turned out that it was the most terrifying to live in an illusion and seemingly enter an artificial world.


    During that period, she would cry bitterly every time after watching <em>The Truman Show </em>.


    Fortunately, everything wasing to an end.


    She was merely a substitute, and it was because she looked like another person.


    Since she couldn��t make the other person let her go, she would try another method by getting close to him, understanding him, and then�� retaliating against him.


    Although she was a substitute, she could also harm others.


    The face of the woman that she met that year was fading from her memory, but Qi Jiayu knew that she looked very simr to her.


    The deepest impression left by that woman was her icy demeanor. She was like a goddess on an ice mountain and full of indifference.


    She was like ice, so Qi Jiayu would be like fire.


    Qi Jiayu would only have a chance by being different!


    Before going to that person��s ce, she had prepared herself by learning ways to attract a man.


    At the same time, she tried everything to collect information about him.


    To her surprise, she found very little information about him, and this was the case even on the inte. In this online world, such a scenario was almost impossible.


    If he was an ordinary man who was unknown, then this would be possible. Yet, how much power did it take to control everything, including herpany and customers, in this movie world?


    This meant that the influence of the other party was greater than she thought.


    After understanding this point, she was more hopeful about her future. There was nothing that would make her happier than causing such a person to fall into the hands of their puppet.


    Since returning from the house of that person, she racked her brain every day about dressing up.


    She put on light makeup because not many men actually liked a woman with heavy makeup. For every dress, essories, hairstyle, and nail color, she spent a long time every day trying to match them properly.


    She expected the other party toe after a few days, but she was disappointed every day as the next few days passed by. The feeling of waiting for a strange man was rather bizarre, and she felt like some kind ofmodity.


    A few days, a month, three months, half a year��


    She had expected it to be a few days, but after half a year, she didn��t even get to see his shadow, which made her sink into despair.


    Was she worth nothing to that person?


    Was this ything unable to attract his attention?


    Those sleepless nights, the misery, and the determined efforts were futile andughable. They were just her fanciful thoughts and a one-sided show��


    She was living in a movie world, showing everything, being watched by people, beingughed at��


    Seven months passed by.


    That night, Qi Jiayu put on some light makeup and carefully painted her nails as she had done for the past several months.


    She put on a clean dress and walked up to the rooftop.


    She had thought about filling the tub with hot water and then draining her blood inside it so that it wouldn��t feel cold.


    She had thought about using a charcoal stove.


    In the end, she chose this tragic method of dying.


    <em>If I fall face down, my face won��t be recognizable! </em>Qi Jiayu thought as she looked up at the night sky that seemed to be devoid of stars.


    Standing at the edge of the rooftop and looking at the tiny objects below her feet, Qi Jiayu closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and fell forward.


    The feeling of weightlessness was abruptly ended. She was spun around and thrown back to the rooftop,nding heavily.


    A moment earlier, someone had caught her arm and thrown her back.


    <em>What a busybody! </em>Qi Jiayu silently scolded. Next, she looked up and was shocked to see a figure in front of her.


    His back was much wider than an ordinary person��s, and she could feel his power even on a dark night like tonight.


    This wasn��t what attracted her attention.


    Instead, it was the shiny bald head that glowed at about 60 lux (equivalent to a 12-watt incandescentmp).


    Ren Baqian walked toward Qi Jiayu, squatted down in front of her, and held her chin to examine her carefully.


    A short whileter, Ren Baqian let go of her and stood up.


    He had known that she was mentally unstable, but due to the difference in time frames, their concepts of time were different. To her, it had been seven months, but to him, it had been just over three months.


    He had finished some work and dropped by to settle things with her on his way home.


    He didn��t expect to arrive just in the nick of time.


    If he didn��t know that she couldn��t track his whereabouts, he would have thought that she was purposely doing this to test him.


    ��You are fired!�� Ren Baqian said inly.


    Qi Jiayu gave him a nk look.


    When she saw Ren Baqian, she threw away whatever ns she had before. Besides being nervous and at a loss, she felt a mixture of resentment and other indescribable emotions.


    ��You are fired! Get a new job tomorrow and go wherever you want!�� Ren Baqian expected her to be ecstatic, but this wasn��t the case.


    She seemed to get the meaning, but at first, she was puzzled and at a loss. Then, she couldn��t restrain her anger.


    ��Isn��t this what you want? Your expression doesn��t seem to say so.�� Ren Baqian looked at her.


    Well, he didn��t like her, the main reason being that little bit of the empress��s spirit inside him, which affected him all the time and made him feel like killing Qi Jiayu.


    ��Should I feel grateful toward you?�� Qi Jiayu was very surprised. After hearing this, she only felt resentment and hatred.


    She had thought and prepared so hard, but the other party just casually said one sentence, ��You are fired!��


    If this was the case, why didn��t he say so the other time? If he had said it before, then she would have happily sought a new life.


    In this case, why did he make her wait for seven months before telling her?


    Since he didn��t initially intend to let her go, why was he releasing her after thinking for seven months?


    With this sentence, everything she thought, prepared for, and did was in vain. Her revenge was over before it began. Her nine years of youth were lost in a sham.


    Although she had known that she was just a ything with the same face for the other party, there was nothing inside her except anger.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t understand, but he didn��t want to be involved anymore.


    This matter was over, so he turned to leave.


    Behind him, Qi Jiayu crawled up from the ground and looked at his departing figure. Aplex look flickered on her face. Then, she turned around, rushed to the edge of the roof, and jumped off.

 Chapter 869 - Crazy

    Chapter 869: Crazy


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian turned around after hearing a sound and saw a figure leaping into the sky.


    Ren Baqian frowned angrily. He had let her go, yet she was trying to kill herself in front of him.


    He stamped his leg on the floor of the rooftop and rebounded dozens of meters to the wall where she was.


    The 18 story building was more than 60 meters high. If he fell down, he wouldn��t die, but he would still suffer serious injuries�� Damn�� These thoughts came to him as he stepped on the wall and rushed down.


    Qi Jiayu felt weightless, and her expression changed from hatred to tranquility.


    With only a few seconds left in her life, she tried to turn her body and neck because she wanted to see whether a face would appear full of surprise.


    However, she saw an unexpected scene as a figure rushed vertically down the wall toward her.


    That bald head was still glowing under the stars.


    ��Why?�� Qi Jiayu mumbled.


    At this height, even the experts of today would die.


    Although she knew that this person was very powerful, she couldn��t distinguish him from a Man ss expert on Earth.


    She presumed that even if they didn��t die, the danger would be tremendous.


    Why did the other party rush down?


    Falling down from more than 60 meters only required three seconds.


    Ren Baqian��s speed was 100 meters in 1.5 seconds.


    Ren Baqian stared at the ground that was getting closer and closer, and his heart beat faster and faster.


    It wasn��t fear, but a baffling feeling of excitement.


    This excitement almost made him forget what he was jumping down for.


    Fortunately, at about dozens of meters from the ground, he was finally level with Qi Jiayu and grabbed her by the arm into his embrace. Before reaching the ground, he pushed upward and adjusted the angle of his body to prepare fornding.


    In three seconds, Ren Baqian had done what most people would take one minute to do.


    <em>Bang! </em>Uponnding, Ren Baqian felt great impact from the soles of his feet. His muscles bulged, causing his clothes to explode.


    Then, sharp pains came from both legs, his crotch, and his spine. Even if he had learned the [Yang Boosting Technique], his body still could not withstand the impact.


    The only thing to rejoice about was that there was a flower bed below.


    Like a nail, he went straight into the ground for nearly a meter.


    After the crashing sound, there was the sound of objects falling on car roofs and car windows shattering.


    ��Damn!�� Ren Baqian was angry as he tried to extricate himself from the ground, but his legs and hips couldn��t budge since they were probably broken.


    Fortunately, his spine was fine.


    ��Damn, b*tch! I must be crazy too!�� Ren Baqian had nowhere to vent his anger. His lower body was in pain and unable to move. He could only rant and curse himself.


    Although he was cursing, he really couldn��t let her die like that.


    The previous time, he wanted to kill her out of impulse, but after thinking, he realized that she couldn��t die now.


    The empress was currently pregnant! If Qi Jiayu were to die, what would he do if the strength of the empress were to rise sharply?


    Would it affect the fetus inside?


    Even if there was no effect, the empress would be a Longevity Heaven expert at anytime. How was he going to carry on? With the empress as a Cardinal Heaven expert, he was already exhausted. If the empress became a Longevity Heaven expert, he would die beforepleting his mission.


    He thought that Qi Jiayu would be able to start a new life after he released her.


    Unexpectedly, she wanted to die�� She could die as she pleased, but she caused him so much trouble��


    The sound of Qi Jiayu crawling up and walking was heard, and she squatted in front of the half-buried Ren Baqian. She stared at him expressionlessly.


    ��Why?�� Qi Jiayu finally asked.


    Qi Jiayu was bleeding from the head, and her clothes were torn. However, Ren Baqian threw her upward at thest second to cushion her from most of the impact, and shended on the roof of a car. She looked disheveled, but her situation was much better than Ren Baqian��s.


    ��B*tch!�� Ren Baqian didn��t know how tomunicate with her, so heshed out at her.


    ��Why did you save me?��


    ��B*tch! I will get people to catch and cage you upter!��


    ��I have never seen anyone risking his life for a ything.�� Qi Jiayu fixed her eyes on him as if she was trying to see something from his eyes.


    ��Get lost!�� Ren Baqian said exasperatedly.


    ��I thought I was going to die and thought for a moment that you would die too!�� Qi Jiayu said slowly, ��At that moment, I didn��t feel happy!��


    At that moment, her eyes were filled with the image of that bald heading vertically down the wall.


    ��Are you going to scram?�� As Ren Baqian scolded, he tried hard to use both hands to push himself out of the ground.


    He deserved this for not bringing some winged cavalry warriors along.


    However, he did bring another person, his new secretary, who shared a simr background with Shen Feng.


    This person was waiting for him in another part of the building.


    Who in the world would expect such a thing to happen?


    Qi Jiayu kept quiet and looked at Ren Baqian as he pulled himself out of the ground.


    As if possessed, she asked, ��Do you want to keep me?��


    It was Ren Baqian��s turn to be stunned as he replied, ��Are you out of your mind?��


    Qi Jiayu walked behind Ren Baqian and reached out with both hands to hug his chest.


    Perhaps she was trying to help pull him out or maybe she had other ideas.


    A wave of his hand caused her to fly three to four meters away, and she only stopped when she banged against a car.


    ��Stay far away from me! The next time you want to die, do it further away!�� Ren Baqian said fiercely.


    He didn��t know what type of expression to show and subconsciously behaved this way.


    Qi Jiayu sat on the ground. Her skirt was no longer presentable because it was shredded. She red at Ren Baqian.


    ��Some people should being soon and will call for an ambnce. From your appearance, you probably won��t die. You also knew about this, which was why you dared to jump down. As for me, it��s totally different. I will go to the office tomorrow. Visit me if you have the time!�� Qi Jiayu didn��t try to get close to Ren Baqian, but spoke from where she sat.


    ��As I have said, you aren��t needed. Go far, far away! Don��t let me see you again!�� The veins on his forehead bulged. He felt as if his head was on the verge of exploding and wondered why things became like this.


    Moreover, was this woman not in her right mind?


    ��It��s better for me to work there since I��m familiar with the ce. Otherwise, I would have to look for you. If not, you can kill me.�� The corner of her mouth curled as she watched Ren Baqian grow angrier.


    As they were talking, some people came rushing from the distance.


    Although it was midnight, such loud noises were bound to shock many people.


    ��Remember to visit me when you are free!�� Qi Jiayu said to him seriously. Then, she got up from the car, pushed away the people who were trying to help her, and limped toward the building.


    Ren Baqian was left there not knowing what to do.


    Qi Jiayu avoided the frightened people rushing in and sat down in a daze in a dark corner.


    She sat down and seemed drained of energy after the ambnce took Ren Baqian away.


    The tears flowed from her eyes nonstop.


    However, she had a strange feeling!

 Chapter 870 - The Down-to-Earth World’s Number One Expert

    Chapter 870: The Down-to-Earth World��s Number One Expert


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    In Wuji City, Ren Baqian stood in front of a window and looked down upon the unusual city.


    It was cold, but gradually getting lively.


    It had been more than a month since his first visit, and there seemed to be more people on the streets.


    After direct observation, there were nine people on the bus that just drove by.


    Previously, he only saw seven people at most.


    Ren Baqian was almost fully recovered from the injuries that he sustained two days ago. He at least had no problems walking by himself. Regardless of being on Earth or in the pce, the ck mud cream and bone joining cream were always readily avable.


    These medicines were very expensive for the average person, but it was nothing to him.


    Behind him was a woman who was as cold as ice. She was a neutral person like Shen Feng. If it wasn��t for her long hair and well-developed chest, others might mistake her for a man.


    Ren Baqian was convinced by how those people always arranged such personal assistants for him. At least her curriculum vitae and her ability to work were unquestionable.


    However, he had to admit that assistants like these were the safest.


    If he were to get a beautiful one, he couldn��t guarantee that she would be able to live past half a year!


    The empress might be generous, but she could also get extremely jealous at times!


    Especially after watching so many television series!


    Television series were truly the source of all evil!


    This time, his assistant��s name wasn��t neutral and didn��t match her appearance at all.


    Lin Xiaoyu!


    ��She has gone back to work. Her condition seems much better than before.��


    Her voice was a little hoarse, and it seemed that she had even gone through a selection round based on her voice and looks.


    Lin Xiaoyu looked at Ren Baqian��s back as they spoke, and she appeared to be a bit curious.


    She knew about Qi Jiayu because Shen Feng had told her.


    She didn��t know why Qi Jiayu ended up jumping off a building.


    However, she was shocked at the hole that Ren Baqian made. Although it was a flower bed, the hole was more than half a meter deep. Yet, he merely suffered fractures in his legs and sacrum. This was more than shocking. He actually fell from a height of 68 meters.


    Lin Xiaoyu was equally curious about why he jumped from there. Just to save that woman? This truly surprised her.


    From the information that she received beforeing here, the person in front of her was a relentless killer.


    ��I see. You may leave,�� Ren Baqian replied without even turning his head.


    ��Do you wish to dismiss all of the previous staff?�� Lin Xiaoyu asked with a little selfishness.


    Ren Baqian didn��t mind it and simply said, ��Dismiss some of them. Just make sure that she��s alive. Get the others to follow her.��


    After she left, Ren Baqian rubbed his brow. After so many things, it was now back to the starting point again.


    Forget it. If she wished to stay there, then just let her be.


    ��


    When Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, the empress looked puzzled after taking her first nce at him.


    She looked at him and frowned, ��What happened?��


    ��I found something interesting!�� He smiled and continued, ��Bungee jumping. Have you heard about it?��


    The empress��s face turned sluggish and had a look of disdain as she responded, ��Boring stuff.��


    She naturally knew that bungee jumping was about tying a bungee cord to a person and jumping down from a height.


    The problem was that she wouldn��t even die from a fall without a bungee cord, so how fun would it be to have one tied to her feet then?


    To the empress, bungee jumping wasn��t as fun as bumper cars!


    At least bumper cars had a little technique involved!


    ��I wonder if I can build a 150-meter high frame outside the city.�� Ren Baqian was eager to try. When he jumped off the roof that day, the sensations of weightlessness and eleration were quite cool!


    If he hadn��t been speeding the whole way down and forced to throw Qi Jiayu to safety when he was just a few meters off the ground, he wouldn��t have been injured so badly. He estimated that this was the amount of injury he would sustain if he were to fall from a height of 100 meters.


    At a height of 150 meters, unless they had specifically practiced vertical leaping techniques, it would be pretty dangerous even for an Earth Wheel expert,.


    ��Boring!�� The empress twitched her mouth and ignored him.


    Ren Baqian spread his hands. Even though she found it boring, he still felt that it was pretty interesting.


    He hadn��t thought about this before, but now, he suddenly felt that it was pretty fun!


    In addition to bungee jumping, there was also parachuting and hang gliding. He had to try them someday.


    However, Ren Baqian didn��t have time to deal with this bungee jumping tform at the moment. The most important thing now was the internalbustion engine research center.


    It seemed to be taking too big of a leap forward to be researching the internalbustion engine when the steam engine hadn��t even been implemented.


    However, one had to know that the first gas internalbustion engine was manufactured in 1860, while the first four-stroke internalbustion engine appeared in 1872.


    Even without Ren Baqian��s presence, someone might think of a way to shrink the steam engine after a few decades, but he couldn��t wait that long.


    It could be achieved with their current level of manufacturing; it was simply short of someone proposing this idea.


    Even fuel, the biggest limiting factor of the internalbustion engine, had been addressed long ago.


    The first batch of sunflowers was now ripe, and the first batch of peanuts would be ready in two months.


    Ren Baqian intended to use biodiesel as the basis of fuel in this world.


    The next day, a separate small yard not far from the school��s backyard was officially opened.


    This was the so-called internalbustion engine research center. In addition to a specific group of craftsmen who would go to the courtyard every day, there were the senior students in their fourth year. They were supposed to graduate in three years, but had forcibly dyed this to three and a half.


    This internalbustion engine was their graduation thesis.


    Apart from being busy with various things, Ren Baqian was also making time to prepare some interesting highlights. This group of dim-witted students had done many senseless things over the years, and he had managed to film quite a fair bit of these.


    He was preparing to show these to them during their graduation.


    Disying these in public would probably leave them with a memory of a lifetime.


    Dayao��s first movie would be based on the senseless acts of these foolish students!


    ��


    ��Kid, where��s that boy by the name of Ning?��


    As soon as Ren Baqian finished his lecture, he returned to his office and saw someone standing at the door. There was also the smell of roasted sweet potatoes.


    ��Wow! You are old, yet you still remember? I really can��t tell! Your body is old, but not your mind!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��Bullsh*t. Do you really think that I don��t know that that person is a man? He changed his appearance and ended up looking like a monster!�� Li Fu munched on his sweet potato as he cursed with an indistinct voice!


    ��Why are you looking for him?��


    ��Crap, he still owes me money!�� Li Fu rolled his eyes. ��I only went to collect from him when I needed it. Little did I know that he suddenly disappeared.��


    ��How much does he still owe you?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��30 taels!�� Li Fu stretched out his fingers and gestured. This was the money they used for their business partnership. He had put in all the effort while Ning Caichen simply ced a few iron crotch guards there to sell. It ended up with him running away with the money! How pathetic!


    ��Tsk tsk!�� Ren Baqian sighed in admiration. The world��s number one expert was whining about a few taels of silver. What a down-to-earth man!


    Who would believe it if this news got out?


    Still, Li Fu had never acted like he was the number one expert in the world. Otherwise, he wouldn��t have gone around kicking people in the testicles every day.


    ��You��ll never get this money back! He��s noting back anymore!�� Ren Baqian said unhurriedly. ��However, I have a good job opportunity for you. Would you be interested to learn more?��


    ��Not interested!�� Li Fu rejected without even wanting to learn more.


    He was the world��s number one expert. If he wanted money, he simply needed to speak up and it would be delivered to his door.


    He wasn��t interested in doing anything for Ren Baqian.


    As for the 30 taels of silver, that was his hard-earned money!


    ��As for the causes and effects of the human race��s history, there��s still another vast world!�� Ren Baqian spoke slowly.


    ��Oh, you are referring to those monsters, right?�� Li Fu sneered, appearing to look unconcerned.


    ��You know about this?�� Ren Baqian was caught by surprise!


    ��I have been around this world for 200 years, so I��ll surely know some things that not many people know about! Yet, so what if I know about them? I have no interest in all this history!��

 Chapter 871 - If the Power Isn’t Strong Enough, Increase the Power!

    Chapter 871: If the Power Isn��t Strong Enough, Increase the Power!


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Ren Baqian had to admit that it sometimes made sense when an elder said that they had eaten more salt than anyone else had eaten rice.


    Especially someone like Li Fu.


    After roaming the world for 200 years, he had encountered innumerable wonders and experiences. He definitely knew more than any ordinary person.


    Although the people back then were hindered by the agreement and weren��t supposed to leave behind a single word, many of them vited this agreement and left some messages for the future generations.


    That person in the underground pce wrote it clearly. The human race was driven here. Although nothing was said about the foreign races, Ren Baqian guessed that what this person left behind had actually vited the agreement.


    Some of the information Ren Baqian received from the herdsmen wasn��t allowed to be recorded down.


    As for what would happen if someone vited the agreement�� Ren Baqian would definitely be a dead man if it was on Earth!


    However, it was hard to say in this world.


    Given the past situation of that man, he probably felt resentful after being driven here. One could imagine the amount of anger he felt, and it was understandable that he left those messages.


    At that time, other people might not have been able to leave so many things behind.


    ��How much do you know?�� Ren Baqian asked as he looked at Li Fu.


    ��I should know everything. I identally damaged a few ancient tombs back then and found some messages that were left behind. Everyone left scattered records. At that time, I felt that the key part was missing. There were missing words in every sentence, but at the same time, clues for other records were left behind. I thought that I could find good stuff if I continued searching. It took me more than 20 years to find everything, and I didn��t expect to learn what had actually happened when I pieced all the information together!�� Li Fu said resentfully.


    He continued, ��If it wasn��t for this, do you think that I would follow you here? From what I see, everyone here is of the human race! Yet, in the eyes of the others, you might be considered as a member of a foreign race!��


    ��identally?�� Ren Baqianughed. ��I didn��t expect this! Those thick brows and big eyes of yours����


    However, what Li Fu said was quite interesting. It seemed that aplete record of the past had been split up by several people and a few words were removed from each record. One wouldn��t be able to tell what it meant simply by looking at a single record.


    It could only be figured out once all the split records were pieced together.


    This was a rtively primitive and simple means of secrecy. After all, it was meant to let future generations understand what had happened. The purpose was different, so the means were naturally more obvious.


    ��Well, who hasn��t been young before?�� Li Fu spat, looking a little dissatisfied. It seemed that he regretted spending more than 20 years searching for these things.


    ��What was written? Can you tell me?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Li Fu fell silent for a moment, and there was uncertainty on his face.


    He finally sighed after some time and asked, ��Are you nning on going back after knowing about this?��


    Then, Li Fu borated, ��Let me tell you, I had this idea 100 years ago as well. Now, however, this idea is gone�� This used to be barrennd, and the human race had been inhabiting this region for thousands of years. It seems prosperous, but it��s in fact decaying. Those who left their graves behind wanted to understand this matter. When all the records were put together, there were three words at the end: ��Don��t look back!��


    If we go back, those foreign races will inevitably strike. How can the human race withstand their attacks without our ancient experts? This is will be a cmity for the human race! For thest 100 years, I haven��t entered the Sixty Thousand Mountains because of this!


    It was only as my life drew close to the end that I decided to go there and take a look again. If I couldn��t find a way to ascend to heaven, I would find a cave in the Sixty Thousand Mountains when my life is about to end and live there forever!��


    The reason that I dared not go there is due to not wanting to bring trouble to the human race!


    I��m currently the world��s number one expert, but I��m not evenparable to the emperor��s generals back then. The human race used to be more than 100 times stronger, and the number of experts was countless. My level of strength is already considered pretty impressive, but what happened in the end? Even the emperor fell!


    Do you really think that nobody else discovered these things over the years? They simply kept it to themselves without daring to tell others!��


    Ren Baqian looked at Li Fu and had never expected to see him like this.


    Moreover, he didn��t expect Li Fu to have such thoughts.


    However, what Li Fu said was correct. How could no one have discovered this after so many years? How could Ren Baqian be the only smart and lucky one?


    How many highly intelligent people could there have been over the past millennia?


    None of them dared to go into the mountains.


    Ren Baqian was different from them. They didn��t dare to go, but he dared!


    What they feared were just the strong foreign races!


    This winner of this fight simply depended on having more people and more experts! Their apprehension was well founded!


    The Earth Wheel expert that Ren Baqian saw in that illusion was a soldier!


    Currently, the empress��s 1,500 winged cavalry warriors already struck fear in the entire human realm. She would be able to conquer Great Xia and all three other nations if there were 10,000 of them.


    Compared to the ancient era, what could 10,000 Earth Wheel experts do?


    This was the reason why they didn��t dare to make a move!


    But Ren Baqian dared!


    If the foreign races dared to assemble a great army, Big Ivan[1.Big Ivan: Thergest nuclear bomb] would teach them a lesson!


    No matter how many of them there were, he didn��t have to worry about the weaker soldiers.


    Even if the Cardinal Heaven experts could escape the explosion of a ten kiloton miniature nuclear warhead, they definitely wouldn��t be able to escape a megaton warhead. If that still didn��t work, there were still 100 megaton warheads. At worst, he could simply blow up the entire Sixty Thousand Mountains to pixels!


    Of course, this was thest resort.


    Ren Baqian was still looking forward to going there and breaking through to the Spirit Wheel level. He wanted to break through the Heaven and Earth region and live up to 1,000 years as well!


    He wascking in nuclear warheads at the moment, but this problem could definitely be resolved.


    As such, what hecked at the moment was power that could be grown without limit.


    Ren Baqian knew that it was currently useless to convince Li Fu. It was time to let him see the effects of a nuclear warhead!


    This thing would speak for itself.


    ��I��ll show you something in seven days! You will presumably have a new way of thinking!��


    Li Fu looked at him, shook his head, and replied, ��You probably don��t know how all outside objects be a joke when you possess a certain level of strength!��


    ��In a way, yes. However, what you are afraid of is that they have the power to kill people. If I disy the power to kill them, would they still dare to touch us?�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    They definitely wouldn��t dare. If a nuclear warhead plowed thatnd, apart from those top experts, ordinary people wouldn��t survive.


    Could they still repopte an entire race?


    However, it was impossible to rely on this method to allow the human race to take a spot in that world.


    In this world, nuclear warheads could only be used as killing weapons, not as deterrent weapons.


    Otherwise, if the enemies spent years to fully understand nuclear warheads or if theypletely destroyed the warheads, then the human race would have nowhere to run to.


    Therefore, the function of these things was to immediately plow when the war began and to blow up as many people as possible!


    ��Are you dreaming?�� Li Fu stared intently at Ren Baqian.


    ��You��ll know in a few days. At the same time, I can also give the students a good demonstration.��


    ��I��m interested to see what you cane up with!�� Li Fu said with a weird expression before disappearing in a sh.


    Ren Baqian leaned against his chair and held his chin. He currently had a 200-ton miniature nuclear warhead in his possession.


    Even though this thing would be enough to scare the others, it wasn��t enough to scare Li Fu!


    It had to have arger impact so that people could immediately feel confident after witnessing it.


    If the power wasn��t strong enough, increase the power!


    With Ren Baqian��s strength of about 1,000 kilograms, he should be able to bring back a ten kiloton nuclear warhead?


    Little Boy weighed about four tons back then. However, so many years had passed, and technology had progressed. Nuclear warheads had gotten smaller!

 Chapter 872 - The Secret Residence of a God

    Chapter 872: The Secret Residence of a God


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��What are you looking for? You have been gesturing ever since you came back!�� The empress held the roaring emperor with one hand and picked up a fruit with the other, throwing it onto the map that Ren Baqian was gesturing at.


    Others usually cradled their pets, but she held hers by the neck. It was pretty enjoyable to see the expression on the roaring emperor��s face.


    ��I brought back a big guy this time.�� He turned around and looked at her before turning back to study the map.


    ��Oh, haven��t you said that already?�� As the empress released her grip, the roaring emperor somersaulted as it reached the ground. Immediately, it started to subconsciously dig a hole.


    Moles that didn��t dig were like monkeys that didn��t climb trees!


    However, she quickly kicked it aside and dered, ��If you dig again, I��ll have you for dinner tomorrow!��


    The roaring emperor fled.


    ��Therefore, I need to find a ce to detonate it. It��s not very wise to keep this thing around! Still, a suitable ce isn��t easy to find!��


    ��Can you blow up Lan City?�� the empress asked out of curiosity.


    She had been curious about the power of nuclear warheads ever since she watched a documentary about them on Earth.


    However, she had only seen the two miniatures warheads that Ren Baqian previously detonated. Their power was only sufficient to blow up half the pce.


    As such, she was very curious about how powerful this big boy was.


    ��I��m afraid that it would even blow up four Lan Cities!�� Ren Baqian smiled bitterly. He didn��t expect China to be so ruthless.


    Thest three were miniature nuclear warheads. This time, they actually got him a real deterrent warhead!


    The reason was�� it was about to expire�� Of course, they definitely didn��t tell him this at the time��


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian started to feel furious.


    <em>Damn it! You actually gave me a nuclear warhead that was nearing the end of its shelf life?</em>


    Also, it was said that there were quite a number of these�� Since the nation was going to destroy them anyway, they decided to give him one based on the fact that he had been so sincere. He had to admit that those big shots were pretty gutsy!


    475 kilotons!


    The two warheads that the USA detonated back then only added up to about 30 kilotons.


    The one that Ren Baqian had was 15 times as powerful as the two of thosebined!


    Not to mention using it to scare Li Fu, even he himself was scared!


    The more important factor was�� this thing was almost past its shelf life, and there was no telling if any problems would arise��


    Well, there was still a long way to go, six months to be exact.


    In addition, Ren Baqian was preparing to detonate it within the next few days!


    However, it wasn��t an easy task��


    First of all, he had to find a deserted ce, preferably one with few animals.


    This was to prevent wildlife from being affected by nuclear radiation and ending up as monsters.


    It would still be fine if Godzi was created because any Cardinal Heaven expert would be able to take care of it easily.


    However, the beasts of this world were inherently powerful, and it would be troublesome if they mutated.


    The two warheads that were detonated in the Sixty Thousand Mountains were much weaker. People were also assigned to strictly cordon off the area and stop beasts from entering. As such, there wouldn��t be many problems.


    However, this one was really too big��


    In addition to being deserted, the area had to berge enough.


    A desert would be best, but there weren��t any deserts in Dayao!


    Ren Baqian didn��t want to burn the grasnds and ranches��


    After hearing him say that even four Lan Cities would be blown up, the empress was startled and felt that this was unfathomable.


    She asked, ��Is this thing really so strong? I do not dare to easily hand such a dangerous object to anyone!��


    ��I didn��t expect this either!�� He smiled bitterly. He originally thought that having a ten kiloton warhead would be sufficient. The st radius would be one kilometer, which meant an area of four square kilometers. Of course, the impact radius wasrger, reaching ten square kilometers.


    This 475 kiloton warhead had a st radius of five kilometers and a destructive area of 75 square kilometers. This meant that everything within this area would be ignited by the extreme heat and light energy produced during the explosion.


    Its impact radius was even greater!


    Not to mention the radioactive radius, which would be dozens of timesrger than that. As such, Ren Baqian had to be cautious.


    He studied the map for a long time and drew circles in several ces.


    He then sat back at the table and started writing.


    ��Li Yuanzhu?�� When the empress nced over, her facial expression immediately changed.


    ��It would be a waste if we didn��t invite more people to witness the detonation of such a huge nuclear warhead!�� Ren Baqian continued writing.


    ��Out of the world��s top ten experts, Xu Wuming, ranked second in the world, has stayed hidden for a long time. He has always been secretive about his whereabouts and is very temperamental. We can forget about such people. Li Yuanzhu is the third most powerful expert in the world, she��s a fairly decent person, and we can use her help! With her aid, many things can be settled much more easily!


    You are the fourth most powerful expert in the world, Your Majesty. The fifth most powerful expert is Jiang Zijie, who was previously ranked number six and uses the double-ring sword. This person��s reputation is pretty good as well, and I want to send someone to invite him. However, he is the head of Huabing Sword House, so we might not be able to make him budge!


    Hong Wu is the sixth most powerful expert while the seventh to tenth ranked experts have all been taken care of by you, Your Majesty,�� he borated.


    Ren Baqianughed at this moment. The empress had killed many experts in recent years! The fourth most powerful expert, Teng Yue, the fifth, Hua Sanliu, the seventh, Lu Pinghai as well as Zhulin Er Lao, who had been killed by her just as he was promoted to the tenth most powerful expert in the world.


    Although the Embroidered Uniform Guards were still undergoing training and hadn��t been deployed, information pertaining to these top experts was easily obtainable by simply asking around.


    ��The seventh most powerful expert is currently Tong Yan, who was originally the twelfth. This person is hypocritical and treacherous, so we can��t use him.


    The eighth most powerful expert is Ma Hongyu, who was originally the fourteenth in the world. Even though this man is pretty neutral, he��s a man of his word. We have to invite this person as well. Even though he has a vi, it seems like he could be much easier to invite than Jiang Zixie.


    The ninth most powerful expert is Xu Gongsou, the elder of the Moon Palm Gate. He��s nicknamed the Controller of the Sun, Moon, and Universe and has a good reputation.


    Tenth in the rankings is Lin Dong, chief trainer of the Righteous Sect�� The sect��s name is righteous, but they are notorious for their evil practices and have a poor reputation. As for this Lin Dong�� Although his temper is irascible, he stays true to his word. We can try to reach out to him.��


    ��None of these people can be easily moved. What ostensible purpose do you have?�� The empress twitched her mouth.


    ��In the name of Li Fu, the world��s most powerful expert of course, I��ll say�� that the secret residence of a God will soon be revealed and that Li Fu can��t handle it alone, thus requesting their aid. Those who offer aid shall behold treasure.�� Ren Baqian had read many fantasy novels in the past, and he had a whole bunch of ideas like this in his head.


    These experts might not take it seriously if they heard it from someone else, but if they heard it from Li Fu, most of them would probablye and take a look!


    ��If they find out that they have been duped�� Hehe�� I won��t be able to handle them!�� the empress stated.


    ��After they witness the detonation of the nuclear warhead, I expect all of us will be able to sit down and have a proper talk.�� Ren Baqian wasn��t the least bit worried.


    ��However, you aren��t going to write that in the letter, right?�� The empress looked at him and frowned.


    ��Li Yuanzhu is too indifferent��fame and wealth will never entice her. The hidden treasures of the predecessors were unveiled somewhere near her mountain in the past, yet she didn��t do anything about it at all. We must use justice to convince such people.�� He smiled.


    Ren Baqian wrote on the paper:


    ��The human race is in danger, and the foreign races are making aeback. The force is unstoppable. This matter shall be discussed in Lan City in two months!


    Regards, Li Fu.��


    The letter sent to Li Yuanzhu was to invite her to Lan City.


    Once Ren Baqian persuaded her, he would be able to rely on both the empress and Li Yuanzhu to suppress the others.


    The venue that he wrote in the letters to the rest was the ce where he intended to detonate the warhead!


    ��Your handwriting is very ugly!�� the empressmented.


    ��That��s right. With Li Fu��s background, I wouldn��t believe it if his handwriting was nice!�� Ren Baqian burst intoughter. ��Besides, no one would guess that someone dared to impersonate him with this ugly handwriting, right? The credibility of this letter will then be higher!��


    ��Seeing a person��s handwriting is like seeing the person. These experts have their own divinity in their handwriting that you can never imitate.�� The empress shook her head.


    ��


    The next day, Li Fu heard that Ren Baqian had moved the date back two and a half months.


    He then sneered and quipped, ��You have always had a glib tongue, but why can��t you do it now?��


    ��We will see in two and a half months.�� Ren Baqian chuckled and didn��t seem to be bothered.


    ��Sure, I��ll wait two and a half months to see what you can do! Just don��t postpone it again!��

 Chapter 873 - Women are Terrifying

    Chapter 873: Women are Terrifying


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Genuine One Sect was an inconspicuous n, but ever since Li Yuanzhu came, the temple was deluged by visitors.


    However, although there were many people who wanted to meet Li Yuanzhu, very few could get to see her.


    Today, a speedy horse stopped below Mount Zhu.


    A young man with a wide forehead dismounted from the horse and left it at the barn.


    This barn had existed for a long time and was here to prevent people from riding up the mountain and disturbing the pilgrims.


    However, before Li Yuanzhu arrived, nobody cared about this.


    Anyway, who would dare let a horse run freely nowadays?


    At the top of the mountain was a medium-sized Taoist temple. As the thirdrgest in the world, it looked rather shabby, but there were many pilgrims and even more people who wanted to learn martial arts from the teachers there.


    The youngster nced around and then fixed his eyes on a 16 or 17 year old Taoist standing at the front of the gate.


    ��Fellow cultivator, I have a letter to pass to Priestess Li Yuanzhu . Please convey the message,�� the young man said politely and with the right etiquette.


    Li Yuanzhu dressed like a Taoist nun, but wasn��t ordained. However, the young man still addressed her this way.


    ��Give me your name and pass the letter to me,�� the young nun said with a smile. The number of people who wanted to see the priestess or send her letters was too high.


    Although the Taoist nun had this thought, it could be seen from her attitude that the disciples from Genuine One Sect were well disciplined.


    ��My name isn��t important, but the person who asked me to send this letter isn��t ordinary. I have to deliver it personally! Please convey the message that a person named Li Fu is the sender!��


    ��What a tacky name!�� the little nun muttered under her breath. She had never heard of this name, and there were many people in this world who thought highly of themselves. Outside their viges, the people who had heard of them were very few.


    ��When this person goes to the pce, the emperor will personally wee him. Whether this is true or false, you will know when you report it!�� The young man seemed to know what the little nun was thinking.


    In fact, the young messenger used to also have the same idea in the past. If not for this mission, he wouldn��t have known Li Fu��s name.


    The little nun felt that this was exaggerated, but seeing theposed way he talked, she was convinced and rushed in to report after bowing.


    The name of this young man was Shi Jingtian, and he was one of the most gifted disciples of the Lingshan Sect in Tianjing Basin. At the age of 19, he was already an Earth Wheel expert and the personal disciple of Zuo Cheng.


    Most of the sects in Tianjing Basin had been wiped out, and Lingshan Sect had been the leading sect of the eight big sects the entire time. Over the past two years, it had recruited many members and greatly increased its power.


    Right now, Lingshan Sect and the Rearguard Commandery had merged together and had sent out such disciples.


    After the little nun left, Shi Jingtian tried to size up Genuine One Sect��s situation.


    At this moment, Li Yuanzhu was in the meditation room. In fact, she spent most of her time here.


    Other people assumed that she practiced hard every day. Otherwise, how could she have be one of the pinnacle experts when she was only 20?


    However, she was peeling a Seven Leaves fruit that was about the size of a thumb. There was a hard shell exterior, but when peeled, the red skin and white flesh would be exposed.


    It was troublesome for ordinary people to eat Seven Leaves, but Li Yuanzhu opened it with a little pinch and didn��t damage the red skin at all. Such a feat would be apuded by others.


    There was a small pile of shells to the side while the separated kernels were in front of her.


    She delicately pinched a piece and put it into her mouth. A look of pleasure lit up her calm expression.


    At this moment, the sound of rushing footsteps was heard, which distracted her. When she waved her hand from the couch, those shells and kernels disappeared.


    ��Senior Sister, you have a letter from someone who boasted that even the emperor has to personally wee him when he goes to the pce.�� An exuberant young girl of about 20 opened the door, sniffed the air, and yelled, ��Senior Sister, have you been eating on the sly again?��


    ��How could that be?�� Li Yuanzhu smiled. Ning Qing��s sense of smell was getting better and better. All of her talent was probably in her nose!


    Li Yuanzhu gently rebuked her, ��You aren��t young anymore, yet you��re still so impetuous. Who��s the person that��s here?��


    ��Don��t change the subject! I have detected the smell. You should know about my nose��I��m even better than a dog!�� Ning Qing dered emphatically. ��Senior sister, you are cunning. You said you have no more fruit, but you hide here to eat them.��


    ��What on earth are you here for?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    What an ironicparison. Only Ning Qing would say such a thing. Wasn��t she scolding herself when saying that even a dog was no match for her?


    ��Oh, I will let you off this time. If others knew that the third most powerful expert in the world was hiding here to eat food like a thief, they wouldugh until their teeth fell out.�� The young girl grumbled for a long time before saying, ��Someone is here delivering a letter from Li Fu and said that this Li Fu is someone whom the emperor would personally have to wee! Who��s this Li Fu? I have never heard of him!��


    Li Yuanzhu was surprised and said, ��I have nothing to do with him�� but if it��s really him, I better take a look at that letter. I only hope that it isn��t someone using his name.��


    ��Who on earth is this Li Fu? What a nondescript name!�� Ning Qing was even more curious when she saw Li Yuanzhu��s response.


    ��The number one expert in the world! It could only be him who has the name that requires the personal attention of the emperor!�� Li Yuanzhu eximed. ��I have told you before.��


    ��Oh, it��s the one that was called XXX!�� Ning Qing finally recalled.


    Li Yuanzhu smiled as she found this matter rather interesting.


    The top two names on the list of world experts were substituted with ��XXX.�� This had been treated as a joke, but the real top experts had more or less heard of these two names before.


    One was Li Fu.


    The other was name was Xu Wuming, which was more impressive. Both were known more than 100 years ago, but after hiding for so long, very few people knew whether they were dead or alive.


    She never expected to receive a letter from Li Fu.


    ��Bring that person to the hall! I will be there soon,�� Li Yuanzhu said slowly.


    After Ning Qing had left, Li Yuanzhu found a box to store the Seven Leaves that she had peeled.


    This box looked rather inconspicuous, but was actually made of special wood. Its function was to preserve goods for months. This small box cost hundreds of taels of gold and was often used to store cherished herbs.


    To Li Yuanzhu, this box was for storing snacks. It not only kept them fresh, but also sealed in the smell to prevent the dog nose of Ning Qing from detecting it.


    Shi Jingtian was brought into the hall. He didn��t look around and just stood there quietly.


    ��Young punk, what��s your name? Is this letter really from the number one expert in the world, ��Li Fu?�� Is he still alive? Where is he? Are you his disciple? Why did he write a letter to my Senior Sister? Hey, say something. Is your letter real? There��s no reason he would disappear for so long and suddenly send this letter�� Let me tell you this, if the letter is fake, you better say so. Otherwise, when my Senior Sisteres out, I will not spare you even if she doesn��t say anything����


    A young girl with an inquisitive look sat there and muttered nonstop.


    Shi Jingtian stood there attentively, but turned a deaf ear to her.


    ��Are you dumb? Or maybe you are looking down on me? Let me tell you this, in this Genuine One Sect, Senior Sister is number one, the temple head is number two, and the various seniors are number three, four, five, six, and seven. After that, the remaining position is mine����


    Shi Jingtian continued to stand straight, but the back of his head was about to start sweating.


    It wasn��t that he didn��t want to answer, but he didn��t know where to start.


    Women are really terrifying��


    He was right to reject his Junior Sister a few days ago.


    Anyway, studying and practicing martial arts were more important.


    After waiting for a while, someone came to his rescue.


    A woman dressed in a nun��s attire came in. She had an imposing manner that made one forget her face.

 Chapter 874 - Preparing to Leave the Mountain

    Chapter 874: Preparing to Leave the Mountain


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Senior Sister, this guy is dumb. They actually asked a dumb guy to deliver the letter!�� Ning Qing immediately jumped up from her chair toin when she saw Li Yuanzhuing in.


    ��I��m afraid a normal person will be mute when meeting you!�� This was all Li Yuanzhu could say.


    Normal people tended to talk less as they got older. For Ning Qing, it was just the opposite.


    As a matter of fact, Ning Qing was more lovable when she was young.


    ��May I know, are you Priestess Li Yuanzhu?�� Shi Jingtian asked. He had confirmed her identity with one look as she looked exactly like what the rumors had described.


    He couldn��t help thinking, If all the women in the world were like her, it would be good! At least it wouldn��t be so vexing.


    ��Yes, I am. Please be seated. Master, how may I address you?�� Her smile made Shi Jingtian rx.


    This was the first time he felt sofortable facing a woman.


    Usually, it was like facing a tiger.


    Since he was talented and not bad looking, many women gathered around him every day, which was unbearable.


    ��I��m Shi Jingtian. I��m not worthy of being addressed as master.�� Shi Jingtian cupped his hands in salute and then presented the letter, saying, ��This is the letter.��


    ��So you are Master Shi. You are young, well cultivated, and very talented.�� Li Yuanzhu praised him.


    Shi Jingtian was shocked that she could sense his background when he didn��t divulge anything. However, this was only to be expected as even his teacher was no match for the gorgeous woman in front of him.


    Ning Qing ran forward to snatch the letter and gave it to Li Yuanzhu.


    Li Yuanzhu said with a smile, ��Who asked you to send this letter? How is he rted to you?��


    ��It��s His Highness, Zhao Prince Consort!�� Shi Jingtian answered frankly. Ren Baqian had told him before that there was no need to hide the fact that Li Fu was in Lan City. Furthermore, Lan City was stated as the meeting ce in the letter. People would be suspicious if this wasn��t openly known.


    ��So, it��s Zhao Prince Consort of Dayao.�� Li Yuanzhu pondered and sounded surprised.


    ��Oh, is it that gigolo?�� Ning Qing responded.


    ��Ning Qing!�� Li Yuanzhu��s face changed, and Ning Qing was frightened.


    She quickly added, ��I was spouting nonsense��just ignore me.��


    ��Why is that elder in Dayao? What��s he doing there?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    ��I do not know. You will probably find out after reading the letter,�� Shi Jingtian said.


    Li Yuanzhu opened the letter and frowned after browsing it as the contents were strange.


    Foreign races? Stage aeback? Very powerful? What did it mean?


    ��The writing is ugly!�� Ning Qing eximed after seeing the letter from behind.


    Li Yuanzhu didn��t scold her this time. She cared about the meaning of the words, not whether the writing was beautiful or ugly. Every word was painted as a mountain, and the number of words was the same as the number of mountains.


    ��There��s also the smell of a woman!�� Ning Qing sniffed andmented.


    This letter was written by the empress.


    The words written by such an expert were full of spirit. Even if Ren Baqian were to forge it, an expert could see that it wasn��t authentic.


    After the empress stated this point, Ren Baqian immediately thought of getting the empress to write it.


    It would be fun to trick that woman and help Ren Baqian at the same time.


    Although the empress wasn��t Li Fu, she was the fourth most powerful expert in the world and also a ruler. If the words were written with spirit and if the reader hadn��t previously seen the handwriting of the two people, the reader might think that it was written by the world��s number one expert.


    It consisted of only dozens of words, but Li Yuanzhu spent the time it took to drink a cup of tea before she put down the letter and eximed, ��Nice handwriting!��


    Ning Qing was already bewildered by the contents of the letter and widened her eyes upon hearing this.


    ��Nice handwriting?�� she asked.


    ��I have already told you to cultivate more. Your level is too low, and you will not understand this.�� Li Yuanzhu shook her head.


    Then, she asked, ��Does Master Shi know the meaning of the contents of the letter?��


    ��No.��


    ��Is that person in Lan City? Can you tell me about his situation now?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    She felt that the contents of the letter were strange, but she was reminded of what she identally heard from Xu Gongsou.


    At that time, Xu Gongsou didn��t say it clearly. In fact, he also didn��t really understand, but he said that the history of the human race included a huge secret.


    When Li Yuanzhu saw this letter, the first thing she wanted to confirm was whether this letter was written by Li Fu. Only two people in this world could have written it, Li Fu and Qi Zixiao.


    Thetter was disdainful toward doing such a thing.


    In that case, it should be Li Fu.


    No matter what, if she wanted to understand the situation, she had to make a trip to the south.


    However, she still wanted to find out the condition of Li Fu first.


    Shi Jingtian hesitated and said, ��I do not know much!��


    ��Just tell me what you know. The world��s number one expert has disappeared for a long time, so I��m curious,�� Li Yuanzhu said.


    ��He has a nickname, the ��Testicle Kicking Maniac!����


    ��What? What do you mean?�� Li Yuanzhu didn��t get it.


    Shi Jingtian exined, ��It��s said that many people challenged him after he came to Lan City, and he kicked every challenger with one kick to the crotch. This was how he got the nickname.��


    ��Wow!�� Ning Qing gasped.


    Li Yuanzhu��s expression became frosty��


    Shi Jingtian saw their reaction and rejoiced because he had suffered simr disillusionment before.


    Next, he cheerfully added, ��There are rumors that he colluded with others to sell iron crotch guards and that he would kick people more lightly if they bought these from him.��


    ��Is this the world��s number one expert? Are you joking?�� Ning Qing��s eyes almost popped out. ��Senior Sister, I don��t think this is real.��


    Ning Qing found it hard to believe that the top expert in the world could behave this way.


    Li Yuanzhu rubbed her forehead and said with mixed feelings, ��ording to the rumors about his character, it isn��t impossible����


    ��This is what I know,�� Shi Jingtian said happily.


    ��Is Master Shi from the Yun Nation or Tianjing Basin?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    ��Tianjing Basin, Lingshan Sect.��


    ��Oh, you are an elite disciple of Lingshan Sect.�� Li Yuanzhu nodded. ��Are you working for the Dayao imperial court?��


    ��Yes! I��m a baihu of the Rearguard Commandery and was tasked with delivering this letter,�� Shi Jingtian said truthfully.


    ��Fine. Go and take a rest. I will consider this and then give you a reply,�� Li Yuanzhu said.


    After Shi Jingtian had left, Ning Qing voiced out her suspicion and asked, ��Is this really written by Li Fu? What��s the meaning of this letter? What foreign races? Senior Sister, do you know?��


    ��I��m not sure, but since it��s written by the world��s number one expert, the contents should be real. Anyway, I need to make a trip!��


    ��I want to go too!�� Ning Qing jumped up with joy and said hastily, ��I��m going to pack now. It��s boring in the mountain, and I can finally go out!��


    ��You���� Li Yuanzhu said resignedly.


    ��If anything happens, I can help to send a letter or do something simr. Furthermore, you are the third most powerful expert in the world and should have some followers when you go out. Otherwise, you will lower your prestige. Although you do not mind, you shouldn��t let others look down on you. With me around, you will have someone to talk to on the road.�� Ning Qing kept chattering.


    Li Yuanzhuughed bitterly. With Ning Qing��s talent, she would have be an Earth Wheel expert before the age of 20 if she had been willing to put in the effort.


    However, with her yful temperament, she couldn��t concentrate and was only a Man Wheel expert at the moment.


    By bringing her along to see the world, it might hone her character.


    Since Li Fu sent this letter, other masters would most likely have also received letters. This was an opportunity for her to see the world.

 Chapter 875 - People Who Use Poison Have Nasty Intentions

    Chapter 875: People Who Use Poison Have Nasty Intentions


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��I want to ask you something. Both you and Xu Wuming have lived more than a century. ording to the lifespan of Spirit Wheel experts, there should be other people who have lived more than a century as well, right? Why are the current top-ranked experts all less than a century old? Don��t tell me that people in the past were all lousy!�� Ren Baqian had nothing to do and decided to get Li Fu toe and barbeque with him. There was a row of people hanging about five meters above the barbeque rack.


    Ignorant people would probably think that they were roasting humans!


    The aroma of roasted meat and the thick smoke from below almost made the dozen youths hanging up there cry!


    ��Principal, will you let me down? I��ll definitely pass the next exam!�� Zhu Hua vowed.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian winced. Had he ever passed any exams in thest few years?


    Forget it, Ren Baqian had no expectations that he would pass.


    Zhu Hua could just be a security guard after graduation!


    Li Fu had learned from Ren Baqian and sprinkled some seasoning on amb skewer before casually replying, ��All dead!��


    Ren Baqian was surprised.


    He turned to Li Fu and asked, ��All dead? The other experts of that era have all died? How did they die?��


    Spirit Wheel experts had a lifespan of about 150 years, yet there were only a few of them who remained. There weren��t even any who were in their seventies or eighties, and this made him curious.


    It was normal for some to have died after fighting or seeking revenge through so many years, but something wasn��t right for so many of them to have died.


    ��Xu Wuming killed them!�� Li Fu replied faintly.


    ��Him? Why?��


    ��He would also kill you if he saw you!�� he replied.


    Ren Baqian frowned. ording to Li Fu, there would only be one reason for Xu Wuming to kill Ren Baqian on sight.


    ��Did he kill them because they wanted to explore the Sixty Thousand Mountains?��


    ��Yes! There were a lot of experts back then. After we discovered the information, some of them couldn��t hold back any longer and contacted others to go exploring together. Then, Xu Wuming killed them���� Li Fu recollected.


    ��Is he really that strong?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I couldn��t beat him back then,�� Li Fu replied. ��He was also badly wounded at the time. I��m not sure whether he has recovered after so many years, but I have now be the world��s number one expert!��


    Ren Baqian fell silent for a moment before sneering, ��Sword Maniac? Humph!��


    ��You have no idea how scary those things were!�� Li Fu shook his head. ��If you really want to go, I��ll also stop you! I would rather die here than see a blood bath! When that happens, I probably won��t be able to see anything in this world ever again!��


    As the two chatted, the students hanging up there stopped making a din and were all ears.


    ��I will show you something that will knock you off your feet next month!�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    ��Let��s wait and see!�� Even though Li Fu said this, it was clear that he didn��t believe Ren Baqian.


    ��Oh yes, old man, I have also invited some people over! Li Yuanzhu and a few other experts! You guys can gather togetherter and watch that spectacr sight!��


    ��What does that have to do with me!�� Li Fu didn��t seem to be bothered.


    ��As for that�� It has just a little bit to do with you���� Ren Baqianughed mischievously. ��I used your name to invite them!��


    ��If that��s the case, you won��t be able to do it. They will be able to tell at first nce���� At this moment, Li Fu suddenly seemed to think of something.


    With a surprised look, he asked, ��Could that girl have written it? She actually did such a thing?��


    ��I��m her husband and she is my wife���� Ren Baqian boasted. ��Isn��t it just writing a letter?��


    ��Humph!�� Li Fu sneered.


    ��Her Majesty still remains undefeated. It��s a good time to gather all of them and defeat them in one fell swoop!�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��I��m afraid that you will all die too!�� Li Fu didn��t believe his nonsense.


    The empress was powerful, but only because she was talented. It was truly rare for someone to be so strong at her age.


    She might even surpass Li Fu in a few years�� time.


    However, there were still people who were stronger than her at the moment.


    At the very least, there was still Li Yuanzhu.


    Even though there were many experts in Dayao, they were still no match for the top ranked experts. They might even be killed in the process.


    Why would the empress do such an unwise thing?


    ��You��ll know when the timees. So, you don��t really mind that I used your name to invite them?�� Ren Baqian began to wonder as the old man was way too calm about this.


    ��I��ll exin it to them if they reallye. They can only me themselves for being stupid! How could they me me for it?�� Li Fu sneered.


    ��How imposing!�� Ren Baqianmended and gave a thumbs up.


    ��I��m waiting to see the show that you��ll put on. If you mess it up, you will lose the respect of everyone in the dynasty. The empress won��t let you off either!�� Li Fu replied, waiting to see what Ren Baqian had in store.


    ��Furthermore, be cautious of Xu Wuming. If he knows of your intention, even the empress won��t be able to save you! Don��t count on me to help you stop him either!��


    ��Why would I put myself out there if I can��t even handle him? I might as well lead a good and simple life!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��


    At the same time, Li Yuanzhu took Ning Qing and came down the mountain.


    ��We are finally out! I��m bored to death!�� Ning Qing immediately cheered when she arrived at the foot of the mountain.


    ��You better know your ce on the road. Don��t create any trouble, especially when we reach Dayao. That person might not even care about me!�� Li Yuanzhu reminded her.


    ��How would they dare! Qi Zixiao is just the fourth most powerful expert in the world��you are stronger than her! Other than those two old fellows, nobody else can bepared to you!�� Ning Qing immediately jumped to attention.


    Li Yuanzhu shook her head and made up her mind that she had to look out for Ning Qing throughout the entire trip.


    ��


    Half a month after Li Yuanzhu set off, Ma Hongyu called a few disciples over and ordered, ��Follow me to settle something. Go and pack your bags. We will set off in two days. We may get into a fight this time, so be careful! This is also a chance for you to hone your skills!��


    Xu Gongsou and Tong Yan both brought along a few experts from their sects, but the two reacted very differently. The former was very enthusiastic as he might be able to obtain something that would be useful for his breakthrough.


    On the other hand, Tong Yan, the leader of Righteous Sect, was prepared to go and watch a good show. If there was a good opportunity, he would definitely seize it. If not, he would just walk away and be a stepping stone for others.


    More importantly, he knew some things as the leader of the sect. As a result, he was indifferent to the issue of breaking through.


    Based on how far the experts were from their destination, they sessively departed within a two week period of each other. Their destination was a hilly area northwest of Dayao!


    ��


    One day, two men carrying swords and dressed as schrs arrived at Lan City.


    ��The people here aren��t friendly at all!�� One of them started to wince after looking at the pedestrians as well as the poles on the side of the street.


    Along the way, many aboriginal males deliberately flexed their arms as they walked by to show off their biceps and chest muscles, disying a subtle threat.


    Needless to say, their faces looked extremely fierce as well.


    Fortunately, these people didn��t create trouble, and the two men managed to avoid conflict.


    ��Brother Ling, be carefulter,�� one of them whispered.


    ��You can still flee from others, but I��m afraid that you won��t be able to escape from the grasp of Qi Zixiao! Just y it by ear!�� the other man replied.


    ��I��m not worried about Qi Zixiao�� I��m not worried that she will attack us if we don��t provoke her. Be careful of that Zhao Prince Consort!��


    ��Why?��


    ��People who use poison have bad intentions!��


    One of them was Du Mengyang, who was 28 years old.


    The other was Ling Du, who was 34 years old.


    Both were masters from Dream.


    There were now two groups of sword masters. One was Shadow Dream while the other was Hidden Dream.


    After Qing Lian passed the information to these two groups, members of Hidden Dream didn��t show much interest. However, many of those in Shadow Dream felt that this was a good opportunity.


    Most of them weren��t overly ambitious, but they wished to make use of worldly resources so that they didn��t have to stay in the wilderness their entire lives.


    Therefore, after receiving this news, these two Spirit Wheel level sword masters came in person to meet Ren Baqian.

 Chapter 876 - Raising a Ruckus

    Chapter 876: Raising a Ruckus


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Hey, did you hear that? The world��s number one expert has appeared and has found the residence of an ancient God. In that residence, there are hidden treasures used by that God!��


    ��That��s ridiculous. Have you read too many supernatural and fantasy novels? Ancient God?��


    ��This�� you are ignorant. Ancient treasures are asionally discovered, and a blood bath will arise every time it happens! Take the rumored sword master for example, who kills his enemies with flying swords. That��s indeed true!��


    ��It��s said that sword masters have been increasingly rare this decade, but to be specific, who has actually seen it with their own eyes?��


    ��You mean the ancient people fabricated it? That is ridiculous. There are all sorts of strange Spirit Wheel experts��how are they fake? I think you have gotten muddle-headed from all that reading.��


    Two schrs were debating with each other in a restaurant in Great Xia.


    At a table not far away, a fair man in his fifties with a long beard sat with three vigorous looking men around him who were in their thirties.


    They were listening to the schrs�� argument.


    The older man looked calm.


    The vigorous men had various expressions on their faces.


    ��Master, how do these ordinary people know about this?�� one of them wondered.


    The fair man with a long beard was Ma Hongyu.


    He put down his wine ss and whispered, ��I suppose you are assuming that only I know about this, right? Someone deliberately released this news to confuse people.��


    ��Master, could it be fake?�� One of the disciples was worried.


    ��Do you doubt my ability to recognize the handwriting of the number one expert in the world? The handwriting can be faked, but not the divinity within!�� Ma Hongyu frowned slightly.


    ��I dare not!��


    ��However, this urrence seems really unusual. Li Fu, whom I haven��t seen in a long time, actually wrote me a letter, but I presume I wasn��t the only one who received a letter. There must be quite a number of other experts attending as well. I��m not sure what he values so much in that secret residence or who it was that left behind all those treasures and made things difficult for him.


    As for raising a ruckus, if he were to do so as the world��s number one expert, then I would have to give it to him!��


    ��


    ��Oh? The news actually spread?�� Ren Baqian was a little surprised when he heard the report.


    ��Yes, it��s spreading in Great Xia. We overheard people talking about it in a restaurant. Iter tried to trace the source of the information for seven days, but failed!�� a young man said as he stood below.


    ��We have done poorly!�� another middle-aged man added.


    The young man��s name was Chen Feng, he was a baihu **of the Rearguard Commandery, and was one of those who delivered the letters to Great Xia.


    The middle-aged man was Ge Yu, he was the Northern Defense Commander of the Rearguard Commandery, and the leader of the 1,000 men who were undergoing training in preparation for the battle with Great Xia.


    ��Since the news spread, there will be many people who want to take advantage of the crisis. I��m afraid that it will have an impact on Your Highness��s ns!��


    Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows. Impact? What kind of impact could there be? An extra group of people there to watch the fireworks?


    He was curious about who actually spread the news. To be able to spread the news over such arge area, the other party should have mobilized quite a big group of people. This task would be impossible without a strong influence.


    However, none of those whom he had sent the invites to were ordinary people, and anyone could have done this.


    Even if it was Ma Hongyu, who only had a vige, someone with his status would have his ways to spread the word.


    As for the other party��s purpose for doing this, it would be to take advantage of the crisis and reap the most benefits when the time came.


    However, the event was something that no one would expect!


    Ren Baqian was merely inviting them to watch a disy of fireworks!


    As for the secret residence�� Whether or not he would build a secret residence, he would probably be able to rope in quite a few people to join the cause.


    Anyone who dared to take advantage of this crisis would definitely not be an ordinary person!


    Ren Baqian pondered for a moment before picking up the letter in front of him. He opened it and found a white handkerchief with a string of white pearls hanging from the corners.


    He unfolded the handkerchief and saw a line of bold cursive calligraphy.


    ��I heard that the empress of Dayao has seven drops of true dragon blood, which contain the might of a true dragon. This is extremely rare in the world today, and I wish to have it to fiddle with. I��ll being on the third of the sixth month, and I believe it��s unlikely that the empress of Dayao will have me leave in vain.


    Handsome leaving you with a message!��


    Ren Baqian had a strange look on his face after he read it the first time, and he continued to look through it carefully three more times.


    ��Where did thise from?�� he asked as he held the handkerchief.


    ��Your Highness, before we returned, someone ced it on the table in our lodge in Yu Yang City. We were ipetent and weren��t even aware that someone sneaked into our room. If that person tried to take my life, I probably wouldn��t have been able to make it back here to see you!�� Chen Feng lowered his head and admitted his mistake.


    ��Who��s this ��Handsome?���� Ren Baqian forced a smile.


    ��He should be Xin Shuai, the Ghost Shadow. His skills aren��t exactly the best, but his martial arts skills is truly top-notch. He hasmitted quite a number of major crimes in Great Xia over thest decade, and it��s said that he even stole an important treasure from the pce! In order to apprehend him, the imperial court of Great Xia deployed Leng Ran, the Heavenly Captor. He has been trying to track Xin Shuai for several years, but has yet to bring him to justice.


    At this time, Xin Shuai actually even ns to have designs on Her Majesty and Your Highness! We must definitely make hime here without returning! However, please be careful as this person has alreadymitted multiple crimes after leaving messages and preempted the victims each time he did so. Even though that Leng Ran isn��t exactly strong at fighting, he��s still a Spirit Wheel expert who is adept at tracking and capture. Nheless, even a person like him had no way of catching Xin Shuai, and this shows how outstanding Xin Shuai is,�� Ge Yu exined.


    ��However, we currently still don��t know whether or not it was an imposter who delivered this message.��


    The third day of the sixth month was the date set in the letter before Ren Baqian.


    It would take four days to travel from Lan City to the destination.


    It wasn��t necessarily impossible for someone to act as an imposter to iste the experts from Dayao. After all, the destination was in Dayao, and if the empire were to mobilize arge number of experts, it would indeed be a big threat.


    However, if the sender was legitimate and were to steal something from the pce, it would be a great humiliation.


    Ren Baqian had a pensive look on his face, but he was thinking about something else. The contents and presentation of this letter were truly too simr to a certain someone��s style! It was too much of a coincidence!


    ��Go check if there��s a person named Gu Long, Gu Longxin, or Gu Longju,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��Are there any likely areas where this person would reside, Your Highness?�� Gu Yu immediately asked.


    ��Check if these names match the authors of novels in Great Xia��s markets or see if there��s a simr plot in any novel!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Yes!��


    ��Good job!�� Ren Baqian��s praise surprised both of them. They originally thought that they would be punished, but ended up gettingmended.


    ��It��s beyond my expectations that you were able to find out so much about Great Xia within such a short period of time. You will naturally be rewarded once youplete this task!��


    It was impossible for the two to find out whomitted the crime after receiving this letter. This only showed that the other party had already been in the intelligence library of the Rearguard Commandery from the beginning.


    Others had been training for the past few months, but Ge Yu had also sent people to go pave the way and collect information about some experts. This had now begun to show results.


    For instance, take this Ghost Shadow, who Ren Baqian had never heard of before.


    ��Thank you, Your Highness! It��s terrible that we have performed poorly and yet still receive your generous treatment!�� Both men bowed their heads and expressed gratitude.


    ��It��s your credit if you have done it! I��m managing the Rearguard Commandery, ck Bamboo Academy, andmercial affairs at the same time. I��m so busy that I don��t even have any free time! I��ll have to hand over control of the Rearguard Commandery topetent people sooner orter!�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    ��We will do everything we can in the hope that we handle the tasks well!�� Ge Yu replied immediately with a slight change in his face.


    ��You may take your leave. Do it well!�� Ren Baqian nodded and sent them off.


    He then turned to his side and said, ��Bring those two over!��

 Chapter 877 - A “Concerned Look” for the Empress

    Chapter 877: A ��Concerned Look�� for the Empress


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Du Mengyang and Ling Du still couldn��t imagine what had just happened when they walked out of the Rearguard Commandery.


    The two first went to ck Bamboo Academy and then to the Honglu Bureau to look for Ren Baqian. After that, they ended up getting taken to the Rearguard Commandery.


    It was a courtyard in the corner of the Beihong District.


    Of course, this wasn��t important at all. The important thing was what Ren Baqian said.


    Before Du Mengyang and Ling Du came, they learned from Qing Lian that Ren Baqian didn��t choose them for their fighting abilities.


    After all, the aboriginals were a race of fighters. Almost all of the officials in the imperial court were Cardinal Heaven experts, who were better than or equivalent to ordinary Spirit Wheel experts.


    Most of the Spirit Wheel experts in the Yun Nation and Great Xia weren��t part of the imperial court; only a very small number of them would join and earn an official��s sry. After all, with this level of strength, it was enough for them to dominate. As long as they didn��t do anything to provoke others, no one would easily provoke them either. Why did they have to take orders from the imperial court?


    However, in Dayao, the most powerful ones were all part of the imperial court. Nearly every Cardinal Heaven expert held an official title. (No one knew how many Cardinal Heaven experts there were in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, not even the empress.)


    Under these circumstances, why would the aboriginals care aboutbat power that could only be obtained at the expense of a shorter lifespan?


    This was also why Du Mengyang and Ling Du were excited.


    None of the sword masters enjoyed fighting because the price they paid was their longevity!


    This was so much so that they wanted to break away from hiding in the wilderness since they would often run into danger in those ces. Their lifespan would also be consumed with each use of their spirit swords.


    As such, even with a Spirit Wheel level of strength, most of them didn��t consider themselves as either Spirit Wheel experts or ordinary people. They were just a group that was separated from the outside world.


    Being able to obtain the materials that they needed without having to fight, stay in the wilderness, or do all sorts of random stuff was a dreame true for many sword masters.


    However, Du Mengyang and Ling Du found Ren Baqian��s request unexpected.


    Study!


    He wanted them to study and wanted to monitor their progress!


    This wasn��t a demand. They could simply skim through the books or even pick a subject that they liked.


    ording to Ren Baqian, if they passed, they could eventually choose to be teachers at the school or researchers. This was also something unexpected for them.


    Du Mengyang and Ling Du were taken to a courtyard next to the Honglu Bureau.


    After closing the door, Du Mengyang said, ��Somehow, I still find it a little strange!��


    ��Me too!�� Ling Du replied.


    ��That Zhao Prince Consort spent so much effort to find us just to do this? If the aboriginals originallycked such people, what sort of people could they not find after having already conquered the Yun Nation? Why did he have to seek us?�� Du Mengyang couldn��t understand what Ren Baqian was doing.


    Ling Du felt the same as well and replied after pondering for a bit, ��Even though Qing Lian said that he was credible, her current status might not be reassuring. We aren��t the same as them. We live in the wilderness all the time and rarely deal with people. We aren��t adept at crafty plots, and I��m afraid that we might fall into a trap.


    Since we are here, let��s just stay for a while. It will not take long. We shall then see what he has up his sleeve.


    Anyway, I have confidence in my memory. If I hadn��t be a sword ve back then, I would probably have be a schr.��


    ��I passed the examinations when I was 16, but had no choice except to give up everything after bing a sword ve. Sometimes, I really find that being a sword ve is a curse,�� Du Mengyang replied angrily.


    In fact, it wasn��t only the two of them who felt this way. All of the sword masters were literate and well read.


    After all, if they weren��t well read, how would they know where different materials were located?


    It was the same for their literacy.


    Regardless of whether they were martial arts experts or sword masters, all of them were literate. If a martial arts expert couldn��t even understand a manual, how would they be able to practice? The first prerequisite of practicing martial arts was to be literate.


    In this era, they were definitely a rare group of highly educated people.


    Of course, there was an exception for the Man Wheel experts who were trained out of the martial arts and those who were highly talented.


    There was an exception for the aboriginals as well!


    They were a race of highly talented people.


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, there is something interesting today!�� Ren Baqianughed as he hugged the empress��s waist.


    He thought of the letter that he read in the afternoon and felt that it was interesting.


    She twitched her nose and suddenly said, ��I smell a woman��s scent.��


    The empress then stared at Ren Baqian and demanded, ��What��s your exnation?!��


    ��How��s that possible?�� Ren Baqian chuckled. He had been at the academy and the Rearguard Commandery the entire day��how could he have met a woman?


    Her face immediately turned gloomy.


    At the sight of this, Ren Baqian immediately realized that things were about to turn nasty. He hurriedly let go of the empress and gestured for a pause before walking in circles and racking his brain.


    It was said that she was a little temperamental these days!


    Could it be that even she wasn��t spared from the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy?


    This thought shed across Ren Baqian��s mind, but he immediately cast it aside and thought hard about how that scent got on him.


    By right, a slight touch shouldn��t leave a scent on him, and the empress couldn��t have smelled it.


    Could it be that she was deceiving herself?


    Could she have be more paranoid due to the effects of estrogen? That couldn��t be it, right?


    However, Ren Baqian wasn��t sure about it either.


    He had never been pregnant before, so how would he know? It seemed like he should employ a gynecologist at home in the future so that he could ask questions from time to time.


    ��I have been at the academy and the Rearguard Commandery the entire day. The bodyguards can vouch for this, and they wouldn��t dare to lie to you!�� He spread his hands and smiled rxedly.


    ��Do you mean that you dare to lie to me?�� The empress��s face turned even more gloomy.


    ��I dare not!�� Ren Baqian replied gently.


    ��So exin how you got that scent on your body?�� Her eyes began to give off an ominous glint, and the temperature of the surrounding air dropped.


    He was speechless.


    What was he supposed to say? He felt even more maligned than Dou E! 1


    ��I really didn��t���� Ren Baqian was momentarily at a loss for words, and his entire head was perspiring. He didn��t do anything wrong, but the empress insisted that he did. How was he supposed to exin!


    Unexpectedly, she suddenlyughed, causing the atmosphere in the hall to be lively again.


    ��Just teasing you. There was this scene in a soap opera that I was watching recently��I just wanted to see how you would react!�� Her face was full of smiles, and her nose was slightly wrinkled, which made her look very cute and yful.


    However, Ren Baqian felt that it wasn��t funny at all. He was so frightened and anxious that he was drenched in sweat.


    ��Your Majesty, watch less of them. Those things are the cause of ruin!�� He smiled bitterly.


    The empressughed gently and didn��t speak. As he approached, her eyes suddenly turned cold, and she swatted her hand over.


    ��You still argue that you didn��t lie?��


    Ren Baqian was stupefied and rolled a dozen times on the floor.


    A divine light struck him all of a sudden.


    ��Damn it! I have been set up!�� He leaped up and tore off his outerwear, looking closely at the back of it.


    After sniffing it carefully for a while, Ren Baqian finally detected a trace.


    He cautiously backed off ten meters away from the empress and tossed the outerwear to her, even though this distance was merely a split second away to her.


    ��Your Majesty, check if it��s about 13 centimeters below the cor on the back.�� Ren Baqian��s face started to turn ck.


    As the empress sniffed, an ominous glint shot out from her eyes.


    She then suppressed it and demanded, ��Exin. What happened?��


    It was indeed that,�� Ren Baqian thought to himself.


    ��Tong Lan and Shi Gan patted me on the back as I was leaving the school.��


    ��This isn��t Tong Lan��s scent!�� The ominous glint surged in her eyes.


    Ren Baqian already understood what had happened by now and continued, ��I punished Tong Lan with washing the toilet for beating up her junior. However, I��m not sure how she got the rouge to nt on my back! Those two b*stards! You guys better be prepared to wash the toilet until you graduate!��


    He was so angry this time that he gritted his teeth.


    He then looked at the empress and felt that she really had some problems��


    ��What is that look for?�� She stared back at him. The gloom on her face had already cleared up a little.


    ��A concerned look for Your Majesty! I��m your husband��who would I care for apart from you?�� Ren Baqian was drenched in cold sweat again. If he were to say that he was showing concern for someone with a mental disorder, they would probably bememorating the anniversary of his death on this day next year.


    No way. He definitely needed to go back and consult a doctor. He wouldn��t be able to live life properly if this continued!


    Footnotes:


    Ch 877 Footnote 1


    A Chinese opera character in the Yuan dynasty who was maligned.

 Chapter 878 - Consulting a Doctor

    Chapter 878: Consulting a Doctor


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When he arrived on Earth, Ren Baqian arranged for someone to get the eight winged cavalry warriors out of the way and made an appointment to see a gynecologist. After waiting for two hours, he finally met a bespectacled female doctor who was in her thirties.


    She was young, but her level was high.


    ��How are you? Have you eaten?�� Ren Baqian was sitting at the table enjoying his food. Seeing his secretary bring the doctor in, he greeted her.


    The doctor was a bit stunned as she didn��t expect to be asked whether she had eaten instead of seeing a patient, which was unusual.


    ��I��m not hungry, thanks. Where��s the patient?�� The doctor was discreet.


    Furthermore, she had been given some instructions before she came.


    Those that were brought in by Ren Baqian��s assistant were the reliable type.


    ��The patient isn��t here. Please be seated and wait a while as I��m very hungry!�� Ren Baqianughed and continued eating voraciously.


    It must be mentioned that the family of chefs that came over earned a huge amount of money.


    Ren Baqian felt that he had recovered his weight very quickly during these two trips.


    His weight was approaching 150 kilograms again.


    Of course, it also had to do with having to live like a sage. Otherwise, every exhrating session would cause him to lose dozens of kilograms of weight, which nobody could take.


    The assistant brought the doctor to the hall, and Ren Baqian continued to eat three tes of noodles and an entire roastmb before he tightened his belt and picked his teeth as he went out.


    He was only half full!


    ��Hello doctor, my wife is pregnant and her temper is bad. May I know the reason?�� Ren Baqian was very polite, and the doctor feltfortable.


    She was brought out from the hospital and, knowing the unusual status of the client, was feeling ufortable.


    ��To understand the condition of the patient, it��s best to see her personally. How long has she been pregnant?��


    ��More than five months.��


    ��Are there any other changes besides her bad temper? What about her character, diet, and daily behavior?��


    Ren Baqian thought for a while before answering, ��She has frequent mood swings, says things that she would not say before, and is also more suspicious.��


    The doctor adjusted her spectacles and asked, ��Do you spend very little time with her?��


    ncing at that ferocious looking bald head, she sort of spected.


    ��I have been busier recently, but I keep herpany every night.��


    The doctor asked some other questions and then said, ��As I haven��t seen the patient, I can only exin briefly. Generally speaking, the reasons why pregnant women behave like this are due to certain causes.


    Physiologically, many pregnant women will have different levels of hormone changes during pregnancy, such as increases in progesterone and estrogen, which makes pregnant women sensitive, emotional, and grumpy.


    Psychologically, pregnant women also needpany. In the early stages of pregnancy, the physical difort induced to pregnant women makes some of them unable to adapt to the role change from wife to mother. During this period, the mood of a pregnant woman is often very unstable, easily angered, and highly dependent.


    Although your wife is more than five months pregnant, it isn��t umon for some people to continue experiencing these changes through this period.


    Furthermore, the scope of activity for pregnant women is limited, which can also make them restless.��


    Ren Baqian nodded thoughtfully.


    ��Do not underestimate these changes as it isn��t good for the pregnant woman or fetus if they go on for too long.��


    ��What should I do?��


    ��Spend more time with her and be more caring. Eat less spicy and heat inducing food and listen to more music����


    Ren Baqian suddenly jolted.


    He had just remembered something and asked, ��Does her drinking have any effects?��


    He had thought that drinking wouldn��t affect the empress due to her ability to control her body. However, in this case, it was hard to say.


    When the doctor heard these words, her eyes widened, she looked incredulous, and she eximed, ��Of course that isn��t allowed! Even ordinary people know that it isn��t advisable to drink when preparing for pregnancy, let alone after bing pregnant. Alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, damage brain cells that aren��tpletely developed, and even cause a miscarriage!��


    Ren Baqian pulled a long face. Although he had known about the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy��


    ��How much does she drink in a day? No matter how much she drinks, she must stop drinking.��


    Ren Baqian estimated it to be two bottles of sorghum wine, which was too much�� When he got back, he had to stop the empress�� At the very least, he should get her to cut it down by one bottle!


    ��By the way, after five months of pregnancy, there isn��t much change in the size of the belly. Are there any problems with that?�� he asked.


    ��The conditions of every pregnancy are different. Go to the hospital for a B-scan ultrasound to find out.��


    Subsequently, Ren Baqian asked a few other questions before asking the assistant to send the doctor back.


    When the assistant returned, Ren Baqian asked her a question, ��Is there an erhu shop in this city?��


    It was time for Ren Baqian to show hismand of ��The Moon Over a Fountain.��


    ��


    In the dim moonlight, the empress felt that the space beside her was empty. That guy still wasn��t back from Earth.


    There was a red gauze hanging above the couch. Otherwise, she would see the high ceiling and feel ufortable.


    Although Ren Baqian didn��t observe it, the empress knew her body the best and was naturally aware of the changes in her body.


    There was a life growing in her womb and deriving its nutrients from her.


    Although the amount was insignificant, it was increasing gradually.


    This was a good thing because she didn��t have to worry about her strength reaching the limit for a period of time.


    In the short run, she wasn��t thinking of making a breakthrough.


    The concept of a child was still strange to her. Suddenly, there seemed to be an additional thing within her, and for a period of time, she was at a loss.


    The empress rolled on the couch a few times and found it spacious as there was one fewer person.


    She hugged the other pillow and continued rolling. There was a slight smile on her face, and she was in a good mood today.


    Through the windows of the pce hall, she could see the sky beginning to brighten.


    Since the weather wasn��t bad, she was thinking of going for a stroll in the garden after attending court.


    After washing up and as she was preparing to eat breakfast, she felt something behind her. She turned around to see Ren Baqian wearing baggy pants and a T-shirt while carrying bags of various sizes.


    ��What did you bring me?�� the empress asked in anticipation.


    ��Ding, ding, ding, ding���� Ren Baqian took out a set of underwear that was made of strings. It could be said that what needed to be covered wasn��t covered and that what needed no covering was also not covered.


    ��Disgusting guy!�� the empress eximed. ��Do you want me to wear that?��


    ��You can give it a try!��


    The empress put her arms on the table to prop up her chin and said, ��In that case, you perform a dance first.��


    ��It��s still early! Don��t you need to attend court?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    The empress looked at the clock and saidnguidly, ��Fine, you escape this time!��


    After the empress left, Ren Baqian began to assemble some of the things that he had brought back. One of them was a human-shaped family doctor robot with a ceramic upper body and a lower body equipped with caterpir tracks.


    The most important function of this robot was to make an announcement when it sensed alcohol and say, ��No drinking during pregnancy!�� It could also teach popr science to the empress.

 Chapter 879 - It’s a Ball in the Tummy

    Chapter 879: It��s a Ball in the Tummy


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��I��m Xiao Zhi, the family doctor. I have detected vtile ethanol in the air. For the health of you and your fetus, please stop drinking!��


    Just as the empress picked up a second cup, a strange-looking robot nearby suddenly seemed to switch on. Red lights shed in its eyes and the caterpir tracks under its body slowly turned and moved toward her.


    The sudden voice stunned Qing Yuan, Hong Luan, and the empress for a moment.


    Robots were no longer strangers in the school. These new kinds of things, which were obviously lifeless and fully made out of machinery, could walk and talk and had always been well-liked by the students.


    There was evidence that had caught several students who sneaked into the school in the middle of the night, wanting to dismember the robots.


    However, this was still quite a fresh experience for Qing Yuan and Hong Luan.


    After seeing this weird thing in the morning, the two felt that it was interesting and studied it for some time.


    What they didn��t expect was that this thing could actually make a sound when the empress drank.


    ��Your Majesty, that thing is making a sound!�� Hong Luan looked all excited.


    Pow.


    nk, nk.


    The empress swatted her hand over, causing the robot that had just arrived by her side to turn into a pile of parts.


    The bulletproofposite ceramic shell of the robot scattered all over the floor as if it had been hit by a sledgehammer.


    ��There��s no sound now.�� The empress poured wine into her mouth, acting as if nothing had happened.


    Qing Yuan and Hong Luan were speechless, and the sadness on their faces was hard to hide.


    Such a fun thing was gone in an instant.


    Ren Baqian deliberately ended work early that day to apany the empress. He first went to Yaohua Pce Hall and immediately felt that something wasn��t right when he didn��t see the family doctor robot.


    He then asked the bodyguard outside.


    ��I threw away some garbage in the afternoon. It was so broken that I couldn��t tell what it was. Are you referring to that?�� the guard asked.


    Even though Ren Baqian didn��t see it, he felt that it was!


    Well, it seemed that convincing the empress to quit drinking still had a long way to go.


    ��Where is Her Majesty?��


    ��She should be in Jinghua Garden.��


    Ren Baqian heard the sound of a zither when he stepped out. He stood there and pondered for a moment before going back to fetch his erhu.


    ��Your Majesty!��


    The garden was full of blooming red and white flowers, and it was extremely beautiful. The flowers were cared for by the gardener whom Ren Baqian had brought back from Tianjing Basin earlier. It now looked much better than the weeds of the past.


    Twodies were ying the zither not far ahead. The empress held a wine ss and turned to look at him and the thing in his hand.


    She suddenly grew wary and asked, ��What are you going to do?��


    ��My erhu ying level is pretty good!��


    He was between tears andughter when he heard her response.


    ��If you were born a few decades earlier and learned the right techniques, you might have already be one of today��s top experts.�� It was rare for her to praise him.


    ��It��s really not bad. Let me y you a tune to liven things up!�� Ren Baqian felt that the empress was biased against him.


    ��Do you believe that I��ll bury you together with the thing in your hand?�� She red at him.


    He spread his hands and sighed. Prejudice is truly terrible.


    Ren Baqian helplessly ced the erhu aside and went to sit down beside the empress.


    ��The family doctor robot in the hall���� he casually inquired.


    ��What do you want to say?��


    ��Forget it. It��s nothing.�� Given her current moody state, he felt that he better not agitate her further.


    ��Are you still going out to workter?�� the empress asked as she listened to the zither and sipped on wine.


    Ren Baqian��s heart warmed after hearing what she said. She hadn��t expressed it in the past and he didn��t realize it either, but she actually hoped he would apany her during his free time.


    ��No, I��ll apany you this afternoon, Your Majesty. It��s been a while since Ist spent time with you. I somehow find that spending every night together isn��t enough!�� His eyes subconsciously turned to look at the wine ss.


    He had no choice. After hearing what the doctor said, he couldn��t ignore it.


    Sure enough, after listening to what Ren Baqian said, the empress couldn��t help but smile.


    She then saw his gaze, and her face became indifferent again as she asked, ��What are you looking at?��


    ��I actually found something very tasty. Would you like to try it, Your Majesty?�� His eyes moved.


    Fortunately, he came well prepared.


    Of course, the empress got curious after hearing this and asked, ��What is it?��


    ��Qing Yuan, go bring that white and green box over,�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��Yes!�� She immediately skipped away.


    ��What exactly is it?�� the empress asked again.


    ��You will find out shortly, Your Majesty.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Soon after, Qing Yuan brought back a box of milk.


    He took a bottle, put a straw in, and handed it to the empress.


    He then gave another two bottles to Qing Yuan and Hong Luan before taking one for himself and starting to sip.


    ��It��s pretty good!�� Sure enough, the empress liked it the moment she tasted it.


    Under the sun in Dayao��s pce, an empress, a prince, and two maids were sipping away on milk. Ren Baqian felt that he ought to find thepany for an endorsement fee.


    After drinking three bottles in a row, she took her wine ss from Hong Luan��s hand and drank a ss.


    Ren Baqian tried to pretend that he didn��t see this and stretched out his hand to touch her belly.


    Pow! The empress pped his hand and red at him. ��What are you doing?��


    ��I��m just showing concern for my son!�� He rubbed his hand and was betweenughing and crying.


    Ren Baqian��s defenses had indeed increased after practicing the [Yang Boosting Technique], but she had also increased the strength she used when hitting him��


    Didn��t it seem like practicing this martial art actually made things easier for the empress?


    She rubbed her tummy andined softly, ��Who told you it��s a boy?��


    ��A girl is pretty good as well!�� Ren Baqian smiled and didn��t seem to mind.


    The empress immediately fell silent.


    ��Tu Wan asked me the other day, saying that I should probably be able to detect whether it was a boy or a girl in my tummy. However, I feel that it��s neither a boy nor a girl���� She spoke after a while and felt a little puzzled.


    Ren Baqian��s face turned sluggish as he asked, ��What is it then?��


    ��It��s a ball!��


    ��Huh?�� He was stunned.


    What did you say?


    ��It��s odd. It seems different from the others!�� The empress looked puzzled at first, but then, she quickly cast this matter aside and continued, ��However, I��m the ruler, so it ought to be different!��


    ��No!�� Ren Baqian hurriedly replied with his eyes wide open. ��Ruler is just a status, and the thing in your tummy isn��t affected by this.��


    How could there be a ball in her tummy?


    Was she really going to give birth to a Nezha?[1.Nezha: A Chinese protection deity]


    ��Don��t be so nervous!�� The empress waved her hand. ��You are already the prince consort and you ought to act like one. You don��t look eptable after bing so flustered.��


    ��No, Your Majesty. This isn��t a problem of whether or not I��m the prince consort. Even a deity would panic if he knew that you are expecting a ball!��


    ��It��s nothing. Maybe there��s too much power to be absorbed in my body, so he formed a ball to shield himself from it. Since I have an exceptional gift that was never before seen, my child should have the same gift as well!��


    The empress pondered for a while. She had been thinking about this mattertely, and the possibility of this happening was quite high.


    ��However, I can��t tell whether it��s a boy or a girl this way.��


    Ren Baqian finally heaved a sigh after hearing what she said. It would be good if it really was like this��


    If the empress actually gave birth to a ball and it called him father, he wouldn��t even know where its face was!


    ��Your Majesty, shall we visit the imperial clinic?�� He still felt a little uneasy.


    ��He��s healthy! I can feel it!�� The empress waved her hand. ��I just feel a little unhappy that I can��t see what he looks like!��


    Ren Baqian originally wanted to ask her why there was no change in the size of her tummy when she was already more than five months pregnant, but now, he lost the mood to ask.


    At the moment, all he thought about was the ball in the empress��s tummy.

 Chapter 880 - Li Yuanzhu Has Arrived

    Chapter 880: Li Yuanzhu Has Arrived


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Stop there, Zhu Hua!�� Ren Baqian said while wielding a Type 81 assault rifle.


    Throughout the campus, a female figure scurried around like a monkey. People could only see a faint shadow and couldn��t locate her.


    ��My body would be full of holes if I stood still!�� Zhu Hua apparently wasn��t ready to be taken for a fool. Seeing how angry he was at the moment, she decided to stay out of trouble for the time being.


    Without even looking, Ren Baqian pulled the trigger and fired continuously at where the sound came from.


    Li Fu, who was resting with his eyes closed, pointed his finger in the air a few times and made several bullets fall to the ground.


    ��Are you shooting at me? If it were someone else, his face would probably be full of holes!�� he said faintly.


    ��Pah!��


    ��So bad-tempered? Are you constipated?��


    At a window not far away, several students turned their heads and looked outside.


    ��The principal is really scary!�� The ssroom was full of this year��s freshmen, and they were obviously not used to Ren Baqian��s fine teaching customs.


    A young girl stuck her tongue out and said, ��Looks fine!��


    ��Of course you think it��s fine. The principal always looks at you with pleasant eyes!��


    ��If you guys put more effort into your examinations, he definitely wouldn��t be fierce with you!�� Zhan Caixian smiled.


    Dadada! Dadadada!


    There was another series of gunfire.


    Shi Gan, who had just walked out of the Research Institute of Internal Combustion Engines, looked in the direction of the academy andughed.


    ��Yagui has been pretty impatienttely!�� he said.


    Shi Gan hadn��t heard gunfire for quite some time, but gunshots had been roaring repeatedly these days.


    ��Still, I really miss this sound!��


    ��These are all the scars of men!�� Du Laoliu suddenly came out, removed his shirt, and revealed scars that could be seen on his body. They looked pretty prominent in the sun.


    Over thest few years, he had been hung up the most.


    ��Hehe!��


    Tong Lan, who had been sitting on top of the wall, suddenly sneered, thinking that Du Laoliu obviously got these scars because he was stupid.


    He couldn��t be bothered with her or probably wasn��t in the mood to get into a fight.


    He turned to Shi Gan and asked, ��Do you think this internalbustion engine will be able to rece manualbor like what Yagui said?��


    ��Why not? The steam-powered car exined everything, but that was still too big. If we shrink the internalbustion engine, we will be able to achieve our goal. That biodiesel is much more useful than ck coal and charcoal. I��m really looking forward to seeing all the things we have made go on the streets as well as the surprised looks on people��s faces.��


    ��We can graduate once the internalbustion engine is manufactured!�� Du Laoliu said after pondering for a little.


    ��Yes!�� Shi Gan sighed with a dull look on his face.


    ��That��s hard to say. I heard that there are two options for us after weplete the project. One is to continue studying since there is deeper knowledge to learn, and the other is to go out and work in various departments. A group of us will probably have to stay! Of course, those who aren��t that smart better hurry up and graduate!�� Tong Lan vanished after saying this.


    Shi Gan smiled at Du Laoliu and said, ��She doesn��t have any ill intentions!��


    ��I know, but her words stink!�� Du Laoliu waved his hand. After knowing her for more than three years, he of course knew what she was like.


    Besides, she was so young!


    Even if they ignored her age, they still had to respect her for her strong fists.


    ��


    Two youngdies were leading their horses and walking down the streets of Lan City dressed like Daoist nuns.


    The younger one asked, ��Where do we find the world��s most powerful expert?��


    ��This is Qi Zixiao��s ce. We have to greet the owner first. We can just ask her about Li Fu!�� Li Yuanzhu set her sights on the pedestrians and shops at the side.


    In fact, there was a simpler way. People would immediately notice her once she released the aura from her body.


    However, she naturally wouldn��t do such publicity stunts given her light temperament.


    The pair went straight for the pce as soon as they entered the city.


    ��Halt, the two of you! The pce is forbidden! You are prohibited froming closer!�� They were stopped by the guards before they even reached the pce gates.


    ��Hey, tell your empress that my senior is here!�� Ning Qing made threatening gestures like a fox.


    Li Yuanzhu was the tiger.


    She stared at Ning Qing, stepped forward, cupped her fists, and dered, ��Li Yuanzhu of Great Xia wishes to see Her Majesty of Dayao!��


    ��Do you think you can see Her Majesty whenever you want? Go to the Honglu Bureau and report your identities. Her Majesty will call you if she wishes to see you.�� The guard clearly didn��t know who she was.


    Even though she was the third most powerful expert in the world, she resided too far away from them.


    ��Hey, my senior is�� Oh!�� Ning Qing red at them and shouted before Li Yuanzhu covered her mouth.


    Li Yuanzhu then smiled at the guards and dragged Ning Qing away.


    ��Senior, they actually asked you to report to the Honglu Bureau? This Qi Zixiao is too arrogant!��


    ��Not everyone knows who we are! Their attitude has already exceeded my expectations!�� Li Yuanzhu chuckled. As the people of Great Xia described, the aboriginals were ferocious, brutal, and overbearing. Although these two guards were crude, their attitude was pretty alright, which surprised her.


    ��Are we going to report to the Honglu Bureau just like that?�� Ning Qing felt a little unwilling.


    ��We��ll go look for that person!�� Li Yuanzhu said after pondering for a bit.


    ��That person? That person! That b*stard?�� Ning Qing��s face flushed with anger when she recalled the encounter with that person from a few years ago. That bastard actually said that both her and her senior��s boobs were small!


    ��It��s been a few years��haven��t you gotten over it?�� Li Yuanzhu had long since been over that matter.


    ��Humph!��


    ��Since yours were inherited, don��t worry too much!�� Li Yuanzhu giggled.


    ��Inherited? Inherited what?�� Ning Qing froze for a moment before she reacted and said, ��Senior!��


    She then fell into despair and said, ��Yes, I inherited my ancestor��s t chest! So what?!��


    She turned to look at Li Yuanzhu and said, ��Senior, you are no better than me!��


    Li Yuanzhu simplyughed and said nothing.


    In fact, she didn��t care about this at all. She merely used this to bully Ning Qing.


    It was easy to find out where Ren Baqian was. As soon as they arrived at the school, they saw a dark shadow leaping over the wall and scampering off.


    Li Yuanzhu saw this person clearly. She was a girl around 17 years old, wore clothes made of animal hide, and stuck out her tongue as she ran.


    The two then asked to see Ren Baqian, and it went much smoother this time.


    He knew who the visitors were after hearing the descriptions of their outfits.


    Li Yuanzhu should probably be here by now.


    Ren Baqian calmed himself down and went to greet them at the door. After all, she was the third most powerful expert in the world, so he ought to have the proper bearing.


    He walked over and saw two pretty women standing there dressed like Daoist nuns.


    It had been three years since theyst met, and it seemed like they hadn��t changed much.


    They were still quite t.


    ��Estimating the time, both of you should probably be here by now.�� Ren Baqian had no intention of concealing this.


    He then looked at Li Yuanzhu, seemingly without regarding her as a stranger, and sighed beforementing, ��You looked the same three years ago. Still unaffected by the secr world; truly admirable.��


    The two almost didn��t recognize him, and Ning Qing couldn��t help but ask, ��How did you be like this?��


    Although he looked pretty wretched back then, he was still rather handsome!


    But now��


    Ren Baqian touched his head andughed, ��I have be bald and stronger!��


    The two obviously didn��t understand what he meant, and Li Yuanzhu simply smiled and kept silent. Ning Qing actually noticed his aura, and her jaw dropped due to feeling a little surprised. She actually didn��t recognize him at first nce, yet he had now attained the Earth Wheel level.


    She then looked at herself, pouted her little mouth, and felt vexed.


    ��When I saw���� Thoughts raced in Li Yuanzhu��s mind. Should she address him as His Highness? However, he wasn��t from Dayao. What about prince consort��? He didn��t look like that either��


    ��Just address me as Daoist friend!�� Ren Baqianughed. He didn��t care much about his identity, so she could just treat him like a Daoist friend and they could be at ease with each other.


    ��Oh, are you also a Daoist priest?�� Ning Qing was surprised.


    ��I��m a Buddhist!�� Ren Baqian then recalled that he was actually still a Buddhist.

 Chapter 881 - Daoism and Buddhism

    Chapter 881: Daoism and Buddhism


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Buddhism?�� Li Yuanzhu thought for a moment, but had never heard of such a religion.


    Ning Qing��s face crumbled, and she felt that it was done for. This man actually still believed in a cult. People like this were more loathsome because all of them were like lunatics.


    Ren Baqian led them in and spoke casually, ��Daoism preaches about the creation of life from nothingness. One bes two, two bes three, and three bes everything in the world. Buddhism preaches about nothingness. Nothingness is the same as the material form, and the material form is the same as nothingness.


    Daoism preaches about cultivating the heart and honing the character, while Buddhism preaches about cultivating the character instead of the body and finding one��s true self!


    Daoism preaches about achieving the perfect pagoda, self-contained and seamless.


    Buddhism preaches about breaking free from the agony of life.


    In fact, the two religions have different approaches, but in the end, they have the same goal!��


    Although Ren Baqian only remembered that he was a Buddhist when he started talking about it, he had a deep understanding of the religion. Over thest few years, the ��Heart Sutra�� kept him from crumbling from the endless death. Although he only read this sutra, it always came to his mind naturally when he was on the brink of death and his understanding of it wasn��t shallow.


    If that little monk were to hear him talk about all of this, he would probably scream ��Buddha�� again.


    Li Yuanzhu��s eyes brightened after she heard how Buddhism was theplete opposite of Daoism.


    One was life, and the other was nothingness.


    One was about cultivating the heart and honing the character, whereas the other was about finding one��s true self.


    One went from nothingness to life, while the other went from life to nothingness.


    This immediately made Li Yuanzhu interested, but she wasn��t sure whether Buddhism was an orthodox religion. She couldn��t tell based on the things that Ren Baqian said. Those unorthodox religions often sounded very pleasant as well.


    ��So, what��s the goal of Buddhism?��


    ��Breaking free from one��s self!��


    ��How?��


    ��Discovering one��s true self!��


    ��Specifically how?��


    ��You are Buddha, I am Buddha, she is Buddha, and all beings are Buddha. If you find the Buddhist nature in your true self, you naturally will be Buddha. Therefore, Buddhism preaches about discovering one��s true self and discovering one��s Buddhist nature.��


    ��What is Buddha then?��


    ��Buddha is the forerunner.�� Ren Baqian and Li Yuanzhu went back and forth with questions and answers, making Ning Qing confused.


    If Buddha is the forerunner, then why were all beings Buddha? If all beings were Buddha, then why did they have to practice Buddhism?


    It was clearly nonsense!


    Li Yuanzhu grew more and more energetic as she asked questions, and the aura of her body changed. Her eyes were alternating between enlightenment and confusion.


    ��Thank you for clearing my doubts!�� She cupped her fists at Ren Baqian. ��Where is Buddhism passed down from? Are there any Buddhist scriptures that I can read?��


    She grew to have a good impression of Ren Baqian after their conversation. He at least didn��t look as frivolous as thest time. Although his mind wasn��t all good, he seemed to be quite knowledgeable. From the first few things that he said, it could be seen that he knew quite a bit about Daoism.


    Daoism��s influence in Great Xia wasn��t that great, and there were many branches of it as well. As such, its influence was naturally limited.


    ��Even currently in Tianjing Basin, there are millions of Buddhists. There are scriptures, but if you think that the Daoist deities are the highest beings in the world, the Buddhist scriptures state that Buddha is supreme. You mustn��t get annoyed by these religious disputes,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��Utter nonsense!�� Ning Qing twitched her mouth.


    There were hundreds of millions of people in all of Great Xia. How could the entire nation be Buddhist? (TLC. Not sure about this part)


    Li Yuanzhu��s eyes shed. She thought about this problem, but didn��t speak of it.


    ��Rest assured, Daoist friend!��


    ��I will make some copies and send them to you over the next few days!�� Ren Baqian then suddenly remembered a phrase and said, ��Please stay, my friend. I see that you have a connection with Buddha!��


    This Daoist nun would look quite pretty if she became a Buddhist nun!


    A rather weird smile appeared on his face.


    Li Yuanzhu suddenly felt that Ren Baqian didn��t have good intentions and subconsciously distanced herself a little from him.


    ��The two of us wanted to meet the owner of this ce, but ended up getting refused.�� She shifted the topic.


    ��I don��t think the guards know who you are. It would be better if you wait here for a moment while I get someone to ry the message.��


    ��Thank you for your trouble. There��s another thing that I want to ask about, Zhao Prince Consort. Do you know where Li Fu is?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    ��Li Fu? Oh!�� Ren Baqian nced around the courtyard and pointed in a direction. ��There!��


    What she saw was a dirty old man with a messy white beard and hair. He was squatting on the ground and digging a pit as if he was starting a fire.


    In his hand, there were a few of those things called sweet potatoes that she recently saw.


    ��Liar!�� Ning Qing called out immediately.


    ��Li Fu, the world��s most powerful expert?�� Li Yuanzhu asked faintly. She meant to tell Ren Baqian that she was looking for Li Fu, the world��s number one expert.


    However, she immediately noticed that something was wrong. That old man��s aura was restrained and looked no different from an ordinary person��s, but it wasn��t normal for such a person to appear here.


    Besides��


    Well, there wasn��t anything else. He was no different from an ordinary person.


    ��Could he actually be so different? So much so that I can��t even recognize him in person?�� Li Yuanzhu couldn��t hold it any longer and turned to ask Ren Baqian, only to see his lively expression.


    She turned to look at Li Fu again with her eyebrows raised before they slowly rxed.


    She walked until she was a few meters away from him, cupped her hands, and said, ��Greetings, senior. I��m Li Yuanzhu of Genuine One Sect!��


    He drilled into a piece of wood with his finger a few times, and a me burst out of the hole when he lifted his finger.


    Li Fu then looked up and said, ��You are too formal, child. The person looking for you is that man��it has nothing to do with me!��


    Li Yuanzhu pondered for a moment and realized that she had been deceived! That letter was written by Qi Zixiao!


    However, she kept calm and asked, ��Why are you here, senior?��


    ��I��m old and am just here to make ends meet. Besides, that kid has many interesting things that I��m waiting to see!�� Li Fu lowered his head and continued to light a fire to roast the sweet potatoes.


    If others were to meet the world��s number one expert, they definitely wouldn��t be willing to leave just like that.


    However, Li Yuanzhu simply stood there and thought for a moment before starting to walk toward Ren Baqian.


    In fact, she was still curious about why Li Fu was here, but she didn��t force the issue when he refused to exin.


    ��The letter was written by Qi Zixiao?�� As if she could directly read his mind, she looked at Ren Baqian with a pair of clear eyes.


    ��Didn��t you insist that the world��s most powerful expert wrote that letter?�� Ning Qing whispered.


    Li Yuanzhu nced at her. Whose side was she on?


    However, she truly didn��t expect Qi Zixiao to do such a thing.


    ��It doesn��t matter who wrote it. The contents are real. What understanding do you have about the foreign races and the origins of the human race?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Nothing at all!�� Li Yuanzhu shook her head.


    He felt relieved after hearing this. He was originally afraid that he would immediately be criticized like what Li Fu had said


    There was finally someone who didn��t know about this!


    Even though Li Yuanzhu was the third most powerful expert in the world, she was still young and had spent most of her time in a Daoist temple. Naturally, she wouldn��t know about issues like these.


    ��Come in and sit down!�� Ren Baqian returned to his office.


    After the two sat down, he said, ��The reason I wrote to you is relevant to what I just asked!��


    ��Liar!�� Ning Qing muttered again.


    He didn��t worry about her and continued, ��The human race came from the southern part of the Sixty Thousand Mountains, where the ancient Wan Tribe resides. After the human race was defeated in the past, the remaining survivors, who numbered less than 100,000 people, migrated here.


    Some of them, who specialized in fighting, stayed in the mountains to fend off the enemies. These became the aboriginals!��


    ��Liar!�� Ning Qing shouted with her eyes wide open. ��This story is too outrageous.��


    Li Yuanzhu was also taken aback.


    ��What��s the use of deceiving you?�� Ren Baqian spread his hands. ��Li Fu knows about this. To him, it was the same in Great Xia and Dayao. However, he knew about this before me!��


    ��Why did he tell you about this then?�� Li Yuanzhu wondered. Why didn��t Li Fu tell others about this? Why did he tell Ren Baqian instead? There were many experts in Great Xia, but she had never heard about this topic.


    ��Him? He couldn��t wait to bury this matter with him.�� Ren Baqian chuckled. ��Do you know why all the experts of thest century disappeared? They are all dead! Xu Wuming, the Sword Devil, killed them! Because they wanted to explore the mountains in search of a chance to break through!


    This region is a barrennd, itcks some things, and it is different from the outside world. As such, it is almost impossible for one to achieve great strength here. Just look at the number of experts who attained the Heaven and Earth region level (TLC. Not sure about this term.) from ancient times until today.


    However, it is not exceptional to find experts at the Heaven and Earth region level (TLC. Not sure about this term.) in the outside world!


    I naturally have my reasons for knowing all of this. In other words, we have already met people belonging to those foreign races!��

 Chapter 882 - The First Piece of the Puzzle

    Chapter 882: The First Piece of the Puzzle


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    What Ren Baqian spoke about was exactly like ��The Arabian Nights�� for Li Yuanzhu and Ning Qing.


    Inparison, the novels sold on the streets were much more realistic.


    This excluded those books that made people flush with excitement.


    ��After you enter the pce, you will soon know the details of the situation.�� Ren Baqian briefly exined the situation to them. He mainly detailed the defeat of the human race as well as their conflict with the foreign races. He also spoke about the agreement between the races as well as the members of the foreign races that they met in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Li Yuanzhu listened calmly, but her mind was overwhelmed. After some time, she collected herself and replied, ��How amazing! It��s such a big thing that I have to see it for myself!��


    ��That��s why I said that you will find out more in the pce! If you still want to see more, you can only head for the Sixty Thousand Mountains. However, we will have to wait a while before we can set off. I have something big to show you in two weeks�� time!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Li Yuanzhu and Ning Qing somehow found it weird after listening to what he said.


    However, Li Yuanzhu simply nodded her head and agreed.


    The messenger returned shortly, and Ren Baqian brought both of them into the pce.


    The empress sat in the seat of honor at the side hall and leaned her body on the armrest with a bottle of Wahaha[1.Wahaha: A beverage brand in China] in her hand��


    Ren Baqian felt that his efforts were effective. She had be a habitual drinker. In fact, alcohol couldn��t even make her drunk. Her alcohol consumption had decreased now that she was drinking more Wahaha.


    Yesterday, he saw that there was about one-third of the liquor left in the bottle!


    In other words, the empress only drank about one and a half bottles. He felt that this was a huge improvement!


    ��Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands and walked to her side.


    ��You look as good as thest time we met!�� Li Yuanzhu cupped her hands.


    As the empress sat above and looked down at Li Yuanzhu, she felt pretty good!


    However, she definitely couldn��t mistreat someone whose status was simr to her own.


    ��Bring chairs!��


    ��The guards didn��t recognize you. Don��t be offended!�� the empress said faintly.


    The two strongest women in the world crossed paths, but there wasn��t any conflict. It was all thanks to Li Yuanzhu, who previously didn��t attack the empress when she had been very weak and had even sat down for a chat. This made the empress have a good impression of her.


    Li Yuanzhu had done the empress a huge favor.


    Otherwise, a mountain had no room for two tigresses.


    ��I wrote that letter. I��m fascinated that it could deceive you, the third most powerful expert in the world��truly fascinated. However, if it wasn��t for the letter, it would be hard for us to meet since we reside so far away from each other!�� the empress said frankly.


    ��It was a little unexpected!�� Li Yuanzhu chuckled.


    There was a slight chill in the hall when they first arrived, but after exchanging a few words, both of them started to smile.


    ��Just call me by name! Addressing me as ��Your Majesty�� doesn��t seem appropriate for you. Just call me by name directly.�� It was clear that the empress was fond of Li Yuanzhu because this was the first time the empress asked someone to call her by name.


    ��I shall be casual then,�� Li Yuanzhu replied.


    ��What have you seen and heard along the way?�� the empress asked.


    ��It was a little unexpected. The situation in Dayao is currently far better than Great Xia. Although poor, themoners are passionate. I have also heard about some things along the way, and I can see that Dayao will be more prosperous in the years toe. On the other hand, I don��t really understand the situation of the Yun Nation.��


    ��I know what you want to say!�� The empress waved her hand. ��He told you about it, right? They are now one with the aboriginals, and I treat them like my own people. As long as they don��t anger me, I��ll make sure that they lead a good life!��


    ��That can never be better.�� Li Yuanzhuughed. ��Let me thank you on behalf of the Yun Nation��s people.��


    ��They are my people��you don��t have to thank me on their behalf. As for how well I will treat them, it will be apparent in the future.��


    ��Apologies for being disrespectful.�� Li Yuanzhu��s face remained unchanged, but Ning Qing looked very ufortable.


    If it hadn��t been her first timeing to a ce like this pce and bing affected by the atmosphere of the ce, this bbermouth girl would have already raged long ago.


    ��That remark had no other meaning. You are a kind-hearted person, but it isn��t right to say that you have a big heart. It��s more about havingpassion for the people.�� The empress smiled.


    After seeing the two get along well, Ren Baqian felt relieved.


    He was really afraid that they would oppose each other.


    After all, they were women!


    ��Your Majesty, let��s first go and take a look at the underground pce!�� Ren Baqian said after leaving the two to chat for a while.


    ��Oh, let��s go! You lead the way!�� the empress replied before standing up to walk with him.


    They arrived at where the empress��s quarters used to be. The ground had been leveled, and arge hall was being built over it. It was made with bricks and was still iplete.


    After entering the hall, a descending staircase could be seen at the side.


    ��This is it.�� Ren Baqian picked up a torch from the side and led the group down.


    ��What is this ce?��


    ��You��ll find out soon.��


    Li Yuanzhu nced at the map on the wall of the pathway, but couldn��t discern anything from it.


    It was the white jade beneath their feet that surprised her and Ning Qing.


    Ren Baqian had previously ordered people to put the ashes of the feathered snake, which was originally at the main door, into a bag. He sent it back to Earth for analysis, but unfortunately, didn��t manage to get any results.


    After entering the main door, the space in front immediately widened up.


    There was a stone bridge, the cold air of the Earth Yin Spring��s water, and an isted ind-like piece ofnd with a ss cover on it.


    Ren Baqian had covered up that man��s corpse with a ss cover.


    It looked like a museum, but he had no intention of collecting entrance fees.


    He stepped on the bridge and walked forward. Not long after, Li Yuanzhu suddenly froze.


    ��Senior?�� Ning Qing immediately sensed this abnormality.


    ��Sure enough, it��s invisible to people at the Man Wheel level. Only those at the Earth Wheel level or stronger are able to see it.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    ��Unfortunately, you can only see it once! I��m not sure what the mechanism behind this is. Only people whoe in for the first time can see it?�� He was curious about this.


    However, the empress couldn��t answer this question either.


    The technology on Earth was still unable to figure out spiritual things like this.


    ��What have you done? What happened to my senior?�� Ning Qing red at the two.


    ��Stay calm!�� Ren Baqian pressed his hands on her. ��Don��t worry��she��s just looking at something.��


    Slightly more than ten secondster, Li Yuanzhu suddenly moved. She raised her hand and pointed to the air.


    ��Bzz.��


    The air that was visible to the naked eye was split apart by her finger.


    Afterward, Li Yuanzhu took three steps back. With clear eyes, she looked around cautiously.


    Seeing that Ning Qing, Qi Zixiao, and Ren Baqian were all in front of her and looking at her, she immediately said, ��I just saw����


    ��The memories from that year,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Truly astonishing!�� Li Yuanzhu nodded slightly, and her voice was solemn.


    ��That man was a senior of the human race back then.�� He turned around and pointed to the corpse ahead.


    Li Yuanzhu walked to his side and respectfully cupped her fists.


    After seeing that her senior was alright, Ning Qing calmed down and asked curiously, ��Senior, what did you see?��


    ��I saw our ancestors fighting hard for the survival of our race!�� Li Yuanzhu replied softly.


    After seeing that illusion, everything else would be much easier to handle from now on.


    After everyone returned to the hall, Li Yuanzhu asked, ��Do you want to go back to that ce?��


    The question was posed to Qi Zixiao.


    ��It��s mine. I must take it back.�� The empress simply regarded that ce as her own property.


    ��There��s no hope of sess! ording to what you said, it will only bring disaster!��


    ��It will then have to depend on this baby of mine!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    The empress red at him. Li Yuanzhu didn��t understand what he meant, but the empress, after being baptized by so many of Earth��s television shows, could understand his hidden meaning.


    ��Ouch! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!�� Ren Baqian��s face turned pale.


    He winced nonstop as the empress pinched him around his waist.


    Li Yuanzhu wanted tough after seeing their actions, but she still felt very worried.


    ��Stay in Lan City for now, and we��ll talk again after you see what I have to show you in two weeks,�� Ren Baqian said after sorting himself out.


    ��This, it shall be.�� Li Yuanzhu nodded. This was the only thing they could do at the moment.


    Like so, the first piece of Ren Baqian��s puzzle was put in ce.


    With Li Yuanzhu on his side, it would be much easier to deal with those experts from Great Xia.


    Plus, Ren Baqian could still count on her to help block an attack in the event that Xu Wuming, the Sword Maniac With No Life, appeared.

 Chapter 883 - Another Piece of the Puzzle

    Chapter 883: Another Piece of the Puzzle


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Gather in front of the pce at six o��clock tomorrow morning and set off with the troops! Dismissed!�� Ren Baqian waved his hand at the people below, and the students immediately leaped away like alpacas released from their reins.


    Yes, they leaped.


    A bunch of students would be tagging along for the fireworks show.


    Ren Baqian had always been reiterating to the students why they were learning and what this knowledge could be used for!


    He didn��t want them to immediately be officials after they graduated!


    Although the court of Dayao alsocked new blood that had undergone basic education, he needed them more.


    Ren Baqian turned his head and saw the two sword masters standing in the distance.


    ��You have been waiting for a long time,�� he greeted them with a smile.


    ��You exaggerate, Your Highness!�� Du Mengyang and Ling Du replied politely.


    ��Have you read the books? Did you learn anything?�� He looked at the two and asked what he was most concerned about.


    ��Apart from chemistry, the rest are okay!�� one of them replied.


    ��Everything except for biology! I get angry when I read that humans evolved from monkeys. How could our ancestors be monkeys? Who is this Charles Darwin? I must make him pay the price for spouting nonsense!�� The other man was quite annoyed.


    The two weren��t really dispirited. In fact, Ren Baqian had already told Du Mengyang and Ling Du to pick what they liked and what they were good at.


    ��Oh, Charles Darwin�� I��m not sure if his coffin still exists���� Ren Baqian pondered over this and thought that it would be pretty difficult for him to pay the price for spouting nonsense!


    He had actually revised the current teaching materials twice and had erased a lot of information about Earth. Most people wouldn��t be thinking about the outside world after reading them.


    However, these were just small issues. Du Mengyang and Ling Du were happy for the most part.


    They actually took back quite a number of books. In addition to a simplified dictionary, which was revised ording to the characters of this world, they also took math books that were at an elementary school level and algebraic geometry books that were at the high school freshman level. There was also a physical chemistry book for high school sophomores and a biology book for their first semester.


    The two actually memorized so much information within just one month that it was extremely remarkable.


    ��It��s good that you two have learned something. I��m about to leave the city tomorrow and would like to ask you some questions to gauge your situation.�� Ren Baqian suddenly burst outughing.


    ��Please ask, Your Highness!��


    ��Come to my office!�� He led Du Mengyang and Ling Du into his office, briefly flipped through the previous exams, and circled out a few questions for them. For each subject, there were ten fill-in-the-nk questions worth 40 points and six short-answer questions worth 60 points.


    Two hourster, Ren Baqian looked at the papers they handed in and was overjoyed.


    Both of them scored an average of above 80 points.


    It was unexpectedly good for Du Mengyang and Ling Du to score above 80 marks in several subjects after just one month of learning.


    Ren Baqian was already certain that these sword masters were unbelievably talented in learning!


    ��Congrattions, you two!�� He smiled.


    ��Looks like we are qualified!�� Du Mengyang and Ling Du smiled as well.


    ��Now we can talk about things in detail!�� Ren Baqian sat back and said to them. ��What you guys have read are the materials that I n for the 13 and 14 year old youths to learn. It��s just a small part of the sea of knowledge; a small river where the water doesn��t even reach your knees.��


    The two raised their eyebrows and felt a little surprised.


    Du Mengyang and Ling Du learned these subjects very quickly, but they knew in their hearts that most of these had already exceeded the scope of geniuses.


    For instance, elementary school math was pretty easy, but most of the high school level algebraic geometry was beyond what schrs had learned.


    It was needless to mention physical chemistry.


    ��There��s still a lot of knowledge to be learnedter. I hope you can obtain a deeper knowledge and use it as the basis for doing things. Regardless of whether it��s research or teaching, the duration of the contract is 20 years. After all, this knowledge isn��t easily spread to others. If you want to leave before the contract term ends, the cost will be huge. I hope you can understand this.


    Of course, I��ll give you adequate rewards.


    You will have an abundance of supplies, a stable life, and all the materials that you need.


    In addition, you��ll also have money, women, and power. As long as you can give me what I want, I can provide what you need�� After all, the knowledge and skills that you possess will all be used to serve the nation! This is true no matter if you are in Great Xia or Dayao.��


    ��Your Highness, in my honest opinion, Lan City isn��t our nned objective! Even if we agree, the others might not,�� Du Mengyang replied.


    They didn��t care about other aspects. All they wanted was to live the life they yearned for in a flourishing area, not spend the rest of their lives in a ce of hardship and poverty like Lan City.


    ��Have you seen the streetlights?�� Ren Baqian pointed outside.


    ��These streetlights are truly incredible!�� Du Mengyang and Ling Du highly appreciated them. Even the capital of Great Xia was unable to have bright lights shine through the entire city at night.


    In fact, except for a few streets, Great Xia��s capital was dark at night.


    However, even though these streetlights could bring brightness, Lan Citycked too much.


    ��You two don��t have to worry about this. In five years�� time, Lan City��s prosperity will reach a level where people will want to spend the rest of their lives here. After all, this is the capital of Dayao. These streetlights are only the beginning. Countless merchants will being in and out, and the supplies will be abundant enough to entrance people. All of this can be achieved.


    We can make a five year contract! If Lan City can��t reach a satisfactory level within five years, you can then move to the former Yun Nation to live. Everything you want will be over there. However, before all this, there must be a price to pay for living the life you want. Five years isn��t that long,�� Ren Baqian replied indifferently. He was very confident about this.


    Du Mengyang and Ling Du looked at each other and thought that this condition was indeed eptable.


    Besides, ording to what they understood about Lan City these days, there had indeed been a lot of changes over thest two years.


    This included the streetlights, the clock tower, and the items sold in the royal shops that couldn��t be found anywhere else.


    It wasn��t impossible to say that Lan City would reach a fairly prosperous level in a few years.


    As for the issue of the aboriginals not being friendly enough, Du Mengyang and Ling Du didn��t really care.


    Judging from the information the pair had obtained, Ren Baqian had spent a lot of time on these changes.


    People from the Yun Nation and Jing Tribe could now at least walk freely on the streets.


    Du Mengyang and Ling Du believed that these changes would happen.


    ��We are only signing the agreement with you! Not with the imperial court!�� The two noted another point.


    ��Sure.�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    He understood their concerns.


    After all, he wasn��t an aboriginal either, so Du Mengyang and Ling Du could naturally trust him with some matters. Neither of them had much confidence in dealing with the aboriginal barbarians in the imperial court.


    ��How many people do you want, Your Highness?��


    ��The more the merrier! It would be better if all the sword masters could make this ce their home!��


    ��We can only say that we��ll try our best. Also, we need to go back to contact the others.��


    ��In that case, I hope that you will not reject thepany of my staff. As far as I know, the opinions in your organization aren��t unified. Your decision may affect some people, and not everyone will be pleased with it. My men will mainly be responsible for your safe return!�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Thank you for your trouble, You Highness!�� Du Mengyang and Ling Du looked at each other. Although this move might not be without the intention of surveince, what he said also wasn��t without reason.


    ��


    Ren Baqian was quite happy when he returned to the pce. Their performance had confirmed his theory. With the addition of this group of people, many things could be done much more easily in the future.


    This would involve more than 100 talented academics!


    In this era, people like this could y a huge role.


    He wondered how much impact there would be on this world if he brought another 100 academics from Earth!


    Even if they were limited by vision and insight, their talent was their greatest strength.


    In a year or two, they could learn what others needed decades to achieve. After that, they could make tremendous contributions.


    Besides, making a deal with these two Spirit Wheel sword masters was like breaking through a wall. It would be much easier to deal with the rest of the people.


    Ren Baqian had put in ce another piece of the future��s puzzle.


    Li Yuanzhu was a representative of strength, while Du Mengyang and Ling Du would be representatives of productivity and technology.

 Chapter 884 - The Big Treasure (Part 1)

    Chapter 884: The Big Treasure (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    There was one more matter that needed to be dealt with properly before setting out.


    It concerned that ��Handsome.��


    ording to the information, this person��s movements were rather bizarre and it was uncertain whether he was the one who sent the letter.


    Whether this was the case or not, the pce needed to prepare for it.


    If the true dragon blood was actually stolen this time, it would be a joke.


    With so many experts around, letting a thiefe and go without anybody finding out would enrage the empress.


    The true dragon blood was taken out and ced in the pce by itself with guards outside. This was to show the other party that it was there so that he wouldn��t enter the imperial treasury again.


    It was said that this guy only aimed for his target and wouldn��t touch the other stuff around it even if they were more precious.


    From this action, it could be deduced that the other party was stealing to announce himself. A normal thief certainly would not ignore the more valuable treasures beside their target.


    This guy had never failed in more than ten years of activity in Great Xia, had been chased by the number one tracker, and still managed to move around unhindered. He must have some tricks that were beyond the imagination of others.


    This was definitely the case or else his reputation wouldn��t be so great.


    Due to this reason, Ren Baqian didn��t dare to risk it even though there were experts all over Lan City.


    There weren��t many traps set up in the pce, and these had probably been used by others before. This guy hadmitted crimes so many times that he probably knew all the methods necessary to avoid such traps.


    In addition to Xin Zhe and a row of guards stationed outside the hall, there were numerous infrared rms inside.


    As for the device to signal the theft, it was put under the table where the true dragon blood was kept.


    The roaring emperor was in a tunnel under the table with 20 marine loudspeakers installed inside the hall.


    Thebined volume of the roaring emperor and 20 marine loudspeakers was 240 decibels. Anyone nearby, even a deaf person, would be half dead for the rest of their life due to the sonic output.


    It must be mentioned that theunch of a rocket is about 150 decibels and can permanently deafen ordinary people or even kill them.


    The explosion of an ordinary volcano is only 180 decibels.


    An attack of 240 decibels�� Ren Baqian wondered whether the corpse would still be whole.


    Therefore, even the guards outside the hall were positioned far away.


    ��Remember, when anyone, no matter who, triggers the infrared rms, you have to y your part.�� Ren Baqian patted the head of the roaring emperor to remind him.


    ��If you do well, I will find some female Man Wheel level squirrels for you!�� Ren Baqian promised.


    ��If you perform poorly, say goodbye to your little bird!��


    When dealing with people or animals, the carrot and stick approach is effective.


    ��Go down.�� Ren Baqian removed a stone b below the table. Underneath was a tunnel dug by the roaring emperor with rms and amplifying equipment inside.


    He went out of the hall and reminded Xin Zhe repeatedly, ��During these next few days, nobody is allowed to enter this hall. Any vitor will be beheaded!��


    ��Yes!�� Xin Zhe replied and asked, ��What if the other party enters the hall?��


    ��Let him in and just stay on guard outside. When the timees, use a hanger to fish him out to prevent his corpse from rotting.��


    When he arrived at Yaohua Pce Hall, the empress was putting a piece of paper on the table.


    Upon seeing him, she gestured with her lips and said, ��The name list is there. These days, there are many people appearing in the northern region.��


    ��This is as anticipated,�� Ren Baqian said as he picked up the paper. He browsed it and noted that the names were of people who had reputations.


    About a dozen of them were ranked from the top 100 to the top ten.


    These people didn��t hide their tracks and swaggered into Dayao.


    ��The deterrence of Li Fu isn��t enough. With the world��s most powerful expert seeking help from the martial artsmunity, so many people are fishing in troubled waters! �� Ren Baqian folded the paper and put it into his bosom.


    ��Since the world��s most powerful expert is asking for help, it can be seen that the benefits and difficulties are huge. In this case, it��s natural for highly skilled people toe here.��


    ��If it doesn��t work out, they can just go back. If it takes about two to three months, can Li Fu kill them all?


    ��Supposing they were to seed�� A Spirit Wheel expert needs many years of cultivation to advance slightly. Who would give up the chance to advance in just one step?�� the empress musednguidly.


    ��That��s true!�� Ren Baqian nodded in agreement.


    If he were to get stuck in his cultivation and fail to advance much after many years, he would also grab the opportunity, wherever it was.


    ��It looks like the number of fish will be higher than expected.��


    This was a good thing, but having too many people was messy. There was a need to select.


    He didn��t want a few viins to sneak in.


    ��


    One night passed by. The next morning, the winged cavalry were stationed outside the pce, ready for action.


    2,400 Earth Wheel experts plus the Minister of War, Qin Chuan; the Minister of Works, Tong Zhenye; the Minister of Justice, Zhuo Yan; the Minister of Rites, Xiong Yaohe; and the officials of the various departments were there. Over ten Cardinal Heaven experts were present. It was frightening to stand there even without them saying a word.


    Only Tie Yan, the secretary of the Department of Inspection, led his people and the two sword masters to Great Xia. Most of the other officials in Lan City, who had nothing better to do, were there.


    Over 100 third and fourth year students from the academy were also present.


    Not far away were some wagons pulled by cattle with people inside. This included Li Fu, Qingyun Sword, Zuo Cheng of Lingshan Sect, and Li Yuanzhu with onepanion.


    Ren Baqian had expected Li Yuanzhu to go on her own because going together with the Dayao officials would have some impact on Genuine One Sect.


    Surprisingly, Li Yuanzhu said, ��There��s nothing to hide! If that thing is as you say, then does it matter what they think? If you deceive me, I will find you. Why should we care about the opinions of others?��


    Ren Baqian felt like taking a group photo of their team, which included the top ranked expert in the world, the third ranked expert, the fourth ranked expert, two Spirit Wheel experts, more than ten Cardinal Heaven experts, and 2,400 Earth Wheel experts.


    It wasn��t easy to gather them.


    However, when he realized that their team might be even bigger when they came back, he decided to take a group phototer.


    After the imperial carriage left the pce, the whole team filed out from the west gate and headed northwest.


    Not long after setting off, Ren Baqian jumped to Li Yuanzhu��s wagon, parted the curtain, and asked, ��Your Holiness, do you want to y the game ��Fight The Landlord?����


    ��What?�� Li Yuanzhu, who was sitting cross-legged, opened her eyes and looked puzzled.


    ��Do you want to y cards? Doesn��t Great Xia have a type of flower card? It��s something like that, but the way of ying is different.��


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, thank you very much, but I haven��t done my work for today and can��t entertain you.�� Li Yuanzhu closed her eyes after replying.


    Li Yuanzhu was a boring person.


    He turned around to look and saw that the others didn��t invite the empress. Maybe he should y Connect Four with the empress.


    He might as well not y since the empress was better at ying it�� He was also unable to beat her at chess�� He could try military chess!


    He went back to y military chess!

 Chapter 885 - The Big Treasure (Part 2)

    Chapter 885: The Big Treasure (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��They have finally left!��


    In a hotel in the city, a manughed soon after the empress and her team departed.


    This man was about 40 years old, looked ordinary, and was the anonymous type.


    When he stretched out his hand in the air, a mirror appeared. The surface of the mirror rippled like water as the wind blew.


    He took a step forward, and his whole body went through the mirror.


    However, anyone would be shocked if they were at this scene. The thin man, who was about 1.74 meters tall and ordinary looking, went through the mirror and came out as a physically strong and bald-headed man who was 1.9 meters tall, had a short beard, and looked valiant.


    Furthermore, very few people in Lan City didn��t know of this man.


    This person was Zhuo Yan, the minister of the Ministry of Justice.


    This ��Zhuo Yan�� waved his hand, and the mirror changed from a simmering mirror to a mercury mirror that reflected his image.


    ��After observing him for ten days, he unexpectedly went off with Qi Zixiao, but this is fine as it will be convenient for me to do my work. It will be easy to exin the reason foring back so soon, and I will walk around with this face for a few days first.


    Qi Zixiao has been in the limelight these past two years for killing many experts, but if I take her true dragon blood, she will lose face.��


    This Zhuo Yan gave a strange smile in front of the mirror, opened the window to look in all directions, and then transformed into a shadow.


    Half a dayter, ��Zhuo Yan�� entered through the west gate with an ��imperial edict�� and immediately headed to the Ministry of Justice.


    ��


    There were many trees and barren hills with weeds, but the soil wasn��t good. Therefore, thend wasn��t suitable to use as a pasture. Since it was also close to Dayao, it was an unpopr option.


    A young beggar of about 13 or 14 jumped onto a rock and said, ��Teacher, there are so many people!��


    On his dirty face, his eyes were a contrast of ck and white, and every one of his movements was weird.


    There was clearly nobody around within 50 kilometers, not even a human shadow could be seen, and yet, this young beggar was saying this.


    An old beggar with white hair and a white beard was lying on a rock and said, ��Quite a lot indeed!��


    ��Ma Hongyu, Xu Gongsou, Lin Dong, Du Qian, Xiao Linyue, Blood River Demon, Priest Bai Yun, Gao Yi, Sui Yanzheng, Fire Snake who is also known as Tao Qian���� The little beggar counted with his fingers.


    ��With dozens of people within 50 kilometers, these mountains are considered barren.��


    ��If these people are here, then it will be a little crowded.��


    ��It isn��t only crowded, but bustling as they aren��t alone.��


    ��Yesterday, a few of them battled against one another����


    ��Teacher, are you going to rob these people? Aren��t you nervous? If you get defeated, I can��t carry you!��


    ��My doting all these years has been in vain!�� The old beggar rolled his eyes.


    ��My butt hurts!�� The little beggar rubbed his buttocks.


    ��Who asked you to peep when Blood River Demon was fighting against Fire Snake Tao Qian? If there were any repercussions, I would need to find another disciple!�� the old beggarined.


    He added, ��This old beggar is here to see the action. As for the treasure, whoever wants to rob, let them rob. There are still three days left, and the barbarians should be here already. It��s in their territory, so how can they note? I��m afraid the battle will be disorderly. If the situation isn��t right, be smart and run as fast as you can.��


    ��Teacher, don��t you worry. With my camouge skill, they can��t see me if they don��t look carefully!�� the little beggar said. Then, he dropped below the stone and twisted his body. After a moment, there was a withered tree. He was nowhere to be seen.


    ��Don��t boast about your camouge skill. Others just need to send some waves over and even your grandfather will be helpless, let alone you!�� the old beggar grumbled before turning to look at a nearby mountain. This was the only mountain within 50 kilometers, and although it wasn��t very tall, it provided a very good view of the surroundings.


    However, no one was currently at this vantage point.


    This was because everyone knew that this position was reserved for Li Fu.


    People would only go there after Li Fu appeared.


    Based on what the old beggar knew, Ma Hongyu, Xu Gongsou, and Lin Dong had received letters. The rest, including him, were here to watch the show.


    Of course, if there was an opportunity, these spectators would seize it.


    One dayter, the old beggar, who hadn��t moved for three days, suddenly turned his body to look in a certain direction.


    ��Teacher?��


    ��People areing, quite a few of them. Should be the barbarians,�� the old beggar said.


    After an hour, a few ck dots were seen in the distance. Two hourster, these ck dots were getting closer and numbered in the thousands. A dozen powerful auras could be felting from among their masses.


    ��What an imposing force!�� The old beggar snorted. He didn��t retreat, but generated a wild wind around him as his aura soared into the sky.


    Wave after wave of auras, more than 20 of them, soared into the sky to counter the iing auras.


    These were the top Spirit Wheel experts. Besides the big sects like Zhengtian Sect, which had slightly more people and had two or three Spirit Wheel experts together, the rest just stayed in their own positions.


    However, the auras from both sides collided to produce wild gyrating winds in the sky that even dispersed the clouds.


    The little beggar was standing at the side and being pushed back continuously by the auraing from the old beggar.


    His eyes shone excitedly as he shouted, ��So many masters are fighting a remote battle in the air. This is really a dramatic show!��


    Ren Baqian stood on the carriage and scanned the horizon. Even he could sense the powerful auras and their silent collisions in the sky.


    ��Your Majesty?�� Ren Baqian turned to look at the empress.


    ��It��s enough to let them know I��m here!�� the empress said without much interest. ��I just want to know what happened to those gs.��


    ��Which one?�� Ren Baqian��s eyes drifted to the gs among the group.


    ��A lifetime!��


    ��Rule the world!��


    ��The sun rises in the east!��


    ��I��m invincible!��


    The empress red at him and asked, ��Do you think I do not know who Dongfang Bubai[1.Dongfang Bubai: Literally ��Invincible East,��a fictional character from the wuxia novel <em>The Smiling, Proud Wanderer </em>by Jin Yong] is?��


    ��Other than the fact that he��s a man, don��t you think Your Majesty is somewhat simr to Dongfang Bubai? He has the same qualities as you, such as wanting to control the world. Furthermore, the gs are just for fun.��


    ��I do admire that guy and will not argue with you,�� the empress said.


    ��Nobody can match the Ren family��s [72-way Golden Spear],�� Ren Baqian boasted.


    ��Oh?�� The empress snorted.


    ��Not until I met Your Majesty!�� Ren Baqian changed his tune.


    The empress drawled, ��Tell me, who are your adversaries?��


    ��In fact, after sharpening the spear for 20 years, it has never left its sheath. Ordinary people don��t deserve to see my [72-way Golden Spear],�� Ren Baqian said bashfully.


    ��Humph!�� The empress snorted andmanded, ��This is an order. Go up the mountain.��


    Following this order, more than 2,000 people went up the mountain and pitched their tents. Qin Chuan, Tong Zhenye, and the other aboriginals withdrew their auras.


    However, Tong Zhenye and his people had done enough to dissatisfy many of the masters that were further away. They knew that the aboriginals were overbearing, but those people hadn��t arrived yet. Even so, the aboriginals were already up on the mountain.


    More than 20 auras were emanating from the mountain.


    The eyes of the empress glittered coldly as she said, ��They are so daring!��


    An aura that seemed to be able to pierce the air traveled up the mountain.


    ��Your Majesty, calm down!�� Following this soft voice, another aura, which was as vast as the sea, inserted itself between the colliding auras of the empress and the rest.


    ��Li Yuanzhu!�� the empress eximed.


    ��Li Yuanzhu?�� Many masters in the distance were shocked.


    ��When did she arrive? That��s not right��she��s with the barbarians! How is this possible?��

 Chapter 886 - The Big Treasure (Part 3)

    Chapter 886: The Big Treasure (Part 3)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Many experts in this area were very shocked to find Li Yuanzhu in the aboriginal camp.


    They simply couldn��t figure out why she was with them.


    Fortunately, Li Yuanzhu was with Qi Zixiao then. For some reason, they weren��t mutually helping each other.


    Although people were surprised, they weren��t that shocked.


    At night, the campfires on the mountain were bright, but many experts were uncertain in the darkness.


    Seeing that there were many aboriginal experts around, a few people secretly tried to establish contact with their fellow experts.


    The people present were mostly heroic characters and disdained such actions.


    The next afternoon, hundreds of mounted winged cavalry warriors came down from the mountain, divided themselves into more than 20 teams, and went off in various directions.


    ��Chief, there are peopleing toward us! Five of them, and they look like winged cavalry warriors!�� Unlike the rest that lived without shelter, there was a white tent on the hillside. Inside, there was a man in a white cloak sitting with two men and a woman.


    Stationed below were a dozen disciples wearing red clothes.


    ��They should be messengers.�� Lin Dong, the chief of Zhengtian Sect, was sitting at the top. He was handsome, gentle, and looked around 30 or 40 years old. However, his eyes were horrifying because the white portion almost couldn��t be seen.


    ��Why does Qi Zixiao want to send a message?�� A hoary old man stroked his beard as he spoke.


    A woman with a mole at the corner of her mouth asked with a smile, ��Chief, can you guess what will be in the letter sent by Qi Zixiao?��


    ��Li Yuanzhu and Qi Zixiao came together, Li Fu may also be with them, and they may invite us over for a discussion,�� Lin Dong said with a smile.


    ��How can that be?�� The hoary old man was surprised again. People were already very surprised by Li Yuanzhu and Qi Zixiaoing together. How was it possible for Li Fu toe with them as well?


    ��It��s hard to say, hard to say!�� An effeminate man fanned himself as he shook his head.


    ��That��s all you know how to say. When will you ever say things are fine?�� the hoary old man rebuked angrily.


    ��This is also hard to say!�� The effeminate man didn��t mind and continued shaking his head.


    The hoary old man was called Zhuo Chi, the effeminate man was called Lin Zhongyue, and the woman in purple was the Jade Faced Fox, Xu Jiaojiao. These people were the senior members of Zhengtian Sect. One was in charge ofw enforcement while the other two were his assistants.


    Soon after, someone brought in an arrow with a letter attached to it.


    Lin Dong opened the letter to read it. Both eyes instantly looked like ck holes where no light could be detected.


    ��It��s as expected. From the moment I received the letter, I felt that this matter was weird!��


    ��Chief, what does the letter say?�� Xu Jiaojiao asked.


    ��Read it yourself!�� Lin Dong flicked his finger, and the letter drifted to Xu Jiaojiao as if controlled by some force.


    ��Where are the messengers?�� Lin Dong raised his head and asked, ��Are they gone?��


    ��Chief, they left after shooting the letter at the front of the tent.��


    ��Huh? Li Fu is actually with Qi Zixiao and is inviting us to go up the mountain for a talk.�� Xu Jiaojiao was surprised after reading the letter.


    ��What?�� Zhuo Chi snatched the letter and said, ��Chief, this sounds fishy!��


    ��It��s hard to say, hard to say!�� Lin Zhongyue shook his head.


    ��Are you set on going against me today?�� Zhuo Chi erupted.


    ��Hard to say, hard to say!�� Lin Zhongyue continued to shake his head and suddenly became shorter as his head shrank into his chest to avoid a shing saber.


    ��Stop it!�� Lin Dong snapped.


    Zhuo Chi sheathed his saber immediately andined, ��Chief, as I said, this is fishy! It��s better to ignore them!��


    ��Chief, do you think that Li Fu is there?�� Xu Jiaojiao asked.


    ��Since Li Yuanzhu is there, that Li Fu should also be there!�� Lin Dong said calmly.


    ��Chief, what else do you know?�� Xu Jiaojiao looked at Lin Dong��s expression and felt that he might know something.


    ��The secret residence of a God is just a ruse. The target isn��t the residence, but us. As for the people out there, most of them are hapless victims in a fish pond!�� Lin Dong said.


    ��Even if Qi Zixiao��s appetite is that big, she will not be able to stomach it. Furthermore, we have no grudge or enmity with each other!�� Zhuo Chi said.


    ��Things may not turn out well!��


    ��You��!�� Zhuo Chi snarled.


    ��Chief, shall we go back?��


    ��No, let��s see what tricks they will y tonight!�� Lin Dong stayed calm all the while. Only at this time did a light sh across his eyes.


    ��


    The little beggar asked with a grin, ��Teacher, what should we do? They are throwing a challenge!��


    ��What challenge? It��s an invitation.�� The old beggar gave him a knock.


    ��It sounds like an invitation, but it��s actually a challenge. How about running away now? Regardless, you are shameless and don��t care what others think.�� There was some truth in what the little beggar said.


    The old beggar pondered for a long time before sighing andmenting, ��I already knew that I would die here due to my curiosity!��


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, how many people do you guess wille tonight?�� Ren Baqian was hugging the empress as they sat on a rock.


    ��What��s the point of guessing?�� the empress replied.


    ��There should be some fun in life.�� Ren Baqianughed and then blew some air into her ear.


    Ning Qing pointed at the two figures on the rock in the distance and said loudly, ��These two behave as if nobody is around, cuddling and hugging in front of so many people. It��s so disgusting that I have goosebumps. Senior Sister, what do you think?��


    ��Senior Sister?�� Ning Qing turned to look at Li Yuanzhu, who was looking at the couple in a daze.


    ��Senior Sister, are you having romantic thoughts?�� Ning Qing asked anxiously.


    Li Yuanzhu gave her a rap on the head.


    ��Ouch!��


    ��I was thinking about their motives,�� Li Yuanzhu said.


    ��Won��t you know tomorrow?��


    ��It��s inevitable to be curious.�� Li Yuanzhu chuckled. ��Sometimes humans are weak, and I can��t think of a reason why Li Fu and so many people from outside the mountains were moved. Yet, they looked very confident and unworried, which is why I��m curious.��


    ��Anyway, they didn��t tell you anything�� right?�� Ning Qing waved her hand. ��So don��t think about it. Join me and point at those two who aren��t ashamed of being under the gaze of thousands of people in broad daylight!��


    Li Yuanzhu rolled her eyes. People like them didn��t care about how others looked at them,


    Furthermore, they were a couple to begin with.


    In the evening, the winged cavalry warriors at the peak retreated to the base of the mountain. Only a dozen bonfires and some tents were left at the top.


    Ren Baqian held a few skewers and roasted some meat over a fire. The meat was from the pce and had been kept frozen with ice throughout the entire journey. It was the right time to use it, and the smell of roasted meat soon filled the air.


    ��Hey, little fellow, you used my name to do so many things. I do not want any benefits, but just give me half of your meat.�� Li Fu��s stomach was growling nonstop after smelling the fragrance, and he was beside Ren Baqian in a few moves.


    ��Are you the world��s most powerful expert, Li Fu? I didn��t expect to get to see you today. I��m Ma Hongyu!�� A clear and resounding voice rang out from the darkness. Then, a man in ck robes appeared.


    ��I��m Xu Gongsou, my respects to all of you.��


    The two of them fell silent after this.


    Li Fu waved his hands and replied, ��What world��s most powerful expert are you talking about? I��m just a presumptuous and ignorant person.��


    ��Oh? Since when did you realize your own limitations?�� Ren Baqian askedughingly in front of the fire.


    ��Hey, little fellow, can you shut your trap?�� Li Fu chided him.


    ��Lin Dong from Zhengtian Sect is here!�� A thundering voice was heard as four people appeared.


    For the next hour, people would asionally appear.


    ��I��m Lin Yue. My respects to everyone here!��


    ��I��m Bai Yun. All of you are early!��


    ��Jie, jie, jie, jie! I��m Xue Hai!��


    ��I��m Gao Yi!��


    Dozens of people stood or sat around the fire. Everyone announced their name upon arrival and then kept quiet.


    Ren Baqian waited as he counted the number of people.


    19 people had sent out their auras the day before, but only 17 of them were here now.


    Ren Baqian waited until the appointed time and confirmed that thest two wouldn��t being.


    At the appointed time, everyone started looking at Li Fu as they waited for the show to begin.


    ��Before we start, I would like to show a treasure to all those invited here!�� Ren Baqian said with a smile.


    ��Who are you?�� a man suddenly asked.


    Ren Baqian looked at him, and if he wasn��t mistaken, this man should be Su Xianxian, the chief of Luohua Sect. He was ranked the twenty-third most powerful expert in the world, and the martial arts that he practiced was among the top three.


    ��He��s Zhao Prince Consort of Dayao!�� the empress announced from inside her tent. Next, ady in red ambled out.


    ��I have never heard of him!�� Su Xianxian said dismissively.


    ��You are seeking death!�� The empress was furious and appeared beside him in a sh.


    Suddenly, Su Xianxian transformed into hundreds of white petals as a burst of loudughter was heard.


    ��I had some respect for the world��s most powerful expert, but it turns out that somebody is pretending to be him. I will consider this meeting a failure,�� he said.


    ��Your Majesty, do not chase him since there is no point in bickering with a dead man!�� Ren Baqian said as he blocked the empress who was livid with anger.


    After that, he looked at the rest and asked, ��Is anyone else leaving?��


    ��Who��s in charge of this? Is it you or Li Fu?��


    ��Me!��


    ��Dayao?��


    ��You can say so!��


    ��Li Fu, Li Yuanzhu, what do you have to say?�� The crowd looked at the two of them.


    Their attention was mainly on Li Yuanzhu.


    Although Li Fu was the world��s most powerful expert, he was seldom seen. They were all more concerned with what Li Yuanzhu would say.


    After all, she arrived together with the aboriginals, so it would be a joke if she didn��t know anything.


    ��There��s a reason for this. Please wait patiently for Zhao Prince Consort to finish his speech,�� Li Yuanzhu said.

 Chapter 887 - The Big Treasure (Part 4)

    Chapter 887: The Big Treasure (Part 4)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Everyone, since both Li Fu, the world��s most powerful expert, and Li Yuanzhu, the third most powerful expert in the world are here, why can��t you wait one more night?�� Ren Baqian smiled and didn��t exin all the details.


    Actually, he couldn��t exin.


    When the time came and the treasure was taken out, they would know how to decide.


    The truth is always more powerful than words.


    ��When the sun rises tomorrow, you will see the oue. You can say whatever you want to say then!��


    ��Is this event set up by you?�� Many people were angry that they had been deceived by a person who wasn��t even a Spirit Wheel expert.


    ��I��m the person behind this. Do you have any opinions?�� The empress stood beside Ren


    Baqian, her eyes red coldly at the gathering, and her stance was threatening. The


    message was that she would instantly kill anyone who dared to object.


    ��Qi Zixiao, even if you are the ruler of Dayao, you still have to give us a satisfactory exnation after so many people have been deceived. We will see how you are going to settle this!�� someone shouted.


    As Ren Baqian said, Li Fu, Li Yuanzhu, and Qi Zixiao were here waiting, therefore this


    must be an important matter. Otherwise, Li Fu and Li Yuanzhu wouldn��t be waiting quietly.


    Although Ren Baqian wasn��t a top expert, he must have an important reason to be able to


    get these three here.


    Anyway, these people had traveled thousands of miles, so what was the problem with waiting one more night?


    They were only feeling resentful because they had been deceived.


    Ren Baqian gave a strange smile and replied, ��I will definitely give everyone a satisfactory exnation. However, I would like to remind everyone to withdraw 25 kilometers away from the center, which is southwest of here. If anything were to happen, don��t me me for not informing you.��


    There was an awkward silence.


    Everyone was speechless.


    A momentter, an old beggar entered the darkness.


    This person, the Gluttonous Duke, was ranked the twenty-ninth most powerful expert in the world.


    ��Chief, what tricks are they ying?�� Zhuo Chi asked softly from one side.


    ��Just see what happens next.�� Lin Dong sat by the fireside. ��Get them to retreat 25 kilometers.��


    ��Chief, do you really believe him?�� Zhuo Chi was astonished.


    ��There��s no harm in listening to him. If he can��t give a proper exnation tomorrow morning, many will re up. However, looking at the situation, they will not have the chance to do so!�� Lin Dong smirked.


    Everyone around had sharp ears and eyes. Although Lin Dong didn��t speak loudly, they heard him clearly.


    After Zhuo Chi received the order to retreat, several people disappeared into the dark.


    Subsequently, everyone else just waited.


    They were waiting to see what would happen the next morning.


    Ren Baiqan stood up and immediately aroused the attention of many people.


    Ren Baqian walked directly to a tent and ordered through a walkie-talkie, ��Move the thing over as instructed.��


    He returned to his original position with the walkie-talkie in his hand as many people stared at him. They saw him speaking to it earlier and were wondering what it was.


    However, nobody asked since they could find outter.


    The empress and Ren Baqian didn��t talk as they snuggled together. The rest also sat there in silence as they pondered.


    The night simply passed by, and before dawn, those who had left now returned.


    When the first ray of light emerged from the sky, everyone opened their eyes to look at Ren Baqian.


    Their gazes were filled with vignce and curiosity.


    The time hade, and they wanted to see how this guy would exin to them.


    The mystery would be unraveled, and it would exin why Li Fu and Li Yuanzhu were here.


    Ren Baqian rose up from the floor, stretched in front of everybody, picked up the walkie-talkie, and asked, ��Are the people back?��


    ��They have just reached the base of the mountain.�� A buzzing voice was heard from the walkie-talkie.


    ��Bring up one red, one blue, and three green boxes. Open the other boxes on the spot and get ready.�� After issuing these orders, Ren Baqian looked at the crowd and said, ��Everyone, it��s going to start soon, but before that, it��s better to make some preparations. Otherwise����


    Since it was going to start soon and it would be useless to say too much, Ren Baqian didn��t continue.


    If anyone wanted to look directly at the nuclear bomb exploding, he could only hope that their eyes were strong enough.


    As a matter of fact, the radiation and particles at this range were lethal to ordinary people.


    However, it didn��t affect those who were Earth Wheel experts and above.


    They were strong enough to withstand it.


    Not long after, the boxes were brought up and opened one by one.


    One box contained metal equipment with screens and buttons. There were also eight antennas on the side.


    This was the remote control, and in this world that didn��t have too much radio interference, it was able to reach a range of 50 kilometers.


    The red box contained dozens of masks with ck lenses over the eye positions.


    Inside the green boxes were white coats.


    The preparation this time was more thorough than for the smaller nuclear bombs from before.


    ��Everybody, put these on!�� Ren Baqian took a mask and fastened it on the face of the empress. Then, he put on a white coat for her and did the same thing for himself.


    ��What are these for?�� The crowd stared coldly at him.


    ��It would be best to follow what I do if you do not want to suffer from various kinds of illnesses for the rest of your life. Of course, someone may want to set a bad example and let others see the consequences of not taking precautions,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    Li Yuanzhu was the first to follow Ren Baqian��s example and dressed up Ning Qing and herself.


    Ren Baqian nced over and felt that Li Yuanzhu should be given an award for being the best caregiver.


    Li Fu mumbled to himself, ��This little fellow is so cautious this time, and this precaution doesn��t seem to be a trivial matter. He has brought out many weird gadgets that it��s better to listen to what he says.��


    Shortly after, he followed suit.


    The crowd silently picked up the masks and coats, examined them, and then wore them in the same way.


    ��Are the people below ready?�� Ren Baqian asked through the walkie-talkie.


    ��They are wearing those things.��


    ��For all the students, this is the final lesson for the fourth year students and also the most important lesson for the other students. I��m going to show you how much humans can achieve and let you understand what you can do with what you have learned!�� Ren Baqian slowly said through the walkie-talkie.


    The students looked at each other as the voice came out of the walkie-talkie. They already knew long ago what they could achieve.


    However, after seeing that Yagui was so serious this time, they felt that this event was going to be extraordinary.


    On the mountain, Ren Baqian pressed a button on the remote control beside him and looked into the distance.


    Everyone else also looked in the same direction.


    Far away, there was an iprehensible scene as another sun suddenly jumped out on the horizon.


    It was as if time had been elerated innumerable times!

 Chapter 888 - The Big Treasure (Final)

    Chapter 888: The Big Treasure (Final)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Whether it was in the past, the present, or the future, the sun would never change.


    This was what everyone assumed.


    However, in an instant, they saw a slice of the sun suddenly jump out.


    Such a change was beyond everyone��s imagination.


    Next, they discovered that it wasn��t the sun, but a huge intense light and me which spread from a point to their whole field of view in an instant.


    Even with the mask, they still felt that their eyes were stinging slightly.


    The skin not covered by the coat could feel the heat that came from afar.


    This was followed by a huge roar that seemed to split Heaven and Earth. For a moment, no other sounds could be heard.


    This was apanied by shockwaves at their feet.


    It could be said that Heaven and Earth were shaking.


    The turbulent air in the distance brought along thick dust that spread in all directions from the center of the explosion.


    Pirs of mes rose up in the sky and spread out in the air like a towering inferno.


    No one on site was able to utter any words as they had lost the ability to talk. Blood drained from their faces as they looked at this scene.


    Even Li Fu��s fingers were trembling slightly.


    And even he felt small when faced with such a devastating and earth-shattering scene.


    Li Yuanzhu��s cool demeanor was shattered by this terrifying scene, and she looked incredulous.


    Up and down the mountain, everyone stood dumbfounded and felt the power of the waves that reached them from so far away.


    The ground was shaking and the wind was howling, but they couldn��t hear or see anything besides the fireball.


    Li Fu, Li Yuanzhu, Ma Hongyu, Lin Dong, Xu Gongsou, Priest Bai Yun, and Blood River Demon�� All of them were famous top experts and well respected by everyone.


    Seeing the devastating scene in the distant sky, everyone was stunned and trembling from the bottom of their heart.


    This�� What in the world was this?


    It was like an angry deity was trying to destroy the world. What was this?


    Qin Chuan, Tong Zhenye, Zhuo Yan, Feng Hou, and Lian Liang�� These aboriginal experts looked in astonishment at the distant scene. Was this the thing that Zhao Prince Consort wanted them to see?


    This seemed familiar since Zhao Prince Consort had also set off a bomb during hisst duel.


    That explosion was considered to be powerful by the spectators, butpared to this, it was nothing.


    It was likeparing a firefly to the sun.


    At that time, it was a show of force against a Spirit Wheel expert, but this seemed powerful enough to blow up the world.


    Tong Lan��s small body was wrapped up tightly, and the shaking Earth caused the stones around her to jump about. The turbulent wind was also blowing at her, but she didn��t feel it at all.


    The delicate little face behind the mask appeared to be in a daze.


    The rest of the students were also in the same state.


    Although Ren Baqian had always brought them new knowledge, this demonstration was simply terrifying and seemed beyond the power of humans.


    This was just��


    After racking her brain for a long time, the whole thing was still beyond herprehension.


    There was only one question in her mind, <em>Would their studies eventually lead to this oue?</em>


    The upheaval between Heaven and Earthsted for a few minutes and finally transformed into a mushroom cloud. This made them realize the reality of this scene.


    There were thousands of people on the mountain, yet there was absolute silence.


    Nobody moved and no one talked; all the people seemed to be half-frozen.


    Ren Baqian looked at the distant scene and sighed. This explosion was art.


    If it wasn��t considered art, then the explosive power wasn��t enough.


    470 kilotons of TNT equivalent was already so powerful. 4.7 megatons, 47 megatons, or even 470 megatons�� What would that be like?


    No creatures could survive under such explosive power!


    Of course, one has to be able to hit the other party.


    When he turned to look at the surroundings, everyone seemed as if they had been petrified after looking at Medusa and stayed rooted in their positions.


    Aside from Ren Baqian, the empress was the quickest to recover as he had frightened her with this thing before.


    ��I have finally seen it!�� The empress couldn��t help but sigh. Back then, she could already sense the destructive power when she saw it on television.


    After viewing it at close range, she discovered that it felt 100 times more powerful than what she had seen on the television.


    The crowd finally managed to recover their senses, but the mushroom cloud reminded them of that devastating scene just now, causing fear to seep into their brains again.


    ��What was that�� just now?�� someone asked as he swallowed his saliva.


    This voice wasn��t loud, but it was enough to wake the surrounding people.


    Everyone turned their heads to the location where Ren Baqian had been, but the space was empty.


    Ren Baqian and the empress had disappeared.


    The crowd turned and saw the two of them in their original sitting positions, leaning against each other.


    Li Fu was silent, but his eyes were filled with shock.


    Li Yuanzhu was barely able to maintain herposure, but couldn��t hide the horror in her eyes.


    Ma Hongyu loosened the thick pen from his waist, Xi Gongsou unclenched his fist, and the body of the Old Ghost from the Blood River Demon turned slightly red like a tideing in and then receded.


    Xu Jiaojiao��s face looked drained, and she was trembling slightly.


    ��Everyone, please be seated.�� Ren Baqian was sipping boiled water that had been cooled down in a cup.


    This time, no one had any objections.


    They were preupied with what they saw before their eyes.


    ��What was that just now?�� Elongating Spear Gao Yi had a face that looked like a sculpture, and his eyes were still filled with shock.


    ��It��s the big treasure!�� Ren Baqian sighed. ��I have told you before that I wanted to show you the big treasure!��


    Ren Baqian frowned, contorted his face, and turned to look at the empress as he clenched his teeth.


    ��This is painful. Can you do it more gently?�� he pleaded.


    ��Is this your doing?�� Lin Dong raised his eyebrows. He seemed to be the calmest among these people.


    ��Who else?�� Ren Baqian retorted.


    The crowd fell silent again.


    The scene they experienced just now was simply too traumatic.


    They couldn��t believe that Ren Baqian was responsible for this show.


    Ren Baqian looked at the silent crowd and knew that he had to strike while the iron was hot.


    He smiled, picked up the walkie-talkie, and ordered, ��Bring the other small treasure up here.��


    ��What is the meaning of this?�� It wasn��t that the crowd couldn��t understand Ren Baqian. Subconsciously, they understood him, but they simply couldn��t bring themselves to believe him. They were surprised that he still had another one.


    The crowd, who had just recovered their senses, found it incredible that this thing was simply thrown on the floor to let them see it.


    They knew that this thing had the power to destroy a city or even a nation.


    Even if this was thrown at the capital of Great Xia, it was guaranteed that no tiles would remain intact.


    Ren Baqian tricked them intoing here and then used this thing just to frighten them. How was this possible?


    It could be said that this thing wasn��t precious or that it wasn��t precious to him.


    Or maybe he was nning something even bigger.


    In that case, how many of these things did he have?


    What was he really up to?

 Chapter 889 - Conventional Weapon

    Chapter 889: Conventional Weapon


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian��s face looked rxed.


    At this time, he was truly rxed.


    He believed that these people would make the right choice after seeing the power of nuclear bombs.


    Before that, however, Ren Baqian wanted to give them a deeper impression.


    Sometimes, it was good to stay mysterious.


    However, there was no harm in making certain things public at times.


    For instance, how to make a nuclear bomb was naturally confidential. Of course, even if it was publicized, no one would understand it. Ren Baqian couldn��t even find the radioactive elements himself.


    He just needed the crowd to know one thing��that this thing was cheap!


    They were so cheap that he wouldn��t feel the pinch even if he threw 100 of them, provided that environmental pollution and damage weren��t considered.


    A cheap and powerful weapon of mass destruction capable of destroying a city, and an extremely precious killing weapon. The threat level of these two weapons was iparable.


    The first one was a toy that Ren Baqian could throw regardless of his mood. He could throw it at someone if he or she wasn��t pleasing to the eye��


    It was like smashing someone��s window using the waistband of his underwear as a slingshot.


    The second one would only be used at critical moments as it would greatly reduce its deterrent power. Their enemies would avoid them at all costs and wouldn��t dare to offend or provoke them after knowing that they had such a powerful killing weapon.


    Although the nuclear bomb was a strategic weapon, Ren Baqian wanted them to know that it was actually a conventional weapon!


    He greeted the crowd with a seeminglyplex look. He sat there quietly until someone brought a box over.


    He opened the box and took out a metal cylinder that was half the height of a man.


    Ren Baqian actually wanted to throw it like a hand grenade, but decided to drop the idea after considering its size.


    ��This thing is small.�� He smiled at the crowd.


    ��That thing just now was only this small?�� Everyone found it unbelievable.


    How could such a small thing be so powerful? Although the explosion was several kilometers away, it was extremely loud with a gigantic st radius. That explosion seemed to have happened just before their eyes.


    ��Of course not. That one was bigger, slightly bigger than I am.�� Ren Baqian gestured.


    Everyone still found it incredible. Even if it was bigger than him, theparison of its size to its power was like Heaven and Earth.


    Even an Earth Wheel expert could carry it while walking.


    Ren Baqian lifted the metal cylinder and started to twist his body. Next, he spun a few times to gain momentum and threw it in the direction of the prior explosion.


    The crowd couldn��t help but stand up, and their eyes followed the cylinder closely as it moved in a parabolic trajectory and fell to the bottom of the mountain.


    It only took a few seconds for it to fall from the mountain peak, but everyone felt as if it had been a few hours. They were all anxious to see the power of that thing.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    There was a loud roar once again.


    At the foot of the mountain in the distance, that cylinder immediately turned into a small sun.


    In addition to the mushroom cloud, there was a tremendous amount of light, heat, and noise��


    This warhead only had a 60 ton payload and was the leftover bomb from when they had traveled into the sixty Thousand Mountains. Its power was iparable to the previous detonated warhead.


    This was the difference between a 60 ton and a 470 kiloton bomb.


    However, the distance of this explosion was more than 10 times closer than thest, and everyone saw the entire process clearly. They were even more shocked, so much so that these top experts took a long time to snap out of it after witnessing the explosion.


    <em>Another one!</em>


    <em>Another one!</em>


    <em>Another one!</em>


    Everyone had such thoughts.


    It was a familiar event and a familiar experience!


    Although the power of the second one was iparable to the first, it was already enough to destroy a city.


    They could even feel the heat of the mes and the pain from the debris hitting their bodies as they simply stood there.


    With such a weapon, Dayao hardly needed to expend any effort to take down Great Xia.


    Physical force�� It had zero value in the face of this weapon.


    A huge wave arose in the heart of Ma Hongyu. He had never expected to see this when he received that letter!


    So what if they were Spirit Wheel experts?


    So what if they had Heaven-grade weapons?


    So what if they were the top experts in the world?


    Not to mention the might of the first warhead, even for the second one, they would definitely perish if they did not notice it early enough and escape a certain distance!


    Why would such things exist in the world?


    Lin Dong��s eyebrows had been tense since the start. He was supposed to join in on the fun this time. He was also the one who spread the news outside because he knew more things than the others.


    There were some things that were recorded in Righteous Sect that weren��t recorded in other sects!


    However, he didn��t expect that he would startle himself in the end!


    It was a little too lively!


    At the same time, Lin Dong began to specte about what Ren Baqian was going to say.


    ��Alright guys, now we can talk about business.�� Ren Baqian made an impolite gesture by pping his hands as if he were a teacher trying to draw his students�� attention. However, no one cared about it at this time.


    Everyone suppressed their various thoughts, turned their heads, and looked at him solemnly.


    Even if he wasn��t even a Spirit Wheel expert.


    Even if thebel of the empress��s consort was removed from him.


    The scene that everyone just saw made them cautious when facing Ren Baqian.


    In the past, he had a famous reputation that spread in Great Xia and had been called the Poison Warrior. However, this nickname was nothingpared to what they saw today.


    ��Sit down, everyone. I know you have a lot of questions on your mind, and I also have a lot of things to tell you.�� He waved his hand. ��Don��t think too much. This is not a bad thing.��


    ��Not a bad thing?�� Everyone��s hearts skipped a beat. It might not be a bad thing for Ren Baqian, but this might not be necessarily true for them.


    ��What you just saw was a nuclear bomb, a kind of�� A technological achievement that you guys don��t understand. On a scale of one to 10 with 10 being the strongest, the power of the second warhead that you just saw is between zero and one. The first one is roughly a three.��


    Everyone��s hearts sank when they heard this.


    If the first one was a three, what would a 10 look like?


    Was he for real?


    ��As for the quantity of them that we have�� You should be able to guess that I probably wouldn��t show you this disy of fireworks if it was expensive.�� Ren Baqianughed again. ��Maybe you��ll get to see it again soon!��


    At this point, everyone felt a little dubious.


    If what he said was true, this world would probably have everything turned on its head.


    There would probably only be Dayao left in a few years�� time!


    However, Ren Baqian��sst sentence made everyone nervous, and the event that happened the night before reemerged in their minds. After Su Xianxian left, Ren Baqian said that this person was already a dead man.


    Everyone felt disdainful at that time. Unless Qi Zixiao or Hong Wu were to fight Su Xianxian, how many other people in the world were his opponent?


    Besides, Su Xianxian was a highly ranked expert with regard to his movement techniques. Unless he was forced to the brink of death, no one could catch up to him if he were to run! Not even Qi Zixiao or Hong Wu. He was very proud of this. No matter which expert was facing him, they might defeat him, but it would be hard for them to detain him.


    However, this was also the very ability that brought him trouble.


    If Ren Baqian were to use this weapon against him, he and Luohua Sect would probably be reduced to smoke.


    If he knew that this would happen, he would probably regret what he had done!

 Chapter 890 - Truly “Talented!”

    Chapter 890: Truly ��Talented!��


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I am not threatening you guys by mentioning all of this, but I am just exining one thing,�� Ren Baqian said after pondering for a bit.


    There was more than one person who felt that he was cing a knife at their neck.


    ��I��m not threatening you��I��m simply performing a demonstration! My objective isn��tplicated either. I just want to be able to talk to you!�� He added, ��Of course, it��s also to give you people some confidence.��


    Li Fu looked uncertain. He didn��t feel optimistic about Ren Baqian��s words, but Li Fu had never expected him to put on such a big show!


    As Ren Baqian looked at the crowd, everyone��s background information shed through his mind.


    There were people from both orthodox and unorthodox ways, but none who had been really guilty of terrible crimes.


    He reckoned that there wouldn��t be any of those violent monsters among the crowd as they would easily get beaten up!


    There was no need to mention the orthodox sects, but he would have to observe further to see if there were people like Yue Buqun among them.


    For the unorthodox sects like Righteous Sect, even though they were said to have done many bad things, Lin Dong was considered pretty trustworthy.


    As for Blood River Demon, he seemed to be pretty neutral.


    In order to take revenge more than 20 years ago, he fought a reputable sect. His reputation of being one of the world��s top experts was built on all the fighting from those years.


    At first, he was just an Earth Wheel expert when he bore a grudge against one of the disciples of another sect as the other party kicked people around. Later, both parties faced many conflicts, causing their hatred for each other to intensify. Blood River Demon continued honing his skills along the way until he attained the Spirit Wheel level and eventually became one of the world��s top experts. At the same time, his temperament became more extreme while his methods grew more intense. In addition to the origin of his martial arts, he got the nickname Blood River Demon.


    He was quite reputable, but if one were to count the number of bad things that he had done, there weren��t many.


    Most importantly, he didn��t have time tomit any crimes as he was always fighting with his enemy.


    His cycle had always been fighting his way to his enemy��s gate, getting beaten up by the group, going back to recuperate, chancing upon miracles, retreating to practice, and going out to look for fights.


    Ren Baqian felt that Blood River Demon was suited to being the protagonist of a novel given his past experiences.


    If he were someone else, he would have been killed long ago.


    That big sect still existed, but their reputation had plummetedpared to before.


    ��Does anyone know about the human race��s past?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Everyone was stunned, but there were five people who had looks of uncertainty on their faces.


    One of them was Li Fu. Before he could gather his thoughts after witnessing the explosion of the nuclear warhead, he heard Ren Baqian��s words and immediately thought of Xu Wuming as well as the scene of what had happened in the past.


    Another was Li Yuanzhu, who had just heaved a sigh.


    Like Li Fu, she knew Ren Baqian��s objective from the start. Although she was stunned by the earlier explosion as well, she was one of the first to recover from it. If things were to go as Ren Baqian nned, then what she witnessed just now was actually a good thing.


    The other three people were Lin Dong, Blood River Demon, and Lin Yue, a woman dressed like a youngdy who looked to be in her twenties and was also known as Jade Ripple.


    Ren Baqian was pretty curious about this woman.


    While the others were sleeping the night before, she picked up a dozen stones and squeezed them with her hands. Ayer of dust fell off the stones as they became cubes with rounded edges. She then tossed them up and used the back of her hand to catch them.


    Lin Yue threw one the first time, two the second, and so on.


    This little game was considered very simple even for a Man Wheel expert, but she yed it with great interest.


    Ren Baqian remembered her because of this.


    Another thing was that there was very little information about Lin Yue. The Rearguard Commandery had collected information about some of the less secretive experts. Most of them had records of a number of deeds, but not her.


    She had only taken action once.


    However, she definitely didn��t look her age. She had probably looked the same for at least 20 years.


    Ren Baqian shifted his thoughts back to Li Fu and asked, ��Why don��t you tell everyone about it?��


    ��Forget it. You do it, kid!�� Li Fu sighed. He always felt bitter whenever he thought about the things that had happened in the past.


    He thought that he couldn��t resolve this problem in his lifetime, but after witnessing that scene, he felt that it could be done, though it required a little more time.


    Li Fu also needed to meet a particr person.


    ��Chief Lin, Mister Blood River Demon, and Miss Lin, it seems like you guys know something.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Lin Dong��s face twitched as he replied, ��The human race came from the Lancang Region.


    Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows. He had never heard of this name before.


    ��The Lancang Region consisted of the Wan Tribe, (TLC. Is this the same as the foreign races?) which upied 237 square districts, and the human race, which upied 10 square districts,�� Lin Dong continued.


    ��After a war 6,000 years ago, there were less than 100,000 survivors of the human race who made it through the Sixty Thousand Mountains. A portion of them stayed in the mountains and became the aboriginals. The remaining 40,000 people wandered around and made their way to Xun Yang.��


    Xun Yang is the name of a hintend in Great Xia


    Everyone was shocked after hearing what Lin Dong said. All of their old impressions had been subverted after what they saw and heard today.


    This was also the first time that Ren Baqian learned exactly when that war had happened.


    6,000 years was a little longer than the 5,000 years of history in China.


    The human race had grown from a poption of 40,000 to hundreds of millions during this time.


    ��Righteous Sect originated from Apex Sect, which was located in a ce called Ansu in the 10 square districts.�� Lin Dong exined with a smile, ��The ancestors of my sect had dismissed the thought of returning to the mountains. I actually discovered this when I was young and sneaked into a forbidden ce in my sect. I found it carved on the inside of a coffin. The ancestors of my sect probably wanted to bury this matter with him forever.��


    Zhuo Chi, Yun Zhongyue, and Xu Jiaojiao were already terribly startled by the nuclear explosion earlier. When they heard this, they almost spurted blood.


    Ren Baqian��s eyelids twitched. Did Lin Dong mean that he had opened the coffin of his sect��s ancestor?


    <em>Cough, cough. </em>Lin Dong coughed lightly and concluded, ��In any case, this is all I know.��


    Although Lin Dong only said this much, he caused the others to feel an extremely huge shock.


    ��Thank you, Chief Lin!�� Ren Baqian smiled and asked, ��What about you two?��


    ��When I fought with that bunch of bastards in the past, I identally broke into an ancient tomb after getting injured. I saw some things that are simr to what Lin Dong said,�� Blood River Demon replied. ��However, there were more visuals to it. That scene�� Oh my god! It scared the sh*t out of me!��


    Ren Baqian nodded and nced at Li Fu, thinking that there was another person who identally dug up graves like he did.


    It seemed like these people were either digging up graves or opening coffins��


    He then turned to Lin Yue and was eager to know whether she had dug up graves or opened coffins��


    She had a pensive look, but he wasn��t sure what she was thinking about.


    Everyone waited patiently for her to speak as they were digesting all the information they had just gathered.


    ��Pffft! Hehehehe!�� Lin Yue suddenly startedughing uncontrobly and pointed at Lin Dong, saying, ��You actually opened your ancestor��s coffin! Did he jump at you? How hrious!��


    Everyone was surprised. How long was her reflex arc exactly?


    The originally solemn atmosphere was shattered by her.

 Chapter 891 - Put an Eye in the Sky

    Chapter 891: Put an Eye in the Sky


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Miss Lin Yue!��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know how to address her��


    In any case, he knew that he definitely couldn��t call her an old monster! He should probably just address her as ��Miss�� based on her looks.


    Out of the blue, he suddenly thought of the empress. He would be old after 100 years, but she would still maintain her appearance�� He would probably have to address her as ��Miss�� then��


    ��What do you know about the history of the human race?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I don��t know anything. I only found out about it after listening to what you guys said. Why are you asking me about this?�� Lin Yue was at a loss.


    He had to admit that her expression was sweet and naive.


    Thinking about her age, he felt that it would probably be counted the same way as a dog.


    Ren Baqian thought of someone else who could possibly be around the same age as Lin Yue and looked as youthful as her.


    However, they were entirely different people. The other person simply ate, slept, and woke up to eat every day, leading a peaceful pig-like life.


    Besides, judging by the lifespan of her species, she wasn��t even an adult yet!


    Lin Yue, however, was different!


    Ren Baqian cleared his throat and looked at her strangely. ��I thought you looked different when I asked about the history of the human race earlier. I thought you knew something.��


    She thought about it and suddenly came to a realization, exining, ��I was justmenting how such a small thing could be so destructive!��


    Everyone was speechless.


    This was no longer a question of the length of Lin Yue��s reflex arc.


    She probably had a problem with her head��?


    Ren Baqian felt that he should probably get people to find out more about her�� If it wasn��t possible to fake one��s strength, he would suspect that the person in front of him was fake.


    With this brain of hers, how was Lin Yue not sold to the ravines after living for so many years?


    He subsequently decided to cast this matter aside.


    ��Everyone, Chief Lin spoke about some things which I can tell you are all true. As for the evidence�� Li Fu��s predecessors had some, and he himself has also seen a part of it. If you wish to know, I can also show it to you.


    That is the purpose of this meeting.


    If the experts of the human race continue to waste away, we will never have a chance to go back to where we belong.


    I hope to gather all the experts into a team and boost the power of the human race when we go there.��


    ��I definitely wouldn��t agree if you had brought this up in the past, but after seeing the explosion of those nuclear bombs, no physical force would be able to withstand such power,�� Gao Yi confessed.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t sense any dejection from him, and his words were truly heartfelt.


    It was not only him, but everyone else as well.


    ��An expert isn��t only limited to such strengths!�� Ren Baqian shook his head. ��This ce is known as the barrennd, thend of exile. Do you know why? Some things are rich in that area and scarce here. As such, it makes it more difficult for us to break through over here! Those who were able to be top experts in our world had exceptional talents. If given a chance, they would be able to soar to the heavens!��


    Ren Baqian��s words immediately shook everyone.


    There were no practitioners who didn��t want to climb to greater heights and gain more strength. Most of the people here were looking for personal gain and seeking further opportunities. Therefore, even with the deterrence of Li Fu, the world��s most powerful expert, these people came here merely to try their luck.


    As such, Ren Baqian��s words immediately excited them.


    After all, they were unaware of how strong the foreign races were. After seeing the nuclear explosions, they didn��t have many worries about a war with the foreign races.


    ��Don��t think too highly of the situation. The human race back then was about 1,000 times stronger than today. What was the end result?�� Li Fu threw a wet nket. ��As long as we step forth, it means that we will break the agreement that was made back then. It will be a massacre when the other party strikes, and we will be the sinners of the human race.��


    Everyone was surprised.


    ��Are those foreign races really that powerful?�� Xu Gongsou asked.


    ��If it weren��t for the experts of the human race who fought until the end, those 100,000 people probably wouldn��t have survived. With our current level of strength, we would only count as one of their elite soldiers,�� Li Fu exined.


    ��Don��t think about it so seriously.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. Everyone would probably be scared if Li Fu continued.


    ��You have seen my big treasure. How powerful is it?��


    ��Truly terrifying.�� Li Fu had to admit.


    ��If I were to throw hundreds or thousands of them, even a deity would have to kneel! Let alone a bunch of foreign races! Of course, their experts are truly terrifying. None of us can stop them. We will be ughtered if they strike. As such, we just need to make sure that we canpete against their high-end power even if we can only hold them back.


    If you can reach the level you are at today in this barrennd, why wouldn��t you be able to break through over there?


    As for the ordinary experts of the other party, you don��t have to worry about them, no matter how many there are!�� Ren Baqian said very confidently.


    Even if there weren��t any radioactive elements in this world, as long as there was oxygen and those top experts could be restrained, the weaker ones could be attacked with heavy firepower.


    ��Sigh���� Li Fu sighed softly. ��How could it be that easy to move forward!��


    ��It��s at least an opportunity, isn��t it? If we don��t go there, wouldn��t we have to hand over the burden to our younger generations? The strong will be forever strong, and the weak will be forever weak. We will only be struggling to survive if we back out. Is anyone willing to resign themselves to that?


    Think about it. There is an abundance of richernd out there, an environment where it��s easier to break through, a ce with a higher skill ceiling. Some of you might even be able to be as strong as our previous emperor.


    What I want to do is organize a group of people to go to that region and cultivate. What you are worried about, old man? Is it that we mightnd ourselves in big trouble and be discovered before we can even get there? What if we could put an eye in the sky? We will be able to track their every action�� We will operate in the dark, so why worry?�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��Put an eye in the sky?�� Everyone was taken aback by Ren Baqian��s words.


    Even Li Fu was surprised.


    This was really�� unbelievable!


    Actually, ��absurd�� was the word that everyone was thinking of!


    How would that be possible?


    ��I know how to achieve this. It will allow us to look down at the entire world as if we were in the sky. Of course, this will take some time. There will be no need to worry if we can achieve this.��


    ��Can you really do that?�� Li Fu still found it hard to believe.


    Ren Baqian felt that as the world��s most powerful expert, Li Fu was�� he was always disbelieving and surprised at everything. Nobody dared to lift their heads and look at the world��s number one expert in the past. How imperious must one be to hold that title?


    What about this person?


    Well, he was just a cksmith! At best, a cksmith who could fight a little!


    Li Fu truly didn��t have the mighty dominance of the top experts!


    However, to the others, putting an eye in the sky was even more unbelievable than the <em>Arabian Nights.</em>


    ��We will set off once we achieve it.�� Ren Baqian spread his hands. ��Before that, we still have some things to do.��


    ��Your goal is�� Great Xia?�� Ma Hongyu frowned.


    He had previously heard from Lin Dong that the aboriginals belonged to the same race as the people of the other nations. Truthfully, it was worthy of respect that they had stayed in the Sixty Thousand Mountains to defend.


    However, how could they forgo their identities as people of Great Xia that easily?


    ��No!�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. ��I don��t care about Great Xia��snd. My goal is out there! Like I have said, what I need are experts who are willing to take one step further!��


    He stretched out his hand and clenched his fist, saying, ��All the experts in the world, molded into a fist!��


    Everyone was shocked.


    Recruiting all of the world��s experts into his team�� What audacity!


    However, at the thought of it, it wasn��t impossible!


    The top ranked expert, along with the third, fourth, eighth, ninth, and tenth ranked experts, were all here.


    Half of the top 30 experts were present.


    As long as Ren Baqian managed to convince these people�� It wouldn��t be impossible to convince the rest!


    At present, they finally understood his idea!


    ��You talked about putting an eye in the sky? Can it really be done?�� A voice emerged from the crowd.


    Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows, only to see Lin Yue opening her mouth and looking incredulous!


    He winced, thinking about howplex her mind was��

 Chapter 892 - Fatalism

    <strong>Chapter 892: Fatalism</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    As everyone went down the mountain, Ren Baqian received some attention.


    It was probably the first time that the crowd focused on him rather than the empress.


    This was regardless of whether it was the officials of the imperial court, the students of the academy, or the winged cavalry.


    Many of them looked at Ren Baqian in awe!


    As if they were looking at the empress!


    He finally saw that kind of reverent look in their eyes. In all honesty, it felt pretty good!


    After all, he had been viewed as a gigolo for so long��


    Even a gigolo had dignity!


    ��Your Majesty, seal off this ce and don��t let anyone enter. We must pay attention to the situation here at all times, and there must be multiple groups of personnel patrolling daily. They must wear protective clothing and must not stay in the area overnight! This entire area is about 50 kilometers!�� Ren Baqian whispered to the empress��s ears.


    ��So cautious? What��s going to happen?�� she asked.


    ��It��s not good�� Radiation is harmful to the human body, so we can��t simplyunch nuclear bombs whenever we want. The entire area will be uninhabitable. In addition, it may cause mutations in animals and nts. Hopefully, there won��t be any adverse effects,�� he exined.


    Anyone from Earth would know about the threatening effects of radiation.


    ��Everyone, let��s wait here for a day,�� Ren Baqian turned around and said to the crowd.


    They hadn��t made their decisions yet since they still needed to go take a look at the underground pce.


    However, they also couldn��t get off this pirate ship. (TLC. Not sure about this term. Maybe add a footnote? It appears in the next chapter as well.)


    There were some things that one couldn��t back out of after hearing.


    As such, Ren Baqian directlyunched two nuclear bombs and was preparing tounch one more to give them the misconception that these bombs were conventional weapons.


    If they didn��t want him tounch the fourth one at them��


    Of course, everyone understood that they were feeling very conflicted right now.


    ��Don��t think too much. Our goal is for everyone to unite and fight against the foreign races. Other than that, it has little effect on you.�� Ren Baqian always spoke with a smile, and it was almost an iconic expression for him. It was the same at this moment as well.


    Everyone nodded. Some of them stayed while some moved into the distance.


    Before heading to Lan City, they still had to exin to their disciples and attendants from afar.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, I have something to ask.�� Ren Baqian heard a voice after dinner.


    He turned around and saw Li Yuanzhu standing in the dark.


    He nodded at the empress and walked over to Li Yuanzhu, asking, ��What��s the matter?��


    She looked into the distance and said, ��Su Xianxian. How are you going to deal with him?��


    Ren Baqian turned to look at the side of her face. She had a spiritual aura.


    The empress always seemed to be looking down at all beings from the top of an iceberg, but Li Yuanzhu was easy-going and treated everyone withpassion.


    The two hadpletely different personalities and temperaments, but they both felt very simr to him.


    Ren Baqian knew some things about Li Yuanzhu. She had attained the Spirit Wheel level at the age of 17, obtained a Heaven-grade weapon at 21, and became the third most powerful expert in the world at 23. She was currently 29, two years older than the empress.


    After she became a Spirit Wheel expert, she fought a total of 42 times, but had never killed anyone.


    She also rarely injured people.


    Ren Baqian fell silent for a moment, then said, ��He chose the wrong path.��


    He didn��t pay much attention to this person in the past. What happened in the mountains actually surprised him quite a bit.


    However, there were countless types of human personalities, and it was the same for experts as well.


    Su Xianxian seemed pretty hostile to Dayao and very contemptuous toward Ren Baqian. After realizing that it was Ren Baqian who had invited everyone over, Su Xianxian immediately made sarcastic remarks and left.


    If Ren Baqian could let someone like him off, then what about the other experts?


    His mind turned into flowing water.


    No matter which angle he looked at it from, he must never let this person off.


    ��Luohua Sect isn��t a big sect. Including all the disciples and helpers, they only have a total of about 300 people. Su Xianxian did wrong, but not the others.�� Li Yuanzhu turned her head, looked at Ren Baqian calmly, and asked, ��Can you let those people live?��


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt likeughing.


    In fact, he felt very good about her. Moreover, he still owed her a favor from years back.


    Besides, Li Yuanzhu didn��t say that he had to let Su Xianxian off. She simply pleaded for the others.


    However, at a time like this, he wouldn��t hesitate if taking hundreds or thousands of lives could intimidate all the experts and make them recognize the facts.


    ��Not unless I see Su Xianxian��s head!�� Ren Baqian replied resolutely.


    ��I��ll go!�� Li Yuanzhu responded, startling him.


    ��You?�� He was surprised.


    Ever since she gained her reputation, she had never killed anyone.


    Yet, she actually said that she was going to take Su Xianxian��s head?


    ��As you said, Su Xianxian chose the wrong path. I know what you want, and I understand that you can��t go easy on him. However, if taking his life can save the others, then he shall die!�� Li Yuanzhu��s voice had an inexplicable feel to it.


    It soundedpassionate andmenting, among various other things.


    ording to Ren Baqian��s ns, he would simplyunch a nuclear warhead at Su Xianxian. Then, the other experts would know the correct path to take.


    However, since Li Yuanzhu said this, he couldn��t oppose it.


    After all, she was the third most powerful expert in the world.


    Out of all these experts, Li Yuanzhu and the empress had the greatest potential.


    Besides, her setting out to kill someone would also serve as considerable intimidation.


    The most important point was that her choice had already exined her attitude. She had been exposed to this history only half a month before the others, but this easy-going and spiritual person came to a decision before Li Fu.


    Although this decision made Ren Baqian very pleased, it was also unexpected. After all, she had previously decided to go to the Sixty Thousand Mountains to see the foreign races with her own eyes, but he simply didn��t expect her to make this decision so soon.


    It was so quick that he felt it was abrupt.


    ��The deadline shall be in six months!�� he said.


    ��I��ll do my best!�� Li Yuanzhu��s Daoist robes fluttered in the night wind.


    Ren Baqian slowly walked away with his hands behind his back and departed with a sentence, saying, ��It��s a pity to dirty your hands!��


    She then stretched out her hands and looked at them.


    ��Dirty�� my hands?��


    Her palms were fair while her fingers were long and slender. Her entire hand was silky smooth.


    ��Have you decided, Senior?�� A person appeared behind Li Yuanzhu and stared at her back.


    ��Yes!�� she replied faintly.


    ��Isn��t it too soon?��


    ��Li Fu, Lin Dong, and Blood River Demon. Those people could not have lied about it. The scene I saw in the underground pce keeps appearing in my mind these days. Remember what I said before? I saw the bloody struggle of my ancestors.


    There��s a voice deep within that tells me this is the path I should take��that this is my fate! Me, Qi Zixiao, and Ren Baqian were born for this! So why procrastinate?�� Li Yuanzhu exined with constraint.


    It was rare to see Ning Qing not bbering on. She was just worried.


    What Li Yuanzhu didn��t tell anyone was�� she saw someone in that scene�� who looked just like her!


    At that moment, she seemed to have seen her past life.

 Chapter 893 - Returning to the City

    <strong>Chapter 893: Returning to the City</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    There were 60 more people when they returned to the city. Some of the experts even brought along their disciples.


    For instance, Gluttonous Duke and also Ma Hongyu.


    Along the way, the aboriginal officials and famous experts stayed together as a group.


    Qi Zixiao and Li Yuanzhu chatted asionally. Qin Chuan kept finding someone to fight with while Tong Zhenye kept looking at those experts. His eyes kept darting around, and there was no telling what he was thinking about. Like before, Lian Liang was always picking fights as well. He was always provoking others, but never won a fight.


    He had challenged several experts in a row. If it wasn��t for Ren Baqian and Qi Zixiao, he would already be dead by now.


    Although many of the aboriginal elders were very strong, they had extremely low chances of winning against these top experts.


    On the way back to the city, the two parties fought many times. Their individual characteristics were also pretty distinct.


    The aboriginals were known for their brute strength and their surly, blunt characters.


    The Heaven-grade weapons of these Spirit Wheel experts were all different, their abilities were diverse, and their moves were exquisite.


    For instance, Ren Baqian always felt that Ma Hongyu should be called Ma Liang.


    In one stroke, he could turn the ground into a swamp and make greenery, boulders and arrows rain sessively, causing confusion among his enemies.


    His attacks weren��t violent, but were multifaceted and very difficult to effectively defend against.


    Xu Gongsou��s Heaven-grade weapon was arge hand that was several meters wide. There was also a set of constetions on its palm that could attack his enemies.


    These attacks were truly eye-opening for Ren Baqian.


    However, the aboriginals had a secret method to stimte the blood and vital breath (TLC. Is this supposed to be ��vital essence�� or maybe ��vital qi�� ?) in their bodies. This was able to greatly increase their strength for a short period of time, but the side effects were huge.


    The empress would usually have to take a month to recover. Since the others weren��t as strong, they would take even longer to recover.


    If the aboriginals were to use this trump card when fighting for their lives, Ren Baqian felt that the protector generals like Xi Wanya and Li Qianqiu could still stand a chance against these top Spirit Wheel experts.


    Qin Chuan and Tong Zhenye also stood a chance against the experts that were ranked twentieth and higher.


    The rest of the aboriginals didn��t stand any chance at all.


    Of course, if they were facing ordinary Spirit Wheel experts, the situation would be reversed!


    In general, there was arger number of aboriginal experts. Even though the lower tier Cardinal Heaven experts were stronger than ordinary Spirit Wheel experts, they still fell way behind these top experts.


    On the way back to Lan City, Ren Baqian saw Lin Yue several times. She always had a pensive look on her face, and there was no telling what she was thinking about.


    He somehow suspected that she was thinking about the dinner from yesterday or the day before.


    This expert seemed to have some problems with her head.


    Just before they arrived at Lan City, Lin Yue suddenly looked for Ren Baqian and said, ��Let me ask you something!��


    ��What is it?��


    ��After seeing your treasure and hearing so many secrets, am I stuck on your pirate ship (TLC. Not sure about this term.) ?�� She seemed to be at a loss.


    Ren Baqian looked at her. Was this what she had been thinking about thesest few days?


    She finally figured it out?


    He gave a kind smile and replied, ��What do you think?��


    Lin Yue looked at him, lowered her head, and pondered. She looked up at him, lowered her head again, and nodded, saying, ��Yeah!��


    She then ran away and continued to rack her brains.


    Ren Baqian was also deep in thought.


    He was thinking hard about what her head was made of.


    Since there were countless types of people and experts, it wasn��t strange to meet such brainless people.


    Although not strange, most people couldn��t believe it!


    Who would believe that the twentieth most powerful expert in the world was like this?


    Ren Baqian somewhat wondered whether Lin Yue could possibly have suffered brain damage during her training.


    He could only wait for the Rearguard Commandery to send people to check on her and hopefully gather some information.


    Arriving in Lan City after a few days of travel, everyone went straight to the pce.


    Qin Chuan and the rest followed. The officials who had stayed behind in Lan City came as well.


    There were a total of 40 Cardinal Heaven experts, and this startled those top experts a bit.


    Although there were many top experts in Great Xia, they did not cooperate with one another. There were only three Spirit Wheel experts in Great Xia��s imperial court and possibly a few hidden ones in the pce. They were extremely low in numbers.


    However, it was different in Dayao.


    With the empress as the leader, there were at least 50 Cardinal Heaven experts in the imperial court. It could be said that there was nowhere else in the known world that could match up to such power.


    On the way back to the pce, Ren Baqian noticed something unusual.


    ��Notify people to set up a banquet in Zichen Pce Hall tonight,�� the empress ordered after entering the pce.


    Ren Baqian pulled Xin Zhe aside and asked, ��Have you caught that person?��


    ��I can��t hear you, Your Highness!�� She looked a little distressed.


    ��I said, have you caught that person?�� Ren Baqian had to raise his voice.


    ��What?��


    ��I said, have you caught that person?!�� He raised his voice again and caused everyone in the distance to look over.


    ��Caught him!�� Xin Zhe finally heard what he was saying.


    ��Dead or alive?!�� Ren Baqian shouted.


    ��His internal organs are shattered!�� Xin Zhe eximed.


    Everyone��s expressions immediately grew subtle.


    They didn��t expect it to be so scary when voices got so loud.


    Besides, half the people in the pce hadn��t been hearing very well these days��


    Ren Baqian nodded. The roaring emperor and the sound amplification equipment reallyplemented each other.


    ��I��ll take you to go for a hearing test in the next few days!��


    ��What?��


    ��It��s nothing.�� Ren Baqian waved his hand.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort���� Great Elder Shi Qing put on a fake smile as he walked over. ��I��m old, so I can��t withstand such a big blow and almost died because of you. Besides, all the ss in my house broke! What is with this matter? I spent a lot of money at the royal ss shop!��


    ��I��llpensate you!�� Ren Baqianughed. ��I��ll change your windows to ss!��


    The result of the fight was a little unexpected for Ren Baqian.


    Xin Shuai had died and the power of sound was greater than Ren Baqian had anticipated, but he wasn��t that surprised either.


    However, the ss had shattered in many of the elders�� homes that surrounded the pce. This showed that the area of effect wasrger than expected.


    Needless to say, the ss in the pce had definitely shattered as well!


    Ren Baqian cast these matters aside and took the experts to the underground pce.


    When the crowd snapped out of the illusion, all of them remained silent, but the shock in their eyes couldn��t be concealed.


    They were utterly astonished by what they had seen!


    They were the top experts of the world, but after seeing that illusion, they knew how big the gap was between them and the experts of the past.


    As Li Fu said, the experts of ancient times greatly exceeded their own!


    Inparison, modern experts were equivalent to the Earth Wheel level at best.


    Their hearts subsequently grew even more fervent.


    If the experts there were so powerful, would they also have the opportunity to reach the level that they saw in the illusion if they headed into the mountains?


    Even Lin Dong, who was pretty calm before he arrived, had a sh of excitement in his eyes.


    Ren Baqian looked at everyone��s expressions and smiled.


    As he was much weaker, he saw much less of the illusionpared to the rest and didn��t get to see the great battle at the end.


    However, he had heard about it from the empress.


    Seeing everyone��s expressions, he knew what they were thinking about.

 Chapter 894 - Weak Kidneys

    Chapter 894: Weak Kidneys


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Zichen Pce Hall was brightly lit at night.


    There were hundreds of people in the pce, but it was pretty quiet.


    Ren Baqian and the empress sat at the top while Dayao��s officials and the experts of Great Xia sat below, each group on one side of the hall.


    There were two special people on Dayao��s side, Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng.


    In terms of strength, the two were slightly weakerpared to the others. However, they represented the Jing Tribe, another group in Dayao.


    The scene in the hall made them both feel indescribably emotional.


    Just a few years ago, Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng were still working hard to revolt.


    They didn��t expect everything to change in just a few years.


    However, this change made them feel gratified as well as a little regretful.


    They felt gratified because Ren Baqian��s promise to them was slowly being realized. The people who joined the Rearguard Commandery were currently spread all over Tianjing Basin, the Yun Nation, and also Great Xia.


    Some of the ordinary people now lived in Lan City, walking in the same city as the aboriginals.


    Although it wasn��t perfect and they still encountered disturbances, the two were satisfied with the change.


    Qingyun Sword and Zuo Cheng felt regret that many of their fellow experts had died in Tianjing Basin back then.


    If they were still around and saw the current situation, they would probably approve of the decision that the two made back then


    ��Everyone, I never thought that there woulde a time when all of us would sit down like this.�� The empress fiddled with her wine ss.


    In fact, her initial idea of how she would meet them was with her sitting at the top while overlooking their dismembered heads below.


    She would then say, ��Put them into the ground, and let them be Dayao��s cornerstone.��


    This suited her image very well.


    ��I also didn��t expect this. We would always be fighting whenever we met in the past.�� Qin Chuanughed as he stroked his beard.


    Upon hearing this, most of the people began to smile.


    Indeed, who would have thought that these Great Xia people would one day be sitting together with so many aboriginal experts?


    ��In the future, we must let go of the hatred of each other��s race and nation.�� Ren Baqian stood up and made a toast. ��Everyone, the human race for the human race!��


    The people below looked at him and thought about him holding a wine ss in one hand while waving the detonating device for the nuclear warheads in the other. Very quickly, they made a decision.


    ��For the human race!�� everyone replied.


    Everyone saying this together exined their standpoint.


    They couldn��t possibly stay away from it anymore.


    Of course, they couldn��t do so previously either. Even the dumb Lin Yue understood this, not to mention the others.


    The only thing they felt weird about was that this entire n wasn��t initiated by Great Xia, the nation that had always been the most powerful in the world, but by Dayao. Furthermore, it was initiated by a person who had not even attained the Spirit Wheel level.


    In their memories, Great Xia had always been the one forgiving and taking in others. Yet, they had now been taken in by others.


    The banquet was considered pretty harmonious. Under the empress��s control, Qin Chuan and the others weren��t allowed to perform striptease or Mortal Kombat.


    She was also in high spirits, and the end result was that she�� drank too much!


    Plus, since Ren Baqian��s kidneys had recovered��


    ��Great Elder, Her Majesty will probably be unable to attend tomorrow��s court session. Furthermore, the discussion scheduled for tomorrow also cannot be held.�� Xin Zhe pried open Shi Qing��s door in the middle of the night.


    ��Huh?�� He froze.


    ��I have conveyed the message.�� She nodded at Shi Qing. If he hadn��t asked her about it before and also obtained the empress��s approval, she probably wouldn��t have bothered to inform him.


    Xin Zhe disappeared into the darkness after she conveyed the message. Anyway, she couldn��t hear anything that he had to say. She had been having some problems with her earstely�� There was always a buzzing sound.


    Shi Qing sighed. It seemed like Yaohua Pce Hall�� was going to copse sometime soon!


    He had no idea where they were going to move to next��


    ��What? Postponed?�� After hearing the news the next day, Li Yuanzhu didn��t have much of a reaction, but Ning Qing jumped up.


    ��They actually postponed the discussion of such a huge matter with so many powerful experts around? They are too insincere!��


    Li Yuanzhu frowned slightly as well. Why was the discussion postponed when it had just been confirmed the day before? She wondered what had happened.


    ��Go find out what��s happening.�� Li Yuanzhu spoke halfway and retracted her words. ��Forget it. This isn��t the temple, and you don��t have to do it. Others will find out what happened.��


    ��What do you mean, Senior? I somehow feel that you��re looking down on me?�� Ning Qing red with a vicious look.


    ��No. What you think�� is right!�� Li Yuanzhu��s words suddenly changed. With threatening gestures, Ning Qing immediately leaped up and demanded an exnation from her.


    In fact, many of the experts weren��t feeling very happy that Qi Zixiao and Ren Baqian had postponed the discussion for many days without giving an exnation.


    There were many people who wanted to know what had happened, and they were wondering if any unforeseen circumstances had urred.


    Otherwise, why was it suddenly dyed?


    The aboriginal officials didn��t regard this as a confidential matter. How could a group of people who danced and whistled at the banquet be expected to feel that this was a private matter for the royal family and that it had to be kept secret?


    It didn��t take long for everyone to understand the whole story, which left them dumbfounded��


    They didn��t know how they should react��


    Ning Qing ran out while harping on the matter to find out what had happened. After learning from the others, she ran back with her face flushed.


    ��What did you hear about?�� Li Yuanzhu felt pretty amused when she saw Ning Qing��s face.


    ��Well���� How was Ning Qing supposed to exin?


    Li Yuanzhu smiled.


    She felt a little strange as well. Although Ning Qing wasn��t diligent in practicing martial arts, she was pretty efficient at finding gossip. How could she not have found out about anything? Why was her face so red?


    Ning Qing gritted her teeth and said, ��Those two are copting! I heard that they will take at least three to four days!��


    Li Yuanzhu��s face immediately blushed!


    ��Shameless! Scumbag! Obscene!�� Ning Qing scolded as she gnashed her teeth.


    ��Truly a barbarian. All men are obscene!�� She muttered indignantly for a long time before raising her head and wondering aloud, ��Does it take that long? I don��t see this in novels!��


    ��What novel?�� Li Yuanzhu asked profoundly. Her gaze was suddenly filled with�� an inexplicable feeling��


    ��Oh, it��s nothing!�� Ning Qing hurriedly replied and ran away.


    Four dayster, Ren Baqian came out holding his waist. At present, the empress��s quarters had been changed from Yaohua Pce Hall to Fenghuan Pce Hall.


    Although he was holding his waist, he seemed to appear pleasantly surprised.


    His hip bones weren��t broken this time. His spine, arms, and legs were all fine as well��


    ��We ought to celebrate!�� Ren Baqian was full of joy.


    After considering the possibility of it happening again after the celebration, he decided to give up the idea.


    However, he was still beaming with joy. The others certainly wouldn��t know what he was so happy about.


    That night, Ren Baqian went to visit the experts one by one. After all, he had stood them up for a few days, which was inexcusable.


    He received a note from every room that he visited.


    There was one from Xu Gongsou, Lin Dong, Blood River Demon, Gao Yi��


    Ren Baqian was puzzled. Was it popr for experts to send kidney supplementation recipes to improve their rtionships?


    Furthermore, he received a different recipe from each expert?


    Why would the top experts of the world carry around kidney supplementation recipes with them?


    Were they all suffering from weak kidneys?


    This novel should be renamed ��Weak Kidneys!��


    Only Li Yuanzhu acted like normal�� but she had a pretty strange gaze as well��


    Oh, Lin Yue was pretty normal.


    A long while after Ren Baqian left her room and returned to the pce, Lin Yue patted her head and eximed, ��I forgot to ask him why the discussion was dyed for five days!��


    After thinking about it for some time, she thought to herself, <em>It doesn��t matter anyway!</em>

 Chapter 895 - The Public Welfare Organization that Helps Children Return Home

    Chapter 895: The Public Welfare Organization that Helps Children Return Home


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The top experts waited five days for Ren Baqian and the empress to copte. No one would believe it, but this actually happened and left everyone speechless.


    Fortunately, they were all able to start the discussion the next day.


    The first obstacle they faced was the affiliation of this organization.


    Even if Ren Baqian had nuclear bombs in his hand and even if this entire thing was led by Dayao from the start, many experts would oppose it if it belonged to Dayao.


    ��In any case, it��s impossible for this organization to belong to Dayao. Although I bear no feelings for Great Xia, I��m not prepared to be a citizen of Dayao either,�� Xu Gongsou said calmly.


    ��I also don��t agree. I have no intention of working for your nation,�� Gao Yi replied.


    ��I don��t agree either. After all, my vi is still in the Longjing Residence of Great Xia. My disciples are all people of Great Xia as well. We are putting in effort for the human race and our own futures, not for Dayao.�� Ma Hongyu didn��t even take a nce at the empress, whose face was looking extremely ck.


    Sitting in the seat of honor, the empress felt that she would be morefortable cutting their heads off and disying them in front of her.


    ��Sure!�� Seeing that she was about to explode, Ren Baqian grabbed her hand and calmed her down before whispering in her ear, ��It will be interesting when they beg you to join us in the future.��


    Li Fu, Li Yuanzhu, and some of the experts turned their heads and threw inexplicable nces at him.


    Beg them to join? These people?


    Ren Baqian looked at their expressions and sneered.


    Without Dayao��s identification cards, they wouldn��t even be able to apply for a phone card in the future!


    Not even a bank card.


    Not to mention a house!


    Well, all of these didn��t matter. They could keep their pride and neglect Dayao��s phones and bank cards.


    However, in the future, when there were several nations in this world, it would be really hard to say.


    Even if Ren Baqian didn��t take the initiative to upy other nations, once theparison was made between a modern and a feudal nation, there would be no telling what the other nations and their people would do!


    The empress took a deep breath and eased the anger in her chest.


    ��Everyone ising together not for one person or one nation, but for themselves and the human race.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Hearing this, the others were relieved. They were really afraid that Ren Baqian and the empress would insist on affiliating this organization as a department of Dayao. This was something that they couldn��t ept in any case.


    ��Actually, it doesn��t matter to me!�� Blood River Demon spread his hands. ��If you can satisfy me, what harm is there in joining Dayao?��


    The others didn��t even look at him. His willingness was none of their business.


    Ren Baqian smiled in return.


    Although this incident made both sides a little unhappy, things still went pretty smoothly after everyone heard what he said.


    At noon, Tong Zhenye went to him and cursed as he stroked his beard. ��F*ck! Why does it feel like we let them off lightly? We send them out to a good ce to cultivate and provide them with food, but in the end, they aren��t part of us?��


    ��With our enemies approaching, every ounce of strength is important to us, especially when these people have the capability of bing the strongest experts. For now, as long as they are from the human race, they are part of us,�� Ren Baqian replied casually. ��Don��t think too much. Who knows what will happen in the future?��


    The empress still felt a little depressed at lunch.


    ��Don��t think too much, Your Majesty. After all, this is just the first step.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��I just feel unhappy.�� She raised her eyebrows, expressing her dissatisfaction.


    We have been fighting for so many years after all! Besides, think about what they will look like in the future when they are begging around just to open a bank ount in Dayao! Isn��t that more delightful?!�� he teased.


    ��It��s not easy to make those people bow their heads. And as you said, the enemies are approaching!�� The empress shook her head.


    ��There��s always a chance!�� Ren Baqian replied. Although he didn��t know whether his vision could be realized, there were so many opportunities in the future!


    Of course, he definitely couldn��t do anything that would hinder himself.


    History had shown that if one was hindered, the person who got dragged down would ultimately be himself.


    It wouldn��t matter even if Ren Baqian couldn��t make them bow their heads and join Dayao. At that time, Dayao would definitely be tougher.


    Instead, it was currently the early stages of entering that world that were the most important!


    In the afternoon, the name of the organization was being decided.


    ��The Public Welfare Organization that Helps Children Return Home?�� Li Fu looked at the name written on the paper in front of him and asked, ��Are you kidding me?��


    ��Is this it?�� Li Yuanzhu looked up as well.


    ��Isn��t it right? Think about where we are going! Going home! The ce that is the home of the human race. All the people of Dayao are the people of Her Majesty, but aren��t the people of Great Xia from the same human race? Besides, the term ��children�� is referring to our descendants as well!


    We are seeking neither fame nor benefits, but are fighting for the sake of our descendants to allow them to break free of this nomadic lifestyle and return home�� Do you think this is wrong?�� Ren Baqian questioned.


    Li Yuanzhu pondered and replied, ��It seems right����


    Ren Baqian��s exnation sounded correct, but why did the name of the organization sound a bit off?


    ��However, the name doesn��t sound right!�� Ma Hongyu added.


    ��There��s no right or wrong. Everyone has their own preferences for names, just like their preferences for food. Alternatively, you can suggest a suitable name that exins our purpose and lets people know what we are doing with one nce. Everyone must also ept it!�� Ren Baqian replied indifferently.


    When Ma Hongyu had his objection hurled back at himself, he suddenly looked constipated.


    Asking him toe up with a name�� was simply akin to taking his life!


    The empress gave a faint and inexplicable smile�� In fact, she was ying the role of an observer in the peanut gallery. The experts made her unhappy in the morning, and now, it was time for her to watch the show.


    ��I feel that the name is pretty good!�� Blood River Demon chuckled.


    Everyone stared at him. They couldn��t be bothered with him in the morning, yet here he appeared again. Why was he trying to bootlick?


    ��I also think that it��s good!�� Tong Zhenye burst outughing.


    ��It��s actually pretty good��it��s just that the name is a little too long. Still, a long name sounds impressive!�� Qin Chuan rarely stood on the same side as Tong Zhenye.


    ��I agree!�� Tu Wan seconded.


    ��It��s really good!�� Xiong Yaohe agreed as well.


    The aboriginal experts agreed on after another. In any case, they were simply delighted that the other party was unhappy!


    Besides, Ren Baqian was their Zhao Prince Consort! When the empress wasn��t voicing her opinion, who else would they support?


    ��Most of the people have agreed!�� Ren Baqian chuckled. ��Since this organization doesn��t belong to Dayao, it will be decided by a majority vote. It will be approved if a majority agrees and rejected if a majority disagrees. How about that?��


    The Great Xia experts had wretched looks on their faces.


    Were they actually doing this?


    Out of more than 50 people in the room, more than 30 of them were aboriginals. What was there to vote on?


    ��Zhao Prince Consort��s suggestion is good. Otherwise, with so many people around, who should we listen to? Zhao Prince Consort��s suggestion is good!�� Tong Zhenye nced around and immediatelyughed.


    Even though he wasn��t usually smart, he knew which side had more people at the moment.


    ��I don��t agree!�� Xu Gongsou suddenly red and mmed the table.


    Ren Baqian picked his nails as he replied, ��Oh? How should we do it then? This organization is made up of experts. Without a structure, how will things work out in the future?��


    ��You guys are greater in number! It��s not fair!�� Tao Qian eximed as he mmed the table.


    ��It��s because we have more experts!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��More doesn��t mean stronger. Shall wepete?��


    ��Do you want topete with my treasure?�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    Tao Qian suddenly became mute.


    As long as one was within 300 meters of the explosion, they wouldn��t even stand a chance of escaping! There was no room forpetition!


    ��Thus, we��re still stronger! Of course, you can rope in the other experts as well!�� Ren Baqian replied faintly. ��In any case, if Tao Qian ropes in more experts, the game n would be different!��

 Chapter 896 - Organizational Structure with Loopholes Everywhere

    Chapter 896: Organizational Structure with Loopholes Everywhere


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Tian Ming (Destiny)?��


    ��Ming Tang (Bright Hall)?��


    ��Pu Chang (Prosperous Sedge)?��


    ��Meng Ya (Sprout)?��


    Ren Baqian sat there and smiled as he watched many Great Xia experts struggle to think of some dubious names, but then reject them.


    ��We will do as Zhao Prince Consort has suggested, but change it to a home charity organization.�� Li Yuanzhu put her hand on her forehead in despair at their poor ability to choose a name.


    Furthermore, this matter was not that important and not worth putting in too much effort.


    Everyone reluctantly agreed.


    Ren Baqian also considered it a trivial matter and proceeded to the next item.


    This concerned the structure of the organization.


    ��A snake must have a head. If orders from the top do not flow down, the organization will encounter internal friction.


    In my opinion, we can name one chief and two deputies to take care of daily affairs.


    People will be rewarded ording to their contribution to the organization to prevent members from not putting in effort. After all, we will be facing an enemy that is 10 times or even tens of times better than us, so we can��t afford to make any mistakes.��


    After hearing his words, everyone became serious.


    The naming was a small matter, and the current issue was what concerned them.


    ��As for your treatment, whether in terms of strength or as an advocate of this organization, you can��t be treated the same as other fighters. In the future, there will be a variety of benefits in the organization, including techniques that can be used for reference, a better ce for cultivation, various materials needed for cultivation, and even radio stations, drones, and tabletputers, which the organization can provide. I have to emphasize that your reward will depend on your contribution to the organization,�� Ren Baqian said in a measured tone.


    After some consideration, everyone nodded in agreement. To those at the administrative level, these things weren��t important, but it made a difference to the practitioners whose skills were at about the same level.


    People always want to be the best. This had been the case since ancient times, and the same thing would apply in other situations.


    However, what were radios, drones, and tabletputers?


    ��Three elements will determine your rank. The first is the ability to recruit new members in terms of quantity and quality.


    As mentioned before, this organization is for the benefit of the entire human race. Our goal is to unite all humans and form an effective fighting force. It has always been our goal to absorb all the other top experts into the organization, and we must get them.


    Top experts, experts, and practitioners with potential are our targets. Each person taken in will be given points based on their strength, potential, character, and other aspects. This will be used to measure your contribution. The higher the contribution, the higher the reward will be. When the war starts, you can mobilize more people.��


    At this point, Ren Baqianughed and continued, ��I think this sounds blunt and unpleasant, but just remember that we are doing this for the sake of the human race. We recruit experts not for points, but to strengthen the organization and the human race.


    If the experts of the human race remain scattered, how can we seed in the end? Remember that we are behind by 7,000 years and that those foreign races are thriving in our homnd. Meanwhile, we are in exile here and declining.


    We have no time to waste and cannot waste any manpower!��


    Everyone frowned. As Ren Baqian said, it was easy to say, but disagreeable to hear. They also didn��t feelfortable recruiting others.


    However, Ren Baqian was also not wrong to say that everyone was a source of strength and that this involved every human.


    Li Fu groaned andined, ��I��m not able to do this. Aside from your weird gadgets, I��m not interested in any other things. I just want to see if what you said wille true.��


    ��You don��t care about other things? Suppose the human race lost because they didn��t have you��wouldn��t you care?�� Ren Baqian retorted


    Li Fu��s face instantly turned ck. This responsibility was too big to bear.


    ��In addition to this, there is a second element�� which is the assignment of tasks.����Ren Baqian continued, ��The organization will regrly assign tasks and any urgent task may be strictly enforced. This is your responsibility and obligation as every task is rted to our goal!��


    ��ordingly, points will be given to you for finishing each task. As for the third element, you can also obtain points by donating to the organization. Surely you do not expect every top expert to pay for such arge organization out of their own pocket.�� Ren Baqian said while smiling benevolently.


    This donation scheme was a big loophole. No one was better than him and Dayao��s whole court regarding the exchange of donations for points.


    ��Finally, wee to the umtion of these points. Besides the leaders and deputies, there are various levels of executives as well as various tasks. At the same time, normal members are also divided into different levels that range from one to nine. The higher the level of contribution to the organization and the human race, the higher their level will be.��


    After hearing Ren Baqian, the crowd frowned more deeply.


    The crowd felt as if they were being shackled by iron chains.


    They felt like refuting Ren Baqian, but what he said was logical.


    ��How can you guarantee that this will not be your private organization?�� Gluttonous Duke��s expression made him look as if he had eaten goldthread root.


    ��This requires a council. There are five levels of executive officers. The lowest rank is one and the highest rank is five. Officers that are ranked level three and higher will be council members. Every five years, there will be a council meeting to review the performance over the previous five years and to make suggestions for future development. In addition, the council has the right to dismiss the chief and deputies. If the leader can��t lead the organization and the human race in the right direction, everyone can choose a chief with the right abilities.


    I only care about the human race��not even Great Xia concerns me. I can effortlessly swallow Great Xia, but what��s the point? I��m only concerned about the human race! �� Ren Baqian��s speech and his proposal for a council were particrly persuasive, and everyone nodded in agreement.


    Everyone pondered deeply after hearing his speech.


    Many of the things mentioned by Ren Baqian had never crossed their minds before. Since they were heroic individuals, they were not low-minded, but they were limited by their exposure.


    To put it inly, they ruled a mountain by using the strength of their martial arts. At most, they were sect leaders. They were in charge of thousands of people and used management methods that had been passed down through the generations.


    How could they argue with Ren Baqian over these matters?


    There were many loopholes in the proposal, but no matter how they tried, they wouldn��t be able to avoid them.


    The most important part was that Ren Baqian could make donations to increase the proportion of aboriginals on the council.


    Dayao was an entire nation that included the Sixty Thousand Mountains and could increase its productivity with the science and technology provided by Ren Baqian. No one else could match these benefits.


    To have more executive officers, those from Great Xia had to finish more tasks and recruit more experts. As a result, Ren Baqian didn��t have to worry about them not putting in the effort.


    But so what?


    Needless to say, there were many other loopholes made by Ren Baqian. Even if these were discovered, they couldn��t do anything about them!


    Although there were loopholes, the organization overall was a conspiracy.


    If dissatisfied, they couldpete based on the amount of donations.


    Whether it was a donation orpleting a task, how could the scattered experts of Great Xiapete with Dayao when Dayao spoke with one voice?


    One of these days, if they became more powerful than Dayao in some way, Ren Baqian would find ways to counter them. For example, they could divide the council into more levels and have lower and upper councils.


    In the name of the people!

 Chapter 897 - Rumormongering

    Chapter 897: Rumormongering


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After seven days of deliberation, they came up with a more detailed n.


    Everyone was very satisfied with the oue.


    Ma Hongyu and Xu Gongsou were delighted as they felt they had fought for the greatest benefits for Great Xia.


    Blood River Demon was also happy as with this organization; he wouldn��t be beaten by other groups.


    He was wondering whether he could beat other people up.


    Lin Yue was also satisfied as she was eating and sleeping well. The most important thing for her was the discovery of a wonderful product from another world: melon seeds.


    During these few days of discussion in the pce hall, a group of melon seed eaters was formed. Every day, each of them would hold a bag of melon seeds, finish the bag at night, and appear with a new bag the next day.


    Ren Baqian was even more satisfied and was beaming when he returned to the pce every day.


    The only people who weren��t satisfied were probably many of the aboriginal court officials because they felt that the other side had taken advantage of them.


    The initial chief was the empress while the deputies were Li Fu and Lin Dong. Thetter was an unexpected choice, but was in fact the most suitable candidate. Ren Baqian had a good impression of him since Lin Dong had many years of experience managing a cult��


    Or rather, he had experience managing an organization.


    He had his own unique method when it came to brainwashing.


    From Ren Baqian��s point of view, Lin Dong was more useful than Li Fu.


    As for Li Fu, his more important role was being an icon.


    However, the third, fourth, sixth, ninth, and tenth ranked experts in the world were in this organization. As a result, Li Fu��s role as an icon was not that important and was considered the icing on the cake.


    As a matter of fact, Ren Baqian wanted to use Li Fu for another purpose.


    He could block attacks!


    If Xu Wuming were to attack, it would be a waste if Li Fu, the world��s most powerful expert and also a deputy in the organization, wasn��t used to block him.


    Although Ren Baqian was confident in being able to take down Xu Wuming, he first had to block Xu Wuming��s initial strike or else he would be killed if Xu Wuming took him by surprise.


    In addition, Great Xia was divided into 15 areas that were controlled by 15 level one executive officials.


    Their main responsibility was recruiting new members.


    When they recruited enough members, they could be second or third level executive officials.


    On the surface, Dayao was also divided into 15 areas that were under Qingyun Sword, Zuo Cheng, and some of the top aboriginal experts. However, everyone was clear about the situation in Dayao.


    In this way, an organization of the human race was formed in Dayao.


    Except for these people and the aboriginal officials, the citizens of Lan City didn��t know of this matter and didn��t know what impact it would have on their future.


    As the organization was newly established, besides having many experts, it didn��t have other members. Going forward, they had to depend on these experts to recruit more people.


    Before that, they had another thing to do, which was to head into the Sixty Thousand Mountains and find out whether the foreign races were like what Ren Baqian described.


    Coincidentally, Qi Ziting had recently found some traces of the foreign races in the Sixty Thousand Mountains and was mobilizing masters to go there.


    These masters required a reduced time of five months to rush over as they were top experts.


    In this era, everything was slow, and it took five months even when they hurried.


    Even news could be stuck on the road for months.


    Therefore, Qi Ziting waited patiently for these experts to arrive.


    Three people were exceptions: Li Yuanzhu, Lin Yue, and Blood River Demon.


    Li Yuanzhu was going to deal with Su Xianxian.


    Lin Yue would rather spend her time feasting and drinking in Lan City and preferred to leave all these troublesome affairs to others.


    Ren Baqian felt that she and Lin Qiaole shared the same interests.


    As for Blood River Demon�� He already knew many things and wasn��t interested as a result.


    However, it seemed to Ren Baqian that he was in a hurry to go back and recruit more people. After all, he had been beaten by others for half his life and finally had the opportunity to beat up others!


    ��See this button? Press it to ess the public channel and inquire about the other side. At the same time, use it to report the situation here.��


    The various experts were gathered around a table.


    ��You can use this thing to talk to someone 1,000 kilometers away?�� Everyone was amazed to find this strange and wonderful item in Dayao.


    After Ren Baqian tuned the frequency to match the channel, they heard a voice say, ��I really miss Lan City. I wonder whether anyone has stolen my fine wine.��


    ��What nonsense are you spouting? Discipline your son and bring him to work under me. He��s already 20 and stillnguishing in Lan City. At that age, I had already killed countless people.��


    ��Forget it�� I��m still waiting for grandchildren�� I heard that he and the girl from the Hong family are quite close.��


    ��Xi Wanya, what did you say?�� Another voice, which sounded stern, was heard.


    ��General-in-Chief who Supports the Nation, it seems like you have gained a generation. One of them is your granddaughter and the other is my son! You should be chuckling.�� Xi Wanya wasn��t afraid of Hong Wu and kept on bbering.


    ��Get lost! Don��t let me see you again!��


    ��All of you are morefortable over there. Meanwhile, I��m here catching rats every day and running out of patience�� If Zhao Prince Consort and the empress didn��t send a decree, I would have killed those rats until their blood flowed like a river!�� A male voice that could make people feel chills was heard.


    ��Kill, kill, kill! That��s all you know. What else do you know? You are already so old. Don��t you have a brain?��


    ��Zhuo Yue, I��m going to kill you!�� That chilling voice sounded angry.


    ��Such a grown up man, yet your brain still hasn��t grown. Kill, kill, kille and kill me. You are just being stupid.��


    Ren Baqian was puzzled. Hong Wu from the Protectorate of the North, Li Doni from the Protectorate of the Northeast, Xi Wanya from the Protectorate of the South, Li Qianqiu from the Protectorate of the Center, Zhuo Yue from the Protectorate of the Southeast, and Ren Baqian��s brother-inw�� Was this a chatroom?


    ��That��s a real voice!�� Gluttonous Duke muttered to himself.


    The rest of them showed all kinds ofplex expressions.


    Three names were heard from the voicesing from the box: Xi Wanya, Hong Wu, and Zhuo Yue.


    Those who knew Dayao would know what these names represented.


    These three people were located far away from each other, but were surprisingly able tomunicate through this little box.


    Although the names of the other speakers were not mentioned, everyone could guess who they were.


    It was amazing that the five protectorates couldmunicate through this little box. This thing was so convenient and useful.


    No wonder Dayao seldom suffered defeat when facing Great Xia over the past few years or when invading the Yun Nation. The coordination between the various armies was wless and amazed those who studied the battles. They could actuallymunicate in real-time.


    ��Cough, how is everyone today? Has brother-inw eaten? Has everyone eaten?��


    ��Oh, it��s Zhao Prince Consort!�� Xi Wanyaughed heartily.


    ��How is Zhao Prince Consort doing?�� Li Qianqiu asked with augh.


    ��Oh, Zhao Prince Consort is here. It��s a pity I have not had a chance to work with you. When I return to Lan City to report, I will definitely have a good chat with Zhao Prince Consort.�� Zhuo Yue��s voice came out smoothly from the radio.


    Ren Baqian immediately conjured up an image of a fat man with an oily face.


    ��Hi!�� Hong Wu greeted.


    ��Hi!�� Li Doni greeted.


    For different reasons, these two had different opinions of Ren Baqian.


    ��Little fellow, if you betray my sister�� I will chop you up to feed the worms!�� Qi Ziting was heard speaking from a distance.


    ��Oh, elder brother-inw has said this many times!�� Ren Baqianughed heartily. ��How would that be possible?��


    The very next second, Ren Baqian��sughing expression froze.


    ��I heard that you and that wretched woman, Li Yuanzhu, have been making eyes at each other���� Qi Ziting said.


    Ren Baqian��s eyes widened, and he could feel the gazes of the crowd staring at him even without turning his head. Of course he didn��t want to look at Li Yuanzhu.


    However, he had no intention of thinking about the expressions of the others and roared furiously, ��You can eat anything you want, but you can��t speak improperly! When did I flirt with Li Yuanzhu? Which bastard is the rumormonger? Let him exin to me or I will let his family have a reunion in hell.��


    The people around Ren Baqian retreated five meters away and looked at Li Yuanzhu and Ren Baqian curiously.


    Only Lin Yue was beside Li Yuanzhu, whose expression looked uncertain as she gnashed her teeth. Lin Yue held a bag of melon seeds and was thinking deeply.

 Chapter 898 - Fan the Flames

    Chapter 898: Fan the mes


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Li Yuanzhu looked at Ren Baqian��s back and felt a little moody.


    When did she exchange flirtatious nces with him? And what did Qi Ziting mean by calling her a wretched woman?


    For so many years, there were people who called her a spiritual master and a fairy, but nobody had called her a wretched woman before. This was the first time someone called her that and in front of her no less.


    Was that Qi Zixiao��s brother? That general from back in the day? It wouldn��t be a problem if he was thousands of kilometers away and didn��t know that Li Yuanzhu was here. This Zhao Prince Consort��


    She lightly gritted her teeth and took a deep breath before regaining her calm appearance.


    Ren Baqian stomped with fury and vowed to demolish Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan��s houses the next day. Besides them, nobody else could have done this.


    He then suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Li Yuanzhu. Next, he cupped his fists and said, ��My apologies, Priestess. We spoke irresponsibly!��


    ��It��s fine! You don��t have to be too bothered by this, Zhao Prince Consort. This is a pretty special experience!�� she replied casually with a calm look on her face.


    Ren Baqianughed and apologized again before saying, ��Elder brother-inw and Protector General Xi, there will be a group of experts heading for the Sixty Thousand Mountains. If you find traces of the foreign races, don��t inadvertently alert the enemy. This is important. They should probably arrive in about five months.��


    ��Who are they?�� Qi Ziting asked in a deep voice.


    ��I suppose you have heard about it. In order to fight against the foreign races, Her Majesty has taken the lead and established an organization. These experts are officials in the organization. You have probably heard of many of their names. There��s Ma Hongyu, Elder Xu Gongsou of the Moon Palm Gate, Lin Dong of the Righteous Sect, Elongating Spear Gao Yi, Gluttonous Duke Shi Hao���� Ren Baqian named a few of them.


    ��Oh! Those people!�� Qi Zitingined softly, ��Back then, if only����


    ��Forget it! A real man doesn��t boast about his past achievements!�� Ren Baqian directly interrupted Qi Ziting before he could recall his glory days. ��Anyway, these experts are all fighting for the human race. That��s why I thought that I should inform you first!��


    ��Alright, I understand.�� After being interrupted, Qi Ziting replied angrily, ��I won��t bother them!��


    Xu Gongsou and the rest winced.


    The Qi Ziting from back then was confident when he spoke, but he had gotten much weaker after he lost his legs. Who could he find fault with?


    Nobody felt good about him either. His reputation in the past was very poor. There were many practitioners in the Yun Nation who died at the hands of Qi Ziting.


    If it were another asion, there was no telling if Qi Ziting might give someone trouble. Was he really regarding these experts as one of those warriors of the Yun Nation who had died at his hands?


    For the sake of Qi Zixiao, they simply felt that it wasn��t appropriate to bicker with him at the moment.


    However, it would be an entirely different matter if he were to find fault with any of them.


    After that, Ren Baqian taught these experts how to use the radio and how to charge it.


    It would take some time for anyone who had never seen this kind of technology. He spent two hours exining just so they could understand.


    Although nobody spoke up, they felt incredibly amazed.


    Regardless of whether it was the radio, the streetlights, or the water tower that was being installed in Lan City, this trip to Dayao was simply eye-opening for them.


    Water would be supplied by means of electric pumps from the main tower to dozens of smaller towers built within the city. From there, it would be distributed to households through pipes.


    Although the project was currently onlypleted in Beihong District, this water supply equipment would be provided to all citizens in Lan City.


    In addition, the carriages in Lan City also caught everyone��s attention. They weren��t as bumpy as horse carriages. After learning about them, they found out that the wheels of the carriages were wrapped with ayer of rubber. Shock absorbers were also installed in the interiors of these carriages.


    Not to mention that the streets were also full of potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, etc. Even the poorestmoners could still fill their stomachs.


    These experiences refreshed the experts�� understanding of Dayao.


    Judging from the current state of Dayao, it could probably surpass Great Xia in some aspects.


    These changes were all brought about by Zhao Prince Consort.


    With the strength of Qi Zixiao and the aboriginals, coupled with Zhao Prince Consort��s strange things, they had to admit that the empress��s foresight was pretty good.


    They wondered where she had found such a person.


    ��


    ��When are those people leaving?�� the empress asked casually during dinner.


    In the past, she rarely spoke during her meals. There was no telling if she was influenced by Ren Baqian, but she had developed the habit of chatting while eating.


    ��Do you dislike them a lot, Your Majesty?�� he asked.


    ��Yes,�� the empress replied bluntly, ��but I know how to deal with them.��


    ��In fact, although both parties have been hostile for so many years, such feelings will ease after a period of interaction. We will see about that in the future!�� She gulped down her wine.


    ��I bumped into Minister Tong and Minister Qin today, and they said that drinking alcohol is bad for the fetus.�� Ren Baqian looked at the wine ss in her hand, then nced back at her.


    ��Both of them?�� The empress looked at him suspiciously.


    ��The baby in your belly is the future emperor of Dayao, Your Majesty. They would definitely be concerned!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    ��I shall speak to them tomorrow!�� She squinted as a chill shed across her eyes.


    ��Anyway, I believe in you, Your Majesty. Your own understanding of your body isn��t something that others will know about! They shouldn��t be making guesses about your private affairs.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    ��Humph!�� The chill in the empress��s eyes grew even more intense. It only eased when she looked up at him and replied, ��I naturally know my own body.��


    He looked at the calcium milk beside her. She had recently reduced her daily alcohol intake from two bottles to one.


    Ren Baqian was pretty satisfied with this result.


    The next day, the experts departed with two radio sets. In case of any trouble along the way, they were apanied by a team of winged cavalry warriors.


    When Ren Baqian returned to the pce, he saw Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuaning out with badly battered faces, and they weren��t very pleased to see him.


    ��What happened, Ministers?�� He gave a friendly smile.


    ��I wonder who told Her Majesty that I discussed her private affairs. Could it be you, Zhao Prince Consort?�� Tong Zhenye didn��t look too happy.


    ��What private matters did you two discuss? Discussions about Her Majesty concern me as well, and I have to know about them.�� Ren Baqian acted as if he didn��t know what had happened.


    ��Humph!�� Tong Zhenye groaned.


    ��Could the two of you have exposed each other?�� Ren Baqian asked casually.


    ��What do you mean, Zhao Prince Consort?�� Tong Zhenye immediately sprung up.


    ��It��s nothing��just a guess. Alternatively, could Her Majesty have found out about something that one of you had identally said? Still, I��m really curious. What did the two of you privately discuss?��


    Tong Zhenye ignored his question and retorted, ��Save the effort if you are trying to drive a wedge between our rtionship!��


    Ren Baqianughed to himself. There was no need to instigate, of course. What need was there to sow discord between the two of them?


    Sure enough, Qin Chuan immediately turned hostile and asked, ��What rtionship do I have with you? Actually, my de wants to build a rtionship with you. Why don��t the two of you get closer?��


    Tong Zhenye��s face turned ck as he cursed, ��If it wasn��t for your brainlessness, why would I be punished by Her Majesty?��


    ��It��s obvious that you are doing shameful things all day long! I��m the one who gets implicated!�� Qin Chuan didn��t take this lying down.


    Seeing the two quarrel, Ren Baqian leaned against the pce gate, took out a bag of melon seeds, and watched the show.


    Within a minute, the two progressed from squabbling to fighting.


    In an instant, their silhouettes shed across the public square in front of the pce.


    Ren Baqian helped them by counting the number of tiles that they broke. He had to send the repair bills to their homester on.


    Huh? Whose bones were these that Qin Chuan jolted up from the ground?


    Sigh. Erhu�� Erhu�� Erhu�� You died a tragic death!

 Chapter 899 - The Ball in My Belly Talked to Me!

    Chapter 899: The Ball in My Belly Talked to Me!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After sending off the experts, Ren Baqian stood at the top of the city wall and watched as they disappeared into the horizon. He could finally rx a little. After all, such a major event had sessfully beenpleted.


    As he descended from the wall, Lin Yue, who had been pensive, suddenly made a big fuss.


    ��Hey, that box of yours can actually speak!��


    Ren Baqian winced as he turned to look at her and felt an urge to give her a knock on the head.


    Regardless, Lin Yue had still been a famous old freak for more than 20 years�� Although she wasn��t very smart, he still had to give her the proper respect.


    ��It would be good if you were an aboriginal,�� he said after thinking for a while.


    ��Oh!�� She looked at Ren Baqian before falling deep into thought again.


    He reckoned that Lin Yue would probably only ask him tomorrow about what he had said just now.


    ��If you were an aboriginal�� you probably wouldn��t seem so dumb,�� he muttered.


    The aboriginals�� Being brainless or having brawn for brains was amon sight. Although she would be considered ��outstanding�� if she were one of them, at least it would be justifiable!


    ��Oh!�� Lin Yue continued looking pensive.


    Ren Baqian ignored her and sighed to himself.


    For a pretty good looking woman, where had her brains gone?


    He checked her background privately, and it was said that Jade Ripple Lin Yue was quite normal at first.


    At least, it wasn��t as bad as it was now.


    Otherwise, it would be impossible for no one to know about it.


    In the following days, Li Yuanzhu and Blood River Demon returned to Great Xia. Ren Baqian got busy with various matters, including the reconstruction n of an entire old city and preparations for a new city.


    The reconstruction n for the old city included the water towers and pipes that were under construction, which could supply water to the taps in all the households.


    In fact, this was a very risky move.


    If someone were to poison the water tower��


    In this world, where the strongest prevailed, nothing was impossible.


    As such, security of the water supply tower was essential.


    In addition, the nning of public toilets and the construction of sewers also required tremendous work for a city that was built hundreds of years ago.


    At present, although there were still instances of people urinating on the streets, the situation was much better than when Ren Baqian had first arrived. Sometimes, a heavy punishment was a powerful means to improve the inner quality of people.


    The implementation of public toilets being ced every 200 meters and the guards having to exin thews of the nation outside the city to arriving visitors provided some guidelines for the iing aboriginals to follow.


    As for the supply of electric lights to every household in the near future, it was something that Ren Baqian could only wish for.


    Coal and rubber were all shipped from the south, and Dayao��s current transportation conditions barely met his expectations. The implementation of electric lights, something that the officials felt was unneeded at the moment, was out of the question.


    From time to time, he could see Lin Yue carrying various things on the street.


    Ren Baqian wondered why this person hadn��t left yet.


    After thinking about her intellect�� he decided to let her be.


    In the evening, Ren Baqian and the empressy on the couch as he plunged into the world in his sea of knowledge.


    During this period of time, twos had formed in his sea of knowledge. As for the dust generated by the other explosions, which were not enough to forms, several clusters of nebe had been formed.


    A huge city stood somewhere on one of thes that was half blue and half green.


    In the center of the city was the empress��s imperial pce. It was located on a hill which had been raised up several meters with soil. After entering the pce gate, which was located at the foot of the hill, there was a straight road served by two shuttle buses that transported the officials to and from the pce.


    As for the pce halls, Ren Baqianbined the designs of pces from this world with the ancient Forbidden City on Earth. Each pce hall was more magnificent andrger than the original.


    In addition, the various gardens took up the most space, upying more than half the area in the pce.


    To him, even magnificent pce halls didn��t interest him as much as gardens and greenery.


    People who grew up in an urban jungle probably had such preferences.


    Surrounding the pce in all four directions were public squares that were 200 meters wide. They were built so that the guards standing atop the walls could see the situation in the distance at any time.


    The pce was also isted from the city.


    Beyond the public squares was the second ring. This was where most of the ministers�� residences and government offices were located. This was the heart of all of Lan City.


    The third ring included the residential area for the middle and low level officials as well as the wealthy. There were also twomercial areas in the third ring. This region was mainly a ce forrge-scale and high-end transactions to take ce.


    The fourth ring was where ordinary people lived.


    Buildings taller than six stories weren��t allowed in the second ring. The height limit became lower the closer it was to the center.


    Although the buildings outside the second ring were also only six stories tall at the moment, Ren Baqian believed that this ce would be a city full of reinforced concrete in time toe.


    There were two-way concrete roads with eightnes, sidewalks that were five meters wide, sewers, power supply facilities, subway lines,mercial areas, parks, andndscapes. Almost everything was designed ording to modern cities.


    After all, Ren Baqian had experienced modern society before and knew how much this city could achieve.


    His consciousness floated over the city as he overlooked the things that he had achieved over this period to see if he had missed anything.


    It was very beneficial to have this world in his sea of knowledge. He could simply realize his ideas and immediately see the results.


    This greatly reduced the cost of trial and error.


    Ren Baqian nned this city based on a poption of three million. The city might be empty for a brief period of time.


    However, in just 10 years, he believed that the city would fill up and then expand toward the periphery until the poption grew to be over tens of millions of people, bing the only super city in the world.


    There were two main problems that limited the size of a city in this era: productivity and transportation capacity. However, those weren��t big problems to Ren Baqian.


    He was slightly tired when he exited his sea of knowledge. He turned to look at the empress and discovered that her eyes were still wide open.


    In the middle of the night, it was pretty scary to see someone staring at him instead of sleeping.


    However, she required very little sleep. Two hours at a time or a good sleep once every few days was sufficient for her.


    However, what was the empress doing and why was she smiling in the middle of the night?


    ��Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?�� Ren Baqian turned over and hugged her, moving one hand over her body mischievously.


    ��The ball in my belly talked to me.�� She looked a little excited. If he hadn��t entered his sea of knowledge earlier, she would have shared this with him already.


    However, after hearing this, he wasn��t the slightest bit excited at all. In fact, it was extremely shocking to him.


    The empress had only been pregnant for seven months��


    Had the Nezha inside her belly be a monster?


    Ren Baqian suppressed his confused thoughts and asked unhurriedly, ��What did he say?��


    ��He said�� that he wants to drink alcohol���� The empress sat up in the bed.


    ��Is it you or him who wants to drink?�� His face twitched.


    ��Both of us! He really told me this!�� She turned and gave Ren Baqian a serious look.


    He knitted his eyebrows and pondered over the baby in the empress��s belly!

 Chapter 900 - Hitting Her Up Knowing She Was a Man

    Chapter 900: Hitting Her Up Knowing She Was a Man


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian had just returned from attending Ren Wannian��s wedding.


    From what his parents knew, Ren Baqian had been married for two years, but there was still no news about having a child. Fortunately, there was now one more person to share the burden with�� Ren Wannian married a third-year university student after knowing her for a year��


    Her family background was pretty good, and they owned a few assets in China.


    It truly was a little bit, just tens of millions. They were considered rich in third world cities, but could only own about three apartments in first world cities��


    Ren Baqian nced at her. He felt that she wasn��t the most beautiful, but she had a good personality and was pretty gentle, simr to the gracefulness of a woman from Jiang Nan.


    In fact, she was actually a long-legged girl from Northeast China.


    All in all, he had a pretty good impression of her.


    The wedding was held in Ren Baqian��s hometown. After the wedding, he immediately went to Wuji City.


    He finally felt relieved now that the firepower had been moved.


    At present, the empress was eight months pregnant, but there still was no visible bump in her belly. He began to wonder if her belly was the same as Doraemon��s pouch. No matter how much wine, meat, and calcium milk or how many babies there were inside��


    However, her situation made Ren Baqian start to doubt whether she would be able to deliver the child ording to a typical delivery period. As such, after much deliberation, he didn��t tell his parents that they were going to be grandparents soon.


    ��


    ��Your Highness, I��m going to star in a movie! A production team invited me!��


    Ren Baqian gaped and turned to look at Ning Caichen, who was drinking coffee. She was wearing a in skirt, a long shawl, light makeup, lipstick, and had her nails painted.


    Compared to her previous seductive look, this outfit made others feel more aroused.


    It actually wasn��t impossible for her to get invited to film a movie with this appearance.


    ��Will it affect the mission? After all, by being a public figure, your whereabouts will be easily exposed.�� Ren Baqian frowned.


    He didn��t care much about the movie industry.


    However, Ning Caichen was extremely interested in showcasing herself and letting everyone see her beauty.


    ��Shall I put on some makeup to show you? Which celebrity do you want to see? My figure is much better than theirs! I can put on makeup to look like them!�� She excitedly wanted to disy her skills to Ren Baqian.


    ��Han Hong![1.Han Hong: Chinese singer and songwriter of mixed Tibetan and Han ethnicity]�� he dered after some thought.


    ��You are making things difficult for me!�� Ning Caichen was stunned and felt rather depressed.


    Ren Baqianughed. She had gotten more and more interesting as time passed.


    ��Rest assured, it will not interfere with the mission,�� she replied.


    He pondered a little, then decided not to meddle with her affairs and let her do what she liked.


    ��I heard that the entertainment circle is pretty messed up. You have to be cautious!��


    ��You probably forgot that I��m still a sword deity!�� Ning Caichen smiled instantly.


    ��I haven��t seen any sword deity��s flying sword that acts secretive all the time and is also afraid of heights!�� Ren Baqian revealed her weakness without holding back.


    Sure enough, her mood crumbled again as sheined bitterly, ��Who is to me for this?��


    He thought for a while and felt that he should stop this conversation.


    The two sat down for some time before Ding Jie came in.


    Ding Jie, who was currently 30 years old, looked quite mature. He gave Ren Baqian a big hug and said, ��Boss, you still look so young!��


    He then turned to Ning Caichen and said enthusiastically, ��You are still so beautiful!��


    Even though he knew that she was originally a man�� However, Ren Baqian felt that he had the intention of hitting her up even though he knew that she was a man.


    Ding Jie was a true warrior and more courageous than many people.


    However, speaking of age��


    Ren Baqian figured in his head that he wasn��t that much older than Ding Jie. That little kid from back then had now assumed personal responsibilities.


    After some careful thought, he cursed to himself. He seemed to be even younger than Ren Wannian at present��


    Ren Wannian was six years younger than Ren Baqian back then. 14 years had passed on Earth. From the year 2017 to 2031, Ren Baqian had aged by seven years, while Ren Wannian had aged by 14 years��


    Ren Wannian was now a year older than Ren Baqian?


    Would there be a possibility of Ren Wannian��s children being older than Ren Baqian in the future? Or the possibility of Ren Wannian��s grandchildren being older than Ren Baqian?


    This was something that Ren Baqian shouldn��t think about since it grew more terrifying the more he thought about it��


    ��Boss, what are you thinking about? Why do you look so weird?! Do you want to try this? It��s good stuff!�� Ding Jie opened a cigar box, took out an Edmundo cigar, lit it up with a lighter, and handed it to him.


    ��Let��s talk business.�� He took a puff of it. Cigars were something that he would asionally indulge in.


    The main thing about smoking cigars was to savor the taste instead of inhaling the smoke into the lungs like smoking a cigarette. It was an indulgence for many, but a snack for Ren Baqian.


    Ding Jie took out an electronic device and ced it on the table. Next, he sprayed a thickyer of mist, and a three-dimensional picture began to appear.


    As he fiddled with the equipment, pictures started appearing in the mist. These pictures were of men and women with high eyebrows and deep eyes who were mostly in their forties and fifties.


    Ren Baqian didn��t limit the target area to only China.


    ��It��s all here. They are researchers with rtively high standards, but haven��t received much recognition in recent years. There are a total of 237 of them, of which 87 specialize in physics, 42 in chemistry, and the others in mathematics, biology, medicine, botany, and zoology. Their addresses, hobbies, and details are all here.


    I have already arranged the entry and exit routes. There have been many illegal immigrants in Chinately, so checks have be very strict. We must pay attention to this,�� Ding Jie warned.


    ��Oh? Many people sneaked into the nation?�� Ren Baqian was slightly surprised.


    ��You probably don��t pay much attention to these things!�� Ding Jie wasn��t surprised. He knew that the boss had a lot of secrets. He also knew that the boss always seemed to be isted from society and knew little about the societal changes.


    He made a brief summary for Ren Baqian and continued, ��In the past two years, more and more people have immigrated into the nation. In addition to our old brothers, many more havee from the Western Union and the USA. Although we can also obtain some martial arts techniques from other countries, they are allmon techniques. As for the techniques that require a certain status to obtain, like those avable to personnel in the military, police, or the Armed Forces Command, they were gradually leaked less and less frequently.��


    Ren Baqian nodded after hearing this and thought that these things happened for a reason.


    Today, there were a total of eight supeputers that analyzed martial arts techniques. It was said that there were more than 1,000 of them currently. (TLC. These two sentences contradict each other.)


    Although many of them had some ws, there were also quite a number of them that were stronger than ordinary ones. Some of them already exceeded the original ones.


    The rate of progress when practicing these techniques varied across different people. Some might advance very slowly while practicing a certain technique, but improve rapidly when practicing another.


    As such, the greater the number of techniques one possessed, the more attractive they were in acquiring talent.


    The military and the Armed Forces Command were clearly among the best.


    Ren Baqian understood it quickly and stopped paying it any attention. He turned to Ning Caichen and said, ��Ding Jie��s men will cooperate with you. The names on the list are the targets, and all of their information is inside. You shall arrange the order of priority yourself.��


    ��This mission is guaranteed to seed!�� Ding Jie gave a military salute.


    ��Thank you for the hard work!�� She looked at him and smiled.


    ��What do you mean? You should say that you are honored!�� Din Jie was all smiles.


    Ren Baqian shook his head and ignored them. He decided to let them be if they were both willing parties.


    ��Be careful! Since you have appeared by me a number of times, your identity might have already gotten cklisted.��


    Ning Caichen pursed her lips and smiled. When her fingers moved slightly, a long sword pierced through the window. It followed her gestures and danced in the air, reflecting chilling rays all over.


    Ding Jie was amazed, and his smile grew even brighter.

 Chapter 901 - Video Clips of the Students’ Black History

    Chapter 901: Video Clips of the Students�� ck History


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Ding Tong, what did you fill in for your aspirations?�� a teenage girl asked as she held onto another girl.


    ��Although I want to continue studying, I really don��t want to touch algebraic geometry anymore�� I��m going to work in the Ministry of Works,�� Ding Tong replied.


    ��That��s a shame!�� The other girl felt that it was a pity.


    Ding Tong asked, ��Shi Yu, do you want to continue studying? I really envy you since you are smarter than I am! Yagui thinks quite highly of you as well!��


    ��Yagui thinks highly of everyone.�� Shi Yu spoke about her feelings. ��You��ll be a Rank 8 official once you join the Ministry of Works, which is actually pretty good. However, there will be fewer opportunities for you to learn, especially since we are the first batch of students and will be given important positions to undertake!��


    ��I know�� but I really don��t want to touch those graphs and forms anymore�� My chest hurts whenever I see them!�� Ding Tong looked helpless. She had worked hard over the past few years, but her results were merely mediocre.


    Although she only needed to take a test to promote and nobody would be eliminated, she didn��t want to torture herself anymore��


    ��Forget it. It��s already pretty good. It wasn��t that easy to join the Ministry of Works in the past. Starting as a Rank 8 official is already good enough for me. Besides, I can also continue to learn after I start working there.�� She was happy with her decision.


    In fact, for the children of themoners, being able to take such a path was already beyond their expectations.


    After filling in their aspirations, some of the students would enter various ministries as junior officials to gain experience, while the rest would continue to learn more advanced knowledge.


    This had caused quite a sensation among themoners. Although there had been rumors for a while, they were still rumors after all. When the news finally broke to them, it caused quite an uproar.


    The students didn��t need to be talented in martial arts and could be officials simply after spending a few years in school. This was like a blessing from heaven.


    Although these students were vexed and confused, others were envious of them.


    Ren Baqian reckoned that after this batch of students had graduated, there would be arge number ofmoners who would want to send their children to school and there would be many more freshmen in the next enrollment. It seemed like the academy needed to expand to amodate the influx.


    Only 37 out of 49 aspirations had been submitted at the moment. Most of them were submitted by the children of the officials. Almost all of them had chosen to further their studies.


    Even if they didn��t want to study anymore, their families wouldn��t allow it!


    For example, Du Laoliu wanted to home and hug his wife, but ended up getting badly battered by his father and almost got his leg broken.


    Those nuclear warheads made all the aboriginal officials understand one thing, which was that science was power!


    Although they didn��t know what science was, they knew what power was!


    An explosion was power!


    If these officials�� children, who weren��t talented in martial arts, gave up this path, wouldn��t they be the same as amoner?


    As for the children of themoners, half of them decided to continue studying, while the other half would be reporting to the Ministry of Works.


    In fact, the Ministry of Revenue was eyeing this group of students as well. The other departments also had manpower needs, but because of the small number of graduates, Ren Baqian still designated all of them to the Ministry of Works.


    After all, the Ministry of Works was the most understaffed.


    This matter had nothing to do with Tong Zhenye inviting him to the brothel for three days in a row!


    A few dayster, the results finally came out. Eight people went to the Ministry of Works and 41 students remained to continue their studies.


    Ren Baqian was quite satisfied with this oue.


    He had spent the most effort on this group of students and didn��t want to see them be ordinary officials at the Ministry of Works, even though their prospects seemed good at this moment.


    However, as more and more students graduated in the future, they would eventually blend in and be one with themoners.


    If the students were to give up studying after joining the Ministry of Works, Rank 6 would probably be their limit.


    Time flew and two weeks had passed. It was time for those students to leave the school.


    The night before, Ren Baqian specially held a bonfire party at the school for their farewell.


    He gave a speech before the party, which was the so-called graduation ceremony.


    He got emotional as he looked at the people below. Over the past few years, he had seen these kids grow from 16 or 17 years old into their twenties.


    He watched these people from when they did addition and subtraction with their fingers to memorizing multiplication tables to their high school graduation ceremony tonight.


    Over thest three and a half years, they had undergone huge changes.


    ��I��ll only leave you with one sentence, and I won��t say more. Whether your choice is to further your studies in the academy or join the Ministry of Works, do some reading during your free time and never stop learning! If I see you b*stards at school again�� I won��t open fire!�� Ren Baqian stood before them and smiled.


    Many people below startedughing as well, and the eyes of a few girls started to water. After all, they had all been ssmates for three and a half years. Although they would still be in Lan City after graduation, they would be livingpletely different lives.


    ��Now, Her Majesty will say a few words!��


    Everyone subsequently gasped in surprise.


    It was only now that they realized that the empress had actuallye.


    Dressed in red, she slowly walked out of the office and onto the stage with a faint smile. It was indeed the empress.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!��


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!��


    Everyone greeted her.


    ��Spare the formalities today. I havee today just to see you. Your principal has said everything that needs to be said. You are the first batch of students in Dayao, and I��ll watch to see what you can achieve!��


    ��Thank you, Your Majesty!�� Everyone cheered.


    There was no telling how honored they felt to be noticed by the empress.


    All of them were so excited that they felt like jumping up.


    ��Alright, next up is the highlight of the day!�� Ren Baqianughed upon seeing the empress disappear in a sh after her speech.


    Behind him was a white screen that everybody had seen before. The robots usually projected content on such screens during lectures.


    However, the content that they were about to see was slightly different than usual.


    As Ren Baqian operated the electronic device, the screen lit up. All of a sudden, an extremely cheerful and trolling background music started ying along with a video of Shi Gan riding a motorcycle and smashing into a wall while looking shocked.


    It was apanied by the ��Spinach March.��[1.��Spinach March��: a French dance music]


    After that, there was a clip of Tong Lan kicking Du Laoliu.


    He flew up andnded. Then, she kicked him up again and hended again��


    Everyone burst outughing.


    Shi Yu put her hands on her waist, acted like a Great Xia woman, and walked with her hips swaying before falling t on her face after taking three steps��


    ��Hahahaha!�� Many studentsughed. As she was usually very quiet, they didn��t expect her to do such a thing!


    Shi Yu��s face was flushed, and she covered her mouth in surprise.


    Xu Peng and Xiong Ping fought. Xu Peng stepped on Xiong Ping��s body to show off his strength, but didn��t expect Xiong Ping to pull his shorts down.


    Fortunately, he was wearing underwear underneath�� It was rare for aboriginal males to wear underwear�� This was because�� he couldn��t hold his dder��


    His underwear did him a great favor this time.


    Ren Baqian kindly helped Xu Peng blur out his lower body with a mosaic, and everyone watched as he stomped in fury.


    ��I was wearing anotheryer underneath�� I was wearing anotheryer underneath��!�� he shouted from the crowd, but everyone still burst outughing.


    Tong Lan kicked Shi Gan in the butt and disappeared in a sh. She didn��t pay attention to where she was going and bumped her head into a thick tree trunk�� She ended up in tears��


    Tong Lan��s face turned red. When did this Yagui film this?


    Shi Gan, Shi Yu, Xu Peng, Du Laoliu, Tong Lan, Ding Tong, Tu Musheng, Ping Li, and Huang Daxian��


    With the apaniment of the ��Spinach March,�� a video clip of each student shed on the screen at least twice with some being teased a dozen times. The parts where Du Laoliu was kicked, Tong Lan bumped into the tree, Shi Gan crashed into the wall, and Xu Peng��s lower body was covered in mosaic appeared again and again. This video wasposed of the embarrassing moments of all the students.


    Seeing their past moments reappear, everyone felt so embarrassed! However, it made some of them feel better when they saw that the others didn��t run away in shame. Nheless, the people who appeared the most on-screen still felt sad and angry and wanted to rush forward and bash Yagui up.


    It was too shameful!


    This clip was made by Ren Baqian himself, and he had prepared it over thest few days even though he was busy with other matters.


    Although these students were stupid, they were his favorite and most attentive bunch.


    If this video was released after these people became sessful and famous in the future, then there would be nothing they could do to clear their names.


    Ren Baqian had it all nned. By the time Dayao had the inte and trolling websites, he would upload this embarrassing clip.


    Did they think that they would only be embarrassed this once? They would be embarrassed for life! How could he not share such good stuff?


    With cheerful music, many students startedughing, barbecuing, dancing, drinking, fighting��


    Untilte into the night, soft sobs could be heard in the school��


    These youngsters were finally going to experience their first parting in life!

 Chapter 902 - How Did You Become Like This?

    Chapter 902: How Did You Be Like This?


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Compared to Dayao, the society that Ren Baqian imagined actually existed in Great Xia.


    There were grievances where there were people, and there were killings where there were grievances.


    One couldn��t always do as they liked in society.


    When stuck in a difficult situation, there was no harm going out there to find greener pastures.


    The various descriptions of this society made every Chinese youth imagine life in such a society.


    This was especially true in Great Xia. It was shown in the official records that there were still a total of 666 sects that currently existed.


    There were various new factions that weren��t recorded. There were existing ones that died out and new ones that emerged every day. Apart from their own members and families, even their rivals couldn��t remember all of them.


    It could be said that every sect that survived until today had gone through many storms.


    Luohua Sect was one of them.


    In fact, this sect had gained fame thousands of years ago. After the high and middle tier members perished in a battle, the [Luohua Technique] lost its most important part.


    Since then, the originally top-grade sect gradually degraded to a third-grade sect.


    The appearance of Su Xianxianpleted the [Luohua Technique]. He was also ranked among the world��s top experts with his amazing talent.


    Talking about the ability to confront enemies, he probably wouldn��t be ranked in the top 50. However, his physical ability could be ranked in the top three.


    He could be considered one of the toughest to kill in the world.


    Such experiences and achievements, coupled with his original mentality, gave Su Xianxian strong self-esteem and arrogance.


    This was the case in Dayao back then.


    Ren Baqian naturally didn��t offend him in any way.


    Su Xianxian simply despised and disliked him.


    As Qi Zixiao��s gigolo, what made him worthy of sitting together with experts? What made him worthy of thinking of himself as an expert?


    This was without mentioning that he had tricked dozens of top experts into traveling to that remote ce with those letters.


    There might have been others who felt the same way Su Xianxian did, but no one expressed it the way he did. He was too impatient.


    300 kilometers in two hours.


    After he left, he traveled 300 kilometers in two hours before stopping to rest.


    Su Xianxian merely sneered at the fact that he had offended Qi Zixiao.


    Although Qi Zixiao killed Hua Sanliu in Great Xia, Su Xianxian wasn��t Hua Sanliu. If he wanted to escape, no one could stop him.


    On the contrary, making her lose face in front of everyone and letting Ren Baqian know who he was made Su Xianxian extremely happy. It had given him some ck in his cultivation, which had stagnated for a long time, and made him feel more at ease.


    This euphoriasted until the next morning when a mushroom cloud rose over the ce where he had departed from.


    ��Could that be the secret residence of a God?�� Su Xianxian let out a faint smile. ��I should probably go check it out.��


    Although he had offended Qi Zixiao just the day before, he merely had to be more careful. As for the other masters of Dayao, they couldn��t even touch the edge of his clothes, so he didn��t even feel pressured by them at all.


    This time, he slowed down on the return trip and saved some energy. It took him a while to return to the area he was at the day before.


    What Su Xianxian saw was very different from what he imagined.


    Secret residence? There was only a huge pit in this location. It was as if the stars in the sky had fallen and smashed into the ground.


    The edge of therge pit was full of red and ck liquid.


    Five kilometers away from thatrge pit and spreading all the way to Su Xianxian, the area waspletely scorched with the mes still burning in some ces.


    The scorching smell and a burning sensation filled the air. He felt that he would be ignited if he got closer to the pit.


    ��Is this the secret residence of a God?�� He frowned. ��Is this what happened when the secret residence was revealed?��


    ��Have those people gone in?��


    Su Xianxian first traced the tracks of the aboriginals, but found no signs of movement. Besides, he could still see the other experts in the distance.


    ��They haven��t gone in? Are they waiting?��


    He hid and waited a full day near the big pit. Not only did he see the experts who wanted to enter the secret residence, but they even left with the aboriginals��


    This made Su Xianxian feel strange.


    ��What exactly happened? What happened?��


    He gritted his teeth and pondered for a long time. After the aboriginals left, he went deep into the pit and found no signs of the secret residence. All he saw were bright gems on the edge of the pit.


    Su Xianxian suspected that these gemstones were rted to the secret residence of a God. He found himself arge bag and hid in the surroundings for five days. Those experts didn��t return, but he would asionally see some aboriginal winged cavalry warriors carefully patrolling the periphery of the pit.


    Seeing how careful they were, he suspected even more that there was a secret within.


    He still didn��t find any news after staying for a few more days and had no choice but to leave.


    The reason Su Xianxian left was that something terrifying was happening to him.


    Hair loss!


    His hair kept falling over the past few days. In just a few days, the hair loss on his head was tragic!


    Under such circumstances, even though Su Xianxian didn��t want to give up, he had to leave temporarily to find a solution.


    He suspected that he had been poisoned, but no signs of poisoning were found when he visited famous doctors back in Great Xia. Instead, the hair on his head continued to fall off, leaving only a few thin strands of hair in the end.


    He, who had always been arrogant and thought highly of himself, almost went crazy, but still couldn��t find a solution. Even famous doctors couldn��t find the cause of his situation.


    One day, Su Xianxian suddenly lost a tooth.


    A Spirit Wheel expert wouldn��t even lose a tooth on his deathbed. How could this happen?


    He knew that he was in deep trouble.


    Su Xianxian had been plotted against!


    Poison Warrior!


    Ren Baqian!


    How did he know that Su Xianxian would go back? How did he poison him?


    How poisonous! How vicious!


    He had underestimated Ren Baqian!


    With some confusion, Su Xianxian returned to Luohua Sect to look through the notes of his ancestors in search of a solution. If it was still fruitless, he would have no choice but to barge into Dayao��s pce.


    His first reaction was to check the records in his sect instead of looking for Ren Baqian. Even he himself felt that something was wrong. ording to his previous temperament, this was absolutely impossible.


    This time, he didn��t know when he had been so intensely poisoned by Ren Baqian. It made him feel deeply fearful, even more than Qi Zixiao did.


    Three days after he returned to his sect, the faint voice of a spiritual woman rang out on the mountain where Luohua Sect was located.


    ��Su Xianxian, pleasee out and see me!��


    ��This is��?�� He first got angry as his focus on the sect��s records was interrupted, but he quickly realized that the visitor sounded like Li Yuanzhu.


    Wasn��t she in cahoots with those barbarians? Why did shee here?


    Su Xianxian ought to meet this person.


    As soon as he thought about it, he appeared outside in a sh and looked toward where the voice came from. Standing in front of him, he saw a spiritual woman wearing a robe who appeared surprised as she looked at him.


    ��How did you be like this?�� Li Yuanzhu was astonished when she saw the person in front of her. If they hadn��t met in the past, she wouldn��t believe that this person was Su Xianxian, the chief of Luohua Sect and twenty-third most powerful expert in the world.

 Chapter 903 - Unreconciled

    Chapter 903: Unreconciled


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Su Xianxian��s current appearance really surprised Li Yuanzhu.


    Although he wasn��t exactly elegant or graceful before, he still looked pretty proper and smart.


    Since he was one of the world��s top experts, he looked pretty glorious.


    However, the person who appeared in front of Li Yuanzhu at present had only a few strands of hair clinging to his scalp. Su Xianxian��s eyes were swollen, his cheeks were thin, and he looked extremely unhealthy and morbid. His eyes were dull, and he looked very abnormal.


    It had only been two months since theyst met. What had happened to him to cause such big changes?


    Seeing her expression, his face immediately turned gloomy. At present, he really loathed when others paid attention to his appearance.


    The only reasons Su Xianxian didn��t re up were because Li Yuanzhu was the third most powerful expert in the world and because he had something to ask her.


    However, there were more than just the two of them at the scene. Dozens of Luohua Sect disciples rushed out to check the situation and were surprised to see him in his present state, which made him more irritable.


    ��Priestess Li, what brings you here to Luohua Sect today?�� he asked, suppressing his irritation deep down.


    Li Yuanzhu fell silent for a moment before replying, ��Forget it. It doesn��t matter anymore how you became like this. I havee to take your life today.��


    Su Xianxian thought he heard her wrong and asked in shock, ��Priestess Li, what did you say?��


    Ever since she became famous, she had never killed a single person.


    However, her purpose foring was actually to kill him?


    ��I havee to kill you and take your head.�� Li Yuanzhu sighed.


    Su Xianxian��s face changed drastically, and it was the same for all the disciples.


    With her reputation and might as the third most powerful expert in the world, simply opposing her alone would make many feel nervous.


    ��Priestess Li, what are you talking about? Has Luohua Sect offended you in any way? Or is there some misunderstanding?!�� a middle-aged man shouted.


    Everyone hoped that it was just a misunderstanding.


    ��No offense and no misunderstanding. I have no choice but to do this. Pardon me!�� Li Yuanzhu replied unhurriedly and didn��t rush to take action.


    If Su Xianxian didn��t die, then all of Luohua Sect had to die.


    However, she was disinclined to exin this. Such things would probably happen again in the future. Regardless of whether the other party hated or resented her, she could only let them be.


    Su Xianxian let out a peal of deepughter and said, ��Li Yuanzhu, we had no grievance in the past and no hatred today. Are you taking my life because of the treasures in the secret residence? I already left the secret residence back then. What exactly is the secret for you to go after me to this extent?��


    He had just gotten back to the sect, yet Li Yuanzhu came knocking to take his life. Other than this reason, he couldn��t think of anything else.


    ��Treasures in the secret residence?�� Everyone in Luohua Sect was surprised.


    ��If you want to take my life, we will be enemies! You guys are so vicious! That Ren Baqian poisoned me to this state and you, the Li Yuanzhu who has never killed anyone, are here to kill me! I only wish to know why.��


    ��If you weren��t narrow-minded that day and had not caused that disturbance, you naturally would already know the reason. However, it��s useless to talk about it now. Let��s finish it! After you die, I promise you that everyone in Luohua Sect will be safe and sound!�� She was neither happy nor angry. Her eyelids sagged, and she remained undisturbed like the water in a deep well.


    She was slightly surprised though. Su Xianxian had been poisoned by Ren Baqian? When? There were so many top experts in the crowd, but no one detected it. Furthermore, he still reduced Su Xianxian to such a miserable state. Ren Baqian��s nickname of Poison Warrior was well-deserved. One truly couldn��t belittle him just because he was merely an Earth Wheel expert.


    ��It seems that I must die!��


    Su Xianxianughed, but it sounded rather tragic.


    If it were in the past, he would still give it a shot.


    But now, he not only lost more than half of his hair, but there were also some problems with his body. Losing a tooth was one of these problems, and it was also something that greatly affected him.


    In addition, the flow in his body wasn��t running smoothly. His breath was originally smooth, but he now felt a little suffocated. It wouldn��t be much of a problem if he was fighting against ordinary experts, but now that he was facing Li Yuanzhu, who was much stronger than him, he didn��t even have the strength to fight back anymore.


    Su Xianxian let out a bitter smile, took out a jade pendant from his pocket, and threw it to one of his disciples.


    ��Xu Dazhong, you��ll be the chief of Luohua Sect!�� hemanded.


    ��Chief!�� The middle-aged man receiving the jade pendant was shocked.


    ��You have learned the most out of the [Luohua Technique], and the rest is on the jade pendant. You can choose to pass it down to one of the disciples in the sect. Don��t break the inheritance of Luohua Sect.��


    Li Yuanzhu stood silently and waited for Su Xianxian to handle sect matters.


    After finishing his instructions, he looked at her and said, ��Thank you for letting me hand over the inheritance of my sect. However, we��ll still have to see whether you can take my head!��


    At the end of his words, he shifted his feet and turned into dozens of shadows that ran in all directions.


    A glint shed across Li Yuanzhu��s eyes. Then, she started chasing in a certain direction.


    If Su Xianxian had split without the slightest hindrance, it might not have been possible for her to find his true body so quickly.


    She was also sure that there was something wrong with his body and that it wasn��t a minor problem.


    The disciples of Luohua Sect saw the two disappear from their sight and shouted tragically, ��Chief!��


    ��Li Yuanzhu!�� With boundless grief, more than one of them shouted her name.


    However, no one knew that Li Yuanzhu was saving the entire sect other than Su Xianxian.


    She didn��t want to exin and didn��t care about the aftermath. She simply followed far behind him.


    At the same time, she also felt a bit shocked. This Su Xianxian was truly worthy of being the chief of Luohua Sect. She needed to try hard to keep up with him even under the circumstances of him having some problems with his body.


    Under normal conditions, she might not have been able to keep up.


    Li Yuanzhu chased after him for more than half a month. Every time they passed a city, he would take a deep breath and shout, ��Li Yuanzhu, you became the barbarian��sckey for the treasures of the secret residence and came to kill me. How are you worthy of being the third most powerful expert in the world? What injustice!��


    Su Xianxian��s voice swept across like a gust of wind. The people in these cities couldn��t see him, but they felt his presence. This immediately caused amotion.


    After more than half a month, the entire eastern part of Great Xia was agitated.


    From behind, Li Yuanzhu remained unmoved after seeing what he did. She neither exined nor hesitated in her actions, but did show a little pity on her face.


    She could feel that he was close to running out of energy.


    She didn��t mind or care about Su Xianxian��s tricks or about the remarks that were circting in Great Xia.


    Li Yuanzhu remained calm and undisturbed like the water in a well.


    Others would have found her nature frightening if they knew how she felt at the moment.


    A few dayster, in the northern part of Great Xia, she stopped in her tracks and felt that her breath was impeded.


    Although Li Yuanzhu��s state of mind hadn��t fluctuated, the color of the clothes that she was wearing had darkened.


    Even someone like her felt a little sorry for herself at the moment.


    Su Xianxian fell to the ground without an ounce of energy left in his body.


    ��Now, can you tell me why?�� He looked a lot more aged than a month ago, and his face was covered with many brown spots, just like the face of an old man.


    His eyes looked muddy.


    Almost half of his teeth were missing.


    The current Su Xianxian looked like an old man who was going to die.


    Li Yuanzhu sighed and said, ��You have truly done something wrong. If you don��t die, the others won��t be convinced. There are many experts in the world, and there are many who are proud and arrogant like you. If they follow you as an example, there is no telling how many of them would die.


    If you die, countless lives can be saved.


    Although you shouldn��t die, you have to die.��


    Su Xianxian grew more and more puzzled. He struggled to sit up and asked, ��What do the world��s experts have to do with me?��


    Li Yuanzhu exined to him about the foreign races and the public welfare organization.


    ��It wasn��t because of the secret residence?�� He was surprised.


    ��There is no secret residence. That was just a lie. Didn��t Ren Baqian say it that day?�� She shook her head.


    ��I��m unreconciled��!�� Su Xianxian cried out, threw up blood, and his eyes red as he took hisst breath.


    He had never imagined that he would die for such a reason�� He had never imagined that those events would happen after he left!


    He hadn��t expected that the secret residence didn��t exist!


    Su Xianxian felt that it was simply not worthwhile for him to have gotten poisoned!


    If not for this poison, how would Li Yuanzhu have caught up to him?

 Chapter 904 - Framed

    Chapter 904: Framed


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Li Yuanzhu��s pursuit of Su Xianxian caused a stir in Great Xia.


    Amid this sensation, even the frenzy between Great Xia��s imperial court and the rebels had been affected.


    After all, her status was honorable too. She was the third most powerful expert in the world and was the most powerful during the time when both Li Fu and Xu Wuming were in hiding.


    In particr, Li Yuanzhu hadn��t killed anyone ever since she rose to fame. This was why everyone respected her.


    Almost everyone who had seen her felt that she was a fairy-like figure who was spiritual, removed from worldly affairs, and had no worries at all.


    Although she was standing in front of you, it would seem as if she was overlooking you in the distant sky.


    However, this person broke her own rule of never killing people and pursued Su Xianxian, the twenty-third most powerful expert in the world.


    Just the identities of these two people were enough to attract attention, not to mention the words that he shouted along the way.


    He had actually seeded in tarnishing Li Yuanzhu��s reputation to some extent.


    Although what he said was unbelievable, it started many suspicions and opinions about her.


    Even Genuine One Sect��s reputation plummeted. For many days, there had been a lot of noise in the front monastery.


    If Li Yuanzhu had sided with the barbarians of the south, this matter would be a huge blow to the people of Great Xia.


    How could they ept it when Great Xia��s youngest and most spiritual top expert sided with the barbarians?


    Even if she was regarded as a fairy in the past, the schrs who supported her the most didn��t know whether they should continue to trust her at this time.


    Naturally, Ren Baqian received the news as well.


    He didn��t expect things to blow up.


    Fame and fortune were the things that people cared about the most in their lives. How many people could truly ignore their reputation?


    Under such circumstances, Li Yuanzhu didn��t even try to exin the situation.


    ��This woman��she��s pretty ruthless!�� Ren Baqian smacked his lips. He didn��t expect this girl to be so determined and set her reputationpletely aside.


    However, he received another message that immediately made his face turn gloomy.


    On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, Li Yuanzhu had pursued Su Xianxian for 20 days and killed him. Everyone in Luohua Sect, more than 300 disciples and workers, had been killed as well.


    All of them were killed by heavy weapons like maces and metal rods or cut into pieces by long sabers.


    Traces at the scene showed that this was the doing of at least dozens of people.


    With these remaining traces, the identities of the killers were on the verge of being disclosed.


    After all, weapons such as maces and thick metal rods were rarely used, except by the aboriginals.


    Cutting people up into several pieces was also the style of the aboriginals.


    Although Su Xianxian wasn��t in Luohua Sect anymore, the rest of the sect��s personnel also weren��t ordinary people. There was still a Spirit Wheel expert and several Earth Wheel experts.


    There were many people who could have killed them. However, there weren��t many who would number in the dozens and strike with such weapons. Furthermore, not even one person managed to escape.


    The entire society of Great Xia immediately dropped to its freezing point.


    All the experts felt animosity. Firstly, Li Yuanzhu pursued Su Xianxian. At that time, she also told him that she would ensure that Luohua Sect would be safe. However, the aboriginals ended up exterminating everyone in the sect, not even sparing the lives of women and children.


    For a moment, the Great Xia practitioners�� hatred for her and the aboriginals was at its peak.


    No one considered whether someone else had framed the aboriginals by shifting the me to them.


    With the reputation of the aboriginals, why would others try to frame them?


    However, Ren Baqian knew that he had been f*cking framed.


    His face was gloomy, and he didn��t know how to express himself. He actually got framed while he was trying to improve the technology in Lan City!


    That was right��he was framed.


    This was due to the fact that he was in charge of the protectorates outside thend of Dayao.


    ��Mobilize the men and find out who did this,�� Ren Baqian ordered in a deep voice.


    ��Yes, Your Highness.��


    By the time he received the news, it had already been two weeks since the incident urred. During this period, many experts had gone to Luohua Sect to check out the situation there. Even if there had been some evidence left behind, it would probably already be gone.


    However, they still had to examine the area.


    It couldn��t possibly be as simple as wiping out the entire sect.


    It was clear that the culprit��s target was either Li Yuanzhu or Dayao.


    Ren Baqian somehow felt that the possibility of thetter was higher. After all, Li Yuanzhu had a great reputation in Great Xia. Although there had been a lot of uproar recently, no one could possibly target her so quickly.


    If this was the case, the culprit��s target would be Dayao.


    What was their objective? What did they want?


    The public welfare organization was currently being set up. After their experts returned from the Sixty Thousand Mountains, there would be a mass recruitment of experts.


    This provoked hatred between Dayao and Great Xia would probably cause quite a lot of twists and turns in the future. (Well, there had in fact already been a lot of hatred between the two nations. When Great Xia attacked Dayao in the beginning, quite arge number of Great Xia practitioners had died.)


    However, it was different this time, particrly because the culprit was still in hiding and attacking Luohua Sect was only their first move. There was no telling whether they would do something else.


    Whatever the case, this matter couldn��t be ignored due to these circumstances.


    ��Spread the word to not let go of any clues, no matter how small they are. Immediately report back any information collected.�� Ren Baqian repeated his orders, afraid that his subordinates would overlook something.


    ��Rest assured, Your Highness.��


    He nodded, took the two reports, and closed his eyes with a faint smile on his face after he left the protectorate.


    Ren Baqian first went to the Ministry of Works to look for Tong Zhenye.


    ��Principal!�� A young and familiar voice rang out.


    Ren Baqian turned around, only to see that it was a student who had just graduated from the academy. The student was wearing the uniform of the ministry and had a young and inexperienced look on his face.


    Ren Baqian smiled and chatted with him. Although this student had always called him Yagui in school back then, he respected Ren Baqian a lot after leaving school.


    The students who entered the Ministry of Works became technical officers and were highly valued by Tong Zhenye. Although they were a little green, things went quite smoothly.


    Ren Baqian felt relieved when he heard this. After exchanging a few words, he went in to look for Tong Zhenye.


    It was mainly about the road between Lan City and the Yun Nation. Due to the rainy season, andslide urred and nearly 100 captives were buried.


    Tong Zhenye didn��t take this matter seriously. Although there hadn��t been many cases ofndslides, there was nothing abnormal to him about people dying.


    However, Ren Baqian found it very important. People dying was one thing, but what should they do if andslide urred again in the future?


    After a long argument with him, they decided to send two student officers to the scene. This was also a trial for them.


    If they could resolve the situation there, it would prove their ability and the effectiveness of the education at ck Bamboo Academy.


    Back in the pce, the empress was holding arge bucket of calcium milk and sipping from it nonstop. Qing Yuan and Hong Luan kept bringing out more of the milk and pouring it into the bucket. The alcohol pool wasn��t implemented yet, but the milk bucket had started.


    Seeing Ren Baqian, she thought of the alcohol pool and the meat forest.


    ��Where��s my alcohol pool?�� she askedzily.


    She had beziertely, and there was no telling whether this was a side effect of her pregnancy.


    However, it had already been ten months since the empress got pregnant, but her belly only had a slight bulge, which couldn��t be seen when she had clothes on.


    There were no signs of her going intobor at all.


    Ren Baqian was very calm about this, thinking that she was afraid that she would really give birth to Nezha.


    ��Your Majesty, the new city has begun to break ground, and the alcohol pool will be ced in the new pce!�� he replied.


    ��You are fooling me more and more.�� The empress groaned lightly.


    Ren Baqian gave a bitter smile. She had finally switched to drinking calcium milk. If he were to make her an alcohol pool, wouldn��t she revert to her old ways?


    He handed the two reports to her and casually exined to her, ��Your Majesty, we have been framed!��


    The empress merely nced through them and said, ��How the others choose to think is their problem. We just have to do our things right. The aboriginals and Great Xia have always had a lot of hatred, but so what? If they really obstruct us, just kill them.��


    Ren Baqian spread his arms and asked, ��Are all experts like this? You are like this and so is Li Yuanzhu, that little girl!��


    He said this intentionally.


    It was only when he talked about Li Yuanzhu in this frivolous tone that the empress wouldn��t suddenly get jealous for no reason.


    Sure enough, just as Ren Baqian thought, she didn��t care at all.


    ��In the general situation, whatever they do, they are simply overrating themselves and attempting something impossible. They can��t possibly stir up the overall situation. You should set your sights higher.��


    He knew that she was right, but he was still pretty used to being as detailed as possible��

 Chapter 905 - Misunderstanding

    Chapter 905: Misunderstanding


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Other than being framed and made a scapegoat, everything else went smoothly.


    The cement road from Lan City to the Yun Nation was almostplete. Thest two sections were expected to be finished in four months. With this road, the travel time between Lan City and the Yun Nation could be shortened in half. A lot of manpower and material resources could be reduced when transporting goods.


    At present, Ren Baqian had begun preparations for the construction of the second official road. It was originally envisioned to stretch from Lan City to Tiesuo Pass, the former border town of Great Xia, where the Protectorate of the North was currently located.


    However, he now nned to build the second official road from Lan City to the Protectorate of the Southeast so that it could facilitate the transportation ofrge amounts of coal and rubber.


    Currently, the transportation ofrge amounts of resources was the most important thing. Since Great Xia was currently busy with its internal affairs and was unable to pay attention to other concerns, building a road to the Protectorate of the North wasn��t that important.


    A huge amount of manpower had been recruited to Lan City from the Zhang family of the Yun Nation, especially cksmiths.


    The cksmiths from the Yun Nation had brought many new techniques to Dayao.


    Although Ren Baqian had introduced the st furnace and the hydraulic forging equipment, the traditional methods of these cksmiths could prove very useful in many aspects and could greatly improve the standard of smelting in Lan City.


    The effects of these techniques could be seen from theyers of beautiful weaves on thetest swords in the market.


    Another important thing was that there was finally a sessful prototype of the first diesel internalbustion engine after several explosions.


    Although it was still a little rough, it would be improved and reduced in size after several revisions. These were things that could be anticipated.


    The most important thing was that since Dayao had produced the first diesel internalbustion engine, it showed that the craftsmanship of the works and the materials had reached the basic requirements. This was what Ren Baqian cared about.


    However, he discovered something bad�� At present, the objectives of those b*stards in the first ss of students at ck Bamboo Academy seemed to be a little off. They seemed to be more interested in studying how to make the internalbustion engine explode more��


    This could be seen from the recent and frequent explosions in the Diesel Internal Combustion Engine Research Institute��


    The principles behind the internalbustion engine were originally to generate power through explosions. However, when faced with a wall of the research institute that had been blown up, Ren Baqian had no choice but to pick up his gun and shoot at them for five minutes to serve as a warning.


    However, these b*stards had now learned how to dodge��


    Amid his busy schedule, two more weeks passed before he finally saw the return of Li Yuanzhu.


    ��Here��s the head you wanted!�� Wearing a robe, she put a box on the table. ��I have done what I promised you, but what happened to Luohua Sect?��


    ��They have been framed���� Ren Baqian smiled bitterly. ��It really has nothing to do with me. If I wanted to, I wouldn��t have made a deal with you back then. Directlyunching a nuclear bomb at them would serve as the greatest deterrence. Since I already promised you, there was no need for me to do more!��


    Li Yuanzhu gently nodded and said, ��I thought so too. You wouldn��t do something so unwise. Do you have any clues?��


    ��No, we got the news toote and no clues could be found at the scene. The culprit immediately retreated after the attack. All we can do now is wait for them to strike again.��


    She thought about it and said, ��Recently, the martial arts circle in Great Xia has been discussing this a lot. This time, it��s different from how Qi Zixiao exterminated the Nine Pavilions. The Nine Pavilions were notorious, and there were many people who resented them. Although some people had things to say after she exterminated them, there were also many who apuded her actions. It was more about how she was able to destroy the Nine Pavilions single-handedly.


    However, it is apletely different scenario with Luohua Sect this time. There are huge reactions from the various sects. They probably feel sympathetic. If the aboriginals cane and exterminate Luohua Sect in Great Xia, it could be their turn tomorrow. They have to fear the aboriginals, even though they are in their own homnd. I��m not sure if Zhao Prince Consort understands this kind of feeling?��


    ��I understand. However, this matter is difficult to exin and nobody would listen. We can only wait for the culprit to appear again. As for you, Priestess Li, have you been affected?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I��m fine. You don��t have to worry about me, Zhao Prince Consort,�� Li Yuanzhu replied faintly.


    He nodded and said, ��If Genuine One Sect runs into trouble, you can move to the Yun Nation. Its roots and culture are simr to Great Xia.��


    ��You belittle Genuine One Sect. If we were to run in the face of trouble, we wouldn��t have been able tost almost 1,000 years.�� She nced at Ren Baqian.


    Heughed. It was simply a suggestion.


    If Genuine One Sect really were to move to the Yun Nation, he would dly wee them.


    However, this was almost impossible. Li Yuanzhu seemed indifferent, but she was pretty stubborn as well.


    ��It has been tough on you, Priestess Li.�� Ren Baqian opened the box. Inside, there was a human head preserved with saltpeter. He could still vaguely make out the face of the person.


    However, he was surprised. ��This is Su Xianxian?��


    ��It��s your poison, Zhao Prince Consort. Why would you be surprised?�� Li Yuanzhu simply replied casually and didn��t sound unhappy.


    ��Poison?�� Ren Baqian felt even more surprised. When did he poison Su Xianxian?


    ��He had been poisoned before I got to him. Seeing how surprised you are, could this not have been your doing?�� She felt a little puzzled when she saw his response.


    He frowned and shook his head before saying, ��I didn��t poison him. It looks like the culprit has been targeting him for a while. Nevertheless, he was still the twenty-third most powerful expert in the world. How could he have been set up so easily? It seems like the culprit is unexpectedly strong.��


    Li Yuanzhu gently closed her eyes, opened them shortly after, and said, ��Regardless of who they are, they are bound to let the cat out of the bag.��


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what Su Xianxian had gone through or that he had spent 10 days at the epicenter of the nuclear explosion. He had also carried away arge piece of ss, which was a byproduct of the explosion. A Spirit Wheel expert was already considered fairly strong to only have experienced hair loss and a few other problems after going through all of this.


    If it were someone else, they would have been dead a long time ago.


    However, since Su Xianxian assumed that Ren Baqian had poisoned him, he naturally wouldn��t talk about what he had done.


    Since Li Yuanzhu thought that it was Ren Baqian who had poisoned Su Xianxian, she naturally didn��t ask much either.


    Since Su Xianxian had been poisoned and Ren Baqian knew that he wasn��t the one who did it, he subconsciously assumed that it was someone else who did it. He didn��t know that Su Xianxian only became like this after being affected by radiation from spending too much time at the epicenter of the nuclear explosion.


    Thus, an inexplicable misunderstanding urred, and Ren Baqian overestimated the strength of the culprit.


    ��On that day, apart from Su Xianxian, there seemed to be two more people who appeared nearby, but didn��t show their faces.�� He thought for a moment. If Su Xianxian had been targeted, the culprit would definitely be aware of what had happened at that time, which eventually led to this result.


    Those two people were highly suspicious. Aside from them, the other experts who joined the public welfare organization could possibly be involved as well.


    Ren Baqian felt that he should start investigating those two people while paying attention to the others at the same time.


    ��If there��s nothing else, I shall leave to take a look at the Sixty Thousand Mountains. Give me a radio if you have extras,�� Li Yuanzhu said.


    He naturally agreed to this.


    After seeing her off the next day, Ren Baqian found out the identities of those two people from the experts who were heading into the mountains.


    Fallen Phoenix Hairpin Miao Yulong and Dragon King Ruan San.


    Coincidentally, these two people hated the aboriginals. The former had a good friend who was killed by Hong Wu while thetter had one ear cut off and eye cut out by Qi Ziting.


    Following their orders, the Embroidered Uniform Guards started gathering intelligence on these two.


    On the other hand, Ren Baqian had to return to Earth to fetch a group of 11 people. There were six physicists, two chemists, a zoologist, a botanist, and a mathematician.


    These people were gathered by Ning Caichen during this period of time.


    They would be the first batch of highly talented people brought to this world.


    Apart from Ren Baqian, they would be the first group of foreign visitors!

 Chapter 906 - Welcome, This is the New World (Part 1)

    Chapter 906: Wee, This is the New World (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    With a slight twist in the air, a skewer of tanghulu[1.tanghulu: sugar-coated Chinese hawthorn candy] appeared out of thin air.


    It was actually a person holding a rope that tied a string of people together.


    There were 12 people tied together with Ren Baqian pulling the rope. There was one more person than expected, and this extra person had been gathered by Ning Caichen. He was also a very important person because he could speak manynguages.


    A person like this was simply too useful for Ren Baqian.


    Not only were the 12 people blindfolded, but they were also unconscious.


    ��Look over these people.�� He carried a box and loosened the rope as he summoned the guards.


    The guards came in and were taken aback, partly because there were suddenly more than a dozen people in the room, but more so because of their appearance.


    Some of them had sunken eyes and big noses with red, blonde, or maroon hair, and two of them had hair as ck as graphite.


    ��Are these mountain spirits?�� The two guards showed high reverence for Ren Baqian. They didn��t expect Zhao Prince Consort to actually capture some legendary mountain spirits.


    ��Notify me when they wake up.�� He nodded slightly. Since they mistook these people for mountain spirits, he decided to just let them be.


    Then, he left to meet the empress.


    ��What have you brought me?�� She looked at Ren Baqian��s hand in anticipation the moment she saw him. It was as if her husband, who was returning from a vacation, had brought her a souvenir.


    Well, she was actually just bored and hoped to see something new.


    ��Dang, dang, dang, dang!�� He spun around, ced the box on the table in front of the empress, and asked, ��Guess what��s inside, Your Majesty?��


    ��Definitely not sorghum wine!�� She chuckled and seemed to be in a good mood. She had noticed a long time ago that Ren Baqian assumed that alcohol would affect the ball in her belly.


    Even though she thought it was okay, she still drank less alcohol and consumed more calcium milk.


    She liked the sweet and sour taste of the beverage, but this didn��t mean that it could rece alcohol.


    However, although she was supreme in the world, she also understood that two people living together must always practice tolerance andpromise.


    Even many of Ren Baqian��s generation on Earth didn��t understand this.


    It could be seen that the empress had put a lot of thought into this.


    ��Thetest holographic device!�� He opened the box, revealing a boxy piece of equipment and a few pairs of sses that were inside.


    This was thetest test model, which was simr to aputer. The screen was directly projected in the air. Unlike before, it didn��t require a mist, but it required the users to wear special sses.


    The most important thing was that this device waspletely controlled by thought. It waspletely devoid of mouse, keyboard, and controllers.


    ��How do you use it?�� The empress was interested.


    ��Put on these sses and press this button, Your Majesty. After that, you only need to think about what you want to do. You can watch movies, y games���� Ren Baqian helped her put on the sses and then put on a pair himself to teach her how to use the device.


    Looking through the sses, they could see a screen projected above the box. It was 4.5 meters wide and 28 meters tall. This was the height of a regr residential building on Earth.


    This size was already a huge surprise for the empress as she was used to usingptops. It felt as if her entire field of view was covered by the screen.


    As her thoughts shifted, the icons of various television dramas appeared on the screen. She then picked one to watch.


    ��It��s truly realistic!�� She was very surprised.


    The video of the television drama that appeared on the screen was three-dimensional. It was as if the real character was standing right in front of the empress.


    Ren Baqian hugged her as they watched the drama together. She was all smiles and very satisfied with this gift.


    He brought back several pairs of those sses and gave Qing Yuan and Hong Luan each a pair.


    After all, the empress would look like a fool if she were making all sorts of expressions while looking at something that others couldn��t see..


    Many times, one would find more joy in something that could be shared with others.


    Those researchers woke up that night, and Ren Baqian went to see them the next day.


    ��Sir, they woke upst night and made a din. I persuaded them a little, and they calmed down soon after,�� the guard reported to him.


    ��Well done.�� Ren Baqian nodded. He understood very well what the aboriginals meant by persuading.


    ��Everyone, we are meeting for the second time.�� Ren Baqian opened the door, saw some people in a panic, and greeted them with a smile. He subsequently understood why these people had quieted down so quickly.


    Most of them were badly battered. One of them even seemed to have a broken arm, whereas another was dragging his legs on the ground��


    Sure enough, as he had thought, this was the aboriginal method of persuasion.


    However, it was fine. As long as they didn��t die, the medicine in this world worked pretty well.


    This also let them know who the boss was over here!


    After seeing such a hefty man like Ren Baqian walk in, they couldn��t contain their fear and started making amotion. It was as if they were at a wet market.


    They said things like:


    ��Who are you?��


    ��Where is this?��


    ��Is this a kidnapping?��


    ��I will sue you.��


    ��Can you understand me? Trante!�� He pointed at a ck woman who was roughly in her thirties and only wearing underwear.


    ��Who are you? What are you doing? Where is this?�� The ck woman spoke in Mandarin that had a tinge of a northeastern ent.


    Ren Baqian suddenly felt a familiarity in his heart.


    ��Wee to the space of the King of the Gods. Think carefully. Is there something on your mind?�� He smiled.


    ��Just kidding! Wee to our world!�� He burst outughing.


    ��Alright, still kidding. Wee to a whole new world,�� Ren Baqian finally said.


    After cracking several jokes at once, these people immediately felt annoyed.


    However, he didn��t care how they felt.


    Although these people could be regarded as fellows from the same hometown�� there were too many people back in his hometown, more than seven billion of them��


    The reason why he had chosen all foreign schrs was that they were easier to deal with. If they were Chinese, he would always have to worry about their feelings and about the nation.


    ��The first thing that I have to tell you is that unfortunately, you won��t be able to go home. You will have to live here. You need to work for me, analyze everything in this world, and do what I want you to do.


    If you perform well, I won��t treat you harshly. You can spend the rest of your life here. In any case, you have no families and have nothing to worry about on Earth.


    Moreover, this is a brand new world with brand new rules. Also, it��s full of the unknown. For people like you, isn��t this the best reward?��


    After the ck woman tranted what he said into English and Spanish, the crowd became loud again.


    ��You are a liar.��


    ��I don��t believe this! This is impossible! You are lying to us!��


    ��This is kidnapping��you will go to jail for this!��


    In any case, Ren Baqian couldn��t understand any of these foreign words. He simply exerted force with his feet, and the floor tiles suddenly exploded.


    He stretched out his hand, and a long spear appeared in his grasp. After brandishing it around, the spear intertwined with gold and silver turned into a sh of lightning and prated into the ground.


    A metal chain protruded out of Ren Baqian��s body like a snake and wrapped itself around the person who was shouting the loudest, a tall and strong looking white man. It kept constricting him as if it was trying to break every bone in his body.


    This scene made everyone gape speechlessly.


    ��Do you understand it now? Law? I��m thew here! As I said, this is a whole new world and very different from Earth. What you need to do is what I want you to do!�� Ren Baqian gave a kind looking smile.


    ��Come on, let me show you around.�� He waved his hand and turned around, beckoning them to follow him outside.


    They all felt a little uneasy, but they still kept up. They were now eager to know what was going on here and wanted to find out if what he said was true!


    The first things that caught their eyes were the two guards who resembled bears. Their sheer ferocity left a deep impression on everyone, and they all immediately quivered when they saw them.


    When they took a careful look around, all they saw was a magnificent pce and a blue sky that was bluer than the sky on Earth.


    With an exmation, a white woman in her fifties rushed toward the garden in front of them and stared at the nts in the garden with her eyes wide open.


    The others understood her when she said, ��Oh my god! This is��this is a nt that I have never seen before. This one, this one, this one, and those. All of them!��

 Chapter 907 - Welcome, This is the New World (Part 2)

    Chapter 907: Wee, This is the New World (Part 2)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The nts in the garden attracted the botanist in the group while the birds and insects attracted the zoologist.


    He couldn��t even take his eyes off of a bee that was the size of a finger.


    Thergest honey bees on Earth were only 1.5 to 1.8 centimeters long. The bees flying in the garden were more than six centimeters,rger than a ho.


    Currently, they could be seen picking pollen as they flew around the flowers.


    These bees were enough to surprise the zoologist, not to mention the never before seen birds that were perched on the tree.


    ��The atmospheric pressure here is a bit higher than normal,�� a badly battered physicist said with a frown.


    In fact, he discovered this the moment he arrived here, but didn��t mention it.


    After Ren Baqian said that this was another world, the people who found it hard to believe began to find differences between this ce and Earth while in search of an exnation.


    Ren Baqian took everyone to the courtyard where the crow general was. In his opinion, he actually felt that Qishui would be more convincing.


    However, ity on the bottom of theke every day and never came out unless the empress summoned it.


    Fortunately, the crow general, which was 3.5 meters tall, was intimidating enough.


    Standing there like a wall, its ck feathers reflected light like metal.


    When Ren Baqian patted its body, it simply turned to look at him before continuing to close its eyes and rest.


    ��Oh my god, this is�� this is�� this is almost as miraculous as King Kong!�� the biologist eximed in admiration and rushed to touch the crow general��s feathers. It merely pped its wings, which were slightly shorter than the length of its body. Immediately, the biologist got knocked back and threw up blood in the air.


    In the face of this Cardinal Heaven level murderer, ordinary people were simply as weak as ants.


    The others were taken aback.


    ��Check if he��s still breathing. Fetch the doctor.�� Ren Baqian summoned the guards and turned to warn everyone, ��I��m not responsible for your lives. You need to be responsible for yourself. You must understand that in this world, apart from your brains and knowledge, you are as vulnerable as a baby in all other aspects.��


    Everyone looked at the biologist lying on the ground as he gasped for air, and their faces turned pale as fear emerged in their eyes


    In the afternoon, the biologist regained his liveliness and became active again.


    Alright, he wasn��t that active, but at least he managed to survive and didn��t have any problems walking.


    The biologist was still suffering from post-traumatic stress, and it was clear that the crow general had taught him a good lesson.


    In the evening, everyone saw two moons in the sky. There was a big red moon and another one that was only half the size of Earth��s moon. These people finally eliminated thest bit of uncertainty in their minds and confirmed that this wasn��t Earth.


    Of course, there was a lot of evidence, but the two moons were directly observable, and they were even more inexplicable.


    The next day, Ren Baqian met them again with his iconic kind smile on his face.


    ��Do you still have any questions about what I have said?�� he asked.


    ��How did we get here? We seem to have been abducted and locked up for some time. Was that your doing? Who are you?�� Everyone discussed throughout the night and finally unified their views. This issue was of great concern to them all.


    ��You were selected by the king of the deities, and you are a member of Earth��s advance party. You bear the expectations of your country and of all humanity. Although this is what I very much want to say, I��m a person who never lies.


    That��s right, you have been abducted��kidnapped to apletely different world! Aren��t you curious? Apart from Earth, there is actually another where humans exist. Besides, you didn��te here by spaceship, but through a more magical way.


    What I want you to do is to unravel the most fundamental secrets��the rules of this world!��


    Ren Baqian was rather patient with these people. After all, he required the knowledge in their brains. As such, he didn��t mind spending some time answering their questions.


    He waited for that ck woman to trante his words into English and Spanish before speaking again.


    ��As for myself, I��m an official in this country, one of the top executives here. I can decide whether you live or die. Of course, I know what you want to ask. Yes, I��m also from Earth.��


    Sure enough, as soon as everyone heard these words, their gazes started to change. They were worried and also full of questions, dissatisfaction, and fear.


    Here, Ren Baqian could tell everyone��s personalities. Some people had a stronger desire for knowledge. Exploring an unknown world like this was clearly a treasure to them.


    There were also some people who, despite having enough knowledge, weren��t any different from ordinary people in many aspects. They felt afraid, lost, and resentful�� Of course, if their knowledge was stripped away, they were just ordinary people.


    ��I have prepared a research institute for you. Don��t try to run away. With different appearances like yours, people would kill you instantly as if you were monsters. Of course, you also won��t have any chance to escape. I just hope you don��t make the wrong choices.


    As for what will happen to you in the future, it depends on whether you can meet my requirements.


    Rest assured, I��m a tolerant person and won��t be too harsh on you.


    Actually, you��ll be more valued here by me.


    On Earth, all of you were neglected. You were all mediocre people who were outshined by others!


    From this perspective, you should be cheering. In this ce, you are one of a kind!


    After the ck woman finished tranting, someone immediately argued, ��My research is about to produce results, and all physicists will remember my name!��


    ��Sorry, but you have lost your chance on Earth. However, you can let everyone in this world remember your name!�� Ren Baqian spread his hands and continued, ��Now that you understand the situation, I��ll give you a day to sort out your emotions. I��ll take you to the research institute tomorrow.��


    Before this, he had already built a research institute in the nearby mountains that was about half a day��s journey from Lan City. If he was riding the crow general, it would only take an hour.


    With the ck woman tranting, a man suddenly asked, ��Excuse me, what��s your name? Are you Chinese? Did the magical martial arts of Chinae from this world?��


    ��Very smart!�� Ren Baqian gave a thumbs up. ��I like smart people, so I won��t lie to you. That��s right, those martial arts came from here. As for me, you can call me Zhao Prince Consort!��


    ��So, does the Chinese government know about this? Does our government know?��


    ��Maybe, but no one else cane to this ce. This isn��t a ce that can be essed through existing technology. This is neither the moon nor Mars. It��s not any ce in our sr system, our gxy, or our universe. Ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you that our universe isn��t unique and that parallel worlds do exist. As for the rest, you��ll have to explore further!�� Ren Baqian exined.


    He let everyone ponder and sort out their emotions while he prepared to leave and work on other things.


    ��Mr. Zhao, can you give us a few pieces of clothing?�� The ck woman tried to suppress her panic and smiled at him.


    She would be considered pretty good looking back on Earth, but in his eyes, the only valuable thing was her brain.


    He looked around and saw that everyone was wearing a variety of clothing. She wasn��t the only one who was wearing just underwear.


    ��I��ll get someone to deliver clothes to you! Also, my surname isn��t Zhao. You can call me Zhao Prince Consort or boss!�� Ren Baqian smiled and nodded.


    That night, these people quarreled for about two hours. After the guards persuaded them, they quieted down very quickly.


    The next day, apanied by the guards, Ren Baqian personally took them to the research institute.


    After a two-night transition, these people probably understood their current situation. They had given Ren Baqian the proper respect and remained sufficiently quiet.


    Of course, the crow general previously pped its wings gently and caused the biologist to get severely injured. Such a terrifying force had served as enough of a deterrence for them.


    The physical persuasion of the pce guards was also pretty effective.


    All of these added together allowed the unorganized and undisciplined researchers to know their ce.


    Along the way, these people opened the curtains of the ox cart and peeked at the outside world. However, everything they saw revealed the kind of civil society that they were in.


    The various sights in Lan City made them very curious, and for a moment, they forgot about their abduction to a different world.


    There were also various types of mounts everywhere in Lan City, such as mountain-gazing birds and saber-toothed tigers. These strange creatures had attracted most of their attention.


    The research institute was located on a mountainside, and there was a pair of three-story cement buildings that covered an area of thousands of square meters. This was the so-called research institute.


    In addition, there were two rows of brick houses, totalling 30 homes. Each of these could amodate four people. With seven or eight mu ofnd, this allowed the researchers to grow stuff on their own.


    Outside, there were courtyard walls up to two meters high. These weren��t to prevent them from escaping, but to prevent wild beasts from breaking in.


    Apart from this, there were also 50 winged cavalry warriors that were divided into two shifts of guards.


    In a ce like this, it was simply a waste to deploy 50 Kismet Heaven winged cavalry warriors. However, Ren Baqian ced a lot of emphasis on these researchers and didn��t feel that there was anything wrong with this.


    After everyone was transferred over and had sorted out their emotions, he cast other matters aside and immediately dived into preliminary preparations.


    Although he had prepared some modern tools, they were worthlesspared to what the researchers required. A long list of items was handed over for him to prepare.


    ��Everyone, supeputers, particle elerators,rge colliders�� Are you kidding me? Let��s face it, remember that you are in a world that is 500 to 1,000 years behind Earth��s technology. You need equipment that is simple and easy to use. Instruments that are tooplex and sophisticated aren��t realistic.��


    After saying this, everyone finally embraced reality and drew up another list.


    Although some items made Ren Baqian scratch his head, most of them were still eptable.


    He marked the priority of these items after asking about each of their functions.


    He would be a porter from now on and for quite some time after.

 Chapter 908 - Mountain Spirits

    Chapter 908: Mountain Spirits


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Tie Yan from the Department of Inspection had returned along with more than 40 sword masters. Three of these sword masters had reached the Spirit Wheel level, whereas the others were all Earth Wheel experts.


    In Ren Baqian��s eyes, strength was only a supplementary ability of a sword master. Their real strengthy in their super learning abilities.


    The sword masters, both young and old, came in all genders. They wore coarse clothes that were full of pockets and looked like the elders of a beggars�� union.


    However, clothes like these were very beneficial in the wilderness.


    ��Wee, everyone,�� Ren Baqian greeted everyone again after just a few days.


    In some aspects, the present Dayao did indeed have a very high starting point.


    With these people, as long as education was further implemented for all and provided a nurturing ground for the talented, Ren Baqian believed that Dayao would soon usher in a period of great development.


    Many looked at the bald man and the dozen guards around them and felt a little uneasy.


    Although they believed Du Mengyang and Ling Du��s words, they still felt uneasy at the moment.


    Their anxiety would only gradually fade away a few monthster when Ren Baqian��s promises began to materialize and they started to get on track.


    He settled everyone down in the city, exined the situation to them, and handed them various books before asking about the situation along the way.


    As expected, their journey here wasn��t easy.


    It took two months for Du Mengyang and Ling Du to gather everyone and exin everything. It naturally sparked a lot of questions.


    After all, the people inside this organization had different objectives. Regardless of whether this matter was real or fake, some of them didn��t even want to find out.


    Chaos broke out eventually, and around eight people were killed. Most of the remaining people followed the two to Dayao, whereas the rest remained directionless.


    ��In any case, you are all safe and sound. It��s a pity that those people died,�� Ren Baqian replied regretfully.


    He treasured every sword master because they could be extremely useful in the future.


    What a pity.


    However, the way Ren Baqian reacted really warmed their hearts.


    At least they could see that he valued them.


    ��First settle down and then I��ll arrange for someone to teach you in ss. With your speed, I believe that you��ll soon be able to meet my requirements.�� He settled these people down and returned to Earth once again.


    There were too many things that he had to prepare. Centrifuges, thermal analyzers, dynamic testers�� Analytical bnces, thermal incubators, spectrometers, optical instruments, chemical reaction apparatuses, and many more.


    Although some pipettes, funnels, and sks could be made locally by themselves, the number of instruments that were required to be brought back from Earth wasn��t a small number. Besides, Ren Baqian also had to get craftsmen to take measurements and make sketches for equipment that they could replicate so that the information could be recorded for further use.


    In addition, some of the students at the academy had been assigned to study diesel generators, which were intended to be used at the research institute.


    He thoughtfully assigned the diesel generator test site to be at the research institute in the mountains. At first, the students were startled when they saw a few of the foreigners with different colored hair, sunken eyes, and high noses. They thought that some mountain spirits had escaped and had the same reaction as the city guards.


    If Ren Baqian hadn��t exined in time, these researchers would probably have gotten beaten again. Tong Lan��s fist almostnded on one of their faces.


    She moved so extremely fast that it was as if she teleported in front of them. A gust of wind blew by when she stopped her fist and the researchers got startled and shrivelled up like quails.


    ��Can��t hit them? Their strange looks are pretty frightening,�� Tong Lan grumbled, feeling a little dissatisfied.


    ��Your grandfather will split your butt in half when he returns!�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    ��He won��t hit me!�� Tong Lan narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Unfortunately, Ren Baqian was now Zhao Prince Consort, so she couldn��ty her hands on him.


    Ever since he went to the Sixty Thousand Mountains, he had been getting stronger and stronger��


    ��There should originally be two halves, right?�� Du Laoliu teased. The next moment, she sent him flying away.


    ��Remember to respect them as you would your teachers in school. Every one of them is proficient in a certain area. If your knowledge is at level 1, theirs is at level 20 or higher,�� Ren Baqian urged.


    He then turned to look at the frightened researchers and said, ��Rx!��


    ��Oh my god, I thought I was going to die just now! I was suffocating! How can a child so young have such immeasurable speed and a powerful fist that brings about such a strong wind? If that hit my head, it would have been smashed like a watermelon!�� A middle-aged woman patted her chest.


    Tong Lan��s strike made them understand one thing, which was that even a child could easily kill them in this world.


    Moreover, the children here were more than happy to kill them.


    ��The people here are really brutal.��


    ��After all, this is a primitive society. You can��t expect it to be the same as the USA.��


    ��Am I the only one who thinks that the Zhao person is scarier?��


    As Ren Baqian listened to these foreigners muttering to each other, his suspicions arose. Did someone just mention his name?


    Fortunately, after this episode, everyone got back on track. The students started studying the diesel generators, and very quickly, the idle researchers couldn��t stand their clumsiness while watching in the distance.


    ��Oh my god, even elementary school students on Earth are better than them.��


    ��They actually messed up such an easy task!��


    ��They are primitive people. You can��t expect them to be at the level of German students. In fact, I��m quite surprised that they are able to do all this.��


    At first, the researchers merely watched the students from afar. Soon, many of the ��mountain spirits�� started to move behind the students while muttering. A few students got annoyed and turned to re at them. They really wanted to teach these foreigners how to be quiet, but due to Yagui��s warning, they didn��t take action.


    The researchers were frightened and hid far away. After some discussion, they realized that they hadn��t been beaten and approached the students once again. Soon, many intolerable researchers started to make suggestions beside them, and a group of people put forward their own opinions, which were tranted by the ck woman.


    Not long after, many of the researchers were stunned by the clumsiness and ignorance of the students, and they were no longer satisfied with simply muttering on the side. Two of the physicists started to roll up their sleeves and put their hands to work. The others were less active and began to draw sketches.


    ��Look, it should be like this! You guys are doing it wrong! It will cause an explosion!��


    After the ck woman tranted, Tong Lan squinted and looked at them, muttering, ��These ignorant mountain spirits.��


    However, with the participation of these researchers, the construction process of the diesel generators did indeed elerate greatly.


    This generator was actually very low-tech, and the only limitation was the speed of the cksmiths.


    Ten dayster, Ren Baqian finally saw the first diesel generator. Although it was ugly in appearance, it could be directly put into use.


    He had no choice but to sigh. These researchers were truly researchers. Their many years of academics hadn��t been in vain.


    Although Ren Baqian had always thought that those who studied more than him were nerds, he had to admit that these nerds did a good job.


    This speed also made the students overjoyed, and they began to respect these ��mountain spirits�� more.


    They were still somewhat capable.


    Ren Baqian intensified the situation at the start and assigned the research institute to be the test site of the diesel engine before the equipment was even avable.


    He hoped that he would be able to see a sparkling Ferrari tractor in the courtyard when he woke up the next morning!

 Chapter 909 - : Treasure

    <strong>Chapter 909: Treasure</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Within the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    Qi Ziting held his crutches in his hands and sat on a protruding boulder on the mountainside with a somber face, staring at the distantnd engulfed in darkness.


    ��Commander! The meat is ready!�� An Earth Wheel expert wearing an animal hide came and served a six-meter long beast tail that was as thick as a human thigh.


    This was Qi Ziting��s favorite, but he simply received it silently and sneered, ��Those misceneous people are taking too long.��


    ��Are you referring to those misceneous people from the north?�� the man asked with a grin.


    ��Scram! I can call them misceneous people, but you can��t. If they are misceneous people, what are you?�� Qi Ziting suddenly became furious and scolded his subordinate harshly before continuing, ��The men have already been gone for half a day and still haven��t brought those misceneous people back. It looks like they haven��t been drilled enough!��


    The other man, whose entire face had been sprayed with saliva, didn��t care at all. The aboriginals believed that the strongest thrived. Although Qi Ziting didn��t pay much attention to the outside world, in many people��s hearts, he was still the famous Protector General of the Northeast, the warrior that everyone feared.


    If he still had his legs, he would probably be among the top experts now.


    He should probably be among the top five.


    After all, Qi Ziting was already ranked thirteenth on the list of experts back then.


    If he were to unleash his power, those who were ranked seventh and lower probably wouldn��t be able to beat him.


    After waiting for two more hours, he threw the tail bones aside. He sensed that the men that he dispatched had returned.


    Qi Ziting held his crutches and straightened his body. Although his expression was calm, there was a kind of fierceness within. This fierceness was a remnant of the days when he had killed people as if he was cutting grass.


    The people approached very quickly. He saw a group of people riding various mounts down the mountain as well as figures that followed them from the darkness into the light.


    With the exception of one person, Qi Ziting had probably heard of the others a long time ago.


    The group felt the same way about Qi Ziting as well.


    Ma Hongyu and the others looked up and saw a big man standing on the mountainside with crutches.


    He had the aura of a lurking beast that was ready to pounce on someone at any time. This made them confirm his identity immediately.


    ��Commander, the people are here.��


    ��Step down!�� Qi Ziting waved his hand and had his eyes fixed on the iing people.


    He grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth and a bloody smell.


    ��Although I haven��t seen you before, I know you! I never thought that there would be a day when I stand alongside you!��


    ��Same for us!�� Ma Hongyu replied faintly.


    ��Rest assured, now that you and my sister have an agreement, I won��t bother you. Following this, just do as I say and don��t bother me unnecessarily.�� Qi Ziting grinned.


    As soon as he made this remark, many of the experts frowned immediately.


    Did he mean that he wanted to control all of them?


    ��We shall follow your lead then, Commander Qi,�� Lin Dong replied while ncing at the crowd. At this time, all of them were new to this ce and didn��t understand anything about it. There was no harm in listening to Qi Ziting.


    If he really were to say something that was hard for everyone to ept or attempted to boss them around with his status, it wouldn��t be toote for everyone to also turn hostile.


    At present, the first thing everyone needed to do was to understand the situation here. No one knew it better than Qi Ziting and his people.


    The nce from Lin Dong wasplex, yet everyone could read it with a brief look. Although these top experts rarely interacted with each other, they really had a tacit understanding when they met. It was just like how they stood up together against Qi Zixiao back then.


    Besides, everyone had been on the same journey for five months.


    Qi Ziting grinned, but kept silent.


    He then turned and walked toward the back while saying, ��In that case, find a ce to rest first. I��ll have someone prepare your food each day.��


    Seeing him leave, everyone remained silent while looking for a ce to rest.


    They initially thought of asking Qi Ziting about the foreign races the next day, but didn��t expect him to send someone to provide them with this information the next morning.


    Apart from him, there were 11 other Cardinal Heaven level aboriginals who had been staying in the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    These people were all dressed in animal hides. All of them looked fierce and evil and had either tattoos on their bodies or were wearing bone nes.


    They felt quite curious as they looked at the many experts who had arrived. These aboriginals had been in the depths of the mountains for a long time and had very little contact with the outside world. As such, they didn��t have much hatred for these people. They got even more curious after the two sides had confirmed their cooperation.


    ��What we have discovered so far is a humanoid race with snake tails. I think they are called the Serpent race. They reside on an ind in the middle of ake outside the five mountains. They are very sharp, and we will definitely be discovered if we get close,�� Qi Ziting exined.


    He knew the objective of these people. Although he gave everyone an initial show of power the day before, he remained prudent when it came to important things.


    However, he left out some facts when he made this introduction. Apart from easily being discovered, another reason why the aboriginals didn��t approach them was because many of the aboriginals didn��t know how to swim.


    They would definitely be at a big disadvantage if they were to encounter those foreign races there.


    ��What are you going to do with them?�� Xu Gongsou asked.


    Full of murderous intent, Qi Ziting sneered and replied, ��How is this a question? In any case, they are all enemies, so of course, we must kill them to avoid giving away our position. We must also leave a few alive to see if we can get any information out of them.��


    Although many experts felt that something was wrong, they continued to keep quiet.


    After all, ording to Ren Baqian, all of these foreign races were enemies.


    If they were to attack these foreign races and some were allowed to escape, then there would probably be major trouble in the future.


    Since this involved the entire human race, no risks could be taken.


    ��We want to take a look at the situation first so that we can be sure about it,�� Lin Dong said after pondering for a bit.


    Although he was a cult leader, he was much better at dealing with people than the others.


    Even Qi Ziting, who was prejudiced toward them, couldn��t pick out any mistakes in his words.


    Very quickly, he arranged for someone to take the experts there.


    Although it seemed very far in the distance, to these experts, the five mountains were only half a day away.


    After passing the fifth mountain, everyone saw an endless azureke ahead with arge ind sitting in the middle.


    ��Be careful. Don��t get caught by them.�� Leading the pack was an aboriginal expert with a chain of cow horns on his nose. The tone of his speech was strange and the pronunciation wasn��t very urate.


    ��Let me give you this!�� He pulled out a telescope from his breast pocket and smiled. ��Do you know how to use this?��


    ��What is that?�� Nobody had seen anything like this before.


    Seeing their reactions, the aboriginal smiled and exined, ��You can see a thousand miles away with this thing. You can use it to see the situation on the ind from here! Be careful, this is my treasure��don��t break it!��


    Immediately, everyone felt unpleasant. When did it be their turn to be despised by the barbarians?


    Lin Dong carefully took it and could really see the situation a thousand miles away. It was indeed an investigative treasure.


    Everyone suddenly valued this telescope a hundred times more.

 Chapter 910 - The Fierce Foreign Races

    Chapter 910: The Fierce Foreign Races


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After investigating the situation in the distance with the telescope, many of the experts immediately saw the importance of the device in their hands.


    It wasn��t an exaggeration to say that it was indeed a treasure.


    The front and tail ends were made of polished crystals, and there were no impurities when they looked through it.


    The more important thing was its function; it could zoom in and out on distant objects by dozens of times.


    Originally, they could only see things that were a few kilometers away. With this thing, they could see dozens of times that distance.


    Even the details of an object several kilometers away could be seen clearly with this telescope, and the front lens could be rotated to adjust the distance.


    This was the function of this treasure.


    On the ind, the experts saw a series of buildings along theke that looked very different from human houses. They looked like simple and disorderly shacks that were randomly set up. Some of the creatures with snake tails were active on the ind, and there were mostly females with very few males.


    ��They are indeed the humanoid creatures that Zhao Prince Consort had mentioned. They are called the Serpent race, right? Currently, I have seen 191 of these creatures with human bodies and snake tails. From the living conditions, they are still rtively primitive. However, there��s a statue in the middle of the ind, which should be the idol of the deity that they worship.�� Ma Hongyu looked through the telescope and passed it to the next person.


    ��ording to the number of shacks, there should be about 300 people from the foreign races on the ind. They feed on fish and birds, and the weakest of them is an Earth Wheel expert! They also seem to have exits into the water from inside the buildings,�� Xu Gongsou said solemnly.


    If their weakest member was an Earth Wheel expert, what would their strongest be? An ordinary aboriginal was only at the Man Wheel level. These foreign races were much stronger than the aboriginals.


    Besides, there were exits underwater, which meant that it would be very difficult to annihte all of them and stop them from escaping.


    The only reassuring thing was that this foreign race was few in number.


    However, this was just one location.


    There was no telling how many more of these foreign races there were beyond these mountains. They were the biggest enemies of the human race.


    ��That statue isn��t their deity. It should be a hero or a king. In order to strengthen the image of a deity, a deity usually has a few different parts that create a sense of the unknown, which is beneficial for increasing the reverence of the believers. This is especially true for rtively primitive foreign races.�� Lin Dong paid more attention to the statue at the center of the ind and made his own analysis.


    ��Personal habits. Please excuse me!�� He smiled at everyone after putting down the telescope.


    Working together and loving one another, Righteous Sect could only be the number one cult in Great Xia because of the efforts and professional knowledge of each generation��s leaders.


    The crowd winced. They knew that Lin Dong was the leader of Righteous Sect without needing him to emphasize it.


    ��I��m curious�� How do these creatures reproduce?�� Gao Yi asked after watching them for some time.


    Everyone immediately turned to look at him. Nobody expected the thick-browed and big-eyed Gao Yi to actually be someone like this!


    ��I��m just curious. If we know how they reproduce, it��s easier to understand their fertility.�� He was slightly embarrassed and found an impable excuse for himself after seeing the expressions of the others.


    ��Their tails can be opened and closed, from which the genitals can be extended,�� the aboriginal expert exined.


    This time, everyone looked at him with weird expressions. Gao Yi simply mentioned it casually. Did this aboriginal actually study it?


    The aboriginal kept calm and exined, ��Their mating process is very interesting. You can see it at night. They will be mating by theke.��


    Everyone stared at him for a long time and thought to themselves,<em> These barbarians have no righteousness and no shame�� In their eyes, what is considered taboo in Great Xia is just as normal as the stars.</em>


    In the eyes of the people of Great Xia, this kind of thing could only be understood and couldn��t be conveyed in words. Even if the social customs in Great Xia were thousands of times better than in Dayao, the schrs would still casually talk about romantic affairs.


    In the opinion of these experts, the only normal person that Dayao couldmunicate with was Ren Baqian.


    However, if they knew that he was preparing to print arge number of erotic pictures and books to improve the reproductive rate of the aboriginals, this opinion would probably change.


    From the mountain, everyone studied the ind for a long time and verified what Ren Baqian said.


    The only thing left to do was to defeat these foreign races and interrogate them for information.


    Afterward, everyone returned to where the aboriginals were and decided when and how to proceed with the attack.


    There were more than 500 aboriginals here, of whom 12 were Cardinal Heaven experts, which wasn��t a weak military force.


    In addition, there were also 500 Kismet Heaven experts.


    Coupled with those weird looking mounts, the military strength of these people could be increased by 30 percent, which was just enough to deal with themoners of the foreign races.


    What the people were worried about were the stronger experts!


    ��


    The ind wasn��t too big. It was about ten kilometers long and only about four kilometers wide. There was a row of shacks located on the edge of thekeshore facing the south. At the center of the ind, there was a statue that was dozens of meters tall. Under it was its base and a flight of stairs. There were many fish ced in front of it as tribute.


    Every day at sunset, the people of the Serpent race would offer food as tribute in front of the statue and pray for blessings before feasting on their catch of the day. They didn��t have to worry about a food shortage because of the hugeke and the abundance of fauna.


    After enjoying the food, the civilians would meet at the edge of theke.


    They didn��t know that they had been watched or that the telescopes had been extremely useful for this task.


    The following night, dozens of people with astonishing auras descended from the sky. Several of themnded directly at the statue in the center of the ind.


    ��These people are friends from which race?�� A woman��s voice was heard from a shack on the edge of the ind, and dozens of Spirit Wheel level members of the Serpent race immediately went toward them.


    However, when they realized that there were people heading toward the statue, the Serpent race people immediately became furious.


    ��What are you doing?��


    <em>Boom!</em> The statue was hit by several people and suddenly covered with cracks.


    ��Protect the statue of the king!�� Many members of the Serpent race rushed out of the shacks and dashed to the center of the ind.


    Lin Dong looked at the cracked statue and muttered, ��Just right!��


    This was his suggestion. Usually, such totem-like statues were extremely important to the locals. If the enemies approached and realized that it was destroyed, they would go into a frenzy and begin to run away after finding that they were no match for them.


    As such, he wanted the statue to be damaged and not destroyed, letting the Serpent racee forth to protect it. This was the only way that they could eliminate all of the Serpent race.


    At the same time, many of the aboriginals who were on standby around theke threwrge pieces of wood into the water and used them as stepping stones.


    At this moment, an extremely astonishing aura rose from the edge of theke.


    ��Human race, you are really the root of trouble!��


    ��Sure enough, it��s as Zhao Prince Consort said!��


    Roar angrily, a six-armed figure struck one of the human experts by the side of theke with enormous force!


    Both parties shed and immediately separated. Gao Yi flew back in horror as the spear in his hand flew away. He only had a long rod left, and his hand was bleeding profusely.


    ��How dare you monsters!�� A huge palm that was several meters in size mmed down from the sky. The sun, moon, and stars on his palm flickered with white light, and they shot out before the palmnded. This was a very powerful move from Xu Gongsou. When used against other experts, the sun, moon, and stars could make his enemies distracted and leave them with no time to worry about the palm above their heads.


    However, the six-armed figure shed toward the sky with four des, causing the sun, moon, and stars to vanish. A hole was also cut through the palm.


    ��Come, fire and spears!�� As Ma Hongyu brandished a pole in the air, numerous ming spears shot toward the back of this expert of the Serpent race.


    ��Rocks!��


    Sharp stone pirs protruded from the ground, limiting the enemy��s range of motion.


    ��Be careful, this person is strong!�� Xu Gongsou only had time to shout out this sentence.


    All of the mes, spears, and stone pirs were wiped out!


    ��We have met with an obstacle! This foreign race is so powerful!�� Gluttonous Duke gritted his teeth, unfastened a pocket at his waist, and threw a pork knuckle toward the enemy. It erged in the air, smashing toward them with a huge impact while apanied by the aroma of roasted meat.


    With such momentum, it could even smash through a building and make a hole in it.


    After that, gourmet dishes like eight treasure rice, roasted chicken, cow leg, and grilled fish were thrown over, covering the sky with weapons, raining congee, or turning into huge objects��


    Everything was a deadly weapon, and they gave off alluring aromas that made people feel hungry.


    It was no wonder that there were rumors in society that anyone who crossed paths with Gluttonous Duke would definitelyin!

 Chapter 911 - Heavy Casualties

    Chapter 911: Heavy Casualties


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    There were rumors in society that anyone who crossed paths with Gluttonous Duke, would definitelyin. There was no telling how much food that seemingly bottomless pocket contained. He could unleash all kinds of moves when he attacked, giving off alluring aromas that could make his opponents feel hungry even when they were full.


    Many experts of Great Xia dished out their moves, but the warrior of the Serpent race dodged left and right while dissipating these attacks.


    Many of the aboriginal Earth Wheel experts had also crossed theke. They smashed the shacks first and captured the young and the old who stayed behind to prevent them from escaping. Others surrounded the members of the Serpent race who were rushing toward the center of the ind.


    On the other hand, the top human experts engaged the Serpent race experts. Other than the strongest enemy, they managed to handle the rest.


    The battle cries of both parties shook the entire ground.


    At this time, Ren Baqian was facing a warm, strange, and silent situation.


    The origin of this incident was from the past few times that he returned to Earth. His parents had never gotten the news that the empress was pregnant. They had never seen her since the wedding. Even though it had only been a year in Dayao, three years had already passed on Earth.


    He couldn��t shirk this matter off and had no choice but to take the empress back to his hometown in Northeastern China.


    She had been pregnant for almost 12 months, yet there was only a slight bulge in her belly. If she were to wear an inner garment and light muslin, one would hardly notice it.


    Apart from Ren Baqian��s parents, Ren Wannian and his wife, Xu Hongxiu, were present as well. Xu Hongxiu was very beautiful, and the impression she gave off was very clean and gentle. She was also very enthusiastic to see them.


    Aside from the asional murmur, the empress rarely spoke. Her expression was also very cold. Other than when she was with Ren Baqian, she put on this expression most of the time. The impression she gave off was pretty arrogant, which was also the way she acted normally.


    Such reactions made Xu Hongxiu feel a little lost.


    ��She��s always like this, so don��t mind her!�� Ren Baqian chuckled, making her feel a little overwhelmed by the favor.


    Although Ren Wannian was the owner of the most anticipated technologypany on the today, she still knew who had the most say in his family.


    Besides, Ren Baqian didn��t look like a good person. He seemed to have more power and influence than his brother. Rather than a hidden rich man, Ren Baqian looked more like an official of the nation!


    ��Zixiao, I see that you are always touching your belly. Could it be that you are pregnant?�� Mama Ren asked eagerly with glowing eyes.


    The empress thought for a while and nodded after turning to see that Ren Baqian had stepped aside to talk to Ren Wannian.


    Mama Ren immediately rejoiced. She had wished for this for so long, and now, it finally came true.


    This daughter-inw of hers wasn��t like Ren Wannian��s wife, whom she could casually talk with. She somehow felt a little out of breath whenever she saw the empress.


    Although Mama Ren invited her over for dinner, it took a lot of determination just to ask a few indirect questions.


    ��A happy asion, really happy. How long has it been?�� Mama Ren asked excitedly.


    ��11 months and 17 days.��


    Mama Ren and Xu Hongxiu were speechless.


    ��11 months and 17 days?�� Mama Ren repeated. Didn��t pregnancies onlyst for ten months at most? Could her past two pregnancies be fake?


    ��11 months and 17 days!�� The empress was very sure.


    ��Have you gone to the hospital for an examination?�� Mama Ren felt that the empress might be mistaken about something and asked another question.


    ��I understand my own body very well,�� the empress replied faintly.


    Mama Ren and Xu Hongxiu were speechless again.


    Mama Ren then decided to ask her son about what was going on.


    It was also fortunate that she made this decision. If she continued probing and found out that the thing inside the empress��s belly was a ball, she would probably suspect that either she or the empress had a mental problem.


    Seeing that Ren Baqian hadn��t finished the conversation, it didn��t take long before Mama Ren couldn��t help herself.


    ��Are you pregnant?��


    The empress nced at her, thought about it, and replied, ��Yes!��


    ��Has it been four months and 17 days?��


    ��11 months and 17 days.��


    Mama Ren was speechless.


    It would be better if she asked her sonter.


    When Ren Baqian was done talking with his brother, he came over after seeing the weird look on his mother��s face.


    ��What happened to your wife?��


    ��Huh?�� He was baffled.


    ��Do you know that she��s pregnant?�� Mama Ren asked.


    Ren Baqian��s heart skipped a beat as he forced a smile and asked, ��What did she say?��


    ��I asked if she was pregnant, and she told me that it has been 11 months and 17 days�� I also repeatedly confirmed whether it was four months and 17 days instead, but she said that it was 11 months. I have never heard of such a long pregnancy before giving birth. The size of her belly doesn��t look like it either. Do you want to take her to the hospital for an examination?��


    ��Ma, your Northeastern ent is too strong, and she heard it as pre-pregnancy preparations. She has been preparing for 11 months and 17 days. You know that people these days prepare for pregnancy!��


    ��Impossible! My Mandarin is polished. People who don��t know might even think that I worked at a television station!�� Mama Ren��s eyes were wide open.


    ��Otherwise, what else do you think it could be? She must have misheard your words.�� Ren Baqian spread his arms.


    Mama Ren pondered suspiciously and asked, ��Pre-pregnancy preparations for 11 months and 17 days�� That��s quite long. Why isn��t she pregnant yet? Should both of you go to the hospital for a checkup?��


    His face turned ck as his mind filled with swear words.


    However, Ren Baqian still exined seriously, ��We have checked and nothing is wrong. Just wait to hold your grandchild!��


    ��Hongxiu is already three months pregnant! You two have to hurry up! This is the only thing that your father and I are looking forward to!��


    He nodded quickly.


    Soon after, Ren Baqian sat beside the empress with a bitter smile.


    ��What��s wrong? What��s with your expression? Is it because of the ball in my stomach?�� she asked faintly. He heard her without anyone else noticing.


    ��You know it as well, Your Majesty! Being pregnant for more than 11 months is a big problem for ordinary people. Besides, you have shown no signs of pregnancy, which is too shocking for them.��


    ��I don��t like to lie,�� the empress replied.


    ��You wouldn��t be Her Majesty if you spoke like ordinary people and cared about what others think!�� Ren Baqian wasn��t surprised at all.


    She smiled after hearing this response.


    The two days of staying at home were considered pretty harmonious. Although the empress was cold, Xu Hongxiu, their new family member, had gotten used to it. Instead, she shared about how she maintained herplexion and asionally expressed how amazed she was that the empress could have such good skin.


    A few dayster, she and Ren Baqian returned to Wuji City and brought back to Dayao some of the equipment required by the research institute. They then heard about the report that detailed how Qi Ziting led many aboriginal and Great Xia experts tounch a surprise attack on the Serpent race.


    One of the Great Xia experts was killed while trying to block the escape route of the enemy��s top expert. He was Priest Bai Yun, the sixteenth most powerful expert in the world. 11 of them were severely injured. Two of the aboriginal Cardinal Heaven experts were killed in battle, and the rest of them were severely injured.


    The casualties were heavy.


    More than 30 of the aboriginal Kismet Heaven experts were killed and almost 100 of them were injured.


    All 300 of the foreign races were either killed or held captive, with none of them escaping.


    During this night attack, the human race attacked the enemy��s highly regarded statue, held the opponents back, and surrounded them with many experts. In spite of this, the human casualties were still heavy.


    Ma Hongyu, Xu Gongsou, Lin Dong, Fire Serpent Tao Qian, and many others were severely injured.


    Most importantly, one of the enemies was an expert who surpassed the Spirit Wheel level!


    If it wasn��t for Bai Yun desperately holding him back, his repeated hesitation to retreat, and multiple missed opportunities, the strongest enemy expert would probably have gotten away.


    However, this was merely a vige with 300 members of the foreign races.


    Except for Li Fu, Li Yuanzhu, and the empress, all the other top experts suffered heavy damage in such a small vige!

 Chapter 912 - Development

    Chapter 912: Development


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    This was the human race��s second confrontation with the foreign races.


    During the first encounter, Ren Baqian and the empress directlyunched a nuclear bomb in the Sixty Thousand Mountains, wiping out a few herdsmen.


    Although the human practitioners seemed to have suffered fewer casualtiespared to the foreign races during this confrontation, it was aplete failure that pped all the participants in the face.


    The foreign races were very strong!


    This was the case even when the humans had the absolute advantage of attacking unprepared enemies. If the two parties were to face each other directly, the casualties would be even greater.


    With a gloomy face, the empress ordered, ��Everyone retreat.��


    Ren Baqian��s eyes flickered, but he stayed silent.


    Although this road had to be paved, it wasn��t time yet.


    Another option was to send Li Fu to pin down the enemy��s experts, but there were other uses for him at the moment.


    After all, Ren Baqian was still waiting to use Li Fu to save himself if Xu Wuming suddenly showed up. Xu Wuming was a super expert from hundreds of years ago and the empress was pregnant, so the risk was too great.


    Regardless of whether it was the empress or the ball in her belly, he wouldn��t be able to ept it if something happened to either one of them.


    Even if it really was a ball, it was one that the two of them made!


    Casting the matter of the ball aside, once everyone had recuperated, Ren Baqian had to prepare some things to pave the way.


    The nuclear bomb was set aside first. The effects of nuclear radiation hadn��t been revealed yet, and the situation in the Sixty Thousand Mountains wasplicated. This region was prone to situations that many people couldn��t imagine and required some observation.


    Ren Baqian was very interested in sonic and meteorological weapons.


    The use of meteorological attacks from thousands of miles away would be achieving the phenomenal magic that deities used in novels, but with technology.


    Even though the aboriginal Kismet Heaven experts fought the foreign races bravely, the number of casualties they suffered was still quite heartbreaking.


    Originally, Ren Baqian wasn��t nning to develop gunpowder weapons. After all, with such weapons, the role that personal ability yed would be greatly reduced. It would still be fine within a decade or two, but after several decades, gunpowder weapons would spread to other nations sooner orter. By then, the aboriginals would be at a disadvantage.


    However, the situation had now changed. The casualties suffered by the aboriginal Kismet Heaven experts made him feel a little distressed. More than 30 were killed and 100 were seriously injured in a foreign race vige of just 300 people.


    The aboriginals needed to be enhanced with more advanced weapons.


    In Ren Baqian��s mind, he was thinking of weapons like the Gatling gun, which could flood the enemies with a rain of bullets. As long as there were enough bullets, it would serve as a threat even to Cardinal Heaven experts.


    The weight of these machine guns and their ammunition boxes wasn��t even a point of consideration for the aboriginals.


    Soon after the empress gave the order, Li Yuanzhu met with the returning crowd.


    In fact, she had already heard about the heavy casualties before she arrived.


    In her heart, she was also stunned by thebat power of the foreign races. During this meeting, she saw a few captives that had been brought back, which included a Spirit Wheel and a few Earth Wheel level experts from the Serpent race.


    The oue of this battle and the sight of these captives had convinced the experts from Great Xia. They had been seriously considering the recruitment model that Ren Baqian had suggested.


    Based on the current situation, humans wouldn��t necessarily stand a chance even if theybined forces and fought the foreign races. It would be self-destruction if their forces were to remain divided!


    Of course, there was also the option to abandon the barrier of passing through the Sixty Thousand Mountains, but this wasn��t part of their consideration at all.


    Ren Baqian��s nuclear bomb had indeed given them great confidence and faith. With the possession of such a weapon of mass destruction, the human race might be able to win the battle!


    Otherwise, it would be difficult for the experts to make their choice. It would be the same as the scenario between Li Fu and Xu Wuming back then!


    However, at this time, Ren Baqian had turned his attention to other weapons.


    ��


    Five monthster, the empress was 16 and a half months pregnant and had yet to give birth. Her belly had gotten slightly bigger.


    Even when concealed with clothing, the bump could be seen.


    Apart from rejoicing, Ren Baqian had also be increasingly worried about what exactly the ball inside her belly was.


    In any case, it wouldn��t be Pikachu!


    In the meantime, he went back to the Messier 87 department to learn about meteorological weapons. After asking some questions, the situation was revealed to him.


    The nation��s meteorological weapon was still under development. Although there were some results, it was still quite far away from being used in actualbat.


    The main research focuses currently included sound waves, typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes, hail, and extreme cold.


    In fact, these were also the main research focuses of various other countries.


    If this research continued smoothly, it would take another five to ten years for Ren Baqian to see results.


    This would be just a little over three years in Dayao.


    However, all of the current results were produced byrge-scale equipment, and he wouldn��t be able to bring these things back to Dayao even if he had more than 1,000 kilograms of strength. He could only wait until the equipment was miniaturized, which would take much longer.


    In any case, Ren Baqian had finally addressed his concern.


    In addition, diesel engines had also been developed with the researchers from Earth ying an important role.


    At present, there were 23 scientists, including several physicists, chemists, mathematicians, medical experts, and materials science experts as well as two botanists and two zoologists.


    Recently, they were looking for Ren Baqian to obtain permission for some aboriginals to participate in scientific experiments.


    In other words, participate by being a research subject.


    With the diesel engine researchplete, Ren Baqian was currently allowing many aboriginal craftsmen to construct the first tractor by hand. With the participation of many of the scientists, he was working to develop a production line that could achieve mass production after the tractor was sessfully constructed.


    In addition, many other changes had taken ce.


    The first road from Lan City had beenpletely finished. It used to take 20 days for goods to arrive, but now it only took around ten days.


    Most of the original captives were now invested in the construction of the road from Lan City to the Protectorate of the Southeast while a small portion of them were sent to work on various infrastructure in the new city. This included sewers, drainage channels, electrical lines, and water pipes.


    On top of that, there were dozens of viges in the Sixty Thousand Mountains that nearly 30,000 aboriginals had moved out of. They trudged all the way to the edges of the new city and settled down there. The Ministry of Revenue supported them by isting the strange fish that lived in the water and the parasites on the bodies of the fish.


    The materials in Lan City were bing more and more abundant. The entire city was several times more lively than it had been before the war. The number of aboriginals and people of the Jing Tribe had grown several times higher than before.


    As the price of ironware dropped to one-tenth of its original cost, more and more of the indigenous aboriginals carried sabers on the streets. This caused public security to deteriorate for a period of time. Fortunately, the eight arenas inside and outside of the city managed to reverse the situation.


    Currently, Ren Baqian was sitting in one of the city��srgest arenas. On the lower stage, there stood a young girl who wore a tube top and a skirt made of animal hide.


    ��Ten match winning streak, ten match winning streak. This is Zhu Hua��s tenth consecutive win this week. Is there anyone who wants to challenge her? Are there any experts up for it? The current prize money is 300 taels of silver!��


    He looked down at Zhu Hua and frowned as he listened to the words that were being shouted repeatedly.


    She wasn��t smart, and ording to her past results, the highest she scored was only nine points. However, her results had gotten worsetely�� They dropped from nine points to three. She couldn��t even be found at the steam engine improvementboratory. Instead, she ced all of her focus on the arena!


    From the current situation, with her strength, she was considered pretty good among the aboriginal Kismet Heaven experts. She was able to win some silver in a short period of time, but she couldn��t continue this way��


    However, the academy might not be suitable for Zhu Hua either. She was also aware of this and had recently put her focus elsewhere.


    She should probably be rmended to the Ministry of War.


    After pondering for some time, Ren Baqian watched another one of her fights. Then, his knitted eyebrows gradually rxed.


    He was holding a book at the moment, and it attracted a few sneaky nces from the people in the surroundings.


    This was mainly because the cover of the book wasposed of various high-resolution photos of lolitas, big breasts, and young women��


    Indeed, it was an adult magazine from Japan. Ren Baqian was thinking about putting this magazine on the market. On one hand, it would increase the fertility rate, but on the other, he wondered if it would cause a negative impact to public order!

 Chapter 913 - The Empress is Furious!

    Chapter 913: The Empress is Furious!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    <em>a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)</em>


    <em>a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)</em>


    <em>a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)</em>


    Ren Baqian was writing forms on the ckboard when he suddenly left the ssroom and looked toward the pce.


    He felt an angry and murderous aura from the pce.


    He was very familiar with this aura.


    It was the empress.


    She hadn��t been this angry in a long time. Even people at the school could sense her aura. It was as if Mount Buzhou[1.Mount Buzhou: a mountain from Chinese legend] was going to copse at any time and crush everyone to smithereens.


    ��Study this lesson yourselves!�� Ren Baqian turned and told the students.


    They were all crowded at the window and looking at the pce in shock. After that, Ren Baqian dashed straight for the pce.


    ��Am I treating them too mercifully? I show them mercy, so they take me for a weakling? Is there anything else that they wouldn��t dare or couldn��t do? Send an order to Zi Doni. Kill everyone who is at the Earth Wheel level and above in the entire Yun Nation! Exterminate all the sects! I want their heads to be hung on the city walls of Wangjing City to serve as an eternal reminder!�� The empress sat at the top with fine ck hair fluttering behind her body. She ordered her subjects with an ashen face and murderous eyes.


    ��Qin Chuan, take my winged cavalry warriors and head straight for the Yun Nation. Remember my words��spare no one!��


    ��Yes, Your Majesty! I will set off immediately.�� Qin Chuan cupped his fists.


    ��Tie Yan, head there with the Department of Inspection. These sects of society are like bugs in the sewers. Uncover all of them! If you can��t do it�� I��ll take your head instead!��


    Everyone in the hall was solemn.


    No one dared to speak in the face of the furious empress.


    Besides, everyone was feeling extremely angry as well.


    After hearing this piece of news, even if she didn��t give the orders, they would still act on their own!


    Looking moody, Ren Baqian stood at the entrance of the main hall.


    In fact, the empress had noticed him when he arrived, but didn��t pay attention to him or let him enter the hall. Instead, she directly issued her orders. Seeing how furious she was at the moment, it was impossible to stop her desire to ughter.


    ��What happened? What made Her Majesty so angry?�� he softly asked the guard at the door after some time.


    ��Your Highness, Deputy Protector General Wu Kai has been killed, and his body was cut into five pieces. His head was pinned to the top of Ping City��s wall with an arrow.


    Ten groups of 100-man patrol teams were attacked with none of them surviving. Lieutenant Colonels Peng Yu and Li Rui both died in battle as well. All of them had their bodies dismembered after death! Their heads were cut off and piled up,�� the guard replied with anger in his eyes.


    Ren Baqian��s heart skipped a beat when he heard the news, and his face immediately changed.


    ��Sh*t! Something big is going to happen!��


    Wu Kai was the Deputy Protector General of the Northeast. Lieutenant Colonels Peng Yu and Li Rui were both at the Cardinal Heaven level. All three of these people had died in battle, and their bodies had even been dismembered. Furthermore, there were ten groups of 100-man patrol teams�� If these people died in battle, the empress would be angry, but she wouldn��t fly into such a rage and give an order to kill every person at the Earth Wheel level and above. Furthermore, she even wanted to exterminate all the sects.


    The culprit not only killed these people, but also cut up their corpses and piled them up�� This was a disy of arrogance, not just audacity��


    Not to mention, they even threw Wu Kai��s head at Ping City.


    Ping City was originally called Qingping City. This was where the Protectorate of the Northeast and Dayao��smand center of the entire Yun Nation was currently located.


    Ren Baqian could imagine that the entire Protectorate of the Northeast was already getting ready for battle and only waiting for the empress to give the orders.


    At present, she had already given the orders.


    It was imaginable what kind of uproar this would set off and how much hatred would be incited in this world once they started to act.


    Ren Baqian stood there for a long time and listened to the orders given by the empress. These included cordoning off the border between the Yun Nation and Great Xia and mobilizing the Protectorate of the North. All of the orders were targeted at the Yun Nation and gave their practitioners no ce to escape.


    ��Your Majesty, the Great Xia experts who left for the Sixty Thousand Mountains are on their way back and will arrive in two days. If they find out about this����


    ��So what if they find out? It��s Dayao��s internal matter. Since those people could act like this, I will let them feel my wrath and will not be lenient on them! I will ughter until no one dares or has the ability to create trouble, until they are terrified, until they regret!�� the empress replied ruthlessly with a murderous spirit.


    When the court session ended, everyone merely cupped their fists as they left the hall.


    If Dayao��s imperial court was divided into two factions, Ren Baqian would be the only one in his faction.


    Politics? No, the aboriginals only yed with des!


    When the empress walked out of the hall, he involuntarily followed behind her.


    ��Don��t try to persuade me!�� she said directly. ��They are too audacious and have gone overboard. I can��t forgive them!��


    ��There is still a child in your belly, Your Majesty. Don��t get so worked up. I naturally wouldn��t try to persuade you. I want to tear them apart as well, but wouldn��t this have too many implications?�� Ren Baqian tried to calm his voice down and appease her.


    ��Too many implications? Do you know how many people were involved this time? Ten groups of 100-man teams, two lieutenant colonels, and Wu Kai. Humph! If it wasn��t for such a major incident, I wouldn��t have known that there were so many people in this private collusion!�� the empressined. Her murderous spirit remained undiminished.


    ��34 Spirit Wheel experts and 3,000 Earth Wheel experts. They have really done a good job with so many people cascading these acts right in front of my eyes!�� The more she spoke, the angrier she got. The brick pavement that she was walking on exploded behind her.


    Ren Baqian frowned. There were probably only 3,000 Earth Wheel level warriors in the entire Yun Nation.


    All of them were involved? How was this possible? Thousands of Earth Wheel experts threw everything aside and even ignored the lives of their families?


    Even if the culprits were able to get all of the practitioners involved, how could Ren Baqian not have received any news at all?


    There seemed to be some problems.


    ��Your Majesty����


    ��Are you going to say that there��s a problem?�� the empress coldly interrupted Ren Baqian.


    She continued, ��I don��t care if there are any problems with it. Regardless of how many of the Yun Nation��s people were involved out of those 3,000 Earth Wheel experts, regardless of whether it was 500 or 1,000, the practitioners of the Yun Nation participated greatly in this incident. In that case, I have no reason to let them off!


    As for those who weren��t involved, it��s just their luck!


    Moreover, they might not necessarily be wronged. At least one of them would have known what was going on and didn��t report it. They are still liable!��


    Ren Baqian sighed. Although the empress rarely expressed it in front of him, she understood everything. It was due to her pride that she couldn��t be bothered to talk about a lot of things.


    This time, she simply wanted to vent her anger.


    ��Your Majesty, I want to go there with Sir Qin!�� he said after thinking for some time.


    ��Are you still intending to use the same strategy that you used in Tianjing Basin? Separate a portion of them, pull them aside, and execute them? This isn��t what I want!�� The empress stopped in her tracks.


    After pondering for a while, she eased her anger and sighed gently before saying. ��Forget it. I��ll let you go. However, I have one request. For those who were involved or who knew about what was going on, spare no one!��


    She then added, ��Regardless of whether they are practitioners, ordinary people, or even warlords! I don��t care if the Yun Nation falls into chaos or if those people will hate me! I only want to see their heads!��

 Chapter 914 - Lending a Hand

    Chapter 914: Lending a Hand


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Why did I not know about such a big matter?�� Ren Baqian ced his hands on his knees and looked calmly at the two men in front of him.


    ��Your Highness, the news Her Majesty received was directly sent from the Protectorate of the Northeast. It takes us one and a half days for a messenger bird to ry the message,�� one of the men exined.


    ��Directly from the Protectorate of the Northeast? Who are you? What are you responsible for? What are you doing? How could you not hear of any rumors regarding such a big matter? Didn��t you notice any traces at all? What use are you people? Are you useless?�� Ren Baqian��s voice grew duller, but his face remained calm. However, his words were relentless, and the sweat on the two people��s heads grew heavier.


    ��Calm down, Your Highness. We have done poorly! Give us another chance and we will thoroughly investigate this matter!�� The two didn��t dare to argue further.


    ��Calm down? Her Majesty is angry. What can I do to appease her anger?�� Ren Baqian grumbled as he red at them.


    ��We have done poorly!��


    ��Hmmm.�� He sat in the seat of honor and looked down at them for some time before saying, ��Investigate! Find out every piece of news and every trace. Nothing shall be missed! There is no next time!��


    ��Yes!��


    Ren Baqian rubbed his eyebrows after the two left. This matter didn��t just concern the Yun Nation, but also the harmony between the aboriginals and the other ethnicities.


    Even the Jing Tribe was included.


    After all, the aboriginals considered them to be outsiders as well. It had only been less than five years since they were able to walk openly on the streets of Lan City.


    Although this matter concerned the Jing Tribe, Ren Baqian didn��t mention it.


    He didn��t want to leave others with the idea of a division between the Jing Tribe and the aboriginals. He couldn��t allow them to harbor such a thought.


    Even though the Jing Tribe wasn��t able to integrate with the aboriginals and the others felt this way, he couldn��t allow such words toe out of his mouth.


    As a superior, he had to pay attention to everything he said.


    ��


    With the empress��s fury, the violent machine in Dayao was immediately turned on. Out of the 2,000 winged cavalry warriors, 500 stayed to protect Lan City while the rest followed Qin Chuan to the Yun Nation under the orders of the empress.


    Hong Wu had also sent 10,000 soldiers and experts from the Protectorate of the North.


    Ren Baqian didn��t set off with Qin Chuan. Instead, he continued to stay in Lan City. On one hand, he had to settle some things, including matters pertaining to the academy, the research institute, the Department of Commerce, and even the protectorates.


    Most importantly, he was still waiting for the experts who were returning from the Sixty Thousand Mountains.


    If he wasn��t around, problems might ur when they returned and heard about this piece of news.


    After all, these experts definitely wouldn��t just stand and watch from the side. The Yun Nation had always been affiliated with Great Xia, and all of the Yun Nation��s ancestors were people from Great Xia as well. It would be difficult to cut ties between the two parties. There wasn��t much that Great Xia could do when Dayao conquered the Yun Nation.


    However, if Dayao was going to massacre the people of the Yun Nation, many would definitely oppose it.


    With the empress��s current situation, they couldn��t afford to have anyone rebel.


    In this case, Ren Baqian could only try to mediate the situation himself.


    Besides, there was something that he suspected. Could the people of the Yun Nation really have done this? Could all the experts of the entire Yun Nation have abandoned their lives? How was this possible?


    There must be a problem somewhere.


    Previously, Su Xianxian was poisoned and Luohua Sect was exterminated. What was the objective of the culprit? Were they trying to target Luohua Sect or Dayao?


    Although there wasn��t any evidence, Ren Baqian felt that there was an invisible link between these two incidents.


    The consequences of these two incidents were that the rtionships between the experts in Dayao, Great Xia and the Yun Nation were agitated. If these events, especially the current one, weren��t handled properly, the entire Yun Nation would be turbulent. In addition, the aboriginals would be isted from and hated by the warriors of the other nations.


    It would be even more difficult for the public welfare organization to achieve its original purpose and recruit all of the experts of the human race.


    Ren Baqian felt a little suspicious and wondered whether the foreign races had undercover agents in the human race.


    After waiting for four days in Lan City, the experts finally returned.


    Next to him were Lin Yue, who was snacking on melon seeds, and Lin Qiaole, who was sucking on a lollipop.


    Ren Baqian had no idea what Lin Yue was thinking about�� She had been snacking on melon seeds for ten months in Lan City and walked around the city cheerfully every day�� She even bought two copies of <em>The</em><em>Golden Lotus</em>[1.The Golden Lotus: an erotic novel from the Ming Dynasty]�� One for her own consumption, and one for her collection!


    As for Lin Qiaole, he felt that he couldn��t let her go on eating and sleeping all day long anymore. Since he was about to head to the Yun Nation, he had to take two experts along with him and dragged her out of that infinite loop.


    She then fought Lin Yue. After the fight, their rtionship had never been better.


    They fought because Lin Qiaole felt that the milk candies were the best, whereas Lin Yue felt that melon seeds were the best.


    Just as how Ren Baqian didn��t understand why the two fought because of that incident, he also didn��t understand how these two stupid people could be such good friends that they even shared a meal from the same bowl just two dayster.


    Lin Yue had always carried a wooden bowl with her and never allowed anyone to touch it!


    However, there was one thing that he wanted to tell her several times, but he didn��t know whether he should. He had never seen Lin Qiaole wash that bowl before! (TLC. If it��s Lin Yue��s bowl, why does Lin Qiaole need to wash it?)


    The three of them waited for an hour at the city wall and finally saw the returning people.


    The crowd wasn��t as confident as they had been when they first set off. Even though they weren��t exactly dejected and depressed, they weren��t in good spirits either.


    Imagine dozens of top experts besieging one individual, but ending up suffering heavy casualties and even one fatality.


    If it wasn��t for the enemy missing opportunities and failing to escape, these experts would probably be too ashamed toe back!


    In addition to the many experts who returned, there were two carriages covered with cloth that carried a few members of the Serpent Race.


    ��This trip has taken almost a year. It��s been tough on you guys!�� Ren Baqian greeted them with a smile.


    ��It��s nothing.�� With gloomy smiles, the crowd waved their hands and said, ��It was only during this trip that we realized how ignorant and narrow-minded we were!��


    ��Everyone, take a rest in the city. Her Majesty has prepared a banquet for you.�� He led the crowd back into the city. It wasn��t a good time to speak yet.


    However, before they reached the Beihong District, someonemented, ��The atmosphere in the city seems a little weird. The people are looking at us differently fromst time. What��s the matter?��


    These experts were truly sharp. They were able to detect a slight change in the city��s atmosphere this quickly even after being away for ten months.


    ��The Yun Nation is facing some problems. About 40 Spirit Wheel experts and thousands of Earth Wheel experts killed the Deputy Protector General of the Northeast, two lieutenant colonels, and ten groups of 100-man patrol teams! They even cut the corpses into pieces and piled them up for others to see!��


    ��How is this possible?�� Everyone was surprised at the news.


    The entire Yun Nation only had a few thousand Earth Wheel experts.


    Were all of them involved in the massacre?


    And furthermore, they used such brutal methods?


    Everyone reacted the same as Ren Baqian and felt that this was impossible!


    He frowned as he exined, ��If I was not waiting for all of you to return, I would have already left for the Yun Nation. This incident has left a great impact, and Her Majesty is also very angry. A bloodbath has started, and the culprits must be taken out to prevent a disaster!��


    ��Qi Zixiao���� Everyone could sense something different and unusual about his words.


    ��This is Dayao��s internal affair. Not only is Her Majesty enraged, but I am too. I��m going to the Yun Nation this time to give onest chance to those who didn��t participate in this incident. It will have to depend on them whether or not they can grasp this opportunity!��


    Everyone frowned. Ren Baqian immediately said that this was Dayao��s internal affair and exined the things that were about to happen. This couldn��t have happened for no reason.


    Everyone understood what he meant!


    ��Go back and discuss this matter with the old beggar. He��s pretty familiar with that area and can help to ask if there have been any misunderstanding or if someone is creating trouble. It��s impossible for all of the Yun Nation��s practitioners to be involved in this incident!�� said the wrinkly Gluttonous Duke.


    ��I have a junior disciple who settled down in the Yun Nation. I can write a letter that you can deliver to him,�� Gao Yi added straightforwardly.


    These experts would naturally oppose Dayao if Dayao were to kill all of the Yun Nation��s practitioners.


    Since Ren Baqian was interested in investigating the matter, it showed that there was still a possibility for a better oue; at least there wouldn��t be too many people who would be wronged. All of these experts were willing to lend him a hand as well!


    ��I don��t have any pressing matters to handle, so I shall follow you on this trip. Will I be wee?�� Li Yuanzhu gently nodded at him.


    Apart from him, she also immediately thought about the incident where Su Xianxian was poisoned and Luohua Sect got exterminated.


    What these two incidents had inmon was the shocking methods that were used as well as how terrifyingly strong these hidden culprits were. Whether it was the life and death dilemma of Su Xianxian��s poisoning or the extermination of Luohua Sect, these weren��t oues that ordinary people could achieve.


    The impact of both these incidents wasn��t good for the martial arts circle of the entire human race, and the objective of the culprit might be rted to this.


    Li Yuanzhu once promised Su Xianxian that Luohua Sect would be left unscathed, but it got exterminated the moment she left. She had to investigate this matter to the end.

 Chapter 915 - Rice Bowl that Carries a Body Scent

    <strong>Chapter 915: Rice Bowl that Carries a Body Scent</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    The evening banquet wasn��t exactly a lively event. After all, it wasn��t a victorious return and could even be considered depressing.


    However, ording to reason, this banquet had to be held.


    The next day, many of the experts made their way home. Meanwhile Ren Baqian headed for the Yun Nation.


    Apart from Lin Qiaole, her good friend Lin Yue tagged along as well. When these two stupid girls got together, it was like familiarity at first sight. Their only regret was not meeting each other earlier.


    Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke followed them as well.


    There was another person who Ren Baqian didn��t expect would tag along: Xin Zhe.


    ��Her Majesty��smand is for me to follow Zhao Prince Consort wherever he goes!�� As she adjusted her sses, they glistened in the sunlight.


    ��Her Majesty asked you to protect me personally? Will you have to follow me to the toilet?�� Ren Baqianughed. The greatest strength of thismander was her loyalty, but this was also her greatest weakness!


    Alright, she fought well too!


    However, Xin Zhe knew nothing at all about things outside of the pce.


    ��No, what Her Majesty meant was for me to follow you! Even when you are eating your meals or sleeping!�� she answered straightforwardly. Xin Zhe believed that she fullyprehended the empress��s orders.


    Ren Baqian gaped. Even if the empress wanted Xin Zhe to monitor him, wouldn��t it be better if she simply described it as close protection? Why did she have to be so direct?


    ��Qi Zixiao really cares a lot about this husband of hers!�� Li Yuanzhu gently nodded at him and smiled.


    He sighed. The empress simply wanted to guard against her!


    Oh, women!


    Regardless of whether one was an emperor or amoner, there would definitely be some qualities that were innate and congenital!


    However, wasn��t the empress thinking too much? In any case, Li Yuanzhu was the third most powerful expert in the world. How many of these top experts would be as blinded and judgemental as the empress? People these days were judgemental and superficial!


    What was the use of being superficial? Would the empress still have to fight it out with her in the end?


    Li Yuanzhu was the third most powerful expert in the world. She wasn��t Lin Qiaole, who could be handled with a lollipop, or Lin Yue, who could be handled with melon seeds!


    ��Let��s go!��


    Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke noticed that the journey from Lan City to the Yun Nation was different from other regions. The surface of the road was very clean. It looked like gravel, but it wasn��t gravel.


    They had seen this material in Lan City before, which was presumably called cement.


    They didn��t expect Dayao to use this material to pave the road.


    ��Where is this road paved to?�� Li Yuanzhu asked.


    ��The Yun Nation!��


    ��What great effort! This road didn��t exist a few years ago!�� Gluttonous Duke was speechless.


    ��The construction process took more than three years. The road is more than 800 kilometers long!�� Ren Baqian was also very proud of this road.


    This was Dayao��s first official road, but not thest.


    ��With this road, the travel time can be approximately shortened by half! You guys have worked hard. It seems like the aristocrats in the Yun Nation who ran away don��t need to cause trouble anymore!�� Gluttonous Duke added.


    Without mentioning Ren Baqian��s nuclear bombs, this road made it so that it would only take about five days to get from Lan City to the Yun Nation at top speed. It would be hard for those aristocrats to cause any trouble.


    ��Evaluate again when the railroad from Lan City to the Yun Nation ispleted. By then, we will be able to send 100,000 soldiers from Lan City to the Yun Nation in just two days!�� He pointed in the distance.


    The two were dubious. It wasn��t impossible to cover more than 500 kilometers in two days. If one were to ride on the bird that Ren Baqian was riding on, they would be able to cover this distance in just one day.


    However, it would be different for 100,000 soldiers. Along with arge number of provisions and weapons, it would already be considered pretty good if they could achieve the speed of an ordinary horse carriage andplete the journey in around 10 days!


    Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke could imagine this even though they hadn��t led soldiers before.


    Ren Baqian said that it would only take two days. That would be truly impressive!


    ��Oh, this road is better than Great Xia��s official roads!�� Lin Yue was suddenly surprised after the trio had discussed this and after everyone had traveled for more than half a day.


    ��It��s really better than the previous road! Our bodies were covered in mud when we traveled on the previous one!�� Lin Qiaole nodded. She had followed Ren Baqian to many ces and was clear about the situation of those dirt roads.


    Lin Yue looked pensive.


    She continued looking pensive the next day.


    On the third day, she suddenly recalled something and eximed, ��Your bowl seems to have an odor!��


    Ren Baqian immediately facepalmed.


    You two have been sharing that bowl for a few days, yet you only realize this now?


    ��This is called a body scent! That��s what he said!�� Lin Qiaole pointed at him.


    Lin Yue continued to look pensive.


    Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke had strange looks on their faces. Both of them could see that Lin Qiaole wasn��t very smart, and stupid people couldn��t lie�� How could Ren Baqian have said this to her?


    It wasn��t umon to see a rabbit eating grass by its own burrow. She was indeed daring to be nibbling the grass near Qi Zixiao��s burrow!


    Ren Baqian hurriedly replied, ��No, I didn��t! Lin Qiaole, when did you learn to frame people?��


    ��Previously, you said that Her Majesty��s bowl had her body scent when you ate from it!�� Lin Qiaole replied confidently as she tried to stop Ren Baqian from denying that it had happened.


    He was speechless.


    There were 50 guards in the convoy, and all of them were riding good mounts. They caught up with Qin Chuan at the border of the Yun Nation in just four days.


    ��Sir Qin, we havee to settle some things. Sorry to trouble you!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, you aren��t here just to settle things, right?�� Qin Chuan cupped his hands in return and gestured at Li Yuanzhu and the others with his head. ��Forget it. What you wish to do is not within my control. Her Majesty gave me orders not to let anyone off.��


    ��This is Her Majesty��smand!�� Ren Baqian handed the empress��s letter to Qin Chuan. When he opened it, he felt as if there was a mountain range on the paper and every word was a mountain peak.


    This was the empress��s handwriting. All of her essence, qi, and spirit were condensed into her words. Ordinary people would be awed by her words at first nce, but experts could tell the strength of the person who wrote it.


    She had also used this method to fool many of Great Xia��s experts back then!


    Qin Chuan nced at the letter, conscientiously folded it, and put it in his pocket. ��Sir Ren, I��ll head to Ping City first, rest there for a month, and spend that time collecting information about various sects. After one month, I��ll be sweeping across each and every sect to let them have a taste of my de!��


    ��Thank you, Sir Qin!�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    A month��s time wasn��t long, but it was already considered good at a time like this.


    As for the collection of the sects�� information, Qin Chuan merely said this casually. Zi Doni had probably already checked through all the ancestry of the sects in the Yun Nation.


    ��I shall wait for the unity of Ping City (TLC. Not sure about this phrase.) in a month��s time!�� Ren Baqian cupped his hands.


    This was different from what had happened in Tianjing Basinst time. Back in Tianjing Basin, everything was clear. Regardless of which parties were involved, they were directly crushed by force.


    This time, there was a culprit hidden behind the scenes. If the same method was used to handle this situation, they probably wouldn��t be able to find out anything even after a month. By then, all the practitioners in the entire Yun Nation would probably have died.


    They might as well go separate ways.


    Of course, Ren Baqian didn��t expect to keep the whereabouts of his people a secret, but this would allow them to operate more conveniently.


    Besides, there was also Li Yuanzhu, Gluttonous Duke, Lin Yue, Lin Qiaole, and Xin Zhe with him. There wouldn��t be any problems regarding his own safety.


    ��Guys, follow Sir Qin for the time being,�� Ren Baqian ordered the guards behind him.

 Chapter 916 - Doubt

    <strong>Chapter 916 Doubt</strong>


    Ren Baqian felt rxed after dumping the bodyguards. This was the first time that he didn��t have to go out with bodyguards after arriving in this world.


    Although Lin Qiaole was still with him, there was no difference with or without her around.


    As for Xin Zhe, she was at least eye candy? However, she really did keep to her word and even followed him to the toilet. Even when he returned to Earth during this trip, she would make her bed on the floor of his bedroom in full gear.


    Ren Baqian felt that he was going crazy from being monitored at all times. With someone watching from behind, most people couldn��t even urinate!


    Apart from this small problem, he was still full of expectations for this trip.


    Thinking about it, besides Xin Zhe, there weren��t any aboriginals with him. On his left was the world��s third ranked expert, on his right was one of the 30 most powerful experts in the world, and behind him was one of the world��s top 20 experts, who happened to be stupid. Apart from Gluttonous Duke, Ren Baqian was apanied by beautiful women, although most of them had problems with their heads.


    However, the identities of these people made Ren Baqian feel a sense of anticipation to travel around the country.


    This happiness continued until several people entered the city��


    ��What are you looking at? Never seen a bald head before?�� His eyes swept viciously across the two guards at the city gate. They had been staring at his head for a long time.


    One of them smiled and said, ��Please wait!��


    After just a few minutes, a man who held a slightly higher position, seemingly a team leader, rushed over and cupped his hands.


    ��May I know if you are an official of the aboriginals? Why have youe to Liang City?�� he asked respectfully.


    Ren Baqian knew that he wasn��t an aboriginal. Even though he didn��t think so, others felt that he looked like one!


    He had a bald head and was tall, beefy, and fierce-looking. He made others feel terrified when he red.


    It wasn��t as if there weren��t any tall and beefy people in the Yun Nation or Great Xia, but there really weren��t any bald heads. Even if there actually was one, he would probably pluck some hair from other ces on his body and stick them to his head to conceal the baldness.


    In the past, bald heads were rare in the Yun Nation, but they had be quitemon recently. However, all of them came in groups and usually left very hastily.


    There were none who walked alone.


    As such, the team leader felt a little nervous when he saw someone like Ren Baqian and wondered about his purpose here!


    ��Which part of me looks like an aboriginal?�� Ren Baqian red.


    ��Huh?�� The team leader was stunned. This person in front of him looked like an aboriginal from all angles, but a true aboriginal definitely wouldn��t say something like this!


    ��I��m just a little bald? A little fat? Are there any aboriginals who are as good-looking as I am?�� Ren Baqian swung his hand and tossed two taels of silver over.


    The team leader didn��t know whether there were any aboriginals who were as good-looking as Ren Baqian was, but certainly none of them would offer a bribe at first sight.


    If he was really an aboriginal, the guards would probably have gotten beaten up for taking up his time!


    This was what had happened to two of the guards at the west gate. One of them got kicked and flew off while throwing up blood. He wasn��t able to get out of bed for half a month afterward.


    At the thought of this, the team leader took it easy and quickly gave way with a smile.


    Although the person in front of him wasn��t an aboriginal bigshot, he wasn��t someone to be trifled with.


    Especially not when this group of people seemed a little weird. There was a baldy who looked like an aboriginal, a Daoist nun, two beautifuldies, and a person who looked like a beggar. With these people arriving together in a group, there was no doubt that they were people who were part of the martial arts society.


    Ren Baqian and hispanions then entered the city. Even though he tried to make himself appear very experienced, his eyes immediately became like those of a curious baby. There were two small curious babies following behind as well.


    After all, he had always been in Dayao after he arrived in this world. Although he had been to Great Xia once, it was in a bad state at that time with the whole ce in shambles. He had never seen what Great Xia��s cities looked like.


    ��Oh, are those sugar people[1:Sugar people: traditional Chinese form of folk art using hot, liquid sugar to create three-dimensional figures]? This is a rare sight these days! How much for one? Give me ten of them! Shape them like our faces! I��m not going to pay if you don��t do a good job!��


    ��Those are handmadenterns. This is my first time seeing such handmade stuff. They are quite pretty!��


    ��Boss, what fruit is this? Is it sweet? How much does 500 grams cost?�� Ren Baqian asked a few questions and threw a few taels of silver over. ��Give me ten kilograms!��


    He quickly took those mango-like fruits and stuffed them into Lin Qiaole��s hands while keeping one and eating it as he walked.


    Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke felt amused as they observed his behavior. They knew that these goods were umon in Dayao, but they didn��t know how rare these things were for him.


    After walking for a long time, Ren Baqian suddenly stopped and asked, ��Have you noticed that after walking for so long, we haven��t seen anyone who looks like they are from the martial arts society?��


    His first thought was that these martial arts practitioners were hiding somewhere and waiting for the impending storm!


    ��We are too close to the border here. This ce has been chaotic for thest two years. Which member of the society woulde here for no reason?�� Gluttonous Duke exined casually.


    This was when Ren Baqian came to understand the situation.


    Although the Yun Nation had already fallen two years ago and this was no longer the border, in the eyes of themoners, it still was.


    They spent a day in Liang City, allowing Ren Baqian to satisfy his craving for traveling abroad in a feudal society.


    Over the next few days, they passed through several cities and found that in addition to Liang City, there weren��t any practitioners from the society in other cities either. This was especially the case when they arrived at Yu City, the heart of the Yun Nation. Here, they still didn��t see any traces of warriors. With the exception of three people, everyone else felt that something was amiss.


    ��Seems like the other party is pretty powerful!�� Ren Baqian looked grave.


    He still didn��t believe that all the warriors in the Yun Nation could have worked together to kill Wu Kai and the patrol teams. What he was seeing at present could only be tricks yed by the culprits.


    He just didn��t know how they did it!


    Capture all the warriors in the Yun Nation? Apart from Dayao��s imperial court, who else could have the power to do such a thing?


    Not even the imperial court of Great Xia could do this!


    Ren Baqian wasn��t talking about pigs, but about thousands of experts who could leap on top of roofs and vault over walls!


    ��There��s a ce called Shuibo Vige about half a day away from here. I had a few encounters with the vige chief back when I was traveling in my younger days. Let me go check out the situation!�� Gluttonous Duke said. ��You guys wait for me here. I��ll set off now and return tomorrow night!��


    ��Thank you!�� Ren Baqian nodded.


    Gluttonous Duke left his horse and vanished into the crowd. He found a less crowded ce and leaped onto a roof in a sh. After a few moments, he was out of the city.


    At this time, everyone��s mounts had been reced with horses. After all, the mounts that the aboriginals used were too eye catching, especially the crow general. Once people saw that bird, they would immediately know that Ren Baqian was here without even having to prove his identity!


    After Gluttonous Duke left, Ren Baqian searched around the city and found a grocery store with the word ��Zhang�� written on the signboard. He used his finger to make a mark at the foot of the wall before leaving to find a ce to rest nearby.


    In the current situation, he wasn��t in the mood to have fun anymore.

 Chapter 917 - Continue With the Praise! I’m Not Overly Excited Yet!

    <strong>Chapter 917: Continue With the Praise! I��m Not Overly Excited Yet!</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Your Highness!�� A man hurried over and greeted Ren Baqian, who was resting against the railings of the second floor and overlooking the hall below.


    Ren Baqian smiled when he saw this man walk in because the man was an old acquaintance!


    Zhan Changkong!


    The chief of the Golden Ring Residence and the father of Zhan Caixian was presently the qianhu of the Yun Nation��s Guard Commandery.


    Although a few years had passed, Zhan Changkong seemed more energetic than ever. This old tree had been alone in the Yun Nation for so long and could possibly have bloomed again!


    Otherwise, why did he look so radiant?


    However, these things had nothing to do with Ren Baqian.


    ��Come in and talk!�� He turned around and walked into the room.


    Xin Zhe was standing behind him just now and immediately followed him when he walked into the room. She simply stood in a corner without saying a word.


    Zhan Changkong carefully closed the door and acted as if he didn��t see her.


    ��Why is Your Highness here? I previously heard that an aboriginal-looking man traveled east from Liang City. I was thinking about investigating this during my free time, but never did I expect it to be you!�� he said respectfully.


    Ren Baqian nodded lightly. He didn��t inform anyone here that he wasing. They had done a pretty good job considering that they noticed him amid spending most of their energy on investigating the big case!


    After all, it hadn��t even been three years since they first arrived in the Yun Nation. Their manpower wasn��t exactly adequate either. It seemed that they had developed well in this area.


    If Ren Baqian remembered correctly, the entire Yun Nation had about 10,000 practitioners scattered across more than 400 cities with an average of 20 to 30 people in each city.


    The lowest position over here was a tiqi. These people were non-official staff who were simr to a life-time contract worker and were mainly responsible for being informants.


    ��What is happening in the Yun Nation recently? How are you doing?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Your Highness, before the incident, the number of people on the streets had already begun to decrease. After the incident, none of the members of the society could be seen idling on the streets. There were only asional sightings of people from the sects hanging around.


    We originally got in touch with some of the Yun Nation��s practitioners and even recruited some of them. We got some news from them which hasn��t been verified, and that��s why we haven��t reported it to you yet!�� Zhan Changkong exined.


    ��Tell me!��


    ��Many of them who lived in remote areas have vanished, leaving their houses empty. Furthermore, there��s no telling where they have gone. Looking at their residences, there were no signs of fighting, so they seem to have left on their own. Some of the sects�� experts have gone into seclusion. On the other hand, those who belong to therger sects act as usual and nothing seems to have changed.��


    ��Tell me again what the situation of the Yun Nation is!�� Ren Baqian closed his eyes as Zhan Changkong��s words filled his ears.


    ��The Yun Nation has a total of 127 sects and gangs, of which 13 are famous. Out of these 13, 10 are orthodox, two are unorthodox, and one is a cult. All of these sects have outstanding strength, status, and influence, and they are called the Superior 13. These sects are the ones that I said weren��t affected by this incident.


    Apart from these 13 sects, there are also 41 of them who have Spirit Wheel experts as their chiefs. These sects are also not considered weak. Together, they have a total of nearly 50,000 disciples.


    The rest are mainly groupsposed of some Earth Wheel experts or once had Spirit Wheel experts, but have deteriorated. They usually only operate within a city. One city could even have about two or three of these gangs. These groups are quite numerous, but they don��t have that many experts. As for the gangs, most of their people aremoners.


    We are roping in the members of these gangs as they don��t have the cohesiveness of a sect. Most of these gang members were recruited from outside. As such, they are also easier to rope in.��


    ��At present, how many sects are unaffected?�� Ren Baqian muttered.


    ��Based on what we know, there are 30 to 40 sects that have been affected yet. As for the chiefs of the remaining sects, they are either cultivating in seclusion or wandering outside.��


    ��The incidents that happened recently, were they the action of these sects?��


    ��ording to our recent investigations, before and after those incidents, some of these sect members�� whereabouts were unknown. As for the others, we still need more time to find out!��


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes when he heard this.


    ��In other words, it��s possible that these sects could be the culprits?��


    ��Yes! However, after consolidating, the total number of the experts whose whereabouts are unknown does not exceed 100. It seems impossible for them to quickly ambush the patrol teams without letting anyone escape.��


    ��It could be done if top experts were involved! Are there any abnormalities among the ordinary disciples in these sects?��


    Ren Baqian knew that there were many things in this world that couldn��t be reasoned withmon sense.


    It would seemingly be impossible for even hundreds of people to ambush those patrol teams, Wu Kai, and the lieutenant colonels, Peng Yu and Li Rui.


    However, there was a type of person called a top expert.


    It would be sufficient if there were a couple of them at the front line.


    ��No, they have only reduced their scope of activities without any sign ofrge-scale deployment.��


    ��Continue to investigate and also check the statuses of the reclusive and missing experts of the sects. Do it quickly, and if possible, directly find breakthroughs in those sects. As for the considerations, nothing is more important than their lives! In addition, hurry up and find out the situations of the top experts in the Yun Nation!�� Ren Baqian ordered.


    ��Understood.��


    ��Go on!��


    After Zhan Changkong left, the chill in Ren Baqian��s eyes gradually subsided as he knitted his eyebrows.


    So many sects were implicated in this matter. If suspicions turned out to be true, it might be a little difficult to handle!


    Even if some experts and ordinary disciples didn��t participate in these incidents, now that the empress and everyone else was fuming mad, they had no intention of determining whether these disciples should die. As long as some of them were implicated, none of them could be let off.


    The empress originally ordered that all warriors at the Earth Wheel level and above be killed. Another order was issued to exterminate all the sects.


    The former referred to the idle practitioners, while thetter referred to all 127 sects and gangs.


    Could the experts of the Yun Nation have lost heart and collectively gone crazy? With more than a hundred organizations, did people from every one of them participate?


    Alternatively, was there a group that reached out to all of the sects?


    If so, this group was really terrible!


    ��What do you think?�� Ren Baqian asked without even turning around.


    ��They ought to be killed!�� Xin Zhe��s cold voice sounded.


    He rubbed his brow. Her reply came as expected.


    She knew that this was the purpose of this trip, not to mention the empress and the members of the imperial court.


    She reckoned that even the empress didn��t have any expectations this time around. It wasn��t that the empress didn��t trust herself, but she wanted to kill all of them!


    ��Well, I��m here to save the lives of thousands of people. I��m really a saint. My wife wants to kill, yet here I am trying to save them!�� Ren Baqianughed at himself.


    The door opened.


    Li Yuanzhu walked in and said to him lightly, ��This is for the entire human race! All aboriginals have the same temperament and can��t be reasoned with. You are here because you are rational, farsighted, and think of the future.��


    ��You can continue with the praise! I don��t think I��m overly excited yet!�� He pondered for a moment and smiled at her.


    ��It is all from the bottom of my heart.�� She chuckled after hearing this.


    ��After receiving so much praise from the third most powerful expert in the world, even though there��s no alcohol, I feel like I��m about to be drunk!�� Ren Baqian was deeply moved.


    Li Yuanzhu pursed her lips and smiled.


    She initially wondered why Qi Zixiao chose such a weak man as her husband. He was just an ordinary person back then and wasn��t even a Man Wheel warrior. Compared to Qi Zixiao, one was above the sky and the other was beneath the ground.


    Indeed, beneath the ground, not even above it.


    However, from recent encounters, Qi Zixiao wasn��t very good in other aspects, but her foresight wasn��t bad at all.


    Although Ren Baqian wasn��t strong, he was indeed talented. While he wasn��t as proficient in poetry as the schrs, he was pretty masterful in all other aspects.


    For matters of state, he was the one who subdued Tianjing Basin with the Jing Tribe now revering him as their leader.


    The current situation of the Yun Nation was his n as well. If it wasn��t for this series of unfortunate events, the region would already have been more or less stabilized after just a short period of two years.


    The official road was also Ren Baqian��s idea. Although the actual purpose of this road hadn��t seen operation yet, anyone with a little bit of knowledge would understand the usefulness of it.


    It was said that Dayao was preparing to build a new capital city along the river. This was also part of his ns.


    The shaved ice, ssware, streetlights, soap, toothpaste, and even salt that Dayao produced during the war were allmonly seenmodities in Lan City. All of these were his ideas.


    As the principal of the academy, Ren Baqian established the first school in Dayao and trained a group of students with practical skills.


    He also opened a bookstore and printed newspapers to broaden the knowledge of his people.


    In addition, the public welfare organization was based on the framework he erected.


    All of those nuclear bombs had been introduced by Ren Baqian as well.


    And now, he was running around for the sake of the warriors of the Yun Nation��


    Although he wasn��t considered an expert, his knowledge was equivalent to the strength of millions of soldiers��


    Qi Zixiao had indeed found a treasure!

 Chapter 918 - Night Investigation

    <strong>Chapter 918: Night Investigation</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��The people here are so skinny���� Lin Qiaole muttered as she sat by her bed and looked at the people below. ��They are like thempposts in Lan City.��


    Not only were they thin, but they also hunched their backs and walked hastily with their heads down, stepping around carelessly.


    ��They are ordinary people,�� Ren Baqian replied faintly. ��There are rich and poor people in every society. The rich are fat, whereas the poor have difficulty getting enough food and staying warm. These people are fine. Although they look emaciated, they are still pretty healthy.��


    ��If they can afford to eat vegetables, why don��t they eat more meat!�� Lin Qiaole mumbled as she turned her head away.


    He was speechless.


    This was well said!


    If Ren Baqian had grown up in an environment like Dayao, he probably would say something like this as well!


    In this ce, this was something that only the people of noble families who led extravagant lifestyles could say.


    Only the aboriginalmoners could astonishingly say such things!


    Just look at the people in the captive camps. Regardless of their former identities, they were eating so much meat that they had gotten sick of it. Their eyes would glow whenever they saw vegetables.


    However, there were advantages to this as well. By consuming so much meat and toiling hard every day, they had gotten much stronger and looked more like elite soldiers than city guards of the Yun Nation.


    It had been three years. After Ren Baqian returned to Dayao, he would issue physical cash coupons to the captives as sry.


    On one hand, this would allow them to have hope, and Ren Baqian strived to retain a group of them as technicians. On the other hand, Dayao was ready to start reforming its currency.


    After all, gold, silver, and copper were too inconvenient to be used as currency.


    Arge amount of copper was also used as circting currency in the market.


    It was the exact kind of metal that Ren Baqian very much needed at present.


    Electric wires, voltage regtors, and telephone lines were just a few examples. The annual copper production of Dayao and the Yun Nation was extremely inadequatepared to his demands.


    Copper alloy had excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, castability, and mechanical properties. It could also y a great role in various bearings and mechanical parts.


    Just like on Earth, one would be able to tell the quality of equipment solely based on whether its internal parts were made of copper.


    In any case, Ren Baqian simply couldn��t tolerate having such a hugely useful metal just circting in the market as money.


    However, before he could embark on this matter, he had to deal with the issues in the Yun Nation first.


    What was the situation for those sect experts who had gone into seclusion or left the nation? More than half of the 127 sects and gangs had chiefs that were actually behaving like this�� What were they doing? Were they hiding something?


    Ren Baqian decided to wait for Gluttonous Duke to return with information. Otherwise, he would have just grabbed a few chiefs and brought them back for interrogation.


    As he was pondering, a figure shed through the window and stood beside them. It was a person in patched clothes who had a messy gray beard and hair as well as a faceful of wrinkles. It was Gluttonous Duke.


    He first grabbed the wine pot and took a huge gulp before letting out afortable moan.


    ��It��s been tough on you. How��s the situation? Any news?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    Gluttonous Duke stroked his head and didn��t look very happy.


    ��It was futile. Everyone in the vige is gone!�� he replied. ��Strange. Why would that fellow leave? Why did everyone in the vige actually leave as well? From the look of it, they had already left the ce for at least three months with no signs of returning.��


    Ren Baqian knitted his eyebrows�� Although he didn��t have eyebrows, he still made this action.


    This wasn��t good news.


    This also confirmed Zhan Changkong��s words that some of the idle experts were missing.


    ��What��s his name? What level is he?��


    ��Lin Ye. Thest time I saw him was ten years ago. At that time, he was only one step away from condensing a Heaven-grade weapon!��


    One was already considered a top expert after being able to condense a Heaven-grade weapon. As long as he wasn��t one of those rare cases where the Heaven-grade weapon didn��t improve his strength, he would easily be ranked among the top 60 or 70.


    There were less than 30 Spirit Wheel experts in all of Tianjing Basin, and only few had condensed their Heaven-grade weapon.


    The entire Yun Nation only had about 80 Spirit Wheel experts, and there were less than 20 who had condensed their Heaven-grade weapon.


    There were more experts in Great Xia, which had at least 200 reputable Spirit Wheel experts. Among these, about 40 had condensed their Heaven-grade weapon.


    Being one step away from condensing a Heaven-grade weapon, Lin Ye was already considered to be a world-renowned figure. The disappearance of such a person, in addition to those experts who had gone into seclusion or left the nation, didn��t seem normal in any way.


    After some contemtion, Ren Baqian looked up at Li Yuanzhu and Gluttonous Duke. The former felt the same, while thetter was feasting away without restraint. One could tell from his name what he was fond of.


    ��Apart from him, many others are missing as well.�� Ren Baqian told them the information he got from Zhan Changkong, especially to Gluttonous Duke


    Although Li Yuanzhu wasn��t in the room at that time, no voices in the entire inn could have escaped her ears.


    ��This is indeed a big matter!�� Gluttonous Duke immediately looked grave.


    ��People, let��s split up!�� Ren Baqian said with a deep voice. ��Gluttonous Duke, you shall go contact your old friends as well as Gao Yi��s disciple. If it��s futile, take the opportunity to find out more about the situation. You can do as you deem fit. As for Priestess Li, there��s something that I have to trouble you with!��


    ��This it shall be! Where will we reconvene?�� Gluttonous Duke wasted no time. He wiped the oil stains on his mouth and was ready to set off once again.


    ��We shall meet up in Yongjiang City in two weeks!�� A map of the Yun Nation shed across Ren Baqian��s mind. Yongjiang City was the closest city to Mount Luofu, thergest sect in the nation.


    ��Great!�� Gluttonous Duke acknowledged Ren Baqian��s reply and vanished in an instant. It was as if he had never appeared.


    There were still two tables of guests on the second floor of the restaurant who had long noticed this table of strange people. As if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight, their eyes red when they saw this.


    Momentster, Ren Baqian contacted Zhan Changkong again.


    Zhan Changkong knew that Ren Baqian was here, and as such, he had always been keeping a close eye. He appeared right in front of Ren Baqian in less than a minute after Ren Baqian sent the signal.


    Ren Baqian inquired about the situations of the local sects and asked him to investigate Lin Ye before turning to Li Yuanzhu and saying, ��Priestess Li, there��s a Boat Gang nearby, and I��m going to meet their chief this evening. Do you have any ns?��


    ��Is he in seclusion? I will follow you this evening. I��m getting more and more curious!�� she replied faintly.


    ��Great!��


    ��As for whether or not there is a culprit behind the scenes, if they know you are here, they will not let you go. If you die, I��m afraid that all of us will also die in thisnd of exile.��


    Ren Baqian smiled and felt that he had a little bit of self-protection. However, Lin Qiaole, Xin Zhe, and Lin Yue all had the ability to protect him.


    Still, since the deputy protector general of the Protectorate of the Northeast and two lieutenant colonels had been ambushed and killed on the same day, the strength of the culprit would definitely far surpass his protectors.


    Of course, if things turned bad, he could escape with them and immediately return with his big treasure weapon!


    However, that would involve a lot more variables.

 Chapter 919 - No Pushover Indeed!

    <strong>Chapter 919: No Pushover Indeed!</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    One could tell by the name Boat Gang that it was a gang full of themon people.


    The Boat Gang was founded more than 100 years ago. At that time, the captain of a boat met a severely injured warrior of the society and obtained a few rare martial arts manuals from him.


    The captain possessed pretty good talent. Through practicing by himself and interacting with others, he actually attained the Earth Wheel level, which was a pretty impressive result.


    At that time, he remembered how difficult life was when his brothers worked aboard boats. With his strength, he established the Boat Gang so that all sailors could unite and avoid being bullied.


    The current chief of the Boat Gang was a descendant of the captain from back then.


    In this middle section of the Mian River, they were already considered to have quite a bit of influence.


    Of course, in the eyes of Ren Baqian, this influence was basically no different from that of ordinary people.


    Three Earth Wheel experts�� This wasn��t even enough for Lin Qiaole to sharpen her nails��


    Instead of the riverbank of the Mian River, the Boat Gang resided at the base of a nearby mountain. Arge estate was located here.


    At night, Ren Baqian and the other left their mounts in She City and headed for the Boat Gang.


    After embarking on the journey for some time, Lin Yue suddenly wondered out loud, ��What are we doing sote at night?��


    She didn��t know anything and simply followed everyone when she saw them going out.


    Of course, if she were to give it some thought, it would probably take her until the next morning.


    ��To meet someone!�� Ren Baqian replied.


    ��Oh,�� Lin Yue responded simply.


    If she had other questions to ask, they would probably only pop up tomorrow morning.


    The headquarters of the Boat Gang was pretty big, and it was fully lit inside.


    They had several thousand disciples and most of their members were ordinary people. There would usually be a few hundred of them inside.


    There were four guards outside the main gate. Ren Baqian moved slightly to the side, jumped up on the wall, and was able to see people walking around in the distance.


    On the whole, the situation was calm with the Boat Gang not noticing that there were people who were already on them.


    He squatted atop the wall with Lin Qiaole beside him and Lin Yue beside her. They were like a row of onlookers watching a show��


    Ren Baqian turned his head when he heard cracking noises and saw Lin Yue chewing on melon seeds.


    There was no telling how many melon seeds she had brought from Lan City. It had been so many days, yet she still hadn��t finished eating them.


    ��Be serious. We are doing business,�� he said sternly.


    ��Do you want some?�� Lin Yue stretched out her hand and offered him some melon seeds��


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    He grabbed the melon seeds and chewed as he observed the situation.


    Just as he finished eating them, he saw someone walking in from a door in the distance and became overjoyed.


    ��Get him! Keep him alive!�� he ordered.


    With a swoosh, Xin Zhe was already standing beside that man. Before he could even react, she grabbed him by the neck and returned to the wall.


    After they took him further away, Ren Baqian gestured for her to release her grip.


    ��Who are you people?�� The young man in his twenties looked at them in horror.


    ��Be aware of your situation. I��m interrogating you, not the other way around!�� A silver glint shed in Ren Baqian��s hand as a gold and silver spear appeared and pressed against the young man��s throat.


    ��Huh?�� Li Yuanzhu looked at Ren Baqian in astonishment. This was clearly a Heaven-grade weapon that only Spirit Wheel experts could condense. How did he have this? Did he conceal his true strength? It was impossible! He couldn��t have hidden it from her!


    Could he have attained the Spirit Wheel level and regressed after sustaining heavy injuries?


    No matter how much a Spirit Wheel expert regressed, it was impossible for them to fall to the level of an ordinary person!


    Li Yuanzhu remembered the first time she met Ren Baqian. He was apletely ordinary person back then!


    The length, color, and feel of this spear�� There seemed to be an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Could this be Teng Yue��s Spirit Spear?


    What exactly happened?


    Almost immediately after the spear appeared in Ren Baqian��s hand, Li Yuanzhu shifted all of her attention to it.


    The young man couldn��t believe his eyes when he saw this. Then, he seemed to have thought of something, and his face suddenly changed.


    Although few people had seen Spirit Wheel experts who condensed their Heaven-grade weapons, almost all of these experts were renowned.


    Why would such an individual appear here?


    Not to mention such a top expert, the Boat Gang wouldn��t even be able to withstand an ordinary Spirit Wheel expert.


    ��Senior, what do you want to ask? I don��t know much. Even if you were to head right to the helm, even the left guardian might not be able to answer your questions!��


    After achieving his goal, Ren Baqian flipped his palm and retracted the spear.


    Of course, he could directly take hispanions, barge into the helm, and threaten the people there to take him to their chief��s hideout.


    However, this would inadvertently alert their enemies too easily.


    Currently, Ren Baqian wasn��t even sure that any of the members of the Boat Gang were among the culprits.


    He might as well kidnap someone to find out more information.


    ��I��ll ask and you��ll answer. If you are honest, I��ll spare your life. I simply want to understand some things, and I have no evil intentions for your Boat Gang. Now for the questions. Is your chief cultivating in seclusion? Where is he? How does hemunicate with the outside world? How do you know that he��s cultivating in seclusion? What happened before he started doing this? Who is calling the shots now?�� Ren Baqian fired a series of questions.


    ��The chief is practicing a technique in a mountain cave back behind the helm. He went there himself, and nothing happened before he went there. He would call out to get people to send things in at times, and the left guardian would always be the one to do it. Currently, Guardian Zuo is also the one calling the shots!�� The young man didn��t dare to hide anything and quickly spit out everything that he knew.


    ��I believe you have two guardians in your gang? What are their names? What is the other guardian doing?��


    ��The left guardian��s name is Zuo Lengtang, and the right guardian��s name is Bai Zhe. It��s said that the chief dispatched him to do something.��


    ��Is the left guardian here?��


    ��Yes! Now that the chief is in seclusion and the right guardian has gone out to run errands, the left guardian has been overseeing the entire helm!��


    ��Can you knock him out? I��m afraid that I won��t be able to control my strength if I do it. You should have more experience with this!�� Ren Baqian got the information that he wanted and nodded at Li Yuanzhu.


    He really didn��t know how much strength it would take to knock a person out. Things would turn nasty if he identally killed this man.


    He just wanted to avoid getting detected before meeting the chief of the Boat Gang.


    Li Yuanzhu felt a little speechless after hearing this. What did he mean by her being more experienced?


    Regardless, she raised her hand. With the flick of her finger, the young man immediately fainted.


    ��Let��s go to the mountain in the back.��


    Along the way, Li Yuanzhu constantly wanted to ask Ren Baqian about the Heaven-grade weapon, but didn��t get a chance to because they arrived at the mountain shortly. She had no choice but to suppress her doubt.


    Not long after, they found a tform along the mountainside with two Man Wheel practitioners guarding the ce.


    Without him even asking, she raised her finger and knocked both of them out.


    The groupnded on the tform without even checking out their surroundings. They saw two huge wooden doors embedded at the entrance of the cave.


    If they weren��t mistaken, this should be where the chief of the Boat Gang was staying in seclusion.


    Without hesitation, Ren Baqian stepped forward and kicked the door.


    Boom!


    The entire door shuddered.


    Ren Baqian was immediately full of emotion!


    This wooden door�� was actually reinforced with metal��


    Damn it! I kicked a metal te�� These thoughts arose in his head as he winced from the immense pain in his toes.


    ��Haaa���� Ren Baqian took deep breaths as if this could alleviate the pain in his foot.


    Without knowing why, Li Yuanzhu felt likeughing when she saw what happened��


    This scene was truly�� too awesome��

 Chapter 920 - Bitterness

    Chapter 920: Bitterness


    ck mud cream for external injuries and intermittent cream for bone fractures. These are two great medicines that one must bring regardless of whether they are traveling or out killing people. Which expert hadn��t faced counterattacks before? Moments like those were when these medicines shone.


    Ren Baqian sat down, took off his boots and carefully applied the cream.


    Lin Yue stood next to him, but he had no idea what she was thinking about. All of a sudden, she went up to the door and gave it a violent kick.


    Boom!


    ��Yeah, it��s really metal!�� she said with a limp after confirming her suspicions.


    She took off her embroidered shoe and revealed the pale sole of her foot. Sure enough, her big toe was swollen and red.


    ��He��s stupid and so are you. Can��t you just tread over it?�� Lin Qiaole felt a little unhappy that they didn��t live up to her expectations.


    Ren Baqian was speechless.


    How could he endure being criticized by her!


    Li Yuanzhu was betweenughter and tears. This Lin Yue�� Li Yuanzhu had never heard about this side of her before!


    Suddenly, noise could be heard from down the mountain. The Boat Gang members had heard the banging of the doors and were probablying up very soon.


    Li Yuanzhu stepped forward and used both hands to push the door, but to no avail.


    Although it might look like a very simple push, she actually used quite a bit of effort. Previously, she had even sent an iron door flying with a push. The door to the seclusion area of the Boat Gang��s chief was indeed strong enough. It couldn��t be made of just steel. It was probably reinforced with some rare metals as well.


    This was actually true.


    Not only was the door made of steel, the walls on both sides were also made of the same material.


    Apart from being a ce of seclusion, this cave also served as an escape route. Back when the Boat Gang established their base here, they had also considered the situation of encountering enemies that they couldn��t withstand. This door could at least buy them some time against ordinary Spirit Wheel experts.


    A green bamboo sword appeared in her hand, and she pointed it forward. Without making too loud of a noise, numerous cracks started meandering across the door from the point of impact. Suddenly, the door copsed.


    This door, which the Boat Gang had pinned great expectations on, was shattered by an ordinary tap of a sword.


    ��It��s empty!�� Li Yuanzhu nced around the cave.


    ��It truly is empty.�� Ren Baqian wasn��t surprised at all.


    In fact, when he heard that many of the sects�� experts had gone into seclusion, he had already thought of this possibility.


    There were only three possibilities in this situation. It could be that the experts had faked going into seclusion, that they were forced into doing so, or that they were already dead. Going into seclusion was just a false impression they created.


    This time, Ren Baqian came here simply to verify what the situation was. In fact, after he kicked the door just now, he already knew that the cave was empty when there was no reaction.


    Since it was empty, the person who knew where the chief of the Boat Gang went was the left guardian!


    Whether or not the seclusion was real or if he had concealed his identity to do other things or if he had already died��


    Before the rest of the gang came up, Ren Baqian went in to take a look at the cave using the dim illumination of the moonlight. It wasn��t exactly big. There were three stone chambers inside, one of which was filled with some food. The other two were empty.


    ��Who is it?�� The gang members approached quickly. Ren Baqian could already hear the noises outside before he was done looking around.


    However, the end of the sentence sounded as if it was made by a rooster that was pinched around its neck.


    As Ren Baqian hurried out, something caught his attention when he was near the door. He took a close look at the side of the door, somewhat guessing what had happened��


    He stretched out his hand and gave the intact half of the door a push�� and it actually opened��


    Looking bitter, he exchanged nces with Li Yuanzhu, who was standing outside.


    ��The door opens outward!��


    She was stunned.


    ��It wasn��t locked. We simply had to pull it open����


    Li Yuanzhu was at a loss for words.


    She still tried to maintain the calm and spiritual look of an expert, but her mouth was slightly twitching��


    After all, she had just done something stupid��


    Ren Baqian mourned his feet for a minute before looking up. There wasn��t one, but three gang members who came up, and they were lying on the ground. Xin Zhe was stepping on one of them and holding another in her hand.


    Besides them, there were still other people running up the mountain.


    ��Which one of you is Left Guardian Zuo Lengtang?�� Ren Baqian asked with a smile.


    ��Xin Zhe, let them go.��


    ��Cough, cough! Who are you? What happened to our chief?�� The man whom she held in her hand rubbed his neck, and a lingering fear could be seen on his face. However, he managed to forcefully suppress it after seeing the shattered door.


    ��Why do all of you like asking questions?�� Ren Baqianughed as a spear appeared in his hand once again.


    This was more persuasive than words.


    Sure enough, the man��s face immediately changed, and he trembled with fear. He wasn��t even this afraid when Xin Zhe had mmed them on the ground just now.


    It was different after knowing that the person in front of him was a Spirit Wheel expert who had condensed a Heaven-grade weapon.


    ��Which one of you is Zuo Lengtang?��


    The man quickly turned to look at the man who was lying on the ground.


    The other man had already stood up, leaving this person prone and motionless.


    Ren Baqian��s face changed slightly, and he asked Xin Zhe, ��Did you kill him?��


    ��I didn��t use any force!��


    Everyone��s faces changed as they quickly went up and turned that man around. His face had turned pale while his lips were ck. There was also dark blood and white foam at his mouth��


    When Ren Baqian checked for a breath, the man wasn��t breathing.


    ��Left Guardian!�� the other two men cried out.


    ��He took poison andmitted suicide!�� Ren Baqian frowned and presumed that the poison had been in the man��s mouth from the start. This man was truly resolute to have taken his own life when faced with a bad situation.


    Who exactly was this left guardian?


    Was the culprit behind the scenes really that strong?


    ��This man tagged along behind them, so I thought that he was just one of the soldiers!�� Xin Zhe added, exining the reason why she stepped on him.


    She knew what Ren Baqian wanted to investigate on this mission and felt a little apologetic given that the first person they checked had taken poison andmitted suicide.


    ��Forget it. We didn��t know what they would do, and this was truly hard to prevent. It will serve as an experience for the future.�� He wasn��t really bothered by what happened.


    Although this person had died, one issue was actually verified.


    There was a big problem regarding all these experts sessively going into seclusion.


    In addition, one of the culprits was actually within the Boat Gang and was one of the chief��s two guardians no less.


    Apart from the Boat Gang, there were probably culprits hidden within all the other sects as well.


    The man who spoke just now asked in a pleading tone, ��You guys, what exactly happened?��


    After all, the Boat Gang was no match for the people before them. Interrogating them was out of the question.


    ��Your chief isn��t inside��it��s empty. As for his whereabouts, I��m afraid this is something that only Zuo Lengtang knew about. As for the rest of the situation, you have seen it for yourself,�� Ren Baqian replied faintly.


    ��You are looking for our chief?��


    ��We just wanted to confirm some matters. Now, we have alreadypleted half of our objectives.�� Ren Baqian couldn��t be bothered to exin too much. This man didn��t need to know too much either.


    It was already kind of Ren Baqian to exin so much to the man.


    ��Let��s go!�� Ren Baqian turned and went where there weren��t any ming torches.


    It wasn��t that he was afraid of getting into any conflicts with the other members of the Boat Gang, but there was no need to kill more people.


    The purpose of himing to the Yun Nation was to save people, not to kill.


    More importantly, he was in a heavy mood at the moment. Bitter even!


    Damn it! The door actually opened outward��

 Chapter 921 - Surprise

    Chapter 921: Surprise


    ��Let��s wait a while. Maybe someone wille out and release a bird messenger or something.�� Ren Baqian took a detour back to the outside of the vige.


    Compared to investigating aimlessly, following potential clues was quite a good way to proceed.


    ��Xin Zhe, go to the east side of the vige,�� he ordered.


    ��Her Majesty asked me to follow you!�� she replied expressionlessly.


    ��Thank you for your trouble!�� Ren Baqian sighed and cupped his hands at her.


    Li Yuanzhu chuckled and dived into the darkness in a sh.


    After she left, Ren Baqian turned around to look at the people around him. All of them could fight very well, but unfortunately, none were useful.


    There was one who was clearly here to watch him, one who might only wake up from sleeping after 100 years, and one who was stupid��


    ��Hey, can I ask something?�� Lin Yue asked in a weak tone.


    ��Go ahead.��


    ��Why did you kick the door just now?�� She felt pity for her toes. ��My toes are swollen!��


    Ren Baqian looked at Lin Yue before staring up at the sky. How should he answer this question?


    Should he tell her that his mind twitched and caused him to act abnormally? Before asking why he kicked the door, why did she kick the door?


    She waited for some time, but didn��t get her answer.


    Persevering, she asked, ��Why?��


    Ren Baqian turned to look at her. He didn��t expect her to be so persistent this time.


    He racked his brains and replied, ��To test a conjecture!��


    He originally wanted to tell her that a fist would hurt if it struck a wall due to the reactionary force. However, he didn��t expect her to simply acknowledge his response with an ��oh�� before leaving to continue thinking about it.


    He felt depressed and sullen. It was as if he threw a punch into cotton. Although he knew that he would be able to make her leave with this response, why did he think so much?


    They waited until the sky turned bright, but still didn��t see the pigeon that they anticipated. After deciding that it wasn��t worth it to wait any longer, they chose to seize the moment and visit some other sects.


    ��How did you obtain that Heaven-grade weapon?�� Along the way, Li Yuanzhu finally had an opportunity to ask the question that she had been thinking about the whole night.


    Ren Baqian had a deep look on his face as he answered, ��It��s probably my talent! Although I haven��t attained the Spirit Wheel level, I have already condensed a Heaven-grade weapon.��


    As he spoke, a metal chain emerged from his body like a spirit snake and coiled around her body.


    It just happened to coil above and below Li Yuanzhu��s boobs.


    However, it was useless!


    She had to have boobs first!


    Feeling a little humiliated and annoyed, Li Yuanzhu��s face changed slightly.


    She didn��t care about the metal chain, but rather the location that it was coiled around.


    She stared at Ren Baqian.


    ��My apologies! I��m not skillful enough!�� he replied in embarrassment.


    He had merely ordered the metal chain to coil around Li Yuanzhu��s body, but hadn��t chosen where. Furthermore, he wouldn��t take advantage of a t-chested woman.


    ��A Heaven-grade weapon is condensed through the master��s state of mind. It��s just like an extension of the master��s hands and feet. A Heaven-grade weapon feels what the master is feeling as well,�� she said with a bit of chill.


    Even someone as calm and indifferent as her couldn��t help but get angry.


    ��Although I��m not Qi Zixiao and I will not kill you, I don��t mind breaking your hands and legs!��


    ��I didn��t do anything wrong! I picked these up. Otherwise, how would I have gotten them? Condense a Heaven-grade weapon? How would that be possible? Besides, have you seen anybody who has condensed two Heaven-grade weapons? Needless to say, I��m only at the Earth Wheel level!�� Ren Baqian��s face changed as he immediately denied what he had just said. It was the first time he heard something like this.


    ��Picked them up?�� Li Yuanzhu had an inexplicable look on her face.


    ��Yes, I really picked them up!�� He nodded repeatedly. He really wouldn��t take advantage of her! The problem was she assumed that he had, so she was already holding herself back from killing him with one blow.


    The person in front of Ren Baqian was the third most powerful expert in the world!


    Xin Zhe? What was she doing? What was she writing in her notebook?


    He took a long time trying to exin that he picked up these Heaven-grade weapons.


    Judging from Li Yuanzhu��s expression, it was clear that she didn��t buy his story.


    However, this was something that even Ren Baqian himself couldn��t exin clearly. After all, he wasn��t prepared to tell her about Earth.


    Besides, she also didn��t understand why he had two Heaven-grade weapons and could only continue to wonder.


    ��


    The Yun Nation, Heyun District, Misty Rain House.


    The sects rarely stayed in the cities. Most resided on famous mountains, great rivers, or the wilderness.


    This was the case for the Misty Rain House.


    The ancestors of the Misty Rain House had expanded the sect in the past. Back when they were in their heyday, there were seven Spirit Wheel experts in the sect, and they were considered pretty formidable. However, the chief was the one and only Spirit Wheel expert in the sect today.


    In spite of this, the Misty Rain House��s reputation was still pretty big.


    The main thing was that all of the sect��s disciples were females and all of them had good figures. They always seemed to be shrouded in ayer of mist, making others unable to see them clearly.


    Although they were clearly standing there without any mist in the surroundings, they perpetually gave off this illusion.


    People from ancient times had said it well: wearing clothes gave people greater aesthetic perceptionpared to being naked.


    The disciples of the Misty Rain House were just the opposite. Even if they weren��t wearing clothes, they wouldn��t make one feel disappointed at all.


    As such, the disciples of this sect had always been the targets of many young men from rich and mighty families.


    Early that morning, a drawn-out sound broke the thin morning mist that shrouded the Misty Rain House.


    ��Guardian Su Ning, pleasee out and meet me!��


    ��Keep quiet outside the Misty Rain House!��


    ��Who is that?��


    Figures shed across as a few sexy womennded outside the Misty Rain House.


    Ren Baqian took a nce with his hands behind his back. Although this Misty Rain House only had one Spirit Wheel expert, there were about eight Earth Wheel practitioners and numerous Man Wheel disciples as well.


    Their foundation was definitely stronger than that of the smaller sects and gangs!


    Their disciples were pretty good as well!


    They looked good too!


    They simply stood there without any obstructions, but their faces were shrouded with ayer of mist, and they looked mysterious. The Misty Rain House indeed.


    More than 20 people jumped out with angry looks on their faces. Apparently, they were angry that someone dared to make a din outside the building.


    ��Who are you?��


    ��You are pretty gutsy to be making amotion outside the Misty Rain House and asking for Guardian Su to see you!��


    ��Who are you? Have you sent a notice of visit?��


    ��Is this person out of his mind?��


    ��Who��s that Daoist nun? She��s so pretty!��


    ��He looks fierce�� Doesn��t seem like a good guy!��


    People from ancient times had also said that the noise a woman makes is equivalent to that of 500 ducks.


    In the face of 10,000 ducks, Ren Baqian immediately felt unwell and understood what his baihus meant when they said that this ce was noisy.


    ��I��m Zhao Prince Consort of Dayao. Why hasn��t Su Ninge out?!�� he asked in a deep voice with a gloomy face.


    This is the tenth day after leaving the Boat Gang. Ren Baqian and his people had visited 17 sects. All of those sects�� disciples who kept in contact with their chiefs had either disappeared or taken their own lives. None of them were spotted alive.


    He knew that news of himing to investigate had already been spreading, and as such, he wasn��t hiding anymore.


    ��Where is this madman from? What Zhao���� Someone interrupted before the woman could even finish her sentence.


    ��He��s Zhao Prince Consort of Dayao? He looks so handsome!��


    ��His head is so shiny��not an ordinary person indeed!��


    ��It looks like Zhao Prince Consort is here. Please forgive me for noting out to greet you!�� Someone finally came out of the door to preside over the whole situation.


    It was a pretty woman in her thirties.


    She was thick in ces that ought to be thick, but also where they ought to be slim��


    Simply put, she had the figure of a bucket. However, she looked rxed, and her voice sounded refreshing, not the slightest bit annoying.


    ��The Misty Rain House is full of little girls who know nothing about the outside world. They didn��t know of your arrival. With your magnanimity, please do not me them!�� That womanughed.


    ��You are Su Ning?�� Ren Baqian sized her up.


    ��My name is An Yiru. Guardian Su was supposed toe out and greet you, but she has been very ill these days. You will have toe in if you wish to see her.


    However, please pardon myck of observational skills. Could you please verify your identity, Sir?�� She pleaded about her shorings with a smile.


    Out of thin air, a silver spear appeared in Ren Baqian��s hand before vanishing again.


    This thing worked better than any identification.


    A warrior who had condensed a Heaven-grade weapon would naturally be well-known in this world and wouldn��t lie.


    As for whether he truly possessed such strength, nobody dared to question it.


    Sure enough, An Yiru��s gaze froze.


    She then bowed shortly after and said, ��I have been impetuous. Zhao Prince Consort, pleasee on in!��


    As she waved her hand to both sides, everyone dispersed.


    As Ren Baqian followed her into the Misty Rain House, she asked, ��I wonder what Zhao Prince��s reason is for seeing Sister Su?��


    ��Where is your chief?�� he asked.


    ��She has gone into seclusion in a hidden chamber and can��t be disturbed. I��m afraid that you can only wait until she is out to greet you and offer you a personal apology.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. He didn��t want to see the chief anyway since the oue would probably be simr to what had happened at the other sects.


    For now, it was still more important to see this Su Ning,


    ��Wasn��t Su Ning fine just a few days ago? Why is she suddenly ill?�� he asked faintly.


    ��Actually, Guardian Su has already been sick for a long time, but it has suddenly gotten serious recently. For more details, it��s better to have her exin it to you herself.��


    An Yiru led Ren Baqian and his people inside. They had been walking for more than ten minutes. Both sides of the walkway were full of courtyards and embroidery houses, and the entire ce was effeminate.


    There would asionally be young and pretty girls that greeted them from afar.


    There was a beautiful woman with a slender figure who was extremely alluring. As she looked at them from a distance, she greeted them with crystal clear eyes and a smile on her face.


    ��This is Yuan Qingyi, the most outstanding disciple of the younger generation in the Misty Rain House. She has been very grateful to you for how you have treated the captives. Someone must have told her since she specially came out to see you.�� An Yiru chuckled.


    ��Oh?�� Ren Baqian nced at her and found that she looked truly outstanding. All men would be moved by her youthfulness and bashfulness.


    Unfortunately, Xin Zhe was following him.


    Huh? What are you doing Xin Zhe? What are you writing in that notebook?


    The group took a few turns before arriving at a courtyard.


    Then, An Yiru said, ��Guardian Su looks a little scary when she��s sick. Please be mentally prepared!��


    Ren Baqian nodded.


    An Yiru stood outside a small building and continued, ��She��s on the second floor. Please go up.��


    As he raised his foot, An Yiru stopped the people behind him and warned, ��Everyone, Guardian Su��s illness only spreads to women and not to men. If you want to enter, you have to make some preparations!��


    Ren Baqian became a little curious. What kind of illness was only transmitted to women and not to men?


    He stepped over the threshold and walked a few steps. The first floor of the building was full of scrolls. He nced across a painting of a woman in red that he couldn��t take his eyes off of.


    Although she simply stood there in the painting, it felt like a cold and towering mountain.


    Ren Baqian recognized it with one nce. It was obviously the empress!


    Why would there be a painting of her here?


    The people outside saw him standing there and looking at the painting, but they weren��t bothered by it. Just as An Yiru brought some light muslin cloth for them to cover their faces with, an unforeseen event suddenly happened.


    She exploded without warning, and blood rained all over the sky. Everyone subconsciously took cover. After that, several loud noises and vibrations came from the small building.


    When they turned their heads, the entrance of the building was blocked by a ck piece of metal te that was 15 centimeters thick. It came falling from the inside.


    ��Not good! Danger!�� In an instant, Li Yuanzhuunched her sword forward.


    However, at that moment, a terrifying de of air shot out of the wall, forcing her to turn around to dodge it!


    Lin Qiaole, who was the fastest among them, mmed her body into a window next to the entrance.


    Boom!


    There wasn��t just one piece of metal.


    The entire first floor of the small building was surrounded by metal tes!


    Except for Ren Baqian, everyone else was stuck outside!


    Xin Zhe��s face changed. Her skin began to turn so red that it was as if blood was about to ooze out of it. Her vigor started to rise as she repeatedly punched the metal te at the entrance, each punch stronger than the previous.


    After three punches, the 15 centimeter thick metal te shattered.


    However, the house was empty!

 Chapter 922 - Vicious

    Chapter 922: Vicious


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Li Yuanzhu stood up, supporting herself with the sword in her right hand. As she looked at the wall where arge hole was created, her eyes grew extremely dark. They were like an abyss that could engulf everything in this world.


    ��Xu Wuming?��


    That de of air was so astonishing that she had to flip backward to dodge it.


    There was only one well-known expert in this world who could use this technique, and he was none other than Xu Wuming, who had stayed hidden for a long time.


    Li Yuanzhu had once heard Ren Baqian mention some things about him.


    ��Sigh. You don��t know what you are doing.�� A drawn-out voice sounded from outside the wall, but the speaker didn��t show himself.


    ��It��s you who doesn��t know what you are doing!�� In a sh, Li Yuanzhu appeared dozens of meters away, drawing out a faint afterimage behind her.


    As she pointed her sword forward, all of the greenery and courtyard walls suddenly disappeared. It was as if a giant and invisible beast had taken a huge bite at it.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Out of nowhere, a sword shed in front of her.


    Two swords exchanged blows with only a soft ring.


    Li Yuanzhu tapped her feet and withdrew several meters back.


    Abnormal fluctuations urred in the air. An invisible ck hole seemed to have appeared at her side, and things were copsing toward a certain point with even the air around it beginning to distort.


    On the other side, cloth-tearing noises could be heard and faint abnormal cracks could be seen in the air.


    There was a moment of stalemate between the two parties before a point in the air suddenly exploded. Strong winds swept through and soil flew all over.


    Amid all of this, a sword cut through everything with a streak of cold radiance and went straight for Li Yuanzhu.


    <em>Ding�� Ding�� Ding��!</em>


    Her face changed. She struck three times with her sword and withdrew from one end of the courtyard to the other before the radiance dissipated.


    The person��s aura at the other end had disappeared as well.


    Li Yuanzhu frowned and rushed into the house, only to see that the ground was overturned. Even the ground was made out of metal. However, there was a spot where a hole had been dug out.


    Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole had jumped in long ago.


    Lin Yue was still standing there chewing on melon seeds and clearly hadn��tprehended the situation yet.


    ��Follow me!�� Li Yuanzhu jumped into the hole as soon as she spoke.


    Lin Yue touched her head, looked upstairs, and then nced down at her feet. She pondered for a moment�� before jumping into the hole.


    It might seem eventful, but all of this happened in the blink of an eye.


    The hole descended about 20 meters under the ground. Li Yuanzhu jumped down and saw both Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole.


    In front of them were six passages�� Or rather, this was just a node for these passages.


    ��Which direction?�� Xin Zhe��s face was gloomy, and there was fresh blood on her fists. However, she acted as if she couldn��t feel anything.


    ��There��s no scent of that fellow. The freshest trace of scent is from that direction!�� Lin Qiaole sprawled on the ground and twitched her nose before lifting her head with a puzzled look.


    Xin Zhe kept silent and ran toward the passage that Lin Qiaole indicated.


    An hourter, everyone saw lighting from in front of them and heard the sound of water. They then found themselves beside a waterfall at the end of the passage.


    ��Where should we go?�� Xin Zhe asked again.


    ��The scent is gone�� It seems to have stopped here.�� Lin Qiaole had a puzzled look again.


    ��In the water!�� Li Yuanzhu quickly reacted.


    Deep in thought, Lin Yue followed behind��


    <em>What are they going to do? Zhao Prince Consort is still up top��</em>


    ��


    Ren Baqian was smiling at the moment, but it was a very bitter smile.


    He heard Li Yuanzhu shout, ��Xu Wuming.��


    Then, he heard Xin Zhe smashing the metal te downstairs.


    Ren Baqian also knew that everyone had jumped into an underground passage.


    However, he didn��t dare to make a single sound.


    They were all truly moving too fast. All of them were gone before he could even figure out how to pass the message that he was here.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know what sort of methods the culprit used to mask his scent so that even Li Yuanzhu couldn��t sense his presence up here.


    Everyone subconsciously assumed that he had been captured, so they ran into the underground passage.


    ��You are pretty lovable, little brother!�� A charming and seductive voice sounded in his ears as the face next to his slowly pulled away. The jade hand on his neck gradually released its grip as well.


    The hand was so delicate that it looked as if it was carved out of white jade.


    It was no exaggeration to say that it was a jade hand.


    If one were to say that this was the most beautiful hand in the world, Ren Baqian would think about it for a moment and then nod in agreement.


    At about two centimeter, the fingernails of her hand were also very long. Furthermore, there were no ws at all, and it could be seen that the owner cared for her fingernails exceptionally. Otherwise, this would be impossible.


    Although he couldn��t see it, he could imagine there being no dirt at all under those long nails.


    With such beautiful hands and wless nails, the owner would definitely be hair-raisingly beautiful.


    Ren Baqian had to admit that he always ran into beautiful women.


    For instance, the empress, Li Yuanzhu, Lin Yue, Xin Zhe�� and also thedyboy��


    However, he still felt that the woman in front of him was exceptionally beautiful.


    She had purple eyeshadow, which was a rare sight in this world, as well as airy bangs, fiery lipstick, and a pair of phoenix eyes that were somewhat simr to the empress��s. She also had a mole under the corner of her eye.


    All of these thingsbined made Ren Baqian feel that she was exceptionally beautiful.


    Most importantly, she had curves in all the right ces.


    He could feel her boobs pressing up against him just now�� She stood so close to him�� He had to admit�� Good move!


    However, Ren Baqian felt that the most thrilling thing wasn��t the beauty of this woman, but the scent given off by her pink nails.


    It was a sweet and intoxicating scent.


    Needless to say, it was poisonous. Extremely poisonous.


    If things were to happen differently just now, there was no telling if this woman would die. In any case, Ren Baqian was already dead meat.


    At this point, she pulled her face away and smiled as she looked at him.


    ��Hello, sister!�� He had a lovable look on his face, as lovable as he could be, like a harmless young man.


    Sadly, Ren Baqian forgot that he had a fierce-looking face and a bald head��


    Inexplicably, he recalled the time when he first met the empress.


    It seemed like he had to�� survive that dangerous moment again��


    ��It��s been a long time since anyone called me sister���� The woman touched her face and sighed.


    <em>Pow!</em>


    Ren Baqian was stunned when she suddenly pped him. His anger rose from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and a viciousness shed across his eyes. However, he managed to calm down almost instantly.


    He swung his hand and gave himself another p.


    The woman gaped, clearly a little surprised.


    ��The two sides of my face weren��t very symmetrical just now. Currently, it looks much better.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    She smiled and looked at him with interest as if she was re-examining him.


    She then walked around him and asked, ��Am I beautiful?��


    ��Anyone who says you aren��t beautiful must be blind!�� Ren Baqian replied honestly. ��Therefore, I can��t say that you aren��t beautiful!��


    ��Between me and Qi Zixiao�� Who��s prettier?�� She looked at him expectantly as if she were a young girl waiting for her sweetheart to praise her.


    However, he knew that this person�� wasn��t easy to deal with��


    In fact, except for Lin Yue, whose brain circuit was like the Mariana Trench, and Lin Qiaole, whose cultivation levels could increase in her sleep, none of those at this level of strength were easy to deal with.


    Besides, this was a question of life and death!


    ��I do know of a magic mirror that could tell you the answer if you simply asked, ��Mirror, mirror on the wall, who��s the fairest of them all?!���� Ren Baqian replied. ��I think it will tell you that you are the most beautiful person!��


    ��Do you mean that I��m more beautiful than Qi Zixiao?�� The woman��s eyes had a satirical look.


    ��I mean�� it would also reply the same way if someone else asked the same question. Otherwise, it would get shattered���� Ren Baqian spread his hands.


    <em>Pow!</em>


    Just as he ended his sentence, he endured another p to the face.


    The woman pped him and then gently touched him as if she was caressing her lover��s cheek.


    ��Does it hurt?�� she asked.


    Ren Baqian gritted his teeth. This woman was truly a nutjob!


    He then smiled and replied, ��It doesn��t! I think all men in this world are willing to suffer like this.��


    ��It��s good that you aren��t angry!�� The womanughed happily. ��You are so lovable that I find it hard to kill you.��

 Chapter 923 - Hit on Her!

    Chapter 923: Hit on Her!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Although the woman said this, Ren Baqian knew that she wouldn��t kill him for the time being.


    Otherwise, he would have died just now.


    Since she didn��t kill him immediately, it meant that he had something that she wanted.


    The question was how important this item was to the woman. If it wasn��t that important, she could still kill Ren Baqian at any time.


    He wasn��t too worried about this actually. There were just too many things on his mind.


    The next question would be how to survive and how to find a way to escape.


    Ren Baqian had to do so within four days.


    He would have to return to Earth in four days.


    Thinking about it, the woman would be dumbfounded if he were to suddenly disappear. He would also be dumbfounded if he were to see her after he returned to this world.


    All in all, Ren Baqian analyzed the situation and deduced that there was a piece of good news and a piece of bad news.


    The good news was�� he had discovered the root of the problem on his own and found the culprit.


    The bad news was�� he was being held captive by that person��


    In any case, Ren Baqian had found the mastermind and had at least found some clues.


    He had alreadypleted half of his objectives here.


    The other half was to figure out how to leave this ce alive andunch his treasure!


    If things weren��t done properly�� the empress would be widowed��


    With a smile on his face, thoughts raced through Ren Baqian��s mind. He had to smile more in such instances.


    ��What��s your name, sister?��


    He felt a sharp pain on his face just as he finished his sentence.


    ��Why don��t you ask me why I pped you?�� The woman gave a bright smile.


    ��A woman like you can be forgiven no matter what you do! Why bother asking if I��m going to forgive you regardless?�� Ren Baqian felt a painful heat on his face, but his expression stayed the same as he remained smiling brilliantly at her.


    At this point, he was fully into it.


    He threw away his pride and identity, which he had built up over the past few years.


    It was all for surviving and then finding an opportunity to escape.


    As for revenge, leave that until after Ren Baqian managed to escape!


    ��I��m starting to understand why Qi Zixiao fancies you!�� the woman said suddenly.


    He continued to smile and kept silent.


    ��I have seen too many shameless and two-faced people. Someone like you is truly hard toe by!�� she said faintly. ��As for my name�� It doesn��t matter if I tell you. At least you��ll die knowing it. It��s Yun Yuhan. No one knows this name, I presume.��


    Ren Baqian��s heart skipped. No one knew this name? This meant that this woman wasn��t on the list of top experts?


    Could it be that she had used a false name or�� was there some other reason? At this time, there should be no need for her to use a false name. Yun Yuhan should be her real name.


    Why? Xu Wuming was on the list, but not this person��


    The person who made the list of the top experts in the world had always been a mystery. It would just appear every year��


    This organization was also a mystery��


    Were both of these people from the same organization? They made Xu Wuming the face of their group while the rest stayed hidden?


    Why did these experts agree to this? They stayed anonymous just to obstruct people like Ren Baqian who wanted to leave thend of exile?


    In order to keep himself alive, these thoughts raced across his mind rapidly, and he managed to deduce so many things from one sentence that she said.


    ��Judging from your expression, you don��t seem to be afraid? Do you think they wille back and rescue you?�� The woman smiled as she looked at his expression.


    ��If that was a possibility, we wouldn��t be here by now,�� Ren Baqian replied calmly.


    ��You are a smart man�� Unfortunately, you only look smart and do stupid things.�� She shook her head, lifted him by the neck, dashed through the window, and ran into the distance. She made a few turns along the way and ran along the river for a few kilometers before moving back ind. An hour after that, they arrived at a small vige.


    They faced strong winds throughout the entire journey, and the woman��s speed wasn��t any slower than the empress��s.


    Ren Baqian estimated that it took five hours at a speed of about 175 kilometers per hour, which meant that they traveled more than 800 kilometers. Considering the detours along the way, the straight line distance was more than 400 kilometers.


    They were probably somewhere in the north, near the border with Great Xia.


    At this distance, Li Yuanzhu and the others definitely wouldn��t be able to find him.


    Ren Baqian began to worry. If he were to be detained in this ce, he would be doomed.


    He would definitely be discovered traveling to and from Earth.


    If he were to try to lie his way through, he could probably do it a few times at most. He might one day take this woman back to Earth by ident.


    That would be troublesome.


    Who were the people in this vige? How long would Ren Baqian be detained for? How would they treat him after they discovered his secret?


    All of these thoughts churned in his mind, and all of the avable options were passive. His life was held in the hands of others. It wasn��t only his life, but the empress��s as well. If they really wanted to take action against her, would she be their match?


    Thinking about this, the crisis awareness in his mind grew even stronger!


    Ren Baqian needed to find a way to change the situation!


    Yun Yuhannded in a courtyard. There were people who immediately greeted her from afar. They were all strong men in their thirties and forties, and they seemed to have great respect for her.


    At the sight of this, Ren Baqian immediately thought of something.


    She was a very strong woman�� and also someone of great status�� He only had one active way to turn the tide and that was to hit on her!


    This idea suddenly popped up in his head!


    Ren Baqian pondered. Although he had such delicate features, talent was still the most important aspect of a person. He couldn��t possibly always rely on his looks.


    ��Now, stay here. You can forget about escaping. With that puny strength of yours, you can��t escape.�� Yun Yuhan threw him into a side room andughed.


    ��This treatment is better than I expected.�� He looked around before looking back at her and asking, ��What are you going to do with me next? What information do you want from me? First of all, don��t think about torturing me. I��m afraid of pain. You can probably consider seducing me. Perhaps I will fall for it!��


    She smiled and looked at his performance.


    Yun Yuhan pulled up close to Ren Baqian. Her alluring fragrance assailed his nostrils as her supple bosom pressed against his body!


    ��How do you want me to seduce you?�� She breathed her soft words and warm breath into his ear.


    He deliberately stepped back and said, ��By not killing me and by bringing me here, tell me what you want first!��


    Yun Yuhan followed him closely and whispered in Ren Baqian��s ear, ��Now that no one is disturbing us�� You and I have time to talk����


    Seeing that she moved closer to him, he lowered his head and replied bluntly, ��Two single people in a room. Why don��t we do something more meaningful?��


    ��What do you want to do?�� She chuckled as a cold glint shed across her eyes.


    ��For example, we can dance? Being able to dance with a woman like you, I wouldn��t even trade it for bing a deity!�� Ren Baqian reached out and grabbed Yun Yuhan��s hands. He detected that her movement was a little unnatural and immediately knew that she was just a paper tiger.


    However, she wanted to see what tricks he had up his sleeve and allowed him to grab her hands.


    ��Oh? Wouldn��t even trade dancing with me for bing a deity?�� She chuckled again, her tone full of mockery.


    ��Lovers would rather be a pair of harmonious flounder than be separated from their loved one. They would rather be a pair of mandarin ducks than be a deity.


    A pair of flounder and a pair of mandarin ducks are so enviable��haven��t you seen them?


    A lonesome phoenix embroidery on the curtain is the most detestable. Take that down and rece it with a pair of swallows.


    With a pair of swallows flying around the embroidery, even the curtains and quilts smell like tulips.


    Her ck hair isbed in the shape of the cicada��s wings, and a glowing yellow crescent moon is painted on her forehead.��


    Ren Baqian put one hand on his waist and the other on his shoulder as he recited an excerpt from the Chang An Gu Yi<sup>1</sup>. He gently hummed Canon as he led Yun Yuhan and started dancing in the middle of the room.


    Her eyes glowed and she suddenly held back her smile as she allowed him to lead her in the dance as if she were a puppet.


    He had to admit that she was much better at learning than the empress. She immediately knew how to do it after stepping on his feet a few times.


    Ren Baqian and the empress had also danced to the same tune a few times, but with sweet feelings. At present, although his hands were soft, his heart was cold. Both of them were smiling, but both held knives under their facades.


    The only difference was that he had what she wanted. This was what he was counting on. Apart from that, his life was in her hands.


    On the other hand, she was toying with him like a monkey and was very interested in enjoying this novelty experience that he introduced.

 Chapter 924 - Dumbfounded

    Chapter 924: Dumbfounded


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After the dance, Yun Yuhan took a step back and gave Ren Baqian a p.


    ��Just wait, someone will being to interrogate you!�� She left the room after finishing this sentence.


    He touched his cheek where there was a painful heat. He had fearsome eyes like a tiger, but he instantly suppressed it.


    Ren Baqian immediately made his decision aftering up with the idea. All of this was just in exchange for an opportunity.


    He might not have the chance to use it, but he didn��t require Yun Yuhan to favor him too much either. It would already be sufficient if it could make her hesitate a little during crucial moments.


    In this state of survival, every opportunity must be grasped. There was no telling when it would save his life.


    Although opportunities weren��t limited to just this, Ren Baqian felt that he was more talented in this field!


    Of course, the premise was that Yun Yuhan wasn��t the type who spoke her mind and also hadn��t had rtions with countless men.


    If that was the case, he reckoned that he would be swallowedpletely. He had never felt that he was smarter than the people of this world.


    Well, the aboriginals were an exception.


    Fortunately, Ren Baqian had picked up on some details earlier that made him realize that Yun Yuhan was just a paper tiger. This was good news.


    She said that someone wasing, and he wondered who it would be.


    Could it be Xu Wuming?


    How many people were there in this organization? What was the structure of this organization? What was Xu Wuming��s status? What about Yun Yuhan?


    Ren Baqian wondered if he would have more opportunities if he were to surrender voluntarily.


    He would disappear every seven days, and this was something that couldn��t be changed�� He couldn��t fool them for too long either.


    The empress would probably be very worried about his disappearance, right?


    Ren Baqian was afraid that she would dash straight to the Yun Nation from Lan City�� and probably also do some radical things��


    He had been too careless. While searching for the culprits, the culprits had already prepared a trap for him to dive straight into.


    However, things had progressed too quickly, catching him and his team off guard. Even if he was a little more careful, it would be hard for him to avoid such traps as long as he was still investigating this matter.


    Ren Baqian thought about these things and then settled in a corner to rest while waiting for the interrogator toe.


    Around half an hourter, he felt an anomaly around him. He opened his eyes and saw a schr with a long beard sitting in a chair not too far away who was smiling and looking at him.


    <em>Another Spirit Wheel expert, </em>he thought to himself.


    Since this man could appear in front of him silently while also avoiding detection, he was undoubtedly a Spirit Wheel expert.


    ��How may I address you?�� Ren Baqian nodded his head and asked politely.


    ��Wen Xiaosheng!�� The schr smiled.


    Ren Baqian tried to recall, but he probably hadn��t seen this name on the list of experts. It was another person who wasn��t on the list.


    ��What��s your motive?��


    ��Close to what you are thinking.��


    ��Warriors of love and peace? Striving for world peace?�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    Wen Xiaosheng��s smile grew a little sluggish. When someone with high self-esteem was evaluated by others like this, there would inevitably be some fluctuations in his heart.


    Then, he smiled again. It wasn��t the kind of smile that came from this mood, but the kind that one would give when they thought of something interesting.


    ��You can say so.�� He nodded slowly. ��Do you have a Heaven-grade weapon?��


    Ren Baqian flipped his palm, and a long silver spear appeared in his hand.


    As Wen Xiaosheng examined carefully, an inexplicable glint shed across his eyes.


    ��1.9 meters long, gold and silver coloration, and the rain-listening veined pattern on its body. This is definitely Spirit Spear Teng Yue��s Heaven-grade weapon.��


    Ren Baqian��s gaze froze. He didn��t even know what the pattern on the spear was, yet this man recognized it with one nce.


    Since he had so much knowledge about Teng Yue��s spear, Ren Baqian increasingly suspected that Wen Xiaosheng was part of the group of people whopiled the list of experts.


    ��I��m curious��why did Teng Yue��s Heaven-grade weapon fall into your hands instead of dissipating?! I heard that he shouted, ��My spear!�� in grief before he died. It seems that this spear had already fallen into your hands before he died.��


    Ren Baqian��s eyes flickered. Wen Xiaosheng actually knew about this as well. At that time, only the aboriginals, some experts from the Jing Tribe, and somemoners were present. He probably could have gotten the information from them.


    ��Are you really working for the survival of the human race?�� Ren Baqian asked instead of answering him.


    ��That��s right! You really do know! There��s nothing more important than the survival of the entire race. This is righteousness. Unfortunately, there are always some people who like to do stupid things and put the entire race on the verge of destruction!�� Wen Xiaosheng saw great pity peering out of Ren Baqian��s gaze.


    ��And that��s why you continue to kill the future of the human race again and again?�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    He wanted to disturb the other party��s state of mind, making him doubt and wonder if everything he and his people had done was right. Ren Baqian��s chances of survivingter on would be slightly higher.


    ��Future? If that future is the destruction of the entire human race�� then you are too arrogant. You don��t know what you are facing.��


    ��We aren��t the only batch of the human race!�� Ren Baqian forced a smile with his eyes full of ridicule.


    Wen Xiaosheng suddenly froze, his body tensed up, and it was as if a creature had stepped on his tail.


    In disbelief, he asked, ��What did you say?��


    ��I said, the humans in thisnd of exile aren��t the only ones! There were two groups of the human race who escaped back then, and the other group went to the other end of the ocean!��


    Ren Baqian replied calmly.


    ��Do you know what is there in the ocean? If not for your exnation, you would really have given me a shock.�� Wen Xiaosheng suddenlyughed after listening to what Ren Baqian said.


    ��Nothing more than storms and beasts.�� In fact, Ren Baqian was just faking through it, but speaking of the ocean, these were all that existed.


    ��Do you know about submarines? Do you know about armored ships? Do you know about satellite navigation? Do you know about battleships? Do you know what SOD is���� Ren Baqian threw out a bunch of terms that the other party couldn��t understand before finishing calmly, ��You are just a group of people with limited horizons and thinking, desperately hiding in your own world while thinking that your mission is to save the entire human race. In fact, you are just a pathetic person who��s afraid of everything.��


    He said this with a contemptuous look as if the person in front of him wasn��t a Spirit Wheel expert who could crush him easily, but a stray dog that could be found anywhere.


    Wen Xiaosheng didn��t care about Ren Baqian��s expression and simply stared at him, seemingly stunned by the series of unknown terms that were being thrown at him.


    ��You����


    ��That��s right, I��m a forerunner from thatnd who sailed across the ocean. In fact, it isn��t only me. Over the years, we have sent out dozens of people, each time heading in different directions, looking for ONEPIECE[2.ONEPIECE: a Japanese manga series]. You guys are just a surprise for me.


    What we can do is far more than you can imagine.


    We canmunicate instantly over long distances, all of us can know anything that is happening in ournd at any time, and we have weapons that can destroy everything. We have destroyed the Zerg and the Protoss[3.Zerg and Protoss: races from the game StarCraft], and our next goal is to reim our homnd.


    When I first set foot on thisnd, I found you, who share the same bloodline as us. I was shocked by your backwardness.


    You haven��t had any progress in thousands of years and are even weakerpared to back then.�� Ren Baqian��s face was full of pride. He was very proud of the ancestors of thend where he came from.


    ��As part of the human race, it��s really unthinkable that you have degraded to this extent.�� He shook his head slightly with eyes full of pity. ��What makes it even harder for me to imagine is that in thisnd, there is a group of people who think they are righteous, but have actually be cancerous!��


    Wen Xiaosheng waspletely dumbfounded!

 Chapter 925 - Duped

    Chapter 925: Duped


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Wen Xiaosheng��s eyes were full of uncertainty because Ren Baqian��s words had greatly impacted his three main views. Ren Baqian��s eyes made him feel like he and his people were fools!


    ��A bunch of nonsense!�� Wen Xiaosheng mustered his energy and spouted these words.


    ��A bunch of nonsense?�� Ren Baqian was proud and looked at Wen Xiaosheng as if he were a lowly being.


    ��You are a bunch of lowly beings,�� he said out loud as well.


    Although Wen Xiaosheng didn��t understand what this meant, he could roughly figure that it wasn��t something good.


    ��Haven��t you seen that the world has changed? Haven��t you seen the war between Dayao and Great Xia and the war with the Yun Nation? Haven��t you seen those weapons that have never appeared before? Why are Dayao��s military movements, joint attacks, and pincer attacks so urate? How can themand and control of Dayao��s army be so effortless? Are you blind?


    Of course, these things may have already exceeded your imagination.


    All I can say is that your imagination can no longer keep up with reality!�� Ren Baqian gave him a look of pity.


    Wen Xiaosheng felt stuffy in his chest and almost felt out of breath.


    He really had been studying the changes in the Dayao army.


    However, Ren Baqian��s words pierced into his chest like a red hot knife. Others could do it, but he couldn��t even imagine it. How sad was that?


    ��Lan City has be a city that never sleeps, and I believe you must have heard of the crystal lights that cover the entire city. Haven��t you thought about the forging factories that have been built all over the mines in the Yun Nation? These are the fundamental crafts. If you were to develop it yourself, given the fact that you haven��t improved in thest few thousand years, I��m afraid that it would probably take you hundreds or thousands of years to achieve this.


    Things like ss and mirrors are just a few of the simplest products that I have introduced, yet you can��t even achieve this. What face do you still have to question me?


    Babbling nonsense? I think you are ignorant! In my opinion, you are a group of primitive people surrounded by forests. Do you know what ��primitive people�� means? It refers to the savage state of humans when we were eating raw meat before we knew how to use fire. You people faced an enemy in the past that you were unable to defeat and ended up seeking survival out of desperation. However, we have already reached a point that you can��t even imagine!�� Ren Baqian got into the mood again.


    Through pride, regret, pity, and disdain, he created the persona of a highly civilized guest who despised the indigenous people thatcked ambition and were just living for the sake of survival.


    ��Pffft!�� After Wen Xiaosheng was disparaged by Ren Baqian, his face turned pale and he threw up a mouthful of blood. With a deathly pale face, he staggered and rushed out the door.


    ��He threw up blood? Is this man overly sensitive?�� Ren Baqian touched his bald head, apparently surprised by the might of his mouth.


    However, it was pretty good that he hit upon this inspiration. No matter who the other party really was, they wouldn��t touch Ren Baqian that easily.


    Even if it was the foreign races who concealed themselves, they would certainly find a way to discover the location and the strength of the nation that they were imagining.


    It would be more likely if they were a bunch of brainless people.


    Acting like a guest of the same race who came from a highly civilized nation that was ahead by a few thousand years worked much better than hitting on that woman.


    In any case, Ren Baqian had so many tricks up his sleeve.


    He felt his body. The grenade that was in his pocket and the sack of candy that he carried on him had both been lost when Yun Yuhan captured him. After all, his reputation of being a poison warrior was pretty intimidating.


    However, this didn��t matter. There were too many things that he could prove.


    At first, Ren Baqian was afraid that others would know that he came from a foreignnd. He never thought that he would now be trying to make people believe that he was a foreigner.


    The next thing would be to look at the effect of the synopsis of the story that he had just bbered.


    Not long after, he felt darkness in front of him. Someone appeared before him and stared at him closely.


    It was Yun Yuhan.


    ��What did you do to Wen Xiaosheng?�� There wasn��t any anger in her eyes, just deep confusion.


    ��I just told him some facts!�� Ren Baqian spread his hands and asked, ��Want to hear?��


    ��Not interested! Your life is now in my hands. You are a smart person, so you better behave yourself!�� Yun Yuhan said unhurriedly. Her voice was soft and soothing, but cold at the same time.


    ��Rx. I��m waiting for you to send me back!�� He chuckled.


    <em>Pow!</em>


    ��If you die, I��ll send your head back to be buried with Qi Zixiao!�� Yun Yuhan giggled.


    Ren Baqian��s smile remained unchanged. He felt as if a me was burning in his heart, and he wanted to burn these people to ashes.


    ��It��s still too early to be shouting and yelling. I��m actually curious about something. Have you tried the taste of a man?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Do you want to let me try it?�� Yun Yuhan traced her fingers along his cheek and neck before moving down to his shoulder de. He then felt a sharp pain as her finger pierced right into the spot below his shoulder de. The resilient skin that the [Yang Boosting Technique] gave him merely made her have to exert more force.


    After she pierced her finger up to the knuckle, she pulled her finger out and put her face close to Ren Baqian��s shoulder de. She stuck out her tongue and licked his wound gently.


    As if he didn��t feel any pain, he smiled even brighter and asked, ��Did you know that there is something we call a ��thorny rose?�� Roses are the most beautiful flowers, but they have thorns. If one were to pluck a rose, they would get pricked and shed blood.��


    ��Thorny rose�� Interesting!�� Yun Yuhan licked the blood from his wound, staining the corners of her mouth with blood. She looked even more pretty and flirtatious.


    After she left, Ren Baqian walked in front of the mirror to look at himself. There was a hole in his shirt with a wound the width of a finger inside the hole. After she licked it, the wound actually stopped bleeding.


    However, he was a bit worried about whether he had been poisoned.


    Yun Yuhan��s fingernails were full of poison.


    Maybe that was why she licked it? Was her saliva the antidote? Or did she have the antidote in her mouth?


    Ren Baqian had to admit that this woman was truly a mental case.


    If given a chance, he would kill her first!


    In the evening, Wen Xiaosheng appeared in front of him again. His face was still a little pale, but it didn��t seem like much of a problem anymore.


    Seeing the wound on Ren Baqian��s back, he knitted his eyebrows and then smiled, saying, ��This kind of thing will never happen again!��


    Ren Baqian asked, ��Is your status higher than hers?��


    Wen Xiaosheng shook his head.


    ��You will learn about this in the future. I can only tell you that this kind of thing will not happen again. I would love to hear you continue talking about that continent!��


    He actually believed it to some degree.


    After all, some things were really visible. Judging from some of Ren Baqian��s aspects that were disyed, Wen Xiaosheng was certain that Ren Baqian wasn��t from the Yun Nation, Great Xia, or the Chen Nation. As such, what Ren Baqian said might very possibly be true.


    Despite Ren Baqian��s exaggeration, Wen Xiaosheng felt that his words weren��t fabricated.


    Ren Baqian smiled, sat there, and told him about how the human race arrived on the continent of Valoran[1.Valoran: a ce in the game League of Legends] and gained a foothold on the coast of Demacia[2.Demacia: a ce in the game League of Legends]. They then seized another piece ofnd from the indigenous people and defeated Garen, the Might of Demacia[3.Garen, the Might of Demacia: a champion in the game League of Legends] and Lux, the Lady of Luminosity.[4.Lux, the Lady of Luminosity: a champion in the game League of Legends]. They eventually unified the entire continent of Valoran.


    The human race also began to develop rapidly after that. As they explored the surrounding waters, they encountered the Zerg and the Protoss, whom they proimed as the children of the ancient gods. The three parties then went to war.


    In the end, the human race destroyed the Temrs[5.Temrs: a character in the game StarCraft] of the Protoss with nuclear weapons and won the war.


    However, after that, the human race discovered that the Protoss were the ones expelled from ONEPIECE and that ONEPIECE held the greatest secret of this world.


    As such, the entire human race began an age of discovery, searching for the legendary ��ONEPIECE.��


    Seeing that Wen Xiaosheng was listening attentively, Ren Baqian felt that he was truly an inte writer who had been held up!


    ��What you see is just a trivial part of the world!�� Ren Baqian gestured with his pinky finger.


    After he was done speaking, Wen Xiaosheng seemed absent-minded.


    What Ren Baqian said was simply too exaggerated.


    Yet, it was very realistic as well.


    The Protoss had the Temrs, Dragoons, Archons, Marauders, Observers��


    The Zerg had the Ravagers, Hydralisks, Overlords, Lurkers, Mutalisks, Queens��


    All of these were StarCraft characters.


    Ren Baqian��s descriptions of these unheard of things and his detailing of their appearances was really strong. It was as if they lived in this world and the human race had really encountered such enemies. Otherwise, there would be no way that he could fabricate these two realistic races in such a short period of time, not to mention the indigenous people of the continent of Valoran.


    If it wasn��t for his personal experience, it would be hard for Wen Xiaosheng to believe that someone could fabricate such a realistic lie in such a short time.


    The authenticity of Ren Baqian��s words had improved in his mind.

 Chapter 926 - Temple of Heaven

    Chapter 926: Temple of Heaven


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Wen Xiaosheng sat there for a long time in silence, looking extremely amazed.


    He then walked away without a word and went back to reorganize these incredible things that he had heard.


    He felt a little bit of yearning as well.


    Was there really another branch of the human race? Had they really made such progress?


    Compared to them, this group of people should really be ashamed.


    There were just some things that Wen Xiaosheng couldn��t figure out. Since they belonged to the same race, what opportunities did they have and how did they get to where they were at present?


    At night, Ren Baqian slept well. He felt more rxed after realizing that he would temporarily be free of worry. The only thing that stressed him a little was the empress. He needed to find a way to contact her��


    However, Wen Xiaosheng was almost suffering from insomnia. He spent the whole night thinking about the things that Ren Baqian said, forming images in his mind.


    The next morning, Ren Baqian was transferred to another ce.


    This time, apart from Yun Yuhan, even Wen Xiaosheng traveled with him as well.


    At this stronghold, both of them should hold the highest positions.


    Wen Xiaosheng originally had other things to do, but what Ren Baqian said was too important. It might even affect the organization��s future direction. As such, the original n had to be temporarily dyed.


    ��Get someone to send a message to Qi Zixiao and tell her that I��m fine!�� Ren Baqian tried to feel out when they were about to set off.


    Although he was just feeling it out, his tone was unquestionable.


    After all, this was in line with his current identity.


    Yun Yuhan had a weird smile on her face and her fingers slid gently across Ren Baqian��s face. It felt cold, yet full of tantalizing charm and tenderness.


    <em>Cough!</em> Wen Xiaosheng gave a dry cough and nced at her. She then pouted and retracted her hand.


    ��I��m not the only one calling the shots on how to deal with you!��


    Her meaning was obvious. In the end, if Ren Baqian couldn��t even save his own life, it wouldn��t make much sense to notify Qi Zixiao.


    If he could really move the others, they would then talk about Qi Zixiao afterward.


    Maybe they would just release him without even needing to notify her.


    ��Do you guys have any other choice? Other than staying here like maggots for the rest of your lives?�� Ren Baqianughed in ridicule.


    Wen Xiaosheng��s eyes turned dark, and he no longer spoke.


    Yun Yuhan looked at Ren Baqian with a strange expression. She was starting to grow curious about what he had said to Wen Xiaosheng the night before that made him dare to speak in such a tone while also provoking such a reaction from Wen Xiaosheng.


    The journey took a full day, yet they still relied on their feet. The speed of Spirit Wheel experts far exceeded that of ordinary mounts.


    However, they were currently traveling at a slower speed than before because Wen Xiaosheng was slower than Yun Yuhan when she was carrying Ren Baqian.


    They were moving toward the northeast.


    Ren Baqian didn��t feel right. To the northeast was the seaside.


    It would still be fine if it was the seaside. If it was a small ind in the East Sea of Great Xia, he would be trapped in a hopeless situation.


    He didn��t dare pin his hopes on persuading them.


    From morning to night, they traveled more than 800 kilometers in almost seven hours.


    They finally arrived at a fishing vige by the sea.


    Ren Baqian wondered if the entire hidden organization had the same aesthetic taste and liked to stay in viges.


    For example, take the vige in Tianjing Basin and also this fishing vige.


    This fishing vige wasn��t small, and there were hundreds of families. In this era, it was already considered a veryrge vige.


    A city with a poption of 10,000 would already be considered medium sized.


    Towns generally only had a poption of around 2,000.


    The streets in the vige were paved with bluestone, and a species of tall tree that was full of white flowers was nted in the surrounding area. The tree at the head of the vige was over 30 meters tall and had lush foliage. The shade from the tree was wide enough to cover around eight houses around it.


    There were also many pedestrians in this vige. Some children ran barefoot on the bluestone paved road, and there were also some sunburned fishermen wearing rough clothes while dragging their fishings.


    Seeing Wen Xiaosheng and Yun Yuhan, all of the vigers saluted from afar.


    Ren Baqian carefully observed that around 35 percent of the people on the streets were ordinary people, 50 percent were Man Wheel practitioners, and five percent were Earth Wheel practitioners. This ratio was astonishing.


    However, upon thinking that this ce was the headquarters of an organization, it was pretty normal.


    In addition, the vige had cksmith shops, grocery shops, cloth houses, and tea houses. It could be considered a small-scale town.


    Ren Baqian was confined to a courtyard in the west side of the vige. Yun Yuhan stayed there to watch over him while Wen Xiaosheng left in a hurry.


    In one of the houses, an olddy and two elders sat in the higher seats with thedy sitting in the main seat and the two others sitting to her right. Wen Xiaosheng respectfully recounted to them the story that Ren Baqian had told him.


    After hearing his words, the two elders were bewildered.


    In fact, Wen Xiaosheng��s report wasn��t asplete as what Ren Baqian had told him, so the effects of his words were much worse.


    ��That��s absurd!�� one of the elders couldn��t help butsh out.


    ��Utterly ridiculous!�� a cold glint shed across the olddy��s eyes.


    ��It feels pretty interesting to me.�� Thest old man smiled strangely. ��If it��s exactly like what he said, a lot of things can be exined.��


    ��Temple Chief and Deputy Chiefs, I find that his words have a certain level of credibility, which is why I brought him back to the temple. There are currently so many new things in Dayao that there��s really no way to exin them. Especially during the battles against Great Xia and Tianjing Basin, the weapons that the aboriginals brought out have never been before seen. After those events, we collected some fragments and found no traces that this equipment had been made by hand.


    Furthermore, the long-distancemunication that he mentioned should also exist. We didn��t expect it before, but what he presently exined could sufficiently ount for the precise movement and cooperation of Dayao��s army in these wars.��


    ��So? What is the purpose of bringing him here?�� the olddy asked coldly.


    ��Gather all the deputy chiefs and higher to determine our future!�� Wen Xiaosheng bowed his head respectfully.


    The old man whoshed out earlier shouted in anger, ��What audacity! In what capacity are you saying this?!��


    ��Of course, since I��m already part of the Temple of Heaven, I don��t think that there is any problem with this proposal. If what Ren Baqian said is true, then we are truly ignorant and narrow-minded. Everything that we have done bes a joke.��


    ��Sect Elder, do you think this nonsense is true?�� the olddy asked coldly.


    ��It could be true or false. In any case, this is a significant matter. If what he said is true, then it affects not just us, but the entire human race. Have you two forgotten what the objective of the Temple of Heaven is? Such a significant matter must be decided by everyone. To be honest, I hope he speaks the truth. I wonder why both of you are reacting so strongly?�� The old man referred to as ��Sect Elder��ughed.


    ��It just feels totally nonsensical and untrustworthy! It��s ridiculous to cast aside all other matters just for these words of nonsense and gather all the sub-temple chiefs. Simply absurd!�� said the other old man.


    ��What if Ren Baqian is telling the truth about those things? What if he could produce evidence? That kid has many dubious points, so it��s best not to make a decision that quickly!�� The sect elder smiled.


    The vigor of the other two suddenly stagnated.


    ��It��s better to gather all the honored ones to decide whether we should call for all the sub-temple chiefs to return immediately.


    This matter involves the future of the entire human race. The Temple of Heaven has been watching over the changes in the world since ancient times, and what we have done was to protect the human race, which is a virtuous cause. In other words, the Temple of Heaven isn��t just an ordinary sect of people, but one that belongs to everyone.


    There are issues that can affect the future of the entire human race. Naturally, everyone must make the decision together!�� the sect elder repeated.


    ��You are right. This matter requires everyone to make a joint decision! Strike the Bell of Heaven and gather all the honored ones to discuss this matter together.�� The old woman stared at him for a few moments and let out a deep breath.

 Chapter 927 - Lost

    Chapter 927: Lost


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian took a break in a room while pondering over how he could find an opportunity to contact the empress. At that moment, he heard the ringing of a belling from the center of the vige.


    ��12 rings. All of the honored ones areing! They actually think so highly of you!�� Yun Yuhan was leaning against the door when her face suddenly changed.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes and smiled, saying, ��I asked you yesterday if you wanted to know what I said to Wen Xiaosheng�� Now, it��s toote!��


    She walked to Ren Baqian and asked softly, ��Why is it toote? Unless you don��t want to tell me����


    He slid his finger across Yun Yuhan��s face and said, ��I really don��t have much interest in telling you now!��


    Her arm started moving, but it stopped almost instantly. Her palm paused a few centimeters away from his face, and he could feel the wind from it.


    ��Don��t be so anxious! My face wouldn��t look good if it was swollen!�� Ren Baqian smiled and pushed her hand away.


    ��Humph!�� Yun Yuhan swung her hips as she walked back to lean against the door frame.


    He wasn��t sure what Wen Xiaosheng had said to her, but it did have some effect.


    ��Come with me. The temple chief and the honored ones want to see you!�� An hourter, Wen Xiaosheng came back and walked into the house.


    Ren Baqian nodded faintly, tidied up his clothes, and went out with him.


    They acted unexpectedly fast, which showed how much they valued his words. This gave him quite a bit of confidence.


    ��What��s the name of your organization?�� Ren Baqian asked casually along the way.


    ��Temple of Heaven!�� Wen Xiaosheng replied frankly. He felt that it was no longer necessary to hide their identities.


    ��Who are the honored ones?��


    ��Sub-temple chiefs that abdicate be honored ones.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. Sub-temple chiefs, honored ones, and the temple chief. It seemed like they had quite a lot of experts.


    ��Are you a sub-temple chief?��


    ��Yes!��


    During the ten minute journey, Ren Baqian managed to get quite a lot of information from Wen Xiaosheng. It seemed that he stopped withholding information after arriving at the headquarters.


    This organization was called the Temple of Heaven. It was said that a group of people established this organization after the human race retreated to this area. Their objective was to protect the human race. However, something happenedter. Some people discovered that the human race��s strength not only failed to recover, but also continued to weaken. From then on, the Temple of Heaven knew that if there were no major changes, the human race wouldn��t be able to get out of thend of exile.


    Since then, the Temple of Heaven had another task, which was to ensure that no one would leave thend of exile.


    The Temple of Heaven consisted of eight sub-temples and totaled about 10,000 members.


    Wen Xiaosheng didn��t mention the number of the honored ones, but Xu Wuming was one of them.


    This so-called Temple of Heaven was an underground organization.


    Behind the vige was a Sea God Shrine. There was a passageway behind the temple that led to hundreds of flights of stairs. At the bottom of these stairs, they walked along a tunnel filled with oilmps on both sides beforeing to a huge empty space.


    There were dozens of huge statues in this space, forming a circle.


    Each statue was about ten meters tall, and they were either holding a book, a sword, or a spear. Each of them was like a warrior, making people look at them with reverence.


    Ren Baqian silently counted and found that there were 42 of them.


    There were people sitting on the shoulders of 17 of the statues.


    There were both men and women, and almost all of them were elderly.


    These people were the honored ones, the temple chief, and the deputy temple chiefs of the Temple of Heaven.


    In other words, there were at least 14 honored ones in this organization, and Ren Baqian wondered if Xu Wuming was present.


    Wen Xiaosheng brought him to the center of the hall and greeted everyone sitting on the statues. ��Temple chief, deputy temple chiefs, and all honored ones, I have brought him!��


    ��You can return to your rightful ce,�� said the voice of an olddy.


    In a sh, Wen Xiaoshengnded on the shoulders of one of the statues and sat cross-legged.


    Ren Baqian looked at the tall statues in front of him. He had to lift his head high to be able to clearly see the faces of those people.


    He subsequently closed his eyes, chuckled, and said, ��Guys, this isn��t the way to treat guests. Besides, I don��t have the habit of looking up to people this way!��


    ��Kid, what did you say?�� one of the elders asked. His voice sounded like a huge bell being rung. As it echoed in this space, the vibrations made Ren Baqian��s eardrums hurt. It also contained a power that struck fear in people.


    If someone else were in Ren Baqian��s ce, this would probablymand some reverence. However, he was already immune to this after experiencing all themotion in Dayao��s imperial court.


    The discussions in Dayao��s imperial court had always depended on two methods of persuading others.


    A loud voice and arge fist.


    ��For a visitor from another group of the human race whose civilization far exceeds yours, for someone who can bring you the future, you need to give me the most basic respect! You think you control my life, but in fact, I control your future!�� Ren Baqian was unmoved.


    After saying this, the atmosphere in the hall immediately changed with many of the honored ones looking surprised.


    In fact, many of them still didn��t know what was happening.


    The 12 rings of the bell indicated that something important had happened and that everyone needed to make a joint decision.


    Such urrences were rare throughout the history of the Temple of Heaven.


    Thest time it happened was more than 100 years ago, when the warriors who were leaving thend of exile were killed.


    Li Fu only knew that a group of people were killed by Xu Wuming. In fact, there were also the honored ones who roped in experts from other ces.


    ��What audacity!�� the old woman shouted.


    ��This is just a legitimate request!�� Ren Baqian smiled before eximing, ��Everyone, let me introduce myself again! I��m Zhao Prince of Dayao. Of course, this is only one of my titles. In addition, I��m also the descendant of another group of humans that left the Lancang region, a member of the League of Legends[1.League of Legends: a multiyer online battle arena game], and the captain of the ONEPIECE exploration team on the ship <em>Nico Robin</em>. I need to be treated in ordance with my identity!��


    With his words, the air suddenly stagnated.


    The dozens of honored ones were astonished.


    With their status, level of cultivation, and so many years of experience, it could be said that nothing could make them lose control.


    However, after listening to Ren Baqian��s words, none of them could seem to stay calm.


    ��What did you say?��


    It wasn��t a single person speaking out, but a question raised by several people at the same time.


    Ren Baqian spread his hands and said, ��Do you still want me to look up and speak to you?��


    ��The 42 statues here are the 42 predecessors who created the Temple of Heaven!�� someone said with a gentle voice.


    ��So what? That didn��t stop you from stepping on them! Otherwise, can you guyse down?�� Ren Baqian gave a kind smile.


    ��Outrageous!�� a voice volleyed over like a mountain that was trying to suppress Ren Baqian.


    The smile on his face remained unmoved.


    Another voice then sounded to defend him.


    ��Ning Yujiang, this isn��t in line with our rules of hospitality!��


    ��What kind of guest is he? A kid full of nonsense!��


    ��Whether it��s nonsense or not, it��s not something that you alone can decide.��


    ��Humph!��


    ��Whether or not I��m spouting nonsense�� There��s always a way to prove it. Do you have the courage to face it? Or is there something that some of you are afraid of?�� Ren Baqian spoke in a timely manner.


    ��Absurd!��


    ��Ning Yujiang!�� The olddy stopped Ning Yujiang before continuing slowly, ��These 42 statues each represent an ancestor who founded the Heavenly Alliance. The reason why we are standing here is because we have each inherited the will of an ancestor.


    However, as you said, you are a very important guest. If it turns out that what you said is true, then you are naturally worthy of courtesy. If what you said is proven false, you will definitely not be able to bear our rage!


    Now, I��ll give you a choice. Are you still asking us to treat you ording to your status? I can tell you that if you still have time toe clean now!��


    Ren Baqian sneered. Child��s y.


    If he made an ignorant blunder now, wouldn��t it mean that his words weren��t credible?


    He immediately opened his mouth, but at that moment, he felt a slight sting at the back of his head. It was as if he had been bitten by something.


    As Ren Baqian opened his mouth again, his face suddenly changed. He realized that he couldn��t make any sound at all!


    The old woman in the distance felt contemptuous.


    However, almost instantly, he managed to speak again.


    ��I demand treatment ording to my status!��


    The old woman��s face changed. How was this possible?


    Did the soul worm fail?


    A soul worm could travel through different realities, enter Ren Baqian��s sea of knowledge, and control his consciousness. This was one of the most precious miracle worms in the world. There were none them in thend of exile. There were only three that had been left behind back then, and this one the only one that remained after so many years.


    Since this was a significant matter, the old woman actually took it out, yet it actually failed?


    At this time, on a in his sea of knowledge, a thumb-sized worm that looked like a silkworm crossed a gray line in the sky.


    It looked at the ocean, mountains, fields, forests, and rivers below�� The worm was confused.


    <em>Where is this?</em>


    <em>Is this the sea of knowledge of a human? How can it be so vast?</em>


    <em>Where is the pearl of knowledge?</em>


    <em>I��m lost!</em>

 Chapter 928 - Continue Duping

    Chapter 928: Continue Duping


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    The olddy thought that she could control Ren Baqian and felt a little dispirited because she didn��t expect to fail.


    Since she was too confident in the soul worm, she wasn��t prepared to handle the situation after it failed.


    Ren Baqian didn��t know that he had escaped a disaster and calmed down after realizing that there was nothing wrong with him.


    ��I demand treatment ording to my status!�� Ren Baqian looked ahead and said faintly. He wasn��t looking at anyone, but simply and calmly looked forward while examining the decor of this ce.


    He didn��t want to look up. Although he didn��t have such high self-esteem which was why he currently had to act like this.


    ��Give him a spot!�� The olddy collected herself, but she didn��t look very pleased. However, she had to control herself so that no one else could see anything abnormal about her.


    She looked around the temple. It was toote to arrange a seat for Ren Baqian, so they could only use the statues in this ce.


    ��The deputy temple chief of the Queyin Temple has already died. You can speak from there!��


    He turned his head, looked around, and saw Wen Xiaosheng pointing to the side and saying, ��It��s this one!��


    It was at the outermost end of the hall.


    If the statuses of the 46 statues got higher the more central they were, then Wen Xiaosheng and Ren Baqian��s spots, located at the two sides of the door, would be the two statues with the lowest statuses.


    However, all of the statues�� heights were the same.


    Ren Baqian climbed up the statue along its arms and legs, exerting quite a bit of force from his feet. The statue was very sturdy, and there wasn��t even a fragment of stone that fell.


    ��You are the chief of the Queyin Temple?�� he asked Wen Xiaosheng.


    Wen Xiaosheng closed his eyes and replied faintly, ��Yes!��


    Ren Baqian groaned lightly. Since he was the chief of the Queyin Temple and operated in the Yun Nation, the Queyin Temple should be responsible for part of the Yun Nation.


    As for the deputy temple chief, Ren Baqian wondered if he had died at the hands of Wu Kai, the deputy protector general, or if he had been killed by the two lieutenant colonels.


    That was about it. Since Ren Baqian currently hadn��t secured his own safety yet, it wasn��t time to talk about past issues.


    Looking at the people in front, he started with a wave of ridicule.


    ��I��m shocked by your degeneration and ipetence!��


    Everyone was enraged by Ren Baqian��s words.


    As high-level members of the Heavenly Alliance, when had they been ridiculed like this before?


    Strong presences hovered above the hall and mmed down upon him like waves, trying to crush him to fragments.


    Ren Baqian ignored these presences and continued, ��Re-introducing myself, I��m from another group of the human race! I discovered you by ident.��


    The presences in the air immediately turned sluggish.


    ��You are from another group of the human race? What evidence do you have?��


    ��Where is this other group? How did you get here?��


    ��Howrge is your poption?��


    Everyone was able to cast aside the disrespect that Ren Baqian had shown earlier or even treated it as if they hadn��t heard it. These things were what they desperately wanted to know.


    ��Naturally, there is evidence. In fact, those new weapons that emerged during the wars that Dayao fought against Great Xia and Tianjing Basin should already allow you to make some guesses. Dayao also has long-rangemunication technology that allows people to speak to each other from several kilometers away without requiring messenger birds. Not to mention, there are also new production processes for steam cars, forging machinery, and so on.


    However, you don��t seem quite up to date with the news. Or it might be like what I said: Weakness and ignorance has limited your imagination!�� Ren Baqian continued to ridicule mercilessly. ��Of course, it��s actually very easy for me to show you evidence. Unfortunately, when I stepped into your trap, all of the items on me were thrown away. Otherwise, I could prove it to you now.��


    ��In any case, you still can��t prove it!�� someone said in a deep voice.


    ��Wrong, wrong, wrong! You don��t understand what quantum transmission is. You don��t even know what ��quantum�� means. However, this technology isn��t perfect yet. It takes some time for a round trip transmission, which is why I��m talking to you first!��


    ��I don��t know what you are talking about. First, prove that what you say is true, that there is another group of humans in this world and that youe from there!�� the old woman in the middle said with a cold look.


    ��It seems�� that you wish to verify that everything I say is false?�� Ren Baqian smiled. ��By right, as a member of the human race, you ought to feel happy and inspired by all this news. However, I think your reaction seems a little strange?��


    ��After all, what you are saying is too unimaginable, so we must be cautious,�� the old woman replied.


    ��Caution doesn��t mean rejection!�� Ren Baqian said. ��I��m speaking the truth��can��t anybody here tell? I had always thought that for someone to be able to live to your age, they wouldn��t be an animal�� They would be able to tell the authenticity of a person��s words even if he wasn��t a human.


    Besides, you��ll definitely have the chance to verify.


    Would you lose anything before verifying whether my words are true?��


    Ren Baqian��s words made everyone frown. One by one, their blood began to surge. There didn��t seem to be many problems with what he said, but his words were truly too blunt!


    It made the crowd feel like pping him to death.


    Ren Baqian sneered in his heart. Sometimes, people tended to be quite low. The more polite he was, the more they felt like he had a request to make and the more they felt like he wasn��t credible.


    However, the more one despised and trampled on them, the more they thought that his words were credible.


    Especially for the identity that he was now acting out, he had to make things difficult for them.


    ��Back when the human race was losing ground, you retreated to thisnd of exile. The foreign races were also focused on you. However, apart from you, another group of people went into hiding. They didn��t have many experts, so they didn��t receive much attention as a result.��


    Everyone nodded slightly. ording to some circting information, the war was pretty brutal back then with both sides getting severely injured. The human race started to pull back, but wave after wave of the foreign races continued to pressure.


    Under such circumstances, it was normal for some survivors to have left without being noticed. Although the foreign races were strange, their numbers weren��t huge.


    It was possible that the foreign races drove the human race to exile before heading back to exterminate the remnants.


    ��The ancestors of yesteryear also knew that thest thing that awaited them was extermination. They happened to be near the sea, so they built some wooden boats to escape directly from there.


    They first arrived at some inds, stayed there for some time, reinforced the hastily made boats, and then headed east. They passed through hardships along the way, fought against the wrath of heaven, and eventually, with a little luck, they reached the Chaotic Star Sea.


    Tens of thousands of people departed originally, but only less than half of them managed to make it.��


    ��Where is the Chaotic Star Sea?�� someone began to ask after hearing Ren Baqian��s words.


    ��The Chaotic Star Sea is a ce where the human race and some foreign races mingled. In fact, some other people arrived there earlier and birthed their descendants,�� he exined. ��In the Chaotic Star Sea, the human race received aid from a senior called Han Paopao. Many of the ancestors spent numerous years recuperating here.


    However, as its name suggests, the Chaotic Star Sea was too chaotic and had too many powers. Killing was amon sight.


    During this period, someone obtained a map of the continent of Valoran by chance. In the end, some people decided to set off again in search of a legendary new home.


    This was the beginning of the rise of the other group of the human race!�� Ren Baqian finally said.


    ��Rise?�� everyone mumbled this word.


    If what he said was true, the number of people in the other group of humans was even fewer than those who were banished to thend of exile.


    Now that thousands of years had passed, had the people in thend of exile risen?


    No! Although their poption had increased thousands of times over, the collective strength of the human race was probably even weaker than the thousands of people from back then!


    They really couldn��t imagine what Ren Baqian meant by the word ��rise.��


    They also couldn��t fathom the present state of the other group of the human race.


    Wen Xiaosheng was the only one who was full of anticipation.


    After all, he shouldn��t be the only one who got the feeling of getting stabbed several times in the heart while also beginning to doubt the meaning of life. Good things were meant to be shared!


    In addition, he wanted to see their expressionster on.

 Chapter 929 - I’m Starting to Believe My Own Words!

    Chapter 929: I��m Starting to Believe My Own Words!


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Rise? Yes, rise!�� Ren Baqian repeated.


    ��Do you know what the biggest difference is between you and us?�� he asked. ��You are willing to hide in a corner and even restrain yourselves due to the fear of causing a cmity if you step out. You even regard this as your responsibility and objective.


    Ridiculous!


    Allow me to just ask: Are you willing? Is this what you thought when you joined the Temple of Heaven? Is this your wish?


    For thousands of years, from generation to generation, this has been the case. When you take yourst breath, is this what you are willing to do?


    No. Although I don��t know you, I can say that there is no one who doesn��t want to look at the vast world outside! No one likes to imprison themselves!��


    ��Enough! You don��t know anything about our situation! This is thend of exile, and there��s no hope of restoration here!�� someone yelled.


    Ren Baqian chuckled to himself. This man��s words had already excluded Ren Baqian from those that were from thend of exile.


    In other words, regardless of whether they had said it wrongly, Ren Baqian��s attitude and all the drilling had already started to pay off.


    ��This is thend of exile, but not there!�� he said faintly. ��Since you are waiting to grow old and die here, why not fight hard and find another way out of this ce? It��s already been thousands of years, and who knows, you might gain something.��


    ��Do you think that we haven��t tried? Although I don��t know how you got through the stratum of turbulence, do you know how many lives we have lost over the years?��


    ��Oh? So you gave up?�� Ren Baqian��s mind twitched. As its name suggested, the stratum of turbulence should refer to the turbulent ocean.


    However, since it could stop so many experts, there should be other reasons besides turbulence.


    ��You think that our existence fell from the sky? It��s undeniable that luck indeed yed a part in how we managed to arrive in the Chaotic Star Sea. However, how much have we gone through since then? It was all through the concerted efforts of everyone.


    When has the human race ever been strong? Whether it was in the Lancang region or the Chaotic Star Sea or even when we were facing the Zerg and the Protoss, we were always in a weak position. The human race is a weak race!�� Ren Baqian announced loudly.


    ��All the other races are born at the Man Wheel or even at the Earth Wheel level. These entire races could evenmunicate directly with their minds or could maximize the use of allocated resources in exchange for strengthening their race!


    Even the mostmon beasts can learn to run in just one or two months after birth and learn to hunt in just half a year!


    Only the human race has a low starting point, slow growth, and weak talent. It could be said that we have nothing except for all kinds of evil conduct like greed, jealousy,ziness, and civil war.��


    After hearing what Ren Baqian said, some of them were contemtive and some were angry. They had to admit that what he said was right.


    Even if they wanted to refute, they couldn��t do so! More importantly, everyone wanted to hear what he was going to say.


    The smile on his face faded, and he shouted loudly, ��However, so what? Now that the Zerg and the Protoss have fallen, the continent of Valoran is under the rule of the human race. We have explored the seas, conquered the skies, soared beyond the horizon, and defeated strong enemies. We are exploring the mysteries of this world��s origin!


    This is what weak humans can achieve!��


    After Ren Baqian shouted, he paid attention to the breathing and expressions of the crowd and found that his enthusiasm wasn��t as infectious as he expected.


    It seemed that the foundation wasn��t strong enough.


    He did some self-reflection in his mind. He had no choice as he hadn��t done anything like this in his entire life, and he needed to manipte their emotions to make it work.


    He didn��t have the experience!


    However, it wasn��t toote!


    Ren Baqian took two deep breaths and calmed himself down before continuing, ��I hate the idea that you attribute everything to thisnd of exile and the stratum of turbulence! This is a type of cowardice, a type of ipetence.


    You must know that this world will stay put and that we can��t make this world change for us. We must be the ones to change everything!��


    He then said in a deep voice, ��My ancestors arrived at the continent of Valoran from the Chaotic Star Sea back then, and it wasn��t a piece of fertilend. There were indigenous people, foreign races, and many disputes as well.


    The human race only had several thousand people at that time.


    Furthermore, there weren��t any experts!��


    Ren Baqian emphasized, ��Like I said, they were just a group of survivors who were temporarily forgotten and were considered irrelevant. They didn��t have any experts! The strongest of them were only at the Earth Wheel level! Even weaker than you!��


    Everyone wondered when they heard this. No experts? How did they survive? Apart from that, just the beasts in the sea could easily destroy tens of thousands of people.


    ��The truth is that we survived!�� He smiled. ��Not only did we survive, but we became more and more powerful. Of course, we also started off like you and hid in a corner at the beginning. The first thing we had to do was survive and nothing else.


    At the same time, we constantly found ways to understand everything on that continent, adapted to the rules of it, and most importantly, fought wars while developing technology!


    Wars made us united and unafraid of bleeding. They made us stronger, allowed us to progress, made us miserable, and also refined our spirits!


    Fighting and struggling are the most beautiful gestures of the human race!


    If war is a gesture, then technology is the foundation of everything.


    The development of science and technology enriched our supplies.


    Technology made us strong despite not being great physical strength.


    Cold weapons, firearms, explosives, artillery, tanks, fighter jets, bombers, battleships, aircraft carriers, nuclear weapons���� Ren Baqian sped up, throwing out terms that were unheard of.


    He didn��t need to exin to everyone what these terms meant at this moment. He simply needed to make them feel impressed.


    ��We are on apletely different path from you. We have no experts, no one with superhuman strength, and no glory from the past. We rely on ourselves and our technology to defeat powerful enemies.��


    Ren Baqian took a deep breath and began to tell everyone about the most important war of the human race thatsted for over a century, the War of Summoner��s Rift.


    Hemended the heroes who had made outstanding contributions: Ying Zheng, Bai Qi, Liu Bang, Xiang Yu, Wang Xi, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhang Xutuo, Xu Ziling, Kou Zhong, Yu Wenhua, and Shan Xiongxin��


    Apart from that, he also listed out the heroes of the foreign races of the continent of Valoran.


    Ren Baqian also listed some of the key military campaigns, such as the Battle of Ho Pass and the Battle of Guandu.


    ��All the names of these people are remembered by every descendant. They didn��t possess the kind of strength that you have, and although they might not be powerful, they all made outstanding contributions in that century-long war! They were the first group of achievers in the League of Legends! And also tomemorate the heroes of the war, the League of Legends was formed.�� Ren Baqian didn��t forget that he was a member of the League of Legends.


    While he was at it, he increased the reputation of the League of Legends by several notches!


    ��It was during this war thatsted over a century that our technology began to develop rapidly. New technology and new equipment began to appear, and the entire human race underwent tremendous changes!


    Telephones, television,puters, CNC machine tools, energy technology, materials technology, biotechnology, information technology�� There was also farming technology, agricultural technology, and production technology as well. New technologies were constantly recing the old. Although the human race was at war, their strength was umting bit by bit!


    After that war, it took us hundreds of years to truly unify the continent of Valoran. After a period of settlement and development, we began to explore the world. At that time, we thought we were already strong enough, until we met the Zerg and the Protoss����


    Ren Baqian took a deep breath and began to tell everyone about the second war that was most crucial in the development of the human race: The War of the Three Races.


    It had another name and was also called the War of Hegemony!


    By this time, everyone was already less doubtful. Ren Baqian��s story was too detailed. He could provide the details of every person and every war.


    Also, the entire story was logical, and there was almost nothing missing.


    In fact, at this time, a little omission was normal. After all, nobody could remember so many things in detail.


    The main point was that no loopholes could be found in the history of his story!

 Chapter 930 - Quantum Transmission Technology

    Chapter 930: Quantum Transmission Technology


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    On the continent of Valoran, the Zerg and Protoss were the true enemies out of all the foreign races. They had different forms and abilities and even hadpletely different biological and social structures.


    It was an uphill battle that stretched over a long time.


    At its worst, millions of soldiers had their blood stain the creep of the Zerg during a battle.


    This number shocked everyone.


    Through Ren Baqian��s description, everyone was able to imagine the horrible war.


    Countless human warriors rushed wave after wave into the Zerg bases that were guarded by Lurkers.


    Countless fighter jets took off to fight the Mutalisks and the Queen, followed by res and bloodshed in the sky.


    By this time, the crowd understood some of the equipment, for instance, firearms. They were like crossbows, but with greater power and longer range while being simpler and faster to handle.


    For instance, a tank was like an iron-d vehicle. The most important thing was the cannon on it.


    For instance, an airne was a tool that could fly, transport people, and also attack at the same time.


    If it wasn��t for Ren Baqian��s descriptions, they wouldn��t have been able to imagine such things appearing in this world.


    He had also described to them the huge empire of the human race.


    With the improvement of medical standards, the birth rate of newborns in that group of the human race was higher and their lifespan was longer.


    With the development of technology and the abundance of supplies, the size of families grewrger than those found in Great Xia.


    Also, since the ordinary people were mainly responsible for operating these weapons, they could join the battle after undergoing training.


    As such, even if it was a bloody war that stretched over time, the human race was still supported by rapid poption replenishment and training.


    Eventually, with their resilience and the abundance of resources from the unified continent of Valoran, they defeated the Zerg and the Protoss, imed victory in this War of Hegemony between the three races, and became the monarch.


    When Ren Baqian talked about the human race using nuclear warheads to blow up the final base of the Protoss and thest remaining Protoss troops, everyone felt their blood surge. They wanted to shout out loud and apud the bloodshed and achievements of the human race!


    All of them were elderly and looked senile, but they were once young and enthusiastic. Although these people were the strongest members of the Temple of Heaven and were used to seeing all sorts of situations, after hearing about the deeds of the other group of the human race, the unyielding nature within them was reinvigorated.


    ��Excellent! A toast to you!�� someone yelled and praised as he pped the statue beneath him.


    It was a burly man with an unkempt beard. His eyes were turbid, but he was full of excitement and admiration.


    Although his beard and his hair were gray and he had many wrinkles on his face, he was tall, had arge build, and was just slightly smaller than an aboriginal. He had a perfectly straight back and a melodious voice like Hong Zhong[1.Hong Zhong��s: an old singer from Hong Kong].


    It could be seen that this person was once mighty and formidable.


    Of course, after hearing this, Ren Baqian felt that he was doing quite a good job.


    Keenly aware of the change in atmosphere inside the hall, he knew that the time hade when he saw looks of admiration in their eyes.


    He cast aside the continuation of his story and said, ��War, blood and mes, life and death, evolution and elimination. These are the main themes of the human race and of every race.


    Everyone is afraid of death. This is an instinct of life.


    However, we do not resist death!


    As such, we do not resist war! We understand, ept, and enjoy war. We bleed, sacrifice, suffer, win, and cheer!


    In this world, only by struggling can we get an opportunity to live. Getting stuck in the old ways and seeking survival by hiding in a corner will eventually lead to destruction.


    Look at you��don��t you look like livestock in a pen?


    What��s even more ridiculous is that you are the shepherds that keep yourselves in captivity.��


    Ren Baqian mercilessly pulled everyone back to reality.


    ��Those foreign races merely feel that you are no threat and have temporarily ignored you. If they were to remember one day, this ce would be their yground. All of you, as well as your descendants, would be their toys! Taken away from you! You won��t have the courage or the ability to resist! You may even be their aplice!��


    ��I����


    Ren Baqian directly interrupted that person and rebuked angrily, ��You want to deny it? But isn��t this what you are doing now? Currently, you are using the survival of the human race as a reason to suppress dissidents. In the future, wouldn��t you allow the human race to willingly be puppets of the foreign races for the same reason? You are their aplices!��


    He continued, ��However, you are lucky to have met me! You don��t need to lead such self-restrictive and self-degrading lives anymore, unlike the ones that came before you.


    This will at least give you a small glimpse of hope in your life.


    It will give you a chance to look at the outside world.


    It will allow you to muster up the little bit of courage that you have left.


    It will let you have the courage to say aloud that you are human!��


    ��Enough!�� the olddy interrupted Ren Baqian with a slight tremble in her voice.


    He was surprised to sense another feeling from them. It was fear!


    Yes, it was fear.


    What was she afraid of?


    Afraid of Ren Baqian��s words?


    Or afraid of something else?


    He thought about it for a while.


    Just now, the old woman looked a little strange when everyone else was excited. Although Ren Baqian was seated too far away to see what was contained within her expression, he could see that she looked different from the others.


    ��How can you prove that everything you said is true and not nonsense? Prove it first and then we��ll talk about the rest!�� she eximed.


    With this remark, the hall fell silent again.


    Everyone��s eyes were on Ren Baqian.


    Most of them believed him because fabricated words were bound to have various loopholes, but there were none in what he said.


    Ren Baqian��s descriptions were too detailed and realistic. They were so authentic that everyone could almost see and feel them. Everyone could feel the entire human race unite with their hearts intertwined while striving for the same goal, forging forward with their lives on the line, and fighting bloody battles.


    The only thing on everyone��s mind was: For humankind!


    His story was so infectious that they couldn��t imagine that he was lying.


    Alternatively, it could be said that they were unwilling to believe that his tale was false.


    As Ren Baqian said, this was their chance.


    However, at this time, everyone was silent as they waited to see him produce evidence.


    Some of them had a flicker in their eyes and had made up their minds to keep him even if he couldn��t provide proof at the moment.


    ��Evidence�� Do you really think that you have captured me?�� Ren Baqian suddenly smiled. ��I initially wanted to find the culprit behind the scenes. Now, I just want to talk to you and let you understand that you are unknowingly on the wrong path.


    I must say that I��m actually very kind-hearted. I��m actually still trying to save you even after seeing how degraded you are as people of the human race.


    Now, since you want to see evidence, do you remember the quantum transmission technology that I mentioned before?


    This is one of the techniques that we learned from the Protoss.


    First, you need to understand what quantum means��


    Everything in this world isposed of tiny particles, ranging from mountains to small drops of water. They are all made up of countless minute particles.


    Each of us is alsoposed of these tiny particles.��


    Everyone nodded slightly. In fact, they had already understood what Ren Baqian said, but they couldn��t express it as clearly as he did.


    ��These tiny particles are actuallyposed of smaller particles known as atoms, electrons, photons, etc. ��Quantum�� is the collective name for these subatomic particles.


    Quantum transmission is the transmission of quantum from one point to another.


    Remember what I said just now, that we are also made up of small particles?��


    ��What do you mean��?�� Everyone pondered over what Ren Baqian said. Although they didn��t understand the specifics, they understood what he meant!


    Everyone was startled.


    ��This technology currently has a bit of a w. It takes a few hours to recover after one transmission before it can be performed again! Also, don��te near me. I don��t want to transmit a part of your body elsewhere. I don��t think you would want to try having half of your body suddenly appear at the other end of the world.�� Ren Baqian chuckled.


    As he spoke, the air around him started to ripple, and the crowd watched him disappear.


    ��He��s not in the hall,�� someone said, looking astonished.


    Wen Xiaosheng bowed and rushed out of the hall.


    10 minutester, he returned with a shocked expression on his face and reported, ��He isn��t within a five kilometer radius of here.��


    He had always thought that Ren Baqian��s life was in his hands. It wasn��t just him��everyone in the hall thought this way.


    However, at present, everyone discovered that Ren Baqian actually did what he said he would and simply wanted to talk to them.


    The entire hall was silent, and their faces could no longer remain calm.


    Over the past 100 years, the moods of these people hadn��t fluctuated as much as they had today.


    Ren Baqian truly came from the outside world.


    What he said was actually true.


    Would he stille back?


    ��He said that it would take a few hours to recover before he could transmit again. Let��s wait here for a while. We should also discuss what we should do in the future!�� said the gentle voice of an old man. The speaker was Zong Shang, one of the deputy temple chiefs.


    ��What else is there to discuss?�� the burly man from before sneered.


    ��Temple chief, what do you think?�� Zong Shang looked at the olddy with a smile and wasn��t bothered by this man.

 Chapter 931 - Contact

    Chapter 931: Contact


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian returned to the Earth, walked to the window, and looked at the city below.


    It had been a good while since hest took a deep breath.


    When he was talking to the members of the Temple of Heaven, he wasn��t very nervous.


    However, upon returning, the state of utilizing all of his mind subsided, and he began to feel lethargic.


    Facing dozens of top experts who could easily take his life with just their fingers while he used words to stir their minds��Ren Baqian really didn��t want to experience this again.


    Although he had countless stories from the Earth in his mind, he had tobine these stories together without exposing any gaps in logic. He had to remember almost everything that he said to them in order to not give the game away in the future. This was no easy task.


    Fortunately, it seemed pretty sessful.


    What Ren Baqian was most afraid of was someone getting close to him at thest moment. Although he was dozens of meters away from those honored ones, this distance wasn��t a problem for them.


    Not to mention that Wen Xiaosheng was right beside him.


    If that happened and they realized that he was from another world, a ce without any fighting power, he would really be dead.


    Fortunately, this didn��t happen.


    At this point, everything that followed would only be logical.


    This incident was a daunting experience without any mishaps. Furthermore, it was quite rewarding.


    With this group of people, it would be easier to gather all the experts of the human race.


    The only problem was�� they had killed Deputy Protector General Wu Kai, two lieutenant colonels, and those in the patrol teams.


    The empress wouldn��t let this matter pass so easily.


    Although the overall situation was important, to her, revenge was more important.


    She had always been an unyielding and clear person.


    After standing at the window for some time, Ren Baqian took a shower and prepared some things.


    At the same time, he learned about the situation on Earth.


    Rtions between China and the USA had been rather strainedtely. In fact, there had always been some friction between the two countries. Ever since China overtook the USA as thergest economic power a few years ago, not only had this friction not decreased, it had also red up in various domains.


    It wasn��t until the emergence of martial arts that attitudes changed among the western countries, the media, and the public.


    Many of the USA��s allies hesitated for some time before letting go of their restraint and approaching China on their own. Aside from this, the number of ordinary people applying for immigration had also gradually increased.


    However, there had been some changes recently. The USA��s exoskeletal system had reached the point where it could be deployed on the battlefield. Troops were beginning to use them on a small scale.


    Simply put, these straightforward alloy exoskeletons were faster, stronger, and more urate. Combined with artificial intelligence assistance systems and the shallow martial arts that they obtained from China, the military strength of the USA had greatly improved. This was the source of their confidence.


    Even some of their allies had begun to change their stances.


    Compared to martial arts that were unpredictable, it was easier for these allies to understand and have confidence in things like technology, which they could see, touch, and control.


    The news that Ren Baqian received afterward had also proven this point. It was said that some of the Man Wheel level troops in the military had been transferred to that chaotic continent. It seemed that both parties would be having a showdown.


    He got his people to monitor the situation over there. At the same time, he prepared his own affairs and even got people to bring him a blonde westerner.


    Two and a half dayster, he immediately returned to the other world.


    Ren Baqian was in his pajamas, sat in a chair, and held a te of fragrant beef noodles��


    He used one foot to touch the box beside him and stepped on a person with the other. As soon as the light in front of him turned ck, he was transferred from the towering vi on Earth to the underground hall.


    The sudden change in brightness made him temporarily blind.


    However, he wasn��t surprised at all. He remained calm in this position until he was gradually able to see the surroundings, thenughed and greeted, ��Everyone, we meet again.


    In fact, the crowd was more surprised than he was.


    With the passage of time, people always felt restless. After all, Ren Baqian disappeared in everybody��s presence, and the entire situation had reversed from them being in control to him being in control.


    Although he said that he would return, no one knew when he would.


    It wasn��t until the air changed and his silhouette appeared that everyone finally managed to calm down.


    After settling down, everyone had mixed feelings when they saw the state that Ren Baqian appeared in.


    This was because he was in a very rxed state. It was as if he had just woken up and was having breakfast at home�� Meanwhile, these people were just waiting here anxiously for him to return.


    Naturally, he did this intentionally. At times, such gestures could make others sense one��s attitude and make them understand where they stood.


    ��Since the quantum transmission technology isn��t mature enough, it takes some time to recover. Still, I managed to make it back earlier than I had expected, which exins why I��m in this state.�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Although he said that the technology wasn��t mature enough, it was enough to shock, stun, and astonish everyone.


    Ren Baqian was someone who vanished into thin air and reappeared. Furthermore, he brought other things back�� Looking at the box beside him and the human-like object under his foot, everyone was dumbstruck and felt extreme fervor.


    Later, Ren Baqian felt a little frightened. He had forgotten that the space on the shoulder of the statue was limited.


    Although it was pretty spacious for one person, it was a blessing that the box and the other person didn��t fall off the statue.


    He felt that his luck had been pretty good during this period of time.


    ��I��m only halfway through my meal��I hope you don��t mind?�� Ren Baqian gestured at the crowd with his te before lowering his head to finish eating the te of beef noodles and cing the empty te on top of the statue.


    ��This is a Valoran native. We didn��t kill them all. Instead, we took in the survivors as part of our own after our victory, and we are now living together. I have brought him as an eye-opener.�� Ren Baqian picked up the person who was asleep under his feet and threw him to Wen Xiaosheng.


    Wen Xiaosheng took a look at the man and found that he looked simr to humans, but his facial features and hair color were very weird�� It was eptable for him to describe this man as a monster.


    He clicked his tongue as this was the first time he had ever seen someone like this.


    As for strength, this man was even weaker than an ordinary human and was nothing to pay attention to.


    Wen Xiaosheng then threw him to the others. A human body that weighed around 100 kilograms simply flew more than dozens of meters through the air. Everyone seemed to be able to do this skillfully and effortlessly.


    After seeing such a strange person, no one had any doubts about Ren Baqian��s words anymore.


    ��I told you before that two people couldmunicate directly with each other from thousands of kilometers away���� Ren Baqian opened the box, took out a radio station, and adjusted the frequency after turning it on.


    Other than the electric current, no other sounds could be heard. He then started to doubt whether he had adjusted the frequency correctly or whether they were out of range.


    How could the chat group of Dayao��s officials be so quiet?


    Especially when Ren Baqian was still missing, shouldn��t they be in a frenzy?


    ��Hi, is anyone there?�� He tried speaking into the receiver. At the same time, he kept an eye on the others to see if they would stop him.


    Fortunately, everyone watched intently as he spoke to that odd thing.


    Ren Baqian turned the volume all the way up and heard a surprised voice say, ��Zhao, Zhao Prince Consort?��


    Although the sound wasn��t very loud, all of them were seniors with sensitive ears and exceptional eyesight. As they were also in an enclosed space, everyone immediately heard the sounding out of that weird box, which made their eyes open even wider.


    ��It��s me!�� Heughed.


    ��Hurry, hurry and inform Her Majesty! Zhao Prince Consort, there��s news about Zhao Prince Consort!�� The flustered voice at the other end of the radio could be heard.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, where are you? Didn��t you get�� captured?��


    ��Oh, I just came here to chat with people and to talk about life and ideals!�� Ren Baqian coughed.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, you are okay in the end.�� This was the voice of Zhuo Yue, who was from the Protectorate of the Southeast.


    ��Cough! You almost scared me to death,�� said the voice of Li Qianqiu.


    ��Kid, where are you?�� asked the voice of Hong Wu.


    ��You don��t know that Her Majesty almost went crazy! After creating so much trouble, you won��t be able to escape a beating when youe back!�� eximed the voice of the old pper, Tong Zhenye��


    The whole chat group suddenly became lively. It was as if they had received red packets!

 Chapter 932 - The Empress

    Chapter 932: The Empress


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    By the time Ren Baqian got in touch with the people of Dayao, it had been two days since he was captured.


    The empress received the news the day after he was captured.


    When Tong Zhenye said that Ren Baqian wouldn��t be able to escape without a beating�� Tong Zhenye really wasn��t trying to scare him. If Ren Baqian dared to tell her that he merely went to chat with people and talk about life and ideals��


    Tong Zhenye could still vividly remember her reaction when she first received the news.


    The empress, who was originally calm, was suddenly stunned. It was as if she froze in time.


    This was the first time since she ascended the throne that he saw such a reaction from her.


    She then asked a little distractedly, ��What?��


    ��Your Majesty, Zhao Prince Consort�� has been captured.��


    ��When? Who did it?��


    ��Yesterday morning. We still don��t know who is behind it����


    As the empress collected her thoughts, her face immediately turned gloomy. It was as if there was an impending storm. Her might radiated through the entire hall with so much pressure that the others could hardly breathe.


    ��Where?�� Her questions were out of sequence, but the person reporting still knew what she wanted to ask.


    ��The Yun Nation, Heyun District, Misty Rain House.��


    ��What about Xin Zhe? What about Lin Qiaole? What about Li Yuanzhu?�� The empress emphasized every word that she uttered. ��Are they dead?��


    ��They are fine. Once it happened, Commander Xin Zhe immediately rushed to Ping City to ry the news back.��


    ��Why didn��t they die?�� Her voice was full of anger.


    How could so many people fail to protect one person?


    These people were alright, yet Ren Baqian got abducted?


    As soon as the empress finished her words, she immediately vanished from the hall.


    She left directly without even dismissing the court.


    After she left, everyone red up as the hall became a boiling pot.


    Regardless of whether it was toward Dayao or the empress, Ren Baqian��s abduction was the most serious issue.


    The changes in Dayao today had already begun to show.


    Especially after everyone experienced the nuclear explosion, the people in the imperial court now paid more and more attention to him. Whether it was the steam train or the diesel internalbustion engine that was currently being developed, everyone ced great focus on his work.


    However, at this moment, Ren Baqian, the person who orchestrated all of this, had been captured?


    Many of them wanted to head to the Yun Nation immediately and ughter the people there.


    However, before they had finished arguing, they felt an auraing from behind the pce that stopped in front of the hall.


    ��Your Majesty���� Everyone turned to look, only to see the empress riding on Qishui with a longbow in her hand and a quiver of bone arrows on Qishui��s back.


    These were all of her weapons.


    She took a deep breath to suppress her anger and said to Shi Qing, ��Notify Zi Doni! Get him to inform everyone in the Yun Nation and give them two options: either find Zhao Prince Consort or die!��


    ��Everyone!�� the empress repeated.


    This time, it wasn��t just the Yun Nation��s warriors, but the entire poption of 100 million. This showed how angry she was.


    If something were to happen to Ren Baqian, she dared to bury all of them.


    It wouldn��t matter even if the oue was a bloody world and endless hatred.


    Everyone in the imperial court was dumbfounded. Even they were surprised by the empress��s decision.


    She wasn��t talking about thousands or millions, but tens and even hundreds of millions of lives.


    This was five times the poption of the aboriginals.


    Killing all of them�� Everyone felt a little psychologically stressed.


    Calcting Dayao��s present military strength after including mobilization of the troops in the Protectorates of the North and South, they would only have an army of 80,000 men. Each of them would have to kill��


    ��With an 80,000 man army, how many will each of them have to kill?�� someone asked softly.


    ��100?��


    ��Bullshit! It��s clearly 10 tens.��


    ��What��s the difference between 100 and 10 tens?��


    The people from the Ministry of Revenue couldn��t help butment, ��It��s more than that. One man would have to kill at least 1,000 of them!��


    ��Oh! I see!��


    Indeed, everyone in the hall began to wonder how many people each soldier had to kill.


    After the empress was done talking, she ignored the reactions of the crowd, rode out of the pce on Qishui, and headed for the Yun Nation.


    A group of officials ran after them and tried to persuade her�� to at least take a few people with her to protect her.


    However, several kilometerster, they were left far behind Qishui. Everyone gathered with most of them returning to Lan City while some continued running toward the Yun Nation.


    The empress and Qishui traveled for exactly 20 hours, almost an entire day. They had been dashing for almost 1,000 kilometers, and Qishui��s body started to bubble.


    A lot of water was stored in its body and on its skin. After long hours of running, every cell in its body was respiring and trying their best to absorb the ambient external energy, resulting in this��


    The water and air fused on its skin and reacted. Due to the wind generated by the high speed, bubbles had formed on its skin��


    Throughout the journey, bubbles had been flying all over the ce, trailing behind Qishui like a bubble g��


    The empress went straight to Ping City.


    When she arrived, the first thing she asked was, ��Is there any news about Zhao Prince Consort?��


    The second thing she said was, ��Give it water. Large amounts.��


    The third thing was, ��Where are they?��


    The empress��s heart was filled with anger, but she wasn��t given the chance to vent it.


    Xin Zhe and the rest were still out there searching for clues.


    ��Have you passed down my orders?�� she asked Zi Doni with a cold voice.


    ��I have already notified all the sects in the Yun Nation and put up notices all over the city.�� He remained expressionless.


    This was mainly because he had injured a facial nerve in the past. As such, he couldn��t express his emotions on his face.


    As for the empress��s order, Zi Doni didn��t discount it at all.


    At present, although he hadn��t put up notices throughout the entire Yun Nation, he had already covered most of the city.


    Overnight, it could be said that the whole Yun Nation was shaken.


    She wanted to ughter the entire Yun Nation��s poption of nearly 100 million people just for one person. It could be said that the nation, which had just settled down, became chaotic once again. This news immediately angered the entire nation.


    Cries about her arrogance and brutality resounded all over the ce. In a short period of time, the entire nation was so furious that they were just short of starting a rebellion.


    They were able to escape back then, but after receiving this piece of news, if the empress truly resorted to killing everyone, they would have nowhere to run.


    Prior to this, many of the Yun Nation citizens didn��t know who Zhao Prince Consort was. Everyone only started to realize after learning that he was her husband.


    After this, there was no one who hadn��t heard of the name ��Zhao Prince.��


    Of course, it was nothing positive.


    However, the empress didn��t care about this and neither did Zi Doni.


    The only person who cared about this still didn��t know what had happened.


    The empress rested for a few hours in Ping City. Although she wanted to go directly to the ce where Ren Baqian was abducted, Qishui couldn��t take it anymore and had to rest a few hours to recover its vitality.


    Just when the empress was about to set off again, she received news about him.


    After hearing that he was fine, exhaustion began to overwhelm her.


    It was mental exhaustion, not physical.


    Her mind had been tense since the morning before.


    The empress quickly went to the radio station room and heard the voices of Ren Baqian and the others on the radio.


    After hearing his voice, she truly felt that she could finally rx her nerves.


    She took a few steps forward, took over the receiver, and asked with a deep voice, ��Where are you?��


    ��I should be somewhere in Great Xia!�� Ren Baqian��s voice suddenly softened when he heard the empress��s cold voice.


    ��Are you in danger? What is your exact location? I��m going to find you!�� She really didn��t want to wait for him to return on his own. She was eager to rush over and bring him back immediately.


    Then, she would hang him from the ceiling beams of her quarters and give him a beating.


    After that, she would give him an injunction order that forbid him from being able to travel more than 50 kilometers away from Lan City.


    As for the people who captured Ren Baqian, they weren��t the most important thing at the moment.


    The most important thing was his circumstances and whether or not he was in danger�� The empress would only be able to feel at ease by going to find him in person.

 Chapter 933 - A Murderer Must Pay With His Life, and a Debtor Must Pay His Debts

    <strong>Chapter 933: A Murderer Must Pay With His Life, and a Debtor Must Pay His Debts</strong>


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    Although it had only been a day, the suffering was real for the empress.


    Fortunately, she finally felt relieved after receiving news from Ren Baqian.


    However, he didn��t tell her about his current location.


    After all, there were more than a dozen people next to him who were looking at him with all sorts of expressions.


    Ren Baqian was only able to use the radio station tomunicate back because the honored ones wanted to see the tool that was able to allow him to talk to someone thousands of kilometers away. It didn��t mean that he could tell the empress his current location without hesitation.


    Everyone in the hall took a deep breath when they heard the voices of Hong Wu, Tong Zhenye, and the others.


    They pped their thighs in amazement as well.


    It was as expected!


    It really was true!


    To be able tomunicate from thousands of kilometers away, the value of this treasure was really too great!


    If these were owned by ordinary people, they would definitely be a hidden treasure and wouldn��t be used until the most critical moment.


    However, judging from the reaction of the people of Dayao, this was just amon tool that not much attention was paid to.


    Ren Baqian briefly said a few words, switched off the radio station, and looked up at them.


    ��Everyone, let��s talk about proper business now. I believe you will make the right choice for your future!��


    They had to choose between taking this opportunity to fight or continue staying like livestock kept in captivity.


    Since things had already progressed to this stage, Ren Baqian wasn��t worried about their choice.


    In fact, everyone had already made their decision. This was their only opportunity. If they had a choice, who would be willing to be held captive for their entire life? Moreover, these were the top experts who stood above the human race.


    Everyone kept quiet and waited for someone to speak.


    ��I see that you brought someone. I want to take a look at your nation!�� An old woman��s voice sounded.


    Everyone was surprised, but they immediately lowered their eyes after.


    Although this request was abrupt, after thinking about it carefully, it seemed pretty reasonable. Who wouldn��t want to see such a world with their own eyes?


    ��I refuse!�� Ren Baqian looked at her with a forced smile.


    ��Why?�� The olddy looked gloomy.


    ��You aren��t qualified!�� he replied faintly, without sparing any thought for her opinion. ��I��m only offering you an opportunity, and you are in no position to make any requests. Even if you make the right decision, you are only doing it for your own sake! What does it have to do with me?��


    Everyone was speechless as they pondered over what Ren Baqian said. Although it didn��t sound pleasant, he was right about it. All of this was for their own sake.


    The olddy got angry. It had been a long time since anyone spoke to her like this.


    After all, even if he rejected her request, what could she do about it? He had already proven that his words were true.


    She could probably threaten his life and the empress��s life. However, the Temple of Heaven wouldn��t agree to this, and the first one to object would be Deputy Temple Chief Zong Shang.


    This wasn��t the time to fall out with one another.


    After taking a few breaths, the olddy calmed her expression and asked, ��Will you be able to take us out of thisnd of exile?��


    This was also what everyone else was dying to know.


    Since Ren Baqian coulde here, it also meant that he could just leave. Everyone suspected that he had a passage from which he could enter and leave thend of exile.


    Some of them grew worried and looked intently at his expression. As long as they could leave thisnd of exile, they would be free to roam around the vast world. Since millions of humans could attain today��s achievements, nobody would have any worries about leaving this ce.


    However, some of them began to sneer. Such an idea was weak in itself.


    ��No! I came by ident. I can leave through quantum transmission and can even take a few people with me, but do you want to abandon your entire human race and run away? I have no intention of fulfilling your wish.


    I have only one option for you, which is to fight! For yourselves and for the entire human race. Fight with the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the strange races until you leave this ce. This is where your value lies. This is where humans can disy their value.��


    Everyone fell silent for a while before someone asked, ��What do you want? What do you want us to do?��


    This response had affirmed Ren Baqian��s status.


    After all, he came from a superior branch of the human race. He could change all of this and leave at any time.


    Ren Baqian grinned.


    ��Like I said, fight. Fight wars, defeat the heavens, the earth, and the enemies until you trample over their corpses or you get trampled on.


    Of course, just like what I��m currently doing, I will give you technology.


    The development of science and technology requires time and resources.


    The experts of the human race have the potential topete against the experts of the enemies.


    However, before that, I have a request���� Ren Baqian nced across everyone��s faces in the shadows.


    ��Cut away your decayed flesh. The objective of the Temple of Heaven is good, but for thousands of years, you have been a tumor of the human race. I hope to see your valuable side contribute to the human race.��


    In fact, what he really wanted was to dissolve the Temple of Heaven.


    In thisnd, there was no need for an uncontrolled underground organization with so many experts.


    However, Ren Baqian also understood that such a proposal would be almost impossible to achieve. Instead, it would make everyone hostile toward him and wouldn��t be beneficial at all.


    As such, he simply buried this idea and then thought of ways to use their differences to instigate a dissolution. The world would change faster and faster and these obsolete people wouldn��t be able to keep up and would be left behind.


    After hearing what he said, although everyone had different thoughts, most of them weren��t convinced. However, no one spoke up because their interests weren��t affected.


    ��Which one of you is Xu Wuming?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��I am! Are you asking about me because of what happened in the Yun Nation? I can tell you that I was the one who did it. What do you want with me?�� Xu Wuming was a simple, refined, and thin old man who had his sparse hair parted in the middle of his head. When he opened his eyes, his gaze pierced through like a sword, making one��s skin hurt. It was as if he had bred a sword in his eyes.


    Ren Baqian had already had a feeling about this man. From the beginning, he was unlike the rest and didn��t show any kind of surprised reaction. He simply sat there quietly, and it was impossible for anyone to overlook this.


    ��Apart from you, there must be others involved,�� Ren Baqian said faintly.


    Xu Wuming stayed silent. Although it wasn��t difficult for him to kill Wu Kai, he himself shouldn��t have been the one who killed the ordinary warriors. The traces of weapons left at the scene also exined everything.


    ��I arranged it!�� Wen Xiaosheng said calmly.


    Actually, Ren Baqian knew this without him saying it.


    ��Luohua Sect. Was that also your doing?�� Ren Baqian asked again.


    ��It was arranged by the Corpse Dog Hall,�� Wen Xiaosheng replied.


    Ren Baqian could feel everyone��s eyes on him.


    He groaned. This wasn��t an easy feat.


    After all, Xu Wuming wasn��t an ordinary person. Even disregarding his strength, he was still a member of the Temple of Heaven and definitely hadn��t orchestrated this series of events by himself. If Ren Baqian were to hound him, how could the others simply sit and watch? Moreover, when in distress, they would definitely sympathize with a like-minded person who was one of their own.


    Besides, Wen Xiaosheng and others were also involved.


    As for the incident at Luohua Sect, Ren Baqian wasn��t too bothered by it. If this was the only thing that happened, he would simply smile and cast it away.


    However, what happened to Wu Kai couldn��t be cast away.


    Even if Wu Kai and Xu Wuming were old enemies, ording to the novels, shouldn��t they just smile and forget about it or ce more importance on current matters?


    If Ren Baqian were to say this to the empress�� she would probably smash a brick on his face! Let alone the empress, nobody in the imperial court would agree either.


    A tooth for a tooth was the usual custom for the aboriginals.


    Since Ren Baqian had been with the aboriginals ever since he arrived in this world, he naturally had to stand by their beliefs.


    Even after muttering to himself, he still couldn��te to a conclusion. In fact, he had already been pondering over this question on Earth.


    In any case, this problem still remained unresolved.


    Ren Baqian gently closed his eyes and made a final decision.


    ��A murderer must pay with his life, and a debtor must pay his debts!��


    As soon as he made this remark, the hall suddenly erupted like a volcano. Tyrannical auras filled the air.


    Everyone from the nearby fishing vige stopped in their tracks and looked in the direction of the Sea God Shrine.

 Chapter 934 - Five Coffins

    Chapter 934: Five Coffins


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��A murderer must pay with his life, and a debtor must pay his debts!��


    This voice resounded throughout the temple and caused everyone to fly into outrage.


    The senile looking elders opened their eyes that glowed with a cold light.


    Tyrannical auras swept across the entire hall and cracks started appearing on the statue of the god at the Sea God Shrine above.


    This was no longer an issue that only concerned Xu Wuming. Instead, it involved the entire Temple of Heaven.


    As Xu Wuming was one of the honored ones of the Temple of Heaven, everything he did represented the organization. They could still consider other requests, but all of the members of the temple would definitely not agree to this.


    Many of them felt extremely angry. Even if Ren Baqian came from another nation of the human race, how dare he make such a request?


    Ren Baqian shut his eyes gently and allowed these auras to twine around him.


    In fact, everyone behaved appropriately and didn��t strike him with their auras.


    Otherwise, with dozens of top Spirit Wheel experts, their auras alone would be enough to hurt Ren Baqian.


    He sighed. After going around in circles, everything came back to the beginning. Everything that he had said previously had been in vain.


    Didn��t he know beforehand that they definitely wouldn��t agree to this request?


    However, he still had to disy this attitude because he was Zhao Prince Consort of Dayao.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t possibly tell the empress and the officials of the imperial court to let go of their hatred and look at the bigger picture, could he?


    He couldn��t do this!


    Whether emotionally or otherwise, Dayao was his home in this world.


    As for reason, Ren Baqian still felt that his request was reasonable. Unfortunately, the other party probably wouldn��t want to reason with him.


    Forget it. Returning to the original state it shall be.


    Fortunately, he managed to gain two things. He knew who the masterminds were and had managed to stay alive.


    These were the most important.


    As for the Temple of Heaven, it wasn��t essential to Ren Baqian.


    Although their strength was indeed tyrannical and although they truly needed such tyrannical experts, they definitely would be able to go further after they had gotten out of Tianjing Basin.


    However, as Ren Baqian had mentioned before, with little control over a force that possessed such great strength, they wouldn��t hold much value to him.


    The disadvantages could even outweigh the advantages.


    The stronger they were, the more troublesome they would be in the future.


    At the thought of this, Ren Baqian��s n to control these people faded.


    If possible, it would be a good choice to blow these people up with a nuclear bomb. With these people no longer around, there would be less trouble,


    Unfortunately, eight of the sub-temple chiefs and deputy chiefs weren��t here. Blowing these people up now would cause the remaining forces to fight back wildly.


    Moreover, the cooldown period of his teleportation wasn��t over yet.


    Ren Baqian opened his eyes and said softly to the people, ��Consider it yourselves. Of course, you can also continue to hide here and wait for the glorious day of the human race to arrive.��


    This was another opportunity that he gave them before he fell silent again.


    With the skills of these people and the forces behind them, it would be difficult for the empress to find them.


    After Ren Baqian finished his sentence, he took the sleeping Caucasian, jumped off the shoulder of the statue, and walked out of the hall without looking back.


    He believed that these people wouldn��t do anything.


    His vision then went ck.


    ��Temple chief, we can��t touch this person.�� Zong Shang sat on the statue with a faint smile. ��Even for the human race.��


    ��For the time being, we can��t let him leave.�� The olddy leaped to the statue where Ren Baqian sat earlier, reached out, and opened the box, which was slightlyrger than the size of a man. Apart from the radio station, there was also a metal box. She had no idea what it contained.


    ��What do you n to do with him, Temple Chief?�� Zong Shang asked again.


    ��Although this person came from the outside world and is very important to us, he is too arrogant and doesn��t show the Temple of Heaven any respect. Let��s first keep him for a few days while we decide how to deal with him.��


    ��If we are only going to keep him for a few days, he will definitely have a way to leave after he wakes up,�� Zong Shang replied.


    Although the olddy remained silent, she felt extremely carefree.


    Ren Baqian was initially quite troublesome, but now, he had brought about his own destruction. Anyone who dared to agree with his conditions would be a traitor to the Temple of Heaven.


    In recent years, Zong Shang had been forcing her toward abdication. Now, this incident was a good thing for her because she would be able to gather the support of the originally neutral Xu Wuming and others.


    With a stomp of her foot, the radio station and the metal box flew out.


    The olddy opened the metal box and found a heavy cylinder that was about half the height of a man. It seemed as if the exterior was entirely made of metal, but she didn��t know what it was used for.


    She took the cylinder and the radio station, went back to the top of her statue, and repeated herself, ��It��s impossible for us to agree to his request. A murderer must pay with his life? What a joke. Although this man came from the outside world, he isn��t without weakness. Qi Zixiao is his weakness.


    Lock him up for a few days first and don��t allow him to wake up. Inform all the sub-temple chiefs toe back for a meeting.��


    ��Temple Chief, I��m very interested in this person. How about leaving him with me? Under my watch, you would probably feel at ease, right?�� Zong Shang suddenly said.


    The olddy��s eyes flickered. She originally wanted to keep Ren Baqian by her side to see why the soul worm didn��t work on him. She could sense that the soul worm was still alive.


    However, since Zong Shang had spoken, she found it hard to reject him. If he made any mistakes, it would provide her with a reason not to abdicate.


    ��This person is very important. Please do not make any mistakes.�� She nodded.


    ��Of course!�� Zong Shang smiled.


    ��That��s all for today.��


    Everyone got up without a word and vanished from the hall.


    They also had to think about where to go in the future.


    Many people were also sighing in their hearts. Ren Baqian��s words originally made them feel quite excited, but unfortunately, he made a request that was uneptable. The situation in the future would be a little more unpredictable now and would indeed require some time to judge.


    Xu Wuming took a close look at him before leaving silently.


    It wasn��t until Zong Shang took Ren Baqian and the Caucasian away that the olddy groaned softly and sat down with her eyes closed.


    An hourter, the stone statue underneath her suddenly moved and shifted a few meters to the side, exposing a dark tunnel.


    After she walked into the tunnel, the statue returned to its original position.


    After walking hundreds of steps down the tunnel, the olddy came to a small room. There were two longsting oilmps on the wall and a chair and a table in the room. Apart from that, the most eye-catching objects were five crystal coffins at the side.


    An eldery in each of the coffins, and they were fully submerged in blue liquid, including even their noses and mouths.


    Taking a closer look at those people, they looked quite simr to the chief of the Temple of Heaven.


    The olddy stood in front of the coffin closest to the door, took a bell from the wall, and rang it. The crisp sound of the bell seemed to have some mysterious prating power, and it sounded as if it came from far away.


    The elder in thest coffin suddenly opened her eyes, golden light shot through her eyes, and it radiated through the blue liquid, turning it green.


    If Ren Baqian saw this, he would definitely say that it was green and shiny!

 Chapter 935 - What’s Theirs is Ours

    Chapter 935: What��s Theirs is Ours


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    All the elders in the five coffins were olddies. Their hair waspletely white while their skin was covered in wrinkles and spots.


    The woman in the furthest coffin opened her eyes, stiffly reached out her hands, and pushed open the crystal coffin lid. She sat up and took a deep breath of the air in this world.


    All of the blue liquid trickled down her body and eventually converged into the coffin to form a calm water surface. There wasn��t a single drop of liquid on her body, and her skin was only slightly moist.


    She took in deep breaths as her eyes roamed around the room before focusing her attention on the chief of the Temple of Heaven. The muscles on her face twitched a few times and then she stretched out her hands to rub her cheeks and throat.


    She subsequently started to speak with an extremely hoarse voice that sounded like two pieces of wood rubbing together, ��Qing Dian, how long has it been?��


    ��83 years and 107 days,�� the chief of the Temple of Heaven replied.


    ��83 years���� the old woman in the coffin repeated it gently.


    After that, she turned her stiff neck and nced at the other coffins, asking, ��Haven��t you found a suitable receptacle?��


    ��Not yet. It��s too hard to find a receptacle that can handle the sixth switch,�� the chief of the Temple of Heaven replied.


    ��It��s bing more and more rare. Back when Qing Ting was in charge, she was still able to asionally find one or two. However, when it was my turn, I didn��t encounter a single one during several centuries,�� the olddy in the coffin said. ��This is thest time I��m waking up. If there��s still no receptacle when I wake up the next time, I��ll turn into ash and perish. There would no longer be any chance to switch to another receptacle.��


    She then looked up at the chief of the Temple of Heaven and said, ��You are the only offspring that I have made and also thest descendant of this ce. This is only the second time you are switching receptacles, so you still have 1,000 more years to go. Go back if you have the chance to. After so many years, the Temple of Heaven is already on track. Even without you, it would still continue to serve its purpose as per normal. As for us, Qing Ju and Qing Zi have already lost their chance to switch to other receptacles. Qing Ting still has 100 more years. As for myself, no matter how I try to dy it, I��ll only have 300 years left after this awakening. If there��s still no hope, destroy everything here.��


    From the tone of the olddy in the coffin, it could be seen that she wasn��t too enthusiastic about finding a receptacle and switching to it. Dying her death was now just an instinct that she had already seen through.


    Even if she would fall into eternal darkness after this awakening, she wouldn��t be too concerned about it.


    Even if this awakening would cause her life to be shortened by 200 years, she wouldn��t be bothered either.


    After saying this, the olddy in the coffin asked, ��What happened that made you wake me up this time?��


    The chief of the Temple of Heaven exined, ��If nothing changed, it would be like what you said, and the Temple of Heaven would continue to operate as per normal even without me. However, things have changed now!��


    Speaking of this, she started to frown.


    The olddy in the coffin looked at her and said, ��It looks serious. Otherwise, you wouldn��t have woken me up.��


    ��Apart from this, there��s another group of the human race,�� the chief of the Temple of Heaven said before exining in detail the series of events surrounding Ren Baqian.


    After listening to her, the olddy��s expression didn��t change much, but the gold in her eyes grew darker.


    After a while, the golden light in her eyes slowly faded.


    ��This might not be a bad thing. Let him do what he wants to do. You just have to keep doing what you are doing now. Don��t be impatient. The original importance of the Temple of Heaven has already started to decline, but at present, it still seems quite useful.��


    Then, she said profoundly, ��What��s theirs is ours.��


    She continued, ��As long as you bring all of them to the Golden Honor God, not only will all of them be flowing water, you may also be able to learn something from it. After all, we have almost reached the end of our road and haven��t been able to find a better path for many years. This is an opportunity.��


    ��I��m worried about the other group of the human race. ording to that man, they are very powerful! Judging from the Zerg and the Protoss that he mentioned, although they weren��t as powerful as the Golden Armor God and the other honored gods, they weren��t easy to deal with. Additionally, their numbers are even more terrifying,�� said the chief of the Temple of Heaven.


    ��That��s why we have to bring all these things back and turn them into ours. Once you understand them, you can find weaknesses. Besides, most importantly, if you have noticed, they are very weak on their own and don��t pose any resistance to our people. As long as we can find them a ce where they fit, everything they have will be ours,�� the olddy in the coffin said faintly.


    ��I understand now,�� the chief of the Temple of Heaven replied.


    ��This may be thest time that we meet in this world. I will return to the Spirit Temple and wait for you.�� After the olddy finished her words, she took a few more breaths and slowlyy back into the coffin.


    The chief of the Temple of Heaven quietly closed the cover of the crystal coffin before turning and walking away.


    ��


    A dayter, the empress sat in a courtyard dressed in red. Her expression was as calm as still water. With red muslin covering her body, the bulge in her belly wasn��t very visible.


    Although she looked calm, others felt as if a storm was brewing on a calm sea.


    ��Strip Xin Zhe of her position as Commander of the Bodyguards and send her to work in the mines for three years!�� she ordered coldly.


    ��Strip Lin Qiaole of her position as Librarian of Qing Xin Hall and send her to work in the mines for one year!��


    Xin Zhe��s duty was to protect. She was fortunate to have only been sentenced to three years after such a major incident because Ren Baqian was still fine at the moment.


    If he hadn��t contacted them through the radio station, the empress would already have thought of taking Xin Zhe��s head.


    Xin Zhe bowed quietly, ced her helmet on the ground, and began to remove the armor on her body.


    Zi Doni looked down while standing by the side.


    After Xin Zhe removed her armor, she was only left with a pair of safety shorts and a sports singlet, both of which were given to her by Ren Baqian back then.


    ��Give her a set of clothes and immediately send her to the mines,�� the empress said with a deep voice before turning to look at Lin Qiaole, who had her head lowered in silence.


    However�� her nose was bubbling from a snore��


    Even though she knew that this was normal for Lin Qiaole, the empress got angry.


    ��Add on another sentence for Lin Qiaole��three years in the mines!��


    ��Hu�� Hu����


    ��Take her away!��


    ��Huh? Huh? It��s over? What did Her Majesty say?�� Lin Qiaole looked up and asked softly as two men dragged her out by her arms.


    ��


    ��I wasn��t thoughtful enough!�� Li Yuanzhu said faintly when she saw Qi Zixiao��s eyes.


    Although she wasn��t from Dayao and Qi Zixiao wasn��t in a position to deal with her, she felt somewhat guilty and took the initiative to speak.


    ��Return to Great Xia! I don��t want to see either of you again!��


    ��My apologies!�� Li Yuanzhu cupped her hands. She also knew that the empress was angry at the moment. It would be better to wait for Ren Baqian toe back first.


    She took Lin Yue and the both of them left the courtyard.


    Lin Yue was deep in thought.


    After they were out of the city, she asked with a little confusion, ��Will I only be able to look for Lin Qiaole in the mines in the future? Which mine is it?��


    Li Yuanzhu turned to look at her and felt helpless.


    She didn��t know how to deal with this girl.


    During the incident, Lin Yue took a long time before saying that Ren Baqian was upstairs. When everyone went back up, the ce was already empty, and he was no longer there. Everyone felt like hammering her.


    If she had said it on the spot, how would any of this have happened?


    ��Let��s go back to Great Xia!��


    ��Okay!��


    Half a dayter, Lin Yue suddenly remembered something and eximed, ��I have already finished all the melon seeds! Let��s go back to Lan City to buy some!��

 Chapter 936 - Zong Shang

    Chapter 936: Zong Shang


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    As Li Yuanzhu and the others left, the empress sat in a chair and stroked the bulge at her belly.


    Zi Doni stood quietly and didn��t say a word.


    ��Have all the troops been withdrawn?�� the empress asked faintly as she looked at the ground.


    ��They have all been withdrawn, but after the news was spread, the Yun Nation people didn��t seem too happy.�� He downyed the situation.


    In fact, they weren��t just unhappy, they were like a volcanic eruption.


    Their nation had just been broken and the people had just been persuaded to start a new life under a steel saber. All of a sudden, the millions of people of the Yun Nation were to be killed just for one man?


    Although the order was canceled after only one day, who knew if it was really canceled? Would ite back again after some time?


    What did the aboriginals take them as? Pigs, dogs, and livestock?


    Under these circumstances, the reactions of the people of the Yun Nation was easy to imagine.


    However, in Zi Doni��s words, he merely mentioned that the people weren��t very happy about it.


    After thinking for some time, the empress said, ��Appease them.��


    She knew what the Yun Nation meant.


    She then added, ��If there are people who create a lot of trouble, kill one of them as an example to the others! When I get back, I��ll get the Rearguard Commandery to assist you.��


    ��Yes!��


    At this point, the value of the Rearguard Commandery in the Yun Nation wasn��t low anymore. Especially for some situations between the civilians of the Yun Nation and the society, the Rearguard Commandery could achieve many things that the military couldn��t.


    At this point, one could already see the significance behind Ren Baqian establishing the Rearguard Commandery.


    ��You are dismissed! Let me be by myself!�� The empress waved her hand.


    After Zi Doni left, she touched her belly, thought about Ren Baqian, and wondered where he was right now.


    With his weak physique�� anybody could crush him to death.


    The empress definitely couldn��t allow him to travel too far in the future.


    She was craving some calcium milk��


    Was there any hope for Ren Baqian��s hair? Forget it, this didn��t matter.


    After thinking about it, a smile appeared on the empress��s face.


    However, shortly after, she frowned again. Where exactly was he? Which part of Great Xia?!


    ��


    Currently, Ren Baqian was on a in his sea of knowledge.


    He didn��t expect the other party to attack him all of a sudden.


    He didn��t expect that thing to appear in his sea of knowledge after fainting for who knows how long. Unfortunately, he wasn��t able to wake his body up.


    The Temple of Heaven must have done something to Ren Baqian.


    What were they nning to do?


    Regardless of what they intended to do, he was just going to ignore it.


    Ren Baqian had given them a chance, but since they wanted to scheme against him, it would be best to send them all to hell.


    In the box that he brought back when he returned from Earth, there was a 400 kiloton equivalent nuclear warhead in addition to the radio, and its detonation could be dyed.


    The original discussion wasn��t that bad, so he had thought that the overall situation was already set. This nuclear warhead was just a precaution, and he didn��t expect it to actually have a use.


    Unfortunately, Ren Baqian had already wasted so much time talking with the Temple of Heaven.


    He still felt a little regretful.


    In the end, he still had to go down this path.


    There were a lot of experts in the Temple of Heaven. If Ren Baqian were to choose carefully, there would still be people that he had a use for.


    Sadly, there was no time and no opportunity for that.


    Compared to them, he was still too weak. Just like what had happened, he had zero resistance against them.


    He might as well send them to hell.


    After a while, Ren Baqian started to study the cities below him.


    This new city was the core of Dayao and would be the center of the entire human race, so it needed to be as perfect as possible.


    In the endless starry darkness, a silkworm-like worm was flying into the distance. At an unknown distance away from it, there was a colorful area that seemedrger than those few balls it had seen in the past. The worm thought that Ren Baqian��s pearl of knowledge was very likely to be hidden here.


    However, Ren Baqian��s sea of knowledge was too vast. The colorful area obviously didn��t look too far away, but it hadn��t gotten close even after flying for so long.


    Naturally, Ren Baqian was unaware that there was a bug flying around in his sea of knowledge. Furthermore, he didn��t know what this so-called pearl of knowledge was.


    Initially, he put everything into the singrity that finally evolved into such a huge universe.


    Ren Baqian had no idea how long he had stayed in his sea of knowledge. He felt suction from some point in his sea of knowledge and knew that he could finally wake up.


    As the sky warped, he finally felt the presence of his body.


    He had to say that his awareness in his sea of knowledge was convenient. He could simply yell out something and he would have it.


    However, without his physical body, this always made him feel empty.


    When Ren Baqian opened his eyes, he wasying on a couch in a room that was pretty delicate and filled with antiquity. Brown solid wood was dominant in the room, and a faint aroma circled in front of his nose, making him feel like swallowing it into his belly.


    Apart from himself, there was an old man in the room sitting in a chair while slowly sipping on a cup of tea.


    He had a gentle appearance and a faint smile in his eyes. He was wearing a blue robe and was sitting upright.


    ��Mister Ren, Icked manners earlier.��


    Ren Baqian sat up, touched his body, and felt that nothing was wrong.


    ��Who are you?�� he looked up and asked after touching his body. It was too dark in the hall back then. The faces of the people were almost indistinguishable, and Ren Baqian could hardly recognize the person in front of him.


    ��My name is Zong Shang. I��m one of the deputy chiefs of the Temple of Heaven.��


    Ren Baqian nodded. It turned out that this man was Zong Shang.


    ��Chief Zong! How long has it been?�� Ren Baqian asked.


    ��Four days.��


    It was enough time.


    Ren Baqian turned his attention to the furnishings in the room and looked a little regretful.


    ��Mister Ren, don��t you have anything to ask?�� Zong Shang smiled.


    ��What do I need to ask?�� Ren Baqian asked faintly. ��You have been given the opportunity to choose.��


    ��Mister Ren, we can��t hand over Xu Wuming. He represents the Temple of Heaven.�� Zong Shang��s gaze dimmed.


    ��I have also given you the chance to disband from this point forward,�� Ren Baqian said crudely, ��but it seems that you think I��m joking with you now!��


    ��Keeping you was the decision of the chief,�� Zong Shang replied. ��To me, dissolving the Temple of Heaven isn��t necessarily a good thing. We have too many responsibilities to shoulder, and it has been too long.��


    Ren Baqian sneered, turned his head, and continued to look at the decorations.


    ��In fact, there have always been two voices in the Temple of Heaven. One voice represents the current deeds of the organization while the other is an expression of dislike for some of them.��


    ��You mean that the temple chief is the former, whereas the rest of you are thetter?�� Ren Baqian asked faintly with his back facing Zong Shang.


    ��That��s right! However, we are too few in numbers, and our collective strength isn��t enough to change the situation in the Temple of Heaven.�� Zong Shang nodded with a smile and continued, ��As such, I havee to see you in hopes of working with you.��


    ��In what position are you asking for cooperation?�� Ren Baqian finally felt a little interested, but his words sounded pretty dull and crude.


    ��For so many years, the Temple of Heaven has been operating underground and watching the changes in the world. We have a strong grasp of quite a number of things. I think that we can be useful to Mister Ren in some aspects.��


    Ren Baqian��s heart twitched. Zong Shang had actually set his own position quite low this time.


    ��Tell me about this!��


    The smile on Zong Shang��s face slowly faded as he said earnestly, ��Kill the chief of the Temple of Heaven��she��s not human!��

 Chapter 937 - Past Events

    Chapter 937: Past Events


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Kill the chief of the Temple of Heaven��she��s not human!��


    After hearing these words echo in the room, Ren Baqian��s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He turned to look at Zong Shang, only to see that he had a serious face and stern eyes. The originally mild and benevolent looking face now seemed acutely determined.


    ��How do you know this?�� Ren Baqian asked in a deep voice.


    Back then, Ren Baqian had already wondered if there were foreign races in the Temple of Heaven, but he only had this as a thought in his mind. He didn��t expect that this was really the case and that someone in the temple actually knew.


    The seriousness in Zong Shang��s face eased slightly. He walked over to Ren Baqian and moved some things on the shelf. The entire shelf slid silently to the side, revealing a tunnel.


    ��Please follow me.��


    After saying this, he went into the tunnel, took a flint from the wall, and lit a torch. The tunnel lit up instantly.


    The two walked all the way to the end and finally arrived at a secret room.


    ��Your security really isn��t that tight!�� Ren Baqian said lightly.


    This matter involved the chief of the Temple of Heaven and the foreign races. How could the evidence be stored in such a simple room? If other people came in by mistake, Zong Shang would be dead.


    ��It looks simple, but in fact, it requires a specific finger force to hit it repeatedly dozens of times. Other than me, no one can enter unless this mansion gets razed to the ground. However, our division would probably be extinct by then, so it wouldn��t be a big deal if someone found out,�� he exined as he led the way.


    Ren Baqian then came to understand.


    ��Your division?�� he asked again.


    ��There were 42 members in total when the Temple of Heaven was established. 31 divisions were passed down. Over time, these 31 divisions were reduced to 19.��


    ��There are eight sub-temple chiefs, eight deputy sub-temple chiefs, two deputy temple chiefs, and one temple chief.�� After Ren Baqian calcted, the numbers matched.


    ��There are disputes where there are people!�� Zong Shang sighed.


    Ren Baqian immediately knew how this number came about.


    ��Yet, about half of them died with no known cause!�� Zong Shang said while lighting a few oilmps on the wall in the secret room. This suddenly revealed everything in the room.


    There was nothing in the room, not even a simple stool.


    Instead, there were paintings on the wall.


    Looking closely, they were paintings of women.


    Somewhat surprisingly, the portraits on the wall were of a young woman, an old woman, another young woman, another old woman, and so on.


    ��This is the first chief of Youjing Temple, and this is when she was old.�� Zong Shang pointed at two of the paintings.


    ��This is the second chief of Youjing Temple and when she was old.��


    Ren Baqian stood in front of the wall and looked at the paintings one by one before he was suddenly startled.


    ��This is the chief of Feidu Temple, and she should be considered the third temple chief.��


    ��This is the fourth chief of Youjing Temple.��


    ��This is the fifth deputy temple chief����


    Zong Shang introduced each painting.


    One wouldn��t be able to tell anything from the paintings of the chiefs when they were young. Each of them had different looks, temperaments, and beauty.


    However, looking at the portraits of their older selves, all of their faces looked somewhat simr.


    Regardless of what the women looked like when they were young, whether they were smashing or extremely ugly, they all looked quite simr when they were old.


    Or even looked the same!


    For instance, the first chief and the fourth deputy chief of Youjing Temple, the seventh chief of the Temple of Heaven, and the fourteenth chief of Queyin Temple.


    For Instance, the second chief of Youjing Temple, the eleventh chief of Tunzei Temple, and the fourteenth deputy chief of the Temple of Heaven��


    All of them seemed to be carved out of the same mold.


    However, when they were young, some of these people hadrge, round eyes, some had red phoenix eyes, some had oval-shaped faces, some had egg-shaped faces, and some had round faces��


    However, when they were old, they looked almost identical.


    Apart from this, the appearances of all the past temple chiefs looked quite simr, especially their eyes, which looked like that of a beast as it watched its prey.


    ��Their lifespans were longer than that of ordinary warriors due to the martial arts that they practiced. As such, only a few would notice the change in their appearances.��


    ��Why did you draw all of the temple chiefs?�� Ren Baqian felt curious.


    ��Because all of them were women!��


    After hearing this answer, he actually felt pretty sympathetic for Zong Shang and his people.


    ��Since the two former chiefs of Youjing Temple were very popr back then, some people naturally left behind their portraits. However, they realized some problemster on��that these two women looked too simr when they were old,�� Zong Shang continued.


    Ren Baqian somehow felt that it should be more than just these two people.


    A simrity in appearance between just two people didn��t reveal much��


    Zong Shang definitely wasn��t being entirely truthful here.


    However, this had nothing to do with Ren Baqian, and he had no interest in the dark history of Zong Shang��s ancestors.


    Not a single bit.


    Well, was there anything wrong with a man being a little wretched and perverted?


    ��In the beginning, we thought that it was because of the martial arts that they practiced, but it wasn��t. They were always secretly looking for recements, but this wasn��t surprising because all of us were doing the same. However, their approach seemed a little different.


    In a short period of time, the strength of the sessors of these chiefs would greatly increase. Then, the former temple chief would die.


    These sessors would ascend to their positions in a very short period of time and would be very familiar with many things. As such, we came to be aware of this problem.


    In fact, 1,000 years after the human race arrived at this piece ofnd, they once had a moment of rejuvenation. At that time, many talented people were born. There were 11 people who attained the Heaven and Earth Region level, and there were thousands of Spirit Wheel experts.


    At that time, some people suggested that they wanted to return to their homnd. Even many in the Temple of Heaven felt the same.


    The reproductive rate and speed of recovery of the foreign races were far inferior to ours. Back then, there were vast plots of emptynd. As long as the human race could find a ce to stay and persist for more than ten years, there would be a possibility of reestablishing themselves and returning to their homnd.


    However, this idea waster interrupted, and those talented people who wanted to leave were killed.


    It was them. They caused all of this.


    Since then, our people have been paying attention to them and finally found out the truth. In fact, apart from us, others have also found out the truth, but theyter died due to various reasons. We were the only ones who have been able to continue to this day,�� Zong Shang exined sinctly.


    ��Why not tell the truth? Could the collective strength of the entire Temple of Heaven not be her match?�� Ren Baqian asked in return.


    Zong Shang replied, ��She isn��t alone. Someone once revealed this news in a meeting with half the members. As a result, five divisions supported her and survived. The chiefs of the 11 other divisions died. Four of them, who didn��t have sessors, werepletely severed.��


    Ren Baqian sneered after hearing what Zong Shang said.


    Zong Shang looked a little ashamed when he talked about this.


    ��Nobody knows what happened at that time, but one thing is certain. Her division is stronger than they look, and they might even be stronger than all of usbined. This is the reason why 11 chiefs died and why the other five chiefs had no choice but to support her. After that, my division didn��t dare to act lightly because we are probably the only ones who are aware of the real situation,�� he said while sighing.


    ��If we were also severed, the Temple of Heaven would truly be reduced to being theckey of the foreign races.


    I originally thought that my generation had no chance of overthrowing her, but I didn��t expect to meet a visitor from another group of the human race. I think that the opportunity that I have been waiting for is finally here. From the story that you told, you must have very strong weapons capable of fighting the temple chief,�� Zong Shang concluded.


    ��Xu Wuming has probably exceeded the Spirit Wheel level, right? Is he still not her match?�� Ren Baqian suddenly asked.


    ��There are still one or two who can attain the Heaven and Earth Region level in every generation. Back then, there were experts who weren��t any weaker than Xu Wuming,�� Zong Shang replied.


    Ren Baqian raised his eyebrows. Originally, he wanted to blow this ce up directly, but after hearing what Zong Shang said, it would be pretty difficult to handle.


    He indeed possessed powerful weapons, but powerful weapons had equallyrge areas of effect.


    If he were to detonate the nuclear bomb, apart from leaving the ce earlier himself, it was impossible for the others to leave earlier. Otherwise, the temple chief would definitely sense something fishy.


    As for whether Zong Shang��s words were true, Ren Baqian didn��t really have much doubt.


    This was because the olddy��s earlier reaction had already made him feel weird.


    Everything would make sense if she was a member of the foreign races.

 Chapter 938 - The Righteous Way

    Chapter 938: The Righteous Way


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian pondered as he looked at the portraits hanging on the wall.


    The best way to kill the temple chief was to detonate the nuclear bomb directly.


    He wondered where it had gone after he cked out.


    That hall was underground. If the nuclear bomb was taken elsewhere, she might not necessarily die.


    ��Where is my box and its contents?�� Ren Baqian turned his head and asked.


    ��With the temple chief. I was afraid that she might do something to you, so I brought you out. I didn��t really care about the box.��


    ��Where is it exactly?��


    ��It should still be within the Temple of Heaven, which is that big hall from earlier. She rarely leaves the ce,�� Zong Shang replied.


    Ren Baqian was relieved when he heard this. The temple chief was bound to be doomed.


    She took the nuclear bomb with her and was truly asking for it.


    The only problem was that there probably wouldn��t be any survivors left in the Temple of Heaven after the detonation.


    Ren Baqian lifted his head and said frankly, ��I can kill her, but I��m afraid that there won��t be any survivors within a several kilometer radius of this ce. That includes the Temple of Heaven and this vige!��


    He drew a circle with his finger.


    ��Boom! No more!�� Ren Baqian spread his hands, imitating an explosion. ��And you will all die together with her!��


    Zong Shang��s face underwent a huge change before saying, ��After she��s dead, I��ll expose her identity and be able to control the situation in the Temple of Heaven. Even if there are others who are on her side, they won��t be our match.��


    ��If that��s the case, you have to bring me the contents inside my box and send something to her at the same time. I can tell you that the box contains a piece of a weapon that I can use now. The oue will be like what I just said.�� Ren Baqian patted Zong Shang��s shoulder after ending his speech with, ��You have just saved your own lives!��


    If it wasn��t for Zong Shang making such a request to Ren Baqian and telling him about all of this history, Ren Baqian would already be prepared to make a dyed detonation.


    He would then return directly to Earth himself,e back to this ce a few dayster with a radiation suit, and run away.


    Speaking of which, he had started to miss the empress a little.


    She would definitely be very happy to see him!


    Although Zong Shang didn��t know what Ren Baqian meant by saying that they had saved their own lives, he knew that Ren Baqian naturally had it all nned. From the moment he saw Ren Baqian waking up without asking any questions, he knew that Ren Baqian had already made up his mind. As such, Zong Shang had no doubts regarding his words.


    Zong Shang even felt lucky since Ren Baqian��s means werepletely different from the warriors�� norm.


    ��I can try! Her control over the Temple of Heaven has ckened over the past few years and I have always tried to push her limits. If I were to ask her for those things, I believe she will not be surprised as well!�� Zong Shang said, ��Tomorrow is the day where all sub-temple chiefse back for a discussion.��


    ��In any case, whoever enters the ce will die together with her!�� Ren Baqian spread his arms


    Zong Shang pondered for a moment and said, ��I understand. Where is the thing?��


    ��What time is it now?�� Ren Baqian said that the sky was still bright when he woke up, but he didn��t know what time it was.


    ��Wei shi!�� (TLC. Maybe add a footnote here.)


    Ren Baqian calcted for a bit and presumed that it was around 1:45 PM.


    Still in time.


    Ren Baqian then calmly said, ��It��s time to talk about the others. I mentioned that you have saved your own lives! So, what can you do for me?��


    Zong Shang wasn��t surprised and didn��t mind it.


    Now that he had confirmed Ren Baqian��s identity, everything that he was about to do would be for the human race.


    ��We can hand the entirety of Great Xia to you!�� Zong Shang smiled at him.


    ��You guys have so much power?�� Ren Baqian��s heart twitched. The Temple of Heaven could actually decide the ownership of Great Xia?


    Zong Shang then added two more words, ��Su Qing!��


    ��He��s one of you!�� Ren Baqian felt a little surprised.


    ��Yes, but he doesn��t know it.�� Zong Shang smiled and exined, ��For thousands of years, the Temple of Heaven has always been hidden behind the scenes. Thus, there needed to be an identity to cover for it. From this, the Tunzei Temple has another identity: Zhanyang Sect. Although few people know of it, some big sects with long histories are aware of it.��


    ��Thieves destroy their enemies at night. That��s how the Tunzei Temple operates. Great Xia is blinded at the moment, and if this goes on, it will only be a waste of the blood of the human race. Even if this drags on for another century, we would still have to do this. It��s better to transition to a new dynasty and improve the situation now that it��s incorrigible.��


    ��When Great Xia was founded���� Ren Baqian seemed to be aware of something.


    ��The same status as Su Qing.�� Zong Shang nodded.


    He still had confidence in this condition. Plus, since he had to trust the person in front of him, he might as well hand over the entire human race to him. The possibility of sess would be even higher.


    Dayao and the Yun Nation were still too small.


    However, after Ren Baqian understood everything, he just casually said, ��Forget it. Keep Great Xia for yourselves.��


    Zong Shang was stunned. He didn��t expect Ren Baqian to reject such a good offer. Countless people had died trying to be the ruler of Great Xia over the past millennia. Now that he offered it to Ren Baqian, he actually didn��t want it?


    Zong Shang carefully observed Ren Baqian��s face to see whether he was lying.


    However, Ren Baqian really didn��t want it.


    Dayao and the Yun Nation had already exhausted him to the extent that he didn��t even have time to make love to the empress.


    With the addition of Great Xia, he would be extremely overwhelmed.


    Only those who had done it would understand the amount of work it took to govern and change a nation.


    Monarchy sounded pretty good, but unless the monarch was an incapable ruler, how would it even be delightful?


    Besides, he had other ideas for Great Xia.


    As long as Dayao developed well enough and became attractive enough, Great Xia would naturally be Dayao��s base for foreign talent.


    Looking at the examples of the USA in the past and China in the present, they were already sufficient to show Ren Baqian the way.


    Zong Shang couldn��t help but ask, ��What do you suggest?��


    ��I want the Temple of Heaven.�� Ren Baqian turned and looked directly at Zong Shang. If Ren Baqian did not take this opportunity to win over the Temple of Heaven, he would be going against the natural order of things.


    ��That is what it should be. With your status and for the sake of humanity, the Temple of Heaven takes Mr. Ren as their only leader. However, if Great Xia��s ruler changes, Su Qing will have no rtionship with Tunzei Temple. It has been like this for thousands of years.�� Zong Shang couldn��t help butugh.


    Ren Baqian didn��t expect him to be so happy. Seeing that he was so gentlemanly, there was nothing more Ren Baqian could say. As for Great Xia, Ren Baqian really didn��t want it.


    Since Zong Shang was willing to make the organization a weapon for him, it wouldn��t matter if the Temple of Heaven continued or disbanded. Besides, it might prove its usefulness in the future.


    As for whether Zong Shang would regret it in the future�� Ren Baqian wasn��t worried about this.


    ��That��s all. I��m hungry, so I��ll go back for a meal and a bath. I��ll also bring some things back,�� Ren Baqian said.


    ��Please go ahead! I��ll be waiting for you here!�� After finishing his words, Zong Shang took three steps back, opening a distance between himself and Ren Baqian.


    This approach made Ren Baqian feel veryfortable.


    As the air warped, he disappeared into thin air.


    Zong Shang walked threeps around the ce where Ren Baqian disappeared and still couldn��t figure out how he did it.


    Zong Shang then heaved a sigh of relief. For generations of people and over thousands of years, he had waited for the day when he could finally set the disorder right. He no longer had to worry about the Temple of Heaven being reduced to a weapon held by the foreign races.


    Moreover, the human race finally had hope.


    Zong Shang didn��t know if he would have the opportunity to see his homnd, the Chaotic Star Sea, the continent of Valoran, or the vast outside world.


    His mind wandered a little, but he very quickly collected himself again.


    The most urgent thing now was to think about what to say in the hallter on.


    In addition, there was Xu Wuming. He was talented and responsible. Although he was cold and truly dedicated to the way of the sword, he was a very just person.


    However, Zong Shang didn��t know if Ren Baqian would let him off��


    Even if Xu Wuming were to go into seclusion and sit and watch as changes took ce in the world��

 Chapter 939 - Send Them to Hell

    Chapter 939: Send Them to Hell


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    When Ren Baqian came back again, he was wearing big pants, a T-shirt, and sunsses. Zong Shang couldn��t help but take a few more nces at his weird outfit.


    In addition, Ren Baqian was holding two boxes in his hands.


    Opening the box in his right hand, it contained the same metal box as the other box from back then.


    However, this time it wasn��t 400 kilotons, but ten kilotons. It was still quite powerful. As the detonation would take ce underground, the gases produced by the explosion wouldn��t be diffused quickly enough. Arge number of the various particles, photons would be reduced. The sound waves produced by the incidental tearing of the air would be reduced as well. The vige would still be impacted, but there shouldn��t be too many casualties.


    ��All the sub-temple chiefs will be back today, right? You can get those who don��t need to die to stay outside,�� Ren Baqian said.


    Zong Shang gave a bitter smile. Out of more than 40 people, at least half of them weren��t supposed to die. If he got these people to stay outside, the people inside would be suspicious.


    He pondered for a while and felt that it wouldn��t matter even if they got suspicious. Even if a few of them came out, the n would still work as long as the chief of the Temple of Heaven stayed inside.


    Once she was dead, the rest of the people would be easy to handle.


    ��Alright!�� Zong Shang nodded earnestly.


    ��We shall do it this way then. Send me a signal. After that, you guys better run fast.�� Ren Baqian pped, looking rxed.


    It was indeed rxing to simply press the detonation button.


    ��Mister Ren, you must alsoe with me. Otherwise, they will definitely be suspicious. In the end, all the sub-temple chiefs areing back for you this time.�� Zong Shang smiled.


    Ren Baqian��s expression froze a little. If he went with Zong Shang, he had to at least be at the entrance of the hall. At this distance, it would already be a little dangerous for him.


    After all, he would be directly affected by the nuclear warhead. Its power was only just a rough gauge.


    If something went wrong��


    ��How far can you run in ten seconds?�� Ren Baqian suddenly asked.


    ��1 kilometer!��


    1 kilometer was sufficient.


    ��Good! Take me and run then,�� Ren Baqian replied.


    The two simply decided on the matter like this.


    Later, Zong Shang hesitated a little and pleaded, ��Xu Wuming used to work for the Temple of Heaven. Can you let him off, Mister Ren? Wen Xiaosheng and the others as well. They will leave the Temple of Heaven and never show their faces again.��


    Ren Baqian looked at him. He had previously brought up this suggestion before. Even though the situation had changed now, it still wasn��t a good idea for Ren Baqian to change his mind.


    ��Forget it. I��ll give them this chance. Don��t let anyone hear of their names or see them again. If I hear about them in the future, don��t me me for being vicious.��


    ��Thank you, Mister Ren.�� Zong Shang cupped his fists.


    When the two then returned to the room, the sky was still dark.


    All of a sudden, Zong Shang said, ��Take a break, Mister Ren. I��ll look for the temple chief in the morning. The meeting will only take ce in the evening.��


    After he left, Ren Baqian took out a radio station from the other box. He adjusted its frequency and managed to contact the empress after a while.


    ��When are youing back? Otherwise, I��ll bring you back!�� Although her voice sounded cold, he was able to tell her concern.


    Heughed after hearing what she said.


    ��The shortest would be two to three days and the longest four to five days. Everything��s going well here, so I��ll definitely be back soon.��


    The empress quietly noted down this duration. She would hang Ren Baqian up and beat him for four to six hours if he came back in two to three days. If he came back in four to five days, she would hang him for eight to ten hours. If he came backter than that, he would be hung up and beaten for twice as long and would be given two extra hours for every additional day.


    ��Is it convenient to speak now?��


    ��I guess so.��


    ��Where are you?��


    ��A coastal area in Great Xia. I��m unsure of the exact location.��


    ��Were they the ones who killed Wu Kai?��


    Ren Baqian stayed quiet for a while before replying, ��Yes!��


    The empress didn��t ask him what he promised them. All of that could wait until after he was back.


    Anything she said now would only cause an unnecessary change in the situation on his side.


    At this time, although she didn��t intend to forgive the murderer, she didn��t want to cause any trouble for Ren Baqian by making things difficult for him or even leading him to danger.


    ��I have already deployed troops at the border, and they can head north at any time. Be careful.��


    ��Don��t worry, Your Majesty!�� He smiled brilliantly.


    He then chatted casually with the empress for a while before switching off the radio.


    ��


    The next morning, Zong Shang went to the Temple of Heaven and carried a metal box in his hand when he returned at noon.


    Ren Baqian opened it to see, and the nuclear bomb was indeed inside the box.


    At present, everything was ready and waiting for the crucial moment.


    ��She has gotten a little suspicious,�� Zong Shang said.


    ��Will it affect anything?�� Ren Baqian turned to look at him.


    ��It shouldn��t. She won��t leave the temple that easily.�� Zong Shang shook his head.


    ��It won��t matter then.��


    ��Just take this inside in the evening.�� Ren Baqian handed the other box to him.


    Zong Shang nodded.


    It was all finally going to be over.


    Thousands of years of enduring was finallying to an end.


    The two sat facing each other for a while, and Zong Shang couldn��t help but ask, ��Over in your nation, are the people doing well?��


    ��There are no worries about basic necessities!�� Ren Baqian replied faintly.


    He continued, ��Advanced productivity brought us a lot of goods and supplies. Here, it��s already considered a good effort for a person to cultivate ten mu ofnd in a year. Including livestock, this wouldn��t exceed 20 mu ofnd.


    Over in our ce, just one person and a machine can cultivate 300 mu ofnd.


    This is without mentioning the output. You would only be able to produce about 100 to 150 kilograms of rations per mu ofnd. We are able to produce 500 kilograms of rations in one mu ofnd, and some high-yielding crops can even produce about 2,000 to 2,500 kilograms.


    We only need one percent of yourbor to feed the same poption or an even higher poption.��


    Zong Shang sat there for a long time before replying, ��That��s really fascinating!��


    ��There��s no need to be fascinated. You��ll be able to see it!�� Ren Baqianughed.


    Seeing Zong Shang��s sudden look of surprise, Ren Baqian added, ��You don��t even need toe over to my world. You��ll be able to see it in Dayao after a few years.��


    ��That��s not bad. If this really happens, you��ll be able to get drunk for an entire month and rejoice in peace.�� Zong Shang thought about it andughed.


    Although it was just a simple question, Ren Baqian felt much better about Zong Shang after that.


    As a Spirit Wheel expert and a high-level authority in the Temple of Heaven, his first question was actually about the living conditions of themoners over in Ren Baqian��snd!


    The two chatted. It was mostly Zong Shang who did the asking with Ren Baqian answering the questions. Zong Shang was very interested in the world that Ren Baqian talked about. Through Ren Baqian��s depiction, Zong Shang began to imagine a world were the people had an abundance of food, wore beautiful clothes, sat on self propelled machinery, ran freely on thend, dived deep into the ocean, or even soared high up in the sky.


    Countless passionate men sailing on their own boats, breaking the waves, and searching for the legendary ONEPIECE.[1.ONEPIECE �C A famous Japanese manga]


    There would be new news reports posted daily in the League of Legends about some hero discovering another new ind, another sailing route, another new crop, or even capturing the heart of some beautifuldy from a foreign race��


    When the time was almost ripe, Zong Shang had to curb his curiosity and went to deliver the box to the Temple of Heaven. After that, he woulde back and take Ren Baqian there.


    The things that the two chatted about made him look forward to the future.


    Perhaps he could witness all of this for himself one day!


    After Zong Shang left, Ren Baqian spread his arms.


    Why was this man so interested in the League of Legends and ONEPIECE?


    If the conversation were to continue, Ren Baqian would have to stage a story about the League of Legends battling the warlords of the seven seas��


    He got up, smoothed the creases in his clothes, put his sunsses back on his face, pushed the window open, and saw an extremely beautiful courtyard.


    After admiring it for a while, Zong Shang appeared in the courtyard.


    ��Mister Ren, the item has been delivered,�� he said with a smile on his face.


    ��Let��s go and send them to hell,�� Ren Baqian replied while looking rxed.

 Chapter 940 - Art

    Chapter 940: Art


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Ren Baqian sat on a piece of rock in front of the Sea God Temple.


    Not far in front of him was Zong Shang. He was looking toward the temple with a gentle smile on his face.


    He had just watched a sub-temple chief enter the Sea God Temple.


    As the wind howled, an abnormally pale-looking man with dry hair and a thin body appeared in front of the two. Arge ck g was wrapped tightly around his body.


    ��Deputy Temple Chief, why aren��t you going in?�� the man asked with a smile.


    ��You have arrived, Bo Hai. Since you are here, wait here with me for a few others to arrive!�� Zong Shang immediately smiled.


    ��I��m fine with that.�� Bo Hai turned to look at Ren Baqian and asked softly, ��What are you trying to do?��


    ��You��ll know in a while.�� Zong Shang smiled and brushed the question away.


    ��You know the condition of my body. I have gotten a chill on the way here. I should probably head in and rest.�� Bo Hai frowned and shook his head slightly.


    He then cupped his hands at Zong Shang.


    Zong Shang��s face turned dull as he stopped speaking.


    With eyes full of pity, he turned to see Bo Hai walking into the Sea God Temple.


    Zong Shang tried to give him a hand. What a pity��


    Ren Baqian watched this from a detached point of view and had a smirk on his face. If Hades wanted him to die at midnight, no one could dy it.


    However, Zong Shang didn��t try to hold Bo Hai back after he refused to stay, and this made Ren Baqian very pleased. Zong Shang was very wise to save whoever he could and give up if he couldn��t.


    What Ren Baqian was most afraid of at present was having a lousy teammate.


    If that had been the case, he would have simply left and blown everyone up.


    As members of the Temple of Heaven started streaming in one by one, he simply watched from the side.


    Some people began to stay beside Zong Shang. Although they felt puzzled, they still waited for his exnation.


    By the evening, apart from Zong Shang and Ren Baqian, 13 people stayed outside the Sea God Temple with them.


    This included Xu Wuming and Xiao Wensheng.


    In fact, Ren Baqian hoped that those two would go in so that he could blow them up and make the empress happy.


    All he could say was that it wasn��t time for them to die yet.


    Ren Baqian got up from the rock, stretched, and said faintly, ��It��s time.��


    ��Deputy chief, what is going on exactly?�� The person who spoke was a gracefuldy dressed in ck with light muslin covering her face. It was the chief of Fushi Temple, Fei Yan.


    ��I have a few things to say to everyone.�� Zong Shang turned to the crowd.


    Everyone��s eyes were focused, and they knew that the exciting part of the show wasing. Everyone had seen how he had been testing the temple chief all these years.


    The people who waited here were either trying to persuade him to reconsider or simply taking his side.


    They had no idea what Zong Shang was about to say.


    He couldn��t possibly be trying to create internal chaos, right? He probably wouldn��t do something that unwise.


    As everyone was pondering, they saw him carrying Ren Baqian and speeding into the distance.


    ��Everyone, let��s talk over here.��


    A figure appeared in front of the Sea God Temple and shouted, ��Deputy chief, what are you doing?��


    ��Qing Yang!�� Zong Shang couldn��t be bothered to care about him, and his feet didn��t slow down either.


    Everyone hesitated slightly and a few of them nced over at Qing Yang before catching up to Zong Shang.


    Qing Yang was furious and resentful. What was Zong Shang trying to do right now?


    At this time, the chief of the Temple of Heaven grimaced and red.


    <em>What��s Zong Shang trying to do?</em>


    <em>I shouldn��t have kept him all these years!</em>


    Some of the members stayed silent with their eyes shut while others were ring. Some wondered if Zong Shang was trying to break off rtions with the temple chief by trying to stop some of the members outside.


    Some were thinking about the issue of Ren Baqian and how there sadly wasn��t any way to make him submit. What was the deputy chief trying to do?


    At that moment, when everyone had varying thoughts and Qing Yang was hesitating over whether he should chase after Zong Shang, Ren Baqian smiled and pressed the detonation button.


    In that instant, everyone felt great dangering from under their feet as their blood ran cold. They immediately dashed forward at full speed.


    A muffled bang and the rumbling of the ground urred at almost the same time.


    In a split second, the Sea God Temple disappeared.


    What reced it was a pir of fire that rose into the sky along with broken bricks and stones.


    The ground rumbled as if a dragon was rolling beneath their feet, and cracks appeared in the ground. Rampant mes raged underground looking for an exit and burst through the cracks along with dirt and gravel.


    With a loud bang, cracks appeared one after another in the ground while mes spewed into the sky. Large amounts of mud burned in the sky, turning into a rain of fire.


    The people turned around and looked, only to see that thendscape had totally changed.


    The sky was glowing red, and thend was erupting with mes.


    Cracks and mes increasingly covered the entire area with no signs of receding.


    The ground still continued to vibrate beneath their feet, and there were noises, exmations, and the sounds of houses copsing from the fishing vige nearby.


    ��This�� What exactly happened?�� Everyone turned to look at that ce. A region with a radius of more than a kilometer and the sky above it were filled with zing pirs and scorched earth everywhere. This was apanied by the constant sound of copses and explosions. It was like purgatory.


    The entire ce, especially where the original Sea God Temple was located, hadpletely turned into a sea of fire.


    Gray smoke, dust, and fire gradually formed a mushroom cloud in the sky.


    Everyone looked in front of them with horrified expressions. It was a little pitiful that Ren Baqian was wearing sunsses. Since the nuclear bomb was detonated underground, the effect seemed much more mellow and less artistic.


    However, for these people, this artistic scene was unexpectedly shocking.


    He could feel that Zong Shang��s body hadpletely stiffened.


    Even Zong Shang, one of the leaders of the organization, didn��t expect the explosion to be so powerful. The explosion happened underground, and the Temple of Heaven was dozens of meters below ground level.


    If this was the situation above ground, the people underground had probably died without a corpse.


    ��Zong Shang! What have you done?�� Xu Wuming turned to look at Zong Shang and Ren Baqian. His eyes looked murderous, and it seemed as if he would draw his sword at any time.


    Everyone else looked horrified as well.


    ��The chief of the Temple of Heaven isn��t a human being��she is a member of the foreign races! For thousands of years, the organization has been affected by the foreign races and has be their weapon!�� Zong Shang replied bluntly.


    ��What did you say?�� Everyone was shocked. Even the scorched earth in front of them didn��t shake them as much as his words did.


    ��Nonsense! Nonsense! Zong Shang, you have colluded with outsiders to make a mess and killed numerous leaders of the temple. You are a sinner of the Temple of Heaven!�� shouted a sharp voice from nearby. Covered in dirt with bits of burn marks on his body, Qing Yang stood in the distance with flickering eyes.


    ��Don��t you know whether or not she��s a member of the foreign races? Do you really think that nobody knew about what happened 3,000 years ago?�� Zong Shang sneered.


    ��Nonsense!�� Qing Yang rebuked angrily as his eyes flickered even faster.


    ��I��ll let you guys know so that you��ll be able to die convinced. I have always had the evidence to prove that the temple chief was a member of the foreign races. Follow me!�� Zong Shang said to the crowd.


    ��Very well! I��ll see what evidence you have. You have clearly colluded with outsiders to create chaos, yet here you are, still trying to tell lies. Zong Shang, you won��t die peacefully!�� Qing Yang scolded furiously.


    ��We��ll find out shortly who will be the one dying.�� Zong Shang sneered as he led everyone toward the fishing vige.


    At this point, almost half of the vige had copsed. Fortunately, as the vige consisted of wooden houses and was a fair distance away from the Sea God Temple, the casualty count wasn��t high. However, the vigers were truly rmed. Many of the stronger experts stood outside the vige and looked at the me-covered area in panic.


    It wasn��t until they saw Zong Shang and the othersing over that they calmed down and asked, ��Sirs, what happened?��


    ��Head back first and do what you need to do. Don��t panic. I��ll gather all of youter on.�� Zong Shang waved his hand to disperse the crowd.


    ��Qing Yang!�� Xu Wuming suddenly shouted loudly. Everyone turned their heads when they heard this, only to see Qing Yang, who had beengging far behind them earlier, actually turn his back and run away��


    After a few moments, they couldn��t even see his figure.


    He didn��t even dare to confront Zong Shang!


    At this point, even though the others didn��t exactly know what had happened, they immediately believed Zong Shang��s words to arge extent.


    Everyone immediately grew furious as they didn��t expect the temple chief to actually be a member of the foreign races. They didn��t expect Qing Yang��s division to already know about this fact a few thousand years ago, yet continue to let the foreign races lead the organization while hiding it from the others.


    Xu Wuming��s face flushed with anger. He shouted loudly and leaped up into the sky.


    Shortly after, everyone felt the presence of a majestic sword in the distance.

 Chapter 941 - Follow-up

    Chapter 941: Follow-up


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    After a brief period, Xu Wuming came back with Qing Yang, who was covered in blood.


    Xu Wuming was ashen-faced. Qing Yang��s earlier reaction exined everything.


    However, Xu Wuming still wanted to see the evidence.


    Looking solemn, everyone followed Zong Shang to the secret room in his residence and saw the paintings on the wall.


    Unlike Ren Baqian, they were able to see with one nce that all of the paintings resembled the chief of the Temple of Heaven.


    ��These are����


    ��These are the former temple chiefs!�� Zong Shang replied faintly.


    ��How is this possible?�� someone subconsciously responded. Regardless of what these former temple chiefs looked like when they were young, all of them looked identical when they were old.


    Zong Shang quietly tapped a few times on the wall. Two stone bs on the ground immediately flipped up, revealing a coffin underneath.


    ��You��ll understand after seeing this.��


    He opened up the coffin as he spoke, revealing a dried-up corpse.


    It hadn��t dposed, but was almostpletely dehydrated. Its face was beyond recognition as well.


    ��This is the temple chief from 3,300 years ago,�� Zong Shang added without anyone asking.


    ��3,300 years ago? Chief of the Temple of Heaven?�� Everyone was surprised.


    Why would the corpse of the temple chief 3,300 years ago be here?


    ��3,300 years ago, Qing Lan, the chief of the Temple of Heaven, fought fiercely with Bo Yidao, Jian Wuming, and Gongyang Pingye. All three of them died while Qing Lan was severely injured. She epted a disciple on the way back to the Temple of Heaven and died after handing over a few things. Her disciple, Qing Kong,ter became the twenty-first chief of the Feidu Temple,�� Wen Xiaosheng suddenly said.


    Zong Shang nodded slightly. Wen Xiaosheng was worthy of his reputation for being highly knowledgeable.


    ��That��s right. Back then, Qing Lan epted a disciple, but in fact, this disciple was already well-prepared. To them, the human body is just a receptacle that can be discarded and manipted at any time. It took a while for Qing Lan to get used to her new body, so my ancestor took a chance and stole her corpse.��


    ��You mean�� our bodies are her receptacles?�� someone asked subconsciously.


    ��That��s right!�� As Zong Shang spoke, he turned the corpse over. Everyone saw that the back of its head was opened up. There was also some dried up dark green material inside.


    ��The original brain tissue is almost all gone and has been reced with this substance. In order to ascertain this, my ancestor stole several corpses topare,�� he said.


    In fact, even without stealing the bodies forparison, there had already been multiple asions where they dug out the brains from people.


    ��What about the internal organs?�� Ren Baqian asked suddenly while frowning.


    ��The internal organs are still there like in ordinary humans,�� Zong Shang replied. ��Do you know something, Mister Ren?��


    ��This looks simr to a creature I have seen, but that creature parasitizes in the chest. It reces the internal organs and controls the human body. Although it can move, it doesn��t respond to the outside world,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    This corpse reminded him of the herdsmen and the jade-waisted ves.


    Before the jade-waisted ves evolved into their butterfly form, they parasitized in human bodies like this.


    Ren Baqian wondered if this foreign being was rted to the herdsmen.


    After all, the herdsmen had been monitoring the human race. If this foreign race had connections with them, then humans would have to be more careful.


    After listening to what Zong Shang said, everyone looked gloomy and fell silent.


    His words were credible, even though it hadn��t been proven that this corpse belonged to a former chief of the Temple of Heaven.


    Coupled with Qing Yang��s earlier reaction, nobody could even question it.


    With a gloomy look on his face, Xu Wuming flicked his fingers toward Qing Yang, who was lying on the ground. Shortly after, his body moved a little and he woke up.


    ��What else do you have to say, Qing Yang?�� Xu Wuming asked coldly.


    ��What Zong Shang said is false��he is lying.�� Qing Yang, who just woke up, had no idea what happened earlier. His first reaction was to use Zong Shang��s words of being false.


    ��Why did you run then?�� someone sneered.


    At this moment, everyone hated Qing Yang to the core. They didn��t expect the chief of the Temple of Heaven to be a foreign being or that Qing Yang��s division would follow her leadership despite knowing the truth. If it wasn��t for Zong Shang, everyone would still be kept in the dark.


    Even at this moment, Qing Yang still wanted to quibble?


    ��Zong Shang is creating disorder, and you are all aplices. You��ll die a painful death!�� he suddenly shouted loudly with a fierce look on his face.


    ��Is Qing Chen a foreign being?�� Xu Wuming asked coldly. It was as if he was looking at a dead person.


    ��No!�� Qing Yang quickly eximed.


    ��You know that no one can lie in front of me,�� Fei Yan said.


    ��You��ll regret it!�� Qing Yang looked at her, nced back at Xu Wuming and Zong Shang, and let out a sinister smile.


    Xu Wuming lifted his fingers, and Qing Yang��s head immediately flew off with blood spewing out.


    ��I��m going to take a look at the Temple of Heaven,�� Xu Wuming turned and said to Zong Shang.


    He then turned to Ren Baqian and said, ��I��ll settle ounts with you when I return.��


    After speaking, Xu Wuming turned and disappeared through the entrance of the secret room.


    Several others left with him in session.


    ��This is Mister Ren, the reason all of you came back this time,�� Zong Shang said to the remaining people.


    Everyone nodded at Ren Baqian.


    In fact, they already knew about his matter.


    Even if they hadn��t seen him before, as sub-temple chiefs themselves, they had their own sources.


    ��Please wait here everyone. I need to go and appease the vige.��


    After everyone went up to the room above, Ren Baqian kicked open a box on the floor and said, ��There are some things in here. Give them to the people. There��s fire poison underground now. People will get sick and might die if they get infected. These things can reduce the damage.��


    So be it if Xu Wuming died. As for the rest, there was still value in keeping them alive.


    When the others heard this, they suddenly realized an issue. Could Ren Baqian have performed that act of purgatory from earlier? It was unexpected, yet probable.


    Zong Shang had no means of doing such a thing.


    After he left, everyone started to calm down from the shocking news that the chief of the Temple of Heaven was actually from the foreign races.


    They began to look at Ren Baqian with curious eyes.


    ��They said that Mister Renes from the outside world?�� asked a gigolo-looking man.


    He indeed looked like a gigolo. He seemed to be in his twenties and had thick eyebrows, dreamy eyes, supple lips, and white teeth.


    However, Ren Baqian guessed that his age didn��t match his appearance as he nodded slightly.


    Seeing his response, everyone turned their attention to him.


    After all, they still had to wait for Xu Wuming��s return to further discuss the subject of the temple chief.


    On the contrary, Ren Baqian, a visitor from the outside world, made them extremely curious.


    Next, he began to helplessly answer everyone��s questions, repeating the story about the rise of the other group of the human race, the Chaotic Star Sea, the Hegemony of the Three Races, Summoner��s Rift, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves��


    Looking slightly tired, Zong Shang finally came back at dawn.


    ��I have managed to stabilize the situation temporarily. I didn��t speak about the issue of Qing Chen being a foreign being.��


    Everyone nodded because this matter indeed had to be kept secret.


    ��Go back and pacify everyone in your divisions,�� Zong Shang said. He was unwilling to borate further about other matters.


    After all, the temple chief as well as several of the sub-temple chiefs and honored ones had died, but these people remained unscathed. He had to put in a lot of effort to calm the situation down.


    At noon the next day, Xu Wuming returned with the others.


    They brought back two broken crystal coffins as well.

 Chapter 942 - Call It a Day

    Chapter 942: Call It a Day


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Everyone gathered over when they saw the two crystal coffins.


    ��This is����


    One of the coffins had been heavily damaged. Only the upper half of the corpse was left inside, and the lower body was missing. Looking at the wound, it seemed to have been crushed by a rock.


    Although the corpse of a Spirit Wheel expert couldn��t be destroyed easily, it would bepletely different if a nuclear bomb exploded on it.


    The other coffin was rtivelyplete with a fairly intact corpse.


    Although neither corpse was fully intact, their faces werepletely preserved. At a nce, everyone could see the appearances of the two bodies, which were somewhat simr to that of the chief of the Temple of Heaven.


    ��The twenty-first chief of the Feidu Temple and the twenty-ninth deputy chief of the Temple of Heaven.�� Wen Xiaosheng took a nce and immediately recognized the two bodies.


    ��The twenty-first chief of the Feidu Temple�� Isn��t that���� Everyone started to wonder. Wasn��t this the disciple of that dried-up corpse downstairs? ording to Zong Shang, wasn��t this the receptacle that Qing Lan, the former chief of the Temple of Heaven, switched into?


    Her body was unexpectedly still preserved within the Temple of Heaven in such aplete state.


    ��The Temple of Heaven is gone. We were digging and found these two corpses below. There��s a secret chamber beneath the temple that no one knew about,�� someone said.


    ��Just right. Cut open the bodies and everything wille to light.�� Fei Yan took a nce and had a rxed look on her face.


    Ren Baqian stood curiously at the side, waiting to see what it looked like inside their bodies.


    These foreign beings manipted the human body through the brain�� They looked no different from any living person, and he felt that something was strange about this.


    It suddenly reminded him of something. Gundam!


    The foreign beings were the pilots, and the human bodies were the Gundams.


    Ren Baqian didn��t expect a fantasy from theics to be presented to him in such a way.


    It was somewhat ironic.


    Not far from him, the people had already tossed the remaining half of the lid aside, revealing the partial body in the coffin.


    ��The two bodies are soaked in an unknown liquid,�� someone said as he looked at the wound. This liquid wouldn��t stick to parts of the body that were intact, but had left some residue on the wounded areas.


    Xu Wuming looked solemnly at the two bodies and gestured in the air with his finger. An invisible sword shot out and shed through the air.


    A horizontal cut suddenly appeared on the nasal bridge of the half-intact corpse.


    Someone reached out and touched it, causing the upper half of the head topletely detach.


    ��Hiss!�� The room was immediately filled with wincing sounds as the looks on everybody��s faces changed.


    The upper half of the cut open skull was filled with a dark green liquid.


    Most importantly, among the dark green liquid, there was also half the body of a person!


    Half the body of a person that was the size of a finger!


    After Xu Wuming��s sword cut across this little person��s waist, its hands and lower body were gone. They couldn��t tell its gender from the upper half of its body. This little person, who was surrounded by the dark green liquid, seemed to have felt the pain, and its body was shivering slightly.


    ��It really is a foreign being. It��s still alive!�� everyone shouted.


    There was a foreign being in the corpse��s head. This sight was enough to shock everyone, not to mention that it was still alive.


    The face and eyelids of the bisected foreign being were twitching slightly. Everyone immediately put up their guards. This thing actually used a human body as a receptacle, and nobody knew if it would suddenly wake up and fight back.


    Ren Baqian immediately shrank behind Zong Shang, using him as a meat shield.


    However, that situation didn��t happen.


    The bisected foreign being stopped moving after shivering for a while.


    ��It��s dead,�� someone said after a while.


    Ren Baqian peeked from behind Zong Shang��s back and confirmed that there was no threat. He then moved over to the body and looked into the cut open head, only to see the sticky dark green liquid slowly oozing out


    The lower half of the foreign being��s body was in there.


    What he cared about was that this foreign being��s back actually had a tail. Or rather, there were a bunch of tails. Countless white fments extended from its tailbone. These were embedded all over the skull, making it look like it was filled with spider webs.


    Ren Baqian guessed that this foreign being controlled the human body through this method, simr to how the jade-waisted ves had done it.


    Before the jade-waisted ves matured, they also lived in the human body, but they had almost no reaction to the outside world. They had no cognitive ability and werepletely like the walking dead.


    This one was more advanced.


    Everyone in the room stayed silent for a long time before starting amotion.


    At present, everything had been proven and everyone was no longer the same. They didn��t expect the creator of the Temple of Heaven to actually be a foreign being or that the temple had been under the control and maniption of foreign beings for thousands of years.


    This made it intolerable for the members of this organization who had been secretly setting the direction of the human race for so long!


    ��I have nothing to say now. I just have a question. Can the human race seed?�� Xu Wuming shut his eyes and stood still for a moment before ring at Ren Baqian.


    ��Naturally!�� Ren Baqian replied with a rxed look.


    <em>As long as you give me enough time�� Would you believe that I can blow up the foreign races using railroads?</em>


    ��That��s good!�� Xu Wuming seemed relieved. ��I said that I would settle ounts with you after the investigation, and it��s time for me to do so! Since the human race still has you guys, I have no regrets.��


    ��Xu Wuming?�� The others immediately grew anxious when they heard this.


    However, he didn��t worry about them and simply cupped his fists at Ren Baqian and the rest.


    ��Too many people are waiting for me!�� After this sentence, he suddenly fell to the ground without any further response.


    Life quickly dissipated from him.


    The crowd could bear the sight of this.


    They didn��t expect Xu Wuming to simply die like this.


    After everything hade to light, the Temple of Heaven had lost a great deal of their fighting force. Xu Wuming was also one of their best fighters.


    Zong Shang��s face turned gloomy as he recalled the conversation he had with Xu Wuming the night before.


    When he handed the fire poison protective equipment to the vigers, he told Xu Wuming what Ren Baqian had agreed to, that as long as they would vanish without a trace, they wouldn��t be pursued.


    Unfortunately, with Xu Wuming��s pride and arrogance, how could he bear to live such a miserable life?


    ��I don��t fear death and won��t hesitate to! If that man can really take the human race out of this cage, my death will prevent the Temple of Heaven from being implicated. Besides, those who have died at my hands all these years are waiting for me down there!��


    Too many people had died at the hands Xu Wuming over the years.


    If it was for the sake of the human race, the conscience of the sword in his heart would be crystal clear and wouldn��t reek of blood.


    However, since all of the chiefs of the Temple of Heaven were foreign beings, what was it that he had done all these years? How was he supposed to make up for all those people that he had killed?


    He had lost faith, and his sword was stained with blood. It was better to call it a day.


    ��Sigh!�� Zong Shang shifted his attention to another man.


    ��I��ll make a move first!�� Wen Xiaosheng cupped his hands with a gentle smile.


    He took hisst breath after this sentence.


    Everyone in the room felt a chill run down their spines.


    Zong Shang closed his eyes and recalled the words that Wen Xiaosheng said before, ��Zhen Toufeng!


    The Temple of Heaven doesn��tck experts. There will still be many top experts even if we die, although it will take some time. However, the Temple of Heaven is still part of everyone��s identities. If problems were to arise, it would implicate everyone.


    We havemitted a grave offense this time, and we have to pay for it. If we keep quiet about it, we might have to pay it back at a price that is hundreds or thousands of times higher. If Ren Baqian hadn��t made that request back then, there would still be room to salvage the situation. However, since he mentioned it, it has taken root in our hearts. That being the case, it would be better to end things here!��


    Ren Baqian watched the two die, sighed slightly, and walked out the door.


    He felt his enthusiasm waning for a moment.

 Chapter 943 - Pervert (Part 1 and Part 2) (Two in one)

    Chapter 943: Pervert (Part 1 and Part 2) (Two in one)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    If Ren Baqian wasn��t who he was, Xu Wuming and Wen Xiaosheng might not have had to die.


    However, at this time, both of them made the choice to be ountable to him.


    Firstly, the chief of the Temple of Heaven was a foreign being, and this tainted all the members of the organization.


    Secondly, the Temple of Heaven belonged to everyone, and it had been passed down for thousands of years. In this world that was about to transform, one wrong step would ruin everything.


    The temple chief had died.


    Xu Wuming and Wen Xiaosheng had to die as well.


    This way, the Temple of Heaven would be free of encumbrances.


    Zong Shang understood this. Some of them thought of this while others didn��t. However, all of them eventually would.


    Ren Baqian understood this as well and felt a little dispirited when he left the room.


    This was the end.


    This justification was enough.


    That Yun Yuhan�� Ren Baqian was in no mood to find fault with her as well.


    If he had killed Xu Wuming and Xiao Wensheng, he probably wouldn��t feel anything.


    However, their suicides made him feel a little ufortable. The little bit of spirit that he had earlier on was gone, and he couldn��t be bothered to care about other matters anymore.


    ��


    The next thing that happened was that Zong Shang and the other members went to appease the vigers and selected experts to fill positions in the Temple of Heaven.


    Even the few surviving honored ones had to return to their respective sub-temples to stabilize the situation.


    The Temple of Heaven��s 7,000 years of solid foundation was indeed something that the so-called big and famous sects couldn��tpare to. Under the circumstances of losing most of their top experts, they actually still had 39 Spirit Wheel experts.


    However, their overall strength had been reduced by arge margin. Most of the newly selected sub-temple chiefs hadn��t even condensed their Heaven-grade weapons, and there were none who could match up to the strength of Xu Wuming.


    Ren Baqian didn��t care about these things. In fact, the Temple of Heaven would be safer when they were weaker.


    During these two days, he would take a walk by the seaside when he had free time. Having lived his entire life as a Northeasterner of China, the ocean was his lifelong dream.


    It was also probably due to the poem ��Facing the Sea, with Spring Blossom�� by Hai Zi[1.Hai Zi: chinese poet].


    Ren Baqian felt that he was sometimes still a little artistic or intellectual.


    The sea in this world was very clear, and the beaches were white. If it weren��t for the two to three-meter long fish in the water, he would really want to go into the ocean.


    However, he eventually cast this thought aside.


    Next to Ren Baqian was a young man with small eyes. He was always smiling, and his eyes were always squinting, making it hard for others to read his expression.


    This man was Jiao Ping, Zong Shang��s disciple.


    Ren Baqian looked into the distance and felt a little curious about the turbulence in the sea far from the shore, but didn��t ask about it.


    It was better not to expose this ignorance to others.


    He could just get the Rearguard Commandery to check it out when he went back.


    That night, Yun Yuhan, who had disappeared for two days, appeared in front of Ren Baqian again. At this time, she was already the chief of Queyin Temple.


    She had already washed away the heavy eyeshadow that she had on before, something that was rare to have in this world. She was only wearing light cosmetics and lipstick, and her hair was let down behind her back. The purple outerwear that she wore previously had also been changed to a mauve color, which looked much purer and more captivating.


    However, behind this pretty face was a rather twisted soul


    Ren Baqian sat at the window thinking about some things. He was surprised to see her after hearing a knock on the door and didn��t know what her purpose here was.


    ��Can Ie in?�� Yun Yuhan had a smile on her face, which didn��t seem any different from before.


    However, he always felt that there was something hidden in her smile.


    Ren Baqian let her in and leaned against the doorpost with his arms folded, saying casually, ��It��s sote. Are youing to stay over?��


    ��If I said yes, would you want that?�� Yun Yuhan��s eyes were alluring.


    Ren Baqian took a serious look at her. Seeing that she wasn��t joking, he said, ��Leave. Avoid appearing in front of me in the future.��


    He wondered if this was her own gesture or someone else��s.


    In any case, it was pretty meaningless to use this trick at the moment.


    Yun Yuhan twirled around gently as if she was dancing. She looked graceful like a lotus flower blooming in the middle of the night and unleashed all the beauty within her.


    She twirled around three times and appeared in front of Ren Baqian. She ran her fingers across his chest and asked gently, ��Will you regret it if I leave?


    Then, she dered, ��Beauty is the best weapon for women, and I have the most powerful weapon in the world. Unfortunately, most men in this world are unworthy!��


    ��Are you switching from arrogance to deference?�� Ren Baqian sneered.


    ��No, I��m just choosing the best person avable!�� Yun Yuhan teased.


    He felt aroused by her, and his body was itching. She didn��t want to take the path to heaven, but insisted on going to hell!


    Ren Baqian��s hand directly reached for her breast, squeezed it gently, and flicked it with his finger.


    Yun Yuhan immediately let out a bell-like giggle and danced around him.


    He had to admit that her dancing was excellent. Coupled with her seemingly pure face and weird temperament, it was truly alluring.


    From time to time, she would touch Ren Baqian lightly on his arm or other parts of his body, making the me in his heart grow even bigger.


    His hand suddenly tugged lightly on Yun Yuhan��s waist and her waist belt fell off.


    Belts like this, which were the width of a palm, were called bixi.


    One of its functions was to hold down the clothes.


    When the bixi fell off, Yun Yuhan��s shirt came undone as well. Although it was still hanging on her body, her undergarment was revealed.


    A slightly undone shirt was more alluring than having it stripped off.


    Under the oilmp, the blush on her face seemed a little thicker.


    However, Yun Yuhan��s movements weren��t affected at all. She simply danced around gently as her shirt just slipped off her body, revealing her fair body.


    She was only wearing a piece of undergarment, and when she turned around, Ren Baqian could see her butt, which would make anyone feel like pping it.


    She took the opportunity and pulled close toward his neck with her chest pressed tightly against his and her soft hands at the back of his neck.


    ��Is this weapon powerful?��


    Ren Baqian��s fingers glided across her body that was smooth as jade and extremely fragrant.


    Although he hadn��t seen that many women, it wasn��t that little as well. Not to mention those on Earth, the empress was extremely beautiful, and so were Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole��


    He should exclude Lin Qiaole because he couldn��t ept an A cup.


    However, she was worth looking at after her transformation.


    Both Xin Zhe and the empress had something inmon. They both had cold temperaments, which made them feel very heroic to others. Although perfect, their figures were pretty average, theycked a little tenderness, and they were slightly daunting.


    After all, aboriginal women had a totally wild nature.


    The woman in front of Ren Baqian was different. She gave a feeling that he could be one with her body.


    In general, Yun Yuhan might not be better than the empress, but she wasn��t bad either. The important thing was that both women belonged topletely different categories.


    With her body pressed tightly against his, revealing her fair skin while wearing only her undergarment and being entirely at his mercy, he felt the fire within him grow even stronger.


    With a flick of his finger, the strap of Yun Yuhan��s undergarment snapped. The top portion of it slipped off and got caught at her chest, where it was pressed tightly against his.


    ��If I leave now, will you regret it?�� she asked in a charming voice.


    ��Where are you going now?�� As Ren Baqian opened his palm, a metal chain strung out and wrapped around her firmly.


    ��I wouldn��t leave even if you didn��t tie me up.�� Yun Yuhan smiled lightly. The cold chain raised some goosebumps on her body.


    ��That��s hard to say.�� He stepped back and looked at her. The metal chain still continued wrapping around her body.


    The important ces weren��t covered at all.


    Ren Baqian ced Yun Yuhan in a chair, and the metal chain tied her to it. It then twined around her feet, gently pulling them apart.


    Her face started to blush. With charming eyes, she asked, ��So, you like this type?��


    At this moment, the sight of her posture with the metal chain wrapped around her body was something that no man could resist.


    Ren Baqian was a man, so naturally, he also couldn��t resist it.


    He closed the door, picked up something from the table, hid it behind his back, and walked toward Yun Yuhan.


    ��It��s my first time ying a ve!�� she said gently with a blush.


    ��Don��t worry, you are fine like this.�� Ren Baqian smiled and brought his hand forward, revealing a feather in his hand.


    He grabbed her foot and brushed the feather across gently.


    Yun Yuhan subconsciously tried to pull her foot back.


    However, Ren Baqian continued holding onto her foot and repeatedly brushed the feather over it.


    She began to pant faintly.


    Three minutester, Yun Yuhan��s face started to change when he still showed no signs of stopping.


    ��You��what are you doing?�� She tried to struggle, but she was held down by Ren Baqian, who happily continued to use the feather to stir her nerves.


    ��Don��t move! My metal chain isn��t very strong. If it breaks, I might die.��


    She quickly stopped struggling, and her muscles began to tremble.


    Being tied up and having their foot tickled�� Who would understand how this felt like?


    ��


    Currently, Ren Baqian was staying in Zong Shang��s residence.


    Zong Shang wasn��t around when Yun Yuhan went into Ren Baqian��s room.


    He found out about it when he came back.


    He shook his head slightly and frowned. Yun Yuhan�� What was she doing?


    Zong Shang naturally knew what she was here for.


    However, he didn��t know why she was doing this.


    What happened, had happened. Xu Wuming and Wen Xiaosheng��s deaths had concluded everything.


    In any case, Ren Baqian would put the matter to rest. This was clear from his behavior over the past two days.


    Zong Shang frowned and walked to the front of Ren Baqian��s courtyard. Then, a figure appeared from the darkness.


    ��Master!��


    He ignored his disciple. The noise that came out of the room was a series of faint gasping.


    Zong Shang shook his head. In any case, this was Yun Yuhan��s choice.


    However, before he left, the sound of her faint gasping became more and more strange, and it was eventually mixed with grunts��


    His eyebrows tightened even further.


    After standing there for a long time, Yun Yuhan��s gasps became seemingly non-existent, and they were reced by a wretched groaning from time to time. It was as if she was enduring something. Zong Shang took a deep breath.


    No matter what she would do, why did she have to do this?!


    ��


    Ren Baqian was finally satisfied and released Yun Yuhan from the chair after the sky turned bright.


    ��Pervert!�� she scolded angrily with tears in her eyes.


    A Spirit Wheel expert with an extreme character and spotlessly white skin who wasmenting with a tear-stained face. This was enough to ignite anyone��s heart.


    At this time, Yun Yuhan was covered with sweat, and the ground was wet.


    As soon as Ren Baqian released her, she felt her muscles throbbing and groaning.


    It was simply impossible for a Spirit Wheel expert to experience this.


    However, this night was an utter nightmare for her.


    The person outside the room thought so as well.


    However, the two sides�� perceptions of the incident were a little different.


    Ren Baqian said to Yun Yuhan confidently, ��There��s nothing wrong with a man being a little more perverted!��


    Her tears came rolling down her cheeks.


    Her bitter experiencest night was 100 times more humiliating than she had expected.


    In other words, her original idea didn��t consist of anything humiliating. This was her own choice.


    Also, Yun Yuhan didn��t lie about anything. Most of the men in this world weren��t worthy of her.


    She simply wanted to try, but unfortunately, there was nobody that she fancied.


    She picked the best person avable, and Ren Baqian was that person.


    However, the gap between imagination and reality was too big��


    Yun Yuhan called him a pervert and left in tears.


    All of her muscles were throbbing and screaming, and she couldn��t even walk stably. One could imagine how difficult it was to endure the tickling all night while forcibly controlling herself to not break the metal chain.


    She was almost on the verge of copsing.


    Outside the house, Jiao Ping shook his head slightly when he saw Yun Yuhan��s gait, and the smile on his face stiffened a little.


    Heter got someone to inform Zong Shang.


    ��


    Naturally, Ren Baqian didn��t know that he wouldn��t be able to run away from his reputation as a pervert.


    He was humming a tune and feeling pretty delighted at the moment.


    Yun Yuhan didn��t want to take the path to heaven. Could she really have thought that he was a naive bunny?


    Last night was so exciting�� Ren Baqian decided to go back and add this as a punishment in Dayao��s criminal code.


    Seeing a woman like that dearly and tearfully begging for mercy in front of him��


    This good moodsted until noon. He was radiant with happiness when he went out to meet people.


    When Jiao Ping saw the pleasantly smiling Ren Baqian, he recalled the sight of Yun Yuhan crying and shook his head, thinking, <em>This leader from the outside world�� Sigh�� Forget it, leave it alone��</em>


    After lunch, Ren Baqian brought the remaining crystal coffin back to his room.


    On that day, everyone had wanted to cut off the head of the corpse and burn it.


    However, he stopped them.


    He couldn��t let such samples slip away easily.


    Returning to Earth with the coffin, Ren Baqian got people to buy a special freezer that he ced the corpse in.


    Now that Dayao had its own ��foreign�� scientists, there was no need to bother the Messier 87 department anymore.


    Especially with the danger that this foreign race presented, he wasn��t prepared to hand this thing over to others. The foreign being in the first corpse actually turned out to be alive. Only God knew whether this one was dead or alive.


    It would be better to do the research himself when theboratories had enough manpower and analytical equipment in the future.


    Over the next few days, Ren Baqian took a good rest on Earth before directly traveling back to Dayao.


    As for the Temple of Heaven, after everything was back on track, Zong Shang would naturally go to Lan City to meet him.


    Also, Ren Baqian had to arrange for two people to join the Temple of Heaven.


    However, the thing that made him the happiest was that he could immediately go back to see the empress.


    Although this period of time wasn��t long, many things had happened, and it felt as if he had left her for a long time.


    He couldn��t wait to go back and see the woman in red who always had a cold-looking face.

 Chapter 944 - Hang Him Up

    Chapter 944: Hang Him Up


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��I��m leaving!�� Ren Baqian waved his hand. ��I��ll see you after some time anyway!��


    ��Indeed! I also want to see what Lan City, the city that never sleeps, looks like today.�� Zong Shang smiled.


    Zong Shang and several sub-temple chiefs were currently around Ren Baqian. The rest were all busy with the Temple of Heaven��s matters. As they had just encountered a big change, everyone was busy dealing with its issues.


    Ren Baqian put his hands behind his back and looked up at the sky. The weather was good, and there were so many clouds that he couldn��t even see a trace of the sun.


    Fortunately, he had a horse carriage prepared for him. Although its speed wasn��t that fast, he at least had a ce to shelter him from the wind and the rain.


    Although Zong Shang urged him to stay until it was done raining, Ren Baqian had no intention of staying any longer.


    After nodding to the crowd, Ren Baqian turned around and boarded the carriage to return to Dayao.


    There were a total of two carriages. In the other carriage was Fei Yan, the gracefuldy who covered her face with ck muslin and was also the chief of Fushi Temple.


    However, Ren Baqian had seen half of her exposed face when she turned around. It was covered in red wounds that were about the size of a baby��s mouth. They crisscrossed and looked a bit scary.


    Heavy rain began to fall and patter on the carriage only half an hour after setting off. The dark clouds seemed to be asserting pressure above their heads.


    The two carriages temporarily parked at the side of the road.


    With such heavy rain, even if the drivers could see the road clearly, the horses couldn��t.


    ��Have a seat inside,�� Ren Baqian called out to Jiao Ping. He entered the carriage, putting his oil coat and bamboo hat aside.


    Oil coats were the raincoats of this era and were made by applying ayer of tree oil to fabric. However, this was only able to protect against light rain. In just a short period of time, Jiao Ping��s body was drenched.


    ��This is?�� He was surprised when he saw the lines of words floating in the air inside the carriage.


    ��These are books from our ce.�� Ren Baqian smiled.


    These were projection books that he brought back to pass the time.


    These days, the three-dimensional projection chip had been miniaturized, and the technology was rtively mature. The transitional equipment that used a mist spray as the projection medium was naturally eliminated.


    Jiao Ping fervently looked at the text floating in the air. Although he couldn��t read what was written, this scene was enough for him to have a boundless yearning for Ren Baqian��s world.


    Ren Baqian smiled and continued to focus on the text in front of him.


    He was reading a whodunit.


    Although he was in another world, looking at the familiar scenes and plots in the story still made him feel as if he was on Earth.


    However, he was ignorant regarding some of the things in these books. Although he would learn about the changes on Earth every time he went back, in the past ten years, a variety of new technologies and products had emerged. However, he hadn��t been in touch with many things.


    For instance�� Ren Wannian��s ��New World Software Company��pany hadunched a music game in which oing blocks were shed to the beat with various weapons.


    Yes, this was a virtual reality game that had been all the rage a decade ago. If it wasn��t for thought controlled technology, present-day virtual reality technology might just be an actual national grade product.


    However, after the birth of thought controlled technology, the severalrgest virtual reality technologypanies fell from the clouds to the bottom within a few years.


    No matter how immersive virtual reality was, it was fake.


    However, thought controlled technology could turn fake things into reality. By directly projecting into the mind, people could experience the same feedback as they did in reality. As such, it reced virtual reality after a short period of time and was a technology that was close to reaching maturity.


    Nevertheless,unching new games was like this. Virtual reality equipment was all the rage back then, but now, the focus had shifted to thought controlled equipment. As a result, it immediately became the hottest game.


    Not only could people chop those oing blocks in rhythm, but they could also practice the precision and strength of their offense as well as their dodging and reaction ability.


    It was said that Ren Baqian��s parents learned a set of swordsmanship. Their skills matched harmoniously, and they were invincible.


    He was bewildered when he heard this news. After watching a video, he pondered for a long time and came to a conclusion that left him at a loss. He might not be a match for his parents!


    This was just an example.


    For the past ten years, the development of Earth��s science and technology had never stagnated, but Ren Baqian hadn��t kept up with these changes.


    He would often feel this information gap as well.


    ��


    After four days, Ren Baqian finally arrived at the border between Great Xia and the Yun Nation.


    The journey to the Temple of Heaven took half a day, but the return trip took four days. Firstly, the horse carriage was slow. Secondly, the initial journey was over the mountains, whereas the return journey was via the official road.


    He also observed that Great Xia��s official road was mainly paved with stones that were about 50 centimeters in width. The road was about three meters wide and pretty shabby. The carriage ride felt very bumpy travelling on it.


    Great Xia had four border checkpoints in this area, namely Helong City, Mishan Pass, Pingxiang City, and Jinghong City. Originally, there was a garrison of 200,000 soldiers in total.


    However, there were only 50,000 at present.


    These 50,000 soldiers were all hiding and shivering in the cities right now. Themanders in several cities lingered on the city walls every day without daring to let their guards down.


    This was due to the 30,000 strong aboriginal army outside the walls and also the big g that was nted there with ��Dayao�� written on it.


    When the watchmander first learned that Dayao had led their army to attack, his hand shook so hard that he almost plucked his beard off.


    Great Xia��s 200,000 man garrison might not even be able to stop the 30,000 aboriginals, let alone the 50,000 troops that were scattered across the four cities.


    The aboriginals�� giant g made Great Xia��smander��s face turn deathly pale.


    The aboriginal army didn��t usually use such gs.


    There would only be one scenario where such gs were disyed: Dayao��s monarch leading the troops personally.


    Qi Zixiao was in this army!


    This time, Great Xia��smander was indeed in deep sh*t.


    However, he couldn��t be bothered by that anymore. He quickly rushed to the top of the city walls and looked down. With a pale face, he subsequently arranged most of the front line troops. After that, he turned around and went back to drink, preparing to get intoxicated.


    However, to everyone��s surprise, the aboriginals didn��t attack the city.


    They didn��t go somewhere else either.


    Instead, they set up camp directly below the city walls.


    This made everyone in Great Xia scratch their heads since no one could figure out what the aboriginals were trying to do.


    Themander carefully watched their movements as he quickly requested the imperial court for help.


    Of course, he also knew in his heart that this call for help was useless and that the court had no soldiers to send.


    All he asked was for the court to treat his family well.


    For the next few days, none of the generals in Great Xia could rest well due to the fear that the devils near the city would suddenly strike.


    Only themander in chief remained the most calm, drinking alcohol all day.


    In any case, there would be no difference if a man died, but his name would go down in history if he survived�� They had no chance against Dayao and could only resign themselves to fate!


    Six dayster, in the middle of Great Xia��s restlessness, they saw two carriagesing from far away that bypassed the city and directly entered Dayao��s military camp while led by a row of winged cavalry warriors.


    By now, the people of Great Xia knew what the Dayao army was up to.


    Dayao actually came all the way to Great Xia��s border to receive someone�� Dayaopletely didn��t care about the people of Great Xia and ignored their existence.


    This made them feel humiliated, but at the same time, a little thankful.


    Thankful that the aboriginals weren��t here to fight!


    Next, the people of Great Xia became curious. With such a big force and Qi Zixiaoing in person, who were they receiving?


    ��


    ��Your Majesty, I missed you so much!�� Ren Baqian gave the empress a hug with a smile on his face.


    Her uneasy heart finally eased when she felt his warmth. After that, she set her eyes on the man and woman who followed him.


    Especially the woman.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty. Fei Yan and Jiao Ping, chief of Feidu Temple from the Temple of Heaven!�� Both of them greeted her respectfully.


    Fei Yan took off her veil, revealing a face full of crisscrossing wounds.


    Below her eyes, there was almost nothing that was in good condition.


    The empress nced at the two of them and said, ��Thank you for your trouble. Someone lead them to take a rest.��


    On the way back, Ren Baqian had already informed the empress about the situation via radio. As such, she wasn��t surprised by their existence.


    When the two left, she looked at his smiling face, and her face immediately turned gloomy.


    ��Someone hang him up!��


    ��Huh? What are you doing, Your Majesty?��


    ��Hanging you up for a beating!��

 Chapter 945 - Karma

    Chapter 945: Karma


    Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios


    ��Ah!�� Ren Baqian felt a sharp pain on his buttocks. The empress kicked him once again.


    ��This is for running all over the ce!��


    ��This is for falling into other people��s trap!��


    ��This is for taking so long toe back! You must have been enjoying yourself so much that you forgot to return home!��


    At this moment, Ren Baqian was hanging upside down. Whenever the empress thought of something, she would reprimand him and go around kicking him.


    Ren Baqian was full of grievance andined, ��I didn��t want to roam around, fall into other people��s trap, or be held up!��


    ��You still dare to talk back!�� The empress gave him an icy-cold re and kicked him again.


    ��I��m in the wrong!��


    ��You don��t think you are in the wrong?�� The empress kicked once more.


    ��No, no, no! I��m indeed in the wrong!�� Ren Baqian was very remorseful. ��I��ll definitely take note next time!��


    ��Next time? You can��t go anywhere else anymore.�� The empress gave him another kick.


    ��Alright, I won��t go anywhere!�� Ren Baqian spoke in a soft voice. It seemed like the empress really endured a huge scare this time around. Otherwise, she wouldn��t have such a huge reaction.


    The empress unhappily kicked Ren Baqian a few more times before finally sitting down to rest.


    After pondering for a while, she stood up and kicked him once more.


    ��Did you think that I wouldn��t find out about you going to the brothel with Tong Zhenye?��


    ��I will not go again!��


    ��Also, what about the membership card that I found in your pocket? Do you think that I��m clueless? I have already investigated!�� The empress kicked his leg a few times in a row.


    ��It��s just a ce to rx and drink tea���� Ren Baqian tried his best to remain calm.


    ��You still dare to exin?�� The empress gave him one more kick and asked, ��What kind of ce is it?��


    ��I was curious and went to take a look.�� At present, Ren Baqian was at her mercy.


    ��Furthermore�� why don��t you brush your teeth before going to bed?�� The empress kicked him hard.


    Ren Baqian was absolutely clueless.


    Your Majesty, is this even considered an issue?


    ��You even snore when you are asleep!��


    ��You steal the nket!��


    ��And even punched me!��


    Ren Baqian was dumbfounded.


    He didn��t know whether to cry orugh and asked, ��Your Majesty, why don��t you just tell me that you feel like kicking me?��


    Even though she didn��t use much strength, her kicks felt as powerful as Nezha��s[1: Nezha �C guardian deity in Chinese folk religion] fire wheel. He felt that his buttocks were swollen!


    ��That��s right! I just feel like kicking you!�� The empress didn��t try to hide it.


    ��Your Majesty, you are too blunt����


    ��


    Ren Baqian was finally released after being hung for 12 hours. Both his legs were numb.


    He felt like crying, but no tears flowed out. Initially, the empress found reasons to kick him. However, toward the end, she didn��t even bother to find an excuse to do so.


    It was as if she was addicted to kicking him��


    Karma was a b*tch!


    He had just tied someone up and tickled them. Now that he came back, he was the one getting kicked while being tied up.


    Fortunately, the empress��s anger finally subsided.


    In fact, the empress had already cooled down after the first few kicks. Toward the end, she just felt like kicking him for no reason.


    Hey t on his stomach, stuck his buttocks out, and closed his eyes. When he woke up, the pain had already alleviated.


    Fei Yan and Jiao Ping took their leave and went back to the Temple of Heaven. The soldiers, on the other hand, returned to the Yun Nation.


    On his way back, Ren Baqian found out about what happened during this period.


    For example, what happened to Lin Qiaole and Xin Zhe.


    ��Don��t try to persuade me. I have already imposed the punishment��how can I make any changes?�� Seeing that Ren Baqian had the intention of speaking, the empress straightforwardly shut him up.


    ��Furthermore, a person will be rewarded for their merits and punished for their wrongdoings. If I don��t punish both of them for their wrongdoings, it will appear as if I can��t differentiate merit from punishment!��


    Ren Baqian threw up his hands and ended the discussion. What the empress said made sense, and he had nothing else to add on.


    At that time, in his opinion, he felt that both Lin Qiaole and Xin Zhe didn��t make any huge mistakes. It could only be said that the other party��s preparation was beyond their expectations.


    Since things had already happened, he could only visit them when he was free.


    Thankfully, even if they went to the mines, they wouldn��t be treated unfairly with their identities.


    In particr, Lin Qiaole��


    As for Li Yuanzhu, he would write a letter and send it to her one day.


    For Lin Yue�� Forget it.


    What Ren Baqian really cared about was another concern, which were the orders given by the empress previously.


    The situation in the Yun Nation, which had finally just settled down, was stirred up once again.


    On their return journey, Ren Baqian deliberately entered two cities. Although themoners in these cities were still doing their usual duties, he could infer things just from their gazes as well as their evasion reactions.


    Ren Baqian couldn��t do much about this situation either. He could only continue to stabilize the situation in the Yun Nation and use time to change the opinions of themoners here.


    ��Your Majesty, do you want to mingle with the people while being incognito?�� Ren Baqian proposed in high spirits. ��Just the two of us. To meticulously understand what��s happening in the Yun Nation.��


    ��You are implying that you want me to run all over the ce with this big tummy of mine?�� The empress red at him.


    ��Umm���� Ren Baqian was left speechless.


    Well, the empress��s belly wasn��t that big right now. It looked as if she was at the end of her second trimester�� However, it was indeed inconvenient to go out.


    With the rejection of this suggestion and the empress strictly prohibiting Ren Baqian from roaming about, he could only low-key enter a city when he was nearby to check out the living conditions of the Yun Nationmoners.


    As for the invitations he received from a few the Yun Nation warlords, he had no choice but to reject them.


    It took them a few days to return to Ping City. After a day of rest, they again set foot on the return journey.


    ��The condition of this road is pretty good!�� the empress praised as she sat in her carriage and opened the curtains, looking at the wide road outside.


    The road from Lan City to the Yun Nation was a fourne cement road that was about 10 meters wide. Walking on the road provided a panoramic view and would make one feel at ease.


    Just talking about the road with and excluding other factors, (TLC. Not sure about this part.) no other nations wereparable to them.


    One had to know that the roads in Great Xia were only about three meters wide. For the more important roads, they were only four meters wide at most. After all, quarrying and constructing roads consumed a lot of manpower and resources. From mining to rock cutting to transporting, these were all time-consuming andborious jobs.


    This was without mentioning how smooth the new road from Lan City to the Yun Nation was.


    One could hardly feel any bumps on this type of concrete road. The wear and tear of the carriages as well as the fatigue of the travelers were all reduced to a minimum.


    Just by seeing this road, the people of the Yun Nation were all awestruck.


    ��This is only the first road. In the future, these roads will be amon sight throughout all of Dayao.�� Ren Baqian smiled. ��Your Majesty, it��s your turn!��


    The empress turned her head and looked at the chessboard before asking, ��Where��s my bishop?��


    ��The both of us made a trade previously!�� Ren Baqian pointed at the side.


    ��When did that happen? Why don��t I remember anything?�� The empress looked at him modestly. She was extremely calm.


    ��It just happened! You got rid of my pawn and then my cannon got rid of your bishop!�� Ren Baqian felt that her memory was going from bad to worse. Could it be that pregnancy would affect one��s memory?


    ��That never happened��you are lying to me!�� The empress tapped her fingers lightly on the table, and her bishop piece immediately flew back onto the chessboard.


    She stretched out her hand and used her bishop to get rid of Ren Baqian��s rook before looking at the window and eximing, ��I really hope to see this road filled with cars, just like what I see on Earth!��


    Ren Baqian could only stare at the chessboard and gnash his teeth. He then used his knight to get rid of the empress��s cannon beforeughing heartily and replying, ��Soon enough�� Your Majesty will see tractors roaming everywhere�� Your Majesty, your cannon is gone!��


    The empress turned to look at the chessboard before looking at him again and asking, ��How did your knight get rid of my cannon?��


    ��My knight was over at this spot����


    ��No, your knight was originally over there!�� The empress ced Ren Baqian��s knight back at its previous position. Soon after, she snorted and remarked, ��Recently, you have been ying very shamelessly during our chess games!��


    Ren Baqian had nothing to say.


    Your Majesty, are you sure you aren��t talking about yourself?


    When can we ever y a good game of chess?


    A short whileter, the empress eximed, ��Checkmate!��


    Ren Baqian pursed his lips. He knew that the game couldn��t go on anymore.


    ��You lost, so you must fulfill one request of mine!�� the empress said.


    Ren Baqian sighed and replied, ��Tell me about it!��


    ��Do a striptease for me to see!��


    The empress immediatelyy down with her right arm supporting her head and looked at Ren Baqian in high spirits.

 Chapter 946 - The First Self-propelled Machine

    Chapter 946: The First Self-propelled Machine


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Back in Lan City, Ren Baqian wanted to deal with various matters, but was dragged into the hall by the empress and only got carried out seven dayster��


    After emergency treatment from the clinic, he rested for two days before shakily starting to deal with those matters.


    Ren Baqian hadn��t been away for very long this time. It was only slightly more than half a month. It had been nine days since he returned, and he had been away from his work for about a month. There were really quite a lot of things that he needed to deal with.


    Theboratories, the Rearguard Commandery, the Department of Commerce, the new city, the school�� All of these things kept him busy for a month.


    During this period, themander of the imperial bodyguards had changed to a woman named Jiang Ningyun.


    Ren Baqian had seen this woman before.


    Back then, he participated in thentern-grabbing contest after the New Year and was hit with lots of flying shoes. The champion of that event was Jiang Ningyun, a woman with excellent talent. She was amoner, but her strength wasparable to Hong Xian��s.


    After that, she joined the Protectorate of the Northeast and attained the Cardinal Heaven level in just a few years. Her fighting skills were outstanding. Now, she had been transferred by the empress and promoted to the position ofmander of the imperial bodyguards of the pce.


    There were no ugly girls among the aboriginals, and she was the same as well. She waspletely wild natured, full of heroic spirit, and also looked gorgeous.


    Especially after returning from the Yun Nation, the bloody smell on her bodysted for a long time.


    However, Ren Baqian still felt that thedy in spectacles looked more pleasing.


    It was currently July in Dayao.


    Ren Baqian randomly counted that it had been six years since he had arrived in this world.


    It had been July of the 70th year of the Dayao calendar when he first arrived, and it was currently July of the 76th year.


    He then began to count his age�� It really took him a long time to figure this out. After all, he had been running back and forth between the two worlds, so it was a littleplicated�� He was currently 35 years old.


    Only six years had passed for the empress, and she was only 29 years old.


    As time passed, this gap would only widen.


    Of course, the same was true for the age gap between him, his brother, and his parents.


    Regardless of whether they were people from this world or Earth, he had a unique timeline, different from everyone.


    Although it sounded impressive, Ren Baqian felt pretty miserable.


    He wandered across two worlds by himself, but was different from the people in each world.


    The reason for this was mainly because Ren Wannian incidentally noted, ��Brother, are you 43? Why do you look so young? Even younger than me?��


    18 years had already passed on Earth.


    However, both Papa and Mama Ren only had one thought in mind.


    <em>You are already 43��when are you going to have a kid? Even Wannian��s son is around four years old, yet there��s still nothing happening on your side.</em>


    <em>If there are any problems, go for artificial insemination or simply artificially produce a baby.</em>


    This was a new technology at present that directly produced babies in vitro. It was unlike test tube babies, where embryos were transferred from test tubes into the mother��s body. Artificially produced babies were developed in vitro from beginning to end.


    Ren Baqian was also very vexed about how they felt.


    To the elderly, nothing was more important than having heirs. Especially when there was nothing missing and nothing to worry about, their hopes of having a grandchild to y with grew even greater.


    He wanted to say that the empress was pregnant, but only God knew when she would deliver the baby.


    She had already been pregnant for 31 months, three times as long as the pregnancy period of a normal woman. However, she still showed no signs of delivering the child.


    ��Your Majesty, how is our son?�� The first thing Ren Baqian did when he returned to the pce from outside the city was touch her belly. He didn��t bother to listen to the heartbeat of the baby since there wasn��t one.


    Inside the empress��s belly, there was a ball that isted the response between the baby and the empress. It also isted sounds such as the fetus��s heartbeat.


    The empress sighed faintly because she had been feeling pretty jittery these days.


    After all, it wasn��t always convenient to move around with such a belly.


    The empress felt restless and irritable at first, but she slowly got used to it and found it pretty interesting after realizing that there was a ball in her belly. Lately, however, she started to feel jittery again.


    She felt vexed. Even the sight of Ren Baqian didn��t look pleasing to her.


    Next, she scolded him with a cold look, ��It��s your fault!��


    Although she scolded him, he felt that it was heartwarming. He hugged her waist with a giggle and gently stroked her belly with his palm.


    The empress calmed down as well, and the two sat quietly for a while.


    ��Where��s the wine pool? What about the meat forest? Also, you don��t even nt candy trees anymore.�� Then, she suddenly brought up a few old matters.


    Ren Baqian immediately leaped up after hearing this.


    ��Where are you going?��


    ��Excavating a tree!��


    Ren Baqian subsequently ran into the courtyard, dug up a tree, brought it back, and nted it in the shop. He then went back to Earth and brought back a few bags of candy, nting a candy tree for the empress once again.


    Seeing this tree, she was reminded of the first candy tree that he nted and immediately lost all of her fretfulness.


    Unfortunately, the first tree was destroyed in the original quarters.


    ��


    In August of the 76th year of Dayao��s calendar, several major events happened in Lan City.


    First, tickling was included in the code ofw as a punishment.


    For a while, this was aughingstock.


    However, half a monthter, none of the people who experienced this punishment were able tough afterward.


    This punishment was even more excruciating than caning.


    In addition, the criminals wouldn��t even suffer the slightest injury and could leap and frisk about after being released from the Public Order Bureau.


    The arenas were used to expend most people��s energy. Now, with this painful and unbearable punishment, various public security incidents in the city had been greatly reduced.


    A monthter, there were fewer people fighting in Lan City. This was the case even though there were many aboriginals from other ces as well as nativemoners who ignored everything when they got hot-headed.


    If anyone who had been to Lan City back in the day visited the ce again, they would definitely be shocked by the changes in the city��s public security.


    As for the second event, it was also one of the reasons for the public security improvement.


    There were currently 103 public toilets in Lan City, but only seven people were responsible for them.


    It could be considered that no one would do such work for a living.


    Notices had been posted many times to recruit workers, but most of them would quit after a day.


    As long as they had the strength, there was nock of ces that were hiring, regardless of whether it was transportation or mining. As a result, who would take up such a job?


    The thing that the aboriginalscked the least was strength.


    Out of desperation, Ren Baqian had to hand this matter over to the Public Order Bureau.


    Those who fought in Lan City would have to clean the toilets for three days in addition to being tickled.


    This way, Lan City��s public security was improved while also easing the predicament of having ack of personnel to maintain the public hygiene facilities. However, a monthter, Ren Baqian was troubled again.


    The third event, which was also the most important one, took four months. Dayao��s first fully handmade tractor was finallyplete.


    This tractor was 4.2 meters long, 1.7 meters tall, and weighed 1.3 tons. It moved on wheels, had 21 horsepower, and could pull eight tons of goods. If it was used for farming, its abilities in breaking down the soil, plowing thend, harrowing, and rotary tige were almost above average.


    After all, since it was developed by many of Earth��s researchers, it had a high degree ofpletion, which directly met Ren Baqian��s standards. It was even better than expected and could be directly put to use.


    After the trial period, he directly set an auspicious date for the unveiling of the first self-propelled machine in this world.


    This was also the first new productunch in this world!

 Chapter 947 - Grievance

    Chapter 947: Grievance


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    August, 76th year, Dayao.


    After the court session ended, the crowd didn��t leave, but waited in front of the pce. A bunch of rare mounts were being pulled over by guards from different families. There was a white saber-toothed tiger, an orangutan that was about five to six meters tall, arge and ck feline beast with horns on its head, and arge lizard that looked like a western dragon��


    A horned-cow king, which was red in color and twice the size of ordinary horned-cows, didn��t stand out at all.


    It was like an Audi A4 that was mixed in with a bunch of sports cars.


    There was also a high-end Wuling Hongguang[1.Wuling Hongguang: a car brand in China] at the side; an Earth Wheel level ck master. Standing up, its back stood three meters above the ground, and it had two tusks sticking out of its mouth. It fretfully scratched its hooves against the gstones on the ground, forming two holes after a short while.


    A bodyguard standing nearby wrote down in a small notebook to issue a fine to these people afterward.


    In other ces, if the entrance of a pce was destroyed, the offender��s entire family would probably have to die together with him.


    However, in Dayao, the pce gate had identally been damaged numerous times.


    The gstones in the throne room had to be changed once every few days.


    The crowd stood outside the pce and chatted in groups while waiting. From time to time, there would be people asking about what they were going to see this time.


    After all, Her Majesty held everyone back with great fanfare, so they couldn��t help but be curious.


    Thest time this happened was when they saw something called a steam lotive.


    The steam lotive was truly magical. It could run nonstop just by filling it up with burning stones. It wouldn��t feel tired at all and had a lot of strength as well.


    While everyone was chatting, the pce gates opened, and the empress��s imperial carriage came out slowly. It stopped for a while before setting off for the east gate.


    Many people cheered along the way and followed her out of the city.


    By the time the empress was outside the city, there were nearly 1,000 people following behind.


    At this time, on the concrete road outside the east gate, there was arge object that was a few meters long and covered by a red cloth. Ren Baqian sat on the side and looked up at the sky. When he saw that there were quite a number of students following him, he got up and went to meet them.


    ��Zhao Prince Consort, is there something special for us to see today?�� Tong Zhenyeughed as he stroked his beard.


    Everyone knew that if there was something new to show, it had to be Zhao Prince Consort��s creation.


    They were quite looking forward to seeing the thing that he made.


    Each time, they never failed to be amazed.


    ��You��ll find out soon enough.�� Ren Baqian smiled at the crowd and looked up at themoners following in the distance. This was a good promotion opportunity.


    With today��s performance, new things like tractors would inevitably spread in Lan City. After theunch of the real thing some timeter, the people in Lan City, who had waited a long time, could see the true features of the product. There would definitely be someone who wanted to give it a try.


    The only question was whether anyone could afford it.


    Even if Ren Baqian was prepared to lose money while selling, the purpose was to promote this new product, improve the transportation capacity of Dayao, and reduce the use of manpower in many ways to improve the current manpower shortage situation.


    However, promotion would take time. Even if he agreed to sell the product at a loss, the price was still a veryrge limiting factor.


    For now, thergest customers of this product would remain the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War.


    From Ren Baqian��s point of view, the biggest value that tractors provided wasn��t only for transportation. Solely based on transportation from Lan City to the Yun Nation, trucks were faster and less technical than tractors.


    In addition to being able to use tractors on various muddy roads in the south, an important point was to rece manpower, liberate an amount ofbor from the fields, and put them into factories or other ces.


    He wanted to reach out his hand to support the empress, but she disappeared from the carriage in a sh andnded on the ground behind him.


    ��Let��s go and see your new product,�� she said without even turning her head.


    Ren Baqian smiled helplessly. Even though she was 32 months pregnant, she was still the same empress, and there wasn��t the slightest bit of pretense.


    ��Everyone, this is an epoch-marking product!�� He shouted as he walked forward.


    Standing nearby, Qin Chuan replied, ��You said thisst time as well!��


    ��Epoch-marking technologies are developing too quickly!�� Ren Baqianughed and continued, ��In other words, this era will change very quickly!��


    When he walked to the tractor, he pressed his hand on the red cloth, turned to the crowd, and said, ��Previously, everyone saw the potential of the steam engine. With the steam engine, we can connect two faraway ces and transport an army of 100,000 men and their supplies to the Yun Nation or even to Great Xia in three days. Thispletely changed the previous concepts around the deployment of soldiers and mounts during wars. In the face of war, we can have a faster reaction time and better maneuverability.��


    ��The question is, what war are we talking about and with whom?�� Qin Chuan spread his hands. The only possible enemies were Great Xia and the Yun Nation, but both nations were presently busy with their own matters. It was foreseeable that it would be impossible for a war to ur in the next decade or two.


    ��War is only an example. The more important factor is transportation. With the Yun Nation, the current price of iron in Lan City is only one-fifth of its original cost, but the transportation ofrge amounts of material is still a problem. With trains, transportation will be easier and faster while requiring less manpower and consuming fewer resources. This will naturally be worthwhile in the long run. Especially for the transportation of fresh produce, this can��t be matched bynd transport,�� Ren Baqian said casually.


    ��If there weren��t thoserge consumers of iron, the price of iron in Lan City would already have been reduced to half of what it is now,�� someone whispered.


    Ren Baqian red over and said, ��We must look at the long run! Iron isn��t the only thing. There is also food, fruits, vegetables, cloth, and minerals. Do you still want to use ox carts to transport all the iron from the Yun Nation every year?��


    Everyone immediatelyughed.


    The person who interrupted Ren Baqian was an official from the Ministry of Revenue who was presently full of resentment.


    In fact, it wasn��t only him. In the entire Ministry of Revenue, none of the people were very happy.


    The steel mills and theying of steel rails were really iron-eating monsters that were akin to bottomless pits. At least half of the iron ore mined in the Yun Nation from the past two years had been used by them.


    One meter of steel rail required 50 kilograms of material, and a set of rails required two sides.


    One kilometer of railroad would require 100 tons of steel.


    This was equivalent to the annual iron ore output of Dayao.


    When this figure was calcted, everyone in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue felt their heads spinning.


    The Yun Nation originally produced about 11,000 tons of iron and less than 1,500 tons of steel per year. Over the past three years, with therge-scale utilization of steam engines in various mines, iron output had increased to 20,000 tons with steel output increasing to almost 5,000 tons.


    Most of the steel output was invested in rails.


    Over the past two years, only 100 kilometers of railroad had beenid.


    At the current rate of steel production, it would take at least another 10 years toplete the railway.


    However, this was based on the current output. In Ren Baqian��s estimation, within five years, the output of iron could reach 40,000 tons while the output of steel could reach 15,000 tons.


    This seemed like a lot, but if one were to calcte it carefully, it was actually attainable.


    Thisparison was a far cry from the Song Dynasty, let alone the Republic of China.


    The biggest limitation wasn��t just technology. The equipment and technology used in the mines and steel mills today had reached at least the mid-level of the industrial revolution.


    However, the number of supporting technologies and manpower couldn��t keep up.


    For instance, manufacturing and maintenance of equipment, training of personnel, etc. These were all facing restraints.


    It would take at least three years for these conditions to ease and five years to break out of these limitations.


    However, the investment of steel alone was an astronomical figure, not to mention the manpower and material resources invested.


    Even though the state treasury��s situation had improved greatly over the past two years, its annual expenditure was enough to make everyone in the Ministry of Revenue feel an ache in their hearts.


    This was true even though they understood the importance of the railway.


    As a result, the people in the Ministry of Revenue were resentful, and nobody was surprised at all.


    Anyone in their shoes would feel distressed, let alone the Ministry of Revenue, which had always been miserly!

 Chapter 948 - Tractor

    Chapter 948: Tractor


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    ��Alright, enough about the train. Work harder now and reap the fruits ofbor in the future. Pleasurees through toil.�� Ren Baqian waved.


    ��I��m here to show you this epoch-marking product. The tractor!�� He reached out and pulled the red cloth away, revealing the red steel monster beneath it!


    Well, he hoped that this tractor had the appearance of a beast to make it look more shocking.


    However, the machine in front of Ren Baqian looked no different from the brick-towing tractors that ran all over the streets when he was a child and was even simpler. A cover in front covered most of the structure, but the sides were leftpletely open and all theponents inside could be seen.


    The driver��s seat was two-thirds of the way from the front of the tractor, making its head look very long.


    This tractor was twice asrge as those on Earth that had simr specifications. On one hand, since the forging technology in Dayao was rtively weak, it was difficult to reduce the size of the engine.


    On the other hand, it was because of therge fuel tank.


    Obviously, the usefulness of arge fuel tank was huge in this world.


    ��


    Although Ren Baqian felt that this tractor seemed a little substandard, the crowd still felt very interested by it.


    After all, it could be seen from the sides that its internalponents were veryplex. Plus, it totally gave off a sci-fi vibe.


    ��What does this do? Mining? Or steelmaking?�� the crowd asked as they walked around the tractor.


    ��Huh, why isn��t this thing sturdy?�� Lian Liang held a round shaft above his head and waved it around.


    Ren Baqian��s face suddenly turned ck as he yelled, ��Put it down!��


    Even before the demonstration of the tractor was performed, Lian Liang had pulled out the steering wheel.


    Fortunately, the steering wheel and the shaft underneath were separated, so the wheel could be mounted by simply snapping it on. However, he didn��t dare to allow this group of people to continue touching it.


    Pushing everyone aside, Ren Baqian immediately sat in the tractor and said to the empress, ��Let me take you for a ride, Your Majesty!��


    She sneered. Did he assume that she didn��t know what a tractor was?


    That being said, she was still interested in taking a ride on it.


    After all, this was Dayao and not Earth. Also, the entire body of the tractor wasbeled with the words ��Made in Dayao.��


    The empress moved her body slightly andnded in the passenger seat at the back.


    ��Let��s go.�� Ren Baqian looked at the tractor for some time before inserting a Z-shaped metal pipe in its side. He cranked it dozens of times before the tractor began to vibrate.


    ��Does this thing feel pain?�� someone asked.


    Ren Baqian then returned to the driver��s seat and stepped on the elerator.


    <em>Tu, tu, tu��</em>


    The tractor vibrated as white smoke puffed out from the back. It then slowly moved forward and gradually picked up speed before reaching its top speed of 30 kilometers per hour.


    This was followed by exmations from themoners at the back.


    ��This thing is the same as that train and can move on its own.�� Tong Zhenye, Tu Wan, and the others pointed their toes lightly and walked at the same speed as the tractor.


    ��This thing produces less smoke than that.��


    ��It doesn��t produce that much smoke, but it stinks and is choking.��


    ��This one can move on the ground!��


    Ren Baqian drove the empress around on the tractor while groups of people walked alongside them at the same speed andmented on it.


    As she sat in the back, she felt that it vibrated very strongly and was almost iparable to the cars that she had sat in before. She looked to the side and saw that Lian Liang was looking at her skirt, although he was actually just curiously staring at the tractor.


    However, without a word, she leaped into the air with a push of her palm and kicked him more than 20 meters away.


    Ren Baqian looked at the crowd around him and winced. He then drove off the cement road and went straight into the turf.


    It had just rained, so the ground was already soft. As the tractor ran over it, mud was sshed all over like ck rain.


    The empress��s first reaction was to grab Tu Wan, who was just standing beside her, and drag her in front. Tu Wan also reached out, grabbed the imperial treasurer, and dragged him in front��


    The empress then leaped onto the tractor and kicked Ren Baqian off of it. She stepped on the elerator like he did and drove it right into a ditch��


    Ren Baqian fell to the ground, and his body was covered in mud.


    ��This is pretty interesting, albeit a little slow.�� The empress stood by the ditch and looked at it.


    Ren Baqian winced and turned to look at the crowd.


    Then, he dered, ��Everyone, this is the new product: the tractor.


    You can see that this new product is like the train and can run for a long time without manualbor while maintaining the same speed. Its top speed is 30 kilometers per hour, and it will only take three days to travel 720 kilometers from Lan City to Ping City.


    On the cement road, an ox cart carrying a load of 750 kilograms would take 10 days.


    This tractor can carry a load of 4,000 kilograms, which is five times as much as an ox cart, and will only take three days. Only one person is required to operate it. Just one person and one tractor can achieve what five people and five horned cows can do! It��s also three times faster than an ox cart. It will be able to make three return trips in the same amount of time it takes for an ox cart to make just one.��


    Everyone began to exim in admiration when Ren Baqian said this.


    It was useless to tell them the specifications of the tractor. It was easier for them to understand if he told them how much load it could carry and how much time it could save.


    ��Besides, the use of these tractors is less dependent on the terrain. Its movements won��t be hindered even in a field or on the muddy roads. In areas without cement roads, the mobility of these tractors won��t be affected. Furthermore, an ox cart can carry 500 kilograms of load under such conditions, whereas tractors can carry about 2,500 kilograms. Their speed is also several times higher than that of ox carts.��


    ��This is a good thing.�� Everyone looked happy when they heard this.


    To most people, this thing was more valuable than a train.


    ��And beyond that, there are also other uses for this tractor, such as plowingnd.


    A horned cow can plow six acres ofnd in a day. With supporting equipment, this tractor can plow 60 acres in a day! 10 times that of a horned cow!��


    Ge Yihong of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock looked happy at first, but then thought to himself aloud, ��This thing is pretty good, but if it takes over all the farm work, what will the people do?��


    ��Factories! Our factories need a lot of manpower!�� Ren Baqian replied without hesitation.


    ��Forget it��don��t worry about that. This tractor isn��t cheap, right? In fact, only the ministries can afford this thing! Plus, it would depend on whether Minister Tu agrees to it!�� Tong Zhenye pointed out the problem directly.


    ��200 taels!�� Ren Baqian quoted a figure that was equivalent to 10 years of ie for an ordinary person.


    The load capacity and speed of a tractor was several times that of an ox cart. Within a month, a tractor could travel five round trips to the Yun Nation and transport a total of 20 tons of goods. If the return trip was loaded with cargo, it would be a total of 40 tons.


    An ox cart could only travel one and a half round trips while carrying a maximum load of 1,500 kilograms.


    In fact, over a period of a month, the difference could be dozens of times greater.


    In other words, the cost of this tractor could be earned back in a year at most.


    The same was true for plowing thend. The tractor��s efficiency at plowingnd was equivalent to that of more than 10 men.


    Thinking about it this way, the tractor wasn��t really that expensive.


    ��How much?�� Ge Yihong reached out to his ear.


    The others couldn��t believe what they heard either.


    This thing only costs 200 taels?


    Wasn��t the metal used to construct it already worth more than thousands of taels?

 Chapter 949 - Failure

    Chapter 949: Failure


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    200 taels of silver. Not to mention the others, even the empress felt that this was rather unimaginable.


    The tractor weighed 650 kilograms. Its metalponents alone already exceeded 550 kilograms, excluding the supporting rotary tiller.


    Today, a 10 kilogram steel de in Dayao costs roughly 15 taels of silver.


    The metal used to make the de was worth 10 taels of silver, which equated to one tael per kilogram of steel.


    For 550 kilograms of steel and a rotary tiller, its cost would be a price of at least 600 taels.


    This didn��t include other materials like rubber, which was expensive, the human and material resources consumed by the tractor, or the technology behind it.


    Even if this umon product was sold for 2,500 taels, the merchants of the Yun Nation wouldn��t even think twice before buying it.


    Although these people didn��t understand what R&D costs were, they still knew that the rarer something was, the greater its value would be.


    However, Ren Baqian actually quoted a price of 200 taels. The crowd almost thought that he was referring to gold.


    Ren Baqian spread his hands and said, ��There��s no choice��you would not be able to afford it if it was expensive!��


    ��Give me 100 of these��!�� Tong Zhenye quickly racked his brains. If he dismantled the tractors and sold the metal, he could earn a few hundred taels from each tractor.


    Ren Baqian rolled his eyes. The old man��s craftiness was atypical for an aboriginal.


    ��You must be dreaming. Don��t even think about it.��


    He was able to guess what the old man was thinking about even with his eyes closed.


    Actually, the costs weren��t as high as everyone thought. The main objective of producing the first batch of tractors was to transport goods to and from the Yun Nation. Along with the improved transportation capacity and the reduced losses, the price of iron ore could fall even further. For the internal market, the price was expected to fall 50 percent after a short time.


    Including manpower and material resources, these tractors would probably cost more than 200 taels of silver to manufacture.


    10,000 tractors would cost more than 2 million taels of silver.


    How long would it take to produce 10,000 tractors? Producing about 70 in a month at the start was already considered pretty decent. With the familiarity of the craftsmen and the application of various assembly lines, production in the first year was expected to be at 2,000 tractors.


    Ren Baqian expected to double the production numbers in the second year and double again in the third year.


    It would take three years to produce 14,000 tractors. How much change would 14,000 tractors bring to Dayao?


    It would free up at least 140,000 people. How much benefit would these 140,000 people provide to Ren Baqian?


    Simply put, 140,000 workers would be able to join the factories and churn out arge number of products from the production lines, including tractors.


    By means of a greatly improved transportation capacity, sending these products to the Yun Nation could earn back huge profits.


    Ordinary people could also boost their ie through additional factory work and long-distance transportation, increasing their spending power.


    Weren��t all the new items on Dayao��s market products of the royal family? For instance, spices, sswares, and a series of other life-improving products that were about to beunched?


    The tractors were sold at a loss, but everything else was high profit.


    As a result, arge part of it would flow back into Ren Baqian��s pockets.


    Over the long term, the lives of some people would improve, and arge number of skilled workers could be trained in the factories. By then, he would have earned back the losses through other aspects and made Dayao more prosperous.


    As such, it was a win-win situation for everyone.


    Of course, these words weren��t intended to be said to these people.


    ��It��s okay to buy a few for your own pleasure, but don��t let your ideas get past that. This is to support a portion of themoners, not to let you exploit an advantage.�� Ren Baqian smiled at everyone. ��Her Majesty is willing to use this money to help the people of Dayao live a better life, but if you harbor evil designs for it, you are stealing the money that she nned to use to support the people�� As for the consequences����


    It was unnecessary for him to exin the consequences. Everyone immediately understood what he meant.


    Her Majesty took out the money from the royal treasury to subsidize themoners, which was a charitable act. However, if these officials dared to harbor evil designs, she would chop their hands off!


    Feng Hou, Ge Yihong, and a few others drove the tractor out of the ditch. Ren Baqian checked on it and found that its quality was as he expected. It was sturdy, resistant, and durable.


    Although it fell into the ditch, only its exterior was damaged, and it could still continue to operate.


    While Tong Zhenye and Qin Chuan fought over the driver��s seat of this steel beast, Zhuo Yan, the Minister of Justice, directly drove it away. Although he was driving crooked, he soon understood how to use this thing on the muddy grasnd. He drove it to the east gate of Lan City with ease and rammed it straight into the wall.


    When Ren Baqian and the others returned, they found that half of the tractor had already been reduced to scraps.


    ��I stepped on the brakes that you mentioned, but it didn��t have any effect. I then pulled the reins and the entire thing crumbled.�� Zhuo Yan threw the steering wheel to Ren Baqian with a helpless look on his face.


    Ren Baqian immediately knew that this fellow had definitely stepped on the elerator instead of the brakes.


    There was still a problem since the people of this era liked pulling on reins. Should he add a handbrake to the tractor?


    ��


    He originally wanted to introduce the product to themoners, but it got snatched away by the empress, who drove it into the ditch and caused a long dy. It was then turned into scrap after Zhuo Yan drove it into the city walls. This steel beast naturally didn��t cause the sensation that he had expected, but it still became the talk of the people in Lan City.


    After all, a self-propelling steel beast was still pretty fascinating to them.


    It was like how ordinary people in the past reacted to the wooden ox.


    The officials in the imperial court were very interested in this new product. ording to Ren Baqian, a round trip journey from Lan City to the Yun Nation would only take six days, and it would be much more convenient to plunder in the future.


    In the days ahead, he subsequently wouldn��t have to be so busy.


    The tractor��s production line was designed and built by the researchers. Some of the physicists and chemists had also begun to touch on the rules of this world through some of the equipment that Ren Baqian brought back.


    The students who had just entered secondary school took turns to teach the newer students, which also saved Ren Baqian a lot of energy in the school.


    The operations at the Department of Commerce went smoothly as well. Arge number of new products were about to be released, including sugar, his favorite one.


    This extremely cheap product in the modern world was even more profitable than salt in this world!


    The most exciting thing for Ren Baqian was the situation of those sword masters.


    In just one year and two months, these people, who were considered to have encyclopedic knowledge, had attained the level of a university graduate.


    They absorbed this amount of knowledge as if they were sponges that never became saturated from soaking up water. Their learning abilities were horrifying, but made Ren Baqian extremely excited.


    Most of the sword masters were sent directly to theboratory to support the researchers.


    It was estimated that in less than two years, there would be a group of local researchers in Dayao.


    There were also a few sword masters who were sent back to the school to be teachers, and they became the first batch of highly-educated native teachers.


    Next year��s school enrollment could be expected to increase several times!


    After Ren Baqian was done with all of this, he finally had time to visit Xin Zhe and Lin Qiaole.


    However, because of a minor ident, he wasn��t able to make it.


    The first batch of adult magazines from Japan finally appeared on the shelves of Lan City��s bookstore, and this caused a huge sensation in just three days.


    Plus, Ren Baqian got his leg broken��

 Chapter 950 - Visit (Part 1)

    Chapter 950: Visit (Part 1)


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <i></i><strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    In the pce, Ren Baqian limped forward with a cane, looking sad.


    ��Stop pretending! I merely gave you a kick!�� the empress muttered.


    ��One kick and my leg broke!�� he eximed as he looked at her.


    ��You deserve it!�� she dered beforeining, ��Who asked you to make those things? We have beughingstocks!��


    ��It��s because of the nation��s birth rate! Look at the others! They have more than five children in their families. Look at us! All we have are cats. Even pigs are better than us!�� Ren Baqian replied angrily.


    The empress red at him.


    He lowered his voice and repeated, ��Pigs have a higher birth rate than us!��


    She lifted her leg, ready to give him a kick.


    ��My bad!�� Ren Baqian apologized promptly and earnestly.


    He continued, ��Besides, this is a normal form of entertainment for themoners. How can we allow officials to visit brothels, but not allow them to read these magazines?��


    He lifted his head again and reported, ��Not to mention that group of old ppers who go to the brothels, Tu Wan bought three magazines, Tong Zhenye bought 10, Qin Chuan bought 15, Great Elder bought two, Zhuo Yan bought 10, Xuan Hua bought six����


    This pack of people openly bought stacks of these magazines to read and brought them back to their own ministries. The female officials in the Ministry of Revenue weren��t even embarrassed at all.


    Instead, it was Lin Mengsheng and the students from the Jing Tribe who were blushing.


    The bookstore on Jingyang Street was the one that students visited the most, apart from the library in the school.


    ��Everyone knows that you are the one who did it. The royal family��s reputation is tarnished, and that��s why I won��t allow it!�� the express exined to Ren Baqian with a re.


    ��Oh!�� Ren Baqian threw the cane aside. Wouldn��t it be better if she had said so earlier?


    He would be discreet next time and get a merchant from the Yun Nation to do it. In this case, he wouldn��t be able to use those magazines from Japan. He would have to find a fewdies from the brothels and make the magazines himself.


    Didn��t he just need a camera and a photocopier? These were products from the 19th and 20th century. Wouldn��t he be able to make them with his full suite of craftsmanship?


    ��I want to go to Mount Liucui,�� Ren Baqian said as he followed behind the empress.


    The empress pondered for a while and said, ��Go.��


    She then turned around and warned, ��Stay away from the thing inside the mountain.��


    ��I��m not stupid����


    The first emperor went in there and came out defeated. Why would Ren Baqian go there?


    Besides, he wasn��t too interested in what was inside.


    Or perhaps it wasn��t time yet.


    It was just like the savage people of Shennongjialin[1.Shennongjialin: a forestry reserve in east Hubei]. Ever since he was a child, Ren Baqian had seen all kinds of weird magazines that swore upon the traces of these savage people. Didn��t he simply avoid going to that ce?


    He bade farewell to the empress and set off the next day with a few guards.


    Mount Liucui was in the hintend of Dayao. The empress wasn��t too worried about his safety, but she still wanted a few Cardinal Heaven level experts to apany him. After all, he held an important position and his strength was too low. No one wanted to see any mishaps.


    Many of the Cardinal Heaven experts had taken positions in the imperial court.


    However, Ren Baqian only thought of one person.


    Qingyun Sword.


    He had been idling his time away in Lan Citytely, painting the mountains in the sunlight every day on Jing Street.


    Furthermore, he only drew two mountains at once.


    When Ren Baqian called for Qingyun Sword, he naturally agreed without hesitation. He originally came to Lan City to see if Ren Baqian��s words woulde true. Seeing that the situation was getting better, he was also bing more rxed and was almost in a state of retirement.


    A few dayster, Ren Baqian and his team arrived at the forest outside Mount Liucui. As he leaped off the back of the crow general, it gave a low-pitched hoot before pping its wings and running into the forest to hide from the sun.


    He ignored it. As long as it didn��t run into top experts, it had no other natural enemies.


    It took him half a day to walk through the forest and arrive at the base of the mountain. In front of him was the towering Mount Liucui, and all he could see at night was its silhouette.


    There was an unknown existence in the heart of the mountain.


    However, as long as it wasn��t disturbed, it was almostpletely safe. Most of the time, people would ignore it.


    After a night��s rest, Ren Baqian followed a half-meter wide path along the mountainside for half a day. There were overhanging cliffs on one side and mountain streams that were hundreds of meters deep. He could only hear the flow of water streaming below and asionally saw reflections.


    At noon, he finally saw the valley surrounded by three cliffs.


    He was discovered as soon as he stepped into the valley.


    A man immediately came forward and said, ��Everyone!�� (TLC. Not sure about this part.)


    ��We havee from the pce, and we want to see two people,�� Ren Baqian exined.


    ��Yes�� Zhao Prince Consort?�� The man felt curious after looking at Ren Baqian for some time.


    ��You can still recognize me���� Ren Baqianughed. He had only stayed here for a few days thest time he came and didn��t expect anyone to actually remember him.


    However, these people hardly saw any visitors other than aboriginals.


    At the thought of this, it actually wasn��t very surprising.


    Ren Baqian didn��t expect the man to scratch his head and say, ��I heard you are bald. Otherwise, I wouldn��t be able to recognize you.��


    Ren Baqian immediately looked defeated and asked, ��Who said that?��


    News of his baldness had even spread here? Were those people too free?


    ��That Lindy said it. Zhao Prince Consort, you came here to see them, right?�� The man sold Lin Qiaole out without hesitation.


    ��Well, where are they?��


    ��Come in, Zhao Prince Consort,�� the aboriginal guard replied. These people had no idea what courtesy was. He showed no respect to Ren Baqian at all and spoke to him as if he was speaking to an ordinary person.


    In fact, this was the case for most of the aboriginals.


    They would only react differently when they met people like the empress, the six ministers, and the 24 secretaries.


    After all, there were too many dumb people among the aboriginals. Many times, they changed their attitudes toward people like the empress, not because of their status, but because they could fight!


    There weren��t many people in this iron ore mine. There were more than 700 criminals and only about 100 guards.


    Theposition of the iron ore here wasn��t very good, the mine��s output wasn��t high, and the transportation of ore was difficult. Being one of the only two iron ore mines in Dayao, it used to have some value, but now that there was the Yun Nation, this mine��s sole remaining purpose was to imprison these criminals here.


    This ce would probably be abandoned after these criminals were released in a few years.


    There were more than 100 houses in the middle of the valley. As soon as Ren Baqian and his people approached, the guard pointed at one of the houses and said, ��Miss Lin is there.��


    Ren Baqian looked up at the house and couldn��t spot Lin Qiaole. He then managed to spot her taking a nap when he leaped up to the roof.


    Wearing just a short skirt and a tube top made of animal hide, shey there openly with her arms supporting her chin.


    Hended in front of her, only to see her arm glistening. It was covered in her saliva.


    Lin Qiaole��s body wasn��t exactly dirty, but she had stalks of grass in her messy hair.


    Ren Baqian circled around her, but shepletely failed to notice his presence. He then gave her a kick.


    Her small butt cheeks began to deform and sink in from where his toesnded. She then jumped up and stretched out her ws at him.


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